text:
Graduating from the Electoral College
We all know the states where the 2012 presidential election will be decided. Not New York, which hasn't voted Republican since 1984, a year when only Minnesota could muster support for Walter Mondale. Not Texas, where you have to stretch back to 1976 to find an election where a Republican victory wasn't a given. The battlegrounds on which this year's presidential race will be waged are Iowa, Ohio, North Carolina, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Colorado, Nevada, Florida, and Wisconsin, and if you don't live there, you can forget about the presidential campaigns giving you an ounce of attention. You're either a given in the candidate's electoral college tally, or they know you're out of their league. Is it unfair? That majority of states who get ignored election after election sure thinks so. So why, after over 200 years, are we still using the Electoral College?
Let's explain.
Who thought up the Electoral College in the first place?
Blame the founders. If you remember your history lessons from eighth grade, deciding how this new nation would elect presidents and representatives was one of the biggest fights at the 1787 Philadelphia Convention. Southern states weren't too keen on elections based on pure popular vote, given that a large percentage of their populations consisted of slaves who were denied citizenship. The priggish delegates also doubted the intelligence of those citizens who weren't fortunate enough to be part of the political aristocracy, a secondary reason for deciding to rely on a college of electors to choose the executive.
So how does it work exactly?
Time to bring out your handy pocket Constitution. Article II, Section 1 has all the goods.
To wit, Clause 2:
Each State shall appoint, in such Manner as the Legislature thereof may direct, a Number of Electors, equal to the whole Number of Senators and Representatives to which the State may be entitled in the Congress: but no Senator or Representative, or Person holding an Office of Trust or Profit under the United States, shall be appointed an Elector.
And Clause 4:
The Congress may determine the Time of choosing the Electors, and the Day on which they shall give their Votes; which Day shall be the same throughout the United States.
A translation for those of us who don't speak the language of the white-wigged: All the states get Electoral College votes equal to the number of representatives they have in Congress—at a minimum, three. States get to decide how to divvy up their votes. All except Maine and Nebraska use a winner-take-all model now, which means whichever candidate gets the highest vote tally gets all the Electoral College votes. In the original incarnation of the Electoral College system, each elector got two votes—one to cast for a presidential candidate, one for a vice-presidential candidate. The first-place finisher became president, and the second-place finisher became vice president, which is why our second president, John Adams, and his vice president, Thomas Jefferson, were of such different political stripes.
So that's the same system we have today?
Not exactly. The original version of the Electoral College only lasted four presidential election cycles, after which it was served a quick and painful death at the hand of political parties. The founders—who may have been sneaking sips of the ol' Aaron Sorkin Kool-Aid—still retained their idealistic notions of governance despite all those Articles of Confederation and Constitutional Convention kerfuffles. That meant that they hoped political parties, and all the acrimony and complexity that follows in their wake, would not tangle up the political system too quickly. That turned out to be a tad too optimistic, as our political parties have become such a hallmark of American politics that they deserve their own Ken Burns documentary. In 1800, when Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr ran under the Democratic-Republican banner and John Adams and his rather more forgettable and non-duel-starting running mate ran as Federalists, the majority of the electors devoted one vote to Jefferson and one vote to Burr, leading the presidential candidate to tie with his vice-presidential pick. The election then went to the House of Representatives, which elected Jefferson, but Burr was understandably a bit grouchy since the presidency seemed to be within his grasp for a few moments.
Politicians realized that there was a potentially fatal flaw with their beloved Constitution. The 12th Amendment—ratified in 1804—made it so that electors had to cast distinct ballots for the presidential and vice-presidential candidates, ensuring no Burr-like scenario would happen again.
So our election system's been around for more than 200 years! Has anyone tried to get rid of it?
If you had a nickel for every time someone has started a group to abolish the Electoral College, you couldn't start a super PAC or anything, but you could enter a drawing to have dinner with Barack and George Clooney at the least. People—mostly from those states that have voted reliably blue or red for decades—have been grumbling for years about the Electoral College.
We came this close to adopting a runoff presidential election (imagine a system like the French presidential election, where you start off with a football team-sized field of candidates that is narrowed down through several turns of voting until BOOM, president) instead of using the Electoral College in 1969, when Richard Nixon beat Hubert Humphrey by 110 electoral votes—but only collected 1 percent more of the popular vote. However, Southern and small-state senators eventually quashed the proposal with a filibuster.
Electoral College grumbling reignited after 2000, when George W. Bush became president despite Al Gore winning half a million more votes. The National Popular Vote movement has been at the forefront of pushing for electoral reform, and their most successful effort so far has been the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact. Professors started putting together proposals for national popular vote legislation in 2001, and in 2007 the bills were introduced in 42 states. Since amending the Constitution is an arduous and unlikely avenue for reforming anything, the only other option is for states to change how they allocate their Electoral College votes, since the Constitution puts the logistics of the Electoral College and most other electoral policy in their hands. The National Popular Vote Interstate Compact posits that the involved states allocate their Electoral College votes on a national winner-take-all basis, which amounts to basically using the Electoral College's power to elect presidents based on national popular vote. For example, if this compact were in effect in 2004, New York's electoral votes would have gone to Bush, even though the state always roots for blue. The compact would only go into effect if the law passes in enough states by the July 20 before a presidential vote—until it has a majority of the electoral votes, the compact remains dormant. If the day ever came where the Electoral College ceased to exist, so would the compact.
Sounds pretty legit. Will it work?
I wouldn't be too optimistic given our country's languorous pace at changing anything. The National Popular Vote Interstate Compact is gaining members, though. Maryland, New Jersey, Illinois, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Washington, Vermont, and the District of Columbia have all passed the bill in their state legislatures. If the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact is going to go anywhere, they need the support of some electoral heavyweight states like California and New York—which are still a bit skeptical about tossing out the Electoral College—as well as some reliably Republican states, too. However, the Electoral College works to the advantage of Republican geography. Those same states that were afraid of drowning in a popular vote—small and sparsely populated states—during the Philadelphia Convention vote consistently Republican today.
The public seems ready to alter our centuries-old method of electing the president. Gallup found in 2004 that 61 percent of Americans approve of amending the Constitution to elect the president by popular vote.
As presidential election gear-churning grows more visible thanks to the perpetual Web and cable television coverage, it gets easy to see how insanely invested both parties are in swaying a handful of states, making the whole affair seem somewhat less democratic to everyone else. Just last week, The New York Times hosted a Sunday dialogue that highlighted that many readers have conflicted feelings about the Electoral College. The whisperings of a revolution are there.
Would getting rid of the Electoral College actually change electoral results?
If you look at results, getting rid of the Electoral College doesn't change much. Only three elections—1876, 1888, and 2000—would have resulted in a different president had the elections been conducted by popular vote alone.
But the process of presidential elections could change significantly if presidents didn't have to be strategic about where their votes come from, or at least had to employ a different strategy of how to go about getting votes. Right now, presidential candidates—the only representatives elected to stand for the entire nation—campaign more like regional candidates, favoring issues that play well in Ohio to the detriment of issues that deserve attention on the coasts. With a national popular vote system, instead of trying to placate only the hard-to-woo voters on the fringes of their party and the opposing party, candidates could take the revolutionary step of campaigning in urban areas where an extremely large number of untapped—and ignored and disenfranchised voters—have been up for grabs for decades. Only 56.8 percent of the voting-age public cast a ballot in the 2008 election—a race that was defined by its buzzworthiness. That leaves 43.2 percent of the nation up for grabs—and I'm betting you won't find most of those voters in the swing states where presidential candidates spend all their resources. Swing state New Hampshire, for example, saw 71.7 percent of its population hit the polls in 2008. In Minnesota, 67.6 percent of the people voted. Texas, on the other hand, had only 54.1 percent of voters turn out. Having a chance to shake hands with the president, or even be bombarded by political ads, makes a difference.
Thu, 2012-07-05 14:14
Now with state-by-state winner-take-all laws (not mentioned in the U.S. Constitution, but since enacted by 48 states), presidential elections ignore 12 of the 13 lowest population states (3-4 electoral votes), that are non-competitive in presidential elections. 6 regularly vote Republican (AK, ID, MT, WY, ND, and SD), and 6 regularly vote Democratic (RI, DE, HI, VT, ME, and DC) in presidential elections. Voters in states that are reliably red or blue don't matter. Candidates ignore those states and the issues they care about most.
Kerry won more electoral votes than Bush (21 versus 19) in the 12 least-populous non-battleground states, despite the fact that Bush won 650,421 popular votes compared to Kerry's 444,115 votes. The reason is that the red states are redder than the blue states are blue. If the boundaries of the 13 least-populous states had been drawn recently, there would be accusations that they were a Democratic gerrymander.
Support for a national popular vote is strong in every smallest state surveyed in recent polls among Republicans, Democrats, and Independent voters, as well as every demographic group. Support in smaller states (3 to 5 electoral votes): AK -70%, DC -76%, DE --75%, ID -77%, ME - 77%, MT- 72%, NE - 74%, NH--69%, NE - 72%, NM - 76%, RI - 74%, SD- 71%, UT- 70%, VT - 75%, WV- 81%, and WY- 69%.
In the lowest population states, the National Popular Vote bill has passed in nine state legislative chambers, and been enacted by 3 jurisdictions.
In Gallup polls since 1944, only about 20% of the public has supported the current system of awarding all of a state's electoral votes to the presidential candidate who receives the most votes in each separate state (with about 70% opposed and about 10% undecided). Support for a national popular vote is strong among Republicans, Democrats, and Independent voters, as well as every demographic group in virtually every state surveyed in recent polls in closely divided Battleground states: CO – 68%, FL – 78%, IA 75%, MI – 73%, MO – 70%, NH – 69%, NV – 72%, NM– 76%, NC – 74%, OH – 70%, PA – 78%, VA – 74%, and WI – 71%; in Southern and Border states: AR – 80%,, KY- 80%, MS – 77%, MO – 70%, NC – 74%, OK – 81%, SC – 71%, TN – 83%, VA – 74%, and WV – 81%; and in other states polled: AZ – 67%, CA – 70%, CT – 74%, MA – 73%, MN – 75%, NY – 79%, OR – 76%, and WA – 77%. Americans believe that the candidate who receives the most votes should win.
The National Popular Vote bill has passed 31 state legislative chambers, in 21 small, medium-small, medium, and large population states, including one house in Arkansas(6), Connecticut (7), Delaware (3), The District of Columbia, Maine (4), Michigan (16), Nevada (6), New Mexico (5), New York (29), North Carolina (15), and Oregon (7), and both houses in California (55), Colorado (9), Hawaii, Illinois, New Jersey, Maryland, Massachusetts, Rhode Island (4), Vermont, and Washington.
On June 7, 2011, the Republican-controlled New York Senate passed the National Popular Vote bill (S4208 / AB 489) by a 47–13 margin, with Republicans favoring the bill by 21–11 and Democrats favoring it by 26–2. Republicans endorsed by the Conservative Party favored the bill 17–7.
The bill passed the New York Senate in 2010 when the chamber was controlled by Democrats.
The bill has been enacted by the District of Columbia (3), Hawaii (4), Illinois (19), New Jersey (14), Maryland (11), California (55), Massachusetts (10), Vermont (3), and Washington (13). These nine jurisdictions have 132 electoral votes -- 49% of the 270 necessary to bring the law into effect.
Thu, 2012-07-05 14:00
The precariousness of the current state-by-state winner-take-all system of awarding electoral votes is highlighted by the fact that a shift of a few thousand voters in one or two states would have elected the second-place candidate in 4 of the 13 presidential elections since World War II. Near misses are now frequently common. There have been 6 consecutive non-landslide presidential elections (1988, 1992, 1996, 2000, 2004, and 2008). 537 popular votes won Florida and the White House for Bush in 2000 despite Gore's lead of 537,179 (1,000 times more) popular votes nationwide. A shift of 60,000 voters in Ohio in 2004 would have defeated President Bush despite his nationwide lead of over 3 million votes.
The National Popular Vote bill would change existing state winner-take-all laws that award all of a state's electoral votes to the candidate who get the most popular votes in each separate state (not mentioned in the U.S. Constitution, but since enacted by 48 states), to a system guaranteeing the majority of Electoral College votes for, and the Presidency to, the candidate getting the most popular votes in the entire United States.
The National Popular Vote bill preserves the constitutionally mandated Electoral College and state control of elections. It ensures that every vote is equal, every voter will matter, in every state, in every presidential election, and the candidate with the most votes wins, as in virtually every other election in the country.
Under National Popular Vote, every vote, everywhere, would be politically relevant and equal in every presidential election. Every vote would be included in the state counts and national count. The candidate with the most popular votes in all 50 states and DC would get the 270+ electoral votes from the enacting states. That majority of electoral votes guarantees the candidate with the most popular votes in all 50 states and DC wins the presidency.
National Popular Vote would give a voice to the minority party voters in each state. Now their votes are counted only for the candidate they did not vote for. Now they don't matter to their candidate.
And now votes, beyond the one needed to get the most votes in the state, for winning in a state are wasted and don't matter to candidates. Utah (5 electoral votes) alone generated a margin of 385,000 "wasted" votes for Bush in 2004. 8 small western states, with less than a third of California's population, provided Bush with a bigger margin (1,283,076) than California provided Kerry (1,235,659).
With National Popular Vote, every vote, everywhere would be counted equally for, and directly assist, the candidate for whom it was cast.
Candidates would need to care about voters across the nation, not just undecided voters in a handful of swing states. The political reality would be that when every vote is equal, the campaign must be run in every part of the country.
Thu, 2012-07-05 14:35
Thu, 2012-07-05 14:55
Thu, 2012-07-05 16:18
Thu, 2012-07-05 19:46
It is not going to happen. There would be winners and losers and the losers would have no reason to agree or cooperate. In addition, think of the problem if the vote was close. It is one thing to recount the ballots in Florida. Imagine having to do the entire country.
Fri, 2012-07-06 09:06
Fri, 2012-07-06 11:59
Why would all future candidates come from the four most populous states, CA, NY, TX, FL?
What supports that?
In terms of recent presidential elections, the 11 largest states include five "red states (Texas, Florida, Ohio, North Carolina, and Georgia) and six "blue" states (California, New York, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and New Jersey). The fact is that the big states are just about as closely divided as the rest of the country. For example, among the four largest states, the two largest Republican states (Texas and Florida) generated a total margin of 2.1 million votes for Bush, while the two largest Democratic states generated a total margin of 2.1 million votes for Kerry.
Among the 11 most populous states in 2004, the highest levels of popular support, hardly overwhelming, were found in the following seven non-battleground states:
* Texas (62% Republican),
* New York (59% Democratic),
* Georgia (58% Republican),
* North Carolina (56% Republican),
* Illinois (55% Democratic),
* California (55% Democratic), and
* New Jersey (53% Democratic).
In addition, the margins generated by the nation's largest states are hardly overwhelming in relation to the 122,000,000 votes cast nationally. Among the 11 most populous states, the highest margins were the following seven non-battleground states:
* Texas -- 1,691,267 Republican
* New York -- 1,192,436 Democratic
* Georgia -- 544,634 Republican
* North Carolina -- 426,778 Republican
* Illinois -- 513,342 Democratic
* California -- 1,023,560 Democratic
* New Jersey -- 211,826 Democratic
To put these numbers in perspective, Oklahoma (7 electoral votes) alone generated a margin of 455,000 "wasted" votes for Bush in 2004 -- larger than the margin generated by the 9th and 10th largest states, namely New Jersey and North Carolina (each with 15 electoral votes). Utah (5 electoral votes) alone generated a margin of 385,000 "wasted" votes for Bush in 2004. 8 small western states, with less than a third of California's population, provided Bush with a bigger margin (1,283,076) than California provided Kerry (1,235,659).
Charles Lemos
Fri, 2012-07-06 20:27
Seriously, what evidence do you have for that? There has never been a Presidential nominee from Florida. The last New Yorker to win the nomination was technically Richard Nixon, his place of residence at the time was a Manhattan apartment, but the last true New Yorker to win the nomination of either party was Dewey in 1948. As for Californians, well there was Hoover, born in Iowa but elected from California; Richard Nixon, the only one born in California; and Ronald Reagan, born in Illinois but elected from California. The last Californian to run for the nomination of his was Pete Wilson with apologies to Fred Karger but no one took that candidacy seriously.
At some point we either all Americans or this idea of Union is really a myth.
Charles Lemos
Fri, 2012-07-06 21:18
Nor are we living in 1800s either. The last few Presidents have ties to multiple states.
Obama born in Hawaii, college in California and New York, worked in Illinois, law school in Massachusetts and then back to Illinois.
George W. Bush born in Connecticut, grew up in Texas, boarding school in Massachusetts, college in Connecticut, back to Texas, then back to Massachusetts for his MBA, a short stint in Alabama, then back to Texas, a year in DC working for his fathers' 1988 campaign and then back to Texas.
Clinton born in Arkansas, educated in DC and Connecticut with a stint abroad, before going back to Arkansas.
George HW Bush born in Massachusetts but has lived in Connecticut, DC/VA, NY and Texas not to mention Beijing. Prior to being elected President in 1988, he has spent the bulk of the previous two decades serving the country in Washington though he always maintained a home in Texas and a summer home in Maine that was given to his parents by the Walker family.
Reagan lived in Illinois, Iowa and California. I'll grant you that Reagan lived in California from 1937 on.
Even Carter who is associated with one state attended some college in Maryland and was stationed in New York and Canada.
Ford born in Nebraska, grew up in Michigan, lived in Connecticut, served in the Navy being stationed in New Jersey, Maryland, North Carolina, California and the Pacific Theatre.
Where is the evidence that our presidents represent one state?
Fri, 2012-07-06 12:11
In Gallup polls since 1944, only about 20% of the public has supported the current system of awarding all of a state's electoral votes to the presidential candidate who receives the most votes in each separate state (with about 70% opposed and about 10% undecided). Support for a national popular vote is strong among Republicans, Democrats, and Independent voters, as well as every demographic group in virtually every state surveyed in recent polls in closely divided Battleground states: CO – 68%, FL – 78%, IA 75%, MI – 73%, MO – 70%, NH – 69%, NV – 72%, NM– 76%, NC – 74%, OH – 70%, PA – 78%, VA – 74%, and WI – 71%; in Small states (3 to 5 electoral votes): AK – 70%, DC – 76%, DE – 75%, ID – 77%, ME – 77%, MT – 72%, NE 74%, NH – 69%, NV – 72%, NM – 76%, OK – 81%, RI – 74%, SD – 71%, UT – 70%, VT – 75%, WV – 81%, and WY – 69%; in Southern and Border states: AR – 80%,, KY- 80%, MS – 77%, MO – 70%, NC – 74%, OK – 81%, SC – 71%, TN – 83%, VA – 74%, and WV – 81%; and in other states polled: AZ – 67%, CA – 70%, CT – 74%, MA – 73%, MN – 75%, NY – 79%, OR – 76%, and WA – 77%. Americans believe that the candidate who receives the most votes should win.
The bill has passed 31 state legislative chambers in 21 states. The bill has been enacted by 9 jurisdictions possessing 132 electoral votes - 49% of the 270 necessary to go into effect.
Follow National Popular Vote on Facebook via NationalPopularVoteInc
Fri, 2012-07-06 11:54
The idea that recounts will be likely and messy with National Popular Vote is distracting.
The 2000 presidential election was an artificial crisis created because of Bush's lead of 537 popular votes in Florida. Gore's nationwide lead was 537,179 popular votes (1,000 times larger). Given the miniscule number of votes that are changed by a typical statewide recount (averaging only 274 votes); no one would have requested a recount or disputed the results in 2000 if the national popular vote had controlled the outcome. Indeed, no one (except perhaps almanac writers and trivia buffs) would have cared that one of the candidates happened to have a 537-vote margin in Florida.
Recounts are far more likely in the current system of state-by-state winner-take-all methods.
The possibility of recounts should not even be a consideration in debating the merits of a national popular vote. No one has ever suggested that the possibility of a recount constitutes a valid reason why state governors or U.S. Senators, for example, should not be elected by a popular vote.
The question of recounts comes to mind in connection with presidential elections only because the current system so frequently creates artificial crises and unnecessary disputes.
We do and would vote state by state. Each state manages its own election and is prepared to conduct a recount.
The state-by-state winner-take-all system is not a firewall, but instead causes unnecessary fires.
Given that there is a recount only once in about 160 statewide elections, and given there is a presidential election once every four years, one would expect a recount about once in 640 years with the National Popular Vote. The actual probability of a close national election would be even less than that because recounts are less likely with larger pools of votes.
The average change in the margin of victory as a result of a statewide recount was a mere 296 votes in a 10-year study of 2,884 elections.
No recount would have been warranted in any of the nation's 56 previous presidential elections if the outcome had been based on the nationwide count.
The common nationwide date for meeting of the Electoral College has been set by federal law as the first Monday after the second Wednesday in December. With both the current system and the National Popular Vote, all counting, recounting, and judicial proceedings must be conducted so as to reach a "final determination" prior to the meeting of the Electoral College.
Sun, 2012-07-08 07:07
I cannot allow democracy to depend on the lack of ambition in actually counting the votes. Counting the votes is a pursuit that is worth the effort. The original intent of the Electoral college was hardly valid, as it ignored a significant segment of the population, by assuming the electorate was too stupid to count. There are also the blatant racism employed by southern states which denied the black residents the voting rights. On these grounds, the Electoral college is invalid as a construct of democracy, and needs to be abolished. The conditions of an illiterate public, and the presence of slaves, no longer exist, so those early excuses are also invalid.
Fri, 2012-07-06 11:15
Charles Lemos
Fri, 2012-07-06 20:26
"Only three elections—1876, 1888, and 2000—would have resulted in a different president had the elections been conducted by popular vote alone."
Actually four elections and you're forgetting perhaps the most egregious of them all, the 1824 election when Andrew Jackson won 41 percent of the vote to John Quincy Adams' 31 percent in a four way race that tossed the election into the House where Henry Clay threw his support to Adams.
Samuel Tilden was robbed. I'm still not over that one either. It is curious but in each of the four cases, the more "progressive" or "populist" candidate lost.
National popular vote now. DC statehood now. National election of Senators now. Seriously, the Connecticut Compromise which allots two Senators per state no longer works. As much as I admire Roger Sherman, the idea that California and Wyoming each have two Senators is anti-democratic. The country is no longer a collection of sovereign states but a nation. The Civil War settled that issue. We are the only Presidential system in the world that does not elect any official as a a nation. Technically, we vote for Electors, who are free to vote for whom they please, not for a given candidate.
West Gates
Sat, 2012-07-07 13:44
Two points:
The founding fathers were also concerned that the President has a "majority," which is one of the purposes of the EC. Regardless of you get there, the President will always have a majority of electoral votes and will not have to but together a coalition government. (This is also one of those truisms the Founding Fathers didn't see. If there is only one prize, the organized will be the unorganized every time, whether it's baseball, bowling, business or politics….therefore Parties.)
Secondly, when you look at most of the proposed reforms to the EC, they do not address or change the way a tie is handled. When a reform is submitted by the party who controls the House of Representatives, alway be suspicious.
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Class B match-ups lead to three straight losses
By Andrew Rudansky
The Lady Whalers dropped their third straight game this week in a 15-0 mercy rule loss to the Babylon Panthers on Monday, April 30.
"It's a very humbling day," said Melissa Edwards, head coach of the Pierson/Bridgehampton varsity softball team after the home loss.
From the very first inning, the Lady Whalers were noticeably overpowered by the still-undefeated Panthers, (10-0). Currently Babylon ranks as the number-two Class B team in the state, according to the New York State Sportswriters Association.
The Lady Whalers started the game with a new-look defense, switching around most of the infield. Edwards brought Rebecca Speckenbach from the outfield in to third, switched Emma Romeo to second base, and put Kasey Gilbride in at short stop.
"It was just needed," said Edwards, "the past four games we have just not played very well, we haven't been doing the little things."
Edwards added that the new lineup she has now will stay as is until the end of the season.
It didn't take long for the the Panthers to exploit this new, untested infield, surging ahead in the third inning with a 11-run tear.
"We had errors at shortstop and around the infield, shots out to left field. It was like watching a ping pong game for a while there," said Edwards after the game.
Freshman Sammy Duchemin started on the mound for Pierson/Bridgehampton, replacing the team's number one pitcher Melanie Stafford. Duchemin finished with 2 strikeouts and 3 walks through the five-inning game.
Edwards decided to give Duchemin the starting spot after Stafford struggled through the past few games.
"[Melanie Stafford] wasn't the Melanie I am used to from the past few games, so I thought we would do a switch," said Edwards. "Sammy [Duchemin] has come in and done very well for us, I think she held her own, but we did not play very sound defense behind her."
At the plate, the Whalers were only able to rack up 3 hits against Babylon pitcher Tiana Giuliano who tallied 8 strikeouts through the five innings.
Romeo had a double in the first inning, followed by Gilbride who hit a single in the same, however, both runners were left stranded. Catherine Musnicki singled in the second inning, but the Lady Whalers once again were unable to capitalize on the situation.
This loss to Babylon was the third in a row for the Lady Whalers, all of them coming from Class B teams. Pierson/Bridgehampton, a Class C team, has struggled this season when competing against the larger B schools.
Most recently the Lady Whalers lost to Bayport-Blue Point 10-4 on April 24, and then dropped to Mount Sinai 8-2 on April 25.
"We are almost done with our Bs, so we go back to playing our Cs," said Edwards. "And you know that we play our Cs very soundly, we do very well against them."
Section XI, the organizing body for Suffolk County high school athletics, schedules league matches between League VIII and VII, creating B-C interclass games throughout the year.
Before the recent three-game skid, the team started the year with an impressive 5-1 start. Now with a record of 5-4, the Lady Whalers are struggling to capture one of the League VIII playoff berths. Any team that reaches a .500 record of 8-8 is automatically given a spot in the post season.
The Whalers will need to win three of their remaining seven games to assure a fifth straight appearance in the post season. Edwards said that she is not worried, and feels her team can come back to form for their upcoming games.
"They are going to rebound, they better rebound," said Edwards.
This week the Lady Whalers have a loaded schedule, they next travel to Stony Brook (2-8) on Friday, May 4 at 4:30 p.m. They will then move on to challenge League VII Mattituck on the following day, Saturday, May 5 at 2 p.m.
The Lady Whalers' next home game will be held on Tuesday, May 8 at 4:30 p.m. when they host the Port Jefferson Royals (2-7).


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At work, we use ImageX to deploy system images to our machines and I have become used to it over time. This has gotten me to thinking that I should do something similar on my end.
Has anyone used ImageX or another tool to create an image of their 8.1 system for later restoration?
I would prefer to clone to my NAS, but can bring a portable drive online and do it as well.
I just did a fresh install today and want to create an image for later restoration w/o having to boot back into Windows install, then Office Install, then other software installs etc.. While I know Windows has the refresh function, I want something more robust in case later down the road when I replace my HDD with a Solid State drive.


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May 11, 2005
OAK BROOK, IL - Some golfers flex to hit the long ball, while other players seek to perfect a precision short game. But when it comes to putting - now that is a skill few can truly master. Sharpie, well-known as the autograph pen and golf ball marker of choice, today announced the kick off of the Sharpie Mini Tour, a putting competition appearing for the first time at the EDS Byron Nelson Championship and at three other PGA TOUR events throughout 2005. The Sharpie Mini Tour will invite fans to try and sink a "mini" putt for a chance to hit the links in 2006 with the PGA TOUR's Chad Campbell in Hawaii. The program supports the launch of the Sharpie Mini marker, a 12-color, "pint-sized" marker series with a clip - just right for professional to novice golfers. "Like a lot of the guys on the PGA TOUR, I use Sharpie Mini markers to mark my golf balls and sign autographs," said Campbell. "I look forward to playing in Hawaii with the winners of the program and getting a chance to see their putting skills - maybe I'll even pick up a tip or two." Individuals participating in the Sharpie Mini Tour can also put their autograph on education. Sharpie "Autographs for Education" is a nationwide program to collect one million autographs from everyday people in exchange $1 million in school supplies and funds across the country. Signatures placed on giant autograph walls at each event will be counted toward the goal. A winner and guest from each of four "qualifying" tournaments will win a trip to Orlando, Fla. for the putting competition finals - the Sharpie Mini Tour Championship.
Sharpie Mini Tour qualifying events include the following PGA TOUR tournaments:
Sharpie Mini Tour Championship Week of October 20, Lake Buena Vista, Florida A Sharpie Mini Tour sweepstakes found at www.sharpie.com also offers an opportunity for the chance at a round of golf with Campbell in Hawaii. Both the Sharpie Mini Tour contest and sweepstakes grand prizes include a three-day, four-night stay in Hawaii and golf with Campbell. For full rules and details, go to www.sharpie.com. Sharpie Mini markers are available at office supply stores and other retailers nationwide in twelve bold colors: black, red, blue, green, orange, berry, lime, aqua, purple, plum, navy and burgundy. The suggested retail prices for 2-, 8- and 12-packs are $5.93, $11.73 and $17.78, respectively. About Sanford®, Makers of Sharpie® Sharpie is the popular brand of permanent markers long-associated with the autograph experience and an Official Sponsor of the PGA TOUR. Sanford, maker of Sharpie, is a division of Newell Rubbermaid Inc. (NYSE: NWL), a worldwide leader in the manufacturing and marketing of writing instruments, art products and office organization, including such well known brands as Paper Mate®, Sharpie®, Parker®, Waterman®, EXPO®, FoohyTM, uni-ball®, and Rolodex®, among others. Sanford makes more than 6,000 products, ranging from markers, pens and pencils to professional art products, fine writing instruments and office organization products. Visit sharpie.com or sanfordcorp.com for more information.


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Ernest Hemingway
Associated Press
Ernest Hemingway 1899 - 1961
Ernest Hemingway was found dead of a shotgun wound in the head at his home on July 2, 1961.
His wife, Mary, said that he had killed himself accidentally while cleaning the weapon.
Mr. Hemingway, whose writings won him a Nobel Prize and a Pulitzer Prize, would have been 62 years old July 21.
Highlights from the Archives
Cuba-U.S. Pact on Hemingway Papers
Cuban and American officials agreed on Monday to allow scholars access to a trove of Ernest Hemingway's papers and memorabilia from the basement of the author's home outside Havana.November 13, 2002 artsNews
Hide This Until You Die. Very Truly Yours, Ernest
Ernest Hemingway was a prolific letter writer. By one estimate, he left behind 8,000 to 10,000 letters, most of which have never been published.May 4, 2002 artsNews
Word for Word/Hemingway Memorabilia; Marketing a Myth: Papa's Got a Brand New Bed
The rough and cantankerous Ernest Hemingway, who committed suicide in 1961, might have a difficult time recognizing himself today in the hype over the centennial of his birth on July 21.July 11, 1999 booksNews
Reading Hemingway Without Guilt
It is not fashionable these days to praise the work of Ernest Hemingway. A reading of his "A Moveable Feast," reveals his ingratitude and his viciousness.January 12, 1992 arts
A Trove of Vintage Counterculture Photographs Sees the Light of Day
"The Family Acid," debuting at this weekend's L.A. Art Book Fair, compiles decades' worth of psychedelic shots and features such figures as Peter Tosh and Ron Kovic.
January 29, 2015, Thursday
MORE ON ERNEST HEMINGWAY AND: Didion, Joan , Tosh, Peter , Gates, Bill , Hemingway, Ernest , Hopper, Dennis , King, Martin Luther Jr , Leary, Timothy , Marley, Bob , Page, Tim , Spector, Phil , Steffens, Roger , Big Sur (Calif) , Cambodia , Jamaica (West Indies) , Los Angeles (Calif) , Mendocino (Calif) , Racine (Wis) , Vietnam , Wisconsin , Acids , Art , Photography
Paris's Cultural History, by App
A new iPhone application called TravelbyArt features 20 tours of Paris that explore the lives of literary and cultural figures like Ernest Hemingway and Pablo Picasso.
October 21, 2014, Tuesday
MORE ON ERNEST HEMINGWAY AND: Fitzgerald, F Scott , Hemingway, Ernest , Paris (France) , Books and Literature , Mobile Applications , Travel and Vacations
Haunted by Hemingway
The source of his genius and his character flaws remains a mystery, but it's clear when and where he was happiest.
October 3, 2014, Friday
MORE ON ERNEST HEMINGWAY AND: Hemingway, Ernest , Writing and Writers , Books and Literature , Richardson, Hadley , Paris (France) , Sun Valley (Idaho) , Key West (Fla)
Co-Author of Bull-Running Guide Is Gored in Pamplona
Bill Hillmann, co-author of "Fiesta: How to Survive the Bulls of Pamplona," was seriously injured on Wednesday.
July 10, 2014, Thursday
MORE ON ERNEST HEMINGWAY AND: Books and Literature , Hillmann, Bill , Hemingway, Ernest , Stampedes , Writing and Writers , Fiske-Harrison, Alexander , Pamplona (Spain) , Bullfighting and Bull Runs
Edition Has Alternate Opening of 'Sun Also Rises'
A new edition of Ernest Hemingway's 1926 novel, to be released this month, includes his original first chapter.
July 5, 2014, Saturday
MORE ON ERNEST HEMINGWAY AND: Hemingway, Ernest , Books and Literature , Scribner's, Charles, Sons , The Sun Also Rises (Book)
To Bimini, 'SuperFast' but Leisurely
A resort company, hoping to turn the small island into a gambling and marina destination, has created a floating casino for the journey.
March 19, 2014, Wednesday
MORE ON ERNEST HEMINGWAY AND: Travel and Vacations , Bimini (Bahamas) , Cruises , Hemingway, Ernest
Hemingway's Papers
Bob Vila of the Finca Vigía Foundation discusses the efforts involved in getting the writer's papers to the United States.
February 18, 2014, Tuesday
MORE ON ERNEST HEMINGWAY AND: United States International Relations , United States , Vila, Bob , Archives and Records , Hemingway, Ernest , Books and Literature , Kennedy, John F, Library and Museum , Cuba
A Mutable Feast
The Hemingway Collection at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum is giving researchers access to a newly digitized batch of the writer's daily ephemera from his onetime Havana home.
February 11, 2014, Tuesday
MORE ON ERNEST HEMINGWAY AND: Boston (Mass) , Hemingway, Ernest , Books and Literature , Writing and Writers , Kennedy, John F, Library and Museum , Archives and Records
The Curious, and Continuing, Appeal of Mark Twain in China
A biting political satire by the quintessentially American author that has long enjoyed popularity in China can provide insights into how many Chinese view democracy and capitalism.
January 6, 2014, Monday
MORE ON ERNEST HEMINGWAY AND: Mao Zedong , Twain, Mark , Chekhov, Anton , Fishkin, Shelly Fisher , Hemingway, Ernest , New York State , United States , Shaanxi Province (China) , Corruption (Institutional) , Comedy and Humor , Writing and Writers , Elections, Governors , Books and Literature
Intoxicating Prose
In "The Trip to Echo Spring," Olivia Laing chronicles the alcoholism of six writers: John Cheever, Tennessee Williams, John Berryman, Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald and Raymond Carver.
December 29, 2013, Sunday
MORE ON ERNEST HEMINGWAY AND: Alcohol Abuse , Carver, Raymond , Fitzgerald, F Scott , Cheever, John , Berryman, John , Books and Literature , Hemingway, Ernest , Williams, Tennessee , Poetry and Poets , Laing, Olivia , Writing and Writers
Get Alerts On Ernest Hemingway
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July 22, 2013
Links: Australian Glass and the Pacific Northwest at Museum of Glass
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Stephen Fry is one of Britain's best loved performers - a multi-talented actor, presenter and writer. He played the title role in the Hollywood movie Wilde, presents the cult quiz-show QI, and makes regular appearances in the hit US drama Bones. He is a lifelong fan of the music of Richard Wagner - the world's most controversial composer.
Visit the official site
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Running time: 1hr 29min
Opens: Dec 07, 2012 NY


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CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – A startup company unveiled Thursday the most expensive University of Iowa Hawkeye logo merchandise in history.
The product: A $350,000-plus motor coach specially equipped for tailgating.
Varsity Motor Coach of Cedar Rapids has struck its first licensing deal with the University of Iowa, and is working on licensing agreements with several "big national power schools," founder and President Bill Rieckhoff of Cedar Rapids said.
Varsity's "motorized man cave" drew plenty of "wows" and "ahs" as Rieckhoff showed off trademarked features such as the Outdoor Inn beverage center, Varsity Training Table food serving area and Varsity Entertainment Plaza television viewing and gaming console.
Rieckhoff said his target market consists of high net worth individuals who are devoted supporters of their alma mater.
The Varsity motor coaches will be a true Iowa product. With the basic vehicles made by Winnebago Industries of Iowa City, they are fitted with custom interiors at Interior Source/Cambrian Granite of Cedar Falls.
Hawkeye sports radio broadcaster Bob Brooks was among the first to tour the Varsity All-Conference.
Brooks said he's been in sports announcer John Madden's "Maddenmobile," and pronounced that "his deal would be on the used car lot compared to this."
The motor coach introduced Thursday is called the Varsity All-Conference, and carries a price range of $350,000 to $425,000 depending on the amenities ordered. It is 40 feet long, built on a with a Winnebago shell on a Freightliner chassis, and powered by a 400-horsepower Cummins turbo charged diesel engine.
Varsity plans to unveil a less costly model called the Varsity Letterwinner on Sept. 3 during FRY Fest in Coralville. It will be a 38-foot Winnebago coach, powered by a 362-horsepower Ford engine.
The idea for Varsity Motor Coach came during last year's Iowa State University-University of Iowa game to Rieckhoff, who has spent the past 20 years as a supplier to the recreational vehicle industry.
Rieckhoff said he visualized two of Winnebago's best RV's parked in front of ISU's Jack Trice Stadium, one painted in ISU Cyclone colors, the other in UI Hawkeye colors. He was able to commercialize the concept through coaching help from the Entrepreneurial Development Center of Iowa in Cedar Rapids, and collaboration with Winnebago Industries of Forest City.
The Varsity All-Conference is clearly built with the tailgating crowd in mind, with features such as a built-in outdoor grill, two beer taps outside, and one beer tap inside. But Rieckhoff said he won't emphasize tailgating in his marketing efforts, depicting the motor coaches as a entertainment product that would be equally useful taking your child's soccer team to an all-day tournament.
Varsity Motor Coach is taking orders now for delivery in 2011. When demand takes off, Rieckhoff said he'd like to build a facility along I-380 in Cedar Rapids to customize the interiors of the Winnebago-built vehicles.
Cedar Rapids, Iowa News, Sports, and Weather
Cedar Rapids Business Takes Tailgating to a New Level
By Dave DeWitte, Reporter
Most Popular


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Good to hear, if Dana wants you theres a good chance your going to the UFC, especially if your contract just ended.
I've been a fan of his for a while but I would've liked to see this move awhile ago but something is better then nothing. Hopefully it allworks out and he comes over to some great matchups at 155, he has such an explosive style that the casual UFCfan should hop all over him.
I say give him Melvin Guillard right off the bat. Hes an "exciting" fighter that fans know and I think Eddie would beat him in a hella exciting fight.
Sidenote: Im hoping on getting the Eddie Alvarez Tapout tshirt for Christmas this year from the wifey and Im super stoked lol.


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The implant is specifically designed to be injected into the head. When properly installed, it will allow the one implanted, to speak to God.
The exact size of the implant will be selected by a well-trained and highly skilled technician, who will also make the injection. No anesthetic is required. The implant may or may not be painless. Side effects, like headaches and nausea, aches, and pains are extremely temporary.
Some bleeding or swelling may occur at the injection site. In most cases, you won't even notice it.
Please enjoy the security we provide for you.
Best regards,
The U.S. Armed Forces
Oh, BTW, these are the Micro Chips.
h/t iOwnTheWorld


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BONIFAY — Bonifay City Council approved plans presented by Hatch Mott MacDonald, pending fulfillment of all state and city requirements, to move forward with building the new Family Dollar on State Road 79 at the juncture of Veteran's Boulevard during the June 10 meeting.
"It is going to be an 8,230 square-foot facility and lines up with Veteran's Boulevard," said Brian Justice with Hatch Mott MacDonald. "All of our permits are done, with some pending but most cleared."
City approved Hatch Mott MacDonald's request to wave half of the impact fee for a larger line under the pretence that the city could use the larger line to support more business and residential growth in that area.
City approved of Resolution 13-15, which allows the state attorney to prosecute those who are in violation of city ordinances.
"It's what will allow us to enforce our new ordinances through out the city with civil action," said Bonifay Police Chief Chris Wells.
Lora Ponds, representing the Bonifay Down Home Street Festival, presented a check of $2,000 to the Bonifay Police Department and $3,000 to the Bonifay Fire Department from a portion of the money raised from last year's event.
"We've had yet another successful year and just wanted to thank the community for all of their love and support," said Ponds. "Sonny Shroyer sent an autographed picture to the 'great city of Bonifay' and thanks them for showing him so much loving kindness."
She said with the money raised they were also able to give a scholarship to a local student and donate $800 to this year's Relay for Life of Holmes County.
City approved donating $200 to the Panhandle Patriotic Celebration 2013.
"It's the one put on by the Holmes County Ministerial Association every year with their large fireworks display and free food and games for the family," said Mayor Lawrence Cloud. "We've donated $200 to them every year in the past and they've done a lot for the city."
City approved advertising to bid out resurfacing St. John's Road from County Road 173 to State Road 79.
"We need to get this done," said Council member Roger Brooks. "It's been earmarked to be done and its just been sitting there."
City approved Proclamation 13-2, recognizing May as Civility Month, promoting civilized behavior amongst friends, neighbors and fellow citizens.
The next scheduled Bonifay City Council meeting is set for 6 p.m. on Monday, June 24 at the Bonifay City Hall.


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Posted 06 February 2013 - 10:13
Posted 06 February 2013 - 15:43
It does 0-60 in under 10 seconds stock. Tuned sonics are pretty quick a guy in the sonic forums is getting 60mph in second gear. i can get about 40 with a stock sonic.
The silver stars are pretty nice.
Not my choice of car to choose to mod, but good for you.
You will now be able to get from 0-60 in just under 10 seconds and less than a 1/4 mile to do so
Posted 06 February 2013 - 15:50
Lots of sonic owners have the tune, they reported no ill effects on their cars. Bad news racing purchased a sonic to test the tune out before releasing it to the public.
60 mph in second gear is not gonna be good in a stock gearbox
If you wanna do random thing like that your gonna have to mess with the gear ratios or your gonna blow ur box
Posted 06 February 2013 - 16:03
Posted 06 February 2013 - 19:27
In all of his videos it seems 2nd hits high, that he winds second up in.
Ok he didnt get 60mph but close 57.
Posted 06 February 2013 - 20:00
Its a 2012-13 model, give it time. The aftermarket is growing pretty fast for the car. The engine in it is the exact same as the one in the chevy cruz, so it has been the test bed for the sonic for a while, the sonic is lighter than the cruze so its better than the cruze...
In all of his videos it seems 2nd hits high, that he winds second up in.
Regardless, lets see how it works for you. You are completing this, so it really doesn't matter what I think. This is your learning experience and I do like hearing what other people go through, the laughs, the crys, the I should have done this differentlys. Looking forward to your updates.
BTW, no one ever said you need to spend 20000 on a car...2-5000 would be enough to initially get in a car that has more potential, that has more aftermarket support with more low and top end support. You could even do for 1000, if you found the right deal (you may be looking for a while to find a good candidate for 1000). If curious, I did 2 cars when I was at $12 an hr. One dd and one to mod and play with.


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This fall or spring program at the University of Auckland will work for most majors. Students must have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA to be considered (2.8 GPA would be considered on a case by case basis). The city of Auckland, located on the northern island, has 1.4 million residents. The university, ranked best in New Zealand and among the top 50 universities of the world, has 40,000 students.
Auckland, known as the City of Sails, is located on the Hauraki Gulf. It has quite a small city feel, and is very clean and lovely. It is mainly a walking city, but there is a good bus system that makes getting around even easier. Despite the small feel, it is still the largest city in New Zealand. If you enjoy outdoor activities, New Zealand is arguably one of the best places to visit in the world. The two small islands that comprise the country have everything from beaches to glaciers. All imaginable outdoor activities are at your fingertips.
**Please keep in mind that study abroad information, dates, benefits, and fees are subject to change without notification. You are encouraged to contact the Office of International Programs directly for the most up-to-date information regarding any study abroad programs offered at Loyola.
My name is TJ Scalfaro; I am a senior business marketing major from Lansdale, Pennsylvania. Going to New Zealand was the best choice I could have made in my academic career. Everyday was a new adventure loaded with meeting new people, exploring the city of Auckland, going on crazy adventures all over New Zealand, and so much more. New Zealand is the perfect program for anybody who likes the outdoors or simply enjoys warm sunny weather. Email me to ask me questions firstname.lastname@example.com
My name is Emily Anne Palmer and I am a senior psychology and sociology undergraduate student. Outside of the classroom, I'm an adrenaline junky who loves outdoor recreation. I enjoyed living in Auckland because it incorporated both of my lifestyles as a committed student and as an outdoor aficionado. I was able to live the city life during the week but had the flexibility to go to the mountains and beaches on the weekends. Email me to ask me questions, firstname.lastname@example.com
My name is Greg Stokinger and I am a senior with a major in photography. Living and studying in Auckland was truly an amazing experience. I really enjoyed the new academic environment of a big school, and the thrill of living in a new city. I love photography and the outdoors, so New Zealand was perfect for me. There are so many beautiful places to see and experience; I cannot recommend New Zealand enough. If you want to see some of my photos from New Zealand, check out my Flickr page: http://www.flickr.com/photos/gregstokinger/sets/72157629077765644/. If you any questions feel free to email me at email@example.com
My name is Jessie Miller; I am a senior elementary education major, with a minor in special education. Studying abroad in New Zealand was honestly the best decision I have ever made. I loved the excitement of living in Auckland, where there is always something new to explore. It is also such an easy place to travel from; there are so many adventures to be had and beautiful places to see. I could talk about New Zealand for hours. If you have any questions please feel free to email me at email@example.com
Download a copy >>
This is a working list of the course equivalencies for the Auckland, New Zealand Program.
The course approvals and equivalencies provided are the most current for the Office of International Programs. Once accepted to a study abroad program, students will have an academic interview with the appropriate director and will be advised on their course selection.
Please be advised: All students are solely responsible for informing themselves about the status of these courses. Course approvals and equivalencies may change at a moment's notice. This means you should confirm with your study abroad program coordinator if the following courses are approved, or if the courses have been removed.
If there are other courses you desire to take, and they are not on the course equivalency list, you must get written course approval by the department chair. The courses that you choose should fit into your degree audit and enable you to graduate on time.


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Posted 26 January 2012 - 00:18
Isnt the US cancelled because of some short grey haired tw@ called bernie?
First teaser image of the MP4/27:
That looks like its gonna be lovely, Caterham looks odd cause of that step on the nose.
Posted 26 January 2012 - 07:50
No - work on the Austin track has resumed: Austin track set for August completion
Isnt the US cancelled because of some short grey haired tw@ called bernie?
Posted 30 January 2012 - 22:26
Volkswagen could enter Formula 1 according to a proposal being drawn up by Wolfgang Durheimer, the German manufacturer's head of motorsport.
Rumours first emerged suggesting that VW's interest had been raised last year with the news that F1 would be switching to turbocharged 1.6-litre V6 engines in 2014.
However, resistance to the idea has, to date, apparently come from the chairman of VW's board Ferdinand Piech.
Now, though, Durheimer has told Wirtschafts Woche that he intends once more to propose the move as a means of boosting car sales.
"I will present my concept to the board later this year and put forward proposals that affect not only the racing series we are in today," he said.
Durheimer added that F1 has "by far the greatest importance. It dominates the racing scene in Europe and Asia".
But he also said that using F1 to boost sales in the United States might prove difficult given the sport's lower profile there compared to IndyCar and, particularly, NASCAR.
He did add, though, that "these race series must be examined in the context of a future strategy".
The speculation is that VW would enter as an engine supplier, with Toro Rosso mentioned as a possible partner.
Posted 31 January 2012 - 10:59
Posted 31 January 2012 - 11:04
"We're trying to figure out exactly what he's doing that's so good. How does he pull out that fast qualifying lap every time? We think it's driver skill. There's no trickery on the cars, he just gets more out of it than we do."
Posted 31 January 2012 - 11:20


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What position do you thhink holds the best players in the NBA? Personally I would have to go with SF because of Lebron, Carmelo, KD etc..
What do you guys think?
I think its PG because every team has a good one and they need to have one because they are leaders- CP3, Deron Williams, Kyrie Irving, Steph Curry, Russel Westbrook, etc.
point guard, cp3 d-will d-rose rajon rondo, and a bright future with kyrie irving
well im not a big man but i think big men are,a great big man can take you far, at least back in the days. now its probably the perimeter players that are most important
so many good big men back then, the mailman, hakeem the dream, shaq the diesel, the round mound of rebound and lots more
Yeah I guess PG is definitely deeper than SF. SF top 5 would be LBJ, KD, CA, Paul Pierce, and I would say Danny Granger.
PG or SF
PG is DRose, CP3, Westbrook, Deron Williams, John Wall, Kyrie, Rondo, Nash, Tony Parker, Jameer Nelson, JKidd, Lin, Jose Calderon,..... just named about half of the NBA's staring PGs haha
SF is Lebron, KD, Melo, Pierce, Granger, Luol Deng, Iguadola, Rudy Gay,
PF - Blake Griffin, Kevin Love, Pau Gasol, Chris Bosh, Tim Duncan, LaMarcus Aldridge, Dirk Nowitzki, Josh Smith
I think that's a pretty solid lineup too.
PG and or SF they have almost everythin yu could do or want to do in a game


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Apr 25, 2007
You can view the Wish List post here along with readers' questions (as comments). LEGO has informed me that the List "is in on our table when we talk new ideas - and it is, honestly!"
I'll let you know as soon as I hear from LEGO regarding the Wish List.
And now, here are some questions and answers:
1. Does LEGO plan to release a new pneumatics set for use with NXT?
NO. But the pneumatics elements will still be available in other LEGO TECHNIC sets, so if you want to combine it, go ahead.
2. What extension sets are planned for the NXT?
In time of writing there is no extension sets planned for the NXT set (#8527). But the sensor developers have many new ideas for extra sensors coming out.
3. Is there a plan to create a cheap (<100$) camera sensor for autonomous robot operation?
I would turn the question around and ask: what would you really want to do with a 'camera sensor'?
4. Will there be a next (and upgraded) version of the NXT?
Hm, who can tell? Again, I cannot tell about what we are working on…
5. Could you make another type/kind of motor for the NXT that is smaller and maybe include a tachometer (rotation sensor) too?
These are some of the top wishes we get from users, so it is something we make a note of. I cannot reveal if we are working on such things…
6. Will the firmware be updated so that the USB port can be used with a memory stick to enlarge the amount of memory available for the NXT? (Windows VISTA has this feature).
The USB port within the NXT can only function as a SLAVE meaning it can not control a USB memory stick.
7. We now have that full LabView support, but only if you have a LabView license (I got a free student license). Is this the way things are going to remain, or will some of the LabView functionality start migrating into the retail software?
In time of writing there is no extension in regards to more advanced LabView functionality planned for the retail software. This software is targeted towards children.
8. The NXT-G software is really slow and even small programs compile into huge files. The firmware upgrade may help with the execution speed problem (a little bit), but we would see a bigger benefit from generating smaller, more efficient executables. Is anything being done about that?
This is one of the top wishes we get from users, so it is something we make a note of. I cannot reveal if we are working on such things…
9. MyBlocks cannot be executed in parallel threads. This greatly reduces their usefulness. Are there any plans to modify threads so they are?
In time of writing there are no plans to modify the system to handle MyBlock execution within parallel threads.
10. Will there be a NXT v2 ?
What do you mean by NXT v2? What is it? Is there something in the very long wish list Jim has compiled that you do NOT want in NXT 2?
11. Could you make another type/kind of motor for the NXT that is smaller?
Right now, it is possible to use the 'old' Mindstorms motors by using so-called legacy wires that can connect between the NXT outputs and the 'old' connector plates, so using those motors is possible. I cannot tell if we are working on new motors.
12. Will LEGO release the bluechip firmware so we can make community firmware supporting HID etc. (e.g. Wii)?
The firmware for the Bluecore chip uses proprietary code from the Bluetooth chip vendor and therefore we can not release the firmware for the Bluetooth chip. It is also quite complicated to update the firmware within the Bluetooth chip and it requires special software tools.
13. When will the NXT-software be available as a Universal Binary for Intel Macs?
MINDSTORMS NXT 1.0 currently runs in emulation mode on Intel-based Macs. A new version of the MINDSTORMS NXT Software that runs natively on an Intel-based Mac will be available in the Summer of 2007.
14. What is in the works for LabView for Mindstorms Phase 3 ?
Two things: First, I would ask you to specify what Phase 3 is – what was the two other phases? Second, I really cannot reveal what we are doing right now – only that we are looking at a lot of interesting things right now… I have some of it right here on my desk…
21 comments:
- Maniac of Mayhem said...
Not to speak badly of Lego, but that is pretty much a load of NDA-talk. But I expected as much, and what I did learn from reading that were all things I didn't know before.
- Apr 25, 2007, 10:04:00 AM
Maniac, I think you need to try and read between the lines a bit. Its fairly obvious from Lego's responses what they are working on and what they aren't working on. For instance, they cleary aren't working on a NXT Pneumatic set (which makes me sad), but they are certinly working on different motors. However since they are still works in progress, they can't (and shouldn't) say anything about them.
This is a heck of a lot more information than you would get from any other company, and I applaud Lego's willingness to involve the community.
- Apr 25, 2007, 9:43:00 PM
- Eric D. Burdo said...
I think both Maniac and Jim are accurate here.
There isn't anything clearly revealed (about what I expected though) and a lot can be assumed based on reading between the lines.
Just be careful making the assumptions. I think that LEGO is planning on some new components. But I think we will see a lot coming from third-party vendors.
- Apr 25, 2007, 9:59:00 PM
- Eric D. Burdo said...
Here is my question for LEGO (or anyone else who can answer).
There are 7 IO ports on the NXT. 3 designated Output, 4 designated Input. Are these capable of being swapped via the firmware? Meaning I could have 6 Outputs and 1 Input? (or any other combination)?
If so, it would be nice if the official firmware would allow this.
- Apr 25, 2007, 10:01:00 PM
I don't understand answer number 3... There are PLENTY of things to do with camera sensor. Why do they ansewr a question with a question?
- Apr 25, 2007, 10:56:00 PM
- Brian Davis said...
No. While those ports all may look the same, they are completely different in terms of the circuitry driving them. In fact, there's differences even among the "identical" input and output ports: port 4 (IMS) can cope with high-speed I2C access, while ports 1-3 can't. And Port A is driven by a slightly different motor driver than ports B & C. The three outputs can generate PWM signals with high currents (needed for those beefy motors), while the four outputs have no need of this (no need for high currents), so that was not designed in.
As to LEGO "releasing" information, out of the 14 questions, more than half are answered very directly (no NXT-targeted pneumatics, the USB port is a slave port only, etc... you have no idea how many times I've answered that second question alone...), and several are just begging for the community to respond ("what would you do with a camera?"). Keep in mind LEGO is interested in a *two-way* flow of information, so maybe responding to those points that seem to ask for it would be worthwhile.
Brian Davis
- Apr 25, 2007, 10:57:00 PM
- Brian Davis said...
(Sorry, anon - we posted at the same time)
I suspect the reason is to see if they can find or make a camera for a cost that's reasonable, but that will actually satisfy a good percentage of what folks want to do with it. If the reason you want a camera is "to broadcast wireless video", well, a bunch of us have done that using $60+ spy-cams off-the-shelf, and LEGO may want to get into that market... or more likely avoid it, because its already well-populated.
If your response is "I want the robot to be able to recognize my face from any angle", then LEGO has to figure if they can get the NXT + camera to do that... AND they have to see if they can do it at aq price that folks might be willing to pay. BOTH those are problems to solve before kust "doing it".
How do you want to use the camera? Edge reconition? Blob recognition? How much processing on-camera vs on the NXT? Store images? At what resolution (and how many - the amount of memory comes into play here)? How rapidly to you need to capture and process images? Real-time navigation at high-speed is going to be demanding and expenssive, while capturing a simple 80x80 pixel image something like once every 10 seconds should be much easier... but is that sufficient? Would that be enough for you to spend $100+ or so, or would you (and the rest of the Mindstorms folks) just ignore such an offering.
We have the easy job here - we get to play and ask for new toys (or design our own). LEGO needs to not only see if what we want is possible, but if it's profitable... and for that, they need to understand *exactly* what you want something to do (so as to make it sufficiently powerful, but not overly expensive).
Brian Davis
- Apr 25, 2007, 11:05:00 PM
- Jim Kelly said...
Let's be careful here about being too critical of some of LEGO's responses. I have worked for a few large companies in my time that would NEVER respond to a handful of questions from consumers, no matter how nicely you ask!
LEGO has competitors and we need to remember that being secretive isn't a snub at the consumer, but is meant to protect their company so they can STAY in business. And LEGO has agreements with partners that forbid them from talking about new and upcoming products.
I don't think I'm giving anything away to say that, YES, LEGO is working on new stuff. Can those of us in the MDP/MCP talk about it? No... not yet. Will we be able to soon? Maybe. But believe me, LEGO isn't resting. If anything, I can tell you that the LEGO team I met with at FLL are tired... and working constantly. They have got a TON of work going on and just read into that what you will.
I was told that LEGO would give me an update on the Wish List and I have no doubt that they will... and always remember that LEGO visits here and reads your comments. Keep them civil and polite, and remember that LEGO is breaking a lot of rules by listening to its customers rather than telling us what we want. Most companies do NOT work this way.
- Apr 25, 2007, 11:13:00 PM
- Eric D. Burdo said...
Brian, thanx for the answer about the IO ports. That makes sense, I was just hoping it was a firmware upgrade. :(
- Apr 26, 2007, 12:16:00 AM
I actually don't see a point of these Q&A. If Lego isn't going to reveal anything than what's the point of writing all this stuff on the blog. Yes, Lego is a big corporation that wouldn't say anything about anything. But actually putting it all here just upsets customers as if they are being treated like 5-year olds and mommy and daddy aren't gonna tell them what they don't need to know. I was definately turned off my opinions of Lego did not imporve at all :(
- Apr 26, 2007, 1:24:00 AM
- Steckmann said...
i dont get what competition lego could have it not like there is anoughter biulding block compeny out there that is any were close to being a good as legos(that you megablocks) so what or who is lego scared of.
- Apr 26, 2007, 1:33:00 AM
- Brian Davis said...
Another anon said:
> I actually don't see a point of these Q&A
I think the point is that LEGO is trying to tap the market in a far more fundamental way - invoking the consumer directly in directing and designing the product. Thus the MUP, MDP, and MCP program, as well as things like letting folks like Philo experiemnt with the new Power system motors (he is tops in LEGO motor analysis), or even things like on-line PaB and LDD-designed models.
> putting it all here just upsets customers
> as if they are being treated like 5-year
> olds and mommy and daddy aren't
> gonna tell them what they don't need
> to know
Well, if you like, you could be treated the same way all the other companies I know do - not tell you anything at all, or ever ask or solicit your opinion. LEGO can't just tell the world everything - that would (a) give away any and all competitive edge, and (b) just really make folks annoyed that some things don't eventually make it into the product ("but you promised...!"). As it is, through blogs like this, and watching newsgroups and threads, and watching and talking to folks at places like FLL, LEGO is getting grass-roots help in figuring out what we (you me, and everybody else submitting an opinion) want to see.
Also, Steckmann said...
> I dont get what competition lego
> could have...
While I certainly agree with you that the quality of the LEGO product is not even apporached by a competitor, they *do* have them... and plenty of them. LEGO once held something like 80% of the market, but that had dropped to 62% by 2004. In the meantime, Mega Bloks climbed from 15% to 30% of the market (estimated). And in the field of personal or hobby robotics, they have a whole lot of competitors as well: VEX, Fischertechnik, and recently even iRobot, to name just a few.
Would these companies like to know what LEGO and the Mindstorms line is brewing up? You bet - because LEGO is their competition as well, and anything they can beat LEGO to market on, that's a portion of the market they can start laying claim to.
The corporate world is not one I'd like to have to live in on a daily basis. But it's not that hard to understand, when you think about it. LEGO has taken some very serious risks by being as open with their product as they were - I hope it pays off handsomely for them. and not just for their sake - I want to have this quality around for a long time to come, and that will only happen if the company continues to thrive.
Brian "stepping off the soapbox now" Davis
- Apr 26, 2007, 3:53:00 AM
I like the camera response. Of what use would an on board camara sensor be? The NXT doesn't have enough memory to do vision processing, and cameras with dedicated image processing built in are usually too restrictive. Give me a wireless camara and I'll do the image processing on my laptop.
I wish I had phrased the LabView question more carefully. I can't imagine adding LabView features to the retail software, but will some features sneak into education version.
- Apr 26, 2007, 5:11:00 AM
- Alex said...
Hmm, what is this about MyBlocks not working in parallel? First time I ever heard of it. Would anybody care to comment?
- Apr 26, 2007, 5:35:00 AM
Regarding camera - I was hoping for something like the CMUCam or AVRCam (google these terms if you're not familiar with..) which do blob recognition. This is typically enough for many navigation purposes.
- Apr 26, 2007, 6:01:00 AM
Let's say I wrote a MoveRamp MyBlock that breaks up a move into three segments; Ramp Up, Constant Velocity, and Ramp Down. It uses Motor blocks because they have a RampUp and a RampDown. I want it to be generic, so I use a parameter to set the output port.
I write a program to run MoveRamp on ports A and C simultaneously. I put a MoveRamp on the main thread with the port set to A, and I spawn off a thread with a MoveRamp for port C. I make sure to fork off the second thread before MoveRamp for port A is called.
What I expect to happen is for A and C to move at the same time. What actually happens is that A moves to completion and then C begins moving while the main thread continues on.
I can get around this by making a MoveRampA and a MoveRampC. Because they are not the SAME MyBlock they can be run at the same time. But this is an ugly solution. More importantly, the inability to run MyBlocks in parallel can cause some funny robot behaviours. Of course we could also get some funny behaviours running blocks in parallel if it isn't done carefully.
I think that all MyBlocks work this way, but it is not noticeable if the MyBlocks finish quickly.
- Apr 26, 2007, 6:49:00 AM
Doesn't a CMUCam cost about $200. With economies of scale and lower resolution maybe LEGO could offer it for $200 (need to maintain that high profit margin). Who would buy that? Probably the same people who would buy a CMUCam and hack it to work with the NXT.
I think it makes more sense for the camera manufacturer to provide an NXT interface. Or maybe MindSensors might want to market an adapter of some sort.
We don't have to depend on LEGO for all our Mindstorms solutions anymore. I like the new market model. LEGO should focus on selling as many NXT's as it can. That will make the aftermarket equipment business more attractive and result in a greater number of choices for us.
- Apr 26, 2007, 7:02:00 AM
>14. What is in the works for LabView for Mindstorms Phase 3 ?
>Two things: First, I would ask you to specify what Phase 3 is – what was the two other phases?
The Phase 3 reference is from the LEGO Engineering website:
From the diagram, Phases 1, 2, & 3 are "Intended Software Product Platform by 2010", and, more specifically from what I can infer, Phase 1 is the current Educational release of the NXT-G software (for "Design & Technology Engineering"), and Phase 2 is a software release dedicated for science. Phase 3 is the LabVIEW for Mindstorms is software that addresses both design & technology engineering and science. Phase 1 & 2 are for Grades 3-8, and Phase 3 is for Grades 9 to 13.
With knowledge of Phases 1-3, that brings us back to Question 14: What is in the works for LabVIEW for Mindstorms Phase 3? (Is it a go? Will it be more similar to LabVIEW than NXT-G? How will it be different than NXT-G? etc.)
>3. Is there a plan to create a cheap (<100$) camera sensor for autonomous robot operation?
>I would turn the question around and ask: what would you really want to do with a 'camera sensor'?
Uses for a camera sensor: (Forgive me if some of my examples seem cheesy)
1. Spying: E.g., create a robot that can go in another room to spy on one's family member to find out what LEGO set you will get for Christmas
2. Over the Internet remote controlled robots – teleoperated robots (e.g. for creating a remote operated robot that can be controlled via the internet to check your house for intruders when you are away on holidays from)
3. Machine vision applications: Object recognition (simple shapes/colours at various locations in an x-y coordinate system). E.g., you have a robot that can play ping pong – the robot can detect where the ball is coming from so that the robot can estimate where to swing at the ball. E.g., have robot that can navigate to and collect anything that is blue in colour of a particular size.
4. Machine vision applications: Face expression recognition (smiling, sad, angry) for creating robots that can interact with humans. (e.g., you smile to your robot, it smiles back, comes closer to you, and reaches out for a hug; and if you are angry, it runs away and hides)
5. Machine vision applications: Counting. E.g., have a robot to do inventory on your LEGO pieces, where it would count the number of times it sees a particular shaped piece, and/or colour.
Please add to this list. (I think LEGO is looking for real needs to justify the creation of a LEGO Camera, so we should show them that the creation of a LEGO camera is justified through providing real uses for the camera.)
- Apr 26, 2007, 7:50:00 AM
- Jim Kelly said...
Anonymous wrote: "I actually don't see a point of these Q&A. If Lego isn't going to reveal anything than what's the point of writing all this stuff on the blog."
With regards to the Q&A, I see some definite answers- I think they're just answers you might not like (such as NO to pneumatics).
Anonymous wrote: "But actually putting it all here just upsets customers as if they are being treated like 5-year olds and mommy and daddy aren't gonna tell them what they don't need to know."
Sorry you feel like a 5 year old - I don't think the majority of NXT fans feel that way. Again, I think the "upset" comes from just not getting the response you want from LEGO.
- Apr 27, 2007, 1:44:00 AM
I hope they make smaller motors
- Apr 27, 2007, 6:58:00 AM
- delvach said...
I'm encouraged to hear that they're still planning on releasing a Universal Binary of NXT-G for OS X this summer, hopefully addressing the performance & stability issues and lack of Bluetooth on Intel Macs.
Also, why not re-introduce the air tank in a basic pneumatic starter set? We now have the third-party guys to develop additional sensors and switches, but we still have to pay eBay prices to get that little blue tank.
- May 4, 2007, 9:01:00 AM


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The Sports Network
DATE & TIME: Wednesday, November 14, 8 p.m. (et)
FACTS & STATS: Site: Huskie Stadium (24,000) -- DeKalb, Illinois Television: ESPN 2. Home Record: Toledo 4-1, NIU 5-0. Away Record: Toledo 4-1, NIU 4-0. Neutral Record: Toledo 0-0, NIU 0-1. Conference Record: Toledo 5-1, NIU 6-0. Series Record: Toledo leads, 29-10.
GAME NOTES: Control of first place in the Mid-American Conference's West Division will be on the line when the Toledo Rockets charge into Huskie Stadium to take on Northern Illinois.
NIU sits atop the standings with a perfect 6-0 league record. The Rockets are fresh off their first conference loss of the season, but are trailing the Huskies by just a game and would take control of the tie-breaker with a win.
Toledo had a short-lived stay in the top 25 as it suffered a 34-27 upset loss to Ball State last Tuesday. The setback ended an eight-game winning streak, but Matt Campbell's team still has an impressive 19-3 record in its past 22 MAC games. The Rockets are 3-1 on the road this season, with the lone loss coming in an season-opening overtime thriller at Arizona.
Coach Dave Doeren has to be pleased his team will be playing its biggest game of the season at home. NIU owns both the longest home winning streak and longest conference winning streak at 20 and 14 games, respectively. The Huskies won their ninth game in a row on Nov. 3 as they ran past Massachusetts for a 63-0 decision. NIU has dominated in recent weeks and outscored its last six opponents, 283-91, which gives it an average margin of victory of just over 30 points per game during that span. As if there was not already enough pressure on the Huskies, they are also on the verge of cracking the top 25.
This will be the 40th meeting in history between these programs. NIU edged Toledo in a memorable 66-63 shooting in last season's edition for its second straight win in the series. The Rockets still hold a commanding 29-10 lead in the all-time series.
Toledo has a very balanced and effective offensive attack. The Rockets have shown the ability to light up the scoreboard, but they have been held under 30 points in each of their past three outings. The Rockets are still fourth in the conference in scoring (33.6 ppg) and fourth in total offense (461.8 ypg). Their last time out, the Rockets outgained the Cardinals in total yards of offense, 526-446, but could not overcome 110 penalty yards.
David Fluellen is unstoppable as of late. The junior running back tallied 200 yards on 34 carries against Ball State to eclipse the century mark for the sixth straight game and the 200-yard mark for the second consecutive game. Fluellen has piled up 1,381 yards and 12 touchdowns on 230 carries, which tied him for second in the FBS in rushing production.
The Rockets' aerial attack features two of the MAC's most productive wideouts in speedy Bernard Reedy and Alonzo Russell. Reedy leads the team with 901 yards, 68 receptions, and six touchdown catches. The junior wideout has also collected multiple West Division Special Teams Player of the Week awards for his efforts in the return game. Russell is more of a big play type of receiver with 766 yards on only 44 receptions.
Terrance Owens did his job as the team's game manager his last time out, finishing 14-of-27 for 215 yards with one touchdown. The junior quarterback has been steady under center for the majority of the season before a recent slump. Owens has completed 64.7 percent (187-of-301) of his passes for 2,412 yards, 14 touchdowns, and five interceptions.
Although Toledo's defense hasn't been able to slow down opponents, it has been able to force turnovers when needed to keep foes from putting points on the board. Toledo is ranked second in the FBS in turnover margin. The Rockets are only ninth in the MAC in total defense (464.1 ypg), but are fifth in points allowed (27.4 ppg).
The Rockets are led by the nation's leading tackler, Dan Molls, who has already recorded 132 total stops. Molls made 16 tackles his last time out. Jermaine Robinson has made some spectacular plays and is tied for second in the MAC with four interceptions, two of which he returned for touchdowns.
The Huskies seem to be unstoppable since their week-one loss to Iowa and currently owns MAC leading averages of 40.6 points and 478 yards per game. Its last time out, NIU gained 610 yards of total offense against a helpless UMass defense.
Jordan Lynch is at the center of NIU's attack and may be the most explosive quarterback in the nation. He has already set a new NCAA record for most-100 rushing games by a quarterback with nine. Lynch leads the FBS's quarterbacks in rushing yards (1,342), total offense (3,517), and points responsible for (35 total TDs)
Martel Moore is Lynch's primary target in the passing game. Moore has reeled in 51 passes for 746 yards and eight of the team's 20 touchdown receptions. Tommylee Lewis (394) and Ashford Perez (229) have both managed to tally over 200 receiving yards as well. Jamison Wells and Luke Eakes have a chance to step up this week with Perez questionable due to an ankle injury.
Defensively, NIU allows opponents to gain decent yardage but still manages to keep teams from lighting up the scoreboard. Due to their bend but not break mentality, the Huskies have the second best scoring defense (17.9) in the MAC.
Sean Progar, Joe Windsor, and Alan Baxter have all shown great pass rushing ability this season. Progar has recorded eight sacks and 8.5 total tackles for loss, Windsor has 10 TFLs and 6.5 sacks, Baxter has produced seven sacks and nine TFLs. Tyrone Clark (71) and Jimmie Ward (70) are first and second on the team in total tackles, respectively.
The Rockets have as good a chance as any MAC school at knocking off NIU. Toledo may be coming off of a tough loss, but it was to a respectable opponent in a hard-fought game. The Huskies are clear favorites to win the MAC Championship again, but they will be tested a few more times before being crowned.
Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Northern Illinois 41, Toledo 34
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Moderators: Tonyblack, Jason, Toothy
Quatermass wrote:Well, apparently the Terry Pratchett Prize is on again. Which means that I am going to spend too much time next year trying to create an entry that eventually won't go in.
meerkat wrote:Q, write it as you want. Never mind about story structure. Once you have words down THEN look at them!
Go on, Q, We believe in you!
Quatermass wrote:meerkat wrote:Q, write it as you want. Never mind about story structure. Once you have words down THEN look at them!
Go on, Q, We believe in you!
But I don't believe in me. I'm a bit like this...person from Soul Eater, Crona.
Still, it's not like I'm being idle. I'm still going to give it a shot. Today, I watched a bit of Watchmen, to help get me back in the mood for alternate reality fiction (at the moment, the book I was writing for last year is now a future-based book). It may have to be that I abandon the work I originally meant for the TP Prize first time around and begin another one.
Jan Van Quirm wrote:Forum writing's all good workout for creative work, but really getting out of the procrastination dip is the hardest thing to do - but once you do...
It's like Terry says - if you want to write then read (or watch great movies) a lot so you want to write even more, until you can't NOT do it! Meerkat's got a good idea as well - just blitz it and get it all out without stressing too much about how it's all put together and then go back and fart around with the structure and polishing yer mettyfors squire. Very often that way you find you can keep a fair proportion of the sheer 'guts' writing and just have to tart up the edges and maybe swap bits around and add a little filler here and there and voylah - hot new saga
Quatermass wrote: It's worth noting here that I gave some classics some pretty low scores, like Beowulf, Alice in Wonderland, and Wizard of Oz, but the scores were based on entertainment value more than anything else.
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The Watoto Children's Villages, founded by Gary Skinner, are places of safety and learning for children who have lost one or both parents. The Watoto mission is to rescue children and raise them to be leaders so they may rebuild their nation.
One of the Watoto programs is the traveling Children's Choir and the
"The choir itself is made of child ambassadors; their goal in the
The choir will be in
She said the production is more in the style of Broadway rather than a typical choral performance and is a way for the children to build self-esteem and learn to be leaders.
"Watoto takes care of the children from the time they come into the village until they graduate a technical program or university and secure employment," Bedell said. "They take their skills, a find a job they will be successful in. Just like you would want for your own child, we want them to be self empowered."
She said the changes they see in the children are remarkable.
"We really saw self-esteem blossom, come out of their shells and they become more confident, proud of who they are," Bedell said. "It also helps them process heavy emotional circumstances they've been through. It's an opportunity for them tell where they come from, their positive outlook on the world and where that comes from. That helps them especially when they know it can make a difference in other people's lives and help possibly rescue another child."
One of those children, Steven Okello, said he wanted to be part of the choir to have a chance to tell his story to others, sharing how lucky he is because his life was not good before Watoto. He said he does not know where his father went but his mother got him to the Watoto village.
"I am representing my friends back home," Okello said. "They don't have something to eat, they need to buy food and get milk and school fees. We send money back home."
His choir director, Brian Katongole, said Okello wants that same opportunity he's had for others.
"He's a voice for the voiceless back home in
Katongole said the children in the villages share a background of loss.
"We have some brought in as babies, they could have been abandoned in hospitals or thrown in rubbish heaps, their mothers throw them away," Katongole said. "We are there for them as they grow up. Others have been affected by the war in northern
Bedell said there is a misconception about how the children live in the villages.
"Sometimes people think of Watoto and think of an orphanage and we are definitely not that," Bedell said. "We have three villages and in those, there are individual homes with a house mother and up to eight children. It replicates real life; there are schools, churches, and more. They grow up in a community, not an institution."
She also said the children serve as a reminder of what others live through.
"The children in
Okello said he hopes they change people.
"I want people to come and watch the concert; I believe their lives will be changed through the singing and dancing and stories of hope," Okello said.


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