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Eight Monticello Boys Players Set To Serve One-game Suspension
Eight Monticello boys players set to serve one-game suspension
After a video review and investigation of Tuesday's incident at Monticello High during the third quarter of the school's varsity basketball game with Charlottesville High between members of each team, it appears eight Monticello players will serve a one-game suspension for leaving the bench area during the contest.
Upon video review it was determined that no Charlottesville players exited the bench area before the teams went to the locker room and the gym was cleared.
That video review included a representative from the Virginia High School League giving an opinion on the matter after reviewing the tape. The League's representative agreed that nothing between the players — outside of the Monticello bench stepping on the court — warranted a suspension. There was no punching or fighting that necessitated action.
The players could've and should've been ejected by the officials present at the game. According to Barnes, there is some precedent for the VHSL to step in and over rule the officials after the fact if that wasn't done, but Monticello went ahead and volunteered to suspend the players for one game without any VHSL action.
"A lot of them didn't know the rule and after I explained it to them they understood," Barnes said. "Those eight players will not play in our next varsity contest."
With no players suspended, Charlottesville will have a full roster in Friday's Jefferson District quarterfinal when the Black Knights host Louisa County at 7:30 p.m.
Monticello is slated to play George Wythe High in Richmond tonight at 5:30 in a game that was added this week.
"We needed to help our winning percentage in the region," Barnes said. "The VHSL allows you to play 22 games and we'd played 20. There are a few teams locked around 15-7 and 15-8 and overall winning percentage (can) determine seeding."
Barnes also noted the Mustangs, which won seven in a row coming into the eventual Tuesday forfeit, were eager to get a game in instead of waiting until Wednesday to play again.
Inclement weather forced the cancellation of a game on January 21 against an Evergreen District opponent.
"We were scheduled to play Fauquier and we tried to set that up this week, but they're in a district playoff," Barnes said. "So we called George Wythe."
The game will be played by several original members of the varsity roster prior to the eight one-game suspensions that were handed down, the players who were not suspended based on video evidence and a group of junior varsity players. The suspended eight players who left the bench area Tuesday during the incident against Charlottesville will in turn be eligible for the Mustangs' Jefferson District tournament semifinal game at Western Albemarle Wednesday against the Powhatan/Western winner in the quarterfinals.
Embarrassed Mustang
As a long time parent and Monticello High School Athletic Booster I am embarrassed by what I read above and what is happening as a result of the unfortunate incident on Tuesday night. It appears that a hastily arranged MHS varsity basketball game against George Wythe High School will occut tonight in Richmond. JV and non-suspended players were informed of this yesterday afternoon. There has been no public announcement or advertisement of the contest that I am aware of.
Mr. Barnes' comments above appear to be coy and purposely lacking specific information about a game he knew had been scheduled. Why would he respond this way? I believe he chose to respond this way because he knew the decision to add a game is of questionable integrity. Western and Fluvana suffered the consequence of their rules violations a year ago during the post-season tournament. Why should MHS be any different?
I am sad and embarrassed becuase I think this makes our school look bad. I have supported Mr. Barnes and the MHS Athletic Department over the years and through situations where it appeared that, at best, we were operating in a gray area regarding rules and ethics. My choice was to give Mr. Barnes and the Athletic Department the benefit of the doubt. This incident and, more pointedly, the response of Mr. Barnes is the final straw for me. Our kids and our community deserve better than the message that is being sent here. When you make a mistake and receive a punishment you don't like ot that might cost you a win...find a loophole, keep it on the down-low, and laugh about later after you have gotten what you wanted. Mr. Barnes, Principal Worley, and their supervisors should be ashamed of this decison.
Well stated
I could not agree more.
What are we teaching our kids
Monticello high will play a team in richmond tonight. A game that has no meaning. What are we teaching our kids? That its a way around anything even when you mess up. Its a shame.
I thought the JD tourney was the next game??
I guess this just proves that there really is a way to beat the system!!
WOW!!! What a message that
What a message that sends!!!!
Congrats to the AD and basketball coach on teaching these kids alesson!!!!!!!!!!
who does Barnes think he's
who does Barnes think he's fooling?
being handled very differently by the two schools...
Monticello's players all leave the bench, which helped lead to the game being cancelled. 8 kids get suspended for a game, so they went and added a game in reaction to that and get the whole team back for the JD playoffs.
Charlottesville's players all stayed on the bench. No JD or VHSL suspensions, although word is that the Coach is sending a message by benching players that were involved with the jawing and pushing.
I definitely admire how Coach Minor and handled things during the game and afterwards.
Are you kidding me? Last
Are you kidding me? Last year both regular season champions forfeit their quarterfinal victories for letting a couple of JV kids play for 30 seconds (which was techinically the right thing to do), and Monticello just "schedules" a a game to make their suspensions go away. I am sure playing a 2-19 team will be a huge help when the regionals start. If high school athletics doesn't teach our young people to "do things the right way", then what purpose do they serve? I am shocked that Monticello parents, and the Jefferson District as a whole can support this decision. Someone needs to ask some tough questions over at Monticello about the message being sent.
Last year, Fluvanna played a few JV players in a game in the first round of the district tournament (something that many teams in the district have done for years). There was outrage! The VHSL held a special hearing and the Flucos were unable to compete in the remainder of the tournament, denying the team a chance to win both the regular season championship and a tournament championship and adding a loss to their stellar record. The team and it's supporters were upset, but they accepted their punishment with dignity and class! There were no deals made or questionable dealings and the players learned quite a lesson. How sad it is to see a fellow school tarnish their image in this way and in the process send a terrible message to their athletes that they are above reproach! Where are the MHS administrators in this process??
wow! What a message that
What a message that sends!!!!!!!!!!!!
Congrats to the AD and basketball coach
The little respect that I had
The little respect that I had for the A.D., the assistant A.D.,the staff and,administrative staff just went out the window. Shame on you for teaching kids to cheat the system.
Come on, reporters
When did SP get these quotes from Barnes? Today (Thursday)? Did you ask specifically when the Wythe game was scheduled?
A few things that stick out here.
1- You must give the AD credit for doing all he can for his teams after all he is an Athletic Director not a peace maker.
2- The winning percentage statement makes little sense as the pairing requirments for regionals stays that the 2nd tie breaker is overall district winning percentage and since Georgy Wyth is not in the Jefferson this means little to nothing in the end.
3- The game that was cancelled with Faquier was also canceled for the girls team, the Monticello girls team is in 2nd place in the district and looking at the same situation for regional play so did they play tonight also?
4- It says in this article that this game was scheduled this week, did it really mean last night or today? If Monticello would have defeated Charlottesville and Louisa would have defeated Fluvanna then Monticello would have been in a playoff with Fluvanna as well.
Like my first statement said you must say that Monticello's AD does all he can to give his teams a better chance and at the end of the day that is his job and until someone can stop him from doing so Monticello will continue to be looked at as a pure athletic school.
Adding this last second meaningless game so the players can serve their suspension and still be eligible for the tourney is a complete fraud. So much for teaching athletes responsibility and integrity. Teach 'em instead to take short cuts and game the system. Shame on the Monticello AD and Principal for orchestrating this.
Last year, Fluvanna played a few JV players in the first round of the districts in the last minutes of a game they were winning by almost 40. This has been a common practice in the district, but it was against the rules. There was outrage! The VHSL was so concerned that they held a hearing and decided the Flucos were not allowed to compete in the rest of the JD tournament, denying the team a chance to finish as district regular-season and tournament champions and adding a loss to their stellar record. The team and it's supporters we're upset, but they accepted their punishment with dignity and class! There were no shady deals made or attempts to manipulate the system and the players learned quite a lesson, although a painful one. How sad it is to see a fellow JD school tarnish their image in this way and in the process send a terrible message to their athletes that because they play a sport they are above reproach! Where are the MHS and Albemarle County administrators in this process??
What an embarrassment to Alb. Co. Schools!! I have absolutely no respect for the Monticello A.D. who pulled such a stunt to override the entire system, and no respect for the Administration who lets him get away with it (or condones this). This was a VHSL event and when it was mishandled by both schools -- they should have stepped in and done the right thing. Especially when Monticello obviously doesn't know what the right thing is. What a great example you set for your student athletes. I'm embarrassed for you and your program.
Proud to be a Fluco
I don't think I have ever been more proud to be a Fluco than I am right now. Our school, coaches and players are a class act!
Lets Be REAL
Let's be real, this is not about Morality. If Monticello was 1-19 no one would care who they played and when. I disagreed with any suspension, the kids that left the bench did not even sprint on the floor. Unlike previous bench clearing, the MHS kids were trying to get the player out of the way. Secondly, officials should have shared more of the blame for all of this chaos.
I'm Just Saying....
I personally don't have anything to do with this, but let's face this, Monticello's AD is the most get it Done guy in Central, Virginia. I was very impressed with the way he handled the incident Tuesday night. It was quite impressive watching him interact with the student body by giving them pizza and thanking them for their support.
It's pretty obvious that some people are clueless. The Monticello Girls basketball did not play fauquier this year. Also, overall winning percentage does affect seeding in the regionals after you seed the district champion. Secondly, ask yourself the following questions? Did Monticello break any VHSL Rules? Third, there are plenty of schools that add games during the regular season. This happens in Indoor Track and wrestling all of the time.
Not CLUELESS
Lets break down the Seeding Criteria for you so you know before you go on here calling people clueless.
Tiebreaking Seed Criteria:
#1- Head to Head Results
#2- Regular Season Winning % in DISTRICT games only
#3- Winning % versus common opponents
#4- OVERALL winning % (guess it didn't help beings Monticello lost anyway)
#5- Total wins for the regular season
#6- Coin Flip
And for the statement about the Monticello girls did not play Faquier, yes you are correct because that is the same game that the boys did not play. So if the boys played it then why didn't the girls. Both teams are in second place in the district heading into the tournament, both teams had an open game, so my question to you is this... why did the guys play but the girls didn't?
I agree the AD did not break any rules in this at all, he is working harder and smarter than any other AD to best provide for his teams and I also agree that adding events happens in every sport. My only thing is let's just be honest as to why the game was added and stop giving excuses.
Food for Thought
Flucos, Warriors and Black Knights; what a short memory do you have. Don't blame a guy for doing what is best for his program. That same guy was the reason that all of you have turf fields. The Charlottesville area went from having one turf field to now having 5.
What a Joke
The Albemarle County School System and School Board should be embarrased by this whole situation. "It wasn't really a fight" "MY kids were going about 1.2 miles an hour." The non-serious attitude about the incident exhibited by Mr. Barnes is appalling. Trash talking from both sides, intentionally hard fouls all around, the game was stopped, parents came on the floor, police had to separate fans. And what happens? Nothing. "Voluntary" suspensions served in a meaningless, hasitly scheduled last minute game JUST so there would be no real ramifications for the team. Why does each county high school have to have full time athletic directors? With a $4.9million budget deficit staring them in the face, the school board should start by getting rid of these positions.
More Informed / Experienced
In an effort to shed a little light on this whole situation I will say this.... The integrity of this decision will be the subject of various different opinions for some time to come....But that is just it ....OPINIONS.. Here are some facts and experienced assumptions....
1. According to the VHSL Contest Limitation Rule a specific sports team has a certain number of regular season contest they may play no matter when the game is scheduled...
2. AD's move, schedule and reschedule games all the time for various different situations...ie bad weather, mis-communication, prepare for post-season, lag time over spring break etc....
3. The aforementioned game and timing therein obviously could possibly benefit the Mustang Team by allowing them to enter the tournament with all players available....
4. Although this wasn't the case, I know for a fact that coaches and AD's will sometimes leave a little wiggle room in their schedule in case there is a tournament that they want to play in at the last minute, or a game that they want to pick up...
5. Some Basketball Coaches (especially at schools that often go to the playoffs in football will purposely schedule less games and take those games off of the beginning of the season so that they won't have to end up rescheduling them anyway......
6. The issue at the game was not a bench clearing "brawl" Their were two questionable pushes by 2 CHS players and 1 MHS Player on the floor. MHS players on the bench stood up and walked onto the floor (which is a violation).... To my knowledge if that would have been the end of it, two technical fouls were going to be called on the CHS players and the game would have resumed...
Things got hairy when about 3-4 adults (apparent family members of players from both sides) made their way onto the playing floor. That issue and a plastic Bottle being thrown from the CHS Student section in my opinion were the worst events of the night. Take away the bad decision making by a few spectators and the game would have went on...
7. The comment about Monticello being viewed as a purely an athletic school in reality is a over - presumptuous opinion...I know that a great number of people in the area may feel that way but in actuality, Western Albemarle has won more overall championships than not just the public schools in central VA, but they historically have been one of the best in Group AA period. Monticello does receive a lot of attention but a great deal of that has been attributed to success in obviously the most publicized sport, football; and a few great runs by other teams such as Baseball a few years back and Cross-country success as of late to name a few....... The first public school in the area to have a turf - field and other more administrative type issues have created this perception as well,,
I can tell you that MHS is about way more than athletics....It is a school that...
Embraces Diversity on every level,
Has a cutting Edge Fine Arts Department
Teachers that embrace teaching ALL students including but not limited to...AP, Special Ed, Dual Enrollment, ESOL, Black, White, Rich, Poor, you name it....
The bottom line is this...Please stop making this out to be more than it really is....a physical JD Basketball game between two athletic teams that had to be stopped because spectators made poor decisions....and then the RIDICULOUS and extremely inaccurate media attention that followed.
An AD may or may not have made a decision that was perfectly within the rules to give his team a chance in the post-season that they deserve. (If the parents feel that it is questionable then don't let the kids play in the game)
As far as lessons go Central VA How about lets stop teaching our children that if they have something negative to say about something or someone then it is perfectly OK to BLAST people on a message board while hiding behind a computer and a screen name......
Agreed with most of your points
Here is where I agree with you:
MHS is a wonderful school.. To say that MHS is an athletic school only is ludacris at best. MHS has state championships in Football only (to my knowledge) and suspends players if they do not meet academic or class requirements. I have personally seen that. MHS is becoming more successful in their sports programs overall and that makes people angry! You always want to beat the best... or one of the best!
The parents of the players took this to the wrong level and because the media blew it way out of proportion.. it became what it is today.. A three headed monster
Social media before the game started this mess as well. It is my opinion that the coaches and the AD/administrators need to get on their student athletes and tell them to quit with the "smack" talk on facebook and twitter. That blew up big time and lead to a lot of the "bad blood"
The MHS players that left the bench never threw any punches, most were trying to calm things down.. unfortunately as you stated, once they crossed the line, they fell under immediate suspension.
Where we disagree:
No matter how you look at it, the game with GW last night was purely scheduled to make sure that MHS had all their players for the JD tourney. Was it done legally.. ABSOLUTELY!! Was it done morally? ABSOLUTELY NOT!! That's where most of the differences of opinion and angst thrown on the MHS administration is coming from.
Also.. you have just joined that "internet cowboy" status you just spoke about, Don't cast stones at people for making opinions on a PUBLIC ANONOMYOUS opinion board! This is why we have forums like this! Last time I heard, freedom of speech is in the constitution! Did that change?
Hey Agreed
Under the paragraphs "Where we disagree....."
I never said the game wasn't scheduled for that reason, actually I did post that the suspensions were the major benefit of playing the game...I was not trying to hide that fact at all by stating that games are often changed and or added for many different reasons at the discretion of the head coach and AD.
"Internet Cowboy" are your words not mine.....I have no problem with anonymous message boards just people that use them to negatively bash other people or programs.
And you are right Freedom of speech is in the constitution....but the fact that MHS may play up to 22 contest during the regular season is in The VHSL handbook as well.
Good Luck to The Flucos, Warriors, Knights, Indians, Lions, as well as the Mustangs in Next Week's Tourney.
Local Media....(Except Scrimmage Play)..Get your facts straight before you air our Dirty Laundry to the world!!!!
Over and Out
Clarification of some major points
I think we are missing the point here: The adults in this situtaion didn't "teach" the young men in their care a lesson about consequences.
That being said, let me clear up a few things on here that I think are important and need addressing.
1) Regional seeding is decided by head to head results first, then district only winning percentage, and then overall winning percentage. Adding a game (which they lost by the way) with a non-district team, would have had very little chance of being a factor in the regional seedings.
2) It is not common practice for basketball teams to add games like this at the end of the season. In fact, unless it was a district game that was missed due to weather, the practice in the past has been to cancel the game (not add a new one)
3) Monticello still had a chance to play Fluvanna on Thursday night, if the two teams had finished tied in the regular season standings. No one, and I mean no one, could have known before Tuesday night at 9:30 whether or not that game would have been played. So, I find it hard to believe that Monticello was planning to play a non-district game instead of a Jefferson District regular season championship game.
4) The reason Monticello suspended those players was not their own doing. The rules of the VHSL clearly state that anyone leaving the bench area during an altercation is to serve a minimum one-game suspension. Those players had to be suspended by the rules. The question should be: Do we approve of adding a game just to get around the rules? To pretend that this game was added for any other reason is degrading to the conversation.
5) Monticello's girls team does have additional games that they could play. They did not play their full 22 either. I would assume that they as well could have used an additional game.
6) As far as I know, Fluvanna's turf field was paid for by their school board. I don't believe the Monticello athletic department contriubed any funds to that project. In fact, I don't believe the Monticello athletic department donated to any of the other turf field projects.
The entire incident is a shame, and yes, their are lots of adults that can share in the blame. But at the end of the day, shouldn't we all be more worried about what our young men are learning out of this experience? High school athletics is suppose to teach hard work, committment, dedication, integrity, and class. Don't lose sight of the real discussion.
a slightly different perspective from an MHS hoops parent
Fitzgerald Barnes went to bat for his kids and exhausted every option allowed by VHSL and District rules to allow them to participate in post season play. He did so under the watchful eye of the VHSL, the principal of the school and the Albemarle County School board. He found a solution to a complex problem with complete transparency with all parties involved in the decision.
Was he creative and exhaustive in his approach to the problem? Absolutely.
He did exactly what both the Fluvanna and Western Albemarle Athletic directors did last year during the Jefferson District tournament. Make no mistake, last year Scott Morris and Steve Heon did everything within their power to allow their kids to play in the tournament, and they should have, they were executing their job duties. Unfortunately, those kids were denied a chance to participate last year. This year's events were based on a completely different set of circumstances and governed by different rules.
Here are parts of the message Fitz and Dr. Worley clearly sent to their kids.
a) Play within the rules of the game. There are repercussions for your actions even in a situation where you had no ill intent and ignorance of a rule is no defense.
b) Work within the rules of the game. Life presents issues that are shrouded in complexity and that extreme thinking or solutions (either A or Z, one end of the spectrum or the other) are rarely appropriate or effective. Be creative.
c) We've got your back.
d) Stick together
Here are a few lessons reiterated for me and that I hope the kids learn.
a) Don't believe everything ….. What you read in the newspaper and hear on the news can and will be distorted and sensationalized in order to sell a product. (2/8 Dan Shute "large and heavily involved fight" 2/10 Daily progress front page teaser called the incident a "brawl") Only Scrimmage play's initial report was representative of what happened.
d) People who have limited information can and will resort to righteous indignation when condemning you or your actions (Kids, ignore their ignorance of the situation and realize that they have a right to an opinion)
c) Deal with it. Adults and authority figures will let you down. (two ineffective officials, one polarizing official, whacky parents on the court and those who comment on news stories)
Don't hate the player hate
Don't hate the player hate the game. I applaud Fitz for playing within the rules. The Flucos and Western Alb. is mad because they don't have and AD that cares and undersatnd the rules. He found a way to keep his players hope a live. Cudos to you BOY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
No Comparison
How can you even compare this situation to the situation of Fluvanna and Western last year? It was a matter of JV players sitting on a bench in post-season play -- not an out of control, almost dangerous, situation that occurred at MHS. You all can keep downplaying this whole thing and condone the actions of your AD to your athletes -- but the rest of us are not as easily fooled and certainly not impressed with how the MHS A.D. chose to handle this whole thing. It is a shame that the MHS and CHS athletes will think that their behavior was appropriate and that this is part of the game of high school basketball. Where I come from -- it certainly IS NOT.
Hope to see MHS students at WAHS next week
I hope to see all the kids from MHS who come out and support their team so well at the JD semifinals next week at WAHS. They are loud, boisterous group who add A TON to the exciting atmosphere. But leave your parents at home. They don't know how to handle themselves.
The UNLV way
Yeah, nice of Barnes and Monticello to get a quick game with a soft AAA team out of Richmond so the eight won't miss the WA game.
Pretty classy stuff. Just play by your own rules, right Mr. AD?
Let's go Western Albemarle!


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Tribute to Life Insurance Awareness Month: The industry
By Steve Savant
Video is more powerful than words. If a picture paints a thousand words, then a five-minute video can cover an encyclopedia. The first segment includes a video vignette of the insurance industry's economic impact on America. The second segment covers the real impact of life insurance on real people. Steve lets the videos speak for themselves.

subset: commoncrawl


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Mimi Leung returns from the wilderness with a new site of great work
Mimi Leung has been on the move for the past few years. The Melbourne-based illustrator used to call London her home before disappearing off to the outback to teach drawing to kids. We missed her while she was gone as we were denied the brightly coloured, mischievous characters that Mimi's famous for, in our newspapers, magazines and posters.
But forget all that time in the wilderness, Mimi's back in the urban sprawl and producing new commercial work for us all to enjoy. As is customary with an artistic rebirth, she's also just launched a new website that showcases the cream of her back catalogue and a wealth of updates from her creative endeavours in 2012. It's good to have you back Mimi.


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Posted at: 11/11/2012 1:05 PM
Updated at: 11/11/2012 1:07 PM
Police in Rochester are investigating the shooting of a man inside a home on Glide St. that happened Saturday night.
Police say the shooting happened at around 7:30 p.m. According to investigators, a male suspect went into the home with a gun through an unlocked door and demanded money from a man and a woman inside. The suspect then shot the man and got away with several items.
The victim was taken to Strong Memorial Hospital and police say he is expected to survive. The woman inside the home was not injured.
Investigators believe the home was targeted. Police do not yet have the suspect in custody but are following several leads.


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The Power of Loose TiesMarch 31st, 2014
A few years ago I wrote a post about "loose ties." I was inspired after an article by Malcom Gladwell, who stirred up a bee's hive when he dared to question in the New Yorker (Small Change: Why this Revolution will not be Tweeted) that networks like Facebook and Twitter could lead to massive social movements and great change; the ties just aren't strong enough to get people to engage in high risk behavior, like risking their lives for revolutionary causes, he argued.
Turns out he was wrong. Loose ties connect us in ways we would have never been connected before, and to people we would never know or work with otherwise. Secondly, loose ties can evolve into close ties–indeed, they should in select cases.
I've seen this again since losing my job at Cisco a few months ago. It's interesting as I've reached out to people; most of the people who are helping are those I barely know-a colleague I worked with for a couple of months years ago, another I met on Twitter, another worked at the same company after I departed, and so on. None of these people are what I would call close by any stretch. One woman has gone so far as to introduce me into her company and offer to bring my resume personally to the hiring manager. I can't even remember how we met- probably on Facebook or Twitter.
Much of my consulting project work comes from loose ties, and I gladly pass on job leads and help others when possible. Loose ties dissolve if there's not some reciprocity and common purpose/passion.
The Internet makes all of this possible, of course.
Before the Internet, people were connected by phones. My mom had an old AT&T rotary phone for 30 years (leased to her by Ma Bell). When someone called it really meant something. When I'd talk too long on the phone to a friend, my dad would ask me to "give it a break." Finally, he'd get frustrated and ask: "Why don't you just go over there?" and I would, since everybody was within walking distance in my small Texas town.
These were the days of strong, deep relationships, big families, backyard BBQs and so on-the same kind of "personal connection" that might lead like-minded friends to get involved in a risky social revolution (Gladwells' world).
It's no wonder that today's loose ties pale in comparison. Yes, in many cases they're semi-superficial, low intensity bonds among people who don't know each other, as Gladwell points out. But this is merely a reflection of our society, not a fundamental flaw in social media. It's just the way it is. How many people know their neighbors as well as, say, a generation ago? How many people even have time to think anymore? We're a fast-moving, fluid society, skimming the surface of the pond, snatching information and life in small bursts. Social media is the glue that connects us as we race through this new world-and it's all about what you put into it.
Maybe there should be categories of ties, from strongest to weakest. Think about your levels of relationships. You may have hundreds of "friends" on Facebook you barely know, and hundreds or thousands on Twitter. But you also have smaller circles people you do know, and of course, even smaller circles of those you really know-these are the close ties. Where you put your energy in these spheres of relationships will shape your career and life.
Once, I had to help my stepson get a job and I put out a call for help. The three people who responded included one guy I'd worked with some before on a corporate blog project (almost a close tie); another I'd been connected with on Twitter/Facebook for over a year and was a little less familiar with (semi-loose); the last one I barely knew, except he was a senior communications manager connected to me on Facebook (loose/loose). Oh, and my brother in Texas also responded (close tie).
But the interesting point is this-I can't predict which of these connections will come through or which one will lead to an invaluable tie later- it could easily be the (last) loose tie.
The truth is we're just starting to learn how to connect these dots, and bring the digital relationships closer to home. It's a much more fluid, fleeting world-more ambiguity, but also more opportunity.
As far as the issue of Gladwell and the role of social revolts, Clay Shirkey answered this in his book "Here Comes Everybody." Social media breaks down barriers and drives down the cost of organizing to enable movements and results we could barely dream of in an earlier age. "When people care enough, they can come together and accomplish things of a scope and longevity that were previously impossible; they can do big things for love. "


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Listen live to Youth Cup clash
by Stuart Vose
SAFSee broadcasting exclusive online commentary of U18 clash.
Fans will be able to listen to live coverage of the club's FA Youth Cup tie at Ipswich Town.
The club's free-to-air multimedia service, SAFSee, will be broadcasting exclusive commentary from Portman Road on Wednesday (December 11).
The programme will begin at 6.45pm ahead of the 7pm kick-off.
It's set to be an intriguing encounter as the young Black Cats kick off their challenge for the prestigious trophy.
SAFSee is completely free to use, with no subscriptions or payments required. Simply log in or register to get started.
The service provides exclusive audio commentaries of all senior and selected other games plus highlights at every level, from the first team to the under-18's.
Meanwhile there's exclusive behind the scenes features, interviews and much more.


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American Idol
American Idol 2013: Burnell Taylor Top 10 Interview – Exclusive
American Idol 2013 contestant Burnell Taylor lost everything in Hurricane Katrina when his family's home was destroyed. If you had asked him back then if he ever thought he would end up being one of the current frontrunenrs on American Idol Season 12, he would have told you to "stop lying."
In an exclusive interview with Wetpaint after he chosen for the Season 12 Top 10, Burnell says he is ready to leave the pain of his past struggles behind and embrace the dream he is living right now.
What was going through your mind in that room in the back?
It was like, please, please, please, let them call my name. Please let them call my name. I can't go back to New Orleans. So when he called my name, I was like, yes, yes, yes. And I'm just so ready to enjoy the moment and live in it and not take anything for granted. I don't want to get too comfortable just because I'm in the top ten. I have to work as hard as I worked in the past.
Is the competition aspect of it important to you?
Yes, and like I said a long time ago, before we even got top ten, I appreciate everybody's craft as much as I appreciate my own. But at the same token, I do think it's important for me to remember that I am my own person, and I'm still here for a reason because there's no one like me. So I'm just ready to do me and just be true to myself.
There's obviously theme nights, and you're doing covers, so it's really difficult to be yourself. But what do you think is the trick to being yourself within the performance?
Just being honest with all the lyrics that I sing, meaning every word that I say, it's just important to be honest to your audience because that's what they react to the most.
But you also do original music. Is it hard for you to sort of let that aspect of that go and do other people's music for ten weeks?
No, because I feel like I prepped myself for this. I have always been a fan of doing covers of people's songs. So it's no pressure. I feel like if you're original, you do you. You don't have to worry about being the next person. So I feel like with any song I'm given, I can make it my own.
So what should we expect? What kind of artist are you?
Straight R&B. R&B all the way. I may want to do some up tempo, but not too much to the point where the audience will be confused about the type of artist that I am because the songs that I pick have been very similar to each other. So I want to maintain that.
Do you think everything happens for a reason?
Yes, I do think everything happens – well, I know. I know everything happens for a reason.
What if I told you during Katrina that this is where you would find yourself?
Stop lying. I wouldn't have never expected to be here, especially after Katrina, but, you know, since I'm here, I'm happy to be here.
The judges cannot stop raving about you. How good does that feel?
Amazing because I never thought that I would have the chance to even have the opportunity to be like, hi, hi. So the fact that I'm having conversations with these people is just amazing. And I have no one to thank but God because he's the one that got me here.
Who would be your dream mentor?
India.Arie, all the way. India.Arie or Brandy, all the way, hands down.
Stay tuned for more from Burnell Taylor and the other American Idol Season 12 Top 10 contestants as our exclusive interviews continue!


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New York's own Matt Patterson links up with KQuick to unveil the accompanying video to their Back In Business collaborative record,"Whoa."
Surrounded by cold drinks and bad bitches, the pair of artists make it pretty obvious they're about that life.
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Snapshots from the road: Portland, Oregon.
Last week we began the national 20-city book tour for The Great Awakening in Portland, Oregon, at a majestic old venue called the Bagdad theater. It's a renovated 1920's era cinema, one part Grand Old Opry and two parts Ali-baba


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I just took an amazing trip to France, but stammered and stumbled over my words when trying to communicate with people who were working really hard to understand me. I studied the language in high school and college, so I thought I'd be able to navigate my way through the cafés and streets of Cannes. Although I should get an "A" just for effort, as much as I thought I knew, I'm pretty sure I ended up saying things like "I love this chocolate machine and little blanket."
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Dec 29 2007
In Case You Missed It
My brief appearance on CNN's "News to Me" wasn't as tragically embarrassing as I'd originally feared (well, except for that whole unfortunate belching incident), so here it is if you missed it (thanks, Kathleen):
Of course, that relief would soon be shortlived when several readers emailed me the link to this post yesterday (Scroll all the way to the end, please. Or better yet, don't):
I loved that Add-a-Bead necklace, man. I spent a lot of time and emotional energy putting that thing together.
243 Comments
Johann On Sunday, December 30 at 8:36 am
Oh Gawd.
Your accent is just awful.
(and why didn't you say that you GAY readership increases drastically too when you post cowboys wearing chaps ? :p)
corrie On Sunday, December 30 at 8:44 am
Is nothing sacred?
Your lovely visage was the crowing glory of that post! Showing CORRECT seventies beauty, poise and pose!
Did that sound convincing? I did my best…
T On Sunday, December 30 at 8:49 am
It's pretty cool that you have laser eyes, though.
Life On The Planet On Sunday, December 30 at 8:52 am
Ree, you said calf nuts on national television. I stand in awe.
Well, okay, I'm sitting. But you get the picture.
Speaking of pictures…
Erin R. On Sunday, December 30 at 8:52 am
So, I was reading your site this morning. Clicked over the Olan Mills page, got busy with my punks. Came back had already clicked out of here and was laughing hysterically over the 70'd pics. Then, I came across yours and was like, OMG, that's Ree!!! I wonder if she knows?! DUH! (roll eyes now) I swear, having kids will kill your memory!
Marye~ On Sunday, December 30 at 8:55 am
Unfortunately I did miss your (less than) 15 minutes of fame, but I'm glad to see you posted. Too bad they didn't share your impersonations too!
Chantal On Sunday, December 30 at 9:02 am
I LOVED watching it all over again. You did great. And that belch was awesome! Be proud of that one. Find solace too that your Olan Mills picture was probably the best one of the bunch. THANK GOODNESS!
Fairly Odd Mother On Sunday, December 30 at 9:03 am
Great interview and I'm still laughing at your 'laser eyes'. Please tell me that photo hangs somewhere in your home.
I'll need to look for your burping sounds—I'm trying to teach my kids how to burp the alphabet.
Snowbird On Sunday, December 30 at 9:05 am
Thanks so much for posting that Ree. I missed the original on CNN. It was nice hearing your voice:-) I love your site. Thanks for keeping it real and sharing your life, your family, and the calf nuts with us.
onegirliegirl On Sunday, December 30 at 9:07 am
OMG…that Olan Mills link was too funny! Having been born in 1965…I fell in love with the Camaro guy, too!
I swear we were just talking on Christmas about my bad perms, and orange hair (those of us that are brunettes, but loved that "sun-in" look…LOL).
Gretchen On Sunday, December 30 at 9:12 am
I thought you were lovely. Really.
And thanks for the link – what a hoot!
Stormy On Sunday, December 30 at 9:14 am
Thanks for sharing! I've often wondered if you talked like you write – and you do!
Congrats on the interview and on having your photos featured!
Bayou Woman On Sunday, December 30 at 9:19 am
So, is this List of the Day person friend or foe!!!! Watching oneself on video really keeps it real (and humbling!). You did a great job. My extended family was in the room that CNN day (about to begin our extended family Christmas party) and I wanted to watch your clip. Well, none of them were familiar with your blog yet, and they sort of freaked out on the calf nut thing, "WHAT did she say? Did she say CALF NUTS? Ewww. Gross. You've got to be kidding me.!!!" I'm sure you get that initial reaction a lot. I think my niece was about to puke when she saw the child playing with one, etc. Again, great job!
Dayna On Sunday, December 30 at 9:19 am
Wow. You were a really good sport about this. I'd be dying. I'm okay when I make fun of something about me, but am NOT a big fan of when someone else makes fun of something about me.
Must have something to do with growing up as the youngest of four and being teased EVERY.SINGLE.DAY. of my life. (Not that I'm bitter…no…what would make you think that.
I did see you on CNN in the original one. I thought you did a great job.
Renee G On Sunday, December 30 at 9:25 am
I'm typically a lurker but needed to say Congrats on your CNN appearance. Great job! Thanks for making me laugh!
Dana in RI On Sunday, December 30 at 9:30 am
Saw the video previously and think, like all your fans, that you rocked!
Those pictures made me laugh out loud, what a hoot!
Niki On Sunday, December 30 at 9:32 am
So glad you posted the link because I don't have cable and couldn't see you on TV. You were wonderful. Now we all want to live on a ranch.
Tricia On Sunday, December 30 at 9:37 am
Aren't you cute?! But, I don't know. Are you really in the Midwest? I like to think of you being the Southwest. Chicago = Midwest. Your ranch = Southwest. Midwest starts in Kansas. So, that's it. The US Map according to me.
Think about it.
kim-d On Sunday, December 30 at 9:39 am
It is my humble opinion that you were just as beauteous then as you are now. Really! I mean, for the time, you had it all goin' on–and just so ya don't feel so alone, I was also a big fan of the teal eyeliner pencil, but I was WAY old enough to know better :). That being said, I still like my own graduation picture, too–circa 1974. Well, the pic was actually taken in 1973. At 51, why wouldn't I like a picture of myself at 16…I think it still looks like me. Only much younger, much thinner, much less wrinkly, much more optimistic, much more spunky, and with much, much, much more energy. Other than all that, it looks just like me…hehehe. But I've got some resolutions for 2008 that are gonna rememdy some of that…and one of those resolutions is to keep right on stalking your site because reading here everyday makes me very happy. I like you, I like the way you write, I like that you are so willing to share your wonderful life and family with all of us, and I like how secure you are in yourself. For a middle child, you "dun good" for yourself! Again, personal opinion, but I really think that Wetsy's offspring should have a cousin that is very close to the same age; I'm just sayin'.
Beanbean On Sunday, December 30 at 9:40 am
Wait a minute! You mean only MALE CALVES get castrated?? ;p
Hallie On Sunday, December 30 at 9:44 am
I think you should feel honored to be amongst such amazing company!! Not EVERYONE made such an impact with their Sears photo!!
I kind of feel guilty that I've never had the wieners photo taken professionally! SEARS, here we come!!
Sherri On Sunday, December 30 at 9:45 am
You did such a great job!! I just love your blog and so does my daughter Kara. Kara has had a lot of medical problems and when i'm feeling down, I just come to your site and I always seem to chuckle at something and it makes me happy!!
Take care, Sherri
Angi On Sunday, December 30 at 9:49 am
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAA!!! {snort!}
{coffee everywhere}
{fanning myself}
{still chuckling}
awww, Ree . . .I'm {giggling} so sorry . . .{loud gafaw} that you were included in dudes {stifling yet another snort} olan mills line up! BWAHAHAHAAAA!!!
really. {giggle}
Candice On Sunday, December 30 at 9:51 am
That was great! You came across as very down to earth and fun!
Corey On Sunday, December 30 at 9:53 am
I thought your interview was great!
So, does it tick you off at all that your picture was jacked?
julie On Sunday, December 30 at 9:58 am
Great interview and i cant figue out why your pic was on that post, you were then and are now a stunning beauty.
trophywife On Sunday, December 30 at 9:58 am
I saw this on CNN the other day and had to check your site out. I LOVE IT! I read the whole "Black Heels…" story and can't wait for you to continue. I wonder how many hits you're going to have now.
I was telling my 15 year old aout your site and Marlboro Man. "Marlboro Man? What does that mean?" I feel old.
NonnieM On Sunday, December 30 at 10:06 am
My husband drove a Camaro.
Erica On Sunday, December 30 at 10:09 am
Okay, it took be about 3 times looking at that post before I realized it was you. I'm a GENIUS!
Alisa On Sunday, December 30 at 10:13 am
I forgot how much I loved the Muskrat Love…
And calf nuts…
Thanks for keeping both in my life Ree.
You are golden. Congratulations on all the deserved recognition!
Candy On Sunday, December 30 at 10:20 am
You did a great job, Ree. Thanks for posting the video for those of us who didn't get to see it the first time around.
Oh, and I laughed so hard at the Olan Mills pics – priceless!! I think they captured more of my family album than I care to admit. And for those of you who loved Captain and Tennille as much as I did, check this out:
Gotta *heart* the 70's.
JoAnne in CT On Sunday, December 30 at 10:33 am
How funny is that List of the Day site?? I was crying I was laughing so hard! Don't mind it Ree, it was all in good fun!
TLCcamera On Sunday, December 30 at 10:38 am
– When will Calf Nuts appear in America's grocery stores? I can see a Pioneer Woman brand, and boxes that carry different photos by Ree.
— When will we see a recipe for Calf Nuts in your cooking section?
patti On Sunday, December 30 at 10:41 am
(sound of your laser eyes taking out the speaker)
kimmie On Sunday, December 30 at 10:53 am
well that wasnt so bad…i loved it!
Not sure about the calf nuts though
Ellen On Sunday, December 30 at 11:18 am
And she gazed into the stars to see what the future would hold…and little did she know that it would involve punks, calf nuts and a dog with velvet ears and not a dog painted on velvet.
I guess that this was a graduation photo? Don't feel bad, mine was taken in a vicuna printed shirt ala the late 70's -tragic too in its own twisted way.
tbaat On Sunday, December 30 at 11:18 am
You were great on CNN! And the hair, let's just say, we've all been there. Luckily for me, it's only available for viewing in my parents spare bedroom. My Mom tried to warn me about the hair on the day I headed out to have my senior pics taken. I'm surprised the photographer was able to get it all in the shot. Why don't we listen to our Mother's????
Beth On Sunday, December 30 at 11:20 am
Still like the video interview you did great!
Thanks for that link. Yours wasn't that bad, actually. But that whole page had me laughing so hard I cried. It was great.
Ami P On Sunday, December 30 at 11:26 am
I loved my add-a-bead necklace too! Isn't it odd to find your picture on someone else's site like that? At least you looked great then too. I'd be demanding that my 80's shot be taken down! haha
Susan On Sunday, December 30 at 11:34 am
I absolutely love your site Ree. I lived in Oklahoma and worked a fantastic job there until I met my own "marlboro man" on an airplane. I did the reverse of you and moved back East. I read your site everyday. Please don't ever stop. I look forward to it so much.
Erika On Sunday, December 30 at 11:38 am
You did wonderful!
You deserve the spotlight, this blog is wonderful.
Congrads to your sis on the newest lil one!
Don't ever stop, your doing a wonderful job!
Gee On Sunday, December 30 at 11:38 am
Ditto, WDS…sitting in the room by myself laughing out loud at those captions! And thanks for the Captain & Tenille video! I think I had her haircut when you were 10.
Ree, I remember shopping long and hard for just the right add-a-beads…what a trip down memory lane!
Deana On Sunday, December 30 at 11:48 am
This was so cool and you seem like such a nice, real person. Good luck and continued success with your blog and your family! And congrats to your sister having a baby.
Adina On Sunday, December 30 at 11:52 am
WDS–thanks for the link. I was more creeped out by the Muskrats rubbing their butts together while perched upon Captain's head! God, I miss the 70's!
Merino On Sunday, December 30 at 12:05 pm
Well deserved recognition "laser eyes" LOL :). Congrats!
risignrainbow On Sunday, December 30 at 12:10 pm
Hey! When you got it, flaunt it! That's what they say…….so go for it girl. It's not every day a PW from anywhere gets on CNN. Shouldn't some kind of book deal follow along with this? The bloggers road to fame and fortune. That would be pretty cool.
Jenny On Sunday, December 30 at 12:11 pm
AWESOME! Burp and all. You'll have your own show before you know it!!!
Jenny in VA
Elizabeth On Sunday, December 30 at 12:14 pm
LMAO! That was great!
Rooth On Sunday, December 30 at 12:14 pm
do you feel famous yet?
Leslie On Sunday, December 30 at 12:15 pm
You need to finish BHTW and sell it to Hollywood. I want to see the movie version!!! Who would you choose to play you and MM?
blue On Sunday, December 30 at 12:17 pm
at least you didn't make the "glamor shots" list!
That was one hilarious post. Do you know the admin?
Barbara On Sunday, December 30 at 12:22 pm
I don't know Ree – I think laser eyes are a pretty cool super power (Aquaman must be jealous).
Jen On Sunday, December 30 at 12:25 pm
You are adorable even with the burps!
Kater On Sunday, December 30 at 12:26 pm
You were a gem on CNN! I caught the "live" version and have it TiVo'ed. Just reinforces my belief that given a few less miles between us, we'd be pals. (I know, I know. Me and everyone else on this site!)
And thanks for the List of the Day link. Oh my stars, I was roaring! And I second the opinion that you were indeed the most "normal" looking of the bunch.
Happy New Year! I hope 2008 brings you all you want. And then some.
tj On Sunday, December 30 at 12:37 pm
…Hello Ree & readers! I have to say that person should've started off with your photo at the top and then went on with the rest of 'em… Your photo is the best one out of all of them and the rest, well they just leave ya crying from laughter! lol… ;o)
…Gosh, who didn't love Captain & Tennille? Remember KC & The Sunshine Band and Kool & The Gang? And who didn't say, "Where's the beef?" back then…lol I guess that's still a pretty popular saying around your house still today, huh Ree? lol… ;o)
…Thanks for the trip down memory lane -Have a great day everyone!
…Blessings… :o)
Skur On Sunday, December 30 at 12:43 pm
Ree, love it! At least they didn't have that pic up (that we all had), where Winston made us look up over our shoulder at God-knows-what! What was up with that?!
btw, I thought you looked beautiful, then and now.
Trish On Sunday, December 30 at 12:44 pm
That was great! As much as I enjoy your still photos, it was wonderful to see your life in motion.
Thanks for sharing it!
tj On Sunday, December 30 at 12:48 pm
carolyn says:
December 30th, 2007 at 1:46 am
…lol…Gosh 'carolyn', you may just wanna start blogging about dairy farm life – you could be the next one on CNN. We all hear how California cows are happier!
…And 'WDS'? I'm gonna be the first one to ask this and I'm surprised it hasn't been asked already, but how did your date go? :o)
suzanne On Sunday, December 30 at 12:58 pm
Your photographs looked absolutely SPECTACULAR in the video. So fun to see you and yours in the "moving pictures". :^)
Erin On Sunday, December 30 at 12:58 pm
I had to check to make sure one of my unfortunate Olan Mills pics didn't make it to that website…
The interview was great. Congrats!
Athens, Ga
Beth On Sunday, December 30 at 1:02 pm
Callie Ann On Sunday, December 30 at 1:23 pm
Congrats Sweetie, I am so glad CNN did this on you. It's awesome. I am also proud to say I new you win. Like before you got your big award. Woo Hoo!!!
Lynn On Sunday, December 30 at 1:33 pm
Wow, that was great! I bet you get some junk from animal rights people. But don't stop what you're doing. You just keep it real!
Lisa! On Sunday, December 30 at 1:35 pm
How meta… (the Olan Mills post)
woodlandqueen On Sunday, December 30 at 1:38 pm
Pretty good for your FIRST interview lol
Congrats, lots of blessings this month for your family!
well except for that olan mills reprint thang' lol
candi On Sunday, December 30 at 1:47 pm
Don't forget your old school readers when you get hit by a wave of newbies!!!
monica On Sunday, December 30 at 1:51 pm
great to 'see you'.
Keep up the stories… and thank you.
chickadee On Sunday, December 30 at 1:51 pm
my whole family was here for lunch today after church and we sat down to watch your interview. loved it. you're famous!
Jenni On Sunday, December 30 at 1:52 pm
I'm just glad you clarified that you only castrate the *male* calves.
I, for one, was worried.
faith On Sunday, December 30 at 1:54 pm
that was great! you did a great job…
Donna from Kansas On Sunday, December 30 at 2:17 pm
Cool! You have laser eyes??? You have been holding out on MM by not using them to melt ice off the pond (choosing instead to ogle his rippling muscles while HE does the dirty work!).
I have a several lovely Olan Mills photos in my collection. Perhaps we should have a contest…
Donna from Kansas On Sunday, December 30 at 2:18 pm
Oh yeah, I saw the actual "Pioneer Woman" in Ponca City last night–the one made of bronze anyway. I'm pretty sure she doesn't have a blog though. Is that where you got your blog title?
Meg from Georgia On Sunday, December 30 at 2:34 pm
Ahhh, those add-a-bead necklaces bring back memories!
My parents owned a jewelry store and I remember selling and making those things. We had every color and size there was and remember the cloisonne ones? Sooooo pretty!
They will probably come back into style, everything always seems to!
My favorite Olan Mills pic was the Southern Baptist Convention!!! Being from the Bible belt, that one made me laugh so hard I cried!
Heidi On Sunday, December 30 at 2:43 pm
oh ree I love it…. so cool!!
Carrums On Sunday, December 30 at 2:49 pm
LOL!!! Those pictures were too funny!!!
And, add-a-beads? Do you still have yours? And, Gee, you're right, I remember shopping for those beads, too. Seems like I was always denting my gold ones. lol!
ruth On Sunday, December 30 at 2:58 pm
I imagined you with a much lower, huskier voice. You also look much younger than the picture you post of yourself.
Cheryl M On Sunday, December 30 at 3:03 pm
I love this site! I had to call my sister and tell her because you and she would have so much in common, including the burping! Keep up the good work!
Sandy On Sunday, December 30 at 3:12 pm
You are, quite simply, wonderful! I wish you much love, happiness, health and prosperity in the New Year!
QC Guy On Sunday, December 30 at 3:14 pm
Encore! Encore!!!
Phyllis On Sunday, December 30 at 3:26 pm
What a great interview! Thanks for posting the link, I missed it on TV. I love your blog and your photo's are absolutly WONDERFUL! You have inspired me to take a photography class in the spring!! Can't wait for the next installment of your "Book". Happy New Year!!
MeganRuth On Sunday, December 30 at 3:28 pm
i saw this in atlanta when i was stuck in the airport for 5 hours waiting for my layover! i got so excited! i kept telling my husband, "i read her blog! i read it! i know her!"
debbie On Sunday, December 30 at 3:40 pm
LOVE the LINK to the Olan mills pictures. TOO FUNNY.
Grandma J (Janice in TX) On Sunday, December 30 at 3:48 pm
I love the CNN video. You were fantastic.
Those Olan Mills 70's-80's portraits where hysterical. I remember the family portrait that our church took for the parish directory in the early 60's. My mom liked it so much she had a huge paint-by-number canvas made. Once she finished this gawd awful project (it was really bad), they hung it over the fireplace.
buggirl On Sunday, December 30 at 3:54 pm
They totally lifted your picture. So did you email the guy. You know you could have some fun with that. Is MM snickering?
You did a great job on CNN. I would totally have the "deer in headlights" thing going on. How are you handling all of the fame and attention? How are your kids doing with it or are they isolated enough that it doesn't really affect them? I suppose if you lived in LA you couldn't get away with so much.
Ed On Sunday, December 30 at 3:59 pm
Congratulations, Ree! To not sound like a broken record, you did very well on CNN. Next thing you know you"ll have a fanclub.
Shelly On Sunday, December 30 at 4:02 pm
Ree, That was great!! Thank you for showing us all a small part of life on a working cattle ranch! I found your site looking while looking for recipes and now I am hooked. I don't yet have punks I have wild animals (3y and 18m), But they are turning into punks.
Thanks again!
Joyce On Sunday, December 30 at 4:03 pm
What a treat to see you showcased on national tv. What a great interview! As for the picture post on that other blog, they're just jealous. Keep on keep'en really real.
Brodi On Sunday, December 30 at 4:08 pm
I actually saw that website yesterday and was going to email it to you! Clearly there's no need now.
Going off to watch the CNN thing…
Beth in NB On Sunday, December 30 at 4:16 pm
Saw it! Loved it! CAn I say I knew you when!
Svava On Sunday, December 30 at 4:28 pm
I have been reading you blog for some time now. I never miss a day. congratulations on your tv success.
Svava from Iceland
( between America and Europe)
Rachelle H On Sunday, December 30 at 4:30 pm
So, I am sure everyone is asking, but did you give permission for him to use that photo? It is quite a funny caption. I loved the photos. I have family photos, from when I was a kid, that look like several of those photos. I loved the CNN interview. You were great. I also heard, through the grapevine, that you were featured in a newspaper article. You Rock!
Tina On Sunday, December 30 at 4:32 pm
I've been reading your blog for the last 2 or 3 weeks. It is like walking down memory lane for me. I grew up just like your punks. I learned to drive when I couldn't even reach the pedals on cattle drives, "Just follow those cows" my dad would tell me. Breaking the ice for the chickens in my case, and who can forget the calving day where we dehorned/ immunized/branded/castrated the calves. Oooooo, the only thing you didn't capture was the smell, but I could remember that wonderful aroma just reading about it. It just can't be duplicated. My mother, sisters and sisters-in-law all love the site. Even tried a few recipes!! THANKS!! Tina P.S. I married a city slicker and am far far away from all that now. But home is where you hang your hat!!
AzKate On Sunday, December 30 at 4:45 pm
So glad you posted the links for those of us who missed it first time around.
You are a such a blessing and a daily dose of sunshine and realism in a terrific blend Ree. Here's to your readership going up yet again! ;o)
PS I learned of your blog, oh, about 8 months ago on a Christian Homeschooling web-forum. Been hooked ever since!
dick On Sunday, December 30 at 4:46 pm
Loved that Olan Mills site.
funny that came up now. I just got an email from Classmates.com and one of my fellow grads (1958) just posted the senior pics from the high school annual. The 80's got nothing on the 50's. Poodle skirts, flat tops, plaids, horrible glasses, everyone looking off to the side. I still remember my brother getting a DA haircut and I thought my dad would have a heart attack.
Stephanie On Sunday, December 30 at 4:55 pm
I think you did great. I'm just sorry that I missed it originally. I love the booger picking and the calf nut throwing. That made me laugh.
Have a great night.
Bonnie On Sunday, December 30 at 5:00 pm
That was great, Ree! You were so relaxed & natural! Thanks for sharing with us…….we loved it!
AmyC65 On Sunday, December 30 at 5:09 pm
Hey Ree
I TiVo'd you last weekend so I could watch again and again, since we are friends and all. You just don't know it. Anyway, thanks for the Olan Mills laughs. Wish I could comment on yours, but it really was spectacularly ordinary compared to some of those doozies!
Happy New Year!
Leigh On Sunday, December 30 at 5:12 pm
That was so neat! I haven't been reading here for very long, but it was amazing to put a see you "in real life". :o)
Cassie On Sunday, December 30 at 5:15 pm
That was a wonderful interview, Ree! You had no reason to be nervous.
Debbie W. On Sunday, December 30 at 5:16 pm
So Ree,
What did the Pioneer Punks think of their Pioneer Mommy being on TV? If your home is anything like mine, the kids got finished watching the interview, said, "That was fun, Mom.", and then asked what was for dinner!
Always remember that no matter how "big" you become, you will always be just plain 'ol mom to your children, but then again, would you ever have it any other way? Life is good, isn't it?!?!


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By Donna MilesAmerican Forces Press Service
ROTA, Spain, June 13, 2004 Civilian leaders visiting here from throughout the United States looked on June 12 as Marines charged with providing anti- terrorism and force protection throughout Europe demonstrated how they use non- lethal weapons in their mission.
The leaders from business, academia and local government, all participants in the 2004 Joint Civilian Orientation Conference, got a firsthand look at tactics used by Marine Corps Security Force Company Europe.
The unit, based here, deploys throughout Europe, Eurasia and Africa to provide extra protection to military installations and ships during high-threat periods, Marine Maj. Frank Lugo Jr., the unit commander, told the group.
Lugo said the unit's 200 members stand ready to deploy within six hours to protect vital U.S. interests. Their mission, he explained, ranges from reinforcing vehicle entry control points to providing security for convoy operations to controlling unruly or violent crowds that pose a threat.
"They're used all over the world," said Navy Adm. Gregory Johnson, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Europe. "There's constantly a mission for them."
Since July 2002, the unit has conducted more than 250 anti-terrorism and force protection missions. "I walk on a cloud every day with the number of Marines I have and the missions they have done," Lugo said.
Last summer, for example, the company deployed to Monrovia, Liberia, to provide additional security at the U.S. Embassy. There, the Marines used one of what Lugo calls one of the most valuable tools at its disposal: non-lethal weapons.
These, he explained, are weapons and devices that intimidate or inflict pain or discomfort, but don't kill. They range from ear-splitting noises to pepper spray to sting-ball grenades to plastic bullets.
"We have an immense non-lethal capability here," Lugo told the group. "These weapons won't kill you, but they'll stop you in your tracks."
Lugo said non-lethal weapons help the Marines keep unruly mobs such as those that might surround a U.S. embassy, military installation or ship -- from turning violent. "We want to avoid pulling the trigger at all costs in a riot situation," he said.
The Marines resort to lethal weapons only in extreme cases, he said, but are armed with firepower ranging from M-2 .50-caliber machine guns to 9 mm pistols.
Johnson told the civilian leaders that sometimes the unit's mere presence is enough to quell an unruly mob. "An American Marine is a statement," he said. "It doesn't take many of them to get people to back down."
Cpl. John Calloway, team leader for Marine Corps Security Force Company Europe's 1st Platoon, told members of the group he witnessed that intimidation factor personally when he deployed with the unit to Liberia in August. Rebel groups had launched a civil war, and the company deployed to protect the U.S. embassy and other U.S. assets.
"The protests were never very violent," said Calloway, who conducted patrols through the city during the 110-day deployment. "I think part of it was the intimidation."
Armed with masks, flak vests, shin guards and body shields, the Marines demonstrated some of their tactics to the civilian leaders.
"We get loud and aggressive," said Sgt. Edward Skelly, a 2nd Platoon squad leader. "We try to get a mental edge that says, 'Hey, if you don't need to be here, you need to leave.'"
"You notice a general reluctance to still be there," said Lance Cpl. Aaron Taylor, who also served in Liberia. "The crowd starts to fall back and disperse."
Tom Pepin, president, chief executive officer and owner of the Pepin Distributing Company in Tampa, Fla., said he was impressed by the Marines' range of response measures. "Different situations call for different levels of force," he said. "Rather than overreacting to a situation, they employ all different means of engagement, from intimidation to cleaning up."
After visiting the Marines, members of the Joint Civilian Orientation Conference watched members of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Detachment Rota demonstrate techniques they use to identify and destroy suspicious packages and enemy munitions such as improvised explosive devices.
The civilian leaders' stop in Rota topped off a weeklong whirlwind tour to see and learn about U.S. military operations and meet the men and women who carry them out.
The trip, which began at the Pentagon, included visits to Andrews Air Force Base, Md.; Ramstein Air Base, Germany; Forward Operating Base Eagle in Tuzla, Bosnia-Herzegovina; Baku, Azerbaijan; and Rota.
Some of about 50 participants in the conference, like Joanne Udelf, president of a real estate investment company in La Jolla, Calif., said she joined the group out of a love of the military and a desire to know more about what they do.
"The civilian community doesn't understand our military or the caliber of the men and women in uniform," she said. "How can you not love the military? And how can you not want to learn more?"
Air Force Gen. Charles F. Wald, deputy commander for U.S. European Command, accompanied the group throughout the visit. "This is the most important thing we do," Wald said, noting that the military has "no connectivity" to the civilian community and needs to make an effort to change that. "The American public needs to know what we're about," Wald said.
He said participants in the program will return to their communities to serve as "force multipliers" for the U.S. military, sharing their experiences and their pride in the armed forces.
He told the group it boils down to one thing: "young kids doing hard work."
"It's the level of professionalism and maturity that really makes us stand apart," said Brig. Gen. Thomas Csrnko, commander of U.S. Special Operations Command Europe, during the group's visit to Azerbaijan to visit Navy SEAL training with their Azeri counterparts.
Richard Roper, founder and president of a public policy consulting firm in Newark, N.J., called the conference "an opportunity I wouldn't miss to observe the American military presence in an important part of the world."
Diane Garcia, owner and CEO of a Denver company that provides strategic planning and corporate development services, called the trip "overwhelming" and said it "exceeded everything" she expected.
"My biggest impression has been the quality of the people," said Steve Harlan, chairman of a real estate firm in Bethesda, Md. "These people are extremely well-trained and communicate that well."
Harlan said it's "hard to pick out a highlight" of the trip. "It's all been very good," he said. "I feel very lucky to be here."
"When you go back home, tell them what our soldiers are doing for them," Lt. Gen. William E. "Kip" Ward, deputy commander of U.S. Army, Europe, told the group when it visited Forward Operating Base Eagle in Tuzla to observe peacekeeping operations. "What you see here is America our greatest resource. They're making a difference, and we have to take care of them."
Related Sites:DoD's 2004 Joint Civilian Orientation ConferenceU.S. European CommandU.S. Naval Forces EuropeU.S. Army, EuropeU.S. Special Operations Command EuropeNaval Station Rota, SpainAndrews Air Force Base, Md.Ramstein Air Base, Germany
Related Articles:Civilian Leaders See Simulated Anti-Terrorism OperationsNavy Special Ops Demos Training in AzerbaijanU.S. Visitors Observe Guardsmen in Peacekeeping OpsCivilian Leaders See U.S. Air Forces in Europe CapabilitiesCivilian Leaders Begin European Phase of DoD OrientationDeputy Welcomes Civilian Leaders to "DoD 101" Introduction


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Welcome to Essendon Chiropractic Centre
The Essendon Chiropractic Centre began in 1972 in Buckley St Essendon. Dr Chris Webster joined the clinic in 1982. The clinic moved to 799 Mt Alexander Rd Moonee Ponds in 1994. The doctors at the Essendon Chiropractic Centre have been looking after the health of the residents of the Moonee Valley area for more than 35 years.
Currently our clinic is open from 9.00AM to 7.00 PM Monday to Friday. An offstreet car park is available for patients, which is accessed from St James St.
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The assessment includes a comprehensive examination which provides vital information about your problem, a one on one consultation with one of our Chiropractors, a full postural, physical and neurological examination.
On your initial visit, if we feel that we cannot help you, then we will not charge you, or if you are not satisfied for any reason we will not charge you. This is our guarantee to you, so you have nothing to lose by calling our clinic on 9326-1755 for an appointment.


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Breaking news for the full foodservice equipment and supplies distribution channel. Includes information on dealers, distributors, design consultants and multi-unit operators spanning leadership changes, mergers and acquisitions, trends, data and much more.
Development veteran to lead the restaurant chain's accelerated growth plans.
Kenneth May out for personal reasons.
James Gill to manage Mars' rep network and inside sales and customer service teams.
Industry job openings now easier to search for.
Former CEO Kim steps down effective immediately.
Industry veteran joins the Pennsylvania-based manufacturer and distributor of kitchen equipment replacement parts and accessories.
Foodservice equipment manufacturer bolsters its sales and service leadership.
Maness takes on new role.
Brad Wasserstrom becomes FEDA president.
Executive Chairman of Metz Culinary Management chosen as industry leader to help mold students at Penn State's School of Hospitality Management.
Edward Steele to lead Bettcher's new product development efforts.


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Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Ready or not, it's January and region play is here.
The official second half of the 2013-2014 basketball season has tipped off with abandon as teams began playing their respective region schedules.
The slate on whatever has happened over the past six weeks is washed clean. Losing streaks are merely a number.
Everybody is 0-0 and tied for first place.
The Berkeley basketball teams began their Region 7AAA schedule hosting Hilton Head on Jan. 14, and Hanahan on Jan. 17.
Coaches Crystal Peace and Joe Wallace know their respective teams have to come ready to play. These are the games that count.
For Peace, her Lady Stags have struggled to find their rhythm over the season's first six weeks.
"Our ladies have to be consistent," she said. "Jonnay Anthony is playing great right now, but everyone has to show up and be consistent.
"Region is the only thing that matters at this point. We're going to have some stiff competition too."
The Lady Stags have to deal with top-ranked Orangeburg-Wilkinson and Hilton Head, ranked ninth in Class AAA.
"Orangeburg-Wilkinson is always good and so are the rest of the teams in the region," Peace said. "The kids know what our coaching staff expects and at this point it's: work hard and apply the things you work so hard on in practice. All of that must transition into the game. We're focusing on staying positive."
The Lady Stags fell to ninth ranked Hilton Head 62-38 on Jan. 14.
Peace said success must come from within.
"They have to believe in themselves and I know that they do. It's going be interesting to see it all come together."
For Coach Joe Wallace and his Stags it's about continuing to ride the wave of momentum over the last six weeks of play.
While their won/loss record may not reflect it at 8-6, these Stags will be a force to be reckoned with in Region 7AAA.
"As we enter region play, I firmly believe that we are in good shape because of our non-region schedule," he said. "We have played some stiff competition and we have already played in and won three overtime games." Wallace, in his third year at the head of the Berkeley basketball program thinks his team can make a move through the region and into the state playoffs if they are prepared mentally.
"I definitely like our chances to be successful in region play this year," he said. "But that success is dependent upon us being mentally ready, playing together as a team, and selling out on defense."
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Ron Haskins, co-director of the Center on Children and Families at the Brookings Institution, has written a sobering and important essay for National Affairs on marriage, parenthood, and public policy. I thought it might be useful to highlight data from the Haskins essay, in order to understand just how profound the changes in family composition have been over the last four decades.
Marriage Rates
In 1970, 83 percent of women ages 30 to 34 were married. By 2010, that number had fallen to 57 percent.
For almost every demographic group, whether broken down by age, education, or race and ethnicity, marriage rates have declined nearly continuously since 1970. Marriage rates for 20- to 24-year-olds, for instance, fell from 61 percent to 16 percent, a decline of almost 75 percent in four decades. The rate for 35- to 39-year-olds declined by 25 percent, from 83 percent to 62 percent. (The only exception to the pattern of decline was for women with a college degree or more. After a modest decline of about 11 percent between 1970 and 1990, the marriage rate for college-educated women stopped declining and even increased by about 1 percent between 1990 and 2010.)
Non-Marital Birth Rates
The non-marital birth rate among all demographic groups has increased from 11 percent to almost 41 percent over the same four decades. In 2010, 72 percent of births to African-American women were out of wedlock. The Hispanic rate was 53 percent, a 50 percent increase over 1989 (when data on Hispanic birth rates first began to be collected separately from non-Hispanic whites). The rate for non-Hispanic whites, which stood at 16 percent in 1989, had increased to 29 percent by 2010, a larger increase in percentage terms than for any other group over that period.
Teen pregnancy rates have declined almost every year since 1991, and the number of teen births has declined by more than 50 percent since that time. The problem of non-marital pregnancy is now greatest among adults in their 20s and 30s.
Married-with-Children Households
Over the four-decade period, the percentage of married-with-children households declined by well over a third to just 51 percent. By contrast, the percentages of all three other types of households increased: married without children by 72 percent, single with children by 122 percent, and single without children by 165 percent.
Single Parent Households
In 1970, 12 percent of children lived with a single parent at any given time; over the next 40 years, that number increased by 124 percent, rising to 27 percent of children in 2010. Over the course of their childhoods, as many as half of all American children will spend some time in a single-parent household.
Child Poverty
According to the Census Bureau, in 2012 the poverty rate among children living with only their mother was 47.2 percent; by contrast, the poverty rate among children living with their married parents was 11.1 percent, meaning that a child living with a single mother was almost five times as likely to be poor as a child living with married parents.
As the Haskins essay makes clear, there is a high human cost to children in particular when marriage collapses–in terms of high school dropout rates, delinquency, crime and incarceration, drug use, mental illness, suicide, poverty, idleness in later years, and more. "If we want to address the challenges of income inequality and immobility," he writes, "we must address one of the main causes – non-marital births and single parenting."
Mr. Haskins, in reviewing programs tried at all levels of government, finds that the results have been mixed and, for the most part, hardly encouraging. We are dealing in a realm of human behavior where the positive effects of public policy look to be quite limited. What will be required is a substantial shift in social mores–in how we view the institution and purposes of marriage, the duties of parenthood, our commitments to one another, and even human fulfillment itself–and there's little evidence that is about to occur anytime soon.
In 2000, Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan was asked to identify the biggest change he had seen in his 40-year political career. Moynihan responded, "The biggest change, in my judgment, is that the family structure has come apart all over the North Atlantic world." This change has occurred in "an historical instant," Moynihan said. "Something that was not imaginable 40 years ago has happened."
Indeed it has. (The trends that concerned Moynihan have, in fact, accelerated.) The historian Lawrence Stone said the scale of marital breakdown in the West since 1960 has no historical precedent. It is unique. And as a civilization we seem unable, or at least unwilling, to do much of anything about it.


text: State of the Union reaction WASHINGTON- President Bush's State of the Union address noted the need to change some provisions of No Child Left Behind. His call for flexibility echoes the bipartisan push for substantive reform as part of the reauthorization process. The National Education Association said the remarks are a step in the right direction and long overdue, but raised serious concerns about the president's proposals that alluded to school vouchers and called for sweeping health care changes. "Educators have experienced NCLB firsthand for the past five years, and welcome the president's acknowledgment that it's time for increased flexibility and funding," NEA Pres. Reg Weaver said. "We need to make sure struggling schools have the resources they need to improve. And we need to make sure the law is flexible enough to take a school's improvement into consideration before leveling heavy-handed sanctions." Weaver said NEA looks forward to working with Congress to incorporate the association's Positive Agenda during reauthorization so that NCLB truly meets its goals of improving student achievement, closing achievement gaps and ensuring every student has a fully qualified teacher. Yet Weaver rejected the idea that NCLB reform should include proposals by the president that would divert resources away from public schools. "No children should be 'stuck in failing schools' and access to a quality public school should be the basic right of every child," Weaver said. "The success of all public schools should be the priority. So let's not take one step forward and three steps back. NCLB reform shouldn't be muddied by voucher proposals that have repeatedly failed, or floundered, in Congress. Whether they're called 'opportunity scholarships' or 'promise scholarships' or any other name, a voucher is a voucher. School vouchers divert scarce dollars from underfunded public schools and move us farther from achieving a great public school for every child." The president also proposed health care policies that he said are meant to make health insurance more affordable for those who are uninsured and will give the insured an incentive to choose the cheapest health care available. Individuals with more generous health care plans would pay new taxes. "NEA's 3.2 million members welcome the president's attention to the crisis of affordable health care," Weaver said. "But instead of expanding health care to all, it penalizes those fortunate enough to have proper coverage. What's worse, it irresponsibly encourages people to cut back on their family's health coverage by dangling the promise of smaller tax bills. We urge lawmakers to focus on the rising costs of health care, the impact on families and how we can make sure all Americans have access to quality health care."


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Just like in the Beatles song, the long and winding road leading to Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (FRCP) amendments took another turn on April 10th and 11th when the Advisory Committee considered the proposed rules package at its meeting in Portland, Oregon. The rules package being considered at the Portland conference was the result of revisions on the original amendment proposals after an active public comment period that ran from August 2013 through February 2014. While the rules package contains several important amendments relating to ediscovery, the most controversial proposal relates to the "failure to preserve" section in Rule 37(e). This language was the most hotly contested area throughout the public comment period. As such, there was much anticipation surrounding the Advisory Committee's Portland meeting.
The Advisory Committee unanimously approved a draft of Rule 37(e)…but not the draft that was issued in late March (after the public comments). A shortened Rule 37(e) – limited to ESI only – was drafted during day one of the Portland meeting and unveiled to the Advisory Committee only minutes before meetings commenced on day two. The fluidity of the process is exhibited by the fact that no Committee Note accompanied the revised Rule 37(e). Instead, when the Advisory Committee unanimously adopted it, the motion included a provision that a Committee Note be drafted prior to submitting a package to the Committee on Rules of Practice and Procedure (the "Standing Committee").
A full draft of the entire rules package – including the new, shortened Rule 37(e) – can be found in Tom Allman's latest version of his FRCP amendments treatise. Tom is a former general counsel, current adjunct law school professor, and foremost ediscovery rules guru, and with his permission, Kroll Ontrack has posted Tom's paper for our blog readers' edification.
On May 29th and 30th, the Standing Committee is scheduled to review the Advisory Committee's recommendations, after which the proposals (if approved) will be submitted to the Judicial Conference and Supreme Court. The earliest that any FRCP amendments could go into effect is December 1, 2015 (assuming that Congress does nothing to intervene).
Buckle your seat belts, there are likely to be a few more twists and turns before we reach the door of new FRCP guidelines for ediscovery.
See more »
DISCLAIMER: Because of the generality of this update, the information provided herein may not be applicable in all situations and should not be acted upon without specific legal advice based on particular situations.
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