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The Tale of My Tail, Part II
The solution to finally getting rid of that pain in your butt.
By contributing writer Sarah Romeo
« Back to The Tale of My Tail, Part I
And the saga continues, of the time when I thought I was growing a tail, but it really just turned out to be a kiwi-sized lower back cyst on the urge of violent eruption. No big deal. If you haven't read "The Tale of My Tail, Part I," then I highly suggest you do, in order to get up to speed with this story. But in case you didn't and are too lazy to do so now, here's the SparkNotes version:
When we last left our heroine, (me), I was laying face down on an examining table in the pediatric ward of a shitty Bronx hospital with a slew of hair weave-clad nurses prodding my naked butt with their rubber gloved fingers.
Raise your hand if you have been more dehumanized in the past week.
I had just been diagnosed with a pilonidal cyst in my lower back, a cyst I was born with, and when infected, grows to a size so large the body cannot capacitate it and it explodes out the top of my ass crack. Like seriously, how messed up is my life? I was handed a hot compress and told to keep it on the cyst at all times until it burst. In the meantime, I was also handed a full bottle of codeine. For the first time in days, things were starting to look up.
Part II
My dear friend Gwen, who accompanied me to the hospital, took hold of my arm and dragged me toward the exit of the hospital, partly because I could no longer walk, and partly because a heroine junkie we had met in the ER earlier was trying to offer us a ride home. Tempting as it was, we opted to take Fordham's Rambulance back to campus instead. As I sat in the Rambulance, the pain I experienced took on a new personality. Before, it had been consistent, and no doubt excruciating, but it had this sort of dull quality to it. Now, perched on one butt cheek in the van driven by some dumbass 18-year-old in my Spanish class, the pain heightened and developed sharpness. It was if I was being repeatedly stabbed in the nape of my butt crack with an ice pick.
I asked the Rambulance driver to drop me off at my dorm, since walking was no longer a an option. Of course, a slew of college freshman were loitering around to gawk at me while rolling out of the Rambulance and hobbling into my building. I heard one whisper to another, "You think she has a UTI? She's walking like she had a lot of rough sex last night."
When I got back to my dorm room, I changed into sweats and immediately assumed the fetal position in bed. My roommate had gone home for the weekend, so Gwen sat with me so I wouldn't have to get up when people knocked on my door. Ya know, I'm just that popular. My friend Tom, the stereotypical college smartass, came by to see what was up, and was clearly surprised to see me pale and decrepit under my blanket. I explained to him what had happened.
"Wait, wait…" Tom said, "You trying to tell me that you have a cyst…ON YOUR BUTT??!?"
"It's on my natal cleft, you douche muffin," I retorted. This drove Tom into a fit of grand male laughter, and entertained him for hours. Every few minutes he would swagger by my room shouting something like, "Hey everyone, Romeo has a cyst…ON HER BUTT!" and, "Sarah, I'm really sorry that you're in so much pain…ON YOUR BUTT!" I have not yet forgiven him, and he will pay.
I had Gwen warm up my heating pad in the microwave, and then I promptly shoved it down my pants (if I had a nickel for every time I said that…). I thought that the warmth of the heating pad would offer me some sort of minor comfort, but alas, it failed to produce even the slightest of soothing. So it was time to bring out the big guns: codeine. I've never been big into opiates, so I figured just one would do the trick. But as the hours passed and my pain refused to cease, I introduced another dose, and then another, and by 3 in the morning I was taking two at a time. By that point, I had finally reached a state of euphoria that briefly distracted me from my pain.
But while I wasn't focused on the discomfort, my mind, muddied by drugs, was now fixated on the notion of the cystial time bomb ticking inside of me. I didn't know how or when it was going to happen, but I imagined it being loud. Like a bang or a gunshot. I imagined an explosive stream of hot, steamy fluid shooting straight out of my lower back like that of a geyser or a whale's blow hole. I thought of all my internal organs being ejected with the contents of the cyst; my lungs, my cold and blackened heart, my harshly abused liver, and my womanly peanut of a brain all being splattered against the walls and ceiling of my dorm room. I knew the explosion was coming, and I was frightened.
By 5 am the euphoria of my codeine dosage had worn off, but it was too soon for me to take another one, and the pain was stronger than ever. I didn't know what else to do, so I decided to take a shower. I shuffled down the hallway into our community bathroom. I stepped into the shower, turned the water on hot, and let the jet of water blast full force onto my throbbing cyst. Briefly, the stream created a twinge of pain, but then: RELIEF. It was the first time in a week that I had felt any sense of release from my continuous atomic wedgie of pain. I turned the water hotter and hotter until it was on maximum heat. My flesh was pink and scalding, but I didn't care. The hotter the water, the more relief I felt.
I was blissfully happy in the shower (if I had a nickel for every time I said that…). But standing there amidst the fog, I realized that my hearing was starting to fade. Within seconds, I was completely deaf. Then, fuzzy, navy blue splotches crowded my vision. I became aware that due to the combination of drugs, lack of sleep, and intense heat, I was about to black out on the shower floor. Now, I have never blacked out for reasons unrelated to alcohol, so in my semi-sober state, I was not familiar with the process. I leaned my body against the stall of the shower and prepared to succumb to the forces that were taking over my body.
But leaning there, plastered to the wall, I imagined the sheer wealth of filth and VD crawling on the shower floor. I wouldn't allow myself to catch syphilis that way. If I'm going to contract the clap, I thought to myself, I am going to do it with dignity, through a night of drunken, anonymous sex. Somewhere inside, I mustered the strength to push myself away from the shower wall. I shut off the water, grabbed my shower caddy in one hand, and my bathrobe in the other hand.
And then, I ran.
I made a stark-naked mad dash down the hallway. But this was not your average early morning nude sprint. Since I was about 75% blacked out, I barreled down the hall, smacking into doors and walls on each side, breasts and thighs bouncing asunder. I was a stray bullet of wet naked flesh. And when I finally made it back to my room, I collapsed into a heap on top of my bed and passed out.
When I woke up at 7 am, the cyst had still not burst, and I realized that taking care of myself was no longer an option. I called my mom, and luckily, she's only a two and a half hour drive to school when the traffic is good. So Peg saved the day and picked me up.
I curled up into a ball in the back seat of her Honda CRV and braced myself for the ride home. You see, my mom is one of those nervous drivers who slams on the breaks if she spots a cat in the middle of the road 250 yards away. Thus, all the way up I-95 we would go from about 70 to 0 every ten minutes or so whenever she detected a slowly moving car about a mile ahead or so. Needless to say, it was a rough ride, but I slept most of the way.
When I got home, I stepped out of the car with relative ease. My mom asked me how I was feeling, and surprisingly, I felt okay. Good, actually. I yanked the heating pad out of my pants, and lo and behold, it was drenched in a gooey brown, yellow and red substance. Thanks to my mom's horrible driving technique, the cyst had released itself during the car ride while I was asleep, and I hadn't even felt it. THE PAIN WAS OVER.
I stayed home for the rest of the weekend while my cyst drained. It took THREE EFFING DAYS.
In the end, we found out that pilonidal cysts run in my family. My paternal grandfather had a few, and my dad's sister, Lis, had one exactly when she was my age, and it never came back. I'm hoping our fates serve to be similar. Another interesting fact I learned is that it's more common than you think; during WWII there was a pandemic of pilonidal cysts among soldiers, which they called "Jeep Disease," because they spent so much time covering rough terrain bouncing up and down in Jeeps…I think you get the idea.
My advice to you is if you think you might be at risk for a pilonidal cyst, don't smack your ass on anything. It's really not a fun experience and I didn't gain anything from it, besides a lot of butt jokes from my friends that carried on through the summer.
On the other hand, by the time all was said and done, three doctors, two nurses, both my parents, Gwen, my brother, and anyone who happened to catch a glimpse of my early morning burlesque show had seen me naked. My level of inhibition has been drastically reduced as a result of that weekend. Plus, I got to legally try codeine. So I think we can all agree that this story ends with a silver lining.
Never have I seen a pilonidal testimonial like this one! Had me rolling!
Like you, I suffer from pilonidal disease. My first abscess popped up roughly ten years ago. I was 6 months pregnant with my son at the time, and had NO CLUE what to expect when my OB/GYN referred me to the man whose office was right next to hers....the man who will forever be imprinted in my mind as "The Lancer".
Don't be overly-annoyed for not being able to have yours cut out, either. It was the single most painful experience of my life (worse than childbirth), and I was not looking forward to having it done again.
Thankfully, my second abscess just burst this morning. So now I've experienced BOTH sides of the story when it comes to the joys of pilonidal cysts.
Your smartass college friend.....my little brother is that guy. Earlier he called me "cyst girl", then said, "Good luck with your ass" followed by peals of uproarious laughter.
Anyway, I just wanted to give you kudos for this amazing piece of literature, and let you know three things - 1 - you're not alone, even though I know that doesn't make you feel any better about your particular problem. 2 - if you ever start to feel that pain again...that beginning tenderness on the tailbone...act immediately to keep it from blowing up into a full-blown abscess. I personally use tea tree oil. I just rub it on the spot a couple times a day until the pain goes away...it didn't work THIS time because I bought more tea tree oil too late. Never again will I be short a bottle of tea tree oil. Never.
Thirdly....I will be bookmarking this site and sending a link to EVERYONE I know. It's the most hilarious way I can think of to explain to them what my problem is.
Kat sent me over, as I assume it was obvious I had no idea what she was talking about when I asked if she were growing a vestigial tail! lol I'm surprised now on two counts: 1~that I even had the general region correct, and 2~a pleasant surprise in finding this gem of self-deprecation. Kudos!
Your story had me almost rolling on the floor laughing!!
I was just diagnosed with this cyst and Strep A in the butt crack!!! The doctor was even shocked. I told him from now on just to call me Mrs. Strep Ass.......now he's sending me to a surgeon.
I got one of these too >=/
anyway, this was a cool story bro
you're a damn good writer
Very entertaining article. I am hoping you haven't had the pleasure of a re-visit from the good ol' P !
My first one was when I was about 21 yrs old.. about as painful and strange as your first encounter (and hopefully your last). After draining didn't get rid of it, I had surgery. Unfortunately, about 20 yrs later, it came back full force. Another surgery. Unfortunately, that surgery resulted in another strange item on my butt. An abcess on my cheek.. where in the hell did that come from? Turns out-after 2 surgeries later, MRSA was discovered (a nasty anibiotic resistant staff infection a gift from the hospital during surgery). A week in isolation and scars on my butt that look like leftovers from a bullet wound.
Five years later.. current day... guess what is back? So, having a job SITTING all day, doesn't make my life pleasant, nor is a 3rd pilonidal cyst surgery in my bankroll, so I live looking for relief. No fun.
Hope it doesn't come back to haunt you for years.
LOL I COULDN'T STOP LAUGHING!!! Asunder- LOL!!!
Oh my gosh, I don't think I have ever laughed so hard in my life from reading an article.
My 30 year old son just came from the emergency room a few hours ago from one of these horrible cysts. I don't have the heart, yet, to share with him that it can reoccur.
Thanks for making my night! Now if only you could make my sons night better!!!
Thanks so much for the story, its 2:40 in the morning in sunny old England, and i decided that while im waiting for the codiene to kick in i'd pick up the computer and see if its possible for anyone to feel as miserable as i have done for the last week!! Im 27 with 2 kids (who'll be up shortly wanting breakfast) this is probably the 10th time this nasty disease has invaded me, i thought that id lost all hope, but my tears of excruciating agony turned to tears of joy for a while when i read your story, a million thanks
xxxxx fellow manky disease sufferer xxxxxx
I love your sense your sense of humor to this situation . I've had several myself and boy are they really painful, I've had to have them all drained which is the worst ever!!!!!!!!!! They are honestly embarrassing especially being a girly girl.
Oh my goodness. I got diagnosed with this cyst on tuesday after i couldn't take any more pain. it started feeling sore on monday. come tuesday, i couldnt sit, walk or lay down. my dad took me to the emergency room. they couldn't drain it either because it was too hard. i too decided to put ice on it thinking it would be better. it's now friday and it's only gotten bigger and the pain is so much worse. my mom said it looks like it's about to pop. im debating whether or not i should go to the ER again to have them lance it. i dont want to waste another trip and money just to have them tell me they cant do anything yet.
Omg, that has to be the best description EVER!!! I've been suffering since I graduated college. Had surgery the first time, now 15 years later I get flares all the time but I refuse to have another surgery. Sporting a "tail" bump right now and I have to get in the car in 2 days for a 20 HR drive. Thank you for giving me a reason to laugh about it.
I'm 19 and although I've not been diagnosed, I'm pretty sure that's what I'm currently suffering through. (My mom told me she had the same thing when she was 19, took some pills and woke up 3 days later felling better. Since I have a job I really can't sleep for three days like she did). I was about to make a trip to the hospital when mine burst and is now draining. The fun part is trying to bandage it yourself since it feels like you are taping your butt closed.
Enough overshare for now. lol
Thanks for the great laugh and glimmer of hope.
I experienced this all throughout college but refused to get it looked at; I'm not one for doctors nor ever gone to the hospital before. (I'm one of those tough-guys-who-will-tough-it-out and, not only that, I thought it had gone away only to have it flare up several weeks later). Needless to say, I finally decided to get it looked at.
I arrived at the doctors office for initial diagnose and he tells me to drop em. Imagine the comfort I felt when the first words from his mouth were, "Oh shit".
He then later explained to me that my "situation" was one of the worst he has ever seen and that he didnt know how I had gone this long. I explained that I had developed a high pain tolerance.
I had to have surgery; they cut out about a fist full of me. Literally. I had to have a wound vac and then later the typical wet-to-dry dressing because it had to heal from the inside out.
Now, whenever I hear the phrase "pain in the butt" I smirk because I know EXACTLY that pain. ha.
If you experience the symptoms as so eloquently explained, please get it looked at. If not I'd literally kick you in your butt -however,that actually would probably relieve some pressure.
I have one now they suck :-(
I just found out I have a pilonidal cyst today. I have been in extreme pain for two days and yesterday the lump showed up. I called my doctor and he couldn't see me until today. I had it lanced and it was excruciating. I really appreciated your story though. It made me feel better to know someone else, especially another college aged girl like myself, was experiencing the same thing and I laughed at your creative descriptions. I too actually passed out due to the pain. I really hope we never have to deal with one of these again! Thanks for sharing your story!
i loved this article im only a sophmore in highschool and got my first pilonidal cyst around a week ago. it popped tonight and just like urs i didnt feel a thing, except the fact i was in a lot less pain and the back of my shorts were wet. ive been taking penacilin and sits baths for the past day and half and ur soo rite the hot water rlly did help the pain. im going to see a surgon tomorrow to see if i need to get anymore of the cyst removed. i have to say im very nervous, i hear packing the wound is extremly painful and i hope i dont have to endure that. im glad i got to read your article it made me realize my situation cud have been a lot worse bc my cyst was only about 1 inch long and a 1cm thick very small compaired to most ive heard about, but still extremly painful. i have many guy friends who think its funny to go around giving wedgies, so when they did this to me with my cyst i wanted to cry it hurt soooo bad. i did not want to tell them about my cyst bc they obviously wud have made fun off me to no end. eventually told then i had just hurt my tailbone so they wud stop bc they made it hurt so bad. if theres any advice i can give to people with these aweful things is see a doctor asap, take many sits baths for abiut 15-20mins with as hot as water as you can handle and until the cyst burst, drench it in tea tree oil which will soften it and make it come to head so it will pop. once again thankyou for sharing your story its good to be able to get a laugh out about at something as misarible as this.
The best story about pilonidal cyst that I've read so far. :) I just came back from the hospital, where they told me to put an ice compress on it, and it will go away. So far I was doing the exact opposite; I've been taking hot baths to relieve the pain. Now I am confused. Does anyone think that putting ice on it will actually resolve the issue? Will it make it go away without popping? Please respond if you have an idea.
I've dealt with one for the last year. Mine got huge and painful and ruptured after 5 days (on a Friday and I had a doctor's appointment on Monday for it). Instant relief. The sinus stayed open for a year and would drain slightly every few days so didn't get sore any more. I have horses and ride and I think it caused it. I live in Florida and it's been so hot all summer I didn't ride and the sinus healed up and it went away. It has cooled down the last couple of weeks enough to ride again and after only 2 rides my butt started getting that stinging itch and starting to get hard in that spot. I'm just about sick of dealing with the darn thing. If it swells up or opens up again, I'm going to the doctor and getting it removed. I'm not giving up horseback riding over a sour ass!
I'm sorry, I meant a sore ass although it has made me a sour ass also!
I've posted a comment on October 1st, when I asked if anyone thinks putting ice on it will actually help in any way. WELL, as it turned out it actually does. My cyst was pretty big by the time I went to the doctor's office with it, but he recommended that I should go home and put ice on it and see if that helps in any way. I bought 2 ice packs and kept changing them on my cyst. After 3 days the pain went away as the cyst started to get smaller and smaller. After about three months, I can still feel a bit of hard cyst (I reduced from the size of a gold ball to the size of a penny) and I think it's getting better with every day. So, I would recommend this as a FAST SOLUTION. Worth a try.
This was an excellent expose. I appreciate the effort and time you put into painfully detailing your experience. I to dealt with the pleasure of it all, and oddly enough this is why I ended up on your blog. I'm no fan of coincidence, but the lady who talked about the tea tree oil barked right up my tree. Someone in my household purchased a sparkling new bottle, and I am up for using it eagerly very soon.
With my first exposure to this horrifying incident I had surgery to remove some of the cyst, although the chances of them reoccurring may have been lowered, a 10% chance is just as bad as any. Someone always wins the lottery right? Sadly, I feel as if my butt has had a facelift now. Thank you for the article, and your courageousness. You mentioned I-95, would this be close to NC? I live about 45 minutes away, so perhaps I should have my mom drive me for a few hours to see what happens, haha.
Im going through the EXACT thing. Glad im not the only one who has grown a tail. Enjoyed reading, first time ive smiled in three days
This was great! I have suffered with these awful things and mine just popped today!! The pain is finally better thankfully because I was about to stab the dam thing if it didnt pop today. It took 3 1/2 days to finally pop and it was the size of a baseball. I have chose not to have surgery yet because I am busy so I have to deal with the 2 flareups a year that I usually get. This is the worst fucking pain in life. I remember saying earlier I would rather have 2 broken legs.
This also made me feel better about my cyst. I'm almost 8 minths pregnant and can't have it lanced, I feel like such a wimp, but it is by far the worst pain I ever could imagine, especially since this is day five with no relief. Hopefully mine will burst soon! I'm not sure how much longer I can stand it, and don't want to take too much codine because the baby probably doesn't need an opiate addiction. ;)
Wiping away the tears from laughter! Best story! Dealing with the same thing now! Thanks for the comic relief duri my plight!
my story was similar was very pianful just be lucky yours didnt take two months to discover what it was mine had to be surgiclly removed was the size of a softball the open wound nurse at the hospital after they cut it out she could put her whole fist in my wound so yea i feel your pain and i also got alot of butt jokes so i feel you on that on too


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subset: commoncrawl


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Phillip Holmes can tell you whatever you need to know about the hundreds of rugs inside "Rug Studio."That's why we asked him to help us test Ruggies, "the amazing reusable rug grippers that keep rugs and mats in place to prevent unsightly curled corners bunches, slips, and trips." We bought 16 online for almost $26. That does not include shipping and handling.Phillip pulls back one corner of a "heavy rug" and starts to put-on the Ruggies.But it doesn't stick to the rug.The directions say, if that happens use the removable tape that comes with the product. "Maybe we'll take that tape," he says.With all four corners down, Phillip does a "foot test.""Well, it kind of holds it," he says. "This ripple here will catch and cause uneven wear on the rug." Next, Phillip tries the Ruggies on a not-so-heavy rug. First, without the removable tape."Yeah, it's not adhering at all to this particular rug," he says.So he goes for the rug reinforcement."It's just not behaving," he says. "The corners are a little bit secure. But any real traffic on this, it's not going to stay down."The makers of Ruggies also say they're resuable. So, we followed the directions and washed these in warm soapy water last night. Now let's see if they work.Phillip adds the washed Ruggies to a heavier rug - but this time, without the removable tape."The Ruggies are staying perfectly on the floor," he says. "The rug, not so much."Since the Ruggies were so good at sticking to the hardwood floor, Phillip checked to see if they left any kind of residue behind on the floor. And they didn't.Do Ruggies work? "Not so much," he says. "I think you're better off with a traditional rug pad that's going to protect the whole rug and the whole floor and just stay down a little bit better." Video: Ruggies: Does It Work?
The views expressed are not those of this company or its affiliated companies. Please note by clicking on "Post" you acknowledge that you have read the Terms Of Service and the comment you are posting is in compliance with such terms.


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|April 2003
|Topic Specific Symposia
|Other Resources
In April 2003, NHGRI celebrated the historic culmination of one of the most important scientific projects in history: the sequencing of the human genome. In addition, April 2003 marked the 50th anniversary of another momentous achievement in biology: James Watson and Francis Crick's Nobel Prize winning description of the DNA double helix.
- From Double Helix to Human Sequence - and Beyond April 14th and 15th, 2003.
A two-day, scientific symposium where more than 35 participants discuss the science and history of the Human Genome Project.
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A half-day, public symposium on how genomics influences health and society.
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- Genome: The Secret of How Life Works [genome.pfizer.com]
Sponsored by Pfizer, this traveling exhibit is produced by Clear Channel Exhibitions in collaboration with National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services and the Whitehead Institute/MIT Center for Genome Research.
- A DNA Kit and Science Museum Activities nationwide offer DNA demonstrations and hands-on experiments in genetics and genomics.
- Senate Congressional Resolution Designating National DNA Day
Genetic Variation and Gene X Environment Interactions in Human Health and Disease
April 16th, 2003.
A morning scientific symposium at NIH sponsored by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) [niehs.nih.gov].
Genes, Brain, Behavior: Before and Beyond Genomics [nimh.nih.gov]
April 16th, 2003.
An all-day scientific symposium at NIH sponsored by the National Institutes of Mental Health (NIMH) [nimh.nih.gov] and other NIH Institutes.
To view the PDF(s) on this page, you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Other Resources
50th Anniversary Activities and Celebrations Worldwide
Media Inquiries:
Geoff Spencer
Phone: (301) 402-0911
E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com
Last Updated: June 7, 2013


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Blue skies, a gentle breeze and children playing with their favorite storybook characters may seem like something out of a fairy tale. But for children attending Saturday's Storybook Park, the fairy tale will come to life.
The popular program, which was last presented in 2009, and previously in 2005 and 2007, is put on by the Washington County Public Library and sponsored by Marietta Kiwanis, according to library youth services manager Julie Stacy.
"Every year it grows by about 150 children," she said, noting that in 2009, attendance was more than 1,100.
Article Photos
The event features six books which will be read by volunteers or library staff members, and a craft that is associated with each. This year's books include "Steamboat Annie," "My Messy Closet," "Froggy Rides a Bike," "Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!," "The Uglified Ducky" and "Click Clack Moo Cows That Type."
Marietta resident and Kiwanis member Louise Holmes will also present her book, "Miss Sadie and the Good Life." Holmes wrote and self-published the story about eight years ago at the request of a friend and the sale of the books went to benefit Fort Frye High School, where her grandchildren attended.
"It is the true story of a pot-bellied pig and her friend, Ahab the horse," she said.
Fact Box
If you go
What: Storybook Park presented by the Washington County Public Library and sponsored by Marietta Kiwanis.
When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday
Where: Muskingum Park, 300 block of Front Street.
Details: Open to all children and families; no cost to attend; children through third grade will receive a free book; families are asked to register and are eligible to win prizes; refreshments will be available for purchase; a take-home craft will be made at each station.
Library programs
Some upcoming Summer Reading programs offered at the Washington County Public Library include:
Fancy Nancy Party, June 25 at 10 a.m., for ages 6 to 10.
Wishes, June 26 at 2 p.m., for ages 6 to 8.
Be Careful What You Wish For, July 9 at 10:30 a.m., for ages 8 to 12.
Pajama Party July 14 at 11 a.m., for ages 2 to 6.
Art Party, July 16 at 10 a.m., for ages 7 to 12.
Planetarium Tour, July 17 at 6 p.m. at Marietta College, for children and parents.
Zumba July 21 at 11 a.m., for ages 7 to 12.
For information and to sign up: 373-1057 ext. 219.
"Miss Sadie and the Good Life"
To purchase copies of the book by Louise Holmes, and illustrated by Deborah Jones, contact Holmes at 373-6586.
Holmes will have copies of the book for sale at a special price of $5 for the event and will even sign them.
Fundraisers such as Kiwanis Pancake Days, held each February, help the group to sponsor such things as Storybook Park, Key Club at Marietta and Frontier high schools, the Bringing Up Grades program at Phillips Elementary and local landscaping and improvement projects. This year's event raised about $20,000.
"This is exactly why we have Pancake Days," said Linda Eddy, Kiwanis secretary and Storybook Park coordinator. "Part of the mission of Kiwanis is to help children and sponsor literacy programs."
Eddy said that about $5,000 is given to put on the event and it goes toward the many door prizes, crafts and roughly 675 books that will be given away.
Children in third grade and younger will receive a free book when they register. A table will be located on the sidewalk leading to the "Start Westward" monument. There will also be chances to win baskets full of goodies.
"We just love doing it," Eddy said. "It's a wonderful event and it's free family fun."
Dustin Maxon of Marietta, whose wife, Kate, works for the library and will be coordinating the volunteers, plans to take his four children to the event again this year.
"Our children get read to every single night," he said. "We are looking forward to it. It's a really fun event and they (at the library) have been working hard on it."
The couple's sons, Ethan, 10, Asher, 7, and Owen, 4, have been to the event in the past. This will be the first year for baby sister Ella, 16 months.
Two of the boys love to read to themselves and are especially looking forward to a couple of the books at Saturday's event.
"The 'Pigeon' books are favorites and 'Froggy,' too," Maxon said.
The library kicked off its Summer Reading Program at the end of May and events to be held throughout the summer include Story Hour for youngsters, learning about each of the American Girls and special themed programs like a Pajama Party, a trip to the planetarium and Zumba.


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That smoke you see billowing may be coming from the scorched earth custody battle unleashed by the nation's biggest pundit, Bill O'Reilly. Apparently the atmosphere between O'Reilly and his ex-wife Maureen McPhilmy has become so toxic that even the Catholic Church has gotten involved.
According to Gawker, O'Reilly separated from his former wife McPhilmy at some point in 2011, then went on a rampage of revenge to destroy the career of the Nassau County Police detective she was allegedly dating.
Gawker reports that O'Reilly and McPhilmy are now formally divorced, and she has since married the police detective, but O'Reilly has reportedly now launched a scorched-earth custody battle dubbed Anonymous v. Anonymous—over the ex-couple's two children.
O'Reilly has also allegedly undermined his custody arrangement with his ex by hiring as a member of his household staff the woman who he and his ex had agreed on as a neutral arbiter of their disputes, Gawker claims. O'Reilly, a practicing Catholic, may also be making attempts to annul his marriage and have McPhilmy potentially excommunicated for continuing to take communion in her Long Island parish despite having been divorced and remarried.
In May 2010, O'Reilly and his wife began living in separate houses on Long Island, Gawker claims. Then in 2011 O'Reilly reportedly used his connections with the Nassau County Police Department to try to launch an internal affairs investigation into McPhilmy's new boyfriend — a Nassau County detective — for sleeping with his wife.
Gawker reports that it is currently suing the NCPD for access to public records, including O'Reilly's correspondence with former commissioner Lawrence Mulvey, about the episode. That case is on appeal to the Second Department of New York Supreme Court's Appellate Division.
Gawker claims it has uncovered a case involving O'Reilly and his ex in the Second Department. Called Anonymous 2011-1 v. Anonymous 2011-2, it apparently found a judge willing to anonymize the names to protect the interests of the children or the privacy of public citizens.
The case reportedly ended up in the appellate division, where decisions are routinely published, frequently laying bare sensitive details. The custody action is public record and is published on the web site of the New York state court system. It reportedly involves a father who attempted to maintain control over the children he shared with his ex-wife by buying off their purportedly neutral therapist. Anonymous 2011-1 is McPhilmy. Anonymous 2011-2 is O'Reilly.
Here's what the Second Department opinion reveals:
O'Reilly and McPhilmy separated on April 2, 2010.
They divorced on September 1, 2011.
They agreed to share custody of their two children, aged 13 and 10.
The couple's separation agreement included provisions allowing for shared custody—they each got the children on alternating weeks. And it also appointed a 'neutral therapist' to act as a neutral mediator to help them resolve any parenting disputes. But Gawker reveals that in October 2011 McPhilmy took O'Reilly to court after learning that the woman she thought had been a neutral therapist was in fact a member of her ex-husband's household staff.
The therapist, a Long Island licensed social worker named Lynne Kulakowski, was working long days and some evenings in O'Reilly's house, on his payroll, and basically acting as the children's nanny. McPhilmy was incensed.
The opinion reads:
'The mother claimed that the (father) had repeatedly violated conditions of the agreement. The mother further alleged that, after the execution of the agreement, the father had hired the children's therapist as a full-time employee to perform virtually all of his parental duties... The mother's affidavit contained specific allegations concerning the father's repeated violations of the custody provisions of the agreement since its inception... Moreover, the full-time employment of the children's therapist, the person designated in the agreement as a neutral third-party 'arbitrator' of custodial disputes, by the father, constitutes a significant change of circumstance which could undermine the integrity of the agreement's custodial provisions.'
At a Second Department hearing in January October, McPhilmy's attorney claimed—and O'Reilly's attorney did not dispute—that Kulakowski was earning a six-figure salary from O'Reilly.
This information made a mockery of the custody agreement's appointment of Kulakowski as a neutral arbiter, with O'Reilly reportedly rigging the game against his ex-wife.
A lower court initially denied McPhilmy's request for a hearing about O'Reilly's co-optation of the therapist, but the appellate court agreed with McPhilmy and sent the case back for a hearing. In a highly unusual step for an appellate court, it also ordered the appointment of an independent attorney for the children, an indication that the dispute has become particularly poisonous.


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OAKLAND -- Hardy Nickerson recalled his days as a high school student when his father, a cook, and his mother, a telephone operator, each worked two jobs and a good deal of overtime to afford to send him to Verbum Dei, a Jesuit-run Catholic school in the Watts section of Los Angeles.
Today, as head football coach at Oakland's Bishop O'Dowd High School, the former Cal and NFL player looks to help future generations. Many others at O'Dowd share the same vision.
"In this community, I believe we are family; I believe in this wholeheartedly; this is the Catholic way, the Christian way," Nickerson told a gathering of faculty, staff, parents, students and supporters at a luncheon in the O'Dowd gym on Nov. 7.
Bishop O'Dowd prides itself on the diversity of its students from the standpoint of race, ethnicity and -- even as a Catholic institution -- religion. The school also strives for economic diversity. Despite the best efforts of many of today's parents, though, the cost of an education at a school like O'Dowd often is prohibitive.
Thus the purpose of the gathering, known as the Fund a Dream Luncheon, a fundraiser for O'Dowd's financial aid program that the school hopes to hold annually. Nickerson served as master of ceremonies for this year's inaugural event with former 49ers star and NFL Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott as keynote speaker.
As a rookie defensive back out of USC in 1981, Lott made an immediate impact on the 49ers, who went on to win their first Super Bowl. Lott, who took questions from the audience, went on to three more Super Bowl titles with the 49ers.
"In 1981, I realized you had to be committed to a cause," he said. "I will always be indebted to (the late Hall of Fame 49ers coach) Bill Walsh. He was an innovator."
Lott also spoke of former teammates, his own upbringing and the positive influence of his parents.
"I grew up in a military family, and I remember my dad telling me every day that your life is about service to others," Lott said.
When asked by an audience member about his greatest influence aside from his father, Lott calmly responded, "My mother."
"My advice is to love (your parents) every day," he added. "If I call (my parents) now, they would be serving somebody. I have a long way to get into their hall of fame."
Family and service surely were the themes of the event. Currently, some 30 percent of O'Dowd students receive tuition help from the school's financial aid fund, and O'Dowd will give out $2.4 million in financial aid this school year. This does not include those receiving help from such outside sources as Family Aid to Catholic Education (FACE). But the need for help exceeds the school's ability to fulfill it.
"We give aid to some 350 students," said Dr. Stephen Phelps, president of Bishop O'Dowd. "Even though our tuition of $15,000 is relatively inexpensive compared to an independent school, it's still a lot of money. There are a lot of deserving students who want to come here. O'Dowd is the most truly diverse school in the Bay Area. We want to bridge the financial gap."
Heading into the luncheon, O'Dowd had some $75,000 in its scholarship fund. The luncheon was expected to boost the total to more than $100,000.
"Bridging the socioeconomic gap is what makes O'Dowd special," Phelps said.
Those attending the luncheon also watched a video of O'Dowd students thanking donors for giving them the opportunity to thrive at the school.
O'Dowd senior basketball player Oderah Chidom, who will head to Duke University next year, then summed up the event in her address to the audience.
"O'Dowd has prepared me mentally, spiritually and academically for the future," said Chidom, who won a gold medal in August as a member of the under-17 U.S. women's national team at the FIBA World Championships in Amsterdam. "One day, I'll give back to my community in hopes of guiding young people in a positive direction."


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RICHMOND, Ky. (WKYT) - Wednesday marked a somber anniversary for the families of a central Kentucky couple.
Wednesday marked the one year anniversary of the day the remains of Sonsaray Warford and Charles Walker were found in Madison County.
They disappeared two years before that; police say they were murdered.
The hillside where the couple was found symbolized significant loss for their families just one year ago.
"It's a hard time we have been through and we have a long way to go but through our families and friends we can do this," said Gregory Todd, Warford's father.
But on Wednesday, there was hope on that very same hillside as family and friends joined together to pray, sing and remember.
"You can't help but to hold tears away. You have tears of sadness because of the loss but then you have tears of joy because of the closure we have," said Brenda Douglas, Warford's aunt.
It took police years to find the couples' bodies and family members say after waiting that long, it's a relief to have a physical reminder of the young couple.
Sonsaray's father drives down the road his daughter's memorial is on nearly every day because he says it helps give him strength as well as closure.
"I come through here more than people know. I come here and I say prayers and if I go down the road I usually turn around I say prayers when I come back. I say I'm going to be here with you until it's over. I have to," Todd says.
During Wednesday's painful anniversary ceremony, the families found strength and solace by leaning on one another.
The memorial gave them the opportunity to focus less on the untimely deaths of Charles and Sonsaray and focus more on the legacies they left behind.
A Madison County Grand Jury indicted Daniel Keene and Matthew Denholm on murder charges in this case.
The jury also indicted Lebruce Ellington on complicity charges.
Investigators say Ellington provided the murder weapon used to kill Warford and Walker.


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A comprehensive range of services are available to meet your needs: checking, savings, CDs, loans, home equity loans and lines of credit, and mortgages. An Avenue Banker can help you select the solution that best suits your needs.
From entrepreneurs and small businesses to large corporations, Avenue's comprehensive range of services can meet virtually any need.
Being successful in life often leaves little time for managing your personal financial needs.
As a bank committed to the creative spirit of our city, Nashville's music and entertainment industry plays a key role in our business plan and has been instrumental in our success.
When your finances are managed with an exceptional level of service and expertise, you can spend more time focused on your business.
Buying a house is one of the most important investments you will ever make. That's why at Avenue Bank we have a variety of mortgage programs to best suit your needs as a homebuyer.
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Avenue Bank is open 24/7 when you access your account safely and securely through Online Banking. View balances, pay bills, transfer funds, and verify transactions with one secure login.read more


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Area food banks and social service agencies are collecting donations to help the needy through the Christmas and New Year's holidays. For a complete list, see www.mercurynews.com.
SAnta Clara County
Asian Americans for Community Involvement (AACI) is asking for brand new, unwrapped gifts for families in its Youth Development Services Program and Domestic Violence Program/Asian Women's Home. AACI provides services for at-risk and high-risk youth impacted by substance abuse and gang activity as well as abused women, children, and men. The group is asking for $40 Target gift cards, toys, arts & crafts supplies, winter clothing, sporting equipment, etc. Car and monetary donations are also welcome. Donations made by Dec. 14 are much appreciated. Please contact 408-975-2730 x223 or email@example.com for a full wish list. For more information about AACI, please visit www.aaci.org
Alum Rock Counseling Center will have a virtual Santa's Workshop with age- and gender-specific toys and bikes for approximately 200 children aged from infancy to teens. In addition we would like to provide our families with a bag of holiday treats on the day of distribution. Donations of large rolls of wrapping paper, tape, ribbons and bows, baskets, tinned cookies, candy, non-perishable food, bottled water, and more. ARCC's drive ends on Dec. 14. Monetary donations are also welcomed as we will need to rent an on-site mobile storage unit to accomodate donations for up to two weeks. Contact Stephanie at 408-240-0070, email@example.com (Attention: Stephanie) or go to


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BEAUMONT, Texas – The Texas A&M – Corpus Christi Volleyball team came up short in the first set but rallied for three straight in a 3-1 (24-26, 25-21, 25-17, 25-16) win over the Lamar Lady Cardinals on Thursday night. The Islanders ran their win streak to a school record-tying five matches with the win at McDonald Gym and will try to set a new mark against McNeese State on Friday night in Lake Charles, La.
The Islanders (14-6, 7-2 Southland) surpassed both their 2011 win total (13) with the win over Lamar (9-13, 1-7 Southland) on the first half of the current road trip.
Brianna Brink led the team with 21 kills on a .302 hitting percentage, while Ivy Baresh had 13 kills and 13 digs for the double-double while leading the team in hitting percentage at .333 in the match. Logen Bourque had 48 assists, while Micah Nolan added 10 digs on the night.
After falling behind by a 21-11 score in the first set, the Islanders rallied to eventually tie the score at 24-24, but Lamar scored the final two points to take a 26-24 final. Starting the rally were Shannon Hullum and Baresh kills while a pair of Lady Cards attack errors helped get the score to 22-15. After a Lamar kill, Courtney Hall picked up a kill and was followed by back-to-back tallies by Brooke Alverson to make it 23-18 and as Lamar called timeout. Alverson and Brink picked up kills after the break to make it a 23-21 score and force another Lady Cards timeout. Two kills by Brink and a block assist by Alverson and Hullum evened the score at 24-24, but Lamar picked up the final two points to make it a 26-24 final and a 1-0 Lamar lead.
The second set featured eight ties and four lead changes as the Islanders battled back into the match. Tied at 9-9, three straight kills by Brink and a bad set by Lamar gave Texas A&M – Corpus Christi a 13-9 advantage, but Lamar would quickly rally to take a 16-14 lead. Back-to-back attack errors by the Lady Cardinals tied the score and a Baresh kill made it 17-16 in favor of the Islanders, and two more Lamar errors made it a 19-16 lead and forced the home team to use a timeout.
The Islanders got nine of their final 11 points on Lamar errors, but a kill by Hall ended the scoring at 25-21 to even the match at one set apiece.
Texas A&M – Corpus Christi came out hot in the third set, picking up kills from Alverson, Brink and Baresh to take a 7-3 lead. Lamar whittled the lead down to just one point at 11-10, but an Alverson kill was followed by three in a row from Hullum to make it 15-10 and force a Lady Cardinals timeout.
Alverson picked up a block solo to make it 16-10 following the timeout before Lamar could get on the board again. After trading points several times towards the end of the match, Hullum brought up match point with a kill to make it 24-16, and a Baresh kill ended the set at 25-17 to give the Islanders a 2-1 lead in the match.
The final set saw Texas A&M – Corpus Christi and Lamar battle to a 4-4 tie early on before the Islanders took an 8-4 lead on a Baresh kill and a Bourque and Hall block assist. Later in the set a kill by Brink and a Lamar attack error made it 12-7 and forced the Lady Cardinals to take a timeout. Brink added another point to the lead after the break with a kill that made it 13-7.
After Lamar scored the next four points to make it 13-11, three Brink kills, a Hullum kill and a Bourque service ace made it 19-11 as the Islanders took control of the set. Alverson picked up a kill and Hall followed with one of her own to make it a 23-13 score late in the set. A service error by the Lady Cardinals made it match point, and a bad set finished the scoring at 25-16 for a 2-1 Islanders win.
It will be a quick turnaround for Texas A&M – Corpus Christi, with the next match coming less than 24 hours after the completion of the match against Lamar. The Islanders take on McNeese State at 7 p.m. on Friday night at Memorial Gym on campus.
Live stats will be available by visiting www.McNeeseSports.com.
For all the latest on Islanders Volleyball, like the team on Facebook (IslandersVolleyball), follow them on Twitter (@IslandersVB) and visit www.GoIslanders.com.


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Christie Fights Criticism He Is Too Moderate
Newly re-elected New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie stepped firmly into the national spotlight Sunday, appearing on multiple news programs to combat criticism from some Republicans he is too moderate for national office and to take a swipe at President Barack Obama's health-care law.
Mr. Christie, days after winning a second term in a landslide, declined to say whether he would run for the GOP's presidential nomination in 2016. But, as he did last week, he left the door open to ending his new four-year governor term prematurely.
Asked by George Stephanopoulos on ABC's "This Week" whether he would complete his new term, Mr. Christie said, "Listen, who knows. I don't know. I'm going to continue to do my job and finish the job. But everybody who is trying to figure out what life is going to bring you a few years from now, I didn't expect to be sitting here four years ago, George. So, nobody can make those predictions."
Mr. Christie spent much of his time responding to claims by some Republicans—including tea-party favorites—he is a moderate who couldn't replicate his success on the national stage. Mr. Christie emphasized his record as a political deal maker who won passage of conservative measures in New Jersey, saying he worked with Democrats in the state legislature to cut business taxes and overhaul teacher tenure provisions.
"We did all this in a bipartisan way working across the aisle and getting things done," Mr. Christie said on "Fox News Sunday." "That's what people across the country I think want as well."
He criticized Mr. Obama's handling of the health-care rollout, which has been plagued with problems with the government website and other implementation matters. Mr. Obama apologized this week for thousands of Americans losing their health insurance despite his earlier pledge that those who liked their plans could keep them.
"Anybody who has run anything in their lives could see this coming a mile away," Mr. Christie said on "Fox News Sunday." "The president's biggest problem right now is he's got to tell the truth, and we have seen this in New Jersey. I have told a lot of hard truths in New Jersey that people didn't necessarily agree with, but they give you credit for looking them in the eye and telling them the truth."
Mr. Stephanopoulos pointed out Mr. Christie accepted the expansion of Medicaid in his state under Mr. Obama's health law, providing ammunition for potential rivals such as Sen. Ted Cruz (R., Texas).
"Here's what makes me different than a lot of these other guys: I'm going to do what I think is right for the people who elected me," Mr. Christie said. "And a lot of these folks are always trying to put their finger in the wind and see which way the wind is blowing that day."
But Mr. Christie declined to take a stand on some key issues facing his party and Congress. He said it would be "dangerous" for someone like him to weigh in on the U.S. talks with Iran over Tehran's nuclear program, given that Mr. Christie hasn't been briefed by federal officials on the matter. He also declined to say whether he supported an immigration overhaul plan that would include a path to citizenship, saying simply that Congress needed to fix "a broken system."
Related: WSJ reporters discuss lessons from the past week's elections. From "Seib & Wessel."


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Re: "Worst investment of the century," John Young, April 4, guest column
Thank you for running John Young's column on April 4. Sometimes it's good to pick an old scab. How else can we learn from our mistakes ... in this case, one of the worst mistakes in our country's history?
Mr. Young makes it painfully clear that not only is G.W. Bush's decision to invade Iraq a good deal responsible for our nation's run-up in seemingly insurmountable debt, but a template for successive 'invasions,' and a good reason why much of the world dislikes us.
If "flag-waving tea partiers and Fox News" anchors can't wrap their minds around this, well ... that's to be expected. In the face of this Harvard study and the horrendous number of civilian/troop casualties, we need a broader vision, not just the dark tunnel vision evinced from 2000-2008.
I'm reminded of 1) our decision to go through with the Bay of Pigs invasion in the face of clear cut military intelligence to the contrary, (VP Nixon: "Don't bother the government with facts, we've made up our minds."), and 2) the decision to cross the 38th Parallel during the Korean war, despite massive military intel to the contrary.
Mr. Young's invocation of Laura Nyro's lyric "study war no more" could be an anthem. I'm thinking of Devo's "Jocko Homo": "God made man/but he took a monkey to do it ..."
Matt Krane, Breckenridge


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Funeral services for Mrs. Betty Joyce (Branch) Apala Lach, 69, of Loco are scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday, October 6, 2012, at the First Baptist Church of Ringling, with the Rev. Mike Williams and Lois Branch officiating. Interment will follow at Ringling Memorial Cemetery in Ringling.
Services are under the care and direction of Alexander Funeral Home, Ringling.
Betty was born July 2, 1943, at Ringling, to the late Mr. Truman Dollfus "T.D." Branch and Mrs. Birtie Agnes (Baker) Branch. She departed this life Thursday, October 4, 2012, at her home in Loco.
Betty was raised in Loco and attended school at Mountain Home and Ringling. She married Mr. Tommy Jr. Apala on August 6, 1959, at Gainesville, Texas. He preceded her in death on August 22, 1965. She later married Mr. Stanley Lach Jr., August 31, 1966, at Lawton. They resided mostly in Loco and Betty was employed in the healthcare industry most recently for Ideal Home Care of Healdton. She was known as MeMe to her grandchildren and loved spending time with all of her family. Every Sunday she enjoyed cooking "Sunday Dinner" for all of her family. She passed on her cooking abilities to her grandchildren by providing cooking lessons and loved to craft things out of wood for all of them. She made rocking chairs, beds, lawn ornaments and all kinds of other furniture for them to enjoy. She was originally a member of the Center Point Baptist Church but proclaimed the First Baptist Church of Ringling as her home church.
In addition to her first husband, Tommy, also preceding her in death were her parents, Mr. T.D. and Mrs. Birtie (Baker) Branch; son, Michael Ray Apala – Nov. 7, 1986; and brother, Truman Branch.
Survivors include her husband, Mr. Stanley Lach Jr., of the home; daughters, Becky Adams of Wilson, and Penny Treadwell of Healdton; sons, Tony Apala and wife, Staci and Orry Lach and wife, Allison, both of Loco; brother, Tom Branch and wife, Betty Lou of Pauls Valley; 10 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and numerous other family and friends.
Pallbearers are Nathan Dorsey, John Way, Joe Blackwell, Kelby Loring, Robby Stockton, Patrick Tarrant and Mark Treadwell.
Honorary bearers are Weston Adams, Devon Treadwell, Randy Apala and Tommy Apala.
Special thanks to Cross Timbers Hospice and Ideal Home Care for all heartfelt care and support during Betty's illness.
Family visitation will be from 6-8 this evening at Alexander Funeral Home of Ringling.
Condolences may be sent online to the family at www.alexanderfuneralhome.org.
Location, ST | website.com


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News 12 at 11 o'clock / Tuesday, September 25, 2012
AUGUSTA, Ga. -- If you've driven to the airport recently, then no doubt, you've seen all the road work on Doug Barnard Parkway. Construction crews have been out there telling folks to slow down while they work to speed up progress on the road.
"[Crews] have been out there for a couple weeks now," said Augusta Utilities Director Tom Wiedmeier.
They've been out there fixing the left lane heading toward Gordon Highway. That lane has been closed for a long time because parts of the road are sinking.
The Utilities Department is now taking the blame.
"We've finally determined that it was an abandoned sewer line that was our responsibility," Wiedmeier said.
Wiedmeier says there were defects in the top of the pipe allowing soil to get in. When soil gets in, the pavement can settle, and when the pavement settles, you have the left lane of Doug Barnard Parkway sunken in parts.
Now, crews are pumping the dirt out and pumping a substance in that will fix the pipe.
Wiedmeier says crews won't be out much longer.
"In about two more weeks, the pipe will be filled and properly closed. The end is in sight, so we appreciate everybody's patience," he said.
Once that's done, the Utilities Department says they'll work with Georgia DOT to fix the actual roadway.


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"Perfect in every way. Congratulations- 10 out of 10. We'll
be back next year."
Dorothy & John – Worcester
Contact Tarn Hows
Please use the online enquiry form below to enquire about accommodation at Tarn Hows- please fill in all appropriate fields and press submit.
To check availabilty and/or make a provisional online booking click on the 'Book Online' link on the left hand side of this page.
Alternatively telephone 017687 73217


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I'm a newbie to CAD and use qcad pro to create a ground plane of my house.
The drawing features a a complete floor including several layers. I need to create
a PDF export of just a part of the drawing (specifically just one room). However, I still need
the complete drawing and it's printing layout for a complete floor printout.
How can I print/export just a part of the drawing?
Is there something like separate printing layouts for a drawing, so that I can define one to print
everything on a A4 paper and several others to print e.g. just one room nicely on a A4 paper,
while still maintaining just one drawing?
regards Smokie


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References: Office of the Registrar
Authority: The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA); Office of the Provost
4010 Privacy and Release of Student Educational Records | Wright Way Policy
4010.01 Introduction
Wright State University has for many years regulated access to student educational records. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), as amended, sets forth requirements designed to limit the disclosure of student educational records. The law governs access to records maintained by educational institutions and the release of information from those records.
This policy includes the regulations designed to explain the rights of a student with respect to records maintained by the university. In addition, this policy outlines the university's procedures to comply with the requirements of FERPA.
Any member of the university community may review a copy of FERPA, the federal regulations adopted pursuant to it, as well as a copy of the annual notice provided to students. Copies of the documents are located in the Office of the Registrar. A digest version of FERPA is published in the student handbook and in the undergraduate and graduate catalogs.
4010.02 Definition of an Educational Record
An educational record is any record, file, document, or other material that contains information directly related to a student and that is maintained by any employee of the university. The following categories of information are not considered to be an educational record.
Records created by university personnel that are in the sole possession of the maker, are not used for purposes other than a memory or reference tool, and are not accessible or revealed to any other person.
Records maintained by the Wright State University Police Department for law enforcement purposes.
Records created and maintained by a physician, psychiatrist, psychologist, or other recognized professional, professional in training, or paraprofessional acting in his/her professional capacity or assisting in a paraprofessional capacity or records maintained or used solely for the purpose of treatment or accommodation (e.g., records in the Office of Disability Services, the Center for Psychological Services, and Student Health Services).
Records exclusively containing information about an individual after he/she no longer is a student (e.g., WSU Alumni Association records). Records of the individual, while a student, continue to be considered educational records.
4010.03 Release of an Educational Record Without Consent
The university may release information contained in an educational record, without prior consent, under the following circumstances:
Requests from faculty and staff of Wright State University who have a legitimate educational interest on a "need to know" basis. This basis includes a student employee of the institution who may be authorized by the university to conduct official business. A legitimate educational interest includes performing a task related to the regular duties of the employee, the education of a student, the discipline of a student, a service or benefit for a student, or maintaining the safety and security of the campus.
Requests in compliance with a lawful subpoena or judicial order upon the condition that a reasonable attempt to notify a student is made in advance of the compliance of the subpoena, unless specifically prohibited by the subpoena or judicial order.
Requests in connection with a student's application for or receipt of financial aid, if the information is necessary for the purposes of determining eligibility for the aid, determining the amount of the aid, determining the conditions for the aid, and/or enforcing the terms and conditions of the aid.
Requests by state authorities and agencies specifically exempted from the prior consent requirements of FERPA. Requests from organizations conducting studies on behalf of the university also are exempt, if such studies do not permit the personal identification of a student to any persons other than to representatives of such organizations and/or if the personal identification data is destroyed when no longer needed.
Requests by accrediting organizations.
Requests by the parents or legal guardian of a dependent student, as defined in section 152 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954. Section 152 of the Internal Revenue Code describes dependency and taxpayer calendar issues. A copy of the previous year's tax return for the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) may be required to verify dependency.
Requests by appropriate persons to protect the health or safety of a student or other persons in an emergency situation.
Requests for information in a case where a student, who is under twenty-one years of age (at the time of a parental notification), has committed a violation of law or university policy pertaining to drugs or alcohol.
Requests for information in a case where a student is found responsible for a violation of the Wright State University Code of Student Conduct pertaining to an act of sexual or physical assault.
Requests by authorized federal officials who have need to audit and evaluate federally supported programs.
Requests for "public information" (refer to section 4010.4).
Requests by officials of other institutions in which a student seeks or intends to enroll, provided the university gives the eligible parent(s) or legal guardian(s) or eligible student an opportunity to request a copy of such record and an opportunity for a hearing to challenge the record.
Note: Degrees (any honors, majors, minors, and specializations) are considered public information (refer to section 4010.4), since they are conferred in a public ceremony. Additionally, the university reserves the right to verify the accuracy of any information contained in what is presented as an official university document (e.g., a transcript or diploma) or as provided to a third party.
4010.04 Public Information
Wright State University, in accordance with FERPA, has designated the following information about a student as public information:
A student's name
All addresses of a student, including e-mail addresses
Telephone listings
Major field of study
Number of hours registered
Full-time or part-time status
Class standing (freshman, sophomore, junior, senior, graduate, or professional)
Dates of attendance
Degrees awarded and total hours earned
Special honors and awards
Most recent previous educational agency or institution
Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
Weight and height of members of athletic teams
Information identified as public information will be released without a student's consent. However, a student has the right to have public information withheld if he/she so desires. A student who wants public information withheld (including items to be published in a student directory) shall so indicate by completing a "Request to Prevent Release of Public Information" form, which can be obtained from the Office of the Registrar. A student should allow at least ten business days for processing the request.
Each fall quarter, the university publishes a telephone directory that is made public. The directory contains the name, home and local addresses, e-mail address, and local telephone listings of students. If a student wishes to withhold this information from the directory, he/she must notify the Office of the Registrar [as described in paragraph 4010.4 b)] no later than the first Friday after the start of the fall quarter. Because the directory is published only once a year, a request made after the first Friday of the fall quarter (or in the subsequent academic year quarters) to change a student's information release status will not be reflected in the printed directory. However, changes will be applied to the Student Information System and will affect disclosures from it.
4010.05 Consent for Release of an Educational Record
A student who wishes to have information released must submit a written request to the director of the appropriate department/school/college that maintains the record. The student must list in the request the specific information he/she wishes to release and the name of the individual(s) to receive the information.
4010.06 Procedures for Review of an Educational Record
All records that pertain to a student and that are maintained in university offices are official university records and, as such, remain the property of the university. Each university unit has an obligation to keep a record of requests and disclosures of student information, except when a request is from the student, from a university official who has a legitimate educational interest, or from someone requesting directory information. A student has the right to review the record of requests and disclosures pertaining to him/her.
A written request to review records must be made separately to each university unit that maintains records. The unit has 15 days to respond to a request to review and inspect a student's record. However, the unit will make arrangements as expeditiously as possible. In the event that a student's only access to his/her records is through mailing such records, a fee may be charged, unless the student can prove that the fee effectively prevents him/her or an eligible parent/legal guardian from exercising his/her rights.
Information contained in an educational record will be fully explained and interpreted to a student by university personnel assigned to and designated by the unit holding the record. A student has the right to review only his/her own records. When a record contains information about more than one student, disclosure cannot include information about the other student(s).
4010.07 Exceptions to Right to Review an Educational Record
A student is granted the right to inspect and review all of his/her educational records, except for the following types of documents:
Financial records of parents
Confidential letters and statements of recommendation placed in educational records prior to January 1, 1975
Confidential letters and statements of recommendation for admission, employment, or honorary recognition placed in educational records after January 1, 1975, for which the student has waived his/her right of access (refer to section 4010.8)
4010.08 Waiver of Right to Review an Educational Record
A student may waive his/her right of access to confidential letters and statements of recommendation. Even if a student signs a waiver, the names of all persons making confidential recommendations will be made available upon request. The university may not require a student to waive his/her right of access for receipt of university benefits or services.
4010.09 Right to Challenge an Educational Record
A student has the right to challenge the content of his/her educational record if the student considers the information contained therein to be inaccurate, misleading, or inappropriate. The process of challenging an educational record includes an opportunity for amendment of the record or insertion of a written explanation(s) by the student into such record (refer to section 4010.10 for procedures).
Note: The right to challenge a grade does not apply under FERPA, unless the grade assigned was inaccurately recorded. Under that condition, the record will be corrected.
4010.10 Procedures for Challenging Information in an Educational Record
A student who wishes to challenge information in his/her educational record must submit a written request for a hearing to the director of the appropriate department/school/college that maintains the record. The request must list the specific information in question and the reason(s) for the challenge.
The director of the university unit will notify the Office of the Registrar when a student has submitted a request for a hearing. The Office of the Registrar will convene a panel to conduct the hearing. The panel, which is chaired by the assistant registrar, will consist of three university staff members who have no direct interest in the outcome of the hearing.
The student who has requested the hearing will be afforded a full and fair opportunity to present evidence relevant to the reason(s) for the challenge.
The panel will render a written decision within a reasonable period of time, noting the reason(s) for its decision and summarizing all evidence presented. Should the decision of the hearing panel, by majority vote of the three panel members, find in favor of the student's challenge, the record shall be amended accordingly.
The School of Medicine and the School of Professional Psychology have separate procedures for challenging and adjudicating record disputes. A student who wishes to submit a challenge should consult the handbook of the specific school for additional information.
4010.11 Appeal of Hearing Decision
In the event that the hearing panel denies a student's request to change information within his/her record, the student may make an appeal. The appeal shall be in writing and be submitted to the assistant registrar within ten business days of the hearing decision. An appeals panel consisting of three senior university officials shall hear the appeal. The officials are to be individuals who have no direct interest in the outcome of the hearing. A written decision by the panel will be rendered to the student within a reasonable period of time. Should the appeal be in favor of the student, the record shall be amended accordingly.
In the event that the panel denies the appeal, the student may choose to place a statement with his/her record commenting on the accuracy of the information in the record and/or setting forth any basis for inaccuracy. If the record is disclosed to an authorized party, the record will always include the student's statement and notice of the decision rendered by the appeals panel. This procedure will be followed as long as the university maintains the student's educational record. An individual can obtain additional information regarding appeal hearings from the Office of the Registrar.
4010.12 Concerns or Suggestions
A student who has a concern or suggestion regarding this policy should contact the Office of the Registrar. If a student has reason to believe that the university is not complying with FERPA or university policy, he/she has the right to file a complaint with the United States Department of Education by contacting:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202-4605
4010.13 Location of Student Educational Records
Wright State University does not maintain educational records in one central office. Educational records are maintained in a custodial capacity in the various departments, schools, or colleges of the university. A student should contact the Office of the Registrar for information and guidance in determining which unit(s) a student should contact about an educational record.


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For a very long time, many people believed this to be Phish's first show, simply because tapes of the Slade Hall and Grant Street shows from earlier in the fall weren't common. It was also impossible for phans to learn about the Harris-Miller ROTC show without the advent of internet-available interviews with the band acknowledging that 1983 gig being their first true show. The band itself didn't even know the true first date of their first show until sometime after 1998. This show was heavily circulated throughout the taping community (earning a 4.0 scarcity rating from TPC) and was easy to find in taper's lists, and, essentially fit the bill.
Two versions of this tape used to exist - one that fit conveniently on one-half of a 90 minute casette, and a full version. My version was the 1/2 version, and it wasn't until the digital upload of nearly every Phish show was I able to listen to a few of the songs left out.
The show starts off with a take on the Grateful Dead's Scarlet>Fire, with a Phish-y twist by adding Jimi Hendrix's fire in the middle. Trey takes a pretty lengthy solo in Scarlet, but his style is not much like what you hear today - it is heavily influenced by Garcia and Metheny and he has yet to find his own voice. Nonetheless, it's a nice solo and the band jumps into a rehearsed Spanish-Flea inspired transition into Fire. Fire also features a Trey solo, which is a bit louder and more like the Trey of today than the Scarlet solo, but pretty short. Following another Spanish-Flea transition, the band lays into Fire on the Mountain, the band's only cover of the song (unless you count the infamous 12/31/95 tease). They take their time with this song, and Trey's solo is much more melodic, but definitely heavily influenced by Garcia. Jeff Holdsworth is notably trying to find his way into these songs, but can never really seem to find the right place to sneak in, but this is still a very nice attempt at a cover from a young band.
After Fire on the Mountain peters out, the band starts Makisupa with Mike proclaiming "Rastify". It's an interesting version of Makisupa to say the least, with Trey using the original lyrics over and over (the keyword hadn't been 'invented' then) and then referencing the different band members and how each of them likes to play their instrument and 'smoke a little herb'. There's some interesting Trey banter in here and the band definitely has fun. The crowd is totally silent during this part, as I imagine they were probably wondering what was going on, prompting Fishman to ask "Are you guys dancing, having a fun time?". There's a bit more banter there, with Trey saying that Makisupa was written in "Kingston, Vermont" (Interesting that it contradicts later attributions of the song's creation with Tom Marshall in New Jersey). The band then introduces another original, Slave, written by "us". Marc Daubert chimes in, saying that the song is about the 'parking problem in Burlington', which overshadows Trey's explanation that it is about "everybody that lives in cities".
Slave is a beautiful but short version, with some extra percussion from Marc Daubert, and Jeff's part comparable to Page's rhythm sections today. This version ultimately sounds much different than any post-Page version of the song. Mike has a little bit more room to manuever with Jeff doubling-up essentially on his parts. Also, the extra percussion allows the song to march onwards forcefully, even in the quieter and now silent pauses. Trey's solo isn't even close to what most of you expect out of a Slave solo, but the build is quite nice. I think it is one of the better builds in the song's history, honestly (but I'm also a sucker for older shows).
Next, a cover by the Allman Brothers "Don't Want You No More" that is not particularly memorable. Phish does a so-so job covering it, but what is more interesting is the drum jam that follows, pitting Fish with Marc Daubert and it even seems like Trey joins in there somehow (likely, as Trey has referenced enjoying Drum jams with Fishman before). This goes on for quite a while, and at the end, Trey starts up Skippy.
Skippy features the Dude of Life with a funny build-up introduction from Trey. It mimics the traditional Icculus builds most listeners are familiar with. Skippy essentially was eviscerated later by McGrupp, so imagine McGrupp with interesting lyrics about a mighty-mouse-esque figure and the Dude's skewed voice. The Dude definitely brings Skippy to a thrashing conclusion. The audience seems a little confused, but the band moves into Fluffhead, a shortened original-style version of the song, albeit a bit sped-up with a different tempo than today. It also has the Dude on vocals. This is definitely the fastest version I've ever heard and pretty interesting due to the fact that it has not only additional percussion, a double-time tempo, the Dude screaming, and Jeff adding to the chaos.
The 'set' closes with another GD cover, 'Eyes of the World', with a little Chicago tease before the beginning by Trey. Jeff solos in this version, and its clear why he is on backing guitar - he is clearly better suited to backing up Trey at this point. It's a nice version, but I think the Scarlet>Fire>Fire is the better cover medley in this show.
This show is worth checking out if only for the complete chaos that ensues. If this type of setlist and these guests appeared in a Phish set in 2010, everyone would go berserk. But at the time, Phish was a small band, having fun with their friends - this type of warmth shines through in the recording and is worth a once-over. Listeners will be quick to discover that some of the songs in this set are worth tagging and keeping around, notably the Scarlet>Fire>Fire combo, the Slave, and the hilarious Spanish Flea cover.
~ SlavePhan


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- Binding: Hardcover & eBook
- Era: 21st Century
- Number of Pages: 288
- Subject: Iraq War
- Date Available: March 2013
Your tax-deductible gift to the Naval Institute Press underwrites worthy books that might not otherwise be published.
"Mr. Shultz is absolutely correct in describing the Anbar campaign as a "textbook example of how Marines—true to their organizational culture—learned, adapted, and prevailed over a murderous, cold-blooded foe." This victory was impossible to imagine when I was fighting in Anbar nine years ago, but today Drill Instructors at Parris Island are already shouting marching cadences to Marine recruits that celebrate those who led the fight in Anbar. It thus joins a long list of tough battles in which the Marine Corps demonstrated not just its legendary faithfulness but also its flexibility."
—John Nagl, The Wall Street Journal, 3 May 2013
"More than just a military tactic book, this well-researched study documents the reasons for the debacle in Iraq after Saddam Hussein's fall and how the Marines changed the tide of war. Shultz thoughtfully explains the Iraqi culture of which Americans were woefully ignorant: the supreme importance of tribes, honor, centuries-old antagonisms between Sunnis and Shias....[This] even-handed treatise highlights the war's needless suffering and praises Marines who can list Anbar alongside Iwo Jima and Okinawa in their pantheon of heroism."— Publishers Weekly, March 11, 2013
BOOK NEWS: The Marines Take Anbar: The Four-Year Fight Against Al Qaeda by Naval Institute Press
The U.S. Marine Corps' four-year campaign against al Qaeda in Anbar is a fight certain to take its place next to such legendary clashes as Belleau Wood, Guadalcanal, Peleliu, Iwo Jima, Okinawa, Chosin, and Khe Sanh. Its success, the author contends, constituted a major turning point in the Iraq War and helped alter the course of events and set the stage for the Surge in Baghdad a year later. This book brings to light all the decisive details of how the Marines, between 2004 and 2008, adapted and improvised as they applied the hard lessons of past mistakes.
In March 2004, when part of the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force (I MEF) was deployed to Anbar Province in the heart of the Sunni triangle, the Marines quickly found themselves locked in a bloody test of wills with al Qaeda, and a burgeoning violent insurgency. By the spring of 2006, according to all accounts, enemy violence was skyrocketing, while predictions for any U.S. success were plummeting. But at that same time new counterinsurgency initiatives were put in place when I MEF returned for its second tour in Anbar, and the Marines began to gain control. By September 2008 the fight was over. Richard Shultz, a well-known author and international security studies expert, has thoroughly researched this subject. His book effectively argues the case for the Marines changing the course of the war at Anbar, which is contrary to the conventional wisdom that the Surge was the turning point.
Richard H. Shultz, Jr., is professor of international politics at the Fletcher School, Tufts University, where he directs its International Security Studies Program. He also is director of research at the National Strategy Information Center in Washington, DC. His many books include the widely reviewed Insurgents, Terrorists, and Militias and The Secret War against Hanoi. He lives in Medford, MA.
SNEAK PEEK: The Marines Take Anbar: The Four-Year Fight Against al Qaeda by Naval Institute Press
~ Praise for The Marines Take Anbar ~
"The generals, the sheikhs, the battles, and the detail of a four-year campaign against an insurgent foe are well and thoroughly described in The Marines Take Anbar. In a summary format, the book interweaves those details into the larger narrative of the flow of power from Iraqi insurgents, including AQI, to the coalition forces and their developing allies, the Iraqi tribal and local leaders. At least as important as the battles and their dates is the larger battle for the hearts and minds of Al Anbar Province between 2003 and 2007."
- Army History
"Well-written volume."
— Middle East Media and Book Reviews Online
"A very well researched book that provides extremely insightful case studies for both planners and leaders...As a case study of cultural anthropology in Iraq, the book is a 'must-read' for any military planner preparing for operations among the people of other nations and societies...This book provides counterinsurgency lessons that should be a read alongside those garnered from Malaya and Algeria."
— Australian Defence Force Journal
"…A first-rate, step-by-step account of military adaptation and improvisation under often horrific circumstances that match any campaigns in the annals of Corps history. The lessons learned from the Anbar story are not only for Marines to study but also for everyone in U.S. military and civilian security institutions…Certainly a must-read for all military personnel."
— Leatherneck, March 2013
"…A richly detailed book…"
— San Diego Union-Tribune
"Finally, a bold narrative that captures the truth of the four-year struggle in the Anbar Province. Shultz so effectively chronicles the historic interaction amongst the tribes, the strategic mistakes, and the brutality of the fighting that it seems almost as if he were there. Marines, sailors, and soldiers who fought in Anbar will rejoice that the story of their sacrifices and successes--which created conditions for winning the war in Iraq--has been told."
—Gen. James T. Conway, USMC (Ret.), 34th Commandant of the Marine Corps
"The Iraq War may have been a debacle, but the story of United States Marines in Anbar Province constitutes a triumph of innovation and practicality over adversity. Richard Shultz has given us the glorious, comprehensive history of Marines in Anbar. In doing so, he has shown why counterinsurgency, while thankless and controversial, will remain relevant as long as ground forces encounter civilian populations."
—Robert D. Kaplan, author of Imperial Grunts and The Revenge of Geography
"The Marines' campaign to secure Anbar Province in Iraq will rank as one of the Corps' historic battle achievements. Dick Shultz's brilliant account of that campaign is rich in lessons learned and examples of adaptability. The Marines Take Anbar will be a classic study in counterinsurgency."
—Gen. Anthony C. Zinni, USMC (Ret.)
"While there are many who might prefer to forget about America's troubled involvement in Iraq, Shultz masterfully provides the best reason to study and learn from it: the experience of the U.S. Marines in Anbar Province between 2004 and 2008. It is a story of doctrinal and operational innovation and persistence leading to a triumph as important and memorable as any in the Marines' long and battle-honored history. The Marines Take Anbar is required reading for anyone trying to understand the security complications and challenges of irregular warfare in the twenty-first century."
—Bruce Hoffman, Director for Security Studies, Georgetown University
"Richard Shultz has written a gripping account of the Anbar Awakening and of the role of the Marines in taking that province back from al Qaeda. It teaches two large lessons: that all counterinsurgency campaigns are unique and that no matter how much is done to win over a population and enable it to defend itself, hard fighting needs to be done. An invaluable contribution to the literature on the Iraq War."
—Eliot A. Cohen, Robert E. Osgood Professor of Strategic Studies, Johns Hopkins SAIS


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This is my first post. Pleased to join this community. I have discovered PS3MS while searching a DLNA server compatible with my temperamental Sony EX500 TV.
I'm using PS3MS v1.30.1 + mencoder_mt on my NAS with an Atom D510 (Intel D510MO motherboard) + 2GB + WinXP SP3 Pro. It works very perfectly .
However, I'm able to transcode LD videos, some HD 720p ones (thanks to Hyper-Threading + SSE4 and mencoder_mt optimization), but HD 1080p ones are too heavy for my configuration. So, I have looked for a solution to this limitation, and I have bought a AzureWave AW-VD920H CrystalHD BCM70015 and installed latest drivers. It works (tested with YouTube HD videos and Diags utility).
I have seek some information on the web about mplayer/mencoder/ffmpeg configuration for CrystalHD support, and i have found this thread. It seems that CrystalHD is now supported by mplayer/mencoder/ffmpeg since April 2011, but I'm not able to active into PS3MS. I have tried vc=ffmpeg12crystalhd,ffodivxcrystalhd,ffh264crystalhd,ffvc1crystalhd options with no success. I have also tried to update mplayer/mencoder/ffmpeg to latest versions with no effect.
So, I'm joining you to get your help :
- Do you know how to configure PS3MS to enable CrystalHD support ?
- If somebody PS3MS development team is interested to help me, I'm ready for C++ dev and test to integrate this support.
Thank you .


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Daffy out for 10 days with a muscle injury?
That seems to sideline him for Everton and possibly what would have been the Chelsea game (although I see that game has been postponed from the 14th).
I had hoped that a good mini run by either Ade or Daffy would have set one of them up for that game - looks as though it will have to be Ade.
Having said that, AVB will probably go with Dempsey up front for the next few games...;-)


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Warm Country Caramel Apple Crumble…my mouth is watering already! This recipe could be served chilled or warmed. Either way it is sure to please the crowd.
As I was softening the apple mixture in the dehydrator I was stopped in my tracks when this rich aroma of what appeared to be "baked apple pie" was dancing through the air. Oh my gosh, it was heavenly!
This is a perfect recipe to use if you have any apples that are on their last leg and need to be used before they go bad. I highly recommend Pink Lady apples if they are available to you. Raw Apple Pie was the very first recipe I ever made when I first started eating raw desserts. It seems so long ago but it is a favorite that will never fade.
Caramel sauce: yields 2 cups
Caramel sauce:
The following picture isn't very appealing. I simply shook up the bag,
coating all the apple pieces with the sauce and placed it in the dehydrator.
This sounds and looks delish! I will make these after my detox is done this week..what can be used in place of almond butter for the cream filing?
This is(was) soooo good…love your recipes,,,thx
I made this the other day with my family. It was fantastic! We got confused a little… In the ingredients for the filling at the top, you said 1/2 cup of date paste. Then further down when you tell how to make the filling, you say 1/2 cup of raisins… Would you mind telling everyone which is actually in the filling?


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Butterfly Meadow® 7-piece Tea Set by Lenox
Teatime is a grand tradition, and deserves an equally grand tea service - like the Butterfly Meadow 7-piece Tea Set. Each piece is decorated with colorful butterflies and flowers that evoke the beauty of butterfly meadows and match Butterfly Meadow dinnerware. And a sculpted butterfly serves as the finial on both the sugar bowl and teapot. Capacity of teapot: 48 oz., creamer: 7 oz.; height of sugar bowl: 4 1/2", cup: 2 7/8"; diameter of saucers: 6 1/8"
- Crafted of Lenox white porcelain
- Dishwasher-, microwave-, and oven-to-table-safe
- Based on the artistry of Louise Le Luyer
- Includes teapot with lid, creamer, sugar bowl with lid, 2 cups & 2 saucers
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Wanted for BOJ: Stamina, English (Academics Need Not Apply)
Japan is on the hunt for a new Bank of Japan governor, as incumbent Masaaki Shirakawa's term expires in April. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe doesn't want to reappoint Mr. Shirakawa, instead looking for someone who is more attuned to his thinking of "bold monetary easing." Mr. Abe has been mum on his short-list. But his loquacious finance minister, Taro Aso, did offer some details at a press conference Tuesday, and in a prior speech before the Ministry of Finace staffers, on the type of candidate the new government is seeking.
If Mr. Aso had written a classified ad, here's how it might look.
More In BOJ
- Top WSJ Stories on Japan: Sharp, BOJ, Autonomous Cars
- Top WSJ Stories on Japan: Toyota, GPIF, Deflation
- Top WSJ Stories on Japan: TPP, IMF, Nintendo
- Top WSJ Stories on Japan: Lowering Voting Age, BOJ's Nakaso, Suzuki Motor
- IMF Chief Taps Japan's Former Top Currency Official As a New Lieutenant
- Who Is the BOJ's New Board Nominee?
Wanted: Governor, Bank of Japan
- Must speak English. "The BOJ governor has to meet with fellow central bank chiefs" at the Group of Seven and Group of 20 meetings, Mr. Aso said. "It would be problematic if our central bank is represented by someone who cannot say a word in such meetings."
- Management savvy to run large organization. The new governor not only has to manage 5,000 staffers at the BOJ, he will have to work closely with politicians and bureaucrats, as the country faces major challenges such as deflation and managing an outsized sovereign debt. As Mr. Aso said: "It would be risky to appoint someone like an academic who has no experience of running a large organization."
- "Stamina." In these times of global financial crises, central bankers are globetrotters. In addition to attending G7 and G20 meetings, they are often invited to conferences organized by other central banks. At times of currency market volatility, he has to consult counterparts in different time zones, sometimes coordinating urgent market intervention. Mr. Aso: "Having enough stamina to handle phone calls at 3 a.m. or 4 a.m., and to survive jet lag, is perhaps a more important quality" than strong brainpower."
- Open to criticism. Mr. Aso says of the current BOJ leadership: the failure to end deflation "was understandable, as nobody has ever experienced such prolonged deflation, but they should at least change their belief that they've never made any mistakes."
JRT notes: Other countries do have academics as their central bank chiefs. Among them: Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke (former professor at Princeton), or Bank of England Governor Mervyn King (former professor at the London School of Economics). Mr. Aso, however, is clearly fed up with an academic type after five years of experience with Mr. Shirakawa, who was briefly an economics professor at Kyoto University.
These requirements could hurt some candidates currently rumored to be on the list, such as Keio University Professor Heizo Takenaka and former Tokyo University Professor Kazumasa Iwata.
They could help other prospects who climbed the ladder at the finance ministry. One name that gets some mention is former top currency diplomat Haruhiko Kuroda, who now serves as the president of the Asian Development Bank. Mr. Kuroda told The Wall Street Journal Monday that he met with Mr. Abe earlier this week, but stressed that the BOJ successor issue didn't enter the conversation.