text:
EAGLE COUNTY - People who live in the Vail Valley understand why bicycles are nearly as common as skis and snowboards. Thanks to an increasing number of events focused on cycling, the valley's reputation as a hotbed of the sport is starting to grow.
Last year's USA Pro Cycling Challenge brought thousands of spectators to the valley to see some of the world's top bicycle racers. During a time trial up Vail Pass, the bike path was jammed with people.
"How do you think they got there? We all rode," Vail resident Steve Virostek said.
Virostek said cycling events are a way for everyday riders to "legitimize" their own passion for the sport.
"It's something we spend a lot of time doing," he said. "To see someone doing it at another level ... you feel, in a small way, you could be doing that."
Having televised events like the Pro Cycling Challenge is a good way to show off the valley to people who might not have thought about bringing a bike to the Vail Valley.
"You'll watch the Tour de France and say 'I want to go there,'" Colorado Bike Service owner Jeff Mohrman said.
Mohrman believes just about any exposure the valley can get about cycling is a good thing, but he acknowledged that he doesn't expect a big bump in business. The pro racers have their own support teams, and even people coming for events like the Aug. 19 "Gran Fondo" ride will probably come pretty well equipped.
While big events such as the Colorado River Ride are popular with local residents, the Gran Fondo - Italian for "big ride," is an attempt to draw destination guests for a day of cycling and food. The event has been going on for some time in Europe and some U.S. resorts, but Vail will see its first big ride Aug. 19.
"It's an outlet to see how the work you've put in has paid off," Virostek said.
Races and rides draw paying customers, too.
Virostek is a co-founder of Triumph Development, a company that also has a property-rental arm. He said the company sees a bump in reservations any time there's a cycling event in or near Vail.
Riding a bike down a mountain path has also drawn the attention of Glenwood Springs-based Colorado Adventure Center. That company is in its first year of leading tours down the Vail Pass bike path. People who rent bikes in the morning can be hauled up the pass, zip down, then ride around Vail for the rest of the day.
Caitlin McGowan, who's running the business out of the Double Diamond Ski Shop this summer, said she's seen both her own business, as well as the ski shop's rental business, bustling this summer.
"We've both been selling out (of rentals) a lot of days," McGowan said.
Cycling's allure has caught the attention of the Vail Local Marketing District, which coordinates non-winter marketing for the town. Mia Vlaar, a member of the Vail Local Marketing District Advisory Council, said that group has taken notice of cycling's impact, and will probably put some effort into boosting next year's events.
"It's development has really been organic," Vlaar said. "We're following that development."
Business Editor Scott N. Miller can be reached at 970-748-2930 or firstname.lastname@example.com.


text:
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Surgery tomorrow
That information puts her in the category of osteosarcoma dogs who can have their lives extended by surgically removing the primary bone tumor and receiving chemotherapy. About 50% of dogs with osteosarcoma and no visible cancer besides the primary tumor survive for a year.
Tomorrow, the surgeon will remove about 2/3 of one bone (the ulna) in K's front leg. The rest of that leg will remain intact so K will still be a 4-pawed dog. We've chosen this particular surgery because it will allow K to be more active in the time that she has remaining on Earth than if she had the entire limb removed.
She'll come home on Saturday, and she'll recover for 2 weeks before starting chemo. Apparently, most dogs tolerate chemotherapy reasonably well, which was a big part of our decision to treat her disease aggressively. K's relatively young age, strong body, and amazing zest for life also helped with our decision. She has too much joy for life for us to give up on her now. Besides that, I'm greedy - I want more time with her.
On the day before K was diagnosed with a bone tumor, I featured this photo that I had taken of her. It seems like an ironic choice in retrospect. It shows her three healthy limbs. I didn't find out about the tumor until 24 hours later.
I think that, after her treatment, K and I will be able to enjoy sunrises and sunsets together again for a while, like we have for all 8 years of her life. While I'm heartbroken that K has to face an incurable form of cancer that will almost definitely shorten her life, I feel grateful that we will have at least some time together in the future.
62 comments:
- rottrover said...
That sunrise is a beautiful beginning to this next phase of your life with K. She is so fit and strong we're sure she'll come through her surgery with flying colors. Our paws are crossed...
- December 29, 2011 at 6:30 PM
- Chris said...
Good luck to K and you tomorrow. We will pray all goes well and she recovers nicely. I am curious about the surgery as we had no option except for full removal to the shoulder.
The chemo isn't too bad, but Lily does feel a little more 'down' a day or two after, but bounces back. She has had some issues with blood counts and such but that is too be expected.
I'm sure you will have many more years with your beautiful girl.
- December 29, 2011 at 6:33 PM
- AC said...
I have tears streaming down my face--sadness for all that unfolded for K this week, but also gratefulness for the way you are able to see the world, both physically in those amazing sunrises and sunsets, and in spirit. That you and K get see and romp through this world together is no coincidence. The "joy and zest for life" fill both of you and I know will carry the pair of you through every moment you have together...as it already has.
- December 29, 2011 at 6:35 PM
- harrispen said...
Good luck on your next journey with K. While the vets will tell you that "most dogs" tolerate chemo well, I can tell you from experience that not all do. Our Rottie was very nauseated from her chemo and would not eat or drink. We had to take her to the vet for IV fluids. Eventually they adjusted her dose and added an anti-nausea med to help her. I realize that K might not get the same chemo, but I wanted you to be sure to keep an eye on her when you start treatment (not that you wouldn't).
I will be thinking of all of you during her surgery.
- December 29, 2011 at 6:38 PM
- Yoda, Brutus & Ellie said...
Will be thinking of K tomorrow and will keep her in our thoughts and prayers!!
Pugs & Kisses,
Yoda, Brutus & Ellie
- December 29, 2011 at 6:47 PM
- Mango said...
I, too, have heard that chemo is not nearly as hard on dogs as on humans. Will be keeping K close to my heart tomorrow.
Mango Momma
- December 29, 2011 at 6:49 PM
- ♥♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥♥ said...
Been one tough week and more for you and K. At least you have answers and a plan to move forward. We are going to think beyond one year and hope and pray for a lot more time together. Please give K some extra hugs from us.
- December 29, 2011 at 6:55 PM
- Sam and Pippen said...
Our thoughts will be with K tomorrow.
Sam and Pippen
- December 29, 2011 at 6:56 PM
- Chester said...
Hiya K! Nice to meetchya. I'm a friend of Mango's and Bunny Hound's and they've been speakin' of you and wantin' good thoughts sent your way.
I will gladly keep you and your PUs (parental units) in my thoughts as you begin this new chapter in your life. I know you'll adjust, us dawgs just have a way of acceptin' life's hard knocks better'n than the human breed. Just tell them to keep the negative energies outta their heads and away from you.
Big Brown (((HUGS))) and slobbers,
Chester ;0=)
- December 29, 2011 at 6:59 PM
- Khyra And Sometimes Her Mom said...
Thanks again for the update as we KNOW you have to be exhausted -
We'll echo what the others have commented about animals and chemo - they tolerate it much better for so many reasons -
SO, paws 'K'hrossed here!
Khyra and Phyll
P.S. Now off to update our FrEYEday post! Our sky pics are nothing nearly as awesome as yours!
- December 29, 2011 at 6:59 PM
- Nancy J said...
Cherish every day. Chocolate K will know how much you love her, and that immense wonderful love will get you through this hard time.The sunrise shows nature at its finest, and the colours tell of a new life for you both together.All hugs from Jean in NZ
- December 29, 2011 at 6:59 PM
- Siku Marie, White Dog said...
Every molecule of the collective White Dog Army is focused on sending hope and and strength to you and K. May this new journey, while not one of choice, still fill you with belief in the incredibleness of life and the invincibility of love. Know we walk beside you.
- December 29, 2011 at 7:01 PM
- Raising Addie said...
Will keep praying for you both. We truly don't get a choice in what life throws our way, but you are blessed to have found each other to share your lives with. Many, many more sunrises will be in your future :) We just know it.
BIG hugs to you both.
Lots of Luv & Kisses
Addie, Lucie and Hailey
- December 29, 2011 at 7:02 PM
- houndstooth said...
I think the sunrise is so beautiful, and a fortuitous beginning to the next step in life for the two of you. You and K are both two of the strongest, most resilient souls I know, and I think she'll come through the surgery with flying colors. I'll be watching all day to hear how it went. Our thoughts and prayers are still with you both!
- December 29, 2011 at 7:09 PM
- The Thundering Herd said...
The sunrise is stunning, and such a great image for starting the next chapter of K's life. We are all rooting for good results and lots of time.
- December 29, 2011 at 7:23 PM
- Barbara said...
Hey, we prayed for treatable, and we got it. Now we pray for a speedy, uneventful recovery, no recurrence and lots of time. Get busy people!
- December 29, 2011 at 7:37 PM
- Maery Rose said...
Love the sunrise and your outlook. Once again, you inspire me.
- December 29, 2011 at 7:43 PM
- Boondocks Love Shack Pack said...
Praying all goes well for K!
Boondocks & The Love Shack Pack
- December 29, 2011 at 7:48 PM
- Dream Valley Ranch said...
Oh KB-this is such a scary time and osteosarcoma is such a serious disease-but I am so relieved to hear that K's scans were otherwise clear so that you can be aggressive in your treatment choices and have more time to enjoy the beauty that surrounds you. She is so lucky to have such an amazing pair of humans as her advocates and as her loving family. Appreciating every joyful moment is sometimes the best we can do-having an opportunity to make sure that she gets more of them is even better. Here is to many many more of those moments together! Sending lots of love to all of you,
Sue and the crew
- December 29, 2011 at 7:52 PM
- Trailblazer said...
Hey KB....
To look on the positive side....I'd say this is good news so far. When your last post said that the vet found a tumor that large, I thought the worst (but hoped for the best). The fact that the rest of her is clean is really good news!!!
I'm confident that, because she clearly loves life, she'll make it through this.
You all need some time to relax, and I hope you can get it soon. Nothing is worse than having to fret over the health of a loved one. It's got to be tied with the highest level of stress that a person can be faced with.
We're thinking about you all.
- December 29, 2011 at 7:53 PM
- NCmountainwoman said...
If there is a snitch of good news it is here. I am so glad to hear that the dreaded "C" seems contained. I know the future will be a roller-coaster ride for all of you. Keep in mind there are so many of us out here who will be on that roller coaster with you every single day.
Those of us with dogs, especially those fortunate enough to have a soul-mate like you have in K will be sending neverending positive thoughts to you, K, the runner and R out there in the Rockies. The first is for a smooth and uncomplicated surgery tomorrow.
- December 29, 2011 at 8:03 PM
Nothing I can say will take away worry or us being human and caring for those that we love with all our hearts. I understand that.
Just remember - she is a strong girl and is probably worring about you!!!
Always in our thoughs and prayers..
Sandra and Baylor
- December 29, 2011 at 8:04 PM
- Tweedles -- that's me said...
Dear KB
The sunrise is painting a new beginning for you and K!
We thank you again for your update as we all care so much.
We send huggs to K.
I will send more healing bubbles to help K with her surgery tomorrow and to help her heal.
I will also send some bubbles to you to give your heart some peace and rest. Your family has been through so much.
Wishes for more sunrises and happy memories with your K, are being sent to you.
ps- I know a Dalmation that had chemo for 2 years and did fine.
- December 29, 2011 at 8:06 PM
- Two French Bulldogs said...
hugs to you and paws crossed for K. We will be thinking about you all day...
Benny & Lily
- December 29, 2011 at 8:10 PM
- jen said...
What a beautiful sunrise. I wish K the best tomorrow in her surgery and my prayers will be that you and her have many more days to enjoy the world around her.
- December 29, 2011 at 8:31 PM
- Bailey said...
I just stopped by to drop off some hugs and prayers -- Nala and I will keep you in our thoughts! :)
Woofs! <3
~Bailey (Yep, I'm a girl!)
- December 29, 2011 at 8:38 PM
- K9 Katastrophie said...
Chocolate K, we love you.
- December 29, 2011 at 8:44 PM
- Maggie Mae said...
I am not sure that we can hold K and you any closer to our hearts, but we are going to try. :) We will be praying for you tomorrow.
Blessings and Love,
Janelle, Maggie Mae and Max
- December 29, 2011 at 8:47 PM
- Nola said...
I'm crying. I have paws crossed and am praying K will be a miracle
Dachshund Nola
- December 29, 2011 at 8:53 PM
- Hiking Hounds said...
I think you will be enjoying many more beautiful sunrises with K. :-) It's great that the cancer hasn't spread and you have this option for her. I bet she will do fine with the chemo. Zephyr had four aggressive chemo treatments and did well. I'm sure they'll tell you this, but you'll want to know about when her white blood cell count will be at the lowest from the chemo, for Zephyr it was a week after. I think the timing depends on the type of chemo and they should be able to give you a general idea of when it will happen. I had to take him in for blood work to monitor it. But, that's when you need to watch that she doesn't get a fever, etc. This doesn't happen very often, but on Zephyr's first round it did and I had to give more and different antibiotics and subcutaneous fluids at home (giving fluids is pretty easy and I didn't want him to have to stay at the vet's). The whole thing was scary, but he started feeling better within 24 hrs. This happened mainly because Zephyr's body was exhausted from fighting the encephalitis and was barely home from a week in the hospital. K won't have to deal with that. K is a strong girl and I bet she's going to surprise you at how well she'll do during and after her recovery. I'll be thinking of K tomorrow and we are still sending lots of love and healing messages to K and you all. :-)
- December 29, 2011 at 9:25 PM
- Snowcatcher said...
You have an incredible attitude, and that's why K has such zest for life. Keep that part of the contagiousness going. I'm so glad others are sharing their experiences to increase your hope. And I'm so glad so many are rallying once more in your behalf. I hope you feel all the love and good wishes tonight, tomorrow, Saturday and for the next two weeks.
- December 29, 2011 at 9:52 PM
- Berts Blog said...
What a beautiful sunrise, and what a sign of hope.
I still can't find words for you from my deep well of wisdom..(haha)
But my heart goes out to you and K and we will be thinking of you both all day tomorrow.
Bert and My Vickie
- December 29, 2011 at 9:55 PM
- Luisa said...
You both will be in my thoughts tomorrow. Take care, and please give K an ear-scritch for me --
- December 29, 2011 at 10:44 PM
- Stella said...
Here are more good wishes and prayers for our dear girl K. That the surgery will go smoothly and that time at home will be good to manage. We are lucky to be living in a time when information is readily available to us, our friend's experiences are there too.
That sunrise should give you the utmost hope for a glorious future with K. And we will all be walking along with you!
Cheers and hugs,
Jo, Stella dog and Zkhat
- December 29, 2011 at 10:45 PM
Best luck to both of you tomorrow. tomorrow starts the path to making this better. And you never know...50% for one year can turn into 2 or 3 years. I've seen it happen.
- December 29, 2011 at 10:45 PM
- Angus said...
We'll be thinking of you today . The good thing is less active lives just develop a different form of activity .
- December 30, 2011 at 12:12 AM
- Wild Dingo said...
While we're happy to hear it is ther better of possible news, we know that what lies ahead is going to be difficult on every level. Much love and strength to you, k, r and the runner during this time. Power of the paw from all of us at wild dingo.
- December 30, 2011 at 12:15 AM
- Sally said...
Paws crossed. We'll be thinking of you.
- December 30, 2011 at 12:22 AM
- Maggie and Mitch said...
Our paws remain crossed. We have you in our thoughts and we are praying for the very best for K.
Love ya lots
Maggie and Mitch
- December 30, 2011 at 3:17 AM
- Piappies World said...
A beautiful sunrise is another beautiful day. We pray that you and K will have lots of these sunrise mornings together. You are in our thoughts especially tomorrow and we remain all together here with crossed paws. You got lots of us here with you through, this K.
Piappies Fudgie, Princess, Frappie, Mocha, Sugar, Wai-Wax, Wai-Pai & Forgie
- December 30, 2011 at 4:03 AM
- browndogcbr said...
Like the beautiful sunrise is a promise for the day yet to unfold...
- December 30, 2011 at 5:09 AM
- Tina said...
Hope surgery is going well! See, I told you I thought you were living in the perfect spot of the world. what a great picture! Enjoy every second you have with K, there definitely will be lots of sunrises you can watch together!
- December 30, 2011 at 5:19 AM
- Winston said...
Will be thinking, and praying, for both of you today. Stay strong K!
Sending Wirey hugs your way,
Winston and Mom Shawn
- December 30, 2011 at 5:39 AM
- Roo said...
So sorry to hear about this. Good news about it being only in one place. Paws crossed for K's surgery to go perfectly.
That is a most incredible sunrise :)
Hugs and wags,
The Roo Family
- December 30, 2011 at 5:44 AM
- Tom, Tama-Chan, Sei-Chan, Bibi-Chan, Gen-Chan, Vidock said...
We are sending good thoughts, vibes, purrs, woofs, neighs and hugs from France. May the surgery be a great success and you and K enjoy many more sunrises together.
The Poupounette Gang
- December 30, 2011 at 5:47 AM
- DianeTaylor said...
It is Friday morning here in Baltimore - and I am at work with tears in my eyes, thinking about you and K and what you face today. She is so strong, that much is clear to me from your blog and the amazing photos and words you give us. My sweet chocolate lab Indy and I will be praying for a smooth surgery and a speedy recovery for K and you :)
LOVE that sunrise photo - it speaks volumes about life and what beauty there is in the world - we just have to stop long enough to see it!
God Bless - from the Taylors in Baltimore MD
- December 30, 2011 at 5:56 AM
- Amber DaWeenie said...
Continued prayers for you and for K. Live every day to its fullest and then look forward to the next. One day at a time!
- December 30, 2011 at 6:54 AM
- Janice in GA said...
One day at a time. That's all we really have anyway.
Still much love to you all.
- December 30, 2011 at 6:56 AM
- NORWOOD UNLEASHED said...
A scary but new day is coming. You and K will perserve and light up like the sky. We are thinking of you. Power of the Paws.
- December 30, 2011 at 7:08 AM
- 3 doxies said...
We are heres fur ya'll and we is sending our most fierce vibes to be withs K during her surgery and furs you K furs you to has strength while ya'll goes through dis.
We loves you guys and we is heres fur ya.
PS: Glad I could makes you smile.
- December 30, 2011 at 7:26 AM
- The Thuglets said...
Your sunset is beautiful!
Thinking of K today and sending lots of positive thoughts for a successful surgery.
Big Nose Pokes
The Thugletsx
- December 30, 2011 at 8:24 AM
- Bassetmomma said...
Our thoughts are with you and K tomorrow. Having such a positive attitude will surely help both of you. The best lesson in life is to never take anything for granted. Sometimes it's hard, as we forget in daily life, but you definitely have your priorities straight. Cherish each and every moment. Good luck!
- December 30, 2011 at 8:43 AM
- Roxanne @ Champion of My Heart said...
I'm so glad you have access to this limb sparing technique / treatment that was pioneered here in CO. I wonder ... will K wear some sort of brace to support the leg on your adventures?
When I wrote a eulogy for a friend recently, I included this lesson that I learned from her ... Buying yourself more time is NEVER a waste of time, even if the outcome is the same.
K has a tremendous spirit and such strength. I truly hope that you have much more time than it seems today.
Good luck with the surgery! We'll continue to keep you in our hearts.
- December 30, 2011 at 8:49 AM
I read your blog all the time, and I just know that from both of your strengths you will come through this with flying colors. K is a special baby and your love for each other is so obvious. We all love our animals and they are so much smarter than us. I wish both of you the best of luck and I know that you two will be watching sunsets together real soon. You are not in this alone.
Donna of NC
- December 30, 2011 at 9:15 AM
- Molly, Taffy, Monty and Winnie said...
We are thinking of you today and have our paws crossed tightly.
Molly, Taffy, Monty and Winnie.
- December 30, 2011 at 9:50 AM
- Corbin said...
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and K for a successful surgery and a quick recovery... we can't imagine what you're going through, but we're thinking about you.
- December 30, 2011 at 10:42 AM
- Khumbu & Kiersten said...
What an incredible sunrise. Wishing all the luck in the world. Strength and healing thoughts heading your way. Hugs to you all. K & K
- December 30, 2011 at 12:44 PM
- MurphyDog said...
its Friday afternoon here in Sandy Eggo...that means its even later in your neck of the woods. Me & Mom have been thinking about K & the rest of her family all day. Hoping to get an update soon, but understanding you have more important things to worry about now.
just wanted to let you know we are thinking of you
wags, wiggles & slobbers
- December 30, 2011 at 3:17 PM
- mayziegal said...
We just wanted you to know that we've been think of you and K all day long. We're sending you pawsitive thoughts and hoping that everything's going okay.
Gentle wiggles & wags,
- December 30, 2011 at 4:13 PM
- Painter Pack said...
Praying the surgery went well and that K is recouping comfortably. Also, thinking of you all and the pain you are dealing with...
Painter Pack
- December 30, 2011 at 4:57 PM
- Wyatt said...
Hugs to you and K. We think you will be seeing more sunrises and sunsets together.
Wyatt, Stanzie and Mom
- December 30, 2011 at 6:03 PM
- sophie...^5 said...
Sometimes "greed" is a good thing...in this case..be as love greedy as you can be!!!
- December 31, 2011 at 8:18 AM

subset: commoncrawl


text:
SAN FRANCISCO -- Linebacker Aldon Smith returned to action Sunday for the first time in seven weeks, but it's going to take a while longer before he makes his presence felt again.
He played only 11 of 66 snaps Sunday as part of the team's nickel package.
Coach Jim Harbaugh and Smith both said that was the plan going into the game. Just the same, Smith said he's in good enough shape to play every down.
"I'm a competitor, I want to be on the field," said Smith, who admitted he wasn't satisfied with a limited role. "But whatever works. The season's long, so we'll see how it goes."
Smith was discharged from a rehab facility in late October after spending five weeks or so undergoing treatment for substance abuse.
His return to the field was against the Carolina Panthers in front of adoring fans at Candlestick Park.
"It was good," Smith said of his first game action since the 49ers lost to the Indianapolis Colts on Sept. 22, when he played all 72 of the team's defensive snaps. "Being back on the field was good."
The 49ers players formally welcomed back Smith last Monday. Accepting him back into a game setting represented the next step.
That occurred early in the second quarter, when Smith trotted onto the field for a third-down play. Fans roared their approval.
Smith responded by getting decent pressure on Panthers quarterback Cam Newton with a surge up the middle. Smith spent the rest of the game trying in vain to find a way to make a measurable impact.
He finished without making any tackles. On a key third-and-8 play late in the game, Smith remained on the sideline in yet another sign that it's going to take some time before things return to the way they were before his extended absence.
"It's special to see a dominant player like that back," cornerback Tarell Brown said. "We welcomed him back. Having that presence out there, with 99 on the field, is always something special. He's a hell of a player and a hell of a person."
Despite his limited role Sunday, Smith was just thrilled to be back in any capacity, given where he was in September.
Two days before the Colts game, Smith crashed his pickup truck into a tree and was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. The day after the Colts game, Smith entered an out-of-state rehab facility.
At this time last season, Smith was in the midst of a memorable season, when he recorded a team-record 19½ sacks while also threatening the NFL's single-season record.
He has only 4½ sacks this season but still has plenty of time to make an impact. Defensive lineman Justin Smith said he and his teammates are energized by Aldon Smith's return and confident he'll regain his form in short order.
"Anytime you get one of your best players and team leaders back out there, it's good," Justin Smith said. "I know what he can do. We're just excited to have him back."
Harbaugh, of course, has myriad things to keep tabs on during games. Hence, he said, he won't have an accurate gauge on how well Aldon Smith played until he watches video of the game.
"My initial feeling, he did fine," Harbaugh said.
Smith, too, is keeping things in perspective.
"It's definitely something that I wish would have worked out differently," he said in reference to the 49ers losing. "Take it as baby steps."


text:
About the Book
"Grippando has definitely reached a new level with this series entry. . . . One of his best." —Booklist (starred review)
A young girl's murder sets off a grisly cascade of crime, death, and intrigue—and sends criminal defense lawyer Jack Swyteck after a sinister group of terrorists on the verge of unleashing chaos across the globe. From New York Times bestseller James Grippando, the ninth Jack Swyteck novel, Afraid of the Dark—perfect for fans of Steve Martini, Phillip Margolin, and Jo Nesbo—is a rollercoaster thrill ride into the very heart of evil.
Police sergeant Vince Paulo held his best friend's dying daughter in his arms as, with her final breath, she uttered the name of her murderer: her ex-boyfriend, Jamal. Minutes later, the house exploded, shrouding Paulo in darkness forever.
Miami criminal defense lawyer Jack Swyteck is shocked to discover that the client he's been assigned to defend, a young man facing the death penalty for terrorist activities, is already wanted for the murder of his girlfriend and the permanent blinding of a police officer. Jamal's alibi, that he was being held and tortured by government agents at the time of the girl's death, seems far-fetched. But a subsequent rash of slayings suggests there may be some veracity to the young man's story. That bitter truth is launching Jack into a deadly international hunt for a faceless killer known only as "the Dark," and plunging him deep into the terrifying heart of purest evil.
Educator and Librarian Resources
Critical Praise
"More twists and turns than a snowy mountain pass…Afraid of the Dark will have readers embracing this darkness." — Associated Press
"Grippando has proven his skills with edge-of-your-seat thrillers. Afraid of the Dark may be his most gripping yet." — Miami Herald
"Superb plotting, high suspense, compelling timely issues, and finely honed characters make this crime novel/international thriller a great read." — Library Journal (starred review)
"Grippando has definitely reached a new level with this series entry. . . . One of his best." — Booklist (starred review)
"Rousing. . . . An exciting tale of revenge." — Publishers Weekly
"Filled with twists and turns and edge-of-the-seat tension." — Romantic Times
"Grippando powerfully weaves Afraid of the Dark into a noir look at the fears that seep into each corner of society….Grippando has proven his skills with edge-of-your-seat thrillers. Afraid of the Dark may be his most gripping novel." — Newark Star Ledger
Product Details
- Imprint: Harper
- On Sale: 12/27/2011
- Trimsize: 4.188 in (w) x 7.5 in (h) x 1.189 in (d)
- Pages: 528
- List Price: 9.99 USD
- BISAC1: FICTION / Thrillers / General


text:
- If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
- 2 Chronicles 7:14 RSV
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- PA mom said This comments are this post are somewhat dishearte...
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- Fr Martin Fox said Ann Malley says: What you contrive, Fr. Fox, is a...
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- anilwang said Amen. For the record, there is another option. Tor...
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- Fr Martin Fox said Ann Malley says: Saying, "Mr. Trump's statements w...
- Titus said Good grief. The abdication casts a pall over the e...
- un-ionized said "vault over to that reality camp" What...
- Gerhard said Write to the Bishop? It is one of the greatest my...
- tskrobola said With all due respect to those who claim that we do...
- un-ionized said It's true, I know of a pension fund that is...
- robtbrown said Un-ionized says, Robtbrown, that is not how WB ma...
- Ann Malley said Fr. Fox, let's do be crystal. Saying, "...
- Stephanus83 said There are lots of readers complaining about feelin...
- frjim4321 said That is sad.
- Gaz said What to do? Hmmm. Pray Sunday Terce before Mass. M...
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Joseph Ratzinger - The Feast of Faith"In those situations where homosexual unions have been legally recognized or have been given the legal status and rights belonging to marriage, clear and emphatic opposition is a duty. ... If all Catholics are obliged to oppose the legal recognition of homosexual unions, Catholic politicians are obliged to do so in a particular way, in keeping with their responsibility as politicians." CDF 2003
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"We as Catholics have not properly combated (the culture) because we have not been taught our Catholic Faith, especially in the depth needed to address these grave evils of our time. This is a failure of catechesis both of children and young people that has been going on for fifty years. It is being addressed, but it needs much more radical attention... What has also contributed greatly to the situation is an exaltation of the virtue of tolerance which is falsely seen as the virtue which governs all other virtues. In other words, we should tolerate other people in their immoral actions to the extent that we seem also to accept the moral wrong. Tolerance is a virtue, but it is certainly not the principal virtue; the principal virtue is charity... Charity means speaking the truth. I have encountered it (not speaking the truth) many times myself as a priest and bishop. It is something we simply need to address. There is far too much silence — people do not want to talk about it because the topic is not 'politically correct.' But we cannot be silent any longer."
Raymond Card. Burke
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Grant unto thy Church, we beseech Thee, O merciful God, that She, being gathered together by the Holy Ghost, may be in no wise troubled by attack from her foes. O God, who by sin art offended and by penance pacified, mercifully regard the prayers of Thy people making supplication unto Thee,and turn away the scourges of Thine anger which we deserve for our sins. Almighty and Everlasting God, in whose Hand are the power and the government of every realm: look down upon and help the Christian people that the heathen nations who trust in the fierceness of their own might may be crushed by the power of thine Arm. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. R. Amen.
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Food For Thought
"The legalization of the termination of pregnancy is none other than the authorization given to an adult, with the approval of an established law, to take the lives of children yet unborn and thus incapable of defending themselves. It is difficult to imagine a more unjust situation, and it is very difficult to speak of obsession in a matter such as this, where we are dealing with a fundamental imperative of every good conscience — the defense of the right to life of an innocent and defenseless human being."
- St. John Paul II
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For your consideration…
"One of the most dangerous errors is that civilization is automatically bound to increase and spread. The lesson of history is the opposite; civilization is a rarity, attained with difficulty and easily lost. The normal state of humanity is barbarism, just as the normal surface of the planet is salt water. Land looms large in our imagination and civilization in history books, only because sea and savagery are to us less interesting."
- C.S. Lewis
More food for thought:
"I expect to die in bed, my successor will die in prison and his successor will die a martyr in the public square. His successor will pick up the shards of a ruined society and slowly help rebuild civilization, as the church has done so often in human history."
Francis Card. George
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- "It will never be known what acts of cowardice have been committed for fear of not looking sufficiently progressive."
Charles Pierre Péguy Notre Patrie, 1905"If I ought to write the truth, I am of the mind that I ought to flee all meetings of bishops, because I have never seen any happy or satisfactory outcome to any council, nor one that has deterred evils more than it has occasioned their acceptance and growth."
St. Gregory Nazianzus ep. 131 - AD 382"We will conquer your Rome, break your crosses, and enslave your women. If we do not reach that time, then our children and grandchildren will reach it, and they will sell your sons as slaves at the slave market."
Sheikh Abu Muhammad al-Adnani, Chief Spokesman the Islamic State, 2014 Quoted in James Wesley Rawles, Land of Promise (Counter-Caliphate Chronicles Series Book 1) See also HERE
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Daily Archives: 18 September 2009
"Caritas in veritate" is now available in LATIN
The Latin text of the Holy Father's encyclical Caritas in veritate is now available in LATIN on the Vatican website. PROOEMIUM 1. Caritas in veritate, quam sua terrestri vita ac potissimum suam per mortem et resurrectionem testificatus est Iesus Christus, … Continue reading
Posted in SESSIUNCULA Tagged Caritas in veritate, encyclical, Latin 5 Comments
Sr. Joan and the Usual Suspects
Just when you think the dissidents can't veer farther into fantasy comes this knee slapper from Sr. Joan and the Usual Suspects. Notice how I don't even have to give her last name or the name of the publication? She … Continue reading
Posted in SESSIUNCULA 47 Comments
Just Too Cool: College kids build space camera for $148
Watching the destruction of education in the US and elsewhere should be sufficient to prove that throwing lots of money at a project doesn't always produce results. Here is a great story. The $150 Edge-of-Space Camera: MIT Students Beat NASA … Continue reading
ICARUS Project Time Lapse video [ 0:01 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (1532)
Posted in Just Too Cool 9 Comments
"She kept saying, 'It's the Pope. That's the Pope'"
I really like this story from the National Catholic Register: Emma Watson Meets Her Pope Posted by Tim Drake Thursday, September 17, 2009 5:24 AM Last Wednesday, 7-year-old Emma Watson of Craigmont, Idaho, finally got her wish to meet Pope … Continue reading
Posted in SESSIUNCULA 11 Comments
"…led by Curiosity and good Company I strolled away to Mother Church…"
From a reader: Good morning, Father. Reading your comments on the importance of revitalizing the liturgy put me in mind of the comments of John Adams, who later became the second president of the United States. Adams was rather a … Continue reading
Posted in SESSIUNCULA Tagged John Adams 15 Comments
John Allen on upcoming SSPX Summit
My friend John L. Allen, the nearly ubiquitous fair-minded correspondent of the ultra-lefty dissenting National Catholic Reporter is a good analyst. In his weekly Friday letter he drills into the upcoming talks that are soon to begin between the SSPX … Continue reading
Posted in Brick by Brick, SESSIUNCULA, The Drill Tagged John Allen, John L. Allen, NCR, SSPX 17 Comments
I picked this up from the young Papist. It is a photo screaming for a good caption. "OHHHHK-lahoma, where the wind comes sweepin' down the plain…" Karaoke Night at the Synod.
Posted in Lighter fare 27 Comments
QUAERITUR: Gregorian Masses for the living?
From a priest reader: I have a question for you or your readers. Do you think that the Missae Gregorianae can be offered for the living? I have found this custom here in Barcelona, amongst some of the OF … Continue reading
Posted in ASK FATHER Question Box, SESSIUNCULA 1 Comment
Fr. Roscia of Salt+Light on "the Lifesite crowd" and "EWTN viewers"
Do you remember what Hamlet told Polonius about the players when they come to Elsinore? Good my lord, will you see the players wellbestowed? Do you hear, let them be well used; forthey are the abstract and brief chronicles of … Continue reading
Posted in SESSIUNCULA Tagged EWTN, Fr. Tom Roscia, Lifesite, Salt+Light 67 Comments
I have written about Loome's Theological Bookstore in Stillwater, MN. I just had a tantalizing photo from the fellow who owns the place… and it was meant to be tantalizing. This is part of the liturgical section. I was told … Continue reading
Posted in SESSIUNCULA Tagged Loome's 9 Comments
The Feeder Feed
It has been a while since I have given the feeder report. The Goldfinches are changing their colors. This adult male is becoming drab again for the winter. I still have one female Rose-breasted Grosbeak. There is still one House … Continue reading
Posted in SESSIUNCULA, The Feeder Feed 1 Comment


text:
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Rasco FR has designed this FR Coverall with the end user in mind; light weight at 10.0 oz, NFPA 2112 protection that is UL Classified, ASTM F1506 UL Classified, NFPA 70E Compliant, and a CAT 2 rating. It is tough enough to meet everyday Oil Field and Gas Production requirements. It is a light, but durable, comfortable fit. Rasco makes FR Clothing very affordable. These coveralls offer two pass through pockets, two hip pockets, two chest pockets with snaps, and a left pocket with flap and pen slot. The coveralls are equipped with a triple stitched main seam, spread collar, cuffs with button closer, and a two snap front closure on the chest. The heavyweight coveralls have a brass two-way front zipper, with FR zipper tape, and inside and out protective flaps. For added comfort, the coveralls offer an elastic waist insert.
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text:
December 29, 2005
The mother says she is not getting justice when it comes to locking up the 12-year-old she said molester her three-year-old son. The alleged incident happened three weeks ago and Maria Koenig says she hasn't heard from investigators since. We spoke with the Richmond County Sheriff's Office who responded to the complaint. But it's up to juvenile authorities to determine what happens next.
"All of a sudden he hates me, he hates this house, and he hates his room," Maria Koenig said.
Maria Koenig is talking about her three-year-old son. She claims he was molested by her babysitter's 12-year-old son. She believes it happened in her son's bedroom.
"He said mommy he pushed me down pulled my pants down and told me to shut up cause I was screaming," Maria said.
When Maria found out about the alleged child molestation, she immediately called investigators and then took her 3-year-old to the hospital. Discharge papers show the diagnosis as alleged sexual abuse.
"The lady at the hospital stated it does not mean that he did not get molested, but it means his body goes back to normal, but his muscles are causing him to use the bathroom on himself," Maria said.
It's been three weeks and Maria wants to know why the 12-year-old is still walking around. The Richmond County Sheriff's Department is following the directives of juvenile authorities.
"That's what they instructed us to do on this occasion is turn him over to the guardian and that's what we did," said Major Ken Autry, Richmond Co. Sheriff's Office.
"I told them I know he's a juvenile, don't get me wrong, but that doesn't justify for what he does so that means he can walk around here and do this to someone else's child," Maria said.
But juvenile authorities say just because a child is released doesn't mean that the case is closed. The investigation is just starting and many cases end up in front of a judge.
"The juvenile court judge will decide what action is taken whether he's detained, left in custody of parents or whether he has to go to counseling," Major Autry said.
In Maria Koenig's three-year-old's case, a court date can't come soon enough.
"It's going on three weeks, almost four, probably no justice no nothing, no counseling for my son," Maria said.
News 12 did speak with the mother of the 12-year-old and the 12-year-old and he told us the three-year-old actually pulled the 12-year-old's pants down and then sat on top of him. So it's case the juvenile authorities will have to sort through in order to find out who's telling the truth. Also during juvenile sexual investigations that involve minors, the alleged victim is interviewed at the Child Advocacy Center. Maria Koenig said her son has not had that interview yet.
Visit KidDefense.org to learn more about keeping your child safe.


text:
I've been having problems streaming certain files with TVersity so I tried this and sweet, it plays .mkv's with no BS!
Before I had a 1080p WMV HD file that had 5.1 WMA Pro audio. In TVersity it would stream the video perfectly, but there would be no sound at all. I tried everything and it just wasn't in the cards.
Now I'd just put it in a folder and test it myself with PS3 Media Server...but I'm afraid that in my rage, I deleted the file. And emptied the trash bin. Unfortunately it doesn't even show up with an undelete program.
So I'm asking, does it?


text:
Taylor Swift has a new boyfriend. And, really, we couldn't be happier for her.
The next ex-boyfriend Swift will write songs about is Harry Styles of the boy band One Direction. After weeks of rumors, the two finally stepped out in public over the weekend, going to New York City's Central Park Zoo together.
And it seems they have a bit of a history already. The two reportedly had a brief fling last spring, and Swift's song "Trouble," according to some sources, is about Styles.
Swift and Styles' latest go-round was first rumored in mid-November, after Mario Lopez talked about the pair's backstage chemistry. The "X Factor" host said Styles visited Swift after doing a guest shot on the singing competition show, and that the pair had "walked off, hand in hand."
The press is extremely happy about the pairing. Well, at least some of them.
"They would be the next Justin and Britney," British journalist James Desborough, author of "One Direction ... What Makes Them Beautiful," told the Huffington Post last week. "We haven't had a proper A-list pop-star-royalty couple for a long time. These are two people in the peak of their careers, whom people are fascinated with."
Guess this guy never heard of John Mayer and Katy Perry.
By the way, what is it that makes One Direction beautiful?
Of course, Swift likes her younger men. Come to think of it, she likes older men too. In October, Swift dumped 18-year-old Conor Kennedy after three months of dating. She has also dated Jake Gyllenhaal, John Mayer, Taylor Lautner ... Marlon Brando, Hugh Hefner, Anthony Quinn, Richard Burton, and a young Charlie Chaplin. Or maybe it was just those first three.
Contact Tony Hicks at email@example.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BayAreaNewsGroup.TonyHicks.


text:
Lafourche deputies honor fallen soldiers in 250-mile bike ride
Published: Thursday, May 16, 2013 at 11:24 a.m.
Last Modified: Thursday, May 16, 2013 at 8:52 p.m.
The Lafourche Parish sheriff and five other Sheriff's Office employees bicycled from Portsmouth, Va., to Washington, D.C., to raise money for a memorial for fallen police officers at the nation's capitol.
It was a three-day, 250-mile trip, officials said.
"This was one of the most significant and meaningful endeavors in which I have participated in my entire career," said Sheriff Webre. "It was amazing to see men and women from so many agencies coming together without regard for rank, position or status — all of us united for the common cause of supporting each other and the officers who paid the ultimate price in protecting their communities."
The group biked the Police Unity Tour Friday, Saturday and Sunday, officials said. They rode to the site of the National Law Enforcement Memorial.
The team raised $15,000 from local individuals and businesses to contribute to the memorial, the Sheriff's Office said. Fundraisers included Lafourche Parish Public Schools' "jean days," where students donate money in exchange for wearing jeans instead of their uniform pants. Lafourche deputies held their own fundraisers within the Sheriff's Office.
The six cyclists were sheriff's lieutenants John Champagne, Mark Adams, Doug Foreman and Andrew Labat, as well as Barret Ellender, the Sheriff's Office chief financial officer, officials said.
Each Police Unity Tour rider chooses at least one fallen officer for whom they dedicate their ride, and the rider wears a bracelet with that officer's name during the entire trip. After the ride, the riders attempt to connect with the surviving family members of the fallen officer for which they rode.
While Champagne rode for St. John Parish Deputy Brandon Nielsen, who was killed in a shootout in LaPlace last year, he also rode in memory of his late brother and former Deputy Chaney Champagne, who died July 31, 2003.
"As a survivor, when I saw the sea of blue ride into the memorial in 2004, I was honored to think that all of that was for my family and me," Champagne said. "Now when I ride into the memorial, I am able to give back that same sense of honor to my fellow survivors."
All six cyclists rode in honor of an officer who died in the past year.
On the memorial wall, there are names of four Lafourche deputies who died:
• Thomas W. Procter (May 6, 1978).
• Chaney J. Champagne (July 31, 2003).
• Kurt E. Harrelson (July 31, 2003).
• Martha A. Woods-Shareef (Aug. 20, 2008).
"What made the daunting task of traveling 250 miles by bicycle achievable was the ability of us as riders to put our own physical discomforts behind the hardships of our fallen colleagues and their survivors," Ellender said.
— Staff report
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text:
Ban on license plate message violates free speech, man claims
'If I had to condense all the problems with government into a sound bite that would fit on a license plate, COPSLIE would be it,' said Montenegro.
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text:
Two dead in Grand Isle apartment fire
Published: Thursday, September 27, 2012 at 7:39 a.m.
Last Modified: Thursday, September 27, 2012 at 10:48 a.m.
Two adults — a man and woman living in separate apartments — died in a Grand Isle fire Wednesday night, authorities said.
Firefighters found Willow Creek Apartments, 2727 La. 1, burning when they arrived about 9:30 p.m., the state fire marshal said.
No one else was injured, and between 15 and 20 people evacuated the apartment building, Grand Isle Fire Chief Aubrey Chaisson said.
When Chiasson's fire truck arrived and people alerted him that two people were inside, it sent "chills down my back," he said. Looking over the shoulder of the woman talking to him, he could see the two apartments she was referring to "fully engulfed in flames."
The adults, who lived in separate apartments, had lived in Grand Isle a while, Chiasson said. Authorities know their identities but have not yet released their names because they were having difficulty notifying their families.
Firefighters contained the fire to the second floor, the Fire Marshal's Office says in a news release.
"We saved the building," Chiasson said. Flames only got to three apartments.
Still, the fire was "intense," he said.
There were "25- to 30-foot flames shooting in the air. ... This thing was burning," he said.
Firefighters could not enter the engulfed apartments from outside, Chiasson said. They had to go cut through interior walls to reach the dead.
Investigators from multiple agencies were working this morning to pinpoint the cause of the fire, Chiasson said, but foul play is not suspected.
The building was old, and tenants had complained in the past that fire extinguishers and smoke detectors were not working, Chiasson said.
Staff Writer Katie Urbaszewski can be reached at 448-7617 or firstname.lastname@example.com.
Reader comments posted to this article may be published in our print edition. All rights reserved. This copyrighted material may not be re-published without permission. Links are encouraged.


text:
I havent found how to write a hatch into dxf
We have:
void DL_Dxf::writeHatch1 ( DL_WriterA & dw,
const DL_HatchData & data,
const DL_Attributes & attrib
where DL_HatchData (int hNumLoops, bool hSolid, double hScale, double hAngle, const string &hPattern)
First question: what shoud hPattern be and whats this hNumLoops all about?
Second question:
If I call :
void DL_Dxf::writeHatchLoop1 ( DL_WriterA & dw,
const DL_HatchLoopData & data
should I call the writeHatchEdge functions after this or before the writeHatchLoop?
Third question,why must I call writeHatch2 and how to use it ????
An example would be nice,since its impossible to decode it from the ribbonsofts class reference. Thank you!


text:
I have a Geforce GT 220, is there anything I can do to get rid of the black box?
Thanks for sharing this solution! I'm dying to play the good old Settlers IV again.
Everything went safe and sound until I got to installing Settlers IV in the Virtual Linux-system. When executing "Autorun.exe" and choosing to "Install The Settlers IV" the splash screen shows up and the setup process begins, but then suddenly I get the warning message: "This program needs a resolution of VGA or better." and the setup terminates!
I've tried to change the resolution and the graphics card in the Virtual Linux-system, but nothing works. I've checked if there is anything I can do with the settings in Virtual Box - S4-UBL, but nothing helps.
Has anyone got any clue about how to get around this???
Thanks in advance!
By the way, my specs are:
Acer Aspire 5920G notebook, 4Gb ram
Intel Core2 Duo CPU T7300 @ 2.00Ghz
Windows Vista Home Premium 32-bit SP2
Nvidia GeForce 8600M GT
Again, thanks for any help!
Never mind! I tried installing the 196.21 drivers from laptopvideo2go and believe it or not - IT FINALLY WORKS!!
No more struggling with Virtual Box, although it would have been a good solution (if it would have worked on my laptop...).
I tried it with Virtual Box but I get the same message as G-klaven : "This program needs a resolution of VGA or better."
I have a GeForce 9800 GT. What should I do?
Zarja99, have you tried to install the 192.61 drivers? I assume you have a desktop computer with the Nvidia GeForce 9800 GT? Then the standard 192.61 drivers from Nvidia should do the trick! That way you don't have to use VirtualBox. Follow the link below and choose your platform. (Don't forget to keep a set of working drivers available, if the new drivers wouldn't work)
Yup, updating the nvidia driver worked here! Thanks for the tip!
Hi Chief,
I installed Virtual Box, but i can't find a CD/DVD drive, my Deamon and my normal drive, can't see it
I use Windows. 7
can you help me out?


text:
6.7-2 Stalking in the Second Degree -- § 53a-181d
Revised to November 6, 2014
Note: This instruction is for crimes committed on or after October 1, 2012. Public Act No. 12-114, § 12, substantially revised the definition of the offense. For crimes committed before October 1, 2012, see Instruction 6.7-2A in the Archive.
The defendant is charged [in count __] with stalking in the second degree. The statute defining this offense reads in pertinent part as follows:
a person is guilty of stalking in the second degree when such person knowingly engages in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear for such person's physical safety or the physical safety of a third person.
For you to find the defendant guilty of this charge, the state must prove the following elements beyond a reasonable doubt:
Element 1 -
The first element is that the defendant acted "knowingly." A person acts "knowingly" with respect to a circumstance described in a statute when (he/she) is aware that such circumstance exists. <See Knowledge, Instruction 2.3-3.>
Element 2 - Course
of Conduct
The second element is that the defendant engaged in a course of conduct directed at a specific person, <insert name of person>. "Course of conduct" means two or more acts, including, but not limited to, acts in which a person directly, indirectly or through a third party, by any action, method, device or means, <insert as appropriate based on the allegations:>
- (follows / lies in wait for / monitors / observes / surveils / threatens / harasses / communicates with / sends unwanted gifts to a person)
- interferes with a person's property.
The defendant may do any one of
these more than once or in combination. For example, follow two or more
times or follow once and send an unwanted gift once.
<Insert definitions as appropriate:>
- To "follow" means to go, proceed or come after, to move behind in the same direction. Following implies proximity in space and time. Whether someone has deliberately maintained sufficient visual or physical proximity with another person, uninterrupted, over a substantial enough period of time to constitute following will depend on the facts and circumstances of each case.1
- To "lie in wait for" means to wait in a place where another person is likely to be or to pass by.2
- To "monitor" means to watch closely for purposes of control, surveillance, to keep track of or to check continually.
- To "surveil" means to place under surveillance, the act of carefully watching someone.
- To "observe" means to see, watch, perceive or notice.
These actions must be of a predatory nature. The statute does not encompass conduct that is
aimless, unintentional, accidental or undertaken for a lawful purpose.
- To "threaten" means to utter a threat that a reasonable person would understand as a serious expression of intent to harm or damage and is not mere puffery, bluster, jest or hyperbole. In determining whether the threat is a true threat, consider the factual context in which the alleged threat occurred including the reaction of the person to whom the threat was directed and the defendant's conduct before and after the alleged threat.
- To "harass" means to disturb persistently, bother continuously, pester or torment.
- To "communicate" means to express thoughts, feelings or information by writing or speaking.
The third element is that the defendant caused <insert name of person> to reasonably fear for (his/her) physical safety or the physical safety of a third person. Determining whether this element is satisfied requires a two step process. First, the situation and the facts must be viewed from the viewpoint of <insert name of person>. Did (he/she) in fact fear for (his/her) physical safety? If the answer to that question is no, you must find the defendant not guilty. If the answer to that question is yes, you must then ask whether that fear was reasonable. You must answer that question from the viewpoint of a reasonable person under the circumstances at the time. You must ask yourself whether under all the circumstances then present, was the fear reasonable?
IIn summary, the state must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that (1) the defendant acted knowingly, (2) the defendant engaged in a course of conduct direct at a specific person, <insert name of person>, and (3) the defendant's conduct caused <insert name of person> to fear for ((his/her) physical safety / the physical safety of a third person, <insert name of third person>.
If you unanimously find that the state
has proved beyond a reasonable doubt each of the elements of the crime of
stalking in the second degree, then you shall find the defendant guilty. On the
other hand, if you unanimously find that the state has failed to prove beyond a
reasonable doubt any of the elements, you shall then find the defendant not
1 State v. Marsala, 44 Conn. App. 84, 98, cert. denied, 240 Conn. 912 (1997); see also State v. Jackson, 56 Conn. App. 264, 272, cert. denied, 242 Conn. 938 (2000).
2 For a discussion of the traditional legal definition of "lying in wait," see State v. Culmo, 43 Conn. Sup. 46, 63-64 (1993). The committee thought that this definition, with its emphasis on concealment and surprise, was not applicable to the behavior that the stalking statute addresses.
This crime was significantly modified by Public Acts 2012, No. 114, effective October 1, 2012. In addition, a new subsection was added creating an alternative method of committing stalking in the second degree. An instruction for that offense will be added in the future.


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SANTA CLARA -- One lousy yard, that's how close the 49ers came within a third-down conversion on their last offensive snap against the New York Giants, all while last season's NFC Championship hung in the balance.
The 49ers went on to lose 20-17 in overtime, and although Kyle Williams' punt return gaffes attracted the most blame, the offense was doomed by 1-of-13 efficiency on third downs.
How far have the 49ers come since then? By one measure, they've at least gone 1,000 yards, which represents their combined offensive production in their past two blowout wins, including Sunday's 45-3 rout of the Buffalo Bills.
"The talent level has been upgraded, and guys are playing really well together," coach Jim Harbaugh said Monday.
The 49ers (4-1) are riding a wave of momentum into Sunday's rematch against the Giants (3-2) at Candlestick Park. As opposed to their last meeting, the 49ers look more capable of keeping pace with the offensive-minded Giants, who went on to win last season's Super Bowl.
The 49ers are scoring 29.8 points per game, tied for fourth-best in the league with the Chicago Bears through Sunday's games. One spot ahead of them at 30.4 points per game are the Giants, who'll have to contend with the 49ers' league-leading defense (13.6 ppg.).
Quarterback Alex Smith woke up Monday with an NFL-leading passer rating of 108.7. However, he also is coping with a sore middle finger on his throwing hand, something Harbaugh called "very much a concern" for any quarterback.
Smith dismissed the injury Sunday as a sprain, and Harbaugh was willing to buy that diagnosis. "It's well-documented how tough he is," Harbaugh said. "He talks about it not being a big deal, so we'll see."
Smith and nearly every other offensive player earned kudos from their coach Monday, and understandably so after setting a franchise record with 621 yards against the Bills.
Randy Moss accounted for only an 11-yard catch, but Harbaugh said Moss has delivered so much more in his return from a one-year hiatus. Moss has followed his assignments, run routes with familiar speed and offered "enthusiastic suggestions" without selfish motives.
"I've seen nothing but a guy who just works hard, wants to contribute, practices and says and does all the right things," Harbaugh said. "If there was something in the past, it'd be like that Etch A Sketch you had as a kid and you lift it around. He's been nothing but good."
Moss ranks fourth among the 49ers with nine receptions for 99 yards, and his only touchdown came in the season-opening win at Green Bay. He had no receptions and was targeted only once in the 34-0 rout of the New York Jets on Sept. 30.
"It's a matter of time before he gets that big-catch day that everybody seems to only pin their evaluation," Harbaugh added.
Moss' presence -- albeit limited to about 25 percent of the snaps, and rarely on three-receiver sets -- is becoming overshadowed by the offense's overall improvement.
Against the Bills, the 49ers became the first team in NFL history to gain over 300 yards both passing and running in a game, a balanced attack they've striven for under Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman.
The 49ers converted on 7 of 11 third downs against the Bills, increasing their season efficiency to 39.6 percent with still plenty of room for improvement. Their final offensive play in the NFC title game: an 11-yard catch by Davis on third-and-12.
After last season's pitfalls against the Giants, the 49ers made alterations, such as signing Moss and two former Giants: wide receiver Mario Manningham and running back Brandon Jacobs. While Manningham caught his first touchdown pass as a 49er on Sunday, Jacobs was still awaiting his season debut. Jacobs suffered a knee injury Aug. 18 and is "still not quite there," Harbaugh said.
Manningham's 19 receptions for 186 yards trail only the team-high totals of Michael Crabtree (27, 311) and Vernon Davis (20, 303). Further bolstering the 49ers offense has been Alex Boone's insertion at right guard and Colin Kaepernick's spry-legged cameos in the "WildKap" formation.
"Whatever they can do to help the team move and score points and pick up first downs, they're doing it very much as a group and as a team," Harbaugh said.
For more on the 49ers, see Cam Inman's Hot Read blog at blogs.mercurynews.com/49ers. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/CamInman.
N.Y. Giants (3-2) at 49ers (4-1), 1:25 p.m. FOX


text:
High Tide: From Accusing the Rival's Family to London IPO Plans
A roundup of corruption-related news from Dow Jones and other sources. You can also receive a weekly newsletter version of Corruption Currents here.
Following its foreign bribery settlement in Canada, Griffiths Energy International Inc. is planning its initial public offering in London. The Chadian diplomat accused of taking bribes from the company remains defiant. (Globe and Mail, Globe and Mail)
A group of Pakistani officials are trying out a program, similar to the grassroots Ipaidabribe app, to ask citizens about their corruption experiences. (AP)
The FCPA Blog finds Chinese officials flaunting a new "frugal working style," and runs a guest post about the unreliability of the Corruption Perceptions Index.
The FCPAProfessor runs a guest post about foreign outside counsel fees. Tom Fox continues posting a series by Mary Jones. Mike Volkov discusses the FCPA guidance and accounting controls. James McGrath recounts Alexandra Wrage's tale about "the perfect crime."
A blog post claims the Siemens whistleblower complaint underscores the need for top-down anti-corruption compliance. (Government Contracts Law)
Utah businessman Jeremy Johnson said he's done talking after a judge warned him to stop speaking about his Internet fraud case. Johnson has already scuttled a plea deal and then accused the state's attorney general of bribery. The attorney general denied the accusation. (Daily Herald)
Former Massachusetts House Speaker Sal DiMasi will ask a federal appeals court to apply a 2010 Supreme Court ruling that would, according to his lawyers, overturn his bribery conviction. (Boston Globe sub req)
More coverage of the new rule relating to doctors receipt of gifts is here. (ProPublica)
A secret legal review, revealed by anonymous sources, concluded that President Barack Obama has broad power to order a pre-emptive strike if the U.S. detects credible evidence of a major digital attack looming from abroad. (NY Times)
Experts say Chinese cyber attacks on the U.S. are widespread Google chairman said the Chinese attacks will disadvantage the U.S. economically. (CNN, Wired UK)
A global security strategist for a cybersecurity business wrote a column about why cybercrime remains a big racket. (Forbes)
The U.S. Department of Energy's electronics network was attacked by hackers in mid-January but no classified data was compromised. (Reuters)
The former India Olympics boss denied allegations of corruption lodged against him connected to the Delhi Commonwealth Games in 2010. (AFP )
A former BPtrader accused the company in a wrongful termination suit of manipulating gas prices. A company spokesman said BP doesn't generally discuss personnel issues or employment circumstances publicly. (Bloomberg)
A federal judge postponed the campaign finance fraud trial of an aide to New York City comptroller John Liu. (Wall Street Journal)
Money Laundering:
The son of a Nigerian governor spent the night in prison on money laundering charges. (Leadership)
Amendments to the Philippine anti-money laundering law cleared a Senate hurdle. (Inquirer.net)
Bermudan authorities refused to help Spain with a money laundering investigation, a report said. (Royal Gazette)
Australia intends to name and shame tax avoiders. (Sydney Morning Herald)
The Syrian opposition spoke over the weekend with the U.S. and Russia, as well as with Iran. Its leader offered Bashar al-Assad a peaceful exit from power if he was willing to leave, and urged him to respond. A Syrian ruling party lawmaker rejected the terms of the offer. Opposition forces working with the Free Syrian Army told the U.S. that corruption is now rampant, the civil war is deadlocked and sanctions are counter-productive. Tehran says Israel will regret its attack on Syria, and that war isn't a solution to the crisis. Iran's foreign minister said Syria doesn't need foreign fighters. The United Nations envoy made a last offer to the Security Council. (NY Times, AFP, Reuters, BBC, Al Jazeera, NY Times, AP, Washington Post, Reuters, AP, Reuters, Reuters, Reuters, Al Jazeera)
Iran agreed to new nuclear talks later this month, though there are still hurdles. Iran's foreign minister said Washington is changing its tune on Tehran. (NY Times, Christian Science Monitor, Reuters)
Yemen confirmed a ship it intercepted that was carrying weapons was Iranian. (Reuters)
South Korea and the U.S. launched a joint naval exercise involving a U.S. nuclear submarine as Seoul warns that a nuclear test by Pyongyang is increasingly imminent. (AFP, AP)
The European Union said it is ready to lift its decade-old embargo against Zimbabwe if the country holds a 'credible' referendum on the constitution next month. (Africa Report)
An informant who blew the whistle on potential graft in a West Australian hospital won't give testimony after it was revealed she's wanted for fraud. More here. (The Australian, The West Australian)
Is India waging a war on whistleblowers? (Global Post)
General Anti-Corruption:
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad accused the family of the parliament speaker of financial corruption as a rare public feud erupted ahead of presidential elections. A pro-Ahmadinejad prosecutor was arrested, though no reason was given for his detainment. Ahmadinejad slammed the judiciary over the arrest. (Reuters, Al Jazeera, Wall Street Journal, NY Times, Reuters, Reuters, Guardian, AFP)
FIFA came out firing in the wake of the Europol investigation into match-fixing, saying the soccer governing body can't be expected to fight the problem on its own. The body said its code allows for lifetime bans, but those outside the sport engaging in it face weak sentences. Analysis of the scandal is here, here and here. (news release, news release, Guardian, Declan Hill, Transparency International, Keir Radnedge)
The chief executive of Barclays PLC vowed to improve the bank's ethics. Its finance chief is going to step down. (Wall Street Journal)
Corruption is undermining democracy in Europe, according to an op-ed. (International Herald Tribune)
The Bulgarian science minister was sacked on corruption allegations. He didn't appear to be contacted for comment. (Digital Journal)
Experts say police corruption is widely accepted in Mexico. (Latin American Herald Tribune)
A corruption scandal in Tunisia shows the growing pains of the post-regime era. (Financial Times sub req)
Britain's Department for International Development published plans to tackle the threat of "endemic corruption" in 29 priority countries. (Guardian)


text:
Dec 162010
Moodle is an Open Source Course Management System (CMS), also known as a Learning Management System. Moodle is a system that allows faculty and staff to organize and store course content online. Moodle is used in both face-to-face courses and in distance education courses. In Moodle, faculty can create announcements, assignments, forums, quizzes, and wiki's. They can also add resources, grade assignments, setup chat sessions, and add groups. Another feature that Moodle offers is that you can change the theme and modify how your course is designed.


text:
Class of 2017 welcomed
By Dan O'Brien
August 28, 2013
August 28, 2013
The excitement over the arrival of the Class of 2017 continued August 28 with President Lee Pelton shaking the hands of every student before they were ushered into the Cutler Majestic Theatre and greeted by dancing orientation leaders.
President Lee Pelton shakes hands with students at the official welcoming for the Class of 2017 at the Cutler Majestic Theatre on August 28, 2013. (Photo by Dan O'Brien)
"We are at a particular moment in our history—an exciting moment," Pelton told the 870 freshmen and 180 transfer students in a speech to officially convene the new class. "Whether you are in front of the camera or behind it, whether you are directors or actors, whether you teach the speechless to speak or you speak to others…you are Emerson."
President Lee Pelton speaks with a student at the Cutler Majestic Theatre before the welcoming ceremony for the Class of 2017. (Photo by Dan O'Brien)
Continuing the theme that started with Emerson's vibrantly unique move-in procedures earlier in the week, upperclass student orientation leaders greeted the freshmen with singing and dancing inside the theater as speakers blasted upbeat music and Emerson trivia questions were posted on a motion picture screen.
Emerson orientation leaders dance at the start of the welcoming ceremony for the Class of 2017 at the Cutler Majestic Theatre. (Photo by Dan O'Brien)
"[These] will be four years of intense engagement in the arts, communication, and liberal arts," Pelton said.
President Lee Pelton addresses new students at the Cutler Majestic Theatre on August 28, 2013. (Photo by Dan O'Brien)
"[These are] powerful fields of inquiry that develop your ability to think appreciatively but also deeply about the world we inhabit, and give you the tools to make the world a better place."
Assistant Professor Ruth Grossman, of the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, encouraged students to seek the help of their instructors whenever they have questions on material.
Assistant Professor Ruth Grossman, of Communication Sciences and Disorders, addresses students. (Photo by Dan O'Brien)
"Despite what you might think at 2:00 am the night before a final, we actually want you to succeed," said Grossman, recipient of last year's Helaine and Stanley Miller Award for Outstanding Teaching. "So use us. Come to office hours. I have chocolate, I have jelly beans, I have hot cocoa. If you guys don't show up, I'm liable to eat it all myself," she said as students laughed.
The Emerson Lion greets new students. (Photo by Dan O'Brien)
More than 9,000 people applied to Emerson for this academic year—a record number of applicants, said MJ Knoll-Finn, vice president for enrollment, while addressing the students. She said 98 percent of accepted students graduated from high school in the academic top half of their classes, averaging a 3.6 grade point average.
MJ Knoll-Finn, vice president of enrollment, addresses students. (Photo by Dan O'Brien)
"Clearly, you've done something right," Knoll-Finn said. "You have worked very hard—and we know it—in your high school years to be here today."
Student orientation leaders liven up the Cutler Majestic. (Photo by Dan O'Brien)
More than 80 percent of new students come from outside of Massachusetts and more than 60 percent are from outside New England with California being the second-highest feeder state, Knoll-Finn said. More than 27 percent of students are from multicultural or international backgrounds, she said.
Sylvia Spears, vice president of diversity and inclusion, addresses students. (Photo by Dan O'Brien)
Sylvia Spears, vice president for diversity and inclusion, reminded students that "active engagement with diversity of backgrounds, diversity of thought, and diversity of perspective enriches the experience of all members of our community."
"During your time here, I encourage you to embrace all that Emerson has to offer," she said. "Do it with an open mind, and, most importantly, with an open heart."


text:
IPO Market Another Sign of Change in Japan: Macquarie
Change could be afoot in Japan as voters elected overwhelmingly a prime minister who is pledging stark action to lift the country out of its economic malaise.
Macquarie is seeing another reason for hope in Japan: The country's initial public offering market, which is seeing strong signs of revival.
According to Macquarie, the fiscal year ending March 2013 is set to be the first year in over a decade when more money was raised from IPOs than from secondary issues –or share sales in already-listed companies– in Japan. The last time IPOs outnumbered secondary offerings in terms of funds raised was in 1999.
Japan Airlines Ltd.'s $8.5 billion listing in September was the second-biggest IPO globally of 2012, behind Facebook Inc's $16 billion deal Global Logistic Properties, a warehouse operator partly owned by Government of Singapore Investment Corp., raised $1.3 billion this month, and Activia Properties Ltd., a real estate trust, raised $1.2 billion in June.
So far in 2012 there have been 37 IPOs in Japan, according to Macquarie, with 14 planned for this month, compared with 38 in 2011.
"This is a glimmer of change," writes Macquarie, although it notes that the market still has some way to go before reaching a "more normal" level of between 150 and 180 IPOs a year. The period between 2000 and 2007 all saw at least 100 IPOs a year, including 203 in 2000 and 175 in 2004. However, the number plunged from 121 in 2007 to 49 in 2008 and 19 in 2009.
One major IPO in the works is Suntory Holdings Ltd.'s multi-billion-dollar listing of its beverage business, slated for early summer next year, according to people with knowledge of the deal.
Macquarie thinks that a recovery in the IPO market could spur greater participation by Japan's retail investors, which has been lackluster this year. Japanese households currently hold "very conservative" portfolios of financial assets, but could start using 1% to 2% of their portfolios to take positions in IPOs when issues start to surge, it says.
In Japan, typically 60% to 80% of offerings are allocated to retail investors, compared to 10% to 20% in the U.S., Europe and other Asian markets.
In a bull market, individuals account for 35% to 45% of brokerage turnover, according to Macquarie, but the fiscal year ending March 2012 saw the lowest level of individual activity since fiscal year 2005, at 21.6%.


text:
Wednesday August 1, 2012
A three win season for the Evans football team is not something this team is use to. It's also something the coaches and the players do not accept, thus the fuel for some fire for the Knights.
Even long time coach Marty Jackson is a smiling man this year. He loves what he sees and knows they have a chance to do something special. Won't come easy as everyone has to buckle down and focus on the job at hand. Here in the early going they are a very focused team.
"We're going to have to get better every day" said coach Marty Jackson "We have a chance to be something pretty solid but if we take a day off, you know, we don't have the ability to do that. So I think we just have to make sure we're getting better every day, and I want to see enthusiasm out of the players and coaches."
"We are high intensity this year" said Jay Grimes "We're ready to play. Coming off a terrible season last year but we're going to be doing better this year. We're just going to stay on the ground and do what we go to do and get work done."
Grimes will be one of the go to guys. The junior had a breakout season 12 months ago and is an all purpose player. He can run, catch and play defense, and probably play in the band at halftime...In other words, a coaches dream
"He just wants to play. He's a guy that when the lights come on he's ready but he practices , he's here, probably led the team in the number of days worked this summer, he's just dependable." added coach Jackson
Grimes won't be alone and keep an eye on Jacob Rizner who's shown he can carry the mail. Up front is still a question mark but coach Jackson loves the committment level he's seen and may be smiling in late november as much as he is today.


text:
The reeling Earthquakes are ready to spend big money on the right player, but wholesale changes aren't being considered, president Dave Kaval said Monday, three days after the team lost its fourth in a row.
The last-place Quakes (4-8-4) are looking at about seven players during the monthlong FIFA transfer window that closes Aug. 8 to try to salvage the season and also inject enthusiasm into a club that is scheduled to open an 18,000-seat stadium next year.
"We need to get more attack-oriented players and we're in the process of doing that," said Kaval, addressing the team's dreadful start at the halfway point. "And if that includes spending additional monies, we're completely open to doing that. It just has to be the right player."
Kaval said the Quakes were looking at all options, including a willingness to spend upward of $1 million for talent.
"We're evaluating a variety of players at a variety of different costs," he said. "Those include players at a very high salary but also includes loans. Just spending a lot on a single player doesn't necessarily get you where you need to go.
"It's difficult week in and week out if you're losing, but that is when you can make the worst decisions."
Kaval won't compromise in one area: he gave coach Mark Watson a vote of confidence Monday, defending the team's overall play and scouting. The president also said the Earthquakes have enough time to reach the playoffs as they head to New York on Saturday to face the Red Bulls (5-5-8).
But San Jose needs to make up chunks of ground in its final 18 games, 11 on the road.
Kaval blamed the slow start on the absences of Chris Wondolowski and Victor Bernardez to World Cup duties. But the problems seem more endemic than losing two of the best players to their respective national teams.
Kaval acknowledged as much Monday, adding, "We feel we need a stronger midfield and more creative players because that is the way the league is going."
Such talent is expensive. San Jose ownership has not been willing to spend big since re-entering Major League Soccer in 2008. But Kaval said the opening of the stadium next year will increase the salary budget.
The president declined to identify players of interest but "you've seen in the league the most successful attacking players have come from other leagues or other countries, whether it is Argentina, Brazil or Portugal," he said. "We feel if we add a few key guys, some of the guys we have this year who have been under-performing will also raise the level of their game."
San Jose has not come close to replicating its breakout season in 2012 when it scored a record 72 goals and won the Supporters Shield for the league's best regular-season record.
Since then, it has struggled, missing the playoffs last season in a tiebreaker with Colorado.
The Quakes have scored a paltry 16 goals in 16 games this season -- six from Wondolowski in his 10 appearances.
Watson has relied on target forwards Steven Lenhart and Alan Gordon as the point of the attack. But the "Bash Brothers" have one assist and no goals in 1,452 minutes between them.
The lack of production has led to questions about whether the Earthquakes need to junk their direct style for a more modern game as exhibited by World Cup champion Germany.
"If you look at the league overall, more teams are playing possessing style with stronger midfielders," Kaval said. "Less and less teams have the direct style. We collectively feel we want more creative players."
San Jose has gone down this path before as management attempts to build a solid program, such as those in Seattle, Salt Lake and Kansas City.
The Quakes have advanced to the MLS Cup playoffs only twice in six years --and it's about to become two in seven years unless something changes fundamentally.
"We cannot continue to play from behind, especially when you are not a team that is going to score four or five goals as it is currently constructed," Kaval said.
But the president defended front-office decisions that fans have criticized in social media outbursts.
"I would challenge the notion that we have a terrible track record of bringing in players," Kaval said. "We have brought in a lot of successful players at a very value-oriented investment level that would rival a lot of the other teams in the league.
"We have a lot of the know-it-all and we have some of the creativity. We've been a club that has done a lot with loans that have panned out positively. We've gotten million-dollar players for less than that. The key thing is, across the board, just spending money on players is not a recipe for success, you have to have the right players, the right coach."
Contact Elliott Almond at 408-920-5865. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/elliottalmond.


text:
Source: GM
quote: Can we stop complaining about oil company subsidies already? Their subsidies work out to about half a cent per dollar. Or a bit less than 2 cents per gallon of gas. The Federal gas tax is 18.4 cents per gallon. The government penalizes them far more than they help.
quote: On the other hand, I suppose you think it's fair to subsidize an industry that posts profits (PROFITS....NOT REVENUE!) in the billions every quarter.
quote: Yep, more important to spend our precious tax dollars supporting an industry that needs no tax payer support at all instead of ensuring the health and productivity of its citizens ...something that would have immediate and positive effects throughout the economy.


text:
Last updated: 2 June 2016
The National Army Museum is undertaking a major redevelopment project called 'Building for the Future'. This will see the radical redevelopment of the Chelsea building which will require it to close on 30 April 2014. A number of services will also be suspended in preparation for the project.
To begin this transformation the Museum is required to undertake a series of preparatory works on the building and the Collection, which will require us to close to the public from 30 April 2014.
In 2017 we will launch our transformed museum with a brand new state-of-the-art Kids' Zone offer, alongside innovative exhibitions and a new cafe.
For further details about the project, please check the 'Building for the Future' website.
For more information on changes to other Museum services and updates on family-friendly activities coming up, please keep an eye on the website or sign up to our e-newsletter for regular updates. You can also follow us on Twitter and Facebook.


text:
I know this may qualify in the "too much work for something you don't care about" category. But could we make some type of Forum labeled something close to "Crap people have posted that bug Dan" and then give me some kind of moderator rights to throw stuff in there?
I would use discretion, I'd probably start with any number of the retarded Cubs threads, and move my way into that "Drinking on the Course" thread that somebody started in the Des Moines Forum for whatever reason.... Actually, come to think of it, I'd probably reverse that order.
Either way, I think in the end it will help everyone so they don't get tired of going into a place and having to sift through the crap because they think "oooh something new" from the little orange thing as I have done so many times.
Let me know what you think.
Thanks Mike/Brad


text:
Who has the spotlight now?
For several hours Tuesday, a sporting nation's eyes will be on Stanford when the Pac-12 champion Cardinal plays Wisconsin in Rose Bowl.
There are few brighter spots -- or moments -- than this one for any football team, in any year.
But this is not a limited engagement on the grand stage for Stanford football, not by any measurement.
In big and lasting ways, the Cardinal program has stretched out, grabbed at glory and expanded its influence across the sport.
The 2013 Rose Bowl is not a one-off for Stanford -- it's a glittery capstone for a program making its mark everywhere you look. Among the highlights:
In the same span, traditional powers Notre Dame and Oklahoma have reached the BCS once apiece, and USC and UCLA have failed to make it to a BCS game.
"Andrew is so excited right now," Stanford coach David Shaw said at a Rose Bowl news conference in Los Angeles last week.
"It's the one negative about making the playoffs is he can't come to the Rose Bowl."
Stanford hasn't won a national title and hasn't won a Heisman Trophy in the last half-decade of rising glory, but it has been close.
Running back Toby Gerhart finished second in the 2009 Heisman race, and Luck finished second in 2010 and 2011.
Those players have gone, Harbaugh has gone, and yes, Stanford (11-2 this season, its first conference title since the 1999 season) might only be getting better.
"I know the nation still doesn't really buy into Stanford football, but sooner or later they will when they realize we don't go away," linebacker Shayne Shov told reporters in L.A.
"Everyone counted us out when Harbaugh left, when Gerhart left and when Andrew Luck left. To keep coming back, that's the style we are. We don't rebuild, we just replace."
That is not the way it used to be for Stanford, of course.
There have been intermittent great seasons, great coaches and great players through the decades, from Jim Plunkett to John Elway to Bill Walsh.
But even then, all the greatness was mixed with long stretches of mediocrity or worse.
But Harbaugh's arrival came with a new universitywide commitment to the football program, including a friendlier climate for admissions.
Stanford decided it wanted the football team to win, and it hired the right men -- Harbaugh, and then Shaw (Harbaugh's offensive coordinator) -- to make it happen.
If this continues, Stanford football could make itself into a West Coast version of Mike Krzyzewski's Duke basketball empire, both respected and feared, equally victorious and admired.
"Is this a chance to elevate on that next level? We think we're there," Shaw said at the news conference.
"We've elevated ourselves based on how we've played. ... So for us, this is just an opportunity."
Harbaugh was the perfect guy to start it and transfer his energy to other places, and Shaw was the perfect man to extend and improve the journey.
What's the Cardinal formula? As the trend in college football has pushed toward going small, using speed, trickery and the spread formation, Harbaugh installed a total power style at Stanford.
Shaw has ramped that up by lining his defense with big, fast, instinctive players, and recently Stanford has been building a massive young offensive line for the future.
"When everybody else was running sideways in the conference, we started running north and south with really big guys and physical guys like Toby Gerhart," Shaw said of the early days with Harbaugh.
"There were just so many things that fit perfectly, and we've been able to continue to recruit to what we do."
It's the way Harbaugh's 49ers play. It started at Stanford and it is still at Stanford, but it has carried a lot further, too.
That's what happens when something works, and when it is right.
Read Tim Kawakami's Talking Points blog at blogs.mercurynews.com/kawakami. Contact him at firstname.lastname@example.com.