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Wednesday, March 21, 2007
The Angel Problem has been Solved! (Maybe)
Firstly, what is the problem? Wikipdia has a succinct write up. But here's a quick summary anyway:
The game of Angels and Devils, invented by John Conway (the same Conway as in the Game of Life, the Monstrous Moonshine conjectures, the proof that subatomic particles have free will and so on), is played on an infinite chessboard. Fix some constant k. One player plays the Angel. The other plays the Devil. On the Devil's turn, he may eat one square on the chessboard. (The devil doesn't actually have a piece, he just eats whatever square he wants.). On the Angel's turn she jumps to a square (distinct from the current one) up to k king's moves away. The Devil wins if the Angel has no legal move. The Angel wins if she has a strategy that guarantees always to have a legal move. For each k, who wins? Until recently it was unknown if the Angel could win even for arbitrarily large k. This may seem like a surprise, after all, if the angel can move 1,000 king's moves, surely she can easily evade the jaws of the devil who can only chomp one square at a time. But surprisingly, the obvious Angel strategies that come to mind can be countered.
What's nice about this problem is that it's so easy to state, and yet has stumped some of the smartest people who like to think about these problems.
Two papers with possible solutions are Máthé's and Kloster's. I don't think either of them have formally been published yet so I don't know if the peer review is complete.
11 comments:
- Kenny said...
That "free will theorem" stuff really bothers me - the result was about determinism, not free will (unless you define free will to be a purely theoretical term, rather than the ordinary term that people care about). It just states that if experimenters don't behave deterministically, then at least some particles don't either - which really seems quite unsurprising when you think about it. It's only when you equate indeterminism and free will that it sounds surprising (and philosophically interesting). But this question of what relation free will has to determinism is perhaps the central question in the philosophical literature on free will - and while many people argue that free will implies indeterminism and many deny it, I don't think anyone claims that indeterminism implies free will (in the sense that people care about it).
Saying that this theorem means that electrons have free will is almost like saying that the discovery of the T quark was the culmination of the search for Truth.
- Wednesday, 21 March, 2007
- sigfpe said...
Of course I was being delberately provocative in my one phrase summary of the Conway-Kochen result, as that is more likely to provoke people to read and think about it.
> It just states that if experimenters don't behave deterministically, then at least some particles don't either - which really seems quite unsurprising when you think about it
The thing that is "quite unsurprising when you think about it" surely isn't the same thing as what the Conway-Kochen theorem proves because the thing that is "quite unsurprising when you think about it" wouldn't essentially require results from quantum mechanics in its proof.
- Thursday, 22 March, 2007
- alpheccar said...
A far more important theorem has been disproved :-)
Let's wait and see what the professionals have to say about it : http://arxiv.org/abs/math.NT/0703367
- Thursday, 22 March, 2007
Wow, I spent a lot of time thinking about the angel problem back in college! It will be fun to read these papers.
- Thursday, 22 March, 2007
- Kenny said...
I was being a bit deliberatively provocative in my comment as well.
Of course, just because something isn't too surprising when you think about it doesn't mean that it's not hard or interesting to prove. The Jordan curve theorem is also unsurprising when you think about it, but makes essential use of some fundamental facts in real analysis. But there's also a good chance that I'm misinterpreting the brief summary of the actual mathematical content that I've seen.
I just think that they tend to oversell it with the title they've given the result.
- Friday, 23 March, 2007
- George Sicherman said...
Máthé writes early in his paper that if the angel can go arbitrarily far, it must have an infinite strategy by taking "a suitable limit" of the strategies. Since the players have uncountably many strategies, I'm not sure this is true. Can someone fill in the argument for me?
- Monday, 21 May, 2007
How can the Angel ever win, if his only goal in winning is to continue forever? YOu never win if the game never ends :-D
- Friday, 25 May, 2007
- sigfpe said...
That's a good question! The game ends when the Angel can prove that she can always evade capture. She doesn't have to actually go through the motions of escaping forever :-)
- Friday, 25 May, 2007
- Mark said...
"How can the Angel ever win, if his only goal in winning is to continue forever?"
It can be shown (albeit not entirely trivially) that if the devil can stop the angel from moving forever, then the devil can trap the angel inside of some huge square around the center. The devil wins when he can trap the angel. The angel wins when he can't.
- Sunday, 03 June, 2007
- Mark said...
"Can someone fill in the argument for me?"
I've sent you an email doing so. If anyone else wants one, just ask.
- Sunday, 03 June, 2007
- Annerose said...
These comments have been invaluable to me as is this whole site. I thank you for your comment.
- Thursday, 21 June, 2007
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Share Your Reflection

I love the notion that these biblical gifts are not
I love the notion that these biblical gifts are not displays of wealth, but rather blessings of character. This reminds me of the fairytale, Sleeping Beauty. When the fairies are invited to Baby Aurora's party to extend blessings. Their blessings, too, were gifts of character. There were twelve fairies in attendance, but the evil fairy interupted after Fairy #11 to cast a death spell on the baby girl. Then, the Lilac Fairy (#12) was able to amend the curse to suggest a deep sleep rather than death. The European, especially the Russian, tradition takes these fairytales very seriously in the development of children's character. Maybe we should examine these gifts in light of the life that the baby in the manger came to live and to think about gift giving to children at this time of year in a whole new way.

Gifts, talents, blessings of character are all about
Gifts, talents, blessings of character are all about ethics. According to my introspection with the Christian tradition, the connotation of the biblical gifts from the three wise men to the little Jesus was just that: human ethical values. I understand the exuberant gifts for Emmanuel as a different kind of worship using our talents and human resources to express our faith.
How to endure the new born creature with the human qualities even though knowing he was God on earth according to the Scriptures? We should treasure up this reading and ponder it in our hearts as the mother of the baby did.
Regardless of our belief, ethics leads to God.

Thanks Krista for your sensitive interview with Sr. Joan.
Thanks Krista for your sensitive interview with Sr. Joan. I have read nearly every book she's published and she stretches and humbles me. I appreciated her question asking what are we filling the emptyness with? My choice is to fill the time I put aside each day with silence; contemplative walking, writing hiku, reading something of a spiritual nature and/or simply being still in the silence. The stillness and silence has stretched and humbled me too.
Wishing you, your staff, your readers and listeners and the entire planet a wonder filled New Year.

Silence is the highest communication.

Silence is the highest communication.

Sister Joan, J.C.,...... as I lovingly refer to her even
Sister Joan, J.C.,...... as I lovingly refer to her even thought I've never met the woman , is a continued favorite of mine. I could listen to her common and uncommon sense like the gospel according to Siter Joan.
She has a way of putting things that is indelibel into one's heart, mind and soul.
As for the little drummer boy type of gift that the three wise men gave J.C, we all have talents. Some things are not things at all. They're gifts.

Joan, I heard you speak at a Church Women United
Joan, I heard you speak at a Church Women United national conference in Louisville KY and was inspired. Shortly afterwards I founded the Freeborn County Wellness Workshop Fund in Albert Lea MN. I am looking for a speaker for the Spring of 2009. Could you contact me about theme possibilities and fees? Sara Aeikens

Please contact me. I'd love to have you come to Albert
Please contact me. I'd love to have you come to Albert Lea, MN to present a workshop.

Sister Joan, You blessed me at CWU national conference in
Sister Joan, You blessed me at CWU national conference in Louisville KY. Shortly afterwards, inspired, I founded a Wellness Workshop Fund here in Albert Lea, MN. I'd like to invite you to speak here- please connect with me.

Speaking of gifts...the gift of this good woman, Sister
Speaking of gifts...the gift of this good woman, Sister Joan, is one I am very grateful for. This year I had the opportunity to meet her at a book signing. I am grateful that she shares her gifts-- fresh and refreshing spiritual insight, a warm generous way of being with all kinds of people. She is gold, frankensence and myrrh for all of us.

Thank you for the insightful comments on the financial
Thank you for the insightful comments on the financial crises.

I saw her speak at a seminar in 2004. She is an amazing
I saw her speak at a seminar in 2004. She is an amazing spirtual woman.

I am grateful for the gift of Joan's loving, and sharing
I am grateful for the gift of Joan's loving, and sharing nature. Her words are a great comfort and inspiration to all of us. Stability is what my spirt needed to hear and ponder at this very moment. Thanks again.

subset: commoncrawl


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We finally processed all the data and and we have a total of 8882 entries and raised a total of $44,410 for the new flow trail. There were 1,640 supporters with an average donation of $27. We added all the entries to a spreadsheet in no particular order and used random.org to pick a number between 1-8882. The number chosen was 7692.
The lucky winner of the Own the Flow Ibis bike is…. Joel Steinberg of Lodi, California. You bought a nice chunk of dirt and have been rewarded with a sweet new bike from Ibis, FOX, Easton and Shimano! Congratulations Joel!
Joel is such a deserving guy. He's a medical doctor in Lodi, and comes down to Santa Cruz a few times a month to ride his bike. He currently rides a 26 inch hard tail and has chosen the Ripley – his first 29er – to enjoy the trails of Santa Cruz. He has been one of our most generous supporters of MBoSC and the Emma McCrary trail in particular. Then he started to give us something more valuable: his time. He regularly comes out to work on the Emma McCrary trail when in town and volunteered for the Santa Cruz Mountain Bike Festival.
MBoSC would like to thank FOX, Easton Cycling, Shimano and especially Scot Nicol and Ibis Cycles for their participation in this fund raiser. Thanks to Eve for legal and finance, Kyle M for graphics, Daryl, Seb, Drew, Dave, Patty, Tammy and many others worked the Sea Otter and Santa Theresa in support of this raffle.
A special thanks to Alan S for being an incredible volunteer for us in the month of April. He stepped up and completely owned sound for the Santa Cruz Mountain Bike Festival and didn't finish with the festival until 2:30 am the next morning. This didn't embitter him on MBoSC and he went to the Sea Otter and was selling Own the Flow tickets all 4 days in the Ibis Cycles booth. As if that wasn't enough he set up the MBoSC booth and provided solar powered tunes for Trail Head Cyclery's demo at Santa Theresa. He's been a generous volunteer and drove a lot of face to face ticket sales for Own the Flow. I'm so pleased that Alan managed to spend a few hours on the Ripley last Sunday and had a very enjoyable ride. Thank you Alan!
Thank you all for participating in this fund raiser. We are all winners because we will be starting the flow trail project within a month!


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Umm... Dafudges? xD lol Why am I not surprised.. ._."
Hai guys btw :3 !~
You shouldn't be :3
Haaaaaaaai Purp!~
I was just waiting on something to download, now going to sleep @.@
word tourney +111
Well, I was pushing for an LC tourney, but I guess Word would be better than metro.
In Fearful Day, In Raging Night, with strong hearts full, our souls ignite. When all seems lost in the War of Light look to the stars--For HOPE BURNS BRIGHT!
I don't care about my pokemon other than their battling potential. If they aren't good at battling, I'm not going to use them. If I have to spend time getting my pokemon to be perfect, so be it. I'll battle your pokemon that are "raised with love" anytime, and you know what? I'll probably win.
I vote RNG tourney (WARY)
Latest Shiny: Gible (MMing on Y - After 1637 Eggs!)
Is there a reason they changed it to "Guilds"?
I would like to switch to TMK's group because he actually updates his OP (CHEW)
Spoiler:- Credits & FC:
Sworn Metalhead for the banner
Black 2 FC: 2495 3944 9096
White FC: 3826 6575 2087
Tell me which coloring looks the best, gonna color my userbars differently now. I personally like 1 and 5 :P
Purp is first to weigh in on this and she isn't even on xat (ono) The rest of you disappoint me :<
Number 1 is the best imo
Spoiler:- Credits & FC:
Sworn Metalhead for the banner
Black 2 FC: 2495 3944 9096
White FC: 3826 6575 2087


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Who ever said the weapons take chakra? From yata mirrors description it has its own chakra stored in it.. all 5 elements to be exactWhat I say is if that thing is that op itachi wouldn't be able to use 2 of it in same time with susanoo he has Lower chakra then kisame so there is no goddamn way that thing is strong.
OK what is the definition/translation of shinigami?
The GOD of DEATH.
It is spiritual in this realm of the physical and can make contact with physical and spiritual things when in this realm, but when it's not, it is an omnipresent GOD of DEATH.
But NOONE , literally not in the databook said that it was an OMNI present god of death.. ONLY that its responsible for the POOR souls caught in the technique..
All we know is that its a spiritual ability that can be called upon and used ......You're thinking that a god HAS to be all powerful or omnipotent.. But that my friend is far from through.. anything with power of something, that is being worshipped, or has been praised is a God
shiki fujin holds power of death and thus got that title.. infact , Minato would have been the one to NAME the technique that.... there is literally nothing in the manga saying that it actually IS a god..or even omnipresent at that...
kamui can alter space and time yes, it can take physical things away into its other astral reality, yes,
But can spiritual items like yatamirror, ghosts, dan's soul, shiki fujin , pein's astral projections be affected by it? Not in my opinion..entirely different ball game... these things aren't physical or Material AT ALL... no form, just like kamui.. l.... which means they are possibly existing on two planes at once..
And just like Obito uses kamui on himself, and thus CAN exist on either plane.. these things operate beyond that, as they can make contact with things on the physical plane, but things on the physical plane can't make contact with them


text:
|Current Team
|Birth Date
|Place of Birth
|Andersson, Mikael (RW)
|Malmö, SWE
|Andreychuk, Dave (LW)
|Hamilton, ON, CAN
|Audette, Donald (RW)
|Laval, QC, CAN
|Barnaby, Matthew (RW)
|Ottawa, ON, CAN
|Barnes, Stu (C)
|Spruce Grove, AB, CAN
|Barrasso, Tom (G)
|Boston, MA, USA
|Black, James (LW)
|Regina, SK, CAN
|Bodger, Doug (D)
|Chemainus, BC, CAN
|Botterill, Jason (LW)
|Edmonton, AB, CAN
|Boucher, Philippe (D)
|St. Apollinaire, QC, CAN
|Boughner, Robert (D)
|Windsor, ON, CAN
|Briere, Daniel (C)
|Gatineau, QC, CAN
|Brown, Curtis (C)
|Unity, SK, CAN
|Burridge, Randy (LW)
|Fort Erie, ON, CAN
|Carney, Keith (D)
|Providence, RI, USA
|Corkum, Robert (C)
|Salisbury, MA, USA
|Cunneyworth, Randy (LW)
|Etobicoke, ON, CAN
|Dawe, Jason (RW)
|North York, ON, CAN
|Errey, Bob (LW)
|Montreal, QC, CAN
|Essensa, Bob (G)
|Toronto, ON, CAN
|Fuhr, Grant (G)
|Spruce Grove, AB, CAN
|Galley, Garry (D)
|Montreal, QC, CAN
|Gilmour, Doug (C)
|Kingston, ON, CAN
|Gratton, Chris (C)
|Brantford, ON, CAN
|Grier, Mike (RW)
|Detroit, MI, USA
|Grosek, Michal (LW)
|Vyskov, CZE
|Haller, Kevin (D)
|Trochu, AB, CAN
|Hasek, Dominik (G)
|Pardubice, CZE
|Heinze, Stephen (RW)
|Lawrence, MA, USA
|Hogue, Benoit (LW)
|Repentigny, QC, CAN
|Holland, Jason (D)
|Morinville, AB, CAN
|Holzinger, Brian (C)
|Parma, OH, USA
|Houda, Doug (D)
|Blairmore, AB, CAN
|Houlder, Bill (D)
|Thunder Bay, ON, CAN
|Housley, Phil (D)
|St. Paul, MN, USA
|Hurlbut, Mike (D)
|Massena, NY, USA
|Jackson, Dane (RW)
|Winnipeg, MB, CAN
|Johansson, Calle (D)
|Gothenburg, SWE
|Juneau, Joe (C)
|Pont-Rouge, QC, CAN
|Kozlov, Vyacheslav (LW)
|Voskresensk, RUS
|Krupp, Uwe (D)
|Cologne, DEU
|Kruse, Paul (LW)
|Merritt, BC, CAN
|LaFontaine, Pat (C)
|St. Louis, MO, USA
|Ledyard, Grant (D)
|Winnipeg, MB, CAN
|May, Brad (LW)
|Toronto, ON, CAN
|McKee, Jay (D)
|Kingston, ON, CAN
|Mogilny, Alexander (RW)
|Khabarovsk, RUS
|Muni, Craig (D)
|Toronto, ON, CAN
|Ndur, Ruman (D)
|Zaria, NGA
|Nichol, Scott (C)
|Edmonton, AB, CAN


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All railways are needed
To the editor:
Railroads move America. From the Redwood Forest to the New York island, from the Adirondacks to the Bakken, they are all the same.
Besides hitchhiking, rail travel is the cheapest mode of transportation for all methods above ground. One train cart needs only one gallon of diesel to travel 492 miles. If diesel costs $4.92 per gallon, 35,000 gallons of oil gets to travel at the cost of one penny per mile.
Take away rail, and you take away America's predominant global advantage: the cheapest mode of transportation.
How important is your car? Does not your car provide you great freedom? How important is your phone? Does not your phone provide you the vehicles in which to transport your communications, your ideas, your uniqueness, yourself?
Removing the rail lines between Big Moose and Saranac Lake will serve but one purpose: engendering a future without proper, efficient means of transport. Removing rail lines for bike trails is selfish, shortsighted and foolish.
Jamie Waller


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KEEN Men's Voyageur Hiking Boots
Product Information:
Blaze your own trail when you step into a KEEN hiking boot. A mesh lining and EVA molded footbed team up to keep your feet dry and comfortable on those hot summer days. You'll love the stability around the heel and lugged rubber outsole, built to create traction so you can safely trek through the great outdoors. Whether you're puddle jumping or climbing to the top, the KEEN Men's Voyageur boot is a step in the right direction.
- Hiking boot
- Water resistant leather upper
- Non-marking, multi-directional lug rubber outsole provides traction on the terrain
- S3 shock absorption provides structure for your foot and heel during impact
- Removable dual density EVA molded foot bed delivers internal arch support while cradling the foot for superior comfort
- Mesh lining provides constant ventilation and moisture management
- Torsion stability
- Patented toe protection
- Style: 1002570
Country of Origin: VietnamWeb ID: 34163746
Customer Reviews:
Rated 5 out of 5�by 2 reviewers.
Rated 5 out of 5�by Doogs Most comfort. This is the best and most comfortable shoe I have ever worn. I bought two pair just in case it is discontinued. The foot pad inside really makes it for design. October 3, 2016
Rated 5 out of 5�by Dave Great shoe this is a great shoe. This is the most comfortable shoe I have ever worn. this is my 4th pair. they fit well support my arches and are great al day shoes. June 4, 2015
1-2 of 2


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The Council of the Americas (COA) 41st Washington Conference, held at the Department of State on Wednesday, was a remarkable showcase of support for the partnership that is integrating the Americas and laying the basis for the region's global competitiveness in the 21st century.
One of the most important messages I took away was the strength of commitment to that process that came from bipartisan U.S. political leaders present, heads of state, and ministers of state from South America, Central America, and North America, as well as business leaders from all over the Americas.
Secretary Clinton launched the conference by outlining the wide range of our critical strategic interests in the Americas, and the burgeoning U.S. partnerships throughout the region. Noting that countries of the Western Hemisphere "will rise or fall together in the 21st century," she talked about the many ways President Obama's recent trip to Brazil, Chile, and El Salvador advanced our cooperation on security, energy, and economic growth -- and stressed the need for us to learn from each other about "what works," particularly as we all cooperate to promote equality. She also praised the leadership of countries like Mexico and Colombia, as well as Canada and major European partners, in advancing citizen security throughout the region. U.S. Senator John McCain reiterated the strategic importance of the Americas. He praised the administration for moving forward to secure approval of the pending Colombia and Panama Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). The evening before, the COA honored Senators Robert Menendez and Richard Lugar for their long commitment to strong hemispheric ties.
President Calderon of Mexico and President Funes of El Salvador, as well Colombia and Canada's Finance Ministers, also spoke eloquently about the partnership and integration that are transforming the Americas. The Alianza del Pacifico, recently created by Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru, is a case in point -- a big step toward creating the largest sub-regional economic bloc in South America, and strengthening ties to the most dynamic economies of East Asia.
The COA conference was a great example of how decisively the countries of the Americas have turned the page on old ideologies and divisions and, almost without exception, are working together in myriad pragmatic ways to address common problems and create opportunity for our peoples. It is a process to which the United States and our policies are wholeheartedly committed, and it was great to spend the day with so many partners in that quest.
Related Content: Secretary Clinton Delivers Remarks at the 41st Conference on the Americas
L. writes:
Task: connecting Western Hemisphere
Open Skies
Open Ground
The route 666 new york - Mexico City - The longest river on planet
Lauren writes:
I believe this advancement of 21st Century Partnerships really displays a "globalized maturity" the Obama administration hopes to convey to the rest of world. As new interconnected global issues arise, along with new governmental "powers," I find it crucial to work and involve many countries in global discourse. We no longer live in a world where one can expect a single country to dominate.
Tori in Wisconsin writes:
21st century partnerships between the US and other nations will become increasingly more important. As the BRICs gain more power and as nations in the Western Hemisphere continue to grow and develop, it is crucial that the US realize it cannot rely on size and force to accomplish its goals. Diplomacy is required and partnerships are a critical component. A good example of a 21st century partnership can be found in the Merida Initiative. It is true that US consumers fuel the demand for Mexican drugs and hopefully continued collaboration between our two governments on issues of security, crime, and drugs will make the world a safer place for citizens. Since funding technically ending in FY2010 it will be interesting to see what our two countries come up with in the future.
Sam in Florida writes:
It seems to be the wise decision to focus on the Western Hemisphere and not some much what is going on in the East.
Instead of sending troops to fight wars over there we can send engineers, entrepreneurs, teachers and counselors to South America to fight vulnerabilities there... that effect us all.


text:
Monday, December 10, 2012
It is about a psychiatrist who leaves his job at Cornell to go to work in a small institution where his father had once been committed. His father had written a famous children's book that seemed to change lives. At work the psychiatrist meets a schizophrenic who knows more about the book than the doctor himself.
It is always a joy to come across a movie that you've never heard of and yet it touches your in places deep inside. I feel like I've been looking for Neverwas for quite some time now.
Let me know what you think.
P.S. My shopping is officially done and now I can get back to writing. I'm planning some changes in my blog and its content so stay tuned.
4 comments:
I've run across this movie several times and never watched it, but now with your enthusiasm for it, I can't wait to see it! Maybe tonight.ReplyDelete
Oh I have to put this on my que.ReplyDelete
Sounds like the movie really touched you, Rita! Look forward to the changes in your blog but if you keep it just as it is I would enjoy it still! So the movie Life of Pi recently and that was pretty interesting,too. Happy Holidays and see ya next year!ReplyDelete
I completed a 200 page composition book tonight. The first entry was "Sept 4th Childhood Toys" before that I was only writing the occasional check or a food shopping list. I wouldn't have done this if it hadn't been for your prompts and this blog being so interesting. Thank you very much for helping me find out that my life experiences were worth reliving. Now I'm off to put my first words into Book Two, I hope you continue to share prompts and please know that your efforts here are appreciated.ReplyDelete


text:
Just as we have off-shored our manufacturing to China, so we have off-shored our carbon emissions.(there were seven at the last count). And I have read the statistics about how, as it builds its infrastructure, China is pouring 50 percent of all the world's concrete.
Last year, China built more wind turbines than any other country. And its biogas and solar power industries are also growing fast.currently building the world's first eco-city, powered by renewable electricity, with citywide water recycling and plans for a car-free transport system. Similarly, the recently completed 1,200-kilometer railway into Tibet employed "green construction" methods, according to a paper in Science last year. And the Shanghai World Expo in 2010 is devoted to green urban design.
The problems that China is finding in obtaining raw materials for its manufacturing plants is pushing it into taking a world lead in waste recycling.richest self-made woman on the planet. I don't want to be too starry-eyed. China's pollution problems are extremely serious, and they have global repercussions. But my guess is that China will be forced into adopting ever-greener policies. Its use of coal will soon be curtailed by urban middle-class uprisings against the smog (much as happened in Europe and North America half a century ago). And the very problems that China is finding in obtaining raw materials for its manufacturing plants is already pushing it into taking a world lead in waste recycling.


text:
The FCC in a Digital Age
April 13, 2010
Robert Corn-Revere, partner, Davis Wright Tremaine LLP, discussed issues currently facing the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
Members Only Content
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You may already be a member. Find out if your company is already an ANA member.


text:
Minimum wage boost hits Tuesday
December 29, 2007
New Mexico employees working at minimum wage jobs will get a 65-cent pay raise Tuesday, but local business owners say the increase is likely to cause more problems than it solves.
The state minimum wage jumps to $6.50 an hour beginning Tuesday from the current federal minimum wage of $5.85. The federal minimum wage increases to $6.55 on July 24.
Randy Stansell, owner of Stansell's Thriftway, said he doesn't think the minimum wage increase will make much difference to employees.
"It seems like every time it goes up, everything else goes up, too," he said.
Though he has few employees at minimum wage, Stansell said he has seen employees who took home less after a minimum wage increase because they moved into a higher tax bracket.
"It seems like inflation and taxes eat it up," Stansell said.
Sen. Clint Harden, R-Clovis, owner of Twin Cronnie Drive-In, said the cost of increased wages is passed on to the consumer in the form of higher prices.
"Ultimately, it will be inflationary," he said.
Harden said he voted in favor of the bill although he is against it in some ways.
"It's always been my position minimum wage legislation should be federal," he said.
It's confusing for employers and employees to have a state minimum wage different than the federal minimum wage, he explained.
"It's a government mandate that we're going to have to deal with," Harden added.
New Mexico's minimum wage law was signed March 23 by Gov. Bill Richardson.
The state minimum wage goes up to $7.50 per hour Jan. 1, 2009, and the federal minimum wage goes up to $7.25 July 24, 2009.
The state bill exempts employees engaged in various agricultural and horticultural activities, including milk production, from the minimum wage, and provides some other exemptions.
The fiscal impact report for the state minimum wage law, prepared by the Legislative Finance Committee, estimates that 40,000 workers will be affected by the 2008 pay increase.


text:
Creative and imaginative interns sought with a flair for storytelling by an award-winning London toy company.
Your task is to brainstorm storyline synopses suitable for girls aged 3-9, based on a doll character ('Lottie').
We will provide you with a basic starting point – for example a description of a piece of clothing, or a description of a story setting, and your task is to create basic storylines with plot and character development.
The work will be carried out remotely by email and Skype, if need be, and there is no set timescale for this work.
There are no set rules, other than to be imaginative and create story synopses that could be suitable and most importantly FUN, engaging and enjoyable for girls aged 3-9 (core age 4-6).
As a brand, we have a strong social and ethical bias, so in practice this would mean you incorporating a strong 'pro girl' element in terms of characterisation. Beyond that basic requirement, the emphasis is on plot and storyline.
The synopses do not have to be refined or polished; a raw braindump and basic brainstormed outline is absolutely fine.
Creativity and imagination
A vivid memory of your own childhood; the emotions and thought processes that spurred you – especially the complexities of female friendships at a young age.
A love of reading as a child – particularly if you enjoyed reading the likes of Little Women (Jo), Famous Five (George), Nancy Drew, Hermione Granger, et al.
The work will be carried out remotely by email and Skype, if need be, and there is no set timescale for this work.
Please contact storytelling at arklu dot com
We very much look forward to hearing from you.
[1] http://www.pw.org/joblistings


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Sweet and Sour Braised Brisket
Recipe courtesy of Dave Lieberman
- Good Deal with Dave Lieberman
- 1 (6-pound) brisket, upper portion
- Salt
- Vegetable oil
- 1/2 pound carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
- Few stalks celery, cut into big chunks
- 3 medium onions, peeled and cut into eights
- Cloves from 1 head garlic, peeled and lightly smashed
- 26 -ounce box strained tomatoes (recommended: Pomi)
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
DirectionsWatch how to make this recipe.
Preheat oven to 200 degrees F.
Rub brisket generously with salt and vegetable oil.
Heat a large saute pan over medium-high heat. Add vegetable oil to evenly coat pan and when the oil is hot and is just beginning to smoke, add the brisket and brown on both sides. Transfer the brisket to a shallow baking dish. Add the vegetables to the saute pan. Cook until they brown and start to soften, about 5 minutes. Then pour the vegetables over the brisket.
Whisk together the tomatoes, sugar, stock and vinegar in a mixing bowl then pour it into the same saute pan. Cook for a few minutes to get all the flavor out of the skillet, and then pour over the brisket. It should be at least 3/4 of the way submersed in the liquid. Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 8 to 10 hours until tender and the meat begins to fall apart. Slice thinly and serve with veggies and cooking liquid.
Recipe courtesy of Dave Lieberman
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I recently spent a week visiting school libraries and meeting young female scholars in the Tanahun and Kaski districts of Nepal. Traveling with Cain Harrelson, Cultural Affairs Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu, we visited libraries established by the San Francisco-based NGO, Room to Read. Just a handful out of the more than 10,000 established by Room to Read in nine countries, the libraries were stocked with colorful children's books in Nepali and English. Children sat around low tables, some reading with intense seriousness, others laughing with glee as they turned the pages.
The scene was one I couldn't have even imagined when I worked in one of the very same schools as a Peace Corps teacher of math and science 30 years ago. Then, the only books available in the entire village of Ghandrung were official textbooks, and the ones we had were old and tattered. The only English language book in the village at one point was a well-read copy of The Story of Bruce Lee, by his wife, Linda. Children's books were non-existent. Children were taught by rote memorization, and my efforts to introduce more student-centered learning and hands-on activities were met by parental threats to remove their children from school unless I began helping them memorize the textbooks.
Room to Read has brought not only libraries and books to schools; they also provide the teacher and librarian training essential to ensuring that the books are actually used and that learning is fun and interactive. The local teachers and librarians appreciate the the support they are receiving from the Department of State. Before leaving Ghandrung for our six-hour, downhill trek to begin our journey home, Shree Meshram Baraha Secondary School's librarian leaned over to Cain and provided these words of encouragement: "When the Americans come to Ghandrung, good things happen for our children."
We also had a chance to meet with local girls benefiting from Room to Read's scholarship program, which supports girls in completing their secondary education through the provision of uniforms, school supplies, tuition and fees, and a life skills program that includes tutoring and mentorship. The girls Cain and I met, fairly glowing with pride and sitting in the dark tea house where one of their fathers worked, said that they hoped to finish high school and become doctors one day. Again, a scene virtually unimaginable to me in my Peace Corps days when the furthest a girl had ever studied was the sixth grade and where I was the first female teacher in the school.
The Bureau of Central and South Asian Affairs is making a difference in the lives of thousands of children throughout South Asia by supporting Room to Read to dramatically scale up their programs in children's book publishing in both local languages and English, to establish school libraries, and support girls to complete high school. This partnership will continue as the U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu explores ways to partner with Room to Read in advancing its many public diplomacy and education-focused goals. Part of a broader strategy to promote education in the region, the Room to Read initiative complements other efforts focused on higher education by helping ensure children have the foundation they need to succeed later in life.
Editor's Note: In describing the photograph accompanying this entry, Dr. Teas shared with us: "I made a small book to leave at the school library with photos of my time as a science and math teacher there from 1979-1982. The man standing to my right, an ex-Gurkha, burst into tears when he saw one of the photos in the book was of his mother. She had died a few years ago, and he told me that he dreamed the previous night that he would see her the next day. Because of the cost and the long walk up to the village, very few people have photographs of their own."
Pratap in California writes:
We have something in common. I came here in the US in 1977. Stayed and stayed. Around the same time, you went to Nepal and served the people of Nepal. Thanks to Sargant Shriver and you. You went back after some 30 years. You are also true Nepali. Also, special thanks to John Wood and Room to Read organization.
Rizwan Q. in Paksitan writes:
The things like u done in Nepal should also be done at larger scale both in Pakistan and India.
Sarah in Washington, D.C. writes:
Fantastic. Glad to see the State Dpt. involved in education!
Sudeep B. in Nepal writes:
It was nice reading this piece of article. I came to know about Room to Room after reading John Woods' auto biography.
Change is a gradual process. No matter what change occurs. Thank you for being upbeat in changing the rural lives of Nepal.
Barton L. in Michigan writes:
The support of children's, and especially girls, education is one of the smartest and strategically important investments our government can make. Working with "on-the-ground," effective organizations like Room to Read elevates efforts into cost-effective usage of limited funds. This is the kind of program that sends the kind of messages America should do more of.
Rajendra in Maryland writes:
Wonderful project! Keep up the great work in Nepal.
Tij B. in Nepal writes:
Thanks to you for your work in Nepal. There were no libraries when I was a kid. It is good to see kids reading now!
Student in Nepal writes:
This is a beautiful story and beautiful message. Thank you to Miss Teas.
Trish in New York writes:
I am so pleased to see this blog about Room to Read. I have been following John Wood and his organization for many years and they do wonderful work. When we got married this year, we decided to ask our guests to donate to Room to Read in lieu of presents. Cheers to the State Department for supporting this organization.
Keep up the great work!
Ranjana in New York writes:
Thank you for this work.


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If you're in the market for a new business aircraft, the time to buy could be now. The reason is the bipartisan Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization and Job Creation Act of 2010, which became law on December 17. The Act includes 100-percent expensing for tax purposes of investments in capital assets, such as business aircraft, purchased between Sept. 8, 2010, and Dec. 31, 2011.
Money » Taxes, Laws & Finance
February 1, 2011
February 1, 2011
The good news about business aircraft financing today is that the money is back. One of the first consequences of the 2008 Wall Street meltdown was that capital disappeared faster than free beer. Many aircraft lenders still proclaimed that they were "ready to do deals," but often they lacked the financial horsepower to deliver on that promise.
November 30, 2010
Not everyone can register an aircraft in the U.S. For starters, in most cases you have to be a U.S. citizen, as defined by federal statutes and FAA regulations. Under applicable statutes and FAA rules, a corporation isn't considered a U.S. citizen unless its president, two-thirds of its board of directors, two-thirds of its "managing officers" and three-quarters of its owners are U.S.
August 1, 2010
One of the biggest challenges posed by FAA regulations is how to pay for a flight on a non-commercial aircraft.
July 1, 2010
Business jet finance probably hit bottom in early 2009. Loans have become much more available since then, but we've yet to return to the halcyon days of 2007, when you could readily arrange 100 percent financing for aircraft at purchase prices that today seem grossly inflated. As Bank of America's Michael Amalfitano pointed out, "The days of aggressive deals at thin pricing are over."
July 1, 2010
After three straight years of historically low premiums and greatly expanded coverage offerings, the struggle among aviation insurance companies to gain or hold market share has begun taking its toll. Last year the industry experienced one of its worst for aviation claims since 2001, and 2010 continues the trend.
June 1, 2010
When searching for a specific aircraft tail number, it's easy to conclude that all the good ones are taken. The folks who operate the FAA registry in Oklahoma City, however, think they've found a way to make many of these "unavailable" registration numbers magically accessible to the rest of us.
April 1, 2010
An oft-cited benefit of business jets is that they provide greater security than the airlines. This same benefit can reduce your taxes, too.
February 1, 2010
The business jet finance field is unique because business jets are unique. For one thing, they move around-fast. A Gulfstream G550 that's in Zurich this morning could be in Tehran tonight.
December 1, 2009
If you own an aircraft and lease it out, can you be liable for damages caused when the lessee is operating it? The answer reminds me of a joke my securities law professor, Louis Loss, used to tell about a client wanting to hire a one-handed lawyer so the lawyer couldn't say: "Well, on the one hand...but on the other hand."
"The problem is not that there are problems. The problem is expecting otherwise and thinking that having problems is a problem. "
-psychiatrist and author Theodore Isaac Rubin
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Skip to comments.Father drops off 9 kids under safe haven law
Posted on 09/25/2008 6:49:46 AM PDT by dware
Father drops off 9 kids under safe haven law
Associated Press - September 25, 2008 8:45 AM ET
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - A hospital spokeswoman say nine children left at Creighton University Medical Center in Omaha by their father under the state's safe haven law were turned over to child protection services.
The spokeswoman says the children were left at the emergency room Wednesday night. She had no other details.
(Excerpt) Read more at nebraska.tv ...
I think I am OK with this.
I wish a charity or like a church orphanage became responbsible for the children.
Yeah me too. He may just need some help and will come back though.
I think I am too..at least they are safe and unharmed.
If you are at the end of your rope, this is the best option. I don't know if that is the case, but it is one of the reasons the safe haven laws are enacted.
I'd like more details before I commit fully to this, but on the surface, this action seems to be a good thing. It's hard to know or understand what the man was thinking or going through because of lack of details, but given the fact that he surrendered them up to the emergency room, he was probably pretty desperate.
Hey, I'd much rather read this kind of story then the one where same man kills all 9 children.
God's blessings on those kids.
Hope the kids get better than they had. Obviously, this is a family in crisis. And I pray that they can keep close to each other.
I guess Dick Van Patten was right...eight was enough.
I just hope they were all his and he didn't take the wife or girl friend's kids in too.
Agreed. I am ok with it as well, and I hope those kids make it through the emotional trauma.
On the flip side, this is a sad commentary on the state of society today.
Me too.
I am VERY okay with this. As a foster parent, I know the alternative, leaving the children in that situation, would be far worse.
Mixed emotions. It breaks my heart, and yet, I'd rather see this happen than have read about their murder.
As an aside, we have two empty bedrooms at my house! :O)
I'm OK with this if all the kids are Americans. They range in age from 1-17.
OK with me....providing he deposited his 2 testicles at the front door!
Hmmm...need some cats?
Would they have preferred that he harmed them in some way?
I am certain that this is much less expensive than burying any number of children and incarcerating the parents for killing them.
These clowns might want to consider Susan Smith.
I understand entirely. Best of luck with your feline overlord.
Historically it is not unusual to find situations where a parent or couple has abandoned children they could not support to government authorities. These kids were terms orphans, although they weren't technically. Charities cared for them, and in many cases exported them to other areas of the country, as in the orphan trains from New York City.
My father's mother died when he was four years old and the oldest of three boys. It was during the depression and he could easily have been abandoned except that the extended family provided him with more than twenty sets of aunts and uncles who took turns taking in the boys until their dad remarried a few years later. Too many families don't have that kind of support anymore and nine kids can be overwhelming to even a couple in a good situation.
I only hope the kids can be kept together.
"This does not belong in the news. I think splashing the headline in the local paper discourages those in desperate need from making a heart-wrenching decision."
On the other hand, if the Dems can just find this guy, they can turn him into a poster child for the mean Bush/McCain economy. Of course, once his usefulness was over, they would drop him like leftover chicken bones.
Thank GOD he didn't kill them. GOD HELP THEM.
I support safe haven laws for several reasons. First and foremost, it shows at least enough wisdom on the part of the parent to realize that they are unable to support their children any longer. The reasons for this are less important than the realization. Second, it shows they have the wisdom to move their children into a better situation immediately.
And while the first inclination is to suggest that such parents try to keep their children, because "there is a government program for that", while it may be true, it ignores that loss of confidence and collapse of morale of the parent. If they felt they had the internal resources to fix things, or that the government could fix things, they would have tried that already.
There is an old medical rule of thumb that if someone thinks they are sick or have a problem, they probably do, even if it is not obvious. And a similar rule of thumb should be used in this case. If a parent does not think they can care for their children any more, the assumption should be that they can't.
And this brings up some possibilities.
For example, the "prime homeless" are families that have been put out on the street. And most everybody sympathizes with them, because most will be able to quickly get their lives together with some support, get new jobs, find a place to live, and reintegrate with society.
But the adults having to support their kids, for a short time, makes things much, much harder. For this reason, the "safe haven" laws should have two routes: short term care in what amounts to an orphanage; and long term care in foster homes.
That is, the parents should be able to drop their kids off under a safe haven law, but on a temporary basis, until the parents can get organized and successful again. This will insure the children have a safe place to sleep, food, clothes and schooling for some months, in an institutional situation like an orphanage, while their parents get work.
The check on this will be an evaluation of the parents status once they think they can care for their children again. Only if they are determined to be economically sound will their children be returned to live with them.
The other safe haven law should be for family catastrophe. Say one or both parents are injured in an automobile accident, or are chronically or mentally ill, or have just given up and admitted to themselves that they cannot raise children.
And this would be to the foster care route used today.
Importantly, States across the US should have such laws in place ASAP, since we might be facing a serious economic downturn. For even though the parents may have to take the hit for Wall Street, it isn't right that children have to do so as well.
Once upon a time - as late as the first part of the 20th century - many children who had living parents were brought up in orphanages because the parents simply couldn't take care of them. I had a friend who grew up in a Catholic orphanage - she loved it and then joined the order when she was an adult!
One of the problems is that we have essentially destroyed the "orphanage" system, even though in many cases a good orphanage would be a better environment for these kids than living with their parents.
All three of our adopted children were abandoned by their birthparents, and given to the care of foreign orphanages.
I'm glad they were allowed to live and were given a second chance.
Wow, my father just used to threaten me with military school!
Those children will always remember how their father left them and never see him again. That will effects their emotional being for their rest of their lives. Many years of hurt and scar that they need to overcome. I hope they will get special counseling for the bad memories. My mother was dropped off as a baby many years ago and she is bitter about it. But she can't control what happened to her. Good idea for the children to be safe but the same time have to deal with their emotionally for their rest of their lives.
I know that some convents have a sort of turntable crib where a mother can drop off her newborn and leave it in a warm, safe place. A nun checks on the crib every 15 minutes and takes any babies left behind to the local hospital.
Ideal solution? No, but we don't live in an ideal world.
God did help them.....they are alive, unharmed and being well care for , at least for now...... the system worked this time. My only bad feeling about this is those kids may, or may not, be separated as they are placed into foster homes etc ........ I have seen good and bad foster care operations when I was a deputy sheriff.
Doom on those that provide foster care for mere profit versus taking in a child in need and helping them recover from the events that led them there and help the child grow strong physically and mentally so they can continue to enjoy their childhood as they learn in a safe and secure environment to be self sufficient and intelligent young adults.
Just my opinion.....Stay safe Ann !
I don't know if I would condemn those people. If they are providing a safe, relatively stable environment for the kids they foster, then they are providing a needed service, regardless of their motivation. Not the ideal, certainly, but it's better than some of the alternatives.
My "GOD HELP THEM" really meant what the kid's will be feeling about what happened to them and their feelings about being abandoned. GOD HAS HELPED them, and HE WILL KEEP HELPING THEM!
Some of the ones I speak of were better only by sleeping in the dumpster versus next to the dumpsters. I was called to many times to remove children from 2nd level of the hell they escaped in the first place.
Sorry if my original post didn't expand on such. There are good foster care systems thus I said and stand by my comment based on personal experience .....doom on those that do such for mere profit. Versus providing "proper care and comfort" to a troubled and frightened displaced child.
I am OK with it as well. At least the children are safe.. and didn't turn up inside car in a lake.
If they did that, the church might actually PRAY for the kids and tell them about GOD. We CAN'T have such behavior!!! /s
My son's birth-mother did just that, in Russia. He was delivered at home, brought immediately to a hospital as he was 4-6 weeks premature, and she never saw him again.
I'd rather read about this than about an obituary for an abandoned baby, or one which has died from abuse (including abortion). The reality is that parenthood is a demanding, unrelenting job and some people reach the point that, in spite of their best efforts and many legitimate reasons, can't handle it. If they realize they are a danger to themselves or their kids, the safe haven laws are a real benefit. Good for them.
I just saw a film called Gumby Dharma about Art Clokey, the guy who created the Gumby series.
He was abandoned as a little boy when his Mom had an affair with a policeman and she took her daughters with her and moved to California, telling Art that he had to wait in the house until his Father came home from a business conference.
He lived with his Father for one year, then his dad was killed in a car wreck.
He went to live with his Mom and sisters, then the cop told his Mom after one week that she had to choose either the cop or her son. The cop hated Art because he looked like his Father, whom he had taken his (now-wife) away from.
The Mom chose the cop, and sent Art to an orphanage. It was hell for him until he was adopted a year later by Dr. Clokey, and his life was wonderful after that.
But it really damaged him...I just cannot fathom a woman leaving her son the first time, then...a year later, abandoning him at an orphanage.
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Browsing Department of Planning, Public Policy and Management Faculty Papers by Title
Previous Page
Now showing items 10-19 of 19
Healthy communities and healthy ecosystems: the community development potential of ecosystem restoration workHibbard, Michael (Ecosystem Workforce Program, Institute for a Sustainable Environment, University of Oregon, 2001)[more][less]Hibbard, Michael 2006-02-15T22:22:30Z 2006-02-15T22:22:30Z 2001 http://hdl.handle.net/1794/2262 13 p. The Ecosystem Workforce Program (EWP) at the University of Oregon is conducting a three year demonstration project to test the possibilities of collaborative stewardship for community development. Key to this is a monitoring and evaluation component that tries to assess the community impact of collaborative stewardship – to try to measure community changes. Such assessments are very difficult to do. The effects of community change efforts generally take a long time to manifest themselves, and it is difficult to show that whatever changes have occurred are the product of the change effort. We are in the second year of the project. This paper is an interim report focusing on our attempt to monitor community impacts. I begin by summarizing the background situation and introducing the demonstration project. I then describe the theoretical rationale for collaborative stewardship as community development. Finally, I present aspects of the project methodology, based on the experience thus far. 34686 bytes application/pdf en_US Ecosystem Workforce Program, Institute for a Sustainable Environment, University of Oregon EWP Working Paper ; No. 3 (Fall 2001) Healthy communities and healthy ecosystems: the community development potential of ecosystem restoration work Working Paper
Issues in monitoring the socio-economic effects of the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board grant programBonner, Kristin; Hibbard, Michael (Ecosystem Workforce Program, Institute for a Sustainable Environment, University of Oregon, 2002)[more][less]Bonner, Kristin Hibbard, Michael 2006-02-15T22:31:02Z 2006-02-15T22:31:02Z 2002 http://hdl.handle.net/1794/2264 8 p. This report examines some of the issues involved in setting up a system for monitoring the socio-economic effects of Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (O-WEB) grants on an on-going basis. We conducted telephone interviews with 20 individuals from watershed councils, Soil and Water Conservation Districts and state agencies, to learn their attitudes toward monitoring the socio-economic impacts of their projects as well as to gain an understanding of any potential barriers to monitoring. The majority of respondents recognize the socio-economic impact of watershed enhancement projects and are willing to implement a clearly defined and simple monitoring system to measure these impacts. However, many stated the need for a clear definition of "local," both geographically and in terms of business ownership. This is a complex issue that needs to be fully explored before implementing any system. In addition, there was some reluctance on the part of some respondents to monitor these impacts because of the heavy administrative burden. A couple of respondents thought that evaluative questions in the final report could be as effective as tracking individual expenditures. 215705 bytes application/pdf en_US Ecosystem Workforce Program, Institute for a Sustainable Environment, University of Oregon EWP Working Paper ; No. 5 (Summer 2002) Issues in monitoring the socio-economic effects of the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board grant program Working Paper
Ringer, Gregory D., 1951- (Institute for Strategic Studies and Prognoses & Center for Entrepreneurship and Economic Development, October , 2004)[more][less]Ringer, Gregory D., 1951- 2006-01-10T19:16:50Z 2006-01-10T19:16:50Z 2004-10 Household Survey Report, 10, pp. 23-39 1451-4850 http://hdl.handle.net/1794/2094 This report briefly outlines the concerns and recommendations of a rapid assessment project undertaken in April 2004, with the support of the Montenegro Business Alliance and the U.S. Consulate in Podgorica. While admittedly limited in scope, due to both time and financial constraints, the ideas presented are intended to reflect the current and potential status of tourism development and marketing in Montenegro. Montenegro Business Alliance and the U.S. Department of State, Podgorica 1163199 bytes application/pdf en_US Institute for Strategic Studies and Prognoses & Center for Entrepreneurship and Economic Development Montenegro Tourism -- Montenegro Community development -- Montenegro Montenegro sustainable tourism assessment Book chapter
Gray, Jo Anna; Stockard, Jean; Stone, Joe A. (Joe Allan), 1948- (University of Oregon, Dept of Economics, November 1, 2004)[more][less]Gray, Jo Anna Stockard, Jean Stone, Joe A. (Joe Allan), 1948- 2005-03-22T23:16:26Z 2005-03-22T23:16:26Z 2004-11-01 http://hdl.handle.net/1794/664 33 p. Much of the sharp rise in the share of nonmarital births in the United States has been attributed to changes in the fertility choices of unmarried and married women - in response, it is often argued, to various public policies. In contrast, we develop and test a model that attributes the rise to changes in marriage behavior, with no changes in fertility. A variety of empirical tests strongly supports this conclusion and invites focused attention to issues related to marriage behavior, as well as the interactions between marriage and fertility. 237256 bytes application/pdf en_US University of Oregon, Dept of Economics University of Oregon Economics Department Working Papers; 2004-17 Fertility Illegitimacy ratio Marriage Non-marital fertility ratio Non-marital births The Rising Share of Nonmarital Births: Fertility Choices or Marriage Behavior? Working Paper
Beltram, James; Evans, Rock; Hibbard, Michael; Luzzi, James (Ecosystem Workforce Program, Institute for a Sustainable Environment, University of Oregon, 2001)[more][less]Beltram, James Evans, Rock Hibbard, Michael Luzzi, James 2006-02-09T19:18:02Z 2006-02-09T19:18:02Z 2001 http://hdl.handle.net/1794/2228 55 p. Reports the findings of a joint study by the Organization for Economic Initiatives, Inc. (OEI) and the Ecosystem Workforce Program (EWP) at the University of Oregon (UO). OEI is an Oregon 501(c) 3 non-profit corporation that administers several economic development and business assistance programs throughout the State, including those related to the development of the ecosystem management industry. EWP is located at the UO Institute for a Sustainable Environment. EWP provides technical assistance, research, and facilitation for watershed councils, public land management agencies, local economic development staff, contractors and workers in promoting stable business and workforce capacity for the emerging ecosystem management industry. EWP receives funding support from the Ford Foundation, USDA Forest Service Rural Community Assistance and Old Growth Diversification funds administered by the State of Oregon Economic and Community Development Department. 142478 bytes application/pdf en_US Ecosystem Workforce Program, Institute for a Sustainable Environment, University of Oregon EWP Working Paper ; No. 1 (Fall 2001) The Scope and Future Prospects : Oregon's Ecosystem Management Industry Working Paper
Ringer, Gregory D., 1951- (June , 1998)[more][less]Ringer, Gregory D., 1951- 2006-01-10T19:03:11Z 2006-01-10T19:03:11Z 1998-06 Swara: East African Wildlife Society Nature Watch 6 (1998): 1-2 http://hdl.handle.net/1794/2093 Perhaps more than any other region of the world, Africa's dependence on natural resources makes it especially vulnerable to environmental change. To confront the growing social and natural problems, many sub-Saharan countries are now turning to ecotourism, with governments and residents alike attracted by suggestions that ecotourism can simultaneously sustain communities and the natural environments which surround them. Indeed, the success of nature-based tourism in Uganda — now the fastest growing sector in the country — makes clear its potential for economic development. Such windfalls do not come without social costs, however, and the manner in which ecotourism develops directly affects the sustainability of local areas. Yet, tourism proponents throughout East Africa continue to stress upscale facilities and the desires of affluent international visitors over the quality of choice afforded indigenous people in conserving their natural heritage and traditional practices. The challenges and opportunities of such an approach are highlighted in this examination of sustainable tourism and wildlife protection in Uganda's newest protected area and former game preserve, Katonga. 140286 bytes application/pdf en_US Africa Ecotourism Uganda Environmental conservation Natural resources -- Management National parks Sustainable communities & ecotourism in Uganda: the Katonga Wetlands Conservation Project Article
Gray, Jo Anna; Stockard, Jean; Stone, Joe A. (Joe Allan), 1948- (University of Oregon, Dept of Economics, June 1, 2004)[more][less]Gray, Jo Anna Stockard, Jean Stone, Joe A. (Joe Allan), 1948- 2005-03-22T23:17:05Z 2005-03-22T23:17:05Z 2004-06-01 http://hdl.handle.net/1794/665 10 p. We develop a model of fertility and marriage that implies a magnified effect of marriage rates on the share of births to unmarried women. For U.S. data, plots and regression estimates support the prediction that the share of unmarried births is driven primarily by the square of the share of unmarried women. Our findings suggest that some of the emphasis on changes in fertility behavior in explaining the rising share of births to unmarried women might be productively redirected toward exploring the role and determinants of changes in marriage behavior. Moreover, previous studies of fertility behavior, to the extent that marital status is taken as given, may confound fertility and marriage behavior. 119403 bytes application/pdf en_US University of Oregon, Dept of Economics University of Oregon Economics Department Working Papers; 2004-16 Fertility Illegitimacy ratio Marriage Non-marital births Non-marital fertility ratio A Tale of Two Shares: The Relationship between the Working Paper
Bania, Neil; Gray, Jo Anna (University of Oregon, Dept of Economics, June , 2006)[more][less]Bania, Neil Gray, Jo Anna 2006-10-02T21:10:14Z 2006-10-02T21:10:14Z 2006-06 http://hdl.handle.net/1794/3424 20 p. Barro's (1990) model of endogenous growth implies that economic growth will initially rise with an increase in taxes directed toward "productive" expenditures (e.g., education, highways, and streets), but will subsequently decline. Previous tests of the model, including Barro (1989, 1990) and recently Bleaney et al (2001), focus on whether the linear incremental effect of taxes is positive, negative, or zero, with substantial evidence for all three conclusions. In this study, we test for nonlinearity directly by incorporating nonlinear effects for taxes, and based on U.S. states find that the incremental effect of taxes directed toward productive government expenditures is initially positive, but eventually declines. U.S. states on average appear to under invest in expenditures on productive government activities. 93462 bytes application/pdf en_US University of Oregon, Dept of Economics University of Oregon Economics Department Working Papers ; 2006-7 Taxes, Government Expenditures, and State Economic Growth: The Role of Nonlinearities Working Paper
Ringer, Gregory D., 1951-; Hall, C. Michael (Butterworth-Heinemann, 2000)[more][less]Ringer, Gregory D., 1951- Hall, C. Michael 2006-01-08T17:51:42Z 2006-01-08T17:51:42Z 2000 In Hall, C. M. & S. J. Page (eds) TOURISM IN SOUTH AND SOUTH EAST ASIA: ISSUES AND CASES, pp. 178-194 0750641282 http://hdl.handle.net/1794/2068 The emerging Southeast Asian nations of Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar (Burma) are undergoing substantial change. Desperately seeking economic growth, these impoverished nations have been ravaged by decades of civil war from which they are now only beginning to recover. Tourism is a significant component of economic development which also has important political overtones in terms of the degree to which tourism is seen to give legitimacy to government, particularly with respect to Myanmar in which people have reported to have been forcibly used as labour for tourism-related developments. This chapter briefly outlines some of the key development issues associated with each country and the role that tourism plays in the economic and political life of residents and visitors. 1003711 bytes application/pdf en_US Butterworth-Heinemann Tourism Southeast Asia Cambodia Terrorism Tourism in Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar: from terrorism to tourism? Book chapter
Ringer, Gregory D., 1951- (Elsevier, 1996)[more][less]Ringer, Gregory D., 1951- 2006-01-10T18:41:26Z 2006-01-10T18:41:26Z 1996 Annals of Tourism Research 23 (4): 950-953 http://hdl.handle.net/1794/2091 International tourism is now the dominant force in the world economy and consequently, is heavily promoted as a source of funding sustainable community development. Developing and marketing communities as tourist destinations rarely comes without human costs, however, including a transfiguration of the inhabitants' social history and the dynamics of their place. As a result, there exists tremendous need for additional research on the long-term effects of tourism on emergent destination communities. In response, this study presents the preliminary findings of research among residents and visitors to the twin Alaska "ghost" towns of Kennicott and McCarthy and the implications for a new direction in tourism studies, one that recognizes a socially-defined landscape often overlooked in the traditional literature of tourism and outdoor recreation in protected areas in Alaska and worldwide. 263631 bytes application/pdf en_US Elsevier Alaska Tourism Environmental perception Cognitive images Wilderness National parks Kennicott (Alaska) Wrangell-Saint Elias National Park and Preserve (Alaska) McCarthy (Alaska) Wilderness images of tourism and community Article
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Moderator: Mike
Yep! That´s pretty interresting why they had set that final chord in there!dsnito wrote:One of the most interesting versions of the "butchers" Rarities is the extra trumpet final chord on "Penny Lane"... Never´ve been heard such version anywhere then...
Berkeleyan wrote:A BIG disappointment of an album IMO.
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Hi -
The Eduinburgh University Creative writing people do a joint exhibition with the ECA students in which writing influces the art and vice versa. Last year they did an event at the art college and had an exhibition there --- this year they'd like to get it out more so they were hoping they could use the gallery. I think it would be in march april or may and i think april is best for them. Here are some details. I would really like this exhibition to take place as it would be nice to like us to the UNI and ECA. Whoever takes this on an I'll get you in touch with the organizer of the exhibit so you can set dates etc.
The links for the ECA collab are:
and for photos from workshops and gallery:
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=7 ... =524706781


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Shawn Robert Reilly
BOOTJACK – Shawn Robert Reilly, 50, a resident of Bootjack, passed away on Thursday, April 18, 2013 at Marquette General Hospital following a courageous battle with cancer.
Shawn was born on May 12, 1962 in Laurium, a son of Joseph and Barbara (Mattila) Reilly. He graduated from Calumet High School with the class of 1981 and took business administration courses at Michigan Technological University.
He worked for his parents at the Superior Motel in Laurium until 1987 when he became the owner and manager of Shawn's Restaurant in Laurium for the next 14 years. Afterwards he worked in the food service industry and managed Taco Bell and Kentucky Fried Chicken/Long John Silver's of Houghton; worked as a sales consultant for Reinhardt Distributing; and most recently was employed at Michigan Technological University in their Food Services Department.
Shawn enjoyed boating, cooking and spending time with family and friends. While staying at the Beacon House during his medical treatments he helped cook a fabulous meal for the residents. He often assisted Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly with their holiday meals. Shawn spent many days on his boat "Stress Management" and was proud to have helped navigate a trawler to the Bahamas. He loved dogs and is missed by his buddy Sam, a rescue dog. Shawn was a big help to his family and friends and touched many lives. He will be sadly missed and will always be remembered for his caring nature and wonderful sense of humor.
He was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents; two brothers, Lon and Fred; aunts Betty Anderson and Nathaline Poliuto; and an uncle, Fred Mattila.
He is survived by: his parents, Joe & Barb Reilly of Bootjack; two brothers, Dan (Lorri) Reilly and Joe (Thurza) Reilly, both of Laurium; aunts and uncles, Lenore (Roy) Bonini of Princess Point; Harvey (Betty) Mattila of California; Florence (Bob) Sorvala of Portage Entry; Louis (Weldon) Gaulin of Milwaukee; Mary Lou Mattila of Houghton Canal; and Bob (Dorothy) Reilly of Calumet; nieces Jamie, Heather, Christine, Jennifer and Hannah; nephews, Jesse and Aaron; numerous great-nieces, nephews, and cousins; dear friend, Linda Romps, and many wonderful friends.
An outdoor memorial service to celebrate Shawn's life will be held this summer per his wishes.
The Erickson Crowley Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.ericksoncrowley.com.


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Apr 17, 2012
The Trouble With Labels
Sometimes, we need to slow down and sort through the hype, despite pressure to act. A perfect example: NoSQL. The speed with which data is piling up and the rate at which the cost of conventional databases is escalating are pushing people who should know better to consider using NoSQL in situations where it's wholly inappropriate. Simply put, that category includes core enterprise stores of customer and product data and related transactions that must represent a single source of truth and use standard data-access techniques.
Now, we get why IT's intrigued with NoSQL. Just 11% of the 760 respondents to our InformationWeek 2012 State of Database Technology Survey, all of whom are involved with their organizations' database strategies, say they're very satisfied with licensing costs and terms for their conventional databases. And the broad "NoSQL" label does indeed reflect the main attraction: Often, these systems are open source or quite inexpensive, and they can run on commodity hardware.
The trouble lies with NoSQL's purported open-ended scope. Just because it works well for e-commerce and social networking sites like eBay and Facebook does not make it appropriate for all, or even a majority, of mainstream enterprise use cases. In this report, we'll provide guidelines to help IT teams set up a rational NoSQL policy. (S4790412)
Research Report


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I used to have just the iBeam active. Have an iMix now.
1. Would like to know what setting on the preamp of the iMix will lead to the closest solo unit iBeam active sound?
Is it for the low cut, full left? Set at 60 and the mid cut, full right or 0?Am not considering feedback right now, just trying to get the basic solo iBeam Active sound with iBeam iMix.
2. Would also like to know for the Element as well.
Does the iMix come originally set up to sound like their counterparts or are they set up differently? I seem to remember my solo iBeam having more bass and it was explained to me in the past that the iMix was set up so that the Element provides the bass and the iBeam, the air and sparkle.
I am just learning how to manage the preamp finally.


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|Wilson Steam 99 S 2013 Scores
We were all very excited to hit this revolutionary offering from Wilson. The new Steam 99S was consistently described as "crazy," "a game changer" and "unlike anything I've ever hit before." The super open Spin Effect 16x15 string pattern allows you to unleash a whole new level of spin. On topspin groundstrokes the ball leaves the stringbed at a slightly higher trajectory than normal, but it dives down at the court with tons of action and backs your opponent off the baseline. We also found the racquet to perform well in other aspects. Power was there when needed, and there was more control than we expected. The crazy spin and easy pace means going from all out defense to full on offense is often just one swing away with the Steam 99S. This racquet has become a craze among the playtest team here at TW, and we highly recommend giving this spin monster a try.
Hitting with the Steam 99S from the baseline is truly a unique experience, and all of our playtesters agreed that they could generate more spin with this racquet than with any other racquet we've tried. "Crazy, crazy, CRAZY (did I mention crazy?) spin potential!" said Andy. "This is unlike any racquet I've ever hit from the baseline because the spin potential is off the charts! When I take a big cut at my groundstrokes the ball explodes off the stringbed like Gangnam Style when it hit YouTube. The ball actually comes off at a higher trajectory than I'm used to, but the extra topspin that the 16x15 string pattern produces gets the ball diving down into the court. The crazy thing is, I could keep swinging harder and harder and it just created more and more spin. I was also worried that I would lose control with the Spin Effect string pattern, but I was surprised that I still had great command over all my shots. This racquet was extremely impressive from the baseline."
Chris actually felt this racquet allowed him to do things with the ball that he can't do with other racquets. He said, "This racquet helped me create absolutely insane spin on my groundstrokes. The amount of spin was just crazy, and I'm amazed that a racquet like this can be legal. I was able to bend down-the-line passing shots from near the doubles sideline and watch them swing inside the back corner of the court just inside the singles line. Incredible. I was hitting sharper angles than usual and hitting them with a lot of pace. The spin would just help the ball curve, hook and stay in. My slice floated for the first few shots, but I quickly dialed it in and was able to place it well with good pace. I loved the lively response on flatter shots as it helped get the ball back deep and aggressively even when I was on the run and at full stretch. Rarely does a racquet come along that changes what I can do with the ball to this extent, but this one is a game changer. I'm not a huge fan of the weight and balance of this racquet, however, the stringbed dominated the hitting experience to the extent that it pretty much made the frame insignificant."
Also amazed by the amount of spin he could generate was Jason, who said, "This racquet definitely took some getting used to because the launch angle is different than most racquets. It seemed like my shots were leaving at a higher angle than I'm used to, but once I got that dialed down it was amazing! I couldn't believe the amount of spin I was getting, especially on my forehand. My shots that would typically go out were dipping in at the baseline. The crazy spin wasn't limited to topspin, I felt like my slice shots had added bite to them as well. The swingweight is higher than I'm comfortable with, but I was OK with it for the most part and felt like I could even produce some sharp angles. At the end of my hits was when I could feel the swingweight, and I was swinging late on more shots. This racquet tended to launch shots if I didn't put spin on them, which is rare. I needed the spin to control the power."
Siobhan didn't enjoy the feel of the racquet as much as the rest of the playtest team. She offered, "The 16x15 string pattern creates noticeably increased spin, especially if you're someone who hits with spin normally. I really liked the kick I could get off the court on groundstrokes. It wasn't so much that I saw or felt the spin coming off the racquet, but more that my shots were kicking up or dropping in when I thought that they would go out. I also noticed the spin a lot when my opponent was hitting with the Steam 99S. The ball looks the same but kicks off the court more and gets on you quicker. I struggled with the racquet a little outside of the spin experience. The larger headsize gave it decent amounts of power and control, and when I hit the sweetspot I could control placement and depth better. I mostly hit with a full bed of poly in the 99S, and I could really get some heavy racquet speed, although I wasn't sold on the feel. I know we had a poly in it, but regardless, the racquet doesn't have that lively, crisp 'pop' feel that I like when the ball comes off the strings. I know some of the players enjoyed the more muted response, but that feel wasn't for me this time."
Our team enjoyed the Steam 99S around the net and especially liked the stability it offered on volleys. "Because of the higher swingweight I found this racquet to be quite stable up at net," said Jason. "As long as I could get a racquet on the ball I could get it back over the net, for the most part. I felt like I could really punch my volleys, put some oomph on them and put the shot away."
"I was surprised at how much I enjoyed volleying with the Steam 99S," noted Andy. "Once again I was skeptical about the extremely open string pattern, but it ended up allowing me to really knife my volleys, with just enough touch and feel for controlled and drop volleys. It's not the best racquet out there in terms of feel, but it definitely has enough feel, maneuverability and stability to make it a solid racquet around the net."
After a brief adjustment period, Chris became dialed in around the net. He offered, "The Spin Effect string pattern felt very lively at first when volleying. I tend to hit my volleys very flat and bleed pace when looking to find an angle or hit short. With this racquet I found I had to add spin to get the same result, otherwise I would overhit. Once I made the adjustment my volleys felt dialed in again, and I was finding my targets. The open string pattern made the sweetspot feel huge, and I could find good depth and pace even on shoelace volleys. I also loved the comfort of this racquet. I could string it very tightly with a firm poly and it played very comfortably."
Siobhan also found the stability to her liking, but felt the extra heft also affected the racquet's maneuverability. She said, "The Steam 99S was enjoyable for me at net, and it definitely had more stability than the Steam 96. I liked the control and placement, though the ball jumped off the strings too much sometimes. It wasn't the most maneuverable of racquets, and I did get caught up a little bit during faster points. It felt really good on overheads, and I feel like the power was really accessible."
Our playtest team had mixed feelings when it came to serving with the new Steam 99S. Everyone found good power and spin, but some people wanted a little more control. Jason really enjoyed serving with it, and didn't have a huge issue with control. He offered, "I was really happy with how I served with the Steam 99S. I was surprised that the swingweight didn't hinder my timing, but instead helped me to be very consistent. Access to spin was great, which was not a shocker. I even thought I was able to hit my flat serve just as hard as I typically do. The only serve I struggled with was the wide serve on the ad side. I couldn't hit that shot on a semi-consistent basis."
Siobhan found great access to spin, but not enough control on her serves. She said, "The power came into play again here, like on overheads. My first serve was powerful, but with less control than I would have liked. I wasn't able to completely bang my serve, but I did like the pace I was getting on it. It was easy to hit with spin, too. It gave me a heavier bounce on kick serves (when I actually managed to hit one), and I felt in control on both my first and second serves."
Chris liked the added spin but would've liked a little more weight in the hoop for a little more pace on serves. He said, "Serving was easy with this racquet. The added spin I found allowed me to go higher over the net and still keep the ball inside the box. This led to more consistency, but I was not finding a considerable amount of extra power. I was serving well, but this is the one area where I could have done with a little more weight in the racquet to help me get the ball away. Again, the big story for me was spin, and I was getting some nice action on my wide serves. With my consistency up, I was able to serve confidently, and if I added some weight I'm sure I could up my service winner percentage."
Andy found lots of pop but little control on serve. He said, "The serve was one area where I didn't notice a huge difference between the Steam 99S and other racquets. I thought I would get more access to spin on my serves, but I didn't feel like there was a huge increase in generating slice and kick. I also didn't feel like I got the control I was looking for when I decided to go for a big flat heater up the T. However, I was definitely able to load up and crank the flat serve with lots of power. This stick was good, not great, on the serve."
Once again, it was mixed emotions for our playtesters when it came to returning with the Steam 99S. Some had issues with the maneuverability and others had an issue with control, but the spin was very apparent. Chris was in love with this racquet when returning serve. He said, "I loved hitting returns with this racquet. I could rip the ball with spin thanks to the incredible grab from the stringbed and the maneuverable feel. My angle returns were jumping off the court with lots of spin, and I found myself swinging faster and faster to generate even more topspin. On block returns, the lively response allowed me to punch the ball deep with lots of pace. Simply put, I thought this was a great racquet for hitting returns."
Siobhan liked the weight she could get behind her returns but struggled a bit trying to get the racquet around her body. She offered, "I enjoyed hitting returns more, in general, than groundstrokes. The power was good here, and I was able to rip forehands. It was a little tough to maneuver around in time, but the string pattern opened up good spin and I felt like I could hook deeper balls back and get my opponent in trouble. I hit with heavier spin normally, and the 16x15 string pattern just accentuated it. I did have a little trouble with depth control and wish that I could have hit deeper more consistently."
Andy found the racquet maneuverable and forgiving, but he wished for a little more control. He said, "This racquet was maneuverable on the returns, and the string pattern allowed for extreme spin potential. However, I typically take the return early and use my opponent's pace, so I like a racquet that can provide me with a lot of control and is very forgiving. This racquet had the forgiveness, but not quite enough control on returns. I found that when I hit with tons of spin the racquet provides a lot of control, but when I hit flat shots I lost a bit of the control. Once again, the Steam 99S was good, but not great on returns."
"This is the only area where I struggled with this racquet," said Jason. "There were no problems when I had time to set up. I loved it when I had time. However, when I didn't, I found myself struggling to get the racquet out in front on contact. Was I late on my shots because of the swingweight or was it because of my lack of skill? Probably a bit of both."
Chris - "I absolutely loved the spin. It was addictive. The stringbed completely overshadowed the frame, and I loved this racquet even though the weight and balance are not perfect for me. This feels like a giant leap forward and is the perfect match for today's monofilament poly strings. I was also impressed with the comfort and the easy power on flat shots, defensive shots and half volleys."
Andy - "I loved the crazy spin potential and was surprised at how much control I had on my groundstrokes and volleys. I also liked the maneuverability and stability of the frame, and the enlarged sweetspot from the string pattern."
Jason - "Ridiculous access to spin, stability, and the ridiculous access to spin."
Siobhan - "The spin; it's noticeably better and it provides more kick off the court."
Chris - "None really. Not my ideal spec and I'd likely add some weight, but that is all."
Andy - "As strange as it might sound, I liked the string pattern but disliked the frame. It's not the most natural feeling racquet to swing, and I think it's due to the way the weight is distributed in the frame. I'd like to see the 16x15 string pattern introduced into other Wilson frames."
Jason - "I could feel the stiffness after my hits but not during, thanks to the large sweetspot. The higher swingweight was an issue when I was tired out."
Siobhan - "Despite being sold on the spin, I didn't enjoy the feel of the Steam racquet."
Chris - "Nothing currently available compares to this racquet. When I tested the Prince EXO3 Silver I was getting lots of spin, but this racquet takes it to another level. I was hitting shots I don't own and have no business hitting. I'll say it again, this one is a game changer."
Andy - "This racquet is tough to compare with anything else, because it really is in a realm of its own in terms of spin potential. This racquet really is a game changer, and I think a lot of people will fall in love with how heavy they can hit the ball with it. You can maybe put it in the same group as the AeroPro Drive, but it's a little more stable and has way more spin potential. This one is unlike anything I've ever hit, and I highly suggest you give it a try!"
Jason - "The stiffness and feel sort of reminded me of the BLX Juice 100, but the spin is incomparable. I feel like this version offers everything the regular Steam 99 did, but with more spin."
Siobhan - "I would compare the muted feel to the Wilson BLX Tour, but the level of spin is just different from other spin racquets I've hit. As far as the spin goes, this racquet is a unique experience."
(Scores are determined by averaging individual play test scores)
|Chris' Scores
|Andy's Scores
|Jason's Scores
|Siobhan's Scores
Chris: 5.0 all-court player currently using the Volkl C10 Pro 2012. Chris uses a full-western forehand grip, has a fast swing style and hits a one-handed backhand.
Andy: Open level all court player with a semi-western forehand grip and a two handed backhand. Andy currently using a Yonex RDiS 100 Mid.
Jason: 4.0 baseliner with a semi-western forehand and two handed backhand. Currently using a customized Boris Becker Delta Core NYC.
Siobhan: Open level player with a semi western forehand and a two-handed backhand. She currently plays with the Babolat AeroPro Drive GT 2013.
Review date: January 2013. If you found this review interesting or have further questions or comments please contact us.
All content copyright 2013 Tennis Warehouse.


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Embrace Pennsylvania Ballet's living legacy with a program inspired by its intrepid leaders. Former Artistic Director Christopher d'Amboise anchors the program with his Philadelphia-flavored Franklin Court. A magnificent set of hanging beams resembling the outline of Benjamin Franklin's home floats above the stage. The choreography is an abstract reflection of Franklin's inventions with movements called "Bifocals," "Swim Fins," "Spark," and "Electricity." The evening also includes the Company premiere of Grieg: Piano Concerto by former Artistic Director Robert Weiss, now Artistic Director at Carolina Ballet. Plus, see a World Premiere from award-winning choreographer Trey McIntyre, whose early dancemaking was showcased at the Carlisle Project, created by Pennsylvania Ballet founder Barbara Weisberger.
Director's Choice
Saturday, May 10, 2014 - 8:00pm
Academy of Music


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Raburns line: .273/.371/.553 with 11 homers and 31 RBI in 161 at-bats.
Reynolds line: too ugly to bother
Considering that Raburn can play 1B and 3B better than Reynolds...why is Reynolds ever in the line-up? Guy is just a black hole of suck right now.
Time to make this change.


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I have two tickets for the game on weds 6/17/09 for sale.The seats are in section 554, row E, seats 16 and 17. This is in the upper deck, right behind home plate. The tickets are valued at $17.80 each and I will take the best offer. PM me if interested and we can meet up. I work in Mayfield and live in Aurora so hopefully we can meet up on the east side.
Thanks in advance!


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All class from this guy:
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd ... b&c_id=mlb
I hate the Yankees, but there are a handful of guys I respect on that team and Rivera's certainly one of them. He just goes about his business. I love that he's going to do things like this in every road ballpark he visits this season.
What he has done with effectively one pitch his entire career is just incredible.
Thought this was a cool story.


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Stars in the eyes of a lost Russian girl
Lake Placid serves as a sanctuary to people of all kinds. For one little girl, the feeling of refuge is stronger than usual. Ekaterina Alexandranova Petuhova Marshall, 18, found herself in Lake Placid seven years ago with a painful burden.
Ekaterina was lost in the world without a place to go. Her mother passed away right in front of her when she was just 5 years old, leaving her to the custody of an orphanage in Kaluga, Russia. She spent seven years there locked away, trying to survive.
In a recent interview, Ekaterina explains how life began to tilt around in her mind when she thought about the rules of the orphanage. If she was still there at the age of 15, they would have to kick her out onto the streets, alone in Russia. Cigarette smoke blown from the lips of 6 and 7-year-old children clouded around her as she decided to find a place to call home. Life was tough.
"There was never really anything to eat," she said. "We were all very small and scared, but they always managed to make us work."
The staff became physically violent with the children as their weak little bodies failed to complete chores, but Ekaterina stayed strong. She wasn't going to let anything break her stride.
Kostia, an alleged affiliate of the Russian mafia, had been actively setting aside money for the orphanage over the years. He had even paid into a vacation program to make sure a few of the children were able to move around and possibly network for foster parents abroad. Ekaterina was selected to spend two weeks in America. She packed a suitcase gleefully and was flown to Connecticut, where she stayed with three Americans she refers to as "Steve, Ileene and Kourtney." Upon her departure from Russia Ekaterina was severely malnourished, weighing approximately 48 pounds at the age of 11. Her journey was long, but well worth it.
Ekaterina had never really seen toys before, but when she arrived in America everything became playful and battery operated. Her fears and nightmares subsided while the family deliberated upon whether or not they were going to adopt her. Their time together was short, and the three decided Ekaterina needed to see America for all it's worth. A road trip would serve as an introduction to this new and exciting world.
The journey staggered around a few different states and landed in Lake Placid, where they decided to play mini-golf at Pirate's Cove. The day was hot and humid, the opposite of what the Russian girl was used to.
Ekaterina became flustered and ill under the rays of sun. So, the family requested a rain check so they could play later. They explained to Pirate's Cove manager Scotty Marshall "This little girl is from an orphanage in Russia and isn't used to the humidity. Could we come back later please?"
Scotty started walking toward the office, but something made her feet pivot like a weathervane caught in hurricane winds.
"Are you going to adopt her?" she blurted out to the three standing at the window. Ekaterina, still clueless to the English language, didn't understand while the family explained their inability to complete the adoption process. So Scotty turned back once more to get the rain check coupon.
But then Scotty pivoted and ran back yelling, "I'll take her! I'll take her! I want to adopt her!"
The family was in awe. Standing there in the heat of the sun, they agreed to call the adoption agency. The group huddled around a telephone and made the phone call. Ekaterina would finish up her two weeks in America and then return to Russia.
Scotty's husband Brian arrived in the midst of the situation. He said, "I never really come around to visit my wife at work that often, but on that day I was going to see if she wanted to go out to lunch." He walked into the middle of an adoption without even knowing it.
After the initial call went through to the adoption agency and the fate of Ekaterina was set into motion, the family asked where a good place to eat would be. Scotty and Brian named about five different restaurants, and the family left with Ekaterina.
On this day, however, everything seemed to be fated. Scotty and Brian ended up at the same restaurant as Steve, Ileene, Kourtney and Ekaterina for lunch.
The second Scotty and Brian walked in, Ekaterina became excited and instructed them, in Russian, to join her for lunch. The language barrier kept her from even realizing what exactly was happening, but something made her feel very comfortable with Scotty and Brian. The adults discussed the situation. Someone needed to get her out of that orphanage.
Brian and Scotty looked across the table at a feeble girl, lost in the world with nothing in her possession but the twinkle of her eyes.
Lunch was short lived, but Ekaterina wouldn't leave without saying goodbye. She ran across the restaurant into Scotty and Brian's arms, small and bruised, and then gingerly said something in Russian. Scotty and Brian had no idea what she was talking about as they turned to one another with tears in their eyes.
Ekaterina would return to Russia in three days.
Back in the orphanage, she received letters from Scotty and Brian every day; they even visited twice, bringing toys for all of the children. They asked Ekaterina what exactly it was that she said that day, to which she responded, "I love you."
One year later, the adoption went through and all of the paperwork was filed. Ekaterina wasn't lost anymore. She had found refuge right here in the arms of a loving American family at the age of 11.
Ekaterina has been a student in Lake Placid schools since the third grade and plans to be a traveling nurse in the future. She is an avid kickboxer and enjoys horseback riding. Her story is told all over the world in association with the Playmakers Spread Optimism campaign. Playmakers is a nonprofit organization affiliated with Life Is Good.


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I bought a ticket to my very first blogging event. I will be attending BlogHer Food '12 in Seattle. I am so super excited and scared. Are any of you TWD'ers going to be there?
4 thoughts on "BlogHer Food '12 in Seattle"
I am planning to go. It's not set in stone, but I really want to!
I really want to, but Seattle is such a hike for me. I was hoping it would be closer…
i'm going to look into it right now! Seattle is just a few hours away from me. Plus gives me an excuse to visit my BF who lives in that area.