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I think he did, but it's just not visible because of where his time was spent, such as changing the adminstration portion of the organization. That alone is a minimum 6-month process. I'm in a company that's changing it's face and if you're looking for quality in people, then it takes time. Not all the people you want are unemployed. Some of them have other jobs in other organizations.Originally Posted by M2
I'm sure the guy works six days a week and has since he took over this job. Think he's had a vacation since he had this job? I doubt it.
If you want to do this thing right, then you need to tear down the foundation before building it up with a stronger foundation. After the new foundation is in place then the parts can be added.
This winter, what Dan O'Brien accomplishes should be a more "visible".
Nice original post, excellent commitment on the part of the other posters here to give this guy a chance.
Everyone ripped Wagner when he broke up the Big Red Machine, but Wagner brought in Davis, Larkin, Stillwell, Jones, Browning, etc. We won a World Series in 1990 with the personnel that Wagner drafted.
This stuff takes time, but once in place, if ownership doesn't change radically (Marge Schott), then with a good foundation in place, sustainable quality can be achieved. Potentially, Lindner could pass away during O'Brien's regime, and whoever becomes in charge after that could shake up what O'Brien will have accomplished. Let's hope he gets five or six years to show us what he can do. It will be obvious at the "end" of each year, if we only look at the overall organization at the whole and not at the Major League product, what O'Brien is accomplishing.


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-T / T / +T | Comment(s)
Monday, November 4, 2013
AeroVironment to Develop MALE UAS for DARPA
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has issued a $2.3 million contract to AeroVironment to develop a medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) unmanned aircraft system (UAS) that can operate from small ships providing intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.
AeroVironment received the contract under DARPA's Tactically Exploited Reconnaissance Node (TERN) program, which represents a new UAS category. Sierra Nevada Corp. will subcontract to AeroVironment on the project.
"We are excited to have been selected by DARPA and about what this signifies for the future of the UAS industry," said Roy Minson, AeroVironment senior vice president and general manager of the company's UAS business segment. "TERN represents an entirely new category of UAS that has the potential to meet the evolving needs of customers for ISR capabilities."

subset: commoncrawl


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New York, NY |
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To think it all started with a 19th century fad - the hoop skirt. That was the first item that Joseph and Lyman Bloomingdale carried in their Ladies' Notions Shop in New York's Lower East Side. In the late 1800's, most fashion retailers specialized in just one type of garment. Not the brothers Bloomingdale - their East Side Bazaar, opened in 1872, sold a wide variety of European fashions. It was the beginning of what would become a "Department Store".
In 1886 came the visionary move uptown to 59th Street and Lexington Avenue. The store expanded steadily and by the 1920's, Bloomingdale's converted an entire city block.
Flexing his marketing muscle, Lyman created splashy ad campaigns to bring people in the door. People started seeing the "All Cars Transfer to Bloomingdale's" slogan everywhere - on billboards, delivery wagons, and even ladies' beach umbrellas.
Print ads couldn't say it all. The store had to be experienced. So Bloomingdale's became the stage for gala events and fashion shows, including "Woman Of The Year, 1947." With music, lighting and sophistication, it was retailing as theater.
Bloomingdale's is committed to once again lead the way with exclusive merchandise, customized services, and alternative shopping venues. Carrying on the Bloomingdale's brothers' dream, we're always finding ways to set our stores apart. That's both the legacy and the promise of Bloomingdale's.
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Here's how RW members rated this race in the past (363 votes).
In short: You won't get much better than thisDate of review: February 10, 2008
In short: Hilly but extreme funDate of review: February 2, 2008
In short: Great scenery, tough hillsIn full: Very similar course to the Terminator, but without the long run in. This makes the R&T a better race if the terrain is really muddy, as it was this year.Thoroughly enjoyed it, and will be back. With some sunshine or ice, this would be paradise.Date of review: January 27, 2008
In short: The friendliest, hardest, most satisfying race in the calendar.Date of review: January 27, 2008
In short: Hills, wind and rain. Great course and organisation too. Not for the faint hearted!!Date of review: January 20, 2008
In short: it was rough and others tumbled !In full: muddier than last year, and the big hill seemed even steeper !there were seriously fit runners at the front as although I was fairly near the front, I did it in 1'25", I was beaten by a 60+ yr old and four ladies !!I strongly recommend this race to any runner !Date of review: January 18, 2008
In short: up and down up and down mud mud mud - fantastic!In full: Great event, a bit of everything that an off road race should have, but that mud at 8 miles-ish just about finished me off. Great race really well marshalled all friendly with sooooper cakes at the end, baggage reclaim queue was a bit of a test tho! Roll on Termiator and Lumpy Bumpy! Date of review: January 18, 2008
In short: a great race, really enjoyed it, but who put that mad hill at the 6 mile point - it had me on my hands and knees!Date of review: January 17, 2008
In short: a great mixture of mud hills tracks and tricky descentsDate of review: January 16, 2008
In short: Stairway to heaven?In full: My first time for this gruelling event. The hills came thick and fast (I was the former but certainly not the latter!) and enough mud to give Glastonbury some serious competition. Turned out to be the toughest and one of the most rewarding races I've ever run. I was quite pleased with my time of 1:54, considering all those hills and all that mud. How on earth somebody got round in 1:06, I'll never know. However, my wife (whose idea it was to enter this event) didn't seem to be too impressed that I finished two minutes behind 'some old codger in his 70s'. I did try to explain that the 'codger' in question was Sir Christopher Chatway but there you go. Anyway, could this event be sponsored by Stannah Stairlift next year?Date of review: January 15, 2008
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4x4 Tournament Series Casting Jigs 7/16oz
As the name infers, the 4x4 Tournament Series Casting Jig is made with the quality and precision that's necessary to compete at the highest levels of tournament bass fishing. The medium-heavy fiber weedguard is precisely angled to keep the hook point clear of grass and timber, while remaining pliable enough to not interfere with hook sets. The 4x4 Tournament Series Casting Jig also comes in a number of proven colors, which makes it easy to pair with your favorite trailers. Built around a heavy-wire 4/0 Mustad hook, the 4x4 Tournament Series Casting Jig is all about getting down to business and putting fish in the boat.
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Your Ears Belong to Dr. Dre: That'll Be $300 (Update 1)
NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- Hip-hop star, producer and music mogul Dr. Dre is a perfectionist. He also appears to be something of a control freak. He is using those qualities to build himself a tidy little empire.
Dr. Dre, the stage name for Andre Young, helped define the West Coast genre of hip-hop known as G-funk, first through his group N.W.A., then as a solo artist, a producer of acts like Snoop Dogg, 50 Cent and Eminem, and through his work building Death Row Records and his own current organization, Aftermath Entertainment.
In December, Forbes Magazine listed Dr. Dre as the most highly paid entertainer of 2012, with $110 million in income, beating out U2 and Lady Gaga. Most of that comes not from his music but from his electronics company, Beats Electronics, the maker of the Beats by Dre line of headphones, speakers and now cellphone, computer and automobile audio technology. The company has also unveiled plans to launch a streaming music service.
As a recording artist and producer, Dr. Dre has long had a reputation for wanting everything just so. Hundreds of takes to get one instrument just right. Rumors swirl of recordings made but never released -- maybe never to be released -- because he's not completely satisfied.
He wants to control every aspect of the sound. With Beats, he can even control how it sounds after it leaves the studio, how it sounds in your ears.
But those control issues are married with great business instincts. Where another artist would sell T-shirts and crap or slap his stage name on a brand of perfume, Dre has taken merchandizing to a whole new level, creating a substantial business.
With Beats by Dre, the artist brand and the company brand work together as equal partners. It was a brilliant move and, in the process, he actually changed the face of the audio products market and set a new benchmark for other entrepreneurs.
Dr. Dre founded Beats in 2006 with Jimmy Iovine, chairman and CEO of Interscope/Geffen/A&M, ostensibly to create a listener experience comparable to the recording studio. Small, high-quality home audio systems already existed -- Bose had pioneered the space -- but widely used products that appealed to the young popular music crowd were simply absent.
Think about it: Where have you seen Bose outside of magazine ads? A coffee table or bookshelf in a well-to-do living room or bedroom. The company's products are sleek and the sound quality is remarkable but the appeal is quiet, staid and low-key.
Apart from Bose, other makers of headphones just didn't seem interested in marketing an improved audio experience, particularly not for the average pop music listener.
Beats saw the opening and took it, putting out a cool-looking line of high-quality audio headphones designed to rock the house anywhere, anytime. Colorful and packaged with trademark audio technology, they were branded with Dre's producer cred and marketed with a $200-to-$300 price point.
|Beats by Dre
The result? Beats are everywhere. From a product launch in 2008, they've become a brand icon for every teenager. Walking around the streets of my hometown of Asbury Park, a large share of young people are suddenly wearing headphones -- not buds -- and those headphones, nine times out of 10, are Beats.


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His quick draw inspires awe
Target practice pays off when this Clearwater police sergeant takes top honors in a state marksmanship contest.
By JONATHAN ABEL
Published April 27, 2007
CLEARWATER - A tenth of a second can be the difference between winning and losing when Clearwater police Sgt. Kevin Insco is picking off targets with his 9mm handgun.
This month, the 38-year-old Insco won the U.S. Practical Shooting Association's Florida state championship in Frostproof.
It's an impressive feat for anyone, especially someone like Insco, who had never fired a gun until he was 21.
You may have seen "practical" shooting on ESPN or at a local gun range. Unlike regular target shooting, the contestants maneuver their way through elaborate courses, firing at cardboard targets, china plates or other objects. Whoever earns the most points in the least amount of time wins.
Insco competes in the "production" category, which is open to people with guns that are not customized for competition.
People assume the competitions are dominated by cops, Insco said, but only about 3 percent of the contestants come from law enforcement. The rest are accountants, plumbers, car salesmen - in short, Insco said, "regular people."
Five days a week, 30 to 45 minutes a day, he stands in his garage drawing, reloading, and aiming his gun - all of it without bullets.
It's called dry-firing and it builds muscle memory so that when he has to use his gun, he can do it as fast as possible.
Insco spends another four or five hours a week at the gun range actually shooting. In one year, the father of three goes through 25,000 rounds of ammunition - all on his own time and with his own money. He makes his own rounds to save money.
"I don't play golf. I don't play basketball. I don't play softball," he said. Shooting has become hobby enough.
At the Clearwater Police Department, Insco is a sergeant for the SWAT team, specializing in chemical munitions. Next month, he will become an administrative sergeant for the patrol division.
In 16 years as a police officer, all of them in Clearwater, he has pulled his gun many times but never had to shoot anyone.
"There's no doubt in my mind," he said. "I'm much better prepared for handling something on the street because of shooting competitively."
The national championship, which he qualified to enter, will be held in Tulsa, Okla., in mid September.
Insco doesn't come from a law enforcement family. He moved from Indiana to Pinellas County to attend junior college and then go on to the University of Florida. At first, he thought he would become an architect because drawing had always come easily to him. But taking architecture classes in junior college, he realized he couldn't sit behind a drafting table all day.
He went for a ride-along with a friend who was a Pinellas County sheriff's deputy and was smitten with the job.
Insco decided right then to become a police officer. He submitted his application at City Hall. One of the questions they asked him in his interview: Have you ever fired a gun?
Back then, he said no.
Now he would have a different answer.
Jonathan Abel can be reached at firstname.lastname@example.com or 727 445-4157.


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Top 100
Simon K. made it into BuzzFeed's Top 100 on October 25, 2011! Their posts will now appear in the Just Launched section of the site.
Think you have what it takes to move up in the rankings? Here's a nifty little tool that will help you get there.


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Facebook Is a Savior for Dying Cat
When a PETA supporter saw a picture posted on Facebook of a cat whose face was being eaten away by ulcers, she knew that she had to act. Her speedy investigation revealed that the cat was living at an auto mechanic's shop and that even though animal control had been called, the cat was still suffering. That's when she called PETA.
When we contacted animal control officials, they said that they had required the mechanic to take the cat to a veterinarian. But alarmingly, the veterinarian had refused to euthanize the cat, saying that he would be better off dying at home. Hearing this, PETA's Community Animal Project dropped everything and went to find the cat.
He was in miserable condition—weak, emaciated, matted, infested with fleas, and in the advanced stages of terminal feline leukemia. We convinced the mechanic to let us give the cat a peaceful release from his unrelenting suffering.
If you ever suspect that an animal is suffering, don't hesitate—make the call! Don't assume that someone else will take care of the problem—make sure that someone does by being that someone.
Written by Michelle Sherrow
Commenting is closed.
To be merciful and humane, preventing needless suffering ,is that not one of the veterinarians code of ethics. Hopefully not only action was taken against the owner but also the veterinarian and as for animal control knowing this fact ,they are just as much to blame for every heart beat that poor cat suffered in pain.
Dear God in heaven thank you to whomever saw and found this poor baby and ended his suffering…God will bless you for your compassion. RIP sweet boy, no more pain.
Thank you, PETA. You are angels.
I would love to know where this mechanic shop is.
This is so pitiful.As far as the vet, years back my mini-pincher was stung by a bee and started literally bubbling with welts.Panick my husband and I ran to the nearest vet.By this time he look like something from a monster movie. In our panic I didn't grab my purse and the vet refused to give him a shot until I paid him. My husband ran home and came back and only then after he got the money would he ive my poor baby the shot. I gave him an earful after the shot and he just said well bring him somewhere else next time. And when I called around to complain it was the same thing, don't go back to him then. So their are vets are there that don't care.But he should have brought him to another vet that would. I had no choice because he was the only one close by and it was life or death.
thank you for taking action and releasing this poor cat from it's unimaginable suffering
Just one look at this pitiful creature and you know that his suffering was prolonged and intense. There are no answers as to why human beings can look at an animal in obvious misery and not be compelled to act. And these are the people we should think about, first, before animals? Excuse me, but the more I know about people, the more I love animals MORE….much more! Res in peace dear, sweet kitten. I am so very sorry that my species is so indifferent and callous. Thankfully, a special human found you and helped you transition to a life free from pain and suffering.
OMG! People must have compassion for humans and animals as well to make this planet a place worth living. This picture makes me SICK AND MAD AS HELL. Did this guy not have any feelings or compassion for this poor severely sick baby??? I'm so grateful that some sweet soul took it upon them self to take the necessary steps and help this cat to rest in peace instead of suffering in horrific pain and agony.
I agree! This man should be fined and punished severely! I mean really doesn't he know how to use a phone, also you know someone else had to see him!!!!! At least you would have thought so! If I see any kind of abuse no matter what I will and always do report it!
I agree with all of the comments. Some people seem to be born without a heart! I really don't believe a vet was contacted at all. No real vet would be so heartless!
That is so incredibly sad. And every day these people at the shop did nothing. That is just horrible and unacceptable!
Thank you PETA. I am wondering if this poor creature had acid or some kind of chemical put or spilled on his face. Esp considering the location.
Tina, Your post moved me very much. Such a thoughtful one. Mal
Disgusting to let an animal suffer this way not being able to eat either, poor little soul I hate people who do this to animals and wont help them be free from pain. Not sure about the vet dont think the cat was taken, surely a vet would have released the cat from suffering? Surely! Poor thing the photo is heartbraking, I just want to pick up the cat and cradle it in my arms. Thank you PETA .
Disgusting to let an animal suffer this way not being able to eat either, poor little soul I hate people who do this to animals and wont help them be free from pain. Not sure about the vet dont think the cat was taken, surely a vet would have released the cat from suffering? Surely! Poor thing the photo is heartbraking, I just want to pick up the cat and cradle it in my arms. Thank you PETA .
the demon that owned this cat / or saw it suffering and wasnt the owner and let it get this way w/o taking it to a vet / animal pound immediately should burn in hell forever !! i doubt there was a real vet contacted at ALL !!! at least it would have been put to sleep right away, and how did it get this way ? i think some one hit it in the nose or something !! it didnt get this way on it own !! where did this happen at ? why no more has been said about it ? we should demand the truth and when we find who did this to the little angel kill them on site !! PETA keep up the good work !!
I agree with Di. My daughter wants to be a vet when she grows up, and has been studying extremely hard in science, and she usually respects all vets, but when I showed her this article, she immediately told me she hated that vet. I mean, really? A good vet knows that they have to do everything to relieve animal suffering, and only kill when its necessary. That was NOT ncessary! Rest in peace, you innocent cat. 🙂
What I find incredible is that someone can stand by and watch an animal suffering and dying slowly and not react. What was in mechanic guys head??!!! Sticks and stones because for sure it wasn't brains and for a heart…absolutely nothing! And that "vet" should have his license removed, why don't you go die at home slowly and painfully!
I wonder what his name was. If anyone bothered to name him.


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Asia GFS Snow Forecast +120 hour Chart
- location
- Africa
- Asia
- Europe
- New Zealand
- North America
- South America
- model
- BoM 10-day
- US 8-day
- CMC 6-day
About GFS
Global Forecast System. The operational numerical weather forecasting model run by NCEP. The GFS superceded the AVN and MRF models, on which it is largely based. Forecast data from the GFS is available out to 180 hours at full resolution and 16 days at a reduced resolution.
Weather News
Heating up across the southeastern capitals
A couple of scorchers are on the way for Adelaide, Melbourne, Canberra and Sydney over the next few days.
Darwin not quite that wet (yet)
Following a good start to January 2017 rainfall, when 125mm fell during the first 48 hours of the year, conditions have been relatively dry for the Northern Territory capital.
Steamy night in Brisbane
In the early hours of the morning, Brisbane had its warmest minimum temperature since at least 1999, when the mercury halted its descent at 28 degrees just after 3am.


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Hi all,
anyone needing ANGEL Attire and markers can PM me . Not forgetting tech support on your A1s and A1 Fly.
visit my website - www.angelpaintballsports.asia
Authorised dealer and support for Malaysia and the ASEAN region
Started by Mcjester- Angel Asia, Jun 08 2009 06:13 AM
5 replies to this topic
Posted 08 June 2009 - 06:13 AM
<img src="http://i281.photobuc...-AngelAsia.jpg" border="0" class="linked-sig-image" />
Posted 09 June 2009 - 04:49 PM
Glad to see Angel still has a presence in Asia. I remember when Ricster out here on Guam was the only certified tech for Angels. Will you be at WCA? Although I used to play with the Boonie Dogs D1 team (once in a while I guest for them) I plan on bringing a new D2 team to WCA. Do you handle APS sponsorships as well?
Posted 06 December 2009 - 01:15 AM
Sup bro....I had fun at WCA....thanks for playing with Team Evolution...
Posted 01 March 2010 - 01:48 AM
can you tech a G7?
My Feedback +5/0 WTB FBM DM5 Fierce Frame
Posted 03 March 2010 - 05:51 PM
can you tech a G7?
Yo it's best to send a PM to Shameen(aka Mcjester) on this. Although Shameen is more familiar with the A1 platform. If he is not able to do it hit Richard Paulino at www.guampaintball.com or firstname.lastname@example.com He can tech older Angel models.
Posted 17 September 2010 - 06:43 PM
good thing i know the Japanese address for my post office box... it would take parts forever to go across the pacific just to come back
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0 members, 0 guests, 0 anonymous users


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Watch What You Say Folks
New York Knicks Amar'e Stoudemire from Lake Wales learned a lesson today: if you have nothing good to say, just keep your mouth shut. Stoudemire was fined 50 large ($50 thousand) for using a slur in a direct message to a person on Twitter. The person then took a picture of what Stoudemire sent and showed the world. We know how image conscious the leagues are these days. And with Joakim Noah and Kobe Bryant getting fined for using the… Read More »


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In our game last night [NCAA], the umpire said my substitute goalkeeper wasn't allowed to walk down behind the back-line and swap out with the starting goalkeeper. After we did that here's what happened. On our next free hit the umpire stopped the game, carded my captain for an illegal substitution and gave the ball to our opponent. She told my captain that the substitution has to happen at the center-line and if it's a goalkeeper, the umpire has to stop the clock and "manage" the substitution. I don't see anything in the mods that says the goalkeeper substitution has to happen this way. Why would the umpire do this?
There is nothing in the NCAA modifications about this procedure because the NCAA has not modified the Rules of Hockey with regard to this aspect of player substitution. The umpire acted correctly. Goalkeepers substitute from the substitution area at the center-line. The substitution is managed by the umpire who will call time out on the next appropriate dead ball situation and restart the clock when the substitution is complete. Of course, the goalkeeper substitution cannot place on a penalty corner situation (unless she is replacing an injured goalkeeper).
Where I live my daughter was told she has to wear goggles and if she wants to wear a mask on a penalty corner, she must wear the goggles on top of the mask. Not only do I think wearing goggles over a mask is completely unnecessary, I also think it is dangerous. Should this be allowed?
According to NFHS rule 1-7, article 7 (page 14 or the NFHS's 2010-11 rule book), "Required equipment shall not be modified from its original manufactured state and shall be worn as intended by the manufacturer." You would have to check with the manufacturer to see if your daughter's goggles are intended to be worn over a mask and contact the NFHS member association in your state for guidance.
The interpretation used by USA Field Hockey for the 2009-2010 indoor season was that the ball could not (when in the attacking half on a free push) enter the circle directly off the boards without either being touched by another player or if a self pass of the board was used. The FIH have published their rule changes for 2011 does this rule change allowing a player to play a first time pass from a dead ball free hit situation in the attacking half off the boards and enter the circle directly? Will this be interpreted differently for the 2010 -2011 indoor season?
The Hockey Rules Board has announced that it has made changes to free push rule in the Rules of Indoor Hockey for 2011 that will for the first time allow a free push from the attacking half to be played into the circle when the only other contact outside the circle is the side-board. Indoor hockey in the USA will continue to be played exactly as the Rules of Indoor Hockey intends games to be governed.
Could you clarify where the ball needs to be placed when the ball is to be taken on the broken-line circle by the attack? NCAA = just outside the line? NFHS = on the line? Also could you explain why the ball needs (if that is the answer) to be placed just outside the line? Is there any place that this clarification is written?
In all cases and at every level the ball can be placed on or just outside the "broken circle line" for free hits requiring that placement. There is nothing that is written requiring the ball to be further from the circle then the broken line circle. Putting the ball on the broken line circle will satisfy all requirements for the free hit rule including when the self pass option is used.
An attacker, in a game between high schools (NFHS rules), is air dribbling the ball when a defender moves on to the attacker to play the ball. Does the attacker have to bring the ball to the ground i.e. stop air dribbling due to the potential danger it may cause? Is the height of the air dribble above the knee or below the knee a consideration in determining danger or potential danger in this scenario?
All players have responsibility to play safely. Air dribbling, whether above or below the knee, in an open space would not be considered dangerous. However, depending on the proximity of other players and the direction of the ball, danger may occur. The umpire will judge the situation based on the playing distance to the defender, the trajectory of the ball and, of course, the proper or improper actions of the involved players.
On an attacking free hit inside the 25 yard, if the attacker chooses not to self pass, is she allowed to drive the ball directly into the circle?
No. The attack must ALWAYS meet the Indirect Circle Entry requirement regardless of how the attack chooses to restart play inside the attacking 23 meter/25 yard area. The attacker MUST move the ball a cumulative 5 meters [5 yards in NFHS] before hitting or pushing the ball into the circle.
I had a situation from a game in preseson. The defense took a free hit in their end, just a little inside the 25 yard line. They hit the ball to a teammate who was inside the circle without anyone else hitting it. How should we rule it?
There is no violation. The indirect circle entry requirements only apply to restarts inside the attacking 23 meter/25 yard line.
What is the ASTM standard for goggles for high school field hockey players? On your website it shows that the wire framed goggles like they wear in lacrosse are not legal for field hockey. Is this only a FIH/NCAA rule? Lots of websites sell the wired frame goggles as ok for field hockey.
For more information on the ASTM standard, please visit the ASTM's website. Wire framed goggles like those designed for lacrosse are not allowed in games governed by the Rules of Hockey, including NCAA games and all USA Field Hockey competitions. The NFHS, which governs games between high schools, does permit caged goggles as optional equipment.
A corner is called in the second half with 8 seconds remaining on the clock. The attacking team/team awarded the corner is losing 2-0. Time expires before the corner is set. My question to you is should this corner proceed. I thought that in the second half if there is no chance to tie or win the game the corner is not played out. Where am I going wrong? Please explain.
If the situation you just described is from a game between high schools governed by the NFHS rules, regardless of which team was awarded the penalty corner, the penalty corner would not be started because the outcome of the game cannot be changed. In all other games the attack would begin the penalty corner.
There is much discussion regarding the 5-yard distance between the broken line circle [NFHS] is from the scoring circle and when penalty corners are over. For the penalty corner to be considered over, does the ball need to be played over the broken-line circle, or when the ball contacts the broken line circle?
One of the seven ways that the penalty corner can end in games between high schools governed by the NFHS rules is when the ball travels "more than 5 yards from the circle" [Rule 10-2, Art. 12, on page 50 of the 2010-11 rule book]. The wording in the Rules of Hockey is exactly the same only the distance is 5 meters (about 5.5 yards).
Can a high school goalkeeper wear a jersey with a triple digit number on their back?
No [Rule 1-5, Art. 1, on page 10 of the 2010-11 rule book], only single and double digit numbers are allowed.
In high school play can the goalkeeper's stick have a bow that is greater than 25 mm?
No. The NFHS rule book specifies the ways in which goalkeeper equipment differs from field players and makes no modification to its Rule 1-6, Art. 4 where a "player's stick" is defined. In other areas of the book, when specifically addressing differences between goalkeepers and other players, you will find that the words "field players" or "goalkeepers" are used.
In the NFHS rulebook pg 15 Art 3 part d. and pg 20 1.7.3 Situation D. Is there a difference in the rules between college and high school for a goalie intentionally playing the ball over the endline on a goal saving action? In the high school book it reads as being ok on page 15 and then is penalized on page 20.
All goalkeepers -- whether they be in middle school, high school, club, college or even the Olympics games -- are allowed to "deflect" the ball over the back-line as part of a goal-saving action (the goalkeeper's opponents will restart play with a long hit). No goalkeeper is allowed to intentionally "play" the ball over the back-line at any time (the goalkeeper's opponents will be awarded a penalty corner if the goalkeeper uses this action).
Umpires must make a decision whether the next play is a penalty corner (the penalty for any defender intentionally playing the ball over the back-line) or a corner/long hit (the result of a defender deflecting the ball across the back-line).
On a self-pass taken by the attack within the 25 yard line. The attack dribbles the ball 2 yards and then plays the ball towards the circle. The ball contacts a defender's foot outside the circle and then enters the circle. Am I correct that this is considered played/deflected?
Yes. If the ball is next played by an attacker inside the circle, it's "Play on!" However, if the ball is next played by a defender, the whistle would be blown and the attack would restart play 5 meters outside the circle [5 yards in high school games] closest to the place where the ball contacted the defender's foot.
I heard that if the ball is stationary and the restarter just taps the top of the ball, that counts as the first action on the self pass even if the ball doesn't move. Is that correct? And, let's say a player is at the 16 waiting for her teammate or the ball girl get the ball and roll it to her. Does stopping the ball count as the first action?
No. The ball must be moved.
Rule 13.2 Procedures for taking a free hit, centre pass and putting the ball back into play after it has been outside the fieldThe initial stopping of the ball or tapping the ball on top does not constitute movement or the action of a hit / push to begin the play.
d. the ball is moved using a push or hit
Player A takes an attacking free hit in the attacking 23 meter area. She takes two touches (legally utilizing the self restart), then stops the ball -- or allows the ball to stop by itself -- for attacking player B to come and play the ball into the circle. The ball has not traveled 1 meter. Am I correct that the ball doesn't need to travel 1 meter because player A self started?
No, you are not correct. The ball must move 1 meter [or 1 yard in games between high schools governed by the NFHS rules] before another player of the same team can play the ball, taking a self pass does not negate this rule.
Rule 13.2 g before another player of the team which took the free hit is allowed to play the ball, the ball must move at least 1 meter The ball does not have to move 1 meter before the player taking the free hit may play the ball again.Only the player who initially took the free hit, whether they choose the self pass option or not, can play the ball before it has moved 1 meter.
Goalkeeper is in a 3v1 situation and makes a dive for ball and clears it. While still on the ground an attacker pins her to the ground with a knee on her helmet so the attacker's team can recover ball and score. All of this was done in plain sight of umpire. What is the proper call for this play?
The entire game happens in plain sight of the umpires, it doesn't mean that the umpires see everything that happens. The actions that you describe are handled by both the rules governing player conduct. At a minimum, based on your description, the goalkeeper was being obstructed so a free hit to the defense for the technical foul. Further, a yellow card would be the minimum penalty the umpire would consider for a personal foul of this nature.
Goalkeeper goes in to dive and looses hand pad in process. The opposing team sees this and then proceeds to attempt to injure the hand of goalkeeper by trying to stomp on her hand and hit her with their sticks. What should have been done by the umpire in this situation?
An umpire who sees a player attempting to injure another player will issue a red card to the offender(s).
At the college level, do goalkeepers have to have a number on the front of their jerseys? I know they have numbers on the back but is it required to have numbers on the front as well?
Yes. The goalkeeper must have numbers on the front and back of their jersey, just as does every member of the team. Further, just like everyone else on the team, the goalkeeper's numbers must meet the uniform number size requirements.
When you have a free hit inside the attacking 25 yard line (NFHS) and you use the self pass, when moving the ball 5 yards do you also have to move your feet when moving the ball?
No. The player is not required to move their feet or body in any direction. The umpires must decide if the BALL has moved a cumulative 5 yards to satisfy the rule (5 meters in the Rules of Hockey). The decision has nothing to do with the player himself or herself.
For more details on the Self Pass and the Indirect Circle Entry, please visit our SPICE page (www.usafieldhockey.com/spice).
Can players wearing goggles during play, lower them and wear them around their necks during a penalty corner so they put on a mask?
No. Goggles, if worn, must be worn as intended. In NFHS play, wearing the goggles around the neck would, in essence, turn them into necklaces and jewelry is not allowed in NFHS games. Further, a player wearing goggles should not have any string or lanyard from the goggles around their neck at anytime. The players would have to remove the goggles and then put on the masks.
What is the legal and proper way for a team that is wearing masks during penalty corners, to take off the masks and put on goggles after the penalty corner is complete?
The umpires would make no special accommodations for this change to take place. Masks can be put on for defending a penalty corners and umpires should not rush this process but also cannot allow delay. As for taking off masks and putting the goggles back on---the umpire will not stop the game for this as it is the full responsibility of the player choosing to wear goggles and to do so as they see fit; at a time of their choosing.
After attending a high school rules interpretation meeting last night some umpires were discussing the self-pass from a long hit or a side-in inside the 16 yard line. For a violation of the indirect circle entry requirement (i.e. the ball is played directly into the circle), the NFHS's Officials Guide VI.B.6.e (page 69) says that, "Violations result in a free hit taken by the opponent at the spot where the free hit, side in or long hit was incorrectly executed." Does this mean that the ball is place on the long hit mark or the sideline for the ensuing free hit?
No. For all violations by the attack inside the 16, the defense can choose to take the resulting free hit up to 16 yards away from the back-line, in line with where the foul occurred. This governance does not change because the attack illegally Self Passed or violated the Indirect Circle Entry requirement. Remember, the violation is considered the exact same as any free hit to the defense inside the 25 yard / 23 meter line. For more details on the Self Pass and the Indirect Circle Entry, please visit our SPICE page (www.usafieldhockey.com/spice).
Everyone understands that there are differences between the Rules of Hockey, NCAA modifications and the NFHS rules but, for the most part, do interpretations on a higher level apply to NFHS? For example, is it legal in high school for a goalkeeper to stutter-step on a penalty stroke if she doesn't take a step in any direction? It seems the high school officials want to call the game in black and white without proper interpretations. Can you comment on this?
There are varying degrees of a stutter step. The rules state that the goalkeeper's feet must be on the line until the ball is played. As long as the goalkeeper does not move laterally or forward off the goal-line, the stutter stepping would be permitted. Umpires must make a judgment under all circumstances. We can no more say that stutter-stepping would never be a foul than we can say that stutter-stepping would always be a foul. The umpire must judge this on the merits of the action. Interpretations are the same for all domestic field hockey competitions -- only some of the wording may be a little different. For example, in a college game umpires will make a decision concerning danger when a shot from near a standing goalkeeper hits the goalkeeper in the head. That is forbidden by rule in high school and so no interpretation about what is and is not dangerous is needed.
This question was asked during the Q&A session at the end of the 2010 National Rules briefing but I thought I heard a different answer during the summer at the umpire's seminar. If an attacking hit inside the 25 is hit directly into the circle, where is the free hit awarded? During the Q&A session, I thought the answer was that the free hit is awarded at the spot where the hit was initially taken. My understanding during the umpire's course was that it was not a foul until it entered the circle, so the free hit would be taken directly up from where it entered the circle. Please clarify.
At the umpire manager course this was a discussion. The final answer is: the free hit shall be taken from the spot where the initial free hit was incorrectly executed, but not blown until the ball actually crosses the circle line untouched.
During the Q&A period at the end of the 2010 National Rules Briefing, a question was submitted about a defender deliberately using her hand to catch a ball going toward goal. The answer was to yellow card her. Is the game resumed with a penalty stroke?
Yes. Play would restart with a penalty stroke.
The goalkeepers have to wear shirts that contrast with the players. Are the two goalkeepers allowed to wear the same color and if so, why do we allow this?
Yes, the goalkeepers are allowed to wear shirts that match each other. They are allowed to match each other because, with the exception of a penalty stroke, the rules prevent them from playing near each other.
During the 2010 National Rules Briefing you mentioned that a stick check must be done 45 minutes before the game is scheduled to start. Last season we went with the first weekend and then at the championships only. If deemed necessary it was done at regular season games -- if it seemed that an illegal stick is being used.
It is recommended that stick checks are performed before every game 45 minutes prior to the scheduled start time. If a conference decides to do otherwise, we have no control over that. The NCAA modifications uses the word "recommended" on this issue. As the rules interpreter, and for consistency purposes, I am recommending 45 priorevery game.
When can a defender (who has established his/her 5-meter or 7-yard away distance) move into play the ball when the attack is using the self-pass? Is it the first touch or the second touch?
The first touch. Once the ball is initially played (moved), the free hit has been taken.
Steve mentioned during the 2010 National Rules Briefing that the trail umpire should never call in his/her partner's circle. If the trail umpire is responsible for "off ball" activity and he or she sees a foul in their partner's circle, how is this situation managed? (Type of foul might be unsportsmanlike physical contact.)
The trail/support umpire should be watching "off ball" actions and should not be making decisions that affect the play in the lead umpire's circle. The trail should be looking for physical play that could lead to a card or a dangerous situation. If the foul is off the immediate play then your decision would not affect whether play continues or if a penalty corner for the attack or a free hit for the defense is called. Should you recognize something that needs to be carded then at the appropriate time (a subsequent stoppage of play) call time out, let your partner know what you have seen and card the player. This is not open for discussion if you feel strongly that a player needs to be carded, but your actions shall not impede what is happening legally in the lead's circle.
One of the biggest misconceptions amongst players and many umpires seems to be that they think a ball cannot be lifted (flicked) into the opponent's circle. The danger rule / evasive action rule applies. They need to be educated on this.
You are correct, any ball lifted off the ground is now only judged on the dangerous aspect of the play. While a ball can only be hit intentionally off the ground for a shot, the ball can be lifted into the circle as long as the umpire deems it not dangerous.
[ED: Lifting the ball and hitting the ball into the air are two distinctively different actions. A lift -- i.e. a scoop or flick -- is legal throughout the field of play. Using a back swing to intentionally hit/drive the ball into the air is only allowed when shooting. In all cases, use of these actions are subject to danger and other applicable governance.]
With the new rule concerning restrictions of any free hits awarded to the attacking team inside the opponents 23 metres, players and some officials are unaware that a player cannot just move / pass the ball past the 23 metres line back towards his own goal and then hit / direct the ball into the opponents circle even though the ball did not yet travel 5 metres. They are under the impression that since the hit into the circle occurred from outside the 23 metres area, that this then is allowed. NO it is not. Because the free hit was awarded inside the 23 metres area, the ball NEEDS to travel 5 metres before the ball can be hit into the circle, regardless of where the hit originates.
You are correct. When the free hit is taken inside the 23 meter line, if the free hit is a self pass, the attacker must move it 5 meters cumulatively in any direction or directions before hitting into the circle. This INCLUDES even if the ball is moved outside the 23 meter line. They cannot just move it from 1 meter inside the 23 meter line to 1 meter outside the 23 meter line and hit it into the circle.


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Wayland takes great pride in the caliber of its faculty. Adjunct faculty positions are available in several areas. Accreditation requires that faculty have at least a master's degree in the subject to be taught, or a master's degree with 18 graduate hours in the field they wish to teach. WBU expects all faculty to be professing Christians active in a church or local fellowship.
Wayland requires the following for employment:
a) Application for employment (click for forms) along with a curriculum vitae
b) Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work.
c) A completed I-9 with accompanying documentation.
e) AZ State A-4
Please mail these to my attention at WBU Phoenix 2702 N 3rd Street Suite 1050 Phoenix, AZ 85004. Please give me a call if you have an interest in an adjunct faculty position. My work number is (602) 279-1011
Dr. D. Glenn Simmons, Dean WBU Phoenix


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Offer hardworking families a chance to take their first step out of poverty. Learn more.
Support World CouncilWith Amazon Smiles!
Doyle has been a board director at NBCU since 2005 and was named chairperson in 2010 when she was 32 years old. She has been a strong supporter of NBCU's youth advisory council, which has launched several community-wide initiatives that have earned national recognition in Ireland, including a talent competition called CU Factor. Doyle has also led efforts to help the community and NBCU members by contacting a national television show to film a weekend program in their locality to gain greater visibility for area businesses and members.
Doyle holds a bachelor's degree in information technology and telecommunications and has used that knowledge to help NBCU improve its online presence. Doyle also holds an advanced certification in credit union practice; postgraduate diplomas in both executive coaching and leadership; and recently completed her thesis to achieve a master's in business from the Irish Management Institute in Dublin, Ireland.
We asked Doyle for insights into her success and how NBCU is tackling difficult challenges.
In my role as chairperson of Naomh Breandan, I voluntarily lead a team of people, both volunteers and staff, to achieve our vision. I do so in an efficient manner with the members' best interest always central to our decision making.
I must prepare for and chair board meetings to make the best use of our time together and ensure good governance is adhered to and in line with the standard rules. The respect shown to all team members and their contribution is important to me. I strive for continuous improvement in a developing movement.
The biggest challenges facing our credit union currently are the economic situation together with increasing regulation. The economy is making good quality loans difficult to source, together with increasing pressure on bad debts and provisioning.
The regulator of Irish credit unions wants to introduce several reforms in the credit union sector, so together with the regulator, a commission was established to outline the best options around this proposal. The process has progressed in 2012 with the establishment of a restructuring board; mergers, acquisitions and shared services are all in the mix. It is a challenge to lead our organization into the best possible scenario for our membership, to sustain quality of service and increase service offerings.
We are:
My parents have been my greatest role models. My dad overcame a serious accident and lost a limb when his family ranged in age from five months to seven years. He built a successful business with the support of my mother and raised four children, encouraging and supporting each of us on our chosen career path and continuing to do so in our adult years. Both of my parents were involved in a high level of voluntary work throughout their lives.
Having studied for a postgraduate diploma in leadership, I was introduced to many successful leaders and leadership styles. I get inspiration from those gone before me, who have blazed a trail in leadership success stories. I also get inspiration through social media, following great leaders and people who have overcome great challenges in life and in turn shared their insights and wisdom. I meditate regularly, freeing up time and energy to focus within for solutions to challenges I face, and I practice Reiki for stress reduction, relaxation and the promotion of healing.
I would suggest that young credit union professionals believe in the power of one. Each and every one of us makes a difference. Let your difference be positive. Try to act as opposed to react. Always give time and space to listen to those around you without judgment.
As Stephen Hawking said at the Paralympics opening ceremony in August, "However difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at." Believe in yourself.
Winning the WYCUP scholarship has supported my personal goal of successfully leading our organization through these times of significant change in Ireland. It has widened the possibilities, the choices and the experience I can offer to our board. It has provided worldwide networking of like-minded and highly focused people. It is a stepping stone to greater involvement in the success story that is the credit union movement worldwide.
To learn more about the WYCUP program and how you can apply or nominate someone, visit http://www.woccu.org/involved/wycup.


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New Canaan Library Volunteer Program
Volunteers assist the staff with ongoing tasks and special projects in all library departments including Children's, Circulation, Collection Management and Reference & Information Services. They also help with the Library's Book Sales. They shelve new books, audio books and DVDs; organize newspapers and magazines; process new books, update records in the catalog, check circulation activity, delete items from the online catalog; and help the Children's Librarian with special craft projects and programs.
To volunteer at New Canaan Library, no prior experience or professional library education is necessary. The Library offers a one hour volunteer orientation session on the second Wednesday of each month from 10-11 a.m. The Volunteer Coordinator interviews the prospective volunteer to match his or her skills with the needs of a Library department. Training for the specific job is given in that department. Volunteers work once a week for two hours at a mutually agreed upon time.
Library volunteering is great for community service; college applications, and confirmation. Teen volunteers assist in various tasks including reshelving books, magazines and DVDs, craft projects and summer reading programs. Teens may also participate on the library's Teen Advisory Board, which helps choose new books and helps with library programs.
Honored Volunteers at 2011 Volunteer Recognition Breakfast
Each year during National Volunteer Week, New Canaan Library staff arranges a Volunteer Recognition Breakfast to thank all our volunteers for their assistance during the year. The Library also recognizes several long-time volunteers at the Volunteer Breakfast by adding special books, audio books, or DVDs to the collection in their honor.
For further information, please contact Indu Arya, Volunteer Coordinator,
by phone at 203-594-5003 or by email at firstname.lastname@example.com
Printable forms:
Student Volunteer Application
Application For Volunteer Work
Student Volunteer Application
Application For Volunteer Work
Learn about the Friends of the Library committees for additional volunteer opportunities.


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Safety on a stick
The New Ulm Chamber of Commerce is very serious about the Highway 14 project, so serious, in fact, that they are resorting to satire as a means of pushing the issue.
The Chamber has commissioned several editorial cartoons on the Minnesota Department of Transportation's lack of committment to the Highway 14 project. The latest, above, takes a poke at the traffic control safety sticks that prevent passing on Highway 14 between New Ulm and North Mankato.
"We appreciate that the Minnesota Department of Transportation is acknowledging that there are safety issues with Highway 14. Unfortunately, Hwy 14, being a two lane road, also has economic ramifications. We are expecting more than traffic control-on-a stick. We understand the funding isn't there and the cartoon reflects the financial restraints the state and MnDOT have, but this community was promised a four-lane expansion from New Ulm to Mankato over 40 years ago," said Chamber President Audra Shaneman.
The cartoon uses the Minnesota State Fair theme of serving everything on a stick to skewer MnDOT. It is an appropriate theme, since annual surveys taken at the fair for years have indicated that state residents think Highway 14 is one of the worst in the state.
Now, if only MnDOT would get the message…


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Cats show their affection toward their owners in different ways than dogs and these subtle affections can be easily overlooked.
According to PetMD.com, cats tend to show they care for their owners through their body movements and positions.
One sign of love that may be missed is when a cat blinks slowly at its owner. This is referred to by some as "kitty kisses," and cats use it to show they are content. Owners can return the love by blinking back slowly at their cat to deepen the feline-human bond.
Most owners have had their cat rub its head against their leg or hand before, though many people may not know it is a common sign of affection. According to the publication, when a cat rubs its face on a person, it is marking the individual with its scent. Cats have glands on their faces that release pheromones. Each feline's pheromones are unique to them, similar to fingerprints on people, so other animals that smell a marked person will know that they "belong" to a cat!
Aside from raising an affectionate cat, owners need to make sure their feline is trained in order to live a fulfilled life. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, cats learn best through positive reinforcements like being pet, played with and being fed treats. Giving cats these privileges when they behave well and withholding praise or treats when they act up shows them that behaving properly comes with rewards.


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Edgy Bright Orange Haircut with Short Pointy Bangs
This is a cool funky style as this woman has gone with a punk hairstyle. A stylish and fun look as the cut and colour look fabulous. Short at the back with a longer fringe at front, this look is awesome.The hair is cut short with a longer fringe at the forehead.The hair colour is a mix of both orange and red.
HOB SALONS Hair: Christel Lundqvist Photography: John Rawson Makeup: Jo Frost/ Barrie Griffith


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Went to costco the other day, the clerk asked me if i wanted a box for my stuff this is what he gave me. Thought it might help this thread out a bit. -marc
This is reviving an old topic, but I thought I would share in case anyone is interested. You can now purchase cases of frozen Lamonica's dougballs at Costco Buisness centers. Cost is around $16 for a case of 20. I bought a case on a whim and have been pretty happy with them so far. Nice for those days when you don't want to make a huge mess making dough. They seem to be holding up pretty well in my home freezer (although the box takes up a lot of room).


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Received Kiper's Draft Guide the other day. Here's who he sees the Browns picking in the first four rounds.
Round One -- Kamerion Wimbley, FSU DE/OLB
Round Two -- Abdul Hodge, Iowa ILB
Round Three -- Charles Spencer, Pitt G
Round Four -- Rodrique Wright Texas DT
I have to say, I would be happy with this draft. It is interesting tho, that Kiper has the Browns passing on Ngata in favor of Wimbley (he has Baltimore picking Ngata at 13, right after us).
Hodge is very possible at 43...but so is Ryans, and it would be interesting to see what Phil does if both are sitting there for us at that pick.
A guard in the third makes sense and Wright in the fourth would be a steal IMO.


text: The one in germany is a bit more expensive 320098896113 Steve -----Original Message----- From: Jerry Clair [mailto:darkclarity2k at yahoo.com] Sent: 13 July 2007 19:04 To: Kawasaki GPZ1100 discussion Subject: Re: Rockelle II does anyone have HEAD LIGHT for sale? new $250 geeze. Dave Daniels <dwaynedaniels at sbcglobal.net> wrote: Yeah, you can get them by themselves. I bought some when I took the pan off my old engine. Don't know if you can get them at autozone though. I checked around here and couldn't find the right size. I wound up ordering them from Bikebandit.com. Jerry Clair <darkclarity2k at yahoo.com> wrote: DD Ah! do the sell them by themselves? cool. autozone here I come. I need to replace those bigger hex tools fro autozone anyways. (The intruder neighbor never return them, b*stard) Oh, by the way My buddy with the 700 intruder finally put a back tire on and she's running awesome now too. Dave Daniels wrote: Sounds like maybe a new crush washer may be in order...hopefully that's all it is. Jerry Clair wrote: DD I maybe calling it wrong but, it's the hose from the cooler to the pan. I am assuming it's the return feed. Where it goes into the pan, the hose fitting is crimped onto the hose but, like any oil leak, it's difficult to spot. I am hoping it's not the pan gasket. JJ Dave Daniels wrote: Not sure what you mean by return hose crimp. Jerry Clair wrote: Dave and my other brother Dave, I've run some cleaner trough the fuel system and it has minimized the studd-dering problem. Next I'm taking her to a guy named Dority who worked on my buddies champion drag bike. I think he can sort out the the jets better than I can. I asked him about getting the pods and he said "Lets see what you bought first" I found the oil leak, it's the return hose crimp... As far as the paint, the painter wants to cut a line on the bottom with black and maybe a fade decal. We are considering black vee stripe in the front so I can have a faster black and red all over machine to catch up to the Orange or the blue guys too! David Beard wrote: Yeah, well now that I got the pods on and got 'er tuned up, you just wait! :-) Dave Daniels wrote: > I rode his Jerry and it just FEELS like your smokin'...even sitting still ;-) > > Jerry Clair wrote: Orange! I don't want to ride above my skill level.! > > David Beard wrote: Remember, you can always step up to ORANGE! ;-) > > That is, of course, if you can handle the speed.... > > > Jerry Clair wrote: of course, I want a fast bike! > Better red than dead! > > David Beard wrote: Jerry, > > I would think any quality gray primer would be fine since you are > putting down a base coat color (silver), top coat color (red) and clear > coat. Youare still painting her red, right? > > Dave B > > Jerry Clair wrote: > >> Yes, I know the paint specs, but what about the primer color? >> Anybody? >> >> >> > > > > > > -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.476 / Virus Database: 269.10.2/891 - Release Date: 08/07/2007 18:32


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Debates of April 3rd, 2008
House of Commons Hansard #71 of the 39th Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was immigrants.
- Question Period
- Points of Order
- Government Response to Petitions
- Income Tax Act
- Petitions
- Questions on the Order Paper
- Point of Order
- Budget Implementation Act, 2008
- Oil Heritage
- Davenport Community Builders Awards
- Canadian Cancer Society
- The Environment
- Ontario Corporate Income Tax
- Bobby Orr
- Gerard Kennedy
- Kyoto Protocol
- Bloc Québécois
- The Desjardins Group
- Afghanistan
- Mark Rose
- Jane and Finch Community
- The Quebec Nation
- Federal-Provincial Relations
- Liberal Party
- Citizenship and Immigration
- The Quebec Nation
- Fiscal Imbalance
- Citizenship and Immigration
- Human Rights
- Citizenship and Immigration
- The Environment
- Foreign Affairs
- Science and Technology
- Sealing Industry
- Science and Technology
- Canadian Heritage
- Ethics
- Human Rights
- Justice
- Tobacco Industry
- Afghanistan
- Gasoline Prices
- The Environment
- Tourism Industry
- Housing
- Government Contracts
- Presence in Gallery
- Business of the House
- Privilege
- Point of Order
- Budget Implementation Act, 2008
- Food and Drugs Act
Budget Implementation Act, 2008
Government Orders
1:35 p.m.
Ted Menzies Macleod, AB
Mr. Speaker, I am sure I cannot qualify all of the answers in one minute. I might just very quickly point out that our budget did provide $90 million to extend the targeted initiative to older workers. I would remind my hon. colleague that mine are not Liberal values. Mine are Conservative values and I do value the time spent on committee with the hon. member.
If I could deviate a little bit, there was one false statement made today by the mover of this amendment, the member for Trinity—Spadina. She said that the funds would not be reimbursed to the applicants whose applications were not accepted. That is absolutely false and that needs to be put on the record. All applicants who are not accepted will be completely reimbursed, just to get that factually correct on the record.
Budget Implementation Act, 2008
Government Orders
1:35 p.m.
Jean-Yves Laforest Saint-Maurice—Champlain, QC
Mr. Speaker, I am going to pick up on what I was saying the day after the budget was brought down, when we heard a number of Conservative MPs say that this budget was extraordinary and good for Canadians. Again, it may be good for Canadians, but it is not good for Quebeckers. We came to that conclusion after a rather careful analysis. There is practically nothing in the budget that corresponds to what the Bloc Québécois asked for before it was tabled by the Conservative government.
This Conservative government is showing us through its right-wing ideology that it is truly quite far removed from the interests and values of Quebec. With this budget we truly feel that the government did not meet the expectations expressed by the Bloc Québécois' with respect to its interests and values. Hon. members will recall that the day after the budget was tabled, the vast majority of the daily newspapers and media in Quebec gave their impression on this budget, and it was clearly unfavourable.
Mr. Dubuc's column in La Presse read:
This lack of vision can be explained by the conservative philosophy of the prime minister's government, which does not believe in the role of the state and avoids economic intervention like the plague. It is an outdated, dogmatic conservatism that is not found anywhere else in the west.
The Bloc Québécois made its requests a long time in advance and on many occasions. These requests focused on the manufacturing and forestry industries, which are currently dealing with an unprecedented crisis in Quebec. These requests have been completely swept aside and forgotten in this budget, as though they were not important.
This budget lacks vision. The Bloc Québécois will most certainly vote against the budget implementation bill we are currently discussing.
I come from a riding, Saint-Maurice—Champlain, where the problem in the forestry industry I was just talking about is extremely serious. Pulp and paper companies are closing one after the other. There is some doubt as to whether the ones that are still around will get through this crisis. The many sawmills in the north of the riding, in the La Tuque area, are closing one after the other, some temporarily, others permanently.
We had hoped that the Conservative government would truly hear and acknowledge the Bloc Québécois demands. It should provide much greater support to the manufacturing and forestry sectors to help them through the current crisis. But the only assistance to the manufacturing sector went to Ontario. That is truly deplorable. Quebec was quite obviously forgotten in this budget.
Earlier, I was speaking about the media. The members will recall that, the day after the budget was tabled, the Quebec Minister of Finance also said that the budget did not meet Quebec's expectations. She said:
I am disappointed because there was a $20 billion margin in the context of an economic slowdown. We were hoping the government would do more for older workers and for the manufacturing and forestry industries in Quebec.
Ms. Jérôme-Forget's comments were made the day after the budget was tabled. There was a surplus of $10.5 billion available. The government could have allocated a sizeable amount, as the Bloc Québécois has been recommending since last fall, to support businesses, plants and workers. It could have allocated $3 billion to debt repayment, which would have been reasonable in any case. But it has acted according to the Conservative ideology. The Conservatives did as they pleased and applied $10.5 billion to paying down the debt, which, in light of what is going on in Quebec, is unacceptable.
As I said earlier, considering these obvious facts and the positions taken in the budget that go against the interests of Quebec, the Bloc Québécois will certainly not vote in favour of implementing this budget. The 2008 budget does not meet any of the conditions set out by the Bloc Québécois. We stated our conditions for supporting the budget, but hardly any of them were met.
As I was saying before, this budget does not provide any direct and immediate assistance to the manufacturing and forestry industries, which are experiencing a major crisis, or to the workers and communities affected by this crisis. The biggest problem of the crisis is that individuals, the people in the cities, municipalities and regions, are the ones hardest hit by the crisis, in terms of their family, personal and community lives. They are the ones who have trouble making ends meet at the end of the month or who cannot pay back the bank drafts and loans they took out, often to purchase equipment in order to work. I am talking about self-employed forestry workers, for example, who must take on the cost of the required machinery themselves. The government has done nothing to help these people.
There is no assistance for workers and communities, except the $1 billion trust over three years, of which Quebec will see only a small part. We are talking about approximately 24%, which is not even representative of the size of the manufacturing and forestry industry relative to Canada. Quebec will have access to only a small amount, while the sectors that are not even affected by the manufacturing and forestry crisis—or barely—will receive a share of the $1 billion on a per capita basis. This is assistance they do not need because they already have an industrial structure to help them through such crises. This is not the case in Quebec.
There is another reason why the Bloc Québécois will not support this bill. It has to do with the whole issue of seniors. During the election campaign, the Conservative Party promised to give full retroactivity to people who had not received the guaranteed income supplement, which the Liberals clearly and deliberately kept quiet about. Thousands of seniors in Quebec do not receive the guaranteed income supplement. They were receiving their old age pension, but they did not know they were entitled to a supplement.
The Liberals did not tell them. The Conservatives, on the other hand, promised them full retroactivity. However, once in power, as soon as they formed the government, their memories failed them and now they forget. This situation once again penalizes our most vulnerable citizens, seniors. How could the Bloc Québécois support such a Conservative budget? We find it completely unacceptable.
There is another factor to consider and another reason why we will not support this budget: the environment. This budget continues to favour polluters in the regions that pollute the most. They are implementing systems that allow industries and businesses, particularly oil companies, to benefit from tax credits and continue to pollute even more. As we all know, since 1990, many communities and businesses in Quebec have taken steps to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere. Instead of being rewarded, these efforts by Quebec businesses are being penalized and more is being given to those who pollute the most.
This is absolutely unacceptable. Once again, it is part of what we call this right-wing ideology, which favours certain areas, such as natural resources, including the oil sector.
Another important element for the Bloc Québécois is culture. This budget does not contain any measures to promote cultural development in Quebec. The film industry is penalized, and funding has been cut once again. Yet the whole cultural, literary and artistic realm in Quebec is a flourishing industry. It needs substantial support from the federal government, which would give meaning to the whole question of the Quebec nation. Developing Quebec's culture would develop its distinctiveness, but the government is not interested.
Once again, a parallel can be drawn between a budget proposal such as this one and the recognition of the Quebec nation, which the government likes to boast about. Yet when the time comes to walk the talk, the government forgets all about it and does not take any real action. It just pays lip service to the idea.
There is another especially important element. I am talking about the government's will, as expressed in this budget. The Minister of Finance has announced that he intends to create a single securities commission, even though the whole financial community in Quebec is against this idea. This is absolutely unacceptable. Moreover, this issue has already been dealt with. This is one budget measure that is a huge stumbling block for us. It is a real source of conflict for us.
I could go back to all the elements in the budget. I was talking earlier about the manufacturing and forestry industries. Even after the vote on the budget had taken place, the Conservative members on the Standing Committee on Finance agreed to hear a series of people to really understand the extent of the crisis in the manufacturing and forestry industries.
What is happening in the manufacturing sector in Quebec and elsewhere, but particularly in Ontario and Quebec? The budget does not provide anything more for this sector, but right after the budget passed, the Conservatives and the other members on the Standing Committee on Finance approved a motion introduced by my Bloc Québécois colleague, the vice-chair of the Standing Committee on Finance.
The committee agreed to hear witnesses. The motion read as follows:
That the Committee, in view of the serious challenges faced by the forestry and manufacturing sectors, engage in a study on direct assistance measures and fiscal environment consisting of no more than four consecutive meetings—
For four meetings, we heard from people who came to tell us what they thought the manufacturing and forestry sectors in Quebec, and Ontario too, needed to get through the crisis. There was consensus.
We heard from Jayson Myers, president of Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters; Claudette Carbonneau, president of the CSN; Pierre Laliberté, political advisor to the FTQ for the manufacturing sector; Avrim Lazar, president and CEO, Forest Products Association of Canada; Phil Vinet, mayor of Red Lake; Jean Laneville, an economist with the Quebec federation of chambers of commerce; Ms. Peterson, mayor of Thunder Bay; and Guy Chevrette, of the Forest Industry Council.
These people were nearly unanimous—nearly because they did not use the same words, but they all meant the same thing—in their assertion that the forestry and manufacturing sectors are going through such a serious crisis that the government must change its policy and its budget accordingly.
They also said that the government had to use part of its $10.5 billion surplus to help a dying sector. The witnesses all told us that the Conservative government is clearly taking the wrong approach with its budget and its plan, which offer no direct assistance to the industries in these sectors, and that it must change its approach.
Until now, we have not heard anything to suggest that it plans to change anything. We think that the Conservative government put forward a budget that favours oil companies because it offers corporate tax cuts. As we have said before, tax cuts for companies that are not making a profit are not really tax cuts. But when companies are making profits in the millions or billions, they do benefit from tax cuts. This brand of economic liberalism is hurting Quebec businesses that, as we know, for the most part, did not make a profit in the past year.
What to do? We could try to further analyze this budget and find some justification for it, but there is none. There is nothing in the budget, whether it is for the status of women—which garners just one paragraph, six lines, to improve the status of women—or for employment insurance, where the demands of the Bloc Québécois have been completely ignored.
With regard to aboriginal peoples, they have significant needs in terms of social housing in particular. But there is nothing for them.
That can be said about any area. However, the government has envelopes for defence. When you are in favour of increasing military action and you join forces with the American government to continue the war in Afghanistan, you will definitely put more money in those envelopes. However, what is important to Quebec citizens right now is the injection of additional dollars. More money could have been allocated to regional development so that the Government of Quebec, which is familiar with the needs of each region, could have taken much more targeted action to foster greater investment in regional development.
The budget has an impact on many areas. Unfortunately, it does not contain what the Bloc Québécois wanted, that is major investments in the manufacturing sector, as I mentioned earlier. For these reasons, it is quite understandable that the Bloc Québécois will not support the implementation of this budget.
Budget Implementation Act, 2008
Government Orders
1:55 p.m.
Larry Bagnell Yukon, YT
Mr. Speaker, the Liberals had three important programs. One had to do with retrofitting houses for those who could not afford to do so. Another was the SCPI program with respect to homelessness. The other was a program to make houses more efficient in order to cut down on greenhouse gases. These were all popular programs but the Conservative government cut all of them. A couple were put back in a smaller way but they are harder to access. Unfortunately, some of these programs are expiring next year. People need these programs.
I hope the member will support us in our call to have the government increase the figures at least to where they were for retrofitting houses, for homelessness, and for more efficient housing. It is hoped that the government will extend these programs beyond 2009 so that people most in need in our country are not kept in limbo again.
Budget Implementation Act, 2008
Government Orders
1:55 p.m.
Jean-Yves Laforest Saint-Maurice—Champlain, QC
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague for the question. He asked me if he would have our support on certain measures that have been cancelled by the Conservatives.
I remind him that each time bills are put forward—bills about reinstating programs—we evaluate each one thoroughly, and we will continue to do so.
However, I remind him that we will continue to do so if we can see that there is something in it for Quebeckers. If we believe that these measures will allow Quebeckers to continue to access good services and that they can benefit from the measures he is talking to me about, eventually and with the right to change our mind, there is a strong possibility that we will support him. We have presented very important demands about social housing, the environment—greenhouse gas emissions—and about the justification for providing the homeless with better services.
In my opinion, that is what I believe to be the party line.
Budget Implementation Act, 2008
Government Orders
1:55 p.m.
The Acting Speaker Andrew Scheer
There will be seven and a half minutes at the end of question period for any further questions and comments at that point.
Oil Heritage
Statements By Members
1:55 p.m.
Patricia Davidson Sarnia—Lambton, ON
Mr. Speaker, it is an honour to inform the House about a historical Canadian event that is taking place in my riding this year.
Lambton County is the birthplace of the oil industry in Canada and the world. The village of Oil Springs is home to the site of the first commercial oil well in North America which was dug in 1858. This area is also home to Canada's first oil gusher, first oil exchange and first oil company. Today oil is still being produced using the same techniques used by early oil producers.
To commemorate this 150th anniversary many events are occurring from February to December. I invite everyone to visit us and listen to the music of the working jerker lines, operate a spring-pole drilling rig, let one's nostrils tingle with the sweet smell of black gold, and discover the stories of Lambton's foreign drillers who helped drill many of the great oil fields around the world.
To uncover a truly fascinating oil history and heritage that changed our lives as Canadians, come and celebrate Canada's oil history in Sarnia--Lambton.
Davenport Community Builders Awards
Statements By Members
2 p.m.
Mario Silva Davenport, ON
Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute to six outstanding community builders who are all recipients of the annual Davenport Community Builders Awards.
The Dovercourt Boys and Girls Club is an organization that provides a safe and healthy environment for the children across the Davenport community.
Jack Fava, a dedicated community activist, has worked hard to make our community safer.
Reverend Kate Merriman is a member of the board of directors St. Clair West Affordable Housing Development Group and is very active in the community.
Virginia Novak is a strong advocate and community leader committed to making Toronto a safer place for residents, families and businesses.
Nick Saul is executive director of The Stop Community Food Centre, an outstanding community organization.
Margaret Smith is committed to making the St. Clair Avenue West area of Davenport a better place to live and work.
On behalf of the residents of Davenport, please join me in congratulating these exceptional community leaders. Their work is appreciated by all residents of our community, the city of Toronto and the people of Canada.
Canadian Cancer Society
Statements By Members
2 p.m.
Pauline Picard Drummond, QC
Mr. Speaker, from Thursday, April 3 to Sunday, April 6, the Canadian Cancer Society will once again bring a touch of sunshine and happiness to all corners of Quebec with Daffodil Days, which kick off the society's annual fundraising campaign. Thousands of daffodils will spring up everywhere. More than two million daffodils will be sold by 12,000 volunteers in some 2,600 points of sale throughout the province.
Daffodil Days, which have been held for more than 50 years, have made the daffodil the official emblem of the Canadian Cancer Society and a symbol of hope and courage. In 2008 in Quebec, 41,000 new cases of cancer will be diagnosed and 19,500 people will die from this disease. But there is a ray of hope, because at least 50% of all cancers can be prevented through healthy lifestyles.
The Environment
Statements By Members
2 p.m.
Chris Charlton Hamilton Mountain, ON
Mr. Speaker, with the arrival of April, our thoughts finally turn away from an exceptionally snowy winter and we start to look forward to summer. Canadians are famous for talking about the weather, but never before have our weather chats carried with them such concern for the future of our planet.
Most of us know that it is human activity that is responsible for putting too much strain on our earth. While the Conservatives may still be in denial, most ordinary Canadians are exploring ways to take action on climate change. I am looking forward to joining them at this year's Earth Day celebrations in Hamilton.
On April 26 I will be at the 12th annual Earth Day tree planting at Princess Point where the Earth Day 5 kilometre walk and fun run will also conclude. Other Earth week events include the eco-festival, the Go Green Challenge and the film festival.
It is only fair that if Canadian families are willing to do their share, so too should the big polluters and the government. Unfortunately, after 20 years of promises to get the job done, we are still waiting. The Liberals did not do it and the Conservatives will not do it. Only the NDP's climate change accountability act will do it.
I urge all MPs to join ordinary Canadians by focusing on environmental solutions and passing Bill C-377 today.
Ontario Corporate Income Tax
Statements By Members
2 p.m.
Colin Carrie Oshawa, ON
Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to announce that this Conservative government is helping every Ontario business.
Starting today the Canada Revenue Agency will assume most of the Ontario Ministry of Revenue's corporate tax administration functions, such as audits, appeals, objections and rulings.
This government will reduce the burden on Ontario businesses by streamlining the administration of Ontario's corporate income tax. This means that Ontario businesses will now have a single tax return and a single set of tax rules which will save millions of dollars and hours of time.
The Ontario Chamber of Commerce said, "This streamlining will save Ontario businesses $100 million to $150 million each and every year in time and money creating room for more investment in the things that will make our economy grow, like human capital, new equipment, and research and development".
Unlike the previous Liberal government, this government has taken action to ensure that Ontario businesses are even more competitive in the global economy. Once again, this government is getting the job done.
Bobby Orr
Statements By Members
2 p.m.
Brian Murphy Moncton—Riverview—Dieppe, NB
Mr. Speaker, a great Canadian and one of my personal heroes recently turned 60 years young the other day.
But Bobby Orr does not look a day over 40. The brush cut is gone and so are the knees, but he has had them replaced. Otherwise, he is still that crazy defenceman from Parry Sound, who should have been a power forward.
Bobby Orr was probably the greatest natural hockey player of all time. Trained on backyard ice and tempered by long, cold Canadian winters, he knew the game like an Arctic wolf knows its prey. Fearless, fast and deft, he was a relentless hunter, puck in net no matter what.
Life after hockey has shown him to be a great Canadian in other ways. In 2005 he supported the Royal Oaks Golf and Country Club's tournament to raise money for breast cancer research in my own riding of Moncton—Riverview—Dieppe. That event generated $100,000. His support of cancer research at L'Hôpital régional Dr-Georges-L.-Dumont in greater Moncton has been generous and ongoing.
Bobby Orr earns the gratitude of all Canadians for his work both on and off the ice. He is truly a great Canadian.
Gerard Kennedy
Statements By Members
2:05 p.m.
Rick Dykstra St. Catharines, ON
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring up a fella who seems to have fallen off the face of the earth. This person is Mr. Gerard Kennedy.
Mr. Kennedy is now the Liberal intergovernmental affairs critic and the critic is absolutely correct. When Mr. Kennedy was minister of education in the province of Ontario, he was very critical of the former Liberal federal government.
He said to the Liberal government and to the member for Markham—Unionville:
I think what's dangerous for Canada is a country that doesn't show the capacity to solve problems.
He also said:
There's a billion dollars missing in transfers on health and post-secondary education from the federal government.
You know what, Mr. Speaker? Mr. Kennedy was right, but the former Liberal government did nothing to solve this problem. Do you know who solved it, Mr. Speaker? This Prime Minister and this finance minister.
So now that Mr. Kennedy is the Liberal intergovernmental affairs critic, I ask the Leader of the Opposition to stand in his place and apologize to Ontarians and poor Mr. Kennedy for never listening and never addressing Ontario's financial needs.
Kyoto Protocol
Statements By Members
2:05 p.m.
Marcel Lussier Brossard—La Prairie, QC
Mr. Speaker, yesterday in Parliament, the three leaders of the opposition signed a pledge requiring Canada to make a firm commitment during negotiations for a post-Kyoto agreement.
By participating in the KYOTOplus campaign, the Bloc Québécois shows Quebec's unwavering support for the fight against climate change at a time when the Conservative government is trying, by any means possible, to kill the international community's only instrument to fight this scourge.
While 163 countries meet in Thailand to discuss the post-Kyoto agenda, the Canadian government is busy digging a grave for the Kyoto protocol. It must stop digging and start acting on behalf of the environment.
The Kyoto protocol represents hope for future generations. I invite all of my colleagues to sign this petition immediately, as the Bloc Québécois members have done.
Bloc Québécois
Statements By Members
April 3rd, 2008 / 2:05 p.m.
Daniel Petit Charlesbourg—Haute-Saint-Charles, QC
Mr. Speaker, the Conservative government's open federalism policy regarding Quebec is making life difficult for the Bloc, who admit that it is very difficult to sit in the opposition without any aspirations for power. Will the Bloc finally recognize the value in a member of Parliament being a member of the government?
For the past 25 months, the Conservative government has been getting things done and doing tangible work in the interest of Quebeckers and Canadians. Issues that had been dragging on for decades have been resolved.
What justifies the Bloc's presence in Ottawa except allowing Bloc MPs to continue to contribute to their pension plans, to enjoy their salaries and benefits and ask questions without ever being able to implement anything?
The Bloc MPs do not seem to be able to agree on the Bloc's role in Ottawa: is it to make federalism work or is it a farm team for the Parti Québécois?
The Desjardins Group
Statements By Members
2:05 p.m.
Mauril Bélanger Ottawa—Vanier, ON
Mr. Speaker, I would like to highlight today the achievements of Alban D'Amours, a great manager in the field of cooperative finance. Mr. D'Amours has just completed a second four-year term at the head of the Desjardins cooperative movement.
Under his leadership, Desjardins Group has experienced eight years of sustained growth. Not only has business volume increased, but the member dividends have also increased. In addition, the movement has formed a new partnership with the Fédération des caisses populaires de l'Ontario and has signed service agreements with the Alliance des caisses populaires de l'Ontario and with numerous credit unions in other parts of the country. I could also pay great tribute to Développement international Desjardins.
Finally, I would like to congratulate the Desjardins Group for having chosen Monique Leroux as the new president and chief executive officer at its annual meeting. Ms. Leroux is the first woman president of the Desjardins Group and the first woman to lead a major financial institution in Canada.
Congratulations to Mr. D'Amours and much success to Ms. Leroux!


text:
Physical activity and television watching in relation to semen quality in young men
- Audrey Jane Gaskins1,2,
- Jaime Mendiola3,
- Myriam Afeiche1,
- Niels Jørgensen4,
- Shanna H Swan5,6,
- Jorge E Chavarro1,2,7
- 1Department of Nutrition, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- 2Department of Epidemiology, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- 3Division of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Murcia School of Medicine, Murcia, Spain
- 4University Department of Growth and Reproduction, University of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- 5Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
- 6Department of Preventive Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- 7Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Correspondence to Audrey Jane Gaskins, Department of Nutrition, Harvard School of Public Health, Building II 3rd Floor, 655 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA; agaskins{at}hsph.harvard.edu
- Jorge Chavarro, Department of Nutrition, Harvard School of Public Health, Building II 3rd Floor, 655 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA; jchavarr{at}hsph.harvard.edu
- Received 1 August 2012
- Revised 18 December 2012
- Accepted 21 December 2012
- Published Online First 4 February 2013
Background Semen quality appears to have declined over the past decades but reasons for this decline are unresolved. The concurrent increase in sedentary behaviour may be a contributing factor. The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship of physical activity and television (TV) watching with sperm parameters in a population of young, healthy men.
Methods Men aged 18–22 years (n=189) from the Rochester Young Men's Study (2009–2010) participated in this analysis. Physical activity (h/week of moderate and vigorous exercise) and TV watching (h/week of TV, video or DVD watching) over the past 3 months were assessed via questionnaire. Semen quality was assessed by sperm concentration, motility, morphology and total sperm count.
Results Sperm concentration and total sperm count were directly related to physical activity after multivariable adjustment (p-trend=0.01 and 0.04); men in the highest quartile of moderate-to-vigorous activity (≥15 h/week) had 73% (95% CI 15% to 160%) higher sperm concentration than men in the lowest quartile (<5 h/week). TV watching was inversely associated with sperm concentration and total sperm count in multivariable analyses (p-trend=0.05 and 0.06); men in the highest quartile of TV watching (>20 h/week) had 44% (95% CI 15 to 63%) lower sperm concentration than men in the lowest quartile (0 h/week). These measures of physical and leisure time activities were not significantly associated with sperm motility or morphology.
Conclusions In this population of healthy men, higher moderate-to-vigorous activity and less TV watching were significantly associated with higher total sperm count and sperm concentration.


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Air National Guard group works on Habitat home
ALPENA -A group of about 50 Air National Guard personnel wanted to do something special for the community while training at the Alpena Combat Readiness Center. During a break in the exercises at the base the unit took on a project Thursday that helped improve the condition of two homes located on the US-23 South corridor.
Before the unit left for Alpena to begin its training it decided it wanted to do something in town that would help improve it and the life of residents of it. Habitat for Humanity was contacted and from there Habitat Director Stacy Todd helped put together the project of painting the two homes.
Todd said the support received from the Air Guard unit was much appreciated and the improvements made to the homes will help the overall goal of making the south corridor more appealing to the eye.
"The wanted to do some type of project while they were here in town as a way of giving back to the community for everything it had done for them during their time of training," Todd said. "It just seemed like the perfect fit with the US-23 cleanup effort and all the steps that have been taken to make this side of town a little nicer.
"We sure appreciate the extra hands and feet to help clean up the area. I think the effort is beginning to pay off. I notice the difference just driving through the south corridor. It used to appear run down, but now it is like springtime. It is like a rebirth and it is coming alive."
Lt. Col. Daniel Sutch was busy on top of a ladder scrapping old paint from the house. He said the unit knew after the schedule for its training was released that it would have a day with some time to burn. It was decided to do something Alpena would benefit from and a Habitat project was agreed upon.
"We saw there was going to be a lull in the action and we wanted to do something constructive. The idea of doing a Habitat project came up and everyone liked and supported the idea," Sutch said. "It is a good thing for us to do. To come out and make a positive contribution. When we got here the local chamber of commerce hosted an event for us and had a nice spread. Not only is the community taking care of us, but we are able to do a little something to show it some appreciation in return."
Larry Clark, who is a helping to spearhead the US-23 cleanup project, said he appreciates the time the soldiers put in to help spruce up the homes in the corridor. He said more volunteers are stepping forward and more projects are slated to take place. He said he has also noticed an improvement in the conditions on US-23 South.
"Really the community as a whole has stepped up to support the project. Volunteer groups, organizations and public officials have all been very supportive. A sense of community spirit is spilling over into the project," Clark said. "It has only been one year since we started this effort and I'm amazed at how things have gone and the progress that has been made.We still have a long list of projects we want to do and right now we are just scratching the surface, but I think the businesses are doing a great job of keeping things cleaner and I believe motorists are not throwing trash into the road. It is cleaner and we want to continue to keep it that way."
Steve Schulwitz can be reached via email at firstname.lastname@example.com or by phone at 358-5689. Follow Steve on Twitter ss_alpenanews. Read his blog, Upon Further Review … at www.thealpenanews.com.


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Sorry I went ahead and added this 'contraption' of an umbrella to the standing lamp that is in the cafe by the couches.. I meant to suggest it/ consult it with those of you in charge on the cafe deco but I kept forgetting and today I had energy and the drive to try to do it myself... but as I said I should have spoken to you. So: please, please get rid of the umbrella if you want (in any case the idea is that it can be closed and doesn't occupy space if it is not used...)
(The story is that I had asked a few times for better lighting in that corner of the room -I cannot read my book otherwise- but nothing could be done so I went and bought a couple of lamps, so that anyone could make use of them. And by the way, the other lamp turned out to be too dark and of little help: maybe we could change something in it, like making holes on the shade to let the light go through)
As I said please do whatever you want with it -I would like to keep the umbrella myself if you want to discard it, though