text:
HLCA closing in on goal for community center
HUBBARD LAKE -As of Tuesday, $68,070 has been raised for a Hubbard Lake community center, which also will be home to a branch of the Alcona County library.
But organizers want to collect another $32,000 before they pursue grants for the rest of the money.
Jeff Johnston, who owns Q & C Family Market, said he and the Hubbard Lake Community Association envision a 5,000-square foot energy efficient building located behind the site of the current center near the lake's north bay. The present one-story facility at 1561 Hubert Road is an old fire hall in need of repair. It also is not handicap accessible and eventually will be torn down.
One half of the new building would serve as a community center; the other would be dedicated for the Hubbard Lake branch of the Alcona County Library, he said. Plans include two tutorial rooms, a computer lab, a children's reading and play area, as well as shelving for books and other media. The library also would be equipped with wireless internet.
The cost of the project is around $500,000, he said. Once the association has $100,000 in hand, members will submit grants to raise the final sum. They are not seeking loans, but want the building paid for in full once it is ready to open.
The association hosts several fundraisers, Johnston said. A dock made by Dennis Richardson is raffled off each year. A separate event also is held Aug. 18 at White Pine National Golf Resort. He said residents also can sign up to make regular, tax deductible donations once a month or per year.
The funds are in the safekeeping of the Community Foundation for Northeast Michigan, Barbara Willyard, executive director, said. The account was opened Nov. 14, 2006, and the funds are invested in money market certificates.
"When organizations are passionate about a project they are doing, the community fund can step in an act as the fiscal agent," she said. "They talk up the project, the community fund keeps track of it all."
The biggest donation, which inspired additional giving, came from an anonymous source in the form of a $26,000 money order Oct. 14, 2011, she said.
Johnston promotes the project from his store. He keeps plenty of donation brochures on hand and displays a sketch by Todd Britton of what the center might look like. He also is looking for volunteers. For more information, contact him at 727-2094.
Betsy Lehndorff can be reached via email at email@example.com or by phone at 358-5693. Follow Betsy on Twitter @bl_alpenanews.


text:
Blackboard Wars, a six-part documentary on Oprah Winfrey's OWN network looks at the struggle to turn around New Orleans' John McDonogh High School, which has been known for low performance, high dropout rates and violence. The Recovery School District consider closing the school, but instead gave control to Future is Now (FIN) Schools, a charter group run by Steve Barr, Green Dot's founder, who worked on the turnaround of Locke High in Los Angeles. Dr. Marvin Thompson took over as principal and hired a new staff.
Some community members oppose turning "John Mc" over to "outsiders," writes Dave Walker in a Times-Picayune review. Others complain the documentary too harsh.
The final minute of the premiere is a preview of the season to come. A student shooting. More fighting. More heat from community activists. Sobbing teachers. Future Is Now CEO Steve Barr saying, "Teachers are just getting their asses kicked."
"I know what y'all are capable of," Thompson says at a student assembly at the end of the premiere's season-preview segment. "The question is, do you?"
The first episode aired Feb. 16 on OWN.
Yesterday, a teenager was shot at a bus stop near the school after a fight broke out between students.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
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District 84 approves student expulsion
District 84 approves student expulsion
SLEEPY EYE – The District 84 Board of Education unanimously approved a resolution March 27 for immediate expulsion of a student.
All board members reviewed hearing officer Adam Rutzick's findings and had access to verbatim transcript and exhibits admitted at a hearing held before Rutzick, of the Rutzick Law Office, PA, St. Paul, according to the resolution.
Board members reviewed evidence including pertinent files, records and proceedings, including the hearing officer's findings of fact, conclusions and recommended decision, according to the resolution.
The expulsion followed state laws, including those pertinent to private data on individuals.


text:
On the Fourth of July, the American people celebrate their independence and democratic traditions. Many observers have credited the U.S. Constitution with providing the country a framework for enduring success. In 1974, about 30 countries were considered democratic. Today, more than 115 countries are democracies.
What helps emerging democracies safeguard against threats to democratic gains?
Klint in Washington writes:
The following is what I believe are needed for any democracy, emerging or emerged, for the continued safeguard against what has been gained and is gained through democracy. It's 7 pages long and if it gets cut off due to its length. A copy can be found here
alas I did not know there was a limit of 5000 characters, my essay is about 21,300 I think. So here is a quick summary.
1. A True and Proper democracy requires an accountable government. But the people of such nation are equally accountable in how their govt. is formed and what it does. The relationship of Citizens/Govt is not one of master/slave but one of continual cycle of interaction between citizens and fellow citizens they have entrusted to do service for the sake of everyone in the nation. Everyone is accountable in a democracy.
2. The top strength of any democracy is education of its people. Ability to read, and most importantly comprehend things and communicate things back. Are what is extremely important, for a nation is useless if its own citizens can not understand a govt. function so as to pick a qualified individual(s) to help manage and lead it. An educated population can work to understand a situation, try to implement justice and definitely utilize and work with help when it is offered.
3. A democracy needs to have free speech and allow free accountable (as is not fraudulent) press.
4. Part of the functions of a proper govt. is stopping corruption, preventing conflict of interests, being accountable, and seeking to improve ways of serving its nation.
5. Regulated Capitalism is a must as it provides an additional freedom and opportunity for a nation's citizenship. Regulations must insure a fair competitive marketplace that also doesn't hurt the public health or interest.
6. Private property must be respected. Laws should exist to allow govs to do the job in terms of imminent domain but allow a fair process in the previous owner's favor if the project gets canceled, in returning said property. A govt. should not take a property and than profit by it due to canceling a project and selling the land to the highest bidder.
7. Besides vigilance against corruption from within, and being able to rely on other true democracies to help. Strength needs to be built up so as to protect and account for itself, provide justice and well being to the nation and also to lend a hand in protecting others. For I believe it is a vile hypocrisy for a true democracy to do nothing when others are being enslaved and innocents hurt.
And I'm so tired. I've been typing for hours. Thank you for the opportunity in sharing thoughts on the issue and best wishes to all who wish to prosper in the partnership of democracy.
Eric in New Mexico writes:
"What helps emerging democracies safeguard against threats to democratic gains?"
The public's will to speak out and stand up for their rights to be free, and hold their leaders accountable under the law.
Otherwise the people may very well find it appropriate to ask themselves, " Are we to be as sheep?" in the face of threats, whether foreign or domestic in nature.
What is interesting is the parallel rise of democracies and personal communication technology. Give the people the tools to give themselves greater voice in the matter, and they will excercise their will upon their governments. Whether democratic in nature or not.
A perfect example is taking place right now in China as the public outcry against corruption in government is all over the internet. Despite the Chinese government's attempts to censure and block the views of the Chinese people.
"Thomas Jefferson understood that these rights do not belong to Americans alone. They belong to all mankind. And he looked to the day when all people could secure them. On the 50th anniversary of America's independence, Thomas Jefferson passed away. But before leaving this world, he explained that the principles of the Declaration of Independence were universal. In one of the final letters of his life, he wrote, "May it be to the world, what I believe it will be -- to some parts sooner, to others later, but finally to all -- the Signal of arousing men to burst the chains, and to assume the blessings and security of self-government."
- G W Bush, July 4, 2008
Zharkov in U.S.A. writes:
A proper education of the public about the existence of natural rights or what some call "human rights" is the most important defense to protect democracy. In many countries, socialist doctrine has replaced a classic education in democratic principles and fundamental rights.
When citizens believe their rights originate from and are protected only by their leader, their government, the U.N., or some version of global feudalism, they are doomed.
Natural rights, or fundamental rights, presume that the citizen is innocent until proven guilty and that if a thing is not expressly prohibited by law, it is permitted.
The Doctrine of Fundamental Rights assert freedom is inherent in all people as a part of human nature and not some kind of favor granted by government employees.
Citizens must be taught that they, as individuals, are the last defenders of their rights. If they remain silent in the face of infringement of these rights, they may lose them forever. They should be taught about the concept of natural rights and learn the danger signals that warn when these rights are about to be curtailed. The primary reason why America has a 2nd Amendment was to allow individual citizens to keep and bear arms in self-defense of their natural rights. America's constitution contained at its creation a partial list of natural rights inherent in the people, not as a source of those rights, but as a limit to government infringement of those rights, all of which pre-existed the writing of the constitution.
Despite advanced technology, militarized police forces, and government intrusion into private databases, an educated, armed population remains the first defense against threats to liberty.
The great threat to tyranny is privacy. When tyrants can know everything, the people are in danger. Jews learned this in Germany during the Nazi government. Had the Nazi government been unable to identify jews from non-jews, the Holocaust could never have happened. Liberty and privacy are two sides of the same democratic coin.
Dennis in Wisconsin writes:
Of all the posts so far, I find it interesting that none mention the ballot. Neither one-man-one-vote, nor secret, nor universal. Democracy here is not defined by voting. Instead are the notions of information, education, governmental transparencv/accountability, and privacy.
While I cannot point out a living example, it is conceivable that an autocracy may be the forerunner of a society's democritization. (Maybe our US experience under white-male-slave-owning oligarchy qualifies.) As long as there is institutionalized the rule of law and the freedom of information and private property, then democracy is off to a sure-footed start and can be maintained for the long-distance run.
Zharkov in U.S.A. writes:
The premise of the question presumes voting occurs by describing a democracy as "emerging". If there was no right to vote, there would be no democratic elections and hence, no democracy. Although it is possible to have a voting monarchy as there are numerous examples of that in Europe, it could not be said that democracy was "emerging" as long as hereditary rule persisted. In my view, most European monarchs wish to retain their "royal" status and allow sufficient voting merely to contain dissent. In that regard they are neither democratic nor "emerging".
Dennis in Wisconsin writes:
"What helps emerging democracies safeguard against threats to democratic gains?" is the question at hand. "Emerging" presumes foresight and hope. Foresight and hope are used in the context of democracy as the default for organizing a nation-sized body of people into a state. Democracy is the model for today.
But democracy is rarely defined as all citizens voting or approving each governmental action or policy. Democracies in this day and age are representative republics. Democracies are not dictatorships of the majority. Democracies revere the dignity and place of minorities in the society.
The USA was, and I dare say still is, an emerging democracy. Ours is a going concern, a successful enterprise. And it can be traced in some of its primal concerns all the way back to the Magna Charta in 1215 --the notion of constitutional law, the rule of law. This is rudimentary to democracy.
It is not clear what is meant by a "voting monarchy." Perhaps constitutional monarchy is meant. At any rate there is no relevance of European hereditary monarchy to the question at hand. Recently Nepal overthrew its monarchy, and that seemed to be no-contest. The question for Nepalese is how to reconstitute themselves, ethnically homogeneous, into a political entity that takes into account Maoists and parliamentarians. (Parliamentarians: I am at a loss to name the non-Maoists.) Nepal is an emerging democracy.
Today's world sees democracies emerging, or, it is hoped that they emerge, in Africa. This is a continent seasoned by colonization. No hereditary monarchies. Western European colonizers at a loss on being ousted could only offer what they still had --a political system that involved citizens. Zimbabwe emerged from being named Southern Rhodesia as a democracy, for one example, only to wilt under Robert Mugabe. Elections have no bearing on the government. The rule of law is not acknowledged by the autocrat. But there is an opposition. Zimbabwe is an emerging democracy.
In the Middle East the various emirates model the dust-binned European monarchs. The clamor there is not for election of the emir. The clamor is for free flow of information. Education is seen as valuable for democratization. Let me say, I will say,that the Middle East harbors emerging democracies.
Zharkov in U.S.A. writes:
There are interesting contradictions in US policy.
One interesting contradiction is, why representative democracy is so important to bring to the weaker nations of the Middle East and Africa, but not for Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Britain, Saudi Arabia and other kingdoms where the ultimate power of royalty is exercised by mere informal suggestion to their ministers and parliaments?
Our DoS spends countless hours criticizing the Czar-less, Prince-less, Russian style of democracy, but never criticize Queens, Kings, and Princes of Europe and Arabia?
Is monarchy acceptable as long as their people are pacified? Do not "royal subjects" deserve the same self-determination and liberty as in other lands?
Are some elites more acceptable than others, or is it only a question of relative wealth? Do the wealthier monarchs belong to the right societies or wear the right cloaks and crowns?
Robert in California writes:
FREEDOM of SPEECH without reprisal.
Let's look at China. I travel and do business within the Chinese borders more than the average American person. The Chinese people tell me how wonderful there country is, which has progressed immensely when they open their borders to TRADE. However with free-trade (capitalism) comes the problem of free-voice which in it self, heavily contradicts the philosphy of China's political-power. It's system is there to protect itself and not it's people. The real power is Freedom of Speech. I do see a remarkable change and a loosening of press releases at the sacrafice of many brave Chinese reporters,bloggers,and average Chinese citizens. I have witnessed a brave young lady with a knife at her throat protesting the forced acceptance of a buyout of many elderly persons apartments for a local developer at an unreasonable price. It was a huge traffic stopper in Shanghai with the Army, Police, and other govt agency's trying to persuade her to drop the knife...yet absolutely no coverage on the local news stations that evening. Thank God for the few who stood-up during the years before and after 1776. We should be kissing their grave sites! I hope Hu Jinatao is listening to his citzens and hopefully he has a plan to continue the change that is happening in China....although noted.... at a snails pace.
Zharkov in U.S.A. writes:
One might pick any aspect of American liberty and point to it as essential to emerging democracy. Private property ownership is the foundation of American democracy and protecting private property was the primary function of the colonial government in America.
Initially, only private property owners were allowed to vote because they had a financial stake in the outcome of an election. The wisdom necessary to acquire property was considered a valuable asset in governing. In Britain, land holdings were "freeholds" given by the king in exchange for military service and the ownership was absolute. Over time, payments of money began to replace military service for elderly freeholders no longer fit to go into battle.
Some monarchs, particularly the Stuarts, took property they found desirable and rarely paid the former owners for their loss. More likely, the former owner would be sent to prison on trumped-up charges so that the king could enjoy his land without conflict. From this undesirable aspect of feudalism, the concept of eminent domain evolved, so that today, governments can step into the shoes of the king and forcibly take land they find desirable, provided they pay for it. In that respect, America remains an emerging democracy not too far removed from a feudal past.
Private property rights protected from government taking, by law, probably is the foundation for holding onto democracy. Land ownership gives citizens a reason to want the right to vote and a stake in the outcome of elections.
Eric in New Mexico writes:
The question begs definition of the nature of threats to democratic process in general.
What may be defined as "helpful" to address them, as well as what is required to "safeguard" the road to democratic governance.
As well, the parameters of "emerging" tends to be broad and somewhat left to interpretation, rather than the measured observation of movement towards and into "larger freedom" as defined under the UN charter.
"Evolving" might have more precise.
When it comes right down to it, this discussion centers around "Darwin's theory of political evolution."
Whereby only the fitest system of governance will survive.
As Churchill once eloquently remarked, "Democracy is the worst form of government ever invented, save all other forms."
In other words, we're stuck with it until we figure out something that better serves the people.
I'm in no hurry.
If Dennis re-reads my initial post here, I think he'll note that ecercise of the ballot was inherant in my answer to the topic question.
The traditional form of accountability in fact.
I had written: "The public's will to speak out and stand up for their rights to be free, and hold their leaders accountable under the law."
This goes far beyond mearly one person, one vote. It involves institutions including the judiciary. As well as the documents the rule of law is based upon, having been ratified by the people.
Kirk in Kentucky writes:
It seems there are quite a number of issues to consider when gauging the continued growth of a democracy. But to keep it simple we can first consider the fundamentals that motivate a person or society, namely: to inspire a person to move towards a particular goal you have to show them that that particular goal is a more beneficial path to take than others. Here are some thoughts:
1. The constitution must be structured (or re-structured) so that it is fair and balanced, a system of checks and balances that ensures no persons or department has complete authority over the others. That way even if an overly ambitious person or group gains power, the system keeps them in check. The people must support and believe in the system. It must be built so that every person's voice is at least heard. Justice must be dealt out fairly and equally.
2. Education. What people are taught as youngsters often shape the rest of their lives. If you can make a strong case for the benefits of democracy early and imbue the pupils with faith in the system, you've planted the seeds that will grow in the minds of the future leaders of that nation. You have to give people the tools to think for themselves, to be self-accountable and have the ability to solve their problems.
3. Perhaps most importantly, there needs to be a degree of prosperity for all. There can be no equality when factions have to fight over scraps. That is why it is so hard for some dictatorships to hand over power, they are consumed with the natural desire to hoard power in all its forms because with out it they will die or be enslaved to others. Maslow's hierarchy of needs have to be met sufficiently before higher reasoning can take place. Otherwise we're all just animals fighting for enough to eat. The distribution of wealth must be spread out enough so that the lowest class is at least fed, housed, and healthy. "An empty sack cannot stand up on it's own." Or, "A full stomach is necessary for good manners."
4. So as not to turn this into a diatribe, I'll wrap it up with some of the other stated rights, the right to free speech: if a government is to be strong it must be able to hear dissent. Flexibility is the hallmark of a good democracy. A strong and functional army: as good fences make good neighbors. And to employ this basic tenet: Majority Rules, Minority Rights.
I guess in retrospect, all that is obvious, but those are my thoughts. I look forward to reading other people's perspectives on this strikingly deep question.
Joe in Tennessee writes:
1. Economic Stability and National Defense capabilities. They go hand and hand. The newer Democratic leadership must have one to have the other given it is a true democracy. The deliberate attack on either and lack of defense posturing capabilities can lead to an unstable solvency of the said government; thereby, causing collapse.
2. Strong ties to Allies who can provide protection of both Economic and Defense posturing until they become self sufficient.
3. Communication on all levels. The largest missing ingredient is leadership that is too far from its constituency or not open to its citizen base which may cause insecurity and paranoia, leading to disruptive activity.
4. Honesty and transparency of the Government to the people represented on both National and International levels.
5. Plans for growth which is obtainable. By this I am referring to an infrastructure priority platform. Many times the basic needs of the people presuppose the educational housing. Clean Water, food, housing and medical care are basic needs which must be addressed first, not as an encompassed program. People who have their basic needs met are less likely to revolt or cause problems with a new government system.
6. If it is a newly established Democracy, they have the responsibility to reach out to the borders of their country as well as the urban areas, showing actual change and care. The lack of doing so has been well documented on the long haul in South America. This lesson should be well documented by now.
7. The Government must be open to scrutiny from within and internationally.
Kirk in Kentucky writes:
@ Joe in TN- Great post! We said almost the same thing just in two different ways, though I wish I had your gift of verbal precision. Your take on reaching out to other countries rings true, a new democracy is like a young plant, it's still fragile and often needs to be protected.
Since the actual question was what SAFEGUARDS an emerging democracy, I realized I didn't really answer the question, but only gave the ingredients of what makes a good democracy. So I'll add just another point or two.
For Safety;
An intelligence agency needs to be implemented whose goal is to investigate and root out any foreign influence that attempts to undermine or manipulate the situation. There also needs to be some oversight of officials to curb corruption.
Laws that protect foreign and local investments as well as the opposite: laws against monopolies.
Like Joe said, a program that aggressively courts strong allies, good foreign relations, and also participates in global affairs where they can (if they wish to be seen as a legitimate power).
Ongoing dialog with the people and a commitment to transparency.
What are the dangers to a fresh democratic state? Opportunists, people with a large power base that wish to undermine the process for their gain. Dissatisfied military or under-regulated generals. Rebel forces. Manipulations by other countries as well as military attacks by neighbors. Stagnant economy. Racism, or bias especially in the armed forces.
So countering those threats are good first steps.
Zharkov in U.S.A. writes:
After careful study of our reasons for occupying Iraq, it is obvious that only US military occupation can adequately protect emerging democracies. Let's occupy them to save them. There is nothing like a captive audience to get your point across.
Eric in New Mexico writes:
Historicly, democracies commonly arise from socio/political crisis, and the aftermath of conflicts that are instigated by crisis.
Safe to say a democracy is not born in isolation, nor afforded security in its premis for sustainability.
The premis is fully dependant on the perception of sustainability, and that perception is embodied by the confidence that the people have of their elected government to sustain them through crisis.
A symbiotic process which may be mutually supporting to sustainability of a democracticly elected leadership, or predicate a change in leadership, for better or worse.
The framework of Constitutionaly mandated institutions of government and the relationships between them that sustain the structure of a democracy, are the foundation of stability and the public perception of stability in times of economic, political, or military crisis.
When placing this solely in a leader's lap, as a convienient scapegoat, or political hero, "The buck stops here.", is the leader's acknoledgement of responsibility, when in reality this is only a measure of the system of government's ability to become accountable to the people.
The many ammendments to the Constitution proves the rule of law is evolutionary of its own right, and not a static process.
One may note that the Declaration of Independance has never been modified, for it embodies the premis on which democracy rests as an idea....put to the test over time. And time and again will be even in a "stable" democracy with some history of sustainability.
Some might incorrectly call engaging in dialoge with fledgling (emerging) democracies, "meddling", but if imparting lessons learned by our own democratic birth defects and their resolution so these fledgling democratic experiments may avoid similar mistakes is in any way negative, consider the alternatives if no one nurtures them or encorages them to master their national destinies in a peaceful manner.
Meddlesome things like international debt relief, billions of dollars towards AIDS and malaria eradication, disease prevention, claen water and sanitation projects...the list is too long. Anyone can tap into the USAID website and begin to understand exactly how "meddlesome" America really is.
Truth is, a lot of people around the world are alive because of our meddlesome humanitarian ways.
And it goes without saying that there are many millions who are now more able to "meddle" in their own affairs than ever before, thanks to American and international intervention and the removal of tyrants.
As I said, democracies are not born in isolation.
Nor can they be sustained in isolation.
Joe in Tennessee writes:
Hello Kirk: Must be the Plums I ate....awake for a change and simply done in std. summary report manner.
Zhukov (the correct spelling I believe)
Iraq is a separate issue completely and we don't have all the facts at our level as citizens. It is obvious there is a third party involved or more, which has been the actual problem. Please remember the Navy War college did state that given an occupation stance, it would be 2010 before stability would evolve to self dependency in Iraq, 2016 to 2020 in Afghanistan, with luck. No one went into this blind, including all of Congress. They all had the varied reports.
As the cards play out, the people stacking the deck will become exposed with each event. By intelligence standards you must have control functions in place first to trace out the missing pieces.
Yes, I always agreed that culturally, many of Americas leadership have lost sight of the citizen aspect in trying to do the greater good. What has occurred internally has hurt us externally as well. We put too much dependency on dealing with Leaders who are too far from their base to begin with and Neglected was the percentage of attachment to non viable leadership within the citizen base outside the urban areas.
Someone was wearing a T shirt one day which read: Never under estimate the power of dumb people in numbers.
Either we did or there are other vested intrest.
Reguardless, support is a basic necessity or the world will go into choas. It is only the non-democratic elements which threaten the world now. Does that not speak for itself?
Eric in New Mexico writes:
@ Joe, I think the exact quote is, "Never underestimate the danger of idiots gathered in large numbers."
I think it was Mark Twain who originally offered this very sound advice....(chuckle).
BMC writes:
i have a more interesting question: What helps established democracies safeguard against threats to democratic gains?
Eric in New Mexico writes:
When public perception becomes a hard won attitude of sustainable freedom, then the public will becomes the driving force safeguarding the institutions of democracy.
Having a vested interest in the matter.
"We are up against some resilient and determined enemies. They are not yet defeated; they have the capacity to hit back. And that is what we are seeing, both from al-Qaeda and its allies, and from extremist Shia militias. But you are also seeing something else, which is a very sharp Iraqi reaction to these kinds of attacks.
I will just mention the one that took place in Sadr City on Tuesday that killed 4 Americans. Two days after that attack, the district council members that had been the target, along with us, reconvened, held the election that had been scheduled for Tuesday, elected a wounded council member as their new chairman, denounced the attackers, publicly thanked the United States for its support, extended its sympathies, and expressed their determination to take their neighborhood back from the militias who carried out that attack."
-Ambassador Ryan Crocker, Interview with CNN
June 29, 2008
Joe in Tennessee writes:
Never underestimate the danger of idiots gathered in large numbers may be correct; but, I stated it was on a Tee shirt...
Seems a great quote in hindsight for Louis XVI before 14 July, 1789...when you think about it. Hey, it was the lack of a solid economic base the situation became volatile.


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In the state of Washington, a vigorous debate is taking place on the issue of same-sex marriage. A Republican state lawmaker, Rep. Maureen Walsh, offered this humble, passionate speech defending marriage equality on February 8, 2012.
Where she starts begins with the most human of stories: the death and loss of her husband of 23 years: "I'm a lonely old widow right now, looking for a boyfriend. Not having much luck with that. … And I think of all the wonderful years we had and the wonderful fringe benefit of having three children. I don't miss the sex. You know. And to me that's what this kind of boils down to."
She proceeds to tell the story of a proud mother who thought she'd agonize over her daughter being gay, and was surprised she didn't. She continues, "How could I deny anyone the right to have that incredible bond with another individual in life? To me it seems almost cruel."
Her speech and her story showcases the best of political discussion and civil debate, no matter what side of the issue you support. If we could all model that civility in our public and private lives.


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Greg Sargent has the STORY:
If Republicans continue with their debt ceiling brinksmanship, you�re likely to hear powerful GOP-aligned voices from the business community calling for Congress to cut the nonsense and raise the debt ceiling without delay. Even some Republicans and conservatives, such as Newt Gingrich and the Wall Street Journal editorial board have warned this will compound the GOP�s political problem.
And here we go: The powerful Financial Services Roundtable � which is headed by former GOP presidential candidate Tim Pawlenty [above] and represents nearly 100 of the largest financial service firms in the country � is ...
Read more


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The easy-to-use, all-round telephoto lens
This lens is frequently used for distortion-free close-up portraits, particularly in fashion and in advertising photography involving kids that need to be photographed from a distance to appear natural. The optical performance, although optimized for infinity, has been kept very high, even close-up, to enable professional results in studio portrait and product photography. The shallow depth of field makes the Sonnar® T* 5,6/250 CFi lens ideal for blurring out unwanted backgrounds, making the subject stand out impressively.
The optical system is designed for high performance and corner-to-corner uniformity at wide open aperture. The optical materials chosen make this lens very unsusceptible to thermal fluctuations, so it can be safely used in radiant heat from direct summer sunshine, heavy industry furnaces, jet propulsion test beds, rocket launch sites and the like.
|Focal length
|243.4 mm
|Aperture range
|f/5.6 - f/45
|Angular field (hor./vert./diag.)
|Focusing range (from film plane)
|2.5 m - ∞
|Working range (from front end)
|2.2 m
|Number of elements/groups
|Image ratio at closest range
|1 : 7.8
|55 x 55 mm
|Coverage at close range
|427 mm x 427 mm
|Camera mount
|Filter connection
|bayonett, series 60
|Ø 120.0 mm, length 105.5 mm
|1000 g


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Understanding triangulation in research
- 1School of Nursing, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
- 2Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Correspondence to: Roberta Heale
School of Nursing, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON, Canada P3E2C6; rheale{at}laurentian.ca
The term 'triangulation' originates in the field of navigation where a location is determined by using the angles from two known points.1 Triangulation in research is the use of more than one approach to researching a question. The objective is to increase confidence in the findings through the confirmation of a proposition using two or more independent measures.2 The combination of findings from two or more rigorous approaches provides a more comprehensive picture of the results than either approach could do alone.3
Triangulation is typically associated with research methods and designs. However, there are several other variations on the term. Triangulation may be the use of multiple theories, data sources, methods …


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Thrill the man in your life with our selection of the best men-in-mind gifts for the kitchen.
Shopping for culinary-inclined guys is one of our favorite things to do during the holidays. From trendy drink containers to tasty eats, we've reviewed and hand-picked the top gentlemanly options out there for catering to the best man in your life. But please note�while we've labeled the following presents �as "manly," we suspect all the ladies out there will be giving with the intent that they'll share. For the Gadget Guy... The Orange Chef Cutting Board with iPad Stand ($70) Chef Sleeves for iPad & iPhone ($20) The Orange Chef's handy cutting board will allow the guy in your life to keep his trusty tablet on display for watching games, reading recipes or surfing the web while prepping dinner. The blade-friendly board, made from recycled paper, is dishwasher safe and has a smooth, attractive cutting surface. And since things always tend to get a little messy while slicing and dicing, there is a built-in groove for catching juices, and The Orange Chef sells a set of plastic sleeve protectors to protect gadgetry from unwanted splashing and smudging. For the Entertainer... Brooklyn Slate Co. Pantry Collective No. 001 ($70) We are firm believers that everyone enjoys a good cheese board�but we also have strong opinions about what it takes to make a good cheese board. And as far as we're concerned, this artisanal set from Brooklyn Slate Co. is top-notch. Providing all the necessities for a stylish evening of entertaining, the set comes complete with lightly salted Castleton Crackers, a jar of sweet SQIRL Fig Jam, Shelburne Farms Cheddar and of course, Brooklyn Slate's modern cheese board and complementing wooden knife. If your man is a sucker for good packaging, all of the elements come tied up in a rustic, on-trend burlap bag. For the Trendy Beer Lover� Kaufmann Mercantile Handmade Ceramic Growler ($63) Handsome enough to be a piece of art, this handmade ceramic growler from Portland will certainly be a conversation piece the next time your gift-ee visits the tap. Designed to house his favorite beer for days after filling, the growler has a thick cast to protect its contents from heat and light, while making it strong enough to withstand cracking. When the growler arrived at the Relish.com offices, we were blown away by the artistry, and for good reason�the producers only make 20 growlers each day. For the Guy Needing a Kitchen Staple... Lodge Cast Iron Skillet ($25) There is something about a cast iron skillet that feels innately primitive, rugged and comforting all at the same time. From camping trips to sophisticated turns in the kitchen, this pan will go anywhere and everywhere, all the while providing superior heat retention. And when properly cared for, it will last a lifetime and seriously rival all other cookware in his collection. For the Man Who Needs a Drink... Cocktail Kingdom Copper Moscow Mule Mug ($15) Every guy needs a fine goblet to house his favorite drink, and while this isn't a "goblet" per se, it is a pretty awesome cup. This 100% copper mug is a steal at $15 and will be the perfect vessel for enjoying a Moscow Mule (a fun, classic mix of vodka, ginger beer and lime juice) or any other cocktail of his choosing. For the Wild Chef... Pickles, Pigs and Whiskey by John Currence ($28) On the book jacket of Pickles, Pigs and Whiskey, it is said James-Beard Award winning John Currence would rather punch us in the face with fantastic flavors than poke us in the eye with fussy presentation. And this he does�and very well, we might add. The full color, decadently photographed ode to Southern cuisine comes complete with a soundtrack, which can be found on Spotify. With good food and good tunes, he'll be in heaven. For the Coffee Addict... Keurig Vue ($170) If you know a guy that needs a good cup of joe to jumpstart his day, save him some time in the morning with a fancy touch-screen Keurig Vue. Like its little brother, the K-cup brewing system, the Vue is able to brew a variety of coffees, hot chocolates and teas in under a minute. But what puts this model ahead of the former is its ability to brew custom strengths to his liking, in hot or cold versions and in sizes ranging from 4oz to 18oz. Do keep in mind the Vue can not accommodate the smaller K-cups, so you may want to give a package of the slightly larger Vue-cups to accompany the brewer. For the DIY Kind of Dude... Homemade Gin Kit ($50) Fulfill his bootlegging, 1920s-gangster dreams (legally, of course) with a complete gin making kit. Two attractive glass bottles, a funnel, fragrant botanicals and aromatic juniper are all included in the kit and delivered in a well packaged and easy-to-wrap gift box. We appreciate that the process is fast and will have you sipping homemade gin in a mere 36 hours�just remember to pick up bottle of vodka to pair with the pack so he can get started right away. For the Knife Collector� Magnetic Knife Bar ($50) If your friend has a collection of stellar knives, don't let him stash them away in some forsaken drawer or hide them in the deep recesses of a knife block. Instead, allow him to put them on display with this sleek and modern magnetic knife board. A favorite design of many top chefs in professional kitchens, the strip will free up counter space and allow him to grab the slicer he needs quickly while cooking. And don't worry about the blades slipping off, it takes a good tug to detach them from the strong magnet. For the Wannabe Bar Tender... Kappa Pisco ($35) Dabbling in the sipping arts is one of our favorite activities, and if it the guy in your life shares this hobby, he'll be thrilled with a classy bottle of pisco. Produced by the Marnier Lapostolle family, this smooth Chilean pisco has a distinct grape flavor to it and a definite kick at 85 proof. Kappa, in its gorgeous glass and muted metallic blue bottle, will mix well in many cocktails. We suggest trying it in a grapefruit based drink�it's fabulous. For Someone with a Case of the Munchies� Mouth.com Snacks Every Month ($180-$720) Mouth.com prides themselves in their ability to find the best small-batch food purveyors in the country and make their goods available nationwide. After testing a variety of the products they offer, we are convinced of the quality they curate and have yet to try something we didn't immediately devour. One of our favorite programs they offer is the Snacks Every Month Collection where they deliver a heap-load of goodies right to your doorstep. As Mouth puts it, this is a gift great for grazers, procrastinators, or people who just like to open and close bags. For a Man who Prefers Steak... W�sthof�Steak Knives ($60) For ravenous carnivores, there is little more frustrating or aggravating than not being able to saw through a slab of meat. Butter knives just don't cut it�pun intended. Give the gift of a simpler slice with this set of steak knives by W�sthof, the famed knife producer we continually turn to for our choppers, slicers and dicers. We are a fan of this set for its affordability and the knives' straight-edge design. For the Cowboy... John Wayne Rubs ($25) If your man has an unrequited desire to be a cowboy, because, let's face it, most guys do�he'll be thrilled with this rub collection, featuring iconography of the legendary John Wayne. The rubs themselves are just as rugged, good-looking and masculine as their mascot, with seasonings specifically for pork, beef, chicken and bar-b-q. Plus they are all gluten-free, which makes them accessible for a variety of diets. For the Guy Who Wants a Stately Candle� Rewined Candles ($28) Ladies: Just because he doesn't like your extra-strength botanical garden candle doesn't mean he can't appreciate a good scent. He just may need something more his style�we suspect Rewined Candles, a company that hand makes all of their natural soy candles in Charleston, will be right up his alley. Inspired by the tasting notes of wine, each candle comes in the bottom half of a recycled wine bottle and is marked by a handwritten label detailing the production date and candle maker responsible. We tried out the Pinot Grigio in our kitchen and loved its light and earthy aroma, which provided just enough scent without overpowering the equally delicious smells wafting from the oven and stove. For the Pit Master... Shiner Smokehouse Sausages ($26) It may be cold out, but that doesn't mean grillers need abandon their fiery Memorial Day cravings. A welcomed break from the standard holiday fare, hearty Shiner Smokehouse sausages are high-quality smoked meats which we've found fantastic grilled and bun-ed or chopped and tossed in gumbo. Made in Texas with no artificial ingredients or additives, these are a great gift to remind him that grilling season is just a stone's throw away. Brought to you by: Relish


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Debates of Nov. 18th, 2010
House of Commons Hansard #99 of the 40th Parliament, 3rd Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was aircraft.
- Question Period
- Government Response to Petitions
- Committees of the House
- Parliament of Canada Act
- Business of Supply
- Petitions
- Questions on the Order Paper
- Business of Supply
- Prostate Cancer
- Act of Bravery
- La Voix de l'Est Newspaper
- Health
- Taxation
- Laurent Coderre
- Veterans Affairs
- Poverty in Canada
- Member for Marc-Aurèle-Fortin
- Veterans
- Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada
- Poverty
- Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security
- Universal Children's Day
- Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada
- Democratic Reform
- Banting Homestead Heritage Park
- National Defence
- Hydroelectricity
- National Defence
- G8 and G20 Summits
- The Environment
- Afghanistan
- Government Advertising
- Veterans Affairs
- Democratic Reform
- The Environment
- Quebec City Arena
- City of Lévis
- Nortel Pensioners
- Poverty
- Mining Industry
- Foreign Affairs
- Citizenship and Immigration
- Victims of Crime
- Amateur Sports
- Justice
- Citizenship and Immigration
- Tobacco Products
- Presence in Gallery
- Business of the House
- Eliminating Entitlements for Prisoners Act
- Points of Order
- Business of Supply
- Secure, Adequate, Accessible and Affordable Housing Act
Government Response to Petitions
Routine Proceedings
10:05 a.m.
Regina—Lumsden—Lake Centre
Tom Lukiwski Parliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons
Mr. Speaker, I know my hon. colleague from Hull—Aylmer will be interested to hear that, pursuant to Standing Order 36(8), I have the honour to table in both official languages the government's responses to 28 petitions.
Procedure and House Affairs
Committees of the House
Routine Proceedings
10:05 a.m.
Larry Miller Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound, ON
Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 113(1), I have the honour to present in both official languages the 21st report of the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs regarding the membership of the legislative committee on Bill C-32, An Act to amend the Copyright Act.
Parliament of Canada Act
Routine Proceedings
November 18th, 2010 / 10:05 a.m.
Paul Szabo Mississauga South, ON
moved for leave to introduce Bill C-596, An Act to amend the Parliament of Canada Act (conduct and speech of members).
Mr. Speaker, in our system of Parliament we operate under the presumption of honesty of all hon. members, but it is not written anywhere. Arguably, it would be beneficial to enshrine that presumption.
My bill seeks to amend the Parliament of Canada Act to provide that members of Parliament shall endeavour to ensure that their conduct and speech reflect certain characteristics. Specifically, the bill adds section 4.1 which states:
The members shall, in the exercise of their privileges, immunities and powers referred to in section 4, endeavour to ensure that their conduct is fair and generally beneficial, fosters good will and encourages and cultivates friendship, and that their speech is truthful and consistent with that conduct.
These ethical criteria for the conduct and speech of members reflect the Rotary International four-way test as a guide for everything we think, say and do.
I believe that the capacity of legislators to inspire a nation is diminished unless our words and our deeds are indeed true, fair, beneficial and promote friendship and goodwill.
I sincerely hope that all hon. members will agree that the adoption of this bill is desirable for Parliament and is in the public interest.
Finally, I would like to dedicate this bill, the Rotary bill, to the men and women of Rotary International in gratitude for their wide-ranging contributions through community service in Canada and around the world.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)
Business of Supply
Routine Proceedings
10:10 a.m.
Marcel Proulx Hull—Aylmer, QC
Mr. Speaker, there have been discussions among all parties and I believe if you seek it, you will find unanimous consent for the following motion. I move:
That, at the conclusion of today's debate on the opposition motion in the name of the Member from Beauséjour, all questions necessary to dispose of the motion be deemed put and a recorded division deemed requested and deferred to Tuesday, November 23, 2010, at the expiry of the time provided for Government Orders.
Business of Supply
Routine Proceedings
10:10 a.m.
The Speaker Peter Milliken
Does the hon. member for Hull—Aylmer have the unanimous consent of the House to move this motion?
Business of Supply
Routine Proceedings
10:10 a.m.
Some hon. members
Business of Supply
Routine Proceedings
10:10 a.m.
The Speaker Peter Milliken
The House has heard the terms of the motion. Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion?
Business of Supply
Routine Proceedings
10:10 a.m.
Some hon. members
Business of Supply
Routine Proceedings
10:10 a.m.
The Speaker Peter Milliken
(Motion agreed to)
Animal Welfare
Routine Proceedings
10:10 a.m.
Maxime Bernier Beauce, QC
Mr. Speaker, I would like to present a petition in the House. Constituents of mine from Beauce are urging Parliament to move forward with and pass the provisions of Bill C-544, An Act to amend the Health of Animals Act and the Meat Inspection Act (slaughter of horses for human consumption).
Employment Insurance
Routine Proceedings
10:10 a.m.
Scott Simms Bonavista—Gander—Grand Falls—Windsor, NL
Madam Speaker, I am rising once again to present a petition on issues concerning employment insurance. The petition has been put together by the FFAW, the Fish, Food and Allied Workers associated with the CAW.
The petitioners point out that whereas a healthy employment insurance system is the most powerful of all economic stabilizers, they are facing the current economic crisis with a much weaker EI system that provides only half the coverage it did in the last recession. Now only 42% of the unemployed receive EI.
The petitioners call on the government to make permanent the pilot projects worked on in 2005 by colleagues of mine, such as the hon. member for Beauséjour. The program allowed the best 14 weeks to be counted toward benefits which would allow people to increase the amount of their benefit. Without it, there was a disincentive to work. We received a lot of input from owners of fish plants, sawmills and small businesses, who said that without this they would face very troubled fall and spring seasons, or shoulder seasons, as they are called.
These petitioners primarily come from the towns of Musgrave Harbour, Deadman's Bay and Carmanville. They are concerned about plants such as the ones in Twillingate and Valleyfield, owned by Beothic Fish Processors Limited.
I am humbled to bring this petition to the House in the hope that we can achieve the EI reforms that the petitioners are looking for.
Canada Pension Plan
Routine Proceedings
10:10 a.m.
Chris Charlton Hamilton Mountain, ON
Madam Speaker, I am pleased to present another petition from the petitions that keep flooding into my office in support of my Bill C-527. This time the petitioners are from Sauble Beach, the greater Hamilton area, and even as far away as P.E.I.
Right across this country Canadians are outraged that it is currently possible for someone convicted of killing his or her spouse to collect both survivor benefits and/or the death benefit under both CPP and CPPD.
All of these Canadians had justifiably assumed that it is a long-established principle in law that no one should be able to benefit from the commission of a crime. They believe that principle must be enshrined in the eligibility criteria for government benefit programs.
These petitioners have all endorsed my Bill C-527, which would amend the Canada pension plan to prohibit the payment of a survivor's pension, orphan's benefit or death benefit to a survivor or orphan of a deceased contributor if the survivor or orphan has been convicted of the murder or manslaughter of the deceased contributor. The petitioners are asking that the House pass this bill immediately.
Although I appreciate that it is inappropriate for members to endorse petitions, let me just say that I am delighted to be able to present this petition in the House today.
Air Canada
Routine Proceedings
10:10 a.m.
Michel Guimond Montmorency—Charlevoix—Haute-Côte-Nord, QC
Madam Speaker, I have the pleasure to present a petition signed by several hundred workers from various Air Canada bases in Mississauga, Montreal and Dorval, and there are even a few signatures from Winnipeg. This petition has also been signed by friends and family members who support the workers in their fight against Air Canada.
These workers are worried about the sale of the maintenance division to Aveos and fear that their jobs will be outsourced to El Salvador. They are also concerned about the aircraft repair safety measures in place in that country.
Animal Welfare
Routine Proceedings
10:15 a.m.
Glenn Thibeault Sudbury, ON
Madam Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to present a petition signed by constituents in my great riding of Sudbury in relation to strengthening the animal transportation regulations.
Many of my constituents have spoken to me about this petition. They would like the House of Commons to amend the animal transport regulations under the Canada Health of Animals Act to be consistent with the findings of the EU scientific committee on animal health and welfare.
The petitioners would like the transport time for pigs, poultry, horses, calves and lambs to be reduced to about eight hours and twelve hours for cattle, sheep and goats. They would also like to ensure adequate enforcement of the regulations.
The petitioners would like these amendments to the Canada Health of Animals Act to be passed as quickly as possible.
Animal Welfare
Routine Proceedings
10:15 a.m.
Lee Richardson Calgary Centre, AB
Madam Speaker, I rise today to present a petition on behalf of Calgary residents, most of whom are constituents of Calgary Centre, most notably Linda Atkinson and Kerrie Hale.
The petition calls on the Government of Canada to prohibit the importation or exportation for slaughter of horses for human consumption.


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Boxer disqualified for biting Olympic opponent
BEIJING (AP) A light heavyweight boxer from Tajikistan was disqualified for biting his opponent on the shoulder during their Olympic quarterfinal bout Tuesday.
Dzhakhon Kurbanov's bout with Kazakhstan's Yerkebulan Shynaliyev was stopped with 17 seconds left in the third round when Kurbanov apparently bit Shynaliyev during a clinch.
Shynaliyev, who angrily showed the blood on his shoulder to the referee, led 12-6 at the time. Kurbanov had been warned multiple times for shoving and holding his opponent.
The 22-year-old Kurbanov got off to an auspicious start in Beijing last week, beating world champion Abbos Atoev in his first bout. He won the 2005 Asian championships as a middleweight, and was competing in his first Olympics.
Oddly enough, the evening card at Workers' Gymnasium was watched by Evander Holyfield, who was infamously bitten on the ear by Mike Tyson on June 28, 1997.


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Communication and Perception
Like other Felidae, clouded leopards have keen vision as well as good senses of smell and hearing. Captive clouded leopards mark their territories by clawing trees, urine spraying, scraping, and head rubbing, all of which are typical scent-marking behaviors. Vocalizations made by captive animals are characteristic of members of the family Felidae, which include growling, mewing, hissing, and spitting. Clouded leopards do not purr, but they do make a low-intensity snorting noise called "prusten" when they have friendly interactions with other individuals. Clouded leopards, Panthera tigris, Uncia uncia, and Panthera onca are the only felids that use this type of vocalization. They also have a long moaning call that can be heard across distances. The purpose of this call is unknown, but observers think it is a form of communication between animals in different territories, perhaps as a mating call or to warn other cats away from their territory. Clouded leopards also have vibrissae on their muzzles, which detect tactile stimuli, especially at night. (Sunquist and Sunquist, 2002)
Communication Channels: visual; tactile; acoustic; chemical
Other Communication Modes: scent marks
Perception Channels: visual; tactile; acoustic; chemical


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Thanks everyone.
More wood fire items up in the next couple days. All yunomi left to list.
There is going to be a LARGE chawan firing in two weeks with pics in probably three weeks. Haven't glazed anything yet, all drying. I will be sure to do a lot of the orange crackle stuff but there is going to be a lot more smooth this time as I didn't use the feldsparic clay. Might have time to do a few more. We'll see.


text: Longitude (deg): -2.3. Latitude (deg): 54.2. Longitude (deg/min): 2° 20' W. Latitude (deg/min): 54° 10' N. Vice county name: Mid-west Yorkshire. Vice county no.: 64. Country: England. Stage: Male imago. Associated species: Ranunculus. Identified by: Malcolm Storey. Comment: Male, visiting buttercup flowers. Category: macro-photograph. Image scaling: highly enlarged. Real world width(mm): 0. Background: pale background. Orientation: Right, or facing to right. Photographic equipment used: Canon EOS10D digital SLR and Macro MPE 65mm x1 to x5 macro lens.


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Stacy Sykora Recovering from Bus Accident
Bill Kauffman
Associate Director, Communications
Phone: 719-228-6800
E-Mail: firstname.lastname@example.com
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (April 19, 2011) – U.S. Women's National Volleyball Team libero Stacy Sykora (Burleson, Texas), a three-time Olympian and 2008 Olympic silver medalist, continues to make progress recovering from injuries sustained during a bus accident on April 12 as her Brazilian professional volleyball team Volei Futuro was traveling to the gymnasium to compete in the first match of the best-of-three semifinal round Superliga playoff.
"Stacy continues to amaze us and the medical team with her progress," said Keri Sykora, Stacy's sister. "She remains positive about her own recovery. Today she was able to walk in her room, sit up in the chair, and is eating all the pizza, pasta, and ice cream she can. Stacy has been receiving wonderful, comprehensive care here in Brazil. We look forward to providing more updates about her successful recovery. Thank you and keep her in your thought and prayers."
"Significant positive developments continue - Stacy is showing improvement in several areas and is being transferred out of the intensive care unit," said Dr. Chris Koutures, who serves as one of the U.S. Women's National Team physicians. "The Brazilian medical team continues to provide her outstanding care and focusing all their attention on her full ongoing physical, nutritional and cognitive recovery. All the news we receive suggests as optimal a recovery as could be expected at this time, and we wish to give due credit and thanks to the medical staff in Sao Paolo for their wonderful efforts."
USA Volleyball Chief Executive Officer Doug Beal, who has referred to Sykora as "an iconic member of our U.S. Women's National Volleyball Team and is one of our most engaging players with the fans," said USA Volleyball will continue to monitor Sykora's recovery through communications with her family, health providers in Brazil and connections with the Brazil Volleyball Federation and Volei Futuro.
"USA Volleyball sends out its thanks to the many fans in the United States, Brazil and across the globe, supporters and friends who have sent their prayers and good wishes for Stacy's recovery," Beal said. "Everyone at USA Volleyball and Stacy's family are more than appreciative of the out-pouring of support shown to Stacy."
Sykora has competed for the U.S. in the last three Summer Olympic Games and earned her first Olympic Games medal in 2008. She was named the Best Libero at the 2010 FIVB World Championship and led the competition in digs with 4.85 per set. Sykora played a key role in leading the U.S. to the gold medal at the 2010 FIVB World Grand Prix, the premier annual women's international volleyball tournament. Based on her contributions last year, Sykora was named USA Volleyball Indoor Female Athlete of the Year. In her second Olympic Games appearance in 2004, she earned the event's Best Digger honor. For a full bio on Sykora, click here.


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>Runner's World - My Event Ratings>
In short: great race. In full: Nice scenic undulating course with uphill start and best of all downhill finish. Date of review: October 27, 2013
In short: Fast in the land of flatIn full: This area is flat as a pancake so can get VERY windy. Days like yesterday tho are ready made for a fast race with fantastic PB potential. There was a little firm breeze that slightly effected my top speed but I PB'd by 30secs anyway. Last PB set at a flat abbey dash. This is smaller but in my opinion faster than the dash. Good design technical T. Goody bag ok but who cares for £10-12?Great race Date of review: June 17, 2013
In short: Lovely coastal marathonIn full: Great race. Flat as a pancake and definately fast.One gripe, when you have ran 26.2miles you don't want to walk all the way around the football ground to meet your family 10ft away from the finish. Good medal, goody bag is great and just what you need (snickers, soreen, bottle of water, banana & cookies) and water bottleDate of review: April 7, 2013
In short: Extra hill on new courseIn full: Well organised by Barnsley ac. Tweaked course from when I did it in 2011 with an extra 2 climbs. I PB'd by 2min which made it good in my eyes. Small but definately worth doingDate of review: March 17, 2013
In short: It's for PBs not scenery but they dropped a bomb this year on organisation In full: Love this race for its PB potential which I achieved spectacularly. It's not a scenic race in any way. You don't really see much of the abbey. The one gripe I have this year is tried to get into the area next to the town hall to meet a mate but to solve the baggage queues they extended the fencing too far and I gave up after walking for ages without ever getting near to entering the area. Marshals around here were useless and didnt seem to know what they were doing to say the least. I got my M size t-shirt so can't comment on this. I got in the starting area at the last minute and ended up in the sub 35 part. Worried, being a 38min runner that I would be in the way of slightly faster runners but I passed around 50 slower runners in the first 1k with a lot of weaving and can't remember anyone passing me all race. I ran 37:42. People be realistic how fast you are. They must get back to previous years organisation. Date of review: November 21, 2012
In short: Great race with a lot of nice touchesIn full: Great to start and finish in the race course, the course is flat and definitely PB potential........without the wind. Was expecting to run at least a minute quicker but with the almost constant head or side wind it went from being a flat out effort to a tactical take it easy and push over final 2K. Nearer the front there was a common theme of expectation for faster times but plan on doing this next year. There was lots of encouragement from the people lining the course and in the houses. One irritation was when lapping back runners they filled the road despite marshalls telling them to stay right then us at the front having to move to the right side to go past the race course to the finish but that in no way detracts from what could be one of the best races around. Date of review: May 13, 2012
In short: One of my favouritesIn full: Strangely not a quick as expected but still a fast courseDate of review: February 19, 2012
In short: Definate PB potential if on a calm day. Date of review: September 11, 2011
In short: Tough but quick marathon with excellent organisationIn full: windy at times & despite getting cramp at mile 20, this race rocks. billed as hilly but the uphill is nothing but a slight incline and the downhills steep but quick. very pretty race. Date of review: May 22, 2011
In short: good race. tough. not easy.In full: Offer a bit of tweaking to be excellent.Date of review: March 20, 2011
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The groundbreaking 1972 musical, which starred Liza Minnelli and Joel Grey and was directed by Bob Fosse, comes to Blu-ray.
Liza Minnelli, Michael York, Joel Grey and Marisa Berenson recenty gathered at Manhattan's Ziegfeld Theatre for a screening of their restored classic, Cabaret. It was a way to say "Willkommen" or "Welcome" to a new generation of fans to the delights of the groundbreaking musical. They had walked the red carpet into the same theater four decades earlier when the winner of eight Academy Awards made its premiere.
Cabaret (1972, Warner Bros., PG, $15; Blu-ray, $28) makes its high-definition debut this week after a meticulous process to repair damage to the film that kept it from screening for a decade. The Bob Fosse-directed film missed its actual 40th anniversary by a year, but the pristine results of the restoration return the film to all of its decadent glory.
AMAZON: Buy this film
The story is set in 1931 Berlin during the last days of the German Weimar Republic as the Nazi Party is just beginning to take root. American singer Sally Bowles (Minnelli) is the star performer at the Kit Kat Klub, and she draws the shy, newly arrived English professor Brian Roberts (York) into her hedonistic lifestyle. Though he initially resists her attempts at seduction, they eventually become lovers after he admits his three previous attempts at intimacy with women ended in failure.
Also in their circle is Maximilian von Heune (Helmut Griem), a wealthy playboy who is attracted to them both, and Natalie Landauer (Marisa Berenson), a German Jewish department store heiress, who is one of Brian's students. Though he doesn't take part in the main storyline, Master of Ceremonies (Joel Grey) fiendishly controls the action at the Kit Kat Klub and acts as narrator.
Throughout, the violent rise of the Nazi Party is an ominous undercurrent that is seen in flashes of events outside the club, reflected in the changing makeup of the audience inside the club, and is manifested in the dampening of the main characters' spirits.
The movie is loosely based on the 1966 Broadway musical by composer John Kander and lyricist Fred Ebb. The musical was adapted from the 1939 Christopher Isherwood novel Goodbye to Berlin and the 1951 play I Am a Camera, which was also adapted from the book. When the film came out in 1972, it blew away the sugary cliches of movie musicals with its candid depiction of sex, anti-Semitism, homosexuality, Nazism and abortion.
Fosse also decided to confine almost all of the musical numbers to scenes at the Kit Kat Klub (as opposed to having actors randomly bursting into song in everyday life as they would in traditional musicals), giving the story a more realistic feel. All the songs were sung by either Sally or the MC. The only exception was the chilling Nazi-led anthem Tomorrow Belongs to Me.
Cabaret was a critical and commercial hit, and although it didn't win the Academy Award for best picture — The Godfather did — Fosse won for director, Minnelli for actress and Grey for supporting actor. It also won for cinematography, film editing, original song score or adaptation score, art direction and sound. Over the years, it has continued to pile up accolades. It was added by the Library of Congress to the National Film Registry. It also was ranked No. 5 on the American Film Institute's Greatest Movie Musicals list (three musicals by Minnelli's mother, Judy Garland — The Wizard of Oz, A Star Is Born and Meet Me in St. Louis — are in the top 10).
The Blu-ray is presented in book format with 40 pages of photos and essays. The release also comes with plenty of bonus material, including featurettes titled "Cabaret: The Musical That Changed Musicals," "Cabaret: A Legend in the Making" and "The Recreation of an Era."


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ProNSC Season 4 Event 1
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: (Federal Way, WA) National Speedskating Circuit (NSC), the North American league of professional inline speed skaters, announced the kick-off of its fourth season, which begins on Wednesday night, January 3rd 2013.
"Going into the fourth season of NSC, the competition has yet again attained a higher level of athletic achievement," said Miguel Jose, league CEO and co-founder. "Every season, the records are shattered, the legends are made, and the speeds get faster and faster. Coming out of pre-season qualifying trials, we can see another record smashing year ahead."
The league line-up this year is a stacked deck of the sport's greatest talent, along with up and comers looking to make their mark and establish their brand in the world of inline greatness.
"NSC trials went really well this year," Jose reported. By all accounts from those that were there, this is by far the best line up NSC has ever had going into a season. "The new recruits are incredibly strong. We're bringing guys that are dropping times that are blindingly fast. Zach Ferreira, Zach Polston, Caleb Wakefield, Mo Hall, and Isaiah Oliver. This is raw talent, coming directly out of the USARS ranks. People who know these skaters know they deserve their spots in the NSC. They lit up the floor in trials, so we can't wait to see what they do in the regular season."
Fans are anticipating the return of season three Grand Champion Michael Cheek, as well as crowd favorite Jeremy Anderson and break-out star Wesley Gandy. Another returning face is Justin Stelly, just off a medal-winning turn at the 2012 World Championships in Italy. And for those who've been following the league since its inception, you'll see the return of season one bad boy and former US inline world team skater Chad Horne. But all of this fanfare doesn't take anything away from the rest of the roster, with each man as likely as the next to be Grand Champion. Athletes like Sean O' Brien, Sean Cramer, Eben Jackson, Mike Ratliff, Colin Wakefield, Ryan Weiderhold, Clint Canington, Christiaan Johnson, Walter Langley, Jordan Hafenscher and Teague Knapton. Fans can count on the return of perennial favorite Jake Powers, fierce fighter and many-time front runner Jarrett Paul, Dr. BJ Steketee, youngster Zach Sagiao, Brandon Hall, super-fast Donavon Sellers, and master of the 360 degree turn-n-burn, Stephen S Dot Carter. And with special international guest Juan Araldi, fans can expect the unexpected. "As Ross (Creveling) would say, there'll be a whole lotta bumpin' and bangin' goin' on," Jose said with a wink and a nudge.
For the athletes, the stakes have increased this season, with close to $6,000 up for grabs with each event. Jose said, "This season, the Grand Champion is going home with $1,000 cash and the co-main event flying 100m champ is going to pocket $700 bucks." Miguel asked, "It's possible for the top guy to pocket over $2000 for a single event? Not saying these guys skate for money but it sure is nice to do your passion and get paid."
Fans watching the free live-feed at www.pronsc.com can also look forward to color commentary from "Robsk8", a man who, according to league co-founder, 28 time inline world champion and current US Speedskating World Cup team member Joey Mantia "...is someone who's evolved to such an order of magnitude, he's achieved mono-name status. He's a legend in his own mind. But all kidding aside, Rob (Campbell) brings personality and a high level of knowledge that's really going to enhance the viewer's experience and understanding of the more technical aspects of the racing action."
This season promises all of the action fans have come to expect from NSC and then some. The league has been working with collaborators and media partners to create a more enhanced experience, with many details still under wraps at press time. Suffice to say that fans will be brought further into the fold with NSC than they ever have before.
As Jose wrapped up, he added, "We've got a lot we're cooking up, right to the very last minute. Content, product, interactivity and other things we can't wait to show the world!" He finished by saying, "We wish everyone a happy and healthy new year! Be safe and be sure to tune to the live broadcast to see it all first-hand next Wednesday night!"
The action starts on January 3rd at 6:45 pm PST at Pattison's West Skate Center in Federal Way, WA and for free live on the Internet at www.pronsc.com. Tune in early to see the pregame show that will air at 6:15pm


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With apologies to the chronically underrated Smokey Joe Williams, the consensus of baseball historians makes Leroy "Satchel" Paige the greatest pitcher in the history of the Negro Leagues. He might have been the most eccentric, too, with a list of quirks and quotations that could fill stacks of notebooks. …
November 13, 2009
Card Corner: Satchel Paige
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Topic: need help for my first plugin
Hey all,
I just wrote my first plugin for ActiveResource. It works great but I need to put:
include MyPlugin
in all my models that use this plugin.
To avoid that, i did put:
ActiveResource::Base.send :include, MyPlugin
but it doesn't work (I get a NoMethodError: undefined method my_plugin_function).
Any idea what's the way to do this?
thanx in advance


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Advanced Micro Devices on Wednesday announced plans to integrate ARM-developed TrustZone security technologies into its future highly-integrated Fusion accelerated processing units via a system-on-a-chip (SoC) design methodology by integrating ARM's Cortex-A5 core into its future products. By doing so, AMD ensures that its SoCs are on-par with ARM-based when it comes to security.
AMD plans to develop a so-called platform security processor using an ARM Cortex-A5 core that features TrustZone technology, to monitor and help protect against malicious access to sensitive data and operations at the hardware level. AMD will add the security processor into its APUs as a third-party IP block, an approach the company discussed earlier this year. Essentially, AMD will be able to offer functionality akin to Intel Corp.'s vPro, identity protection, trusted execution and other important security technologies now only found on the latest processors from its arch-rival. Some of AMD's Fusion accelerated processing units (APUs) will feature TrustZone already in 2013, other will follow in 2014.
"With AMD's support for, and inclusion in, the expanding TrustZone ecosystem, consumers and businesses can rest assured their data and content are secured by an industry-standard security solution that spans a multitude of devices and operating systems. This example of AMD's ambidextrous strategy, which leverages our history of x86 and graphics innovation while also embracing other technologies and intellectual property, will help drive a more secure computing experience for our consumer and business customers," said Mike Wolfe, senior vice president and chief information officer at AMD, at the Fusion Developer Summit 2012.
ARM TrustZone technology - a system-wide approach to security - is a key component of the ARM architecture and is integrated into the ARM Cortex-A processor series. Launched in 2004, TrustZone is a result of ongoing co-development that ARM carries out with a wide range of companies and has been implemented in a wide array of devices to date. The aim of the TrustZone ecosystem is to drive industry alignment and scalability. This will enable billions of TrustZone technology-based devices to meet the system security needs of consumers, service providers, enterprises and device manufacturers. Earlier this year ARM proposed TrustZone to become an industry standard on a wide range of devices. Some of those devices will be available from AMD.
By adopting the industry-standard approach to security that TrustZone technology embodies, AMD and ARM will provide a consistent approach to security spanning billions of Internet-connected mobile devices, tablets, PCs and servers − whether they are powered by ARM processor-based solutions or AMD x86 APUs. AMD plans to provide development platforms that have TrustZone security features on select APUs in 2013, expanding further across its product portfolio in 2014.
Tags: AMD, ARM, Cortex, TrustZone, Fusion