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When Akiva Tor arrived in the Bay Area to become Israel's consul general, he realized he "had to build a cocoon for the family."
Naomi Tor agrees. "I wanted the transition moving here to be as smooth as it could be," she says. "It was a culture shock anyhow, but we told the kids that the separation [from Israel] and the homesickness is for a good reason."
With Tor's four-year term coming to an end, the family will return to Israel next month.
Everyone has flourished here, the couple says. The Tors settled in the Oakland hills, joined Beth Jacob Congregation and sent their four kids to Jewish day schools. This allowed the family to live full, Jewish lives.
"I've definitely grown as a person," says Yonah Tor, 18, in flawless American English, "and being in the Bay Area definitely influenced that. The majority of our lives we spent in Israel. Being here reinforced [our Israeli identity], because we were so different. It was a kind of pride we didn't have in Israel."
Adds her sister Zohar, 17, "I feel lucky I came here for such vital years of my growing up. I'm going back to Israel a lot more experienced and knowledgeable of the bigger world."
Being the children of the consul general, she says, meant representing their country as much as their father.
"We haven't separated work life and family life that much," Zohar adds. "Coming here, we knew we were going on a shlichut [mission], and not just my dad. Every day was a shlichut for us."
Naomi Tor gave up running a large Israeli nonprofit company to come to California, though as a diplomat's wife she'd been down the same road before.
She took a job teaching Hebrew at Oakland Hebrew Day School, where her younger children, Yehudah, 14, and Roni, 9, attended. She says she has mixed feelings about leaving the Bay Area, especially the school community, but she has much to look forward to.
This is the most important message for the kids," she says. "We have something to go back to: We have family, we have roots. For me, I'm going back not just to being the wife of a diplomat, but being part of Israeli society and contributing however we can."
To that end, she is on track to complete her doctoral dissertation in sociology.
Yonah recently graduated from San Francisco's Jewish Community High School of the Bay and will enter the Israeli army soon after returning. Zohar graduated early from JCHS and soon will attend the Rothenberg Institute at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Yehudah will enter ninth grade and Roni will enter fourth grade.
Looking back on the past four years, Naomi Tor takes pride in her husband's accomplishments.
"For Akiva, it's not a job," she says. "During the week, the weekend, all the time, he was thinking, 'What else can I do?' I saw him blooming here. I leave with a good feeling because Akiva has a lot of satisfaction that he and his team did a lot of what they wanted to achieve."


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M Scheuerman Photographer
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subset: commoncrawl


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FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- The New England Patriots responded in a big way Sunday night.
Facing the prospect of their first 2-3 start since 2001 and amid rumors of inner turmoil including future Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady being mad at management, the Patriots hammered the previously undefeated Cincinnati Bengals 43-17.
New England, 41-14 losers to the Chiefs in Kansas City six nights earlier, made quick work of the NFL's last unbeaten team, jumping to a 20-3 halftime lead and cruising to their 32nd consecutive home victory over an AFC opponent.
Brady, ineffective through much of the first four games, threw for a season-high 292 yards and two touchdowns, and Stephen...


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Can't find what you're looking for?
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To add items to your, click on the pink "Add an item" or drag and drop your file directly on to the grey upload box on the left of your portfolio gallery. A new page opens and you can add a description add a category, type and tags.
You can also create portfolio groups, to which you can add portfolio items, to help organize your portfolio.
Last updated: 19-Mar-13 11:23 p.m. GMT


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How To Keep a Straight Face When Someone is Dancing Like This
Today, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge stopped by Only Connect, a charity that supports ex-offenders and at-risk youth. The royal couple toured the offices, then were treated to a performance by Dance United, something only people who have seen it all are able to sit through and not lose it.
Catherine graciously accepted a onesie for Prince George from Aaron Russell-Andrews, who has been involved with the charity for four years.
"She said it's a very good fit because he's growing very fast, and that he'll like it," Russell-Andrews told reporters.
Catherine wore a brown printed Orla Kiely dress with Aquatalia booties, seen previously on a visit to Rose Hill Primary School in February 2012. Catherine also wore the boots for her very first engagement in February 2011.
And as for those grey hairs every talked about? They were present, but what's a few silver strands when you have hair like this?


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"You have been in the water, I fear," said barret, in a tone of pity.
"He is an old schoolfellow of mine," said barret in a low voice.
barret switched off the teleceiver set and stepped out of the booth to face the muzzle of Astro's blaster.
The hamlet displays no sign of life, nevertheless barret is cautious.
Poor barret became more and more overwhelmed as she went on.
As we have said, barret stood immovable, not knowing very well what to do.
"There seems to be some one down at the pool now," remarked barret, looking back.
Accordingly, after the meal was over, Archie carried barret off to his workshop.
That same day, Milly, barret, and Jackman arranged that the mystery of the cowardly young man must be cleared up.
"It is not like barret to be late," observed the laird that evening, as he consulted his watch.
type of flat cap, 1828, from French barrette, cognate with Spanish birreta, Italian beretta (see biretta).


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"Work a treat"
11 April 2016
I have used these for years and they are great. I mainly use them with a cup and saucer and they fit perfectly and look nice and unobtrusive especially with the fluted edge just showing under the cup. They soak up spills well and are good quality. They look elegant and stylish in the silver/grey holder that was purchased from lakeland {not sure if that is still available} and are always on hand on my worktop. I have used them under body oil bottles {which can be a real pain when the oil drips grease down the bottle} and they work a treat for that too. Larger sized refil packs would be nice


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Congresswoman Virginia Foxx, R-NC, today issued the following statement regarding her vote against H.R. 41, legislation that would increase federal deficit spending by granting additional borrowing authority to the government-run flood insurance program:
"The east coast was shaken by hurricane Sandy this fall. My heart goes out to the families that have been displaced and lost property in its wake.
"The flood insurance program the government runs is in dire need of reform to make it financially solvent and a more efficient resource for disaster victims. Because it remains flawed and the spending authorized by H.R. 41 was not offset with savings from other areas of government spending, I was not able to support this legislation."
Source: http://foxx.house.gov/press-releases/foxx-statement-on-hr-41/


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Today, my boss called me into his office to show me the web site of a potential business partner. When he began to type 'virginia' into google, it auto-completed his search with his recent search for 'virgin boy assholes'. I have to go on business trip with him tomorrow. I'm a young guy. FML
It's in the can!Hey, you uploaded your photo, and you're cute as a kitten!100%
Consolation prizeYour FML was denied. We had to at least give you a badge to cheer you up a bit.100%
50 favoritesLove knows no boundaries. You've already added 50 FMLs to your favourites list!100%
The thumb strikes backYou have left your thumbprint on 2500 comments.0%
The return of the thumbYou have thumbed 5000 comments.0%
Keen reader – Level: student ninjaYou have voted for 15% of the entire collection of FMLs to date.0%
Keen reader – Level: master ninjaYou have voted for 50% of the entire collection of FMLs to date.0%
Keen reader – Level: godlike ninjaYou have voted for 100% of the entire collection of FMLs to date.0%
One more and it's business timeYou've received 68 Hugs on your profile. Kinky.0%
Today, my wife and I decided to try a relationship book. The first activity was to write down some things your partner does that bothers you. I made a very long list, then my wife and I swapped papers. She'd written, "nothing, I love everything about you." She read my list and began tearing up. FML
Today, I was in the car with my mom and dad. My mom turned around and asked, "Have you had sex yet?" I said no, which is true. My dad cracked up and said, "Told you so!" My mom frowned, took out her wallet, and handed him $20. My parents bet on my nonexistent sex life. FML
Today, my suburban, white boyfriend of two years told me he wanted to tell me something serious. He sat me down, looked me in the eye and said "I want to be gangster." I started laughing thinking he was joking. He was 100% serious. FML
Today, I found out that my boyfriend is cheating on me, with the same guy I was cheating on him with. FML


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Houston More To Life Fun Run
More To Life- Houston
Saturday, December 1, 2012 at 8:00 AM
Who's Going
San Francisco, California
London, United Kingdom
Florence, Italy
Event Details
Houston Fun Run and Connection
Saturday December 1, 2012
Registration 8 am. The Event starts at 8 a.m, lunch is at 11:30 followed by fun and prizes.
Plans are already underway to create a day of food, fun, and connection! You, your family and friends are invited to run, walk, skate, pedal, or roll through the trees and trails of Bear Creek Park. In addition to the traditional T-Shirts and Watermelon Seed Spitting Championship (We hear that some people are already practicing) there is much more. And since it is in December Ann Mc is saving her Watermelon seeds!
You may register beginning at 8:00am a.m. for the Fun Run if you have not previously done so online and purchase food tickets and T-shirts.
Fun Run Participants who raise $100 or more will receive a commemorative Fun Run T-shirt and their lunch free of charge.
The Run 8:00– 11:30. You can participate any time from 8:00 until 11:30.
5K is actually 3 times around the circular track where Pavilion 8 is located. Dogs are welcome on a lead.
Lunch 11:30- 12:30 (Plate lunch – $5.00 per plate per person, includes tea or bottled water)
Games – to warm up, fun, and game prizes Community time and fun
Sponsorship Prize Drawings
When participants raise $100 or more they will be eligible for the Sponsorship Prize Drawings. Any participant collecting sponsorships of $100 – $499.99 will have a ticket placed in the Level I Bowl. Any participant getting sponsorships of $500 – $999 will have their tickets placed in the Levels I and II bowls. Any participant getting $1,000 and above in sponsorships will get their tickets placed in all three levels. Winners are drawn from all three.
Level I $100.00 to $499.99
Level II $500.00 to $999.99
Level III $1,000.00 +
Become a Participant and get sponsors by going to I am Registering for Houston's Fun Run
Once you register, you can ask people to sponsor you by sending them to https://www.tfaforms.com/260744 Email the link to friends, family, and co-workers (especially those whose kids you have supported in the past), folks in other parts of the country or world that you might not have thought of asking to sponsor you or the community in the past.
While we would love to have you here, I encourage you to participate, even if you can't be with us the day of the event. One year Carolyn Charney did her 5K in the Mountains of Tennessee. If you haven't been involved in a while, or if you haven't been a Kairos More To Life Foundation sponsor before, here's an opportunity to be a part of making a difference.
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world; indeed it's the only thing that ever does."
– Margaret Mead
Bear Creek Park
3535 War Memorial Drive
Houston, TX 77084
Pavilion # 8 which is on Sullins Way.
When & Where
Bear Creek Park, Pavilion 8
3535 War Memorial Drive
Saturday, December 1, 2012 at 8:00 AM
Add to my calendar
More To Life- Houston
The Houston More To Life Steering Committee's Higher Purpose
"To source a vibrant, passionate self-sustaining community which creates experiential trainings and upholds a network of support to empower people to embody the practices of gratitude and truth-telling, while taking radical responsibility for themselves, their relationships, and their place in the world."


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Ball Five: Youth teams have successful seasons
By Jay Davis
If your question is "Jay, what did you do while you were away from the office?" The answer would be that I spent a lot of time at the baseball field at Little League games.
The Mobridge team, of which my son Michael is a player, had a great season. The culmination of their success came on Saturday when they won the Yellowstone Trail Conference championship on Saturday at the MYO complex.
The boys were on top of their game on Saturday. They won big in both their games. They beat Herreid 13-3 in the semifinals and Selby 16-6 in the title tilt.
With the two wins, the team finished the season with a 12-1 record. Their only loss was an exciting and high-scoring 21-20 loss to Eureka last Wednesday. They were that close to a perfect season.
The YTC is a six-team conference with Mobridge, Eureka, Selby, Herreid, Bowdle and Edmunds Central. Mobridge and Eureka tied during the regular season, each team finishing with a 9-1 record.
The only other loss the team had was the coin flip that gave Eureka the number one seed for the tournament. The rematch was anticipated in the championship game but Selby put that thought to rest by ousting Eureka in the semifinals.
The younger half of the team played in a 12-and-under tournament in Selby the previous Saturday and finished second. The boys downed Gettysburg 5-0 and Hoven 12-2 to get to the championship game. They were victims of circumstances that may have cost them.
After playing the 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. games, and finishing them by 11:10 a.m., the boys had to sit and wait a long time. The games on the other field were as far behind schedule as the Mobridge wins put their field ahead of schedule. The championship game was slated for 1:30 p.m. and did not start until 3 p.m. After sitting in boiling hot bleachers for four hours, the team showed a bit of lethargy in the championship. They fell behind 5-0 before they got it together. They outscored Onida 6-4 the rest of the way but had to settle as runners-up after dropping a 9-6 game.
I did not attend the 10-and-under games, but the youngsters have some talent too. The team was split into two separate teams for the league tourney and they finished first and third.
Between the 10-and-under team and the Little League (Midgets) team, Mobridge had more than 40 kids out for baseball this year. Enough are graduating MYO that it looks like the Bridge City will be back in the Teener baseball business again next year after not being able to field a team this year.
Parents, keep your boys in good leather gloves and well-fitting cleats. We have a lot of boys with a talent for the game. This was once a big baseball town. We could be on the verge of becoming one again.


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May 16, 2014 - From staff reportsThe Central Wyoming College speech and debate team placed tenth in the nation among community colleges at the National Individual Events Tournament at Arizona State University on the strength of a graduating student's performance.
Riley Moore, Daryon Baumberger and Jordon Barthel competed against students from 85 other colleges and universities. "The process for even qualifying to attend the tournament is daunting," said Coach Josh House, explaining that students must reach the final round of at least three regular season tournaments and be ranked at or near the top of those final rounds.
CWC wasn't satisfied just to make it to the tournament, House said. On the strength of graduating team member Riley Moore's performance in the persuasive speaking event the team finished as the tenth place community college team.
"Moore has been a standout performer for the team during her time at CWC and she earned her strong finish at nationals with countless hours of work on her skills and her speeches," House said. "Her leadership will be missed next year, but it's very satisfying to see her go out on such a high note."
Baumberger and Barthel represented CWC well as first-year collegiate competitors, he said, adding each received high praise on ballots from judges from across the country. The two, who are both from Lead-Deadwood, S.D., excelled all year in several events.
"The diverse skill sets they developed surely helped them qualify for and perform well at nationals," House said. "We are incredibly lucky to have such talented and hardworking students on our team."
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Displaying all events for: AlumniView all events »
- 03AugAugust 3, 201712:00 pm — 8:30 pmNorth Fork of Long Island• Open to Alumni• Registration RequiredJoin SJU Alumni and Society Members for some fun summer activities, rain or shine!
- 03AugAugust 3, 20176:00 pmUp on 20 Rooftop Lounge at Hyatt Herald• Open to PublicJoin your fellow SJU Alumni as the Graduates Of the Last Decade (GOLD) and the Tobin College of Business Alumni Association (TCBAA) partner to host a Summer Social dedicated to celebrating you and St. John's very finest alumni!
- 10AugAugust 10, 201711:00 amGrand Oaks Country Club• Registration RequiredEnjoy a beautiful summer day on the links with friends and classmates at the 38th Annual Staten Island Alumni Golf Outing and Dinner. Your participation supports scholarships for St. John's Staten Island Campus students.
- 19AugAugust 19, 201711:30 amMonmouth Park• Open to Alumni• Registration RequiredEveryone wins when St. John's alumni get together for a great day of racing. Grab your place at the rail and prepare to have fun with your fellow alumni and friends at Monmouth Park Racetrack.
- 25AugAugust 25, 20176:30 pmRichmond County Bank Ballpark• Registration RequiredSt. John's will be at the ballpark for the annual SJU Day with alumni and friends. Make your plans to reconnect while enjoying America's pastime, while sitting in section 6, which is located right behind the Staten Island Yankees dugout. Bring the family for a wonderful Friday evening which includes giveaways to the first 1,000 guests and fireworks after the game!
- 27SepSeptember 27, 20177:00 amFiddler's Elbow Country Club• Open to Alumni• Registration Required
- 28SepSeptember 28, 20178:00 am — 10:00 am3 West Club• Open to Public• Registration RequiredJoin us for a breakfast and networking reception that celebrates the evolving role of female professionals!
- 20OctOctober 20, 20179:30 am — 1:00 pmPresident's Room, Carnesecca Arena• Open to Public• Registration RequiredThis workshop will prepare clinical and school-based professionals with effective prevention, intervention, and post-intervention strategies for school-related violence incidents.
- 21OctOctober 21, 20171:00 pm — 4:00 pmPlattduetsche Park• Open to Alumni• Registration RequiredSpend a Saturday fall afternoon by taking part of an annual Johnnie tradition along with fellow St. John's alumni and friends at the fifth annual SJU Alumni Oktoberfest.
- 23NovNovember 23, 20178:00 am — 11:45 pmWalt Disney World Resort• Open to PublicJoin your fellow Johnnies in Orlando and watch the Red Storm Men's basketball team take the court in the 2017 AdvoCare Invitational! This 8-team tournament will be held Thursday, Friday, and Sunday, November 23-26. The tournament is a weekend-long affair at the Walt Disney World Resort, where participating teams practice, play and enjoy the Walt Disney World Resort Theme Parks.


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Games you consider to be gems on the Wii
#1 God of RPGs CAGiversary! 603 Posts Joined 11.3 Years Ago
Posted 03 August 2011 - 10:45 AM
Dawn of Discovery for Wii is another game that just feels right, its fun, they really hit the mark with this installment of the game for Wii.
Fire Emblem Radiant Dawn to me is probably my all time favorite Wii game, its Fire Emblem...what more can be said.
Metroid Prime Trilogy...granted its 3 games rolled into one but this collection i feel is priceless, just a great collection to have no matter what.
Those are some of my choices, yours?
#2 CAGiversary! CAGiversary! 280 Posts Joined 6.4 Years Ago
Posted 03 August 2011 - 11:30 AM
#3 Truth is treason CAGiversary! 7445 Posts Joined 7.9 Years Ago
Posted 03 August 2011 - 11:39 AM
#4 MW2 Still King CAGiversary! 1005 Posts Joined 9.9 Years Ago
Posted 03 August 2011 - 12:03 PM
No More Heroes 1 & 2
Donkey Kong Country Returns
Kirby's Epic Yarn
Metroid Prime 3
LOZ: Twilight Princess
Dead Space Extraction
House of the Dead: Overkill
The wii has had some great games.
#5 CAGiversary! CAGiversary! 506 Posts Joined 7.2 Years Ago
Posted 03 August 2011 - 07:23 PM
#6 Drug-Dealer-Keeper-Awayer CAGiversary! 22402 Posts Joined 13.7 Years Ago
Posted 03 August 2011 - 07:32 PM
New Super Mario Bros. Wii
Metroid Prime 3
Donkey Kong Country Returns
Kirby's Epic Yarn
Zelda: Twilight Princess
Wii Sports/Resort (you know it's true)
Boom Blox
Lost In Shadow
Little King's Story
Zak & Wiki
There are a bunch of really nice games for the Wii among the waves and waves and waves of total shit. I need to check out Fire Emblem at some point I guess.
--- Bella's Arcade --- Donkey Kong + ---
Posted 03 August 2011 - 10:30 PM
This is the greatest thing ever. Certainly in the OTT at least.
#8 CAGiversary! CAGiversary! 272 Posts Joined 9.4 Years Ago
Posted 04 August 2011 - 01:30 AM
Resident Evil 4, even though I found the Wii version to be easier
Silent Hill:Shattered Memories
#9 CAGiversary! CAGiversary! 2956 Posts Joined 13.9 Years Ago
Posted 04 August 2011 - 02:14 AM
A boy and his blob
Tales of Symphonia: from the new world (thought its not as good as the first, that's practically impossible to do, since the first one is one of the best games ever, at the very least one of the very best from the series)
FC: Pokemon Pearl - 1160-6253-4611
#10 CAGiversary! CAGiversary! 339 Posts Joined 6.2 Years Ago
Posted 04 August 2011 - 02:40 AM
Mario Kart
Excitebots: Trick Racing (highly underrated imo)
Need For Speed Nitro
Tiger Woods PGA Tour (if you like golf games)
Super Paper Mario
Mario Party 8
Warioware: Smooth Moves
#11 CAGiversary! CAGiversary! 677 Posts Joined 13.0 Years Ago
Posted 04 August 2011 - 03:01 AM
#12 CAG Veteran CAGiversary! 47 Posts Joined 7.5 Years Ago
Posted 06 August 2011 - 09:49 PM
#13 CAG Club Nintendo CAGiversary! 15248 Posts Joined 10.4 Years Ago
Posted 06 August 2011 - 09:57 PM
No More Heroes
De Blob
The House of the Dead: Overkill
Monster Hunter Tri
Little King's Story
CAG Club Nintendo Thread
#14 CAGiversary! CAGiversary! 156 Posts Joined 7.4 Years Ago
Posted 17 August 2011 - 03:08 AM
Keepthe suggestions coming, i need me some games!
#15 Ninja Gaiden speedrunner CAGiversary! 3348 Posts Joined 9.1 Years Ago
Posted 17 August 2011 - 04:56 PM
Monster Hunter Tri
#16 CAGiversary! CAGiversary! 1188 Posts Joined 6.0 Years Ago
Posted 17 August 2011 - 05:15 PM
#17 Banned Banned 2238 Posts Joined 10.4 Years Ago
Posted 17 August 2011 - 05:17 PM
Final Fantasy Fables: Chocobo's Dungeon
The Sky Crawlers: Innocent Aces
The Munchables
Excitebots: Trick Racing
Some that may or may not have been mentioned. Should be cheap now-- all of 'em.
#18 I miss Cartoon Orbit CAGiversary! 3272 Posts Joined 7.4 Years Ago
Posted 18 August 2011 - 03:32 AM
#19 Free fajitas for all! CAGiversary! 598 Posts Joined 13.0 Years Ago
Posted 18 August 2011 - 03:56 AM
Metroid Prime Trilogy (what's not to love about 3 amazing games in one nice package?)
Wario Land : Shake It (Classic 2D platformer with only slight use of the motion controller)
Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition (Amazing new control scheme for RE4, as well as the fact that it combines the brilliant graphics of the GCN version with the bonus content from the PS2 version)
Super Smash Bros. Brawl (The definitive Smash Bros. game)
Super Mario Bros. Wii (Classic 2D platforming that's a blast with friends)
Zak and Wiki (terribly underrated adventure/puzzle game, incredibly charming)
Goldeneye 007 (a great homage to the original Goldeneye, even though it isn't as good)
Games I've still been meaning to try:
House of the Dead series on Wii
Resident Evil Chronicles series
Ivy the Kiwi (I have it but haven't played it yet)
Super Paper Mario
#20 You must be tired... CAGiversary! 10655 Posts Joined 14.2 Years Ago
Posted 20 August 2011 - 01:31 AM
Wario Land: Shake it! (Solid platformer. Was pretty cheap to get for awhile and good fun)
Mario Galaxy 1+2 (Both are classics. Nintendo really outdid themselves with the sequel. Check out the rankings on gamerankings and metacritic! Perhaps the best platformers of all time to date.)
Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars (Really solid fighter. Had a lot of fun with it.)
No More Heroes 1+2 (NMH 1 was a good game, and NMH2 was even better. Honestly It's my favorite game on the Wii not made by Nintendo.)
House Of The Dead: Overkill (For some reason I love this game. Maybe It's because of Isaac Washington?)
Mario Kart
Legend Of Zelda: Twilight Princess
Smash Brothers Brawl
Games I wish I had the money for/want to get eventually that got really good reviews/nice impressions from what I saw:
Metroid Prime Trilogy
Kirbys Epic Yarn
Donkey Kong Country Returns
A Boy and His Blob (Was'nt there a sequel coming to this?)
Xenoblade Chronicles (When it hits the US)
Punch Out !!
Zelda: Skyward Sword
#21 Your Tax Dollars At Work CAGiversary! 1217 Posts Joined 13.2 Years Ago
Posted 22 August 2011 - 02:55 PM
Endless Ocean 1 and 2--LOL, I think the slogan for these games should be: "The Closest Thing Your Broke Ass Is Going To Get For a Vacation."
#22 ...of Gilead CAGiversary! 5101 Posts Joined 13.6 Years Ago
Posted 23 August 2011 - 12:57 PM
I think most are just listing "great games on the Wii" not true 'gems,' IMO. It's a fine line, but I'd define that as games that are just a pure delight to play where you just have a shit-eating grin on your face the whole time. So yeah, there are great games(Metroid, Boom Blox, Z&W, Pikmin, WiiSports, RE4, etc), but a few rise above that. Here are my 'gems:'
Okami - Sorry I missed this on PS2, but I think the vibe of the game is better suited to the vibrant "refresh" on the Wii and once you got the painting down with the
Kirby's Epic Yarn - if you can't enjoy this game you need to see the wizard about getting yourself a heart.
Excite Truck - Enjoyed this more than Burnout Paradise & Motorstorm and prefer it over the more gimmicky ExciteBots. The custom soundtrack also give it an edge over 'bots.'
Super Mario Galaxy - I think 2 is a better, more polished game with more variety, but it's hard to shake the "been-there-done-that" feeling. The first was just a unique experience that a Mario game hadn't provided since Mario 64. I also preferred the overworld in the first to the generic 2D map design of the second.
#23 CAGiversary! CAGiversary! 2435 Posts Joined 7.0 Years Ago
Posted 24 August 2011 - 04:04 AM
Kirby's Epic Yarn - Ungodly cute and fun game even tho it was quite easy. Had some good times with my son with this game.
Okami - Liked it so much, I bought the art book
Zach & Wiki - Underappreciated puzzle game
Muramasa: The Demon Blade - very pretty side scroller (What? No one mentioned it yet?)
Tatsunoko vs Capcom - A shocker that it came out here and a pretty good fighter to boot.
Prince Of Persia: The Forgotten Sands - The Wii version took advantage of the motion controls quite well for its unique story.
Games that I haven't played enough of to judge yet:
Metroid Prime Trilogy
Metroid Other M
Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn
No More Heroes 2
Little King's Story
#24 DoyoulikePhilCollins CAGiversary! 1590 Posts Joined 7.8 Years Ago
Posted 24 August 2011 - 04:16 AM
Posted 28 August 2011 - 07:46 PM
#26 CAGiversary! CAGiversary! 2944 Posts Joined 8.8 Years Ago
Posted 28 August 2011 - 08:09 PM
#27 CAGiversary! CAGiversary! 176 Posts Joined 11.3 Years Ago
Posted 30 August 2011 - 08:30 PM
-House of the Dead: Overkill
It's a great party game and has a lot of replay value since you have to play through it multiple times to unlock weapons.
I just re-bought Super Mario Galaxy to give it a 2nd chance. I tried it when it first came out and found it too difficult to judge where I was jumping resulting in constant frustration.
I also re-bought Super Paper Mario which I loved the 1st time I played it and wanted to add back to my collection.
#28 CAGiversary! CAGiversary! 3771 Posts Joined 6.6 Years Ago
Posted 31 August 2011 - 02:32 PM
Last year I sold every Wii game I had except one:
-House of the Dead: Overkill
It's a great party game and has a lot of replay value since you have to play through it multiple times to unlock weapons.
I just re-bought Super Mario Galaxy to give it a 2nd chance. I tried it when it first came out and found it too difficult to judge where I was jumping resulting in constant frustration.
I also re-bought Super Paper Mario which I loved the 1st time I played it and wanted to add back to my collection.
if u like overkill, then u will like resident evil UC and DC. Im stilling looking for darkside..........
#29 CAGiversary! CAGiversary! 85 Posts Joined 8.4 Years Ago
Posted 31 August 2011 - 02:50 PM
#30 What? CAGiversary! 21854 Posts Joined 10.7 Years Ago
Posted 31 August 2011 - 03:08 PM


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Christofle + LaCie USB Key
Another elegant thumb drive design – a collaboration with Christofle and LaCie
If you're like us you'll have seen some amazing USB thumb drives since they came into prominence in the early 2000s.
Well, as our lives become increasingly technologically driven, it's no surprise that they're progressing into fashion items. The latest little gem we've found is this beautiful drive from Paris silver brand Christofle and LaCie.
Like a small silver pebble, the thumb drive features a series of groves running across its surface which disguise the joint of the lid and USB.
A beautifully designed object in its own right, the Galet also holds 4GB of data, is small enough to slip in your pocket and can also be used as a keyring.


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To have an application considered for admission, all parts of the application (including transcripts and references) must be submitted by the deadline appropriate for your anticipated start date. The following deadlines should be observed: October 1 for spring semester admission; March 1 for summer session admission; June 1 for fall semester admission. Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.
KU utilizes the online Nursing Centralized Application Service (NursingCAS) for applicants to our degree programs. NursingCAS charges a $45 service fee for submitting the initial application. To apply, please complete the NursingCAS online application.
Please note that you will need to reference your transcripts while completing the course work section of the NursingCAS application. If you do not already have access to a student copy, you should request a personal copy prior to beginning the application.
Official transcripts from each institution attended (including the University of Kansas if applicable) must be submitted to NursingCAS using the NursingCAS transcript request form found on their website. Transcripts should be submitted as early as possible (at least 4-6 weeks before the application deadline) to allow time for NursingCAS to verify your application.
In addition to official transcripts, applicants to the KU School of Nursing are also required to submit three letters of recommendation directly to NursingCAS. Gather the names, titles, and email addresses of the three people from whom you wish to request references. References should be professional or academic. You should avoid asking personal friends or family members. Faculty, graduate teaching assistants, supervisors from work or volunteer experiences, or advisors/leaders from extracurricular or community activities would all be appropriate references.
Within days of your NursingCAS application being deemed complete, applicants will receive an email from the University of Kansas with instructions on how to complete the supplemental application. The supplemental application consists of a written interview where you will have the opportunity to tell us about the individual's background and experiences. The supplemental application includes a $60 application fee, separate from the NursingCAS processing fee.
Applications are not complete and will not be considered until both the NursingCAS application and the KU supplemental application have been completed. Again, please apply early to ensure that the entire application is complete prior to the deadline.
During the application process, your prior nursing coursework is evaluated through a portfolio review. Students may be awarded up to 34 credits, but are typically awarded 25 credits. Admission decisions are made by the Student Admission and Progression Committee prior to the beginning of each semester.
All applicants for study at the University of Kansas Medical Center whose native language is not English must demonstrate an established level of English language proficiency through either the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or the academic format of the IELTS (International English Language Testing System). The test must have been taken within two years of the first semester of enrollment. When submitting test scores to KUMC, please submit only original scores sent directly from the testing agency. Photocopies will not be accepted. For testing purposes, the ETS school code is 6895.
The University of Kansas School of Nursing
Office of Student Affairs
Mail Stop 2029
3901 Rainbow Blvd.
Kansas City, KS 66160
toll-free: 1-888-588-1619
E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com


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Let us know when your receive great advice so we can thank our lawyers and point others with similar questions in the right direction.Got it!
About 11 years ago, my mother had her thyroid removed. Just today at a routine doctor's visit with our family practice doctor, an x-ray was performed that revealed an strange metallic object in her larynx/throat region around the scar left behind for the original thyroid removal procedure. Apparently upon a theoretical pre-diagnosis to gastrointestinal issues regarding food digestion properly, this has never been revealed prior, re: the "strange object". This has caused a noticeable change in voice as well as an unexplained pain in that region for her. Nevertheless, while in admission to the hospital itself, I don't believe she was even aware of any other procedure that may have taken place nor do I believe she was coherent enough due to pain meds to understand any papers signed.
Consult a medical malpractice attorney ASAP to review the medical records and advise you if a claim can still be made.
Call for a free consultation at 727-937-1400 or visit us on the Web at www.serviceandjustice.com.Ask a similar question
In Alabama, for an action involving medical malpractice, the statute of limitations is two (2) years from the date of injury or six (6) months from the date of discovery not to exceed four (4) years. If a lawsuit is not filed within that time period, the claim becomes barred under Alabama law.Ask a similar question
Is this a foreign object? Are you asking if it extends the statute of limitations?Ask a similar question
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Page 35
Montfort Stokes was born near Petersburg, Virginia, on March 12, 1762. His family for four generations had been prominent
in the social and political affairs of the colony. Both his paternal and maternal ancestry have been traced back to prominent
families in England. In the Revolution he probably served as a privateer, although no official record of this service has
been found. From his thirteenth to his seventieth year he lived in North Carolina, in the towns of Halifax, Salisbury, and
Stokes held political appointments in North Carolina for forty-three years. He was clerk of Rowan County and the state senate
for thirty years. He was major-general in the state militia for a number of years but did not see active service in the War
of 1812. He served on commissions that settled the state's boundary disputes with South Carolina and Tennessee. He was prominent
in Masonic circles, holding at one time the office of Deputy Grand Master for the Grand Lodge of North Carolina. He was a
slave owner and traded extensively in land. In 1816 he went down from his mountain retreat to spend six years and three months
in the United States Senate. While never a crusader, he identified himself with the party known as the "War Hawks," "Young
Republicans" and "Loose Constructionists." In the struggle over the extension of slavery he voted in favor of the Missouri
Compromise. He was a moderate advocate of internal improvements. He was an ardent supporter of Thomas Jefferson and of Andrew
Jackson, his boyhood friend.
In state politics from 1826 to 1832, Stokes served two years each in the senate, the house and the governorship. He gave only
mild support to inflation in the state's finances, internal improvements, constitutional reform in the interest of fairer
representation from the West, and public school education. He favored a low tariff but opposed South Carolina's plan to nullify
a tariff act passed by Congress.
Much of Stokes' success was due to his social talents and his knowledge of practical politics. "He was of infinite wit and....and
rarely lost a friend by his railery." He seldom missed a political convention. Politics was his life work. After his twenty-third
year, there were only four years when he was not holding some
Page 36
public office. His official life covered fifty-three years. Thomas Ruffin said of him: "He is an old politician. That is a
character that is seldom in a hurry to get home; or that exhibits any anxiety but for popular favor. And when at home, they are of little use and do little else than be
served by their families."
Stokes resigned from the governorship on November 19, 1832, in order to accept an appointment by President Jackson as Chairman
of a Federal Indian Commission charged with the responsibility of supervising the settling of the Indians of the Southeast
in their new homes in Indian territory. He had made no study of the Indians, nor had he shown any special interest in them
other than to favor their removal from North Carolina. Jackson wished to reward a friend and repay a political leader who
had rendered potent service in his presidential campaigns of 1824, 1828, and 1832. "To the victor belong the spoils."
By an act of Congress on March 2, 1819, Arkansas Territory was established, embracing practically all that is now Oklahoma
and Arkansas. The civil government was confined to Arkansas; west of Arkansas was the Indian country, later known as Indian
The Indian Removal Bill, enacted by Congress on May 28, 1830,3 did not specifically order the removal of the Indians beyond the Mississippi River; but doubtless Congress thought they would
be removed. Some of the Southeastern states had determined to acquire the lands of the Indians within their borders. Jackson
was known to be sympathetic with these states when Congress gave him the power of dealing with the conflict between them and
the Indians.
Jackson lost no time in putting the Removal Bill into effect. He made several treaties dealing with the removal of the Indians,
or with the settlement of their boundary disputes.4
A large part of the Choctaws removed to Indian territory in 1831, 1832, and 1833; most of the remainder were removed by force
in 1836. Some of the Cherokees moved as a result of the fraudulent treaty of 1835; others were forced out in 1838 and 1839.
The re-
Page 37
moval of the Creeks to Indian territory was completed in 1836 and 1837. A few of the Seminoles migrated in 1833 and others
followed later; but it was not until 1856 that the government considered its work of removal finished. By 1840, sixty thousand
of the five civilized tribes had arrived in Indian territory.5
The request for a Federal Indian Commission came from the Creeks in Indian territory. They stated that they were far removed
from Washington and found it difficult to adjust themselves to the newly arrived Cherokees and other Indian nations. They
wished a strong commission on the ground in order that their problems might be quickly solved.6
President Jackson asked for authority to appoint a Commission and for an appropriation of $20,000 for salaries and expenses.
This request was granted by Act of Congress of July 14, 1832. On the same day commissions and instructions were mailed to
Governor Montfort Stokes, Governor William Carroll of Tennessee and Robert Vaux of Pennsylvania.7 Carroll and Vaux declined the appointments, but Stokes promptly accepted. At seventy years, an age when most men retire,
he was ready for the largest task of his life in the rough life of the wilderness. He requested time in which to prepare for
the meeting of the North Carolina legislature, instead of reaching Fort Gibson on October 1 as instructed.8 Reverend John J. Schermerhorm of Utica, New York, and Henry L. Ellsworth of Hartford, Connecticut, agreed to fill the other
places on the Commission. S.C. Stambaugh was appointed secretary.
The instructions given the Commission outlined the type of work to be done. They were to examine the new home of the Indians,
adjust difficulties arising over boundaries, report on methods used in removing the Indians and recommend changes, And suggest
a plan of government for the Indian country. The term of the Commission was to expire on July 14, 1834. They were instructed
to work in close harmony with Colonel A.P. Chouteau who had served as a wise councilor for years in the new territory.
Page 38
They were to have the protection of four companies of rangers under the command of Captain Jesse Bean. When stationed at one
place, they were to receive eight dollars per day; when travelling, they were to receive eight dollars for each twenty miles
Ellsworth arrived at Fort Gibson on October 8, 1832. On the journey to the West he was accompanied by Washington, Irving.
Irving accepted his invitation to visit Fort Gibson and to tour the prairies accompanied by the rangers: from this experience
was gathered much of the materials of Irving's book, A Tour of the Prairies. In December, Schermerhorn and Stambaugh arrived. On February 4, 1833, Stokes arrived on an Arkansas River steamboat.l0 Fort Gibson was erected by the War Department in 1824 near the present site of Muskogee, Oklahoma, on the Grand River not
far from its confluence with the Arkansas River. Like Irving, Stokes probably noted the "tolerably clear stream, neat look
of white fortifications, block-house...the culprits in pillory and riding the wooden horse."11
The first task of the Commission was that of adjusting the boundaries between the Creeks and the Cherokees. The government
erred in its treaty of 1828 in giving to the Cherokees some of the land it had already given to the Creeks. The Creeks had
built their homes and established farms on this land and naturally resented the encroachment of the Cherokees. Ten days after
Stokes arrived, treaties were concluded with these nations on February 14, 1833. The boundary agreed upon was surveyed by
Captain Nathan Boone, a son of Daniel Boone.12
The next problem concerned the Osage nation. The Osages had already given their oral agreement to move from their homes in
Missouri, Oklahoma and Arkansas to the barren lands of what is now the state of Kansas; the Commission was instructed to get
them to sign such an agreement in a formal treaty. The first con-
Page 39
ference was held forty miles up. the Grand River at the home of Colonel Chouteau. When the hungry Indians had consumed all
the food on hand, the conference moved to Fort Gibson. The appearance of six thousand half-starved Osages moved the heart
of Stokes to pity and probably laid the basis for much of his subsequent attitude toward the Indians. The Commission hoped
that the influence of Chouteau would bring the Osages to terms; but their leader replied that since the United States had
not kept its former treaties, they would not sign a new one. The Commission made another effort; the Osages were told that
if they would move to Kansas and adopt agriculture as a mode of living the government would supply $43,000 for the purchase
of the proper tools. A minority of the nation blocked the acceptance of this offer. The conference broke up in hopeless disagreement
on the second of April. The Osages showed their contempt for the authority of the government by killing a hundred Kiowas.13
The Commission reported to the government that they were able to bring a large delegation into conference because the Indians
were hungry; they had failed in making a treaty due to the fact that a third of the nation, under the leadership of Chief
Clermont, made such impossible demands that it was thought best not to force a treaty upon them in their divided state.14
Later in the year, Stokes assisted a special commission composed of Major F. W. Armstrong, General Arbuckle, General Dodge
and Colonel Chouteau in making a treaty with the Osage nation. Five years later Stokes said that this treaty would have preserved
"that nation from ruin...President Jackson rejected that treaty; but in the very sentence of rejection, he says that something
shall shortly be done for them.—Nothing has been done."15
During the conferences with the Osage nation, a delegation from the Seminoles arrived front Florida to investigate their proposed
home. On March 28 the Commission persuaded the delegation to sign a statement to the effect that they were satisfied with
the new country; this document was used by the government in its pressing demands for a treaty of removal on the part of the
whole nation. This action brought on the Second Seminole War, which lasted from 1835 to 1842.16
Stokes and Stambaugh were opposed to the removal of the Osage nation to worthless lands. Schermerhorn and Ellsworth were not
very sympathetic towards this nation. The result was
Page 40
friction amoung the commissioners. Cholera was widespread in the region south of Fort Gibson and several at the fort had died
of this disease. Because of the friction within the Commission and the presence of cholera or for some other reason, Schermerhorn,
Ellsworth, and Stambaugh returned to their homes in April and May. Stokes was left in charge of the work of the Commission.17
In the summer of 1833, Stokes and Ellsworth had been instructed to visit the St. Louis office of General William Clark, Superintendent
of Indian Affairs, and make a report of the type of work he was doing. While waiting for Ellsworth to reach St. Louis, Stokes
made an individual report. He complimented Clark upon the condition of his records. He said: "The office may be termed a bureau of information, not only relative to Indian affairs, but of much that pertains to the history of this Western country." He then turned aside
to a consideration of the work of the Commission. He had been busy and had not kept close watch on the funds appropriated
for the work; a rent check revealed that they had in one year spent more than the $20,000 appropriated for the two year term.
He said that: "I find a large portion of my own expenses unpaid...I deserve no indulgence on this behalf...but there are very
many objects of public interest that must be provided for."18
On August 15, 1833, in another report from St. Louis to Cass, Secretary of War, Stokes rejoiced to see in the papers that
the attempts of the government to persuade the Cherokees in North Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama to sign a treaty
of removal had failed. He thought that such a treaty would fail unless the Cherokees already in Indian territory were consulted
in advance. The wild Indians of the West could not trust paper treaties as do the civilized nations; therefore, the government
was urged to spend more money on presents in trying to bring them to terms. "Whenever the Indians receive a gratuity from
Government...they immediately evince a respect for that Government...To tell them that it is to their interest to be at peace
is to persuade them to give up a portion of their income obtained by plunder."19
Stokes was delayed in St. Louis by his customary summer illness, some sort of stomach trouble. As the cholera was spreading
in the city, Ellsworth became impatient and started toward Leavenworth where they had been instructed to make treaties with
the wild Indians. Stokes finally began the journey. Learning that Ellsworth had left Leavenworth and had gone farther into
the West, he turned back to Fort Gibson. That autumn Ellsworth endeavored to take some of the chiefs of the Pawnees and Comanches
to Fort Gibson
Page 41
for a conference. Stokes said that "he might as well attempt to collect last year's clouds as to collect the Pawnees and Comanchees
at this time...They are on the fall hunt; they are at war with the Delaware, the Shawnee, the Osage." Cass had suggested that
mounted troops might be sent into the wilderness to quell the Arab Indians, the Comanches and Pawnees; Stokes advised against
it on the ground that they would be unable to find them.20
It is evident that the government appreciated the work Stokes was doing in 1833. Cass wrote him that "I feel confidence in
your views and intentions...I take deep interest in the labors of your Commission, and look to the results as the ground work
of all our improvements in the condition of the Indians west of the Mississippi."21
In the autumn of 1833, Stokes gave the federal government his suggestions for a plan of government for the Indians. He advised
that the Indians west of the Mississippi be divided into a northern and a southern group; such a division would make it possible
for representatives of all the Indian nations to attend an annual conference. His suggestions were entitled "A Plan for the
Government of the Indians South of the Missouri River." He thought the government should appoint a citizen as governor, with
headquarters at the military post. The governor and the commander of the post, as "Sub-Dictators," would have absolute power
in emergencies; this plan would prevent a powerful Indian nation from crushing a weak one before the government could intervene.
According to this plan of government, each year the nations would send representatives to a national assembly; in this meeting
all intertribal activities and all the relations of the Indians to the United States would be handled. At these annual assemblies
the government would pay the Indians all their annuities. Stokes felt that this plan would prevent graft by government officials
and criticism from the Indians. When the national assembly was not in session, a supreme court composed of three neutral chiefs
would handle disputes between the nations. All the internal affairs of each nation would be handled by its own government.
The purpose of the plan was to help the Indians. He said:
During the seven years I was in the Senate of the United States, whenever an Indian treaty was presented for confirmation,
the first inquiry was, how much land have we acquired? What did it cost? and what is it worth?
In the future he hoped that Senators would ask, "For whose benefit was it purchased? The answer to this question must be—We
purchased it for the benefit and comfort of our red brethren: we have given it to them without money and without price." He
Page 42
ed the hope that for years to come the government would furnish the Indians with the tools of agriculture.22
For several years the soldiers at Fort Gibson had complained of the climate and the loneliness of their situation. There was
frequent appeal to the government to remove the garrison to Fort Smith in Arkansas. Schermerhorn and Ellsworth recommended
that the petition be granted. Stokes filed a minority report, opposing removal on the grounds that Fort Gibson was situated
at the head of steamboat navigation and at the point where the militia was needed to control the Indians. Stokes' recommendation
was accepted by the government. The fort was torn down and a new one built on the old site. In 1857 the garrison was finally
removed to Fort Smith.23
The term of the Commission expired on July 14, 1834; but Stokes remained on the ground. In September General Leavenworth took
a detachment of five hundred dragoons into the far Southwest in order to impress the wild Indians. Although Stokes was seventy-two
years old, he accompanied the expedition and returned in good health; many of the soldiers and a few of the Indians died from
fever and General Leavenworth died from an accident.24 One of the Indians offered as an explanation of the numerous fatalities that he had seen poison issuing from the glasses
of the old man, Governor Stokes.25 As a result of this expedition, approximately one hundred and fifty leaders of the wild Indians were brought back to Port
Gibson for a conference. As an unofficial participant, Stokes gave many presents to the Indians and offered the benefit of
his experience. Major Armstrong, Commissioner of Indian Affairs for Indian territory, who presided at the conference told
the Indians that he had no authority to conclude a treaty, but that he would advise the President to make a treaty with them
the following summer.
In 1835 Stokes wasp appointed chairman of a new Federal Indian Commission. General Arbuckle and Major Armstrong were the other
members. Stokes had merited the praise of the government and shown his interest by remaining on the ground; he probably was
assisted by influential friends in the East who wrote in his behalf to the secretary of war.26 The Commission was in-
Page 43
structed to promote amicable relationships between the Comanche, Kiowa and "other wandering tribes west of the state of Missouri
and the Territory of Arkansas and other predatory tribes roaming along our western border and the United States and between
these tribes and other nations of Indians in that region."
In May of 1835, an attempt was made to hold a conference with the Arab Indians at Fort Gibson; but as most of the Indians
were engaged in hunting excursions, this effort was a failure. Colonel Dodge previously had promised the Comanches that the
conference would be held in their territory; to appease this nation the Commission agreed to meet the Indians at Camp Holmes
lodge situated on the Canadian River near the present location of Lexington. Oklahoma. Armstrong died at his home before the
conference met. On August 6, Stokes and Arbuckle began the long trip of one hundred and fifty miles. Reports were brought
back to the fort that Stokes was at the point of death in a camp erected along the way. But this seventy-three year old man
presided over the conference, acted as secretary, did most of the work, and made the one hundred and fifty mile return trip
in good health. At Camp Holmes leaders of the Creeks, Cherokees and other civilized nations met those from the Arab peoples.
A treaty was made which was of great help to the white traders and hunters as well as to the Indians. The Indians guaranteed
safety to the Americans travelling to and from Santa Fe; the civilized Indians were allowed to hunt as far as the jurisdiction
of the United States extended. This was the first treaty in which the wild Indians recognized the authority of the United
States. Unfortunately some of the wild tribes left before the conference was over and had to be dealt with later.27
According to Stokes' report the government was at times careless of its financial obligations to its agents. On July 14, 1835,
he wrote the Secretary of War that he had received no pay for the past year; he said that he was drawing a draft on the Department
for $1,000 of his salary and expressed the hope that it would be honored.
In the summer of 1836 C.A. Harris was appointed Commissioner of Indian Affiars, in the place of Herring. Stokes congratulated
himself and the Indians upon the change. He wrote Harris that "Matters may be better but they cannot possibly be worse. I
have learned not to complain." He then referred to his illness and complained of numerous grievances.28 He later wrote Harris that the things he said were not to be laid to "any intention to offend any officer of the government,
but a temper soured by
Page 44
sickness and disappointment." He referred to his enormous amount of work and the difficult requirements made of him. He had
no clerical help. The government required him to have certain papers witnessed before a Justice of the Peace or a Court of
Record, a requirement which called for a trip of fifty miles into Arkansas. He added,
Gentlemen, I tell you that many of your requirements are not suited to the conditions of the Indian country; and you may dismiss
me; but in twenty successors you will not find one who will say otherwise...I throw myself on your mercy and forebearance
and implore your advice and assistance.
He described his office which was also his bedroom; it was fourteen by sixteen feet in size. He had one small letter-case.
The papers of the four Indian nations were piled high in four corners of the room.29
Major Chouteau spent the winter of 1835-1836 in rounding up the wild Indians who had left before the treaty of 1835 at Camp
Holmes had been signed. They promised to meet Stokes and Arbuckle in conference at Fort Gibson in the spring of 1836, but
they broke this promise. The Comanche chief was angry because the treaty of Camp Holmes allowed the Osages, Creeks, Cherokees,
Choctaws, and other nations to hunt on Comanche land. Another source of difficulty was the strife between Texas and Mexico;
each side was trying to win the support of the Southwestern Indians, with the result that lage groups of the Indians were
in a continuous state of excitement.30
In the summer of 1836, Stokes was requested by the government to appraise the property of the abandoned stations of the American
Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions in the territory of the Cherokees. Both these stations, "Unity" and "Harmony,"
had been abandoned sixteen years before this. In the treaty of 1833 the government had promised that these properties should
be purchased and turned over to the Cherokees. Stokes, although ill at the time, complied with this request. He expected that
the government would make some sort of additional remuneration. When this request was denied, he urged Arbuckle to use his
influence with the government; but that official said that he was powerless to help.31
From 1836 to 1837, while still chairman of the Federal Indian Commission, Stokes was also sub-agent for a group of nations,
the Cherokees, Senecas, Shawnees, Quapaws, Osages and the mixed
Page 45
group of Seneca-Shawnee peoples. His salary was only $750. His bedroom continued to be used as an office. In March and April
of 1837 he travelled a total of six hundred miles in order to deliver the annuities to these Indians. He was ill on the trip
and said that pit was a "disagreeable and disgusting business and such a one as I hope never again to be called upon to repeat."
He complained of having to live six miles from the fort and of having to visit the fort three times some days to confer with
the officials. He said that he had to "dance attendance" upon a second lieutenant in charge of disbursements and that as a
result he lost face with the Indians.32
Stokes' agitation finally bore fruit. In 1837 he was appointed full agent to the Cherokees for a term of four years at a salary
of $1500. He was instructed to occupy the agency quarters ten miles east of Fort Gibson. He presented to the government plans
for quarters fifty-two by twenty feet in size, but the money was denied him. Instead, he borrowed $2,200 and purchased a log
house. This building contained two rooms twelve by sixteen feet; also a kitchen and smoke-house.33
The Cherokees left in Stokes' possession their wills, deeds, bills of sale and guardian's bonds. He said that he was the sole
guardian of written evidence of property amounting to over one hundred thousand dollars in value. This property belonged to
"widows and orphans and other legatees; who but for this precaution might and would have their papers destroyed and the evidence
of ownership left to the uncertain recollection of individuals as formerly."34
The Kiowa, Kataka, Wichita, and Tawakoni Indians were among the groups who were not represented in the 1835 conference of
Camp Holmes. In 1837 Major Chouteau finally brought representatives of these nations to Fort Gibson for a conference. Arbuckle
had gone East. Stokes and Chouteau persuaded these nations to sign a treaty similar to that made at Camp Holmes; they made
an additional agreement to indemnify the white traders for robberies they had committed. This treaty brought nearly all the
Prairie Indians into harmonious relations with themselves, with the civilized Indians, and with the citizens of the United
States.35 Having completed its task, the Commission was dissolved.
Page 46
In 1836 and 1837 the United States transported 10,000 Creeks and 5,400 Chickasaws from the southeast to Indian territory.
Contracts for supplying these nations with food were left with dealers in New Orleans and Cincinnati. Boatloads of provisions
were unloaded at Camp Coffee and Fort Gibson in such large amounts that they began to spoil. The War Department was in a quandary
and asked Stokes to persuade the Cherokees to accept part of this food in lieu of the annuities due them. The Cherokees refused
to comply with this request. Stokes reported to Captain Armstrong, Superintendent of Indian Affairs, the attitude of the Cherokees.
Believing that Stokes had only half-heartedly attempted to persuade the Indians, Armstrong forwarded Stokes' letter to Commissioner
Harris of the Indian office. Harris criticized Stokes vigorously, stating that he was in the "habit of disrespect towards
his superiors." Stokes answered this criticism by reminding Harris of his support of Presidents Jackson and Van Buren. He
humbly wrote that he had meant no disrespect; as soon as he had written to Armstrong he had visited the Cherokees and endeavored
to persuade them to accept the food. He thought it was his duty to inform the authorities of the situation in the West; it
appeared that the government preferred to get its information from the outside. The only superior to whom he had shown disrespect
was Herring, and he thought that this was justifiable. He added that,
Sir, I have spent more than forty-five years in the service of the United States and in that of the state of North Carolina
in higher stations than I now have. . . This is the first mark of disapprobation...If I am dismissed, you will have gotten
rid of a veteran of the American Revolution whose public acts you will have been the first to censure...You will pardon me
for speaking freely upon this as upon all other subjects. —I am of great age and it matters little to myself or the Government
what becomes of me but I will say in respect of my public employments that my heart shall never reproach me as long as I live.
I may never [not always] do right, but I will never wilfully do wrong.36
At the request of the Indian office Stokes called together representatives of the Cherokees, Senecas and Quapaws at the home
of Chief Jolli and endeavored to help them work out more peaceful relationships with each other; but his efforts met with
During 1838 the Cherokees were arriving in large numbers; Stokes wrote the Indian office that he felt under obligation to
go beyond his instructions in serving them. He asserted that
I have written over two hundred powers of attorney in the past three weeks claiming arrearages for lost property...I know
it is not my business to write all these. However as the Commissioner of Indian Affairs does not seem to be satisfied with
my conduct, I am determined that the other party, the Indians, shall have no cause to complain.
Page 47
He also reminded his superiors that in securing the annuities for the Indians he was compelled to make frequent round trips
of twenty miles to Fort Gibson.38
In 1838 trouble arose between the merchants of Arkansas and the American traders at Fort Gibson. The paper money in circulation
in the cities was less sound than the silver which circulated freely in Indian territory. Hence these traders came to trade
with the Indians at the agency and with the garrison at Fort Gibson. Stokes reported that this trade conflicted with that
of the merchants across the line in Arkansas. The merchants complained to Washington, and the War Department issued an order
forbidding the traders from dealing with the Indians or the citizens at Fort Gibson. In this controversy, Stokes and the Indians
supported the traders.
In the summer of 1838 Stokes made a report to the government which gives us a page out of his life story at this time. He
was suffering from his customary "summer bowel complaint" but kept busy even when in bed. He wrote of appointing blacksmiths,
wheelwrights, wagon makers, and interpreters and of his regret that the delay in sending the school funds had closed the Cherokee
The Cherokees, as the most aggressive nation among the Indians, requested Stokes to call ten other nations to meet them in
conference in order "to renew the friendship of the fathers." The citizens at Fort Gibson became unduly alarmed. Colonel Mason
ordered out the troups from Jefferson barracks and from Fort Leavenworth and warned the governors of Tennessee and Arkansas
to be ready for an "insurrection of the Indians." Stokes wrote the government that he was present at the conference, that
there was no cause for the alarm, and that Colonel Mason had ignored him and had wounded the feelings of the Cherokees.40
In November, 1838, the United States Minister to Texas reported to the Secretary of State that the Cherokees and other Indians
were planning to attack Texas. Stokes was asked by the government to check the report. He replied that "There is not a word
of truth in the statement." He said that if Texas would care for its own Indians it need not fear those of the United States.41
In 1839 two-thirds of the Cherokees were arriving in their new homes in the West. Under the leadership of Stokes, they held
Page 48
a conference with the one-third of the nation who were already on the ground. The larger group endeavored to merge with the
smaller group. The minority refused to merge, and the majority drew up its own constitution and form of government. Illness
prevented Stokes from attending all the conferences held by the two groups.42
On March 7, 1840, Stokes was removed from office as Cherokee Agent. General Arbuckle was instructed to place the Indian country
under martial law and take over the Cherokee Agency. In September, Stokes asked for the names of his accusers and for a list
of the charges made against him.43 After losing his office, he planned to build a log house under the walls of Fort Gibson and make his living as, a trader
or merchant.44 These plans were interrupted by his being restored to his office as agent for the Cherokees. The authorities at Washington
later complained that he had failed to make his reports for several quarters. He apologized for his negligence, saying that
his records had become disarranged while he was out of office.45
At the end of Stokes' term as Cherokee agent, he was superseded by Governor Pierce M. Butler of South Carolina. In the same
mail which brought Stokes the news that he would not be reappointed to the Cherokee agency, there was a commission appointing
him Register in the Land Office at Fayetteville, Arkansas. Stokes replied that he was not familiar with the duties of the
new office and asked to be allowed to continue in his former office. He wrote that:
I know that no man ought to address a public functionary on the score of friendship or former acquaintance, and to expect
thereby to obtain a favorable consideration of his claims for redrefs of what he may consider as grievances. But I know of
no other mode of making my pretensions understood, but by referring to transactions in which I have had a conspicuous share.
I was in the public service, either in the land or sea service, during the whole of the Revolutionary War, from 1775 to 1783,
and am among the last of those that remain of that clafs. After the close of the War in 1783, I remained in North Carolina,
in various public appointments, until December, 1816, when I took my seat in the Senate of the United States for seven sessions,
(one Short session to fill a vacancy and six years under a new Election)...After retiring from Congress, I was occasionally
in the Legislature of North Carolina, and President of the Board of visitors at West Point, until 1831, when I was elected
Governor of North Carolina and served 1831 and 1832.—I was then appointed at the head of the Commifsion of Indian Affairs
West...After having trespafsed so long on your patience, I have now come to the object of this letter. —Some time ago I received
a letter from the War Office notifying me that Pierce M. Butler was appointed Cherokee Agent,
Page 49
and directing me to deliver the Cherokee Books, papers and property to him. By the same mail I received a Commission as Register
of the Land office at Fayetteville, Washington County, Arkansas. Now it is not my wish to be in the way of any man; but as
Mr. Butler has not yet come, and may decline the office, I beg leave to submit my humble Claim to the office of the Agency,
with the duties of which I am acquainted, in preference to accepting the office of Register of the Land Office, to the duties
of which I am a stranger. I am perfectly satisfied that my removal had not been sought by either the Treaty or Ridge party;
the old party, of first settlers; or the new Emigrants, or Rofs party.—My most influential friends are among them all, and
I have seen them all a few weeks ago, as most of them called on me in going or returning from the annual Council in October
last.—If it should not be deemed inconsistent with the views and interests of the Government to continue an old Revolutionary
Veteran in his former office for a short time, I shall be thankful; in as much as my long stay in the Cherokee Nation has
caused me businefs which it will take me some time to settle to my satisfaction. I now again beg pardon for trefspafsing on
your valuable time on matters relating to myself.46
Spencer wrote Stokes that his letter had been presented to President John Tyler. President Tyler sent word that he wished
Stokes "comfort in your declining age, after long and valuable active service"; but he thought it wise to have a "more active
man" in so difficult a position. He had given Stokes a place "not less honorable" than he had formerly filled; and Governor
Butler had already arrived in Indian territory.47
In evaluating Stokes' work in Indian territory justice requires that the complexity of the problems faced and the inefficiency
of the government be taken into account. To act as father and peacemaker to five civilized nations of Indians who had been
forced to migrate to a new land inhabited by savage peoples was no small task; to bring the savage nations into relations
of peace with each other, with the civilized Indians and with the American citizens was harder yet.
John Quincy Adams accused President Jackson of brutality and dishonesty in his dealings with the Indians.48 Others criticized Van Buren and Tyler on the same grounds. In response to public opinion the government finally appointed
Major-General Ethan Allen Hitchcock as investigator, with instructions to report on what he found in the way of cruelty and
fraud in the removal of
Page 50
the Indians. Hitchcock visited Indian territory in 1841. He filed with the secretary of war a report to which were attached
a hundred exhibits. Congressional committees sought access to this report as a basis for remedial and punitive measures; these
requests were refused on the ground that too many friends of the administration were involved. The report is missing from
the files of the Office of Indian Affairs; the presumption is that it was destroyed. The destruction of this report probably
justifies some of Stokes' criticisms of the government. He probably was acting as a wise statesman in suggesting that the
annuities be paid publicly in the presence of the chiefs of all the Indian nations and in asking for regulations that would
"fit the Indian country."
No one has accused Stokes of neglecting the Indians. He was looked upon as the leading authority on Indian affairs in the
Southwest, being made chairman of each commission on which he served. Neither illness nor fear of smallpox or cholera drove
him from his duty. In his old age he forsook what comforts were available in his lodgings and took to the saddle in rain and
sun. His motives were not mercenary; his annual salary ranged from $750 to $2,400.00 the average being nearer the smaller
sum. In 1835 the government allowed the Commission $10,000 for expenses and presents for the Arab Indians. After the conference,
$420 remained; it was possibly on the advice of Armstrong and Arbuckle that Stokes kept this sum, hoping that the government
would let it apply on his expense while doing other tasks for the government. When criticized for this action, he did not
make a fight to keep the money until his account with the government was adjusted, but suggested that it might be withheld
from his salary.
In 1841 he reported to the Office of Indian Affairs that while agent for the Cherokees he did nearly all the work and often
went without pay. He added, "Since I am dismissed from my station and need everything which is just (and I asked no more)
will you be good enough to let me know if I have anything to expect." While out of office, he could have gone East to the
comforts of his home; instead he kept his face set toward the Southwest.
It is doubtless true that during the last two years of his life he was inefficient, due to illness and old age. When he was
finally retired in favor of Governor Butler, his papers were still disarranged; an additional year in office had not brought
order gut of chaos. It was probably with mingled feelings of sympathy and reproof that a younger official took Stokes' papers
from his deserted quarters to Fort Gibson and attempted to set them in order.
With the exception of these last two years Stokes seemed alert to his opportunities and duties. He wrote hundreds of pages
in reporting to the Indian office; he did not hesitate to go beyond the Indian office and appeal at times directly to the
Secretary of War,
Page 51
a course of action which brought him into conflict with his superiors. The recommendations of the Commission, which served
from 1832 to 1834, were made the basis of many bills introduced into Congress before Stokes' death, none of which was passed;
but his personal reports, and in particular his "Plan for the Government of the Indians South of the Missouri River," had
some influence in the later government of the Indian country.
During his first eight years in Indian territory, Stokes performed the most efficient service of his life. The Indians appreciated
him fully. If he was moved too much by sympathy, the government erred more deeply in permitting fraud and cruelty towards
a weaker people. He may have been careless in the handling of appropriations; but if the government had given the support
he deserved, the solution of the Indian question would have been advanced by a generation. The public school forces of Oklahoma
correctly pay him tribute when they show the school children his monument at Fort Gibson.
Stokes' work was really finished in 1841, when he declined to accept the appointment to the Land Office in Arkansas. On September
8,1842, he was appointed sub-agent for the Senecas, Shawnees and Quapaws. He was too frail to travel to his new post and died
on November 4, 1842. The obituary notice stated that, "Although far from any kindred, he received during his last illness
all the kind attention that children would bestow upon a father. His last hours were soothed by the presence of many of his
friends and his exit was without a struggle." The place of his death is uncertain; the best evidence available shows that
it was probably at the Cherokee agency on Bayou Menard.49
Neither religious nor Masonic ritual was mentioned in connection with his funeral. On November 6, a company of dragoons, under
the command of Captain Nathan Boone, gave him a military interment. Colonel Arbuckle also participated in the service. The
place of interment is unknown. He was probably buried in the grounds of the Cherokee Agency or in the military post burying
ground a quarter of a mile east of Fort Gibson.50
Following the interment, the citizens of the vicinity held a meeting at Fort Gibson and drew up resolutions of respect. A
copy was sent to the family and another was published in the Arkansas Gazette on December 7.
Page 52
The Muskogee Territory Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, on March 23, 1925, dedicated to Stokes a striking monument,
situated on a hill overlooking his first office in the log fort at Fort Gibson, his headquarters for so many years.51
A movement has been started by prominent citizens in Oklahoma to name a government-owned lake in honor of Governor Stokes
as a fitting memorial to one of the state's constructive pioneers.52
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text:
You can quickly scrape Web pages in a rough manner with the Lynx Browser and grep (and other tools that will be explained in the near future). Lynx is able to dump the contents of Web pages in two ways: only the text of the page, or the entire HTML source of the page.
Lynx can be used with the -dump option to dump the text and links from a Web page in the terminal. That output can then be piped into the grep command, which can extract the URLs or other information.
Sometimes you will end up with a list of URLs that you would like to check the HTTP response codes on. You might have 200 pages that are sending Google a 302 redirect header and you would like to check them all at once.
This very rough example reads a list of URLs from a file, fetches their HTTP response codes and redirect location, and prints them to the screen:
while read inputline
url="$(echo $inputline)"
headers="$(lynx -dump -head $url | grep -e HTTP -e Location)"
echo "$url $headers"
sleep 2
done < filename.txt
It is a rough script because the Location field of the headers returned by Lynx sometimes spans two lines. (I'm going to fix that problem soon.)
The sleep command tells the script to pause for 2 seconds between requests. It is optional, but if I am requesting a lot of URLs from one site, I usually pause between requests so that it doesn't make the server do too much work at once.
The basic syntax for processing a file line-by-line in the shell is:
while read inputline
[some commands here]
done < [input filename]
I found a script from the book Wicked Cool Shell Scripts that quickly extracts useful data from Apache log files.
I'm not sure what license the script is under so I can't reprint it here, but it's worth checking out.
The power of Unix-based operating systems (including GNU/Linux, BSD, and Mac OS X) is that you can pipe terminal commands together and write scripts with them.
Piping commands means to send the output of one command to the input of the next command. An example would be to use the grep command to find all of the lines in a logfile that contain the text Googlebot and then send those lines to the wc command to count them:
grep 'Googlebot' | wc -l
The output would be the number of lines that contain the text Googlebot.
Series of commands can also be put into scripts and reused. See below for a list of resources for learning about shell scripting.
IIS logs are often configured to output the filename in one column and the query string in the following column. An example of a line from an IIS log is shown below, with a highlighted filename and query string:
2006-10-19 00:22:41 22.214.171.124 - nnn.nnn.nn.nnn 80 GET /products.aspx item=12345 404 0 Mozilla/5.0+(compatible;+Googlebot/2.1;++http://www.google.com/bot.html) - -
Unfortunately, the default settings on IIS do not seem to output the actual full URLs requested. It may be useful to get a list of URLs that were accessed by Google in order to process them further.
The following one-liner does the following:
(NOTE: I've used backslashes to escape the end of the line — the following is a one-liner, but because of this Web page's formatting, I'm displaying it on multiple lines.)
grep [[:space:]]404[[:space:]] se_access.txt | \
cut -d' ' -f8,9 | \
awk '{ print "http://www.example.com"$1"?"$2}' | \
sed 's/\?-//g' > 404_errors.txt
The final result is a file named 404_errors.txt that contains a list of URLs that are being requested on a site by search engines that don't exist. The example above would take the following line from an IIS log:
2006-10-19 00:22:41 126.96.36.199 - nnn.nnn.nn.nnn 80 GET /products.aspx item=12345 404 0 Mozilla/5.0+(compatible;+Googlebot/2.1;++http://www.google.com/bot.html) - -
and convert it to the following line:
A list of URLs that send 404s is very useful for debugging sites. The list of URLs can be processed further as needed.
This section contains actual techniques that can be used to analyze search engine activity on a Web site. As mentioned elsewhere, these definitely work on GNU/Linux (in my case, Ubuntu 6.06), but should also work on BSD, Mac OS X, and even Windows (with Cygwin). For best results, use a Unix-based operating system for these techniques and not Windows.
This is an ongoing project and many more pages will be added to this section soon. If you have any script recipes to add, leave a comment, or send me an email. The primary focus is on basic shell scripting, but scripts in Ruby, Python, PHP, Perl and other languages may also be added.
The wc is useful for counting lines in a file. In the case of log files, it can count hits. The -l option will print out the number of lines.
wc -l access.log
You can also use it on multiple files — in the following case, on all files with a .log extension:
wc -l *.log
The sort command sorts output.
The uniq command only returns unique lines.
See the GNU/Linux command line tutorial for detailed instructions. Or, type man sort or man uniq in a terminal.
Awk is a text processing language. For more information about awk, type man awk in a terminal. Awk is a great tool that will be covered in more detail later.
For an introduction, try this Awk tutorial. If using the GNU version of Awk (gawk), you can download the manual. If you are using GNU/Linux you are probably using gawk.


text:
PROJECT Contact
Medicinal Herbs for Commerce Project
455 Research Drive
Fletcher, NC 28732
Want to know more about our program?
Contact our Program Coordinator; Amy Hamilton
phone: 828-684-3562 Extension 157
email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Extension Agent Contacts
If you are a grower interested in medicinal herb production, try contacting your county Extension office for guidance. Over the past several years, The Medicinal Herbs for Commerce Project has conducted several trainings on medicinal herbs geared toward Extension personnel. The following agents, listed by County, have attended such a training and have resources to assist growers who may be interested.
Ashe County
Richard Boylan
Caldwell County
Craig Adkins
Allen Caldwell
Chatham County
Debbie Roos
Cumberland County
Emily Revels
Davidson County
Amy Lynn Albertson
Davie County
Colleen Sparks
Durham County
Paul McKenzie
Franklin County
Cedric Jones
Tracy Perry
Gaston County
Mark Blevins
Guilford County
Wick Wickliffe
Haywood County
Tim Mathews
Henderson County
Diane Ducharme
Julie Sizemore
Jackson County
Christine Bredenkamp
Steps: 1 2 3 4 5
Printable pdf versions: 1 2 3 4 5
back to NC
Specialty Crops website


text:
Arson was just the tip of the iceberg. For years the company had been inflating its sales and inventory figures; the latter allowing the company to increase line of credit borrowings. In the end, shareholders lost millions, and some company executive faced jail sentences. This was a true "fat tail" event, but hindsight showed some warning signs that I'd ignored, and the lessons learned have altered my investment philosophy. I'd purchased shares of Allou because it was a net/net, but I'd ignored the quality of the balance sheet. The current assets were comprised mainly of receivables and inventories; there was little cash. In my future purchases of net/nets I required higher levels of cash and short-term securities, and discounted the value of inventories and receivables. As investors, we all make mistakes; the important thing is to try and learn from those mistakes.
Ironically, just last week, I received a check from the Allou class action lawsuit, nearly 11 years after the company went up in smoke literally. Proceeds were less than 50 cents per share, but in total it would have been enough to cover several trips to that Chinese buffet restaurant. Unfortunately, that went up in smoke too. "Fat tail" events will happen; be prepared. As an investor, that means avoiding portfolio concentration, and spreading the risk; across companies and asset classes.


text:
Time Schedule:
Barbara Citko
Seattle Campus
Introduction to an area of linguistic study not covered by the regular departmental course offerings.
Class description
LING 480 Topics in Linguistics: Language Universals
This course will be an introduction to universal grammar, language universals, and linguistic typology. It will explore in detail the following issues:
· what counts as a possible (and impossible) human language?
· what is universal to all languages?
· what is subject to crosslinguistic variation?
· how can we explain the patterns of variation found in the world's languages?
· how can we explain the lack of certain linguistic patterns or certain language types?
Requirements: thoughtful completion of reading and homework assignments, and a short term paper on a topic related to the course.
Textbook: Comrie, Bernard (1989). Language universals and linguistic typology: Syntax and morphology (2nd edition). Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
Recommended preparation
Introduction to Linguistics (or the equivalent)
Class assignments and grading


text:
News & Events
Feature Story
Researcher: Long Lines Hurt Sales
June 25, 2013
There are very few people who would tell you they like to stand in line. However, recent research from Duke University's Fuqua School of Business and Columbia Business School using video analysis from Scopix Solutions proves just how much retailers stand to lose when customers perceive a long wait.
Fuqua marketing professor Andres Musalem was part of a team that analyzed video from a supermarket in Latin America to determine how customers reacted when they spotted long lines. The results are in the paper "Measuring the Effect of Queues on Customer Purchases," published in the journal Management Science. The full paper can be found here.
Professor Musalem explains more about the findings in a Fuqua Q and A.
1. What made you want to study this particular area of retail?
Retailers need to make many different decisions, such as figuring out the right products to offer, pricing, whether to promote products, and the level of service to give to customers. Typically, good decisions come from good information. When thinking about prices, promotions, and assortments retailers have access to large amounts of data.
However, when thinking about customer service levels, the picture is remarkably different. For example, most of the time retailers don't know how long each customer has waited. We may have information about the customers' purchases, but not about the number of minutes that he or she might have been standing in line. Without this information, it becomes very difficult to understand whether or not customers are waiting too long and therefore make any recommendations about whether the service should be improved.
2. Tell us briefly how you used video to determine how customers would react to lines.
The very unique opportunity was getting access to data collected via digital cameras. Scopix Solutions placed the cameras inside a large supermarket. These cameras captured short videos every 30 minutes used to measure the length of lines. Combining this information with loyalty card data that tracks the purchases of customers over several months, we were able to study how waiting in line affects customers' buying behavior, which is a crucial piece of information to determine the right service level offered to customers.
A key decision was to select a section of the store to be tracked. One could intuitively consider the check out section as the most obvious unit of analysis. However, think of a customer with a shopping cart full of groceries that is ready to join a checkout line. That customer is probably already committed to go through the line and might not care about the amount of time needed to wait before paying. With that in mind, we considered the deli counter because customers clearly have an easier time choosing not to buy deli products. They can always choose to leave the store without buying anything during that visit, perhaps buy on another day, or get prepackaged products instead of fresh ones. Using videos we measured the number of people waiting in line and the number of employees working behind the counter, which is a measure of the speed of service. We were then able to relate these service levels to data on customer purchases, with the goal of understanding how changes in the waiting experience affect buying behavior.
3. Based on this data, what makes consumers join a line and buy a product?
Intuitively, a customer's decision to join a line depends on the number of people waiting and how fast it moves. In terms of the latter, this is related to how many employees are working behind the counter. For example, a line with 10 customers and one employee leads to much longer waiting times than a line with 10 customers and five employees. What we found is that customers react much more to the length of the line, than to the number of employees working behind the counter.
4. What implications does this have for retailers?
This actually has important implications that may run contrary to the common wisdom about how to design a waiting system. Two very different options are the pooled system and the split system. The pooled system is one where all customers join a single line which is served by multiple employees. The split system is one where customers join different lines, each of which is served by a different employee. This last system (split) has typically been regarded as a less efficient option, since there might be times in which one of the multiple lines is empty and therefore a free employee loses the opportunity to serve customers from other lines (if customers are not willing or able to switch lines).
This frequent recommendation of favoring the pooled system instead of the split one is extremely intuitive. However, in many contexts the pooled system may not be the best option. This is particularly relevant when customers have a choice and can therefore decide not join a line and hence not make a purchase. In fact, a pooled system which makes all consumers join the same line, leads to a single long line rather than multiple short ones. This single long line may in turn make customers less likely to join and make a purchase.
5. Should all retailers stay away from combining lines into a single one?
Not really. What we argue is that if a retailer switches from multiple lines to a single one, the retailer may need to provide information to customers explaining that even though the single line may look longer, it moves much faster.
6. Your results indicate that if the line gets longer, regardless of the number of employees serving it, sales may drop. How large is this impact?
The answer changes depending on length. We found that if the line is sufficiently short (0-9 customers) there is a very small impact on whether other customers might choose to join. On the other hand, a change from 10 to 15 customers in line, for example, may reduce the chances of another customer joining that line by roughly 30%.
7. Are all customers affected equally by the length of lines?
Clearly not. Some customers (typically the more price sensitive ones) have a much weaker reaction to waiting times. Other customers (the less price sensitive ones) have a much stronger reaction. In simple terms, we can think of two extreme segments: some customers care much more about prices while others care much more about the waiting experience.
8. What does this research mean for retailer promotions?
Suppose that the retailer decides to run a promotion lowering the price of an inexpensive product. This product is appealing to price sensitive customers. Therefore we will see more demand for this inexpensive product, making the line longer. Now consider the price insensitive customers who are interested in a more expensive product. They don't care much about prices, but they do care about waiting. Therefore, with a longer line the retailer risks losing the customers who prefer expensive products and shorter lines.
What we see is a case where we start with two products that are apparently independent from each other. However, the fact that they are sold behind the same counter combined with the existence of different customer segments, makes these two products highly interrelated. So, the moral of the story is that retailers need to be very careful when setting prices for products that may seem independent. By virtue of being sold in the same section these products have strong interrelations with each other.
Musalem conducted the research with Yina Lu and Marcelo Olivares from Columbia Business School and Ariel Schilkrut from Scopix Solutions.