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There was an excellent interview in the Chronicle yesterday of former Chairman Freddy Shepherd, and while we've been critical of Freddy in the past, that was on the financial side of things, and you cannot say he didn't want to make Newcastle into a successful football club on the field.
Freddy Shepherd – when Newcastle Chairman
And unfortunately the opposite seems to be true with Mike Ashley, since the Billionaire has done a great job on the financial side of things, but we are nowhere near being as successful on the field as we were under Freddy Shepherd, who spent money we didn't have, to get Newcastle into the Champions League.
And you can never accuse Freddy of not having great ambitions for the club – and the opposite is true with Mike Ashley – top ten is as good as it gets.
But one of the big problems when Freddy was Chairman is that we kept changing managers – much like Sunderland have done recently – and that's never good, because you get so much churn of the players, and it's hard to build a decent and stable side – and it wastes a lot of money too – as Sunderland are finding out.
Freddy was Chairman from December of 1997 through June of 2007, and we had the following managers in that time – Kenny Dalglish, Ruud Gullit, Sir Bobby Robson, Graeme Souness, Glenn Roeder and Sam Allardyce – six managers in less than ten years.
And Freddie sacked all but Sam Allardyce – who had just been appointed when Ashley bought the club – and Ashley sacked him seven months later.
It turns out a lot of the things Freddy says in the interview seem to be spot on – here's some of what he said:
"You want to be as high as possible in the league for two things – firstly for the glory and secondly for the money." "Each position you are in you get more money, the money is a lot more now."
"Financially the club are in a great position because Mike is a billionaire. There is no doubt money-wise there are any problems there."
"He does run a tight ship, though." "Sometimes you have to let the reins go a bit and relax a bit." "Financially he has done a great job."
"You have to face the music." "There are a lot of hard decisions to make because you are dealing with people's lives." "Newcastle United are very important to a lot of people."
"The welder, the bricklayer, they see Newcastle as their club." "It is very important you try to keep his enthusiasm going" "At the minute where they are they are not going to be relegated."
"They also had a great run to get them in the position they are in." "I cannot see them being out of the position they are in now."
"The main thing is the lack of communication." "You cannot ignore the local paper. I never ever barred the local papers, it was counter-productive."
"The only way to communicate is through the local press direct to your fan base. Mike is a successful businessman. Some of the fans would rather he was a bit closer to the club than he is at the moment."
That comment about the papers is that Ashley has banned the Chronicle, Journal and Sunday Sun reporters since the papers reported on that Time 4 Change march over five months ago – and it seems incredible that ban is still in effect.
Freddy makes a number of good points above – and we really need somebody other than Alan Pardew to talk about what's going on at the club – after all he's only responsible for the playing side of things.
And Newcastle will be coming into a lot of money in the next few seasons, mainly through the Premier League, and if only Mike Ashley would commit to investing that money back into the club – we would be in a very good state.
And we could spend some big money in the transfer market – and still balance the books.
Communication has always been a problem with Ashley – because he says nothing – absolutely nothing.
And we are at least hoping that Lee Charnley will have good communication with the fans – but that's likely only to be stuff he writes, as it seems only Alan Pardew will continue in front of the cameras and reporters – and that's a pity.
Ashley has done a good job on the financial side, but fans want him to transform that into having a top team on the playing side of things – like we had under Freddy Shepherd.
Comments welcome.


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(6/27/2007) NEW HAVEN- As part of the Mayor�s Youth Initiative, the City will provide funds to not-for-profit, community-based or community-serving organizations that work directly with children and youth in New Haven for the purpose of increasing the number of children served by those organizations during the time frame of September 2007 � June 2008. Grant amounts will range from $2,000 to $20,000. The City expects to award a total of $200,000 in these capacity building grants.
Grant funds must be used to increase the capacity of existing direct services or programs which will allow the organization to increase the number of youth served. Programming may be in areas such as health care, education, job training, counseling, violence prevention, recreation and cultural arts.
To be eligible, an applicant must be a not-for-profit, community-based or community-serving organization with a 501(c)(3) tax exempt status or must have a fiduciary in order to receive the funds.
In order to begin the application process, a Letter of Intent must be received by July 9, 2007 by 4:00PM to The Bureau of Purchasing, 200 Orange Street, New Haven, CT 06511.
Failure to submit a Letter of Intent will disqualify an organization. Letters of Intent should be one page only and should specify the program for which the funds will be used; the amount requested; the number of children the organization expects to increase its capacity by and the number of children the organization currently serves in the existing program.
Completed applications will be due July 30, 2007 at 4:00PM to The Bureau of Purchasing, 200 Orange Street, New Haven, CT 06511. Interested organizations are asked to submit an original application along with nine additional copies. Awardees will be notified by telephone shortly after the August 17, 2007 decision date. Funding will be available to recipients by September 30, 2007.
Last month, 13 community-based organizations in New Haven collectively received $100,000 in grants for youth programming in the first round of this program. Together, the 13 programs were able to serve nearly 400 additional young people throughout the City with the help of the grants.
Contact Name: Jessica Mayorga
Contact Email: email@example.com
Contact Phone: 203-946-7660

subset: commoncrawl


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John McCain has caved as expected and will debate Barack Obama in Mississippi. But rather than give his opponent a chance to win, McCain is already claiming victory. The whole saga has left a bad taste in Mike Huckabee's mouth.
A former McCain consultant believes the events of the past couple of days indicate turmoil in the senator's campaign.
Huffington Post:
"It just proves his campaign is governed by tactics and not ideology," said Republican consultant Craig Shirley, who advised McCain earlier in this cycle. "In the end, he blinked and Obama did not. The 'steady hand in a storm' argument looks now to more favor Obama, not McCain."
Shirley added, "My guess is that plasma units are rushing to the McCain campaign as we speak to replace the blood flowing there from the fights among the staff."
A screen capture of a McCain campaign advertisement that has been spotted around the Web.


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"Human dignity and social cohesion: youth policy responses to violence"
(To be checked against delivered speech)
Address by Terry Davis, Secretary General of the Council of Europe
Violence is the most common and widespread violation of human rights and dignity. It is an issue which concerns society as a whole, but young people are particularly vulnerable, and they are often affected by violence, either as its victims or its perpetrators.
I, therefore, welcome the choice of the theme of this conference. Violence is at the top of political agendas and popular concerns in many European countries. While it is not a new phenomenon, it is a growing threat to social peace and cohesion in our societies which are founded on freedoms and respect for the individual. As Ministers responsible for Youth, you have both the power and the responsibility to make a difference. As politicians we cannot control human character, but we can help to create an environment which brings the best out of human nature and allows people to be like they are and who they wish to become.
In certain respects, the level of violence in a society is a mirror of society itself. While it always develops as a result of an individual's state of mind, this state of mind is often influenced by social, economic, family or other circumstances related to an individual's personal history. Violence affects all segments of society, but those who are socially and economically deprived are hurt more often and hurt more deeply.
Responses to violence must therefore take into consideration the social and economic context within which violence develops. These responses should not only emphasise security, but should also focus on enabling individuals to cope with the stress caused by what they desire and what society expects from them, allows them or refuses them.
As I have already said, young people are often victims or perpetrators of violence. They may very often be both, because research shows that those who are victims are also more likely to commit acts of violence themselves. But young people can also help to break the vicious circle of violence. They can help to prevent violence amongst their peers and within society as a whole.
The Council of Europe has always stressed that effective responses to violence should involve prevention strategies based on awareness-raising, education – particularly in the non-formal sense, the strengthening of democracy, social cohesion and inclusion. But an education campaign on the prevention of violence has no chance of succeeding if politicians fail to practice what they preach. Respect for democratic rules and tolerance with regard to political opponents are of crucial importance in the effort to promote non-violence among young people and not only among them. How can you – after all - expect people to refrain from aggressive attitudes in their daily lives if political life is swamped with violence, and states so often behave like armed giants and ethical dwarfs?
Policies for education and social inclusion, which are among the most important tools for the prevention of violence, cannot be successful if they do not take into account the specific characteristics of adolescence and youth, and do not involve young people as active participants. Education – both formal and non-formal - can help people to understand that non-violence may not always be an effective solution, but that violence never is.
Youth policy can and should contribute to the effort to curb violence in all its expressions and help young people to learn how to handle conflicts in the wider society, in the family and in their inner selves.
Youth policies have tools and mechanisms which have great potential to combat violence, but these tools and mechanisms are often underestimated and underemployed. This is particularly true for youth organisations and networks, within which young people can experience and develop their skills in the fields of participation, solidarity, tolerance, intercultural dialogue, respect for diversity and conflict management.
Nevertheless, youth policies alone do not have all the answers to overcoming violence and violent behaviour. These are issues which touch all public policy areas. Therefore, cross-sectoral co-operation is a key element for developing effective strategies to curb violence. Youth policies should play an active role in promoting such co-operation and ensuring that measures and programmes initiated by other public sector structures are implemented with the active participation of young people and youth organisations.
The Heads of State and Government of Council of Europe member states who met in Warsaw last May, agreed on a range of measures which should help Europe face the challenges of our century. The conclusion of the Summit included a decision to launch a campaign to eradicate all forms of violence against children. Your endeavour to develop youth policy responses to violence will be an important contribution to this campaign and to our permanent effort to foster a more humane and inclusive Europe.
The Council of Europe plays a leading role as an organisation which leads campaigns on issues at the heart of the lives of our citizens today. I am particularly pleased that the Warsaw Summit agreed to launch the Youth Campaign to promote Diversity, Human Rights and Participation, as part of our on-going fight against racism, discrimination, anti-Semitism and Islamophobia. A major element of the youth sector's resources will be devoted to this Campaign over the next two years, and I should like to take this opportunity to call upon you to support the campaign activities in your own countries to the greatest possible extent.
All these actions are part of the wider framework of cultural co-operation which has underpinned so much of the work of the Council of Europe since the European Cultural Convention was drawn up 50 years ago. Various programmes are underway to promote this Convention as a living, breathing instrument to advance cultural co-operation in Europe and beyond. They include work on questions such as how cultural policies can help in combating insecurity and social exclusion.
To say that young people are our future is certainly a worn out cliché, but a cliché is not necessarily wrong. If we want a Europe of tomorrow which is inclusive and diverse, vibrant, tolerant and at peace with itself and with others – our work with young people – and this conference is included – is a good way to start.


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Sir I am facing lot of stress, memory loss, tension, less confidence. please tell me how to over common these problems.
My wife is suffering from BIPOLAR AFFECTIVE DISORDER. I want to know more about this disease and also permanent cure or solution at the earliest.
I got irritated and getting angry on others whole day and night .suffering from stress, mental tension. I can not sleep. A severe forehead pain. What to do?
Sir... I have suffer from depression problem my mind has does not work to do any work properly and I do not concentrate our business tell me how I reduce our stress and what meditation I do.
Hello I am 22 year boy I have concentration problem Many times I forget that what was I am reading and mind goes away from the study So what should I do to increase my concentration power.
Binge drinking is a problem that has been noticed nowadays in many teenagers and youngsters. Whether it is at an event or a party, drinking high doses of alcohol in one sitting is known as binge drinking.
Binge Drinking in Women Is Different from Men
Binge drinking for men is the consumption of more than five alcoholic beverages in one sitting. But the case is different for women. For women binge drinking is defined as a woman consuming more than four alcoholic beverages in a single sitting. Also, it has been found in a survey that almost 75% of the binge drinkers are college students. Among these, the ratio of men is much higher than women.
What Leads to Binge Drinking?
- Lack of control: One of the most common reasons is, of course, the lack of control. When such a person comes in contact with alcohol, they tend to over drink because they have no control over their drinking.
- The weekend fun: Secondly, another reason is seen in the case of youngsters between the age of 18 years to 35 years. These are youngsters who have a tendency of meeting friends and going out on weekends after the week's toil. They know that after this weekend they will be able to enjoy their favorite bottle only in the next weekend. Hence, they binge drink.
Results of Binge Drinking
It becomes difficult to check how much alcohol will affect a person, because it depends on various factors, such as height, weight, age and also at times, alcohol tolerance of the person. But of course, there are some common results of binge drinking. Some of such results are:
- Unintended and unprotected sex leading to pregnancy or even STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) in some cases
- Accidents that may lead to severe injuries and even death at times
- Physical or mental assault of others that the person may regret later on.
When Is Help Required?
When the person has a habit of driving after drinking, neglecting family and doing harm to others as well, help is surely needed. Here, short 4-5 sessions with a therapist may help. A regular drinking habit is no doubt a reason to worry. But binge drinking is another reason that can lead to bigger problems and hence, needs to be examined closely too. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a Psychiatrist.
Anxiety is a very normal emotion, which gives rise to feelings of nervousness every now and then. An anxiety disorder is a serious medical condition in which people experience a high degree of distress and mental trauma, which causes difficulties in leading a normal life. People suffering from this medical condition experience high levels of anxiety and nervousness almost all the time. Here are the symptoms that indicate you're suffering from anxiety disorder.
1. Excessive worry - This condition persists if you worry about the day to day activities a bit too much on a regular basis. It is identified when you start taking too much stress about very petty things, which tends to affect you in an adverse manner. A noticeable sign of excessive worry can be too much fatigue.
2. Sleep problems - Problems falling asleep at the right time and problems in maintaining a sound sleep are two signs that indicate you have an anxiety disorder.
3. Irrational fears - This symptom is not generalized; instead, it is specific and subjective in relation to a particular thing or situation. The fears that are experienced under this category are sudden and unexpected in nature and there is no fixed rationale behind these fears.
4. Muscle tension - Muscle discomfort and pain is one of the leading physiological causes of an anxiety disorder. The pain felt is chronic and pervasive, and is very common among people facing situations of anxiety. If you are exposed to constant periods of anxiety, you will experience fatigue, muscle pains and unwillingness to work.
5. Chronic indigestion - Problems related to the digestive system are also a sign of anxiety disorder. In this case, you may face constant digestive problems accompanied by a common disorder called IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). IBS refers to an anxiety situation in the digestive tract, which is characterized by stomach aches, cramping, bloating, gas, constipation, and/or diarrhea.
Apart from the above-mentioned symptoms, other symptoms of an anxiety disorder include stage fright, self- consciousness, panic attacks, memory flashbacks, perfectionism, compulsive behaviors, self- doubt, and such others. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a Psychiatrist.
I can't concentrate on studies and any physical work I do my brain and mind is not under my control if try to concentrate specially in studies my headache starts what should I do now.
Fear, anxiety and stress can often lead humans to either escape the situation or fight it by defending themselves. But there are other behaviours that humans turn to when they are under stress. This is not unnatural at all; we all face it at some point in time. What's more, even dogs revert to the four Fs when under stress. Let us find out what are they and also how to deal with them.
- Fight: Fighting back is the natural reaction, which we turn to when we want to defend ourselves. Shouting at someone might give you some confidence for the time being. But again, it is not a permanent solution. We might end up apologising for our behaviour later but do nothing to address the situation that brought about that kind of behaviour.
- Flight: This is the escape mode that we turn to when we want to avoid a certain person or scenario, that might lead to stress. However, it must be remembered that, fleeing stress will help in fixing it temporarily. But since the situation remains unchanged, it will keep happening again and again.
- Freeze: For some people, the shock is so overwhelming that it becomes difficult for them to react at all. They simply freeze. The person goes into the panic mode and fails to move or say anything.
- Fool around: This option seems to be not a very bad idea in times of stress and anxiety depending on exactly what you mean by fooling around. If you can crack a joke at a tensed situation and lighten the mood, it helps immensely. However, if your idea of fooling around is to avoid talking about the situation and instead have fun, talk about other silly things, then it might not be a good idea.
Dealing with stress is not easy, but if you have realised the cause for your stress, your problem is half solved. If it is something you can change, then start working on it. If not, then it is best to let things happen in their own sweet way, while you change your attitude towards it. If you have realised what kind of behaviour your turn to when under stress, it is easier to face the situation. Listen to some of your favourite music, wear clothes that make you feel good and think about the situation and the possible solution later. Don't let stress get to you, face situations, keep calm and be positive!
My son had approached me a couple of months ago and said that he has been unable to concentrate for a while and feels that his ability to remember stuff has decreased. I have noticed that for some while he has lacks energy and finds it hard to perform simple tasks. He has been very unstable emotionally and gets irked very easily and frequently. He gets very angry at himself and even harmed himself after a bad exam. His results were also very below par. He wasn't like this until about 6 months ago. I haven't seen him this sad before. I'm worried about his mental health and request you to recommend to me the next step I should take. I anxiously await your response. Thanking you.
I got too much anxiety thinking about my previous sex encounter. I didn't eat and sleep well for two days. After that I got burning stomach which still persists after that I got very tiny pimple like thing beneath my tongue without any pain or irritation and my lips skin also peeled a little. Is this may be oral herpes? It's bit separated and not itchy or burn. Just am worried since I received oral sex Please help me.
Sir. I am addicted to smoke too much. And Now I am suffering from cold and cough ver much. .so sir what can I do now?
I have a boyfriend who was lovely and caring before. Now he has changed after 10 months of being together. He used to call me alot but now he never calls and when I call him sometimes he answers, sometimes not. When he answers he is normal and fine. When he do not answer he never calls back. I asked him so many times what happened and all he is saying that he is so busy. I do not know what to do I feel worried and sad and I lost my appetite. What should I do?
At some point I start having panic attacks and I feel my self shaking and trembling, which makes me start crying sometimes. I feel loss of breath. Somethings make me fear a lot. What can I do? Any medications if you can suggest?
My child has a red mole on his forehead since birth it was small n it's big will it disappear or we need to do the surgery but will that harm him or leave any marks on it's face worried for the same as he is 1 years 6 months only.
A panic attack is a sudden fit of anxiety or fear. In this situation, a person's heart starts pounding and they are unable to breathe. Sometimes, they may even feel like throwing up or even dying. It may even make a person withdraw from their daily routine and reach a point of hopelessness. If left untreated, these panic attacks can lead to a panic disorder. These attacks can have more physical symptoms including shaking, nausea, dry mouth, sweating or dizziness.
There are certain medications and treatments to cure this disorder. These include antidepressants and benzodiazepines, which are anti-anxiety medications. Taking them brings rapid relief, however; these are highly addictive and can have certain withdrawal symptoms. To avoid medications, there are certain self-help tips to cope with the problem. These include:
- Avoid smoking, alcohol and caffeine. These are substances that can provoke your panic attacks.
- Learn how to control your breathing while you are experiencing an attack. Deep breathing can relieve the symptoms that come with this disorder. This can help you calm down.
- Practice relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation. These strengthen the body's ability to respond to situations that can cause anxiety. Not only do they release stress but they also increase the feelings of joy and happiness.
- Try to exercise regularly. It is a natural anxiety reliever. Therefore, one should exercise in any form, for at least thirty minutes a day.
- You should try to get as much sleep as possible. Insufficient amounts of sleep can make the anxiety even worse. Dancing, swimming or cycling can be highly effective.
- Try not to stay alone. Anxiety levels and the chances of a panic attack are high when you are alone. If you feel that you do not have anyone to go to or turn to, try to explore ways to meet and build supportive relationships.
- Go to a therapist or a psychologist to vent out your feelings and anxieties. This can help you by giving you a cathartic release and get over your pent up emotions.
If someone is suffering from a panic disorder, make sure that you do not let it go unnoticed because people who suffer from this condition usually like to keep it to themselves. This smothers them even further and leaves them at a great risk and vulnerability. Those who have this condition should try to seek medical or psychological help in order to feel better.
Panic disorders are very dangerous and unpredictable. These can mess with your work and performance. In order to avoid that, keep noticing the signs and symptoms and reach for the correct type of medical or clinical attention. Ignoring such a condition can hamper your future and lead to a lot of other allied health problems. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can ask a free question.
Social anxiety disorder is a chronic mental health condition in which a person has excessive and unreasonable fear of certain social situations. Anxiety and self-consciousness arise from a fear of being scrutinized, embarrassed or judged by others. The fear may be made worse by a lack of social skills or experience in social situations. This persistent anxiety can build into a panic attack, and the affected person may start avoiding social situations under extreme distress. People with social anxiety disorder also suffer anticipatory anxiety, which is the fear of a situation even before it happens. In many cases, the person is aware that the fear is unreasonable and overblown, yet is unable to overcome it.
Like many other mental health conditions, social anxiety disorder arises from a complex interaction of environment and genes. The possible causes are:
- Inherited traits - Genetic factors may contribute to the development of social anxiety disorder if it is present in a first-degree relative (parents, siblings or child).
- Brain structure - Nuclei shaped part of the brain called amygdala may play a role in controlling the fear response. People with overactive amygdala may have a heightened fear response, increasing anxiety in social situations.
- Environmental factors - Social anxiety disorder may be a learned behavior. You may develop the condition after witnessing the anxious behavior of others. Also, there may be an association between social anxiety disorder and overprotective parents wanting to control their children.
Social anxiety disorder is the second most common type of anxiety disorder, which most often surfaces in adolescence or early adulthood. It is more common in women than in men. There is no way to predict what will cause social anxiety disorder, but some steps can be taken to reduce the impact of symptoms by getting help early instead of delaying, managing stress in daily life and avoiding unhealthy substances like alcohol, drugs and caffeine.


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The AITP National Collegiate Conference is the single largest event produced by AITP annually and was yet another huge success! Granted, we didn't set any attendance records due to the continued downturn in the IT economy, the outbreak of war in Iraq and the challenges many of our student chapters and members had in fundraising so as to be able to attend the event. We did, however, have excellent event sponsorships from both Robert Half Technology and Microsoft which greatly raised the profile and support for the conference. A total of 561 students and faculty registered to attend the conference. Contest events sponsors included both AITP's and ICCP's Education Foundation, State Farm Insurance, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc and MicroFocus.
The Purdue University student chapter did an "extraordinary" job of following the excellent example set by the Kansas City DeVry University student chapter last year and also served in the absence of an area AITP professional chapter. Nothing as exciting as Vice President Cheney's appearance at the conference hotel like last year but we did have snow flurries on Saturday, damaging winds and a "Boiler Beach Bash" to welcome the conference attendees to the Greater Lafayette Area planned and produced by the Purdue University AITP student chapter.
Both keynoters, J. Bruce Harreld, IBM Senior Vice President of Strategy and Dave Willmer, Regional Manager with Robert Half Technology (and also the Columbus Ohio AITP professional chapter president), did superb jobs in getting the conference off to a super start daily. The best lineup of breakout speakers and topics, most contest events ever, an Internet Café, scavenger hunt, student banner contest and tons of fun-n-networking all came together creating a super conference experience for all in attendance. The conference concluded with the annual awards banquet feeding 622 registrants and guests representing 84 colleges and universities from all over the country ended "almost" on time (9:15pm) due to the announcement of the Kevin Jetton AITP Service Scholarship by AITP's Education Foundation and was a total shock to Kevin - the conference director - who has played a key role in all of 8 of the AITP National Collegiate Conferences and other AITP events at the national, regional and local chapter level throughout his AITP tenured membership dating back to 1978. Conference chairman Jeff Brewer, Purdue University conference co-chairs Leslie Lorenz & Chantelle Huguena and the Purdue University AITP student chapter conference committee did an excellent job throughout the conference.
Planning has already started for the 9th annual AITP National Collegiate Conference to be held in Omaha, Nebraska April 1-3, 2004 and multiple Omaha area AITP student chapters will serve as co-hosts. Bids are also being accepted for future AITP National Collegiate Conferences for the year 2005 and beyond.
Kevin Jetton2002 AITP Association PresidentAITP National Collegiate Conference Director
Conference Highlights
Attendance: 561 Total registered student and faculty attendees45 Exhibitors, Speakers, Special Guests and Banquet Guests43 Committee, AITP Officers, AITP/EF/EDSIG Board, Volunteers_________________________________
649 Total "pre-audited" Attendance84 Colleges & Universities Represented
2001- 2002 Faculty Advisor of the Year AwardBarbara Russell, Northwestern State University
Special Awards: Largest AITP Student chapter (as of 12/31/2002)University of Florida AITP student chapter with 164 members
TOP Monkey Award (Highest level of overall conference support)Northwestern State University by sending 37 attendees, 4 faculty members and competing in "tons" of contest events
Outstanding AITP Student Chapter of the Year (2001-2002)Region 2 Edmonds Community CollegeRegion 3 Tarleton State UniversityRegion 5 Bradley UniversityRegion 9 Central Michigan UniversityRegion 11 Widener University
Overall Association Winner: Tarleton State UniversityFaculty Advisors: Robin Wells & Dan Collins
AITP Student Chapter Contests sponsored by Robert Half TechnologyAITP Student Chapter Banner Contest Most Professional 1st Bradley UniversityMost Artistic 1st Widener University2nd Northwestern State University
Scavenger Hunt: 1st Madison Area Technical College (Team "Mad-X")2nd Midstate Technology College - Stevens Point (Team "Eye Dee Ten Tee's")3rd* Big Country/Hardin-Simmins & TSTC-Abilene3rd* Northcentral Technical College (Team: "Morgain's Marauders")*Tie for 3rd place!
IS Core 2003 Exam: Top Scores: Nathan Sweeney, John CaldwellHonorable Mentions: Matthew Goodall, Morgan Becky
Web Development 2003 Exam: Top Score: Michael WootenHonorable Mention: John Caldwell
Undergraduate Student Paper Competition sponsored by Robert Half Technology*16 papers were submitted of which 11 were declared finalists1st Central Michigan University, Eric Pynnonen2nd Northwestern State University, Kelli Fontana3rd Mesa State College, Ken Comstock HM's Widener University, John LynnTexas A&M University, Vikram Taneja Oklahoma Baptist University, Amanda Thompson
Graduate Student Paper Competition sponsored by Robert Half Technology*3 papers were submitted of which 3 were declared finalists1st University of Texas at Arlington, Zeeshan Rahat Kuresl2nd Central Michigan University, John Griffith3rd Central Michigan University, Tarun Damodaran
AITP Student Web Application Contest sponsored by the ICCP Education Foundation*15 submissions of which 6 were declared finalists1st Boise State University2nd University of Alaska - Anchorage3rd University of Wisconsin - WhitewaterHM's: Kalamazoo Valley Community CollegeStark State CollegeChattahoochee Technical College
Database Contest sponsored by the AITP Education Foundation*62 teams competing1st Central Michigan University, Eric Pynnonen2nd University of Alaska, Anchorage, Galina Ivanova, Maxim Sorokoletov3rd Purdue University, Erik Anderson, Mark BrodaHM's:Northwestern State University, Curtis Penrod, Kelli FontanaMurray State University, Justin Key, Amanda Dawson Central Missouri State University, David Carlson, Wes HorneBradley University, Alan Fuhs
JAVA Contest sponsored by the AITP Education Foundation*23 teams competing1st University of West Florida, Chad Cardiff, Michael Wooten2nd Central Missouri State University, Jacob Rogers, Kim Jackson3rd Brigham Young University, Shaun SmithHM's: Oakton Community College, Dragos Stanclu, Christina HauptmannUniversity of Wisconsin - Whitewater, Chris Wegner, Joe RogersMurray State University, Dumitru Orlov
Systems Analysis & Design Contest sponsored by Robert Half Technology*22 teams competing1st Northwestern State University, Kelly Ellis, Kelly McKenzie, Andy Baragona 2nd Northwestern State University, Tina Mouton, Deran Schilling3rd University of Florida, Chris Ringwood, Allyson Stokes, Daryl LewisHM's:Northwestern State University, Trey Staley, James K. SmithCentral Michigan University, Colleen Cline, Dave Miller, Clint McPherson
Visual Basic Programming Contest sponsored by State Farm Insurance Company*43 teams competing1st Southwest Missouri State University, Andrew Steinmann2nd Fox Valley Technical College, William Drumm3rd University of Wisconsin - Platteville, Lee Zaastraw, Josh DucharmeHM's: Purdue University, Eric AndersonIllinois State University, Neil WilsonSouthwest Texas State University, Jon Woo
Webmaster using Microsoft Frontpage 2002 Contest sponsored by Microsoft*21 teams competing1st University of Mississippi - Mark Grimes2nd University of Mississippi - Tim Johnson, Brandon Sherman3rd Northwestern State University - Tina Mouton, Deran SchillingHM's:Horry-Georgetown Technical College - Michelle Yaple, Amy CampenUniversity of Southern Indiana - Jason Hopp, John Russell
COBOL Programming Contest sponsored by MicroFocus*26 teams competing1st Fox Valley Technical College, William Drumm, Mark Pauly2nd Northwestern State University, Curtis Penrod, Nick Hammonds3rd Texas State Tech College-Waco, Robert FulcherHM's:University of North Florida, Albert Ritzhaupt, Crystal Chauvin University of North Florida, Tyrone Thomas, Robert Dunlap II Idaho State University, Jeffrey Parkinson, Robert ParkinsonUniversity of Wisconsin, Platteville, Josh Ducharme, Lee Zastraw
C++ Programming Contest sponsored by Microsoft*21 teams competing1st Texas State Technical College-Waco, Justin Knox2nd Oklahoma Baptist University, Matthew Green, Colin Phillips3rd Oklahoma Baptist University, Nathan Sweaney, Ryan KingHM's:Illinois State University, Dan Knox, Tom NessUniversity of Wisconsin - Whitewater, Michael WyattNorth central Technical College, Michael Tipping, Keith Dassow
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Jackson Electric Membership Corp. will take nominations for its 2011 Youth Citizenship Award through Feb. 28.
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It's Mr Showtime
Australia's Bradley Hore (red) on the attack during his loss to England's Don Broadhurst.
Photo: Paul Harris
FEROCIOUS Lenny Zappavigna has an appetite for gold on the unmistakable evidence of last night's 34-15 victory over Botswana's Gomotsang Gaasite in the Commonwealth Games boxing tournament at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre.
A late addition to Australia's Games team after Western Australia's Anthony Little tested positive to marijuana, Zappavigna has wasted no time making himself known with an all-action style that had the crowd on its feet for the second time in as many bouts.
Boxing fans soon might be calling the 18-year-old "Mr Showtime" after he thrilled last night's crowd with a flash, dash and bash performance to advance to the quarter-finals, where he will fight Tanzania's Karimu Matumla tomorrow.
Zappavigna did not stick around after his latest dust-up, again leaving the talking to assistant coach Michael Daly, who suggested the team would have a look at the video of Matumla's win over Herberto Mabombo of Mozambique to assess his qualities. But all the video analysis in the world will make no difference to how Zappavigna approaches the contest.
"Lenny just doesn't stop fighting for four rounds," Daly admitted.
Zappavigna, sporting a Kostya Tszyu-style ponytail, was a swirl of non-stop punching to bewilder Gaasite and advance to within one more win of a medal.
His insistence on fighting the last two rounds with the same whirlwind approach despite a 21-11 lead at the halfway mark might not have been wise given the short turnaround before his next fight. But there seems to be no stopping the Sydney teenager, who scored a comfortable win over Scotland's Mitch Prince in his first bout at the Games on Saturday.
It was a good night for Australia in the ring as featherweight Luke Jackson took a much more conservative route to the quarter-finals, and middleweight Jarrod Fletcher also advanced with a hard-fought but ultimately comfortable 30-10 win over Ghana's Sai Obadai.
Featherweight Jackson outpointed Jamaica's Nicholas Walters 12-5 to line up a bout against Uganda's Sharif Bogere tomorrow.
But there was disappointment for flyweight Bradley Hore, who fired a parting shot after his loss to England's Don Broadhurst, claiming his opponent was not good enough to win gold. Hore will go no further in the tournament after slumping to a 26-18 defeat in a bout that failed to reach great heights, while Broadhurst progressed to a quarter-final stoush with Northern Ireland's Ryan Lindberg tomorrow.
"I don't think he was slick. I don't rate him at all," Hore said. "Waiting for so long for the fight really takes it out of you, you keep training and try to keep your mind on the job and it's pretty hard. It was just not my night tonight."
Hore, 24, had spent a frustrating four days since last Friday's draw before finally starting his Games campaign, and it was over in a flash. It was a case of four rounds, eight minutes, one loss Games over.
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Stow: Young Eagles flight rally
August 11, 2012
All those between ages 8-17 will have a chance to take to the skies Aug. 11, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., as EAA Chapter 196 hosts a Young Eagles flight rally at Minute Man Airfield, 302 Boxboro Road, Stow. Registration takes place next to Nancy's Airfield Caf�. Pilots at the event will also explain more about their airplanes, allowing young people to discover how airplanes work and how pilots ensure safety is the prime concern before every flight. For more information, go to www.eaa196.org/eagles.htm call 978-212-9196, or email email@example.com.


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The Eventualist movement was a school of classical sculpture.
A post-eventualist, pre-Matoian bronze and triptin sculpture was found on a derelict freighter in the Bajor star star system in 2373, and subsequently auctioned at Quark's. It was sold to a Bolian man for one bar and three strips of latinum. (DS9: "In the Cards")


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sizeit8@sizeit8 active 3 years, 11 months ago
chris grindall replied to the topic New Features for May! in the forum PRO Members Only 4 years, 2 months ago
Thanks Mark, I will like the window showing which trades are active. Also the list of close closed trades showing the entry and close prices, which we can reconcile with own lists and journals. ( helps to bring […]
sizeit8 became a registered member 5 years, 6 months ago


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I felt at home as soon as I walked into the restaurant, even though I only knew a handful of the women there. The thing is, we all had the same name.
It was the annual Susan Dinner, a ritual that's been going on in the Bay Area for more than a decade. Anyone named Susan, Sue, Susie, or any reasonable derivative is welcome to attend.
It's an odd feeling being in a room where everyone has the same name. Somehow that was enough to create a kind of surface intimacy, as if we were all in cahoots. We giggled at our nametags.
As I looked more carefully around the room, I realized something else we shared: We were all about the same age, in our late 40s to mid-60s. Susan was a popular name in the middle of the last century, enjoying a brief but glorious reign. According to Social Security records, it didn't appear at all in the top 200 names for baby girls as late as the 1920s. But by the 1940s it was No. 10, rising to No. 4 in the 1950s, and then No. 3 in the 1960s, just below Mary and Lisa. The name began to lose its luster in the 1970s, dropping down to No. 27, and since the 1980s it has disappeared from the list altogether, banished with the likes of Mildred, Bernice and Doris (all big hits in the 1920s).
Why was Susan so popular in those decades? The quick answer is Susan Hayward, a prolific actress and Korean War pin-up girl whose career hit its peak in the 1950s — and whose real name, by the way, was the decidedly unglamorous Edythe Marrener.
That brings me to another thing about the Susans. A lot of us are Jewish. Miss Marrener was of Swedish extraction, not Jewish, but many Jews, famous or not, changed their names to sound less ethnic back in the era when white bread was the cat's meow. You know the drill — Greenberg became Green, Hymie became Henry.
David Waksberg, director of the Bureau of Jewish Education, relates how his father, who was born in 1923, received the name Irving. David's grandparents had recently arrived from Poland, and when the obstetrician asked the new mother what she wanted to name her infant, she said "Yisroel." The doctor, an American Jew, promptly wrote "Irving" on the birth certificate.
"I don't think a non-Jewish doctor would have had the chutzpah," Waksberg says, adding that Irving was a popular choice for new Americans because of writer Washington Irving — "Washington was the quintessential American, in their minds," he says.
Susan was also one of those crossover names. It fit a Jewish last name (like Fishkoff), wasn't too obviously Hebraic (like Rachel or Sarah) yet wasn't too gentile either (Mary comes to mind). It was a name my Jewish father and non-Jewish mother could agree on, and they weren't alone — I had plenty of childhood friends named Susan, which is why I started to call myself Sue.
So I was at home on many levels at my first Susan Dinner. And it turned out that the preponderance of Jewish women there was as much a result of the event's origins as the popularity of the name among Jewish families half a century ago.
About a dozen years ago, at the farewell dinner of an S.F.-based Jewish Community Federation mission to Israel, someone took the microphone and asked all the Susans to step forward. Eight or 10 women did so, including Susan Rothenberg and j. columnist Suzan Berns. Back home, they were chatting with Susan Mall, who worked at the federation at the time, and decided to hold a luncheon for all the Susans they knew. Susan Libitzky and Suzy Locke chaired that first lunch, which continued for several years before morphing into a dinner, which itself took place annually until 2008. The economic downturn inspired a four-year hiatus, which happily came to an end last month.
"Common themes at past events were also true at this most recent Susan gathering," reminisces Susan Mall. "Lots of women from the Midwest, lots of women had connections to each other, many were Jewish though not all."
I plan to be a regular at the Susan dinners from now on. And I hereby invite all you Susans, Sues, Suzannes, Suzies, etc. to next year's celebration. I suppose we'll permit Shoshanas as well, since that's the Hebrew version of Susan (both mean "lily" or "rose").
Rachels, Sarahs and Rebeccas? You're on your own.
Sue Fishkoff is the editor of j., and can be reached at email@example.com.


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They were the perfect accent to my dress.
Posted by on
My first pair of Blundstone boots were the chisel toe. They lasted 10 years. They were the perfect accent to the dress, tucked under a few hospital beds, airplane seats and dinner tables. My second pair has just about finished the first trip overseas, here they are tobogganing deep in the black forest, 3 km up from the parking lot. And I will wear them with my dress tomorrow...xoxoxox Sue Millar
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The crisis in Europe has made the luxury goods sector all the more interesting. Most of the biggest names in high-end luxury goods are European firms, and with the eurozone mired in crisis, we're getting buying opportunities we might not see again for a long time.
One of my favorites is French luxury conglomerate LVMH (PINK:LVMUY), the world's largest luxury group by sales and the owner of Louis Vuitton and Fendi handbags, Dom Pérignon champagne, Hennessy cognac and Tag Heuer watches, among many other brands. Think of LVMH as a one-stop shop for gaudy baubles and expensive booze.
LVMH has been one of the rare success stories in Europe in recent years, and it's easy enough to understand why. While the company is domiciled in Europe, its primary clients are not. Forty percent of the group's sales come from emerging markets, led by China.
Mercedes-Benz manufacturer Daimler AG (PINK:DDAIF) also is an excellent play on Chinese growth. China is the biggest market for the Mercedes S-class and the biggest engine of the company's growth. However, I consider Daimler's business to be riskier than that of LVMH. After all, a big spender is likely to postpone the purchase of a $100,000 car long before he postpones the purchase of a $1,000 handbag for his wife. Still, at 7 times earnings and boasting a dividend yield of 6%, Daimler is a risk worth taking.
Investors wanting to stay closer to home could consider Beam, Inc. (NYSE:BEAM), the distiller of Jim Beam and Maker's Mark bourbon whiskeys and the wildly popular Skinnygirl cocktails, among others. Beam is a smaller rival to international spirits juggernaut Diageo (NYSE:DEO), and its brands lack some of Diageo's cachet. Still, Beam is attractive as a recent spinoff from Fortune Brands, and it stands to grow at a significantly faster pace in the years ahead.
I consider both spirits stocks to be excellent holdings for the next 12 to 24 months, as they sit at the intersection of two macro themes I follow.
This first, of course, is the rise of the emerging-market consumer. Diageo gets nearly 40% of its revenues from emerging markets, and I expect that percentage to rise along with the incomes of emerging-market consumers.
Secondly, "sin stocks" tend to be highly recession-resistant, and booze companies are no exception. This has helped Diageo to become an "International Dividend Achiever," meaning that it has raised its dividend for a minimum of five consecutive years.
Diageo actually has done much better than that — it has raised its dividend every year for well over a decade. Beam still is a new company and lacks a substantial dividend history, but I expect it to reward investors for years to come with a rising cash payout.
Charles Lewis Sizemore, CFA, is the editor of the Sizemore Investment Letter, and the chief investment officer of investments firm Sizemore Capital Management. Disclosures: LVMUY, DDAIF, DEO and BEAM are held by Sizemore Capital clients. Sign up for a FREE copy of his new special report: "Top 3 ETFs for Dividend-Hungry Investors."


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By Jeff Zillgitt, USA TODAY
WHISTLER The U.S. gold medal in four-man bobsled was 62 years in the making.
It required a combination of technology and athleticism for USA-1 pilot Steven Holcomb and crewmen Steve Mesler, Justin Olsen and Curt Tomasevicz to become the first Americans to win the event since 1948.
Holcomb was one of the few sliders to master the technical, high-speed track at the Whistler Sliding Centre. Racing where there is a vertical drop of 472 feet and sleds reach 90-plus mph through tight curves, Holcomb was poetry in high-speed motion.
"This track is hard, and we had a short amount of time to learn it and figure it out," Holcomb said. "It came down to who could figure it out the quickest."
MEDALS TRACKER: Recap of every U.S. medal
GALLERY: Olympic highlights in photos
Holcomb won the four-heat race by .38 seconds over Germany-1 pilot Andre Lange, who was trying to become the first to win the Olympic four-man event three consecutive times. Canada earned bronze.
Of the 24 medals awarded in bobsled, skeleton and luge in Vancouver, 10 went to Germany. The USA won two: a bronze for Erin Pac and Elana Meyers in bobsled and the gold for Holcomb's team.
The excitement at the Whistler Sliding Centre was tempered by the death of Republic of Georgia luger Nodar Kumaritashvili in a training run Feb. 12, hours before the opening ceremony. A memorial of flowers, candles and stuffed animals near the crash site — at the exit of curve 16 just before the finish line — served as a solemn reminder.
Not only did safety become a constant topic, the accident altered the luge competition. Trying to help athletes handle the tragedy, luge officials lowered the start positions, moving the men to the women's start and the women to the juniors'.
The U.S. medals came in the final two events at the track.
Former NASCAR driver and Daytona 500 champion Geoff Bodine's involvement in bobsled is well known. In 1992 he wanted to make a sled that was American made. He enlisted auto racing chassis designer Bob Cuneo and formed the Bo-Dyn Project.
"Without Geoff Bodine's support, we wouldn't be sitting here right now," Holcomb said late Saturday night with a medal hanging on this chest.
Holcomb almost retired three years ago because of an eye disorder called keratoconus. Surgery not approved by the FDA restored his vision to 20/20 from 20/500.
Sled and medical advances weren't the only high-tech factors. Knowing U.S. bobsledders were not going to take more than 40 runs at the Whistler track, USA Bobsled and Skeleton CEO Darrin Steele asked the U.S. Olympic Committee to send its video crew to Whistler for training and World Cup races.
"From a technology standpoint, we took advantage of the resources we had," Steele said. "In between heats, we were able to get some feedback on something that's happening in a curve. If an athlete's struggling with an area, we'll focus on it. We've never been able to do that between heats before."
The USA video record not only its runs but those of the best teams — Germany, Switzerland and Russia. It paid off.
Curves 11 through 13 are tight, and that's also where speed picks up. It is a challenging section, and curve 13 — which Holcomb nicknamed 50-50 a year ago because that's the chance pilots have of making it through without a problem — caused several crashes during training and in the race. Holcomb had trouble with that section in the two-man event and noticed Russia's Alexsandr Zubkov navigating without a problem.
"Zubkov's line in (curve) 12 was a brave one where if the timing was off it could be disastrous," U.S. coach Brian Shimer said.
Instead of steering hard through curve 12, Holcomb said, Zubkov eased up early and drove safely through curve 13.
"A lot of that comes from trusting yourself and trusting your instincts," Holcomb said.
Guidelines: You share in the USA TODAY community, so please keep your comments smart and civil. Don't attack other readers personally, and keep your language decent. Use the "Report Abuse" button to make a difference. Read more.


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It is great that our hardworking legislators rolled up their sleeves and tackled head-on major issues this session. Heck, they've already shot down (pun intended) a bill that would have made it illegal to target shoot during fire season, and passed one out of committee making it a felony to throw up on a cop and they are barely out of the gate!
Right now before the Legislature:
• a Utah ban on federal control of guns;
• a mandate that cities can't ban fireworks in their jurisdictions, even if it means more wildfires;
• a new concealed-carry permit law that says you don't need one.
Thankfully, they're spending their precious time on the important stuff. After the critical stuff is taken care of, then our representatives can skim over matters of little importance education, implementing the new health care plan, etc.
The sign in House Speaker Becky Lockhart's office must be meant for our legislators: "Never underestimate the power of stupid people in a large group."
Randy S. Teal


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Journal Search
Journal Search - issue 4, 2009
Journal Search brings Rural and Remote Health readers information about recent rural health publications. This issue includes recent publications in North American and Australian rural health journals.
Journal of Rural Health
Contents: 2009; 25:(4)
Issue includes:
Differential Neonatal and Postneonatal Infant Mortality Rates Across US Counties: The Role of Socioeconomic Conditions and Rurality
The Association Between Rural-Urban Continuum, Maternal Education and Adverse Birth Outcomes in Québec, Canada
Implementing Patient Safety Initiatives in Rural Hospitals
Rurality and Other Determinants of Early Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis in Nebraska: A 6-Year Cancer Registry Study, 1998-2003
Does Distance Matter? Distance to Mammography Facilities and Stage at Diagnosis of Breast Cancer in Kentucky
Cancer Risk Assessment by Rural and Appalachian Family Medicine Physicians
Changes in Cancer Incidence Patterns Among a Northeastern American Indian Population: 1955-1969 Versus 1990-2004
Adaptation of Consultation Planning for Native American and Latina Women With Breast Cancer
Exercise Preference Patterns, Resources, and Environment Among Rural Breast Cancer Survivors
Designated Medical Directors for Emergency Medical Services: Recruitment and Roles
Double Whammy? Rural Youth With Serious Emotional Disturbance and the Transition to Adulthood
Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners as a Usual Source of Care
Resilience in Rural Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Horse-Related Injuries Among Agricultural Household Members: Regional Rural Injury Study II (RRIS-II)
Journal Canadien de la Médecine Rural/Canadian Journal of Rural Medicine
[in French and English]
Contents: 2009; 14:(4)
Issue includes:
Rural medicine interest groups at McMaster University: a pilot study
Use of intra-articular lidocaine as analgesia in anterior shoulder dislocation: a review and meta-analysis of the literature
Does a rural residence predict the development of depressive symptoms in older adults?
The occasional Heimlich valve chest tube placement for pneumothoraces
Australian Journal of Rural Health
2008; 17:(4)
Issue includes:
Equipping patients for a time of helplessness: An educational intervention
Rural pharmacist perceptions of a project assessing their role in the management of depression
Mediating and moderating effects of work–home interference upon farm stresses and psychological distress
All-terrain vehicle crashes and associated injuries in north Queensland: Findings from the Rural and Remote Road Safety Study
Correlates of comorbid mental disorders in a regional community-based sample
Linkage, coordination and integration: Evidence from rural palliative care
Kids with confidence: A program for adolescents living in families affected by mental illness
Excellence in regional stroke care: An evaluation of the implementation of a stroke care unit in regional Australia


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Spleen Squeezin's
Now with more bilious green!
Hm... So they are saying that recording an event in a public venue is illegal? Right, it's getting closer to time for another revolution.
This is the next logical step after the "1st Amendment zones". First restrict people's speech and actions, then outlaw them entirely. The average policeman/woman is also (with some legitimacy) getting sick
As for another revolution...unless you can rally the majority of the military behind you, you'd better hope the Lord himself is backing your movement or you're toast on two legs. The differences between the British armed forces and ours is about like those between a squadron of Z-95 Headhunters and a Super Star Destroyer.
do not discount the capacity of a domestic insurgency... especially one in a nation where every other person is carrying a firearm and has another stowed away.
And our military has over 40 years of experience fighting guerrillas with full-auto AK-47s, the only advantage a domestic insurgency would have would be the "someone you know" factor.
As a military member, I'd like to posit that getting the majority of the military behind something like that, even at this (relatively) early stage, might be difficult, but is far from infeasible.
If our rights get trampled much farther you can guarantee they'd be on board. *Especially* if the ones trampling those rights continue to have a distinct hatred for the military that shows in their policy-making.
-Kire Du'Hai
Oh, and a quick side-note:
The guerrillas with full-auto AK-47s knew so much about using them that we sometimes caught them making shoving motions when they fired them, ostensibly because they thought it made the bullets go farther.
I daresay the citizenry of the U.S. knows a thing or two more about using their guns.
-Kire Du'Hai
Yeah, fighting guys who sincerely believe that whether a bullet hits or not is entirely up to Allah, not whether you aim at the target or have any skill with your weapon, is a VERY different thing from tangling with someone who goes to the range every weekend or two.
I think you overestimate how many serious gun owners live in the States. And how many would actually, when the chips go down and the bullets start flying, shoot at an army of people with assault rifles, body armor, and tanks.
If you're shooting at tanks with a .30-06 you're using the wrong tool for the job. Think Ewok, not Butch & Sundance. Then again, ANFO is cheap and any junior high chemist can make thermite.
Those explosives you listed are also obsolete for military use.
So is TNT, and it's still used as a measurement of explosive power. Just because something is considered obsolete for military use, doesn't mean it's useless. By modern standards, the M-16 is obsolete, and so is the M-4A1. But militaries continue to use them and they work just fine for what they were designed to do.
And I'd love to see how effective a tank is with every opening (possibly including the barrel) fused shut by exposure to 3000-4000 degree temperatures and a spray of white-hot molten iron.
strictly peaking, I THINK you have to do something impressive to thermite to get it to "spray."
As for obsolete weapons, the M1903 Springfield 30-06 still has an avid following more than a hundred years later, as it's a rather accurate rifle, chambered in a powerful cartridge that is lethal to a thousand yards.
Or an M-1 Garand
Or an M-14/M-1A
Or a M1911
Or a Colt SAA
Or a Lee-Enfield SMLE, if you happen to be a fan of the .303
I'll remind you that these are all "obsolete" weapons. To make matters worse, some of the nastiest snipers ever to stalk two-legged prey were using what essentially amounts to a HUNTING rifle. The Mosin-Nagant, the Rem 700, The Win Model 70... hell, OSS used to occasionally utilize .22 LR because it was small, easily concealed, and childishly easy to suppress.
And while the M-16 is a princess when it comes to reliability, I don't see people lining up to take a round from an M-16 type weapon... especially because it is, despite being a princess when it comes to maintenence, still capable of hitting targets to 500 yards.
On the other hand, insurgent and terrorist groups have been taking out the latest and greatest military hardware money can buy with improvised jets of molten copper.
Just because the military has stopped using something doesn't make it "obsolete". They've just moved on to bigger and better things. Mixing a little charcoal, sulfur, and potassium nitrate and stuffing inside a sealed metal tube is about as old-school as you can get short of breaking out flint axes, but it'll still really mess up a squad of GIs.
Actually, what you're describing is a mistake that most shooters without the benefit of comprehensive training make. Because the gun shoves backwards, they get into the habit of trying to compensate by moving the gun forward as they pull the trigger. It makes intuitive sense but is completely wrong, especially if the weapon is on fully-automatic mode where the only way it can be even remotely accurate is if it's properly stabilized against the shoulder. The error is not due to stupidity or childlike thinking but not knowing the best way to fire the weapon. Even an experienced civilian shooter who goes to the range daily is prone to the same error. The military is, obviously, different because a soldier who can't shoot straight is a liability in a firefight.
What the witnesses described to me, through demonstration, did not appear like the typical anticipation response at all. Not even close.
When experiencing the problem you describe, a particularly jittery person will move the barrel an inch or so downward and lean forward a little bit when firing on an empty chamber they didn't expect.
The motions I spoke of were shooting from the hip while swinging the weapon forward, as if trying to 'throw' the bullet out of the barrel.
Do note that this is second-hand info from a Corporal I met on my AT, and Marines like to talk big. But in my experience, they don't tend to talk about our enemies like they're more stupid than they are, because they don't want us junior Marines making foolishly overconfident mistakes.
Besides which, my only point was that the citizenry of the U.S. would make a more competent and successful revolutionary guerrilla force than the enemies we're currently fighting overseas, and that's pretty self-evident by my reckoning.
-Kire Du'Hai
Oh, no doubt about that whatsoever. I just thought that what you were describing sounded like a common error of insufficient education rather than the childlike thinking of "I can make the bullet go further if I push the gun forward."
At this level, you're not going to be facing the military. This level is the police and the elected officials, and the most they can call in (if they've got the governor on board) is the National Guard. The military actually is not allowed to get involved in something of this nature - see the Posse Comitatus Act, which prohibits military enforcement of state law enforcement powers, except if the orders to do so come directly from an Act of Congress or the Constitution itself.
I do see a voter revolt as a likely outcome from this, though. If this man is convicted and sentenced to 75 years, every elected official involved is probably going to be looking for a new job come the next election, and every appointed official is going to be called on the carpet by his (elected) superior (and probably gong to be looking for a new job soonest). This entire situation is ridiculous - if these jurisdictions attempt to make it illegal for citizens to secure evidence for those citizens' legal defense (which is this case here), the Supreme Court is going to break said jurisdictions.
Just a taste of what's coming as our government gets bigger and our civil rights get smaller.
One thing I'm mildly curious about: how many states have laws against recording ordinary citizens without their consent? Because if states had those laws, I could almost see tacking on a "you're not allowed to record the police without their consent" because the police are, after all, citizens. In the absence of that, however, this seems unjust to an extreme.
Granted, I actually understand and sympathize with the motive of the laws even if I don't have any sympathy for the laws themselves. There is effectively no recourse available to a police officer whose on-tape conduct is edited to turn them into a bad guy and then published to the point that it becomes impossible to correct. Sterling example of this is the famous videotape of the police taking swings at Rodney King: it wasn't until much later that we started learning that very important facts were conveniently edited out of the tape and this fact is still not widely-known even well over a decade later. Such dishonesty and manipulation provably causes massive disturbances (the 1992 LA riots) and the destruction of individuals... which, I believe, is why these laws are even given a hearing, much less passed.
Courts are supposed to take into account the limitations of evidence; there's a margin of error regardless of what media is used. But what is the most valued testimony in courts today? The eyewitness. *Despite* the fact that they're among the most unreliable types of testimony available. Why? Because it's emotive. And so are videos, especially skillfully edited ones.
However, we shouldn't try to balance the shortcomings of our courts by making laws to make up for their incompetence.
Despite what most people think, privacy is not a right. It's a privilege. If you don't want to be embarrassed by recordings of you, don't do embarrassing things that might be recorded. And if they edit innocent footage to make it look damning, they should be charged with perjury the same as anyone who lies in a normal manner.
I used video recording in court myself, and I'm willing to bet it had a lot to do with why I was acquitted. Recordings are invaluable tools for finding truth. We shouldn't ban them from use in courts just because courts are failing to see their limitations; that they can be manipulated into lies just like anything else. That just answers laziness with more laziness.
That said, I don't think these laws were made to prevent abuse of video recordings anyway. They were made to protect public officials from citizens, when it's supposed to go the other way 'round.
-Kire Du'Hai
Besides, nothing is stopping the police from recording their own stuff - indeed, most of the time they *do*. But if the police recording 'mysteriously' vanishes and civilians aren't allowed to record the police out in public... Yeah, that's a problem. A big one.
I appreciate your perspective and find it very well-argued and interesting but it's totally beside the point, Kire. I'm not talking about the use of the videos in a legal sense but the use of them in a media sense. I cited the Rodney King case, not as a reference to the subsequent trial but as a reference to the fact that public knowledge of the event was shaped by a dishonest recorder who omitted the context of what he recorded, convicting the police officers in public opinion and causing a riotous reaction to their exoneration in court. The police officers were not innocent but the fact that the video was made by someone out to get them completely changed what the truth was perceived to be and even when the complete story became available, the police officers as racist thugs beating a black man for no reason became The Official Truth and the entire truth is still not widely known.
This is why I say that I understand the motive even if I have no sympathy for the law. A public official has no recourse against being defamed by a propagandist with a video camera and a cause which, to me, makes the emotional appeal of "illegal to record the police" even stronger.
It applies either way, really. Whether it's perjury or plain old slander (or libel, as the case might be), there are already laws in place for those things. Trying to head off the problem by making it illegal to record events not only throws the baby out with the bathwater, it doesn't solve the problem very well. It's like trying to prevent perjury (because it can mislead juries, and breed injustice) by making it illegal for witnesses to speak in the courtroom; it's just as absurd.
Yes, I too understand the emotional appeal of wanting to prevent riotous reactions to slanderous or biased accounts, at least when faced with the riotous reactions. But finding recourse for public officials faced with defamation of character (which, luck would have it, is another civil charge) will take more thought than blaming the camera for the operator's misuse. I can't say I know what an appropriate solution *would* be, but I do think I can be confident in saying that that sort of law is not only an ineffective one, but offensive, in that it takes away freedom and protection from people to protect public officials. The public officials knew what they were getting into when they signed up. The rest of the citizenry? No such option.
-Kire Du'Hai
"Whether it's perjury or plain old slander (or libel, as the case might be), there are already laws in place for those things."
And those laws exclude police officers who can have the most vicious lies spoken about them or printed about them without any legal recourse.
"I can't say I know what an appropriate solution *would* be, but I do think I can be confident in saying that that sort of law is not only an ineffective one, but offensive, in that it takes away freedom and protection from people to protect public officials."
I think it'd be peachy keen if legal recourse against defamation, libel, and slander was given equally to every single American citizen regardless of what they do for a living. To me, this seems a simple and very elegant solution to the problem because all the mechanisms to carry it out already exist and have withstood the test of time. That said, this isn't taking away freedom and protection from people to protect public officials; it's taking away the freedom to harm from people to protect other people.
"The public officials knew what they were getting into when they signed up."
To some extent, yes, although in terms of the law "public official" includes law enforcement. I don't think anyone can really know what it's like to have no recourse against being smeared and defamed simply because you joined a particular profession that the courts consider equivalent to an elected position in terms of protections against defamation and libel.
"And those laws exclude police officers who can have the most vicious lies spoken about them or printed about them without any legal recourse."
And that is, in fact, unfair, if true. Not that I'm necessarily doubting you, but from where do you hear this?
"...it's taking away the freedom to harm from people to protect other people."
...Except that freedom to record has far more power to protect than to harm. At least in my humble opinion.
"I don't think anyone can really know what it's like to have no recourse against being smeared and defamed simply because you joined a particular profession that the courts consider equivalent to an elected position in terms of protections against defamation and libel."
Oh, man... Funny you should mention that. I worked for two years as a correctional officer in a federal prison under a contracted corporation. And the one reason that *I* had to be held personally, legally liable for an alleged federal *felony* that occurred because of a chronic, systemic problem in the facility was because they considered me a "public officer".
As I said earlier, I was acquitted of the charges, largely due to the fact that I used video surveillance in my testimony. But the case would have been against the *company*, instead of myself and the other defendant, if we hadn't been under the legal term 'public officer'.
... Oh, and I joined the USMCR after I lost that job. Do they have no recourse either? Because I don't remember any of that mentioned in training. I'm pretty sure I can still sue for defamation of character and press charges for libel. Heck, I'm pretty sure I could back when I worked at the center, for that matter.
-Kire Du'Hai
"Not that I'm necessarily doubting you, but from where do you hear this?"
I did some searching through Google and read the court reasoning behind various dismissals of police officer defamation/libel/slander suits. They employed the exact same standard of proof set out for public officials under the US Supreme Court decision New York Times v. Sullivan. Thus, I reason that they're treated as public officials for the purpose of such lawsuits.
"...Except that freedom to record has far more power to protect than to harm. At least in my humble opinion."
It's a very sharp double-edged sword because recordings are like any piece of factual data: it becomes whatever the user wants it to be. This is why, in that YouTube video RH posted a long while ago with a law professor and a police officer both recommending that you NEVER talk to the police without a lawyer, they said their advice holds even if the interview is recorded. I think the potential balances out primarily because there's no way to know what a person making the recording is trying to accomplish. Everyone who makes a recording of the police doing something would say "I'm trying to protect others" even if their sole intent is to edit the video to smear the officers.
"Oh, man... Funny you should mention that. I worked for two years as a correctional officer in a federal prison under a contracted corporation..."
I admire you for your service, then, but it doesn't have any bearing on my statement. The fact that you know what it's like doesn't change the fact that the typical person cannot appreciate what it's like prior to experiencing it.
Video recordings can indeed be abused just like any other kind of media (writing, speech, sound recording, etc.) to be used one way or another. The advantage of devices that can record independent of the user (you can leave them on and they'll simply record data, whether you want it to or not) is that they MUST have truth somewhere in there. It may be taken out of context, it may even have elements of total fabrication inserted (CG compositing, reenacted fake footage, etc.), but it must include actual truth, somewhere. It may be double-edged, but the edge of truth is a little sharper, by my reckoning.
And thus far, doctored footage is relatively easy to detect. It may *eventually* get to a stage where footage is capable of being completely fabricated with little evidence, but not yet.
This is why I say the balance swings toward the benefit of recordings rather than detriment, however slightly. And if something is to be prohibited, I think the potential for abuse should vastly outweigh the potential of good use, not just slightly outweigh it.
And while not everyone can understand what it's like (My own situation was only marginally similar, so *I* don't really understand) to be without recourse against those who slander you maliciously, I think that those who do recognize that the sort of people who listen to the slander (those who don't care to investigate context) aren't the type whose opinions should be cared about much. The value of the opinion of those who know they're doing their job right and correctly far outweighs the mud-slinging of a mob.
That's how I think about it, anyway.
-Kire Du'Hai
"It may *eventually* get to a stage where footage is capable of being completely fabricated with little evidence, but not yet."
Well, actually, we've been at that point for some time but the means is prohibitively expensive. Which goes to show that if someone is sufficiently motivated, not even something that MUST have the truth somewhere on there is vulnerable.
"The value of the opinion of those who know they're doing their job right and correctly far outweighs the mud-slinging of a mob."
But it's the mud-slinging mob and not the rational responsible people that're liable to act on the fabrication. As we've been seeing with the "Occupy" movement, the problem is never the majority but the tiny segment that is bonkers and capable of causing damage far out of proportion to their numbers. That and the previous response all said, however, I concede your general point.
Quite a few states have laws that require all parties to a private conversation consent to a recording (or at least be aware of the recording happening and continue the conversation regardless of it). Most states make a distinction between public and private. All states exempt law enforcement from the laws, though many require a warrant to qualify for the exemption.
Two states actually forbid recording public conversations without permission, Illinois and Massachusetts. Massachusetts bans secret recordings, Illinois bans them all.
I live in Washington state, which is an all-party consent state, but the law specifically targets private conversations. Recording in public isn't illegal here, and public officials CANNOT have private conversations in any official capacity, ever (one could even argue(though there is no case law on this) that if a officer tells you that you can't record his conversation with you, it cannot be anything but a voluntary encounter).
As I recall, Ralph, you posted a video sometime back of an officer explaining that a citizen should, ideally, never talk to the police directly. And especially never divulge information except through a filter of legal representation.
Heck'd if I can find it...
You probably want something like this?
Actually, I remember that video, too; it was a law professor making the argument that by talking to the police without legal representation, you're effectively voiding your Fifth Amendment right, because missing even minor details can make you look guilty, whether you are or not.
Here's a direct link to the first half of the lecture in question: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8z7NC5s
Gosh, does that mean I shouldn't have asked one for street directions a few months ago?
Can't watch the video at work, but I believe I found a print copy of it on the web.
One, this is an old case, the Circuit Court Judge threw it out on it's ear in late September.
Two, the cops didn't bring the charges, it was done by one pissed off judge. The victim had a long running dispute, he worked on cars in his driveway, and was getting cited with 'eyesore' ordinance violations, which he challenged. This was set off when he was told there would be no official court transcript he brought a tape recorder for his own record of the proceedings. The judge hit the roof when she found out (report doesn't give her name, but does use the female pronouns) accused him of 'violating her privacy' and got him slapped with an easedropping charge that carried a 15 year maximum, and added four more when she found he recorded his interactions with the cops.
So sanity eventually prevailed, and it wasn't the cops this time folks. Sounds like a single powermad judge who had the ear of an ADA.
Whether judge or police is irrelevant to the fact that the law in question is what enabled this violation of civil rights.
You're late to the party, folks. Allison's charges were dismissed back in September by Judge Frankland, who said the Illinois eavesdropping statute is unconstitutional. No word yet on whether the State's Attorney will appeal. They may, and the Illinois Attorney General may involve herself because it's a state law in question.
Point of fact, the charges against Mr. Allison were for the audio recordings he made; there is no mention of videotaping in the case file. I got this info from a quick search for "Michael Allison, Robinson, IL" and followed a couple of links. If you do the same search, you can easily find information on the case.
I agree the law needs to be changed, but until it is, people in Illinois who record audio without consent are going to be charged now and then, and it's going to take a lot of time and money to keep them from going to jail and paying fines or court costs.
Ok, that one has been resolved.....but just like in whack-a-mole, we have a new issue...
"Calling the Lowe's decision "un-American" and "naked religious bigotry," Sen. Ted Lieu, D-Torrance, told The Associated Press he would also consider legislative action if Lowe's doesn't apologize to Muslims and reinstate its ads."
"Sen. Lieu goes on to laud the show's message of peace, citing the Islamic world's thousand-year history of faithful adherence to treaties and never using peace-time as a ruse to stab supposed allies in the back."
Really? What universe does Senator Loopy live in again? I wanna emigrate there, where Muslims are peaceful, not raving lunatics who dance and ululate and throw candy to children when Americans die, and don't issue open contract hits against cartoonists for drawing someone who has a passing resemblance to Mohammed, and didn't hijack planes, attack Israel repeatedly, and kill women for daring to think on their own or for the heinous crime of being raped, and commit a series of offenses both heinous and barbaric against mostly unarmed and inoffensive civilians dating back to around AD 630-ish.
Not really. That was a satirical, Onion-style quote I pulled from my caboose to illustrate some key points, though I suspect you knew that already.
But I'll clarify anyway for the kids watching at home.
Whatever the true intentions of the producers, and however truly American the families who have been showcased, the show is propaganda. No getting around that. The title practically screams it. Unfortunately, posterity has shown that muslims calling for peace are most often the least trustworthy.
A group of citizens brought these concerns to Lowe's, and that's why the ads were pulled. And you can't blame them. Who would want to associate their good name, let alone fund, a potentially subversive element?
So Michael Allison's case was dismissed by a judge who acted from the bench and overrode the law on the constitutional grounds. Judge Frankland's ruling may have been appealed; I haven't seen any news on this since the case was dropped back in mid September.
This is a case that alarms people who believe in individuals, both on the left and on the right. Occupy Wall Street boards keep watching and acting about police who try to shut down the journalists, cover badge numbers in tape, and otherwise try to hide. Personally, I believe police in riot gear should all have their badge numbers as prominent as runners' numbers in marathons. If they do well, people can notice and praise them. It encourages good behavior.
The hard hurdle is personal. Would you join with people you don't agree, don't believe, and don't like to solve this one issue? Would you unite, on this one issue, with the Occupy Wall Street crowd or the university professor crowd? Politics is the hard choice of working together on issues you agree on while putting aside the others for another day.
Would you do it?
You don't yoke an ox with an ass.
I do not have to "join" or "work with" someone to whom I am radically and diametrically opposed, just for the sake of one issue. In fact it's a formula for failure; for all that we agree on the problem, they will invariably differ with me on the solution.
The purpose of our system of governance is to enable people to place pressure on the ruling powers WITHOUT having to gang up into one faceless, voiceless, and inevitably brainless mob. Let the OWSers have their tantrum on their own; we of the mature class will stand over here and raise our own measure, undiluted by their erratic lunacy.


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Bookstores of New York
Last week I was in New York. The purpose of the visit was to attend two antiquarian book fairs, but I always try to make time to visit booksellers in their stores. Nothing can replace the touch and feel of a beautiful book and talking to someone that is passionate about what they do.
Walking into an antiquarian bookshop is a bit like opening a treasure chest; you never know what you are going to find and there are always hidden gems. I love knowing that I can walk into these stores and find something that I know has had a long and interesting life and belonged to people that cared enough to preserve and share them.
One of the shops I visited was Argosy Books in midtown Manhattan. Argosy Books was founded in 1925 and is now in its third generation of family ownership. There are books on the shelves, books in stacks and piled on tables. All combined with great lighting and small pops of colour from flowers placed throughout the store to make you feel instantly comfortable and welcome.
Argosy specializes in Americana, modern first editions, autographs, art, maps & prints and books about the history of science and medicine. If those aren't up your alley, you will also find many other books in a wide variety of topics and with a wide variety of prices. If you have the time and you're in New York, Argosy is definitely a store you should visit.
Another shop I visited was the Complete Traveller Antiquarian Bookstore on Madison Avenue. This store evolved from The Complete Traveller Bookstore which was the first travel bookstore in the US. As the name states, this shop specializes in collectible travel literature and has one of the best collections of authentic Baedeker travel guides. Baedekers are considered to be the first modern travel guides and can be easily identified by their distinct red cover. The books were treasured for their detailed historic accounts and the many fold out maps they contain.
This is a unique and specialized shop and definitely worth a visit if you love travel, history and culture.
No visit to New York is complete for me until I visit The Strand. Strand never disappoints and I always walk away with at least one, well really several books. This time I came home with something for my children, but I love it too: This is New York by Miroslav Sasek. We love these books in my house and have many others in the This Is…. series.
Most people know that Strand is a great place to go for affordable books, but it also has a fantastic Rare Book Room. Hop in the elevator and go up to the 3rd floor, and you'll walk into a room filled with lovely old books, many of which can be found on AbeBooks.
Strand also has many affordable and collectible signed first editions. The day of my visit, they were getting ready for a book signing and talk with Pulitzer Prize-winning author Junot Diaz, discussing his newest book This is How You Lose Her.
Bookstores in New York offer a slice of history and small pieces of beauty that will draw you in and make you love books even more.
Guest post compliments of Maria Hutchison, AbeBooks Account Manager for our rare and collectible segment.