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Let's start with the glasses. You know what I'm talking about: the dark-rimmed, nerd-chic eyewear that, since last summer, has emerged as the symbol of the new Rick Perry—serious, thoughtful, vaguely hipsterish. Perry critics mock them as a desperate ploy to make the governor look smarter, to erase the unflattering conventional wisdom, cemented during his 2012 presidential flameout, that he isn't all that bright. Republicans and Democrats alike joke about whether the lenses are simply clear glass. Recently, when Perry and Senator Rand Paul got into an op-ed spat over foreign policy, Paul snarked that the governor's "new glasses haven't altered his perception of the world, or allowed him to see it any more clearly."
I'd been wondering about the glasses, too. When I spent time with Perry in South Carolina a few weeks ago, the governor had accidentally left his spectacles back in Austin. "This is the first time I haven't had them in months!" he complained to me after I pulled out my own pair to read the logo on his black golf shirt. "I see fine at a distance," he explained. But reading things close up, like notes for a speech? Forget it. (Shortly after our conversation, an aide was dispatched to a North Charleston shopping mall to procure an identical replacement from a one-hour optical shop.)
A couple of weeks later, I emailed the governor's office to confirm that his much-discussed eyewear is used primarily for reading. Instead of a simple "yes," "no," or "not exactly," I received an email saying Perry would phone me himself to chat about "the details on the eye stuff."
And chat he did. On July 25, en route home from the Republican Governors Association's three-day confab in Aspen, Perry spent a generous 15 minutes or more walking me through his ophthalmological history—the gist of which really should be conveyed more or less verbatim:
"In 1967, when I was a young senior in high school, I was hit in the eye with a rock thrown across a football field by my best friend." The offending projectile "was a smooth stone, the size between a 50-cent piece and a silver dollar. It hit me directly in the left eye. I lost complete vision in that eye."
"Living where we lived, I didn't have access to an ophthalmologist for a period of time. Long story short, Michelle: My eye miraculously was healed. I don't know why. My left eye had filled with blood. I lost complete vision. And the eyesight came back after a period of time." He clarifies: "We're talking about over the course of a month or so."
Eventually, Perry received a proper eye exam. "I think an ophthalmologist took a look and said, 'Your vision's fine.' And so I went on about my life. I went to school. I got a contract with the United States Air Force to fly planes. Obviously, an eye exam is one of the most rigorous parts of that type of physical exam. My eyesight was 20/20." In all his flyboy days, Perry assures me, "there was never, ever any ophthalmologist or eye exam that ever questioned anything about my eyesight."
"So I go on through life. I hit my 40s, which is when eyesight starts to deteriorate. I never really had any deterioration. Then in my mid 50s—around 2004 or 2005—I start noticing that I needed some 1.25 or 1.5 reading glasses in the evening, like if I'm reading the Bible or a little something before I go to bed. Then I used the little ones you get at Wal-Mart." He chuckles. "Being a very frugal fellow, I would buy three for $10 at Wal-Mart. I'd leave them laying around."
Fast-forward to shortly after the 2012 presidential election. One night, sitting in his office at the state Capitol, the governor noticed that some air vents running along the wall no longer looked straight to him. "So I did a little self-exam and figured out that in my left eye there was some distortion in my vision. I went to see an ophthalmologist. She said, 'You know what, I'm going to send you to a retina expert. I'm seeing some things in here that are troubling.' "
And so off Perry went to Austin's Dr. Armie Harper. "He diagnosed me with what is referred to as pre-retinal fibrosis. For a layman, what that is—that injury that occurred 45 years ago was starting to manifest itself." Unlike the smooth, concave curve of a normal retina, explains Perry, "mine went up and then dipped down and went back up. It looked like somebody had pushed the retina in. What it is, it was the scar tissue that had never been readily visible from an eye exam. He said, 'It's like Saran wrap, when you heat it and it crinkles up. That's what's happening to your retina. There are two ways to deal with this. Try to correct it with glasses. Or have surgery.' "
Harper told Perry the surgery was "pretty technical." "He said, 'I do it. I'm pretty good at it' "—more chuckling from the governor—"as most doctors would say. But he said, 'I think you will be more comfortable if we try to address this with glasses.' So anyway, there's the story of how it came for me to make the decision to wear glasses."
From there, Perry went on to explain how he is right-eye dominant, how his vision will fade with age much like everyone else's, what happens when he closes one eye or the other, how his progressive lenses help in various situations, and how, minus his teenage injury, "you'd still see me with little peeper things we buy at Wal-Mart." As for his stylish new trademark, Perry's wife picked out the frames, and the governor is well aware of all the snickering. "From time to time, someone says, 'You need to get rid of the glasses,' " he tells me. "And there's a certain amount of people out there who say, 'He got the glasses to change his appearance.' I don't know whether it changed my appearance or not, but I'm pretty comfortable. I like being able to see."
I relay this extraordinarily comprehensive story because, first of all, I figure most everyone in Washington has wondered at some point about Perry's glasses. But I also share it because, at least in my experience, it's somewhat unusual for a (potential) presidential candidate to call up and lead a reporter so far into the medical weeds. That Perry did so speaks to a key aspect of his rehab mission: This is a guy seen as having mailed it in the last time he ran for president, stumbling and bumbling his way to disaster. This time around, whether it's finding the time for an exacting ophthalmological discussion, making repeat visits to Iowa, or offering self-deprecating jokes about his 2012 belly flop, Perry wants everyone to know that he is ready—gung ho, even—for the nitpicking and hoop-jumping and all-around hard work that a serious White House campaign entails.
And it's true that you really can't fault Perry for lack of political effort these days. Earlier this summer, there was the foreign policy exchange with Paul, in which he took a swing at his potential 2016 competitor on the op-ed pages of The Washington Post, prompting a Paul counterpunch in Politico Magazine and a flurry of media buzz about the feud. More recently, Perry has been all over the ongoing child-migrant crisis: taking multiple trips to the border, calling up National Guard troops, and slamming Obama's handling of the situation at every opportunity. The governor is also working hard to raise his TV profile, hitting the staid Sunday shows (Meet the Press and This Week), lighter fare such as Jimmy Kimmel Live, and cable scrapfests like Crossfire. "Sparring with Stephanie Cutter is good practice for him," says Jeff Miller, Perry's top strategist and the CEO of Americans for Economic Freedom, the dark-money group born from the ashes of the pro-Perry super PAC Make Us Great Again.
At the same time, Perry is traveling the country on what might best be termed a Texas victory tour, bragging about his state's booming economy. The governor's preferred MO is to jet into a blue state with a less shiny economic outlook (California and New York are his favorite whipping dogs), talk up the business-friendly climate back home, and invite local businesses to relocate. There have also been schmooze-athons with donors in money centers including New York City and San Diego, policy tutorials with think-tankers from AEI, Hoover, Brookings, and the Manhattan Institute, and the occasional overseas trek (Jerusalem, London, Davos). "We're booked out like this through the end of the year," Miller told me.
The flurry of activity seems geared to send a very clear signal: If he runs again, Perry isn't going to be a dilettante campaigner. In 2012, "I learned two very good, humbling, frustrating lessons," he tells me, in a refrain he is repeating constantly of late. "One is that you need to be fit—and major back surgery did not allow me to be fit, physically or mentally. And the other is preparation. I don't care how many times you have been elected governor of Texas. You cannot parachute into the process of being vetted for the nomination for the Republican Party without proper preparation. It is a long and arduous task."
In his last bid, Perry entered the race late—in August 2011—but due to the weakness of the field, he immediately became the front-runner. This sudden prominence conferred obvious perks, most notably the ability to raise $20 million in six weeks. ("That had never been done before," notes his then-strategist Dave Carney.) But it also came with burdens, including a relentless spotlight trained on a candidate who was untested nationally. Perry was soft, sloppy, and clueless about how to negotiate the primary minefield. It's tough to be the front-runner when "you're still trying to get your sea legs under you," sympathizes Bob Vander Plaats, head of the Family Leader, a social-conservative activist group in Iowa. "When Mike Huckabee was first running in 2008, nobody knew who he was, so nobody was following him, and he got a chance to make mistake after mistake in farmhouses across Iowa." By contrast, says Vander Plaats, every "goof-up" Perry made—and there were plenty—immediately became national news.
The most famous goof-up, of course, occurred in a November GOP debate, when, in a display of antigovernment fervor, Perry vowed to euthanize three Cabinet agencies—but could only remember the names of two of them (Commerce and Education). Following some hemming and hawing and an attempted assist from Mitt Romney, Perry offered up an embarrassed, "Oops." Quicker than you can say "Department of Energy," he became a global punch line.
Perry now blames the gaffe, and his shoddy performance in general, on the back medication he was taking at the time. But meds aside, the broader problem was that Perry's entire candidacy seemed premised on the idea that he could take shortcuts. His campaign's infrastructure was deeply flawed (his team missed the Virginia ballot deadline) and its staff was cocky (they thought they could skip tiresome tasks like kissing up to Iowans and working the political media). "They were grossly overconfident in their own abilities—crazy confident," marvels Bill Miller, a veteran GOP lobbyist in Austin. "They were playing by their own rules. They thought they were geniuses."
Now Perry is trying hard to check all the boxes he missed a few years ago. "The last 20 months," he informs me, "have been spent in a fairly intensive prep mode on all the big issues that face the commander in chief of this country." Twenty months: In other words, Perry has been working on a reboot since before Mitt Romney's corpse was cold. Last July, he announced he would not seek a fourth full term as governor. Freed from the Texas trail, he has devoted much time to stumping for fellow Republicans across the country, gathering chits, and reintroducing himself to voters in states such as Florida, Pennsylvania—and, of course, Iowa. Last cycle, Perry stiffed the Hawkeye State. "His team resisted help, they denied help, and that hurt him," says Vander Plaats. But Perry is making an appropriate effort this time, notes Vander Plaats, at whose Family Leadership Summit the governor is signed up to speak in early August (along with 2016 maybes Bobby Jindal, Rick Santorum, Mike Huckabee, and Ted Cruz). "He's learned that it doesn't do anybody any good to skip the Iowa process," Vander Plaats says. Cracks Bill Miller of Perry's early, multiple Iowa visits, "It's kaffeeklatsch city! If people there are drinking coffee and he's not sitting at the table, it just means he had to go to the bathroom."
The new Perry isn't just working harder than his 2012 incarnation. He's also seeking to occupy a different political space. Last time, Perry ran as a conservative firebrand. This time, with Cruz and others sucking up all the oxygen on the right, he is trying out a new message. Forget the wild-eyed cowboy squawking about how Texas might be forced to secede from the union. Today's Perry is pitching himself as a thoughtful, seasoned elder statesman.
Two weeks before Perry stormed the barbecues of South Carolina, I saw him in Washington as he courted a very different audience: At the St. Regis hotel, he lunched with a couple of dozen reporters, fielding questions and sharing thoughts on the state of the nation, the GOP, and the president. Looking especially presidential—gray suit, burnt-orange tie, and, at 64, still the best head of hair in politics—he bounced from topic to topic, but kept returning to a couple of overarching themes.
For one thing, he hammered home the idea that the GOP (and Dems, too, for that matter) must "stay focused" on putting America back to work and stop "getting distracted" by divisive social issues. This was, as it happened, a topic of intense interest at the media luncheon, since the previous week Perry had caused a mini-tempest by comparing homosexuality to alcoholism at an event in San Francisco. When a reporter coyly broached the subject by asking what sorts of issues Perry considers "a distraction," the governor dove right in, citing his San Francisco gaffe as Exhibit A. ("I stepped right in it!") When pressed, at the luncheon and elsewhere, on whether he considers homosexuality a disorder, Perry repeatedly maintained that his personal views are not pertinent, that decisions on gay rights should be left to the states, and that the federal government has far more pressing crises to confront.
While this line may play well with libertarians and moderate Republicans, the party base includes a heap of values voters who have vowed not to be taken for granted. During his visit to the Palmetto State, I pointed out to the governor that many, many of these folks live in early-voting states such as Iowa and South Carolina. He seemed unperturbed. "A lot of folks know people's records," he said with an easy smile. "My record's pretty clear. I'm a social conservative. But it's not where I need to be spending my time if I'm president of the United States—if that's the project I'm gonna be working on. It shouldn't be. Our candidate I don't think should be bogged down with issues that are not on the front burner of what's facing this country. And what's facing this country right now is an economy that is very sluggish, that has a growth rate that this year may be zero. And foreign policy that's gonna take us years to repair."
Whatever Perry's personal beliefs, this is a far cry from the culture warrior of 2011 who ran a December ad in Iowa lamenting, "There's something wrong in this country when gays can serve openly in the military, but our kids can't openly celebrate Christmas or pray in school."
Shifting the terms of discussion serves a couple of useful purposes for Perry. First, he sees Texas's roaring economy as his greatest selling point, and he intends to take full credit. He's boiled the state's business-friendly climate down to a four-point laundry list, which he can efficiently tick through at stop after stop: "low taxes, a regulatory policy that is fair and predictable, a legal system that does not allow for over-suing, and accountable public schools." From this thematic base, he can elaborate as much or as little as the particular audience requires.
Fellow Republicans agree that the more Perry can keep the discussion focused on the economy, the better off he is. "Rick Perry is the gold standard," gushes Florida Governor Rick Scott of his fellow governor's economic policies. (Scott is an unabashed Perry acolyte.) "If you look at his track record, it's one of the best, if not the best, in the country." Says former Bush Press Secretary Ari Fleischer: "He's got a strong record, especially on economics, job creation, and growth."
More broadly, Perry seems to recognize that he no longer has a shot at being the rowdiest, most ideologically pristine conservative on the block, or even from his own home state. The absolutists are now swooning over newer models such as Cruz and, in a slightly quirkier vein, Rand Paul. Perry is neither pure enough nor fresh enough to compete with such shiny new pennies. In Texas, he placed fourth in the presidential straw poll at this year's GOP convention. (Cruz crushed, with 43 percent of the vote.) As The Texas Tribune's Ross Ramsey tells me, "Cruz has tapped that vein of populist, middle-finger politics."
Perry, by contrast, talks a lot these days—somberly and with an almost patronizing deliberateness—about experience, and executive experience to be precise. "I think we've seen a president who's inexperienced being an executive," he tells me. "He's never been an executive of anything. He was in the Illinois state Senate and the U.S. Senate long enough to find out where bathrooms are, but not long enough to really know how process works." Americans, Perry says confidently, are ready for someone with a little more seasoning. "I don't think they want to take a chance on another Barack Obama."
He still tosses out the occasional red-meat phrase like "imperial presidency," and he has been particularly harsh about the border crisis. Increasingly, however, his message seems tailored to reach non-Obama-haters—the kind of voters who will need someone to vote for if Jeb Bush doesn't run. Perry mused to the crowd at the St. Regis, "I bet if we went around the table, many of you would say that this president hasn't spent that much time on Capitol Hill trying to find solutions." Obama's lack of "diplomatic" or "interpersonal" skills is a critique Perry floats frequently—and one he could have pulled straight from the notebook of Maureen Dowd or Bob Woodward.
Further appealing to voters weary of partisan warfare, Perry stresses that political leaders should have a "civil," "thoughtful," even "winsome" conversation about the challenges facing this nation. ("Winsome" is a favorite word of his, typically dropped into conversation with a winking smile, lest you worry he's getting too earnest.) He boasts of having teamed up with Democrats on various issues over the years, such as the establishment of drug courts and, more recently, an effort to combat sex-trafficking. And despite Republicans' stranglehold on Texas government, Perry insists he still had to learn how to horse-trade. "On any substantive matters, I'm not sure I ever got a full loaf," he insists to me in South Carolina. "I'm not sure I ever got everything I wanted. But I knew how to negotiate up to getting something. And I'd rather have a half loaf than no loaf." On some level, the very notion of the combative Texas governor as a bipartisan uniter is laughable. Then again, the GOP bell curve currently features Cruz and a sizable contingent of House members who view any compromise whatsoever as tantamount to treason.
In venue after venue, Perry asserts that "government has a role." He cheers public-private partnerships and, unlike many in his party, sees the Export-Import Bank as vital in promoting American interests abroad. At every opportunity, the governor draws a sharp distinction between leaders like himself, who have been responsible for getting stuff done, and Capitol Hill talkers such as Paul and, of course, Cruz.
The senator is clearly a sore spot for the governor. When his name is mentioned, Perry's face erupts in a large, dyspeptic smile. The two Texans have their share of electoral baggage (in his 2012 Senate race, Cruz beat Perry's candidate, Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst), made heavier by the fact that Cruz enjoys taking the occasional poke at Perry, and vice versa. When asked in May about his governor's job-creation message, Cruz responded, "Nothing makes me crazier than politicians who run around talking about the jobs they created. Politicians are very good at killing jobs, but they don't create jobs."
Asked about the comment, Perry says, "I always give people the benefit of the doubt." But the senator's criticism, he says, is a misinterpretation of his message—which he's pretty sure Cruz knows. "Ted and I have never actually sat down and had this conversation. But my hope is—and I'd be happy to do it, we just don't see each other that often—that he would agree that government can be either an impediment to or it can be a promoter of a climate that allows people to risk capital. I don't get confused at all. I don't think I've ever done it—and if I have it's been an oversight—but I don't think I ever got up and said, I created X number of jobs. I talk about Texas. In Texas we created. And it is a partnership."
More vexing still may be the way Cruz has bumped Perry from atop the Texas political food chain. "Cruz is the de facto figurehead if not the operational leader of the party," says James Henson, director of the Texas Politics Project at the University of Texas (Austin). "In Texas, Perry is sort of the Republican Party of four years ago." Asked about Cruz's "It Boy" status, the governor radiates condescension. "We all get our 15 seconds of fame," he coolly responded at the St. Regis, when questioned about the legislator's impact on Texas politics. Suggesting that it's "a little bit early" to assess the import of "a junior senator" and that we should revisit the situation "in eight years," Perry compared Cruz to the late Democratic Governor Ann Richards: beloved but not influential. Ouch.
Perry weaves even his 2012 flameout into his argument that voters ought to value his experience. "I'm glad I ran," he told the Beltway reporters, insisting that the bloodletting left him better prepared than all these new kids on the block. In South Carolina, he makes the case to me that even the gantlet of debates—which he agrees was "god-awful"—was "a good, important process."
"I actually think I got to be a passable debater before the process was over," he tells me, noting that "you can't do something 18 times" without at least some improvement. "The last five or six debates were pretty decent," he suggests. "I was competitive and gave as good as I took. The early ones, not so much. I readily admit I wasn't prepared." When I ask if potentially running against another Texan like Cruz, or perhaps Rand Paul, with his father's Texas donor base, could complicate his efforts to gain traction, Perry demurs, making the broad observation, "Running for the presidency of the United States is complicated. If you have never done it before, you will find out."
One Perry asset that was largely obscured in 2012 is just how charming he can be one-on-one. By entering the race so late, he didn't leave himself much time for hanging out with voters in places like Cedar Rapids or Manchester. In addition, Perry's entire demeanor last time, combined with his hard-right politics, made him come across as some combination of angry, awkward, and out of it. "He was not himself," says Vander Plaats, who blames the governor's campaign team for giving him bad counsel. Bill Miller agrees: "He was never on his game." The Perry that Texans have long known, by contrast, is a master of retail politics, a guy who can stand around gabbing with voters all day and who interacts with people in a way that is a bit goofy but also endearing. It's a vastly different political style than what we've grown accustomed to from politicians such as Obama, Romney, or Hillary Clinton.
In South Carolina, I tag along with Perry to a fundraiser cookout for Rep. Mick Mulvaney, a Republican who represents the state's northern, rural 5th District. Before the event, Perry, Mulvaney, the congressman's wife, Pam, and a half-dozen members of the governor's team are kicking back in a conference room inside the swank, sprawling headquarters of the City of Light Catholic ministries, where the event is being held. At one end of the long, glossy wooden table, Perry's people sit talking politics with Mulvaney. At the other, the governor is huddled up with Pam, swapping stories and photos of kids (Perry has a grown son and daughter), dogs (he has four), guns (he digs them; his wife, Anita, doesn't), his 1-year-old granddaughter, and the uncomfortably stiff cowboy boots Pam is sporting, custom made from a gator she shot while in Louisiana.
Next thing you know, one of Pam's boots is off her foot and in the governor's hands. (Perry himself has sworn off cowboy boots in deference to his temperamental spine.) Perry flexes the sole, then sticks his face down inside the shiny black footwear and inhales deeply. "I just love the smell of new leather!" he announces happily. He pauses, looks over at me, and asks, "This is going to wind up in your piece, isn't it? 'He likes to sniff women's shoes!'" The governor chuckles, then resumes his discussion with Pam about the best way to break in boots. (Short answer: You just gotta wear 'em.)
Perry is prone to sudden outbursts of enthusiasm or surprise. On our second day on the road, heading into the office of a local real-estate agent, I joked to him that I'd double-caffeinated in preparation for our interview. "Oh!" he exclaimed, and his eyes popped wide as he spun around to dash back to the idling white Suburban for his forgotten iced coffee, in the process tripping over a concrete parking block and nearly taking a nose dive. (His press secretary looked ready to faint.) Later, during our tour of a medical lab, Perry came dashing back through the crowd to find me and enthuse that this was exactly the kind of mind-blowing innovation that makes America the greatest nation on earth. And at any given moment, the governor might whip out his phone and snap photos of whatever tickles his fancy. "Are you Catholic?" he gushed as we passed a statue of St. Michael on our way into City of Light. "Neither am I," he beamed, "but St. Michael has always been one of my favorites!"
He is also willing to get personal in a way that few politicians risk but that many voters crave. At one point, while discussing the joys and perils of parenting, he went off on a tangent about how, upon leaving the Air Force, he moved back home with his parents just four days shy of his 27th birthday. Returning to his childhood room, frozen in time, was "an eerie moment," the governor recalls—one neither he nor his dad handled well. With his college degree and military stripes, young Rick thought he knew everything. "And my dad thought I was that"—Perry's voice drops to a stage whisper—"dumb-ass 17-year-old who had left 10 years prior." It took six months of "friction" to make the transition, recalls Perry. Then he arrives at the punch line: "About six months ago, our daughter moved back in with us. Twenty-seven years old. And it really didn't dawn on me until we had about our second clashing, and I was just like, 'I'm ready to strangle her,' and she's like"—here he makes a vulgar gesture—" 'Up yours, old man!' that … she is at exactly the same stage of her life as I was." Talk about a story the parents of today's boomerang generation can relate to.
In a dreary landscape of focus-grouped, poll-tested, prepackaged candidates, Perry stands out. At the Mulvaney meet-and-greet, Joan Dant and her granddaughter Michaela Sims raved about Perry's honesty, his "down-homeness," and his self-deprecating humor. That humor is proving crucial in helping Perry deal with his 2012 debacle. One of his favorite laugh lines on the stump involves his short-lived front-runner status: "You all may not remember this, but at one point, I was ahead in the polls." Pause for effect. "Those were the best three hours of my life." It's rare to hear a politician speak bluntly about his own political failures, yet Perry is aggressive in owning his. When I point out that this seems to play well with voters, he smiles. "But it's true! It has the added benefit of being true."
Also working to his advantage are, let's face it, Perry's good looks. He's got the ruggedly handsome face, the slightly wicked smile, and enough silver creeping into that hair to make him look distinguished. One national fundraiser recalled seeing him for the first time at a Republican event in 2011: "I am telling you, the ladies there—it was like watching Tom Jones. You remember the singer? Women would throw their panties on the stage. There is a pheromone on him women react to."
Whether or not you find him good-looking, it's tough not to at least find him personally charming. "Rick is just a really likable guy. He's real down to earth," says Mulvaney, who backed him last time but who stresses he has not yet endorsed for 2016. "One of the attractions that separated him from folks like Romney and Gingrich when he first got into the race in 2012 was he had a broad appeal to folks. He still does."
For all he's done to remake his image, though, Perry is still digging out of a Mariana Trench-like hole. And it's hard to find a Republican player or political watcher who gives his comeback much of a chance. Some diplomatically couch their doubts in never-say-never caveats. "I am very hesitant to dismiss anybody's chances out of hand," observes GOP pollster Whit Ayres. "That said, you never get a second chance to make a first impression." Other folks use harsher terms such as "crazy," "bizarre," and "delusional." Even if he manages to get past the "oops," the governor occupies an awkward, in-between space, Henson says: "He wasn't successful enough in the last cycle to be the guy 'waiting in the wings' like McCain and Romney were. Yet he's not insurgent enough now to be the insurgent."
Some posit that Perry isn't really aiming for the White House, but instead is hoping to better position himself for whatever opportunities might arise in a Republican administration. "There's some rehab value to simply being in the pre-candidate pool, if you will," Henson notes. Texas Monthly's Paul Burka has suggested Perry "would be perfect for the job" of VPOTUS. The governor, however, avoids such specifics. "Even if I don't run," he tells me of his presidential crash course, "I'll be a better person, because I want to be engaged."
Ari Fleischer points out that "if he starts early enough, Perry can remedy a lot of the mistakes he made last time under the pressure of being the instant front-runner. He also now benefits from low expectations." Moreover, the ongoing border crisis has given Perry a boost in recent days, earning him plaudits from Beltway conservatives and giving him multiple opportunities to stress his secure-the-border-first message to the party's base.
Still, it's a troubling sign, say observers both in and outside Texas, that Perry has fallen off the radar of the moneymen. "He's not even on the alternate list," the national fundraiser says. As for Lone Star donors, says Bill Miller, "I'm not hearing anything. Seriously. That's bad for him." He does allow that Perry has enough rich friends in the state to collect sufficient "gas money" to "start his engine." But everyone agrees that the governor will need to start looking like a winner before the spigot opens up. "It's always difficult to go back to donors and get them to reinvest in you when you disappoint them," explains Dave Carney. Says Ayres, "They don't give their money if they don't think you've got a chance."
It's also easy for one of Perry's strengths—his affable, casual personal style—to slide into weakness, since it can play into the existing narrative about his lack of intelligence. Once set, such political caricatures are hard to shed—Al Gore was stiff, John Kerry was a flip-flopper, George H.W. Bush was out of touch—which means that, going forward, everyone will be on high alert for Perry to say something "stupid." Any time he forgets a date, misstates a budget number, or veers off message will be spun as further proof that he lacks the discipline or brains to be the nominee.
You can tell that, even as he deploys his innate, somewhat free-wheeling charm, Perry is also mindful of the need to tread carefully. During multiple speeches and interviews on the road, he broke off mid-sentence to ask his press secretary to double-check the facts and figures that he was about to drop into the discussion. ("I want to make sure I get this right!") When wading into even remotely sensitive topics, he pauses to search aloud for the right word or phrase (for instance, casting about before settling on "economically disadvantaged" to describe poor children in his state). It's an understandable impulse. No one knows better than Perry the perils of a thoughtless comment or sloppy word. On the other hand, too much self-editing and second-guessing risk making him look unsure of himself, or rendering him awkward, stilted, or artificial, wiping out that most nebulous of political assets, his authenticity. It is a tricky line to toe, and one that the governor can't help but stumble over now and again.
Perry is scheduled to depart the Mulvaney event early to fly back to Austin. (He is testifying the next day at a Homeland Security field hearing on the border crisis.) In a large dining hall packed with voters feasting on burgers, hot dogs, and chips, the governor kicks off his address with a nod to his hosts, talking about how much he admires the Mulvaneys, and how lucky the crowd is to have Mick as their congressman. He even gives a special shout-out to Mrs. Mulvaney's new boots. From there, Perry rips through his jobs, jobs, jobs message, taking the usual detours to slap the administration on immigration and foreign policy. The speech is well received, though talking with the crowd afterward it's hard to tell whether Perry has won any new converts. Some people love him, some are underwhelmed, and some like him but doubt the chattering class will give him a fighting chance after last time.
Probably the biggest downside to his performance: When gushing about his friends the Mulvaneys, the governor repeatedly referred to Pam as "Tammy." That slipup had some in the crowd chuckling after his departure. But the path to redemption was bound to come with the occasional pothole. This time, at least, Rick Perry has given himself a couple of extra years to smooth out the bumps.
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"Some trust in chariots. Some trust in horses. But we trust in the Lord our God." Psalm 20:7, NIrV
Each week this summer, I am hoping to do a themed week with my kids. This week our theme was HORSEYS, at my 2-year-old's request. As I outlined on my personal blog, we did lots of crafts, read books, and danced to music all about horseys.
But I also wanted to touch on where horses are in the Bible. I wasn't sure how much I would find – aren't there mostly donkeys in the Bible? And are donkeys horses? – but there are a few good instances!
- Pharaoh's army chased the Israelites on horses when they left Egypt (we had a good coloring page of this in our Gigantic Coloring Book of Bible Stories – love that thing!)
- When Elijah is lifted to heaven in a whirlwind, there is a chariot of fire and horses of fire (2 Kings 2:11).
- King Solomon had 12,000 horses. Can we even imagine that many horses? (1 Kings 4:26)
- In the Book of Esther, Mordecai rose a horse through Susa when he was honored by the king.
- And of course, and most exciting, when Jesus rides victorious He'll be riding a white horse! (Revelation 19:11)
Any of these biblical stories could be told and made into a craft to go along with a horsey-themed week at your house. And Psalm 20:7 makes an awesome memory verse for the week.
Stay tuned for more in this series as the summer goes on!

subset: commoncrawl


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SocGen's ultra-bearish analyst Albert Edwards has his take on Europe post-Cyprus.
His prediction: Yes Europe is going to break up and yes, Cyprus is a worrisome template.
The Troika have managed to exponentially increase concerns on how safe retail deposits are in the eurozone. It matters not that the final Cypriot bailout plan did not touch smaller savers unlike the original proposal of a 6¾% tax (haircut) for ALL deposits under €100,000 in ALL banks (including foreign bank subsidiaries).
The fact that this plan was originally sanctioned, despite deposit insurance, will have shaken small saver confidence to the bone. It certainly has shaken my confidence. I know from first-hand experience the extreme difficulty for a European citizen to open an account in another European country – it is nigh on impossible for the man in the street. If 'Joe Sixpack' in Spain or Italy or wherever is thinking the Troika are circling their country in the future, it is entirely rational, as Mervyn King suggests, to panic! (The Bank of England Governor, Mervyn King once said it was not rational to start a bank run but rational to participate in one once it has started.) But euro-Joe Sixpack is left with the choice of stuffing his money under the mattress or buying 'safe' financial assets (maybe overseas mutual funds or gold?), or indeed spending the money on goods and services.
Meanwhile, in a story posted by Deutsche Bank Bernhard Speyer raises similar points:
The ramifications of this decision by the European institutions are no less serious, as it has undermined the agreement to create a banking union that they had just lavished themselves with praise for achieving. For by creating the impression that deposits are no longer safe as they strived to solve the financial problems of the Cypriot state, they have revived the vicious circle of fiscal and financial instability – the so-called "sovereign-bank nexus" – that the banking union is specifically designed to eradicate.
As became evident subsequently, it would have been possible to devise a bailout package that excluded small savers the first time around. Back when they rescheduled Greek government bonds the EMU states had already committed the "original sin" of stripping the aura of safety from an asset class previously regarded as secure – the negative repercussions of this decision are still apparent, although the policy was reversed subsequently. It is puzzling that the same mistake has been repeated with deposits that are insured.


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The Conservative party is divided on what to do about Chinese investment.
OTTAWA — The Canadian government is still mulling its options as deadlines near on two proposed foreign takeovers of domestic energy companies, but an official offered no clues on when or how Ottawa would announce the hotly debated decisions.
Andrew MacDougall, spokesman for Prime Minister Stephen Harper, did not comment on a report that the federal government might want China's CNOOC to sell the 7% stake that takeover target Nexen Inc holds in the large Syncrude oil sands joint venture, because fellow Chinese company Sinopec Group has a 9% stake in it.
"The government is examining its options," he said by email.
The Conservative government is trying to balance the need for foreign investment to develop natural resources with concern that China and other countries could snap up a big chunk of the energy sector, and that state-owned firms might not play by free-market rules.
It faces a deadline of Dec. 10 for deciding on whether to allow the $15.1 billion Nexen bid. A separate decision is pending on a bid by Malaysia's Petronas for Progress Energy Resources Corp, while Ottawa also promises to clarify its overall guidelines on foreign investment.
The CNOOC bid featured in the campaign for a parliamentary seat in the center of the oil city of Calgary. No decision came before a Nov. 26 election there and in two other cities, as observers had predicted.
The report of possible conditions attached to the Nexen deal came from Business News Network anchor Howard Green, who also said his sources were saying that Harper's chief of staff, Nigel Wright, was likely the author of guidelines on Canada will deal with bids from state-owned enterprises like CNOOC.
Wright had takeover experience at private equity firm Onex Corp before joining the government.
Nexen shares were 2.5 percent lower at $24.15 in New York by mid-afternoon, below CNOOC's offer price of $27.50.
MacDougall declined to confirm either hypothesis or to detail the timeline for decisions on either the foreign investment framework or on the two bids.
Though Dec. 10 is the deadline for Nexen (and even that can be extended if all sides agree), investors are also eyeing Nov. 30 after online news service dealReporter quoted Canada's consul general in New York, John Prato, as saying that the government has said it would issue the foreign investment guidelines during November.
The Conservative party is divided on what to do about Chinese investment.
Preston Manning, founder of one of the groups that formed the current Conservative Party, wrote last week that Ottawa should oppose bids by state-owned firms on principle, especially those owned by a government whose values differ sharply from Canada's, unless a deal can be structured so that the Canadian perspective prevails in regard to the Canadian operations.
Other Conservatives, including former Industry Minister Jim Prentice, have argued in favor of the deal.
In Toronto on Tuesday, Alison Redford, Progressive Conservative premier of the oil province of Alberta, noted that foreign investors once owned 78% of the energy patch, and the result of the involvement of outsiders was that Alberta is now Canada's economic engine.
"It's not something that we are hesitant about," she said of foreign investment.
"We think that if you want to play on the international stage and you have the sorts of resources that we have in Canada, it's important for us to be able to build those business partnerships," she told reporters.
© Thomson Reuters 2012


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All News Releases By Date
EPA Extends Public Comment Period for Peterson/Puritan Superfund Site Plan
Release Date: 08/18/2014
Contact Information: Sarah White, (617) 918-1026
BOSTON – The public comment period has been extended on the Proposed Plan to clean up the Peterson/Puritan, Inc. Superfund Site, Operable Unit 2 (OU 2), located in Cumberland and Lincoln, R.I. The public comment period, which began on Aug. 8, will now end on Nov. 4, 2014.
A formal Public Hearing will be held on Aug. 21, 2014, at 6:30 p.m. in the Cumberland Public library (Large Meeting room), located at 1464 Diamond Hill Road in Cumberland, R.I. During the formal hearing, the public is invited to provide verbal comments on EPA's Proposed Plan for OU2 that will be recorded as part of the public record for the Site. EPA will not be responding to comments at the hearing but will provide written responses in a Responsiveness Summary which will be a part of the OU2 Record of Decision for the Site.
EPA's Proposed Plan for the Peterson/Puritan, Inc. Superfund Site, OU 2 is available for review on the EPA web site at: www.epa.gov/region1/superfund/sites/peterson. Copies of the proposed plan will also be made available in the Peterson/Puritan, Inc. Superfund Site repository located at both the Town of Lincoln and Town of Cumberland Public Libraries. Copies of the proposed plan may be requested by contacting Sarah White of EPA at 617-918-1026.
The main components of OU 2 include the J. M. Mills Landfill, the Nunes Parcel and an area between these two areas called the "Unnamed Island." The Site is located within the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor.
Written comments may be mailed, faxed or emailed to:
Dave Newton, RPM
NH/RI Superfund Section
US EPA Region 1
5 Post Office Square/ Mail Code: OSRR07-1
Boston, MA 02109-3912
email: firstname.lastname@example.com
# # #
Search this collection of releases | or search all news releases
View selected historical press releases from 1970 to 1998 in the EPA History website.


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Illinois Community College Board begins search for new executive
Send a link to a friend
[February 22, 2013]
SPRINGFIELD -- Since Geoffrey
Obrzut announced his plans to retire from the position of president
and chief executive officer of the Illinois Community College Board,
effective June 30, the board has begun a nationwide search for a new
executive director.
Qualified applicants can find more
information, including an online application form, on the ICCB's
website: www.iccb.org. To ensure
a full consideration, individuals should submit a complete
application package prior to March 8.
Alexi Giannoulias, chairman of the ICCB, leads the search
committee, which also includes six other board members.
[to top of second column]
The ICCB is the state coordinating board for community colleges.
Illinois is home to 48 community colleges in 39 districts and has
the third-largest community college system enrollment in the nation.
[Text from
Illinois Community College Board
file received from the
Illinois Office of
Communication and Information]
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- 117Shares
Faheem Chauhan (Fazc) interviews Powerlifter Rob Palmer for Muscle and Brawn.
FC: Rob thanks for doing this interview with us. Let's take this from the start; from what I understand you've been Powerlifting for a relatively short period of time right. How did you get involved in the sport?
Rob Palmer: Not a problem, anything to help promote the sport. I've been involved in Powerlifting for around 6-7 years but have been weight training for close to 20 years, I used to love a pushup or two when I was 10!
I got involved in the sport through a fellow lifter called Nick Rees. Nick's dad Paul runs a ton of competitions down in Bournemouth and coaches tons of youngsters. I was playing rugby at the time and wasn't sure if I would do a comp or not but Nick convinced me. I competed in a pair of rugby shorts, sleeveless t-shirt and a pair of runners! Must have looked like I was lost. After that I was hooked, I loved every minute of it, even the nerves. Haven't looked back since then.
FC: Can you tell us about some of your proudest moments in the sport, your victories, titles or achievements?
Rob Palmer: My proudest moment is a tough one, I've been so lucky to achieve so much. The best achievement was breaking Ron Collins 30 year total record at the end of 2010 it was literally days before the weight classes changed so the record became a historical one. I'm very proud of that 857.5 @ 82.5 (81.9) it was the 4th highest Wilks total of a British lifter also, so to be in the company of world champions like Tony Stevens, Clive Henry and Dean Bowring was really nice.
Behind that is winning a gold medal for the bench press at the Worlds in 2010, not my best bench ever in terms of weight but getting to stand top of the podium was a special moment.
At the tail end of last year had some good moments that are close to the above breaking the British squat, bench press and total record and winning the best lifter award at the All England was really cool. Winning 4 golds at the Commonwealth championships was also really cool if a little embarrassing going up 4 times to get medals.
I generally don't get to excited about what I do because the main goal in the end is to be World Champion, I'm just hoping that these are little steps towards that.
FC: Now we've sufficiently wow'd the audience let's talk training! Our audience will be very interested to know how you train. Tell us about how your training has evolved over the years.
Rob Palmer: Haha! Not sure about wow'd they are probably still looking up what Powerlifting is!
I started training to play sports, rugby, basketball etc and followed basic Bodybuilding splits. Then I started lifting and followed a very generic linear periodisation protocol which took me from a novice to intermediate lifter in a couple of years, then I started looking at ways to go from intermediate to elite level and changed everything.
I train using a system that I have tried to develop over the last 3 years through trial and error, it is a amalgamation of Bulgarian, Russian, Westside and some current methods of peaking/tapering for power sports. I tried to use the Bruce Lee philosophy of absorbing what is useful and discarding what is not.
The parts of the Bulgarian system that I pilfered were the maximal effort training and the application of the SAID principle for the main exercises. The Russian influence comes from utilising multi year development strategies, Prilipen's table and the focus on technical work through the use of percentage based training.
Westside with the use of bands, chains and dynamic effort work. And finally the research conducted on Myosin Heavy Chain adaptation to exercise and more importantly detraining periods and how that then fits into a tapering/peaking strategy.
I have basically used all of the above individually and they were effective but I found myself burning out fairly quickly due to the volume or intensity, I do believe that most of the historical success of these systems is greatly effected by the use of PED's and can then not be directly transferred to a strength athlete who doesn't use PED's. So I decided that I could use different aspects of all and create something that works for me.
FC: Can you talk us through how you approach a typical month of training now?
Rob Palmer: A typical month of training would consist of 2 weeks of high intensity high volume. Which would be broken down as a high neural loading day, followed by an accessory day which could be hypertrophy based technique based, speed strength or conditioning based depending on what phase and the layout of the upcoming competition i.e number of competitors in the flight etc. This would be followed by a day off then repeated.
So 2 weeks of this, then a week with a 80-90% decrease in volume but an increase in intensity which consists of trying to achieve a PB on the trained lift within the phase (box squat, squat with knee wrap etc).
After this heavy week I will then have a deload week which will either be repetition or technique work, again depending on the time of year/phase etc. So that's a month of training for me.
FC: What do you feel your biggest training mistakes have been?
Rob Palmer: Overtraining! I love training as probably most Powerlifters do, its easier to train than to take time off. I've dug myself into a whole so many times that I've lost count.
FC: There is a strong theme of avoiding too much and that word 'overtraining'. What are your thoughts on this?
Rob Palmer: I don't avoid overtraining more than seek and out and control it to my advantage, the strategy I employ in training is to overreach and adapt, it goes wrong from time to time due to my addiction for training. For me I don't believe I suffer from overtraining in the clinical sense and I don't think many actually do. (Editor's note: there is a lot of truth in this).
I think most strength trainers suffer from acute adrenal fatigue from the heavy training and high arousal levels needed to achieve the lifts. This is quickly reversible from experience and probably the biggest cause of missed lifts during a training cycle.
FC: Let's talk mentality. In your opinion what does it take to be a champion?
Rob Palmer: I haven't won a great deal yet so hopefully I'll let you know. I consider champions are those guys who win either European or world titles, those are the big competitions. You sometimes at national level get people who win titles by default because of poor participation, that doesn't happen at the big internationals, mostly everyone is good. To get good at powerlifting you need to be very dedicated and try your very best to train as a full time athlete, that then means sacrifice, a social life is then a big no no if you are working full time and training.
But when you achieve your goals it makes it all worth it, you have a week or two living like a normal person then set new goals to achieve and the cycle continues. I believe technique is the key to success in the lifts, that is what's left on competition day when your dehydrated, mentally exhausted and feel like your never going to make the next lift. Go back to the technique and the technical cues and you will be fine. This needs to be the foundation and to answer a previous question one of the biggest mistake I made at the start of my Powerlifting days was not doing enough focused technique work or to quote the Talent Code "deliberate practice".
FC: You keep a very trim and athletic physique, something a lot of young men aspire to. What is the key to this?
Rob Palmer: Not sure about trim haha!
I follow the metabolic diet by Mauro DiPasquali, basically low carb with 2 refeeding days in the week, seems to work fine and is very easy to manipulate when you want to get a little leaner or get a little bigger. Just by changing the type of meat during the week or choice of carbs on the refeeding day seems to change body composition for me.
FC: What is it that you love about powerlifting and what is it that you hate?
Rob Palmer: I love lifting big weights and trying to lift things that most people think is impossible, I love the fear of lifting big weights and the fight to complete lifts. I love the process of training and becoming better at something, whether its structural or technical aspects, I love the process.
I hate the drugs in the sport, it is the reason for the sport not being recognised by the IOC and you have countries that are notorious for usage winning most major international titles, I think they have just become smarter when using them. But I don't believe for a second that they are not cheating.
I also hate the internet and people who don't compete lifting and putting videos on youtube and claiming to be a lifter, bottom line if you don't compete then your not a lifter you are recreational gym man! Its like me kicking a football filming it then saying I'm a footballer, I would be a laughing stock. (Editor's note: I totally agree!).
I hate the number of federations, as a united front there are thousands of Powerlifters in this country, if all under one banner then it would be a very strong sport. I think if it ever gets IOC recognition or inclusion then the others would cease to exist which brings me back to my first hate of drugs and them being the reason for not having recognition.
FC: When can we expect to see you on the platform again?
Rob Palmer: I'll be competing at the EPF European Powerlifting championships in May.
FC: Best of luck with your training and future competitions Rob, it has been a pleasure.
Rob Palmer: Thanks mate, I was flattered to be interviewed.
FC: Thanks Rob!
Latest posts by Faheem Chauhan (see all)
- Powerlifter Rob Palmer Interview - April 28, 2012
- Raw Powerlifting: How To Increase Your One Rep Max - August 23, 2011
- The Art of Discussion And Information Selection - July 6, 2011


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Inner City Calgary real estate maps, Downton Calgary zone maps areas we service. Inner City Calgary covers different communities, and offers attached, detached homes and Calgary condos in every price range.
Trademarks REALTOR®, REALTOR® and the REALTOR® logo controlled by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and identify real estate professionals who are members. Trademarks MLS®, Multiple Listing Service® and associated logos owned by Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) identify the quality of services provided by real estate professionals who are members of CREA.


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As the body loses its ability to regulate sugar doctors now suspect that blood vessels within the brain begin to become damaged. Diabetes is now shown to increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's and speeding up dementia once the damage begins.
What once was determined "vascular dementia" is blurring into the classical guidelines of an Alzheimer's diagnosis.
Currently more than 5 million Americans suffer with Alzheimer's with this number expected to explode to our aging population and expanding waistlines.
It's no laughing matter but very few people want to talk about this accelerating health concern. Currently more than 18 million Americans suffer from Type 2 diabetes and their risk of contracting Alzheimer's is estimated to be 300% greater than the general population.
What can be done? Corrective lifestlye measures including proper diet and significant amounts of daily exercise are recommended by medical specialists.
Obesity is the leading cause of one our country's greatest ailments, Type 2 Diabetes. In one study, people at high risk of diabetes decreased their risk 50% with consistent (daily) exercise like walking , combined with lower dietary fat intake and a 5%- 7% weight loss.
That is powerful information and illustrates that consistent daily use of a treadmill desk such as the TrekDesk can extend life and defend against the development of serious illness.
There is further research that illustrates a combination of weight loss, diet, and walking can in some instances reverse the onset of diabetes and further complications.


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Bieber fever takes over Amway
Orlando final stop on Bieber tour
Children and preteens filled the Amway Center on Friday night as Justin Bieber took the stage.
It was the final stop on Bieber's Believe concert tour, and diehard fans seemed to love every moment.
Bieber's tour bus arrived Friday evening to adoring fans -- many of whom received tickets over the holidays. Leann Matta was speechless when her parents brought her to the Amway Center.
"I started freaking out. I didn't even know they had (tickets) for a week. I thought they were sold out, and I wanted to go so bad," said Matta.
Orlando was the final stop for Bieber, who has been on tour since Sept. 29 and has visited 45 different cities.
The tour also has a charity tie-in, with $1 of each ticket sale being donated to Pencils of Promise, a charity that works to build schools and increase education.


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We here at CanucksArmy published our top 20 prospects list this past summer, and have provided follow up coverage on a lot of the organization's prospects this season, especially those playing in Chicago with the Wolves. However, there are many notable prospects in the organizaton playing elsewhere – the CHL, NCAA, or over in Europe. Although the season is only a few months old, why not check in and see how the top 20 prospects are faring?
This week, I take a look at the top five prospects in the organization: Jordan Schroeder, Brendan Gaunce, Nicklas Jensen, Eddie Lack, and Zack Kassian.
#5 Jordan Schroeder | C Chicago Wolves (AHL)
Known as an excellent skater with good hands and vision, Schroeder's upside is high. Playing mostly as a centre, he has also played on the wing – he played there for the U.S. world junior team in 2008 (11 points in 6 games) and 2009 (8 points in 7 games). He also played at the world juniors as a seventeen year old (8 points in 6 games).
Schroeder got off to a slow (partly unlucky) start with the Wolves this season, but his level of play has picked up considerably in November and early December. For whatever reason however, he was healthy scratched for a game in late November by head coach Scott Arniel, along with Zack Kassian.
Having seen a number of Wolves games this season, Schroeder is a bit of an anomaly. He quite clearly "gets" the game of hockey, and his lack of size isn't an issue – he's quite strong and sturdy on his skates. I view him as a player who shines with wingers who are better able to take advantage of his passes. However, I don't think he is processing the game away from the puck at an NHL level yet, which is an issue especially considering how demanding Alain Vigneault is of his third and fourth line centers.
Some highlights from a recent game:
#4 Brendan Gaunce | C Belleville Bulls (OHL)
It is easy to see why the Canucks were happy to see Gaunce fall into their laps back in June. He has some work to do, but all of the pieces appear to be in place for his development into a very dependable NHL center in the near future. And Matisz makes a great point regarding the lack of depth up the middle in the Vancouver organization. If Gaunce puts together another solid OHL campaign in 2012-13, he could find himself fighting for a roster spot with the Canucks in a little over a year.
Despite being named team captain in September, Gaunce's season hasn't gone as he had hoped, but that has nothing to do with his on-ice performance. He recently returned to the Bulls lineup after missing a large chunk of time with a shoulder separation. And thanks to the lockout, he wasn't selected for Canada's evaluation camp for the upcoming World Juniors, either. If Canada didn't have the likes of Jonathan Huberdeau or Mark Scheifele to call upon, Gaunce would presumably be a candidate for a roster spot.
He has eight goals and 14 points in 20 games for the Bulls – decent production, but nothing earth-shattering. Then again, the Belleville Bulls have only allowed 72 goals against in 29 games, second fewest in the OHL, and Guance's two-way plaly and penalty-killing ability has a lot to do with that (though, so does playing in front of Malcolm Subban).
Gaunce's stock hasn't really changed, and he remains a few years away from NHL action.
#3 Nicklas Jensen | LW AIK (SEL)
Jensen, the son of a Canadian who played 16 seasons in the Danish league, burst onto the OHL scene two years ago. His high-octane scoring talent really shouldn't have been a surprise, though. The season before arriving in Oshawa, Jensen played in the Danish senior league, scoring a two goals in his debut. At age 16 Against men.
Jensen's play in the SEL has been impressive, for the most part, through the first few months of the season. The team he is playing for (AIK) isn't very strong, but that has enabled Jensen to play a big role for the club. He has recorded only three assists through 27 games, but his 10 goals are very impressive for a teenager playing in the top Swedish professional league. In fact, Jensen is in the top-10 in league goal scoring and is far and away the most productive rookie in the Swedish Elite League this season.
Jensen already has NHL size, and he is learning to use his strength against men in the SEL. As of now, it looks like leaving the OHL to go over to the SEL was the right move. He is expected to remain in Sweden until the end of the 2013 season, even if the NHL lockout ends.
#2 Eddie Lack | G Chicago Wolves (AHL)
Lack always relied on his raw athleticism while growing up a goalie in Sweden, and didn't begin to refine his game from a tactical and positional standpoint until he arrived in Brynas IF and began working with Pecca Alcen. Keep in mind that was just one season before he was signed by the Canucks as an undrafted free agent, and he was already 21-years old – an astonishingly late age to be told for the first time that he 'played like he was 5-foot-3'.
Lack is a player who many were pencilling in to the Vancouver lineup at the start of the season (assuming one of Luongo or Schneider would have been moved by then, of course). Lack hasn't been as good this season for Chicago as he was last year, though. Part of that has to do with the team's defensive struggles (especially on the penalty-kill), and part of it has to do with Lack's inconsistent play. He still struggles with rebounds and tracking pucks (look for it next time you watch Chicago play), but he is still one of the best goaltenders outside of the NHL right now.
The Canucks will probably keep him in Chicago for the duration of the season, and sign a backup to come in and play behind Cory Schneider in Vancouver. There is no harm in letting a goaltender like Lack spend more time developing – it is very rare for a goaltender to emerge as NHL caliber after only a few years of pro hockey (especially Lack, who was incredibly raw when he came over from Sweden three years ago).
#1 Zack Kassian | RW Chicago Wolves (AHL)
Although Vancouver didn't draft Kassian (they scouted him heavily back in 2009, however), no player better exemplifies the recent focus that the club has placed on on size and strength with drafting and player development . Kassian was one of a handful of young players around the league they targeted when shopping Hodgson. He may not be as productive offensively as Hodgson for a few seasons. And he may not be as physically intimidating as Lucic was as a second year NHLer. However, Kassian is on the right track and the Canucks are making sure he stays there.
The first few months of the season have been largely good for Vancouver's top prospect. Kassian has been dominant at times, showing why he is one of the best young forwards in hockey. He is quicker than last year, thanks to a rigorous off-season training regiment, and he has displayed the vision and creativity that allowed him to star in the OHL with Peterborough and Windsor.
Kassian's recent healthy scratch points to his penchant for bad penalties and inconsistent effort – when he is fully engaged in the game, he is impossible to knock off the puck, especially down low. From researching my piece on him last summer, everyone I spoke to mentioned the importance of surrounding him with quality leaders and people. I have no doubts Kassian will develop into a very good NHL player, but it isn't going to happen overnight. And the fact that he has been able to be so dominant (not as frequently as Canuck fans may hope, though) against some very talented AHL competition is a great sign.
Other prospect updates:
- #20-16 – David Honzik, Darren Archibald, Jeremy Price, Adam Polasek, and Yan Sauve
- #15-11 – Alexandre Grenier, Patrick McNally, Billy Sweatt, Anton Rodin, and Alex Friesen
- #10-6 – Joe Cannata, Alexandre Mallet, Joseph LaBate, Frank Corrado, and Kevin Connauton


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Well the time is quickly slipping away....10 more days until the Spring One of a Kind Show Opens...I will be there with the Artists of Elora-Fergus at Booth I 34...This was the vision brainchild of Deb Dalziel, who works for Centre Wellington Tourism...Thanks you to Deb for such a great project idea...
5 artists got juried into the show by One of a Kind: Barry McCarthy, Jerre Davidson, Mandy Deskur, Tim/Katherine McManus and Myself, Supria Karmakar..we will be representing the Elora-Fergus Artists and Centre Wellington booth.
It has been exciting..as a group we have been busy designing, building and creating our booth walls and working on product for the show.
If you plan to visit use the code on the flyer to enter when ordering your discounted tickets!


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THE 20-team field for the inaugural SARU Community Cup for SA's top club rugby teams was confirmed by SARU on Tuesday. The competition kicks off in February 2013.
The top-ranked non-university clubs from each of the 14 provinces will be joined by Wild Card clubs Raiders (Golden Lions), Bloemfontein Crusaders (Free State), African Bombers (Eastern Province), SK Walmers (Western Province) and Roses United (Boland).
Noordelikes Rugby Club of Polokwane will complete the 20-team field, following the Committee's confirmation that Limpopo's champions would henceforth qualify automatically for the tournament each year.
"With the 20 teams now announced, we can well and truly begin the countdown to a new era for club rugby," said SARU CEO Jurie Roux. "We've got just over 100 days to go until the first match in Durban, and with it the chance to write a bold new chapter."
Roux said that SARU hoped to confirm the announcement of a major new sponsor for the Community Cup in the near future.
The competition, which will replace the National Club Championships and is identical in format to the Rugby World Cup, will begin on Saturday 16 February 2013 with eight first-round matches spread across four pools and played at club venues across the length and breadth of the country.
Jonsson College Rovers earned the right to host the opening ceremony and match in Durban after winning the final National Club Championships in Rustenburg in September.
The 20 clubs will be divided into four pools of five, with each club playing two home and two away matches over a period of five weeks.
The top two clubs from each pool will then advance to the knockout stages, with the eight teams playing quarter-finals, semi-finals and finals at Outeniqua Park in George over the Easter long weekend.
The inaugural SARU Community Cup final will be played on Easter Monday, 1 April 2013, with the remaining six teams competing for the Plate, Shield and Bowl.
The tournament will culminate in an annual Grand Final to determine the overall national club champion between the winners of the Community Cup and the FNB Varsity Cup, presented by Steinhoff International.
Pools and fixtures will be announced in due course.
SARU Community Cup – automatic qualifiers:
Blue Bulls – Pretoria Police
Blue Bulls Limpopo – Noordelikes
Boland – Villagers Worcester
Border – Old Selbornians
Eastern Province – Despatch
Free State – Bloemfontein Police
Golden Lions – Roodepoort
Griffons – Welkom Rovers
Griquas – Sishen
KZN – College Rovers
Leopards – Rustenburg Impala
Mpumalanga – White River
SWD – Evergreens
Valke – Brakpan
Western Province – Durbanville-Bellville
Wild Cards:
African Bombers (Eastern Province)
Bloemfontein Crusaders (Free State)
Raiders (Golden Lions)
Roses United (Boland)
SK Walmers (WP)


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All News Releases By Date
U. S., Mexico Conduct Joint Emergency Response Exercise
Release Date: 07/10/2014
Contact Information: Joe Hubbard or Jennah Durant at 214-665-2200 or email@example.com
DALLAS (July 10, 2014) Tomorrow, federal, state, and local emergency response agencies from the United States and Mexico will conduct a binational, hazardous substance emergency response exercise as part of the U.S.- Mexico Joint Contingency Plan. The exercise will take place near the Ysleta/Zaragoza Port of Entry, Mexico side, from 10 - 11 a.m. The exercise will enhance response techniques in the event of a spill or accidental release of hazardous materials along the international border.
The U.S.-Mexico Joint Contingency Plan provides a mechanism for cooperation between the United States and Mexico for preparedness, pollution response and other incidents that may cause damage to the environment along the border of both countries.
U.S. agencies participating in the event include the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Ysleta del Sur Pueblo and El Paso Office of Emergency Management.
Mexican organizations participating in this event include PROFEPA, Cuidad Juarez Fire Dept and Civil Protection, Mexican customs, CLAM, Federal, State and Local Police Transit, and other local stakeholders.
The EPA's Border 2020 U.S.-Mexico Environmental Program protects the environment and public health for 10 states on both sides of the 2,000-mile border, including 26 U.S. tribes and seven groups of Mexican indigenous people. Border 2012 seeks to reduce pollution in water, air, and on land, reduce exposure to chemicals from accidental releases or terrorism, and improve environmental stewardship.
For more info on Border 2020 visit: https://www.epa.gov/border2020
Connect with EPA Region 6:
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eparegion6
On Twitter: https://twitter.com/EPAregion6
Activities in EPA Region 6: https://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/region6.htm
Search this collection of releases | or search all news releases
View selected historical press releases from 1970 to 1998 in the EPA History website.


text: |A square sign with an arrow on it is shown to the audience. The sign is rotated to show that the other side has an arrow as well, both arrows pointing the same direction to the right. The sign is turned over again and the arrow now points up! Turn it over again and the arrow points left! Turn it over again and it points down! Lastly turn it over one last time and the arrows are now pointed to the right the same way they were when the trick first started! Last, the sign is unfolded (it folds like a book) and inside is a picture of a one way sign! Note that this trick can also be used as a gospel trick. The panels can unfold the opposite way to show a picture of the world and then unfolded yet another way to display the biblical text where Christ says, "I am the way, the truth and the life . . . ." A great trick for church audiences when the occasion arises, or do the trick for secular audiences without the Gospel application. Packs flat and is easy to do. 0231LAH


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Great Business Pitches
New Investors
The cool thing about the Seattle Angel Conference is that each conference has roughly half of the investors who have never invested with the conference before. This means the companies who pitched in the past have both advanced their businesses and are pitching to new investors. This is great for the investors and for the entrepreneurs.
Due Diligence on the Semi-Finalists Has Begun
Over the next two weeks we'll get to know the twelve entrepreneurs better and their businesses. On the 22nd we'll be picking the six finalists who we'll get to know more intimately and ultimately make an investment in. It seems like just a few short weeks ago we started this process and we are just over a month away from writing our check! This is great for the investors who are learning to be angel investors and great for the entrepreneurs seeking funding.
-Josh Maher, Lead SACV


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It's good to be Tough®
Browse By:
View and compare Raid® products to find the right one for you.
Get your custom Raid® Defense System.
See how you can battle pests with Raid® brand.
Answer a few questions and view the insect gallery.
Get an answer from our Raid® entomologists.
Learn more about the science behind Raid®.
compare product >
Raid® Double Control Small Roach Baits kill the roaches you see as well as the ones you don't see with two types of bait. After roaches feed on the bait, they return to the nest and transfer the bait to the others. Population reduction and less activity can be expected within days, with the baits working for up to three months. Raid® Double Control Small Roach Baits are child-resistant.
Use indoors.
Separate baits before placement.
Place the baits next to the wall along baseboards, in corners, under sinks, in cabinets and near plumbing fixtures.
For best results, use all 12 baits at once.
To keep roaches from returning, replace all baits every three months.
Remove food spills and exposed food. Store food in sealed containers.
Caulk any points where roaches enter into wall voids, cracks and crevices including entry points from outside or neighboring units.
Baits work best on horizontal surfaces touching corners and walls.
Avoid placing roach bait directly on top of surfaces treated with Raid® spray products to ensure roaches carry the bait back to their nest.
Avermectin B1 (0.05%)
Other Ingredients (99.95%)
Contains peanuts or peanut by-products.
Wash thoroughly with soap and water after handling.
If in eyes: Hold eye open and rinse with water for 15-20 minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present, after the first five minutes, then continue rinsing eye.
If on skin or clothing: Take off contaminated clothing. Rinse skin immediately for 15-20 minutes.
Do not reuse the bait station.
If empty: Place in trash or recycle if available.
If partially filled: Call your local solid waste agency or call 1-800-529-3394 for disposal instructions. Never place unused product down any drain.
Raid Max® Ant & Roach >
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Craig Dahl, meet … Kenny Vaccaro?
Matt Elam?
Johnathan Cyprien?
With 14 picks in April's draft, including at least five in the first three rounds, the 49ers will surely target one of the top safety prospects. In fact, a source told The Chronicle this week the Niners have "spent plenty of time doing background" on LSU safety Eric Reid.
Reid, a likely second-round pick, is part of deep safety class that's headlined by Vaccaro (Texas) and includes Elam (Florida) and Cyprien (Florida International).
The glut of talented safeties – and the 49ers' bottomless well of picks – helps explain the signing of Dahl, 27, a five-year veteran the Rams didn't make much of an effort to re-sign after his four seasons in St. Louis.
"(The Rams) had open doors," Dahl said. "Obviously they felt they needed improvement. … We were in negotiations, but ultimately I came down here, and I felt the love."
A question asked by 49ers' fans (at least on social media): Why the love for Dahl, a former undrafted free agent from North Dakota State who isn't known for his play-making ability (12 passes defended and four INTs in 70 career games)?
Here's a few thoughts on what likely led the 49ers to Dahl:
** He came cheap. As first reported by the Sacramento Bee, Dahl signed a three-year, $5 million contract. That helps keep the 49ers' options open. My assumption is they're done signing free-agent safeties, but Dahl's modest contract could allow them to remain players in the market.
** He provides much-needed depth at the position. Last year, the 49ers rolled the dice with a group of inexperience/unproven backups behind Donte Whitner and Dashon Goldson, who both made all 19 starts (including playoffs). Their backups – C.J. Spillman, Darcel McBath and rookie Trenton Robinson – have combined for one NFL start. A highly drafted rookie could benefit from the experience of Whitner and Dahl, who has has 42 career starts.
** They obviously see something they like. It's not like Dahl is a mystery after spending the past four seasons in the NFC West. During the Jim Harbaugh Administration, Dahl started three games against the 49ers. He had 21 tackles and a forced fumble. He's also had 38 special-teams tackles the past four seasons and Harbaugh is big on versatility.
** Dahl knows the deal. Yes, he started 16 games last year and missed just 41 snaps, but he's aware that nothing – from a starting gig to a roster spot – is guaranteed in 2013.
"Whether I'm lined up out there from day one, it's always going to be a competition to keep your job once you're the starter," he said. "I'm grateful for the opportunity I was given, and I hope to be that guy."


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Albuquerque, NM Podiatrist
Albuquerque Associated Podiatrists
Albuquerque, NM 87111
Call For Pricing Options
Podiatrists in Albuquerque, NM
The physicians and staff at Albuquerque Associated Podiatrists believe that the foundation of the doctor-patient relationship is a formation of a partnership. This partnership consists of team members that are equal in stature in determining the best individual course of treatment for your lower extremity foot and ankle condition. We attempt to dedicate most of our time listening to your concerns so that we may respond with appropriate treatment options. It is imperative that all team members' expectations are the same. With the assistance of our professional and loyal staff, we follow up our treatment programs to ensure that your podiatric problems resolve in a timely manner contributing to overall betterment of your health. Affiliated with both Presbyterian and Lovelace Hospital systems. Accepting new patients and all major health insurances. We provide quick care services for all traumatic injuries to the lower leg, ankle, and foot. We have availability to see patients on the date of injury. This avoids unnecessary expense and prolonged waiting at urgent care and emergency room
The lineage of the physicians at Albuquerque Associated Podiatrists has been an integral part of the medical community in Albuquerque for over 50 years. During that time, we have had the opportunity to treat thousands of patients, many of whom have been fellow physicians and their family members. Our practice is very well known. We incorporate all different types of treatments- everything from surgical solutions to nonsurgical treatments. We are also acutely aware of the frustration caused when it takes weeks or months to see a doctor. Our staff strives to get patients an appointment within 24 to 48 hours. Our practice now consists of a third generation of foot and ankle specialists who have established a reputation for thorough, honest, efficient, and quality evaluation and treatment of all lower extremity foot and ankle conditions.
For the 12th consecutive year, Dr. Mark Haas, Diplomate American Board of Podiatric Surgery, has been recognized as the top podiatrist by 3100 city physicians by Albuquerque the Magazine. A native New Mexican and former associate professor of surgery at the California College of Podiatric Medicine in San Francisco, Dr. Haas has recently dedicated his practice to NON-SURGICAL treatment of all conditions of the foot and ankle, specializing in sports-related problems and orthotic therapy.
Dr. Zachary Haas and Dr. Matthew Cobb completed an intensive foot and ankle residency program at the San Francisco Bay Area Foot and Ankle Institute. They are board certified in foot surgery and reconstructive rearfoot/ankle surgery. They have both podiatric and orthopedic specialty training in traumatic, acquired, congenital, and iatrogenic foot and ankle reconstructive surgery. They have specialty and advanced training in lower extremity pediatric orthopedic care including neuromuscular and skeletal bracing and surgical reconstruction. They spent time at the University of Iowa with IV Ponseti MD, world-renowned pediatric orthopedic specialist. The focus of this training consisted of casting and minimally invasive surgical techniques in the treatment of clubfoot and metatarsus adductus deformities. Dr. Haas and Dr. Cobb are some of the only physicians in the Albuquerque area in private practice that have specialty training in this regard. They also have specialty training in ankle arthritis and total ankle joint replacements. They were trained by John Schuberth DPM, renowned total ankle joint replacement specialist.
We also want our patients to be informed about podiatric problems and treatments because informed patients make better decisions about their health and well-being. That is why we've included an extensive section on this web site covering the full array of topics associated with foot and ankle conditions. We encourage you to look through these pages whenever you have an interest or concern about your lower extremity.
Quality Podiatric Care
We also know that convenience in the Albuquerque area is important to your selection of a podiatrist. In these web pages, you'll find information about Albuquerque Associated Podiatrist's office, including our Albuquerque location, maps, directions, hours, insurance policies, and appointment scheduling. Please feel free to contact us with any questions you have or to request an appointment. We hope you'll find our practice offers the accessibility and personal commitment you look for from a physician.
Albuquerque Associated Podiatrists 8080 Academy Rd. N.E., Albuquerque, NM 87111 505.247.4164


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Eric Dane Gossip
Eric Dane gossip, latest news, photos, and video.
Keanu & Angelina, as predicted
Earlier this month, when it was first rumoured that Keanu Reeves is in talks to join the cast of The Eternals, I Gossip Genied Keanu and Angelina Jolie and I also predicted Full Story
A Big NOT Sci party
Here's what's weird: Every night I scan the photo agencies so I can get a sense of what I might write about the next day. These photos were up right before I went to bed – Will Smith with Jada and the GMD and several other celebrities and the photo agency was calling it a "Scientology party". Full Story
More motherhood whitewash
If Jesse James got pregnant, carried a baby around inside him, and then birthed it on national television, they'd probably forgive him. Because Motherhood whitewashes everything. It whitewashed Tori Spelling's infidelity and it is now whitewashing Eric Dane and Rebecca Gayheart of their drug scandal. Full Story
They say they want kids
But they have No Kids. This is a good thing. That was also an obvious reveal. But you shouldn't have needed it, right? So about that Eric Dane/Rebecca Gayheart "not a sex tape" – sorry I haven't had a chance to get to it 'til now. If you've not heard about the situation click here Full Story
Worst Colour: Rebecca Gayheart
Ugh. Am all over her husband. That dress on the other hand should be burned. Like, seriously… would anyone be wearing Marchesa if not for Harvey Weinstein? It gets uglier and uglier! And so f&cking desperate! Every Marchesa dress is desperate. Like the fashion equivalent of Emmy Rossum's personality. Full Story
Claire Contrite
Motion to forgive Claire Danes. Second? Claire is currently promoting a lovely, lovely, lovely movie called Evening with a kick ass stellar cast including Meryl Streep, Vanessa Redgrave, Toni Collette, Patrick Wilson, and her maybe gaybe boyfriend Hugh Dancy. In an interview with the Toronto Star, Claire addresses her homewrecking history – an affair with Billy Crudup while Mary Louise Parker was 7 months pregnant with his child. Full Story
Flawless…but is she forgiven?
Claire Danes earlier this week at Letterman to promote her new movie Evening and she does look amazing, doesn't she? Karma Face appears to have receded replaced by a new glow and a freshness never seen during her time with that cheating prick Billy Crudup. This is what happens when you're in love with a 'Mo, see? He might not feel the same way back, but he'll never ever let you out looking less than perfect. Full Story
Homo Saves the Karma Face?
She homewrecked another woman's baby daddy, suffered for it personally and professionally, walked around looking like ass for the better part of 3 years with unmistakable Karma Face…but since breaking up with Billy Crudup and taking up with Hugh Dancy the maybe gaybe Claire Danes has experienced somewhat of a resurgence. Full Story
Strictly Observation: Karma Face loves a Homo?
General consensus: Claire Danes is dating Hugh Dancy. Hugh Dancy the maybe gaybe may be no longer gaybe. So they say. And while I have no confirmation otherwise, let's offer up another suggestion, shall we? Simply on observation, of course… Maybe she's just the hag to his fag? I walk arm in arm with my Mo's all the time. Full Story
Claire Danes: Karma Face is Forever?
At a movie premiere a few nights ago in NYC. So it's been a few months since her split from Billy Crudup. And now she's dating Hugh Dancy who allegedly makes out with boys too. Supposedly the two relationships overlapped which is absolutely poetic justice for Billy but doesn't it also make Claire Danes is a homewrecker AND a cheater? Perhaps that explains the lingering Karma Face? Girl is 27 and she easily looks 10 years older, particularly around the eyes. Full Story
Claire & Hugh: Karma Face & the Switch
Claire Danes: Homewrecker and HOMOwrecker? Not.Good. First the wrath of women everywhere, now perhaps the Wrath of the Gays – and NOTHING stings like the Wrath of the Gays. And didn't Hugh Dancy used to be gay? Hmmm…maybe it's just me. Maybe I'm hallucinating? Maybe he was never gay? Maybe he's just one of those rare beautiful boys who isn't? Maybe. Full Story


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LIVERMORE — Police are investigating a shooting in a bank parking lot Friday afternoon that resulted in the arrest of two suspects a safety lockdown at four Livermore schools.
Officers took the two men into custody after being called to Bank of America at 1748 Railroad Ave. at 2:10 p.m. after shots were fired into an occupied vehicle, according to a statement from Livermore police Sgt. Keith Graves. No one was injured in the shooting.
Police did not identify the suspects, one of whom they arrested at Railroad Avenue and North L Street. A second suspect tried to run, police said, but officers found him under a house in the area of Second and McLeod streets.
The lockdown was put in place around 2:45 p.m. as a precautionary measure, according to Livermore Valley Joint Union School District Superintendent Kelly Bowers. Police lifted the lockdown around 3:10 p.m. after the suspects were arrested.
The schools affected included Livermore High School, East Avenue Middle School, Junction Avenue K-8 and St. Michael School.
"All our kids are safe," said Bowers, who sent a mass email and a recorded message to district parents, notifying them of the situation.
"There was a suspect who fled in the general direction of our schools," the email reads. "No students or staff were in harm's way at any time. All staff and students cooperated and followed all safety protocols and procedures."
Contact Jeremy Thomas at firstname.lastname@example.com or follow him at twitter.com/jet_bang


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SHELF LIFE- All mirror, no smoke<b>: </b>Miller asks the big questions
All My Sons
Live Arts through June 17
Sure, it's entertaining, but at its best, theater holds up a mirror to society, gives us pause, makes us think about ourselves, our values, our actions. It provides a chance to observe human behavior from a critical distance.
The influential German dramatist Bertolt Brecht envisioned the theater as "a collective political meeting" where renewed self-awareness would spawn significant social reform.
Brecht believed that art was not a mirror held up to reality, but "a hammer with which to shape it." Such seriousness of purpose is shared at least to some degree by any dramatist (or novelist or filmmaker) whose art is shaped as much by the social and political climate as by an underlying appreciation for the sublime and beautiful.
Arthur Miller, whose plays (Death of a Salesman, The Crucible) are familiar to every high school student, is in many respects Brecht's American counterpart. An outspoken cultural critic, he achieved public notoriety in the post-WWII period when public opinion was generally distrustful of political dissent. At the height of the "Red Scare," Miller had to defend himself before the House Committee on Un-American Activities.
It's unfortunate that today many people know Miller for his marriage to Marilyn Monroe and not for the political controversy surrounding his art. So Charlottesville theatergoers are lucky that his first production to achieve critical and commercial success, All My Sons, is now playing at Live Arts, reminding us again of the continued relevance of his work.
All My Sons is set in a small town in the Midwest following WWII. Joe Keller, a businessman of modest intelligence but great social resourcefulness, is secure with a profitable business, a house, and a loyal family.
But a dark history underlies this otherwise rosy portrait of the American Dream: at the height of the war, Keller sold faulty parts to the U.S. Air Force, a move that allowed him in the short term to fulfill his contracts and turn a profit, but which ultimately landed him in jail– and may have contributed to the plane crash that took his son's life.
Keller escapes a long sentence by blaming the managerial error on his partner– who is also his friend and the father of his son's fiancée. He rationalizes his action by citing the importance of his family's financial security, and he sustains this logic through a sort of willed self-delusion. When Joe must finally admit his error, the family must confront unbearable truths about his complicity in many pilots' deaths.
The questions the play raises are as relevant now as they were in 1947: how does greed complicate human relationships and the healthy functioning of a just society? Where does private ambition meet public responsibility?
Live Arts artistic director John Gibson acknowledges the current relevance of the play and emphasizes the importance of paying homage to Miller, who died last year, without officially endorsing the particulars of Miller's political opinions. "We try not to come at things directly,"Gibson says of the Live Arts philosophy, "but obliquely."
Opening night Friday, June 2, seemed to be a big success, the performance filled with the same enthusiasm and purposefulness– simultaneously bighearted and earnest– that shapes Miller's legacy as a public figure. That's no small achievement in a play whose action comprises the events of a single day, and whose plot rests mostly on dialogue. A powerful effect is brought off without recourse to music or sensational plot developments.
If seen as mirror to society, the play raises questions that are as simple as their answers are elusive: "How do we live in the world?" as cast member Kate Adamson (Ann Deever) puts it. "Do we live up to [the opportunists'] expectations, or do we live up to our own?"
Less important than the answers is the fact that we're made to consider the questions at all. Miller's larger design is clear. Joe Keller's idealistic son Chris says it best: "Once and for all you must know that there's a universe of people outside, and you're responsible to it."
Great theater doesn't need smoke to be entertaining or compelling.