text:
The Correspondence of an Old Scotch
NO Scotsman,
we suppose, needs to be reminded of the high place which the
House of Gordon has always held among the great families of
Scotland. It never was one of the governing families,
perhaps, in the sense that the Douglases or the Argylls, or
many others less distinguished, whom the favour of a
monarch, or a lucky turn of Fortune's wheel brought into
brief and brilliant prominence, were governing families.
Natural barriers, in the shape of Drum Albau and the Mounth
secluded the Gordons from taking that leading-part in
Lowland politics to which, from their estates, their
abilities, their ambition, and their position as chiefs of a
great clan, they were apparently entitled. But from the
Grampians to the Moray Firth, from Aberdeenshire on the
east, to Inverness-shire on the west, the head of the House
of Gordon� whatever might be the title he bore�was the '
Cock of the North,' and no one�hardly even the Crown
itself,�was able to dispute his power. The old house of the
Huatlys, in the middle of the Bog o' Gight, with its tall
grey tower, its causeway, and its drawbridge, was the centre
of all authority 'be-north the Tay' fur generations before
its name was changed to Gordon Castle, and it became the '
world of a house ' that we see it now and the Highland home
of a powerful Duke. And it never lost anything of its
prestige. Political tempests might rage, the forces of
faction and religious prejudice might combine against it, it
weathered every storm, it emerged uninjured from every
attack. It came safe through the Seylla and Charybdis of the
Rebellions of 1715 and 1745. The legislation which resulted
from them and which brought down its neighbours on every
side, left it untouched. Its territorial, and consequently
its social importance�for the ' Gudeman o' the Bog' was not
only a great feudal lord, but the head of a powerful
Highland clan�was too great to be annihilated by any mere
Act of Parliament. In 1700 the number of the Duke of
Gordon's vassals in Aberdeen, Banff, and Moray, amounted to
no less than 107, and twenty-seven of these were his
clansmen. In the list is to be found a large proportion of
the best and oldest blood in the north. Lumsdens, Maitlands,
Fortieses, Baillies, Macintoshes, Macphersons, Camerons,
Grants, all owed allegiance to the head of the Gordon clan.
Nor were they likely to repudiate it. For all, but a very
small minority, claimed kinship with him as well; and with
the Gordons, blood was ever thicker than water. No Duke of
Gordon was ever known to oppress his vassals or his tenants,
or to take advantage of the necessities of his friends. 'The
Duke,' says a private letter written in 1800, by one who had
ample opportunities of knowing, would have lent money to any
Gordon who wanted it from the purest motives of kindness and
generosity. His father, Duke Alexander, was better fitted
for the rough times in which he lived, but I do not
recollect that he bought the estate of any Gordon.' No doubt
the chivalrous loyalty to a superior which underlay the
feudal system,�and for the matter of that the clan system of
the Highlands as well�and which is one of the very rare
instances where a mere sentiment has been converted into a
legal obligation, contributed largely to the maintenance of
the dignity and importance of the house. But more�far more
than is generally believed�depended upon the personal
qualities of its chiefs.
The proof of this is to be seen in every
page of the correspondence from which we purpose in the
present paper to make copious extracts. And we venture to
think that while amply instructing this deduction, the
correspondence now before us will also throw not a little
interesting light on the social characteristics and daily
life of the community over which the Gordons exercised such
willing and undisputed sway, as well as on the modes adopted
to extend their family and gentilitian influence over all
the north of Scotland.
In the middle of the
eighteenth century, William Tod, 'tacksman' of Auchenhalrig�a
farm of 134 acres, between two and three miles from the
gates of Gordon Castle�was factor for Alexander, fourth Duke
of Gordon for the Enzie district of Banffshire, as well as
for his Highland estate on Speyside. He came of an old and
respectable stock, which had been settled in Moray and
Banffshire for many generations, and many members of which
had, like himself, been in the service of the Gordon family.
His great-great-grandfather,
Robert Tod, was minister of Rothes in 1642;2
and in 1643 had signed the Solemn League and Covenant in the
Kirk of Rothes along with his parishioners. His son�also a
Robert�married Janet Anderson, portioner of Nether Dallachy.
Alexander, the eldest son of this marriage, acted for some
time as the Duke of Gordon's Baron Bailie ; married a
daughter of Leslie of Balnageith and 'conquest' a
considerable amount of property in his day. He purchased the
lands of Finfan, and held Auchenhalrig m wadset from the
Duke, and these, along with his feu at Nether Dallachy, he
left to his son Alexander, who married his full cousin, a
Leslie of Balnageith also. Of the twenty children of this
marriage, only three survived. The eldest of them,
Alexander,�father of William Tod,�was, like his son, factor
for the Duke for the Enzie, and died in 1705 in the fiftieth
year of his age. William Tod's mother died�a very aged
woman�in 1809, and among his papers we find several
memoranda showing the expense of her interment. The wright's
charge for the coffin is a guinea; the requisite
furnishings�flannel, screws, coffin handles, 'laceing,'
ropes, rosin, tallow and
piper, come �l 7s. 8d. Three
shillings were paid for the use of the mortcloth, and there
is also a charge of five shillings for the bellman. William
was born in 1745 and died in 1821. But of the incidents of
his long eventful life we know very little. He seems to have
lived in and for his factorial duties only, and there is no
positive evidence that he was ever beyond the limits of his
native district. He married a sister of Professor Ogilvie of
King's College, Aberdeen, who was proprietor of the
neighbouring little property of Pittensair, and by her he
had a family of seven sons and seven daughters. The sons,
many of whom received commissions in the army through the
Gordon interest, all, more or less, prospered in life. One
was lieutenant-colonel of the 29th Foot; another was captain
and paymaster of the 40th Regiment; a third, 'Dr. Robert,'
was surgeon in the 4th Light Dragoons; a fourth was a W. S.
in Edinburgh; a fifth had an appointment in the Dublin
Police; a sixth was a captain in a cavalry regiment; and the
seventh was a judge in India, and on his return home
purchased the estate of Findrassie near Elgin. They were all
exceedingly tall, handsome men, and it is said people used
to stand and look after them as they walked down Regent
Mrs Tod died in 1801,
and her husband, who seems to have been greatly attached to
her, preserved all the letters of condolence he received.
In 1805, finding his
years beginning to tell heavily upon him, he resigned the
Enzie factory, and in 1806 the Highland one also; but he
continued to act as one of his Grace's Commissioners, at any
rate for some years longer. About this time too, he seems to
have got into difficulties, and Auchenhalrig had to be given
up. It was let to a Mr. Bruce in 1809, for �420
per annum, apparently without the
Duke's knowledge; for, in 1808, we find Sir George
Abercromby writing to him by the Duke's orders, that if his
friends would buy back the lease, his Grace would allow him
to remain in possession to his death, rent free. But this
arrangement was not carried out, and for the remainder of
his life he resided first in the village of Fochabers, and
afterwards in that of Garmouth at the mouth of the Spey. But
his heart was always at Auchenhalrig, where 'he himself, his
father and his grandfather were born, and lived so many
years;' and more than one indirect effort was made to
recover possession of it. The last of these was in 181G. In
a scroll memorandum of that year, he gives the following
pathetic reason why he wished his son 'Dr. Robert,' who was
at that time in Scotland, to open negotiations with Mr.
Bruce with this object.
'Mr. Tod himself ' he
says, 'never can propose his own residing there again. The
lease on this place [Garmouth] still endures for four years,
a period which Mr. Tod has no chance of surviving. But he
should like much, if such is the good pleasure of heaven, to
have it in his power to die there, in the house, in the
possession of some of his family�among other reasons, to
save his friends the trouble of carrying his remains from
Garmouth to the churchyard of Bellie.'
But in a docquet to
the above he adds :�
"The Doctor not
appearing to relish the within proposed commission to Mr.
Bruce, nor to have the same kind of liking to the family
that I have, I have for the present declined mentioning the
subject to Mr. Bruce. I. however, went along with Dr. Robert
yesterday to make his call on Mr. Mathieson at Auchenhalrig,
in order to take one other look at it�probably the last. We
afterwards all three dined with Miss Rabie Stuart at Boggs,
along with Miss Charlotte Tod [his daughter], who happened
to have been her guest for some days preceding; and in the
afternoon I shook hands in silent sorrow, and parted for
ever with Miss Rabie, the most intimate, the earliest, and
the dearest friend I ever had.'
But if we know little
of his life, the voluminous correspondence he has left
behind, gives us a fair insight into his character. He was a
jovial, warm-hearted, kindly-natured person of very
attractive manners: devoted to the Duke's interest: like his
master, strictly just and upright in all his dealings with
the tenantry; a good husband: a father who put himself to
infinite trouble to secure the advancement of his sons; a
loyal friend; a universally respected man. He was not averse
to the good things of this life, either in eating or
drinking : and he was an invariable and always welcome guest
at the 'salmon dinners' which were then, and, we rejoice to
say, still are amongst the most jovial 'ploys' of hospitable
Speyside. Here is a characteristic invitation to one of
these 'feasts':�
'Miss Steinson with
best compliments to Mr. Tod, requests the pleasure of his
company in Laird Leaslie's Barracks on Tuesday next at four
o'clock, to partake of a salmon dinner and such good cheer
as those concerned can afford.
'Garmouth. Wednesday,
17th May, 1815.'
In the following year
he appears to have been bidden to this same young lady's
marriage�an invitation which he answers thus:�
'Mr. Tod returns best
compts. to Mr. and Mrs. Steinson, and wishes them much joy
of this same marriage. On every occasion for these 50 years
back, Mr. Tod has tried to get drunk on the marriage of any
neighbour's daughter, and he shall certainly, if health
allows him, have the pleasure of shaking hands with Mr. and
Mrs. Steinson on Thursday.'
Here is another of
the many summonses, we find amongst his papers, to the
social board. The writer was apparently an old ship captain,
and notwithstanding his defective education, a man of good
family as we see from the coat-of-arms which seals his large
sheet of Bath post:�
'Garmouth, 19th May,
'Dear Sir,
'I Dined at Kingston
port to Day when you was expected to eate part of a leage of
Englas mutton, and to Drinke Porter and D� Beare ; and at
the same time he showed me your note whereon you engaged him
to dine with you at Mr. Innesses One Monday Next. Mr. Innes
will expect to see you with Mrs. Tod and with Miss Tod. I
will send you the Carrag, it will be at the Boat of Bogg
against Twelve o'Clock, Monday, furst to waite your
'and I am, Dear Sir,
'most humble servt.,
'Alex. Innes.'
From the Duke of
Gordon, Mr Tod and his family received much attention, and
often dined at the castle. Sometimes the Duke's invitations
were only sent down in the morning�like this :�
'The Duke of Gordon's
compts. to Mr. and Mrs. Tod, Mrs. Miller, and and Miss
Margaret, and begs the favor of their company at dinner
to-day to eat some fine venison.'
At others, they were
of a more formal, although equally comprehensive character:�
'The Duke of Gordon's
Compts. to Mr. Tod, and requests the pleasure of his company
here on Wednesday next at dinner, with as many members of
his family,
male and female, as will do him
the honor to come, to meet Mr. Gordon of Cluny, and his
'Gordon Castle,
Monday night.'
But these were the
days of magnificent and open-handed hospitality�hospitality
which often did not count the cost, to the infinite
detriment of many a constitution and of many a purse which
was not as deep as a duke's. An old wine bill, incurred by
His Grace to Bailie Innes of Elgin, shows that in 1794 the
price of a hogshead of 'Lafitte, high growth claret,' was
�38; that Chateau Margaux, 2nd growth, was thirty shillings
a dozen ; old red port, � bottles included,' was a guinea a
dozen ; and ' champaign,' a wine then only to be found on
ducal tables�no less than three pounds, fifteen shillings
for the same quantity. Nor was this hospitality confined to
dinners and weddings, and similar occasions of legitimate
merry-making. It extended to funerals as well. When the old
Laird of Balnageith died, his son, the Rev. William Leslie
of Lhanbryde�one of the most estimable and original of men,
of whom many stories are still current in the
district�ordered the arrangements of his funeral thus :�
'I have prepared to
have the funeral on Monday, setting out with a few friends
to attend the hearse from this, and to breakfast at Mr.
Peary's5 by nine. I have
requested our friends eastward to meet us at Elgin precisely
by eleven, and to return to dine at Elgin about three. ... I
am not very solicitous that you should come to Elgin to go
all the way from that to Rothes, but yon must manage so as
to meet us somewhere near Rothes on the road. And as I
cannot manage the concerns of the table at Dinner without
your support, I am very anxious that you return with us to
Elgin where I expect we will be about three hours sooner
than we got there from Dollas, and I have bespoke corn and
wine at Mr. Causy's at Rothes, which, if his inn does not
afford, I have asked Mr. Peary to send up.'
Whether Mr. Tod
shared his countrymen's partiality for funerals we do not
know. But he has carefully preserved all the invitations to
them which he received, as well as the intimations of the
death of his friends. Some of them sound somewhat odd in
these more decent, at least, more reticent days. Take this
for example :�
'Dumgalvie, 30th
January 1802.
'I came from
Inverness with some fatigue to witness the Interment of your
attached friend, my father Baillie Donald M'Pherson, who
died here on the 23rd, and was Interred on the 25th in the
Old Church of Kingussie. As I was a stranger, I put myself
entirely under the Protection and guidance of Mr. Anderson
and Capt. Clarke, and I have every reason to Believe his
Interment was conducted with as much Propriety as any in
this country for many years back. He was born at Ruthven
18th Feby. 1725. Mr. Anderson, Capt. Clarke, Cap. Donald
M'Pherson, and Doctor Stewart was present when he expired,
and I am Informed lie spoke to them with Solitude and
Resignation untill about 15 minutes before his Death. As now
the Protection of my Sister devolves on me, I Beg you
Intercede with the Duke of Gordon to Continue this Farm with
my younger sister Margaret for whom I shall be Bound in the
Regular payment of the Rent. I also Beg that yon apply for
my Fathers Commission in the Belvill Volunteers Company
either in my own name or my Son John Munro M'Pherson, as it
may give him further Rank in the Army. I already lost my
Eldest son Malcolm Ross M'Pherson, an ensign in the army, in
the service of his King and Country. My elder Brother Lewis
lost his life by Fatigue as a Major of Militia in Jamaica�
my younger Brother John Lewis as a Lieut, in the 2nd North
British Militia, and I am Bred to Military Tackticks in the
Light Company of the Edinburgh Highland Volunteers, where I
have some pleasure in seeing your son Hugh.
'I remain, with
Dear Sir,
Your most hbIe
'Alec. Macpherson
'I have resumed my
Practice in the Sheriff Courts of Inverness, Ross, Cromarty,
and Nairn, and I undertake to serve 50 per cent, below their
present charges. Poor persons bringing a certificate of
their Poverty will have Advice, Paper, Pens, and Ink
In the early years of
the present century, the fear of a French invasion had set
the whole country ablaze with military ardour, and
Morayshire, never behind other counties, had, of course, its
own regiment of Fencibles. Originally raised in 1793 by Sir
James Grant of Grant, who had been member for the County, it
had, largely through his exertions as its colonel, attained
to a high degree of efficiency. And the annexed list of
fines exacted from its officers, shows, at least one of the
modes by which this efficiency was maintained. In it we
grieve to see the name of the kind-hearted factor for Enzie.
But a sense of justice impels us to add that the penalty
exacted from Captain Tod, and Captain Thomson, was not too
severe for such a heinous military offence. The paper bears
no date, but is probably of or about the year 1805 ; and it
is headed :�
'Captain Cameron,
Guard-mounting�12 minutes wanting. Capt. Kay for playing on
Scrimger�[the Adjutant]. Lieut. Ord, and Ens"' Smith for
drawing sword in messroom. Col, Grant for
exciting a [political discussion],
Capt Tod and Thomson
for standing as Field Officers and overseeing [overlooking]
Guard, (Lieut. Eddie) for not wearing uniform. Captain
Thomson for noise at Guard-mounting when a superior officer
was arrivate.
Scrimger for
Dismounting on Field day. Lieut. Ord for presenting several
songs. Lieut. Gun for trouble to Adjt- &c. The
Major for not being mounted &c.
Do. Umphrey for
leaving mess and going to Sharp's [probably a tavern]. Peary
for afrounting Umphrey.
Do. Cumming for being
on one side too politicale and positive. Captain Cameron and
Lieut. Cobbra [Cockburn ?] for dressing like Dutch and Irish
smugglers in pursuit of their prey, when off duty.'
The factor,
hard-headed man of business as he was, was a great lover of
poetry; and many transcriptions of songs and verses are
found among his papers. We half suspect him of occasionally
dallying with the muses himself. There are some ' lines
written on tablets in the bowers on the banks of the North
Esk, October, 1817,' whose authorship we have been unable to
trace�which, if not his own, were, at any rate, much admired
by him. But as their poetical merit is not high, we spare
inflicting them on our readers.
Though from his
periodical visits to Kingussie and its vicinity, he was
probably acquainted with ' Ossian ' Macpherson, there are no
letters of his to be found among his correspondence. But he
naturally took a great interest in the controversy as to the
authenticity of the Ossianic poems, and he has carefully
preserved any letters which he received bearing on the
subject. Imitations of Ossian were then as fashionable as
imitations of Scott a quarter of a century later ; and we
have a favourable specimen of these literary frivolities in
the lines which ' one who loved her memory ' composed on the
death of the celebrated Jean, Duchess of Gordon,7
who died at Kinrara in 1812, and who, we are told, admired
the works of the sou of Fingal beyond those of every other
poet. They run thus :�
' Weary after the
chace, I sat down under the shade of a spreading birch, by
the grey rock of Kinrara. Around hovered the ghosts of the
night. Near were the green graves of their nest. In the vale
rolled -the blue waters of the Spey, murmuring through the
misty cloud. The moon, in full crescent, travelled along the
sky. The stars rejoiced in her course. The still sound of
the forest, and the murmur of the stream, wandered on the
wind of the desert. The spirits of the Bards, with their
harps, leaned forward from the mossy rock. The shadowy
children of the tomb lifted up their voice. Their song was
of the tales of their people,�of the deeds of the days of
other years. The melody of their song closed my eyelids in
sleep. I dreamed. It was not the dream of night. All was
solemn and awful. I awoke ; and at once ceased the song of
the departed. By the skirts of the wood appeared a Form,
soft as the moon shining on the still waters�beautiful as
the morning sun rising on the mountains. Her path was to the
green grave at Kinrara. She leaned over the half-raised
mould, where the mossy stone had been rolled away. She
looked around with dignity and grace, and at once the
spirits of the night again raised their voices.
' Is it thou, O
Sulmora 1 Dost thou, so early, seek the bed of thy long
repose ? Lovely wast thou among thousands ! The young, in
thy presence, rejoiced. The Aged blessed the benevolence of
thy soul. Thy voice in the Hall was like the shower of the
Spring. The heart like a beam of comfort to the children of
the unhappy. Who hath seen the cloud of pride gathering on
thy brow, and who hath not beheld the tear of pity swelling
in thine eye ? With thee dwelt the great and the good, but
who was like the generous Sulmora 1 Thy lovely daughters and
the son of thy soul mourn at thy departure. The children of
thy bounty look, through their tears, for their Sulmora in
vain. In vain do they sigh for thy return : but thy praises
will soothe the anguish of their souls. Dark, 0 Sulmora, is
the house of thy rest; but bright is the cloud prepared to
bear on high thy spirit ! Come, 0 Sulmoi-a, let us welcome
thee from the land of many woes W
'The day was breaking
in the East. The aerial choir disappeared; and the spirit of
Sulmora ascended on the clouds of heaven.'
A masquerade at
Gordon Castle in 1791, gives Sir Robert Sinclair, of Murkle�the
Duke's son-in-law�an opportunity of making a little
good-matured fun at Mr. Tod's political proclivities, as
follows :�
'Tho' all with whom
you are concerned
Are Pittites here
this dajr, We all still know and can decern
[discern] Your heart's another way.
But still you're
right, we all allow�
You should here make
a stand A Tod and Fox we must all know Ought to go hand in
But why so strong for
Why so great a fuss�
Perhaps, if such a thing there was You, first, would lose
your brush ! '
Local events are,
strange to say, but sparingly alluded to in Mr. Tod's
correspondence. There is, however, a characteristic letter
from Duchess Jean, referring to her connection with the
erection of the great bridge across the Spey on the road
from Fochabers to Elgin, which at that time was one of the
engineering marvels of the age. The letter, which is dated
27th May 1809, is in these terms :�
'I shall rejoice to
see myself distinguished in Mr. Leslie's Annals as the
mother of the Bridge of Spey. I never crossed it but once,
and it was an [illegible] day to me. He may also add with
truth that eighteen years ago I laid before Mr. Pitt and L.
Grenville the plan of the Caledonian Cannal [sic],�in
consequence of a letter I saw from that true patriot Mr.
Dempster. It was forgot for many years, and now like the
Phenix springs up from the ashes.
There are several
letters from the Duke with reference to the plans for the
church at Fochabers�now the parish church of Bellie,�and a
list of the heritors to whom were allotted seats in its
area. The church itself was opened on 29th October 1797, and
Mr. Tod notes that the Rev. Mr. Gordon concluded the first
sermon he preached in it with the words, 'And may this house
be to us and to generations yet unborn, the gate of heaven!'
Rarer still are
documents illustrating the history of his times. This is the
more to be regretted as we feel that there is so much
information�especially about the risings of 1715 and
1745�which it was in his power to have given us, either from
his own recollections or from the experience of his friends.
In proof of this we need only refer to a memorandum
furnished by him in answer to an enquiry from John Home, the
author of
Douglas, who was then engaged in
his history of the Rebellion of 1745, as to the composition
of the celebrated Glenbucket Regiment, which played such a
prominent part in the army of the Young Pretender. Writing
to Mr. Charles Gordon, W.S., the Duke's law agent in
Edinburgh, from 'North Hanover Street, Edinburgh,' on ' 24th
April 1793,' Mr. Home says:� ' My
dear Sir,
' Having occasion
(often) in the manuscript memoirs that are in my hands to
read of General Gordon of Glen Bucket, who had a Regiment of
men in the army of Charles, I am at a loss to know of whom
that Regiment consisted. If yon can procure me any
information about them or their number, I shall be much
obliged to you.
' I beg leave to
present my best compliments to Mrs. Gordon, and am, k
Your most obedient servant,
J. Home.'
In reply, Mr. Tod was
able to give the names of every officer included in it
before it joined Lord Lewis Gordon's men, and merged its
individuality in the Gordon Brigade. His list was as follows
' General, John
Gordon of Glenbucket.
Lieut'. Col1.,
John Gordon, Yr. thereof.
Major, Peter Gordon
of Strom, Badenoch.
Captains, Macdonald
of Forlundy.
Wm. Gordon, son of
Tlios. Gordon of
Todderletter, Strathaven.
John Gordon of
Gordon Stuart of
Lieutenants, John
Grant of Inverlochie, Adjutant.
Mr. M'Alpin,
John Gordon of
Alex. Grant of Newie,�killed
at Culloden.
James Grant of
Mr. Forbes of
Edendiack, Secretary to the General.
'The men from
Badenoch, Kincardine, Strathaven, Glenlivat, Glen-rinnes,
and Anchindown to the number of about 500.'
In our factor's
youth, the navy was not the popular service that it is now,
and impressment had to be largely resorted to. A petition by
Alexander Tod, his father, shows the system in practical
operation. It is a qualification of the doctrine of the
liberty of the subject, which we of the present day may have
some difficulty in comprehending. And yet it is only a
hundred and thirty years old!
Unto the Right
Honourable the Earl of Findlaterre and Seafield, Yice
Admirall of Scotland.
The petition of
Alexander Tod in Auchenhalrig, Factor to the Duke of Gordon
upon the Lordship of Enzie. Most humbly sheweth :�
That whereas John
Forbes in Farnachty of Birkenbush, James Johnston, son to
Donald Johnston, late fisher to the said Duke of Gordon att
shoar of Buckie, James Anderson in Upper Dallachy, George
Scot in Culreach, are or have been all seafaring men and
therefor proper for serving as sailers in His Majesty's
Navy, and are scnlking and hideing themselves from thee said
May it Therefor
Please your Lordship to grant Warrant to Arthur or James
Sivewrights in Fochabers to apprehend the said persons and
confine them in the next adjacent lawfull prison untill they
can be delivered over to the proper officer appointed to
receive such persons.
Alexr. Todd.
Then follows the
At Cullen House
February seventh Seventeen hundred and fifty seven years, I,
James, Earl of Findlater and Seafield, Yice Admiral of
Scotland, having considered the above petition, find the
desire thereof reasonable, and grant warrant accordingly.
Findlater & Seafield.
An interesting
correspondence of the years 179G, 1797, and 1798 throws some
curious light on the early history of one of the most
distinguished regiments in the British service�the Gordon
Highlanders. After the Rebellion of 1745, many of the
Highland chieftains who had, in greater or less degree,
coquetted with the Pretender, hit upon an ingenious plan to
put themselves right with the Government. They raised at
their own expense independent companies,10
generally of Eencibles, whose constitution very much
resembled that of the irregular corps with which we were
familiar during the Indian Mutiny. These companies were the
nucleus of more than one of our Highland regiments. In 1790,
for example, the Marquis of Huntly�Duke Alexander's eldest
son, and subsequently fifth and last Duke of Gordon, before
the revival of the title in 1876, in the person of its
present holder, the Duke of Richmond and Gordon�had raised
an independent company, with which he joined the 42nd or
Royal Highlanders, the following year. And in 1793, when
orders were issued from the War Office for the embodiment of
seven regiments of Scottish Fencibles, the Duke, his father,
not only raised the Gordon Fencibles, but, through his son
the Marquis, made offer to furnish a regiment for more
extended service. This offer was accepted. Through the
personal exertions of the Duke, the Duchess, and the
Marquis, a regiment was raised in the short space of three
months. It was embodied at Aberdeen on 24th June 1793, and,
as a matter of course, the Marquis of Huntly was appointed
its Lieutenant-Colonel Commandant. Its number on the roll of
Regulars was at first the 100th. Six years later, however,
it became the 92nd. But it is as the Gordon Highlanders that
it has won its fame. And it may be mentioned that when
General Moore was made a K.C.B., 'and obtained a grant of
supporters for his armorial bearings, he took a soldier of
the Gordon Highlanders in full uniform, as one of these
supporters, and a lion as the other,' to commemorate the
distinguished gallantry of the regiment in the great action
at Bergen on the 2nd October 1799.
During the war with
France a rumour got abroad that the regiment, which was then
at Gibraltar, was to be drafted for foreign service. Mr. Tod
contradicted it in emphatic terms, in a letter to Bailie
Cameron, Fort William.
'Fochabers, lltli
Feby., 1797.
'As I was about to
seal my other letter to you of this date, I received yours
of the 7th. The story of Lord Huntly's regiment being
drafted into 42, is an infamous falsehood, and you'll see it
contradicted in all the papers by authority. Some of his
Lordship's rivals in the recruiting line have thought such a
tale might be of service to them, but I can assure you that
Ld. Huntly has the most positive assurances from the highest
authority that his regiment shall not be drafted during the
I am, &c.,
'William Tod.'
The factor was
justified in being emphatic, for the authority on which his
statement was based, was no less a personage than Harry
Dundas, the Lord-Advocate, of Scotland, then all powerful in
Scottish affairs. Writing to the Marquis from Wimbledon on
the 3rd December, 1796, he says:�
'Dear Huntly,
'I should have wrote
to you sooner on the subject of this letter, but different
interruptions have prevented me. You know that your Regiment
is considerably beyond the line of those which are kept up
on the limited establishment. The latest number not drafted
is the 90th, and the only exemptions is your Regt., and one
at the Cape, which we could not spare from that quarter at
present. Your Regt. will still be continued undrafted, and
at Gibraltar, till the peace, but you will recollect that
the only ostensible ground of doing so is that it is a Regt.
raised by your family which it would therefore be hard to
draft, as the same exertions which raised it, were able to
keep it at its full compliment [sic]. In consequence of a
conversation I had with the Duke of York, I think it right
to mention these particulars to you, with the view that you
will omit no exertions on your own bottom to keep your Regt.
complete, to its full establishment. I need not tell you
that in a Regt. circumstanced as yours is, it is impossible
to give to it any of the men levied under the Act of Parlt.
It being, however, a material part of the garrison of
Gibraltar, it is very essential that you should exert
yourself both for your own credit, and to prevent your Regt.
from being drafted ; and allow me to add, to prevent any
reflections being cast on those, who, it may be said, ought
to have drafted yours at the same time they did the others
below the number, 90. Give my best regards to the Duke, and
believe me,
' Harry Dundass.'
And the Marquis
followed this advice; for the next document bearing on this
subject is an ' advertisement' by order of the Marquis of
Huntly, which, according to a certificate appended to it, '
was read at the Kirk door of Kingussie, Laggan, and Advie on
Sunday the 22nd day of January, 1797 years.' It ran :�
'His Lordship being
anxious to have a few young, handsome Fellows to complete
his Regiment, entreats and expects the assistance and
support of his friends in Badenoch. He can assure such young
men as are willing to go along with him, that the Regiment
not to be drafted during the war,
and that they may depend on every attention from him while
they continue in service ; and that on their return to the
countrj-, they and their relations will have preference upon
equal terms, from the Duke of Gordon, for such farms on his
estate as they are inclined to settle upon. His Lordship
will be found at Aviemore during the whole of the day on
How his ' friends '
supported him ou this occasion, and what were the
inducements offered to recruits, the following letter to Mr.
Tod from old ' Cluny ' very clearly indicates :�
'Cluny, 22nd Feby.,
'My namesake, Thomas
Macpherson, the refractory fellow in Ballgown, has at last
come to his senses, and brought his son Malcolm here this
morning, a volunteer for the Marquis's Regiment. His terms
are as moderate as could be expected (and I have promised
him they should be granted), as he only asks what Lord
Huntly offers to every other person, vizt., a half aughteen
part of land (free of services) where he at present resides,
or in the place of Gorstial, with as much land contiguous to
it, as will make up an half aughteen part ; the latter of
the two he much prefers, and I think by far the most
eligible situation for him, as our friend Mr. Grant has
already two pensioners saddled upon him, and in my opinion
it would be a hardship to burden him with any more. I shall
accommodate his eldest son with an half aughteen part at
Gaskimloan, near the farm which his father wishes to get. I
need not mention that the place of Gorstian and Bloragiebeg,
is part of the farm of Delchullie, at present occupied by
subtenants of which Mr. Mitchell is manager, as factor for
Parson Robert's son, and I make no doubt he will readily
provide for Thomas Macpherson on your applying to him, for
he is a very good tenant, altho' he happened to forget
himself upon the present occasion. With respect to Bounty
money, the father leaves that matter totally to his
Lordship. I mentioned to Lord Huntly at Gordon-hall that as
the Boy was young and weak, I wished his Lordship to take
him into his own service, but as he had no way for him at
the time, he promised to write to your son to employ him, or
to get one-of his brother officers to take him as a servant
; I must, therefore, my good Sir, beg your attention to this
matter, and procure a proper letter for the Boy. His father
requested of me to say that he hoped you would have the
goodness to antidate [sic] his attestation, and as the Boy
attends school, he hopes Lord Huntly will indulge him with
remaining in the country as long as any of his other
recruits. If the Marquis is at the Castle, pray make my best
respects to him, and tell him, that I have not forgot my
Toast when we were all so tipsy at Pitmain, and I can with
truth assure you that few of his Lordships' friends has a
higher esteem for Gillidow Glenamore than your humble
servant. With compliments to Mrs. Tod, I remain,
Very sincerely yours,
'D. Macpherson.'
A scroll letter from
the Duke to Lochiel, dated 11th June, 1791, in Mr. Tod's
handwriting, but corrected by his Grace, illustrates another
phase of the system of recruiting which prevailed in
connection with the Highland companies and regiments.
Gordon Castle, 11th
June, 1798.
'Dear Lochiel,
'I reed, your letter
of the 8th along with one of the same date from the Lord
Advocate acquainting me of his having received the Duke of
York's approbation of your offer to raise a corps of
Fencibles, and wishing me to allow you some assistance from
my Regt. I have every inclination to do what is agreeable to
you and the Lord Advocate. But I really can't think of
parting with so many men as you propose. The situation and
circumstances are very different now from what they were in
1795, when I gave some aid to Col1. Baillie at
the particular request of Mr. Dundas, and he paid down five
guineas for each man given over to him. The strength of my
Regt. was much superior then to what it is now, and the men
were then easier replaced. At present I do not consider
myself at liberty to comply with your request to such an
extent, as it would be in a great measure annihilating the
Regiment, as I could not undertake to get others in their
place at present, when almost all the young men are engaged
in the Militia and Volunteer Companies, and I think it of
great consequence to have my Regiment as complete as any
other Fencible Company in Scotland. I shall, however, make
you welcome to thirty of the men you brought to the Regt.,
including such as may be non-commissioned officers, which
number you must be sensible is more than I can well spare,
and I hope will be sufficient to furnish you with drills.
However, I must beg leave to stipulate no man to be taken
from either of the flank companies without the approbation
of the Lt.-Col1. Wishing you much success, ' I
have the honour to be, &c.,
One other extract,
and we are done with the historical part of this
correspondence. It has reference to the No Popery riots in
London, in 1780, in which the Duke's brother, Lord George
Gordon took such an active part, that they have ever since
borne his name. One Sunday, towards the end of February or
beginning of March, 1781, Mr. Tod was attending divine
service in the church of Bellie when a messenger from Gordon
Castle put the accompanying letter into his hand from Mr.
Menzies, at that time the Duke's chamberlain or cashier.11' Dear Sir,
'We have an express a
few minutes ago with the happy news of LcI. Gordon's being
honourably acquitt and at liberty�of which I thought it my
duty to acquaint you, as Mr. Ross is out walking. I
congratulate you upon this occasion. And in haste (being
busy forwarding this agreeable intelligence to all the
Duke's friends to the west).
'I am, D. Sir, yours
'J. Menzies.
'Fochabers, Sunday
forenoon, noon.'
Mr. Tod rose from his
seat, and handed the letter to the Rev. Mr. Gordon, the
officiating clergyman, who, thereupon, as Mr. Tod records on
the endorsement of the letter, 'returned public thanks on
the occasion.'
As was to be
expected, letters from the Duke himself, bulk largely in our
factors correspondence. But as these relate principally to
business matters, they cannot be published here. In one�of
the year 1784�His Grace refers to the fact that he has
received his patent as Earl of Norwich�a title which had
been originally conferred on his great-great-grandfather,
Henry, Duke of Norfolk in 1672 ; and from this time, all his
letters written from England are franked ' Norwich,'
Avhile those from Scotland�of
which country he wTas a representative peer�are
franked as before, viz., ' Gordon,' But beyond this, there
is little of general interest in their contents.
Letters from the
Marquis of Huntly12 are
also numerous; but they too, are chiefly concerned with
purely personal matters. The communications of both father
and son are full of the warmest expressions of friendship
and confidence in their correspondent.
One of the most,
amiable traits in Mr. Tod's character was his sympathy with,
and interest in youth : and some of the most amusing letters
in his correspondence are from a young-soldier, in whose
career he ever took the warmest interest. If the factor
thought, with the Latin poet that�
Magna reverentia
debetur pueris,
the sentiment was not
reciprocal. This is how the graceless young cornet hectors
and lectures his reverend friend, in the 1792.
'Uxbridge, Novr. Gth,
'I received a letter
a few days ago from our friend Captain Macpherson of
Invereshie, giving a very good account of all friends in
Badenoch, and
that you had left the county, he proposing then to lead a
sober, regular, and a religious life. I have written a long
letter to him to-day (to thank him for some potted moorfowl
that he has sent up for me), and I told him that I should
write you a lecture on morality ; but as I do not now think
myself equal to work miracles upon so old a sinner, I
believe I must turn you over to your neighbour, the
minister. There is only one essential thing I have to beg,
and that is, that you do not tarry at Invereshie any time
till I have the pleasure of meeting you there. If you do, I
think I stand but a bad chance of seeing the Captain next
summer, and have already layed out that as a pleasure to
come, being now second for leave of absence, and which I
most certainly expect to get without anything very
extraordinary happens. I have in my letter condoled with him
for the loss of the aimable [sic] Colonel Thornton, who, I
understand, has left a blind man to look after his wooden
house. What an excentric [sic] devil he is ! Who but himself
would have thought of such a scheme ? Your son and I have
exchanged two or three visiting cards but have not had the
pleasure of meeting till yesterday, when he did me the
pleasure to breakfast with me in town�and gave me some
account of a masquerade you have had at the Castle. He is in
very good health�I thought grown fatter than when in
Scotland, but he would not allow it. I made out my journey
to this place very well by the 21st of September. The same
day that I left you snoring at Invereshie I slept at Blair.
The next night at Kinross, and the third day at Edinr.
When I got to Perth I found a letter from my Major
prolonging my leave for a few days, but as it was only a
very short time, and as I had sent all my shooting apparatus
to Pit-main, I thought it most prudent to pursue my jouruey
and not to have to take leave of my friends in Badenoch a
third time. You were so good as to say that you would
undertake the care of my boxes. James Gordon, the fiddler,
was to take them to Pitir.ain ; and I conclude they are now
in Mf. Hoy's dark hole at Gonfc Castle. I hope to make a
good plan for an inn at Huntly before the winter is over.
When can they begin to build i I don't undertake the
granary. Mr. Hoy must plan that. Pray give my best compt
to Mrs. Todd and all your family�likewise all friends and
your neighbours in Fochabers, and believe me always,
'Yours most
'George Gordon.'
This letter is
especially interesting- in its allusion to an Englishman,
who was, at that time, creating a great sensation in
Badenoch. This was Colonel Thornton of Thornville Royal, in
Yorkshire�a man of great wealth and greater profusion, whose
Sporting Tour through the Northern Parts of England and,
great part of the Highlands of Scotland,
published in 1804,f is one of the rarest, and, to a
Scotchman, most entertaining of books. The preparations
which he made for his ' expedition ' as he calls it, were on
a more magnificent scale than would now be considered
necessary for a voyage of discovery into the heart of
Africa. Two vessels, the
Ville de Paris and the
were sent on to await him in the north,, while he himself
with a friend, an artist, hounds, hawks, carriages, riding
horses, baggage horses, tents, guns, fishing tackle, and
full apparatus for camping out, set off for his destination
by land. That destination was Raits, near Kingussie, a
property better known as Belville�a name conferred on it by
' Ossian' Macpherson, who subsequently purchased it from, we
believe, Mr. Macintosh of Borlum. With Raits as his
headquarters, he made excursions in all directions, naming
cataracts after himself, recording his sport clay by day,
noting the peculiarities of the 'natives,' and now and again
naively expressing his astonishment to find them not quite
the savages he seems to have thought they ought to have
been. In one of these excursions he visited Gordon Castle,
where he met Lord Monboddo, and was kindly entertained. The
Duchess he found polite and affable; the Duke a finished
gentleman and sportsman.14
As for the style of life at the castle,�its hospitable ta�,
its evening adjournments to the ballroom, where ' reels,
strathspeys, and country dances' formed the diversion before
supper, its unstinted and admirable sport, its gardens,
especially the kitchen garden, ' affording, in the true old
style, plenty of everything'�seemed to him a perfect
terrestrial paradise. There was only one thing he did not
admire, and that was the women he saw at church. 'It is
astonishing,' he says, 'how plain the country women are here
; I did not discover one that was tolerable, except a very
pretty girl we met on our return from the moors the day
before; and, as many of them were the daughters of mechanics
who live decently, I am much at a loss to account for this
scanty distribution of beauty.'
We are sorry for the Colonel's bad taste.
But to return from
this digression. Two letters from Lord Cardross to Mr. Tod's
brother-in-law, Professor Ogilvie, of the years 1764 and
1765, presenting to the University of Aberdeen three
specimens of' the famous stone of so singular property in
electricity, call'd Tourmalins or Ashstones, found in the
island of Ceylon only, and sent me by the late governor of
that settlement, the ingenious Mr. John Gideon van Lolen, a
member of the Royal Society,' which, by the way, turned out
to be very inferior specimens�are too lengthy to be
reproduced here. The last of these, which is dated 'Little
llalinghury, near Sawbridge-worth, Herts, June 7th, 1765,'
is a long and learned treatise on these pseudogemmata and
their literature, from which, as a specimen of his
lordship's academic style, and to justify ourselves, in our
readers' eyes, for not having* printed them, we give a
single paragraph :�
'I now after a long,
too long a Silence, make use of that charming Privilege
which the Invention of Visible Characters to express our
Thoughts has afforded us, a Privilege which like the light
of Day, the verdure of the fields, the Azure of the Sky, and
the Rest of the more familiar Providences of Almighty
Benevolence are too little attended too, and Impinge more
feebly on our Hearts and UndeBandinaSthen more Unusual tho'
not more Pretious Enjoyments. I gave you likewise in my
former letter my Opinion of Doctor Reid's Essay on the Human
Mind, a work which now Justly meets with Universal
Approbation. I mentioned it to the famous Mr. Melmoth, the
Translator, the Elegant Translator of Pliny's Epistles ; who
resides in our neighbourhood in Somersetshire, and I was
glad to find a Coincidence in our Opinion of It which
Strengthened Mine.'
Want of
space�certainly not want of material�prevents our quoting
many other curious documents, which have found their way
into this interesting collection. But we cannot refrain from
transcribing one letter more. It is the copy of a
communication from Sir Hew Dalrymple of North Berwick to Sir
Lawrence Duudas, the ancestor of the present Earls of
Zetland, who in 1766 bought the estates and rights of the
old Earldom of Orkney and Zetland.
'Edinbr., 14th May,
'My dear Sir
'Having spent a long
Life in Pursuit of Pleasure and Wealth, I am now retired
from the World, in Poverty, and with the Gout, so joining
with Solomon that all is Vanity and Vexation of Spirit, I go
to Church, and say my Prayers. I assure you that most of us
religious People reap some little Satisfaction, in hoping
that you weali.hy Voluptuaries have a fair Chance of being
damned to all Eternity, and that like Dives you shall then
call out for Water to Lazarus, one Drop of which you never
tasted while you had the 12 Apostles15
in your Cellar. Now, Sir, this Doctrine laid down I wish my
Friend a Loop Hole to escape thro'. Going to Church last
Sunday as usual, I saw an unknown face in the Pulpit, and
rising up to Prayer, as others do upon the like Occasion, I
looked round to see if there was any pretty Girl there, when
my attention was attracted by the most pathetic Prayer I
ever heard. This made me all attention to the Sermon; a
finer Discourse never came from the Lips of Reasoning,
conveyed by the most elegant expressions. I immediately
thought of what Agrippa said to Paul, "Thou almost
persuadest me to be a Christian." I sent to ask the holy man
of God to honour mv Roof and dine with me, I asked his
Country and what not, I even asked if his Sermons were of
his own Composition. He answered me they were. I told him I
believed him for no man had ever spoke or wrote so well; my
name is Dishington said he ; I am assistant to a lunatick
Preacher in the Orkneys, who enjoys a fruit-full Benefice of
�50 St. per annum, out of which I am allowed �20 for
preaching to, and instructing 1200 People who live in two
separate Islands, out of which I pay �1 5/ St. to the
Boatman who transports me from one Island to the other by
turns. I should be happy could I continue in that terrestial
Paradise ; But we have a great Lord who has many little
People soliciting him for what he
can do, and for what he
cannot do. and if my Minister
dies, his Succession is too great a Prize, not to raise up a
great many powerfull People, Rivals, to baulk my hope of
Preferment ; I asked him if he possessed any other Wealth ;
Yes, Sir, says he, I married the prettiest girl in the whole
Island, she has blessed me with three fine children, and as
we are both young we may expect many more ; besides. I am so
beloved. I shall hare all my Peats brought me Carriage free;
this is my storj7. Nov!, to the Prayer of the
Petition ; I never before envytd you the Possession of the
Orkneys, which I now do, only to provide for this elegant,
innocent Apostle. The Sun has refused your barren Islands
his Kindly Influence,�do not deprive them of so pleasant a
Preacher. Let not so great a Treasure be lost to that
unhospitable Country, for I assure you were the Archbishop
of Canterbury to hear him or his merit, he could do no less
than make him an Arch-Deacon. This man has but one
weakness,�that of preferring the Orkneys to all the earth.
This way you have a Chance for Salvation. Do the man good
and he will pray for you. This will be a better Purchass
than your Irish Estate, or the Orkneys, and I think will
help me well forward too, since I am the man who told you of
this man, so worthy, so deserving, so pious, and so
eloquent, and whose Prayers may do much. Till I hear from
you on this head, I bid you farewell. Yours in all meekness,
Love, and Benevolence,
'Edinbr., 14 May,
think what an unspeakable Pleasure it will be to look down
from Heaven, and to see Rigby, Masterton, and Campbell, and
all the Nabobs swimming in Fire and Brimstone, while you are
sitting with White-field and his good old Women looking
beautifull and frisking and singing. All this you may have
by settling this man after the Death of the present
It is satisfactory to
think that the recommendation was duly given effect to. Mr.
Dishington obtained the benefice in Orkney referred to, when
it became vacant, and he held it till his death. His memory
is still revered in these bleak and distant isles to which
he consecrated all his time and all his talents.
Charles Rampini.
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text:
Jason Kenney was born in Ontario and raised in Saskatchewan, where he graduated from Notre Dame College. He did undergraduate studies in philosophy at the University of San Francisco.
Mr. Kenney served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, prior to his election to the House of Commons in 1997 as Member of Parliament for Calgary Southeast.
He has been re-elected five times, most recently with 76 per cent of the vote.
He is a former Chairman of the House of Commons Subcommittee on International Human Rights, and served in several positions in Opposition, including as Finance Critic and Deputy House Leader.
Mr. Kenney became Parliamentary Secretary to Prime Minister Harper in 2006, and Secretary of State for Multiculturalism and Canadian Identity in 2007.
As Canada's longest-serving Minister of Citizenship and Immigration from 2008 to 2013, Mr. Kenney implemented comprehensive reforms to Canada's immigration, refugee and citizenship programs. In 2013, he was appointed Minister of Employment and Social Development and Minister for Multiculturalism, with a mandate to ensure that Canadians are well-prepared to participate fully in the labour market of the future.
Mr. Kenney was appointed Minister of National Defence and Minister for Multiculturalism in 2015. He chairs the Cabinet Committee on Operations, is the Regional Minister for Southern Alberta, and sits on the Cabinet Committees for Foreign Affairs and Security and Planning and Priorities.
Mr. Kenney has been voted the "best overall" and "hardest working" MP by his colleagues in the Maclean's Magazine annual survey of parliamentarians.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
OCP's CareerBloghas several articles on in-house opportunities available under the "Job Resources," "job postings", and "professional development" tabs.
Note: If you have trouble finding a resource in OCP's library ask us to help you find it; it could be checked out.
America's Greatest Places to Work with a Law Degree, Kimm Alayne Walton
Corporate Yellow Book Leadership Directory includes contact information for companies across the United States (recent version in the library)
In-House Law Departments at the Top 500 Companies (2010) provides information about the company's top legal officer and information on where s/he went to law school and work history.
Internships USA Series, Career Education Institute—OCP has print versions of the Internship series available on the web:


text:
You Are Invited
We are constantly planning more exciting continuing education events around the state! Make sure you are checking the website frequently to see what events are coming up. If you have any suggestions about topics you are interested in, speakers you want to hear from, or locations you want events, please send an email to:
Thanks! Amanda Call (UOTA VP)
All UOTA email addresses are "position" followed by @utahotassociation.org.
You Are Invited...
Sensory Profile Workshop -
Nov 7th
Post a Continuing Education Event


text:
If you've ever been curious just how much web spam fighting goes on for non-U.S. markets, it is the topic of the latest webmaster help video from Google's Distinguished Engineer Matt Cutts.
Is the webspam team taking the same measures to counter spam in international markets like India like they do in the US market? It just seems like there are a lot of junk sites that come up in the first page of results when searching on google.co.in.
"The web spam team has both engineers who work on algorithmic spam and we have the manual web spam team and both of those work on spam around the world," Cutts said. "So Google.co.in in India, we want the algorithms whether they be link spam or keyword stuffing or whatever work in every language is much as we can, and so we do try to make sure to a degree that it is possible for us to do it, we internationalize those algorithms.
Cutts said that Google engineers fight spam in 40 different languages throughout the world. Not only that, they also have engineers located throughout the world, including in Hyderabad, who are not only working on Google.com, but are also working on the international versions of Google, such as in Google.co.in to fight spam.
He said that English search spam in the U.S. on Google.com tends to get more attention, since not every engineer can speak specific languages. But he follow that up that if you see any problematic spam in any of the Google versions, to submit a spam report so it can be looked into, to post in the Google webmaster help forums, or even send a tweet about it.


text:
It's that time of year. We're slowly but surely approaching midterms, Fall Break is right around the corner, and the weather is thinking about cooling down. It's hard to believe that it's already October, and it's even harder to believe that this is our sixth issue of The Reporter this semester.
Unless you know one of our staff members personally, you probably don't know what all goes into any given issue of our little paper. I'm not going to get into specifics, but coming up with content for eight pages is actually harder than it sounds. Plus it has to look nice, have pretty pictures, and a catchy headline so students will actually think about reading it. Trust me, it's not an easy job by any means. But our staff has been busting their butts to put out these issues like clockwork, despite the fact that they're all full-time students who work at multiple other jobs and are involved all over campus.
We're incredibly vested in this newspaper, all of us. And we're here for you, Stetson. That encompasses everyone here: students, faculty, staff, alumni. If you're not happy with us, tell us. Let us know what you want to see in The Reporter each week. Our staff members are all part of the Stetson community, but we aren't able to be everywhere at once. We might not know about an event that's happening on campus, or a student athlete who won a huge award, or the most recent scandal.
We can't do our jobs without you. So tell us what it is that you want. Tell us everything, all of your ideas and grievances, and we'll do our best to make it happen.
Eleanor Roy can be reached at firstname.lastname@example.com


text:
Lemass, Noel T.
Thursday, 4 December 1969
Dáil Eireann Debate
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Office Building.
The selection of an architect for the new offices to which the Deputy refers is a matter for the developers who have already employed a firm of Irish architects to design the structure.
The appointment of the architects was made before the State entered into negotiations.
We will, yes. We will certainly take an interest but the point is this: the site is not owned by the State. The State when it heard of this development, for very special reasons that I explained bef...
What the planning authority approves of is not the responsibility of my Department but whatever construction goes on that site it is in the national interest that the State should acquire it.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Garda Station.
The latest date for the receipt of tenders for the demolition of the old Garda station and the erection of a new station at Rathmines, Dublin was 21st October, 1969. A tender for the work will be ac...
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Written by Kevin R. Fish, City Year AmeriCorps member serving on the Bain and Company Team at English High School.
Whether it be observing our students working diligently on their algebra during a Leadership Development Day, acting as proud parents to see our students off to their first bowling experience with Boston Celtics players, or getting a student to help monitor their peers signing in to our Extended Day space, the Bain and Company Team serving at the English High School depends on their students. Through all of the frustrations and tribulations, we are so fortunate to have some dedicated students with mountains of potential and this photo montage is in honor of all of the students we serve at the English High School.


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Friday, October 9, 2015
'Hobbit' Finale Slays B.O. Competition
The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies demolished the competition at the box office with a $56 million weekend that brings the Wednesday-opening feature to a $91 million five-day ... Continue Reading →
'Hobbit' Opens Strong Abroad; 'Exodus' Tops Domestic
The visual-effects epics dominated the weekend box office in a relatively quiet week prior to the holiday surge The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies is expected to bring next week. The ... Continue Reading →
Ridley Scott to Receive VES Lifetime Award
The Visual Effects Society has named multi-award winning director and producer Ridley Scott as its 2015 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, in recognition of his enormous contributions ... Continue Reading →
MPC Presenting on Blockbuster VFX at SIGGRAPH
Top feature visual effects house MPC will be celebrating a year's worth of major movie spectacle at SIGGRAPH next week, teaming up with releasing studios to present production ... Continue Reading →
Disney Finds Purrfect Bagheera in Ben Kingsley
Sir Ben Kingsley, the celebrated British actor best known for his roles in Gandhi and Schindler's List, has been tapped by Disney to provide the voice of the panther Bagheera ... Continue Reading →
'Alien' Artist H.R. Giger Dies at 74
Swiss surrealist artist Hans Ruedi Giger, better known as H.R. Giger, died at age 74 Monday after being hospitalized for a fall down the stairs in his Zurich home. Working primarily ... Continue Reading →
Double Negative Opens New TV Branch
VFX company Double Negative has launched Double Negative TV, a new division of Dneg dedicated to visual effects creation for television. Dneg TV will be headed up by 20-year VFX veteran ... Continue Reading →
Previz House Proof Adds Katie Wells as Exec Producer
Leading pre-visualization house Proof Inc. has hired Katie Wells as executive producer. Wells will manage the company's ongoing expansion and work closely with visual effects ... Continue Reading →
Italian VFX Artist Carlo Rambaldi Dies at 86
We were saddened by the recent death of Italian special effects wizard Carlo Rambaldi, who is best known for this work on Steven Spielberg's E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial, Ridley Scott's ... Continue Reading →
'Madagascar 3' Rules the Box Office Again
The traveling Zoosters of DreamWorks' Madagascar 3 showed some excellent staying power this weekend, landing at the No. 1 spot for the second week in a row. The third outing for ... Continue Reading →


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For £10,995, This Toyota MR2 Says Audi, Pardner
It's the first Nice Price or Crack Pipe of 2015 and to celebrate, we're going to Jolly Olde! That's were this MR2 got its Audi V8, and you get to decide if it and its in-pounds price are a quid pro-go! »


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The Photography Collection
The photography collection includes more than 400,000 photographs and negatives dating from the invention of photography to the present day. The collection embraces numerous landmark processes, objects of great rarity, and monuments of art history that trace the evolution of the medium as a technology, as a means of scientific and historical documentation, and as one of the most potent and accessible means of personal expression of the modern era. More than 14,000 photographers are represented in the collection, including virtually all the major figures in the history of the medium. The collection includes original vintage works produced by nearly every process and printing medium employed.
Rochester Collectors Circle and NYC Collectors Club
Chusseau-Flaviens Collection: Finding Aid
- A major collection of Ansel Adams' early and vintage prints
- A major collection of nineteenth-century photographs of the American West
- A major collection of early French photography
- One of the largest collections of daguerreotypes in the world
- For all levels of researchers, one of the most accessible of important photographic collections
The collection of 3,500 daguerreotypes, examples of the first successful photographic process, is especially important. Perhaps the most extensive collection of French plates outside France, the collection includes a daguerreotype made by the inventor of the process, Louis Jacques Mandé Daguerre, along with works by the best French practitioners of the process. American daguerreotypes are equally well represented by a variety of superb plates, including a collection of important, extremely early Philadelphia plates; whole plate views by Samuel Bemis, one of the first American amateur photographers; and a major collection (more than 1,200) of the work of Albert Sands Southworth and Josiah John Hawes, the Boston daguerreotypists considered by most experts to have been this country's best.
Nineteenth-century British and French photography on paper
Included are prints by William Henry Fox Talbot, inventor of the calotype process; the largest collection of D.O. Hill and Robert Adamson calotype portraits in North America; a rare presentation album of portrait studies by Julia Margaret Cameron; selections of works by the French masters, including Gustave Le Gray and Henri Le Secq; and an extensive collection of European topographical photography.
American 19th-century holdings
Included are two of the major photographic documents of the American Civil War, Alexander Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War and George N. Barnard's Photographic Views of Sherman's Campaign, as well as examples of Western expeditionary and landscape photographs by William Henry Jackson, Timothy O'Sullivan, Carleton Watkins, Eadweard Muybridge, and others.
Important late 19th- and early 20-century work
Frederick Evans, known for his extraordinary platinum prints of English architecture, is represented by almost 300 images, and there are almost 500 vintage prints by Eugène Atget, the unassuming French commercial photographer who has become a seminal figure of modern photography. The collection of Alvin Langdon Coburn, a preeminent figure of the Pictorialist Movement, was bequeathed to the Museum by the photographer. It contains over 1,000 prints and nearly 18,000 negatives, and is rivaled only by the collection of his work at the Royal Photographic Society in Bath, England. The Museum's collection of almost 10,000 Lewis Hine prints and negatives is definitive.
The work of Alfred Stieglitz and Edward Steichen
George Eastman House became an important repository of Alfred Stieglitz's work, which was distributed among a number of museums after his death by his widow Georgia O'Keeffe. It is also the major repository of the work of Edward Steichen, holding the world's largest collection of Steichen materials. Stieglitz was the dominant voice in American photography from the late 1890s until his death in 1946. Steichen, a protege of Stieglitz, was one of the most influential arbiters of photography as an art form well into the 1950s. Stieglitz and Steichen's later contemporaries — Ansel Adams, Paul Strand, and Edward Weston — are also well represented.
European modernism
This is represented by the work of Brassai, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Frantisek Drtikol, André Kertesz, August Sander, and an important collection of work by Lazlo Moholy-Nagy.
Post-World War II and contemporary photography
Virtually every major photographic artist who has emerged in the United States within the past 50 years is represented, along with many important non-American photographers. This aspect of the collection in particular continues to grow, although the changing realities of the photographic marketplace dictate a greater selectivity in the acquisition of works than ever before.
Documents of the popular impact of the photograph on modern culture
Included are thousands of conventional nineteenth-century studio portraits in a variety of formats; stereocards; lantern slides; travel albums; amateur snapshot albums; and press photographs. There is also an extensive selection of American combat photography from World War II, primarily the work of Navy, Marine, and Coast Guard photographers, along with Air Force aerial reconnaissance images taken over Europe during and immediately after the war.
The Gannett Foundation Photographic Study Center, located in the archive building, is open by appointment Wednesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. For appointments, please call (585) 271-3361 ext. 481, Or email email@example.com. Appointments must be made a minimum of two weeks in advance.


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Shrimp Rémoulade
Serves 6
Shrimp rémoulade is in every New Orleanian's arsenal of favored dishes for relaxed entertaining. Serve this simple dish on elegant china and it's fit for a king - Mardi Gras or otherwise. Bonus for the home cook: The sauce is definitely best made a day in advance and refrigerated, then all that's left to do is toss in the shrimp, and plate and serve. It's a snap to make, yet it's always impressive.
- 3/4 cup chopped celery
- 3/4 cup chopped scallions (white and green parts)
- 1/2 cup chopped curly parsley
- 1 cup chopped yellow onion
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup tomato purée
- 1/2 cup Creole mustard or any coarse, grainy brown mustard
- 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish, or to taste
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Spanish hot paprika
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup salad oil
- 4 dozen jumbo (15 count) shrimp, peeled, boiled and chilled
- 1 small head of iceberg lettuce, washed, dried and cut into thin ribbons
Mince the celery, scallions, parsley, and onions in a food processor. Add the ketchup, tomato purée, Creole mustard, horseradish, red wine vinegar, paprika and Worcestershire. Begin processing again and add the oil in a slow drizzle to emulsify. Stop when the dressing is smooth. Chill for 6 to 8 hours or overnight. Correct the seasoning with additional horseradish, if desired, after the ingredients have had the opportunity to marry.
In a large mixing bowl, add the sauce to the shrimp and toss gently to coat. Divide the lettuce among 6 chilled salad plates. Divide the shrimp evenly atop the lettuce and serve.
Recipe reprinted by permission of Clarkson Potter. All rights reserved.
RecID 8636
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Search Results
Four Points by Sheraton Plainview Long Island is not available for 10/10/2015 - 10/11/2015.
See other available hotels below or, to find availability for Four Points by Sheraton Plainview Long Island, change dates and search again.
Four Points by Sheraton Plainview Long Island
Sheraton JFK Airport Hotel
Sheraton LaGuardia East Hotel
Sheraton Tribeca New York Hotel
Sheraton Brooklyn New York Hotel
The Chatwal, a Luxury Collection Hotel, New York City
Four Points by Sheraton Midtown - Times Square
Aloft Manhattan Downtown - Financial District
Four Points by Sheraton Manhattan SoHo Village
W New York - Downtown
Le Parker Méridien New York
Four Points by Sheraton Manhattan Chelsea
Element Harrison - Newark
W New York
Sheraton Lincoln Harbor Hotel
W New York - Times Square
W New York - Union Square
Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel
The Westin New York at Times Square
The St. Regis New York
*Currency data provided by XE, a third party currency conversion provider, using live mid-market rates. This information is offered for informational purposes only, and does not reflect the rate you will pay to the hotel or the currency in which such payment will be made.
Distance is a straight line from the center of your search and does not reflect driving distance.
BASIC ROOM RATE DOES NOT INCLUDE ADDITIONAL PER ROOM, PER NIGHT CHARGES THAT MAY BE IMPOSED OR STATE/LOCAL TAXES. Per room, per night, rates are displayed based on selected occupancy. A limited number of rooms may be available at this rate. Posted rate is the average lowest daily rate for the dates chosen in search; this rate is available at time of search and may change.


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Submission Robot Hand from Shadow Continues to Impress - Vid->
kkleiner writes: The Shadow Dextrous Hand is a robotic arm that allows for fine motor control and precise movements. It's accurate enough to pick up an egg, screw in a light bulb, or thread a needle. Even cooler, researchers can control it with a "Cyber glove", allowing for 24 distinct human movements that mimic the user's own hand. A British based company, Shadow has been displaying the hand for several years now, and recently demonstrated its latest model at IREX 2009. The hand, toted as the world's most advanced, is available for sale to researchers (pricing has not been made public). Check out the impressive video.
Link to Original Source
Link to Original Source


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In early December, Sons of The American Legion member Thomas Clavell of Hampstead, Md., walked onto the playing field of the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium to be honored. Clavell was one of four recipients to receive the Ravens' 2013 Community Quarterback Award, which recognizes individuals who exemplify "dedication, leadership and commitment to improving the communities in which they live through volunteerism."
Clavell was nominated for the award by a friend, and he received it for his dedication to SAL Squadron 200 in Hampstead.
As an SAL member, Clavell coordinates fundraising events that provide support for community veterans, families and youth in need; he maintains a clean and comfortable environment at the post for veterans and guests; he spearheaded the building of a large pavilion dedicated to POW/MIAs; and he transports veterans to appointments at the local VA medical center. Clavell served as his squadron's commander for four years, and he's currently the second vice commander. He's also a volunteer fireman.
"I was in shock when I heard I received the award; I couldn't believe it," Clavell said. "I will always be a part of The American Legion family. I'm never going away. I will always be there for somebody."
As a recipient of the Community Quarterback Award, Clavell received a Baltimore Ravens jersey with his name on the back, a football signed by Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco, a commemorative plaque and a $3,000 grant. Clavell is donating the grant to the Legion's Legacy Scholarship Fund, which helps children of U.S. servicemembers killed on active duty on or after Sept. 11, 2001, attend college.
[1] http://www.legion.org/print/218086


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Dhanraj first Indian to be among ITTF's BoD
Dhanraj Choudhary, the secretary-general of the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI), was elected as one of the Board of Directors (BoD) to the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) during the Annual General Meeting held at the ongoing World Championships in Paris on Thursday evening.
This is the first time ever that an Indian representative has made it to the decision-making body of the international federation. Choudhary was nominated to the BoD by the Asian Table Tennis Union (ATTU), following his unrelenting service to the sport in the region, particularly India.
In fact, it is the Board which manages the work of ITTF between AGMs with several committees, commissions, working groups or panels coming under it.
"I feel honoured to have been elected to the BoD of the IITF. I have an added responsibility of discharging my duties towards promoting the game globally. I will do it with all consciousness and to the fullest ability. But, first and foremost, I will want to take Indian table tennis to another level," he said from Paris.
Choudhary has been associated with table tennis for more than two decades, first as a player - he has represented his state and employer LIC - and then as a bright technical hand. He was part of the ITTF's technical committee until last year when it was wound up to take another form.
Even otherwise, Choudhary has been among the jury members of various technical committees, representing the country at various international events, including the CWG, Asian Games, Olympics and World Championships.
To his credit, Choudhary was heading the technical teams of two of the three World Championships that India organized in 1975 (Kolkata) and 1987 (New Delhi).
Choudhary took over as secretary-general of the Indian body when his predecessor Moolchand Chouhan died in office in 2009.
In fact, Choudhary was assured of a position by Adham Sharara, who has been reelected to as president of the world body for yet another term, when Choudhary successfully hosted the World Junior Table Tennis Championships at Hyderabad last December with less than a year to prepare following the last-minute pullout by South Africa.
(Posted on 17-05-2013)


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Technology Plan
July 1 2014-June 30, 2017
This document is to be used as a guideline to plan for staffing, services, technology, budgets and communication for July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2017. It is a working document subject to change based on income (revenues) and changes in the library political and social environment. This document will be reviewed each year.
This technology plan is based on the Board of Trustees approved Mission and Vision Statements which were recommended and reviewed by the staffs of the administrative headquarters and the library branches during meetings held in 2003 and 2004. As of this plan approval it is believed that the mission and vision statements are still valid.
Mission Statement
Iosco-Arenac District Library includes AuGres Community Library, East Tawas Library, Omer Library, Robert J. Parks Library (in Oscoda), Plainfield Township Library (in Hale), Mary Johnston Memorial Library (in Standish), Tawas City Library, Whittemore Library, and the Administrative Headquarters (in East Tawas).
Our mission is to provide friendly, helpful and knowledgeable service to people of all ages by enriching their quality of life through traditional resources and technology, and to promote the joy of life-long learning.
*Continue and improve mutual cooperation between Iosco-Arenac District Library, government entities, branch library staff and our community.
*Provide and maintain a comprehensive collection in a variety of formats based on patron and individual branch library needs.
*Be proactive and creative in anticipating and responding to community needs for programs and services.
*Pursue and provide current library technology and education, responsive to community and staff needs.
*Provide an interactive and welcoming atmosphere by capitalizing on the advantages of small-community living.
Iosco-Arenac District Library was formed under Michigan Public Act 24 of 1989, and recognized as a District Library in November of 1990.
The administrative headquarters at 120 W. Westover Street, East Tawas MI 48730, does not operate as a public service library outlet.
As of July 2014, the District provides services to/for the eight Library Branches including the following:
*Revenue Sharing of the District Millage to Units of Government Owning and Operating Library Branches (1/2 of the Actual Amount Received) for Library Operations
*Children's and Teen Services and Program Coordination
*Funding for Adult Programs
*Collection Maintenance Assistance with Selection and De-selection (Weeding), Marketing of the Collections In-House, Repairs, and Recommendations for Shelving and Display Arrangements
*Consulting and Training (Including Continuing Education)-Includes Funding for Substitutes, Registration Fees, Travel and Lodging to State Conferences (MLA and Rural Library Conference)
*Delivery of Materials (Mel Delivery three days per week, Branch Library
Delivery two days per week, Postal delivery for
*Interlibrary Loan
(MelCat participant, Valley Library Consortium,
*Ordering, Purchasing, Cataloguing and Processing of Intellectual Property (Books, CDs, Database Subscriptions, Magazines and Local Newspapers, Downloadable Digital Audiobooks and e-Books, etc.)
*Ordering and Purchasing of Equipment Including Computers, Scanners, Printers, Fax Machines and Photocopiers
*Ordering, Purchasing and Delivery of Selected Library and Office Supplies
*Preparation of Grant Applications for Library Programs, Services and Equipment
*Reference Assistance and Referral Where Needed and/or Requested by the Branch Library Staff
*Statistical Recordkeeping Including Annual State Aid Reports
*Monitoring of Popular Media (TV, Radio, Newspapers, Internet) for Author Tours, Book Discussions, Upcoming Publications and Readers Advisory, etc.
*Substitute Staff Allowances (Substitute Staff are District Employees) for Branch Manager Vacations/Sick Leave/Approved Meetings
*Technical Assistance/Maintenance of Computers, Printers, Fax Machines and Photocopiers (Hardware and Software)-Full-time Technical Support Staff
*Library Advocacy and Outreach Including Advertising, Public Speaking, Monitoring Legislation Actions, Forwarding Internet Library News, and Support of 1st Amendment
*District Website (Up-to-date Links, How-To Directions and Local Library Information)
*Purchase E-mail Accounts for Branch Library Managers
*Direct Broadband Internet Connections (Fiber Broadband and T-1+ and Wireless at All Branches) and Diagnostic Connections
*OverDrive Downloadable Audiobook and E-Book Consortium
*Troubleshooting Assistance for Borrowers Using District Computers and District Automation (Via Telephone and the Internet)
*Computerized Item Circulation, Searching, Requesting, Hold Slip Notice Production, Remote Renewals and E-mail Notifications
*Mailed and E-Mailed Notification of Fines and Fees for Overdue and/or Damages to Borrowers
*Tax Form Ordering and Distribution - Support of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (AARP Sponsored)
*Primary Vendor Contact for Supplies, Equipment and Contracted Services (Utilizing State and Cooperative Discount Plans)
*Provide the
*Act as Liaison to Various Clubs and Organizations (Partnerships Support)
Iosco-Arenac District Library currently employs seven full-time staff, two part-time staff and twelve substitute staff (used by branch libraries). Custodial services are contracted.
Iosco-Arenac District Library does not manage library branch buildings and local branch library staff. The District also does not determine library branch hours of operation. Branch staff, buildings and hours are managed and determined by the local units of government.
The District does not own a building. The District rents the space used for the administrative offices from the City of East Tawas.
The District employs a Technology Services Coordinator full-time. An up-to-date job description as of February 2014, is attached to this plan.
An up-to-date inventory including hardware, software and locations of equipment is attached to the Technology Plan. The inventory will be maintained and updated (at least monthly) by the Administrative Assistant/Bookkeeper with assistance by the Technology Coordinator. Due to security restrictions, copies of the inventory "detail" will not be shared (this includes service agreement numbers, passwords and IP ranges) with the general public.
District went live with SirsiDynix Horizon Library Automation on
District went live as a participating member of MelCat on
District Headquarters full-time staff may be reached by telephone at 989-362-2651, or by e-mail. All District staff members have written job descriptions available upon request. All staff descriptions contain roles, duties and responsibilities requiring computer knowledge. Manager evaluation and staff self evaluation are used to assess technology skills, with "super users" identified for key proficiencies. Written policies and procedures support technology tasks.
District Headquarters Staff are listed below:
Stephanie Mallak Olson, District Director firstname.lastname@example.com
John Cargo, Technology Coordinator/Trainer/Technician firstname.lastname@example.com
Diane Bushman, Administrative Assistant/Bookkeeper email@example.com
Arleen Wood, Community Liaison Librarian firstname.lastname@example.com
Lynne Bigelow, Children and Teen Services Coordinator email@example.com
Richard Marx, Interloan/Rotation Clerk email@example.com
Teresa Cunningham, Acquisitions and Database Processor firstname.lastname@example.com
Robin Gray, Materials Processing Clerk
Anthony Chmura, Delivery Driver/Clerk
Technology Plan Budget
The budget each year will be established to include plans for the year.
A Technology Fund will be maintained to allow for designated funds for technology and for telecommunication costs associated with Internet provision for all District Library locations. The balance of the designated Technology Fund Reserve at the beginning of 2014 is $130,208.31.
The capital improvement budget for 2014 is $45,000.
Costs to maintain the contract with Merit Network Inc. to provide broadband Internet services to all District locations have been budgeted and there is a Reserve in place. The Merit Network Fund Balance as of January 1, 2014 is $60,420.60. The Merit Network Inc. contract expires June 30, 2016.
Budgets have been established for public relations, continuing education, automation and delivery for 2014. Budgets for 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 will support the Technology Plan.
2014-2017 Goals
Action Plan
The Technology Plan, approved by the Iosco-Arenac District Library Board of Trustees, will be submitted for approval to the Library of Michigan. Copies of the approved plan will be distributed to District Branch Libraries, White Pine Library Cooperative, Valley Library Consortium, each District staff person, and each Trustee of the District Library Board.
The Technology Plan will be reviewed by the District Board of Trustees each year. This action will allow for changes to be addressed in current and future budgets and allow for evaluation.
A Technology Committee will be appointed by the District Board Chairperson each year in February.
A District website page has been developed and maintained with links to other websites for continuing education opportunities, staff and patron self-tutorials, news on technology advances with FAQs, and other sites of interest as determined by staff and patron needs. The Technology Plan is available on the District Answer Desk webpage.
Hosting of the District Website is currently outsourced and all pages and links are tested and monitored monthly by the District's Administrative Assistant/Bookkeeper on a rotating basis.
The District has purchased a laptop and projector, allowing for multi-media presentation capability, which will be utilized for community outreach and branch library programs. Additional projectors are available at library locations in AuGres and Oscoda. The laptop is scheduled for replacement in 2015.
Hardware upgrades in 2014, will include replacing two Headquarters staff computers and replacing five older computers located in branches. Where space allows and demand supports, the budget will support adding up to four new computers at branch libraries for public access. New computers will continue to be small form factor CPU's with flat screens.
Hardware upgrades in 2015, will include replacing one Headquarters staff computer, and the replacement and phase-out of computers and barcode scanners purchased prior to 2008.
Beginning in late 2014 the District will explore the replacement of the existing telephone system at the Headquarters location including investigating the possibility of it being VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) capable.
Hardware upgrades in 2016, will include the replacement of one Headquarters staff computer and eight branch library computers. Replacement of Barcode scanning equipment will also be considered, as needed.
Cabling upgrades will be continued during 2015, 2016 and 2017. Where deemed advisable by the Technology Coordinator and the District Director the upgrade work will be outsourced.
All Branch Library staff computers are being upgraded to require workstation lockdown and password protection when not attended (anticipated completion by late 2014).
Software upgrades to public access computers in 2015 may include additional children's programs. The District will explore standalone computers for children (AWE) at branch library locations where space permits.
The purchase of additional database subscriptions beyond those available in the Mel Database program will be explored beginning in 2014. The District added several database subscriptions in 2012 and 2013 including ESequals, Sanborn Fire Maps, National Newspapers (Proquest) and Ancestry Library Edition.
The Valley Library Consortium is
no longer managing the content filtering as of February 14, 2006.
The District has converted to a different
content filtering service (DansGuardian) to remain compliant with
Federal Law requirements.
Currently, the Children's Internet
Protection Act (CIPA) requires filtering in order to receive Federal
The District has received funding from
Library Services and Technology Act grants, Reed Act grants and
All District Library locations are now wireless access sites with Fiber at six locations and T-1+ broadband connections at two locations for all District computers. Accounts are not required to access the District wireless service and most of the library branches are now 24/7 wireless service providers. All public and staff computers have installed mapping, office suite, imaging and other application and utility software. The District is exploring fiber connectivity for the remaining two branch library locations as it becomes available and affordable.
A disaster recovery program has been implemented including offsite storage of back-ups. All servers are protected against unapproved access using firewalls, non-standard ports, user names and passwords. Each library branch now uses a network box that covers their security, web caching and filtering. VPN (Virtual Private Network) is regularly used for secure remote access. Software on staff computers back up site data locally, and local back-ups are securely backed up to Headquarters. A new generation of network boxes planned for 2014, will allow staff to more easily collaborate on projects and documentation [in-house cloud-based storage and email].
The District will be taking measures to allow for more centralized management tools to handle the growing number of computers, and to securely link each branch with Headquarters.
At least four times per year, Branch library staff will receive instruction on the use of the District technology, either while attending librarian meetings or on a one-to-one basis. Branch library staff will be informed when there are other opportunities for continuing education. The District will investigate those opportunities provided by the White Pine Library Cooperative, the Valley Library Consortium, Michigan Library Association, Midwest Collaborative for Library Services, and other resources. At least one training opportunity per year will be offered on the use of the Michigan Mel resources. Alpena Community College Huron Shores Campus, the Iosco Regional Educational Services Agency, and Michigan Works will be contacted to determine if there are opportunities to use their computer labs/classroom space for staff and/or public training.
With the growth in numbers of computers at several library branch sites there is an opportunity for small group training during non-public hours. The District will take advantage of this. Suggested classes will include staff and public training on the use of Publisher software for flyer and brochure production, use of online social marketing and communication (Facebook, Twitter, etc.), computers and digital photography, email basics, and more. The District will explore the implementation of refundable deposit fee charges for "classes" on computer use.
At least twice per year, the public will be offered advertised training on using Horizon Information Portal searching and requesting, and on accessing and using their on-line Horizon user accounts. Open House sessions at each branch library location will be explored. The District Director will also consider making appointments for small group training on HIP and Mel.org using the Director's computer at Headquarters.
Beginning in 2014, the District will contract with a service provider to conduct one-on-one "Tech Tuesdays" at four library locations where people can bring in their equipment and receive help with hardware and software issues.
In early 2015, a needs assessment/awareness study will be done through public and staff surveys to determine what technology training and services are requested by the community.
In mid-2015, the Technology Coordinator and the District Director will invite High School students to an Open Forum on Technology in District Libraries to find out what they would envision a library of the future would do for them.
Technology-assisted reading skill development will be explored in partnership with other organizations, schools and colleges.
Each year, the District will post and take bids for surplus unused/obsolete equipment. All computer parts not sold at the surplus sale will be either donated or properly recycled.


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East Naples residents to vote on tax increase in 2012
As layoffs loom for East Naples firefighters and the fire district dips into budget reserves, fire officials say a tax increase is the only way to staunch further losses to public safety.
East Naples voters will get to decide whether to approve those increases in 2012.
Firefighters took a vote of their own this week, offering to self-impose pay and benefits cuts in the hopes of sparing nine firefighters jobs scheduled to be eliminated on Sunday.
On Tuesday, the East Naples Fire Control and Rescue District fire board voted to send a ballot referendum to voters asking for an increase in property taxes from $1.5 to $2 per $1,000 of taxable property value. The referendum will appear on the 2012 presidential primary ballot on Jan. 31.
"We, the fire department, are asking the people to help," Fire Commissioner Rob Boyer said.
Declining property values have taken a toll on the East Naples fire district's budget, as they have on other Southwest Florida fire district budgets. In East Naples, revenues have dropped by nearly 30 percent over a four year period. The district faced a $3.2 million budget shortfall for the upcoming year.
In response, East Naples fire commissioners voted unanimously to lay off nine people to save money earlier this month. The board also voted on pay cuts of 14 to 17 percent and increased benefit contributions for firefighters for a combined savings of $2.5 million. More pay cuts and layoffs could be in the future for non-union employees.
"To me, it's flagrantly obvious we have to increase millage (tax rate) at this time," Boyer said.
The question fire commissioners debated was how much they could ask the public to raise taxes and still have a chance of getting a majority 'yes' vote.
Initially, East Naples staff introduced ballot wording that would increase property taxes initially to $2.1 per $1,000 of taxable property value, with the option to increase the rate to a maximum of $3.75 without going to voters again.
East Naples residents at the meeting spoke out against allowing future tax hikes without another voter referendum.
"(Voters) are going to look at it as a blank check," Lely resident Tom Connolly said.
Ultimately, fire commissioners agreed to set its cap at $2. The vote was unanimous 4-0. Fire Commissioner Richard Gibbons was not present.
The ballot question now goes to the Collier Supervisor of Elections to place on the presidential primary ballot in 2012. If approved it would allow the fire district to increase its tax rate for fiscal 2013.
While fire officials say they are trying to prevent future layoffs with the ballot referendum, East Naples firefighters are doing what they can to prevent the nine layoffs that have already been announced.
The Collier Professional Firefighters and Paramedics union sent a memo to fire officials on Tuesday offering cuts they say will save the district enough money to avoid layoffs.
"Our first priority is keeping those nines guys on the job," said Chris Tobin, president of the firefighters union.
Tobin said firefighters are trying to be "proactive" and "show we are serious about saving the district money." He said the firefighters are also looking for some give and take from the fire district. Firefighters are asking for a shorter workweek to accompany their pay cuts.
However, the effort is too late to immediately prevent the impending layoffs, acting East Naples Fire Chief Kingman Schuldt said.
"As of right now, the decision voted on by the board — those cost saving measures — will be implemented on the 30th," the chief said.
Schuldt said it would take a fire board decision to stop the layoffs, and there won't be a chance to change it this month. Although commissioners met Tuesday night, the subject of jobs was not on the agenda, which meant commissioners couldn't vote on the union's proposal.
Fire commissioners could reconsider layoffs at their regularly scheduled meeting on Nov. 8.
East Naples Fire Commissioner Tom Cannon said he is open to ideas that would save the jobs that he agreed to cut this month.
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text:
October 13, 2015
With LPS calling off school Wednesday January 30th, because of the inclement weather, some are wondering whether the district could have "delayed" starts, as some other districts do, rather than wiping out the whole day.
The short answer to that: no.
LPS says they never have delayed starts.
One reason, according to a letter 1011 News received from LPS, "We have a pretty complex bus system and delaying school creates a host of transportation issues."
Another reason: "Delaying the start also presents challenges for many of our families who take their children to school."
Meanwhile, what did parents think of the decision to call off school Wednesday?
Some said it was a good idea to not have school, while others thought the streets were fine to travel on.
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