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Mongrel Trilogy: Book Three
The closing-day flea market at the Marvelous Mechanical Circus always draws a colorful crowd, but salesman Will Marchman doesnt expect to see a large, elaborate gold wagon on the plazaespecially one called the Spiritorium. The wagons exotic looking owner claims he can perform cleansings and siphonings via a miracle-working machine housed within. He can supposedly flush the wickedness out of people and places.
The Spiritorium appears in the Mongrel village of Taintwell the next day, setting off a potentially tragic chain of events that begins with a shocking revelation. To make matters worse, Fanule Perfidor, de facto mayor and Wills lover, has been neglecting to take the tonic that stabilizes his moods. Besieged by his illness, Fan drives Will away. Then Fans best friend, vampire Clancy Marrowbone, vanishes, causing a rift between him and his mortal lover. Then Will disappears.
As Fan regains control of his mind, he knows what he must do to save his village and the people most important to him. He must solve the mystery of the Spiritorium and confront a man hed hoped never to see again.
Chapter One
THE TRADITION began when Alphonse Hunzinger owned the Mechanical Circus. On the first of November, the final day of the carnivals season, peddlers, spiritualists, amateur entertainers and entrepreneurs, spreaders of cultish fervoranybody who hungered for attention or had something to sellwere allowed to gather at no charge beyond the circuss main grounds and take advantage of the crowds.
The entire city of Purinton looked forward to this chaotic spectacle, for there was much to anticipate. Solemn men and women conjured ghosts in makeshift tents. Mr. Dullhorn sang operatic arias for the sheer satisfaction of having, finally, an audience other than his collection of indifferent cats. Politicians and preachers stood on boxes and shouted their evangels, hoping the messages would lodge in at least few listeners ears. Whittlers sold carvings, housewives sold pies, gypsies sold fortunes.
Even rain could not dampen the days excitement.
Will Marchman had decided to take advantage of the crowd too, by setting up a sales stand outside rather than inside the circus proper. His permanent platform was on the boardwalk, but that wasnt where opportunity lay today. Make hay while the sun shines, Uncle Penrose had always advised, and Will hoped to make a good deal of hay indeed.
As dawn broke, he steered his borrowed one-man transport to Caravan Park at the southwestern corner of the carnival. Known as the Gutter, it was where a good number of vendors and performers stayed throughout the seasonand where Will used to stay before moving in with Fanule Perfidor. Hed had his living wagon returned to Caravan Park in the spring.
The wagon had done him no good sitting on Fans property. Now he had a place to keep his stock as well as spend the nights on busy weekends. The trip between Taintwell and the Mechanical Circus had proved so tiring and time-consuming, he hadnt been able to keep to a regular schedule last year.
Like children unable to sleep on Christmas morning, the Gutters residents were already up and about. Those who would profit from the days business were in high spirits. Those who would merely be worn down by it were more choleric. Will exchanged hurried greetings with the people he passed. His awakening stomach grumbled as he jogged past scattered campfires. Bacon sizzled and cornbread baked in cast-iron pans. Coffee simmered in tin pots.
On impulse, he pulled up short beside the fire of Hans and Helena, a husband-and-wife team of tumblers who called themselves the Bouncing Bunstables. Helena sat on a stump near the fire.
She smiled up at him. Gmorning, Will. Dear me, you already look frazzled. Didnt you sleep here?
Breathless, Will tipped his hat. Morning, Hellie. No, I didntwhich was very shortsighted of me. So Id be eternally grateful if I could buy one of those sausages. I didnt have time for breakfast.
A tent of sticks ringed the couples fire pit. Impaled on their ends, plump wursts popped and dripped fat as they roasted.
You poor man. Helena reached into a basket on the ground beside her. Youll do no such thing as pay me. Using a crumpled sheet of newsprint, she slid not one but two sausages from their rustic skewers and handed them to Will. Patched black and brown from the lick of the flames, they made his mouth water.
Bless you, Hellie. I was beginning to fear my sales pitch wouldnt be heard over the caterwauling of my stomach. Will silently vowed to wrap one of the baubles he sold and leave it at her wagons door before he headed back to Taintwell.
As Helenas laughter tinkled at his back, he dashed to his nearby caravan, a banger thrust in his mouth. He smiled around it. The shape felt quite familiar to his lips.
Inside the caravan, Will quickly doffed his long brown overcoat and the high boots into which hed tucked the lower third of his worsted trousers. Traveling from Taintwell to the Mechanical Circus could wreak muddy havoc with ones clothing. As soon as the first half of his breakfast was finished, Will grabbed the second from his overcoat pocket and made short work of it. After thoroughly wiping his hands, he put on a pair of black kidskin congress gaiters, straightened his shirt and cravat and frock coat, ran a comb through his hair, donned a gray top hat, and snatched up the silver-tipped baton he used for pointing out products and making eye-catching flourishes.
Will smiled in approval as he cut his pointer through the air. He always had extras at his sales stand, for hed once waved a baton so vigorously, hed snapped it in half against a pole. Fan had teased him mercilessly about it. Then, one night, Will turned the tables, and the incident went from a minor embarrassment to an ongoing private joke. As his lover delivered a particularly enthusiastic fuck, Will looked over his shoulder and gasped out, For gods sake, Fan, dont break your baton!
Chuckling, Will redirected his thoughts to the products hed stocked for today. Had he chosen the best ones? It was too late to replace them, but he couldnt help second-guessing himself. Selling one brand of patent medicine had been so much simpler a proposition. The crates of bottles were heavy, of course, but they required no shopping for inventory, no fussing over what to display and how to display it.
Will no longer sold patent medicine. Dr. Bolts Bloodroot Elixir had put him off all bottled cures. When hed abandoned that product line, hed also abandoned the bright hues and bold patterns of his former salesman suits. Throughout this season and last, richly colored satin vests were the only remnants of his old pitchman image.
Before leaving the caravan, he assessed himself in a full-length mirror. Will had decided, based on a sensible suggestion Fan had made, that he should dress to flatter his form as well as convey elegance. After all, he was now a purveyor of personal enhancements, for discerning ladies and gentlemenjewelry, fragrances, soaps, skin creams, dentifrice powders, hair dyes and oils, and whatever else might appeal to buyers vanity.
Your appearance should bear testimony to the quality of your products, Fan had told him. And then, drawing Will close, hed added in a rumbling purr, I remember how impressed I was the first night I saw you in a handsome set of clothes. But the irony was, as fine as they looked on you, I wanted to rip them off the lovely body I could tell they were concealing.
A faint current shivered through Will at the memory of those words
and what had so heatedly taken place after theyd been spoken.
This isnt the time, he whispered to his errant mind. Gods, when did he not crave Fans touch?
Heading outside, Will licked a savory residue of grease from his lips and immediately thought of another kind of salty tang that often slicked his mouth.
Stop it, right now, he muttered through clenched teeth as he strode to the rear of his caravan. He dared not nudge the sensitive thickness buried within his underclothes; any touch might encourage its growth. The swelling would have to go down on its own.
Will opened the padlock on a chain that secured a painted, four-wheeled cart to his living wagon. Carnal urges dissipated as he lifted its hideaway handle. Grunting softly, he pulled then pushed the cart onto a littered pathway that led out of the Gutter and onto the circus grounds. The park hadnt yet opened to visitors, but beyond its perimeter, excited noise had already begun to fill the crisp autumn air.
Cart before him, Will trundled across the promenade that ran between the carousel and concert hall, then cut in front of a seemingly interminable line of food stalls. The teeth of a mean wind had shredded last nights overcast. A creeping, golden glow washed over the carnivals attractions, making them more charming than tawdry and promising a glorious day. As the sun rose higher, downy white streamers floated against a clear blue sky.
Fueled by optimism, Will moved faster. Within minutes he reached the main gate of the Mechanical Circus: an ornate, arched entryway outlined with electric lights. Flanking it were two ordinary doors used only by carnival personnel.
Continuing to guide the cart with one hand, Will pulled his watch from his vest pocket, snapped open the lid, and checked the time. Paying visitors would not be admitted to the park for another hour and twenty-three minutes. But judging by the din that cascaded over the whitewashed walls and fences, the large plaza that fronted the Mechanical Circus and the broad walkways around the train depot were already flooded with people. More had undoubtedly gathered elsewherenear the observation tower to the north, on the beaches to the south and east, even on the low dunes to the west.
You look in fine fettle today, Mr. Marchman, said George Kickens, a wide whale of a man with impressive whiskers, who was stationed at one of the employee doors.
Thank you, George.
You sure you want to go out there? Smiling, he pulled a ring of keys from his uniform pocket.
Im actually rather excited about it, Will said as Kickens unlocked the door.
Expecting to make big money, are you?
I wouldnt say expecting. Being presumptuous, Will felt, invited bad luck. Hoping is more like it. He began maneuvering his cart through the doorway.
I wish you well today. And an easy winter ahead. George held up a staying hand to the people milling about outside the main gate, although theyd be hard-pressed to squeeze in past Wills cart and the guards bulk.
And I, you, Will said over his shoulder.
He bulled his way toward the spot where he wanted to set up, dodging voluminous skirts and open parasols, knots of conversing men who seemed rooted to the pavement, darting children and slowly rolling baby carriages, even a wicker bath chair. Bits of trash already skidded around shoppers feet. The voices of early-bird hucksters collided in the air, making Will eager to add his voice to the chorus.
Situated, finally, near a rather rough-looking fellow who dozed beneath a small folding table, Will slanted a glance at what the rickety table held. Ah, stacks of handbills and fliers, and two different playbills from local theaters. The man, apparently hoping to make a few pennies, must have gone around to Purinton businesses and offered to display their advertising materials on this busy day.
Just as Will reinserted his carts handle into its slot, a sudden, sharp glare made him flinch and squeeze his eyes shut. The rays of the rising sun must have glinted off some reflective surface: a jewel on a womans hat, perhaps, or a pane of glass, or some other salesmans wares. He stepped to the right and cracked his eyelids open. Surprised by what he saw, he opened them wider.
A gleaming mirage shimmered into view at the far end of the plaza. Blinking against its celestial shine, Will paused for a moment to regard it.
The circus must be in town, he thought. What other explanation could there be for the presence of an enormous, largely gold wagon decorated with telescoping tableaux and other fantastical relief carvings? A centered cartouche on the wagons side bore a peculiar inscription in scarlet:
The Spiritorium
Whether part of a currently traveling circus or purchased from a liquidated circus, the wagon obviously housed a flimflam man. And there he was now, setting a tall stool on the ground beside his Spiritorium and taking a seat.
What the devil was he wearing? And where were the horses that had pulled the wagon? The man must have paid some boys to take them to the public stable. Plenty of urchins loitered outside the circus every day, hoping make a bit of pocket change.
Another bleedin spiritualist, huh?
Will started at the voice, which carried the yeasty odor of stale beer. A gaunt, ill-shaven man in a shabby suit stood beside his left shoulder. Dust coated his hair as well as the dented derby he held. He slapped the hat against his thigh, pushed out its depression with his thumb, and carelessly set the hat on his head. As an afterthought, he gave a few desultory swipes to the sleeves of his jacket.
It appears that way, Will said.
The man, who mustve been the one sleeping beneath that wobbly table, nodded and spat off to the side. The countrys lousy with em. But I gotta say, this ghosty man knows how to draw crowds.
He was right. People had already begun to gather round the wagon. But none of the gawkers approached the man who kept watch, like a sinister sentry, beside it.
Where the hell does a person get rags like that? asked Wills temporary neighbor.
Will raised and lowered his eyebrows. Maybe he had them specially made. Or bought them from a theatrical troupe.
Could be. Cause they sure dont look proper for this part of the world.
A flurry of goose bumps covered Wills arms as he studied the wagons keeperan older man, possibly in his late fifties or early sixties. Defiant black curls tinseled with silver escaped from beneath his headwear. It wasnt a conventional hat but more like a black velvet pie, slightly rounded at the crown, with thick gold-and-purple braiding circling the edge. Hanging from either side were lengths of the same fabric. They draped, scarf-like, over the mans ears and across the broad shoulders of an equally dark, unusual jacket.
His clean-shaven face seemed to have an unusual tintpale lilac?but that was likely an illusion caused by light playing over the hats purple rim. Will couldnt make out his features very clearly, but shadows suggested chiseled bones beneath a taut sheath of skin.
His eyes were black hollows. Fathomless.
I just might wander over there and see what hes about. Names Ernest Muggins, by the way.
Oh, uh
. A few seconds went by before Will saw the hand that was thrust toward him. Only then did he realize to whom the name Ernest Muggins was attached. Will Marchman. The proffered hand was rough and dry, but Will didnt mind. Three of the four men hed been with in his life had workingmans hands, Fan included.
You sell here regular?
Yes. On the boardwalk.
Thought so. You look soft.
Will didnt even wonder, as he normally might have, if the remark carried scorn. At the moment he was wondering what siphonings and cleansings meant. And why that ostentatious wagon made him uneasy.
Its a gripping, mysterious, suspenseful page-turner with sensuous, hot sex spun cleverly within. I loved the old world feel with the steampunk take.
Read the full review at
The world K.Z. Snow has created in this series is nothing less than a wonderment that offers some pretty significant real world truisms too...
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They were doing a story about high school football practices and the heat from Mequite, TX. They interviewed 2 players and one of them had a gold Iowa State T-shirt on.
Yep I saw that too, awesome!
Think it was this guy:
Kyle Boyd 0 stars
Mesquite, TXHorn
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Oh damn, didn't get in before the thread regulator came in.
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Performance of Harry Chapin songs to benefit local food pantry
Published: Wednesday, January 23, 2013 at 10:54 a.m.
Last Modified: Wednesday, January 23, 2013 at 10:54 a.m.
What: "Harry Chapin – Road to the Hits" presented by Steve Chapin and Big John Wallace
When: 7 p.m. Jan. 31
Where: Southport Community Building, 223 E. Bay St., Southport
Tickets: $20, available at Moore Street Market and Howe Outrageous Art Gallery in Southport and Grape and Ale in Oak Island
Details: 274-3971 or email email@example.com
Harry Chapin's songs were too long and complex and really didn't fit the Loggins/Messina mold of the band that his brothers Steve and Tom had formed.
Harry, they said, why don't you play some of your songs on your own and open our shows? So, in the early 1970s, Harry did. When a publication sent someone to review a Chapin brothers concert, the reviewer was more impressed by Harry, who had recruited a band including Big John Wallace on bass, Ron Palmer on guitar and Tim Scott on cello. Harry went on to folk star status, recording several hits over the next decade, including the No. 1 smash "Cat's in the Cradle."
Now, more than 30 years after Harry's death following a car crash, Steve Chapin and Big John Wallace are relating the story of Harry Chapin's music in "Harry Chapin – Road to the Hits."
On Jan. 31, they'll perform the show at the Southport Community Building in a fundraiser for the Food Pantry, an organization working to feed needy families in Southport, Oak Island and Boiling Spring Lakes.
The show traces Harry's transformation from writing love songs to anti-war songs and other humanitarian efforts. Ken Perrin, the show's promoter, said Harry was an advocate for hunger relief. His song "The Shortest Story" depicts the plight of a hungry child in what some have ranked as one of the saddest songs ever recorded.
The show will include some of Harry's most well-known songs, but it also touches on some more obscure tunes, including "Pigeon Run," which Steve describes as a "heavy-handed anti-war song."
Steve performed at Playhouse 211 in Southport in 2012, and Perrin said the show was well-received. "The real attraction is that a lot of Harry's fans come out to hear Harry's music," Perrin said. "Steve is actually lot better singer."
Steve Chapin will return to Southeastern N.C. for a date on his way back up the East Coast with Jennah Barry, a "flaming, red-headed Canadian," Perrin said. A date for that show has not been announced.
Mike Voorheis: 343-2205
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News for faculty and staff
Police beat is a monthly feature. The next publication will be April 15.
Mark Wilson, professor of ecology and evolutionary biology of epidemiology, on what he can't live without: "New ideas and the opportunity to pursue them."
"Interrupted Life: Incarcerated Mothers in the United States," 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday through May 6, Lane Hall Gallery.


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TULSA -- Dozens of travelers ended up in Tulsa early Friday morning when their plane was diverted from Springfield, Mo. due to weather and they've faced repeated roadblocks since arriving.
Several of the Allegiant Air passengers spoke with 2NEWS, telling us when they landed at Tulsa International Airport the flight attendant welcomed them to Springfield, only to find out they were in Tulsa when they deplaned.
"The only thing we were told is 'Welcome to Springfield, Mo.," said Amy Arbuckle.
She and her daughter say Allegiant Airlines left them stranded at the airport in the dark.
After departing Punta Gorda, Fla. en route to Springfield, the plane was diverted to Tulsa, but passengers say they were never told.
"We knew we were not in Springfield and people turned on phones and GPS said we were in Tulsa," said Arbuckle.
Airport officials say the plane was diverted because of bad weather in Springfield but passengers say their foggy landing in Tulsa wasn't any better.
"The plane started to descend and next thing we know we're going straight up and we descend again," said Arbuckle. "Next thing we know we're going down fast at rapid pace and we hit pavement and we hear screeching tires, and eventually they brought the plane to a stop."
In addition to the diversion, mechanical problems and new aviation rules forced the plane to remain grounded and left passengers stranded.
A spokesperson with Allegiant says the airline is transporting the remaining passengers to Springfield via bus and the company will refund all money.


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PREVIEW CALENDAR: Theater, audition and workshop listings for Aug. 11-17
"Odyssey" ---- The Old Globe presents the world premiere of Todd Almond and Lear deBessonet's musical theater event that reimagines Homer's epic poem as seen through the lens of contemporary San Diego; 8 p.m. Sept. 30, Oct. 1 and 2; Lowell Davies Festival Theatre, 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego; 619-234-5623.
"Oliver!" ---- Dramantiks LLC presents a youth-cast production of Lionel Bart's Tony-winning musical based on the story of Charles Dickens' "Oliver Twist"; 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday; St. John Church Auditorium, 1001 Encinitas Blvd., Encinitas; $10, adults; $5, children and seniors; www.dramantiks.com.
The Platt Brothers ---- The Welk Resorts Theatre presents this comedy trio who combine comedy skits, acrobatics, singing and music in their zany, family-friendly program; 1 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, through Aug. 28; Welk Resorts Theatre, Welk Resorts San Diego, 8860 Lawrence Welk Drive, Escondido; $30, adults; $10, children; 888-802-7469 or welktheatresandiego.com .
"Pride and Prejudice" ---- South Coast Repertory presents Joseph Hanreddy and .JR. Sullivan's stage adaptation of Jane Austen's epic class-crossing romance between a stubborn middle-class woman and a haughty upper-class man; previews, Sept. 9-15; opens Sept. 16 and runs through Oct. 9; showtimes, 7:30 p.m. Sundays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays; 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; 2:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; Segerstrom Stage, South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa; $20-$66; scr.org or 714-708-5555.
"Ragtime" ---- California Youth Conservatory Theater presents this musical about two families, black and white, whose lives intersect in early 20th century America; opens Aug. 20 and runs through Aug. 28; showtimes, 7 p.m. Wednesdays-Sundays; 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; Joan B. Kroc Theatre, 6611 University Ave., San Diego; $14-$28; lyceumevents.org or 610-544-1000.
"The Rocky Horror Show" ---- The Old Globe presents a revival version of Richard O'Brien's camp, sexy sci-fi musical about a pair of sheltered young newlyweds who stumble one dark and stormy night upon a castle with a cross-dressing transvestite who creates a Frankenstein-style monster; opens Sept. 15 and runs through Nov. 6; showtimes, 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; 7 p.m. Sundays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays; The Old Globe, Balboa Park, San Diego; $39-$90; theoldglobe.org or 619-234-5623.
"Shotgun Wedding Anniversary" ---- Mystery Cafe Dinner Theatre presents a fast-paced mystery-comedy about a series of murders that take place during an couple's anniversary party; 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; runs indefinitely; Imperial House Restaurant, 505 Kalmia St., San Diego; $59.50, price includes four-course dinner; 619-460-2200 or mysterycafe.net.
"Sleeping Beauty Wakes" ---- La Jolla Playhouse has extended its new adaptation of Rachel Sheinkin, Brendan Milburn and Valerie Vigoda (of GrooveLily)'s musical inspired by the fairy tale about a princess under a sleeping spell; 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays; 8 p.m. Thursdays to Saturdays; 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; 7 p.m. Sundays; through Aug. 28; Mandell Weiss Theatre, La Jolla Playhouse complex, UC San Diego, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla; tickets start at $47; lajollaplayhouse.org or 858-550-1010. Critic's Choice.
"Somewhere" ---- The Old Globe presents the West Coast premiere of Matthew Lopez's play with dance about an artistic Puerto Rican family in 1959 New York whose life is uprooted when their neighborhood is bulldozed to make way for Lincoln Center; opens Sept. 24 and runs through Oct. 30; showtimes, 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; 7 p.m. Sundays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays; Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre, The Old Globe complex, Balboa Park, San Diego; $39-$90; theoldglobe.org or 619-234-5623.
"The Sound of Music" ---- Patio Playhouse presents an adult-cat production of this Rodgers and Hammerstein musical about a wayward novitiate in Austria at the dawn of World War II as part of the Plays in the Park outdoor theater season in Kit Carson Park; 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and Aug. 18-20, 25-27; performances on Aug. 17 and 24 are audience sing-along nights; Kit Carson Park amphitheater, 3333 Bear Valley Parkway, Escondido; $19, general; $16, seniors and students with ID; $10, youth under 16; 760-746-6669 or patioplayhouse.org or pitpescondido.com .


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Getting to know Nails and Shaw
They sit at the computer in the Interfraternity Council (IFC) office nestled into the Student Government and Organizations Complex of the Student Union.
James Shaw, vice president of scholarship for IFC, scrolls on the computer while Brady Nails, IFC president, sits next to him speaking. Nails smiles as he cracks a joke and Shaw looks over and laughs.
Meet Student Body President Elect Brady Nails and his Vice President James Shaw. The pair have been friends for years and while they have known about their newest ventures at UNC Charlotte for less than a month, they've already jumped in.
The pair will be sworn in Thursday, April 11, at 5 p.m. in the Student Union.
Even before the swearing in, they started working to assemble their cabinet for the 2013-14 academic year.
"We've been meeting with people since [the results were announced]," Nails laughs. "There is a lot to be done now."
Nails and Shaw met years before college began during their driver's education classes.
"James is a better driver. He can drive as well backwards as I can forwards," Nails smiles as he looks over at Shaw, who looks at his lap and smiles as he shakes his head.
Neither of these Niners are spending their time at the university the way they had originally planned.
Nails began at UNC Charlotte as a philosophy major. He says this was slightly influenced by his family, a relative working as a philosophy professor. He has since switched to History major, saying the classes interest him more and better prepare him for a future in law school.
"I think I'm one of the few people who plan to practice law after school, too," Nails adds.
Shaw transferred to UNC Charlotte after spending time studying at Virginia Tech. His move to UNC Charlotte was based on the banking atmosphere of the city and the program available at the university.
"Brady, you know, being an OC he really talked up the university's program," said Shaw, glancing over at his friend.
"I OCed for the Belk College of Business," Nails added.
Shaw nodded and continued, saying that the banking community of uptown Charlotte added to the university's program and helped draw him in to join the Finance program with the Belk College of Business.
Both members of IFC, the newest additions to the Student Government Association (SGA) are both brothers in campus fraternity chapters. Nails is involved with Sigma Phi Epsilon while Shaw is a brother in Lambda Chi Alpha.
Both say Greek life and the Greek community of UNC Charlotte are large parts of their lives.
"I don't think I'd be the person I am or where I am today without going Greek," said Nails.
Shaw nods his head in agreement as Nails discusses the influence his fraternity has had in his life.
Throughout the conversation, Nails continues to say that he is a Carolina boy. He passionately discusses North Carolina and the Charlotte area, even proudly saying that his beer of choice, Red Oak, is brewed not even two hours from Charlotte.
Both balance their fraternity involvement, work with IFC and now SGA with social lives. Their positions with IFC will continue into the end of the fall 2013 semester, and they say juggling both IFC and SGA will be a challenge.
"It'll be fun though," Nails says, catching Shaw's eye and smiling.
The friends laugh, joking together. The atmosphere in the office is lighthearted and the pair have a functional and open working relationship. Their real work hasn't started yet.
The meetings they've gone through and the discussions they've had thus far are all preparation for what is yet to come for Nails and Shaw, student body president and vice president for the 2013-14 academic year.


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This is why I'm a libertarian. If you give the government a power, they will find a way to abuse it. It doesn't matter how benign or legitimate that power may seem on it's surface. Some public official will find a way to torture the definition of a term to serve either his/her own agenda, or the agenda of someone who's paying him/her off. That's why government should be kept as small as possible.
Piracy has been called many things, but Los Angeles County is adding a new appellation to the list: public nuisance. As first reported by Wired, the county's Board of Supervisors has just adopted a new ordinance (PDF) that gives the authorities broad discretion to crack down on properties where piracy happens.
Fines, temporary evictions, and the seizure and sale of the property involved in piracy are all remedies that the county can pursue now that piracy is classed as a public nuisance that "substantially interferes with the interest of the public in the quality of life and community peace, lawful commerce in the county, property values, and is detrimental to the public health, safety, and welfare of the county's citizens, its businesses, and its visitors." Also, to tax revenue; one report notes that "state and local tax revenue loss to the County [from counterfeit goods] is estimated at over $483 million."
So can the county seize your house and computers just for downloading a couple of unauthorized tracks? Not exactly. In this case, "piracy" actually means "piracy," and it refers to the "manufacturing, distributing, selling, or possessing for sale of counterfeit goods, or recordings or audiovisual works which are improperly labeled under California Penal Code section 653w."
As an explanatory note says, "The proposed ordinance is intended to help address the problems associated with properties used for the possession and sale of counterfeit goods in the unincorporated areas of the County through civil nuisance abatement procedures." Not surprisingly, the rule change was based upon "recent input" from the MPAA and RIAA.
If the piracy was intentional, the property owner can be fined up to $1,000 for each "recording or audiovisual work whose cover, box, jacket, or label fails to accurately disclose the information regarding the manufacturer and the author, artist, performer, producer, programmer, or group." Damages can be trebled if the property owner is busted for the same offense within a two-year period.
In addition, the property can be closed until the owner proves to a court that the problem has been remedied. The sheriff is required to post a copy of the judgment at the property, and just defacing or interfering with this document can net you and additional $1,000 fine.
These are tough penalties, especially since they don't preclude any other charges from being brought, but they appear targeted at commercial pirates. What stands out about the story is how local the MPAA and RIAA are willing to go in the fight against piracy. Already active on the international, national, and state levels, content owners are pushing their agenda even in counties.
While pressing for such a rule in Los Angeles isn't particularly surprising, we're curious to see how aggressively the groups will push this local approach as they identify new counterfeiting hotspots in the US.
Related Posts: On this day...
- Why using Facebook doesn't mean you don't value privacy - 2011
- Oh god, they're breeding - 2010
- "It's not a urinal, is it?" - 2010
- Tiny cannon is adorably deadly - 2010
- More than 60% of US Twitter users fail to return the following month - 2009
- HOWTO: Recover the GRUB menu on a dual boot system - 2009
- Oh no, oh no, oh no. eBay is trying to acquire Craigslist - 2008


text: i have bought the heroes collection with all the heroes games 1 to 5 with all expansions. i was going to play them all through but when i try to play heroes 1 it won't let me play because i am windows 7. how do i get this game working please? is there a patch? shouldn't of ubi really released these games with a patch for todays computers? i tried dosbox but it wont work for me. sorry if there is already a thread for this i was unable to find one.


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Life-size human statues and column bases from a long-lost temple dedicated to a supreme god have been discovered in the Kurdistan region of northern Iraq.
The discoveries date back over 2,500 years to the Iron Age, a time period when several groups — such as the Urartians, Assyrians and Scythians — vied for supremacy over what is now northern Iraq.
"I didn't do excavation, just archaeological soundings —the villagers uncovered these materials accidentally," said Dlshad Marf Zamua, a doctoral student at Leiden University in the Netherlands, who began the fieldwork in 2005. The column bases were found in a single village while the other finds, including a bronze statuette of a wild goat, were found in a broad area south of where the borders of Iraq, Iran and Turkey intersect. [See Photos of the Life-Size Statues & Other Discoveries in Iraq]
For part of the Iron Age, this area was under control of the city of Musasir, also called Ardini, Marf Zamua said. Ancient inscriptions have referred to Musasir as a "holy city founded in bedrock" and "the city of the raven."
"One of the best results of my fieldwork is the uncovered column bases of the long-lost temple of the city of Musasir, which was dedicated to the god Haldi," Marf Zamuatold Live Science in an email. Haldi was the supreme god of the kingdom of Urartu. His temple was so important that after the Assyrians looted it in 714 B.C., the Urartu king Rusa I was said to have ripped his crown off his head before killing himself.
He "threw himself on the ground, tore his clothes, and his arms hung limp. He ripped off his headband, pulled out his hair, pounded his chest with both hands, and threw himself flat on his face …" reads one ancient account (translation by Marc Van De Mieroop).
The location of the temple has long been a mystery, but with the discovery of the column bases, Marf Zamua thinks it can be narrowed down. [Photos: Ancient Temple Discovered in Turkey]
Additionally, Marf Zamua analyzed an ancient carving of Musasir, discovered in the 19th century at Khorsabad. The carving, he found, shows hillside houses with three windows on the second floor and a doorway on the ground floor. Such a design can still be seen today in some villages, the bottom floor being used as a stable and storage area, he noted.
This long-lost temple is just the tip of the archaeological iceberg. During his work in Kurdistan, Marf Zamua also found several life-size human statues that are up to 7.5 feet (2.3 meters) tall. Made of limestone, basalt or sandstone, some of these statues are now partly broken.


text: What Do Expiration Dates on Food Really Mean? By Ali Spencer, RD April 12, 2016 Spring is in the air and it's time for some spring cleaning. It's a great time to extend your cleaning to removing old or outdated items from your fridge, freezer, and cupboard. Many people tend to leave expired foods on their shelves for too long. Read More


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The Artisan
16 Iluka Street, Narrabundah, Australia
- 6232 6482
- Modern Australian
- $$
Devoted ... The Artisan's co-owners David Black, left, and Sam McGeechan, with chef Josh Hinves. Photo: Graham Tidy
Look, I like tacky music as much as the next teen who bought Now! That's What I Call Music 1996, but this is the next level, as the kids say.
Here we are, ensconced at a table for two, in the Artisan's softly lit dining room. The seats are comfortable, the linen is white and crisp, there's a bookshelf at the end of the room filled with what looks like cookbooks (hard to tell in the lighting).
The Artisan is one of those Canberra things - a fancy restaurant in a quiet suburban shopping centre.
But through the speakers comes the voice of a woman warbling an easy-listening version of Wonderwall by Oasis, complete with a tinkling piano.
Chilli chocolate slab with poached pear. Photo: Graham Tidy
''I'm expecting Kenny G to chime in any minute now,'' my companion mutters.
The Artisan is one of those Canberra things - a fancy restaurant in a quiet suburban shopping centre. Next door is the local chemist and a tiny supermarket is on the corner.
When we arrive, we watch the chemist come out, lock up his shop and hop on his bicycle to head home. People stroll past, out for an evening. House prices in the leafy nearby streets are going through the roof.
But back to the meal. Although Sally can wait, we don't have to - a couple of rolls appear in a basket on the table soon after we place our orders. They're good, with an even, chewy crust and warm, soft bread inside.
It's the flavoured butter that is the revelation though, a lovely yellow dollop filled through with smoke and salt. Just as well there are only two rolls in the lot, because we could probably eat a couple more each.
Can you really go past Patagonian toothfish ($19) if it's on the menu, even out of pure curiosity? It's a really ugly creature, bearing a strong resemblance to a grumpy, aged great-uncle, but with fangs. It's also endangered, although, we're assured, it is now protected and sustainably fished.
On the plate, the toothfish has a smooth texture, almost like a slab of vanilla gelato, and is pristine white. The flavour is delicate but clear. There's a tangle of celeriac ribbons, and some tiny radishes add crunch and go well with the fish.
A trio of chipotle pork belly blocks ($19), topped with luscious-looking crackling, starts out strong. The meat is tender and melds well with a soft, green avocado cream on the side, an unusual but excellent combination. It's accompanied by matchsticks of apple in a sort of coleslaw. The only bung note is the crackling, which is chewy and dense rather than crisp, and the fact that you can't taste any hint of the promised chipotle.
Outside, on the streets of Narrabundah, it's a pretty, golden evening. A couple walk past with the family dog and a young child in a stroller. A man in tracksuit pants follows with a less charming looking bulldog on a bit of rope. We enjoy more unsuitable songs made over in an easy-listening style: a limp version of Bon Jovi's It's My Life and Stevie Wonder's Superstition stripped of all its funk.
The beef ($35) is perfectly cooked to order (medium), with a light charring on top and a strong meaty flavour. There's a touch too much mustard for my partner's taste, but the rest of the dish makes up for it. A fluffy, well-baked potato souffle is a fun accompaniment and tastes like a hybrid of Yorkshire pudding and mashed potato.
I find my miso-poached barramundi ($35) to be a lovely, moreish piece of fish, with a generous wedge of scampi on top. Not a hint of rubber in either the fish or the scampi and a big pile of crunchy, barely-cooked sliced beans and baby asparagus lend a freshness and a happy contrast of texture.
The desserts are pretty good too. It's nice to see classic old flavours like banoffee and salted caramel coming back into fashion, although I feel we've reached peak salted caramel in this town. The Artisan's tarte tatin ($15) is banoffee inspired, with a ring of glazed, gorgeous banana slices atop a pastry base.
We could do with more of the toffee, but a scoop of dulce de leche ice-cream on top is satisfying. A chilli chocolate slab is light but sweet and is accompanied by poached pear ($15).
After a quick glass of something refreshing and a cup of tea, we're back out on the easy streets of Narrabundah.
The Artisan is the kind of place you'd take someone you really wanted to impress, like your girlfriend's conservative parents. The food is excellent, simply presented, cleverly executed and clearly at the high end of Canberra's restaurant scene.
16 Iluka Street, Narrabundah, Australia
- 6232 6482
- http://theartisanrestaurant.com.au
- Cuisine - Modern Australian
- Features - BYO, Licensed, Vegetarian friendly, Wheelchair access
- Chef(s) - David Black and Sam McGeechan
- Owners - David Black and Sam McGeechan
- Cards accepted - AMEX, Cash, EFTPOS, Mastercard, Diners Club, Visa
- Opening Hours - Tuesday to Sat, 12-2pm, 6-10pm dinner
- Seats - 44 inside, 10 outside
- Author - Natasha Rudra
Restaurant review: The Artisan
Dark chilli chocolate marquise with Calvados poached pear. Photo: Graham Tidy


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Home > Lifestyle > Family > Features
Friday, 9 May 2014
by laura oberle
Ifetayo White, a doula, sitting on an exercise ball she uses for teaching birthing techniques and exercises at her home. – MCT
Mums-to-be find support and guidance from their birth assistants.
Two years ago, Kylie Ferguson found herself alone and pregnant in Bluffton, South Carolina, the United States.
Ferguson had supportive family and friends, but they were far away. The father of the baby lived in New York. Her parents were in North Carolina. She had a brother in Washington DC, and a best friend in San Francisco.
"I was here by myself," Ferguson said. "I had no one to advocate for me."
So Ferguson turned to Ifetayo White, a doula.
Already seven months pregnant, Ferguson travelled to meet White for the first time at her home. White offered Ferguson a seat and a plate of dinner. Soft music was coming from the porch of her country home, and White asked the soon-to-be-mother how she was feeling.
Ferguson came to the realisation that between working two jobs and preparing for single motherhood, she had failed to take care of herself.
"It was the first time I felt someone was taking care of me," Ferguson said.
A doula is a non-medical birthing coach, there to support and educate mothers throughout the birthing process – prenatally, during labour and postpartum. There are about a dozen doulas practising in Beaufort County, South Carolina, who were certified by toLabor, a national organisation of labour assistants, after a training weekend. Their fees hover around US$500 (RM1,630).
Women enlist the help of doulas for many different reasons. Shayla Sanders had a Caesarean section with her first child and hired White to support her in having the more complicated VBAC, or vaginal birth after Caesarean, for her second. Women whose husbands are deployed might turn to Meaghan Bird, a doula and military wife herself.
"When their husbands are away, I'm often the sole support person," Bird said. "They depend on me more than typical mums. As a military wife, I can relate. I was lucky my husband was there when our two sons were born, but I've done single parenting and know the struggles."
White has been a doula since 2007 and was present for the birth of more than 100 babies. Prenatally, she meets with mothers to make a birthing plan.
"I always explain to the mum that these are your desires, but let us hold in our minds that we're going to be flexible, because you never know that's going to happen," White said.
Ferguson's plan included having a natural birth without pain medication.
"I wanted that experience," she said. "We're made to have children, and I wanted to participate fully in that and feel it."
During labour, White provides physical measures of comfort – a cold washcloth on the forehead, hot compresses on the hips, light massages – as well as emotional support. Ferguson had the father of her child holding one hand, and White holding the other.
After eight hours, the doctor said he needed to go in manually to manipulate the baby. He explained the pain would be tremendous and recommended Ferguson get an epidural.
"I couldn't imagine being in any more pain than I already was," Ferguson said. "On a scale of 1 to 10, it was a 20."
But an epidural wasn't part of the plan, and Ferguson was conflicted over the decision she had to make.
"I'm so stubborn and I was being so hard on myself," Ferguson said. "(White) stepped in to tell me it's OK. She made me feel at ease about getting an epidural. She made me understand sometimes the plan changes, and I don't have to feel guilty about that."
White talked to Ferguson in the moment, asking her what she wanted to do, reassuring Ferguson of her continuing presence and support.
"Her discussions with me were only to help me make a decision for myself, never pushing her opinions or values onto me," Ferguson said.
As a doula, White is there to help mothers, not push an agenda, which is sometimes the reputation doulas have.
Sara Edwards, who has worked as a doula since 2012, knows how doulas are seen in the medical community, as she was once part of it. Before this, Edwards worked as a certified nurse assistant in labour and delivery at a hospital. "Believe it or not, I used to make fun of doulas and people who wanted to have natural childbirths," Edwards said. "We'd laugh and take bets on how long they'd make it before they were begging for anesthesia."
But then Edwards had her first son.
It wasn't a pleasant experience. In fact, she calls it one of the worst experiences of her life.
Her long labour started when her water broke early. At the hospital, Edwards was given two epidurals because the first one didn't take.
Her mother was on her way, having to drive up the coast from South Carolina. Her best friend was there, holding her hand and searching for the right words to say, the right ways to help. Her son's father was pacing around the room, talking on the phone and cracking jokes.
"I wanted to kill him," Edwards said. "In hindsight, he was doing the best he could, but I just wanted someone to shut him up."
His aunt, who was a registered nurse, was there, telling Edwards that it wasn't that bad, that she sees people losing their limbs and all Edwards was doing was having a baby.
"I needed words of encouragement, not for what I was going through to be minimised," Edwards said.
Little progress was made in the first 10 hours of excruciating labour, and by that time, Edwards' emotions had spun out of control. She was sobbing uncontrollably.
Edwards had taken Lamaze classes, but all that went out the window when she was in labour – she could barely remember how to breathe.
"I just thought, 'These people are crazy, and they're going to kill me,' and I just wanted my mum," Edwards said.
Her doctor came in, saying he was sure she was tired, that it was time to get this taken care of, and recommended a C-section.
Edwards was in the hospital she worked in and understood how the process worked. She didn't want to cause a fuss by saying no when her doctor said she needed one. She didn't want to seem difficult or unintelligent by questioning what he'd said.
"I didn't want to buck the system," Edwards said.
But with the C-section came overwhelming guilt for Edwards. In the aftermath, she felt she had given up on her son, had given up on his birth, and was somehow less of a mother.
"I didn't feel like I had a choice or that I had made an informed decision," Edwards said. "In the end, I felt like something had been done to me."
Studies show that the presence of a doula or birthing coach does decrease the chance of having a C-section by helping mothers understand when it is medically necessary and when it is not. Edwards believes her experience would have been different if she'd had a doula.
"Had they given me the opportunity or had I spoken up for myself and said 'Let's wait,' I believe I could have had a vaginal delivery. I really, really do," Edwards said.
It's the main reason she became a doula herself. During the training, she watched a video of mothers who had C-sections.
"I was crying like a baby through the whole thing because I thought I was the only one who felt less-than, that I was less of a mum because I didn't have that experience, who felt a sense of guilt, even though the kids are healthy," Edwards said.
As a doula, Edwards is there to walk with mothers through their fears, to support them with whatever happens and let them know they are not alone.
"I'm here as an added support to make it a pleasant experience," Edwards said. "Even if the plan changes, that mother will know that she made every informed choice possible and know why things are happening, so she never feels like something was done to her." – The Island Packet/McClatchy-Tribune Information Services
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UPDATED: February 5, 2009
From This Story
When US Airways Flight 1549 crash landed into the Hudson River in January, the plane suffered a "double bird strike," according to audio tapes released by the FAA, forcing the pilot to glide the aircraft to safety. When a bird strikes a plane, identifying the species can provide valuable information. We spoke with Carla Dove, who heads up the Feather Identification Lab at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History, which has long had that important identification job.
When last the magazine last spoke with you, in 2004, you were working on a database of bird DNA. What is the status of that project?
That project was completed in 2006, and it was collaboration between the University of Guelph and the Smithsonian. [The goal of] that project was to barcode—take a little DNA snippet—of all of the birds of North America, 800 species or so. We completed that project using frozen bird tissue samples that we have here in our collection and that we borrowed from other museums. Now we have a known reference library for the bird species that occur in North America.
What will be the use of all that information?
We can take the pieces of snarge and the blood and tissue and everything that comes off of an aircraft after a bird strike and try to obtain DNA from that unknown sample. And once we do get a DNA sequence from that unknown sample, we now have a reference source to match up the unknown sample to. We can get a DNA match from some of these bird strikes that have very little material, that lack the feathers and whole feather material [that would more easily identify the species].
What advantage do you get from knowing the species of bird that hit a plane?
If we know what species of birds are causing the problem, causing damage to aircraft, then we can give that information to the airfields and they can do something to prevent that from happening [in the future]. Most of the time it's habitat management. It could involve getting propane cannons, bird radar or all kinds of habitat mitigation. The first step is knowing what are the species causing a problem. Then once we know that we can work from there to avoid birds and aircraft collisions.
After the database, what's the next step in your research?
The next step will probably be to get a better DNA resource for some of these larger birds that are causing problems. Often times we want to know how many birds went into the engine—was it multiple birds or just a single individual—and we can't tell that with the DNA technology that we have now. We need to do more sophisticated work on the population genetics of birds, especially the larger birds, to figure out a more sophisticated way to identify individual birds. It's kind of like DNA fingerprinting for people.


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The Element V case is a full tower case that comes in a solid black color. The front of the case has the Thermaltake logo on top, with five 5.25 external drive bays. Each of the drive bays has a mesh cover and is easily removed by pulling the front panel off and popping the cover off. The case actually has room for 11 total 5.25 drives but these must be installed inside the case.
The top of the case has a rather extensive FP I/O area. This case has an external SATA port, four USB 2.0 ports, Microphone and Headset jacks, Power and HDD activity lights, a fan control knob, and the Power and Reset buttons in the FP I/O area. The inclusion of the external SATA port is welcome as SATA has replaced the IDE for most drives including optical and HDD. One nice touch is the Reset and Power buttons are large, easy to identify so you wont be looking far to Reset the computer.
The side panel on the left side of the case has a 230mm fan. This is an Intake fan designed to draw in air to cool the graphics cards. The left side panel has two latches that are used for taking the side panels off the case. The top latch has the case lock. There is also a small transparent window above the 230mm fan to see into the case where the CPU is normally located on the motherboard.
The back of the case has the usual components of the rear with one or two exceptions. There is a security loop that you thread your keyboard and mouse wires through. The way it works is there is a screw that is screwed in securing the loop on the inside of the case once the wires are in place. This prevents theft of the keyboard and mouse at a LAN party. There is also two holes for the Liquid Cooling System.


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Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell's visit to Wheeling on Monday was one more reminder of the importance of electing Rep. Shelley Capito to the Senate.
McConnell, R-Ky., and Capito, R-W.Va., are kindred souls politically. Both have conservative philosophies, of course.
But a more obvious connection, geography, is important, too. McConnell's home state and its residents have much in common with many West Virginians. Issues significant to them are important to us, too.
Coal and reasonably priced electricity are high on the list of concerns for Mountain State residents as well as for Kentuckians. Both Capito and McConnell reflect that in their legislative priorities.
There are more similarities, including the fact that many of McConnell's constituents are from small cities and rural areas, just like Capito's.
So, when the two met in Wheeling, their private discussion no doubt focused not on what to do - saving our states and tens of millions of Americans like us from the assault by President Barack Obama's administration - but on how to accomplish it.
Electing Capito to the Senate would be a big step forward. Again, her record in the House of Representatives demonstrates her commitment to West Virginians and our interests.
Contrast that with the Democrat candidate for the Senate, Natalie Tennant. Though she claims to be a defender of the Mountain State, her record is persuasive evidence to the contrary. She has been an outspoken supporter of President Barack Obama, first in 2008 when he was running for the highest office in the land.
But then, in 2012 - after Obama's war on coal and reasonably priced electricity was in full swing - Tennant supported him again.
Perhaps even more distressing is her refusal to say that, if elected, she would vote against keeping Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., as Senate majority leader. Reid has been Obama's servant in the Senate, pushing all his initiatives.
McConnell and Capito can be an effective team working for our interests in the Senate.
Tennant and Reid? No so much.
Not much at all, in fact.


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Tag Archives: should
Comedians You Should See – August 5th at Library Square
Comedians You Should See is back Thursday, August 5th. With Simon King, myself and with Kyle Jones hosting – all only $10 at the door. It's going to be an awesome show.
If you want to join the Facebook group for Comedians You Should See, go here
You'll be hearing a lot from Comedians You Should See in the near future.
Notes from the couch on this windy summer Monday
I'm going to the beach – no more unrelaxing today. Some things to shed from my brain as I go avoid drowning in the Ocean:
-"Comedians You Should See" at Library Square has a new start date of August 5th. Ticket info to come, but if you want them now, either find me and give me your money or go to Library Square and buy them.
– September dates will be up soon. My next show is this Wednesday at the apparently rather fun "Fin Pub" in Surrey. If you want to see me again this month after that, email me with why I should come and/or how much you're going to pay me.
– New Video and Content is on it's way. Enough with all the demands.
– If anyone can tell me how to retrieve a 700 word post that you accidentally erased, let me know.
Off to swim
Comedians You Should See @ Library Square
Great News – 'Comedians You Should See', returns this July to Library Square in Vancouver. After kicking ass at The Presentation House Theater in North Vancouver, Simon King and I are back to warp minds and speak loudly.
This is going to be our new home – lots of great shows coming up. Stay tuned for information.


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April 12, 2011 - Betsy Bethel
Note: This post contains material that some readers may find disturbing.
About a month ago, I promised a second installment about online safety after attending a workshop at the Altenheim Resource and Referral Center in Wheeling, led by Joyce Britt of the Upper Ohio Valley Sexual Assault Help Center. For your reference, the first post was March 9 titled "The virtual world is the real world to our kids, and they need our protection." (http://www.theintelligencer.net/page/blogs.detail/display/1222/The-virtual-world-is-the-real-world-to-our-kids--and-they-need-our-protection.html)
This is the followup, with information provided at the workshop by Ohio County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Gail Kahle, who is assigned to prosecute cases involving violence against women and also works closely with the W.Va. State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
Kahle's presentation was sickening and eye-opening. More than ever, I appreciate public servants such as law enforcement and prosecutors who go after child pornographers and abusers. These men and women don't have the option of pretending this stuff doesn't exist. In order to build a case, they have to expose themselves to these pictures and videos of children being sexually abused — "tortured" is the word Kahle uses.
Three points Kahle made stood out to me as being important to bring to light.
1. While the Child Pornography Prevention Act prohibits the filming and possessing of pictures or videos of children (under 18) engaged in sex acts, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that computer-generated images of what appear to be minors engaging in sex acts with each other or with people who appear older DO NOT VIOLATE ANY LAW because no one under 18 was harmed.
2. Adult pornography is legal, but "obscene" material is not. The definition of "obscene" differs by community because it is determined by the prevailing standard of that community. What we find "obscene" in Wheeling might not be considered "obscene" in Las Vegas, for example. It is illegal for an adult to show a child obscene materials, but IT IS NOT ILLEGAL to show them adult pornography because it isn't considered obscene under W.Va. state law. (Note: Federal statutes may apply, but Kahle's office deals only with state law.)
3. We know people are fickle, even when it comes to criminal behavior. A guy you've always disliked gets arrested for theft from several cars in town? Lock him up! But if it's your son's best friend, you're more likely to stick up for him. Sadly, it appears this favoritism extends even to consumers of child porn (read: "torture"). Case in point: Last year, a young man in Wheeling was investigated for having child porn on his computer — not just a little bit, but thousands of images and hundreds of videos. Kahle said he lost sleep over the case and had nightmares about the material he had to watch in order to prosecute the case. One video in particular involved a 3- or 4-year-old girl pleading for the man raping her on camera to stop. Though proven guilty, this young man's family is well-known in the community and some folks were making excuses for him, sticking up for him, etc. To the surprise and disgust of those who fight child porn and sexual abuse on a daily basis, the man was given a lighter sentence than the prosecution requested.
April is Child Abuse Awareness Month, and that, of course, includes sexual abuse. The best ways parents can protect their children from being harmed by others include 1. being educated about the signs and symptoms of abuse, 2 . knowing prevention techniques and 3. having a close relationship with their children. I hope you will take the time to visit some of the websites linked on this page, all of which offer information on sexual predators and child sexual abuse prevention. Knowledge is power!
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It's fungicide season
Seeing more and more of two things in my area- tassels and aerial applicators (planes and choppers). Fungicide application season is upon us.
In talking with growers and retailers the last few weeks, this is shaping up to be a big year for fungicide apps, so just a few thoughts for guys "on the fence" and trying to decide to spray or not.
In soybeans, we are still pretty early, not much disease pressure yet; and we are a little ways off from late R2/R3 when we typically want to see the fungicides go on, so keep scouting the beans for diseases and other pests like aphids, Japanese beetles, etc to be sure they aren't a problem yet (we haven't seen much activity over here with bugs either); if things look good, delay applications until later.
In corn, we pretty much know the drill-
Most everyone agrees that the number-one factor impacting fungicide application profitability is management of common diseases (gray leaf spot, common rust, etc.). If crop diseases are present, yield responses to applications are typically higher on hybrids that have low disease resistance scores. If disease levels are high enough, hybrids with solid disease resistance may respond well, too.
Warm, humid conditions around grain fill favor the development of diseases. Crop history and crop residue levels can contribute, too. With several pathogens that survive in corn residue, corn-on-corn and other high-residue systems can increase disease levels. Geography can also influence disease. For example, southeastern Iowa tends to be warmer and more humid than much of the state and historically has had higher levels of diseases. While sometimes we see fungicide applications increase yields in fields with low disease pressure, increasing disease pressure is a better indicator to the potential profitability of treating.
Application timing can influence the odds of a positive return. Combining label recommendations and field observations is critical. If applied too early, the residual effects of the product may be gone as diseases set in. If applied too late, it may not effectively control the diseases already established. Most agronomists agree that the full tassel stage (VT) through blister stage (R2) is the optimum timing if a fungicide is needed. We are just now getting there in this part of the Iowa.
Scout hybrids with moderate to low disease resistance more intensively.
Scout more often if the weather's warm and humid and if rainy weather is present or predicted for July and August.
Watch corn-on-corn, high-residue fields closely.
Late-planted corn often is more susceptible to diseases.
Don't cut product rates.
More info in an interesting Iowa Soybean Association Newsletter article here.
Fungicide Apps- Ground vs Air
Of course in corn most are done by air, but in beans guys have more flexibility with ground rigs. So wheel traffic impact on bean yields is a common question we get. Purdue has a tech sheet that talks about the issue- they put it together including Iowa data with help from our own Mark Hanna; wheel track damage made from ground applications can impact soybean yields. Sprayer wheel traffic from first flower (R1) through harvest can damage soybean plants and reduce yield (Hanna et al. 2008). Our research suggests that an adequate soybean stand (more than 100,000 plants per acre) planted in late April through mid-May can compensate for wheel tracks made when a field is sprayed at R1. Yield loss can occur, however, when wheel tracks are made at R1 or later in thin soybean stands (less than 100,000 plants per acre) or late planted soybeans. Regardless of stand, plants could not compensate for wheel tracks made at R3 (early pod development) or R5 (early seed development). The average yield loss per acre is based on sprayer boom width (distance between wheel track passes). In our trials yield losses averaged 2.5, 1.9, and 1.3% when sprayer boom widths measured 60, 90, and 120 foot, respectively. Multiple trips along the same wheel tracks did not increase yield loss over the first trip.
So, to address the "ground vs air" on the product performance side of things… research in the Midwest is limited. Some good work done by ISA work on corn showed only a .2 bushel per acre difference between ground vs air. Experience tells us that both can be very effective on insect and disease pests in corn and soybean fields; operator/pilot skill and ensuring the right spray parameters for each type of application is a big player in how well the pesticides will work. Bottom line is that pick the method that fits your operation the best, both are good options.


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Back-up rule step forward
Children are struck by vehicles backing up about 50 times every week, and many of them die or suffer severe injuries - tragedies that are all the more so because most are preventable.
Last week the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued a rule requiring the use of readily available technology to help prevent crashes while cars are in reverse. By 2018, the NHTSA ordered, all new vehicles lighter than 10,000 pounds must be equipped with rear-view cameras with a field of view at least 10 feet wide and 20 feet deep.
The rule was authorized by Congress in 2007 in the Cameron Gulbransen Kids Transportation Safety Act, which President George W. Bush signed in 2008. The law is named for a 2-year-old who was killed when his father accidentally hit him while parking the family SUV.
Regulators announced the new rule just a day before a federal court was scheduled to hear a case brought against the NHTSA by child safety advocates who objected to the long delay between the law's passage and the lack of a regulation.
Critics complained about the cost of the rule, estimated to be between $700 million and $1.6 billion. But the NHTSA analysis accompanying the rule found that a rear-view camera would cost just an additional $43 to $45 on a vehicle already equipped with a video display, and $132 to $142 for a vehicle without one.
Consumers don't mind. Just under half of all cars sold in the United States last year had rear-view cameras, and the NHTSA projected that by 2018, about 73 percent of new vehicles would include the devices even without the rule.
According to the NHTSA analysis, the mandatory systems will result in preventing about half of the incidents and resulting fatalities and injuries. Back-up crashes, the NHTSA said, kill 200 people each year and injure 14,000.
The NHTSA is not allowed to consider emotional costs relative to its regulations, but a spokesman noted the obvious in announcing the rule: that the value of preventing so many incidents in which a child is injured or killed by a car driven by another family member is obvious.
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Leaked Flipboard app updated
If you've been hesitant to download the leaked APK for Flipboard's exclusive Android app, now may be a good time to try it out. An over-the-air update from Flipboard has fixed many of the bugs reported by those anxious users that downloaded the app early. Version 1.8.4 should increase speed and stability for leaked Flipboard app users, as well as the ability to set a widget update cycle (never, weekly, hourly or daily). And articles now open in your default browser instead of a web preview window. See here for details on how to add Flipboard to your Android device ahead of the Samsung Galaxy S III launch.
Flipboard's not the only one upgrading mobile software. Google's improvements to its own Google+ app for iOS has proven successful, if you take Google's word for it. The interface for the redesigned Google+ app is much better, with some serious usability considerations incorporated into the app. Now one of the more interesting social mobile outlets, Google+ has become the poster child for what a Google app should look like on any OS.
Rival platforms bring their own cloud solutions
But one app Google can't save is Maps on iOS. Apple will reportedly drop Google's backend for the built-in Maps app in iOS 6, swapping it out for their own app powered by OpenStreetMap Foundation data. Google Maps and navigation have been a mainstay for iOS devices since the iPhone first launched, but the growing rivalry between Apple and Google has unsurprisingly caused a rift. Apple's already ditched Google Maps integration in the latest iPhoto release, and has made a number of recent acquisitions towards developing its own mapping and navigation software.
And Apple isn't the only competitor after Google these days. Chinese search giant Baidu is set to launch its first low-cost smartphone running its newest mobile OS, granting access to Baidu applications, music and 100GB of storage on its cloud system. The move could really shake up China's mobile market, where Android phone have seen rapid uptake and Baidu seeks more mobile inroads. Samsung, too, is building more cloud services into its platform, with the recent acquisition of mSpot. The cloud-based media streaming service has powered white-label solutions for carriers and manufacturers for over a decade, making the Samsung merger a strategic move for both parties. An app is expected soon.


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North County FYI Datebook
Senior Living
Senior Olympic Games: To be held April 18 to 22 at the San Dieguito Tennis Club hosted by the The San Diego Senior Games Association. www.carlsbadca.gov/parksandrec or (760) 602-4650.
Digital Camera Workshop: A two-part workshop on settings, composition and uploading photos 1 to 3 p.m. April 18 and 25 at the Senior Center, 799 Pine Ave. in Carlsbad. $5 donation per session and reservations required. (760) 602-4650.
Eggstravaganza: Hunting, dunking and decorating eggs at the spring event 10 to 11 a.m. April 21 at the Escondido Joslyn Senior Center, 210 Park Ave. (760) 839-4688.
Retirement Seminar: Carlsbad's Senior Center will host a free lecture to identify challenges and develop strategies for the nonfinancial retirement process on April 27 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Senior Center, 799 Pine Ave. www.carlsbadca.gov/parksandrec or 760-602-4650.
Healthier Living: Carlsbad's Senior Center hosts a free six-week workshop "Healthier Living: Managing Ongoing Health Conditions" beginning April 29 at the Senior Center, 799 Pine Ave. in Carlsbad. Meets Fridays 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Registration: (760) 602-4650;
Free Smoke Alarms for Seniors: To qualify for the Burn Institute's Senior Smoke Alarm Program, seniors must be 55 years or older, own their own home and live within San Diego County. Reservations for April, May and June installations: (858) 541-2277, ext. 13 or firstname.lastname@example.com.
Blood Pressure Screenings: Noon to 2 p.m. the first Friday of the month at Palomar Medical Center Lobby, 555 East Valley Parkway, Escondido and noon to 2 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month at Pomerado Hospital Lobby, 15615 Pomerado Road, Poway. (858) 675-5100; pph.org.
Social Dance: Beginner class on fox trot, rumba, swing, waltz is 1 to 2 p.m. Mondays in the Dance Studio of the Carlsbad Senior Center, 799 Pine Ave. $5 donation required. (760) 602-4650.
Zumba Gold Classes: The class for seniors is 1 to 2 p.m. weekly on Tuesdays at the Encinitas Senior Center, 1140 Oakcrest Park Drive. Resident $21, nonresident $24. (760) 943-2250.
Oceanside bingo: Bingo is 12:45 p.m. Thursdays at the Country Club Senior Center, 455 Country Club Lane and 12:30 p.m. Mondays at the El Corazon Senior Center, 3302 Senior Center Drive. Early bird special includes five games for $1. Proceeds go the Senior Nutrition Program. (760) 435-5285.
Line Dance: Beginner classes are 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Mondays, $3 per class, Intermediate is 1:30 to 3 p.m. Mondays and 11:30 to 12:30 p.m. Wednesdays, $4 per class, and Intermediate/Advanced 1 to 2:30 p.m. Wednesdays, $4 per class, at the Gloria McClellan Senior Center, 1400 Vale Terrace Dr., Vista. Helen Pietroforte, instructor. (760) 724-6375; firstname.lastname@example.com.
Yoga and fitness: Gale Gibbons teaches yoga classes at 8 and 9 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at San Marcos Senior Center, 111 Richmar Ave. Cost: $3. Body balance classes are at 10:15 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. $3. (760) 726-7236.
Senior Service Council of Escondido: Free services include job referrals from 9 a.m. to noon Mondays through Thursdays; a bereavement support group from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Thursday; screenings for blood pressure from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Mondays; help with wills, trusts, divorce, foreclosure, powers of attorney and advance health care directives from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesdays; and assistance with tax preparation and other tax issues from 9 to 11 a.m. Thursdays through mid-November. The council office is at 728 N. Broadway, Escondido. (760) 480-0611.
Seniors Lunch Bunch: 11:30 a.m. on the third Wednesday at Applebees, 573 Grand Ave., San Marcos. (831) 206-5212.
Chorale group: Meetings from 10:15 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays at San Marcos Senior Center, 111 Richmar Ave. (760) 744-5535.
Homebound Services: Oceanside Public Library offers free delivery of library materials to Oceanside residents of any age who are physically unable to visit the library. To sign up for delivery, call (760) 435-5657. Escondido residents, call the Escondido Public Library (760) 839-4819. Carlsbad residents, call the Carlsbad City Library (760) 434-2847.


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Chloe Blocked Kimono Dress
Product Actions
Additional Information
- Round neck. Short kimono sleeves.
- Multicolor print-block patchwork detail. Contrast panels at waist.
- Keyhole at neckline.
- Center back zipper closure.
- Crepe: Polyester, Spandex. Crepe de chine: Polyester.
- Dry Clean.
- Imported.
- Measures approximately 36" from shoulder to hem.
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®by PowerReviews
Reviewed by 1 customer
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- Size and Fit:
- True to size
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- 25 to 34


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Invest in Our Work
We invite you to become a partner at the intersection of academics and advocacy by investing in our work. Please see the Reasons to Give section for specific ways you can contribute. Together, we can make the University of Texas at Austin home to one of the preeminent training and meeting grounds for critical discussion and policy analysis of contemporary human rights issues.
We are truly grateful to all of our donors and sponsors!
If you would like to make a donation, you can:
Give online:
Click here to access the online giving page. "Bernard and Audre Rapoport Center for Human Rights" should be pre-selected in the dropdown menu.
Give by mail:
Simply fill out this contribution form and mail it back to us at the address below:
The Bernard and Audre Rapoport Center for Human Rights and Justice
The University of Texas School of Law
727 E. Dean Keeton Street
Austin, Texas 78705
Thank you for your support and generosity!


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Wee MD Magnet Large
Large Magnet Invitations
Wee MD Magnet Large, Item# MSI1785L
Note: Sparkles are simulated and will not light up.
Wee MD Magnet Large, Item# MSI1785L
Note: Sparkles are simulated and will not light up.
Wee MD Thank You
Wee MD Envelope Seals
Wee MD Return Address Labels
Wee MD Candy Wrapper
Shower Driving Directions Insert Card
Shower Poem Insert Card
Shower Notes of Advice for a New Mommy
Frame Photo Stamps
11 Ounce Shower Photo Mug
Baby Shower Photo Mousepad
Looking for a truly special Baby Shower Invitation? Our Glossy Baby Shower Invitation Magnets will impress your family and friends and last as a keepsake memory of your baby's arrival.
"Wee MD" features an adorable doctor-in-training. The "baby" doctor wears blue scrubs with a mask under the chin and one blue bootie on the right foot. A black stethoscope hangs from our "Wee MD's" neck. An anatomy book and syringe appear at the "Doc's" feet. Variated white and beige tones comprise the background.
Your custom, printed text adds to the uniqueness of this large-sized, Magnetized Birth Baby Shower Invitation.
You will be able to select the typestyle and ink colors to use for your personalized text during the design process. Start by clicking on the green CUSTOMIZE WORDING button. We recommend using the default typestyle and ink colors.
|Estimated Postage Required:
|$0.70 stamp - if other items are not added into the Envelope. Click here for additional postage information.
|Item Type:
|Large Magnet Invitation
|Card Dimensions:
|5.60" X 7.75" (W x H)
|Printing Process:
|Digital Press
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|Heavy Magnet Stock - 20 mils thick
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|Black and Light Blue
|Envelopes included. Printed return address and/or Calligraphy is available for an additional cost.
|Inner Lined Envelopes:
|Inner Lined Envelopes available for an Additional $.40 each. Choose from 25 different colors.


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Part of the Nova Medical Centers group, the center offers over 700 different procedures, with a specialty in general surgery, gynecology, plastic and cosmetic surgery, orthopedics, radiology, pediatrics, urology, and ophthalmology.
Senior Consultant - ENT
ENT, Head and Neck, Endoscopic Surgery
Goiter Removal Surgery
upon request
A conglomeration of hospitals in one campus, including: the Sparsh Hospital for Orthopedics & Trauma, the Mazumdar Shaw Cancer Center, the Narayana Hrudayalaya Heart Hospital, the Narayana Nethralaya Eye Hospital, as well as a full fledged multi specialty hospital.
Visiting Consultant (ENT)
Copyright © 2008 - 2016 Health-Tourism.com, All Rights Reserved


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Jim gave tirelessly to the congenital heart community, and was passionate about the potential for science and technology to improve the well-being of congenital heart patients. Donations to the Jim Wong Memorial Fund will go to support ACHA's efforts to use technology to create innovative approaches to promoting ACHD research and improving patient access to education, medical records, and peer support.
Past Board Member Spotlight
Jim Wong, PhD
ACHA was deeply saddened by the loss of Jim Wong on February 6, 2010. He was very committed to ACHA and gave tirelessly to the congenital heart community. Please visit his Memorial Page to learn more about Jim. Jim first became involved with ACHA when he led the team that organized the San Francisco Regional ACHA Conference in 2003. He was elected to the ACHA Board of Directors in 2004, and was later elected Vice President and then Board Chair in 2005. After a one year break, he re-joined the Board of Directors in 2008. Jim was also conditionally appointed to the NIH Director's Council of Public Representatives in 2008. In his professional life, Jim has held a variety of management and product/business development roles and is presently a Sr. Product Strategist at Hitachi Global Storage Technologies. Jim received his Bachelor of Science in chemistry summa cum laude from the University of California at Berkeley in 1977. He continued his education at UC Berkeley and received his PhD in chemistry in 1981.
I am deeply honored to have been asked to say a few words about my dear friend and colleague, Jim Wong, and the legacy he built at the Adult Congenital Heart Association. Born with a malformed heart that could not provide his body enough oxygen, at five Jim became one of a pioneering new group of survivors – children receiving the world's first surgeries for congenital heart defects. Told that his surgery had cured him, Jim's heart was just fine until his middle years, when he started to have heart rhythm problems. He sought treatment from the "best" experts he could find, but none of them understood that his rhythm problems were just a symptom of something both very common and very serious for people with hearts like his. The same childhood surgery that had kept Jim alive had left his heart leaky and stretching. What he needed was a re-operation to fix his heart, and until he got it, he was at very high risk of death. And this is what nearly happened – he collapsed on a business trip in Singapore, and against all odds the cardiology team there not only saved him, but also were the first to note his heart size and refer him for specialized congenital heart care.
Heart surgery at the Mayo clinic followed, and when I met Jim, not long after, he was back to riding his bike to work and skiiing on the weekends. But his experiences had left him a changed man. Jim understood that what was unusual about his story was not that he had no idea he was at risk of future problems – this, unfortunately, is typical - or that he has received misguided care – this is also the rule, not the exception, for childhood heart patients when we grow up. What was unusual is that Jim had survived, and had survived with his wits and strength intact. From that time, he felt he had a moral obligation to both help others get the care he had almost been denied, and to help change the system so people did not have to depend on chance and luck to get the special care they need.
And this is what brought him to ACHA. Through our on-line forum, Jim started offering other patients thoughtful, sensible advice, and he became a dedicated ACHA volunteer. From the very beginning, Jim was extraordinarily giving of his time, and he unfailingly followed through with his commitments. He donated so much time, and was so patient and kind, that I spent the first few months or so after meeting him convinced that there must be a catch, and that any day he was either going to start to try to sell me something or pull out a bible and start trying to save my soul. But the more I knew him the more I realized that Jim was the real deal – a genuinely good, generous soul who was willing to selflessly help others with little regard for credit or pay-back. But this goodness and compassion did not come with sentimentality or show, but rather with a straight-forward, intelligent, practical outlook that ACHA desperately needed in these beginning, founding days.
Jim was the person who taught me how to create an excel spread sheet, formally review an employee, create a budget, and write a project proposal. When I stepped off the Board to become ACHA's first paid CEO, he took over as Board Chair, and led us through the sometimes-difficult transition from a volunteer-driven kitchen table endeavor, to a professionally-run organization serious about making a major impact for all those born with heart defects.
Early on Jim became our message board moderator, a role which required him to read every one of the hundreds of messages posted at ACHA's website, and he helped grow a forum that still provides support and life-saving advice to thousands of congenital heart patients a year. He then chaired our first Bay Area conference, and because of his connections and hard work, the event was both the best-attended and the least expensive ACHA regional conference ever. Jim's IT expertise, and support from his friends at Hitachi, led to a web expansion which saw incoming ACHA membership rise from ten a month to fifty a week.
Passionate about science, Jim became ACHA's first research chair, and his efforts built the way to ACHA's first research funding from the National Institutes of Health. Jim then expanded his commitment to helping others, and in 2008 was chosen from hundreds of applicants to join the Council of Public Representatives at the National Institute of Health, where he represented the voice of the patient for all U.S citizens living with rare conditions. Those of us without Jim's modesty and humility might have bragged about this position, since it is the highest-level community advisory position at the world's most respected research institute. But not Jim – he just quietly fulfilled his commitments to the council, even after cancer was already robbing his strength.
Over the years Jim became not just my colleague, but a dear friend. Because he was a very private person, it took a while for me to learn how much he cared about his brother, sister, nieces and nephews, his beloved companion Yu-Sze, and her son Adam. But in the last few years we shared teen parenting stories, and he delighted in sending video links showing Adam winning swimming races. Despite his PhD in chemistry and his "Mr. Science" exterior, Jim had an artist's soul. He loved music, books, and art, was an exceptionally talented photographer, and the beauty of nature touched him deeply. He also loved a good adventure, and good food, and ACHA road trips together meant I had a companion when seeking out the best local noodle dive or barbecue pit.
This is not how I expected it to end. Having outlived his blue childhood, and his Singapore near-miss, I certainly did not expect to be speaking at his service barely a year after he was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. I watched Jim bring the same practical, scientific brain to his cancer as he did to all his life challenges, and we spent hours discussing the exact specifications of the invading cells and the drugs that might kill them. We also talked about the reports now coming out noting increased cancer rates among congenital heart patients, and the speculation that we might be at high risk of cancer because of the high radiation associated with heart testing and treatments, particularly in the early era. The research scientist in Jim would be very offended if I did not make clear that these are just reports, and we do not yet have the research to confirm these initial observations. But ACHA has identified more research in this area as a priority, and when I went to talk with the National Institutes of Health this fall I brought this up, and I thought of Jim. We need to know if this risk is real, and if it is, then we need to start education and screening efforts to make sure that more congenital heart patients saved in childhood aren't needlessly dying from cancers found too late to treat effectively.
We lost Jim much too young, and not at all how we expected. His presence and his efforts improved the lives of congenital heart patients throughout the country, and his legacy will live on long after today. My life has been deeply enriched by knowing such a special person, and I will miss him every day.
Membership is free! You'll get materials, discussion forum access, event invitations, e-communications and more.
ACHA professional members receive materials discounts, plus other benefits.
Access our searchable tool to learn more about current ACHD programs.
The ACHA/ISACHD ACHD Clinic Directory offers comparative information on ACHD clinics in the U.S. and Canada.
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Worldcom's disconnect
Business | $3.8 billion swept under the rug? Audit at telecom giant shows faulty accounting; government readies major fraud probe, and "no one is getting a pass"
"An undeniable setback." That was new Worldcom chief executive John Sidgmore's description of revelations that the company had lied to shareholders and the public, disguising $3.8 billion in expenses to make its cash flow and profits appear stronger.
Government authorities had a stronger description of one of the largest accounting scandals in history: criminal fraud. "I think we've got to prosecute people to the full extent of the law," said Treasury Secretary Paul O'Neill, warning that the deception was too big to have been carried out by only one individual.
Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Harvey Pitt announced that the government was bringing civil fraud charges against Worldcom, the second-largest long-distance carrier and owner of MCI, while President Bush hinted at a Justice Department criminal investigation. Analysts predicted that the scope of Worldcom's fraud could end up overshadowing scandals at Global Crossing, Imclone, and even Enron.
Meanwhile, as the number of disgraced companies grows, economists are beginning to worry about the leaven of corporate dishonesty's effect on the nation's economic lump. The spate of corporate scandals has weakened an already bearish stock market, with the Dow dipping below 9,000 on June 26, the day after the Worldcom announcement.
Investors, who had bid the Dow as high as 11,723 in January 2000, are now clearly concerned about whether executives and accountants are dealing honestly with them. "You have a perception that corporate America is not being straight with investors, and that the point of accounting is to hide rather than divulge," said Richard A. Dickson, an analyst with Hilliard Lyons.
In an attempt to restore confidence in America's financial system, as well as to root out other wrongdoers, Mr. Pitt last week directed the CEOs and chief financial officers of the nation's largest 1,000 companies to vouch for the accuracy of their financial statements. Mr. Pitt called the move a first step: "No one is getting a pass."


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See All Contributors »
Great event...... Anyone planning to attend?
I'm in.
"95% of all quotes posted on Facebook are either made up or mistakenly attributed to someone famous." - Albert Einstien
Originally Posted by FD Cyclone
2morrow night, apparently:
Tickets Available For "Meet the Coaches Night" Aug. 23 - Iowa State University Athletics Official Web Site - www.CYCLONES.com - The home of Iowa State Cyclone Sports
Sounds like a good evening.
5:00 PM is the start time at 7 Flags. Cocktails and silent auction begin around 5:00. Dinner begins around 6:00 or so.
I'll be there.
"Just remember, what you choose to do with each day is very important because you are exchanging a day of your life for it" -ET
"I'm trying not to sweat the small stuff in my life, but there is a definite learning curve." -CE
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