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Royce, Engel, and Ros-Lehtinen Release GAO Report Documenting Failings in U.S. Assistance for Haiti Reconstruction
Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Ed Royce (R-CA), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Rep. Eliot Engel (D-NY), the Committee's Ranking Member, and Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa and Chairman Emeritus, released an alarming Government Accountability Office (GAO) report that documents serious delays and lack of oversight in United States Agency for International Development (USAID) assistance efforts in Haiti, following the devastating January 2010 earthquake.
Months after the earthquake, Congress provided $1.6 billion in reconstruction funding for Haiti in the 2010 Supplemental Appropriations Act -- $651 million of which went to USAID and is the subject of the GAO report.
Ros-Lehtinen said: "I requested this report one year ago with then Ranking Member Howard Berman in order to examine if funds managed by USAID and State were not fulfilling the objectives of our mission in Haiti. This GAO report is alarming and showcases the need to further investigate and ensure that U.S. taxpayer dollars are not being wasted or abused in Haiti. We have a responsibility and commitment to our nation as the largest donor and the people of Haiti to help build stable institutions, root out corruption, and help those that were devastated by the earthquake in 2010."
Engel said: "This report shows a significant and sobering disconnect between what was originally promised for the Haitian people, and what it appears USAID is now prepared to deliver. The Haitian people, as well as the US taxpayer, deserve better answers about our assistance than we have received to date."
Royce said: "I commend Ranking Member Engel and Chairman Emeritus Ros-Lehtinen for their focus on Haiti oversight. A delegation of bipartisan Committee staff will soon be visiting Haiti to prepare for an upcoming hearing on these troubling findings."
Included in the GAO's findings:


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At 29, Cameroon International and Inter Milan ace Samuel Eto'o isn't getting any younger, however he would certainly be a welcome addition in any team sheet.
Eto'o scored over 100 goals in five seasons with FC Barcelona, and is also the record holder in number of appearances by an African player in La Liga. He is the second player to score in a UEFA Champions League finals and the fourth player, after Marcel Desailly, Paulo Sousa and Gerard Pique, to have won the UEFA Champions League two years in a row with different teams.
His class needs no mentioning, but which club would be more suited to his style of play? Basically, Eto'o can play any where in the middle or on the left flank; we saw him inter-change positions with Lionel Messi during his days at Barcelona. He is neither a lazy striker, he runs… Read more

subset: commoncrawl


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UMass University Store
1 Campus Center Way
Amherst, MA 01003
Football Student Tickets
All current students are admitted free of charge to all regular season home Football games by presenting a valid UMass I.D. at the gate. Students are allowed to sit in any of the general admission sections on either side of the stadium.
To contact the ticket office, call 413-545-0810 or 866-UMASS-TIX.


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You are here
Cult Archaeology & Creationism (expanded edition)
Iowa City: University of Iowa Press, 1995. 187 pages.
In the preface to Cult Archaeology & Creationism, the editors explain "[t]he articles in this book are concerned with pseudoscientific beliefs about the human past. They are not primarily concerned with showing how and why these beliefs are wrong. ... Instead, this book is concerned primarily with two tasks relatively neglected by the scientific community: understanding these beliefs and dealing with them." Contributors include Kenneth L. Feder, Alice B. Kehoe, Laurie Godfrey and John Cole, and Bernard Ortiz de Montellano. The reviewer for American Antiquity described the first edition as "Now needed more than ever. ... A very useful book."
Voices for Evolution
The third edition of Voices for Evolution can be purchased or downloaded at Lulu.com
Staff Publications
by Eugenie C. Scott
edited by Eugenie C. Scott and Glenn Branch
by Peter M. J. Hess and Paul L. Allen


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Darton State College Students |
Home » Students » International Program » Travel Abroad
2003 London Trip
Visit Merry Olde England in May 2003
Package Includes:
Eight day trip to London
The tour is open to the
community as well as the student body, college faculty, and staff, and the
course is completely optional.
This trip,
which will be co-listed with Continuing Education, is designed to give
travelers a preview of what they will encounter abroad.
It will include practical advice about international travel, and a historical, artistic, and cultural
orientation to the sites on the itinerary.
Ms. Davis has led Darton students abroad three times in the past six years to destinations in Spain, France, Italy, and England, and photos of the Summer 2000 trip may be seen online at http://photos.yahoo.com/davisps.
|For more information regarding this trip, please contact Ms. Teresa Eberhart.


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Carnivorous Plants for Home Gardeners14 photos
While not easy to grow, several groups of carnivorous plants can thrive with the right soil mix, regular moisture, sun and humidity. And an occasional bug, of course.
Carnivorous Native Pitcher Plant
Pitcher plants, sun dews, Venus flytraps...there are some very interesting "meat-eating" plants which, given the right conditions, can become a fascinating gardening hobby.
By: Felder Rushing via felder (Original Photo)


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A key player in the formation of the 35th state, Waitman T. Willey is known for amending a crucial bill that would gain West Virginia its independence from Virginia.
Willey was born in 1811 in Farmington, Va., and was educated as a lawyer, later working for Philip Doddridge and John C. Campbell in Wellsburg before starting his own practice in Morgantown.
He was known as an orator and debater, often quoting Greek and Roman classics and the Bible in his speeches.
Article Photos
In a time when states in the Deep South were seceding from the Union, Virginia was contemplating its own secession. Willey opposed Virginia's separation from the Union and is known for his speech "Liberty and Union," saying the two were inseparable. He served as a delegate of the Virginia Constitutional Convention and was one of 28 delegates from the western counties of Virginia to vote "no" on Virginia's secession from the Union.
Sometimes called "the Father of West Virginia," Willey played an important role in the passage of West Virginia's statehood when Sen. John S. Carlile drafted a bill for state admission that would make it more difficult for West Virginia to become a state.
Carlile had included counties in the Shenandoah Valley that were pro-slavery to be part of the new state. He also included a clause to emancipate all slaves in the new state, a measure that would make it impossible to pass the bill.
Essentially saving the day, Willey was called in to amend the boundaries of the new state, leaving out the pro-slavery counties and rewriting the slavery clause to gradually incorporate the emancipation of slaves in West Virginia. The change is known as the "Willey Amendment." The bill passed in the U.S. Senate, 23-17.
Though Willey spoke on the suffrage of slaves, he owned several domestic slaves at his residence in Morgantown.
Willey died at home in morgantown in 1900 and is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery.


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10 Jul
Blue Gecko has been acquired!
It is my pleasure to officially announce that Blue Gecko has been acquired by Datavail. Based in Broomfield, CO, Datavail is among the largest providers of remote database administration services in North America and the largest remote managed services provider in the Rocky Mountain region.
Together, Blue Gecko and Datavail will continue to offer 24×7 remote DBA with a focus on providing the best possible service and support for our customers. Datavail gains a presence in the Seattle market with a highly regarded reputation built by Blue Gecko over the last 11 years; and over the coming months, Blue Gecko will introduce a host of new services and additional access to more support staff available 24×7.
For our existing customers, our entire Seattle staff (including JJ and me)will remain in the Seattle office and will continue our support work as usual. Any questions can be sent directly to me at email@example.com.
Editorially, I'd like to add that this transaction is the result of good timing for both parties: Datavail was looking to grow and expand into the Pacific Northwest, while at Blue Gecko, we've been working hard to expand our 24×7 coverage and enhance newer platform support such as SQL Server. After a few short talks, we were buzzing about how we could leverage and learn from each other; and quickly realized the benefits of merging the two companies. Just a few months later,I'm happy to say it's been a pleasure working with the Datavail team. I'm also incredibly excited about the benefits and opportunities for our customers going forward.


text: We are Suka. We create brands, strategy, design, content. We listen. We learn. And we love our clients. We may be located in SoHo (and wear black from time to time), but we leave our egos at the door. We're unflappable, and nimble. And we don't rest until we deliver extraordinary work.


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Tim McCallan, of AmeriCorp fame has eneted into a stipulated final judgment and order for permanent injunction with the FTC over the FTC action against McCallan and his company IMM Interactive. A tipster (send in your tips here) just sent in this final order to share with you. The court order covers IMM Interactive, Intermark Communications, COPEAC, Intermark Media, Timothy ... Read More »
Tim McCallan's Intermark Communications Slammed by FTC
In my previous article Tim McCallan And His Nine Lives in the Debt Relief World I covered the role of Tim McCallan in Intermark Communications, which later changed their name to IMM Interactive, but still located at 135 Crossways Park Drive, Woodbury, New York 11797. The FTC took aim at a different product, other than debt relief but it moved ... Read More »


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Bassmaster Classic to be a challenge
TULSA, Okla. A huge, can't-miss-it sign hangs from a building next to the boat service yard here where the 53 anglers in the Bassmaster Classic park their boats each day and ready their gear.
It simply says: "Where The Best In The World Come To Prove Who Really Is."
It's signed, "Dynamics Sponsorships," a full-service firm based in Tulsa that specializes in sponsor packages for anglers and others in the outdoor industry.
This week, considering the cold, arctic air and frigid fishery that will make for tough fishing, you can add: "Where The Hardiest In The World Come To Prove Who Really Is."
Everywhere anyone looks around Tulsa right now they're reminded that this bass tournament, the 43rd Bassmaster Classic on massive Grand Lake O' the Cherokees, is like no other fishing competition in the world. The winner with the best three-day total weight from a maximum of 15 bass on Sunday gets $500,000, and the win changes their lives forever in terms of status, appearances and endorsements. Fishing sponsors, truck companies and many others love being associated with a clean-living fisherman who can sell their products.
"People from the outside who don't understand what we do, and you could say that about a lot of sports, but it's everything," said Kevin Van Dam, four-time Classic champion and making his record 23rd consecutive Classic appearance. "This is the Masters, this is Super Bowl, this is the Daytona 500, this is all of that rolled into one. "There's electricity here that you just don't feel at any other event. As a pro angler, this is what we live for."
Van Dam has won two of the last three Classic, and he won the last Elite Series tournament held here on Grand Lake, a nutrient-rich, but aquatic vegetation-poor impoundment that offers 1,300 miles of shoreline. It's considered the best "non-grass fishery" in the country. It's loaded with gizzard shad and other baitfish and dotted with man-made structure like boat docks, private launches and rip-rap.
"It reminds me of Hodges, especially in the Narrows," said former San Diegan Dean Rojas, fishing in his 11th Classic. He now lives in Lake Havasu City, Ariz.
Rojas and all the other anglers know that Van Dam certainly is the man to beat, but Oklahoma-based anglers like Tommy Biffle, Edwin Evers or Jason Christie will have local knowledge of a fishery that holds a healthy population of northern-strain largemouth bass and not the Florida-strain bass at other Classic stops.
The story here this week, as it has been in most places in the country, has been the weather. There's snow on the ground and the anglers have had to practice in that "wintry mix" of rain, sleet and snow.
On Wednesday, the last practice day, competitors fished in cold and wind. Some had to chisel ice off their boat rod lockers just to open them. Rod guides froze and lines broke. The forecast calls for the days to get warmer, but not by much. Friday's high will be 39 (after a low in the teens, which would be a record for the Classic) for the first day of the tournament, warming to the mid-60s by Sunday after a low of 37 degrees.
"Is this Maine or Grand Lake," said Jonathan Carter, the first angler from Maine to ever compete in a Classic. "It reminded me of home today."
Van Dam, who is from Kalamazoo, Mich., welcomes the cold, but he also likes the fact that the weather will change over the three-day Classic.
"The biggest thing is to have it change," Van Dam said. "Cold to warm, warm to cold, it really doesn't matter. Fish like change."


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Bryson Dechambeau
JOHNS CREEK, Ga. (SMU) - SMU golfer Bryson Dechambeau advanced to the round of 32 at the U.S. Amateur Championship by defeating Victor Perez of New Mexico on Wednesday. Dechambeau will face Cheng-Tsung Pan of Washington in the round of 32 tomorrow morning.
Dechambeau has advanced to match play at the last four U.S. Amateurs. The junior-to-be held a four-hole lead at one point over Perez after winning three straight holes on the front nine. Perez would win the next two to cut Dechambeau's deficit in half to start the back nine, but would get no closer the rest of the way.
Pan, who is entering his senior season at Washington, is currently ranked 33rd in the GolfWeek/Sagarin rankings. Dechambeau is ranked 11th.
Dechambeau and Pan will tee off at 8:45 a.m. tomorrow morning. Delayed television coverage of the round of 32 and the round of 16 will begin at 5:30 p.m. CT on Golf Channel.
Fellow SMU junior-to-be Austin Smotherman and incoming freshman Ben Baxter were eliminated from the tournament after the stroke play portion of the event concluded on Tuesday.
Since 1998, three Mustangs have won the U.S. Amateur – Kelly Kraft (2011), Colt Knost (2007) and Hank Kuehne (1998) – more than any other collegiate golf program in the nation. Four Mustangs competed last season, with Dechambeau reaching the second round of match play after tying for sixth out of 312 entrants during the stroke play portion of the tournament.


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Jane L. Burnley, loved cats
Jane L. Burnley of Magnolia passed away Friday, Nov. 8, 2013 at Kent General Hospital. Jane was born Dec. 21, 1954 in Wilmington, to the late Charles T. McLocklin and Claudia Boyd McLocklin.
She owned and operated a janitorial service, Under the Rug, for 20 years. Jane had also worked as a bartender for Dockside Yacht Club, Joe Remedies, Farmer in b'del, just to name a few. She enjoyed crewel work, gardening and loved cats.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Penny McLocklin and Bobbi Clear. She is survived by her loving husband of 34 years, William "Bill" J. Burnley of Magnolia; brother, Rick McLocklin and his wife Cathy of New Castle; sister-in-law, Susan Motta of North East, Md.; brother-in-law, Eric Burnley of Milton; numerous nieces and nephews; and all her beloved cats.
Services will be private. In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions be made to the Kent County SPCA, 32 Shelter Circle, Camden, DE 19934.


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I have my weekend's work cut out for me. I received the page proofs for When the Night Comes Down this morning and I have to have them reviewed before Monday because the book has to go to press in time for it to be ready for World Horror, which is just over a month away. I only have to proof my own section, but that probably amounts to 60 or 70 pages of text.
I would also like to get my next Storytellers Unplugged essay written and maybe get the taxes finished, too. A tall order.
Though there was talk of flurries in parts of the greater Houston area yesterday and this morning, I didn't see any. It's a cold day, not even making it over 40° but we were spared the worst of the winterlike weather that's hitting points north and east.
I posted my review of The Double Comfort Safari Club by Alexander McCall Smith last night.
I thought The Mentalist had one of its best episodes ever last night. Not only did they focus on a character who doesn't normally get much play, they dispensed with much of the silliness. Jane's shtick with the coin toss worked well as the episode's obligatory levity. They still haven't sold me on Cho being a former gangbanger–he seems too buttoned up or buttoned down for that–but it was a good installment.
It's hard to know who to root for on the new season of Survivor. Though it's popular to hate Boston Rob, I happen to think he's a decent guy and it will be interesting to see how he fares this time 'round, especially given the medical emergency alluded to in the preview for next week. Kudos to him especially for getting a fire going despite all the nay-sayers. I suspect that Russell will get his ass handed to him on a platter fairly early on and Parvati might put together another all-female alliance. The big difference between this season and most others is that I'm familiar with most of the players right from the get-go. I don't know Tom or a few others from the early seasons. It is an interesting experiment, to see if one tribe or the other will self-destruct, or if some of them will play the game against type. Hearing that shoulder get put back into its socket qualifies as one of the most grusome moments on the show. I can't believe she isn't suffering some repercussions. And Rupert — how much good is he going to be with a broken toe?
Funniest moment of the premiere: Jeff standing on the beach as the helicopters approached, pretending to be guiding them to their landing spots!


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ALBANY, N.Y. -- February 25, 2009 - Officials of Northeast Health and St. Peter's Health Care Services announced today an agreement to enter formal negotiations intended to lead to an affiliation of the two organizations.
Members of the Boards and CEOs of Northeast Health (Northeast) and St. Peter's Health Care Services (St. Peter's) have held informal discussions for several months to explore opportunities that would build on the unique expertise and strengths of the respective organizations.
Officials also announced that Seton Health (Seton) in Troy has initiated negotiations with Northeast and St. Peter's to actively pursue a similar agreement. Expanding negotiations among all three systems greatly enhances the opportunities to strengthen the delivery of health care in our communities and achieve the unified goals of affiliation.
The announcement was made at a press conference held at Northeast Health in Troy. Press conference participants included: Steven Boyle, president, CEO, St. Peter's Health Care Services; James Reed, M.D., president & CEO, Northeast Health; Gino Pazzaglini, president & CEO, Seton Health; Sydney T. Jones, III, chairman, Board of Trustees, St. Peter's Health Care Services; Ann DiSarro, chair, Board of Directors, Northeast Health; and Sister Clarisse Correia, D.C., chair, Board of Trustees, Seton Health.
"The intention of entering these negotiations is to see if there are collaborative ways to improve quality, cost-effectiveness and accessibility of health care in the Capital Region and beyond," said Boyle of St. Peter's. "These are institutions of very unique heritages. Initial discussions, however, indicate we have organizational cultures and missions that are far more common than they are different."
"St. Peter's has a mission to be a 'transforming, healing presence within the communities we serve,'" Boyle said. "Most important for St. Peter's is that Northeast Health and Seton share a strong, values-based dedication to address today's challenges and improve the health status of our communities."
"For some time, Northeast Health and St. Peter's have had informal conversations on how to best address health care issues within our communities," Dr. Reed said. "Both organizations are committed to quality, excellence, and innovation in services and technology; have always attracted and retained dedicated and skilled physicians and staff; and have demonstrated a willingness to work collaboratively to improve the quality of health care and senior services across the region."
Northeast Health
St. Peter's Health Care Services
Seton Health
Marylin Morgan, Northeast Health, 271-5057
Elmer Streeter, St. Peter's Health Care Services, 525-1232
Pamela Rehak, Seton Health, 268-5517


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Chat with Mike Reiss
Welcome to SportsNation! On Thursday, ESPNBoston.com New England Patriots blogger Mike Reiss stops by to chat.
Reiss joined ESPNBoston.com in September 2009 and is a native New Englander. He first started covering the Patriots in 1997 with the team's official newspaper, Patriots Football Weekly, before moving on to the MetroWest Daily News in his hometown of Framingham. From 2005 to 2009, he covered the Patriots for The Boston Globe, while also writing on the NFL. He started his popular Patriots blog in 2004.
Send your questions now and join Reiss Thursday at noon ET!
More Mike Reiss: Chats | Patriots Blog | Mailbag | @mikereiss | Search
Mike Reiss (12:00 PM)
Good afternoon and welcome to today's chat. Going to take a quick inventory here.
Mike Reiss (12:00 PM)
Jelly Belly jellybeans -- check.
Mike Reiss (12:00 PM)
Springsteen playing on Sirius -- check.
Mike Reiss (12:00 PM)
Cup of coffee nearby -- check.
Mike Reiss (12:01 PM)
Got it all, we're ready to roll. What's on your mind today? We'll plan to chat until 1 p.m. ET. One week until training camp starts.
Corey (Northwest Ohio)
Mike, do any veterans voluntarily join the rookies early, or is that noy allowed?
Mike Reiss (12:03 PM)
Corey, my understanding is that the veterans can use the facility, but there are strict rules as to what they are allowed to do. They can't just jump into structured meetings right now, and in fact, I don't think the coaches want that. This is time for the rookies to get their individual attention. They've had some catch-up to do since they were drafted/signed, so it's probably more of a refresher course for them until the veterans officially report.
Alec (Lehigh) [via mobile]
Do you think the Patriots will sign Andre Cater anytime during training camp?
Mike Reiss (12:06 PM)
Alec, after listening to Carter on SiriusXM NFL Radio on Wednesday, I am no longer as confident that Carter will be back. While it certainly could happen, it sounded like he's still working his way back. My hunch is that the Patriots will see what they have early in camp, and if it doesn't look like they envisioned, maybe then they pursue it. But for now, I don't sense anything is imminent.
Mike Reiss (12:07 PM)
Here is the link to our Patriots blog on ESPNBoston.com with Carter's comments.
Mike Reiss (12:07 PM)
Adam S (Cranston)
I read Rodak's Bubble Watch on Dennard. If Dennard doesn't make the squad wouldn't he be a likely pick up by another team. Even though he was a late round pick - that was because of off-field concerns. With an offseason of working under the Pats system and the fact that his trial is not until December, wouldn't teams be more interested in him? I don't think Cole or Williams would be in the category. Shouldn't that increase Dennard's chances of making the squad?
Mike Reiss (12:09 PM)
Mike Rodak has his doubts about Dennard. I think he'll be on the roster, and that if he was waived, he'd probably get claimed on waivers. But let's not forget the scoreboard on this one: Rodak 1, Reiss 0. Last year, Rodak was correct in predicting Brandon Meriweather's release, while I thought he was off.
George (Boston)
Hey Mike. Seems like we've been hosting a fair number of tight-ends over the past couple months. It could just be a training camp numbers/depth issue or injury insurance as Gronk's health is still somewhat in question. But I also wonder whether the team is looking for another standard in-line tight end to line up on the left side to move Hernandez into a more traditional WR role while still maintaining his versatility and not losing our effectiveness out of the 2-TE set. Is the team looking for a stop-gap option until Ballard gets healthy? Thoughts?
Mike Reiss (12:11 PM)
George, I think you're on to something. If Visanthe Shiancoe is in shape and they can come to a contract agreement, I think it's a no-brainer signing for the Patriots. Part of it is the Hernandez deal. I think they view him as much as a receiver/H-back as a TE, although they wouldn't say that. Also, you want to spread out some of the training camp workload at a position where it's hard to find guys. Ballard most definitely a 2013 projection than 2012.
Eric (MA)
Hey Mike, how would rate the ability of our TEs as run blockers? Obviously Gronk is a beast, but if Hernandez and Fells could both play a role in run blocking, do you see the Pats using any 3 TE sets this year? I can imagine having 3 TE on the field that can block and catch causing personel problems for an opposing team.
Mike Reiss (12:13 PM)
Absolutely Eric. They did the 3-TE sets quite a bit last year too (the third TE was a converted OL). Part of what makes that effective is that the defense usually counters with a base defense, and Brady can then spread them out with Gronk and Hernandez out wide, and it's just not fair. I expect to see more of it this year. Tight ends are the ultimate "matchup busters" if you can find good ones. As for run-blocking, I'd say Gronk is solid. Fells and Hernandez obviously not at that level, but they are competitive.
PatsHaveWepunz (Florida)
Mike, the Wilson pick lands somewhere in the top 3 surprising picks of BB's tenure (possibly THE most surprising). Since we heard next to nothing about the guy leading up to today's start of rookie mini-camp, will you give us your prediction/expectation of what we'll see from Wilson in camp and for the season? Also, let's get real about Carter. I read the repost of his interview today, and I'm thinking his injury was WAY worse than we originally thought. Your take?
Mike Reiss (12:15 PM)
On Tavon Wilson, I think the most realistic projection is sub defender (in nickel or dime), playing "in the box", perhaps in a similar role as we saw the Patriots experimenting with Tank Williams a few years back. Also, special teams. As for Andre Carter, I thought the same thing when listening to the Sirius interview. He said he had to re-learn how to walk. Was surprised at that. Class guy. I wish him the best.
Matt (Bristol CT)
I've been watching some clips of Tavon Wilson and it seems that he can contribute on special teams as well. If he can hold his own and Nate Ebner impresses, I think it'll knock Sergio Brown off the roster. Do you think this will happen?
Mike Reiss (12:16 PM)
I do, Matt. I think Sergio Brown has a real battle for a roster spot on his hands.
Tim (Newton, MA)
Hey Mike,I wanted to touch on discussion earlier in the week about these safeties around the league getting big contracts, and the correlation of Chung's contract ending at the end of the year. If we see a similar contribution from Chung this year (in my view, good but not elite) what do you expect from the Patriots side of things? I don't think he's a 7 mill+ per/yr guy, not even close actually. It's a while until we reach that point, and I'm sure his 2012 season will impact it heavily. But any idea where you expect this to go?
Mike Reiss (12:17 PM)
Tim, my first thought is franchise tag. That tag has been lower than others, making it a bit more manageable for teams to absorb. But before we get to that point, perhaps the sides reach an extension during the season (a la Dan Koppen a few years back). I wouldn't rule that out.
Elliot (Narragansett, RI)
Hey Mike, what do I have to do to get an autograph at training camp?
Mike Reiss (12:18 PM)
Elliot, autographs of players are difficult and I'd say to anyone, come with low expectations. But it's worth a try so bring a Sharpie, something for them to sign, and hope for the best. After the practices, fans line up along the rope of the practice fields and players come by (usually a different position group each practice). Good luck.
keith (Ohio)
Do you think the pats treated Welker fairly re his contract?
Mike Reiss (12:21 PM)
Keith, I think at the end of the day, when you look at the bottom line, they're paying him $9.5 million to play this year. If that's not fair, I'm not sure what is. That's a high-end-of-the-market contract for one year. I understand why Welker would want even more security, and I don't blame him for holding his line for it. To me, what's important to players is going to vary from case to case, and because of that I never feel comfortable saying what's right or what's not right for a player. But to answer the question, I do think the Patriots are treating Welker fairly.
Gary (No VA)
Can Ballard go on IR once the season starts without being waived?
Mike Reiss (12:21 PM)
Yes, Gary, after the cut-down to 53 players.
Tom (Miami)
Hey Mike, Do you think the Pats will carry 7 WR's? It seems that if Stallworth can bring something to the table in the form of KR it would only add to his value. Thanks as always!
Mike Reiss (12:22 PM)
I'd be surprised at 7, Tom. Six would be my max number.
Jim (Boston)
Hi Mike, Do you play fantasy football? If so who do you like this year?
Mike Reiss (12:23 PM)
Jim, I actually don't play fantasy football. I played it a while back and found it took away my enjoyment of watching the games. I was rooting for my fantasy team instead of just enjoying what was unfolding on the team, and the feeling bothered me. I understand I'm in the minority. I respect the fantasy football, and understand it's a big part of our business, but I've just never caught the bug.
Matt (Bristol CT)
I saw that the Pats are bringing in Visanthe Shiancoe for a visit. My question is why they would do that when they've already brought in and cut another tight end (Bo Scaife) who was supposed to be emergency backup?
Mike Reiss (12:24 PM)
Matt, this move would make a lot of sense to me if Shiancoe is in shape and they can agree on a contract. Just filed a blog entry on this before our chat and I am going to cut and paste the link in here now, as it will be quicker to do and keep our chat moving.
Mike Reiss (12:24 PM)
Mike what are you most looking forward during training camp for NE its offense or defense?
Mike Reiss (12:24 PM)
Probably more defense, just because that's where I think more of the questions reside. Fun to see what the youngsters and newcomers might do as well.
Dan (Leominster)
Mike,I am interested in Ridley's ball security. Has anyone broken down (possibly Field Yates from a scouts perspective) the plays that he fumbled last year? Was it fighting for extra yards, poor carrying technique, carelessness, or great defensive play? Just wondering if it is something fixable from a coaching standpoint.Thanks.
Mike Reiss (12:26 PM)
Dan, that's a great idea for an update on our blog. I'm going to ask Field if he can do it. If not, maybe I can. Until then, check out this link from Erik Frenz on Bleacher Report. Erik is a hard worker who has occassionally contibuted to our site.
Mike Reiss (12:26 PM)
Steve (Quincy, MA)
Mike, how many years do you think we have left to enjoy Bill and Tom and, in your hearts of hearts, do you believe that the Pats will WIN another Superbowl during this amazing era?
Mike Reiss (12:27 PM)
Steve, I vote for 5 more on Tom Brady, and possibly even longer for Bill Belichick. As for Brady's contract, we know he's locked up through 2014. So that would require another extension.
Anthony Powell (Boynton Beach, FL)
Mike do you think this is Wes Welker's last season in New England and what do you think was the deciding factor in a deal not getting done?
Mike Reiss (12:30 PM)
Anthony, I wouldn't definitely close the book on him right now. I do think it's likely he'll get to the open market in 2013 and then it just becomes a situation where another team potentially outbids the Patriots, or Welker pulls a Ray Allen and decides money isn't the most important thing to him. So, regardless, the Patriots would lose some leverage in that case. As for the deciding factor, I think it was total of guaranteed money and how it was all structured.
Roger (Baltimore, MD)
Mike, any sense from being arounf Foxboro whether Ras-I Dowling has bulked up, so that he tackles better and is more injury-resistant? I think he's a key piece in the puzzle this year.
Mike Reiss (12:32 PM)
Roger, I spoke with Dowling a bit in June and I didn't get the sense that he bulked up. But I know for certain he spent the entire offseason here in New England rehabbing and putting himself in the best possible position to succeed.
Rob (Borough of Manhattan)
Hi Mike! Do you think the Schiancoe visit suggests that Gronk's ankle might not be ready to go at the start of the season?
Mike Reiss (12:33 PM)
Rob, I don't read into the Shiancoe visit like that. I think Gronkowski will be ready to go when it matters most -- the regular-season opener. They might manage him a bit more carefully in camp, and perhaps that's where Shiancoe comes into play a bit.
Jim (Boca Raton)
Hey Mike! Cant wait til football STARTS!! Question about the practice squad. Late round draft picks like Ebner, Dennard, and Ebert have little chance of making the 53 man roster with the amount of depth BB and co. have acquired this offseason. How do they become eligible for the practice squad? Do they have to pass through waivers first? I think Dennard will make the team for what it's worth.
Mike Reiss (12:34 PM)
Yes, Jim, they do have to pass through waivers and any team can claim them. That's what we saw happen last season with TEs Lee Smith (claimed by Buffalo Bills) and Will Yeatman (claimed by Miami Dolphins). That hurt a bit.
DJ (Ann Arbor)
Mike, for me the story of the upcoming training camp is the depth of the roster and all the hard cuts that are going to have to be made. With so many guys who are better, or at least have more potential, than replacement players who are going to have to be cut, it seems like BB's hand is going to be forced. Three specific thoughts: (1) Fewer players make the roster for special teams (other than Slater). Can you really afford to keep Cole or Williams over Dennard, say, with the desperate need for cover corners these days? (2) Offensive personnel groups: Can the NEP really afford 3 TEs (who can't be Ventroned), 3 QBs, and a FB? I don't see how, unless they're prepared for painful cuts at WR and/or OL. I understand the hope that the QBs can be groomed as trade bait, but at what cost to roster depth?! (3) Youth versus veterans. With BB's focus on the future, I wouldn't be surprised to see some surprise cuts of veterans rather than give up on young guys who might have more upside down the road. Any broad brush thoughts about how the roster cuts might shake down?
Mike Reiss (12:37 PM)
Great stuff DJ. Seems like yesterday we were talking in the stands at Ford Field. Time flies. Like all your thoughts. The 3 QBs is what I'd focus on. It's just so dangerous to leave yourself thin with just 2. I think you have to keep 3, unless you've just lost belief in one of the backups or think you can get good value in a trade. The FB vs. TE thought was also interesting. Had similar thoughts. Something has to give. The final point would be that these things often have a way of working themselves out in camp (e.g. injuries).
Derrick (Bristol) [via mobile]
Any update on the jersey numbers of Sterling Moore and Joseph Addai? If Addai takes #29 then what number will Sterling Moore wear?
Mike Reiss (12:38 PM)
Derrick, both remain in No. 29 for now.
Connor (Kettering, England)
Hi Mike I'm going to the Pats vs Rams game at Wembley in October and was just wondering if ESPN Boston and yourself were going to be there and if they/you would be holding any events? Thanks
Mike Reiss (12:38 PM)
Yes, Connor, I am planning on being there. I look forward to meeting you. Hoping we can plan an informal tweet-up. Stay tuned.
Michael F (Moscow)
On a subject that's intrigued me throughout recent years. Many pundits would always laud the talents of Scott Pioli with his choices in Patriots drafts. It seemed to me, however, he got all the credit for his earlier choices ('03-'05) Wilfork, Mankins...and Belichik took the hit for drafting the Wheatley, Wilhite, Merriweather, and majority of the 2006 draft class which Pioli was responsible for as well. I understand about the 'hit & miss' and 'Brady 199th pick' factors but no one really delved into who was responsible for those past 'misses' and who should now be given credit for the recent improvement of draft talent.
Mike Reiss (12:42 PM)
Michael, my view is that all the picks from 2000-2012 have been Bill Belichick's, with meaningful contributions from Scott Pioli (2000-2008) and Nick Caserio (2009-present) in lead roles in the personnel department. I've always felt Belichick ran the draft room, but relied on Pioli, Caserio and the other scouts/personnel men for organization/opinion/analysis before making the final call himself.
CapeKarl (Cape Cod)
Any chance the Pats bring in another veteran running back after camp cut downs?
Mike Reiss (12:42 PM)
I'd be surprised at that one right now, CapeKarl. Maybe if there was an injury situation.
Sean M Martin (Plymouth)
IMO Welker is replaceable. New England's best player in TE 2009 playoff loss to Baltimore was Edelman. What are the chances that: Welker is tagged again, then traded for (a) pick(s), and Edelman becomes the number one slot guy? Or do we simply draft someone?
Mike Reiss (12:45 PM)
Sean, varying opinion on Edelman among our chatters. I still believe he has a future at WR; just needs more opportunity. One thing to keep in mind, his contract expires after this season as well. A tag-and-trade of Welker, similar to what the Patriots did with Matt Cassel (2009) and Tebucky Jones (2003) is always a possibility in 2013, but I'd rate it as a longshot. As for the future of the slot position, Welker/Edelman/Jeremy Ebert the top candidates right now. Some say Hernandez, but while I think he helps in the middle of the field, I see his skill set in a bit different light.
Zack (Milton, GA)
Mike,What should we be looking for going into rookie training camp? What should we expect to see from the rookies?
Mike Reiss (12:46 PM)
Zack, the things that interest me: 1) Defense. Do we notice anything different and how are the young guys fitting in?; 2) Offensive line. How is it all coming together?; 3) What Devin McCourty will we get?; 4) Who takes the ball at RB?; 5) Health of key players (Gronk, Vollmer, Mankins). Those are just a few...
keith (Ohio)
Is that WR drafted from Ohio still on the team? Does he play any?
Mike Reiss (12:47 PM)
Keith, Taylor Price is now with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
brian (ct)
Hi Mike, what's your take on Matt Light joining your team at ESPN?
Mike Reiss (12:48 PM)
Fired up, Brian. First of all, great guy to me and I really respect what he's done with some of his off-field work. It's actually sparked me to try to do my own small part for some causes that have changed our lives (more details on this in the coming weeks/months). Second, the possibility to tap the knowledge of Matt, along with Tedy Bruschi, dramatically increases my understanding of what is happening on the field.
Dots (Candy)
Mike... did you forget about me? Jellybeans?!?!?!
Mike Reiss (12:49 PM)
Is that you, Jim? While I'm a fan of the Dots, I have to confess, Jelly Belly's at No. 1 on the depth chart.
Tom (Miami)
Mike, wouldn't Welker pulling a 'Ray Allen' fly in the face of the negotiations that just took place? He won't find any better situation in which to win a title... I say it comes down to money and years, which is hard to begrudge a player with a limited shelf life.
Mike Reiss (12:51 PM)
Tom, you could definitely say it would, but when emotions get involved anything is possible. Sometimes it becomes a matter of respect for players.
Mike Reiss (12:51 PM)
P.S. -- And while respect is often in the form of money, if it comes one year later than desired, perhaps that changes the dynamic.
Gary (No VA)
It seems to me Arrington was better in the slot last year and Sterling Moore seemed more comfortable on the outside. Assuming McCourty and Dowling also play the outside, who else do you see as having potential to play the slot?
Mike Reiss (12:52 PM)
Arrington, Allen, Dennard, Cole the slot guys that seem to fit best based on what we've seen to this point.
mike, brady is getting older but still playing great is his age a concern for the patriots this season
Mike Reiss (12:53 PM)
I don't think so, Alex. Looks like the same old Brady, based on what we've seen to this point.
Matt (Bristol CT)
Penalty flag, Mike: You missed answering Dan (Leominster)'s question.
Jim (Boston)
You posted Dan from Leominster's question but didnt post an answer
Mike Reiss (12:54 PM)
It is showing up for me. Not you?
Coach Belichick (Nantucket?)
Please tell Herm Edwards at ESPN that I don't need any advice from him on how to motivate my players. The last thing I'm telling them is we need to finish the SB off this year, that was last year, we're on to Week 1 and TEN. If he had any idea how to coach he'd be on the sidelines somewhere not wearing my hoodie in front of a camera!
Mike Reiss (12:54 PM)
Bill, call me when you get off the V Rings boat. I want to chat :)
Tom (Miami)
Also, regarding a Meet-And-Greet in December for the Fins game, I suggest the Village Grill in Ft. Lauderdale... it's a huge Boston Sports hangout.
Mike Reiss (12:55 PM)
Thanks Tom. I'm going to try to reach out to all of our chatters/mailbaggers for suggestions like this over the course of the season. It's going to be fun.
Bob (Austin,TX)
hi Mike. Last year Big Vince played almost 85% of the snaps. With the new additions on the D, how much time do you think Vince will be on the field, and what might be the breakdown of down and distance, Pats being ahead, etc?
Mike Reiss (12:58 PM)
Bob, that's a really tough one to answer, but a good one. I think they would want to bring that number down a bit. We know he can do it all, but picking their spots with him a bit more seems like smart business. In terms of what situations, I wouldn't lock it into a down and distance, or scoreboard situation at this point. I'd look at it from the perspective of seeing what else you have available to you on the roster that week -- what are those players' strengths, weaknesses -- and go from there.
Matt (Bristol CT)
OK, the Dan (Leominster) answer is showing up for me now. Flag on me. (My computer's having some minor problems with reading the chat.)
Mike Reiss (12:58 PM)
Thanks Matt. That's why we have preseason. No need to throw the flag. The officials aren't coming to camp for another week!
Mike Reiss (12:58 PM)
Let's go for another 5...
Phil (Wrentham)
Mike,Regarding the Welker situation, if the Pats are paying for future performance, then that performance should be defined.That would make it fair for both the team and the player. If the player is paid based on the average of the top 5 at the position,it seems that the expectation should be based on the performance of the top 5 (with Welker's performance not included). At the end of the season, an adjustment should be made based on whether the player exceeds or fails to meet the original expectation of performance. Do you know if this ever happens. I know this is a simple example that does not consider serious injuries and other complications.
Mike Reiss (1:02 PM)
If I'm following you right, Phil, the idea is that a player's contract could be adjusted upward or downward based on performance. Almost like having an adjutable rate loan? No such contract truly exists, although the presence of incentives in a contract creates a little bit of that dyanamic. Also, a team can approach a player to reduce his contract if it has plans to cut him. The player might agree, or might not.
cody (foxboro)
I heard that Andre Carter would want to be paid like a pro bowler that he was. What would the price be to re-sign him and would it have to be a multi-year contract?
Mike Reiss (1:02 PM)
I'd be surprised if that's accurate, Cody. I think Carter will play this year (assuming good health) and I think he knows he won't get a Pro Bowl contract. Not given his injury situation at this point.
Tron (Waltham, MA)
Hey Mike, So excited for training camp to begin! Do you think you will continue to report on the one-on-one drills? I thought your reports were a great indicator as to which pass rushers were really going to excel for the team (if I recall correctly both Andre Carter and Mark Anderson did well in these drills). As for my question, I'm a little surprised Mike Rodak only gave Alfonso Dennard a 45% chance at making the roster. All the media written scouting reports I've read note that Dennard is a very solid player with skills close to those of his former teammate Prince Amukamara. Would you assess his chances similarly or should I just wait a couple weeks and find out for myself?
Mike Reiss (1:05 PM)
Thanks Tron. We will continue to report on those one-on-one drills because they are some of the best competition in camp. That's where I first became high on Anderson. On Dennard, we touched on it a bit earlier in the chat. It's a weird dynamic, because a seventh-round pick is no given. At the same time, Dennard has good name recognition. I'd put the number a bit higher, maybe closer to 75 percent, but that's the fun of it. It's just an opinion. Mike Rodak's track record is solid (e.g. Meriweather cut).
Neil (South Boston)
I respectfully disagree with your colleague, Mike Rodak, on Dennard having a low probability of making the 53-man roster. In my mind, he's a solid infusion of youth and talent for a unit that ultimately had Julian Edelman taking reps. I understand the thought that Cole & Williams have an edge in special teams, but I think the Pats will get key contributions from other players on the roster in that area (Ebner?), thus opening a spot for Dennard.
Mike Reiss (1:05 PM)
Thanks Neil. You're not alone. This is going to be a fun one to follow.
Mike, am I the only one terrified about our offensive line situation? If Mankins and Waters are out of the picture, at least at the start of the year, do we have the depth to keep Brady upright?
Mike Reiss (1:07 PM)
AM, I think it's a fair concern. At the same time, if we look at all the top teams, I think they have some similar questions along the o-line. Baltimore. Yes. Houston. Yes. Pittsburgh. Yes. ... This is not an exception. Overall, I think there is enough depth to get by. My bigger question would be the Light-to-Solder transition. I think Solder is capable, but Light played very well last year.
porterjax333 (Jacksonville)
Mike. Are you available for autographs before games? I'll be at the Jags game with my Sharpie!!
Mike Reiss (1:07 PM)
Let's catch up in December as that game gets closer. Maybe a tweet-up or something the day before?
Frank (Chi)
Any word on the plan for Ryan Mallet or how he is doing behind the scenes? Seems like he could have been a steal for the Pats where he could become the starter after Brady... or they can can valuable assets for him in a trade?
Mike Reiss (1:09 PM)
Frank, this is one of the things I'm also very interested to watch in camp. High expectations for Mallett. He has that cannon. He can really throw the ball. My sense is that he's still trying to put all the other stuff together (e.g. mental, footwork etc.). To me, this remains an unknown.
Dave (Newton, MA)
How concerning is Dennard's legal issue for the team? Could he possibly face jail time?
Mike Reiss (1:10 PM)
Dave, with the trial pushed back to December, I think the concern is delayed. I'm not as familiar with the specifics as I should be, so I don't have the answer to the second question. Apologies.
Wayne (MA) [via mobile]
Carter called Hightower a "beast". Can you see him develop into a Ray Lewis type player?
Mike Reiss (1:11 PM)
That comment stood out to me, too, Wayne. I think anything is possible for Hightower, a player Bill Belichick has already compared to Mike Vrabel in terms of his potential versatility and smarts.
mpc12pats (Work)
My browser is all over the place too for what it's worth. I'm getting duplicate answers and out of order answers. Thought it was just me...
Mike Reiss (1:11 PM)
Bummer. Same for everyone else too?
Derek (Orlando)
What could be another reason why the pats are loading up on TE's? Maybe trading Hernandez while his stock his high? It just seems like they're bringing in a bunch of well known, good players at that position.
Mike Reiss (1:13 PM)
Derek, I think the Super Bowl reminder is a painful one. Gronk less than 100 percent and they had to reshape the offense. It's almost as if Belichick is saying, "I'm never going to let that happen again." Also, tough position to find. Can never have enough depth.
Jimmy (Dublin)
Hi Mike. Every year we see a few teams with these young rookie defenders with high motors making huge contributions. Of the rookies on D this year, who do you see getting "starter" type playing time and making that kind of contribution? Hightower? Jones? Bequette? Wilson?
Mike Reiss (1:14 PM)
Jimmy, we know they were in sub 63 percent of the time in the regular season and I see all of them as potential contributors in sub. So the playtime numbers could be high for all four if they are healthy. Bequette is one I have a little more question on, just because I've heard mixed things from scouts.
Gary (No VA)
Had to refresh a few times to get it right.
DJ (Ann Arbor)
Yeah, wonky chat today. When I refreshed page I found missing and out-of-order answers, though.
Mike Reiss (1:15 PM)
Good thing it's preseason. If this was the regular season, there would be fines and suspensions.
Robert Everts (New York, New York)
Based on Shane Vereen and Steven Ridley's potential, what two backs in the league could you see them turning into?
Mike Reiss (1:15 PM)
Great question, Robert, so let's end on it. You're testing me and I want to take a quick moment to scan some depth charts before answering. Start the play-clock...
Mike Reiss (1:18 PM)
Vereen (5-9, 205) = speed, sudden. I'm going to aim high for him. I'm not saying he will become this player, but the body type and potential is there to put him in the "possibly similar" category. Ray Rice (5-8, 212).
Mike Reiss (1:18 PM)
Again, Rice has done a lot in this league, and I'm not saying Vereen will become Rice. But I see some similarities.
Mike Reiss (1:19 PM)
As for Ridley, can we re-start the play clock?
Mike Reiss (1:19 PM)
As for Ridley, can we re-start the play clock?
Mike Reiss (1:24 PM)
Ridley (5-11, 220). Combination of speed, power. A bit bigger. Was initially thinking McFadden (6-2, 210), but backed off. How about the Saints' Pierre Thomas (5-11, 215). Ridley probably with some more upside, but Thomas a very good player.
Mike Reiss (1:24 PM)
Thanks to everyone for anotehr great chat. Went a little overtime today. Appreciate all the participation. Will try to circle back tomorrow on our Patriots blog and answer some more.
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We lock up too many people
By Toni Preckwinkle, President of the Cook County Board of Commissioners. Originally published in the April 2, 2013 edition of ChicagoTribune.com
As new policing strategies and legislation are being considered to address gun violence in Chicago, decisions can't be made solely through the lens of police response. Instead, they should be viewed through the broader scope of our justice system and the cost to individuals, families, communities and taxpayers.
The Chicago Police Department policing strategy has drawn attention to a fundamental weakness in Cook County's justice system.
Chicago is applying an approach commonly referred to as a broken windows strategy, in which police officers focus on minor offenses to prevent more serious ones from occurring. Chicago plans to allow police to arrest people who fail to pay tickets for public drunkenness or gambling, in an attempt to change behavior and make neighborhoods safer.
This strategy worked in New York City without crippling the public safety system because Bronx and Kings Counties do not unnecessarily hold people when they are charged with nonviolent offenses. The arrest removes the person from the street but does not lead to prolonged detention at great financial and human cost.
Chicago is not New York. And Cook County is not Kings County.
Click here to read the rest of "We lock up too many people".
1 Response
We not lock up people long enough. Too many people are arrested over and over again. We need to enforce the three strikes rule. Lock them up for ever.
The cost of repeat offenders is too high.
In the case of politicians they need to be locked up for twice as long as any other person convicted of the same offense.


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Fidelity Title & Escrow is awesome! They not only donated turkeys to our local KCOY-TV annual turkey drive, but also presented a check for the $500 they collected! Thank you to all the great escrow and title officers, assistants, sales reps and staff in our local Fidelity office — speaking for our local Realtor® community, which I have the audacity to do, we are grateful for all of you, and the great job you do for us and our clients all year long!
Local Escrow Company Gives Back!
The URI to TrackBack this entry is: https://dannbartley.wordpress.com/2011/11/22/local-escrow-company-gives-back/trackback/


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Lil Wayne's lawsuit over the beat for his Bobby V-assisted 2008 hit "Mrs. Officer" has taken a turn for the worse. Now, the plaintiff Michael "Mali Boy" Bradford has enlisted the aid of an expert musicologist to testify in his case against the Young Money rapper.
Bradford filed the suit back in January 2009 claiming that he had originally made the beat five years prior to its release. Producer Deezle had apparently reworked the beat, originally titled "Popeye," for Wayne's Tha Carter III and received all of the credit for its production.
Now, Bradford has hired Dr. Felicia M. Miyakawa of Middle Tennessee State University to testify on his behalf as an expert witness in musicology. Miyakawa, an Associate Professor of Musicology and Assistant Director of the MTSU School of Music, compared Deezle and Bradford's versions of the song and says that there is enough similarity to bring the suit to court.
"Hip-Hop producers have become adept at reducing samples to smaller and smaller chunks of sound and reordering sampled bits so that the source material will be unrecognizable," she wrote. "But if random V103 audience members can hear these striking similarities, clearly the producer of 'Mrs. Officer' did not hide the source material and in particular the riffs - adequately. Further, these riffs are the most identifiable parts of a larger groove that establishes the identity of a previously copyrighted song."
AllHipHop has also provided a musical chart highlghting the similarities bewtween the two songs.
Bradford isn't the only person suing Weezy for "Mrs. Officer." Apparently, Deezle is also suing Weezy F. for $2.5 million worth of royalties for the very same song.


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Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation
(As delivered remarks)
Good morning. I'd like to open by giving a special thanks to INCIPE for organizing this conference, which addresses one of the most pressing security issues the world currently faces. It's a pleasure to be invited to speak to you and to participate on this panel along with Miguel, Gonzalo, and Oleg.
As you know, our three nations currently lead the efforts of the 82 country Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism. Russia and the United States serve as the Co-Chairs of this initiative, while Spain has stepped into the newly-created leadership role of Implementation and Assessment Group Coordinator. We could not have asked for a more committed and engaged partner to lead this important new arm of the Global Initiative. All of us in the GICNT applaud Spain for its sustained leadership in nonproliferation across a broad range of activities, and in nuclear security in particular.
The United States considers the use of a nuclear device by a non-state actor one of the most grave threats facing the world. The starting point of this threat is terrorism itself. Along with the well-recognized "globalization" of many human activities, the last two decades have shown a shift from concrete and geographically specific terrorist threats toward the growth of less centralized but highly motivated and highly capable terrorist networks operating in all regions of the world. Although most terrorist groups rely on traditional means, almost any of them would use weapons of mass destruction if they acquired them, and al-Qa'ida has clearly demonstrated interest in nuclear weapons. This "demand factor" is of greater concern in light of problematic nuclear activities in nations such as Iran and North Korea and known instances of nuclear smuggling, creating a potential point of intersection between proliferators of knowledge and materials, and those terrorist actors ready and willing to put them to use.
Finally, the threat is shaped by the nuclear technology itself. The most dangerous end of the spectrum, nuclear devices, requires a critical mass of fissionable material, a chokepoint that provides a critical handle to deal with the issue that does not exist in other areas of WMD terrorism. On the other hand, there are surprisingly large amounts of fissile material in many locations not all of which are under the best security, and the technical capability to employ such material in a device is now much more diffuse.
And these limits are even less present at the other end of the nuclear terrorism spectrum, radiological dispersal devices, RDDs or "dirty bombs". Unlike a nuclear device, RDD assembly requires much less expertise and no fissile nuclear material; a terrorist could package radiological material -- that is more widely available and mostly used in medical or construction applications -- with conventional explosives to scatter radiological debris over a wide area. While this certainly poses less of a hazard than a nuclear device, it would still require significant decontamination and cleanup activities, and would generate substantial panic and fear which is why RDDs are commonly referred to as "weapons of mass disruption".
It is impossible to know the likelihood of a terrorist nuclear event. There are simply too many factors at play, but I think what we can all agree on is that a) the risk is there; b) it affects all countries both directly and indirectly; and c) our focus and energy should be directed towards what we can do to thwart the ambitions of potential nuclear terrorists.
Which brings me to the reason that we're all here today; what specific actions can the concerned international community, take to combat this threat? From our viewpoint, the answer lies in implementing President Obama's vision for a world without nuclear weapons, including strong multilateral engagement and an extraordinary level of effort to address comprehensively the shared threat of nuclear terrorism.
To that end, the President announced a four-year effort to secure all vulnerable material worldwide, and hosted a Nuclear Security Summit in April 2010 with leaders from 47 nations as well as the United Nations, the International Atomic Energy Agency, and the European Union. All present endorsed a Summit Work Plan and Joint Communiqué, pledging to strengthen nuclear security and reduce the threat of nuclear terrorism.
And that's where real gains will be made, through the forging of partnerships, because no one nation can adequately address the global threat posed by transnational terrorism. We must bolster existing institutions such as the International Atomic Energy Agency and the United Nations, to ensure that these organizations continue to have the appropriate structure, resources, and expertise needed to carry out nuclear security-related activities.
And we also need to enhance the efforts of the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism and the G-8-led Global Partnership Against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction to share expertise and best practices so that all nations can build and enhance their organic capabilities to effectively prevent and respond to incidents of nuclear trafficking.
In conclusion, nuclear terrorism is a high-consequence global threat we are heartened to see that the international community has recognized and has begun seriously to grapple with. The outcomes of the Nuclear Security Summit and the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty Review Conference, as well as UN Security Council Resolution 1540 before that, show a real commitment. It's now up to us to move down the path together – Spain, the U.S., Russia, and all responsible nations -- and use the tools at our disposal, tools like the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism, to build and enhance our individual and collective capabilities to combat nuclear terrorism. And I look forward to the discussion of that topic in the next panel.
Thank you once again to INCIPE for bringing us together to discuss this important topic.
Short URL: http://m.state.gov/md152447.htm


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My goal was to create the most neutral, pure type forms and have their aesthetic interest be derived from their use by other designers. When I was young I dreamed of transforming the world with my vision of simplicity. In my own way, I think I accomplished that.
I view the web as simply part of the larger technology experience, so I would consider my first encounter to be the Atari 2600.
I feel very fortunate having experienced the transformation of technology from the beginning.
Perspective lends appreciation of the past despite technical limitations and a more pragmatic view of current trends.
Technology will always get "better" in terms of resolution and speed, but that doesn't mean the experience will be superior.
I am known for Miniml fonts, vector-based pixel fonts that would display aliased in Flash.
I couldn't stand how small fonts were rendered, anti-aliased and illegible, and I didn't think using images for text was an elegant solution, so I started experimenting to solve this issue.
I'm a truth to media designer so to me the pixel is the atom of our digital experience.
My goal was to create the most neutral, pure type forms and have their aesthetic interest be derived from their use by other designers. When I was young I dreamed of transforming the world with my vision of simplicity. In my own way, I think I accomplished that.
I would like to thank the following for contributing to the realization of this dream: Fourm - JD Hooge, Ty Lettau and Erik Natzke for the inspiration. Phillip Torrone for spreading the word and being ahead of the times regarding the importance of mobile.
That approach has also guided what jobs fit my personality as I thrive in environments where I have sole creative control and do work that benefits the arts or non-profits.
"Cool" projects do nothing for me. Work that other established designers would consider "beneath them", is what I love doing best, as long as it is serving the greater good.
That's why working as Art Director for the Peck School of the Arts at UW-Milwaukee for seven years was a great fit. I was able to work for one of the best people in the world, Polly Morris, while helping promote the amazing, under-rated arts scene of Milwaukee.
Polly left UW-M to direct the Lynden Sculpture Garden, where I soon followed doing projects for them during my move to Florida. Why Florida? The Wisconsin winters really cut into my beach time. So now I live right by Siesta Beach, the best beach in the United States.
My continued good fortune following me to the Sunshine State.
Within a month of moving, I found an amazing job working for the Sarasota Y.
I'm involved with all their creative needs from top to bottom and I couldn't be happier working for an organization that does so much good for our community with youth shelters, fostering/adoption services, education programs and so much more.
What's next? I have no idea. But as long as I'm happy with the why, I'm not worried about the what.


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All I can say is WOW!! I hope he turns around and goes right back!!! :mad:
Printable View
All I can say is WOW!! I hope he turns around and goes right back!!! :mad:
with any luck it will eat nancy p.:)
Sad, but I can't say I'm very surprised. It's just a matter of time if they stay protected, delisted and they continue to introduce them most if not all the the other states in the USA will see similar sightings very soon as well.
Very sad, especially since we are just now starting to get our Elk herds back. If the wolf is brought back to California, the Deer will for sure have no chance. Mountain Lion plus Wolf equals no deer. No control of either lions or wolves would devastate an already fragile deer and elk population in our state.
Wow. Every western state is going to suffer with this invsetation!
S S S Don't need to say much more.
Yep its a pretty sad thing especially for this state as mentioned in earlier posts where elk and deer herds are fragile and its pretty sad when they interview a worker in outdoor shop behind a gun counter and stands up for the wolve instead of mentiong and talking about how this could affect hunting in this state but thats just me standing on my soap box saying he should've said something but he couldve and the news just edited it out
I'm not a rancher but I'd imagine they are not all that happy about it as well. Once the wolves start coming in packs, California's 10 billion dollar a year livestock industry could be decimated as well. The federal government currently pays for wolf compensation for wolf related livestock loss and 10 states received a bit over a million dollars last year but California was not one of them. One has to wonder how much longer the feds will continue to pay for wolf livestock loss when wolves continue to spread throughout the USA.
You are right on the money. Ca. will embrace the wolves and protect them like they do mtn. lions. The animal rights wacko's and tree hugger's will be peeing all over themselves. We don't have the herds that can sustain more pressure than the already have from lions,coyotes and even bears not mention car collision mortality. The way the article was written sounds like a wolve lover. They down played the damage to livestock and in their own habitat kills. Wonder if they have read any news from Id., Mt., or Wy. lately ? 3S tags my azz. Leave them lay.
Good luck with this one California. Welcome to thunderdome...


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Well if it wasn't official before it certainly is now. Ian Somerhalder and Nikki Reed are very much together and seem to be getting super serious.
The two have been flaunting their new romance all around LA. They've been working out with their dogs and going to the Farmers Market, which seems to be their favorite activity/date. This weekend Nikki and Ian treated us to a series of PDA filled outings.
First the "love birds" got a little cosy at where else? The Farmers Market. They definitely have the "couple thing" going for them considering they are coordinating their outfits already. Both wore matching grey shirts. Ian casually had his arm around Nikki's waist at one point. They kept it pretty "tame" until later.
After the Farmers Market rendezvous they hopped on over to the Teen Choice Awards were we caught them in a long passionate embrace! Nikki and Ian were snapped with their arms wrapped around each other and appear to be kissing. The angle is a little weird so I can't tell if they are actually making out or if it's just a kiss on the cheek. Either way I do not need to see this because it is absolutely crushing my dreams of Ian and I ending up together. I'm sure it's ruining everyone else's too.
As for taking their relationship to the next level. Ian and Nikki have a new edition to their, uh, family? Ian Instagrammed a pic a few days ago of the new "baby boy" he and Nikki recently adopted. Before all you Ian lovers get too depressed, it's not actually a baby but a horse named Eagle. Still, getting a pet together is a big step and could prove that this relationship is more serious then we first thought.
I'm still hoping this is just a summer fling because I don't think I can handle this anymore. I miss single Ian, I still had hope for us then…
Launch the gallery to see more pics of Ian and Nikki's PDA filled weekend.


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Outsource sales and marketing firm GEM PTY (Global Events Marketing) use their knowledge of brand awareness to identify how even small brands can become superstars.
Brand awareness and reputation should be very important to every business. Initially, offering good customer service and having a good reputation, will create a loyal customer base ensuring that the brand will do well.
A study by agency Leo Burnett wanted to look further into why certain brands are so popular, and how failing brands can increase popularity.
GEM Pty suggest many marketers believe that brand popularity relates only to how many products are sold but the study found that there is more to it than just sales figures. Popularity is not easy to maintain. The study analysed 5,000 responses to popularity and brand attributes of 50 FMCG brands. Based on these attributes and popularity scores the study was able to divide the brands into four categories: superstars, rising starts, settled greats and former glories.
The study demonstrates the journey towards brand popularity and highlights the different elements that drive brands to success:
- Affinity: Measure by customer responses such as trust, having an emotional connection, brand empathy and appreciation of quality.
- Visibility: The notion that a brand is everywhere, both in physical distribution and mental recall of advertising.
- Differentiation: Based on personality, such as whether a brand is fun, quirky, up to date and innovative.
- Integrity: Whether honesty and transparency are associated with the brand.
- Longevity: Long-established brands that adults may recall using in childhood.
Brands must focus on their overall message and values before they decide where in the market they belong and which above element best suits.
Superstars – such as Ben & Jerry's, Magners and Müller – have high popularity and great momentum, while brands such as Green & Black's, Gü and Innocent are deemed rising stars because, despite good momentum, they have low popularity scores. Meanwhile, Andrex, Dairylea, Heinz Tomato Ketchup, McCain and Walkers are settled greats with high popularity but low momentum while brands in the category of former glory include Bovril, Jammie Dodgers, Marmite, Ski Yoghurts and Twinings – all of which have low momentum and low popularity.
Those in the rising star category say, "We don't advertise. We do a small amount of social media but it has little impact on what we do. The most important communication method that we have is packaging and making sure that the brand is available at as many places as consumers want to consume it."
Whereas, settled greats say, "TV and radio are a great way of engaging with our consumers, generating scale, awareness and emotional connection to the brand."
The leading drivers in the study were found to be affinity and visibility, responsible for two-thirds of brands' scores. But the full set of drivers must be juggles successfully if brands want to achieve, and maintain a spot in the superstar category and remain most popular.
GEM PTY is a marketing agency that specialise in customer acquisition. The firm use direct marketing and face-to-face marketing techniques to ensure their clients' services/products are reflected in the most positive light. By providing a high level of customer service and professionalism they are able to represent their clients to the highest standards. This high level of service ensures a positive response, longevity, brand awareness, customer retention and encourages a positive reputation for their clients.


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Welcome Andy! (that's easier to type out!)
Explore the Mapping Software list in the Software Forum, check out the tutorials forum for lots of lessons on map-making, post maps early on, no matter "how bad you think they are" and let us do C&C and get you going in the right direction.


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The Digital Commons Network brings together scholarship from hundreds of universities and colleges (including La Salle University), providing open access to peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, dissertations, working papers, conference proceedings, and other original scholarly work. This constantly growing body of publications is curated by university librarians and their supporting institutions, and represents thousands of disciplines and subject areas—from Architecture to Zoology.
The intuitive interface invites you to explore discipline-specific Commons, where you can view and follow popular authors, institutions, and publications in your field. And you'll never run into pay walls or empty records, because only full-text, open-access research and scholarship are included in the network.
This network of research commons continues to grow thanks to the contributions of researchers, librarians, faculty, and students who believe that scholarship is a community enterprise.
Interested in Global Business? Take a look at CaseBase! Each volume of CaseBase includes new case studies expertly crafted to be challenging yet accessible, providing value to professors, students and businesspeople alike. Focused on issues in emerging markets and emerging industries across the globe, this new ongoing series is both timely and provocative. Each case presents a unique challenge for the student of business to explore.
Read more about it here.
ebrary Academic Complete gives our patrons access to over 80,000 authoritative e-books in a wide range of subject areas, along with powerful tools to help them find, use, and manage the information they need. Conduct your research on the computer, or try our mobile apps for Nook, Android, and for iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch! You can download chapters, but not the whole book to Kindle (because Kindle does not use Adobe Digital Editions.)
You can find ebrary books by searching directly on the ebrary platform (it is available from the Database List). You will also find ebrary books when you are searching Summon as they are all searchable there as well. Eventually they will also be loaded into the Connelly Library catalog.
Need help? Check out this LibGuide: http://guides.lasalle.edu/ebrary
The LibGuide will give you instructions on searching, navigating and downloading. It includes a short training video. There are also instructions on the ebrary homepage itself.
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William, the eldest son of Richard senior and Ellen, was baptised at Pickhill on 12th June 1661.In July 1684 he married Elizabeth -- of Aynderby, a marriage that was followed by the birth of ten children, or more likely nine. The Ann registered at Knaresborough in 1700 was entered merely as the daughter of William Daggitt and perhaps did not belong to the family that was pretty consistently in Pickhill or its neighbour, Kirby Wiske.
A Richard Daggett of Kirby Wiske appears in the Yorkshire Poll Book of 1741, so one of the two Richards there at the time must have been fairly wealthy or influential. The child following Ann was Thomas "son of William and Elizabeth Daggett of Maunby" and was baptised at Kirby Wiske on 9th January 1701. (Ann had been baptised on 30 November 1700, so, unless her baptism had been delayed some time after her birth, it does look as though she was part of a different family altogether.) Now Maunby is a hamlet in the parish of Kirby Wiske and just across the River Swale from Pickhill. When he was 27 Thomas married Elizabeth Dickinson in 1728 in Knaresborough, where he settled. They had three children, after which Elizabeth died the next year, in early October 1732. Six months later Thomas remarried, to Ann Lowery at the end of March 1733. They had one child, Elizabeth, born in February 1733/34, and Ann died in the middle of 1736. After his unhappy experiences, Thomas waited three years before marrying for a third time, this time to Elizabeth Jackman. Their three children included Mary, who died in infancy; Richard who died at the age of seven; and Thomas who lived until he was only 24. He was a currier by trade, like his father, and he married Mary Bowers by licence in February 1769. They had a daughter Elizabeth baptised on 29 June 1770 at Knaresborough, but she lived for only three years. Thomas himself died when she was only six months old, leaving no further issue.
We now return to the 1arge family of which the first Thomas was a member. He had a brother William who was ten years his senior and who had been introduced as "son of William Daggett junior of Roxby" when he was baptised in September 1691. He in his turn became known as junior, but he also had other nicknames. We were surprised and amused to come across the statement in the Pickhill registers that, in October 1727, Ann had been baptised "the daughter of Lord Dagget" : Other references to this William are in the Pickhill registers. In 1731 we learn that "The visitation was held this year at Richmond May 18. Mr.Christopher Wilson of Ainderby and Mr.William Daggett, alias Major, were chosen Churchwardens good men and true."
In 1736 "The visitation was held by the Commissary at Richmond May 4th 1736. Mr.Peter Kilvington and Lord Daggett were chosen Churchwardens for the current year." And in 1738 "Churchwardens Mr.William Raper junior of Hoome and Mr.William Dagget junior alias Major."
Major and minor are terms used nowadays to signify differences in age, but "major" would be contradicted by "junior" in the third of these examples. Major can also be used, like magnus, to denote physical size. Could the term have had any military significance at that period?
William married Anne Willey at Pickhill in February 1715 by whom he had four children over the next twelve years. The first, another William, died after a few months. A daughter Jane born in 1723 suffered the same fate.
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Hi guys,
ZCS been great! Been using for almost a year already. Now that redhat have released RHEL5, just wondering when zimbra will start to support it and also will RHEL4 will no longer be supported in coming years.
Will be glad if I can know what zimbra planning is..


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Carlton W. Gravatt of Columbus, passed away, Monday, June 9, 2014 at Samaritan Hospice in Mount Holly. He was 92.
He was born April 27, 1922 on the family farm in Allentown.
During World War II, he served his country in the U.S. Army Air Force, reaching the rank of Sergeant.
Carlton loved his family, hunting, bowling, and antique cars. In 2013 a commemoration of the family farm's 100th anniversary was celebrated. This was the highlight of his lifelong love of farming. Most recently he drove cars at the Manheim Auto Auction.
Carlton was a member of Hightstown American Legion Post #148, the Antique Car Club of America and the NJ Farm Bureau. He was a past chairman of the Upper Freehold Board of Adjustments and a former director of Farmers Co-op of Trenton. At one time he was a registered Holstein breeder and active in many dairy organizations. Carlton was also a member of the Chesterfield Baptist Church.
Son of the late Vernon and Anna Gravatt; and brother of the late Kenneth Gravatt; Carlton is survived by his wife of 68 years, Barbara; a daughter and son-in-law, Lynn and Michael Ameser; three sons and daughters-in-law, Alan and Margaret, Roger and Linda and Bruce and Shannon Gravatt; six grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Friends and family may call from 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, June 12 at the Peppler Funeral Home, 114 So. Main St., Allentown. Funeral service and entombment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Carlton's name to the Chesterfield Baptist Church, 209 Matthews Lane, Chesterfield, NJ 08515, or to Samaritan Hospice, 5 Eves Drive, Suite 300, Marlton, NJ 08053. Peppler Funeral Home