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Suffolk, ss. Division of Administrative Law Appeals
Roger Murphy,
v. Docket No. CR-08-248
State Board of Retirement,
Appearance for Petitioner:
Roger Murphy, for himself
6 Winthrop Street
Lynn, MA 01904
Appearance for Respondent:
Crystal Chow, Esq.
State Board of Retirement
One Ashburton Place, Room 1219
Boston, MA 02108
Administrative Magistrate:
Bonney Cashin
Roger Murphy timely appeals, pursuant to G.L. c. 32, § 16 (4), the March 28, 2008 decision of the State Board of Retirement to exclude payments to him for part-time employment with the City of Boston as regular compensation for the purpose of calculating his retirement allowance.
Mr. Murphy requested that his appeal be decided based on written submissions in accordance with 801 CMR 1.01 (10) (c); and the parties agreed to waive a hearing. On July 23, 2008, I ordered the parties to submit stipulations of fact, written arguments and proposed exhibits by August 22, 2008. They filed a joint stipulation of facts and a set of agreed-upon exhibits on August 21, 2008. The State Board of Retirement filed written argument on that same date.
The following documents are in evidence:
Exhibit 1: Letter from Kimberly Ransom dated December 27, 2007 with attached
employee earnings report.
Exhibit 2: Letter from Mr. Murphy to State Board of Retirement dated
December 31, 2007.
Exhibit 3: Letter from Kimberly Ransom dated January 7, 2008.
Exhibit 4: Letter from Mr. Murphy to State Board of Retirement dated
February 28, 2008.
Exhibit 5: Letter from State Board of Retirement to Mr. Murphy, dated March 28,
Exhibit 6: Appeal letter dated April 10, 2008.
I accept the joint stipulation of facts filed by the parties on August 21, 2008. Accordingly, I adopt verbatim the following facts as stipulated by the parties, with my additions as noted in brackets:
1. Mr. Murphy, whose date of birth is October 20, 1947, is employed at the Department of Unemployment Assistance ("DUA") as a Revenue Enforcement Supervisor. He has been a member of the State Employees' Retirement System ("SERS") since March 31, 1974 to present.
2. Mr. Murphy began employment for the Boston Public Schools as a part time Hotline Worker, since July 7, 2004 to June 30, 2008. He was not a member of the Boston Retirement System during this time [because he worked fewer than 20 hours each week. Letter filed by Mr. Murphy dated June 9, 2008.]
3. Mr. Murphy was making contributions to an OBRA-Aetna Company through the Boston Public Schools. He did not make any contributions to the Boston Retirement Board or the State Board of Retirement from his part-time salary as a Hotline Worker.
4. On December 27, 2007, the Board received a letter from Ms. Kimberly Ransom, Principal Account Clerk at Boston Public Schools, with enclosed report of Mr. Murphy's earning from his Hotline position.
5. By letter dated December 31, 2007, Mr. Murphy made a request to the Board [of Retirement] seeking his earnings from his part-time employment be used as creditable service and including with his earnings from DUA for purposes of calculating his retirement benefits.
6. By letter dated February 28, 2008, Mr. Murphy again requested to the Board [of Retirement] that his wages from his part-time employment from the City of Boston be included with his DUA wages for purposes of calculating his retirement benefits.
7. At its March 27, 2008 Board meeting, the Board [of Retirement] met and voted to deny Mr. Murphy's request and so notified him by letter, dated March 28, 2008.
8. On April 10, 2008, Mr. Murphy appealed the Board [of Retirement's] decision to the Contributory Retirement Appeal Board ("CRAB") and CRAB referred the matter to the Division of Administrative Law Appeals ("DALA") for a hearing.
9. On June 9, 2008, Mr. Murphy requested to waive his hearing and have the matter determined by written submission.
Mr. Murphy may not use his compensation as a hot-line worker to increase his benefits from the SERS for his work with the DUA. Consequently, the Board of Retirement properly denied his request to include those earnings as part of his retirement allowance.
Section 3 (7) (a) of Chapter 32 provides:
Any person employed by two or more governmental units which have established contributory retirement systems under the provisions of sections one to twenty-eight inclusive, . . . shall, subject to the provisions of such sections, become a member in service of each such system to which he is eligible by reason of his employment in such governmental units and shall receive pensions, retirement allowances or other benefits from each such system according to the applicable provisions of such sections.
Emphasis added.
What this means is that a person's rights to retirement benefits as an employee of two Massachusetts public employers, each having retirement systems governed by Chapter 32, must, at least in the first instance, be determined independently as if the other employment did not exist.
A member's retirement allowance
shall … be based on the average annual rate of regular compensation received by such member during which such rate of compensation was the highest, or on the average annual rate of regular compensation received by such member during the period or periods, whether consecutive or not, constituting his last three years of creditable service preceding retirement, whichever is the greater, and shall be computed according to the following table based on the age of such member and his number of years and full months of creditable service at the time of his retirement.
G.L. c. 32, § 5 (2) (a).
"Regular compensation" means
salary, wages or other compensation in whatever form, lawfully determined for the individual service of the employee by the employing authority, not including bonus, overtime, severance pay for any and all unused sick leave, early retirement incentives, or any other payment made as a result of giving notice of retirement ….
G.L. c. 32, § 1. Emphasis added.
Mr. Murphy was employed by two governmental units. He was employed full time at the DUA, as a result of which he is a member of the SERS. His rights to a retirement allowance from the SERS are determined by his regular compensation from the DUA, the "employing authority" for purposes of his membership in the SERS.
Mr. Murphy was also employed by the City of Boston. During his part-time employment with the Boston public school system from July 7, 2004 to June 30, 2008, he was not a member of the Boston Retirement System because he worked fewer than 20 hours each week. Because he was not a member of the Boston Retirement System, he is not entitled to any retirement allowance from that system. As c. 32, § 5 (1) (a) provides, one must be a "member in service" to be eligible for a superannuation allowance.
Mr. Murphy's request that payments to him for part-time employment with the City of Boston be included as regular compensation for the purpose of calculating his retirement allowance from the SERS is denied.
/s/ Bonney Cashin
Administrative Magistrate
Dated: March 12, 2009


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BRISTOL, Tenn. – Chris Toomey has resigned as King University's head women's volleyball coach to accept the position of Next Generation Director at St. John Church in St. Louis, Mo. Toomey ended his tenure as women's volleyball head coach on high note, leading the Tornado to an overall record of 32-5 and their first Conference Carolinas championship.
As Next Generation Director, Toomey will be responsible for the leadership and growth of Next Generation Ministries (preschool through high school), casting a vision and leading initiatives for the Next Generation Ministries that complement the overall mission of the church, and providing leadership and oversight to the Next Generation staff. This is a tremendous opportunity for Toomey, as he moves into a new chapter of his life and pursues his passion for mentoring young people to lead transformational lives for Christ.
Toomey lead the Tornado to their most successful season in the NCAA era in 2013, amassing a 32-5 record, including a 17-1 conference record which won King share of the Conference Carolinas regular season championship.
"The job Chris has done with our women's volleyball program the past seven years is nothing short of remarkable," King athletic director David Hicks commented. "He followed in the shoes of a legend; 749 wins, 16 conference championships; just look at the banners in the Student Center to get an idea of the shoes he had to fill. That's tough in sports – following a legend. Just look at the list of coaches who've followed legends like Dean Smith, Woody Hayes and Tom Osborne---it's almost an impossible job to live up to the expectations. But, Chris not only lived up to them, he matched them in his short career."
In seven seasons as head coach, Toomey tallied a 187-81 (.697) record, including a 2008 Appalachian Athletic Conference championship in addition to his 2013 Conference Carolinas title. Prior to taking over the Tornado program in 2007, Toomey was no stranger to King. As the son of Hall of Fame volleyball coach Susie Toomey, he practically grew up with the program, including four seasons as a student assistant from 1993-1997. During his time as a student, he also played tennis, and was named team MVP for both the 1995 and 1996 seasons.
Following graduation from King, Toomey served as a graduate assistant with the Lady Vols volleyball program while earning his master's degree at the University of Tennessee, and returned to his alma mater in 2000 to serve as head coach of the men's and women's tennis teams, where he was named AAC and NAIA Region IX coach of the year.
After leaving King in 2003, Toomey returned in 2007 to lead the women's volleyball program upon the retirement of his mother, Susie. He continued King's strong tradition in women's volleyball, and leaves the program in great shape for his successor.
"These are times where you have mixed emotions," stated Hicks. "I'm saddened to see such a tremendous coach depart, a great volleyball coach, but also a man with a passion for mentoring and leading young people. Chris' impact on the lives of the countless young ladies he has coached at King continues to be felt throughout the country and the world. There is a definite ripple effect from the lives he has touched. I'm confident that will continue in his new role at St. John, but the King and the volleyball world has lost a tremendous person."
He will be missed, professionally, but also personally, as a member of the King coaching staff. In addition to being a tremendous leader for our women's volleyball student-athletes, Toomey has been an excellent mentor for many of our coaches, and a tremendous example of an ambassador for Christ on campus and in the conference and NCAA.
We wish him the best of luck in this new chapter of his life, and are excited at what God has in store for him. His last day in the office will be Friday, December 20.
The search for his replacement will begin immediately.

subset: commoncrawl


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Habitat: Cultivated in most temperate countries.
Collection: The leaves may be collected throughout the growing season.Dry slowly in a well-ventilated area to ensure proper preservation ofproperties.
Part Used: Leaves and fruit.
Indications: Raspberry leaves have a long tradition of use in pregnancy to strengthen and tone the tissue of the womb, assisting contractions and checking any haemorrhage during labour. As an astringent it may be used in awide range of cases, including diarrhoea, leucorrhoea and other loose conditions. It is valuable in the easing of mouth problems such as mouth ulcers, bleeding gums and inflammations. As a gargle it will help sore throats. Raspberry is also very rich in iron and calcium.
Preparations & Dosage: Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto 2 teaspoonfuls of the dried herb and let infuse for l0-l5 minutes. This may be drunk freely.
Tincture: take 2-4 ml of the tincture three times a day.


text:
At Teamer, we're proud to be a part of your team's success. We'd love to know how @teamer is helping you and your team out.
Use the hashtag #WeUseTeamer
We've set up some handy tips to help you along the way. Each page has a neat walkthrough tutorial that will guide you in the process.
Purchase sms bundles


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May 9, 2011
Wanted Dead or Alive: why we should not be quick to rejoice the death of Osama bin Laden
Recently, the news of Osama bin Laden's death has taken the United States by magnificent surprise and wondrous joy as swarms of Americans crowded the White House gates with their American flags and the President announced the success of the US Navy SEALS mission to storm into a village in Pakistan and to "smoke" bin Laden out of his compound. The mission was filled with intrigue and danger: military helicopters swooshing out of the sky, commandos caught in a deathly crossfire, shooting at America's Most Wanted, killing one of his wives in the process, and finally declaring a victory after a decade of war and destruction in the region. An adrenaline-rush of American hypermasculinity on display, as the raid team penetrated the town where bin Laden was staying in, Abbottabad, Pakistan. But it is not just a show of macho military might. It is also the elevation of the masculinity of our soft-spoken and diplomatic President. As one BBC commentator has noted, this has elevated Obama's status from "wimp" to "warrior". This has also significantly improved the President's ratings (15% increase among the Republicans in fact) and has given a sense of relief and justice to many families of victims of 9/11 attacks. In short, the death of Osama bin Laden has returned the President to the status of a "man", the United States to the status of world leader and savior, and the American people to the status of self-righteous sense of entitlement and justice. Everybody's happy.
Sunday night, I was enjoying a nice hot cup of tea with my family members around a pit-fire when I received a text from a friend simply stating, "We killed Osama bin Laden!" At first, I thought it was a drunken joke. But then I received a similar message from a friend in D.C. celebrating in front of the White House. I quickly checked the online news and informed my family of the development. Everyone was obviously surprised. However, after 15 minutes of trying to figure out what had actually happened, we went back to our usual discussions. I, however, tried to follow the news online as the days went on. One of the articles that caught my eye was one on BBC explaining how the code name for bin Laden was, in fact, Geronimo. The name is derived from a 19th century Apache warrior who fought against white North American and Spaniard soldiers, to resist white supremacist efforts of Westward expansion and to preserve Native Americans' lands and way of life. According to the BBC article, "[Geronimo's] struggle to resist the white Americans has led to him being depicted in a sympathetic light by many cultural historians."
It is, therefore, no surprise that many Native Americans are upset by the use of the name Geronimo as a code word for bin Laden. To associate a great warrior in their history with a 'known' terrorist merely perpetuates negative stereotypes about indigenous peoples and "undermines the military service of native people." To me, their sentiments of outrage make sense, are warranted, and should be taken seriously. However, I cannot help but to analyze the situation from a different perspective. It make sense to me that the code name for bin Laden would be Geronimo. Indeed, the projects of white supremacy, racism, westward expansion and 'Manifest Destiny' have not stopped in the deserts of the Wild West.
Nobody knows why the code name Geronimo was chosen in the first place. However, we should not be surprised by its appearance. Indeed after the attacks of 9/11, a lot of the rhetoric of the fight against terrorism and against bin Laden, such as "wanted dead or alive", remind us of the old Hollywood Westerns: white dudes with rifles going into uncharted territory (usually deserts) to "smoke out" those "savages". Of course in the movies, the white dudes with rifles are the good guys. Just like how US's presence in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iraq is seen as the ultimate battle between the nation of "progressiveness, democracy, human rights, civilization, good" and the culture of "backwardness, dictatorship, barbarism, savagery, evil." It is Us v. Axis of Evil. It is our objective and impeccable justice system v. shariaa law. It is our women running for president v. women wearing burkas and staying at home. It is Manifest Destiny Version 21. We have heard this same rhetoric many times during Colonialism and the "white man's burden". In our history, we have very rarely allowed the possibility that people of color and people from the Global South have agency, can determine their own paths, can fight for their own rights, and can provide for their own livelihood and happiness. Nevermind that decades of colonialism, pillage, militaristic occupation, and neo-liberal economic policies have left the Global South the unhappy short end of the deal. Nevermind the lack of education, development and opportunities in those countries. Our yardstick for determining "progressiveness" has been how well a nation treats its women/gays/minorities. It is a new Imperialism of tolerant, "multicultural" diversity, because our state has never treated its women/gays/minorities poorly. And should a nation fail to meet the requirements, the United States military (and allied nations) will descend upon it in all of its hypermasculine might and throw the torch of enlightenment into the Heart of Darkness. Colonel Kurtz-style. The irony as always lies in the fact that in our rhetoric of 'liberation' we are using the state and the military, two sexist and homophobic institutions, to push forward an agenda of equality and freedom. Naturally then, we are at ease to ignore the violence that emanates from these institutions as we support them to be our protectors against the monstrous Others.
In the War on Terror, we constantly tell ourselves "those people hate us", but we are never to blame for that hatred. We are logical, humanitarian, and right. They are irrational, monstrous and evil. This is the basis for the new Eastward Expansion. Yes, we are fighting terrorism. Yes, we are getting rid of dictators. And we are doing all of that by murdering innocent people, destroying entire towns and villages, illegally detaining people in Guantánamo Bay, torturing them in black sites around the world (aka having other countries do the dirty-work for us), and spreading our militaristic influence in the region. Let's not even consider the trillions of dollars spent in these wars and the outrageous military spending of the United States (which, by the way, is more than the combined military spending of the next 45 highest-spending states, accounting for almost half of the world's entire military spending).
This is not a question of Osama bin Laden's crimes, which deserve punishment. But we are quick to forget our own history of racism, imperialism, and militarism in the Middle East and South Asian countries. Since the attacks of 9/11 we have been given many reasons for invading Afghanistan, Iraq and Pakistan. Actually, I take that back. We didn't really give a reason for rolling our tanks into Pakistan, nor did we ask for permission when sending troops into the territories of a sovereign state. Practically everything is justified in the War on Terror. Branding Islamist fighters as "illegal combatants" under international law covers our legal bases. Asking NATO to join our invasion and occupation of Afghanistan covers our diplomatic bases. Branding our quest to profit off of oil and other business ventures in Iraq as a mission to bring down a terrible dictator with nukes (which he didn't have) covers our public image as the harbingers of democracy and human rights. Even if there are things that are not justified, who is going to stop Us? Our crimes against humanity will go on with virtual impunity while we point the finger at authoritarian brown/black people whom we once financed, sponsored, supported and protected. When do we see American leaders brought before the ICC, or UN-sanctioned special tribunals? Not with the United States' veto at the Security Council.
There was a time when the United States had the sympathy of the world. On September 12, 2001, when I was still in Iran, my fellow Iranians went to the streets and lit candles for the victims of 9/11 in solidarity with the American people. And now the same people face heinous sanctions, horrifying inflation rates, and the horrendous prospects of war from Western powers. Clearly, attacking Afghanistan, Iraq and Pakistan is not just about revenge/justice for 9/11.
So again I ask, why wouldn't bin Laden's code name be Geronimo? Different century, same imperialism. Indeed, Geronimo was probably considered a terrorist back in those days. I wonder: about a century from now, would bin Laden be a martyred hero who was just trying to preserve a way of life and resist American Eastward Expansion and imperialism? Well, we don't need to wait a century: he already is.


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Bidboard #
Lot #
Catalogue Value or Estimate:
Price Realized:
British Commonwealth
(GeoVI and earlier). Mint H and used collection of well over 2,000 different pre-1950 period issues (plus some duplicates), all hinged on quadrille album pages. While the higher face values tend to not be here, the collection includes numerous scarcer shade and perforation varieties, often identified by the previous owner using Stanley Gibbons, as well as some decent cancel interest. Huge total catalogue value and a great source of unpicked earlier Commonwealth issues. An excellent lot for the fan of classic Commonwealth material. Estimate


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CAIRO (AP) — Egypt's presidential election will be held in late May, the electoral commission announced on Sunday, finally setting dates for the crucial vote widely expected to be won by the country's former military chief who ousted an elected president last year.
The commission set the first round of voting for May 26 and 27, with results expected by June 5. If a second round is necessary it will be held by mid-month with results announced no later than June 26, the commission said.
The country's powerful former military chief Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, who led the overthrow of Islamist President Mohammed Morsi last summer, has announced his bid for office and is widely expected to win. His victory would restore a tradition of presidents from military backgrounds that Egypt had for all but one year since 1952, when officers overthrew the monarchy and became the dominant force in politics.
A mostly conscript force that fought four wars with Israel, the army has a strong support base among the population, many of whom see it as a pillar of the country's identity.
Morsi was removed from office on July 3, amid massive protests demanding his resignation and accusing him of monopolizing power and mismanagement in the face of myriad economic and social problems. The military, led by el-Sissi, stepped in to remove Morsi and backed a political road map that promised presidential and parliamentary elections.
But the country's division only grew with Morsi's ouster. His backers, largely Islamists and sympathizers, have held near daily protests demanding his reinstatement, describing the military overthrow of Morsi as a coup. Youth groups who initially backed Morsi's ouster have increasingly grown critical of the military's handling of the post-Morsi days, denouncing a heavy crackdown on Islamists and dissent. Several thousands have been detained and killed in political violence since Morsi's ouster.
But with a widely divided opposition, el-Sissi has garnered wide support among a public wary of turmoil.
Although military spokesmen denied for months the military chief was planning to run for office, the 59-year-old el-Sissi finally announced on Wednesday that he was leaving the army to run for office — a requirement since only civilians can run for president — saying he was responding to a popular call.
El-Sissi said he will work to "fight every day for Egypt free of fear and terror." The Brotherhood and allies have said his nomination for office would only increase instability in the country.
A wave of violent attacks by suspected Islamic militants against police and military have spiked since Morsi's ouster, killing over 400 troops and police, according to government figures. The interim government blames Morsi's Muslim Brotherhood for orchestrating the violence, a claim the group denies.
Protests against the current authorities by Morsi supporters have been held nearly every day. On Sunday, Egyptian state television reported that one student at al-Azhar university was killed during clashes with security forces trying to disperse a protest in and outside of the campus.
State television also reported that demonstrators had set fire to a police vehicle. During Friday protests, five people were also killed during violent clashes.
To officially make a bid, el-Sissi would have to collect at least 25,000 signatures from 15 out of Egypt's 27 provinces in a petition demanding he runs. He had said he will not run a traditional campaign, most likely over concerns for his own security. So far, only one other candidate, leftist Hamdeen Sabahi, who took third place in 2012 presidential elections, has said he would run.
The commission said that the window for nomination of candidates will open Monday until April 20. A three-week campaign period is slated to start on May 3.
Egypt's interior minister, meanwhile, told reporters that prosecutors were investigating allegations that Morsi's secretary had seized confidential national security documents while he was in office with the intention of passing them on to a foreign espionage agency and the media.
The minister, Mohammed Ibrahim, said his agents seized the documents, smuggled out of the presidential palace, before they were leaked to Qatar-based Al-Jazeera network, and the intelligence agency of an Arab country allied with the Brotherhood. He did not name the country, but he was clearly referring to Qatar. He said Morsi's secretary, Ayman el-Sirafy, was in custody. Ibrahim said el-Sirafy had recently instructed his daughter during a jail visit to hide the documents.
Morsi and senior members of his palace staff are already facing trial on espionage charges, including leaking secret national security documents to foreign militant groups, like Palestinian Hamas and Iran's Revolutionary Guard. Ibrahim, who is in charge of police along with domestic security agencies, did not say whether the new allegations will be added to the ongoing trial or be dealt with separately. If convicted of espionage, Morsi could face the death penalty.
Ibrahim, appointed by Morsi but stayed on after his overthrow, did not reveal the contents of the documents in question, saying only that they filled three large suitcases and that they touched on "everything that you can imagine which affects national security."
He did not provide a sequence or a time frame while presenting details of the allegations, and dodged a question on whether the documents were leaked out of the palace at Morsi's request.
Associated Press Writers Hamza Hendawi and Laura Dean contributed to this report from Cairo.


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Hi Guy's (Girls)
Dos anyone know if it's posible to buy at kite direct from the factory in China or whereever they make them?? We have 25% tax here in Denmark and then the dealer takes a pice of the cake too. So if not just for the fun of the trip..
[ This Message was edited by: mas-martin on 2002-03-16 14:15 ]


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Dell outsourcer lifts US woman's saucy pix from PC
Updated An extremely naive American woman who contacted Dell's tech support helpline reportedly got more than she bargained for, after some very personal photos were swiped from her computer.
News10 reported last week that Sacramento, California resident Tara Fitzgerald, 48, had allowed Riyaz Shaikh - an employee of Sitel India, which has an outsourcing contract with Dell - to access her PC remotely.
She had contacted Shaikh in December 2008 because Fitzgerald was unable to locate some naked photographs of her that had been stored on her hard drive.
"I couldn't find them on my computer and that made me nervous. I didn't know where they went," she told News10.
She asked Mumbai, India-based Shaikh to track down the saucy pictures by naively allowing him to take control of the computer and browse her personal messages and files.
She watched the outsourcer as he discovered the naked photos in attached emails Fitzgerald had sent to her boyfriend.
"I watched him take the pictures out of my email. I watched him," she exclaimed.
By January 2009 a site - named "bitchtara" - was allegedly created that featured 16 nude and semi-nude pictures of Fitzgerald. According to News10 the website was still active as of last Wednesday (28 July).
Then, even more bizarrely, Fitzgerald contacted Shaikh to confront him about the website only to be foolishly talked into buying the Dell tech support man a laptop, shipped from Sacramento to Mumbai, for him to work on her "case" from home.
On 20 January 2009 she stumped up $195 to get the laptop sent out to Shaikh by air the following day.
"My conscience is talking to me, saying 'Tara, don't send this. Are you crazy?' I sent it anyway," she said.
The story continued to get even more bizarre, with Fitzgerald admitting that she exchanged personal emails and phone messages with Shaikh that eventually got more intimate.
"He's very charming and he knew exactly what to say. It warmed my heart," she told News10.
By February last year Fitzgerald discovered that two purchases totalling $802 had been charged to her Dell credit card.
She contacted the computer maker and it confirmed that the transactions for a computer and router had been sent to a woman in Waynesboro, Tennessee.
On Valentine's Day last year Shaikh confessed to Fitzgerald that he had "fallen in love" with a 22-year-old woman in Tennessee.
A month later he wrote to Fitzgerald proclaiming:
"ur my True friend Tara… I am sorry Accidently I charged ur Dell Account but I will pay. I don't want to loose my job. It was a mistake which happened with me and I am screwed."
Fitzgerald told News10 that she then contacted Dell to tell them about the fraudulent charge made on her card. She claimed the company sent her an affidavit allowing her to disavow the unauthorised charges. Fitzgerald declined to sign it.
"They haven't done anything. I'm upset about that," she said.
Last Thursday Dell told News10 that it had investigated the claim.
"We contacted the vendor [Sitel India] about the allegation and can confirm that the representative no longer handles Dell calls. We've been in contact with Ms Fitzgerald regarding this issue and continue to investigate her claims to best assist in a resolution."
The Register asked Dell to comment on this story, but at time of writing it hadn't got back to us with a statement. It's not clear if Shaikh still works for Sitel. ®
Dell got in touch and gave us this full statement:
Thank you for your enquiry. Meeting our customers' needs and delivering quality customer service is our primary goal at Dell. Our service is based on a foundation of personal and professional integrity, and at Dell, we never compromise these standards.
When Ms. Fitzgerald contacted Dell about this incident last year, we investigated the issue, which involved a technical representative at one of Dell's vendors. We contacted the vendor about the allegation, and can confirm that the representative no longer handles Dell calls.
We were in contact with Ms. Fitzgerald last year regarding this issue, and we have reached out to her in the last week, and look forward to hearing from her so we can resolve this issue to her satisfaction.
Meanwhile, it turns out that Dell's tech support wing has got previous on these kind of lurid shenanigans.
In December last year a DellConnect IT specialist was accused of intercontinental sexual hi-jinx for remotely flashing a woman client with a nude photo - of herself. We have the full blow-by-blow coverage of that particular story here.


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BusinessMan is a mobile game made based on the widely known "Monopoly". As before, you can buy and sell houses and hotels, play in a casino, hold auctions, etc. With this, you can play either against three computer opponents or against your real friends via Bluetooth. If desired, the living and the "computer" players can be mixed. If anything distracts you from the game - you can save it and later start from the same place. Beautiful, rich graphics, amusing sound effects - all this will attract your attention and make the gameplay of free mobile download addictive.
Version: 1.0
Platforms: Symbian OS, UIQ
Distribution Type: Freeware
Downloads: 1335
File Size: 303 Kb


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I want to build a GUI application where i require the graph plot to be inside an ADOBE flex based GUI,Since the approach is to run the flex in browser mode, i require to embedd the graph inside the Flex.
How can i call an activity(measure) from within the Browse activity??
Any ideas...PLS share......


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Back when I followed baseball closely, I sometimes heard hardcore fans say that the playoffs will expose a team's weakness. I never really believed this, though. The playoffs provide too few games to guarantee a full, searching probe of a baseball team.
The limits of the playoffs as arbiter of pure baseball quality seem even clearer in these days of "wild card" teams. Except in cases of an exceptional injury plague, wild card teams must have weaknesses; otherwise they would make the playoffs as division winners. Yet, often we see wild card teams make long, successful playoff runs.
In my view, a team might lose in the playoffs because of a weakness. But it might lose because a strength didn't manifest itself during the course of, say, five games. Or it might lose because an opponent plays great, or due to bad luck.
The Washington Nationals had the best record in baseball this year. Yet, they lost their first (and only) playoff series in heartbreaking fashion to St. Louis, a wild card team. Although the Cardinals outplayed them over the course of the five games, the Nationals were up 6-0 in the fifth and decisive game, and led 7-5 as that game entered the ninth inning. But the Cards scored four runs in the ninth to eliminate the Nats.
In my view, the Nationals lost their Series with the Cardinals due in part to a relative weakness – insufficient selectivity in the pitches they swung at. Before the Series began, I looked at the numbers and found that the Nats drew slightly fewer than the National League average of walks, and 54 fewer walks than the Cards. This was consistent with my impression that Washington batters are extremely aggressive, sometimes overly so, at the plate.
This tendency held true during the playoffs. Each team in this round played five games. In these games, the Nats drew fewer than the average number of walks, and 15 fewer walks than the Cards.
Watching the games, it seemed to me that Jayson Werth was the only National who consistently worked the count. The rest of the hitters often appeared to jump on almost any plausible looking pitch, whether it was in the strike zone or not. And Bryce Harper, Danny Espinosa, and Michael Morse seemed often to get themselves out by swinging at almost anything. (During the regular season, Morse rarely walked; Espinosa was light on walks; Harper was ok in this department, but maybe too jacked up at playoff time to be as selective as he had been when less was at stake).
Washington's playoff run production reflected this weakness. In five games, the Nats scored only 16 runs. And they scored six of them in the first three innings of the final game, when Cardinal starter Adam Wainwright lacked the command to throw the kind of pitches the Nats unwisely chased throughout the Series.
The Cardinals approach at the plate couldn't have differed more. They forced Nationals pitchers to throw strikes. This was particularly evident in the closing innings of the decisive game, especially the ninth. Unlike in Games 3 and 4, I wasn't at the ballpark for Game 5, and so could see from pitch track which pitches were in the strike zone and which ones weren't. The Cardinal batters laid off of the not-that-good-to-hit pitches the Nationals were getting themselves out on. That's how two batters reached base on walks in the ninth, after being behind in the count. That's how the batters who drove them (or their pinch runner) in forced Washington pitchers to serve up the over-the-plate pitches they hit.
Nats pitchers gave up 38 runs in five games and they walked 28 Cardinals, an unconscionable number. If I had looked more closely at the pitching statistics prior to the Series, I would have noticed that Nats pitchers walked hitters at just about the NL average, and that St. Louis pitchers walked 61 fewer hitters than their Washington counterparts.
This might have suggested to me that Cardinal pitchers have the control necessary to exploit the Nats' tendency to swing at close pitches that aren't strikes, and that Nats pitchers may lack the exceptional control necessary to avoid walking extremely selective batters. In any event, that's how it looked once they started playing ball.
But one shouldn't overstate the degree to which the base on balls numbers foreshadowed the outcome of this Series. For one thing, the Nats biggest culprit in the walks department was Gio Gonzalez who, remarkably, walked 11 batters in only 10 innings. Yet during the regular season, Gonzalez issued 76 walks in 199 innings – somewhat worse than you like to see from a top pitcher, but nothing that would presage his playoff performance.
We should also keep in mind that a review of the Cardinals' regular season statistics reveals areas of relative weakness. Their pitchers allowed a .255 batting average to opposing hitters, exactly the league average, and their relievers had more blown saves than average.
The Cardinals' next opponent, the San Francisco Giants, is better in these departments, especially blown saves. So were the Nats. Maybe one or both of these areas of relative Cardinal weakness will be evident and partially determinative in the NL Championship Series; maybe not.
As former pitcher Joaquin Andujar once said: "There is one word that says it all, and that one word is, 'You never know.'"


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Now, I don't think anyone who has read Dee's query letter can argue that it isn't bad. It's pretty much makes everyone who sees it cringe. So, what exactly about the letter makes it so gut-wrenchingly terrible?
Let's examine it closely:
Deer Mr., Mrs., Ms., or Whatever M. Smoot: Ignoring the poor spelling found throughout the letter, there's still problems with the address. It would never be appropriate to title something to "Whatever." Always try to find out about the person you are sending your submission to. If the imaginary author had just google searched "m smoot cbay books" the first six entries clearly bring up me.
I bought the bright green sticker on the outside of the envelope on eBay so I don't really know what gender you are since I didn't actually attend the conference at witch you spoke. Sorry. I paid good money for the "M. Smoot" sticker to gain access to your closed publishing house, so I hope you appreciate it. I'm sure you did a wonderful, stupendous, fantastic job at the conference and gave a fabulous, mesmerizing, interesting speech. Thanks for being such a helpful, kind, grate editor. I found this paragraph particularly genius for a worst letter contest — it would never occur to me that someone could buy entry into a closed publishing house this way although the idea, now presented, doesn't surprise me. However, even if this is the way that you got the sticker, don't admit it. Don't mention the conference at all.
Anyway, enough about you. (Just plain rude.) Now for my soon-to-be best seller… you're gonna love it! I read variations of this sentence in cover letters all of the time. Taking pride in your work is great, but this sentence makes me roll my eyes and chalk the author up as a naive first-timer. Since it has an elephant AND a donkey in it, it will surpass sales of "Horton Hears a Who" and "Winnie the Pooh" (with Eeyore) combined. These are not good comparables for this imaginary title since the other books are long-selling classics and not picture books. It would be impossible for me to guess sales ranges based on these two. I know it will be made into a poplar movie and will be translated into many languages. Unless you or your agent already have deals in the works, your opinion isn't necessary. That's why I want to keep all foreign rites. I also want fool plush animal sales. Save these demands for contract negotiations.
My book is called THE ELEPHANT AND THE DONKEY and it is completely in rhyme. Since it is about animals, I tested it out on my cat and dog and they absolutely loved it! Completely irrelevant, and it makes the author sound a little crazy. They showed their appreciation by marking the corners of this manuscript. You'll probably be able to tell (or smell) witch corner is witch. That is so disgusting. Do I really have to remind you to reprint a sample that has urine on it?
I didn't read my story to any pre-schools because I didn't want the teachers to still the idea, but I know kids will love it!!! Even if the fake author had read it at preschools I wouldn't want to know. Also, the fear that someone will steal your work (so rare I don't know of any actual cases of unpublished author works being ripped off) sends up red flags of publishing ignorance.
Hear is more about it…
My 20,000-word picture book
For ages two to four,
Covers many topics
Other children's books ignore.
Taxes, stocks, and politics
Are introduced in rhyme.
The story is sure to be a hit
At every child's bedtime.
You'll want to publish this right away.
It's going to be a best seller,
More popular than "The Cat in the Hat,"
Or that tearjerker, "Old Yeller."
The conflict is that an elephant
And donkey can't agree.
They fight over just about everything,
Including cups of tea.
Will they ever learn to get along?
Can these protagonists save the world?
I'm writing a 1000-page sequel,
Where the answers will be unfurled.
All right. That was just insane. Contrary to popular belief, editors don't hate picture books in rhyme. Some of the best-selling books are written that way. When rhyme is really well done, it is fun and great to read aloud. Unfortunately most rhyme submissions are not well done, cause the editor to cringe, and thus rhyme gets a bad rap. However, unless you are excerpting a stanza of your manuscript, never, ever describe it in rhyme.
Believe me, this book will fly off the shelves and beat the ebook download record, so you'll want to publish this by November so we can both become rich quick. That's only about a month away, but if you overnight the contract to me, I'll sign it write away and the illustrator can start immediately. Clearly has no idea how the publishing industry works. Oh, I really like the work of Tomie dePaola. Don't we all. I hope you can get him for this book. Does he even illustrate books he didn't write? Do you have that kind of pool? Rude.
I know you only wanted a query and ten pages, but I am so confident you'll like my work that I scent the hole book. Always, always follow the submission instructions. I am offering this as an exclusive transmission does author mean submission? for one week, but after that I'll really need to move on if I haven't herd from you. I want to enjoy my millionaire status before the world ends or before the next election – whichever comes first. Who knows what the tax rate will be after that! Besides sounding crazy, this last bit again highlights the author's inexperience and lack of research on publishing.
I should tell you that I've already been published in my third grade newspaper, not the kind of publishing credits to include so I'll want the "royal treatment" when it comes to royalties. Oh good grief. We can go over all that when I meat you in person. At this point, I would be going: Wait! When (and why) would we meet? Is this person planning on stalking me down? Yule love how punny I am. I highly doubt that.
Dee Ranged
P.S. – I hope you like the red, white, and blue elephant and donkey sugar cookies I enclosed. They were only supposed to have white and blue icing on them, but my three-year old helped make them and she had an owie at the time, hence the red coloring. OMG, OMG, OMG. I knew the cookies weren't real and I still started to gag the first time I read this. On a less insane note, do not send extra goodies with your query. They are not appreciated and mark you as an amateur. I was going to send a tea bag, too, so you could have tea and cookies, but Tea Party stuff seems to be getting a bad rap lately and I didn't know your fillings on that, so I decided against it. Unless your book is literally about politics, don't bring it up. (The same goes for religion and any other traditionally controversial topics. If you wouldn't bring it up at a dinner party full of strangers, don't put it in your query.)
Fortunately, I have never received a query or cover letter quite this extreme. After all, this was for a contest and therefore was supposed to be rather ridiculous. That being said, some of the errors made are common ones (if only in a less extreme version). I'll discuss some of the most common query/cover letter mistakes next week.
May be excerpted and duplicated for educational purposes.


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- Air Shower[1]
- Air Cleaning Equipment Parts[2]
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- Boiler Parts[3]
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- Concrete Pumps[1]
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- Tablet Press[1]
- Plastic Product Making Machinery[1]
- Printing Machinery Parts[1]
- Sock Knitting Machinery[2]
- Ventilation Fan Parts[3]
- Other Welding Equipment[1]
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- Graphite Mold[1]
- Other Power Tools[4]
- Contact Person : Mr. Wang Jack
- Company Name : Shanghai Sigaorui Machinery Equipment Co., Ltd.
- Tel : 0086-21-57175548
- Fax : 0086-21-57170488
- Address : Shanghai,Shanghai,No.60, Lane 4438, Hangtang Road, Fengcheng town, Fengxian district, Shanghai, China.
- Country/Region : China
- Zip : 201411
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text:
Comprehensive DescriptionRead full entry
DescriptionAnnuals or perennials. Inflorescences of slender persistent racemes, usually arranged digitately, less often along a central axis. Spikelets 2-4(-6)-flowered, alternate in two rows, disarticulating above the glumes. Glumes unequal, membranous, 1-nerved, usually persistent. Lowermost floret fertile; fertile lemma cartilaginous, 3-nerved, laterally flattened, usually ciliate on the margins and keel, entire or 2-lobed at the apex with a subapical awn; 2nd to 6th florets sterile; lemmas vestigial, awned or awnless.


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Recall Details
Volvo is recalling all models equipped with Garmin 760 Portable Global Positioning System units because the battery may overheat, which could lead to a fire. Volvo advises owners to stop using the Garmin device immediately and consult the Garmin website to determine if they have a defective unit. The unit's battery will be replaced and a spacer inserted to prevent the problem from reoccurring. This will be performed free of charge.


text:
ROME (AP) — Pope Benedict XVI's Christmas message to Italians is being read as a near-endorsement of another term for Premier Mario Monti.
Pro-Vatican centrists are pressing Monti to run. Monti, an economist appointed in 2011 to save Italy from financial crisis, is a practicing Catholic whose Cabinet includes a minister closely linked to the Vatican. Monti says he'd serve again if asked by political forces backing his austerity agenda.
Benedict's greeting to Italians Tuesday included a wish that they reflect on a "hierarchy of values" when making important choices.
The ANSA news agency says that is "very close" to a Monti endorsement for February's elections. Vatican pronouncements wield influence in Italian politics
Monti's predecessor, Silvio Berlusconi, is plagued by sex and corruption scandals. Berlusconi, denying any wrongdoing, hasn't clarified if he's running.


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text: Korean Job Discussion Forums :: View topic - ANNUAL CHUSOK CAMPING TRIP Speak Korean Now! Korean Job Discussion Forums"The Internet's Meeting Place for ESL/EFL Teachers from Around the World!" FAQ Search Memberlist Usergroups Register Profile Log in to check your private messages Log in ANNUAL CHUSOK CAMPING TRIP Korean Job Discussion Forums Forum Index -> Travel Forum View previous topic :: View next topic Author Message CohibaJoined: 01 Feb 2005 Posted: Sun Sep 11, 2005 4:58 pm Post subject: ANNUAL CHUSOK CAMPING TRIP ANNUAL CHUSOK CAMPING TRIP TO DEOKJEOK-DO September 17th-19th. It is almost time for the annual Chusok camping trip to Deokjeok-Do. In previous years we have seen upwards of 70-80 people playing and camping on the beach. Enjoy campfires, guitars and BBQs. Getting there: -Go to Dong-Incheon subway station and take a taxi to Incheon Domestic Ferry Terminal in Yeonam-Budu. -Departures onboard the MV Princess at: 9:30, 12:30 and 15:00. Returns at: 10:50, 13:40 and 16:10. Arrive at least an hour prior to sailing and bring ID. Voyage is 50 min. Take the 10min. bus to Seopori Beach. Accommodation: -Free camping on the beach. -Many guest houses. (30,000-40,000W/night) Food: -Food and booze are available near the beach. Also many restaurants. Back to top HarpeauJoined: 01 Feb 2003Location: In Hannam-dong, Seoul. Posted: Sun Sep 11, 2005 6:15 pm Post subject: You guys have had it twice before and we were always busy. But this year we will be there! Don't forget to bring the guitars! (Antonio Baderas voice.) I'll bring one as well. Back to top Display posts from previous: All Posts1 Day7 Days2 Weeks1 Month3 Months6 Months1 Year Oldest FirstNewest First Korean Job Discussion Forums Forum Index -> Travel Forum All times are GMT - 8 Hours Page 1 of 1 Jump to: Select a forum Forums:----------------FAQJob-related Discussion ForumGeneral Discussion ForumOff-Topic ForumTravel ForumCurrent Events ForumTechnology ForumBuy/Sell/Trade Forum You cannot post new topics in this forumYou cannot reply to topics in this forumYou cannot edit your posts in this forumYou cannot delete your posts in this forumYou cannot vote in polls in this forum This page is maintained by the one and only Dave Sperling. Contact Dave's ESL Cafe Copyright © 2018 Dave Sperling. All Rights Reserved. Powered by phpBB © 2001, 2002 phpBB Group TEFL International Supports Dave's ESL Cafe


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Come to Catalyst to find out details and discuss with your peers.
I recently blogged about my doctor brother's poor experiences with a new client virtualization system installed in his hospital. Further discussions within our team (Chris Wolf, Simon Bramfitt and myself) about client dialogues we have held on this subject have revealed a common thread: Client virtualization economics favor only certain use cases. Vendors would love to have you virtualize every client device in your enterprise, but many are just not cost justifiable. The questions to be asking are: What business problems are you looking to solve in your client device environment? What use cases reduce costs when virtualized? Do you already have a desktop management solution in place that is giving you operational cost reduction already?
In talking with clients, I've found that there are generally two situations that cause enterprises to look for solutions to their desktop problems: First is security for remote and mobile workforce. The need to keep sensitive corporate data in the data center or within a controlled security perimeter and off of laptops or remote desktops is a large driver for client virtualization (either presentation virtualization or server hosted desktop virtualization can address this problem). The second is to get a handle on managing desktops, laptops, and other client devices in the enterprise. The second situation can be tricky, however. If the customer has already deployed a good application virtualization and desktop management solution (e.g. Symantec Altiris, Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack, or Novell Zenworks), moving to a virtual desktop infrastructure may not save much money in the long run. Moving to a desktop virtualization solution has to be a strategic (business) decision not a tactical (IT) one.
At Catalyst Europe (April 19-22, Prague, Czech Republic) we have organized the "Getting Started with Client Virtualization" topic to address these questions. In addition, we have created a new in depth half-day workshop to go through assessing where each client virtualization technology can best fit into the enterprise client device management puzzle. For reading this blog, you can get a discounted conference pass at the price of €999.00 by using the promotion code "INSIDER" when you register.
[Posted by: Richard Jones]


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Austin, Texas: Birria (Goat Meat) at El Borrego de Oro
"I've been to El Borrego dozens of times now and their birria taco is still one of my favorite tacos of all time."
El Borrego de Oro
3900 South Congress Avenue, Austin TX 78704 (map); 512-383-0031
Los Angeles, Chicago, and select locales like San Jose in California, don't know how good they have it. They've been blessed with an abundance of birrierias—Mexican taquerias that specialize in birria (goat meat). As a result, only a small minority of the country has ever sat at a restaurant and ordered a plate of steaming stewed goat.
Until I moved to Austin, I hadn't either.
As soon as I arrived and started poking around, I heard about a little hole-in-the-wall down by the intersection of South Congress Avenue and Ben White Boulevard called El Borrego de Oro ("The Lamb of Gold") that apparently served the best birria in town. With an extensive menu of traditional taqueria fare, El Borrego doesn't qualify as a true birrieria, but the goat tacos stand up to anything you'll find in the state of Texas. (Which reminds me, Houstonites should stop reading now and drive immediately to Gerardo's Drive-in for their barbacoa de borrego.)
I've been to El Borrego dozens of times now and their birria taco is still one of my favorite tacos of all time. On a recent visit, in addition to the obligatory taco, I tried the caldo de birria, or goat stew soup.
The taco came out first, as if it were an appetizer. Stewed with tomatoes and onions, the small pile of meat needs nothing more than a homemade corn tortilla to contain it. Each bite starts out soft as you suck off the fat and juices, resolving slowly into a more stringy texture, like a tired carnitas or mild pulled pork. The primary flavors pop without being too spicy, and it always has a strange calming effect on me.
The caldo on the other hand, is far from relaxing. Though the broth is mild—the taste of hot peppers has been subdued over time—it has the saltiness of boiled blood, and not by accident.
Floating in the broth you'll find nothing more than limp skeins of goat, from strings of shoulder meat and skin to ribbons of tripa (anyone who's tried menudo will know what to expect). When they give me a side of tortillas and a plate of cilantro, onions and minced jalapeno peppers to add to the soup, I can't help but imagine it as the Mexican counterpart to Vietnamese pho, sans noodles.
But unlike pho, you can only sip so much of this broth before your lips start to pucker. The best way to approach the caldo is with a tortilla in hand, on which to spoon dripping mats of the soup meat. In the end, the combination of cooked meats and grilled corn masa is unbeatable.
This post may contain links to Amazon or other partners; your purchases via these links can benefit Serious Eats. Read more about our affiliate linking policy.


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Priests for Life Outreach-Staten Island, NY
Contact: Margaret
Date: June 18, 2009
Staten Island, NY - Fr. Frank Pavone, National Director of Priests for Life, responded today to the news that the Board of Directors of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities concluded at their meeting last week that "it would be desirable for the [U.S. bishops] to withdraw" their 2004 statement, "Catholics in Political Life."
"It's bad enough that this Association doesn't seem to understand the role of bishops," Fr. Pavone stated. "But what's worse is that it doesn't seem to understand the underlying reason for the bishops' position against honoring pro-abortion public figures. It's not about religion, it's not about academic freedom, and it's not about universities. It's about the proper human response to the barbaric dismemberment of children."
Fr. Pavone continued, mocking the Association, "Sure, keep advising the bishops. Have them withdraw the statement. How terrible that we should make any clear effort to distance ourselves from the violent child-killing taking place among us."
Fr. Pavone concluded, "In the view of history, any irresponsible silence of the Church about clergy sex abuse will pale in comparison to the silence of so many about the abortion holocaust."


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Hi everyone welcome to our last challenge of the year before i get to that tho i would like to tell you about a DT call
we are sadly saying goodbye to our lovely Nicolet today and are looking for 2 new members so if you love to use hAnglar and Magnolia stamps and would like to join us please have a look at the requirements below and get in touch
you would need to :-
-make one project a month using either hAnglar or Magnolia stamp
-comment on a share of the entries
-have an active blog and make regular posts
so if you feel you would like to join us you can either join in with the new challenge and put DT next to your name or email me at
with a link to your blog
The DT call will run for the next 2 weeks throughout this challenge I will announce the new members in the new year
so now onto our new challenge we thought we would keep it nice and simple with...
Anything Goes
We are joined by our fab regular sponsor today
Lifelong crafters Mother and Daughter, Mary and Andrea were tired of having to buy full rolls of ribbon and lace when they only needed one metre. Because they love ribbons and all things pretty, they decided to open their own online shop in 2010 and make small quantities of beautiful products easily available to all crafters. Mary owns the shop and runs it on a day to day basis as well as keeping the website updated while Andrea looks after the social side, The Ribbon Girl Blog and the Design Team. They specialise in supplying small (or large) quantities of ribbon, twine, gorgeous vintage style lace and seam binding ribbon, tiny pom-pom and ric-rac trim, all sorts of buttons, fancy pins, a multitude of charms, pearl and crystal flourishes, wool felt squares, seasonal and unusual embellishments, mulberry flowers, sticky tape and accessories to card makers, crafters, scrapbookers and cake decorators. They stock only the best quality products and only offer for sale goods that they would personally buy and use themselves.
and look what you can win
£10 towards a spending spree at the store !! what a great Christmas present to yourself eh !!
so lets see what the DT has to share with you this week
starting with our fantastic GDT member
***please remember hAnglar and Magnolia images only***
We will do our best to get round to your blogs to comment during this challenge but please forgive us if we don't manage it im sure you will all agree it is important for us all to have family time during this special time of year
so thats it from us this year we will be back in 2013 with some great new challenges but for now from all of the DT
hugs sara x x x


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LATHAM, N.Y., Nov. 20, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Plug Power Inc. (Nasdaq:PLUG), a leader in providing clean, reliable energy solutions, has been selected for a $2.5 million award from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to modify electric tow tractor ground equipment to function with GenDrive hydrogen fuel cells in airport applications. Under a three-year initiative with the DOE's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, 15 tow tractors will be deployed at FedEx Express airport hub locations in Memphis, Tennessee and Oakland, California. FedEx will deploy hydrogen fuel cell technology at these sites to study the productivity, efficiency and the environmental benefits of using hydrogen.
"FedEx continually works toward goals to increase vehicle efficiencies and reduce emissions in big and small ways that are sustainable and long-lasting," said Russell Musgrove, Managing Director with FedEx Express. "Plug Power's plan to develop and deploy fuel cell-powered baggage tow tractors aligns with our commitment to continually research and test technologies that will help us connect the world in responsible and resourceful ways."
Hydrogen fuel cells have proven benefits in power applications as a replacement to traditional lead-acid batteries. Customers using hydrogen fuel cells have experienced significant improvements in productivity and operational efficiencies in running their large distribution centers and manufacturing operations. Many of these customers are now interested in extending these benefits to other areas within their business, including ground support equipment applications, other fleet vehicles and refrigerated trailer operations. "Ground support equipment is a natural fit for our GenDrive product, and this project allows us to take our prior expertise in the area and further develop it for future commercialization," said Andy Marsh, CEO at Plug Power. "FedEx has been a valuable collaborator for Plug Power in the past and we look forward to continuing our positive work with them as the company evaluates additional markets."
Senator Schumer announced the DOE award in a press release dated October, 31st and re-emphasized its importance in helping to expand the use of fuel cells. "This significant federal award means that Plug Power can continue to help the Capital Region secure its place as an international hub for fuel cell research and development," said Senator Charles E. Schumer (D-NY). "Plug Power will not only further the development of domestic fuel cell technologies with their plan to retrofit 15 electric tow tractors, the company will also put this innovative technology to practical use as they study the usage of these in real world applications like those at FedEx. I applaud the federal government for rewarding Plug Power's innovation, which is both energy-efficient and cost-effective."
Senator Gillibrand included her support in expanding the use of fuel cells in driving a renewable energy economy. "Plug Power continues to be on the leading edge of fuel cell research and development. This important federal investment is another example of the critical mass of innovation and high technology we possess in the Capital Region," said Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY). "The initiative between Plug Power and FedEx is yet another example of how green technology drives our innovation and economy by providing energy-efficient and affordable renewable energy alternatives."
Congressman Paul Tonko, an engineer and expert in the House of Representatives in energy policy, added why this award is so important in expanding fuel cells to other markets. "Plug Power is a local example of our national commitment to leadership in advanced fuel cell research and development," said Congressman Paul Tonko (D-NY 21st CD). "Plain and simple, research equals jobs. This project is just the beginning of a more energy efficient and cleaner burning transformation of on the ground tractors at our nation's airports. These are the type of investments that create jobs, grow our economy, reduce our dependence on foreign oil and make our air cleaner. I commend Plug Power for receiving this competitive federal award and will continue to fight for clean energy innovation funding right here in the Capital Region."
The award was made to Plug Power pursuant to a competitive solicitation issued by the DOE on April 25, 2012.
FedEx Freight has used GenDrive fuel cells in its Springfield, Missouri facility since 2009. Taking a leadership role in the adoption and advancement of responsible environmental practices, FedEx Freight invested in GenDrive to save energy and demonstrate its commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. Through this continued collaboration, Plug Power believes this award will help pave the way for expansion of these best practices into adjacent markets, and the further use of hydrogen powered fuel cells as an important source of alternative energy.
About Plug Power Inc.
The architects of modern fuel cell technology, Plug Power is revolutionizing the industry with cost-effective power solutions that increase productivity, lower operating costs and reduce carbon footprints. Long-standing relationships with industry leaders forged the path for Plug Power's key accounts, including Walmart, Sysco, P&G and Mercedes. With more than 3,000 GenDrive units deployed to material handling customers, accumulating over 8.5 million hours of runtime, Plug Power manufactures tomorrow's incumbent power solutions today. Additional information about Plug Power is available at www.plugpower.com.
The Plug Power Inc. logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=4446
Plug Power Inc. Safe Harbor Statement
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Sewing Projects Using Charm Squares
Choose your favorite pack of charm squares or precut 5" squares to make quilts, pillows, and table toppers with charming appeal.
Mini Log Cabin Bag [1]
You can create this scrappy Log Cabin tote from 5" squares in a weekend's time!
Patchwork Place Mats [4]
Use charm squares to make easy place mats with a patchwork pattern.
Gather 'Round [7]
Learn two great ways to make yo-yos for this sweet little accent pillow.
Charming Floral Table Runner [10]
Highlight 5" charm squares between 2-1⁄2"-wide fabric strips in a quilt-as-you-go table runner to make home decor in no time.
Bay Breeze [13]
The recipe for this table mat is simple—just mix together a batch of charm squares with two fat quarters.
Scrappy Throw Pillow [16]
One simple block in assorted fabrics yields a knockout throw pillow.
Squares and Sashing Wall Quilt [19]
Sew a simple wall hanging composed of 5" squares and bright borders.
Patchwork Pincushion [22]
Cut and piece precut 5" squares to frame an appliqué panel and create a patchwork back for a handy pin keeper.
Charm Squares Table Topper [25]
A charm pack is perfect for this scrappy table topper's 2-1/2" squares and narrow strips.
Charming Rickrack Pillow [28]
Use large rickrack and charm squares to create a square patchwork pillow.
Pastel Strip Quilt [31]
The light setting rectangles and border are perfect areas to showcase quilting designs.


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Product Review: Bliss FatGirlSlim Cellulite Cream
Most women have cellulite, but FitSugar says there's basically nothing you can do to get rid of it. Deep down, I know it's not really a big deal, so I usually just let it go. That doesn't mean I have to love it, though, which is why I decided to try Bliss FatGirlSlim ($29). I read some reviews claiming that it worked, so I figured, why not.
Like many other cellulite-fighting creams, FatGirlSlim's main dimple-fighting ingredient is caffeine. Topically applied caffeine is said to burn fat on a cellular level just below the skin's surface, causing fat cells to shrink. Scientists seem to think this logic is a stretch, but I decided to see what happened after a few weeks' use.
For my full review, plus some unfortunate photographs of my thighs that will come back to haunt me someday,
I like the texture and consistency of FatGirlSlim. It's definitely a thick body cream rather than a thinner lotion, which somehow makes me think it's more serious than regular moisturizers. (The marketers have succeeded on that end.) The scent is lightly minty, which I also like. The instructions say to massage the cream into skin for 20 to 30 seconds, which I did twice a day for two weeks. My skin did feel superficially tighter, but I didn't see any drastic changes to my dimples.
And so, I present to you my right thigh. I took these photos wearing the same sleepytime shorts, around the same time of day, and in the same part of my house. One was taken two weeks ago, and the other one was taken today. At first, I was going to label the "before" and "after" shots, but instead, I'm going to let you guess which is which. Honestly, I can't see much of a difference, but maybe I'm wrong.
(I can't believe I just showed all of you my thighs.)
Anyway, I'm giving FatGirlSlim a star and a half. I hate to be that harsh, especially because I think so many Bliss products actually work wonders, but I didn't get anything out of this one. Sure, it felt tight and tingly, but the actual visual effect was a minimal improvement. While the cream does make skin feel firmer for a short while, it doesn't actually make a dent in the dimples. Like it or not, there isn't a magic cellulite-fighting cream. Or if there is, I still haven't found it.
See reader reviews of this product and add your own here!


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Climate scientists have a good reason to want to get away from it all. To get an accurate picture of the amount of carbon dioxide in the Earth's atmosphere, you have to find places where the numbers won't be distorted by cities or factories or even lots of vegetation that can have a major local impact on CO2 concentrations.
Starting in 1958, scientists from the Scripps Institution for Oceanography have been using an instrument on the top of the Mauna Loa volcano in Hawaii to measure CO2 in the atmosphere. Aiden Colton, an atmospheric scientist with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, says NOAA now maintains the Scripps Institution's CO2 analyzer, as well as one of its own.
"We sample 24 hours a day on most of our instrumentation," says Colton. "But what we're most interested in is the extremely clean air coming down from the troposphere that's been well-mixed traveling over 2,000 miles in every direction to get here." The troposphere is where the bulk of Earth's atmosphere resides. It's the buildup of carbon dioxide in the troposphere that has climate scientists concerned.
The air Colton analyzes comes from intake ports at the top of the 120-foot tower. Taking air from the top of the tower helps ensure it won't be contaminated with outgassing from the volcano.
Atmospheric carbon dioxide has been rising steadily since measurements began in 1958. But that's not to say there aren't small fluctuations. CO2 concentrations are typically reported in parts per million. Colton says it's not unusual to have a fluctuation of 5 parts per million in any given day.
For that reason, NOAA doesn't put much stock in daily averages. "We're a long-term baseline monitoring station," says Colton. "So we're not interested in what happens hour to hour, day to day, even week to week."
Still, the long-term trends indicate that the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is continuing to climb, and many scientists are worried about the consequences for the planet's ecological health.
If you're interested in what's happening to the planet you live on, you might want to keep an eye on this measurement, which is linked to efforts to track climate change. It is the number of parts per million of carbon dioxide in the Earth's atmosphere. The daily average for that number has just passed 400, which is the highest it's been in the modern age.
And to get an accurate measurement, scientists had to put their CO2 analyzer far from cities or farms that could distort the readings. So they chose a spot in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Last week, NPR science correspondent Joe Palca visited Mauna Loa Atmospheric Observatory and has this report.
JOE PALCA, BYLINE: The Mauna Loa volcano is on the Big Island in Hawaii. Once you turn off the highway, it's a 16-mile drive on a road that climbs through an undulating field of nothing but rocks and boulders made from lava. When you reach 11,000 feet, you come upon a cluster of small buildings belonging to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. One of them has a plaque next to the door.
I'm about to walk into the Keeling Building named in honor of Professor Charles David Keeling, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, who initiated continuous CO2 measurements at this site in 1958.
PALCA: Inside, there are bunch of computers and other electronic instruments humming away. In a corner of the room, NOAA atmospheric scientist Aidan Colton is closing off an air line he's just used to fill a glass flask.
AIDAN COLTON: We sample 24 hours a day on most of our instrumentation. But what we're most interested in is actually the extremely clean air coming down from the troposphere that's been well mixed traveling over 2,000 miles in every direction to get here.
PALCA: The troposphere is where the bulk of Earth's atmosphere resides. It's the build-up of carbon dioxide in the troposphere that has climate scientists concerned. Colton takes me outside and points to what looks like a tall antenna tower with several cables attached to it.
COLTON: It's basically strapped down on all sides so that it doesn't blow away.
PALCA: Get windy up here?
COLTON: Yeah, it gets very windy at times. You know, we can get winds in excess of 50 miles per hour.
PALCA: The air Colton analyzes comes from intake ports at the top of the 120-foot tower. Across a small parking lot from the Keeling building is the main observatory building. Inside there are offices, a pantry, and several laboratory rooms. So this is the CO2 room?
COLTON: Yes. We call this the carbon cycle room. So we have a C02 analyzer, a methane analyzer, and a carbon monoxide analyzer.
PALCA: Colton sits down at a laptop next to the CO2 analyzer.
COLTON: On our screen right now we're seeing hourly values of CO2. And the last hourly value was 399.33. And, you know, earlier in the day we had a 400.46.
PALCA: Just to be clear here, the hourly number isn't the headline; it's the daily average that's crossed 400 that's making news. Colton says daily averages are interesting, but they don't tell the whole story.
COLTON: We're a long-term baseline monitoring station. So we're not interested in what happens hour to hour, day to day, even week to week.
PALCA: Far more important is the long-term trend.
COLTON: We don't expect CO2 as a monthly average to reach 400 until probably May of 2014.
PALCA: But no matter what day or week or month you choose to say CO2 exceeded 400 parts per million in the atmosphere, the long-term trends show that the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere is continuing to climb, something scientists say remains a major concern. Joe Palca, NPR News. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.


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Clowne-based woman Karen Child, who won £8.4 million on the National Lottery in 2007, is forming her own charity called The Child Foundation.
The charity will help children and their families with varying illnesses and unfortunate life circumstances.
Also a sponsor of Chesterfield Football Club and a Director & Shareholder of Sheffield Sharks Professional Team, Karen has decided to hold the first fundraising event at the Proact Stadium.
A team of celebrities will take on a Chesterfield Legends side which includes the likes of Jack Lester, Bob Newton, Dave Waller, Steve Norris, Steve Baines and Shane Nicholson - to name just a few.
The celebrity side will consist of actors from the likes of Emmerdale and Hollyoaks.
The date of the game is on Sunday, June 1, with kick-off is 4pm.


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Review of Services repair manual HP-LJ-4
|Services manual's name
|HP-LJ-4 printer services repair manual
|Compatible Models
|File format
|File size
HP-LJ-4 printer Service Repair Manual is a document very important with technician. Based on this document technicians can be repair error of printer (Fuser error, LSU error, Paper jam, Toner cartridge error …), disassemble all of components the HP-LJ-4 printer.
HP-LJ-4-4M-4M-5-5M-5N Service ManualHP-LJ-4-4M-4M-5-5M-5N Service Repair Manual contains instructions, specifications for the maintenance, repair ,Exploded Views, Parts List, System Diagram, Disassembly and Reassembly, Troubleshooting guides.
HP-LJ-4 printer Service Repair Manual provide to us the following contents:
1. Disassembly and reassembly all of component of printer: Gears, Springs, Fuser unit, LSU unit, Toner cartridge and covers …
2. How to fix paper jam error HP-LJ-4 printer
3. How to fix fuser error HP-LJ-4 printer
4. How to fix LSU unit error HP-LJ-4 printer
5. Error code HP-LJ-4 printer
6. How to fix print quality problem HP-LJ-4 printer


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Sunday, November 15, 2009
Cordell Barker's Runaway
The saying goes that comedy is a man in trouble. There is no shortage of trouble in Cordell Barker's films. In The Cat Came Back and Strange Invaders, a character arrives who is first welcome and then is revealed to be a source of chaos, destroying the lives of those around it. Both films end with the trouble-making character multiplying. In the first film, the main character accidentally kills himself while trying to get rid of the cat, and is then haunted by 9 feline ghosts. In Strange Invaders, the alien child calls down more of his brethren after destroying the home and marriage of the main characters. While it turns out to be a dream, the woman is pregnant with multiple children who resemble the alien child.
These films are structurally very similar and both keep the chaos localized. The main characters are unfortunate victims, but their problems are not typical. While we can identify with their frustrations, the films say little about our own lives.
With Runaway, Barker has expanded his view to encompass the whole of human civilization. The runaway train is carrying all of us and we're doomed. This is the blackest of comedies and far more biting than his previous films. While the forces of nature initiate the chaos, it becomes fatal due to the human follies of vanity, sex, greed and technology.
The train consists of four cars. The engine is manned by the Captain, a pompous, vain individual who is more interested in women than in his responsibilities. He is a stand-in for those who lead us. His fireman is the bureaucracy that allows leaders to function. The next car is the capitalist class, all wearing stovepipe hats, sipping drinks and playing billiards. This car contains a woman and her small dog. The next car consists of the lumpen proletariat, guzzling beer, dancing and wearing paper party hats. The caboose contains more bureaucrats, all asleep.
The dog runs into the engine. The woman follows it to reclaim it and the Captain leaves his post in order to flirt with her. The dog bites him and the woman, though meaning well, drags him off to take care of the bite. The driverless train then hits a cow walking on the tracks, hurling the fireman into the absurdly complex machinery, itself a comment on the technology our survival depends on. As he rights himself, he accidentally pulls a lever which causes the train to increase it's speed. The train is now out of control.
The first casualties are those in the caboose. As the train makes a turn, the caboose is flung into space with the inhabitants oblivious to what has happened. As the train attempts to climb a hill, the fireman runs out of coal and tells the passengers that they aren't going to make it.
Here's where the film gets interesting. The capitalists offer money to the proletariat in exchange for things to fuel the engine. Though the proles were completely happy before this, money warps their values and they are quick to give up everything they've got, even selling the clothes off their backs. The capitalists, having nothing left to buy from them, cut the proles' car loose from the rest of the train and steal back the money before the proles hurtle to their doom. Capitalist exploitation doesn't get much more explicit than this.
The engine still needs more fuel and the fireman informs the capitalists that he doesn't think they're going to make it. Only when their own survival is at stake do they finally panic (and never consider using their own possessions for fuel!). At this point, the train is precariously balanced at the top of a steep hill, threatening to fall backwards. The Captain and the woman emerge from a bathroom where she has tended to his wounds, and as the Captain walks back towards the engine, the balance is tipped and the train once more goes forward.
But when the captain returns to the engine, he turns his attention to the woman once more, ignoring his responsibilities. The train hurtles into the air and crash lands, killing all the people. The only survivors in the film are the cow and the small dog. Nature, it seems, will survive human folly. That is the only hope that the film allows.
Having concluded that human endeavors are doomed to self-destruct, is there anything left for Barker to say? Will he be limited to variations on this theme? At the rate he makes films, it will be another decade before we find out. In the meantime, though, we have a film whose laughs are marinated in pessimism. Runaway would fit nicely on a double bill with Stanley Kubrick's Dr. Strangelove.
2 comments:
- Bryon Caldwell said...
I got to see this last month when Ron Diamond brought 'The Animation Show of Shows' to IMD. Cordell Barker gave a quick Q&A after which was pretty insightful. He talked a bit about he combined 3D elements and 2D to achieve some of his shots. I thought the film was great. Loved the energy and timing!
- November 18, 2009 8:46 PM
- Mitch K said...
I saw this one in Ottawa this year, and then Barker came to Halifax to show it (and talk about animation timing). I was delightfully surprised to see that his commercial influences are almost identical to my own.
He has a lot of skill, talent, and personality. Runaway took him about six years to complete. I really hope he continues to make films!
- December 03, 2009 10:53 PM
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Growing up, Halloween was pretty much the same every year.
Put on that year's costume (each year, they got less cutesy and progressively scary).
Grab a bag that my dad got from his work and hit the streets looking for good candy.
I was always picky about my candy so a lot of it would either go to my older brother or my parents.
My mom loves the Smarties while my dad enjoyed butterscotch and other hard candies.
I personally loved the taffy type of candy with some occasional chocolate.
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Families and residents looking for something to do this weekend will have several Christmas events to choose from in Smyrna, as the Duck Creek Historical Society is hosting a Christmas Open House Saturday at the Smyrna Museum, and the Smyrna Downtown Renaissance Association is hosting a Holiday Walking Tour Sunday of historic downtown Smyrna.
1. Christmas Open House and Civil War Exhibit at the Smyrna Museum. Take a tour of the brick two-story house located on 11 South Main Street, which was built in the 1790's. The Plank House out back was built in the early 1700's. The Duck Creek Horticultural Society has decorated the two buildings for the holidays. Enjoy some refreshments while taking in the history of Smyrna.
Why you should go? The event is being done in preparation for the Historical Society's upcoming Civil War re-enactment event of the war's lottery draft, slated for next year. So it's a few hours of Christmas decorations and a history of Smyrna — what a great way to spend a portion of your Saturday.
2.Holiday Walking Tour of Historic Downtown Smyrna. Catch the Christmas spirit and get ideas for your own decorations on this self-guided tour of downtown Smyrna. There will be roughly seven houses on the tour, some of which will have exterior decorations while some homeowners have decorated inside. Donations to support the façade and business grant programs will be accepted. Refreshments and a list of homes on the tour will be at the Smyrna Museum.
Why you should go?
"We hope to get people in the holiday spirit and bring people to downtown." – Janet McClure, Smyrna Downtown Renaissance Association
WHAT Christmas Open House
WHERE Smyrna Museum, 11 South Main Street
WHEN 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15
COST free
WHAT Holiday Walking Tour
WHERE Downtown Smyrna
WHEN 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15
COST free


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Clerk shot during gas station robbery in West Allis
Police in West Allis are investigating a shooting at a convenience store that left one man injured.
Officers were called around 1:30 a.m. to the Kwik Pantry near 60th Street and National Avenue after a reported robbery and shooting.
A manager at the store said two men came in and demanded money. He said after the two men received money, one person shot the clerk in the stomach.
Deputy Chief Robert Fletcher said the victim, a 25-year-old Milwaukee man, was taken to Froedtert Hospital for treatment.
Surveillance video shows a man pointing a gun at the clerk while his alleged accomplice waited by the door.
About 20 seconds later, the armed man ran out with a bag of cash.
Fletcher said police do not have anyone in custody related to this shooting.
He said the shooter was described as an African-American man of medium height and build. He is believed to have been wearing a blue hooded sweatshirt with white dots, gray pants and white shoes.
The man's accomplice is described as an African-American man of medium height and build wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans and black shoes.
Both men had white masks on at the time of the robbery.
"He took $200 after he shot him, the night guy, and I was in the cooler and I heard the gunshot," said Ashok Singh, a store employee. "I said, 'Who shot you?' He said, 'I don't know, they had a mask, both guys, door and this guy.'"
Singh called for help.
"I think they said he had a critical injury, but he got to surgery (Monday afternoon)," Singh said.
Singh said it wasn't the first time there's been an armed robbery at the store, and he doesn't want to go through it again.
Anyone with information is asked to call the West Allis Police Department at 414-302-8000.


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BECKLEY, W.Va. (AP) — The chief executive at the time of the deadly West Virginia mine explosion was implicated by a former longtime subordinate Thursday of ordering a widespread corporate practice of warning coal miners about surprise federal inspections.
The allegation made a former president of a Massey Energy subsidiary came as he pleaded guilty to federal conspiracy charges and as federal investigators have signaled they are working their way up the ladder to what experts say would be a rare prosecution of a major corporate executive.
Former White Buck Coal Co. president David Hughart admitted in federal court to working with others to ensure miners at his company and other Massey mines got advance warning about inspections between 2000 and March 2010.
When asked by Judge Irene Berger if such warnings were company policy and, if so, who ordered it, Hughart said "the chief executive officer." Though he was not mentioned by name in court, Don Blankenship was Massey CEO at the time. And outside the courtroom, Karen Hughart confirmed that's who her husband meant.
"Don called the office and at home," she said, adding that her husband has been threatened several times in his career. "Anyone that did not comply was threatened. We lived under fear."
The charges against Hughart grew from federal prosecutors' continuing investigation of the 2010 Upper Big Branch mine disaster that killed 29 workers. U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin refused to comment on the direction of his investigation, but Hughart's testimony was the latest signal that he could be working his way to the top.
Blankenship attorney William Taylor said his client has done nothing wrong.
"Don Blankenship did not conspire with anybody to do anything illegal or improper. To the contrary, Don took every possible step to make the mines under his responsibility safer," he said in an email.
"We are not particularly concerned about Mr. Hughart's statement," Taylor added. "It is not surprising that people embellish or say untrue things when they are attempting to reduce a possible prison sentence."
Hughart is the highest-ranking Massey employee involved in a criminal case since the investigation began. A former Upper Big Branch superintendent was recently sentenced to 21 months in prison after pleading guilty to charges he defrauded the government through his actions at the mine.
The 54-year-old Hughart spoke so softly that those in the federal courtroom in Beckley struggled to hear him say he had no hesitation about pleading guilty to helping warn of inspections that could let miners and managers conceal potentially deadly conditions that could lead to a shutdown in production.
"I allowed ... it to happen," he said. "I was responsible for the operation."
He faces up to six years in prison and a $350,000 fine when sentenced June 25.
Blankenship retired about eight months after the nation's worst coal mining disaster in four decades, and several victims' relatives have demanded he be prosecuted.
Gary Quarles, who lost son Gary Wayne, said Hughart's comment bolsters that hope. Though he was mildly surprised Hughart agreed to roll over on his former boss, Quarles said he hopes others will do the same "because that's the cat I want."
Others are also responsible for his son's death, but Quarles said Blankenship must be held accountable above all.
"It's just a matter of time," he told The Associated Press by phone. "... I want him to know he can be had. His money can't get him out of everything."
Blankenship has been re-emerging as a public figure over the past year, launching a website where he shares his thoughts and calls the day the mine near Montcoal exploded one of the worst of his life.
Those in West Virginia's coalfields hold Blankenship personally responsible, accusing him of putting profits before people throughout his long career as a union-busting operator.
Multiple investigations found the Upper Big Branch blast was caused by blatant disregard of federal safety laws, and Blankenship had a well-documented record of micromanaging his mines.
"If the investigation into the tragedy at the Upper Big Branch mine is to be complete, Don Blankenship's indictment — and then conviction — is the only possible outcome," United Mine Workers of America President Cecil Roberts said Thursday.
But when Hughart was charged last fall, several former federal prosecutors told the AP it won't be easy to prosecute Blankenship. Kendall Coffey, a former U.S. attorney in Miami, said prosecutions of financial fraud have been more successful, but in fatal safety cases it's sometimes difficult to prove a crime was committed.
"It's historically been difficult to move to the top of the pyramid. Typically a chairman or CEO has multiple layers and relatively few fingerprints on the operational issues that directly cause a tragedy," Coffey said.
To reach the top, experts say, investigators would most likely need documents or other hard evidence to match witnesses' damning testimony. Either that, or they'll need multiple witnesses.
At least one potentially powerful document has already been made public.
After a 2006 fire that killed two men at a different Massey operation, attorneys in a civil lawsuit found a memo from Blankenship. He told workers at the Aracoma Coal Alma No. 1 mine that if their bosses asked them to build roof supports or perform similar safety-related tasks, "ignore them and run coal."
"This memo is necessary only because we seem not to understand that the coal pays the bills," he wrote.
Massey settled that lawsuit for undisclosed terms, and its subsidiary paid $4.2 million in civil and criminal penalties.
Blankenship had long been a public figure and household name in West Virginia, lavishing millions on conservative political candidates including state Supreme Court Justice Brent Benjamin, and accusing the former head of the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration of lying to Congress.
But the disaster made him known outside the state, and a week before his retirement, a national magazine profile labeled him "the dark lord of coal country." Upper Big Branch has since been sealed by the company that bought out Massey, Virginia-based Alpha Natural Resources.
Neither Hughart nor attorney Michael Whitt commented after the hearing. But Hughart's son, Jonathan, said he wants to see Blankenship in court.
But "Don Blankenship is a very powerful person," he said. "He won't see a day in prison. I promise you that."
Smith contributed from Morgantown.


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By Archives Staff
Title: Charles H. Benjamin papers, 1903-1912
Primary Creator: Benjamin, Charles Henry (1856-)
Extent: 4.0 Folders
Subjects: Mechanical engineering--Study and teaching, Purdue University. School of Engineering
Forms of Material: Articles
Languages: English
Repository: Purdue University Libraries, Archives and Special Collections
Access Restrictions: This collection is open for research.
Preferred Citation: MSF 31, Charles H. Benjamin papers, Archives and Special Collections, Purdue University Libraries