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How To Avoid Being Scammed
Common sense would have us think that of all the professionals, polygraph (lie detector) examiners would value truth more than most people. And most of them do. However…
Some polygraph examiners are outright frauds and confidence men. Thousands of people are falling prey to these so-called examiners every year and are paying out hard-earned money to get nothing in return but smoke, mirrors, and false promises.
Polygraphy, a type of lie detector testing, is a legitimate science that has been around for nearly 100 years and continues to evolve and improve. Modern techniques have gotten the accuracy rate consistently within the 90 to 95% range (for specific issue testing). That is assuming, of course, that the test is done correctly. When a test is done incorrectly, it's better not to have the test done at all. But how can you tell the difference? First you need to understand how a legitimate polygraph examiner is trained. After attending and graduating from a polygraph training school accredited by the American Polygraph Association (APA), the examiner undergoes an internship (typically one year) before becoming certified by the training facility. If the examiner is working in one of the states that requires a polygraph license, he or she must obtain that license following the internship. The examiner must then return to school each year for continuing education, and this training must also be approved by the APA. Most U.S. and Canadian examiners will belong to either the American Polygraph Association, the National Polygraph Association, or the American Association of Police Polygraphists in order to facilitate this continuing education and to keep abreast of the rapid changes being made within the industry.
Then you have the frauds. These "examiners" typically teach themselves how to conduct exams by reading books and manuals, then hang out their shingles. Others may tell you they completed training at XYZ polygraph school, but this school either doesn't exist or is not an accredited training facility. Others may tell you they were "preceptor" trained, which means they were trained by a qualified examiner but never attended a formal polygraph school. In any case, you end up with an examiner who has not been properly trained to do polygraph testing. This examiner is not eligible to belong to the APA and is not permitted to attend most continuing education programs.
Forewarned is forearmed – don't fall victim to some of the scams offered out there. There are several steps you can take before selecting your examiner.
Verify the examiner's primary polygraph training by asking which polygraph school they attended. Most polygraph schools will verify graduates over the phone. Then, check with the APA (www.polygraph.org) to verify the school is (or was) accredited. Note: Many polygraph schools went out of business following federal regulatory changes in 1988, so if the school no longer exists please skip to #2 below.
Verify the examiner's primary polygraph training by asking which polygraph school they attended. Most polygraph schools will verify graduates over the phone. Then, check with the APA (www.polygraph.org) to verify the school is (or was) accredited. Note: Many polygraph schools went out of business following federal regulatory changes in 1988, so if the school no longer exists please skip to #2 below.
The APA and AAPP both verify whether an examiner has attended an accredited training school, so if you are unable to verify an examiner's primary training directly, you can verify it indirectly by making sure the examiner belongs to either the APA or AAPP.
Verify that the examiner or his/her company has a satisfactory (A or better) rating with the Better Business Bureau. Remember that a company does not have to belong to the BBB to have a BBB rating. Read the customer reviews on the BBB web site
Ask to see the examiner's Curriculum Vitae or resume. Global Polygraph Network reviews these documents for you to verify an examiner's credentials.
Verify that the examiner is licensed in the state or jurisdiction where the exam will take place. However, less than half the states in the U.S. require licensing for polygraph examiners, so in many cases the examiner will not require a license to operate. In these situations, it is critical to verify the examiner's membership in one or more of the three organizations noted above.
Be cautious of any examiner charging significantly less than the average price for your area. Any price under $300 should be a huge warning sign that the examiner has not been adequately trained, is using out-of-date equipment, or is not maintaining his/her continuing education requirements.
If the examiner offers you voice stress services or "over the phone" lie detection as a cheap alternative to regular polygraph testing, you're about to be scammed.
Polygraph technology and techniques change frequently, so unless the examiner regularly attends continuing education courses he/she may not be using up-to-date techniques. Ask about recent CE credits achieved by the examiner and whether these credits are approved by the APA.
Polygraph equipment needs to be calibrated before an exam can be conducted. Computerized systems do this automatically, to some degree, but analog equipment must be calibrated each time it is moved to a new location.
If the exam has already been conducted, make sure the exam took 90 minutes or longer and that no more than 5 relevant questions were asked.
If the exam has already been conducted, you should receive a written report (at no extra charge) which should include the examiner's name, address, phone number, signature, name of the examinee, date of the exam, the purpose of the exam, the list of relevant questions asked and answers given, and the analysis of those answers. Beware of any examiner who reports "Truth" or "Truthfulness" in a report. This is not typical terminology used in a polygraph report.
If you question the results of the exam, any examiner should be willing to have his/her results Quality Controlled (QC'd) by an independent reviewer. Ask in advance whether the examiner would be willing to have any disputed results reviewed by a QC examiner. GPN can provide QC reviews if needed.
Look at the charts (polygrams). Below are two chart samples. The one on the left is from a real exam conducted by a qualified examiner. Notice the clarity and flow of the tracings (lines). The one on the right is from an exam conducted by a fraudulent examiner. The tracings are too erratic and corrupted for even the best examiner to analyze. This typically occurs when an examiner allows the examinee to talk or move while the equipment is recording.


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Sunday leads fundraising 2:1 in York County DA race
Dave Sunday raised more than $13,000 in 2016, while Jonelle Harter Eshbach took in $6,100, according to campaign finance disclosure reports.
Chief Deputy Prosecutor Dave Sunday outraised his opponent, Jonelle Harter Eshbach, in the Republican primary for York County district attorney by a more than 2-to-1 margin in 2016, according to campaign finance disclosure reports.
Sunday raised $13,040. Eshbach, a former prosecutor in the York County District Attorney's Office and in the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office, brought in $6,100.
The district attorney is elected to four-year terms. The primary is on May 16.
In an interview, Sunday said he's been "humbled" not only that so many people have made financial contributions, but with his volunteer base.
"We are just moving along," Sunday said, "and I couldn't be happier with the amount of support we have."
Meanwhile, Eshbach said her goal is to "win the race, not to be a banker for my campaign." Still, she said, it takes money to get the message out to voters that you're the most qualified candidate.
"There's a lot of time left in this race," Eshbach said. "It's just begun."
In his report, Sunday listed an ending balance of more than $7,950. York County President Commissioner Susan Byrnes gave $2,750, and District Attorney Tom Kearney contributed $1,000.
Joe Wagman, who's the chairman of Wagman Construction Inc. in York, gave $1,000.
When Wagman was chairman of Better York, an organization that's focused on economic development and public safety, Sunday came in and talked about his perspective on crime in the city.
Wagman said Sunday did a "great job." He was invited back.
"He was very impressive. Very engaged in the issue, very committed to York," Wagman said. "So when I learned that he was running for the office, I was very happy to support him."
In her report, Eshbach had about $2,150 on hand. Newberry Township Police Chief John Snyder donated $500 to the campaign.
Karen Comery also contributed $500.
She first met Eshbach when they were both working on a local political campaign.
Comery, who worked in the District Attorney's Office for more than 10 years, described the donation as an "investment" in the community. She said she believes that Eshbach is the most qualified person for the job.
"Her range of experience is much more extensive," said Comery, who's now a family law and criminal defense attorney. "She advocates for those who don't have a voice."
Campaign finance disclosure reports are next due on April 4.
Contact Dylan Segelbaum at 717-771-2102.

subset: commoncrawl


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Several critics groups announced their annual awards yesterday, and Fantastic Mr. Fox was named the Best Animation by the Los Angeles Film Critics Association. The rest of the groups seem to have chosen Pixar's Up, which is not surprising. But a good note that Mr. Fox is definitely in second place, because given the expansion of the Oscars Best Picture category this year, Up may be included in that, which would give Wes' film a far better shot at wining the Animated film Oscar. Anyway, at this rate, the film seems like a shoo-in for a nomination. We'll have more awards coverage as groups announce their awards in the following weeks.
(Related posts: Fantastic Mr. Fox Nominated for 3 Annie Awards, Wes wins Special Filmmaking Acheivement Award from the National Board of Review)
via HitFix


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Last month, I had a thoughtful conversation with a mentor of mine who expressed concern that the TRIESTE pilot might somehow overlook the clear and pressing needs of the most severely mentally ill people living in Hollywood. He was worried that this project – informed by the whole-person, social recovery principles that guide the system in Trieste, Italy — might leave these people behind. Why? Because people with a severe mental illness can be challenging to treat, difficult to house, unaware of their illness, sometimes violent, lost in their delusions.
Here is what I said: "I got into this world through the portal of trying to help the Hollywood Top 14 get off the street — and it is way too hard playing by the rules of this current system. I've seen a better way, and we have to give this a shot."
My work — and my passion — is informed by what we learned about the broken system that left the Top 14 to languish on our streets. For those we were able to help, I witnessed remarkable life transformation as one moved from lying in their own waste on the sidewalk to living a more independent life, clean, clothed, fed, benefitting from treatment, perhaps reunited with family. Since we do not have the luxury of a robust community care system with a bed for everyone at this juncture, in most cases, the only tool available to us was to make a case for involuntary hospitalization and ultimately a conservatorship. Because three people on our original list died on the streets of Hollywood, seeking a conservatorship may have saved the lives of the others.
So I thought I would just reflect upon the original Top 14 – the list our Hollywood 4WRD coalition identified in March 2013 when we realized that despite three years of working to secure housing for a group of our chronically homeless neighbors, there was this cohort that remained on the street, sometimes on the same block where they had been for decades prior. We had a flip-chart on the wall, and we labelled it "super chronic." It was intended to be a Top Ten list, but people clamored to add four more names to save.
The Formula
This strategy originates in the community. Our method was simple but required patience and persistence. We continue to use this formula to this day, because as people move off the list, new people take their place.
- Create a small rescue team. Designate one or two people to develop rapport with the person over time.
- Research everything we can learn about the person, including finding their family.
- Assemble whatever data (including letters from clinicians, photos, letters from businesses, or notes kept about known hospitalizations, arrests, etc) to make a case for grave disability to present to an emergency room or to a court. We call this a dossier. In the past, generally, we did not have the assistance of DMH – or their data – because of HIPAA. As I said; this originated with the community, not the public sector. [Note: in the new DMH under Dr. Jonathan Sherin, a specialized outreach team has been re-invigorated, the HOME Team, which focusses on the most severely mentally ill in L.A. County, similar to the Top 14. We are grateful for this new initiative.]
- With dossier in hand, at least one or two people will have to be available to follow the person to the hospital, or to the jail, or to court – this is important to advocate that the person is gravely disabled, needs treatment and should not be released back to the street.
Meet four of fourteen
This will be a three-part blog. Here is a snapshot of four of our neighbors. The names are changed to protect privacy, except in the case of those we know have passed.
1Mr. S, in his mid-30's, had been homeless in Hollywood for 10 – 12 years and would also show up in Santa Monica because he would take the bus to the beach area. There was no dispute on our team that he should be the first person to help, because of his severe illness and vulnerability. Mr. S did not have hands and was blind in one eye. He often would be running along the sidewalks barefoot and would be found huddled in doorways trying to keep warm. A You Tube video from seven years ago documents his heartbreaking situation. This may be hard to watch, but it was even more difficult to walk past him every day, feeling helpless about how to help him. We spent time researching everything we could about his background, his family and where he slept or ate. We created a "dossier" to document his grave disability and inability to take care of himself. The dossier was intended for the Emergency Room, the court, the public defender; whomever we could get to read it. In 2013, Mr. S was detained on a 5150 after running into traffic and his journey led him through the conservatorship process, into an IMD and ultimately to a board and care as an FSP client.
TODAY? Mr. S has been reunited with a family member, loves living in his board and care, has a library card, and rides the bus round trip four hours a day one day a week to an adult school where he is working on his GED. When I tell him the story of how our team mobilized to help him, he asks: "what took you so long?" I wish I could show you a picture of what a gentle and happy human being he is.
2 Mr. G experienced a co-occurring disorder of mental illness and alcohol use. He was a young man in his early 30's, who would wander the streets of Hollywood panhandling for change to buy the two quarts of vodka he would drink each day. He was known to don a bikini and ask tourist for money, or hang out in trash cans along the Walk of Fame. Because of his erratic behavior, there was a stay away order for a large section of Hollywood for a time. The team that assembled around Mr. G grew increasingly worried that he was going to die from alcohol poisoning. One day, laying in the gutter, it appeared that he may have been partially run over by a car. In 2014, he ended up at Cedars Sinai and PATH outreach workers picked him up at the hospital and brought him back to the PATH shelter to detox. It was not an easy process for him. Over the course of the next year, he experienced a radical life transformation. He attended AA meetings daily, his foot healed enough for him to walk again, he started going to church every Sunday, he reconnected with his family in Texas, he was moved into a supportive PATH unit and he got a part time job at a pet store. Six days before his one-year sober birthday, he had a beer and began a precipitous downward slide. He did some time in state prison for a felony assault and was released in November 2017. He came back to Hollywood, never followed the conditions of his parole and fell prey to a meth addiction.
TODAY? We think he may be back in prison.
3 Ms. S was the subject of the photo I used when I started telling the story of the Top 14. She lived for a couple years on a mattress on the 1700 block of Whitley in Hollywood. The neighbors were beside themselves because no one seemed to be able to help her. I am not quite sure exactly how she ended up off the street, but one day she was gone. In 2016, one of our team members, Savanah Walseth, saw her walking near Hollywood and Western. She was dressed to the nines with her hair done and with make up. The transformation was unbelievable. At that point, she was living in a board and care on Western, north of Hollywood, which has since closed. We are not exactly sure how she was helped and we are not sure where she is now. That is one of the frustrations of a "civilian rescue team." We don't have access to data to keep track of people.
TODAY? We don't know where Ms. S is. We would love to know and hear her story.
4 Robert Gillette was a veteran that we met in April 2010 when we first did the Hollywood Homeless Registry (a project by Community Solutions). At that time, he was in his late 50's and he lived on a bus bench on LaBrea and was always wearing layers of coats, no matter the weather. We never assembled a formal team around Mr. Gillette, but one of our members, Robert Morrison, had created a relationship with him and would continually engage him. Mr. Gillette refused help. In 2015, Robert sent out a photo to our group because he was very concerned about Mr. Gillette's health.
TODAY? Rest in peace Mr. Gillette. If we knew then what we have learned through this process, we may have been able to see you treated and thriving.
In the next installment, you'll meet four more members of this inaugural cohort of the Hollywood Top 14.


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The June 14th UNDECIDED VALUES Card
The Jack of Clubs Club
Regular price
"The revolution is not an apple that falls when it is ripe. You have to make it fall." - Che Guevara
Donald Trump
Values - Security – Dharma
Uncertain Money Conditions
THREE of Diamonds: The UNDECIDED VALUES Card - The Three of Diamonds is considered one of the more difficult of the life paths of all the cards, especially when the Three of Diamonds is a woman. Indecision in values along with past life karma (Six of Hearts Karma Card) in relationships cause many challenges in the affectional life. A natural interest in metaphysics should be cultivated if they are to know more peace in their lives and overcome the many hurdles and temptations. They always know what is right and wrong, though sometimes they try to ignore what they know.
EQ: "Emotional Intelligence"
They have more satisfaction in business where they can travel or do various different things. There is usually someone younger for whom they must make sacrifices for, often one of their children. With three nines in their Life Path, their later life can be disappointing, UNLESS they have developed their spiritual side, which will give them peace and solace and wisdom.
Sheriff Joe ArpaioThese people are here to try many "things" on for size and then to settle on the truth. They are very creative. Some of them discover a divine mission and follow a lofty path where their innate creativity serves a higher purpose where they find peace and contentment.
Karma: Dependence on Others
Burl Ives
Harriet Beecher Stowe
FAMOUS THREE of Diamonds: Harriet Beecher Stowe was an American abolitionist and author. She came from the Beecher family, a famous religious family, and is best known for her novel Uncle Tom's Cabin, which depicts ... June 14, 1811, Litchfield, CT.
Donald Trump George Washington Bernie Sanders
FAMOUS THREE of Diamonds: John Belushi, Steve Irwin, Jerzy Kosinski (writer, Being There, committed suicide), George Washington, Drew Barrymore, Spike Lee, Herbert Hoover, Mister Rogers, Melissa Joan Hart, Tori Spelling, Bernie Sanders, Donald Trump, Richard Simmons, Che Guevara, Antonio Banderas, Pink, Elisabeth Shue, Sean Diddy Combs, Britney Spears.
THREE of Diamonds (Pentacles, Disks, Coins) in Tarot
THREE of Diamonds: Bright, personable, optimistic and fun. These are the positive attributes of the Three of Diamonds. Unfortunately, the overwhelming urge for self-protection in material interests can throw these people back on the stark uncertainty, and insecurity of the number 3. During late teens and early twenties, 3 of Diamonds people may become victims of unreliable friends or associates. If they have beauty, material security or other advantages, they can be subject to jealousy and gossip. Early marriage is usually filled with such serious obstacles and troubles, it's better for the 3 of Diamonds to wait until late 20's before tying the knot. http://www.metasymbology.com/
GEMINI May 21 to June 21
GEMINI Donald Trump
Experiential Learning Cycle
Open Loop Limbic System
Self "Uncertain Money Conditions"
Ego "The Need for Inspiration"
Che Guevara
THREE of Diamonds (Pentacles) Connections


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Bimuelos (Matza Popovers)
Years ago, when I was working the night shift as an RN in Florida, as Pesach was approaching I would spend the quiet hours of the early morning browsing Passover cookbooks and making lists so that I felt like I was accomplishing something. This recipe is my favorite result of that 'research'.
Though they are called 'bimuelos', and are of sephardic origin, an early mispronunciation in our house of 'abuelos' (grandparents or ancestors in Spanish) stuck and that's what we've called them ever since.
Whatever you call them, they are a real hit, and perfect for a nice warm breakfast treat.
- Duration
- Cook Time
- Prep Time
- 1 dozenServings
- 2 cup matza farfel or crumbled matza
- 4 eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 tablespoon sugar
Put matza farfel in a bowl, pour boiling water over it to just cover. Let set a few minutes until it soaks in. Mix with the rest of the ingredients.
Grease a 12-muffin tin and fill it up to 2/3 of its depth.
Bake at 350° for 45 minutes.
Serve with butter and/or jelly.
P.S. Makes a great, portable food for chol hamoed trips. Eat it hot out of the oven or room temperature. Enjoy!
Photo courtesy of Sina Mizrahi.


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Wed, 8 January 2014
The 60th Book Slam podcast has a sensibility both African and diasporic, featuring artists from our collaboration with the London African Music Festival. They include Noo Saro-Wiwa, reading from and discussing her brilliant book 'Looking For Transwonderland: Travels In Nigeria', plus poetry from Trinidadian maestro Roger Robinson and gifted Zimbabwean newcomer Belinda Zhawi. Patrick is struggling to stay relevant, Elliott struggling to care.
Direct download: bookslam60.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 6:24am UTC


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Life in the Spirit is a lot like Flying.
I recall when I shot landings in the Piper Warrior (Warrior three-eight-four-niner-four). Amazing that if you follow a certain procedural flow in the cockpit, you get a consistent result. For example, when entering the pattern at Nashua, New Hampshire's Boire Field, I must enter at pattern altitude, 1200 feet. Then I flow through a series of settings using the acrostic PPFF—Power, Pump, Fuel, Flaps.
Power at entry is set to 2000RPM's (summer setting–1700 in winter). The pump must be in the ON position. Fuel selector set to the tank with the most fuel. And Flaps set to 1st click—approach setting. Then airspeed must be 70 knots. Finally, trim the airplane. That's it until abeam of the numbers in the downwind leg.
Then, abeam the numbers, PPFF again—Power to 1700 RPM's (14-1500 in winter); Pump "On"; Fuel selector—check; Flaps—approach setting. Aircraft should be trimmed to a descent rate of 500ft / minute.
First, our power setting is essential. Too little, we don't make it to the runway. Too much, we overshoot by coming in too high, too fast. Next, the pump keeps fuel flowing assuring a steady, dependable power setting. Third, we must make sure our supply of fuel does not suddenly end. Therefore, we make certain that the fuel selector is in the setting that points to the tank with the most fuel. Finally, the flaps slow our airspeed so that we can make a steady descent to the runway. The more flaps, the slower the speed, the greater the descent angle available. Under normal conditions, this flow and these settings CONSISTENTLY result in the proper attitude for the airplane to make a perfect, safe landing.
I am struck by the similarities between life in the Spirit and flying. Flying is truly a metaphor for that life. Though, like the airplane, we were made for the journey—to fly—we need to find that safe place to be refreshed and rested for the next flight. Just as the airplane must approach the airport, we must approach God. He is where we want to land and find fuel, maintenance and safe tie –down. When we approach God, what if we were to use that same acrostic-flow. How about PPFF—Power, Pump, Fuel, Flaps.
We use what Power we have to approach God. We set our wills and expend effort to align ourselves with God and approach Him. The Pump is our heart, our passion for Him. We want that in the "on" position. If we are not to run out of Fuel, we need to feed upon the Word. The Word of God, written and spoken, is our bread. We feed upon it and it fuels us. We approach God full of His promises and encouragements.
I often select the passages and promises that are the most meaningful to me over the years of approaching Him. For example, I KNOW that I will meet with Him when I draw near: "Come near to God and He will come near to you" (James 4:8). I have this verse, this principle, memorized and I set my heart to it before I align myself for landing in my Father. Or how about:
Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
–Isaiah 40:30-31 (NIV)
Finally, F for Flaps. Remember the flaps SLOW the aircraft. I need to slow down in order to approach God. We all are far too busy. Our busyness is usually a drivenness, not an agenda given us by God. Does your daily schedule control you or do you control it? God wants our lives to be lived in peace (1 Tim. 2:2; 1 Cor. 14:33; 2 Cor. 13:11; Rom. 14:17; 15:33), not in hustle and bustle. He tells us that that kind of hurried living produces nothing worthwhile (Hag. 1:5-11; Matt. 6:31-33). We must set the flaps of our life to "approach" position.
A HALF-DAY WITH GOD: Clear your schedule for a half-day with Him. Find a way to make Him your priority. Slow down! Let the answer-phone take your calls. Turn off the TV. Get out of the house so you won't see another thing that needs to be tidied or picked up. Take your Bible, a cold bottle of water or ice tea, get in the car, go to a park with a camp-chair, sit in the shade and SLOW DOWN! Don't take a walkman or music. Look up at the clouds, listen to the birds, close your eyes and feel the breeze on your face. Sit there in silence for 5 minutes. Then sing! That's right . . . sing! God's promise is that you are filled with the Spirit by SINGING (Rom. 15:11; Eph. 5:18-20; Col. 3:16).
Later, open your Bible to a favorite verse or passage (better yet, just recall a favorite verse that you've memorized). Roll that verse around in your mind, your heart, your mouth. Think about what it means. Think about how much God wants to meet with you. Thank Him that since you slowed down to draw near to Him you can KNOW that He has drawn near to you (Jam. 4.8).
Before your half-day is complete, you will sense something wonderful. God will be breathing His peace and love into your soul.
A word of CAUTION: Don't let the enemy lie to you that this time is a waste. Or that you should be accomplishing something constructive. If you listen to The Accuserand believe this lie, then you would have to accuse Jesus of wasting time (Mk. 1:35; Lk 5:16). No, follow your Lord's example, not the lies of the enemy and our culture. Linger in His presence, like you would lounge in a hot bath. Close your eyes and let His thoughts and love fill you. DO THIS and you will know the marvel of being His child. You have landed safely in Him. You will be refreshed to fly through your life buoyed by the air that is His being and presence.
Power, Pump, Fuel, Flaps–Follow the acrostic-flow for a couple of months and let me know how that works out for you.
Happy Landing!!
©2008, David C Alves


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Bejaïa(redirected from Béjaïa)
Also found in: Dictionary, Wikipedia.
Bejaïa (bĕjīˈə), formerly Bougie (bo͞ozhēˈ), city, N Algeria, a port on the Gulf of Bejaïa (an arm of the Mediterranean Sea). The northern terminus of the Hassi Messaoud oil pipeline from the Sahara, Bejaïa is the principal oil port of the W Mediterranean. Exports, aside from crude petroleum, include iron, phosphates, wines, dried figs, and plums. The city also has textile and cork industries. A minor port in Carthaginian and Roman times, Bejaïa was the Roman Saldae. It became the capital of the Vandals in the 5th cent. It later disappeared but was refounded by the Berbers in the 11th cent. and became an important port and cultural center. After Spanish occupation (1510–55), the city was taken by the Ottoman Turks. Until it was captured by the French in 1833, Bejaïa was a stronghold of the Barbary pirates (see Barbary States). City landmarks include a 16th-century mosque and a casbah (fortress) built by the Spanish in 1545.
The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia™ Copyright © 2022, Columbia University Press. Licensed from Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.


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The Sox are 0-3 through the first week of spring training. There may be some basis upon which to be concerned by the results of the first three pre season games of the year, but I don't see it.
What I prefer to see is that each of our three starters so far (Floyd, Buehrle, and Jackson) have pitched well (two scoreless in each of their outings). The starters look strong!
The bats will come


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Ford Fusion CD931 (2012-on): Review, Problems, and Specs
The Ford Fusion is an essential car in the Blue Oval's North American lineup. Launched in late 2012 as a 2013 model, the second-generation Fusion later provided the base for the Mondeo sold in Europe. The Fusion is an enormous improvement over its lackluster predecessor and has won praise for the sweet balance between sharp handling and composed ride quality, as well as the quiet cabin and fuel-efficient turbocharged engines. Not to mention that the Fusion has remarkable depth when it comes to engine choices: it offers four gasoline engines, a hybrid, a plug-in hybrid, and optional all-wheel-drive. The facelift introduced for the 2017 model year has even brought a 325 hp V6 Sport trim, so there's a Fusion for everyone.
Strong Points
- Sleek design
- Powerful twin-turbo V6 (from 2017 onwards)
- Fuel-efficient turbocharged and hybrid versions
- Quiet cabin
- Fun to drive, available with AWD
Recommended Versions
- Sport (for driving enthusiasts)
- Hybrid, Energi (for fuel-economy and eco-friendly driving)
- Fusion Titanium 2.0L (for everyone else)
Weak Points
- Infotainment system is less intuitive to use than some rival systems
- Less spacious than some competitors
- No diesel option
Stay Away From
- Underpowered 2.5L engine
Known Problems & Recalls
- December 2016: Ford recalled certain model year 2017 Fusion vehicles to replace the left hand, second-row seat back frame that was improperly welded
- December 2016: Certain model year 2013-2016 Ford Fusions were recalled to apply a protective coating to the seat belt cable to prevent the front seat belt anchor cable from failing
- April 2016: Ford quarantined certain model year 2016 Fusion vehicles before their sale to replace the front driver seat track rail that was improperly welded
- October 2015: Certain model year 2016 Fusion sedans were recalled to replace the fuel tank that might have insufficient wall thickness
- April 2015: Ford recalled certain model year 2013-2015 Fusion models to apply sealer and replace the steering gear motor bolts that were prone to corrosion
- April 2015: Certain model year 2013-2014 Fusion sedans were recalled to replace all four door latches with an improved part
- November 2014: Ford recalled certain model year 2014-2015 Fusion, 2015 Fusion Energi, and 2015 Fusion Hybrid vehicles to fix an issue that allowed drivers to remove the key even when the transmission was not in Park
- September 2014: Ford recalled certain model year 2013-2014 Fusions to replace the Restraint Control Module (RCM) because coating on some portions may crack, leading to malfunctions in the deployment of airbags and seat belt pretensioners
- April 2014: Certain 2013-2014 Ford Fusion vehicles were recalled to replace the front seat backs that might become loose or lean while driving
- May 2013: Ford recalled certain 2013 Fusion sedans to replace a faulty steering gear that might cause impaired steering, including the loss of steering control
- December 2012: Certain 2013 Fusion vehicles equipped with 1.6L engines were recalled to inspect the engine for coolant system leaks and reprogram the vehicles' powertrain control module and instrument cluster with an updated calibration and overheat strategy software
- November 2012: Ford recalled certain 2013 Fusion sedans to replace a faulty headlamp assembly
From 2013 to 2016 model years, the Fusion offers four gasoline engine choices, a hybrid, and a plug-in hybrid. The standard engine is a normally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder rated at 175 hp that's a bit underpowered and lacks torque. A better choice would be one of the turbocharged EcoBoost units: a 178 hp 1.6 liter (retired for 2015), an 181 hp 1.5-liter (introduced in 2014), and a 240 hp 2.0-liter. Something the Fusion lacked was a V6 option, but that changed with the facelift for the 2017 model year that brought the 325 hp 2.7-liter twin-turbo V6 in the Sport version. Eco-conscious buyers can choose from the Fusion Hybrid and the Fusion Energy plug-in hybrid. Each combines a 2.0-liter iVCT Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine with an electric motor, for a combined output of 188 hp and 195 hp, respectively.
The Ford Fusion is not a sports sedan, but it feels nimble and precise in corners, with minimal body roll. The steering is accurate, and the suspension offers the right balance between handling sharpness and comfort — while favoring the latter. All-wheel-drive versions benefit from increased traction and are safer on slippery surfaces, but a standard front-wheel-drive model is just good enough on most occasions. The Sport model introduced for the 2017 model year is the clear choice for sports sedan lovers. As for the Hybrid and Energi models, they are more fun to drive than any hybrid or plug-in hybrid competitor.
The second-generation Ford Fusion is among the safest cars in its segment, a fact attested by the crashworthiness ratings received from both the NHTSA and IIHS. In government testing, the 2017 Fusion received a five-star overall rating, with four stars for frontal crash, five stars for side crash, and four stars for rollover. The IIHS gave it the "Top Safety Pick+" label for 2013 and 2014, and the "Top Safety Pick" label for 2017. The facelifted model received the maximum "Good" rating in all crash scenarios, the top "Superior" rating for crash avoidance & mitigation, but got the lowest "Poor" mark for the headlights.
The good ride quality is one of the Fusion's defining features. The suspension swallows road irregularities without drama and the cabin remains silent most of the time. Highway cruising is remarkably quiet and refined, and the seats make long trips a pleasure. The driver can easily find the right position behind the wheel thanks to the highly-adjustable power seat, and benefits from good visibility out the front and sides of the car. However, visibility through the sloping rear window suffers, which is most likely why Ford offers a standard rearview camera.
As mentioned earlier on, there's a Fusion for everyone. It may not be a premium model, but the new-for-2017 Platinum trim can easily be mistaken for one, due to its leather seats with contrast piping and stitched dashboard. However, lesser grades are less spectacular, without looking cheap. The finishes are high-quality, and most surfaces are nicely textured. Ford's preference for all-black interiors makes the Fusion's cabin a bit uninviting, though. On base models, the center stack lacks a clean look because of the multitude of buttons. Thankfully, the optional MyFord Touch and SYNC3 (from 2017) infotainment systems solve that problem.
The Fusion offers plenty of headroom and legroom for front passengers, but at the rear things are different. The 60/40-split folding rear seats offer generous legroom (thanks to the fact that the front seats are mounted high enough off the floor), but the sedan's sloping roofline eats into rear headroom a bit. Still, the Fusion is comparable to rivals in this respect, offering enough space for average-size adults. The trunk has a capacity of 16 cu-ft, which places the Fusion somewhere in the middle of the midsize sedan segment. If you want the Hybrid or the Energi plug-in hybrid, you must know they offer reduced boot volumes: 12 cu-ft and 8.2 cu-ft, respectively.
The infotainment system is a weak spot of the Ford Fusion, at least until the 2017 mid-cycle refresh that brought the SYNC 3 interface. 2013-2015 model year Fusions featured fiddly touch-sensitive pads on the center console that were thankfully replaced by more user-friendly buttons for 2016. The MyFord Touch infotainment system is too complicated and distracting to use, but if you go for a 2017 Fusion, you won't have to worry about that because it features the (optional) much-improved SYNC 3 interface. It's more responsive to inputs, and the larger virtual buttons are easier to press than the old system's small bars and boxes.
It should come as no surprise that the most fuel-efficient model in the Fusion lineup is the Energi plug-in hybrid. The 2017 model is EPA-rated at 97 MPGe, thanks to an all-electric driving range of 21 miles (34 km). The Fusion Hybrid doesn't fare too bad either, with a combined fuel economy rating of 42 mpg (43 city/41 highway). If you don't want a hybrid, the next best choice is a front-wheel-drive Fusion equipped with the 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine, which returns an EPA-rated 27 mpg combined (23 city/34 highway). The standard 2.5L and optional 2.0L EcoBoost gasoline engines each return 25 mpg combined — 21 mpg city/32 mpg highway for the former and 21 mpg city/31 highway for the latter.
Whatever Fusion you choose, you can't complain about insufficient standard features. An entry-level 2017 Fusion S, for example, comes fitted with automatic headlights, LED taillights, 16-inch alloys, full power accessories, air-conditioning, cruise control, a rearview camera, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, 60/40-split folding rear seats, a height-adjustable driver's seat, and a four-speaker sound system, among other things. Besides the V6 engine and AWD, a 2017 Fusion Sport adds adjustable dampers, leather and suede upholstery, a nine-speaker audio system, 19-inch wheels, and much more.
The Ford Fusion competes in a highly-disputed segment with models like the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Kia Optima, Chevrolet Malibu, Nissan Altima and the like. A standard 2017 Ford Fusion S starts at about $23,000, including a $875 destination charge. All grades are priced similarly to its competitors, so you're going to have a hard time deciding as all the cars listed above are very competent. Where the Fusion trumps them is in the handling department, the breadth of the lineup, and the styling — although the latter is obviously a subjective criterion. It's also good to know the Fusion's resale value isn't too far off the segment's leaders, the Camry and the Accord.


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"In the most ordinary terms, egolessness is a flexible identity. It manifests as inquisitiveness, as adaptability as humor, as playfulness. It is our capacity to relax with not knowing, not figuring everything out, with not being at all sure about who we are, or who anyone else is, either. Every moment is unique, unknown, completely fresh. For a warrior-in-training egolessness is a cause of joy rather than a cause of fear."
This statement by Pema could not be truer. For the longest time, I had a strong fear of being poor. After graduating university, I was not allowed back home and quickly joined the workforce. I did not want to starve and had to prove to my family I was capable of anything. Finding success made me feel good only temporarily, no one ever expected me to survive yet alone thrive in Orange County, but I did. Deep inside I knew this was not who I wanted to be, I thought moving around would be the cure, but the fear of being irrelevant continued to bight me.
One day I sat down with myself if I genuinely wanted to be happy I needed to follow my true path exactly. I needed to give out this act of security and carry out my truest intention.
I left my well paying corporate job to dive thousands of dollars into "creative debt" (thank you Kanye for the term)ollow my passion for helping others, to finally begin to attain my license to become a therapist. I left my corporate job which allowed me to pay my rent in San Francisco to become a yoga teacher. I left my corporate job which allowed me to buy material things that made me appear to be successful to clean houses in Tahoe for the summer before school.
I left my well paying job so that my heart could actually smile because it was living its authentic path. I left my lucrative career so my spirit could live to its highest potential.
There is no fear inside of me only joy for what is to come. To some, this is an odd way to think and people ask "how will you survive?". I laugh because I know myself. Never turning down work that is given to me is how I live and if that is the only exclamation a person can give when you tell them you are following your soul's path, its obvious to me there need to be more spirits in this world set free.
I breathe.
We are so confined by society and what we should do or be. Why? Why have we struggled with this?
I believe that the day I decided that my spirit was worth more than cookies cut from societies stone cake was the day I set myself free.
If I want to light my own candle, bake my own cake and sing my own song, I must listen to myself exactly and live exactly according to my voice and rejoice in its perfect song.


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Will Smith discovered he had precancerous polyp removed while filming colonoscopy vlog
Social media-savvy Will Smith recorded himself preparing to undergo a colonoscopy and its aftermath for a vlog, and in the process discovered he had a precancerous polyp that had to be removed.
The actor underwent the procedure after turning 50 under the advice of his doctor, Ala Stanford, who revealing the news of the successful removal of the polyp to Smith in his "I Vlogged My Colonoscopy Video".
The father-of-three recorded the before and after of the colonoscopy with Dr Stanford delivering the results over video call, explaining how a type of polyp called a tubular adenoma had been discovered in his colon and taken out.
Read more: Jada Pinkett Smith says she's been in a non-sexual throuple with Will Smith's ex-wife for years
She remarked to Smith, who had no symptoms, that it could've potentially become cancerous if it wasn't found.
Dr Stanford said: "Had you not known, it continues to grow and grow and grow and in African-American men in particular, the right colon is where cancer is high because it's the biggest part.
"Yours was on a side that would've been more advanced, you would've had fewer typical symptoms and by the time you presented it could've been full blown and spread throughout your body."
The medic then told Smith that because of his results, he would need another check-up in the next two to three years instead of the typical 10 years time. She also thanked him for being a "compliant" patient.
A post shared by Will Smith (@willsmith) on Nov 6, 2019 at 11:15am PST
With no complications from the successful removal, Smith reflected in his video sign-off: "We're good. That was interesting. But health is our greatest wealth - so I'm going to sit with that for a minute."
Smith took to Instagram to share the news of his video, writing that he was doing it "for the clout".
Alongside a short video clip of him preparing for surgery, Smith joked: "They said you can't get to 50 million followers on IG without showing your butt. So here I am, gettin' a colonoscopy for the clout ;-) link in bio for the vid."


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I've celebrated Easter my whole life. It is the pivotal week in the Christian calendar. Those three dark days when evil seemed to win. And then, sunrise service on Easter Sunday, coloured eggs in a basket, Jesus arose. Love wins. Good triumphs. God is not dead.
I've heard the story a hundred times. I've told it myself. To Sunday school classes, in Bible studies, to a friend in the middle of a Vaisakhi Parade.
Sometimes it is so hard to worship God. It is so hard to follow an unfathomable God. A God who chooses who lives and dies according to no criteria that makes sense to me. A God who seems to punish the undeserving. A God who makes me so angry and so hurt because I don't understand. I don't understand.
"My God, my God, why have You forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning?
O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer, and by night, but I find no rest."
Psalm 22:2
I have often taken comfort in God's response to Job. His powerful reminder that we humans are only a speck, of how little we actually know.
"Where were you when I laid the foundation of the Earth?" God asks Job. "Have you entered the storehouse of the snow, or seen the storehouses of the hail?"
God knows. He was there. He commands the morning and causes the dawn to know its place. The gates of death have been revealed to Him. (Job 38)
But sometimes, some days, that doesn't comfort me. I don't want the keeper of the dawn or the one who scatters the wind. I want someone to hold my hand, to let me cry, to change my story to a happier one. God feels very far away on those days.
Reading this week, of Jesus' final days before His death, I was struck by His prayer in Gethsemane.
"My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me."
Matthew 26: 39
Jesus' last night, His last hours before His betrayal, and He prayed to be saved. He asked God to change His course, His story.
Jesus' prayer wasn't answered.
Jesus experienced every facet of what it is to be human. Including that devastating silence from God. And just as the psalmist cried out, "Why have you forsaken me?" Jesus cried out too, as He died on the cross. (Matthew 27:46)
Jesus didn't end His prayer there though. His closing statement was a desire for God's will to be fulfilled.
My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; neverthless, not as I will, but as You will."
And the Psalmist still managed to worship God.
"Yet You are Holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel."
Psalm 22:3
Even Job, before God made His response, worshipped God in the midst of his suffering.
"Though He slay me, I will hope in Him."
Job 13:15
So though we may pray for our circumstances to change, for God to save us from the path He leads us on, we also have to pray – at the same time, in the same breath – for the strength to walk that path. For the faith to know that God does lead us through the shadow of the valley of death.
Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief.


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Category Archives: Enneagram History
Early Enneagram History: Naranjo, Ichazo, and the School |Leave a comment
March 24 by The Running Son
Naranjo, Ichazo, and the School from ocean-moonshine.net NOTE to readers: I tried to obtain information on the author of this …
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Early Enneagram Accounts pt 2: "The Enneagram -Muddied Roots, Psychobabble, Inoculation" – by Ken Ireland |1
March 14 by The Running Son
The Enneagram Muddied Roots, Psychobabble, Inoculation Berkeley, California 1971-1976 by Ken Ireland , May 2007 Visit Ken's blog at: http://jesuskoan.blogspot.com …
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Early Enneagram Accounts pt 1: "What is the 'Real Work' of the Enneagram?" – by Ken Ireland |1
March 13 by The Running Son
What is the "Real Work" of the Enneagram? by Ken Ireland , Nov 2011 http://jesuskoan.blogspot.com . . I have been …
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Classic Audio: Claudio Naranjo, Report from Chile on Ichazo & the Enneagram, Esalen 1970 |Leave a comment
February 26 by The Running Son
Claudio Naranjo, Report from Chile on Ichazo & the Enneagram, Esalen 1970 Naranjo reports on his first encounter with "Oscar …
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Esalen and Claudio Naranjo: "America and the Religion of No Religion" By Jeffrey Kripal |1
February 22 by The Running Son
Esalen and Claudio Naranjo: America and the Religion of No Religion By Jeffrey J. Kripal The University of Chicago press, …
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Killing wolves in Washington causes personal conflicts. Some groups say they're against killing but don't publicly say no, and some individuals who work for them want to but don't.
"The time is always right to do what is right." -- Martin Luther King, Jr.
"There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but he must take it because conscience tells him it is right." -- Martin Luther King, Jr.
Killing wolves in Washington raises questions about where allegiances fall: Can "good" people and organizations support and do "bad" things?
The on-going killing of wolves in Washington state, seven members of the Profanity Peak pack in 2016 and two individuals of the Smackout pack during the past month, raises interesting and often difficult conflicts on a number of different levels. Some groups say they're against killing but don't publicly say "no," and some individuals who work for them want to speak but don't or feel they can't because their views counter those of the organization for which they work. For more details about what's been happening in Washington please see "Who's Really Defending Wildlife As Wolves Are 'Removed'?" and links therein, a film produced by Predator Defense called "The Profanity Peak Pack: Set Up & Sold Out," and a radio interview titled "The Animals' Agenda: Freedom, Compassion and Coexistence in the Human Age / wolves and cows ..."
"I'm a good person, but the group for which I'm working supports bad things although they also do good things."
I've had a number of emails from, and some phone calls with, individuals who work for organizations that either directly or indirectly support the killing of the wolves, but who do not share their group's views. The basic and most common message is that they're caught in a bind and they're not sure what to do. In one conversation someone said to me, "I'm a good person, but the group for which I'm working supports bad things although they also do good things." We chatted about this for a while, and then I said good people can do and support bad things, but at some point you, as an individual, should seriously consider airing your views -- in this case strongly opposing the killing of the wolves. While people can quibble about the meaning of the words "good" and "bad," they and I agreed that "good" here meant saving the wolves, whereas "bad" meant killing them.
Along these lines, I've always felt that "good" people can do "bad" things, but at some point each individual needs to air their personal views and then decide if a particular group or activity is a good fit for them. These sorts of discussions also have come up in debates about the use of other animals in invasive research, for example, and over the years some people have decided that enough's enough and moved on. I made this choice and a wonderful recent example is a book by former researcher John Gluck called Voracious Science and Vulnerable Animals: A Primate Scientist's Ethical Journey. For an interview with Dr. Gluck please see "Voracious Science: A Journey from Animal User to Advocate."
What's at stake? The psychology of dissent
Concerning the conflicts centering on the killing of the Washington wolves, first, there are organizations that claim they're against the killing, or what is called the "authorized removal" of wolves, yet they have not made a clear public statement saying "no more killing." Next, there are conflicts among some individuals who are against the slaughter of these wolves but who also work for organizations that are sending out a mixed message -- the groups say they don't support the killing but are mum on saying it publicly, or their public statements are then modified by using the word "but" to provide reasons for allowing it to happen at this point, but hopefully to in the future. Of course, there is no guarantee that it won't happen again, and clearly, allowing wolves to be killed in 2016 did not stop killing them in 2017.
It's easy to see why questions are raised about where allegiances fall -- should individuals simply assume the position of the group for which they work or support, or speak out as individuals assuming no fear of reprisals? It's a tricky situation, but, as I've said, during the past few weeks I've had some interesting exchanges with people who are experiencing some deep conflict about these matters, namely, they like the organization they support or for which they work but disagree with their views on the killing of the wolves and other matters.
A recent essay by Stephen Capra, Executive Director of Bold Visions Conservation, titled "Wolf in Sheep's Clothing" raises some of these issues. With his permission I am reproducing much of Mr. Capra's piece as a guest essay, and have edited and updated parts of it, also with Mr. Capra's permission. Some of these changes appear in italics and "I" refers to Mr. Capra unless otherwise noted.
Wolf in Sheep's Clothing
It remains a sure way to be isolated in the conservation community, if you dare to speak truth to our own failings. I do so, not because I want to cause harm or embarrassment, not to as many will say harm those partners fighting for good, but because I have long believed that we, as the conservation community, must be willing to look at our actions and be willing to say we were wrong. Any company, any movement, must be willing to be self-critical if they are to ultimately succeed.
Nowhere has the conservation community lost its soul and guiding principle more than with its efforts on protecting wolves in the wild. If you look at the conservation community landscape almost every group speaks out and says they support wolf recovery. Some make science a focal point, others work with the livestock industry to find common ground and still others use lawsuits to try and slow or prevent harm.
In all cases the vibrant aspect of speaking for wolves, I believe comes from the heart, but we cannot ignore that it provides many groups with wealth beyond what they could have imagined. One need only look at Defenders of Wildlife to see how an organization can fill its coffers using wolf protection as its platform, while sadly continuing to harm the very animal they profess to be a leader in protecting.
What Defenders and like-minded groups and their supporters continue to ignore is that the actions of these groups in many ways have sold out wolves in an effort to be reasonable and as they see it strategic, on wolf recovery. In so doing they have supported hunting seasons on wolves once their numbers recover, they have wasted millions supporting the cult of rancher-wolf relations and the idea that we can have both thriving wolf populations and ranches on public lands. They have sided with Game and Fish Commissions and agencies that destroyed packs to reward ranching interests and they continue to do so to garner the favor of their elected-official based strategies.
In an interview from October 12, 2013 on Utah's KUED radio, Suzanne Stone, Defenders of Wildlife representative from Boise, Idaho, said, "Defenders of Wildlife is not opposed to hunting of wolves. We represent hunters as well as other conservationists and animal rights people. We have a very wide spectrum of people that are our members, but we've never been opposed to hunting. As long as it's hunting done in a manner that other species are hunted, so that it's not to exterminate the species, but actually to only take surplus from that population."
Ms. Stone has subsequently said she was misquoted and the link to the transcript of her interview disappeared during the past few days. In an email to me that I received from a third party on August 11, 2017, Ms. Stone wrote, "For the record, Defenders opposes the hunting of wolves. We believe that nonlethal methods should be used to prevent conflicts with livestock and have pioneered the use of many of the nonlethal livestock tools used around the world today."
Neither Mr. Capra nor I are "attacking" Ms. Stone. We simply are focusing on Defender's opinions about killing wolves. So, we applaud Ms. Stone's writing her note, but we cannot find an explicit public statement that clearly says that Defenders, members of the Wolf Advisory Group (WAG) in Washington state, are against the killing of the Washington wolves, and that it should stop right now and should never have started in the first place. Their name is on the list of members who, we might surmise regrettably, support the "authorized removal" of wolves. If they don't then we look forward to their making a public statement to this effect. The phrase "authorized removal" is how members of WAG view the killing of the wolves.
As Mr. Capra notes, such statements represent a green light from the conservation community and defy science and research that clearly sees the destruction of packs as detrimental and ill advised. But groups that drink from the funding pool also point to past efforts to end public lands grazing that did not succeed, as a basis for their current efforts. The idea seems to be, work with ranchers, federal and state agencies and hope that wolves will weather the storm and in time ranchers will come to accept co-existence. Yet, this direction has led to the endless killing and cruelty in Idaho and other western states where wolf destruction has become a rural badge of honor. Ranchers are not inclined to cooperate; rather they are more empowered to end wolves' short recovery in the West.
So the conservation community is fighting for wolves with one hand tied behind their back, embracing weakness disguised as strategy, rather than real strength to protect a vital, beautiful creature. The very weakness that groups like Defenders has shown is countered by the fierce, determined and unwavering voice of ranchers and their supporters in congress and the state by state actions that sacrifice wolves at the altar of ignorance.
Ranchers are not playing by the book; they understand the street fight quality of this effort, conservationists would be wise to stop acting like diplomats.
In Washington State, Robert Wielgus, the Director of the Large Carnivore Conservation Lab at WSU, became a target as he spoke out in defense of the Profanity Peak pack and wolf killing. The result of his factual and determined approach, Wielgus now finds himself crosswise with ranchers, lawmakers and WSU administrators — and their lobbyists. He's lost grant funding for his summer research, has been forbidden from talking to media in his professional role and has been reviewed — and cleared — for scientific misconduct. So his actions in defense of wolves have had a chilling effect on others in the University or professional field that would support wolves in the wild. Ranchers made sure he was silenced, so why would we support them? Why would we shame ourselves in such an effort? Wolves deserve far more. [For more more on this case please see "WSU wolf researcher appears to be partly cleared of misconduct.")
In Washington and Oregon, from the Profanity Peak pack to the Harl Butte pack the senseless killing of wolves and the destruction of their social pack order that results will lead to more cow deprivation, not less, and any conservation group would know and understand this, so why would you support such actions at the very time you are filling your coffers from people across the globe who love and want wolves protected?
The argument is that we must work with all groups and that some wolves must die to allow future compromise and long-term support for wolves. But the continued slaughter of wolves and the ever-growing efforts to block reintroduction, expansion of range, and the uptick of support in the Mid-West from Democratic Senators like Amy Klobuchar from Minnesota and Tammy Baldwin from Wisconsin, to kill wolves, is a sign that we are losing, not gaining support, with this failed strategy.
The ranching community has shown that you can succeed by saying no, that you can create a fear-based myth of wolves and that it will work, despite science and reason. The issue of wolves is not a scientific one, but rather an emotional and heritage based dilemma. For many in the livestock industry, they are descendants of families that killed wolves, bears and other predators to carve out their niche in a then transitioning west. From an early age these ranchers learned to shoot and to kill anything that they saw on their land that could threaten a cow.
This is the classic example of custom and culture. Groups like Defenders and their entourage from urban settings and moneyed members visiting Yellowstone are, to the rural ranching establishment, the picture of liberal threats to their way of life. Despite Defenders bending over backwards to appease ranchers, the distrust is unlikely to yield positive results in a generation or more. What Defenders and other groups that are cashing in on wolves cannot understand is that an effective strategy for wolves is based on fighting for them every step of the way. Not compromising.
We do not need a hunting season on wolves; they are self-regulating. Allowing them to be hunted and trapped destroys the social network within each pack and leads to, rather than prevent, more depredation. We do not need to support the findings of Game Commissions. These appointments are literally given in most cases to people who are signed off by the livestock industry and will never support true wolf recovery.
On the political front, we are cautioned and cajoled to work together, yet, ranchers have been by definition defiant to compromise on the wolf issue and their legislative support remains strong and is showing signs of increasing.
What Defenders and the conservation community as a whole must develop is a sense of urgency, a determined push in a unified manner to protect wolves and fight on every level for their right to coexist.
If we are to be true to wolves and to the many people who give and support wolves, it means have a unified, not a diversified voice. We must get our hands dirty in fighting for wolves and pressuring elected officials that yield to rancher and farmer interest groups. We must work to end Game Commissions that continue to allow the slaughter of wolves and other wildlife to defend the holy grail of ranching interests. Groups would be wise to pool, rather than hoard, precious resources to smaller groups and on unified efforts to stop the second great slaughter of wolves on our public lands.
Finally, we must end public lands grazing. If ranchers want to use private lands then they have the right to graze. If tribal groups want to graze they have that right as sovereign nations. But the very Republicans that demand balanced budgets and control over spending should be vocal and opposed to the endless government welfare that goes to subsidize grazing on public lands and allows these ranchers to continue to bash the very government that allows them carte blanche to kill wildlife and in turn, make cows the sacred trust of the West. Ranchers need also to accept depredation as part of doing business in a subsidized arena.
Our western public lands belong to wildlife, they belong to wolves. Our lands need to heal from two hundred years of grazing abuse. They need to be rewilded and allowed to flourish, which will only happen when wildlife, not cows, becomes our priority. It is no longer acceptable to allow wolf packs to die at the hand of ranching interests. It is no longer acceptable for large conservation groups to accept enormous funding from well-meaning people and allow wolves to be killed. The policy is a failed one and it takes courage to accept that failure and move forward with conviction to protect, not sacrifice-wolves. We can win this fight and change the culture of the West, but it will not come easy.
The time has come for real action and the moral courage to do so. Let's work in coordination and with purpose to save wolves and allow our public lands to finally thrive. We can and we must.
Thank you Stephen. He and I are open to the view that "good" people can support and do "bad" things, organizations that do "good" things can also do "bad" things, and the situation with the Washington wolves provides a wonderful opportunity for both individuals and groups to clearly state their opposition to the killing of these (and other) wolves and to stand behind that view.
Until people and groups clearly speak out, and some have for sure, it can only be assumed that not saying "no" or remaining silent functionally translate into a "yes." For some this means something like, "While we don't like it the killing has to be done." For others who speak out it means they are against the killing and there is no reason at all to do it. A fuller discussion can be found in "Who's Really Defending Wildlife As Wolves Are 'Removed'?" (For another situation in which not saying "no" or remaining silent is tantamount to saying "yes," please see a recent essay by Lindy West in the New York Times.)
While silence may be golden to some, there are far-reaching implications of not speaking out, both for the wolves and for human individuals and groups. And, as Gretchen Wyler has aptly noted, "Cruelty can't stand the spotlight."
Not killing is a moral imperative
"Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have a right to do and what is right to do." -- Potter Stewart
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." -- Edmund Burke
"Nobody makes a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could do only a little." -- Edmund Burke
Returning attention back to Martin Luther King's quotations with which we began this essay and considering the three above, we view not killing wolves as a moral imperative because letting them live is the right thing to do, whereas killing them is the wrong and morally unacceptable thing to do.A simple way to think of a moral imperative is "something that must happen because it is the right thing." It also can be viewed as "a strongly-felt principle that compels that person to act." (For more discussion please see "Zoos Shall Not Kill Healthy Animals: A Moral Imperative.") Perhaps viewing killing the wolves as wrong will help those individuals who are caught in a bind and feel that they cannot express, for one reason or another, their opposition to the slaughter. This view might also motivate organizations to state clearly they are against the killing.
We look forward to the discussions that follow, and can only hope that all nonhuman animals and individuals who are hesitant to speak out will benefit from these open exchanges. We also look forward to more and more individuals and groups who are against the killing to say so.
We are other animals' lifelines and they totally depend on us for their well-being. It bears repeating that no one has to kill these wolves, and by not actively voicing opposition, an individual or organization is complicit in the process.
Marc Bekoff's latest books are Jasper's Story: Saving Moon Bears (with Jill Robinson); Ignoring Nature No More: The Case for Compassionate Conservation; Why Dogs Hump and Bees Get Depressed: The Fascinating Science of Animal Intelligence, Emotions, Friendship, and Conservation; Rewilding Our Hearts: Building Pathways of Compassion and Coexistence; The Jane Effect: Celebrating Jane Goodall (edited with Dale Peterson); and The Animals' Agenda: Freedom, Compassion, and Coexistence in the Human Age (with Jessica Pierce). Canine Confidential: Why Dogs Do What They Do will be published in early 2018. Learn more at marcbekoff.com.


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This is what I would call a perfect morning......... isnt it a great sunrise???
we met a very nice lady here and had a little chat with her, she told us a bit about Lampasas
an old shut down rail station...... I would love to own this building. Perfect for an huge appartement and alot of creativity area in the back
haven´t been in there but I´m sure I would´ve find some good german food there
Nicole, Soren and I ended up here "PERKS" to have breakfast


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Spectrum - Volume 19 Issue 16 January 16, 1997 - ACHIEVERS
A non-profit publication of the Office of the University Relations of Virginia Tech,
The Conductor
, a special section of the
printed 4 times a year
Spectrum Volume 19 Issue 16 - January 16, 1997
Karen Hult , associate professor of political science, has been elected to the Executive Council of the Southern Political Science Association. Hult also was an invited participant at a conference, "Presidential Power: Forging the Presidency for the Twenty-First Century," held at Columbia University.
Charles Walcott , associate professor of political science, has been named to the editorial board of H-TEACHPOL, a discussion list/electronic journal dedicated to examining the role of political-science teaching within post-secondary institutions, including especially innovations related to technology and experiential education. The list is co-sponsored by the American Political Science Association Organized Sections on Computers and Multimediaand Undergraduate Education.
Ilja A. Luciak of the Department of Political Science gave an invited seminar on "Gender Equality, Democratization, and Development in Central America" to the Swedish International Cooperation Agency (Sida). While in Sweden for a month, he served as resident scholar for Central America at the Latin America Institute of Stockholm University. He also gave several public lectures and presented a paper at the international conference on "A World in Transition: Feminist Perspectives on International Relations," held at Lund University. Recently, he has been selected to join a team of researchers that will conduct a 10-country study on "Reproductive Health, Empowerment andPopulation Policy," funded by the United Nations.
Richard Nance and James Arthur of the Department of Computer Science attended the 1996 Winter Simulation Conference in San Diego, Cal. Arthur presented the paper "Independent Verification and Validation: A Missing Link in Simulation Methodology?" co-authored by Nance. While at the conference, Nance attended a meeting of the 1997 Winter Simulation Conference program committee and served as an ad hoc member of the INFORMS College on Simulation that recommended a new award, the Lifetime Professional Achievement Award, be established. The college voted to establish the award following the group's report. At the 1996 Winter Simulation Conference, Nance chaired a session on Model Specification. He also served as track coordinator for Modeling Methodology for the 1997 Winter Simulation Conference Program Committee.
Stephen Baehr , professor in the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures, has been named to the editorial board of Slavic and East European Journal , the research publication of the American Association of Teachers of Slavic and East European Languages and Literatures. Baehr was awarded the 1995 Sturm Award for Excellence in Faculty Research by Phi Beta Kappa, Mu Chapter of Virginia. He also presented a paper on "2x2=4: Studies in the History of a Dystopian Image" at the national conference of the American Association for the Advancement of Slavic Studies in Boston.
Arnold Schuetz , head of the International Studies program, co-chaired the International Studies Association South annual conference in Roanoke. Schuetz also chaired a session on "Social and Political Change in Germany" and presented a paper on "Britain, the U.S. and the Revival of German Labor Unions After 1945." Other Virginia Tech participants were James Allan , a paper on "Structure and Agency in Comparative Politics: A Framework for a Study of Social Democratic Parties in Opposition"; Derek McCormack , a paper on "Reworking the City: Capital, Cultural and Commodity Flows in the Changing Urban Landscape of Dublin"; Doug Borer , chair of a session on "Issues in Strategic Studies" and a paper on "Clausewitz is Dead: Strategic Lessons of Vietnam and Afghanistan"; Steve Twing , a paper on "The Paradox of Presidential Power in the Making of U.S. Foreign Policy"; Ilja Luciak , discussant in the session on "Issues in International Development"; Robert Walsh , a paper on "Catholic Social Theory and the Death of Socialism: The Papacy's Reaction to the Ñew 'New Things'"; Timothy Luke , chair of a session on "Information Dynamics in the International System"; and Christopher Couples , a paper on "The Internet as a War-Machine: Deleuzian and Virilian Approaches."
Jenifer L. Kittle , secretary senior in the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics, has been named the December recipient of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences' Employee Recognition Award. She has been with the department for two-and-a-half years.
The award is part of CALS's ongoing program to recognize the contributions of classified staff employees to the college's success. It is presented to a college staff member who has made exceptional contributions to his/her department and to the college.
Kittle took over the duties of departmental fiscal technician on an interim basis when that position became vacant. In addition to her normal work load, she worked to meet the very demanding and complex tasks associated with maintaining the department's accounts.
She is credited with prioritizing her time to meet the constant demand and interruptions associated with the bookkeeping and other duties of the fiscal technician, often arriving at work early and staying well past normal quitting time. According to her supervisor, Kittle saved the department from a fiscal missteps by performing these interim responsibilities. She recently relinquished the job of interim fiscal technician.
Kittle also was recognized for outstanding performance as a secretary in her normal work, with the capacity to turn around manuscripts, correspondence, class assignment sheets, and other assignments quickly and with minimal errors.
Faculty and staff members and students in the department commented on Kittle's pleasant attitude and her cheerful, professional response to their inquiries. As documented by the 29 departmental members who signed her letter of support, Kittle clearly demonstrated exceptional dedication to the department, the college, and the university in filling the role of interim fiscal technician.
Several members of the Entomology Department recently presented papers at the national meeting of the Entomological Society of America in Louisville, Ky. Faculty members were Loke Kok , Michael Kosztarab , Curt Laub , Tim Mack , Sally Paulson , Douglas Pfeiffer , Peter Schultz , Nick Stone , Reese Voshell , and Roger Youngman . Participating staff members were Stephen Hiner , Judy Mollet , and Keith Tignor . Students were Prabhakar Bhogaraju , Thomas Kuhar and Jarrod Leland . Donald Mullins helped as a moderator for the student-paper competition.
Horticulture Professor P. Diane Relf has been recognized with two national awards from the American Society for Horticultural Science. She received the society's Outstanding Extension Educator Award. The award recognizes her contributions through innovative Extension programs, especially her role as an international leader in human issues in horticulture, her help in forming the multi-disciplinary People-Plant Council, and her international prominence in horticulture therapy.
Relf also received the society's Extension Division Consumer Horticulture Distinguished Achievement Award. It was presented for her nationally recognized consumer horticulture program, The Virginia Gardener.
Kriton K. Hatzios , professor of plant pathology, physiology and weed science, will receive the Southern Weed Science Society's 1997 Scientist of the Year Award during the 50th annual meeting of the Society in Houston next week.
Michael Kosztarab , professor emeritus of entomology, is author of a book that has been nominated to be recognized in the "Notable Documents" list of the American Library Association's Government Documents Roundtable. The Documents Team of the Library of Virginia nominated Kosztarab's book, Scale Insects of Northeastern North America: Identification, Biology, and Distribution . The book was published last year by the Virginia Museum of Natural History.
Kosztarab was inducted as an external member of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences last summer, making him the first entomologist in Virginia to be elected to membership by a foreign national academy of sciences.
Julie Sina , director of scholarships and financial aid, and Karen Torgersen , interim director, Undergraduate Admissions, presented "Can this Marriage Be Saved? The Relationship between Admissions and Financial Aid" at the 67th annual meeting of Virginia Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (VACRAO), in December.
At the same meeting, Kelly Queijo , admissions public relations officer, presented "Life on the Learning Curve-Where We've Been, Where We're Going," an overview of the use of information technology used by Virginia Tech in undergraduate recruitment.
Vickie L. Burris , a master's-degree candidate in civil engineering(CE), received the Best Student Paper Award during the recent annual conference of the Virginia Section of the American Water Works Association in Norfolk. Burris presented Aeration of Norfolk's Western Lakes: Characterizing Aerator Performance, a paper co-authored by John C. Little , assistant professor of CE.
Zachary R. Adams , has completed all requirements for certification as a certified safety professional (CSP). This certification is awarded to individuals who meet academic and professional safety experience requirements to include passing two examinations at seven hours per exam. The examinations cover engineering and management aspects of safety, applied sciences, legal and regulatory matters, professional affairs and ethics, and other safety related topics. Certified safety professionals specialize in protecting workers, the public, property, and the environment by identifying, evaluating and controlling hazards. The CSP manages programs aimed at compliance with safety principles and federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The CSP must be recertified every five years to maintain the designation.
The Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) is governed by a board of 13 directors representing sponsoring organizations, the profession at large, and the public. The six sponsoring organizations include the American Society of Safety Engineers, American Industrial Hygiene Association, National Safety Council, System Safety Society, Society of Fire Protection Engineers, and Institute of Industrial Engineers. BCSP meets the national standards for certifying programs of the National Commission for Certifying Agencies and the Council of Engineering Specialty Boards.


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What contributes to your home's base load electricity use?
(This is the third installment in a series as Energy Services Assistant Manager Anne Bertino explores her home energy usage. Previous articles appeared on 7/3 and 8/8.)
Finally we are enjoying some summer weather and that means that there is still time to figure out what in my house is using energy besides the heating system. To remind you, I am looking for appliances and electronics that use a total of around 17 kWh per day.
Next to the heating and cooling systems, water heaters are the largest consumers of electricity in our homes. I turned the water heater off at the breaker for two different 24 hour periods. Voila! I found at least 8 KWh of usage. That's around half of the total 17 kWh that I am looking for.
Most water heaters have a 4500watt heating element. For example, if this element was on heating the water for 2 hours total in a 24 hour period the electricity usage would add up to 9 kWh.
Previously, I figured out that the TV and DVR together were using approximately .5 kWh per 24 hrs. Now I know what is consuming about 8.5 to 9 kWh out of the 17kWh I am looking for.
Next, I unplugged a hot water re-circulating pump. This is a device that, several times an hour, will circulate hot water through the plumbing so that if we turn on a fixture hot water will almost instantly be there. The re-circulating pump was consuming about 1.5 kWh per 24 hours.
So, as of today, I know where about 10 to 11 kWh per day is coming from. Items that are still on my list to investigate are the septic system pump and the water pump and purification system.
Stay Tuned –


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Planned on going to camp today but was surprised how much ice still on Nungesser
Red lake looked almost totally clear.
So we broke some ice to see if we could get to camp.
Got close but decided to wait.
Will wait until Thursday and ice should be all gone.
Will haul a bunch if supplies to portage tomorrow.


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Invest in your success with an education at Seattle University. Grounded in the Jesuit tradition, we dedicate ourselves to the academic excellence of our students and foster the drive to effect change in local, national and global communities. In our commitment to that mission, we strive to make your education affordable and accessible.
While the steps can seem daunting, our Student Financial Services and Financial Aid website contains the information you need on bills and payment, scholarships, completing your FAFSA and more. Whether you are a graduate, transfer or international student, we work with all students to determine the financial opportunities available.


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Video: 2018 911 GT2 RS sets new Nürburgring speed record
There's a new King of the 'Ring.
Porsche's latest supercar, the 2018 911 GT2 RS, has lapped the "Green Hell," the Nürburgring-Nordschleife, in time of only 6:47.3.
That's not only the new world record for production cars, it was accomplished with rear-wheel drive. And Porsche didn't just trim a couple milliseconds off the previous record. It beat it by about five seconds. The previous record of 6:52.01 set by an all-wheel-drive Lamborghini Huracán Performante in 2016. The fastest time for a rear-wheel-drive car was the 7:01.3 set by a Dodge Viper ACR at the beginning of September. The new record is even 9.7 seconds faster than Porsche's own 918 Spyder hypercar, which not only has a lot more horsepower but a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system, too. Reportedly, even Porsche was surprised by the result.
Porsche unveiled the newest GT2 RS in June at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. With a 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged flat-6 engine generating 700 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque, it's the most powerful 911 ever sold, and now it's the fastest too: 0-60 mph in 2.7 seconds, top speed 211 mph. The average speed around the 12.8-mile record lap was 114.4 mph.
The price tag for a 2018 911 GT2 RS is a piddling $294,250. We know, you're reaching for your wallet, but you can put it back in your pocket. Porsche is building just 1,000 of the GT2 RS 911s, and they're all sold out.


text: Warring States leather armour -- myArmoury.com About • Links • Search • Contribute Features Reviews Collections Albums Forums Books Info Favorites Register Log in myArmoury.com Discussion Forums Forum index Memberlist Usergroups Spotlight Topics Search Forum Index > Off-topic Talk > Warring States leather armour This is a standard topic Author Message Dan Howard Location: Maitland, NSW, AustraliaJoined: 08 Dec 2004 Spotlight topics: 2Posts: 3,609 Posted: Tue 26 Nov, 2013 4:19 am Post subject: Warring States leather armour I'm trying to find an English translation of a book called the Kao Gong Ji. Apparently it outlines how Warring States hide armour was manufactured. Edit: just found this on Amazon. Looks like the translation was only published last year. http://www.myArmoury.com/books/item.0415531438.html $227.72. That's going to put a hole in my book budget. Author: Bronze Age Military Equipment, Pen and Sword Books Shahril Dzulkifli Location: MalaysiaJoined: 13 Dec 2007 Likes: 1 page Posts: 1,265 Posted: Thu 02 Jan, 2014 5:24 am Post subject: Warring States leather armour That book is so expensive. Do you think that you could afford to buy it? You have power over your mind - not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength - Marcus Aurelius Display posts from previous: All Posts1 Day7 Days2 Weeks1 Month3 Months6 Months1 Year Oldest FirstNewest First Forum Index > Off-topic Talk > Warring States leather armour Page 1 of 1 All times are GMT - 8 HoursView previous topic :: View next topic Jump to: Select a forum Discussion and Research----------------Historical Arms TalkmyArmoury.com Features Talk-- Suggestions, Requests and Support-- Testing ZoneMakers and Manufacturers Talk Miscellaneous Discussion----------------Off-topic Talk Special Interest Area----------------The Marketplace-- Marketplace Feedback 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 forumYou cannot attach files in this forumYou can download files in this forum All contents © Copyright 2003-2022 myArmoury.com All rights reserved Discussion forums powered by phpBB © The phpBB Group Switch to the Basic Low-bandwidth Version of the forum


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Thank god for Vishal Bharadwaj.
I am the first to admit that I am not really proud of bollywood. The sob fests, the slap sticks that make you want to cry, the melodramas that make you go to sleep and last not the least the movies with "message" that go nowhere were too much to handle in the last 20 years of so.
Having said that, every now and then a movie comes that restores your faith in the Bollywood. And I cannot help but tell myself that we will return to the glory days of 1960s and 1970s.
And one of the people to show us the way is Vishal Bharadwaj. The movies Maqbool and Omkara are truely guiding lights for current and future directors.
The movie Omkara stayed true to Shakerspeare's Othello. Thank god Vishal Bharadwaj did not opt for a bollywood ending. The most amazing thing that I found about the movie was the sets and the language. The sets depicted by Vishal Bharadwaj were so true to the point you could be sure that the characters were living in their house for the time that the movie claimed it did. And the language was as it really is in UP, India. I have spent a few months in that part of the world and believe me, this is how everyone talks.
Saif Ali Khan and Ajay Devgan were the stars of the movie. They depited their characters (especially Saif Ali Khan, who has matured into an exceptional actor since his divorce. Coicidence? I don't want to go there) as Shakespeare would probably have wanted to.
Now the few things that put me off about the movie.
1) Too long. It could easily have been a 1 and half to 2 hour movie but no, Vishal Bharadwaj opted for the full 3 hours. I guess he wanted to show all the nuances of the play by Shakespeare so he can be forgiven for it.
2) The focus of the movie was on Omkara (Othello) when in the play the focus is actually on Langara (Iago). This was my only bone of contention with Vishal Bharadwaj's depiction of the play. But again he can be forgiven for it.
3) Naseeruddin Shah was really under used.
4) The ending was not as convincing as it was in the play.
All said and done. I am going to root for Vishal Bharadwaj's projects, always.


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|Baileys Coffee
|Bun topped with milk chocolate butter
SP & I opted for the Afternoon Tea treats. Earl Grey tea for me, Russian Caravan tea for SP:
We all loved our time at Sally Lunn's. The employees were very friendly and helpful. They kept our teapots filled. The buns were tasty. I would have liked to be able to try a savory bun, too, like the Welsh Rarebit one, or the Roast Vegetable bun, or a dinner bun like the Beef in Red Wine (British beef braised in red wine, mushroom & smoked bacon sauce) or Duck Leg (cooked slowly and served with a tangy orange and cinnamon sauce).
If you're in Bath, definitely try a Sally Lunn bun. If we are ever back in Bath, we'll definitely be stopping by for a bun or two... or more.


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It's the official drinking glass of the Bourbon Society of Enthusiasts and Addicts. A group modeled after the Society of Explorers and Adventurers, the B.S.E.A exists to help explorers navigate the amazing world of Whiskeys and spirits. This particular glass is the perfect tool for help with your own adventure. It's not the map, it's the compass.
This crystal whiskey glasses hold 7.8 oz of bourbon or scotch and features a heavy weighted base.
This item is not currently available as a set and must be ordered individually.
|1 lbs
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Sally Bright, Michigan: We discovered Sally's work at Art Prize, Grand Rapids, 2012, where she won an award. Her contemporary baskets are sculpted without a form and woven of Rattan and Palm. She paints them in Acrylic. She says of her work ""After weaving artistic works for almost 30 years, I still strive to continue pushing the definition of "basketry"; to increase the complexity of my work; to stimulate the imagination of the viewer; and to create beauty." Her work was featured on the cover of American Style Magazine
Artist Statement: "After weaving artistic works for over 30 years, I still continue to push the definition of "basketry"; to increase the complexity of my work; to stimulate the imagination of the viewer; and to create beauty."
"I began collecting baskets as a teenager in Southern California - always searching the local shops for the most unusual ones, never thinking about where they came from. The synchronicity and realization of my life long love of basketry came full circle after moving to Michigan as an adult years later.
My life altering moment occurred the day I happened upon a new craft shop announcing "Basket
Classes". I instantly en
visioned that once I learned to make baskets I would combine the traditional craft of basketry with my creative arts background to create organic sculptural designs unlike anything I'd ever seen before. Before I knew it, the images in my head were becoming a reality. My traditional basketry weaving techniques enabled me to develop my very own peerless art form by freely using my imagination and creative interests.
I'm honored that my work continues to be recognized by numerous awards nationally as I travel to exhibit and sell my work."
White Amoeba, Yellow, Caramel


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Men's Groups
Brian delivers messages of encouragement and faith to men's groups. Brian has been married for 25 years and has two children, ages 19 and 21. He specializes in presenting to groups ranging in size from 10 to 100.
Brian understands the challenges and pressures of being a dad and husband following Christ in the midst of today's world and pressures. Whether your group needs encouragement in growing their personal faith in God, struggling with personal areas of sin, or becoming the dads & husbands God has called them to be, Brian will provide a message that is inspirational, practical, and grounded in God's truth.
Sports & Faith
Brian enjoys speaking to teams and families through sports leagues or other sporting events. As a longtime baseball dad and basketball coach, Brian knows firsthand that sports is an arena where many families spend a lot of time. However, we often overlook the many opportunities to teach our children and teams lessons of faith and life through the very sport they are playing.
Brian has developed an event called the Father & Son Baseball Classic and has develop faith-baseball curriculum with Trevor Santor, founder of Baseball Genesis. Brian has been featured as a guest speaker at Upward basketball halftimes and the Baseball Genesis Clinic.
Brian will show your sports team and families how to connect their relationship with God to the passion for the sport they love!


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MMHMF Scholarship Recipient
Aleasia graduated with honors from James River High School, Midlothian, VA, in June 2014. She maintained a 3.5 or higher GPA, remaining on the Distinguished Dean's List for four consecutive years at James River High. She is attending Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, where she is pursuing a course of study in nursing.
As long as she can remember, Aleasia has loved and has wanted to work with children. She began babysitting for members of her family at a young age and for children in the neighborhood when she was older. She didn't know specifically what, but she always knew she wanted a career in a field that worked with children. When her mom, a geriatric nurse, would ask what she wanted to study in college, Aleasia's response would be: "something with children."
In high school, she found enjoyment in science. Enrolling in anatomy and physiology, she became interested in the subject. She then developed a passion for the human body and how it functions. Her interest in the human body and watching her mother care for patients as a registered nurse, Aleasia became interested in the profession. She wanted to become a pediatric nurse practitioner. She plans to attain a bachelor's degree in nursing and subsequently a master's degree.
Congratulations to Aleasia on her many accomplishments and best wishes to her for continued success. We applaud her mother for providing the guidance so crucial to helping her become a great student, citizen, volunteer and mentor. These are traits the late Martha Mason Hill valued and would certainly be very pleased to present a scholarship that bears her name to this fine young lady.
Aleasia' is currently a sophomore at Old Dominion University. Her freshman year cumulative GPA was 3.8. She earned a certificate for academic achievement in the fall semester.
She is a member of and is the National Representative for Gamma Sigma Sigma National Service Sorority and is a member of Phi Eta Sigma (Freshman Honor Society). Aleasia' is a Health Science Peer Mentor for freshman students.
She completed the Virginia School for Nurse Aides on June 12, 2015 with a fundamental testing score of 98% and skills score of 95% and took the National State Board Certification test in July 2015. During her studies in the Nurse Aide program, Aleasia' earned certification in CPR and AED. At the same time she continued to work at Gayton Terrace, a Brookdale Senior Living Facility as a server.
Aleasia' is well on her way to achieving her goal of becoming a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner.
Aleasia' believes keeping God first, loving your family, staying true to yourself and keeping your eyes on your dreams are the best keys to accomplishing your goals.