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Roswell, Georgia - Story Ideas
The Southern Trilogy – The Authentic Story of the American South
Experience the 1800s as you tour The Southern Trilogy sites (antebellum Barrington Hall, Bulloch Hall and Smith Plantation Home) and hear the "Authentic Stories of the American South."
Barrington Hall – Roswell's Powerful Founding Family
From the second floor of this magnificent home, Barrington King could look out over his mills and vast holdings. These mills and the whole country around here is owned by King & Co., they own all the stores, provisions, etc.: they allow no liquor sold in the town, and in truth run everything to suit themselves – Had their own paper currency, which circulated all through this country as better than Confederate scrip … (from The History of Chicago Board of Trade Battery by John A. Nourse from records at the Chicago Historical Society, referencing July 7, 1864 during the Civil War and the burning of the Roswell Mills.)
Today, this home is recognized as one of the finest examples of Greek Revival architecture in the country. It is also listed as one of Atlanta's 50 Most Beautiful Homes and has the only Antebellum Garden in metro Atlanta that is open to the public.
Bulloch Hall - A Love Story and so much more …
Built by Major James Stephens Bulloch, grandson of Georgia's Revolutionary Governor, Archibald Bulloch, this home has been described as one of the most significant houses in Georgia. While growing up here, Mittie Bulloch met a young man from the prominent Roosevelt family of New York, captivating his heart during his trip to the South. Little did the guests at their 1853 Christmas time wedding realize they were witnessing a union that would produce a United States President, Teddy Roosevelt. Their other son, Elliott, was the father of Eleanor Roosevelt who would serve as our nation's most beloved First Lady, forever changing the role of women in the White House. Visiting this home you will understand why Margaret Mitchell, author of Gone With The Wind, sought out the last living bridesmaid and wrote about the event in The Atlanta Journal Magazine. At the time of the wedding, Mrs. Bulloch was a widow of modest means, but it was determined that the Roosevelts must be given a good impression of the south. She would have ice brought all the way from Savannah to make homemade ice cream to serve.
Ties to the Roosevelts and our nation's history blend with the stories of Mittie Bulloch, who would often be referred to as the prettiest lady in New York upon residing there with her husband.
A reconstructed slave cabin houses a permanent exhibit of Slave Life in the Piedmont.
Smith Plantation Home: Success, Family Tragedy, and Change
In 1845 Archibald Smith came to Roswell to escape the summer heat and insects of coastal Georgia, bringing with him his wife, children and thirty slaves to help run the 300+ acre plantation. Tragedy struck this affluent farm family with the death of their oldest son Willie during the Civil War. Perhaps it was the loss of Willie that caused them to hold on to other possessions, or maybe it was that they inherently knew the many artifacts left behind would continue to tell their story. Smith Plantation has catalogued over 14,000 items of memorabilia belonging to the original family. Time changed and this farm home progressed from when slaves worked the fields to the day in 1986 when descendants of the original family sold the home to the City of Roswell. The sale was contingent on the condition that the family's maid, Mamie Cotton, could continue to live in the big house for the remainder of her years. The beautiful grounds of this home also showcase original outbuildings, including one that is believed to be the oldest on the site and to have been used by slaves who cleared the land prior to the construction of the Plantation.
The Spirits of Roswell
There is always something brewing in Roswell, thanks to local entrepreneurs who are combining their love of this vibrant town with their own passions. Craft Breweries, a Bourbon Bar, Liquor Infused Chocolates, and a lively Ghost Tour capture the Spirit of Roswell.
Gate City Brewing Company – Roswell's first craft brewery. The owners have found there is a strong demand for local beers and the opportunity to see how they are actually made. The name Gate City is a play on the moniker Atlanta has as the Gate City of the New South. Gate City Beer Company strives to brew beers that embody the very same independent spirit that inspired the owners to chase their dreams.
Abbey of the Holy Goats Brewery is owned and operated by Kathy Davis, Georgia's first female brewery owner and brewer. She produces innovative Belgian-style beers designed for perfect food pairing. The name of the brewery encompasses many of Kathy's interests in life. She states: The name comes from my interest in abbeys as far as living in them, and the beer styles. The goats come from my love of goats. The monastic lifestyle really interests her thus the name she chose, "Abbey of the Holy Goats."
Variant Brewery will be opening soon in a 3,600 sq. ft. building where most of the space will be dedicated to their brewhouse. They intend to push the limits of craft beer by modifying traditional recipes and experimenting with various adjuncts, unique gran bills, hop schedules and yeasts to recreate a wide variety of unique drinking experiences.
Table & Main
This award-winning restaurant is a huge supporter of the local "spirits" scene. Rated one of Atlanta's Best Restaurants, Table & Main is a southern-style tavern and bourbon bar, with an ambiance that is mellow, chic, and hospitable. Guests dine on favorites like Southern fried chicken, shrimp and grits, and burgers deemed the "most iconic burger," by Eater Atlanta. The restaurant focuses on fresh foods so the menu changes to capture the best of the season. They love to share their knowledge of bourbons with guests and, if you are a novice, they will guide you through the process of selecting one that is perfect for your taste.
Chef Brulee Chocolates and Gateaux
Chef Natalya Shapiro's signature lines of candies and chocolates allow you to sample the sweet side of Roswell. Her chocolate-infused and liquor filled specialties are a must-have! Using real whiskey and fine liqueurs, natural flavors and the finest ingredients, the result is the quintessential chocolate experience, a sensual delight of delicious flavors and artistic designs.
Roswell Ghost Tour – Voted Best Ghost Tour in Metro Atlanta
We cannot talk about spirits without including the popular Roswell Ghost Tour. This tour is led by paranormal investigators who often appear on TV, radio and as guest lecturers and consultants. A variety of tour types are offered throughout the year including a beer crawl that ends with a drink at one of the local establishments, and a pet-friendly tour. Attendees on all the tours will hear stories of the spirits said to dwell behind the mansion walls and the toilsome tales of the mill village.
The Wild and Wonderful Chattahoochee River
In today's world, it isn't unusual to find places with super highways running through them. Roswell is part of a metropolitan area rich in culture and history, but the Chattahoochee River, a magnet for wildlife native to the area as well as seasonal migrations, forms the city's southern border.
Roswell's nationally acclaimed Recreation and Parks Department enjoys a strong partnership with the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. Along Vickery Creek Trail there is an interpretive walk highlighting the ruins of Roswell's early mills and the waterfall created by the dam constructed to provide power for those mills. Also located in this area is Roswell's Covered Pedestrian Bridge. This magnificent structure links Roswell's historic area with the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area.
Along the River, Roswell has a seven-mile linear park. This area is extremely popular with those who love to canoe, kayak, and paddleboard. It is also enjoyed by runners, joggers, cyclists, and those who enjoy a good stroll or walk. A new boardwalk was recently completed that adds another mile to the trail system.
Near the shoals along the waterway in the area of Riverside Park, Roswell links with Island Ford, the national headquarters for the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area.
Roswell also links again to the CRNRA by the Gold Branch path at Bull Sluice Lake.
The city of Roswell trails and boardwalks and the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area both join with Chattahoochee Nature Center along Willeo Road. Chattahoochee Nature Center is the oldest and largest environmental education of its type in the Southeast. Interestingly enough, the community movements to begin the Chattahoochee Nature Center moved hand-in-hand with the efforts to establish the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area.
Chattahoochee Nature Center is a private, non-profit natural science education center serving as the interpretive center for the Chattahoochee River Watershed. The 127 acre center, complete with river access and woodland trails, is extremely busy with school groups, adult programs, festivals (check out the Flying Colors Butterfly Festival and the Butterfly Encounters that are so popular), native plant sales, gardens that showcase native plants, and a Unity Garden that provides educational opportunities while providing food for local food pantries. In fact, the Unity Garden is one of metro Atlanta's top providers of fresh produce for those in need. The center leads canoe excursions on the river educating about the importance of the river while enjoying watching the wildlife and plants that are active along this marvelous waterway.
Georgia's Great Street
Roswell's Canton Street has been officially awarded the designation of Georgia Great Street. No wonder as this street is filled with shops, art galleries, and over 30 restaurants. Fine dining blends with outdoor cafes to make Canton Street a draw for foodies with all tastes and budgets. Hours of browsing and unique shopping experiences abound. Each month, April through October, the third Thursday welcomes visitors from far and wide to Alive in Roswell. It's the best street party in metro Atlanta. Live music, and restaurant specials blend to provide an experience to remember.
The Place of Kings and Presidents
Here, in the antebellum village founded by Roswell King and his son Barrington, a real Southern belle grew up, married in her family's white columned home and became the mother of a U.S. President. The love story of Mittie Bulloch and Theodore Roosevelt began in Roswell when he was visiting the area. At that time, Mittie was very young and thought the northerner "brash." However, a few years later, Mittie would visit her sister who lived up north. There she would once again meet Mr. Roosevelt. We don't know if Mittie's taste in men had changed with a bit of maturity, or if the "brash" young man had learned a bit more flare, but this time, she found him fascinating. They would court, write love letters, and Mittie would endearingly call him "Thee." At Christmas time in 1853, the couple would marry in her family's white columned home, "Bulloch Hall." Mittie's father had died and Mrs. Bulloch struggled to keep the home running properly. She was determined that she would not have the prominent Roosevelts from New York think lowly of the South. A Southern feast was spread and ice was brought all the way from Savannah to make ice cream. The wedding was the talk of the community and little did those attending realize that this young couple would become the parents of Teddy Roosevelt – a United States President. The couple's other son, Elliott, would become the father of Eleanor Roosevelt who would grow up, marry a distant cousin, and serve as our nation's most beloved First Lady. Eleanor Roosevelt would forever change the role of women in the White House and in our nation. After the wedding, the couple would reside in New York, where Mittie was often referred to as "the prettiest lady in New York" for her beauty was remarkable. The romance and wedding also captured the attention of Margaret Mitchell. She would interview the last living bridesmaid and do an extensive article for the Atlanta Journal Magazine.
While President, Teddy came to Roswell to visit his mother's childhood home. It was said by those in attendance that he needed no escort through the home for he was familiar with each room. He said that familiarity was gained by listening at his mother's knees to the beloved stories of Bulloch Hall and the South. Franklin Roosevelt and Eleanor, when in Warm Springs, Georgia where the warm springs offered some hope of help for his polio, on occasions would drive to Roswell, and it is documented that Eleanor visited the home.
Roswell's connection to the White House continued with beloved resident Emily Dolvin. Emily was the sister of Jimmy Carter's mother, Lillian Carter. Emily (often called Aunt Sissy), campaigned untiringly on behalf of Mr. Carter's quest for the White House. In 1976, Time magazine referred to her as a "tiny, stylishly dressed, white-haired dynamo" and the secret weapon of Carter's campaign. Her house was often used as a gathering place and in front of the home on Bulloch Avenue is a plaque referring to it as "Jimmy Carter's Roswell White House." Emily lived in the home until her death in 2006.
Roswell Mills & The Civil War ... Water that powered Roswell and empowered Georgia
In 1829 gold was found in north Georgia, causing many to prospect the areas of Dahlonega and Auraria. This activity attracted the interest of Roswell King, a citizen of Darien, GA. As he traveled on horseback following Indian trails, he came upon the Chattahoochee River near what is now Roswell. Here he discovered vast forests and the rushing waters of Vickery Creek. He envisioned a mill, powered by water, and a community close by. Mr. King knew that the south was struggling to have its cotton processed, as there were few mills and often it had to be sent to New England or to England itself. He knew that successful mills in the south could lead to riches for their owners.
By 1838, Roswell King, his son Barrington, and their slaves had settled in the area north of the Chattahoochee River. In 1839, the Roswell Manufacturing Company would incorporate and have approximately 150 operatives working at the mill. By 1840, Georgia ranked third in the nation in the production of cotton cloth, just behind Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Nineteen mills were operating, with one of the largest the Roswell Manufacturing Company. The Mills in Roswell produced tenting, flannel, cotton and wool cloth; yarn; and a cloth of wool and cotton blend called "Roswell Gray." Roswell Gray would become a highly prized cloth for Confederate uniforms. As the cloth became more and more scarce during the war, it was reserved for officers' uniforms only.
By the time Sherman's troops reached Georgia, the Union's resolve to end the war and break the back of the Confederacy was set. After all, Sherman had said: I would make this war as severe as possible, and show no symptoms of tiring till the south begs for mercy.
On July 5, 1864, Union troops arrived in Roswell. They had been sent here to secure the covered bridge across the Chattahoochee River, which they discovered had been burned by retreating Confederate soldiers. Union soldiers were surprised to find that the mills were still operational. A mill employee hoisted a French flag above the woolen mill in order to claim neutrality; however, the letters CSA were found on the cloth being produced. Union General Kenner Garrard dispatched word to Sherman: One woolen factory, capacity 30,000 yards a month, and has furnished up to within a few weeks 15,000 yards per month and 51,666 pounds of thread, and 4229 pounds of cotton rope. This was worked exclusively for the rebel government.
The neutrality claimed by the French flag was proven false and General Sherman ordered the mills burned. Four hundred mill workers, mostly women, were charged with treason and sent north to uncertain fates. Sherman wrote: I repeat my orders that you arrest all people, male and female, connected with those factories, no matter what the clamor, and let them foot it, under guard to Marietta, which I will send them by cars to the North … The poor women will make a howl.
Lost Mill Workers of Roswell – A Civil War Tragedy
It was July 7, 1864 and most of the men had marched off to battle, leaving behind 400 women to operate the mills. Upon the Union Army's arrival in Roswell, action resulted in the women being arrested, charged with treason and sent north. Thus began the legend of the Roswell Women. The harsh treatment of the women brought outrage from good citizens, both north and south. A northern newspaper correspondent report on the deportation read "……. Only think of it! Four hundred weeping and terrified Ellens, Susans, and Maggies, transported in springless and seatless army wagons … and all for the offense of weaving tent-cloth." Most of their individual stories remain a mystery. It is known that one young lady, pregnant at the time of deportation, struggled for 5 years to make her way home. Arriving in Roswell with her child, she found that her husband, presuming her dead, had remarried.
Ghostly Sightings & Legends
Stories and tours are abundant that showcase the spirits said to dwell behind the walls of the mansions and the toilsome tales of the mill village. Roswell Ghost Tour, conducted by paranormal investigators, is a popular activity. They even offer special tours where attendees are invited to bring their dogs with them - or given the opportunity to meet famed paranormal experts.
Nature & Watchable Wildlife
Roswell is known for its heritage and nothing is more important than our natural history.
The Chattahoochee River, as it rolls gently through Roswell, offers an array of recreational activities: fishing, rafting, canoeing, kayaking, bird watching, turtle spotting, otter sighting, and more. The Chattahoochee Nature Center in Roswell is the Southeast's oldest and largest, private, non-profit natural science learning center. Here visitors can explore the woodlands and wetlands, view wildlife, enjoy special exhibits, wildflowers, and take advantage of an array of programs, Throughout the city there are extensive trails, some wind through the historic district and meander by the old mill ruins (with an interpretive trail that tells of Roswell's early mills), while others follow creek paths or the shade of the woodlands. Along them all you will see an abundance of flora and fauna. Yes, in Roswell, you can enjoy the "Natural Side of Life," and don't forget to keep a journal of the wildlife you see. Fun for the entire family or as a solitary "getaway."
Roswell's Arts & Culture
Roswell has a wealth of cultural experiences by well-established and up-and-coming artists. Visit the Historic District where you will find a unique and creative spirit. Amidst the array of colorful galleries with opportunities to "Meet the Artists," you will immerse yourself in artistic expressions created in paintings, sculpture, fiber, pottery, photography, wood, glass and clay that define Roswell's character. As you explore the city, the rich artistic culture is evident. Art Festivals, ArtWalks, and a variety of special events, exhibits and activities fill the calendar year-round. Performing arts add to the fabric of Roswell. From the casual Riverside Sounds concert series to toe-tapping and classical performances, a lively music scene abounds. Professional theatre, dance, puppet shows, storytelling and living history reenactments are all part of our vibrant and diverse arts community.
Christmas in Roswell
Since 1853 when Mittie Bulloch married Theodore Roosevelt at Christmas time at Bulloch Hall, Christmas has been special in Roswell. Each year, the historic homes are dressed in holiday splendor as they show off the southern hospitality for which the south is famous. One of the highlights of the holiday festivities is a reenactment of the historic wedding. Arriving guests are greeted as if they are truly family friends coming to wish the couple well as they take their vows and
begin their new life together.
In addition to Christmas tours of the Southern Trilogy sites (Barrington Hall, Bulloch Hall, and Smith Plantation), there are special presentations of performing arts, musical entertainment, storytelling, and theater options. Walking tours of the historic district tell the story of Roswell's founding families while Ghost Walks capture the imagination with stories of the spirits said to dwell behind the mansion walls. Reenactments portray the community as it would have been in the 1850s. The shops of Historic Roswell await your discovery. Antiques, fine arts and crafts, collectibles, decoratives, and unique gifts fill every nook and cranny of the historic district. Dining is a real treat with down-home southern cooking, barbecue, and continental cuisine selections, Roswell's Canton Street is officially designated as a Georgia "Great Street," and draws visitors to enjoy the hip vibe and culinary delights found in its restaurants and shops.
Girlfriends' Get-Away
Escape to a place where you can enjoy nature, tour historic homes, dine in fine restaurants or outdoor cafes, pamper yourself with a makeover or relaxing spa treatments, then shop til you drop. When it's time to drop, Roswell has the perfect lodging facility. The Roswell Visitors Center is ready and willing to assist you with arrangements. Just call 800-776-7935.
Roswell Remembers
The Faces of War - Roswell Vietnam War Memorial
The Roswell Vietnam War Memorial Committee originally consisted of Vietnam veterans who desired to give overdue acknowledgement to those who served, those who were left behind and those who came home in silence. As their momentum grew, the project gained outstanding support from the community.
The monument is 14 feet in height and 20 feet across, highlighted by Georgia marble cap stones and old colonial bricks. The plaza and walkways contain hundreds of memorial bricks purchased by supporters of the project.
Fifty faces cast in bronze depict an array of emotions, including fear, grief, and courage. They represent American servicemen and women, medical personnel, and Vietnamese civilians. One figure in the sculpture is that of a soldier reaching out to clasp the hand of a little girl (the girl representing the future). The monument is located in the Memorial Garden at Roswell City Hall and is maintained by the Roswell Recreation Department. The Vietnam War Memorial Committee hopes that visitors will remember those who served to protect the sovereignty of our country, not only in the Vietnam War but in all wars, and their families. Georgia's Largest Memorial Day Ceremony – Roswell Remembers – is held annually at the site of the Roswell Vietnam War Memorial.
Some Notes that Might Stimulate Story Ideas
Roswell, GA is rich in history.
Industrial History: Roswell Mills were among the leading in the South. They contributed to the economy of Roswell, the economy of the State of Georgia, and the economy of the South.
History in the traditional sense: In Roswell there are museums, trails and structures that showcase the history of Roswell since the 1830s. Our heritage is steeped with architectural interests, Civil War facts and stories, grand antebellum homes and linked to three U.S. Presidents (Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin Roosevelt, Jimmy Carter) and One First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt.
Native Americans lived and hunted along the banks of the Chattahoochee River prior to the Trail of Tears. What is now Roswell was once part of the Cherokee Nation in Georgia. In Riverside Park in Roswell there is a Cherokee Memorial.
Bulloch Hall was built by the grandson of Georgia's Revolutionary Governor, Archibald Bulloch. Theodore Roosevelt's son, Archibald, was named after this ancestor. Bulloch County in Georgia was also named after Archibald Bulloch.
Natural History: In Roswell we cherish our natural history as well as the buildings that remain in place. The Chattahoochee River, the Chattahoochee Nature Center, Chattahoochee National Recreation Area and an extensive trail system highlight our natural history and the commitment to preserving it.
Chattahoochee River: It is believed that this is from the Creek Indian heritage and means River of the Painted Rock.
Visit Roswell Convention and Visitors Bureau
617 Atlanta Street
www.visitroswellga.com
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Socialism's Greatest Lie: Government Can Give You Everything for Free
Socialism's greatest lie is that it promises the people something for nothing, services and programs of all kind that will either be "free" or more affordable than the free market variety. But just like the ads promising you a free iPod or a chance to make millions from home while you yawn, socialism is not something for nothing, instead more often it's nothing for something.
The idea that the government will take care of you is appealing, entire nanny states have been built on that proposition. But the government can't take care of you, it can't even pay its own bills without you. It can't run a television station, a toll bridge or even an off track betting service, or any venture that in private hands would be profitable, without using taxpayer funds to prop it up.
A legitimate enterprise never needs to fool its customers into thinking that they will receive something for nothing. It is only the scammers that need to do that. What a promise of something for nothing really indicates is a venture that is run by people who are incapable of hard work, who get by on tricking others out of their hard earned money. And that in short is what socialism looks like, with its monolithic bureaucracies where incompetence is the order of the day, its offices upon offices that never need to produce their results or show their books, and its embedded corruption that insures the money never goes where you think it does.
The promise of free health care though is far more devilish than a free iPod, because it doesn't simply promise people a gadget, but promises that the government will keep them alive. And because government free offers not only tend to cost a lot, but have a way of being universal and with no opt-out clause available, they're a scam in which participation is not optional to individual foolishness, but mandatory to everyone.
Free or cheap health care of course is appealing, but there is no such thing as "free" or "cheap" because everything the government does is paid for twice over. Everything you get from the government you pay for, either directly through taxes and fees, or indirectly through rising costs and black market prices. Taxes of course are the most obvious way in which you wind up paying more for the same services that the government provides you with.
Taxes are a fool's credit card, in which he spends and spends without thinking about the cost, until suddenly the bill comes due, and he simultaneously agonizes over the cost without connecting it to all the spending. Those who supported Obama and his proposals, without realizing their cost while complaining about their taxes are paying with a fool's credit card at the ballot box, incapable of even understanding what the bill means when it comes due.
But politicians are generally smart enough to assure voters that they won't be paying for the program directly. No, they assure us, the rich will pay for it. Big business will pay for it. Or we'll just borrow more money instead of raising taxes. If the regular fool's credit card is Visa, this indirect form of payment is Washington D.C., Idiot's American Express card. Because paying indirectly just adds a few layers of expenses between the taxpayer and the bill.
Raising taxes on big business and "the rich" is popular, but big business and the upper income tax bracket will ultimately pass down the cost to consumers in the form of high prices on goods and services, in the form of job cuts and outsourcing. Socialism's trickle down poverty approach insures that taxing the rich will still tax the poor and the lower middle class, it will just do so indirectly.
Less available products and jobs don't come with a tax bill. The tax is an invisible one in which depressing business, trickles down to the lower and middle classes who end up with fewer and more expensive product and service choices and fewer job opportunities. To balance this out, governments will begin offering tax breaks to businesses, and since something has to give, taxpayers end up footing the bill for business tax breaks impelled by business tax hikes. Governments find this convenient as the route between the government and program and higher individual taxes has become too indirect for most people to realize why their taxes are going up, and because this allows politicians to claim credit for saving jobs and benefiting from the donations sent their way by business lobbyists.
It would have been cheaper and simpler for individual taxpayers to see a direct tax hike, instead of the complicated way in which the government moves around money, while the politicians still benefit from covering every angle for a problem that they created.
And then of course there's the loan package. If you don't want to raise taxes on anyone, you have to borrow money, which is the Lunatic's MasterCard, because while taxes remain the same, the amount of debt being carried rises, and that debt has to be paid off. So instead of actually paying for a government service through higher taxes, the public takes on a huge load of debt, whose rising interest rates are far more expensive than direct taxation would be. But politicians don't care since they can keep passing the fiscal football until they're out of office. At which point the next set of politicians look at the debt figures and their own polls, and keep on doing the same thing, until the entire public has been reduced to a sharecropper society, working to pay off a debt to foreign lenders. A debt that they can never pay off because politicians keep borrowing more money to cover the cost of a constantly expanding government and a population that keeps consuming more government services.
But directly or in-directly, in any of these ways, the free or cheap government program quickly turns out to be mind-blowingly expensive. And there is a simple reason for that, because while government is officially non-profit, which seemingly suggests that by cutting out the profit motive, the government would be able to offer the same services at lower cost-- the joker in the deck is that government programs are administered much less efficiently than their free market equivalents.
While free market companies have to be efficient because profit motive requires cutting expenses, government programs don't have to be efficient, they just have to "be". A corporation has to increase the value provided to its customers and shareholders to remain competitive. The best way to do that is by cutting expenses. By contrast government programs don't have to increase the value provided to customers, as they are non-competitive, and while the public may be government's unofficial shareholders, the politicians insulated them from the actual bureaucrats who run the programs. And the bureaucrats are the "expenses", which allows them to save themselves from ever being cut.
And where free market businesses may cut staff first and customers second, health care unions along the lines of SEIU or the California Nurses Union insure that staff can never be cut without triggering a shutdown of all health services. By centralizing health services, health care unions gain a great deal of power that makes them effectively unstoppable. Jobs are padded and expanded. Unions win concessions at the expense of the people the government programs are provided for. That means teacher's unions gain, while schoolchildren lose out. Nursing unions gain, while patients lose out. In the balance between a union and a customer, the union always wins because it wields more clout and brings more money to the table. And that means there is no way to control staff expenses without a prolonged political battle.
Furthermore government programs are not actually non-profit, they just appear that way. A common argument made by socialized health care advocates is that the public should not be spending money on health care that will be used to fund some CEO's yacht. But the thing is that under government health care, the money is still being used to fund someone's yacht. It might be the yacht of top health care advisers who pull down six figure salaries, it might be the yacht of allied non-profit executives who frequently pull down six and seven figure salaries, it might the yacht of a health care union bigwig, or finally it might be the yacht of the CEO of a medical contractor who wins the chance to provide the government with surgical tubing, at twice the cost, thanks to some help from his buddy, Senator X or Congressman Y, whose campaign fund he just happened to donate to. But either way there way there's always a yacht. And you're always paying for it. The difference is that with the government there are a lot more yachts and you have no way to opt out of paying for them.
The profit motive in government programs frequently takes the form of corruption, with no bid contracts and sweetheart deals, jobs for the sons and daughters of the donors to Senator X and Congressman Y. Sure the program itself is non-profit, until you look at how much it cost to build that hospital vs how much it should have cost. It's non-profit until you look at that nice house that Company Z helped Senator X pick up in exchange for his off the record chat with the Chairman of the Department of Y that insured that Company Z got the contract, and the taxpayers got screwed.
This is not non-profit, it's a kleptocracy. And a kleptocracy is for profit, the profit is just under the table. The more government expands, the more the kleptocracy grows. Naturally the kleptocracy just loves the idea of expanding government programs. Why shouldn't it? Free market companies make money by selling products to consumers. The kleptocracy make money by exchanging government contracts for donations, favors and payoffs. Externally a kleptocracy may look like it's booming, but in reality it's rotten to the core, and nothing is done well anymore. Doing anything requires knowing a friend of a friend in the government. Because the only way to do business under a kleptocracy is to be part of it. Or be its victim.
The result of all this is that government services are actually fantastically more expensive than their free market counterparts, the way you pay for them however is often indirect, which makes them seem cheap or free. But like a credit card whose payments don't come due right away, it feels good to spend the money if you don't realize the connection between the bill and the money being spent.
Government health care means that you're actually paying twice for the same program. Once for the cost of the basic resources that make up the program, and once for all the government inflation of the actual cost of the program. The government cannot actually cut the basic costs of of the resources of the program, which may be the staff, the supplies, the facilities and the administration of the program. Government administration is more expensive than its free market counterparts. Government contractors that provide the supplies and facilities are invariably much more expensive, because of corruption. Government staffing tends to be a more expensive and lower quality operation dominated by unions and bureaucracy.
Since the government cannot reduce the actual base costs of the resources, and in fact inflates them, the result is a more expensive government program. What it can do however is hide those costs directly in your taxes, in indirectly someone else's taxes or in the national debt, which will trickle down to you anyway but at a higher cost. Essentially this makes socialism into a three monte card game, in which whatever card you pick, you lose. The only question is how much you lose.
Nothing from the government is ever free. The only question is how much you lose.
Tags: socialism
Chana @ Lemon Lime Moon 4/1/10
It's a mess and unfortunately most don't see that it is.
Native Oregon Hiker 4/1/10
You have hit the nail on the head in a way that the common layman can understand.
Daniel Greenfield 4/1/10
thank you, that was what I was hoping to accomplish
Keli Ata 4/1/10
Indeed. You have made it easy to understand.
Dave Coe 4/1/10
Hey Sultan, I saw your comment on Debbie Schlussels blog about Inrlogious Basterds. Why do you say that the Examiner.con is anti-semitic?
the examiner is not anti-semitic, this particular examiner article however was because it misrepresented a book and based itself on IHR or the Institute for Historical Review, a Holocaust denial organization run by and for neo-nazis and white supremacists.
Ok, you are right that the IHR is anti-semitic but why would a mainstream newspaper employe an anti-semite. Do you know anything about the Journalist who wrote that article for examiner?
The Examiner is not a newspaper, it's an online user edited directory. Think Wikipedia, except it's not fact based and the writers can make money from traffic.
I didn't read the Examiner article or see the comment. Sultan, did you think Inglorious Basterds was anti-semitic because it was fictional? Or did the journalist twist the fictional movie around?
Most people can obviously tell the film was fiction since in the movie Hitler, Himmler and other Nazis were killed in a French theatre.
I didn't think Inglorious Bastards was anti-semitic, I never even saw it.
The Examiner article that was anti-semitic just latches onto the movie as an opening to deliver a long neo-nazish rant about Der Joos. The whole thing is a spinoff from a discussion on another blog.
Anonymous 4/1/10
All Joos is terriors.
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
141 – Ageism and membership
by James | Mar 1, 2019 | Exploration I
How will age affect the process of entering the community?
While in many entries there has been discussion of this there should be a clarity of what it means to 'enter' the community. In many communes, monastic groups around the world there are full-time members living in the community perpetually, there are transitionals (laypersons), novices, candidates and even, pilgrims etc. Depending on the type and beliefs of the group in question.
In fact the monastic orders of old were in a constant state of change due to changing ideas of what it meant to be a monk, philosopher or aesthetic.
It seems universal though that a lifetime membership should be just given out to people on a whim, a layperson can help at can be someone of any age giving up their limited leisure time if they believe in the community, or a student could be a transitional merely at the community to obtain experience and an education.
Someone deciding to move into the community on a permanent basis must be firstly old enough to by civil law to leave home or in foster situations, orphaned etc.
While it is not the intention of the community to become another foster system for the plight of abandoned children following the reasons for founding the community, every provision must be made in such circumstances, where possible, in final analysis no child should ever be abandoned.
Similarly someone who wishes to join at an advanced age and brings a huge wealth of experience, or a dedicated effort into the community exceptions can and should be made. Essentially ageism should not blind us to all prescriptive members.
All decisions (as stated in e108) should go through a group selection committee.
**Addendum: Members should go through a lengthy novice and training period to ensure that they will be happy within the community in the long run.
by James | Jun 9, 2014 | Exploration I
Reading Time: < 1 minuteWhat contracts should exist between the community and the individual?
Contracts between a community and an individual seems initially repellent, as an idea. Although in such a complex environment with a society that pays individuals has ideas of ownership of goods and has mandatory regimes and possible punishments it seems necessary for an exhaustive legal and insurance based contract must exist if not for lifetime members at least then for transitory members who ware there for the university/ higher education learning / experience.
Contracts will likely include:
Forms of payments.
Acceptance of punitive measures in cases of inappropriate behaviour.
Minimum terms, training periods.
Insurance and healthcare.
Liability and external payments.
Now I am not a lawyer so there needs to be some legal representation to confirm the legal contract is acceptable. Eventually legally trained and qualified members of the community may well exist.
Also there may be variations of the contract in different host nations to correctly comply with civil law in that country as such there should be a publicly available (and translated) template that anyone can read with an up to date guide through the clauses and the reasons for each part so that the lay person can understand.
Reading Time: < 1 minuteWhat are the minimum and maximum ages one should be allowed to enter?
This will no doubt change over time as the organisation grows and lifespan increases. The upper limit on age will be only guesswork. Certainly the panels created to deliberate entrance should take into account someones age till retirement or equally their youth. Initially, 18+ seems a reasonable standard and up to 60-65 as a maximum age.
However, it depends on how the community grows if eventually it offers an education system from infancy to university, the "starting age" drops dramatically if it starts an orphanage education system in developing countries it could drop to the new born.
Equally, life expectancy grows presently around 3 months a year so predicting a maximum age is very difficult.
These figures should be reviewed and debated regularly especially with relevant community changes or breakthroughs in longevity.
by James | May 27, 2014 | Exploration I
Reading Time: < 1 minuteWhat methods will exist for changing current or future mandates, regulations and amending or rewriting the constitution?
As described earlier (e76) there should be regular committees who rewrite the rules and regulations to reflect the changes of thinking of the time, what was considered moral or scientific fact 40 years ago is very different to now.
The other time it would be necessary is if an individual calls into question a rule or procedure, in this case a new debate committee will be formed and the reasoning behind the old rule will be reviewed and discussions with those involved.
Each debate on changing the regulation needs a 2/3 majority for or against if this doesn't occur the group is expanded until a consensus is voted on.
Ultimately if the issue is consistently undecided it will involve the entire community at which point if threatening to destabilize the community into camps there will be a think tank on a better third solution and the elected official in charge will make a decision with the larger majority.
Disputes of this nature should be avoided from the outset by not writing or creating regulations that divide opinions so radically.
by James | Jun 28, 2012 | Exploration I
Reading Time: < 1 minuteWhat are the rules and regulations of the community?
While a full transcript of the rules should be decided by a committee of the initial members, essentially it should cover the ethical oath of your initial entry, the principal routines during the day of the members. The balance of hours between individuals; work, chores and duties, learning, training and teach, relaxing, reflecting leisure and the assignment of tasks.
The document should also cover inappropriate behaviour but should more generally state what is good and assume a certain level of individual responsibility and cognisance of what is inappropriate or morally wrong . All interactions should stem from respect, patience and responsibility.
Finally, the document should clearly state all the positions within the community, the methods of electing such people, those who are permitted to vote and the powers invested in each station and the procedures for making amendments to the original document.
[note: I know essentially this describes a constitution but I obviously wasn't thinking about it at the time, it borders on a semi-political / ethical document that describes and enforces the ideals of the community.]


text:
Lakers' Anthony Davis 'Progressing Very Well' in Recovery from Tailbone Injury
Blake SchusterContributor IIJanuary 14, 2020
44 CommentsComment Bubble Icon
Mark J. Terrill/Associated Press
Los Angeles Lakers big man Anthony Davis is getting closer to returning from a tailbone injury that has kept him out of the lineup for the last three games.
Davis is listed as questionable for the Lakers' Wednesday home game against the Orlando Magic, per Spectrum SportsNet Lakers analyst Mike Bresnahan. While his playing status is still to be determined, he hasn't done any sprints or participated in contact drills—usually a sign of a player's impending return—though he told Spectrum SportsNet's Mike Trudell he is "progressing very well" in his rehab.
The center injured himself after landing awkwardly on his backside against the New York Knicks last Tuesday.
Davis told reporters he's mostly done some light shooting as he prepares to return. Sprinting and contact drills will be the next hurdle before he's cleared to play. One piece of good news here is that all tests came back negative and AD will be able to return when he feels ready.
There's no question how important the center is to the Lakers' success. The six-time All-Star is averaging 27.1 points, 9.4 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 2.6 blocks per game on a Los Angeles team that's leading the Western Conference by 5.5 games as of Tuesday afternoon.
Not that the Lakers haven't been able to weather his current injury status. L.A. is on a league-leading nine-game winning streak thanks to a dip in the schedule that's pitted the banged-up title contender against the likes of Detroit, Cleveland, Phoenix, New Orleans and the Knicks. Not exactly the NBA's most threatening opponents.
Even if Davis isn't able to go for Wednesday night's matchup with Orlando, it's still imperative to get him back healthy as soon as possible. Los Angeles starts an eight-day, five-game road trip in Houston on Saturday before flying out to the East Coast to face Boston, New York, Brooklyn and Philadelphia. There isn't a "must-win" game for the Lakers right now, but showing up on the road against some of the Eastern Conference contenders is a solid litmus test for the second half of the season.
That's especially true as the February 6 trade deadline rapidly approaches. The Lakers should be spending the next few weeks tinkering with their roster and gearing up for a playoff run.
They need Davis healthy to make that happen.
RJ Barrett Out at Least 1 Week
Knicks rookie has sprained right ankle, will be reevaluated in one week


text:
Q: Display results from different API in Java console app I create a Spring Boot console app that gets a parameter from user via console and then read data from 3 different API. Then, I need to display data from all of these 3 API. At this moment, I am not sure if how should I call all of these APIs and then merge results.
Should I call all the APIs asynchronously? If so, how can I merge all the results into a Model? I think I should create a model that contains all the fields from 3 APIs. Is this approach seems good or what would you suggest?
On the other hand, should I create a Controller and Service then call the REST APIs from service (the parameter pass from console to Controller and then to Service)?

A: You dont need controller layer for this case. Just get parameters from user and send it to service that you created. Then call rest apis synchronously with RestTemplate or FeignClient(if always gonna be 3 api use resttemplate). And create model for per api that you called. And create a Model for your response. If all off your requests ends with success. Map theese 3 model to your response model and return this model from your service to wherever you want.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Applied Insight (AI) is seeking a Project Manager (Architecture Team) in Washington, D.C.
The contractor "Project Manager (Architecture)" will provide support to the DTS COO Architecture Team in managing multiple, concurrent information technology projects of varying complexity, ranging from short term single-person work efforts to highly complex endeavors involving both internal and external resources and stakeholders. The Project Manager must utilize a traditional PMI PMBOK approach to manage the entire project lifecycle, while ensuring compliance with one or more Judiciary standards for project reporting, including the Judiciary IT Project Management framework as well as any new standards developed within the COO office. The Project Manager will be accountable for the timely and effective delivery of services associated with projects.


A few days ago, we launched a bevvy of Game of Thrones write-ups and interviews leading up to the show's eighth and final season which will be aired in Malaysia on 15 April 9am on HBO Asia. It features a lot of insight and final thoughts from the majority of the GoT cast.
In case you missed it, we've posted all of them here for your reading convenience.
Where's Everyone At The Start Of Season 8?


text:
Q: Moving certain items to workbooks works for one but not the others Basically i need to move certain items to their own workbooks but i am getting a subscript error where it is opening the workbook i need it to go to
Sub Team()

    Dim rw As Long, lastrow As Long, MySel As Range 'Grabs skus and moves to new sheet

    With Worksheets("Sheet1")
        For rw = 1000 To 2 Step -1
            If .Cells(rw, 2).Value Like "*Minor Novice*" And .Cells(rw, 3).Value Like ("*AE*") Then
                If MySel Is Nothing Then
                    Set MySel = .Cells(rw, 1).EntireRow

                        'Workbooks.Open Filename:="C:\CODE\Team Lists\11 Minor Novice AE.xlsx"

                        Else
                            Set MySel = Union(MySel, .Cells(rw, 1).EntireRow)

                        End If
                    End If
                Next rw
            End With

    With ThisWorkbook.Worksheets("M Novice AE")
        lastrow = .Cells(.Rows.Count, 1).End(xlUp).Row
        If Not MySel Is Nothing Then
            MySel.Copy Destination:=.Cells(lastrow + 1, 1)
            'MySel.Delete
        End If
    End With

    Dim Rng As Range
    Set Rng = ThisWorkbook.Worksheets("M Novice AE").Range("A1:AY300")
    Rng.Copy
    Dim s11 As Workbook
    Set s11 = Workbooks("11 Minor Novice AE")
    Dim last As Long
    Dim Rngnew As Range

With s11.Sheets("Sheet1")
    If Application.WorksheetFunction.CountA(.Cells) <> 0 Then
        last = .Range("A65000").End(xlUp).Offset(1, 0).Row
    Else
        last = 1
    End If
End With
    Set Rngnew = s11.Worksheets("Sheet1").Range("A" & last)

    Rngnew.PasteSpecial

    Dim rw1 As Long, lastrow1 As Long, MySel1 As Range 'Grabs skus and moves to new sheet

    With Workbooks("11 Production").Worksheets("Sheet1")
        For rw1 = 1000 To 2 Step -1
            If .Cells(rw1, 2).Value Like "*Minor Novice*" And .Cells(rw1, 3).Value Like ("*A*") Then
                If MySel1 Is Nothing Then
                    Set MySel1 = .Cells(rw1, 1).EntireRow

                        Workbooks.Open Filename:="C:\CODE\Team Lists\11 Minor Novice A.xlsx"

                        Else
                            Set MySel1 = Union(MySel1, .Cells(rw1, 1).EntireRow)

                        End If
                    End If
                Next rw1
            End With

      With ThisWorkbook.Worksheets("M Novice A")
        lastrow1 = .Cells(.Rows.Count, 1).End(xlUp).Row
        If Not MySel1 Is Nothing Then
            MySel1.Copy Destination:=.Cells(lastrow1 + 1, 1)
            'MySel.Delete
        End If
    End With

    Dim Rng1 As Range
    Set Rng1 = ThisWorkbook.Worksheets("M Novice A").Range("A1:AY300")
    Rng1.Copy
    Dim s111 As Workbook
    Set s111 = Workbooks("11 Minor Novice A.xlsx")
    Dim last1 As Long
    Dim Rngnew1 As Range

    With s111.Sheets("Sheet1")
    If Application.WorksheetFunction.CountA(.Cells) <> 0 Then
        last1 = .Range("A65000").End(xlUp).Offset(1, 0).Row
    Else
        last1 = 1
    End If
End With
    Set Rngnew1 = s111.Worksheets("Sheet1").Range("A" & last)

    Rngnew1.PasteSpecial

End Sub

Error:

Workbooks.Open Filename:="C:\CODE\Team Lists\11 Minor Novice A.xlsx"


text:
Putin's Judo Lesson for Georgia
By Robert Amsterdam | Published: August 13, 2008
Ah, journalists! I love you guys, but you just can't resist a good Olympic competition story between two nations at war. Certainly the cameras loved the symbolic hug between Russia's Natalia Paderina and Georgia's Nino Salukvadze during the medals ceremony as the mortars pounded the Georgian military into dust (the irony of the event, 10-meter air pistol!), or even the more fiercely competitive beach volleyball match as Georgia's Andrezza Chagas and Cristine Santanna (who may have grown up in Brazil, but so what!) defeated the Russians Alexandra Shiryaeva and Natalya Uryadova. But there can be no temptation greater than to shine the politics on the Gold medal victory of Georgia's mighty judo champion, Irakli Tsirekidze, who trounced the Russian competitor Ivan Pershin early on in the semifinals. This of course brings to mind the question of how Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, a seasoned judoka himself (sixth degree black belt), would have strategically approached the match – or perhaps the battlefield – to gain the upper hand. Luckily we have some insight on Putin's judo thinking from the preface of the book Judo: History, Theory, Practice, by Vladimir Putin and others, published in 2004 by North Atlantic Books.
This excerpt is courtesy of Harper's:
Whatever else English-speaking people may know about the career of President Putin, they should realize that he is a judo master. His judo-based senses of discipline, honor, and service to humankind as president of Russia tower over any of the more menial roles assigned to him in the former Soviet Union. Insofar as judo is at his core, he brings a warrior's presence to the international stage. Judo may not be the answer to the economic woes of Russia, but it does have a broad impact on the philosophy of those who practice it.History shows that the bully who relies on brute force and overwhelming firepower always falls to another empire mightier still. The maturity and poise born of judo practice is an unfailing guide in such matters. A judoka is always in the position to identify his opponent's weakness and bring about a "gentle" victory. The principles of judo thus suggest a world in which global cooperation and exchange among nations can take the place of reliance on weaponry and threats.If President Putin makes good on his idea to do a judo demonstration at Madison Square Garden, this would be the real thing – politician as martial artist, martial artist as politician. No doubt, he would put some professional wrestlers to shame, but then he would graciously allow himself to be thrown by a precocious American high school judoka. In a judo-oriented realm of politics, the true inner creativity and capacity of the human species may be realized.
Then there is this excerpt from a BBC story about Putin's appearance in a judo DVD:
"Sports like judo teach you mutual respect," Mr Putin said. "Respect for your rival, with the knowledge that an adversary who appears weak can put up resistance and even beat you if you lose concentration and become complacent."
It's funny, but no where do I see a suggestion that a good judoka should negotiate a ceasefire truce, get your enemy to retreat to his former position, and then violate that agreement to kick him in the back of the head – but then again, what the Russian army is doing in Georgia is just martial, no element of art about it.


Guys, can you believe it is September???? I'm having a hard time accepting that summer is over and before you know it Christmas will be here. This year is flying by!
And so is this month! We have been crazy busy with wedding stuff these past few weeks which delayed this blog being posted a bit more than I had anticipated, and this week we had a curveball thrown in with a death in our family. My apologies, makeup lovers!
This blog is all about the eyes!!!!
I think Tarte has an amazing line of products, but I have mostly stuck to their eyeshadow palettes and lipsticks. Since I have a pretty strong love affair with my Kat Von D foundation, I've never considered their foundations or concealers (I know…..I'm sorry!). I guess I'm one of those people who sticks with something that she knows works for her and doesn't like to always change it up…especially with foundation and concealers.
I recently took one of my coaches to Ulta because….well, that's pretty much my second office….and she needed some lashes, so of course I volunteered to help her! During our trip and random perusal of the Tarte aisle I stumbled across this clay under eye corrector. Let's be honest….I've been lacking in the sleep department big time lately and my under eye bags needed a little TLC. I tried the product out in the store and loved it immediately. It went on smoothly, felt like silk, and had great coverage. It was purchased immediately, and I can tell you….I am still amazed by this product. As you can see below, the coverage is pretty freaking awesome. Just an FYI, the color I use is Light/Medium.
FINAL VERDICT: SPARKLE ALL DAMN DAY!
This was a product that I was skeptical about. We all know I think Elf has some awesome makeup products/brushes, but for some reason every time I was in the Elf section and saw this little guy I always talked myself out of it. Yeah, it is only $3, but do I really need a setting powder?????? For my eyes????
Earlier in the month I was creeping on a few different youtube tutorials trying to master a specific makeup technique and noticed that all four of the tutorials I randomly selected to watch featured the makeup artist using this Elf product. I told myself that was a sign and decided to give it a whirl.
The purpose of this powder is to do exactly what it says: set the makeup under your eye perfectly. It claimed to leave skin feeling silky and help blend fine lines. Skin also is strengthened because of the Vitamin K and Vitamin C blend in it.
I applied this as a final step, so foundation was on, concealer, eye makeup, etc. The brush I used was another Elf product, the Elf foundation brush. The product itself comes with a small brush, but I like this Elf one better. Even though it is a foundation brush, I hate using it for that and think this one is a better option.
1. It looks a little shimmery when you look at it in its pot. It's very subtle. I actually used this when strobing last week and liked the look because it wasn't as in your face as normal strobing is.
2. With that being said, don't OVERUSE it! A little can go a long way, and if you use too much you will have cakey under eyes and possibly too much shimmer. Once you get the product on the brush, tap it lightly to get rid of the excess. Remember, you can always add to it….it is much easier than having to take it off or looking like a gothic stripper.
I've been having lots of luck with sparkle products lately! Are there any items you have been curious about? Let me know….I'm always up for ideas to help you make beauty easier!


When creating a new project using Google Drawings, it is highly likely that an image will need to be inserted into the Drawing. The good news is that many of the tools necessary to work with images can be applied from the "Background & Working With Shapes" lesson on Day 1- Resize, Rotate and Flip. Working with images adds a few more necessary functions like cropping, arranging in layers and more detailed "Format Options".
In this post, we will go over the common steps kids will need to add images to their Drawings or Slides since they both function basically the same, with very few exceptions. This is where my kids get excited and may be tempted to open up a new tab to find a random image out on the "Wild West" of a raw Google Search without regard for Copyright Laws or Fair Use consideration. Needless to say, I discourage my kids from doing this and spend a few days reviewing how to find images without copyright restrictions.
Below is a 5-minute Step-by-step video demonstrating exactly how to add and edit basic images in Google Drawings and Slides. (If the video will not play on your mobile device, please view from your favorite browser) Remind your kids that they should always try to use the Insert or Explore tabs within the app since Google automatically filters images that are safe for them to use. At least when they are new to using G Suite since this process simplifies any image search. In my "Google Basics- Working With Images" link above, I go into greater detail on how to use other sources to find images.
In my next post, Google Drawings Basics Day 5 – Creating a Transparent Background, I will talk about the option to create a transparent background for your images using Google Drawings. This is a convenient option when inserting an image into a Doc or Slide and you prefer to not have a colored box around your image. Creating an image in Google Drawings with a transparent background is a function unique to Drawings that cannot be done in Docs or Slides.


We'd like to say that there are two advantages to this "Gift of Dance." Of course, the obvious one is giving lessons or a gift certificate to your loved one. According to a survey from YouGifts.com, 75% of gift card recipients will use their gift certificates. In other words, that's a 75% chance that your loved one will use the purchased Gift Certificate with you! They are the perfect way to eliminate the doubt your loved one has about dance because they no longer have an excuse not to! In doing so, you are giving confidence and support.
However, the second advantage is more important. Gift Certificates also provide you with the opportunity to say just how much you want to spend time with them. Unlike conventional gifts and gift certificates, giving the "Gift of Dance," allows you to spend quality time with a loved one. For as much as society has grown with technology, it is now more important than ever to cherish our close relationships. Whether you are dancing with a mother, son, father, daughter, grandparent, niece, nephew, fiancé, or for a first-date, you are creating a memorable moment for them. In other words, you are giving the gift of companionship and love.
So, yes, "Giving the Gift of Dance" solves the temporary problem of what to buy for the holidays, Father's Day, Mother's Day, or even birthdays. However, it is clear that the gift is about prioritizing valuable time to the people that matter most.
We have always liked to say at Ballroom Dance Experience that it is… well… about the Experience!
So, as we approach the holiday season, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's, please take the time to express your gratitude and love to those around you.


text:
English ENG
Supporting students to build lifelong ambition
People and community
In Hong Kong, Leighton Asia's team members are mentoring local youth in the 'Life Buddies' Scheme, a programme established by the Hong Kong Government.
Established in 2015, the scheme aims to promote mentoring youth, to assist them to better plan for their future. The current batch of mentees joined the programme in September 2019, and are expected to continue participating until July 2020.
During the first session, eight Leighton Asia mentors met with 10 mentees at a local school for an ice-breaking exercise involving games and group discussions.
With eyes wide open to the possibilities, both mentors and mentees discovered mutual strengths and synergies on which to build life-long inspiration.
The group had also visited Leighton Asia's Knowledge and Skills training centre and experienced some of the trainings for our frontline workers in person.
Looking ahead, various career-focused mentoring events will be planned for the students. Our mentors will continue to share their knowledge and experience to inspire students to develop in their career aspirations.
LA LinkedIn
LA YouTube
LA Twitter


text:
Charts: The Story County Board of Supervisors Elections By the Numbers
On Tuesday – one week from the Nov. 8 election – the progressive Iowa CCI Action Fund will hold a final forum for the candidates running for the Story County Board of Supervisors.
The board could be headed for a major shakeup as the result of a couple factors. One, Democratic Supervisor Paul Toot died unexpectedly in May, setting the course for a special election between the supervisor appointed to replace him, Republican Martin Chitty, the president of the Nevada Community School District, and Gilbert Democrat Linda Murken, a former correctional officer and outspoken foe of Dakota Access LLC's Bakken crude oil pipeline. Two, third-time candidate Lauris Olson, a former journalist, chose to run as a Democrat instead of an independent, making her a viable candidate for the first time. Also running in the Democratic primary was Reno Berg, the former CEO of Ames disability services provider Mainstream Living. The incumbent, Democrat Wayne Clinton, announced his retirement earlier this year with the expectation that Berg would beat Olson, whose confrontations with the board have united its members against her. When he didn't, Clinton reneged on his retirement announcement, entering the race for his own seat as an independent against Olson and Republican political novice Scott Schaben.
The final forum is scheduled for Nov. 1 at 6:30 p.m. in the Ames Public Library's Farwell T. Brown Auditorium. Discussion topics include the Bakken pipeline, water pollution, factory farms, a proposal to raise the minimum wage to $15, and getting big money out of local elections. On that note, let's take a look at the money that's poured into these two races, taken from the latest campaign finance disclosures available from the Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board.
TOP OVERALL DONORS
As of the latest Oct. 19 filing deadline, the top contributor (not including in-kind contributions or loans) to the two races for county supervisor is the Story County Democratic Central Committee, which dropped $3,000 apiece into the coffers of Murken and Olson. The Story County Republican Central Committee has been more modest, giving $500 apiece to Chitty and Schaben.
The top individual donor is Shelley Vier, who co-owns the Nevada-based Mid-States Millwright & Builders Inc. with her husband Kevin and is the ministry coordinator for the Ames Cornerstone Church's Escape22 worship program. She gave $1,500 to Chitty's campaign.
Along with his wife Latoja, who is an assistant coach for the Iowa State University women's basketball team, Scott Schaben gave $1,315 in direct contributions to his own campaign. Latoja Schaben played under Cyclones head coach Bill Fennelly when he coached the Toledo Rockets; Deb Fennelly, Bill's wife, gave $1,100 to Schaben's campaign. The couple's daughter-in-law, former Cyclones basketball player Lyndsey Fennelly, gave Schaben another $100.
Jeff Becker, who gave $1,000 to Chitty, co-founded the Ames agricultural company Becker Underwood with Roger Underwood. The two men are currently advisers with the Rural American Fund, an agribusiness-focused private equity firm based in Chicago that also lists Board of Regents President Bruce Rastetter as another of its partners. Connie Underwood, Roger's philanthropist wife, also gave Chitty $1,000.
Recently retired Story County Attorney Stephen Holmes donated $1,000 to Clinton after the incumbent supervisor changed his mind about retiring. (Newly appointed County Attorney Jessica Reynolds gave Clinton another $500.)
Want to find out more? Explore all of the contributions data here.
WAYNE CLINTON'S SEAT
Clinton's re-emergence in the race for his seat on the board has resulted in the splintering of party allegiances on both sides. Instead of endorsing his opponent, Berg is backing Clinton (see the second chart below), as are several members of the Toot family. But the Story County Democratic Party endorsed Olson around the time Clinton announced his campaign. Meanwhile, Republican Supervisor Rick Sanders and his wife Calli have not donated anything to Schaben but instead gave $600 to Clinton.
Other prominent Clinton backers include former Ames Mayor Ted Tedesco, a Republican; local realtor Dean Hunziker; ISU's former senior vice president for business and finance, Warren Madden; former Youth and Shelter Services CEO George Belitsos; and Chicago Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg and his parents. Olson's backers include state Sen. Herman Quirmbach, D-Ames, and his partner Leigh Tesfatsion; and former state Sen. Johnie Hammond, also an Ames Democrat.
Despite Clinton's strong fundraising, a majority of donors to Berg's campaign who later gave to Clinton or Olson stuck with the party and contributed money to Olson.
Despite investing serious personal funds in her campaign as she did last time, Olson has also raked in the most small donations.
Each of the candidates campaigning for Clinton's seat loaned themselves cash. Berg is the only one to report paying his back. Olson's husband, ISU physics professor Kerry Whisnant, loaned her $7,727, giving her a total haul of $16,279 (Olson also reported that she still owes her husband $11,109 he loaned her during her previous bid for supervisor as an independent candidate).
Olson has also outspent her opponents as of Oct. 19, although Schaben is a close second…
…but that appears to have cost him in the final stretch.
PAUL TOOT'S SEAT
The race between Chitty and Murken for the seat formerly occupied by Toot is more straightforward. Murken's top individual donors were Ames resident Wilma Struss, who gave $300, and Nevada liberal Wendy Schneider, who added $250. Aside from the big-name donors to Chitty mentioned above, other prominent supporters include banking exec and former ISU wrestler Jim Gibbons, who gave $100 (and, in 2014, received negative press after an audit revealed he received $90,000 for unaccounted for work in then-Secretary of State Matt Schultz's office); and Jim Kurtenbach, ISU President Steven Leath's former pilot instructor who was later controversially hired as the university's chief information office without a standard search process.
All told, Murken had roughly three times the number of small donations as Chitty.
Both raised in excess of $10,000, with Murken again gaining the edge.
But Murken's also spent close to twice what Chitty has on the campaign.
Murken's money advantage has still left her with some breathing room in the final stretch, although Chitty ended the cycle with the clear financial advantage.
Correction: This article originally said the progressive advocacy organization Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement is hosting the forum. In fact, it will be hosted by ICCI sister organization Iowa CCI Action Fund.


Home / biotech / biotech patents / epo / insufficiency / methods of treatment / mouse data / PCT drawing requirements / plausibility / Rule 11 PCT / Rule 46 EPC / Is it time to rethink the patent drawing requirements?
The function of patent drawings is to aid understanding of an invention, but are they fit for purpose? Embodiments of a mechanical invention may be easier to explain and understand as a drawing compared to a lengthy description. The European Patent Office (EPO) considers good quality drawings as very important for the correct disclosure of an invention (Guide for applicants, Drawings). Scientific data necessary to support biotech and pharmaceutical inventions are also provided as "drawings". However, these data do not serve the same purpose as mechanical drawings and do not naturally conform to the formal drawing requirements for technical illustrations of mechanical objects. However, this difference is not reflected in the formal drawing requirements of the EPC or PCT. This Kat asks therefore, whether the formal drawings requirements deserve a re-think.
The formal requirements for the form in which patent drawings of patent applications are to be presented are provided by Rule 11 PCT and Rule 46 EPC. At a functional level, the drawings, like all other parts of the application, must be "presented as to admit of direct reproduction by photography, electrostatic processes, photo offset, and microfilming, in any number of copies" (Rule 11(a) PCT). The special requirements relating to drawings are provided by Rule 11.3 (a)-(n)PCT and Rule 46 EPC.
From a quick perusal of the special requirements relating to drawings, it rapidly becomes apparent that these provisions are drafted with mechanical inventions in mind. In fact, the very phrase "drawings" seems inappropriate for the types of graphical illustration provided in support of other types of invention, particularly those in the software, biotechnology and pharmaceutical fields. The EPC (but not PCT) addresses this problem somewhat by stipulating that "flow sheets and diagrams shall be deemed to be drawings" (Rule 46 (3) EPC).
However, the problem goes beyond the inappropriateness of the term "drawing" for scientific data. Take for example the first provision of Rule 11 PCT and Rule 46 EPC "(a) Drawings shall be executed in durable, black, sufficiently dense and dark, uniformly thick and well-defined, lines and strokes without colorings". This seems to be a sensible requirement for drawings taking the form of technical illustrations of a mechanical object. However, the types of "drawings" required to support the claims of a biotechnology or pharmaceutical generally take the form of data. If you have, for example, a claim in the second medical use form: "Drug X for the treatment of disease Y", the applicant is required to provide sufficient data demonstrating the plausibility of the treatment effect. This may be presented, for example, as a bar chart showing a treatment effect in various patient groups over time.
Scientific data are not suited for representation with black lines only. Different bars on a bar chart may be distinguished from each other by colour or colour intensity (e.g. different shades of grey). However, colours and shading are not permitted under Rule 11 (a) PCT. In order to satisfy the formal drawing requirements, it seems therefore that the shading must therefore be replaced by ever increasingly complicated types of cross-hatching. It in fact appears from Rule 11 PCT that graphs in general are not looked on favourably, given that Rule 11 (f) PCT states that a scale (even a graphical one) should only be drawn in "exceptional" cases.
The EPO by contrast, has attempted to address the issue of the unsuitability of representing scientific data with black lines only. Whilst Rule 46 EPC stipulates that only black lines may be used, the EPO Guidelines for Examination indicate that "the use of shading in figures is allowed provided this assists in their understanding and is not so extensive to impede legibility" (A-IX 7.2).
Scientific data may also take the form of photographs. Western blots and immuno-fluorescence are standard techniques for detecting proteins, and both type of data are often presented as photographs. In the field of genetic modification, it is also usual to provide photos of the resulting modified organism so as to show the effect of a genetic modification on a physical trait. Does it make sense to execute these data "in durable, black, sufficiently dense and dark, uniformly thick and well-defined, lines and strokes without colorings"?
The PCT applicant's guide indicates that photographs may be submitted: "[t]he PCT makes no provision for photographs. Nevertheless, they are allowed where it is impossible to present in a drawing what is to be shown (for instance, crystalline structures). Where, exceptionally, photographs are submitted, they must be black and white...Color photographs are not accepted, nor are color drawings" (PCT applicant's guide, 5.159).
The EPO Guidelines for Examination similarly indicates that photographs may be permitted "where it is impossible to present in a drawing what is to be shown…Colour photographs are accepted, but will be scanned, printed and made available via file inspection only in black and white" (A IX 1.2).
The current PCT and EPO guidelines thus seem out of step with a normal interpretation of the PCT and EPC formal drawing requirements (e.g. that drawings must be executed in durable black lines).
Where does this all leave the applicant?
If the EPO find that the drawings provided in an application do not satisfy the requirements of Rule 46 EPC, they issue an invitation to the applicant to remedy the deficiencies within 2 months of notification (Rule 48 EPC). If the defect noted by the EPO is not remedied on time or properly, the application will be refused (Article 90 (5) EPC). To avoid refusal of the application, the applicant is therefore simply required to remedy any deficiencies found in the drawings. So what is the problem?
Whilst the EPO guidelines do indicate that graphs and photos may be allowed, the lack of a specific provision in the EPC means that the extent to which scientific data will be expected to conform to the Rule 46 EPC requirements can be open to the whim of the EPO Receiving Section. Replacing data with drawings satisfying the requirements of Rule 46 EPC can also represents a significant burden (in terms of time and expense) for the applicant. Furthermore, the resulting black and white, cross-hatched and text-free figures are often worse at communicating the data than the original figures.
All of this raises the question of how necessary the requirements of Rule 46 EPC really are? If the purpose of data is to demonstrate the plausibility of a claimed effect, surely what matters is whether a skilled person would be able to read and understand the data? Given that data generally cannot be considered "drawings", and often do not serve the same purpose as technical drawings of mechanical inventions, perhaps data should be submitted under a different category, akin to the supplementary data of a scientific article?
The issue of the lack of applicability of the formal drawing requirements to scientific figures may not be the most pressing issue with the International and European patent system. Perhaps this Kat has just spent one too many times trying to squeeze the square peg of scientific data into the round hole of the formal drawing requirements for patent applications. Nonetheless, with the number of biotech and pharmaceutical applications rising every year (up 1.5 and 8.1% respectively in 2017), and the increasing importance given to the data required to support these applications, perhaps both applicants and the public would benefit from a rethink of the requirements. Do other EPO patent practitioners have any thoughts?
YES, apart from the weighty points raised above in relation mainly to non-mechanical inventions, many if not most mechanical "drawings" are now produced at first instance as 3D models. These commonly represent much greater detail than can be presented as 2D views, and in many cases are capable of animation. 3D PDF formats enable such views to be presented without specialist software (CAD). In preparing specifications I am commonly presented with the 3D model and have to select 2D views which illustrate what I am trying to communicate. Nearly all mechanical inventions move, often in complex ways. This either requires a lot of description, which is not easy to understand (and I have seen more than a few descriptions which are simply wrong) or multiple cartoon animation views.
Even 2D PDF views accepted by the current filing software are of limited resolution, which removes a lot of detail from large scale drawings. Not a few of my engineering clients regard this as quaint at best (the at worst comments are not reproducible). This goes nowhere to enhance the credibility of the patent system generally.
Sorry to say, but I have never had a problem with the drawing requirements in relation to life science inventions. Chemical compounds, manufacturing processes, tables of data, and more, may be included in the description. Second medical use patents do not require drawings, bar charts, or 3D manipulatable CAD designs in 64-bit colour to render them sufficient. The wonderful thing about patents is the requirement to describe an invention using words, drawings being a mere aid to interpretation.
Where a technology is not best-served by words and drawings, patent laws provide for things such as biological deposits. However, when something ain't broke, there is no need for anyone to create a problem to be fixed in order to have something to write about.
As for the mass-inclusion of drawings in life science patents, I feel many are unnecessary, even if they had been provided in a legible form. Photographs, for example, of stained cells and the like, show nothing, mean nothing, and add nothing.
The Korean Patent Office accepts colour photographs. These could present problems in getting legible drawings for EP filings. In one case where the draftsmen we used had great difficulties, I got much better results using a basic image processing program that came with my ancient Windows 98 PC that could render continuous tone images as contours of different patterns.
Microscopy data in particular, often with multiple different dye stains, can be very important to support an invention while being impossible to hammer into the existing rules. Please don't attach too much weight to the anonymous comment of 26 January (I can understand why it was anonymous).
If the invention is in influencing cell morphology, or subcellular targeting, or whatever, should we NOT show the data? Is the alternative of using text, an alternative that is indeed available, indeed preferable? Imagine this: "When the invention was used, it looked really good. When the comparison from the prior art was used, it looked really bad. Trust us. We have the pictures at home." Yeah, I'd rather be able to file the microscopy images.
Sometimes you can choose to file both the colour drawings and the black/white ones (for example: zip them together). The b/w file will get used, but at least the colours will have been filed and will be available.


Could you elaborate on how Vogone worked for you?
What type of song did you vocal remove; female/male vocalist, center/off-center panned?
Did you adjust the Hi/Lo Filters to keep more music? If so, how did these controls work? Could you tell a difference in the final music quality?
What Vogone version number are you running (Help menu > About Vogone... command will tell you)?
I'm using Vogone 3.201. I picked a song that I couldn't find anywhere in the world of karaoke- "Snake Farm" by Ray Wylie Hubbard. Running through the menus was super-easy- the whole process didn't take long at all. The song I purchased from iTunes, burned to a CD, then converted to an MP3. The vocals seemed to be centered, but I still had to adjust the high and low filters quite far out to eliminate the majority of the vocals. I was using a set of Bose QC2 headphones during the adjustment process. The lyrics I placed in a text file and imported in- did have to make the font size pretty small on the lyrics screen to get a whole "line" per line. It took a while to get the "spacebar" technique down, and it was a little difficult to change the timing once the entire song had been run through. The end result muddied the music a slight bit, and you can still hear a small amount of the high-frquency range of the vocals if you listen carefully. All in all, it was a great, inexpensive solution to making a karaoke song that didn't exist!
Like you, I have used Vogone to make a karaoke version of a number of songs that are unavailable in that format.
Most of these I created with a much earlier version of Vogone and they work so successfully that I have been able to make recordings using the original backing with myself singing lead. You can't do better than having the original backing!!
What's quite amazing is that I have had a lot of success doing this with old recordings from the early sixties.
Vogone has steadily improved over the years and designed to be very user friendly. It would be a great tool for anyone who wants to create a karaoke version of a very recently released song no company has had a chance to copy.


text:
Q: How to use custom error settings for JWT middleware I have followed the cook books guide to the letter, found here https://echo.labstack.com/cookbook/jwt
But when using the JWT middleware I am having some issues with adding custom error messages. Login works fine, even to the point of not giving details (username & password) that returns a 404.
But when the JWT is missing it returns a 400, I want it to also return a 404.
So in my research I found this, https://forum.labstack.com/t/custom-error-message-in-jwt-middleware/325/3 which lists the following middleware.ErrJWTMissing & middleware.ErrJWTInvalid But is very unclear on how to set these?
I have tried setting them as vars on the router file, like so
var (
  ErrJWTInvalid = echo.NewHTTPError(http.StatusTeapot, "test 104")
  ErrJWTMissing = echo.NewHTTPError(http.StatusTeapot, "test 103")
)

But the error that sill comes back to me is a 400 and not a 418 (as this is just a test). So what am I doing wrong?

A: You can change the HTTP code and message this way.
func init() {
    middleware.ErrJWTMissing.Code = 401
    middleware.ErrJWTMissing.Message = "Unauthorized"
}

A: First, a point on your statement that you want to return a 400 and also a 404 error - you cannot do this. You're sending one response from the server so it gets exactly one response code. You could send a 207, but we're not really talking about multiple resources here, so don't do that. In my opinion, a 400 error is indeed the correct response for a missing JWT as that constitutes a bad request. A 404 "Not Found" means that the requested resource (the thing on the server side) could not be found. It does not mean that something in the request could not be found.
As for setting your custom error message, you're likely to be out of luck without altering the source code for Echo. That specific response is coming from within the middleware handlers of the package itself (you can see it here). This is mostly abstracted away from you, so without looking at the inner workings of the package, there would be no way to tell where this was coming from, and frankly there's not a lot that you can easily do about it. ErrJWTMissing is indeed the variable that the package uses internally for this error message, but Echo does not appear to provide an exported setter method for you to change this value, so you're stuck with what it is.
If you truly wanted to set a custom error method for this case I think your options would be to:

*

*Write your own middleware to intercept the request before it was handled by Echo's middleware, where you could handle the request however you wanted.

*Edit the Echo source to work how you wanted it to work -- specifically, all you would have to do is edit ErrJWTMissing.

Basically, Echo is trying to do you favors by handling all of this middleware processing for you, and it's a lot of work or hackery to un-do that work while still using Echo.


text:
This One Summer
Sean T. Collins | July 22, 2014
At the beginning of This One Summer, its main character, Rose, splashes down into her bed, holding her nose and falling backwards as if leaping off a dock into the lake nearby. At the end she and a friend dig a hole in the beach big enough to contain her, and she lies in it, posing for her last picture of the summer -- this is how she wants to remember it. In between, nature, as drawn with preposterous skill by Jillian Tamaki, proves capable of enveloping her without her help. Big summer-night skies, full of stars and moonlight. Bright summer sun, hanging overhead like it will never set again. Wet, heavy summer rain, seemingly just as endless, pouring into puddles drop after drop. Trees and vines and bushes and grass and undergrowth, verdant, overripe to the point of hysteria. The lake, which is alternately drawn dominating a spread vertically like a monolith, suspending the joyous bodies of tumbling teenagers in its inviting murk, and enveloping them like a sunlit shroud when they no longer wish to be found. Against this brush-stroke backdrop stand Rose and the other impeccably cartooned characters, whose stylized simplicity (relatively speaking; no sense that these are real people is lost) when juxtaposed with those wall-of-sound environments makes them feel like inner tubes bobbing in the water, or stones tossed in it. Immersion is This One Summer's strength, and it works alarmingly well for the story that cousin-collaborators Jillian Tamaki and Mariko Tamaki are telling. It's a young-adult graphic novel, and young adults are constantly tossed into new circumstances by forces beyond their control, from puberty to parents. Out of their depth, do they sink or swim?
Rose is a young teenager spending the summer in the same small, rural beach town that she and her parents, garrulous Evan and tightly wound Alice, visit every year. Here she reunites with her summer friend Windy, watching horror movies and developing a stomach-churning crush on the older teen who rents them out to the pair at the town's one convenience store. An incipient scandal involving the clerk and his girlfriend forces Windy and Rose to hash out the politics of sex, which lurks just over the horizon for both of them; their small differences take on outsized importance due to the forced intimacy and intensity of summer-vacation friendships. Meanwhile, problems between Evan and Alice reach the point of low-key estrangement, with alternately harsh and cold Alice appearing to bear the lion's share of the blame. As the two storylines progress, the aptness of the setting -- which the Tamakis nail in every particular, from the totemic power of housewares seen once a year to the way the surrounding town seems both comforting because of its context and intimidating because of its unfamiliarity -- grows more and more apparent. It's a summer house, a place to which children are brought as passengers (or, less charitably, cargo) by their parents, deposited for two months, and expected to find a good time. A sequence in which Rose stares down the afternoon sun when it gets on her nerves sums it up: the sun's not going anywhere, and neither are you.
Yet to the Tamakis' great credit, the mom is not a monster. Alice is drawn far too vividly for that, for one thing. Her hair, cut to an awkward length and swept back over a high forehead, subtly suggests she has things on her mind, the kind of things that cause you to run your hand through your hair in exhaustion or exasperation. Her wiry physicality connects her to that of Rose's crush, the lanky teenage convenience-store clerk Dunc, as well as to Rose herself, and sets her apart from the burlier good-time-guy mien of her husband and brother-in-law, as well as her swirlier, curvier sister. Her John Lennon glasses easily become blank white circles, which when combined with her tendency to talk while facing away from Rose makes eye contact a fleeting connection, desperately craved. All of this is reflected in the story itself, which treats Alice's needs to have needs that aren't coterminous with her child's as understandable and valid. Parents' mere failure to anticipate and meet the emotional requirements of their children is treated as a mortal sin by far too many comics about teenagers geared toward adults, so it's deeply refreshing, and impressive, to see a comic about teens for teens treat even difficult grown-up characters with empathy and respect.
It also respects its teenage characters (to say nothing of its readers) enough to show them being jerks, and not in a rote emotional-crime-doesn't-pay way. Dunc is a convincingly joli-laid crush object, his features too big and angular by half, but the appeal of his near-adult body's sinew and sweat readily apparent, never more so than in a two-page, two-image sequence of him standing on his bike pedals, working them up and down. But his cheerful, only slightly patronizing kindness to Windy and Rose gives way to his near-unforgivable (if understandable) abandonment of his girlfriend when that relationship gets her into the usual kind of trouble. Rose, in turn, reflexively takes Dunc's side, badmouthing the girl to Windy, even concocting elaborate and obviously false stories of her cuckolding him. It takes guts to show your hero being petty without pointing to it in big neon letters.
Unfortunately, that finely calibrated sense of subtlety doesn't carry all the way through. If immersion is the book's strength, then it's easy to understand why its authors would be tempted to set its climax underwater. Offshore, the two main storylines converge, as storylines are wont to do, real life less so. Either driven to suicide by or suicidally drunk because of Dunc's rejection, Jenny runs from her friends and, fully clothed, swims out too far to safely return. Rose calls for her mother, who runs full-tilt into the lake to save the girl. Two spreads tell the tale: Jenny slowly sinking, a black silhouette against what little of the water is lit by the moon; Alice's legs a white streak, disappearing into the murk to rescue her. The backstory comes out afterwards, when Rose and Windy's mothers, wrapped in blankets and sipping wine while their daughters are believed to sleep, discuss the miscarriage Alice experienced while swimming at that very beach last summer. So there's your cathartic punchline: She lost one child only to save another in the same womb-like waters. Sadly, this aggregation of symbolism, resonant reversals, and suddenly braided plot threads is piled way too high to come cooly undone under the surface, no matter how well Jillian draws what lies beneath. After a book spent shrewdly threading a series of sharp narrative curves, it's hard to blame the authors for flooring it when the finish line's in sight, but it winds up careening off-course.
But looking for some grand narrative here is superfluous to the book's pleasures, even if the book would (duh) be greatly improved if it had managed to pull one off. Throughout This One Summer, Jillian's art is like Proust's madeleine, calling to mind half-forgotten memories with real sensual power. The Tamakis' writing is often equally vivid, building a summer from sleepovers and wet bathing suits, sex talk and Friday the 13th, candy and corn on the cob, debilitating crushes and the inexorable approach of autumn. That's plenty to remember it by.
Reviewed by Sean T. Collins
Topics Jillian Tamaki, Mariko Tamaki
The Bungle Family