This entry was posted in Fun, Horses. Bookmark the permalink.
Is it still called reining when there aren't any reins?
That is a great question, technically reining uses a set pattern, or "choreography" if you will. It is important to note that this performance is taught to the horse with all equipment (bridle, ect.) initially. The groups that study equine behavior often quite correctly mention this to the people that campaign to ban all bridles and bits (animal rights activists). Since horses as a species have a highly developed sense of direction, navigation, and muscle memory it is easy to teach them a reining pattern. It is similar to obedience training with dogs. It involves quite a bit of submission to the rider, and the animal is not allowed to think for itself.
In contrast, horse competitions that involve jumping require the horse have more autonomy from the rider, yet ironically the horse is wearing a bit. To be successful in jumping the horse is trained more like a search and rescue dog or guide dog, as it has to think for itself.
The biggest controversy in the equine industry now is the use of coercive training techniques that are causing many jumping horses to get catastrophic injuries because the reflexes and central pattern generators in their nervous systems can be overridden by operant conditioning, as well as the preoccupation of the rider insisting on extreme perfect obedience distracting the animal as it tries to take off for the jumps.
I totally agree. I really liked my move from Europe to the USA and the discovery of the difference between American and German training methods in jumping. I really like it how here the horse is given much more freedom to think and make decisions on how to tackle the jump. Instead of training meaning "learning how to obey the rider" it means "learning how to jump safely and efficiently with a little help from that guy on my back".


Lego Ninjago The Final Battle Game, Kiwzi - Play Free Lego Ninjago The Final Battle Games Online!
Description: In this final battle game two opposing forces will face and only one will win! Control a ninja, collect elements and defeat enemies. A nice arcade game to spend your free time.


OKLAHOMA CITY � The Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes settled an ongoing dispute Friday with Oklahoma by agreeing to take down an Internet gaming site after being told its tribal gaming compact with the state did not allow it, the governor's office said.
OKLAHOMA CITY � The Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes settled an ongoing dispute Friday with Oklahoma by agreeing to take down an Internet gaming site after being told its tribal gaming compact with the state did not allow it, the governor�s office said.
The tribe, based in Concho, had been operating the Internet gaming site for the past several months. Tribal officials thought Internet gaming was allowed under the tribe�s compact with the state; Oklahoma officials believed otherwise.
Gov. Mary Fallin�s general counsel, Steve Mullins, said talks culminated with an agreement being reached Friday that the tribe�s gaming compact with the state does not allow it to operate Internet gaming sites in Oklahoma or anywhere in the U.S.
The Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes, which operates the Lucky Star Casino at Concho and at Clinton, would be allowed to operate an Internet gaming site from outside the United States, but the tribe still would have to pay fees to Oklahoma, Mullins said.
Lisa Liebl, spokeswoman for the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes, said the agreement effectively shuts down the tribe�s free online social gaming network in exchange for an agreement that the tribe be allowed to operate the site internationally.
�The Tribes plan to bring this exciting new product to the international market in the very near future,� Liebl said in a statement.
The interpretation applies to the other tribes that have tribal gaming compacts with Oklahoma, he said.
The Internet gaming site used by the tribes was taken down Friday.
Mullins said the governor�s office, which is responsible for enforcing gaming compacts, was notified shortly after the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes launched their gaming site and began talks with tribal officials.
Mullins said the state would have had to start enforcement action against the tribe if tribal officials refused to take down the Internet gaming site.
The state didn�t seek fines for the time the site was operating because tribal officials didn�t believe they were violating the compact.
Oklahoma and the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes also Friday signed a new tobacco compact, in which the tribe will charge the full $1.03 state tax on cigarettes and the state will give back 50 percent of it, Mullins said. The existing compact expires June 30.
The tribe and the state signed a burn ban compact as well, in which the tribe agrees to issue a burn ban covering its lands whenever the state issues one.


Property for sale in Italy, precisely in Civitacampomarano Molise region. The property is an ancient house in the old town center, it measures 109 sqm and stands on four floors: on the basement floor there is a large wine cellar room with vaulted ceilings, on the ground floor there is a kitchen with fireplace and pizza oven, a dining room with balcony, a toilet and a storage. On the first floor there are two bedrooms with balconies and panoramic views, a living room with fireplace and a bathroom. Attic not liveable.
The property requires some restoration.
Civitacampomarano is a small town of Molise region with 564 inhabitants at 511 metres above the sea level. It's 47 minutes driving from the sea, 70 km from the skiing resorts and 131 km from the international airport of Pescara.


text:
Tantur Ecumenical Institute
Tantur Programs >
Educational Enrichment Weeks
Educational Enrichment Weeks are thematic weeks that came out of the Three Month Continuing Education Program; designed for those who have been to the Holy Land before and do not have the time for a typical Tantur Continuing Education Program. Each Educational Enrichment Week is a special opportunity to deepen your understanding in a specific area with programming that includes lectures, text studies, discussions, presentations by experts in the field, excursions and encounter with the historical and local realities, as well as food, art, and music. Each week will be accompanied by an authority in the field. In 2020, we are offering four courses: Bible Session, Discovering Judaism, Being Ecumenical, and Discovering Islam.
We will be offering Educational Enrichment Weeks within future Three Month programs. A limited number of spaces for those either living or staying off-campus are available and enrollment costs will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Contact tanturpo@tantur.org for further questions.
Bible Session
2020 dates: 21/9-25/9
This session examines the formation and interpretation of the Christian Bible as the unity of the Old and New Testaments. Without ignoring alternative Jewish and historical-critical readings of the texts, the session privileges the ways in which the New Testament writers found in the scriptures of ancient Israel a language, grammar, and syntax to express their experience of Jesus Christ. The session applies modern methods of literary analysis and canonical interpretation to closely read certain Gospel passages and uncover their depth when read in the light of the echoes of the Old Testament. The session consists of five daily lectures of two and a half hours in length for a total of fifteen hours. The session runs from the afternoon of Sunday, September 22nd until the morning of Saturday, September 28th.
The lectures will be given by Fr. David Neuhaus, S.J. Fr. Neuhaus was born in Johannesburg, South Africa in 1962. He completed his BA, MA, and PhD in Political Science at Hebrew University in Jerusalem. He also has a degree in Theology from the Centre Sèvres in Paris and a degree in Scriptures from the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome. Fr. Neuhaus teaches Scriptures at the the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem Seminary and in the Religious Studies Department at Bethlehem University. Appointed Patriarchal Vicar for Hebrew-speaking Catholics by Patriarch Fouad Twal from March 15, 2009–August 14, 2017, he was also Coordinator of pastoral care for migrant workers and asylum seekers until September 2, 2017.
2020 Dates: 12/10-16/10
Join us for discoveries in the depth and beauty of Islam in one of its most foundational and holy cities! During this week, you will have the opportunity to learn about Islam's history and development, encounter the Quran and prophetic traditions, approach Muslim forms of worship, and get a feel for rhythms of a Muslim pious life. You will experience the Muslim tradition through its various facets such as architecture, archaeology, science, arts, jurisprudence, philosophy, theology, and politics. You will be exposed to these facets through various media such as site visits, lectures by local Muslim scholars, films, exhibits, crafts, and foods. For example, you will have the privilege of visiting Islam's third holiest site, the Noble Sanctuary (Al-Haram Al-Sharif) in Jerusalem, as well as other sacred sites. Throughout the week, you will have the chance to reflect on the vitality of dialogue and the value in building relationships between Christians and Muslims within our contemporary global condition.
Being Ecumenical
In this week, you will have the opportunity to encounter, question, and dialogue with Christians from across denominations. You will meet members of religious orders, priests,pastors, and local participants in ecumenical concerns. The week will include visits to local oriental churches, Patriarchates, and an extraordinary half day experience in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. You will have the chance to study current ecumenical issues facing the Christian world today. The group will synthesize the week by critically reflecting on each of the participant's own ecumenical understanding, experience, and reality, and produce an ecumenical statement. Additionally, you will discover the diversity of prayer in Jerusalem and participate in the prayer life of the Tantur community.
Jewish Spirituality
Welcome to the Holy City: a place sacred to the Jewish people for thousands of years! This program will explore spiritual, intellectual, social, and creative expressions of Judaism. Beginning with Midrash and the idea of religious study as a form of worship, we will visit and participate in study with rabbinical students at the Schechter Rabbinical School, Using those skills, you will learn about Jewish connection to the Holy Land, visit a synagogue and consider Jewish forms of worship and relationship with God. There will be meetings with artists and musicians, as well as opportunities to understand different kinds of Jews, including ultra-Orthodox, religious nationalists, and secular Jews. The program includes experience of the Jewish Sabbath both in a synagogue and through meal fellowship and study.
Costs For Educational Enrichment Programs
The quoted price includes room (single room with a shared bathroom) and full board from the evening before the program begins to the evening the day after the program ends (see dates above). Please note that you can extend your stay by booking additional nights at normal rate according to room availability.
The 2020 cost for Discovering Judaism, Discovering Islam, and Being Ecumenical Educational Enrichment Weeks (6 days/6 nights) is:
Single En Suite Room at Tantur & Single Room on Trip: $1,900
Single En Suite Room at Tantur & Double Room on Trip: $1,860
Single Single Room at Tantur & Single Room on Trip: $1,800
Single-Single at Tantur & Double Room on Trip: $1,750
Couple or Roommates Registering Together, Double Room at Tantur and on Trips: $1,700 each
The 2020 cost for the Bible Session is:
Single En Suite Room at Tantur: $1,250
Single Single Room at Tantur: $1,100
For those who want to stay at Tantur for other amounts of time, please contact our Program Director, Frederic Masson at fmasson1@tantur.org, for cost and availability.
For those who want to do more than one enrichment week, contact Program Director, Frederic Masson, fmasson1@nd.edu.
To apply: Applications are available through our standard application form on our website. Please sign up for the 3 Month Program 2020 and indicate in the "Additional Comments" section to which Educational Enrichment Week you are applying.
http://tantur.org/enrichment-renewal-programs/application-form/
Tantur Community & Hospitality
Scholars & Research
Tantur Programs
Tantur Experience
What Makes a Tantur Program?
Lecturers and Guides
Hakimah
Six Week
Easter Encounter
June & July Summer Programs
Tantur Spiritual Retreat Program
University Groups, Church Groups & Guests
Tantur in Images
Copyright © 2021 University of Notre Dame Tantur Ecumenical Institute
PO Box 11381, 9111301 Jerusalem, Israel Phone int+972 2 542 29 00 Fax int+972 2 676 09 14 tantur@tantur.org

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


What is your market opportunity?
Who are you as an entrepreneur?
This seminar will help you clarify your venture and help you get set up for success!
Ralph Turfus is an accomplished technology entrepreneur who has spent three decades in the IT sector. Most recently, he was founder and CEO of Class Software, a leading developer of software for municipal government. In 2004, Class was acquired by California-based Active Network in a private equity-financed transaction.
An engineer/MBA, Ralph's passion is developing the marketing and sales capabilities of entrepreneurial technologists. He is a highly-regarded speaker on the topic and is a hand-on angel investor and mentor who is active with the founders of numerous next-generation technology companies emerging on Canada's west coast.


text:
export const authService = {

};

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


From left to right: VITAS Senior General Manager Kevin Yarrow, VITAS Representatives RJ Young and Angie Moore, TWU Assistant Clinical Professor Dr. Sheila Haley, TWU Associate Professor Dr. Stephanie Woods, TWU Dallas Center Associate Dean Judy Wallace and VITAS Vice President of Community Affairs Diane Deese, at the ELNEC-Geriatric Training held on Friday, February 19, 2016 in Dallas, Texas.
On Friday, February 19, VITAS Healthcare—the nation's leading provider of end-of-life care—and Texas Woman's University (TWU) partnered to bring a national nursing education initiative, administered by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and City of Hope, to Dallas nurses and other healthcare professionals who provide care to the elderly. More than 150 people attended the End-of-Life Nursing Education Consortium (ELNEC) geriatric curriculum, held at TWU's Dallas Campus, which covered palliative care in geriatric nursing and addressed eight critical aspect modules of end-of-life care including the role of the nurse.
More than 150 healthcare professionals and nurses attended the ELNEC-Geriatric Training hosted by VITAS Healthcare, the nation's leading provider of end-of-life care and Texas Woman's University (TWU) in Dallas, Texas.


text:
1st Sunday in November
Hall of Fame Luncheon/Induction
1st Friday in February
Girls & Women in Sports Day,
Massachusetts Celebration at Faneuil Hall, Boston
Hall of Fame Luncheon Pictures
Girls and Women in Sport Day
Archives and Title IX
Cecelia Demarco, New Hampshire – 2009
Cecelia received her bachelor's degree from Bridgewater State College and her master's degree from Washington State University. Since graduation, her professional experience has been varied, but always within the realm of girls and women in sports and life.
Currently a part-time physical educator in Somersworth, NH, she is also a college lacrosse official and an auxiliary police officer for Portsmouth, NH. Cecelia has also worked for 6 years as a TV and radio color analyst for college basketball on the MAAC TV Network.
Cecelia worked in physical education and coaching at Bishop Fenwick H. S. in Peabody, MA, at Washington State University, and at the University of New Hampshire where she was an associate director of athletics.
In 1987, Cecelia was the basketball coach for the US Government Goodwill Tour of Africa. She represented the US on this basketball teaching tour which included training the Somalia Women's National Team, instructing students, and conducting men's and women's coaching clinics in Kenya, Somalia, and Zimbabwe. Upon returning from this mission, she was Athletic director at Bridgewater State College and then moved to Yale University where she led the women's basketball team for nine years.
A member of the Bridgewater State College and University of New Hampshire Halls of Fame, Cecelia is currently involved with domestic abuse training and as a Safe Place volunteer as well as the Somersworth, NH Director of the "Hoop It Up" basketball program.
Site hosted and maintained by Computer V.I.P.


text:
Home Expert Network
Legal Resource Network
Roofing Articles
Home Legal Resource Network The Basics of Child Support and Child Custody
The Basics of Child Support and Child Custody
elocalusa
With about half of marriages ending in divorce, it is no surprise that it has affected all of us either directly or indirectly. Divorce is always hard, but it is hardest when there are children involved. This week we are looking into child custody, arguably the most difficult component of divorce to couples with children because emotions run high. We want to learn more about how child support and child custody are determined.
Why we're asking:
To most divorcing couples, their first concern will naturally be their children. The well-being of their children is important to them, and they're concerned about how parenting will work once the divorce is finalized. Many parents fear not being able to see their children at all after divorce. Child custody and child support tend to quickly become heated battles. We want to learn more about the process to understand how such decisions are made, and what parents can do to make the process less painful.
We look to our legal resource network to learn more:
How are child support and child custody determined?
Are there really any advantages to being the mother or father in earning custody rights?
How should parents ensure they put their best face forward in court?
What child custody arrangements are most common?
We look forward to learning more about this sensitive topic.
Previous articleLearning from Mistakes
Next articleLearning from Mistakes: Home Expert Awards
Do You Need A DUI Lawyer?
How to File a Restraining Order in North Carolina
How to File for Divorce in PA: Steps, Fees & Forms
Kimberly Pelkey Sdeo August 20, 2013 at 5:50 pm
In New Jersey, we often use the New Jersey Child Support Guidelines to determine child support. We take mom and dad's incomes and use the Guidelines to determine the cost of raising one or more children based upon mom and dad's incomes. Mom and dad contribute towards their children's expenses in accordance with their respective incomes. The Guidelines account for basic needs – housing, clothing, food, utilities, activities, etc. Health insurance premiums, child care expenses, private school tuition, and extraordinary expenses can be added to the basic child support awards.
Child custody issues are determined in the best interests of the children. Custody includes legal custody and residential custody. Legal custody is who can make legal, medical, and educational decisions on behalf of the child. Parents generally share joint legal custody. Residential custody involves parenting time and how much time the children share with each parent. This could be a week on/week off, every other weekend, or rotating schedule arrangement. There's no one size fits all with custody determinations – it is what works best for the parties involved. In New Jersey, we have court provided mediation services available to help parents determine custody and parenting time schedules.
Rachna Goel August 20, 2013 at 8:15 pm
Child custody and visitation are the most heated topics I see in family court, with child support being a close second. In my experience, the thing that trumps all else is what is best for the child. Every child is different and every set of parents gets along differently. In Missouri, the presumption is that it is best for a child to have a meaningful relationship with both parents. Thus, visitation schedules usually reflect an equal amount of time with each parent unless there is some reason why it is better for a child to have less time with one of the parents. The "tender years" presumption has become somewhat outdated, so there is little or no preference shown for mothers over fathers anymore. The best thing parents can do in court is to put the needs of their children ahead of their own. Emotions run high during any case in family court and money always tends to cause stress. Child support in Missouri is calculated through a complicated formula that factors in the income of each parent, what major expenses they are covering for the child, and how often they get to see the child. Thus, while it is somewhat negotiable, it is also difficult to argue. The best things parents can do is to be flexible, get the help and support they need to stay rational, and learn to love their children more than they hate each other.
Michele Colucci, Esq. August 21, 2013 at 6:31 am
Child support is often calculated by using a formula based on income of each party. However, if the parents make over a certain income, then support may be determined by the lifestyle enjoyed by the couple during the marriage. The thinking behind this is that the divorce was not the fault of the children and therefore their lives should change as little as possible. For instance, if a child's life included this sport or that camp, and the couple's income can afford to maintain that schedule because the income is high enough, then the courts feel that this should continue. But how support is actually calculated varies from state to state so be sure to check your state's family law website to get more specific information.
Child Custody is determined in a similar way in that the children should have as little change in their life as possible during and after a divorce. So the 'status quo' which is how time was divided before, are often the standard. However, if a parent did very little with a child before and in the divorce is asking to spend more time to get closer to an equal split in time, the Courts will absolutely try to get as equal an arrangement as possible. Sometimes in search of that equal split, Judges do what is called 'splitting the baby." This expression conveys the sentiment that regardless of what's best for the child, courts want to award parents 50/50 custody. This is often true because they believe it to be in the best interest of the child. Whether or not it really is depends very much on the relative fitness of parenting that each parent is able to provide.
The law likes to be impartial but the reality is that there are some natural times in life when children are more closely bonded to one parent or the other. For instance, oftentimes from the age of birth until children are out of diapers, they spend the bulk of time with their mothers. So ages of the children could be a factor in determining the amount of time with each parent. What you have to keep in mind is the concept of 'status quo.' Courts like to minimize the impact on children so they try to make as few changes as possible after a divorce. There are naturally going to be changes because the parents are living in two different locations. However, if the children were spending a certain percentage of time with their mother and a certain percentage with their father prior to the divorce, the Courts usually try to maintain that percentage split. That can change, however, if children are going through certain developmental changes and need more time with one parent or the other as a result. It could also shift if the safety of the child is at issue. Basic care, safety, security, necessities of life, these are the things that are critical for children. If there is evidence of neglect, abuse, inappropriate parenting, etc. then these facts could absolutely impact the percentage of time the child spends with one parent or the other.
The other major consideration for custody splits is which parent will facilitate communication best with the other parent or which is better able to keep the memory of the other parent alive when they are not around. This is very important and frankly the reason many people end up with much less custody time than they expected. Children benefit from having both parents and not feeling abandoned by either. If one parent is talking poorly of the other and keeping the children from communicating with the other parent while they're in that first parent's custody, that is probably the parent who will end up losing the privilege of having a lot of time with their children.
The focus must always be the children. The best face one can put forward is the toughest: calm clarity. Judges understand that divorce is a highly emotional experience for parents. But if those high emotions are displayed in court, then the Judge has good reason to think they will also be displayed in front of the children that could be harmful to them and very inappropriate. So the best advice I have is to be prepared, be clear, stay calm, have what you are asking for clearly written down and be prepared to have a conversation with the Judge. Understand that the
Judge has to make an informed decision without really knowing you so help make their job easier by speaking in a clear manner, with logic and patience. Parents should also be real. When thinking of the children's best interest, they should be honest about what the percentage of time split has been – and not just put on their 'best face' to avoid having to pay higher support in exchange for lesser time. That doesn't mean that the parent who traditionally spent less time with the children should not ask for, and receive, greater time now that the couple is divorcing and living in separate locations. But before trying to make changes to their children's lives, I highly suggest thinking through first what would have the least impact on them and then phasing in over time whatever new amount of time is being requested.
There are a few child custody arrangements that we see again and again.
One very popular schedule for working dads is that dads take Wednesday dinner, sometimes with an overnight to school on Thursday, and then every other weekend. Holidays are almost always split between the parties (Winter break in half) unless the parents live in two different locations in which case the non custodial parent may have more vacation time to approximate a more equal custody split. Another schedule for the non holiday time with a more equivalent split is the five days on, five days off, three on, three off. Still another schedule has one week on, one week off, changing on Sundays. Some parents choose "nesting" arrangements which is where the children stay in the same house and it's the parents who switch back and forth. While great for the children, this can be tough on parents. Sometimes parents will also try this as an interim move so the children have time to get used to the idea that the parents are not with them together and the move to different houses once things calm down. It's hard to say which arrangements are better – but I tend to think the ones with the least impact and confusion on the children is best. This often means that one parent will have most of the school days (if that parent stays at home or is the homework parent) while the other parent has more of the weekends and free time, but ideally children don't have to go through the "If it's Tuesday This Must Be Belgium" dilemma. If children know every X day they're at mom's and every Y day they switch to dad's, that tends to take the guesswork out of the equation. Parents also often change days to accommodate their schedules but I'd urge people to do this as little as possible because children in emotionally charged situations need stability, routine and structure. If the parents are constantly changing things to accommodate their own schedules, the confusion can often wreak havoc on the children and cause them to become unglued. Whatever the schedule, it is important for children to spend time with both parents so they don't feel a sense of abandonment from either parent. But how that time is spent and when (day time, weekends, overnights) are the items that should be considered when creating a split that gives both parents time with their children.
Christina M. Scott August 21, 2013 at 5:33 pm
In Arizona, child support guidelines are in place that determine how child support is calculated. The court has a child support calculator that looks at the gross monthly incomes of both parents. It also considers whether the parents support other children, receive or pay spousal maintenance (alimony), have child care costs and looks at the monthly medical premium. Most importantly, the calculator accounts for the number of days each parent spends with the children. All of these factors contribute to a final child support amount. The gender of a parent has no effect on this calculation. Arizona child support is based completely on the financial factors and parenting time. Even if the parents share the parenting time equally, one party may be entitled to child support if there is a disparity in income or one parent is responsible for the majority of the expenses.
Sara Bensman August 21, 2013 at 5:38 pm
First of all, custody and child support laws vary by state and the way that they are interpreted
vary by district and even by judge, so it's difficult to make blanket
statements across the country.
Typically in a litigated divorce, the judge looks at evidence provided by
the parties' attorneys to determine where the children should end up and how
much time and influence each parent should have. Then s/he uses a standard
calculator according to each state that determines child support based on
parents' income and nights the children are at each parent's home. (You
can find these calculators online for most states.)
In mediation, the parents sit down together and
develop a parenting plan for their children based on what is in their
children's best interest and what will work most effectively for the
parents. In this way, not only are they able to tailor their own plan to
their needs but they begin to create a positive working relationship with
which they can co-parent. Often the courts leave them depleted and at war,
which is not the best way to raise children.
Jim Stovall August 21, 2013 at 6:18 pm
When divorce happens, you and your spouse can still make major decisions that effect your children. Simply put, custody consists of how time will be shared between parents and how major decisions will be made for your children. The time that your children spend with each of you can be decided by the two of you together. You do not have to let a judge or attorney make the decision for you. In mediation, we work to help parents make these decisions together. What will benefit your children the most is having two parents who get along in regard to parenting matters. The manner in which your children will be financially supported is also a question that you as parents can decide. Most states have a formula for calculating child support based upon parents income. For some parents, this process of determining child support is helpful but for lots of people, the "one size fits all" solution doesn't work or it stirs up unnecessary conflict. I strongly encourage parents to do everything they can to stay our of court. Mediation is helpful in providing balance in discussions and allowing parents to make important decisions together.
Terrie S. Rendler, Esq. August 21, 2013 at 10:43 pm
1. It is no longer termed "custody" in Arizona. The Courts recently changed the Arizona statutes to delete "custody". Instead, the phrase "decision-making" is used. Parents can either have sole decision-making or joint decision-making. The Courts have a preference for joint decision-making unless one parent has major problems, such as addictions, criminal issues, domestic violence problems, etc. Joint decision-making means that both parents are involved equally in making major life decisions for the children and major life decisions include decisions for education, religion and medical care.
2. Joint Decision-Making does not necessarily mean that the parents have equal parenting time. Often people confuse decision-making with parenting time. They are different concepts but involve the same parents and children. Parenting time is a separate determination from decision-making authority. In other words, the parents can have joint decision-making authority, but one parent may have less parenting time than the other.
3. Decision-making and parenting time are determined in a variety of ways if the parents cannot agree. Sometimes the Courts will refer parents to a mediator to see if any agreements can be reached. Sometimes the parties choose to have a full-blown custody evaluation, which encompasses psychological testing for everyone involved and is done by a Psychologist. Sometimes the Court will have the parties participate in a session with a Court approved evaluator who will then submit a report and recommendations to the Court. Sometimes the parties will just go to trial and let the Court determine. At the end of the day, the Court will enter an Order determining which decision-making path the parties will have and what kind of a parenting schedule the parents and children will have.
4. In Arizona there is no preference for either parent's sex as to decision-making or parenting time. I have had fathers end up with sole decision-making and/or primary residential parent status.
5. Best avenue for parents to take is to be truthful and not involve the children. Underhanded tactics seldom work when it comes to children and often an alienating parent sees the tables turn when the children get older. Best thing parents can do is to come to a workable arrangement for the benefit of the children instead of themselves. This is often the most difficult idea to get across to parents.
6. I don't know if there is a "common" arrangement for children. What I see a lot of is joint decision-making, with one parent having slightly more parenting time because of school schedules, so one parent may have the school week days, alternating weekends, and the other parent has more time during the summer to compensate. Most holidays and school breaks are alternated or equally divided. I do see a lot of equal parenting schedules for older children, although in my experience, this schedule is hard on younger children and I wonder if it is for the benefit of the parents more than the children.
7. Child support is exclusively formula driven based on the gross monthly incomes of the parents, the number of children involved, and the parenting time schedule. Additional expenses included in the determination of support are health insurance costs and child care costs. There is some discretion with the Court to allow additions for special needs. If the parents agree to an amount of support different than what the Child Support Worksheet would set, the Court has to agree to the deviation. Child Support can be calculated on-line through the Maricopa County Superior Court's website.. Also, the tax deductions for the children are awarded to the parents in the same proportion as his/her income on the Child Support Worksheet [meaning, if a parent has 60% of the income for child support purposes, he or she will be awarded the tax deductions 3 out of 5 years].
David Pisarra August 21, 2013 at 11:18 pm
Unless both parents are salaried individuals with clear income amounts, the reality is that this is a sausage making process. Self employed individuals under report their income, and the custodial parent is motivated to act as a gatekeeper on custodial time in retaliation for the under-reporting ex.
Because child support and child visitation ( a hideous term and construction ) are inversely related, meaning the less time you have with a child, the more you pay, it is in the custodial parent ( the one with more time) to keep as much time as possible.
Because the support amount is determined by "custodial time" there is a motivation to make up false allegations and to paint the "out parent" as negligent, unprepared, hazardous, and/or incompetent to maximize the amount of money they have to pay.
The courts are "in theory" supposed to act in the best interests of the child, however, when one party is engaged in character assassination of the other, it is almost impossible for a court to act in the best interests, they can only act in the "cover the court's ass in the best way possible" interest.
The reality is that the party who is most deceitful and willing to be vicious will get the most time and money. Which is why non-custodial parents need to present the strongest possible case of their abilities and time commitments to the child.
Melody Z. Richardson August 22, 2013 at 3:02 pm
Georgia mandates that child support be determined by application of the Georgia Child Support Guidelines. The guidelines use an income share approach, which means that both parents' incomes are used to determine the appropriate amount of child support for the number of children involved. If the children have special needs, attend private school, or are very involved in numerous extra-curricular activities, those expenses will also be taken into account. The parent who pays for the children's health insurance is given credit for the amount of the premium as well. The financial information is inputted into a child support worksheet, which calculates the child support to be paid to the custodial parent. While there are other factors that can be considered when determining child support, such as shared custody, those other factors are within the discretion of the court if the parents are unable to reach an agreement on the appropriate amount of child support given the special circumstances.
Child custody decisions are much more difficult. The standard to determine custody is the best interest of the child or children. When making a custody determination, the court starts with the premise that it is in the best interests of the children to have meaningful contact with both parents on a regular, consistent basis. In Georgia, it is almost unheard of for a parent not to see his or her children regularly after a divorce, unless the parent chooses not to exercise parenting time. Even a mentally ill or actively addictive parent will see his or children in a supervised setting. If one parent denies the other parent his or her court ordered parenting time, Georgia courts will enforce the parenting time order through their powers of contempt and, in some circumstances, even change custody to the parent who has been wrongfully denied their parenting time.
In determining what is in the best interest of the children, the courts will look at numerous factors, including the relationship between the children and each parent, the ability of each parent to care for the children, the ability of each parent to encourage and foster a healthy parent-child relationship between the children and the other parent, and each parents involvement, or lack thereof, in the educational, social, and extra-curricular lives of the children during the marriage. There are numerous other factors that the courts consider, but the important thing to understand is that the courts make custody decisions based upon the particular facts and circumstances of the family for whom it is making the custody decision. The courts also have the ability to appoint a Guardian ad Litem ("GAL"), who is an individual trained in child custody and child development issues. The GAL will conduct an investigation and make a recommendation to the court and the parties on what is in the children's best interests. The court is not bound by the recommendation, but the recommendation will be among the factors considered by the court in determining what is in the children's best interests.
That being said, it is always preferable for the parents to do everything possible to come up with a parenting plan to which they both agree and not to let the court decide. The worse thing parents can do their children is have a highly conflictual relationship. Children of divorce do very well when their parents are cordial with each other, and continue to work together for the sake of their children. Further, the courts are too busy to craft parenting plans that take into consideration all of the nuances of the family's circumstances, and the court will rarely order a parenting plan that will work as well for the family as a parenting plan that is agreed upon by the parents without court intervention.
April Porter Counterman August 22, 2013 at 5:38 pm
In South Carolina, the amount of child support is either determined by agreement of the parties or calculated in accordance with the South Carolina Child Support Guidelines. The Guidelines are state law mandated and calculated according to the gross monthly incomes of the parties, the number of children involved, other dependents of the parties, and credit is given to the respective party who pays for health insurance coverage of the minor child(ren) and/or work related childcare. The Court does have discretion to deviate from the guidelines when deeemed necessary as well as determine child support for higher income level parties.
Custody battles can be very difficult, heart wrenching, and expensive. As to the custody determination, the Courts are guided by the best interest of the child standard. This subjective analysis will be determined by examining among other things the fitness of the parents, their ability to provide a safe, sober and moral environment for the child(ren), and the ability of the parent to promote the best educational, social, religious, and psychological environment.
There is no clear legal advantage to being the mother or father in a custody battle. The Court will look at the totality of the evidence presented and award custody to the parent who the Court deems will promote the best interests of the child. The Court has discretion to award sole custody to one parent; joint or shared custody to both parents; or joint custody with one parent being designated as the primary custodial parent. The Courts may appoint a Guardian ad litem to conduct an investigation on behalf of the Court to assist in this determination.
The way a parent can put their best foot forward in custody litigation would be first to honestly evaluate what is the best type of custodial arrangement to benefit the child? The Courts are sensitive to the motives of parents. Be very clear as to why you are pursuing custody. Parents must also be very concise in documenting and calendaring events to provide this accurate and concise information to the Court and the Guardian ad litem.
Parents should also develop their witness list and provide affidavits
from those witnesses as to the type of parent he or she is and the relationship between the parent and child. Also key is to incorporate expert witnesses such as a counselor or psychologist into the case to provide insight into the needs of the child and which parent best meets those needs.
Parents must show dedication to the child's well being. It is prudent that a parent not seem vengeful when seeking custody. In addition, the Court expects parents to not involve a child in custody litigation. In essence, the parent's motives must be pure when pursuing custody and the proof of who is the best custodial parent must be substantial and convincing.
I do believe intelligent reasonable parents should mediate or reach an agreement on the child related issues stemming from a divorce. It is much better for the parents to craft their own custodial agreement than allowing the Court to establish the custodial arrangement and visitation schedule when he/she knows very little about the nuances of the parents' lifestyle, beliefs or schedules.
Joo Y. Park, Stephanie E. Murphy, and Mary Cushing Doherty August 22, 2013 at 8:02 pm
For most divorcing couples and single parents, their primary concern is how to protect their children and provide for their children's needs. Understandably, the legal processes relating to these needs can be overwhelming to those who are new to the process.
In Pennsylvania, courts determine custody pursuant to the pertinent statute, 23 Pa.C.S.A. Sec. 5101 et seq. ("Custody Act") and case law. Under said statue, the courts must consider 16 factors when determining award of custody. Some of these factors include which party is more likely to encourage continuing contact between the child and the other parent, the parental duties performed by each parent, which parent is more likely to attend to the daily physical, emotional, developmental, educational and special needs of the child, and any other relevant factor. (This last factor allows the courts to consider other factors as they may deem appropriate.) In addition to the Custody Act, the courts also take into consideration precedential opinions by the Superior and Supreme Court of Pennsylvania.
Most Common Pleas Courts in Pennsylvania require parents to attend private mediation and/or court conciliation prior to litigating their case in court. If there is no agreement reached, custody litigation will move onto the trial court. Although the courts do not encourage litigation, either parent may seek modification of a custody order if he/she believes doing so will be in the best interest of the child/ren. Change in circumstances is not required as a basis for modification.
In Pennsylvania, child support is determined pursuant to the Support Rules and Guidelines, set forth under the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedures, Rules 1910.1 et seq. The Guidelines consider each parent's actual earnings or earning capacity in order to calculate each parent's share of basic child support. There is a reduction in the obligor parent's share of child support if he/she has 40% or more of total parenting time. In addition, the Rules require parents to share expenses such as health insurance, child care and some activity expenses (especially if the child has been actively involved in a particular activity). As for non-reimbursed medical expenses, the Guideline support amount includes up to $250 for out-of-pocket costs every year. When the out-of-pocket costs exceed the annual $250 threshold, the additional expenses will be allocated between the parents in proportion to their incomes.
A support complaint is filed by one parent at the local county's Domestic Relations Office. Although the support rules are applicable statewide, procedural practice varies from county to county. Typically, the parents will attend a domestic relations conference and/or a Master's conference, where child support obligation will be calculated and a recommended order is entered. If either the parties disagree with the Master's recommended order, he/she may go to court to take exceptions and challenge the Master's determination.
Unlike custody, a parent seeking modification of support obligation is required to show evidence of significant change(s) in circumstance, such as reduction in income, increase in income, loss or gain of employment. Depending on the increase or decrease of one's income, the parents' overall child support obligation and relative share of that obligation may change, and a new support order may be entered.
Bruce Provda, Esq. August 23, 2013 at 1:42 pm
Child support and child custody issues are emotional and stressful issues for parents and their children in a divorce. Many times, parents stop communicating with each other. Often one spouse may exhibit anger, disappoint and frustration towards the other blaming the other spouse for the failure of the marriage. They may use their anger towards their soon to be ex-spouse by making it difficult for the other parent to see the child or withholding money if they are the primary wage earner. Although the courts in New York and other jurisdictions prefer that couples work out their custody, support and property division issues on their own, when they are unable to do so, the courts will intervene and decide for them.
In awarding child custody and child support, the court is concerned about what is in the best interests of the child, which parent can provide the most suitable and stable environment and which parent has the ability to provide financial support. There is no favoritism towards awarding custody to the mother or the father. In many situations, fathers are given sole custody, if the court determines that the father is a more suitable parent. It is the overall intent of the court to make sure that the child's lifestyle is maintained and uninterrupted as little as possible, that the child is living in a safe and secure environment and the child's day-to-day living needs are met. This often means keeping the child in the family residence where they are accustomed to living or in the same school district nearby their friends and/or close family members, such as grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins, whenever possible.
Common custody situations include: sole, joint legal and joint physical custody.
In a sole custody situation, one parent may have the physical and legal custody of the child. There is generally a visitation schedule arrangement for the other parent to spend time with the child. This schedule varies depending on where the other parent resides, the parent's work schedule and the child's activities and needs. Typically, the other parent will be awarded every other weekend and certain holiday and vacation time, but other arrangements can be made as well. In instances where there has been child abuse or there are other reasons to believe that the child's safety could be in jeopardy when a parent has a substance abuse or alcohol problem, the court may either deny any visitation or award limited or supervised visitation.
However, in a majority of divorce situations, there is often joint legal custody or joint physical custody. Joint legal custody means that both parents must make decisions about the child's health, education, and religious and other activities. In a joint physical custody situation, both parents share physical custody of the child. Arrangements vary. For instance, if parents reside close to each other, one parent may have the child 3 or 4 nights a week, and the other parent the remaining nights. Or one may have the child during the week and the other on weekends.
The court will make their decisions regarding child custody and support by taking into account a number of factors including the age of the child, the financial situation and education of each parent, whether there are any child or spousal support obligations from a prior marriage, age and health factors of the parents, how far or close the other parent lives from the child, the parents' work schedules, child care expenses, any special needs that the child may require and whether there is a history of emotional or physical abuse by one spouse towards the other spouse and/or the child.
Bonnie Sockel-Stone August 23, 2013 at 7:06 pm
Are there really any advantages to being the mother or father in earning custody rights? No. In determining parental responsibility or a timeshare schedule, whether a parent is the "mother" or the "father" is not a factor that the trial courts consider. In fact, Florida Statute Section 61.16 specifically states that there is no presumption for or against the father or the mother of the child or for or against any specific time-sharing schedule. The Court does consider the best interest of the child and Florida Statute Section 61.16 sets forth the specific factors the Court considers in determining the best interest of the child.
How should parents ensure they put their best face forward in court? Parents involved in litigation regarding parental responsibility or a timeshare schedule must always be reasonable and make efforts to facilitate a relationship between the other parent and the child. In fact, one of the Florida Statute 61.16 factors the Court considers in determining parental responsibility and a timeshare schedule is "the demonstrated capacity and disposition of each parent to facilitate and encourage a close and continuing parent-child relationship, to honor the time-sharing schedule, and to be reasonable when changes are required". Another factor the Court considers is the capacity and disposition of each parent to protect the child from the ongoing litigation and to refrain from making disparaging comments about the other parent to the child. The Court also considers the ability of each parent to determine, consider and act upon the needs of the child as opposed to the needs or desires of the parent. Therefore, a parent that withholds timeshare from the other parent, disparages the other parent, and does not recognize and consider the child's need to have both parents active in the child's life will not look good in front of the judge deciding their case.
What child custody arrangements are most common? Courts award shared parental responsibility unless shared parental responsibility would be detrimental to the child. Therefore, in the great majority of the cases, shared parental responsibility is awarded. The specific timeshare schedule is dependent on the facts and circumstances of each particular family. If you have two good involved parents that are capable of meeting the child's needs and it is geographically viable, then most likely there will be a fifty-fifty timeshare schedule. If for some reason, one parent is not able to care for the child in the evenings, help the child with their school work, etc. that parent's weekday timeshare may be limited.
Veterinary Articles
.hm-title h1 { text-align:center; color: white; font-weight: bold; font-family: gotham, sans-serif; } .td_block_wrap { margin-bottom: 20px; position: relative; clear: both; } ul.sub-menu { border: 1px solid white; margin-top: 0px; } .sub-menu a:hover { font-weight: bold; -o-transition: all 500ms; -ms-transition: all 500ms; -moz-transition: all 500ms; -webkit-transition: all 500ms; transition: all 500ms; } .sf-menu ul .td-menu-item > a { line-height: 40px; border-bottom: 1px solid white; margin: 0px 5px; text-align: center; font-size: 14px; } .sf-menu .td-normal-menu ul { padding: 0; } .sf-menu > li:hover > a:hover { color: #0087c1; -o-transition: all 500ms; -ms-transition: all 500ms; -moz-transition: all 500ms; -webkit-transition: all 500ms; transition: all 500ms; } .call-today a { font-size: 16px !important; } .call-today a:Hover { color: white !important; font-weight: normal !important; } .sf-menu > .current-menu-item > a:after, .sf-menu > .current-menu-ancestor > a:after, .sf-menu > .current-category-ancestor > a:after, .sf-menu > li:hover > a:after, .sf-menu > .sfHover > a:after, .td_block_mega_menu .td-next-prev-wrap a:hover, .td-mega-span .td-post-category:hover, .td-header-wrap .black-menu .sf-menu > li > a:hover, .td-header-wrap .black-menu .sf-menu > .current-menu-ancestor > a, .td-header-wrap .black-menu .sf-menu > .sfHover > a, .header-search-wrap .td-drop-down-search:after, .header-search-wrap .td-drop-down-search .btn:hover, .td-header-wrap .black-menu .sf-menu > .current-menu-item > a, .td-header-wrap .black-menu .sf-menu > .current-menu-ancestor > a, .td-header-wrap .black-menu .sf-menu > .current-category-ancestor > a { background: white; } .sf-menu .td-icon-menu-down { display: none; padding-left: 0px; } .fa-phone { margin-right: 10px; vertical-align: middle; position: relative; top: -1px; transform: rotateZ(90deg); } .sf-menu li .fa { font-size: 1.25em; margin-right: 4px; } .sf-menu li .fas { font-size: 1.25em; margin-right: 4px; vertical-align: middle; position: relative; top: -1px; } .td-footer-wrapper .td-pb-row { margin-right: 0px !important; } .td-footer-wrapper .td-pb-span12 { padding-right: 0px !important; } .footer-logo-wrap img { max-width: 260px !important; } .footer-social { font-size: 1.25em; margin-top: 15px; width: 100%; display: inline-block; padding-right: 55px; } .footer-social ul { width: 220px; margin: auto; position: relative; padding-left:18px; } .footer-social li { font-size: 1.8em; padding-top: 7px; list-style-type: none; float: left; margin: auto; } .footer-social li a { display: block; padding: 8px; margin: auto; color: #414852 !important; font-weight: light; } .footer-text2 li { font-family: "Montserrat", "Open Sans", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; list-style: none !important; font-size: 14.5px; font-weight: 300; color: #213642; } .footer-text2 li a:hover { text-decoration: none !important; } @media only screen and (max-width: 1000px) {.td-fix-index { margin-top: 80px; }} @media only screen and (max-width: 767px) {.td-fix-index { margin-top: 80px; } .footer-social { padding-right: 0px; } .widget { margin-bottom: 0px; } }


In 2019, USQ will offer one RSL Ipswich Scholarship in Nursing, Midwifery or Paramedicine.
The Ipswich sub-branch of the RSL has initiated this award to encourage higher education study in the professional disciplines of nursing, midwifery and paramedicine, in recognition of the pivotal role played by professionals in these fields for the provision of primary health care to wounded military victims of military conflict.
have a personal or family connection with the Australian Defence Force service.
provide evidence of a personal or family connection with the Australian Defence Force service.


text:
package de.fzi.osh.core.logging.osgi;

import org.osgi.service.component.annotations.Component;
import org.osgi.service.component.annotations.Reference;
import org.osgi.service.component.annotations.ReferenceCardinality;
import org.osgi.service.component.annotations.ReferencePolicy;
import org.osgi.service.log.LogReaderService;
import org.osgi.service.log.LogService;

/**
 * Component that registers log readers and holds a reference to the log service.
 *
 * @author K. Foerderer
 *
 */
@Component
public class OsgiLogging {

	private static LogService logService;

	private LogFileWriter writer = new LogFileWriter();

	/**
	 * Returns a reference of the osgi log service.
	 *
	 * @return
	 */
	public static synchronized LogService getLogService() {
		return logService;
	}

	@Reference(
			name = "LogReaderService",
			service = LogReaderService.class,
			cardinality = ReferenceCardinality.MULTIPLE,
			policy = ReferencePolicy.DYNAMIC,
			unbind = "unbindLogReader"
		)
	protected synchronized void bindLogReader(LogReaderService logReader)
	{
	    logReader.addLogListener(writer);
	}

	protected synchronized void unbindLogReader(LogReaderService logReader)
	{
	    logReader.removeLogListener(writer);
	}

	@Reference(
			name = "LogService",
			service = LogService.class,
			cardinality = ReferenceCardinality.MULTIPLE,
			policy = ReferencePolicy.DYNAMIC,
			unbind = "unbindLogService"
		)
	protected synchronized void bindLogService(LogService logService)
	{
		OsgiLogging.logService = logService;
	}

	protected synchronized void unbindLogService(LogService logService)
	{
		OsgiLogging.logService = null;
	}
}


Heath Matysek-Snyder is an Assistant Professor at Virginia Commonwealth University's School of the Arts (VCUarts). He teaches in the Department of Craft/Material Studies, where he is the Wood/Furniture Design Area Head.
He earned his BFA from VCUarts in 2000 and his MFA from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2004. Heath has been an Artist-in-Residence at San Diego State University, at Designed Objects Tasmania, in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia and at Tongji University's College of Design & Innovation, in Shanghai, China. Additionally, Heath has been a participating artist at Emma International Collaboration, in Ness Creek, Saskatchewan.
The world around us is a nifty place, and I fall strongly into Einstein's second category of viewing it. I am fascinated by the goings on around me and because of that fascination I greatly enjoy the learning process. Whether it is learning a new skill or technique to utilize within my creative process or playing a new game, I have a passion for what I do not know and a yearning to explore. I think that I am hardwired as an investigator of things. Being an aesthetically minded individual, I am intrigued with what I see. The constant input of visual information is unending...it never shuts off. It is always chugging along, adding bits and pieces to the aesthetic lexicon, the visual data stream, possibly to be used later, but maybe only to inform at that moment. I find it quite beneficial to view the world around me in a very cognizant way. Being aware of proportion, line and form in my daily routine provides me with a greater understanding of where I fit into the puzzle. In addition to being a visually engaged person, I have an insatiable appetite for what objects feel like. Gathering and cataloging information through my fingertips borders on an addiction and is an essential part of how I analyze the world. The data that is transmitted to me by touch is amazingly informative. It allows me to process visual stimuli in a very direct manner, transferring pattern, texture and structure into a tactile language that I am fluent in.
P.S. - My symbol is a goat. It's name is Lava. Look for Lava in a woodshop near you.


text:
Justia Dockets & Filings Sixth Circuit Michigan Eastern District Baker v. Stewart Filing 13
Baker v. Stewart
OPINION and ORDER holding in abeyance the Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus and administratively closing the case. Signed by District Judge George Caram Steeh. (MBea)
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT EASTERN DISTRICT OF MICHIGAN SOUTHERN DIVISION CORRINE BAKER, Petitioner, v. CIVIL NO. 2:15-CV-11629 HONORABLE GEORGE CARAM STEEH UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE ANTHONY STEWART, Respondent. ______________________/ OPINION AND ORDER HOLDING IN ABEYANCE THE PETITION FOR A WRIT OF HABEAS CORPUS AND ADMINISTRATIVELY CLOSING THE CASE Corrine Baker, ("Petitioner"), confined at the Huron Valley Women's Correctional Facility in Ypsilanti, Michigan, filed a petition for a writ of habeas corpus pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2254, through her counsel David S. Steingold, in which she challenges her conviction for second-degree murder, M.C.L.A. § 750.317; and second-degree child abuse, M.C.L.A. § 750.136(b)(3). Respondent has filed an answer to the petition for writ of habeas corpus. As part of the answer, respondent argues that the petition is subject to dismissal because it contains claims which have not been exhausted with the state courts. For the reasons stated below, in lieu of dismissing the petition without prejudice, the Court holds the petition in -1- abeyance and stays the proceedings under the terms outlined in this opinion to permit petitioner to return to the state courts to exhaust her additional claims. If this fails, the petition will be dismissed without prejudice. I. Background Petitioner pleaded guilty to the above charges in the Saginaw County Circuit Court. On February 27, 2012, petitioner was sentenced to thirteen to thirty years in prison on the second-degree murder charge and two to four years in prison on the child abuse conviction. Petitioner's initial appellate counsel filed a motion to withdraw petitioner's guilty plea. The motion was signed and dated August 24, 2012, and filed with the Court on August 27, 2012.1 Petitioner moved to withdraw her plea on the ground that trial counsel was ineffective. An evidentiary hearing was conducted on petitioner's ineffective assistance of counsel claims, after which the trial court denied the motion to withdraw the plea. People v. Baker, No. 10-27347-FC (Saginaw Cty Cir. Ct., June 25, 2013).2 Petitioner's conviction was affirmed on appeal. People v. Baker, No. 317395 (Mich.Ct.App. Sept. 4, 2013)(Ronayne Krause, J., would grant 1 See Motion to Withdraw Plea [This Court's Dkt. # 6-13]. 2 See Dkt. # 6-13. -2- leave to appeal); lv. den. 496 Mich. 853 (2014). Petitioner filed a petition for a writ of habeas corpus, seeking habeas relief on the following claims: I. Ms. Baker's plea was not knowingly, understandably and voluntarily made and was in violation of due process where counsel provided ineffective assistance of counsel. A. Mr. Meiers used fear and coercion rending Ms. Baker's plea involuntary. B. Mr. Meiers gave Ms. Baker misadvice/inaccurate information. C. Mr. Meiers failed to properly advise Ms. Baker of her rights. D. Mr. Meiers did not investigate or prevent (sic) [present] a defense. II. Discussion Respondent contends that petitioner's habeas application should be dismissed because it contains claims which have not been properly exhausted with the state courts. As a general rule, a state prisoner seeking federal habeas relief must first exhaust his or her available state court remedies before raising a claim in federal court. 28 U.S.C. § 2254(b) and (c). See Picardy v. Connor, 404 U. S. 270, 275-78 (1971). Although exhaustion is not a jurisdictional -3- matter, "it is a threshold question that must be resolved" before a federal court can reach the merits of any claim contained in a habeas petition. See Wagner v. Smith, 581 F.3d 410, 415 (6th Cir. 2009). Each claim must be reviewed by a federal court for exhaustion before any claim may be reviewed on the merits by a federal court. Id. Federal district courts must dismiss mixed habeas petitions which contain both exhausted and unexhausted claims. See Pliler v. Ford, 542 U.S. 225, 230 (2004)(citing Rose v. Lundy, 455 U.S. 509, 510, 522 (1982)). On her appeal before the Michigan Court of Appeals, petitioner raised the following claim: MS. BAKER'S PLEA WAS NOT KNOWINGLY, UNDERSTANDABLY AND VOLUNTARILY MADE IN VIOLATION OF DUE PROCESS WHERE COUNSEL PROVIDED INEFFECTIVE ASSISTANCE BY MISINFORMING MS. BAKER ON THE LAW.3 This claim appears to correspond with petitioner's third ineffective assistance of counsel claim that trial counsel was ineffective in misinforming petitioner that she could not go to trial but would have to plead guilty if she wished to testify against her co-defendant. Petitioner did not raise her other three ineffective assistance of counsel claims before the 3 See Defendant-Appellant's Brief in Support of Application For Leave to Appeal. [Dkt. # 6-11]. -4- Michigan Court of Appeals. Petitioner raised what make up or first, second, and fourth ineffective assistance of trial counsel claims only for the first time in her application for leave to appeal before the Michigan Supreme Court.4 When an appellant fails to appeal an issue to the Michigan Court of Appeals, the issue is considered waived before the Michigan Supreme Court. Lawrence v. Will Darrah & Associates, Inc., 445 Mich. 1, 4, fn. 2; 516 N.W.2d 43 (1994); Butcher v. Treasury Dept., 425 Mich. 262, 276; 389 N.W.2d 412 (1986). Petitioner's failure to raise these claims in her appeal to the Michigan Court of Appeals precluded the Michigan Supreme Court from considering the new issues that petitioner raised in her application for leave to appeal before that court. Raising a claim for the first time before the state courts on discretionary review does not amount to a "fair presentation" of the claim to the state courts for exhaustion purposes. See Castille v. Peoples, 489 U.S. 346, 351 (1989). Because petitioner failed to present her first, second, and fourth ineffective assistance of trial counsel claims on her direct appeal with the Michigan Court of Appeals, her subsequent presentation of these 4 See Defendant-Appellant's Application For Leave to Appeal. [Dkt. # 6-12]. -5- claims to the Michigan Supreme Court does not satisfy the exhaustion requirement for habeas purposes. See Skinner v. McLemore, 425 F.App'x 491, 494 (6th Cir. 2011); Farley v. Lafler, 193 F.App'x 543, 549 (6th Cir. 2006). Moreover, although petitioner in her reply brief argues that her first, second, and fourth ineffective assistance of counsel claims were raised in her evidentiary hearing before the trial court, this would be insufficient to exhaust these claims unless they were also presented to the appellate courts. See Rogers v. Palmer, No. 207-CV-11902, 2010 WL 1881057, at *2 (E.D. Mich. May 11, 2010)(citing Stanley v. Jones, 973 F.2d 680, 682 (8th Cir. 1992); Bloom v. McKune, 130 F.App'x 229, 232 (10th Cir. 2005). A habeas petitioner may not present a "mixed" petition containing both exhausted and unexhausted claims to a federal court. Rockwell v. Yukins, 217 F.3d 421, 423 (6th Cir. 2000). Although this requirement is not jurisdictional, a petition that includes unexhausted claims will ordinarily not be considered by a federal court absent exceptional or unusual circumstances. Id. An exception to the exhaustion requirement exists only if there is no opportunity to obtain relief in the state courts or if the corrective process is -6- so clearly deficient as to render futile any effort to obtain relief in the state courts. Duckworth v. Serrano, 454 U.S. 1, 3 (1981); Sitto v. Bock, 207 F. Supp. 2d 668, 676 (E.D. Mich. 2002). A habeas petitioner, however, has the burden of showing that all available state court remedies have been exhausted or that exceptional circumstances exist which would make exhaustion unnecessary. Doty v. Lund, 78 F. Supp. 2d 898, 901 (N.D. Iowa 1999). Therefore, the exhaustion doctrine, in the context of habeas cases, turns upon an inquiry of whether there are available state court procedures for a habeas petitioner to exhaust his or her claims. See Adams v. Holland, 330 F.3d 398, 401 (6th Cir. 2003). In her reply brief, petitioner argues that exhaustion would be futile because a criminal defendant cannot file more than one post-conviction motion for relief from judgment pursuant to M.C.R. 6.500, et. seq. The Court recognizes that pursuant to M.C.R. 6.502(G)(1), a criminal defendant in Michigan can typically file only one post-conviction motion for relief from judgment with regard to a criminal conviction. See Banks v. Jackson, 149 F.App'x 414, 418 (6th Cir. 2005). The Court is also aware that under M.C.R. 6.310(c), a defendant is required to file a motion to withdraw the plea within six months after sentence. If a defendant wishes -7- to withdraw a guilty plea more than six months after being sentenced, he or she may do so "only in accordance with the procedure set forth in subchapter 6.500." Petitioner's appellate counsel filed petitioner's motion to withdraw her plea within the six month time limit under M.C.R. 6.310(c). There is no indication from the evidentiary hearing transcripts, the trial court's final order, the prosecutor's appellate court brief, or the Michigan appellate courts' orders that the motion to withdraw the plea was untimely or re-characterized as a post-conviction motion for relief from judgment. Petitioner therefore has a post-conviction remedy. Petitioner could exhaust these claims by filing a post-conviction motion for relief from judgment with the Saginaw County Circuit Court under Michigan Court Rule 6.500, et. seq. See Wagner, 581 F.3d at 419. Denial of a motion for relief from judgment is reviewable by the Michigan Court of Appeals and the Michigan Supreme Court upon the filing of an application for leave to appeal. M.C.R. 6.509; M.C.R. 7.203; M.C.R. 7.302. See Nasr v. Stegall, 978 F. Supp. 714, 717 (E.D. Mich. 1997). In addition, the mere fact that appellate counsel failed to brief the issues contained in petitioner's habeas application would not render exhaustion futile, because petitioner still has available state court remedies -8- with which to exhaust these new claims. See Gray v. Wingo, 391 F.2d 268, 269 (6th Cir. 1967). In fact, to the extent that petitioner would want to allege the ineffective assistance of appellate counsel claim, such a claim has not yet been presented to the state courts. A claim of ineffective assistance of appellate counsel is subject to the exhaustion requirement. See Baldwin v. Reese, 541 U.S. 27, 30-33 (2004). Petitioner's habeas application is subject to dismissal because it contains claims that have yet to be properly exhausted in the state courts. This Court is concerned that the outright dismissal of the petition, albeit without prejudice, might result in preclusion of consideration of the petitioner's claims in this Court due to the expiration of the AEDPA's one year statute of limitations. See 28 U.S.C. § 2244(d)(1). A common circumstance calling for abating a habeas petition arises when the original petition was timely filed, but a second, exhausted habeas petition would be time barred by the AEDPA's statute of limitations. See Hargrove v. Brigano, 300 F.3d 717, 720-21 (6th Cir. 2002). A federal court may stay a federal habeas petition and hold further proceedings in abeyance pending resolution of state court post-conviction proceedings, if there is good cause for failure to exhaust and the unexhausted claims are not "plainly -9- meritless." Rhines v. Weber, 544 U.S. 269, 278 (2005). Petitioner's claims do not appear to be "plainly meritless." Wagner, 581 F.3d at 419. Further, petitioner may assert that she did not previously raise these claims in the state courts due to the ineffective assistance of appellate counsel. Id., at 419, nn. 4 and 5.5 Finally, it does not appear that petitioner has engaged in "intentionally dilatory tactics." When a district court determines that a stay is appropriate pending exhaustion of state court remedies, the district court "should place reasonable time limits on a petitioner's trip to state court and back." Rhines, 544 U.S. at 278. To ensure that petitioner does not delay in exhausting her state court remedies, the Court imposes upon petitioner time limits within which she must proceed. See Palmer v. Carlton, 276 F.3d 777, 781 (6th Cir. 2002). Petitioner must present her claims in state court by filing a postconviction motion for relief from judgment with the state trial court within sixty days from the date of this Order. See id. Further, she must ask this Court to lift the stay within sixty days of exhausting her state court remedies. See id. "If the conditions of the stay are not met, the stay may later be vacated nunc pro tunc as of the date the stay was entered, and the 5 State post-conviction review would be the first opportunity that petitioner would have under Michigan law to raise any ineffective assistance of appellate counsel claim. See Guilmette v. Howes, 624 F.3d 286, 291 (6th Cir. 2010). -10- petition may be dismissed." Palmer, 276 F.3d at 781 (internal quotation omitted). III. ORDER It is ORDERED that petitioner may file a motion for relief from judgment with the state court within sixty (60) days of receipt of this Court's order. If petitioner fails to file a motion for relief from judgment with the state courts by that date, the Court will dismiss her petition without prejudice. If petitioner files a motion for relief from judgment, she (or her attorney) shall notify this Court that such motion papers have been filed in state court. The case will then be held in abeyance pending petitioner's exhaustion of the claims. Petitioner shall re-file a habeas petition within sixty (60) days after the conclusion of the state court post-conviction proceedings. Petitioner is free at that time to file an amended habeas petition which contains newly exhausted claims. To avoid administrative difficulties, the Court ORDERS the Clerk of Court to CLOSE this case for statistical purposes only. Nothing in this order or in the related docket entry shall be considered a dismissal or disposition of this matter. See Sitto v. Bock, 207 F. Supp. 2d at 677. -11- It is further ORDERED that upon receipt of a motion to reinstate the habeas petition following exhaustion of state remedies, the Court may order the Clerk to reopen this case for statistical purposes. Dated: May 30, 2017 s/George Caram Steeh GEORGE CARAM STEEH UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE Copies of this Order were served upon attorneys of record on May 30, 2017, by electronic and/or ordinary mail. s/Marcia Beauchemin Deputy Clerk -12-


Come and enjoy an evening of folk music, and informative discussion, Saturday February 21st, 2015, at the Royal Canadian Legion Hall. "Kitimat for Clean Air" is holding a fundraiser, featuring folk singer "Luke Wallace", and opening with local musician Flori Carvahlo.
Luke Wallace is a talented young folk musician from Vancouver, B.C. and this performance is part of his "One Big Coast Northwest Tour". Luke Wallace wrote his first EP "From the Ground Up", while tree planting during the summer of 2013. He is regularly featured on CBC radio, and he writes music with "the hope that [he] can inspire a more environmentally aware generation of people" (Luke Wallace, CBC).
Informal discussion will be encouraged over light refreshments and snacks throughout the evening. This is a not for profit fundraiser, tickets will be $10.00 ea. available at the door and in advance via the "Kitimat for Clean Air"Facebook page. Join us for a fun and relaxing evening, doors open at 7:30pm.
Tickets can be bought in advance at Caprice Trading Post or Bradley's Bait and Tackle.


Tonkin a Vietnamese Noodle Bar has opened at Orchard Central, with another two outlets at Tanjong Pagar 100AM and Clifford Centre.
For fans of Viet food, you can venture down to the basement of the mall (next to Maccha House) for spring rolls, green mango salad, pho and banh mi.
I wished I had better words to describe the experience, but it was okay. The Beef Combination Noodle Soup ($9.90) had rather light soup base, with consideration addition of fresh herbs and vegetables. Good for those who prefer broth that is not so heavy or robust.
We also had a Banh Mi Pate Belly Pork with Vegetable ($6.90), and wished there was more slices of meat.
Tonkin would rank somewhere in the middle for taste. Safe choices, nothing exciting, like that lo. But if you would happen to be at OC and need a warm bowl of noodle soup, this would be it.


I saw miniature brunette hair Lexi Dona walking along the street and that babe looked very admirable, so I asked her to stop and answer a not many questions from a list I started improvising. Lexi was shy, but for 2000 crowns, this babe acceded to chat with me. I obviously steered my questions in a raunchy direction, and by the time I offered her 6000 crowns, that babe acquiesced to show me her love melons. We walked off to a intimate location and for 4000 greater quantity, this babe started to engulf my shlong. It was cold, so this chab discovered a nearby garage building.


text:
package org.sagebionetworks.repo.model.dbo.dao.table;

import static org.junit.Assert.assertEquals;
import static org.junit.Assert.assertFalse;
import static org.junit.Assert.assertNotEquals;
import static org.junit.Assert.assertNotNull;
import static org.junit.Assert.assertTrue;
import static org.junit.Assert.fail;

import java.util.Optional;

import org.junit.Before;
import org.junit.Test;
import org.junit.runner.RunWith;
import org.sagebionetworks.repo.model.AuthorizationConstants.BOOTSTRAP_PRINCIPAL;
import org.sagebionetworks.repo.model.jdo.KeyFactory;
import org.sagebionetworks.repo.web.NotFoundException;
import org.springframework.beans.factory.annotation.Autowired;
import org.springframework.test.context.ContextConfiguration;
import org.springframework.test.context.junit4.SpringJUnit4ClassRunner;
import org.springframework.transaction.IllegalTransactionStateException;
import org.springframework.transaction.TransactionStatus;
import org.springframework.transaction.support.TransactionTemplate;

@RunWith(SpringJUnit4ClassRunner.class)
@ContextConfiguration(locations = { "classpath:jdomodels-test-context.xml" })
public class TableTransactionDaoImplTest {

	@Autowired
	TableTransactionDao tableTransactionDao;

	@Autowired
	TransactionTemplate readCommitedTransactionTemplate;

	Long userId;

	String tableId;
	long tableIdLong;

	@Before
	public void before() throws Exception {
		userId = BOOTSTRAP_PRINCIPAL.THE_ADMIN_USER.getPrincipalId();
		assertNotNull(userId);
		tableId = "syn123";
		tableIdLong = KeyFactory.stringToKey(tableId);
		tableTransactionDao.deleteTable(tableId);
	}

	@Test
	public void testCreateGetDelete() {
		Long transactionId = tableTransactionDao.startTransaction(tableId, userId);
		TableTransaction trx = tableTransactionDao.getTransaction(transactionId);
		assertNotNull(trx);
		assertEquals(transactionId, trx.getTransactionId());
		assertEquals(tableId, trx.getTableId());
		assertEquals(userId, trx.getStartedBy());
		assertNotNull(trx.startedOn);
		assertEquals(1, tableTransactionDao.deleteTable(tableId));
	}

	@Test (expected=IllegalArgumentException.class)
	public void testStartTransactionNullTableId() {
		tableId = null;
		// call under test
		tableTransactionDao.startTransaction(tableId, userId);
	}

	@Test (expected=IllegalArgumentException.class)
	public void testStartTransactionNullUserd() {
		userId = null;
		// call under test
		tableTransactionDao.startTransaction(tableId, userId);
	}

	@Test (expected=NotFoundException.class)
	public void testGetNotFound() {
		// call under test
		tableTransactionDao.getTransaction(-1L);
	}

	@Test (expected=IllegalArgumentException.class)
	public void testGetNullId() {
		Long id = null;
		// call under test
		tableTransactionDao.getTransaction(id);
	}

	@Test
	public void testMultipleTableDelete() {
		// start clean
		String tableOneId = "syn456";
		tableTransactionDao.deleteTable(tableOneId);
		String tableTwoId = "syn789";
		tableTransactionDao.deleteTable(tableTwoId);

		Long oneOne = tableTransactionDao.startTransaction(tableOneId, userId);
		Long oneTwo = tableTransactionDao.startTransaction(tableOneId, userId);
		assertTrue(oneTwo == oneOne + 1);
		Long twoOne = tableTransactionDao.startTransaction(tableTwoId, userId);
		assertTrue(twoOne == oneTwo + 1);
		// delete both from one first.
		assertEquals(2, tableTransactionDao.deleteTable(tableOneId));
		// should still be able to get two
		assertNotNull(tableTransactionDao.getTransaction(twoOne));
		assertEquals(1, tableTransactionDao.deleteTable(tableTwoId));
	}

	@Test (expected=IllegalArgumentException.class)
	public void testDeleteNullTableId() {
		tableId = null;
		// call under test
		tableTransactionDao.deleteTable(tableId);
	}

	@Test
	public void testGetTableIdWithLockNoTransaction() {
		Long transactionId = tableTransactionDao.startTransaction(tableId, userId);
		try {
			// call under test
			tableTransactionDao.getTableIdWithLock(transactionId);
			fail();
		} catch (IllegalTransactionStateException e) {
			// expected
		}
	}

	@Test
	public void testGetTableIdWithLock() {
		Long transactionId = tableTransactionDao.startTransaction(tableId, userId);
		// call under test
		long resultTableId = getTableIdWithLock(transactionId);
		assertEquals(tableIdLong, resultTableId);
	}

	@Test (expected=NotFoundException.class)
	public void testGetTableIdWithLockNotFound() {
		Long transactionId = -1L;
		// call under test
		getTableIdWithLock(transactionId);
	}

	@Test
	public void testlinkTransactionToVersionNoTransaction() {
		Long transactionId = tableTransactionDao.startTransaction(tableId, userId);
		long version = 15L;
		try {
			tableTransactionDao.linkTransactionToVersion(transactionId, version);
			fail();
		} catch (IllegalTransactionStateException e) {
			// expected
		}
	}

	@Test
	public void testlinkTransactionToVersion() {
		Long transactionId = tableTransactionDao.startTransaction(tableId, userId);
		long version = 15L;
		// call under test
		linkTransactionToVersion(transactionId, version);
		Optional<Long> lookupTransaction = tableTransactionDao.getTransactionForVersion(tableId, version);
		assertNotNull(lookupTransaction);
		assertTrue(lookupTransaction.isPresent());
		assertEquals(transactionId, lookupTransaction.get());
	}

	@Test
	public void testGetTransactionForVersionDoesNotExist() {
		// no transaction linked to this table version.
		long version = 15L;
		// call under test
		Optional<Long> lookupTransaction = tableTransactionDao.getTransactionForVersion(tableId, version);
		assertNotNull(lookupTransaction);
		assertFalse(lookupTransaction.isPresent());
	}

	@Test
	public void testUpdateEtag() {
		Long transactionId = tableTransactionDao.startTransaction(tableId, userId);
		TableTransaction startTrans = tableTransactionDao.getTransaction(transactionId);
		assertNotNull(startTrans);
		assertNotNull(startTrans.getEtag());
		// call under test
		String newEtag = updateTransactionEtag(transactionId);
		assertNotNull(newEtag);
		TableTransaction afterUpdate = tableTransactionDao.getTransaction(transactionId);
		assertNotNull(afterUpdate);
		assertNotNull(afterUpdate.getEtag());
		assertNotEquals(afterUpdate.getEtag(), startTrans.getEtag());
		assertEquals(newEtag, afterUpdate.getEtag());
	}

	@Test
	public void testUpdateEtagNoTransaction() {
		Long transactionId = tableTransactionDao.startTransaction(tableId, userId);
		try {
			// call under test
			tableTransactionDao.updateTransactionEtag(transactionId);
			fail();
		} catch (IllegalTransactionStateException e) {
			// expected.
		}
	}

	/**
	 * Helper to call updateTransactionEtag from within a database transaction.
	 *
	 * @param transactionId
	 * @return
	 */
	String updateTransactionEtag(long transactionId) {
		return readCommitedTransactionTemplate.execute((TransactionStatus status) -> {
			return tableTransactionDao.updateTransactionEtag(transactionId);
		});
	}

	/**
	 * Helper to call linkTransactionToVersion within a database transaction.
	 * @param transactionId
	 * @param version
	 */
	void linkTransactionToVersion(long transactionId, long version) {
		readCommitedTransactionTemplate.execute((TransactionStatus status) -> {
			tableTransactionDao.linkTransactionToVersion(transactionId, version);
			return null;
		});
	}

	/**
	 * Helper to call getTableIdWithLock within a transaction.
	 *
	 * @param transactionId
	 * @return
	 */
	Long getTableIdWithLock(long transactionId) {
		return readCommitedTransactionTemplate.execute((TransactionStatus status) -> {
			return tableTransactionDao.getTableIdWithLock(transactionId);
		});
	}
}


text:
Tag: David Dawson
Dems contesting far more Iowa House, Senate seats than in 2010 or 2014
Saturday, Mar 17 2018
Democrats are fielding a nearly full slate of Iowa House and Senate candidates this year, leaving far fewer GOP-held seats unchallenged than in the last two midterm elections.
The improvement is particularly noticeable in the Iowa House, where Republicans have an unusually large number of open seats to defend. Twelve of the 59 GOP state representatives are retiring, and a thirteenth seat (House district 43) is open due to Majority Leader Chris Hagenow's move to safer Republican territory in Dallas County.
Todd Prichard officially exploring run for governor (updated)
Thursday, Mar 23 2017
Saying Iowa needs "new vision," "fresh leadership," and "better than what we have seen during this legislative session," State Representative Todd Prichard announced today that he is "considering" a gubernatorial campaign. The rollout leaves little doubt that Prichard will eventually join the Democratic field. His campaign website now features a Todd Prichard for Governor campaign logo. His "leadership team" includes heavyweights like Marcia Nichols, former political director of AFSCME Council 61; Brad Anderson, who ran Barack Obama's re-election campaign in Iowa; former Iowa Democratic Party state chair Sue Dvorsky; and State Senator Bob Dvorsky.
I enclose below Prichard's news release and background on the candidate from his website. Last month Prichard discussed his life experiences and values at a Democratic gathering in Des Moines; you can read or listen to that speech here. Prichard talked more about his work and thoughts about a 2018 Democratic campaign message with Iowa Starting Line. Prichard has a political page on Facebook and is on Twitter @RepPrichard.
Two other Democrats launched gubernatorial campaigns earlier this year: Rich Leopold and Jon Neiderbach. (Neiderbach spoke to the Northwest Des Moines Democrats group on March 21, and Bleeding Heartland will soon post excerpts from his stump speech.) Former Iowa Democratic Party chair Andy McGuire is widely expected to announce a gubernatorial campaign in the coming months.
UPDATE: Prichard spoke at the Our Future–Iowa Starting Line event in Des Moines on March 23. Here's the full audio, for those who want to listen.
https://d3aemofwpcpcbb.cloudfront.net/2017/03/121225_006.mp3
Never let it be said that the 2016 Iowa legislature accomplished nothing
In four months of work this year, Iowa lawmakers made no progress on improving water quality or expanding conservation programs, funded K-12 schools and higher education below levels needed to keep up with inflation, failed to increase the minimum wage or address wage theft, let most criminal justice reform proposals die in committee, didn't approve adequate oversight for the newly-privatized Medicaid program, opted against making medical cannabis more available to sick and suffering Iowans, and left unaddressed several other issues that affect thousands of constituents.
But let the record reflect that bipartisan majorities in the Iowa House and Senate acted decisively to solve a non-existent problem. At a bill-signing ceremony yesterday, Governor Terry Branstad and supporters celebrated preventing something that probably never would have happened.
Three Iowa House Democrats retire in last three days of filing period
Friday, Mar 18 2016
State Representative David Dawson announced today that he will not seek a third term in Iowa House district 14. I enclose below a news release he posted on Facebook at approximately 6:00 pm on March 18. Although I am on the press distribution list for the Iowa House Democrats, at this writing I have not received the statement by e-mail. Earlier today, Timothy Kacena filed for the Democratic nomination in the district, which covers the west side of Sioux City in Woodbury County (scroll down to view a map). I have not received a press release announcing Kacena's candidacy, though it is not unusual for several days to pass between a campaign launch and the House Democrats e-mailing a statement about the race.
I have not found a campaign website or Facebook page for Kacena. He appears to have retired from Sioux City Fire Rescue. When I reached him by phone this evening, Kacena declined to comment on whether he is personally acquainted with Dawson or when he was recruited to run for House district 14. Most Iowa politics watchers had no idea until today that Dawson was not planning to seek re-election. No one who didn't have advance notice could have collected 50 signatures and driven from Sioux City to Des Moines in time to file for the primary ballot by the close of business. Kacena will face Robert Henderson, who filed today for the GOP nomination in the district.
I am seeking comment from Dawson on why he didn't announce his retirement earlier, whether he is acquainted with Kacena, whether he recruited him for this seat, and if so, when they first talked about the race. If I hear back, I will update this post. The photo accompanying today's Facebook post shows Dawson with three young children. Spending several months a year in Des Moines is demanding work, taking a lot of time away from lawmakers' families. Opting out is an understandable decision, and for all I know it may have been a last-minute call for Dawson. While I don't begrudge anyone that choice, I wish state legislators would let it be known that they are wavering on a re-election bid, so others have a chance to consider running for public office in an open seat.
House district 14 leans Democratic, with 5,938 active registered Democrats, 4,102 Republicans, and 4,710 no-party voters, according to the latest figures from the Iowa Secretary of State's office. President Barack Obama received 59.33 percent of the vote here in 2012, and Bruce Braley ran only 1 percent behind Joni Ernst among the district's voters, far better than his statewide showing in the 2014 U.S. Senate race.
Dawson is the third Iowa House Democrat in as many days to announce a surprise retirement. As Bleeding Heartland discussed here, State Representative Nancy Dunkel revealed her plans on Wednesday, the same day Tom Stecher declared his candidacy in House district 57. State Representative Deborah Berry disclosed Thursday that she will not seek another term in House district 62. Ras Smith filed to run in that heavily Democratic seat the same day. At this writing, neither Berry nor Smith have returned my phone calls or responded to my e-mails asking questions such as: How did they become acquainted? When did they first discuss her retirement and his possible candidacy?
I have received some pushback on this post, but even more encouragement from activists who are as disappointed by the insider dealing as I am. Iowa Democratic leaders seeking more grassroots involvement should think about the message these last-minute handovers send to ordinary people about the political process.
I learned today that California law extends the filing period by five days if a state legislative incumbent does not file for re-election. Five days isn't "enough" time to give serious consideration to a campaign, but it would be better than nothing. The Iowa House and Senate should adopt similar language to prevent insiders from treating a seat in the public's house like a private club membership.
UPDATE: Mentioned in the previous post but should add here as well that Nebraska law sets an earlier filing deadline for incumbents across the board. Iowa could adopt that approach rather than California's.
SECOND UPDATE: Ben Nesselhuf commented,
As a grassroots activist in Woodbury County, I can assure you that the only people cut out of the loop were the [R]epublicans. The search for Dave's successor ranged far and wide. Anyone with any association with the party who had ever expressed an interest in running, and several who hadn't, was approached. This was not decided in some smoke filled backroom.
THIRD UPDATE: Democratic State Representative Brian Meyer posted this revealing comment on March 20: "I can assure you everyone knew about the retirements well in advance. It was not nothing [sic] wrong with anything my leadership did. It is hard to find candidates."
Note Meyer's use of the word "everyone," apparently to connote members of the Iowa House Democratic caucus and select party activists. Clearly "everyone" did not know about the lawmakers' impending retirements. On the contrary, I have heard two separate reports of people directly asking Dunkel about her plans, coming away with the impression that she was seeking a third term.
Meyer's comment assumes recruiting candidates is a job for leaders before a vacancy becomes public knowledge. His perspective does not acknowledge any benefit to an open process, where people who want to run for office can come forward, even if leaders don't know about them or prefer other prospects. Relevant background information: when former House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy resigned in 2013, leaving a safe Democratic seat open in the middle of a term, three Democrats announced their candidacies for the special election, only to have Meyer clear the field almost immediately after he expressed interest.
MARCH 21 UPDATE: Three days later, neither Ras Smith nor Deborah Berry have returned my phone calls or responded to my e-mails asking questions about how they arranged this transfer of power and why Smith was selected over all other potential Democratic candidates living in House district 62.
I forgot to mention that this Facebook thread from March 17 belies Meyer's claim that "everyone knew about the retirements well in advance." Democratic State Representatives Abby Finkenauer and Liz Bennett assert that they found out Berry was not running for re-election the day before the filing deadline. I have no reason to doubt their accounts.
IA-Sen: Patty Judge thinking about challenging Chuck Grassley
Friday, Feb 26 2016
The Des Moines Register's Jason Noble snagged a surprising scoop yesterday: former Lieutenant Governor and Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Patty Judge is considering running for the U.S. Senate this year. Referring to Grassley's approach to the U.S. Supreme Court vacancy, Judge told Noble,
"Iowans have always been straight shooters, and up until the recent time I would have said the same thing about Chuck," Judge said. […]
"I don't like this double-speak," Judge said. "I don't like this deliberate obstruction of the process. I think Chuck Grassley owes us better. He's been with us a long time. Maybe he's been with us too long."
To qualify for the Democratic primary ballot, Judge would need to submit nominating papers with the Secretary of State's Office by March 18, three weeks from today. That doesn't leave much time to collect at least 2,104 signatures, including minimum amounts in at least ten Iowa counties. But Judge could pull together a campaign quickly, having won three statewide elections–for secretary of agriculture in 1998 and 2002 and on the ticket with Chet Culver in 2006.
Three other Democrats are seeking the nomination to run against Grassley: State Senator Rob Hogg, former State Senator Tom Fiegen, and former State Representative Bob Krause. Former State Representative Ray Zirkelbach launched a U.S. Senate campaign in November but ended his campaign last month, Zirkelbach confirmed by phone this morning.
Dozens of Democratic state lawmakers endorsed Hogg in January. I enclose the full list below. Any comments about the Senate race are welcome in this thread.
UPDATE: Rebecca Tuetken notes, "Patty Judge does meet one apparent Iowa requirement: she told @SenatorHarkin '08 steak fry that she can castrate a calf." Truly a classic moment for Judge, when Joni Ernst was still the little-known Montgomery County auditor.
Iowa's "Toddler Militia Bill" is a chance to build bridges across pro/anti gun cultures
Thursday, Feb 25 2016
laurenwhitehead
The Iowa House approved House File 2281 on February 23 by 62 votes to 36. All 57 Republicans voted yes, joined by Democratic State Representatives David Dawson, Rick Olson, Jim Lykam, Mary Wolfe, and Patti Ruff. -promoted by desmoinesdem
Yesterday, the WaPo posted an op-ed opposing a bill in the Iowa legislature that makes it legal for kids under 18 to use a handgun under direct parent supervision. The bill is being lambased as a "toddler militia" bill that would let 1 and 2 and 3 year olds use guns.
I'm a parent very much concerned about gun violence in the US. One of my top reasons for supporting Hillary Clinton is her outstanding record on common sense gun control. However, I don't oppose this bill, and in fact, I think it offers an opportunity for folks on both sides of the gun issue to come together.


Built in 1973, Luxury Coral Living Condo is a 28 unit condominium located in Miami, Florida. This community has 1 condo unit for sale starting at $188,000. If you are interested in buying or renting a unit, click the "Condos for Sale and Rent" tab to see what is currently available, or click here to contact an approved realtor.
I would like more information on units at Luxury Coral Living Condo.