I'm sure I don't have all the right words to pay tribute to the life of a woman so innovative that she shepherded a whole new field of theology; so determined that she was the first woman to graduate with a Ph.D. from Union Theological Seminary and the first black woman ordained in the United Presbyterian Church, among other firsts; so loved that the Watts Chapel of Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond, Virginia, was full to bursting as we remembered her today.
I was often rendered speechless in front of Rev. Dr. Katie Geneva Cannon, particularly when I sat in her class as a student at Union Presbyterian Seminary. She was always by far the smartest person in the room and her life held a treasure trove of learnings she graciously shared with her students over the decades. I always wanted to know more of what she had to say.
Now, facing Dr. Cannon's death, I find myself similarly speechless. How can I even begin to articulate the impact she had on my life – and more significantly, the lives of everyone else who encountered her through word or deed?
Today at Union Presbyterian Seminary, about 300 of Dr. Cannon's family, friends, students, mentees and colleagues gathered to remember and give thanks to God for her life. And there was so much to say. For many of us, we "remembered the things we never knew" about our beloved Dr. Cannon — which was something she often said, Paula Owens Parker, adjunct assistant professor of spiritual formation at Union, reminded us. Tears were shed and laughs shared throughout the memorial, and I can't help but think that Dr. Cannon wouldn't have wanted it any other way.
Brian Blount, president of Union Presbyterian Seminary, remembers Katie Cannon.
Every person who shared what it was like to know and love Dr. Cannon reminded us that we are all better for knowing her. Speaking of the Society for the Study of Black Religion, Stephen G. Ray Jr. said, "We may have been much less than we are today" had it not been for Dr. Cannon. I can't help but think that statement applies to all aspect of life and ministry influenced by Dr. Cannon.
Through all of the voices who gave tribute and testimony to Dr. Cannon's life during the service, one message was loud and clear: It is up to us to keep Dr. Cannon's legacy alive. Union president Brian K. Blount gave the eulogy, proclaiming that Dr. Cannon was sent by God to be a teacher. And teach, she did. I wanted to pause time and ask every person in the room how Dr. Cannon taught him or her. For many of us, Dr. Cannon was our professor. Current Union students sat in the chapel alongside alumni who had learned from her since her arrival in Richmond in 2001. And there were many others: those engaged in her work with the Center for Womanist Leadership at Union; those for whom Dr. Cannon paved the way for ministries previously thought impossible; those who knew Dr. Cannon in her childhood years; and those who read her work in Christian ethics and were forever changed.
The variety of people gathered to celebrate Dr. Cannon's life was like the liturgical art in the worship space: bright colors in abstract shapes drawn by Dr. Cannon herself ("Esau's Wisdom Eyes" from February 1998). And again, I don't think Dr. Cannon would have wanted it any other way.
President Blount also shared that near the end of his last visit with Dr. Cannon in the hospital before she died, she told him that she still had work left to do. And so, he told us, it us up to usto get to work. Even though her work was left unfinished, it is up to the rest of us – those impacted by Dr. Cannon's life and ministry – to take the legacy of her work and make it our own. To go out into the world and continue Dr. Cannon's story.
Today I was reminded that it's not about finding the right words to say; it's about having the heart and will and courage to act.
Dr. Cannon, thank you for the gift of your wisdom, your teaching, your humor, your life. You have changed us all for good. And I pray that your landing in God's kingdom – into the arms of your maker – was as smooth as can be.
Linda Kurtz is a student at Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond, Virginia. She also serves as the communications specialist for NEXT Church and is a candidate for ordination from National Capital Presbytery. When she's not reading or writing, Linda enjoys being outside and taking photos of anything but people.


text:
FAR/AIM: § 93.63 – General rules: Merrill segment.
FAR/AIM > Federal Aviation Regulations > PART 93—SPECIAL AIR TRAFFIC RULES > Subpart D—Anchorage, Alaska, Terminal Area > § 93.63 – General rules: Merrill segment.
§ 93.63 – General rules: Merrill segment.
(a) No person may operate an aircraft at an altitude between 600 feet MSL and 2,000 feet MSL in that portion of this segment lying north of the midchannel of Knik Arm.
(b) Each person operating an airplane at a speed of more than 105 knots within this segment (except for that part described in paragraph (a) of this section) shall operate that airplane at an altitude of at least 1,200 feet MSL until maneuvering for a safe landing requires further descent.
(c) Each person operating an airplane at a speed of 105 knots or less within this segment (except for that part described in paragraph (a) of this section) shall operate that airplane at an altitude of at least 900 feet MSL until maneuvering for a safe landing requires further descent.
(d) Whenever the Merrill ATCT is not operating, each person operating an aircraft either in that portion of the Merrill segment north of midchannel of Knik Arm, or in the Seward Highway segment at or below 1200 feet MSL, shall contact Anchorage Approach Control for wake turbulence and other advisories. Aircraft operating within the remainder of the segment should self-announce intentions on the Merrill Field CTAF.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


My starting premise is that we can and should approach government as a business -- in particular, one in need of a new "business plan" for how to confront a changing competitive environment, with changing demand for its services, and a cost structure out of line with its revenue base. Many will take issue with the premise that government is, or can fruitfully be thought of, as at all like business. So, let's take a little time to discuss this assertion.
The employees, for the most part, cannot be fired, and thus have little reason to hit performance metrics, let alone respond to the views of management.
The politicians ostensibly overseeing all this are guided by a complex set of conflicting motives and incentives and have little reason to work together or move in the same direction. These managers and executives are in turn guided by the demands of shareholders, investors, and consumers who themselves have contradictory and often ill-defined expectations for the organization.
Most of this results from the fact that governments aren't guided by the same profit motive as private-sector businesses. That isn't necessarily bad in itself -- in fact, a lot of what we expect and want governments to do is precisely those activities that are not profitable (or, at least, where profit cannot easily be captured). But the lack of a single, clear metric makes managing government, and assessing how the whole enterprise is doing, a lot more difficult.
Governments face competition, both from other governments and from non-governmental entities -- ranging from non-profits to private businesses to terrorist organizations -- that offer some of the same services and that their "customer base" oftentimes prefers.
Putting aside ideological questions of whether governments should do more or less, there are some government services that these competing entities can provide better and/or cheaper. There are others, including some that have historically been treated as belonging in other sectors, that governments in fact can provide better than others.
Governments everywhere face a mismatch between resources and demands. In some cases, that's because governments are less efficient than they should be. But that's not the major part of the problem today. The bigger challenge comes from the fact that the government customer base for the most part demands more of the product at a lower price than it can be produced.
In short, governments exist in a competitive environment for their services, one that has changed and will change further, and where money matters. Governments may not be businesses, and they may not be run like businesses. But they (and we) need to think of them like businesses in order successfully to confront the challenges -- the possible new product lines, potential competitors, and economic constraints -- that governments face across the world today and in the future.
The notion that governments need to compete, just like businesses, defies most people's assumptions about what governments are and what they do. After all, governments are essentially territorial entities; monopoly service providers, and able to compel people to buy their shoddy services, at whatever price they dictate.
So people are stuck with the governments where they live, aren't they? How can there possibly be a "market" for government? How do governments ever compete? In fact, how could governments ever compete (at least, successfully)? After all, we all know that they are inefficient, ineffective, and unable to do anything better or at cheaper cost than a competitive private alternative.
Let's contest all of those assumptions.
That means, first, considering a more sophisticated notion of what it means to think like a business than we find in politics today. Governments, like companies, can and already do compete -- and, like companies, they can and must do so on not only cost (which some try to cast as the sole proper governmental objective) but also quality.
Competing on cost relies on commoditization, low investment, low democratization, highly concentrated gains, and highly externalized costs (such as labor or environmental exploitation). Third World countries and their governments will be those that, like their private-sector counterparts, continue to be resource-dependent commodity producers with low margins, producing better-than-subsistence benefit only for a few who live off the many, placing little value on innovation and ingenuity -- and thus on people and their participation. The United States could (like, say, many firms in the apparel industry, or countries whose economies are based largely on resource extraction) choose that as a competitive strategy. But is that really the vision of the future we prefer?
Competing on quality, in contrast, depends upon constant innovation, produces high margins, and requires widespread investment in people. Either low-cost or high-quality competitive strategies can succeed, in government as in business. Competing successfully doesn't inevitably mean a world "red in tooth and claw," as Hobbes described it, or, in the governmental context, a "race to the bottom" in which governments are forced again and again to lower tax rates and cut civic investment in order to avoid the flight of capital, businesses, and high-income citizens.
The rather extensive literature on the subject shows that tax rates play, at best, a minimal role in business location decisions. Factors such as the quality of labor and public services (schools, roads and highways, sewer systems, recreational facilities, higher education, health services), the proximity to markets, and strength and stability of legal and regulatory systems, are all more important than tax incentives in business-location decisions. In short, higher taxes don't by themselves make governments uncompetitive -- high taxes (i.e. prices) for low-value results do (as in most industries).
It is therefore quite plausible for a government to compete successfully in today's world with expensive, high-end government services that cost a good deal -- if they deliver results worth the cost. After all, consumers and businesses alike are willing to pay premium prices for products they deem worth it -- including government services. Today, governments charge, and people and businesses willingly pay, higher fees for less congested public roadways, faster airport security lines, or cleaner streets -- but the state of Delaware actually pioneered this model more than a century ago in positioning itself as the incorporation capital of the world.
Delaware also derives a high percentage of revenues from the mere 20 miles of public infrastructure that carry most of the country's commerce and travelers across its borders in minutes. The Atlantic's James Fallows likes to complain about this as one little state clogging the arteries of the entire East Coast's commerce because the tollbooths slow down traffic so much between D.C. and New York (Delaware Governor Jack Markell responds that the installation of EZPass booths is alleviating that problem), but if that really troubles you, there are competitive options: You can take Interstates from Baltimore to Harrisburg and then on to New York, skirting Delaware completely. But Delaware still provides the quicker and cheaper route -- and it uses its minimal role in the I-95 corridor to maximal effect, providing something outsiders will pay more for in order to subsidize other services to its own citizens.
Can government ever deliver both high-quality, attractive public services and low tax rates? Yes -- by providing services for which not only their own citizens will acquiesce in paying, but also outsiders are willing to pay a premium. Any place that can figure out how, like Delaware or Nevada, to "export" its tax burden could offer great public services while keeping taxes low for its own citizens. Governments can adopt other intelligent and successful competitive strategies, too.


text:
SEIU Compares AZ SB 1070 to Berlin Wall
Who is the fearmonger?
H/T Sweetness & Light
Posted by LewWaters at 12:14 AM 2 comments
Buy A Tote For San Fran Nan
I guess I shouldn't be too surprised to see such an advertisement as below, what with the push to ban on plastic grocery bags, originating in Nancy Pelosi's San Francisco and now spreading across the land.
"I have some exciting news to share. Speaker Nancy Pelosi recently asked me if I would design a limited edition tote bag. With everything Speaker Pelosi has done to move our country forward, I was more than happy to oblige."
"But what makes this tote bag even more special is that every dollar toward its purchase price will be used to support Speaker Pelosi and courageous House Democrats who are under increased attack by those who wish to take our country back to the policies of former President George W. Bush."
No mention of just what material it is constructed from or where it is made, just lay down $65, which is a steal since otherwise without the listed sales code, you would pay $81.25.
No more cheap plastic bags cluttering your recycling bin. Store clerks and shoppers will envy you, seeing you carry your very own Limited Edition, San Fran Nan, Diane von Furstenberg designed tote.
Not recommended for picking up pet waste.
Posted by LewWaters at 6:47 PM 2 comments
What Happened to Promises of "Open and Transparent" Government?
All throughout the 2006 campaign, Nancy Pelosi spoke of "draining the swamp," and cleaning up Congress and government. She even said, "We Will Create the Most Open and Honest Government in History" in a January 2006 release.
In 2008, Barack Obama campaigned on much the same message. Upon inauguration, his White House released a statement, "Change has come to WhiteHouse.gov" that contains, "President Obama has committed to making his administration the most open and transparent in history, and WhiteHouse.gov will play a major role in delivering on that promise."
We have seen anything but an "Open and Transparent" government since the Democratic cartel seized dictatorial control of America as multi-thousand page legislation was written behind closed doors, votes rammed through before congress could even read them, not to mention American citizens had no chance to read them with either.
Obama blocked access to the White House visitors log for a time and requests under the Freedom of Information Act seemed to have slowed down immensely.
The Associated Press, finally doing a little investigative Journalism uncovered why and has spoken out, Playing politics with public records requests.
Long overdue that the media in America actually does their job!
AP's Ted Bridis writes,
"The Freedom of Information Act, the main tool forcing the government to be more open, is designed to be insulated from political considerations. Anyone who seeks information through the law is supposed to get it unless disclosure would hurt national security, violate personal privacy or expose confidential decision-making in certain areas."
"But in July 2009, Homeland Security introduced a directive requiring a wide range of information to be vetted by political appointees for "awareness purposes," no matter who requested it."
Officials claim that no requests were improperly denied. But, depending on what was uncovered in vetting the requester's political views, they were delayed, even to members of Congress.
Claims from the White House that they had no indication this was happening fall on deaf ears as emails received by the AP shows coordination between the White House and DHS on some releases.
What was "vetted" is also quite interesting for an "open and transparent" government,
"Anything that related to an Obama policy priority was pegged for this review. So was anything that touched on a "controversial or sensitive subject" that could attract media attention or that dealt with meetings involving prominent business and elected leaders."
"Anything requested by lawmakers, journalists, activist groups or watchdog organizations had to go to the political appointees. This included all of AP's information requests, even a routine one for records that had already been sought by other news organizations."
As this 'foot dragging' policy was coming to light, it was cancelled.
I wouldn't hold my breath waiting on the real "Open and Transparent" government Democrats promised to seize power, though. Everywhere turned since the Dictatorial Democrats took over, we see stone-walling and obfuscation as more and more of our freedoms are ever so slowing be whittled away.
If only the rest of the media would do their job in actually investigating instead of making excuses, these Democrats ruining the country for generations to come would all be in jail or deported.
America, if we really want change, real change that restores freedom and liberty and gives citizens' security, as well as rebuild a shattered economy, it has to begin in November 2010.
This cabal in Washington D.C. has to go, they must be voted out and new blood brought in. Democrats and RINO's who roll over for Democrats every chance must be voted out.
Candidates that show they too will kow tow to the dictatorial Democrat cartel must be defeated in elections.
The only way to really "drain the swamp" is by pulling the plug on these wealthy career politicians that will not even submit themselves to the very policies they force upon you and I.
Let's Keep America, AMERICA!
Second Amendment Right? Or Paranoia?
On Monday, July 19, 2010 the Columbian posted an interesting blog post on their Political Beat blog, Hedrick brings 'heat' to Stranger interview, referencing a video and interview from Seattle's alternative media, the Stranger, Which Congressional Candidate Brought a Gun to The Stranger Yesterday?
Watching the video, I initially thought, "big deal, the guy has a concealed carry permit and carries a gun." I admit that reading about the kids' theater incident sounds a bit contrived and although I strongly support the Second Amendment and concealed carry with the proper permit, and that I wouldn't carry a firearm into a kid's movie, he does have a legal concealed carry permit.
Unless the theater bars guns, it is legal to carry, even if not the smartest thing a parent would do with his kids.
But, something didn't set well with me. Something just didn't sound right to me.
Admittedly, I do not support Hedrick in his congressional run, even though I supported him in standing up to Brian Baird last August. I even have questions that remain unanswered concerning his service in the US Marine Corps and disability claimed. But none of that entered my mind as I watched the video over and over trying to figure out what did not set well with me.
After a few viewings, it dawned on me what it was. If you didn't pick up on it, watch again and pay attention towards the end of the video, after Hedrick tells the interviewer that they have a legal right to bar guns on their private property.
He states that he would not be there doing the interview in person, but it would be by phone, had they barred his carrying a gun into the interview.
The second amendment is a very serious right that carries with it grave responsibility. Concealed Carry, under current laws, is a privilege not to be taken lightly. I strongly support both, but also feel such a responsibility must be tempered with some good old fashioned common sense.
Much like holding a security clearance in the Military, having the clearance isn't enough; you must also have "the need to know."
As Hedrick even shows in the story about the incident at the children's movie, it is extremely rare to need to pull a gun if you are carrying. However, the likelihood of actually needing your gun, although slim, can be real at any given moment.
But, to indicate that if you may not carry on someone's private property, their legal right, you, a candidate for federal office, would not do an in person interview? It would be only by telephone?
Such a comment comes across to me as paranoia, or a young man still trying to prove to himself that he is a man, with little clue what manhood is really about.
I have to believe that he received adequate training in the safe and proper handling of rifles while in Basic Training and AIT, since he did serve a short while in the US Marine Corps, even if he is tight lipped about that service other than making his rank held central to his campaign, but I also wonder if that attitude of "no gun, no in person interview" extends to other venues, such as political forums or school functions with his children?
I wonder because RCW 9.41.280 prohibits firearms "in a public or private school building," except under some strict exemptions.
To me, given his comment in the video, it would only seem logical that he would not attend school plays or PTA Meetings concerning his own children unless he was armed either.
I can only hope that this is not the case and that he obeys the law concerning concealed carry on school grounds and buildings, leaves it home or properly locked in his car and is there for his children.
There are those that see no problem with his carrying a concealed weapon to an interview. If not for the comment of "no gun, no in person interview," neither would I.
But, that one little comment, giving us a glimpse into the mind of a candidate for office, leaves me feeling like he might just be too immature or too paranoid to be elected to office.
Who Can Oust Patty Murray?
Patty Murray, dubbed "the Mom in Tennis Shoes" and first elected as US Senator in 1992, is facing another "tough election" in her bid to retain her seat of power. In typical leftist fashion, Murray begins the victim card early by whining of a "tough election" even though she is Washington States senior Senator and holds some very powerful positions in the Senate.
Murray says she "understands voters' frustration with a struggling economy, prolonged war, complex reforms in health care and the fact that a fix for immigration issues continues to elude Congress," completely ignoring that she has been part and parcel of the escalating economic problems and growing tension over ILLEGAL immigration that she and her fellow Senators have long ignored.
Claiming "Every time I run, I'm an underdog," Murray's $11 Million raised for her campaign war chest isn't too shabby.
Murray, queen darling of pork laden leftists, is facing 3 viable Republican challengers, Dino Rossi, Clint Didier and Paul Akers and defeating her will be a tough task. But, she is vulnerable, as shown in Rasmussen Polling, giving Didier and Rossi each 48% to her 45% preference by voters polled.
Akers remains close behind her and gaining ground.
After our August 11 primary, only one will be running against her and it is critical, if we wish to unseat Patty finally and hopefully begin returning sanity to our government, that we choose who best can defeat her.
Dino Rossi, twice defeated for governor of Washington State, the 2004 election being an obvious stolen election, enjoys the most name recognition, but doesn't seem to hold the passion for the run like he once did. His late entry into the race is said to have prevented much fund raising of others as they tried to build campaigns, most of those candidates dropping once he entered and endorsing him.
Clint Didier, former football player and farmer, is gaining in name recognition and is probably the most passionate of the three. However, he has chosen to embrace the foreign policy and other views of well-known politikook, Ron Paul in regards to the ongoing War in Afghanistan and the health reform bill purchased 3,000 shotguns for the IRS.
Paul Akers, inventor, entrepreneur and small businessman, remains the least known of the 3 challengers with the best chance to defeat Murray, seems to have the most ideas, but lacks in the passion shown by Didier and does not have the name recognition of Rossi.
Didier and Akers both shows ties to the loosely knit group known as the TEA Party throughout the state, Didier receiving the well received endorsement of Alaska former governor and vice-presidential candidate, Sarah Palin, while Rossi indicates he can ignore the group and still receive their support in the November general election, leading many conservatives to feel taken for granted.
Both Didier and Akers have held functions of their own in Clark County while Rossi has yet to.
All 3 made appearances at the Republican Resurgence Convention held in Vancouver this past June, Didier leaving suddenly to meet with Mrs. Palin Friday morning in the Tri-Cities area.
Rossi remains far ahead of both Didier and Akers in campaign donations, having raised some $1.4 Million, compared to Didier's slightly more than $350,000 and Akers' more than $275,000. Rossi has also spent the least, in part due to his late entry while others were campaigning.
One of these 3 will go on to run against Murray in the general election in November and I can't honestly say which one I support yet. But, if we are to unseat Murray, as many in the state desire, we must choose who we feel is best suited and support whoever wins the August 17 primary with all we have.
We can expect the Democrats to fight with everything they have to retain Murray in the US Senate seat.
Shouldn't we throw everything we have towards ousting her?
Once the Oil Flow is Stopped, What Then?
With guarded hopes, testing on the broken oil well in the Gulf of Mexico that has been spewing oil into the gulf for nearly 3 months looks promising so far. Although premature for celebration, all parties involved hope to see the beginning of the end for this nightmare that has affected so many people.
Once permanently capped, what then? The clean-up will be a massive undertaking even when it no longer creates sympathetic headlines and we still have growing energy needs that will need met, if we wish to maintain the current lifestyle.
And, it is not just energy needs as petroleum plays a huge role in our day to day lives that most of never give a second thought to. From food to medical and so much in between, petroleum has contributed to our lives in very positive ways.
But, accidents as the Gulf Well draws negative attention and the effects of such accidents last a very long time. Opportunists jump at the chance to raise allegations against those who provide us with petroleum and even elected officials, who actually have little or no knowledge of the matter, push through legislation that benefit lobbyists who fund their campaigns and in the end, John Q. Public pays with a lowered lifestyle, higher prices and increased taxes. Did I mention fewer jobs too?
Such is the case ongoing now with the poor performance seen from the Obama administration in helping or directing efforts at ending this oil spill. Many feel the oil should never have reached the shoreline to create the environmental disaster now being seen along the Louisiana, Alabama and Florida coastlines, as well as other states along the gulf.
In spite of a lack of concern shown by the administration, they and willing accomplices in Congress were very quick to seize upon the unfolding tragedy to announce a "moratorium" on further deep water drilling, giving no regard as to how such a moratorium would affect an already severely depressed economy or how America's energy needs will be met.
Obama's Interior Secretary Ken Salazar stated,
"I am basing my decision on evidence that grows every day of the industry's inability in the deepwater to contain a catastrophic blowout, respond to an oil spill, and to operate safely."
Unstated in the announcement, along with just how our growing energy needs will be met, is that obtaining our own land based petroleum has been blocked now for decades in areas known to contain enough reserves to satisfy our needs while alternative sources are being perfected.
Jack Gerard of the American Petroleum Institute says
It is unnecessary and shortsighted to shut down a major part of the nation's energy lifeline while working to enhance offshore safety The new moratorium threatens enormous harm to the nation and to the Gulf region. It places the jobs of tens of thousands of workers in serious and immediate jeopardy and promises a substantial reduction in domestic energy production. No certain and expeditious path forward has been established for a resumption of drilling."
"The 33 now idle deepwater drilling rigs in the Gulf have passed thorough government inspections and are ready to be put back to work. The industry has been working extremely hard on all fronts to enhance safety-and will continue to do so. And the government has already imposed significant, additional safety requirements that are supported by the industry. A resumption of drilling would proceed only under the most intense and vigilant oversight."
Gerard also points out, "80 percent of the oil and 45 percent of the natural gas produced in the Gulf come from deepwater areas," indicating we now have that much less energy sources to meet our needs and you can imagine the number of jobs now sitting idle in the region and throughout the rest of the nation.
Most telling are the words of Larry Dickerson, chief executive of Diamond Offshore Drilling as he quotes many of his employees who ask about "the difference between the auto industry and the oil industry, 'how come they get bailed out and we get driven out'?"
Left-winged environmental groups, who although they condemn many modern modes of transportation and energy use them themselves, are also known to seize upon such incidents to further their agendas. We can expect to see emails, television and radio ads decrying the damaged costal regions, even though many of them do not lift a finger to help out.
They and even more willing accomplices in Congress will undoubtedly demand punitive measures on the petroleum industry and taxes placed upon their products, all of which you and I, the struggling citizens of America will inevitably end up paying in higher prices to heat our homes, drive to work (for those lucky enough to still have a job) and even to prepare our meals.
A briefing paper has already been made available to the public on steps being taken that will affect all of us in from the above call.
Nick Rahall, West Virginia Democrat and House Natural Resources Chairman has introduced legislation "to firm up safety and oversight of offshore drilling in response to the Gulf of Mexico oil spill," that would expand government oversight and control of not only offshore drilling of oil and natural gas, but would also include onshore drilling.
To me personally, it appears to be more of just another step toward our government nationalizing the petroleum industry.
API's president, Jack Gerard released a statement recently stating,
"The bill passed by the House Natural Resources Committee today moves well beyond a response to the tragic accident in the Gulf of Mexico, to the point where – if adopted by the Congress – provisions of the legislation will kill jobs, stifle economic recovery and punish an already-reeling Gulf Coast community."
"The numerous provisions that discourage U.S. oil and natural gas development have the potential to drive investment out of the United States, killing U.S. jobs and harming our economy."
"We support efforts to ensure safe and environmentally responsible operations, and we are committed to being part of the solution. But we cannot forget that oil and natural gas demand is growing and that it is critical to every sector of our economy. Any policy changes must bear that in mind. We can protect the environment without jeopardizing our economic security."
In the meantime, there are still thousands of oil wells throughout the Gulf of Mexico and elsewhere off of our shores operated by foreign nations that the legislation would not affect. They are drilling to meet their energy needs while we idealistically think we can do without energy.
Our dependence upon foreign oil is growing at an alarming rate, which ultimately will leave us prone to more attacks, both physical and economic. So called "alternative sources" are still not capable of meeting our basic energy needs.
The shortsightedness of the current administration seizing upon such accidents for political opportunism is stripping our nation of our defenses, while devastating our economy.
We remain optimistically guarded that this tragic accident at the Deepwater Horizon Oil Well will be soon permanently sealed and that in time, the Gulf Coast will recover.
But, if the region is not allowed to recover and continue supplying our energy needs economically, can we remain a nation of free people much longer?
Posted by LewWaters at 12:25 PM 0 comments
Washington State Congressional Candidate Jaime Herrera Says, "Trust Me"
Jaime Herrera, the Republican establishment backed candidate for Washington State 3rd Congressional District, has put together her first ever TV Ad.
Jaime Herrera for Congress TV Ad -- "Trust" from Herrera Campaign on Vimeo.
A very nicely created ad that paints her in a very positive light. However, even though she says "Put trust in people," it is common knowledge that such ads are designed to enlist trust in her in order that voters will send her back to Washington D.C., where she spent many years before returning to gain the 18th legislative district seat she will now be vacating.
Trust is a very fragile thing and hard to gain. It is something that must be earned, regardless of who desires it and the main way someone earns it is to be up front and honest with people, especially voters. Has Jaime been being honest with us? You should judge for yourself.
Jaime has been under fire for some time for her co-sponsorship and voting on HB 1329, a bill that many say would have forced childcare centers into a public union. Jaime maintains, "The bill I supported is not compulsory. It doesn't violate my own standards."
Yet, when the bill was being actively debated, we find;
January 29, 2010, the Seattle Times wrote, "The Seattle Times Editorial Board opposes House Bill 1329, a project of the Service Employees International Union to organize owners of child-care centers under labor law."
"THE House of Representatives in Olympia has passed a bill that could force the owners of child-care centers into being represented by a union. This is an improper application of labor law."
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/editorials/2010931289_edit31childcare.html
Also on January 29, 2010, KOMO News wrote, "Some daycare owners are claiming the unionization of the industry would jeopardize the quality of care given to the state's children."
"The criticism comes as some state lawmakers are pushing the plan to bring unions to daycare."
"Candi Doran owns the Little Orca Learning Center in Mukilteo, and she's quick with her opinion about joining a union."
"I will not be forced into paying people I do not believe present quality to the public," she said.
"Doran has owned the daycare for 18 years, and resents the Service Employees International Union and its attempt to force daycares to join and pay dues."
http://www.komonews.com/news/local/83009272.html
Much earlier, April 9, 2009, The Tacoma News Tribune wrote, "But the fundamental problem with HB 1329 is that it amounts to a political payoff to an especially aggressive union. The actual welfare of the children involved is a secondary consideration."
http://www.thenewstribune.com/2009/04/06/700353/fund-child-care-skip-the-middleman.html
January 27, 2010, the Everett Herald said, "This measure, House Bill 1329, stirred much controversy in 2009. It passed the House but died after the majority there rejected changes made by the Senate."
"House Democrats expect the outcome will be different this time because they are apparently willing to accept revisions pushed by senators a year ago."
"One of those would drop the bill's requirement for collective bargaining at small centers where aid is received for one or more children. The Senate wants participation to be voluntary." Showing that when first co-sponsored by and voted on by Herrera, it indeed would have made joining the public union compulsory.
http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20100127/NEWS01/100129882&news01ad=1
On February 4, 2010, the Yakima Herald wrote against HB 1329, saying, "Of course, it's important to note the biggest beneficiary of the unionizing efforts. Surprise -- it's the Service Employees International Union. As an added bonus in the House measure, union dues would be automatically deducted from the state's payment to the center. How convenient."
"Large child-care systems that have 10 or more centers would be exempt, along with national nonprofits, such as YMCAs. Centers run by Native American tribes are also excluded."
http://www.yakima-herald.com/stories/2010/02/03/bid-to-unionize-child-care-centers-still-a-bad-idea
February 8, 2010, the Family Policy Institute of Washington released a post claiming, "In 2007, the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) approached child care centers (not home day care centers) in Washington about joining the union. After learning that the union would not disclose how much membership was going to cost or specify the benefits that the centers would receive, they declined."
They also wrote, "What resulted was House Bill 1329, which has already passed the House of Representatives and has moved to the Senate for consideration. Although unclear, it appears that this bill would compel all child care centers to become part of a union if one person from 30% of the centers says they want to join. Therefore, if there were 100 centers with 5,000 employees, 30 signatures (one from 30 different centers) could compel all 5,000 employees to become union members."
http://fpiw.blogspot.com/2010/02/wa-legislature-threatens-womens-choice.html
Jaime has also repeatedly said that her sponsorship and votes for HB 1329 were "the result of concerns voiced by members of the day care industry in her district."
However, looking through the House Bill Report we find that those speaking in support of it before Commerce and Labor were Kim Cook, Megan Price, and Barbara Tristan, Service Employees International Union; Lucinda Young, Washington Education Association and American Federation of Teachers; Diane Gaile, Mariah Collaborative Arts Center and Washington Educators for Early Learning; Molly Boyajian, League of Education Voters; and Kim Gilligan, Washington Educators for Early Learning.
Opposed were Tom Emery, Love and Laughter Learning Center; Ginger Still, Kid's World Childcare; Candi Doran, Little Orca Learning Center; Colleen Hill, Country Kids Playhouse; Kim Pressell, Middleland Kiddie Korral; and Margo Logan, Washington Parents for Safe Child Care.
In testimony before the House Ways & Means Committee, those testifying in support were Adair Dammonn, Service Employees International Union 925; and Lucinda Young, Washington Education Association.
Those opposed were David Foster, Washington Child Care United; Tom Emery, Washington Child Care Alliance; and Amy Bell, YMCA of Washington.
Yet, Herrera's campaign manager, Casey Bowman sent out a memo emphasizing that support of the bill "was at the request of the small business owners of day care centers."
Jaime now says she is "right of center," and that "she'll cast votes for the benefit of her district first and with her political party second." However, she indicated that her vote for HB 1329 was an "outlier vote," meaning something she doesn't usually do.
Who she was placing first in her support and votes for HB 1329 remains a mystery as testimony shows the childcare centers were opposed to the bill.
Equally troubling is that she said to the Columbian's Kathie Durbin, "Not once have you heard me criticize Brian Baird's performance in Southwest Washington," but in forum after forum, she readily stood up and criticized the very Republican Party she hopes to vote her into the office being vacated by Democrat Brian Baird.
In the video Jaime claims she will stand for "fiscal sanity." But, during the special session held by the legislature this year, she abandoned the Republican Party once again and joined the tax and spend Democrats in Olympia in raiding the last $229,000,000.00 from our Rainy Day Fund. On this vote, she says, "In my mind, it was raise taxes or take money from the rainy day fund. And I'll choose taking money from the fund over taxes every time."
We still ended up with historic tax increases and additional taxes AFTER raiding the Rainy Day Fund and now we are facing another $3 Billion budget shortfall, with no buffer in the Rainy Day Fund to help. Win or lose, Jaime won't be there to haggle over the next slate of tax increases Olympia will try to shove down our throats.
Trust is a very fragile and precious thing to ask for and must be earned. We place our trust in honest people.
It doesn't look like Jaime Herrera has been being very honest with us.
Rep. Bachmann to Start House TEA Party Caucus.
From Congresswoman Bachmann's web site: "Today, U.S. Representative Michele Bachmann filed paperwork to start a House Tea Party Caucus to promote Americans' call for fiscal responsibility, adherence to the Constitution, and limited government."
Copy of letter sent HERE
A New Ad to "Make Murray Worry"
Brought to you by American Action Network
Clint Didier Shoots Himself In The Foot
Even though I remain undecided as to just who I would like to see win the nomination to face off against Patty Murray in the general election, It is with great sadness that I have to say Clint Didier's name has fallen completely off of the list.
I was initially impressed with Clint, especially when he approached me outside of the Hilton the evening of the Lincoln Day dinner to thank me for serving in Viet Nam, having seen my Viet Nam Veterans cap I often wear.
Although undecided, I have been leaning towards him, in spite of him previously saying on his twitter page, "Just finished meeting with Ron Paul. What an inspirational leader! Makes me want to fight harder for Liberty!"
The looniness of Ron Paul is well known and seeing Didier describe him as an "inspirational leader" disturbed me immensely, but I continued to give Clint the benefit of doubt.
I can no longer hold that benefit of doubt as Clint has now come forward repeating Ron Paul's claims of "Afghanistan is not a war, but a conflict" and "we should never have gone in there without a formal declaration of war."
Audio of KUOW's "The Conversation" with Ross Reynolds interview with Clint Didier HERE
Just as wrong as Ron Paul remains to be over this, since Congress overwhelmingly authorized going after the terrorists in Afghanistan, in the shadow of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks that murdered nearly 3,000 innocent civilians and considering that groups like Al Qaeda and other radical Jihadists had been steadily attacking American interests for over two decades at the time, Didier is way off base as well, in my estimation.
We often hear Ron Paul worshippers proclaim him to be heir apparent to the legacy of Ronald Reagan. They cite Reagan's withdrawing from Lebanon after over 200 Marines were lost in a terrorist attack there, but they ignore Reagan's own words of,
"In the profound sadness that fell over the whole country in the aftermath of the Beirut bombing, I had to decide what to do next in Lebanon. Not surprisingly, there was new pressure in Congress to leave that country. Although I did my best to explain to the American people why our troops were there, I knew many still didn't understand it. I believed in - and still believe in - the policy and decisions that originally sent the marines to Lebanon."
Ronald Reagan: LEBANON, BEIRUT AND GRENADA
Didier brings up Paul's notion of using "Letters of Marque and Reprisal" as viable alternative, ignoring that every other nation banned them in the mid-1800's and that we are signatories to the Geneva Conventions, that forbids the use of mercenaries in warfare by nations.
Didier says in this regard, "So we put a bounty on their head through letters of marque and reprisal" adding it should be "One Billion Dollars."
How disconnected from reality can he and Ron Paul be? Money isn't what radical Jihadists are after. They are religious zealots misguided by their misinterpretation of the Qu'Ran and the false belief that God is on their side in this.
Last I recall hearing there has been a $50 Million bounty on Bin Laden with no takers that can get close enough to him.
Then again, since he says, "put a bounty on their head," is proposing that for each one?
As a Viet Nam veteran, I remember well as congress pulled the plug on us, after tying out hands for so many years with ridiculous "rules of engagement" and losing over 58,000 of my fellow Veterans and we abandoned that struggling ally to fall under the darkness of communism for far too many years.
Didier and Paul, perhaps without even realizing it, are advocating just such a repeat scenario.
We have lost well over 1,000 of our Troops in Afghanistan and many more in Iraq, Troops who went off to war to protect our freedoms and fight to free people in a foreign land. Walking away and leaving the job unfinished once again would totally invalidate their sacrifices, as was ours by not finishing the job in Viet Nam.
Didier and Paul think it reprehensible that we did not formally declare war, ignoring the congressional vote authorizing the war, but abandoning friends in need to their fate of oppression seems not to bother them.
Another quote from Ronald Reagan, from a July 1975 Reason Magazine Interview,
"Once you are going to commit yourself to a combat role and you're going to ask young men to fight and die for your country, then you have a moral obligation as a nation to throw the full resources of the nation behind them and to win that war as quickly as possible and get it over with…"
Sorry Clint, I still admire your football career, your devotion to your community and appreciate your shaking my hand to thank me for serving, but I cannot get behind any candidate that falls into league with Ron Paul or can treat the sacrifices of our Troops so cavalierly.
Posted by LewWaters at 2:05 AM 2 comments
Do We Need Any More Reason to Seal The Border?
It remains alarming that the flood of ILLEGAL aliens is allowed to continue through our porous borders. Cries of poor disadvantaged people seeking a better life are only a portion of those coming across.
Drug dealers, gang members and even some suspects of radical Islamic terrorism have made their way through too.
And now, we read Mexico thwarts Hezbollah bid to set up South American network
Mexico foiled an attempt by Hezbollah to establish a network in South America, a Kuwaiti newspaper reported on Tuesday.
Hezbollah operatives employed Mexicans nationals with family ties to Lebanon to set up the network, designed to target Israel and the West, the Al-Seyassah daily said.
According to the report, Mexican police mounted a surveillance operation on the group's leader, Jameel Nasr, who traveled frequently to Lebanon to receive information and instructions from Hezbollah commanders there.
Police say Nasr also made frequent trips to other countries in Latin America, including a two-month stay in Venezuela in the summer of 2008.
Nasr was living in Tijuana, Mexico at the time of his arrest, the report said.
Ask yourself just why would a Hezbollah leader be setting up a terrorist network in South and Central America, headquartered in Tijuana, just across the border?
It is long past time both parties stopped the bickering back and forth and pushing for granting another amnesty, which would have given any terrorists that may have already snuck across the border, legitimacy.
SEAL THE BORDER NOW!!
"I Fought for You!"
May we never forget the sacrifices our men and women who serve in the Military have made so we may have the freedoms so many take for granted today.
Have a Safe and Happy 4th of July
I hope everyone enjoys our Independence Day celebrations in your community. But please, remember, stay safe so you can enjoy next years as well.
Alcohol and driving do not mix nor does Alcohol and fireworks. Be sure before you set any off that they are a safe distance away from your home and people, especially small children.
It only takes a split second for an accident that will forever alter your or someone else's life to happen.
Please be respectful of others after the public ceremonies this evening. You may be feeling good after you get home from the ceremony and public display of fireworks, but do we really need to hear them still going off at midnight and at 1 A.M.?
Not everybody has Monday off from work.
Above all, remember why we even celebrate the day and let's hold our freedoms and liberties our forefathers fought and died for in higher regard. They are precious and unprecedented and we should not allow any politician to threaten them "for the collective good."
Have a safe and happy 4th.
Gregoire Ignores High Unemployment While Promoting Illegal Aliens
In yet another stunning example of the failure of the Gregoire regime in Washington State, we now read from the Seattle PI, Gregoire: Congress must address immigration reform.
It is well known that calls for "immigration reform" are little more than calls to extend some sort of amnesty to the millions of people who chose to violate the sanctity of our borders and ignore our laws by sneaking into the country by any means they can. Hence, the use of the often ignored, "ILLEGAL" Democrats and advocates removed as they speak of "Immigrants" or "Aliens."
Gregoire, in what she dubs the "Feeding Washington tour," stopped over in the Walla Walla and Yakima agricultural areas where she remarked,
"I've seen the need of our farmers. People don't understand that farm work is not just for anybody. It takes skill, it takes training. For the good of our state, for the good of agriculture, I want to see Congress tackle immigration reform."
Apparently, some farms in the region are feeling a pinch due to a crackdown by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on illegal aliens, one claiming they had to import "workers from Jamaica since then under a federal guest worker program."
Of course, this is where we are usually told that this is work "Americans won't do," which in part is true, since tax dollars pay unemployed able-bodied people more to not perform such work. But, does it have to be that way? With high unemployment throughout the state and rambunctious teens out of school for the summer, labor must be imported?
If we have gotten this lazy, isn't it about time to correct that?
Dan Fazio, labor specialist for the Washington state Farm Bureau says, "The guest worker program is expensive and the paperwork required is extensive, deterring many farmers from using it."
So, we prefer they instead use people who entered the country illegally and now must work in the shadows and often for substandard wages in harsh conditions? Is that not justifying a secondary slave class, the very thing Democrats claim they oppose?
And, what if they were to receive amnesty? Would that not also be "expensive?"
Fazio adds,
"The agriculture industry has three choices, automate harvests to reduce the need for labor, push for a functional program to bring in workers from another country and offer citizenship after several years, or move labor-intensive farming out of the U.S. Americans need to decide if they want to produce fresh fruits and vegetables in the United States. And we can't do it here unless we automate it or find a stable work force."
Isn't that attitude expressed the very elitism the left claims of those us on the right? Is that not claiming Americans are too good actually get their hands dirty and must use labor from other countries?
And again, with the rising unemployment, many falling off of the unemployment roles and summer breaks for teens and young adults, it seems to me that there is a ready work force sitting idle and being taught they don't have to work.
And, why is our governor pushing such an elitist position instead of doing what is needed to put Washingtonians back to work?
It makes no sense to me to continue to pay people not to work while crying we have no workers and must import workers from other countries.
This is why I support candidates like David Castillo that believe we must use our own resources before relying on others.
We are told we are a "nation of immigrants." While our ancestors did immigrate from other countries, they did so in accordance with the law and not all were immediately allowed in, some not at all.
We do not need "immigration reform," we need "immigration enforcement."
Once we have our own unemployment numbers drastically reduced, then we could consider a "guest worker program." But, not until.
Governor Gregoire continues to show she does not place the best interests of Washington Citizens first as she advocates for lawbreakers. Pushing for such an amnesty for ILLEGAL Aliens while voting, taxpaying citizens sit idle and run out of unemployment benefits is irresponsible and contrary to the well-being of Washington Citizens.
We need to elect responsible representatives this November and begin breaking the stranglehold the elitist Democrats have over us all.
David Castillo, for the United States House of Representatives, Ann Rivers for the 18th Legislative District, Brian Peck and Paul Harris for the 2 seats in the 17th Legislative District, Craig Riley and Bill Cismar to replace the two tax happy Democrats currently occupying the seats in the 49th Legislative District are a good start.
We must get our borders and out of control illegal immigration under control if we are to ever come out of this severe recession we are in.
Governor Gregoire should either resign or be recalled. Democrats must lose control of the legislature.
They have been a disaster for Washington State!
Obama, "Great News, Unemployment is Only 9.6%, not 15%"
In defending his failed stimulus package, Barack Obama, off teleprompter obviously, tried to paint a rosey picture of economic recovery by stating, "unemployment's at 9.6%, but it's not 12 or 13 or 15."
If you recall, we had to have his stimulus package to prevent unemployment from exceeding 8%.
Maybe he should get off of the golf course long enough to visit counties in Washington and Oregon where unemployment has settled around 14% for much of the time since his stimulus package passed.
Longer version of the video at Real Clear Politics
What Happened to Promises of "Open and Transparent...
Washington State Congressional Candidate Jaime Her...
Gregoire Ignores High Unemployment While Promoting...
Obama, "Great News, Unemployment is Only 9.6%, not...


I hope Theresa May and the Lord Chief Justice have the courage and the will to stop Lauri's extradition.
We are not trying to avoid a trial, but if Lauri has done anything wrong then he should be able to face justice in Britain.
Theresa May intervened to stop Gary McKinnon being extradited after he was accused of hacking American computer systems from Britain.
I can't see any difference between Gary McKinnon's case and Lauri's case. They both have Asperger's, they were both at risk of suicide and extradition is clearly against their human rights.
Theresa May changed the law by introducing a forum bar so that people could be tried in the UK, but so far it has been shown not to work.
If it does not work now, will she have the courage to do the right thing and stop the extradition?
I don't like to think about it, but I believe Lauri when he says he will kill himself if he is sent to America. He is quite serious about that.
Lauri is very skilled with computers. Those skills could be put to better use, and that is what he wants to do – he seems very keen on using his skills for the good.
He helped by coordinating efforts to stop Wannacry attacks that hit the health service, which was a very big thing. He was helping to coordinate the volunteers to get people working to analyse the code.
He has started a social collective, called Bogaty Hack, to work with other experts to improve security, and he could do a lot more if he was given the opportunity.
With all the troubles Lauri had at university, he thought he was not good for society, but now he knows that he is good. It would be such a waste to let all that go and put him in a US prison for life.
It does make me wonder why he has been treated differently – the US were happy to let previous hacking cases be tried in the UK.
I don't know if there is a political aspect to it. Lauri is quite outspoken about his distaste for the America government, and the whole protest movement he is alleged to have been involved in is quite political.
Lauri has always been really intelligent. When we were growing up, he figured things out really quickly. He just knew how things worked. We had an MSX home computer and he figured how to write little programs on it, and taught me how to do it, and we would write our own computer games.
He can be quite idiotic in some ways, not having the sort of common sense that people normally have. I suppose it has something to do with Asperger's.
If something is logical for him, and is the right way of doing things, he does not think about how other people would view it.
He knows that he is smart and he does not see that point of hiding that. He is not so patient with people if they don't see things his way or don't understand him. That can make him quite annoying, but once you get past that, he is a good person and very ethical.
I came to England from Finland to hear the verdict of the first trial, and I was completely shocked when the judge said he should be extradited. Everyone in the public gallery was aghast. It was so unexpected.
Lauri could not really comprehend the verdict went the way it did, because all the evidence was there and it was ignored. It wasn't logical for him.
His usual way of dealing with things is to make jokes and ignore how serious the situation is.
He absolutely would not be able to cope with the conditions in US prisons. He would not cope at all, with his Asperger's and his eczema, which is really bad.
When he gets stressed, his eczema gets a lot worse; he would be at risk from antibiotic-resistant skin infections. It's not easy in a prison cell to keep everything clean.
The way they treat people who are a suicide risk in the US is not going to improve his condition. It's not going to help his mental state. When he gets stressed, it all comes out in physical symptoms, so he will be ill all the time.
Lauri should be facing trial in this country, where he has always lived, and where he is alleged to have been involved in hacking. His only chance of a fair trial will be before a jury of his peers.
In America, a jury is likely to view him as an enemy of the state, which is not conducive to a fair trial. Now the potential problems in prison look worse, with Trump in charge.
It would be a waste of his skills if Lauri were extradited.
Lauri Love's appeal against extradition to the United States is due to be heard on Wednesday 29 and Thursday 30 November at the Royal Courts of Justice.
In this exclusive documentary by Computer Weekly and Insofar Media, Love tells the story of how his interest in computers developed from a young age and how his growing interest in politics at university later led him to online activism.
Backbench MPs are campaigning against Lauri Love's extradition to the US so he can face trial in the UK.
Finnish documentary makers Raimo Uunila and Lauri Danska tell the behind-the-scenes story of activist Lauri Love's battle with the US government – and the impact of the case on his family.


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How Russian stereotypes help Putin outwit the West over Ukraine
By Ivan Nechepurenko On May 19, 2014
As the Ukraine crisis has been unfolding for six months now, we can see that many widely accepted notions about the post-Cold War international order were, in fact, illusions. That order, especially in Europe, has changed to an extent that it needs to be redefined in the eyes of policymakers, observers and the wider public.
Despite two world wars and the ultimate defeat of communism, Europe today remains divided with Russia able to exert enough influence to constitute a separate pole of power. It is clear now that without Russia, Europe will be unable to manage the Ukrainian situation as the country's west and southeast divide is the fault line between two spheres of influence.
Moreover, it is evident that Europe will be much better off both economically and politically if it includes Russia as an independent center of power. Unfortunately, today we see politicians pursuing policies that are strictly based on their own immediate self-interests and, in some cases, emotions. The truth is that, as Henry Kissinger put it, "For the West the demonization of Putin is not a policy; it is an alibi for the absence of one." Very rarely do policy makers see the bigger picture and, as a result, it is the people of Ukraine who suffer the most.
In this context, it appears that President Vladimir Putin is able to outwit his counterparts in the West exactly because of their highly stereotypical and value-laden vision of today's Russia. While policy makers in the West seriously suspect that Putin is a fanatic, who is driven by the desire of self-aggrandizement, in reality Putin seems able to catch his opponents off guard by making moves that were not expected of him.
For example, Putin recently called on Ukrainian separatists to postpone referendums in Luhansk and Donetsk. The separatists defied the move and proceeded with a questionable vote that resulted in a confirmation of a substantial pro-Russian, or rather anti-Kiev sentiment, in these regions. Nevertheless, instead of sending troops to Ukraine's East and recognizing the region's self-proclaimed authorities, the Kremlin issued a statement on Monday saying that the referendum's result must only be the basis for dialogue between Ukraine's diverse regions.
The truth is that no other country is more naturally interested in a stable and prosperous Ukraine than Russia. If Moscow were to absorb areas in the eastern part of Ukraine, there would be no state more anti-Russian than the remaining regions of Ukraine. If Ukraine remains destabilized, the Russian economy will suffer further from unrealized opportunities and the Russian leadership will be driven by its own public opinion and domestic pressure to intervene. Today Russia badly needs technology and expertise to shift its economy to a new paradigm of development: while eastern countries, especially China, are willing and able to purchase Russian commodities, only Europe and the US can provide crucial innovation.
Therefore, it is not in Russia's interest to be on bad terms with the West. At the same time, Putin has demonstrated that there are certain red lines that cannot be crossed – Russia will not accept a West-friendly regime change in Kiev, as it will never accept Ukraine's complete departure for the EU. Moreover, it is not only Putin himself who will not accept this, but Russia's public opinion and many people in eastern Ukraine as well.
The Crimean peninsula was, of course, a unique case for at least two reasons. First, the majority of its population is ethnic-Russian and associates itself with the Russian state. Second, it has an incommensurate symbolic and historic value for Russia. Putin himself has repeatedly said that Ukraine's southeast is not comparable and the Crimean scenario is not possible there. Today Russia wants to create a stable political force in Ukraine's east that will balance the Western aspirations of the new elite in Kiev. It would be better for Russia if this balancing would be formalized in a form of constitutional federalization. Russia's reluctance to recognize the so-called People's Republic of Donetsk and accept its plea to join it has confirmed this analysis.
Russian policymakers believe that the 23 years of struggle between east and west in Ukraine, during which one side would not make a viable compromise with the other, has led to the violence and chaos that we observe today. In order to change this situation, Ukraine must have a strong regional elite in the future that can contain the central government in Kiev and stop it from applying a "winner takes all" principle.
The problem is that the West and Russia have already invested so many emotional, political and financial resources in the Ukraine crisis that it will be difficult for both sides to reach a compromise without losing face. With Crimea, Russia has certainly broken the rules of the game that, previously, only Western states were allowed to cross. At the same time, Russia is not part of the West and will potentially become even less "Western" as a result. This represents a major drawback as Europe and the world were arguably more stable when Russia was part of European great power club after the 1815 Congress of Vienna.
What we see today, as the crisis could potentially reach its peak during the May 25th presidential elections, is that the new international order in Europe has arrived without anyone noticing it. Unlike Western states, Russia has come out of the crisis that followed the collapse of the Soviet Union. This makes it resurgent, which legitimizes many of its moves in the eyes of the domestic public opinion and contributes to Putin's popularity. As a result, the world will have to adapt to a new multipolar architecture. Otherwise, the "clash of civilizations" argument can become a self-fulfilling prophecy.
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Ivan Nechepurenko
Ivan Nechepurenko is a Moscow reporter for the New York Times. He has worked for several think tanks and governmental organizations, including the International Crisis Group, OSCE and Carnegie Moscow Center. He has been a staff writer for the Moscow Times in 2013-2015 and also published his work in GQ, Slon.ru, and the Guardian, among other media outlets. He holds a Master's of Science in International Relations from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).Twitter: @INechepurenko
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Damien Cole is a committee member of the Surf Coast Energy Group. He is also one of those rare breed of people that lives and breathes his principles. A strong connection to country, to people and to nature is how I would sum up Damo. Add the important ingredients of 'at home in front of a crowd', an excellent communicator, a quick thinker, lots of stamina and a good dash of personality and guess what? You have a politician. Damo would be the first to decry that label so let's call him an aspiring community leader.
Damo's first foray into activism really hit the launching pad when he ran for the Seat of South Barwon in the State election in November last year. As an independent candidate in a marginal seat much of his efforts aimed to put front and centre an 11 year community battle to achieve permanent town boundaries for Torquay/ Jan Juc, together with building height restrictions and saving Spring Creek. All this was achieved well before Election Day with both major party's courting Damo's preferences.
The experience has given Damo insights into skills he never knew he had, and spurred on by a truly significant win in the State election, Damo decided to run again as an Independent candidate in the Seat of Corangamite in the Federal election. This time a much bigger playing field but once again a marginal seat, and this time highlighting the climate emergency, drilling for deep sea oil in the Great Australian Bight, greater protection of nature in the Otways and at Bells; and greater equity for those in disadvantaged socio economic circumstances, including refugees on Manus and Nauru.
The big and exciting news in all this is that Corangamite bucked the national trend by backing in progressive policies. It is now clear that Labor's win here in a marginal seat comes on the back of Damo's preferences. So our community gets it. We do value nature. We do want strong action on climate and we do want policies that are fit for purpose in this 21st century.
What this suggests to me is that when a campaign action is eloquently explained people will listen- and even more importantly, when community leaders listen, they can then respond to community concerns. Clearly the people of North Queensland don't want to deliberately destroy the Great Barrier Reef. They do want to escape dole queues. Community conversations that carry those important discussions make impossible scenarios possible. Damo is young, energetic and has against all odds strongly contested Seats where a prima facie summary would suggest it personally wasn't worth the effort. However, at a community level he has been the difference. He has sacrificed a lot. We owe him a great deal. Thanks Damo.
"It's about us drawing a line in the sand, to say we are sick of our government continuously allowing the abuse of mother nature, jeopardising our communities and our environment, all for the financial benefit of irresponsible corporations.
It's a fight to say enough is enough! Our country has been devastated by countless environmental disasters just this summer, from fish kills in the Murray Darling Basin, bushfires decimating Tasmania, and flooding throughout Queensland.
Putting Australia, OUR HOME, at risk with the potential of an oil spill, whilst fueling the Climate Emergency to feed our societal addiction to fossil fuels is absolute insanity.
The increasing momentum for change in our community and the incredible team behind me is what drives me and makes me so proud to be running as an Independent candidate in the upcoming Federal Election. This is a grassroots campaign, a representation of our community, a group of volunteers working tirelessly to make positive change. And we're just getting started."
Surf Coast Energy Group 2022


Google Review posted by Sean M.
✔ I recommend Richard Vaznaugh.
✔ I hired Richard in 2013.
✔ Richard handled my Employment / Labor matter.
"Faced with the distress and humiliation of losing my job due to disability discrimination from my former employer of over 13 years, I was referred to Richard by a friend. From my our first meeting, I knew I did not need to look further. During our first consultation, Richard spent nearly two hours discussing high-level details surrounding my case, asking thoughtful questions and providing insight as to points to consider if I chose to pursue a legal matter with my former employer.
He carefully vets each case before deciding to represent clients so that he provides the utmost attention, focus and investment to ensure a successful outcome. Believe me, this is no legal "chop shop", and I am very thankful for the unparalleled quality and service he and his team provided. The process Richard and I followed was an interactive one. He constantly kept me informed as to progression of the case, educated me on steps I needed to take and more than adequately prepared me in achieving milestones such as completing paperwork, organizing documentation for his review, etc.
He provided clear explanation of complex legal processes, terms, etc. so that I was more than ready for the twists and turns my former employer presented. He and his more than capable staff invested countless hours day and night meticulously poring over documents, communication, facts and figures surrounding my case in building a solid, firm foundation. This process resulted in my presenting a solid argument against my former employer.
Ultimately, his patient support and collaboration helped to reduce uncertainty and ensured I was more confident and clear-headed during the deposition process. Mr. Vaznaugh was also incredibly compassionate and showed a genuine concern for my well being. He indulged my panicked, anxiety-laden emotions with calm, strength and encouragement, refocusing me on the facts and building my confidence when I needed it most. I cannot thank him enough for showing this truly authentic and "human" side. It was invaluable to me.
I'm fairly sure Richard is a Jedi.
The process took some time but in that time I didn't have to lift a finger, he went to bat for me each day to help me and in the end got win my case.
If you have a labor problem and are in need of an amazing lawyer, call Richard.
Richard Vaznaugh has great expertise in his field as well as great understanding of his clients' needs. His help enabled me, one person, to take on a world famous, multi-billion dollar company and win. If you have good cause, he will get the job done. Richard's help had made a profound change in how I view my workplace. My case allowed me an opportunity to see the bad side of the company I was suing but ironically also the good. Richard gives lawyers a good name.
✔ I have previously worked with 3-5 lawyers.
Richard was efficient, hard-working and very responsive. He does not posture but relates in a compassionate and conscientious way. He has a great sense of humor which diffuses tense situations. I had an extremely complicated case – my boss had stolen money from me and from the company. Subsequently, I got sick on the job and was put on unpaid personal leave and as retaliation to my whistle blowing was forced out. Richard worked out a fair settlement, he made sure every "t" was crossed and "i" was dotted. He calmly cut through all the smug obfuscations, mean-spirited bluster and outright lies lobbed by the other side. I would certainly recommend him and use his services again.
✔ I have previously worked with no lawyers.
I found Mr. Vaznaugh on the Internet. I posted my case and Mr. Vaznaugh responded to me.
I used to work for 18 years as an assistant manager for a large retail corporation. I became partially disabled and my employer wrongfully terminated my employment. After numerous rejections from other attorneys who were unwilling to take on such a powerful opponent, Richard Vaznaugh exhibited firm confidence in my case from the beginning. Not once I had a feeling of insecurity about my choice of attorney. He guided me through the many steps of this legal dispute with a clear vision, always having the right move ready to counter the legal moves of my employer's legal team.
He kept me informed, never sparing time to explain our course of actions. He possesses formidable legal acumen allowing him to be determined to go all the way even with a large case like mine. Eager to take my case to trial, he pushed my employer to the point where they ultimately succumbed and agreed to my demands of the settlement. Not only was I extremely satisfied with Mr. Vaznaugh's legal services, he helped me through a very difficult time of my life.
Posted by a Discrimination client.
✔ Richard handled my Discrimination matter.
He contacted me the same day I sent the request for assistance. He was very helpful and put me at ease immediately. He advised me through each step of the process and made me feel like I was an important and integral part of the case, not just another client or number. With his skill, we won the case during mediation and avoided a long, drawn out case. I was very satisfied with his services.
Posted by a Discrimination client in 2008.
I met Mr. Vaznaugh through a friend's referral. He was his former client and was very satisfied with his service. I had two prior attorneys, one was not helpful, the other did not want to file my case in court. I hired Mr. Vaznaugh after my first consultation. He understood my needs. My discriminatory layoff and overtime case lasted more than a year, and during the period, Mr. Vaznaugh always gave me prompt and clear reply whenever I had questions for him. He is very experienced and knowledgeable in his legal area, and guided me well in the whole process. At the final stage of my case, i.e., the most important negotiation between the two sides, he penetrated my employer's lay-off defense and played a big role in obtaining a good compensation for me which was considerably more than I expected. I could not thank him more for his great job. For those who struggled with workplace discrimination, I would highly recommend Mr. Vaznaugh.
Former Client: Machinist and Production Manager, San Leandro, CA.
San Francisco Superior Court Judge Ernest Goldsmith, Hearing on Attorney's Fees Compensation, July 11, 2008.
Read the excerpted discussion here.
State Bar Rules require us to disclose that past performance does not imply, guarantee, warranty or predict the outcome in any future legal matter.


The file archive at Demu.org had finally moved to the Classic PC Games collection at archive.org. It is now possible to browse games by various criteria, including year of release and developer/publisher, but thumbnail view is no longer available.
The original Demu.org website is now primarily focused on game research.
Retro Spirit - a very nice blog dedicated to retro games.
Indie Retro News - a shiny new blog set out to post fresh updates on retro games.
Includes collections, tattoos, DIY projects, game plays and more.
Thanks to Martin of Duke4.net Forums for sharing this.
Has some neat stuff like the large demo of Seven Kingdoms II, as well as its PDF manual among other things.
Not sure if I posted this before but here's the complete archive of SynTax, "a disk based adventure/RPG/strategy magazine" that had been published from 1989 to 2004.


Domestic flights between New Zealand cities are quite short – a flight from Auckland to Wellington only takes an hour. Flights are usually cheaper (and sometimes offer discounts) if you book online. Students under the age of 25 who have a Youth Card can sometimes claim discounts through STA Travel. You should visit their website before you book your flight.
There are three companies that ferry people between the north and south islands, from Wellington to Picton. Fares start at $58.00 for a walk on passenger with a student card.
Wellington and Auckland both have commuter ferries that take people across the harbour. They also offer scenic cruises.
The New Zealand public transport system is very good. In most cities, they run every half hour. Secondary school students can purchase school travel tickets at a greatly discounted rate, while tertiary students who have a student card can also receive discounts.
If you possess an international drivers license, you may drive in New Zealand for one year. After that, you will have to pass a theory and in some cases a practical examination. In any case, it is a good idea to take a look at the New Zealand Road Rules Handbook before driving in New Zealand, as driving rules may differ dramatically from those in your home country. Your car must be registered and pass an inspection of fitness. You should probably get insurance as well.
New Zealand drivers drive on the left side of the road. When driving, you can be fined if you are caught not wearing a seatbelt. You may lose your license if you are caught speeding or driving drunk.
Cycling is a great way to explore New Zealands beautiful surroundings. You must wear a helmet at all times, and use reflective gear while riding at night. Cyclists ride near the left side of the road (not on the footpath). Some cities have special cycle lanes.
Motorcyclists must possess a license, be over the age of fifteen and wear a helmet at all times (as do passengers). Your motorcycle must be registered and pass an inspection of fitness.
As cities in New Zealand tend to be quite small, walking is a popular option. If you live in univerisity accommodation, you will normally live a short walk from your campus. Walking is a great way to explore your new city.


text:
Sanremese Calcio (wł. Società Sportiva Dilettantistica Sanremese Calcio S.r.l.) – włoski klub piłkarski, mający siedzibę w mieście San Remo, w północno-zachodniej części kraju, grający od sezonu 2018/19 w rozgrywkach Serie D.

Historia
Chronologia nazw:
 1904: Unione Sportiva Sanremese
 1982: Sanremese Calcio S.r.l.
 1987: klub rozwiązano
 1987: US Sanremese Calcio
 2002: US Sanremese Calcio S.p.A.
 2008: USD Sanremese 1904
 2009: USD Sanremese Calcio 1904 – po fuzji z AC SSD Ospedaletti Sanremo S.r.l.
 2010: US Sanremese Calcio 1904
 2011: klub rozwiązano
 2012: Associazione Sportiva Dilettantistica Sanremese
 2015: klub rozwiązano
 2015: SSD Unione Sanremo – po reorganizacji ASD Carlin's Boys
 2019: SSD Sanremese Calcio

Klub sportowy US Sanremese został założony w miejscowości San Remo w 1904 roku, ale sekcja piłkarska powstała dopiero w 1919 roku. Wcześniej w mieście funkcjonowały zespoły SG La Speranza (od 1910), Ausonia FBC i Sanremo FBC. W latach 1919-1928 klub rozgrywał lokalne mecze piłkarskie. Od 1928 roku po założeniu Komisji U.L.I.C. w Oneglia występował w mistrzostwach organizowanych przez U.L.I.C. W 1932 dołączył do Komitetu Regionalnego Ligurii F.I.G.C. i startował w Seconda Divisione (D4). W następnym sezonie 1933/34 został mistrzem grupy Ligure i otrzymał promocję do Prima Divisione (D3). W sezonie 1934/35 wygrał najpierw grupę D Prima Divisione, ale potem w turnieju finałowym zajął ostatnią czwartą lokatę w grupie B. Przed rozpoczęciem sezonu 1935/36 trzecia dywizja zmieniła nazwę na Serie C. Klub uplasował się na górze tabeli grupy C, mając tyle samo punktów co i Spezia. Następnie rozegrano dodatkowy mecz o tytuł mistrza, w którym zwycięstwo odniósł klub z San Remo (1:0). Ale wynik został anulowany z powodu błędu technicznego, wtedy Sanremese odmówił zagrania powtórki, więc Spezia awansowała do Serie B. Sezon 1936/37 zakończył na pierwszej pozycji w grupie C, zdobywając awans do Serie B. Po trzech latach gry na zapleczu włoskiej piłki nożnej zajął 17.miejsce w sezonie 1939/40 i został oddelegowany do Serie C. W sezonie 1942/43, ostatnim przed zawieszeniem mistrzostw wskutek II wojny światowej, zajął 5.miejsce w grupie E Serie C.

Po zakończeniu II wojny światowej i wznowienia mistrzostw FIGC, drużyna została zakwalifikowana do rozgrywek Prima Divisione Liguria (D4). W następnym sezonie 1946/47 zespół ponownie startował w Serie C. Po wielu latach spędzonych w trzeciej lidze, w 1963 roku spadł do Serie D. W 1970 zespół został na zdegradowany do rozgrywek regionalnych, startując w Promozione Ligure (D5).

W 1975 klub wrócił do Serie D. Przed rozpoczęciem sezonu 1978/79 Serie C została podzielona na dwie dywizje: Serie C1 i Serie C2, wskutek czego Serie D została obniżona do piątego poziomu. W sezonie 1978/79 zespół zwyciężył w grupie A Serie C2 i awansował do Serie C1. W 1982 roku klub zmienił nazwę na Sanremese Calcio S.r.l. Sezon 1985/86 był ostatnim w historii klubu sezonem spędzonym na trzecim poziomie - po zajęciu 18.miejsca w grupie A klub spadł do Serie C2. W następnym sezonie 1986/87 zajął 17.miejsce w grupie A Serie C2, ale z powodu problemów finansowych został rozwiązany.

Wkrótce organizowano nowy klub o nazwie US Sanremese Calcio, który w sezonie 1987/88 startował w Terza Categoria Imperia (D9), awansując po pierwszym sezonie do Seconda Categoria Liguria (D8). W kolejnych czterech sezonach również zaliczył awanse - w 1989 do Prima Categoria Liguria (D7), a w 1990 do Promozione Ligure (D6), w 1991 zakwalifikował się do Eccellenza Liguria (D6), a w 1992 otrzymał promocję do Campionato Nazionale Dilettanti (D5). W 1994 spadł na dwa lata do Eccellenza Liguria. W sezonie 1997/98 zwyciężył najpierw w grupie A Campionato Nazionale Dilettanti, a potem w turnieju pucharowym o tytuł mistrza ligi dotarł do finału, gdzie pokonał SSC Giugliano (1:2, 1:0), zdobywając awans do Serie C2. W 2000 zespół został zdegradowany do Serie D (D5). W 2002 klub został przekształcony na US Sanremese Calcio S.p.A. W sezonie 2003/04 zajął drugie miejsce w grupie E Serie D, a potem wygrał w półfinale z Sestese i w finale z Lavagnese, awansując do Serie C2. W 2007 razem pożegnał się z Serie C2, a w następnym 2008 roku został zdegradowany z Serie D do Eccellenza Liguria. 10 lipca 2008 roku klub ogłosił o zaprzestaniu uczestnictwa w mistrzostwach i został rozwiązany.

Natychmiast powstał nowy klub o nazwie USD Sanremese 1904, właścicielem którego został Carlo Barillà. Zespół rozpoczął rozgrywki w Seconda Categoria Liguria (D9), zajmując w sezonie 2008/09 10.miejsce w grupie A. W 2009 inny miejski klub AC SSD Ospedaletti Sanremo S.r.l., grający w Promozione Ligure (D7), wchłania Sanremese w swoją strukturę, dokonując zmiany nazwy na USD Sanremese Calcio 1904. W sezonie 2009/10 klub zwyciężył w Eccellenza Liguria i otrzymał promocję do Serie D (D5). Jednak po zmianie nazwy na US Sanremese Calcio 1904 został przyjęty do grona profesjonalistów, awansując po repasaży o dwa poziomy do Lega Pro Seconda Divisione (D4). Sezon 2010/11 zespół zakończył na 16.pozycji w grupie A Lega Pro Seconda Divisione. Klub utrzymał się w lidze po wygraniu barażów z Sacilese (2:1, 1:1), ale nie przyjęto go w kolejnym sezonie do żadnej ligi i został postawiony w stan likwidacji.

W 2012 roku klub po raz kolejny został reaktywowany. Jako ASD Sanremese startował w mistrzostwach Terza Categoria Savona/Imperia (D9). W sezonie 2012/13 po zajęciu drugiego miejsca w grupie A Terza Categoria Savona/Imperia i wygraniu play-off awansował do Seconda Categoria Liguria (D8). W następnym sezonie znów był drugim w grupie A oraz wygrał play-off, zdobywając promocję do Prima Categoria Liguria (D7). Przed rozpoczęciem sezonu 2014/15 wprowadzono reformę systemy lig, wskutek czego siódmy poziom awansował o jedną pozycję do góry. Sezon zakończył na 16.miejscu w grupie A Prima Categoria Liguria, spadając do Seconda Categoria Liguria, jednak rezygnując z dalszych rozgrywek.

W 2015 tradycję klubu zostały przekazane do innego miejskiego klubu ASD Carlin's Boys, który występował w mistrzostwach Eccellenza Liguria. Klub przyjął nazwę SSD Unione Sanremo i w sezonie 2015/16 zajął drugie miejsce w Eccellenza Liguria, awansując do Serie D (D4). W 2019 klub zmienił nazwę na SSD Sanremese Calcio.

Barwy klubowe, strój

Klub ma barwy biało-błękitne. Zawodnicy swoje domowe spotkania zazwyczaj grają w pasiastych pionowo biało-błękitnych koszulkach, błękitnych spodenkach oraz błękitnych getrach.

Sukcesy

Trofea międzynarodowe
Nie uczestniczył w rozgrywkach europejskich (stan na 31-05-2020).

Trofea krajowe

 Prima Divisione/Serie C (D3):
 mistrz (2x): 1934/35 (gr.D), 1936/37 (gr.C)
 wicemistrz (4x): 1935/36 (gr.C), 1940/41 (gr.D), 1950/51 (gr.A), 1951/52 (gr.A)
 3.miejsce (2x): 1947/48 (gr.A), 1949/50 (gr.A)

Poszczególne sezony

Rozgrywki międzynarodowe

Europejskie puchary
Nie uczestniczył w rozgrywkach europejskich.

Rozgrywki krajowe

Struktura klubu

Stadion
Klub piłkarski rozgrywa swoje mecze domowe na Stadio Comunale w San Remo o pojemności 4000 widzów.

Derby
 Spezia Calcio
 ASD Savona Calcio
 ASD Imperia
 Ventimiglia Calcio

Zobacz też
 Genoa CFC
 UC Sampdoria

Przypisy

Bibliografia
 Oficjalna strona klubu

 Sanremese Calcio w bazie Foot.dk

 Wyniki meczów klubu w bazie RSSSF

Włoskie kluby piłkarskie
Kluby piłkarskie w Ligurii
Kluby piłkarskie założone w 1904
San Remo

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


As we head toward Arizona's August primary elections, we're inviting in the candidates running in contested races, to talk about why they're running and some of the key issues in their contests.
Steve Ferrara is a physician who is making his first run for office as a Republican in the 9th Congressional District, which will be an open seat with Kyrsten Sinema's decision to run for the U.S. Senate.
He joined The Show to talk about his priorities.


Are there brands you like for vegan Mozzarella or Parmesan cheese?
Daiya seems to be the most popular brand for Mozzarella, and Galaxy Nutritional Foods for parm. Truthfully, I'm not really into substitutes because they tend to be expensive and high in fat -- I also can't get either where I live. I make my own "cheese" at home (why there are so many faux fat-free cheeses in The Happy Herbivore Cookbook!).


Thank you for visiting our website, here you'll find out about all the wonderful products we can supply from any item of clothing, printed or embroidered, through to a vast array of promotional items along with printed material such as leaflets and banners. Our aim is to make your life easier with prompt turnaround times and a great range of products to save you time trawling the internet. We always offer very competitive prices so you will probably save money along with time.


text:
Q: DFS + memo: How can I analyze the time and space complexity I have been grinding leetcode and I encountered this question Frog Jump and I solved it using DFS + memo written in JavaScript
Without memo the solution is
var canCross = function(stones) {
    const recurse = (index, jumpSize) => {
        if(index === stones.length - 1) return true
        for(let i = index + 1; i < stones.length; i++) {
            const gap = stones[i] - stones[index]
            if(gap >= jumpSize - 1 && gap <= jumpSize + 1) {
                if(recurse(i, gap)) return true
            }
        }
        return false
    }

    return recurse(0, 0)
};

And this times out of course since its time complexity is O(3n). So I use a map to cache the calculated result.
var canCross = function (stones) {
  const DELIMITER = '#'
  const cache = new Map()
  const recurse = (index, jumpSize) => {
    if (index === stones.length - 1) return true
    const key = `${index}${DELIMITER}${jumpSize}`
    if (cache.has(key)) return cache.get(key)
    for (let i = index + 1; i < stones.length; i++) {
      const gap = stones[i] - stones[index]
      if (gap >= jumpSize - 1 && gap <= jumpSize + 1) {
        if (recurse(i, gap)) {
          cache.set(key, true)
          return true
        }
      }
    }
    cache.set(key, false)
    return false
  }

  return recurse(0, 0)
}

And this solution passed. But I am having a hard time thinking about the time and space complexity for this solution. I know I can draw out the entire recursion tree and see how the number of nodes grow according to the input size. But I guess that is not going to be a perfect answer during an interview.

A: Short Answer
The upper bound of your algorithm is O(n2.5).
Long Answer
For each canCross() function call, you either immediately return a value from the cache, or you do a for-loop to initiate recursive calls to get the result:
   ...
   if (recurse(i, gap)) {
      cache.set(key, true)
      return true
   }
   ...

In the worst case (recurse(i, gap) is always false), for a given key (if not cached), you have to perform a for-loop that has a linear complexity. In turn, your key consists of an index and a jump size. That means you will have to do at least n method calls for a fixed jump size to cache the results. This is O(n2). That's not it, however. Jump size is also variable, but it's likely to never n/2, and that means there are no more than sqrt(n) jump sizes to be cached. So, the worst time complexity is O(n2.5). It feels that it may even be O(n2) because a full for-loop will be run only for a small fraction of all method calls, but I don't know how to prove it.
Since the map is likely to have up to n1.5 unique keys, the space complexity is O(n1.5).

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Pouring the love of God into the children we serve…this is the work of many dedicated missionaries and their families throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. Thank you for your partnership with them in transforming young lives!
Be the difference in a child's life today.


The Coopedota coffee cooperative is doing well, but despite the smell of fresh grounds in the air, residents of Santa María de Dota know business is topping out.
Little space is left to farm here in the mountains south of San José, and though residents don't plan to give up the coffee production that has long been the lifeblood of their community, they are starting to look for opportunities beyond the bean.
Tourism and catering are two of the most attractive possibilities for new business in this rural town in the lush green mountains of the Los Santos area. Carving out a new niche in this predominantly agricultural region is getting easier thanks to Peace Corps volunteers, community members told U.S. Ambassador Mark Langdale during a recent press tour.
With the help of the volunteers, fledgling business plans "passed from words to deeds," said Wilberth Gamboa, a member of a tourism committee in Santa Cruz, a small town in Los Santos, 70 kilometers southeast of San José's Juan Santamaría International Airport.
The Coopedota cooperative has grown over the course of four decades, but as it reaches its peak, some members of the coffee community are looking to branch out.
Working together since 1960, members of the cooperative have been able to purchase and maintain a $9 million factory, said Roberto Mata, general manager of the cooperative.
The factory has the equipment to roast, sort and package the coffee grown by its members. Brands produced in the factory include Dota Tarrazú, Dota Fresh, Hermosa and Quetzal.
The 750 small producers who make up the Coopedota cooperative sell an estimated total of 65,000 100-pound sacks of coffee each year,Mata said.
Coopedota earns about ¢10 billion ($19.6 million) yearly from coffee sales and business ventures such as a cafeteria and a hardware store. Producers, generally families of four to five people, usually make a 30% profit on their coffee, Mata said.
However, Dota's coffee business is unlikely to grow significantly, Mata explained, because most of the available land is already being farmed and the dense forest surrounding the farms is part of a legally protected reserve.
U.S. citizen Tracy Rosecrans is one of two Peace Corps volunteers working in this rural area located below the Cerro de la Muerte peak. Rosecrans has five different projects aimed at encouraging small businesses in Santa María de Dota, and Zoey Chanin is doing similar work in nearby San Marcos de Tarrazú.
Rosecrans came to town as part of the Peace Corps' micro-business development program. Several groups were thinking about less caffeinated job opportunities before she arrived, but were having trouble putting their plans into action.
Carlos Gamboa, a member of the Santa Cruz tourism committee, said before Rosecrans began helping his group develop a homestay program, he was a bit discouraged. He said he wasn't familiar with using computers, and sitting down to work with one felt like facing a monster.
Rosecrans, who has a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of California at San Diego, tutored group members in English and helped them create a Web site.
The site, www.costa-rica-homestays.com, is registered and near completion, Wilberth said.
Fewer than nine months after Rosecrans arrived in Santa María de Dota, Santa Cruz residents are seeing some of the tourists they were hoping for.
A group of 45 students with the U.S. International Student Exchange program came to the small coffee-producing town in March, and another 33 students came to town last month,Wilberth said.
Cecilia Ureña is another Dota resident who hopes to take her business to the next level with technical skills she learned from Rosecrans.
Ureña earns her living by renting out a cabin to tourists who come to Santa María Dota. During the summer, she has plenty of guests who pass through on bicycle tours and horseback riding trips, but in the rainy season, things are slow, she said.
– Ureña hopes to attract more visitors and maybe even Spanish students. "I am going to gain a lot with this page, because everything is on the Internet," she said.
U.S. Ambassador Langdale says the successful partnership between Peace Corps volunteers and residents of this small coffee region is a bright spot on the big picture. On a macro level, the United States hopes to encourage development in Latin America through democracy and international business.