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Choloepus hoffmanniHoffmann's two-toed sloth
By Vicky Apostolopoulos
Choloepus hoffmanni (Hoffman's two-toed sloth) is a native South American mammal whose distribution also reaches Central America. The distribution extends from southern Nicaragua to Brazil and Bolivia and is composed of two disjunct populations. The northern population extends from Central America to northern and western Colombia, western Ecuador, and westernmost Venezuela. The southern population spans the area east of the Andes in Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and western Brazil. The two species of Choloepus (Choloepus hoffmanni and Choloepus didactylus) overlap partially in the Andean regions and western Amazonia. ("Two-toed Sloth, Choloepus didactylus & Choloepus hoffmanni ", 2009; Gardner, 2007; Gilmore, et al., 2001; Macdonald, 2006)
Hoffman's two-toed sloths inhabit lowland forests as well as higher altitude rain forests. Habitat is limited primarily to areas of continuous canopy. Habitat selection is correlated with social inheritance of the mother's home range and tree preference. Plant composition and availability change seasonally and also play a role in habitat selection. In areas where Hoffman's two-toed sloths coexist with three-toed sloths (Bradypus species), it is less abundant. Southern two-toed sloths inhabit similar habitats to those of C. hoffmanni, but they seldom coexist and thus mostly occupy exclusive geographical ranges. (Gilmore, et al., 2001; Macdonald, 2006; Vizcaíno and Loughry, 2008)
26 to 171 m
85.30 to 561.02 ft
Hoffman's two-toed sloths are one of two species in the genus Choloepus. Species in this genus are easily identified by the presence of two claws on the forelimb. The other extant genus of sloths, three-toed sloths Bradypus, have three claws on the forelimb. Hoffman's two-toed sloths have head and body lengths ranging from 58 to 70 cm, mass varies from 4 to 8 kg. (Macdonald, 2006; Vaughan, et al., 2000)
Males and females are monomorphic. Hoffman's two-toed sloths have rounded heads and flattened faces. The small snout is naked and protrudes from the flattened face. Ears are round and thickened, almost always covered with hair. The coloration of body hair in adults is a mosaic of tan, blonde, and light brown. Shading of the hair over the head and back is often darker than the rest of the body. A good way to distinguish C. hoffmanni from C. didactylus is that the former lacks dark shoulder and forearm markings. The hair of C. hoffmanni can grow up to 15 cm. Hair covering the abdominal region grows from the midline laterally so that the hair is parted. This serves as an efficient means to expel run-off water since sloths spend the majority of their time hanging upside down. Sloths have two coats, a softer inner coat and an outer coat that is longer and coarser in texture. During dry seasons the coat appears brown. In times of abundant rainfall, the outermost coat takes up a green hue due to the growth of algae. The fur coat also assists in insulating the sloth. (Gilmore, et al., 2001; Macdonald, 2006)
The forelimbs are slightly longer than the hind limbs. The manus and pes are highly modified in C. hoffmanni. Functional digits are reduced to numbers II and III in the manus and II, III, and IV in the pes. Digits of the manus are syndactylous. The distalmost phalanges are curved and possess claws that extend 8 to 10 cm. Soles of the manus and pes are bare and equipped with thick-skinned glabrous pads. The tail is absent or vestigial. (Gilmore, et al., 2001; Vaughan, et al., 2000)
One of the most constant mammalian morphological characteristics is the presence of seven cervical vertebrae. Only three genera are known to be an exception to this constant, Choloepus, Bradypus, and Trichechus. The number can differ from individual to individual but it varies in Choloepus hoffmanni from 5 to 8 cervical vertebrae. Shortening of the neck (fewer than 7 cervical vertebrae) in conjunction with thick musculature around the neck region and a robust clavicle provide the rigidity that is needed to support the head while inverted. (Buchholtz and Stepien, 2009; Vaughan, et al., 2000)
There are five upper and four lower teeth in each quadrant for a total of 18 teeth. Choloepus hoffmanni lacks deciduous teeth and, instead, has ever-growing or hypseledont teeth. The teeth lack enamel, instead they possess a harder layer of dentin which surrounds an inner softer layer of dentin. Teeth erupt as simple conical structures and over time wear into caniniform and molariform teeth. This process is termed thegosis. The softer dentin center is worn away more quickly than the harder outer dentin layer during occlusion. This in turn forms a basin in the center of molariform teeth with a sharper outer layer. In adults, the anterior teeth are caniniform and are separated from the homodont, molariform cheek teeth by a diastema. These anterior maxillary caniniform teeth occlude with the posterior surfaces of the mandibular caniniforms. This occlusion forms unique triangular beveled caniniforms, characteristic of Choloepus hoffmanni. In the cheek teeth, each mandibular tooth occludes anterior to the corresponding maxillary tooth by an interval of half a tooth length. Other cranial osteological landmarks include an incomplete zygomatic arch, of which the jugal has two processes (lower and upper); inflated pterygoid region forming sinuses; open tympanic ring supporting the tympanic membrane; and a crescent-shaped glenoid fossa. (Gilmore, et al., 2001; Mendel, 1981; Vaughan, et al., 2000)
4 to 8 kg
Average basal metabolic rate
45 cm3.O2/g/hr
3.891 W
Males advertise their presence by distributing pungent smelling anal secretions onto branches. This is thought to serve as a way to designate a meeting place between females and males. The female may also advertise that she is ready to mate by exerting a high-pitched scream. In response, interested males will move towards the female. If two males arrive at the same time, confrontation can occur. Confrontation between males is an upside down event. They grasp a branch with their hind limbs and swing with one or both forelimbs at each other until one of them gives up. The male that remains will mate with the female numerous times and then leave her on her own. Reproduction in C. hoffmanni also occurs in a hanging position. ("Two-toed Sloth, Choloepus didactylus & Choloepus hoffmanni ", 2009; Taube, et al., 2001)
polygynandrous (promiscuous)
Breeding in Hoffman's two-toed sloths is seasonal. Pregnancy occurs during the rainy season and births at the beginning of the dry season. The gestation period is about 11.5 months and usually yields a single offspring. Newborns are about 25.4 cm long and weigh approximately 12 ounces. Offspring are born with claws, which are used to cling onto the mother soon after birth. The mother carries her young for 6 to 9 months, thereafter the offspring is independent. It has been reported that young are able to consume solid food as soon as 2 to 5 weeks. Nursing may stop as soon as the end of the first month. Sexual maturity in Choloepus hoffmanni is reached at about the age of 3 in females and 4 to 5 years in males. The inter-birth interval lasts at a minimum 15 months. (Gilmore, et al., 2001; Taube, et al., 2001)
Interbirth
During the rainy season
11.5 months
Average weaning age
Range time to independence
Average age at sexual or reproductive maturity (female)
Males typically lack interest following birth of offspring and are not involved in their upbringing. Females are the sole source of parental care following birth until independence. Newborns are partially precocial, although do depend on the mother for a short time. The mother carries her young wherever she goes, providing milk in the first month and solid food thereafter. While young are carried around by their mothers, they learn where and what types of leaves are best to eat. As a result of this, familial selectivity of tree types has been reported. Independence is usually acheived by 6 to 9 months. (Gilmore, et al., 2001; Taube, et al., 2001)
pre-weaning/fledging
pre-independence
inherits maternal/paternal territory
Longevity in the wild is 12 years and in captivity 31 years. Mortality in the wild can be due to age, death by natural predation, hunting by humans for bushmeat, and loss of habitat due to deforestation. (Gilmore, et al., 2001; McKenzie, et al., 2005)
As arboreal mammals, Hoffman's two-toed sloths eat, sleep, mate, and give birth suspended from tree limbs. Individuals of Choloepus hoffmanni are primarily solitary. The only instances when interactions between members have been observed are during mating or in typical mother-infant interaction. Groups inhabit a single tree at any one time. It is rare that C. hoffmanni individuals leave the general area of their birth during their lifetime. (Gilmore, et al., 2001; Taube, et al., 2001)
Hoffman's two-toed sloths are nocturnal herbivores. Activity usually begins about an hour after sunset and ceases by sunrise. During the day their location is mostly at mid-canopy and evening hours are marked by movement towards the upper canopy. They traverse tree tops in a hand-over-hand motion, traveling no more than 36.58 m in any one day. Length traveled by each step averages 30 cm. Locomotion characteristics of C. hoffmanni includes climbing, crawling, and hanging. (Gilmore, et al., 2001; McKenzie, et al., 2005; Mendel, 1981)
Body temperature fluctuates with the temperature of the environment. Hoffman's two-toed sloths maintain a low body temperature of 24 to 33˚ C. They are unable to shiver to keep warm due to their low metabolic rate and decreased muscle mass. Although their fur offers some means of insulation, they further regulate their body temperature by moving in and out of the sun. ("Two-toed Sloth, Choloepus didactylus & Choloepus hoffmanni ", 2009; Gilmore, et al., 2001; Nowak, 1999)
Although strictly arboreal, Hoffman's two-toed sloths make their way to the base of trees once a week in order to defecate. This is usually done at habitual defecation sites. Other instances in which they travel to the ground are to change tree location and, on rare occasions, to give birth and mate. In order to make it to the ground, they descend head first. Once on the ground they use crawling locomotion. If forced to defend themselves, they use their sharp claws or sharp caniniform teeth. In periods of stress or to demonstrate aggressive behavior, Hoffman's two-toed sloths may take on a pop-eyed appearance. They are capable of partially retracting the eyes when the eyelids are closed tightly, manifesting the pop-eyed appearance. ("Two-toed Sloth, Choloepus didactylus & Choloepus hoffmanni ", 2009; Gilmore, et al., 2001; Mendel, 1981)
Home range sizes of Hoffman's two-toed sloths range from 2 to 3 ha. (Eisenberg and Redford, 2005)
There is a limited information on communication and behavior. This lack of knowledge is largely due to their nocturnal, arboreal, and solitary lifestyle. Their sense of olfaction is well developed, evident by the use of scent marking by males. Males scent mark on tree branches via glands surrounding the anus. The purpose of scent marking is to establish a meeting place with the females so that mating can occur. The female may also vocalize via a high-pitched scream to advertise to males she is ready to mate. These sloths are generally silent but have been known to hiss in times of high stress or when agitated. Separation of an infant from its mother will elicit a loud low-pitched distress call ranging from 30 to 90 seconds. Tactile communication has been observed in the form of grooming between infant and mother. This is a mutual behavior and involves licking the head, face, and anogenital region. ("Two-toed Sloth, Choloepus didactylus & Choloepus hoffmanni ", 2009; McKenzie, et al., 2005; Taube, et al., 2001)
Hoffman's two-toed sloths are primarily folivores. Their diet consists of leaves, buds, tender twigs, young plant shoots, fruits, and flowers. They use their anterior caniform teeth to pierce, crop, and slice food and process it with the posterior molariform teeth. Daily food consumption in adults averages 0.35 kg. Digestion rate of leaves is the slowest of all herbivorous mammals, with a passing rate of about two and a half days. They have four-chambered stomachs, much like ruminants, which house bacteria capable of digesting the rich amount of cellulose present in their diets. Their slow metabolic rate allows them to survive on a small amount of nourishment as well as to neutralize plant toxins due to long gut passage times. Basal metabolic rate is about 45 kJ. (Gilmore, et al., 2001; Macdonald, 2006)
folivore
As strictly arboreal mammals that move little and are cryptically colored, Hoffman's two-toed sloths are relatively protected from predation. Their predators are are large, arboreal or avian predators, especially harpy eagles (Harpia harpyja). Other predators include jaguars, ocelots, other arboreal cats, and large snakes, such as anacondas. (Gilmore, et al., 2001; Nowak, 1999)
harpy eagles (Harpia harpyja)
jaguars (Panthera onca)
ocelots (Leopardus pardalis)
anacondas (Eunectes species)
Hoffman's two-toed sloths host a variety of organisms, including gastrointestinal parasites, ectoparasites, and commensal arthropods (mosquitoes, sand flies, triatomine bugs, lice, ticks, and mites). Algae grows on the fur of C. hoffmanni, a mutual commensalism. The algae obtain a protected habitat growing inside the hair and the sloth becomes camouflaged alongside the foliage. The algae take up residence in the longitudinal grooves of the pelage. The algae, in addition to providing camouflage, may also contribute nutritional or trace element value to the sloths. Hoffman's two-toed sloths also provide trees with fertilizer by defecating (accounting for 30% of their body weight) at the base of trees. (Gilmore, et al., 2001)
Ecosystem Impact
creates habitat
Species Used as Host
Coccidia
cestodes (Cestoda)
Mutualist Species
Commensal/Parasitic Species
mosquitoes (Culicidae)
sand flies (Phlebotominae)
triatomine or bed bugs (Cimicidae)
lice (Mallophaga)
ticks and mites (Acari)
Choloepus hoffmanni is considered a flagship species and plays a role in ecotourism. (McKenzie, et al., 2005)
There are no negative effects of Choloepus hoffmani on humans. (Sibaja-Morales, et al., 2009)
According to the IUCN Red List, the status of Choloepus hoffmanni is of least concern due to their large distribution, large population sizes, and ability to inhabit somewhat disturbed areas. (IUCN, 2009)
Several factors that serve as potential population limiting factors of Choloepus hoffmanni include deforestation, agricultural activity, illegal trafficking, and an increase in human settlements. In addition, local communities bordering the habitats of Choloepus hoffmanni have been known to take these sloths up as pets. In efforts to combat the negative consequences due to human impingement several rescue and rehabilitation centers have been built to assist those animals that are injured. Although there are obvious negative consequences of habitat removal for animals as a whole, it has been hypothesized that C. hoffmanni might benefit from forest fragmentation which create edge habitats. (Sibaja-Morales, et al., 2009; Lopes and Ferrari, 2000; McKenzie, et al., 2005; Moreno and Plese, 2006)
State of Michigan List
Choloepus is the only living genus of the family Megalonychidae. Fossil evidence shows that this family was once a much more diverse group and included many species of ground sloths. A Pleistocene megalonychid genus, Megalonyx, was widely distributed in North America and was notable for its very large size.
Unlike Bradypus species, Choloepus species easily adapt and breed in captivity.
Choloepus hoffmanni exhibits karyotypic variation, 2n = 49 to 54. (Nowak, 1999; Vaughan, et al., 2000)
Vicky Apostolopoulos (author), Case Western Reserve University, Darin Croft (editor, instructor), Case Western Reserve University, Tanya Dewey (editor), Animal Diversity Web.
Referring to an animal that lives in trees; tree-climbing.
humans benefit economically by promoting tourism that focuses on the appreciation of natural areas or animals. Ecotourism implies that there are existing programs that profit from the appreciation of natural areas or animals.
an animal that mainly eats leaves.
a species whose presence or absence strongly affects populations of other species in that area such that the extirpation of the keystone species in an area will result in the ultimate extirpation of many more species in that area (Example: sea otter).
polygynandrous
the kind of polygamy in which a female pairs with several males, each of which also pairs with several different females.
rainforests, both temperate and tropical, are dominated by trees often forming a closed canopy with little light reaching the ground. Epiphytes and climbing plants are also abundant. Precipitation is typically not limiting, but may be somewhat seasonal.
the region of the earth that surrounds the equator, from 23.5 degrees north to 23.5 degrees south.
2009. "Two-toed Sloth, Choloepus didactylus & Choloepus hoffmanni " (On-line). Fact Sheets- San Diego Zoo Library. Accessed November 03, 2009 at http://library.sandiegozoo.org/factsheets/sloth/sloth.htm#behavior.
Buchholtz, E., C. Stepien. 2009. Anatomical transformation in mammals: developmental origin of aberrant cervical anatomy in tree sloths. Evolution & Development, 11:1: 69-79.
Eisenberg, J., K. Redford. 2005. Mammals of the Neotropics. London: University Of Chicago Press.
Gardner, A. 2007. Mammals of South America. Chicago: University Of Chicago Press.
Gilmore, D., C. Da Costa, D. Duarte. 2001. Sloth biology: an update on their physiological ecology, behavior and role as vectors of arthropods and arboviruses. Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research, 34:1: 9-25.
IUCN, 2009. "IUCN Red List of Threatened Species" (On-line). Accessed November 25, 2009 at www.iucnredlist.org.
Lopes, M., S. Ferrari. 2000. Effects of Human Colonization on the Abundance and Diversity of Mammals in Eastern Brazilian Amazonia. Conservation Biology, 14(6): 1658-1665.
Macdonald, D. 2006. The Princeton Encyclopedia of Mammals. New Jersey: Princeton University Press.
McKenzie, A., G. Ernst, Z. Taranu. 2005. "Behavioural Studies and Rehabilitation of Sloths in Parque Natural Metropolitano " (On-line pdf). Accessed November 05, 2009 at http://www.mcgill.ca/files/pfss/Sloths_Report.pdf.
Mendel, F. 1981. Use of Hands and Feet of Two-Toed Sloths (Choloepus hoffmanni) during Climbing and Terrestrial Locomotion. Journal of Mammalogy, 62(2): 413-421.
Moreno, S., T. Plese. 2006. The Illegal Traffic in Sloths and Threats to Their Survival in Colombia. Edentata, 7: 10-17.
Naples, V. 1982. Cranial Osteology and Function in the Tree Sloths, Bradypus and Choloepus . American Museum of Natural History, 2739: 1-41.
Nowak, R. 1999. Walker's Mammals of the World. Baltimore: The Johns Hopkins University Press.
Sibaja-Morales, K., J. Oliveria, A. Jimenez Rocha, J. Hernandez Gamboa, J. Prendas Gamboa, F. Arroyo Murillo, J. Sandi, Y. Nunez, M. Baldi. 2009. GASTROINTESTINAL PARASITES AND ECTOPARASITES OF BRADYPUS BARIEGATUS AND CHOLOEPUS HOFFMANNI SLOTHS IN CAPTIVITY FROM COSTA RICA. Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine, 40(1): 86-90.
Taube, E., J. Keravec, J. Vie, J. Duplantier. 2001. Reproductive biology and postnatal development in sloths, Bradypus and Choloepus: reveiw with original data from the field (French Guiana) and from captivity. Mammal Review, 31: 173-188.
Vaughan, T., J. Ryan, N. Czaplewski. 2000. Mammalogy. United States: Thomson Learning.
Vizcaíno, S., W. Loughry. 2008. The Biology of the Xenarthra. Gainsville, Florida: The University Press of Florida.
Order Pilosa sloths and anteaters
Pilosa: pictures (28) Pilosa: specimens (26)
Family Megalonychidae two-toed sloths
Megalonychidae: information (1) Megalonychidae: pictures (9) Megalonychidae: specimens (5)
Genus Choloepus two-toed sloths
Choloepus: pictures (9) Choloepus: specimens (5)
Species Choloepus hoffmanni Hoffmann's two-toed sloth
Choloepus hoffmanni: information (1) Choloepus hoffmanni: pictures (4) Choloepus hoffmanni: specimens (4)
To cite this page: Apostolopoulos, V. 2010. "Choloepus hoffmanni" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed January 19, 2020 at https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Choloepus_hoffmanni/


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Home Malaysia Selangor Shah Alam Dillenia's Review
Dillenia
44, Persiaran Gunung Nuang, Bukit Bandaraya, 40170 Shah Alam, Selangor
Worldwide Holdings
Recreational Park
This project was completed 1 year ago
Dillenia comprises 106 units of spacious semi-detached homes, situated in Bukit Bandaraya, Seksyen U11, Shah Alam. Developed by Worldwide Holdings Berhad, Dillenia is a sanctuary where traditional values and contemporary realities meet
Sized between 2,822 sf to 2,911 sf, Dillenia homes offer the luxury of space within the lush greenery of the established township of Bukit Bandaraya. Each unit comes with 4 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms, as well as a dining terrace located on the ground floor, ideal for a cuppa or just to enjoy some fresh air.
Dillenia is a gated and guarded residential area with 24-hour security services, the safety of its residents is ensured as they go about their daily life. The area also has a recreational park and open spaces for those who like to stay active.
The Seksyen U11 area of Shah Alam where Dillenia is located has developed gradually over the years. Newer developments are seen mushrooming in neighbouring areas, attracting the interest of homebuyers.
These areas have been identified as areas of growth, thanks to improved connectivity as well as several early developments that acted as catalysts for the growth in population and property values here.
One can access the area via the New Klang Valley Expressway (NKVE), Federal Highway and Persiaran Setia Alam. And that the soon-to-be-completed Damansara-Shah Alam Highway (DASH) will also have a positive impact on the demand and interest in the area.
Amenities nearby include Setia City Mall, Centro Mall, SACC Mall, Central i-City and more. There are also several international schools within close proximity for parents with schoolgoing children. Meanwhile, other amenities include Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Golf & Country Club, marts, hotels, clinics and banks, among many others.
Strategically located in the township of Bukit Bandaraya, future residents of Dillenia will be able to enjoy the best of city life has to offer without having to pinch their pockets.
Gated & Guarded
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Floor Plans:
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Total of 5 Floor Plans.
Category Semi Detached
Built Up 2822 SQ. FT
Built Up 2,822 SQ. FT 2,850 SQ. FT 2,911 SQ. FT 2,890 SQ. FT 2,832 SQ. FT
RM N / A psf (2,822 SQ. FT)
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Tag: rural fiction
Sapphire Falls, by Fleur McDonald
Fiona Forrest sat next to her dead husband's coffin, staring at it dully. Music played softly in the background and she could smell the roses that filled two urns on stands nearby.
The church felt exactly like she did. Cold and empty.
Fiona and her husband Charlie were really happy: working side by side on their farm, and looking forward to a long future. But when Charlie is involved in a terrible shooting accident that eaves his mate Eddie dead, he struggles to cope. When he commits suicide, Fiona is devastated, but she is determined to keep the farm going. If only the rumours that she is selling the farm would stop.
Detective Dave Burrows has been on enforced leave. When he returns he finds that the case of Eddie's death was not properly dealt with. When he starts to investigate he realises something doesn't add up. The deeper he digs, the more he realises that something sinister is going on – and perhaps it is linked both to Charlie's suicide and to the series of problems that seem to be plaguing Fiona's farm.
Sapphire Falls continues bestselling author Fleur McDonald's trend of blending rural Australian settings with strong female characters facing adversity and elements of mystery, for a unique form of crime fiction. Readers are kept guessing along with the characters, and the mystery works well alongside the development of characters and interwoven subplots.
Good stuff.
Author Sally MurphyPosted on February 8, 2017 Categories Adult Fiction, UncategorisedTags crime fiction, fleur mcdonalds, mystery, rural australia, rural fiction, rural mysteries, south australia
Crimson Dawn, by Fleur McDonald
Sean cleared his throat and stood up. 'Laura, we know how much you love farming and Nambina. It's that sort of love I have never understood or had, and it's why today we are passing the reins of it over to you, darling girl….I believe you are destined for greatness within the ag industry…we can't wait to watch and see what happens and where it ends up.'
When Laura Murphy is handed the reins of the family property, she hopes that she can justify the trust placed in her. She sets to work building her breeding program and establishing a school to teach young women farming and property management skills. She is independent, strong and determined to succeed.
Not everything is perfect though. Laura is haunted by a personal tragedy which cost her a friendship and broke up her relationship with Josh, from the neighbouring property. Her latest batch of students have started off strongly, but seem to splintering as a group as the year goes by. And a solicitor has notified her that someone else has a claim over Nambina. It's going to take all her strength to keep it all together.
Crimson Dawn is a rural novel of courage, family and survival. With elements of mystery and romance, and a slit narrative which gradually reveals the details of the family split which lead to the property claim, there is a lot happening in the story, but McDonald weaves the varying threads together strongly.
An absorbing, satisfying story of outback life.
Available from good bookstores or online.
Author Sally MurphyPosted on October 3, 2014 Categories Adult FictionTags allen & unwin, family, farming, fleur mcdonald, outback, roamnce, rural, rural fiction
Brumby's Run, by Jennifer Scoullar
The most important meeting of her life, and she was running late. Faith had offered to come along, but Sam had sensed her reluctance. In the end she'd gone off in a cab by herself, under a gloomy sky. It was probably for the best. This was something she needed to do, alone. The car swished through the rainy streets. Sam stared out the window, stomach knotted tight in anticipation. She was about to meet a sister she'd known about for less than twenty-four hours.
Samantha Carmichael is enjoying a carefree summer before she starts a university degree. But, over lunch, her mother delivers two stunning pieces of news – firstly that Samantha is adopted, and secondly, that she has an identical twin sister, Charlie. It seems the truth has come out now because Charlie is critically ill, and only Sam can save her.
Sam and Charlie have grown up in different worlds, but their connection is instant, and soon Sam finds herself offering to look after her sister's home at Brumby's Run, a propety high in the Victorian Alps, while Charlie recovers in the city. Sam knows horses, but she has never lived in the country, and now her days are filled with looking after cattle, breaking brumbies, and getting the run-down property back on track. Fortunately she has a helping hand from the handsome Drew Chandler, the son of the neighbouring property owner and Charlie's former boyfriend.
As the time for Charlie's return draws closer, Sam finds herself faced with an unwelcome possibility – has she stolen her sister's life, and will Charlie want it back?
Brumby's Run is a moving tale of family secrets and relationships, rural life, and the brumby – the wild mountain dwelling horses of the Australian alps. Whilst this is a romance, the issues dealt with are important too, and dealt with well. the exploration of the many issues surrounding brumbys is especially well handed, leaving the reader well informed.
Issues aside, the key here is that this is an accessible read, with romance at its heart.
Brumby's Run, by Jennifer Scoullar
Penguin 2012
Available in good bookstores or online from Fishpond. Buying through this link supports Aussiereviews.
Author Sally MurphyPosted on October 16, 2012 Categories Adult FictionTags horses, Jennifer Scoullar, romance, rural, rural fiction
Jilted, by Rachael Johns
She imagined most people in her situation would be smiling, reminiscing fondly, eager to start adding to their memories. She had fond recollections too, if she looked back far enough, but they'd all been railroaded by her most painful memory. the memory of making the biggest mistake of her life and, as a result, having to leave the only place she'd ever really called home.
Ten years ago Ellie left Hope Valley in a hurry, leaving not just the town she'd come to know and love, but her jilted fiancee, Flynn. Now she's back, hoping she cna keep a low profile while she cares for her godmother, Matilda, recovering from a fall. But the town is small and Ellie is now a famous soap opera star, so keeping that low profile is going to be impossible. Add to that the fact that the whole town seems to hate her for what she did to Flynn. then, of course, thre's Flynn himself, who she'd like to avoid, but who seems to be everywhere, still just as handsome. Ellie finds her feelings for Flynn haven't changed – but surely it's too late to undo the past.
Jilted is a rural romance set in country Western Australia. Hope Valley is a fictional town, but the surrounding towns – Katanning, Tambellup and others – are very real, and the author has worked to create a believably West Australian setting. But readers don't need to be familiar with the region to be able to connect with the characters and become absorbed in their relationships. As well as watching Ellie and Flynn reconnect and try to figure out their past – and future – we see Ellie also deal with the ageing of her godmother, and struggle with her past. Otehr characters too have difficulties to face and triumphs to celebrate.
A heartwarming read.
Mira, 2012
This book is available in good bookstores or online from Fishpond.
Author Sally MurphyPosted on October 10, 2012 Categories Adult FictionTags mira, rachel johns, romance, rural fiction, rural wa, western australia
Purple Roads, by Fleur McDonald
Matt's hands trembled so violently the tea slopped over the rim. The scald hardly registerd but he let the man take the cup from him and hold it to his mouth.
'How am I going to tell her?' he kept saying, over and over. All he could think of was his future – and that of his family – lying in the charred ashes on the road. It took a little while before he realised the guttural moans he could hear came from himself.
Anna and Matt had a lot going for them – childhood sweethearts, they'd worked hard to buy their own farm, and weren't afraid to keep working to make it profitable. But events beyond their control start to take their toll: he seasons are unkind, then Matt's truck catches fire and then, when the saving rain finally comes, their precious fertiliser is stolen, making it impossible to continue.
With the farm gone, Anna is determined to rebuild their life, even though it is nothing like they had dreamed of. They can start again, she is sure, even if just for the sake of their daughter. But Matt isn't convinced. He is caught up in searching for answers. He is going to solve the mystery of the stolen fertiliser and put the wrong to right. As each works to follow their hearts, Matt and Anna's relationship starts to crumble. Perhaps it will be too hard to put it back together again.
Purple Roads is a rural fiction tale which is an interesting blend of romance, mystery and contemporary fiction. There's a lot going on, with Anna being revealed as a strong, resilient type who can overcome adversity and work for change, and Matt's struggle with depression and financial adversity being explored. Both characters are well developed as are other minor ones.
An entertaining read which will appeal to those for a taste for realistic rural fiction.
Allen & Uniwn, 2012
Author Sally MurphyPosted on September 11, 2012 Categories Adult FictionTags allen & uniwn, fleur mcdonald, rural fiction


Since I have not seen much discussion about reducing the frequency of SSTC meetings, I'd like to propose that we have our next SSTC meeting/telecon on Tuesday June 7th, 2016.  This is exactly 3 months from our last call on March 15th.
We will not have a call today (as we have nothing new to report).
I will adjust the OASIS Calendar.
Today we again failed to meet quorum at our monthly SSTC meeting.
(ii) Reporting to the group about your work-items of interest (even though these maybe pursued later).
What are people's thoughts about these two issues?


text:
Day 67 – Q 3. Airport modernisation has gained much momentum in the last few years. Why is it important to expand and upgrade the airport networks? Explain.
GS 3, Indian Economy, TLP-UPSC Mains Answer Writing
3. Airport modernisation has gained much momentum in the last few years. Why is it important to expand and upgrade the airport networks? Explain.
हवाई अड्डे के आधुनिकीकरण ने पिछले कुछ वर्षों में बहुत गति प्राप्त की है। हवाई अड्डे के नेटवर्क का विस्तार और उन्नयन क्यों महत्वपूर्ण है? समझाएं।
Demand of the question – Detail the airport modernisation momentum gained in the last few years and also explain in the next part how it is important to expand and upgrade the airport networks in India.
India's civil aviation industry aims to become the third-largest aviation market by 2020 and the largest by 2030 where it is planning development of more than 50 new airports and expansion of existing airports, giving job opportunities to millions.
India registered a growth of 14 percent in civil aviation sector during the last decade. With foreign direct investment (FDI) in air transport during the last decade touched the mark of $570 million.
The Country continues to be a favourite destination for foreign investors in civil aviation sector. It has been noted that the Indian civil aviation market is growing at a rapid pace and now ranks third in the world.
Currently, six international airports have been completed successfully under PPP mode. The sector is expected to witness investments worth US$ 25 billion by 2027.
In November 2018, the Government of India approved a proposal to manage six AAI airports under public private partnership (PPP). These airports are situated in Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Lucknow, Guwahati, Thiruvananthapuram and Mangaluru.
Importance of expanding and upgrading the airport networks in India:
Airports being nuclei of economic activity assume a significant role in the national economy. The quality of airport infrastructure, which is a vital component of the overall transportation network, contributes directly to a country's international competitiveness and the flow of foreign investment. While cargo carried by air in India weighs less than 1% of the total cargo exported, it accounts for 35% of the total value of exports.
Better cargo handling facilities lead to enhanced levels of importation, especially of capital goods and high-value items. Likewise, 97% of the country's foreign tourists arrive by air and tourism is the nation's second largest foreign exchange earner.
Airports also represent a country's window on the world. Passengers form their first impressions about a nation from the state of its airports. They can be effectively used as symbols of national pride, if we pay sufficient attention to their quality and maintenance.
In many remote, hilly and inaccessible areas of the country, air transport is the quickest and sometimes the only mode of travel available. This is especially true of sensitive regions on the borders with our neighbours in the west, north and north-east. Airports need to be integrated with other modes of transport like Railways and Highways, enabling seamless transportation to all parts of the country.
With the increase in traffic for both passenger & cargo aviation services in India, the government has put in place a program for directing investments in the Airport infrastructure – through both internal resource mobilization, as well as through private sector participation in modernizing specific Airports.
Air transport serves a time-sensitive market. The surface access to airports should, therefore, be efficient and city planners should keep the airport-linked requirements constantly in view while designing surface transport development plans. There is a special need to emphasise the aspect of rail links with airports, in view of its near absence in India as contrasted with other countries.
Aviation infrastructure also plays a key role in enabling the economic growth of countries that rely on major hubs such as Singapore and Dubai. In Dubai, for instance, aviation generates about 28% of the city's GDP.
Better transport linkages enable investment and human capital to flow more freely across borders, improving returns on investment for some projects.
In our journey towards the New India where the Indian economy is all set to scale new height's, the upgradation and modernisation of airport infrastructure and its efficient use have assumed critical importance. Thus, aviation, far from being a mere mode of transportation for an elite group, is crucial for sustainable development of trade and tourism.
Day 67 – Q 2. Do you support the idea of privatising the operations of railways? Substantiate your views with the help of suitable examples.
IASbaba's TLP (Phase 2 – ENGLISH & हिंदी): UPSC Mains Answer Writing – General Studies Paper 3 Questions[26th August,2020] – Day 67


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HISTORIC SUPREME COURT DECISIONS A C-SPAN ORIGINAL TV SERIES
Season Two Home
Marbury v. Madison (1803)
Scott v. Sandford (1857)
The Slaughterhouse Cases (1873)
Lochner v. New York (1905)
Schenck v. United States (1919)
Korematsu v. United States (1944)
Youngstown Sheet and Tube Co. v. Sawyer (1952)
Brown v. Board of Education(1954)
Mapp v. Ohio (1961)
Baker v. Carr (1962)
Miranda v. Arizona (1966)
Roe v. Wade (1973)
McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)
Civil Rights Cases (1883)
Yick Wo v. Hopkins (1886)
Plessy v. Ferguson (1896)
Gideon v. Wainwright (1963)
Griswold v. Connecticut (1965)
Katz v. United States (1967)
Brandenburg v. Ohio (1969)
Tinker v. Des Moines (1969)
New York Times v. United States (1971)
Gregg v. Georgia (1976)
Regents of Univ. Cal v. Bakke (1978)
Yick Wo
Plessy
Regents of
Univ. Cal
Bakke
Season Two Preview
LANDMARK CASES: Historic Supreme Court Decisions
The human stories behind Supreme Court cases have shaped the meaning of the Constitution today. We've picked twelve of the most significant and frequently cited cases in the Supreme Court's history and are bringing to life the personalities, people, and constitutional dramas that have made them so central to the way we live now.
C-SPAN's ongoing series, produced in partnership with the National Constitution Center, explores the issues, people and places involved in some of the most significant Supreme Court cases in our nation's history. Landmark Cases introduces viewers to the stories of the plaintiffs who sparked these cases and to the justices and lawyers who were key to the Supreme Court's review. The series visits historic sites and other locations that bring these cases to life and studio guests interacting with C-SPAN viewers offer historic context and modern relevance to the programs.
The National Constitution Center in Philadelphia inspires citizenship as the only place where people across America and around the world can come together to learn about, debate, and celebrate the greatest vision of human freedom in history, the U.S. Constitution. A private, nonprofit organization, the Center serves as America's leading platform for constitutional education and debate, fulfilling its Congressional charter "to disseminate information about the U.S. Constitution on a nonpartisan basis."
The National Constitution Center's Interactive Constitution brings top constitutional experts together to explore areas of agreement and disagreement about the text and history of the Constitution.
Series Podcast
Landmark Cases:
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Landmark Cases: Season One
Landmark Cases: Season Two
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With home automation, a homeowner can disarm the alarm system, turn on lights, unlock doors, adjust the temperature, and activate the sound system—all without being home.
Omaha-based Crescendo Home Theater, which now has a second branch in Los Angeles, specializes in designing sophisticated audio-visual, security, and home automation systems that integrate technology seamlessly to meet the specific needs and desires of each client.
For example, Crescendo installs electrostatic speaker systems that deliver "you-are-there" sound quality for the ultimate audio experience that, "lifts an audio veil from your ears that you didn't know was there," Karen explains. "We use audio technology to bring people closer to the experience of listening to a live performance." Since 2006, Crescendo has applied this philosophy—using the best components for their intended use, across all their home and business technology solutions.


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Q: Insert default values not working mongodb I am using mongoose version 5.2.5 and here is the sample model of my order
....
let PlaceOrderSchema = new mongoose.Schema({
        any: {}
}, { strict: false },
    { timestamps: { updatedAt: 'last_updated', createdAt: 'created' });

I am using the above model in main script with mongoose save and findOneAndUpdate.
In our production system , we are seeing many document that does not have last_updated key missing in the save document.
Here are sample code of the mongoose save method and findOneAndUpdate in our main script.We are seeing some of the documents have updated_at keys while very few of them does not have it while saving the document
let orderModel = require('./orderModel');
let newOrder = {
    order_no: 1234
};

//save usage code
(new Order(newOrder).save({lean: true}, ()=> {

  //do...something

}));

//findOneAndUpdate usage Code
 let orderNo = 123
 OrderModel.findOneAndUpdate({ order_no: orderNo },
                {
                    $set: { items: [{product_id: 'abc', quantity: 1}] },
                },
                { new: true, upsert: true },
                (err, res) => {

                    //do_something
                });

Can any one share why we have few documents are getting saved without updated_at?

A: You need to use option setDefaultsOnInsert: true during the update operation.
Docs

By default, mongoose only applies defaults when you create a new
  document. It will not set defaults if you use update() and
  findOneAndUpdate(). However, mongoose 4.x lets you opt-in to this
  behavior using the setDefaultsOnInsert option.

OrderModel.findOneAndUpdate(
  { order_no: orderNo },
  { $set: { items: [{ product_id: "abc", quantity: 1 }] }},
  { new: true, upsert: true, setDefaultsOnInsert: true }
)

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Q: How would formally ask someone to confirm return date to book a ticket I would like to book a return ticket back to my hometown for a particular date. I need to ask my someone before finalizing the date. How can I express that in a question form? I have few examples:

*

*(For) which date/day should I book my return ticket?

*When should I return?

*I am thinking of returning on xyz date. Is that okay?

*Which date/day should I return (on)?

Similarly, is the following sentence grammatically correct?

*

*I booked my return ticket for my hometown for xyz date.

A: "(For) which date/day should I book my return ticket?"
This is a little formal and old-fashioned. Try "When am I starting work again?" or "What date should I come back to work?" That way you can book your return ticket for the day before.
"I am thinking of returning on xyz date. Is that okay?" Which date/day should I return (on)?
Yes these are fine. (Also, the last sentence is grammatically correct.)


text:
Surrey country life captured by Witley artist Myles Birket Foster
Words: Tinx Newton
Gathering Lilac by Myles Birket Foster (Photo Godalming Museum)
Visitors to Godalming Museum often remark on one particular painting, a beautiful watercolour, pictured right, by the renowned Surrey artist Myles Birket Foster.
Originally published in Surrey Life magazine July 2015
Share your Surrey artworks @ www.surreylife.co.uk/photos
Gathering Lilac shows a traditional Surrey cottage in the late 1800s; a woman works in the garden and three girls pick lilac on the verge of a country lane. Geese feed on the common and wooded hills rise behind.
The artist lived in Witley for over 30 years, and his paintings are of particular historical significance for the county.
"Gathering Lilac is a vision of picturesque and contented Surrey country life, which was shared by many in the Arts and Crafts movement, including local architect Sir Edwin Lutyens and garden designer Gertrude Jekyll," says curator at the museum, Alison Pattison. "The painting is displayed alongside another of Birket Foster's home, The Hill, on Wormley Hill.
"In busy times such as we live in, visitors seem to find some peace by pausing to look at this touching study of a genteel lifestyle in Surrey from a bygone era."
Birket Foster became a full member of the Watercolour Society in 1862 (later the Royal Watercolour Society) where he showed over 300 paintings.
He also exhibited at the Royal Academy, and the V&A Museum has the original sign that he painted in 1875 for The White Hart at Witley.
Birket Foster died in 1899 at Weybridge, and was buried at Witley where a Celtic cross marks his grave.
• Godalming Museum, 109a High Street, Godalming GU7 1AQ. Tel: 01483 426510. Web: godalmingmuseum.org.uk. Gathering Lilac and The Hill were purchased by Godalming Museum Trust with assistance from the National Art Collections Fund, the Hamamelis Trust, Witley Parish Council and private donors.


text:
India's Tata Motors jumps 6% on first quarterly profit in 2 years29 minutes ago
India's Adani kicks off $2.45 billion share sale while under short-seller attack29 minutes ago
Ukraine comes under Russian missile onslaught after securing tanks from allies30 minutes ago
Blockchain Games Raise $2.5B As Dapps Lose $1.2B to Hacks in Q1 '22
By:Aaryamann Shrivastava
While the first quarter of the year wasn't necessarily the most profitable phase for crypto, DeFi applications drew in over 2.38 million daily users.
Key Insights:
The report suggests over $12 billion worth of NFT trades were conducted in Q1 2022.
Overall DeFi protocols have lost more than $1.2 billion in the same period.
Gaming projects have noted $2.5 billion invested by Venture Capitalists as GameFi TVL crosses $28 billion.
Crypto is more than just Bitcoin and altcoins now. The space has developed into a world of its own, figuratively and literally, with the arrival of the Metaverse.
NFTs have become a need for investors, and in the midst of all this, gaming projects have also noticed a lot of attention this time around. How much, though, is the question?
DeFi Hits It Out of the Park
According to the DappRadar Q1 industry report, the DeFi space is growing with the broadening adoption of the NFT and Metaverse market and an increased interest in blockchain games.
And the potential that Decentralized Finance (DeFi) presents exceeds the worries of external factors.
Dapps all registered over 2.38 million daily unique active wallets throughout the first quarter, and the DeFi TVL kept its pace maintained throughout the fluctuations.
The biggest gainers this time around were none other than NFTs, which generated over $12 billion in trades thanks to the adoption of NFTs outside of Ethereum.
Furthermore, Q1 2022 was a pretty successful quarter for blockchain gaming projects. These Dapps managed to raise over $2.5 billion from Venture Capitalists as well as capture investors' attention.
But with every boon comes a bane, and DeFi's biggest bane is the hacks. DeFi, as the name suggests, is decentralized finance, i.e., it is dependent on no one keeping it safe from direct access attacks or exploits.
But those looking for a loophole manage to find a way to exploit a protocol, which is how DeFi protocols lost over $1.2 billion in the first three months of 2022.
About 50% of this loss is attributed to the Axie Infinity's Ronin Hack, where exploiters managed to execute the biggest crypto attack, stealing over $615 million. The other major exploit was the Wormhole, wherein $326 million were stolen.
But It Still Did Not Stop the DeFi Growth
Today the total value locked (TVL) across all Decentralized Finance protocols and chains comes up to $214 billion, and while this is huge, it is nothing in comparison to the crypto space's market cap of $1.9 trillion.
DeFi TVL is at $214 billion as of today | Source: DeFi Llama
The rapidly emerging GameFi space, which, as mentioned above, noticed a lot of interest from users and investors alike, is currently valued above $28 billion and growing thanks to the rise of Metaverse and platforms such as The Sandbox and Decentraland.
Therefore, going forward, these spaces will be noticing much more investment flowing in as DeFi is considered to be the future of finance.
National Gas Accelerates to the Downside


text:
Strong Shooting Propels Jayhawks Over Creighton, 74-66
Junior Asia Boyd scored a career-high 19 points in the Jayhawks, 74-66, win over Creighton Sunday night.
Kansas 74, Creighton 66
Allen Fieldhouse // Lawrence, Kan.
Creighton 33 33 66
Kansas Creighton
Pts Gardner (24) Janning (22)
Rebs Gardner (8) Rollerson (5)
Asts Knight (4) Nelson (5)
Stls Gardner (4) Akin-Otiko (3)
Blks Gardner (3) Rollerson (2)
Stats at a Glance KU CU
Points off Turnovers 11 15
Fast Break Points 14 2
LAWRENCE, Kan. – Junior forward Chelsea Gardner scored 24 points to lead the Jayhawks to a 74-66 win over Creighton on Sunday evening inside historic Allen Fieldhouse.
The DeSoto, Texas native, made her first six shots and finished 8-of-15 from the field to go along with eight rebounds, three blocks and a season-best four steals as Kansas (3-0) topped Creighton (2-2) for the 11th-straight time. Gardner's efforts helped Kansas shoot a sizzling 75 percent in the first half.
Sophomore guard Larmaria Cole set career highs in points (14), rebounds (four), field goals made (six), field goals attempted (11) and minutes played (30). Along with the efforts of Cole, junior guard Asia Boyd helped Kansas by chalking up a career-high 19 points and four rebounds. The Jayhawks shot 61 percent from field goal range and was quick in transition with 14 fast-break points.
Creighton was led by sophomore guard Marissa Janning who had 22 points, three rebounds and two steals in 39 minutes of action. In addition to Janning, freshman guard Sarah Nelson added 17 points, six of which were behind the arc, but the Bluejays shot just 41 percent from the field.
Creighton took an early 8-5 lead into the first media timeout, but after the break, junior guard Natalie Knight made a long pass to Boyd at the other end, who tossed in a lay-up and started a Kansas 9-2 run. Senior guard CeCe Harper knocked in two baskets in a row to put the Jayhawks ahead, 18-12 and forced Creighton to use its first timeout.
Kansas continued its offensive efforts out of the timeout and went on a 7-2 run, widening the lead to 24-14 with 8:26 left to play in the first half and a layup by Gardner resulted in another Bluejay timeout. Coming out of the break, the two teams traded baskets deep into the first half. A strong block by Gardner didn't stop Janning from scoring a three-point basket that made the score 32-25 going in to the final media timeout. The Bluejays came back and went on an 8-2 run to end the half and pull within three, 36-33. In the first half, Kansas was led by Gardner's 16 points and four rebounds. Creighton's Janning was close behind her with 15 points and one rebound.
Early in the second half, Boyd kept the shot clock from expiring by knocking in last-second lay-up and sparked a 10-2 Jayhawk run. Cole stole the ball, broke away and went coast-to-coast for a lay-up at the other end, making the score 48-35 and forcing Creighton to use its third timeout with 15:47 left to play in the game.
Within the next minute, Nelson missed a jumper and Gardner grabbed the rebound and passed it off to Boyd who knocked in a lay-up. With the Jayhawk run now 14-2, Creighton called its fourth timeout of the game. Nelson came back and knocked in only the second Bluejay basket of the half and ended the Jayhawk run making the score 54-43 going into the next media timeout.
Creighton came back strong, answering Kansas at the other end. The Bluejays shortened the Kansas lead, 63-50, and forced Kansas to call its second timeout with 7:19 left to play. Out of the timeout, Creighton led Kansas with a 8-1 run and brought the score to 64-58. With 1:06 left in the Boyd knocked in a lay-up and brought the score to 72-61 and silenced any chance of a Bluejay comeback.
Sunday's victory gives the Jayhawks their 11th straight win over the Bluejays, bringing the all-time series record to 25-12.
The Jayhawks will make their first road trip of the season as they travel to Minneapolis, Minn., to take on the University of Minnesota on Wednesday at 7 p.m.
KANSAS STARTERS (SEASON/CAREER): Jr. Asia Boyd (3-3), So. Lamaria Cole (3-3), Jr. Bunny Williams (3-8), Jr. Chelsea Gardner (3-32) and Jr. Natalie Knight (3-56)
KANSAS' WIN…
Improves KU's all-time non-conference record to 326-148 and 90-22 in non-conference play under head coach Bonnie Henrickson.
Makes Kansas 25-12 against Creighton and extends its winning streak over the Bluejays to 11-straight games.
Makes Henrickson 11-1 against Creighton.
Improves Henrickson's record to 161-135 at KU and 319-197 overall.
Improves Kansas' all-time record to 760-533.
Makes the Jayhawks 407-105 all-time in Allen Fieldhouse and 117-49 under Henrickson while playing at home.
Makes KU 47-23 when playing on Sunday and 42-25 during the month of November under Henrickson, including the last 21 straight in the year's 11th month.
Down 10-5 with 15:15 left in the first half, the Jayhawks used an 8-0 run, which lasted until the 12:19 mark, to regain the lead over the Bluejays.
After shooting 75 percent in the first half, KU continued its hot-streak to open up the second half, using a 16-2 run over the first 5:50 to extend its lead, 52-35, over the Bluejays.
The Jayhawks shot 75 percent (15-20) in the first half and 61.4 percent (27-44) for the game. The highest shooting percentage for a game in KU history, 72.1 (44-61), also came against Creighton on Feb. 7, 1981.
Junior forward Bunny Williams scored her first bucket of the season on a turn-around jumper with 16:31 left in the first half. The Duncanville, Texas native, also added a rebound and an assist in her 17 minutes of action.
Junior forward Chelsea Gardner sank her first six shot attempts before missing a long jump shot with 5:34 left in the first half. The DeSoto, Texas native, finished the game with 24 points, eight rebounds, three blocks and a season-high four steals to eclipse her mark of three takeaways against SIU-Edwardsville (11/13).
Sophomore guard Lamaria Cole finished the game with career-highs in points (14), rebounds (four), field goals made (six), field goals attempted (11) and minutes played (30).
Senior guard Markisha Hawkins finished with a season-high three rebounds, eclipsing her previous mark set against SIU-Edwardsville (11/13).
Junior guard Asia Boyd recorded a career-high 19 points, to beat her previous mark of 18 against SIU-Edwardsville (11/13). The Detroit, Mich. native, also added four rebounds and a season-high three assists.


text:
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text:
News items from the Arabic-language press to help fill in the gaps
Saudi writer: Will Bush know enough to look for a negotiated solution, or will he just carry on trying to inflame the Arab regimes against Iran ?
Bilal al-Hassan is writes a regular political column for Asharq al-Awsat. (He happens to be Palestinian, apparently the younger brother of one of the longest-serving "historical Fatah" figures and former Arafat associates Hani al-Hassan). His column today (Sunday December 3) on Iraq and the Bush administration is notable for a number of reasons. Here is a summary of his argument:
While the Bush administration seems to be rejecting the idea of talks with Syria and Iran, this would be a mistake, because these are two countries through which fighters and weapons transit to Iraq, and serious discussions with them could result in putting a stop to that, thus contributing greatly to Iraqi internal stability. Moreover, there are indications that both Syria and Iran are being amenable. For instance, Syria refused the invitation to participate in a three-way summit in Tehran, out of deference to the Arab position; and Iran, for its part, has said there is an important role in the Iraq-pacification process for both Saudi Arabia and Egypt. The Bush administration, al-Hassan says, should pay careful heed to these signs.
More important is the question of defining what the Iraqi problem is, and here al-Hassan cites statements by Maliki, (parliament president) Mashhadani, and Talabani, all indicating that the problem, far from being exclusively a security problem, is first and foremost a political problem, and the security problems derive from that.
Al-Hassan says a number of conclusions and requirements for action derive from that: (1) There has to be a real American troop-withdrawal, according to a well-defined and thought-out schedule. (2) The Iraqi constitution, whose outlines were first drawn up under the Bremer regime, fosters sectarianism and militates against a sense of national identity (apparently referring to the party-list proportional representation voting system), and this needs to be changed. (3) The concept of federal regions is also a problem. (He adds here in the regional context, partition is something that "is rejected by the Arabs and by the Turks, but it is sufficiently clear that it is not rejected by Iran"). Here too the solution is a new constitution, that would better found the notion of national identity.
Putting this another way, al-Hassan says the answer to Iraq's problems doesn't lie in the direction of the recent "Mecca document", which was a call to end sectarian violence in and of itself; nor in the direction of a Kosovo-style international conference of the type suggested by Kofi Annan, rather it requires a new Iraqi constitution. (Here al-Hassan refers to work already being done by something called the Institute for Studies in Arab Unity in Beirut, and he mentions its leader, one Khayr al-Din Hasib).
Finally, al-Hassan says it is worth studying the differences in approach between the Iranian concept and the Saudi concepts of how to proceed. Based on newspaper reports, he said, the Iranian idea is first to insist on American withdrawal based on a fixed timetable. Secondly (and al-Hassan says he sees a contradiction here), the Iranian plan is for formation of a central government, but also for formation of "Iraqi federalism based on the existing central government". The third Iranian point (according to al-Hassan) is a "rejection of going back to traditional politics in the region, at the expense of the existing system, [in other words rejection of] a return to the exclusion of the Shiite majority from power, which would only increase the chances of separation [of Iraq into three parts]".
Al-Hassan summarizes his criticism of the Iranian approach as follows: It would do away with the American occupation, but it would retain all of the internal fragmentation that went with it. So this should be a point of discussion with the Iranians.
The Saudi approach, he says, was laid down in a cabinet decision of November 27 (the first Saudi cabinet meeting following the famous Cheney visit), and it includes the following main points: (1) Emphasis on regional and historical "balance", which means treating the question of Shiite Sunni balance on a regional basis, and not just on an Iraqi basis; and (2) finding ways to convert the American "occupation" to UN "supervision", for which the Security Council would have to take the initiative.
Al-Hassan says on the face of it this is the Iranians siding with the Shiites and Saudi siding with the Sunni, but he says there is a way of mediating that: Via his idea of a new constitution that would foster national identity at the expense of sectarian identity.
The question, al-Hassan says, is Bush. Will he rest content with just having meetings, or will he have the capacity to grasp the political problem in its entirely, a political problem, he adds, which is of his own creation and that of his military leaders. Will he look for solutions, or will he satisfy himself with continuing his inflammatory remarks against Iran, and his attempt to marshall the Arab regimes against that country? Will he keep up with his slogans about not leaving until the task is done, or will he remember that it is permitted for him to act as the leader of a country, and not just as the leader of a military organization?
posted by badger at 5:49 AM
Name: badger
Recent accolades: no recent accolades
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The real Hadley "proposal"
Saudi press: The problem is Bush
Arab reflections of the latest Bush "strategy"
Americans bearing gifts


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Keeping with tradition, Bill Press served as the moderator of the Fifteenth Anniversary program. At the Legends in Law Luncheon, Oklahoma Attorney General, E. Scott Pruitt, then chair of the Republican Attorney General Association, was the guest speaker. Betty Welchel, General Counsel for North America Region at BNP Paribas was the dinner chair. On behalf of the Library of Congress, Associate Librarian for Library Services, Ms. Roberta Shaffer spoke. Taylor Reveley, the 27th president of William & Mary, spoke of the program's impact. Virginia Wise, noted scholar at Harvard Law and Academic Chair, introduced a representative of Justice John Paul Stevens who could not attend. His book, "Six Amendments: How and Why We Should Change the Constitution," was named "Book of the Year in Law." Tom Sager, then General Counsel of DuPont, and Les Parrette, General Counsel of Novelis, Co-Chairs of the Legends Committee, announced their winners. Jane Roberts was then introduced as the "First Lady in Law." She served as Managing Director of Major, Lindsey & Africa and Chair of the Public Service & Public Interest Committee. The winners included Colonel Dawn D. Hankins, Chief, Special Victims' Counsel Division, Air Force Legal Operations Agency, and Major Nicholas J. Meanza, Deputy Staff Judge Advocate, 319th Air Base Wing, Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota. Noah Messing, Chair of the "Outstanding Contributions to Legal Writing Education" Committee and Yale Law School's Lecturer in the Practice of Law and Legal Writing presented. The "Reform in Law Award" was given to renowned jurist, Robert Katzmann, Chief Judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. His expert and specialized counseling to immigrants earned him this recognition. Dean of Georgetown University Law Center and former Dean of Fordham University School of Law, William Treanor gave the introduction. Roy Gutterman, Associate Professor of communications law and journalism and Director of the Tully Center for Free Speech at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University announced "Journalism in Law" Award winner Mark Obbie, freelance writer and former Editor of American Lawyer. The "Point/Counterpoint" debate featured Paul M. Smith, Partner and Chair at Jenner & Block's Washington, DC office and Michael A. Carvin, Partner at Jones Day's Washington, DC office. The issue was the Contraceptive Mandate. The program was followed by a reception, dinner and performance by Jay Leno.


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Sept. 30, 2016 – Can Injuries Ever be an Excuse for Losing?
In the NFL, injuries aren't supposed to matter. They're not supposed to be a reason, an excuse, for losing. If you're a player on a team in the National Football League you're expected to be ready to play, to compete. If a starter gets hurt it's next man up. That player is expected to come in and play just like the starter. But, they're not a starter for a reason. They don't get practice time like a starter. Is it fair or sensible to say injuries don't matter?
The theory is if you're good enough to be on the team that is all that matters.The thinking is that a team, a good team, a smart team, will only have individuals on the roster that can help the team to win. That if the starter goes down, no one will notice anything changed in regards to the play on the field and the results. The only thing different is the number on his jersey. The expectation of the Coach and General Manager is they have put together a team full of "starters" so it's an even trade when an injury occurs. Is this reality? Very rarely.
For some teams, very few teams, this is how it works. Player down, next man up, no worries. For most teams, it spells disaster when a key starter goes down, their quarterback for example. Most of the time when this happens, the wind is sucked out of the team and their fans. Unless of course you're Bill Belechick in New England where he's 6-0 with rookie starting quarterbacks. What? That's crazy!
Let's face it, the fans know when one player goes down you can probably survive, unless it's your quarterback, two down, it's questionable, three or more, it's time to study college football's best players and start counting down to the draft.
Follow me on Twitter @aFootballdiary
Sept. 28, 2016 – Why are so many Players getting hurt?
Is it me or does it seem like there are MORE injuries in the NFL than in the past? The most recent collective bargaining agreement, signed in 2011, made major changes to the way teams practiced during the off season, training camp, and during the regular season. There are less days with pads and no two a day practices. Is this why there are so many injuries? Did the agreement actually hurt players when it was meant to make the game safer and have less injuries? Are players not "game" ready when kickoff comes?
Concussions are down which is a great thing. But is that due to simply changes made in the rules to attempt to decrease concussions? Players aren't allowed to hit or basically play defense the way we knew it years ago. It's changed incredibly just in the years, ok, decades, I've been watching. Many of the old time players can't believe how much it's changed. Football as we knew it is long gone.
So if it's supposed to be safer why are there so many injuries? Players now practice mainly without using pads so they're not really hitting each other. Now I agree during practice you can't have players of the same team hitting each other like in a game cause you sure don't want your own team member to take out another player. But players have to be somewhat in shape and ready to take the hits before the game. Should there be more days in pads? I'd like to research and see how the number of injuries now really compares to the number say in the 60's and 70's when training camp was brutal and defense was about taking a guy out. I mean could Dick Butkus and Ed O'Branovich play the game today with all the changes? Would they want to play it?
So with so many players going down, can it be used as an excuse for losing? Stay tuned.
Sept. 24, 2016 – The Day Before Game Three
It's the day before game three. How are you feeling about your season so far? I'm feeling pretty crappy and with very little hope. I try to stay positive, I mean we've only played two games. The problem is, we've looked really bad in more than half of each game. The bigger problem is we have more injured players than healthy. Ok so that's not quite the case but it sure feels like it. Last Monday night it was one player after another. Why are so many players getting injured? Why? Why? Why? Is it due to the lack of true game like practice? But that's another blog. Stay tuned.
If your team is 2-0 you so far are feeling pretty good. If you're like me and your team is 0-2 you're not too excited. Again, I try really hard to stay positive and if the games were close I'd be ok. Not so much. They looked terrible and now key players are out. I won't give up yet but statistics for a team to go 0-3 and make the playoffs are like slim to none. I mean only five teams have made it since 1970 that have started 0-3. It's tough to feel your season is over by week three. I know there are worse things in the world but when you wait six months and your hopes and dreams are dashed in three weeks it's heartbreaking. Especially for the fans that spend their hard earned money going to games home and away. It's a choice yes but it's also a passion, it's an escape. It's football for crying out loud and some of us just love it. Is it too much to ask to just give us a little hope for a little more than three weeks?
Follwo me on Twitter @aFootballdiary
Sept. 18, 2016 – New theme song for Sunday Night Football
Is it me or does the new theme song for Sunday Night Football lack something? It just doesn't have that rhythm or that I want to sing along pizazz to it. I mean I'd look forward to the start of the game and that song and the video that went along with it. Why did they have to change it? Why? What was wrong with it? I mean even after a day of football, getting up early, going to the game, experiencing the joy of victory or the agony of defeat, I still couldn't wait for another football game because it's true, I'd been waiting all day for Sunday Night. The 3rd game of the day, another game to enjoy before facing the fact there's work tomorrow. It just had a great beat. You knew the words and sang along.
I'm sure eventually the old will be forgotten and the new will seem normal. I mean honestly, I had forgotten that I used to be asked if I was ready for some football every Monday Night. How about you?
Sept. 11, 2016 – Opening Day 2016 – It's Finally Here!
Finally, opening day of the NFL season. I know. Thursday night was the official kickoff game of the season. For the majority of us though, today is opening day. The day we've waited for since February for football. The off season for some was longer than for others. Most fans have interest in other things, other sports, but for the die hard NFL fan this is it. For the next 21 weeks, we can talk about football, we can listen to sports talk about football, we can watch football, we can dream about football. We determine our daily schedule around football. We play in our pools and pick our fantasy teams and pretend we know what it's like to be the General Manager of a team. We have days we proudly wear our team colors from head to toe and we have days we almost wish our license plate didn't let the world know we're a fan.
Whether you go to the game or sit home and watch, it begins with joy, with hope. Good luck and enjoy the ride!
Follow me on Twitter: @aFootballdiary
Sept. 10, 2016 – The Day Before, Have Blind Hope
One more day until the fun begins! One more day until the countdown to Super Bowl LI begins. One more day until the joy of victory or the agony of defeat becomes a Sunday mainstay. Or for some weeks, it happens on a Thursday or Monday. Whatever day your team takes the field, the day begins with hope, no matter what the past week brought, there should always be some hope at the start of the day. As the day progresses and the game is played, that hope transforms into triumphant or "ugh, here we go again."
Today though everyone should have some hope. All but one team (Carolina since they lost Thursday night) is still on the road to 16-0. Every team has a chance at the ultimate prize, the Lombard trophy. Even if your team was terrible last year, it could happen. We've seen it happen. The surprise team that comes out of nowhere and totally turns around their season and goes from last to first. We've seen it, from last place to winning the division and beyond!
Today, think with your heart, think like a fan that can only see in team colors. Believe it can happen. Picture it, there you are, in the stands, in Houston, in February, going crazy, jumping up and down, screaming like there's no tomorrow, "We won the Super Bowl!"
Just for today, don't let reality creep into your thoughts. Enjoy the day! Bask in the possibilities because tomorrow, that could all change.
Sept. 5, 2016 – Saying good-bye to a beloved player
We've all had to do it. We've all had to say good-bye. We've all seen one of our "guys" get released or traded. We hear it all the time, football is a business. That doesn't make it any easier when it happens.
Last night, seven days before the NFL season starts, the Chicago Bears released 11-year veteran, all 11 years with the Bears, kicker Robbie Gould. What? I know he struggled in pre-season and was making over $3m for the season but it's Robbie!!! He's the Bears all-time leading scorer! The oldest team in the NFL. The all-time leading scorer I said as well as their most accurate kicker. Wow! And we love Robbie! Fans love him and we trust Robbie! He wasn't perfect but when he went on the field we were pretty sure we'd be hearing "Bear Down" play shortly after.
It's seven days before the seasons starts! We went 1-3 in pre-season and for the most part looked horrible in the first three games and you release one of our mainstays? One of the very few players on the team we have all the confidence in the world in? Please tell me I'm dreaming. Please pinch me so I can wake up and see this was a horrible nightmare!
Robbie will get picked up by another team I'm sure. I hope he does. We did sign another kicker. One that is younger and cheaper and um, played in a dome last year. Please tell me he'll be practicing during the week at Soldier Field as the wind can get pretty crazy and swirl around during those fall and winter games by the lake.
Goodbye Robbie. Hello Connor Barth. Hello 2016 NFL season. I'll get over it. I'll recover. It just won't be easy or quick but I'll get over it just like I have all the other cuts and trades.
Sept. 4, 2016 – Four days and counting
Four days until it starts. Four days until Sunday becomes a day when faces are painted, flags are flown, homes and friendships become divided, and the quest for Houston in February begins. Four days until team colors are the normal apparel and certain other color combinations become forbidden to be worn. Four days until the 2016 NFL season begins. It's been a long off season. Training camp is over. Pre-season games are played. It's time for the real thing.
Four days and we get teased with the prospect of the season beginning. It's just one game. One game featuring a rematch of the Super Bowl which really isn't a rematch considering the Broncos no longer have Peyton. Then we anxiously wait for three more days for Sunday. Sunday when there's over ten hours of football. If you add in the pre-game and post-game shows it is well over sixteen hours of football. Sixteen hours of pure heaven, unless of course your team losses. Then it's "well, I guess we won't be undefeated this year."
Four more days. I can "bearly" wait.


This symposium will present current state-of-the-science research on shared mechanisms between sleep deficiency and migraine using translational and clinical examples. Perspectives and methodologies from basic and clinical scientists will be described, including molecular migraine models, brain neuroimaging, actigraphy monitoring, and self-report data. Discussion will include potential treatment strategies targeting co-occurring migraine and sleep deficiency in adolescents.


Measure Title: RELATING TO EMPLOYMENT SECURITY.
Description: Permits claimants for unemployment benefits to report in person or via electronic communication. Prohibits denial of unemployment insurance benefits if a claimant is out of the State with access to facilities and methods that are prevailing or customarily used by persons to work remotely in the claimant's occupation.
2/5/2019 S The committee on LCA deferred the measure.


Jemele Hill is gone from "SportsCenter," but considerable bitterness remains, apparently, on the part of her former co-anchor Michael Smith about how ESPN "muted" their banter. In a recent podcast discussion with media reporter James Andrew Miller, Smith expressed great frustration with the direction of the 6 p.m. edition of the show, branded as "SC6," after ESPN executive Norby Williamson took charge of it in September.
That was around the time that Hill drew rebukes from President Trump and White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders for calling Trump a "white supremacist." ESPN suspended Hill in October for what the network described as continued violation of its social-media policies, after she took issue with Cowboys owner Jerry Jones's stated zero-tolerance approach to players possibly protesting during the national anthem.
Hill eventually left "SC6" last month to write for ESPN's Undefeated vertical and to appear as a panelist on several of its shows, but not before ESPN decided to downplay her "chemistry" with Smith, according to him, for a more traditional presentation. "There was a time we weren't even talking to each other [on air] anymore," Smith told Miller on the latter's "Origins" podcast.
"Like, no more Michael and Jemele — not less, not here and there," Smith continued. "No more Michael and Jemele talking. No more of their commentary. It's just strictly live shots and analysts.
Smith acknowledged that he and Hill that "had a lot of reservations" about whether ESPN executives "truly knew what they were signing up for" by putting them on "SportsCenter," claiming that "early on, it was pretty clear that we were too far off the reservation, if you will." Still, he said, he didn't anticipate that changes would be as "extreme" as they were under Williamson.
Noting that people could tell how "frustrated" he was, on and off camera, Smith said, "We knew we were gonna get s— out of the gate. … But we weren't built to take it." He accused the show's producers of "pushing the panic button" when "SC6" began encountering adversity.
"Instead of saying, 'No, this is the vision for this show, this is what we're doing, this show is about Michael and Jemele and their opinions and their chemistry, and they're going to do 'SportsCenter' their way.' Instead of sticking to that vision, we immediately tried to merge two things," Smith told Miller.


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NIAAA Study Links Gene Variant to Compulsive Drinking
By John Lavitt 08/03/15
Researchers underscored how genetic factors can play a role in determining who develops alcohol problems.
As researchers zero in on the genetic root of alcoholism, a new National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Addiction (NIAAA) study has identified a gene variant that is directly linked to compulsive drinking.
According to the results of a recent animal study, the gene variant affects the release of a specific brain protein that can put a person at greater risk of developing an alcohol use disorder. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Addiction, a division of the National Institutes of Health, funded the study.
Scientists found that mice carrying the gene variant would consume excessive amounts of alcohol. Despite the negative consequences, the presence of the Met68BDNF gene variant, which reduces the release of brain-derived neurotrophic (BDNF) factor, led directly to the abusive behavior. BDNF plays a role in the survival of existing neurons and the growth of new neurons and synapses. In other words, less brain activity removed the inhibition and led to compulsive drinking to the point of negative consequences.
Dr. George Koob, Ph.D., director of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Addiction, underlined the importance of the study. "Genetic factors play a role in determining who develops alcohol problems," Dr. Koob said. "By understanding the genetic underpinnings of alcohol use disorder, we will be better able to develop targeted treatment and prevention strategies."
The negative effect of the reduction of the BDNF factor seemed to be specific to alcohol consumption in the mice. Although the lack of the BDNF factor is known to lead to mental illness in human beings, it did not appear to have this effect on the mice except in relation to alcohol consumption. The human form of this gene variant leads to a reduction in the normal function of BDNF in the brain and is associated with several psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia and depression. The mice, however, did not differ in their consumption of other fluids or exhibit differences in levels of anxiety, compulsive behaviors, depression, or social aggression.
Significantly, by using gene delivery and pharmacology, researchers were able to reverse compulsive alcohol drinking in the mice. By increasing levels of BDNF in the prefrontal cortex, a brain region involved in compulsive drug and alcohol seeking, the researchers noted that the mice returned to moderate levels of alcohol intake. In addition, by administering a pharmaceutical compound developed to mimic the action of BDNF, researchers were also able to put a stop to compulsive drinking behaviors. The NIAAA believes a similar compound may have potential as a therapeutic treatment for humans with binge drinking problems and alcohol use disorders.
compulsive drinking
treatment professional news
John Lavitt
Growing up in Manhattan as a stutterer, John Lavitt discovered that writing was the best way to express himself when the words would not come. After graduating with honors from Brown University, he lived on the Greek island of Patmos, studying with his mentor, the late American poet Robert Lax. As a writer, John's published work includes three articles in Chicken Soup For The Soul volumes and poems in multiple poetry journals and compilations. Active in recovery, John has been the Treatment Professional News Editor for The Fix. Since 2015, he has published over 500 articles on the addiction and recovery news website. Today, he lives in Los Angeles, trying his best to be happy and creative. Find John on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
Gloria Harrison: True Recovery Is the Healing of the Human Spirit
Remembering Audrey Kishline, the Founder of Moderation Management
On December 19th, 2014, a 59-year-old woman almost nobody had ever heard of named Audrey Conn died...


Murphy Oil Corp.'s decision to close its New Orleans exploration and production office _ taking 100 employees to Houston _ is another chapter of a long-running trend that has seen the city's spot as a petroleum center fade.
Although Murphy did not have a big work force in the city, the region has lost thousands of oil-related jobs to Houston as Big Oil and support companies have chosen to consolidate their operations in Texas over the past decade.
The closure announcement came Wednesday along with El Dorado, Ark.-based Murphy's decision to have a worldwide exploration and production office, instead of a separate domestic office in New Orleans and an international office in Houston.
The company placed the merged unit under David Wood, currently the head of the international office, and said that John Higgins, who had been in charge of Murphy's Gulf of Mexico operations, would retire. The changes are effective Jan. 1.
"It makes more sense for us to consolidate under one person," Murphy spokeswoman Mindy West said.
Problems for oil employment in Louisiana began with the oil price bust of the 1980s that saw oil prices dip below $10 a barrel. From a high of 21,000 in 1982, the petroleum extraction work force in the New Orleans area slid by more than 10,000 over two decades.
For a time, there was hope in the early 1990s that the advent of deepwater drilling in the Gulf would revive oil employment in the region. But large petroleum companies began merging and consolidating operations _ usually in Houston.
Louisiana Land & Exploration Co. was acquired by Houston-based Burlington Resources Inc. in 1997. At the time, LL&E had 225 employees in New Orleans.
Then, the acquisition of Amoco Corp. by BP PLC did away with 600 jobs. In 2004, Irving, Texas-based Exxon Mobil Corp. closed its New Orleans exploration office and moved 300 workers to Houston. Other major oil companies trimmed their work forces in the city.
After Hurricane Katrina virtually emptied the city in 2005, there were fears that what was left of New Orleans' once-robust white-collar oil business would not return.
Shell Exploration & Production Co. returned to the company's downtown offices in January, bringing back 1,000 employees, saying it wanted to help with the city's rebuilding. But Chevron Corp. announced in May that it would leave the city, though remain in the New Orleans area. Chevron said it will move its 500 Gulf exploration and production workers to St. Tammany Parish, north of New Orleans, and build a new office there. That move could take place some time in 2007.
Loren Scott, an economics professor at Louisiana State University who tracks Louisiana's employment picture, saw little chance of the trend reversing itself, especially following hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
"This was a pre-storm problem," Scott said. "But the storm has exacerbated the problem. Firms have seen what a disruption can do."
Murphy's announcement came after petroleum-related employment rebounded somewhat in the New Orleans region _ by about 1,000 jobs _ following a year of record high oil prices that briefly approached the $80 mark.
Murphy has a refinery in Meraux, outside of New Orleans in St. Bernard Parish. During Katrina, an oil spill at the refinery contaminated thousands of homes and a Jan. 4 federal court hearing has been set on a proposed $330 million settlement of a lawsuit over the spill. Murphy has already paid $80 million to settle about 2,800 claims.
"The storms have had all sorts of impacts, none of them very good," Scott said.


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A onetime foe joins the Malloy administration
by Mark Pazniokas August 28, 2012 @ 12:00 am Updated March 4, 2022 @ 9:59 pm
Gov. Dannel P. Malloy's choice of Sharon M. Palmer as his next labor commissioner helps heal political wounds with organized labor by his public embrace of Palmer, the blunt and irreverent union president who fought him over education reform.
Labor leaders, administration officials and legislative staff applauded Palmer as she glided into a press conference Tuesday afternoon behind Malloy on a motorized scooter she uses to spare her ailing knees.
Sharon Palmer with Gov. Dannel P. Malloy.
"It certainly wasn't something I expected or thought I'd be undertaking at this stage of my life, but it is a wonderful challenge and a wonderful opportunity," said Palmer, the 68-year-old state president of the American Federation of Teachers.
She did not apply for the job that became vacant in July after the abrupt resignation of Glenn Marshall. Once Malloy's staff suggested her name as a possibility, the governor quickly directed his chief of staff, Mark Ojakian, to gauge her interest.
Democratic political operatives called the appointment politically astute: Palmer is a popular figure in organized labor, holding a senior post in the state AFL-CIO, and her choice could help ease lingering anger from unionized teachers before the election.
Malloy acknowledged the obvious political questions arising from his recruitment of a union leader who publicly and privately opposed elements of his reform package at key junctures earlier this year, but he tried to deflect them with a one-liner that drew laughter from Palmer and the audience:
"Oh, hell, I bang heads with everybody."
The governor said his relationship with Palmer predates the fight over education reforms, which resulted in the passage of a compromise bill largely applauded by labor and reform advocates.
"More often than not, we've been in agreement," he said.
"The governor and I have a healthy respect for one another, and that was gained working our way through all the aspects of the education reforms through the last session," Palmer said. "At one point, we had a conversation where I said to the governor, 'Governor, if we are able to work this out, you'll have my respect, but that doesn't mean I'll always agree with you.' "
Palmer, the president of the AFT since 2003, was seen as less combative than the leadership of the state's larger teachers' union, the Connecticut Education Association, but she was direct in her criticism of Malloy's decision to emphasize tenure as he proposed his education reforms, saying the governor needlessly antagonized teachers.
"Today tenure is too easy to get and too hard to take away," Malloy said in his address to legislators on the opening day of the 2012 session of the General Assembly.
As much as any substantive proposal, that line colored his dealings with teachers.
"We stumbled out of the gate. I take full responsibility," said Roy Occhiogrosso, the senior adviser who wrote the speech. But he added that Palmer kept lines of communication open: "She was always willing to sit down. She knew reform was going to happen."
Occhiogrosso said Palmer always has displayed an ability to be pragmatic without sacrificing principle.
"If you know me, you know that I am a coalition builder and a collaborator," Palmer said during the press conference. "And I will continue to work in that manner to accomplish goals for the people who brought me here today."
Palmer is congratulated by Mark Ojakian, the governor's chief of staff.
Palmer stood next to Malloy and Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman as the governor announced her appointment, supported by a cane. She eventually sat as the press conference continued.
Asked later about her health, she smiled and said, "Good, except I'm fat, and my knees are shot."
Wyman, who overheard her answer, suggested that the remark was off the record.
Palmer shrugged and said, "It's the truth."
Palmer, who is married and lives in Waterford, begins the new job on Oct. 5. She will be paid $148,000.
Among those applauding her appointment was Stefan Pryor, the commissioner of education who negotiated with her and other union leaders over a package of reforms that initially enraged unionized teachers.
"It's an outstanding appointment," Pryor said, describing her as a negotiator "who created only opportunities for resolution, to bring people together. She is one of the most constructive forces in the entire state."
He stood during the press conference near Rep. Andy Fleischmann, D-West Hartford, the co-chairman of the Education Committee, who said Palmer always kept negotiations constructive.
Nearby was Lori J. Pelletier, the secretary-treasurer of the Connecticut AFL-CIO, who says it was Palmer who befriended her in the 1990s, encouraging her involvement in Democratic politics and her move into the leadership of the AFL-CIO.
"She's been a mentor ever since," Pelletier said.


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