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CAMautoMag
19th Oct2017
The CAMcast goes Chamberlaining
by Michael Chandler
Despite our best efforts, we bring you a new episode of the CAMcast! We may or may not have forgot to plug some things in, but we remedied the situation and bring you the regular crew (minus Pizza Dad), plus guest Scott Michael Chamberlain! The guys talk to Scotty about the NASA HPDE program, driving in TT, Gavin and Mike driving Black Betty (his E36 325is), and the good old days. We also talk about:
Polestar reveals their first car, the Polestar 1
McLaren teases a "Hyper GT" they're calling the BP23
WEC Fuji was wet, foggy, and weird
Rotaries aren't all they're cracked up to be
And tons of your questions and emails!
Thank you for joining us for another episode! If you could, head over to iTunes/Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or wherever you find us, and rate and review us. Share us with your friends, follow us on our various social media outlets, head to CAMautoMag.com for fun content and tons of photos, buy some shirts, and support Mathusaworm, the band that provides the theme song. We'll be back next week, take care until then!
Find us on social media, subscribe to the CAMcast podcast, and subscribe to our YouTube channel!
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*Article, Photos, Videos, and Audio clips are copyright of CAMautoMag.Com and their respective owners.
Category : Podcast
Tags : 325is, BMW, E36, HPDE, McLaren, NASA Utah, Polestar, Polestar 1, Scott Michael Chamberlain, Time Trial, Volvo
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22nd Jul2017
NASA Utah Round 5: Warm Mornings
Who doesn't love a warm morning? Just hearing "warm morning" conjures up images of eating half a cantaloupe while wearing a terry cloth polo shirt, while telling the neighbor kid that you do love a warm morning, despite the fact that it's 3:30pm. Thankfully the NASA weekend didn't have any of that weirdness, nor were the mornings warm. Well, the one I was there for was hot. I slept in on Sunday, and managed to get there when it was just getting hot enough to ruin people's attempts at fast laps. Thankfully there were some people who only needed to have one good lap.
TT1 saw David Bradshaw in his Lyfe prepped 996 Cup Car set a personal best (1:37.601) on Saturday! The personal best was only good for second place, because Rhett Panter came down in his crazy widebody S2000 and ran a 1:36.389. David was not defeated though, he came back on Sunday and took the class win on Sunday.
Shawn Murphy ran a 1:32.976 on Saturday and 1:33.865 on Sunday. Both of his times, in his TT2 car which he drives on the streets because Wyoming is still calling plays out of the 1887 playbook, were good enough to win TTU. Imagine what this thing could do if he pulled some weight out of it…
Speaking of TTU: Mike Kresser ran unopposed in the class all weekend. He threw down a 1:33.567 on Saturday, and a 1:33.872 on Sunday. He also bought a couple of the super stylish CAMautoMag shirts, a thing you should also do.
John Calvin bagged another TT3 win on Saturday, with a 1:42.706. Say what you will, a Mustang can be very competitive. A point which we'll come back to later. Something that's always going to be competitive, granted it's not some hair-brained project that's constantly trading hands, is a boosted E36. Coincidentally that is what Geoffrey Crockett happens to drive. He laid down a 1:42.758 on Sunday.
I managed to miss both of Nam Yoon's TT4 winning laps, so I'm using a photo from the last time NASA was on the West track. Anyway, he ran a 1:40.150 on Saturday, and a 1:39.425 on Sunday.
Front wheel drive hatchbacks seem to be the platform of choice for TTC. Eduardo Acurero, in his monster CRX, took the win on Saturday with a 1:44.392. John Butcher, in his tried and true Mini Cooper S, collected the win on Sunday with a 1:49.435.
Trever Pope took home both TTD wins on the weekend, but didn't collect any tires from the class's contingency program. Why? There wound up not being enough drivers in the class. How? Some of the other competitors self DQ'd because, if I'm remembering correctly, of something to do with the tires they were running. I'm not 100% sure, and I know I will be corrected.
I don't remember seeing Todd Green's blue Miata over the weekend, but I do remember seeing ol' Paul Mitchell turning laps. Knowing the following: Todd regularly drives Paul, he's driven Paul more than the blue car this year, and he's made Paul easier and better to drive recently; it's easy to come to the conclusion that Todd was driving Paul in TTE all weekend. Regardless, Todd took the win on both days.
Now on to something where the drivers have to string together multiple, successive good laps instead of just one perfect lap. And we'll start in the Lightning group, and with GTS2 where a pair of Porsches split the weekend's wins. On Saturday Adam Heller, Boxster driver and all around nice guy, beat out Mark Boschert, the only Spec Boxster driver and probably a nice guy, for the win. On Sunday Ed Mineau, in his black 911, beat our Mark for the win.
Darren Jorgensen, proud owner of some CAM slaps, spent the weekend beating up on his fellow Rearden Racing teammates and M235i Racing drivers in GTS3. He beat Steve Marx (#44) on Saturday, and Andrew McCubbins (#13 with the sweet rookie stripe) on Sunday.
Carter James was a man on a mission. He knifed his way through the Spec Miata field on both days, and had a nice little battle with Matt Williamson on Sunday. He duked it out with Andy Moench on Saturday. He even went to so far as to try and get into some fights with some of the other classes.
Tom Rogers sold his E30! I know, I was just as shocked as you all must be. I'll give you a minute… Ok, anyway, he bought an E36 and stepped up to ST4 with the intent of dethroning Blake Troester! OVERTHROW THE BURGEROCRACY! Unfortunately he didn't do that in the first outing with the new car, because Mayor McCheese has that Porsche dialed. Jennifer Gannett couldn't topple the Burger Civil Servant on Sunday.
Only one Thunder Roadster, which is probably for the best because I don't think we could handle another insane battle. Brian Trapnell took Joe Sim's roadster out for some competitive laps.
I don't know where Perry Needham came from, or what he's doing when he's not on track, but he's on a tear this year! This weekend he swept 944 Spec by edging out Greg Troester on Saturday, then hanging a lap on Greg on Sunday. Is he some sort of savant? A hot shoe who decided to trot out the wrong 30 year old Porsche? We demand answers!
Spec Z had their own run group again! It was only on Saturday, but they made the most of their solo track time. Richard Fitzgerald and his new livery qualified first, and looked to go wire to wire. Then Arthur Golebiowski and his *throws dart at a map of Eastern Europe* Moldovian magic came up and took the lead! And then there was a battle for the rest of the podium. Tom Kaminski and Chad Aalders set their sights on Richard. Tom was the first to get around him, which was pretty uneventful. Then Chad had his go, and I proceeded to lose my mind as I watched it unfold.
Richard spun on the outside of turn 5, naturally leading to the rest of the turn being open for Chad to drive through. And then Richard, while still sliding through the turn, started to come down towards the inside! As you can see, it was pretty close. Chad managed to take the position without taking any damage, and Richard got himself going again and finished in fourth.
Sunday saw Cole "He's not Kyle" Powelson run away from the field in a car that had a destroyed CV boot, which could've led to catastrophe. Thankfully it didn't, but still.
And now on to the fastest group, the Thunder group. And we start with a car that ran in the Lightning group: Darren Jorgensen's Turner Motorsports built, Rearden Racing prepped M235i Racing. A car which can be best described as an in-betweener. There was no inbetween in GTS 4 though, because he swept the weekend.
GTS3 is on the Thunder results sheet for Sunday, and Andrew McCubbins was out in the group for the race. So following that logic, we can safely say that he did take GTS3. Or at least he did, until I get a correction!
Despite dealing with some issues related to it being borderline unbearably hot, George Smith brought out his Corvette in ST1 trim and held off the Ginettas for the win on Saturday. Sunday saw on one Ginetta, and a lone yellow car. Not George's Corvette, but David Bradshaw's 996 Cup car. Frank "The Tank" Gannett got himself a redemption win, after being thwarted the day before.
ST2, aka the battle for Makes & Models supremacy, saw Brendon Stewart sweeping the weekend. He got himself into a pretty good battle with Darren Jorgensen both days, but the old Evo couldn't quite get around the brand new BMW. Toby, in the Pink Ribbon Racing BRZ, was dealing with fueling issues and traffic. Notably the Ford Performance Racing School Mustangs and Andrew McCubbins, who took a very wonky line through turn five all day. Sunday was a bit better for him, but he still lost to Brendon.
Speaking of those FPRS Mustang BOSS 302FRSs, one got itself a win on the weekend! And was really messing with a lot of the other drivers. The blue #85, driven by William "Big Bill" Johnson, was not only the fastest Mustang of the day, but managed to finish 11th overall, just behind one of the GTSU competitors. Those cars can be really competitive with the right driver and right setup. We had another highly competitive E36 take a win on Sunday, the Us Against One Clothing M3 held off a pair of the FPRS Mustangs to collect another win for the Minion Mobile.
Both of the 911 GT3Rs were out on track for the first time in a long time. Al Tiley, who had himself a little get together with the Makes & Models Huracan Super Trofeo last month, was back out in his GT3R! Always good seeing Al, really nice guy. He swept the weekend in GTSU, dominating a bunch of 911 Cup cars of various generations. David Donner in his GT3R, a car that has challenged the Pike's Peak International Hill Climb, took home both Super Unlimited wins on the weekend. He wasn't really challenged by Les Long, in the #496 911 (which I hear has a four liter engine, which is AWESOME), but he didn't dominate like Al did.
And there it is! The round 5 weekend in 1500-ish words. No long winded, flowery wrap up, because we have the 6 Hour Enduro coming up quick! August 4-6 is Round 6 AND THE SIX HOUR ENDURO!!! Registration information, the schedule, and some general information (IE garage rentals and camping, and gate fees) are up on the NASA Utah website. And keep checking it out, because more info will be posted! We'll be back next month! Buy a shirt!
Category : Coverage
Tags : 944 Spec, Air Power Racing, Carpenter Motorsports, German Touring Series, Lyfe Motorsport, Makes and Models, NASA Utah, National Auto Sport Association, Pink Ribbon Racing, Power Needy, Rearden Racing, Spec Miata, Spec Z, Super Touring, Tatum Racing, Time Trial, Turner Motorsports, Utah Motorsports Campus
16th Jun2017
Not All of the Round 4 Photos
Here are 236 photos from last Saturday. As soon as I get out of work (shockingly, I have a day job), I'll get through the Sunday photos, and do the write up. In the meantime, enjoy these photos. Also, buy some prints so I can buy better equipment to take better photos with more pants.
Category : Photo Post
Tags : Air Power Racing, HPDE, Lyfe Motorsport, Makes & Models, NASA Utah, National Auto Sport Association, Rearden Racing, Spec Miata, Spec Z, Tatum Racing, Time Trial, Utah Motorsports Campus
27th Mar2017
Racing In The Rockies: NASA Utah Round 1
It feels soo goooood to be back! Just look at how happy Ty is! HE'S SO HAPPY!!! Probably because we're back to racing, but also because Shawn set another track record. Speaking of, let's talk about that
Yes, everyone's favorite cowboy set another record. Well, two actually. On Saturday he went around the West track in 1:34.252, which was a record. Then on Sunday he pulled a 1:33.639. Good enough to win TT2, good enough to win TTU on Saturday
David Bradshaw, and his yellow Beetle "Bumblebee" Lyfe prepared 996 Porsche Cup Car took home the win in TT1 with a best time of 1:39.810. His luck wouldn't hold into Sunday, as Daren Jorgensen, in the Rearden/Strom Motorsports M4 ran a 1:36.762.
We already talked TT2, so let's move on to TT3. On Saturday, John Calvin (theologian, father of Calvinism/Reformed Protestantism, and driver of an orange and black Mustang) turned a 1:45.969 to bring home a win. Sunday saw another Rearden BMW take home a TT class win, this time it was the M235iR of Andrew McCubbins, an adorable animated teddy bear… Probably.
The 2017 season sees the debut of TT4, replacing TTB. Mike Bratsch kept his sucking low and pulled off the first win in the new class on Saturday with a 1:45.131. On Sunday Nam Yoon (not pictured) ran a 1:41.868, and took the class victory.
TTC is still around, having yet to be replaced by an as of yet undeveloped TT5, and had a few competitors on the weekend. Two to be exact! On Saturday, with a 1:44.955, Lynn Hodges in the red chrome Lotus took the win over John Butcher. Johnny boy would get his win on Sunday, with a 1:47.497.
Kenneth Russell, noted bon vivant and man about town, was the sole TTD competitor on the weekend. Him and his trusty Civic pulled a best time of 1:48.471 on Saturday and, like myself, weren't around on Sunday.
A pair of hardtop NA chassis Miatas split the wins in TTE over the weekend. Todd Green, in Ol' Blue or the Smurf or Babe the Tiny Blue Sports Car, ran a 1:46.473 on Saturday. On Sunday Tyler Nisonger took the win with a 1:48.074.
We had a TTF competitor this weekend! It was one Eduardo Acurero, in a black CRX that would lift the inside rear wheel during hard maneuvers. Eduardo, as he will always be referred to as on these pages, turned a 1:45.316. A time on par with the TTC field. Good going Eduardo!
Rounding out TT is Andrew Smith, who trotted out the Rearden/SilencerCo/FourFoods Group/maybe R&R Barbecue? Audi R8 LMS Ultra and turned a 1:36.606, outpacing even the likes of the UVU Miata.
Tom Rogers, Thom Rodgers to his friends and Peruvian officials, beat out Chris Haunold for the GTS2 win on Saturday and Sunday. Will the BMW-Porsche battle end with the Bavarian car on top? It's too soon to tell, but LET'S RECKLESSLY SPECULATE AND SAY YES!
Carl Marx, the great nephew of the legendary Zeppo Marx, in one of the Rearden BMW M235iR's claimed a pair of GTS3 wins on the weekend.
Troy Duffin, in a cruel twist of fate, managed to get the PTD victory, but lose his gorgeous red Datsun 510. The car broke loose going into turn one, and as a result damaged some of the rear suspension. He managed to get the car going again, but only to limp it back into the pits. I speak for a lot of people who are glad Troy is ok, and are wishing for the car to make a speedy recovery!
Speaking of broken cars, Todd Green's blue Miata decided to spin a bearing. It managed to do this AFTER Todd took the PTE win on Saturday. On Sunday Todd turned to an old friend, one who's always been there when called upon: Paul Mitchell. Despite sitting since October, and on old tires, Paul answered the call of his old friend. After an oil change, Todd ran just over a tenth of a second off the track record on his way to another win.
With a spring in his step, a song in his heart, and a fresh new livery; Matt Williamson took to the track for another year of Spec Miata competition. Joined by newcomer (to Spec Miata) Andy Moench, who finished second on both days, Matt claimed the first two wins of the 2017 season.
Super Touring 4 was ruled over by benevolent hamburger overlord Blake Troester, aka Mayor McCheese. Under his stewardship, sightings of the Hamburglar have been greatly reduced, while acceptance of Grimmace is now commonplace. We salute you, kind mayor!
Our two (for the moment) Thunder Roadster drivers traded wins over the weekend. Jihn Han took the season opening win, and JD Stull took home top honors on Sunday. Big Bob Evans has said he'll be in one of these cars this year, which would be amazing for many reasons. We hope he hops in soon, but in the meantime we're more than content with watching JD and Jihn duke it out.
944 Spec was its usual, robust self. When Otto Silva (Saturday's winner) and William Kendall (Sunday's winner) were on track together, they were quite racy. Otto posted a better fast lap, but not by a whole lot. This would be a good class to hop into. 944's are still Porsches, but don't have any of the astronomical costs of 911's. Plus it's just two guys, it's not like you'd be jumping into a massive field, filled with fast drivers who are getting lapped by even faster drivers…
Normally the Spec Z field runs in the Lightning group, but not this weekend. No, they were on grid for the Thunder races. Yeah. the group with the Huracan Super Trofeos, 911 GT3R's, Cup cars, and other fast stuff. Despite being a herd of rolling cones (there were 14 cars on grid for Saturday's race, 11 for Sunday), they had quite the race. As is tradition, Arthur Golebiowski grabbed the season opener, with Tom and Chad in tow. Sunday was a different story. Someone going by the handle of "LYFE Motorsport" hopped into Kyle Schick's #22 car and took the win. With Chad and Tom in tow.
GTS4's dual wins were taken by Darrell Troester, and this leads me to a question: what's with the Troester's and McDonald's? Do you own a franchise? Are you forever indebted to Ray Kroc? What is the deal? I DEMAND ANSWERS! Feel free to send them in to [email protected]
He managed to race, and remove his thermostat all in the same day! It's the one and only Toby Crawford! Despite having a wounded car, Toby still went out and ran a full race in ST2, getting a win.
A Minion was spotted running in ST3 on Sunday. I wasn't there, but it's on the official results. It's actually listed as the winner… Curious…
ST1 was populated exclusively by Ginetta G55's. The little GT4 cars were prepped by Ian Lacy Racing, and driven by Frank "You're my boy, Blue!" Gannett and Drew Staveley. Drew took home the wins for the weekend, and now I have to figure out either a nickname or a weird non sequitir for him.
Steve Burns, Texan and driver of a car that barely qualifies as a Mustang anymore, claimed Saturday's Super Unlimited win. Jeff Kearl, pictured in a different car from a different round from a different month from a different year, took the SU win on Sunday.
GTSU was a bullfight all weekend! Except without the cultural relevance, animal cruelty, or goring. A new Huracan Super Trofeo appeared, fielded by DXDT Racing, and driven by Paul Terry. It wasn't one of their cars that they use for the Super Trofeo series, at least this one wasn't sporting the livery anyway. They faced off against the tried and true Makes & Models Huracan. Despite Paul having slightly faster fast laps, he couldn't overcome the cagey driving of Derek Wolthoff. The Makes & Models team returned to the shop in Layton with two more victories under their belt.
And there we have it! The season is off to a rousing start. The East track is the venue for next month, and the weekend of that is April 21-23. We'll be out there, for the whole thing this time! Come out and join us!
Tags : Club Racing, Ginetta, Honda, Lamborghini, Mazda, NASA Utah, Porsche, Subaru, Super Trofeo, Time Attack, Time Trial, Utah Motorsports Campus
14th Jul2016
CAMcast: NASA Utah Championship Standings
Hey hey! Finally got another episode of the CAMcast up! No guest this episode, but I go over the current NASA Utah championship standings and then tease a few things. I drink some water, drop some papers on the floor, all in half an hour. If that's not efficiency, I don't know what is.
Feel free to listen to the episode here, or download it here. Enjoy the episode, and I'll see you at UMC this weekend!
Tags : CAMcast, Championship, NASA Utah, Podcast, Road Racing, Time Trial
Coming This Week!
We spent Saturday at the track! AND IT RAINED! Not enough to stop us from bringing you some sweet write ups and photos though. We've got coverage of the Thunder race, and play the game "Wait, when did you get bumped up?"
People played musical cars in Lightning, and ponder who has the gnarliest looking Z in Spec Z. HINT: It's probably Tom.
And finally, we'll be talking about TT: Shawn's woes, me not strapping a camera to Alex's car, swallowed cats, and track records (it's not what you think).
All of that, and probably some galleries to flesh out the week. Check back, starting tomorrow at 10AM!
Tags : Lightning, NASA Utah, Porsche, Spec Z, Thunder, Time Trial, Utah Motorsports Campus
Where They Stand: NASA Utah TT Group
Follow me on this: America loves a winner. Paul Mitchell is a winner. America loves Paul Mitchell. Boom. Todd Green/Paul Mitchell is atop the TTE standings at the moment, with Tyson Nisonger 60 point back. Will we see a long and violent battle between the two? Probably long, not really violent. I'd describe it as tenuous, if you made me pick an adjective right now.
Trever Pope is still cleaning up in TTD. He's up 325 points, and is probably happy that I spelled his name correctly.
Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome to the post: the current TTC points leader, MR. TOM ROGERS! He's barely holding off Kelly Fisher, who is only 5 points behind.
TTB is led by this nerd in his Miata. Guess Darin got a little drifty in the early sessions on the last Saturday race day. Guess who didn't get any pictures of that? ME! But I did throw my Yi Action Cam (GoPro's cost money! Money I don't have!) into his lap, right before he went out for his last session on that same Saturday. Listen, the fewer questions you ask about that last part, the better.
Andy Moench is still leading TT3, ahead of another FRS/BRZ/GT86/whathaveyou driven by Mike Bratsch. I'd keep an eye on James Pasquier. He's currently in fourth, but he's won the last four events in a row, and that 993 911 of his is looking mighty quick. And sharp.
Shawn Murphy, and his new fender flares I really want him to keep white, are leading TT2. He's ahead of a Beetle and yet another BRZ. Oh, and Alex fixed the FoD, so prepare for things to get weird.
Coming in hot is TT1 leader David Gilliland. He's 75 points ahead of Jordan Priestley, and will have to deal with a Noble this weekend. Or so the internet rumor mill tells me.
And in TTU we have Makes & Models sitting atop the heap, with Wade Hall and his monster Mustang coming on quick. As you may remember, the M&M Huracan did a little off roading, and didn't fare so well. Brendon then went out in a 996 911. Late last month, they picked up Maverick and Goose: a pair of Audi R8 LMS Ultras. Will we see them this weekend? Is the Huracan going to turn some laps in Mad Max form? Answers to those questions, and more questions, will be revealed this weekend at Utah Motorsports Campus!
*Article and Photos are copyright of CAMautoMag.Com and their respective owners.
Tags : DXDT Racing, Lyfe Motorsport, Makes & Models, NASA Pro Racing, NASA Utah, National Auto Sport Association, Time Trial, UMC, Utah Motorsports Campus
18th May2016
Where They Stand: Time Trial Standings
Now it's time to take a look at the Time Trial standings. There aren't nearly as many classes in TT, but there are plenty of close battles. Like TTE! Paul Mitchell, the most fabulous Miata of them all, sits atop the class with Tyler Nisonger 40 points behind. How is this going to shake out? Well, back in third is Ben Lamberson. He's 70 points down, but definitely not out. It's a long season, and that's not an insurmountable gap.
Trevor Pope is sitting atop TTD, riding high on three straight wins.
TTC didn't have a single competitor last weekend, so Tom Rogers is still leading the group.
New Miata owner, and fella with a jaunty last name, Darin Beaudoin is sitting atop TTB, with Adam Hurdman 100 point behind him in second place.
One of the BRZ/FRS drivers to step up to TT3 was Andy Moench, and he finds himself in first place. Another driver who made the jump is Mike Bratsch, who currently sits in second place.
Shawn Murphy and his "street car" are 45 points ahead of the Makes & Models 911 GT3. The 911 is tied with the Pink Ribbon Racing BRZ, which is getting some fresh new rubber. Shawn is throwing on some new sideskirts and fender flares for the next round, so this weekend is going to be interesting.
David Gilliland and his bright orange Viper are leading the way in TT1. Nice to see that bright, menacing thing running around and winning.
At the end of the rainbow is an Italian/German race car driven by a collection of talent that used to drive a German race car. That would be Makes & Models and their shiny new Huracan ST. They have a 20 point lead over Wade Hall in TTU. If you were to take in to account the wins Makes & Models scored when they took their old R8 LMS out for Round 1, they'd have a 220 point lead over Wade. Regardless, Makes & Models is still learning the car while Wade is sharpening his driving skills. This one could get interesting.
Tags : 911, BMW, Dodge, GT3, Honda, Lamborghini, Makes & Models, Mazda, NASA, NASA Pro Racing, NASA Utah, Porsche, S2000, STi, Subaru, Super Trofeo, Time Trial, Toyota, Utah Motorsports Campus, Viper
27th Apr2016
Before The Storm: NASA Utah Round 2 Time Trial Results
Not everything was run in the rain. A good chunk of the TT sessions were run in the dry, cool air which allowed the drivers to set some good lap times. Good times like the 1:39.675 James Pasquier laid down to take the win in the largest TT class of the day, TT3. He was the only TT3 driver to set a time in the 1:30's.
TT1 saw the return of David Gilliland. Unfortunately I didn't see that triumphant return, but I did see him in the Lightning race. He threw down a 1:38.821 in the first session of the day.
Shawn didn't blown anything up, or set fire to anything! Hooray! He did rip a coupler on his intercooler piping, but that didn't stop him from lapping the West Track in 1:36.742 and taking the win in TT2. By the way, he still calls his Subaru a "street car" because it has a full interior. It has a full rollcage that makes a lot of that interior useless ballast, but he seems to enjoy it.
David Bradshaw went out in the first session and threw down a 1:45.668, which held up all day and got him the TTB win. Again, missed that session but caught the Lightning race. Here ya go Dave.
TTD was a one man show. That man being Trevor Pope. He ran a 1:49.481 in the second session.
PAUL MITCHELL was atop the TTE ladder, with a 1:46.946 and Todd or Matt or Alex or whoever behind the wheel. The official results sheet says Todd Green, but in case that was wrong I have officially covered my bases!
And finally, in TTU, Brendon Stewart graduated to the Huracan and put down a very respectable 1:30.142! He was the highest placing Makes & Models driver on the day, but all of the Makes & Models drivers finished on the podium in their respective classes.
And there you have it for TT. Tomorrow we return with our final group: Thunder! Prepare for Thunderdome puns, clouds, and rain photos.
Tags : 350z, 911, 993, BRZ, Huracan, Lamborghini, Lyfe Motorsport, Makes & Models, Mazda, Miata, NASA, NASA Pro Racing, NASA Utah, Nissan, Paul Mitchell, Porsche, STi, Subaru, Super Trofeo, Time Trial, Utah Motorsports Campus, Z33
22nd Mar2016
The first NASA Utah event saw a hot shoe pro driver show up. The driver was Robert Thorne, who was last seen driving for K-Pax Racing in Pirelli World Challenge. Unfortunately we missed the K-Pax team last year when the series stopped in Utah, and hopefully they'll be back this year with their McLarens. Since we missed him last year, we got some photos of him and his machine this year. Well, not so much of him, but of his machine at least: his boosted Honda S2000. How do we know that it's boosted?
He's either all about on track air conditioning, or that's an intercooler designed to handle some serious boost.
The car has massive tires on all four corners. 315's tend to poke out *just* a hair.
Big, sticky tires and copious amounts of boost require a bit of assistance to be useful, so there's a massive rear wing and splitter. And the headlights are pretty sweet too.
The interior received some minor upgrades. Nothing crazy, just some Racetech Seats, a set of harnesses, a new shift knob (heh), and a MOMO steering wheel. Marvel at it's awesomeness! And marvel at this!
GALLERY TIME:
Category : It Plays
Tags : 3R Racing, Honda, Honda Racing, Hoosier, HPD, NASA, NASA Utah, Robert Thorne, S2000, Time Trial, Utah Motorsports Campus
30K Check
Cars of the Year
Genuflection
It Plays
Letters from a Dying Child
The CAM Journal
1,487 Miles in a Dodge Viper Part 2
When the Flame Dies Out
The People's Champ: Scion FRS
A Most Aggressive Panda: Camaro ZL1 1LE
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Congratulations to our seventh grade student Jennifer L. who created the District 26 STEAM Logo.
Apply Now for Exciting STEM Enrichment Programs for Spring Break! Kindergarten through grade 12 students can apply now to attend exciting spring break STEM enrichment and experiential learning programs. A wide range of programs are offered at the NYC Department of Education's Genovesi Environmental Study Center and NYC Center for Aerospace and Applied Mathematics, Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, the Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Museum of the City of New York, New York Aquarium, New-York Historical Society, Prospect Park Zoo, Queens Botanical Garden, Queens County Farm Museum, Queens Zoo, Staten Island MakerSpace, Staten Island Zoo, and Wave Hill. Student will meet and work with field experts in programs that feature real life, hands-on learning experiences. Explore, tinker, discover, and design with us! Don't miss out, spots are limited and the application deadline is Friday, February 15. Preference is given to students who attend Title I schools. Download our flyer, learn more, and apply now! For questions, contact Camps@schools.nyc.gov.
Students in grade 8 are invited to participate in the third annual statewide essay contest addressing the topic, "If I Were Mayor, I Would…" Winning students will receive $150 for first place, $75 for second place, and $50 for third place in addition to being highlighted on the NYCOM website and in the Municipal Matters magazine. The first place winner, along with their parents, teacher, and mayor will also be invited to and recognized at the NYCOM Annual Meeting in May in Cooperstown and will receive an overnight stay near the Otesaga Resort for May 5. Submissions must be between 350-500 words. Learn more(Open external link) and apply(Open external link).
Middle School Arts Audition Boot Camp is a free, two-week program to help middle school students prepare for admittance to screened NYC DOE high school arts programs. Students who are enrolled in a Title I school, entering grade 8 in September 2019, and are interested in auditioning for screened high school arts programs are welcome to apply. This is an intensive ten-session, half-day program for up to 350 students. This intensive program is administered by the NYC DOE Office of Arts and Special Projects and will be held at Lincoln Center Education in Manhattan. Admission is by online application and audition. Students may apply and audition for only one studio. Auditions will be held on May 4 and May 5, 2019. Learn more and apply(Open external link).
Trip of a Lifetime is now accepting applications for its summer travel scholarships. Trip of a Lifetime sends underserved students from NYC on teen tour and community service trips to the Ghana, Costa Rica, and within the United States. This opportunity is available to students who are entering grades 7-11 and can demonstrate financial need. Learn more(Open external link) and apply(Open external link).
The 9/11 Tribute Museum is offering a limited number of free class visits for NYC public school students. Class visits start with an age-appropriate discussion with a trained school guide who is also a member of the 9/11 community. The guide will detail their experience and share a message of empathy and empowerment with the students to encourage them to pay it forward through acts of service and kindness. After the guide's presentation, students will be able to go on a self-guided tour of the Museum. Class visits cover up to 35 students per class free of charge. Learn more and register(Open external link).
The Intrepid Sea Air & Space Museum is now accepting applications for the GOALS Summer Intensive STEM program. The program is free and open to female students in grades 8 and 9 who reside in New York City, have an interest in STEM, possess a growth mindset, and are able to commit to the full six-week summer program. The program takes place at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum and includes off-site trips and workshops. Learn more and apply(Open external link).
After School Programs - After-school programs give students opportunities to learn skills, explore their interests, and discover new things. Most programs are free.
College and Career Planning - A college education is more important than ever before. The Department of Education of New York City is here to ensure all students graduate from high school ready for college and the 21st-century workforce.
With the IDNYC identification card, City residents can access many of New York City's great cultural and educational resources, including museums, concert halls, and botanical gardens free of charge. For more information about the IDNYC program, visit http://www1.nyc.gov/site/idnyc/index.page.


Complement your stylish wardrobe with the FUZZI(TM) Cady Printed Skirt.
Stunning embroidered floral print in vibrant color.
Materials: 100% polyester.Lining: 60% acetate, 40% cupro.
Product measurements were taken using size 40 (US Women's 6). サイズにより異なりますので、あくまで参考値として参照ください.


text:
11-year-old boy shot and killed in Overbrook; 19-year-old brother in custody
By Bruce Gordon and FOX 29 staff
FOX 29 Philadelphia
FOX 29's Bruce Gordon has the latest after an 11-year-old boy was shot and killed in Overbrook.
WEST PHILADELPHIA - Police are investigating after an 11-year-old boy was shot and killed in Overbrook Monday.
The incident occurred around 12 p.m. on the 5700 block of Haddington Lane.
The victim suffered a gunshot wound to the chest and was rushed to the hospital in critical condition. He succumbed to his injuries a short time later. Authorities have yet to identify the deceased.
"There's always a chance it's an accident. We don't have any indication one way or the other. It's two people there. The brother will be interviewed and I would like to believe it was an accident but it doesn't change the result," Acting Police Commissioner Christine Coulter said.
Police say the 19-year-old rushed outside after the shooting and went door-to-door begging neighbors for help. Police took him into custody a few minutes later. SKYFOX shows the teen falling to his knees as an officer picks him up and carries him to a van that took him to be questioned by authorities.
The brothers were home alone at the time of the shooting, according to police. It remains unclear whether the shooting was accidental or deliberate.
A weapon was recovered from the scene.
No further information has been released at this time.
RELATED COVERAGE:
Man charged after 2-year-old shot and killed in Kensington
10-year-old boy injured in Frankford shooting; uncle charged
11-month-old injured in Hunting Park shooting; suspect in custody
Monday's incident follows several recent shootings that left young children injured across Philadelphia.
On Oct. 19, 11-month-old Yazeem Jenkins was critically wounded after being shot on West Luzerne Street in Hunting Park. Francisco Ortiz, 29, was charged with attempted murder in connection with the case.
Nikolette Rivera was fatally shot in Kensington in late October.
On Oct. 20, 2-year-old Nikolette Rivera was shot and killed on North Water Street in Kensington. Freddie Perez, 30, was charged with murder in connection with the case. Authorities allege that Ortiz supplied the gun used in the killing.
Semaj, 10, was injured in a drive-by shooting in Frankford in early November.
Most recently, on Thursday, Nov. 7, a 10-year-old boy was critically injured following a drive-by shooting on Margaret Street in Frankford. His shooter remains at large.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
For the latest local news, sports and weather, download the FOX 29 News app.
DOWNLOAD: FOX 29 NEWS APP
For resources for victims of violence in Philadelphia, see here.
Toddler found dead at Buckeye home
3 suspects wanted for shooting 2 teens in north Phoenix

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


I love smilies. I mean, just take a look at these two happy fellows.
They look pretty happy, right? I think they'd look a lot happier if they didn't have the same background color and padding as the rest of the images in my theme though. Don't you? Make sure you're adding something like the following to your theme stylesheet somewhere after your main image styles. This is a good start for resetting the existing image styles you might have.
Oh, I like the trick. And it is definitely a good idea if you leave them on to have them display correctly.
The world is a sadder, less yellow, place with graphic emoticons turned off.
Thanks for the tip … especially since I've been working on updating a theme that is undergoing lots of updates.
Thanks for this tip. Keep it up.
Great trick to make transparent smilies!
I had to think about coloring them all with my background (I`m new to wordpress), but this tip saved me alot of troubles, i appreciate it.
Thanks for this info. 🙂 Keep it up!
Graphics always matter and give an attractive look to your content. Thanks for sharing.
Yes I think the same thing, that's a cute graphic.
Haha, I think this is something that I've really lacked in my WP site. Nice trick, you're the best.
Previous Previous post: Will Your Email Address Really Never Be Shared?


text:
R. Kelly Sings National Anthem at Nets Game, Drains 3-Pointer: Watch
R. Kelly showed up early to sing the national anthem at Tuesday's basketball game between the Brooklyn Nets and the Atlanta Hawks at the Barclays Center, shooting around beforehand and sinking a…
By Colin Stutz
Colin Stutz
More Stories by Colin
Fyre Festival Founder Billy McFarland Released From Prison to Halfway House
Ye Planning Russia Trip to Meet Putin and Perform Sunday Service, Says Advisor
Dead & Company Offering Refunds for Mexico Shows Amid Rising COVID-19 Cases
R. Kelly performs onstage during R. Kelly, New Edition and The Jacksons at the 2013 BET Experience at Staples Center on June 30, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. Earl Gibson III/Getty Images for BET
R. Kelly showed up early to sing the national anthem at Tuesday's basketball game between the Brooklyn Nets and the Atlanta Hawks at the Barclays Center, shooting around beforehand and sinking a 3-pointer.
R. Kelly Addresses Sexual Allegations: 'That's a Rumor That Comes From the Earth'
The R&B icon swished the shot, dressed in a turtle neck with a blazer and sunglass on, with a cigar in his mouth. See it here:
Against Me!'s Laura Jane Grace, Tegan and Sara Confirmed for LGBT 'Trailblazers' Special
Ahead of performing tonight's National Anthem, @rkelly warms up with @RondaeHJ24 on court. #Nets pic.twitter.com/6t0QH3ykvB
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) November 17, 2015
Afterwards, he belted out "The Star-Spangled Banner," taking some liberties with the traditional melody. Watch a clip here:
Incredible rendition of the National Anthem by @rkelly at the @BrooklynNets game! pic.twitter.com/vIoJc4SNbx
— Barclays Center (@barclayscenter) November 18, 2015


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GURUFOCUS.COM » STOCK LIST » USA » NYSE » The Walt Disney Co (NYSE:DIS) » Definitions » Total Assets
The Walt Disney Co (NYSE:DIS) Total Assets
: $203,631 Mil (As of Sep. 2022)
The Walt Disney Co's Total Assets for the quarter that ended in Sep. 2022 was $203,631 Mil.
Warning Sign:
If a company builds assets at 17.8% a year, faster than its revenue growth rate of 2.8% over the past 5 years, it means that the company may be getting less efficient.
During the past 12 months, The Walt Disney Co's average Total Assets Growth Rate was 2.30% per year. During the past 3 years, the average Total Assets Growth Rate was 0.60% per year. During the past 5 years, the average Total Assets Growth Rate was 17.80% per year. During the past 10 years, the average Total Assets Growth Rate was 12.20% per year.
During the past 13 years, The Walt Disney Co's highest 3-Year average Total Assets Growth Rate was 47.20%. The lowest was 0.60%. And the median was 6.00%.
Total Assets is connected with ROA %. The Walt Disney Co's annualized ROA % for the quarter that ended in Sep. 2022 was 0.32%. Total Assets is also linked to Revenue through Asset Turnover. The Walt Disney Co's Asset Turnover for the quarter that ended in Sep. 2022 was 0.10.
The Walt Disney Co Total Assets Historical Data
The historical data trend for The Walt Disney Co's Total Assets can be seen below:
98,598.00 193,984.00 201,549.00 203,609.00 203,631.00
Total Assets 203,609.00 203,311.00 202,453.00 204,074.00 203,631.00
The Walt Disney Co Total Assets Calculation
Total Assets are all the assets a company owns.
From the capital sources of the assets, some of the assets are funded through shareholder's paid in capital and retained earnings of the business. Others are funded through borrowed money.
The Walt Disney Co's Total Assets for the fiscal year that ended in Sep. 2022 is calculated as
Total Assets = Total Equity (A: Sep. 2022 ) + Total Liabilities (A: Sep. 2022 )
= 108378 + 95253
= 203,631
The Walt Disney Co's Total Assets for the quarter that ended in Sep. 2022 is calculated as
Total Assets = Total Equity (Q: Sep. 2022 ) + Total Liabilities (Q: Sep. 2022 )
The Walt Disney Co (NYSE:DIS) Total Assets Explanation
Total Assets is connected with ROA %.
The Walt Disney Co's annualized ROA % for the quarter that ended in Sep. 2022 is
ROA % = Net Income (Q: Sep. 2022 ) / ( (Total Assets (Q: Jun. 2022 ) + Total Assets (Q: Sep. 2022 )) / count )
= 648 / ( (204074 + 203631) / 2 )
= 648 / 203852.5
= 0.32 %
Note: The Net Income data used here is four times the quarterly (Sep. 2022) data.
In the article Joining The Dark Side: Pirates, Spies and Short Sellers, James Montier reported that In their US sample covering the period 1968-2003, Cooper et al find that firms with low asset growth outperformed firms with high asset growth by an astounding 20% p.a. equally weighted. Even when controlling for market, size and style, low asset growth firms outperformed high asset growth firms by 13% p.a. Therefore a company with fast asset growth may underperform.
Total Assets is linked to total revenue through Asset Turnover.
The Walt Disney Co's Asset Turnover for the quarter that ended in Sep. 2022 is
= Revenue (Q: Sep. 2022 ) / ( (Total Assets (Q: Jun. 2022 ) + Total Assets (Q: Sep. 2022 )) / count )
= 20150 / ( (204074 + 203631) / 2 )
= 20150 / 203852.5
Therefore, if a company grows its Total Assets faster than its Revenue, the Asset Turnover will decline. This might be a warning sign for the business.
The Walt Disney Co Total Assets Related Terms
Thank you for viewing the detailed overview of The Walt Disney Co's Total Assets provided by GuruFocus.com. Please click on the following links to see related term pages.
GURUFOCUS.COM » STOCK LIST » Communication Services » Media - Diversified » The Walt Disney Co (NYSE:DIS) » Definitions » Total Assets


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Transportation: good intents, cloudy results and taxi rules
If you're curious to see what suburban-oriented government looked like in the 1950s and before, visit the Transportation Board–where it can sometimes seem as though antique outlooks have been preserved in amber. Within the past week–at public meetings of two of the town's many other boards, commissions, committees and councils–some members complained openly about unresponsive behavior. Complainers even included a member of the Board of Selectmen, which appoints members of the Transportation Board.
Launching a board: Oddly enough, the Transportation Board had been launched as a reform against arrogance, or so some people said at the time. Since the emergence of motor vehicles in the early twentieth century, Brookline struggled with regulation. Under Chapter 40, Section 22, of the General Laws, town meetings may enact bylaws and boards of selectmen may adopt "rules and orders" concerning traffic and parking.
The workload of regulating motor vehicles soon became too much for the Board of Selectmen in Brookline. During the 1920s, it delegated work to a Traffic Committee consisting of four department heads and the chairs of the Board of Selectmen and Planning Board. A surge in automobiles after World War II challenged that approach.
A 1968 town meeting scrapped the Traffic Committee and a later commission, seeking so-called "home rule" legislation to create a Department of Traffic and Parking, headed by a full-time director, and a volunteer Traffic Appeals Board. That approach also failed. A wave of neighborhood protests over traffic and parking grew stronger, fueled with accusations of arrogant behavior by the full-time "traffic czar."
The fall town meeting of 1973 again petitioned for legislation: this time to create a Transportation Department–more recently the Transportation Division in the Department of Public Works–and a volunteer Transportation Board. So far, the arrangements under a 1974 law have held. Under that law, the Board of Selectmen acts as an appeals board, and appeals have been rare. One could be coming soon, though.
Building a peninsula: The intersection where Buckminster and Clinton Rds. join just west of the High School has often been seen as a safety issue. Drivers may careen through without seeming to look and sometimes without stopping at the single stop sign, found when coming into the intersection from Clinton Rd. Heading the other way, downhill on Clinton Rd., drivers can easily exceed the posted 30 mph speed limit.
One classic method to slow the speeds is a traffic island, making drivers dodge around. More modern, so-called "traffic calming" might use a raised intersection, "speed bumps" or "curb bulbs." Apparently, none had looked to Brookline's current engineers like the right approach. Instead, they had sold the Transportation Board a giant peninsula, blooming out the sidewalk from the northeast sides of Clinton and Buckminster Rds. at the junction. Daniel Martin, a Brookline engineer, called it a "curb extension"–clearly a highly extensible phrase.
Of course, any change to a residential street is also a change to someone's home. The home nearest the giant peninsula is 79 Buckminster Rd. Its owners are not pleased, to say the least. From their viewpoint, the huge peninsula would leave their lot "landlocked" without street frontage. It might work technically only because they now have a garage beneath the back of the house, reached by a driveway shared with their neighbors at 3 Clinton Rd. Were they to install a conventional driveway, somehow it would have to invade the peninsula.
Good intents, cloudy results: As the rehearing on the peninsula plan Thursday, May 21, went on for more than an hour and a half, neighbors recalled street changes with bad side-effects. In a winter with heavy snow like the last one, parts of streets narrowed to calm traffic became dangerous or impassible. Judy Meyers, a Precinct 12 town meeting member who lives downhill at 75 Clinton Rd., said she was "very sympathetic" to the owners of 79 Buckminster. However, "Clinton Rd. has been a speedway…[and] I don't love speed bumps."
Compared with alternatives, the peninsula plan looks like costly efforts invested for cloudy results. Several years ago, similarly costly measures on Winchester St. slowed speeding only within around a hundred feet from obstacles. Unless something more is done, Ms. Meyers, who lives quite a bit farther than that from the intersection at issue, is not likely to see much improvement.
In the past, Transportation sometimes waxed less bureaucratic and became more effective. Instead of seeing roadblocks in its path–claiming you can't do this and you can't do that–it did the impossible anyway. In North Brookline, an alert observer can find 25 mph posted speed limits and intersections with stop signs on the wider street rather than the narrower one. Those were inexpensive, practical solutions to vexing problems.
On May 21, however, certifiable experts certified nothing more could be done, and the vote went 2 to 4 against reconsidering the peninsula plan. Only board members Ali Tali and Pamela Zelnick voted in favor. At other places and in other times, such events became subjects of land damage lawsuits, but Brookline offers a further course: administrative appeal.
If the owners of 79 Buckminster Rd. carry an appeal, they will be dealing with the Board of Selectmen. Its newly chosen chair, Neil Wishinsky, recently told another group, "My political thinking is to stay away from parking." For much of the last 90 years, Mr. Wishinsky would have found kindred spirits on his board, but now such duties come with the job.
Taxi rules: After negotiations with taxi owners, Todd Kirrane, Brookline's transportation administrator, brought in a substantially revised draft of new rules. The changes tend to lower the added costs to taxi companies but will also provide lower standards of service. A key point of dispute has been new requirements for vehicles with ramps for people who use wheelchairs.
The revised draft has vague and inconsistent language. In some places, it speaks of "ramped taxicabs," saying they might also provide a "lift." In others, it refers to "WAV taxicabs"–never defining that but apparently meaning "wheelchair-accessible vehicle." It's unclear whether a "ramped taxicab" will necessarily be a "WAV taxicab" or vice-versa. Possibly the regulations did not undergo legal reviews.
As first proposed, the rules required one "ramped taxicab" for every ten licensed vehicles. Operators objected to the extra costs, some saying they got no requests for such vehicles in as much as ten years and probably would never get any. Members of the Commission for the Disabled have called that a self-fulfilling prophecy, since word had gotten around that there were no such Brookline taxis.
Mr. Kirrane stated that Boston now has a standard of one "WAV taxicab" for every 18 licensed vehicles. In Brookline, the revised draft called for one "ramped taxicab" for every 25 licensed vehicles. Saralynn Allaire, a Precinct 16 town meeting member and a member of the Commission for the Disabled, asked how the rule would be implemented. Mr. Kirrane said the rule would come into effect July 1 of next year and would not apply to a company with fewer than 25 licensed vehicles.
The board reviewed a perennial controversy: a limit on the number of licensed taxis. At least two members of the board–Joshua Safer, the chair, and Ali Tali–seemed to favor what one called a "market system," with no limit. The revised draft proposed a limit of two licensed taxis per 1,000 Brookline residents. Brookline's population map, based on the 2010 federal census, shows 58,732 residents–indicating 117 taxi licenses.
Board member Christopher Dempsey criticized the limit, saying it was "picked out of the air" and that "a population metric is not a very effective one." He offered no other approach. His motion to strike the metric failed on a 1-4-1 vote, with board member Scott Englander abstaining. The board adopted the revised taxi rules, effective July 1, by a unanimous vote. After the meeting, Joe Bethoney, owner of Bay State Taxi, Brookline's largest company, confirmed that he planned to continue in business under the new rules.
– Craig Bolon, Brookline, MA, May 23, 2015
Complete Streets: seeking better sidewalks and bicycle paths, Brookline Beacon, May 12, 2015
Craig Bolon, Changing the rules: new taxi regulations, Brookline Beacon, April 6, 2015
Craig Bolon, Brookline government: public information and the committee forest, Brookline Beacon, August 1, 2014
David J. Barron, Gerald E. Frug and Rick T. Su, Dispelling the myth of home rule, Rappaport Institute (Cambridge, MA), 2003
Craig Bolon, Vehicle parking in Brookline, Brookline Town Meeting Members Association, 2000
This entry was posted in Business, History, Licensing, Meetings, Neighborhoods, Parking, Projects, Regulations, Traffic, Transportation on May 23, 2015 by Craig Bolon.
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CPAC Honors Eugene Genovese and Elizabeth Fox-Genovese with Jeane Jordan Kirkpatrick Academic Freedom Award | Virginia Right!
ALEXANDRIA, VA — The Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) – a project of the American Conservative Union Foundation, in association with Young America's Foundation and Human Events – awarded Eugene Genovese and Elizabeth Fox-Genovese (1941-2007) its annual Jeane Jordan Kirkpatrick Academic Freedom Award. The award was presented on February 19 at the Ronald Reagan Banquet by the ACU Foundation, and is sponsored by the Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation.
The award is given in Ambassador Kirkpatrick's name because of her fierce leadership in upholding universities' most basic virtues – academic freedom and the ability to speak freely without physical or verbal threats.
"Ambassador Kirkpatrick's dogged determination to stand up for America began through her fierce defense of American ideals on the college campus, which she always claimed was good training for her work at the United Nations," Mitchell added. "In addition to her national security expertise, she was someone who believed in the importance of academic institutions as places that should promote the open exchange of ideas. The American Conservative Union Foundation, with the support of the Bradley Foundation, honor her memory by giving this award annually. The 2010 award is given to two people who exemplify the principles of academic freedom that were near to Ambassador Kirkpatrick's heart and who dedicated themselves to defending freedom in academia. We are pleased and honored to present this award to the Genoveses," concluded Mitchell.
Dr. Elizabeth Fox-Genovese began her career as a Marxist, but became increasingly aware of the conflict between Marxism and human rights and dignity. Her conversion to Catholicism in the 1990s coincided with a shift to pro-life advocacy. Her outspoken expression of her views and critiques of liberal feminism brought her hostile attacks, notoriety and antagonism from her colleagues on the left, but admiration from intellectually honest scholars and conservatives nationwide.
Dr. Eugene Genovese is considered by scholars on both the left and the right to be one of the most influential historians in the field of American Slavery. From the beginning of his career Dr. Genovese was an avowed Marxist whose public advocacy of the Viet Cong in the 1960s was the focus of a widely-publicized academic free speech debate. In the 1990s, however, Dr. Genovese became intellectually, politically, and morally disillusioned with Marxism, and he joined his wife in converting to Catholicism. Together the Drs. Genovese helped to found The Historical Society to resist the encroachment of ideology in historical studies.
The Jeane Jordan Kirkpatrick Academic Freedom Award includes a $10,000 cash stipend from the Bradley Foundation. Past recipients include Stephen Balch of the National Association of Scholars and Dr. Alan Charles Kors of the University of Pennsylvania.
CPAC is a project of the American Conservative Union Foundation, in association with Young America's Foundation and Human Events. The conference is cosponsored by over 90 of the nation's leading conservative organizations. For continued updates on the program or to register online, visit www.cpac.org.


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Banks Journal Flagship Store: Los Angeles
March 2, 2018 December 11, 2020
Founded in 2013 Banks Journal is a modern clothing label inspired by coastal living and a love of modern design. Having just completed their very first bricks and mortar flagship store in Row DTLA LA, we took a look back at how far they've come.
Infused with a unique blend of Japanese and Australian heritage thanks to its founders, these contrasting perspectives of the world come together as Banks Journal to create the contemporary look and feel of the brand. Ingrained with a deep respect for their natural surroundings, Banks Journal strives to utilize as many environmentally friendly materials as possible, from recycled polyester to organic cotton, throughout each season.
Blending clean and minimal aesthetics with natural materials near LA's Arts District, the contemporary space reflects all key values that the brand clearly represents. Working with design firm West of West, the new space seeks to blend the sustainable clothing brand's Australian and Japanese roots alongside its overall coastal influence and appeal. The store's main attraction is an eye-catching ceiling installation constructed of 1000 linear feet of wood, inspired by traditional Japanese woodworking.
"Opening our first retail location provides us with an amazing opportunity to showcase our brand's story of using sustainable and organic materials in a way that can relate to our customers. Working with West of West enabled us to have a heightened attention to design and detail for the store's interior, something that we strive for with each garment we create."
The 1,000 square foot retail space is housed in the historic 1900's building previously inhabited by American Apparel. The area has now been repurposed into a modern shopping and dining experience known as The ROW DTLA. Alongside the Banks Journal clothing, the new flagship offers a curated selection of vintage rugs, vinyl, design books and products from like-minded brands.
Home & Lifestyle, In Store


Bousman is the director of the films Saw II, III, and IV, Repo: The Genetic Opera , and Alleluia!, The Devil's Carnival, as well as the immersive experiences The Tension Experience and The Lust Experience.
requirements that can include ingredients, restrictions, and themes. A panel of celebrity judges chooses a winner based on creativity, presentation, use of ingredients, and overall taste. Every winner takes home a custom medal as well as a sponsored prize package. Permanent cast is DANNA FRIEDBERG as Host and KARLIE BLAIR as Head Judge, and the first season is sponsored by Hella Cocktail Co. and Jack Rudy Cocktail Co.
In addition to Bousman, the Halloween special is guest judged by actor NICK CARDIFF (Angie Tribeca). The episode finds the contestants challenged with candy corn-infused vodka and "Horror Infused" tropical bitters, courtesy of episode sponsor Horror in Clay. Which BOO-zy drink will have the judges screaming in delight, and which will send them fleeing in horror?
Other first-season judges include LYNDON SMITH (Alleluia! The Devil's Carnival, Parenthood, White Famous), ANGEL PARKER (The People vs OJ Simpson, Marvel's Runaways), DANIEL & MATTHEW SCOTT MONTOGMERY (Hosts of "Welcome to Deadcast" Goosebumps Podcast), and LAURA BOUSMAN (Producer, The Devil's Carnival).
Productions, and is executive produced by McGrath, Sarah Allyn Bauer (Monster Shrink), and Karlie Blair (Most Popular Girls in School).


Fishing Cartoon 5263: A man in a boat reading the definition, "OBSOLETE: Any high tech fish finder you bought last week for mega bucks."
Boat Cartoon 4190: A wife says to guest looking at a tiny fish mounted on the wall, "It was the biggest 2014 crappie run over by a $100,000 boat."
Salmon Cartoon 8012H: "Salmon Fishing." While a man fishes with a rod and reel a fish tries to tempt him with beer on a line.
Fishing Cartoon 3598 A fisherman wearing a lab coat has boat full of fish says, "I'm telling you, Fred, fishing is a science."


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An alternative remedy does not create a bar to invoke the jurisdiction under Article 226 of Indian constitution in case where there is violation of principle of natural justice or proceedings are without the jurisdiction - Bombay High Court
Case : M/s. Yogi Petroleum v. Commissioner of VAT, Dadra & Nagar Haveli & Another Writ Petition (Stamp) No. 93644, Writ Petition (Stamp) No. 94222 of 2020 and Writ Petition (Stamp) No. 94223 of 2020
Bench : Justice Ujjal Bhuyan and Justice Milind N. Jadhav
Article 226 of Indian Constitution
Sections 31, 32, 34, 58, 26 and 28(1) of Dadra and Nagar Haveli Value Added Tax Regulations, 2005
Section 34(8A) of Gujarat Value Added Tax Act, 2003
1. The Petitioner is a proprietorship firm in the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli which is registered under Dadra and Nagar Haveli Value Added Tax Regulations, 2005 and he was carrying a business of retail petrol pump dealership. The Deputy Commissioner of the Dadra and Nagar Haveli issued a notice for audit of business affairs dated 25.09.2020 for the period of 2010-11, 2011-12 and 2012-13 and directed the petitioner to produce some documents and evidence. The Petitioner was also cautioned in case to failure to comply with the notice which the petitioner replied by order dated 30.09.2020 and stated that his outlet was already assessed for the period of 2010-11, 2011-12 and 2012-13 and time will be needed to trace out the papers due to Covid restrictions.
2. The Deputy Commissioner, without reference to the above reply, ordered that the time be extended till 12.10.2020. On 12.10.2020, the petitioner submitted the document and again stated it had already been assessed. The Deputy Commissioner passed the audit reports on 12.10.2020 and 13.10.2020 under Section 58 of Dadra and Nagar Haveli Value Added Tax Regulations, 2005 and stated that there were differences with the returns filed by the retailers and they are liable to pay tax, and interest besides the payment penalties.
3. The present Writ Petition was filed for quashing the above order as it was stated that they are beyond the period of limitation under Section 34 of Dadra and Nagar Haveli Value Added Tax Regulations, 2005 for which the respondent replied in affidavits and stated that there is an alternative remedy available with the petitioner, the writ petition should not be entertained as the audit was conducted by the VAT department are due to practice of evading VAT. The petitioner filed an affidavit in the other two writ petitions and again stated the same thing.
Whether the writ petitions should be entertained as there is an alternative remedy available or the petitioners have committed fraud in respect of due revenue which further enables the respondents to invoke the jurisdiction under section 58 of the Dadra and Nagar Haveli Value Added Tax Regulations, 2005?
Whether the impugned orders of audit dated 12.10.2020 and 13.10.2020 are in violation of the principles of natural justice or impugned notices dated 25.09.2020 and the aforesaid orders are beyond limitation?
Whether the impugned notices dated 25.09.2020 and the consequential orders of audit dated 12.10.2020 and 13.10.2020 are liable to be interfered with by this Court or not?
1. The Honourable Bombay High Court referred one of the judgments i.e. Harjas Rai Makhija vs. Pusparani Raj Jain, 2017 (2) SCC 797, it was held that there must be a specific allegation of fraud or intent to deceive to constitute fraud not mere concealment or non-disclosure without intent to deceive. The Honourable High Court held that in The notice dated 25.09.2020, there was no allegation of fraud against the petitioner.
2. The Honourable Bombay High Court observed, as per the audit report there were differences in data received but there was no allegation of fraud visible in this. For this, The Honourable High Court referred on of the judgment i.e. GeoTech Foundations and Construction vs. Commissioner of Central excise Pune, (2008) 224 ELT 177 (SC), It was held that when there is no allegation made in the original notice then it cannot be made in subsequent proceedings.
3. The Honourable Bombay High Court observed that the copies letter dated 29.06.2020 and email dated 11.08.2020 have not been supplied to the petitioner and held that it is important on the part of the deputy Commissioner to furnish the copies or at least the material information to the petitioner. It was further held that failure to furnish copies results in violation of the principle of natural justice.
4. The Honourable Bombay High Court observed that Section 34 of Dadra and Nagar Haveli Value Added Tax Regulations, 2005 no assessment or reassessment shall be made after the expiry of four years from the furnish of date of return under section 26, Section 28(1) and Section 32 Dadra and Nagar Haveli Value Added Tax Regulations, 2005 Section 34 (1) (b) Dadra and Nagar Haveli Value Added Tax Regulations, 2005 states that, In case of concealment or failure to disclose the material on the concerned person, the limitation period may be extended by other two or six years.
5. The Honourable Bombay High Court observed that there is a purpose for issuing notice for informing a person that the audit of the affairs of the business shall be conducted according to the various subsections of Section 58 of Dadra and Nagar Haveli Value Added Tax Regulations, 2005 But Section 58 of Dadra and Nagar Haveli Value Added Tax Regulations, 2005 has to be read with Section 31, 32 and 34 of Dadra and Nagar Haveli Value Added Tax Regulations, 2005 for making of assessment and reassessment.
6. The Honourable Bombay High Court observed that the impugned order dated 25.09.2020 is beyond the period of limitation which results in proceedings to order pursuant would also be barred by limitation. The Honourable High Court observed that Section 34(8A) of Gujarat Value Added Tax Act 2003 and section 58 of Dadra and Nagar Haveli Value Added Tax Regulations, 2005 are not identical and held that impugned notices dated 25.09.2020, 12.10.2020 and 13.10.2020 are without the jurisdiction and beyond the period of limitation.
7. The Honourable Bombay High Court referred one of the judgments Whirlpool Corporation Limited vs. Registrar of TradeMarks (1998) 8 SCC 1, It was held that the alternative remedy does not create a bar to invoke the jurisdiction under Article 226 of the Indian constitution in the case where there are violation of principle of natural justice or proceedings and are without the jurisdiction.
All the Writ Petitions are allowed and all the impugned orders dated 25.09.2020, 12.10.2020 and 13.10.2020 are unsustainable in law and the consequential orders are liable to be interfered with by the Court under Article 226 of the Indian Constitution.


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Thank you for your interest in our privacy policy. This page describes privacy considerations for MrN 365, a site owned by the Nussbaum Education Network, LLC, which also operates https://www.mrnussbaum.com. We take your privacy and the privacy of children very seriously.
What is MRN 365?
MRN 365 is a subscription-based service for teachers, parents, and their students or children. Only school administrators, teachers, and students, can sign up for MRN 365.
Regarding the Privacy of Children
MRN 365 does not collect ANY personally identifiable information from children. No names, e-mail addresses, addresses, geographical location, or anything else. After careful consideration, we elected NOT to build a site in which student score or assessment information would be collected and stored. Subsequently, students DO NOT have individual logins or passwords. Rather, a teacher assigns a generic user name and password for all students in a class to access activities. Scores or progress on activities or games used by students is NOT recorded in any way and NOT accessible by teachers, parents, or administrators of MRN 365.
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Information Collected from Adults
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Duke University researchers have now provided the first close-up glimpse of a protein, called MurJ, which is crucial for building the bacterial cell wall and protecting it from outside attack. They published MurJ's molecular structure in Nature Structural and Molecular Biology.
In the new study, Lee's team was able to crystallize MurJ and determine its molecular structure to 2-angstrom resolution by an established method called X-ray crystallography - which is difficult to achieve in a membrane protein.
The research was supported by Duke University startup funds.
Article: Crystal structure of the MOP flippase MurJ in an inward-facing conformation, Alvin C. Y. Kuk, Ellene H. Mashalidis, Seok-Yong Lee, Nature Structural & Molecular Biology, doi: 10.1038/nsmb.3346, published 26 December 2016.
Duke University. "Bacterial protein structure could aid development of new antibiotics." Medical News Today. MediLexicon, Intl., 13 Jan. 2017. Web.


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Home/Dinosaur Fans, Everything Dinosaur Products, Product Reviews/Collecta Quetzalcoatlus with Prey Model
Collecta Quetzalcoatlus with Prey Model
Quetzalcoatlus with Prey Model Reviewed
Over the last twenty years or so, our knowledge about flying reptiles (the Pterosaurs), has greatly increased, thanks to amazing, new fossil discoveries from countries such as Brazil and China and also as a consequence of sophisticated and innovative research carried out on a number of specimens housed in museum collections and this is a review of the recently introduced Collecta Quetzalcoatlus with prey prehistoric animal model.
Most flying reptile models depict these reptiles with their wings stretched out as if in flight, but this new replica bucks this trend by showing a Quetzalcoatlus on the ground, in a quadrupedal pose. Quetzalcoatlus fossils have been found in Texas and it was one of the very last of the Pterosaurs, living at the end of the Age of Dinosaurs.
The Collecta Quetzalcoatlus with Prey Model
A modern interpretation of a flying reptile.
Fossils of this Pterosaur have been found in sediments that were laid down inland. Palaeontologists have long debated how such a huge animal, with a wingspan in excess of ten metres, and standing taller than a giraffe, might have lived. Perhaps, Pterosaurs like Quetzalcoatlus filled the ecological niche of scavengers, like vultures do today. An alternative view is that these large animals were active hunters, stalking the open plains and snatching up prey, just like Marabou storks do today in sub-Saharan Africa.
Did Large Azhdarchid Pterosaurs Stalk Prey on the Ground?
Some Pterosaurs were as tall as a giraffe.
Picture Credit: M. Witton
The model depicts Quetzalcoatlus having just grabbed a baby Titanosaur, the Titanosaur species is an Alamosaurus, a long-necked dinosaur whose fossils have been found in the southern United States in rocks that date to approximately the same time as the strata in which Quetzalcoatlus fossils were found. The Quetzalcoatlus with Titanosaur model, portrays this large Pterosaur as an active hunter, although it is very likely that in common with most other carnivores, these reptiles would have fed on the carcases of dead dinosaurs too. The Titanosaur has been glued into the long beak, however, we are aware of a number of model collectors who have carefully filed down the pegs that help secure the baby dinosaur in place, thus removing the Titanosaur from out of the Quetzalcoatlus's mouth. The baby dinosaur can be removed but we would urge caution for anyone attempting to do this.
The Quetzalcoatlus with Prey (Close up)
Feeding on young Titanosaurs.
The model has been carefully painted, the body is brown in colour with a pale yellow underside. The enormous beak has been painted mostly black, but it does reveal lots of detail, some flashes of colour for example, and the sculptors have been keen to depict the nostrils, these can be located roughly half-way along the beak's length. The folded wings are painted a battleship grey.
The body of this flying reptile has been textured to give the impression that it was covered in a shaggy, rough-looking coat. A number of Pterosaur fossils have now been excavated that reveal that these reptiles had bodies that were covered in hair-like structures.
The model measures around 12 centimetres tall, based on an adult azhdarchid Pterosaur like Quetzalcoatlus standing close to 6 metres high, we estimate that this replica is in approximately 1:48 scale. The head looks massive in comparison to the body-size and the tiny feet, however, these proportions are correct. Pterosaurs like Quetzalcoatlus had the longest skulls of any terrestrial Tetrapod. This model is part of the huge Collecta prehistoric animal model series, this is a not-to-scale range of figures.
Collecta also make a number of scale model prehistoric animals, these are often referred to as "Deluxe". There is even a Pterosaur represented in this model series (Pteranodon).
To view the Collecta range of scale models: Collecta Deluxe Models
Reflecting a Modern Interpretation of the Pterosauria
A long, shaggy, insulating coat.
This is a beautifully crafted, hand-painted replica of a Quetzalcoatlus with prey. It is an exciting addition to the Collecta range of prehistoric animals and we at Everything Dinosaur send out a Quetzalcoatlus fact sheet with each model that we sell.
To view the Collecta range of not to scale prehistoric animals: Collecta Prehistoric Animals
By Mike| 2014-06-30T13:23:20+01:00	July 7th, 2014|Dinosaur Fans, Everything Dinosaur Products, Product Reviews|1 Comment
Battle of the giant Quetzalcoatlus sculptures | The Pterosaur Heresies June 3, 2018 at 7:50 pm - Reply
[…] http://blog.everythingdinosaur.co.uk/blog/_archives/2014/07/07/collecta-quetzalcoatlus-with-prey-mo… […]


Android :: WebView Unable To Open Some Local Urls?
Play Local Swf-file (flash) With Webview?
I guess webview is the best solution to play a local swf-file (flash). I just get cryptic character in the emulator with this html code in webview.
How can i play a local swf-file when the user click on some kind of link, java or html?
When trying to play a local mp3 file included in the APK, nothing happens. However, if I pull an mp3 from the web it works.
I tried looking through logs for clues and found this line. I'm not sure if it's relevant or not.
I'm new to Android development, so I can only guess that the file is somehow inaccessible for streaming.
I'd love to get this figured out though. Having to pull the files remotely every time is not a desirable solution.
Some additional info. Either solution works when tested in the browser. The local file problem only arises when I convert it to an app. I'm using PhoneGap build to create the APK.
I'm now trying to implement my own content provider. My original data was stored on network or local/remote file systems, so I want to provide data via input stream. I know that client may call ContentResolver.getnputStream to retrieve the input stream to access data. But I don't know how to implement content provider in this situation, I searched the Internet but all the tutorials for content provider are talks about how to expose data that stored on local database. how to expose data that stored on file systems using a content provider? what happened when client call ContentResolver.getnputStream? I want to know how to return an input stream to my client.


Come join us for a new creative arts worship program. We will meet together beginning Sunday, November 5, from 9 - 9:30 in the Music Room. We look to perform for the congregation through song, dance, and theatre as we worship God through the arts.


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Permanency Planning Mediation
Kate Cleary
In 1999, the California Department of Social Services and Consortium for Children partnered to launch an innovative new program—Permanency Planning Mediation. The partners were looking for an effective way to use openness to shorten a child's time in foster care by avoiding costly and time-consuming contested termination of parental rights hearings while also helping maintain important connections for children. What began as a short-term pilot has now been operating successfully for 15 years and is offered to all of California's 58 counties.
What Is Permanency Planning Mediation?
Permanency Planning Mediation can happen in the 120-day period between when the court ends reunification services for a child who is in foster care and when any court ruling regarding termination of parental rights has been made. During this period, Consortium for Children uses classic mediation techniques to move away from the adversarial nature of the child welfare system and to focus all parties on the needs of the child or children involved. The goal of mediation is to help avoid a contested termination of parental rights hearing as well as to determine the child's need after adoption or guardianship. The process usually concludes with the development of a Post Adoption or Post Guardianship Contact Agreement, which is filed with the court during the adoption or guardianship process and becomes a binding court order.
The parties to the mediation are the prospective permanent family and others important to the child; this may include the birth mother and father, grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, and other significant people in the child's life. Generally, the referring professional provides Consortium for Children with the list of individuals to contact. Other parties can be added to the mediation if it is later determined this would be in the child's or children's best interests. When there are multiple parties, it is common that the prospective permanent family will enter into several separate agreements, with each planned to best support the child's or children's unique relationship with that individual.
Two aspects of mediation—confidentiality and neutrality—make it a highly effective tool for working with birth families and prospective permanent families. The mediator is completely neutral, providing a structure for the process, but neither determining discussion content nor making decisions about the agreement. Since Consortium for Children is contracted by the state of California, the agency has no fiscal relationship or responsibility to the California counties it serves. This helps ensure mediators are neutral about the outcome, and allows parties to relax and not feel pressured by their worker, attorney, or others to come to an agreement. Workers and attorneys are given the opportunity before, during, and after mediation to provide input for the parties' consideration, but the signing parties solely determine the content of any agreement.
By law in California, all communication during any mediation process is completely confidential, and the content of mediation sessions have never successfully been made part of a court record or disclosed during a hearing. This confidentiality allows all parties to fully explore their concerns, fears, and hopes about the future and about each other without concern about disclosure to the child welfare agency, the court, or any other party.
Deciding on Mediation
A child welfare worker, child's attorney, parent's attorney, Court Appointed Special Advocate, or bench officer may refer families for mediation when a termination of parental rights hearing is being contested, and the professional believes a continuing connection to birth family or other important individual could be in a child's best interest. Social workers, in particular, are encouraged to make a referral for any child who might benefit. In many counties, this results in a large percentage of families receiving mediation services.
During the referral process, Consortium for Children receives parameters of any safety issues for those involved in the mediation and how the involved professionals view future contact. Consortium for Children does not ask about the circumstances under which a child has been removed from the family because that information might bias the mediator.
When Consortium for Children receives a referral, the case is assigned to a mediator. All have a master's or higher degree in social work, law, or a related field, five years of experience working in child welfare, and two years of adoption experience. Before they begin work, mediators attend a three-day basic family law mediation training and a two-day permanency planning mediation training provided by Consortium for Children. Mediators are closely supervised by mediation coordinators, and Consortium for Children provides regular advanced training so mediators can continually expand their skill set.
The assigned mediator reaches out to each of the parties to begin the process. Participation is voluntary; any of the parties may decline. Consortium for Children has a two-contact rule—after a phone discussion with a party who is reluctant to participate, a mediator will re-contact them once to offer an additional chance to mediate. If the person decides not to proceed, Consortium for Children notifies the primary parties, the child welfare workers, and any attorneys that mediation will not proceed. The letter does not indicate the reason the mediation was ended or who ended the process.
The referring professional and mediators initially explain to the prospective adoptive family and birth family members that a post-adoption or post-guardianship agreement can be of great benefit. With this information, approximately 84 percent of referred families will attempt to complete the mediation process. Prospective permanent parents come to understand that birth family connections can be very important to a child's emotional well-being. The connections can reinforce that the child is still loved and not forgotten, and can give older children more peace about the transition to a new family, potentially stabilizing the placement.
The benefits for birth parents and extended family center around continuing to know how the child is doing—through updates and pictures and, sometimes, direct contact. A continued connection to their child also helps ease some of the sense of loss for a birth parent. Many times birth parents come to realize, primarily through the mediation process, that maintaining a positive relationship between adoptive and birth parents may be the only way that any post-placement contact will occur. It is this understanding that guides some birth parents to not extend the court process and to be more supportive of the adoption once it is clear the child will not be returning home. Protracted court proceedings ultimately delay permanency, sometimes for years. A successful mediation can thus save court costs, expedite adoption finalization, and maintain important family relations for children—a set of circumstances in which everyone can benefit.
Birth families and prospective permanent parents are also motivated to find a means to maintain connections because it is in the long-term best interests of everyone involved. Children who know their adoptive parents have maintained some relationship with their birth family often realize it is okay to ask questions, share feelings, and talk openly about their past. This can minimize the need of the adopted child to covertly search for birth parents. Adoptive parents and guardians who have a relationship with birth families also tend to know more about their children's histories and cultural and ethnic connections, and have a direct way to update important family medical and genetic information.
To respect the confidentiality of the participants, mediators use a caucus style of mediation to begin the process—meeting with each party separately. To ensure parties are comfortable, mediation sessions occur in the party's home, church, or neighborhood. Department or court offices do not feel like a neutral space for the parties and may inhibit successful participation. Any participants may invite friends, family members, attorneys, or others to attend their mediation sessions, but only the parties themselves are allowed to participate in the conversations.
Since the parties are making agreements that need to last for years, mediation may take up to 90 days to complete with the provision of up to 30 hours of services. All parties must fully understand what they are agreeing to and be committed to the process and the outcome. This is the primary reason why the program does not have one long mediation session. Typically a mediator will alternate meeting with each party for many shorter one-on-one meetings at different locations on different days, sharing only what each party has agreed may be shared. If post-adoption or post-guardianship visits are to be part of the agreement and there are no safety concerns, the mediator encourages the parties to meet together for the contact portion of the process.
Children are included in the process when it is age-appropriate and agreed upon by the child welfare worker and the child's attorney. The method of participation varies: some children choose to participate by writing a letter for the other parties to read, others by drawing pictures of how they feel they would like their life to proceed, and others by asking the mediator to share their desires for them. Children typically meet one-on-one with the mediator, rather than with other parties. Children are never included in a group mediation process unless they specifically ask to. If the child makes such a request, the child welfare worker and the child's attorney must agree before the child would be included in group mediation. This has only happened a few times with older children or teenagers.
Developing an Agreement
Although one goal of the process is the development of a post-adoption or post-guardianship contact agreement, mediation does not start there. Initially, the mediator focuses participants on and the child's needs and connections to the parties. Every agreement begins with what the parties have agreed upon as their hopes and dreams for the child, as well as how each party describes the child and the child's needs, relationships, likes and dislikes, hobbies, and more. Below is a sample.
There are some qualities in every human being that stand out even at an early age. Joshua's exuberance and ability to connect with others are two of the most striking qualities that have revealed themselves in full force. Joshua is described by those who cherish him as an "old soul" and "his own person with a strong spirit…a kid that is very special." At two months old, Joshua held his own bottle, laughed often, and now at the age of two years old sings his ABCs (although not always in the right order). Moreover, Joshua enacts the love in his heart. He often runs up to babies he meets and kisses them; he greets and engages with strangers on the street and pours affection on those closest to him.
Gina talks about the joy she experienced being pregnant and being a mom. Out of her love of her son, Gina wants a better life for her Joshua than she was provided as a child. She is taking the necessary steps to become healthy and self-sufficient so she can be a positive support and model for Joshua.
Helen [Joshua's prospective adoptive parent] says she has received nothing but love from Joshua and has grown to deeply love him. Helen also recognizes the importance of Joshua being the recipient of as much love and support that he can receive. Helen talks about the clear bond between Gina and Joshua. She mentions how Joshua will run into Gina's arms when he sees her and Helen wants Joshua to continue to develop a strong connection with his birth mother.
Thus Helen and Gina, out of their mutual love for Joshua, have united to develop a plan to support their ongoing relationships.
Once parties begin to think about the child as an individual, they are then ready to consider how to safely decide—together—what type of contact best meets the child's needs. Almost all parties who work cooperatively to develop a child section, like the one above, will continue to try to develop a post-adoption or post-guardianship contact plan. Under Permanency Planning Mediation, agreements identify the minimal level of contact so that the parties can and will follow the agreement as the child matures. Parties can choose to have more contact than their agreement reflects. In fact, evaluations have noted about 80 percent of those who have a filed agreement eventually exceed the agreed-upon amount of contact.
Contact covers a wide range of possibilities for maintaining connections and can vary greatly. Contact agreements may include anything from use of non-identifying email addresses, through which parties provide annual updates, to regularly planned visits between child and birth family members. Every agreement has provisions under which the contact can be modified or temporarily suspended. The agreement also notes that parties can ask Consortium for Children for help complying with the agreement or to request additional mediation services. Both families value the ongoing support because Consortium for Children's help may be the only remaining resource to help resolve difficulties after the adoption is finalized.
Once the parties have successfully mediated a draft agreement, the mediator asks if they will allow it to be circulated to the child welfare worker, the adoption worker, the parent's attorney, and the child's attorney. Feedback is requested from all secondary parties. If any of the professionals feel an agreement goes too far or does not go far enough, the mediator brings that information back to the primary parties for discussion and possible modification. Once everyone has approved the agreement's content, the primary parties sign a final version. The agreement is also signed by the child, if he or she is 12 years or older, and the child's attorney.
In California, a contact agreement is a legally enforceable document filed with the court. Once an adoption is finalized, the court retains jurisdiction only over the agreement—no adoption or guardianship can be overturned nor fiscal penalties levied because an agreement is not being followed. Before the parties can have the court review issues about a filed agreement, California law requires them to participate in mediation to try to resolve differences. If additional mediation does not resolve the issue, the parties must indicate to the bench officer why the enforcement or lack of enforcement of the agreement is in the child's best interest. It is then up to a bench officer to make a ruling. In the 15 years the program has been in existence, only a handful of enforcement hearings have been held. In most cases where disputes occur, Consortium for Children's further mediation services successfully resolve the dispute so there is no need for court involvement.
Over the past 15 years, Consortium for Children has successfully mediated more than 18,000 agreements. This work has saved public agencies millions of dollars by avoiding costly termination of parental rights proceedings and shortening stays in foster care for thousands of children. When families receive support that helps them become collaborative rather than adversarial, they often feel no need to contest or appeal the termination of parental rights. Mediation sessions have also helped families reach agreement about what level of contact is right for each child. Unquestionably, children benefit when their birth and adoptive families can jointly focus on the children's best interests. Adoption should be about expanding a child's family, and Permanency Planning Mediation can help make that happen. Through mediation, families develop relationships with rules, boundaries, and limitations that allow all of a child's family—new and old—to play a very important role in providing the best for the child's future.
About Kate Cleary:
Kate Cleary is executive director of the Consortium for Children.
Categories: Achieving Permanency, Adoption Practice, Birth Family Connections, Parenting
Prioritizing Permanency
Recruiting Families
Supporting Youth and Families
Older Child Adoption
Adoption Practice Training