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Why won't Ron Paul go on the Glenn Beck show?
By politicalderby
Filed Under Race for White House 2008 on Nov 30
This caught my eye today:
Why in the world won't Ron Paul go on Glenn's show? He's got millions more radio listeners and TV viewers than watch the debates and many of those folks probably agree with much of what Dr. No believes. Let's hear from some of our resident Paul Peeps on why they think he's avoided Glenn's shows.
I watched the debate and a debate broke out
By Contributor Archive
I wouldn't dream of ludicrously and arrogantly taking any measure of credit for CNN/YouTube's debate moderator being anyone other than Wolf Blitzer, but Anderson Cooper certainly did a fine job. Generally, he made sure that candidates answered the questions – something he said was owed to all the people who sent so much time asking questions – and added a colloquial charm. He prefaced Mitt Romney's answer to a question about farm subsidies with a warning, that "a lot of folks in Iowa [are] interested in this answer." Cooper most amusing moment came after Fred Thompson's ad was shown, which, rather than highlight Thomson, simply attacked Romney and Mike Huckabee. Cooper's informal, "Senator Thompson, what's up with that?" drew a good bit of laughter. Overall, the event, unlike some of its torturous predecessors, was fun to watch, and actually lived up to its "debate" status, as candidates spent time arguing back and forth on a number of points. Now that that's out of the way, on to the candidates…
Mike Huckabee, thanks to his recent rise in Iowa polls, enjoyed more face time than he had in previous debates. With, he claimed, people more worried about an audit than a mugging, Huck called for an end to the IRS, proposing to replace it with the so-called "fair tax", a federal retail sales tax. He slickly tried to explain his way out of in-state tuition for illegals, but no amount of sugar coating was going to keep Mitt Romney from blasting Huck for having fought for the "right to give scholarships to illegals." When asked, "What would Jesus do?" about the death penalty, Huck eloquently explained the difficult decisions he had to make before finally suggesting that Jesus was too smart to run for public office. Huck somehow equated being gay as bad conduct in the military, a suggestion which reeked of intolerance. Finally, Huck seemed ok with government spending on a human mission to Mars, provided Hillary Clinton was on the first rocket.
Ron Paul again won the all the CNN exit polls for best performance, most knowledgeable, etc., but despite his recent upswing in the early primary states, he was given his usual, i.e. minimal, face time. Asked if he believed in a conspiracy theory of a North American government, he simply stated that with trade agreements such as NAFTA, eminent domain claiming huge amounts of property for an international roadway conspiracy, and having witnessed the European Union come into existence, that a threat does exist to our national sovereignty, and that he opposes any move toward more international government bureaucracies. After John McCain said that the Republicans came to change government, and the government changed them, Paul stated unequivocally that Washington had not changed him, and that he had never once voted for a tax increase. He argued that lowering taxes is only half the solution, with the necessary complement being a reduction in spending. As for which government bureaucracies should be slashed, Paul cited the Departments of Education, Energy, and Homeland Security, which he called our biggest bureaucracy ever. He argued that out national defense would become stronger by changing our interventionist foreign policy, reiterating that we should bring the troops home. Paul argued that despite the moral question of occupying another country that we should be giving back to them, he stated that we can't afford to keep up such wars, because as tax payer dollars are used to blow up and rebuild the same bridges in Iraq, our own bridges and infrastructure are crumbling. Finally, he likened Iraq to Vietnam, which is now a friend, a result, he says, achievable in peace that was never possible in 20 years of war.
John McCain spent time with troops over the holiday, and said that they had urged him to let them win in Iraq. He then challenged Ron Paul by claiming that isolationist policies had caused World War II. Paul pounced, citing the difference between isolationism and his policy of non-intervention, and proved the popularity of his position by pointing out that he had received the more campaign contributions from active duty personnel than any other candidate. Oddly, when asked how he would repair America's image in the eyes of the Muslim world, McCain said he would continue the surge of troops, which he insisted was working. McCain received a groan of disbelief from the audience when he said that they in the government had never proposed amnesty for illegals, arguing instead that voters didn't trust them after failures in Katrina and Iraq and the inability to reign in spending. He said, as president, he would veto every pork barrel spending bill that crossed his desk and would make the authors famous. He later hit the replay button, and said the exact same thing. McCain argued against Huckabee's fair tax plan, which he claimed would tax some people up to 30%, and then bested Romney in a challenge over his wishy washy waterboarding stance. McCain insisted that we, as a nation, take the high road, and never allow torture to be used.
Surprisingly, Fred Thompson decided to make a public appearance, and was at the debate. He casually chatted about issues and candidates, hoping to pass by on the strength of his famous charm. He mentioned that, "surprisingly," Romney had switched his position on amnesty for illegals. Thompson suggested that sometimes a decision to hire someone can, in retrospect, be a bad idea, a veiled reference Rudy Giuliani hiring to Bernard Kerik, though Thompson could have been referring to his own apparent decision of employing Richard Nixon's makeup artist for the debate. In a weird moment, when asked which programs he would cut, he instead talked about saving Social Security and creating private Medicare accounts which would be matched by the government. Each candidate was allowed a 30-second ad spot, and Thompson's was an attack on Romney and Huckabee. When questioned, he innocently stated that he just wanted to give his buddies on stage some more air time. Fred questioned Giuliani on his past support of gun control in New York City, but then lost the argument by going too far in comparing crime-ridden, no-guns-allowed Washington DC to New York, where guns are allowed and where crime decreased substantially under Rudy. Thompson didn't win any extra friends in Hollywood when he stated that the number one focus should be to overturn Roe v Wade. Probably Fred's best moment was when a question was asked by an animated caricature of Dick Cheney. Fred said he breathed a sigh of relief when he realized that it was Cheney and not him.
Mitt Romney seemed to spend all his time picking fights or responding to attacks. He started the debate by jumping on Giuliani for running an amnesty city, but then had to defend himself against accusations that he had personally employed illegal workers in his mansion. Mitt smacked Huck into reality by claiming that the money the Huck used for scholarships and tuition was, as tax payer money, not his to use on illegals. Romney said, as governor, he found a way to have universal health care without increasing government, which was contradictory, but in this debate he wised up, mentioning it once and then leaving it alone. Romney said he supported farm subsidies, because they were doing it in Brazil and Europe, which seemed to leave him open for attack until Rudy agreed with him. Romney's odd solution to reduce black-on-black crime was to "get more moms and dads" and, perhaps more usefully, to ensure proper education and to increase state police. Mitt then went on about how he had increased state police, though some crimes increased while others decreased, and then threw in something about tripling a DNA facility. He said he believed every word of the Bible, as it is the "word of God". When attacked on his abortion flip-flop, he stated that he was wrong and had made a mistake, which might have been more convincing if he hadn't changed positions on so many other issues as well, leading viewers to wonder on which other issues he will eventually realize he is wrong. He did finish strongly, saying that there was nothing sweeter than when his Red Sox beat the Yankees after being down 3-0 in a best of 7 series.
Rudy Giuliani directly debated Romney and Thompson, usually coming out on top. He cited his record of significant crime reduction in New York City, which was unlike Romney's "mixed record" on crime. He corrected Thompson on his gun control views, stating that he favored restrictions on gun ownership for criminals and the mentally challenged. Rudy also cited his fiscally conservative record as mayor, and suggested that government spending could easily be reduced by simply not replacing half the workers on the government payroll when they retire. Unlike Romney, Rudy said he would not sign a hypothetical federal ban on abortion (following a hypothetical overturn of Roe v Wade), claiming that it should be left up to the individual states. Rudy also differed from Mitt and Huck by saying he did not believe the Bible was entirely literal, but rather that it was interpretive and certainly contained allegories. Rudy said he would stay on the offensive against Muslim extremists, though that didn't seem to answer the question of how he would improve the Muslim world's image of the US. Asked why blacks should support him, Rudy argued for school vouchers, so parents would not be forced to send their kids to bad and unsafe schools. He also preached reducing welfare, which he did as mayor, to get more people jobs, and with that, hope and a future. Rudy chastised McCain, saying that the line item veto was unconstitutional, not according to the senator, but according to the Supreme Court. Rudy's 30-second video clip was amusing, claiming that Rudy had battled crime, overspending and "King Kong", and that Hillary Clinton had called him a "$%#!" He defended rooting for the Red Sox, a logical argument, as he is an American League fan, but, more important than that, he said, he counted 4 Yankee World Championships among his accomplishments as mayor.
Duncan Hunter stuck to his strategy of not arguing with anyone, and bringing up a few flag-waving points. "I built that fence!" he bellowed, which resulted in significant crime reduction in San Diego, and pledged, as president, to compete the already approved fence across the rest of Mexican border. Hunter stated that China is cheating on trade and using the surplus to arm itself, so he urged everyone to "buy American…this Christmas season". He said he would never apologize for the US, as we had helped defend, feed and heal so many other countries. He finished poorly, suggesting that forcing conservative Christians to work with homosexuals in the military was wrong, apparently ignoring the moral problems inherent in such a segregationist ideal.
Tom Tancredo again took time to acknowledge that he doesn't get much time to talk. He stated he had the highest rating from conservative and tax reform groups. He refused to accept the oft-stated theory in support of illegals, arguing that there is no such thing as a job an American won't take. He called for a change in trade relations with China. An introduction to the debate, a song by a YouTuber, stated that Tancredo wants the border fence, so Tom didn't have to bother mentioning it. Tancredo pounced on Huckabee after Huck had ok'ed a mission to Mars, stating that while so many people say they are conservative, they are more than willing to spend more money on new programs. He argued that there are some things we can not afford.
CNN makes biggest news at ridiculous GooberTuber debate
Make no mistake, reports that Hillary–or her peeps–planted a question at last night's GooberTuber debate will forever overshadow the debate itself. Few are talking about who won or lost, instead they're buzzing about CNN using at least four questions last night from declared democrats. Michelle Malkin has the most comprehension coverage.
Believe it or not I feel for Anderson Cooper. There's no way he personally knew that General Kerr was on the "LGBT Americans For Hillary Steering Committee". Love or hate CNN, Cooper is easily their most fair, unbiased journalist, and it's inconceivable that he would have supported the question being allowed. But what's worse is that Kerr was actually in the audience and got additional face time. Rest assured Cooper is fuming right now and there are suits in the Time Warner Building feeling his wrath.
Anyone still on the fence about CNN's reputation for having an agenda can officially hop off.
AP hit piece on Huck?
A new Associated Press story by Andrew DeMillo appears to have been penned by the Romney or Thompson campaigns. The piece reads like either a paid-for hit job or an op/ed that belongs on the opinion page. Whether you're a member of Huck's Army or not, this sort of language in an "unbiased" AP article should trouble you:
The Republican presidential candidate has plenty to champion from his 10 1/2 years as governor – including school improvements and health insurance for the children of the working poor. But his record has rough edges, and Huckabee has a habit of playing fast and loose with it.
And it only gets worse from there. Now I'm neither for nor against Huckabee, and naturally I'm not arguing that the contents of the article don't have merit, but the facts are presented in a stunningly biased way. You expect this from one of the Thomases (Helen or Cal), but not from the AP. It's almost as if there's such thing as a so-called "media bias". (Hey, I like that phrase, I think I'll coin it!)
Panel of pundits say there's no predicting primary
By David Kaiser, Editor
There is nothing more fun then contradicting yourself. In my previous post, I've encouraged all of you out there in political junkie land to make your predictions on who will win the Iowa caucus and New Hampshire primary.
And then I saw this little piece in the Philadelphia Daily News today regarding a panel of political experts who spoke at a forum at the Four Seasons Hotel in Philadelphia last night.
Here's what they came up with:
All agreed that just a month out, the race is still impossible to call.
Hrm. I guess the timing of my prediction post was a little off, but hey, it happens.
A former Reagan administration official put it best:
"If the Democratic race is fluid, the Republican race is absolute chaos," said Kenneth Duberstein, a former chief of staff to President Ronald Regan.
But there is a light at the end of the tunnel according to the panel:
All the panelists thought the nominees for each party would likely be determined after Super Tuesday on Feb. 5 – the day when more than 20 presidential primaries are held.
PD wants to know who you think will win
OK fellow PoliticalDerbyites, here is your chance to participate in my completely unscientific prediction poll on who the top three finishers will be in the Iowa caucus and the New Hampshire primary will be.
It's very simple, post your top three for each party in Iowa and New Hampshire and I'll post every Tuesday with a running score on who leads. I'll do a new poll each Tuesday until the Iowa caucus on January 3rd.
Tune in every Tuesday for up-to-date totals and a chance to vote again. One ballot, per poster, per week please. Let's see who can nail the order!
Brothel owner endorses Ron Paul
It would appear I'm the first PD contributor to take off my stretchy pants and get back to work after last Thursday. (Heretofore called "The Day Jason Ate 9 Pumpkin Pies and cussed in Portuguese".)
This news item didn't make Drudge, and therefore likely got missed by PD faithful, but it begs to be read. It also begs the question, "Where the heck was Mr. Hof when Bill was looking for endorsements?!?!"
Brothel owner endorses pres. candidate
LAS VEGAS, Nevada (CNN) – It isn't everyday that that a presidential candidate gets an endorsement from a professed pimp, but that's exactly what has happened to Rep. Ron Paul, R-Texas.
Dennis Hof, owner of Nevada's (in)famous Bunny Ranch brothels and star of the HBO show 'Cathouse', has publicly endorsed Paul after hearing him champion states' rights at a campaign stop. Hof told CNN, "Who knows our state better than us? Who knows anything better than the constituents that live in that state? Nobody. We know. We don't need big brother, the federal government, telling us what to do."
Paul, a Libertarian and devout Baptist who does not condone prostitution, is uncomfortable with the unconventional support, according to his campaign. They counter that it is "the price of freedom." "If you're going to have a constitutional government, you're going to work out these kinds of issues at the local level, as the constitution intends. Then sometimes you're going to have to put up with things that make you uncomfortable." The campaign added that if Paul were a local Nevada lawmaker that he would vote against legalized prostitution.
Paul has found the spotlight recently after putting up some big fundraising numbers, including a $4.2 million haul in a single day in early November. Hof says he plans to add to that, "The girls are good at shaking down the customers for $1s, $5s, $10s, $50s, $100s, whatever they got." He is waiting for instructions from the campaign on how to raise and donate the money legally.
Prostitution is legal everywhere in Nevada except for the three counties that are home to Carson City, Reno and Las Vegas.
– CNN Nevada Producer Alexander Marquardt
Vice President Clark?
I've been in DC for the last few days and have found that the last thing I wanted at the end of the day was to sit down, stare at my computer screen and think a little more about politics. My evening rituals tended more towards Kobe beef and a tasty beverage to wash down my tasty steak.
The other night though, after my meal (which also was a meeting… so I guess that you can never escape politics in Da City), I turned on the TV and was captivated by the Tavis Smiley show. Tavis doesn't broadcast in RI but I am familiar with him from my numerous travels and really like what he does. It was his guest who got me to keep it on the channel, however, instead of turning to "Pimp my Ride", "Semi Home Made", or another of our nation's artistic examples for the world. There he was; brushed off, polished up and taken from storage; General Wesley Clark.
I'm sure you remember the General, a four star egomaniac who once was a hawk and now is the doviest dove that ever doved a dove. Oh yeah… he also told some people that he believed in time travel. Spark up the way back machine, Mister Peabody.
Well, this time around, Michael Moore didn't talk him into running for President (Where the heck has that Gulfstream V liberal been this race anyway?? Doesn't want to attach his humongous yuck to Hillary??) but someone has talked the General into running for the second seat. A little over a month ago, he endorsed "The Lock" who isn't so much of a lock now, thanks to Bob Novak's usual "unnamed sources". The conversation with Smiley ran the gamut and was most defiantly designed to position him as Hillary's White House Scapegoat.
Richardson seems the frontrunner but, in all of the discussion on a recent thread about the Veep stakes, there has been no mention of the fact that BR and Hillary don't exactly get along. Yes, I realize that he is setting himself up as a counterpoint (Wolf Blitzer: "Do you support licenses for illegals. Hillary: "No". BR: "Yes. I've already have signed it into law as Governor in New Mexico.) If Clinton, herself, doesn't have both sides of the argument covered, then, at least a ticket with Richardson would. It's solid reasoning, as is his balance of the southwest and his Hispanic credentials. It doesn't take into account the fact that, as is the case with many others, there won't be a Christmahanakwanzaka card from the Clintons in the Governor's New Mexico mail box.
And so, with that thought, I give you Vice President Clark. At least his ego thinks so.
Gobble Gobble II
By Stephen Fountain, Editor
Since last year's turkey was so good it seemed fitting to award our 2nd Annual Big Turkey Award. The competition was stiff. But our panel of experts were able to reach a consensus – it worked for global warming! Insert drum roll here.
PoliticalDerby.com presents The Big Turkey Award to the media! Accolades go out to Wolf Blitzer; we can rest assured that the media will fail to ask the tough questions when it counts. Because anyone who allows presidential candidates to take questions from a talking snowman has got to be a turkey. And because the media at large has failed to report the good news coming out of Iraq. In Charlie Gibson's own words, "The news is… that there is no news."
Big Media, you are all big turkeys. And we salute you!
Hillary really thinks A LOT of herself!
If you believe Hillary Clinton is a humble person in tune with the lives of everyday Americans…Damn, none of the usual jokes really do that justice, so we'll just say that you should lay off the crack.
Anyway, what does Hillary think of herself? Well, she's too politically savvy to come right out and tell you how great she thinks she is, so she's done what any arrogant person surrounded by sycophants does – she tells people what others think of her.
Speaking to a group in Iowa yesterday, Hillary had the following veiled praise for herself:
''Voters will have to judge if living in a foreign country at the age of 10 prepares one to face the big, complex international challenges the next president will face. I think we need a president with more experience than that, someone the rest of the world knows, looks up to and has confidence in."
Whomever could she be referring to at the end there?
Let's look at her statement in two parts.
The first bit is clearly a swipe at Barack Obama, who only has 4 years in the U.S. Senate under his belt. Not exactly the most extensive resume on issues dealing with foreign policy, granted. But what about Hillary's resume?
Her resume consists of 6 years in the U.S. Senate and, well, that's about it. Did Hillary spend those extra 2 years in the State Department and not the Senate? Because she certainly couldn't be referring to her time as First Lady of Arkansas, unless there were secret negotiations between Little Rock and, say, North Korea (something along the lines of, "Wait till my husband is President and we'll give you everything you need to build a nuclear weapon, just as long as you pinky-swear not to use them for that.") Sure, she was sent overseas on "Goodwill" missions while her husband was running the country, but those were more photo-ops and opportunities for Bill to stray than deep-rooted policy missions, especially since she had absolutely zero power as an agent of the United States government.
So her statement about herself is nothing more than a delusional self-image than a refection of any form of reality in this universe. But, if you think about, isn't that how the Clintons have seen themselves since the beginning?
Second is the "Enough about me, let's talk about you. What do you think of me?" portion of the statement. This needs little comment beyond pointing out that she said it about herself! If someone had a friend talking this way about themselves they would be tempted to punch them in the nose, not vote for them…at least for anything other than…
How would you rank the turkeys now?
Mitt is up in NH, Huck is surging in Iowa, Hillary is slipping in both places. So how would you rank the top 5 on the left and right? The Derby needs your input before releasing our special Thanksgiving Edition of the 2008 Power Rankings. Let the comments roll!
More bad news for Hillary
There's more bad news emanating from Iowa for Hillary. According to the Washington Post:
Illinois Senator Barack Obama gets the support of 30 percent of likely Democratic caucus-goers in Iowa, compared to 26 percent for Clinton, 22 percent for former senator John Edwards and 11 percent for New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson. The results are only marginally changed from a Post-ABC poll in late July, but in a state likely to set the course for the rest of the nominating process, there are significant signs of progress for Obama — and harbingers of concern for Clinton.
Will an Iraq Victory change the face of the 08 election?
Evidence is stacking up that Iraq will be less of an issue in 2008 than was once suspected. Republicans in the US Senate turned back a Democrat effort to hijack a troop funding bill into a troop withdrawal bill. And the top Democrat contenders have refused to say that they will bring all the troops home.
Independent journalist Michael Yon posted the following picture on his website today, from the St. John's Catholic Church in Baghdad. "Today, Muslims mostly filled the front pews of St John's. Muslims who want their Christian friends and neighbors to come home." Read that last sentence again. "Muslims who want their Christian friends and neighbors to come home." Was there ever clearer evidence that an Iraq victory is at hand?
From Michael-Yon.com:
Today, Muslims mostly filled the front pews of St John's. Muslims who want their Christian friends and neighbors to come home. The Christians who might see these photos likely will recognize their friends here. The Muslims in this neighborhood worry that other people will take the homes of their Christian neighbors, and that the Christians will never come back. And so they came to St John's today in force, and they showed their faces, and they said, "Come back to Iraq. Come home." They wanted the cameras to catch it. They wanted to spread the word: Come home. Muslims keep telling me to get it on the news. "Tell the Christians to come home to their country Iraq."
Ron Paul coins seized by Feds
Despite not being associated with the US Mint, the Liberty Dollar currency has seen modest circulation. Though labeled with a monetary value, the actual worth of the coins is based on the price of the metal – gold, silver, or copper – of which they are physically made.
Though the FBI and Secret Service left cards, neither agency would confirm the raid that federal agents staged on an Indiana Liberty Dollar office. Agents swiped tens of thousands of coins which had been stamped with the image of presidential candidate Ron Paul.
The Liberty Dollar is seen as both an investment, as the value of some metals, most notably gold, has increased against the dollar, and as a protest against the baseless currency championed by the Federal Reserve. Ron Paul is not affiliated with the coinage, but the Texas congressman has long supported a return to a sound currency, and a Ron Paul questioning of Fed chairman Ben Bernanke on the issue has been circulating on the Internet.
As people are free to trade anything they want, from gold to Garbage Pail Kids trading cards, the legality of the raid is highly questionable, with the only justifiable argument seeming to be that the Liberty Dollar "looks similar" to legal tender. People mistaking Ron Paul for Sacagawea notwithstanding, the raid of the coins and bearer certificates seems to amount to a theft from the purchasers of the currency. The founder of the currency and a Ron Paul supporter, Bernard von NotHaus had already filed suit after a consumer alert was issued against the currency last year, and von NotHaus is now urging the owners of the seized property to sue the government as well.
Viewers are losers in CNN debate
Is Wolf Blitzer the worst debate moderator in history? Raise your hand if you think so. Blitzer practically reenacted that pathetic hand-raising system that he pioneered several debates ago. He said he wouldn't interrupt anyone, but warned candidates that they'd all be "on the honor system." Honor system? These are politicians! No matter how funny it is to watch Blitzer on celebrity Jeopardy!, the waves of boos cascading from the audience should really be a wake up call to CNN to get serious. Moderators are like umpires – if they are doing their jobs well, you don't notice them.
As for the main event…
Despite being the one with a platform on licenses for illegal immigrants, Barack Obama tripped up in his words amid the two-person debate with Hillary Clinton that was drawing boos from people who came to see all the candidates, well, except for the absent Mike Gravel. Hillary gave the same meaningless non-talking points, so pundits will say she did much better, despite her failure to answer questions, which is really what should decide the winner in a debate.
John Edwards continued to call out Clinton for flip flopping on issues such as the war in Iraq and Social Security. Dennis Kucinich rightly restated that his fellow Democrats share the blame for the war in Iraq and the Patriot Act, as they had voted for them. Kucinich got cheers when he said he didn't vote for the Patriot Act, "because I read it," but he then devolved into thornless calls for impeachment.
Joe Biden kept up his platform of plans for Iraq, Pakistan, etc, maintaining his candidacy for Secretary of State, while Bill Richardson continued his ongoing bid for VP on Hillary's ticket. Chris Dodd, invisible in the polls, began a response partially in Spanish, and, impressively, without too much of a gringo accent, and he garnered some applause for his efforts.
Time for the Push
Now that Obama and Edwards have taken the lead on the Hillary-bashing front, it's time for the GOPers to find a new target…but where to look? Oh, how about each other? Yay! It's finally push-poll time.
Everyone has been wondering which Republican is going to start with the anti-Mormon attacks, and with Romney's lead climbing in Iowa and New Hampshire, the answer is finally here…it's an unnamed mystery Republican.
Politico's Jonathan Martin reports on what IA and NH voters are hearing in apparent push polls:
"Statements were on baptizing the dead, the Book of Mormon being on the level of the Bible, and one about equating it to a cult," said the Iowan, deeming them "common criticisms of Mormonism."
Of course, legitimate research polls can test positive and negative statements about the candidates, but a push poll goes over the line, making outlandish statements that are clearly for the purpose of slander, not research. It's hard to say without actually hearing the phone call, but this certainly sounds more like a "push" than a "poll." CBS has a good explanation of the difference between the two.
There is some speculation that McCain's campaign could be the source of the calls, because the poll also reportedly tests positives on him. This is pretty hard to believe, since McCain, himself the victim of infamous push polls in 2000, has based so much of his career on chastising this kind of politics.
In an effort to make it clear that it isn't them, McCain's campaign has called for a full investigation into who's behind the attacks.
AP further investigates, seeing if the poll can be tied a consultant who works for Giuliani, a theory the consultant strongly denies.
So who is it? Sadly, we'll probably never know. The only thing that's clear is we're headed into the campaign's dirty season.
Huckabee charging hard in Iowa
In the wacky, roller-coaster affair that is the 2008 Republican Primary race, long shot candidate Mike Huckabee has suddenly become a serious player in the fast-approaching Iowa caucus.
Huckabee was last heard from when he finished a strong second in Iowa's Ames Straw Poll in August. Pundits argued if the cash-strapped Huckabee campaign could take advantage of the press that came with its strong finish. And for a while, it really didn't seem like they could take advantage.
Enter two polls – a CBS News/New York Times that came out November 13, and one from the American Research Group from between November 10 and 14 – has Huckabee charging in Iowa faster than a socialite with a platinum card on Black Friday.
Huckabee has rocketed past Giuliani, McCain and Thompson, all of whom wrote Iowa off to Mitt months ago.
The Huckabee surge raises two very interesting issues.
First, if Huck can win or finish a strong second to Romney in Iowa, it will throw a serious wrench into Mitt's strategy. If he doesn't have the momentum from Iowa, Romney faces a tougher fight in New Hampshire, where Giuliani has begun to campaign harder and where McCain has historical strength among the Granite State's independent-minded voters. In other words – a strong Huckabee finish in Iowa poses a serious threat to Romney.
The second issue is, again assuming Huckabee has a strong finish in Iowa, does Huckabee become the major story and become a part of the conversation? If he does well in Iowa, he just needs to finish respectable in New Hampshire and try to make it to South Carolina, where his southern roots and conservative credentials could catapult him into the mix for the nomination.
Personally, I think the first issue is a lot more likely than the second, but this certainly adds yet another wrinkle to a campaign season that has more of them than a 90-year-old man's rear-end.
An Oscar… The Nobel… And a Triple?
Al Gore, who I hear is in the running to be the next Dali Lama, wasn't happy with simply doing the narration on the "documentary to end all documentaries". He wasn't content when he somehow garnered an Oscar and he can't sleep soundly knowing that his Peace Prize is right where it belongs. He isn't even placated by the fact that ManBearPig hasn't been seen in South Park in months. No… This guy won't be happy until he gets sweet revenge on everyone Clinton.
I picture his basement cork board plastered with cut out articles of Hillary front running and printed up sheets from PoliticalDerby with Her Thighness, as one prominent talker calls her, ensconced in first, second, and third. I can just hear him practicing his lines: "It takes the nomination out of the basket, or else it gets the hose again".
The field is not yet set on either side, in my humble opinion, and AG is waiting in the wings. I'm a bit surprised that he isn't in yet but, from the scuttlebutt that I've heard, he's closer to in than he is to out. The Nobel sealed the deal. They say that mistakes come in threes. Could the sun shine on the same dog again? I fear so.
Al gets in because he HATES the Clintons and wants nothing more than to spoil Hillary's moment in the sun. He is also on a roll and is the voice of a carefully crafted political message that has taken environmental issues from the obscurity of the 1970s (global COOLING anyone?) and has, perhaps, made it into one of the seminal issues in the election cycle despite the war, home foreclosures, the economy, and all of the other things that used to matter. I say that Al Gore is back soon. Let's just hope that he leaves the beard and those sweaters back in Tennessee.
A brokered convention? Dare to dream!
This election cycle has the makings of a dream scenario for political junkies (like many of the inhabitants of this website). The possibility remains a long shot, especially for the Democrats, who have a strong front-runner in the form of Hillary Clinton (her recent problems aside), but does seem possible that it could occur on the GOP side.
There is some chatter in the blogging world that the outside chance of a brokered convention may exist, while most dismiss the odds as long at best.
I am one that salivates over a potential brokered convention and the political intrigue that accompanies it. The last time we saw anything remotely like this was in the race for the 1976 Republican nomination.
The race was unresolved entering the Republican National Convention, with Ford in the lead, but short of the required number of delegates. Reagan, in an attempt to woo moderates to his strong conservative base, indicated he would choose liberal Senator Richard Schweiker of Pennsylvania as his running mate if nominated. The move backfired, as moderates did not move to Reagan and enough conservatives were upset with Reagan to give Ford the nomination.
How can it happen in 2008?
Mitt Romney fails to romp through the early states and each of the top candidates takes one of the first three or four contests would lead up to a Tsunami Tuesday that not only has no clear cut favorite, but also could have just about all of the top tier candidates still in the race.
On Tsunami Tuesday, Fred Thompson takes Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee and Colorado. Romney takes Utah and shows up strong in New York and California. Giuliani takes California, New York and Illinois. Huckabee wins his native Arkansas and shows strength in the South. McCain wins Arizona and picks up a surprise win in a place like Minnesota.
No one has momentum and few are looking to drop out. Hello brokered convention.
Sure, it's extremely unlikely… but it would sure make for some fun TV.
RTL yawns and endorses Thompson
When your party has exactly one issue, choosing a candidate should be very simple, at least in initial phase, where you separate the field between those that agree with you and those that do not. The National Right to Life Committee has apparently chosen Fred Thompson as the presidential candidate it will support, and perhaps it is the perfect choice for a group which seems to be plodding lazily along into the dustbin of history. Thompson has been virtually invisible on the campaign trail, and recent polls have shown him losing support in places where he hasn't bothered to show up, such as New Hampshire.
But what about that central, solitary issue that means the world to Right to Lifers? Could such an organization possibly have been too lazy to discover that Fred Thompson once worked as a lobbyist for a family planning group that had been trying to relax abortion law? Romney carries similar, if not worse, flip-flopping baggage, and Giuliani supports a woman's right to choose, but there are other candidates.
Mike Huckabee, a preacher, is staunchly pro-life, so much so that he is seeking to turn the nation into a pseudo-Catholic state which recognizes life as beginning at contraception. Ron Paul, an obstetrician, believes that abortion, like many other issues, should be handled at the state, rather than the federal, level. There's also Duncan Hunter and Tom Tancredo, but they're only technically running, though the same could be said of Thompson. By making such a poor, illogical choice, the National Right to Life Committee's aspirations appear to be, well, dead in the water.
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New limit results related to the coupon collector's problem
Authors: Lenka Glavašlenka@matf.bg.ac.rs 1 and Pavle Mladenovićpaja@matf.bg.ac.rs 2
1 University of Belgrade, Faculty of Mathematics, Studentski trg 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| 2 University of Belgrade, Faculty of Mathematics, Studentski trg 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
https://doi.org/10.1556/012.2018.55.1.1385
Coupon collector's problem; error bounds; extreme values; mean measure; point processes; Poisson random measure
1 year subscription (Individual Only)
We study point processes associated with coupon collector's problem, that are defined as follows. We draw with replacement from the set of the first n positive integers until all elements are sampled, assuming that all elements have equal probability of being drawn. The point process we are interested in is determined by ordinal numbers of drawing elements that didn't appear before. The set of real numbers is considered as the state space. We prove that the point process obtained after a suitable linear transformation of the state space converges weakly to the limiting Poisson random measure whose mean measure is determined.
We also consider rates of convergence in certain limit theorems for the problem of collecting pairs.
Abraham, S., Brockman, G., Sapp, S. and Godbole, A. P., Omnibus sequences, coupon collection and missing word counts, Methodol. Comput. Appl. Probab., 15 (2013), 363–378.
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Flato, L., Limit theorems for some random variables associate with urn models, Ann. Probab., 10, No. 4 (1982), 927–934.
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Foata, D. and Zeilberger, D., The collector's brotherhood problem using the newman-shepp symbolic method, Algebra Universalis, 49 (2003), 387–395.
Foata, D. and Zeilberger, D., The collector's brotherhood problem using the newman-shepp symbolic method, Algebra Universalis, 49 (2003), 387–395.)| false
Holst, L., Limit theorems for some occupancy and sequential occupancy problems, Ann. Math. Statist., 42 (1971), 1671–1680.
Holst, L., Limit theorems for some occupancy and sequential occupancy problems, Ann. Math. Statist., 42 (1971), 1671–1680.)| false
Holst, L., Some asymptotic results for occupancy problems, Ann. Probab., 5, No. 6 (1977), 1028–1035.
Holst, L., Some asymptotic results for occupancy problems, Ann. Probab., 5, No. 6 (1977), 1028–1035.)| false
Holst, L., On birthday, collectors, occupancy and other classical urn problems, Internat. Statist. Rev., 54, No. 1 (1986), 15–27.
Holst, L., On birthday, collectors, occupancy and other classical urn problems, Internat. Statist. Rev., 54, No. 1 (1986), 15–27.)| false
Jocković, J. and Mladenović, P., Coupon collector's problem and generalized Pareto distributions, J. Statist. Plann. Inference, 141 (2011), 2348–2352.
Jocković, J. and Mladenović, P., Coupon collector's problem and generalized Pareto distributions, J. Statist. Plann. Inference, 141 (2011), 2348–2352.)| false
Johnson, N. L. and Kotz, S., Urn Models and Their Application, John Wiley & Sons, New York, 1977.
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Kallenberg, O., Random Measures, Akademie-Verlag Berlin and Academic Press London, 1983.
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Leadbetter, M. R., Lindgren, G. and Rootzén, H., Extremes and Related Properties of Random Sequences and Processes, Springer-Verlag, New York, 1983.)| false
Myers, A. N. and Wilf, H. S., Some new aspects of the coupon collector's problem, J. Discrete Math., 17 (2003), 1–17.
Myers, A. N. and Wilf, H. S., Some new aspects of the coupon collector's problem, J. Discrete Math., 17 (2003), 1–17.)| false
Mladenović, P., A generalization of the Mejzler-de Haan theorem, Theory Probab. Appl., 50 (2006), 141–153.
Mladenović, P., A generalization of the Mejzler-de Haan theorem, Theory Probab. Appl., 50 (2006), 141–153.)| false
Mladenović, P., Limit distributions for the problem of collecting pairs, Bernoulli, 14(2) (2008), 419–439.
Mladenović, P., Limit distributions for the problem of collecting pairs, Bernoulli, 14(2) (2008), 419–439.)| false
Neal, P., The generalised coupon collector problem, J. Appl. Probab., 45 (2008), 621–629.
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Pósfai, A., Approximation theorems related to the coupon collector's problem, Ph.D. Thesis, University of Szeged, 2010.
Pósfai, A., Approximation theorems related to the coupon collector's problem, Ph.D. Thesis, University of Szeged, 2010.)| false
Resnick, S. I., Extreme Values, Regular Variation and Point Processes, Springer-Verlag, New York, 1987.
Resnick, S. I., Extreme Values, Regular Variation and Point Processes, Springer-Verlag, New York, 1987.)| false
Sandor, J. and Debnath, L., On certain inequalities involving the constant e and their applications, J. Math. Anal. Appl., 249 (2000), 569–582.
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Shevtsova, I. G., An improvement of convergence rate estimates in the Lyapunov theorem, Dokl. Math., 82(3) (2010), 862–864.
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Stadje, W., The collector's problem with group drawings, Adv. in Appl. Probab., 22 (1990), 866–882.
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https://akjournals.com/abstract/journals/012/55/1/article-p115.xml

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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Chrysandra Brunson
Chrysandra Brunson was an honors graduate of Colorado Christian University with a Bachelors of Science in Business Communications, a Minor in Leadership and an emphasis in Biblical studies. She has had a heart to innovate and inspire since she was a kiddo. Chrysandra has been Colorado's Choice for Miss Colorado Miss America, a VIP guest to Israel,a keynote speaker to 40,000 in Haiti, an attendee of the Sydney, Australia docking of world record sailor Jessica Watson, a character actress for Colorado Disney company Wands and Wishes, and her university's Alumni of the Decade. These have all allowed Chrysandra to gain a world-wide perspective of the limitless potential that lies in each human heart! She comes a very loving family from the beautiful state of Colorado. Chrysandra aims to help humanity live out their God-given potential through what started as a dream while she was still a senior at Bear Creek High School. Today we know that dream as THE CALLING. Read more here https://thecallingnonprofit.org/our-founder/
Taya Johnson
Taya Johnson started her first career out of college in broadcasting and communication, and that evolved over time into adding an English degree and a career teaching 7th grade. Once her 3 children started to arrive she opted to stay at home with them while her husband pursued his career as an architect, and recently got connected with The Calling through what she refers to as a divine appointment.
Luke Bodley
With over a decade of experience, Luke Bodley has worked with 50+ business owners to improve their marketing strategies, directed the marketing department of several organizations, but his claim to fame (if you will) was the festival he founded. Luke Bodley grew Heaven Fest from just an idea in 2006 to selling 33,000+ tickets in 2011. "It was the amazing and passionate team that made the event happen. All the credit is due to them first" says Luke Bodley.
Michelle Gonzalez
Prayer Team Coordinator
As the author of Activating God's Power and Certified professional Christian life coach, Michelle Leslie has a deep understanding of the transforming power of God's word. Michelle has a passion to help others overcome life's challenges and empower them to live life to their fullest potential. As the callings pray team coordinator, Michelle faith and belief in the power of prayer is foundational to this thriving ministry. Michelle lives in Colorado with her husband and two daughters.
Mike Siffring
Legal Attorney
Michael D. Siffring, Esq. is a Colorado licensed attorney with over 15 years of experience working with a diverse range of clients. His broad range of experience working in law firms, as in-house general counsel and as a sole practitioner, allows him to successfully assist individuals and companies as they navigate the legal system. The goal of Siffring Law is to make the complex simple and to eliminate the fear of the unknown often associated with legal issues.
John Seevers and Associates
CPA Firm
John graduated from the University of California at Santa Barbara in 1996 with a Bachelor's degree in Business Economics with an emphasis in Accounting. Later that year he began employment in Deloitte & Touche, LLP's audit function in Orange County, California. A year later he began working in their tax department, where he was responsible for tax planning, preparation and review of tax workpapers and forms for all types of entities; including 1040, 1120, 1120s, 1065 for partnerships and LLC's, 1041, 990s and all related state work. In 1999 he became a licensed Certified Public Accountant and an AICPA member in good standing. In 2001 he received a Master's degree in Taxation from Golden Gate University. Since 2002 John has served as a volunteer as a board member, officer and advisor for several non-profit charities including Aspen Ridge Church of Evergreen, Alpha Gamma Omega Fraternity, The Rotary Club of Evergreen and the Evergreen Chamber of Commerce. He diligently works with board members to set priorities and strategies to meet the purposes of the organizations. He is also a Gideon Society member and a life member of Trout Unlimited. In 2004 he became a CO CPA Society member in good standing and a year later he became the sole shareholder for Valentine Seevers and Associates, PC. He has specialized training in individual taxation, estate planning, audit, tax controversy, corporate and partnership taxation, tax research, tax planning, tax software enhancement, tax process improvement, not-for-profit taxation and practice management as well as wealth management and retirement planning.
Dameon Julian
Outreach and Volunteer Coordinator
Dameon was born in Tulsa, OK and was raised in Houston ad Phoenix before moving to Colorado. Dameon graduated from Red Rocks community college in 1995 and then obtained an Associate's and a Bachelor's degree from Denver community college and the Metropolitan State University of Denver. Dameon continued his education at Faith Bible College and obtained a church certification in Theology. His career has consisted of management and corporate training and sales, but his proudest accomplishment was working for Homeland Security just months after 9/11.
Dameon's hobbies include coaching and playing semi pro athletics and has a athletic coaching experience ranging from pee- wee to high school. Dameon has played semi pro baseball and football and also enjoys basketball and golf.
As a manager for a FedEx Office, Dameon crossed paths with The Calling's founder Chrysandra Brunson while assisting with various projects, marketing and design work. Later Chrysandra and Dameon crossed paths again while participating in a church kickball league. Dameon felt the Lord calling him to join The Calling and continue his work for the Lord down this new path. One of Dameon's favorite quotes is "The manner in which you live your life inspires those around you."
Cammie Jo
Washington, D.C. Ambassador
Cammie Jo Wires is from the Washington, DC metro area and currently works full time in behavior therapy at an alternative school for students with physical, emotion, and learning disabilities. Cammie Jo holds an Associates of Science degree in Social Science from Northern Virginia Community College and a Bachelor's of Arts degree in Psychology with a minor in Applied Behavior Analysis from George Mason University. While at Mason, Cammie served on the student government as a senator and served as the Chair of the Diversity and Multicultural Affairs committee. She was and is still currently involved with two campus ministries: YoungLife and Intervarsity. Finally, she served as the founder and president of the Christians United For Israel (CUFI) chapter at Mason.
Cammie Jo is one of the worship leaders at her church and loves engaging with youth to build relationships, accountability, respect, and a divine trust in God. Cammie Jo first met Chrysandra at the annual CUFI summit in DC and instantly felt drawn to the passion she possessed for God and also for The Calling. After thoughtful prayer and consideration, Cammie Jo jumped on the opportunity to serve as The Calling's Washington, DC ambassador. Cammie Jo's go-to scripture is "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." Hebrews 11:1.
…in Me you will have life and life abundantly!
John 10:10 - Dedicated to the Gonzalez Family
The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing. #worktheplan
Walt Disney - Dedicated to the Beloved Ames Family
Every man dies, not every man really lives.
William Wallace - Dedicated to Kyle & Rae Harris
Nothing ever comes to one, that is worth having, except as a result of hard work.
Booker T. Washington - Dedicated to the Nelson Family
Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase.
Martin Luther King, Jr. - Dedicated to the Haynes Family
I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life.
Abraham Lincoln - Dedicated to the Wiehe Family
When you can't make them see the light, make them feel the heat. #sunpower
Ronald Reagan - Dedicated to the Cox Family


Plastic components and assemblies are used extensively by the Aerospace, Automotive, Electronics, and Commercial Industries. Although the variety of plastic applications are endless, and design requirements are diverse, there is one common denominator – they all require reliable fastening solutions.
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Reporting into the Technical Test Manager, you will be responsible for providing early feedback of shared features and 3rd Party Plugins prior to them being consumed by the various game teams within the business. Working closely with the Core Tech team, you will build on the unit tests generated by the developers and devise and implement integration / behaviour tests, often without the comfort of a user interface, instead using logs and other non UI based test strategies.
You will coordinate with the Game teams and highlight known areas of risk prior to adoption, whilst continuously building on Core Techs test strategy at both a manual and automation layer to better processes and quality within the team and the companies development lifecycle.
Strong C# and good engineering practices / code architecture.
Ideally some experience with Unity and the ability to generate your own test scenes or happy to learn.


Progress Office is a Manufacturer and supplier of High Quality, Affordable Office Furniture in Durban, Johannesburg, Pretoria and the rest of South Africa.
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Funding Strategies for Endangered Structures
By	Amy Trevino
Join Kennedy Sutherland LLP at the Preservation Texas 2016 Summit on February 18, 2016 at the historical Central Christian Church located on 1110 Guadalupe Street in Austin, Texas. The Preservation Texas 2016 Summit include education sessions, announcement of the 2016 Most Endangered Places list and the presentation of the 2016 Honor Awards. Join us and others for an excellent opportunity to learn, network and celebrate historic preservation in Texas!
See the Agenda & Register
MAKING HOMES FOR THE ARTS IN SACRED PLACES: The briefing will present findings from research conducted by Karen DiLossi, Director of the Arts in Sacred Places program at Partners for Sacred Places. Building on Partners' successful Arts in Sacred Places program, the space needs of dance, theater, and other performing arts groups in Austin along with Baltimore and Detroit were examined in a national study. This presentation will focus on Austin's results. Representative sacred places in Austin were assessed to determine the availability of space and willingness to share it with Austin's artists. The findings illuminate the dire situations faced by these artists and include recommendations for potential space-sharing models that can be adopted across the country.
HISTORIC TRUSS BRIDGES IN TEXAS: Over the past 30 years, Texas lost approximately 90% of its metal truss bridges due to deterioration, increased traffic needs like oil and gas exploration, and lack of continued maintenance. Only 140 truss bridges remain in vehicular service across the state, so the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is developing a management plan to ensure these bridges remain in viable use. TxDOT is partnering with the Texas Historical Commission and the Historic Bridge Foundation on these planning efforts. Rebekah Dobrasko, a historic preservation specialist at TxDOT, will explain the benefits of a management plan and will highlight some of TxDOT's toolkits and support for local owners and bridge enthusiasts wanting to maintain and save their historic truss bridges.
TEXAS FREEDOM COLONIES: DIASPORIC IDENTITY AND MEMORY: From 1870 to 1890, in the shadow of Reconstruction, former slaves founded more than 500 "Freedom Colonies" or Freedmen's Towns across Texas. For those settlements threatened by development, gentrification, or population loss, accessing resources and technical assistance can be challenging. The panelists will share insight into how identity and memory among the descendants associated with Freedom Colonies catalyze their planning and historic preservation activities, including the example of Shankleville's preservation and heritage tourism activities, research on a network or "cultural region" of Deep East Texas Freedom Colonies and lessons learned from public engagement with descendants of Freedom Colonies in Austin.
SAVING HISTORIC RURAL PLACES: Across rural Texas, changing demographics impact the continuity of important traditions, institutions and infrastructure. The preservation of rural historic resources, from dance halls to churches to small schools to bridges, often requires advocates to reach beyond their local communities and build statewide networks around a specific building type. Hear from Texans engaged in saving rural Texas by building grassroots support and local political commitment, including a county judge who has been dedicated to preserving his rural county.
THE FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY OF HISTORICAL ORGANIZATIONS: A recent report by the Summerlee Foundation sought to answer the question: What makes some history-based organizations sustainable, and others not? By studying a range of organizations in Texas, the report reached some important conclusions. Findings will be presented, with examples of sustainability practices being implemented at Dallas Heritage Village, one of the study's participants. This session will demonstrate that authentic historic places with integrity, strong and collaborative leadership, sound governance, diverse revenue streams and a business-minded plan for the future can thrive in Texas.
FUNDING STRATEGIES FOR ENDANGERED STRUCTURES: Many at-risk historic places are owned by nonprofit organizations. The struggle to find the funds necessary to restore and rehabilitate these buildings can be daunting, particularly for smaller organizations that are struggling to operate day-to-day. Learn about a powerful new opportunity for nonprofits to participate in the state historic preservation tax credit program, and about grant programs with the Texas Historical Foundation, Texas Historical Commission and National Trust for Historic Preservation that can be leveraged to make your project a success. Speakers include:
Sehila Casper – Field Officer, National Trust for Historic Preservation
Lisa Harvell – Texas Preservation Trust Fund Grant Program Coordinator,
Architecture Division, Texas Historical Comm.
Patrick J. Kennedy, Jr., Esq. – Kennedy Sutherland LLP
Gene Krane – Executive Director, Texas Historical Foundation
HANDS-ON PRESERVATION TRAINING: NEEDS AND OPPORTUNITIES: At its core, preservation is about protecting and repairing historic resources to ensure that they remain standing for generations to come. Yet there is a lack of opportunity for people to learn how to properly maintain and restore old buildings. With greater access to hands-on preservation training, it might be possible to preserve much more of our irreplaceable past. Participants will share programs that are happening across Texas, and will discuss how we might expand those efforts statewide to benefit projects in your community. Speakers include:
PRESERVING THE LEGACY OF THE MODERN CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT: Over the last sixty years, Texans of diverse backgrounds have worked to ensure that African-Americans, Mexican-Americans and LGBT citizens are able to share in the ideals of liberty that are at the foundation of our democracy. Documenation, protection and interpretation of sites associated with those efforts and the people who were at the forefront of the civil rights movement is an essential part preserving the legacy of a turbulent period in our state and history. Advocates working to protect these places and the complicated stories they tell will share their experiences and insight from a preservation perspective.
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Kennedy Sutherland to Present at Bank Conference in IowaBank Holding Company, S Election
NPS Releases 2015 Historic Tax Credit StudyHistoric Tax Credits


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Mainely Thoughts
Non-partisan political and social commentary
I wanted to know how the Katahdin region could grow, so I asked these 3 key people
August 5, 2015 Business, Home, Maine Politics, Opinion, OutdoorsMillinocket Region, national park debate, Our Katahdin
By Patricia Callahan
Stopping for a Pepsi in Medway. (Photo by Trish Callahan)
When I met Nancy DeWitt, board member of Our Katahdin, I knew that her son and founding board member, Sean, didn't fall far from the tree.
I first became aware of Our Katahdin while researching and blogging about the Millinocket region national park debate. Our Katahdin "is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization working to promote community and economic development in the Katahdin region." And, as a lifelong citizen of the region, Nancy DeWitt understands the communities and how they have suffered economically in the wake of mill closures.
Looking down the rails in East Millinocket. (Photo by Trish Callahan)
I was lucky enough to catch up with Sean, Nancy and fellow board member Mike Faloon at the At the Bridge Restaurant in Medway. All three were engaging and hilarious, and the folks at At the Bridge couldn't have been friendlier. Even the weather provided a perfect day for a road trip.
Nancy DeWitt started her career with Great Northern Paper in the insurance department. After becoming pregnant, she began a successful travel/tour agency out of her home. One minute she described a fascinating, popular tour line she developed called "Mystery Tours," involving bus trips to unknown locations. The next she lamented having to drive at least 20 miles just to buy socks or underwear.
She is this utterly charming combination of savvy businesswoman and down-home mom, and she is actively applying this diverse skill set to her efforts with Our Katahdin.
Her son Sean brings the world view. His skill set has been honed working in various capacities on projects around the world. Currently he is a director at the World Resources Institute, which provides an enormous resource and database on economic trends and sustainability for Our Katahdin to access. The younger DeWitt said the Millinocket region can learn from successful revitalization efforts elsewhere, even in light of the divisive climate.
He cited the example of post-genocide Rwanda (allowing of course for the far more severe nature of the divisions there). Working there for a period of time, he got a firsthand view of what contributed to that nation's relatively rapid rebuilding. DeWitt noted the similarities between the two regions: hilly landscapes rich with natural resources on which locals depended, infrastructure issues and depleted populations as many Rwandans had fled to neighboring countries and overseas.
DeWitt identified two key elements crucial to Rwanda's process: (1) plugging into the "diaspora" to contribute resources and capital for the revitalization and (2) opening lines of communication between all the necessary parties, enabling the revitalization and healing to happen on a very grassroots level. He feels these two elements will be essential to the Our Katahdin effort, as well, and are being incorporated into their process, even in these early stages.
Mike Faloon, chief operating officer of Standish Mellon Asset Management, is the high-energy money guy who loves to promote the Our Katahdin platform and the talents of the DeWitts, the other board members, and the growing list of participants. He's especially proud of the work of Josh Stevens who is heading the community garden project. He said he hopes the project serves as a seed for further agricultural endeavors, including market-level endeavors.
All three spoke of wanting to honor ties to the forest products industry that go back for generations. The board is targeting three inter-related areas for economic development: forest products, tourism and recreation, and the digital economy. They see each area having equal value and listed Maine Heritage Timber, New England Outdoors Center, and DesignLab as thriving businesses representative of each.
The board hopes area residents can begin to see the region through an "entirely different lens" than the current for-or-against-the-park lens.
They acknowledge changing lenses will require building trust, which is why they've begun the endeavor on such a small scale with little media. They want the conversation to begin directly with the communities and stakeholders first, opening lines of communication on the ground level within and between the communities. The focus on small community revitalization projects during the onset of the platform is part of this strategy, and all funds donated to specific projects go directly to those projects.
Because they are from the region, the board members don't want to be perceived as big shot consultants from away looking to make a buck and a name for themselves. Rather, they want to give back to a region that has given them so much, as volunteers.
As I drove up into Medway and East Millinocket, I couldn't help thinking what an amazing thing it would be to be able to live and work in such a beautiful place. Both Faloon and the younger DeWitt bragged about the quality of education they received as "mill town kids" and about the benefits of being raised in that region to which they attribute much of their success. They are determined to be a part of a revitalization that brings that quality of life and level of pride back.
Wishing I could stay and recreate on the Penobscot River. (Photo by Trish Callahan)
And the board is looking at it comprehensively — from partnerships with other foundations and institutions to growing partnerships with community leaders and members, industries and business leaders, organizations and elected officials. They've even begun establishing the statuses of deteriorating and/or abandoned buildings, which they're learning can be a complicated process.
Among the partnerships is one with the Maine Community Foundation and Eastern Maine Community College to create an incubator project to support new business development. The team said, though, that capital is critical. When researching incubator projects, they were told not to bother starting one unless it involved capital.
Therefore, in the fall they will be launching Our Katahdin Capital to provide equity investment capital for small businesses in the region.
People will be able to buy in for as little as $100, and the returns generated will go back to the investors. The $100 buy-in is intended to allow as many people as possible to have a sense of ownership — a major theme for the platform.
Whether through investing in Our Katahdin Capital, developing ideas or participating in any of the other many levels the platform allows, Our Katahdin is designed to be community-oriented and people-driven. You can submit your own ideas for them here.
It's designed to keep the region's money and talent circling back into the region to grow it more, to attract more people, more small businesses, more new enterprises, more amenities and more investment. As Faloon asserted, capital draws more capital. Economic activity draws more economic activity. And the board of Our Katahdin wants that process to begin at home.
About Patricia Callahan
Trish is a writer who lives in Augusta. She has worked professionally in education and social services.
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This composition for Piano, Vocal & Guitar (Right-Hand Melody) includes 5 page(s). It is performed by Carpenters. The style of the score is 'Pop'. Catalog SKU number of the notation is 17752. This score was originally published in the key of D. Authors/composers of this song: Words and Music by PAUL WILLIAMS and ROGER NICHOLS. This score was first released on Friday 27th April, 2001 and was last updated on Sunday 19th August, 2018. The arrangement code for the composition is PVGRHM. Minimum required purchase quantity for these notes is 1. Please check if transposition is possible before your complete your purchase.
* Where transpose of 'I Won't Last A Day Without You' available (not all our notes can be transposed) & prior to print.


text:
> Page Layout
Missing Page Break Indicator
(last updated December 12, 2020)
Jesse uses Word in Draft view. In most documents when he inserts a page break by hitting Ctrl-Enter it appears as a visible line across the page with the words "page break" in the line. This is normal. In some documents, however, hitting Ctrl+Enter simply skips a line and there's no indication a page break has been inserted. If Jesse then hits Backspace, the page break line appears in the skipped line. Jesse wonders what is causing the Backspace to be required to see the page break.
Jesse has noticed one of the odd behaviors of the newest versions of Word. When you insert a page beak in your document, what you see depends on whether you have non-printing characters displayed on the screen or not. Try this out:
Open a new document.
Make sure you are viewing the document in Draft view.
Type =rand() and press Enter. Word inserts several paragraphs of text in your document.
Make sure that non-printing characters are not displayed on your screen. (Just press Shift+Ctrl+8 as many times as necessary to hide the display of the non-printing characters.)
Put the insertion point at the beginning of the second paragraph and press Ctrl+Enter to add a page break.
At this point, you should see no indication that a page break has been inserted in the document, other than a "skipped" line, which Jessie referred to. With your insertion point still at the beginning of that second paragraph, press the Backspace key. You will then see the traditional margin-to-margin page break indication appear.
Now, immediately press Ctrl+Z to undo the effects of pressing Backspace. Now go ahead and turn on the display of all non-printing characters in the document. (Again, press Shift+Ctrl+8.) When you do, you should see the page break indicator appear. (See Figure 1.)
Figure 1. Page break indicators in a Word document
Note that the indicator does not extend across the whole page and it also includes a paragraph mark at the right side. If you again press Backspace (assuming your insertion point is at the left side of the screen), then the old-style indicator (margin-to-margin) again appears.
What you've done when you hit Backspace is to delete the paragraph mark. In the latest versions of Word, every time you insert a page break, it places that page break in its own paragraph. The inserted paragraph uses the Normal style. The deletion gets rid of the paragraph mark, but leaves the page break, which is displayed in the traditional way that page breaks are displayed.
If you prefer that Word behave in the old-style way (where it doesn't add page breaks on their own paragraph, but instead puts them in the paragraph in which the insertion point is located), then follow these steps:
Display the Word Options dialog box. (In Word 2007 click the Office button and then click Word Options. In Word 2010 and later versions (except Word 2013) display the File tab of the ribbon and then click Options.)
Click Advanced at the left side of the dialog box.
Scroll down until you see the Page Layout options (Compatibility Options in Word 2019 and Word in Office 365). It is at the very bottom of the dialog box; you may need to click the arrow at the left side of the options to see them all.
Make sure the Split Apart Page Break and Paragraph Mark check box is selected.
These steps do not work in Word 2013. Microsoft did a major overhaul, in this version, on the way it displays documents and removed many of what were previously considered compatibility options. In Word 2013 there is no option to turn off "split apart page break and paragraph mark." It is always on and thus Microsoft removed the check box. The technique described earlier (pressing the Backspace key to delete the paragraph mark) still works in Word 2013, however.
WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (10621) applies to Microsoft Word 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and Word in Office 365.
Dealing with Run-On Sentences
A common task when editing documents is to break up run-on sentences. You can make this task a little easier by using the ...
Adding a Background to Your Document
Document backgrounds come in handy if you plan on converting the document to a Web page. Here's how you can add a ...
Borders on Multiple Paragraphs with Differing Indents
When you place a border around a paragraph, the position of that border is determined, partially, by the indent with ...
Understanding the Gutter Margin
Most everyone knows that Word allows you to set top, bottom, left, and right margins for your document. There is another ...
Determining Page Layout
Getting your document onto paper is the whole purpose of word processing. Here are some concepts that are important when ...
Creating Point Pages
Want to add a page, with a different page number, in Word without affecting the entire document? The solution is a bit ...
There is a better way to control page breaks.
Put the insertion point anywhere in the paragraph that needs to start on a new page. Display the paragraph properties dialogue (Command-Option-M on a Mac) – I don't know of a shortcut on Windows you need to open it from the Paragraph group on the Home tab. On the 'Line and Page Breaks' tab ensure that 'Page break before' is ticked.
(see Figure 1 below)
Many style-sheets require a new page before Heading 1. In which cased this can be added to the Heading 1 style so that all Heading 1s start a new page without even having to think about it.
Figure 1. Paragraph Dialog Box


Thanks to everyone who showed up this past Saturday who either bought a painting or just offered support at the Saltaire Art and Music Festival in Fire Island. I was blown away by the response and delighted to see most of the paintings find new homes. Here are most of the works from the fair, and a few that will be available soon for sale through my Etsy shop. There are also a couple that are still in the works and I will post those soon. If you'd like to contact me about a specific piece, or to discuss a commission, please email me at: amanda@arkdesignstudio.com. THANK YOU!


← Happy 80th Birthday Social Security!
Social activities are also limited by transportation issues. Theprevious section discusses the impact of low vision on driving forsenior citizens. Many elderly will not leave their homes unlessabsolutely necessary because driving can be extremely hazardous. Thisinability to get from one place to another severely impacts theability to socialize outside the home.


If anyone has information on any person who was responsible for designing and/or painting nose art or flight jackets please contact me.
I am always seeking to record details of military or civilian personnel who carried out this morale-boosting work in the USA or overseas.
Photographs, press cuttings, etc, relating to named planes are always welcome, especially those showing or referring to the artists.


text:
Jim Berk, M.A.
A lifelong commitment to entertainment, education, social change and business leadership has guided Jim Berk throughout his career. These passions have shaped his life from his early days as a teacher, magnet school founder and public high school principal, through his tenures as President and CEO of music, hospitality, leisure, education and entertainment companies.
Jim Berk is Chief Executive Officer of Participant Media, a global entertainment company founded in 2004 that focuses on socially relevant feature films, television, publishing and digital content. Participant's more than 45 films include GOOD NIGHT, AND GOOD LUCK, AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH, FOOD, INC., THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL, WAITING FOR 'SUPERMAN', THE HELP, CONTAGION, SNITCH, LINCOLN and THE FIFTH ESTATE.
Since Jim joined in 2006, Participant expanded its film slate while evolving into a full-fledged entertainment company with a portfolio of media investments, two film funds and Participant PanAmerica to develop and co-finance Spanish-language films. Jim established Participant's digital network, TakePart.com, which is now a leader in socially relevant content with more than 4 million visits and 18 million page views a month. In 2012 Participant expanded to television with the launch of Pivot, a new general entertainment television channel targeting the millennial generation, which launched in 40+M homes on August 1st. Pivot features a broad array of socially relevant original programming, television series and a prestigious library of narrative and documentary feature films. This year over 15 million people will take action via Participant's films, television and social action campaigns.
Prior to Participant, Jim was Chairman and CEO of Gryphon Colleges Corporation, where through multiple acquisitions he led the establishment of a national system of private post-secondary professional schools.
Before entering the private equity world, Jim served as President and CEO of Fairfield Communities, Inc., America's largest independent vacation ownership and resort management companies. Jim led the sale of the public company to Cendant in 2001.
Prior to Fairfield, in 1996, Jim was President and CEO of Hard Rock Cafe International, a global entertainment and leisure company in which Hard Rock Cafe is the core business. During his tenure he doubled the estate to over 112 restaurants, created a music label, produced the critically acclaimed weekly music TV series, built live music venues, hotels and the first NBA City.
In 1995, before Hard Rock, Jim was the founding Executive Director for The Grammy Foundation where he oversaw live concerts, festivals, television programs and records, and launched Grammy Records, Showcase and Festivals.
Jim enjoyed similar success as the youngest principal in the history of the 725-school Los Angeles Unified School District, when he was appointed Principal of the Alexander Hamilton High Schools Complex in 1990. During his tenure school enrollment increased by over 1000 students, attendance moved from the 67 to 94% and test scores increased every year.
Prior to his principalship, Jim founded the Hamilton Academy of Music in Los Angeles. He is credited for having created and established the first comprehensive music/fine arts magnet in Los Angeles and the largest music magnet in the West.
His first job upon graduation - at the age of 21 - was as a music teacher Carson High School in South Los Angeles. There, he reopened the closed music department and built the most recognized high school music program in Los Angeles and one of the largest in California.
Jim currently serves on the Boards of Me to We, Cineflix Media, the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television and the USC Rossier School of Education.
Alumni-Owned Businesses
Alumni Athletic Hall of Fame
Find Alumni on LinkedIn


On the last Saturday of every month, The Tasting Room is the venue for an informal and fun tasting. Hosted by Donald Brown, these tastings will vary in theme and will feature Springbank whisky as well as whisky, rum and gin from the Cadenhead range.
Contact the Campbeltown Cadenhead shop or Donald Brown directly for tickets.
Tickets cost £15. Springbank Society members pay a reduced price of £10.


In August millions in the US may experience a darkness similar to what was seen 2,000 years ago.
According to ABC News, "this August, the U.S. will experience its first coast-to-coast total solar eclipse in 99 years." This type of solar eclipse occurs "when the moon passes between Earth and the sun, and scores a bull's eye by completely blotting out the sunlight … In this case, the total eclipse will last up to 2 minutes and 40 seconds in places." Those in the "path of totality" will experience complete darkness in the middle of the day.
The experience will certainly be unique and won't happen again for many more years. It brings to mind the Gospel accounts of the crucifixion, which describe a total darkness similar to what many will experience in August.
However, many biblical scholars point out that to say the darkness was due to "an eclipse of the sun" is not entirely accurate. The Greek text is more properly translated, "there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, while the sun's light failed" (Luke 23:44-45 RSV-CE).
Other scholars prefer the translation that states more simply, "the sun was darkened" (Douay-Rheims).
What was it then? How was the "sun darkened" on Good Friday?
In the Acts of the Apostles Peter referred to a prophecy in the book of Joel which seems to confirm this phenomenon, "the sun shall be turned into darkness and the moon into blood" (Acts 2:20).
The cause of the sun failing for three hours is still a bit of a mystery to science and was probably a miraculous act of God. This would explain why there are no other accounts of a darkness falling over the sky as it was only visible in Jerusalem.
Whatever the case was, if you want to have a similar experience of the sky as on Good Friday, check out the "path of totality" and witness "darkness cover over the whole land" this August.


Last week, I was sent a Turkish Evil Eye bracelet to try out and review. The bracelet feature an eye set off with assorted beads. It's on a leather cord with snap closures. It can be worn by both men and women, and is suitable for all ages. The evil eye is typically used to bring good luck and protection from ill wishes. It is very popular throughout the world.
I've always thought that they look really neat, but have never gotten one before. The bracelet itself is on a sturdy flat leather band, and has two additional braided bands added on a decoration. It has two snap closures so you can adjust the size a little bit. I have mine on the one closest to the end of the band and it fits perfectly. The eye is set off with an assortment of metal colored beads and a pair of earthy colored ones. It makes the blue really pop out.
So far, it's been very comfortable. The snaps have been doing fine, but I make sure to be very gentle with them. I don't want to run the risk of either the leather wearing out and breaking or accidentally tearing part of the snap out.
Overall, it's a nice bracelet. It's pretty and a very interesting piece. It's available on Amazon for $7.90 (+ shipping).
Last updated by Angela Rogers at August 3, 2016 .


Citation: Lee, S.T., Wildeboer, K., Panter, K.E., Kem, W., Gardner, D.R., Molyneux, R.J., Chang, C.T., Soti, F., Pfister, J.A. 2006. Relative toxicities and neuromuscular nicotinic receptor agonistic potencies of anabasine enantiomers and anabaseine. Neurotoxicology and Teratology.
Interpretive Summary: Anabasine occuring as a racemic mixture of enantiomers in wild tree tobacco (Nicotinana glauca) and anabaseine occuring in certain animal venoms are toxins. Anabasine is similar in structure to anabaseine but lacks the imine double bond of anabaseine. We separated the enantiomers of anabasine by reaction of the racemic N. glauca natural product with 9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl-L-alanine (Fmoc-L-Ala-OH) to give diastereomers, which were separated by preparative reversed phase HPLC. The S- and R-anabasine enantiomer fractions were then obtained by Edman degradation. A mouse bioassay was used to determine the relative toxicity of S- and R-enriched anabasine enantiomers. The intravenous LD50 of the (+)-R-anabasine rich fraction was 11.0±1 mg/kg and that of the (-)-S-anabasine-rich fraction was 16.0±1 mg/kg. The LD50 of anabaseine was also determined to be 0.58±0.05 mg/kg. Anabaseine was significantly more lethal than S-anabasine (27-fold) and R-anabasine (18-fold). The relative agonistic potencies of the three alkaloids on human fetal nicotinic neuromuscular receptors were of the same rank order: anabaseine >> S-anabasine > R-anabasine.
Technical Abstract: Anabasine occurring in wild tree tobacco (Nicotinana glauca) and anabaseine occurring in certain animal venoms are nicotinic receptor agonist toxins. Anabasine lacks the imine double bond of anabaseine; the two possible enantiomers of anabasine occur in N. glauca. A comparision of the relative potencies of S- and R-anabasine has not been previously reported. We separated the enantiomers of anabasine by reaction of the racemic N. glauca natural product with 9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl-L-alanine (Fmoc-L-Ala-OH) to give diastereomers, which were separated by preparative reversed phase HPLC. The S- and R-anabasine enantiomer fractions were then obtained by Edman degradation. A mouse bioassay was used to determine the relative lethalities of S- and R-enriched anabasine enantiomers. The intravenous LD50 of the (+)-R-anabasine rich fraction was 11±1.0 mg/kg and that of the (-)-S-anabasine-rich fraction was 16±1.0 mg/kg. The LD50 of anabaseine was 0.58±0.05 mg/kg. Anabaseine was significantly more toxic in the mouse bioassay than S-anabasine (27-fold) and R-anabasine (18-fold). The relative agonistic potencies of the three alkaloids on human fetal nicotinic neuromuscular receptors were of the same rank order: anabaseine >> S-anabasine > R-anabasine.