OFELIA J. VILLA VICENCIO, MA. ELIZABETH J. VILLAVICENCIO, MA. LUISA J. VILLAVICENCIO, ANTONIO J. VILLAVICENCIO AND MA. REGINA J. VILLAVICENCIO, PETITIONERS, VS. ALEJANDRO A. MOJARES AND RODOLFO V. PAYUMO, RESPONDENTS.
This petition for review seeks set aside the decision[1] of the Court of Appeals in CA-G.R. CV No. 48871 dated December 21, 1999, as well as its resolution[2] dated March 30, 2000 denying petitioners' motion for reconsideration. The Court of Appeals affirmed the decision of the Regional Trial Court of Quezon City, Branch 92, in Civil Case No. Q-92-11083, which dismissed petitioners' complaint for annulment of sheriff's sale and damages against herein respondents.
The facts of the case, as culled from the records, are as follows:
Petitioners are the legal heirs of the late Jose Villavicencio, who died intestate on October 7, 1991. They filed a complaint for annulment of sheriff's sale and damages affecting a house and lot at No. 21 Green Leaves St., Capitol Green Village, Tandang Sora Avenue, Quezon City and covered by Transfer Certificate of Title (TCT) No. 262376 of the Register of Deeds of Quezon City.
The disputed house and lot were owned by Spouses Carlito and Myrna Martell (the Martell spouses) and registered under TCT No. 262376 in the Register of Deeds of Quezon City. They mortgaged both to secure a loan of P418,000 from the Home Bankers Savings and Trust Company (HBSTC). The mortgage was registered and the owner's copy of the title was given to the mortgagee, HBSTC. Later on, the Martell spouses defaulted, the mortgage was foreclosed, and HBSTC acquired the subject house and lot at an auction held on January 16, 1991. Meantime, the Martell spouses, through their attorney-in-fact Marivic Martell, negotiated the sale of their hocked properties with Jose Villavicencio who paid earnest money on January 24, 1991. The parties executed a Deed of Sale with Assumption of Obligation dated February 12, 1991 and presented this to HBSTC.
Accordingly, HBSTC executed in favor of the Martell spouses a Certificate of Redemption dated June 27, 1991 upon redemption of the subject property and payment of P622,605 by the Martell spouses to HBSTC on April 22, 1991. Thus, the ownership of the petitioners seemed secured, with their son Antonio and his family residing in the premises.
But meanwhile Alejandro Mojares, who had previously sued the Martell spouses in Civil Case No. Q-52417, had secured a writ of attachment on the subject house and lot which was annotated on the said title on December 22, 1987. A decision dated October 8, 1990, was rendered in favor of Mojares, and having become final and executory a writ of execution dated April 16, 1991 was issued. Pursuant thereto, the house and lot were set to be sold on May 20, 1991, when Jose Villavicencio timely filed an Affidavit of Third Party Claim with supporting papers. Nonetheless, the execution sale proceeded with Mojares as the highest and successful bidder. No redemption having been exercised, a Sheriff's Certificate of Sale was executed and was annotated on May 22, 1992.
The looming conflict became more intricate when the City Hall of Quezon City was gutted by fire on June 11, 1988. Among those razed was the Office of the Register of Deeds and with it the said TCT No. 262376. Expectedly, in its place were issued TCT No. 262376 (PR-13321), TCT No. 262376 (PR-18585), and TCT No. 65497. The latter, which was issued on August 26, 1992, and bears the entries of Notice of Levy on Attachment under Civil Case No. Q-52417 inscribed on December 22, 1987, and the Sheriff's Certificate of Sale inscribed on May 22, 1992, was already in the name of the spouses Jose and Ofelia Villavicencio.
On January 15, 1992, herein petitioners filed a Complaint for Annulment of the sheriff's sale with the Regional Trial Court of Quezon City, Branch 92, docketed as Civil Case No. Q-92-11083.
Named as defendants were Mojares, the purchaser-judgment creditor, Deputy Sheriff Rodolfo Payumo, Marivic Martell, the Martell spouses, HBSTC, and Samuel Cleofe of the Register of Deeds of Quezon City.
For failure to file a responsive pleading, the Martell spouses were declared in default by the RTC, while Cleofe was declared as in default for failure to attend the pre-trial conference. The complaint against HBSTC was dismissed for failure to state a cause of action.
The trial court rendered judgment on August 12, 1994 dismissing the case against respondents Mojares and Payumo after the latter filed a Demurrer to Evidence. The dispositive portion reads as follows:
In view of the foregoing, the Court is left with no recourse but to GRANT defendants' Demurrer to Evidence.
WHEREFORE, premises considered, the case in caption is hereby dismissed as to defendants Alejandro A. Mojares and Rodolfo Payumo. Let the reception of evidence for defendant Marivic Martell be set on September 21, 1994 at 8:30 o'clock in the morning.
Petitioners filed a Motion for Reconsideration, which was denied by the trial court on December 13, 1994.
Petitioners appealed before the Court of Appeals, which rendered judgment on December 21, 1999, affirming the decision of the trial court.[4] They filed a Motion for Reconsideration, which was denied by the Court of Appeals on March 30, 2000.
Hence, this petition where petitioners raise the following issues:
Whether the sheriff's sale was valid although there was no written notice of sale to the judgment debtor as required by Section 18, Rule 39 of the Rules of Court, as amended by Supreme Court Circular No. 8 dated May 15, 1987 [now Sec. 15(d), Rule 39 of the 1997 Rules of Civil Procedure];
Whether the sheriff's sale was valid although the purchaser-judgment creditor did not pay the amount of his bid in cash as required by Section 23, Rule 39 of the Rules of Court [now Sec. 21, Rule 39 of the 1997 Rules of Civil Procedure];
Whether the alleged levy/attachment was binding on the petitioners although it was not annotated on the copy of the title that was on file with the Register of Deeds;
Whether the levy/attachment was binding on petitioners although the record was not reconstituted in accordance with law; and
Whether the levy/attachment was valid with respect to the whole property although the judgment debtor had only one-half interest therein.[5]
After a careful consideration of the controversy, we find that the issues for resolution may be delimited as follows:
Whether the sheriff's execution sale is invalid; and
Whether the attachment/levy on the subject property is binding on petitioners.
On the first issue, petitioners argue that the sheriff's execution sale was null and void for lack of written notice of sale to the judgment debtor as required by Sec. 18, Rule 39 (now Sec. 15 (d), Sec. 39) of the Revised Rules of Court[6] and for failure of the purchaser-judgment creditor to pay his bid in cash.[7] In support of their argument regarding the lack of notice of sale, petitioners quoted verbatim the Sheriff's Return, which enumerated in detail the proceedings undertaken.[8]
Respondents, in response, contend that the execution sale was valid as there was personal service of the notice of sale and publication in the Metro Profile prior to the sale. In support of this contention, they rely on the testimony on cross-examination of Sheriff Payumo, one of the witnesses for petitioners.[9]
At the outset, it bears stressing that this issue involves determination of facts, which is not proper in a petition for review on certiorari. The Court has ruled that findings that concern compliance or non-compliance with notice and publication requirements of an extrajudicial foreclosure sale involve a factual issue binding on the Supreme Court.[10] It is axiomatic that only questions of law, not questions of fact, may be raised before the Supreme Court in a petition for review under Rule 45 of the Rules of Court.[11] The Court is not a trier of facts, and we need not delve into the records to determine the probative value of the evidence supporting the trial court's finding.[12]
Besides, it is well settled that in extrajudicial foreclosure sale, personal notice to the mortgagor is not necessary as publication of notice in newspaper is more than sufficient compliance.[13]
The Court of Appeals has found that petitioners' arguments are mere unsubstantiated allegations not borne out by the evidence.[14] Foreclosure proceedings have in their favor the presumption of regularity and the burden of the evidence to rebut the same is on the petitioners.[15] In this case, petitioners have failed to prove the lack of service of notice of sale. The Sheriff's return in itself does not establish the non-compliance with the service of written notice of sale. At most, it only shows the detailed proceedings of the service of the writ of execution. The fact that no service of the written notice of sale is mentioned therein would not negate actual service of written notice of sale to the judgment debtor.
Still on the first issue, petitioners contend that the execution sale was not valid for failure of the purchaser-judgment creditor to pay his bid in cash. They invoke Section 23, Rule 39 (now Section 21, Rule 39) of the Rules of Court which provides that:
Sec. 21. Judgment obligee as purchaser - When the purchaser is the judgment obligee, and no third-party claim has been filed, he need not pay the amount of the bid if it does not exceed the amount of his judgment. If it does, he shall pay only the excess.
A closer examination of Section 21, Rule 39, would reveal that there is no requirement to pay the bid in cash. What the Rule emphasizes is that in the absence of a third party claim, the purchaser in an execution sale need not pay his bid if it does not exceed the amount of the judgment, otherwise, he shall only pay the excess. By implication, if there is a third party claim, the purchaser should pay the amount of his bid without, however, requiring that it be made in cash.
Petitioners' reliance in the case of Sy vs. Catajan, 164 SCRA 299, is misplaced. The cited case does not state that any execution sale shall be null and void if the purchaser did not pay his bid in cash.
On the second issue, petitioners contend that the levy/attachment is not binding on them since it was not annotated in the copy of TCT No. 262376 which was on file with the Register of Deeds when the Villavicencios purchased the property.[16] Further, they contend that the levy/attachment was not reconstituted in accordance with law[17] and that it is void with respect to one-half of the litigated property because only the share of the judgment debtor could be lawfully levied/attached.[18]
Respondents, in reply, state that petitioners' contention is belied by their own Exhibit P- 1, which showed that the levy on attachment was duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Quezon City as Entry No. PE-262376 on December 22, 1987.
We agree with the findings of the Court of Appeals that TCT No. 65497 (Exhibit "P") unequivocally shows that the house and lot in issue were judicially attached. As stated by the Court of Appeals:
It stands undisputed that the subject premises were judicially attached. TCT No. 65497 (Exh. "P") shows that the attachment was annotated on December 22, 1987, and We put faith in this notwithstanding that the owner's copy of the erstwhile title does not bear the said entry. This is because an attachment is an adversarial and involuntary process not palatable to the registered owner nor to his mortgagee, and most likely they resisted or at least did not cooperate in having the writ entered in the owner's copy. But the fact is the house and lot were attached.[19]
Moreover, Antonio Vasquez, an officer of the Register of Deeds of Quezon City and a witness for petitioners, admitted that indeed, a notice of levy on attachment was received by their office on December 22, 1987.[20]
Since the attachment/levy in Civil Case No. Q-52417 preceded the sale made to petitioners, it necessarily follows that the attachment/levy is a superior lien imposed on the property and subsequent purchasers are subject to such lien. The priority enjoyed by the first levy on execution extended with full force and effect to the buyer at the auction sale conducted by virtue of such levy.[21]
Further, an auction or execution sale retroacts to the date of levy of the lien of attachment.[22] Thus, between petitioners and respondent Moj ares, Mojares has a superior right as the purchaser-judgment creditor over the right of petitioners who bought the property subject to the levy/attachment. In fine, the levy/attachment is binding on petitioners as their right therein is subordinate to that of respondent Mojares.
On the matter of the improper reconstitution of TCT No. 262376, petitioners aver that the levy/attachment was not properly reconstituted in accordance with Section 56 of P.D. 1529, which provides as follows:
SEC. 56. Primary Entry Book; fees; certified copies - Each Register of Deeds shall keep a primary entry book in which, upon payment of the entry fee, he shall enter, in the order of their reception, all instruments including copies of writs and processes filed with him relating to registered land. He shall, as a preliminary process in registration, note in such book the date, hour and minute of reception of all instruments, in the order in which they were received. They shall be regarded as registered from the time so noted, and the memorandum of each instrument, when made on the certificate of title to which it refers, shall bear the same date: Provided, that the national government as well as the provincial and city governments shall be exempt from the payment of such fees in advance in order to be entitled to entry and registration.
Every deed or other instrument, whether voluntary or involuntary, so filed with the Register of Deeds shall be numbered and indexed and endorsed with a reference to the proper certificate of title. All records and papers relative to registered land in the office of the Register of Deeds shall be open to the public in the same manner as court records, subject to such reasonable regulations as the Register of Deeds, under the direction of the Commissioner of Land Registration, may prescribe.
All deeds and voluntary instruments shall be presented with their respective copies and shall be attested and sealed by the Register of Deeds, endorsed with the file number, and copies may be delivered to the person presenting them.
Certified copies of all instruments filed and registered may also be obtained from the Register of Deeds upon payment of the prescribed fees.
In connection thereto, we took judicial notice of the fact that a fire did occur at the Quezon City Hall which razed the Office of the Register of Deeds in June, 1988. Under such unforeseen situation, some deviations from the normal standard procedure are not uncommon nor unexpected.
Finally, as to the issue of nullity of the sheriff's sale in regard to one-half of the disputed property, suffice it to state that petitioners' contention is unpersuasive and unmeritorious.
In the first place, it was not established by evidence that Myrna Martell has an interest in the property. Also, it bears stressing that Myrna Martell together with her husband, who are the most likely to be prejudiced with such matter and are expected to be vigilant over their rights, if any, were indifferent to the entire proceedings. Secondly, whether or not Myrna Martell has an interest in the subject property as a wife of Carlito is a question of fact not proper to be raised much less resolved in this petition. The case before us does not involve her rights in the cited property at all.
In sum, we find no cogent reason to reverse and set aside the decision of the Court of Appeals which affirmed that of the Regional Trial Court of Quezon City. Petitioners plea for reversal of the decision below could not be granted as we find therein no reversal errors of law.
WHEREFORE, the petition is DENIED for lack of merit. The decision and resolution of the Court of Appeals dated December 21, 1999, and March 30, 2000, respectively, are AFFIRMED. Costs against petitioners.
Bellosillo, (Chairman), Mendoza, Austria-Martinez and Callejo, Sr., JJ., concur.
[3] CA Rollo, p. 73.
[6] Id. at 98.
[10] Langkaan Realty Development, Inc. v. United Coconut Planters Bank, 347 SCRA 542, 550 (2000).
[11] Tinio v. Manzano, 307 SCRA 460, 469 (1999).
[12] Hervas v. Court of Appeals, 319 SCRA 776, 782 (1999).
[13] PNB v. Rabat, 344 SCRA 706, 716 (2000).
[15] Cristobal v. Court of Appeals, 328 SCRA 256, 262 (2000).
[21] First Integrated Bonding & Insurance Co., Inc. v. Court of Appeals, 261 SCRA 203, 220 (1996).
[22] Caviles, Jr. v. Bautista, 319 SCRA 24, 34 (1999).


The Indian General Election 2019: A Final Recap
Indian voters elected a new lower house of parliament (Lok Sabha) in the 2019 general elections, the largest democratic exercise in the world. Nearly 900 million people were eligible to cast their vote (Economic Times, 13 May 2019). Elections were spread out over seven phases scheduled over six weeks between 11 April and 19 May. Simultaneously with the general election, legislative assembly elections were held in Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha, and Sikkim. The Election Commission declared the results of the general election on 23 May. Incumbent Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) declared a resounding victory, expanding the party's seats in the parliament and further solidifying Modi's rule.
Over the past weeks, ACLED published a weekly infographic — the "Indian Election Monitor" — for every one of the seven election phases. This provided users with quick weekly updates based on political violence and protest data recorded by ACLED (for more on this, see the Indian Election Monitor for Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3, Phase 4, Phase 5, Phase 6, and Phase 7). This analysis piece serves to provide a final recap of the data recorded by ACLED during the general elections. All subsequent infographics showcase data from the day of the India Election Commission's announcement of the election days – 10 March – until 25 May, the latest published data. The following analysis will focus on analyzing political violence and protest trends by 1) state, 2) event and sub-event type, and 3) actor involvement.
I. The Geography of Electoral Violence
Voters in India's 29 states and seven union territories went to the polls over a six week period. The drawn-out process allowed for the provision of adequate security arrangements, especially in those areas prone to electoral violence, such as Jammu & Kashmir, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh (for more on this, see this past ACLED piece). In most states, voting was completed in one phase, while voting in several states was spread out over two phases (Karnataka, Manipur, Rajasthan, Tripura), three phases (Assam, Chhattisgarh), four phases (Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Maharashtra), five phases (Jammu & Kashmir) or seven phases (Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal).
The map below in Figure 1 depicts the number of recorded events by state and demonstrates that the number of recorded events in Jammu & Kashmir (980 events) is almost double the number recorded in Punjab (502 events), the state with the second highest number of recorded events. The states of West Bengal (461 events) and Tamil Nadu (368 events) rank third and fourth respectively.
Jammu & Kashmir is the site of an ongoing separatist insurgency and the Indian central government faces stiff opposition from large segments of the local population and various armed groups. Voting in the state featured high levels of rioting amidst calls for poll boycotts and state-wide shutdowns by the Joint Resistance Leadership (JRL), as well as armed encounters between militant groups and Indian state forces. Besides high levels of electoral violence, voter turnout was also extremely low in some parts of the state. In Shopian and Pulwama districts of Anantnag parliamentary constituency — where voting was spread out over three phases owing to security concerns — the registered voter turnout was as low as 2.81%, one of the lowest in the state's electoral history (Economic Times, 7 May 2019).
ACLED records 327 reported fatalities across India between 10 March and 25 May. Figure 2 breaks down the number of reported fatalities by state and event type. The donut chart in Figure 2 below shows that the most reported fatalities stemmed from acts of violence against civilians (in orange), closely followed by deaths resulting from battles (in black).
As with the number of recorded events, Jammu & Kashmir, with 167 recorded fatalities, ranks top in the number of reported fatalities. Most reported fatalities in the state were linked to the ongoing militancy. Similarly, increased activity by Naxal-Maoist rebels — who also called for a boycott of the election in several areas — was the main reason for the high numbers of recorded fatalities in the states of Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra. Left-wing extremist groups have been engaged in a longstanding insurgency against the Indian state denouncing the state's legitimacy and, as such, Indian democratic institutions such as elections. Attacks targeting politicians, polling stations, security personnel, and journalists are common during election periods (for an analysis of Maoist rebel violence during the 2018 Chhattisgarh state elections, see this past ACLED infographic). Over the course of the general elections, the incident with the highest fatality count was the reported killing of 16 people — security personnel and a civilian — in an IED blast triggered by Maoist rebels in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli district on 1 May.
Meanwhile, political rivalries in West Bengal, especially between the Trinamool Congress Party (TMC) and the BJP, were the main cause of reported fatalities. Political parties in West Bengal have a long history of violent competition. This is by far not a new phenomenon connected to the rise of the TMC and more recently the BJP but stretches back decades to the Communist state government (India Today, 16 May 2019). The generally charged political environment in the state further explodes during election periods with murders, clashes, firing, rioting, and arson being reported amidst rally after rally (for an analysis of local elections in West Bengal in 2018, see this past ACLED piece).
II. An Anatomy of Electoral Violence
The period around the general elections can be divided into three periods: 1) the candidate nomination period following the announcement of the election dates, 2) the election period and 3) the post-election period. The first half of Figure 3 below shows the reported events by event type over time, while the lower half depicts the number of reported events by sub-event type.
With regard to the timeline, protest (in blue) and riot (in brown) events were the main event types during the candidate nomination period. Demonstrations and inter-party clashes during that period were typically fuelled by disappointed potential candidates and their supporters, who did not receive their parties' nomination. The number of recorded events increased during the election period overall and significantly spiked on the election days, as depicted in the top area graph above. The highest number of events was recorded on the first day of voting, while comparatively lower event numbers were recorded on the third day. Riot events significantly spiked on each day of voting while no clear patterns are visible for other event types. During the post-election period, the declaration of the election results on 23 May led to a spike in recorded incidents of post-electoral violence including clashes among supporters of various parties and targeted attacks against rival candidates and voters.
With regard to the recorded sub-event types (depicted in the lower half of Figure 3), peaceful protest and mob violence events are the most commonly reported events. However, the weekly Indian Election Monitor demonstrated that, when doing analysis focusing on specific election phases, the most commonly reported sub-event type was actually mob violence during all phases but Phase 4. This overlaps with the timeline showing a spike of riot events on election days. Typically supporters of political parties clash with their rivals, vandalize polling stations, or clash with security forces. Incidents of mob violence on election days are common across India with the highest numbers recorded in West Bengal, followed by Jammu & Kashmir, Tripura, and Andhra Pradesh.
III. The Actors Behind Electoral Violence
A multitude of actors contribute to electoral violence in India (for more on the conflict dynamics in India, see this past ACLED piece). Rebel groups are active in many Indian states, including Kashmiri separatists in Jammu & Kashmir, left-wing extremist Naxal-Maoist rebels in central-west India, and various rebel groups in northeastern India. Rebel groups often engage in the electoral process, calling for boycotts and targeting political candidates and security forces tasked to provide security during the election. Political parties are the main actor engaged in electoral violence. In most cases, these actors engage only in mob violence but occasionally political militias engage in armed battles or launch targeted attacks against their rivals.
Figure 4 below shows the participation of violent actors in battle events and events of explosions and remote violence, as well as acts of violence against civilians. Only the most active actors are identified by name below.
With regard to rebel group involvement, left-wing extremist rebels (identified as 'Naxals' in brown above) were the most active out of all identified rebel group actors, with 84 recorded organized violence events. The various militant groups active in Jammu & Kashmir (in light blue) were responsible for 31 events while members of various northeastern rebel groups (in tan) were active in 11 events of organized violence. Members of TMC (in orange) and the BJP (in teal) have been most frequently involved in organized violence events, especially in targeted attacks against civilians. The conflict between Indian and Pakistani security forces also continued over the course of the general elections, with Pakistani security forces (in light grey) involved in 14% of the recorded battle and explosions and remote violence events.
Figure 5 below shows the violent involvement of political parties in mob violence events during the general election. Again members of the BJP (in teal) and TMC (in orange) were most active, followed by members of the Indian National Congress (INC, in brown) and the Yuvajana, Sramika, Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP, in navy). YSRCP is a regional political party in the state of Andhra Pradesh, while the other three actors are national level parties. However, electoral violence involving TMC supporters is centered in West Bengal, where the party controls the state government and is engaged in a bitter political rivalry with opposition parties, especially the BJP.
The 2019 general elections have been a success story in many ways. There was a new record voter turnout of 67.11% (NDTV, 23 May 2019). Female voter turnout equaled male voter turnout for the first time in India's history, and more female candidates stood for election – and were elected – than ever before (BBC, 24 May 2019). However, electoral violence remained a significant issue in several Indian states. Militancy and entrenched political rivalries continue to be the main drivers of electoral violence in India. It remains to be seen how the second Modi government will address these various national security concerns, and how they will work together with other regional and national political parties to pave the way for India's continued growth.
Daniela Pollmann
Daniela Pollmann is ACLED's Program Coordinator. Ms Pollmann holds a MA in Conflict, Security and Development from the University of Sussex with focus on peace processes. She has previous work experience in the social sector in Uganda and India where her work focused on women empowerment, child protection and anti-human trafficking. She is currently stationed in New Delhi, India.
Author: Daniela Pollmann
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Weekly sports wrap up
Feature Photo By: VeThalia Warren – Sophomore Brianna Linnear and Senior Angel Broadus walk away from the basket after a foul against the opposing team. The ladies placed second in the EMAC. To find out more about the sports at Rangeview click here.
(Photo credits top to bottom: VeThalia Warren, Jeffery Afriyie, Amor-Leigh Wilson, and Amor-Leigh Wilson)
By: Oscar Perez & Toli Geshow, Review Staff
The Girls Basketball team has won 8 straight games prior to tonight's game against Prairie View in their first game of the 5A playoffs here at Rangeview. On February 11, the girls played Fairview winning 66-38 led by Angel Broadus with 16 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals and Ny'arra West with 15 points and 12 rebounds. On February 13, the girls defeated George Washington 61-60 and on February 14 the girls defeated Northglenn 74-43. On February 15, the girls defeated Gateway 70-21 ending their regular season with 19-4 and ranking them 10th in their conference and number 1 in the EMAC.
The Boys Basketball team is currently on a 14 game winning streak after defeating Gateway 71-36 led by Quincey Jewett with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 blocks. Jodaun Dotson added 13 points. On February 14, the boys defeated Northglenn 70-60. This closes their season as the undefeated EMAC champions and the 3rd ranked team in the 5A conference. Their next game is tomorrow against Windsor to start their playoff run.
On February 9, the Girls Swimming team went to the state tournament with senior Sarah Mortenson placing 13th in the 1 meter dive. Although, no one else qualified the state tournament or consultation finals, junior Jasmine Johnson placed 65th in the breaststroke prelims at 1 minute and 12 seconds. This ends the Girls' season with a record of 4-3-1 winning the APS Championship and EMAC championship.
The Boys Wrestling had their regional tournament on Friday, February 15th. The team had an 11-11 overall record going into regionals — with a handful of wrestlers qualifying including Senior: Dillion Hutcherson, Elias Rodriguez, Juniors: Spencer Ohu, Eric Holt, Owen Schulz, Nick Olguín, Rudy Cortez, and Raymond Cortez and sophomore Romeo Cortez. Out of the nine wrestlers only Spencer, Elias, Romeo, and Rudy made it to the second day. Unfortunately none were able to make it further, ending the wrestling season right before State.


Stories from Wednesday, June 20, 2012
FOCUS Bank hosts 7th Annual MMSY Tournament (Community Sports ~ 06/20/12)
SIKESTON -- On June 11, FOCUS Bank hosted the 7th Annual Mary Margaret Story Yarbrough (MMSY) golf tournament at Fox Haven Country Club in Sikeston. Eighty-one players participated and helped to raise over $7,500 for the scholarship fund to benefit three area high school senior girls from Charleston, East Prairie and Sikeston...
Contact camp (Local News ~ 06/20/12)
Sikeston's Kyland Gross runs for yardage at last summer's SEMO Coaches Association Contact Camp. The fourth annual camp will be Thursday and Friday in Sikeston with seven teams taking part. The games will be played at 4, 5, 6 p.m. each day.
Squirrels' Fox signs to play baseball at Three Rivers College (High School Sports ~ 06/20/12)
POPLAR BLUFF -- The moment he signed his name, Paul Fox instantly felt a weight lifted off his shoulders. "It feels great. No more stress," Fox said. "I don't have to worry about it and I can just focus on this summer." Fox, a graduate of Bloomfield High School, is the newest recruit that will play baseball for Three Rivers College after signing his letter of intent Tuesday...
Charleston's offense continues to struggle as Paducah takes two (Community Sports ~ 06/20/12)
CHARLESTON -- Just one day removed from dropping a pair of games to Chaffee, the Charleston Fighting Squirrels offensive struggles continued on Tuesday when Paducah, Ken., Senior Legion Post 31 came to town for a doubleheader. Combining for only four hits while surrendering 11 in the night's first contest, the Squirrels fell 6-1 as Post 31 got a complete game effort from starter Clay Chandler...
Franklin McFerren (Obituary ~ 06/20/12)
LILBOURN -- Franklin Robinson McFerren, 55, died June 17, 2012, at his home. Born April 3, 1957, in Lilbourn, to Pauline McFerren Robinson of Chicago and the late Franklin D. Robinson, he was a 1975 graduate of Lilbourn High School. He attended Arkansas State University in Jonesboro and Lincoln University in Jefferson City. He was employed by Digby's Detective and Security Agency in Chicago before retiring and was a member of Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Lilbourn...
Leroy Braun (Obituary ~ 06/20/12)
SIKESTON -- Leroy Braun, 61, died June 12, 2012, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born April 16, 1951, in Quakertown, Pa., he was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. A resident of Sikeston for the past 10 years, he was employed as a maintenance engineer at Days Inn...
Evelyn Jones (Obituary ~ 06/20/12)
POPLAR BLUFF -- Evelyn A. Jones, 71, died June 11, 2012, at her home. Born March 22, 1941, in Chicago Heights, Ill., to the late Leon and Thelma Powell, she was a member of the Mt. Sinai Methodist Church in Poplar Bluff where she served on the Usher Board...
Ruby Brown (Obituary ~ 06/20/12)
CHICAGO -- Ruby Lee Brown, 84, formerly of Poplar Bluff, Mo., died June 13, 2012, at the Mac Neal Memorial Hospital in Berwyn, Ill. Born July 17, 1928, in Parma, Mo., to the late Alfonzo and Novella Cain, she had lived in Chicago for the past four years. She was a member of the New Home Baptist Church in Broseley, Mo...
Passenger injure in accident (Local News ~ 06/20/12)
DONIPHAN -- A Doniphan woman was injured Tuesday in a two-vehicle accident in Ripley County. The Missouri State Highway Patrol report stated the accident occurred around 2:20 p.m. seven miles east of Doniphan. Sandra G. Cunningham, 48, of Dexter was stopped in traffic while heading east on Highway 160, when her vehicle was struck in the rear by the eastbound vehicle driven by Debra S. Walker, 36, of Doniphan...
Corporate Games continue (Local News ~ 06/20/12)
Scott Kim of the Department of Public Safety reaches for a backhand in the singles tennis tournament during the Corporate Games Coed Tennis competition. The finals will be held at 6 o'clock tonight at the Sikeston Sports Complex.
Scott County officials discuss pesticide pickup, roof repairs (Local News ~ 06/20/12)
BENTON -- Looking for something to do with that batch of insecticide that can't be thrown away? According to Tom Beardslee, Scott County emergency management director, the "Department of Natural Resources project to recover unwanted substances from farms and homes" is just what you are looking for...
Learning the basics (Local News ~ 06/20/12)
Bulldog Basketball Camp is being conducted this week at the Sikeston YMCA for boys ages 8-14. Above: Sikeston head coach Gregg Holifield gives instructions during a passing drill on Tuesday morning.


22nd Mar 2021 aarti
Human Rights not negotiable
President Cyril Ramaphosa says over the past year, government, working in partnership with social partners and civil society, has given effect to the principle that human rights are not negotiable.
"We have strived to meet our many obligations under the Constitution and the Bill of Rights that is the cornerstone of our democracy. Through the provision of care to the sick and social support to the vulnerable, we have worked together to give effect to the most important rights of our people – the right to life, to health and to dignity," President Ramaphosa said.
President Ramaphosa made the remarks when he was delivering a national message during the virtual commemoration of Human Rights Day on Sunday.
Human Rights Month 2021 is commemorated under the theme "The Year of Charlotte Maxeke: Promoting Human Rights in the Age of COVID-19".The theme pays tribute to the 150th anniversary of the birth of liberation struggle heroine and human rights campaigner, Charlotte Maxeke.
Response to COVID-19 pandemic
The President said that, in recognition of the severe impact of the pandemic on people's livelihoods, government has implemented social and income support measures to support struggling households, workers and businesses.
He said the next phase of the response to the pandemic is to ensure that the COVID-19 vaccine is available to every person in the country.
"We have been able to weather the Coronavirus storm in large part because of the strong culture of human rights in our country. Human rights that were hard-won by the heroes and heroines of Sharpeville and the countless heroes and heroines of our struggle for liberation broadly.
"They were firm in their conviction that freedom for some is freedom for none; and that nobody must be left behind. It was at Sharpeville that President Nelson Mandela signed our democratic Constitution into law 25 years ago. The Constitution is a shade and a shelter for all.
"The Constitution is one law for one nation. It commits not just government but every one of us to the values that were disregarded in the past – of human rights, of fair and decent treatment, of tolerance of difference, and of appreciation of our common basic humanity," President Ramaphosa said.
Phase of reconstruction and recovery
The President noted that the country is currently in the phase of reconstruction and recovery, and government is working to build a new economy that promises "equal opportunity for all".
In doing so, he reminded the citizens that this is a struggle for all.
"It is not a fight not for our own piece of bread, for our own job to be saved, or for our own health and safety. It is a fight to preserve our common humanity.
"It is a fight to preserve our common humanity, and it means that we must all work together, whether as government, labour, business or communities," he said.
"We must rebuild a society that is far better than the one that came before it. We must become a society that is free from poverty, hunger and deprivation. We must become a society where women and children are free from violence, and where their rights are protected.
"We must become a society where young people are able to realise their full potential – where they are not doomed to lives of despair and poverty because they cannot afford an education or because there are no jobs for them. We must be a society of equal opportunity for all, regardless of one's race, sex, sexual orientation or whether one is able bodied or a person with disabilities.
"We must be a society where quality health care, education and basic services are provided to our people regardless of whether they live in a village in a town or a city. We must be a society where the land is owned not by a few, but where all have access to land for development, for progress and for self-upliftment," President Ramaphosa said.
Above all, the President said, society must recognise the dignity of every individual and the role of every man, woman and child in building a better future.
Making the Constitution a reality
"As we work to rebuild our economy and our society, we must strive to make the promise of the country's Constitution a reality in the lives of our people.
"As we work to rebuild our economy and our society, we must strive to make this promise a reality in the lives of our people. Advancing human rights is the responsibility of us all.
"Though we may have our differences on a number of issues, we have far more in common. We share a common goal: to defeat the pandemic. We have a common vision: of a better, more inclusive society.
"Above all, we have a common cause: that of a South Africa of equality, prosperity, freedom and human rights for all," President Ramaphosa said.
He wished all South African citizens, and people who call this great beautiful country their home, a "healthy, happy and peaceful Human Rights Day".
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Jacob Bell Among the Latest Group to Sue the NFL
2012 October 27
tags: concussion, Isiah Robertson, Jacob Bell, LA, lawsuit, litigation, NFL, retire, risks
Things have been pretty quiet on the concussion litigation front lately, until a flock of lawsuits were filed this week. On the heels of the plaintiffs filing a reply to the NFL's motion to dismiss, the plaintiffs' lawyers were also able to flood the concussion litigation docket. Three separate lawsuits were filed this week.
The first suit was filed in Philadelphia and included 21 former players, led by All-Pro Louis Breeden. The following day, a 61-player complaint was filed in Los Angeles — notable players include 2-time All-Pro Isiah Robertson and Delvin Williams.
The third lawsuit is probably the most intriguing.
Jacob Bell made headlines this summer after he decided to walk away from the game, leaving $890,000 on the table. His decision was primarily based on the increased awareness about the long-term effects regarding concussions.
In a calculated risk-versus-reward analysis, Bell decided that the risk of long-term brain damage was not worth the additional cash money.
Since he will no longer be getting a paycheck from his employer, he, and nine other former players, filed a concussion-related lawsuit against the NFL.
Bell is a sharp guy and certainly made an informed decision, arguably a decision that former players – at least pre-2009 players – never had the opportunity to make. He told the St. Louis Post Dispatch, "[o]ne of my biggest concerns when it comes to the game in general is my personal health. One thing that's obviously on the minds of a lot of people lately is brain research and all the stuff that's going on with that."
A hurdle the plaintiffs will have to clear in the litigation is the assumption of the risk doctrine. Bell's retirement and logical thought process arguably bolsters the plaintiffs' case. If players were warned about the risks of concussions, some of them arguably would have decided to hang up their cleats. On the other hand, players could have determined the reward was worth the risk of long-term brain damage. In either event, they would have had the opportunity to make an informed decision.
Only time will tell if more players will choose the Bell path or continue to take on the known-risk of brain damage.
There are now 170 concussion-related lawsuits, which encompasses 3,798 former players and more than 5,000 plaintiffs total. In other words, more than 30% of all living retirees have joined the concussion lawsuits.
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Report17 Aug 2016
Report: women's 200m final – Rio 2016 Olympic Games
Elaine Thompson wins the 200m at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games (© Getty Images)
Elaine Thompson became the first woman for 28 years to complete the Olympic sprint double to break the heart of world champion Dafne Schippers in a superlative demonstration of half-lap excellence.
The latest Jamaican sprint superstar from their seemingly never-ending speed factory destroyed the eight-strong field in the first 100m before proving too strong for the opposition in the second half of the race. She sped to a world-leading time of 21.78, reversing the positions from the IAAF World Championships Beijing 2015.
While Schippers could not emulate her countrywoman Fanny Blankers-Koen, who famously landed gold in this event back at the 1948 Olympics, the 24-year-old recorded a time of 21.88 and at least had the satisfaction of picking up a spot on the podium after finishing fifth in the 100m here in Rio.
In the battle for bronze, USA's Tori Bowie overhauled Marie-Josee Ta Lou of Ivory Coast in the final five metres to stop the clock in 22.15 and claim her second bronze medal of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
Thompson emerged almost from nowhere last year as a world-class athlete. She improved her 200m best by more than one-and-a-half seconds and climbed to fifth on the world all-time list when running 21.66 to take silver in Beijing.
Yet even the woman from Banana Ground in Manchester Parish has been taken aback by the level of her accomplishments in Rio and joins a select group of just six other women to complete the Olympic sprint double.
"My school motto was 'let the light shine' and I let me light shine tonight," said Thompson. "It's a big surprise to me because I have had a hamstring injury. You must overcome these things and tonight I am standing here with a gold. To beat Dafne Schippers is a hard run."
In the wake of defeat, Schippers offered a blunt assessment of her immediate emotions to reporters.
"I came here for gold," she said, disappointment etched over her face. "I'm not happy with the silver."
Thompson from the gun
On a hot sticky night which was perfect for sprinting, the eight finalists got away at the first time of asking with Thompson the first to make a significant move.
The long-striding Jamaican quickly opened up a clear gap on the field with Schippers, as usual, taking longer for her imposing frame to reach top speed.
The diminutive Ta Lou was also firmly among the medal contenders entering the home straight with Great Britain's European champion Dina-Asher Smith also prominent.
Midway down the home stretch, Schippers slowly started to haul in Thompson but, as the finishing line approached, it was clear the flying Dutchwoman would not surpass her Jamaican rival.
In the final strides, Schippers started to lose her form and balance and took a painful-looking tumble to the floor after she flashed by the line.
Despite the relatively significant margin of victory, Thompson was unaware she had secured double gold for what seemed an eternity. It was only when confirmation came up on the scoreboard did she smile and the celebrations truly began.
Bowie finished strongly to take bronze with Ta Lou in fourth, who at least had the satisfaction of shaving 0.03 from Murielle Ahoure's Ivorian record in a time of 22.21.
Ta Lou, who also finished fourth in the 100m, may be frustrated with just missing out on a medal twice in Rio, but can take enormous pride in her performances which have seen her set five PBs in her six sprint outings in the Olympic Stadium.
Asher-Smith repeated her finishing position from the 2015 World Championships by crossing the line fifth in a season's best of 22.31 while 0.02 further back was Michelle-Lee Ahye of Trinidad and Tobago, who matched her performance in the 100m by placing sixth.
Completing the top eight were USA's Deajah Stevens in 22.65 and Ivet Lalova-Collio in 22.69.
Steve Landells for the IAAF
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BROWARD BOMBSHELL: Newspaper Slams Florida District's 'CULTURE of TOLERANCE'
A leading south Florida newspaper slammed the Broward County School District's "culture of tolerance" over the weekend, saying troubled students like the Parkland shooter routinely slip through the cracks and evade law enforcement.
The bombshell article called on Broward school officials to end the PROMISE program that effectively shielded students like 19-year-old Nikolas Cruz from police in an effort to stop the "school-to-prison" pipeline.
Critics say the program allows troubled teens to go under-the-radar for years.
"Broward Schools have grown so tolerant of misbehavior that students like Nikolas Cruz are able to slide by for years without strict punishment for conduct that could be criminal," writes the Sun Sentinel.
"The culture of leniency allows children to engage in an endless loop of violations and second chances, creating a system where kids who commit the same offense for the 10th time may be treated like it's the first," adds the author.
"I had three students bring knives to my classroom. One was out of the classroom for one day. Another had so many things on his record, he was gone for five days. None were expelled," a 37-year teaching veteran from the district told the Sentinel.
BROWARD BOMBSHELL: Deputy TOLD POLICE to 'STAY AWAY' from High School During Shooting
The disgraced Sheriff's Deputy who maintained a "defensive position" and refused to enter the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School during last month's mass shooting reportedly told fellow officers to "stay away" from the building; instructing them to remain at least 500 feet back as people lay dying.
According to the Miami Herald, Deputy Scot Peterson told the Broward County Sheriff's Department, "Do not approach the 12 or 1300 building, stay at least 500 feet away." Newly released audiotape of police scanners confirm Peterson's comments; with screams heard in the background as the shooting unfolded.
The records confirm Peterson was well aware that the incident was occurring inside the building; directly refuting his claims he believed the gunman was last seen near the football field.
"It certainly backs up that he never went into the school," said the president of the Broward County Sheriff's police union. "At one point he says to keep back 500 feet. Why would he say that?"
Peterson became the center of a media firestorm after reports emerged he refused to enter the building as the carnage unfolded; allowing 19-year old Nikolas Cruz to kill 17 people and injure dozens more without confrontation.
BROWARD BOMBSHELL: New Report Shows Police 'HIDING' During Parkland Massacre
A shocking official report from the Coral Springs Police Department sheds new light on the Broward County officers' response to a Florida school shooting; accusing the deputies of "hiding behind trees" as the massacre unfolded.
The exposé from Officer Byran Wilkins -who arrived on the scene within minutes of the rampage- claims the Broward County Deputies were "taking cover" behind trees and cars as gunshots rang out at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.
"I saw approximately four Broward County Sheriff's Office vehicles parked in the west bound lane with their personnel taking up exterior positions behind their vehicles," Wilkins wrote. "I drove up just west of the campus building 1200, exited my vehicle, grabbed my AR-15 rifle and donned on my tactical/medical gear. As I was advancing on foot through the chain-link fence, I was advised by an unknown BSO Deputy taking cover behind a tree, 'he is on the third floor.'"
Seventeen people were killed and dozens injured after 19-year old Nikolas Cruz opened fire at his former high school; sparking a nationwide debate over gun control legislation and school safety.
Read the officer's full report here.
POMPEO: Trump Plans to Bring 'EVERY AMERICAN' Prisoner Home
WATCH: Ami Horowitz Hits the Streets of NYC to See if Democrats Are 'Really Ready to Compromise'


Date: May 30 - Jul 22, 2017
Event: No Limit 2-7 Lowball Draw (Event #13) (Jun 6 - 8, 2017)
Prize: $359,100
May 31, 2017 No Limit Hold'em Casino Employees (Event #1) $565
May 31 - Jun 1, 2017 No Limit Hold'em - Tag Team Championship (Event #2) $10,000
Jun 1 - 3, 2017 Omaha Hi/Lo (Event #4) $1,500
Jun 1 - 3, 2017 No Limit Hold'em - Shootout (Event #3) $3,000
Jul 7 - 9, 2017 Seven Card Stud Championship (Event #72) $10,000
Jun 2 - 6, 2017 No Limit Hold'em - The Colossus III (Event #5) $565
Jun 3, 2017 No Limit Hold'em - WSOP.com Online (Event #8) $333
Jun 3 - 5, 2017 Limit Mixed Triple Draw Lowball (Event #7) $2,500
Jun 4 - 6, 2017 Omaha Hi/Lo Championship (Event #9) $10,000
Jun 5 - 7, 2017 No Limit Hold'em - Tag Team (Event #10) $1,000
Jun 5 - 7, 2017 Dealers Choice - 6 Handed (Event #11) $1,500
Jun 6 - 8, 2017 No Limit 2-7 Lowball Draw (Event #13) $1,500
Jun 7 - 9, 2017 No Limit Hold'em - Heads-Up Championship (Event #15) $10,000
Jun 7 - 9, 2017 H.O.R.S.E. (Event #14) $1,500
Jun 8 - 10, 2017 No Limit Hold'em - 6 Handed (Event #16) $1,500
Jun 8 - 10, 2017 Dealers Choice - 6 Handed Championship (Event #17) $10,000
Jun 9 - 11, 2017 Pot Limit Omaha (Event #18) $565
Jun 9 - Jul 8, 2017 No Limit Hold'em - The Giant (Event #19) $365
Jun 10, 2017 Eight Game Mix - 6 Handed (Event #21) $1,500
Jun 10 - 14, 2017 No Limit Hold'em - Millionaire Maker (Event #20) $1,500
Jun 11 - 13, 2017 No Limit 2-7 Lowball Draw Championship (Event #22) $10,000
Jun 12 - 16, 2017 No Limit Hold'em - The Marathon (Event #23) $2,620
Jun 13 - 15, 2017 Razz Championship (Event #26) $10,000
Jun 14 - 16, 2017 No Limit Hold'em - 6 Handed (Event #27) $3,000
Jun 14 - 16, 2017 Limit 2-7 Lowball Triple Draw (Event #28) $1,500
Jun 15 - 17, 2017 H.O.R.S.E. Championship (Event #30) $10,000
Jun 16 - 18, 2017 No Limit Hold'em - Seniors Championship (Event #31) $1,000
Jun 16 - 18, 2017 Pot Limit Omaha Hi/Lo/ Limit Omaha Hi/Lo (Event #32) $1,500
Jun 17 - 19, 2017 Limit 2-7 Lowball Triple Draw Championship (Event #34) $10,000
Jun 18 - 20, 2017 No Limit Hold'em - Super Seniors (Event #35) $1,000
Jun 19 - 21, 2017 Limit Hold'em Championship (Event #38) $10,000
Jun 20, 2017 Seven Card Stud Hi/Lo (Event #40) $1,500
Jun 20, 2017 No Limit Hold'em - Super Turbo Bounty (Event #39) $1,000
Jun 21 - 23, 2017 No Limit Hold'em - 6 Handed Championship (Event #42) $10,000
Jun 22 - 24, 2017 H.O.R.S.E. (Event #44) $3,000
Jun 22 - 24, 2017 No Limit Hold'em - Shootout (Event #43) $1,500
Jun 23, 2017 Pot Limit Omaha Hi/Lo (Event #46) $1,500
Jun 23, 2017 No Limit Hold'em (Event #45) $5,000
Jun 24 - 26, 2017 Seven Card Stud Hi/Lo Championship (Event #48) $10,000
Jun 25 - 27, 2017 Pot Limit Omaha - 6 Handed (Event #49) $3,000
Jun 26 - 28, 2017 No Limit Hold'em - Bounty (Event #50) $1,500
Jun 26 - 28, 2017 Pot Limit Omaha Hi/Lo - Championship (Event #51) $10,000
Jun 27 - 29, 2017 Limit Hold'em - 6 Handed (Event #53) $3,000
Jun 28 - 30, 2017 Pot Limit Omaha - 8 Handed Championship (Event #54) $10,000
Jun 29 - Jul 1, 2017 Omaha Hi/lLo/ Seven Card Stud Hi/Lo Mixed (Event #57) $2,500
Jun 30 - Jul 2, 2017 Mixed Big Bet (Event #59) $2,500
Jul 1, 2017 No Limit Hold'em High Roller - WSOP.com Online (Event #61) $3,333
Jul 1 - 4, 2017 No Limit Hold'em - Crazy Eights (Event #60) $888
Jul 2 - 6, 2017 Poker Players Championship - 6 Handed (Event #62) $50,000
Jul 3 - 5, 2017 No Limit Hold'em/Pot Limit Omaha - 8 Handed (Event #64) $1,500
Jul 5 - 8, 2017 Pot Limit Omaha - High Roller (Event #67) $25,000
Jul 6 - 8, 2017 Razz (Event #69) $1,500
Jul 7, 2017 No Limit Hold'em - WSOP.com Online Championship (Event #71) $1,000
Jul 7 - 8, 2017 No Limit Hold'em - Ladies Championship (Event #70) $1,000
Jun 2 - 5, 2017 No Limit Hold'em - High Roller for One Drop (Event #6) $111,111
Jul 8 - 22, 2017 No Limit Hold'em - Main Event Championship (Event #73) $10,000
Jul 11 - 15, 2017 No Limit Hold'em - The Little One for One Drop (Event #74) $1,000 + 111
1st Frank Kassela $89,151 24.16 pts —
2nd Bernard Lee $55,086 19.67 pts —
3rd Tim Mcguigan $37,032 17.23 pts —
4th Matt Waxman $25,451 15.60 pts —
5th Jared Bleznick $17,890 14.41 pts —
6th Stuart "Budget" Rutter $12,868 13.49 pts —
7th Benny Glaser $9,477 12.75 pts —
8th Samuel Spiwak $7,150 12.14 pts —
9th William Alex Foxen $5,530 11.64 pts —
10th Jeff "Iceman" Lisandro $5,530 11.20 pts —
11th Tom Schneider $5,530 10.82 pts —
12th Justin Cuong Van "J.C." Tran $4,387 10.49 pts —
13th Naoya Kihara $4,387 10.20 pts —
14th Bradley Helm $4,387 9.94 pts —
15th David "'ODB'" Baker $3,572 9.71 pts —
16th Ralph "Rep" Porter $3,572 9.50 pts —
17th Marvin "The duckman 22" Karlins $3,572 9.31 pts —
18th Phil "The Poker Brat" Hellmuth $3,572 9.13 pts —
19th Daniel Harmetz $3,572 8.97 pts —
20th Steven Tabb $3,572 8.83 pts —
21st Adam Crawford $3,572 8.69 pts —
22nd Phillip Hui $2,987 8.57 pts —
23rd Ming Zhu $2,987 8.45 pts —
24th Georgii Belianin $2,987 8.34 pts —
25th Gerald Tejada $2,987 8.24 pts —
26th James Obst $2,987 8.15 pts —
27th Steven Wolansky $2,987 8.06 pts —
28th James Scott $2,987 7.98 pts —
29th Max Kruse $2,568 7.90 pts —
30th James Woods $2,568 7.83 pts —
31st Xavier Kyablue $2,568 7.76 pts —
32nd Sam Rubin $2,568 7.69 pts —
33rd Craig Chait $2,568 7.63 pts —
34th Alessandro Ben Ponzio $2,568 7.57 pts —
35th Majid Yahyaei $2,568 7.51 pts —
36th Grant Oen $2,271 7.46 pts —
37th Ty Stafford $2,271 7.41 pts —
38th Vincent Dungan $2,271 7.36 pts —
39th Ryan Lenaghan $2,271 7.31 pts —
40th Daniel Hirleman $2,271 7.27 pts —


HackSpace Magazine, Issue 13
November 22, 2018 Gareth Leave a comment
This month's maker-focused HackSpace Magazine includes my relatively long-term review of an extremely clever, though far from perfect, temperature-controlled soldering 'station': the Miniware TS100.
First, some necessary definitions: brushing aside standard, fixed-power soldering irons, you'll find adjustable-temperature and temperature-controlled irons on the market. The former are, typically, not much larger than a standard soldering iron and include a small knob on the body for adjusting the power and, thus, temperature of the tip. The latter go a step further, reading the temperature of the iron and using the feedback to dynamically adjust the power output to keep the tip as close to a chosen temperature as possible, and most often come with a bulky base station to which the iron is tethered.
The Miniware TS100, and its not-yet-available-in-the-UK successor the TS80, is different. While it's a fully-fledged temperature-controlled iron, there's no base station in sight: instead, the iron packs everything it needs into a surprisingly compact body, including a small OLED screen for live feedback and adjustment of its settings.
What's most interesting about the design, though, is that the firmware that drives its internal microcontroller is open source. It's entirely possible to download the source code, modify it, and flash it onto the iron with nothing more than a simple USB cable – and many have done that, producing alternative firmwares which either improve its performance or turn it into something else, including a Tetris-playing games console and a functional oscilloscope, entirely.
The TS100 is clever, then, but not perfect. A design which lacks any form of flaring to stop your fingers drifting forward onto the hot tip is one thing, but a larger problem is an ungrounded power design which leaves the tip floating at voltages more than enough to damage sensitive components. Thankfully, the reviewed unit came with a bundled grounding strap – but that leaves you with two wires rather than one, hampering the portability somewhat.
The full review can be read in the print and digital copies of HackSpace Magazine Issue 13, with the latter available for free download now under the Creative Commons licence from the official website.
FirmwareHackspaceHardwareMagazineMicrocontrollerMiniWareOpen SourceReviewSoldering IronSoldering StationToolTS100TS80
The Official Raspberry Pi Projects Book, Volume 2
The Raspberry Pi Foundation has published the second in its Official Raspberry Pi Projects Book series, and as usually there's a whole raft of my material to be found within its black-clad pages.
The book begins with practical guides and tutorials, including my guide to adding a physical reset switch to the RUN header on any modern Raspberry Pi Zero. It's the review section where you'll find the bulk of my work, however, beginning with a look at a couple of handy tools for makers: the Proster VC99 multimeter and the Tenma 60W Digital Soldering Station.
Further on you'll find detailed reviews of two microcontroller-based products which can interface with the Raspberry Pi or operate entirely standalone: the Adafruit Gemma Starter Kit and the Bare Conductive Touch Board Starter Kit. The former acts as an introduction to the world of conductive thread, while the latter uses conductive ink to complete the circuits in its bundled guide.
Finally, my contributions to the Projects Book Volume 2 end with a review of the Pimoroni pHAT DAC, a compact add-on for the Raspberry Pi Zero – though mechanically compatible with any other modern Pi model bar the bare Compute Module family – which adds a high-quality digital-to-analogue converter (DAC) and 3.5mm jack. Those looking to wire a Pi into the stereo systems can also solder on optional stereo RCA jacks, which I thought was a particularly nice feature.
As with the previous book in the series, the Official Raspberry Pi Projects Book Volume 2 is available to download free under the Creative Commons licence from the official website.
AdafruitBare ConductiveCreative CommonsElectronicsGemma Starter KitMultimeterOfficial Raspberry Pi Projects BookpHAT DACPimoroniProjectsProsterRaspberry Pi FoundationRaspberry Pi ZeroReviewSolderingSoldering StationTenmaThe MagPiToolTouch BoardTouch Board Starter KitTutorialVC99 Multimeter
December 10, 2015 Gareth 1 Comment
This month's Hobby Tech has just two component parts: a long-term review of the Tenma 60W Digital Soldering Station, and a in-depth guide to building an ultrasonic distance sensor using a Spark Core for a somewhat novel application: shaming me into using my standing desk more.
Looking at the tutorial first, it all stemmed from an office move in which I bought a vast quantity of Ikea furniture. Among it all was a new desk, which for a small extra fee I was able to get with a simple hand-crank mechanism fitted to adjust its height. As I spend the vast majority of my life in front of a computer, I thought a little change like spending some of the day standing instead of sitting would do me the world of good – but, as could be expected, after an initial burst of enthusiasm I found myself using the desk in sitting mode more often than not.
This month's project was my attempt to rectify that. Using a cheap ultrasonic distance sensor and a Spark Core microcontroller – now known as a Particle Photon, following a major rebranding exercise – I built a device which could track the distance between the surface of the desk and the ceiling and thus report whether it was in sitting or standing mode. When a mode change was detected, it would post a message to Twitter – thus publicly shaming me if I spent too long in sitting mode.
It's a bit of a daft project, but one which demonstrates some useful techniques: it uses a resistor ladder to lower the 5V output from the ultrasonic sensor to a Spark Core-friendly 3.3V, it shows how a Wi-Fi-connected microcontroller can report readings to a remote system, and even uses If This Then That (IFTTT) to automatically post messages to Twitter based on those readings. As to whether it actually encouraged me to spend more time standing? Not so much.
As the tutorial's complexity meant taking up a three-page spread, there was only room for one additional feature this month: a two-page long-term review of the Tenma 60W Digital Soldering Station, which I bought some time ago to replace my Maplin-branded variable-output soldering iron. Despite its surprisingly reasonable cost, purchased from the ever-reliable CPC, it's proven a sturdy tool and is an easy recommendation for anyone looking for an entry-level upgrade from fixed-output irons. It's also a pleasure to be able to form a long-term opinion on something: all too frequently I review items on a short-term basis, which reveals nothing about their reliability over time. Having been using the Tenma for well over a year now, though, I can personally guarantee its longevity.
All this, plus a variety of interesting things written by people who aren't me, can be yours at your local newsagent, supermarket, or electronically via Zinio and similar digital distribution services.
CPCCustom PCDennis PublishingElectronicsEquipmentHobby TechIFTTTIkeaMagazineMicrocontrollerParticle PhotonReviewSensorSolderingSoldering IronSoldering StationSpark CoreStanding DeskTenmaToolTutorialUltrasonic SensorWi-Fi
November 26, 2015 Gareth 1 Comment
This month's MagPi, the official magazine of the Raspberry Pi Foundation, is just a little bit special: it is, to my knowledge, the first magazine ever to include a cover-mounted computer. The release of the magazine today also represents the launch of a brand-new Raspberry Pi model: the Raspberry Pi Zero.
I've been lucky enough to have been playing with the Pi Zero for some time, having worked on three of the hardware projects you'll find between the covers of this extra-special issue. After peeling the Pi Zero from the cover, readers will be shown how to solder general-purpose input/output (GPIO) headers onto its otherwise extremely flat face, connect its serial port to a computer for use as a true random number generator (TRNG), and use it with an existing HAT add-on to act as a mood lamp.
The three projects I created for this issue were chosen from a long, long list. The Pi Zero is an exciting device: it features the same specifications as the Raspberry Pi Model A, but in a brand-new form factor a fraction of the size of the original. Naturally, some features have been cut: just like the Model A there's no Ethernet chip, but there are also no CSI or DSI connectors and no analogue audio or video ports – though composite video is broken out to a solder pad for the adventurous. The ports that do remain have also been modified: the full-size HDMI port is replaced by a mini-HDMI, and the full-size USB port is a micro-USB port which requires a USB On-The-Go (OTG) adapter before it can be connected to standard USB peripherals.
In doing this, the Foundation has created a device that excites me even more than the full-size models. With a production cost so low that it can be cover-mounted on a high-street magazine, it's now possible to put a full Linux computer in more project than ever before – and with a simple low-cost USB OTG adapter and a Wi-Fi dongle, it can be networked for a total outlay of well below $10. It is, in short, a game-changer, and I look forward to working on many more Pi Zero-related projects in the near future.
If that wasn't enough, you'll also find my review of the Tenma 60W Digital Soldering Station which has been my trusty companion in various projects over the last couple of years. It's always nice to be able to give a device a good, long-haul test before drawing your conclusions and I've certainly put the miles in on the Tenma. As I warn in the review a hobbyist doesn't strictly need a soldering station, but it does make life easier – and the low cost of this unit, purchased from CPC, makes it easy to recommend for those who fancy an upgrade.
All this, plus more – and, remember the cover-mounted Pi Zero – is available in your nearest WH Smith. The magazine itself is also available as a DRM-free PDF download from the official website, licensed under Creative Commons terms, but obviously you'll have to buy a Pi Zero separately if you want to follow along with any of my projects.
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History - Europe
Bold and Dangerous Family: The Rossellis and the Fight Against Mussolini
Author: Moorehead, Caroline
Availability: Not in stock: we'll order it in
Praise for A Train in Winter: "A story of stunning courage, generosity and hope...In Moorehead's expert hands it is a triumphant one." (Mail on Sunday). Praise for Village of Secrets: "An uplifting tale of courage and morality." (The Sunday Times). Mussolini was not only ruthless: he was subtle and manipulative. Black-shirted thugs did his dirty work for him: arson, murder, destruction of homes and offices, bribes, intimidation and the forcible administration of castor oil. His opponents - including editors, publishers, union representatives, lawyers and judges - were beaten into submission. But the tide turned in 1924 when his assassins went too far, horror spread across Italy and twenty years of struggle began. Antifascist resistance was born and it would end only with Mussolini's death in 1945. Among those whose disgust hardened into bold and uncompromising resistance was a family from Florence: Amelia, Carlo and Nello Rosselli. Caroline Moorehead's research into the Rossellis struck gold. She has drawn on letters and diaries never previously translated into English to reveal - in all its intimacy - a family driven by loyalty, duty and courage, yet susceptible to all the self-doubt and fear that humans are prey to. Readers are drawn into the lives of this remarkable family - and their loves, their loyalties, their laughter and their ultimate sacrifice.


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Tuesday Open Thread
Posted on December 10, 2013	by SouthernGirl2
Please Come Home for Christmas" is a Christmas song, released in 1960, by the American blues singer and pianist Charles Brown. Hitting Billboard's Hot 100 chart in December 1961, the tune Brown co-wrote with Gene Redd peaked at position #76. It appeared on the Christmas Singles chart for nine seasons, hitting #1 in 1972.[2] It includes a number of characteristics of Christmas music, such as multiple references in the lyrics to the Christmas season and Christmas traditions, and the use of a Church bell type sound, created using a piano, at the start of the song. It is sometimes referred to as Bells Will Be Ringing.
About SouthernGirl2
A Native Texan who adores baby kittens, loves horses, rodeos, pomegranates, & collect Eagles. Enjoys politics, games shows, & dancing to all types of music. Loves discussing and learning about different cultures. A Phi Theta Kappa lifetime member with a passion for Social & Civil Justice.
View all posts by SouthernGirl2 →
This entry was posted in Christmas, Christmas Songs, Current Events, Music, News, Open Thread, Politics and tagged 3chicspolitico.com, American blues singer, Bells Will Be Ringing, Charles Brown, Church Bell, Please Come Home For Christmas, The Eagles. Bookmark the permalink.
27 Responses to Tuesday Open Thread
Yahtc says:
Nelson Mandela & Fidel Castro: A Video You Won't See on the Evening News
http://www.democracynow.org/blog/2013/12/10/nelson_mandela_fidel_castro_a_video
Love the snowflakes!
SouthernGirl2 says:
rikyrah says:
Democrats clear path for Mel Watt confirmation
by Associated Press | December 10, 2013 at 12:40 PM
WASHINGTON (AP) — Democrats have used the Senate's newly eased filibuster procedures to clear the way for confirmation of the man President Barack Obama wants to become a top housing regulator.
The Senate voted 57-40 on Tuesday to end a Republican filibuster, or delaying tactics, against Rep. Mel Watt.
Until Democrats forced through changes last month, it took 60 votes to end filibusters — a margin Democrats cannot achieve without support from some of the chamber's 45 Republicans.
In May, Obama picked the veteran North Carolina Democrat to head the Federal Housing Finance Agency. It oversees Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which own or guarantee about half of all U.S. mortgages.
Until now, the nomination had languished because of Republican complaints that Watt is unqualified. Democrats say that is untrue.
http://thegrio.com/2013/12/10/democrats-clear-path-for-mel-watt-confirmation/
Former black BP executive claims she was fired for braided hair and 'ethnic' attire
by Carrie Healey | December 10, 2013 at 10:35 AM
Melphine Evans, a former top executive at BP, has filed a lawsuit against her former employer, in which she claims she was told her "ethnic clothing and ethnic hairstyles" made coworkers uncomfortable.
According to the 24-page lawsuit, Evans was working as the CFO BP West Coast Products when she was fired.
The former CFO claims she made complaints to supervisors and management regarding racial and gender discrimination within the company, and they responded with insensitive remarks, saying she was the problem.
Some of the offensive remarks listed in the lawsuit include:
'You intimidate and make your colleagues uncomfortable by wearing ethnic clothing and ethnic hairstyles ('Dashikis,' 'twists,' 'braids/cornrows'). On one occasion, a BP representative went so far as to ask Ms. Evans 'if she understood that wearing a "dashiki" to work makes her colleagues feel uncomfortable?'
'If you insist on wearing ethnic clothing/hairstyles-you should only do so during 'culture day,' black history month or special diversity events/days.'
'If you are going to wear ethnic clothing, you should alert people in advance that you will be wearing something ethnic
http://thegrio.com/2013/12/10/former-black-bp-executive-claims-she-was-fired-for-braided-hair-and-ethnic-attire/
Ametia says:
Bipartisan negotiators have reached a deal to set government spending levels and eliminate arbitrary forced spending cuts, and — if approved by Congress — avert another government shutdown in January.
The House and Senate must vote on the agreement, and opponents in both parties are already raising concerns. If passed by Congress, the agreement would mark a significant departure from repeated congressional showdowns over the budget.
Our "day trip" to South Africa is over. About to take off on Air Force One to return to the States. http://t.co/z6JNJd44n6—
Jim Long (@newmediajim) December 10, 2013
Air Force One departed South Africa. #nelsomandelamemorial http://t.co/1AMM4GdeBI—
US Embassy SA (@USEmbassySA) December 10, 2013
Senate starts moving after 'nuclear option'
12/10/13 12:49 PM—Updated 12/10/13 02:24 PM
By Steve Benen
Something happened on the Senate floor today that, unfortunately, seemed pretty remarkable. In this instance, there was a vacancy on a key federal bench, so the president nominated a qualified jurist for the post. She was approved easily by the Judiciary Committee, and even Republicans couldn't think of any substantive reasons to oppose her nomination.
The matter went to the Senate floor for a confirmation vote, and a couple of hours ago, senators cast their votes. They were tallied, and since a majority supported her nomination, she was confirmed.
The Senate voted 56-38 Tuesday to confirm Patricia Millett to the D.C. Circuit Court, making her the first nominee of President Obama's to clear the Senate since Democrats unilaterally changed the rules in a vote last month. Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski (Alaska) voted with Democrats.
The rule change means only 51 votes are needed to end a filibuster on nominations below the level of the Supreme Court.
http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/senate-starts-moving-after-nuclear-option
Time for liberals to make rental housing policy a top issue
By Ryan Cooper
December 10 at 12:20 pm
Today, homelessness, poverty, and housing policy are the focus of a big debate among liberals. After the 2008 crisis rooted in homeownership, more and more people are renting every day. But liberals have not really grappled with the problem of affordable housing, and traditional solutions are unequal to the task.
The Obama administration's housing policies have mostly fixated on restoring the pre-crisis home mortgage status quo, but have barely addressed renting at all. Homeownership is important, but liberals now need to set affordable rental housing on an equal political footing with owning. At a minimum, this will involve massive new construction to address the desperate shortage of affordable rental units.
One place for liberals to start is with this magnificent piece in the New York Times. It tells the story of a girl named Dasani, as she and her family struggle to survive homeless in Brooklyn. It's a gripping tale that, if you have even a scrap of human decency, inspires deep sympathy.
Dasani's family has a lot of problems. But possibly the biggest one is housing. New York City rents are very, very high, and climbing all the time as rich whites move back to the city en masse. The city bureaucracy keeps encouraging the family to go out and find their own place to live, but with rents so preposterously far out of reach, and rental assistance vouchers cut in the age of austerity, it's easy to see why Dasani is stuck so long in a thoroughly wretched homeless shelter.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/wp/2013/12/10/time-for-liberals-to-make-rental-housing-policy-a-top-issue/
This is a VERY important article.
Thanks for this, rikyrah.
Yes, this issue must be addressed immediately!
Cracks emerge in anti-ACA wall
12/10/13 10:15 AM—Updated 12/10/13 11:02 AM
Since the beginning of the debate over health care reform in 2009, the line from congressional Republicans has been as unyielding as it's been unconstructive: whatever President Obama suggests, they hate, even when the White House adopts GOP ideas. The party has come to be defined by their almost hysterical hatred, contempt, and disgust for the Affordable Care Act.
But just over the last couple of weeks, unexpected cracks have started to emerge. The Republican approach to "Obanacare" has started to evolve, at least a little.
Rep. Jack Kingston (R-Ga.), a U.S. Senate hopeful, said recently, "A lot of conservatives say, 'Nah, let's just step back and let this thing fall to pieces on its own.' But I don't think that's always the responsible thing to do." As Zachary Roth explained last week, that was soon followed by Rep. Scott Rigell (R-Va.), who conceded that "some Americans' lives have gotten better" as a result of the law, and to fail to acknowledge this is to "deny reality."
Yesterday, Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), who ran on an anti-ACA platform in 2010, stopped by National Review's office and said he realizes his party's repeal crusade is a bust. "We've got to start talking about transitioning," the far-right Wisconsinite said.
http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/cracks-emerge-anti-aca-wall
Eleanor Parker, 91, Oscar-Nominated Actress, Dies
Eleanor Parker, who was nominated three times for a best-actress Oscar but whose best-known role was a supporting one, as the marriage-minded baroness in "The Sound of Music," died on Monday in Palm Springs, Calif. She was 91
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/10/movies/eleanor-parker-91-oscar-nominated-actress-dies.html?_r=0
Why this can't be TRUE
Many blacks and Latinos have no retirement savings, study shows
Fewer than half of blacks and Latino workers have retirement plans on the job, leaving the vast majority of them with no savings designated for their golden years, according to a report to be released Tuesday
.http://articles.washingtonpost.com/2013-02-16/business/37130450_1_retirement-benefits-center-for-retirement-research-social-security
http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/most-minorities-have-no-retirement-savings-report-finds/2013/12/09/12199d30-6111-11e3-94ad-004fefa61ee6_story.html?wpisrc=nl_politics
General Motors is alive – and privately owned
When drawing up a list of President Obama's accomplishments, I tend to think the rescue of the American auto industry – the backbone of the nation's manufacturing sector – is too easily forgotten.
As Obama himself said in a statement yesterday, "When I took office, the American auto industry … was on the verge of collapse. Two of the Big Three – GM and Chrysler – were on the brink of failure, threatening to take suppliers, distributors and entire communities down with them. In the midst of what was already the worst recession since the Great Depression, another one million Americans were in danger of losing their jobs."
But the administration intervened and the results continue to be impressive.
http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/gm-alive-and-privately-owned
The Fournier Journal's New Low
Posted by dpm (dread pirate mistermix) at 8:25 am
Reader J sent me a whole bunch of links this morning, but this one, from Alex Seitz-Wald at the National Journal, should be taught in Journalism schools across the country as an example of shitty narrative-based journalism.
Let's start with the click bait headline: "How Adam Lanza Wrecked Obama's Second Term". Perhaps it's just my peevish nature and small mind, but as far as I'm concerned there's a special place in hell for anyone who decides to juxtapose the name of a loathsome child murderer with a decent public servant (of any party) just to get a few more hits on the Internet. That guy's name should be mentioned as little as possible, and you should spit after you say it.
But, if you can get past the headline, here's the heart of the argument:
Immigration was in an almost impossible bipartisan sweet spot: a singularly important policy goal for Democrats that could be a political boon for both parties. For Republicans, it was a way to fix a demographic problem revealed by the 2012 election. Still, they'd have to move quickly. The populist Right that had torpedoed immigration reform under George W. Bush seemed quieted by defeat, but it wouldn't stay that way for long.
Then Lanza's rampage altered the debate in Washington. Suddenly, priority No. 1 wasn't immigration reform but gun control. The base that had just elected Obama was clamoring for background checks and magazine-clip restrictions, threatening to desert the president before his second inauguration. […]
Yes, it was the dirty fucking hippies who killed immigration reform. The nativist right "seemed quieted" (to whom? the deaf?), so Obama had his moment. If only those fucking hippies had shut up and tolerated a grotesque massacre of children, the DREAM act would have sailed through Congress.
How can someone who has functioning eyes and ears, and a neural pathway between them, believe this garbage? It's been clear all along that immigration reform would live or die in the House, that the House is dominated by a band of zealots who have no intention of risking a Tea Party primary challenge, and that one sure way to encourage Tea Party challenger would be to champion "amnesty", as it would be called in the campaign ads.
The distasteful fact that this piece is dancing around is that Republicans have been looking for excuses to kill immigration reform for years. (Here's the previous effort that used Obamacare as an excuse.) Apparently under the reign of Ron Fournier, it's also the National Journal's job to help them make excuses, or at least create distractions.
http://www.balloon-juice.com/2013/12/10/the-fournier-journals-new-low/
The Morning Plum: GOP set to stiff-arm conservatives once again?
By Greg Sargent
December 10 at 9:03 am
If we are going to get a deal to replace the sequester, which looks likely, perhaps one key reason may be as follows: This time, the incentives favor Republicans showing they can enter into the basic give and take of governing.
With GOP Rep. Paul Ryan close to a deal with Dem Senator Patty Murray that would lift spending levels to just over $1 trillion in fiscal 2014 and 2015, conservatives are already savaging it. Everyone from RedState.com to Breitbart to Hot Air to Heritage Action to Americans for Prosperity have pilloried the deal for lifting spending levels, warning of an imminent cave to Democrats. As National Journal reports, a revolt is brewing among House conservatives.
Despite conservative opposition, the expected deal may end up passing the House with the support of Democrats. Of course, those with very long memories will recall that only a few months ago, the notion that GOP leaders would allow something to pass with a lot of Dems — provoking great rage from the right — was thought to be unthinkably risky. Now, it looks at least possible that House GOP leaders will try to get this done with a minimum of drama. What changed?
The difference this time is that Republicans know they can't afford another crisis heading into 2014. Having already gotten scorched by the last Tea Party-inspired government shutdown — which only ended when House GOP leaders bowed to the inevitable need to stiff-arm the Tea Party — Republican leaders appear determined not to let things get out of hand this time. Which means the only other alternative — aside from temporarily funding the government at sequester levels again, which would only mean another battle into 2014 — is to enter into the sort of basic governing that requires making concessions.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/wp/2013/12/10/the-morning-plum-gop-set-to-stiff-arm-conservatives-once-again/
In GWB Hearing, "Aberrant" and "Illegal" Lane Ploy by Christie Men Draws Fire
Monday, December 09, 2013 – 08:10 PM
By Andrea Bernstein
For as long as anyone can remember the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has worked like this: Two governors divide up the board and staff appointments, and the contracts that flow from that. No one blows the whistle on anyone else, because that might jeopardize one's own spoils.
On Monday, the whistle blew as long and loud as a foghorn by the shoals of the Hudson River.
The setting was a hearing room in Trenton, where State Assembly member John Wisniewksi decided to exercise a rare authority – using his subpoena power to summon officials to explain why three lanes onto the George Washington Bridge had been abruptly closed in September, causing a week's worth of traffic and sending the Port Authority's Executive Director, Cuomo appointee Pat Foye, into a rage.
Back in September, Foye charged in a heated email that the closures were made without proper public notice, in possible violation of the law, and, in fact, without his knowledge. He immediately reversed the closures.
But Democrats were swift to raise the possibility the lane closures had been made as political retribution against the Mayor of Fort Lee, a Democrat, who, unlike some Democrats, had not endorsed Christie for reelection. There was a lot of whispering during Christie's re-election campaign that he had a "naughty and nice list" but no one had been able to prove it. Now, there was talk, there might be some evidence.
The closures, according to some terrific reporting by the Wall Street Journal, had been ordered by David Wildstein, second in command on the New Jersey side to Bill Baroni, the Port Authority Deputy Executive Director.
http://www.wnyc.org/story/cuomo-and-christie-bridge-too-far/
Obama honors Mandela legacy in Johannesburg
President Obama addressed a massive South African crowd today at the memorial service for Nelson Mandela in Johannesburg, and if you missed his remarks, they're worth your time. (For those who can't watch clips online, the White House has already posted a transcript.)
The oratory on Madiba's life and legacy was stirring, but perhaps the most salient rhetoric came when Obama looked ahead.
"The struggles that follow the victory of formal equality or universal franchise may not be as filled with drama and moral clarity as those that came before, but they are no less important. For around the world today, we still see children suffering from hunger and disease. We still see run-down schools. We still see young people without prospects for the future. Around the world today, men and women are still imprisoned for their political beliefs, and are still persecuted for what they look like, and how they worship, and who they love. That is happening today.
"And so we, too, must act on behalf of justice. We, too, must act on behalf of peace. There are too many people who happily embrace Madiba's legacy of racial reconciliation, but passionately resist even modest reforms that would challenge chronic poverty and growing inequality. There are too many leaders who claim solidarity with Madiba's struggle for freedom, but do not tolerate dissent from their own people. And there are too many of us on the sidelines, comfortable in complacency or cynicism when our voices must be heard."
It was pointed precisely because it applied to some of the very leaders who traveled to South Africa for the event and heard the rhetoric from the stage.
http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/obama-honors-mandela-legacy-johannesburg
Did Gov. Chris Christie's (R) administration cripple a New Jersey community with a deliberate, brutal traffic jam, purely out of petty and partisan spite? The question is not as outlandish as it may appear.
To recap our report from yesterday – and if you missed last night's segment on this, trust me, it's worth your time – Fort Lee, New Jersey, was effectively turned into a giant parking lot on the first day of school in September, after the Port Authority closed two of the three lanes leading from the community to the George Washington Bridge. The Christie administration later defended the move, saying it was part of a "traffic study," though we now know there was no study.
So why cause the massive congestion on purpose? New Jersey Democrats allege the Christie administration was punishing Fort Lee's Democratic mayor for refusing to endorse the governor's re-election campaign. And while that seems hard to believe – Christie was cruising to an easy win, anyway – the burgeoning controversy is increasingly difficult to dismiss.
[O]n Friday, the man who ordered the closings – a high school friend of the governor's who was a small-town mayor and the founder of an anonymous political blog before Mr. Christie's appointee created a job for him at the Port Authority – resigned, saying the issue had become "a distraction."
And testifying under subpoena in Trenton on Monday, bridge workers described Mr. Christie's associates' ordering the closings, and called the different maneuvers "unprecedented," "odd" and "wrong." There was, they said, no study.
Mr. Christie's associates at the Port Authority, they said, ordered bridge workers to shut down the lanes with three days' notice despite warnings that it would cause havoc, and that changes of this magnitude typically took years of planning. They were instructed not to tell anyone — not the news media, not Fort Lee, not even the Port Authority's executive director, who is an appointee of Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York, they said. They protested, but went along, they said, because they feared retribution.
http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/bridge-too-far-0
Cheney's descent into incoherence
It stands to reason former Vice President Dick Cheney would be unimpressed with the international agreement with Iran over its nuclear program. Heck, Cheney didn't even get along with George W. Bush late in their second term because Bush was reluctant to launch military strikes on Iran, so the notion that Cheney would balk at President Obama's policy is hardly a surprise.
But as Ben Armbruster noted, Cheney appeared on Fox News this morning to complain about U.S. policy towards Iran, and the former VP doesn't even seem to be trying anymore.
The former vice president moved to Iran and without mentioning any specific criticisms of the agreement, claimed it's bad because of unrelated health care issues. "We don't follow through and Iran we've got a very serious problem going forward and a deal now been cut," he said. "The same people that brought us 'you can keep your insurance if you want' are telling us they've got a great deal in Iran with respect to their nuclear program. I don't believe it."
This is what I like to call a "guy at the end of the bar" argument. You may know the type: there's some angry guy watching the TV above the bar, and to no one in particular, the loudmouth wants to share his poorly informed wisdom about a variety of subjects. He's the guy who's convinced government is inherently bad because of lines at the DMV.
Cheney has become that guy. About 1 percent of the population will be adversely affected by changes to the messy individual, non-group insurance market, and as such, the P5+1 nuclear agreement with Iran is suspect. What do these two things have to do with one another? For sensible people, nothing.
http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/cheneys-descent-incoherence
Darth Vader hasN'T lost enough oxygen to his gray matter yet? DAMN!
Michael was on point here.
Good Morning, Everyone :)
Good Morning, Rikyrah & Everyone!
Hat tip to Xena:


Ironman Canada (Whistler) 2018 (July 29th) – Seedings
By Thorsten on July 11, 2018 in IM Canada
Year Male Winner Time Female Winner Time
2013 Trevor Wurtele (CAN) 08:39:33 Uli Bromme (USA) 09:28:13
2014 Marino Vanhoenacker (BEL) 08:16:10 Bree Wee (USA) 09:46:58
2015 Viktor Zyemtsev (UKR) 08:49:46 Danielle Mack (USA) 09:46:19
2016 Andy Potts (USA) 08:20:23
2017 Linsey Corbin (USA) 09:17:12
Last Year's TOP 3
Here are the links to the results analysis from last year (WPRO-only) and to analysis for the male race in 2016.
Female Race Results
Rank Name Nation Swim Bike Run Time
1 Linsey Corbin USA 00:56:04 05:08:52 03:08:12 09:17:12
2 Jen Annett CAN 00:58:32 05:08:31 03:14:48 09:24:55
3 Rachel McBride CAN 00:51:21 05:06:41 03:25:46 09:27:15
Male Race Results (2016)
1 Andy Potts USA 00:47:03 04:31:07 02:58:19 08:20:23
2 Pedro Gomes POR 00:49:52 04:40:55 02:53:18 08:27:31
3 Trevor Wurtele CAN 00:49:50 04:41:17 02:55:53 08:30:25
Leg Gender Record Athlete Date
Total overall 08:16:10 Marino Vanhoenacker 2014-07-27
Swim overall 00:47:03 Andy Potts 2016-07-24
Bike overall 04:31:07 Andy Potts 2016-07-24
Run overall 02:40:34 Jeff Symonds 2014-07-27
Total female 09:17:12 Linsey Corbin 2017-07-30
Swim female 00:51:21 Rachel McBride 2017-07-30
Bike female 05:06:41 Rachel McBride 2017-07-30
Run female 03:06:53 Uli Bromme 2013-08-25
The Course Rating for IM Canada is – 02:39.
Race Adjustments for IM Canada
Year Adjustment Swim Adj. Bike Adj. Run Adj. # of Finishers Rating Swim Rating Bike Rating Run Rating
2013 02:06 00:21 00:15 -00:40 24 02:06 00:21 00:15 -00:40
2014 01:11 00:26 -02:26 -02:27 15 of 17 01:39 00:24 -01:06 -01:33
2015 -18:46 00:28 -13:17 -04:09 23 of 33 -05:10 00:25 -05:10 -02:25
2016 02:15 01:27 04:12 04:59 12 of 15 -03:18 00:40 -02:49 -00:34
2017 -00:03 01:27 -00:24 00:06 13 of 17 -02:39 00:50 -02:20 -00:26
KPR points and Prize Money
IM Canada is a P-2000 race. It has a total prize purse of 40.000 US$, paying 10 deep.
Male Race Participants
The strength of the field is 11% of a typical Kona field.
ESwim
ERun
1 4 Brent McMahon CAN 08:18:13 08:14:27 00:47:20 04:37:31 05:29:51 02:48:22 70% +0% -30% (12) 6
2 1 Marino Vanhoenacker BEL 08:24:03 08:21:40 00:49:27 04:36:02 05:30:29 02:53:34 73% +5% -22% (30) 19
3 6 Jeff Symonds CAN 08:31:05 08:29:39 00:49:47 04:49:39 05:44:27 02:46:38 61% +0% -39% (11) 45
4 3 Matthew Russell USA 08:32:48 08:28:48 00:53:55 04:38:36 05:37:31 02:55:17 47% +27% -26% (45) 41
5 7 Callum Millward NZL 08:35:21 08:34:36 00:48:39 04:44:01 05:37:39 02:57:42 81% +0% -19% (11) 64
6 8 Paul Matthews AUS 08:35:50 08:30:56 00:47:01 04:42:53 05:34:54 03:00:56 39% +0% -61% (16) 52
7 9 Mark Bowstead NZL 08:39:06 08:39:25 00:48:28 04:42:15 05:35:44 03:03:22 84% +0% -16% (6) 85
8 2 Trevor Wurtele CAN 08:39:17 08:43:00 00:50:51 04:43:02 05:38:52 03:00:25 55% +12% -33% (19) (90)
9 14 Stephen Kilshaw CAN 08:41:27 09:02:05 00:52:26 04:45:04 05:42:30 02:58:57 12% +32% -56% (13) 166
10 5 Pedro Gomes POR 08:42:59 08:45:51 00:51:00 04:49:54 05:45:54 02:57:05 56% +1% -44% (32) 94
11 10 Sam Long USA 08:51:27 08:53:52 00:54:42 04:41:53 05:41:35 03:09:52 83% +0% -17% (6) 132
12 15 Tripp Hipple USA 08:57:39 09:06:35 00:51:59 04:46:48 05:43:47 03:13:52 51% +0% -49% (5) 175
13 16 Nathan Killam CAN 09:02:28 09:17:39 00:53:59 05:02:33 06:01:33 03:00:55 59% +41% -0% (4) (206)
14 20 Christopher Bagg USA 09:03:44 09:40:25 00:53:15 04:54:43 05:52:57 03:10:47 3% +13% -84% (16) (259)
15 19 Adam Feigh USA 09:15:17 09:26:29 00:53:51 04:52:45 05:51:37 03:23:40 n/a (1 IM Pro race) (235)
16 21 Nicholas Chase USA 09:28:49 09:35:06 00:52:04 05:01:28 05:58:33 03:30:16 57% +0% -43% (4) (253)
17 11 Justin Metzler USA 09:31:58 09:43:30 00:48:44 04:57:15 05:51:00 03:40:58 n/a (1 IM Pro race) (265)
18 18 Ivan Dominguez USA 10:16:25 10:28:51 00:54:28 05:17:21 06:16:49 03:59:36 n/a (1 IM Pro race) (291)
12 Kennett Peterson USA n/a unrated unrated unrated unrated unrated 0% +0% -100% (2) (n/a)
17 Andrew Talansky USA n/a unrated unrated unrated unrated unrated n/a (no IM Pro race) (n/a)
Marino Vanhoenacker: 46% (1-1)
Brent McMahon: 30% (2-1)
Matthew Russell: 13% (7-1)
Jeff Symonds: 5% (20-1)
Callum Millward: 3% (28-1)
Kona Qualifying
Here are the athletes looking for a Kona slot and what they'll need to secure a July slot:
Brent McMahon: already safe
Marino Vanhoenacker: 14th (but unclear if he's going to accept a slot)
Callum Millward: 5th or better
Mark Bowstead: podium
Ironman Canada (Whistler) 2019 – Analyzing Results
Ironman Canada/Whistler (WPRO only, July 28th) – Seedings
Ironman Canada/Whistler 2019 (WPRO only, July 28th) – Entry List
Ironman Canada 2018 (July 29th) – Entry List
Ironman Germany 2018 – Analyzing Results
Ironman Switzerland 2018 (July 29th) – Seedings