A career in law has become one of the most desirable jobs. Also graduates from the top schools gain by having better choices of law firms, better job security and choosing to work in the legal disciplines that are the most interesting to them. If you're considering an stand alone school, first find out if the school is accredited by the American Bar Association.
Problems of historicity in the conservation of the pioneering rein- forced concrete buildings in Taiwan. This means that minimum LSAT scores and minimum GPAs (and averages) of the incoming classes of 2008-08 will be lower than what you will find published by U.S. News and World Report and by the schools themselves.
ICCROM's Built Heritage Programme has made the conservation of modern architecture a priority area. Preservation of Modern Architecture. Materiali del Novecento: Conservazione, restauro, manutenzione: Atti del Convegno di studi, Bressanone 13-16 luglio 2004, edited by Guido Biscontin and Guido Driussi, 901-10.
20th Century Heritage: Our Recent Cultural Legacy: Proceedings of the Australia ICOMOS National Conference 2001, 28 November-1 December 2001, Adelaide, the University of Adelaide, Australia. Historic Building Conservation. In Architettura e materiali del Novecento: Conservazione, restauro, manutenzione: Atti del Convegno di studi, Bressanone 13-16 luglio 2004, edited by Guido Biscontin and Guido Driussi, 831-35.
Earth Construction Handbook: The Building Material Earth in Modern Architecture. Twentieth-Century Architectural Heritage: Strategies for Conservation and Promotion: Proceedings. The best schools are in the Tier One, followed by those in Tier Two and Tier 3. Traditional wisdom states that the best jobs to go Tier One students, while those in Tier 3 will have the most trouble finding employment.
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At about 0530 on a cold drizzly morning a bunch of duty people and all the non-quals the duty chief could lay his hands on were rousted out from their warm blankets on the living barge at the end of drydock #1 at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Kittery, Maine. They were told to hustle over to where this nuc boat was getting underway to handle lines. As usual with things "Navy" the boat which was supposed to move out at 0700 got delayed the line handlers stood around in the damp wind while things got straightened out. At about 0800 the boat finally moved out with shipyard riggers lifting off the brow and the wire rope lines forward. The disgruntled wet crew from the living barge walked back over to get some breakfast and start a new week in the shipyard. It was Monday, 9 April 1963.
Their boat the USS Dogfish (SS-350) was undergoing an overhaul. It was torn apart in the basin of drydock #1. On Wednesday of that week things seemed different. There were clumps of shipyard workers standing around, not working. Some folks seemed to be moving about with some urgency. Then as the day wore on the word spread that the Thresher, that boat that got underway on Monday was missing while on sea trials. As the day turned to evening the shipyard turned from a general quiet to near silence as there was no work being done.
The next day at quarters, the crew of the Dogfish were officially notified to the missing boat but the news was hardly a surprise. At noon each division met on either the work barge or the living barge and were told by their division officers that if anyone wanted to 'non-vol' and obtain a transfer out of submarines that request would be honored with no question. With the official announcement that the Thresher was lost in water much deeper than her crush depth and there was no hope of survival, the shipyard and the Navy turned to the task of dealing with the relatives of the crew and the shipyard workers that perished. It was a daunting task that turned into a real job of problem solving. Many crew didn't have wills and many of the wills hadn't been updated. Insurance policies sometimes listed ex-wives as beneficiaries. Several members of the Dogfish crew along with other sub crews (Tinosa and John Adams) were tasked with clearing out the Thresher crew lockers in the barracks. The general rule in packing the personal effects for shipment was that if we would not want our parents or relatives to receive an item it didn't get packed. These were mostly cigarettes, books, magazines and the like.
As the week wore on into the following week memorial services were scheduled. Planned mostly by faith, Catholic, Protestant and so forth the little chapel at the shipyard was used. When it was realized that there were more people attending than the chapel could hold the services were moved outside to the bridge and conning tower shears of the Squalus memorial. Some crew members of the boats in the yard served as ushers and gofers for the arrangements and services. It was a very sad time.
As a new graduate of submarine school I reported to Dogfish in March of 1963. I can still remember clearly being well aft and helping handle #4 line as Thresher went on sea trials as well as the events of the following weeks. Some things kind of blur together but the memory of the feeling is still there.
Upon returning from a Western Pacific Deployment in June of 1968 I took my leave of another diesel boat (USS Sterlet SS-392)and made my way to Galesburg, Illinois where for the first time in my life I met my fiance's family. I got there on the first of June and we were married on the 8th. It was during that week that the story of the loss of the USS Scorpion broke. I asked my wife to be if she still wanted to go through with the wedding as I would be sticking with the Submarine Force as a 20 year career. I stayed with submarines until retiring in 1982; she is still with me. I got the better deal. But I never, ever handled lines for a submarine getting underway. Superstition I guess.
Were you on Dogfish in 1965? Who was CO?
I left Dogfish in January of 64. The CO then was Weatherly. Don't know if there was a change in 64 but there might have been since he took the boat through the yards.
I transferred to the lovely environs of Bainbridge Maryland to enjoy the duties of a nuc school student. Class 64-1.
None of us aboard Plunger that day will ever forget. Will pay my respect tomorrow at the Submarine Memorial West.
I rode Dogfish in 1965 Subschool. Believe CO was a LCDR Mationi???
I was off-crew from the 599 on the fateful day. I remember the chapel bells on Submarine Base ringing all day.
I also remember a Sonarman (Dave Spence) who reported aboard with our Blue Crew a month before the loss of the 593 and he was transferred from her. He was a wreck for quite some time but it was a pleasure to serve with him until we bought the boat back in '65 for an overhaul. We also were given the opportunity to opt out of submariners but none did.
I still have the New Haven Register from April 11th and the Boston Globe from the 12th. I also have a copy of a letter sent by President Kennedy to the family of a crewmember. HIs sister brought the letter to a USSVI Convention in Reno in 1999. I lost it when she showed it to me.
I lost a good friend (Edgar Bobbitt) who I attended "A"-EM school with and SubSchool with cousin Dan and I.
The CO, Wes Harvey, was the chief engineer of S1C when I qualified as a RO in '60. The XO, Patty May Garner, was the chief engineer in SKATE in '60 when I reported aboard. Patty May mentioned that he would be leaving for THRESHER and would like to have me along. If I hadn't been selected for NESEP in '61, I wouldn't be writing this post.


Both museums, usually closed on Mondays, will be open on December 7th to offer visitors to Florence over the long holiday weekend (remember the 8th is the day of the Immaculate) the chance to visit.
The Uffizi and Accademia will be open from 8:15am until 6:50pm (last entrance for the Uffizi is at 6:05pm while for the Accademia it is at 6:20pm). Normal admission cost applies. The day, being a special opening, cannot be booked online – it can only be booked by phone at 055-294-883.
Also remember that the day before, on December 6th, entrance into these two museums but also to other State museums in Florence (such as the Medici Chapels and the Bargello), will be FREE entry to everyone as part of the "Sunday at the Museum" initiative where the first Sunday of every month is free.
If the line is too long on Sunday, we really suggest waiting and going on Monday.


outgoing – Parenting 3….baby, toddler and teen!
Parenting 3….baby, toddler and teen!
my honest postings about being a parent across all the stages!
I've just spent a wonderful week with my husband and toddler in Dorset, but I've come home exhausted! I have felt like I need a other break to recover from this holiday, which seems so ungrateful. I realised 15 minutes after walking back through our front door what had gone wrong…. in 7 days away I hadn't had 15 minutes totally to myself.
I have spent the week making sure my husband and son were happy. I planned in spending time with dear friends, who we don't get to see very often, and I wouldn't take back a second of that time. The week was a good break, and I don't want to come across as ungrateful. But it has made me reflect on where I find time for me and how I find time to recharge my batteries. It has also made me realise I need to find a way to tell those closest to me that I need time and space to myself without them feeling rejected or unloved. If I don't then I become grumpy, short tempered, agitated, and then I want to retreat further and further in to myself.
At home, I work for a fabulous organisation, I spend 16+ hours a week working at home in my own space. Yes I have video calls etc with colleagues, but I also get head space while I am working. (I know that might sound like a contradiction, having my own head space while working, but I get time where I am not having to engage directly with others and although I am generating outputs (often lots of outputs!!) I am also no having to energise others. I can only liken this to a rechargable battery. When in a torch, for example, when it is turned on it is being drained of power. When it is off, it is static-not draining but not recharging. When the battery is placed back on the charger it is gaining power again so that it can make the torch shine brighter and for longer.
A few years ago realising I was an outgoing introvert was a big turning point, and since then I have kept trying to carve out space for me. Be it half an hour in bed on my own each evening with a book, or making the most of the nap times in the day since having a baby. Taking that time for me has become crucial. I had forgotten how when on holiday routine changes, and there are others with expectations. I also had expectations, and we'd never discussed them.
I know before we go away for much longer in the summer we need to have the conversations about how each of our needs are met. I know I am more complicated at times to read, but since having a baby and now a toddler, I know I need to carve out that space for me even more than ever. Parenting is still very much a journey, possibly even more so the second time round! But this time I think I am learning more and more about myself!
Yup that's me. An outgoing introvert mum. And I've discovered it has its upsides and its downsides. It's a tough balance to get right, especially when juggling the normal small baby tiredness that comes with having a 3 month old, plus the needs of a 15 year old and still trying to spend time with your husband. And on top of all of this I need to find some me time.
Going to mother and baby groups where I know few or no other mum's is exhausting for me. I know that it's good got my little boy though. I have to decide which groups I invest time and energy in, and which I say no to. I also now know to make sure in every week I have at least 1 day where I can just chill at home and do nothing if I need to. It's not that I'm not committed to groups but sometimes I've learnt that I just need to be selfish.
Some weeks even chatting online with my mummy friends can be exhausting. They are often my lifeline too. I feel guilty sometimes because maybe I'm not always my true self when I'm with them. I put on my "be confident and ready to share and participate" face before starting antenatal classes but it's hard, and at times tiring, trying to carry on being that person now.
Yes at times my confidence level is low. I can doubt myself. I can, and do, doubt my parenting skills. I worry about fitting in. I stress about being accepted for being me with every new situation. And all of this then exhausts me.
I'm struggling to get the balance right in my life. I need to be mum to a teenager, mummy to a baby, friend to my friends, and wife to my husband. I also need to be me.
I think the next year or so and beyond will be me continuing to battle to get the balance right. I'll struggle some days. I won't always get it right. Sometimes I talk to much cos I'm nervous. Sometimes I put my foot in it. And then I go home and beat myself up over it! But I keep learning.
I wouldn't be without my family for anything. I just need to keep finding me in the chaos.
Please don't think you know the answers….or have a strop cos you don't get a cuddle!
Parenting 3….baby, toddler and teen! Create a free website or blog at WordPress.com.


Opinion: Tony Blair is all over the mainstream media Saturday preaching that Jeremy Corbyn would be a dangerous experiment for the UK if he ever became Prime Minister.
The headlines actually scream to the world "Corbyn government would be a dangerous experiment for the UK."
So presumably Blair is damning those who might opt to serve alongside Mr Corbyn in government.
Does Blair suspect an early election post the EU referendum? If not why is he speaking out now?
Could it be that Blairites within the party are re-grouping ready for a leadership challenge post the EU referendum June 23 as predicted? June 24 Labour Party members elect the party's NEC candidates and a swing to the right here could open the door to the so-called Bitterites.
The next general election is scheduled for 2020 so what's the rush Tony?
Could it be more about the long awaited Chilcot Inquiry which is finally set to be published?
Perhaps Blair is responding to a report in the Independent five days ago which claimed "Jeremy Corbyn 'still prepared to call for Tony Blair war crimes investigation'."
According to that report "During the Labour leadership election Mr Corbyn said he was convinced the Iraq War was illegal and that anyone who had committed a crime should be put on trial."
That was then spun again into "Jeremy Corbyn is prepared to call for an investigation into Tony Blair for alleged war crimes during the Iraq War, according to reports."
Reports from who or what?
Tony Blair was a successful Labour Party leader and Prime Minister if you judge him on election wins.
But for many his reputation was tarnished by the Iraq War and his commitment to watered-down Thatcher, Tory policies. I remember the warning bells ringing in my head, post the 1997 election, as Blair greeted Thatcher with undue reverence.
New Labour under Blair was swings and roundabouts. NHS waiting times were slashed but at a huge price. The minimum wage was a godsend for many low paid workers in the UK but it was hardly a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow.
Ultimately Blair's politics moved from the centre ground over to the right and he was toast. He did opt to move on before the proverbial hit the fan but his legacy is tarnished unless you are a die-hard fan or personal friend.
1 - "In an interview with the BBC, the former Labour prime minister said populist politicians, whether on the left like Corbyn or on the right, were worrying and he spent a lot of time thinking about how people in the centre should respond."
Presumably then Mr Blair puts himself in the centre ground of politics? The centre ground is an area awash with political parties all aiming to maintain the status quo when it comes to the establishment.
Blair refuted he was to blame for Corbyn's leadership success instead saying it was the "way of the world" these days.
2 - He said: "It's a big challenge for the centre and, when I'm not thinking about the Middle East, I'm thinking about this because I do think, by the way, it would be a very dangerous experiment for a major western country to get gripped by this type of populist policymaking left or right, a very dangerous experiment. "I do think the centre ground needs to work out how it gets its mojo back and gets the initiative back in the political debate because otherwise these guys aren't providing answers, not on the economy not on foreign policy."
Mr Blair was the UN's Quartet Middle East Peace Envoy from until 2015. Draw your own conclusions of that one. The Middle East is screwed.
"The Quartet are the United Nations, the United States, the European Union, and Russia. The group was established in Madrid in 2002, recalling Madrid Conference of 1991, as a result of the escalating conflict in the Middle East. Tony Blair resigned as the Quartet's Special Envoy on 27 May 2015."
And note centre politics again.
They are the ones that allow the British Royal Family to continue and prosper while imposing austerity on the rest of us. Those politics that shy away from a Mansion Tax or an increase in taxes but fail to remove a Bedroom Tax.
I always thought one thing in Blair's favour was the introduction of the Hunting Act but if mainstream media reports are correct he was not bothered either way.
BBC News adds more Saturday saying "Mr Blair said the dislike many felt for him was less to do with the Iraq War and more to do with him winning three general elections for Labour."
Mr Blair has been in the news more than once this week as yet again he said a ground war was needed to defeat ISIS.
He may or may not be right on that score.
Note from the Guardian post - A spokesman for Corbyn declined to comment.
I am always baffled that Blair can still lift his head and talk after not only creating two illegal wars also did nothing as an UN Envy for the Middle East to stop Israel unjustified and heavy bombardment of Gaza. Another one with no principles and only after the money. His nickname is "human cash machine". To get that name in those circles he really much be lorry-load it. Hope he will be tried for war crimes. He deserves it.
I know Hannah Blair and others just don't get it do they?
He is in the middle but Conservatives built more council houses in one year than his government in 13. A reactionary in Labour clothing.


A fellow Weirton resident thinks she is being a good Samaritan by setting out to provide a few sanitation workers with a raise. She may not realize she is actually wiping out a Social Security raise recently received by thousands of Weirton senior citizens. It took three years to get that $3 a month raise.
I have been informed that the workers themselves are not complaining. I believe we all realize top dollar and benefits are not available for every job. That is part of life. If a person wants a better job, they work their way up to a better job, go to a trade or vocational school, or college.
City Manager Travis Blosser and Mayor Harold Miller have indicated the city does not have the revenue to provide teh benefits for the sanitation workers. To get the necessary revenue, the garbage fee would have to be raised by $4 a month — wiping out the $3 a month raise that Social Security took three years to give us.


← Flag Book Workshop TODAY!
I wonder if they put the lights on it at night? That would be a cool picture!
1 Response to Look What's on the Marquee!
The lights were on either Thursday or Friday morning-I can't remember which- because there were students there for a field trip, even during the day it was awesome!


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Zachary Barnes
Fantasy literature, reviews, and musings
AVENGARDE
Chapter Sample
AVENGARDE Press/Media Kit
Review of Patrick Rothfuss' NAME OF THE WIND
January 15, 2015 zacharybarnes
This book is exceedingly well done, to a degree that it scares me. This was a debut novel, and it has set an intimidatingly high bar for those of us wishing to break into modern fantasy.
But it's so good. It has all the emotions. It has all the action. And, most importantly, it passes the goosebump test (which is a real thing, dammit).
The Name of the Wind is a frame story, and is the first in the Kingkiller Chronicle trilogy. It's great as a bildungsroman, but also deals with the afterward of that oft-told tale: of a man who has become a legend in his own time. It's a self-acknowledged story about stories, and I love it dearly.
So thank you, Mr. Rothfuss, for telling Kvothe's story so well. By holding yourself to such a high standard, you inspire others to do the same, and, let me tell you, we're better for it.
I'm on facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/zachbarnesonwriting
And Twitter: @ZacharyBarnes4
Like or follow me if you enjoy the blog!
Don't steal my words. They're mine. ©
Book ReviewsAdult, Fantasy, Highly Recommended, Review
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"Rantasy" or; Hi, Fantasy, I'm Zach
February 01, 2018 zacharybarnes 0
Review of Mark Lawrence's RED SISTER
This was a very fun, quick read! Mark Lawrence employs a variety of devices to great...
Review of Mark Lawrence's PRINCE OF THORNS
GrimDark itself might be classified as a reaction to sword & sorcery and its heroes mounted...
Review of Steven Erikson's GARDENS OF THE MOON
This is a tricky review for me because I absolutely love this series (books 2, 3...
2 Thoughts to "Review of Patrick Rothfuss' NAME OF THE WIND"
Sonia Lal
OMG this book is fantastic! It's hard to believe that this is a first novel.
To be fair, I think Mr. Rothfus spent 7 or 8 years editing NotW. But it's still incredible
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Zachary Barnes is an American fantasy author who has been writing fiction since 2007. After attending James Madison University for Music Education, Zachary moved to Northern Virginia where he began his career in education. Currently, Zachary is the assistant manager and lead tutor at the Reading and Writing Center at Northern Virginia Community College.
Review of Mark Lawrence's RED SISTER February 1, 2018
Writing Challenge #1 April 17, 2017
Cussin' and Bigotry June 16, 2016
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Roberto Di Matteo was left with mixed feelings after Schalke claimed a memorable 4-3 victory at Real Madrid on Tuesday.
Real Madrid may have scraped through into the Champions League quarterfinals despite losing 4-3 at home to Schalke on Tuesday, but the Spanish press still described the performance of Carlo Ancelotti's European champions as "a total disaster."
Madrid coach Ancelotti admitted that his team had played "very, very badly" while losing at the Bernabeu in their round-of-16 second leg, just about qualifying for the competition's last eight 5-4 on aggregate.
On Wednesday morning, local media agreed with the Italian.
"To the quarters, with shame," said the cover of AS, over a picture of club captain Iker Casillas ordering Cristiano Ronaldo -- who scored two of Madrid's goals on the night to go with the one he scored in the 2-0 first-leg win in Gelsenkirchen -- to remain on the pitch and accept the lengthy derision of the home fans at full-time.
Marca's front page exclaimed "What horror!" and added: "Los Blancos came close to the embarrassment of elimination despite the 2-0 first leg. Cristiano avoided catastrophe with two goals. The fans singled out Casillas and [Gareth] Bale, and sent the team off with tremendous jeers."
Inside AS, the match report from Juanma Trueba also pointed out how close the Champions League holders had come to the most painful of exits from this year's competition.
"For Madrid, the odds of elimination were comparable to those of being killed by a piano," Trueba wrote. "Anyone who did not watch the match could not imagine how close the keys were to the heads of the Madrid players, followed by the sound box, pedals and tail. Cristiano avoided a catastrophe. His goals were decisive on a night of progressive degeneration, from the bad to the ridiculous."
The AS website also featured a video of angry fans shouting abuse -- "rogues, dogs and worse" -- as the players left the stadium in their cars.
At El Pais, Jose Samano's match report said the team had escaped alive on Tuesday night, but the performance would not be forgotten.
"They will be in the quarterfinals, but this tie will have consequences," Samano wrote. "Ancelotti's team were disconnected, full of holes in every line, not together at all. Cristiano, at least in Europe maintains his level.
"Madrid were horrific, a total disaster. A small team, awful, without energy, with some in their hammocks, others with marble in their legs and many others without a compass."
The reaction in Catalonia was similarly damning, if lighter in tone. Mundo Deportivo's report began: "The current Real Madrid is good for nothing, absolutely nothing, and even less to win La Liga or the Champions League."
Over in Germany, the papers highlighted Schalke's performance but also took note of the in-crisis Real Madrid.
Die Welt's headline was a simple "4-3 -- Schalke disgrace Real Madrid at the Bernabeu," adding: "Schalke parade champions Real Madrid with a gala. But that's not enough for a miracle."
Football magazine kicker declared "One goal missing. Terrific Schalke noses the sensation," while local outlet Der Westen ran with "Courageous Schalke fall short of the miracle."
Bild ran the headline "Schalke, wonderful," before commenting: "Schalke sensed the miracle. But Real have Cristiano Ronaldo [and nothing else]."
Huntelaar's brace against his former club gave Schalke hope right until the end of the tie.
Germany's biggest tabloid noted that Real's Germany internationals Sami Khedira and Toni Kroos "were nowhere to be seen," and also highlighted the atmosphere at the Bernabeu. "Real supporters whistled their team mercilessly, already during the match."
Suddeutsche Zeitung said: "FC Schalke 04 outplayed Real Madrid in their own monumental living room. In the end Iker Casilla's two classy saves spared his club the worst case embarrassment."
The paper also highlighted Max Meyer's performance, who "brilliantly steered the match" and left "Real disorientated."
When it was all over, Schalke -- "the quarterfinalist of hearts" -- were "fabulous losers."
"Fought like a lion," Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung headlined and added: "'The Hunter' [Klaas-Jan Huntelaar] scored twice, hit the crossbar once, and thus played a huge role in the 'miners' from the Ruhr Area having the 'royals' from the Spanish capital on the cusp of an extraordinary humiliation," they said.


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Frances Maddrey Healey
1916 — November 10, 2017
Elmcroft
Starts at 10:00am (Eastern time)
Obituary of Frances Maddrey Healey
Frances Maddrey Healey age 101 of Knoxville, TN passed away on Friday, November 10, 2017 at Parkwest Medical Center in Knoxville. Frances was born in Norfolk, Virginia in 1916. She attended the Norfolk Division of the College of William & Mary, now Old Dominion University, and received a Bachelor of Science degree from the College of William & Mary. Frances was one of the first women awarded a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University. She married Royal Navy Commander, Geoffrey "Tim" Healey and moved to South Africa where she resided until 1961. Frances returned to Williamsburg, VA and worked as a University Administrator in the Career Planning & Placement office for the College of William & Mary and also Old Dominion University. She also worked for Colonial Williamsburg until her retirement at the age of 82. Frances moved to Sevierville, TN eventually making her way to Knoxville. She enjoyed playing Bridge, Dominoes, and Bingo during retirement and was a lifelong member of Freemason Street Baptist Church in Norfolk, VA but regularly attended West Hills Baptist Church while living in Knoxville. Frances was preceded in death by her parents, John Thomas and Ruth Maddrey; husband, Geoffrey "Tim" Healey; brother, John B. Maddrey and sister, Mildred Butler. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Clare & Dave Crawford of Knoxville, TN. Frances' family will hold a memorial service on Saturday, December 2, 2017 at 10:00am at Elmcroft, 8024 Gleason Drive, Knoxville, TN 37919.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Frances Maddrey Healey, please visit our flower store.
8024 Gleason Dr, Knoxville, TN 37919


Practical fleece lined half pad, providing protection without the bulk.
The Cottage Craft Synthetic Fleece Lined Half Pad is ideal if your horse requires padding between the saddle and back but you want to avoid the bulk under your legs. This pad features D-ring straps to keep it secure under the saddle and the synthetic wool makes it a practical choice for the sometimes messy sport of horse riding.


Things were awesome. It was my first "big boy" job with a full-blown, sustainable salary. I was excited about my future and working with a team who encouraged me often made the day-to-day a bit easier. I was able to work from home, talk to customers from all over the world, and even travel to places I hadn't been before.
It was a fun job and I was excited about building a future with this company. I had a chance to make an impact on some of the loneliest leaders in the world: pastors.
Fast-forward a bit and things were still good, but I knew there were some changes that were going to be made. What I didn't realize is how much those changes would affect me. I didn't know that my position was considered so dispensable. And I didn't know that my life would look a lot different in a very short amount of time.
Transitions are hard. And when transitions are unexpected, they can be crippling.
However, transitions can lead to clarity, opportunity, and renewed purpose.
In my situation - I could have stayed in the frustration and defeat and anger, but deep down I knew those weren't the options that would pay my bills or set me up for success in the future. So, I hustled. I stayed up late and woke up early working on my resume, writing, dreaming, planning, and preparing. I had meetings and sent emails and listened to a lot of people I trusted. I worked on new things I believed in and went after passions I had let previously die.
1) Relationships matter most when you are in need.
I wouldn't have found myself in a better place with a great job and plan for the the future if I had not been surrounded by so many people who believed in me and wanted me to succeed. My friends and mentors rallied around me during my transition. They encouraged me, connected me, reminded me of my strengths, and ultimately helped me find a job I loved. Authentic, connected community is a far better resource than any career-building tool or leadership book.
2) Courage and patience are better resources than shame and fear.
When bad, difficult, or unexpected things happen to me, my natural instinct is to choose anxiety and fear. And while I hate to admit it, my natural tendency is to attempt to regain control of my life at any and all costs. This typically leaves the people closest to me feeling neglected, hurt, and/or overwhelmed. Don't be like me. Choose the relationships, opportunities, and conversations that talk you off the cliff, remind you of who you actually are, and lead you to the places that allow you to make healthy decisions.
3) It's ok to be honest about how you feel.
I know. I get it. You don't like letting people know that you are terribly afraid of not recovering or not being able to find a new job or never getting married or not measuring up to other people's expectations. I can relate. And even though truly opening up may feel weird at first, it could change your life. When you allow other people, namely those closest to you, join in on the story you are writing, you are showing them you have what it takes to move forward. Be open with who you are and where you are regarding your professional, emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual (if that is your thing) journey. Doing this enables others to understand where you are, where you want to go next, and how they may be able to help you get there.
4) Listen to people smarter than you.
Now that you've expressed how you feel and you let a few people see you for who you really are, take the time to listen to the older, wiser, more-experienced mentors and leaders you have in your corner. Eventually, let the talking about how you feel and the things you wish were different turn into a chance for a person who believes in you to speak truth and opportunity into you. Hear them. Pay attention. Take notes. Read books. Figure out how what they say can apply to your journey and keep them in the loop during your transition process.
When your transition comes (and I assure you, it will), be aware of how you handle it. If you feel like giving up, don't. Give yourself the opportunity to bounce back, gain a healthy perspective on the situation at hand, and determine what steps need to be taken in order to succeed.
Have you ever faced a difficult transition? What's the best you would give someone facing a similar situation?


With her cookbook *Coconuts and Collards*, Diaz goes deep into a very specific type of Puerto Rican cooking: her own.
A pesto that uses the versatile herb culantro, which tastes a little like a cross between parsley and cilantro.
In the wake of Hurricane Maria, people in Puerto Rico have been left without food or water. Here's how you can help.


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French Grand Prix facts and stats
Le Mans has hosted a grand prix event on thirty previous occasions, including the Grand Prix "Vitesse du Mans" in 1991, which is the only year that two grand prix events have been held in France in the same year.
Le Mans was first used for a grand prix event in 1969, when the 500cc race was won by Giacomo Agostini, who lapped all the other riders in the race on his MV Agusta.
This is the 19th successive year that the Le Mans circuit has hosted a motorcycle grand prix event, starting in 2000.
In addition to Le Mans, there have been seven other circuits that have hosted the French GP (the figure in brackets is the number of times each circuit has hosted the French Grand Prix): Paul Ricard (13), Clermont-Ferrand (10), Nogaro (2), Reims (2), Rouen (2), Albi (1), Magny-Cours (1).
Since the introduction of the four-stroke MotoGP formula in 2002 Honda have had seven wins at Le Mans, the last of which was four years ago with Marc Marquez.
Yamaha have had eight MotoGP wins at Le Mans, including for the last three years, 2015 & 2016 with Jorge Lorenzo and last year with Maverick Vinales.
Chris Vermeulen took his single MotoGP win at Le Mans in 2007 riding a Suzuki. Prior to Maverick Viñales winning at Silverstone in 2016, this was the only GP victory in the four-stroke MotoGP era for Suzuki. Viñales finished third at Le Mans in 2016 – the first MotoGP podium for Suzuki since Loris Capirossi was third at Brno in 2008.
The best results for Ducati at the Le Mans circuit are second place finishes for Loris Capirossi in 2006 and Valentino Rossi in 2012.
The only non-Spanish rider to win a MotoGP race at Le Mans in the past nine years is Casey Stoner in 2011.
The podium at the French Grand Prix last year (Vinales, Zarco, Pedrosa)was only the fourth since the start of 2013 that did not include one of either Marc Marquez or Valentino Rossi. The other podium in this period that did not include either of these two riders were: 2013 – Italy (Lorenzo, Pedrosa, Crutchlow), 2014 – Aragon (Lorenzo, Aleix Espargaro, Crutchlow), 2016 – Austria (Iannone, Dovizioso, Lorenzo). Two other races in 2017 had neither Rossi or Marquez on the podium: Mugello (Dovizioso, Vinales, Petrucci) and Malaysia (Dovizioso, Lorenzo, Zarco).
There have been five GP wins at the Le Mans circuit by French riders: Jean Aureal won the 125cc race in 1969, Guy Bertin the 125cc race in 1979, Patrick Fernandez the 350cc race in 1979, Mike di Meglio the 125cc race in 2008 and Louis Rossi the Moto3 race in 2012.
Of the sixteen MotoGP races held at Le Mans, nine have either started in wet conditions or rain has started during the race. The only years that the MotoGP race at Le Mans has been run under full dry conditions are: 2004, 2010, 2011, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017.
The eight Moto2 races that have taken place at Le Mans have been won by seven different riders: Toni Elias, Marc Marquez, Tom Luthi, Scott Redding, Mika Kallio, Alex Rins and Franco Morbidelli. The only rider to have more than a single Moto2 win at Le Mans is Tom Luthi. None of these Moto2 winners at Le Mans is still competing in the Moto2 class in 2018.
None of the eight previous Moto2 races at Le Mans has been won by the rider starting on pole position.
The six Moto3 races that have taken place at Le Mans have been won by six different riders: Louis Rossi, Maverick Viñales, Jack Miller, Romano Fenati, Brad Binder and Joan Mir. Only two of these victories were not on a KTM machine – Louis Rossi in 2012 riding a FTR Honda and Joan Mir last year on a Honda.
By Martin Raines|2018-05-15T06:07:32+00:00May 15th, 2018|Martin Raines Blog, News and Events|2 Comments
About the Author: Martin Raines
Paul Harris 15th May 2018 at 6:49 pm


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Coralesque and Other Tales to Disturb and Distract
2020 Aurealis Awards Shortlist Announced
HWA Interview with: Anthony Ferguson
I joined the AHWA in 2007. Though I was always drawn to the darker side of life, I kept such thoughts on the back burner for years. I have two university degrees in the Humanities. It took me a long time to hone my writing skills. I observed, I read, listened, learned, critiqued, submitted over and over, took the hard knocks. Still take the hard knocks. I always read horror, loved horror films and shows like the Twilight Zone. When I started writing seriously, I found myself immediately drawn to the dark side. I blame Mr Chuckles for this. He used to live inside my walls, now he lives inside my head.
Chaotic, brooding, thoughtful and sexy. Certainly measured, in that I always draft every piece, however short, several times. I cast it aside, ruminate, forget about it, pull it out of a drawer again and cuddle it, shout at it a bit, then tell it I'm sorry. Then I send it to a trusted bunch of beta readers, who point out all my foibles. Then I write it again, and I know its good to go.
Most recently I published a non-fiction book, Murder Down Under: Notorious Australian Serial Killers, with Exposit Books, an imprint of McFarland in the US. This is my attempt to discuss one of my favourite topics, true crime and serial killers, in the context of popular culture. I look at serial killers and how they fit into the Australian landscape.
It's not a huge stretch from my earlier work, because I notice a lot of my stories feature serial killers. What can I say, I'm a method writer.
Novel writing can be a challenging process. Are there tips you would provide new horror writers on how to move from an idea towards something more substantial they can flesh out into a story?
A good question. I started out with short stories and could not imagine myself writing a full-length novel. However, I think it becomes a natural progression over time. I found I wanted to say more, and eventually, the shorter form begins to feel slightly restrictive.
As for tips. You can free form and seat of the pants a novel if that's the way you like to write, but I prefer a tighter structure. So I write a synopsis first – beginning middle and end, a loose narrative outlining where you want the story to go. You can change this along the way of course.
Then I write chapter outlines. A paragraph for each. I find this process incredibly helpful if ever I get stuck. I can re-visit the outlines and know what needs to be said in a chapter to get from point A to point B. As you write, you get a feel for how the story is playing out and you can rearrange those chapters or add some in or delete some, anything you like to make it work.
I also sketch out the main and incidental characters and give them names and individual quirks (can be the way they look, or the way they speak). Names are important and can sell your story. For example, if I'm writing about Aussie bogans I give them Aussie bogan names. The names need to be age specific too. Try and find catchy names. I keep a list.
Finally, I write a one-sentence elevator pitch that encapsulates the entire story. That's your pitch to a publisher, and it's quite hard to do. Along the lines of "In space, nobody can hear you scream."
Apart from that, try and start out with a big dramatic bang to reel the reader in. Then you can build up the tension to a tipping point two thirds in, and hammer home the shocks over the last few chapters to a huge crescendo.
That's how I do it anyway, but I'm a nerdy Virgo. I think the structuring comes from my uni days and essay writing. I'm a very organised killer…I mean writer.
I've never been big on gore. For example, the thought of eyes being gouged out, or penetrated in any way makes me squirm, so I try and avoid that part of the anatomy. Never a fan of the slasher film, which is probably why I've still never seen Halloween. Never got past the first Saw movie, and as for that Human Centipede, count me out. I don't like mindless cruelty.
Apart from that, I try and avoid cultural appropriation, and being nasty to children and animals. I try and avoid touching on different sexual orientations and basically anything that I have no experience of or comprehension about.
All of them. They are my babies. I'd recommend my short stories as there are loads of them out there. Particularly if you like black humour, sexual deviance and nefarious characters who get their comeuppance in a gruesome manner.
For example there's the sexed up zombies of "The Ardent Dead" in the RomComZom anthology; the wickedly lustful "Driven" in Midnight Echo 7 and reprinted in the Dead of Night anthology; the doomed mobsters of "Road Trip" in the "In Sunshine Bright and Darkness Deep" collection; the killer couple of "Protégé" in Monsters Among Us; family fun with your parents in "Demontia" in Underbelly magazine issue 2; first dates gone very wrong in "Blind Date" in Breach magazine, March 2019; ancient curses in "Ointment" in Gallows Hills magazine, April 2019; and more serial killer fun in "Brumation" in Midnight Echo 15 – you'll never look at alligators the same way again.
I'd like to re-write a bunch of my early published short stories and fix up the rookie errors. I think I can do that.
I've already given the rub to most of my AHWA peers in other forums. Take it as read (ha ha) that you should read as much Aussie horror as possible. Aside from that, I tend to read very eclectically, not just horror…Just answer the question, numb nuts! … Shut up, Chuckles. I'm getting there. I love Joe Hill's short stories. A real chip off the old block. Always been a fan of good old Ramsey Campbell, one of England's finest. His collection of pervy horror tales, Scared Stiff, kept me up many a night. Oh and I love Joe R. Lansdale, that sicko.
Of all your previous work, which of your novels is your favourite, and which novel would you recommend a new reader of your work to pick up first?
Ha that's easy, since I've only published one novel. It's a cracker though, for a first effort. Protégé, a grisly tale of toxic masculinity, violence and the twisted relationship between three generations of men, one of whom is dead. It's almost autobiographical. I'd recommend it, Hell yeah.
I did write four other earlier novels, but I shelved them cos they weren't quite there.
Oh yeah. I'm on the third draft of another novel, or it might be a novella, as it's currently sitting around 40.000 words. It's called Gap Year. Two English girls go backpacking around Australia to escape a traumatic experience. They sign up to do fruit-picking on a remote farm, and things go downhill from there. There is a major twist in the tale of course.
I have also collected all of my 44 published short stories into a single document, then selected the best 30 or so with a view to hitting up an Oz horror publisher to bring out a collection of my short stories in the near future. I think its Fergie time. Why the Hell not?
After that, Chuckles says I have to write some stories about him, or else.
[This interview first appeared in the February issue of the AHWA's newsletter. For more information on the AHWA, including how to join, go to www.australasianhorror.com]


text:
"The UN took a strong stand against apartheid; and over the years, an international consensus was built, which helped to bring an end to this iniquitous system. But we know too well that our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of the Palestinians."
- Nelson Mandela
Source/Notes: Address at The International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People (4 December 1997)
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"The system that enables the most people to earn the most success is free enterprise, by matching up people's skills, interests, and abilities. In contrast, redistribution simply spreads money around. Even worse, it attenuates the ability to earn success by perverting economic incentives."
- Arthur C. Brooks
Source/Notes: A Conversation with Arthur C. Brooks, Part 1, An NRO Interview, June 23, 2010
"I'm a military man, I did what I did only because my country had to be saved from tribalism and feudalism. If I failed, it was only because I was betrayed. The so-called genocide was nothing more than just a war in defence of the revolution and a system from which all have benefited."
- Mengistu Haile Mariam
Source/Notes: As quoted in Riccardo Orizio, Talk of the Devil: Encounters with Seven Dictators, (Walker and Company, 2003), p. 150
"It is well enough that people of the nation do not understand our banking and monetary system, for if they did, I believe there would be a revolution before tomorrow morning."
- Henry Ford
Source/Notes: As quoted in: The American Mercury, Volume 85, American Mercury, 1957
"If you believe that feeling bad or worrying long enough will change a past or future event, then you are residing on another planet with a different reality system."
"ALL religions of a spiritual nature are inventions of man. He has created an entire system of gods with nothing more than his carnal brain. Just because he has an ego, and cannot accept it, he has to externalize it into some great spiritual device which he calls God."
- Anton LaVey
Source/Notes: The Satanic Bible
"The first priority of humankind in this era is to establish an effective system of world law that will assure peace with justice among the peoples of the world."
- Walter Cronkite
Source/Notes: UN Address (1999)
"Education is that whole system of human training within and without the school house walls, which molds and develops men."
- W. E. B. Du Bois
Source/Notes: The Negro Problem (an African American Heritage Book) (2008 edition), Wilder Publications - ISBN: 9781604591941
"This American system of ours, call it Americanism, call it capitalism, call it what you will, gives each and every one of us a great opportunity if we only seize it with both hands and make the most of it."
- Al Capone
"Capitalism, it is said, is a system wherein man exploits man. And communism—is vice versa."
- Daniel Bell
Source/Notes: The End of Ideology introduction (1960)
"I don't know if you noticed, but our two-party system is a bowl of shit looking in the mirror at itself."
- Lewis Black
Source/Notes: Stark Raving Black (2010)
"I am convinced there is only one way to eliminate these grave evils, namely through the establishment of a socialist economy, accompanied by an educational system which would be oriented toward social goals."
Source/Notes: Why Socialism? (1949)
"My friends and family are my support system. They tell me what I need to hear, not what I want to hear and they are there for me in the good and bad times. Without them I have no idea where I would be and I know that their love for me is what's keeping my head above the water."
- Kelly Clarkson
"And the imperialists? Will they sit with their arms crossed? No! The system they practice is the cause of the evils from which we are suffering, but they will try to obscure the facts with spurious allegations, of which they are masters."
- Che Guevara
Source/Notes: On Development (1964)
"These are the strategic dialectics of anti-imperialist struggle: through the defensive reactions of the system, the escalation of counterrevolution, the transformation of the political martial law into military martial law, the enemy betrays himself, becomes visible."
- Ulrike Meinhof
Source/Notes: Published in Minor Literature: Case Study: the Red Army Faction
"All over the place, from the popular culture to the propaganda system, there is constant pressure to make people feel that they are helpless, that the only role they can have is to ratify decisions and to consume."
- Noam Chomsky
Source/Notes: As quoted in: "Chomsky" (Éd. de l'Herne, 2007), edited by Jean Bricmont, p. 218 - ISBN: 9782851971456
"When we blindly adopt a religion, a political system, a literary dogma, we become automatons. We cease to grow."
Source/Notes: Diary Of Anais Nin Volume 4 1944-1947: Vol. 4 (1944-1947), p. 10


Paddy Power is an Official Sponsor of BP. Good for them. Some people aren't very keen on Paddy Power and their banter. Personally I have on problem with it and think their heart is in the right place but understand how some people can find their humour a bit offensive. Each to their own. One thing that can't be denied though is the reach of their advertising and their pro gay stance.
An empty open top bus on the Parade? Nice.
But some accuse them of rainbow-washing. Ok, I'm going to open a can or worms here. Is rainbow-washing *always* a bad thing?
"The act of using or adding rainbow colours and/or imagery to advertising, apparel, accessories, landmarks, etc, in order to indicate progressive support for LGBTQ equality (and earn consumer credibility) - but with a minimum of effort or pragmatic result."
So if there a pragmatic result from the rainbow washing - i.e. the rainbow-washer donates their profits, gives money to a LGBT cause, or sponsors an event then it's OK? Or is it always to be condemned?
I'm torn, so it's a genuine question!


Louise Jean Hermanson Schultz, 94, of Winamac, formerly of Rensselaer, passed away at 2:40 p.m. Friday, Aug. 17, at Parkview Haven Retirement Home in Francesville.
Louise was born on April 23, 1924, in Jasper County, to the late Rudolph A. and Frances M. (Davisson) Ritter. She married Fred L. Hermanson on July 16, 1944. Fred passed away May 1, 1976. She married Earl W. Schultz on Dec. 27, 1981. Earl passed away Feb. 16, 2017.
Louise was an active member of St. Luke Lutheran Church in Winamac. She had been a member of the Happy Homemakers Home Economics Club in Rensselaer. Louise was a beautician and later worked at the First Union Bank in Winamac.
Louise enjoyed sewing, traveling, scrapbooking, cooking and baking. She will be remembered for her wonderful pies. Louise loved caring for her grandchildren. She also enjoyed time with her family and friends.
She is survived by her daughters: Kristin K. Beringer of Hebron, and Linda R. [Roger] Buschman of Rensselaer; son Jeffrey J. [Kathy] Hermanson of Culver; grandsons: Brett Beringer, Bartt Beringer, Greg Beringer, John [Leanne] Behny, Joshua [Melissa] Behny and Jediah [Megan] Behny; granddaughters: Elizabeth [Larry] Wasick, JoLynn [Jeff] Johnston, Kylie [Robert] Vanderkolk and Kacie Hermanson; 11 great-grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents Rudolph A. and Frances M. (Davisson) Ritter; first husband Fred L. Hermanson, second husband Earl W. Schultz; three great-grandchildren; son-in-law William T. Beringer; brothers: Frederick E. Ritter and Orville G. Ritter; and sister Ruth K. Waling.
Visitation will be from 3-8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 24, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 25, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac, with Pastor Tom Woodley officiating. Burial will take place at Memory Gardens Cemetery in Rensselaer.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Luke Lutheran Church or Parkview Haven Retirement Home.


The Greenwich Association of REALTORS® announced the statistics for home sales in The Town of Greenwich for the month of May 2016.
There were 55 single-family residential closings reported during this period according to figures provided by The Greenwich Multiple Listing Service, Inc., the multiple listing service used by REALTORS® in the Greenwich area.
The number of single-family residential closings decreased, compared to May 2015 when there were 56 closings in May. The median sale price for a single-family home decreased to $1,775,000 from $1,887,500 the median sales price in May 2015.
The average days on the market (DOM) for residential homes was 214 days; which was a decrease from 219 days in May 2015.
"This spring market is softer than last year, which is not uncommon in election years. Newer construction and remodels are in stronger demand than some older homes. Interest rates are still at record lows and the banks are lending more than in the recent past; this is a wonderful opportunity for home buyers and investors to take advantage of these perfect market conditions," stated Joann Erb, 2016 President of the Greenwich Association of REALTORS.
The Greenwich Association of REALTORS® is the professional board of choice for the real estate industry in Greenwich. Established in 1924, the association provides professional development and services for REALTORS® and represents the concerns and interests of private property and home ownership rights. The association has over 800 members and is headquartered in Greenwich.


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EPL Weekend: Boca scores, United falls, Arsenal pushes forward
Posted on December 31, 2007 by Breton
Tottenham 6, Reading 4
You almost HAVE to start out with this one as weird results such as this one don't come around to often in the EPL. Dimitar Berbatov had 4 of the 6 Spurs' goals and reiterated after the game that he was poised to leave come the New Year because he still thought Tottenham (even with the new coach) had no chance at trophies. His four put him at 8 for the year and right into the thick of the scoring leaderboard. It was Reading, however, that went up 2-1 with almost a half to go but then all went to hell. There were 7 goals in the last 40 minutes. Robbie Keane was kept quiet on the day despite a PK chance that was snuffed by Marcus Hahnemann. Dave Kitson scored two for the Royals pushing his total to 8 as well, but it was still Reading's 2nd lopsided drubbing of the campaign (remember that 7-4 loss to Portsmouth). Not a good habit to get into…Khalifa Cisse and Ivar Ingimarsson scored the first two goals for Reading, while Tottenham got a rocket from Steed Malbranque and a PK miss follow-up from Jermain Defoe to go with Berbatov's 4 goal performance.
West Ham 2, Manchester United 1
The hiccup that no one expected would happen, especially with the recent form of Cristiano Ronaldo. Ronaldo showed up to play yet again, scoring in the 14th minute to put the Devils up 1-0 and things seemed dandy. It was the Hammers that took control though, creating more chances, and giving Tomasz Kusczak some trouble in goal. They didn't break through Rio and Vidic until the 77th minute when guess who? ANTON Ferdinand (Rio's brother and West Ham's central defender) headed one home. Matthew Upson then provided the winner aerially about 5 minutes later, bringing ManYoo crashing back down to Earth. What's worse is it was Cristiano Ronaldo who could have effectively put the game away in the 68th with a Jonathan Spector PK gift, but he missed wide right proving he's not a soccer God yet.
Fulham 1, Birmingham 1
The Cottagers looked like the home team and both Americans – Bocanegra and Dempsey had good days. Boca found the net early on with a near post run as he nodded it past the sprawling Maik Taylor putting Fulham up 1-0 and making new boss Roy Hodgson jump a bit for joy in the stands. They pressed forward again and again, but it was Sebastian Larsson's Omozusi-deflected (poor kid yet again) long range blast that tied the game up. Dempsey really did look effective, but nothing of worrisome proportions to Taylor in net. Fulham will have to gear up for a tough second half of the season and expect some personnel changes to prepare for that…Michael Parkhurst anyone?
Chelsea 2, Newcastle 1
The Magpies falter yet again. Salomon Kalou's 87th minute put-away amongst offside controversy put the death grip on Sam Allardyce's job status. Either way, Newcastle managed only 2 shots on net, 1 of which hit its target. Michael Essien put away the first goal of the day in a penalty box-scrum, but ultimately he had one of his more forgetful performances of the season. Nicky Butt equalized on a well-executed counter attack that saw him start the play and end it, but after that, Newcastle went limp. Nothing to report except that Chelsea's class took over and Allardyce was relegated to admitting defeat.
Arsenal 4, Everton 1
Tim Howard looked particularly helpless in goal but it certainly wasn't as if received any real help from his back four. Eduardo – Arsenal's Croatian Brazilian – picked apart Lescott and Yobo repeatedly for two goals cancelling out Tim Cahill's opener at 19 minutes. Adebayor added his 11th of the year and Tomas Rosicky hit for a near-post screamer to add insult to injury. There were two sent off in this fixture and for about ten minutes, Everton had the upper hand as Nicklas Bendtner was ejected for a childish tackle. Mikel Arteta – a great deal older – threw a brutal looking elbow on Fabregas minutes later and was given his marching orders as well. A 4-1 win puts Wenger's boys on top by two points and proved me stupid as only a couple days ago I had announced Everton's "arrival". Oh well.
Middlesbrough 1, Portsmouth 0
Southgate's Boro grabbed a shock away win against an impotent Portsmouth squad. It was Pompey that provided most of the attacking flair but they were repeatedly tempered by a Woodgate-led back four. Pompey manager turned felon Harry Redknapp cited fatigue as the biggest factor in the loss, but whether it was fatigue-induced or not, the finishing was pretty much piss-poor. Why the Kranjcar/Muntari set-up was given a rest, with the African Nations Cup coming up and Muntari leaving, is beyond me…
Aston Villa 2, Wigan 1
Another hard fought Aston Villa win. Two late goals from Curtis Davies and Gabriel Agbonlahor sealed the deal at Wigan, ruining Titus Bramble's first-ever goal celebration with the Latics. All-in-all, the game produced few real attacking efforts and if it came down to a defensive stand-off, I would bet my life on the Villans. The man of the day was Curtis Davies though as he looked like a guy worth keeping, something Martin O'Neill has been waiting for all season. Wigan still sits in the relegation zone with Liverpool looming and not making matters any easier.
Sunderland 3, Bolton 1
Roy Keane's boys continued Bolton's downward spiral, putting a three-spot on the lowly Wanderers. Former Man Utd winger Kieran Richardson hit first in the 13th with hot prospect Kenwyne Jones following suit twenty minutes later. It was a finishing clinic as there weren't many chances in this one, nor were there expected to be many. El-Hadji Diouf tried to take matters in his own hands, pulling one back before half-time but the Black Cats held strong. Darryl Murphy provided the icing on the cake in injury time, but the real question after this result was: is Nicolas Anelka moving on?? Without Anelka, I can only see relegation for the Wanderers unless someone learns how to spend money over at Reebok Stadium. Sunderland aren't in a great way either and sit – along with Bolton – right above the relegation zone.
Sunday, December 30th
Blackburn 2, Derby 1
Roque Santa Cruz scored his third goal in 2 games and this one ensured at least a point with lowly Derby County. The Paraguayan striker now has 10 on the year and is rapidly closing in on Cristiano Ronaldo at the top. It was David Bentley however, who also has had a great past couple games, that provided the gamewinner and the heroics for the Rovers. Matt Oakley opened the scoring for the Rams as they converted on their first real offensive drive but fizzled after that. The Rovers poured on shot after shot (a whopping 18 on goal), but the true turning point was Steve Howard's botched penalty attempt. Brad Friedel guessed the right direction and kept Derby's lead at only one. Then Santa Cruz and Bentley took over.
Liverpool 0, Manchester City 0
An exciting deadlock to say the least. Big men of the day were Man City's Vedran Corluka and Irish veteran Richard Dunne. Not that Liverpool's Jamie Carragher had a bad day or anything, but it was pretty quiet on Pepe Reina's side of the field. Sven's Citeh fought off a rather tame barrage and centre-back Dunne probably blocked at least 5 of those attempts himself and kept Torres at bay. Carragher on the other hand kept Elano quiet, snuffing any chance Man City had to move up in the standings. Dunne took the cake for best performance of the day with his acrobatic clearance off the line after a nifty Joe Hart save almost trickled into Man City's goal.
Filed under: Arsenal, Aston Villa, Tottenham | Tagged: Blackburn, Carlos Bocanegra, Dimitar Berbatov, Eduardo da Silva, Middlesbrough, West Ham United |
« Phil O'Donnell dies in Scottish Premier Match 2007: A Look Back on the Domestic (e.g. U.S.) Scene »


Have to let you know that the Madeira 46%abv you tasted is our flagship brand and will not be changing. It's the Madeira 41% abv that was phased out and replaced by Legend.
Otherwise a nice review (and well pronounced!).
How do you find these things so fast Jon?


I've been a fan of Linda Gillard's books ever since I read Star Gazing and Emotional Geology last year. I will never understand why her books aren't more available here in the States (and just in general), and I love talking them up so that more readers can find and enjoy them just as I do. So when Linda alerted me to the imminent publication of House of Silence , I knew I would have to get my hands on it. It sounded deliciously fun. The story of this book's publication is very interesting indeed. Linda's been trying to get it published for more than three years, but publishers seemed reluctant to attempt to market this cross-genre novel. Linda describes it as Cold Comfort Farm meets Atonement . And, of course, I'm sitting here thinking to myself, who in their right mind wouldn't want to read that book? Sometimes the publishing process mystifies me. So finally Linda decided to publish the book herself as an e-book. I applaud the move, and I was lucky enough to receive a copy for review.
My friends describe me as frighteningly sensible, not at all the sort of woman who would fall for an actor. And his home. And his family.
Gwen Rowland is precisely that--frighteningly sensible--though she has shockingly good reason to be. Raised (and I use the term incredibly loosely) by the unholy triumvirate of her drug addict mother, her nymphomaniac uncle, and her alcoholic aunt, Gwen's life has been one long exercise in pure anxiety, solitude, and longing for someone--anyone--she can trust. Orphaned and alone by the age of sixteen, she's since grown up and made a life for herself as a costume mistress. One day, while working on set for a BBC period drama, she meets the charming and offbeat Alfie Donovan, an actor playing a supporting role in the production. They strike up a friendship, which eventually leads to romance, and by the time Christmas rolls around Gwen feels it only natural Alfie might invite her to his home for Christmas. Seeing as she has no family to speak of. The usually composed and dapper Alfie is oddly reluctant, but he eventually agrees, and the two set off for his family manor in Norfolk. Though Alfie has prepped her for the eccentricities of his four sisters and mother, the reality is much more than Gwen expected. And soon she finds herself entangled in the unfolding drama surrounding the hapless and disturbing inhabitants of the Creake Hall.
We were kindred spirits in a way. Detached, self-centred, yet both obsessed with the past. Our past. The difference was, I had no family and Alfie did. He had a family-- a large one --but mostly he behaved as if he didn't, as if he wanted no part of them, however much they might want a piece of him.
As a lonely child, then a solitary adolescent, I used to fantasise about having a family--a proper family, teeming with rowdy siblings, jolly aunts and uncles and of course doting parents. Alfie had that. But I suspect his fantasy was that they all died, leaving him in peace as sole owner of Creake Hall.
And it was true. I had absolutely no idea.
The comparison to Cold Comfort Farm and, I think, to Rebecca is very apt. I was amused, touched, and effectively creeped out in turns. And I had a very good time attempting to decipher the mystery, to figure out just exactly what dark secret lay lurking under the quirky surface. The answer, by the way, doesn't disappoint. And I would be remiss if I didn't mention the touch of romance in this book. I've loved that aspect of Ms. Gillard's previous books, and she comes through once again here in an extremely moving, tasteful, and unexpected way. The elusive and so often painful threads of our lives--happiness, family, grief, most of all, perhaps, forgiveness, as well as the daily struggle to hold them all together within one's consciousness--are at the heart of this engaging story. House of Silence is a perfect choice for a rainy day or an evening in front of the fireplace. It has a little bit of everything and I definitely recommend it.
oooh! I was supposed to have read Cold Comfort Farm for an english class but ended up watching the movie with my cousins. To this day we are always quoting "I saw something nasty in the woodshed"..."yes darling, but did it see you?" Hilarious! This is a very intriguing book and when I heard BBC period drama I IMMEDIATELY thought of Richard Armitage. I must read this! Thank you for the referral. It has been bought on Amazon already!
Thanks for the heads up about this one! It sounds great and hopefully the blog love will help gain it some readers and fans!
This is a great review and sounds very interesting. Thanks!
I loved Cold Comfort Farm so any book that is even obliquely like it intrigues me. I might have to look into this one.
Thanks, Angie, for a great review. :-) HOUSE OF SILENCE is already selling well in the UK and I know your review will boost sales in the US. Without a publicity dept behind me I'm very much dependent on bloggers and book forums for spreading the word. I'm just so thrilled that my faith in the book was actually justified. Readers do seem to be enjoying it!
Oh my this looks good. Thanks so much for tempting me with this one.
This sounds so good. I can't read e-books so I'll have to go back and reread your review for Emotional Geology. I'd like to read something by this author.
I'm in the middle of this now and am enjoying it. I love Linda Gillard, loved Atonement and found Cold Comfort Farm to be hilarious so I haven't been worried.
Anonymous, if you can face reading on a PC screen you can download for free Kindle for PC & Mac, also iPhone, iPad, Android & Blackberry.
Glad you're enjoying it, Holly!
I wanted to post my review of this one before reading yours, but now that it's done, I can say yes! to everything you said. It really was wonderful. And I am so, so thankful to you for bringing Linda's work to my attention way back when with Emotional Geology!
the book cover is really captivating. Thanks for this wonderful review!


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The Sky Blue Trust today publishes letters that we have issued to SISU/CCFC, Wasps and Coventry City Council urgently requesting meetings to help find a solution to the current crisis
To Cllr George Duggins cc Cllr Gary Ridley and Martin Reeves, CEO
Dear Cllr Duggins
Coventry City FC - 21 days from expulsion from the English Football League
Like Coventry City fans everywhere, the Sky Blue Trust are appalled that, in just 21 days time, our historic club may be expelled from the Football League. In recent days and weeks, as the Club's homelessness has been approaching, a war of words has grown between the parties, concentrating on mutual recrimination and blame for the past. Whilst that is understandable, it is getting us nowhere. We are writing today to yourselves, to Wasps and SISU/CCFC seeking urgent meetings to discuss questions about solutions to the crisis. We don't want to know who said what to whom 5, 6 or 7 years ago. We want to know what you are all now proposing to do in the next 7, 14 and 21 days to save the Club we love from extinction.
Our key questions for the City Council are as follows:
1. It has been reported in the press that SISU/CCFC have identified the site of the former Woodlands Academy as their preferred site for development of a new home ground. We understand that the City Council are owners of the site. Subject to planning permission and other necessary consents becoming available following the normal statutory processes, are the City Council willing, in principle, to sell that site, or indeed any other Council-owned site, to SISU/CCFC for the development of a stadium?
2. If the Woodlands site is not available for the development of another stadium, what steps are being taken by the City Council to assist the Club to continue to play home games in the City of Coventry?
3. It is well-known that an impediment to progress in talks over the continued use by CCFC of the Ricoh Arena is the ongoing litigation between SISU/CCFC, the City Council and Wasps. We are asking all parties to that dispute whether talks are planned to take place between them, in the next three weeks, to resolve that matter, in a spirit on compromise and reconciliation?
The Sky Blue Trust would like to secure a meeting with you to discuss these questions and obtain answers which we could then share with our members. I look forward to hearing from you as soon as possible.
To Derek Richardson cc Nick Eastwood
Dear Mr Richardson
Like Coventry City fans everywhere, the Sky Blue Trust are appalled that, in just 21 days time, our historic club may be expelled from the Football League. In recent days and weeks, as the Club's homelessness has been approaching, a war of words has grown between the parties, concentrating on mutual recrimination and blame for the past. Whilst that is understandable, it is getting us nowhere. We are writing today to yourselves, to the City Council and SISU/CCFC seeking urgent meetings to discuss questions about solutions to the crisis. We don't want to know who said what to whom 5, 6 or 7 years ago. We want to know what you are all now proposing to do in the next 7, 14 and 21 days to save the Club we love from extinction.
Our key questions for Wasps are as follows:
1. Do you see the continued use of the Ricoh Arena by a successful professional football club, with 136 years of history in the City and 100 in the Football League as adding value to your business at the Arena?
2. If CCFC are forced out of the City of Coventry, possibly never to return, as a result of your refusal to allow them to continue to play at the Ricoh, what impact will the attendant outrage have upon your business in Coventry?
SISU/CCFC
To Joy Seppala, cc Tim Fisher and Dave Boddy
Dear Ms Seppala
Like Coventry City fans everywhere, the Sky Blue Trust are appalled that, in just 21 days time, our historic club may be expelled from the Football League. In recent days and weeks, as the Club's homelessness has been approaching, a war of words has grown between the parties, concentrating on mutual recrimination and blame for the past. Whilst that is understandable, it is getting us nowhere. We are writing today to yourselves, to Wasps and the City Council seeking urgent meetings to discuss questions about solutions to the crisis. We don't want to know who said what to whom 5, 6 or 7 years ago. We want to know what you are all now proposing to do in the next 7, 14 and 21 days to save the Club we love from extinction.
1. It has been reported in the press that you have identified the site of the former Woodlands Academy as your preferred site for development of a new home ground. If that is so and if the City Council are prepared, subject to planning permission and other necessary consents becoming available following the normal statutory processes, to sell the site to you, please can you explain in outline to the Club's supporters how and to what timetable would the development be carried-out? What would be the approximate capacity of the stadium? What supporting commercial development, if any, is envisaged? Which company would own the stadium? Will you consult Coventry City supporters on the location and nature of any new stadium?
2. If the Ricoh Arena is not available for the Club's home games from 2019/20 onwards, to avoid expulsion from the EFL, it appears that a ground-sharing arrangement may be needed at a suitable ground outside the City. Has such an arrangement been secured? If so, at what location? Will the Club consult its supporters about such an arrangement before committing to it? What is your timescale for identifying and agreeing to any ground-share?


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Home » Governance » 'Self-Discipline the Key – Mukonori' [interview]
'Self-Discipline the Key – Mukonori' [interview]
Roman Catholic Priest Father Fidelis Mukonori (FM) has known President Mugabe, and his family, since the 1970s and is regarded in some circles as the spiritual father of the veteran leader. Our Political Editor Tichaona Zindoga (TZ) caught up with the priest to know more about the relationship the two men have and the long journey that they have traversed. Also, what is President Mugabe's key to a long and fruitful life? Read on . . .
You are one of the prominent persons around President Mugabe, could you just explain how you got to know the man and the history that you share.
Yes I have had the privilege of getting to know President Robert Mugabe. As a family I know the Mugabe family, it's a privilege. In fact I was too young . . . to have known him earlier in the 1960s face to face because he went into prison early and then I got to know the family.
To my surprise he got to know me more even when he was still in prison. Especially when I came back from Zambia in 1973 through 1974 till December when they were released because I was very much involved in the Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace in Rhodesia at the time. Among them, besides the war issues that we were carrying out, included me visiting the traditional war zones like Chiweshe.
We were producing books. They received these books in prison and they got to know we were reviewing every political prisoner, their welfare, because of the experience we had from 1970 if I am not mistaken, when Shumba Churumanzu died in prison out of deliberate neglect by government.
So for us that was a lesson learnt so therefore we followed each of those political prisoners and that's how they got to know who I was and that I was working with lots of young people.
Because of my involvement with Silveria House, there was Sabina, the President's sister who was working at Silveria House and we started working together in 1974. She naturally fell in love with me, and so did I we started working profusely together. I visited the family. Once I was introduced to Ambuya Bona we became good friends and I rejoice in my soul for having known that lady that time.
How she managed to take time for me, I still fail to understand because she would just open up herself to discuss matters of life, family issues. When it came to the issue of Robert she was very passionate about her son and she was very emotional about how he had been treated or ill-treated.
Because I did not have the opportunity to live with President Mugabe earlier I got to know more about him through long hours of discussion with his mother and most family issues we would discuss together.
Right in the heart of war his young brother Donato and Bridget his young sister and the children of Sabina and Bridget. I just got to know the whole family quite intimately. When I started travelling, international travelling, I had the opportunity to work with President Mugabe.
My first time meeting him was at Silveira House in 1974 and when he was visiting his sister Sabina, he would be invited by the civic department, very specially chosen people and Robert was among all those people who were always chosen to address people in the civic department especially on the politics of the country, politics of the nation, the way forward.
With economics, social, political and the war issue, the clearest person was Robert Mugabe, very clear. And one thing I liked most was that there was no trace — this is post detention, I think they were released December 8, 1974 — there was no trace of anger, of wishing for vengeance.
And I think with many others, like Mr Joshua Nkomo who I got to know very well, there were no signs of anger and that really touched me.
In 1978 we spent two weeks in Zambia with the Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace, headed by Archbishop Patrick Chakaipa and Bishop Helmut Rector, he was Bishop President for the CCJP, and I was the chairman.
I was told suddenly one evening by Mr (Simon Vengesayi) Muzenda (the late Vice President). I rang him on the phone. I just wanted to know when President Mugabe was coming from Nigeria and he said: "Oh Brother right now. Just get in the car let's meet at the airport. President Mugabe will be arriving from Nigeria and I would want you to be there when we welcome him. And so I jumped into the car and we went.
Just before the plane arrived we went out to the tarmac and there were just two people, President Mugabe and Josiah Magama Tongogara. It was a presidential jet of Olusegun Obasanjo the military ruler of Nigeria.
We welcomed him, very soft in his speaking and I was touched by the kind of simplicity of the person. He was running all over the place, in Zimbabwe even children were wondering who Robert is and there he is standing there, very simple and talking gently and nicely.
He said when I was introduced to him by Vice President Muzenda he said alright I am pleased so let's organise that tomorrow morning we meet at State House and we continue with the meetings which you and Mr Muzenda had been continuing in his absence. We were having meetings of ZANU-PF and PF ZAPU separately.
Thereafter we met overseas and then in 1979 we went for five days to Mozambique. There were two of us with Mr John Deary. We spent five days. The purpose was for us, because he invited us, was to compare notes, what was happening in Zimbabwe. They wanted to know and we were pleased to tell them what was happening in Zimbabwe with regard to the war situation.
And we also wanted to know what was on their minds with the way forward. We believed that negotiated settlement was the answer. That was very, very touching in the sense of the seriousness in which we were taken, going for six hours of serious meeting.
Six hours with no break and no meal, just a glass of drink, discussing intensely and just calling a spade a spade when it came to discussing war issues. In a war people kill and get killed in a war people can misuse and abuse fellow citizens soldiers can abuse their power because there are holding a gun and at the same time also one has to realise that a war is not a wedding and it was essential to take those matters seriously.
Those discussions were very fruitful. President Mugabe loved debating he loves debating. My view even today if you want to understand the man intellectually, discuss the issue and have the time to present yourself with good arguments. He loves to see issues on both sides of the coin.
People used to ask me internationally, in Europe, America, "you speak to Robert Mugabe? He doesn't smile!" And I would say I am quite sure he knows how to smile because when I am talking to him he smiles a lot. We laugh and he even giggles. He is amiable but I don't know what happens to you when he doesn't smile at you. Do you smile at him? Now we know who just asks questions. The kind of man who was known internationally had different faces, one, the face of a terrorist leader, the face of an uncompromising fighter and you had the face of a Mugabe made according to the media. For me Mugabe had so many faces and so many statures depending on which Mugabe you knew — and I talk of the Mugabe I know from day one to this day.
Has he undergone any fundamental changes over the years?
President Mugabe's personality has not changed. He is consistent and persistent in his wanting to understand the depths of an issue and its background . . . unassuming. The spiritual side I don't know how much the world knows and I think very few people have the time to understand him and how spiritual he is.
Even people who worked with him in the height of the war I don't think they knew — in fact they didn't know that Robert Mugabe moved in the battlefield with the rosary in his pocket. Robert Mugabe would be saying his rosary sitting in the car, Robert would say his rosary flying on the plane. He flew thousands of miles every year during the war. He was a moving target all the time but he always prayed.
His own mother Mbuya Bona said to me one day: "Brother, when my son Robert told me amai ndakuenda kuhondo kuMozambique kunotungamira hondo, I said my son there is nothing more I can give you except that I will pray for you. Then I gave him my rosary: here is the rosary I have no other weapon that I can give to protect you, pray your rosary.
"And then I took a jacket when he was away and inside the jacket I sew in a medal, on whose one side is the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the other side our Lady Mary, our Mother Mary. And I sew that medal so that Sacred Heart of Jesus would take care of my son and Mother Mary would take care of my son."
And that was Robert. I don't think people knew how much he dedicated himself to the spiritual life which he still believes very fervently, very gly today. The number of attempts on his life, the number is incredible during the war, after the war: is it his own cleverness, is it the excellence of his State security apparatus? I am sure it is God who has saved his life.
You dwelt much on pre-independence, during the war, but what happened now he is Prime Minister, later President, how did you interact then?
FM: When Mugabe came back home as Prime Minister, 1980, we welcomed him, I went to welcome him at his new house in Mount Pleasant and he was very pleased that we were in touch again. He wanted to know the situation in the country and I briefed him on the situation in the country.
I was with Mr John Deary and he said any help we gave he would be very grateful, any aice most welcome. One of the aices or few of the aices we gave President Mugabe and Mr Nkomo (the late Vice President) were crucial because they arrived clearly with the fever for political campaigns and he was worried that they had been given only three lines, three working telephone lines. They had been there only 10 days and they were given only three working telephone lines, the whole party, by Lord Soames.
And they said, "How are we going to campaign?" And I said "you want to campaign?" and I said, much of the campaign has been done already so whether you have three telephones lines or 30 telephone lines, campaigning should not be much of a worry. Surely, people would have liked to see you in person in body and soul that's what people want to see. Very few people remember you after 11 years in prison, but do not worry about the campaigning.
There was also the issue which had been brought to our attention by some international governments, some governments I am not going to mention it was brought to our attention, exclusively to us in Justice and Peace to say there was a plan, there was a coup plan that should ZANU-PF win, that coup was going to take place.
So we were told by this particular country to deliver the message, both to President Mugabe and Joshua Nkomo which we did. Any other issues that were necessary to aise, we did, especially security issues.
Security was very fluid in Zimbabwe, in the country, security for the individual, personal security, especially their own security as well as the security of the ordinary citizens because the spirit of vengeance, the spirit of tarnishing, the spirit of finger pointing, the spirit of devilling — making other people looking like devils — was very much rampant. It needed to be handled maturely and patiently as well.
After independence the amount of work that the Prime Minister had to do was one of reconciliation – the spirit of reconciliation between black and white. Constitutionally, the Rhodesian Constitution, I am talking of the Rhodesian republican constitution of Ian Smith, that's very clear we were Africans and Europeans and Asians and others and therefore what was very clear was that it was necessary to have reconciliation of the whole nation of Zimbabwe and Mugabe handled it very well.
Thus the famous speech he gave in 1980 (of turning swords into ploughshares). I wish that could be repeated from time to time so that there is a focus of the type of vision that Zimbabwe should have. For me that is a keynote address, it is essential.
The younger generations should learn from that – that is what other countries do. You don't just take and package this and put it in the shelf, no. Young people, generations and even the old guard should be in a position to say, what do we say? What is the position?
And apart from the huge task of reconciliation and reintegration what were other immediate challenges?
There was need for political rehabilitation. Those who were out of the country had come back as fighters, had come back as refugees . . . There was need for rehabilitation to say we are now in a new Zimbabwe, to say we are moving now. It was the transition from Rhodesia to Zimbabwe. The spirit did not have to end with the spirit of the national flag but the actual spirit of living in a new state.
There was also the rehabilitation of the wounded, physically wounded. People with no limbs, no hands, no feet, and people had been injured very badly. That had to be carried out. And also the 15 years under sanctions and there was need of the economic rehabilitation. It was key, and unfortunately in my view it was not taken seriously because economic rehabilitation meant industry, the physicality of industry, and most of the industrial machines were out of date. There was also the need for reconstruction. The amount of destruction and devastation that had taken place through bombs . . .destructions throughout the war so reconstruction was essential.
So with these imperatives what is your assessment on how the President steered the country during that transition period?
The President steered on very well. His language was very, very reconciling, his language was very forthcoming, his language was to say let us build one Zimbabwe and I think he succeeded. When it came to issues to do with international recognition, international acceptance and acceptability – yes I think Mugabe was quite accepted everywhere but one still could ask, was the international community really ever ready for Robert Mugabe to be the new Prime Minister of new Zimbabwe?
I don't think so. Some countries were shocked, some countries were not ready, and it was a shock. That kind of understanding is necessary, 35 years down the road, it is necessary to be looked at to say some people are very blind when you go into the modern Information Technology era it is very easy to forget that humanity does not operate like IT, no. We operate as human beings and we remember the past and the past creates the present and the present creates the future. And therefore what happened and how Robert Mugabe was accepted in the international community right at the beginning had very serious political bearing and consequences to what it is today, 35 years down the road.
It is my thinking, it is my political thinking and understanding. I will say it is necessary to unpack and to reflect on issues of that nature.
Robert Mugabe himself, did he know the kind of person he was outside the country, worldwide? Yeah, he was aware that he was portrayed with negativity. The large part of the international community had to learn to understand him and study him, re-look at him, listen to him and try to say, in the end, "after all he is not bad. Oh he is quite educated. Oh yes he is very dignified."
Those issues, they started coming up. Right in the middle of independence, I am talking of the 1990s, it became very clear that the land issue was one of the unfinished businesses. It became very clear and it continued to preoccupy him because he knew that the Lancaster House did not resolve the land question. The Lancaster House lasted 17 weeks from September 10 1979 at 3 o'clock to December 17 at 7 o'clock in the evening when they signed the agreement.
The ceasefire was signed afterwards, 2223 December the same year. The land question was the last to be discussed at the Lancaster House because it was the most difficult issue. All other issues from September 10 were actually galloping and the international community was actually surprised by the Patriotic Front's attitude and in fact the way they handled themselves, it was quite something. But it was the land issue and Robert Mugabe had to face this land issue in the 90s.
What I understood President Mugabe when he was dealing with the Conservatives, the Thatcher era and the John Major era, he was genuinely satisfied in the sense that every year in the UK someone came, sent by the Prime Minister to discuss the issue of the land question. When the Labour government took over it was throwing out the baby with the bath water and that of course is when land invasions started taking place.
OK, speaking about the land question, the land reform programme resulted in some international reactions and economic challenges. During this long night of economic troubles how have you interacted with the President and what have you shared with him?
FM: My brother you have to realise that I am not a politician, I am not part of the Government but we discuss issues the way I see them and he is always there to listen whether he takes aice or if he thinks it is worth it or there are serious concerns. It was a privilege that whenever I mention what I think and theviews of those outside the circle of Government and governance, he would always listen with respect.
OK, there have been some reports to the effect that, taking aantage of your proximity to the President, you at some stage suggested that he steps aside. Have you interacted on that level?
I have never thought of that to be part of my responsibility to be the one to say, President may you step aside and neither am I the one who stepped him in? I am not the one who stepped him in so I am not the one to step him aside. The President is running, is a President of, a political party. It is those political party members who have the right to say as president can you step aside or you can continue to step in. So I am not a member of ZANU-PF. So yes I am a citizen and I have my own opinions but the real issue is an organisation has to be respected in its own right. If he were to ask my opinion, I would give him my opinion.
Lastly, you have known him for over 40 years, he is now 91 years old, what would you think is the key to his longevity?
Discipline. My brother one of the things I think as humans we have yet to learn, even at my age, is to learn how to try to understand someone and especially public figures. To try to understand a public figure and to look at the person as an individual and to try to understand and understudy the person, the personality, the characteristics. As people who are educated, we should have a certain respect for each other. What I have managed to grasp from President Mugabe's longevity is self-discipline. The physical side of it is discipline but he always enjoyed doing physical exercises. The social disciplines, he is very socially conscious, all the time. It is very helpful socially, it helps him to be focused. It helps him to understand friends because when one is not disciplined socially, we make enemies in life and the President has made lots of enemies by the fact of him being head of state and a politician. He does not need to make more enemies by being socially reckless and he is not a reckless person socially. He has a consciousness of his being. Spiritual discipline. When people are in prison, they get close to God. Others don't want religion. Some are neither here nor there. Robert Mugabe in prison stuck to his God. The priests who went there to say mass, to pray with them, he was always the altar boy. That requires a lot and, my brother, it is essential. Spiritual discipline, whether one believes in God or does not, at least you have to believe as a human being. We are spiritual human beings and we have to have a certain spiritual discipline. Once we can have that spiritual discipline it is more than 50 percent of our discipline that we require as human beings that really goes forth and President Mugabe had a lot of that spiritual discipline.
Intellectual discipline. He liked to read, he liked to study and he kept reading, he kept studying. Intellectual discipline is crucial in the sense that you have to think, and he is a thinker. That is why he is a debater, that is why he is a strategist, that is why he is a tactician, that is why he is a good speaker that is why he is a good listener. It is linked to the intellectual capacity that he has. It doesn't come on its own. One has to work on it. Those are my views, those are the major issues that kept him going for a long time. He has a passion for the life of Zimbabwe, not his own life but the life of Zimbabwe. He has an objective, he has a vision of what Zimbabwe should be, Zimbabwe ought to be, can that be?
Source : The Herald
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Student Profile: Laura Cutler
You are here: American University Profiles Students Laura Cutler
Laura Cutler NDU.CAS
MA Johns Hopkins
Laura Katz Cutler is Managing Director of the Center for Israel Studies at American University. A former commercial banker with Wells Fargo Bank, Ms. Cutler is a community activist and active member of the Washington, DC, Jewish community, where she has been a tireless advocate for innovation in Jewish education. She is past chairman of the board of PANIM: The Institute for Jewish Leadership and Values and was a founding board member of the Partnership for Jewish Life and Learning. Ms. Cutler serves on the board of the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington. She holds a masters degree in international relations from The Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies.
Center for Israel Studies