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Kevin Marshall
Writer and Producer
[Insta]
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[old blog]
Kevin Marshall is a comedian, writer, and producer for digital, social, and television operating out of New York, NY.
Originally hailing from the Albany area, which is most famous for being given the perplexing designation of "Volvo-land" in an episode of "Law & Order," Kevin spent much of his late 20s performing as a theatrical actor, emcee, host, and stand-up comedian. In his first year of comedy he landed third in a poll by Metroland of best local comedians and was featured at venues throughout the area and beyond. He even got paid for most of them. Fancy that!
Kevin's freelance writing credits during this time included the Albany Times Union, Spike.com, and UFC.com. His work garnered attention from publications and websites such as The Smithsonian, The Atlantic, and New York Magazine. He also covered boxing and MMA events for the Knick Ledger and composed editorial content for Spike's "MMA Uncensored Live."
After making the move out of "Volvo-land" (he's still not sure what the Hell that means), Kevin wrote on-air segments and interstitial programs for Spike TV before joining WWE as a member of the Creative team. He's since returned to Spike, soon to become the Paramount Network, as a producer of social and digital content, working on shows including but not limited to "Lip Sync Battle," "The Mist," and "Heathers."
His favorite color is red, and in his free time, he enjoys writing website bios in the third person.
@KevinMarshall
Follow @KevinMarshall Kevin Marshall
Imagine paying Twitter $8 a month just to make sure you get ratioed on a bad take. This is a humiliation fetish. https://t.co/sHZfvdHkQi
They also don't have that level of control over their talent - creatively, financially, or even in terms of availab… https://t.co/iUpYJfJ5Tp
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Lacey Evans, Chelsea Green, and Michelle McCool need to form a group of Super Karens.
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One of the best worked Rumble matches I've seen. All killer, all fun, great lineup. ****1/4 #RoyalRumble
Set your Twitter account name in your settings to use the TwitterBar Section.
© 2012 Kevin Marshall


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Miss USA je americká soutěž krásy, která se koná od roku 1952. Vítězky reprezentují Spojené státy americké na Miss Universe, jež je spolu s Miss Teen USA její sesterskou soutěží.

Celostátnímu finále soutěže předchází kola v jednotlivých státech Unie, jejichž vítězky pak po celý rok nosí titul Miss daného státu USA.

Historie
První Miss USA se konala v roce 1952 na Long Beach, stát Kalifornie. Vznikla jako konkurence soutěži Miss America, která je na světě již od roku 1923. Zakladatelkou soutěže se stala Yolande Fox, která byla mimo jiné i Miss America 1951 a prostředky na založení soutěže Miss USA získala z peněz, které dostala od organizace soutěže Miss America, když jejich soutěž vyhrála. Od té doby vystřídala soutěž několik majitelů, až ji v roce 1996 koupil Donald Trump a jejím vlastníkem je dodnes.

První soutěže Miss USA se zúčastnilo pouze třicet států a až do roku 1970 trvalo, než se počet účastnic ustálil na dnešních 51 (50 států a Kolumbijský distrikt).

Doprovodné soutěže
Doprovodné soutěže, jež hlavní soutěž provázejí. jsou organizovány od úplného počátku. Miss Photogenic (Miss Foto) od roku 1956 a Miss Congeniality (Miss Sympatie) od roku 1952. V prvních letech se stávalo, že doprovodnou cenu mohla vyhrát dívka soutěžící na Miss Universe, protože tyto soutěže se konaly současně, ale doprovodná soutěž pro obě byla jenom jedna.

Miss Photogenic
Poprvé byla tato miss zvolena v roce 1956, kdy ji volili novináři. Od roku 1996 se Miss Photogenic volí přes internet. Pouze jednou v historii skončila soutěž nerozhodně, a to v roce 1980. Miss Photogenic vyhrála současně na Miss USA i Miss Teen USA jediná dívka – Cristin Duren z Floridy. V roce 1997 zvítězila na Miss Teen USA a roku 2006 na Miss USA, kde navíc skončila na 5. místě. Zatím nejvíce vítězství v počtu šesti má stát Virginie.

Miss Congeniality
Cena se uděluje nejsympatičtější dívce. Volí ji samotné soutěžící. Vítězka má podle nich přinášet nejlepší atmosféru v přípravě a nejvíce ostatním pomáhat. Nejúspěšnější jsou zatím dívky reprezentující stát Vermont. Na svém kontě mají pět ocenění.

V roce 1981 Cynthia Kerby, Miss Kalifornie, vyhrála jak Miss Photogenic, tak Miss Congeniality a navíc skončila v soutěži na 4. místě.

Seznam vítězek

Galerie vítězek

Počty vítězství podle států Unie

Legenda
+ Vítězka Miss Universe
^ Původně 1. vicemiss, která později nahradila vítězku, pokud vyhrála na Miss Universe (platí od roku 1961)
~ Nahradila sesazenou Miss USA

Odkazy

Reference

Externí odkazy

  Miss USA – oficiální stránka

USA
Americká společnost
Americké soutěže
Kulturní události v USA
Vzniklo 1952

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


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In a large saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Add the flour; stir and cook for 1 minute.
Add the tomato juice and mix well, whisking if necessary to make sure the flour is dissolved. Add the tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Bring to boiling, lower the heat, and simmer for 5 minutes.
Add the evaporated milk; stir and cook for 1 minute. Do not boil. Serve immediately. For a very smooth soup, use an immersion blender to puree the soup or carefully liquefy it in batches in a food processor or blender.


The Libsack Pivot is located approximately 3.5 miles northeast of Alliance in the center of the Nebraska Panhandle. Located along Madison Road, this productive farm is comprised of 157 deeded acres +/- with 121 acres under a Zimmatic Pivot. The farm and surrounding area is known for their production of corn, dry edible beans and sugar beets. The well and pivot is powered by electricity. Price: $525,000.00 Terms: Cash Legal Description: NW¼ less 5.01 acres, Section 21, Township 25 North, Range 47 West, 6th P.M., Box Butte County, Nebraska Possession: To be determined. Acreage: 157 Deeded Acres +/- Real Estate Taxes: $4,887.34 (2017) Improvements: None.


Includes exercise classes, blood pressure clinic, foot care clinic, health insurance counseling, tax assistance, volunteering, card groups, day trips and parties, and more. Low cost or free.
270 N. Lexington Pkwy., St. Paul.
Wednesdays, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Join our 50+ group and enjoy coffee and treats while enjoying crafts, cooking, and games. Free walking track and fitness room.
Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Beginners to experienced welcome. Learn to read patterns. Get help with a project. Meet new friends. 30+ years of history.
Social and educational programs, congregate dining (call for reservations), van transportation.
We offer: information and assistance on available resources; advocacy; enriching educational programs; essential services, including Meals on Wheels, transportation, and service coordination; volunteer opportunities. Groups, classes, and opportunities are available through RASP to anyone 55+. In all of our programming, we provide a supportive and respectful environment.
Free Arthritis Foundation Exercise Classes, donations accepted.


I made a few more shirts for my little guy!
I'm lovin' the muscle shirt!
He wore it the other day in Las Vegas and it was super cute!
See this post for instructions on how to make these.
These would be fun to make and have on hand for baby gifts!
Hope you had a fun time in Vegas…were you driving back when they closed I-15 for the Milford Flat fire?
Yep… we were stuck in that.. it took us 4 hours to go less than 60 miles!! It was super fun… !


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Diff'rent Strokes (Blanco y negro en México, Chile, Colombia, Argentina y algunos países de Hispanoamérica; Arnold en España y Uruguay y Arnold, el travieso en Venezuela) es una serie de televisión estadounidense emitida entre el 3 de noviembre de 1978 y el 4 de mayo de 1985 por la cadena NBC. Fue protagonizada por Gary Coleman y Todd Bridges en el papel de Arnold y Willis Jackson, dos niños afroamericanos de Harlem que son acogidos por un rico hombre de negocios llamado Phillip Drummond (interpretado por Conrad Bain) y su hija Kimberly (Dana Plato). Durante la primera temporada y parte de la segunda, Charlotte Rae interpretó el papel de la ama de llaves de los Drummonds, la señora Edna Garrett (personaje que tuvo su propia comedia, The Facts of Life).

Historia
La serie fue originalmente concebida conjuntamente para servir de vehículo a la coestrella de la serie Maude, Conrad Bain (luego de la cancelación de Maude en 1978), y al actor infantil Gary Coleman, quien había captado la atención de los productores después de aparecer en varios comerciales. Un primer esbozo de la serie, con los personajes creados para Bain y Coleman, tenía el título 45 Minutes from Harlem. Con el paso del tiempo se añadió el personaje del hermano de Coleman y la hija del personaje de Bain, además de un ama de llaves. El título fue cambiado finalmente a Diff'rent Strokes.

Elenco

 Conrad Bain es Phillip Drummond.
 Gary Coleman es Arnold Jackson.
 Todd Bridges es Willis Jackson.
 Dana Plato es Kimberly Drummond (1978–84, 1985–86).
 Charlotte Rae es Edna Garrett (1978–79).
 Nedra Volz es Adelaida Brubaker (1980–84).
 Janet Jackson es Charlene DuPrey (1980–84).
 Dody Goodman es Sophia Drummond (1981–84).
 Shavar Ross es Dudley Johnson (1980–86).
 Le Tari es Ted Ramsey (1980–84).
 Mary Jo Catlett es Pearl Gallagher (1982–86).
 Rosalind Chao es Miss Chung (1981–83).
 Steven Mond es Robbie Jason (1980–85).
 Dixie Carter es Maggie McKinney Drummond (1984–85).
 Mary Ann Mobley es Maggie McKinney Drummond (1985–86).
 Danny Cooksey es Sam McKinney (1984–86).
 Jason Hervey es Charlie (1985–86).
 Nikki Swasey es Lisa Hayes (1982–86).

Personajes principales

Series derivadas
 The Facts of Life (1979–1988)

Episodios
 Anexo:Capítulos de Blanco y negro

Véase también
 Comedias de situación
 Series aparicionales

Referencias

Comedias de situación
Series de televisión de Estados Unidos
Series de televisión de ABC
Series de televisión de NBC
Series de televisión de los años 1970
Series de televisión de los años 1980
Series de televisión de Nickelodeon
Series de televisión ambientadas en Nueva York
Series dobladas al español en México
Series dobladas al español en Los Ángeles
Series de televisión iniciadas en 1978


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Vestry is a body of lay members elected by the congregation to run the business of our church parish.
The following are frequently asked questions about Vestry. This information was taken from the Diocese of Nelson Handbook 2019.
1. Who is eligible to be on Vestry and how are they chosen?
Any lay person on the parish roll (except someone who is a paid member of the parish staff for more than 9 hours a week) may be appointed to Vestry or hold other office in the church (Parishes Statute, s22). To be on the parish roll you need to be baptized. You also need to have taken part in the worship and life of the church for at least 4 months, or be known to be eligible by the Vicar and wardens. (Parishes Statute, s13).
Vestry consists of:
the Vicar or Priest in Charge
the Church Wardens
the Parish Synod representatives, and
the lay members who are elected at the Parish AGM.
If you are not seeking election as a Warden or Synod representative, you will need to be elected separately to Vestry by parishioners at the AGM. You must be nominated for Vestry and your nomination seconded by someone else on the parish roll, and you must give your consent to have your name put forward (Parishes Statute, s21).
Once elected to Vestry, you must sign a declaration acknowledging the authority of General Synod (the governing body of the Anglican Church in New Zealand) (Parishes Statute, s24).
2. How many people are required for Vestry?
The Parishes Statute gives a broad range of 3 – 10 elected Vestry members (Parishes Statute, s19). The AGM usually decides the actual number needed in each parish.
3. How long is my term on Vestry?
Vestry members are elected for one year. If you wish to continue on Vestry, you will have to stand again for election at the next AGM (Parishes Statute, s22). In practice, very few elections to Vestry are contested.
You can resign at any time by writing to the Vicar, or if there is no Vicar to a church warden (Parishes Statute, s.32).
If a vacancy arises on Vestry the position may remain vacant or Vestry may appoint someone to fill the vacancy (Parishes Statute, s.35).
4. Who chairs Vestry meetings?
Usually the Vicar chairs Vestry. However, if the Vicar is unable to attend or for some reason there is no Vicar, the Vicar's warden acts as chair. Similarly, if the Vicar's warden is unable to attend or for some reason there is no Vicar's warden, the people's warden acts as chair.
If the Vicar wishes, Vestry may elect one of its members to chair Vestry meetings (Parishes Statute, s41).
5. What quorum is needed for a Vestry meeting?
Vestry can decide its own quorum but it must be no fewer than 1/3 of its members, with a minimum of 4, and shall include the Vicar and at least 1 warden (Parishes Statute, s43).
6. Does notice need to be given of what will be discussed at Vestry meetings?
Although not expressly required by the Parishes Statute, it is good meeting practice to have an agenda. Certainly, there is a requirement for Vestry to keep full minutes (Parishes Statute, s.47).
7. How much detail should we get into at Vestry meetings?
There is no simple answer to this. The smaller the parish and fewer the parish staff, the greater the chance that Vestry will need to engage in detail. The larger the parish and greater the parish staff, the more important it becomes that Vestry does not engage in detail unless required to for a specific reason. Remember that Vestry is the parish governance body and needs to keep its eye on the big picture. It should not get involved in the management responsibilities of others unless specifically called for.
8. What is Vestry's responsibility to provide a vicarage?
Vestry must provide a vicarage rent free in the parish for use by the Vicar and his / her family. The same applies to accommodation for other full time assistant clergy. If for any reason there is no vicarage, or the vicarage for some reason is unsuitable, a housing allowance approved by the Diocese must be paid instead. (The current housing allowance amounts to 1/3 of the clergy stipend.)
To make sure that clergy housing is suitable for use, the Diocese has a set of requirements for vicarages. These can be found in Appendix I of the Diocesan Handbook, kept in the parish or Vicar's office, entitled Parish Building Regulations for Vicarages. Also in Appendix H of the Diocesan Handbook are Guidelines for the Occupation and Vacation of Vicarages and Diocesan Housing which contains the rights and responsibilities of clergy with respect to such housing.
9. What responsibility does Vestry have for maintaining the church, hall and vicarage?
Vestry must care for and maintain all these buildings and take responsibility for any alterations and improvements. To ensure proper repair and maintenance, Vestry must arrange for all buildings to be inspected at least once a year (Parishes Statute, ss 45 and 46).
Each parish is expected to draw up a 10 year maintenance plan for parish properties. The plan should be accompanied by appropriate budget provision. A 10 year maintenance plan is required before the Diocese considers any financial assistance for church buildings or the vicarage.
10. What happens if the Vestry wants to buy property for church use?
As soon as Vestry begins to seriously consider the purchase of land or other property, it should contact the Diocesan Executive Secretary, who will convene the Strategic Property Review Group to consider the proposal and advise Standing Committee. The approval of Standing Committee and the Nelson Diocesan Trust Board is needed before any site for a church building can be purchased ('church building' means any church, vicarage or hall). Their consent is also needed before a church building can be erected or an alteration made that affects its stability or general plan (Dio. Properties and Faculties Statute, s.4). If their 'in principle' approval to go ahead is obtained early in the process, Vestry can proceed with confidence in its planning. If needed the Executive Secretary can also put the parish in touch with those who can assist with fund raising, or who can advise on other related matters. Remember that you will need to check any Council planning regulations to ensure the intended use of the property is possible and that all Council requirements are met.
In Appendix B to Diocesan Handbook is a list of factors Vestry should consider when deciding whether to buy or sell property. These factors also guide Standing Committee when considering a request to buy or sell.
Any proposal to purchase property that involves financial liability for the parish may only proceed if it is first authorised by a resolution of Vestry. The maximum amount Vestry can spend without authorisation from a general meeting of parishioners is $20,000 or 20% of Assessable Income in the previous year, whichever is lesser. (Dio. Properties and Faculties Statute, s.5).
Should vestry wish to borrow money for the purchase (or for any other purpose), it must first have at least 60% of the purchase price (or other financial liability) and must pay off the debt within 20 years. (Dio. Properties and Faculties Statute, s.6). Limits are also placed on the giving of mortgage security over the site of a church building (s. 7) and the consent of Standing Committee and the Trust Board must also be obtained before a mortgage is entered into (s.17). As legal owners of all diocesan property, the Nelson Diocesan Trust Board must sign as owner any transfer of property.
11. What happens if the Vestry wants to sell/lease church property?
The process of selling or leasing property is very similar to that for buying. As soon as Vestry seriously starts to consider one of these possibilities, it should contact the Diocesan Executive Secretary, who will convene the Strategic Property Review Group to consider the proposal and advise Standing Committee. The approval of Standing Committee and the Nelson Diocesan Trust Board is needed (Dio. Properties and Faculties Statute, s17) and once their 'in principle' approval to go ahead is obtained, Vestry can proceed with confidence in its planning. If needed the Executive Secretary can put the parish in touch with people who can advise on matters related to the sale.
In Appendix B of the Diocesan Handbook is a list of factors Vestry should consider when thinking about selling property. These factors also guide Standing Committee when deciding whether to approve a sale.
Parishioners may have strong emotional ties to church property. As part of the process of deciding to sell, you would be wise to seek as wide an approval as possible at a general meeting of parishioners, the time and purpose of which has been properly notified beforehand (Parishes Statute, s20).
As legal owners of all diocesan property, the Nelson Diocesan Trust Board must sign as owner any transfer of property.
12. What is a faculty and when is one needed?
A faculty from the Diocese must be obtained before any changes can be made to the fabric, furniture, lighting, monuments or ornaments of a church. A faculty is also needed before anything is erected or placed in a church that should be dedicated or consecrated. A faculty is the permission given for the change.
An application form for a faculty is available on the Diocese website, under Resources/Diocese/Forms, and must be submitted to the Diocesan Executive Secretary by the Vicar and church wardens.
13. Is Vestry responsible for appointing the Vicar?
The appointment of a Vicar is an appointment to an ecclesiastical office made by the Bishop in consultation with the parish. Each year, soon after the parish AGM, Vestry must elect 4 people as 'nominators' for the parish. The nominators must be qualified to be a member of vestry (ie, must be baptized and on the parish roll), but need not actually be a member of vestry (Parishes Statute, s44). Should the position of Vicar become vacant, the nominators represent the parish in the appointment of a new Vicar.
No other ordained staff (other than the Vicar) shall be engaged in the parish without Vestry's approval. The Diocesan Executive Secretary will prepare the appropriate appointment agreement.
14. What responsibility does the parish have for paying the Vicar?
The payment of clergy stipends is a first charge on the revenue of the parish. The same applies to the salaries of lay staff (Parishes Statute, s43)
15. What responsibility does Vestry have for the Vicar's well-being?
The suggestion has already been made that Vestry members each take responsibility for the care and support of parish leaders and office bearers. Responsibility for the Vicar's well-being is the specific responsibility of the church wardens (see question X).
16. How does Vestry go about employing parish staff?
One of the main duties of Vestry is to decide whether, and what, paid positions should be established in the parish (Parishes Statute, s45). All paid lay staff are appointed by the Vicar and wardens, on behalf of Vestry. If you are planning to employ someone in the parish, contact the Diocesan Executive Secretary who will draw up the appropriate employment contract ready for signing.
17. What are our ongoing responsibilities as an employer?
The employment of lay staff is covered by New Zealand employment law. In addition, the Diocese of Nelson has committed itself and all its parishes to being good employers and has adopted the Anglican Church's People Matter Employment Guidelines. You can find these Guidelines in the Diocesan Handbook, kept in your parish or Vicar's office. These Guidelines set out Vestry's responsibilities when selecting and appointing staff, inducting new staff, undertaking performance reviews and staff development, and when ending employment relationships.
One employer responsibility is to ensure staff well-being by making sure they take adequate leave. The responsibility of ensuring annual leave is taken lies with the wardens (Parishes Statute, s46). As well as ensuring staff well-being, making sure leave is taken also ensures that the parish is not left with the financial liability to pay out annual leave should employment end before it is taken.
18. What is the responsibility of Vestry for health and safety?
This is another instance where the general laws of New Zealand apply. As the governance body of the parish, vestry has a collective responsibility to ensure that health and safety is taken seriously in the parish and that legal requirements are met. Members of vestry also have an individual duty as 'officers' of the parish to exercise due diligence to ensure they educate themselves on the requirements of the law and that health and safety matters are appropriately dealt with.
To comply with the first part of this duty, vestry members must know about the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015. If you haven't attended face to face training with the Diocesan Executive Secretary, you must watch the DVD on the requirements of the Act sent out to all parishes. You must also read and be familiar with the Diocesan Health and Safety Management Plan.
19. What are the parish's financial obligations?
The first call on the parish's finances is for paying the Vicar and any other staff. This includes their stipend/wages, contributions towards their pension/superannuation and any allowances. The parish also has an obligation to provide cost free housing for the Vicar and his or her family, and for any assistant priest in the parish. If housing is not available, the parish must pay a housing allowance to the Vicar and other clergy generally equating to 1/3 stipend
The parish is legally obliged to pay taxes in the form of GST, ACC and PAYE. This obligation is met by the Diocese on behalf of the parish.
In addition to staff costs, the parish has an obligation under the diocesan statutes to maintain the vicarage and other church buildings. The parish buildings and other assets must be insured and cover is arranged through the Diocese. The cost of any building development or alteration is also the responsibility of the parish, although some financial assistance may be available from the Diocese.
The cost of the Vicar and staff, insurances and a contribution to the cost of the Bishop's Ministry Team are calculated and paid monthly to the Anglican Centre under what is known as the parish quota (or sustentation). The parish's direct expenses amount to about 95-99% of the quota - the contribution to the Diocese amounts to only a very small proportion of the parish costs. The Anglican Centre then arranges for payment of all staffing and other costs.
20. What is the Diocesan accounting scheme and how does it work?
In 2006 the Anglican Centre set up a centralised scheme to help parishes with their day to day processing and financial reporting obligations. The basis of the scheme is that the Anglican Centre takes over parts of the process usually performed on a voluntary basis by treasurers. The Anglican Centre now:
Pays parish accounts
Processes parish transactions
Pays wages
Pays parish quota to Diocese
Prepares monthly management accounts
Prepares two-monthly GST returns
Prepares annual accounts
The responsibility of issuing donation tax receipts continues to lie with the parish.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
The Nickel: A Musical History of the Fifth Ward, Part 1
John Nova Lomax
John Nova Lomax | February 17, 2009 | 4:47pm
Back in its heyday, the corner of Jensen Drive and Lyons Avenue was known as "Pearl Harbor, the Times Square of the Bloody Fifth." You wouldn't know it today - the entire area is a vast wasteland of tired and abandoned lots and boarded-up shacks, but for much of the 20th Century this area was the nexus of one of America's most musical neighborhoods.
It was Harlem in Heavenly Houston: Club Matinee - "the Cotton Club of the South" - was right around the corner, and right down the street from that was Duke-Peacock Records, before Motown the most important black-owned record company in America.
In Sig Byrd's Houston, the eponymous mid-century chronicler of Houston's beautiful losers and no-'count boozers devoted an entire chapter to Pearl Harbor. Much of it focused on a scuffling, obscure R&B singer who wanted to join the ranks of "all the other Fifth Ward boys who had functioned right and gone high in the world of boogie, jive, and bop: Illinois Jacquet, Gatemouth Brown, Arnett Cobb, Goree Carter, and Ivory Joe Hunter."
Byrd didn't use the term "rock and roll" because it wasn't yet in all that common a parlance in 1955, when his book was published. Fifth Ward boogie kings, jivers and lords of bop like the guys he mentioned were busy inventing and codifying it right then and there, just as they had been since the dawn of recorded music, and just as they would do right up until the present day.
It's hard to find a "pure" form of music from Fifth Ward. The Nickel has always been more about friction, styles colliding and shattering and emerging as something new. The jazz from the Fifth has always been bluesy and the blues jazzy. Ancient Creole folk was seduced by hard-charging R&B in Fifth Ward's Frenchtown, and zydeco was the result.
The Geto Boys - among the most lyrically profane rappers - have frequently shown a marked gospel influence in both lyrical style and their frequent use of church-y organs. (Sure, most of that influence comes more from South Park's Scarface rather than Fifth Ward's Willie D., but still.) Scratch the surface deep enough and you'll even find country and western underpinnings to a great deal of Fifth Ward music. The one thing virtually all Fifth Ward music has in common is swing.
Houston Music
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Best Of Houston® 2020: Best Patio Bar


The Government of Montserrat is inviting applications from suitably qualified persons for the post of Physician Specialist within the Ministry of Health and Social Services.
To provide routine and emergency general and specialist medical services to people on Montserrat.
To provide general and specialist medical service assessment and management of all patients on all wards.
To serve as chief advisor for all overseas transfer of medical patients.
Conduct weekly medical outpatient clinics to assess and monitor all discharged and referred patients for specialist assessment.
Participate in the management of chronic diseases, heart diseases, cancers etc.
Develop standard operating procedures for the management of major diseases/conditions.
To provide out of hours' medical services as per Medical Officer on-call rotation.
To provide Medio Lego reports as required.
To provide advice to Medical Officers, Prison, and Geriatric Home as required.
Medical degree (MBBS or MD Degree) or equivalent from a recognized University.
Degree in Medicine Specialist qualification in Internal Medicine.
Knowledge of procedures and policies in medical practices.
Appointment will be on a contractual basis for a period of two years, eligible to receive a gratuity of 12.5% of the basic salary upon successful completion of the contract.
The total remuneration package for this post is negotiable.
The deadline for the receipt of applications is 4:00 p.m. Friday 22nd March, 2019.


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Earthquake, Wind: mobile and fixed network regularly operate Launched initiatives supporting the population involved
Rome, August 24 2016 - Wind announced that its mobile and fixed network (Infostrada) sites regularly operate in areas of central Italy hit by the earthquake last night. The company has undertaken a number of specific technical actions to ensure the continuity of service to regions affected by the earthquake, where they were alread sent joined mobile with Wind power generators Emergency, available to the Civil Protection secure communications services necessary to rescue operations.
Meanwhile, as the first intervention support of mobile customers resident in the areas more affected by the earthquake, Wind is taking steps to accredit a free telephone traffic bonus and to suspend activities of credit management. The company is also considering further initiatives in support of the population, which will be implemented in the coming days.
Wind-Infostrada, along with other telephone operators and in agreement with the Department of Civil Protection, has activated 45500 solidarity number to raise funds in favor of the population affected by the earthquake in the center Italy. Clients can donate 2 euros via SMS or fixed line. The revenues will be fully donated to the Department of Civil Protection for aid and assistance.


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And the Women Wicky-Wacky Woo
March 15, 2015 October 10, 2017 / Tim McCreight
Very Good, Jeeves
"Back in Nagasaki
Where the fellers chew tobaccy
And the women wicky-wacky
That bit of doggerel is the chorus of a hit song from 1928 penned by Harry Warren and Mort Dixon. It's good to know that despite Dylan, not to mention Gershwin, Hart and Mercer, there's been almost no progress made in the lyrical sophistication required of a hit.
That's a long-winded way to get to today's subject, a collection of tales featuring the only man in literature to embrace such a tune. (Although it really is a great song if you like the 32-bar form. I recommend the Quintette of the Hot Club of France version with the great Django Reinhardt on guitar and Stéphane Grapelli on violin, but I digress. )
That man is Bertram 'Bertie' Wooster who is, there's no way around it, a blithering idiot. I don't usually spend my time with such types but Bertie is, despite his intellectual limits, supremely likable. He hasn't a malevolent bone in his body being, essentially, an overgrown child in the way that only one of great privilege can be.
The Woosters are, we're told, a long-established clan, part of the landed class that dominated British society well past their sell-by date. Actually, Bertie tells us that. He's constantly referring to 'we Woosters' and their exploits in the Crusades. His extended family includes an assortment of dangerous old aunts and their inept husbands.
Sir Pelham Grenville Wodehouse
Hard at work at his
Remsenburg, Long Island home
(we're never far from Long Island at AHC)
Bertie is terrified of those aunts because the women wear the pants, so to speak, in the Wooster mishpucheh. They are under no illusions about their nephew and regularly greet him with terms of endearment such as "you fathead." It's that fatheadedness that often lands Bertie right in the midst of a sea of trouble.
And that's where his better half comes in. Jeeves (like Cher or Beyoncé he has no need for any other name) is Bertie's personal gentleman's gentleman. He's also the guy who is forever saving Bertie from circumstance and his own dimwittedness. Their's is a bromance for the ages even though these two dwell in the emotionally barren land of the gentry.
The whole thing, of course, is a riotous send-up of the privileged classes. It's Jeeves who gets them all out of their individual pickles. It's Jeeves who quotes the Bard, correctly. It's Jeeves who muses on psychology and science. It's Jeeves who understands, I think, the absurdity of the whole enterprise. Maybe the English irony I love starts here.
Hugh Laurie and Stephen Fryas
Bertie Wooster and Jeeves.
Before Black Adder, House and anything else you associate with these two fine thespians.
And what of those pickles? There's no way to do them justice because reducing them to a synopsis leaves out what makes them worth one's time. Almost all the Jeeves books are collections of short tales and plotwise they're a bit thin. Here's one: Bertie is invited to the country house of one of his aunt's and told to keep his young cousin, a horrible brat, from tormenting a Cabinet-member guest. The cousin strands the distinguished guest on an island in the rain. Bertie is sent to the rescue and gets stranded with the guest. Jeeves saves all including Bertie from a job as the Cabinet minister's secretary.
As I said, thin. With Wodehouse the tale is in the telling. I once stumbled across an article that said Wodehouse strived for a joke a page. That seems about right if you stretch joke to include any sort of silliness. Like the names. Bertie's schoolboy chums are a wonder: Gussie Finknottle. Tuppy Glossop. Bingo Little. His aunts are more conventionally named –Dahlia and Agatha figure heavily in this volume
Bertie's fashion contemporaries
(rest assured, Jeeves does not approve)
Bertie himself, as both narrator and speaker, prattles along in a sort of Jazz Age Oxbridge frat boy vernacular. His signature greeting 'What, ho' can be rendered with either an exclamation point or a question mark which drives his older relatives mad with its imbecility. He has a particularly interesting approach to verbs. For instance, in this volume more than once Bertie beetles off.
You really need a full sentence to get an idea of how this all works. Here's Bertie telling us all we need to know about his lifestyle and his Uncle George: "The old pestilence blew in on me one morning at about the hour of the after-breakfast cigarette." Better still, a glimpse of the dynamic between Bertie and Jeeves from the same tale:
"Still, there it is of course. The point to be considered now is, what will Aunt Agatha do about this ? You know her, Jeeves. She is not like me. I am broad-minded. If Uncle George wants to marry a waitress, let him, say I. I hold that the rank is but the penny stamp-"
"Guinea stamp, sir"
"All right, guinea stamp. Though I don't believe there is such a thing. I shouldn't have thought they came higher than five bob. Well, as I was saying, I maintain that the rank is but the guinea stamp and a girl's a girl for all that."
" For a' that, sir. The poet Burns wrote in the North British dialect."
"Well, a' that, then, if you prefer it."
"I have no preference in the matter, sir. It is simply that the poet Burns-"
"Never mind about the poet Burns."
"No, sir."
"Forget the poet Burns."
"Very good, sir."
"Expunge the poet Burns from your mind."
"I will do so immediately, sir."
I'll leave the debate about Wodehouse's legacy and whether or not his work is literary to more informed minds. What I will say is that Jeeves and Wooster make fine companions for a commute, or free drizzly afternoon, of any length.
VIDEO BONUS
Before there was House, there was Jeeves and Wooster. The show fetaured Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie in the respective roles and had, perhaps, the best opening credits ever. The music is by Anne Dudley, who was in Art of Noise back in the day. You can buy the album. And you should because this is music that makes you smile and dance
First, the credits, which might be the best TV credits ever:
And, the lads' encounter with 'Nagasaki:'
Books, Literature and Fiction, Video
Bertie Wooster, book review, Django Reinhardt, English literature, House, Hugh Laurie, Jeeves, Jeeves and Wooster, Nagasaki song, P.G. Wodehouse, Quintette of the Hot Club of France, Stephane Grapelli, Stephen Fry, video
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Poor Wayfaring Strangers →
One thought on "And the Women Wicky-Wacky Woo"
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Every year, Oak Cliff holds a weekend of Mardi Gras festivities, kicking off with a 5K run called Dash for the Beads. Participants (including canines) are encouraged to dress up in their best wacky Mardi Gras costume attire for a chance to win bragging rights and a medal at the event. This year's beneficiary of the race was FIDO Oak Cliff, who's objective is to develop the first dog park in Oak Cliff.
I was invited to be a "celebrity judge" at this year's event and when I asked them who else was participating, they said, "Um, we're working on that." I laughed and said, "Listen, if I'm the best you can do... then you clearly need help!" So I whipped out my trusty Rolodex and enlisted my pals, Chef Monica Greene who owns BEE: Best Enchiladas Ever and Monica's Aca y Alla and Jane McGarry from NBC DFW to help me.
I woke up at 4AM on Saturday to the sound of rain. I cringed inwardly, becasue I knew the race would NOT be called off on account of weather. Runners are crazy people. They will run in sleet, snow, rain, hail... They're like Honey Badgers - they don't care! I went back to sleep for a couple of hours, then rolled out of bed and made it to Oak Cliff by my designated 8AM call time. About 8:30 it stopped raining and we ended up having a LOT of fun. There were about 200+ people who turned out for the race and many of them dressed to impress. I am featuring some of the winners in this post so you can see the great costumes. You can see all the photos on Facebook.
As those crazy Cajuns say, "Les bon temps roule!"


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Entertainment from sunrise to sunset with DStv
07 December 2020 | Art and Entertainment
CHRISTMAS TELLY: Jingle Belle is one of the Christmas movies which will air on DStv this holiday. PHOTO: IMBD.COM
You might want to stock up on some snacks because DStv is bringing the whole family to the couch this festive season – no matter when you like to get in your TV time.
With a long line-up of entertainment for all ages showing at all times of day, there won't be a dull moment this December.
Here are some of the best movies and shows coming straight to your living room from when you wake up right until your head hits the pillow.
Memorable mornings
Ben 10 vs The Universe: The Movie
This one is sure to keep the youngsters glued to the television while parents kick back and relax for a while. Vilgax, the intergalactic alien warlord, returns to destroy planet Earth, and it's up to Ben and his wacky entourage to stop him. Don't let your kids miss Ben 10's epic adventures in space as they blast off on Saturday, 12 December, at 10:10 on Cartoon Network, DStv channel 301.
Meryl Streep and Kevin Bacon were both nominated for Golden Globe Awards for this fast-paced thriller. What starts off as a rafting holiday quickly turns into a nightmare as a family is forced to help two armed killers escape down treacherous white-water rapids. This classic airs on Tuesday, 15 December, at 11:15 on TNT, DStv channel 137.
Unmissable daytime television
Jingle Belle
Nothing lifts the mood during the holidays like a feel-good Christmas movie. Two high-school sweethearts meet up years later to perform a duet for a small town's Christmas Eve pageant. With Isabelle writing the jingle and Mike running the show, there are bound to be some fireworks before their big performance. Tune in on Monday, 21 December, at 14:35 on Lifetime, DStv channel 131.
Location, Location, Location (Season 23)
If you're a fan of real-estate and reality shows, you'll love this one. Follow Kirstie Allsopp and Phil Spencer as they explore London's humble abodes and quaint cottages with the utmost attention to detail and witty commentary. It airs from 7 December until 12 December at 17:00 on The Home Channel, DStv channel 176.
Disney's live-action retelling of the classic Christmas ballet tells the dazzling story of an ordinary girl who is transported into a magical world of wonders and learns that she is a princess. When the toy soldiers arrive, things are not as sweet as they originally seemed. Watch it on Sunday, 13 December, at 17:05 on M-Net Movies 1, DStv channel 108.
Late-night entertainment
Isono
Africa's most anticipated telenovela is back and there's going to be drama – lots of it. Isono is all about "the masks we wear and the secrets we hide". It features an award-winning cast and an unpredictable plot that is rich with authentic local storytelling. It starts tonight, 7 December, and airs Monday to Thursday at 21:00 on BET, DStv channel 129.
A Christmas Surprise
When a student comes back home for Christmas to come out to his family, his seemingly traditional loved ones take the opportunity to bring a whole bunch of skeletons out of the closet. Tune in for this heart-warming festive film about family and acceptance in the modern age on Saturday, 12 December, at 21:00 on M-Net, DStv channel 101/102 (East).
With this wide selection of movies and shows fit for the whole family at any time of the day, you won't have to fight over the remote this holiday. You can also take control of your viewing experience and livestream all of these by downloading the MyDStv app!
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Probably the most straightforward cutting aids ever developed by Rotatrim.
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The profiled aluminium safety rail is bonded to a dead straight, 3mm thick steel guide edge, enabling precise, vertical cuts using hand held knives or scalpels â without slicing off your fingers!
Please note the straight edge is built to order which is approximately 10 working days.


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Selena Gomez's Mom, Mandy Teefey, Is "Not Happy" About Justin Bieber
"Selena is an adult and can make her own choices."
David Livingston/Getty Images
Since their November 2017 reunion, Selena Gomez and Justin Bieber have been spending a lot of time together. From a reported New Year's vacation in Mexico to sporting matching workout clothes, the pair is seems pretty committed to their rekindled romance. Sadly, sources say Selena's family has not been as supportive — and now Selena's mom, Mandy Teefey, is sharing her opinion on the relationship in a new interview.
In an interview with Gossip Cop, Mandy explained that she is "not happy" about the couple's relationship, but the decision remains up to her daughter. "Selena can live her life however she wants as long as she is happy, safe and healthy," she said. "She is 25 years old and knows what is at stake with her health. I do not control her the way it has been portrayed. Selena is an adult and can make her own choices."
In the interview, Mandy shared that she knew she wouldn't always be managing Selena's career. The mom explained that she stopped working with Selena in 2014 for no other reason than that it was no longer enjoyable for any member of the family. She said: "Every mother and daughter has disagreements. We never expected to manage her her whole life. We lost family time because the only time we saw her, we talked business. It was no longer fun for any of us, like it was when she was younger and we had to be with her because she was a minor."
Mandy further shared that she hasn't spoken or texted with Justin in years. A previous source told E! News that Justin didn't want to come between the mother and daughter's relationship.
For their part, neither Selena nor Justin have spoken out about Mandy's comments. E! reports that Selena did not return a request for comment.
Related: Justin Bieber Reportedly Is "Not To Blame" For Selena Gomez's Family Drama
Keywordsselena gomezmandy teefey justin bieber


What brought you to YPP? Kelley drop the bomb at me asking if like math. And that I will be educating kids in a different way.
What do you enjoy most about YPP? Educating young fellas about math.
Why do you think YPP is important? I feel YPP is important because it helped to keep me off the streets and help kids that struggle in math to think outside the box.
How has participating in YPP affected you? Keeping me off the street Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 3-6.
Do you have any other interests? Having a job 5 days a week limit to 15 hours per week.


Early in the morning on Thursday November 22, community members from different neighborhoods of the La Matanza municipality in the outskirts of Buenos Aires attempted to occupy a piece of state land which has been subject of dispute. Witnesses state that the police of the province of Buenos Aires attacked the community members and fired live bullets at them. In the midst of the repression, Rodolfo "Ronald" Orellana was shot twice and died before reaching the hospital. It was also reported that after the police opened fire on the community, they arrested four of their comrades who have yet to be released.
Rodolfo "Ronald" Orellana was a member of Free Organizations of the People (OLP) which is part of the Confederation of Workers of the People's Economy (CTEP). Orellana was from the neighborhood Villa Celina where he lived with his 6 children. He worked in the textile factory of the organization and also helped in many other aspects of the organization like with construction and the community cafeterias.
The assassination of Orellana must be contextualized. He was assassinated while him and other community members were trying to occupy land in order to have dignified housing. Since Argentine President Mauricio Macri assumed office in 2015, the most vulnerable social and economic classes in Argentina have suffered the worst of Macri's heavy cuts to the public sector, social programs and employment programs. This crisis has only gotten worse with the 50% devaluation of the Argentine peso this year and the price increases in gas, electricity, water and basic household products. Working class people across Argentina are struggling to eat and survive. According to Markus people from the neighborhoods Celina, Ciudad Evita and Tapiales in La Matanza organized to occupy the land for the opportunity to have a house because most are forced to rent very small rooms.
Belén Rosas who worked with Orellana stated "We do not know exactly what made our comrades join the attempted land occupation. What we do know are the conditions that bring people to the point of risking their lives in order to gain a space to have their own housing.
Hey Buddy!, I found this information for you: "Worker in Argentina assassinated in a land occupation". Here is the website link: https://peoplesdispatch.org/2018/11/24/worker-in-argentina-assassinated-in-a-land-occupation/. Thank you.


"Maesilia watched the young man reading the tome with horrified fascination. At last here they were, the source of her family�s vow, their obsession." This is an illustration for David Cornford's upcoming novel.


Please refer to this page periodically, as it will be updated through the opening of the 2017 symposium.
Download the IEEE AP-S/URSI 2017 Mobile App!
Approximately one month prior to the opening of the symposium, you'll be able to "Click here" to download the app to your mobile device or tablet to access the latest meeting information. The app provides access to session locations and scheduling, exhibitor information, social events and much more.
Please plan for unpredictable hotel environments. While it's warm outside (San Diego has an average high of 75°F/24°C and an average low of 65°F/18°C), we ask that you prepare for unpredictable hotel environments by packing a lightweight sweater or jacket. July is the month with the least chance of rain throughout the year.
The symposium has arranged for discounts with SuperShuttle. This discount is valid between San Diego International Airport and the Manchester Grand Hyatt, as well as other downtown hotels. The symposium rate is US $9.00 per person one-way or $18.00 per person roundtrip. Gratuity is not included. Click http://www.supershuttle.com/default.aspx?GC=QTQ5Y to book directly with SuperShuttle. If you prefer to call, please dial 1-800-BLUE-VAN (1-800-258-3826) and provide the code QTQ5Y to receive your discount. If you need further assistance prior to arrival or when on-site, please call the 24-hour Dispatch Line – 619-564-7998.


text:
Scripturient
Ideas. Opinions. Politics. Culture. Satire. Parrhesia. Skepticism. Terribila meditans.
The Cancer Diaries Part 1
The Cancer Diaries, Part 2
The Cancer Diaries, Part 10
Ukuleles & music
Machiavelli for Mayors: The Prince Rewritten
Posted on September 2, 2016 September 2, 2016 by Ian Chadwick
Another Collus conspiracy debunked
This post has already been read 9545 times!
As a former reporter and editor, I always feel a twinge of satisfaction when I read a well-written story in the local papers that gets all of its facts right. When everything is stated correctly, the English is good, the facts well reported, the reporting unbiased and everything clearly posited. It just makes me beam.
Sadly, I haven't felt that joy for a few years now. I too often feel our local reporters are on cruise control, and don't work very hard at getting their stories right. They are too quick to swallow the propaganda issuing from town hall or from their ideological buddies at the table. And fact checking? Local investigative journalism seems to have gone the way of the VHS and 8-track.
This week's bog-paper story appears in the Enterprise-Bulletin, titled, Power deal remains up in the air.
Collingwood CAO John Brown reported to council this week that despite best efforts of the town's lawyer, PowerStream has still not responded to the town's request for satisfaction on the working of the shared services agreement.
As you, dear reader, know, this is codswallop. My sources tell me that every request for information – and there have been many, often the same one sent over and over and over and over – has been fulfilled: reams and reams of papers have been supplied to town hall.
Except, of course, for personal, confidential and legally-protected data on employees' salaries. Which the administration continues to demand for no logical reason. It certainly has nothing to do with the shared services agreement. Saying so has always been a thin ruse to justify the intrusion into confidentiality.
In fact, the previously appointed members of the Collus-Powerstream board – an experienced, respected group of professionals – were summarily fired and replaced by pet staffers with no experience or knowledge in the electricity sector (in violation of the town's own procedural bylaw…). They were chosen solely to get that information for the Block who want to share it with their buddies and bloggers like school children sharing salacious gossip.
Then the staffers who replaced the board snottily refused to sign a standard non-disclosure agreement promising not to share confidential information with non-board members.
Like I said, readers know this has all been merely a part of the Block's ongoing vendettas, fuelled by personal agendas and conducted in secret while the group labours to sell YOUR utility without any public discussion, let alone input from you, the taxpayer. But let's return to the article.
More surprisingly, Brown told council that a number of staff from Collus Solutions has been transferred to Collus PowerStream.
"It has come to my attention as CAO that certain key staff of Collus PowerStream Solutions Corporation may have been transferred from that company to work for its parent company, Collus Powerstream Utilities Corporation," Brown said to council.
"It may have occurred as early as May of this year. I find it strange that such a large scale out of Collus Powerstream Solutions without the town being advised."
The town has major financial interests in Solutions and that a transfer such as this would have a major impact on the ability of Solutions to operate, Brown continued.
Brown could not confirm the information.
So he can't confirm anything, but yet he will make a public statement about it? This at the table of The Most Secretive Council Ever? Come on… don't you smell a rat?
Well, let's dig up some history, shall we? Here's what the reporter (conveniently) didn't mention, and probably never bothered to ask about. But curiously, the utility's former CFO – now Councillor Tim Fryer – knows all about it. He helped set it up, but yet he didn't bother to inform council (and the public) about it, or correct the misrepresentations. Think maybe there's some personal reason for Tim not being open and transparent? Me too. Ah, so much for openness and transparency…
Collus Solutions (CS) was created in 2000 as a shell company. It is wholly owned by Collus PowerStream (the town has a share in CPS, but not directly in Collus Solutions). It has no physical assets and its financial assets at the end of 2015 were under $130K. It may still be owed money by the town.
It only exists on paper. It is merely an accounting convenience. Employees who provided the shared services to our water utility and other town departments were placed in CS to simplify the accounting process. As the auditor's report notes,
The principal activity of the corporation is to provide management, administration, billing, collecting and information technology services to Collus PowerStream Corp., Collingwood Public Utilities Service Board and The Town of Collingwood.
Solutions was part of the share sale to PowerStream in 2012, mostly because the employees in it also worked for Collus. Plus, the shared services agreement represented a revenue stream.
A letter recently sent by Collus PowerStream to the town administration and council explains it all (too bad the EB never called anyone at Collus PowerStream to get an explanation after the council meeting…). Here's a quote from the letter (read it all here):
As a result of conversations with CAO Brown, Collus PowerStream was advised that the Town was "transitioning" its IT services to the Town. As a result, two IT employees and a GIS employee would no longer be required in Collus Solutions. At our Board Meeting on May 31, 2016 our VP of Operations presented a staff report about our IT operations. One of the report's recommendations, approved unanimously by the Board, was to move existing IT and GIS staff to Collus PowerStream from Collus Solutions. This does not preclude Collus PowerStream from continuing to provide IT and GIS services to the Town pursuant to the Shared Services agreement to be signed by the Town and PowerStream. In fact, since January 1, 2016 the three employees have continued to perform the shared services for the Town under the premise that the agreement will be executed.
This council and its administration dismantled the cooperative, efficient and mutually-beneficial 150-year-old arrangement between our water and electrical utilities early in its term. The Block – NOT Collus PowerStream – strangled the revenue generation by removing employees and services from the joint agreement. So the benefit (and revenue) of Solutions to the utility shrank accordingly. And as the auditor's report stated:
As the corporation's main source of revenue is derived from providing administrative services to related parties its ability to continue viable operations is dependent upon Collus PowerStream Corp. and Collingwood Public Utilities Service Board. The shared services agreement is currently under review and the impact of any changes to the agreement is unknown at this time.
The viability of Solutions is dependent on the shared services agreement. Without services to share, it is nothing. Which agreement The Block has dismantled this term and let the interim CAO hold in abeyance for the past two years. And they're blaming someone else for the mess they created. Don't you just love the accountability?
By 2016 most of the employees working as Solutions employees were really only working for Collus alone. They had nothing to provide to the town or the water side (you, the taxpayer, are paying for those now not-shared services and employees, but that's okay since your money grows on trees…). So they were moved under the Collus umbrella because, after all, that was who they worked for.
By the spring, the only people left in Solutions were two IT employees, one GIS worker and five customer service/billing reps. All the other services had been taken away by the town (which makes you wonder again why the town's administration has not been able to craft an agreement for the remaining service in two years when it should take at most about 30 minutes…). So enough with the hypocrisy: billing was all that was left for Solutions to supply.
The town has been secretly working to take over IT, move all the equipment to the fire station, and contract the service out to a local, private company*. At a much higher cost than Solutions ever charged, of course. Plus there's the enormous cost of moving the hardware and rebuilding the infrastructure and wiring in the fire hall to handle the servers. Hey, it's only YOUR money, so why should the administration care about the costs?
But wait, it gets better: as the letter states, the interim CAO TOLD Collus-PowerStream that it was doing all this and wouldn't need the IT employees (without any public discussions, mind you) back in the spring. Now, six or so months later, the interim CAO is making as if it's a big surprise to him.
Moving employees from Solutions to Collus PowerStream was simply an administrative move. The former board was fully aware of these activities. And since the mayor sat on that board, too, through her the town was informed and participated in the decision.
And no, there is no obligation to tell council or the town administration every movement of employees who work for a separate corporation. That's just The Block's and administration's obsessive desire to micromanage every little detail of the town. And destroy as much as they touch.
That's it in a nutshell.
No conspiracy, no subterfuge, no hidden agendas, at least none on the part of Collus PowerStream. On the part of council, well, that's another matter.
Collus PowerStream knows the town has no intention of signing a new shared services agreement (why would they, since they've spent hundreds of thousands of your tax dollars to dismantle the relationship, and sent out RFPs to various utilities trying to sell their share without public input?). Yet we keep getting "progress" reports that say nothing. May the farce be with you.
Then the Deputy Mayor, Brian Saunderson, pipes up, playing a scripted Costello to the interim CAO's Abbott:
"Are you telling us that because of confidentiality restriction on a board member that significant corporate changes can be made and we as 50% shareholders would not have been told of structural changes or operational changes?" asked Deputy Mayor Brian Saunderson…
"To be clear then, the operational changes, presumably it could involve all of our Collus PowerStream staff to the point that it is now a shell company not an operating company, and that type of change in the operation of a company doesn't require notification of a shareholder," said Saunderson. "It seems unusual."
I think it's "unusual" that a lawyer doesn't know all about the province's corporate and confidentiality laws. And the responsibilities and authority of an independent board under the OEB's rules. After all, anyone with an internet connection can look them up online, not just lawyers. But maybe they're teaching different subjects in law schools these days. Like macrame or flower arranging.
But no, Brian, this doesn't change Collus PowerStream nor will it make it a "shell company" as you suggest. What an imagination you have! You ought to take up a career writing fantasy and get out of that fusty old law office. But Collus Solutions is already a shell, and may soon be de-populated entirely, thanks to the efforts of you and your friends at the table
Or maybe it was a carefully planned set up to continue foisting the conspiracy theory on the public. Oooh, bad Collus for not telling us it was protecting its employees and insuring they have jobs and can pay their mortgages and feed their families. Bad Collus for doing what a responsible corporate citizen should do. Bad Collus for not letting us ruin their lives intead.
Too bad the EB didn't dig deeper. Or at all.
The interim CAO responded:
"In terms of the Shareholders (sic) Agreement that it's generally the context that we generally work together with our 50% partner and I think that I would advise council that the town approval is required," said Brown.
(Huh?) The interim CAO apparently advises that, contrary to policy for all other boards and committees, and against provincial corporate legislation, council gets to approve minor staff changes in an independent agency it doesn't even own direct shares in. Horse puckey. As the CPS letter to council stated quite clearly:
Collus Solutions has no financial assets, it strictly houses employees that perform shared services. Employees are transferred out of Collus Solutions to Collus PowerStream if and when they no longer perform any services for water or Town operations. These transfers do not require the approval of either shareholder as it is strictly an administrative matter and seamless to the Corporations.
Does council approve moving staff from one department to another in the library? Or override library board decisions? Does council have to approve the schedules at the museum? Or who the NVCA hires? Of course not. Yet apparently council should approve changes at Collus Solutions and override the decisions of the independent corporation's own HR department and its board.
And none of this is in the article. How the mighty EB, once the local paper of record, has fallen.
As for the Collingwood Connection, it posted a somewhat better story titled Collingwood, PowerStream still working on agreement despite contention. Well, we know that's not true: after two years, an agreement that could have been updated in 30 minutes has long been belly-up in the political waters. What's left to share? Despite this, the reporter wrote:
The two sides are in the midst of negotiating a new shared services agreement, which would see Collus Solutions, a subsidiary of Collus Powerstream, provide a variety of services for the municipality.
"Variety" means what? Right now, the town is secretly but actively trying to recruit the private sector to provide IT services (to which the GIS service is closely tied). Only the billing staff are left. Some variety.
The town taxpayer has shouldered the costs of the other previously provided services and faces considerably more to come. However, as a show of good faith and an interest in maintaining the greater good for all of us, Collus PowerStream continues to provide IT services despite the lack of the shared services agreement, as the letter from Collus PowerStream states:
In fact, since January 1, 2016 the three employees have continued to perform the shared services for the Town under the premise that the agreement will be executed.
But this next bit is interesting (kudos to the reporter for actually asking someone at PowerStream and not merely drinking the administration's Kool-Aid), when the reporter quotes from a letter by lawyer Jean Leonard:
"The last communication I received from them was on July 25 when I was advised that they were seeking instructions and would get back to me," said Leonard. "My follow up email has gone unanswered."
Eric Fagen, vice-president of corporate communications for Powerstream, claims there has been communication between Brown and PowerStream President Brian Bentz.
"Since then, there have been a number of email exchanges between our president and John Brown, so there was a dialogue going on there," he said.
The lawyer tells council and the public there have been no communications since July 25. PowerStream says there has been an ongoing dialogue with the interim CAO. Are we being misled by someone? Why didn't the interim CAO mention this? Or forward the emails to the lawyer? Perhaps we should file an FOI request to see the interim CAO's emails.
The story quotes more from Leonard:
Leonard said these transfers could limit the ability of Collus Solutions to operate.
"The Town has a financial interest in Solutions, as a 50 per cent shareholder through the parent company, and this financial interest will be impacted if Solutions is unable to carry on its business," she said.
Do I need to state the obvious here? Many months ago, the interim CAO told Collus PowerStream the town was taking over its IT services (so you, the taxpayer, would shoulder that increased burden…). Of course, this has never been made public by The Most Secretive Council Ever. To reiterate, the letter from Collus PowerStream noted:
As a result of conversations with CAO Brown, Collus PowerStream was advised that the Town was "transitioning" its IT services to the Town. As a result, two IT employees and a GIS employee would no longer be required in Collus Solutions. At our Board Meeting on May 31, 2016 our VP of Operations presented a staff report about our IT operations.
So how could transferring the IT and GIS employees – who won't be needed by the town fairly soon – possibly affect the business of Solutions? The town plans to sell those IT services to the private sector (at your great expense). Come on, even a lawyer has to recognize that the spin is flaccid.
Collingwood deserves better.
* This contracting out of IT services concerns me for a reason aside from the increased costs taxpayers will carry from the debacle: security. A considerable amount of confidential and personal information is maintained in the town's records, emails and databases. Will this be secure? Will it be protected? Or will it leak (as has so much already, this term)? I trust the current IT staff – but who will guarantee our data is secure in future, once it is in private hands?
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CategoriesCollingwood, Council, Ethics and behaviour, Planning & Policies, Publicity & Communications TagsCollingwood, conspiracy, council, ethics, municipal politics
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Ian Chadwick says:
PS. The printed version of the story is headlined "More silence from PowerStream" which is both inaccurate and misleading. But it sure suits The Block's ideology.
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Recent Collingwood issues
The $9 Million Dollar Mayor December 25, 2020
What would $9 Million Buy Our Town? January 1, 2021
Where is Collingwood's Pandemic Response? January 10, 2021
As Important as Clean Drinking Water? December 19, 2020
The irony, the hypocrisy December 12, 2020
No Enemies; No Accomplishments December 1, 2020
Skepticisms & Debunking
432 vs 440Hz: Science or Codswallop? February 14, 2016
WTF is wrong with people these days? January 22, 2019
Local media is letting us down February 1, 2019
Jordan Peterson's 12 Rules February 10, 2019
Hegseth, hand washing and social media February 12, 2019
The Ten Bulls January 19, 2019
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Why Elvis Matters to Collingwood
Legends of Horror
An Indoor Year-Round Rec Facility for Seniors and More
Litter, litter, everywhere
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Ian Chadwick on The Cancer Diaries, Part 24
Ian Chadwick on Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
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RJGnyc on I'm Struggling With Julian Jaynes
Brian Dundas on The Cancer Diaries, Part 18
Ian Chadwick on Shopping carts, masks, and morality
Ian Chadwick on The Trolley Problem
Ian Chadwick on We've Seen It All Before
Samuel Englender on The Unknown Monk Meme
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Ian's bookshelf: currently-reading
Superintelligence: Paths, Dangers, Strategies
by Nick Bostrom
Robopocalypse
by Daniel H. Wilson
The Academic Questions, Treatise de Finibus & Tusculan Disputations of M.T. Cicero, with a Sketch of the Greek Philosophers Mentioned
by Marcus Tullius Cicero
Into the Silence: The Great War, Mallory and the Conquest of Everest
by Wade Davis
The Inconvenient Indian: A Curious Account of Native People in North America
by Thomas King
The Second Sleep
by Robert Harris
Dr. Patrick Walsh's Guide to Surviving Prostate Cancer
by Janet Farrar Worthington
The Complete Patrick Melrose Novels
by Edward St. Aubyn
The First 28 Years of Monty Python, Revised Edition
by Kim Howard Johnson
by Doris Lessing
Shoptimism: Why the American Consumer Will Keep on Buying No Matter What
by Lee Eisenberg
Flushed: How the Plumber Saved Civilization
by W. Hodding Carter IV
Misquoting Jesus: The Story Behind Who Changed the Bible and Why
by Bart D. Ehrman
Reading Judas: The Gospel of Judas and the Shaping of Christianity
by Elaine Pagels
The Structure of Evolutionary Theory
by Stephen Jay Gould
Leave It to Psmith
by P.G. Wodehouse
by Alain de Botton
Machine of Death: A Collection of Stories About People Who Know How They Will Die
by Ryan North
1984 (Nineteen Eighty-Four), Animal Farm, and over 40 Other Works by George Orwell
LEWIS CARROLL Ultimate Collection (Illustrated Edition): Complete Novels & Fantastic Short Stories; Poetry & Biography: Alice in Wonderland, Through ... Sylvie and Bruno, A Tangled Tale…
by Lewis Carroll
A Rare Blue Bird Flies with Me
by Youssef Fadel
The Complete Stories
by Flannery O'Connor
by Rizwan Virk
Dialogues and Essays
Dialogues and Letters
Share book reviews and ratings with Ian, and even join a book club on Goodreads.
Ian's bookshelf: read
by Atul Gawande
by Antonio Skármeta
The Complete Sherlock Holmes Collection
by Arthur Conan Doyle
The Mandibles: A Family, 2029–2047
by Lionel Shriver
Twilight at the World of Tomorrow : Genius, Madness, Murder, and the 1939 World's Fair on the Brink of War
by James Mauro
The Tudors: The Complete Story of England's Most Notorious Dynasty
by G.J. Meyer
What Did We Use Before Toilet Paper?: 200 Curious Questions and Intriguing Answers
by Andrew Thompson
So Say We All: The Complete, Uncensored, Unauthorized Oral History of Battlestar Galactica
by Mark A. Altman
Selected Poems and Four Plays
by W.B. Yeats
by François de La Rochefoucauld
Dao De Jing: A Philosophical Translation - featuring the recently discovered bamboo texts
by Lao Tzu
Catullus' Bedspread: The Life of Rome's Most Erotic Poet
by Daisy Dunn
Nixon's Darkest Secrets: The Inside Story of America's Most Troubled President
by Don Fulsom
Wretched Writing: A Compendium of Crimes Against the English Language
by Kathryn Petras
Machiavelli: The Art of Teaching People What to Fear
by Patrick Boucheron
by Frank Herbert
Augustus: The Life of Rome's First Emperor
by Anthony Everitt
The Master and Margarita
by Mikhail Bulgakov
Justinian's Flea: Plague, Empire, and the Birth of Europe
by William Rosen
by Miguel Ángel Asturias
Miss Wyoming
by Douglas Coupland
Look Who's Back
by Timur Vermes
Recent and past computer games:
PC:No Man's Sky, Galactic Civilizations III, Portal Knights, Abzu, Surviving the Aftermath, Rome: Imperator, Witcher franchise (1,2,3), World of Tanks, Project Highrise, Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel, Islanders, Sniper Elite 3 & 4, Battle Academy 2, Endless Space 2, Surviving Mars, Elite: Dangerous, Divinity: Original Sin, Crusader Kings II, Victoria II, The Guild II, Rimworld, Neverwinter, Cities Skylines, Kerbal Space Program, World of Warcraft, Lux Delux, Lux Alliance, Making History: Calm & the Storm, Car Mechanic Simulator 2015, Order of Battle, Grim Fandango, Minecraft, Goat Simulator, Banished, Guild Wars 2, Unity of Command, Borderlands 1 & 2, Left 4 Dead 1 & 2, Civilization IV & V, Ace of Spades, SimCity, Mass Effect, Medal of Honour, Skyrim, Fritz 12, Operational Art of War, XCOM, Tropico 4 & 5, Mafia II, Red Orchestra, Oblivion, Drakensang, Imperium Romanum,
Plus Sudoku and SimCity on the iPad
Napoleon's Art of War Quad, chess, go, Risk, AH's Waterloo, Kremlin, Frederick The Great, Panzer Blitz, any SPI Quad
Interesting stuff:
Vintage Ukulele Music
Blue Agave Tequila Forum
GT Humane Society
Skeptic North
The Paltry Sapien
Bad UFOs
Ottawa Skeptics
Municipal World
World Wide Words
The Inky Fool
Town of Collingwood
A favoured quotation
"Some consultants… are simply vending machines… If you hire one of these consultants, you better make sure somebody else is providing the creativity, because they sure won't be… Hold onto your wallet when you deal with consultants."
— Dick Morris , The New Prince, Chapter 38
Tagage baggage:
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claptrap (22)
Collingwood (377)
Collus PowerStream (30)
critical thinking (150)
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Most Read Posts:
More loafing about
Misquoting Shakespeare. Again.
Local media is letting us down
A response to Don May
WTF is wrong with people these days?
Statement for the Judicial Inquiry
John Brown's letter got the attention it deserved
My answers to ACO
Astrology: millennials in search of woo hoo
The death of critical thinking or just bad journalism?
Least Read Posts:
Musings of a B-Film Junkie
Point to Point: The Book From the Ground
Where is Collingwood's Pandemic Response?
More Quotations:
"We have seen above how necessary it is for a prince to build a solid foundation, otherwise he will go to ruin. The primary foundations of all states… are good laws and good arms. As there cannot be good laws where the state is not well armed, it follows that where they are well armed they have good laws."
— Niccolo Machiavelli , The Prince, Ch. XII


Nanny was having a cuddle with Addison tonight and he started to investigate his little features.
He slowly worked his way up his face to his ear and had a little hold, then his arm went to the top of his head to find this furry stuff! Next thing there was a squeak and a squeal… Addi had discovered he had hair, and yes! it hurts when you pull it!!
Addi Swaddled for His Own Protection!
There is a very good reason we wrap and swaddle Addi, he ends up getting a handful of hair and giving it a tug! He still manages to get some part of his body loose… my little squiggly kid!


hi, i'm jeff smith, and welcome to bigmoose.
the idea for bigmoose was born out of a very sad event in my life, the death of my best mate gary cloonan (aka moose). his death made me aware of my mortality in a way that i never had before. i vowed to myself to get the most out of every minute of my time on this planet.
since then, i've followed this ideal in everything i do, and it has ultimately led me to create bigmoose, a non-profit organisation with a very clear intention - do fun stuff that inspires people to live better, healthier, kinder lives.
have a look at what we're doing and if you want to join the movement for good, scroll down and subscribe, and together let's leave this world better than when we found it!
subscribe to the bigmoose blog!
we will never give you e-mail address to anyone, even if they gave us chinese burns, or bribe us with twirls, promise!


Op-ed: The mainstream media's prime objective is to make money. Along the way they also aim to post impartial news reports but may fail at times on that score.
But with eyeballs on publications and advertising revenue so important what gets reported and to what extent is a mixed bag.
Sunday a brutal and cruel suicide attacker struck at a place where children were enjoying the Easter festival.
A bomber obviously laden with explosives blew himself or maybe herself to kingdom come and took at least 72 innocents, many children, along with him.
Around 280 people sustained injuries.
Easter Monday people have begun burying the dead.
Sad days ahead as parents, siblings, other family members, friends and in some cases colleagues say a last farewell to loved ones stolen from them by cruel fanatics.
The fact that these people were enjoying a Christian festival and in many cases were of the Christian faith played a huge part but no doubt so did their western style of celebration.
The suicide bomber detonated his deadly Easter message near an entrance to Gulshan-e-Iqbal Park, close to a children's play area, on Sunday evening. The noise of the huge blast was heard for several kilometres.
The Taliban has claimed responsibility for Sunday's attack and police are hunting those behind the bomb attack.
This is the latest in a string of terror attacks around the world but the extent of reporting varies.
Is it that some lives are worthless, matter less, the deaths are more worrying as they are closer to home, the victims appear more relevant as they include people of our nationality or just press economics?
The victims in Lahore are believed to have been Christians celebrating Easter but their faith should be immaterial. It is of course the reason the Taliban targeted them.
The above list from Wikipedia is not exhaustive and does not include the Lahore attack Sunday.
When the USA was attacked on September 11, 2001, news reporting in the UK went into overdrive. It was 9/11 24/7 for months. When France experienced attacks last year we had extended news coverage also.
Other terror attacks have been less widely reported sometimes as in the case of the Tunisia beach attack you have wonder if that is to protect the travel industry and countries involved or because we're are being kept in the dark.
But however a terror attack is reported the one thing that remains consistent is that all the victims matter and are equal, or they should be.


Recently McCormicks & Schmick's Restaurant in Beverly Hills hosted a Blogger Dinner. Unfortunately, I missed the dinner as I was in New York attending the BlogHer conference. However, I sent two special tasters to the event and later interviewed the Chef about what is going on at McCormick & Schmick's. With this exquisite and tasty research, I feel I am uniquely qualified to tell you what the best values are for customers dinning there. Here are some things that I think savvy foodies need to know.
First although these are "chain restaurants", they selection of seafood is fresh. You'll find fresh selection of the day printed on the menu every day.
Second, they have specials, my raison d'etre. I've long been a fan of their Happy Hour with the cheap and cheerful burgers and appetizers. I get the biggest kick out of asking the parking lot guys in Beverly Hills where the deals are (they have the scoop on a lot of things). The attendants always mention that they like the Happy Hour at McCormick& Schmick's for the food.
Finally, it's not all about seafood. The restaurants feature steaks, salads, pastas and soups. Vegetarians and those who don't like seafood can still enjoy a delicious meal.
Summer Lobster Promotion features a variety of ways to eat Lobster.
My spies tell me that more deals are on the way. Watch the restaurant's Facebook group and website for details.
Now, back to the Blogger dinner and what my taster (Maggie Read Photography) tried. Clearly, it was a very tough night for them. The food received rave reviews. (Click here to see what fellow blogger Greg from SipptySup thought of the feast.) Each dish was fresh and well seasoned. Now, don't try this at home, because this is way more food than anyone should consume in one sitting!
Dungeness Crab Salad on Ciabatta, Foie Gras Torchon with Fig Jam, Sushi, and Sea Scallop with Blood Orange Gastrique.
Grand Finale/Dessert: Yuzu Cheesecake with a macadamia nut crust. This looks amazing as you can see from the photo below, accented with Strawberry Coulis. Yum!
Following the dinner, Regional Chef Rene Van Brockhuizen answered these questions for me.
Pictured: The Chef hard at work.
What is on the regularly found on the Beverly Hills McCormick and Schmick's menu?
"Halibut, Yellowtail, Hamachi and are all fresh today. With changing seasons come changing selections of fresh fish"
What food is not on the regular menu?
"Everything being served at the Blogger dinner is on the regular menu either as an appetizer, a main course, or dessert"
What do you think is the best fresh fish for the price?
"Anything that is local is the best for each different location. In BH the local yellowtail is wild, not farm raised and very good".
We have a Happy Hour offered during regular hours that offers very good portions of some of our customers favorite foods at reduced prices"
Bottom line, McCormick and Schmick's has a great menu, with a wide variety of food choices. You can dine in a very upscale way and order of the menu, or you an choose a bargain, and check out one of their current promotions or prix fixe menus.
Of course, the Beverly Hills store offers an additional benefit: the large outdoor patio/terrace on Via Rodeo. I've spent many happy hours there sipping wine on that patio. If you are someone who loves to shop, even if it's just window shopping, you'll want to check out the McCormick and Schmick's in Beverly Hills for outdoor dinning, drinks and shopping breaks. After all, Fashion's Night Out is coming to Rodeo on Sept. 10th. McCormick and Schmick's will be a great place to relax between all the store hopping.
Bloggers attending the dinner received two cook books, a $10.00 gift certificate and movie passes from McCormick and Schmick's. I am giving away a copy to my readers of one of the books: McCormick and Schmick's Seafood Cookbook. Leave a comment here telling us what you think the best deal is at McCormick and Schmick's by Sept. 5 to win. Be sure to leave your email like this: foodie at yahoo dot com in your comment so we can get in touch to mail you the book!
We just had a great prix fix/early bird dinner at McCormick and Schmick's in Raleigh NC at Crabtree mall. That to me is the best deal.


text:
A Black Man in the White House
Laying the Groundwork
brilliant corners is a nationally and internationally recognized polling firm that was instrumental in twice electing Barack Obama to the White House. Our work in understanding the new electorate leading up to the historic 2008 election enabled the campaign to activate an entirely new set of voters, and in 2012 we continued to defy conventional wisdom by showing a path to reengagement particularly for minority and youth voters nationwide. Responsible for the youth vote in the 2012 campaign, our research established a blueprint for both how to reach youth voters and how to communicate with them on their terms. The results speak for themselves – while most prognosticators thought the electorate in 2012 would resemble more traditional elections, we saw the opportunity to once again energize the 2008 surge electorate. Indeed, Election Day 2012 saw nearly the same number of young voters turn out as four years prior – much to the astonishment of pundits on the left and right.
Prior to our work with Obama for America, brilliant corners conducted ground breaking work on behalf of the Democratic National Committee, culminating in its widely successful 50 state strategy. As lead pollster for the DNC, brilliant corners was a key advocate in expanding the electorate and provided the foundation for the historic gains of the 2006 election predicated on a better positioned Party brand. In addition to its critical role as a member of the Obama for America polling team, brilliant corners continues to assist high profile corporate clients with their branding and reposition needs.
brilliant corners operates as a boutique polling firm specializing in strategies for targeting and constructing alliances with specific audiences that include youth and culturally diverse and emerging markets. In today's swiftly evolving environments we offer our clients continuous consultation using a more agile hands-on service model that enables the brilliant corners team to assist our clients in forging new pathways through difficult terrain in the political, policy, opinion and market research arenas.
At brilliant corners, we've dispensed with the formulaic approaches still in heavy rotation by too many in the field that at best can provide a road map for the roads already traveled. Our eyes are always focused on expansion. Our goal is to help clients stake out new territory that can impact critical electoral and market segments by providing thoughtful, relevant, and values-driven communication frameworks. Currently, our next-step approach to research design is relied upon by a number of major progressive organizations and high-profile corporate clients.
political research
We explore key issues to understand the underlying values that impact and connect communities and voters to a campaign and help develop communications that resonate with people in a real and relevant way. Our job is to assess the climate around a given issue or candidate and find ways to cultivate a majority coalition in our client's favor.
market opinion research and strategy
Here, the bulk of our work is comprised of both quantitative and qualitative research that allows us to assess diverse markets with an eye toward building broad alliances for political or corporate campaigns. While we specialize in African American and youth markets and constituencies, our research techniques transcend race and demographics. We believe that our research provides our clients with the essential tools necessary to make profitable and sound targeting decisions.
public corporate policy research
Investigative study is conducted to develop and frame policy for public or private entities. It's a thorough assessment of the organization or company's issue agenda and a test of how potential policy approaches fare in experimental research models. Message frameworks are then constructed to best position a product or initiative with the public and to encourage movement toward those positions.
Mississippi Personhood
Mississippi voters were given the choice in 2011 to adopt Amendment 26 on the general ballot[i], which would have defined the term person to include every human being from the moment of fertilization, cloning, or the functional equivalent thereof. The "Personhood Amendment" had been floated in a couple of other states as a means to outlaw abortion already but never one as deeply conservative as Mississippi. Our initial poll for Planned Parenthood confirmed how big a challenge we faced: fully 63 percent of likely Mississippi voters identified themselves as Conservative, and not just among whites. Fully two thirds of voters claimed to attend church at least once a week (with half of those claiming more than that!), and only 22 percent considered themselves to be pro-choice. We also knew that "conservative" in this context did not just mean white or Republican: half of African American voters identified as Conservative and only 16 percent of them were pro-choice. We also faced a significant enthusiasm gap, with supporters of Amendment 26 much more excited than were the opponents.
While proponents of the Personhood Amendment made it clear this was about outlawing abortion from the outset, we knew we could not win that debate and made the decision not to talk about it in those terms. Instead we had to find the cross pressures that would give these voters an excuse to vote No. In addition to persuading undecided voters, we had to give supporters of 26 a reason to doubt their support based on other, possibly unintended consequences of such a law, while simultaneously generating more enthusiasm among our own base of voters.
After our initial poll analysis, we went to work modeling the effect of each argument on different segments of the electorate. In the end, we determined that there also existed sufficient distrust in the electorate that we could use the Amendment's over reach to tamp down support. Voters were not in favor of larger government, and certainly did not want politicians to be involved in healthcare decisions. This sense was further heightened given the recent passage of "Obamacare." There were also far reaching consequences of Amendment 26, on the availability of birth control and legality of in-vitro fertilization. All of these were effective arguments to specific groups of voters, but in the end they all tied into a central theme: that government politicians should not come between a woman and her doctor/family/religion when it came to her own healthcare, and that the life of the mother was sacrosanct. Our poll showed that proper delivery of these messages would give us a slight advantage in the ballot test and, perhaps more importantly, nullify the initial enthusiasm gap we faced.
On Election Day, Mississippi voters rejected Amendment 26 (and most people's expectations) 58-42, a sixteen point margin! They did so because ultimately the Personhood Amendment was out of step with their core values. They weren't suddenly pro-choice, but thanks to our research and Planned Parenthood's mastery of the message, the central focus of the debate was never about abortion. Rather than try to change the opposition's world view (which would be seen as disrespectful), our campaign focused on other aspects of the law which its erstwhile supporters simply couldn't stomach. We met voters on their own turf, but not on the grounds of the opposition.
In many ways, this campaign typifies our work at brilliant corners. Confronted with an extremely difficult and sensitive campaign, our initial instincts were not to run a typically progressive campaign to change the minds of the voters. Instead we sought to understand the electorate and communicate on their terms. We didn't change anyone's mind in the state of Mississippi on abortion, but we helped defeat a law that would have ended abortion in the state (something roughly two thirds of the state agrees should happen), and we did it by 16 points.
[i]Though an off year in many states, 2011 would also see Mississippi vote on a new Governor and other statewide offices, so turnout was expected to be high.
brilliant corners
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