Spring is finally here and as the countdown to Easter begins with the idea of new life being celebrated through endless forms of mouthwatering chocolate, another renaissance has taken place on King's Road.
The Imperial Arms has had new life breathed into it and one of the last remaining original Victorian pub buildings has been resurrected to a whole new level.
Comfort and style run throughout the pub; making it a very pleasant place to dine. I love the spacious feel and the less awkward layout which I remember from the past.
On top of The Imperial Arms' impressive makeover the pub's food, which includes classic dishes, a vegan menu and a breakfast menu, it has James Barlow at the helm of the pub's team of chefs. Barlow's experience includes London's Soho House and Fig & Olive restaurant in New York.
When I popped in for lunch last week I started with the crab and crayfish samosas with mango, chilli and coriander which I absolutely loved.
The OH had the veal carpaccio with mustard caper emulsion, pine nuts and basil.
For main and probably because I was recovering from a horrid cold, I decided to go for a classic; beer battered cod and chips with minted pea purée and tartare sauce which I really enjoyed. There was a lovely twist to the fish which made me feel I wasn't being too predictable.
The OH also felt like having a classic for lunch so he went for the prime beef burger with raclette cheese, chipotle mayo and beer candied bacon with fries and slaw. He also added a fried egg to his burger. I admit I couldn't resist a bite and it went down very well.
For dessert we shared the rhubarb on shortbread which was the perfect way to end such a lovely meal.
I've visited The Imperial Arms under various ownerships since starting my blog and I do think the new owners have got it right with the food, interior and their very lovely team.
We were guests of The Imperial Arms.


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In Banking/Finance, Issue 2014 August By Luke Haase
Northwestern-To-Chemical Bank Transition On Track
What's yellow and black, soon to be green and white all over?
Bank leaders say Northwestern Bank's conversion to Chemical Bank is on track for a likely August completion. Midland-based Chemical announced the purchase of Northwestern in March; as the closing of the deal now approaches, existing Northwestern employees know their futures, the Federal Reserve appears likely to approve the transaction, and a new future bank president has moved to town.
"We continue to press forward with the thought process that this is going to close the middle part of third quarter, with conversion before the end of the quarter," says Chemical CEO David Ramaker.
Ramaker adds that both banks have been busy behind the scenes preparing for the change, but nothing can be finalized until the Federal Reserve gives its stamp of approval. The deal is very likely to be approved without a hitch, though early on it was anticipated that the Reserve might force Chemical to sell certain branches for competitive reasons.
"Because of the amount of competition today that comes from non-banks such as credit unions or mortgage companies, we have asked the Reserve to approve the deal without having to sell a location," says Ramaker, "and we think it was heard."
Throughout the past several weeks, Northwestern employees have been notified if they have jobs with the combined entity. Bank leaders have not said how many positions will be eliminated, though they have confirmed that all "customer facing Northwestern employees" will have jobs after the transaction.
One person with a big, new job is Donna McAvoy, Chemical senior vice president, who has relocated to Traverse City to lead the combined entity's northern Michigan operations after the conversion. Though the announcement has not yet officially been made, the TCBN has learned McAvoy will lead the bank's offices throughout the region from the current Northwestern main office on Garfield Avenue. Sources say current Northwestern CEO Daniel Terpsma will remain with the company in a different role.
Aside from the changeover from the iconic black and yellow Northwestern signs and "I Can Do That" branding to Chemical's green and white logos, customers will likely see little change after the conversion.
"Customers will still walk into a branch or call and be serviced by the same individuals…still use their Northwestern checks, and make their payments as they always have," Ramaker says. Customers will begin receiving more specific updates this month.
Ramaker and Terpsma said Northwestern customers will also soon be able to access certain products that Northwestern did not offer, including more robust commercial and industrial lending.
"We've always done some lending to manufacturers and industrial companies," Terpsma explains, "but those are very capital intensive, and many loans were more than our size would have allowed us to lend them. [With Chemical] we can make larger loans and offer a broader array of commercial products and be more competitive."
As conversion teams from both banks prepare for the merger of systems, leadership is also busy recruiting members for a new community board, something Chemical Bank maintains in each of its markets.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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Mikkelsen Island and Spert Island, 1/5/2022, National Geographic Resolution
We spotted whales while kayaking around enormous blue icebergs today. As we participated in a thrilling polar plunge in the icy waters of Mikkelsen Harbor, we saw porpoising penguins amidst even more whales. We enjoyed a thrilling Zodiac ride through the narrow cuts of Spert Island, and… can you guess yet? Still more whales! Finally, after a long and magical day, we sailed into the sunset… accompanied by whales, of course.
Tanish Peelgrane, Undersea Specialist
Being lucky enough to have two homes—Australia and the U.S.A.—has given Tanish (who goes by Tani) a deep love for diversity among ecosystems and cultures and a desire to learn about them.
Gerlache Strait, Markmann Bay and Orne Harbor
At Sea – En Route to Alexander Island, Bellingshausen Sea
Antarctica and Patagonia: Legendary Ice and Epic Fjords
Drake Passage and Ushuaia, Argentina
An overcast and stormy morning greeted National Geographic Resolution as it churned through the waters of the Drake Passage. As petrels and black-browed albatrosses (Thalassarche melanophris) swooped around the ship, we made our way through the waves and the Antarctic winds. After a late breakfast, guests attended lectures on current scientific projects in Antarctica and the seals of Antarctica. The Global Explorers showed footage they collected while driving the ROV. A wine tasting and empanadas were provided for guests in Tupaia while National Geographic Resolution tucked into the Beagle Channel. The evening recap took the form of a guest slideshow followed by the Captain's Cocktail Party. Finally, dinner was served in Two Seven Zero. Slowly, the final day of an amazing trip came to an end as guests ate a wonderful meal and engaged in passionate conversations before heading to their rooms to pack.
The Southern Drake Passage
We knew the day would come when we would have to turn northward and return to Tierra del Fuego, the region from which we started. The Antarctic Peninsula, the South Shetland Islands, and ice in many forms were left astern late last night as we sailed out into the open ocean and the rolling seas of the Drake Passage. With a mild start to the crossing, we had time to reflect on the wide experiences and diverse landscapes of our expedition. We enjoyed a number of presentations and prepared ourselves for the passage as we contemplated the conundrum: how to fit all our gear back into the luggage from which it came?
Paradise Bay and Neko Harbour, Antarctica
Amazingly, we were treated to another day of blue skies, no wind, lots of fun, and penguins. We enjoyed kayaking, two rounds of hiking on the White Continent, and a Polar Plunge!


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MADERFILM is a motion picture and media studio founded by award-winning filmmaker Kenneth Mader, recently named one of the "Top 100 Indie Filmmakers in the World" by Action On Film's Del Weston. Our mission is to create high-quality entertainment with high production values and smart, thought-provoking writing that values story and characters while exploring the human experience.
Watch this video to see us in action:
Maderfilm is currently enjoying much success with its most recent feature film DISPLACEMENT, a critically acclaimed, multi-award-winning time travel thriller. The film had a Limited U.S. Theatrical Release in early 2017, is now available on VOD and DVD, and was acquired by A+E Networks for a World Broadcast Premiere on the Lifetime Movie Network in the U.S. and internationally. It has won numerous awards on the film festival circuit and is being hailed by critics as "A clever masterpiece… Forceful and intellectual."
DISPLACEMENT stars Method Fest Award Winner Courtney Hope ("The Bold and the Beautiful", Quantum Break", "Transparent"), Academy Award Nominee and Golden Globe Winner Bruce Davison, Golden Globe Winner Susan Blakely, Superman I & II's Sarah Douglas, Christopher Backus ("Bosch", "Underground"), Lou Richards ("Mad Men", "Hulk"), and Karan Oberoi ("NCIS", "Survival Code"). It is written and directed by Kenneth Mader.
OUR WORK for more on DISPLACEMENT and Maderfilm's other projects.
SLATE of motion pictures and television series' we are developing and packaging.
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Sanofi in India
Sanofi in the world
Board Of Directors & Board Committees
Thomas Rouckout
Thomas Rouckout joined the Board on 27th February 2017.
In 2002, Thomas started his career with the Ministry of Economy, Finance and Industry (Paris) as Portfolio Manager. In this role, he supported French public companies implement their strategic decisions such as major capital expenditures, mergers & acquisitions. He also helped preparing and implementing the privatization process of public companies on behalf of the French Government. From year 2006 to 2012, he joined Alstom Group as Group Management Controller in Corporate, and then as CFO for the Alstom Power Gas turbines Operations and Maintenance business in Zurich, Switzerland. Post this role, he took on the position of Vice-President Finance, Operations Controlling for the Grid sector.
He joined Sanofi in 2012 as Group Controller, then as Head of Finance for the Phamaceutical Platform in Industrial Affairs. He is currently Global Head of Finance for Global Support Functions.
© Sanofi 2006-2021 - All rights reserved


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Names of fallen Joburg firefighters inscribed on new fire trucks in their honour
By Nonkululeko Njilo - 05 August 2019 - 21:30
Central fire station commander Chico Nyathi looks at a candle placed next to the helmets of three firefighters who died in the Joburg CBD on September 6 2018. They will be honoured by having their names inscribed on new firefighting vehicles.
In an attempt to honour firefighters who died during a deadly CBD blaze in 2018, the City of Johannesburg said their names would be inscribed onto 40 new fire engines.
The city's MMC for safety, Micheal Sun, made the announcement on Monday after visiting an assembly plant in Olifantsfontein, near Midrand - one of the five plants where 40 new fire engines will be built.
The under-construction vehicles are expected to be completed within three months.
"In honour of those that gave the ultimate sacrifice for the safety of others, these vehicles will be named after fallen firefighters, with their name inscribed onto the new engines," said Sun.
Firefighters injured as blaze leaves shacks gutted in Cape Town
Three injured firefighters were taken to hospital for treatment after responding to a fire that gutted dozens of shacks overnight in Masiphumelele, ...
He said the project was about more than just the assembly of fire engines, but the building of vital equipment that would save residents' lives and properties.
"Our residents don't just see a fire engine; they see hope and relief," he said.
As part of the first phase of the city's new fire engine replacement programme, Sun said R216m had been paid to a supplier for these and a range of other fire emergency vehicles.
These include one with a telescopic ladder, 15 grass firefighting vehicles (known as skid units), two major pumpers, seven light rapid rescue vehicles, one hydraulic platform, two level-2 command vehicles, two industrial pumpers, five heavy-duty rear-mounted pumpers, four water tankers and a heavy-duty hazardous materials (hazmat) vehicle.
Firefighter heroes reunited with baby they saved from the brink of death
Earlier this month a Cape Town woman ran frantically into the Belhar fire station with her two-week old baby who had stopped breathing and was ...
Sun expressed confidence at the suppliers ability to deliver on the huge task. "The service provider is a local specialised vehicle builder established 52 years ago and has vast experience and resources in building and assembling purpose-built vehicles such as fire engines," he said.
To ensure that everything was on track, Sun said after the procurement process was completed and the purchase order placed, he inspected the assembly plant and found production to be on schedule, confirming that the city would receive the new fire engines within the three months.
"The procurement of these fire engines are of utmost importance as our residents' lives and properties depend on the efficient service of our emergency management services. I will therefore conduct regular oversight to ensure that production is on track for speedy and efficient delivery.
"It is important that we always remember those that have given their lives for the protection of others - especially as we are finally able to replace the fleet of aged fire engines in Johannesburg," added Sun.
Three firefighters killed while battling Joburg CBD building blaze
Durban container depot razed in fire
Firefighters sweat to contain wildfire in Paarl
One killed' two seriously injured as fire on Cape coast rages out of control
Firefighters speak out on Johannesburg CBD blaze


Sydney Harbour, Circular Quay. 7 April 2013.
Thanks Roar. We were on the ferry we use to go to the movies. And I don't leave home without a camera - well not often.
This photo has been shown 770 times since it was added to the site.


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Hanukah lighting at the White House.
The Establishment of the Nation of Israel – Hanukah
November 25, 2020 November 24, 2020 David Wexelman Blog, Featured News, Israel, Religion
Nationalism is important for the survival of mankind on earth.
Peace between nations is a goal for mankind.
Spiritual peace is a goal for every human being.
The Nation of Israel has a Biblical history more than any other nation in the world. Like all nations it was established and survived through wars. The whole Bible from Genesis is the story of the establishment of the Biblical nation of Israel which began with Adam in the Garden of Eden.
Adam was created by God from the earth unlike all other human beings who come from the sexual union of male and female. The belief in the special creation of Adam is the foundation of faith in God the creator. "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth" are the first words of the Bible. The belief in the special creation of Adam refutes evolution.
Netanyahu lights Hanukah candles at the Wailing Wall.
According to Bible history Adam and Eve were singles not knowing evil. When they discovered evil coaxed by the Satan the snake, they had sex. From Adam and Eve was born Cain and Abel. According to the Bible Cain and Abel were born in sin. From Cain and Abel was populated the whole world with human imperfection. Adam and Eve were more perfect but also susceptible to the coaxing of the snake.
The population of the world grew. Families united in tribes. Tribes grew to make nations each with its own territories. The nation of Egypt is mentioned even before the establishment of Israel. The bible gives history of the birth of three fathers of nations in the world who are Jacob, Ishmael, and Esau.
The children of Ishmael and Esau intermarried while the children of Jacob and Isaac born from Abraham selected carefully the mates for their children. The children of Jacob was a tribe. Many other tribes wanted to marry their daughters. In one story in the Bible in Genesis the daughter of Jacob Dinah was molested by the son of the tribe of Shechem. Shechem wanted Dinah the daughter of Jacob and were willingly even to circumcise their children to be part of the children of Jacob. The children of Jacob refused in Genesis 34.
Nationalism even the development of the Nation of Israel described in the Bible came about through the sin of Adam of Eve imperfection of man. The world is populated through the act of sex which is called sinful in the Bible. Turning the wheel of history backward returning to Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden of where it says about them "they were naked" was not possible.
Instead God gave to mankind another plan. This plan was to establish religion in the world. God gave the Jewish people a law and constitution to build their nation in the land of Israel through the prophet Moses who had redeemed them from slavery and captivity in the Land of Egypt under wicked King Pharaoh. The Biblical Nation of Israel and its law preserved the lineage of the great saints Abraham, Isaac and Jacob the Jewish forefathers. Through the Biblical Law of Israel was preserved this heritage including the giving of the five books of Moses, the Old Testament.
The Biblical Nation of Israel was a nation under God with a temple a theocracy without giving Jews rights to intermarry and assimilate. Through the Law of Moses has been preserved the precious genes of the forefathers of the Jewish people. It is hard to deny the uniqueness of the genes of the Jewish people in history especially in America where Jews as a minority have a strong place in the government, medicine and technology. Both Pfizer and Moderna producing vaccine for Corona are run by Jews. Kamela Harris is married to Doug Emhoff a Jew. The children of Joe Biden are married to Jews. Jews are not angels but they are special human beings.
The Modern State of Israel was established with a plan to continue the lineage of the Jewish people. They did this through giving the Orthodox Rabbinate power over marriage and divorce. Israel in all other ways is a democracy. Jews who live in the diaspora intermarry at a rate of over 50%. To preserve the blood connection of the Jewish people with their fathers is required Jewish law which prohibits intermarriage. There is opposition in the world against the practice of Judaism limiting freedom of Jews to intermarry. Israel is sometimes called an Apartheid nation. It may be true but science supports the importance of Genetics. The lineage of the Jewish people have been preserved also through education, and strict family supervision.
The holiday of Hanukah which is celebrated this month commemorates a point in Jewish history where the nation of Israel and its heritage was threatened by the Greeks who had conquered the Land of Israel. The Greeks put restrictions on Jews living in Biblical Israel during the period of the second temple. Intermarriage was no problem for Jews living as a sovereign nation under Jewish law. It is well known that Jews will intermarry naturally without restrictions of Jewish law. The Greeks entered the temple in Jerusalem and interfered with its holy practices. They desired to destroy the Jewish nation through intermarriage. A small number of Jews called the Maccabees defeated the Greeks and succeeded to retake hold of their holy temple. The Nation of Israel with its important lineage continued to survive.
President Trump recognized the importance of Jewish lineage. His own daughter married Jared Kushner an Orthodox Jew with Jewish children and grandchildren. Jews are gift of God to the world who gave the Jewish people their religion. President Trump worked to support the Modern State of Israel which is a democracy. Israel being a democracy is no threat to world peace like Iran which is a theocracy. The goal of President Trump and the American ideal is to spread democracy throughout the world; while recognizing the importance of religion.
Religions which were once nations; today support World Faith which is important to each and every human being especially at times of crisis. Judaism today is only one part of World faith. Monotheism began with the Biblical State of Israel and the nation of the children of Israel. It spread out to the rest of the world through Christianity and Islam. Hanukah today represents not only Jewish faith in One God but also World Faith and the belief in the Messianic era.
Rabbi Lord Jonathon Sacks the former Chief Rabbi of the United British Commonwealth passed away this month. He worked to unite the Jewish people with the rest of the world.
Communal News Judaism Nationalism Religion
David Wexelman
Rabbi David Wexelman is the author of five books on the topics of World Unity and Peace, and Progressive Jewish Spirituality. Rabbi Wexelman is a member of the American Friends of Maccabee, a charitable organization helping the poor in the United States and in Israel. Donations are tax deductible in the USA.
http://www.worldunitypeace.org
U.S. Residential Prices, Tesla, Rise
Netflix to Invest $1 Billion in New Mexico


Mike Drew was born in Chilliwack, BC, but his parents had the good sense to move to Alberta before he was 6 months old. He grew up in small towns in southern Alberta and graduated from high school in Milk River, one of a class of just 17. He attended Lethbridge Community College and worked briefly as a parts man for an International Harvester dealership, an irrigation system technician, a mechanic, and a delivery driver for the Lethbridge Herald before becoming a photographer on June 1, 1978. Mike has a weekly nature photography spread that runs in the Calgary Sun every weekend. He lives in Calgary, Alberta.


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Filmografija

Televizijski krediti

Vanjske poveznice

Filmografije

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


Insights - Insight is the act of understanding the inner nature of things. It is a type of comprehension or learning.
This book is a collection of a few poems, mostly short stories that relate to life experiences and the lessons learned from them that reference a related Bible passage. The writer conveys the stories in a simple, easy to understand format that can be used both individually as well as in a Bible study setting.
Shows how to overcome any obstacle by understanding the evils and limitations of the ego. Highlights: Seven Insights of Enlightenment - provide spiritual road map to enlightened state of consciousness that addresses alcoholism, addiction and any issue. Book also traces the root cause of the Seven Deadly Sins to an overly strong ego and illustrates how taming the ego leads to the Seven Virtues.


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Photo gallery featuring images in the category of Outdoors
Tunnel View
Tunnel View is a scenic viewpoint on State Route 41 in Yosemite National Park. Visitors have seen and documented the iconic and expansive views of Yosemite Valley from the overlook since its opening in 1933. Internationally renowned artists to casual tourists have painted, drawn, and photographed the dramatic scenery from here and nearby vantage points since the 19th century. The large viewpoint area is located directly east of the Wawona Tunnel portal, as one enters Yosemite Valley from points south. The view looks eastward into Yosemite Valley, and includes surrounding features, such as the southwest face of El Capitan on the left, Half Dome on axis, and Bridalveil Fall on the right. For many arriving by road, this is the stunning first view, upon suddenly exiting the long and dark tunnel, of Yosemite Valley and its setting.-Wikipedia
Tunnel View Ghost
Tunnel View is a scenic viewpoint on State Route 41 in Yosemite National Park. Visitors have seen and documented the iconic and expansive views of Yosemite Valley from the overlook since its opening in 1933. Internationally renowned artists to casual tourists have painted, drawn, and photographed the dramatic scenery from here and nearby vantage points since the 19th century. The large viewpoint area is located directly east of the Wawona Tunnel portal, as one enters Yosemite Valley from points south. The view looks eastward into Yosemite Valley, and includes surrounding features, such as the southwest face of El Capitan on the left, Half Dome on axis, and Bridalveil Fall on the right. For many arriving by road, this is the stunning first view, upon suddenly exiting the long and dark tunnel, of Yosemite Valley and its setting.-Wikipedia This image was processed as an Black and White composition.
Tenaya Canyon Creek
Tenaya Canyon is a dramatic and dangerous canyon in Yosemite National Park, California, that runs from the outlet of Tenaya Lake 10 miles down to Yosemite Valley, carrying water in Tenaya Creek through a series of spectacular cascades and pools and thence into a deep canyon. Yosemite National Park is an American national park located in the western Sierra Nevada of Central California, bounded on the southeast by Sierra National Forest and on the northwest by Stanislaus National Forest. The park is managed by the National Park Service and covers an area of 747,956 acres. Designated a World Heritage site in 1984, Yosemite is internationally recognized for its granite cliffs, waterfalls, clear streams, giant sequoia groves, lakes, mountains, meadows, glaciers, and biological diversity. Also associated with the art of Ansel Adams, an American landscape photographer and environmentalist known for his black-and-white landscapes of the area.—Wikipedia This image was processed as an HDR (High Dynamic Range) composition.


A proposal to build an innovative machine that moves around the city collecting plastic bottles, and transforms them into new items using an integrated 3D printer. An online platform allows citizens to choose (through voting) what new products, furniture, or facilities will be 3D printed.
Warehouse develops participatory architectural projects in the cultural and social fields. The design and building approach of our projects is based in mediation processes, fostering participation, inclusion and ownership for a collective and responsible construction of the public and private space.


You can imagine the smile I returned him.
So why are gyms so populated with mostly inferior, ineffective equipment? Machines dramatically reduce your risk for injury (read: fewer lawsuits), give gyms a high-tech feel, dazzle with their shiny look, and promise easy results in just minutes a visit.
Ultimately, weight machines present more drawbacks than benefits. They neglect an integrated, holistic approach to fitness and athleticism. Isolating muscle groups is not how we evolved into lean, muscular humans. As my mentor JJ Virgin says, we're not bolted down to the floor, and neither should the exercise routines we perform.
The Poliquin Group notes among their other drawbacks, weight machines place extra stress on your joints, don't optimize anabolic hormones like testosterone, and create less power development.
Check out my story to understand why that last one really resonates with me. Aesthetics aside, strength training makes you a more powerful, resilient person that translates into nearly every area of your life.
When you're genuinely strong, you carry that confidence throughout life. You can pick up a 50-pound bag of dog food without throwing out your back and you don't need assistance loading your overstuffed carry-on onto the overhead department.
While free weights trump machines for strength, efficiency, and power, I wouldn't dismiss them as completely useless.
My well-intended client fell into a much larger weight-machine demographic. He simply wanted to look good and had plenty of time to hit the gym. Increasing athleticism, stamina, agility, and all the other benefits weight resistance provide didn't matter a whit to him, at least till I called him out on it.
But why settle for okay? If you put in a certain effort, you deserve optimal results, and free weights yield results weight machines just can't provide in less time.
In the bigger picture, staying strong, powerful, and agile as we age should become the ultimate goals of fitness, not simply the immediate gratification of looking good on the beach (although free weights will also provide that).
"Most gyms do include a few token free weights, but think about where you'll find them: around the edges of the room," writes Duane. They may as well be in Siberia, so removed are free weights from the shiny, 2015-model equipment that litters most gym floors.
Worse, those "fringe" areas feel intimidating, populated by muscle dudes (usually in groups) or personal trainers.
A little tough love: get over it. Those folks could care one iota whether an inexperienced newbie visits their "territory." Feel the fear and encroach anyway.
Several caveats before you take the plunge. Transitioning from machines to free weights can increase your injury risk, especially when you lack proper form.
That's why I recommend working out with an experienced friend or personal trainer. If none of your friends, acquaintances, or coworkers lift heavy, consider Craigslist or Meetup.com to find a workout buddy. Even if you can only swing a few sessions with a personal trainer, preventing injury and learning good form become priceless.
Let's say you're a total machine addict. You warm up for 20 minutes on the elliptical and then spend another 45 doing machines.
You don't need to cold turkey your habit. Instead, gradually transition from machines to free weights. Oscillate between machines and free weights, or commit to just five minutes in the free-weight section to get your feet wet.
In other words, ease into it. If you have a basic understanding of how to train even one single muscle group – say, your biceps – start there with dumbbell and body weight training. Gradually "transfer" one muscle group from machines to free weights as you become more comfortable.
If you've made the leap from machines to free weights, did you notice more agility, confidence, strength, or other benefits? Did the transition initially feel scary or outside your comfort zone? Share your story below or on my Facebook fan page.


How do I clear my Cache/Cookies on my device?
Follow the instructions on this page to clear the cache and cookies on your Android!
On the main screen of the iPhone go to Settings.
Click on "Clear History and Website Data"
Click on "Clear History and Data"
Click the three small dots in the upper right-hand corner of your browser.
In the upper left corner, click the three lines and open the "Advanced" tab.
Scroll down and click on "Clear Browsing Data."
Be sure the time range says "All time," and be sure these three items are checked: Browsing history, Cookies and other site data, Cached images and files.
Make sure the drop-down menu says "All History"
Click on "Clear History" again!
Choose "clear history" from the drop-down menu.
Select "all history" from the bottom of the drop down menu. (Nothing else needs to be selected).
On most versions, you'll want to select "History" from the menu bar, but if you aren't seeing that option it will be under "Tools"
Select "Everything" in the time range drop-down.
Check the boxes next to "Cookies" and "Cache"
Select the link "clear your recent history"
Select the Tools tab (Alt + t), click Delete Browsing History 4.
While Schedulicity doesn't fully support the Edge browser, here's how to clear Cache and Cookies to see if it can help.
Select the "..." icon in the top, right corner of the browser window to get to the settings menu.


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What's the best thing someone ever told you?
April 2nd, 2014|Throwback Thursday|By Lorilei Barsh
Our words or powerful. They can make us or break us. Have you ever been told something wonderful that you have always remembered? Maybe it is a compliment, a piece of advice you have always kept in your mind, or something marking a milestone in your life. Share the words that have made you feel the best on this week's Throwback Thursday.
linda mc April 21, 2014 at 9:38 am
When I was in my early 20's, I was out with some friends and we stopped by a young woman's house to pick her up. It was a home she owned. Every woman in my family got married and bought a house with their husband and then stayed home with the children. It never occured to me that I could buy my own house. So when I graduated from nursing school in 1977, I bought a house. Still own that house. Still a nurse here.
I think this is important because I realized that even simple ideas or possibilities may not be obvious to young people who have never been exposed to them. A simple conversation or observation can change someone's life and perspective.
Regina Martin April 11, 2014 at 8:39 am
Nothing beats a try but a try!
Heather April 4, 2014 at 10:31 am
Pick your battles. Not everything is worth arguing about.
Teri Gruenberg, RN April 4, 2014 at 8:57 am
Several years after my grandmother's death, my grandfather and I were having a heart to heart talk about life in general. He gave me advice which I follow every day. He said, "If you love someone, tell them you love them every chance you get. When your grandmother was sick and dying, saying 'I love you' 100 times a day could not make up for all of my missed opportunities to let her know how important she was to me." Our family has taken this to heart. We don't end any phone call to a family member, leave the house, or go to sleep without saying, "I love you." It has not become a reflex to utter those words but rather is a conscious effort to let those we love hear and know they are loved.
Shirley April 4, 2014 at 8:28 am
At the end of Schndler's List, Schindler laments, after all he did, "I could have done more!" I can never forget this, and it inspires me to give a little more when I thought I've done enough.
Mary Lethbridge April 4, 2014 at 8:07 am
"The best place to find a helping hand is at the end of your arm." Benjamin Franklin as quoted by my father.
Kathryn Kaufman April 3, 2014 at 8:16 pm
You make my life better.
Robert April 3, 2014 at 5:20 pm
From a patient's husband after the ultrasound scan that I performed showed a huge ovarian malignant mass that others had overlooked by not listening to her.
"Thank you for saving my wife's life."
This is what we are here for.
Carol April 3, 2014 at 3:44 pm
"If you do what you've always done, you'll get what you've always got" ~ Change is good!!!!!!!
marcie April 3, 2014 at 2:37 pm
Good advice from Albert Einstein: Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value.
Maren April 3, 2014 at 1:49 pm
"When it rains, look for rainbows, when its dark, look for stars" This was written in my middle school yearbook and I still revisit these words often.
"Do or do not, there is no try" -Yoda
eric singman April 3, 2014 at 1:39 pm
"Welcome to Wilmer"
I never imagined myself standing at the highest academic mountain and yet here I am. I still pinch myself to make sure this is not a dream that I am at JHH.
karl April 3, 2014 at 1:30 pm
One of the great truths that i have found as i have gotten older is that race religion social standing really doesnt matter. There are only two types of people in this world GOOD AND BAD.
also 50cents for a condom or 18yrs of child support.
Dee April 3, 2014 at 1:09 pm
I have a few...
"You are true to your word, you said you would do whatever it takes to raise your daughter, and I've watched you work 3 jobs to do it.".....said by a co-working about 24 yrs ago.
"I'm so sorry, I should be more thankful to have a loving, supportive, godly mom like you and not selfish because you are taking our food to serve the homeless for Thanksgiving and asking me to go, I will go with a thankful heart ."....my daughter sent this in a card from college about 8 yrs ago.
"I could have never made it through the last 8 months this without you, when the time comes I hope you do the same for me"....my step dad, when my mom passed.
Basani April 3, 2014 at 11:57 am
My father has diabetes, and told my mother and I that he had a painful area on his ribcage. I thought that what I saw was most consistent with cellulitis on his stomach. My mother is a retired RN, and after seeing the erythematous peau d'orange on his upper abdomen, we both understood the importance of him getting checked out by a doctor. She couldn't convince him to go. They've been married 40 yrs, but he wouldn't budge.
I came over to him, asked him if I could take a look. Calmly, I told him that the area looked pretty bad, and if it's nothing he'll come home the same night--no big deal. I added that if he left it to worsen over the weekend, who knows where he could wind up? I persuaded him successfully.
After sending my 67 y.o. father to the hospital with what he returned with a diagnosis of cellulitis and his discharge summary.
He said, "Thanks Dr. Basani. Go to med school--make it official."
I will be taking the MCAT next year!
Cynthia Huesman April 3, 2014 at 11:53 am
"You are so beautiful and we love you. From the hearts of mother and dad." The last sentences ever written to me by my parents a short few months before my father's death.
Melinda Thomas April 3, 2014 at 11:48 am
Oh gosh, there are so many, but a few amongst many would be my mother telling me that I can accomplish anything in this life if I work hard and make education a priority, surround myself with good people, have a friend in every area of life, i.e. a good doctor friend, a good lawyer friend; it does not matter how much I know someone what matters is how much that persons knows me. I hated art in school and I can still hear Mrs. Leblanc say, "you can do it". I really could not grasp the concept of using twigs and leaves to create funny art. I get it now! I feel blessed having these experiences as I get to pass these on to my children.
marcie April 3, 2014 at 11:46 am
The best advice I received was from the acronymn T.H.I.N.K it helps me to use my words wisely and not walk away from a conversation without any regrets. I try to use my words to benefit as well as build up others. So to avoid hurting others and being full of regrets, make sure that your words are true, helpful, inspiring and necessary and kind.
T - true?
H - Helpful?
I - Inspiring?
N - Necessary?
K - Kind?
I challenge you to T.H.I.N.K before you speak
bruce trock April 3, 2014 at 11:43 am
The best professional advice I ever received was "Never spoil an apology with an excuse." If you have to apologize for something that wasn't done right or didn't turn out right just apologize and go about fixing it.
Victoria Moore April 3, 2014 at 11:13 am
The most wonderful compliment someone shared was "You're beautiful, so go out there and brighten up the world. They need it."
Catherine April 3, 2014 at 10:37 am
"The opportunity to serve is my reward". This was the reply of a complete stranger to the offer of a reward after seeing my employer's (> 20 years ago) barn starting to burn from the street, racing in and the stranger got the horses out. Every day, I try to live up to that pure ideal of behavior and mindset. All the horses (4) got out ok and the barn was rebuilt. I will never forget this. To good samaritans everywhere: infinite thank yous.
fjl April 3, 2014 at 10:21 am
TRUST IN THE LORD! I stand on these words when I am at my lowest, They bring me peace and the knowledge that what God has done brfore, He will do again.
Robert O'Connell April 3, 2014 at 9:36 am
I'd like to give you money.
Me April 3, 2014 at 9:26 am
Always leave a place better than you found it. This is advice everyone can use and not just for physical space. If we all did this, the world would be a much better place.
Susan MacDonald April 3, 2014 at 9:20 am
My father said "THINK".
My mother said "YOU CAN DO IT".
These two pieces of advice/wisdom have shaped my life.
Tareece April 3, 2014 at 9:00 am
If you don't want to work hard, work hard
Tia Richards April 3, 2014 at 8:56 am
Treat others the way you want to be treated!
Lori April 3, 2014 at 8:54 am
"Thank you, you saved my life."
No better feedback from patients!
AJ April 3, 2014 at 8:52 am
Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body but rather to skid in sideways. Chocolate in one hand and a martini in the other with the body thoroughly used up, worn out and screaming Woo HOO - What a Ride! Work, Play, Live.
Kim Sain April 3, 2014 at 8:44 am
Try And Fail But Never Fail To Try
Bryan Farnen April 3, 2014 at 8:32 am
My father told me -- "You can always remember the truth, you can never remember a lie."
LINDA April 3, 2014 at 8:16 am
These words of wisdom have changed my life:
***Heal the soul first.....then healing of the mind and body must follow.
** I have also learned that Karma good or bad is the root cause of success and failure in EVERY aspect of life (and for those asking.....Karma is another name for the record of good or bad service that one offers to any one, any thing or any situation). Now I know why some good folks are suddenly beset by what looks like bad luck.....and why some bad folks seem to get away with almost everything they do. This frees me from judgments and allows me to accept all that is....cos I know Karma will catch up with them in due time.
** Heaven is MOST fair.
** What you focus on multiplies......What you do or say or think is blessed by heaven, multiplied and returned to you.
Marie Holden April 3, 2014 at 8:09 am
You will reap what you so (meaning all the wrong you do will come back to you CARMA)
Ella Mae Haber April 3, 2014 at 8:08 am
You are the wind benaeth my winds!
JoAnn April 3, 2014 at 7:51 am
Treat people how you want to be treated!!
Brenda April 3, 2014 at 7:28 am
The words that help my marriage came from an older couple, they told us the secret to a long marriage, "Was like a fire" you have to keep rekindling it to keep the fire going. So we still go out a lot, like we did when we dated.
marlen foster April 3, 2014 at 7:10 am
you have a hart of gold.
Jacqueline Womack April 3, 2014 at 7:09 am
You're stupid if you don't go [to college].
Cymantha (Cy) Governs April 3, 2014 at 7:07 am
You cannot change others. You can only change the way you react to others.
Julene Suggs April 3, 2014 at 6:58 am
I have been given advice about many things in my life but someone once told me that "a little bit goes a long ways". It was something I never forgot and always applied to my life nad it made a difference.
Julene Suggs
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Recently, the NFL has focused a lot of its attention on safety measures and injury prevention in light of new studies emerging about heightened rates of brain damage and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy in NFL players. Although mental health encapsulates the physical state of the brain, the term has become entrenched in the realm of concussions, and all of the head trauma drama has neglected the mental illness aspect of players' mental health. In order to continue to perform well in the national spotlight, professionals in the NFL must maintain sound body and mind, an issue that normally gets overshadowed by discussions of physical injury within the sport.
Another contributing factor in removing mental health from the scope of the NFL is its over-masculinized identity. Take for instance the case of All-American, SEC Defensive Player of the Year, Michael Sam. Unable to secure a permanent spot on a team, due to his sexual preferences, Sam was forced to pursue his football career in the Canadian Football League, signing with the Montreal Alouettes. Being the first openly gay player drafted to both the NFL and CFL, it is no coincidence that as teams denied Sam the ability to exhibit his talents on the field, he was forced to deal with a much bigger issue of staying healthy mentally. The psychological damage of this sort of discrimination due to sexuality has led Sam to a very difficult decision as he continues to be a misfit in the heterosexual, masculine world of the gridiron. As a result he announced on August 14, 2015 through Twitter that he would be taking a break from playing in the CFL as his mental health has become of concern to him. This no doubt is a result of Michael Sam having to cope with the mental stress of being gay in a culture of hegemonic masculinity. The most poignant factor in Sam's story is that it is not his ability as a player that has contributed to his underachievement, but instead his sexuality is at fault due to the fact that it would be too risky to have a star that exists outside of the parameters of the classic football narrative.
Relative to the culture of the NFL is the image of celebrity, which adds another facet to the prevalence of mental health issues in its players. The NFL sets up a lifestyle that lends itself to the grandeur of affluence, talent, and power. Players are revered for their physical feats on the field and their importance swells far beyond the sidelines, but the extra publicity only alienates athletes from their issues. They spend nights living the life of a legend until the next domestic violence suit plagues the NFL and in order to forgive and forget the incident, some unimportant scandal like Deflate-gate comes to the forefront of the media.
In order to avoid compromising the masculinity of the sport by drawing attention to issues that highlight the underlying psychological factors induced by the NFL as an institution, events both on and off the field are swept aside. Mental illness thus becomes completely taboo as it does not align with the NFL's masculine narrative.
Marshall sports green cleats contrary to NFL regulations to support Mental Illness Awareness. When fined he matches the price and donates it to charity in addition to paying it off.
Contrary to the NFL's reluctance to use its power to tackle mental illness awareness, Brandon Marshall of the Chicago Bears has utilized his celebrity as a platform for change. After being diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder in 2011, Marshall has spearheaded a campaign bringing attention and "radical acceptance" to the NFL for the support and treatment of players dealing with mental health issues. For Marshall, the game is about acceptance and he feels as if he now has the opportunity to use his fame as Michael Jordan did for HIV. His efforts have already had effect on the League, as other players have admitted to mental illnesses such as social anxiety, depression, and Bipolar Disorder. Whether the NFL can package these cases of mental illness into a sports story within their parameters or not, these mental illnesses must be dealt with by the League and its players. The effects of poor mental health not only tie into behaviors off the field (contributing often to the violent outbursts of players) but they alter game performance, as players' interactions with coaches and teammates suffer and their ability to play at their best level diminishes.
Madison Holleran, UPenn Track & Field, committed suicide in 2014.
It seems clear that the heightened pressure and expectations placed on athletes requires theimplementation of sports psychology as a part of safety for athletes. Even below the professional level, there have been a multitude of cases of NCAA athletes committing and attempting suicide as a response to the lack of mental stability they face when up against huge odds to perform well on the field and in the classroom. Implementing more sports psychology programs at both the amateur and professional levels can aid in detecting and combating issues like depression, anxiety, and even serious mental illnesses that would otherwise go undiagnosed in athletes. Whether or not the NFL wants to admit it, their high stakes culture of the game may amount to great reward for teams and individual players, but it is worth it if it is at the risk of the mental health of its athletes.


text:
In Defense of Rick Spielman
By CCNorseman  @CCNorseman on Jan 25, 2020, 8:43pm CST 517
Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
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Almost seven years ago, shortly after Rick Spielman took over as the full-time General manager of the Vikings, I wrote an article criticizing the drafting ability of the Vikings and asked the question Is the Force Really Strong with Rick Spielman? I used some statistics from the now defunct Draft Metrics website to determine that the Vikings (and probably Rick Spielman) had been average to below average in their drafting ability from 2006-2013. At that time, we only had two drafts where Rick Spielman had been fully in charge and another six drafts where he was the "Director of Player Personnel" within the "Triangle of Authority." It was difficult to determine if Rick Spielman was fully responsible for what were some mediocre drafts during that time-frame. A poll that ran at the bottom of that 2013 article showed only 37% of the Daily Norseman approved of the way Spielman was running the Vikings at that point in time.
Well, here we are over six years later and we've had plenty of time to watch the Rick Spielman Era unfold since then. He's been fully responsible for the last eight drafts from 2012-2019. And I began to wonder how good at drafting Rick Spielman has been during that time, especially considering that I was not high on the Vikings drafts from 2006-2013. The long and short of it is, he's been pretty good overall since he took over as General Manager.
Post-Draft Grades
Football Outsiders has been collecting and averaging draft grades for the past 15 years, called their "Draft Report Cards". I took it upon myself to calculate the Vikings average draft grades and average rank during Spielman's time at the helm (2012-2019). Granted, these draft grades are those given immediately following the draft and before any of the players have taken a snap in the NFL. But, because all teams are graded the same way, it gives us a way to compare Spielman to his peers in the NFL. Overall, Spielman comes out looking very good with Top 10 grades in most of his drafts and an overall average GPA of 3.2 (B+) and an average ranking of 8.6 out of 32.
Post Draft Grades
Avg GPA
GPA Rank
I then took it upon myself to scour the internet for NFL Draft "Re-Grades", like those by Pete Prisco at CBS Sports and Mel Kiper at ESPN. They usually go back a few years later and revisit their initial draft grades to "re-grade" the drafts after seeing the players begin their NFL careers. Even considering the re-grades, Spielman doesn't lose much. The re-grades only go back to 2016, since the three most recent drafts are still pending. But his overall draft grade GPA for those first five drafts sits at 2.89 (B-) ranked 13.2 out of 32.
Draft Re-Grades
Overall Avg
The re-grades paint a slightly different picture, especially in the GPA Ranks as his grades are up and down a bit more. But still, he has a decent overall average rank. This is all fine and good, but ultimately these draft grades are subjective. These are just a few sports writers' opinions of each draft class, and we probably shouldn't put too much weight into these subjective opinions, right? So, what if we instead looked at Pro Football Reference's "Weighted Career Approximate Value" numbers as well? This is a metric that looks at objective measures like career starts and Pro Bowl appearances and assigns a number value to every player in the NFL. I went ahead and totaled up the Career AV of every player that all 32 NFL teams drafted between 2012 and 2019. The teams that have acquired the players with the most Career AV through the draft should theoretically be better at identifying the best players in the draft. And guess what, the Vikings are ranked 4th overall in this metric.
Drafted AV 2012-2019
It doesn't seem to matter if we consider subjective data like sports writers draft grades, or objective data like Pro Football Reference's "Approximate Value", both types of analysis suggest that Rick Spielman is a skilled talent evaluator in the NFL Draft. In other words, Rick Spielman has been very good at finding talented players in the draft. Obviously, when evaluating an NFL General Manager there is a lot more to it than that, like signing good free agent talent (including undrafted free agents), managing the salary cap, handling trades, hiring and firing coaches, and addressing roster needs. I have spent zero time analyzing his abilities in those regards. But when it comes to the NFL Draft, there are few General Managers that have been better overall at choosing talented players than Rick Spielman in the past 8 years. I may have been critical of his drafting ability almost 7 years ago based on what little information we had back then, but it would appear that I may have been proven wrong.
Do you approve of the way Rick Spielman is running the Vikings?
79% Yes (1494 votes)
17% No (319 votes)
5% Unsure, too early to tell (87 votes)
1900 votes total
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Marking a Savannah Milestone
("Road to a Rendezvous with Poetry" art by Aberjhani Copyright 2022)
Editors at Time Magazine in July 2021 reached the same conclusion as editors of the Literary Savannah travel anthology in 1998. They decided the city of Savannah, Georgia (USA) was one of the "world's greatest places" and listed it alongside such frequently-visited locales as: Cannes, France; Seattle, Washington; Arouca, Portugal; KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; Nuuk, Greenland; and North Goa, India.
Among the distinctions noted by Time Magazine for placing Savannah on its list of "100 extraordinary destinations to explore" was its impressive revitalized riverfront. Hill Street Press, 24 years ago as of 2022, included the city on its roster of "Travel Literature" titles following the phenomenal success of author John Berendt's "nonfiction novel," Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.
Surviving to Tell Our Stories
With my poem "Return to Savannah" concluding the volume, I was one of eight living writers (out of thirty-seven total and not counting editor Patrick Allen) included in the Literary Savannah travel anthology published by Hill Street Press in 1998 (and by Trinity University Press in 2011). Of the other authors living at the time, James Alan McPherson and I were the only ones actually born in the city. (Long-time resident, and Savannah State University professor, Ja A. Jahannes, 1942-2015, was a native of Baltimore, Maryland).
As of this writing, I am one of four of the anthology's remaining living authors and the only native. The others are John Berendt, Rosemary Daniell, and Ben Greer. Publication of the compilation is something I celebrated in Dreams of the Immortal City Savannah, and, an event I commemorate now because too many noteworthy literary voices become targets of historical erasure prompted by commercial indifference or literary genocide.
A Cultural Arts Milestone
The publication of Literary Savannah represented a major cultural arts milestone because it was the first to showcase a comprehensive diverse selection of living and historic authors associated with the city. As writer Lynn Hamilton put it:
"…What will attract buyers to Literary Savannah will probably be the rich collection of stories and bon mots by the cream of Savannah's local and living (kicking and screaming) literati. The wry, slightly wicked, Tom Coffey is not omitted from these pages... poet and story teller Aberjhani is a presence with his contribution… Though there's little subversion present in the pages of Literary Savannah, Ja A. Jahannes does provide a surprisingly pointed comment on the exploitation and subsequent historical revisionism of the Yamacraw Indians which is not just good protest, but also beautiful and powerful poetry." (Savannah Creative Loafing, Vol 5, No. 40, Dec 29, 1998)
Just like the city itself, now 24 years after the book was first published, Literary Savannah continues to demonstrate why so many still find America's 13th colony such an exciting and intriguing travel destination.
& Greeting Flannery O'Connor at the Back Door of My Mind
Creator of Authentic Silk-Featherbrush Artstyle
Contact Author-Artist Aberjhani at Bright Skylark Literary Productions
Conversations with the World 108: Ben Okri's Existential Call to Creative Arms
(Art detail from "Cities of Gold & Tears" No. 1 by Aberjhani ©2021)
In his November 12, 2021, essay for England's The Guardian newspaper, Booker Prize-winning author Ben Oki urged creative artists around the globe to dedicate their inspired labors to the production of works addressing the catastrophic crises of the current era. In his words:
"I propose existential creativity, to serve the unavoidable truth of our times, and a visionary existentialism, to serve the future that we must bring about from the brink of our environmental catastrophe."
It just so happens that many creative artists already advocate not only for environmental justice, but also for economic justice, gender equality, and antiracism. That Okri declined in his op-ed/essay to comment on the last in this year when the verdict for the trial of the death of George Floyd made headlines around the world, and the trial for the killing of Ahmaud Arbery was moving toward a similar outcome, is a little baffling. After all, ending death by racism and xenophobia is no less a global crisis than preventing mass destruction from human-induced climate change. Neither, for that matter, is a coronavirus capable of masking itself and attacking our species in different mutated guises: such as Delta and Omicron.
Deatail from "Finding Shelter in a Circle of Gratitude Number 3: Meanwhile Back on Earth" art by Aberjhani. Full wall art print available for purchase on artist's Fine Art America and Pixels profiles as well as here at Bright Skylark.)
Does any of that mean Okri's call for more mindful considerations of climate change should be ignored? Not at all. But how any given creative chooses to respond to it is up to them. My own compulsion to address climate change is apparent in the article, "The Art of Reversing Climate Change Denial," in artwork currently on exhibit in the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport Art Gallery, and in the book, Dreams of the Immortal City Savannah.
Taking Notice of Rare Literary Talent
I first became aware of Okri's commanding literary voice after his novel, The Famished Road, catapulted him to world fame in the 1990s. If I hadn't been a bookseller at the time, I probably would not have learned about the title. Moreover, I likely would have missed out on the gems which have continued to flow from his pen.
The Famished Road turned out to be one of those rare reads which I never wanted to put down and rushed back to at every opportunity. My review essay on it was published first in the now defunct Georgia Guardian newspaper and, later, in my AXS Entertainment African-American Cultural Arts column. In it, I pointed out something which illustrates well Okri's current howl of existential angst:
His work poses very serious questions for the twenty-first century. Among them: To what extent will we allow the indefinable dynamics of something called "destiny" to maintain grief and horror in the world? How hard are human beings willing to fight to achieve and sustain justice, equanimity, or joy? And should progress be called such when it devours what is best within the human spirit? (From essay Ben Okri's Famished Road Leads to Thrilling Reading Pleasure, by Aberjhani)
When considering the above observation made years ago, it becomes easy to see why much of my recent literary and fine visual art has indeed been mindful responses to the turbulent terrors of this historical moment. With climate change denial literally stoking the flames of mass destruction, xenophobia prompting unjust killings, and armed conflicts increasing instead of decreasing, how could they be otherwise? Small wonder that billionaire's are investing their cash into space-bound rockets.
Supporting the Process
My brand of existential creativity cannot include the assertion that these days are humanity's last days. I have to hold my creative endeavors and my mindful intentions accountable for something more than standing on street corners screaming the end is near. That is where the "visionary" aspect of Okri's battle cry comes into play and where our philosophical approaches align best.
It is, without question, imperative we acknowledge the near-apocalyptic conditions forcing dangerous human migrations all over the world and producing toxic circumstances both physical and psychic in nature. It is equally vital we propose and work to secure alternative outcomes. My way of supporting that process has been, and remains, to help provide language, images, and strategies which enable us to steer our way through the raging chaos. How many before us have had to so the same?
The spark of life itself never goes out completely. The stream of existence adapts to new pathways and new challenges while yet flowing steadily toward a horizon of uncertainty and a dawn of renewed hope. This reflection is not intended to suggest the existential perils before us are insignificant. It is intended to affirm the priceless value of all we stand to lose and which yet might be salvaged.
Author of Greeting Flannery O'Connor at the Back Door of My Mind
CATCH UP ON MORE CONVERSATIONS WITH THE WORLD
Conversations 101 Democracy, Personal Whims, and Accountability
Conversations 102 Encouraging Conscious Co-existence
Conversations 103 A Global Passion for Rainbows
Conversations 104 More Thoughts Unspoken on Flannery O'Connor
Conversations 105 Moving Forward with Hope and Determination
Conversations 106 Reconciling Race and Justice in America
Conversations 107 20th Anniversary of September 11
Contact the Author-Artist at Bright Skylark Literary Productions
Two Savannah-born Authors Shine in 2021 Literary Spotlights
Some unquestionably will view it as a strange kind of paradox but the stature and influence of two Savannah, Georgia-born authors has just increased in two spectacular ways. Specifically, Iowa City council members recently named one of its largest public spaces the James Alan McPherson Park after Savannah's own Pulitzer Prize-winning native son, who for years headed the world-famous Iowa Writers' Workshop.
Equally significant, after the COVID-19 pandemic forced the American Literature Association to cancel its annual conference last year, it will return June 17-19, 2021, with the Flannery O'Connor and Families Symposium at the DeSoto Hotel only a few blocks from O'Connor's birthplace. Headlining the event is author Minrose Gwin, who will give a presentation titled "'Where you come from is gone': What Flannery O'Connor Taught Me about Mothers" (free and open to the public June 18, Friday, at 5PM).
A DELAYED PUBLIC DEBUT
There are not, so far as I know, any plans to name a park anywhere after me (understandably enough and totally acceptable) but I am happy to note my book, Greeting Flannery O'Connor at the Back Door of My Mind, is among the titles being made available by The Book Lady Bookstore for the O'Connor symposium. Given numerous postponements of efforts to host booksigning events while simultaneously taking precautions against the pandemic and moving ahead with projects addressing the full scope of recent social, political, and racial developments, the opportunity to include autographed copies of Greeting Flannery with other titles on exhibit for the O'Connor symposium is a welcomed one.
McPHERSON'S LASTING LEGACY
Next month, July 27, 2021, will mark the fifth anniversary of James Alan McPherson's death. By now, my admiration for his work as expressed in Greeting Flannery is well-known. Therefore, when news broke in March (just as Americans were glimpsing light at the end of the pandemic tunnel) that Iowa City Council members had voted to rename the former Creekside Park in his honor, I happily applauded.
McPherson had sometimes joked that winning a Pulitzer Prize could be a terrible thing for a writer because once, or if, that happened, people rarely acknowledged any of his or her other accomplishments. However, as Lee Hermiston reported in The Gazette, Iowa City Mayor Bruce Teague was well aware of the author's overall value when noting:
"I think Mr. McPherson is well-deserving. 'He was all about community... I think this is a great honor, and I'm so happy the city of Iowa City had the opportunity to vote to name this park after him."
Highly-treasured as an educator in the city, the park was named after McPherson partly in response to the Black Lives Matter movement which swept through the U.S. in 2020. The honor stands in odd stark contrast to the absence of any major tributes to McPherson in his hometown. He is mentioned on a historical marker dedicated to the Carnegie Branch Library but his death in 2016 was all but ignored by media in the city even as it made headlines worldwide; the same lack of acknowledgement followed the announcement of the park's renaming.
FROM COVID-19 LOCKDOWNS TO O'CONNOR SYMPOSIUM
For some three decades, with the exception of last year, the American Literature Association (ALA) has held annual conferences in cities around America, including: Boston, San Francisco, Chicago, Cambridge, and on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. It started, according to ALA's website, like this:
"In June 1989, members of the major societies devoted to American authors met at the Cal State Symposium on American Literature in San Diego, to discuss ways to provide specialists in American authors with new opportunities for scholarly interaction. The result was the American Literature Association: a coalition of societies devoted to the study of American authors."
The ALA conference has been held in Savannah previously. But with cities reopening after a year of COVID lockdowns and struggling to regain economic footing, the choice to hold The Flannery O'Connor and Families Symposium in the city makes it something like the lucky winner of a lottery prize.
The complexity of O'Connor's writings when it comes to addressing such issues as religion and race has often resulted in divided critical responses ranging from high intellectual praise to doubt-riddled contempt. Extracting meaning from that skillfully-woven web of complexity is an important part of my own reasons for approaching reflections on her work via three creative routes: the essay, visual art, and poetry.
("Flannery O'Connor and Families" Minrose Gwin poster art courtesy of Georgia Humanities in partnership with Georgia College, Andalusia Institute and other notable supporters of the cultural arts.)
The scholars addressing the symposium, directed by Georgia College's Marshall Bruce Gentry, will present panels and papers on everything from "Flannery O'Connor and Race" and "Love, Law, Medicine: Teaching (Almost Anything) with O'Connor," to breakout sessions on individual O'Connor short stories and miscellaneous related topics.
In a city where the concept of literature is too often restricted to references to John Berendt's now-classic tome on Savannah, the current nods to McPherson's and O'Connor's legacies demonstrate its literary significance runs much deeper than generally suggested.
Co-author Encyclopedia of the Harlem Renaissance
Creator of Original Silk-Fatherbrush Artstyle
("Flannery O'Connor and Families" poster art courtesy of Georgia Humanities in partnership with Georgia College, Andalusia Institute and other notable supporters of the cultural arts.)
Celebrating the PEN Centennial Part 3: Change in Action
"Dancing to the Paradigm Rhythms of Black & Blue Change" art by Aberjhani ©2021.
Introduction
This third installment of Bright Skylark Literary Productions' observation of the PEN International and PEN America Centennial is a condensed version of an article previously published by AXS Entertainment. It addresses the arrest of Ethiopian journalist and publisher Eskinder Nega, the history of PEN's stance against racism, and the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
From Journalist to Founder of Political Party
Since the 1990s, Eskinder Nega has been arrested at least a dozen times on charges generally denounced by the world community as false. They have ranged from inciting riots and attempts to overthrow the government to participation in a murder. He and his wife, journalist Serkalem Fasil, were both jailed on charges of treason charges for their writings on government suppression of protests questioning the validity of parliamentary elections.
After his arrest in 2012 for editorials criticizing government policies and supporting the rights of citizens to protest them, PEN joined with Amnesty International and other organizations to advocate on Nega's behalf. He was awarded the PEN/Barbara Goldsmith Freedom to Write Award on May 1, 2012. He received the International Press Institute (IPI)'s 69th World Press Freedom Hero award on May 18, 2017.
Nega has modeled his style of advocacy and activism on the example of Nelson Mandela and once said, "Like my hero Nelson Mandela, my soul is unconquered, my spirit unbroken, my head unbowed, and my heart unafraid." True to Mandela's model of political activism and persistence, he served nearly seven years at Kaliti Prison in Addis Ababa. In addition, he experienced subsequent arrests and assaults before going on to establish the Balderas for Genuine Democracy Party in January 2020.
Nega once offered the following critique of his government and citizens of Ethiopia: "This being Ethiopia, though, leaders seldom enjoy the privilege of honest advice from subordinates... By the power tradition, leaders are told what they want to hear and not what they should… The rule in this world is simple: Thrive with opportunism and sophistry. Perish with honesty and integrity." His growing popularity may be an indication he has found a functional balance between the divisive extremes.
The One Constant
As history has demonstrated many times over, change may arrive slowly or quickly but it is the one constant, in one form or another, on which we can all count. A lasting shining example of positive change in action is PEN America itself.
Front cover of book "Mrs SAPPHO The Life of C.A. Dawson Scott 'Mother of International P.E.N." by Marjorie Watts.
In her biography of PEN co-founder Catherine A. Dawson Scott, Marjorie Watts (her daughter) observed that both Dawson Scott and PEN president John Galsworthy had a "dislike" of "racial prejudice." Yet the PEN American Center in 1943 was all of two decades old when Harlem Renaissance authors Langston Hughes and Arna Bontemps exchanged letters about the absence of any African-Americans in the organization. Responding to query from Hughes, Bontemps wrote on September 24, 1943:
"…You are right. No Negroes are members. I know of two attempts. It was rumored in Chicago that Dick (Richard Wright) was suggested for membership in N.Y. shortly after Native Son became a best seller but something came up and the idea was dropped."
Still, three years later Wright was a guest at PEN centers throughout Europe. Ten years after that, Ralph Ellison, esteemed author of Invisible Man, was invited to join the American Center. And the rest, as "they say," is now an unparalleled portrait of triumphant diversity.
However, the more important point in 2021 is that because it chose to embrace change for the betterment of all humanity at a time when many opted to resist it, PEN America can now celebrate 100 years as part of the world's oldest human rights and literary advocacy organization. In other words, someone had to embrace positive beginnings before anyone could celebrate successful conclusions or continuations.
The Challenge of Making Change Work
wo of the most interesting comments regarding the Supreme Court's ruling on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act in 2012 came from Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. himself when he stated: "It is not our job to protect the people from the consequences of their political choices." And: "…it is not our role to forbid it or to pass upon its wisdom or fairness."
Some commentators have extended interpretations of those statements, plus additional comments, as Chief Justice Roberts' way of saying his job in this ruling "was to find a way to make the Affordable Care Act work." How unprecedented and extraordinary is that? (Since the historic ruling, former US President Donald Trump initiated policies aimed at restricting access to the program but current President Joe Biden, upon his election, reversed Trump's actions and expanded access.)
It is fully possible that the Affordable Care Act (popularly referred to as "Obamacare" after former U.S. President Barack H. Obama) and the movement toward humane applications of immigration laws are the beginnings of a potentially golden age for democracy. It is also possible that Eskinder Nega and the other journalists calling for greater freedom of expression in Ethiopia are heroes whose courage eventually will help elevate even more than concepts of freedom in their homeland. First steps are always the hardest but until they are taken the notion of progress remains only a notion and not an achievement.
To read Part 1 of this series please check out: Celebrating the PEN Centennial Part 1 The Art of Paradigm Dancing
You can read Part 2 of this series here: Celebrating the PEN Centennial Part 2 The Pattern of Dynamics
Reclaiming the Magic of Poetry in a 2021 Time Such as This
("In a Season of Blood & Poetry" art by Aberjhani for Bright Skylark LitProds ©2021)
With April 2021 being the 25th anniversary of National Poetry Month, it is also the perfect time to share a shortened re-post of the article 'Tis the Season for the Magic of Poetry Part 2: Angels and Poets. It was first published in 2014 as part of a series for my AXS National African-American Cultural Arts column.
When considering the recent shooting deaths of 13-year-old Adam Toledo and 20-year-old Daunte Wright, as well as mass shooting in Indianapolis, Indiana, and Atlanta, Georgia, poetry might seem to lack any real kind of serious significance in 2021. But as pointed out in the original first part of this series: One important reason poetry matters is because it often helps to expand humanity's capacity for putting brutal and sublime experiences alike into usable, meaningful, contexts.
A Significant Utilitarian Role
The publication of an anthology such as Black Gold (compiled and edited by the late Ja A. Jahannes) is always an important event for a number of reasons. For one, it contributes to the preservation of a powerful literary tradition which has served to document the diverse poetic voices of different eras. Another is because it helps secure a niche market known to make traditional publishers somewhat nervous from a business perspective when it comes to investing in that same market. However, this being the digitalized information age, new traditions have formed in which established poetry organizations such as the Academy of American Poets will email subscribers poems on a daily basis.
In addition, online publications like Poetry Life and Times, edited by Robin Ouzman Hislop, publish contemporary poets on a fairly regular weekly to biweekly basis. Moreover, its sister digital venue Poetry Lifetimes, edited by Sara Russell, delivers poetry titles and headlines on a daily basis via the popular Paper.li content aggregation platform. Each of these, and others like them, demonstrates the significant cultural and utilitarian role that poetry continues to play in the lives of numerous individuals, organizations, and communities.
Angels and Poets
The book The River of Winged Dreams has gained some popularity since its publication in 2010 partly because more than half a dozen of the poems take their themes, and sometimes titles, from different holidays and other special occasions. The following, however, is presented at this time for its evocation of grace and compassion, two of humanity's better qualities which even those who are fairly humbug on the holidays can appreciate when extended to them:
The Poet-Angels Who Came to Dinner
(from The River of Winged Dreams)
Neither had been invited but both were welcomed.
They spoke through wordless intuition, cool nods of
"Peace-Be-Still," and, "As-Goes-Love-So-Goes-Life."
Their quiet burned my brain with inklings of wonders
to come––as I set my table with what I had:
half of a cheese sandwich left over from a lucky day.
From the eyes of one, my meager offering drew
liquid letters and symbols that splashed into goblets
until they overflowed with flavors of wine.
The second stranger laughed. As he howled, their
sorrow and their joy set my table anew—laid it heavy
with glazed yams, marinated dreams, and aromatic breads.
Then their wings spread and revealed feathers painted
with the names and words of poets known and unknown.
Echoes of vows and prayers exploded blinding songs of light.
By the time I could see again, my guests had gone.
I stared at the bountiful table they left, too stuffed
with awe, to feast on the generosity of their grace.
A knock at the door made me think they'd returned.
It was instead an old grandfather, homeless, with three
children whose parents had been lost to war and disregard.
They had not been invited but all were welcomed.
I nodded through tears of wordless intuition:
Also Check Out for National Poetry Month 2021:
'Talks Between My Pen & Muse' An Inspired Literary Debut from Poet Aurie Cole
Where to Find Poetry Fine Art Poster
Creator of Original Silk-Featherbrush Artstyle


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Charlie Howard (murder victim)
For other people named Charles Howard, see Charles Howard (disambiguation).
Charles O. Howard (January 31, 1961 – July 7, 1984) was an American hate-crime victim in Bangor, Maine in 1984. As Howard and a male companion, Roy Ogden, were walking down the street, three teenagers, Shawn I. Mabry, age 16, James Francis Baines, age 15, and Daniel Ness, age 17, harassed Howard for being gay. The youths chased the pair, yelling homophobic epithets, until they caught Howard and threw him over the State Street Bridge into the Kenduskeag Stream, despite his pleas that he could not swim. He drowned, but his friend escaped and pulled a fire alarm. Charlie Howard's body was found by rescue workers several hours later.
This event galvanized the Bangor community in ways similar to the killing of Matthew Shepard, although the case never attained the same level of national notoriety. As an adult Jim Baines later spoke to various groups in Maine about his involvement in the murder and the damage that intolerance can do to people and their community. His story, Penitence: A True Story by Edward Armstrong, was published, although he received no royalties from the book. The Maine Lesbian/Gay Political Alliance, which later became EqualityMaine, was formed in part as a reaction to Howard's death.[1]
The Bangor City Council and members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community have been working on a monument to be installed along the Kenduskeag Stream honoring the memory of Charlie Howard as the victim of a hate crime. On November 14, 2007, the Bangor City Council approved the monument, and the Charles O. Howard Memorial Foundation is raising money to install the monument. On July 7, 2004, a twentieth anniversary walk was held in memory of Howard. The Maine Speakout Project maintains the Charlie Howard Memorial Library in Portland, Maine. The library is open to the public.
This incident inspired a similar scene in the beginning of Stephen King's novel It, where three homophobic teenagers throw an openly gay man, Adrian Mellon, over a bridge and into the Kenduskeag, there to be set upon and murdered by the monster Pennywise. Mark Doty wrote a poem about the tragedy called "Charlie Howard's Descent".[2] The murder is also the inspiration for a novel by Bette Greene titled The Drowning of Stephan Jones.
Charlie Howard was from Portsmouth, New Hampshire.[3] A young, fair-haired man Charlie was small boned and suffered from asthma.[3] He was often made fun of as a small child, and was bullied in high school due to his sexual orientation. He did not attend his graduation to spare his family from the taunts he often received. With his poor grades, he knew college was not for him.[3]
1 Charlie moves to Maine
2 Charlie's fateful return
3 Homophobic experiences
4 July 7, 1984
5 The aftermath
7 Twenty-five years later
7.1 Memorial vandalized
Charlie moves to Maine
Charlie left Portsmouth, New Hampshire and eventually landed in Ellsworth, Maine.[3] When the relationship that he was in ended in January 1984, Charlie left Ellsworth for Bangor, Maine.[3]
In Bangor, Paul Noddin and Scott Hamilton befriended Charlie. Charlie was homeless with no prospects and Scott and Paul welcomed Charlie into their home. After a month, Charlie's opportunities were nil and Scott and Paul convinced him to return home to Portsmouth to live with his mother and stepfather.[3]
Charlie's fateful return
Charlie was not home a week when he knew he could not stay. He had a brief relationship that ended quickly. Calling his two friends in Bangor, they realized Charlie was hurting and offered him to come back to Bangor.[3]
Charlie returned - in high sprits and determined. He joined the local supportive Unitarian Church on Union Street as well as the group Interweave. Here he made new friends and was accepted for who he was. In thanks for their support, Charlie prepared an Easter dinner for Paul and Scott and decorated their home. Eventually Charlie took an apartment on First Street, near his church and adopted a kitten.[3]
Homophobic experiences
Charlie was an individual at a time when most homosexuals were still closeted, Charlie was "out" and even flamboyant. If he felt like wearing make up, jewelry and a woman's accessories, he was known for doing so. He was known for singing the song "I Am What I Am" from the musical La Cage aux Folles.[3]
In 1984, many were not tolerant of homosexuality and victims of gay bashing often did not report incidents.[3] Charlie was often tormented by local high school boys and was asked to leave a local night club when he danced with a man.[3] Charlie was accosted by a woman in a local market one day shouting epithets such as "You pervert" and "You queer!" Frightened, Charlie made a hasty retreat, but as he was leaving, stopped, turned around, and blew a kiss.[3] After this, Charlie was more wary of strangers. Leaving his apartment one day, he found his pet kitten dead on the doorstep. It had been strangled.[3]
On Saturday, July 7, 1984 Charlie attended a potluck supper at Interweave. Leaving the party about 10 pm with his friend Roy Ogden, Charlie decided to walk to the post office to retrieve his post box mail. As Charlie and Roy walked up State Street and began to cross the Kenduskeag River Bridge, a car full of high school teenagers began to slow down.[3] In the car were Shawn Mabry, Jim Baines, Daniel Ness and two girls. They had been at a party and had left to purchase alcohol with a fake ID that one of the girls had in her possession.[3] Seeing Charlie, the boys got out of the car and decided to give chase. The two girls remained in the car.[3]
Charlie began to run when he recognized the vehicle from an earlier incident. Shouting epithets, the boys gave chase. Charlie fell and because of his asthma could not catch his breath. Roy ran further down State Street and stopped and observed.[3]
Pouncing on Charlie, the boys began beating and kicking him. Jim Baines shouted to throw Charlie over the bridge and grabbed him by the legs. Jim Baines and Daniel Ness grabbed Charlie and they began lifting him. Pleading for his life, Charlie grabbed the rail and begged them not to throw him in the river as he could not swim. Prying his hand loose, they began to pitch him over the rail, with Shawn Mabry giving the final push. The boys then returned to the car where the girls were trying to start the car. Spying Roy Ogden, they threatened him not to tell anyone. Roy Ogden then ran for help and pulled the first fire alarm he came to on State Street.[3]
Soon, the sirens could be heard. An immediate search for Charlie began amongst the concrete walls that retain the Kenduskeag. At 1 am Charlie was found. An autopsy would later show he had suffered from a severe asthma attack and drowned.[3]
Returning to the party, the boys bragged about their misdeed. The next day one of the boys turned himself in after he learned that Charlie had died. The other two boys decided to leave town on a freight train and then thought better of it. Returning home, they were arrested.
The boys were sent to the Hancock County Jail and later released into their parents' custody. The boys were tried as juveniles and sentenced to the Maine Youth Center not to exceed their 21st birthdays.[3] The boys were sentenced on 1 October 1984. According to the Bangor Daily News, "Baines was released after serving two years and Mabry was released after 22 months."[4]
The following Monday a memorial service was held at the Unitarian church. From the church, a walk began to Charlie's murder site where his mother requested that a rose be dropped into the Kenduskeag. Looking up at a nearby wall, someone had spray painted "faggots jump here".
From the Bridge, the mourners walked to the police station where they stood in silent observance. Along the route, the crowd hurled homophobic epithets at the mourners.
Stephen King's book It features a scene where the creature is re-awakened by a homophobic attack on a couple, much in a fashion like this case.
Twenty-five years later
Twenty-five years later, The Bangor Daily News tried to locate Shawn Mabry, Jim Baines and Daniel Ness, now middle-aged men, for their views. The whereabouts of two of the men are unknown. Jim Baines lives and works in Bangor. Following his release from the detention center, he spoke regularly about tolerance to local students and even address the Maine State Legislature in "support of a bill to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation".[4] In addition, he has co-authored the book Penitence with Ed Armstrong in 1994. That same year, Shawn Mabry expressed his regrets about his participation. He stated that he thinks about Charlie Howard every day.[4]
Today, a short distance from Charlie's murder site, a memorial has been erected; engraved on the stone are the words: "May we, the citizens of Bangor, continue to change the world around us until hatred becomes peacemaking and ignorance becomes understanding."[5]
July 7, Charlie's death date, is now Diversity Day in Bangor.
Memorial vandalized
In May 2011, vandals spray-painted graffiti and an anti-gay slur on Charlie Howard's memorial. Family and friends cleaned it up and rededicated it.[5]
Violence against LGBT people
^ Love, Barbara J. (2006). Feminists who changed America, 1963-1975. University of Illinois Press. p. 109. ISBN 9780252031892. http://books.google.com/books?id=kpNarH7t9CkC&pg=PA109. Retrieved 10 April 2011.
^ Doty, Mark (1987). Turtle, Swan. Boston: David R. Godine. ISBN 0879236981.
^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t http://www.webcitation.org/query?url=http://www.geocities.com/katsuyo_chan04/roseforcharlie.html&date=2009-10-26+01:14:00
^ a b c http://www.bangordailynews.com/detail/110585.html
^ a b http://www.365gay.com/news/community-rededicates-vandalized-gay-memorial-in-maine/
Armstrong, Edward J. (1994). Penitence: A True Story. Bangor: Lucie Madden Associates. ISBN 0-9642473-0-5
Preston, John. (1995). Winter's Light: Reflections of a Yankee Queer. Hanover NH: University Press of New England. ISBN 0-87451-674-9
Carnes, Jim. (1996). Us and Them: A History of Intolerance in America. New York: Oxford University Press. ISBN 0-19-513125-8
Gagnon, Dawn "Hate crime memorial plan debated" Bangor Daily News August 26, 2006 (accessed September 8, 2006) A Rose for Charlie.
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSmid=46997510&GRid=62191915&
Name Howard, Charlie
Alternative names Howard, Charles O. (full name)
Short description Manslaughter victim
Date of birth January 31, 1961
Place of birth unknown
Date of death July 7, 1984
Place of death Bangor, Maine
American victims of anti-LGBT hate crimes
People from Bangor, Maine
People from Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Finnesburg Fragment
Williams International


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Alumni: Norman H. Stark
January 22, 2019 1117 Views 0 Comment
Born into the Great Depression and brought up during World War II, Norman H. Stark '59 was raised with two sisters and one brother in Erie, Pennsylvania. His father worked at the Hammermill Paper Company and walked to work everyday, – while his mother ran the house and insisted that the kids received an education.
With roots of being Pennsylvania, Dutch, the four kids went to St. Ann's for Church and grade school, as Stark and his siblings would eventually go on to explore higher studies as they grew older.
"I met my wife when we were fourteen and we were dating seriously throughout high school, and certainly through college. By the time we were at Gannon we knew we were going to marry. So, I chose Gannon because it was like a continuation of Cathedral Prep and it was in Erie near my fiance'," said Stark. Unbeknownst to him, Stark's decision to attend Gannon would be the start of a 30-year family legacy of Gannon graduates, with five of his family members earning their degrees there as well.
Hoping to one day attend law school, Stark worked long hours to fund his education. He spoke of beginning his career as a paperboy and working many jobs after.
"I sold ladies shoes at Bert's Shoe Store part time, and then I worked on the New York Central Railroad as a brakeman, and as a fireman, and also as a clerk telegrapher," he said.
Upon studying at Gannon, Stark declared political science as his major with a minor in economics. He also pursued a career as an Army Officer in the ROTC program at Gannon as well.
Speaking of his college career, Stark said, "I remember the very first day I was in the liberal arts program. Monsignor Nash called the seven of us [trainees] in that program into his office. He said, "Look guys I can't tell you what kind of job you're going to have when you get out of here, but I can tell you with the liberal arts program you're going to be the most well educated when you get out."
Stark would later graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Gannon in 1959. He then served two years in the Army Reserves as an officer, in which he assisted the military in recruiting. He later earned his Juris Doctorate in 1962 from the University of Notre Dame and earned Admission to the Bar in Indiana that year, and to the Bar in Pennsylvania in 1965.
When asked what the former attorney valued most, Stark mentioned that it was important to have a strong value system.
"It starts with taking good care of your body because you only have one; growing your mind because it's unlimited in its capacity and you can really do great things with a great mind; [and being] conscious of the people around you…," he said.
By: Rick Chernicky
Rick Chernicky


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Fortnite: How to Get the Infinity Blade
There's a new weapon in Fortnite: Battle Royale, but it's not easy to get.
by Oscar Gonzalez
Fortnite: Battle Royale Season 7 is underway, and to celebrate the new season, Epic Games added a new weapon to the game this past Tuesday. This weapon, however, is actually from Infinity Blade, another franchise owned and developed by Epic, and it is by far the most powerful object in the game.
The Infinity Blade is now available for any player who is quick and brave enough to pull it from where it rests. Those who survive the mad rush for the sword will have in their hands a power that can't be matched by any other weapons in Fortnite.
Coming soon... a weapon fit for a King 🗡👑 pic.twitter.com/n3kMDCS5IH
— Fortnite (@FortniteGame) December 10, 2018
The Blade Is Mightier Than the Gun
Since the Infinity Blade is a Mythic melee weapon, it is incredibly overpowered. When a player pulls the weapon from the ground in Polar Peak, they will immediately receive 200 shields and 200 health.
Each swipe of the blade will deal 75 damage to other players, and there's a jumping dash attack that will cause 25 damage. The blade can also destroy buildings and structures like a hot knife cutting through melted butter.
It doesn't end there, though. Each elimination made with the Infinity Blade will increase the wielder's health or shields by 50. There's also regeneration that comes with the blade that will increase health or shield by one point every three seconds.
To get the Infinity Blade, players will have to head to the new snowy areas on the island that were added in Season 7. More specifically, Polar Peak.
Where the letters for Polar Peak are on the map, there is a mountaintop with a castle half-buried under snow. Players will see a square with several pillars, and in the middle sticking out of the ground is the Infinity Blade.
The exact location is marked on the map below.
Survive the Bum Rush
Finding the Infinity Blade is easy, but actually getting it is the hard part.
The first obstacle is the rush of players going for the sword. Numerous players will head to Polar Peak at the start of the game, especially if the Battle Bus passes over it.
The next problem is the lack of weapons and materials in the area. There are a few buildings around the sword, making the decision on whether to battle with pickaxes or run to a building in hopes of finding a weapon before another player gets the Infinity Blade somewhat tough.
Several trees are also in the immediate area, but like the conundrum of finding weapons, getting wood or brick will take time and you may be too late to the blade.
What could be the biggest problem is the five seconds it takes to claim the Infinity Blade. You can stop while trying to pull the sword from the ground, but that will reset the five-second timer.
But we've got some tips that might make things easier.
Gimme That Sword!
Since it's currently OP, the Infinity Blade isn't easy to get. While the strategies below aren't foolproof by any means, they should give you a fighter's chance in pulling the sword from the stone.
Getting the Blade Tip 1
If the Battle Bus travels over Polar Peak, forget about going for the blade. Everyone will take a stab at it since it's right there.
However, if the route for the Battle Bus is more down the center of the island, jump out and glide your way to the mountaintop.
Going straight for the sword in this configuration is a good tactic because you will most likely only deal with other players with pickaxes. You'll be able to take a few hits from a pickaxe as you try to pull it out.
The key thing is to make a run for it when other players are preoccupied, which is likely to happen since most people will be afraid to go after the blade when there are others around.
If there's one player in the vicinity of the Infinity Blade, then take a shot at claiming it. You will be able to survive multiple pickaxe attacks as long as it's only from one player.
Those that want to go the weapon route first should head for the castle buried under snow. There are two chests in the building: one on the ground floor and another on the fourth floor.
Use the weapons in either chest to take other players in the building. If you obtain a sniper, head to the rooftop and take shots at the player who acquired the sword. If not, go to the ground entrance and leave through the door in the direction of the square where the blade is.
Make sure to get some materials in the building as you make your way up and down the floors. If someone has the Infinity Blade, keep your distance and attack from afar. Do not get close or you'll be dead in just two hits.
You can try building a structure for protection, but a player with the sword will quickly demolish it. Stay far away and try to maneuver back to the castle in the snow or any high ground. Build some ramps to get the higher ground and try to do a quick edit to remove parts of the ramp so the sword wielder won't follow you.
Ideally, you being above them will be enough to get some free hits as its unlikely the player with the Infinity Blade has enough materials to build a ramp to chase you.
If you do get the sword, use the jumping dash attack to close the distance on any player. It'll be easy to take them down up close, but as mentioned, from a long distance, you are a sitting duck, especially if someone has a sniper rifle.
After you've killed all nearby players, start gaining those materials so you can defend yourself from snipers and assault rifles as you try and get close. Since the Infinity Blade can heal you, don't be ashamed to disengage in order to heal up.
Like the Infinity Gauntlet Limited Time Mode from earlier in the year, the Infinity Blade will likely last for a short period of time before Epic removes it from Fortnite. At the very least, it will get nerfed since it's currently OP.
This means you'll need to jump on right away in order to get a taste of its power.
Looking for more Fortnite tips? Head over to our Fortnite guides page for more.
Games Fortnite Genres ActionFree to PlayShooterSurvival	Platforms PCMaciOSAndroidPlaystation 4Xbox OneNintendo Switch	Tags battle royale fortnite guides
Published Oct. 16th 2019
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