Wednesday, September 30, 2009
oooo spooky and fun!
Spend the evening with authors Cassandra Fell and Walter L. Powell, as they discuss their book "Ghosts and Legends of Fort Ligonier"
Come to Fort Ligonier and journey back in time two centuries to a place where the flag of His Majesty King George still flies!
Advance reservations required.
freedom to walk and bike to school
SARATOGA SPRINGS -- Seventh-grader Adam Marino is getting a firsthand lesson in civil disobedience.The 12-year-old and his mother, Janette Kaddo Marino, are defying Saratoga Springs school policy by biking to Maple Avenue Middle School on Route 9. The Jackson Street residents pedal more than four miles together each way to the middle school on nice days despite being told not to by school officials and police.
Some different ways of looking at marriage, family, and life
Call me old fashioned but I loved this post!!! I have a firm Christian faith that I grew up with and never strayed from, but I know I don't always match society, but love what I do have. Take a look at some of the points..... Just sharing, not meant to tell you what to do at all.
"First, marriage has been destabilized, and divorce is rampant.
Second, male headship in the family has been replaced by an “egalitarian” arrangement where the husband and wife “share” in the leadership responsibilities of the family.
Third, the man as provider has been rejected for a new model of joint economic responsibility.
Fourth, the women as a full-time homemaker is scorned, and the working woman who seeks fulfillment and independence in employment outside of her home is now a cultural norm.
Fifth, the biblical norm of a woman as a nurturer of children has been replaced by the feminist ideal of a working mother who places her children in “daycare” so that she can pursue other important matters.
Sixth, the idea that a large family is a “blessing” is rejected for notion that a small family of one or two children (and for some, no children at all) is far better."
Read more here
"First, marriage has been destabilized, and divorce is rampant.
Second, male headship in the family has been replaced by an “egalitarian” arrangement where the husband and wife “share” in the leadership responsibilities of the family.
Third, the man as provider has been rejected for a new model of joint economic responsibility.
Fourth, the women as a full-time homemaker is scorned, and the working woman who seeks fulfillment and independence in employment outside of her home is now a cultural norm.
Fifth, the biblical norm of a woman as a nurturer of children has been replaced by the feminist ideal of a working mother who places her children in “daycare” so that she can pursue other important matters.
Sixth, the idea that a large family is a “blessing” is rejected for notion that a small family of one or two children (and for some, no children at all) is far better."
Read more here
"Proficiency", New Video Podcast
As promised, the new video podcast "Proficiency" is up and running atwww.sequencesystem.com! It's only a few minutes long, it loads fast and is worth a look.
Thanks!
Dr. Hunt
Holy Trinity Catholic School Scholarship is on TWITTER
If you are part of the parish, school, interested in the school, or any other reason please request to follow the school on Twitter. We have it protected to keep it more intimate, so you will have to be approved. Look us up: LigHolyTrinity. The tweets will keep you up to date as to what is going on at the school.
More Puns
Here is a link to Pun Alley, published in the South Marion Citizen newspaper near Ocala, FL. This column is published about every two weeks.
You may note a certain similarity between the surname of the column's author and my own. If you want to find out why, you'll have to twist my arm until I say "Uncle!"
Here's a sample:
"Whenever I shop at the grocery store, I stay out of aisle three. There’s a Russian dressing over there."
You may note a certain similarity between the surname of the column's author and my own. If you want to find out why, you'll have to twist my arm until I say "Uncle!"
Here's a sample:
"Whenever I shop at the grocery store, I stay out of aisle three. There’s a Russian dressing over there."
Fundraisers and Drives at Holy Trinity Catholic School
Fundraisers that directly benefit the school budget are:
· Fish fries
· Magazine sales
· Boxtops for Education
· Giant Eagle debit cards
· School marathon
· Phone and ink cartridge recycling
· Duck race (Benefits a particular cause of the school).
· Art fair and French Café (Benefits these programs).
The scholarship program provides local tuition assistance. This money is raised through:
· Scholarship drive
· Golf tournament
· EITC (Education Improvement Tax Credit)
The Parent Teacher Guild (PTG) raises money to enable students to enjoy local play productions and field trips. They also help fund various projects for the school.
Fundraisers for this include:
· Discount cards
· Coupon book
· Basket raffle
Participation in each of these fundraisers benefits everyone.
Holy Trinity Catholic School Scholarship Program
"Businesses can receive credits for certain types of taxes paid to the state by making a contribution to the Scholarship Partners Foundation (SPF) of the Diocese of Greensburg. 
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program allows businesses to receive up to 90 percent of their contribution in tax credits. Businesses may also benefit by participating in the Pre-Kindergarten Tax Credit (PKTC) program.
SPF allocates the contributed funds as supplemental financial aid to children of qualified families who are enrolled in the 15 elementary schools, middle school and two high schools in the four-county diocesan region, including Armstrong, Fayette, Indiana and Westmoreland."
Go here to read more.
NEW Holy Trinity Webpage
Check out the latest Holy Trinity Catholic School webpage. This is the new one that was done last year. It has up to date information and will keep everyone informed. Enjoy!!!
My Petite Maison Blog
I found the info about the Charity on My Petite Maison. What a lovely blog!!! I happen to love the Frenchy styles of anything and found this gem through another frenchy blog. Have fun and check out her shop! I love the vibe there.
Raising money for Dogs
Look at this awesome charity!!
Design Gives Back projects help the world through creative action. Right now people are abandoning dogs and cats at an alarming rate because of home foreclosure and job loss. Can you imagine having to give-up your precious little family member? Heartbreaking. Simply by decorating an Oliver Wendell "Play Strong" scarf and sending a pic of your creation on your dog–or a friend's dog–you will earn a $10.00 donation to help these abandoned pets. So, simply by applying our creativity to making a cute scarf we can raise $2,000 for these needy friends!
Wouldn't it be neat to do something similar around here?
LOL why not ban all ice cream flavors except chocolate while you're on a roll....
Consumers should be able to decide for themselves whether they want to smoke or go hang gliding or eat fattening ice cream, but even by the standards of nanny state advocates this rule is ludicrous. There is no logical health explanation for why menthol flavored cigarettes are allowed but other flavors are banned. Read more in the Washington Times.
Everyday Therapeutics On-site Massage
Donna says:
Wednesday chair massage at Bo~Peep Fine Yarns be there until 11:00 today
"We may be very busy, we may be very efficient, but we will also be truly effective only when we begin with the end in mind." -Stephen Covey
"We may be very busy, we may be very efficient, but we will also be truly effective only when we begin with the end in mind." -Stephen CoveyP.S. THE END OF THE MONTH FOR SOME......
Nihilism in Our Time: Why Nietzche Matters.
First Friday Events at the UU Fellowship of Ligonier Resume
The first First Friday event of this fall/winter season will be held on October 2nd. 7:30 to 9:30 PM.
The first First Friday event of this fall/winter season will be held on October 2nd. 7:30 to 9:30 PM.
Our guest speaker will be Dr. George H. Leiner, Associate Professor of Philosophy at St. Vincent College,whose subject will be Nihilism in Our Time: Why Nietzche Matters.
“God is dead! God remains dead! And we have killed him!” With these words first uttered some 130 years ago Friedrich Nietzsche ushered in the contemporary period of cultural nihilism. In many ways, we are still trying to come to terms with the religious, philosophical and humanistic consequences of these bold declarations. In the early 21st century, what are we to make of this? Is nihilism something which should fill us with dread? Or, does the less well understood meaning of Nietzsche’s nihilism hold out the promise of creatively renewed, fulfilling life?
Discussion and refreshments follow.
Discussion and refreshments follow.
The First Friday Series offers the public the opportunity to hear religious, philosophical or other vital topics affecting humankind. The belief set of a different religious tradition or other subject is presented and discussed each month.
Good morning, Ligonier!
Yes, I know Marianne just went to sleep and I am up rather early but it's a busy day and I've got to get a jump on it. Toodles!
livecam
Jim Mikula of Ligonier directs this Apple Hill production
As sure as fall brings cool temperatures and colorful leaves, the new season brings classic murder mysteries and thrillers to community theaters.
Apple Hill Playhouse is the first to scare its audiences silly by staging "Busybody" beginning this weekend. The Jack Popplewell mystery comedy, which closes the 2009 season at the Delmont theater, focuses on Mrs. Piper, the cleaning lady, portrayed by Anne Crusan of Bolivar.
morrning chuckles...compliments of Joanne..thanks!!!!
The ability to make and understand puns is considered to be the highest level of language development. Here are the 10 first place winners in the International Pun Contest:
1. A vulture boards an airplane, carrying two dead raccoons. The stewardess looks at him and says, "I'm sorry, sir, only one carrion allowed per passenger."
2. Two fish swim into a concrete wall. One turns to the other and says, "Dam!"
3. Two Eskimos sitting in a kayak were chilly, so they lit a fire in the craft. Unsurprisingly it sank, proving once again that you can't have your kayak and heat it too.
4. Two hydrogen atoms meet. One says, "I've lost my electron." The other says, "Are you sure?" The first replies "Yes, I'm positive."
5. Did you hear about the Buddhist who refused Novocain during a root canal? His goal: transcend dental medication.
6. A group of chess enthusiasts checked into a hotel and were standing in the lobby discussing their recent tournament victories. After about an hour, the manager came out of the office and asked them to disperse. "But why?", they asked, as they moved off. "Because," he said, "I can't stand chess-nuts boasting in an open foyer."
7. A woman has twins and gives them up for adoption. One of them goes to a family in Egypt and is named "Ahmal." The other goes to a family in Spain; they name him "Juan." Years later, Juan sends a picture of himself to his birth mother. Upon receiving the picture, she tells her husband that she wishes she also had a picture of Ahmal. Her husband responds, "They're twins! If you've seen Juan, you've seen Ahmal."
8. A group of friars were behind on their belfry payments, so they opened up a small florist shop to raise funds. Since everyone liked to buy flowers from the men of God, a rival florist across town thought the competition was unfair. He asked the good fathers to close down, but they would not. He went back and begged the friars to close. They ignored him. So, the rival florist hired Hugh MacTaggart, the roughest and most vicious thug in town to "persuade" them to close. Hugh beat up the friars and trashed their store, saying he'd be back if they didn't close up shop. Terrified, they did so, thereby proving that only Hugh can prevent florist friars.
9. Mahatma Gandhi, as you know, walked barefoot most of the time, which produced an impressive set of calluses on his feet. He also ate very little, which made him rather frail and, with his odd diet, he suffered from bad breath. This made him (Oh, man, this is so bad, it's good) a super calloused fragile mystic hexed by halitosis.
10. And finally, there was the person who sent ten different puns to friends, with the hope that at least one of the puns would make them laugh.
No pun in ten did
1. A vulture boards an airplane, carrying two dead raccoons. The stewardess looks at him and says, "I'm sorry, sir, only one carrion allowed per passenger."
2. Two fish swim into a concrete wall. One turns to the other and says, "Dam!"
3. Two Eskimos sitting in a kayak were chilly, so they lit a fire in the craft. Unsurprisingly it sank, proving once again that you can't have your kayak and heat it too.
4. Two hydrogen atoms meet. One says, "I've lost my electron." The other says, "Are you sure?" The first replies "Yes, I'm positive."
5. Did you hear about the Buddhist who refused Novocain during a root canal? His goal: transcend dental medication.
6. A group of chess enthusiasts checked into a hotel and were standing in the lobby discussing their recent tournament victories. After about an hour, the manager came out of the office and asked them to disperse. "But why?", they asked, as they moved off. "Because," he said, "I can't stand chess-nuts boasting in an open foyer."
7. A woman has twins and gives them up for adoption. One of them goes to a family in Egypt and is named "Ahmal." The other goes to a family in Spain; they name him "Juan." Years later, Juan sends a picture of himself to his birth mother. Upon receiving the picture, she tells her husband that she wishes she also had a picture of Ahmal. Her husband responds, "They're twins! If you've seen Juan, you've seen Ahmal."
8. A group of friars were behind on their belfry payments, so they opened up a small florist shop to raise funds. Since everyone liked to buy flowers from the men of God, a rival florist across town thought the competition was unfair. He asked the good fathers to close down, but they would not. He went back and begged the friars to close. They ignored him. So, the rival florist hired Hugh MacTaggart, the roughest and most vicious thug in town to "persuade" them to close. Hugh beat up the friars and trashed their store, saying he'd be back if they didn't close up shop. Terrified, they did so, thereby proving that only Hugh can prevent florist friars.
9. Mahatma Gandhi, as you know, walked barefoot most of the time, which produced an impressive set of calluses on his feet. He also ate very little, which made him rather frail and, with his odd diet, he suffered from bad breath. This made him (Oh, man, this is so bad, it's good) a super calloused fragile mystic hexed by halitosis.
10. And finally, there was the person who sent ten different puns to friends, with the hope that at least one of the puns would make them laugh.
No pun in ten did
fresh air can be so shocking
First we had Klashbaugh's open letter full of clear thinking on the school situation. Now, here's a Huffington Post blogger breathing the fresh air of clear thinking into the health insurance debate.
Read this, please:
Read this, please:
I don't know what's worse: that most Republicans seem to be against ending this unfair legal protection for an entrenched industry that is ruining our country with their non-competitive practices, or that most Democrats seem to be threatening this arrangement only as a bargaining chip to push for a meaningless public option that wouldn't be accessible to almost 85% of the population?
Instead of improving our country, through creating and enforcing free and fair markets, our politicians are currently engaging in backroom deals, most of which protect the very companies who profit the most from these disastrous outdated systems -- industries like health insurance and big Pharma. Read more in the Huffington Post.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Bears in Western PA
For another story about a bear, click here (an MP3 file) and go to the 30 minute mark (about 30:15).
Or, alternatively, click this link, scroll down to "August 5, 1965 The Bear and the Cadillac", and click Play on the embedded player, then go to the 30:15 mark.
This is an old recording of one of my all-time favorites, Jean Shepherd.
Or, alternatively, click this link, scroll down to "August 5, 1965 The Bear and the Cadillac", and click Play on the embedded player, then go to the 30:15 mark.
This is an old recording of one of my all-time favorites, Jean Shepherd.
Fun peanut butter cookie recipe
1 cup of peanut butter, creamy or crunchy
1 cup sugar
1 egg, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Preheat over to 325 degrees. Mix the peanut butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until evenly blended (kids love to do this with their hands). Drop 1-inch balls of the mixture onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Pierce with fork tines to decorate. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until golden.
If you like chocolate, add 6 oz. of semisweet chocolate chips to the batter. Enjoy!
1 cup sugar
1 egg, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Preheat over to 325 degrees. Mix the peanut butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until evenly blended (kids love to do this with their hands). Drop 1-inch balls of the mixture onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Pierce with fork tines to decorate. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until golden.
If you like chocolate, add 6 oz. of semisweet chocolate chips to the batter. Enjoy!
so many surprising jewels, such beauty, such depth
Amongst the general goofing around and casual relaxation of Mellow Mike, each Tuesday being not the same, offers up the most fascinating and lovely jewels. Here's one of several simply wonderful tunes Joe Stierheim has written and brought along to sing for and with us. It's called The Willow Tree.
The Willow Tree
Words and music by Joe F. Stierheim
When I was young and the world was free
I walked my love beside the willow tree
And the days were warm and my life was fair
And full of joy as we lingered there
For I loved my love and she loved me
As we sat beneath the willow tree
And my life was rich with the gold of love
And the golden sky above.
Chorus: La la la la la la la la la la
la la la la la la la la la
Then I lived my life and I passed my days
From April’s glow until September’s haze
And I found through life that the stream of time
Mixed precious gold with bitter brine
But I learned that though the gold held worth
So did the baser metals of the earth
And I minted my coins both rich and strong
And accepted right with wrong
Chorus
Now I am old and my life is o’er
But my heart is your as ere it was before
And the days are warm and the world is free
As I sit beneath the willow tree
For I counted my days as one counts gold
One by one to all their treasure hold
Now with coffers full and my heart at peace
I’m content for my life to cease.
Chorus
Mellow Mike at the Ligonier Tavern tonight
What is Mellow Mike? It's kinda like an open mike. It's kinda like a pub sing. It's got drumming circle qualities. It's a free flowing, we never know what to expect, casual happening. It's about mellow music and reading. It's about communing over a cocktail or a cup of coffee and a snack with new and old friends. It's kinda spiritual in that way that isn't codified. You listen and hear and make of the music what you wish and just groove to the mellow vibe.
So if you have a guitar or a drum or a tambourine, or any other mellow instrument, feel free to bring it in. I keep waiting and hoping for someone to show with a cello.
Mellow Mike starts at 6:30 and runs until 9pm.
Good Morning from Everyday Therapeutics
724-396-4337
Monday, September 28, 2009
from the Beanery Writers
The Beanery Writers Group booklet, Volume 3, CELEBRATING SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA, is now available for purchase ($4.00). The booklet includes fourteen items written by members, on subjects that include Geyer Performing Arts Center (Scottdale) by Kathleen Clark; Communion at Flat Rock by Joanne McGough and a sketch of the Pittsburgh Pirates vs. the Cleveland Indians baseball game by Carolyn C. Holland.
An additional writing is by Sara K. Byrne-Houser, director of child development at the Ligonier YMCA. She is our guest writer.
These booklets make great birthday, get well, friendship or special occasion gifts. Copies sent to friends or relatives in distant communities to provide them with a touch of Southwestern Pennsylvania through the eyes of our writers.
Copies are available at the Second Chapter Bookstore, 209 East Main St., Ligonier, or from any member of the Beanery Writers Group, including me, Carolyn C. Holland, group facilitator. The Beanery Writers Group is scheduled to man a table outside the Second Chapter Bookstore during Ligonier Days.
To read writings on the Beanery Online Literary Magazine, sponsored by the Beanery Writers Group, visit the site by clicking on www.beanerywriters.wordpress.
Also, don’t forget to visit www.carolyncholland.wordpress.
We just found Nikki Schwab and now she's moved!
She's a mover and a shaker on the Washington scene. A little birdie "in the know" told me that Nikki has accepted a position with The Washington Examiner doing similar political and Washington nightlife reporting for that daily. She started the new position after Fort Days. Here's a blurb from FishBowlDC:
Nikki Schwab comes to us from U.S. News & World Report, where she has been a reporter for the widely read Washington Whispers column. She also produced the Washington Whispers section on u.s.news.com, updating its content throughout the day. She previously served internships at Washingtonpost.Newsweek Interactive and at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Nikki graduated magna cum laude from the University of Pittsburgh and received a master's degree in communication from American University.
Nikki Schwab comes to us from U.S. News & World Report, where she has been a reporter for the widely read Washington Whispers column. She also produced the Washington Whispers section on u.s.news.com, updating its content throughout the day. She previously served internships at Washingtonpost.Newsweek Interactive and at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Nikki graduated magna cum laude from the University of Pittsburgh and received a master's degree in communication from American University.
Prayer request
Say a prayer for my neighbor and the family of her daughter. Her daughter passed away with cancer. I'm keeping it semi-anonymous. But send good vibes to her. Her only daughter that just with in the last year or so fought cancer. Her mother, husband, daughter, dogs, and grandson will miss her greatly.
Podlucky indicted
PITTSBURGH — A federal grand jury accused the former chief executive officer of a defunct soft-drink-maker and four others connected to the company of perpetrating an $806 million bank fraud, much of which went to the ex-CEO and his family.
Gregory Podlucky, 48, of Ligonier, provided financial institutions and equipment suppliers "with dramatically false financial statements" to get equipment leases and loans for Latrobe-based Le-Nature's Inc., said U.S. Attorney Mary Beth Buchanan. She called the "largest fraud in the history of the Western District of Pennsylvania," a 25-county area.
Good Morning from Everyday Therapeutics
Donna says: "Life's challenges are not suppose to paralyze you, they're supposed to help you discover who you are." --Bernice Johnson
724-396-4337
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Arthur Schlesinger and Ken Burns
"In this country, we have too much "pluribis"and not enough "unum". Arthur Schlesinger
Also, the wonderful Ken Burns' National Parks series starts tonight on PBS (at least WQED in Pgh.) I was blessed to have parents who dragged all five kids through 36 states and countless National Parks, monuments, and other preserved areas. When we were at Yellowstone my younger brother asked my parents if this was where God lived. The accompanying book is spectacular, too.
Also, the wonderful Ken Burns' National Parks series starts tonight on PBS (at least WQED in Pgh.) I was blessed to have parents who dragged all five kids through 36 states and countless National Parks, monuments, and other preserved areas. When we were at Yellowstone my younger brother asked my parents if this was where God lived. The accompanying book is spectacular, too.
Letter to the LV School Board
This letter is in its envelope, ready for the Monday mail:
Ligonier Valley School District Board of Education
339 West Main St.
Ligonier, PA 15658
Dear Members of the School Board,
Forty-two years ago, when I was a sophomore in Ligonier Valley High School, we merged with Laurel Valley. I remember it well, because the two marching bands combined to march in Harrisburg for the inauguration of the governor. Our uniforms were old and the two high schools of course had different colors. General Mellon bought us uniforms in the new school colors in my senior year, because everyone knew that soon the new combined high school would be built, and the teams and band all needed to be the same color. When our blue-and-white football team retired from the field for halftime, presented by our black-and-red band, we must have really confused our opponents.
As you well know, since the 1960s there have been numerous studies, each recommending a consolidated high school. Each time, the public has expressed opposition.
During the consolidation discussion a decade ago, my mother had a good idea, but she is too reticent to attend a meeting and voice her opinions publicly.
Each school could be set up as a magnet school. Ligonier HS could be for college-bound students, and Laurel Valley HS for those going into business, technical, and trades. This would eliminate some duplication of teachers and allow each school to focus on student needs. It would also help balance out classes that have too many students for one section, but not enough for two sections.
Yes, some students would have to commute to the other school, but we would not be busing an entire student body of either school.
I would like to suggest that the district look into some online programs. As an example, in the Greater Latrobe School District, all of the senior high school courses are available online, taught by Latrobe teachers, through the BlendedSchools consortium. Each student has a BlendedSchools account and can take classes on campus or at home, in different combinations. Using the virtual classroom feature, those who take the course at home can participate with those in the classroom.
I designed and teach an online high school music appreciation class, although I teach music in the elementary schools. My online class is asynchronous, so my student works at her own speed while taking two on-campus classes, three online classes, a couple of classes at St. Vincent, and holding a job.
A similar program might help our school district. For example, if a Laurel Valley student needed, say, one language class that was only offered at Ligonier, that student could take it online from Laurel Valley. If another senior math class is needed at both high schools, but there are not enough students at either school to make up a full section, the teacher could teach students in one location, with the other part of the class participating in the virtual classroom.
The Ligonier School District might investigate the possibility of using online resources to reconfigure schedules and course offerings. If this would be more cost-effective than closing schools, busing, and building additional classrooms, that would be all to the good. If not, at least taxpayers would know that all avenues have been explored.
In this letter I have suggested three options:
1. Using existing resources to create our own magnet schools.
2. Using online programs to share resources between the schools.
3. A combination of the two.
Finally, as a citizen of Ligonier, I would ask the board to stop the studies and use the common sense that we all have to solve this situation. The people of Ligonier and Laurel Valley have more knowledge of our needs - not only educational needs, but social, emotional, and community needs - than any outsiders that can be hired. Let’s talk to parents, students, residents, teachers, secretaries, bus drivers, cafeteria personnel, custodians, maintenance staff, coaches, business owners, Diamond sitters, and administrators, and come up with our own solution. And put the money that would be wasted on another study into the school system.
Sincerely,
Kathleen Ashbaugh
If anyone is interested in purchasing a tshirt to help both show off your community pride AND support our school's ROTC trip to Hawaii, please either call or email Colleen Springer at (724)757-1038, or at fandcspringer@comcast.net.
Thank you in advance for your support!!!!!!
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
Afjrotc
For shirts you can email is- fandcspringer@comcast.net or call 7247571038 ask for colleen
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
honoring Ricky Hafer
NEW FLORENCE - As a football player, a student and a young man, Ricky Hafer was always a source of pride around Laurel Valley High School.
He is now known as a local hero. Hafer, who enlisted in the U.S. Army after his graduation in 2001, died when two Black Hawk helicopters collided over Mosul, Iraq, in November 2003 while he was on a mission as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Read more in the Indiana Gazette.
black bears in the yard
Luckily it's been months since I have encountered a bear in my yard though two neighbors report we had a mother with three cubs back there in the woods. I have stayed out of the woods and been really stingy with bird feed. Also, we never keep garbage outside. Our garbage is bagged, in a can with a lid and inside a locked garage.
A co-worker has been dealing with a bear all summer who keeps trashing their trash. I keep saying, put the garbage inside but they don't want to and so that means they'll have to deal with this bear. It's a shame because that does mean someone will eventually get hurt and I bet it's the bear.
Each time I have had a face to face surprise encounter with a bear, I have run to the house. The first time, I paused to consider whether to ignore the bear or run. I ran. The second time, the bear was so close I ran before thinking.
I've always wondered whether it would be safe to defend my territory from a bear. You see, since working with horses years ago I have learned the value of pretending to be large and I use that technique, if necessary, with all animals. It does work. I've done my share of growling, standing large waving an object or simply staring down.
I have also learned that pretending to be a tree doesn't work. Years ago we were moving a herd of horses from one field to another. The trainer had the alpha mare on a lead and walked her down a fenced lane to the other field. Another working student and I closed the gate behind the herd and were basically in charge of keeping watch to make sure everyone followed and kept up with the leader. Something spooked the herd and they turned around intent on going back to the original field and as they galloped towards us, we paused wondering what to do. The other student shouted "make like a tree!" so we spread our arms and legs to look as big as possible forming a two person forest in the lane. As the herd galloped around the corner, he shouted "It's not working!" and we jumped on the fences and felt the wind of the herd as it rushed past up to the other field. Hah! That was a great lesson - dangerous and hilarious. Be large, yes, but inanimate? No.
My second great lesson was spending free time with a stallion in a fenced exercise coral. He was an old surly kinda guy and my job was to keep him moving partially with a slow swishing of a lunging whip near the ground and also with games like "Can you beat me? I can beat you!" - meaning we did little games of racing and trotting back and forth presumably for 15 or 20 minutes until the trainer came to lead the stallion back to the barn. This old equine was a tough cookie to lead and I did not yet have the mental tools to do that job. Witness what happened when the trainer got sidetracked and left us in that coral for close to an hour. There was a moment when everything changed. I remember that moment very clearly. I can still see the look in the eye of the stallion as he turned and basically said, "I have had enough of this little girl." He reared up magnificently against the sunset and charged. I had no idea what to do so I did nothing as he lowered his head and flung me against the fence. My glasses flew off and I lay in a crumbled heap beneath his presence, while he continued to snort and stomp and stand guard over me, his prey.
It was one of those times when you think, "Oh! So THIS is how I am going to die." and you wait......to die. I waited there for what seemed like a very long time until two boarders walked past chatting on the way to the barn. One noticed the stallion and then me and called to see what was going on. I quietly asked them to get the trainer. What followed was a good lesson in being bigger and using only as much bravado as necessary to make a point and control. It involved no violence, just a different method of communicating and so now I know you should communicate with animals in their language including feigning a threat.
Getting back to bears, it has occurred to me that running to the house is communicating the wrong message. At some point a bear will decide that my yard/territory is ripe for the taking. So, when I read this article, I did so with interest. Any thoughts?
"You want to be as big, as large as possible, and you always want to fight back with a black bear," said Hampton. Black bears tend to be timid and are generally not aggressive.
"When they are utilizing our environment as their habitat in that manner, they are also very likely to defend that territory, " said Hampton. "And so it can be a dangerous situation when bears get to the point where they are breaking into homes to get food."
G20 observations..thoughts.....expanded
Sue, you raised a great issue and just in case folks aren't reading comments, I'm also posting my response here.
First, with very few peaceful exceptions, like FREE TIBET, I just don't know what all these people were protesting except that they just like to do that sort of thing. Most world leaders support what the protesters want. If anything, there should have been some pro-liberty and pro-democracy, pro-capitalism marches.
Second, I think the G20 draws people looking for a fun happening, an excuse to do things they wouldn't do by themselves, like wreck storefronts and other idiotic non-useful things. No one actually believes these acts will get them what they purport to want.
Third, I think the police forces were prepared and highly trained and with minor exceptions, acted with dignified reserve and ought to be commended for controlling large crowds and protecting citizens and property. This was not, in my view, the establishment against the people. This was the people against a few thugs and lots of students who aren't smart enough yet to understand how to deal with strangers or life because they've just been allowed to stand at the bus stop for the first time in their lives without parental oversight. [That's a whole other subject.]
Fourth, if you engage in civil disobedience or decide to watch real life unfold right before your eyes, you had better be prepared to suffer the consequences. Sue, protesters who stand up for real issues expect to face rubber or real bullets and tear gas, to get their hair yanked and generally get roughed up and arrested. Those who choose to engage do so for purpose taking the suffering as a price for or against the cause for which they feel it is worth sacrifice So for these party pretend so-called protesters who engage and then complain, what idiotic children and cry babies!
Fifth, reporters should not go onto a battlefield and not expect to get wounded.
Sixth, unless you are prepared to be arrested, do what the officer says. Be polite and do whatever they want quickly and with respect. Disperse means disperse and if people got caught up and then arrested, well, I just have to believe they didn't keep a safe enough distance or failed to respond promptly. Frankly, I'd lay odds that the overwhelming majority were hanging close with cell phones in hand hoping to get the perfect shot or video to Tweet, Facebook, or YouTube. This wasn't about peace, love and fruit soup. It was about the making of a happening and hoping for lots of good pictures. Sort of like, let's see if we can burn Oakland and get famous for getting the best shot. Thankfully, Pittsburgh was ready and put a lid on it.
Seventh, overwhelming force is the best defense against bullies and that is why I am not a pacifist.
First, with very few peaceful exceptions, like FREE TIBET, I just don't know what all these people were protesting except that they just like to do that sort of thing. Most world leaders support what the protesters want. If anything, there should have been some pro-liberty and pro-democracy, pro-capitalism marches.
Second, I think the G20 draws people looking for a fun happening, an excuse to do things they wouldn't do by themselves, like wreck storefronts and other idiotic non-useful things. No one actually believes these acts will get them what they purport to want.
Third, I think the police forces were prepared and highly trained and with minor exceptions, acted with dignified reserve and ought to be commended for controlling large crowds and protecting citizens and property. This was not, in my view, the establishment against the people. This was the people against a few thugs and lots of students who aren't smart enough yet to understand how to deal with strangers or life because they've just been allowed to stand at the bus stop for the first time in their lives without parental oversight. [That's a whole other subject.]
Fourth, if you engage in civil disobedience or decide to watch real life unfold right before your eyes, you had better be prepared to suffer the consequences. Sue, protesters who stand up for real issues expect to face rubber or real bullets and tear gas, to get their hair yanked and generally get roughed up and arrested. Those who choose to engage do so for purpose taking the suffering as a price for or against the cause for which they feel it is worth sacrifice So for these party pretend so-called protesters who engage and then complain, what idiotic children and cry babies!
Fifth, reporters should not go onto a battlefield and not expect to get wounded.
Sixth, unless you are prepared to be arrested, do what the officer says. Be polite and do whatever they want quickly and with respect. Disperse means disperse and if people got caught up and then arrested, well, I just have to believe they didn't keep a safe enough distance or failed to respond promptly. Frankly, I'd lay odds that the overwhelming majority were hanging close with cell phones in hand hoping to get the perfect shot or video to Tweet, Facebook, or YouTube. This wasn't about peace, love and fruit soup. It was about the making of a happening and hoping for lots of good pictures. Sort of like, let's see if we can burn Oakland and get famous for getting the best shot. Thankfully, Pittsburgh was ready and put a lid on it.
Seventh, overwhelming force is the best defense against bullies and that is why I am not a pacifist.
I read this article yesterday......
and didn't plan to post it, but I am now because I think it's one of those situations in which there are so many moral and ethical questions that juxtapose left and right positions.
At issue is the moral integrity of Kevin Jennings, the current "safe school czar" who while working as a teacher, is accused of having counseled a 15 year old who was having a homosexual affair with an adult.
Before you read this, take note, please, that I have ZERO issue with homosexuality. I support states' rights to create same sex civil unions. That's my personal position and I only state that because I really don't think the underlying disturbance here is the homosexuality though I understand some readers may think that's a core issue.
I am really interested in two things. The student was having sex. The student was having sex with an adult.
I'm drilling this down a bit because I also understand that there is a whole bunch of people who are disturbed by a 15 year old having sex. My concern - as a person who does not have children - is what do parents think? What business is it, really, for a public school teacher to be giving sexual advice to a student? Was this part of a safe sex course? I doubt it. It sure doesn't sounds like the teacher deferred in any way towards any concern of parental oversight.
Lastly, of course, is the outrageous fact that the partner was a adult and the act is statutory rape. Yes, there are cultures in which sex with a minor is okay but not in this culture.
Just for kicks, substitute a Catholic priest for the adult and think through how this scenario might have played out.
Bottom line, if what this "safe school czar" is accused of having done is true, geez isn't the fox guarding the henhouse?
Here's a bit of the article.
According to Mr. Jennings' own description in a new audiotape discovered by Fox News, the 15-year-old boy met the "older man" in a "bus station bathroom" and was taken to the older man's home that night. When some details about the case became public, Mr. Jennings threatened to sue another teacher who called his failure to report the statutory rape "unethical." Mr. Jennings' defenders asserted that there was no evidence that he was aware the student had sex with the older man.
Read more in the Washington Times.
At issue is the moral integrity of Kevin Jennings, the current "safe school czar" who while working as a teacher, is accused of having counseled a 15 year old who was having a homosexual affair with an adult.
Before you read this, take note, please, that I have ZERO issue with homosexuality. I support states' rights to create same sex civil unions. That's my personal position and I only state that because I really don't think the underlying disturbance here is the homosexuality though I understand some readers may think that's a core issue.
I am really interested in two things. The student was having sex. The student was having sex with an adult.
I'm drilling this down a bit because I also understand that there is a whole bunch of people who are disturbed by a 15 year old having sex. My concern - as a person who does not have children - is what do parents think? What business is it, really, for a public school teacher to be giving sexual advice to a student? Was this part of a safe sex course? I doubt it. It sure doesn't sounds like the teacher deferred in any way towards any concern of parental oversight.
Lastly, of course, is the outrageous fact that the partner was a adult and the act is statutory rape. Yes, there are cultures in which sex with a minor is okay but not in this culture.
Just for kicks, substitute a Catholic priest for the adult and think through how this scenario might have played out.
Bottom line, if what this "safe school czar" is accused of having done is true, geez isn't the fox guarding the henhouse?
Here's a bit of the article.
According to Mr. Jennings' own description in a new audiotape discovered by Fox News, the 15-year-old boy met the "older man" in a "bus station bathroom" and was taken to the older man's home that night. When some details about the case became public, Mr. Jennings threatened to sue another teacher who called his failure to report the statutory rape "unethical." Mr. Jennings' defenders asserted that there was no evidence that he was aware the student had sex with the older man.
Read more in the Washington Times.
Stahlstown man promoted
As of July 9, 2009, Maj. Donald C. Hoffer, Stahlstown, has been promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel in the Pennsylvania National Guard (retired list).
Read more in the Daily American.
today is the last performance of Arsenic and Old Lace
This is a great play and our Ligonier Valley Players have done a great job of it. Hubby and I saw the show last night. I almost wish I had never seen the movie and could have taken it all in as a big surprise, but even having seen the movie several times, we still enjoyed it.The entire cast performed well but there are two I just have to mention especially because their performances really stood out. Roxanne Lenhart - BRAVO lady! In her first major role, she did an outstanding job of playing Abby Brewster. She and Jennifer Appleby West as Martha Brewster were fabulous. For some reason I can't picture Martha Brewster from the movie, but Abby has always stuck in my mind and I think Roxanne really captured the role and made it her own.
The other performance which stuck out to us was Eric Harris playing Jonathan Brewster. Eric, we had no idea you could play such a mean guy and do it so well! You were nicely evil. I always love to see Eric's hair because he always changes it for each show. Did you dye it for this one? LOL
Kudos to all. The final show at the Ligonier Theater is at 2:30 today.
order your turkeys now
TOWN’S EDGE FARM
46 Springer Road
Ligonier, PA 15658
Phone: 724/238-2637
HOLIDAY TIME IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER!
Once again, We will have our own Farm Fresh White Broad Breasted turkeys for sale. Price this year is $1.99/lb. Hens or Toms vary in size so order early to get that perfect size.
New this year is our processing facility. All poultry sold by Town’s Edge Farm is grown and processed by us to insure the very best quality.
And as always, we have fresh chicken (roasters and cut up). Cut up is 4 or 6 pieces. And our yummy stewing chickens which make excellent homemade soups and broths.
More on the G20 Oakland arrests
I just read the Post-Gazette. com article in Sunday's edition "Oakland's Long Night". Sadie Gurman is interviewed along with several other of those arrested. Please read!
Another "accidental" rioter
I got an e-mail today from Sadie Gurman, a reporter for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Wearing her P-G credentials and reporting the story to the paper from Oakland on Friday night, she was arrested!!! "Failure to disperse" was the charge and she spent the night in jail!! I guess I got off easy when I accidentally rioted in 1970. I asked her what the paper plans to do and she said she hasn't heard anything but I hope to h*ll the P-G doesn't let this slide. I hope many of you were watching the Pgh. stations' coverage of the protests. It was the 60s all over again. Seeing the police in riot gear, rhythmically tapping their shields with their batons, and those Darth Vader-like vehicles gave me the chills. I know there were a number of "bad eggs" as my grandmother used to say and a lot of gratuitous, senseless damage but poor Sadie!! From what I saw live on Channel 11, there was an awful lot of rough handling. The East End of Pgh. was my home for over forty years. Nate Harper, the current Pgh. police chief, was a dinner guest at my house. I just wish all the anarchists (Sacco and Vanzetti?) would leave Pgh. Trust me, I am a great supporter of law and order and of police (try and go through an abusive marriage without them) and civil liberty. But I hope the city, media, university do some type of post-G20 analysis.
Thoughts?
Thoughts?
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Charles Henry opines on singing the president's praise
Information sources are the Huffington Post and the Wall Street Journal.
Many people who resent Obama as President have jumped on the story about New Jersey school children singing his praises. This story has been juiced by many in the conservative media and by the Republican elite.
RNC Chariman Michael Steele wrote, "Friend, this is the type of propaganda you would see in Stalin's Russia or Kim Jong II's North Korea. I never thought the day would come when I'd see it here in America."
They are apparently not aware of the incident back in 2006 when children from Gulf Coast states serenaded First Lady Laura Bush with a song praising the President, Congress and Federal Emergency Management Agency for, (of all things) their response to Hurricane Katrina. The lyrics follow:
"Our country's stood beside us People have sent us aid. Katrina could not stop us, our hopes will never fade. Congress, Bush and FEMA People across our land Together have come to rebuild us and we join them hand-in-hand!"
This event took place at the White House Easter Egg Roll. About 100 children from Louisiana, Mississipi and Alabama sang. President Bush had departed at the time, but Laura Bush was there. Earlier she had read the book "Will You Be My Friend: A Bunny and Bird Story by Nancy Tafuri. President Bush then asked the children "Did you like this book? Does it tell you about what people can do to help other people, what bird did to help bunny?Be kind to him and give him shelter."
If President Obama had been the president at the time and had had the same song sung and and story told I suppose the Republican establishment would have been all over him.
Charles Henry
Help is needed to honor Ligonier’s veterans.
Dakota Hutchinson
2414 Route 381
Rector, Pa. 15677
724-238-2768
Help is needed to honor Ligonier’s veterans.
My name is Dakota Hutchinson. I am looking for volunteers to help honor Ligonier’s veterans. This is a part of my Eagle Project; I am a Scout in Troop 372 in Ligonier. I need people to help me create a register, listing all of the veterans buried in Ligonier Valley Cemetery. Volunteers will walk through different sections of the cemetery, and take down information from the gravesites of each of veteran. I will use this information to compile a register, then from that a map that will locate each veteran. This will be presented to the Byers-Tosh American Legion Post. The post will be able to use the register and map to insure that every veteran receives a flag each year, before Memorial Day.
The information will be gathered on Saturday, October 3rd, at Ligonier Valley Cemetery, from 1 to 5PM (rain date will be Sunday, October 4th). Young and old alike are asked to volunteer; you do not need to be in great shape. This would be a great thing for families to sign up to do. All you need is an appreciation for all our veterans have given us.
If you wish to volunteer, please call 724-238-2768, or e-mail me at jhutchligonier@comcast.net.
Ligonier, let's help Dakota honor our veterans
Diane,
My name is Dakota Hutchinson. I am a Boy Scout in Ligonier. I am trying to get volunteers to help me honor Ligonier’s veterans. I will include an attachment detailing this Eagle Project. I was hoping that you might add it to your blog. Please let me know if you have any trouble with the attachments. I really need help. We are going to record the location of every veteran buried in the Ligonier Cemetery. This is to insure that every veteran receives a flag on Memorial Day.
Thanks,
Dakota
Dear Dakota: We'd love to help! Right, folks?
Support our local AFJROTC
LV AFJROTC will be participating in the 2009 Pearl Harbor Flag Raising Ceremony - we are currently raising funds to cover the cadets expenses to Hawaii.
We are fortunate as a community to have this wonderful program, encouraging leadership and citizenship.
Please consider purchasing a tshirt to show your support.
smooth
PITTSBURGH | President Obama's decision to confront Iran with evidence of a secret nuclear production site Friday was the culmination of a deliberate strategy over the past nine months to gain maximum impact from the disclosure by building up to it with other steps on the world stage.
Read more in the Washington Times.
Read more in the Washington Times.
Should we encourage debate?
I love a good debate and I think the best way to open minds and find balance is to engage in that debate. Even if folks are just reading and not posting they are thinking more when they read people discussing and hashing out issues.
That scares some folks who think debate is unkind or or nasty. Debate is necessary in my view and if I were all alone in my thoughts I doubt I'd achieve any kind of understanding.
Our rule here is no obscenity or unnecessary mean spirited roughness.
That scares some folks who think debate is unkind or or nasty. Debate is necessary in my view and if I were all alone in my thoughts I doubt I'd achieve any kind of understanding.
Our rule here is no obscenity or unnecessary mean spirited roughness.
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