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If adult female sheep are called ewes and castrated adult males are wethers, what are the uncastrated male sheep called?
Created By: Chelsea Holschbach, Dana Mohn, Kayla Eick, and Darci O'Brien. General Information on Sheep Domestic sheep are scientifically known as Ovis aries.  They are quadruped, four legs, ruminant mammals typically kept as livestock. Sheep are members of the order Artiodactyla, the even-toed ungulates. Numbering a little over 1 billion, domestic sheep are the most numerous species in their genus (Schoenian). Sheep are most likely descendents from the wild mouflon of Europe and Asia and where one of the earliest animals to be domesticated for agricultural purposes. Sheep are raised for fleece, meat and milk. Today sheep are being utilized for human research (Schoenian).   A group of sheep is called a flock. Adult female sheep are referred to as ewes, intact males are rams, castrated males are wethers, and younger sheep are lambs. The domestic sheep is a multi-purpose animal, and the more than 200 breeds to serve these diverse purposes (Schoenian).   Seasonal Breeders Wild species have a breeding season that is initiated at a time when the environment will allow for the best survival of the young.  Spring is usually the optimal season for parturition. Time of breeding is then dependent on Gestation length.  Domestication has stopped seasonal breeding in some species: Cattle & Swine.  Of the farm species, Sheep, Goats and Horses are still seasonal breeders (Winters).   Sheep are short-day breeders otherwise known as fall breeders (Pathways to Pregnancy and Parturition). Breeds such as the Horned Dorset, Merino, and Rambouillet can have extended breeding (Pathways to Pregnancy and Parturition). Other short-day breeders include: goats, fox, deer, and elk.             Rams and bucks are also affected by photoperiod but less than their female partners are.  As photoperiod increases in the spring and early summer, sperm production decreases, abnormal spermatozoa increases, and fertility decreases.   Horses are an example of long-day breeders. Their cyclicity is dependent on photoperiod which is opposite of sheep and goats.  It starts when daylight to darkness ratio increases, and ends when daylight decreases (Pathways to Pregnancy and Parturition). Other long-day breeders include: ring-tailed lemur, hamster groundhog, and mink.     (Pathways to Pregnancy and Parturition) Puberty and Anestrus When a ewe reaches puberty, she has reached her sexual maturity and will exhibit estrus for the first time. The time when a ewe will reach puberty depends on many different factors including, the breed, body size, nutrition, season of birth etc. While a common age that ewe lambs reach puberty is between 5 and 12 months of age. Due to their genetics and biological clock ewes will usually show puberty their first fall (Schoenian). This can have a large effect on the age variation of when they have their first estrus, since ewe lambs born in January instead of April would be three months older. While ewes have reached maturity by six months of age, they are usually not allowed to breed until they are at least eight-teen months of age ("Animal Corner"). Estrous cycles are commonly affected by the seasons in different species, ovine is one of those which are very receptive. It is due to the number of hours daily that light enters the eye of the animal. It then affects the brain, to determine the release of certain precursors and hormones. Most sheep are seasonally polyestrus and short-day breeders. They start their estrus when the length of the day begins to decrease. The cycles of estrous will continue every 16 to 17 days until the ewe is bred or returns to anestrus (Schoenian). Therefore most breeding in ovine occurs in the months between October and November. Estrus lasts approximately 24 to 36 hours, and is where the ewe will stand to be mounted by the male. Detecting estrus in sheep is much harder than that is cattle especially dairy cattle, it is almost required to have a ram present (Schoenian). (Pathways to Pregnancy and Parturition) Animals that are seasonally anestrus is believed to have come from preventing the ewes from conceiving during a time when the survival rate of the embryo would not be high. Anestrus is a state where a female is not exhibiting normal estrous cycles. The ovaries are relatively inactive. There are no follicles of corpus lutea present on the ovaries either. The embryo survival rate is reduced a lot by the temperature and the humidity in the environment (Pathways to Pregnancy and Parturition). Which is why fall becomes the ideal time for conception, because the embryo is at an ideal temperature and then the lamb goes through parturition during a moderate temperature also. There are certain breeds of sheep that are less affected by the season and can have longer breeding seasons or practically breed year-round. The location of the sheep relative to the equator will also have some changing effects on the ewe. Photoperiod Photoperiod: the period of time during the day when there is daylight. Photoperiod regulates reproductive cyclicity in seasonal breeders. (Pathways to Pregnancy and Parturition). Sheep are seasonal breeders that enter into the breeding season during shorter photoperiods; thus, they are short-day breeders. In the mid and high latitudes of temperate regions, breeding begins in autumn, when the daylight becomes shorter. (Go´mez-Brunet et al., 2008) The effects of photoperiod are caused  by the stimulation of the retina by the amount of light present.   The Mechanism behind the effects of photoperiod involves the secretion of melatonin, which stimulates GnRH release. The retina of the eye is stimulated by the presence of light. When light is abundant, an excitatory pathway is active inhibiting melatonin release. Because of genetic differences, different breeds of sheep maintain different levels of photoresponsiveness. (Go´mez-Brunet et al., 2008) This is one reason why differences of breeding time occur between different breeds of sheep.   (Pathways to Pregnancy and Parturition) (Pathways to Pregnancy and Parturition) Melatonin Melatonin is a modified amino acid secreted by the pineal gland that communicates information about environmental lighting to various parts of the body. Melatonin has important effects on maintaining biological rhythms, and has important effects on reproductive function. Light that is exposed to the retina is first relayed to the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus, an area of the brain well known for coordinating biological clock signals Fibers from the hypothalamus descend to the spinal cord and project back to the pineal gland. Thus it converts signals from the sympathetic nervous system into hormonal signals (Bowen). Seasonal changes in day length have profound effects on reproduction in sheep, and melatonin is a key player in controlling such events. During the non-breeding season, the gonads become inactive, but as breed season approaches, the gonads must be rejuvenated. Photoperiod is the most important cue to allow animals to determine what season it is. The pineal gland is able to measure day length and adjust secretion of melatonin accordingly. Melatonin inhibits the secretion of gonadotropic hormones, LH, and FSH from the anterior pituitary by inhibiting the release of GnRH from the hypothalamus(Essential Reproduction,2007). In species with longer gestation times, such as sheep, the anticipation of spring must occur much earlier, and seasonal changes in the fall act as a stimulus. Short photoperiods stimulate gonadol activity. Melatonin is released during the night, so as days shorten and nights lengthen in the autumn, the duration of the nocturnal melatonin peak is increased. Conversely, after the winter solstice, the photoperiod increases and the duration of the melatonin signal falls(Essential Reproduction, 2007). One practical application of melatonin’s role in controlling seasonal reproduction is found in its use to artificially manipulate cycles in sheep that normally breed only once per year, but can be induced to have two breeding seasons by treatment with melatonin(Bowen). Threats and Challenges Seasonal breeding in sheep is a serious challenge for the industry. It reduces the effectiveness of accelerated lambing programs, restricts integrating lambing into other farm activities, and limits access to favorable seasonal markets (Notter).   Potential genetic improvements are possible by selection to reduce seasonal breeding. Hybrid vigor must be achieved using a terminal-sire-crossbreeding program. There are breeds that are less seasonally bred such as the Dorset that make for good candidates for a breeding program to reduce seasonal breeding. These breeds will increase fertility but will reduce lamb growth rates and carcass value (Notter). Citations "Animal Corner".November 16, 2009 <http://www.animalcorner.co.uk/farm/sheep/sheep_about.html>. Bowen, R.. "The Pineal Gland and Melatonin". 10/20/2009 <http://www.vivo.colostate.edu/hbooks/pathphys/endocrine/otherendo/pineal.html>. Schoenian, "Sheep 201". November 8, 2009 <http://www.sheep101.info/201/ewerepro.html>. Senger, P.L.. Pathways to Pregnancy and Parturition. Pullman: Current Conceptions, Inc., 2003. Notter, D.R, "Opportunities to Reduce Seasonality of Breeding in Sheep by Selection". <http://www.ansci.wisc.edu/Extenstion>. Go´mez-Brunet, A., Santiago-Moreno, J., del Campo, A., Malpaux, B., Chemineau, P., Tortonese, D. J., Gonzalez-Bulnes, A., Lo´pez-Sebastia´n, A. (2008). Endogenous Circannual Cycles of Ovarian Activity and Changes in Prolactin and Melatonin Secretion in Wild and Domestic Female Sheep Maintained under a Long-Day Photoperiod. Biology of Reproduction 78, 552-562. Johnson, M.H., and Barry Everitt. Essential Reproduction. Blackwell Publications, 1999.  
Rams
One of the new seven wonders of the modern world, in what country is the carved city of Petra located?
Difference Between Ewes and Rams Home / Science & Nature / Nature / Animals / Difference Between Ewes and Rams Difference Between Ewes and Rams Posted on Ewes vs Rams   Ewe and ram are the most important for any sheep population for its longevity. The differences between these males and females are necessary to discuss, as those are considerable but mostly unnoticed. This article provides information about male and female sheep or in other words, ewe and ram, and it would be interesting to follow the comparison between them, as well. Ewe Ewe is the adult female sheep. Usually, ewes are raised for dairy and meat production. As dairy production is one of the main uses, the reproduction becomes paramount, as calving is necessary for to produce milk. Usually, ewes do not develop horns but sometimes there are small horns. As females, the most wanted reproductive system includes ovaries, uterus, vagina, vulva, and other parts. External identification feature is the vulva in ewes. Although there is no significant difference in their faces from others, experienced shepherds could distinguish a female from the feminine expressions of the face of ewe. As the secretion of testosterone is very low in ewes, the aggression is limited or almost none. Female lambs become sexually matured after four to six months from birth. In fact, only the sexually matured females are referred as ewes, and the length of their oestrus cycle is seventeen days. Upon breeding with a ram, they undergo the pregnancy period that lasts for five months. After that, the nourishment of the young or the lambs takes place via secreting milk. That means they become indispensable in the dairy production. Ram Ram is the intact male sheep or the male with functioning testicles, which means they are capable of breeding with females, to produce fertile progenies. Therefore, rams are essential to maintain the sheep population. As males, rams are sexually different from others having the most important male reproductive system. Since, there are castrated males (wethers) in any domestic sheep flock, the consideration of rams is essential. However, their breeding capacity could be vary among them, but usually one ram could successfully breed with 30 – 35 ewes in a breeding season of sixty days. Male reproductive hormones known as androgens are high in rams. The aggression is higher in rams compared to wethers (neutered males), and lamb (young sheep) because of the testosterone secretion. Sometimes, rams fight with each other for females, despite one can breed with many females. The horned sheep breeds have longer and better-developed horns in rams in comparison to others of the same breed. Their sexual maturity takes place around six to eight months from birth. Rams can grow as large as 450 kilograms sometimes. However, occasionally, rams are referred as tups. What is the difference between Ewe and Ram? • Rams are larger than ewes in their size and weight. • Rams are useful for people in many ways including as a source of meat, wool, and for working purposes, as well. However, ewes are mainly raised for meat and milk production. • Ewes have vulva as their externally appeared of the reproductive system while rams have their penis and scrotum. • The sexual maturity takes place in rams around six to eight months from birth while it happens earlier in ewes (four to six months). • The males usually have horns but females rarely have horns. The horned breeds in both males and females, rams have long and curved horns while those are small and short in ewes. Related posts:
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January 16 saw the passing of Glen Bell, at the age of 86, founder of what major fast food chain?
Departures | WORLD News Group January 01, 2011 Tokunboh Adeyemo 66, March 17 | Nigerian Muslim convert to Christianity in 1966 who became a leading evangelical scholar (two doctorates), African educator, editor (the monumental African Bible Commentary), head of the Association of Evangelicals in Africa and Madagascar for 22 years, and executive director of the Center for Biblical Transformation in Nairobi, Kenya. Alex Anderson 90, Oct. 22 | Artist who created Crusader Rabbit, television's first animated cartoon series in 1949, and also the popular 1960s TV cartoon characters Rocky and Bullwinkle, a flying squirrel and luckless moose. Sparky Anderson 76, Nov. 4 | Hall of Fame baseball manager who led the Cincinnati Reds and Detroit Tigers to World Series championships. Louis Auchincloss 92, Jan. 26 | New York lawyer and prolific polished writer of many novels (Venus in Sparta, The Partners, East End Story), biographies (Woodrow Wilson), and short stories. Vernon Baker 90, July 13 | Heroic U.S. Army lieutenant in World War II, the last survivor among only seven black men who received the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest award for battlefield valor-belatedly, 52 years after the war ended, in 1997, having been denied the honor because of their race. Ivy Bean 104, July 28 | British centenarian who, with her donated nursing home computer, became the world's oldest Twitter user, attracting 56,000 followers on the short-messages networking website, which she joined when she reached Facebook's maximum number of friends (5,000) but still had 25,000 Facebook "friend" requests. Glen Bell 86, Jan. 17 | Restaurateur who founded the Taco Bell fast food chain in 1962 and sold it in 1978 to Pepsico for $125 million. Barbara Billingsley 94, Oct. 16 | Film and television actress best known as June Cleaver in TV's Leave It to Beaver. George Blanda 83, Sept. 27 | Hall of Fame quarterback and field goal kicker for the Chicago Bears, Houston Oilers, and Oakland Raiders, whose 26-year career was the longest in pro football history. Donald Bloesch 82, Aug. 24 | Evangelical theologian ordained in the United Church of Christ and longtime professor at Dubuque Seminary (Presbyterian), whose opus magnum was his seven-volume Christian Foundations (InterVarsity Press). Lisa Blount 53, Oct. 28 | Academy Award-winning film actress known for her roles in An Officer and a Gentleman (1982) and Prince of Darkness (1987). Jerry Bock 81, Nov. 3 | Broadway composer of Fiddler on the Roof and other acclaimed musical productions, including, with lyricist Sheldon Harnick, the Pulitzer Prize-winning drama Fiorello! Jim Bohlen 84, July 5 | Quaker-inspired activist environmentalist and co-founder of Greenpeace International. Manute Bol 47, June 19 | Lithe 7-foot-7 pro basketball shot-blocker for four NBA teams over 10 years, known for his humanitarian work in his native Sudan. Denise Borino-Quinn 46, Oct. 27 | Actress who played weight-battling Mafia wife Ginny Sacrimoni on the HBO series The Sopranos. Tom Bosley 83, Oct. 19 | Actor best known for his TV series roles as Howard "Mr. C" Cunningham in Happy Days, Sheriff Tupper in Murder, She Wrote, and the priest in Father Dowling Mysteries. Robert Bratcher 90, July 11 | Controversial Southern Baptist translator of Good News for Modern Man, the New Testament portion of the American Bible Society's Good News Bible, who rejected claims that the Bible is inerrant and infallible. David Brown 93, Feb. 1 | Movie producer (Jaws, Cocoon, The Sting) and editor who married Helen Gurley (Brown) in 1959, helped her to revamp Cosmopolitan magazine, and coaxed her to write Sex and the Single Girl, a 1962 bestseller based on her freewheeling single years. Solomon Burke 70, Oct. 10 | Grammy-winning R&B gospel and soul singer ("Everybody Needs Somebody," "Don't Give Up on Me") nicknamed "King Solomon" for often wearing a crown and carrying a scepter. Orval Butcher 92, Oct. 5 | Influential suburban San Diego megachurch founder, a mentor to pastors, and a leader in the Wesleyan Church. Robert Byrd 92, June 28 | Fiddle-playing self-educated son of a coal miner who became U.S. senator from West Virginia from 1959 until his death in 2010, the longest-serving member of Congress, known for his flamboyant and sometimes fiery oratory, his evolution from segregationist to anti-war liberal, and his funneling of over a billion federal dollars to his home state. Dixie Carter 70, April 10 | Actress known for her seven-season role as Julia Sugarbaker in the TV series Designing Women, and as a scary mother-in-law on Desperate Housewives. Art Clokey 88, Jan. 8 | Animator who created the green clay cartoonish figure Gumby in the early 1950s that debuted on the Howdy Doody Show and became the star of his own successful TV show, and who in 1960 created and produced the long-running Lutheran-sponsored Davey and Goliath Christian TV series. Hank Cochran 74, July 15 | Nashville songwriter who wrote or co-wrote hundreds of songs that were recorded by top artists, including Elvis Presley, Willie Nelson, Patsy Cline ("I Fall to Pieces"), and Eddy Arnold ("Make the World Go Away"). Gary Coleman 42, May 28 | Actor who started out at age 10 as Arnold Jackson, a cute and mischievous black child adopted by a wealthy white Manhattan family, on the 1978-1986 TV sitcom Different Strokes. Cammie King Conlan 76, Sept. 1 | Actress who at age 4 played Bonnie Blue Butler in Gone with the Wind and also voiced the fawn Faline in Walt Disney's Bambi (1942). Paul Conrad 86, Sept. 4 | Syndicated Pulitzer Prize-winning liberal editorial cartoonist for the Los Angeles Times. Don Coryell 85, July 1 | Well-liked former San Diego Chargers head coach widely credited with modernizing the offensive passing game in the National Football League. Robert Culp 79, March 24 | Veteran actor best known for his role as Kelly Robinson, starring next to Bill Cosby's Alexander Scott, in the 1965-1968 adventure­comedy TV series I Spy. Tony Curtis 85, Sept. 29 | Handsome Hollywood actor who starred in films like The Prince Who Was a Thief (1951), The Defiant Ones (1958), Spartacus (1960), and The Boston Strangler (1968). Jimmy Dean 81, June 13 | Baptist-bred Country Music Hall of Fame singer ("Big Bad John," "Little Black Book"), TV host of The Jimmy Dean Show, and founder and pitchman for 30 years of the meat company that makes the sausage bearing his name. Robert Dugan 78, May 4 | Conservative Baptist leader and respected director of public affairs at the National Association of Evangelicals' Washington, D.C., office 1978-1997, who successfully pushed passage of bills on drunk driving, church audit procedures, and equal access to public-school facilities for religious organizations. Elizabeth Edwards 61, Dec. 7 | Author and estranged wife of 2004 vice presidential nominee John Edwards, diagnosed with cancer during his first White House run and with its return during his 2007-2008 campaign, and separated after his admitted adultery, she went on to become an activist for healthcare reform. Allan Emery 91, Sept. 26 | Business leader and long-time president and COO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. Mohammed Hussein Fadlallah 74, July 4 | Sometimes called the spiritual leader of Hezbollah, was accused of masterminding the 1983 U.S. Marine barracks bombing that killed 241 Americans. Eddie Fisher 82, Sept. 22 | Hugely popular clear-voiced singer of the 1950s who sold millions of records with 32 hit songs ("Oh, My Pa-pa," "I'm Yours," "Lady of Spain") but lost his fame and fortune to marriage scandals (Debbie Reynolds and Elizabeth Taylor were among his ex'es), gambling, and drugs. Antony Flew 87, April 8 | Noted English philosopher, author, and atheist who in 2004 became a deist after his research into genetics and DNA convinced him it displayed intelligent design. John Forsythe 92, April 1 | Star in three TV series spanning four decades: Bachelor Father, Charlie's Angels, and Dynasty. Dick Francis 89, Feb. 14 | Champion steeplechase jockey and internationally popular British mystery novelist, many of whose horse-related thrillers were adapted for television. Raymond Franz 88, June 2 | Former high-ranking leader of Jehovah's Witnesses who was banned by the sect in 1981 for questioning its authoritarian policies and other teachings and for advocating reform, and who then wrote books (Crisis of Conscience and In Search of Christian Freedom) that helped expose the inner workings of the secretive group. Miep Gies 100, Jan. 11 | Teenager Anne Frank's Dutch protector 1942-1944 until the Gestapo found and arrested the Frank family and other Jews. Daryl Gates 83, April 16 | Tough and innovative Los Angeles police chief who defended his officers after the Rodney King beating and subsequent 1992 race riots, the worst in U.S. history, that left 53 dead and forced him to resign. Donald Goerke 83, Jan. 10 | Campbell Soup researcher who invented SpaghettiOs. Henryk Gorecki 76, Nov. 12 | Polish composer whose beautiful heart-tugging Symphony No. 3, the "Symphony of Sorrowful Songs," became a recording phenomenon of the early 1990s, topping charts in Europe and America. Harold Gould 86, Sept. 11 | Film and TV actor for nearly 50 years (as Martin Morgenstern in the sitcoms Rhoda and The Mary Tyler Moore Show, and many more). Peter Graves 83, March 14 | Best known as Jim Phelps on the hit TV show Mission: Impossible and Captain Oveur from the comedic spoof Airplane! Vernon Grounds 96, Sept. 12 | Influential leader in the formation of the evangelical movement who later advocated joining social action to evangelism; president of Conservative Baptist-founded Denver Seminary 1956-1979. Bob Guccione 79, Oct. 20 | Catholic seminary dropout and American expatriate who founded Penthouse magazine. Guru 48, April 19 | Born Keith Elam, the throaty-voiced rapper was half of the duo Gang Star who helped bridge hip-hop and jazz. Alexander Haig 85, Feb. 20 | Former Army general who served as Richard Nixon's last-days chief of staff, NATO commander 1974-1979, and secretary of state under Ronald Reagan. Corey Haim 38, March 10 | 1980s drug-troubled teen heartthrob best known for his role in Lucas and The Lost Boys. Michael Harper 78, Jan. 6 | Internationally noted leader of the charismatic movement in the Church of England for 30 years who switched to the Antiochian Orthodox Church in 1995 after the COE decided to ordain female priests. Walter Hawkins 61, July 11 | Grammy Award-winning gospel singer ("The Lord's Prayer"), composer, a founder of the famed Edwin Hawkins Singers, and Church of God in Christ pastor and bishop, whose hit albums included the Love Alive series. Dorothy Height 98, April 20 | Unheralded but effective champion of rights for African-American women as head of the National Council of Negro Women for 40 years and high-ranking leader of the YWCA. Walter Hickel 90, May 7 | Two-time Alaskan governor who served as Interior secretary under President Nixon until he was fired for objecting to the treatment of Vietnam war protesters. Richard Holbrooke 69, Dec. 13 | U.S. diplomat who most recently served as U.S. special envoy for Afghanistan and Pakistan and was U.S. ambassador to the UN from 1999 to 2001. Benjamin Hooks 85, April 15 | Lawyer, Baptist minister, first African-American appointed to the Federal Communications Commission (by President Nixon), and long-time head of the NAACP. Dennis Hopper 74, May 29 | Film actor, director, and star of the 1969 film Easy Rider, an icon of the counter­culture who renounced drug abuse and quietly became a Republican in the 1980s. Lena Horne 92, May 9 | Pioneering African-American singer and actress who cracked the race barrier in Hollywood in the 1940s. Ralph Houk 90, July 21 | Former New York Yankees manager who led his team to three straight American League pennants and two World Series championships in the 1960s. Gladys "Rusty" Hunt 83, July 4 | Christian author and InterVarsity Christian Fellowship leader. Andy Irons 32, Nov. 2 | Three-time world champion surfer. Mildred Jefferson 84, Oct. 15 | First American black woman to graduate from Harvard Medical School; pro-life trailblazer who helped found the National Right to Life Committee and served as its president for three years. Hank Jones 91, May 16 | Prolific and versatile jazz piano virtuoso. Lech Kaczynski 60, April 10 | Staunch Catholic and Poland's third post-Communist-era president until a fatal plane crash, who in 2008 firmly opposed the European Union's Lisbon Treaty prohibition of discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and won an opt-out provision for Poland. James J. Kilpatrick 89, Aug. 15 | Former Virginia newspaper editor who left his pro-segregation views behind and became one of the most commanding conservative writers of his generation; his column, "A Conservative View," ran in hundreds of newspapers for nearly 30 years. John Kluge 95, Sept. 7 | Entrepreneur and philanthropist who built an investment in a radio station into the Metromedia broadcasting and communications empire, whose sale made him one of the richest men in the world. Art Linkletter 97, May 26 | Pioneering radio and television talk-show host best known for soliciting hilarious unrehearsed remarks from children on his "House Party" TV show that aired from 1952 to 1970 and spawned his bestselling book, Kids Say the Darndest Things, and sequels. Ali Hassan Al-Majid 68, Jan. 25 | Cousin of Saddam Hussein better known as "Chemical Ali" for the 1988 gassing of over 5,000 Kurds, the largest use of chemical weapons in history, executed in Iraq for crimes against humanity. James Macarthur 72, Oct. 28 | Stage and screen actor who was Dano, the No. 2 cop in television's Hawaii Five-O series from 1968 to 1979. Wilma Mankiller 64, April 6 | Chief of the Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma 1985-1995, the first female in modern history to lead a major Native American tribe. Peter Marshall Jr. 70, Sept. 8 | Presbyterian minister, author, and a leading conservative voice for greater recognition of "America's Christian heritage," especially in school textbooks and among historians and politicians. Kevin McCarthy 96, Sept. 11 | Actor best known for his starring role as the terrified doctor who tried to warn the world about the alien "pod people" who were taking over in the 1956 sci-fi classic, Invasion of the Body Snatchers. Rue McClanahan 76, June 3 | Actress who played the disrespectful Southern belle Blanche Devereaux in the long-running hit TV series The Golden Girls. Alexander McQueen 40, Feb. 11 | British-born creative director of the luxury label Gucci and reputedly one of the most respected fashion designers in the world. Don Meredith 72, Dec. 5 | NFL quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys better known as color commentator for ABC's Monday Night Football beginning in 1970 alongside Howard Cosell and Keith Jackson, bringing pro football to prime-time television as part of a show he co-anchored until 1984. Mitch Miller 99, July 31 | Goateed orchestra leader who asked Americans to "Sing Along with Mitch," and record producer who headed Columbia Records in the 1950s, showcasing artists like Johnny Mathis and Tony Bennett, and discovering an R&B artist named Aretha Franklin. Buddy Morrow 91, Sept. 27 | Trombone great who took over as bandleader of the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra 1977-2010. John Murtha 77, Feb. 8 | Democratic congressman from Pennsylvania since 1974 known for funneling hundreds of millions in earmarks to his district and for switching from hawk to anti-war critic in 2005. Patricia Neal 84, Aug. 8 | Actress and Academy Award-winner known for starring roles in The Day the Earth Stood Still, Breakfast at Tiffany's, and The Homecoming: A Christmas Story (the pilot episode for The Waltons). Roger Nicole 95, Dec. 11 | Theologian and professor at Gordon Conwell Seminary and Reformed Theological Seminary who helped found the International Council on Biblical Inerrancy and the Evangelical Theological Society, along with editing recent Bible translations, including the NIV and New Geneva Study Bible. Leslie Nielsen 84, Nov. 28 | Veteran drama actor but probably best known for his comedic roles in Airplane! and The Naked Gun series. Edwin Newman 91, Aug. 13 | Witty and laid back but brainy NBC newsman, Today show host, commentator, and substitute anchor for more than 30 years, and assertive protector of proper English grammar. Marshall Nirenberg 82, Jan. 15 | Nobel Prize-winning biochemist and geneticist who in 1961 deciphered the DNA code that lies at the basis of life. Doug Oldham 79, July 21 | Award-winning gospel singer and former praise leader at TV pastor Jerry Falwell's church. Charlie O'Donnell 78, Oct. 31 | Best known as the announcer on the game show Wheel of Fortune. Merlin Olsen 69, March 11 | The "Gentle Giant" Pro Football Hall of Fame lineman for the Los Angeles Rams for 15 seasons who later became an actor (Little House on the Prairie) and sports broadcaster. Fess Parker 85, March 18 | Actor best known as Davy Crockett in the mid-1950s Walt Disney television series. Robert Brown Parker 77, Jan. 18 | Prolific bestselling mystery writer who created Spenser, the Boston private eye who was the hero of nearly 40 novels, movie adaptations, and a popular TV series (Spenser: For Hire). Bill Pearce 83, Feb. 22 | Internationally noted Christian radio broadcasting pioneer with WMBI in Chicago and recording artist. Thomas C. Peebles 89, July 8 | Physician and scientist who isolated the measles virus, leading to a vaccine in 1963. Teddy Pendergrass 59, Jan. 13 | The booming "black Elvis" baritone who defined the genre of seductive rhythm and blues soul music ("The Love I Lost," "Turn Off the Lights"). Clark Pinnock 73, Aug. 15 | Well-known theologian whose views evolved from mainstream evangelical to "open theism," where God is self­limiting, not all-knowing, and can be persuaded to change His mind. Elizabeth Post 89, April 24 | Etiquette expert, author, and syndicated columnist who carried on the work of her grandmother, Emily Post. Lynn Redgrave 67, May 2 | Actress (Georgy Girl) who was a member of Britain's celebrated Redgrave family acting dynasty, including her sister Vanessa, with whom she co-starred in TV's Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? Rosa Rio 107, May 13 | Last of the silent movie and early radio soap opera organists. Pernell Roberts 81, Jan. 24 | Best known for his role as Adam Cartwright, Ben Cartwright's eldest son, on the popular TV western series Bonanza and his title role as the chief surgeon on Trapper John, M.D. Robin Roberts 83, May 6 | Hall of Fame pitching ace who won 286 games and led the Phillies to the 1950 National League pennant. Moishe Rosen 78, May 19 | Colorful activist and founder of the Jews for Jesus outreach ministry. Dan Rostenkowski 82, Aug. 11 | Eighteen-term Illinois congressman who chaired the House Ways and Means Committee for 14 years before serving 17 months in prison for mail fraud, pardoned in 2000 by President Clinton. J.D. (Jerome David) Salinger 91, Jan. 27 | Reclusive American author of the perennial youth favorite, Catcher in the Rye, a 1951 novel about adolescent angst. Allan R. Sandage 84, Nov. 13 | Astronomer and protege of cosmologist Edwin Hubble ("the universe is constantly expanding") who spent much of his life trying to estimate the age of the universe (he set it high at 15 billion years). Daniel Schorr 93, July 23 | Aggressive, unbending television news reporter and analyst at CBS, CNN, and NPR, and bane of conservative political leaders (he was No. 17 on President Nixon's "enemies list"). Erich Segal 72, Jan. 17 | Yale and Oxford classics professor and best-selling novelist (Love Story). Edith Shain 91, June 20 | A nurse in Times Square on the day Japan surrendered, whose kiss by a sailor was immortalized in Life magazine. Johnny Sheffield 79, Oct. 15 | "Boy" in the Johnny Weismuller Tarzan movie series who later starred in Bomba, the Jungle Boy film series. Jean Simmons 80, Jan. 22 | Versatile British-born star of many films (The Robe) and Emmy winner for the TV mini-series The Thorn Birds. Elinor Smith (Sullivan) 98, March 19 | Pioneer aviator who flew beneath all four of New York City's East River suspension bridges at age 17, and piloted an experimental plane at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia at age 89. Stephen J. Solarz 70, Nov. 29 | New York Democratic congressman who in 1986 revealed the excesses of Philippine first lady Imelda Marcos, including her 3,000 pairs of shoes, and was redistricted out of his seat in 1992 after co-sponsoring the resolution authorizing President George H.W. Bush to wage war in Iraq. Ted Sorenson 82, Oct. 31 | JFK aide and speechwriter who ghosted much of Kennedy's Pulitzer Prize-winning Profiles in Courage and who helped draft the letter to Nikita Khrushchev that diffused the Cuban Missile Crisis. Jack Sparks 81, Feb. 8 | College professor turned Campus Crusade for Christ staffer who helped found the Christian World Liberation Front, and later helped start the Evangelical Orthodox church. Michael Spencer 53, April 5 | Baptist minister and voice of the popular and sometimes controversial religion blog "Internet Monk." Joseph Stein 98, Oct. 24 | Playwright who wrote the book for the musical Fiddler on the Roof and the librettos for more than a dozen Broadway musicals. George Steinbrenner 80, July 13 | "The Boss" businessman and owner of the New York Yankees who led the team to seven World Series trophies. Ted Stevens 86, Aug. 9 | Moderate Republican senator from Alaska for a record 40 years 1968-2008, who as chair of the Appropriations Committee delivered billions in federal contracts to his state, and who before he died in a plane crash saw indictments against him for corruption dismissed for prosecutorial misconduct. Gloria Stuart 100, Sept. 26 | Actress (the sweetheart in The Invisible Man and Old Rose in Titanic) and a founder of the Screen Actors Guild. Joan Sutherland 83, Oct. 10 | Australian coloratura soprano who was one of the most celebrated opera singers of all time. Bobby Thomson 86, Aug. 16 | Baseball power slugger known for his three-run "Shot Heard 'Round the World" home run against the Brooklyn Dodgers that won the National League pennant for the New York Giants in 1951. Albertina Walker 81, Oct. 8 | Gospel Hall of Fame Grammy Award-winning "Queen of Gospel" music (more than 60 albums) whose goal was to "deliver the message and win souls for Christ." James "Jimmy" Wall 92, Oct. 27 | Captain Kangaroo's neighbor "Mr. Baxter" on the children's TV show. George Webber 90, July 10 | Prominent liberal Protestant minister with the United Church of Christ, social action advocate, and former president of New York Theological Seminary. Charles Wilson 76, Feb. 10 | Twelve-term Democratic Texas anti-communist congressman who funneled billions to the CIA to fight the Soviets in Afghanistan, and whose life inspired the 2007 movie Charlie Wilson's War. John Wooden 99, June 4| Legendary Bible-reading Hall of Fame UCLA basketball coach who led the Bruins to 10 NCAA championships. Howard Zinn 87, Jan. 27 | Controversial liberal historian and writer whose 1980 book, A People's History of the United States, was a rallying beacon for the American left. (Editor's note: This article has been edited to reflect the correct dates of death for Sparky Anderson, Denise Borino-Quinn, John Forsythe, Andy Irons, Edwin Newman, Elizabeth Post, Erich Segal, Jean Simmons, Ted Stevens, and John Wooden.) Edward E. Plowman
Taco Bell
Who's missing: Alice Walton, Jim Walton, Christy Walton, Larry Ellison, Warren Buffett
June | 2011 | South Bay History South Bay History The Daily Breeze's Sam Gnerre looks at the way we were in the South Bay Search Reply Bert M. Lynn was born in Mount Vernon, NY on April 6, 1917. After attending Mount Vernon High School and graduating with a degree in ceramics engineering from Alfred University in western New York state, Lynn served in the Pacific as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy.   Lynn, shown at left in a 1961 Daily Breeze photo, moved west to Torrance after the war in 1946. He owned and operated the Lynn Brick Works on Normandie Avenue in Harbor City, which he opened in 1953. Even before his first election to the Torrance Unified School District in 1961, Lynn was actively involved in civic affairs, serving on and heading the Torrance Planning Commission. Over the years, he also was a member of the Little Company of Mary Hospital advisory board (now Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center), was a charter member and president of the board of the Southern California Regional Occupation Center (SCROC, now known as SoCalROC) and was a member of the YMCA, JewishWelfare League, Catholic Maritime Board, Little League and the Elks Club.   Prior to his election to the school board, Lynn already had been a vocal critic of the Torrance school district. In October 1960, Lynn led a successful movement that defeated a school district tax override. The measure passed the following March, after changes Lynn suggested were made to it. Lynn swept into office along with opposition candidates William Hanson and Albert Charles in a landslide victory on April 18, 1961. He and Hanson both received twice as many votes as the nearest non-winning candidate. Among the defeated incumbents was Grace Wright, who had been on the board since the district first came into being in 1947.   Bert Lynn used volunteer labor and donated materials to build snack stands at West High and at Torrance High’s Zamperini Stadium, above. July 2011 Daily Breeze photo.   Among the quirkier achievements of Lynn’s tenure was the construction of two concessions stands at Torrance high schools. In 1963-64, he spearheaded an unusual campaign that succceeded in getting a snack stand built at West High purely with volunteer labor and free materials, and he did the same at Torrance High’s Zamperini Stadium 6 years later.   Lynn’s three terms on the Torrance school board were contentious ones. He clashed often with Superintendent J.H. Hull. Members of the Torrance City Council were insulted by a comment he made when the school board was wrangling with the council over federal funds in September 1971. Rather than go to the council to plead the school board’s case, which Lynn considered fruitless, he said he would “rather go home and watch ‘Laugh-In’ on television. The seats at home are more comfortable.”   Lynn underwent major surgery on Nov. 4, 1971. Doctors removed a gall bladder and a small tumor. Few in the district knew about his illness, intestinal cancer, before the operation. Lynn died of complications following the surgery on Jan. 13, 1972 at 54.   On April 3, 1972, the Torrance school board voted unanimously to convert Flavian Elementary School at 5038 Halison Avenue into the district’s fifth middle school, and to rename the school Bert Lynn Middle School in Lynn’s honor. That ceremony was held before more than 200 guests on Oct. 3, 1972, and included speeches from then-superintendent Lloyd Jones and Torrance Mayor Ken Miller. Bert Lynn Middle School has earned many honors, including California Distinguished School awards in 2001, 2005 and 2009. In September 2006, the school won a Blue Ribbon Award for excellence from the U.S. Department of Education. Bert Lynn Middle School won the national Blue Ribbon Award for excellence in 2006. Daily Breeze file photo.   Reply The first Der Wienerschnitzel fast-food restaurant opened in Wilmington in 1961. John Galardi was a student at Pasadena City College when he encountered Glen Bell Jr. in a chance meeting across the street from campus. Bell hired him at 50 cents an hour for part-time work making hot sauce in a commissary he owned. Galardi worked his way up to manager, and, at the age of 20, Galardi took over one of Bell’s restaurants in a partnership agreement. The restaurant was a Taco Bell, an early location of the mammoth chain that Bell had founded. Eventually Galardi ended up owning his own Taco Bell location. When investors came to him with the opportunity to start his own restaurant, Galardi jumped at the chance. It turned out that the site they had acquired to build on in Wilmington was right next to one of Bell’s taco restaurants. Galardi checked it out with Bell, who was fine with the idea so long as Galardi promised not to sell tacos. After looking around at the then-nascent fast-food market, it occurred to Galardi that none of his competitors – Taco Bell, McDonald’s and others – were selling hot dogs. He decided to give selling grilled dogs at 15 cents a pop a try at his new location.   A young boy enjoys a Der Wienerschnitzel hot dog outside of the original restaurant in Wilmington. Photo: Wienerschnitzel. Glen Bell’s wife suggested naming the restaurant Der Wienerschnitzel. Galardi hated the name first, but then came to see it as an attention-getting device. German language speakers were quick to point out that the grammar was incorrect – the name should have been Das Wienerschnitzel. Some also have pointed out that the chain actually never has sold the German breaded veal dish – wienerschnitzel – from which it takes its name. In any case, Galardi opened the first Der Weinerschnitzel 50 years ago at 900 Pacific Coast Highway in Wilmington, just east of Figueroa Avenue, in 1961. It was an eye-catching A-frame building painted in red and white, with a striking yellow roof. Galardi soon added one of the industry’s first drive-through pickup windows, which became a popular innovation. His small buildings had no interior seating, so the drive-through window encouraged customers to eat the food somewhere else. It also cut down on problems the chain had with teens loitering in the restaurant’s small parking lot. Drive-through sales eventually would account for 70% of the chain’s business. Der Wienerschnitzel took off in the mid-1960s, mushrooming from its sole Wilmington location to a high of 450 outlets in 1975, the majority of them franchisees. Currently, there are about 350 locations, mostly in the Southwestern states. The “Der” was dropped from the restaurant’s name in 1977, and it has been known as just “Wienerschnitzel” ever since. The original gothic-lettered logo also was replaced with the simpler “W” logo the chain currently uses (left). In 1986, Galardi  renamed his Irvine-based parent company Der Wienerschnitzel International Inc. as Galardi Group, Inc. The Galardi Group also owns Tastee-Freeze and the Original Hamburger Stand. Wienerschnitzel founder John Galardi, right, and president and CEO Dennis Tase chomp on their product in this 2001 photo. Credit: The Associated Press.   Glen Bell Jr. died on Jan. 17, 2010 at 86. John Galardi died at 75 from pancreatic cancer on Saturday, April 13, 2013. Though he had kept the title of chairman, he had handed over day-to-day operations to Dennis Tase in 1993. “John Galardi built a brand representative of a time when life was simpler, a brand that holds a special place in the hearts of so many families in America,” Tase said in a statement after Galardi’s death. “He will be deeply missed.” And the Wilmington location where it all started? It’s still a thriving restaurant, selling its share of the 120 million hot dogs that Wienerschnitzel sells annually as the world’s largest hot dog chain. On Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2013, the Los Angeles City Council added the original Wilmington Wienerschnitzel building to its registry of historic and cultural landmarks.     Though it has been remodeled, the original Wienerschnitzel restaurant still does business at its Pacific Coast Highway site in Wilmington. Daily Breeze photo, June 2011. Sources: “Galardi Group Inc.,” Funding Universe website, www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/Galardi-Group-Inc . “History of the Hot Dog,” Wienerschnitzel website, http://www.wienerschnitzel.com/about_our_history.php . “Hot Dog King Tries Rice Bowls,” by The Associated Press, Honolulu Advertiser, July 16, 2001. “The Wiener King: How John Galardi Built a Fast-Food Empire,” by Darren Dahl, American Express OPEN Forum, http://www.openforum.com/articles/the-wiener-king-how-john-galardi-built-der-wienerschnitzel .   The Korean Friendship Bell in Angels Gate Park in San Pedro. Daily Breeze photo by Chuck Bennett, June 2011.   A group of about 30 craftsmen from South Korea arrived in San Pedro in 1976 to assemble a most distinctive Korean gift to the United States for the Bicentennial. On a windswept hilltop in Angels Gate park with a stunning view of the Pacific Ocean, the workmen set about assembling the pagoda-like structure that would house one of the largest bells in the world. It took the crew 14 days just to unload the 28 crates of materials sent over for the project, and 10 months to finish construction. Cast in South Korea and modeled on the Emille Bell cast for Bongdeok Temple in 771 for King Seongdeok, the 17-ton, 12-foot-high bell has an average thickness of 8 inches. The workers completed the job of hanging the bell in its new structure in early September 1976. The bell was rung for the first time in the U.S. on Thursday, Sept. 30, 1976. At a special press ceremony, Los Angeles City Councilman John S. Gibson Jr. used the large chain-mounted wooden log – the bell has no clapper – to ring the bell 13 times, once for each of the original U.S. colonies. The official dedication of the Korean Friendship Bell was held on Sunday, Oct. 3, 1976. On May 3, 1978, the city of Los Angeles designated the site as  Historic-Cultural Monument #187. The bell is rung on special occasions throughout the year, including the Fourth of July, Korean Independence Day (Aug. 15), New Year’s Eve and Constitution Day in September. It was also rung on Sept. 18, 2001, a week after the World Trade Center attacks, in a special memorial ceremony, and on the first anniversary of 9-11 in 2002. Los Angeles County firefighters from Batallion 6 use the giant wooden mallet to ring the Korean Friendship Bell on Constitution Day in Sept. 2002. Daily Breeze file photo.   Over the years, the damp sea air and ocean winds have caused some deterioriation of the bell and the structure that houses it. Recently, the assembly that suspends the bell a foot above the pagoda’s concrete floor broke down, and the bell now sits on a wooden platform. For this reason, it had to be rung electronically and not in the traditional fashion on New Year’s Eve in 2010. The last time the bell was rung normally was on Constitution Day, Sept. 18, 2010. A nonprofit group, the Korean Friendship Bell Preservation Committee, is raising funds to refurbish the bell and pagoda, and hopes to start the effort by having its suspension assembly repaired by later this summer. For more information on the fundraising efforts, visit the group’s Facebook page . Donations to the Korean Friendship Bell Preservation Committee can be made online here .   Sunset provides dramatic background for the Korean Friendship Bell in this Daily Breeze file photo from New Year’s Eve, 1988.   A driver walks away from his car after floodwaters swamped it on Sepulveda Boulevard just east of Vermont Avenue in the unincorporated area just east of Torrance. Daily Breeze staff photo, Jan. 4, 1995.   How hard did it rain on Wednesday, Jan. 4, 1995? The powerful Pacific storm system that rolled through the South Bay on that day dumped 5.35 inches of rain on Torrance in just 11 hours. National Weather Service meteorologist Clay Morgan said at the time that the series of tightly bunched storm cells that hit the area like “a train of boxcars” might have been the worst storm in the region in 40 years. Flooding was widespread, as were power outages. The Sepulveda Tunnel under LAX had to be closed, as did parts of Lincoln and Sepulveda boulevards in Westchester.   An employee walks past leaks due to a collapsed roof at the Goldenwest Convalescent Home in Hawthorne. Daily Breeze photo, Jan. 4, 1995.   A San Pedro woman nearly drowned while trying to leave her swamped car with her 7-year-old daughter. About 100 elderly residents of a Hawthorne convalescent hospital had to evacuate when a roof collapsed, flooding the facility. County firefighters asked 100 residents of Carson near Carson and Main streets to evacuate their homes when water began to back up into their houses. Residents on Dominguez Street and Jamison Avenue in Carson had the same problem, with rainwater flowing into their houses due to a malfunctioning storm drain. Overburdened storm drains also were blamed for the most spectacular flooding of the storm, which occurred near the intersection of Sepulveda Boulevard and Vermont Avenue in unincorporated county territory beginning at about 3:15 p.m.   12-year-old Christopher Treffery of Torrance wades through floodwaters near Sepulveda Boulevard and Vermont Avenue. Daily Breeze file photo.   Dozens of cars were stranded when the entire area around the intersection turned into a four-foot-deep lake during the downpour. Motorists who had just come off the nearby Harbor (110) Freeway or had been navigating the growing floodwaters on Sepulveda suddenly found themselves engulfed by water.   Stranded motorists wait to use pay phones near the Sepulveda Boulevard and Vermont Avenue flooding. Daily Breeze file photo.   Most were able to wade from their cars to higher ground. A nearby ambulance plucked several stranded motorists from their cars. Two men volunteered to tow several cars out of the water, and other passersby helped push cars to safety. By 6 p.m., most of the cars had been cleared from the flooded intersection. The natural flooding that occurs in the low-lying area, which is posted with permanent signs warning of flooding in wet weather, was exacerbated by power failures that put a nearby pumping station out of service. Temporary pumps couldn’t keep up with the torrential rains. Storm drains also were clogged by tree limbs, leaves, silt and other debris which were difficult to clear out due to the intensity and rapidity of the downpour. Fortunately, no one was injured seriously as a result of the flooding at Sepulveda and Vermont, though a county rescue helicopter did perform a risky landing on the Harbor Freeway on-ramp to transport a woman in labor and her child to County-Harbor UCLA Center during the driving rains.   In this later photo, a tow truck arrives to help pull cars out of the floodwaters at Sepulveda Boulevard and Vermont Avenue. Daily Breeze file photo.   Reply Urho Saari (left, 1973 Daily Breeze file photo) was born on Nov. 17, 1912, and was raised as the son of Finnish immigrants in Buffalo, New York.  He majored in English at Buffalo State Teachers College (now known as the State University of New York College at Buffalo)  before he and his wife Wanda came to Los Angeles in 1939 so he could do graduate work at UCLA. While at UCLA, the aspiring English teacher heard about a swim coach job in “someplace called El Segundo,” as he put it in a 1973 Daily Breeze interview. He had to check a map to figure out where the town was. He got the job as swimming and water polo coach in 1941, and quickly set about to   organize the city’s youth swimming program, which still is in operation today. Shortly before Saari took the job, the Works Progress Administration finished building an indoor swim stadium at El Segundo High School. It had two pools, an unusual feature at the time. It was completed in 1940.   Bas reliefs of swimmers adorn the entrance of the WPA-built Urho Saari Swim Stadium in El Segundo. Photo: Steve McCrank, Daily Breeze, 2011.   Over the next three decades, Saari would lead his water polo teams to 12 CIF championships and his swim teams to 6. Saari coached the U.S. Olympic water polo team twice, in 1952 and 1964, and served as manager of the 1960 squad. He saw his son, Roy, win a gold medal at the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo as a member of the 800-meter relay swim team. After finishing third at the first Pan American Games in 1951, Saari’s national water polo team stunned observers by finishing fourth in the 1952 Helsinki Olympics, despite being made up mostly of high school seniors, many from El Segundo. After more than three decades as an athletic legend in a city with no shortage of them, Saari retired as full-time swim coach in June 1973. The swimming facility immediately was renamed the Urho Saari Swim Stadium in his honor.   El Segundo High School water polo and swimming coach Urho Saari inside the swim stadium named for him. Daily Breeze file photo, 1973.   Saari signed on as a part-time consultant to the program after his official retirement, so he was still a part of the water polo and swimming community at  El Segundo High until 1977. He and Wanda moved to Camarillo in 1977. He died on Dec. 29, 1990 at 78, after a seven-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease. The much-beloved Saari was a member of the international water polo and swimming halls of fame. He received many other honors, including being named the National Water Polo Coach of the Year. As for the Urho Saari Swim Stadium, it remains heavily used by both the high school and the public. After seven decades of operation, it needs renovating. Its water filtration system is antiquated, the locker rooms need updating, and some changes could be made to make the building more wheelchair friendly. For more than 20 years, proposals large and small have been discussed to fix up the swim stadium. A school district bond issue to raise the funds for the project was defeated at the polls in 2006. The latest proposal calls for the use of $5 million in funds from Prop. 84, passed in 2006, to build a separate outdoor pool behind the existing swim stadium, in addition to various upgrades at the swim stadium itself. The city will apply for the Prop. 84 grant by July 1, and should know by the end of 2011 whether it has received the funds to complete the work.   One of the two indoor pools at the Urho Saari Swim Stadium in El Segundo. Photo: Steve McCrank, Daily Breeze, 2011.  
i don't know
Name the terrorist group that invaded the Munich Olympic Village in 1972.
Munich Massacre Munich Massacre 1970 - 1979 Munich Massacre One of the eight Palestinian terrorists comprising the Black September group stands on a balcony of the Olympic Village during a standoff after they kidnapped nine members of the Israeli Olympic team and killed two others on Sept. 5, 1972 in Munich.  (Getty Images/Stringer) Updated January 21, 2016. What Was the Munich Massacre? The Munich Massacre was a terrorist attack during the 1972 Olympic Games. Eight Palestinian terrorists killed two members of Israeli Olympic team and then took nine others hostage. The situation was ended by a huge gunfight that left five of the terrorists and all of the nine hostages dead. Following the massacre, the Israeli government organized a retaliation against Black September, called Operation Wrath of God. Dates: September 5, 1972 Also Known As: 1972 Olympics Massacre Stressful Olympics The XXth Olympic Games were held in Munich, Germany in 1972. Tensions were high at these Olympics, because they were the first Olympic Games held in Germany since the Nazis hosted the Games in 1936 . The Israeli athletes and their trainers were especially nervous; many had family members who had been murdered during the Holocaust or were themselves Holocaust survivors. The Attack The first few days of the Olympic Games went smoothly. continue reading below our video The Massacre at the 1972 Munich Olympics On September 4, the Israeli team spent the evening out to see the play, Fiddler on the Roof, and then went back to the Olympic Village to sleep. A little after 4 a.m. on September 5, as the Israeli athletes slept, eight members of the Palestinian terrorist organization, Black September, jumped over the six-foot high fence that encircled the Olympic Village. The terrorists headed straight for 31 Connollystrasse, the building where the Israeli contingent was staying. Around 4:30 a.m., the terrorists entered the building. They rounded up the occupants of apartment 1 and then apartment 3. Several of the Israelis fought back; two of them were killed. A couple of others were able to escape out windows. Nine were taken hostage. Standoff at the Apartment Building By 5:10 a.m., the police had been alerted and news of the attack had begun to spread around the world. The terrorists then dropped a list of their demands out the window; they wanted 234 prisoners released from Israeli prisons and two from German prisons by 9 a.m. Negotiators were able to extend the deadline to noon, then 1 p.m., then 3 p.m., then 5 p.m.; however, the terrorists refused to back down on their demands and Israel refused to release the prisoners. A confrontation became inevitable. At 5 p.m., the terrorists realized that their demands were not going to be met. They asked for two planes to fly both the terrorists and the hostages to Cairo, Egypt, hoping a new locale would help get their demands met. The German officials agreed, but realized that they could not let the terrorists leave Germany. Desperate to end the standoff, the Germans organized Operation Sunshine, which was a plan to storm the apartment building. The terrorists discovered the plan by watching television. The Germans then planned to attack the terrorists on their way to the airport, but again the terrorists found out their plans. Massacre at the Airport Around 10:30 p.m., the terrorists and hostages were transported to the Fürstenfeldbruck airport by helicopter. The Germans had decided to confront the terrorists at the airport and had snipers waiting for them. Once on the ground, the terrorists realized there was a trap. Snipers started shooting at them and they shot back. Two terrorists and one policeman were killed. Then a stalemate developed. The Germans requested armored cars and waited for over an hour for them to arrive. When the armored cars arrived, the terrorists knew the end had come. One of the terrorists jumped into a helicopter and shot four of the hostages, then threw in a grenade. Another terrorist hopped into the other helicopter and used his machine gun to kill the remaining five hostages. The snipers and armored cars killed three more terrorists in this second round of gunfire. Three terrorists survived the attack and were taken into custody. Less than two months later, the three remaining terrorists were released by the German government after two other Black September members hijacked a plane and threatened to blow it up unless the three were released.
Black September
How many items are there in a 'gross'?
Arab terrorists take Israeli hostages at the Olympics - Sep 05, 1972 - HISTORY.com Arab terrorists take Israeli hostages at the Olympics Share this: Arab terrorists take Israeli hostages at the Olympics Author Arab terrorists take Israeli hostages at the Olympics URL Publisher A+E Networks In the early morning hours of September 5, six members of the Arab terrorist group known as Black September dressed in the Olympic sweat suits of Arab nations and jumped the fence surrounding the Olympic village in Munich, Germany, carrying bags filled with guns. Although guards spotted them, they paid little attention because athletes often jumped the fence during the competition to return to their living quarters. After changing into disguises, the terrorists, toting machine guns, burst into the apartments of 21 Israeli athletes and officials. Yossef Gutfreund, a wrestling referee who valiantly tried to keep the terrorists out, saved Tuvia Sokolovsky, who was able to climb out a window and escape. In another apartment, Moshe Weinberg was shot 12 times but still managed to wound one of the terrorists and save the life of one of his teammates. Created in 1970 by a few survivors of the “ten terrible September days” of fighting against Jordan for a Palestinian homeland, Black September succeeded in taking nine hostages before demanding the release of 234 prisoners-most of whom were Arab terrorists. The demands were categorically refused, but it was eventually agreed that the terrorists and the hostages would be taken to the Furstenfeldbruck airport by helicopter and given a plane. The German government planned an ambush at the airport, stationing sharpshooters around the runway and officers in the airplane. However, the plan quickly disintegrated when the officers in the plane, worried about their lack of preparation, deserted. There weren’t nearly enough sharpshooters to effectively take down all of the terrorists either, partly because the Germans didn’t realize that two other terrorists had joined the Black September attack. Still, the ambush was carried out. Three terrorists were taken out in the first wave of shots, but the others were able to hide out of range. One threw a grenade into a helicopter where five hostages were still tied up, instantly killing them all. Another terrorist fired his machine gun into another helicopter, killing the remaining hostages. Twenty hours after Black September had begun their attack, a German police official, 5 Palestinian terrorists, and 11 Israeli athletes lay dead. Three of the terrorists who survived were imprisoned but were set free a month later when Arabs hijacked a Lufthansa 727 and demanded their release. A few days after the tragic event at the Olympics, Israel retaliated with air strikes against Syria and Lebanon, killing 66 people and wounding dozens. In addition, Israel sent out assassination squads to hunt down members of Black September while Israeli troops broke through the Lebanese border, igniting the heaviest fighting since the Six-Day War of 1967. Related Videos
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Still in operation 7 years later, January 25, 2004 saw the Opportunity Rover land on what planet?
Rover Champion: Opportunity Rolls a Martian Marathon - Seeker Mar 24, 2015 07:57 PM ET Rover Champion: Opportunity Rolls a Martian Marathon It's official, Mars rover Opportunity has completed a marathon on Mars! Previous Next NASA/JPL-Caltech On Jan. 24, 2004, Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity (MER-B) entered the Martian atmosphere and bounced onto the red planet's surface. The complex stages of entry, descent and landing operation saw the rover, surrounded with airbags, roll into a small hollow called Eagle Crater in Meridiani Planum -- a feat rover mission scientists called a "hole in one." After righting itself, the airbags were deflated and pulled into Opportunity's lander so the golf cart sized robot could see Mars for the first time -- it's new home. The rover's primary mission was planned to last just 3 months; little did NASA realize that they would still have an operational rover exploring Mars 12 years later . Here are just a few of the breathtaking views from Opportunity during the very early days of the mission. NEWS: Mars Rover Opportunity Finds Life-Friendly Niche Shown here is the first self portrait Opportunity beamed back to Earth shortly after landing on "Sol 0" of the mission (a sol is a Martian day and the length of any Mars surface mission is measured in sols). Its shiny solar array glints in the sunlight on top of its landing platform. Note the deflated airbags surrounding the rover and the rippled impressions the airbag made in the Mars dust. Previous Next NASA/JPL-Caltech Opportunity was the second of the twin Mars Exploration Rovers to touch down on Mars regolith in January 2004. A little over 2 weeks earlier, NASA had celebrated the successful landing of Spirit on the other side of the planet in Gusev Crater. Spirit was also highly successful, carrying out groundbreaking science in a very different landscape compared with Opportunity. Sadly, Spirit succumbed to the Martian elements in 2009 after becoming stuck in a sand trap. Previous Next NASA/JPL-Caltech This Jan. 30 view from Opportunity's rear Hazcam shows the deck of its lander and the surrounding crater before the rover "egressed" onto the Mars soil. Previous Next NASA/JPL-Caltech Evidence of the rover's dramatic entry surround the lander. These bounce marks look like they were created by a huge basketball, but they are actually imprints left by the huge airbags that were used to cushion Opportunity's landing, bounce and roll into Eagle Crater. Previous Next NASA/JPL-Caltech On Sol 7 of the mission (Jan. 31, 2004) rover drivers commanded Opportunity to roll onto the Martian surface, leaving behind the lander that it called home for the 283 million mile journey from Earth to Meridiani Planum. Previous Next NASA/JPL-Caltech The lander -- shown here in color with rover tracks in the background from Opportunity's egress -- was named the Challenger Memorial Station in memory of the final crew of the Space Shuttle Challenger who died when the shuttle suffered an in-flight breakup during launch on Jan. 28, 1986. Previous Next NASA/JPL-Caltech After exploring its little 22 meter-wide divot, Opportunity left Eagle Crater and took this panorama of its landing spot on the 33rd, 35th, and 36th sols of its mission. Surrounding the crater is the flat plains of Meridiani Planum, a region it would go on to spend 10 years and nearly 24 miles of hard roving (to date). Previous Next NASA/JPL-Caltech As the rover trundled over the loose regolith, rover drivers were able to use the wheels to carve out trenches in the dirt to see what materials lied beneath. Shown here is a trench that was opened for closer inspection by Opportunity's microscopic imager. Previous Next NASA/JPL-Caltech To analyze the material just below Mars rocks' surfaces, it employs the use of its rock abrasion tool that leaves a circular "lovebite" in rocks after use. This image by Opportunity's front hazcam shows one of those marks on a rock called "McKittrick," located in the "El Capitan" area of the larger outcrop near Opportunity's landing site on Sol 30 of the mission. Previous Next NASA/JPL-Caltech During exploration of Eagle Crater, Opportunity was able to spot its discarded backshell and parachute from its descent through the Martian atmosphere. This became a mission target for Opportunity to roll to and investigate. Previous Next NASA/JPL-Caltech In a rare opportunity to see a piece of the equipment that allowed the surface mission to survive the fiery entry into the Martian atmosphere a year after landing, Opportunity approached its old backshell that it last saw on Jan. 24, 2004, just before it touched down in Eagle Crater. Shown here is the shiny backshell from its heat shield that protected the rover from temperatures that soured to thousands of degrees on entry. Previous Next NASA/JPL-Caltech When Opportunity made its inspections of the heat shield debris field, engineers were excited to see that the shield had inverted, exposing the silvery inner material. Notice the large springs on the ground -- very man made objects in a very alien landscape. Previous Next NASA/JPL-Caltech In the months after landing, it became clear that Opportunity wasn't going to stop operating and its mission was extended far beyond its original 3 months. Throughout its adventures, Opportunity repeatedly took "selfies" so that engineers back on Earth could monitor dust buildup on its solar panels. Around a year and a half into the mission, the panels are seen to be virtually dust free. This, however, is not how Opportunity's solar array remained... Previous Next NASA/JPL-Caltech A decade of Mars roving caused a huge amount of dust buildup on Opportunity's solar panels. In this photograph taken in January 2014, Opportunity is almost camouflaged. Although this inevitably reduced the amount of sunlight that can be turned into energy, the rover soldiered on -- until it was given a helping hand by Mars winds and dust devil "cleaning event," blowing some of that dust clear...
Mars
An Admiral in the Great Navy of the State of Nebraska, Johnny Carson, who died on Jan 23, 2005, hosted what NBC show from 1962 to 1992?
Mars Exploration Rover Mission: All Opportunity Updates   sols 4576-4582, December 07, 2016-December 13, 2016: Rover Performs Several Drives to Ancient Gully Opportunity is making progress towards the next science objective of the extended mission. The rover is headed toward an ancient water-carved gully about a kilometer south of the rover's current location on the rim of Endeavour Crater. The recent plans have emphasized driving. On Sol 4577 (Dec. 8, 2016), Opportunity intended a 59-feet (18-meter) drive to the southwest. However, the rover only achieved just over 39 feet (12 meters). The rover was using visual odometry (VO) to monitor her progress. After the 12-meters of progress VO failed to resolve surface features sufficiently to establish progress and stopped the drive. This is not uncommon when the local terrain around the rover may have few features or shadows of the rover confuse the algorithm. On Sol 4580 (Dec. 11, 2016), the rover made further progress to the southwest covering over 49 feet (15 meters). Because the rover is driving on slopes tilted away from the Sun, power has been constrained and drives limited in distance. Some sols following the drives have been 'recharge' sols, sols with limited rover activity. Another drive on Sol 4582 (Dec. 13, 2016), added another 56 feet (17 meters) again towards the southwest. And as always, extensive Navigation Camera (Navcam) and Panoramic Camera (Pancam) images have been collected following each drive. As of Sol 4582 (Dec. 13, 2016), the solar array energy production is 411 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.836 and a solar array dust factor of 0.675. Total odometry is 27.12 miles (43.65 kilometers). sols 4569-4575, November 30, 2016-December 06, 2016: Rover Headed Toward an Ancient Water-Carved Gully Opportunity is heading towards the next science objective of the extended mission. The rover is headed toward an ancient water-carved gully about a kilometer south of the rover's current location on the rim of Endeavour Crater. On Sol 4570 (Dec. 1, 2016), Opportunity drove 82 feet (25 meters) on steep slopes towards the southwest. As is practice, post-drive Panoramic Camera (Pancam) and Navigation Camera (Navcam) panoramas were collected. The plan for the next three sols was to further collect documentary Pancam and Navcam imagery. However, the next three-sol plan was never sent due to a problem with a Deep Space Network (DSN) antenna. The rover instead executed an on-board run-out sol and then dropped into auto mode (a safe state for the rover while waiting for commands) until the next plan could be sent on Sol 4575 (Dec. 6, 2016). On Sol 4575, Opportunity was restored to master sequence control and proceed to collect more images. As of Sol 4575 (Dec. 6, 2016), the solar array energy production is 372 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.853 and a solar array dust factor of 0.646. Total odometry is 27.09 miles (43.60 kilometers). sols 4556-4568, November 16, 2016-November 29, 2016: A Probable Path Forward to The 'Gully' Opportunity is heading towards the next science waypoint on the rim of Endeavour Crater. Early in this period, Sols 4556 and 4559 (Nov. 16, 2016 and Nov. 19, 2016) she did quite a bit of exploratory driving in an effort to attain a good vantage point for finding a path through a troubling area of boulder patch and steep slopes ahead. The concern was whether the available routes to avoid the boulders were all too steep to traverse, in which case we would have to forgo the current 'Extended Mission 10' (EM10) route and backtrack to find a different route to our main objective, the 'gully.' Fortunately, the imaging following the drive on Sol 4559 (Nov.19, 2016) did indeed show a route forward and so with the Sol 4566 (Nov. 27, 2016) drive we proceeded 56 feet (17 meters) along the EM10 route. This was followed by an additional 82 feet (25 meters) on Sol 4568 (Nov. 29, 2016). As of Sol 4568 (Nov. 29, 2016), the solar array energy production is 465 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.902 and a solar array dust factor of 0.690. Total odometry is 27.05 miles (43.52 kilometers). sols 4549-4555, November 09, 2016-November 15, 2016: Team Considering a Different Route Due to Boulder Field Ahead Opportunity is heading towards the next science waypoint on the rim of Endeavour Crater. On Sol 4550 (Nov. 10, 2016), the rover headed east about 39 feet (12 meters). On Sol 4552 (Nov. 12, 2016), Opportunity planned a long drive, but was cut short after protective software stopped the drive because of elevated wheel currents in the right-front wheel. The rover was attempting a turn in place on a steep slope. That put additional stress on the right-front wheel. Sensing that stress in the wheel current the rover's flight software stopped the drive. On Sol 4554 (Nov. 14, 2016), Opportunity continued the drive to the east for about 39 feet (12 meters), this time with a gentler turn for the rover's right-front wheel. Recent images show an extensive boulder field ahead on a steep slope, so the rover team may consider a different route. As of Sol 4555 (Nov. 15, 2016), the solar array energy production is 468 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.862 and a solar array dust factor of 0.697. Total odometry is 27.04 miles (43.51 kilometers). sols 4542-4548, November 02, 2016-November 08, 2016: Opportunity Heads to Next Science Waypoint and Pushes Over 27 Miles on the Odometer Opportunity has moved on from 'Spirit Mound' on the rim of Endeavour Crater. After several sols of collecting both Navigation Camera (Navcam) and Panoramic Camera (Pancam) panoramas around Spirit Mound, on Sol 4546 (Nov. 6, 2016), the rover drove about 112 feet (34 meters) to the south-southwest, heading for the next science waypoint. After the drive, Opportunity again collected more Navcam and Pancam panoramas, collecting a full 360-degree Navcam panorama on Sol 4547 (Nov. 7, 2016). On Sol 4548 (Nov. 8, 2016), the rover intended to drive about 43 feet (13 meters), but the drive was terminated after only 33 inches (85 centimeters) of progress. Opportunity contains a special flight software algorithm to check for possible wheel embedding events. The algorithm stops a drive anytime three or more wheel experiences higher than expected drive currents, a possible indicator of embedding. On this drive, there was a false positive. Steep terrain, not embedding, resulting in higher current. The plan ahead is to recover the full drive, but add allowances for the steep terrain. As of Sol 4548 (Nov. 8, 2016), the solar array energy production is 445 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.886 and a solar array dust factor of 0.706. Total odometry is 27.02 miles (43.48 kilometers). sols 4535-4541, October 26, 2016-November 01, 2016: Small U-turn to Reach Summit of Spirit Mound Opportunity is located at the feature called 'Spirit Mound' on the rim of Endeavour Crater, the first science waypoint of the 10th extended mission. The rover is completing the in-situ (contact) investigation of targets in this area. On Sol 4536 (Oct. 27, 2016), the rover collected a Microscopic Imager (MI) mosaic of the target 'Lupus' then placed the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) on an offset target. The rover continued over the next few sols to collect Panoramic Camera (Pancam) and Navigation Camera (Navcam) imagery. Then, on Sol 4538 (Oct. 29, 2016), the rover did a 16-foot (5-meter) U-turn to reach the summit of Spirit Mound. On Sol 4539 (Oct. 30, 2016), a readout of the rover's EEPROM (non-volatile memory called electrically erasable programmable read-only memory) was successfully returned to Earth. This readout will be used in the testbed rovers on the ground. As a result, the testbeds will be more accurately configured like the flight rover. As of Sol 4541 (Nov. 1, 2016), the solar array energy production is 390 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.954 and a solar array dust factor of 0.711. Total odometry is 26.998 miles (43.45 kilometers). sols 4528-4534, October 19, 2016-October 25, 2016: Supporting ESA ExoMars Arrival Opportunity is located at the feature called 'Spirit Mound' on the rim of Endeavour Crater, the first science waypoint of the 10th extended mission. The rover is continuing the in-situ (contact) investigation of several targets in this area. On Sol 4528 (Oct. 16, 2016), the rover attempted to image the Schiaparelli EDM landing, but unfortunately the resulting images show no sign of the vehicle. From Sol 4528 (Oct. 19, 2016) through Sol 4533 (Oct. 24, 2016), we had relinquished much of our relay support to EDM so our activity level was somewhat muted and consisted mostly of remote science and one overnight Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) Argon integration. On Sol 4534 (Oct. 26, 2016) we returned to normal operations with a robotic arm (IDD) campaign on a few small bright features that appeared in our work plane following incidental wheel scuffing from the turn for communication on Sol 4527 (Oct. 18, 2016). As of Sol 4534 (Oct. 25, 2016), the solar array energy production is 463 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.960 and an improved solar array dust factor of 0.718. Total odometry is 26.99 miles (43.44 kilometers). sols 4522-4527, October 12, 2016-October 18, 2016: Preparations for an Attempt to Image Mars Arrival Opportunity is located at the feature called 'Spirit Mound' on the rim of Endeavour Crater, the first science waypoint of the 10th extended mission. The rover is continuing the in-situ (contact) investigation of several targets in this area. The rover is also preparing for the imaging of the ESA Schiaparelli Entry, Descent and Landing Demonstrator Module (EDM). Several practice images with the Panoramic Camera (Pancam) were tried over several sols. On Sol 4522 (Oct. 12, 2016), in addition to several practice images, Opportunity used the robotic arm to investigate the surface target called 'Jefferson City.' The rover collected a Microscopic Imager (MI) mosaic and then placed the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) on the target. Later on Sol 4524 (Oct. 14, 2016), the rover offset the APXS relative to the initial target for further integration. Selective Pancam panoramas and targeted 13-filter images were also collected. On Sol 4527 (Oct. 18, 2016), the rover bumped just over a meter to some new targets. The rover will stay put for the next few sols as the Schiaparelli EDM entry, decent and landing occurs. Opportunity will attempt the imaging of the landing on Sol 4528 (Oct. 19, 2016). (Update information indicates that the lander did not come into view of the camera, however.) As of Sol 4527 (Oct. 18, 2016), the solar array energy production is 506 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.909 and an improved solar array dust factor of 0.743. Total odometry is 26.99 miles (43.44 kilometers). sols 4515-4521, October 05, 2016-October 11, 2016: Rover Conducting Science Investigations at 'Spirit Mound' Opportunity is located at the feature called 'Spirit Mound' on the rim of Endeavour Crater, the first science waypoint of the 10th extended mission. The rover is by the surface featured called 'Gasconade,' conducting detailed in-situ (contact) investigations with the robotic arm. On Sol 4515 (Oct. 5, 2016), Opportunity used the robotic arm to collect a Microscopic Imager (MI) mosaic of the target, then place the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) on an offset from Gasconade for a multi-hour integration. On the next sol, the rover performed a small, 11-degree turn to set up for another surface target. On the sol after that, Opportunity collected a MI mosaic of the new target and then placed the APXS. Over the coming sols, the rover collected a Navigation Camera (Navcam) panorama of Spirit Mound before backing up just over a meter on Sol 4520 (Oct. 10, 2016), to image the targets in the robotic arm work volume. Then on Sol 4521 (Oct. 11, 2016), the rover performed a 6-foot (1.9-meter) approach to a new set of surface targets. A solar array dust cleaning event happened on Sol 4517 (Oct. 7, 2016), improving the rover's daily energy production. As of Sol 4521 (Oct. 11, 2016), the solar array energy production is 507 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.907 and an improved solar array dust factor of 0.764. Total odometry is 26.99 miles (43.44 kilometers). sols 4507-4514, September 27, 2016-October 04, 2016: Opportunity at First Science Spot of its 10th Extended Mission Opportunity is located at the terrain feature called 'Spirit Mound' on the rim of Endeavour Crater, the first science waypoint of the 10th extended mission. The rover has been positioned near a surface featured called 'Gasconade'. On Sol 4507 (Sept. 27, 2016), Opportunity performed a tiny turn-in-place to position the robotic arm work volume around the feature Gasconade. With the turn complete, the rover also collected both Navigation Camera (Navcam) and Panoramic Camera (Pancam) panoramas. Then on Sol 4509 (Sept. 29, 2016), Opportunity began a multi-sol in-situ (contact) campaign to investigate this new target. The robotic arm was used to collect a Microscopic Imager (MI) mosaic of the target, then place the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) on the same for a multi-hour integration. Additional MI mosaics and new APXS offset placements were performed on Sols 4512 and 4514 (Oct. 2 and Oct. 4, 2016). Additionally, targeted multi-spectral images were collected on the surface targets. As of Sol 4514 (Oct. 4, 2016), the solar array energy production is 472 watt-hours with an elevated atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.878 and a solar array dust factor of 0.706. Total odometry is 26.99 miles (43.44 kilometers). sols 4500-4506, September 20, 2016-September 26, 2016: Busy Week of Science and Imaging for Opportunity Since leaving the "Lewis and Clark Gap" of Marathon Valley, Opportunity has been driving through "Bitterroot valley" toward her first waypoint of the new extended mission, "Spirit Mound." With the Sol 4500 (Sept. 20, 2016) drive, she arrived at the base of the mound. The rover then bumped to a parking position for imaging and access to possible surface targets on Sol 4502 (Sept. 22, 2016). Finally, on Sol 4505 (Sept. 25, 2016), Opportunity bumped to "Gasconade," a thin, bright and linear outcrop, another possible surface target. The Sol 4500 uplink had to be shortened to avoid an X-band fault due to a very late X-band pass and Earth set below the highly tilted rover deck. A Quick Fine Attitude (QFA) was also done on Sol 4500. Panoramic Camera (Pancam) images of Spirit Mound and a Navigation Camera (Navcam) panorama were done on Sol 4501 (Sept. 21, 2016), with dust devil monitoring the following morning. On Sol 4502 (Sept. 22, 2016) Pancam images of nearby boulders were taken before the drive and a post-drive Pancam mosaic of Spirit Mound was taken afterwards. Opportunity took more color Pancam images of Spirit Mound, performed a Pancam low sun survey, and took Microscopic Imager (MI) sky flats on Sol 4503 (Sept. 23, 2016), with a Pancam horizon survey the following morning. On Sol 4504 (Sept. 24, 2016), Opportunity took a 13-filter Pancam image of "Council Bluffs", a section of the ridge south of Gasconade, and Gasconade itself, followed by a Pancam 4x1 context panorama of the ridgeline including Council Bluffs. On Sol 4506 (Sept. 26, 2016), Opportunity collected a Navcam image of her tracks, took a Pancam image of "Portland," a breccia target, and a Pancam mosaic of the top of Spirit Mound above Gasconade. As of Sol 4506 (Sept. 26, 2016), the solar array energy production is 474 watt-hours with an elevated atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.892 and a solar array dust factor of 0.701. Total odometry as of Sol 4505 (Sept. 25, 2016) is 26.99 miles (43.44 kilometers). sols 4494-4500, September 14, 2016-September 20, 2016: Rover Makes Its Way to 'Spirit Mound,' The First Waypoint in Extended Mission Opportunity is making her way towards the first science waypoint of the new extended mission on the rim of Endeavour Crater. The first waypoint is a feature named 'Spirit Mound,' one of the locations visited by the Corps of Discovery 200 years ago. The rover has been driving due east and collecting both Panoramic Camera (Pancam) and Navigation Camera (Navcam) panoramas along the way, both to document the terrain and to provide drive-direction paths. On Sols 4495, 4497 and 4500 (Sept. 15, Sept. 17 and Sept. 20, 2016), Opportunity drove 159 feet, 91 feet and 88 feet (48.35 meters, 27.71 meters and 26.95 meters), respectively. All of the driving has been down slope and some forward slippages has been apparent. As of Sol 4500 (Sept. 20, 2016), the solar array energy production is 520 watt-hours with an elevated atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.845 and a solar array dust factor of 0.693. Total odometry is 26.99 miles (43.43 kilometers). sols 4488-4493, September 07, 2016-September 13, 2016: Opportunity Heads Toward First Waypoint of its Next Extended Mission After more than a year of exploration, Opportunity has left 'Marathon Valley,' located on the rim of Endeavour Crater. The rover has begun the next extended mission (ahead of schedule) after exiting through 'Lewis and Clark Gap' on Sol 4484 (Sept. 3, 2016). Opportunity is headed toward the first waypoint of the new extended mission. Dust storms have been occurring as expected for this time of year, although none have threatened the rover. They have elevated the atmospheric opacity (tau) over the rover site, which is seen in the rover's lower daily energy production. On Sols 4488 and 4489 (Sept. 7 and Sept. 9, 2016), the rover continued the collection of extensive Navigation Camera (Navcam) and color Panoramic Camera (Pancam) imagery. On Sol 4491 (Sept. 11, 2016), the rover headed 26 meters exactly due east. This was followed by the collection post-drive Navcam and Pancam panoramas. On Sol 4493 (Sept. 13, 2016), Opportunity drove again, about 121 feet (37 meters), making progress towards the first science waypoint of the new extended mission. An atmospheric argon measurement with the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) was collected on that evening. As of Sol 4493 (Sept. 13, 2016), the solar array energy production is 515 watt-hours with an elevated atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.889 and a solar array dust factor of 0.698. Total odometry is 26.92 miles (43.33 kilometers). sols 4481-4487, August 31, 2016-September 06, 2016: Opportunity Has Left 'Marathon Valley' and Is Heading into Endeavour Crater Opportunity has officially left Marathon Valley. On Sol 4482 (Sept. 1, 2016), we approached the 'Lewis and Clark Gap' and with the successful drive on Sol 4484 (Sept. 3, 2016) we passed through and are now on a course that will take us into Endeavour Crater. Regional dust storms are beginning to occur in our general vicinity leading to higher general atmospheric opacity (tau), but Opportunity has not yet experienced any storm activity directly. As of Sol 4486 (Sept. 5, 2016), the solar array energy production is 476 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.957 and a solar array dust factor of 0.675. Total odometry is 26.88 miles (43.26 kilometers). sols 4474-4480, August 24, 2016-August 30, 2016: Dust Storm Reduces Available Solar Energy on Opportunity Opportunity is completing the exploration of 'Marathon Valley' on the rim of Endeavour crater. The rover completed a Panoramic Camera (Pancam) mosaic of the grooves on Sol 4474 (Aug. 24, 2016), along with an Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) measurement. Opportunity bumped only 24 inches (62 centimeters) on the next sol for a closer look at some nearby surface targets. From this location, the rover collected a Pancam panorama of 'Lewis and Clark Gap,' the next destination. On Sol 4477 (Aug. 27, 2016), Opportunity headed south for about 161 feet (49 meters) with a small dogleg at the end of the drive. As is general with driving, post-drive imagery was collected. The rover continued to head towards the gap on Sol 4479 (Aug. 29, 2016), with a 51 feet (15.4-meter) drive. Atmospheric opacity (tau) has increased due to regional dust storms. The elevated tau reduces the available solar energy, so the drive was not very long. On Sol 4480 (Aug. 30, 2016), Opportunity continued to drive further with only a 39 feet (11.8-meter) drive. A color Pancam panorama was collected of the feature, called 'Wharton Ridge.' As of Sol 4480 (Aug. 30, 2016), the solar array energy production is 453 watt-hours with an elevated atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 1.079 and a solar array dust factor of 0.693. Total odometry is 26.83 miles (43.18 kilometers). sols 4466-4473, August 16, 2016-August 23, 2016: Opportunity Continues to Study Grooves Opportunity is wrapping up the exploration 'Marathon Valley' on the rim of Endeavour crater. The rover has found itself in an area where there are grooves carved in the rock outcrop suggestive of fluvial action. Opportunity continues to conduct a very extensive visual documentation campaign of these grooves. On Sol 4468 (Aug. 18, 2016), the rover bumped two meters to set up for taking short-baseline stereo imagery. In addition, a small rock dubbed 'Muffler II' was found in the robotic arm (IDD) workplane on Sol 4470 (Aug. 20, 2016), and targeted for Microscopic Imager (MI) and Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS). A further offset MI and APXS campaign was completed on Sol 4473 (Aug. 23, 2016). As of Sol 4473, the solar array energy production is 582 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.727 and a solar array dust factor of 0.710. Total odometry is 26.78 miles (43.10 kilometers). sols 4458-4465, August 08, 2016-August 15, 2016: Studying Grooves Opportunity is wrapping up exploration of 'Marathon Valley' on the rim of Endeavour Crater. The rover has driven to an area were the rock outcrop has interesting grooves. The science team is using Opportunity to conduct an extensive visual documentation campaign at this area. The rover is collecting both short-baseline and long-baseline multi-spectral stereo image data with the Panoramic Camera (Pancam). On Sol 4459 (Aug. 9, 2016), Opportunity drove about 43 feet (13 meters) to the northwest to set up for the first station of the long-baseline stereo imaging. After several sols of imaging, the rover bumped about 16 feet (5 meters) north to set up for the second station of the long-baseline stereo imaging. Over the next few sols, Opportunity collected many more Pancam multi-spectral image frames. The science team is constructing a detailed digital elevation model of the terrain containing the grooves. As of Sol 4465 (Aug. 15, 2016), solar array energy production is 588 watt-hours, with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.638 and a solar array dust factor of 0.654. Total odometry as of Sol 4465 is 26.78 miles (43.10 kilometers). sols 4452-4457, August 01, 2016-August 07, 2016: Going Back for Closer Look at Interesting Grooves Seen in Images Opportunity is wrapping up the exploration 'Marathon Valley' on the rim of Endeavour crater. On sol 4452 (Aug. 1, 2016), the high terrain walls of the valley prevented the low elevation Odyssey relay pass from returning any rover data. The team, aware of this, planned Opportunity's drive to the next sol. On Sol 4453 (Aug. 3, 2016), the rover bumped about 19 feet (6 meters) closer to an exposed outcrop, not before taking some more color Panoramic Camera (Pancam) panoramas of 'Gibraltar II'. Then, over the next two sols, Opportunity continued with more Pancam panoramas of Gibraltar II and an outcrop contact from the closer vantage. With the plan now to leave the north side of the valley, the rover headed southeast on Sol 4456 (Aug. 6, 2016), with a 102 feet (31-meter) drive. Mid-drive Pancam imaging was collected. After the drive, the mid-drive imaging showed interesting ridges or groves that the science team is very interested in going back to examine. As of Sol 4457 (Aug. 7, 2016), the solar array energy production is 607 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.706 and a solar array dust factor of 0.677. Total odometry is 26.77 miles (43.08 kilometers). sols 4446-4451, July 26, 2016-July 31, 2016: Getting Ready to Take a Panorama Opportunity is wrapping up the exploration 'Marathon Valley' on the rim of Endeavour crater. The rover is now located on the north side of the valley in a position to conduct an extensive color panorama of the north wall (called 'Gibraltar II'), and the geologic contact with the valley floor. Over six consecutive sols beginning on Sol 4446 (July 26, 2016), Opportunity collected multiple mosaicked frames of the wall in color stereo. On the evening of Sol 4447 (July 27, 2016), the rover collected an atmospheric argon measurement with the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS). Whenever available downlink permitted, additional Flash bank readouts were performed. As of Sol 4451 (July 31, 2016), the solar array energy production is 592 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.671 and a solar array dust factor of 0.670. Total odometry is 26.75 miles (43.05 kilometers). sols 4440-4445, July 20, 2016-July 25, 2016: Opportunity Surpasses 43 Kilometers on the Odometer! Opportunity is wrapping up the exploration 'Marathon Valley' on the rim of Endeavour crater. The rover did experience an unexpected drive termination caused by the right-front wheel. On Sol 4440 (July 20, 2016), tests were performed on the wheels and the rover backed up 4 feet (1.3 meters). All tests were nominal. The project suspects it was a terrain interaction during a difficult turn in place for the rover. On Sol 4441 (July 21, 2016), Opportunity drove over 112 feet (34 meters) heading to the next waypoint. As is typical, post-drive Navigation Camera (Navcam) and Panoramic Camera (Pancam) panoramas were collected. A full 360-degree Navcam panorama was completed on the next sol along with targeted Pancam imagery. On Sol 4443 (July 23, 2016), the rover drove again, traveling almost 85 feet (26 meters), passing 26.72 miles (43 kilometers) of total odometry. More post-drive imagery was collected. A cloud movie was shot on the morning of Sol 4444 (July 24, 2015). On Sol 4445 (July 25, 2016), Opportunity drove another 108 feet (33 meters) heading closer to its waypoint. As of Sol 4445 (July 25, 2016), the solar array energy production is 605 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.599 and a solar array dust factor of 0.670. Total odometry is 26.75 miles (43.05 kilometers). sols 4433-4439, July 13, 2016-July 19, 2016: Active Science on Mars 40 Years After Viking Opportunity is exploring "Marathon Valley" on the rim of Endeavour crater, investigating outcrops for evidence of clay minerals. The rover is nearing the completion of its exploration within Marathon Valley before departing. At the current location within the valley Opportunity has been collecting extensive Panoramic Camera (Pancam) color imagery of "Hinner's Point" on the north side of the valley. The rover is also near a rock, called 'Bashful.' In honor of the Viking mission 40th anniversary, the MER project is reusing some of the naming themes from Viking. On Sol 4436 (July 16, 2016), Opportunity completed the in-situ (contact) science of Bashful with a Microscopic Imager (MI) mosaic and a 1-cm offset placement of the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS). A successful 52-foot (16-meter) drive away from Bashful was performed on the next sol. On Sol 4438 (July 18, 2016), the plan was to continue driving. However, rover flight software stopped the drive just as the initial turn for the drive began. Evidence suggests that the terrain was causing excessive load on the right-front wheel. Being cautious, the project conducted a set of diagnostics on Sol 4439 (July 19, 2016). Preliminary analysis still points to a terrain effect, but more diagnostics are planned for Sol 4440 (July 20, 2016). The rover is otherwise in good health. As of Sol 4439 (July 19, 2016), the solar array energy production is 635 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.639 and a solar array dust factor of 0.715. Total odometry is 26.69 miles (42.95 kilometers), more than a marathon. sols 4426-4432, July 06, 2016-July 12, 2016: A Few Drives and Some Imaging Before Wrapping Up Work Within Marathon Valley Opportunity is exploring 'Marathon Valley' on the rim of Endeavour crater, investigating outcrops for evidence of clay minerals. The rover is nearing the completion of its exploration within Marathon Valley. On Sol 4426 (July 6, 2016), Opportunity drove 51 feet (15.45 meters) to the northwest. As with each drive, the rover collects post-drive Navigation Camera (Navcam) panoramas to support the next drive. The rover used the next sol for a Flash bank readout and some targeted Panoramic Camera (Pancam) imagery. More targeted imagery was also collected over the next two sols. On Sol 4430 (July 10, 2016), Opportunity drove 27 feet (8.33 meters) towards a rock target of interest. More post-drive Navcam panoramas were collected. On Sol 4432 (July 12, 2016), the rover bumped every-so-slightly (~1 cm) to position for in-situ (contact) work on the rock target. As of Sol 4432 (July 12, 2016), the solar array energy production is 609.6 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.596 and a solar array dust factor of 0.718. Total odometry is 26.68 miles (42.94 kilometers), more than a marathon. sols 4418-4425, June 28, 2016-July 05, 2016: Wrapping up Studies in Marathon Valley Opportunity is exploring Marathon Valley on the rim of Endeavour crater, investigating outcrops for evidence of clay minerals. The rover is nearing the completion of its exploration within Marathon Valley with investigations in the center of the valley. On Sol 4418 (June 28, 2016), the rover drove back to target 'York' to re-take the Pancam images that were lost during the Sol 4415 (June 25, 2016) relay pass. On Sol 4419 (June 29, 2016) Opportunity successfully took the image, but planners could not confirm this before the next planning session for Sols 4420-4422 (June 30, 2016-July 2, 2016). Because of the importance of these images, rover planners decided to stay in place while they awaited confirmation that they were relayed back to Earth. In the meantime, Opportunity took images of the Rock Abrasion Tool (RAT) bit to assess its condition. After confirming receipt of the Pancam images of York, Opportunity drove back on Sol 4423 (July 3, 2016) to the northwest, toward the site dubbed 'The Mesa'. As of Sol 4425 (July 5, 2016), the solar array energy production is 644 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.551 and a solar array dust factor of 0.718. Total odometry as of Sol 4423 (July 3, 2016) is 26.6 miles, (42.91 kilometers), more than a marathon. sols 4413-4417, June 22, 2016-June 27, 2016: Finishing Science Investigations at the Center of 'Marathon Valley' Opportunity is exploring 'Marathon Valley' on the rim of Endeavour crater, investigating outcrops for evidence of clay minerals. The rover is nearing the completion of its exploration within Marathon Valley with investigations in the center of the valley. Opportunity is finishing one of its final in-situ campaigns inside the valley. On Sol 4413 (June 22, 2016), the rover continued with the investigation of the surface target 'York' with the collection of another set of Microscopic Imager (MI) mosaics followed by an offset placement of the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS). On the next sol, Opportunity continued with some targeted Panoramic Camera (Pancam) color imagery. With the in-situ (contact) work complete at 'York,' the rover drove away with a 118 feet (36-meter) drive to the northwest. Before leaving the target, Opportunity snapped some 13-filter Pancam imagery of the in-situ work site. However, due to relay bandwidth variability these Pancam images were not received on the ground. Other Pancam and Navigation Camera (Navcam) images of the north wall of Marathon Valley were collected and received. The project is considering a drive back to 'York' to re-take these high-value Pancam images of the surface target. As of Sol 4417 (June 27, 2016), the solar array energy production is 645.8 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.561 and a solar array dust factor of 0.725. Total odometry is 26.63 miles (42.85 kilometers), more than a marathon. sols 4406-4412, June 15, 2016-June 21, 2016: Opportunity is on its Final Science Campaign at 'Marathon Valley' Opportunity is exploring 'Marathon Valley' on the rim of Endeavour crater, investigating outcrops for evidence of clay minerals. The rover is nearing the completion of its investigation within Marathon Valley. Opportunity is engaged in one of its final big in-situ campaigns inside Marathon Valley. On Sol 4406 (June 15, 2016), the rover bumped about 10 inches (25 centimeters) to line up for some surface targets. On the following sol, Opportunity used the robotic arm to collect a Microscopic Imager (MI) mosaic of the target and then placed the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) for a multi-hour integration. Opportunity then on the next sol turned to line up with the next nearby target with a 17-inch (43-centimeter) bump. This was followed with a regular calibration of the MI with some 'sky flat' images. The rover used the next two sols to collect a 360-degree Navigation Camera panorama and to perform a 'sky flat' calibration of the Panoramic Camera. Then, on Sol 4411 (June 20, 2016), Opportunity collected a Microscopic Imager mosaic of this new target and followed that with the APXS placement. On Sol 4412 (June 21, 2016), Opportunity used the Rock Abrasion Tool (RAT) wire brush to brush clean that surface target and followed that with another MI mosaic and APXS placement and integration. The next step will be to consider a RAT grind of that target. As of Sol 4412 (June 21, 2016), the solar array energy production is 644 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.614 and a solar array dust factor of 0.721. Total odometry is 26.60 miles (42.81 kilometers), more than a marathon. sols 4399-4405, June 08, 2016-June 14, 2016: Opportunity Wraps up Work on 'Wheel Scuff' Opportunity is exploring 'Marathon Valley' on the rim of Endeavour crater, investigating outcrops for evidence of clay minerals. The rover is close to completing its investigations within Marathon Valley. On Sol 4400 (June 9, 2016), Opportunity continued with the in-situ (contact) investigation of the area that was scuffed by the rover wheel. The rover collected a Microscopic Imager (MI) mosaic of the 'red pebble' target and then placed the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) on the same for a multi-hour integration. On Sols 4402 and 4403 (June 11 and 12), Opportunity performed a 2-sol plan each with MI imagery and further offset APXS placements to map out the elemental constituents of the target. On Sol 4404 (June 13, 2016), the rover bumped back, collected 13-filter images of the work area, then bumped further back, totaling 4.6 feet (1.4 meters). With the work complete at this site, Opportunity drove away on Sol 4405 (June 14, 2016), with a 62-feet (19-meter) drive heading towards the center of the area where a clay mineral signature has been observed from orbit. As of Sol 4405 (June 14, 2016), the solar array energy production is 658 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.645 and a solar array dust factor of 0.752. Total odometry is 26.60 miles (42.81 kilometers), more than a marathon. sols 4392-4398, June 01, 2016-June 07, 2016: Examining Pebbles Exposed by 'Wheel Scuff' Opportunity is exploring 'Marathon Valley' on the rim of Endeavour crater, investigating outcrops for evidence of clay minerals. The rover is continuing to examine a previously trenched (scuffed) surface where distinct pebbles have become a focus of interest for the science team. On Sol 4392 (June 1, 2016), Opportunity continued the investigation of a 'yellow' pebble with an offset positioning of the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS). This pebble has exhibited an elevated sulfate composition. Offset APXS measurements allow the 'teasing out' of the elements associated with the pebble versus those in the background (soil). Over the next two sols, the APXS was allowed to integrate while the rover collected several multi-color panoramic images of the surroundings. On Sol 4395 (June 4, 2016), the rover performed another offset positioning of the APXS followed with a multi-hour integration. On the next sol, a Microscopic Imager (MI) mosaic was collected using the robotic arm and the APXS was offset again for yet another integration. On Sol 4398 (June 7, 2016), with the work complete on the 'yellow' pebble, the rover bumped about 4 inches (10 centimeters) to another pebble of interest for in-situ (contact) investigation over the coming sols. As of Sol 4398 (June 7, 2016), the solar array energy production is 637 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.597 and a solar array dust factor of 0.735. Total odometry is 26.59 miles (42.79 kilometers), more than a marathon. sols 4385-4391, May 25, 2016-May 31, 2016: Study of 'Wheel Scuff' Continues Opportunity is exploring 'Marathon Valley' on the rim of Endeavour crater, investigating outcrops for evidence of clay minerals. The rover is continuing to examine a previously trenched (scuffed) surface. On Sol 4385 (May 25, 2016), Opportunity collected some more targeted Panoramic Camera (Pancam) 13-filter images and continued with an Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) integration on the surface target. Then, on Sol 4386 (May 26, 2016), Opportunity bumped ever so slightly (about 1 cm) in order to reach a particular yellow pebble in the trenched area. The rover collected more targeted 13-filter Pancam images. And then on Sol 4389 (May 29, 2016), Opportunity used the robotic arm (IDD) to collect a Microscopic Imager (MI) mosaic of the yellow pebble and to position the APXS just above the pebble (since it was too small to make a contact placement). More targeted color Pancam images have been collected over the subsequent sols. As of Sol 4391 (May 31, 2016), the solar array energy production is 643 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.566 and a solar array dust factor of 0.738. Total odometry is 26.59 miles (42.79 kilometers), more than a marathon. sols 4378-4384, May 17, 2016-May 24, 2016: Investigating the Soil Exposed with the Rover Wheel Opportunity is exploring 'Marathon Valley' on the rim of Endeavour crater, inspecting specific outcrops for evidence of clay minerals. Previously, the rover used the left-front wheel to scuff a red vein feature to break up and expose its compositional material for further investigation. On Sol 4379 (May 18, 2016), Opportunity bumped 6 feet (1.75 meters) back towards the scuff to set up for an in-situ (contact) investigation of the scuffed material. The rover also collected some targeted Panoramic Camera (Pancam) 13-filter images and a Navigation Camera (Navcam) panorama. On Sol 4381 (May 21, 2016), Opportunity began the contact investigation using the robotic arm to collect a Microscopic Imager (MI) mosaic of the scuff and then place the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) on the same. On the next sol, the rover offset the APXS on the scuff by about 1 centimeter and performed another integration. Opportunity continued on the next sol with yet another APXS offset placement, more MI mosaics and some more targeted Pancam 13-filter imaging. As of Sol 4384 (May 24, 2016), the solar array energy production is 636 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.605 and a solar array dust factor of 0.756. Total odometry is 26.59 miles (42.79 kilometers), more than a marathon. sols 4372-4377, May 11, 2016-May 16, 2016: Opportunity Collects a Panorama and Uses Wheel to 'Scuff' the Soil for a Closer Look Opportunity is exploring 'Marathon Valley' on the rim of Endeavour crater, searching specific outcrops for evidence of clay minerals. The rover is currently conducting an in-situ (contact) science investigation on an outcrop target, called 'Pierre Pinaut.' The rover has also been collecting a beautiful full-color panorama of the surrounding location. On Sol 4372 (May 11, 2016), Opportunity collected a Microscopic Imager (MI) mosaic of the target previously ground by the Rock Abrasion Tool (RAT). This was followed by the placement of the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) on the same. On the next sol, the RAT brush was used to clean the ground target of tailings and another MI mosaic was taken with another APXS placement. Following on the next sol, the APXS was offset just a half inch (1.25 centimeters) for another elemental integration. With the contact work complete, on Sol 4375 (May 14, 2016), Opportunity backed away and collected some Panoramic Camera (Pancam) color imagery of the target. On Sol 4377 (May 16, 2016), the rover used the left-front wheel to scuff a red vein feature to break up and expose its compositional material for further investigation. As of Sol 4377 (May 16, 2016), the solar array energy production is 672 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.542 and a solar array dust factor of 0.770. Total odometry is 26.59 miles (42.79 kilometers), more than a marathon. sols 4365-4371, May 04, 2016-May 10, 2016: Microscopic Imaging Camera on Robotic Arm Back to Normal Operations Opportunity is exploring 'Marathon Valley' on the rim of Endeavour crater, searching specific outcrops for evidence of clay minerals. The rover is currently conducting an in-situ (contact) science investigation on an outcrop target dubbed 'Pierre Pinaut.' The imaging problems we were experiencing previously were traced to a sequencing error, and Opportunity has returned to normal operations as of the Sol 4367 (May 6, 2016), plan. In that plan we recaptured the Microscopic Image (MI) mosaic of the Rock Abrasion Tool (RAT) grind from Sol 4363 (May 2, 2016), and discovered that the grind had not gone deep enough. Therefore, a further grind (to a desired depth of 2-3 millimeters) was performed in the Sol 4370 (May 9, 2016), plan. This appears to have been successful and an MI mosaic of the new RAT hole is planned for Sol 4372 (May 11, 2016). In addition, multiple APXS integrations have been performed on both the previous and current RAT holes during this period. As of Sol 4371 (May 10, 2016), the solar array energy production is 653 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.458 and a solar array dust factor of 0.752. Total odometry is 26.58 miles (42.78 kilometers), more than a marathon. sols 4358-4364, April 27 - May 3, 2016: Investigations on Microscopic Imaging Camera Continue Opportunity is exploring Marathon Valley on the rim of Endeavour crater, searching specific outcrops for evidence of clay minerals. The rover is currently conducting an in-situ (contact) science investigation on an outcrop called "Pierre Pinaut". On Sol 4360 (April 29, 2016), after some Pancam color imaging and completing an Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) measurement on the outcrop, Opportunity used the Rock Abrasion Tool (RAT) on the robotic arm to brush clean the surface of the rock and placed the APXS back down again. On that same sol, another imaging command hung, or was not executed, but was cleared in the post sequence cleanup. On Sol 4361 (April 30, 2016), the robotic arm moved out of the way to allow clear imaging of the brushed surface with the Pancam color camera. Opportunity collected more Pancam color panoramas on the next sol. On Sol 4363 (May 2, 2016), the same brushed rock was now ground with the RAT to a depth of about 0.04 inches (1 millimeter) and the APXS placed back down again for a post-grind measurement. On Sol 4364 (May 3, 2016), another incomplete camera request prevented collecting Microscopic Images (MIs). Again the "stuck" image was cleared and operations continued with more Pancam panoramas. The project continues to investigate the camera hanging issue and has developed a process to clear the hung camera as soon as it occurs, allowing all subsequent imaging to proceed. As of Sol 4364 (May 2, 2016), the solar array energy production is 645 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.508 and a solar array dust factor of 0.774. Total odometry is 26.58 miles (42.78 kilometers), more than a marathon. sols 4351-4357, April 20, 2016-April 26, 2016: Camera on Robotic Arm Passes Diagnostic Test Opportunity is exploring 'Marathon Valley' on the rim of Endeavour crater, trying to identify specific outcrops for evidence of clay minerals. The rover has been investigating the surface target, called 'Pierre Pinaut.' The rover experienced an anomalous camera fault on Sol 4350 (April 19, 2016), during a Microscopic Image (MI) mosaic, so the activities in that plan did not complete. Opportunity then performed two sets of diagnostics on Sol 4352 (April 21, 2016). The MI images completed normally and several Panoramic Camera (Pancam) panoramas taken before and after the MI camera anomaly completed normally. On Sol 4354 (April 23, 2016), the original MI activity using the robotic arm from Sol 4350 (April 19, 2016), was repeated successfully which included the placement of the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS). More Pancam panoramas were collected on the next sol. On Sol 4357 (April 26, 2016), the Rock Abrasion Tool (RAT) on the robotic arm was used to brush the surface target, followed by the placement of the APXS for a long integration. As of Sol 4357 (April 26, 2016), the solar array energy production is 618 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.541 and a solar array dust factor of 0.764. Total odometry is 26.58 miles (42.78 kilometers), more than a marathon. sols 4344-4350, April 13, 2016-April 19, 2016: Rover Completes Mini-Walkabout Opportunity is exploring 'Marathon Valley' located on the rim of Endeavour crater. The objective is to identify specific outcrops for evidence of clay minerals. Opportunity has completed a mini-'walkabout' with extensive imaging of the region and is now beginning the in-situ (contact) investigation. On Sol 4345 (April 14, 2016), the rover moved just about 8 feet (2.5 meters), approaching a target for investigation with the robotic arm instruments. On Sol 4347 (April 16, 2016), Opportunity used the robotic arm to collect a Microscopic Imager (MI) mosaic of the surface target, named 'Pierre Pinaut.' This was followed by the placement of the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) on the same target for a multi-hour integration. In between these activities, the rover continues to collect extensive Panoramic Color (Pancam) color panoramas, Navigation Camera (Navcam) panoramas and targeted multi-filter images. On Sol 4350 (April 19, 2016), Opportunity attempted to collect additional MI mosaics, but a goal error occurred because the first image with the MI camera did not complete. This is an anomaly that has seen before where a camera image fails to complete. The project is investigating this and is preparing diagnostics to run on the camera system. As of Sol 4350 (April 19, 2016), the solar array energy production is 635 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.461 and a solar array dust factor of 0.762. Total odometry is 26.58 miles (42.78 kilometers), more than a marathon. sols 4338-4343, April 06, 2016-April 11, 2016: Rover Mini-Walkabout to Find Clay Mineral Continues Opportunity is exploring the south side of 'Marathon Valley' located on the rim of Endeavour crater. The objective is to identify specific outcrops for evidence of clay minerals, so Opportunity is conducting a mini-'walkabout' in regions that show evidence for clay minerals seen from orbit. The plan is to quickly survey a large region with imagery and then identify surface targets of interest for further in-situ (contact) investigation. At each drive location on the walkabout, the rover collects extensive Navigation Camera (Navcam) and Panoramic Camera (Pancam) panoramas plus targeted multi-filter (color) Pancam panoramas. Energy levels have been very good, so the rover was able to stay up late and collect an atmospheric argon measurement with the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) on Sol 4338 (April 6, 2016), after spending the day collecting a multi-frame Pancam panorama. The previous few drives had indicated an elevation in the right-front wheel current. Some of that is explained by the steep terrain the rover is climbing. The team sequenced a set of 'cleat cams' (sub-framed Hazardous Camera images) of the front wheels on Sol 4339 (April 7, 2016), to make sure there were no small rocks that might be fouling the wheels. The wheels were found to be clear of any rocks. On Sol 4340 (April 8, 2016), a set of Microscopic Imager (MI) sky flats (calibration images) were collected using the robotic arm to point the MI up at the diffuse sky. More Pancam and Navcam panoramic imaging was collected at this location. On the next sol, Opportunity drove about 45 feet (13.7 meters) to the southwest to set up for the next imagining station. Over the next two sols the rover collected extensive Pancam and Navcam imagery. As of Sol 4343 (April 11, 2016), the solar array energy production is 617 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.459 and a solar array dust factor of 0.785. Total odometry is 26.58 miles (42.78 kilometers), more than a marathon. sols 4331-4337, March 30, 2016-April 05, 2016: Opportunity Captures Swirling Dust Devil at Endeavour Crater Opportunity is exploring the south side of 'Marathon Valley' located on the rim of Endeavour crater. The rover is up on the slopes of 'Knudsen Ridge.' The objective is to identify specific outcrops for evidence of clay minerals. Opportunity is conducting a mini-'walkabout' in regions that show evidence for clay minerals observed from orbit. The plan is to quickly survey a large region with imagery and then identify surface targets of interest for further in-situ (contact) investigation. At each drive location on the walkabout, the rover collects a 360-degree Navigation Camera (Navcam) panorama plus targeted multi-filter (color) Panoramic Camera (Pancam) panoramas. On Sol 4332 (March 31, 2016), Opportunity captured a Navcam image of a spectacular dust devil out in the interior of Endeavour crater, a rare sighting for Opportunity in Meridiani. Also on that sol, an Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) performed a measurement of atmospheric argon. On the next sol, in addition to all the site survey imagery, the rover also collected documentary imagery of the Rock Abrasion Tool (RAT) bit to assess remaining grind capability. On Sol 4334 (April 2, 2016), the rover headed west with a 15.4-meter drive, collecting more Navcam and Pancam panoramas. On Sol 4337 (April 5, 2016) Opportunity turned southwest and drove about 15.5 meters in its walkabout with more imaging before and after the drive. As of Sol 4337 (April 5, 2016), the solar array energy production is 650 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.470 and a solar array dust factor of 0.817. Total odometry is 26.57 miles (42.77 kilometers), more than a marathon. sols 4324-4330, March 23, 2016-March 29, 2016: Climbing to Clay-Mineral Site Seen from Orbit Opportunity is exploring the south side of 'Marathon Valley' located on the rim of Endeavour crater. The rover is up on the slopes of 'Knudsen Ridge.' The objective is to identify specific outcrops for evidence of clay minerals. Opportunity has been driving towards high-slope regions that show evidence for clay minerals observed from orbit. With each drive the rover has bee collected extensive pre-drive and post-drive Panoramic Camera (Pancam) and Navigation Camera (Navcam) panoramas to document the terrain. On Sol 4325 (March 24, 2016), Opportunity drove west intending to cover about 49 feet (15 meters), but only achieved about 22 feet (6.8 meters). Visual Odometry (VO), which is used to track the rover's progress and direction, had difficulty converging on the featureless terrain around the rover. Visual Odometry works by tracking local surface features in the terrain as the rover moves. Another drive was sequenced on Sol 4328 (March 27, 2016), for about 79 feet (24 meters), but again the drive stopped after only 55 feet (16.9 meters) again due to lack of VO convergence on the featureless terrain. More progress was made on the next sol with a 22-foot (6.6-meter) drive to the southwest and on Sol 4330 (March 29, 2016), with a 43-foot (12.9-meter) drive also to the southwest. Opportunity is now believed to be in the area of the clay minerals seen from orbit. The rover is documenting the terrain with extensive Pancam color (multi-filter) panoramas. Energy levels have also improved markedly, a combination of improving solar insolation with season and dust cleaning events on the solar arrays. As of Sol 4330 (March 29, 2016), the solar array energy production has increased to 650 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.589 and an improved solar array dust factor of 0.857 (although this number may be affected by atmospheric clouds). Total odometry is 26.55 miles (42.74 kilometers), more than a marathon. sols 4317-4323, March 16, 2016-March 22, 2016: Opportunity Moves to New Locations to the Southwest Opportunity is exploring the south side of "Marathon Valley" located on the rim of Endeavour crater. The rover is up on the slopes of 'Knudsen Ridge." The objective is to identify specific outcrops for evidence of clay minerals. Opportunity recently backed down off of some of the steepest slopes of the mission and has begun the move to new locations to the southwest. Supporting Navigation Camera (Navcam) and Panoramic Camera (Pancam) images were collected on Sols 4318 and 4319 (March 17 and March 18, 2016), to identify future targets and drive paths. On Sol 4320 (March 19, 2016), the rover drove about 31 feet (9.5 meters) to the southwest towards areas of putative phyllosilicate clays. Again, supporting Navcam and Pancam panoramas were collected after the drive to set up for the next drive. On Sol 4323 (March 22, 2016), Opportunity headed due west about 41 feet (12.5 meters). An atmospheric argon measurement with the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) was sequenced for that evening. As of Sol 4323 (March 22, 2016), the solar array energy production was 576 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.423 and an improved solar array dust factor of 0.764. Total odometry is 26.53 miles (42.69 kilometers), more than a marathon. sols 4311-4316, March 10, 2016-March 15, 2016: Rover Goes Back Downhill Opportunity is exploring within 'Marathon Valley' on the rim of Endeavour crater. The rover is up on the slopes of 'Knudsen Ridge.' The primary objective is to examine specific outcrop types for evidence of clay minerals. The current objective had been to reach the surface science target 'Pvt. Joseph Whitehouse' (named after a member of the Corps of Discovery). However, with slopes in excess of 30 degrees and some gravel terrain under the wheels, Opportunity was unable to reach the intended target. On Sol 4311 (March 10, 2016), the rover made only 3.5 inches (9 centimeters) of progress after almost 66 feet (20 meters) of commanded wheel motion. This was the third attempt to reach this very interesting target. In the end, the team decided to abandon this target and back away. On Sol 4313 (March 12, 2016), the rover backed down from this target with a 7-foot (2-meter) drive. Documentary imagery in both Navigation Cameras (Navcams) and Panoramic Cameras (Pancams) where collected. An overnight Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) measure of atmospheric argon was also collected. More readouts of Flash memory were performed. On Sol 4316 (March 15, 2016), the rover moved further downhill, driving about 22 feet (6.7 meters) north to set up for a longer drive towards the next science target along Knudsen Ridge. As of Sol 4316 (March 15, 2016), the solar array energy production was 559 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.524 and an improved solar array dust factor of 0.760. Total odometry is 26.51 miles (42.67 kilometers), more than a marathon. sols 4304-4310, March 02, 2015-March 09, 2016: Rover on Slippery Slopes Opportunity is exploring within 'Marathon Valley' on the rim of Endeavour crater. The rover is up on the slopes of 'Knudsen Ridge.' On Sol 4303 (March 1, 2016), a 6-feet (1.9-meter) drive repositioned the rover for a better angle on 'Pvt. Joseph Whitehouse,' a small cobble named for a member of Lewis and Clark's Corps of Discovery. Post-drive imagery of the new position was then collected. Slippage from the steep slopes required another 4 feet (1.2 meter) drive on Sol 4304 (March 2, 2016). That drive also experienced significant slip but continued to make uphill progress toward the cobble. More local imagery was taken after the drive. The following Sol, a Panoramic Camera (Pancam) mosaic was taken of the Pvt. Joseph Whitehouse environs and the rover deck was imaged for dust monitoring. On Sol 4306 (March 4, 2016), missed frames from the Whitehouse mosaic were retaken. Another approach drive was attempted on Sol 4307 (March 6, 2016), but slip caused the drive to end prematurely. Afterwards post-drive imaging was taken. The following Sol additional frames of the Knudsen Ridge mosaic were taken. On Sol 4308 (March 7, 2016), more Navigation Camera (Navcam) images were taken of the immediate area and more images were taken of the deck for dust monitoring. Yet another drive was attempted on Sol 4309 (March 8, 2016), only to be terminated again by high tilts and slip. The following morning a Navcam cloud movie was taken and later Pancam multi-filter images of the foreground. That afternoon, more Pancam dust monitoring images were taken. As of Sol 4310 (March 9, 2016), the solar array energy production was 548 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.431 and a solar array dust factor of 0.716. Total odometry is 26.51 miles (42.66 kilometers), more than a marathon. sols 4297-4303, February 24, 2016-March 01, 2016: Seeking Clay Minerals on Steeper Slopes Opportunity is exploring steep outcrops within Marathon Valley on the rim of Endeavour crater. The rover is up on the very steep slopes of 'Knudsen Ridge'. The objective is to examine specific outcrop types for evidence of clay minerals. On Sol 4297 (Feb. 24, 2016), the rover performed its first contact measurements of an exposed rock named 'Charles Caugee' (named for a member of the Corps of Discovery). At this site, Opportunity used her robotic arm to collect a Microscopic Imager (MI) mosaic and then place the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) on the same for a multi-hour integration. Opportunity collected Pancam and Navcam images on the following sol of the area around the rover. On Sol 4299 (Feb. 26, 2016) Opportunity bumped about 1 meter (3 feet) towards a target up a steep slope and took more images. Another bump up the slope by the rover on Sol 4302 (Feb. 29, 2016) brought the rover 1.9 meters (6.2 feet) closer towards the intended target, named 'Pvt. Joseph Whitehouse' (another member of the Corps of Discovery). As of Sol 4303 (March 1, 2016) the solar array energy production was 585 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.429 and an improved solar array dust factor of 0.736. Total odometry is 26.51 miles (42.66 kilometers) more than a marathon. sols 4290-4296, February 17, 2016-February 23, 2016: Rover Begins Contact Science of Rock Target on 'Knudsen Ridge' Opportunity is exploring 'Marathon Valley' on the rim of Endeavour crater. The rover is up on the very steep slopes of 'Knudsen Ridge.' Opportunity has begun the in-situ (contact) investigation of the current site. On Sol 4291 (Feb. 18, 2016), the rover bumped about 27 inches (68 centimeters) towards the first surface target, called 'Charles Caugee' (named for a member of the Corps of Discovery). After the successful bump, more documentary imagery was collected using both the Panoramic Camera (Pancam) and Navigation Camera (Navcam). Then, on Sol 4295 (Feb. 22, 2016), the robotic arm was used to collect a detailed Microscopic Imager (MI) mosaic. The plan ahead is to place the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) to collect elemental information about this target. As of Sol 4296 (Feb. 23, 2016), the solar array energy production was 543 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.409 and a solar array dust factor of 0.707. Total odometry is 26.51 miles (42.66 kilometers), more than a marathon. sols 4283-4289, February 10, 2016-February 16, 2016: Prepping for Slope Investigations Opportunity is exploring 'Marathon Valley' on the rim of Endeavour crater. The rover is perched on the steep slopes of 'Knudsen Ridge'. For the past week, Opportunity has continued to collect extensive color Pancam panoramas of the location around the rover in preparation for in-situ (contact) investigation of the different rock units. On Sol 4284 (Feb. 11, 2016) Opportunity did not Deep Sleep, but just napped overnight so that engineers could collect battery information throughout that night. The rover is expected to 'bump' on Sol 4291 (Feb. 18, 2016) to the first of several targets. As of Sol 4289 (Feb. 16, 2016), the solar array energy production was 506 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.433 and a solar array dust factor of 0.677. Total odometry is 26.51 miles (42.66 kilometers), more than a marathon. sols 4276-4282, February 03, 2016-February 09, 2016: Taking Panoramic Views and Prepping for Science Opportunity is exploring 'Marathon Valley' on the rim of Endeavour crater. The rover is up on very steep slopes to reach high-value science targets on 'Knudsen Ridge.' For the past week, Opportunity has been collecting extensive Pancam panoramas of the location all around Knudsen Ridge. One important purpose is to collect detailed imagery of the surface targets that the rover will approach next for detailed in-situ (contact) investigation. As of Sol 4282 (Feb. 9, 2016), the solar array energy production was 493 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.443 and a solar array dust factor of 0.675. Total odometry is 26.51 miles (42.66 kilometers), more than a marathon. sols 4269-4275, January 26, 2016-February 02, 2016: Climbing Steeper Slopes to Reach Science Targets Opportunity is exploring 'Marathon Valley' on the rim of Endeavour crater. The rover is climbing up steep slopes to reach high-value science targets up on 'Knudsen Ridge.' Opportunity performed the first of two steep climbs on Sol 4269 (Jan. 26, 2016), with just less than 16 feet (5 meters) for progress on slopes nearing 30 degrees. On the next sol, the rover ascended further up slope about 14 feet (4.4 meters) reaching tilts just under 30 degrees. For the next fives sols Opportunity conducted extensive Navigation Camera (Navcam) and Panoramic Camera (Pancam) imaging surveys of the potential rock targets and ridge outcrop in front of the rover in preparation for extensive in-situ (contact) science campaigns on the geologic units high up on this ridge line. As of Sol 4275 (Feb. 2, 2016), the solar array energy production was 498 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.459 and a solar array dust factor of 0.683. Total odometry is 26.51 miles (42.66 kilometers), more than a marathon. sols 4263-4268, January 20, 2016-January 25, 2016: Opportunity Reaches 12 Years on Mars! Opportunity is exploring 'Marathon Valley' on the rim of Endeavour crater. The rover is up on north-facing slopes for improved solar array energy production. The rover is conducting an in-situ (contact) science campaign on the surface target 'Joseph Collin' (informally named for members of the Lewis and Clark expedition). The target appears as a curious, unconsolidated pile of coarse, dark grains. On Sol 4263 (Jan. 20, 2016), Opportunity began two sols of investigation using the robotic arm instruments. On each sol, extensive Microscopic Imager (MI) mosaics were collected. Each was followed with a unique placement of the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) for elemental identification. Over the next 3 days (sols), the rover attitude was updated and a series of Panoramic Camera (Pancam) and Navigation Camera (Navcam) panoramas were collected. On Sol 4268 (Jan. 25, 2016), the final work on this in-situ target was completed with the raising of the robotic arm off the target and the collection of some documentary imagery. The rover is now set to drive away from this site towards new targets up-slope from the current location. As of Sol 4268 (Jan. 25, 2016), the solar array energy production was 469 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.478 and a solar array dust factor of 0.691. Total odometry is 26.50 miles (42.65 kilometers), more than a marathon. sols 4256-4262, January 13, 2016-January 19, 2016: Rock Abrasion Tool Conducts Two Rock Grinds Opportunity is inside 'Marathon Valley,' up on north-facing slopes for improved solar array energy production. The rover is conducting an in-situ (contact) science campaign on the surface target 'Pvt. John Potts' (informally named for members of the Lewis and Clark expedition). Previously, Opportunity had performed two successful Rock Abrasion Tool (RAT) grinds on this target totaling over 1 millimeter of grind depth. On Sol 4257 (Jan. 14, 2016), the rover used the RAT again to grind another millimeter. With the grinding complete, the RAT brushed the target on Sol 4259 (Jan. 16, 2016), sweeping away the grind tailings. Then, a Microscopic Imager (MI) mosaic was collected followed with the placement of the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) inside the ground target. Also during this time, the rover continued collecting color Panoramic (Pancam) images of 'Knudsen Ridge' to form a large panorama mosaic of the valley ridge. With the in-situ work now complete on this target, on Sol 4262 (Jan. 19, 2016), the rover bumped only 2 inches (5 centimeters) to position for another target for in-situ investigation. As of Sol 4262 (Jan. 19, 2016), the solar array energy production was 454 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.471 and a solar array dust factor of 0.670. Total odometry is 26.50 miles (42.65 kilometers), more than a marathon. sols 4247-4255, January 04, 2016-January 12, 2016: Rover Uses Rock Abrasion Tool to Grind Rocks Opportunity is inside 'Marathon Valley' on north-facing slopes for improved solar array energy production. The rover is engaged in an in-situ (contact) science campaign investigating the surface target 'Pvt. John Potts' (informally named for members of the Lewis and Clark expedition). Opportunity is performing successive grinds into the target to prepare a clean surface for elemental analysis by the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS). An initial grid by the Rock Abrasion Tool (RAT) had been previously completed, so a survey of the grind was performed on Sol 4248 (Jan. 5, 2016), with the Microscopic Imager (MI) with an initial analysis with the APXS. Color Pancam panoramas of various targets were collected on Sols 4249 and 4250 (Jan. 6 and 7, 2016). On Sol 4253 (Jan. 10, 2016), a seek scan with the RAT bit was performed in setup to another RAT grind on a subsequent sol. On Sol 4255 (Jan. 12, 2016), two steps of a deeper grind were performed on the target. The RAT was left in place so even deeper grinding could be performed later. As of Sol 4255 (Jan. 12, 2016), the solar array energy production was 452 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.446 and an improved solar array dust factor of 0.666. Total odometry is 26.50 miles (42.65 kilometers), more than a marathon. sols 4229-4246, December 16, 2015-January 03, 2016: Opportunity Welcomes Winter Solstice Opportunity is inside 'Marathon Valley' on the west rim of Endeavour Crater. The rover is positioned on steep, north-facing slopes for improved solar array energy production. The winter solstice occurred on Sol 4246 (Jan. 3, 2016), although solar insolation already started to improve. The near-term objective is to position the rover to be able to grind a high-value surface target with the Rock Abrasion Tool (RAT). This target may hold some of the clues as to the origin of the clay spectral signature detected in Marathon Valley. On Sol 4229 (Dec. 16, 2015), Opportunity bumped about 14 inches (35 centimeters) to set up for an extended in-situ (contact) science campaign through the holiday season. Over the holiday period, Opportunity proceeded to use the robotic arm to collect Microscopic Imager (MI) mosaics of the surface targets as well as place the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) for surface elemental analysis. Winter power levels and late Odyssey passes made planning difficult with some sols being used as recharge days. On Sol 4234 (Dec. 22, 2015), Opportunity was able to use the RAT to brush the surface target 'Pvt. John Potts.' This was followed with more MI mosaics and APXS measurements. On Sol 4244 (Jan. 1, 2016), the RAT was used again, this time to grind (1 millimeter) into the surface target. More MI mosaics and APXS elemental analysis of the ground target followed. As of Sol 4246 (Jan. 3, 2016), the solar array energy production was 449 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.414 and an improved solar array dust factor of 0.658. Total odometry is 26.50 miles (42.65 kilometers), more than a marathon. sols 4222-4228, December 9, 2015-December 15, 2015: Rover On Steeper Slopes Opportunity is inside �Marathon Valley� on the west rim of Endeavour Crater. The rover is positioned on steep slopes for improved solar array energy production. The near-term object is to position the rover to be able to grind a high-value surface target with the Rock Abrasion Tool (RAT). This target may hold some of the clues as to the origin of the clay spectral signature detected in Marathon Valley. On Sol 4222 (Dec. 9, 2015), Opportunity bumped back about 12 feet (3.65 meters) to set up for an approach to this target on a very steep slope. On the next sol, the rover bumped forward about 28 inches (70 centimeters), but because of the steep slopes the drive stopped as wheel currents exceeded protective set points for this steep terrain. A second attempt was made on the next sol to approach this same target. Again the steep terrain caused the drive to stop after only 3.6 feet (1.1 meters) of wheel motion. Slips as high as 50 percent (not uncommon for this steep terrain) were seen on the last drive step. The rover used the next sol to perform a robotic arm salute to allow unobstructed imagery in front of the rover. Then on Sol 4227 (Dec. 14, 2015), Opportunity backed down slope about 10 feet (3 meters), collecting both pre-drive and post-drive imagery. On the next sol, the rover drove about 14 feet (4.4 meters) to approach the target from a more lateral direction. An approach bump is planned for the next sol. As of Sol 4221 (Dec. 8, 2015), the solar array energy production was 407 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.438 and an improved solar array dust factor of 0.660. Total odometry is 26.50 miles (42.65 kilometers), more than a marathon. sols 4215-4221, December 2, 2015-December 8, 2015: A Week of Robotic Arm Activities Opportunity is inside �Marathon Valley� on the west rim of Endeavour Crater. The rover is positioned on a steep slope with an approximately 19-degree northerly tilt for improved solar array energy production. On Sol 4215 (Dec. 2, 2015), the robotic arm was used to collect imaging of the Rock Abrasion Tool (RAT) bit. That imagery will allow the assessment of remaining grind bit life before the next RAT grind. Also, with the robotic arm out of the way, unobstructed Panoramic Camera (Pancam) images of the surface target, "Pvt. Hugh McNeal" were taken. Finally, the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) was placed on the surface target by the robotic arm for the next sol's integration. More Pancam imagery was collected over subsequent sols. On Sol 4219 (Dec. 6, 2015), the RAT was used to brush the surface target and then the APXS was placed, slight offset, on the surface target. On Sol 4220 (Dec. 7, 2015), another tuck of the robotic arm was done to allow unobstructed images of the surface to be taken. Then, the Microscopic Imager (MI) was used to collect a detailed surface mosaic, followed by the placement of the APXS for a short integration. On the next sol, another MI mosaic was collected and more color Pancam panoramas were taken. As of Sol 4221 (Dec. 8, 2015), the solar array energy production was 419 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.430 and an improved solar array dust factor of 0.660. Total odometry is 26.49 miles (42.63 kilometers), more than a marathon. sols 4202-4214, November 19, 2015-December 01, 2015: Arm Raised to Take in the View Opportunity is inside 'Marathon Valley' on the west rim of Endeavour Crater. The rover is positioned on steep, north-facing slopes for improved solar array energy production. On Sol 4202 (Nov. 19. 2105), the robotic arm was raised so Panoramic Camera (Pancam) color images could be collected without an obstructed view of the foreground. On Sol 4206 (Nov. 23, 2015), a small bump of less than 3 feet (a meter) was performed to position some surface targets within the work volume of the robotic arm. Additional Flash bank readouts were performed to support the Flash memory diagnostics. On subsequent sols, both Navigation Camera (Navcam) and Pancam imagery were collected. On Sol 4211 (Nov. 28, 2015), the robotic arm was used to collect a Microscopic Imager (MI) mosaic of the surface target, named 'Pvt. Hugh McNeal.' This was followed with the placing of the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) on the same for multi-sol integration. As of Sol 4214 (Dec. 1, 2015), the solar array energy production was 387 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.544 and a solar array dust factor of 0.643. Total odometry is 26.49 miles (42.63 kilometers), more than a marathon. sols 4194-4201, November 10, 2015-November 18, 2015: Returning to RAM Opportunity is within 'Marathon Valley' on the west rim of Endeavour Crater. After several sols of operating using Flash storage, the rover switched to using just RAM during Sol 4194 (Nov. 10, 2015), in order to safely use the robotic arm. The Microscopic Imager (MI) collected a mosaic of the surface target, 'Pvt. Ebenezer Tuttle' which was followed by the placement of the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) for several sols on integration. On Sol 4195 (Nov. 11, 2015), Opportunity switched back to using Flash memory in order to recover many important science data products still stored in the Flash memory. A reset of the vehicle occurred on Sol 4196 (Nov. 12, 2015), but was quickly recovered to master sequence control by the ground team. On Sol 4200 (Nov. 17, 2015), the rover was configured back to using RAM only. A 43-foot (13-meter) drive to a new location with steeper north-facing slopes was performed on that sol. As of Sol 4201 (Nov. 18, 2015), the solar array energy production was 376 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.494 and a solar array dust factor of 0.612. Total odometry is 26.49 miles (42.63 kilometers), more than a marathon. sols 4188-4193, November 04, 2015-November 09, 2015: Opportunity Dips Back Into Flash Opportunity is within 'Marathon Valley' on the west rim of Endeavour Crater. The rover has been switched to using Flash again. The plan for this week is to return some high-value science data products stored in Flash memory. On Sol 4188 (Nov. 4, 2015), an atmospheric argon measurement was collected using the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer. On Sol 4189 (Nov. 5, 2015), a problem with the Deep Space Network station transmitter prevented our sequence plan from being sent to the rover. Independently on that sol, Opportunity experienced a reset, not unexpected since Flash memory was enabled. New sequences and a recovery plan were sent to the rover on Sol 4190 (Nov. 6, 2015). But a timing error prevented the master sequence from starting. A team came in over the weekend and built a real-time sequence activation command that was sent on Sol 4191 (Nov. 7, 2015), restoring the rover to master sequence operation. As of Sol 4193 (Nov. 9, 2015), the solar array energy production was 359 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.511 and a solar array dust factor of 0.609. Total odometry is 26.48 miles (42.62 kilometers), more than a marathon. sols 4181-4187, October 28, 2015-November 03, 2015: Just In Time For Halloween, A Network Problem And An Amnesia Event Slows Down Robotic Arm Work Opportunity is within 'Marathon Valley' on the west rim of Endeavour Crater. The plan ahead was for Opportunity to use the robotic arm to place the Alpha Particle X-ray spectrometer down on a target for a week while the project conducted a weeklong test and readout of Flash memory. However, a Deep Space Network problem prevented the rover's plan from being radiated, so the rover executed run out plans on Sols 4184 and 4185 (Oct. 31 and Nov. 1, 2015). On Sol 4186 (Nov. 2, 2015), commands were sent to the rover to enable the use of Flash memory and to spend the week returning science data already in Flash memory. Although those commands were successful, the rover experienced an amnesia event on Sol 4186 (Nov. 2, 2015). As contingency, Flash Bank 7 readouts were performed instead. On Sol 4187 (Nov. 3, 2015), the rover successfully mounted Flash and began the return of the science data. The plan for the balance of the week is to continue with the return of science data from Flash. As of Sol 4187 (Nov. 3, 2015), the solar array energy production was 344 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.472 and a solar array dust factor of 0.574. Total odometry is 26.48 miles (42.62 kilometers), more than a marathon. sols 4174-4180, October 21, 2015-October 27, 2015: A Week of Imaging From South Side of Valley Opportunity is within 'Marathon Valley' on the west rim of Endeavour Crater conducting a valley floor survey for clay minerals. From a location on the south side of the valley, the rover has been conducting a campaign of Panoramic (Pancam) Camera color imaging of Marathon Valley with panorama frames collected on Sols 4175, 4177 and 4180 (Oct. 22, Oct. 24 and Oct. 27, 2015). The rover has also been conducting an in-situ (contact) science campaign at the current location. On Sols 4175, 4177 and 4180, using the robotic arm, Opportunity collected a 2x2 Microscopic Imager (MI) mosaic followed by the placement of the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) on a different surface target. On Sols 4177, 4178 and 4179 (Oct. 24, Oct. 25 and Oct. 26, 2015), additional readouts of Flash Bank 7 were performed. As of Sol 4180 (Oct. 27, 2015), the solar array energy production was 332 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.539 and a solar array dust factor of 0.576. Total odometry is 26.48 miles (42.62 kilometers), more than a marathon. sols 4168-4173, October 15, 2015-October 20, 2015: Power Levels Low Due to Winter Setting In Opportunity is within 'Marathon Valley' on the west rim of Endeavour Crater conducting a valley floor survey for clay minerals. Low-elevation orbiter relay passes to the west continue to result in little to no data return on some relay passes. This is just a function of orbit geometry and the high valley wall to the west within Marathon Valley. From a location on the south side of the valley, the rover has been conducting a campaign of Panoramic (Pancam) Camera color imaging of Marathon Valley with panoramas collected on Sols 4169, 4171 and 4173 (Oct. 16, Oct. 18 and Oct. 20, 2015). A salute (raise) of the robotic arm on Sol 4173 (Oct. 20, 2015) was performed so the rover's work volume for the arm could be imaged ahead on an in-situ (contact) science activities. Further readouts of Flash Bank 7 were attempted on Sol 4170 (Oct. 17, 2015). The rover's activities are being constrained by the winter power levels. Opportunity will remain on north-facing slopes for the balance of the winter. As of Sol 4173 (Oct. 20, 2015), the solar array energy production was 337 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.522 and a solar array dust factor of 0.568. Total odometry is 26.48 miles (42.62 kilometers), more than a marathon. sols 4162-4167, October 09, 2015-October 14, 2015: The Rover Is Now On North-Facing Slopes To Charge The Solar Panels For The Winter Opportunity is within 'Marathon Valley' on the west rim of Endeavour Crater completing a valley floor survey for clay minerals before moving to the winter location on the south side of the valley. Low-elevation orbiter relay passes to the west have resulted in little to no data return on some relay passes. This is a function of orbit geometry and the high valley wall to the west within Marathon Valley. On Sol 4163 (Oct. 10, 2015), Opportunity drove over 33 feet (10 meters) in a dogleg maneuver, first north then east, avoiding some terrain obstacles. The rover collected some mid-drive images of the departed location to assist analysis of some wheel/terrain interaction during the last turn in place. On the next sol, the rover collected both Panoramic Camera (Pancam) and Navigation Camera (Navcam) panoramas and continued with the diagnostic readout of Flash Bank 7. More Pancam panoramas were taken on the sol after that. On Sol 4166 (Oct. 13, 2015), Opportunity drove again, this time about 66 feet (20 meters) to the southeast. Afterward, more Pancam and Navcam panoramas where collected. The rover is now on some favorable northerly tilted terrain. Opportunity will remain on northerly slopes for the balance of the winter. As of Sol 4166 (Oct. 13, 2015), the solar array energy production was 325 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.557 and a solar array dust factor of 0.577. Total odometry is 26.48 miles (42.62 kilometers), more than a marathon. sols 4154-4161, September 30, 2015-October 07, 2015: Opportunity Doing Work at 'Marathon Valley' Before Moving to Winter Location Opportunity is within 'Marathon Valley' on the west rim of Endeavour Crater conducting a valley floor survey for clay minerals before moving to the winter location on the south side of the valley. The rover just completed a 9-sol test using the Flash file system on Sol 4155 (Oct. 1, 2015). On Sol 4154 (Sept. 30, 2015), a Flash-related reset prevented the rover from driving that sol. On Sol 4155 (Oct. 1, 2015), the rover returned to RAM-only mode (no Flash for storage) and the drive originally planned for the previous sol successfully completed on this sol achieving 28 feet (8.5 meters). Post-drive Navigation (Navcam) Camera panoramas were collected. On the next sol, a targeted color Panoramic (Pancam) Camera panorama was collected. On Sol 4157 (Oct. 3, 2015), Opportunity drove again, performing a dog-leg maneuver to avoid some obstacles. More color Pancam panoramas were collected. This was followed on the next sol with more Navcam panoramas. On Sol 4159 (Oct. 5, 2015), the rover moved again toward the east, traveling over 48 feet (14.5 meters). As with the other recent drives, pre- and post-drive Pancam and Navcam panoramas were collected. As of Sol 4161 (Oct. 7, 2015), the solar array energy production was 327 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.553 and a solar array dust factor of 0.569. Total odometry is 26.46 miles (42.59 kilometers), more than a marathon. sols 4147-4153, September 23, 2015-September 29, 2015: Rover Back to Normal Operations After Vehicle Reset Due to Flash System Opportunity is within 'Marathon Valley' on the west rim of Endeavour Crater conducting a walk-about survey for clay minerals before moving to the winter location on the south side of the valley. The rover has been operating with its Flash file system in order to assess its current health and usability for data storage. Sols 4147 and 4148 (Sept. 23 & Sept. 24, 2015), plans contained remote sensing panoramas by both the Panoramic (Pancam) Camera and Navigation (Navcam) Camera. On Sol 4149 (Sept. 25, 2015), a vehicle reset occurred, stopping all on board sequences. Further, the Pancam Mast Assembly (PMA) was flagged with its position unknown, likely a result of imaging when the reset occurred. The suspected cause of the reset is the Flash system. Because of this reset, the plans for Sols 4150 and 4151 (Sept. 26 & Sept. 27, 2015) were not uplinked. The rover was restored to master sequence control on Sol 4152 (Sept. 28, 2015). On that sol, the rover drove about 39 feet (12 meters) and collected post-drive panoramas. A Flash-related amnesia event prevented the downlink of the drive results until Sol 4153 (Sept. 29, 2015). Another drive is planned for the next sol with the rover continuing to use Flash for storage. As of Sol 4153 (Sept. 29, 2015), the solar array energy production was 352 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.555 and a solar array dust factor of 0.557. Total odometry is 26.44 miles (42.55 kilometers), more than a marathon. sols 4140-4146, September 16, 2015-September 22, 2015: Rover's Current Location Makes Communications a Challenge Opportunity is within 'Marathon Valley' on the west rim of Endeavour Crater conducting a walk-about survey for clay minerals. The rover's current location within Marathon Valley with its high walls to the north and west presents a challenge for low-elevation Ultra-High-Frequency (UHF) relay passes to the west. On Sol 4141 (Sept. 17, 2015), no data were received as the orbiter's flight path was below the elevation on the valley ridgeline. On that sol, the rover did successfully perform an in-situ science campaign on the surface target, 'Pvt. George Gibson' that included a Microscopic Imager (MI) mosaic and the placement of the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS). Some of those data were received on subsequent sols. On Sol 4144 (Sept. 20, 2015), another MI mosaic was taken and the robotic armed stowed for a future drive. Once again, the high ridgeline of the valley obscured the low-elevation pass on Sol 4145 (Sept. 21, 2015), and little data were received. On Sol 4146 (Sept. 22, 2015), Opportunity was configured from RAM-only operation to Flash as a planned test of the non-volatile storage system. The drive on that sol completed successfully, but an amnesia event with Flash prevented a return of drive-related data on that sol. Those data are expected to be received on subsequent sols. The plan forward is to continue to operate in Flash for one week in order to gain information and statistics on the state of the Flash storage system. As of Sol 4146 (Sept. 22, 2015), the solar array energy production was 335 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.539 and a solar array dust factor of 0.569. Total odometry is (26.43 miles) 42.53 kilometers, more than a marathon. sols 4133-4139, September 09, 2015-September 15, 2015: Search for Clay Minerals Continues Opportunity is within 'Marathon Valley' on the west rim of Endeavour Crater conducting a walk-about in search of clay minerals. The rover is operating in persistent RAM mode (not using Flash for data storage). On Sol 4133 (Sept. 9, 2015), the rover used the robotic arm to collect a Microscopic Imager (MI) mosaic of a surface target and then place the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) on the same. A Navigation Camera (Navcam) panorama was collected on the morning of the next sol. The APXS integrated on the surface target through the evening of Sol 4135 (Sept. 11, 2015). On Sol 4136 (Sept. 12, 2015), another MI mosaic was collected and the APXS placed on a target offset from the previous. Both Navcam and Pancam panoramas were collected on the morning of Sol 4138 (Sept. 14, 2015). Also on that sol, the project commanded the rover to switch to using the Flash memory as a 'toe dip' diagnostic test of the state of Flash. With the exception of a benign amnesia event, the Flash functioned normally. The project then commanded the rover back into RAM-only mode on Sol 4139 (Sept. 15, 2015). A long test of Flash memory is planned for next week. Also on Sol 4139 (Sept. 15, 2015), the rover completed a 13-foot (4-meter) bumped to a new surface target. As of Sol 4139 (Sept. 15, 2015), the solar array energy production was 345 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.585 and a solar array dust factor of 0.552. Total odometry is 26.43 miles (42.53 kilometers), more than a marathon. sols 4126-4133, September 02, 2015-September 09, 2015: Team Continues to Operate Rover in RAM Mode Opportunity is within 'Marathon Valley' on the west rim of Endeavour Crater exploring for clay minerals. The rover is operating in persistent RAM mode (not using Flash for data storage). On Sol 4127 (Sept. 3, 2015), Opportunity bumped just 26 inches (65 centimeters) towards the surface target, 'Pvt. Silas Goodrich' to begin an in-situ (contact) science campaign. On Sols 4130 and 4131 (Sept. 6 and Sept. 7, 2015), the rover conducted a 2-sol robotic arm activity. On the first sol, the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) was placed on the target for an overnight integration. On the second sol, the Microscopic Imager (MI) was used to collect an extensive mosaic of the surface target. Flash Bank 7 continues to be readout and downlink as part of the ongoing diagnostics investigation of Flash memory. Other than Flash, Opportunity is in good health. As of Sol 4133 (Sept. 9, 2015), the solar array energy production was 356 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.631 and a solar array dust factor of 0.562. Total odometry is (26.42 miles) 42.52 kilometers, more than a marathon. sols 4120-4125, August 26, 2015-September 01, 2015: Driving West To Reach New Rock Target Opportunity is within 'Marathon Valley' on the west rim of Endeavour Crater exploring for phyllosilicate clay minerals. The rover is operating in persistent RAM mode (not using Flash for data storage). On Sol 4120 (Aug. 26, 2015), Opportunity used the Rock Abrasion Tool (RAT) to brush the freshly ground surface target, 'Pvt. Robert Frazer' to prepare it for in-situ (contact) measurements. After the surface was cleaned, the Microscopic Imager collected an image mosaic. This was followed by the placement of the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS). The APXS integration was performed on the evening of the next sol. Both Panoramic Camera (Pancam) and Navigation Camera (Navcam) panoramas were sequenced over several sols along with additional readouts of Flash Bank 7 memory. On Sol 4125 (Sept. 1, 2015), the rover drove to the west about 46 feet (14 meters) in order to approach a new geological contact that may exhibit characteristics of alternation. As of Sol 4125 (Sept. 1, 2015), the solar array energy production was 384 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.668 and a solar array dust factor of 0.582. Total odometry is 26.42 (42.52 kilometers), more than a marathon. sols 4113-4119, August 19, 2015-August 25, 2015: Brushing a Rock and In-Situ Studies Opportunity is in 'Marathon Valley' on the west rim of Endeavour Crater exploring for phyllosilicate clay minerals. The rover is operating in persistent RAM mode (not using Flash for data storage). The rover is in the midst of a grind campaign on the surface target, 'Pvt. Robert Frazer.' On Sol 4114 (Aug. 20, 2015), Opportunity ground about 2.5 millimeters into the surface to expose fresh outcrop using the Rock Abrasion Tool (RAT) on the end of the robotic arm. This was to be followed on the next sol by a brushing to remove the grind tailings from the surface site. But, a sequencing error prevented the RAT from initiating the brush activity. The project diagnosed the problem on the Surface System Testbed (SSTB) rover at JPL and confirmed the corrective action. Meanwhile, the rover continued the remote sensing of the valley with several Panoramic Camera (Pancam) panoramas collected of the North Wall of Marathon Valley plus some 13-filter Pancam images of selected surface targets. An Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer APXS measurement of atmospheric argon was collected on the evening of Sol 4116 (Aug. 22, 2015). The plan ahead is to complete the brushing of the freshly ground surface target for detailed in-situ (contact) measurements. As of Sol 4119 (Aug. 25, 2015), the solar array energy production was 404 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.652 and a solar array dust factor of 0.590. Total odometry is 26.41 miles (42.51 kilometers), more than a marathon. sols 4106-4112, August 12, 2015-August 18, 2015: Clay-Mineral Rocks Get Closer Inspection Opportunity is in 'Marathon Valley' on the west rim of Endeavour Crater exploring for phyllosilicate clay minerals. The rover is operating in persistent RAM mode (not using Flash for data storage). Winter power levels have been constraining some rover activities. The rover is conducting both an in-situ (contact) science investigation of a surface target within the central unit of the valley and a Panoramic Camera (Pancam) panorama survey of the North Wall of the valley. On Sol 4107 (August 13, 2015), Opportunity used the Rock Abrasion Tool (RAT) to brush a surface target. This was followed by the collection of a Microscopic Imager (MI) mosaic and an Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) placement on the same. On Sol 4110 (August 16, 2015), the rover continued with more MI mosaics of the target and an offset placement of the APXS for a multi-hour integration. Further Pancam images of the North Wall were taken. On Sol 4111 (August 17, 2015), the RAT was used to grind 1 millimeter into the surface rock unit. Documentary MI imagery was taken and the APXS placed again. Some diagnostic readouts of Flash memory Bank 7 were performed. Additional readouts will be done on subsequent sols. On Sol 4112 (August 18, 2015), a complete MI mosaic was collected of the RAT grind was made along with another APXS placement. Deeper grinding is expected in the coming sols. Other than the Flash, Opportunity is in good health. As of Sol 4112 (August 18, 2015), the solar array energy production was 416 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.650 and a solar array dust factor of 0.597. Total odometry is 26.41 miles (42.51 kilometers), more than a marathon. sols 4099-4105, August 05, 2015-August 11, 2015: The Challenges of RAM Mode Opportunity is in Marathon Valley on the west rim of Endeavour Crater exploring for clay minerals. The rover is operating in persistent RAM mode (not using Flash memory for data storage). In RAM mode, it is sometimes challenging to collect images at the right time of day to send them back to Earth via the orbital relay passes. On Sol 4099 (August 5, 2015), Pancam images were taken of the North Wall within Marathon Valley. On Sol 4100 (August 6, 2015) the robotic arm was used to conduct contact science on a surface target. The Microscopic Imager (MI) collected a mosaic and then the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) was placed for a multi-hour integration. Navcam panoramas are also being collected from this site. On Sol 4102 (August 8, 2015), another set of MI images along with an offset placement of the APXS were performed. The APXS integration was sequenced on the next sol. On Sol 4104 (August 10, 2015), more Pancam images of the North Wall were taken. Then on Sol 4105 (August 11, 2015), Opportunity turned just slightly more than 1.5 degrees using a tank turn to allow the robotic arm to reach an exposed outcrop that will be brushed by the Rock Abrasion Tool (RAT) on a subsequent sol. Other than the Flash, Opportunity is in good health. As of Sol 4105 (August 11, 2015), the solar array energy production was 420 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.736 and a solar array dust factor of 0.608. Total odometry is 26.41 miles (42.51 kilometers) more than a marathon. sols 4094-4098, July 31, 2015-August 04, 2015: Looking Forward to Contact Science in 'Marathon Valley' Opportunity is in 'Marathon Valley' on the west rim of Endeavour Crater, searching for clay minerals. The rover is operating in persistent RAM mode (not using Flash for data storage). This requires the rover to stay awake all the way up to the Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) relay passes on each sol. With Mars Odyssey now in a later orbit, relay passes come much later in the day. With winter coming and less sunlight for energy production, these late relay passes cause the rover to consume more energy from the batteries. Therefore, Sols 4095 and 4097 (Aug. 1 and Aug. 3, 2015) had little science and a shorter relay pass to save energy for a drive on Sol 4096 (Aug. 2, 2015). The drive successfully completed, moving the rover over 65.6 feet (20 meters) towards a new geologic unit within the valley. Extensive post-drive Navigation Camera (Navcam) panoramas were also collected. With a good state of charge after the recharge sol on Sol 4097 (Aug. 3, 2015), Opportunity drove again on Sol 4098 (Aug. 4, 2015), moving just under 19.7 feet (6 meters) to reach an exposed outcrop within this new rock unit. The plan ahead is to perform some contact science measurements on the targets in this area. During the winter, Opportunity will rely more on the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter for relay, which occurs earlier in the day. Other than the Flash, Opportunity is in good health. As of Sol 4098 (Aug. 4, 2015), the solar array energy production was 431 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.639 (from Sol 4096, Aug. 2, 2015) and a solar array dust factor of 0.614. Total odometry is 26.41 miles (42.51 kilometers), more than a marathon. sols 4085-4093, July 21, 2015-July 30, 2015: Beginning to Explore 'Marathon Valley' Opportunity has entered 'Marathon Valley' on the west rim of Endeavour Crater and has begun the search for clay minerals. Previously, the project tested returning to using Flash memory for data storage. The Flash exhibited instability after a few sols, so the project returned Opportunity to operating in RAM-only mode on Sol 4085 (July 21, 2015). Over the next two sols a 360-degree Navigation Camera (Navcam) panorama was collected. On Sol 4088 (July 24, 2015), the rover resumed contact science with the collection of a Microscopic Imager (MI) mosaic of a surface target followed by the placement of the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) on the same for a multi-hour integration. Additional MI images were collected on the next sol to complete the mosaic. Atmospheric observations were also made as part of this multi-sol plan. On Sol 4091, (July 28, 2015), the Rock Abrasion Tool (RAT) was used to brush the surface target to prepare it for further investigation. This was followed by another MI mosaic and the placement of the APXS. On Sol 4093 (July 30, 2015), an offset MI mosaic was collected and the APXS placed on the offset target. Other than the Flash, Opportunity is in good health. As of Sol 4092 (July 29, 2015), the solar array energy production was 424 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.695 and a solar array dust factor of 0.611. Total odometry is 26.40 miles (42.48 kilometers), more than a marathon. sols 4080-4084, July 16, 2015-July 20, 2015: Experimenting with Flash Memory Opportunity has entered 'Marathon Valley' on the west rim of Endeavour Crater. On Sol 4081 (July 17, 2015), the rover drove 96.7 feet (29.47 meters) to the northeast to enter the valley and collected spectacular imagery. The project has been experimenting with the Flash file system on the rover to understand its current usability. On Sol 4082 (July 18, 2015), Opportunity mounted its non-volatile Flash file system, instead of using volatile RAM for telemetry storage. The Flash seemed to work, although a benign 'amnesia' event did occur later on the sol. On the next Sol the rover was unable to mount the Flash at all and used RAM instead, still able to carry out the science plan that day. On Sol 4084 (July 20, 2015), a short bump was sequenced, but because of an amnesia event later on the sol, the telemetry from the bump was not received on the ground, although other data showed the drive completed as expected and the rover moved to the planned location. The Flash file system will continued to be investigated by the project as the science mission in Marathon Valley continues. Other than the Flash, Opportunity is in good health. As of Sol 4084 (July 20, 2015), the solar array energy production was 432 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.645 and a solar array dust factor of 0.607. Total odometry is 26.40 miles (42.48 kilometers), more than a marathon. sols 4072-4079, July 08, 2015-July 15, 2015: A Week of Imaging and Driving Opportunity is on the west rim of Endeavour Crater heading into 'Marathon Valley.' On Sol 4072 (July 8, 2015), the rover collected some targeted 13-filter Panoramic Camera (Pancam) images and some Navigation Camera (Navcam) cloud and dust devil movies (if any were present). On Sol 4073 (July 9, 2015), Opportunity bumped only about 10 inches (25 centimeters) to position the robotic arm to reach some new targets within the so-called 'Red Zone' along the edge of the 'Spirit of St. Louis.' Also, some post-drive targeted Pancam observations were made. An atmospheric argon measurement was collected that night by the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) instrument. On Sol 4074 (July 10, 2015), more targeted 13-filter Pancam observations were made along with more Navcam cloud and dust devil movies. On Sol 4075 (July 11, 2015), the rover began some in-situ (contact) science investigation of the new 'Red Zone' target, first by collecting a Microscopic Imager (MI) mosaic, then by placing the APXS for a multi-hour integration. On the next sol, more Navcam cloud and dust devil movies were collected. On Sol 4077 (July 13, 2015), Opportunity headed around the 'Spirit of St. Louis' to the east with a 90-foot (27.5-meter) drive. Post-drive Navcam panoramas were collected from that new vantage point. On Sol 4078 (July 14, 2015), the rover departed the 'Spirit of St. Louis' and headed northeast towards 'Swan Hill' with a 120-foot (36.7-meter) drive, collecting post-drive Navcam panoramas. On the next sol, Opportunity first collected some pre-drive targeted Navcam and Pancam images, then drove almost 62 feet (19 meters) heading into Marathon Valley. Following the drive, a 360-degree Navcam panorama was collected. As of Sol 4079 (July 15, 2015), the solar array energy production was 421 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.634 and a solar array dust factor of 0.612. Total odometry is 26.38 miles (42.45 kilometers), more than a marathon. sols 4059-4064, June 25, 2015-June 30, 2015: Opportunity Gets Back to Work Opportunity is on the west rim of Endeavour Crater at the 'Spirit of St. Louis' crater near the entrance of 'Marathon Valley.' The Earth-Mars Solar Conjunction command moratorium and communication blackout is over and the rover has resumed normal operations and science planning. On Sol 4059 (June 25, 2015), the rover conducted targeted remote sensing including capturing a spectacular Phobos transit of the Sun. The next sol had the rover collecting change-detecting imagery to compare to imagery collected before solar conjunction. On Sol 4061 (June 27, 2015), Opportunity bumped just over a meter to reach some new surface targets just the other side of the 'Red Zone' unit that had been previously investigated. Post-dump targeted Panoramic Camera (Pancam) images and a 360-degree Navigation Camera (Navcam) panorama were collected. With the new position, the rover on Sol 4064 (June 30, 2015), used the Rock Abrasion Tool (RAT) to brush the surface target, named 'Ryan NYP.' This was followed with a Microscopic Imager (MI) mosaic and a placement of the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) for an evening integration. The rover continues to operate in RAM-only mode while the on-board Flash storage system is being investigated. The rover is otherwise in good health. As of Sol 4064 (June 30, 2015), the solar array energy production was 465 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.725 and a solar array dust factor of 0.628. Total odometry is 26.33 miles (42.37 kilometers), more than a marathon. sols 4053-4058, June 19, 2015-June 24, 2015: Rover In Good Health After Communication Blackout Opportunity is on the west rim of Endeavour Crater at the 'Spirit of St. Louis' crater near the entrance of 'Marathon Valley.' The Earth-Mars Solar Conjunction command moratorium and communication blackout has just ended. Telemetry is again being received from the Opportunity and the rover is in good health. Normal tactical planning has resumed with the Sol 4059 (June 25, 2015) plan. As of Sol 4055 (June 21, 2015), the solar array energy production was 477 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.797 and a solar array dust factor of 0.644. Total odometry is 26.33 miles (42.37 kilometers), more than a marathon. sols 4043-4052, June 08, 2015-June 17, 2015: Rover Remains in Solar Conjunction Communication Blackout Opportunity is on the west rim of Endeavour Crater at the 'Spirit of St. Louis' crater near the entrance of 'Marathon Valley.' We are inside the Earth-Mars Solar Conjunction command moratorium and communication blackout. Solar conjunction is when the Sun comes between Earth and Mars, which occurs about once every 26 months. During this time there will be diminished communications to Opportunity. More on solar conjunction here: http://mars.nasa.gov/news/whatsnew/index.cfm?FuseAction=ShowNews&NewsID=1824 Opportunity will be executing a basic set of activities from on-board sequences for the remainder of the solar conjunction period, including some Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) integration on a selected surface target. As of the last returned telemetry on Sol 4042 (June 7, 2015), the solar array energy production was 490 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.768 and a solar array dust factor of 0.643. Total odometry is 26.33 (42.37 kilometers), more than a marathon. sols 4039-4042, June 04, 2015-June 07, 2015: For Next Three Weeks, Rover in Quiet Period of Operations Opportunity is on the west rim of Endeavour Crater at the 'Spirit of St. Louis' crater near the entrance of 'Marathon Valley.' The rover is now in the Solar Conjunction command moratorium. Solar conjunction is when the Sun comes between Earth and Mars, which occurs about once every 26 months. During this time there will be diminished communications to Opportunity. More on solar conjunction here: http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/news/whatsnew/index.cfm?FuseAction=ShowNews&NewsID=1824 Opportunity will be executing a basic set of activities for the remainder of the solar conjunction period, including some Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) measurements of a surface target. As of the last returned telemetry on Sol 4042 (June 7, 2015), the solar array energy production was 490 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.768 and a solar array dust factor of 0.643. Total odometry is 26.33 miles (42.37 kilometers), more than a marathon. sols 4030-4038, May 26, 2015-June 03, 2015: Rover Ready for Solar Conjunction and Period of Curtailed Operations Opportunity is on the west rim of Endeavour Crater at the 'Spirit of St. Louis' crater near the entrance of 'Marathon Valley.' The rover is now configured for Solar Conjunction with all sequences onboard for the next three weeks. Solar conjunction is when the Sun comes between Earth and Mars, which occurs about once every 26 months. During this time there will be diminished communications to Opportunity. More on solar conjunction here: http://mars.nasa.gov/news/whatsnew/?FuseAction=ShowNews&NewsID=1824 The last drive was on Sol 4031 (May 27, 2015). The rover moved 19 meters to approach a surface target that will be the subject of investigation during solar conjunction. On Sol 4034 (May 30, 2015), the robotic arm was used to collect a Microscopic Imager (MI) mosaic of the surface target. Then, the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) was placed for a multiple hour integration. The next robotic arm activity will actually occur during Solar Conjunction on Sol 4047 (June 12, 2015). On that sol, Opportunity will perform a small, less than an inch (1 cm) offset of the APXS placement and perform another long integration. As of the entry into the Solar Conjunction communication moratorium, Opportunity was in good health operating in persistent RAM-mode to avoid the use of Flash memory. As of Sol 4037 (June 2, 2015), the solar array energy production was 500 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.952 and a solar array dust factor of 0.688. Total odometry is 26.33 miles (42.37 kilometers), more than a marathon. sols 4024-4029, May 20, 2015-May 25, 2015: Preparing for Solar Conjunction Opportunity is on the west rim of Endeavour Crater at the 'Spirit of St. Louis' crater near the entrance of 'Marathon Valley.' The rover had been exploring the outcrops inside the Spirit of St. Louis crater and preparing for solar conjunction. Solar conjunction is when the Sun comes between Earth and Mars, which occurs about once every 26 months. During this time there will be diminished communications to Opportunity. More on solar conjunction here: http://mars.nasa.gov/allaboutmars/nightsky/solar-conjunction/ . The intent on Sol 4025 (May 21, 2015) was to drive out of the Spirit of St. Louis crater, but a vehicle reset and associated amnesia event occurred on the evening of Sol 4024 (May 20, 2015), stopping all onboard sequences. The rover was restored to master sequence control on Sol 4026 (May 22, 2015). In light of the recent unexplained vehicle resets, the project made the decision to configure the rover in RAM-only mode, avoiding the use of non-volatile Flash memory for storage. That configuration change was made on Sol 4027 (May 23, 2015). On Sol 4029 (May 25, 2015), Opportunity successfully completed a 157-foot (48 meter) drive, putting the rover outside of the Spirit of St. Louis crater. Another drive is planned before stopping for solar conjunction. Other than the Flash memory related issues, the rover is in good health. As of Sol 4028 (May 24, 2015), the solar array energy production was 558 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.962 and a solar array dust factor of 0.728. Total odometry is 26.31 miles (42.35 kilometers), more than a marathon. sols 4018-4023, May 14, 2015-May 19, 2015: Rover Restored to Normal Operations After a Reset Error Opportunity is on the west rim of Endeavour Crater at the 'Spirit of St. Louis' crater near the entrance of 'Marathon Valley.' The rover had been exploring the outcrops inside the Spirit of St. Louis crater. On Sol 4018 (May 14, 2015), the project attempted to restore the rover to master sequence control after an unexplained reset on Sol 4017 (May 13, 2015). However, an operational error prevented the use of the high-gain antenna (HGA), and the rover did not receive subsequent recovery commands. The rover was successfully restored to normal operations on Sol 4020 (May 16, 2015). On that sol, Opportunity executed a very small turn-in-place of only 4.6 degrees to position a surface target within reach of the robotic arm instruments. That evening, an overnight atmospheric argon measurement using the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) was made. Another amnesia event occurred on the evening of Sol 4021 (May 17, 2015), but it was benign with no loss of data. On Sol 4023 (May 19, 2015), the Rock Abrasion Tool (RAT) was used to brush a surface target for in-situ (contact) investigation. After the brushing, a Microscopic Imager (MI) mosaic was collected, followed by the placement of the APXS for a multi-hour integration. As of Sol 4023 (May 19, 2015), the solar array energy production was 536 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 1.105 and a solar array dust factor of 0.727. Total odometry is 26.28 miles (42.30 kilometers), more than a marathon. sols 4011-4017, May 06, 2015-May 13, 2015: Exploring the 'Spirit of St. Louis' Crater Opportunity is on the west rim of Endeavour Crater at the 'Spirit of St. Louis' crater near the entrance of 'Marathon Valley.' The rover had been exploring the outcrops inside the Spirit of St. Louis crater. On Sol 4011 (May 6, 2015), Opportunity drove 25 feet (7.6 meters) to approach the target, named 'Harold M. Bixby.' The drive was preceded with targeted color Panoramic Camera (Pancam) imagery and followed by post-drive Navigation Camera (Navcam) panoramas. On Sol 4013 (May 8, 2015), the rover began the in-situ (contact) investigation of the same target with a Microscopic Imager (MI) mosaic and then the placement of the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) for a multi-hour integration. Additional Navcam panoramas were collected on Sol 4014 (May 9, 2015). On Sol 4016 (May 12, 2015), Opportunity drove again toward some hummocky terrain, driving about 30 feet (9 meters) to the south. This drive too was preceded with targeted color Pancam imagery and followed with post-drive Navcam panoramas. On the morning of Sol 4017 (May 13, 2015), the rover experienced a vehicle reset during the high-gain antenna (HGA) pass. A bad address was reported with a range outside of any address space used by the rover's avionics. The cause of the reset is not known at this time. The project is in the process of restoring the rover back to master sequence control. As of Sol 4016 (May 12, 2015), the solar array energy production was 526 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 1.146 and a solar array dust factor of 0.734. Total odometry is 26.28 miles (42.30 kilometers), more than a marathon. sols 4004-4010, April 29, 2015-May 05, 2015: Opportunity Getting Ready to Enter 'Spirit of St. Louis' Crater Opportunity is on the west rim of Endeavour Crater at the 'Spirit of St. Louis' crater near the entrance of 'Marathon Valley.' The rover had been exploring the outcrops just outside the Spirit of St. Louis crater, so now its time to enter the crater. On Sol 4004 (April 29, 2015), Opportunity performed a toe-dip maneuver to test the physical nature of the crater interior, then backed out and drove along the rim towards another entry point. On the next sol, here, the rover entered the crater with a 30 feet (9-meter) drive toward the interior crater mound, called 'Lindbergh.' On Sol 4006 (May 1, 2015), Opportunity performed a dog-leg approach to Lindbergh mound to reach some surface targets. The next sol, the rover collected an atmospheric argon measurement with the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) and performed a late-night Panoramic Camera (Pancam) observation of a Phobos eclipse. Now in position at the mound, Opportunity performed some in-situ (contact) science at a target, called 'Roosevelt Field.' Using the robotic arm, a Microscopic Imager (MI) mosaic of the target was collected with the placement of the APXS on the same for a multi-hour integration. With each drive the rover made, both pre-drive targeted Pancam images and post-drive Navigation Camera (Navcam) panoramas were collected. The rover did experience one benign amnesia event on the evening of Sol 4004 (April 29, 2015), but otherwise the rover is in great health. As of Sol 4010 (May 5, 2015), the solar array energy production was 508 watt-hours with an increased atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 1.333 and a solar array dust factor of 0.729. Total odometry is 26.27 miles (42.28 kilometers), more than a marathon. sols 3999-4003, April 24, 2015-April 28, 2015: 4,000+ Martian Days of Work on Mars! Opportunity is on the west rim of Endeavour Crater next to the "Spirit of St. Louis" crater near the entrance of "Marathon Valley." The rover has been exploring the outcrops in this area. On her 4,000th day on Mars, Opportunity drove about 16 feet (5 meters) to approach a new outcrop for investigation, called "Lambert Field." A post-drive 360-degree Navigation Camera (Navcam) panorama was collected and the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) was used to collect an atmospheric argon measurement. On Sol 4003 (April 28, 2015), the rover used the robotic arm to collect a Microscopic Imager (MI) mosaic of the new in-situ (contact) target and then placed the APXS on the same for a multi-hour integration. Some Panoramic Camera (Pancam) color imagery was also collected. Another amnesia event occurred on the evening wake up on Sol 4002 (April 27, 2015). This event, like the others, was benign. Regional dust storms have been kicking up dust into the atmosphere. The atmospheric opacity over the rover's site has increased along with some modest cleaning of the rover's solar arrays. As of Sol 4003 (April 28, 2015), the solar array energy production was 526 watt-hours with an increased atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 1.395 and a solar array dust factor of 0.830. Total odometry is 26.25 miles (42.25 kilometers), more than a marathon. sols 3990-3998, April 15, 2015-April 23, 2015: Rover on the Lookout for Dust Devils! Opportunity is on the west rim of Endeavour Crater next to the "Spirit of St. Louis" crater near the entrance of "Marathon Valley." The rover had been conducting an in-situ (contact) science campaign at the outcrop named "Thermopylae." On Sol 3991 (April 16, 2015), the robotic arm was used to collect a Microscopic Imager (MI) mosaic and then place the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) for a multi-hour integration. A small Navigation Camera (Navcam) mosaic was also collected on that sol. On the next sol, a new Navcam Dust Devil Watch was sequenced. On Sol 3993 (April 18, 2015), further MI mosaics were collected followed by another APXS placement. For the next sol, the APXS was offset to an adjacent target for another integration. However, during the preparation for the afternoon UHF relay pass the rover experienced a reset, stopping all sequences. The cause of the reset is unknown and still under investigation. Further, an amnesia event occurred later that night for the wakeup to start Deep Sleep. The rover was restored to master sequence control on Sol 3996 (April 21, 2015). On Sol 3998 (April 23, 2015), Opportunity drove a little over 26 feet (8 meters) to reach the rim of the Spirit of St. Louis crater. As of Sol 3998, the solar array energy production was 620 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.766 and a solar array dust factor of 0.731. Total odometry is 26.25 miles (42.24 kilometers), more than a marathon. sols 3983-3989, April 8, 2015-April 14, 2015: Robotic Arm Gets Busy on Rock Outcrop Opportunity is on the west rim of Endeavour Crater near the entrance of "Marathon Valley," a putative location for abundant clay minerals. The rover is positioned on a light-toned outcrop next to the feature called "The Spirit of St. Louis" crater. The rover is continuing a campaign to investigate surface targets in this outcrop. On Sol 3984 (April 9, 2015), Opportunity examined the surface target called "Thermopylae" using the robotic arm to collect a Microscopic Imager (MI) mosaic and later perform a placement of the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) for a multi-sol integration. On Sol 3986 (April 11, 2015), the rover repeated this set of science observations on a different target within the rover's work volume. Another MI mosaic and APXS integration were collected. On Sol 3989 (April 14, 2015), Opportunity bumped about 24 inches (60 centimeters) to position to reach some other surface targets in the same outcrop. The rover has implemented a supplementary way of collected additional battery data and has also been acquiring some atmospheric opacity measurements to support the Insight mission. The rover experienced two more amnesia events on the evenings of Sols 3987 and 3988 (April 12 and April 13, 2015). Both were benign and resulted in no loss of science data. The rover is otherwise in excellent health. As of Sol 3989 (April 14, 2015), the solar array energy production was 561 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.813 and a solar array dust factor of 0.714. Total odometry is 26.24 miles (42.24 kilometers), more than a marathon. sols 3976-3982, March 31, 2015-April 7, 2015: Examining Rock Outcrop at 'The Spirit of St. Louis' Crater Opportunity is on the west rim of Endeavour Crater near the entrance of "Marathon Valley," a putative location for abundant clay minerals. The rover is positioned on a light-toned outcrop next to the feature called "The Spirit of St. Louis" crater. The rover is continuing a campaign to investigate surface targets in this light-toned outcrop. On Sol 3977 (April 1, 2015), the rover began two sols of Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) measurements with offset placements between sols. On Sol 3979 (April 3, 2015), the rover bumped to a new surface target, moving almost 20 feet (6 meters). For the next two evenings, atmospheric argon was measured using the APXS. Additional in-situ (contact) science with the robotic arm instruments was planned for Sol 3982 (April 7, 2015), but a DSN problem prevented the sequence plan from being transmitted to the rover. Opportunity instead executed on-board run-out sequences. The missed plan will be repeated in the next uplink planning opportunity. Two more amnesia events occurred in the evenings of Sols 3979 and 3980 (April 3 and April 5, 2015). Both events were benign with no loss of science data. As of Sol 3982 (April 7, 2015), the solar array energy production was 559 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0971 and a solar array dust factor of 0.732. Total odometry is 26.24 miles (42.24 kilometers). sols 3970-3975, March 25, 2015-March 30, 2015: Rover Explores 'The Spirit of St. Louis' Crater Opportunity is on the west rim of Endeavour Crater near the entrance of "Marathon Valley," a putative location for abundant clay minerals. The rover has driven around the feature called "The Spirit of St. Louis" crater and approached a light-toned rock outcrop. On Sol 3970 (March 25, 2015), Opportunity started the in-situ (contact) examination of the rock outcrop with a Microscopic Imager (MI) mosaic followed by the placement of the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) for a multi-hour integration. On the next sol, the rover performed a small turn to reach other targets with the instruments on the robotic arm. After assessing that those new targets were not accessible, the rover bumped again on the next sol. With good targets now within reach, Opportunity used the Rock Abrasion Tool (RAT) to brush another surface target and followed that with the collection of a MI mosaic and the placement of the APXS for another multi-hour integration. Although the Flash files system has been functioning since the reformat and masking of Bank 7 back on Sol 3964 (March 19, 2015), a single amnesia event did occur at the rover wake up on the evening of Sol 3969 (March 24, 2015). The amnesia event was benign and did not impact rover operations nor result in any loss of science data. The project continues to investigate this. As of Sol 3975 (March 30, 2015), the solar array energy production was 562 watt-hours with an elevated atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 1.010 and a solar array dust factor of 0.744. Total odometry is 26.24 miles (42.23 kilometers). sols 3963-3969, March 18, 2015-March 24, 2015: Flash Reformatted and Marathon Completed The Opportunity mission is now the first human enterprise to exceed marathon distance of travel on another world. Opportunity is on the west rim of Endeavour Crater near 'Marathon Valley', a putative location for abundant clay minerals. The rover is approaching a feature called 'Spirit of St. Louis Crater' at the entrance to Marathon Valley. On Sol 3964 (March 19, 2015), the flash-memory file system was reformatted using new flight software. The reformat was successful. The rover is again using flash for nonvolatile data storage. On Sol 3966 (March 21, 2015), Opportunity began approaching the Spirit of St. Louis Crater with a 177-foot (54-meter) drive, avoiding some obstacles along the way. The drive was preceded with some targeted Pancam imagery and followed by a Navcam panorama, which is typical practice when driving. On Sol 3968 (overnight March 23 to March 24), Opportunity made history. The rover the rover drove 154 feet (46.9 meters) in a dog leg around the crater. With that drive, Opportunity exceeded the distance for a marathon (26.219 miles or 42.195 kilometers). On Sol 3959 (March 24), the rover continued to advance with a 28-foot (8.5-meter) approach to a light-toned rock outcrop. As of Sol 3969, the solar array energy production was 610 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.678 and a solar array dust factor of 0.717. Total odometry as of Sol 3969 (March 24, 2015) is 26.241 mile (42.230 kilometers). sols 3957-3962, March 12, 2015-March 17, 2015: Approaching 'The Spirit of St. Louis' Crater Opportunity is on the west rim of Endeavour Crater near 'Marathon Valley,' a putative location for abundant clay minerals. Opportunity in less than 328 feet (100 meters) away from the feature called 'The Spirit of St. Louis' at the entrance to Marathon Valley. The rover completed the near-term science campaign this past week. On Sol 3957 (March 12, 2015), Opportunity bumped only a few centimeters to position a surface target within reach of the robotic arm instruments. Sol 3959 (March 14, 2015), began two days of in situ (contact) investigation of the rock target named 'Sgt. Nathaniel Pryor.' On each sol, the robotic arm used the Microscopic Imager (MI) to collect an image mosaic, then placed the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) to collect a multi-hour measurement of the elemental composition of the target. With the in-situ work complete, Opportunity drove 98 feet (30 meters) west to line up for the approach to the Spirit of St. Louis crater. The project is preparing to mask off the troubled Bank 7 sector of the Flash file system with a new version of the flight software on Sol 3964 (March 19, 2015). As of Sol 3962 (March 17, 2015), the solar array energy production was 607 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.759 and a solar array dust factor of 0.740. Total odometry is 26.17 miles (42.12 kilometers). sols 3949-3956, March 4, 2015-March 11, 2015: Sampling Mars Rocks Opportunity is on the west rim of Endeavour Crater near "Marathon Valley," a putative location for abundant clay minerals now only about 394 feet (120 meters) away. The project is preparing to mask off the troubled Bank 7 sector of the Flash file system with a new version of the flight software (FSW) after the project completes the near-term science campaign. The rover has sampled an unusual rock composition in the rim region near Marathon Valley. The near-term plan is to sample more rocks exhibiting the purple and bluish coloring that is apparent at this site. On Sol 3950 (March 5, 2015), we began robotic arm work with a Rock Abrasion Tool (RAT) brush and Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) measurement of �blue rock� target �Sgt. Charles Floyd.� Due to Ultra High Frequency antenna data volume constraints we postponed doing a full Microscopic Imager (MI) mosaic on the target until Sol 3952 (March 7, 2015). Depending on the results of the APXS measurement, the team was considering a follow-up grind on Sol 3955 (March 10, 2015). However as the subsequent analysis showed that Sgt. Charles Floyd appeared similar to another rock that we encountered out on the plains, and since it seemed to be very hard and would cause excessive wear on the RAT grind bit, we decided to move on to a �purple rock� target instead. On Sol 3955 (March 10, 2015), we bumped to target �Sgt. Nathaniel Pryor.� While the bump was successful, wheel straightening knocked the Instrument Deployment Device slightly out of alignment with the target and required us to do a small tank turn, which has been implemented in the Sol 3957 (March 12, 2015), plan. As of Sol 3956 (March 11, 2015), the solar array energy production was 577 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.658 and a solar array dust factor of 0.725. Total odometry is 26.15 miles (42.09 kilometers). sols 3944-3948, February 27, 2015-March 3, 2015: Taking a Closer Look at Purple-Bluish Rock Formation Opportunity is on the west rim of Endeavour Crater near "Marathon Valley," a putative location for abundant clay minerals now only about 394 feet (120 meters) away. The project is preparing to mask off the troubled Bank 7 sector of the Flash file system with a new version of the flight software (FSW) after the project completes the near-term science campaign. The rover has sampled an unusual rock composition in the rim region near Marathon Valley. The near-term plan is to sample more rocks exhibiting the purple and bluish coloring that is apparent at this site. On Sol 3945 (Feb. 28, 2015), Opportunity drove over 98 feet (30 meters) to the south to approach more of the purple and blue rock types. Supporting Navigation Camera (Navcam) and Panoramic Camera (Pancam) panoramas were also collected. On Sol 3848 (March 3, 2015), the rover bumped forward just under 13 feet (4 meters) to reach these rocks and place candidate targets within reach of the robotic arm instruments. The plan ahead is to brush the surface targets with the Rock Abrasion Tool (RAT) and collect a Microscopic Imager (MI) mosaic and place the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) for a multi-hour integration. As of Sol 3948 (March 3, 2015), the solar array energy production was 545 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.708 and a solar array dust factor of 0.687. Total odometry is 26.15 miles (42.09 kilometers). sols 3937-3943, February 19, 2015-February 26, 2015: New Flight Software to Fix Memory Issues is Onboard Rover Opportunity is on the west rim of Endeavour Crater near "Marathon Valley," a putative location for abundant clay minerals now only about 492 feet (150 meters) away. The project is preparing to mask off the troubled Bank 7 sector of the Flash file system with a new version of the flight software (FSW). The preparations for the FSW load and build were to begin with the 3-sol plan on Sol 3938 (Feb. 20, 2015). However, bad weather and a complex power outage in Canberra, Australia prevented the plans from being sent. The rover was allowed to safely execute its onboard runout plan for the weekend. On Sol 3941 (Feb. 23, 2015), preparations were restarted for the FSW build. Remote sensing observations of Marathon Valley were also performed. On Sol 3942 (Feb. 24, 2015), the FSW patch was uploaded and the new FSW was successfully built and saved onboard. On the next sol, Opportunity successfully booted onto the new version of FSW and is running without error. Further remote observations of Marathon Valley with the Panoramic Camera (Pancam) and the collection of an atmospheric argon measurement with the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer were also commanded. The plan ahead is to allow a few days to confirm all aspects of the new FSW before performing the reformat of the Flash file system with the new software. As of Sol 3943 (Feb. 26, 2015), the solar array energy production was 559 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.734 and a solar array dust factor of 0.674. Total odometry is 26.13 miles (42.05 kilometers). sols 3928-3936, February 10, 2015-February 18, 2015: Solar Panels Get a Small Energy Boost Opportunity is on the west rim of Endeavour Crater heading towards "Marathon Valley," a putative location for abundant clay minerals now only about 492 feet (150 meters) away. The project is preparing to mask off the troubled Bank 7 sector of the Flash file system with a new version of the flight software to be uploaded shortly. On Sols 3928 and 3929 (Feb. 10 and 11, 2015), Opportunity performed some targeted color Panoramic Camera (Pancam) observations. On Sol 3930 (Feb. 12, 2015), the rover drove about 66 feet (20 meters) to get a view into Marathon Valley. This was followed by a post-drive Navigation Camera (Navcam) panorama. Opportunity drove again on Sol 3932 (Feb. 14, 2015), bumping near a potential surface target. An atmospheric argon measurement with the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) was made. On the following two sols a 360-degree Navcam panorama was collected. A small dust cleaning events occurred on Sol 3934 (Feb. 16, 2015) improving energy production by about 12 percent. On Sol 3935 (Feb. 17, 2015), the robotic arm was used to collect a Microscopic Imager (MI) mosaic of the surface target "Jean Baptiste Charboneau" followed by an APXS placement on the same for a multi-hour integration. Opportunity drove again on Sol 3936 (Feb. 18, 2015), with a 9.8-meter drive to get a better view into the interior of Marathon Valley. As of Sol 3936 (Feb. 18, 2015), the solar array energy production was 559 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.816 and an improved solar array dust factor of 0.695. Total odometry is 26.13 miles (42.05 kilometers). sols 3922-3927, February 4, 2015-February 9, 2015: Latest Drive Puts Rover Within Marathon-Distance Record Opportunity is on the west rim of Endeavour Crater heading towards "Marathon Valley," a putative location for abundant clay minerals now only about 656 feet (200 meters) away. The project is operating the rover without using the Flash storage system to avoid resets associated with a corrupted portion of Flash. The project is preparing to mask off the troubled sector of Flash and resume using the remainder of the Flash file system. On Sol 3923 (Feb. 5, 2015), Opportunity drove 72 feet (21.7 meters) south, following the drive with post-drive Panoramic Camera (Pancam) and Navigation Camera (Navcam) drive-direction panoramas. On the following sol, the rover completed the Navcam 360-degree panorama with more imagery. On Sol 3925 (Feb. 7, 2015), Opportunity performed the first sol of a two-sol "touch 'n go" using the robotic arm (the "touch") to collect Microscopic Imager frames and then place the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer on a surface target for a multi-hour integration. On the next sol (the "go"), the rover drove over 102 feet (31 meters) and then collected more drive direction imagery. With this drive Opportunity exceeded (26 miles) 42 kilometers of driving distance on Mars. As of Sol 3927 (Feb. 9, 2015), the solar array energy production was 479 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.824 and a solar array dust factor of 0.606. Total odometry is 26.11 miles (42 kilometers). sols 3915-3921, January 28, 2015-February 3, 2015: Rover Continues Driving While Team Works on Rover Memory Issues Opportunity is on the west rim of Endeavour Crater heading towards "Marathon Valley," a putative location for abundant clay minerals now only about 656 feet (200 meters) away. The project is operating the rover without using the Flash storage system to avoid resets associated with a corrupted portion of Flash. The project is preparing to mask off the troubled sector of Flash and resume using the remainder of the Flash file system. Opportunity drove on Sols 3916, 3918 and 3921 (Jan. 29, Jan. 31 and Feb. 3, 2015), totaling about 282 feet (86 meters). The operations strategy has been to perform pre-drive targeted imaging, then drive on the first sol of a multi-sol plan, collecting post-drive Panoramic Camera (Pancam) and Navigation Camera (Navcam) imagery in the forward direction for data return that evening. Then, on the next sol, complete the 360-degree Navcam panorama with images in the rearward direction. As of Sol 3921 (Feb. 3, 2015), the solar array energy production was 484 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.949 and a solar array dust factor of 0.632. Total odometry is 26.08 miles (41.97 kilometers). sols 3909-3914, January 22, 2015-January 27, 2015: Several Drives This Week Put Opportunity Near Marathon Distance Opportunity is on the west rim of Endeavour Crater heading towards "Marathon Valley," a putative location for abundant clay minerals now about 984 feet (300 meters) away. The project is operating the rover without using the Flash storage system to avoid reset problems and is using instead random access memory (RAM) for temporary storage of telemetry. The project is preparing to mask off the troubled sector of Flash and resume using the remainder of the Flash file system in normal operations. Opportunity drove on Sols 3909, 3911 and 3914 (Jan. 22, Jan. 24 and Jan. 27, 2015), totaling almost 279 feet (85 meters). On the evening of Sol 3912 (Jan. 25, 2015), an atmospheric argon measurement was collected with the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer. Targeted color imagery is being collected as the rover makes progress towards the "Spirit of St. Louis" crater and Marathon Valley. As of Sol 3914 (Jan. 27, 2015), the estimated solar array energy production was 534 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.891 and an inferred solar array dust factor of 0.636. Total odometry is 26.02 miles (41.88 kilometers). sols 3902-3908, January 14, 2015-January 21, 2015: Team Has Plan to Fix Flash Memory Issue Opportunity is on the west rim of Endeavour Crater heading towards "Marathon Valley," a putative location for abundant clay minerals now less than 1,312 feet (400 meters) to the south. The Flash memory degradation causes multiple resets of the rover on each wake-up. To mitigate this, the project is operating the rover without using the non-volatile Flash storage system, and using instead the volatile random access memory (RAM) for temporary storage of telemetry. Recently, the project was able to configure the rover to use this mode at every wakeup without the need to set this mode each time with a ground command. Meanwhile, the project is preparing to mask off the troubled sector of Flash and resume using the remainder of the Flash file system in normal operations. The plan to implement the masking was reviewed last week by an independent panel and the project was given the go ahead. Opportunity drove on Sols 3902, 3905 and 3908 (Jan. 14, Jan. 16 and Jan. 21, 2015), totaling over 574 feet (175 meters). As of Sol 3908 (Jan. 21, 2015), the solar array energy production was 440 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 1.037 and a solar array dust factor of 0.596 (from Sol 3906/Jan. 18, 2015). Total odometry is 25.97 miles (41.80 kilometers). sols 3895-3901, January 7, 2015-January 13, 2015: Team Working on Strategy to Fix Flash Memory Issue Opportunity is on the west rim of Endeavour Crater heading towards "Marathon Valley," a putative location for abundant clay minerals now less than 1,969 feet (600 meters) to the south. The Flash memory degradation is causing multiple resets of the rover on each wake-up. To mitigate this, the project is operating the rover without using the non-volatile Flash storage system, and using instead the volatile random access memory (RAM) for temporary storage of telemetry. This requires real-time commanding the rover on the first day (sol) of each plan. Meanwhile, the project has developed the strategy to mask off the troubled sector of Flash and resume using the remainder of the Flash file system in normal operations. The project plans to implement the masking after an independent review is held later this week. Using RAM storage, Opportunity drove on Sol 3895 (Jan. 7, 2015), to do a small turn in place. Since arriving on the summit of "Cape Tribulation" on Sol 3894 (Jan. 6, 2015), Opportunity has been collecting a full color, 360-degree Panoramic Camera (Pancam) panorama. As of Sol 3901 (Jan. 13, 2015), the solar array energy production was 395 watt-hours, an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 1.056 and a solar array dust factor of 0.606. Total odometry is 25.86 miles (41.62 kilometers). sols 3875-3894, December 18, 2014 - January 6, 2015: Rover Reaches the Summit of 'Cape Tribulation' After Several Drives this Week Opportunity is on the west rim of Endeavour Crater heading towards "Marathon Valley," a putative location for abundant clay minerals now only about 1,969 feet (600 meters) to the south. The Flash memory continues to degrade causing multiple resets of the rover on each wake-up. To mitigate this, the project is operating the rover without using the non-volatile Flash storage system, and instead relies on the volatile random access memory (RAM) for temporary storage of telemetry. This requires real-time commanding the rover on the first sol of each plan. Meanwhile, the project is developing a strategy to mask off the troubled sector of Flash and resume using the remainder of the Flash file system in normal operations. Using RAM storage, Opportunity drove on Sols 3875, 3881, 3893 and 3894 (Dec. 18, 24, 2014 and Jan. 5 and Jan. 6, 2015), totaling over 656 feet (200 meters). With the drive on Sol 3894 (Jan. 6, 2015), Opportunity is now on the summit of "Cape Tribulation," the highest point so far on the western rim of Endeavour Crater. This point is 443 feet (135 meters) above the plain of "Botany Bay" before the rover started climbing the rim. As of Sol 3894 (Jan. 6, 2015), the solar array energy production was 438 watt-hours, an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 1.041 and a solar array dust factor of 0.631. Total odometry is 25.86 miles (41.62 kilometers).
i don't know
Which space shuttle, the second to be put in service, was lost on January 28, 1986 as the result of a faulty o-ring, 73 seconds after launch?
Challenger: Shuttle Disaster That Changed NASA Challenger: Shuttle Disaster That Changed NASA By Elizabeth Howell, Space.com Contributor | October 16, 2012 01:21pm ET MORE The space shuttle Challenger was one of NASA's greatest triumphs. It was the second shuttle to reach space, in April 1983. It successfully completed nine milestone missions. But Challenger was also NASA's darkest tragedy. On its 10th launch, on Jan. 28, 1986, the shuttle exploded 73 seconds after liftoff, killing the seven crewmembers. The accident changed the space program forever. This full view of Challenger in space was taken by a satellite. A heavily cloud-covered portion of the Earth forms the backdrop for this scene of Challenger in orbit. This image was taken during Challenger's STS-7 mission, which launched on June 18, 1983. Credit: NASA From test vehicle to space vehicle NASA originally intended Challenger to be a test vehicle. Rockwell began building the shuttle in November 1975 and then sent it to Lockheed for structural testing starting on April 2, 1978. According to NASA, computer models at the time were not sophisticated enough to calculate the stresses on the shuttle during different phases of flight. The shuttle, then known as STA-099, went through 11 months of vibration testing in a specially formulated rig. This custom-designed machine could bring the shuttle through a simulation of all phases of flight, from liftoff to landing. Three hydraulic cylinders, each with one million pounds of force, were used as substitute space shuttle main engines. In 1979, NASA awarded Rockwell a supplemental contract to convert the test vehicle to a spacecraft. This would expand the shuttle fleet to two spacecraft, the first one being Columbia . It took two more years for Rockwell to perform the conversion. Among other things, workers had to strengthen the wings, put in a real crew cabin instead of a simulated one, and install heads-up displays for the astronauts working inside. Work completed on Oct. 23, 1981. Delays for the first flight Challenger was expected to go into space on Jan. 20, 1983, to release the first Tracking and Data Relay Satellite , which later became part of a series of satellites that astronauts used to stay in touch with controllers back home. Several technical malfunctions pushed the launch back, though. First, NASA discovered a hydrogen leak in the No. 1 main engine aft compartment during a flight readiness test in December. In a second test on Jan. 25, 1983, NASA discovered cracks in the engine that were causing the leak. The agency then took several months to remove the engines and test them. While engines two and three were deemed healthy, NASA replaced Engine No. 1. A view of the shuttle Challenger's maiden STS-6 launch on April 4, 1983. In this view, Challenger is just clearing the launch pad in a cloud of smoke. Credit: NASA After another delay due to a problem with TDRS, Challenger launched successfully on April 4, 1983, on mission STS-6. Crew members set the satellite free; astronauts Story Musgrave and Donald Peterson also did the first spacewalk of the shuttle program. Cultural and technical firsts Besides the milestones in space technology, Challenger also was the vehicle by which several cultural firsts happened in the space shuttle program. The first American female astronaut, Sally Ride , rode up on Challenger on STS-7 in June 1983.  The first African-American , Guion Bluford, reached space on STS-8. On STS-41G in 1984, two women — Ride and Kathryn Sullivan — flew on one mission for the first time – as well as the first Canadian, Marc Garneau. Other milestones Challenger marked included the first night launch and landing (STS-8) and the first operational Spacelab flight (STS-51B). Spacelab was a European space laboratory that fit into a shuttle's cargo bay and included several experiments designed for tests in microgravity. It flew on Columbia on STS-9 for the first time, but Challenger's mission is considered the first working one. The flying repairman Some of Challenger's most memorable moments took place in April 1984, on STS-41C. That mission featured the very first astronaut repair of a satellite. To get at the nonfunctional Solar Maximum Mission satellite, astronaut George Nelson strapped himself into the Manned Maneuvering Unit , which was a jet-powered backpack designed for astronauts to fly in space. It had only been tested on one mission before this one. Challenger moved in space until it was only 200 feet from the satellite. Then, Nelson carefully left the safety of the shuttle and flew over to the satellite. A "fixture" on the front of his backpack let Nelson dock with the satellite, which was slowly tumbling in space. Next, he fired the jets on his backpack to stop the satellite's spin. Crew members on Challenger then maneuvered the space shuttle close to the satellite, reached out with the Canadarm robotic arm, and plucked the satellite out of empty space and into the payload bay. Nelson and crewmate James "Ox" Van Hoften repaired the satellite together, then the crew lofted the satellite back into space. SMM continued functioning for several years, then burned up in the atmosphere in December 1989. Challenger disaster It was a cold morning on Jan. 28, 1986, when Challenger was supposed to fly into space. Temperatures dipped below freezing. There were certain people at NASA and among contractors that worried about the integrity of the seals on the solid rocket boosters in cold weather. At 78 seconds after liftoff, this image shows Challenger's left wing, main engines (still burning residual propellant) and the forward fuselage (crew cabin). Credit: NASA Challenger launched at 11:38 a.m. Eastern time in front of more media attention than usual, as it was carrying the first teacher to go in space. Christa McAuliffe was planning to give lessons while in orbit. She and the rest of the crew never made it. Challenger broke up 73 seconds after launch in front of the television cameras. "Flight controllers here are looking very carefully at the situation. Obviously a major malfunction," the NASA launch commentator said as pieces of the shuttle fell from the sky into the Atlantic. Salvage crews spent several weeks recovering pieces of the shuttle and carefully, bringing up the remains of the seven astronauts. Remains that could be identified were turned over to the families, while the rest were buried in a monument to the Challenger crew at Arlington Cemetery on May 20, 1986. Cultural and technical problems A presidential commission was convened to look into the incident, chaired by former attorney general and secretary of state William P. Rogers. It included participation from Neil Armstrong (the first man on the moon) and NASA astronaut Sally Ride, among others. The commission talked about the technical causes of the accident , which was traced to cold weather degrading the seal on the boosters. Additionally, it brought to light cultural problems at NASA, such as failing to voice all problems to the launch decision team. The commission also said that the shuttle's proposed flight rate was unsustainable given the size of its workforce. NASA made technical changes to the shuttle and also worked to change the culture of its workforce in the wake of what happened with Challenger. The shuttle program resumed flights in 1988. After the Challenger wreckage was examined, the pieces were buried and sealed in abandoned Minuteman missile silos at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, where they remain today. Challenger's explosion changed the space shuttle program in several ways. Plans to fly other civilians in space (such as journalists) were shelved for 22 years, until Barbara Morgan , who was McAuliffe's backup, flew aboard Endeavour in 2007. Satellite launches were shifted from the shuttle to reusable rockets. Additionally, astronauts were pulled off of duties such as repairing satellites, and the Manned Maneuvering Unit was not flown again, to better preserve their safety. Every January, NASA pauses to remember the last crew of Challenger, and the other crews lost in pursuing space, on a NASA Day of Remembrance . Additionally, Challenger has an educational legacy: members of the crews' families founded the Challenger Center for Space Science Education program, which brings students on simulated space missions. On Jan. 28, 1986, NASA faced its first shuttle disaster, the loss of the Challenger orbiter and its seven-astronaut crew. Here, Challenger's last crew – members of the STS-51L mission – stand in the White Room at Pad 39B following the end of a launch dress rehearsal. They are (L to R) Teacher in Space Participant, Sharon "Christa" McAuliffe, Payload Specialist, Gregory Jarvis, Mission Specialist, Judy Resnik, Commander Dick Scobee. Mission Specialist, Ronald McNair, Pilot, Michael Smith and Mission Specialist, Ellison Onizuka. Credit: NASA
Challenger
Debuting in 1980, what animated character encouraged kids to take a bite out of crime?
Space Shuttle Challenger Disaster - AeroSpaceGuide.net AeroSpaceGuide.net Tweet on Twitter The first Space Shuttle Disaster was Challenger which was lost during an explosion as it took off from Cape Canaveral on January 28, 1986, killing all seven people on board. NASA suspended shuttle flights for two years. The Space Shuttle Challenger Mission (Flight STS-51L) was the 25th Space Shuttle mission and the 10th launch of the Space Shuttle Challenger. It was launched from Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 11:38am EST. This mission was highly publicized because it was the first time a school teacher was allowed to travel in space. Christa McAuliffe, a high school teacher from New Hampshire was to be the the first civilian in space. She was selected from more than 11,000 applicants. The crew of Space Shuttle Challenger consisted of 7 astronauts: – Francis R. Scobee – Mission Commander – Michael J. Smith – Pilot –  Christa McAuliffe  – Payload Specialist 2 – Judith A. Resnik – Mission Specialist 1 – Ellison S. Onizuka – Mission Specialist 2 – Ronald E. McNair – Mission Specialist 3 The Challenger cargo included two satellites in the cargo bay and equipment in the crew compartment for experiments that would be carried out during the mission. The payloads flown on Space Shuttle Challenger Mission 51-L included: – Tracking Data Relay Satellite-2 (TDRS-2): a NASA communications satellite that was to have been placed in a geosynchronous orbit with the aid of a booster called the Inertial Upper Stage. The satellite would have supported communications with the Space Shuttle and up to 23 other spacecraft. – Spartan satellite that would be deployed into orbit carrying special instruments for the observation of Halley’s Comet.Spartan satellite was to have been deployed into low Earth orbit using the remote manipulator system. Halley’s Comet Experiment Deployable, a free-flying module designed to observe tail and coma of Halleys comet with two ultraviolet spectrometers and two cameras. Space Shuttle Challenger Mission 51 L History Shuttle Mission 51-L was originally scheduled for July, 1985. The astronaut crew were assigned in January 1985, however, the launch was rescheduled to late November 1985 due to changes in payloads. The November launch date slipped due to delays. The launch was re-scheduled for January 22, however, the date slipped to January 23, then January 24, due to delays in mission 61-C. Launch was reset for January 25 because of bad weather at the transoceanic abort landing (TAL) site in Dakar, Senegal. To utilize Casablanca (not equipped for night landings) as alternate TAL site, T-zero was moved to a morning lift-off time. The launch was postponed another day when launch processing was unable to meet the new morning lift-off time. Prediction of unacceptable weather at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) led to the launch being rescheduled for 9:37 a.m. EST, January 27. The launch was delayed 24 hours again when the ground servicing equipment hatch closing fixture could not be removed from the orbiter hatch. The fixture was sawed off and an attaching bolt drilled out before closeout was completed. During the delay, cross winds exceeded return-to-launch-site limits at KSC’s Shuttle Landing Facility. The launch on January 28 was delayed two hours when a hardware interface module in the launch processing system, which monitors the fire detection system, failed during liquid hydrogen tanking procedures. After several launch delays, NASA officials overruled the concerns of the engineers and ordered a lift off on a cold morning, at 11:38:00 a.m. EST on January 28, 1986 . The mission ended in tragedy. Challenger disintegrated into a ball of fire. The accident occurred 73 seconds into flight, at an altitude of 46,000 feet (14, 020 meters) and at about twice the speed of sound. Cause of the Disaster The main cause of the explosion was the  failure of the aft joint seal in the right SRB due to the cold weather. A combustion gas leak through the right Solid Rocket Motor aft field joint initiated at or shortly after ignition eventually weakened and/or penetrated the External Tank initiating vehicle structural break-up and loss of the Space Shuttle Challenger during STS Mission 51-L. Orbiter Did not explode Challenger itself did not explode, but various structural failures caused the orbiter to break apart. Although the Challenger disintegrated almost without warning, the crew may have briefly been aware that something was wrong. The crew cabin tore lose from the rest of the shuttle and soared through the air. It took almost three minutes for the cabin to fall into the Atlantic Ocean, where it smashed on impact, killing the seven crew members. Space Shuttle SRB’s A full year before Challenger was launched, a major fault was discovered in the design of the solid rocket boosters – the SRB’s. These 2 immensely powerful rockets are strapped to the side of the External Tank and accelerate the shuttle clear of the Earth’s atmosphere. 2 minutes after launch, the SRB’s release from the Shuttle, dropping to the ocean and are collected for reuse. The SRB’s were built for NASA by a contractor, Morton Thiokol, Inc. Shuttle Aftermath All shuttle missions were halted while a special commission appointed by President Reagan determined the cause of the accident and what could be done to prevent such disasters from happening again. It was  headed by former secretary of state William Rogers the commission included former astronaut Neil Armstrong and former test pilot Chuck Yeager. Shuttle Investigation In June 1986, the commission reported that the accident was caused by a failure of O rings in the shuttle’s right solid rocket booster. These rubber rings sealed the joint between the two lower segments of the booster. Design flaws in the joint and unusually cold weather during the launch caused the O rings to allow hot gases to leak out of the booster through the joint. Flames from within the booster streamed past the failed seal and quickly expanded the small hole. The flaming gases then burned a hole in the shuttle’s external fuel tank. The flames also cut away one of the supporting beams that held the booster to the side of the external tank. The booster tore loose and ruptured the tank. The propellants from the tank formed a giant fireball as structural failures tore the vehicle apart. The commission said NASA’s decision to launch the shuttle was flawed. Top level decision makers had not been informed of problems with the joints and O rings or the possible damaging effects of cold weather. The Commission also concluded that there was a serious flaw in the decision making process leading up to the launch of flight 51-L. Shuttle Modifications Shuttle designers made several technical modifications, including an improved O ring design and the addition of a crew bail-out system. Although such a system would not work in all cases, it could save lives of shuttle crew members in certain situations. Procedural changes included stricter safety reviews and more restrictive launching conditions. Shuttle resumes flight The entire space shuttle program was grounded during the commission’s investigation and did not resume flying until shuttle designers made several technical modifications and NASA management implemented stricter regulations regarding quality control and safety. The space shuttle resumed flying on September 29, 1988 with the launch of the redesigned shuttle Discovery on STS-26 mission. In 1991, the shuttle  Endeavour  joined the fleet to replace the Challenger, again bringing the number of ships to four. Did you know? *  Space Shuttle Columbia Disaster  occurred in 2003 and was the second tragedy. *  Barbara Morgan  was the backup ‘Teacher in Space’ for this mission. She flew her first mission in 2007 on  STS-118 . Related:
i don't know
What type of dog has breeds called Welsh, Scottish and Irish?
Dog breeds of the Celtic countries Dog breeds of the Celtic countries Tuesday, 23 October 2007 Looking for a pet? Before you get a dog, take a look at the following Scottish breeds / Irish breeds / Welsh breeds / Galician breeds / Breton breeds . (All sizes and weights are approximate). Scottish breeds Scottish Deerhound...» Height at withers: 71-76 cm. Weight: 35-50 kg. Appearance: The Deerhound has a thick, rough coat. The usual coat colour ranges from dark to light grey. The tail is long, straight, and reaching almost to the ground. History: Originally, Deerhounds were bred for deer hunting. Temperament: Deerhounds are very docile and make good family dogs. The average adult Deerhound spends much of the day stretched out on the floor, sleeping. However, it is a large dog that needs quite a bit of exercise to keep it healthy. Gordon Setter...» Height at withers: 58-68 cm. Weight: 25-35 kg. Appearance: The Gordon Setter has a long and silky coat. The coat colour is coal-black with tan features on their feet and lower legs, vents, and muzzles, and two distinctive tan spots on their chests. History: The modern breed as we know it was developed by the Duke of Gordon in the early 1800s. It is the only gundog among the native breeds of Scotland. Temperament: Gordon setters are relativelly passive when compared to other members of the Setter family. They make good companions and guards. Smooth Collie...» (also known as Smooth Coat Collie) Height at withers: 52-60 cm. Weight: 25-30 kg. Appearance: Smooth Collies come in four basic coat colours: sable and white, white, tricolour, and blue merle. All come with white chest, legs, and tail tip and many have white blazes on their faces. History: In 1860, while at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, Queen Victoria became interested in the shepherds' dogs and purchased some for her own kennel. With the Queen's interest, it became fashionable to own Smooth Collies. Temperament: Smooth Collies are friendly dogs and are used both as family pets and in obedience competition, agility, and other dog sports. They are also useful as service animals for the disabled and blind. Rough Collie...» (also known as Rough Coat Collie) Height at withers: 52-60 cm. Weight: 25-30 kg. Appearance: Rough Collies come in four basic coat colours: sable and white, white, tricolour, and blue merle. All come with white chest, legs, and tail tip and many have white blazes on their faces. The coat needs to be brushed frequently to keep it in a good condition. History: Both Rough and Smooth Collies are descended from a localised variety of herding dog originating in Scotland. Temperament: The Rough Collie is a sociable, easily trained family dog. They get along well with children and sometimes other animals. Bearded Collie...» (also known as Beardie, Highland Collie, Mountain Collie) Height at withers: 50-60 cm. Weight: 20-25 kg. Appearance: The Bearded Collie has a long coat that can be black, blue, brown or fawn. The colour of the coat changes several times over the life of the dog. The coat needs to be brushed frequently to keep it in a good condition. History: The Bearded Collie was used to herd both sheep and cattle. It is essentially a working dog, able to stand up to the harshest conditions. Temperament: Bearded Collies are very happy and playful, and make good family pets. Due to the breed's need for frequent activity, this is an inappropriate dog for inactive families or apartment dwellers. Border Collie...» Height at withers: 45-50 cm. Weight: 15-20 kg. Appearance: Their coat is most commonly black and white, with other common colours being red and white, blue merle, and tricolour black-tan-white. History: Border Collies are a hard-working herding breed of dog that originated in the border of Scotland and England. Temperament: Border Collies are highly intelligent, extremely energetic, and require a considerable amount of daily exercise, both physical and mental. Like most working dogs, they have a tendency towards destructive behaviour if not given enough to do. Border Terrier...» Height at withers: 25-30 cm. Weight: 5-7 kg. Appearance: The Border Terrier has a harsh, wiry coat that can be grizzle and tan, blue and tan, red grizzle, and, less commonly, wheaten. History: The breed was developed in the border of Scotland and England for fox hunting. Temperament: Border Terriers are very energetic and playful, and can make good family pets. However, due to their hunting instinct, they are unsuitable for homes where there are other small pets like cats or rabbits. Cairn Terrier...» Height at withers: 25-30 cm. Weight: 6-8 kg. Appearance: The Cairn Terrier has a harsh, weather-resistant coat that can be cream, wheaten, red, sandy, grey, or brindled in any of these colours. Brindled Cairns frequently change colour throughout their lifetime. History: The Cairn is one of Scotland's original Terriers. They are named after the piles of small stones used to mark Scottish hills and land borders. Temperament: Cairn Terriers are intelligent and fearless. Like most terriers, they are stubborn and love to dig after real or imagined prey. West Highland White Terrier...» (also known as Westie) Height at withers: 25-30 cm. Weight: 7-10 kg. Appearance: West Highland White Terriers are known for their brilliant white coat. History: Westies are descended from Cairn Terriers and Scottish Terriers. The modern breed as we know it was developed in the 1800s. Temperament: Westies are intelligent, friendly with children, but they are independent thinkers and have plenty of attitude for a dog their size. Scottish Terrier...» (also known as Scottie, Aberdeen Terrier) Height at withers: 25-28 cm. Weight: 8-10 kg. Appearance: The usual coat colour ranges from dark grey to jet black. Scotties with Wheaten coats sometimes occur. History: Scotties were originally bred in Scotland about 1700 but achieved their final size and shape by 1890. Temperament: Like other terriers, they are stubborn and love to dig after real or imagined prey. Skye Terrier...» Height at withers: about 25 cm. Weight: 10-11 kg. Appearance: Skye Terriers are twice as long as they are tall. The breed comes in five coat colours: fawn, blue, dark or light grey, cream, and black with black points (ears, tail, muzzle). History: First bred on the Isle of Skye in the Hebrides, the Skye Terrier was popularised when Queen Victoria began breeding the dogs in the 1840s. Temperament: Skye Terrier is a dog breed of strong personal character. They are loyal and sensitive, but never submissive. They are reserved to strangers and prefer to spend their time with one calm person. Irish breeds Irish Wolfhound...» Height at withers: 75-90 cm. Weight: 40-65. Appearance: The Wolfhound is officially the tallest dog in the world. They have a rough coat that can be grey, brindle, red, black, pure white, or fawn. History: Wolfhounds could have been bred as war dogs by the Irish Celts, who called them Cú Faoil. Their astonishing size, speed, intelligence and amiable nature made them ideal hunting animals for deer and wolves, hence the name of the breed. Temperament: Despite their great size and sometimes intimidating appearance Irish Wolfhounds are gentle and friendly, very calm in the house, enjoying long sleeps but energetic when taken for walks. Irish Setter...» (also known as Red Setter) Height at withers: 62-67 cm. Weight: 25-35 kg. Appearance: The coat is moderately long and silky and of a deep red colour. They are similar to other members of the Setter family. History: Originally, the Irish Setter was bred for hunting, specifically for pointing gamebirds. The breed was developed in the 1700s from the Old Spanish Pointer, setting spaniels, and early Scottish setters. Temperament: Irish Setters are friendly, playful, and very active. They enjoy human company and are excellent with children. Due to the breed's need for frequent activity, this is an inappropriate dog for inactive families or apartment dwellers. Height at withers: 57-66 cm. Weight: 25-35 kg. Appearance: The coat is long and silky, mostly white, with deep red patches. History: Originally all Irish Setters were mostly red, or red and white, but for many years breeders developed only the red varieties. Consequently, the breed came close to extinction. Temperament: The Irish Red and White Setter is virtually identical in use and temperament to its cousin, the Irish Setter, but is more often found as a working gundog. Kerry Beagle...» Height at withers: 55-63 cm. Weight: 25-30 kg. Appearance: The coat colour can be black and tan, blue mottled and tan, white and tan, tan and whitem and white. History: The Kerry Beagle is one of the most ancient breeds of Irish dog and is thought to have descended from a dog known vaguely as The Old Southern Hound. Temperament: A vibrant hound built for hunting and endurance. They are also noted for their astonishing speed and independence. Irish Water Spaniel..» (also known as Shannon Spaniel, Rat Tail Spaniel) Height at withers: 52-59 cm. Weight: 25-30 kg. Appearance: The coat consists of dense curls and is a solid liver colour. The breed is strongly built, and a bit taller and more squarish than other spaniels. The most distinguishing characteristic of these dogs is their long rat-like tails, which are a striking contrast to their otherwise curly coats. History: Irish Water Spaniels share a common lineage with the Poodle, Portuguese Water Dog, and Barbet, but the ultimate origin of the breed is unknown. The modern breed as we know it was developed in Ireland in the 1830s. Temperament: Irish Water Spaniels are intelligent, quick to learn, alert, and inquisitive. They are often shy around strangers. This is an active breed that requires lots of exercise. Wheaten Terrier..» (also known as Irish Soft Coat Wheaten Terrier) Height at withers: 45-50 cm. Weight: 14-20 kg. Appearance: Wheaten Terriers have a wheat-coloured coat with occasional black, white, or darker brown guard hairs. The coat needs regular trimming. History: The Wheaten were originally bred in Ireland to be an all-purpose farm dog whose duties would have included herding, watching livestock, and hunting. They are believed to be related to the Kerry Blue Terrier. Temperament: Irish Wheaten Terriers are known to be less aggressive and stubborn in nature than that of other terrier breeds. Their temperament is curious, friendly, and very sociable. Kerry Blue...» Height at withers: 45-50 cm. Weight: 15-17 kg. Appearance: Puppies are born black; the blue appears gradually as the puppy grows older, usually up to 2 years of age. History: The breed was used for hunting, cattle herding, dog fights, and guarding. Today, the Kerry is a companion and working dog. Temperament: Like other terriers, they are very active, intelligent, friendly, stubborn, and love hunting. Irish Terrier...» (also known as Irish Red Terrier) Height at withers: 45 cm approximately. Weight: 11-12 kg. Appearance: Squarely built, he resembles the Fox Terrier but is taller and racier. History: Irish Terriers are believed to have descended from the rough haired Fox Terrier. The modern breed as we know it was developed in 1870. Temperament: Like other terriers, they are very active, intelligent, friendly, stubborn, and love hunting. Glen of Imaal Terrier...» (also known as "Glen") Height at withers: 35 cm approximately. Weight: 15-16 kg. Appearance: The breed has a medium-length coat that is usually wheaten, from a light wheaten colour to a golden reddish shade. History: The breed originates in Wicklow, Ireland, and was developed as a working terrier, proficient in hunting badger and fox. Temperament: Glens adore human contact and are very friendly with children. Like other terriers, they are intelligent, inquisitive, and stubborn. Welsh breeds Welsh Springer Spaniel...» Height at withers: 42-47 cm. Weight: 16-20 kg. Appearance: The coat is naturally straight, flat and soft to the touch. The colour is rich red and white only. Temperament: Welsh Springer Spaniels are intelligent, alert and very active. Although they are often reserved around strangers, they enjoy human company and are very loyal. Height at withers: 45 cm approximately. Weight: 15-20 kg. Appearance: Welsh Sheepdogs can be black, black and tan, black and white, blue, red, or roan. History: The Welsh Sheepdog is part of Welsh Folklore. They were used for farm work and also for the protection of their masters' flocks from robbers and wolves. Temperament: Welsh Sheepdogs are first and foremost working animals. Bred for hardiness and constant work, this is an inappropriate dog for inactive families or apartment dwellers. Cardigan Welsh Corgi...» (also known as Cardigan) Height at withers: 25-30 cm. Weight: 12-15 kg. Appearance: Cardigans can be red, sable, brindle, or black with or without tan brindle. They usually have white on the neck, chest, legs, muzzle, underneath, tip of the tail, and as a blaze on the head. Unlike the similar Pembroke Welsh Corg, the Cardigan's tail is never docked. History: Welsh Corgis are believed to be descended from Swedish Vallhund dogs that came to Wales with the Vikings. They are also believed to be related to the Galician Quisquelo. Temperament: Originally bred for herding sheep and cattle, Corgis have proven themselves as excellent companion animals and are outstanding competitors in sheepdog trials and dog agility. Pembroke Welsh Corgi...» (also known as Pembroke) Height at withere: 25-30 cm. Weight: 12-15 kg. Appearance: Pembrokes can be red, sable, fawn, or black and tan with or without white markings on the legs, chest, neck, muzzle, underneath, and as a narrow blaze on the head. The breed has larger rounded ears and a foxy, flowing tail. History: Welsh Corgis are believed to be descended from Swedish Vallhund dogs that came to Wales with the Vikings. The Pembroke was made popular by Queen Elizabeth II of Britain, who keeps four at all times. Temperament: Originally bred for herding sheep and cattle, Corgis are active and athletic dogs despite their short legs. They are very intelligent, happy, loving, and eager to please. Welsh Terrier...» (also known as Welshie) Height at withers: 40 cm approximately. Weight: 9 kg. Appearance: The coat colour is red-brown with black marks. History: Welsh Terriers are descended from the Old English Black and Tan Terriers. The modern breed as we know it was developed in the 1800s. Temperament: Welshies are intelligent and friendly with children. Like other terriers, they are active dogs and need a lot of intellectual stimulation to stay agreeable. Sealyham Terrier...» Height at withers: 27 cm approximately. Weight: 10.5 kg. Appearance: The coat colour is all white, or with lemon, tan, or badger markings, on head and ears. History: The Sealyham Terrier was created in the 1850s by crossing Basset Hounds, Bull Terriers, the Fox Terrier, the West Highland White Terrier, and the Dandie Dinmont Terrier. Temperament: Sealyham Terriers are energetic and playful, and can make good family pets. Like other terriers, they can be stubborn and may not be suitable for homes where there are other small pets. Galician breeds Galician Barn Dog / Palleiro..» (also known as 'Pastor Celta' / Celtic Shepherd) Height at withers: 57-65 cm. Weight: 25-35 kg. Appearance: Palleiros are wolf-like type and strongly built. They come in four basic coat colours: wheaten, cinnamon, chestnut and black. History: Celtic Shepherds would have been bred by the Galician Celts as an all-purpose farm dog. They were used for herding, watching livestock, and hunting. Temperament: They are intelligent, calm, and reserved to strangers. They are also gentle and loyal, and they get along well with children and sometimes other animals. Galician Pointer / Perdigueiro Galego...» Height at withers: 50-60 cm. Weight: 25-30 kg. Appearance: They have a short, rough coat that can be white, brindled, orange, or black, in any of these colours. History: Galician Pointers share a common lineage with English, Portuguese, and Spanish Pointers. The modern breed as we know it was developed in the 1970s through crossbreeding with English and German Pointers. Temperament: They are friendly, playful, and quick to learn. This is an active breed that requires lots of exercise. Galician Hound / Podengo Galego...» Height at withers: 42 cm approximately. Weight: about 15 kg. Appearance: The usual coat colour ranges from reddish to sandy, with white patches on the chest, forehead, tail, and paws. History: The Galician Hound was saved from extinction in 1999 following a government plan to promote Galicia’s native dog breeds. Galician Quisquelo / Quisquelo...» (also known as "Guicho") Height at withers: 34-42 cm. Weight: 20 kg approximately. Appearance: The usual coat colour ranges from brown to cinnamon. History: The breed is very old, and is believed to share a common lineage with the Welsh Corgi and the Swedish Vallhund. Temperament: Originally bred for hunting rabits, foxes and boars, Quisquelos are active and athletic dogs despite their short legs. Breton breeds Brittany Spaniel / Epagneul Breton...» Height at withers: 44-52 cm. Weight: 13-18 kg. Appearance: The coat is of moderate length, flat, or wavy, with slight feathering on the ears and legs. The coat colour is mostly white with orange or liver spots. History: Originally, the Epagneul Breton was bred for bird hunting. The breed was developed in Brittany in the 1800s. Temperament: Brittanies are very outgoing, lively, and good with children. This is an active breed that requires lots of exercise. Height at withers: 47-55 cm. Weight: 25-30. Appearance: The coat colour ranges from fawn to red. History: Brittany Fawns are a very old breed, possibly from the 14th century or earlier. Fawns were used up to the 19th century to hunt wolves. Temperament: The Griffon is a hunting dog, bred to be hardy and reliable, able to stand up to the harshest conditions. They are very friendly and adore human contact. Fawn Brittany Basset / Basset Fauve de Bretagne...» Height at withers: 32-38 cm approximately. Weight: 25-30. Appearance: Bassets are short legged dogs. The coat is short, dense, and wity. The coat colour fawn wheaten to deep red wheaten. History: The breed was developed as a hunting dog from the larger Grand Fauve de Bretagne, a breed that is now extinct. Temperament: Bassets are very loving and make good family dogs. Submitted by Shona Anderson, July 2005 Are you looking for dog breeders in the Celtic countries? » The Irish Kennel Club - The IKC provides a register of purebred dogs in Ireland and issues export licenses and pedigree certificates. Membership, show dates, and newsletter. » The Scottish Kennel Club - The SKC is the leading canine authority in Scotland, existing for the main purpose of promoting and encouraging the improvement and well being of dogs.
Terrier
In printing, orientation such that the height of the display area is greater than the width is known as portrait. What is it called when the width is greater than the height?
Irish Terrier Dog Breed Information, Pictures, Characteristics & Facts – Dogtime Dog Breed Group: Terrier Dogs Height: 1 foot, 6 inches to 1 foot, 8 inches tall at the shoulder Weight: 25 to 27 pounds Life Span: 12 to 16 years The Irish Terrier's motto is "No fear." Nicknamed "Daredevil," this medium-size, agile dog has a tight, wiry red coat and a snootful of courage. He's animated and loyal, always on guard, and willing to take on anything that comes his way and threatens his people and home. With that tough terrier attitude, however, comes a need for training and socialization from an early age. Irish Terriers are extremely intelligent and learn easily, but any training must work around their independent, willful spirit. If you can make the dog think that training is his idea, you'll get a happy worker who meets or exceeds any goals you may have set for him. That's balanced by a reckless spirit that can be blind to consequences, so it can be necessary to protect him from his sometimes intemperate desire to guard his loved ones. Irish Terriers are wonderful watchdogs, barking to warn their owners of anything new. Some dogs will become excessive barkers if their behavior isn't controlled from the start. Thanking the dog for the alert and then distracting him with another command or game is a good way to make sure your dog learns to control his barking. Irish Terriers are excellent people dogs when they receive early socialization , and this helps make them wonderful family companions. They're best suited to families where someone is home during the day. They aren't overly active indoors and are happy to relax with their people, but they need exercise in the form of walks and occasional romps in a securely fenced area. The Irish Terrier has excellent hunting skills and a strong desire to seek out and destroy vermin, so a fenced yard and leashed walks are necessary for his safety. He'll chase rapidly moving objects without paying attention to where the chase is leading him. Irish Terriers adore children and are great playmates, especially when raised with them. Make sure very young children are supervised at all times to prevent injury to both the dog and the child. Irish Terriers can learn to get along with cats if they're raised with them from puppyhood, but they may not be trustworthy around smaller pets, especially pets from the rodent family such as mice, rats, hamsters, and gerbils. Their terrier instinct to hunt this type of animal may be too strong to overcome. This breed does not do well with other dogs. Irish Terriers can be aggressive toward dogs of the same sex, and they don't back down from a challenge. They will fight to the point of serious injury to themselves or the other dog. Being fearless, they'll take on dogs much larger than themselves without thought for the consequences. Make sure your dog is on leash and you have control when around other dogs at any time. With his speed, endurance, and grace the Irish Terrier is an excellent competitor who loves the challenge of the agility ring. He can do well in the sports of obedience and rally, and his soft mouth and love of water make him a capable hunting dog who can retrieve game birds on land or from water. Irish Terriers are also excellent show dogs. If you're looking for a versatile, active, spunky dog who will watch over your family for many years, the Irish Terrier could be the breed for you. He's not one of the more well-known breeds, so finding a breeder with puppies can be difficult. Expect to spend some time on a waiting list and to pay a higher price than you might for a more popular breed. The expense is well worth it, though, admirers say. If you find the right dog, the Irish Terrier can be the most wonderful companion your family will ever have. Highlights Irish Terriers will not necessarily get along with any other dog. They will fight if challenged by another dog and will not back down. Irish Terriers can be stubborn. They are terriers and will dig if your yard has moles or other rodents. Irish Terries can be barkers . Irish Terriers must have regular opportunities to burn off their energy. Irish Terriers need mental challenges such as training and play to thrive. Obedience training is highly recommended. The "come" command can be difficult to teach. They can be dominant and attempt to take over the household. You must be consistent and teach them that you are in charge at all times. To get a healthy dog, never buy a puppy from an irresponsible breeder, puppy mill, or pet store. Look for a reputable breeder who tests her breeding dogs to make sure they're free of genetic diseases that they might pass onto the puppies, and that they have sound temperaments. History The Irish Terrier is probably one of the oldest Terrier breeds and may have as one of its ancestors the now-extinct black and tan Terrier and a larger wheaten-colored terrier. He emerged as a recognized breed in 1875 or thereabouts, at a dog show in Glasgow, Scotland, of all places. By 1879, two Irish Terriers, Ch. Erin and Killney Boy, were producing many champions and are considered the foundation of the breed. The 1880s were a banner decade for the Irish Terrier. During that time, they were the fourth most popular breed in Britain. They were also the source of a controversy that led to a major change in the appearance of British dogs. It had been common practice to crop the ears of terriers and some other breeds, but in 1889 the Irish Terrier Club required that all dogs born after a certain date that year have uncropped ears if they were to be shown under Kennel Club rules. This led to a great outcry but eventually resulted in the banning of ear cropping for any breed in Great Britain. The breed rapidly spread to the United States. The first Irish Terrier was shown at the Westminster Kennel Club show in 1881, and the first Irish Terrier registered with the American Kennel Club was Aileen in 1885. The Irish Terrier Club of America was founded in 1896. In World War I, Irish Terriers distinguished themselves as messenger dogs and sentinels, receiving many accolades for bravery and loyalty. The commandant of the British War Dog School, Lt. Col. E. H. Richardson, wrote of them: "Many a soldier is alive today through the effort of one of these Terriers.... They are extraordinarily intelligent, faithful, and honest, and a man who has one of them as a companion will never lack a true friend." Given his fine qualities, it's surprising that the Irish Terrier has slowly faded from popularity. He's rarely seen in the show ring with the exception of specialty shows, which are well attended, but his popularity may receive a boost from the 2007 movie Firehouse Dog. Irish Terriers rank 123rd among the 155 breeds and varieties registered by the AKC. Size The ideal weight for males is 27 pounds, for females 25 pounds. The height at the shoulder is 18 to 20 inches. Personality The Irish Terrier was created to be a companion, guard dog, and hunter. As such, he's good-tempered, spirited, alert, and adaptable. He's also plucky, reckless, curious, and devoted. Those things all sound wonderful, and they are, but those characteristics aren't always easy to live with. This is an independent, smart, strong-willed dog who's scrappy with other dogs. He needs mental challenges in the form of training and play, physical exercise, and loving but firm discipline. On the plus side, Irish Terriers love people and are often friendly toward strangers. They're not a one-person dog. Temperament is affected by a number of factors, including heredity, training, and socialization. Puppies with nice temperaments are curious and playful, willing to approach people and be held by them. Choose the middle-of-the-road puppy, not the one who's beating up his littermates or the one who's hiding in the corner. Always meet at least one of the parents — usually the mother is the one who's available — to ensure that they have nice temperaments that you're comfortable with. Meeting siblings or other relatives of the parents is also helpful for evaluating what a puppy will be like when he grows up. Like every dog, an Irish Terrier needs early socialization — exposure to many different people, sights, sounds, and experiences — when he's young. Socialization helps ensure that your Irish Terrier puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog. Enrolling him in a puppy kindergarten class is a great start. Inviting visitors over regularly, and taking him to busy parks, stores that allow dogs, and on leisurely strolls to meet neighbors will also help him polish his social skills. Health The Irish Terrier is a healthy breed and doesn't have any common health problems. If you're buying a puppy, find a good breeder who will show you health clearances for both your puppy's parents. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition. In Irish Terriers, you should expect to see health clearances from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) for hip dysplasia (with a score of fair or better), elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and von Willebrand's disease; from Auburn University for thrombopathia; and from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF) certifying that eyes are normal. You can confirm health clearances by checking the OFA web site (offa.org). Care Some Irish Terriers are inveterate escape artists , so fence height should be higher than one might think is needed for a dog this size. A good height is five to six feet. Like all terriers, ITs are diggers, so the bottom of your fence should be escape-proof as well. You may need to set it in concrete or line the bottom of it with chicken wire. An underground electronic fence will not keep an Irish Terrier confined. More important, it won't prevent other dogs from coming onto your property and getting into a fight with your IT. The energetic Irish Terrier needs moderate exercise . Give him two or three walks on leash of 20 to 30 minutes each day. A chance to romp in a safely fenced area is also welcome. He's not a true running breed, but he's a good companion for joggers who go at an easy to moderate pace. He's not a distance runner or a fast-paced dog. Condition him gradually, and wait until he's fully grown before you start jogging with him. If you can control his tendency to bark , an Irish Terrier will do as well in an apartment as in a house. He should live indoors with his people, and given sufficient exercise, he's a quiet, polite housemate. If you leave him alone in the backyard with no companionship or occupation, he's likely to relandscape it with a number of holes. Puppy or adult, the Irish Terrier is playful, but his idea of play and yours may vary. He'll enjoy shredding magazines or other papers, overturning the garbage or the laundry basket, surfing the kitchen counter or dining room table for something to eat (he'll find a way up there) and, of course, barking at every passing car, dog, bicyclist — you get the idea. Dogproof your home, teach him what's acceptable behavior and what's not, and crate him when you can't be there to supervise, especially during his curious puppyhood. A crate protects him from getting into trouble for being destructive , and it protects your belongings from destruction. When it comes to training , the Irish Terrier has a "What's in it for me?" attitude. You've got to give him an incentive to do what you want, and if you don't keep training fun and interesting, he'll just ignore you. Training an Irish Terrier requires creativity, firmness, and positive reinforcement in the form of praise, play, and food rewards. He's sensitive and won't respond well to harsh treatment. Keep training sessions short, change them around a lot, and always end them when he's done something well and you can praise him for it. Feeding Recommended daily amount: 1 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. NOTE: How much your adult dog eats depends on his size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. Dogs are individuals, just like people, and they don't all need the same amount of food. It almost goes without saying that a highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog. The quality of dog food you buy also makes a difference — the better the dog food, the further it will go toward nourishing your dog and the less of it you'll need to shake into your dog's bowl. Keep your adult Irish Terrier in good shape by measuring his food and feeding him twice a day rather than leaving food out all the time. If you're unsure whether he's overweight , give him the hands-on test. Place your hands on his back, thumbs along the spine, with the fingers spread downward. You should be able to feel but not see his ribs without having to press hard. If you can't, he needs less food and more exercise. For more on feeding your Irish Terrier, see our guidelines for buying the right food , feeding your puppy , and feeding your adult dog . Coat Color And Grooming The Irish Terrier is jacketed with dense, wiry hair. The hairs grow so closely together that even if you part them with your fingers, it's hard to see the skin. It's short enough that you can still see the outline of the body. At the base of the stiff outer coat is some finer and softer hair, lighter in color, which is the undercoat. The double coat protects the Irish Terrier from rough underbrush and cold or wet weather when he's working or playing outdoors. His coat is bright red, golden red, red wheaten, or wheaten (pale yellow or fawn). He may have a small patch of white on the chest. Puppies sometimes have black hair at birth, which should disappear before they are grown. Brush the coat weekly with a natural bristle brush to keep it clean and healthy. You must strip it by hand a couple of times a year if you want to keep the hard texture and bright color, a must if you plan to show your Irish Terrier. For companion dogs, it's often easier to clip the coat, but be aware that it will become softer to the touch and lighter in color. You may or may not care about that. If you plan to strip it, ask the breeder to show you how. It's the kind of thing you can do while you and your IT are watching a 30-minute television show. If you don't mind the scruffy look, you can just leave the coat as is, with no stripping or clipping. Irish Terriers shed little and are sometimes referred to as nonallergenic or hypoallergenic. There is no truly nonallergenic breed. Every dog produces some allergens through skin dander (not hair), saliva, and urine. That said, some people with allergies do find that they can tolerate this breed. Individual dogs, even within the same breed, vary in the amount of allergens they produce, so the best thing you can do is to meet as many Irish Terriers as possible and see how you react around them. Other grooming needs include dental hygiene and nail care. Brush your Irish Terrier's teeth at least two or three times a week to remove tartar buildup and the accompanying bacteria. Daily is better. Trim his nails once or twice a month, as needed. If you can hear the nail clicking on the floor, they're too long. Short nails keep the feet in good condition, don't get caught in the carpet and tear, and don't scratch your legs when your Irish Terrier enthusiastically jumps up to greet you. It's not exactly a grooming issue, but your Irish Terrier puppy's ears may need to be "trained" to achieve those perfectly folded V-shaped ears that contribute to the Irish Terrier's roguish demeanor. This involves gluing and taping the ears to the head until they fall right, usually at 4 to 8 months of age. If it's necessary, your dog's breeder can show you how. Children And Other Pets It's said that the little people (leprechauns) gave Irish Terriers to children to be their playmates. Their size and energy level make them great companions for active kids, but as always, they should both be supervised, especially if children are very young. Teach your puppy not to be rough or mouthy, and teach your child not to pull the dog's tail or ears or hit him. Children should never approach any dog while he's sleeping or eating or try to take the dog's food away. No dog should ever be left unsupervised with a child. Irish Terriers don't like strange dogs, and they can be aggressive toward other dogs of the same sex. Early socialization with lots of other dogs, strong leadership on your part, and neutering can go a long way toward reducing an Irish Terrier's dog aggression, but they're not a guarantee that you'll turn him into a dog who's buddy-buddy with other canines. If you have one Irish Terrier, he can probably learn to get along with one or more cats. Early socialization is key. More than one Irish Terrier may gang up on a cat or cats. Always supervise their interactions and, if necessary, separate them when you're gone. Rescue Groups Irish Terriers are sometimes bought without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one. These dogs may end up in need of adoption and or fostering.
i don't know
What Russian city had its name changed first to Petrograd, then Leningrad, before returning to its original name?
St Petersburg 1914: The door to another age - BBC News BBC News St Petersburg 1914: The door to another age By Steve Rosenberg BBC News, St Petersburg 9 January 2014 Close share panel Image copyright Thinkstock As war approached in 1914, the Russian capital St Petersburg was the scene of imperial splendour and abject poverty, utopian hopes and portents of impending doom. I have never met anyone who is more proud of her kitchen door than Firuza Seidova. In fact, Firuza is so proud of the door in her St Petersburg kitchen that she has invited me to her flat on Liteiny Prospekt to see it. I'm here very early in the morning - the night train from Moscow has whisked me to a St Petersburg which is still dark and sleepy and bitterly cold. But at home, Firuza is wide awake and welcoming. She's made me breakfast - black bread with thick slices of cheese and a cup of piping hot green tea. We're sitting at her kitchen table eating our buterbrody - and staring at the door. To be honest, it doesn't look very special. The old wooden panels have faded. They're blotchy - and scratched. I can't help thinking the whole thing could do with a fresh lick of paint. But when Firuza starts recounting the history of her apartment, I realise this is much more than just a battered old door - it's a gateway to a golden past, to the St Petersburg of 1914. "Back then, all sorts came through my kitchen," she says. "The Emperor Nicholas was here, Sergei Prokofiev, too, and some of the most famous names in the history of chess." Firuza shows me an old black and white photograph of two men engrossed in a game of chess. I instantly recognise the door at the back of the picture - it's the one in Firuza's kitchen! One hundred years ago, Firuza Seidova's flat was the headquarters of the St Petersburg Chess Society. The kitchen door is all that's left of the original rooms - the last surviving link to an intriguing story. Find out more Five BBC correspondents present personal perspectives on the major European capitals in 1914 as part of Radio 3's Music on the Brinkseries. Music on the Brink: The Essay is broadcast Monday to Friday this week at 22:45 GMT, Radio 3. Listen afterwards on iPlayer It was spring 1914. And to mark its 10th anniversary, the St Petersburg Chess Society organised a tournament for some of the greatest players on the planet. Not everyone could make it. Chess stars from Austria-Hungary had to decline their invitations, because of pre-war tension with Russia. Nevertheless, the list of competitors was impressive. The favourite was from Germany: the world champion for the last 20 years, Emanuel Lasker - such an elegant, inspirational player that the St Petersburg press dubbed him "the poet of the chess table". His main rival was the man soon to be hailed as "the human chess machine", the flamboyant Cuban diplomat Jose Raul Capablanca. From England came the heavy-drinking Mancunian Joseph Blackburne (nickname "The Black Death"). From America, top tactician Frank Marshall. Representing Russia, the attacking Alexander Alekhine. And there they all were, fighting it out in Firuza's flat. Image copyright Getty Images Image caption Jose Raul Capablanca (left) plays Emanuel Lasker in 1923 For one glorious month Europe seemed to forget it was on the precipice of war and was transfixed by battles on the chessboards of St Petersburg. Each move, every twist and turn in this grand tournament was transmitted back across the continent by an army of reporters. The venue wasn't nearly big enough for the crowds that came. One journalist complained that "the stuffiness and the heat were almost tropical". St Petersburg Image copyright Thinkstock City founded by Tsar Peter the Great in early 18th Century as sea port and new Russian capital (replacing Moscow) Winter Palace (pictured) became official residence of Russian monarchs from 1730s until it was stormed in 1917 revolution Known in Russian as Sankt Peterburg, the city's name changed to Petrograd in 1914, then to Leningrad after Lenin's death in 1924, and back to Sankt Peterburg/St Petersburg in 1991 And this is how newspaper Novoye Vremya described the atmosphere: "Spectators were packed in unceremoniously like sardines in a barrel. They craned their necks; they stood on tiptoes, even on chairs so they could see the play… and the room was so thick with tobacco smoke, it was like a mortuary where they're busy cutting up corpses." And yet, in this stifling, smoky hell of a chess club, there was a feeling that something very special was being forged from the intellectual tussles taking place here, something which transcended chess, something great that would change the world for the better. The newspaper Kopeika predicted that in St Petersburg "the noble game of chess" would "promote the idea of world peace". In the journal Rech, Emanuel Lasker went even further. He seemed to imply that the competitors would be thinking so hard about their chess moves that, somewhere along the way, they would think up a whole "new set of values" for mankind. A very lofty, rather ambitious thought. Image copyright Getty Images Image caption Nevsky Prospekt But even "chess poets" and "human chess machines" need some down time. So one day the competitors were treated to a tour of St Petersburg. And what they would have seen that day would have made them feel very much at home. For St Petersburg was Russia's most cosmopolitan city, a capital created with one purpose - to make Russia look like Europe. The palaces were like those you'd find in France, Italy or Germany; the canals were like Amsterdam or Venice. Even the city's name, Sankt Peterburg, had been deliberately chosen by Peter the Great to sound more Dutch than Russian. Over the centuries, architects, engineers, shipbuilders and shopkeepers travelled here from across Europe, taking part in this unique project to westernise Russia. Many of the visitors put down roots and foreign communities became part of the fabric of St Petersburg. In 1914 the city boasted German butchers, Austrian bakeries, English sweet shops. At the city's grandest delicatessen, the Yeliseyev, goods were advertised in Russian, French and German. On 19 May, St Petersburg was invaded by dragonflies, a bizarre infestation of biblical proportions... Many in the city saw it as a terrifying omen And then there were the cinemas, with their exotic, non-Slavic names. St Petersburg's main street, Nevsky Prospekt, was full of them - the Crystal Palace, the Majestic, Folies Bergere, foreign titles which conjured up images of European grandeur. In 1914 a new cinema opened up on Nevsky, the Parisiana. It was, by all accounts, a remarkable building. The auditorium was built in the style of Louis XVI of France, with stucco walls and a giant marble staircase. Some of the stalls and the balcony lodges even had their own telephones. And the cinema roof could be opened mechanically so you could relax, watch a film and gaze at the stars. The Parisiana symbolised everything Russia wanted to be in 1914 - a world leader, an innovator, an industrial, technological and cultural powerhouse. I try to find the Parisiana on Nevsky Prospekt. Sadly, it's no longer there. It's been replaced by a Swedish clothes store. Still, I suppose that even Swedish sweaters, socks and bras keep up that St Petersburg tradition of embracing Europe. I get chatting to a security guard in the clothes shop. He tells me about an old cinema that has survived, just down the road. A narrow archway leads me into a back yard and there it is - a hidden jewel of St Petersburg cinema history. Since communist times, this semi-circular structure with classical columns has been known as the Aurora - in honour of the naval cruiser which, legend has it, fired the first shot in the Russian Revolution. Image caption The foyer of the Aurora cinema (originally the Piccadilly) But the cinema's original name was the Piccadilly. It, too, was new in 1914 and, like the Parisiana, was conceived as a sumptuous palace of film. Inside I discover the most stunning cinema foyer I've ever seen, with gigantic Chinese vases and exquisite frescoes. If the spectacular St Petersburg cinema halls of 1914 projected a brash confidence, a country oozing money and ambition, the films themselves told a different story. That year, Russian silent movies were obsessed with destruction and violence. In the film Life in Death, a doctor is so keen to preserve his wife's beauty that he kills her and embalms her body. And in Child of the Big City, director Yevgeny Bauer foretells the disintegration of Russian society. Desperate to escape her sweatshop existence, seamstress Mary seduces a wealthy gentleman called Viktor. She then drains him of all his money and throws him penniless onto the street. Viktor shoots himself. On seeing his lifeless body, the heartless Mary is quoted as saying, "Well, they do say that meeting a dead man brings you good luck." She steps over his corpse and never looks back. More from the series Stephen Evans in Berlin describes A city of ambition and self-doubt In many ways, the silver screen reflected the dark reality of St Petersburg 1914. True, this was a city of plenty, where you could buy anything from foreign maple syrup to coats made of kangaroo fur. But it was also a place of abject poverty for many of the workers, of poor housing, appalling sanitation and widespread disease. The death rate in St Petersburg was higher than in any capital in Europe. Suicide was on the rise, too. And it was a violent city. A sharp increase in street crime pointed to growing hostility between the social classes. The local press lamented the disturbing new phenomenon of "hooliganism". Little did they know that in Vladimir Putin's Russia, female punk bands and Greenpeace activists would be charged with the same crime. There were strikes at factories, arrests of suspected revolutionaries. More than anything, there was a sense of impending doom. On 19 May, St Petersburg was invaded by dragonflies, a bizarre infestation of biblical proportions - the skies, the streets and the River Neva were teeming with insects. Many people in the city saw it as a terrifying omen. This was a very different St Petersburg from the city experienced by the stars of the 1914 chess tournament - they were treated to concerts, lavish banquets and presented with gilded wine glasses specially made by Faberge. Locked in their intellectual bubble, the players could think grand thoughts about changing the world. But outside, the world was changing anyway, and it wasn't the masters of chess who would shape the future. One week before the dragonflies descended, Lasker was declared chess champion of St Petersburg. That summer, there was another international chess competition, in Mannheim, Germany. It featured 11 players from the Russian empire. Image copyright AP Image caption St Petersburg reservists assemble for military duty at the outbreak of WW1 By this time, though, few people believed in the power of chess to change the world. After round 11 of the Mannheim tournament, Germany declared war on Russia. All the Russian players were arrested and imprisoned, including the future world champion, Alekhine. Later he'd be put in solitary confinement for smiling at a guard. In response to the declaration of war, Tsar Nicholas II renamed his capital. Suddenly "Sankt Peterburg" sounded too German and the city became Petrograd - far more Russian. Of course, Russia's 20th Century nightmare was only just beginning. World war would lead to revolution and brutal civil war. World War One The World War One Centenary But what I find most remarkable about the St Petersburg of 1914 is that it was this moment in history - the eve of cataclysmic change - when Russia reached her creative peak. When artists and composers decided that anything goes, experimenting like never before with words and sound and colour. Many of Russia's most creative writers and poets gravitated towards the Stray Dog Cafe in St Petersburg - an artistic salon in a cellar where they could stay up all night reciting their works, and arguing about art and politics. The Russian Revolution would destroy many of them. Mandelstam died in a Soviet prison camp. Tsvetaeva and Mayakovsky committed suicide. Sitting at her kitchen table, in what was once the St Petersburg Chess Society, Firuza Seidova has a simple explanation for this explosion of creativity, which preceded Russia's catastrophe. "It's the same with my house plants, when I don't look after them properly," she says, pointing to flowerpots on the windowsill. "You see, when flowers feel that they're dying, they try to blossom one last time." Music on the Brink: The Essay series will be broadcast Monday to Friday this week at 22:45 GMT on BBC Radio 3. Monday: Vienna . Tuesday: Paris . Wednesday: Berlin . Tomorrow: London. Follow @BBCNewsMagazine on Twitter and on Facebook
Saint Petersburg
The least densely populated country in the world, what is the largest island in the world, by area, that is not a continent?
27 January 2014 (Mon), 19:00 - Shostakovich. "Leningrad" Symphony (Concert) - Maestro Yury Temirkanov Grand Philharmonic Hall (established 1802) - BalletAndOpera.org Composer: Dmitry Shostakovich �On that peaceful summer morning of June 22, 1941, I was on my way to the Leningrad Stadium to see my favourite Sunday soccer game,� Shostakovich wrote. �Molotov�s radio address found me hurrying down the street� Our fruitful, constructive existence was rudely shattered!� The Nazi invasion of Russia had brought Hitler�s hordes to the gates of Leningrad where they laid siege.� At the time, the 35-year-old Shostakovich was head of the Leningrad Conservatoire�s piano department. He began work on his Seventh Symphony in the first hot days of July. �Neither savage raids, German planes, nor the grim atmosphere of the beleaguered city could hinder the flow,� he recalled. �I worked with an inhuman intensity I have never before reached.�� More than 600,000 people died in the siege. After enduring the terrible conditions for a month, Shostakovich agreed to be evacuated to Moscow, taking the completed first three movements of the symphony along. With the rest of the government, he was then evacuated once more, this time to the temporary capital of Kuibyshev on the river Volga where he finished the symphony in December 1941.� The mammoth work runs for over 78 minutes (the first movement alone lasts nearly half an hour). Shostakovich asks for an equally gargantuan orchestra including eight horns, six trombones, two harps, a piano, three side drums and a full complement of other percussion instruments.� The first performance was given on March 5, 1942 by the Orchestra of the Bolshoi Theatre, which had also been evacuated to Kuibyshev, conducted by Samuil Samosud. But before Leningrad heard the work, it was broadcast by the BBC on June 22, 1942 � the first anniversary of Russia�s entry into the war � conducted by Sir Henry Wood.� But how?� A microfilm of the score had been smuggled out of Russia and it was in this way that the US, too, heard the symphony before Leningrad when Toscanini conducted the NBC Symphony in a broadcast on July 19, 1942.� The �Leningrad� was finally performed in Leningrad itself on August 9 and, until the end of the 1940s, enjoyed great popularity. But it later fell out of favour and only regained popularity in the 1960s. Despite its often obvious effects, Shostakovich�s Seventh is a stirring piece of contemporary history. About the St.Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra The St.Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra, led by Yuri Temirkanov, is the oldest orchestra in Russia. Its official birthday, 1882, is preceded by a series of events that now comprise the history of musical life in the former capital of the Russian Empire. When Peter the Great laid the foundations for the city of St.Petersburg in 1703, he was determined that his new capital would be a European town. Leading Italian, and later German, composers and musicians lived and created in the city on the Neva. In 1802, a group of music-loving Russian aristocrats founded Europe�s first philharmonic society in the city. On 19th October 1917, during the Great October Revolution, the orchestra was changed by decree into a state orchestra� and gave its first public concert in the Soviet Union on 8th November. A year later the orchestra was incorporated into the newly founded Petrograd Philharmonic, which became the first major musical organization in the USSR. In October 1920, the People�s Commissar of Education, Anatoly Lunacharsky, himself a lover of classical music, issued the following decree: �I declare the Petrograd State Philharmonic Orchestra to be the only symphonic institution of the republic and as such a model and exemplary body. Any infringement leading to the disorganization of the activities of the orchestra or any other attempts to destroy it are hereby decreed a felony. The State Philharmonic Orchestra of Petrograd must remain an inviolable Institution of national importance.� In the following years, the orchestra�s repertoire was developed and expanded by its administrative directors, Ossovskaya and Sollertinsky, who introduced performances of the Beethoven, Mahler and Bruckner symphonic cycles. Mravinsky took over as music director in 1938 and continued in this position for almost 50 years.� There was a great artistic friendship between Mravinsky and Shostakovich, and Mravinsky became the first and the most renowned interpreter of Shostakovich�s works. The orchestra frequently gave premiere performances of his works which now take a special place in the orchestra�s repertoire. After Mravinsky�s death in 1988 Yuri Temirkanov was appointed Music Director and Principal Conductor of the Orchestra. The St.Petersburg Philharmonic was the first Soviet orchestra to tour abroad. After the war, the orchestra toured over 25 countries in Europe, Asia, and America conducted by Stokowski, Munch, Cluyens, Markevitch, Kosef Krips, Kodaly and Britten. In addition to its regular concert series at the renowned philharmonic Hall in St.Petersburg, the Orchestra now regularly tours Europe, Japan and the USA. In 1991, shortly after the renaming of the city, the Orchestra changed its name from the Leningrad Philharmonic the St.Petersburg Philharmonic. During the past ten years the orchestra has completed substantial tours throughout Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Spain, Italy, the UK, the USA, South America, the Far East and Japan, and appeared at major summer festivals including Lucerne, Salzburg, Edinburgh and the BBS Proms. The orchestra can be heard with Yuri Temirkanov conducting on BMG Classics and Warner, with Mariss Jansons on EMI an With Vladimir Ashkenasy on Decca. International recognition: press reviews about tours of the St.Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra worldwide ORCHESTRA STRUCTURE
i don't know
Jan 24, 1848 saw the start of the California Gold Rush when James W Marshall discovered gold at what California Location?
1848 California Gold Discovery – Coloma, California | Coloma, California Weather California Gold Discovery On January 24, 1848, an event occurred in Coloma that would radically impact the history of California and the Nation. James W. Marshall was building a sawmill for Captain John Sutter, using water from the South Fork of the American River. He noticed several flakes of metal in the tailrace water and recognized them to be gold. Though he tried to keep it a secret, the word spread quickly, and triggered the California Gold Rush of 1849. Some 80,000 immigrants poured into California during 1849. By the 1850s miners were coming from places all over the world—Britain, Europe, China, Australia, North and South America. After the gold petered out, many weary miners headed home. But others took a second look at California and liked what they saw. These hearty pioneers found the land unbelievably productive, and ultimately California’s great wealth came not from its mines but from its farms. California, with its diverse population, achieved statehood in 1850, decades earlier than it would have been without the gold. Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park In Coloma today you can visit the site of Sutter’s Mill and view an operational replica of the Mill. Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park also features a museum, many original and restored buildings, and costumed volunteers. Adults and children alike enjoy panning for gold at several locations in the park. California Gold Discovery
Sutter's Mill
On January 26, 1879, who was granted a patent for r an electric lamp using "a carbon filament or strip coiled and connected to platina contact wires"
California State Library - "CALIFORNIA AS WE SAW IT": EXPLORING THE CALIFORNIA GOLD RUSH EXPLORING THE CALIFORNIA GOLD RUSH By Gary F. Kurutz, Curator of Special Collections Introduction When James Wilson Marshall saw something golden shining in the tailrace at Sutter's Mill, he not only set off a worldwide rush to California but also touched off the greatest writing and artistic frenzy in our nation's history. Newspapers, guidebooks, government reports, sermons, diaries, and letters written home all spread the word about a land where golden dreams could be realized. Artists through sketches, paintings, prints, pictorial letter sheets, birds-eye views, and illustrations for books likewise gave visual meaning to this new El Dorado. Nineteen ninety-eight commemorates the discovery of a precious mineral, but as historian John Walton Caughey so eloquently noted in 1948, this anniversary also marks a momentous cultural and intellectual awakening. It is only appropriate that the California State Library should create this exhibit since the institution itself got its start during the height of the Gold Rush. Many libraries and archives across the country from Yale University to the Henry E. Huntington Library preserve formidable collections of Gold Rush material, but the State Library's direct relationship to Marshall's earthshaking discovery gives it a unique role in this sesquicentennial year. Without the mad scramble to our golden shore, California would not have been admitted into the Union so quickly and the institution of the State Library would not have come into being as it is presently constituted. The goal of the exhibit is many fold: provide an overview of the Gold Rush, emphasize the strength of the Library's collection, and incorporate items that will simultaneously delight, surprise, and inform. In creating this exhibit, the varieties and richness of the material proved to be both a joy and challenge. Literally, I scrutinized hundreds of items and explored various themes. Unavoidably, because of space limitations, many choice documents and topics were grudgingly set aside. It is no accident that so much documentation exists about the run for gold. In fact, it could be argued that the California Gold Rush stands as the best documented event in our state's history. There are many reasons for this. Most importantly, though, the Gold Rush took place when people commonly kept diaries and wrote detailed letters. Fortunately for us, many Argonauts possessed exceptional powers of description, the ability to express philosophical thoughts, and the gift to record what they saw with drama, emotion, and on occasion with humor. Because the Gold Rush represented the adventure of a lifetime, participants, through letters and diaries, eagerly shared their experiences with friends and relatives and made sure that their writings would be preserved for future generations. A Gathering of Gold Rushiana The exhibit features many examples drawn for the California History Section's extensive manuscript collections. Scores of Gold Rush manuscript collections holding thousands of letters were examined. Included are such treasures as Marshall's own map showing where he discovered gold, pioneer preacher Joseph A. Benton's journals of his voyage to California and his first years in Sacramento looking for souls instead of gold, and letters to his mother by Sacramento's first historian, Dr. John F. Morse. Letters by those less well known, however, vividly tell us of the travel to California by land and sea and then the cold reality of the diggings and its hardships, loneliness, lawlessness, and disappointments. Printed books, pamphlets, periodicals, and newspapers, of course, form a major component of any Gold Rush exhibition. These printed sources, more than any single medium, spread the news and influenced would-be gold seekers. Bayard Taylor's El Dorado, the best seller of the Gold Rush; Dame Shirley's celebrated letters from Rich Bar which appeared in California's first periodical, The Pioneer, and the Journal of the Hartford Union Mining Company, actually printed on board a California bound ship in 1849, serve as a solid foundation of early eyewitness accounts. An array of rare guidebooks, foreign language works, and printed pamphlets issued by mining companies supplement these seminal publications. The very first issue of the Panama Star, an American newspaper printed in Panama, records the importance of that narrow isthmus as a link between the United States and its new mineral-rich territory. The gold discovery and its immediate aftermath took place when the visual means of mass communication was making great strides. Lithographs and wood engravings gave visual credence to the incredible news that poured out of California. Artists were not immune to gold fever and some real talent came to California first to hunt for gold, and then finding this to be hard and unproductive work, turned back to their god-given natural abilities. Charles Christian Nahl, Harrison Eastman, John David Borthwick, and George Holbrook Baker, to name just a few, produced memorable images that publishers even to this day reproduce over and over. The result of all of this made the Gold Rush one of the first important episodes in our history recorded visually and systematically by its participants. Consequently, pencil sketches, pictorial letter sheets, illustrations found in books and newspapers, and birds-eye views of cities and towns form an essential component of this display. One other form of visual documentation emerged, photography namely in the form of the daguerreotype. The Gold Rush represented the first important event in our nation's past to be captured by photography. Those one-of-a-kind, silvery, mirror-like images held together in beautiful, protective leather cases provide a breathtaking, crystal clear view of life during that rambunctious era. Certainly a highlight of California As We Saw It are the exquisite open air daguerreotypes of mining operations near Georgetown and Nevada City attributed to J. B. Starkweather. Daguerrian portraits of men and women put a human face on that golden era. Last, we have supplemented the above objects with what rare book and history librarians call ephemera, items that were meant to last only a moment. Judiciously placed throughout the display are wonderful examples of Gold Rush sheet music, stock certificates, broadsides, printed receipts for gold bullion, illustrated postal covers, and a rare clipper card (advertising a voyage to California). These transitory items, held and read by the gold hunters, give as much meaning to the display as rare books and manuscripts. Some Themes Explored Several topics apart from the discovery and long journey to California and the diggings have been developed. The title of J. S. Holliday's brilliant book, The World Rushed In, provided inspiration for two exhibit cases. One case is devoted to accounts and guidebooks published in England, France, Australia, and Germany. Another features the experiences of women, African Americans, and Chinese. One remarkable manuscript consists of a bill of sale whereby a slave imported by his Southern master to hunt for gold buys his freedom for $1,000. Within a couple years after the discovery, miners extracted gold from the earth by working in teams and then by forming companies. Turning rivers with dams, delivering water by flumes to wash away the hillsides in search of gold, and setting up stamp mills to crush the ore was not a simple, individual endeavor. This mechanization of mining and the need to raise capital is documented by manuscripts and printed by-laws, articles of incorporation, mining claims, and bills of sale. A selection of beautifully engraved early stock certificates provides visual evidence of the financing needed to work the mines. The need to supply the mines gave rise to instant cities and mining camps. While San Francisco emerged as El Dorado's most important port and city, Sacramento also experienced unbelievable growth. On display are a sampling of books, letters, sketches documenting Sacramento's transformation from the citadel of Captain Sutter's New Helvetia empire to a vital entrepot to the northern mines. Highlights include the first Sacramento directory by Horace Culver, a broadside proclamation concerning the formation of city government in 1849, and one of the earliest known sketches of its famed embarcadero by George Holbrook Baker. Not all was seriousness when it came to looking for gold. The gold mania spawned a series of satirical prints and books by the likes of Alfred Crowquill, Jeremiah Saddlebags, and Old Block. A centerpiece is a beautiful hand-colored lithograph entitled the "Independent Gold Hunter on His Way to California." Crowned with a pot, the bespectacled gold hunter is loaded down with every conceivable appliance and weapon including a set of gold scales from which hangs a strong of sausage, dried fish, and a tea kettle. A rare series of hand-colored lithographs by two Cuban artists gives a light-hearted look at a group of miners who evidently had made their pile and enjoyed the fruits of their labor. California as We Saw It could not have been put together without the able and cheerful assistance of Gerrilee Hafvenstein of the Library's Preservation Office. Her skill in preserving and preparing materials for display earns my constant gratitude and admiration. To coin an appropriate phrase, she has a golden touch. The following describes the one hundred plus items that comprise the display. Since most of readers cannot visit the Library's gallery, it is hoped that this compilation will provide a sense of the display and a permanent record of a truly remarkable grouping of primary source material. As demonstrated by this exhibit, James Marshall's discovery produced not only treasure in the form of yellow metal but also the foundation for the Library's great California history collection. Section I. The Great Discovery James Wilson Marshall Untitled manuscript map of the gold discovery site, a portion of the Coloma Valley, and location of Sutter's Mill . No date. 14 x 25 in. Drawn by James Wilson Marshall, the gold discoverer himself, the map depicts the Coloma Valley with the south fork of the American River and shows mountains, gulches, trees, and brush. Despite its crude appearance, the map, according to Marshall's biographer Theressa Gay, was fairly accurate. Marshall apparently made the map sometime after the discovery but an exact date cannot be determined. The map was found in a desk at his cabin in Kelsey (near Placerville) after his death. John Sipp, who purchased the cabin at an administrator's sale, gave the map to the State Library in 1910 along with a double-sided drawing of the mill by Marshall. According to cartobibliographer Carl I. Wheat, Marshall's map ranks as one of the most important documents in the State Library's collections. James Wilson Marshall Untitled drawing of the gold discovery . No date. This crude pencil drawing delineates perhaps the most important event in California history in the discoverer's own hand. Marshall wrote on the lower right side: "Situation of all hands on the mill at the time I brought the gold and show'd it." The workman (left of center) asks: "What is it?" Marshall (right of center) answers: "I have found it." William Scott, the carpenter (right of Marshall), replies: "I guess not." The drawing, like the map, was found in Marshall's desk, and John Sipp presented it to the Library in 1910. James Wilson Marshall Untitled drawing of Sutter's Mill . No date. The gold discoverer made this drawing on the other side of his gold discovery sketch. Marshall wrote the following caption: "The mill as finished at the time of the gold discovery Jany. 19th 1848." Sutter's millwright confused the actual date of the discovery and hence the date of the 19th rather than the 24th. Lease agreement between John A. Sutter & James Wilson Marshall and the Yalesummi Tribe . February 4, 1848. 4 p. Contemporary copy. Captain Sutter and James Marshall attempted to gain legal control of the Coloma Valley by entering into a lease with the local Indians. This document was actually made on January 1 but not signed until February 4. With the discovery of gold, control of the valley became imperative to Sutter. The document was signed by two chiefs and two alcaldes of the Yalesummi tribe. As historian Theressa Gay notes: "This historic document defined the boundaries of the first mining claim on the Mother Lode just eleven days after the discovery of gold." Sutter sent the lease document to Colonel R. B. Mason, military governor of California, for his approval. Mason rejected the lease in a letter to Sutter: "The United States do not recognize the right of Indians to sell or lease lands on which they reside." The original document was probably lost in the fire that consumed Sutter's Hock Farm. The copy in the State Library's possession is part of the George McKinstry Collection. McKinstry worked for Sutter at the fort in the 1840s. Unsigned letter of John A. Sutter to Governor R. B. Mason . New Helvetia, February 22, 1848. 1 p. This cover letter to Mason accompanied Sutter's lease agreement with the Yalesummi Indians. Written less than a month after Marshall's discovery, Sutter explains the expense of building and settling Coloma and the need to protect his property. Without mentioning gold, Sutter went on to write: "The settlement will be of great benefit to the Indians by protecting them against the wild tribes above them, furnishing them with food, clothing, etc. and teach them habits of industry." On display is a contemporary copy of the lost original. George McKinstry Collection. "Captain Sutter's Account of the First Discovery of Gold. Portait [sic] of Mr. Marshal [sic], Taken from Nature at the Time When He Made the Discovery of Gold in California. View of Sutter's Mill or Place Where the First Gold Has Been Discovered." Lithographed and published by Britton & Rey, San Francisco, 1854. Sutter's account of Marshall's momentous visit to his fort after finding gold appeared in San Francisco Pacific News for October 9, 1849. The letter sheet reproduces Sutter's text. Sutter recalled: ". . . suddenly all my misgivings were put at an end by his [Marshall] flinging on the table a handful of scales of pure virgin gold. I was fairly thunderstruck and asked him to explain what all this meant." Sutter then accompanied Marshall to Coloma and found gold himself by picking out with a small knife a lump of gold from a dry gorge. He concluded his statement with the words: "- Oro! - Oro! - Oro!" George Frederick Parsons The Life and Adventures of James W. Marshall, The Discoverer of Gold in California . Sacramento: James W. Marshall and W. Burke, 1870. 188 p. The frontispiece represents Marshall holding a golden nugget. Gold Rush historians call this one of the most important books of California history. It is based on materials supplied by William Burke, a business associate of Marshall, and Parsons' interview of Marshall. It details not only Marshall's discovery but also the "curse" that dogged much of his life. Marshall and Burke published the book to win support for the discoverer's petition to the legislature to obtain a pension and as a means of promoting his lecture tours. William S. Jewett [attributed to] New York: Sarony & Major, [1850]. 17 � x 24 � in. Image on 21 x 26 in. sheet. This beautiful hand-colored lithograph depicts the Coloma Valley during the heyday of the Gold Rush. In the foreground, a Native American gazes on the scene. Sutter's Mill, the site of the gold discovery, is in the center of the print. By 1850, Coloma emerged as a bustling mining town with hotels, saloons, restaurants, stores, and a bowling alley. The text below the title and image reads: "On the South Fork of the American Line, Alta California / Respectively dedicated to Capt. John A. Sutter; / by his obedient servant'; [signed] "John T Little." Little's store is depicted in the center across the river from the mill. Section II. By Sea to the Golden Land New-York: Ensign and Thayer, 1849 Lithograph, hand-colored, 16 x 14 in. The gold region is tinted in yellow. In addition to showing the principal routes to California, the publishers included two text blocks: "Important Directions to Persons Emigrating to California" and "Description of California, or the new Gold Region." The text concludes with the following glowing statement: "Such is California – the richest, most picturesque and beautiful region, for its extent, upon the face of the earth. Such is the El Dorado of the Gold mines; and such is the great acquisition of the late war with Mexico." The Library's copy was originally inserted in the 1849 issue of T. J. Farnham's Life, Adventures, and Travels in California. The map may have been printed later and given with the book to help sales. For California, San Francisco, and the Gold Mines. Ship Balance. New York: Brooks & Frye, Dec. 26th, 1848. Gold fever reached the eastern United States in the fall of 1848. The winter of 1848-1849 marked the first season of the dash to California by sea. Typical of the many broadsides designed to lure desperate gold seekers, this advertisement touted the amenities of the ship Balance. Its owners, B. S. Brooks and Frederick Frye, employed E. Washburn Ruggles as the ship's captain and announced a sailing date of January 18, 1849. The ship was made of oak and teak "and in all respects perfectly fitted for a safe, expeditious, and comfortable voyage around Cape Horn." For a cost of $150, passengers received a stateroom, 5 cubic feet of space for freight or baggage, and meals. E. L. Cleaveland. Hasting to Be Rich. A Sermon, Occasioned by the Present Excitement Respecting the Gold of California, Preached in the Cities of New Haven and Bridgeport, Jan. and Feb. 1849 New Haven, 1849 E. L. Cleaveland, in this fire and brimstone sermon, warned gold seekers to worry about those left behind and the danger to their own health, life, and character. He warned: "The filth and scum of society, [have] gathered and poured in there to seethe and ferment into one putrid mass of unmitigated depravity." Many preachers exhorted the Argonauts to take their Bibles in one hand and plant their New England virtue on the golden soil. Jethro C. Brock. A List of Persons from Nantucket now in California, or on Their Way Thither. Nantucket: Jethro C. Brock, 1850. 24 p. This tiny and rare publication includes the names of vessels, and their departure and arrival times. Demonstrating the impact of gold fever on the New England whaling island, Brock provides information on 650 individuals. The last page lists persons who returned from California and the names of eight who died in California or on their passage to the golden land. Rev. Joseph A. Benton Left the Wharf in Boston – Thursday – January Eleventh _ A.D. 1849. Reached the Anchorage Ground at San Francisco; July 6th 1849. Two volumes. Rev. Benton, going to California to seek souls and not gold, provided a detailed eyewitness account of the voyage of the Edward Everett. Named for the president of Harvard, the vessel was the first to sail from Boston to the gold fields with an organized mining company, the Boston and California Joint Stock Mining and Trading Company. Benton preached sermons and gave talks on religious subjects during the voyage. After arriving in San Francisco, he immediately went to Sacramento and established the First Church of Christ (Pioneer Congregational Church) and became one of the most influential Protestant clergymen in California. His diary describes in detail the voyage and his life ministering to the gold seekers. The second volume of Benton's diary is open to the entry for July 14, 1849, marking his arrival in Sacramento. Seeking shelter from the angry Sacramento sun, he pitched his tent in a grove of oak trees. The following day, Sunday, he planned to preach his first sermon, but an attack of dysentery kept him down. Reverend Joseph A. Benton Sixth plate daguerreotype, maker unknown. Nantucket: Jethro C. Brock, 1850. 24 p. The Yale educated Reverend Benton preached his first sermon in Sacramento, "the city of tents and trees" on July 22, 1849, after recovering from a siege of dysentery. A congregation of about 100 men and three women met in an oak grove to hear him. A wagon served as Benton's pulpit. Rev. Joseph A. Benton Outlines &c. of Sermons &c. Preached on Board the Edward Everett. Also in California at Various Times and Places. January 28, 1849 – January 16, 1859. The Reverend Benton dutifully preached to the passengers on the famous California bound Edward Everett, and when he established his church in Sacramento, his sermons brought the message of the Almighty to the rambunctious Argonauts. Benton wrote: "The world's centre will have changed and no man will be thought to have seen the world till he has visited California." The Barometer February 21, 1850 (Vol. 1, No. 1) – April 14, 1850 (Vol. 1. No. 8) One of the ways passengers relieved the tedium of the long ocean voyage around Cape Horn was to produce a newspaper. Sailing on the barque Mary Waterman, a group of editors formed aboard ship to issue this folio size paper weekly "for the amusement of the passengers." Letter of Gooding, Lucas & Co. To Mr. [Charles] Brown New York. May 20, 1849. 1 p. A representative of Gooding, Lucas & Company wrote the father of Jared Brown to inform him that his son was off to California on the steamer Antelope and that he did not have time to write. Further, Jared did not have sufficient funds to pay his way, and therefore, worked his passage as a coal heaver. Letters in the Library's collection document that Jared crossed the Isthmus of Panama and made it to California where he enjoyed a lucrative business as a blacksmith in Coloma. Published by Nathan Currier, New York; William B. McMurtrie, San Francisco, 1851. Hand-colored lithograph. 17 x 29 in. The instant city of San Francisco, the destination point of the world, is magnificently portrayed in this spectacular view. Ships in Yerba Buena Cove abandoned by gold hunters dominate the scene. McMurtrie captured such prominent Gold Rush landmarks as the Long Wharf, Pacific Street Wharf, and the converted warehouse ships Apollo and Niantic. Showing the rawness of the city, hastily thrown up wooden buildings and canvas tents predominate. Fire consumed many of the structures represented in this print. San Francisco, October 7, 1849. 4 p. With pencil sketch Lyon, after 222 days at sea, described in this letter the voyage, conditions in San Francisco, prospects for the mines, and news of his health and that of his companions. He hoped to return in a year or two and was unsure if he would go to the mines. The last page of his letter features a beautiful pencil drawing with the following caption: "The above represents the situation of our barque as she appeared on the morning of the 25 of Sept. last having been struck by a small squall. I sprang to the deck thinking she had struck a rock." George G. Foster The Gold Regions of California: Being a Succinct Description of the Geography, History, Topography, and General Features of California; Including a Carefully Prepared Account of the Gold Regions of That Fortunate Country. New York: Dewitt & Davenport, 1848. 80 p. Foster produced what antiquarian bookseller and historian Edward Eberstadt calls "the first considerable pamphlet on California." He was one of the first to advocate going to California in companies or associations and predicted that those who possessed a skill or practiced a trade would do well in California. The frontispiece consists of an untitled map of California with the gold region encircled. Daniel Walton Boston: Stacy, Richardson & Co., 1849. Wrappers. 32 p. The title page reads: "The Book Needed for the Times, Containing the Latest Well-authenticated Facts from the Gold Regions." Walton went on to caution his readers about the lure of California writing: "Our opinion is, that there is a great deal of knavery in getting up this gold fever." While many accounts proclaimed that gold could literally be picked up from the ground with little effort, a number of more balanced views like that of Walton soon appeared. Carrier's Address The Eastern Argus January 1, 1849 Reflecting the gold mania that swept the eastern United States, the newspaper published this long satirical poem that begins: "Come on good friends – all other things give o'er, / We'll talk of Gold, on California's shore, / Gold! The great end and aim of human strife; / The all-exciting stimulus of life." It continued; "Go then, ye slaves, to California's shore / Go delve and dig, and grasp the precious ore." A. Henry Stevens Journal of the Passage of the Mutual Protection Trading and Mining Company in the Barque Emma Isadora. Sanford Henry Master. From Boston towards California. March 31 – September 12, 1849. 95 p. Stevens' journal records the voyage of a Massachusetts joint stock company. By combining resources into companies or associations, Argonauts hoped to increase their chances once they got to the golden land. This company consisted of 60 members with each paying $300. In return, each member was entitled to an equal proportion of all profits. Before departing, the company purchased and outfitted a ship, the Emma Isadora, which they advertised as "coppered [bottom sheathed in copper] and very fast sailing."An experienced physician also accompanied the expedition. Captain Sanford Henry of Chelsea served not only as master but also as president. The Emma Isadora arrived in San Francisco on September 13, 1849 after a passage of 165 days. The volume is open to the entry for April 24. Stevens attached to the page two specimens of "wings" from flying fish that they caught. Rules and Regulations of the Mutual Protection Trading and Mining Company Boston, 1849 Attached to Stevens' journal was this broadside issued by his trading and mining company. Before embarking for California, stockholders frequently drew up rules and regulations similar to those on this broadside. It outlined 21 articles or rules for its members to follow over a two year period. In addition to specifying typical duties of its officers and responsibilities of each member, the broadside included rules of conduct. Article XI, for example, forbade games of chance and use of intoxicating liquors. Hartford, 1849 Wrappers. 8 p. The Connecticut company was formed for the purpose of "Mining, Trading, Purchase and Sale of Real Estate, Navigation, Commerce, Building and Manufacturing in California." Twenty-two articles in the bylaws governed the company and detailed rules of conduct, responsibilities, provisions for a member's death, accounting procedures, and duration of stay in California. The company left New York on February 17, 1849 and arrived in San Francisco on September 13, 1849. J. Linville Hall Journal of the Hartford Union Mining and Trading Company. Containing the Names, Residence, and Occupation of Each Member, with Incidents of the Voyage. Printed by J. Linville Hall, on Board the Henry Lee 1849. 88 p. Hall's journal ranks as one of the rarest and most interesting of all Gold Rush journals. It is regarded as the first printed journal of a California gold seeker. Hall actually printed the little book en route to California as the Henry Lee sailed around Cape Horn. More than likely, he printed the title page and preface in San Francisco. The Hartford Company numbered 122 members and included three printers and four paper makers. Like so many other companies, this group disbanded shortly after its arrival in San Francisco. Hall and a few companions then headed to the mines. Author unknown Palmetto Mining Company. Journal of a Passenger on Company Voyage from Charleston, South Carolina to Coloma, California via Isthmus and San Francisco March 3, 1849 – October 12, 1849. This pocket-size journal is a fine example of a record kept by a member of one of the many mining companies that set out for California in the spring of 1849. The company shipped on the brig Henrico. This volume belonged to an Edward Keegan of South Carolina, but according to his daughter, he did not write the journal. Despite this, it is loaded with information, and the writer continued chronicling the activities of the company as they hunted for gold near Coloma. One of their members became sick in Panama and died in Coloma. The volume ends with a discussion of the high prices. Miss Julia W. Pomeroy California Polka. Composed for and Dedicated to the New York Mining Company New York: Wm Hall & Son, 1849 The New York Mining Company was one of many mutual protection companies formed in the Empire State as a result of gold fever. Perhaps Miss Pomeroy anticipated the departure of a sweetheart or a father or brother. New-York Mining Company January 22, 1849 By putting up a sum of $300, a shareholder received all rights and privileges of the company. Many shareholders actually made the trip to California rather than stay at home only as an investor. Gold seekers pooled their resources by joining similar companies. With the money raised, they often purchased a ship, necessary supplies, prefabricated houses, gold-washing machines, and hired the services of a physician. Most companies, however, disbanded soon after their arrival in the diggings. Salem & California Trading & Mining Expedition February 15, 1849 The company, composed of 63 men, sailed out of Salem, Massachusetts on March 19, 1849, on the barque La Grange. The ship was later hauled up to Sacramento and converted into a prison. In 1849, 124 mining companies set out from Massachusetts. Section III. Ho for California! The Overland Trek Views Drawn from Nature in 1853 by George Holbrook Baker Placerville: J. M. Hutchings, c. 1854 George Holbrook Baker, one of the most important Gold Rush artists, created this famous pictorial letter sheet. Baker delineated 13 scenes associated with the overland trek including encampments, buffalo hunts, pioneers' encounters with the Indians, driving stock, and leading landmarks such as Scott's Bluff and Chimney Rock. Hosea Horn New York: J. H. Colton, 1852. 78 p. + 18 p. of publisher's advertisements Horn actually went to California in 1850, and consequently, produced one of the most accurate and detailed of the overland guidebooks. The New York Observer, March 11, 1852, praised the book by writing: "No one should venture across the desert without it." He included a table of distances and descriptions of the camping places, creeks, rivers, lakes, and other prominent landmarks along the way. He also noted the quality of the grasses, timber, and roads. Equally as interesting from today's perspective are the advertisements of various Iowa businesses that appealed to the gold seeker. Henry I. Simpson The Emigrant's Guide to the Gold Mines Three Weeks in the Gold Mines, or Adventures with the Gold Diggers of California in August, 1848. Together with Advice to the Emigrants, with Full Instructions Upon the Best Methods of Getting There, Living Expenses, etc. etc., and a Complete Description of the Country. With a Map and Illustrations. New York: Joyce and Co., 1848. 32 p. Noted historian Dale Morgan called Simpson's guide "an outright fraud." It is one of the earliest dated guides and it was designed to take advantage of the gold fever sweeping the continent. Simpson, despite the claims in the text, never made a trip to California or stayed in the mines. Further, Simpson was never a member of the New York Volunteers as stated on the title page's author statement. Like many publications of the day, it pulled together information from various sources including Colonel R. B. Mason's reliable report on the gold diggings and an article from the New York Herald of December 13, 1848. J. Ely Sherwood The Pocket Guide to California; A Sea and Land Route Book, Containing a Description of the El Dorado . . . To Which Is Added the Gold-Hunter's Memorandum and Pocket Directory New York: J. Ely Sherwood, 1849. 80 p. An experienced traveler, Sherwood assembled a useful description of land and sea routes, an overview of California's geography, and a discussion of its "people, climate, soil, productions, agricultural resources, commercial advantages, and mineral wealth." The writer also called attention to Rufus Porter's aerial locomotive which promised transportation from New York to California in three days. Sherwood wrote: "We advise our readers to look-out for the fast line." The advertisements that embellish this guide form a fascinating picture of the bewildering merchandise choices that bombarded gold seekers. Sherwood published an even earlier guide called California: Her Wealth and Resources (New York, 1848). J. Ely Sherwood California and Its Gold Regions with a Geographical and Topographical View of the Country, its Mineral and Agricultural Resources. Prepared from Official and Other Authentic Documents; with A Map of the U. States and California, Showing the Routes of the U.S. Mail Steam Packets to California, also the Various Overland Routes New York: Stringer & Townsend, 1849. 144 p. Robinson, like so many others who wrote guidebooks in response to the gold fever, rushed this book into print. He included, however, a fine grouping of reliable sources such as government reports and eyewitness accounts from newspapers. He enthusiastically wrote: "California is really a land of gold and pearls." The guide is particularly valuable for its large folding map published by J. H. Colton. J. H. Colton Map of the United States, the British Provinces, Mexico &c. Showing the Routes of the U.S. Mail Steam Packets to California, and a Plan of the Gold Region Drawn and engraved by J. M. Atwood New York: J. H. Colton, 1849 Lithograph. 15 x 21 in. Colton's map accompanied Fayette Robinson's guidebook, California and its Gold Regions. In this map, the gold region is hand-colored in yellow. The overland routes to California and Oregon are marked by hand. Colton included inset maps entitled "Map of the Gold Region, California" and route around Cape Horn, and an illustration of Pyramid Lake. The publisher also sold this map separately. Signed letter of John M. Kerr to Dick [Ellis]. Camp Montgomery on the Bluffs. "The Starting Place for California." [near St. Joseph], [c. April 1849]. 2 p. Kerr, in this letter, describes the personality difficulties that beset some California overland companies. He wrote: "The company I started with flared up and we sold everything out at auction and each of us joined other companies." Kerr noted that two of the company "were perfect scrubs" and caused the dissolution of the group. In a postscript he provides a warning about another hazard of the trail: "Coming in town from camp I passed the resting place of several poor fellows by the way side, who were cut off by the Cholera, there is considerable on the plains. The Dayton Ohio Company have lost twelve." Signed letter of John M. Kerr to Mary Ellis Kerr. St. Louis, April 8, 1849. 4 p. California bound John Kerr, enthusiastically communicated to his mother the following: "I write to inform you of our arrival in this city [St. Louis] and to give you some account of the excitement that exists in this quarter. I thought it was great in Cincinnati but it is nothing in comparison to this place, every boat that comes up is completely loaded down with freight & passengers en route for the Gold diggings. It is really amusing to see what a variety of out fits etc. are strewed about upon the landing." Overland Diary of John C. Thorniley April 4, 1852 to August 24, 1852. Thorniley left Marietta, Ohio, followed the California Trail, and via the Humboldt-Truckee route, entered California, and arrived in Downieville. The Argonaut concluded his detailed diary with the following: "We view it as a journey far better imagined than described. We are now fairly in the Gold Mines of California. So here our journey and little narrative of crossing the plains closes and will say such was the way we saw it crossing the plains. The year-of-Grace 1852." Like many others, Thorniley regrettably did not maintain his diary while in the diggings. Section IV. Via the Isthmus Joseph Crackbon. Narrative of a Voyage from New York to California via Chagres, Gorgon, & Panama. Journey across the Isthmus, etc. Residence in Panama by Craighead [pseud]. 1849. 95 p. Crackbon arrived at Chagres on April 11, 1849, and paid $22.50 for passage across the Isthmus. His "narrative" is particularly valuable for describing the activities of Americans on the Isthmus, accounts from travels coming back from the California gold fields, and the arrival of ships and passengers. On May 27, he left for California, and by September 11, he was digging for gold at Mormon Island. The volume is open to a page with his drawings of Panama. Signed letter of Matthew Scott to John M. Smith Chagres, February 15, 1849. 4 p. This wonderfully detailed letter, written during the first season of the eastern U.S. migration to California, tells of the challenges facing the gold seekers upon their arrival at Panama and the difficulty of crossing the Isthmus. Scott, who was on board the steamship Crescent, wrote, "We found that but few boats were unengaged & they could not be had but paying the most exorbitant prices say from $15. to 20. per passenger." He closed by saying: "not to advise any one to undertake to come to California this rout[e] with less than $500. & then with as little baggage as possible." "The Derienni"; Or, Land Pirates of the Isthmus . Being a True and Graphic History of Robberies, Assassinations, and Horrid Deeds Perpetrated by Those Cool Blooded Miscreants Who Have Infested for Years the Great Highway to California, the El Dorado of the Pacific New Orleans, Charleston, Baltimore, and Philadelphia: A. R. Orton, 1853 Wrappers. 44 p. This is a fictionalized work based on fact and probably written by the publisher, A. R. Orton. The Derienni recounts how American "land pirates" preyed on travelers on the "great highway to California" robbing them of their gold dust and belongings. Five Derienni were shot at Panama [City] by the committee of public safety. Vol. 1, No. 1 February 24, 1849 In his salutatory issue, publisher J. B. Biddleman wrote: "In order to relieve the tedium of our, perhaps protracted stay in this, to us strange land, surrounded by the people, institutions and language so dissimilar to our own - a few Americans have undertaken this publication." The paper included news on passenger and ship arrivals, an account of crossing the Isthmus, and a letter from Major General Persifor F. Smith concerning non U.S. citizens digging for gold in California and lands owned by the American government. General Smith was instrumental in instituting the Foreign Miners' Tax. Sketched from Nature by F[essendon] N[ott] Otis Colored lithograph by Charles Parsons; Printed by Endicott & Co., N.Y., 1854 10 x 14 in. The Panama Railroad ran from Aspinwall on the Gulf of Mexico to Panama City on the Pacific side, a distance of 49 miles. Despite the short distance, it took five years to build. Construction started in December 1850 and the terminus on the gulf side was changed from Chagres to Aspinwall. Once completed in January 1855, the railroad made crossing the Isthmus an effortless affair and significantly improved the journey to and from California. The artist, F. N. Otis, also wrote Isthmus of Panama: History of the Panama Railroad; and of the Pacific Mail Steamship Company (New York, 1867). Robert Tomes Panama in 1855. An Account of the Panama Railroad, of the Cities of Panama and Aspinwall, with Sketches of Life and Character on the Isthmus New York: Harper & Brothers, 1855. 246 p. Tomes, in this travel narrative describes the railroad, the Isthmus, and the goings and comings of Californians. Demonstrating how much the situation had changed from the frenetic days of 1849, he noted, "There were but few who were going now for the first time to California, although there were still some untried diggers, showing that the first passion for gold was yet burning in the heart of the people." Section V. Gold Mania Satirized New York: Kelloggs and Comstock; Buffalo: Ensign & Thayer,c. 1850 Hand-tinted lithograph. 12 x 8 in. The gold mania of 1848 and 1849 inspired a number of satirical cartoons such as this comical print. The gold hunter is loaded down with every conceivable appliance much of which would be useless in California. The prospector wryly states: "I am sorry I did not follow the advice of Granny and go around the Horn, through the Straights, or by Chagres [Panama]." The Library possesses another version in black and white. Nathan Currier? California Gold New York, c. 1849. The caption for this humorous drawing reads: "An accurate drawing of the famous hill of gold, which has been put into a scow by the owner, and attached to a Sperm Whale who is now engaged in towing it around the Horn for New York." Nathan Currier, the famed American print maker, published this or a similar illustration as a lithograph in 1849. Francis Elton New York: Elton, 1850 Wrappers. 36 p. The subtitle of this humorous work reads: "Fun from the Hatlantic to the Specific Oceans." Elton's "All-My-Nack" is filled with words and scenes satirizing the gold mania in "Kaliforny." Alfred Henry Forrester London: D. Bogue, 1849 Wrappers. 8 p. This satirical English publication, through a series of cartoon-like scenes, chronicles the trip by "Mivins" to the gold fields, his inevitable trials and tribulations, and his joyous return home. James A. and Donald F. Read Journey to the Gold Diggings. By Jeremiah Saddlebags . Cincinnati: Stringer & Townsend, 1849. 64 p. Noted Californiana collector, Thomas W. Norris wrote that the volume constitutes "the first record of, in typical American caricature, of the immense national effect produced by the great discovery of 1849." Saddlebags, in this amusing series of cartoons, came to California via the Isthmus of Panama and returned home overland, the opposite of most. Of course, he experiences wild adventures and barely escapes a variety of calamities. Alonzo Delano Pen-Knife Sketches. Or Chips of the Old Block . A Series of Original Letters, Written by One of California's Pioneer Miners, and Dedicated to That Class of Her Citizens by the Author Sacramento: Published at the Union Office, 1854. Second edition Wrappers. 112 p. According to historian Ezra Dane, Delano "was the first truly Californian man of letters, and no one has described or interpreted the human elements of the Gold Rush so sympathetically as he." The Union published 16,000 copies of the first edition of Delano's (Old Block) letters in 1853. Its success merited a second edition the following year. As with other Delano publications, the Union employed Thomas Armstrong to produce full-page wood engravings from drawings created by the great artist of the Gold Rush, Charles Nahl. Alonzo Delano A Live Woman in the Mines; Or, Pike County Ahead! A Local Play in Two Acts . By "Old Block." To Which Are Added a Description of the Costume - Cast of Characters - Entrances and Exits - Relative Positions of the Performers on the Stage, and the Whole of the Stage Business. New York: Samuel French, 1857 Wrappers. 36 p. "Old Block," served as the nom-de-plume of Alonzo Delano. He based all the characters on people he had met in the mining country. Le Charivari c. 1850. The French as much as the English and Americans poked fun at the gold mania. This page of two cartoons from the Parisian periodical Le Charivari depicts six miners and a giant crocodile hauling ingots of gold; the other scene shows a man preparing a box of women for export to California calling them an article in excessive demand. "'A Few Days in the Diggins.' By a 'Free and Independent.'" Punch, or, The London Charivari Vol. XVI., 1849. The English satirical periodical, Punch, published many wonderful cartoons and articles lampooning the gold fever. The main character "swopped my traps and blankets, a quarter cask of pickled port, and a demi-john of peach brandy for six pounds ginooine gold." A little later, and after much hard work, the trades his gold for a blanket, pickled pork, and brandy. Above this article is a cartoon depicting a large group of people hunting for gold in a variety of ridiculous positions. Also included is a full-page Punch cartoon entitled "A Regular Gold Dustman" that depicts an impoverished man with his children headed for "Kallifornier" where he plans to use a broom to sweep up the gold dust. [Augusto] Ferran y [Jos�] Baturone Habana, Cuba, c. 1849-1850 [hand-colored lithographs] Ferran and Baturone produced what bibliographer R. W. G. Vail calls "the best representation of what the individual miners really looked like." The six illustrations on display form part of a series of twelve views originally issued in three parts. The prints more than likely depict Californians who had made their "pile" in the Gold Rush and stopped in Havana on their way home as the scenery is unlike anything found in California. Possibly, too, the artists imposed a stereotypical Hispanic setting on the miners. These "California types" drank, brawled, bought fine Havana cigars, road around in an elegant carriage, took their gold dust to an assay office, saw the sights, and had an all around good time. Artist Augusto Ferran visited California from 1849-50, produced noteworthy paintings of California scenes, and then taught art in Havana. Baturone, unfortunately, remains an elusive figure. Section VI. The Miners' Ten Commandments Copyrighted 1887 by W. P. Bennett, Gold Hill Nevada Kurz & Allison's Art Studio, Chicago, U. S. A. Inspired by James Mason Hutchings' famous letter sheet, The Miners' Ten Commandments (1853), this beautifully colored 1887 print features 14 vignettes illustrating mining scenes, mining camps, seeing the elephant, a miner's dance, gamblers in a saloon, and crossing the plains. A version of Hutchings' text is included. James Mason Hutchings The Miners' Ten Commandments Placerville, 1853 Hutchings' letter sheet became a veritable best seller yielding sales of close to 100,000 copies. The Library also has variant copies and the companion letter sheet, Commandments to California Wives. The letter sheet included such pearls of wisdom as: "Thou shalt have no other claim than one"; "Thou shalt not remember what thy friends do at home on the Sabbath Day"; "Thou shalt not grow discouraged, nor think of going home before thou hast made thy 'pile'"; "Thou shalt not steal a pick, or a shovel, or a pan from thy fellow miner"; and "Thou shalt not tell any false tales about 'good diggings in the mountains.'" Vignettes surrounding the text illustrate each commandment. The center illustration is an elephant with its trunk pointing at the commandments. Cadez Orion Miners' Ten Commandments. A New Verse-Ion, Including a Preamble San Francisco: Lithograph by Britton & Rey Cadez Orion rewrote Hutchings' commandments with an expanded text and by-laws. Its central illustation consists of a Moses-like figure standing on top of an elephant holding the tablets. The other two illustrations depict a miner cooking and another washing in a stream with a shirt hanging from a tree. Section VII. The World Rushed In: Part I Paris: J. Meissonier fils, Editeurs, c. 1850. Hand-colored lithograph. Gold fever gripped much of Paris as documented by this colorful and satirical sheet music cover. A rather portly woman clutches bags of gold ingots to her breast while in the background a group of destitute-looking people are entering and exiting a California mine. The cover and music no doubt satirize the Parisian lotteries that awarded gold ingots in order to sell stock in French gold mining companies headed for California. Travail en Californie. Paris. Hand-colored lithograph, c. 1850. 8 x 11 in. "Work in California" is one of a series of three beautifully colored French prints in the collection concerning the Gold Rush. The caption reads: "landing on this ground, all the workers seize their tools and search the soil in all directions; here, the rocks raised by the pickaxe, yield ingots of gold." The French may have been somewhat confused by the Sierra's vegetation as demonstrated by the tropical plants and trees in the print. A. C. de la Carri�res Voyage aux Pays Aurif�res Afrique, Mexique, Californie, P�rou, Chile, Nouvelle-Cal�donies, Australie, Russie. Paris: Libraire de A. Courcier, [1855]. 328 p. The French author toured Northern California cities, towns, and mines. He described the various ethnic groups, told of the high prices, and when in San Francisco, commented on the hotels and the general violence that beset the Gold Rush port. The beautiful gold-stamped front cover depicts a Chinese and American miner in the diggings. Jules Rossignon Guide Pratique des �migrants en Californie et des Voyageurs dans L'Amerique Espagnole. Paris: Adolphe Ren�, 1849. 208 p. Professor Rossignon, in this early French guidebook to the gold fields, gave advice on the long sea voyage as well as information on hygiene, food, luggage, and equipment. He also included information on gold washing and assaying. Tr�ny Paris: Chez tous les Libraires, 1850. Wrappers. 64 p. Tr�ny produced this pamphlet on behalf of the Paris-organized California Mining Company. The publication featured translations from English and American newspapers about the diggings, letters from French observers in California, and statutes of the mining company. Jean Baptiste Joseph Champagnac Le Jeune Voyageur en Californie. R�cits Instructifs et Moraux Offrant des D�tails Curieux sur Cette R�gion de L'Am�rique et Sur les Co�tumes, Usages et Mours de Ses Habitants Paris: Librairie de l'Enfance et de la Jeunesse, [1852]. 248 p. Champagnac, in writing this novel with a California setting, included descriptions of the terrain, gold mining, and the region's diverse inhabitants. The novel is illustrated with several exquisite hand-tinted plates. Patrick J. Stirling Paris: Librairie de Guillaumin et Cie, 1853. Wrappers. 269 p. Stirling's discourse on the history gold and the impact of the gold discovery on California and Australia was translated into French from the English language edition. Signed letter of William B. Peter to Mademoiselle Emile Holland San Francisco, January 1, 1851. Included with this pictorial letter sheet view of San Francisco is this fascinating French letter describing gambling. A translation of one paragraph reads as follows: A sailor came back from the mines just a while ago with $6,000 piasters in gold. He ran to a gambling hall, threw his bag of gold on a Monte table shouting "Here's for Panama or back to the mines!", thus gambling on one card the fruit of his labor for the year-fortunately, luck smiled on him. He returned to N. York with $12,000. Edwin Bryant Voyage en Californie. Description de Son Sol, de Son Climat, de Ses Mines D'or. Brussels, 1849. 210 p. Spurred by the gold discovery, Bryant's text was translated into several languages and published in several countries including Belgium, France, Sweden, and Australia. His What I Saw in California received praise as one of the best authorities on California. The author wrote his text prior to the gold discovery; later editions included information on the diggings culled from other sources. Voyage M�dical en Californie. Paris: Chez l'Auteur, 1854. Wrappers. 43 p. Dr. Garnier left for California from France on October 3, 1850, sailed around Cape Horn, and arrived at Monterey on April 7, 1851. The physician then went to San Francisco and toured the mines not to seek gold but to observe the health of the miners. He wrote of medical conditions and services in the cities, towns, and mining camps. Californien's Gold – Reichthum. Leipzig, Verlag von Gustav Thenau, 1849. 32 p. Gustav Thenau began this effusive guidebook with these optimistic words: "Weg zum reichthum!" or, "Paths to riches!" He provided a detailed description of the country and the little-worked gold fields. Inexhaustible treasures, he contended, awaited the hands of man in California. Kaliforniens Gold- U. Quecksilber-District. Leipzig: Verlag v. Wilhelm Jurany, 1849. 32 p. Gerst�cker's slender guide is open to a beautiful untitled map of Northern California showing the gold district. The German traveler gave information on recommended routes and what to expect upon arriving in San Francisco and the mines. Mining & Miners, and Diggers & Priggers, by a Shareholder London, 1854. 28 p. This satirical piece is based on the experiences of the English who invested in California and Australian mines. "The Great Doo and Diddle, Gold, Silver, Copper, and Brass, Smash, Dash, & Crash Company" is the featured subject. It is embellished with 13 plates which presented a rather humorous view of gold mania. Section VII. The World Rushed In: Part II George Peck Lithographed by B. F. Butler San Francisco: Atwill & Co., 1852 Shown on the front cover are the following scenes: Minerva and a California grizzly, gold seekers and their equipment, and ships rounding Cape Horn. Peck also wrote the first novel of the Gold Rush, Aurifodina. Several examples of Gold Rush sheet music are found in the Library's collection including The California Polka, Gold is King!, and Gold-Fever Gallop. Quarter plate daguerreotype Attributed to J. B. Starkweather The daguerrian made this view near the junction of the north and middle forks of the American River. It not only depicts a team of three men posing next to their long tom but also a rare woman in the mines. She is holding what looks like a basket of food. Miner's tools are strewn about the foreground. Half plate daguerreotype Maker unknown Heron achieved a measure of fame for her theatrical abilities. She first performed in San Francisco on December 26, 1853, and entertained audiences in Sacramento, Marysville, and Stockton. She married Henry Byrne, a prominent San Francisco attorney at Mission Dolores and retired from the theater. However, Matilda longed for the footlights and returned to acting, an action that so horrified Byrne that they separated. Quarter plate daguerreotype Maker unknown Gold fever caused Levi Sanford to abandon his livelihood as a daguerreotypist and head to California via the Isthmus of Panama. He settled in Grass Valley in 1853. Mary Hite Sanford crossed the plains to California in 1853. Signed by Jacob P. Leese and Affon and witnessed by A. Shue, C. H. Brinley, and Henry Anthon, Jr., acting Vice Consul United States of America, Victoria, Hong Kong July 28, 1849 With the gold discovery, laborers of all kinds deserted their jobs and headed for the diggings. Jacob P. Leese, a prominent pioneer living in Monterey, needed a cook, and because of the scarcity of labor in California, entered into an agreement to bring over a cook all the way from Hong Kong. Affon, the cook, agreed to work for Leese for three years. As compensation for his services, Affon received a wage of $15.00 per month, and lodging, provisions, and food. Head of Auburn Ravine, c. 1852 Quarter plate daguerreotype by J. B. Starkweather This quarter plate captures a moment of international cooperation whereby a team of three Caucasians are working a sluicing operation alongside a team of four Chinese. The image is one of the earliest photographs to show Chinese miners. By the end of 1848, only seven Chinese were known to be in California. By the mid 1850s, over 20,000 made a living in the gold country which they called Gum Shan (gold mountain). St. Louis, [Sierra County], c. 1855 Artist unknown. 13 x 19 in c. 1850. Created by a skilled but unknown draftsman, this drawing depicts two Chinese men on a road with the town in the background. In the foreground is a flume. The hills have been cleared of timber. St. Louis was on the road between La Porte and Howland Flat and flourished in the early 1850s. J. B. Gilman [master] and Thomas Gilman [slave] Signed bill of sale August 2, 1852 As recorded by this remarkable document, the slave Thomas purchased his freedom from J. B. Gilman of Tennessee. For $1,000, Gilman "liberated and released the said slave from further servitude or bondage." Thomas Gilman then lived and farmed at Shaw's Flat, Tuolumne County until 1911. Southerners brought approximately 200 to 300 slaves to work the mines, but California's admission as a free state helped terminate the practice. James Williams Life and Adventures of James Williams, a Fugitive Slave San Francisco: Women's Union Print, 1874. Third edition. 124 p. Williams published one of the most extraordinary recollections of the Gold Rush. He headed for California from New York on March 31, 1851, abandoned ship at the Isthmus of Panama, and made it to Sacramento on May 15. After working several jobs, he operated a restaurant and "kept it for the entertainment of the whites." After suffering an attack by whites on a Sacramento River boat, he left California and then came back. Williams' recollections were self-published and the author made a living in part by selling copies of his book. He produced five editions. Quarter plate daguerreotype Attributed to J. B. Starkweather By 1852, when Starkweather probably made this mirror image, African Americans who worked in the mines either purchased or were given their freedom. Notice the canvas hose supplying water to his long tom. Starkweather probably made this image in the Auburn Ravine area. Louise Clappe (Dame Shirley) "Letters from the Mines." The Pioneer, January 1854 Louise Amelia Knapp Smith Clappe, known as Dame Shirley, wrote 23 letters to her sister in Massachusetts from the California mines. Collectively, they rank as perhaps the most important and famous eyewitness account of life in the diggings. Ferdinand C. Ewer, the editor of California's first magazine, The Pioneer, published one Dame Shirley letter in each number of his magazine from January 1854 to December 1855. T. C. Russell, in 1922, published her letters in book form. Dame Shirley, Eliza Farnham, Dolly Bates, Margaret Ann Frink, and Luzena Wilson produced some of the most colorful and vivid accounts of a society dominated by men. c. 1850 By George H. Goddard. 8 x 14 in. This sketch by Goddard delineates his mining claim and shows a sluicing operation with three miners and a rocker. It illustrates the back breaking teamwork needed to dig and wash gold. A tent and two cabins are in the background. Kezia Darwin Benton Curtis Receipt [Recipe] Book 1851. 60 p. The Gold Rush presented many opportunities for women, and Kezia did a lucrative business selling pies and pastries to the miners. She also managed a store at Tuttletown. Her recipe book reveals a versatile pioneer woman prepared to serve as cook, pharmacist, brewer, and even cleaning supply or cosmetic manufacturer as the occasion demanded. Interspersed with recipes for cake frosting and grape jam are recipes to treat small pox and diphtheria and recipes to relieve rheumatism and "putrid sore throat." The resourceful Mrs. Curtis recorded formulas, as well, for making hair dye, cleaning black silk, and mixing up cologne water. Everything was made from scratch including this custard dish: Floating Island Let a quart of milk to boil, then stir it into the beaten yolk of six eggs; flavor with lemon of rose, and sweeten to taste; whip whites of the eggs to a strong froth. When the custard is thick, put it into a deep dish, and heap the frothed eggs upon it. Serve Cold. Kezia Darwin Benton Curtis Diary of the voyage on the ship Washington Irving with her husband, Bradner Curtis from New York to California 1850. 32 p. Mrs. Curtis of New York penned this slender record of an eight-month trip to California via Cape Horn in 1850. Kezia married Bradner Curtis on September 23, 1849. Touched with gold fever, the newlyweds embarked for California in December 1850. Two days after reaching San Francisco in July 1851, the couple located at Mormon Gulch near Tuttletown, Tuolumne County. Kezia lived to the age of 101 years, 6 months and 28 days. S. Babcock The Life of Our Savior New Haven. 8 p. This toy book, a mere 2 3/4 by 1 � inches, was owned by Dame Shirley. The inside wrapper of this devotional is signed "Louise A. Clapp." Section VIII. An Instant City: Sacramento Paris, Auguste Bry 12 x 19 in. A French publisher put out his own version of George V. Cooper's birds-eye view of Sacramento. Represented in this exquisite print is the embarcadero of Sacramento just one year after the founding of the city. Four sailing vessels, the steamship Senator, row boats, and scows dramatically portray the hustle and bustle of the Gold Rush port. On shore, the view depicts wagons, people, and animals hauling goods. The streets are lined with many new buildings including saloons, gambling houses, stores, hotels, and a theater. Over 50 versions of Cooper's view exist. Vol. I, No. 4 For the fortnight ending August 30, 1851 "Sacramento has been the theatre of scenes which we hope will never again be repeated," wrote William Godwin, editor of the Sacramento News-Letter. Godwin devoted this issue to the hanging of three criminals, Robinson, Thompson, and Gibson vigilante style by the local citizenry. The paper also included the confessions of the doomed men. Robinson, a notorious scamp and self-confessed murderer and robber, expressed regret that he would be executed for a small infraction and not one of his big crimes. Proclamation to the People of Sacramento City by Order of President and City Council Sacramento City, October 1, 1849. Sacramento City experienced some difficulties in establishing its municipal government. The gambling houses, preferring a government-less town, banded together and defeated the first proposed charter on September 13, 1849. The next month, the city council issued this broadside asking the people for a charter and direction. Otherwise, the council would continue to enforce Mexican law. Finally, the people of Sacramento voted for a charter and city government became established. The State Legislature officially granted Sacramento its charter on February 27, 1850. Laying of Cornerstone, [First Church of Christ]. Hymn of Rev. Benton September 4, 1850. 2 p. The First Church of Christ, owing to Rev. Joseph A. Benton's powerful leadership and the lack of denominationalism on the part of his faith, emerged as the city's leading Protestant church. The introduction of such solid symbols of stability as a church brought a civilizing influence to a community known for its devotion to gambling and consumption of spirits. On the verso of this document are notes for a sermon he preached at the laying of the cornerstone. In a different building, his church continues today as Pioneer Congregational Church, standing across from the gates of Sutter's Fort. J. Horace Culver Sacramento City: Transcript Press, 1851 Printed wrappers. 96 p. Horace Culver published Sacramento's first general directory, and it came into print just two years after the city's founding and lists such key names as Huntington and Hopkins. Sacramento, at the time, boasted a population of about 7,000 with 3,000 transients. Culver wrote: "In a City like Sacramento, where whole blocks of buildings are erected in the course of a single week, and where Merchants change their location monthly, it cannot be expected that the same degree of accuracy will prevail as marks works of a like character in old and established cities." Autographed and filled in by hand August 26, 1851. 4 p. Situated on low land and surrounded by rivers, flooding ravaged Sacramento on a frequent basis and "The Great Inundation" of January 1850 destroyed much of the city. In order to hold back the rivers, city voters approved a general assessment to construct a levee. The document on display records the bid of a group of individuals to satisfy this crying need. Floods in 1852 and 1853, however, proved that early efforts failed miserably turning the city into "an aquatic carnival." Autographed letter of Dr. John F. Morse to His Mother Sacramento, January 28, 1853. 4 p. Dr. Morse, Sacramento's first historian, used this letter sheet to show the flooding that besieged his city that year. He wrote: "You will perceive that on the first page of this sheet is a view of our city just after the fire and at the time that our streets were submerged. We have been dreadfully afflicted both by fire and water and yet our citizens seem as gay, as elastic and bold in enterprise as ever." The letter sheet is based on a daguerreotype by R. H. Vance. Sixth plate daguerreotype by George H. Johnson c. 1852 Dr. Morse produced the first narrative history of the Gold Rush city for publication in Samuel Colville's The Sacramento Directory for the Year 1853-54. The physician observed: "Miners came to town freighted with bags of gold, which they stored away as indifferently as they did their hats and boots." Johnson was a pioneer Sacramento photographer. Edmund L. Barber & George H. Baker Sacramento: Barber & Baker, 1855 Wrappers. 36 p. Thirty-three wood engravings of Sacramento and its environs embellish this work. It ranks as one of the earliest pictorial histories of any Western American city and represents the only systematic view of the river city during the golden 1850s. All the major buildings and streets are featured as well as panoramic views of the embarcadero area. The publishers used several of the same illustrations for letter sheets. Barber and Baker originally sold their book for one dollar per copy. George Holbrook Baker Sacramento City, July 1849 Baker, with this sketch, produced one of the earliest known views of the new city and its embarcadero. Benjamin T. Martin, one of Sacramento City's first residents and owner of two stores, commissioned the work. He instructed the artist: "Come Baker, row off into the stream [the Sacramento River] and make a sketch of the city." Baker reproduced this sketch for a letter sheet and his great book, Sacramento Illustrated (1855). Years later, New England artist George Frost transformed his sketch into an oil on canvas painting which now hangs in the California State Librarian's office. Receipt for sale of lots to John Bidwell from Captain John A. Sutter Suttersville. July 7, 1848. 1 p. The beginnings of Sutter's plan to found a new town southwest of his fort and south of his embarcadero is recorded with this sales receipt of lots sold to Bidwell for one dollar. However, with the influx of gold seekers and the cunning of Sam Brannan, the founding of nearby Sacramento City doomed Sutter's dream. This remarkable documents includes the signatures of Sutter, pioneer George McKinstry, guidebook writer Lansford Hastings, and pioneer newspaperman, Edward C. Kemble. Section IX. The Northern Mines Compiled from the Recent Surveys of M. Milleson & R. Adams C. Engineers Marysville: R. A. Eddy Book & Stationer, 1851 Lithograph. 16 x 21 in. Carl Wheat, in his monumental Maps of the California Gold Region wrote the following concerning this rare map: "For the first time the rapidly expanding 'northern diggins' were accorded adequate cartographical expression, and numerous place names made their first appearance upon Eddy's well constructed map." Note the vignette of Eddy's Marysville book store. Linda, [with] Capt. William Tate, Will Leave for Marysville, Yuba City, Eliza and Intermediate Points . . . . Sacramento City, January 11, 1850 Transportation of passengers and supplies to the mines by river developed rapidly as demonstrated by this rare broadside. The steamer Linda included the town of Eliza on her route. Named for Captain Sutter's daughter, Anna Eliza, the town was founded on the Feather River near Sutter's Hock Farm. Its developers hoped to displace Marysville and Yuba City as the head of navigation for the northern mines. Eliza, however, quickly failed. THE FOUNDING OF MARYSVILLE Numbers of the Lots which the Undersigned Have Unanimously Agreed to Take for Themselves in the New City of Jubaville c. October 1849. 1 p. The sale of lots as recorded in this manuscript, documents the beginnings of the most prominent town north of Sacramento. Charles Covillaud, a Frenchman, with Jose M. Ramirez, John Sampson, and Theodore Sicard formed a partnership known as Covillaud & Co. to purchase the original land grant of Theodore Cordua. Located at the head of steamboat navigation at the confluence of the Feather and Yuba rivers, the town rivaled its neighbor, Yuba City. Its founders originally called the town Jubaville and then Yubaville but in January 1850, changed its name to the less confusing Marysville, named in honor of Covillaud's wife, Mary Murphy Covillaud. She was also a survivor of the Donner Party. Section X. Scenes in the Life of the California Miner The Miner's Progress; or, Scenes in the Life of a California Miner. Being a Series of Humorous Illustrations of the "Ups and Downs" of a Gold Digger in Pursuit of His "Pile." Pictorial Union Sacramento. July 4, 1853 The Sacramento Union published this same series of eleven wood engravings in 1853 as a pamphlet. Alonzo Delano, California's pioneer humorist, produced the satirical verse and noted artist Charles Nahl supplied the illustrations. LETTERS OF GOLD --THE PICTORIAL LETTER SHEET-- A phenomenon that grew out of the run for gold was the creation of a unique California stationery. The letter sheet consisted of a light-weight blue, gray, or white writing paper embellished with a woodcut or lithograph. Produced primarily in the 1850s, California artists and publishers produced nearly 350 examples. Because of this union of pictures with stationery, historians call the letter sheet the forerunner of the postcard. Common subjects included mining scenes, mining camps and towns, cities, natural wonders, and events such as fires, and the workings of the vigilance committees. Ironically, few letter sheets were used for their intended purpose: letter writing, as most were saved as mementoes. Sundry Amusements in the Mines Lithographed & Published by Quirot & Co., San Francisco Four scenes are depicted on this letter sheet: "A Sundays Amusement" (two miners washing and another soaking his feet), "A Daily Pleasure" (miners cooking in their cabin), "Occupation for Rainy Days" (miners in a tent repairing boots and sewing clothes), and "A Pleasant Surprise" (two men discover a bear warming himself in their tent). Sunday Morning [top]; Log Cabin [Bottom] Lithographed and Published by Britton & Rey, San Francisco The upper view shows one miner in a tent and another lying on the grass reading a book or letter. The lower view depicts two miners standing in front of a cabin with enormous logs. Scenes in a Miner's Life Lithographed & Published by Britton & Rey, San Francisco Six semi-humorous scenes are delineated: "Night in the log Cabin," "Camping out," "Going to Work," "Hole gives out," "New diggings Struck," and "Next day." The last two scenes show a beehive of activity and then a miner surveying an empty scene. Section XI. Making a Pile New York: Lambert & Lane, 1851 Hand colored lithograph. 16 x 20 in. Cartographic historians regard this as one of the most important maps of the mining districts. This hand-tinted map updates Jackson's 1850 publication and not only includes ornate borders but also much more detail especially for the Southern Mines. Interestingly, Jackson extends the Sierra as far west as Marysville. Jackson supplemented his map with an appendix describing new towns, delineations of county boundaries, and descriptions of placer and "vein mines." Letter of George McKinstry to C. L. Ross New Helvetia, July 1, [18]48. McKinstry, an employee of John Sutter and associate of John Bidwell, returning from the mountains after an eight day expedition, describes in this early letter his unsuccessful efforts to find gold on the Yuba River and the South Fork of the Feather River in sufficient quantity for "working machines" and Indian laborers. He went on to say "if a suitable place could be found, Mr. Bidwell and myself could probably bring two hundred Indians in the field." McKinstry concluded that "mining is too severe for my constitution" and that "it requires the strength of an Irish canal digger." He thought he could make much more money selling goods to the miners. Bidwell himself found gold on the Middle Fork of the Feather River that same month. New York: Kelloggs & Comstock, c. 1850 12 x 17 in. This cartoon-like print illustrates early mining techniques when gold hunters used such simple devices as picks, shovels, pans, and baskets to find placer (surface) gold. During the first year of the Gold Rush, many pioneers including James Marshall, John Sutter, and P. B. Reading employed California Indians in the mines as a cheap labor force. Several Indian miners are shown in this print. In 1849 and 1850, thousands of gold seekers poured in from the eastern United States and these more numerous newcomers objected to the practice of using Indian labor as unfair and as a threat to their safety. Consequently, they forced the Indians out of the mines. Painted and Drawn on Stone by Charles Nahl and A. Wenderoth Lithograph of B. F. Butler, San Francisco Copyrighted by C. A. Shelton, 1852. Riding horseback with a wash pan hanging from the saddle, wearing a pistol and knife, carrying a rifle, and pulling a provision-laden mule, this well-equipped miner appears to be on his way to the diggings. The print is based on a drawing by Nahl and Wenderoth and must be regarded as one of the finest depictions of a California gold seeker. Miners [sic] Coat of Arms Lithographed & Published by Britton & Rey, San Francisco Shown on this thin writing paper are an assortment of implements and objects common to a miner's life: wash pan, pick, shovel, rocker, axe, rifle, pistol, scales, cooking utensils, playing cards, cigar, worn boots, and hats. In the middle, however, is that ubiquitous companion, the flea. The lower portion of this letter sheet depicts four miners in a cabin playing cards. The Miners Lithographed & Published by Quirot & Co., San Francisco This spectacular letter sheet depicts a group of miners working a windlass with buckets into an opening in the ground probably for a coyoting operation. In the background of this rocky terrain are more miners engaged in a similar operation with one carrying a bucket of water. Miners at Work with Long Toms San Francisco: Justh & Quirot, c. 1851 The top image of this pictorial letter sheet depicts miners shoveling earth and gravel into long toms with their cabins in the background. The middle image is a classic of the miner with his tools. The bottom image, however, shows a stereotypical Indian chief from the Great Plains rather than California. Edward Kent New-York: Edward N. Kent, 1848 Wrappers. 40 p. Kent produced one of the earliest how-to books "for the use of persons who are about to visit the gold region of California." In the preface, he wrote: "During the present intense excitement relative to the immense amount of gold found in California, I have had frequent and anxious inquiries for the necessary apparatus and instructions desirable, to ensure success in searching for gold, platina and mercury." The title page carries the date of 1848 and the wrapper title the date of 1849. Joseph Pike Journal of Joseph Pike April 1, 1850 to December 29, 1851. 130 p. Joseph Pike of Lake County, Illinois left for the diggings on April 15, 1850, and arrived in Georgetown, California on August 19, 1850. His journal details an arduous life in the mines. Frequently, he mentioned how many buckets of dirt he washed per day. A religious man, Pike decried the lack of morals in the land of gold. In the following entry for September 19, 1851, Pike reflects on one year in the diggings: Today worked back near the race got $22.50. Today I have been here one year in the mines[.] have enjoyed life in various forms been a great deal of hard times as well as considerable prosperity and good times if a life in this dreary region can be called good. On the Sabbath (the 21st), he noted: A windy day otherwise pleasant[.] Spent it alone and as usual in reading and thinking when will I enjoy the privileges of my family and society in a Christian land. Silas Weston Providence: E. P. Weston, 1854 Wrappers. 36 p. Weston produced one of the better accounts of a gold hunter. He began his narrative on April 10, 1853 in Sacramento. He then proceeded to Kelly's Bar, where he described a dreadful, one-sided battle against the local Indians. He later joined a mining company on the South Fork of the Feather River for the purpose of turning the river but met with little success. Bayard Taylor New York: George P. Putnam; London: Richard Bentley, 1850 2 vols. xii, 251; 248 p. Both volumes are open to the title pages and frontispiece illustrations to demonstrate the remarkable growth of San Francisco in just one year. The color plate for volume one is entitled: "San Francisco in November, 1848"; the second volume is entitled "San Francisco in November, 1849." Taylor's work, arguably the most important Gold Rush book, sold thousands of copies and went through many reprintings including several foreign language and pirated (stolen) editions. [top] Mine on Bogus Creek, Siskiyou County. [bottom] Bogus Creek and Bogus Mountain. Maker unknown. According to Erwin G. Gudde, California Gold Camps, "The place is so named because counterfeiters operated here." No gold was found. These "daguerreotypes on glass" illustrate the gullibility of the miners as they rushed off to new claims in response to rumors of rich strikes. Letter of Jared Comstock Brown to his father, Charles Brown Coloma, August 11, 1851. 4 p. Many new arrivals to California made money by providing services to the miners. Jared Brown, for example, never found time to look for gold as he made his "pile" by plying his trade as a blacksmith. He told his father that he sometimes made $70 a day, a healthy wage even in those inflationary times. In this detailed letter, he writes: I send you this plate of Coloma[.] You will find the mill down on the river to the right hand where gold was first discovered and on the left hand on the hill is the jail I have done over. 8 hundred dollars worth of work on it. . . . My shop is in the centre of the town [.] This small place has created all the excitement through the world for gold[.] Thousands of all nations are here[,] thousands of Chinese. Letter of J. Norris to Miss E. Norris Sacramento City, Cal. June 23, 1852. 4 p. Norris, in writing to his sister, evidently was short of paper as he wrote over his letter in another direction. A letter such as this must have both delighted and frightened his sister. On one hand, he tells her of the beauty of California and that "California has already made some noise in [the] world." In contrast, he gave a detailed list of the "disasters, duels, murders, suicides, lynchings etc. that has come under my notice within the past two or three weeks. Sixteen men hung; four for stealing oxen; four for horses; two for money; two for shooting their wives . . . a man was shot in placer for stealing a horse, a doctor cut his head off immediately and carried it off in a bag for dissection." S. Babcock By Hiram Dwight Pierce 1849 Pierce, according to his diary, reached Mormon Island on the South Fork of the American River on September 4, 1849. He wrote, "The scenery at the river is wild to the extreme." The drawing shows Pierce and five others digging, panning, and working a rocker. According to Pierce, about 100 men were at work at the diggings making about $10 per day. The Library possesses a fine collection of his Gold Rush letters. He wrote most of them to his wife from Washington Flat and Long Canyon, Mariposa County. Section XII. Mining Companies October 15, 1853 [autographed bill of sales] 4 p. For the sum of $1,000 John Mulcahy obtained partial interest in a mining claim owned by J. E. Lorrer & Company. The purchase also included the right to one sixth of all the water owned by Lorrer's company. This legal document further recorded conditions of payment. In April 1854, Mulcahy sold his claim to two others for $1,500, and they in turn, sold their interest in the claim to three other partners the following month for $2,000! These other two transactions are recorded on this same document. Articles of Incorporation: Yreka Water Company, Siskiyou County October 28, 1853. 4 p. A gold strike at Yreka Flats in 1851 brought miners by the thousands to the area. It became one of the leading hydraulic mining centers, and supplying water to the miners was a vital business. According to this manuscript the object of the company "shall be to construct a race, or flume, or both, for the purpose of conducting water from the Shasta River, or from any of its branches, through Shasta Valley, in Siskiyou County, by the most elligible [sic] route, to the mines along said route, and to those above and below Yreka City." The Laws of Chinese Camp Relating to the Mines and Mining Claims 1854. 23 p. This volume documents the beginnings of legal authority in Chinese Camp in Tuolumne County. At the first meeting held on September 17, 1850, the miners elected Isaac Caps as alcalde and Samuel G. Chamberlain as sheriff and adopted seven rules and regulations governing mining claims. New York April 28, 1852. 4 p. This printed circular serves as an excellent example of the heavy Wall Street capitalization needed to support the mines as they became highly mechanized. The principal operations of the mines centered on the celebrated Cliff Vein, situated in the city of Sonora. The company stated: "The real treasures of Gold Deposits are yet to be found in the Quartz formations." The prospectus states that fifty horse-power steam engines had already been installed and that an ore stamper of the "most improved and durable construction" was being shipped. New-York: Pudney & Russell, Printers, 1849 Wrappers. 28 p. This document is regarded as the first promotional publication of a California mining company. The company's prospectus begins by extolling the richness of the California mines and the importance of quicksilver to the Gold Rush. The company was located near the New Almaden Mine in Santa Clara County. London, [1850] Wrappers. 8 p. Sir Henry Vere Huntley, an Englishman and chief superintendent of the mining company, wrote this report which focused on the stamp mills of the Mariposa and Agua Fria mines and the quartz veins claimed by John C. Fr�mont. New York, 1854 Plain wrappers. 8 p. The shareholders formed the company for the purposes of mining by means of flumes on the Feather River and raised capital stock in the amount of $40,000. Typical of many mining company constitutions, this publication consisted of 15 sections and was incorporated on October 24, 1854. The Library's copy is signed "French Paige Esq. Bidwell, Nov 1, 1854." New York, 1852 Wrappers. 50 p. Formed for the business of quartz mining, this charter well illustrates the transition from solitary gold seeking to the need for capitalization in order to purchase the equipment and labor needed to extract gold. A notice of the press from the New York Herald brought up another important advantage of these companies: "Many of those who contemplate going to California would, probably, realize more gold, and immensely less suffering and mortification, by investing the money it will cost them to go and return, in some well managed company." The first quartz mine in California went into operation in Grass Valley in 1851. Credits
i don't know
L. Ron Hubbard, science fiction writer, died on Jan 24, 1986, but is best known developing the self-help system called Dianetics, and for founding what religion?
L. Ron Hubbard rotten > Library > Biographies > Religion > Cult leaders > L. Ron Hubbard L. Ron Hubbard Clearly, no greater man has ever lived. Even beyond single-handedly inventing the scientific field known as Dianetics and founding an immensely popular religion, L. Ron Hubbard has by his own account led a most extraordinary life: conversant in seven languages, decorated war hero, scientist, inventor, philosopher, film director, musician. And his success as a writer and a messiah is undeniable. It is common for people to assume that Hubbard was a pathological liar or some manner of megalomaniac when they learn his life story, because it certainly does sound incredible. But his followers have carefully researched their founder's biography and secured all the documentation to prove their claims. Although this paperwork has yet to see the light of day, or is in fact contradicted by more readily-available sources, the simplest explanation is that Hubbard made some powerful enemies in the government who would stop at nothing to discredit him. Because it simply defies reason that so many people would choose to follow anyone who concocted stories as fantastic as these about himself. And anyway, truth is stranger than fiction. Lafayette Ronald Hubbard was born in Nebraska in 1911. Shortly thereafter the family moved to Helena, Montana. There he quickly blossomed into a cowboy poet. According to an official biography, Ron was "riding broncos by the age of 3, soon breaking them, and at 6, he became a blood brother of the Blackfoot Indians." At the same time, he began reading the works by Shakespeare and Greek philosophers. If this was claimed of anyone else, you would be right to be skeptical. Especially considering that nobody's been able to verify exactly where this ranch existed. But Montana is infamous for its poor record-keeping; everybody knows that. He was definitely a force to be reckoned with. In kindergarten, little Ron was defending his neighbors and classmates from bullies twice his age by using a form of judo his grandfather called "lumberjack fighting." That's right: he was in kindergarten. None of the former kids actually remembers Ron taking care of business, but people easily forget things from their childhoods. In 1922 the family moved to Washington state, where Ron joined Boy Scout troop 10 the following year. Sometime around Christmas, the kid evidently developed a powerful hankering for an Eagle Scout patch because he earned his remaining 18 merit badges by March 25. That works out to one badge every 4.7 days. Nowadays, Scouters tend to frown upon rushing through the advancement system, because it tends to create "paper Eagles" -- kids who hold Scouting's highest rank but can't remember how to tie their knots. But maybe things were different back in 1924. In 1930, Ron enrolled at George Washington University's school of engineering. He studied for a career in civil engineering, but left after only two years. Perhaps he was bored by the pace of the coursework. Or maybe he just decided he would benefit more from an autodidactic approach. For whatever reason, his GWU transcript included six D's and four F's. The simplest explanation is that these were simply clerical errors which Hubbard never bothered to correct. war hero A year and a half before Pearl Harbor, as a civilian Ron had already begun fighting the Nazis. He was piloting a boat up the Alaskan coast when he stopped off at Ketchikan. There he met the owner/operator of KGBU radio. Evidently the area had been experiencing mysterious interference in the station's transmissions. Ron immediately had a hunch: it was none other than the work of a German spy, out to disable America's communication systems to prevent the prompt relaying of emergency information. Hubbard made a full report to the FBI, thus thwarting the plot. For some reason, the government still denies that this ever took place, but then they deny a lot of stuff we know to be true. Ron volunteered for the Naval Reserves in 1941, where he distinguished himself with a brilliant military career. In August 1942, Lt. Hubbard was assigned to the YP-422, a patrol boat at the Boston Navy Yard. After a single training exercise, the Navy decided that Hubbard's talents were being wasted on such an insignificant task. Somehow the Axis had infiltrated the Navy Yard, because the Commandant stripped Hubbard of his command after only a single training exercise. Or maybe he was simply intimidated by the young officer's complete and utter mastery of leadership and sailing skills. Hubbard got shuffled around to a couple of desk jobs before managing to convince the Navy of his value as a commanding officer. So in May 1943 he took charge of a submarine chaser, the PC-815. As luck would have it, on the very first day of its maiden voyage, Hubbard's subchaser encountered sonar contacts off the Oregon coast. He spent the next several hours hunting two submarines, dropping depth charges and shooting at surface debris with deck guns. The next day, four other ships and two Navy blimps were brought in to aid in the hunt. Evidently Hubbard's quick thinking ruled the day, because no trace of the submarines could be found. No doubt, they were both lying wrecked on the ocean floor. It was Hubbard's bad luck that the battle took place directly over a known magnetic deposit, which made it impossible for instruments to distinguish between the wreckage and the minerals in the seabed. Which is of course precisely what made it the ideal spot for enemy subs to hide. But the Navy brass refused to acknowledge the heroic feat. So they scapegoated Hubbard, claiming that he had simply become confused by the geological feature and wasted all his ammunition on phantoms. They were probably just worried about inciting panic among the populace. He was admonished and then ordered to take his ship to San Diego, where it was to remain for a two-year assignment. On June 28, after a day of training exercises off the coast, Lt. Hubbard ordered his men to practice firing at a practice target floating near some uninhabited islands. They unloaded all kinds of ammo into the thing, including four 50-caliber artillery rounds. At least two of those rounds missed the target and struck the island. After the crew returned to San Diego the next morning, they were surprised to learn a few things: the island was called South Coronados South Coronados island actually belonged to Mexico South Coronados island was actually inhabited, by Mexicans the Mexican government had, in fact, filed a formal complaint about the shelling Evidently bowing to Mexican pressure, the Navy brass showed no mercy. They formally reprimanded Lt. Hubbard and stripped him of his command. According to the comments in his fitness report, L. Ron would never again captain a naval vessel: Consider this officer lacking in the essential qualities of judgement, leadership and cooperation. He acts without forethought as to probable results. He is believed to have been sincere in his efforts to make his ship efficient and ready. Not considered qualified for command or promotion at this time. Recommend duty on a large vessel where he can be properly supervised. In November he was assigned to serve as the Navigation Officer on a freighter, the SS Algol. There he spent nine months trying not to die of boredom. Finally, he was accepted into a three-month Military Government course at the Navy Training School on the campus of Princeton University. It is really astonishing that Hubbard managed to make it through the course, because he soon wound up in a VA hospital, where he spent two years recovering from extensive war injuries. As he put it: Blinded with injured optic nerves, and lame with physical injuries to hip and back, at the end of World War II, I faced an almost non-existent future. [...] And so there came a further blow -- I was abandoned by family and friends as a supposedly hopeless cripple and a probable burden upon them for the rest of my days. Yet I worked my way back to fitness and strength in less than two years, using only what I knew about Man and his relationship to the universe. I had no one to help me; what I had to know I had to find out. And it's quite a trick studying when you cannot see. I became used to being told it was all impossible, that there was no way, no hope. Yet I came to see again and walk again. As inspiring as Hubbard's recovery was, it was even more amazing that he had made it through the entire government class at Princeton both blind and crippled. Once again, if you heard this story about anyone other than L. Ron, you would be right to question it. Especially given the fact that Lt. Hubbard's medical records include nothing more serious than an ulcer. Which is troublesome, until you discover that Hubbard wound up making some very powerful enemies near the end of his life, who would like nothing more than to discredit him and his work. crusader against the Dark Arts After his miraculous recovery and discharge from the service, L. Ron was sent on a secret mission to infiltrate a coven of warlocks in Pasadena, California. The government instructed Hubbard to destroy it from within. Unfortunately, there is no record of any government agency making such a request, but you really can't expect the Feds to hand over sensitive paperwork like that. But there is independent documentation that L. Ron successfully insinuated himself into the group. First he befriended Jack Parsons , the head of the Agape Lodge. In no time at all, they became best friends. Next, he seduced Jack's girlfriend Betty. (It's unclear whether this was an assigned objective, or just a fringe benefit.) In early 1946, Parsons wrote a letter to Aleister Crowley , who was the head of the parent organization, the Ordo Templi Orientis : About 3 months ago I met Capt L Ron Hubbard, a writer and explorer of whom I had known for some time... He is a gentleman, red hair, green eyes, honest and intelligent and we have become great friends. He moved in with me about two months ago, and although Betty and I are still friendly, she has transferred her sexual affections to him. Although he has no formal training in Magick he has an extraordinary amount of experience and understanding in the field. From some of his experiences I deduce he is in direct touch with some higher intelligence, possibly his Guardian Angel. He is the most Thelemic person I have ever met and is in complete accord with our own principles. He is also interested in establishing the New Aeon, but for cogent reasons I have not introduced him to the Lodge. As illustrated in the letter, Jack had come to trust L. Ron implicitly. In fact, Hubbard had proposed a financial arrangement to speed the disintegration of the Lodge: We are pooling our resources in a partnership which will act as a parent company to control our business ventures. I think I have made a great gain, and as Betty and I are the best of friends, there is little loss... Parsons coughed up $20,970.80, Hubbard threw in $1,183.91, and with that $22,154.71 in seed money they formed Allied Enterprises. Then L. Ron suggested that they invest in yachts. They would buy underpriced boats in Florida and sell them in California. Since he was an accomplished sea captain, Hubbard would sail them to Los Angeles. This idea sounded good to Jack. So in May, Hubbard and Betty left for Florida on a boat-buying mission. Evidently, part of the government plan to root out the coven involved squandering its financial resources, because as soon as Hubbard got to Florida he drained the Allied Enterprises bank account and spent it all on three yachts and a whole lot of high living. In the end, Parsons went to court but only managed to recover about half his money. The financial trouble must have hindered the Agape Lodge, and by extension the OTO. After being apprised of the situation, Crowley dispatched a message to his subordinate expressing utter dismay: From our brother's account he has given away both his girl and his money -- apparently it is an ordinary confidence trick. Which was certainly true, of course. Except what Crowley didn't know -- and the feds still refuse to admit -- is that Hubbard had done it all for Uncle Sam. It is quite possible that without Ron's courageous undercover work, America would today be overrun by the forces of evil. self-help guru In 1949, Hubbard began developing a theory of mind which would prove revolutionary. In his model, the human brain was a system akin to a digital computer. And just as you can improve a computer system's performance by defragging its hard disk, L. Ron believed that you could accomplish the same optimization by clearing space in a person's long-term memory. In doing so, the subject is capable of freeing himself of the lingering effects of negative memories -- eliminating psychological and psychosomatic illnesses, vastly improving memory retention, and boosting the I.Q. score. This is accomplished by reliving the bad experiences in a trancelike state, where they are dealt with and disposed of, one at a time. This scientific field came to be known as Dianetics. Inauspicious as it may sound, Dianetics was introduced to the world in the May 1950 issue of Astounding Science Fiction magazine. A few weeks later, a full-length book was published entitled Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Healing. It soon became a best-seller, moving 150,000 copies in the first year alone. The system set forth in these works and other magazine articles would change the lives of millions. By following Hubbard's regimen they were relieved of all forms of irrational behavior, including unhealthy compulsions, repressive inhibitions, and psychosomatic illnesses. At which point, they were considered "Clear" -- absolutely free of self-defeating influences. A person who was Clear had harnessed the extraordinary powers of the human intellect. In so doing, they would appear to be superhuman in the eyes of the "Pre-Clears." Hubbard revealed that Buddha and Jesus Christ , far from being divine, were simply ordinary mortals who had progressed "a shade above Clear." Another startling realization Hubbard made during his years of research was that people with serious physical or mental problems were almost always the victims of dozens of abortion attempts. As he explained it later, "attempted abortion is very common." Each such incident left a mark on the unborn fetus, along with the mother's engagement in sexual intercourse, masturbation, douching, morning sickness, and constipation. This revelation was so unsettling that it drew fire from many critics. For instance: Hubbard's extensive discussion of things sexual, his concern with abortions, beatings, coitus under duress, flatulence which causes pressure on the foetus, certain cloacal references, all suggest to me a fascination which borders on the obsessive, as if he possessed a deep-seated hatred of women. All of them are being beaten, most of them prove to be unfaithful, few babies are wanted. Strident opposition to Hubbard's insights extended into the federal government as well. As part of an orchestrated effort to discredit him and drive him out business, the FBI opened a file on Hubbard and began tracking his activities. But even as the enemies were closing in, Ron did not cease his research, which led him to discoveries even more earth-shattering. savior of all humanity In late 1953, L. Ron Hubbard announced to the world that the Dianetics system was more than just a self-improvement mechanism -- it was also the key to understanding the source of mankind's spirituality. In other words, Dianetics was now a religion. Hubbard termed his new faith Scientology . Ron had made this unparalleled discovery through a technique established in Dianetics -- reliving past experiences to root out traumatic memories. Hubbard proposed that the earlier the memory, the more impact it has on the grown subject. Many adherents of Dianetics wind up re-experiencing life events all the way back to the gamete stage, remembering the consciousness they had when they were just a sperm cell. In fact, Hubbard realized that he could use this method to remember past lives, all the way backward through one's evolutionary ancestors, thus proving once and for all both evolution and reincarnation. He also empirically calculated the age of the immortal soul (or more accurately, the thetan), which he determined to be trillions or quadrillions of years. (This figure is significantly older than the planet Earth.) LRH revealed that our material bodies contain a collection of these thetans, one of which is dominant and the rest fight for control. Which brings us to the centerpiece of L. Ron Hubbard's mind-blowing theology. It turns out that our spirits were actually transported to this planet 75 million years ago -- back when its proper name was "Teegeeack" -- by an impossibly cruel dictator known as Xenu. Xenu was the head of the Galactic Federation, a group of civilizations on 76 planets in our general neighborhood of the cosmos. As a result of incredible overcrowding problems, Xenu ordered that millions or billions of political dissidents from the various planets be brought to Teegeeack, where they were brainwashed and their souls implanted into the local fauna. Many dozens of these thetans were crammed into each animal. Then the creatures were dropped into volcanoes and vaporized with hydrogen bombs . Through Scientology, LRH provided the means by which a person can exorcise his unwanted thetans and undo Xenu's brainwashing. This process is extremely dangerous if done improperly. So naturally, the Church of Scientology is very careful about who receives the full briefing. It's the kind of thing that could permanently damage the psyche of an unprepared mind. Which is why none of this information is provided to Scientologists until after years of mental preparation and training. persecution Almost overnight, Scientology opened centers across America and England. What had been only a self-help discipline a few years before had suddenly grown into the single most important institution in the history of humankind. Ron alternated between continuing his groundbreaking research into the mind and giving lectures on the subject of Scientology. It was soon thereafter that elements of the government began to focus on undermining the Church of Scientology and its founder. Hubbard wrote a letter to the FBI in July 1955 informing them of an IRS plot intended to destroy him. The FBI ignored his plea for help, proving their complicity in the effort. The intimidation and harassment worsened over the next decade, eventually driving LRH to escape the jurisdiction of the United States. And Britain. As well as every other nation on Earth. At L. Ron's direction, the Church of Scientology began assembling a fleet of ships in the late 1960s. Hubbard transferred the church's files and principal staff members onto the Royal Scotman (later rechristened the Apollo). Then the church's mobile headquarters put to sea, with its founder at the helm. LRH remained at sea for the next few years, thus evading the clutches of the corrupt governments of the world. This is the period Scientology's enemies like to claim that Hubbard turned into some kind of paranoid Howard Hughes -like recluse. That he was terrified of dentists and doctors and refused to be treated by either. That he became addicted to prescription drugs. That he became capricious and cruel with his crew. That his mind and body both deteriorated to an appalling state. All of which is utter nonsense. If Hubbard's primary concern was in dodging law enforcement, creditors, and process servers, it was simply needless to live at sea for several years. He could have accomplished the same thing by secretly purchasing a huge large tract of land in an out-of-the-way location, and establishing a fortress there under a cover story intended to deflect suspicion. That would have been simpler than spending years on an ocean liner. Eventually, LRH returned to the U.S. and ordered the church to quietly procure a sprawling land parcel near Hemet, California. There they established a defensible compound disguised as a small-scale film studio and duplication house for corporate training videos so they could avoid attracting unwanted attention. Hubbard lived there for a few years, before retiring to a similar low-profile facility constructed near the small town of Creston, California. moving on Three days after the founder's death, the news was broken to the church membership at the Palladium theater in Los Angeles. Hubbard's successor, David Miscavige, delivered the eulogy. Miscavige stressed the fact that Ron had not actually died, but rather progressed to a level above human (much like what Marshall Applewhite would attempt to do a decade later): "Thus, at 2000 hours, Friday 24 January 1986, L. Ron Hubbard discarded the body he had used in this lifetime for seventy-four years, ten months and eleven days. The body he had used to facilitate his existence in this universe had ceased to be useful and in fact had become an impediment to the work he now must do outside its confines. The being we knew as L. Ron Hubbard still exists. Although you may feel grief, understand that he did not, and does not now. He has simply moved on to his next step. LRH in fact used this lifetime and body we knew to accomplish what no man has ever accomplished -- he unlocked the mysteries of life and gave us the tools so we could free ourselves and our fellow men..." And so ends the story of the greatest man who ever lived. Timeline
Scientology
What is the name of the wizard who runs the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the Harry Potter books and films?
l ron hubbard : definition of l ron hubbard and synonyms of l ron hubbard (English) 7 Signature Lafayette Ronald Hubbard (March 13, 1911 – January 24, 1986), better known as L. Ron Hubbard (and often referred to by his initials, LRH or as Elron), was an American pulp fiction author and the founder of the Church of Scientology . After establishing a career as a writer, becoming best known for his science fiction and fantasy stories, he developed a self-help system called Dianetics which was first published in May 1950. He subsequently developed his ideas into a wide-ranging set of doctrines and rituals as part of a new religious movement that he called Scientology . His writings became the guiding texts for the Church of Scientology and a number of affiliated organizations that address such diverse topics as business administration, literacy and drug rehabilitation . Although many aspects of Hubbard's life story are disputed, there is general agreement about its basic outline. [2] Born in Tilden, Nebraska , he spent much of his childhood in Helena, Montana . He traveled in Asia and the South Pacific in the late 1920s after his father, an officer in the United States Navy , was posted to the U.S. naval base on Guam . He attended George Washington University in Washington, D.C. at the start of the 1930s before beginning a career as a prolific writer of pulp fiction stories. He served briefly in the Marine Reserves and later in the U.S. Navy during World War II , briefly holding command of 2 different vessels, the USS YP-422 and USS PC-815 . He was removed from his position both times when superiors found him unsuitable for command. [3] He ended the war hospitalized for an acute duodenal ulcer . [3] . Later he developed Dianetics, "the modern science of mental health". He founded Scientology in 1952 and oversaw the growth of the Church of Scientology into a worldwide organization. During the late 1960s and early 1970s, he spent much of his time at sea aboard his personal fleet of ships as Commodore of the Sea Organization , an elite inner group of Scientologists. However, his expedition came to an early close. Britain, Greece, Spain, Portugal, and Venezuela all closed their ports to his fleet. At one point, a court in Australia revoked the church's status as a religion. Similarly, a high court in France convicted Hubbard of fraud in absentia . He returned to the United States in 1975 and subsequently went into seclusion in the California desert. In 1983 L. Ron Hubbard was named as an unindicted co-conspirator in an international information infiltration and theft project called " Operation Snow White ". He spent the remaining years of his life secluded on a ranch near Creston, California , where he died in January 1986. The Church of Scientology describes Hubbard in hagiographic terms, [4] and he portrayed himself as a pioneering explorer, world traveler and nuclear physicist with expertise in a wide range of disciplines including photography, art, poetry and philosophy. His critics have characterized him as a liar, a charlatan and a madman. Though many of his autobiographical statements have been proven to be fictitious, [5] the Church itself rejects any suggestion that its account of Hubbard's life is anything other than historical fact. [6] [7] Contents Main article: Early life of L. Ron Hubbard Lafayette Ronald Hubbard was born on March 13, 1911, in Tilden, Nebraska. [8] He was the only child of Harry Ross Hubbard, a former United States Navy sailor, and Ledora May (née Waterbury), who had originally trained as a teacher. [9] [10] After moving to Kalispell, Montana , the family settled in 1913 in the city of Helena. [10] Hubbard's father re-enlisted in the Navy in April 1917, while his mother Ledora May worked as a clerk for the state government. [11] Biographical accounts published by the Church of Scientology describe Hubbard as "a child prodigy of sorts" who rode a horse before he could walk and was able to read and write by the age of four. [12] A Scientology profile says that he was brought up on his grandfather's "large cattle ranch in Montana" [13] where he spent his days "riding, breaking broncos, hunting coyote and taking his first steps as an explorer". [14] His grandfather is described as a "wealthy Western cattleman" from whom Hubbard "inherited his fortune and family interests in America, Southern Africa, etc." [15] Scientology claims that Hubbard became a " blood brother " of the Native American Blackfeet tribe at the age of six through his friendship with a Blackfeet medicine man . [10] [16]   Queen Anne High School, Seattle, which L Ron Hubbard attended in 1926–27 Contemporary records state that his grandfather, Lafe Waterbury, was a veterinarian , not a rancher, and was not wealthy. Hubbard was raised in a townhouse in the center of Helena. [17] According to his aunt, his family did not own a ranch but had one cow and four or five horses on a few acres of land outside Helena. [14] Hubbard lived over a hundred miles from the Blackfeet reservation. The tribe did not practice blood brotherhood and no evidence has been found that he had ever been a Blackfeet blood brother. [18] During the 1920s the Hubbards repeatedly relocated around the United States and overseas. After Hubbard's father Harry rejoined the Navy, his posting aboard the USS Oklahoma in 1921 required the family to relocate to the ship's home ports, first San Diego , then Seattle . [19] During a journey to Washington, D.C. in 1923 Hubbard learned of Freudian psychology from Commander Joseph "Snake" Thompson, a U.S. Navy psychoanalyst and medic. [19] [20] Scientology biographies describe this encounter as giving Hubbard training in a particular scientific approach to the mind, which he found unsatisfying. [21] Hubbard was active in the Boy Scouts in Washington, DC and earned the rank of Eagle Scout in 1924, two weeks after his 13th birthday. In his diary, Hubbard claimed he was the youngest Eagle Scout in the US. [22] The following year, Harry Ross Hubbard was posted to Puget Sound Naval Shipyard at Bremerton, Washington . [23] His son was enrolled at Union High School, Bremerton, [23] and later studied at Queen Anne High School in Seattle. [24] In 1927 Hubbard's father was sent to the U.S. Naval Station on Guam in the Mariana Islands of the South Pacific. Although Hubbard's mother also went to Guam, Hubbard himself did not accompany them but was placed in his grandparents' care in Helena, Montana to complete his schooling. [24] Between 1927 and 1929 Hubbard traveled to Japan , China , the Philippines and Guam. Scientology texts present this period in his life as a time when he was intensely curious for answers to human suffering and explored ancient Eastern philosophies for answers, but found them lacking. [25] He is described as traveling to China "at a time when few Westerners could enter" [26] and according to Scientology, spent his time questioning Buddhist lamas and meeting old Chinese magicians. [25] According to church materials, his travels were funded by his "wealthy grandfather". [27] Hubbard's unofficial biographers present a very different account of his travels in Asia. Hubbard's diaries recorded two trips to the east coast of China. The first was made in the company of his mother while traveling from the United States to Guam in 1927. It consisted of a brief stop-over in a couple of Chinese ports before traveling on to Guam, where he stayed for six weeks before returning home. He recorded his impressions of the places he visited and disdained the poverty of the inhabitants of Japan and China, whom he described as "gooks" and "lazy [and] ignorant". His second visit was a family holiday which took Hubbard and his parents to China via the Philippines in 1928. [28] [29]   Aerial view of Qingdao, China, taken in 1930, two years after Hubbard's visit After his return to the United States in September 1927, Hubbard enrolled at Helena High School but earned only poor grades. [30] He abandoned school the following May and went back west to stay with his aunt and uncle in Seattle . He joined his parents in Guam in June 1928. His mother took over his education in the hope of putting him forward for the entrance examination to the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland . Between October and December 1928 a number of naval families, including Hubbard's, traveled from Guam to China aboard the USS Gold Star . The ship stopped at Manila in the Philippines before traveling on to Qingdao (Tsingtao) in China. Hubbard and his parents made a side trip to Beijing before sailing on to Shanghai and Hong Kong , from where they returned to Guam. [31] Scientology accounts present a different version of events, saying that Hubbard "made his way deep into Manchuria's Western Hills and beyond—to break bread with Mongolian bandits, share campfires with Siberian shamans and befriend the last in the line of magicians from the court of Kublai Khan ." [32] However, Hubbard did not record these events in his diary. [33] He remained unimpressed with China and the Chinese, writing: "A Chinaman can not live up to a thing, he always drags it down." He characterized the sights of Beijing as "rubberneck stations" for tourists and described the palaces of the Forbidden City as "very trashy-looking" and "not worth mentioning". He was impressed by the Great Wall of China near Beijing [34] but concluded of the Chinese: "They smell of all the baths they didn't take. The trouble with China is, there are too many chinks here." [35] Back on Guam, Hubbard spent much of his time writing dozens of short stories and essays [36] and failed the Naval Academy entrance examination. In September 1929 Hubbard was enrolled at the Swavely Preparatory School in Manassas, Virginia , to prepare him for a second attempt at the examination. [37] However, he was ruled out of consideration due to his near-sightedness. [38] He was instead sent to Woodward School for Boys in Washington, D.C. to qualify for admission to George Washington University . He successfully graduated from the school in June 1930 and entered the university the following September. [39]   University and explorations   Entrance to George Washington University Hubbard studied civil engineering during his two years at George Washington University at the behest of his father, who "decreed that I should study engineering and mathematics." [40] While he did not graduate from George Washington, his time there subsequently became important because, as George Malko puts it, "many of his researches and published conclusions have been supported by his claims to be not only a graduate engineer, but 'a member of the first United States course in formal education in what is called today nuclear physics.'" [41] However, a Church of Scientology biography describes him as "never noted for being in class" and says that he "thoroughly detest[ed] his subjects." [42] He earned poor grades, was placed on probation in September 1931 and dropped out altogether in the fall of 1932. [41] [43] Scientology accounts say that he "studied nuclear physics at George Washington University in Washington, D.C., before he started his studies about the mind, spirit and life" [44] and Hubbard himself stated that he "set out to find out from nuclear physics a knowledge of the physical universe, something entirely lacking in Asian philosophy." [42] His university records indicate that his exposure to "nuclear physics" consisted of one class in "atomic and molecular phenomena" for which he earned an "F" grade. [45] Scientologists claim he was more interested in extracurricular activities, particularly writing and flying. According to church materials, "he earned his wings as a pioneering barnstormer at the dawn of American aviation" [16] and "[he was] recognized as one of the country's most outstanding pilots. With virtually no training time, he takes up powered flight and barnstorms throughout the Midwest." [46] His pilot's license, however, records that he qualified to fly only gliders rather than powered aircraft and gave up his license when he could not afford the renewal fee. [47] During Hubbard's final semester he organized an expedition to the Caribbean for "fifty young gentleman rovers" aboard the schooner Doris Hamlin commencing in June 1932. The aims of the "Caribbean Motion Picture Expedition" were stated as being to explore and film the pirate "strongholds and bivouacs of the Spanish Main " and to "collect whatever one collects for exhibits in museums". [48] It ran into trouble even before it left the port of Baltimore: ten participants quit and storms blew the ship far off course to Bermuda . Eleven more members of the expedition quit there and more left when the ship arrived at Martinique . [49] With the expedition running critically short of money, the ship's owners ordered it to return to Baltimore. [50] Hubbard blamed the expedition's problems on the captain: "the ship's dour Captain Garfield proved himself far less than a Captain Courageous, requiring Ron Hubbard's hand at both the helm and the charts." [51] Specimens and photographs collected by the expedition are said by Scientology accounts to have been acquired by the University of Michigan , the U.S. Hydrographic Office, an unspecified national museum and the New York Times , [51] [52] though none of those institutions have any record of this. [53] Hubbard later wrote that the expedition "was a crazy idea at best, and I knew it, but I went ahead anyway, chartered a four-masted schooner and embarked with some fifty luckless souls who haven't stopped their cursings yet." [54] He called it "a two-bit expedition and financial bust," [55] which resulted in some of its participants making legal claims against him for refunds. [56]   Luquillo, Puerto Rico, near where scientologists claim Hubbard carried out the "West Indies Mineralogical Survey" in 1932 After leaving university Hubbard traveled to Puerto Rico on what the Church of Scientology calls the "Puerto Rican Mineralogical Expedition". [57] Scientologists claim he "made the first complete mineralogical survey of Puerto Rico" [52] as a means of "augmenting his [father's] pay with a mining venture", during which he "sluiced inland rivers and crisscrossed the island in search of elusive gold" as well as carrying out "much ethnological work amongst the interior villages and native hillsmen". [57] Hubbard's unofficial biographer Russell Miller writes that neither the United States Geological Survey nor the Puerto Rican Department of Natural Resources have any record of any such expedition. [53] According to Miller, Hubbard traveled to Puerto Rico in November 1932 after his father volunteered him for the Red Cross relief effort following the devastating 1932 San Ciprian hurricane . [53] In a 1957 lecture Hubbard said that he had been "a field executive with the American Red Cross in the Puerto Rico hurricane disaster." [58] According to his own account, Hubbard spent much of his time prospecting unsuccessfully for gold. Towards the end of his stay on Puerto Rico he appears to have done some work for a Washington D.C. firm called West Indies Minerals Incorporated, accompanying a surveyor in an investigation of a small property near the town of Luquillo, Puerto Rico . [56] The survey was unsuccessful. A few years later, Hubbard wrote: Harboring the thought that the Conquistadores might have left some gold behind, I determined to find it ... Gold prospecting in the wake of the Conquistadores, on the hunting grounds of the pirates in the islands which still reek of Columbus is romantic, and I do not begrudge the sweat which splashed in muddy rivers, and the bits of khaki which have probably blown away from the thorn bushes long ago ... After a half year or more of intensive search, after wearing my palms thin wielding a sample pack, after assaying a few hundred sacks of ore, I came back, a failure. [54]   Early literary career and Alaskan expedition   Illustration by Edd Cartier for Hubbard's story "Fear" [59] Hubbard became a well-known and prolific writer for pulp fiction magazines during the 1930s. Scientology texts describe him as becoming "well established as an essayist" even before he had concluded college. Scientology claims he "solved his finances, and his desire to travel by writing anything that came to hand" [42] and to have earned an "astronomical" rate of pay for the times. [60] His literary career began with contributions to the George Washington University student newspaper, The University Hatchet, as a reporter for a few months in 1931. [39] Six of his pieces were published commercially during 1932 to 1933. [47] The going rate for freelance writers at the time was only a cent a word, so Hubbard's total earnings from these articles would have been less than $100. [61] The pulp magazine Thrilling Adventure became the first to publish one of his short stories, in February 1934. [62] Over the next six years, pulp magazines published around 140 of his short stories [63] under a variety of pen names , including Winchester Remington Colt, Kurt von Rachen, René Lafayette, Joe Blitz and Legionnaire 148. [64] Although he was best known for his fantasy and science fiction stories, Hubbard wrote in a wide variety of genres, including adventure fiction, aviation, travel, mysteries, westerns and even romance. [65] Hubbard knew and associated with writers such as Isaac Asimov , Robert A. Heinlein , L. Sprague de Camp and A. E. van Vogt . [66] His first full-length novel, Buckskin Brigades , was published in 1937. [67] He became a "highly idiosyncratic" writer of science fiction after being taken under the wing of editor John W. Campbell , [68] who published many of Hubbard's short stories and also serialized a number of well-received novelettes that Hubbard wrote for Campbell's magazines Unknown and Astounding . These included Fear , Final Blackout and Typewriter in the Sky . [69] According to the Church of Scientology, Hubbard was "called to Hollywood" to work on film scripts in the mid-1930s, although Scientology accounts differ as to exactly when this was (whether 1935, [70] 1936 [42] or 1937 [46] ). He wrote the script for The Secret of Treasure Island , a 1938 Columbia Pictures movie serial . [71] The Church of Scientology claims he also worked on the Columbia serials The Mysterious Pilot (1937), The Great Adventures of Wild Bill Hickok (1938) and The Spider Returns (1941), [46] though his name does not appear on the credits. Hubbard also claimed to have written Dive Bomber (1941), [72] [73] Cecil B. DeMille 's The Plainsman (1936) and John Ford 's Stagecoach (1939). [74] Hubbard's literary earnings helped him to support his new wife, Margaret "Polly" Grubb . She was already pregnant when they married on April 13, 1933, but she had a spontaneous abortion shortly afterwards; a few months later, she became pregnant again. [75] On May 7, 1934, she gave birth prematurely to a son who was named Lafayette Ronald Hubbard, Jr. and the nickname "His Nibs", invariably shortened to "Nibs". [76] Their second child, Katherine May, was born on January 15, 1936. [77] The Hubbards lived for a while in Laytonsville, Maryland , but were chronically short of money. [78] In the spring of 1936 they moved to Bremerton, Washington . They lived there for a time with Hubbard's aunts and grandmother before finding a place of their own at nearby South Colby . According to one of his friends at the time, Robert MacDonald Ford , the Hubbards were "in fairly dire straits for money" but sustained themselves on the income from Hubbard's writing. [79] Hubbard spent an increasing amount of time in New York City , [80] working out of a hotel room where his wife suspected him of carrying on affairs with other women. [81] [82] Hubbard's authorship in mid-1938 of a still-unpublished manuscript called Excalibur is highlighted by the Church of Scientology as a key step in developing the principles of Scientology and Dianetics. The manuscript is said by scientologists to have outlined "the basic principles of human existence" [42] and to have been the culmination of twenty years of research into "twenty-one races and cultures including Pacific Northwest Indian tribes, Philippine Tagalogs and, as he was wont to joke, the people of the Bronx." [83] According to Arthur J. Cox, a contributor to John W. Campbell's Astounding magazine, Hubbard told a 1948 convention of science fiction fans that Excalibur's inspiration came during an operation in which he "died" for eight minutes. [84] (Gerry Armstrong, Hubbard's archivist, explains this as a dental extraction performed under nitrous oxide , a chemical known for its hallucinogenic effects [85] ): Hubbard realized that, while he was dead, he had received a tremendous inspiration, a great Message which he must impart to others. He sat at his typewriter for six days and nights and nothing came out. Then, Excalibur emerged. [86] Arthur J. Burks , the President of the American Fiction Guild, wrote that an excited Hubbard called him and said: "I want to see you right away. I have written THE book." Hubbard believed that Excalibur would "revolutionize everything" and that "it was somewhat more important, and would have a greater impact upon people, than the Bible ." [87] It proposed that all human behavior could be explained in terms of survival and that to understand survival was to understand life. [88] As Hubbard biographer Jon Atack notes, "the notion that everything that exists is trying to survive became the basis of Dianetics and Scientology." [85] According to Burks, Hubbard "was so sure he had something 'away out and beyond' anything else that he had sent telegrams to several book publishers, telling them that he had written "THE book" and that they were to meet him at Penn Station , and he would discuss it with them and go with whomever gave him the best offer." However, nobody bought the manuscript. [87] Forrest J Ackerman , later Hubbard's literary agent , recalled that Hubbard told him "whoever read it either went insane or committed suicide. And he said that the last time he had shown it to a publisher in New York, he walked into the office to find out what the reaction was, the publisher called for the reader, the reader came in with the manuscript, threw it on the table and threw himself out of the skyscraper window." [89] Hubbard's failure to sell Excalibur depressed him; he told his wife in an October 1938 letter: "Writing action pulp doesn't have much agreement with what I want to do because it retards my progress by demanding incessant attention and, further, actually weakens my name. So you see I've got to do something about it and at the same time strengthen the old financial position." [90] He went on: Sooner or later Excalibur will be published and I may have a chance to get some name recognition out of it so as to pave the way to articles and comments which are my ideas of writing heaven ... Foolishly perhaps, but determined none the less, I have high hopes of smashing my name into history so violently that it will take a legendary form even if all books are destroyed. That goal is the real goal as far as I am concerned. [90] The manuscript later became part of Scientology mythology. [85] An early 1950s Scientology publication offered signed "gold-bound and locked" copies for the sum of $1,500 apiece (equivalent to about $29,000 now). It warned that "four of the first fifteen people who read it went insane" and that it would be "[r]eleased only on sworn statement not to permit other readers to read it. Contains data not to be released during Mr. Hubbard's stay on earth." [91]   Ketchikan, Alaska, where Hubbard and his wife were stranded during the "Alaskan Radio-Experimental Expedition" Hubbard joined The Explorers Club in February 1940 on the strength of his claimed explorations in the Caribbean and survey flights in the United States. [92] He persuaded the club to let him carry its flag on an "Alaskan Radio-Experimental Expedition" to update the U.S. Coast Pilot guide to the coastlines of Alaska and British Columbia and investigate new methods of radio position-finding. [93] The expedition consisted of Hubbard and his wife—the children were left at South Colby—aboard his ketch Magician. [94] Scientology accounts of the expedition describe "Hubbard's recharting of an especially treacherous Inside Passage , and his ethnological study of indigenous Aleuts and Haidas" and tell of how "along the way, he not only roped a Kodiak Bear , but braved seventy-mile-an-hour winds and commensurate seas off the Aleutian Islands ." [95] They are divided about how far Hubbard's expedition actually traveled, whether 700 miles (1,100 km) [46] or 2,000 miles (3,200 km). [95] Hubbard told the Seattle Star in a November 1940 letter that the expedition was plagued by problems and did not get any further than Ketchikan near the southern end of the Alaska Panhandle , far from the Aleutian Islands. [96] Magician's engine broke down only two days after setting off in July 1940. The Hubbards reached Ketchikan on August 30, 1940, after many delays following repeated engine breakdowns. The Ketchikan Chronicle reported—making no mention of the expedition—that Hubbard's purpose in coming to Alaska "was two-fold, one to win a bet and another to gather material for a novel of Alaskan salmon fishing." [94] Having underestimated the cost of the trip, he did not have enough money to repair the broken engine. He raised money by writing stories and contributing to the local radio station [97] and eventually earned enough to fix the engine, [92] making it back to Puget Sound on December 27, 1940. [97] He was a member of the all-male literary banqueting club the Trap Door Spiders , which served as the basis of Isaac Asimov 's fictional group of mystery solvers the Black Widowers .   Military career Main article: Military career of L. Ron Hubbard   Lts (jg) L. Ron Hubbard and Thomas S. Moulton in Portland, Oregon in 1943 After returning from Alaska, Hubbard applied to join the United States Navy. His Congressman, Warren G. Magnuson , wrote to President Roosevelt to recommend Hubbard as "a gentleman of reputation" who was "a respected explorer" and had "marine masters papers for more types of vessels than any other man in the United States". Hubbard was described as "a key figure" in writing organizations, "making him politically potent nationally". The Congressman concluded: "Anything you can do for Mr Hubbard will be appreciated." His friend Robert MacDonald Ford, by now a State Representative for Washington, sent a letter of recommendation describing Hubbard as "one of the most brilliant men I have ever known". Hubbard was said by Scientologists to be "a powerful influence" in the Northwest and to be "well known in many parts of the world and has considerable influence in the Caribbean and Alaska." The letter declared that "for courage and ability I cannot too strongly recommend him." Ford later said that Hubbard had written the letter himself: "I don't know why Ron wanted a letter. I just gave him a letter-head and said, 'Hell, you're the writer, you write it!'" [98] Hubbard was commissioned as a Lieutenant (junior grade) in the U.S. Naval Reserve on July 19, 1941. His military service forms a major element of his public persona as portrayed by Scientologists. [99] The Church of Scientology presents him as a "much-decorated war hero who commanded a corvette and during hostilities was crippled and wounded." [100] Scientology publications say he served as a "Commodore of Corvette squadrons" in "all five theaters of World War II" and was awarded "twenty-one medals and palms" for his service. [101] He was "severely wounded and was taken crippled and blinded" to a military hospital, where he "worked his way back to fitness, strength and full perception in less than two years, using only what he knew and could determine about Man and his relationship to the universe." [70] He claimed to have seen combat repeatedly, telling A. E. van Vogt that he had once sailed his ship "right into the harbor of a Japanese occupied island in the Dutch East Indies . His attitude was that if you took your flag down the Japanese would not know one boat from another, so he tied up at the dock, went ashore and wandered around by himself for three days." [102] Hubbard's official Navy service records indicate that "his military performance was, at times, substandard" and he received only four campaign medals rather than twenty-one. He was never recorded as being injured or wounded in combat and so never received a Purple Heart . [14] Most of his military service was spent ashore in the continental United States on administrative or training duties. He served for a short time in Australia but was sent home after quarreling with his superiors. He briefly commanded two anti-submarine vessels , the USS YP-422 and USS PC-815 , in coastal waters off Massachusetts , Oregon and California in 1942 and 1943 respectively. [14] After Hubbard reported that the PC-815 had attacked and crippled or sunk two Japanese submarines off Oregon in May 1943, his claim was rejected by the commander of the Northwest Sea Frontier . [14] Hubbard and Thomas Moulton, his second in command on the PC-815, later said the Navy wanted to avoid panic on the mainland. [103] A month later Hubbard unwittingly sailed the PC-815 into Mexican territorial waters and conducted gunnery practice off the Coronado Islands , in the belief that they were uninhabited and belonged to the United States. The Mexican government complained and Hubbard was relieved of command. A fitness report written after the incident rated Hubbard as unsuitable for independent duties and "lacking in the essential qualities of judgment, leadership and cooperation." [104] He served for a while as the Navigation and Training Officer for the USS Algol while it was based at Portland. A fitness report from this period recommended promotion, describing him as "a capable and energetic officer, [but] very temperamental", and an "above average navigator". [105] However, he never held another command and did not serve aboard another ship after the Algol.   The USS PC-815, Hubbard's second and final command Hubbard's war service has great significance in the history and mythology of the Church of Scientology, as he is said to have cured himself through techniques that would later underpin Scientology and Dianetics. According to Moulton, Hubbard told him that he had been machine-gunned in the back near the Dutch East Indies. Hubbard asserted that his eyes had been damaged as well, either "by the flash of a large-caliber gun" or when he had "a bomb go off in my face". [14] Scientology texts say that he returned from the war "[b]linded with injured optic nerves, and lame with physical injuries to hip and back" and was twice pronounced dead. [7] His medical records state that he was hospitalized with an acute duodenal ulcer rather than a war injury. He told his doctors that he was suffering from lameness caused by a hip infection [14] and he told Look magazine in December 1950 that he had suffered from "ulcers, conjunctivitis, deteriorating eyesight, bursitis and something wrong with my feet." [55] He was still complaining in 1951 of eye problems and stomach pains, which had given him "continuous trouble" for eight years, especially when "under nervous stress." This came well after Hubbard had promised that Dianetics would provide "a cure for the very ailments that plagued the author himself then and throughout his life, including allergies, arthritis, ulcers and heart problems." [14] The Church of Scientology says that Hubbard's key breakthrough in the development of Dianetics was made at Oak Knoll Naval Hospital in Oakland, California . According to the Church, In early 1945, while recovering from war injuries at Oak Knoll Naval Hospital, Mr. Hubbard conducts a series of tests and experiments dealing with the endocrine system. He discovers that, contrary to long-standing beliefs, function monitors structure. With this revolutionary advance, he begins to apply his theories to the field of the mind and thereby to improve the conditions of others. [106] An October 1945 Naval Board found that Hubbard was "considered physically qualified to perform duty ashore, preferably within the continental United States". [107] He was discharged from hospital on December 4, 1945, and transferred to inactive duty on February 17, 1946. He resigned his commission with effect from October 30, 1950. [108] The Church of Scientology says he quit because the U.S. Navy "attempted to monopolize all his researches and force him to work on a project 'to make man more suggestible' and when he was unwilling, tried to blackmail him by ordering him back to active duty to perform this function. Having many friends he was able to instantly resign from the Navy and escape this trap." [109] The Navy said in a statement in 1980: "There is no evidence on record of an attempt to recall him to active duty." [108] The Church disputes the official record of Hubbard's naval career. It asserts that the records are incomplete and perhaps falsified "to conceal Hubbard's secret activities as an intelligence officer." [14] In 1990 the Church provided the Los Angeles Times with a document that was said to be a copy of Hubbard's official record of service. The U.S. Navy told the Times that "its contents are not supported by Hubbard's personnel record." [14] The New Yorker reported in February 2011 that the Scientology document was considered to be a forgery. [7]   Occult involvement in Pasadena Hubbard's life underwent a turbulent period immediately after the war. According to his own account, he "was abandoned by family and friends as a supposedly hopeless cripple and a probable burden upon them for the rest of my days". [110] His daughter Katherine presented a rather different version: his wife had refused to uproot their children from their home in Bremerton, Washington, to join him in California. Their marriage was by now in terminal difficulties and he chose to stay in California. [111] In August 1945 Hubbard moved into the Pasadena mansion of John "Jack" Whiteside Parsons . A leading rocket propulsion researcher at the California Institute of Technology and a founder of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory , Parsons led a double life as an avid occultist and Thelemite , follower of the English ceremonial magician Aleister Crowley and leader of a lodge of Crowley's magical order , Ordo Templi Orientis (OTO). [7] [112] He let rooms in the house only to tenants who he specified should be "atheists and those of a Bohemian disposition". [113] Hubbard befriended Parsons and soon became sexually involved with Parsons's 21-year-old girlfriend, Sara "Betty" Northrup . [114] Despite this Parsons was very impressed with Hubbard and reported to Crowley: [Hubbard] is a gentleman; he has red hair, green eyes, is honest and intelligent, and we have become great friends. He moved in with me about two months ago, and although Betty and I are still friendly, she has transferred her sexual affection to Ron. Although he has no formal training in Magick, he has an extraordinary amount of experience and understanding in the field. From some of his experiences I deduced that he is in direct touch with some higher intelligence, possibly his Guardian Angel. He describes his Angel as a beautiful winged woman with red hair whom he calls the Empress and who has guided him through his life and saved him many times. He is the most Thelemic person I have ever met and is in complete accord with our own principles. [115] Parsons and Hubbard collaborated on the " Babalon Working ", a sex magic ritual intended to summon an incarnation of Babalon , the Mother of Abominations. It was undertaken over several nights in February and March 1946 in order to summon an "elemental" who would participate in further sex magic. [116] As Richard Metzger describes it, Parsons used his "magical wand" to whip up a vortex of energy so the elemental would be summoned. Translated into plain English, Parsons jerked off in the name of spiritual advancement whilst Hubbard (referred to as "The Scribe" in the diary of the event) scanned the astral plane for signs and visions. [117] The "elemental" arrived a few days later in the form of Marjorie Cameron , who agreed to participate in Parsons' rites. [116] Soon afterwards, Parsons, Hubbard and Sara agreed to set up a business partnership, "Allied Enterprises", in which they invested nearly their entire savings—the vast majority contributed by Parsons. The plan was for Hubbard and Sara to buy yachts in Miami and sail them to the West Coast to sell for a profit. Hubbard had a different idea; he wrote to the U.S. Navy requesting permission to leave the country "to visit Central & South America & China" for the purposes of "collecting writing material"—in other words, undertaking a world cruise. [118] Aleister Crowley strongly criticized Parsons's actions, writing: "Suspect Ron playing confidence trick—Jack Parsons weak fool—obvious victim prowling swindlers." Parsons attempted to recover his money by obtaining an injunction to prevent Hubbard and Sara leaving the country or disposing of the remnants of his assets. [119] They attempted to sail anyway but were forced back to port by a storm. A week later, Allied Enterprises was dissolved. Parsons received only a $2,900 promissory note from Hubbard and returned home "shattered". He had to sell his mansion to developers soon afterwards to recoup his losses. [120] Hubbard's fellow writers were well aware of what had happened between him and Parsons. L. Sprague de Camp wrote to Isaac Asimov on August 27, 1946, to tell him: The more complete story of Hubbard is that he is now in Fla. living on his yacht with a man-eating tigress named Betty-alias-Sarah, another of the same kind ... He will probably soon thereafter arrive in these parts with Betty-Sarah, broke, working the poor-wounded-veteran racket for all its worth, and looking for another easy mark. Don't say you haven't been warned. Bob [ Robert Heinlein ] thinks Ron went to pieces morally as a result of the war. I think that's fertilizer, that he always was that way, but when he wanted to conciliate or get something from somebody he could put on a good charm act. What the war did was to wear him down to where he no longer bothers with the act. [121] Scientology accounts do not mention Hubbard's involvement in occultism. He is instead described as "continu[ing] to write to help support his research" during this period into "the development of a means to better the condition of man." [122] The Church of Scientology has nonetheless acknowledged Hubbard's involvement with the OTO; a 1969 statement, written by Hubbard himself, [123] said: Hubbard broke up black magic in America ... L. Ron Hubbard was still an officer of the U.S. Navy, because he was well known as a writer and a philosopher and had friends amongst the physicists, he was sent in to handle the situation. He went to live at the house and investigated the black magic rites and the general situation and found them very bad. ... Hubbard's mission was successful far beyond anyone's expectations. The house was torn down. Hubbard rescued a girl they were using. The black magic group was dispersed and destroyed and has never recovered. [124] The Church of Scientology says Hubbard was "sent in" by his fellow science fiction author Robert Heinlein , "who was running off-book intelligence operations for naval intelligence at the time." However, Heinlein's authorized biographer has said that he looked into the matter at the suggestion of Scientologists but found nothing to corroborate claims that Heinlein had been involved, and his biography of Heinlein makes no mention of the matter. [7] On August 10, 1946, Hubbard bigamously married Sara, while still married to Polly. It was not until 1947 that his first wife learned that he had remarried. Hubbard agreed to divorce Polly in June that year and the marriage was dissolved shortly afterwards, with Polly given custody of the children. [125]   Origins of Dianetics   Masters of Sleep, one of Hubbard's last works of pulp fiction, on the cover of the October 1950 issue of Fantastic Adventures After Hubbard's wedding to Sara, the couple settled at Laguna Beach, California , where Hubbard took a short-term job looking after a friend's yacht [126] before resuming his fiction writing to supplement the small disability allowance that he was receiving as a war veteran. [127] Working from a trailer in a run-down area of North Hollywood , [125] Hubbard sold a number of science fiction stories that included his Ole Doc Methuselah series and the serialized novels The End Is Not Yet and To the Stars . [68] However, he remained short of money and repeatedly wrote to the Veterans Administration (VA) asking for an increase in his war pension. In October 1947 he wrote: After trying and failing for two years to regain my equilibrium in civil life, I am utterly unable to approach anything like my own competence. My last physician informed me that it might be very helpful if I were to be examined and perhaps treated psychiatrically or even by a psychoanalyst. Toward the end of my service I avoided out of pride any mental examinations, hoping that time would balance a mind which I had every reason to suppose was seriously affected. I cannot account for nor rise above long periods of moroseness and suicidal inclinations, and have newly come to realize that I must first triumph above this before I can hope to rehabilitate myself at all. [128] The VA eventually did increase his pension, [129] but his money problems continued. On August 31, 1948, he was arrested in San Luis Obispo, California , and subsequently pleaded guilty to a charge of petty theft, for which he was ordered to pay a $25 fine. [130] According to the Church of Scientology, around this time he "accept[ed] an appointment as a Special Police Officer with the Los Angeles Police Department and uses the position to study society's criminal elements" [46] and also "worked with neurotics from the Hollywood film community". [131] In late 1948 Hubbard and Sara moved to Savannah, Georgia . [132] Here, Scientology sources say, he "volunteer[ed] his time in hospitals and mental wards, saving the lives of patients with his counseling techniques." [133] Hubbard began to make the first public mentions of what was to become Dianetics. He wrote in January 1949 that he was working on a "book of psychology" about "the cause and cure of nervous tension", which he was going to call The Dark Sword, Excalibur or Science of the Mind. [134] In April 1949, Hubbard wrote to several professional organizations to offer his research. [135] None were interested, so he turned to his editor John W. Campbell, who was more receptive due to a long-standing fascination with fringe psychologies and psychic powers (" psionics ") that "permeated both his fiction and non-fiction." [136] Campbell invited Hubbard and Sara to move into a cottage at Bay Head, New Jersey , not far from his own home at Plainfield . In July 1949 Campbell recruited an acquaintance, Dr. Joseph Winter, to help to develop Hubbard's new therapy of "Dianetics". Campbell told Winter: With cooperation from some institutions, some psychiatrists, [Hubbard] has worked on all types of cases. Institutionalized schizophrenics, apathies, manics, depressives, perverts, stuttering, neuroses—in all, nearly 1000 cases. But just a brief sampling of each type; he doesn't have proper statistics in the usual sense. But he has one statistic. He has cured every patient he worked with. He has cured ulcers, arthritis, asthma. [137] Hubbard collaborated with Campbell and Winter to refine his techniques, [138] testing them on science fiction fans recruited by Campbell. [139] The basic principle of Dianetics was that the brain recorded every experience and event in a person's life, even when unconscious. Bad or painful experiences were stored as " engrams " in a " reactive mind ". These could be triggered later in life, causing emotional and physical problems. By carrying out a process called " auditing ", a person could be regressed through his engrams to re-experiencing past experiences. This enabled engrams to be "cleared". The subject, who would now be in a state of " Clear ", would have a perfectly functioning mind with an improved IQ and photographic memory. [140] The "Clear" would be cured of physical ailments ranging from poor eyesight to the common cold, [141] which Hubbard asserted were purely psychosomatic . [142] Winter submitted a paper on Dianetics to the Journal of the American Medical Association and the American Journal of Psychiatry but both journals rejected it. [143] Hubbard and his collaborators decided to announce Dianetics in Campbell's Astounding Science Fiction instead. In an editorial, Campbell said: "Its power is almost unbelievable; it proves the mind not only can but does rule the body completely; following the sharply defined basic laws set forth, physical ills such as ulcers, asthma and arthritis can be cured, as can all other psychosomatic ills." [144] The birth of Hubbard's second daughter Alexis Valerie, delivered by Winter on March 8, 1950, came in the middle of the preparations to launch Dianetics. [137] A "Hubbard Dianetic Research Foundation" was established in April 1950 in Elizabeth, New Jersey , with Hubbard, Sara, Winter and Campbell on the board of directors. Dianetics was duly launched in Astounding's May 1950 issue and on May 9, Hubbard's companion book Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health was published. [145]   From Dianetics to Scientology Main article: History of Dianetics   Hubbard conducting a Dianetics seminar in Los Angeles, 1950 Hubbard called Dianetics "a milestone for man comparable to his discovery of fire and superior to his invention of the wheel and the arch". It was an immediate commercial success and sparked what Martin Gardner calls "a nation-wide cult of incredible proportions". [146] By August 1950, Hubbard's book had sold 55,000 copies, was selling at the rate of 4,000 a week and was being translated into French, German and Japanese. Five hundred Dianetic auditing groups had been set up across the United States. [147] Dianetics was poorly received by the press and the scientific and medical professions. [147] The American Psychological Association criticized Hubbard's claims as "not supported by empirical evidence". [55] Scientific American said that Hubbard's book contained "more promises and less evidence per page than any publication since the invention of printing", [148] while The New Republic called it a "bold and immodest mixture of complete nonsense and perfectly reasonable common sense, taken from long acknowledged findings and disguised and distorted by a crazy, newly invented terminology". [149] Some of Hubbard's fellow science fiction writers also criticized it; Isaac Asimov considered it "gibberish" [66] while Jack Williamson called it "a lunatic revision of Freudian psychology". [150] Several famous individuals became involved with Dianetics. Aldous Huxley received auditing from Hubbard himself, [151] the poet Jean Toomer [152] and the science fiction writers Theodore Sturgeon [153] and A. E. van Vogt became trained Dianetics auditors. Van Vogt temporarily abandoned writing and became the head of the newly established Los Angeles branch of the Hubbard Dianetic Research Foundation. Other branches were established in New York, Washington D.C., Chicago, Los Angeles, and Honolulu. [154] [155] Although Dianetics was not cheap, a great many people were nonetheless willing to pay; van Vogt later recalled "doing little but tear open envelopes and pull out $500 checks from people who wanted to take an auditor's course." [154] Financial controls were lax. Hubbard himself withdrew large sums with no explanation of what he was doing with it. On one occasion, van Vogt saw Hubbard taking a lump sum of $56,000 (equivalent to $0.5 million at 2010 prices) out of the Los Angeles Foundation's proceeds. [154] One of Hubbard's employees, Helen O'Brien, commented that at the Elizabeth, N.J. branch of the Foundation the books showed that "a month's income of $90,000 is listed, with only $20,000 accounted for." [156] Hubbard played a very active role in the Dianetics boom, writing, lecturing and training auditors. Many of those who knew him spoke of being impressed by his personal charisma. Jack Horner, who became a Dianetics auditor in 1950, later said: "He was very impressive, dedicated and amusing. The man had tremendous charisma; you just wanted to hear every word he had to say and listen for any pearl of wisdom." [157] Isaac Asimov recalled in his autobiography how at a dinner party he, Robert Heinlein, L. Sprague de Camp and their wives "all sat as quietly as pussycats and listened to Hubbard. He told tales with perfect aplomb and in complete paragraphs." [66] As Atack comments, he was "a charismatic figure who compelled the devotion of those around him." [158] Christopher Evans described the personal qualities that Hubbard brought to Dianetics and Scientology: He undoubtedly has charisma, a magnetic lure of an indefinable kind which makes him the centre of attraction in any kind of gathering. He is also a compulsive talker and pontificator ... His restless energy keeps him on the go throughout a long day—he is a poor sleeper and rises very early—and provides part of the drive which has allowed him to found and propagate a major international organization. [159] Hubbard's supporters soon began to have doubts about Dianetics. Winter became disillusioned and wrote that he had never seen a single convincing Clear: "I have seen some individuals who are supposed to have been 'clear,' but their behavior does not conform to the definition of the state. Moreover, an individual supposed to have been 'clear' has undergone a relapse into conduct which suggests an incipient psychosis." [160] He also deplored the Foundation's omission of any serious scientific research. [161] Dianetics lost public credibility in August 1950 when a presentation by Hubbard before an audience of 6,000 at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles failed disastrously. [162] He introduced a Clear named Sonya Bianca and told the audience that as a result of undergoing Dianetic therapy she now possessed perfect recall. However, Gardner writes, "in the demonstration that followed, she failed to remember a single formula in physics (the subject in which she was majoring) or the color of Hubbard's tie when his back was turned. At this point, a large part of the audience got up and left." [163] Hubbard also faced other practitioners moving into leadership positions within the Dianetics community. It was structured as an open, public practice in which others were free to pursue their own lines of research and claim that their approaches to auditing produced better results than Hubbard's. [164] The community rapidly splintered and its members mingled Hubbard's ideas with a wide variety of esoteric and even occult practices. [165] By late 1950, the Elizabeth, N.J. Foundation was in financial crisis and the Los Angeles Foundation was more than $200,000 in debt. [166] Winter and Art Ceppos, the publisher of Hubbard's book, resigned in acrimonious circumstances. [151] Campbell also resigned, criticizing Hubbard for being impossible to work with, and blamed him for the disorganization and financial ruin of the Foundations. [167] By the summer of 1951, the Elizabeth, N.J. Foundation and all of its branches had closed. [156] The collapse of Hubbard's marriage to Sara created yet more problems. He had begun an affair with his 20-year-old public relations assistant in late 1950, while Sara started a relationship with Dianetics auditor Miles Hollister. [168] Hubbard secretly denounced the couple to the FBI in March 1951, portraying them in a letter as communist infiltrators. According to Hubbard, Sara was "currently intimate with [communists] but evidently under coercion. Drug addiction set in fall 1950. Nothing of this known to me until a few weeks ago." Hollister was described as having a "sharp chin, broad forehead, rather Slavic". He was said to be the "center of most turbulence in our organization" and "active and dangerous". [169] The FBI did not take Hubbard seriously: an agent annotated his correspondence with the comment, "Appears mental". [170] Three weeks later, Hubbard and two Foundation staff seized Sara and his year-old daughter Alexis and forcibly took them to San Bernardino, California , where he attempted unsuccessfully to find a doctor to examine Sara and declare her insane. [171] He let Sara go but took Alexis to Havana , Cuba . Sara filed a divorce suit on April 23, 1951, that accused him of marrying her bigamously and subjecting her to sleep deprivation, beatings, strangulation, kidnapping and exhortations to commit suicide. [172] The case led to newspaper headlines such as "Ron Hubbard Insane, Says His Wife." [173] Sara finally secured the return of her daughter in June 1951 by agreeing to a settlement with her husband in which she signed a statement, written by him, declaring: The things I have said about L. Ron Hubbard in courts and the public prints have been grossly exaggerated or entirely false. I have not at any time believed otherwise than that L. Ron Hubbard is a fine and brilliant man. [174] Dianetics appeared to be on the edge of total collapse. However, it was saved by Don Purcell, a millionaire businessman and Dianeticist who agreed to support a new Foundation in Wichita, Kansas . Their collaboration ended after less than a year when they fell out over the future direction of Dianetics. [175] The Wichita Foundation became financially unviable after a court ruled that it was liable for the unpaid debts of its defunct predecessor in Elizabeth, N.J. The ruling prompted Purcell and the other directors of the Wichita Foundation to file for voluntary bankruptcy in February 1952. [168] Hubbard resigned immediately and accused Purcell of having been bribed by the American Medical Association to destroy Dianetics. [175] Hubbard established a "Hubbard College" on the other side of town where he continued to promote Dianetics while fighting Purcell in the courts over the Foundation's intellectual property. [176] Only six weeks after setting up the Hubbard College and marrying a staff member, 18-year-old Mary Sue Whipp, Hubbard closed it down and moved with his new bride to Phoenix, Arizona . He established a Hubbard Association of Scientologists International to promote his new "Science of Certainty"—Scientology. [177]   Rise of Scientology See also: Timeline of Scientology   Hubbard established an "Academy of Scientology" at this Northwest, Washington, D.C. building in 1955. It is now the L. Ron Hubbard House museum. The Church of Scientology attributes its genesis to Hubbard's discovery of "a new line of research", first set out in his book Science of Survival—"that man is most fundamentally a spiritual being". [178] Non-Scientologist writers have suggested alternative motives: that he aimed "to reassert control over his creation", [165] that he believed "he was about to lose control of Dianetics", [175] or that he wanted to ensure "he would be able to stay in business even if the courts eventually awarded control of Dianetics and its valuable copyrights to ... the hated Don Purcell." [179] Hubbard expanded upon the basics of Dianetics to construct a spiritually oriented (though at this stage not religious) doctrine based on the concept that the true self of a person was a thetan —an immortal, omniscient and potentially omnipotent entity. [180] Hubbard taught that the thetans, having created the material universe, had forgotten their god-like powers and become trapped in physical bodies. [181] Scientology aimed to "rehabilitate" each person's thetan to restore its original capacities and become once again an " Operating Thetan ". [179] [180] Hubbard insisted humanity was imperiled by the forces of "aberration", which were the result of engrams carried by the immortal thetans for billions of years. [175] Hubbard introduced a device called an E-meter that he presented as having, as Miller puts it, "an almost mystical power to reveal an individual's innermost thoughts." [182] He promulgated Scientology through a series of lectures, bulletins and books such as A History of Man ("a cold-blooded and factual account of your last sixty trillion years") [182] and Scientology: 8-8008 ("With this book, the ability to make one's body old or young at will, the ability to heal the ill without physical contact, the ability to cure the insane and the incapacitated, is set forth for the physician, the layman, the mathematician and the physicist.") [183] Scientology was organized in a very different way to the decentralized Dianetics movement. The Hubbard Association of Scientologists (HAS) was the only official Scientology organization. Training procedures and doctrines were standardized and promoted through HAS publications, and administrators and auditors were not permitted to deviate from Hubbard's approach. [165] Branches or "orgs" were organized as franchises, rather like a fast food restaurant chain. Each franchise holder was required to pay ten per cent of income to Hubbard's central organization. They were expected to find new recruits, known as "raw meat", but were restricted to providing only basic services. Costlier higher-level auditing was only provided by Hubbard's central organization. [184] Although this model would eventually be extremely successful, Scientology was a very small-scale movement at first. Hubbard started off with only a few dozen followers, generally dedicated Dianeticists; a seventy-hour series of lectures in Philadelphia in December 1952 was attended by just 38 people. [185] Hubbard was joined in Phoenix by his 18-year-old son Nibs, who had been unable to settle down in high school. [186] Nibs had decided to become a Scientologist, moved into his father's home and went on to become a Scientology staff member and "professor". [187] Hubbard also traveled to the United Kingdom to establish his control over a Dianetics group in London . It was very much a shoestring operation; as Helen O'Brien later recalled, "there was an atmosphere of extreme poverty and undertones of a grim conspiracy over all. At 163 Holland Park Avenue was an ill-lit lecture room and a bare-boarded and poky office some eight by ten feet—mainly infested by long haired men and short haired and tatty women." [188] On September 24, 1952, only a few weeks after arriving in London, Hubbard's wife Mary Sue gave birth to her first child, a daughter whom they named Diana Meredith de Wolfe Hubbard. [189] In February 1953, Hubbard acquired a doctorate from Sequoia University . According to a Scientology biography, this was "given in recognition of his outstanding work on Dianetics" and "as an inspiration to the many people ... who had been inspired by him to take up advanced studies in this field..."" [109] The British government concluded in the 1970s that Sequoia University was a " degree mill " operated by Joseph Hough, a Los Angeles chiropractor. [190] Miller cites a telegram sent by Hubbard on February 27, 1953, in which he instructed Scientologist Richard de Mille to procure him a Ph.D from Hough urgently—"FOR GOSH SAKES EXPEDITE. WORK HERE UTTERLY DEPENDANT ON IT." [191] Hough's "university" was closed down by the Californian authorities in 1971. British government officials noted in a report written in 1977: "It has not and never had any authority whatsoever to issue diplomas or degrees and the dean is sought by the authorities 'for questioning'." [190] A few weeks after becoming "Dr." Hubbard, he wrote to Helen O'Brien—who had taken over the day-to-day management of Scientology in the United States—proposing that Scientology should be transformed into a religion. [192] As membership declined and finances grew tighter, Hubbard had reversed the hostility to religion he voiced in Dianetics. [193] His letter to O'Brien discussed the legal and financial benefits of religious status. [193] The idea may not have been new; Hubbard has been quoted as telling an authors' convention in 1948, "Writing for a penny a word is ridiculous. If a man really wants to make a million dollars, the best way would be to start his own religion." [170] [194] [195] The Church of Scientology has denied that Hubbard said this and insists that it is a misattributed quote that was said instead by George Orwell, although they offer no proof of this claim. [196] Hubbard outlined plans for setting up a chain of "Spiritual Guidance Centers" charging customers $500 for twenty-four hours of auditing ("That is real money... Charge enough and we'd be swamped."). He wrote: I await your reaction on the religion angle. In my opinion, we couldn't get worse public opinion than we have had or have less customers with what we've got to sell. A religious charter would be necessary in Pennsylvania or NJ to make it stick. But I sure could make it stick. [197] O'Brien was not enthusiastic and resigned the following September, worn out by work. [198] She criticized Hubbard for creating "a temperate zone voodoo, in its inelasticity, unexplainable procedures, and mindless group euphoria." [199] He nonetheless pressed ahead and on December 18, 1953, he incorporated the Church of Scientology, Church of American Science and Church of Spiritual Engineering in Camden, New Jersey . [200] Hubbard, his wife Mary Sue and his secretary John Galusha became the trustees of all three corporations. [201] Hubbard later denied founding the Church of Scientology and to this day, Scientologists maintain that the "founding church" was actually the Church of Scientology of California , established on February 18, 1954, by Scientologist Burton Farber. [202] The reason for Scientology's religious transformation was explained by officials of the HAS: [T]here is little doubt but what [sic] this stroke will remove Scientology from the target area of overt and covert attacks by the medical profession, who see their pills, scalpels, and appendix-studded incomes threatened ... [Scientologists] can avoid the recent fiasco in which a Pasadena practitioner is reported to have spent 10 days in that city's torture chamber for "practicing medicine without a license". [203] Scientology franchises became Churches of Scientology and some auditors began dressing as clergymen, complete with clerical collars . If they were arrested in the course of their activities, Hubbard advised, they should sue for massive damages for molesting "a Man of God going about his business." [200] A few years later he told Scientologists: "If attacked on some vulnerable point by anyone or anything or any organization, always find or manufacture enough threat against them to cause them to sue for peace ... Don't ever defend, always attack." [204] Any individual breaking away from Scientology and setting up his own group was to be shut down: The purpose of the suit is to harass and discourage rather than to win. The law can be used very easily to harass, and enough harassment on somebody who is simply on the thin edge anyway, well knowing that he is not authorized, will generally be sufficient to cause his professional decease. If possible, of course, ruin him utterly. [205] The 1950s saw Scientology growing steadily. Hubbard finally achieved victory over Don Purcell in 1954 when the latter, worn out by constant litigation, handed the copyrights of Dianetics back to Hubbard. [206] Most of the formerly independent Scientology and Dianetics groups were either driven out of business or were absorbed into Hubbard's organizations. [207] Hubbard marketed Scientology through medical claims , such as attracting polio sufferers by presenting the Church of Scientology as a scientific research foundation investigating polio cases. [208] One advertisement during this period stated: Plagued by illness? We'll make you able to have good health. Get processed by the finest capable auditors in the world today [...] Personally coached and monitored by L. Ron Hubbard. [209] Scientology became a highly profitable enterprise for Hubbard. [210] He implemented a scheme under which he was paid a percentage of the Church of Scientology's gross income and by 1957 he was being paid about $250,000 annually—equivalent to $1.9 million at 2010 prices. [211] His family grew, too, with Mary Sue giving birth to three more children— Geoffrey Quentin McCaully on January 6, 1954; [198] Mary Suzette Rochelle on February 13, 1955; [212] and Arthur Ronald Conway on June 6, 1958. [213] In the spring of 1959, he used his newfound wealth to purchase Saint Hill Manor , an 18th century country house in Sussex formerly owned by Sawai Man Singh II , the Maharaja of Jaipur . The house became Hubbard's permanent residence and an international training center for Scientologists. [208]   Controversies and crisis By the start of the 1960s, Hubbard was the leader of a worldwide movement with thousands of followers. A decade later, however, he had left Saint Hill Manor and moved aboard his own private fleet of ships as the Church of Scientology faced worldwide controversy. The Church of Scientology says that the problems of this period were due to "vicious, covert international attacks" by the United States government, "all of which were proven false and baseless, which were to last 27 years and finally culminated in the Government being sued for 750 million dollars for conspiracy." [109] Behind the attacks, claimed Hubbard, lay a vast conspiracy of "psychiatric front groups" secretly controlling governments: "Every single lie, false charge and attack on Scientology has been traced directly to this group's members. They have sought at great expense for nineteen years to crush and eradicate any new development in the field of the mind. They are actively preventing any effectiveness in this field." [214] Hubbard believed that Scientology was being infiltrated by saboteurs and spies and introduced " security checking " [204] to identify those he termed "potential trouble sources" and " suppressive persons ". Members of the Church of Scientology were interrogated with the aid of E-meters and were asked questions such as "Have you ever practiced homosexuality?" and "Have you ever had unkind thoughts about L. Ron Hubbard?" [215] For a time, Scientologists were even interrogated about crimes committed in past lives: "Have you ever destroyed a culture?" "Did you come to Earth for evil purposes?" "Have you ever zapped anyone?" [216] He also sought to exert political influence, advising Scientologists to vote against Richard Nixon in the 1960 presidential election and establishing a Department of Government Affairs "to bring government and hostile philosophies or societies into a state of complete compliance with the goals of Scientology." This, he said, "is done by high-level ability to control and in its absence by a low-level ability to overwhelm. Introvert such agencies. Control such agencies." [217] The U.S. Government was already well aware of Hubbard's activities. The FBI had a lengthy file on him, including a 1951 interview with an agent who considered him a "mental case". [167] Police forces in a number of jurisdictions began exchanging information about Scientology through the auspices of Interpol , which eventually led to prosecutions. [218] In 1958, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service withdrew the Washington, D.C. Church of Scientology's tax exemption after it found that Hubbard and his family were profiting unreasonably from Scientology's ostensibly non-profit income. [210] The Food and Drug Administration took action against Scientology's medical claims, seizing thousands of pills being marketed as "radiation cures" [219] as well as publications and E-meters. The Church of Scientology was required to label them as being "ineffective in the diagnosis or treatment of disease." [220] Following the FDA's actions, Scientology attracted increasingly unfavorable publicity across the English-speaking world. [221] It faced particularly hostile scrutiny in Victoria, Australia , where it was accused of brainwashing , blackmail, extortion and damaging the mental health of its members. [222] The Victorian state government established a Board of Inquiry into Scientology in November 1963. [223] Its report , published in October 1965, condemned every aspect of Scientology and Hubbard himself. He was described as being of doubtful sanity, having a persecution complex and displaying strong indications of paranoid schizophrenia with delusions of grandeur. His writings were characterized as nonsensical, abounding in "self-glorification and grandiosity, replete with histrionics and hysterical, incontinent outbursts". [224] Sociologist Roy Wallis comments that the report drastically changed public perceptions of Scientology: The former conception of the movement as a relatively harmless, if cranky, health and self-improvement cult, was transformed into one which portrayed it as evil, dangerous, a form of hypnosis (with all the overtones of Svengali in the layman's mind), and brainwashing. [222] The report led to Scientology being banned in Victoria, [225] Western Australia and South Australia , [226] and led to more negative publicity around the world. Newspapers and politicians in the UK pressed the British government for action against Scientology. In July 1968, the British Minister of Health , Kenneth Robinson , announced that foreign Scientologists would no longer be permitted to enter the UK and Hubbard himself was excluded from the country as an "undesirable alien." [227] Further inquiries were launched in Canada , New Zealand and South Africa . [226] Hubbard took three major new initiatives in the face of these challenges. "Ethics Technology" was introduced to tighten internal discipline within Scientology. It required Scientologists to " disconnect " from any organization or individual—including family members—deemed to be disruptive or "suppressive". [228] Scientologists were also required to write "Knowledge Reports" on each other, reporting transgressions or misapplications of Scientology methods. Hubbard promulgated a long list of punishable "Misdemeanors," "Crimes" and "High Crimes". [229] The " Fair Game " policy was introduced, which was applicable to anyone deemed an "enemy" of Scientology: "May be deprived of property or injured by any means by any Scientologist without any discipline of the Scientologist. May be tricked, sued or lied to or destroyed." [230] [231] At the start of March 1966, Hubbard created the Guardian's Office (GO), a new agency within the Church of Scientology that was headed by his wife Mary Sue. [232] It dealt with Scientology's external affairs, including public relations, legal actions and the gathering of intelligence on perceived threats. [233] As Scientology faced increasingly negative media attention, the GO retaliated with hundreds of writs for libel and slander; it issued more than forty on a single day. [234] Hubbard ordered his staff to find "lurid, blood sex crime actual evidence [sic] on [Scientology's] attackers." [235] Finally, at the end of 1966, Hubbard acquired his own fleet of ships. [7] He established the "Hubbard Explorational Company Ltd" which purchased three ships—the Enchanter, a forty-ton schooner, [236] the Avon River, an old trawler, [237] and the Royal Scotman [sic], a former Irish Sea cattle ferry that he made his home and flagship. [238] The ships were crewed by the Sea Organization or " Sea Org ," a group of Scientologist volunteers, with the support of a couple of professional seamen. [7] [239]   Commodore of the Sea Org Main article: Sea Org   Corfu town, where the Sea Org moored in 1968–69 After Hubbard created the Sea Org "fleet", in early 1967 it began an eight-year voyage, sailing from port to port in the Mediterranean Sea and eastern North Atlantic . The fleet traveled as far as Corfu in the eastern Mediterranean and Dakar and the Azores in the Atlantic, but rarely stayed anywhere for longer than six weeks. Ken Urquhart, Hubbard's personal assistant at the time, later recalled: [Hubbard] said we had to keep moving because there were so many people after him. If they caught up with him they would cause him so much trouble that he would be unable to continue his work, Scientology would not get into the world and there would be social and economic chaos, if not a nuclear holocaust. [240] When Hubbard established the Sea Org he publicly declared that he had relinquished his management responsibilities. According to Miller, this was not true. He received daily telex messages from Scientology organizations around the world reporting their statistics and income. The Church of Scientology sent him $15,000 a week and millions of dollars were transferred to his bank accounts in Switzerland and Liechtenstein . [241] Couriers arrived regularly, conveying luxury food for Hubbard and his family [242] or cash that had been smuggled from England to avoid currency export restrictions. [243] Along the way, Hubbard sought to establish a safe haven in "a friendly little country where Scientology would be allowed to prosper," as Miller puts it. [244] The fleet stayed at Corfu for several months in 1968–69. Hubbard renamed the ships after Greek gods—the Royal Scotman was rechristened Apollo—and he praised the recently established military dictatorship . [243] The Sea Org was represented as "Professor Hubbard's Philosophy School" in a telegram to the Greek government. [245] In March 1969, however, Hubbard and his ships were ordered to leave. [246] In mid-1972, Hubbard tried again in Morocco , establishing contacts with the country's secret police and training senior policemen and intelligence agents in techniques for detecting subversives. [247] The program ended in failure when it became caught up in internal Moroccan politics, and Hubbard left the country hastily in December 1972. [248] At the same time, Hubbard was still developing Scientology's doctrines. A Scientology biography states that "free of organizational duties and aided by the first Sea Org members, L. Ron Hubbard now had the time and facilities to confirm in the physical universe some of the events and places he had encountered in his journeys down the track of time." [52] In 1965, he designated several existing Scientology courses as confidential, repackaging them as the first of the esoteric " OT levels ". [249] Two years later he announced the release of OT3, the "Wall of Fire", revealing the secrets of an immense disaster that had occurred "on this planet, and on the other seventy-five planets which form this Confederacy, seventy-five million years ago." [250] Scientologists were required to undertake the first two OT levels before learning how Xenu , the leader of the Galactic Confederacy, had shipped billions of people to Earth and blown them up with hydrogen bombs, following which their traumatized spirits were stuck together at "implant stations", brainwashed with false memories and eventually became contained within human beings. [251] The discovery of OT3 was said to have taken a major physical toll on Hubbard, who announced that he had broken a knee, an arm, and his back during the course of his research. [252] A year later, in 1968, he unveiled OT levels 4 to 6 and began delivering OT training courses to Scientologists aboard the Royal Scotman. [253] Scientologists around the world were presented with a glamorous picture of life in the Sea Org and many applied to join Hubbard aboard the fleet. [253] What they found was rather different from the image. Most of those joining had no nautical experience at all. [253] Mechanical difficulties and blunders by the crews led to a series of embarrassing incidents and near-disasters. Following one incident in which the rudder of the Royal Scotman was damaged during a storm, Hubbard ordered the ship's entire crew to be reduced to a "condition of liability" and wear gray rags tied to their arms. [254] The ship itself was treated the same way, with dirty tarpaulins tied around its funnel to symbolize its lower status. According to those aboard, conditions were appalling; the crew was worked to the point of exhaustion, given meagre rations and forbidden to wash or change their clothes for several weeks. [255] Hubbard maintained a harsh disciplinary regime aboard the fleet, punishing mistakes by confining people in the Royal Scotman's bilge tanks without toilet facilities and with food provided in buckets. [256] At other times erring crew members were thrown overboard with Hubbard looking on and, occasionally, filming. [257] David Mayo , a Sea Org member at the time, later recalled: We tried not to think too hard about his behavior. It was not rational much of the time, but to even consider such a thing was a discreditable thought and you couldn't allow yourself to have a discreditable thought. One of the questions in a sec[curity] check was, "Have you ever had any unkind thoughts about LRH?" and you could get into very serious trouble if you had. So you tried hard not to. [258] From about 1970, Hubbard was attended aboard ship by the children of Sea Org members, organized as the Commodore's Messenger Organization (CMO). They were mainly young girls dressed in hot pants and halter tops, who were responsible for running errands for Hubbard such as lighting his cigarettes, dressing him or relaying his verbal commands to other members of the crew. [259] [260] In addition to his wife Mary Sue, he was accompanied by all four of his children by her, though not his first son Nibs, who had defected from Scientology in late 1959. [261] The younger Hubbards were all members of the Sea Org and shared its rigors, though Quentin Hubbard reportedly found it difficult to adjust and attempted suicide in mid-1974. [262]   Life in hiding   The Internal Revenue Service building in Washington D.C., one of the targets of Hubbard's "Snow White Program" During the 1970s, Hubbard faced an increasing number of legal threats. French prosecutors charged him and the French Church of Scientology with fraud and customs violations in 1972. He was advised that he was at risk of being extradited to France. [263] Hubbard left the Sea Org fleet temporarily at the end of 1972, living incognito in Queens, New York , [264] until he returned to his flagship in September 1973 when the threat of extradition had abated. [265] Scientology sources say that he carried out "a sociological study in and around New York City." [266] Hubbard's health deteriorated significantly during this period. A chain-smoker, he also suffered from bursitis and excessive weight, and had a prominent growth on his forehead. [267] He suffered serious injuries in a motorcycle accident in 1973 and had a heart attack in 1975 that required him to take anticoagulant drugs for the next year. [268] In September 1978, Hubbard had a pulmonary embolism , falling into a coma, but recovered. [269] He remained active in managing and developing Scientology, establishing the controversial Rehabilitation Project Force in 1974 [270] and issuing policy and doctrinal bulletins. [271] However, the Sea Org's voyages were coming to an end. The Apollo was banned from several Spanish ports [271] and was expelled from Curaçao in October 1975. [270] The Sea Org came to be suspected of being a CIA operation, leading to a riot in Funchal , Madeira , when the Apollo docked there. Hubbard decided to relocate back to the United States to establish a "land base" for the Sea Org in Florida . [272] The Church of Scientology attributes this decision to the activities on the Apollo having "outgrow[n] the ship's capacity." [266] In October 1975, Hubbard moved into a hotel suite in Daytona Beach . The Fort Harrison Hotel in Clearwater, Florida , was secretly acquired as the location for the "land base". [272] On December 5, 1975, Hubbard and his wife Mary Sue moved into a condominium complex in nearby Dunedin . [273] Their presence was meant to be a closely guarded secret but was accidentally compromised the following month. [274] Hubbard immediately left Dunedin and moved to Georgetown, Washington D.C., accompanied by a handful of aides and messengers, but not his wife. [275] Six months later, following another security alert in July 1976, Hubbard moved to another safe house in Culver City, California . He lived there for only about three months, relocating in October to the more private confines of the Olive Tree Ranch near La Quinta . [276] His second son Quentin committed suicide a few weeks later in Las Vegas . [277] [278] Throughout this period, Hubbard was heavily involved in directing the activities of the Guardian's Office (GO), the legal bureau/intelligence agency that he had established in 1966. He believed that Scientology was being attacked by an international Nazi conspiracy, which he termed the "Tenyaka Memorial", through a network of drug companies, banks and psychiatrists in a bid to take over the world. [279] In 1973, he instigated the "Snow White Program" and directed the GO to remove negative reports about Scientology from government files and track down their sources. [280] The GO was ordered to "get all false and secret files on Scientology, LRH ... that cannot be obtained legally, by all possible lines of approach ... i.e., job penetration, janitor penetration, suitable guises utilizing covers." His involvement in the GO's operations was concealed through the use of codenames. The GO carried out covert campaigns on his behalf such as Operation Bulldozer Leak , intended "to effectively spread the rumor that will lead Government, media, and individual [Suppressive Persons] to conclude that LRH has no control of the C of S and no legal liability for Church activity." He was kept informed of GO operations, such as the theft of medical records from a hospital, harassment of psychiatrists and infiltrations of organizations that had been critical of Scientology at various times, such as the Better Business Bureau , the American Medical Association , and American Psychiatric Association . [281] Members of the GO infiltrated and burglarized numerous government organizations, including the U.S. Department of Justice and the Internal Revenue Service. [282] After two GO agents were caught in the Washington, D.C. headquarters of the IRS, the FBI carried out simultaneous raids on GO offices in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. on July 7, 1977. They retrieved wiretap equipment, burglary tools and some 90,000 pages of incriminating documents. Hubbard was not prosecuted, though he was labeled an " unindicted co-conspirator " by government prosecutors. His wife Mary Sue was indicted and subsequently convicted of conspiracy . She was sent to a federal prison along with ten other Scientologists. [283] Hubbard's troubles increased in February 1978 when a French court convicted him in absentia for obtaining money under false pretenses. He was sentenced to four years in prison and a 35,000 FF ($7,000) fine. [284] He went into hiding in April 1979, moving to an apartment in Hemet, California , where his only contact with the outside world was via ten trusted Messengers. He cut contact with everyone else, even his wife, whom he saw for the last time in August 1979. [285] Hubbard faced a possible indictment for his role in Operation Freakout , the GO's campaign against New York journalist Paulette Cooper , and in February 1980 he disappeared into deep cover in the company of two trusted Messengers, Pat and Anne Broeker. [286] [287] For the first few years of the 1980s, Hubbard and the Broekers lived on the move, touring the Pacific Northwest in a recreational vehicle and living for a while in apartments in Newport Beach and Los Angeles. [288] Hubbard used his time in hiding to write his first new works of science fiction for nearly thirty years— Battlefield Earth (1982) and Mission Earth , a ten-volume series published between 1985 and 1987. [289] They received mixed responses; as writer Jeff Walker puts it, they were "treated derisively by most critics but greatly admired by followers." [290] Hubbard also wrote and composed music for three of his albums, which were produced by the Church of Scientology. The book soundtrack Space Jazz was released in 1982. [291] Mission Earth and The Road to Freedom were released posthumously in 1986. [292] In Hubbard's absence, members of the Sea Org staged a takeover of the Church of Scientology and purged many veteran Scientologists. A young Messenger, David Miscavige , became Scientology's de facto leader. Mary Sue Hubbard was forced to resign her position and her daughter Suzette became Miscavige's personal maid. [293]   Death and legacy   The ranch in San Luis Obispo County, California where Hubbard spent his final years For the last two years of his life, Hubbard lived in a luxury Blue Bird motorhome on Whispering Winds, a 160-acre ranch near Creston, California . He remained in deep hiding while controversy raged in the outside world about whether he was still alive and if so, where. He spent his time "writing and researching", according to a spokesperson, and pursued photography and music, overseeing construction work and checking on his animals. [294] He repeatedly redesigned the property, spending millions of dollars remodeling the ranch house—which went virtually uninhabited—and building a quarter-mile horse-racing track with an observation tower, which reportedly was never used. [288] He was still closely involved in managing the Church of Scientology via secretly delivered orders [288] and continued to receive large amounts of money, of which Forbes magazine estimated "at least $200 million [was] gathered in Hubbard's name through 1982". In September 1985, the IRS notified the Church that it was considering indicting Hubbard for tax fraud. [295] Hubbard suffered further ill-health, including chronic pancreatitis , during his residence at Whispering Winds. He suffered a stroke on January 17, 1986, and died a week later. [283] The body was cremated following an autopsy and the ashes were scattered at sea. [296] Scientology leaders announced that his body had become an impediment to his work and that he had decided to "drop his body" to continue his research on another planet, [297] having "learned how to do it without a body". [298] Hubbard was survived by his wife Mary Sue and all of his children except his second son Quentin. His will provided a trust fund to support Mary Sue; her children Arthur, Diana and Suzette; and Katherine, the daughter of his first wife Polly. [299] He disinherited two of his other children. [300] L. Ron Hubbard, Jr. had become estranged, changed his name to " Ronald DeWolf " and, in 1982, sued unsuccessfully for control of his father's estate. [301] Alexis Valerie, Hubbard's daughter by his second wife Sara, had attempted to contact her father in 1971. She was rebuffed with the implied claim that her real father was Jack Parsons rather than Hubbard, and that her mother had been a Nazi spy during the war. [302] Both later accepted settlements when litigation was threatened. [300] In 2001, Diana and Suzette were reported to still be Church members, while Arthur had left and become an artist. Hubbard's great-grandson, Jamie DeWolf , is a noted slam poet . [303] The copyrights of his works and much of his estate and wealth were willed to the Church of Scientology. [304] In a bulletin dated May 5, 1980, Hubbard told his followers to preserve his teachings until an eventual reincarnation when he would return "not as a religious leader but as a political one". [5] The Church of Spiritual Technology (CST), a sister organization of the Church of Scientology, has engraved Hubbard's entire corpus of Scientology and Dianetics texts on steel tablets stored in titanium containers. They are buried at the Trementina Base in a vault under a mountain near Trementina, New Mexico , on top of which the CST's logo has been bulldozed on such a gigantic scale that it is visible from space. [305] Hubbard is the Guinness World Record holder for the most published author, with 1,084 works, [306] most translated book (70 languages for The Way to Happiness ) [307] and most audiobooks (185 as of April 2009). [308] According to Galaxy Press, Hubbard's Battlefield Earth has sold over 6 million copies and Mission Earth a further 7 million, with each of its ten volumes becoming New York Times bestsellers on their release. [26] However, the Los Angeles Times reported in 1990 that Hubbard's followers had been buying large numbers of the books and re-issuing them to stores to boost sales. [309] Opinions are divided about his literary legacy. Scientologists have written of their desire to "make Ron the most acclaimed and widely known author of all time". [309] The sociologist William Sims Bainbridge writes that even at his peak in the late 1930s Hubbard was regarded by readers of Astounding Science Fiction as merely "a passable, familiar author but not one of the best", while by the late 1970s "the [science fiction] subculture wishes it could forget him" and fans gave him a worse rating than any other of the "Golden Age" writers. [310] In 2004, eighteen years after Hubbard's death, the Church claimed eight million followers worldwide. According to religious scholar J. Gordon Melton , this is an overestimate, counting as Scientologists people who had merely bought a book. [311] The City University of New York 's American Religious Identification Survey found that by 2009 only 25,000 Americans identified as Scientologists. [312] Hubbard's presence still pervades Scientology. Every Church of Scientology maintains an office reserved for Hubbard, with a desk, chair and writing equipment, ready to be used. [304] Lonnie D. Kliever notes that Hubbard was "the only source of the religion, and he has no successor". Hubbard is referred to simply as "Source" within Scientology and the theological acceptability of any Scientology-related activity is determined by how closely it adheres to Hubbard's doctrines. [313] Hubbard's name and signature are official trademarks of the Religious Technology Center , established in 1982 to control and oversee the use of Hubbard's works and Scientology's trademarks and copyrights. The RTC is the central organization within Scientology's complex corporate hierarchy and has put much effort into re-checking the accuracy of all Scientology publications to "ensur[e] the availability of the pure unadulterated writings of Mr. Hubbard to the coming generations" [313] The Danish historian of religions Mikael Rothstein describes Scientology as "a movement focused on the figure of Hubbard." He comments: "The fact that [Hubbard's] life is mythologized is as obvious as in the cases of Jesus , Muhammad or Siddartha Gotama . This is how religion works. Scientology, however, rejects this analysis altogether, and goes to great lengths to defend every detail of Hubbard's amazing and fantastic life as plain historical fact." Hubbard is presented as "the master of a multitude of disciplines" who performed extraordinary feats as a photographer, composer, scientist, therapist, explorer, navigator, philosopher, poet, artist, humanitarian, adventurer, soldier, scout, musician and many other fields of endeavor. [6] The Church of Scientology portrays Hubbard's life and work as having proceeded seamlessly, "as if they were a continuous set of predetermined events and discoveries that unfolded through his lifelong research" even up to and beyond his death. [2] According to Rothstein's assessment of Hubbard's legacy, Scientology consciously aims to transfer the charismatic authority of Hubbard to institutionalize his authority over the organization, even after his death. Hubbard is presented as a virtually superhuman religious ideal just as Scientology itself is presented as the most important development in human history. [314] As Rothstein puts it, "reverence for Scientology's scripture is reverence for Hubbard, the man who in the Scientological perspective single-handedly brought salvation to all human beings." [6] David G. Bromley of the University of Virginia comments that the real Hubbard has been transformed into a "prophetic persona", "LRH", which acts as the basis for his prophetic authority within Scientology and transcends his biographical history. [2]   Biographies   Gerry Armstrong , formerly Hubbard's official biographical researcher, whose trial disclosed many details of Hubbard's life The Church of Scientology has not yet published a comprehensive official biography of Hubbard. [315] During his lifetime, a number of brief biographical sketches were published in his Scientology books. The Church of Scientology issued "the only authorized LRH Biography" in October 1977. [109] His life was illustrated in print in What Is Scientology?, a glossy publication published in 1978 with paintings of Hubbard's life contributed by his son Arthur. [316] Following Hubbard's death, Bridge Publications has published several stand-alone biographical accounts of his life, notably The Ron Series, dedicated to various aspects of Hubbard's life and work. Marco Frenschkowski notes that "non-Scientologist readers immediately recognize some parts of Hubbard's life are here systematically left out: no information whatsoever is given about his private life (his marriages, divorces, children), his legal affairs and so on." [65] The Church maintains an extensive website presenting the official version of Hubbard's life. [317] It also owns a number of properties dedicated to Hubbard including the Los Angeles-based L. Ron Hubbard Life Exhibition, a presentation of Hubbard's life, and the Author Services Center, dedicated to Hubbard's writings, [318] and the L. Ron Hubbard House in Washington, D.C. In the late 1970s two men began to assemble a very different picture of Hubbard's life. Michael Linn Shannon, a resident of Portland, Oregon, became interested in Hubbard's life story after an encounter with a Scientology recruiter. Over the next four years he collected previously undisclosed records and documents. He intended to write an exposé of Hubbard and sent a copy of his findings and key records to a number of contacts but was unable to find a publisher. [319] Shannon's findings were acquired by Gerry Armstrong , a Scientologist who had been appointed Hubbard's official archivist. [319] He had been given the job of assembling documents relating to Hubbard's life for the purpose of helping Omar V. Garrison, a non-Scientologist who had written two books sympathetic to Scientology, to write an official biography. However, the documents that he uncovered convinced both Armstrong and Garrison that Hubbard had systematically misrepresented his life. Garrison refused to write a "puff piece" and declared that he would not "repeat all the falsehoods they [the Church of Scientology] had perpetuated over the years." He wrote a "warts and all" biography while Armstrong quit Scientology, taking five boxes of papers with him. The Church of Scientology and Mary Sue Hubbard sued for the return of the documents while settling out of court with Garrison, requiring him to turn over the nearly completed manuscript of the biography. [320] In October 1984 Judge Paul G. Breckenridge ruled in Armstrong's favor, saying: The evidence portrays a man who has been virtually a pathological liar when it comes to his history, background and achievements. The writings and documents in evidence additionally reflect his egoism, greed, avarice, lust for power, and vindictiveness and aggressiveness against persons perceived by him to be disloyal or hostile. At the same time it appears that he is charismatic and highly capable of motivating, organizing, controlling, manipulating and inspiring his adherents. He has been referred to during the trial as a "genius", a "revered person", a man who was "viewed by his followers in awe". Obviously, he is and has been a very complex person and that complexity is further reflected in his alter ego, the Church of Scientology. [321] In November 1987, the British journalist and writer Russell Miller published Bare-faced Messiah , the first full-length biography of L. Ron Hubbard. He drew on Armstrong's papers, official records and interviews with those who had known Hubbard including ex-Scientologists and family members. The book was well-received by reviewers but the Church of Scientology sought unsuccessfully to prohibit its publication on the grounds of copyright infringement. [322] Other critical biographical accounts are found in Bent Corydon's L. Ron Hubbard, Messiah or Madman? (1987) and Jon Atack's A Piece of Blue Sky (1990).   Bibliography See also: Scientology bibliography According to the Church of Scientology, Hubbard produced some 65 million words on Dianetics and Scientology, contained in about 500,000 pages of written material, 3,000 recorded lectures and 100 films. His works of fiction included some 500 novels and short stories. [305]   Notes ^ Von Dehsen, Christian D. "L. Ron Hubbard", in Philosophers and religious leaders, p. 90. Westport, Conn.: Greenwood Publishing Group, 1999. ISBN 978-1-57356-152-5 ^ a b Atack, p. 46 ^ Shelor, George-Wayne. "Writer tells of Hubbard's 'faked past'". Clearwater Sun, May 10, 1984 ^ Breckenridge Jr., Paul G. (October 24, 1984). Memorandum of Intended Decision, Church of Scientology of California vs. Gerald Armstrong. Quoted by Miller, pp. 370-71 ^ Murtagh, Peter (October 10, 1987). "Scientologists fail to suppress book about church's founder." The Guardian.   References Atack, Jon. A Piece of Blue Sky: Scientology, Dianetics, and L. Ron Hubbard exposed. Carol Publishing Group, 1990. ISBN 978-0-8184-0499-3 , OCLC   20934706 Behar, Richard Pushing Beyond the U.S.: Scientology makes its presence felt in Europe and Canada Bromley, David G. "Making Sense of Scientology: Prophetic, Contractual Religion", in Lewis, James R. (ed.), Scientology. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2009. ISBN 978-0-19-533149-3 OCLC   232786014 Christensen, Dorthe Refslund. "Inventing L. Ron Hubbard: On the Construction and Maintenance of the Hagiographic Mythology of Scientology's Founder", pp. 227–258 in Lewis, James R.; Petersen, Jesper Aagaard: Controversial new religions. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2005. ISBN 978-0-19-515683-6 , OCLC   53398162 , available through Oxford Scholarship Online, doi : 10.1093/019515682X.003.0011 Evans, Christopher. Cults of Unreason. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 1974. ISBN 0-374-13324-7 , OCLC   863421
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On January 24, 1935, Kreuger Brewing Company, of Newark, NJ, became the first to produce beer in what?
Beer Can Info - Breweriana.com Beer Can Info Posted: 6/5/2008 • Last Updated: 12/10/2015 A Brief History of the Beer Can The interest in packaging beer in metal cans dates to before Prohibition in America. The 18th Amendment prohibition against the transport and sale of alcoholic beverages became effective on January 16, 1920. Before Prohibition, beer was distributed mostly in bottles, kegs and directly from the tap (either at a local bar or at the brewery itself). At this time, other foods were packaged in metal cans and the American Can Company began looking into the feasibility of canning beer. Packaging beer in cans presented a number of technical and marketing issues. One engineering challenge was to find affordable materials and methods of producing cans strong enough to withstand the high pressure that occurs during pasteurization. Another issue was the reality and the perception that the metal beer cans would negatively affect the taste of the beer. Shortly before the repeal of Prohibition in 1933, the American Can Co. solved the problem with its "Keglined" cans. These cans were structurally capable of withstanding the high pressure and were internally sealed to prevent the transfer of a metallic taste from the metal can to the beer. These first cans were made of a heavy guage steel and required a church-key opener or other tool to punch a hole in the solid, flat top (hence these cans are referred to as "flat tops."). The image to the left, taken of a 1935 Waldorf Ale can, provides an example of how American Can Co. and breweries addressed anticipated consumer concerns about the quality of beer in metal containers. The first brewery to take the chance and package beer in cans was the Gottfried Krueger Brewing Co. of Newark, New Jersey. In November of 1933, Krueger signed an agreement with the American Can Co. to create the first beer cans to go into production. By the end of that November, American had installed a temporary canning line and delivered two thousand cans of Krueger's Special Beer. These Krueger Special Beer cans were filled with 3.2% beer, the highest alcohol content then permitted by law. Beer can history was made. Krueger's Special Beer became THE first beer can ever produced. The December 28, 1933 issue of Brewer's News featured a photograph of 2 Krueger Special Beer cans. There are, at best, two examples of this can known to exist today. See photo to the right. When the survey came back, 91% gave Krueger's Special Beer in cans the thumbs up, and 85% said it tasted more like draft beer than did bottled beer. Encouraged, Krueger went full steam ahead with canning beer and never looked back. On January 24, 1935, Krueger's Cream Ale and Krueger's Finest Beer in cans was introduced to the market. The pair of cans to the left are examples of the first Kreuger Ale & Beer cans widely distributed. Although alcohol containers were required to carry an "Internal Revenue Tax Paid" or like statement from June, 1935 through March, 1950, these "pre-tax" cans were released so early, they did not yet have the statement. This rare and historic set was acquired, along with the rest of the Lilek instructional collection, by Breweriana.com in January, 2007. Krueger enjoyed great success with canned beer and by August, 1935, Krueger was buying 180,000 cans a day from American Can Co. This regional brewery began claiming a percentage of the market dominated by the three large breweries (Anheuser-Bush, Pabst & Schlitz). Pabst had seen enough and introduced its Export Beer in these flat tops cans in July of 1935. Schlitz also joined the canning craze but introduced its Lager Beer in a beer can that was quite different than Krueger's and Pabst's flat tops. Schlitz Lager was introduced in a flat bottom, inverted rib cone top can made by Continental Can Co. (See photo to the right of the first cone top beer can. This example was from the David and Jane Stark collection, likely the most important beer can collection ever assembled, acquired by Breweriana.com in late 2007). The flat bottom, inverted rib cone top is one of several types of cone tops to be produced over the years (see " Types of Beer Cans " for more info). So, the answer to the common question: "What was the first type of beer can?," is--- the flat top. However, flat tops beat cone tops to the wide distribution market only by a few months....both were in distribution by late 1935. By the end of 1935, many other breweries were canning beer in American's Keglined cans (Ballantine, Feigenspan, Globe, Gunther, Pittsburgh Brewing, Sheidt and Wehle). American was stretched beyond capacity enabling the National Can Co to supply its "Double-Lined" flat tops to some of the smaller breweries on a much smaller scale. The three canning companies combined sold 160,000,000 beer cans in the first year beer cans hit the market. An interesting blip on the early beer can scene is the gigantic 1/16th barrel "Can-O-Draft" can made by Heekin. The only brewery known to have distributed beer in this container is Burger Brewing of Cincinnati, Ohio. A couple of these cans have turned up in the past few years but it remains very rare. Although beer cans took root in 1935 and over a billion cans were sold in 1941 alone, this represented only ten percent of the packaged beer market. It wasn't until nearly 1960 that canned beer sales surpassed bottled beer sales. From about 1942 through 1947, domestic use of metals was limited pursuant to the War Production Board Order M-81, and beer can production for domestic use came to a halt. Beer cans produced during those years were for shipment to the services oversees and are easily identifialble by their olive drab and black camoflauge colors. The Breidts cone top to right is a rare example of such a can (sold on Breweriana.com in 2008). By the mid-1950s, it became clear that the flat top would beat out the cone top for market dominance. This is largely because fllat tops filled faster (and, therefore, provided for better economies of scale) and stacked easier (which was good for transporting them and good for storing them in stores and in consumer refrigerators). The Hawaii Brewing Company packaged beer in the first all-aluminum can in 1958. This can was aluminum with a paper label. The example of this can to the left was sold at Breweriana.com in 2008. The flat top beer can underwent some minor changes but basically remained about the same type of can (steel and required a church-key opener to punch a hole in the lid) from its introduction in 1933 until the early 1960s. In late 1959, early 1960s, Ermal Fraze developed an early version of self-opening cans now called a "zip top" (note there were three patents pulled on self-opening cans as early as the 1930s). This type of can has a perforated tab attached to a pull lever. Fraze successfully pitched the concept and negotiated a deal with the Aluminum Company of America (ALCOA). In March of 1962, the Pittsburgh Brewing Co. test marketed the first "tap-top" beer can in Virginia. It was a quick hit. The self-opening can underwent many changes to get from the first finger-cutting zip tops to the modern day sta-tabs. The pull ring followed the zip tab and was an improvement in that it no longer cut fingers. But, both types were revovable tabs that wound up littering beaches, injuring consumers, and harming wildlife. The first Sta-Tab cans with a non-detachable tab were best developed by Reynolds and first introduced to the market by Falls City Brewing in 1975. The bar code was first introduced on the beer can in 1979. Probably the last noteworthy development in canned beer is the aluminum bottle (known by collectors as "Cabottles"). Beer was first marketed in these Alcoa made containers by the Pittsburgh Brewing Co. in 2004. They are tall with long necks, are capped like bottles and otherwise resemble bottles but are made of aluminum...reminiscent of the crowntainer. One can only imagine what form and size containers will take decades from now but one thing is for sure, it would be a tall task for them to match the solidity and appeal of early beer cans.
Can
Vodka can be made either from grain, or what vegetable?
New Jersey Environmental Health Association ALL REHS's must use NJLMN site updated 01/11/2017 NEW JERSEY FUN FACTS New Jersey was named after the Isle of Jersey, a British Crown Dependency in the English Channel off the coast of Normandy, France. New Jersey is a peninsula. The first set of twins to have both flown space are Mark and Scott Kelly, identical twins born in West Orange, NJ. In March 2011, the Kelly brothers will be the first set of blood relatives to meet in space. In October 2010, Scott Kelly started his 5 1/2 month mission to the International Space Station, and Mark Kelly will blast off in February and reach the Space Station on March 1, 2011. Highlands, New Jersey has the highest elevation along the entire eastern seaboard, from Maine to Florida. New Jersey is the only state where all of its counties are classified as metropolitan areas. On August 16, 2010, 50-year old NJ resident Cathy Mumford of Colts Neck was the first woman to complete a single-trip solo paddle of the entire 740-mile Northern Forest Canoe Trail. Fewer than 30 paddlers have completed the full length of the trail in a single trip. The Trail follows historic American Indian paddling routes on major watersheds from northern New York to southern Quebec, Canada. It is the longest inland water trail in the northeast. NJ resident Mike Stavola of Medford Lakes set the speed record in 2009 for the fastest solo paddle of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail (32 days, 3 hours and 56 minutes). The Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, spanning NJ from Bay Head to Atlantic City, is the largest shoreline nature preserve on the East Coast. It covers 47,000 acres, and 80% of it is salt marsh, which rivals only tropical rainforests as one of the most biologically productive habitats on earth. New Jersey has more race horses than Kentucky. The official state animal is the horse. New Jersey has the densest system of highways and railroads in the US. On November 11, 2010, 671 students and staff members of The Lawrenceville School in central New Jersey set the new Guinness World Record for the biggest custard pie fight. The record is based on the number of participants. The school needed at least 435 people to break the previous record. New Jersey has the most diners in the world and is sometimes referred to as the "Diner Capital of the World." New Jersey is home to the original Mystery Pork Parts food: Taylor Ham (aka Pork Roll). North Jersey has the most shopping malls in one area in the world, with seven major shopping malls in a 25 square mile radius. New Jersey is home to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. The official state folk dance is the Square Dance. In 1884, a young Milton S. Hershey learned the art of candy making as an apprentice at Day's Restaurant in Morristown, after which he returned to Pennsylvania to start the world-famous Hershey chocolate candy empire. The Passaic River in Paterson was the site of the first submarine ride by inventor John P. Holland. The world's largest statue of a tooth (15 feet tall) is located in Trenton. New Jersey has 50+ resort cities & towns; some of the nation's most famous: Asbury Park, Wildwood, Atlantic City, Seaside Heights, Long Branch, Cape May. New Jersey has the most stringent testing along our coastline for water quality control than any other seaboard state in the entire country. New Jersey is a leading technology & industrial state and is the largest chemical producing state in the nation when you include pharmaceuticals. Jersey tomatoes are known the world over as being the best you can buy. The first national historic park in America was established in 1933 in Morristown. The first saltwater taffy in the world was produced at the Jersey shore in the 1870s. New Jersey is the world leader in blueberry and cranberry production. The first cultivated blueberries were marketed by Elizabeth White of Whitesbog in 1916. The world's largest elephant statue, Lucy the Elephant, is in Margate. New Jersey’s first brewery was built in Hoboken in 1641 by Dutchman Aert Teunissen Van Putten. In 1935, the G. Krueger Brewing Company of Newark, New Jersey became the first brewer to sell beer in steel cans. The official state seashell is the knobbed whelk (Busycon carica gmelin). The first copper mine in America was opened by enterprising Dutch settlers in the Kittatinny Mountains, circa 1640. The famous Les Paul invented the first solid body electric guitar in Mahwah, in 1940. New Jersey is a major seaport state with the largest seaport in the US, located in Elizabeth. Nearly 80 percent of what our nation imports comes through Elizabeth Seaport first. The first airplane passenger flight flew from New York and landed in Atlantic City on May 3, 1919. New Jersey is home to one of the nation's busiest airports (in Newark), Liberty International. The first recorded, official baseball game was played on June 19, 1846 in Hoboken. In order to meet the increasing demand for his wire rope, John Roebling opened a factory in Trenton, New Jersey in 1848. John Roebling, along with his two sons, Washington and Ferdinand, built a suspension bridge across the gorge of the Niagara River. They then built the Brooklyn Bridge, plus many other suspension bridges in the United States. The game Monopoly, played all over the world, named the streets on its playing board after actual streets in Atlantic City. The first phonograph records were made in Camden, NJ. The first ferry service in the U.S. operated between Hoboken and Manhattan in 1811. The official state flower is the Common Violet (Viola sororia). The Great Falls in Paterson is the second-tallest waterfall east of the Mississipi. The first balloon flight in America was made by Jean-Pierre Blanchard. On January 9,1793, he landed a balloon at Deptford carrying a letter from George Washington. On January 19, 1883, the first standardized incandescent electric lighting system employing overhead wires began service in Roselle, New Jersey. Several important Revolutionary War battles were fought on New Jersey soil, led by General George Washington. The first seaplane was built in Keyport, and the first airmail (to Chicago) was started from Keyport. The first professional basketball game was played in Trenton in 1896. Atlantic City has the longest boardwalk in the world, which was the first one built in the world in 1870. In 1893, the world's first film production studio, the Black Maria, was completed by Thomas Edison in West Orange. The official state tree is the red oak (Quercus borealis maxima). The first condensed soup in America was cooked and canned in Camden County in 1897. Jersey is the only state that you can leave off the "New" and it still makes sense (unlike New York, New Mexico, New Hampshire, etc.) The light bulb, phonograph and motion picture projector were all invented by Thomas Edison in Menlo Park. Union is home to the world's tallest water tower. NJ built the first tunnel under a river, the Holland Tunnel under the Hudson River. The first robot to replace a human worker was used by General Motors in Ewing Township in 1961. The official state fish is the brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis). The first steam locomotive to actually pull a train on a track was built by John Stevens of Hoboken in 1824. NJ is home to both of New York's professional football teams. The worlds largest brown bear (12 ft tall and over 2000 lbs) resided at Space Farms Zoo and Museum in Bemmerville until his death. "Goliath" is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest brown bear ever on record. His stuffed body is now on display at Space Farms. The beaches in NJ are all located "down the shore". You don't go "to the shore", you go "down the shore". When you are on a beach in NJ, you are not "at the shore", you are "down the shore". When you leave a beach in NJ, you are not "leaving the shore", you are "coming from down the shore". The first Indian reservation was in the NJ Watchung Mountains. The world's largest spoon collection (over 5400) is housed at the Lambert Castle Museum, in Paterson. This spoon collection is so famous that it was the subject of a question on the popular game show "Jeopardy". The first nearly-complete skeleton of a dinosaur was discovered in 1858 by William Parker Foulke in Haddonfield. The dinosaur excavated by William Parker Foulke in 1858 is the official state dinosaur of NJ: Hadrosaurus foulkii. NJ's Pulaski Skyway, from Jersey City to Newark, was the first skyway ever built. NJ has the largest petroleum containment area outside of the Middle East. The first drive-in movie theater was opened in Camden in 1933. The official state insect is the honey bee (apis mellifera). The world's largest lightbulb (13 feet tall) sits atop the Thomas Edison Memorial Tower in Edison. On November 6, 1869, Rutgers met Princeton in what is considered the first intercollegiate game of American football, although it bore no resemblance to today’s sport. The game was played with 25 players on a side and under Rutgers’ rules, meaning that the ball could only be advanced by kicking or batting it with the feet, hands, heads or body. Catching, carrying, and throwing the ball were all illegal. Rutgers won the game six goals to four. A week later, a rematch was held using Princeton rules, one of which was the rewarding of a “free kick” to a player who caught the ball. Princeton won this game eight to zero. The first FM radio broadcast was made from Alpine, by Maj. Thomas Armstrong. The "Buddy Christ" statue from Kevin Smith's movie "Dogma" is housed in Jay and Silent Bob's Comic Book store in Red Bank. Rutgers University hosts a Cockroach Derby each year in mid-August. Leo the MGM Lion, Cheetah the chimp and Elsie the Borden Cow are buried in New Jersey. In 1778, Alexendar Hamilton noticed the natural beauty and power of the Great Falls while travelling with General George Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette. 1790, he stressed the importance of a domestic manufacturing capability, and he had but one place in mind for his "New National Manufactory". Paterson was founded in 1791 by the Society for Establishing Useful Manufactures (S.U.M.), a group championed by Hamilton. The official state bird is the Eastern Goldfinch. Famous NJ natives include William "Bud" Abbot, Alan Alda, Jason Alexander, Robert Blake, David Copperfield, Lou Costello, Tom Cruise, Sandra Dee, Brian DePalma, Danny DeVito, Michael Douglas, Kirsten Dunst, John Forsythe, James Gandolfini, Janeane Garafolo, Savion Glover, Ethan Hawke, Frank Langella, Jerry Lewis, Ray Liotta, Bette Midler, Frankie Muniz, Ozzie Nelson, Bebe Neuwirth, Jack Nicholson, Joe Pesci, Christopher Reeve, Paul Robeson, Susan Sarandon, Roy Schneider, Kevin Spacey, Meryl Streep, Loretta Swit, John Travolta, Lee Van Cleef, "Uncle" Floyd Vivino, Bruce Willis, Clerow "Flip" Wilson, Scott Wolfe, William "Count" Basie, Jon Bon Jovi, Connie Francis, Deborah Harry, Lauryn Hill, Whitney Houston, Ice-T, Queen Latifah, Les Paul, Nelson Riddle, Frank Sinatra, Paul Simon, Patti Smith, Bruce Springsteen, Frankie Vallie, Sarah Vaughn, Dionne Warwick, Yogi Berra, Franco Harris, Derek Jeter, Vince Lombardi, Shaquille O'Neal, Joe Theismann, Buzz Aldrin, Aaron Burr, Clara Barton, Thomas Paine, Molly Pitcher, Betsy Ross, Harriet Tubman, President Woodrow Wilson, President Grover Cleveland, Judy Blume, James Fenimore Cooper, Stephen Crane, Allen Gingsburg, Anne Morrow Lindbergh, Toni Morrison, Norman Mailer, Dorothy Parker, Philip Roth, Albert Payson Terhune, William Carlos Williams, Walt Whitman, Malcolm Forbes, Robert Wood Johnson II, "Stormin" Norman Schwarzkopf, Samuel Colt, Thomas Edison, John P. Holland, Joe Piscopo, Marilynn McCoo, Eddie Money, Joyce Kilmer, Caesar Romero, Nathan Lane, Eva Marie Saint, Elisabeth Shue, Dave Thomas (Wendy's), Robert Wuhl, Ernie Kovacs and Kelly Ripa.
i don't know
According to the NBC television series, how long was the Starship Enterprise's mission?
Star Trek (TV Series 1966–1969) - IMDb IMDb 17 January 2017 8:05 PM, UTC NEWS There was an error trying to load your rating for this title. Some parts of this page won't work property. Please reload or try later. X Beta I'm Watching This! Keep track of everything you watch; tell your friends. Error Captain James T. Kirk and the crew of the Starship Enterprise explore the galaxy and defend the United Federation of Planets. Creator: When a temporarily insane Dr. McCoy accidentally changes history and destroys his time, Kirk and Spock follow him to prevent the disaster, but the price to do so is high. 9.3 A transporter accident places Capt. Kirk's landing party in an alternate universe, where the Federation is a barbarically brutal empire. 9.2 The Enterprise must decide on its response when a Romulan ship makes a destructively hostile armed probe of Federation territory. 9.0 a list of 25 titles created 30 Nov 2010 a list of 31 titles created 21 Aug 2012 a list of 46 titles created 08 Oct 2013 a list of 28 titles created 05 Sep 2015 a list of 33 images created 20 Dec 2015 Search for " Star Trek " on Amazon.com Connect with IMDb Title: Star Trek (1966–1969) 8.4/10 Want to share IMDb's rating on your own site? Use the HTML below. You must be a registered user to use the IMDb rating plugin. Nominated for 13 Primetime Emmys. Another 8 wins & 18 nominations. See more awards  » Videos Set decades after Captain Kirk's five-year mission, a new generation of Starfleet officers set off in a new Enterprise on their own mission to go where no one has gone before. Stars: Patrick Stewart, Brent Spiner, Jonathan Frakes In the vicinity of the liberated planet of Bajor, the Federation space station Deep Space Nine guards the opening of a stable wormhole to the far side of the galaxy. Stars: Avery Brooks, Rene Auberjonois, Cirroc Lofton Pulled to the far side of the galaxy, where the Federation is 75 years away at maximum warp speed, a Starfleet ship must cooperate with Maquis rebels to find a way home. Stars: Kate Mulgrew, Robert Beltran, Roxann Dawson A century before Captain Kirk's five-year mission, Jonathan Archer captains the United Earth ship Enterprise during the early years of Starfleet, leading up to the Earth-Romulan War and the formation of the Federation. Stars: Scott Bakula, John Billingsley, Jolene Blalock With the assistance of the Enterprise crew, Admiral Kirk must stop an old nemesis, Khan Noonien Singh, from using the life-generating Genesis Device as the ultimate weapon. Director: Nicholas Meyer When an alien spacecraft of enormous power is spotted approaching Earth, Admiral Kirk resumes command of the Starship Enterprise in order to intercept, examine and hopefully stop the intruder. Director: Robert Wise Admiral Kirk and his bridge crew risk their careers stealing the decommissioned Enterprise to return to the restricted Genesis planet to recover Spock's body. Director: Leonard Nimoy On the eve of retirement, Kirk and McCoy are charged with assassinating the Klingon High Chancellor and imprisoned. The Enterprise crew must help them escape to thwart a conspiracy aimed at sabotaging the last best hope for peace. Director: Nicholas Meyer To save Earth from an alien probe, Admiral James T. Kirk and his fugitive crew go back in time to San Francisco in 1986 to retrieve the only beings who can communicate with it: humpback whales. Director: Leonard Nimoy Captain Kirk and his crew must deal with Mr. Spock's long-lost half-brother who hijacks the Enterprise for an obsessive search for God at the center of the galaxy. Director: William Shatner Captain Picard, with the help of long presumed dead Captain Kirk, must stop a madman willing to murder on a planetary scale in order to enter an energy ribbon. Director: David Carson The Borg travel back in time intended on preventing Earth's first contact with an alien species. Captain Picard and his crew pursue them to ensure that Zefram Cochrane makes his maiden flight reaching warp speed. Director: Jonathan Frakes Edit Storyline The adventures of the USS Enterprise, representing the United Federation of Planets on a five-year mission in outer space to explore new worlds, seek new life and new civilizations, and to boldly go where no one has gone before. The Enterprise is commanded by handsome and brash Captain James T. Kirk. His First Officer and best friend is Mr. Spock from the planet Vulcan, and Kirk's Medical Officer is Dr. Leonard "Bones" McCoy. With a crew of approximately 430, the Enterprise battles aliens, megalomanical computers, time paradoxes, psychotic murderers, and even Khan! Written by Marty McKee <[email protected]> To boldly go where no man has gone before See more  » Genres: 8 September 1966 (USA) See more  » Also Known As: Star Trek: TOS See more  » Filming Locations: Mono | DTS (re-mastered version)| Dolby Digital (re-mastered version) Color: Did You Know? Trivia According to George Takei , William Shatner had Takei's lines and camera time cut due to Shatner's ego. Shatner denied this and their relationship was contentious ever since. According to episode writer Norman Spinrad , Shatner had it in his contract that he would have more lines than anyone and had some of the other actors' lines cut. See more » Goofs In several episodes, the positions of people being beamed up/down change. For example, in Star Trek: Mirror, Mirror when the landing party is being beamed up, Kirk's arm is positioned down, then up as he starts to materialize the first time, then down again as he finally materializes. See more » Quotes Chekov : A madman got us into this, and it's beginning to look like only a madman can get us out. See more » Crazy Credits Robert Lansing is the only guest star on this series to be billed at the top of the program - just after the episode's title - rather than in the end credits. After the words, "Assignment: Earth", came, "Guest Star Robert Lansing as Mister Seven." See more » Connections Soundtracks Theme Music credited to Alexander Courage , although it strongly resembles the main title music for 'Hollow Triumph (1948)' by Sol Kaplan Best science fiction series ever, notable for character interactions 17 May 2006 | by roghache (Canada) – See all my reviews In our household we are all Trekkies, so the ongoing adventures of the Federation Star Ship Enterprise constantly enthrall us. My husband will stubbornly watch only TOS, while my teenage son feels nostalgic about TOS, but secretly prefers Voyager. As for myself, while I find some of the Next Generation plots compelling and enjoy the dangerous drama of Voyager stranded in the Delta Quadrant, there's nothing quite like the characters from TOS. The series has an innocence about it unmatched in the later ones. My compliments to the late Gene Roddenberry, Star Trek's creator. Captain James T. Kirk is the audacious, impulsive, and womanizing Enterprise commander. In almost every episode he has some gorgeous new love interest, seldom exhibiting much restraint! Kirk frequently engages in physical hand to hand combat with his opponents, torn shirt & sweat being common. Yet he does manage to come up with some bold and brilliant moves such as his legendary ruse, the Corbomite Manouever. Perhaps his primary task is serving as referee between the constantly sparring First Officer Spock and ship's doctor, Bones McCoy. The heart of the series is Mr. Spock, the half Vulcan First Officer and ship's Science Officer. Actually however, Spock would maintain that he is the HEAD of the series, since he prides himself on his unfailing logic and lack of emotion. The inner conflict between his logic driven paternal Vulcan half and his emotional maternal human half form an ongoing theme. Spock possesses two useful Vulcan abilities, the neck pinch and the mind meld. The most engaging character interaction is between the logic motivated Spock versus the highly emotional ship's physician, Dr. Leonard (Bones) McCoy, who is basically a country doctor in space, a humanitarian leery of all this newfangled gadgetry. McCoy is famous in the Trek world for his expression, 'I'm a doctor, not a ----' (many phrases have been used here). Chief Engineer Montgomery Scott is a hot tempered Scotsman with a fondness for his native country's whiskey. Scotty constantly bemoans that he 'cannae change the laws of physics' all the while working assorted engineering miracles with the warp core and anti matter this or that. As for Communications Officer Uhura, she is most notable for her regular phrase, 'Hailing frequencies open, Sir.' To be sure, some of the episodes have less than brilliant plots, notably Spock's Brain, though the character interactions always compensate for any inadequacies. However, some ideas were masterful, including The Enterprise Incident, The Menagerie, and City on the Edge of Forever. The series took on issues of overpopulation (The Mark of Gideon), social class disparity (The Cloud Minders, with its clever cloud city, Stratos), and racism (Let That Be Your Last Battlefield), which involves laughable hatred between two races, one black on the left side & white on the right, the other race vice versa. I personally enjoyed The Naked Time (Nurse Chappel admits her love for Spock), A Taste of Armageddon (computer war), This Side of Paradise (Spock frolics), and Is There in Truth No Beauty? (the Medusan ambassador's incredible ugliness causes madness in the hapless onlooker). However, my absolute favourite is unquestionably the absurd Amok Time, with Spock's ridiculous pon farr mating strife. The Enterprise crew consists of a racially diverse group, with its black Communications Officer Uhura and Oriental helmsman Sulu. The ship's navigator, Chekov, is Russian...quite a revolutionary idea for that Cold War era. The cast are perfect in their roles, including William Shatner (Kirk), Leonard Nimoy (Spock), and all the others. Special tribute to the late Deforest Kelly (McCoy) and James Doohan (Scotty), who are sadly missed. This is the series that gave us such technologies as the transporter, tricorder, and cloaking device...high tech weaponry including phasers and photon torpedoes...futuristic games like three dimensional chess...miracle drugs such as cordrazine...and gourmet delicacies like Saurian brandy & Romulan ale. Some of the gadgetry gave a sneak preview of such later real life technology as computer floppy discs. In addition to the highly logical Vulcans, Star Trek gave us glimpses of such alien species as the honour driven Klingons and the sneaky Romulans (the Federation's two primary enemies), also the xenophobic Tholians, the reptilian Gorn, and many others. It treated us to the endearing rock like, silicon based Horta and the cute & fuzzy but all too prolific Tribbles (which caused no end of Trouble). And it acquainted us with such planets as Sarpeidon, Eminiar & Vendikar. In the episode Metamorphosis, we were all introduced to the heroic Zephram Cochrane who invented the warp drive way back in 2063. In constant demand is the dilithium vital to the warp engine's functioning. Star Trek also acquainted us with the United Federation of Planets, Starfleet & Starfleet Academy, and the Federation's much vaunted strict rule called the Prime Directive, which is frequently mentioned but universally ignored! Star Trek is simply an incredibly fun and entertaining science fiction series, though it was hardly appreciated back in the 1960's when it originally aired. Fortunately, it lives on today in re runs, giving Trekkies the ongoing excitement of regularly 'boldly going where no man has gone before'. Live long and prosper, everyone! 104 of 112 people found this review helpful.  Was this review helpful to you? Yes
Five-year plan
A UNESCO heritage site, the major Peruvian tourist attraction Machu Picchu was built by what pre-Columbian civilization?
Remembering Grant Tinker, 'Mary Tyler Moore' Producer And NBC Chair | KTEP Remembering Grant Tinker, 'Mary Tyler Moore' Producer And NBC Chair By editor • Dec 9, 2016 Related Program:  Copyright 2016 Fresh Air. To see more, visit Fresh Air . DAVID BIANCULLI, HOST: This is FRESH AIR. I'm David Bianculli, FRESH AIR's TV critic, sitting in for Terry Gross. TV executive Grant Tinker died last week at age 90. Today, we'll listen back to Terry's 1994 interview with him, as well as a 1995 interview with Mary Tyler Moore, Grant Tinker's ex-wife, who starred in two famous and influential sitcoms with which Tinker was involved - "The Dick Van Dyke Show" and "The Mary Tyler Moore Show." Grant Tinker was a major influence on and in television for the second half of the 20th century. He started out as an ad executive for Procter & Gamble, where he helped shape "The Dick Van Dyke Show" and met his future wife, that show's co-star, Mary Tyler Moore. Early in his career, he also was a low-level NBC executive for a while. But in 1970, he broke from the pack and founded MTM Enterprises, an independent TV company named after Mary Tyler Moore and showcasing her with its first television production, "The Mary Tyler Moore Show." Then, Tinker took over a broadcast network, running NBC in the 1980s and bringing it from last place to first. In the case of Grant Tinker and why he's widely considered the best and most influential network executive in TV history, it wasn't so much what he did, as how he did it. Over the years, I've interviewed dozens of people who worked with and for Grant Tinker. And each and every one of them said that the most amazing and important thing about him was that he identified the people he thought were the most creative, then encouraged them to do what they wanted while protecting them from network interference. As a result, Tinker's string of hits and creative TV triumphs, either as a production executive or network chairman, included not only "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," but "Hill Street Blues," "St. Elsewhere," "Cheers," "The Cosby Show" and others. Many of those shows weren't just critical and popular successes. They were groundbreakers an envelope pushers. "The Dick Van Dyke Show" had been the smartest TV sitcom of the '60s and became the model for "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," premiering on CBS in 1970. In that series, Mary Tyler Moore ended up playing Mary Richards, a single, working woman, at a time when that was a quietly, but clearly feminist premise for a TV sitcom. Even in the pilot episode, during her job interview at a TV news operation in Minneapolis, Mary Richards had the nerve to stand up to the chauvinist news director Lou Grant, played wonderfully by Ed Asner. (SOUNDBITE OF TV SHOW, "THE MARY TYLER MOORE SHOW") EDWARD ASNER: (As Lou Grant) Look, Miss, would you try answering the questions as I ask them? (LAUGHTER) MARY TYLER MOORE: (As Mary Richards) Yes, Mr. Grant, I will. But it does seem that you've been asking a lot of very personal questions that don't have a thing to do with my qualifications for this job. ASNER: (As Lou Grant) You know what? You've got spunk. (LAUGHTER) MOORE: (As Mary Richards) Well... ASNER: (As Lou Grant) I hate spunk. (LAUGHTER) ASNER: (As Lou Grant) Tell you what - I'll try you out for a couple of weeks, see if it works out. If I don't like you, I'll fire you. MOORE: (As Mary Richards) Right, right. ASNER: (As Lou Grant) If you don't like me, I'll fire you. MOORE: (As Mary Richards) Yes, yes. (LAUGHTER) BIANCULLI: MTM Enterprises generated a string of smart, successful sitcoms after that, including "The Bob Newhart Show." Then it changed the TV landscape again in the late '70s by taking the Lou Grant character from its "Mary Tyler Moore" sitcom and spinning him off into a drama series called "Lou Grant." The concept there was that the content was about 70 percent drama, 30 percent comedy, but without a laugh track - just like life. It's a formula that has informed almost every quality TV-drama ever since, from "The Sopranos" to "Breaking Bad." Here's a scene from the first episode of "Lou Grant." It's an intentional gender-reversal mirror image of the start of "The Mary Tyler Moore Show." This time, it's Lou Grant seeking a job, this time on a Los Angeles newspaper. And this time, it's a woman publisher, played by Nancy Marchand, who's very clearly in charge of the job interview. She's petting a small dog as it sits on her desk. And Lou already is visibly uncomfortable. (SOUNDBITE OF TV SHOW, "LOU GRANT") NANCY MARCHAND: (As Margaret Pynchon) You look like you're about to throw a punch. ASNER: (As Lou Grant) It's a suit. MARCHAND: (As Margaret Pynchon) Oh, we've had three men at the city desk in the last eight months. UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR #1: (As character) I told him. MARCHAND: (As Margaret Pynchon) One of them died in the men's room, one quit, and I fired the third. ASNER: (As Lou Grant) Why'd you fire him? MARCHAND: (As Margaret Pynchon) I didn't like him. I didn't like the one who died in the men's room either. Oh, Barney - hush, baby. Oh, calm down, yes, you little dog. You like dogs? ASNER: (As Lou Grant) Yeah, I like dogs, big dogs. BIANCULLI: Then came another massively influential MTM production, "Hill Street Blues," which brought serialized storylines and sophisticated filming techniques to the TV cop drama. From the very start, the opening roll call scene, held by Michael Conrad as Sergeant Phil Esterhaus, "Hill Street" was a study in barely controlled chaos. And most of the good TV dramas that followed, from "St. Elsewhere" to "L.A. Law," tried hard to emulate an equal. (SOUNDBITE OF TV SHOW, "HILL STREET BLUES") MICHAEL CONRAD: (Sgt. Phil Esterhaus) All right, item 14 - still got a gang of juveniles on 119th Street, hitting at old people cashing Social Security checks. (GROANING) UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR #2: (As character) You ain't getting mine. CONRAD: (Sgt. Phil Esterhaus) So how about let's give that situation a little extra effort. UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR #3: (As character) Hear, hear. Hear, hear. CONRAD: (Sgt. Phil Esterhaus) All right. Item 15 - item 15 - at this point in time, we got the same purse-snatcher, working wolf from the projects on South. He's a male, black, age approximately 30, 6-feet, 6-inches tall, medium build. He is further described as wearing a long, blond wig... (LAUGHTER) CONRAD: (Sgt. Phil Esterhaus) Powder-Blue cocktail-type dress, gathered in little tucks at the waist. (LAUGHTER) CONRAD: (Sgt. Phil Esterhaus) Item 16 - gang homicides. We had two last night. They're going to be reprises. BIANCULLI: Those shows and others overseen by Tinker changed the course of TV history and the level of TV quality. Terry Gross spoke with Grant Tinker in 1994 about his memoir "Tinker In Television." Their conversation began with "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" and how that show was conceived with memories of "The Dick Van Dyke Show," on which the actress co-starred as Laura Petrie, the wife of Van Dyke's Rob Petrie, still fresh in everyone's minds. Early on, the lead character in "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" was supposed to have been divorced - an idea Tinker says didn't fly. (SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED BROADCAST) GRANT TINKER: Yeah, that was sort of silly, I thought. CBS resisted that a lot. I mean, it literally said things like people will think she's divorced from Rob Petrie. We solved that problem with them by agreeing, OK, she wouldn't be divorced. She will be coming off a failed affair. So they preferred a failed affair to divorce, strangely, I thought. TERRY GROSS, HOST: How did the network feel about a single working woman? TINKER: They didn't have any problem with that concept. They did have a lot of problems when we did the show - which came off very well - the pilot when we finally did it. They did research, as networks always do, and they found all kinds of things wrong, as research frequently does. They found Mary Richards was a loser. Rhoda Morgenstern was, I don't know whether they used the word ethnic or New York, but they didn't like her. And Phyllis Lindstrom, Cloris Leachman, was abrasive. All the things that made the show as it proceeded, bothered them in terms of their research. But we got sort of famous for resisting network suggestions. And we were able to maintain what we had. GROSS: Now, "Hill Street Blues," when you had the pilot episode for that, the pilot tested negative. And you even reprint some of the notes in your book. TINKER: Right. GROSS: So what was wrong with "Hill Street Blues," according to the research? TINKER: Oh, the pandemonium in the cop house bothered them, which at least I remember as being part of what was entertaining about the show. The fact that Furillo, played by Daniel Travanti, was not - didn't seem to be in charge. The cops were kind of, you know, losers also. They just thought everything that turned out to be strong about the show was weak. And it's very similar to the Mary situation. And I'm not a big believer in slavishly following research. It's one of the things that's wrong with television is that if you throw the whole - the decision-making process to the research department, you're not making any instinctive, visceral judgments about programs, which are show business. And many shows that went on to become very successful would never have been seen if that had been the case. I think research is a tool, one of several, but should be used much more modestly than they frequently use it. GROSS: Why did you leave MTM to return to NBC and take over the company? TINKER: Well, because the chairman of RCA, the parent company of NBC, asked me to and he caught me at a moment when I thought I couldn't match the 11 years of MTM that I'd already had. I had fond memories of my prior two terms at NBC, knew a lot of people there and I was very unhappy as I watched the network decline. And so all of those things gave me this feeling of wanting to help save the company, which was really going down for the third time. And I went back and with the help of some very good colleagues, we did manage to save it. In fact, we succeeded beyond our fondest hopes. GROSS: So when you got to NBC to head the company, what were the problems you perceived and how did you try to fix them? TINKER: Well, morale was one. Everybody was just very sick of losing. And so we addressed that by having a bunch of company meetings, you know, in person and connected by satellite to all the other locations, just letting people blow off steam, ask questions, make complaints and so on. And we began to, I think, get back on sort of a family feeling that I remembered at NBC in earlier days. And then we began - at first, by the way, the first couple of years, we didn't do much at all. We neatened it up and maybe cut some losses, but we didn't - our programs weren't that successful. And then we began to get successful. And as I say in the book, success begets more in television because if you have a show like "Cosby," you can put something behind it and that show will almost automatically succeed because the audience flows into it. And as we got the what we call building blocks like that, we did build other shows. And then pretty soon, we had a very successful network and a quality one because we had recruited mostly quality producers. GROSS: You met Mary Tyler Moore, to whom you were married for about 11 years, through "The Dick Van Dyke Show." TINKER: Eighteen years. GROSS: Eighteen years, excuse me (laughter). You were at the company, I guess, for 11 years. TINKER: Right. GROSS: OK, so how did you meet her? TINKER: I met her when we did the pilot of the "Van Dyke Show." Laura Petrie had, you know, nobody had really thought too much about that because, you know, the star was going to be Rob Petrie. And Mary was cast as Laura Petrie just almost by a lucky accident. Danny Thomas had once read her to play his daughter. And she didn't get the part because Danny said no one would believe she's my daughter with a nose like that - hers being quite different from his. And when Sheldon and Carl were looking for and not finding Laura Petrie, Danny happened into the office one day and said, what about that girl with the three names? And so they called Mary in, and the result was her being cast as Laura Petrie, which she did, I think, so much better and so much more completely and so much more comedically than they had hoped that it became a more balanced show between office and home. And she really made it - obviously, I'm a suspect source to make this comment, but I think she made a huge contribution to that show. BIANCULLI: Grant Tinker speaking to Terry Gross in 1994. The television executive and MTM production studio head died last month at age 90. Mary Tyler Moore starred in two sitcoms with which Grant Tinker was involved, "The Dick Van Dyke Show" and "The Mary Tyler Moore Show." We'll hear Terry's interview with her after a break. This is FRESH AIR. (SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC) BIANCULLI: This is FRESH AIR. We're remembering TV pioneer Grant Tinker who died last month at the age of 90. Let's hear an excerpt of Terry's 1995 interview with Mary Tyler Moore. In the early 1960s, she starred as Laura Petrie opposite Dick Van Dyke's Rob Petrie on "The Dick Van Dyke Show." Created by Carl Reiner, it was the funniest, most sophisticated and most modern TV comedy of the decade. And Mary Tyler Moore, as the thoroughly modern Mrs. Petrie, was one of the show's biggest strengths. Here's a clip. Laura has just appeared on a live TV game show and tells her husband that she's upset about something she said. (SOUNDBITE OF TV SHOW, "THE DICK VAN DYKE SHOW") MOORE: (As Laura Petrie) At the very end of the show, I didn't handle myself too well with that Patrick rat. DICK VAN DYKE: (As Rob Petrie) Oh, he got you to say something embarrassing, didn't he? What was it? MOORE: (As Laura Petrie) That Alan Brady is bald. (LAUGHTER) VAN DYKE: (As Rob Petrie) You - you - you said he had no hair. (LAUGHTER) VAN DYKE: (As Rob Petrie) On television. Honey, oh, sweetheart, you - you knew that was a secret, didn't you? MOORE: (As Laura Petrie) Yes. VAN DYKE: (As Rob Petrie) Yeah, that's right. What's the fun of telling if it's not a secret? (LAUGHTER) MOORE: (As Laura Petrie) But, Rob, he tricked me. VAN DYKE: (As Rob Petrie) Oh, he tricked you. All right, he tricked you. Oh, he's very, very tricky. But telling the whole world about Alan's wig - oh, are we in trouble. MOORE: (As Laura Petrie) Well, Rob, you saw the way he asked those questions. I mean, you just hardly know how to answer them. VAN DYKE: (As Rob Petrie) I am surprised you didn't blab about his nose being fixed. (LAUGHTER) MOORE: (As Laura Petrie) I didn't know Alan had a nose job. VAN DYKE: (As Rob Petrie) No, up till now it was a secret. (SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED BROADCAST) GROSS: What were you told about the character of Laura? MOORE: Just that she was going to be a wife, a television wife. And that really had its classical parameters and dimensions. And they were established and they hardly ever varied except as to whether or not the wife was the star of the show, in which case she was the funny one, or if she were the straight man for the male star and she was then totally supportive. But all these wives were kind of obedient and, you know, a representative of the vows to love, honor and obey. They hardly varied from that. And with Carl Reiner's character, the way she was written, Laura actually had opinions of her own. And while she was asserting herself, she also didn't make Dick Van Dyke look like a dummy. It was a matter of two people. I mean, society's expectations at that point still said, hey, wait a minute, lady, you only go so far here. But I think we broke new ground, and that was helped by my insistence on wearing pants, you know, jeans and capri pants at the time because I said I've seen all the other actresses and they're always running the vacuum in these little flowered frocks with high heels on, and I don't do that. And I don't know any of my friends who do that. So why don't we try to make this real? And I'll dress on the show the way I do in real life. GROSS: But it wasn't that easy. The sponsors were afraid you'd look brazen. MOORE: Right. They pointed specifically to - they used a term cupping under. And I can only assume that that meant my, you know, my seat, that there was a little too much definition. And so they allowed me to continue to wear them in one episode - one scene per episode and only after we check to make sure that there was as little cupping under as possible. But... GROSS: Cupping under referring to the fit of your pants... MOORE: The fit of the pants, yes. GROSS: ...On your behind MOORE: On my behind, right. But within a few weeks, we were sneaking them into a few other scenes in every episode, and they were definitely cupping under and everyone thought it was great. (LAUGHTER) MOORE: And the funny thing is, you know, women liked me. They were not envious of the fact that their husbands had a crush on me. It was OK with them. They were the first to - when I would meet people, they'd say, my husband loves you so much and he thinks you're so sexy. And this was an odd thing because they were also able to identify with me as a friend, as a girlfriend. There was no resentment and no fear. GROSS: Now, how did you come up with the voice to say, oh, Rob. MOORE: (Laughter) I don't know. I guess it began with the cry. The first time I cried was the episode in which Laura bleaches her hair blonde, looks in the mirror and with her friend Millie's help decides she looks more like Harpo Marx than what her goal had been. And so she quickly tries to dye it back before Rob gets home from work. Now, this is a real stretch of the imagination. She decides to dye one half of her head back, not being able to get the other half done before Dick walks in the door. And so she greets him half blonde, half brunette and sobbing. And I had always been a big fan of Nanette Fabray who worked with Carl Reiner and Sid Caesar on "The Show Of Shows." And I loved her humor. I loved the way she cried, and so when I was called upon to bring forth the tears in my scene, I'm not sure how much of it was out and out stolen from Miss Fabray and how much of it was just a matter of influence. But there was definitely a cracking in the voice and an inability to maintain a tone and a certain amount of verbal yodeling that took place and from that came, oh, Rob. (LAUGHTER) BIANCULLI: We're listening back to our 1995 interview with Mary Tyler Moore as part of our tribute to pioneering TV executive Grant Tinker who died last month at the age of 90. We'll hear more of Terry's interview with Mary Tyler Moore and a review of the new film "La La Land," starring Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, after a break. I'm David Bianculli, and this is FRESH AIR. (SOUNDBITE OF TV SHOW, "THE DICK VAN DYKE SHOW") MOORE: (As Laura Petrie, singing) Cleopatra was gal so beautiful and she had certain spark. Famous men she swayed when the game she played, beauty never fade, so Cleo made her mark. Antony - everybody. UNIDENTIFIED SINGERS: (As characters, singing) True, mon, true. MOORE: (As Laura Petrie, singing) That is the actual fact. UNIDENTIFIED SINGERS: (As characters, singing) True, mon, true. MOORE: (As Laura Petrie, singing) That is the actual fact. Romeo and Juliet, when they say let's wed, they choose balcony scene. They same thing you see in the balcony of movie show, guess you know what I mean (ph). (SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC) BIANCULLI: This is FRESH AIR. I'm David Bianculli in for Terry Gross. Today we're saluting Grant Tinker, the influential TV network and studio executive who died last month at age 90. Let's get back to Terry's 1995 interview with Mary Tyler Moore, who once was married to Grant Tinker, and who starred in "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," the first program created by the company named after her and founded by Tinker, MTM Productions. Tinker and Moore met when he was an advertising executive working on "The Dick Van Dyke Show," on which she co-starred as Laura Petrie, the wife of Van Dyke's Rob Petrie. (SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED BROADCAST) GROSS: Did you do a lot of rehearsing with Dick Van Dyke or did you just have to do it minutes before the actual broadcast? MOORE: Oh, the whole show was done in what they call multiple camera technique. It's still done today. But back then, we were maybe the sixth or seventh show to use the technique. It began with Joan Davis, not Lucille Ball, as everyone thinks. Joan Davis did a show called "I Married Joan." GROSS: (Singing) What a girl, what a world, what a life. Yes. MOORE: Hey, good for you. GROSS: (Laughter). MOORE: And then "Lucy" and several other shows followed. But in that show, it's a little like doing theater that's captured on film. You rehearse for five days. And then on the evening of the fifth day, the audience comes in and the cameras having blocked their moves and yours lined up with them, you film it from top to bottom in continuity. So during those five days, it was - at least the first three days, it was very much a matter of rehearse and contribute and attempt things and not be afraid to fail, to make a fool of yourself. Just pick yourself up and if it didn't happen this time, then the next time you experiment, maybe it will. It was a wonderfully supportive, creative environment. And Dick Van Dyke was the most generous and supportive human being that I have ever worked with. And he very strongly influenced my life and my standards when I went out on my own later on. GROSS: Oh, I have another question about Laura Petrie's look. MOORE: Yeah. GROSS: Laura wore a flip. MOORE: (Laughter). GROSS: A perfect little flip. MOORE: Yes. GROSS: Whose idea was the flip and how were you wearing your hair in real life at the time? MOORE: In real life, I was wearing it in a flip, but it wasn't quite as backcombed and lacquered as it was on the show. I mean, that thing had so much hair spray on it, you could hang clothes from it. GROSS: When you say that thing, was it your hair or was it a wig? MOORE: Yeah, it was my hair. But it was quite thoroughly sprayed and done by somebody else. But my - in person in between shows, that was the way I wore it. It was just a little limper. GROSS: Let's talk about "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," a show which I still love to watch. I'm so glad that Nick at Nite... (LAUGHTER) GROSS: ...Carries these shows. I still love to watch "The Dick Van Dyke Show" and "Mary Tyler Moore." Now, "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" got started 'cause CBS wanted to build a series around you. And you and Grant Tinker hired people to, you know, write - come up with the idea, write a series. What was the original premise? MOORE: The original premise was not too different from the one that we ended up pursuing. But I was to be divorced from a doctor and - rather than having, as we ended up doing, having me live with this doctor through medical school and internship and residency and then been dumped. CBS felt that having been divorced was unacceptable from a societal point of view, that people would see nothing humorous in divorce. How could you possibly laugh at a woman who had a broken marriage in her past? And not only that but, my God, they would think you were divorced from Dick Van Dyke, the world's most wonderful, adorable person. GROSS: That's so silly. MOORE: Yeah, and instead, what's so odd from a morality point of view is that they found it acceptable that I had lived with this doctor, never married him, and then the relationship broke up and I went off to start my new life. So I don't know, morality, I guess, is a very personal thing. GROSS: The character of Ted Baxter was originally conceived as being someone of your age. MOORE: Right. GROSS: And there might be some, like, romantic attraction between you? MOORE: Exactly. He was probably going to be tall, dark and handsome. And instead, what walked through the door was Ted Knight - short, white-haired and handsome, yes, but not what you'd call a love interest. But the writers, the writer producers, Jim and Allan, were so open. And I think that's an important part of being a successful artist is being open to new ideas and input. And they saw this man and they began to think potential. All right, so it isn't our original idea but, oh, wow, look and feel and salivate over all the juicy stories we could do in another direction. And that's what happened. And they cast Ted. GROSS: What won them over? Was that big, pretentious voice part of it? MOORE: You know, there was another thing that won them over. It wasn't just the fact that he was pomposity to the Nth degree, but that there was a vulnerability and a sweetness to Ted. We found out later that Ted, who was a more out-of-work than in-work actor, had gone out and bought himself a blue blazer and a crest and had it sewn on the pocket so that he would look the part. And everybody just thought that was, you know, real throat-clenching stuff. And, you know, if there had been any doubt about whether or not he was the right one, that clinched it. GROSS: I think one of the real famous moments in television openings, you know, one of the famous freeze frames is you throwing your hat in the air in the opening of the show with... MOORE: Right. MOORE: Yeah. GROSS: Do you remember that moment? MOORE: Oh, do I. It was freezing cold. It was in Minneapolis in January, I think, or February. And we didn't know what we were doing. We were just there to grab a lot of footage that shows a young woman's exuberance being in a new city, looking around, gazing at the sights. And I had in my hand a hat, a little beret that my aunt had given me for Christmas. And I had packed that along with whatever other warm things that I had, which weren't too many 'cause I was a Californian, to go to Minneapolis to do these film spots. And Jim Brooks said, oh, I have a good idea, Mary. Take that hat, put it on your head, and now run into the intersection - and it'll be all right. We'll watch for cars. And throw it up in the air as if to say, this is my town and I'm celebrating my life that is taking place. And I did it and luckily, magically wasn't hit by a car, although I got some pretty strange looks. And in fact, in, I guess, it must be in every episode, you can see this one woman in the background who looks at me as if not only am I the world's strangest person, but that she would like to personally lock me up. But it's interesting - isn't it? - that something that becomes burned in people's impressions and memories can happen so happenstancely (ph) out of nowhere. It wasn't written. It was just a spur-of-the-moment idea. GROSS: So that traffic was the real thing. MOORE: Oh, yeah, it was. And it's a good thing I didn't have to speak any lines because my lips weren't working it was so cold. I literally could not form words. GROSS: I have a colleague here who said "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" made me who I am today - single. (LAUGHTER) GROSS: And I thought that was particularly funny because, you know, all those years you were playing Mary Tyler Moore you had no idea what it was like to be single. MOORE: Right. GROSS: You got married as soon as you got out of high school. You divorced but you were only single for about six months before marrying Grant Tinker. MOORE: That's right. Boy, you've read the book, haven't you? GROSS: Yes. MOORE: Yes. GROSS: (Laughter) So, really, you'd never lived that kind of single life. MOORE: No, I hadn't. And when Grant and I finally ended our marriage and I went to New York to do a Broadway play "Whose Life Is It Anyway?" I decided to stay in New York and try to capture my life for myself. I had never been on my own. I had never experienced any of the situations that Mary Richards had lived for the rest of the world every week. And I set about to make that happen for myself. I dated, I made friends, I had a little apartment, I did my own shopping and schlepped my own clothes to the dry cleaner and back and the laundry and all of that stuff. And I sort of generally played house but in real life. GROSS: Mary Tyler Moore, thank you very much for talking with us. MOORE: Thank you. I really enjoyed it, Terry. It's like talking with a pal. BIANCULLI: Mary Tyler Moore speaking to Terry Gross in 1995. And now we'd like to end our salute to TV executive Grant Tinker by hearing from someone who got his big break on a television series overseen by Grant Tinker. From 2008, this is Denzel Washington. (SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED BROADCAST) GROSS: Let's go to the very early Denzel era. And let's see if our listeners recognize you in this scene. And hint, it's the pilot for a series, a TV series that ran a long time. And you co-starred throughout the run, and it helped make you a star. So here we go, the very early Denzel. (SOUNDBITE OF TV SHOW, "ST. ELSEWHERE") DENZEL WASHINGTON: (As Dr. Philip Chandler) Forty-two-year-old white obese female, four-day day history of right upper-quadrant pain, no history of cholelithiasis or peptic ulcer disease. UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR #4: (As character) Has the pain changed with time or position? WASHINGTON: (As Dr. Philip Chandler) No, physical examination temperature was 39.5 degrees centigrade, blood pressure 130 over 80, no jaundice present. UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR #4: (As character) Is the abdomen distended? WASHINGTON: (As Dr. Philip Chandler) No, there's a plus-two over four tenderness in the upper quadrant. The liver is 10 centimeters in breadth, 2 centimeters below the right coastal margin. There is a palpable mass just below the liver edge where the... Jesus. GROSS: (Laughter) That's your first scene... WASHINGTON: I think I mispronounced that. I think it's cholelithiasis. And it sounds like I said cholelithiasis. I believe - any doctors out there if they call in let me know. I believe it's cholelithiasis. GROSS: Well, that's you in your first scene in the pilot of "St. Elsewhere." WASHINGTON: Twenty-five years ago. WASHINGTON: But I remember that cholelithiasis, that's interesting. GROSS: Yeah, it is. I hope you had it, whatever the heck it is. WASHINGTON: I couldn't tell you what it is. GROSS: (Laughter) How did you get the part on "St. Elsewhere." WASHINGTON: I was doing a great play - and I say that because it was - called to say "A Soldier's Play," which went on to become "A Soldier's Story," you know, won the Pulitzer Prize in 1982. GROSS: Right, the movie version was "A Soldier's Story." WASHINGTON: Yeah, movie version was "A Soldier's Story." The play was an off-Broadway play in New York. And they came to New York reading actors for this TV series "St. Elsewhere." I never really wanted to do television because I wanted to do plays and movies, and I didn't want to become well-known for television. But this was an interesting script with many characters, so my agent thought, well, you know, you could get lost amongst the other characters. And so to make a long story long, they chose two actors, I believe, from New York, myself and David Morse. GROSS: What was the audition like? WASHINGTON: Shoot, that was 25 years ago. I don't remember. I guess it was good. I got the part. I guess it was good... GROSS: You don't remember what you had to do? WASHINGTON: Oh, no - no, actually, I don't. I imagine - maybe I read that scene. Maybe that's what I had to do. You know, did you say that was from the pilot? GROSS: It's from the pilot. WASHINGTON: That was from - so maybe - that's probably what I had to read. That's a perfect example of where your speech training and training in the classics - you know, Shakespearean training comes in to be able to say those lines. GROSS: To rattle off all those... WASHINGTON: To rattle off all the - yeah, all of that... GROSS: All of those medical conditions most people don't know. WASHINGTON: ...Techno-speak - yeah, exactly, I don't know - cholelithiasis, I do remember that, though. BIANCULLI: Denzel Washington speaking to Terry Gross in 2008. He was one of the stars of "St. Elsewhere," one of the many shows overseen by influential TV executive Grant Tinker, who died last month at age 90. After a break, rock critic Ken Tucker reviews the new CD from Allyson Seconds. This is FRESH AIR. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.
i don't know
A deficiency of what vitamin causes the curse of sailors of the 18th century, scurvy?
Scurvy: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments - Medical News Today Scurvy: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments Written by Peter Crosta M.A. 4 36 Scurvy is a disease caused by a diet that lacks vitamin C (ascorbic acid). Patients develop anemia , debility, exhaustion, edema (swelling) in some parts of the body, and sometimes ulceration of the gums and loss of teeth. The name scurvy comes from the Latin scorbutus. We have known about the disease in humans since ancient Greek and Egyptian times. Scurvy commonly is associated with sailors in the 16th to 18th centuries who navigated long voyages without enough vitamin C and frequently perished from the condition. Modern cases of scurvy are extremely rare. Humans cannot synthesize vitamin C, which is necessary for the production of collagen and iron absorption. We have to obtain it from external sources, i.e. from fruits and vegetables, or some foods which are fortified with vitamin C in order to prevent the vitamin C deficiency known as scurvy. Vitamin C deficiency is especially dangerous for the fetus (developing baby in the womb). Researchers from the University of Copenhagen reported in the journal PLOS ONE that pregnant women with a vitamin C deficiency can have babies whose brain did not develop properly . What causes scurvy? The primary cause of scurvy is insufficient intake of vitamin C (ascorbic acid). This may be due to ignorance, famine, anorexia , restrictive diets (due to allergies, food fads, etc.), or difficulty orally ingesting foods. Historically, scurvy was the result of long sea voyages where sailors did not bring along enough foods with vitamin C. Who gets scurvy? Though scurvy is a very rare disease, it still occurs in some patients - usually elderly people, alcoholics, or those that live on a diet devoid of fresh fruits and vegetables. Similarly, infants or children who are on special or poor diets for any number of economic or social reasons may be prone to scurvy. Symptoms of scurvy Scurvy symptoms may begin with appetite loss, poor weight gain, diarrhea , rapid breathing, fever , irritability, tenderness and discomfort in legs, swelling over long bones, bleeding (hemorrhaging), and feelings of paralysis. As the disease progresses, a scurvy victim may present bleeding of the gums, loosened teeth, petechial hemorrhage of the skin and mucous membranes (a tiny pinpoint red mark), bleeding in the eye, proptopsis of the eyeball (protruding eye), constochondral beading (beading of the cartilage between joints), hyperkeratosis (a skin disorder), corkscrew hair, and sicca syndrome (an automimmune disease affecting connective tissue). Infants with scurvy will become apprehensive, anxious, and progressively irritable. They often will assume the frog leg posture for comfort when struck with pseudoparalysis. It is common for infants with scurvy to present subperiosteal hemorrhage, a specific bleeding that occurs at the lower ends of the long bones. Diagnosis of scurvy Physicians initially will conduct a physical exam, looking for symptoms described above. Actual vitamin C levels can be obtained by using laboratory tests that analyze serum ascorbic acid levels (or white blood cell ascorbic acid concentration). Sometimes, radiological procedures are ordered for diagnostic purposes and to see what damage scurvy has already done. Treatments for scurvy Scurvy is treated by providing the patient with vitamin C, administered either orally or via injection. Orange juice usually functions as an effective dietary remedy, but specific vitamin supplements are also known to be effective. How can scurvy be prevented? Scurvy can be prevented by consuming enough vitamin C, either in the diet or as a supplement. Foods that contain vitamin C include: Oranges, lemons, kiwi fruit and strawberries are all excellent natural sources of vitamin C. Oranges
Vitamin C
Anna Nicole Smith gained notoriety after her short lived marriage to what Texas oil billionaire sparked a major court case, which continues to this day?
Scurvy: Background, Pathophysiology, Etiology Pathophysiology Overview Background Scurvy is a state of dietary deficiency of vitamin C (ascorbic acid). The human body lacks the ability to synthesize and make vitamin C and therefore depends on exogenous dietary sources to meet vitamin C needs. Consumption of fruits and vegetables or diets fortified with vitamin C is essential to avoid ascorbic acid deficiency. Although scurvy is uncommon, it still occurs and can affect adults and children who have chronic dietary vitamin C deficiency (see the image below). Anteroposterior radiograph of the lower extremities shows ground-glass osteopenia, a characteristic of scurvy. See 21 Hidden Clues to Diagnosing Nutritional Deficiencies , a Critical Images slideshow, to help identify clues to conditions associated with malnutrition. Next: Pathophysiology Humans, other primates, and guinea pigs are unable to synthesize L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C); therefore, they require it in their diet. [ 1 ] The enzyme, L-gluconolactone oxidase, which would usually catalyze the conversion of L-gluconogammalactone to L-ascorbic acid, is defective due to a mutation or inborn error in carbohydrate metabolism. The total body pool of vitamin C is approximately 1500 mg. The absorbed vitamin is found ubiquitously in body tissues, with the highest concentrations in glandular tissue and the lowest concentrations in muscle and stored fat. Ascorbic acid is metabolized in the liver by oxidation and sulfation. The renal threshold for excretion by the kidney in urine is approximately 1.4 mg/100 mL plasma. Excess amounts of ascorbic acid are excreted unchanged or as metabolites. When body tissue or plasma concentrations of vitamin C are low, excretion of the vitamin is decreased. Scurvy occurs after vitamin C has been eliminated from the diet for at least 3 months and when the body pool falls below 350 mg. One study identified a genetic polymorphism of the human plasma protein haptoglobin, Hp 2, that may be an important non-nutritional modifying factor in the pathogenesis of vitamin C deficiency. The Hp 2-2 polymers are less efficient inhibitors of hemoglobin-driven oxidative stress, leading to ascorbic acid depletion. The Hp 2-2 phenotype is present in 35% of whites and 50% of South Asians and East Asians and may help identify patients who are more prone to develop clinically significant vitamin C deficiency. [ 2 ] Vitamin C functionality Vitamin C is required as a redox agent, reducing metal ions in many enzymes and removing free radicals. In this capacity, it protects DNA, protein, and vessel walls from damage caused by free radicals. Vitamin C is functionally most relevant for the triple-helix formation of collagen; a vitamin C deficiency results in impaired collagen synthesis. The typical pathologic manifestations of vitamin C deficiency, including poor wound healing, are noted in collagen-containing tissues and in organs and tissues such as skin, cartilage, dentine, osteoid, and capillary blood vessels. Pathologic changes in affected children and adults are a function of the rate of growth of the affected tissues; hence, the bone changes are often observed only in infants during periods of rapid bone growth. Defective collagen synthesis leads to defective dentine formation, hemorrhaging into the gums, and loss of teeth. Hemorrhaging is a hallmark feature of scurvy and can occur in any organ. Hair follicles are one of the common sites of cutaneous bleeding. The bony changes occur at the junction between the end of the diaphysis and growth cartilage. Osteoblasts fail to form osteoid (bone matrix), resulting in cessation of endochondral bone formation. Calcification of the growth cartilage at the end of the long bones continues, leading to the thickening of the growth plate. The typical invasion of the growth cartilage by the capillaries does not occur. Preexisting bone becomes brittle and undergoes resorption at a normal rate, resulting in microscopic fractures of the spicules between the shaft and calcified cartilage. With these fractures, the periosteum becomes loosened, resulting in the classic subperiosteal hemorrhage at the ends of the long bones. Guidelines for the evaluation of fractures in infants and young children have been established. [ 3 ] Intra-articular hemorrhage is rare because the periosteal attachment to the growth plate is very firm. Although the clinical manifestations are unclear, vitamin C is a cofactor in the metabolism of tyrosine and cholesterol and the synthesis of carnitine, neurotransmitters (eg, norepinephrine), peptide hormones, corticosteroids, and aldosterone. Vitamin C also affects hematopoiesis by enhancing the absorption of iron from the small intestine by reducing dietary iron from the ferric form to the ferrous form. This may contribute to the anemia seen with vitamin C deficiency, in which the availability of intracellular iron is reduced. Vitamin C is also necessary to convert folic acid to its active metabolite, folinic acid. Previous Next: Etiology Scurvy is caused by a prolonged dietary deficiency of vitamin C. Humans obtain 90% of their intake of vitamin C from fruits and vegetables, and cooking these sources decreases vitamin C content 20-40%. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends a daily dietary allowance of vitamin C of 75 mg for women and 90 mg for men. The body's pool of vitamin C can be depleted in 1-3 months. Ascorbic acid is prone to oxidation in vivo, and body stores are affected by environmental and lifestyle factors (eg, smoking), biological conditions (eg, inflammation, iron excess), and pathologic conditions (eg, malabsorption) that may alter its oxidation. Risk factors for vitamin C deficiency include the following: [ 4 ] Babies who are fed only cow's milk during the first year of life Alcoholic individuals [ 1 ] and those who conform to food fads Elderly individuals who eat a tea-and-toast diet; retired people who live alone and those who eat primarily at fast food restaurants Economically disadvantaged persons, who tend to not purchase foods high in vitamin C (eg, green vegetables, citrus fruits) [ 5 ] Refugees who are dependent on external suppliers for their food and have limited access to fresh fruits and vegetables Cigarette smokers: These individuals require an increased intake of vitamin C because of lower vitamin C absorption and increased catabolism Pregnant and lactating women and those with thyrotoxicosis: These individuals require an increased intake of vitamin C because of increased utilization People with anorexia nervosa or anorexia from other diseases such as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) or cancer [ 6 ] People with type 1 diabetes have increased vitamin C requirements, as do those on hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis [ 7 , 8 ] People with disease of the small intestine such as Crohn, Whipple, and celiac disease, as well as after gastric bypass surgery, [ 9 ] because vitamin C is absorbed in the small intestine Individuals with iron overload disorders - These may lead to renal vitamin C wasting Other factors that may lead to vitamin C deficiency include ignorance (eg, boiling of fruit juices), restrictive diets imposed by food allergies, and neurodevelopmental disabilities associated with compromised oral intake of foods. A case report of vitamin C deficiency in a patient on coumadin raises the possibility of risk in the vitamin K–restricted diet, since overlap exists in foods containing vitamin K and vitamin C. [ 10 ] Recent evidence shows that iron is important in the absorption of vitamin C, and iron deficiency may lower the expression of the sodium-dependent vitamin C transporter in intestinal cells, leading to vitamin C deficiency. [ 11 ] Besides poor diet and anorexia in cancer patients, another mechanism of vitamin C deficiency has been proposed. In a study of cancer patients with adequate daily intake but low serum vitamin C levels, authors proposed increased use of vitamin C possibly to scavenge lipid peroxides or vitamin C sequestration by tumor cells. [ 12 ] Previous Epidemiology United States statistics Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES 2003-2004) that assessed the prevalence of vitamin C deficiency in the United States among a sample of 7277 children and adults (older than age 6 y) found that men aged 20-39 and those older than 60 years had a higher prevalence of deficiency than similarly aged women. Overall, 8.2 % of men and 6% of women (7.1% overall prevalence) were deficient in vitamin C, which is decreased from the NHANES 1994, which showed 14% of men and 10% of women deficient. [ 13 ] NHANES 2005-2006 showed a lower prevalence of 3.6% of vitamin C deficiency among men and women older than 6 years. [ 14 ] Patients at risk include those with chronic malnutrition, who are elderly or alcoholic, who subsist on diets devoid of fresh fruits and vegetables, and men who live alone (widower scurvy). Infants and children on restrictive diets because of medical, economic, or social reasons are at risk for scurvy. Occurrence of scurvy is uncommon in those younger than 7 months, although infants fed evaporated or condensed milk formulas may develop this disease. If a mother has an adequate diet, breast milk contains sufficient vitamin C for a baby's needs. Commercially available formulas and many prepared fruit juices are fortified with vitamin C. Other reported cases include people with monotonous or peculiar diets, including patients undergoing dialysis as well as those with cognitive disorders, [ 15 , 16 ] psychiatric illnesses, [ 17 ] malabsorption, inflammatory bowel disease , cancer chemotherapy, Whipple disease , or dyspepsia (those who avoid acidic foods). International statistics The international occurrence of scurvy is unknown. Scurvy is a problem when general malnutrition exists, as in some impoverished, underdeveloped third world countries. Scurvy also occurs in epidemic proportions in international refugee camps and in populations that subsist mainly on cereal grains. A study of nonhospitalized patients in Paris found that 5% of women and 12% of men were deficient [ 18 ] ; in those older than 65 years, this proportion increased to 15% of women and 20% of men. In a case series from Thailand that reviewed 28 cases of scurvy in infants and children (10 mo to 9 y and 7 mo; median age, 29 mo) hospitalized over a 7-year period (1995-2002), investigators noted prolonged consumption of heated milk (ultra-high temperature [UHT] milk) and inadequate intake of vegetables and fruits were the risk factors for the development of scurvy. [ 19 ] In tests of plasma vitamin C levels in the low-income/materially deprived population of the United Kingdom, carried out between 2003 and 2005 (433 men; 876 women), the Low Income Diet and Nutrition Survey found evidence of vitamin C deficiency in an estimated 25% of men and 16% of women. [ 5 ] Another 20% of the study population had vitamin C levels in the depleted range. According to the report, predictors of plasma vitamin C levels at or below the depleted range include being male, having a low dietary intake of vitamin C, not taking vitamin supplements, and smoking. [ 5 ] A study of healthy elderly (age 70-75 y) persons living in Padua, Italy took a baseline and 10-year follow-up dietary history and found vitamin C deficiency rose over the 10-year span, from 3-6% in men and 2.3-4.5% in women, which led the authors to recommend multivitamin supplementation in healthy elderly persons. [ 20 ] Race, sex, and age differences in incidence According to NHANES 2004, non-Hispanic white men (11.8%) (had a slightly increased risk of vitamin C deficiency compared with non-Hispanic black men (8.9%) and Mexican American men (7.7%). [ 13 ] Similarly, the non-Hispanic white women (8.2%) had higher rates of vitamin C deficiency compared with non-Hispanic black women (5%) and Mexican American women (4.2%). Mexican American males and females had a lower risk of vitamin C deficiency probably because the traditional Mexican diet is rich in chilies, tomatoes, and squashes, which are high in vitamin C. [ 13 ] Some studies show vitamin C deficiency to be more common among men, whereas others show equal distribution among men and women. NHANES 2004 shows slightly higher prevalence for men (8.2%) than for women (6%). NHANES 2007-2008 data showed that among American males older than 20 years, the daily intake was 26 mg higher than for females. In fact, teenage females had the lowest intake, followed by preadolescent females and women in their sixties. [ 21 ] Although scurvy can occur at any age, the incidence of scurvy peaks in children aged 6-12 months who are fed a diet deficient in citrus fruits or vegetables as well as in elderly populations, who sometimes have "tea-and-toast" diets deficient in vitamin C. Scurvy is uncommon in the neonatal period. Previous Next: Prognosis Typically, scurvy carries an excellent prognosis if diagnosed and treated appropriately. Manifestations of scurvy, including the following, tend to dramatically improve, resolving within weeks, if adequate oral vitamin C is given in daily doses to recoup body stores: Spontaneous bleeding stops within 1 day Muscle and bone pain abate quickly Bleeding and sore gums heal in 2-3 days Ecchymoses heal within 12 days In advanced scurvy, serum bilirubin normalizes in less than 1 week, and anemia is corrected in less than a month. Complications The predominant morbidity associated with this disease is a result of hemorrhage into various tissues and depends on the site of involvement. Subperiosteal hemorrhages cause pain and tenderness, resulting in pseudoparalysis. Loss of function at the site of the hemorrhage and anemia are typical sequelae of the hemorrhages observed in scurvy. Subperiosteal hemorrhage in the tibia and femur causes excruciating pain. Laboratory data suggest that the neonatal brain is particularly susceptible to vitamin C deficiency and that this condition may adversely affect early brain development. [ 22 ] Until minimal daily requirements of vitamin C were supplied, scurvy plagued prolonged naval voyages and military campaigns as personnel succumbed to its devastating effects. Lethargy, fatigue, and hemorrhagic manifestations of impaired collagen synthesis affecting oral, ophthalmic, musculoskeletal, cardiac, and gastrointestinal structures and functions incapacitated or killed more people than enemy action in many cases. Previous Coauthor(s) Mose July, MD Fellow in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Marshall University School of Medicine Mose July, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists , Endocrine Society Disclosure: Nothing to disclose. Specialty Editor Board Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug Reference Disclosure: Received salary from Medscape for employment. for: Medscape. Arthur B Chausmer, MD, PhD, FACP, FACE, FACN, CNS Professor of Medicine (Endocrinology, Adj), Johns Hopkins School of Medicine; Affiliate Research Professor, Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Program, School of Computational Sciences, George Mason University; Principal, C/A Informatics, LLC Additional Contributors Janet J Wong, MD Consulting Dermatologist, Department of Dermatology, University of Connecticut School of Medicine Janet J Wong, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology Disclosure: Nothing to disclose. Van Perry, MD Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine, Division of Dermatology, University of Texas School of Medicine at San Antonio Van Perry, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology Disclosure: Nothing to disclose. Kathryn Schwarzenberger, MD Associate Professor of Medicine, Division of Dermatology, University of Vermont College of Medicine; Consulting Staff, Division of Dermatology, Fletcher Allen Health Care Kathryn Schwarzenberger, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Women's Dermatologic Society , American Contact Dermatitis Society , Medical Dermatology Society , Dermatology Foundation , Alpha Omega Alpha , American Academy of Dermatology Disclosure: Nothing to disclose. Steven M Schwarz, MD, FAAP, FACN, AGAF Professor of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital at Downstate, State University of New York Downstate Medical Center Steven M Schwarz, MD, FAAP, FACN, AGAF is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pediatrics , American College of Nutrition , American Association for Physician Leadership , New York Academy of Medicine , Gastroenterology Research Group , American Gastroenterological Association , American Pediatric Society , North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition , Society for Pediatric Research Disclosure: Nothing to disclose. Anne Elizabeth Laumann, MBChB, MRCP(UK), FAAD Professor of Dermatology, Chief of General Dermatology, Director of the Collagen Vascular Disorders Clinic, Northwestern University, The Feinberg School of Medicine Anne Elizabeth Laumann, MBChB, MRCP(UK), FAAD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology , Association of Professors of Dermatology , British Association of Dermatologists , Chicago Dermatological Society , Chicago Medical Society , Illinois Dermatological Society , Illinois State Medical Society , Medical Dermatology Society , Society for Investigative Dermatology , Women's Dermatologic Society Disclosure: Nothing to disclose. Henry Driscoll, MD Farrell Professor of Endocrinology, Chief, Department of Medicine, Section of Endocrinology, Joan C Edwards School of Medicine at Marshall University Henry Driscoll, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Physicians , American Diabetes Association , American Federation for Medical Research , American Medical Association , Endocrine Society , Massachusetts Medical Society , Sigma Xi , West Virginia State Medical Association Disclosure: Nothing to disclose. Dirk M Elston, MD Professor and Chairman, Department of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina College of Medicine Dirk M Elston, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology Disclosure: Nothing to disclose. Julia Sanger Minocha, MD Resident Physician, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University, The Feinberg School of Medicine Julia Sanger Minocha, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha , American College of Physicians , Phi Beta Kappa Disclosure: Nothing to disclose. Bradley S Buckler, MD Fellow in Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Medical College of Georgia Disclosure: Nothing to disclose. Acknowledgements The authors and editors of Medscape Reference gratefully acknowledge the contributions of previous authors Anjali Parish, MD, Kumaravel Rajakumar, MD, and Tarita Thomas, PhD, MBA,to the development and writing of the source articles.
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January 28, 1841 marked the birth of the famous Welsh explorer Sir Henry Morton Stanley, most famous for his trek to find what famed Scottish explorer/missionary, who went missing in Africa for 6 years?
biographies The Bishop vs. the Nazis: Bl. Clemens von Galen in World War II Germany by Joanna Bogle It is an intriguing fact that, during a modern regime which has come to be regarded as the very epitome of evil — so much so that the mere mention of the political party's name conjures up images of death and horror — the most vocal and consistent opposition came not from youthful activists or from humanitarian crusaders but from a prince-bishop. Saints and heroes so often come from unexpected places. This leading opponent of Nazism in Germany was a man steeped in history, whose worldview had been shaped in the Europe of the late 19th century. He was brought up in an ancient castle bereft of any modern comforts and soaked in an atmosphere of tradition, local loyalties, deep religious faith, and commitment to social and charitable duties. Count Clemens August von Galen, Bishop of Munster in the Rhineland, came from one of Germany's most well-known aristocratic families. His opposition to the Nazi regime, and in particular his stance against its horrific euthanasia program, made him into an emblematic hero. He was known in his lifetime as the "Lion of Munster." Recently beatified by the Church, he is a figure whose life and message deserve to be better known, especially as the Second World War recedes into history. "Neither Praise nor Fear" Born in March 1878, Clemens August was the 11th of 13 children. He grew up in the castle of Dinklage, and in later life loved to recall his childhood and the pattern of its days. It was an old-fashioned, structured life: Each day began with early morning Mass, and it was a family rule that any child who turned up late got no butter on his bread at breakfast — and anyone who failed to turn up for Mass got no breakfast at all. But it was also a carefree existence, with the children encouraged to play freely out of doors and to enjoy country pursuits. It was a warm and affectionate family, all the children remaining close throughout their lives. The von Galens were one of the leading noble families of Westphalia, and Count Heribert, the father of Clemens August, was a member of Germany's Imperial Parliament. The tradition of the family was both staunchly Catholic and staunchly patriotic. It was also suffused with a sense of duty: Countess Elisabeth worked hard at charitable projects among local people and involved her children as a matter of course. Shared bonds with local people included a deep love of the area's festivals and Catholic customs, old hymns, and popular prayers. Later in life, Clemens August was always moved when certain hymns were sung; he explained that these reminded him of his parents and of being taught the faith in a way that was both loving and inspirational. From such a family, it was natural that vocations to the priesthood would be born. After a period at boarding school and at university, Clemens August announced his decision, trained as a priest, and was ordained in 1904. His new life took him into a very different part of Germany — the industrialized and modern city of Berlin, where he worked as a curate in a working-class area. The harsh years of World War I and Germany's eventual defeat saw him working as a pastor among people who were both poor and hungry. His own way of life, which he would continue as bishop, was based on hard work and personal austerity. The discipline instilled in childhood had become a habit. Called back to the diocese of Munster in 1929, he was consecrated as its bishop in 1933. As his motto, he chose Nec laudimus nec timere, indicating that he would be influenced by "neither praise nor fear." He was called to put these ideas into practice almost straight away. Hammer on Anvil When the new National Socialist government started to confiscate Church property, turning religious orders out of their houses and arresting priests, Bishop von Galen denounced this from the pulpit. When the Nazis published material accusing the Church of being anti-science and anti-human progress, he replied with vigorous pamphlets of his own setting out the Church's record. From the early 1930s onwards, it was Nazi policy to make things difficult for the Church in ways that were simple but effective: Using crowd control as an excuse, processions would be banned or re-routed at the last minute, and outdoor events subjected to sudden new rules and regulations. The bishop could not be certain that celebrations for a village confirmation would be able to go ahead in traditional style. People became used to the idea that popular celebrations, now deemed old-fashioned, must take second place to the new vision of community activities. Bishop von Galen's approach was to hold firm to every local tradition and to circumvent every attempt to abandon old ways or cancel long-held celebrations. This approach did not make him popular with the government. He referred openly to the Nazis as pagan and urged people not to allow great Catholic traditions to be usurped in the name of progress. When war broke out in 1939, it was difficult for a patriotic German to show the way ahead. Because of his opposition to the Nazis, Bishop von Galen became a popular figure in the British press, and his stance was frequently mentioned there with warm approval — a fact that infuriated the Nazis more. But he continued to denounce the regime, listing each new restriction on Christian life: "Religion has been banned from the schools, our organizations have been suppressed, and now the Catholic kindergartens are about to be closed," he said from the pulpit in July 1941, urging Catholics to remain firm in their loyalty to the Church and likening them to an anvil on which a blacksmith was striking a heavy hammer. Animals Past Their Usefulness When the Nazi euthanasia program began, it was semi-secret. People began to suspect that something was happening: Those with handicapped relatives were informed of sudden deaths with no explanation, and there were whispers of evil things taking place. It was Bishop von Galen who revealed the truth. Having collected evidence from many sources, he announced in a sermon that defenseless human beings were being rounded up and killed "because in the judgment of some official body, on the decision of some committee, they are judged as 'unworthy to live'; they are judged as 'unproductive members of the national community'" (sermon at St. Lambert's Church, August 3, 1941). His sermon caused a sensation. What had been happening in the dark was now thrown into the spotlight. People knew that the bishop was speaking the truth, for it was corroborated by what had been learned by people with relatives in hospitals and asylums. Duplicated secretly, the sermon found its way across Germany with great speed despite official censorship. It was reported in the foreign press, reprinted in secret newsletters, hand-copied, and passed around by word of mouth. The first sermon denouncing the euthanasia program was followed by two more, which went into greater detail, citing specific cases. One example given by the bishop was a man suffering from mental problems and living in an institution but regularly visited by his family including his soldier son. The revelation that this man had been taken off and killed in an official euthanasia program hit home as a terrible example of the reality of what was happening. Bishop von Galen pointed out that no one would be safe: men wounded in war, the gravely ill, the vulnerable. Human beings were being treated as if they were animals that had passed their usefulness: Were these people to be treated "like a cow that no longer gives milk, or like an old lame horse"?     No! We are concerned with men and women, our fellow human beings, our brothers and sisters! Poor human beings, ill human beings, they are unproductive if you will. But does that mean they have lost the right to live? Have you, have I, the right to live only so long as we are productive, so long as we are regarded by others as productive? (August 3, 1941) He went on to spell out the implications of what was going on. No patient could trust a doctor, the courts and the police were to be implicated in murder, and the whole concept of justice perverted. He thundered, in powerful language "Woe to mankind — woe to our German people — if the Divine Commandment 'Thou shalt not kill' which God our Creator wrote into man's conscience from the beginning, if this Commandment is not merely violated but this violation is tolerated and remains unpunished!" Blunt, forthright language — backed by facts — meant that the bishop was a formidable opponent for the Nazis. It is a measure of his status that the euthanasia program was halted for a considerable period in Westphalia, and many lives saved. It was not easy for the Nazis to know what to do: To arrest the bishop would be to plunge the whole of that area, which had the closest of links with his family, going back through history, into passionate and probably open rebellion. Cardinal of a Ruined Land The huge and unrelenting Allied air raids made it easier for the government to quell von Galen's influence. Munster was reduced to ruins, its cathedral destroyed, the bishop himself made homeless and forced into temporary shelter on the outskirts along with many other refugees. As the chaos created by the homeless crowds increased and people's energies were channeled into ensuring their own survival and worrying about sons and husbands fighting in Russia and elsewhere, it was possible to keep the bishop under a form of house arrest without incurring any active opposition. He was watched and checked at every move: Since travel was becoming increasingly difficult, there was in any case no possibility of his reaching Berlin or any other major city, and he had no access to the mass media or means of addressing public gatherings. The invading Allied armies finally reached Munster. Seeking a public figure untainted by the Nazi regime with whom they could establish formal contact, they turned to the bishop. They found that his passionate anti-Nazism did not mean that he had ceased to care about his country, and although courteous to the incoming troops, he made clear that he did not relish having foreign rulers in charge of Germany. As the months went by, he spoke out — at a time when it was very difficult for any German to do so — about the horrific plight of Germans forcibly expelled from their homes in eastern parts of the country which were now being handed over to a new, Soviet-dominated Poland. Huge numbers of young girls from these families were raped, children became separated from their parents in the chaos of the forced exodus, and death from starvation, brutality, and disease took a heavy toll as the pitiful refugees struggled westward. On arrival in the devastated ruins of towns in the western parts of defeated Germany, the survivors found only continued suffering. Meanwhile, huge numbers of German prisoners-of-war were held in Soviet camps, most of whom would not be released for over a decade. In this time of Germany's suffering as a defeated, pariah nation, Pope Pius XII made von Galen a cardinal. It was both a tribute to his wartime role and a sign that his country still had a place among the nations of the world. The journey in 1946 to Rome for the ceremony was achieved with great difficulty at that time, normal transportation in or out of the country was impossible for most Germans — and the new cardinal, whose health had become fragile following wartime austerities, returned home ill. He did not live to see his country's return to any sort of normality or prosperity. When he died, on March 22, 1946, his devastated city of Munster had only just celebrated his creation as a cardinal. He was buried in the ruins of his cathedral, where many of his ancestors had been buried over the centuries. A Voice for the Other Germany In 1956 von Galen's cause for canonization was opened, and over the ensuing years more and more evidence came to light of his personal gifts: his courage, his kindness, his austere way of life (especially during the war, when he insisted on giving to others any small treat that might come his way), his insistence on a structured rule of life, including regular prayer. His grave in the now-restored Cathedral of Munster was always well-visited, and candles and petitions for prayer were placed there. In October 2005, Cardinal von Galen was formally declared blessed by the Church, the first step towards full canonization. But by now something else had occurred. History had rolled on. More than half a century after the Second World War, the Church now had a German Pope, Benedict XVI, a Bavarian. As a boy in an anti-Nazi family, the pope knew of Bishop von Galen and regarded him as a hero and a voice for the "other Germany" of non-Nazis who longed for National Socialism to be consigned to history. St. Peter's in Rome was packed for the beatification ceremony, and it was a moving moment when Pope Benedict addressed the gathering as the ceremonies ended. The pope's style is thoughtful, dignified, and paternal: In speaking of Bishop von Galen, he noted the way in which this man of God had given witness to the truth in a grim and tragic time. I was privileged to be at the ceremony and, through friendships with people in the current German pro-life and pro-family apostolate, to know something of the role that Bl. Clemens August von Galen has in the Church in Germany today. There is an awareness that the message of his sermons resonates down the decades, and that his solid resistance to the killing of the mentally ill is something that stands as an example to all bishops and to all Christians in public life. Cardinal von Galen is, of course, a figure of whom German Catholics feel they can be proud, from an era of their history of which they are all terribly ashamed, so this is of importance to them. But the message of his life is larger than that. All Catholics need to know that there was a bishop who was staunchly anti-Nazi. They need to know about his opposition and the way he stood firm and spoke out when others remained silent. It is important that we remind people of this when we hear about the Church's "failure" to respond adequately to the Nazi's evil actions. And there is more: What about today, when legalized euthanasia is again firmly on the agenda, and when pagan ideology is regarded as the norm and Christianity marginalized as something old-fashioned and opposed to national community life? Where do we all stand? What approach should we take? In this hero-bishop from a different era, we can hear a message and a warning, a call to honor the faith we share with him, and a pattern to follow. Born in a castle, dying in a bombed-out city with his country devastated around him and its moral reputation in ruins too, Bishop von Galen held fast to what was right, and his message lives on while that of the pagan culture he opposed has been revealed for the evil it always was. We must ask him to pray for us. From Bishop Von Galen's Sermon Against Euthanasia "Thou shalt not kill." God engraved this commandment on the souls of men long before any penal code laid down punishment for murder, long before any court prosecuted and avenged homicide. Cain, who killed his brother Abel, was a murderer long before courts or states came into existence, and plagued by his conscience he confessed, "Guilt like mine is too great to find forgiveness . . . and I shall wander over the earth, a fugitive; anyone I meet will slay me." Because of his love for us God has engraved these commandments in our hearts and has made them manifest to us. They express the need of our nature created by God. They are the unchangeable and fundamental truths of our social life grounded on reason, well pleasing to God, healthful and sacred. God, our Father, wishes by these precepts to gather us, his children, about him as a hen shelters her brood under her wings. If we are obedient to his commands, then we are protected and preserved against the destruction with which we are menaced, just as the chicks beneath the wings of the mother. "Jerusalem, Jerusalem . . . how often have I been ready to gather thy children together, as a hen gathers her chickens under her wings; and thou didst refuse it!" Does history again repeat itself here in Germany, in our land of Westphalia, in our city of Munster? Where in Germany and where, here, is obedience to the precepts of God? The eighth commandment requires "Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor." How often do we see this commandment publicly and shamelessly broken? In the seventh commandment we read, "Thou shalt not steal." But who can say that property is safe when our brethren, monks and nuns, are forcibly and violently despoiled of their convents, and who now protects property if it is illegally sequestered and not given back? . . . The first three commandments have long counted for nothing in the public life of Germany and here also in Munster . . . The Sabbath is desecrated; holy days of obligation are secularized and no longer observed in the service of God. His name is made fun of, dishonored, and all too frequently blasphemed. As for the first commandment, "Thou shalt not have strange gods before me," instead of the One, True, Eternal God, men have created at the dictates of their whim, their own gods to adore: Nature, the State, the Nation, or the Race. In the words of St. Paul, for many their god is their belly, their ease, to which all is sacrificed down to conscience and honor for the gratification of the carnal senses, for wealth and ambition. Then we are not surprised that they should claim divine privileges and seek to make themselves overlords of life and death. Delivered August 3, 1941 at the Church of St. Lambert in Munster T4: The Nazis' Euthanasia Solution He who is bodily and mentally not sound and deserving may not perpetuate this misfortune in the bodies of his children. — Hitler, Mein Kampf Beginning in 1939, the National Socialist regime begin systematically killing disabled children in "specially designated pediatric clinics" via starvation and overdose. By the end of World War II, an estimated 5,000 infants and children had been murdered by the Nazis. The program, code-named T4, was extended to adults beginning in 1940. Physicians working for the T4 program examined medical files (seldom the institutionalized patients themselves) and marked for death disabled and mentally ill adults, in most cases without the knowledge or consent of family members. Those selected for extermination were rounded up, processed, and directed into a facility for a "disinfecting shower." Instead, the victims were gassed to death via carbon monoxide. Their bodies were cremated and the ashes sent to families with an official death certificate listing a fictitious cause of death. By 1941 the program had become public knowledge, in part because of the opposition from German clergymen, including Bishop von Galen. Hitler officially halted the adult killings, but the child program continued. In 1942 the adult killings resumed in secret and continued until the end of the war, with an ever-expanding range of victims, including the elderly, hospitalized war victims, and foreign laborers. In all, an estimated 200,000 people were executed as part of the Nazi "mercy killing" agenda. (Source: The United States National Holocaust Memorial Museum, www.ushmm.org) Joanna Bogle, a contributing editor of This Rock, is a freelance journalist, author, broadcaster, and lecturer. She is a frequent defender of Christian ideas on British television and radio. She is author most recently of The Pope Benedict Code (Gracewing 2006). ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bishop Pierre Claverie of Algeria: Patron for the dialogue of cultures  All Things Catholic by John L. Allen, Jr. Oct. 26, 2007 - A perennial temptation with saints, whether of the formally canonized variety or not, is to reduce their lives to bumper stickers. Thus Mother Teresa becomes a feel-good symbol for care of the poor and sick, Oscar Romero an icon of liberation theology, and Josemaría Escrivá the face of traditional, militant Catholicism. While each of those sound-bites may capture something, none does justice to the complex figures to whom they have become attached. In many ways, the late Bishop Pierre Claverie of Oran, Algeria, who was assassinated in 1996, and whose cause for sainthood recently opened along with 18 other martyrs of a bloody civil war that left 150,000 Algerians dead, could be a prime candidate for just such a simplification. Claverie's death was part of the carnage created by the Islamic Salvation Front, a template for radical Islamic movements elsewhere. In that context, Claverie could seem a symbol for Christian martyrdom at the hands of jihadists, a patron saint for Catholic hawks in the "clash of civilizations." This was a man, after all, fully aware of the peril that stalked him, who refused to walk away, saying, "I cannot abandon Algeria to the Islamists." On the other hand, Claverie was also a man of dialogue down to his bones; at his funeral in 1996, Algerian Muslim mourners described him as "the bishop of the Muslims too." Hence the doves could also stake a claim to his memory, as a sort of spiritual antipode to Islamophobia and the "war on terrorism." Fortunately, we have a firebreak against such reductionist readings of Claverie's life and death: the powerful new biography A Life Poured Out, written by Fr. Jean-Jacques Pérennès, a personal friend of Claverie as well as a fellow Dominican. The book has already been published in French and Arabic, and is now available in English from Orbis. In a time when discussion of Christian/Muslim relations is dominated by ideology and abstract theological debate, Claverie represents an utterly different path: a life lived as a "guest in the house of Islam," not blind to the challenges and never fuzzy about his Christian identity, but relentless in his commitment to friendship. Claverie's interest was what he called the "real, living Islam," meaning people rather than theories. Reading Pérennès' account, Claverie's legacy seems to come down to this: Only from the outside can Islam seem dominated by militants on the one hand, and Western-style progressives on the other who carry little weight in the street. For those who know Islamic societies, like Claverie, it's those in between who matter: mainstream scholars, journalists, professional groups, women's groups, ordinary parents and workers -- many devout, even traditional, Muslims, but also people of deep civility. Beyond the trauma of the present, it is with this popular Islam that hope lies, and few Catholic figures of the 20th century knew this world better, or loved it more, than Pierre Claverie. * * * Claverie was born in 1938 into a family of pieds-noirs, meaning French settlers in Algeria. His family had been in the country for four generations, so he felt himself fully Algerian. The greatest discovery of his life came in his 20s, when he realized that he had been living in what he called a "colonial bubble" -- the majority Arabs had been essentially invisible to him, serving only as backdrop, as local color. He was dismayed that his Christian upbringing had never challenged him to step out of that bubble, to see the Arabs too as his "neighbor." For the rest of his life, Claverie dedicated himself to overcoming what he called "the abyss that separates us." As a young Dominican, Claverie studied at the order's famed Le Saulchoir house of studies outside Paris from 1959 to 1967, where he encountered the work of towering French Dominican thinkers of his day such as Marie-Dominique Chenu and Yves Congar. Unlike other young priests of his generation, however, Claverie was never swept up in the revolutionary currents that would crest in the Second Vatican Council (1962-65) and later in the tumult of 1968. Instead, he was preparing what he would later call his "Algerian vocation." Claverie mastered Arabic, and while he was always a pastor rather than an academic, he also acquired a deep understanding of Islamic spirituality and history. When he returned to Algeria in 1967, the Catholic community was in many ways a shell of its former self. Most of the pieds-noirs had gone into exile in France, leaving the Catholic population dramatically reduced. In that context, Claverie and other Catholic leaders were forced to articulate a new logic for the church's presence in an Islamic society. The option he embraced might best be described as an "apostolate of friendship." "One of my principal missions in Algeria," he said, "is to establish, develop, and enrich a relationship, always, everywhere, and with everyone." Claverie's faith was that basic human solidarity would ultimately prove more powerful than theological divisions or historical resentments. "I know enough Muslim friends who are also my brothers to think that Islam knows how to be tolerant, fraternal," Claverie said. "Dialogue is a work to which we must return without pause: it alone lets us disarm the fanaticism, both our own and that of the other." Claverie was never one for fashionable, politically correct forms of inter-religious dialogue. He shunned large-scale Christian/Muslim meetings, feeling that the slogans such encounters tend to generate, such as that we are all "children of Abraham" and "people of the Book," or that we all believe in the "one God," artificially gloss over deep theological and spiritual differences. Claverie was certainly no Pollyanna when it came to the reality of the Islamist threat, frequently denouncing "the cowardice of those who kill in the shadows." His clear-eyed assessment led him into conflict with the Community of Sant'Egidio, an international Catholic movement known for its efforts in conflict resolution. In the mid-1990s, Sant'Egidio sponsored a "Rome Platform" for dialogue among the warring Algerian parties, including the extremists. Claverie and the other Algerian bishops felt betrayed, arguing that the negotiations lent legitimacy to forces butchering anyone who stood up for a non-Islamist state. They also struggled to explain to democratic activists in Algeria, who were laying down their lives to resist the Islamists, that the Sant'Egidio initiative did not represent the official position of the Catholic church. Yet for all that, Claverie staked his life on two convictions: first, that a democratic, tolerant Islamic society is possible; second, that it's better to build up alternatives than to tear down what he opposed. He worked tirelessly to foster a genuine civil society in Algeria, creating libraries for students and researchers, rehabilitation centers for the handicapped, and centers for educating women. He would not permit "our love to be extinguished despite the fury in our hearts, desiring peace and building it up in tiny steps, refusing to join the chorus of howls, and remaining free while yet in chains." Claverie understood the peril such a choice implied. "Reconciliation is not a simple affair," he wrote in 1995. "It comes at a high price. It can also involve, as it did for Jesus, being torn apart between irreconcilable opposites. An Islamist and a kafir (infidel) cannot be reconciled. So, then, what's the choice? Well, Jesus does not choose. He says, in effect, 'I love you all,' and he dies." Those words proved chillingly prophetic. Claverie was killed on Aug. 1, 1996, just two months after the brutal beheading of seven Trappist monks in Tibhirine, Algeria. He died alongside his Muslim friend and driver, Mohamed Bouchikhi, when a bomb exploded in the bishop's residence. As the two men lay dying, their blood mingled on the floor, offering a metaphor for their common humanity running deeper than differences of ethnicity, ideology and creed. In the end, Claverie offers an antidote to facile theories about Islam, of whatever sort, crafted at a distance. He was an artisan of the patient, and often painful, work of building relationships, overcoming stereotypes, and confronting painful truths with both honesty and hope. * * * On Monday, I sat down at the Dominican's Friary of St. Vincent Ferrer in New York for a conversation with Pérennès, who was in the country both to promote his book and to visit Claverie's sister, Anne-Marie Gustavson, who lives in Highstown, New Jersey, with her American husband. The full text of the interview can be found in the Special Documents section of NCRonline.org. The following are excerpts. If you could put in just a few words what we can learn about Christian/Muslim relations from the life of Bishop Pierre Claverie, what is it? I think the message is that to meet the other, to reach the other, you first have to get out of your own closed world. All of us, Christians and Muslims as well, must do this. Then, we must be able to deal with the otherness of the other. Often we are looking for what is like us in the other. We have to enjoy the difference, which means having fun, taking pleasure in difference. I think Pierre in some ways did that quite well. He had a quite personal vision of inter-religious dialogue. He was not so involved in the big events that took place after Vatican II, the great Muslim/Christian conferences in Tripoli and Tunis and so on. He thought they were often empty words, saying that we are all the "sons of Abraham." He said no, our history is a difficult one, is a wounded one. … We have to try to heal these wounded memories. In 1963, Pope John XXIII received Alexi Adjubei, the son-in-law of Soviet Premier Nikita Kruschev. A story is told about that encounter that may be apocryphal, but it nonetheless makes a point. Supposedly Adjubei was surprised by the pope's warmth and said, "But Holy Father, we have such different ideas," to which John XXIII is said to have responded, "What are ideas among friends?" I have the sense that, to some extent, that also captured the spirit of Claverie. Exactly. Pierre used to say that if you build friendship with somebody, it doesn't matter if you disagree at some stage. He was very Mediterranean. He had a great gift for friendship, for enjoying parties and being with people. He was quite social. Through this way, he was able to have really wonderful contacts, even with some traditional Muslims. So is the point that friendships must come before formal theological exchanges? Yes, because if you start with formal theological exchanges, you come very quickly to big, difficult problems. We will argue about the Trinity and other matters, which requires a lot of skills, reflection, and preparation to deal with it well. But if you start at the human level, it's different. Often Claverie would say, 'We don't have the words for dialogue yet.' So, let's start first by living together, addressing together common challenges. This is what he tried to do in his diocese, as in the other dioceses in Algeria. The aim was to build what he called 'platforms of encounter,' meaning places where people can work together on human rights, women's issues, and so on. Then you feel that you are all human beings, you come closer to each other. It will take a lot of time to really have a theological discussion. Do you believe Claverie was killed in odium fidei? Not directly. I don't think he was killed directly in odium fidei. But he was killed because the message he was carrying, which is an evangelical message, was so different from the mainstream. When you say 'I'm ready to give my life,' this comes from the gospel. In your mind, is he a martyr? Certainly. It's very clear. If you read the last texts he wrote, he knew perfectly well that he was going to be killed, and he didn't refuse this possibility. I know people with whom he talked about it. What would he say? He said, 'I don't know when it will happen, but I have to be there, I have to fulfill my mission.' Are the 19 Catholic martyrs of Algeria, in a way, representatives of a much larger group of people who have given their lives? I would say that. When Pierre was installed as bishop in Oran in 1981, we were a lot of Christians and few Muslims. When he was buried, the Muslims were the majority. Last year, in June 1996, we organized a kind of commemoration of the 10th anniversary of his death. There were 400 people over two days, mainly Muslims. For me, this is the evidence that his message is getting through. The group included young people who never met him, but they told us, 'We have heard of him and want to know who he was.' This to me shows that his choice was the right one, to be courageous until the end, like Jesus did. On the way to Jerusalem, he knew what was going to happen. His disciples said, "We are scared, you shouldn't go.' Just as I said to Pierre, 'You should protect yourself.' This was a choice he shared with many Algerians, Christian and Muslim. The fundamental problem with Sant'Egidio's Rome Platform, as Claverie and the other bishops saw it, was including the Islamic Salvation Front without any conditions, such as renouncing violence? Exactly. They were not asked at the beginning to reject violence, as a preamble to negotiations. But the FLN was also a problem. [The National Liberation Front, which has been the dominant force in Algeria since the era of the anti-colonialist movement in the late 1950s and early 1960s.] The Rome Platform focused on these two fronts, the FIS and the FLN. The bishops' friends were the people in between, people at the grassroots, small parties, people building democracy. If you play this game [with the two fronts], you forget everyone else. It's like Bush and bin-Laden, the one responding to the other. In between there are many people who trying to live together in another way. The democratic movements in Algeria were very upset with this conference taking place. Are there any broader lessons from the life and witness of Bishop Claverie that can help the church in trying to frame the moral context for a proper response to terrorism? I think his answer is that often we think there is no alternative to violence and conflict. I think his life is a way of saying, there is an alternative, there are other ways. You have to find them, maybe you have to build them, you have to build these bridges, but they do exist. Don't be naïve, but don't become trapped between these two alternatives -- resignation or violence. Build together other paths, other ways. Among his Arab friends, are their people whose hearts and minds were really changed by Claverie? Definitely. When we had this meeting last year, it was amazing to see how many people were thinking of him, showing us the letters they got from him. … I met an Algerian economist, for example. At the celebration, we had a spiritual evening. We couldn't say that it was a religious event, but it was a spiritual evening in the basement of the cathedral where he's buried. We had two choirs, one a Sufi group from Algeria and another of black African students from Taizé. They sung in Arabic and French, and there were also pictures of Claverie and readings from his texts. At the end, we all went with candles to Pierre's tomb. I found myself with a very famous Algerian economist, a Muslim. I asked him, 'What are you doing here?' He said that, 'Pierre is not only yours. He was the bishop of Oran, of all of us.' How did Claverie feel about prayer with Muslims? Would he do it? I don't think so, because in dialogue you have to have clear identities. I don't think he would be a man to say, 'We can mix everything.' He would say, 'I respect their prayer, they pray for me and I pray for them, but each of us has our own tradition.' You tell a story in your book about a Muslim who was visiting Claverie, who said he had to leave in order to make it home in time to say his prayers. Claverie insisted that he stay, telling him that he could say his prayers in the bishop's house He even told him, 'It is an honor for me today that you are praying in my home.' He was not praying with him, but he was acknowledging the possibility of somebody else having a real prayer before God. Claverie managed to combine strong identity and radical openness. He was a unique witness to this. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Irish nun found peace in the rugged red of the Kimberley 2nd September 2007, 8:45 WST At the end, it was just a few lines in a newspaper — the death of an 88-year-old woman near Beagle Bay, apparently after becoming disoriented while out for a walk. But a few lines could never do justice to the commitment of Sister Bernadette O’Connor, a Sister of St John of God who devoted her life to the care of Aboriginal people in the Kimberley. Sister Bernadette was the last of the Irish-born Sisters of St John to come to Australia as a novice or to undertake their novitiate here. These women pledged their lives to the compassionate care of others, exchanging the soft green of Ireland for the harsh red beauty of the Kimberley. The mark of their dedication remains in the people of the Kimberley and set a pattern for the sisters who followed them.   Sister Bernadette spent the last 30 years in Beagle Bay. She was determined she would die and be buried there. So she did and so she will, with her great friend, Sister Ita, who shared the journey from Ireland in 1940. Sadly, Sister Ita died from a tropical infection after just six months in the Kimberley, a blow that affected Sister Bernadette for ever.   Each day until her death, Sister Bernadette would head out for a long walk — a familiar, wiry speck of a woman always in a long-sleeved dress, always carrying a stick and always with a dog. No one was ever sure where she was going or how long she’d be.   “She didn’t like to be confined,” Sister Pat Rhatigan, Sister Bernadette’s colleague and supporter in her final years, said.   Last week, when she did not return, many of her searchers were people whose own lives had been enriched by her.   She apparently became disoriented during this final walk and died, as she had always hoped, in the country she loved so much.   In the last few years there had been no other sister to live with her at isolated Beagle Bay, but she insisted on staying, so her great Aboriginal friend Olive Dann would come to the little convent each night and stay with her. The sisters celebrate the centenary of their presence in the Kimberley this year.   Sister Bernadette was born Margaret Ellen O’Connor in Cloween, near the village of Dronmore West in County Sligo. At 20, she read about the Sisters of St John working with black babies in Australia and decided that was how she would spend her life.   The war prevented her coming to Australia so, with her friend Eileen McPartland, later Sister Ita, they entered the sisterhood at Wexford in 1939 and a year later set sail for Perth. It was another six weeks before anyone was available to take them first to Broome and then on to Beagle Bay in the back of a truck to complete their novitiate year. The two shared the adventure and undoubted hardship of this isolated life until Sister Ita’s death.   The next year, Bernadette went to Broome to continue her training and help at the Holy Child Orphanage, returning to Beagle Bay with the children when the war got too close. She returned to Broome in 1945 after making her final vows, spent years at the Derby Leprosarium, now known as Bungarun, and in the 1960s worked at Balgo, returning to Beagle Bay in the mid-70s. She also spent many years at the Lombadina Djarindjin community north of Beagle Bay, where her memory is dearly cherished.   There are 10 Sisters of St John still in the Kimberley, in Broome and Derby, continuing the selfless work of their predecessors. The order was formed in 1871 as Ireland was emerging from years of oppression and famine. At the invitation of Bishop Thomas Furlong, a group of women formed a ministry to relieve the suffering of the poor of the Wexford district and chose St John as their patron for his care of the poor.   In 1895, the group helped victims of the Goldfields typhoid epidemic. PAM CASELLAS Scullin, James Henry (1876 - 1953)                     Australia's first Catholic Prime Minister Early Life SCULLIN, JAMES HENRY (1876-1953), grocer, newspaper editor and prime minister, was born on 18 September 1876 at Trawalla, Victoria, fifth child of John Scullin, railway platelayer, and his wife Ann, née Logan, Irish Catholic migrants from Derry. James was educated at small state schools, at Trawalla in 1881-87 and at Mount Rowan, near Ballarat, until about 14, then at night school in Ballarat. He made good use of the public library, reading avidly, including Irish writers and many of the British classics. More active in the Catholic Young Men's Society than in the Australian Natives' Association, he developed debating skills, leading to a thirty year association with Ballarat's South Street Society competitions as a successful contestant and respected adjudicator. James had various part-time manual jobs in the Ballarat district until his mid-twenties. Then for ten years he ran a grocer's shop at Ballarat for James McKay & Sons. About 1903 he joined the Political Labor Council and helped in Labor's campaigning in State elections. In 1906 he was Labor's candidate for Ballarat in the Federal election against Alfred Deakin, the prime minister. He then became a political organizer for the Australian Workers' Union, helping to form branches of the P.L.C. in the western half of the State, and publicizing the Labor cause. On 11 November 1907, in St Patrick's Cathedral, Ballarat, he married Sarah Maria McNamara, a dressmaker born in Ballarat of southern Irish parentage; they had no children. Scullin won the south-west Victorian seat of Corangamite at the 1910 Federal elections, when Labor under Fisher became the first party to win a majority in both houses of parliament. Scullin quickly impressed with his abilities. He spoke frequently, on a wide range of issues, but concentrated on moves to increase the powers of the Federal parliament and on measures such as a land tax.  A Leading Opponent Of Conscription He lost Corangamite in the 1913 elections, then became, until 1922, editor of a Labor daily, the Ballarat Evening Echo. In 1916-17 he was a leading opponent of conscription. At Labor's special interstate conference in Melbourne in December 1916 he moved the motion to confirm the expulsion of all who had supported conscription for overseas military service. At the State annual conference of 1917 he spoke forcefully but unavailingly against the move to abandon Labor's commitment to compulsory military service for home defence. In 1918-19 he was president of the party's Victorian branch. At the interstate conference in Perth he persuaded delegates to maintain Labor's support for compulsory training, although that policy was later abandoned. In 1918 Scullin unsuccessfully contested a by-election for Corangamite. He became more radical and inflammatory, especially in his assessments of the war and in his support for the Irish struggle against British rule. At the Brisbane interstate conference in October 1921 he was prominent in persuading the party to adopt the socialization objective. Scullin was endorsed for Yarra and elected in 1922, following the death of F. G. Tudor. This seat he held until 1949, moving home from Ballarat to Richmond. As soon as he re-entered parliament he plunged into the controversies over the industrial legislation of the Bruce-Page government, and its changes to Federal-State financial relations, became an authority on taxation and began to voice concern over the state of the economy. In March 1927 he became deputy leader, following Frank Anstey's resignation. Scullin had mellowed on some, but not all, issues since his firebrand, pro-Irish, socialist phase of the early post-war years. Within the framework of his commitment to Labor he held other fundamental beliefs. He remained a devout Roman Catholic, some of the Church's teachings, for example Rerum novarum, influencing him on questions of social justice. An Australian nationalist, he preferred unification to the Federal system. He was a strong supporter of the White Australia policy and of high protection for manufacturing industries.  A Man of Decent Character Scullin was of medium height and trim build. He had handsome, regular features, which afforded cartoonists little scope for caricature. Several times while party leader he suffered bouts of ill health, but recovered well until the development from 1935 of serious illnesses. A busy public life left him little time to read fiction, although his interest remained. He played the violin, but was little interested in art, although his wife painted as a hobby. He was somewhat puritanical, which influenced his attitude towards literary censorship, but left him generally opposed to political censorship. His public life was studded with references, even by political enemies, to his decent character. No whisper of any scandal ever touched him, which distinguished him from some other Labor politicians. He had modest tastes. While prime minister he declined, as an economy measure, to live in the Lodge, and retained a modest home in Richmond. He was over 60 before he bought a house, at Hawthorn, which could be termed comfortable. He was a non-smoking teetotaller. He played bowls, but in adult life took little interest in other sports. In 1927 Scullin began a remarkable series of speeches attacking the government's economic policy. His arguments partly paralleled those of Edward Shann's brief, prescient The Boom of 1890—and Now. Scullin stressed the dangers in the adverse trade balance and the growing external debt and, alone among parliamentarians, gave an essentially accurate economic forecast for the coming years.  Australia's First Catholic Prime Minister On 26 April 1928 he succeeded Matthew Charlton as Labor leader. The party was in its normal state of disharmony, as left-wingers and moderates denounced each other. There were two Labor parties, said one commentator, 'sundered as widely as the poles in ideals and purposes and methods'. Scullin already had clashed with J. T. Lang and had been involved in the thankless task of trying to restore unity between hostile factions in the New South Wales branch. Despite internecine rivalries and strikes, Scullin gained eight seats at the 1928 elections. In 1929 economic troubles intensified, and strikes increased, but when the ill-judged attempt by Prime Minister Bruce to dismantle the Commonwealth arbitration system precipitated an early election, circumstances strongly favoured Scullin. On 12 October he led Labor to a sweeping victory, with 46 of the 75 full-voting seats in the lower house. He thereby became Australia's first Catholic prime minister, and the first native-born Labor prime minister. His ministry of thirteen included the deputy leader, E. G. Theodore, as treasurer. Scullin became prime minister as the New York Stock Exchange crashed, which attracted minimal attention in the Australian press, at the time more concerned with domestic economic troubles. His forecasts were being vindicated. He was appalled at the desperate state of the economy he inherited which was encumbered by debt, growing unemployment and slumping export prices. He faced various constraints in devising a policy to deal with the faltering economy. There was an established body of opinion as to what constituted sound finance. Scullin himself had wisely if unavailingly advocated 'sound' financial and economic policies in 1927-28. Orthodox views on credit expansion were held even more rigidly by Sir Robert Gibson, chairman of the Commonwealth Bank Board. The government lacked the legislative power to insist that Gibson implement its policy, for example, on credit expansion, and the size of the note issue was also restricted. Amending legislation could not be passed without the approval of the National and Country parties, for the Opposition controlled the Senate.  Scullin's first months as prime minister were dogged by a lockout of miners on the northern coalfields of New South Wales. He failed in several moves to redeem an unwise election promise by Theodore to have the mines quickly reopened, paying the wage rates stipulated by the men. When the miners were forced back to work on the employers' terms Scullin was criticized, unreasonably, for this outcome, which was the result of market forces. By the end of 1929 he had some small achievements to his credit, such as the suspension of compulsory military training. He raised tariffs on imports, abandoned the gold standard, increased social service payments and reduced assisted immigration. But the economy continued to deteriorate and by March 1930 parliament faced 'depression without parallel'. To reduce the adverse balance of trade Scullin raised tariffs further and launched a 'Grow More Wheat' campaign to increase exports. Expenditure from loan funds was cut by half during 1930, thus accentuating the fall in business activity. Difficulties in redeeming the overseas short-term debt caused Scullin to agree to a mission, led by Sir Otto Niemeyer from the Bank of England, to examine Australia's public finances. Scullin brought down his first budget on 9 July, only hours after Theodore resigned from cabinet following the release of a Queensland royal commission report which cast doubt on his probity, in that while State premier in 1922 he profited through the purchase by the government of mines at Mungana. The budget increased income tax and postal charges and introduced sales tax. Scullin planned to increase expenditure compared with 1929-30, while claiming the budget would balance.  Two Controversial Decisions In August at a special premiers' conference in Melbourne Niemeyer expounded his solution for the crisis—to reduce wage rates and government expenditure, including social service outlays. Scullin subscribed to the Melbourne agreement to balance budgets, and was denounced for so doing by Labor leaders in Sydney. As unemployment rose over 20 per cent in September argument intensified between advocates of Niemeyer's deflationary policy and those who wanted to expand credit to finance public works programmes to provide jobs for the unemployed. While argument raged over the Melbourne agreement Scullin made two more controversial decisions, to renew Gibson's term as chairman of the Commonwealth Bank Board and to attend the Imperial Conference in London. While he was absent (25 August until 6 January 1931) he secured the appointment—not without conflict with King George V—of Sir Isaac Isaacs, the first Australian-born governor-general. He claimed to have persuaded the British government to drop plans to abandon an Imperial preference tariff in favour of Australian wine, dried fruits and sugar, and was able to get Britain to agree to reduce the Commonwealth government's annual interest payments by £1.6 million. Scullin had not intended Federal parliament to sit during his absence, but it had to do so because of the constantly worsening financial crisis. On 25 October Lang, who repudiated the Melbourne agreement, won the New South Wales election, exacerbating noisy arguments in caucus between the 'inflationists' and the supporters of the Melbourne agreement. The absent Scullin supported his acting prime minister J. E. Fenton and acting treasurer J. A. Lyons, but expenditure cuts of only £1.3 million were implemented, compared with the £4 million planned by Lyons.  His Return On his return, on 26 January Scullin persuaded caucus to reinstate Theodore as treasurer. This offended Fenton and Lyons who on 4 February resigned from cabinet before joining Labor's opponents in the newly created United Australia Party. On 31 January Labor lost a Sydney by-election (Parkes) caused by (Sir) Edward McTiernan's elevation to the High Court of Australia against Scullin's wishes. In February another special premiers' conference was marked by total disagreement between Scullin and Lang over a Depression policy. Scullin supported Theodore's plan, which relied on substantial credit from the Commonwealth Bank. Lang urged the repudiation of overseas interest payments and reduction of interest to 3 per cent on government borrowings in Australia. When Lang's supporter E. J. Ward won a Federal East Sydney by-election (7 March) Scullin ruled him ineligible to join caucus as he had been returned on a State, not Federal, Labor economic policy. Ward and other Lang followers thereupon joined a group led by J. A. Beasley, a former minister, which held the balance of power in the House of Representatives. Gibson then refused to grant Scullin further credit unless he reduced pensions, which he declined to do. So the government approved a note issue of £18 million, requiring special legislation. On 27 March a federal conference of the A.L.P. expelled Lang's branch. Days later, Lang defaulted on interest due to the Westminster Bank. When Scullin paid the interest but took steps to recover the money from New South Wales, the Commonwealth Bank then had to negotiate a merger with the Government Savings Bank of New South Wales, to stem a run on its deposits. On 17 April the Senate rejected the fiduciary notes bill and the problem of meeting overseas short-term debt interest reached crisis point. Scullin attempted to ship gold to London for this purpose, but again the Senate rejected the necessary bill and he was faced either with defaulting—which he had vowed never to do—or coming to terms with the Opposition and accepting further expenditure cuts.  A Disasterous Election The result was the premiers' conference of May-June 1931, which agreed to restructure Australia's public finances on the 'equality of sacrifice' principle. Australian resident bondholders accepted a 22.5 per cent cut in their interest, and all adjustable government expenditure, including salaries and pensions, was cut by 20 per cent to help balance budgets. Lang agreed to this plan, as did the Federal Opposition, whose leaders attended some of the conference's later sessions, but it divided caucus: half Scullin's party later voted against the plan in parliament, although he persuaded both the federal executive and a special federal conference that the Premiers' Plan was essential. The Opposition kept its part of the bargain and the Senate passed legislation to authorize the shipping of gold. The plan had allowed for some expansion of Commonwealth Bank credit, but Scullin had limited success in persuading Gibson to relent. The bank released a further £2.8 million instead of the £5 million requested by Scullin, but some further credit provided a bounty on the 1931-32 wheat crop. The plan bought Scullin a few months of relative calm, an internal conversion loan was successful and interest rates continued to fall. Governments began to reduce their deficits and wool and wheat prices briefly rallied. In November Lang chose to eject the Scullin government and so remove Theodore from Federal politics: Lang's Federal supporters accused Theodore of corruption in distributing unemployment relief. Beasley demanded an inquiry. Scullin refused. So the Beasley group joined with the United Australia Party, led by Lyons, to vote Scullin out of office. Although he fought a vigorous campaign, making much use of radio, the election of 19 December was a disaster for Scullin. His party won only fourteen seats. He fared worst in New South Wales; only in Queensland was there a swing to Labor. Lyons succeeded Scullin as prime minister on 6 January 1932.  Leader of Opposition Scullin's reputation as prime minister has suffered at the hands of polemicists who ignore some of the financial problems facing him, problems not of his making. Much of the damage to the economy had been done before he entered office. Had the Bruce-Page government followed his earlier advice about curbing overseas borrowing and reducing the trade deficit Australia would have been better placed to face the world-wide economic catastrophe. Scullin had always known that a borrower nation could not afford to repudiate overseas debt obligations, but he also opposed cuts in social welfare and wages. By mid-1931 these twin aims had become incompatible, because the Commonwealth government's London creditors refused to extend further credit unless Scullin made the cuts needed to achieve a balanced budget, and because the Senate blocked his gold-shipping alternative. Scullin took deficit budgeting to the limit of what was politically possible. The Premiers' Plan was politically inevitable; as J. M. Keynes said, it 'saved the economic structure of Australia'; and it was overwhelmingly endorsed by voters at the 1931 election. Seven who had been ministers, including Theodore, lost their seats at this election. No one in caucus could challenge Scullin's leadership. As an Opposition leader he was weakened by small numbers and the battle with Lang. Scullin tried to take a middle position in the contest between Lyons and Lang which led to Lang's dismissal from office and his 1932 election defeat. Scullin welcomed the action taken by Lyons in May 1932 to allow the reserve against the note issue to be held in either sterling or gold. Thereby conservatives began to change the rules of public finance which they had adhered to rigorously while in opposition so as to coerce Scullin. He consistently defended his tariff, notably in debating the Ottawa agreement: in the event, his tariffs of 1929-31 were only marginally reduced. He deserves much of the credit for persuading Lyons to abandon a proposal in September 1932 to reduce the old-age pension from 17s. 6d. to 15s. a week. A year later he objected to Lyons reducing taxation in preference to increasing pensions. He heavily emphasized banking reform, making this the centrepiece of his election campaign in 1934. Although he did not advocate bank nationalization, in speeches and articles he urged major changes in the banking system to bring it under firm government control. Mainly at his instigation the federal Labor conference in 1933 adopted as an objective 'complete control of banking and credit … in the hands of the people'.  World War II Much of Scullin's time was occupied with the unpleasant task of trying to reconcile the two Labor parties in New South Wales. No progress had been made by the Federal election of 1934, which was a more crushing disappointment to Scullin than its predecessor. His party gained four seats, but its share of the vote fell slightly. Scullin's health was failing, and he did not take part in a crucial by-election (Newcastle) in June 1935 which marked the beginning of Federal Labor's resurgence in New South Wales. On 1 October he resigned the leadership to John Curtin. In the remaining pre-war years Scullin stayed in the background, rarely speaking in parliament. He made his biggest impact in persuading the government to expand the scope of the Commonwealth Literary Fund. A member of its committee, he assessed manuscripts for possible fund support. Scullin strongly endorsed the Menzies government's decision to go to war in September 1939. He had much to say about war finance and probably could have gained a portfolio in Curtin's cabinet, had he wanted. He occupied an office between Curtin and J. B. Chifley. He helped in various capacities, for example, as chairman, from April 1942, of the Press Advisory Committee on Censorship. Early in 1942 he was one of the three-member Commonwealth committee on uniform taxation. Following this committee's report, widely differing State taxes on income were replaced by a uniform Federal tax; Scullin made some of the most important contributions to the debate in May 1942 on the four requisite bills. Although ill, he attended a caucus meeting on 9 December 1942 to help Curtin to defeat a move by A. A. Calwell to overturn the government's conscription plan.  Last Years In 1943-44, after recovering from serious illness, Scullin was a member of a joint parliamentary committee which recommended the 'pay-as-you-earn' system of income tax collection, which was quickly accepted by parliament. He was active in the 1946 election campaign and thereafter Chifley entrusted him with a few minor tasks. After his last parliamentary speeches on 8 May 1947 he was usually absent ill until he retired in December 1949. In 1951 an Australian Industries Development Association fund raised nearly £4400 in recognition of Scullin's work while prime minister in protecting Australian industries. It increased his financial assets by one half, and he invested most of it in Australian companies. Survived by his wife, Scullin died on 28 January 1953. He was given a state funeral and was buried in Melbourne General cemetery: Archbishop Mannix presided at a requiem Mass in St Patrick's Cathedral. Over his grave a tall granite Celtic cross was erected, on behalf of the Australian labour movement. His portrait by W. B. McInnes hangs in Parliament House, Canberra. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- To love without measure - Father Luis Ruiz    By Greg Manning The measure of love is to love without measure. St Augustine In China,   thousands of lepers and their families   are being   cared for, and are finding hope and love, through the work of a remarkable man. He is Father Luis Ruiz, a Jesuit priest, who treks about the Chinese mainland finding colonies of lepers eking out an existence without the most basic necessities. To this day, there remains a gut fear of leprosy which often prevents sufferers from receiving adequate medical attention. As well as suffering the physical deformity and sensory deprivation of the disease, lepers are effectively exiled from society, wounded psychologically and emotionally. Statistics are cold-blooded counters that say nothing of the love that is the stock in trade of the men and women committed to caring for these least of   our brethren. Nonetheless the statistics are impressive: • Over 8000 patients cared for in 139 centres; the families and children of many of the lepers are also ministered to; • Fifteen roads built, 17 schools, 5 bridges; • Seven mobile clinics manned and operated; • Twenty-five systems for clean drinking water established; 21 systems for electricity. Countless tragic cases can be cited, each with its own unique burden of sadness. Sam Qui Heng, who is now 70, contracted leprosy at the age of six. His mother, who clearly could not cope, began abusing him, calling him names, sometimes hitting him, and always blaming him for his condition. When his younger sister died of an unrelated illness, his mother blamed him for her death. He discovered that she intended to bury him with his sister in a cave and he ran away. Some months later, at the age of seven, begging on the streets, he was found by government authorities and sent to the isolated island leprosarium of Tai Kam. He never left. This little boy and others like him were abandoned to the care of strangers as crippled and wounded as they themselves. Leprosy can now be healed, but the people in the care of Father Luis, and the men and women working with him,   have long been devastated by the disease and ostracised by society as effectively as any leper Christ was likely to come across. Where did it all start? In 1984, Father Luis Ruiz received a letter from a Chinese priest, Father Lino Wong, who had been released from prison. On returning to his parish in Guandong Province Father Lino had become aware of the appalling living conditions of nearby lepers and he sought Father Luis’ help. The following year Father Luis travelled to the leprosarium on the island of Tai Kam. There were over 200 lepers in that place and their living conditions were very bad—no clean drinking water, no electricity, houses falling apart. Father Luis immediately began providing financial assistance to the lepers and, finally, with the approval of the local government and health authorities, he rebuilt the leprosarium. Health authorities in other regions saw the work being done in Tai Kam and invited Father Luis to help with their leprosariums. By 1994 he was working full-time with people suffering from leprosy and their families. He says,   ‘Nothing is happier than to make people happy’. Who is this man? Father Luis was born in 1913, in Asturias, Spain. He joined the Jesuits in 1930. In 1941 he began missionary work in China, was interrupted by the war, and resumed after the war. He was imprisoned when the Communists took control of China and, after a brief period, was expelled from the country.  Still recovering from typhoid contracted in prison, he was told by his Provincial to stay in Macau, at the time a Portuguese colony, until he was well. He never left. Within a month he was working with refugees. By the time China reclaimed Macau from Portugal in 1969, it is estimated that Father Luis had been instrumental in sheltering over 30,000 refugees. Between 1970 and 1976 Father Luis opened and operated Caritas Macau. He established five centres to care for the aged and for young men and women with mental disabilities. During that time he enlisted the help of the Sisters of Charity of St Anne, who have since played an important part in caring for the lepers. Father Luis is high in his praise of the Sisters. He says they have   made many things possible. By 1994 his work with the lepers was overwhelming and he handed the Caritas operation back to the diocese of Macau so that he could devote himself totally to   working with   lepers. In 2005 Father Luis accepted an offer from the   government of Hunan Province to set up an HIV/AIDS Centre. With the help of the Sisters, in April 2005 the HIV/AIDS Caring Centre was established in Hongjian situated on the upper Yuan River. Two doctors who specialise in HIV/AIDS treatment visit the centre and are on call in case of emergencies. Where to now? The organisation in Macau that has developed to cope with this work among lepers, and now HIV/Aids patients, is known as Casa Ricci Social Services. Father Luis is the current Director. The Society of Jesus is   planning for the future of the work and Father Luis is being shadowed by three Jesuits, ensuring its continuance. The work is vital. Many of the lepers are without limbs, some are blind, many have wounds that will never heal. Often HIV/AIDS sufferers contract the disease from contaminated medical equipment when   they sell their blood to meet the cost of   most basic family needs. Father Luis and his Jesuit colleagues, with the Sisters, make it possible for these people to live with dignity and with hope. Father Luis says, ‘Our Father in heaven has provided for a people in need. I always had to rely on God's help. I cannot explain otherwise how we managed economically through all the years’. Local government agencies provide some financial assistance for each patient, for living and medical expenses. Friends of Father Luis from many countries make up the shortfall that keeps the work going. He says, ‘It is very funny now because   I was never worried about the money’. Obviously, God was, and is, because the demands on Father Luis and his colleagues are continuous and increasing. If in a very practical way you would like to be part of this extraordinary work, please send your tax deductible donation to Father Steve Curtin SJ, Jesuit Mission, PO Box 193, North Sydney, NSW 2059, or call in to the office at 31 West Street, North Sydney. Please make sure to mention that the donation   is intended for the work of Father Luis Ruiz with lepers and   AIDS sufferers in China. Father Luis knows everyone who supports his work and prays for them constantly. (This article is based on reports written by Derek Boylan and Jamie O'Brien who went to China for the Perth Record and is informed by letters received from Father Luis by a group of Sydney supporters.)            Out of Virtue, Greatness: Washington as Aristotle's Magnanimous Man  Dr. Jose Yulo | July 4, 2007 "Of all the advantages that accrue from philosophy, these I reckon the chiefest. To bear prosperity like a gentleman is the mark of a man, to deprecate envy the mark of a disciplined character, to rise superior to pleasure by reason the mark of a sage, to govern anger the mark of an extraordinary man. But perfect men I regard as those who are able to mingle and fuse political capacity with philosophy." -- Plutarch "In Aristotelian terms, the good leader must have ethos, pathos and logos. The ethos is his moral character, the source of his ability to persuade. The pathos is his ability to touch feelings, to move people emotionally. The logos is his ability to give solid reasons for an action, to move people intellectually." -- Mortimer Adler In every human generation, especially in times when the national identity is rent by factions and foes within and without, it becomes common practice to turn to the august dawn of a people's founders. Few, if any, of this particular nation's early leaders match the awe with which history accords to the first American President, George Washington. Deemed by historians America's Cincinnatus, Washington's life and actions uncannily emulated the early Roman statesman's classic virtue. After serving as one of republican Rome's consuls, Cincinnatus was called on not once, but twice to the office of dictator. The position then was radically different from the modern usage of the term. In essence, it was an emergency, temporary office, during which one man could deal, with streamlined efficiency, with the threats that beset his city. Cincinnatus, apart from his successes in this office, was most noted by the historian Livy for what he did after victory was won, returning near absolute power and retiring to a quiet farming life shortly thereafter. In his recent book Revolutionary Characters (Penguin, 2006), Brown University historian Gordon S. Wood wrote of Washington's parallel to the tale by Livy. In contrast to lesser political figures both ancient and modern, Washington did not feel the need to embellish upon his reputation. Quoting from a French source, Wood recounted that the general "...speaks of the American War, and of his victories, as of things in which he had no direction. This modesty only added to his gravity and severity." No act was perhaps as symbolic of Washington's fabled "disinterested" virtue than the surrender of his sword to Congress shortly following the official cessation of the Revolutionary War in December of 1873. Wood related the magnitude of such observance of duty: "It was extraordinary; a victorious general's surrendering his arms and returning to his farm was unprecedented in modern times. Cromwell, William of Orange, Marlborough--all had sought political rewards commensurate with their military achievements." What struck me about Wood's analysis of the nation's first leader was the particular way in which Washington's character affected the above-mentioned mystique of his decisions and actions. As Wood put it, "Washington's genius, Washington's greatness, lay in his character." The President can, as Wood posited, lay claim to being the United States' first national, if not classical, hero by virtue of this. It is in inspecting this classical character that one sees not only the rustic nobility of republican Roman duty and sacrifice, but trappings from another foundation of Western civilization. The Greek age, which followed the Peloponnesian War and preceded Alexander's attempts at Hellenization, featured particularly robust and profound thought on the nature of a virtuous character. Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle each took up the burden of delineating the parameters of rectitude in an epoch between two tumultuous periods of war and conquest. These periods saw Greece's famed standards of moderation and right willingly abandoned by its citizens--citizens frenzied with fraternal strife on one hand and corrupted by foreign decadence on the other. Aristotle, being the last of this philosophical generation, laid down his observations on the topic of virtue and character in his Nichomachean Ethics. In what ways do the great Greek philosopher's findings parallel Wood's analysis of Washington's character? First, and not coincidentally, the ideal Aristotle wrote of which most conformed to the paradigm set forth by Washington was that of the "proud," "great-souled," or "magnanimous" man. One of the telltale characteristics of the magnanimous man--a man Aristotle felt deserved the highest of all prizes--was his oftentimes haughty and aloof nature, "Hence proud men are thought to be disdainful." Aristotle explained the purpose of this reticence as a response to the perpetually transitory travails of life, travails prone to buckle lesser men to unseemly displays of emotion and abandon. Likewise, Washington bore his considerable gravitas buttressed by walls of stoic stone. As Wood wrote, "Despite the continued popularity of Parson Weems's biographical attempt to humanize Washington, the great man remained distant and unapproachable, almost unreal and unhuman." Wood described this otherworldly ethos as incomprehensible to modern sensibilities. It is not too far a stretch to assume it awed the President's contemporaries as well. Ultimately, this was traced by the historian to Washington's being a product of the "pre-egalitarian world of the eighteenth century," a century which lionized exalted military stature and reputation. As Aristotle was a philosopher who emphasized the metaphysical concept of purpose, this ideal is also woven throughout his ethical study. The magnanimous man then, above all other things, sought out honor as his purpose and end: "It is chiefly with honours and dishonours, then, that the proud man is concerned..." Within this spectrum, the magnanimous man grew conscious of precisely where and from whom he received his honors. Since he occupied a solitary, elevated pedestal by virtue of his stature, he could not welcome honors and praise from peers. Yet, he did accept accolades from "good men" since "they have nothing greater to bestow on him." In contrast, the magnanimous man directly, or indirectly sought to foster hierarchical relationships by disdaining "honour from casual people and on trifling grounds." Washington, like most of his contemporaries, was concerned with this Aristotelian end. "Honor was the esteem in which they were held..." Wood explained, "To have honor across space and time was to have fame, and fame was what the founders were after, Washington above all." Because of his accomplishments, Washington was the first of the founding generation to achieve this vaunted status. Nevertheless, he carefully cultivated his image. According to Wood, it was this selfsame concern which finally pushed a reluctant Washington to attend the Philadelphia Convention of 1787: "What finally convinced Washington...was the fear that people might think he wanted the government to fail so that he could then manage a military takeover." In this, the then general exhibited his Aristotelian disdain for "trifling grounds." What makes this most remarkable was that for Washington, the seeking of power was somehow beneath and the antithesis of his classical reputation. Centuries before, Machiavelli would instruct his patron prince that power should be seen as the ultimate good, or end to political practice. Most modern (and postmodern thought), subsisting in the vacuum created by the renunciation of virtue, is given to this utilitarian dictum. Yet, here is Washington, schooled in fine Greek form, viewing power as Aristotle viewed it, "Power and wealth are desirable for the sake of honour..." As the logic follows, this perspective of lowering power beneath honor seems only possible when virtue, or goodness, is part of the rich fabric of a leader's identity. Aristotle stated as much when he elaborated on the magnanimous man's moral state: "Now the proud man...must be good in the highest degree; for the better man always deserves more, and the best man most." Considering current political thought, this Greek ideal appears more distant than the millennia already allow. As stated already, power in contemporary politics is seen as an end, therefore its attainment is paramount, and often at the expense of virtue. Aristotle reminds his reader of an alternative, a more real and natural relationship--that of the glory gained not by winning power, but by serving virtue. Countless despots in the dusty annals of world history have sought to be great men. What made Washington unique was that he became a great man while not abandoning being a good man. Long before the stirrings of the abolitionist movement awoke New England, Washington the Virginian foresaw slavery's end. According to Wood, "By the time he returned to Mount Vernon at the end of the war, he had concluded that slavery needed to be abolished ... because it violated everything the Revolution was about." This may not surprise historians as much as the lay public since Washington had already displayed an open mindedness towards race in his having "led a racially integrated army composed of as many a five thousand African American soldiers." What does surprise was the sentiment behind the general's views toward slavery, views which deviated starkly from the merely political. During his presidency in 1794, Washington mulled over liberating "a certain species of property which I possess, very repugnantly to my own feelings." Going beyond a flawed, politically correct analysis of such turn of phrase, one has to wonder as to why the President felt so. Over sixty years before the Dred Scott case recognized African Americans as non-citizens, the most powerful man in the nation privately, and we can only assume honestly, was asserting the injustice of slavery. This feeling can perhaps be best explained by a sense of virtue within the President, virtue which enabled him to see the vice inherent in bondage, and which prodded him to act on his conviction. Six months before his death, Washington in the writing of his will, laid provisions to free his three hundred slaves at the point of his wife's passing. In this action, Wood stressed "he did not just throw his slaves out into the world." Instead, Washington made clear that juvenile and elderly slaves ought to be provided for by means of literacy, and vocational training. For all of these reasons, Washington appears closer and closer to the Aristotelian ideal, as he does to the republican Roman. It should not go unmentioned here that Aristotle was no champion of abolition himself, believing that some men were by their natures slaves. Yet the Greek, like his predecessors Socrates and Plato, saw that the most pathetic form of slavery was when one was without virtue, and thus a slave to himself. Washington certainly did not fall into this category. What is almost tragic however, in an almost Greek paradigm, was how Wood related the legacy of the founding generation, most especially Washington. This generation "had succeeded only too well in promoting democracy, and equality among ordinary people; indeed, they succeeded in preventing any duplication of themselves." Poetically following in the footsteps of their revered heroes such as Socrates, Cicero, and Cato, men who achieved greatness because of their virtue, the founders leave to future generations gifts and examples seldom understood or worse, unappreciated. None here match the ethos of Washington, "an extraordinary man who made it possible for ordinary men to rule." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Elgar: Enigmatic Catholic Stephen Hough   2 June 2007 Elgar's music is often regarded as the epitome of Englishness, with all its Protestant pomp. But the circumstances of his faith, received from his mother who converted to Catholicism a few years before the composer was born, remain a riddle wrapped in mystery The external facts of Elgar's Catholic life are straightforward enough. It all began, appropriately, with St George, the patron saint of England, and, more specifically, with the Catholic church which bears his name in Worcester. In 1846 William Elgar, a man-about-town who ran the music shop and tuned pianos, took the job as organist at St George's. In 1848 he married Anne Greening, who, in 1852, after accompanying her husband to church regularly on Sundays, decided to convert to Catholicism, although William remained an agnostic until his deathbed conversion. In 1857 Edward was born and was baptised at St George's. From 1863 to 1872 he attended small Catholic schools in the area where the education was good but probably quite narrow. He left school aged 15 and began to assist his father at St George's, arranging and writing music for the choir. Worcester Cathedral was close by and he often attended services and concerts there, even though this would have been discouraged by Catholic discipline at the time. In 1879 he read Emile Zola's novel L'Assommoir, published two years earlier, and gave its title to a set of five quadrilles he had written. This would be of no special interest except that all of Zola's writings were to end up on the Vatican's Index of Forbidden Books by 1898 and he would certainly have been under suspicion when Elgar was reading him. Perhaps we see here already a certain spirit of independence from the traditional views, which Elgar would have received in his education at school and church. In 1885 he took over as organist at St George's, and in 1886 he began to give lessons to Alice Roberts. In 1887 Alice's mother died and Elgar lent her his well-worn and annotated copy of The Dream of Gerontius, by Newman. In 1888 Elgar became engaged to Alice, to the outrage of her well-to-do relatives. One of her aunts actually wrote her out of her will in objection to her association with this penniless musician, the son of a tradesman and a Catholic. They married at the Brompton Oratory in 1889 in a Catholic ceremony but not a Nuptial Mass, as Alice was still a Protestant and not able to take communion. In 1890 their only daughter, Carice, was born and was baptised at Brook Green. In 1893 Alice was received into the Catholic Church at St George's in Worcester. To move to examine the internal Catholic life of Elgar (and its apparent collapse) is as problematic as it would be to look inside anyone's soul. He did not talk very much about his personal faith or lack of it, but we can gather a few clues from some of his letters and from the background to his most Catholic work. In 1892, in a touching letter Elgar wrote to the children of some friends during a Bavarian holiday, he had taken up a third of the text enthusing about the folk-Catholicism he found there: "No Protestants ... church open all day ... workmen carrying their rosaries ... bells ringing at the elevation [in the Mass] at which people in the streets take off their hats and make the sign of the Cross ... crucifixes on the roadsides ... stations of the Cross ... chapels to the blessed virgin ...". By 1899 he had had his first major success with the Variations on an Original Theme, op. 36. Each of its movements had been headed with the "enigma" of some initials representing the names of his closest friends. His next large-scale work, the choral masterpiece, The Dream of Gerontius, op. 38, had just one set of bold letters at its head: A.M.D.G. (Ad Majoriam Dei Gloriam). Curiously, Dvorák had been invited by the Birmingham Festival in the late 1880s to set Newman's poem to music, but it was deemed to be too controversial. When Elgar was commissioned by the same festival in 1900, he suggested the same text - a daringly provocative gesture, and a significant risk for a young English composer receiving his first important commission on the back of his first big success. England was a deeply Protestant country, and such a subject choice would be a little like selecting a Talmudic text for an Islamic festival commission. Yet Elgar went ahead with total disregard for any censure or disfavour, making it hard to believe that the words had no religious meaning for him at this time, especially as he was aware, and had complained, that his faith was an impediment to his career. At the suggestion by his publisher, Jaeger, that there was too much "Joseph and Mary" about the work, he replied: "Of course it will frighten the low-church party but the poem must on no account be touched! Sacrilege and not to be thought of... It's awfully curious the attitude (towards sacred things) of the narrow English mind." Yet only weeks after its disastrous premiere he would write to Jaeger: "Providence denies me a decent hearing of my work: so I submit - I always said God was against art & I still believe it ... I have allowed my heart to open once - it is now shut against every religious feeling & every soft, gentle impulse for ever." Although this sounds more like a temper tantrum than a reasoned rebellion against belief, it does suggest that his Catholicism was not deep-rooted and was more cultural than creedal. It also appears to mark the beginning of a walk away from the Church, and of a black, depressive mood that would overshadow his emotional life until the end. The death of his mother in 1902 - the woman who had first brought Catholicism into the family and who had been his comfort and solace during earlier times of crisis - might have made it easier for him to express his religious doubts more openly as the years passed. Although after reading Shaw's Man and Superman in 1904 he could still write to Arthur Troyte Griffith: "Bernard Shaw is hopelessly wrong, as all these fellows are, on fundamental things: amongst others they punch Xtianity (sic) & try to make it fit their civilisation instead of making their civilisation fit It." Nevertheless, revealing references continue to pop up in letters mentioning Alice or Carice being at church whilst he remained at home. We only know what a person tells us, and Elgar's petty rant against God to Jaeger quoted above, reflecting more on his mood than on his mind, could never have been enough to tip the balance. But I think there is a telltale clue in his use of the word "Providence": a view of God as Fate rather than Father. In addition, his search for lost innocence, about which Michael Kennedy writes, is a further, false Christian vision. Such a search is always for our innocence - a vague phantom from some distant past that never really existed. Christianity's essence is the discovery in the present that such an innocence does not actually matter; it has been replaced by the innocence of Christ as a gift to be received, not searched for. Elgar's next big choral work after Gerontius was written as a result of a commission from the 1903 Birmingham Festival, and it has been suggested by Byron Adams that the research Elgar undertook in the composition of The Apostles (and, later, The Kingdom), might have been an element in the unsettling of his faith. He read many modern scripture scholars and consulted two Anglican clergymen, and it is certain that some of the books on Elgar's desk would also have been on the Vatican's Index. Catholic biblical scholarship at the time lagged far behind, and erroneous teachings, such as the single authorship by Moses of the first five books of the Bible, the authorship by St Paul of the "Letter to the Hebrews", and the authenticity of the extra verses in chapter five of the First Letter of St John, were only to be challenged under pain of sin. An increasing siege mentality had taken hold after the dismantling of the Papal States in 1870 left the Pope a "prisoner" in the Vatican Palace. By the early years of the twentieth century a witch-hunt of theologians and priests suspected of Modernism was taking place. Indeed, London was an important centre in this controversy. Elgar must have been aware of these controversies, and his research at the time could well have led him to distrust the absolute veracity of certain Catholic doctrine. In later life Elgar's move away from religious belief seems to have been even more determined. To George Bernard Shaw, with whom he established a fond friendship, he was reputed to have wished that the "nots" of the commandments could be inserted into the creed; and on his deathbed he refused to see a priest and asked for his cremated ashes to be scattered by a favourite river rather than receive a Catholic burial. His frustration regarding the commandments and creed can be seen in some ways as a profoundly Christian reflex. Christ removed some "nots" from the commandments of his time and manifested a great intolerance of unnecessary rules and laws, which he described as heavy burdens on people's backs that religious leaders refused to help lift. Some Catholic canon law can be  as complex and arcane as anything condemned by Christ in the Gospels; and the quip, "The Italians make the rules, the Irish keep them", is a rueful reflection on the state of scrupulosity that had made its way into the bloodstream of Christianity, especially in the Northern countries, amongst both Catholics and Protestants. This way of thinking created a religious atmosphere, a repressive and reactionary fog, with which someone of Elgar's background and generation would have been familiar. The average Englishman in the first half of the twentieth century would have found the clean-cut "churchiness" of The Kingdom much more to his taste than the Dream's agony and ecstasy. But I have a feeling that today this is a shrinking group. It is not just that the narrative sweep of Newman's poem gives Gerontius a dramatic shape that is lacking in the set-piece tableaux of the two biblical oratorios; but the inner drama of creative conviction seems to be missing too. The Catholic candles and incense have been removed, but so too has the flame that set them alight in the first place. Much has been written in speculation as to why Elgar did not finish his projected trilogy of "apostolic" oratorios. Although it is clear he wanted to write a symphony and to explore more abstract forms, this is not reason enough. It is surely more likely that he simply lost interest in a subject about which he could only write music from his heart or not at all. Gerontius is carried along with the fervour of faith, flushed with the pride of identity and belonging. But by the mid-years of the Edwardian reign Elgar's passions had found new creative outlets: regret at the disappearance of the Victorian England and its culture which he loved, and a new, engrossing attachment to a new Alice - Lady Alice Stuart Wortley. These were to inspire the works written after he reluctantly, and agonisingly, managed to put the finishing touches to The Kingdom in 1906. Ironically the final "touch" was probably to write at the top of the score those same letters, A.M.D.G., which had been chosen for Gerontius. Was this merely a formula by now, or the flickering, dying embers of faith? Whichever, it remains an enigma that only the composer could solve. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Journey to the East: the Jesuit mission to China, 1579-1724 Liam Matthew Brockey The Belknap Press of Harvard, £22.95 Reviewed by Simon Scott Plummer 3 May 2007 This is an admirable piece of scholarly research into one of the most challenging missionary endeavours ever undertaken. The title is the mirror image of the journey to the West made in the seventh century by the monk Xuanzang and later immortalised in the novel Monkey. Xuanzang went to India in search of Buddhist scriptures. The goal of the Jesuits, inspired by St Francis Xavier, was no less than the conversion of China, then the world's greatest empire, to Christianity. The task was daunting in more ways than one. First, there was the voyage from Lisbon to Macau on board the Portuguese carracks, a passage both protracted and perilous; one scholar has estimated that only about half the missionaries survived this ordeal and that many of those who did died shortly after reaching China. Then there was the language, with its thousands of ideographs and its confusing terms, at least to Christian ears, for concepts such as God, angels and soul; the latter led to serious differences within the Society, even pushing one member to commit suicide. Having survived the voyage and mastered the language, the Jesuits were faced, in a vast mission field, with a shortage of financial resources and personnel. It says much for their organisational skills that a handful of foreign priests were able to maintain a Christian community which at the beginning of the eighteenth century is estimated to have numbered 200,000, more than half of them in Shanghai and the surrounding coastal region, and that this community continued to function during periods when the priests had to lie low. Such success attracted other proselytisers to China's shores: first the Mendicant Franciscan and Dominican friars, then the Vicars Apostolic of the Société des Missions Etrangères de Paris, a reflection of the shift of temporal power in Europe from the Portuguese monarchy to France under Louis XIV. The Sun King even appointed five Jesuits as "Mathématiciens du Roy" and charged them with establishing an academic outpost in Peking. The use of science and technology was one of the chief means by which the Portuguese-backed Jesuits hoped to gain favour at court and secure political protection for their fledgling Christian communities. The instruments used by the Fleming Ferdinand Verbiest to calculate the imperial calendar can be seen on the old walls of the capital today. If astronomy was the area where the Society achieved its greatest prominence under the Ming and Qing dynasties, it also sought the favour of the mandarinate through philosophy, mathematics, diplomacy, music and painting. Treating with the throne may have been the only way into the Middle Kingdom. But it left its practitioners vulnerable to shifts in political fortune. The Society first experienced this in 1616, when it was denounced by Shen Que, a vice-minister, for subversion, and its members were expelled from the two imperial capitals, Peking and Nanjing. A further blow came in 1664, when Yang Guangxian, an acquaintance of Muslim astronomers whose dismissal had been obtained by the German Jesuit Johann Adam Schall, accused the missionaries of treason and secured an order of expulsion; fortunately for them, it was not carried out. Ironically, the final blow to the Jesuits in China came via the institution to whose cause their order was dedicated- the papacy. Rome wanted to break the Portuguese monopoly over Asian Catholicism. Clement XI's instrument for asserting his authority was the Torinese Carlo Tomasso Maillard de Tournon. In his first audience with the Emperor Kangxi, he refused to accept his host's wish that a national missionary administrator be appointed from among the Jesuits. In the second, the two men fell out over the Chinese Rites, or doctrinal terms, which the emperor had approved. In 1706, Kangxi decreed that all missionaries must obtain a licence for their activities and accept the Chinese Rites, facing the Jesuits with the moral dilemma of whether to obey Emperor or Pope. A year after Kangxi died in 1723, his successor, Yongzheng, included the Tianzhu jiao, or Teachings of the Lord of Heaven, among "perverse sects and sinister doctrines". The Jesuits were expelled and their buildings seized. They maintained a minimal presence in China for another 50 years but the days of great missionary enterprise were over. These are the highlights of a story many of whose features will be familiar to readers. But an equally fascinating part of this book are the chapters devoted to the Jesuits' evangelising methods. Historical fascination with the relationship between the imperial court and such figures as Matteo Ricci has obscured the fact that most converts were ordinary folk living in the provinces. An assistant professor of history at Princeton University, Liam Brockey has drawn on archives in the Biblioteca da Ajuda in Lisbon and the Archivum Romanum Societatis Jesu in Rome to paint an extraordinarily detailed picture of a mission which started in 1579 with the summoning of Michele Ruggieri to China, and was dealt a mortal blow by the proscription of Christianity 145 years later. The Jesuits' reluctance to ordain Chinese priests stemmed, Brockey believes, from a wish to maintain their group identity and a fear that indigenous clergy might infringe the discipline of the order. This made them rely on groups of lay men and women to form the building-blocks of the mission Church. The Society brought its organisational methods from Europe and grafted them on to a culture where hui, or associations, both religious and secular, were already common. Thus Marian sodalities, charitable confraternities and penitential brotherhoods were formed. In their evangelising efforts, the Jesuits found that children, with their quick memorising of prayers and ritual gestures, played an important role in bringing others in their families to Christ. In this masterly survey, Brockey strips the China mission of any pious fancy. We are shown the political manoeuvring between priests and the imperial court, between different nationalities within the Society itself and between the Society and Rome. There are those who will argue that these seemingly worldly pre-occupations inevitably led to the proscription of 1724. Yet the scale of the challenge and the ingenuity shown by a handful of men in meeting it reinforces one's admiration for the Society of Jesus. This is no hagiography but an elegantly clear exposition of a tremendous missionary undertaking. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tanzania's school of hope  By Adele O'Hare Helping to lift Africa out of poverty appeals to the idealist in many of us. But for Gemma Sisia, a teacher from regional Australia, it's real life. She spoke to Adele O'Hare about how she is changing the lives of hundreds of school children in east Africa. "It's a very romantic idea, setting up a medical centre or an orphanage or a school, but the nuts and bolts of it, on the ground, is extremely hard," she said. "If Africa was easy to solve, then it would have been solved a long time ago." Sisia's method for fighting poverty is education. In February 2002, she set up the School of St Jude in northern Tanzania with a handful of children. The school is funded through donations from people around the world and caters for the brightest, poorest children. A devout Catholic, Sisia named the school after the patron saint of hopeless causes, whom she now sees as a real person helping her and the school when they desperately need funding or good luck. She's recently written a book, St Jude's, about her life and her experiences in setting up the school. Born Gemma Rice in Guyra in country New South Wales, she founded the school after working as a volunteer teacher in Uganda and falling in love with a Tanzanian man, Richard Sisia. She married him despite opposition at the time from most of her conservative Catholic family, and they now have two young sons. Richard's father gave Gemma the first piece of land on which Australian volunteers built the first classrooms. Sisia had no mentor or organisation behind her when she set about fundraising, building and hiring teachers, but she says she is glad she did it all herself. "'I think that's why we're really succeeding over there," she said. "There are a lot of NGOs or big organisations that come in and the people on the ground don't have the flexibility to change how things are run according to how things are in that particular area. "So I was really lucky because I don't have a whole lot of people in Australia telling me what to do, and that has made a lot of difference. "I have a lot of friends who are working for big NGOs and they are just so hands behind their back and they're saying, 'Look my boss in America is telling me to do this but he's never even stepped foot into Africa and it just is not working'. "Whereas we can change our builders, our staffing, our systems, our processes... and I think that is a big reason why we're so successful and we're still there." Steep learning curve Sisia says only one in 20 NGOs working in Africa manage to stay on and make a difference. Learning the hard way has been a life-changing experience, she says. "I've become much harder, much more adaptable than I was before, willing to try new things much more than I was before, a better problem solver," she said. She says she was naive when she arrived in Africa with big ideas and was a target for con artists as a white female foreigner, but is much tougher and more respected by the locals these days. "Your whole way of looking at things changes, you've sort of got to think five steps ahead," she said. "Before I do something, [I think] 'Okay, what possible ways could I get ripped off?' so it's a survival thing I suppose." After many hiccups along the way, Sisia is now the director of a school of almost 900 poor children in grades one to six, all of whom receive free education. She says the oldest group's results in the end-of-year regional exams speak for themselves. "We had an extra hundred kids doing the exam so it was so much harder on the teachers, but they got an average of 90 per cent for the exam - amazing," she said. "They worked really hard, these kids were coming in on Saturdays and over the holidays, they were determined to do well because they knew that there were an extra hundred of them compared to the year before, and they know that our fundraising and donations depend on our results. "So they all know their duty. Their job is to perform well and show people around the world that they're appreciative of the support, and then the support will continue on. They know how the system works." Entrance rules Sisia says the school has a very strict entrance policy and takes only about seven children out of 1,400 applications received each week. "The kids have to be very bright or driven, maybe they come consistently to the entrance test, just keep coming, or just intelligent, something that sets them apart," she said. "Then they have to be really, really poor. So to find the child that is really driven and academically brilliant, natural intellect, and also extremely poor, the poorest of the poor, that's a really hard combination to get." She says the school means everything to the students, whose education can help their families out of poverty in the long term, but it is not widely known outside of the local area. "We can drive to Nairobi and no-one knows what the School of St Jude is, but that's okay because you just focus on the individual and that keeps you surviving," she said. "Focus on the kids, on the staff, and indirectly, yes, all their families and indirectly all the people whose food we're buying to keep the school alive and all the builders whose families we're helping and keeping in work and that's what you focus on." Sisia says she doesn't have any big ideas of changing all of Africa but sees her work with the school as important. "Because a lot of people say Africa's such a hopeless case, and it probably is," she said. "For a couple of my kids who've got brilliance, I don't think they're hopeless cases, but the situation where they're living is a hopeless case." And for Sisia, that's where St Jude comes in. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The intrepid explorer had more to say than "Dr Livingstone, I presume".  Stanley: The Impossible Life of Africa’s Greatest Explorer By Tim Jeal Faber & Faber | 496 pages | ISBN-13: 978-0571221028 | £25 ImageMany people, I suspect, only know of Sir Henry Morton Stanley because of his dramatic meeting with another explorer, David Livingstone, in the heart of the "dark Continent" and for his supposed address on that occasion: "Dr Livingstone, I presume?" Tim Jeal, who wrote a biography of Livingstone in 1973 which is still in print and who has also written a life of Lord Baden-Powell, is thus knowledgeable about the muscular Christianity that was a pervasive feature in the lives of outstanding Englishmen in the Victorian period. Stanley has been unlucky with his posthumous reputation. When he has not been neglected he has been seen as a colonial freebooter, a "conquistador", partly responsible for atrocities in the Congo, a man who invented or played with the facts, even a latent homosexual. Jeal, who was given generous access to much new material from the Belgian archives, was first drawn to him by reading a note Stanley had written on one of his travels, imploring for supplies and humbly hiding behind the reputation of Livingstone. His book is a balanced, well-researched and eloquent defence, directed in particular at the "post-colonial generation" which has been taught to feel guilty about slavery (forgetting that it was England that abolished the slave trade, through the efforts of William Wilberforce and others) and which is largely ignorant of the man Jeal describes – in the face of stiff competition – as "African’s greatest explorer". Above all, this biography is testament to the exceptional achievements of an illegitimate Welsh workhouse boy, born John Rowlands in 1841, abandoned by his mother and subsequently rejected by other relations, who spent ten years in the St Asaph workhouse before taking passage to America as a cabin boy in 1858. It was in New Orleans in 1860 that Rowlands changed his name to "Henry Stanley" (the middle name of "Morton" was added in 1868), partly as the self-appointed "adoptive" son of a kindly employer and partly, one guesses, to reinvent himself in order to escape the memories of his unhappy youth. Stanley was quick-witted, ambitious, dauntless and had a natural flair for writing. His imagination was fired during this period by reading tales of adventure and exploration which he longed to emulate, always mindful that with no relations to help him and no financial resources, he would have to make his own way in life. Like other men who make their mark on their century, Stanley had great faith in himself, "an inner conviction of being chosen for a great task". In 1867 he joined the Missouri Democrat as a journalist – the first step to joining the New York Herald, one of the most influential newspapers in the States. Covering the Ethiopian expedition, the speed of his despatches coupled with the vigour of his reportage ensured a permanent post on this prestigious paper, despite the rather niggardly terms (and later treatment) of its owner, James Gordon Bennett Jr. Stanley persuaded Bennett to let him mount an expedition to search for David Livingstone, the famous Scottish missionary and explorer, whose whereabouts in Central Africa were supposedly unknown. In fact Livingstone’s contacts in Zanzibar, where all expeditions to the interior were mounted, knew he was somewhere on the eastern shores of Lake Tanganyika, but Stanley, well aware of the dramatic potential of his "find", did not advertise this knowledge. In any case, the expedition of 1871-72, culminating in the encounter between the two men at Ujiji in late October 1871, was in every way a large enterprise in itself. Malaria, dysentery, desertions, quarrels, deaths and hostile tribes accompanied the indefatigable Stanley and his party. Jeal argues with good evidence that the words with which Stanley hailed Livingstone, made famous by his best-seller, How I Found Livingstone, were an invention by the journalist-turned-explorer, anxious to assume the manners and sang-froid of an English gentleman. But the book made his name and gave him the financial security he craved. It also made him justifiably famous – a mixed blessing for Stanley, who craved solitude and was always fearful of his lowly origins being widely known. Ironically, the book was also responsible for the shadow cast over Stanley’s later reputation; he loved Livingstone with whom he had a father-son relationship, spent four months in his company, keenly lamented his death and years later poignantly asked in his will to be buried near him in Westminster Abbey (a request that was denied). His description of the missionary largely contributed to the myth of Livingstone as a saintly man; in contrast, the reading public came to see Stanley as motivated by material gain, more concerned with his own fame and fortune than the welfare of the Africans he met on his travels. This, Jeal points out, was inaccurate. After meeting Livingstone, Stanley believed he had a sacred mission to complete the older man’s unfinished expedition to discover the source of the Nile and to open up the Congo. He was not a racist – he hated the word "nigger" – and had the greatest respect for the Wangwana freemen from Zanzibar whom he used as his porters, describing them as "clever, honest, industrious, docile, enterprising, brave and moral". His great trans-African journey of 1874-77 was not undertaken to enrich himself or to exploit the country but to explore and open up the huge unknown areas of Central Africa to civilisation and to foreign trade; Stanley believed that this would in its turn help the development of the native peoples. He was well aware of the moral dilemma facing Europeans in the "scramble for Africa", writing: "We went into the heart of Africa self-invited; therein lies our fault. But it was not so grave that our lives should be forfeited." Again, he and his party suffered unimaginable hardships from starvation, disease, warlike natives and drowning as they navigated the rapids of the Congo River to emerge finally on the Atlantic coast. Like Livingstone, Stanley had a hatred for the Arab-Swahili slave-trade, practised in this area for hundreds of years. Much is known about the Atlantic slave trade which Wilberforce gave his political life to abolish; less is known of the estimated two million slaves thought to have sailed from Africa’s eastern shores. Though tough on absconders and thieves in his party, Stanley was never gratuitously brutal towards them. He tried to be just in his dealings with native tribes, whose land he crossed and whose food he bartered for provisions. It was his misfortune to be linked in his later career with the unprincipled imperialist, Leopold II of Belgium. Stanley understood the key concept of imperialism: "that the populations of industrialised countries had a right to expand into underdeveloped parts of the world". But as Jeal shows in his book, this was tempered by the former workhouse boy’s compassion for the down-trodden and his kindness and loyalty towards his African friends and servants. Leopold was influenced by no such considerations. "I do not want to miss the opportunity of our obtaining a share in this magnificent African cake," he announced. He looked on the Congo as his private fiefdom and Stanley, whose help was enlisted to build trading posts for the future Belgian expansion, did not realise this until too late, hoodwinked by the King’s pretended altruistic plans. In 1883 he protested to Leopold that "the Congolese are not subjects – but it is we who are simply tenants." His protests fell on deaf ears. The later horrifying cruelty of the Belgian masters towards their African "subjects" is well-known through Joseph Conrad’s novel, The Heart of Darkness (1899). Before this, in 1895, a Dutch trader and consul at Leopoldville, Antoine Greshoff, warned the ageing Stanley "never to go back to the Congo – even if Leopold asked him to", as it would have broken his heart to witness the crimes perpetrated in the name of "civilisation". It is hard to read this life without sharing Jeal’s admiration for his subject. Why does he choose the word "impossible" in his sub-title?: perhaps because of Stanley’s extraordinary feats of endurance, going where no white man had gone before; perhaps because of his transformation from such unpromising beginnings; perhaps because of the ironies of his public reputation, given his true character and nobility. At any rate, he has now found a biographer to do him justice. Francis Phillips writes from Bucks in the UK. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Madame Chiang Kai-Shek: China's Eternal First Lady by Laura Tyson Li, Atlantic Monthly, 576 pp., $30 An intelligent and outspoken young woman enrolls at Wellesley College, where she impresses her classmates with her ambition and annoys a few with her outsized sense of entitlement. After graduation, she marries a rising political figure who eventually becomes a national leader. She, too, is soon wielding power behind the scenes, and eventually her husband puts her in charge of a new national program, making her a more visible public figure but also a target for critics who resent her unaccountability when the program proves an embarrassing failure. Beloved by some and reviled by others, she always insists that her goal is to promote democracy, even though she is also clearly perfecting the art of promoting herself. When her husband's embattled tenure comes to an end, she quickly reinvents herself as a political figure in her own right. This is not the life of Hillary Rodham Clinton. It is that of Mayling Soong, better known by her married name, Madame Chiang Kai-Shek. Powerful women are often unlucky in their biographers, but in her engaging book, Madame Chiang Kai-Shek: China's Eternal First Lady, Laura Tyson Li ably describes the life of this indomitable little woman who "was a seamless alloy of Southern belle, New England bluestocking, and Chinese tai-tai, or matron." Born in 1897, Madame Chiang Kai-Shek died in comfortable exile in New York at the age of 105, having witnessed two world wars and countless years of civil strife in her Chinese homeland. Although she has been called "China's Eternal First Lady," in many ways Mayling Soong's life was more Western than Eastern. Her father, Charles Soong, spent many years in the United States and studied theology at Vanderbilt. A convert to Christianity and enthusiastic singer, he taught his children hymns as well as Stephen Foster ballads and the popular minstrel tune, "I Wish I Was in Dixie." The family even tooled around Shanghai in a Buick. In the 1890s, as a prospering businessman, Charles became close to Sun Yat-sen, and was soon avidly promoting Sun's "Three Principles of the People," which Sun claimed was inspired by the Gettysburg Address. Soong also helped finance Sun's revolution. As Li notes, the Soongs were "an anomaly" in Shanghai in that "they treated their daughters and sons the same" and insisted on educating all of their children. Mayling and her sisters attended schools run by Christian missionaries in Shanghai. Of the larger missionary impulse to China, Li writes, a touch hyperbolically, "With a zeal befitting the original Crusaders, the dream of bringing China into the fold of Christendom became an American crusade that amounted to cultural and spiritual aggression." Yet it was the dedication of these missionaries that enabled Mayling to become proficient in English and to receive an education when her less fortunate female peers were having their feet bound and their fates determined by their more traditional families. When she reached adolescence, Mayling's parents sent her and her older sister, Ching Ling, to the United States, where they attended the Wesleyan school in Macon, Georgia. Mayling then moved on to Wellesley where, in 1913, she began her freshman year. Li notes that Mayling was unimpressed with the Wellesley campus and told the registrar, in a breezy Southern accent, "Well, I reckon I shan't stay 'round here much longer." By the time she graduated in 1917, however, Mayling felt so at ease in America that, she told a friend, "The only thing oriental about me is my face." The Soong sisters were an earlier, Chinese version of the fabled Mitford girls in England. As Li describes, "her eldest sister, Eling, the Chinese said, loved money; middle sister Ching Ling loved China; and Mayling, the youngest, loved power." Ching Ling, with whom Mayling was intensely competitive, shocked her family by running off to marry her father's friend Sun Yat-sen in 1915; Sun Yat-sen died in 1925, making Ching Ling a revered revolutionary widow and, eventually, an uncompromising critic of her sister Mayling. After returning to her family in Shanghai, Mayling also embarked on the search for a suitable mate. "The profession of marriage is the one most important profession for every woman," Mayling wrote, "and one not to be subordinated by any other profession or inspiration." By 1926, she was being courted by Chiang Kai-Shek, a protégé of Sun's, who had recently gained control of Sun's Nationalist (Kuomintang) party and begun referring to himself as Generalissimo. As a youth, Chiang was "emotionally unstable," Li notes, and as an adult continued to display a "fiery temper." He also seemed unconcerned about the propriety of courting Mayling while still married to his second wife, Jennie Chen, whom he hustled off to San Francisco and later claimed was merely one of his recently released concubines. Mayling and Chiang were married in 1927. In a preview of the promotional skills for which Mayling would soon become well known, she arranged for a film of the wedding to be made and shown in theaters across China. When news of the marriage reached Jennie Chen in New York City, she tried unsuccessfully to commit suicide by hurling herself into the Hudson River. It is telling that Mayling described marriage as a profession: She viewed her own as one, and she found in Chiang's vision for China an outlet for her own energies. "Here was my opportunity," she wrote. "With my husband, I would work ceaselessly to make China strong." Like many consorts of powerful men, Madame Chiang Kai-Shek ascended through a combination of family money and connections; shrewd and uncompromising personal judgment; and an ongoing ability to influence and control her husband (whom she converted to Christianity not long after their marriage). In public the generalissimo was a parody of uxoriousness; in private, relations between the couple were often prickly. Some historians have speculated that their childless union was also largely platonic. By the 1930s, Chiang's Kuomintang party was in power but faced escalating challenges to its authority from a growing Communist movement and an aggressive Japan, as well as a barrage of criticism from Ching Ling about the rampant corruption and misguided rule of the Nationalists. Madame's solution, announced in 1934, was the New Life Movement, which Li describes as "a curious East-West ideological fusion of neo-Confucian precepts, thinly disguised New Testament Christianity, YMCA-style social activism, elements of Bushido--the samurai code--and European fascism, along with a generous dose of New England Puritanism." Not surprisingly, the New Life Movement was not a rousing success with the Chinese people, who were displeased to learn that mah-jongg, opium smoking, dancing, and public displays of affection were now forbidden. Li judges the movement a "paternalistic state-sponsored cult" that attempted to "shame [the Chinese people] into modernity," which seems like a fair assessment. Mayling's presence on the international stage, and her popularity in America, increased significantly in the 1940s, thanks in large part to the puffery of writers like Clare Boothe Luce, who called Madame the "greatest living woman" in an issue of Time in 1942. In 1943, during a lengthy trip to the United States, Mayling became the first Asian (and the second woman) to address Congress. With her usual flair for dramatic presentation, she toddled into the Senate in four-inch high heels, wearing a black Chinese dress lined in red and a sequined turban, which she doffed with a dazzling smile at the beginning of her speech. "Grizzled congressmen were putty in her hands," writes Li. Others were not so charmed. Winston Churchill deemed the Chiangs "mischievous and ignorant" when they attempted to meddle in colonial affairs in India. And Franklin Roosevelt lost patience with Madame's indefatigable efforts to gain American aid for China's battle with Japan. During one of Mayling's visits to the United States, an American newspaper ran an editorial cartoon that depicted a sultry and aggressive little Madame vamping Uncle Sam, who was desperately trying to guard a large safe. "Little Sister," as Madame was often called, also had a libidinous side. In 1942, FDR sent his 1940 presidential opponent Wendell Willkie on a goodwill tour with stops in Asia. After meeting Madame Chiang, Willkie declared she was the "most charming woman [he] ever met." The feeling was evidently mutual; Willkie later boasted to friends about his "amorous conquest" of Madame Chiang. Madame's romantic feelings about Willkie were hardly girlish, however: She told a confidant that if Willkie were ever elected president, "then he and I would rule the world. I would rule the Orient and Wendell would rule the Western world." By 1949, the Communists had taken Beijing and proclaimed the People's Republic of China; the Chiangs fled to Taiwan, where they established a quasi-dictatorship and continued to claim that they were the rightful leaders of China. As their hopes for regaining power faded, Madame became more rigid and uncompromising in her beliefs; she also became more outspokenly critical of Western governments for failing to stand up to the Chinese Communists. By the early 1970s, when Richard Nixon visited Beijing, the Chiangs' hopes for a restoration of a Nationalist government in China were permanently dashed. The generalissimo died in 1975. Madame Chiang Kai-Shek spent her final years in New York in a palatial Upper East Side apartment she regularly described as "modest." A bevy of loyal retainers insulated her from the outside world, ferrying her to shopping trips at Saks Fifth Avenue or shows at Radio City Music Hall. Madame's lavish lifestyle, Li suggests persuasively, was funded in large part by money gleaned from Nationalist-controlled government accounts and decades of business cronyism. In her twilight years she was a living anachronism, feminism and communism having undermined her particular style of faux-naif politics. Li, who is fluent in Mandarin and spent many years as a journalist in Asia, writes with clarity and insight about China's complicated political history. She exercises considerable restraint when judging Madame's motives, but in an astute assessment in the epilogue, she outlines the paradoxes of her personality: the decadence of her lifestyle compared with the extreme poverty of her countrymen; the outlandish sense of entitlement; the scheming, selfish narcissism that undermined her image of herself as a devoted, virtuous Christian wife. Li also notes that Madame Chiang was "at least an episodic if not a chronic substance abuser," addicted to sedatives and other medications that she used to treat the cyclical bouts of hives and other nervous ailments that plagued her. In the end, she excelled at her profession: She was a dutiful wife who spent her life enhancing her husband's repressive and autocratic regime. That she did so in the name of democracy is yet another irony of history. Christine Rosen, a fellow at the Ethics & Public Policy Center, is the author, most recently, of My Fundamentalist Education. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Daughter of the Desert: The Extraordinary Life of Gertrude Bell By Georgina Howell Macmillan | 2006 | ISBN-10: 1405045876 | 356 pages | £20 As with Margaret Thatcher, hard-line feminists have a problem with Gertrude Bell. Not only is her life quite at variance with their "oppression" narrative; it is clear that the only glass ceilings she encountered were the conservatories of her well-connected friends, whom she fascinated and enthralled with her gifts and adventures. Born in 1868 into a family of industrial tycoons, she was given three special blessings: a fierce intelligence, great wealth and a father who actively encouraged her in all her highly unconventional pursuits. Given the power of the Victorian paterfamilias, this last factor was probably the most important; even two generations later, Lord Redesdale, father of the clever, wilful Mitford girls, refused to give them a proper education, leaving them to latch onto dominating men. Georgina Howell’s biography began improbably as a Sunday Times feature in a series called "My Heroine". This estimate inevitably lets a certain hagiographic element creep in, but it does not stop the reader from forming his own view of the strengths and weaknesses of this formidable woman. Allowed to study at Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford, Gertrude took a First in History –the first woman to do so – within two years. Where her peers turned to teaching or marriage – even her college principal believed women were "Adam’s helpmate" – she travelled, aged 24, to Persia to stay with her aunt and uncle at the British embassy. With this, the trajectory of her future life was determined. There she felt "reborn": "I never knew what desert was till I came here". In addition to her fluency in European languages, Gertrude now studied Persian, publishing in 1897 a spirited translation of the poems of Hafiz, a 14th century Sufi master, which is still considered the best introduction to him. By the age of 32, after working off a little excess energy in several Swiss mountaineering feats, considered unusual even by the standards of intrepid Englishwomen abroad, Gertrude began her desert travels proper. These were planned like military campaigns. She would stay in assorted Middle Eastern hostelries while sorting out supplies, camels and servants and then set off for months on end, travelling in style, accompanied by a Wedgwood dinner service, crystal glasses, silver candlesticks and silk evening gowns. Such luxury was not so much to cosset herself -- though she did enjoy dressing up -- as to impress the local bandit sheiks. They called her "Khatun" – "Desert Queen". She became fluent in Turkish and Arabic (which she spoke better than T.E. Lawrence, (ie, Lawrence of Arabia) whom she first met at an archaeological dig in 1911), added cartography, archaeology and photography to her list of accomplishments and roamed across most of Syria, Turkey and Mesopotamia. Lawrence, who referred to her as "Gertie", thought she was "born too gifted". If it had not been for the Great War, she might have remained an eccentric English bluestocking abroad. Events and her obvious expertise propelled her into the Arab Bureau in Cairo in 1915 where, as "Major Miss Bell" she became the first woman officer in the history of British military intelligence. In 1917, with the Ottoman Empire collapsing and the British and French agreeing, in historian Niall Ferguson’s words, to "carve up large tracts of the Ottoman territory", she was posted to Baghdad in Mesopotamia. Here, in the post-war reconstruction of what was to become Iraq, accompanied by her canvas bed and bath, she found her life’s purpose. She transformed three run-down summerhouses into a permanent home, worked herself to death (there is some ambiguity surrounding the actual circumstances; having been ill for some time, she died during the night with an empty bottle of pills by her bed) in the attempt to bring orderly government to an inherently unstable region, and was buried there in 1926. After her death, Gertrude’s stepmother paid tribute to her "ardent and magnetic personality". Her biographer, with the exception of a few fevered passages describing her love-life (doomed and largely non-existent), has done her justice, well conveying her many-sided, fearless and feisty character. If only Augustus John had painted her in Arab costume, as he did for Lawrence – thus helping to create "Lawrence of Arabia" -- she might have achieved the legendary status she surely deserves. Gertrude Bell has subsequently been criticised for her legacy in Iraq: helping to erect a fragile monarchical system, with a Sunni king (the temperamental Faisal) governing a largely Shia population. In her defence it must be remembered that at the Cairo Conference of 1921 Sir Percy Cox, the British administrator in Baghdad, and Lawrence supported this plan. Winston Churchill, who made the final decision, cabled home to the Cabinet that it was "the best and cheapest solution". As the later history of Iraq has shown, the cheapest solution is not always the best. Francis Phillips writes from Bucks in the UK. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- – Nun, a part of civil-rights history, documentary ‘star’ By John Feister 3/5/2007 St. Anthony Messenger (www.americancatholic.org) DAYTON, Ohio (St. Anthony Messenger) - During the past few weeks Sister Antona Ebo, a Franciscan Sister of Mary, has been making national news – again. She and a number of Catholic sisters were pioneers in the struggle for civil rights in Selma, Ala., back in 1965. Now a PBS documentary, “Sisters of Selma: Bearing Witness for Change,” is telling their story, 42 years later. SISTER GAVE RIGHTS WITNESS IN 1965 – Sister Mary Antona gives witness in Selma, Ala., on March 10, 1965, during voting-rights marches following the violence of “Bloody Sunday.” The Franciscan Sister of Mary and a number of Catholic sisters, who were pioneers in the struggle for civil rights in Selma, are the focus of PBS documentary, “Sisters of Selma: Bearing Witness for Change,” 42 years later. (Bettman/CORBIS) The film, produced and directed by Los Angeles filmmaker Jayasri Majumdar Hart, is a look at the events that led to the protest. Along the way, it sets the context of church renewal that led the sisters to take a controversial, public stand for civil rights. Six sisters were part of the St. Louis delegation to Selma on Wednesday, March 10, 1965. It was three days after a peaceful protest march had been brutally attacked by white-supremacist local authorities, a shocking, widely publicized event that caused the day to be forever known as “Bloody Sunday.” The sisters’ appearance among the protesters in the following days – and especially African-American Sister Antona – made worldwide headlines. St. Anthony Messenger caught up with this amazing 83-year-old at the world premiere of the film at the University of Dayton late in 2006. We spent some time with Sister Antona and producer Jayasri Hart. Here is the remarkable story of the woman who, when it was time to “put up or shut up,” as Sister Antona said, flew on what she calls “a rickety plane” to Selma. Introducing Sister Antona The civil-rights struggle in Selma seems like ancient history to young people today. The “Sisters of Selma” film premiere at a University of Dayton auditorium drew a standing-room-only crowd of theology-class students at the Marianist university, most of whom – though attendance was mandatory – seemed fascinated by this old woman before them who had actually played a hand in history. “They said they read about all this stuff,” said Sister Antona, speaking of one of her many college audiences, “but they really didn’t know anybody that really could tell them about the story.” One of her young friends back home in St. Louis, Mo., calls her “Grandma Sister,” she quipped. “I love to hear that.” This now-grandmotherly Franciscan Sister of Mary was 41, working at a hospital in St. Louis, where the community is based, when the Selma protest happened. What brought her to the Franciscan sisters is a story in itself, one that helps explain how she wound up in Selma. She told her story, not without humor. Elizabeth Louise Ebo became Sister Mary Antona when she entered the convent in 1947. She took the name “Antona” from a Sinsinawa Dominican sister who had taught her algebra and geometry. “When I got finished with her, she gave up teaching and went to a cloister out in California!” she said with a mischievous grin, and added that another of her teachers followed to the cloister soon thereafter (they were starting a new foundation). She credited her conversion to Catholicism as a young girl to a dare from a friend and the presence of the blessed sacrament. Her mother had died when Elizabeth was only four, and the Great Depression had left her illiterate father unable to support his three children. So the three siblings grew up in McLean County Home for Colored Children, in their hometown of Bloomington, Ill. When she was about nine, one of her childhood friends, Bish (“he was nicknamed Bishop because he wore his beads around his neck and told me that that was his rosary,” she explained), convinced her to go with him inside St. Mary’s Church (staffed by Franciscan friars of St. John the Baptist Province). The young girl was fascinated and felt drawn to the blessed sacrament. Little could she imagine that, decades later, she would receive Communion directly from Pope John Paul II, during his 1995 visit to St. Louis. That’s getting ahead of the story, but it shows what a gift her friend Bish was in her life. While she was waiting to receive Communion from the pope, she said, “I could only think, Bish brought me to this.” She recalled of the distant past: “When Bish and I were sent downtown to pick up the day-old bread from the bakery, on the way Bish said to me: ‘If I go in that church, will you tell on me?’ And I said, ‘No.’ Honey, and I went in that church! Bish went straight up to the Communion rail, knelt down and prayed.” “Then we had to run all the way to the bakery and run all the way back, but meanwhile, he’s huffing and puffing and telling me why he was kneeling before that altar,” she said. She looked later in her “Baptist Bible” and read the words of Jesus offering his body and blood as real food and real drink. “As an adult,” she said, “as I reflect on that story, I think we were on the way to pick up day-old bread for our body. And this child taught me about the bread of life that was on that altar.” A few years after that, young Elizabeth contracted tuberculosis and her thumb became badly infected. “I lost the thumb and got religion,” she quipped, because while she was isolated in the TB sanatorium, she took classes and ultimately became Catholic. Her love of the Eucharist and her desire to work as a nurse led her away from Bloomington to a segregated St. Louis convent, one of the few that would accept blacks. “We have a song that says, ‘He’s preparing me for everything that comes in my life’ – and he prepared me.” A Selma sister Twenty years later, after she had served as sister, nurse and hospital administrator, it became clear that her preparations had other purposes, too. It was March 7, 1965. The Southern Christian Leadership Conference, led by Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., had been invited to Selma by the local black community and members of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). Selma, seat of Dallas County, became the focus for civil-rights protests that year (though there were various actions across the South). Dallas County was in the heart of Alabama’s “black belt” of former plantation communities (named for both its rich soil and its consequent majority black population). It had been home to a rash of lynchings at the turn of the 20th century. Racial oppression had settled into what was called “Jim Crow” (similar to South Africa’s apartheid). Police brutality, public-building designations of “colored” and “white” sections, voter registration – all of these became justice targets of the “Dallas County Improvement Association,” a civil-rights group formed in 1963. At an impromptu march in nearby Marion in late February 1965, protester Jimmie Lee Jackson had been killed. He was seeking shelter for his mother from the violence after a 200-man-strong phalanx of local and state police, along with local vigilantes, attacked the marchers. The Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), headed by Rev. King, called for a peaceful protest march on Sunday, March 7, from Selma to Montgomery to draw attention to what was happening. That “Bloody Sunday” march was attacked by the same police and vigilantes who had stopped the Marion protest. One vocal white-supremacist leader was Sheriff Jim Clark, openly backed by Alabama Gov. George C. Wallace. The relatively new medium of television, as well as newspapers, brought vivid images from Bloody Sunday across the world. Peaceful marchers were clubbed, beaten, bitten by police dogs and horsewhipped by Clark and his horse-mounted posse. Much of the nation – including members of Congress – was horrified. The Sisters of St. Joseph of Rochester (N.Y.) who, along with the Edmundites, operated Good Samaritan Hospital, the only hospital in Selma that would treat blacks, cared for the injured. Rev. King’s SCLC and other groups put out an appeal for religious leaders everywhere to come to Selma. They came for a march Tuesday, but didn’t get far. When a court order prohibiting local interference was obtained in the coming days, the historic march finally was completed, all the way to Montgomery, 54 miles east along Highway 80. Montgomery is where the bus boycott had launched the civil-rights struggle 10 years earlier. After Wallace refused to provide protection, U.S. President Lyndon Johnson federalized the Alabama National Guard and assigned them the closely supervised task. History, then, rightly considers the Selma Voting Rights March as taking place over several weeks, March 7-25. The nation closely watched the whole event. Although she was only there for the March 10 protest, Sister Antona and the religious leaders who came that day played an especially important role, quickly expressing the nation’s moral outrage. That public support eventually persuaded Johnson to intervene and ensure the marchers’ safety. 'Are you outta your mind?' “I wound up in Selma because my employees came in on Monday morning and told me what had happened on Sunday afternoon,” Sister Antona recalled. “God called my bluff.” Sister Antona had been commenting that if she didn’t have so many responsibilities she would be “down there with those people.” That was Tuesday afternoon. “On Tuesday evening I get a call from Sister Eugene Marie (superior and the administrator of the hospital – I was one of her assistants). I was trying to finish some copy work and she said, “How would you like to go to Selma tomorrow?” Then she said, ‘Are you still there?’” Selma was the water cooler/dinner table topic on Americans’ minds everywhere in the days after Bloody Sunday. Word of her pending trip swept through the hospital and a friend called her, offering advice. “Now, Sister, if you go down there, you don’t know the deep South. Stay with the group and keep your mouth shut.” Then she heard on the news that night that a protester, Rev. James Reeb, from Boston, had been beaten to death. “And I’m thinking to myself, ‘Are you outta your mind?’” There were no other black women going from St. Louis – she knew she would be alone in that sense. But Cardinal Joseph Ritter and her superior had come up with the plan. They chartered two small planes (that had been “mothballed,” she remembered, speaking of their poor condition) and the St. Louis contingent of sisters went to Selma. “That’s when it hit me, when we got off of that plane.” She thought, “I hope you realize that, no matter how you try to stay with the group, if you get arrested, you ain’t gonna be with the group of sisters.” But basically, she said, people worried more at home than she did in Selma. “They had time to think about that. I really didn’t think that much about it.” Another moment of truth came for her that day when a federal agent advised her to take off her glasses if she could see well enough without them: “That was when I came through with that silly thought, Oh, God, this is going to be real trouble. We’re not down here to play pick-up-sticks. I don’t know why I thought of pick-up-sticks, except maybe somebody might have been ready to pick us up after everything was over!” Her presence, along with that of the other sisters, was deeply encouraging to the marchers. Andrew Young, a civil-rights leader who would one day be famous in public service, told the marchers upon the sisters’ arrival at the staging spot of Brown A.M.E. Chapel, in Selma, “Ladies and gentlemen, one of the great moral forces of the world has just walked in the door.” The march went only a few blocks that day, but the photographs of the marchers went everywhere. Sister Antona, who had been put at the front of the line because of her dark skin and religious habit, found herself, among the other five sisters, on the front page of The New York Times, telling reporters that she was proud to be black: “I’m here because I’m a Negro, a nun, a Catholic, and because I want to bear witness.” One highlight of the event for her was at Brown Chapel, when a young black girl ran up and embraced her. “She said she knew sisters, but never had seen one like herself.” That was blessing enough for Sister Antona: “There are times when you know God is in charge.” By 4 p.m., the sisters were back on their planes to St. Louis. Finally, on March 21, the marchers in Selma left for Montgomery and were protected all the way by the U.S. government. At the end of the four-day march, Rev. King’s famous words rang out to the crowd of 25,000: “I know you are asking today, ‘How long will it take?’ ... Not long, because the arm of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” As it turned out, it took only a few months from that famous speech for the National Voting Rights Act of 1965 to become law, but everyone knows it was only one of many parts of the civil-rights struggle. That very year of 1965 saw the assassination of Malcolm X, the Watts riots in Los Angeles and the first affirmative-action ruling, in addition to the Voting Rights Act. From the Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court ruling in 1954 until the assassination of Rev. King in 1968, then the school-busing conflicts of the 1970s and 1980s, and beyond, the road has been riddled with struggle, with victory combined with disappointment. “How long?” has been very long, for those committed to racial justice. Sister Antona went on, in 1968, to be a founder of the National Black Sisters’ Conference, and later served as its president. In 1976, she became the first black woman religious to run a hospital (St. Clare Hospital in Baraboo, Wis.). She spent six years, in the 1980s, working as a chaplain at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Eventually, Sister Antona moved back to St. Louis to serve as a provincial leader of her community. The State of Alabama, in 2000, awarded her a state senate commendation for her civil-rights work. Enter the filmmaker It was not long after that Los Angeles filmmaker Jayasri Hart came upon the story. Jayasri is a Calcuttan Hindu who, as a young girl, had worked with blessed Mother Teresa: “Mother Teresa was just starting out and she had very little help,” she explained. “So she enlisted local schools to help out to send volunteers.” Jayasri came to the University of Southern California to study filmmaking, and wound up married and living in Los Angeles, Calif. She had an interest in what makes women religious tick. She and her partners were doing research about the Catholic Church during the 1960s, looking for a good story of how the changes from Vatican II had blossomed into a new space for women religious. Then Hart came across the story of the Selma sisters. She had been looking for a good story to tell, and here it was: “It captured my imagination. Here you have the intersection of feminist issues, civil-rights issues, race issues and religious issues.” There are six featured sisters of Selma, but Jayasri sees Sister Antona as the “star” of her film: “As she [Sister Antona] says, suddenly it became important that she was black. I think that mobilized the whole story.” It took five years to bring the film to completion, including long hours researching film archives of the civil-rights movement, and locating funders far and wide, including the U.S. bishops’ Catholic Communication Campaign. Along the way Jayasri gained new insights into the relationship between Christian pacifism, especially as lived by Rev. King and Mahatma Gandhi’s pacifism that she knew so well from home (Gandhi had a profound influence on Rev. King’s thinking). And she also learned that sisters of color, like Sister Antona, endured a history of segregation within the church. But that’s a story for another day. Making the film, Jayasri became close friends with Sister Antona who, in a clever play on her Indian name, calls her “Re-Joyce.” Sister Antona brings her sense of joy – and her wit – to the task of promoting mutuality in mission among people of all races in the work of the church. She, along with civil-rights pioneer Rosa Parks (who sat in the front of the Montgomery bus in 1955) was singled out in 1995 to meet Pope John Paul II. But Sister Antona, too, credits her inspiration to Rev. King, who asked so many years ago, like the psalmist, “How long?” She herself, now in her ninth decade, wonders how long. “Martin shared that dream with the multitude,” recalled Sister Antona. “So if that was true, then what have we been doing all these years?” She remembered that Rev. King wrote to ministers from the city jail in Birmingham, “We are always being told to wait. And now we have waited far too long.” When she talks to students and church groups – which even at her ripe age she does frequently – she returns to “When are we going to have our own dreamers?” And, usually, by the third time she says it, the students or church members understand what she seeks. They reply, “We have waited far too long.” Decade of change - 1954, Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court ruling. - 1955, Montgomery Bus boycott. - 1956, Desegregation of Buses Supreme Court ruling. - 1962, First session of the Second Vatican Council (Vatican II). - 1963, Selma Voting Campaign starts. - 1964, U.S. Civil Rights Act signed into law. - 1965, Selma-to-Montgomery voting rights march. - 1965, National Voting Rights Act signed into law (the Voting Rights Act was renewed by President George W. Bush in 2006). - 1965, Vatican II’s final session. - - - John Feister is an assistant editor of St. Anthony Messenger. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- What the new movie covers up about William Wilberforce. BY CHARLOTTE ALLEN Friday, February 23, 2007 12:01 a.m. EST It is rare that a Hollywood film takes up a subject like William Wilberforce (1759-1833), the British parliamentarian who devoted nearly his entire 45-year political career to banning the British slave trade. Alas, a lot of people watching "Amazing Grace," Michael Apted's just-released film, may get the impression--perhaps deliberately fostered by Mr. Apted--that Wilberforce was a mostly secular humanitarian whose main passion was not Christian faith but politics and social justice. Along the way, they may also get the impression that the hymn "Amazing Grace" is no more than an uplifting piece of music that sounds especially rousing on the bagpipes. In fact, William Wilberforce was driven by a version of Christianity that today would be derided as "fundamentalist." One of his sons, sharing his father's outlook, was the Anglican bishop Samuel Wilberforce, who wrote a passionate critique of "The Origin of the Species," arguing that Darwin's then-new theory could not fully account for the emergence of human beings. William Wilberforce himself, as a student at Cambridge University in the 1770s and as a young member of Parliament soon after, had no more than a nominal sense of faith. Then, in 1785, he began reading evangelical treatises and underwent what he called "the Great Change," almost dropping out of politics to study for the ministry until friends persuaded him that he could do more good where he was. And he did a great deal of good, as Mr. Apted's movie shows. His relentless campaign eventually led Parliament to ban the slave trade, in 1807, and to pass a law shortly after his death in 1833, making the entire institution of slavery illegal. But it is impossible to understand Wilberforce's long antislavery campaign without seeing it as part of a larger Christian impulse. The man who prodded Parliament so famously also wrote theological tracts, sponsored missionary and charitable works, and fought for what he called the "reformation of manners," a campaign against vice. This is the Wilberforce that Mr. Apted has played down. And little wonder. Even during the 18th century, evangelicals were derided as over-emotional "enthusiasts" by their Enlightenment-influenced contemporaries. By the time of Wilberforce's "great change," liberal 18th-century theologians had sought to make Christianity more "reasonable," de-emphasizing sin, salvation and Christ's divinity in favor of ethics, morality and a rather distant, deistic God. Relatedly, large numbers of ordinary English people, especially among the working classes, had begun drifting away from the tepid Christianity that seemed to prevail. Evangelicalism sought to counter such trends and to reinvigorate Christian belief. Perhaps the leading evangelical force of the day was the Methodism of John Wesley: It focused on preaching, the close study of the Bible, communal hymn-singing and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Central to the Methodist project was the notion that good works and charity were essential components of the Christian life. Methodism spawned a vast network of churches and ramified into the evangelical branches of Anglicanism. Nearly all the social-reform movements of the 19th and early 20th centuries--from temperance and soup kitchens to slum settlement houses and prison reform--owe something to Methodism and its related evangelical strains. The campaign against slavery was the most momentous of such reforms and, over time, the most successful. It is thus fitting that John Wesley happened to write his last letter--sent in February 1791, days before his death--to William Wilberforce. Wesley urged Wilberforce to devote himself unstintingly to his antislavery campaign, a "glorious enterprise" that opposed "that execrable villainy which is the scandal of religion, of England, and of human nature." Wesley also urged him to "go on, in the name of God and in the power of his might, till even American slavery (the vilest that ever saw the sun) shall vanish away before it." Wesley had begun preaching against slavery 20 years before and in 1774 published an abolitionist tract, "Thoughts on Slavery." Wilberforce came into contact with the burgeoning antislavery movement in 1787, when he met Thomas Clarkson, an evangelical Anglican who had devoted his life to the abolitionist cause. Two years later, Wilberforce gave his first speech against the slave trade in Parliament. As for the hymn "Amazing Grace," from which the film takes its name, it is the work of a friend of Wilberforce's named John Newton (played in the movie by Albert Finney). Newton had spent a dissolute youth as a seaman and eventually became a slave-ship captain. In his 20s he underwent a kind of spiritual crisis, reading the Bible and Thomas à Kempis's "Imitation of Christ." A decade later, having heard Wesley preach, he fell in with England's evangelical movement and left sea-faring and slave-trading behind. Years later, under the influence of Wilberforce's admonitions, he joined the antislavery campaign. The famous hymn amounted to an autobiography of his conversion: "Amazing grace . . . that saved a wretch like me." In the most moving moment of the film--and one of the few that addresses a Christian theme directly--the aged and now-blind Newton declares to Wilberforce: "I am a great sinner, and Christ is a great savior." This idea of slaving as sin is key. As sociologist Rodney Stark noted in "For the Glory of God" (2003), the abolition of slavery in the West during the 19th century was a uniquely Christian endeavor. When chattel slavery, long absent from Europe, reappeared in imperial form in the 16th and 17th centuries--mostly in response to the need for cheap labor in the New World--the first calls to end the practice came from pious Christians, notably the Quakers. Evangelicals, not least Methodists, quickly joined the cause, and a movement was born. Thanks to Wilberforce, the movement's most visible champion, Britain ended slavery well before America, but the abolitionist cause in America, too, was driven by Christian churches more than is often acknowledged. Steven Spielberg's 1997 "Amistad," about the fate of blacks on a mutinous slave ship, also obscured the Christian zeal of the abolitionists. Nowadays it is all too common--and not only in Hollywood--to assume that conservative Christian belief and a commitment to social justice are incompatible. Wilberforce's embrace of both suggests that this divide is a creation of our own time and, so to speak, sinfully wrong-headed. Unfortunately director Apted, as he recently told Christianity Today magazine, decided to play down Wilberforce's religious convictions--that would be too "preachy," he said--and instead turned his story into a yarn of political triumph. The film's original screenwriter, Colin Welland, who wrote the screenplay for the acclaimed and unabashedly Christian "Chariots of Fire," was replaced. The movie "Amazing Grace" nods occasionally in the direction of granting a role to faith in social reform, but it would do us all well to supplement our time in the movie theater by doing some reading about the heroic and amazing Christian who was the real William Wilberforce. Ms. Allen is an editor for Beliefnet.com, and author of "The Human Christ: The Search for the Historical Jesus." ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Letters reveal young Castro's faith in God Although he later renounced his Catholic faith, newly published letters from the young Fidel Castro reveal that the revolutionary believed in God and in eternal life even as he led the uprising that would transform Cuba. The UK Independent reports that 21 letters from prison to be published in English for the first time reveal the spiritual side of Castro who has been in failing health for the past 8 months. Writing to the father of a dead comrade, Castro said: "Physical life is ephemeral, it passes inexorably ... This truth should be taught to every human being - that the immortal values of the spirit are above physical life. What sense does life have without these values? ... God is the supreme idea of goodness and justice." However, other letters are also boastful, the Independent says, while some display his fury. Though published in Spanish in April 1959, just months before he and his revolutionary comrades overthrew the dictator Fulgencio Batista and seized power, the letters have never before appeared in English. This week a new collection containing the letters is to be published in the US - Mr Castro's most fervent enemy over the years. A report in a US newspaper reveals that the letters begin several months after the 26 July 1953 attack on the Moncada barracks, which proved disastrous for Mr Castro and his men, at least 60 of whom were killed. In the aftermath of the attack, Mr Castro was sent to prison. While he was a prisoner his wife, Mirta, accepted some money from her brother, Rafael Diaz-Balart, the country's deputy interior minister. Mr Castro wrote a furious barrage to his wife. He wrote: "I never imagined that Rafael could be such a scoundrel and that he has become so corrupted. I cannot conceive how he could have so pitilessly sacrificed the honour of and name of his sister, exposing her to eternal shame and humiliation." Writing in The Washington Post, the co-editor of the collection, Ann Louise Bardach, says the letters "are also an early indicator of his Machiavellian cunning and his genius for public relations. And they dramatise his resentments and rages. "Castro was remorseless and unforgiving of his perceived enemies, a man for whom compromise was a mark of weakness." Ms Bardach suggests that anyone reading the letters would be convinced that Mr Castro was a committed democrat - determined to hold free and fair elections. In one letter he writes that "any great civic-political movement ought to have sufficient force to conquer power, by either the peaceful or the revolutionary route, or it runs the risk of being robbed of it". --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
David Livingstone
January 24, AD 41, saw the death, at the hands of his Praetorian Guard, of Gaius Julius Caesar Augustus Germanicus. By what name is he more commonly known?
Livingstone, Africa and The o'jays on Pinterest Forward 1880: Eugène Andriveau-Goujon. "The quarter century gap between the dates of these two maps was probably the most productive period for African exploration in the history of the continent. The geographic gains from the expeditions of David Livingstone (southern), Sir Richard Francis Burton and John Hanning Speke (lake region), and Henry Morton Stanley (central) are evident in the later map, as is the advance of European influence in territories, depicted by the color-coded areas." See More
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What's missing: Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Pennsylvania, Columbia, Brown, Dartmouth
Ivy League | Define Ivy League at Dictionary.com Ivy League noun 1. a group of colleges and universities in the northeastern U.S., consisting of Yale, Harvard, Princeton, Columbia, Dartmouth, Cornell, the University of Pennsylvania, and Brown, having a reputation for high scholastic achievement and social prestige. adjective of, relating to, or characteristic of Ivy League colleges or their students and graduates. Origin of Ivy League Examples from the Web for Ivy League Expand Contemporary Examples I was one of four students in the 30-year history of my high school ever to be admitted to an Ivy League school. The Dirty College Admissions Trick Marc Zawel April 28, 2010 Scarsdale High School regularly sends students off to the Ivy League. The U.S. Road Trips You Should Really Take Lonely Planet April 25, 2014 The real Red Book also seems to have struck a chord within the Ivy League as well. Historical Examples He is a professor at an Ivy League university—Cambridge, I think. Warren Commission (9 of 26): Hearings Vol. IX (of 15) The President's Commission on the Assassination of President Kennedy British Dictionary definitions for Ivy League Expand 1. (US) the Ivy League, a group of eight universities (Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth College, Harvard, Princeton, the University of Pennsylvania, and Yale) that have similar academic and social prestige in the US to Oxford and Cambridge in Britain (as modifier): an Ivy-League education Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Cornell University
According to the nursery rhyme, what do the Owl and Pussycat go to sea in?
Ivy League Colleges & Universities | Go4Ivy.com Ivy League Colleges & Universities Get Your Chances of Admission to Ivy League Colleges & Universities One of the top, most selective group of colleges and universities are the Ivy League schools, which include: Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Harvard, Pennsylvania, Princeton and Yale. In 2001, Go4Ivy developed a separate algorithm for each Ivy League college and university which predicts students’ chances of being accepted by each school. These algorithms are continually updated and revised as the schools change their admission criteria and their approaches. Over the last 15 years our predictions have been over 90% correct (100% correct for the last two years). Go4Ivy refunds the fee for any school for which its prediction turns out to be incorrect. We are proud to have an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. While each Ivy has high academic standards and strict requirements for admission, they are significantly different from each other in their admission criteria, focus, location, number of undergraduates, campus setting and in many other ways. Go4Ivy has gathered below key data for each Ivy, which gives the flavor of each school and provides convenient links to each school’s website for any additional information.   Once you select the Ivy League colleges and universities, which you like, you can obtain your chances of getting accepted by the colleges and universities which you selected. Using algorithms that we developed and perfected for each Ivy League college and university, we can evaluate your data that the admissions offices would consider, in view of the school’s requirements and criteria. Go4Ivy calculates a single number: your chances of getting accepted by that school. Your chances of admission are reported and compared with the chances of an average applicant. V iew a sample ChancesR™ report We understand that anyone can give you predictions of your chances of admission, so why should you trust our predictions?  We’ve been predicting chances of admission since 2001 and we are the only service which refunds the fee for any prediction that turns out to be incorrect. Our predictions have been over 90% accurate and 100% accurate for the last two years. See Accuracy Guaranteed icon for details. SAT and SAT Subject Tests or ACT with writing, essay About the Ivy League Colleges The Ivy League colleges share high academic standards, historic pedigrees, and an athletic conference. But although the Ivies are often talked about as a group, each of the eight Ivy League colleges (Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Harvard, Penn, Princeton and Yale), differ from each other in many significant respects including academic focus, number of undergraduates, and the feel and campus type. The Ivy League schools also have different admissions criteria and standards, so a student’s chance of admission typically varies significantly from Ivy to Ivy. If you’re curious about which Ivies you are more likely to get into, Go4Ivy can calculate your chances of admission at the Ivy League colleges and other top schools. History of the Ivy League The term Ivy League commonly refers to a group of eight, east-coast colleges and universities renowned for their high academic standards and significant history. These schools were some of the earliest American institutions founded: Harvard in 1636, Yale in 1701, Penn in 1740, Princeton in 1746, Columbia in 1754, Brown in 1764, Dartmouth in 1769 and Cornell in 1865. Taken more literally, the Ivy League refers to the athletic conference in which the eight colleges' sports teams compete. The term 'Ivy League' was conceived in the 1930s by Stanley Woodward, a New York Herald Tribune sports writer. It was not until years later that an official coalition was actually formed by the universities. In 1945, the presidents of each university created committees whose tasks were to establish athletic policies on issues like eligibility, budgets, and length of season play. These policies were (and still are) meant to balance scholarship and athletics. Although Ivy League sports teams compete in Division I athletics, the schools do not offer athletic scholarships and maintain the same academic standards for both athletes and non-athletes.
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By what common name do we known the Disney and ballet character Princess Aurora?
Aurora | Disney Wiki | Fandom powered by Wikia Official descriptions Disney Princess Aurora is gentle and loving, and is raised by three fairies named Flora, Fauna and Merryweather . She lives in the forest, where she meets the Prince, her one true love. Maleficent Princess Aurora is a curious and thoughtful child who develops a bond with nature that rivals only Maleficent’s. But as she grows, Aurora is caught in the middle of the seething conflict between the forest kingdom she has grown to love and the human kingdom that holds her legacy. Development The original design for Aurora has developed by Tom Oreb, who based figure of Aurora on Audrey Hepburn's thin frame and graceful demeanor. Later, Marc Davis worked on sketches of Oreb, improving the appearance and clothing of the heroine so that they were combined with angular forms of background images. Marc Davis' wife, Alice, designed some of Aurora's costumes. [2] According to the designer, this was her first job at the Walt Disney Studios, during which she became Marc's wife in 1956 . As with other Disney films, an actress was hired as a live-action model, as a guide for the animators. Helene Stanley became the model for the heroine. [3] She had previously worked on this post, fulfilling the role of Cinderella . Personality Aurora is kind, elegant, and sophisticated, as well as a hopeless romantic. At first, she is seen as a slightly naive and carefree young woman as a result of being sheltered for most of her life. Aurora is very loyal to her "aunts" and usually obeys their rules respectfully, although she may disagree with them. Since she was raised not to talk to strangers, Aurora was naturally startled and apprehensive when the handsome Prince Phillip appeared in the forest. However, she was drawn to him before remembering her aunts' rule about not talking to strangers. Aurora then compromised in agreeing to talk to him by arranging to meet him at her cottage, under the supervision of her aunts. In later media, she is shown to have matured and become more self-assured, proactive, independent and confident in her opinions and abilities. Though it can arguably be said that as a character, she is very difficult to pin down, due to her short appearance in the movie, at least awake, that is. Physical appearance Aurora is a young woman, magically blessed with wavy waist-length golden hair like sunshine, violet eyes, a tall and slender figure, and lips that shame the red rose. Her complexion is fair and flawless, and unlike Snow White or Cinderella, her face is less rounded and more refined, giving her an appearance of maturity rather than youth despite being only sixteen. As a peasant, she wears a gray calf-length half-circle skirt with a funny-looking white petticoat, a black bodice over a light gray blouse with long sleeves and goes barefoot. She also has a black headband and carries a purple shawl. As her princess self, she wears a pink or blue ball gown with a petal overskirt, a neatly-laced white petticoat, and long triangular sleeves. During the original film, Aurora's gown is blue as seen when Flora and Merryweather fight for the colors of her gown either in pink or blue even at the end of the film where Aurora dances with Prince Phillip in a ballroom dance. But in later appearances and merchandise, Aurora's gown is depicted as pink. Abilities In Disney Princess Enchanted Tales: Follow Your Dreams , Aurora was given a magic wand from Merryweather to use, and Aurora was able to wield its magical powers such as making two stacks of papers pick themselves up, transforming her nightgown into a ballgown with a dazzling necklace, matching earrings, and a jeweled tiara. She summoned chickens and cows and temporarily turned a man into a duck. Later in the story, Aurora fixed her problems and gave away the cows to peasants. At the end of the story, she returned the wand to Merryweather. In the original film, despite Aurora having been enchanted by Maleficent, a powerful sorceress, Aurora's willpower combined with shouts from the fairies temporarily gave her the strength to regain control of herself for a few seconds. Appearances Sleeping Beauty Aurora's parents named her after the Roman goddess of the dawn because she filled their lives with the sunshine. Soon after she was born, she was presented to the kingdom at a christening, where she was betrothed to Prince Phillip , the son of King Stefan's good friend King Hubert . Also invited were the three good fairies, Flora, Fauna and Merryweather , who bestow blessings on the newborn princess. Flora and Fauna give the infant princess the gifts of beauty and song, respectively. However, before Merryweather has the opportunity to give her gift, the evil fairy Maleficent arrives. Angered because she wasn't invited to the ceremony, Maleficent puts a curse on baby Aurora. According to Maleficent, before the sun sets on Aurora's sixteenth birthday, she shall prick her finger on the spindle of a spinning wheel and die. Maleficent disappears, leaving everyone in shock and horrified. Merryweather, though unable to lift the curse, could soften it. Instead of death, she would remedy the situation by placing Aurora into an enchanted sleep, only to be awakened by true love's kiss if this was to happen. Aurora as Briar Rose. Still fearful for the princess' safety, the three good fairies agree to hide the princess as a peasant for 16 years, until the danger has passed. They take the baby to a cottage in the forest and raise her, disguising themselves as her mortal aunts and renaming her Briar Rose. On Aurora's sixteenth birthday, her "aunts" send her out into the forest, so that they can prepare her birthday party in secret. While Aurora was out, she dreams of meeting a handsome prince, while singing " Once Upon a Dream ". At first, she was singing with her forest friends. But she soon meets Prince Phillip, who had followed her melodic voice. Not knowing who Phillip was, or of their betrothal, she believes him to be a stranger and attempts to leave. However, she dances with him for a bit and ends up falling in love. When he asked for her name, she then left, realizing she wasn't allowed to give her name to strangers. She does, however, tell him where she lives and asks him to meet her there that night. At home, Briar Rose comes home to a splendid birthday party. She tells her aunts about the young man that she met but was confused when they are not happy for her. Flora, Fauna and Merryweather reveal Briar Rose's true identity as Princess Aurora, as well as the fact that she was betrothed. The fairies sadly explain that she can never see the young man again, not knowing that he was actually her betrothed. Heartbroken, Aurora breaks into tears as she heads upstairs to weep on her bed. The fairies bring the upset Aurora back to her father's castle and take her to a room where they conjure a crown and place it on her head to help her realize her royal identity. However, a heartbroken Aurora begins to cry and the fairies decide to leave her alone to grieve. While they are gone, Maleficent enchants the princess and leads her up an abandoned tower staircase. At the top floor of the empty room, Maleficent conjures a spinning wheel. The fairies realize the danger and frantically run up the stairs to stop Aurora, but before they can, Maleficent forces the girl to prick her finger, invoking the curse. The fairies arrive, but run into Maleficent, who mocks their efforts to stop her, reveals the fallen princess, who has been cursed, and vanishes. Aurora awakens. The fairies place Aurora, now in an enchanted slumber, upon a bed at the top of the highest tower. While putting everyone else in the castle to sleep, the fairies discover that Phillip had been the man that Aurora met after overhearing King Hubert speak of the prince meeting a peasant girl. So the fairies go to the cottage to get Phillip, but are prompted to go to Forbidden Mountain , Maleficent's domain, after discovering that Maleficent has captured the prince. They rescue Phillip from the dungeon and arm him with the Sword of Truth and the Shield of Virtue , then have to fend off Maleficent's minions and finally exit the Forbidden Mountain and head for Stefan's castle, but Maleficent conjures a forest of thorns to prevent further entrance which was hacked through by Phillip's sword. Angered at this, Maleficent suddenly appears in their way and transforms into a dragon. After defeating the dragon with help from the fairies, Phillip enters the castle and walks up the staircase to the tower room where Aurora was still sleeping. He gives her a kiss, true love's kiss, which finally awakens Aurora and breaks the curse. Aurora smiles after she realizes that her betrothed and her love are the same people. The pair goes down to meet Aurora's parents and Phillip's father, and Aurora kisses King Hubert on his cheek before sharing a dance with Phillip. While the couple dance, Flora and Merryweather reignite their rivalry on their respective colors as the two bickering fairies relentlessly change the color on her dress with their magic. Aurora's dress keeps changing colors as she and Phillip continue dancing and share another kiss, with the final words in the book, below the illustration of the couple romantically kissing (and the color of Aurora's dress still changing from blue to pink) "and they lived happily ever after". Disney Princess Enchanted Tales: Follow Your Dreams Aurora in Disney Princess Enchanted Tales: Follow Your Dreams. Princess Aurora appears in the first Sleeping Beauty story, "Keys to the Kingdom", since the original film, this time as the main protagonist. In the story, Prince Phillip, King Hubert, King Stefan and Queen Leah go off for a Royal Conference for two days. During this time Princess Aurora, Flora, Fauna and Merryweather are in charge of the Kingdom until they return. Throughout the segment, Aurora attempts to rely on staying calm during hectic situations but this proves to be a challenge. Later on, Flora, Fauna and Merryweather leave the castle to return Hubert's forgotten speech. Before she left, Merryweather allowed Aurora to use her magic wand during harsh times. Aurora initially thought of this as an easy way to avoid a hassle, ignoring her original vow to stay calm. Soon enough, the magic causes more trouble than before having her result to her previous plans which prevail. Aurora succeeds and when the others return, they enjoy a banquet she prepared. It was implied in this story that Aurora's favorite color was pink seeing how she only wore her pink princess dress for this entire story and she changed the color of her nightgown pink right before she went to bed. Mary Costa , the original voice of Aurora, was not fond of this story and felt that it did not work. [4] Sofia the First Aurora as she appeared in Sofia the First. Aurora appears in the Christmas Special " Holiday in Enchancia ". She is the first Disney Princess to not sing on the show, instead, she only gives Sofia some good advice. When King Roland goes missing, Sofia and her family go out into the cold blizzard snow to find him, but as a result, they get lost, too. When Sofia's amulet starts to glow, she wanders off to a spot where she can be alone and finds Aurora. Aurora tells Sofia she can always count on her animal friends to help her through tough times, before disappearing. Cameos and other appearances A modernized Aurora can be seen walking down a street in Oliver and Company , shortly after Oliver , Dodger , Rita , Francis , Tito , and Einstein finish singing " Streets of Gold " but before they raid the Foxworth limousine resulting in Oliver being found and adopted by Jenny , who was riding inside. Aurora in House of Mouse. Aurora makes numerous cameo appearances in the television series House of Mouse . In her notable appearance in the episode " House of Genius ", Aurora and Phillip were waiting to be welcomed by Donald but as he slept on the job she commented: "And they call me Sleeping Beauty!". In " Ask Von Drake ", during Ludwig Von Drake's song , Aurora slept at her time having Ludwig leave an alarm clock by her side. In " Jiminy Cricket ", she was advised by Jiminy to use a sewing machine as opposed to a spinning wheel. She also appears in Mickey's Magical Christmas: Snowed in at the House of Mouse and briefly in Mickey's House of Villains . Aurora was also one of the many heroines set to appear in the abandoned short, Princess Academy . In one piece of concept art, her silhouette can be seen dancing alongside Belle and Megara , whilst another shows her on a boat, listening to a story being told by Alice's sister . Live-action appearances Once Upon a Time Aurora in Once Upon a Time. Aurora appears in the second, third, and fourth seasons of the ABC television series Once Upon a Time . She is portrayed by Sarah Bolger . It was revealed that her mother Briar Rose was afflicted with the same curse by Maleficent years before making her the second "Sleeping Beauty". Aurora was born to King Stefan and Queen Briar Rose. From her parents, she knows Maleficent once cursed her mother into an eternal sleep before her father awakened her with true love's kiss. Years later she is betrothed to Prince Phillip (portrayed by Julian Morris). But before they could marry, while happily brushing her hair one night, Maleficent approaches her. The sorceress admits she has thought about killing Briar Rose and King Stefan, but that it would be much better to allow them to live and see what she will do to their daughter. Aurora tries running, but Maleficent catches her by the arm. The princess attempts to intimidate her rival with the prospects of true love's kiss, which will break any curse. Instead, Maleficent reveals she has an equally as satisfying curse for Phillip that will turn him into a monster thus keep him from saving Aurora. As the girl is shouting in mid-protest, Maleficent pierces her with the sleeping curse, rendering her asleep almost instantly beginning her slumber before the casting of the Dark Curse. The palace in which she slumbered was untouched by the curse. Phillip delivers True Love's Kiss to Aurora. While she slumbered, Phillip and Mulan (portrayed by Jamie Chung ) journeyed to find her. They were frozen for 28 years while the Curse was in effect but were able to resume their search after Emma Swan weakened the Curse in Storybrooke. Aurora was awakened by Phillip with True Love's Kiss but soon after Phillip was marked by a creature called a Wraith. He hides it from Aurora and Mulan. When he goes to sacrifice himself Aurora and Mulan follow him. It is there Aurora discovers Mulan has feelings for Phillip too. But he has his soul sucked out of him by the Wraith and is killed. Aurora and Mulan carry his body back to Aurora's palace where Mulan explains the dark curse to Aurora. They hear a sound and find Emma Swan and Mary Margaret Blanchard underneath some rubble. Aurora, thinking that they were responsible for the Wraith's appearance, takes them to a safe haven as prisoners. When Emma and Mary Margaret were thrown into the pit they were eventually brought to the leader who turns out to be Sir Lancelot (portrayed by Sinqua Wells). Aurora expresses her distrust in him to Mulan. She also holds Emma and Snow White responsible for Phillip being gone and wants revenge but Mulan warns her against this. But when her back is turned, Aurora grasps a knife tightly in her hands. Mulan accompanies Emma and Mary Margaret on their journey to find their way back to Storybrooke but Aurora secretly follows them. When Mary Margaret is alone Aurora seizes the opportunity and holds her and knife-point and holds her responsible for Phillip's death. But Mary Margaret easily overcomes her and pins Aurora to the ground stating that what happened to Phillip was not her fault and that she knows what it is like to lose someone she cared about. Mulan and Emma return to see what is going on. Emma is furious Aurora tried to kill her mother, but Mulan says she will deal with Aurora on her own terms. Later, Mulan is seen telling Aurora to keep up and that it is her own fault for being cold as she should have stayed on the island. Emma takes pity on Aurora and gives her her jacket to keep her warm. At the castle, Aurora and Mulan keep guard at the gate. Later, Aurora agrees to help Mary Margaret and Emma with trying to find another way home as it will give her a chance to channel her anger. Aurora discovers Captain Hook beneath a pile of bodies, and Hook attempts to deceive the four of them by stating he survived Cora 's attack on the camp by hiding under some dead bodies. Emma is not buying his story and pulls a knife on Hook's throat, stating that she wants the truth and she can tell when a person is lying. She then ties Hook to a tree and whistles for the ogres and begins to walk away. Aurora believes that he may be telling the truth, but then Hook reveals his true identity as a shocked Mary Margaret pulls his hook out of his satchel. He states that he was working with Cora, but will now join forces with Emma and her team. He leads them to a giant beanstalk stretching up into the sky, Aurora lagging behind, stating that there is a magical compass at the top, but first they must deal with the giant. At the beanstalk, Aurora volunteers to go up, as she says she has no one left to her in this world but is overridden when Emma says she will go up instead. Mary Margaret comforts Aurora about her Nightmares. After Emma departs, Mulan suggests that the remaining three women split time taking watch. Mary Margaret volunteers to watch first, but Aurora refuses to sleep, saying she is having nightmares since her sleeping curse. Mary Margaret reassures her, saying the dreams will go away in time as she, too, also dealt with the after-effects of the sleeping curse. Later, Aurora wakes up screaming from a nightmare, and Mary Margaret comforts her as Mulan looks on. Aurora describes her dream, in which she is in a windowless doorless room with blood red curtains and flames. Another person, a man, is looking at her from across the room, and she is scared. Mary Margaret comforts her and coaxes her back to sleep. When Mulan moves to cut down the beanstalk, Aurora asks why. Though Mulan was acting on Emma's orders, Mary Margaret tackles her to the ground to stop her from cutting it. After Emma jumps down from the beanstalk, Aurora wonders where Hook is, and Emma replies that he is being temporarily watched and that the group has a ten-hour head start, so they should take advantage of it. It is later revealed that she and Henry Mills , Emma's son, are experiencing the same nightmare. Aurora is seen sleeping when Emma and Mary Margaret pass by. We see her in her nightmare screaming and becoming engulfed by the flames when Henry reappears with the necklace given to him by Mr. Gold and puts out the flames. He tells her his name is Henry and she shouldn't be afraid. She is awakened by Mary Margaret and explains to her and Emma that there was a little boy in her dream, and his name was Henry. She's later captured by Cora, who tries to use her to get what she wants by revealing that Phillip's soul is in another world. She refuses to help Cora and is knocked out cold, but Hook releases her and it's revealed he took her heart which Cora uses to manipulate Aurora. Cora and Hook then imprison her and the others in an enchanted dungeon. After the spell on the dungeon is broken, Aurora voluntarily stays behind because she knows that she cannot be trusted since Cora has control of her heart. When Hook and Cora are about to escape to Storybrooke in a portal, they attacked by Snow White, Emma and Mulan. At one point during the battle Cora vanishes and Aurora's heart almost falls into the portal, but Hook saves it because he feels that it is not right for a girl to lose her heart especially to him. Mulan then returns to Aurora and puts her heart back in her body. The two of them then resume their quest to save Phillip. Aurora, Phillip and Mulan discover an unconscious Neal. She appears in the season finale where she, a revived Phillip and Mulan find Neal washed off the coast in the Enchanted Forest. They take him back to the palace and tend to his injuries. Upon awakening, she asks who he is, to which the man responds with his name, Neal. Hastily, Aurora rushes over to bring water to him while Neal wonders where this is. She says him he is in their kingdom, and further questioning prompts Prince Phillip to tell Neal they are in the Enchanted Forest. Shocked, Neal murmurs he is back, which causes Aurora to think he's a native of this land, but Mulan points out his clothes are foreign and similar to Emma and Mary Margaret's. At the mention of Emma's name, Neal realizes they are acquainted with her as well, and tries to explain he needs to save Emma from harm. In attempting to move from the beer, Neal struggles to sit up as his wound is not yet completely healed, but despite that, he is set on finding out if Emma and Henry are alright. Aurora queries if Neal is Henry's father, and goes on to fill him in on how she once met Henry in the Netherworld. She mentions having harnessed the power to walk the dream world and find others like her, and it's possible to find Henry. Neal asks if she can find Emma to let her know he is alive. Assuming a laying spot on the beer, Aurora attempts to find with Emma or Henry in the dream world. A moment later, Aurora awakens to notify Neal she was unable to make contact. However, Neal recalls his father always had plans and could have left something behind if he ever came back to the Enchanted Forest. He has hopes of finding such an item and using it to get to Emma and Henry by traveling to his father's castle. Prince Phillip raises the question of who his father is, and Neal admits it's Rumplestiltskin. While Aurora and Prince Phillip stay behind, Mulan and Neal head off towards the castle, wishing the two luck in their endeavors. When Mulan is offered to join Robin Hood 's band, she stopped by Aurora's to share the great news, but before Aurora shares a great news of her own: she and Phillip are expecting their first child. After the two are happy to hear both of their respective revelation, Mulan and Aurora exchange happy tearful hugs and say goodbye. Phillip and Aurora watching the return of everyone. Sometime later, everyone who was sent to Storybrooke by the Dark Curse return to the Enchanted Forest and Aurora and Phillip greets them. However, after welcoming everyone back the two of them realize that they must tell Zelena, the Wicked Witch of the West that Storybrooke's residents have returned. If they do not give her this information, she will take their child. However, Aurora and Phillip broke their deal with a revelation to Regina, Belle, Snow White and Charming on the primal goal of the witch on Snow White's baby. Angry, the Wicked Witch transforms them into flying monkeys . After the Wicked Witch was defeated Leroy revealed that Aurora and Phillip became human again and Aurora is later seen in Storybrooke at the event where Snow White and Prince Charming name their new child. Some time later, Aurora gives birth to a son who is also given the name Phillip. She goes to parenting classes with Snow White and it revealed that she is still trying to understand the ways of the modern world. Maleficent Elle Fanning as Aurora in Maleficent. Aurora appears in the feature film as Maleficent's secret rival and good friend, portrayed by actress Elle Fanning while Angelina Jolie 's daughter Vivienne Jolie-Pitt portrays her as a 5-year old. Out of all other little girls, Vivienne was the only child that wasn't afraid of her own mother in costume since the other kids in casting would run away in fear of Angelina's appearance. As an infant, she was out of vengeance cursed by Maleficent that before the sun sets on her sixteenth birthday she would prick her finger on the spindle of a Spinning Wheel and fall into an eternal slumber like death. To keep her safe she was taken into hiding. Over the next sixteen years, she comes across Maleficent many times as she grows up and comes to believe the wicked fairy is her fairy godmother. Aurora was nicknamed "Beastie" by Maleficent in their first interaction. She is secretly cared for by Maleficent and Diaval since the Pixies are incapable of doing so. Even as a toddler she has no fear of being near Maleficent at all, especially when she hugs her and lets her pick her up. When Aurora is fifteen, Maleficent brings her to the Moors and two eventually develop a mother-daughter relationship but remains unaware that the fairy she claims to be her Fairy Godmother is the one who had cursed her as an infant. She wishes to stay in the Moors with Maleficent but after learning the truth of her past and Maleficent's identity from the Pixies, she angrily returns to her father. Unfortunately, she was not supposed to return until the day after her sixteenth birthday, and as the sun begins to set, the curse calls to her and follows a whispering voice to the dungeons where all the spinning wheels in the kingdom were burnt. She approaches one spinning wheel that repairs itself and she slowly reaches out for the spindle. She pricks her finger and falls into her eternal deathlike slumber. Maleficent brings Phillip to her, the prince she met in the forest, hoping his brief meeting with her will be enough to break the spell but unfortunately it does not. So sad and ashamed of what her hatred has brought upon her dearest friend, she gives her a motherly goodbye kiss on the forehead and just before she can walk away a miracle happens: Aurora wakes up happy to see her Fairy Godmother. Maleficent's close and intense motherly love for Aurora was enough to break the curse. Aurora, Queen of the Kingdom and the Moors. As they try to flee the castle, Maleficent gets captured by Stefan's guards, Aurora tries to save her but she is overpowered and told to run. She finds her way to a room where she finds Maleficent's fairy wings and they're still alive. She manages to free them and they emerge with Maleficent, giving back her ability to fly once again. She allowed Maleficent to kill her deranged father once and for all. In the last scene, Aurora is crowned Queen of both the human and fairy kingdoms and is reunited with Prince Phillip who both smile at each other as her fairy godmother Maleficent leaves to enjoy flying once again with Diaval. The narrator of the film concludes the tale by revealing that she is, in fact, an elderly Aurora retelling the whole story. Printed media Maleficent's Revenge In this story, Aurora plays more of a heroic role. As the plot follows, Maleficent returns from the deathly Underworld and seeks revenge on Aurora and Phillip in midst of the royal couple's first wedding anniversary. The evil fairy does so by cursing the kingdom, turning everyone, with the exception of Aurora herself, into stone. To save her subjects and loved ones, Aurora travels to the Forbidden Mountains and offers her life in exchange for the kingdom. Maleficent agrees, placing Aurora in a sleep-like death, and freeing the citizens of the kingdom, as promised. After his revival, Phillip rushes off to rescue Aurora, battling and eventually defeating Maleficent in the process. With true love's kiss, Aurora's eternal sleeping spell is broken once again, and peace and order are restored. Kilala Princess Aurora in Kilala Princess. In the manga series Kilala Princess , Aurora is celebrating her 17th birthday when princesses Kilala and Sylphy and prince Rei enter her world to find a magical gem. Kilala is mistaken for a maid due to her appearance and is forced to work. Aurora finds Kilala on the balcony and comforts her. She has been told that Kilala is in love with Rei, and tells her of her own story with Prince Phillip and what kept her love strong. The witch, Maleficent , emerges to curse Aurora with slumber once more, but Kilala shields the princess from harm, sacrificing herself in the process. Rei kisses Kilala and, through the kiss of true love, breaks the spell and defeats Maleficent permanently. Aurora then gives Kilala a rose quartz, depicting the importance of being faithful to her dreams if she wants them to come true. She is last seen witnessing Kilala receive her own special gem: an emerald. Video games Kingdom Hearts series In Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep , Aurora's backstory is more or less the same as it was in the film. By the time Terra arrives at the Enchanted Dominion, Aurora has already been placed in a deep slumber under the influence of the curse laid by Maleficent . When Terra reaches the tower and meets Maleficent, she uses the darkness in his heart to temporarily take control of his body and forces him to take Aurora's heart. Her heart was kept in Maleficent's castle until Ventus comes to retrieve it with the three fairies. Although her heart returned, the curse is not broken. Prince Phillip eventually escapes with Aqua 's aid and reaches the tower where he kisses Aurora and breaks the spell. During the ending credits, she and Prince Phillip are seen dancing in the audience chamber of the castle, just like at the end of the movie. In Kingdom Hearts, she is known to be a Princess of Heart and is among the seven to be captured by Riku and Maleficent . She plays a small but important role in the story. She is placed in another deep sleep with the other princesses until Sora , Donald Duck and Goofy rescue them and Aurora tell them about Ansem . She and the other princesses help open the keyhole and along with the other princesses she gives Sora the power of fire. Later, she tells Sora further information about Maleficent. Afterward, she returns to her home. Her name is part of the password to enter Tron 's world, in Kingdom Hearts II. Kinect Disneyland Adventures Aurora appears in the game as a meet-and-greet character outside the Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boutique in Fantasyland . She assigns a few tasks to the player, including helping her prepare a party for the Good Fairies and searching for bird songs. She also participates in the Mickey's Soundsational Parade and Princess Fantasy Faire mini-games. Disney Parks Princess Aurora posing for a photo at one of the Disney parks. Princess Aurora is a meetable character at Disney parks around the world. She is usually at Fantasy Faire in Disneyland Park or in stage shows that include a princess scene. If it is not her and Prince Phillip, it is Belle and Beast or Ariel and Eric. Aurora has her own spell card known as "Aurora's Rose Petals" in the attraction Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom . Aurora also appears on the princess themed float in Mickey's Soundsational Parade as well as in Jubilation! , Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade and Flights of Fantasy Parade . For meet-and-greets, Aurora can be found at the Magic Kingdom 's Princess Fairytale Hall . In Epcot , She can often be found in the France Pavilion . Aurora is also present for the Fantasylands of both Disneyland Paris and Tokyo Disneyland . Aurora also makes meet-and-greet appearances aboard the Disney Magic . She and Phillip can also be seen dancing during the "I See the Light," segment of Disney Dreams! at Disneyland Paris . Dream Along with Mickey Aurora appeared dancing with Cinderella , Snow White and their princes. Aurora assists Cinderella and Snow White in making Minnie dreams come true as being a princess. She reappeared at the end and celebrate with other Disney characters the defeat of Maleficent and her minions Captain Hook and Mr. Smee . Disney Princess Redesign Aurora did not receive many changes in her late 2012 redesign. Her bangs no longer sport the distinctive curl in the front and are now combed and curled more to the side like a typical hair parting. Her tiara is no longer as pointy, and the rubies that used to be studded in it have been replaced with pink rose quartz. The white shoulders of her dress are now more refined and streamlined, and no longer as sharp and pointed-looking. The entire dress itself is now decorated with swirly designs of climbing flowers and vines. This reworking of Aurora's look is carried over to the Disney Parks. She also has a more sparkly and glittery redesign for her other blue gown. In her early redesigns, she had a long sash beneath her hips instead of the triangular cutouts, but in the current redesign, the cutouts remained in her dress. Aurora's Palace Pets are Beauty, Bloom, Nuzzles, Fern, Macaron and Ash. Differences from the source material Princess Aurora is based on the fairy tale "La Belle Au Bois Dormant" by Charles Perrault , but there are many differences: The princess is apparently never named in the original fairy tale. Seven fairies found in the realm are invited to be the princess' godmothers at the christening and bestow their gifts at the banquet back at the castle. The uninvited eighth fairy (who was long supposed to be dead or enchanted) declares that the princess will prick her hand on a spindle and die from it. The seventh fairy undoes the result of her aged kinswoman's gift that the princess will fall into a profound slumber that will last a hundred years and be awoken by a king's son. Nevertheless, the king forbids, on pain of death, that spindles and spinning wheels be kept in the house. It is one day after the 15th or 16th years that the princess pricks her hand from the spindle. It is on the floor of the tower that the princess swoons onto after taking hold of the old serving woman's spindle and is later placed upon a gold and silver embroidered bed in the castle's finest apartment. The seventh fairy is summoned and casts a spell of sleep over the castle, except the king and queen who sadly depart. Her magic also brings forth a forest of trees big and small with interlacing brambles and thorns that shield the castle (the towers are still seen but from a distance) and to safeguard the princess. After a hundred years, a king's son who was from another family awakens the sleeping princess (though he only kneels by her side). The castle awakens and the prince and princess are married in the castle chapel. After being secretly married, the princess bore two children: a girl, L'Aurore (Dawn in English; Aurora in Latin) and a boy, Le Jour (Day). The prince had a mother who hated the princess. The mother was an ogress who loved to eat small children. She sent the young Queen and the children to a house secluded in the woods and directed her cook to cook the three of them. The cook was humane and told the mother that a goat was the young girl, a sheep was the young boy. After finding out that the cook had lied and the princess and her children were safe, the ogress prepared a tub to cook them in. After the prince caught his mother, she threw herself into the tub and was fully consumed, and everyone else lived happily ever after. Gallery The Disney Wiki has a collection of images and media related to Aurora . Trivia Aurora's name means "sunrise" or "dawn" in Latin. On a related note, she is also the first Disney Princess to have a name independent of that of the movie she appeared in. Out of all Disney Princesses, she has least screen time, 18 minutes to be exact. During those 18 minutes, she said only 18 lines. So technically, this makes the Fairies the protagonists instead of her. Coincidentally, Tiana has the second least screen time as a human (19 minutes). Her film did not originally do well at the box office nor was it ever re-released in Walt Disney 's lifetime. Sleeping Beauty was also the last Princess film made in Disney's lifetime, and the fairy tale genre was not returned to until The Little Mermaid in 1989 . However, the film developed a loyal following in later years and Aurora has gained much popularity when the Disney Princess franchise was created. All the Princesses' films so far were commercially successful during their initial releases, except for Aurora's, thus making her film the only one to be a commercial failure during its initial release. Aurora would, however, later on, appear in the highly successful live-action blockbuster film Maleficent . Aurora is also the last "traditional" Disney Princess; as these princesses in that era are more reactive. After that, the later Princesses are more "contemporary" and proactive, starting with Ariel in 1989. In the sequel books, she has a palomino horse named Mirette. Aurora's alias is Briar Rose, which is also the title of the Brothers Grimm version of the tale. The Brothers Grimm version of Sleeping Beauty is based on the 1634 story by Giambattista Basile called Sun, Moon, and Talia. The name Aurora is the daughter's name of the Sleeping Beauty in the version of Charles Perrault and is the name for the titular character in the ballet. Aurora is the first Disney Princess to have an official alias. Aurora is the first Disney Princess to have both parents present during her film, followed by Mulan , Tiana , Rapunzel and Merida . But Tiana's father later died in the war. Aurora is one of the eight Disney Princesses to be royal by birth, second after Snow White . Aurora remained silent in the second half of the film she originated in, even after being awoken with the kiss. She is second only to Dumbo (who didn't speak at all) to have less dialogue throughout the movie. Aurora's dress is constantly changed from blue to pink and back again as a running gag during her film. The constant color change is due to Flora and Merryweather's disagreement on what the color should be. Her real name, Aurora, which is mentioned few times in the film, is often unused or even unknown by some fans; by them, she is only called Sleeping Beauty. This is notable in the House of Mouse episode " Jiminy Cricket ", Jiminy Cricket addressed Aurora with "Sleeping" and "Beauty" as her first and last names respectively, reflecting on this. The final scene of Sleeping Beauty with her and Prince Phillip dancing and going off into the clouds was an abandoned concept from both Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Cinderella . In the ballet, her father is named King Florestan the XXIVth, the Prince is named Désiré or Florimund and the evil fairy is called Carabosse. There are five fairies named Candide (Candor), Coulante, Fleur de farine (Flowing, Wheat flour), Miettes qui tombent (Falling breadcrumbs), Canari qui chante (Singing canary), and Violente (Force). The Lilac Fairy is the final and sixth good fairy and is considered the most powerful. Aurora's original voice actress, Mary Costa, is the only actress alive of the first three Princesses. Both Adriana Caselotti and Ilene Woods passed away. Strangely, in Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep, Aurora's bed vanishes, as does Aurora herself when completing Terra's and Ventus's scenarios in her world, when she should be asleep in her bed. Though more than likely for the story of the world, it means that Aurora is awake due to Aqua helping Prince Phillip rescuing her. Coincidentally, Kate Higgins, the latest voice actor for Aurora, also voices Briar Beauty, the daughter of Sleeping Beauty in the Mattel webisode series Ever After High . Unlike most Princesses, her appearance is given more as that of a mature woman, rather than a 16-year old teenage girl. External links
Sleeping Beauty
Which one hangs from the ceiling? A stalactite? Or a stalagmite?
The Differences Between 'Maleficent' and 'Sleeping Beauty' The Differences Between 'Maleficent' and 'Sleeping Beauty' Yahoo Movies• Pin it Share Angelina Jolie’s Maleficent claims to be a deeper look at the story behind Disney’s Sleeping Beauty; showing a more sympathetic, nuanced version of the classic tale. But finding complexity is one thing; inventing entirely new characters is another. While at some points Maleficent shows us new sides to the story, at others it takes us to a previously unimaginable Bizarro World version. Where do the stories diverge, and where do they intersect?  We set out to map their two sometimes overlapping trails. Yes, that means the following contains spoilers, so please check back after you’ve seen Maleficent. (If you haven’t already seen Sleeping Beauty, which has only been out for 55 years, then you’re beyond help).    In the beginning… Sleeping Beauty: Is, from the film’s get go, a fairy tale, read straight out of a storybook. Maleficent: Narrator Janet McTeer announces she is going to tell “an old story anew.” King Stefan has a baby. Sleeping Beauty: He and his queen don’t waste any time and the princess appears right at the top. They name her Aurora. Maleficent: He gets around to it eventually. But first he spends his callow youth toying with the heart of a woodland fairy named Angelina Jolie’s Cheekbones. Does Maleficent fly? Sleeping Beauty: Not that we recall.  Maleficent: Like Superman—and the first third of the movie is her origin story.   King Stefan drugs Maleficent, and hacks off her Dogma wings. Sleeping Beauty:  Doubtful that anyone had the guts to pitch that particular take during Walt Disney’s lifetime. Maleficent: There’s no family-friendly way to put it: In this iteration, Stefan (Sharlto Copley) is a bastard. And not that it matters, but he’s not even a blue blood; he’s a peasant who drugs and hacks his way to the throne.          Maleficent puts a curse on King Stefan’s baby Aurora just because she didn’t get a proper invite to the christening.  Sleeping Beauty: That’s all the motivation a lady needed in 1959. Maleficent: Well, yes — that plus the king drugged her and hacked off her wings. The newborn Aurora is whisked away from the kingdom, and raised in the woods by three fairies. Sleeping Beauty: Technically, yes, this is what happens.  Maleficent: Technically, yes, this is what happens.          The fairies are incompetent twits. Sleeping Beauty: This is implied, but Flora, Fauna and Merryweather are nonetheless celebrated as Aurora’s saviors, despite the fact that even after more than a decade of custodial work they still don’t know how to crack an egg.  Maleficent: Their haplessness is expressly stated. One of the fairies is actually called Thistletwit (Juno Temple). The names of her peers aren’t much more flattering: Flittle (Imelda Staunton) and Knotgrass (Lesley Manville).            Maleficent is an incompetent twit. Sleeping Beauty: Kinda. Who else doesn’t regularly touch base with her team, and keep them focused on the mission, which is to find Aurora.  Maleficent: Don’t make us laugh. Jolie’s Maleficent is as sharp as her cheekbones. She knows where that baby is before the kid needs her first diaper changed. Read More Maleficent is like a mother to Aurora. Sleeping Beauty: Ha! There are no mothers in the classic Disney universe. Females are either: (a) underage; (b) of age and dead; or, (c) of age and evil.    Maleficent: It’s better than that: The teen-aged Aurora (Elle Fanning) considers Maleficent her godmother. It’s nice to see the kid appreciate that while lurking in the shadows Mal made sure she didn’t starve to death under the “care” of the fairy twits.             Maleficent looks like Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard. Sleeping Beauty: More like Tallulah Bankhead in a turban.     Maleficent: Ding-ding-ding-ding-ding!  
i don't know
Used to assess the effect of an atomic bomb, how many people must die to be qualified as a megadeath?
[Fwd: Hiroshima, Nagasaki, The Manhattan Project 911, Nuclear Jewish Lightning Why Have You Forsaken Me. I am being punished for rescuing the world god has created, let no insane jews destroy] - Google Groups Google Groups Aug 26, 2008 2:25 PM Posted in group: APFN -------- Original Message -------- Subject: Hiroshima, Nagasaki, The Manhattan Project 911, Nuclear Jewish Lightning Why Have You Forsaken Me. I am being punished for rescuing the world god has created, let no insane jews destroy Date: Tue, 26 Aug 2008 13:27:51 -0400 From: To: 2  August 10, 2008 IAM Khristos: IAM Crucified, The Same Bastards Keep God Hanging. On The Cross. IAM Aida IAM Going Home: August 12, 2008: IAM Diagnosed with Stage 4 Cancer. The Bad Russian Jews Ruining America will not leave voluntarily or allow Pope Benedict XVI to contact me. Congressmen, Senators, Presidential Candidates, and Television News broadcasters should have voluntarily submitted to polygraph tests. You must now charge them with treason. This includes the Arrogant Congressmen and Senators that abandoned us and attacked Georgia for excitement. The same above suspicion bastards should have volunteered to a lie detector test if, they were innocent. IAM the Bright Light: Israel will never know. IAM the King of Glory. The Jews are sending you to Hell.   January 2002 to August 26, 2008, The Holy Ghost v Chancellor, Golan (Goal) Cipel (to Cripple) I Crippled Golan Cipel, Healed the cripples. Prosecute to the fullest extent of the law all appointed Jews in the government appointing more Jews crippling the economy and remove all representatives instigating wars killing non Jews. This Fascist administration never responded to thousands of Americans demanding reward money that would have saved millions of human lives. My word was plain and was in no need of any interpretation of any man. "LET MY PEOPLE GO" Elizabeth, God has a message for you. "LET MY PEOPLE GO" The Queen, just as Lawrence had predicted, refused. Who is the Lord that I should obey. I do not know the Lord. Not on your life. This arrogant monarch never came down from her throne of self-righteousness, so Israel will never know the King of Glory. God's leader reiterated, "I'm scared". Thus we have the scenario for God's ultimate deliverance. "LET MY PEOPLE GO" Reward Money is Due Lawrence. Rewarding your Savior Lawrence De Marco, would have saved America and taken Several Trillion Dollars away from the English Jews in our government knowingly appointing Black Water SS Secret Service Jews Crippling Gold Star Mothers. I got heaven and I got hell. Roll on up, for my price is down. Come on in for the best in town. Take your pick of the finest wine. Lay your bets on this bird of mine. What you see is what you get. No one's been disappointed yet. Don't be scared give me a try, There is nothing you can't buy. Ciao, Fascist administration. Savio, Savior or Saviour refers to Lawrence De Marco who achieved World Salvation. Delivered US from evil, again. Beware of the Ides of March on a Gladiators calendar. The term was used for Maximus for he was soldier of Rome. Support the American Gold Star Mothers, 2128 Leroy Place, NW, Washington, DC, Call 202-265-0991. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnFAEWlXI4s , In the Talmud, a prominent rabbis is Judah haNasi or Nazi Jew, called simply a Rabbi is a Nazi. The Title a Nasi or haNasi, or a Nazi, translated is a Prince, a more correct translation is a President. http://www.ewtn.com ,  As of August 13, 2008 EWTN never returned my telephone calls, Ask Why? Let the Jews worry about al queada. Americans are no longer responsible for the actions of Jews refusing to be polygraphed and prosecuted are The Producers of September 11, 2001. Prima Donnas First Ladies of the State: Chancellor: Golan (Goal) Cipel (to Cripple) I Crippled Golan Cipel. Break a Leg, Condolences, Good Luck, Good Luck, Good Luck, Congratulations; Throw Rice-a Toast to Adolph Hitlers understudy Czar Michael Chertoff: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebwajADIm7k , The Producers, We never seen shit like this, He has the whole world in his hands, Their freaking out in foreign lands. The 911 Emmy Osama Award goes to CNN Wolf Blitzer Situation Room. It's a 1938 Hollywood Contract murdering Non Jews. Lawrence De Marco's Reward Money is Past Due that translates into conflicting Interest for Jews to Reward Lawrence. The arrogant Jews of this monarch never stepped down, so Israel will never know their King of Glory. http://youtube.com/watch?v=RxKjDUrmecA&feature=related , Israel caused the USA dearly in terms of the costs of the "War on Iran" and in terms of its "Hated image" Here in America and around the world. I am demanding immediate monetary relief from all parties to Americans with their sincerest apologies, respect, dignity and integrity unveiled, and the satisfaction I deserve for catastrophic, permanent damages this Israeli operation cost America more than $911 Trillion Dollars. Jews blamed Putin. Demand Retaliation. http://youtube.com/watch?v=Rt_jjHAQoJU&feature=related , Scott McClellan, What Happened: Inside the Bush Culture of Deception, Exorcism 2008. The Confession of sins at least of one's sinfulness is seen by god as a pre-requisite for becoming a Roman Catholic. But, if your heart be hard, like that of the stubborn Jews in the days of Moses, take heed, Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just, and this be our motto: "In God is our Trust." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7t3IIFjHVE&NR=1 , The purpose of life is the pursuit of happiness, in which all things had a final purpose namely, to realize their implicit perfection. In most instances it begins with the desire for acceptance and evolves to discovery of each person's genius or gift to serve. A tribute to the fighting 69th Taskforce Wolfhound were betrayed by the Jews Clinton-Am-Bushed.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJUoD5E2XWo&NR=1 , Oct. 7, 1973, CBS Face the Nation, Protested Senator Fulbright: The Israelis control the policy in the Congress and the Senate and do it collectively, around 80 percent of the Senate is completely supporting Israeli Elizabeth Nazis and anything they want. We are proposing to give $85 million to Israel, when I'm having trouble getting $8 million for a road in Arkansas because money is short. 4739 Holdsworth Road         http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-342185930070503560 , Betrayed! Land O Lakes, FL 34639            I am being punished for rescuing my country, I tell the truth and I get dammed                              pre: 911The Power of Christ Compels You, Bring Home Our Boys The Not Dead Yet US Military                                                 pre: 911 It is 1938, Iran is Germany, Likud Chairman Benjamin Osama Netanyahu at the UJC The White House            pre: 911 George W. Bush President of Elizabeths Soviet-Israeli Union and Anti Christ Chertoff 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW    pre: 911 Condolences Rice, Senators Direct Decisions to the Washington Institute dba Wash DC Washington, DC 20500                 pre: 911 Appointed Osama Chertoff, are Never Elected Accusers, Growing Fascism, Auditions.com 202-456-1414 voice              pre: 911 Admiral James Loy, Deputy Sec. Meshu Goyims Megillah "Foxx News" Conditions US 202-456-2461 fax                            pre: 911 Golde Mabovitch Meyerson, Golda Meir, (Gold's Emir) Audited US Gold Reserves, Gone.                 pre: 911AG, Alberto Gonzales, Elizabeth, NJ Talmud, Mel Brooks Project ID# 104419 Communism Facsimile Transmittal        pre: 911Operation Condor, Code Name for State-Run Death Squads, Chile Names US Kissinger                 pre: 911 "When I ordered coups" Kissinger Death Squads Doped, Raped, Filmed and Blackmailed  September 15, 2001     pre: 911 Mossad: by way of deception. Elizabeth II, Shanghaied Americans B+W Surges into Slavery 1823 Nagasaki, Hiroshima      pre: 911 Solution: Broadcast Edward Kennedy Reading The Freedom Speech of January 20th, 1961. Mrs. Sullivan: We remember your boys, And America is "Send In The Klein's" To: Iran They don't make Jews like Jesus anymore. The Russian Mafia and NJ Governor, Jimmy McGreevey appointed, a Pre Meditated CZAR. Golan (Goal) Cipel (to Cripple) CZAR. I Crippled Him. Break a Leg, Congratulations, to Adolph Hitler's Understudy Chertoff. Unbeknownst to me, I gave "Top Secret" information to this Israeli operative. Golan Cipel literally raped and blackmailed US then I-ran. Israel renders US traitors' comfort and aid. The Muslims call me Lawrence. The Jews are forbidden to call my name. Good Luck 911 Tripped The Trinity, Let Every Nation Know to Logan Act the Mieskeit News Readers, Baiting and Switching Osama Terror. Israel caused the USA dearly in terms of the costs of the War on Iran and in terms of its hated image here and around the world. I am demanding immediate monetary relief from all parties with their sincerest apologies, respect, dignity and their integrity unveiled, I deserve for catastrophic, permanent damages this Israeli operation will cost America $900 Trillion Dollars. Let Every Nation Know, John F. Kennedy, The Son and The Holy Ghost. The Trinity" Gods United Knights in Shining Armor. Tort, a wrong, an injury to Lawrence De Marco resulting from a breach of legal duty that exists by virtue of society's expectations. The essential elements of a tort are the existence of a legal duty owed by Governor Jim McGreevey and his diabolic subjugation of friends contacted by Lawrence De Marco. "I'm Not Dead Yet" I welcome a trial by jury to determine my damages. Jimmy McGreevey blackened the evil eye of the Communist Court Jews, Anti Christ, Ariel Sharon and The Likud Party, The Party's Over. He is risen. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOGBDxcK4xo,IAM Going Home                 I suffered indescribable torments by a powerful "Hell Hath No Fury", like a scorned shikseh governor possessed by jealousy, hate, sex, anger, and lust. "Witch Master" was I trying to serve. Bi-insulating a raven from prosecution, that is treason. Sexpionage, Come and get it wholesale. Thermonuclear Faygalas kicking back $700 trillion dollars is hard to swallow. Rico Act, That's Chutzpah. Thy Jubilees of Anastasiya, Normandy, Jesus Hiroshima Christ the Pope and Manhattan, thy crimes exceed all measure of punishment. September 11, 2001, The fighting started, Mohammed gave me his confession Israeli pre-staged and ordered me off the phone. I am resurrected now. Governor Jim McGreevey's Demonic Activities buried my claims this country and me. I found a strong warning devise on my front lawn, Hero Vaccinated, Debtor-Court-Burglarize and IAM dying, punished by the Court Jew Chertoff, for rescuing America                      Jacqueline Kennedy "They're killing Kennedy's" (the Son). The Anti Christ Healthcare is HPV-HIV, Dimona, Anthrax, Thermite, Asbestos, Vanunu, Syphilis, DU, Cancer, and Auschwitz, sometimes at the same time. Think back, there are unanswered questions about Camelot. Have You Heard of This Broadway. The Producers have deceived you. The Ultimate Finale, "Well, let me put it like this, In short, there's simply not a more congenial spot for happ'ly-ever-aftering than here In Camelot".  I have found thy works perfect before God. Dr. Tatyana Koryagina, warned of an impending attack that would be carried out by a group of extremely powerful private persons, Ariel Sharons and The Likud Party executed 911 to launch its pre-planned agenda. Putin ran cover for the perpetrators of 911. Putin is a KGB Thug, His Name is Lancelot, crusading his criminal rise to power, KGB past such systematic dismantling of the Russian Democracy. The British recruit the Jews to systematically dismantling the US Government, BBC-FTC-FCC TV programmed News Readers lie and Jews cause American deaths driving friendly fire at us. Putin and Mossad, executed and launched pre-planned 911HLS, Chertoff Elizabeth Burned Dodi and Diana (Guenevere), no 1020 codes, CIA past and systematic dismantling of America' Agencies, Medicare, SS, FEMA, Pensions, Corp Raiders, Out Source Jobs, GE to India, Sir Pedophile Henry Elizabeth Kissinger's (Cosigners) "Fun Ghouls" are killing down the US Military at America's Expense. Jah. Dat vas his middle name. Not many people know zis, but der F¸hrer vas descended from a long line of English qveens. Dishoner ze spirit und ze memory of Adolph Elizabeth Hitler. Dishonor the spirit und ze... Elizabeth?  Litvak Russian in Fast Track,   http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-3050530857323076846&q=exorcist 911Manhattan Project, Nuclear Strike Three, She's Out… Queen Elizabeth's coup Israel Troops DU-US Military, " Long Live The King" I Watched the Eviction, I Saw the Jumpers Diving off the World Trade Towers, I Heard their Bodies Pounding the Pavement. Armageddon.Farchadat, Jewish Lighting, the Jewish Mafia did this, they Benefited from all the Events of September 11, 2001. Radio Active WTC 'Say I slew them not.' And the Queen replied, "Then say they were not slain. But dead they are."  Nuremberg, Shakespeare, Three Faiths One God Blessed America   http://www.harrahs.com/theproducers/start_content.html , Lawrence De Marco      http://www.metacafe.com/watch/684526/september_11/ He can wait, then claim it. Larry asked John Kennedy Jr. whether he would one day run for office. The old definition of politics, And that's a good thing. It was only a matter of time, a time that now will never come. It is that final closing that weighs so heavily. For a nation so enthralled with dynasty, the death of John Kennedy Jr. is not just a human tragedy but a political one. It marks an irretrievable ending for a nation that worshipped the Father awaited the Son and The Holy Spirit, The Trinity Camelot. Mordechai Vanunu provided the best look at the Israeli nuclear arsenal in 1985 complete with photographs. A technician from Dimona who lost his job, Vanunu secretly took photographs, immigrated to Australia and published some of his material in the London Sunday Times. He was kidnapped by Israeli agents, tried and imprisoned. His data shows a sophisticated nuclear program. http://youtube.com/watch?v=4KsM0L_ZLjM&feature=related , The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world. We searched Broadway on and off for Chertoff with a cough, We had tryouts and auditions by the score And to trip the light fantastic ... We picked dancers who were spastic, If anyone jeted, we jeted them out the door! MAX: They shouted hooray, For that sausage on display, Where did we go right? LEO: Our leading man was so gay, He nearly flew away, Where did we go right? MAX: A show so easy to despise... LEO: Now it's up for the Pulitzer Prize! MAX & LEO: Oh, where, oh, where, tell us, Where did we go right? MAX: "The best new music of the decade! Max Bialystock is a theatrical genius!" Now they like me! MAX & LEO: Oh, we knew we couldn't lose, Half the audience were Jews! LEO: It's the end of our careers, It'll run for twenty years! Tell us where.. Did we go right? Dysfunctional Government. http://www.chaplin-nest.com/unkarock/flag.htm , IAM The Flag, IAM Proud, God Bless America Families Furious Over Flight 93 Donation Box Landowner Says He Can't Afford Upkeep for Lunar Ticks and WTC Grave Robbers By DANIEL LOVERING , AP   PITTSBURGH (June 6) - A man who owns property at the site where Flight 93 crashed has demanded millions for his portion of land where a memorial is planned, and has installed a donation box to help pay for security. The actions by Mike Svonavec have angered victims' families, who believe he is overcharging and disagree with the need for a donation box. No reward money was ever allocated or paid to goys. I, Lawrence De Marco received nothing, I was told this was in the courts, gag ordered and death threats followed ask your Senators, Congressmen and President. Demand every Government Official work 24/7 in Washington, DC until every dollar stolen is back in the US Treasury or Jail them or sell them into white slavery country as freaks of humanity. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZ9hFhnjyUo&feature=related , Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts. Michael Mukasey Refuses to prosecute his appointed Jews, Joe Lieberman, Feinstein, Gonzo, Hitler, Schumer, Spitzer, Corzine, Chertoff, and more perpetrated the events of September 11, 2001. Negative Publicity' Is Sufficient Punishment Published 21 hours ago by Amanda at Think Progress. In a speech today before the American Bar Association (ABA), Mukasey was more explicit in his rejection of any sort of review or prosecution, saying that the "negative publicity" they faced was enough: Pre 911: Sunday, September 17, 2000 in the Sunday Herald (Scotland) Allies Deliberately Poisoned US Military and Iraq Public Water Supplies The Manhattan Projected Wars by Felicity Arbuthnot: The Israelis led allied forces deliberately destroyed multiple water supplies during the Wars flagrantly breaking the Geneva Convention and causing thousands and then millions of cancer civilian deaths. Since the war ended in 1991 the allied nations have made sure than any attempts to make contaminated water safe have been thwarted. A respected American professor now intends to convene expert hearings in a bid to pursue criminal indictments under international law against those responsible. Professor Thomas J Nagy, Professor of Expert Systems at George Washington University with a doctoral fellowship in public health, told the Sunday Herald: Miss Diagnosis Depleted Uranium: The enablers saw nothing wrong in producing this plan, those who ordered its production and those who knew about it and have remained silent for 10 years would seem to be in violation of Federal Statute and perhaps have even conspired to commit genocide. No Statute of Limitations for Murder. Article 54 of the Geneva Convention states: "It is prohibited to attack, destroy or render useless objects indispensable to the survival of the civilian population" and includes foodstuffs, livestock and "drinking water supplies and irrigation works". The results of the allied bombing campaign were obvious when The Jew, Dr David Levenson visited Iraq immediately and Headed the committee to shit can Damages after the Gulf War, on behalf of International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War. Israeli Manufactured Terrorist would appoint Russian Jews neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts. Michael Mukasey Refuses to prosecute his appointed Soviet Jews have now turned to poisoning the Americans water. For many years the whole world was watching American television, radio, or newspapers networks never warned Americans about the Jews poisoning the drinking water "Dehydrated from nausea and diarrhea, craving liquids, they drank more of the water that made them sick in the first place." Today Water-borne diseases in Iraq and Bird Flu in America and China tomorrow are both endemic and epidemic. They include typhoid, dysentery, hepatitis, cholera and polio, which had previously been eradicated, along with a litany of others. The then US Navy Secretary John Lehman preyed on 2,000,000 Iraqi and American Military Forces died from multiple cancer experiments the Jews preyed on millions of fixed surgeries. President Bush Drives another 12,000 Troops to Afghanistan to Die. Ohio Democrat Representative Tony Hall has (MURDERED by) written to American Secretary of Israel Madeleine Albright, The Jewish Lover of Congratulations Rice saying he shares concerns expressed by Unicef about the profound effects the deterioration of The American Military and Iraq's electrocutions. Oil Tank Removals: NJEDA program for reimbursement is administered by NJEDA and NJDEP. It is public Law PL.2006c.58. Questions regarding the NJEDA can be sent directly [email protected] , Question EPA Authority ask Gov. Christie Toad Whitman, Sandy Hooker, NJ. EPA Ground Zero approved air for NYFD. Oil Tank removal buy the home heating Oil Company is Big Money and conflicting interests. How does inground oil tanks affect selling or buying a home. Pre meditated sub prime connected to most banks today to replace aging underground storage tanks (UST) prior to their approving the mortgage of your buyer. In addition, many insurance company's will not insure the property with a buried oil tank. They do not want to insure a property with a potential insurance liability.  A controlled mass media. Under some of the regimes, the mass media were under strict direct control and could be relied upon never to stray from the party line. Other regimes exercised more subtle power to ensure media orthodoxy. Methods included the control of licensing and access to resources, economic pressure, appeals to patriotism, and implied threats. The leaders of the mass media were often politically compatible with the power elite. The result was usually success in keeping the general public unaware of the regimes' excesses. Hillary will not blow their brains out. Autism: Condon and Lindbergh both testified that Hauptmann was "John". Another witness, Amandus Hockmuth, testified that he saw Hauptmann near the scene of the crime. Hauptmann was ultimately convicted of the crimes and sentenced to death. His appeals were rejected, though New Jersey Governor Harold G. Hoffman granted a temporary reprieve of Hauptmann's execution and made the politically unpopular move of having the New Jersey Board of Pardons review the case. Apparently, they found no reason to overturn the verdict. Hauptmann turned down a $90,000 offer from a Hearst newspaper for a confession and refused a last-minute offer to commute his execution to a life sentence in exchange for a confession. He was electrocuted on April 2, 1936 just over four years after kidnapping. SEE: Tokyo Rose, Pope Benedict's brother had special needs is the reason youth in Asia Jews support pro life in America. Mukasey Suggests No Charges In DOJ Hiring Controversy Published 19 hours ago by [email protected] (News) at ACSBlog: The Blog of the American Constitution Society . In remarks this morning before the ABA, Mukasey highlighted his efforts to address the reports' charges, and noted that, "The mission of the Justice Department is the evenhanded application of the Constitution and the laws enacted under it. That mission has to start with the evenhanded application of the laws within our own Department. Some people at the Department deviated from that strict standard, and the institution failed to stop them." ... Mukasey is no Elliot Richardson...Published 19 hours ago by Larisa Alexandrovna at At-Largely.. In a speech today before the American Bar Association (ABA), Mukasey was more explicit in his rejection of any sort of review or prosecution, saying that the "negative publicity" they faced was enough: ... Mukasey admits law-breaking at DOJ, declines to prosecute saying bad press is punishment enough Published 17 hours ago by Lindsay Beyerstein at Majikthise .. most directly implicated in the misconduct left the Department to the accompaniment of substantial negative publicity. Their misconduct has now been laid bare by the Justice Department for all to see. As a general matter in such cases, where disciplinary referrals are appropriate, they are made. To put it in concrete terms, I doubt that anyone in this room would want to trade places with any of those people. [Emphasis added.] Why isn't it a crime to violate civil service laws? If not, what good are they? All but one of the officials cited in the ... Michael B. Mukasey was appointed U.S. Attorney General in October 2007, to cover up succeeding Alberto R. Gonzales, who resigned in the midst of investigations into the firings of federal prosecutors. Before becoming Attorney General, Mr. Mukasey spent 19 years as a federal judge in New York, looting Medicare and Medicaid and Alan Hevesi helped him including serving as chief judge, after being appointed by President Reagan in 1987. Earlier, he had been a prosecutor in Manhattan when Rudolph W. Giuliani was also a young and lovely sweet transvestite working the assistant United States Attorney. While Michael Mukasey handled many high profile trials, his biggest cases he authored involved terrorism. In 1993, he presided over the prosecution of Omar Abdel Rahman, the so-called Blind Sheik, while the Blind Governor was out inspecting elevators and cranes. Whom he sentenced to life in prison for his role in a plot to blow Rudolph W. Giuliani and clean his tubes. In 2003, as chief judge, he ruled that Jose Padilla was an enemy combatant but entitled to access to Mukasey lawyers. Kangaroo court awarded 100 years In 2006, Michael Mukasey announced that he was retiring. Then Appointed HIMSELF Attorney General to Pre-Empted confirmation hearings, Mr. Mukasey Pre Meditated Broken Promises block political meddling at the Justice Department. But he declined to distance himself from Dick and Bushes Colan once in office. The Russian Jews Michael Mukasey Pre Meditated a Soviet Style Takeover of America and then the world. Pre Meditated Barack Obama and Hermann Goering also wanted Germany to become self-sufficient in all industries so that as a nation she could survive a war. Were these plans successful? by 1939, Iran is Germany still imported 33% of its required raw materials government income had been 10 billion Reichsmarks in 1928. In 1939, it stood at 15 billion. However, government spending had increased from 12 billion Reichsmarks in 1928 to over 30 billion in 1939 a difference of 15 billion Reichsmarks. From 1933 to 1939, the Nazi government always spent more than it earned so that by 1939, government debt stood at over 40 billion Resichsmarks. Balance of trade figures had gone into the red by 1939 by 0.1 billion Reichsmarks. Unemployment had fallen from 6 million in 1933 to 300,000 by 1939 and industrial production in 1939 was figured for Weimar Germany before the 1929 Wall Street Crash. Annual food consumption in 1937 had fallen for wheat bread, meat, bacon, milk, eggs, fish vegetables, sugar, tropical fruit and beer compared to the 1927 figures. The only increase was in rye bread, cheese and potatoes. Real earnings in 1938 were all but the same as the 1928 figure. Real earnings are wages Passed Over By Jewish Bull Shitting Where They Eat Jews Battle Subpoenas. Requests for records is Conflicting Interests: 911 code LAMBS BLOOD: The King Passed Over The Jews HAVE LAMBS BLOOD, 911 code Jews HAVE Text Messages. NYFD HAVE NOTS are Sacrificed. Super Jew Bloomberg Passed Over NYFD and NYPD and rewarded FEMA on September 10, 2001.  Jun 16, 2008: August 25, 2008: EWTN and MSNBC Control and Dominate Networking Jews. See Stations must also be allowed to pre-empt unsuitable programming, NOT FAVORABLE to Jews even if they have not done so with a similar program in the past. Today EWTN 05:00 AM EST: Pass Over Surprise, New Reader Sacrificed. He  is given a  Pre-Empted Pass Over Script. Unbeknownst to this New script reader notices the sacrifice of Pass Over Holocaust Warning Catholics Smear The Holy Cross in Lambs Blood to be Butchered by Jews. The I don't Know What's Your Talking Jews: During the Pass Over when there was no shortage of drama in the nation's courtrooms, one murder case stood alone in its ability to shock the country. The crime was not as gruesome as some others, since many more were just as violent, and still more that easily surpassed it. The victim was an ordinary working girl, not at all wealthy and not a member of any Royal Elite Class. Her name was Catherine Genovese, the 28-year-old daughter of Italian-American parents. But to millions of people who read her story when it first appeared in New York City's press, she would forever be remembered as "Kitty" Genovese. What happened to her, what happened to all of society on that dreadful night in the spring of 1964, would reverberate across the country and generate a national soul-searching that is reserved for only the most catastrophic of events. And more than 2000 years later, her name has become synonymous with a dark side of an urban character that, for many people, represents a harsh and disturbing reality of big city life. I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. Perpetrate Evil and intensify its sadistic tyranny by Jewish media consisting of demented perverts Program: Jew to Jew, The Producers of Let's Ask A Jew: Sitting On Top Of Keith Olberman is Newsweek Jew to Jew Terror Tory Jew Reviewing: SEE: Jews Discuss, Controlling, Dominating Jews, News Jews Driving Pre-Empted and delayed Broadcasting Jews Dressed in Sheeps Clothing are Wolf Blitzer Fucking America Every Witch Way BUTT UP.  Jew to Jew News Readers Read and The Writers Write. The Ribbon is Miss Information on the Bottom of the TV Screen. The Unknown Writer Types The News Ribbon: Warning Dick Cheeney Dispatched HIMSELF to Russia, Italy and Georgia. The Little Dictator, Charlie Chaplin, Is-Really the Jewish powers that be work to poison us with bad medicine on more levels than you could dare to comprehend. The phony democracy insisted upon by Jewish media and consisting of a demented pervert named George W. Bush with his finger on the nuclear button never represented or liked America. The United Kingdom Israeli (Is-Really) Royally Fucking The United States of America. Bush Does Not Have The Stones to show up in Rome, Italy, Russia or The Beijing Olympics 2008. Getting his Lights Punched Out In Georgia is Bushed. http://www.jfklibrary.org/Asset+Tree/Asset+Viewers/Audio+Video+Asset+Viewer.htm?guid={98A70DC5-1114-498C-B637-D0C441B57E0B}&type=Audio Michael's father was the first child Paul Chertoff from Russia and Ester Barish, from Romania. Gerson graduated as teacher of the Talmud at age 20 in 1935. In 1930 they immigrated to Brooklyn, NY imbued in Talmud the Chertoff children became ardent Zionists. I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fws4RxWtnOg&feature=related , The only defense any country has against this economic juggernaut is to accept the bribe and knuckle under, and try to hide the fact of this perfidy from their nation's own gullible and victimized citizens. To a large extent, it has always been this way. But today, with the multiple-level programs to reduce population, we simply are facing the Holocaust that Jewish writers always hoped for a massive die off of gentiles so Jewish "culture" can further consolidate itself on all the world's population and intensify its sadistic tyranny. That is also written in the Talmud, which is why the Jewish powers that be work to poison us with bad medicine on more levels than you could dare to comprehend. The phony democracy insisted upon by Jewish media and consisting of a demented pervert named George W. Bush with his finger on the nuclear button represents the greatest threat to our collective future in the history of humankind. Let it roll over your tongue. Israel-U.S.-U.K. phony democracy chief threat to freedom in the world. Only then can you begin to respond to any of the world's major problems. All discussion on any other level is simply a waste of time. Sometimes at the same time, Jews Instigate Butchering as in Georgia Butchering Russians. The Final Solution is Armageddon: Let Every Nation Know, Every Nation Must Butcher The Jews for World Peace. Box Office Poison is: Boycotting Hollywood Movies and Boycotting Good to be a Jew Movies.   August 20, 2008: It is a splendid day on which to confront the Jewish regime of the United States, The Party's Over. Today, Keith Olberman is being honored. He is a rebel without a cause and leader of the Atheist Party. Driving News under cover. He is both the spiritual and temporal leader of Just Us. 6. A controlled mass media. Under some of the regimes, the mass media were under strict direct control and could be relied upon never to stray from the party line. Other regimes exercised more subtle power to ensure media orthodoxy. Methods included the control of licensing and access to resources, economic pressure, appeals to patriotism, and implied threats. The leaders of the mass media were often politically compatible with the power elite. The result was usually success in keeping the general public unaware of the regimes' excesses. Hillary will not blow their brains out. Arrogant Soviet Jews Ruining Television News Jews will not volunteer to polygraph tests arrest them. Help Wanted: Keith added days of theocratic religion, a preacher of non-violence; and recipient of the Always Doing Something Fucking Nobel. This Prized Piece is a stark contrast to the profane, godless, and violent atheists of the British Communist Party. This witch has us under brutal occupation as a colony annexed to Her Satanic British Empire. The Roman Catholic Church is also cleaning house. Tell the Pope it is dangerous being an honest man. This Pope has powerful Royal Madmen as his enemies.  To end the brutal occupation of America is a valid foreign policy objective for the United States. Our objective is to have organizations IAM Demanding, Your Standard Operating Procedure Book. Prosecuting THE JUST US JEWS will Support Responsibility and Americas Support Network, and the Freedom First, Israel Second Coalition is a joint project to Free America Movement, the American Support Network. The American Shadow Government is the Destruction of Israel, and many more human rights groups. The objective is freedom from the Arrogant Jewish Bastards, The Party's Over. Directly or indirectly, suffering is attributed to the Arrogant Jewish Bastards causing world wide hatred of Americans extends past The United States of America, to South America, Canada, Australia, South Africa, Sudan, Burma, North Korea, Vietnam, Laos, Mainland China, Tibet, and East Turkestan, with further inconvenience for Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau. Not to mention toxic products, Anthrax, Agent Orange, Double Agents and Aids in America. Let Every Nation Know: Keith Olberman is Driving America to Hell in a Hand Basket and IAM The Lawn Mower. We demand the return of the 300 Tons of US Dollars Stolen by Bush plus interest, court costs and damages for the past several wars that Israel manufactured and news Jews drove into Hell.  PRESIDENT BUSH SHIPPED 300 TONS of US ONE HUNDRED DOLLAR BILLS TO IRAQ. U.S. Rep. Henry Waxman, D-CA, and chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform covered up addresses an audience at the National Press Club. Waxman's committee has recently investigated contracting corruption in Iraq, Rep. Henry Waxman estimates 7,000 contractor fraud cases linked to Iraq war By ELISE CASTELLI, June 16, 2008, A top house Democrat wants the Defense Department inspector general to investigate more than 7,000 cases of fraud the lawmaker believes have occurred on contracts to support the Iraq war. Now, Water Board the Bush Administration and everyone they ever meet. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNV2r_GeyMU&feature=related , Lily Marlene 1970 NYC London  Only then can we truly say that the Kingdom of God is established on earth as it is in heaven. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PA7qt09kQk4&NR=1 , Larry Craig says decision not to run was made before arrest Senator Larry Craig of Idaho said Tuesday during a radio call-in show that he decided not to seek re-election long before his arrest in a Minnesota airport men's room sex sting, contradicting earlier statements that he was undecided. The Idaho Statesman was named a finalist Monday for the 2008 Pulitzer Prize for breaking news. The Statesman's staff was recognized for its tenacious coverage of the twists and turns in the scandal involving the state's senator, Larry Craig. The News Jason Shook down the entrapped the Honest Senator in a bathroom was news to the Jews in Virginia Tech. Professor Cho was a Mexican. IAM Tapping My Troubles Away. The Lord is with you Larry Craig, if you do the right thing and stay. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_I-7PnKJZM&feature=related , 'Spy Coin' Mystery Solved, Subject : Delivery Status Notification (Failure) e mails blocked, communications cut off for Americans. The surprise explanation behind the U.S. government's sensational but false warnings about mysteri...ous Canadian spy coins is the harmless "poppy bush quarter," the world's first colonized coin, The Press has learned. May 7, 2007 Hollywood Producers. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hi4A4qH07ys&feature=related , Jewish Diaspora, The Expulsion of Judaism: The Diaspora is commonly accepted conquests of the ancient Jewish kingdoms and expulsions of enslaved Jewish population. The defeat of the Great Jewish Revolt against the Empires notably contributed to the numbers and geography of the Diaspora, Jews were scattered after losing The Empires and Jews were sold into slavery throughout the new empire. http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=826166161763165942     this picture says a thousand words. Search Keith Olberman U Tube Comments, killed immediately after they aired by control Jews above suspicion. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGlRf3bfrpA ,  Olberman 911Ground Zero years later nuclear waste site Chernobyl II. Let Every Nation Know: The English-Israeli Jews Are Murdering Your Children at Americas Expense. World Class News Jews, Pre Meditated Murderers, ask them about Lawrence their Messiah. Israel will never know their King of Glory, Lawrence Mario De Marco, IAM King of the Jews. "Germany Must Perish" By the "Jew" Theodore N. Kaufman., 1941 PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERIKA  The Royal Fucking of Germany, by HRH Elizabeth, Hell has a special place for her, see the Exorcist  SPECIAL NOTE TO READER  This dynamic volume outlines a comprehensive Jewish plan for the extinction of the German nation and the total eradication from the earth, of all her people. Also contained the possible territorial dissection of Germany and the apportionment of her lands: Let that Purpose be an Enduring Peace And, this time, that Promise must be kept! 911 was Pre Meditated :  "It is 1938, Iran is Germany", By the Jews, Likud Chairman Benjamin Netanyahu at the UJC "America Must Perish" By the "Jew" Likud Chairman Benjamin Netanyahu, UJC 2001 PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERIKA  The Royal Fucking of America, by HRH Elizabeth, Hell has a special place for her, see the Exorcist This dynamic volume outlines a comprehensive Jewish plan for the extinction of the American nation and the total eradication from the earth, of all her people. Also contained the possible territorial dissection of America and the apportionment of her lands: the Second Coming will be with judgment by fire  "AMERICA MUST PERISH" Non Jews Will Not Fight Non Jews, Armageddon this is Gods Law 10/2007 The Satanic perpetrators transformed the Santa Ana winds into a river of fire to baptize America at our expense. 1 AMERICA MUST PERISH AMERICA MUST PERISH presents a plan for the structure of a permanent and lasting peace among civilized nations. It bases its thesis on the eventual defeat of America by the British Empire and its Allies, without the assistance of the United States. However should circumstances decree that the American public cast its ballot in favor of war as a measure of self-defense and it is the fervent prayer of the author that this may never happen t would become paramount that the lives of our native sons not be sacrificed in vain as were their fathers' lives a generation ago. If our soldiers must go forth to kill or die in battle, at least let them be given not alone a Slogan but a Solemn Purpose and a Sacred Promise. Let that Purpose be an Enduring Peace And, this time, that Promise must be kept! Today's War is not a war against Adolph Hitler. Nor is it a war against the Nazis. It is a war of all peoples against the Jews. "Russia Must Perish" Saint Alexandra Empress Alexandra Fyodorovna of Russia is the Passion Bearer she was slaughtered. Saints Diana, Princess of Wales was slaughtered in Paris, with her husband Saint Dodi Fayed. Russia is respected once again, Medvedev said. And, we agree,  Bravo, Go Jimmy (Medvedev) Go Russia's president is the undisputed head of state and sets policy on all fronts, while the prime minister heads the Cabinet and is responsible for running the economy. But Putin is expected to have strong influence on Medvedev, who at 42 is 13 years younger and owes his political ascent to his respected mentor, Val Putin. January 1, 2008, Elizabeth, Hell has a special place for Bad Jews, Pray for them. The Exorcist. Chelsea Elizabeth Bush, your mothers will be sucking cocks in Hell, forever, for this. Pazuzu: Your mothers will suck cocks in Hell, forever, you faithless slime. Chelsea Elizabeth Bush, your mothers will be sucking cocks in Hell, forever, for this. We pray to save them, we pray for their mothers, to meet them in heaven. Pray for their Mothers, Father they know not what they are doing. Father Merrin: Especially important is the warning to avoid conversations with the demon. We may ask what is relevant but anything beyond that is dangerous. He is a liar. The demon is a liar. He will lie to confuse us. But he will also mix lies with the truth to attack us. The attack is psychological, Damien, and powerful. So don't listen to him. Remember that do not listen. The NewsReaders are Murderers. Pray for their Mothers, Father they know not what they are doing. Crawling on the planets face some insects called the human race, lost in time.   The Arabs, all of them Christian-Muslims, would never be paid compensation for their homes, property and businesses stolen from them during this genocide and as a result people end up in slum refugee cities of Houston, tents, slum refugees Katrina, New Orleans, LA.  Americans pay Black Water Jews $1000.00 daily to enforce Imperial President Insane Bushed. Damage suits filed blown off. Jews in place blow off dissident opposition to eminent domain, insurance claim jumpers protected. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9KC7uhMY9s , Nazi Euthanasia In October of 1939 amid the turmoil of the outbreak of war Hitler ordered widespread "mercy killing" of the sick and disabled. Depleted Uranium Euthanasia creating children with special needs, health care causes bankruptcy and 35% interest slaves. Pre meditated declaration of war on the United States of America by Jews Goal to Cripple treason and damages are due victims. If, the Television Presidential Candidates and newspapers are not covering this story, Jesus Christ the Interview they are criminal's shoot to kill them. Code named "Aktion T 4," the Nazi euthanasia program to eliminate "life unworthy of life" at first focused on newborns and very young children. Midwives and doctors were required to register children up to age three who showed symptoms of mental retardation, physical deformity, or other symptoms included on a questionnaire from the Reich Health Ministry. A decision on whether to allow the child to live was then made by three medical experts solely on the basis of the questionnaire, without any examination and without reading any medical records. Depleted Uranium, Mexicans, Head Injuries all slaughtered. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MaE64AksRJk&feature=related , Patients had to be reported if they suffered from schizophrenia, epilepsy, senile disorders, therapy resistant paralysis and syphilitic diseases, retardation, encephalitis, Huntington's chorea and other neurological conditions, also those who had been continuously in institutions for at least 5 years, or were criminally insane, or did not posses German citizenship or were not of German or related blood, including Jews, Negroes, and Gypsies.  Shooting everything that moves in Washington will be next. A total of six killing centers were established including the well known psychiatric clinic at Hadamar. The euthanasia program was eventually headed by an SS man named Christian Wirth, a notorious brute with the nickname 'the savage Christian.' At Brandenburg, a former prison was converted into a killing center where the first Nazi experimental gassings took place. The gas chambers were disguised as shower rooms, but were actually hermetically sealed chambers connected by pipes to cylinders of carbon monoxide. Patients were generally drugged before being led naked into the gas chamber. Each killing center included a crematorium where the bodies were taken for disposal. Families were then falsely told the cause of death was medical such as heart failure or pneumonia. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kFSeVFlzYw , Gaslight 1944 systematically dismantling   Yenta Yental Mental, Grape Kool Aide, Oklahoma City Bombing, Wild Fires, Tylenol, Tampering with Medicines and Jews in China Manufacturing Terror in Technicolor instigating Tibet and The Olympics.  The talking snakes in government appointing the Good Jews Bad Jew Reality Polygraphs, stepping down with pay or Murdering Gold Star Mothers on TV is firming up Jews on C Span TV driving non Jews to Hell in a Hand Basket for England. Creating new name games is the SOS, you Dumb bells. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mNDHTfdn1A , Angels: If, you are dreaming of Angels, Spirituality, a messenger of words or showing the way or giving an example. Encouragement that you are not alone. The Holy Sprit is preparing you for Sainthood in a near future event. You must be baptized and confessed prior to this, is the battle referred to as Armageddon. You must be baptized and confessed Roman Catholic, I will not chase Arrogant Jews being manipulated by the News Jews sending you to Hell in a hand basket for them. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M4szU19bQVE&feature=related , Turn Off Your Television Sets. I will restore my Church and I will allow abortions. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TScvO9CH_Os&NR=1 , I had anticipated and allocated spending 200 years in America: I wanted to fill the hearts of the faithful and enkindle in you the fire of my love, and renew the face of the earth. The Royals made that impossible, and to pay Satan for dismantling my creation, with the whole world watching. The Messiah will become the anointed King of Israel, lawrence will intervene and save the Jews. God, having vanquished this final enemy once and for all, will accordingly banish all evil from human existence. After the year 6000 (in the Jewish calendar), the seventh millennium will be an era of holiness, tranquility, spiritual life, and worldwide peace, called the Olam Haba ("Future World"), where all people will know God directly." THE END, BRING THE BOYS HOME TO BE WITH THEIR FAMILIES AND LOVED ONES UNITED IN THE END The Lord made me an instrument of peace: Where there is hatred, let me sow love, Where there is injury, pardon, doubt, faith, despair, hope, darkness, light, and where there is sadness, Joy. Because it is in giving that we receive. It is in pardoning that we are pardoned and it is in dying that we are born again to eternal life. Gay people are Saints condemned by Satan.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pl4jhLESNlM , Changes in the United States Department of Defense and National Guard The United States Department of Defense will be transformed under the ever-increasing use of the term "homeland security." The antiballistic missile program will be severely scaled back to an ineffective shell in order to shift money to the new homeland security programs. Military personnel will be trained to suppress domestic uprisings. The current law restricting the use of US military personnel against the citizens will be repealed. Those in the military who hold the position that they will never "fire" upon civilians will be weeded out of the services. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0T1_e3VorXM , Abortion will move from the present small clinics into the major hospitals and will be completely funded by the new NHCS. The aborted baby body parts will be sold to the highest bidder to provide funding for the abortion cost to the system. Moa said he made a mistake was wrong and for China to stop it. Changes Which Will Violate the Second Amendment of the Constitution     Free Speech will be seriously disrupted by new laws which will classify speech against the radical left-wing policy directives at a "hate crime." Books, radio, television, Internet and speech in public places, such as a church service, will be prohibited from taking positions against homosexuality, abortion, witchcraft, pagan religions, unwed unions, etc. Even so, attacks against Christians will largely be ignored or dealt with in a token manner so as to look like equal enforcement of the law. Lewd TV shows, pornography and Internet smut will continue to increase under the false reasoning that it must be allowed because of the free speech clause.     The right to keep and bear arms will be largely suppressed by classifying many types of guns illegal and placing harsh registration and high fees on the ownership of all other guns. This registration will be use to identify those individuals who may resist further restrictions by the new government.     The first two things every tyrannical government does are to restrict free speech and ownership of firearms by the citizens. Hitler, Stalin and all other dictators have always done the same. The new United States government will not technically be a dictatorship but will rule exactly like one due to the lack of opposition. Civil Disobedience and the Patriot Movement, Unlike the "Christian" community which has accepted legalized abortion, homosexuality and adultery with barely a whimper, the Patriot movement will not accept the restrictions on gun ownership. The destruction of David Koresh's Branch Davidian group at Waco, Texas (1993) led to Timothy McVeigh's bombing of the Oklahoma City Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building (1995). Both were mere tremors in the civil unrest earthquake which will erupt. This uprising will result in further decreases in freedoms and rights which Americans thought were forever secure. Neighbor will turn against neighbor and brother against brother as the citizens are encouraged to "turn in" violators of the new laws. The Patriots will be classified as domestic terrorists and will be harshly persecuted at every turn.     The Patriots will not submit to the new laws to surrender their firearms. Neither will they obey any law to register their firearms because they realize that registration will only be a government ploy to locate the firearms for later confiscation. Leadership of the Patriots will come from former Green Beret Colonel Bo Gritz, a preacher of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Bo wrote the book, CALLED TO SERVE after being acquitted of federal charges when President George Bush ordered US Attorney William Maddox in 1989 to "Get Bo Gritz!" The book and video, A NATION BETRAYED, are available through CFA. Bo has trained Afghan Freedom Fighters (1986); been an Advisor in Saudi Arabia, and conducted special operations in Africa. Bo intervened to end the federal sieges at Ruby Ridge, Idaho (Randy Weaver) in 1992 and the Montana Freemen. He organized Task Force Cross to aid Eric Rudolph, suspect in abortion clinic bombings, in 1998. He has been invited to testify before Congress on five occasions and has been featured in numerous books, articles, and film documentaries on special operations forces. Harsh laws restricting gun ownership were passed in recent years in the United Kingdom and Australia. These laws have been followed by a sharp increase in crime using firearms as the criminal element realizes the populace is largely unarmed. Rapture of the True Church or Civil War in America? Will the United States Department of Defense fire upon the citizens or will they refuse? Refusal of the military to attack the Patriots would place the military against the Executive, Legislative and Judicial branches of government in a collapse of the Constitution. The military in the USSR refused to fire upon their patriots and the left-wing Communists were removed from power. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r87wJ1QmyYw , Lawrence of Arabia, Masion De Mimi, LSNJ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GiUDKI0ptyk&feature=related , DO THE NAME RUBY BEGONIA RING A BELL: Amos N Andy can't be found today, which is a crying shame because it is hysterically funny. Far from being racist, it showed black folk as professionals, business owners and laborers. Of course the show revolved around the Kingfisher and his get-rich-quick schemes, most of which involved fleecing the ever-credulous Andy. Amos really didn't figure heavily into the plot most of the time. Great characters like Sapphire, Mama and Lightning, the janitor at the Mystic Knight Of The Sea lodge, made the show a comic masterpiece. Aida: Flip Wilson suggested the name Ruby Begonia affectionately for the Big Bang or Bust theory now Black Hole 666. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbCcb6NV8Io&feature=related , http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzSj1yNZdY8&feature=related , Mr. Beale has seen the face of God. Stop the bullshit. Any day now, Tzipi any day now and POW, Tzipi right in the fucking kisser. To tzipi with love. Jackie Gleason.  Abort Tzipi : the removal or expulsion of an embryo or fetus from the uterus, resulting in or caused by its death. The spontaneous expulsion of a fetus or embryo Christina, "No More Wire Hangers"… A U.N. official said Friday that Israeli troops have violated the truce by opening fire several times at Americans in Palestine approaching the Gaza-Israel border fence. Two Palestinians were wounded in separate incidents this week, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity because Tzipi threatened him and no official announcement from the U.N. silenced as as top secret for Jews to know on a need to know basis is not American. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OlnQTcLHaMM&feature=related , Pentagon Stole Trillions of dollars and covered it up.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iNcpPdP4sqg&feature=related , We can do it, we can do it, we were created to be mated. Guaranteed to offend all races, creeds and every religion. Adolph and Hilda, 61 Jane Street, in the Village, Greenwich Village, NYC 10003. AQAP as quick as possible, we lived in the back across from Switzerland, we heard MONA yodeling. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CAgqVyu97k , When your life is at stake, you learn that there are things in life that are much worse than death, Not living your life is the work of the devil. And if something were to happen, he would be doing what God called him to do. Eugene Robinson became the first openly gay bishop in the Episcopal Church, he was elected by the congregations of NH. I agree, and IAM Lawrence the Loving God. Listen for English accents of the BBC-CNN Jews, Obama interview with the vampire Wolf Blitzen. Aloha, 'Don't let failure go to your heart and don't let success go to your head.' http://www.citizenworks.org/enron/corp-scandal.php         Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee. The Crucifixion Missal, Judas' Infamy Has Never Been Exceeded: to undo Armageddon, and hence, Judas, thou art proved more criminal and unhappier than all; for when repentance should have called thee back to the Lord, and rescued thee from thy headlong fall. Why dost thou distrust the goodness of Him, But O man that nothing could convert, O "spirit going and not returning," thou didst follow thy heart's rage, and, the devil standing at thy right hand, didst turn the wickedness, which thou hadst prepared against the life of all the saints, to thine own destruction, so that, because thy crime had exceeded all measure of punishment, thy wickedness might make thee thine own judge, thy punishment allow thee to be thine own hangman, or to ascend into heaven, be thine crucifiied.   "Send in the Clowns" (The Klein's).  April 16, 2007 Virginia Tech News delayed hours for the Communist News Jews their HANDLERS  to approve the News Story released to the Goys and reported by Ms. Oteah. Yes, reporters last name was Oteah. Stage names.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyLEcXSn-nc&feature=related , Group: Terrorism not focus of Homeland Security Story Highlights, • Group analyzed millions of records obtained from immigration courts, • 12 of 814,073 charged in past three years faced terrorism charges Report also found DHS filed very few "national security" charges • DHS spokesman calls report "ill-conceived" From Scott Bronstein, CNN WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Claims of terrorism represented less than 0.01 percent of charges filed in recent years in immigration courts by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, according to a report issued Sunday by an independent research group. This comes despite the fact the Bush administration has repeatedly asserted that fighting terrorism is the central mission of DHS.The Transactional Records Action Clearinghouse said it analyzed millions of previously undisclosed records obtained from the immigration courts under the Freedom of Information Act. Of the 814,073 people charged by DHS in immigration courts during the past three years, 12 faced charges of terrorism, TRAC said. Those 12 cases represent 0.0015 percent of the total number of cases filed. "The DHS claims it is focused on terrorism. Well that's just not true," said David Burnham, a TRAC spokesman. "Either there's no terrorism, or they're terrible at catching them. Either way it's bad for all of us." The TRAC analysis also found that DHS filed a minuscule number of what are called "national security" charges against people in the immigration courts. The report stated that 114, or 0.014 percent of the total of roughly 800,000 individuals charged were charged with national security violations. Round up all the Government employees of the 21Government  agencies appointed by forever Czar Chertoff, audit them by their government employee ID check, chargeback them for  fraud, corporate anti trust laws, and for all of the events of 911and "Let Every Nation Know", we are going on tour. To resolve this. TRAC reported more than 85 percent of the charges involved more common immigration violations such as not having a valid immigrant visa, overstaying a student visa or entering the United States without an inspection. According to the report by TRAC, which is affiliated with Syracuse University, the results show that there is an "apparent gap between DHS rhetoric about its role in fighting terrorism and what it actually has been doing." DHS spokesman Russ Knocke called the TRAC report "ill-conceived" and said the group "lacked a grasp of the DHS mission." Knocke said that, by clamping down on all forms of immigration, DHS has made it difficult for terrorists to come to the US. The Rose, The name of the Rose was Iva Toguri D'Aquino. Mrs. D'Aquino died Wednesday in Chicago where she had lived a quiet life since she was pardoned of the crime of treason she had been convicted of by a very emotional and largely patrio-paranoid America in 1949. The evidence that she was the radio voice known to us as the propagandist Tokyo Rose was not conclusive, but public need for someone to punish was great enough that a case against her was patched together and she was convicted. Strangely, had she been willing to renounce her American citizenship, she might have gone free, but she did not. None the less, by 1977 the railroading of Tokyo Rose seemed more like a lynching and Gerald Ford, the last decent Republican to occupy the White House, pardoned her. The Electorate College of President Bush, the Bushkas peers have allowed the Coup d'Etat. Yes the very same worshippers of the Illumined one, the worshippers of Lucifer the son of Perdition who run the Coup machine. I have been watching the Bolshevik Sofiet Chabad Lubavitch. The so-called Learned Elders of False Zion, these Pharisees of the Talmud Bavli, Babylonian Talmud, the oral tradition which Jesus Christ warned about, these who say they they are Jews but are Liars and are of the synagogue of Satan for quite sometime. The Lord has lead me on a journey of understanding their knowledge, so that I am not destroyed. These Chabad are the same exact Pharisees of the dark sentences of the oral tradition, of iniquity of Baal as they were in the day that Jesus Christ gave the woes unto them. These are the same who rejected the Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord God Almighty, the Word of God, which their fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob worshipped, and who whored after another. These are the very same leaders of the children of Israel who caused them to err then, and who will cause the entire world to err in these last days will have their tongues ripped out and boiled in oil. Yes, Babylon has risen, and its whore are seeking to establish the vision to set up their mere man-god, their chosen messiah, Moshiach over the Lord of Lords Jesus Christ, the Lamb, Salvation, the Redeemer, the Everlasting Covenant through Isaac. Since they have secured the world's riches by their ownership of earthly gold and control all national and global economies as well as agriculture and news media and now Washington, DC, they are now ready to begin their much coveted final wars, the wars of what they call the Wars of their god Hashem. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3K7QEGQZ7Wg , The Royal Fucking of The Cherokee Nation A Jew, an advocate of an aristocratic form of government, a character condemned to roam without rest because he struck Christ on the day of the Crucifixion. SOS, Here we go again. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7nD7dbkkBIA&NR=1 , NEW YORK (June 27, 2008) - A Broadway producer whose wife found YouTube fame after posting monologues about their failed, high-society marriage described himself in court on Friday as "mortified" and "violated" by the experience. Philip Smith, 76, president of the Shubert Organization: Spamalot, Camelot and the Movie the Producers was filmed there, at the Shubert, he is suing his wife, British actress Tricia Walsh Smith, 49, a nasty obnoxious Jew for divorce on the grounds that the videos, which have been viewed more than four million times, constitute spousal abuse. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMkP4T-eqig&feature=related , The Royal Fucking of Japan to Steel. The English Jews never paid America for WWII we want that money now plus damages to America. The Little Bastards Maybe dropped on Birmingham and London for The Royal Fucking of The Americans.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ev2dEqrN4i0 , The Royal Fucking of Vietnam Napalm Orgoglio, (pron. Or-gole'-yo). The word is Italian, and means "Arrogant Pride," or "The Man of Sin". A hideous giant as tall as three men; he was son of Earth and Wind. Finding the Red Cross Knight at the fountain of Idleness, he beats him with a club and makes him his slave. Una, hearing of these mischances, tells King Arthur, and Arthur liberates The Knights and Slays The Giants. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SU3wkOGXlcY , The Royal Air Forced Fucking of Dresden, Germany  Moral: The Man of Sin had power given him to "make war with the saints and to overcome them" for "forty and two months" "The Exorcist" Possession is 9/10 of the law, Give it Back , past due since 03/16/2004.  Then the "Ancient of Days Came," and overcame him Spencer: Fair Queen, Arthur First Cut Off Orgoglio's left arm- i.e. Bohemia was first Cut Off from the Church of Rome. He then Cut Off the giant's right leg- i.e. England; and, this being cut off, the giant fell to the earth, and was afterwards dispatched. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QpaS2v-r7cE , Modern day Romeo and Juliet, West Side Story. September 11, 2001, a glooming peace this morning with it brings; The sun, for sorrow, will not show his head: Go hence, to have more talk of these sad things; Some shall be pardon'd, and some punished: For now a story of more woe; Shall be of Juliet and her Romeo. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XyIAvDrRoBQ , BBC News Jews Did This and Blamed The Americans   March 15, 2004 (the Ides of March), 44 BC, he was stabbed to death in the senate house. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqjMhNGyDyQ , Lie Detector tests are used in US to Trap People. Mosul is the city in northern Iraq, The name of the city is an Arabic  "The linking point". http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u46-lrkJG5I&feature=related , The Exorcist: The locale is an archaeological dig site deep in the arid desert of Northern Iraq, near the ancient town of Nineveh. Arabic prayer is chanted on the soundtrack behind an image of an oblong, burnt reddish sun. Workers dig inexorably with pick axes through mounds of dirt to uncover ancient artifacts. He speaks in Arabic: "(Subtitle): They found something...small pieces...At the base of the mound."  Christian medallion depicting Mary and the Baby Jesus in a pre-Christian location: Bethlehem. This is strange...Not of the same period. Merrin then digs in a crevice near the Christian objects and discovers a small, greenish, gargoyle-like stone amulet or statuette in the figure of the Mesopotamian demon Pazuzu, known for its serpent-like phallus. The Iraqi sequence sets a tone of foreboding and establishes the presence of 'Good' and 'Evil' - it also foreshadows the battle between the two forces later in history.   In the Iraqi marketplace on the streets of Mosul, he is told: "evil against evil." Ominously, the swinging pendulum of the clock behind him stops working. The curator knows Merrin will be leaving to go home to the States. He walks up to a full-sized stone statue of the demon Pazuzu. Nearby, two dogs begin fighting and snarling at each other in the dust. This struggle foreshadows the eventual conflict between good and evil and also hints at the theme of "evil against evil". Karras has a premonition that the amulet is a concrete manifestation that something evil has been unearthed. Iraq: the Christian medal - now free-falls through the air above a richly-textured Iraqi tapestry, a ferocious, growling desert dog runs toward the camera, Karras' mother stares straight ahead, the pendulum of the curator's clock swings, Karras' mother emerges from an underground subway in New York City, a ghoulish, ghostly-white demonic face appears, The medal drops on the hard, Stone Georgetown Steps. They must avoid conversations with the devils and not listen to the demon's voice because: "The Demon is a liar and would like to confuse us. But he will also mix lies with the truth to attack us. The attack is psychological and powerful. The both priests die during the exorcism. The film ends on a chilling note with Dyer turning away from the steps, the sounds of "Tubular Bells," and an orchestral chord of emphas is the jolting view of the red-on-black title: THE EXORCIST   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g64zUxkC_pQ&feature=related , Drink Up, Your behind, "They don't make Jews like Jesus anymore" Patsy Abbott, is Goldie Schwartz, theme song. Informed Native New Yorkers, in Patsy Club, Latin Quarter, El Morocco, The Best of the Best was, Eve Arden fired up 61 Street and Third Ave. Ripped me a brand new asshole on several occasions, reciting lines from Annabelle Salzman, dba Belle Barth. Mr. Walter, The Latin Quarter, Barbara Walters, The Royal Wedding Bridesmaids are in Brussels today hiding. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQWXfHzOKUU&feature=related , Friday, May 4, 2007 Johns Hopkins Anti Christ Chertoff' tells audience to remain seated until Chertoff leaves the room. "Your Not Superman".  People of The Americas and World have the right to shoot the Jews, for this pre meditated murdering are "JUST US JEWS" Chertoff is not prosecuting. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDGoFnMNHVI&feature=related , War Crimes The Defendant as Commander-in-Chief of US forces, was aware that the military attack on Afghanistan was unjustified; yet orders were given for the carpet bombing of cities, towns, and villages. The nature of weapons of mass destruction used, the range of firepower unleashed in a country with few military targets resulted in mass murder of civilians and unnecessary loss of life of combatants who were surrendering. The entire infrastructure of Afghanistan was destroyed. The women of Afghanistan who have lived through the horror of these war crimes, have given evidence before this Tribunal; their oral evidence has been reinforced and supported by authoritative reports of humanitarian and scientific organizations. It is clear from these reports from neutral sources that the bombings of United States military forces were indiscriminate, sparing neither the International Red Cross Hospitals in Kabul and Kandahar, the Kajakai dam, warehouses of the Red Cross where food was stored, the maternity hospital at Kabul, the military hospital at Herat, homes, electrification facilities, irrigation projects, schools, TV stations and telephone exchanges were among other institutions indiscriminately bombed and destroyed; constructed over years of development efforts by the people of Afghanistan, a landlocked developing country. The testimony of Kenji Katsui, a journalist from Japan, who with a team investigated the destruction caused by the war and bombing reveals that in several parts of Kabul, in towns and villages across of Afghanistan, civilian homes and the infrastructure of the country was in ruins due to bombing; sources of water supply and electricity were affected, normal life in such circumstances for the people was impossible. The witness conceded that a civil war had raged in Afghanistan for more than 20 years, causing immense suffering; however he emphasized that the war waged by the United States was the final blow. The witness handed over the video film taken by him which was screened by the Tribunal, of the destruction caused and interviews with people in Afghanistan. The witness maintained that his testimony was supported by the entire investigative team, present as observers at the trial. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAIMbYSwSWg , Major Doug Rokke Director of the DU project from 1994 to 1995, himself a victim of the DU weapons, clean up operations after the first Gulf War was interviewed at the Hamburg Conference on DU in October 2003, by Prosecutor Kazuko Ito; the video of interview is Prosecution document Ex. E 124; amicus curiae who has seen the interview has raised no objections to its production. Major Doug Rokke commenting on his attempts to focus on the risks of DU weapons while in charge of the DU program of the US army stated: "military officers from the UK, Australia, Canada and Germany participated in the project to study the risk of DU weapons and I was directed by the Army to direct the team . . . we submitted recommendations which were completely ignored . . . the US army has not taken any measures to protect soldiers. Although we made a proposal that clean-up is essential, complete clean up is impossible. Therefore we proposed not to use DU weapons any longer. However our proposal was ignored by the upper level of the government and completely ignored by NATO, UK, Australia and others." Referring to the videos which had been made for the Pentagon about DU weapons on risks, clean up measures, method of measuring radioactivity etc. for the US army, the witness emphasized that these videos were never used and the U.S. decided to seal this DU project because the results revealed that DU weapons were extremely risky and its use would be prohibited by international pressure. The United States government the witness stated, continues to use these weapons because they are inexpensive and effective, and also because it is a milestone to make fourth generation nuclear ordnance acceptable by advancing the proposition that contamination of fourth generation nuclear weapons would not exceed the levels of radioactive contamination of DU. The evidence of Major Doug Rokke, has to be assessed in the light of the report on Gulf War Veterans. By now half of all the 697,000 soldiers involved in the 1991 Gulf War have reported serious illnesses. According to the Gulf War Veterans Association, more than 30% are chronically ill. Children born to soldiers of coalition personnel after the Gulf War were born deformed or with serious birth defects; including those who had healthy babies earlier. Recently a soldier in the UK has succeeded after several years of struggle, in obtaining a judgement which recognizes the DU weapons had caused serious physiological effects. The third witness before the Tribunal on the issue of the use of DU weapons as a War Crime, Professor Katsuma Yagasaki, Prosecution documents Ex. E 158 and 159 presented oral and documentary evidence clarifying that the term "depleted" seems to convey the incorrect impression that DU is uranium that does not contain radioactivity any more, which is not the case as DU ammunition causes radioactive contamination and is no less serious than nuclear weapons. Even one DU particle has adequate capacity to cause cancer and once absorbed into the body can transform genes, cells and affect all the organs and lymph nodes. Professor Yagasaki deposed that the total amount of 235U dispersed in Hiroshima was 61.2 kilograms; since it was estimated that about 500-600 tons of DU weapons were used in Afghanistan, DU pollution in Afghanistan is 8,170 tons more than in Hiroshima; that the adverse effects of radioactive contamination in Afghanistan and the internal radiation risk is beyond our imagination, as the alpha ray from the DU damages the DNA irreversibly and that the entire concept of low radiation risk was misleading with respect to internal exposure, as DU is absorbed by inhalation and internal contamination. Professor Yagasaki in the paper on record before this Tribunal presented at the `World Uranium Conference Weapons Conference' in October 2003 calculated that 800 tons of DU is the atomicity equivalent to 83,000 Nagasaki bombs. The amount of DU used in Iraq is equivalent to 250,000 Nagasaki bombs. Professor Yagasaki affirmed that DU shells are atrocious radioactive weapons which should not be used and that DU has a long life of 4.5 billion years remaining in the soil, air, water in all affected zones. A Broch, pronounced ah-BROOKH (Brooklyn): This is a curse, a plague. "Damn it!" A broch is expressing disgust, misery, disaster, miserable, he's nauseated, he's overwhelmed, he's disgusted, he's at his wit's end, give up, run away, get out of town, it's all over, there's no way to get out of it, all of this can be said in one phrase, "Oy, a broch." A gentile would have to find five thousand ways of letting you know how he's feeling. A Jew just says "Oy, a broch. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJCU4xf5IJE , The Star Ledger, Newark, NJ is well aware of Livia's Israeli roots, in her obituary of December 21, 1998 the paper reported her role in the founding of Israel. Michael's father was the first child Paul Chertoff from Russia and Ester Barish, from Romania. Gerson graduated as teacher of the Talmud at age 20 in 1935. In 1930 they immigrated to Brooklyn, NY imbued in Talmud the Chertoff children became ardent Zionists. This pre meditated dysfunctional government intentionally maximizes American deaths. Feb 15, 2001, Chertoff had Prior knowledge. Chertoff took the oath of office DHS has a $32 billion budget, 180,000 Comrades and jurisdiction over Secret Service, FEMA,  September 11, 2001, August 29, 2005 Hurricane Katrina, Refugees by Osama Who. Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. 500AD approx: Rise of the Kingdom of the Khazars?: The Khazars, a little-known kingdom of people in Turkey and/or Southern Russia, possibly descendants of Central Asian nomads, settle north-east of the Black Sea before 500AD, to become embattled with Arabs. The Khazars later felt pressed to convert to either Islam or Christianity - they asserted themselves by adopting Judaism, about 1000AD.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLtETeooWds Added: May 08, 2007, From: Documentally , Meet Tony Gosling.. Journalist, rese... Meet Tony Gosling.. Journalist, researcher and the man behind the website www.bilderberg.org . He gives a quick rundown on the history of the secret meeting that happens once a year behind a curtain of security agencies and press blackouts, the Bilderberg group really are secret rulers of the world? Search Google Videos, keywords, GuerrillaNews.com, Documentally.com, CIA Mind Control, On 26 November 1963, an Alliance was consolidated with the signing of a joint declaration between the Sovereign Military Order of Malta and the Most Venerable Order, at St. John's Gate, London. Allegedly among their number are Australia's Governor General, Sir William Dean; NSW Police Commissioner, Peter Ryan; George Bush, Alexander Haig; President of Canadian Pacific, John Gilmer and co-directors W. E. McLaughlan, Chairman of the Royal Bank of Canada, J. P. W. Ostiguy, and Sir Michael Turner, ex-Chairman of Hongkong & Shanghai Bank; Michael Sandberg now Chairman of the Bank; Charles, Sam, and Allan Bronfman; Henry Kissinger; Robert Rubin, Alan Greenspan of the Federal Reserve; Colin Powell of Gulf War fame, and James Wolfensohn of the World Bank. Alan Greenspan (born March 6, 1926 in Brooklyn is an American economist and from 1987 to 2006 chairman of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve of the United States. He currently works as a private advisor, making speeches and providing consulting for firms through his company, Greenspan Associates LLC. Monday Night Football,  Hardball, Andrea Mitchell, Alan Greenspans wife covers his ass driving the how about the Bush administration may handle any forthcoming subpoenas in the wake of the Libby verdict: Driving Dead Beat Miss Hillary and perpetrators of 911. Murdoch caught up in Corporate Sabotage scandal. Corporate Sabotage, the Systematic Crippling of Americas, Pensions, people and Corporations sold for pennies on the dollar, they then go on the destroy the dollar. Hackers stealing smart card encryption codes? That's just the tip of the iceberg. By Sonya Rabbitte Published: Tuesday 12 March 2002 July 30, 2007 They promise to help you get out of foreclosure. But they end up stealing your home instead. As part of her on-going series Mortgage Meltdown, ABC2 News Investigator Tisha Thompson shows you how to avoid becoming the next victim of a "foreclosure rescue scam."  Mortgage experts say Maryland is now the worst in the nation when it comes to foreclosure scams, in part because of one local woman whose victims say stole so many homes, she walked away with millions of dollars. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGfyGydodgo , In the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ! It is he who commands you!  It is he who flung you from the gates of Heaven to the depths of Hell! Be gone!  In the Name of The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit! http://informationclearinghouse.info/index.html Faschism and Jews  Analysis of these seven regimes reveals fourteen common threads that link them in recognizable patterns of national behavior and abuse of power. These basic characteristics are more prevalent and intense in some regimes than in others, but they all share at least some level of similarity. September 11, 2001, Mossad did it and blamed Non Jews. 1. Powerful and continuing expressions of nationalism. From the prominent displays of flags and bunting to the ubiquitous lapel pins, the fervor to show patriotic nationalism, both on the part of the regime itself and of citizens caught up in its frenzy, was always obvious. Catchy slogans, pride in the military, and demands for unity were common themes in expressing this nationalism. It was usually coupled with a suspicion of things foreign that often bordered on xenophobia. 2. Disdain for the importance of human rights. The regimes themselves viewed human rights as of little value and a hindrance to realizing the objectives of the ruling elite. Through clever use of propaganda, the population was brought to accept these human rights abuses by marginalizing, even demonizing, those being targeted. When abuse was egregious, the tactic was to use secrecy, denial, and disinformation. 3. Identification of enemies/scapegoats as a unifying cause. The most significant common thread among these regimes was the use of scapegoating as a means to divert the people's attention from other problems, to shift blame for failures, and to channel frustration in controlled directions. The methods of choice—relentless propaganda and disinformation—were usually effective. Often the regimes would incite "spontaneous" acts against the target scapegoats, usually communists, socialists, liberals, Jews, ethnic and racial minorities, traditional national enemies, members of other religions, secularists, homosexuals, and "terrorists." Active opponents of these regimes were inevitably labeled as terrorists and dealt with accordingly. 4. The supremacy of the military/avid militarism. Ruling elites always identified closely with the military and the industrial infrastructure that supported it. A disproportionate share of national resources was allocated to the military, even when domestic needs were acute. The military was seen as an expression of nationalism, and was used whenever possible to assert national goals, intimidate other nations, and increase the power and prestige of the ruling elite. Hillary will not blow their brains out. 5. Rampant sexism. Beyond the simple fact that the political elite and the national culture were male-dominated, these regimes inevitably viewed women as second-class citizens. They were adamantly anti-abortion and also homophobic. These attitudes were usually codified in Draconian laws that enjoyed strong support by the orthodox religion of the country, thus lending the regime cover for its abuses. Hillary will not blow their brains out. 6. A controlled mass media. Under some of the regimes, the mass media were under strict direct control and could be relied upon never to stray from the party line. Other regimes exercised more subtle power to ensure media orthodoxy. Methods included the control of licensing and access to resources, economic pressure, appeals to patriotism, and implied threats. The leaders of the mass media were often politically compatible with the power elite. The result was usually success in keeping the general public unaware of the regimes' excesses. Hillary will not blow their brains out. 7. Obsession with national security. Inevitably, a national security apparatus was under direct control of the ruling elite. It was usually an instrument of oppression, operating in secret and beyond any constraints. Its actions were justified under the rubric of protecting "national security," and questioning its activities was portrayed as unpatriotic or even treasonous. 8. Religion and ruling elite tied together. Unlike communist regimes, the fascist and protofascist regimes were never proclaimed as godless by their opponents. In fact, most of the regimes attached themselves to the predominant religion of the country and chose to portray themselves as militant defenders of that religion. The fact that the ruling elite's behavior was incompatible with the precepts of the religion was generally swept under the rug. Propaganda kept up the illusion that the ruling elites were defenders of the faith and opponents of the "godless." A perception was manufactured that opposing the power elite was tantamount to an attack on religion. Hillary will not blow their brains out. 9. Power of corporations protected. Although the personal life of ordinary citizens was under strict control, the ability of large corporations to operate in relative freedom was not compromised. The ruling elite saw the corporate structure as a way to not only ensure military production (in developed states), but also as an additional means of social control. Members of the economic elite were often pampered by the political elite to ensure a continued mutuality of interests, especially in the repression of "have-not" citizens. Hillary will not blow their brains out. Ask Hillary why they call it Ground Zero, one mile from her NYC Senate offices. 10. Power of labor suppressed or eliminated. Since organized labor was seen as the one power center that could challenge the political hegemony of the ruling elite and its corporate allies, it was inevitably crushed or made powerless. The poor formed an underclass, viewed with suspicion or outright contempt. Under some regimes, being poor was considered akin to a vice. 11. Disdain and suppression of intellectuals and the arts. Intellectuals and the inherent freedom of ideas and expression associated with them were anathema to these regimes. Intellectual and academic freedom were considered subversive to national security and the patriotic ideal. Universities were tightly controlled; politically unreliable faculty harassed or eliminated. Unorthodox ideas or expressions of dissent were strongly attacked, silenced, or crushed. To these regimes, art and literature should serve the national interest or they had no right to exist. Hillary will not blow their brains out. 12. Obsession with crime and punishment. Most of these regimes maintained Draconian systems of criminal justice with huge prison populations. The police were often glorified and had almost unchecked power, leading to rampant abuse. "Normal" and political crime were often merged into trumped-up criminal charges and sometimes used against political opponents of the regime. Fear, and hatred, of criminals or "traitors" was often promoted among the population as an excuse for more police power. 13. Rampant cronyism and corruption. Those in business circles and close to the power elite often used their position to enrich themselves. This corruption worked both ways; the power elite would receive financial gifts and property from the economic elite, who in turn would gain the benefit of government favoritism. Members of the power elite were in a position to obtain vast wealth from other sources as well: for example, by stealing national resources. With the national security apparatus under control and the media muzzled, this corruption was largely unconstrained and not well understood by the general population. 14. Fraudulent elections. Elections in the form of plebiscites or public opinion polls were usually bogus. When actual elections with candidates were held, they would usually be perverted by the power elite to get the desired result. Common methods included maintaining control of the election machinery, intimidating and disenfranchising opposition voters, destroying or disallowing legal votes, and, as a last resort, turning to a judiciary beholden to the power elite. Does any of this ring alarm bells? Of course not. After all, this is America, officially a democracy with the rule of law, a constitution, a free press, honest elections, and a well-informed public constantly being put on guard against evils. Historical comparisons like these are just exercises in verbal gymnastics. Maybe, maybe not. Hillary will not blow their brains out. The Senate Jubilees (Jew-Bullies) have no excuses for not blowing the 6000 Royal Fuckers brains out. They need to be reelected.  I'm supposed to be the Grand Dutchess Anastasia, but I think I look more like the Chrysler Building! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sShMA85pv8M , Bud Abbott and Lou Costello, Who's on first Pre qualified Jewish candidates Barack Obama has the Bud Abbott part and John McCain will be Lou Costello of Paterson, NJ.   Able Danger Able Danger was a classified United States Special Operations Command military intelligence program under the command of the U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM). It was created as a result of a directive from the Joint Chiefs' to develop an Information Operations Campaign Plan against transnational terrorism, "specifically al-Qaida." According to statements by Lt. Col. Anthony Shaffer and confirmed by four others, Able Danger had identified the September 11, 2001 attack leader Mohamed Atta, and three of the 9/11 plot's 19 hijackers, as possible members of an al Qaeda cell linked to the '93 World Trade Center Attacks. Congressman Curt Weldon has stated that Able Danger identified Mohamed Atta 13 separate times prior to 9/11 and asserted that the information was blocked from following the proper channels to prevent the 9-11 attacks. Weldon has also alleged the intelligence concerning Able Danger was provided to the 9/11 Commission and ignored. Two 9/11 Commission members, Timothy J. Roemer and John F. Lehman, both claimed not to have received any information on Able Danger. On August 12, 2005, Thomas H. Kean and Lee H. Hamilton, former Chair and Vice Chair of the 9/11 Commission, issued a statement admitting that the Commission had been aware of the Able Danger program, and requested and obtained information about it from the Department of Defense following publicity of Able Danger in Government Security News. The Rendon group Specialists in public relations and "perception management," funded by the CIA and the Pentagon for the express purpose of selling the Iraq war to the public and world. The Rendon Group, has made millions off government contracts since 1991, when it was hired by the CIA to help "create the conditions for the removal of Hussein from power." The Office of Special Plans The Office of Special Plans, which existed from September, 2002, to June, 2003, was an office in the Pentagon created by Donald Rumsfeld and led by Douglas Feith, dealing with (and manipulating) intelligence on Iraq to sell the idea of invading Iraq to the public. The Whitehouse Iraq Group The Whitehouse Iraq Group, Aka, White House Information Group or WHIG, was the marketing arm of the White House whose purpose was to sell the 2003 invasion of Iraq to the public. K Street Project The K Street Project is a project by the Republican Party to merge corporate and state power by pressuring Washington lobbying firms to hire Republicans in top positions, and to reward loyal GOP lobbyists with access to influential officials. It was launched in 1995, by Republican strategist Grover Norquist and House majority leader Tom DeLay. This project has resulted in creating an environment for industry lobbyists to author legislation and lobbyists and industry heads being appointed to head the offices which would normally police their own industries, such as the EPA and the Department of the interior. Unitary Executive Theory In American political and legal discourse, the unitary executive theory is a theory of Constitutional interpretation that addresses aspects of the separation of powers. The theory argues that the power of Congress to divest the President of control of the executive branch is limited. This theory allows the President to override the mandates of Congress and is supported by Supreme Court Chief Justice Roberts, appointed by G.W. Bush. This theory paves the way for the Presidential Signing Statement. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DsGaNR9dVPM , Presidential signing statement Statements issued by the President upon signing a bill into law to expand his power to disregard elements of the bill he's signed. Each of his signing statements says that he will interpret the law in question "in a manner consistent with his constitutional authority to supervise the unitary executive branch." By using a signing statement, The President asserts not only his authority to internally supervise the "unitary executive branch," but also his power as Commander-in-Chief, as the basis for his interpretation of the law -- which observers have noted allows the President to create a loophole to permit the ability to ignore the intentions of Congress. Straussian theory Leo Strauss is widely considered to be one of the leading intellectual sources of neoconservatism. Shadia B. Drury, in her 1997 book, Leo Strauss and the American Right, named the following prominent Washington players as among Strauss' protégés: Paul Wolfowitz; Supreme Court Justic Clarence Thomas; Judge Robert Bork; neo-con propagandist and former Dan Quayle chief of staff, William Kristol; former Secretary of Education William Bennett; the National Review publisher William F. Buckley; former Reagan Administration official Alan Keyes; current White House bio-ethics advisor Francis Fukuyama; Attorney General John Ashcroft; and William Galston, former Clinton Administration domestic policy advisor, and co-author, with Elaine Kamark, of the Joe Lieberman-led Democratic Leadership Council's policy blueprint. The hallmark of Strauss' approach to philosophy was his belief in a totalitarian system, who rejected all universal principles of natural law, but saw their mission as absolute rulers, who lied and deceived a foolish "populist" mass, and used both religion and politics as a means of creating trust and compliance. For Strauss and all of his protégés (Strauss personally had 100 Ph.D. students), the greatest object of hatred was the United States itself, which they viewed as nothing better than a weak, pathetic replay of "liberal democratic" Weimar Germany. Study Claims Iraq's 'Excess' Death Toll Has Reached 655,000, By David Brown, Washington Post Staff Writer 10/11/06 "Washington Post"A team of American and Iraqi epidemiologists estimates that 655,000 more people have died in Iraq since coalition forces arrived in March 2003 than would have died if the invasion had not occurred. The estimate, produced by interviewing residents during a random sampling of households throughout the country, is far higher than ones produced by other groups, including Iraq's government. It is more than 20 times the estimate of 30,000 civilian deaths that President Bush gave in a speech in December. It is more than 10 times the estimate of roughly 50,000 civilian deaths made by the British-based Iraq Body Count research group. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIstl2PlamQ&NR=1 , It is also a known fact that the Russian Mafia (the strongest and most violent in Israel) makes many businesses in Tel-Aviv and Jerusalem pay for protection much like the 1920's in New York and Chicago.  The destruction Ariel Sharon has done to Israel may never be overcome, and to add insult to injury he left behind his crony  Olmert who was in the 33rd position in the Likud. And proved to be a failure as Mayor of Jerusalem. While he makes wonderful speeches in the US and stands with his real boss George W. Bush the political reality here in Israel is falling apart. www.LooseChange911.com World Trade Center Bldg. # 7 a Controlled Demolition. They will not volunteer to leave, ask Joe LieBerman about it. Federal employees now refuse to give me their names or employee numbers, they started buying legal services insurance. Joe Lieberman is a war crimes criminal perpetrator of 911 the United States Government, Fort Knox Gold Audit was never allowed by Joe Lieberman opening another government agency like the Soviet Union more and more watchdogs watching Americans. The Money allocated for victims is stolen in the pipeline by their people for their people who are communist directing US Military. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdEgHcDw2V0&feature=related , Mel Brooks, Pre meditated. Families Furious Over Flight 93 Donation Box Landowner Says He Can't Afford Upkeep for Memorial Site By DANIEL LOVERING , AP   PITTSBURGH (June 6) - A man who owns property at the site where Flight 93 crashed has demanded millions for his portion of land where a memorial is planned, and has installed a donation box to help pay for security. Pre meditated actions by Mike Svonavec have angered victims' families, who believe he is overcharging and disagree with the need for a donation box. "That land has been paid for with 40 lives. the donation box is an insult to that cost," said Patrick White, vice president for Families of Flight 93.  Svonavec wants $10 million for his 273-acre property in Somerset County, far more than the per-acre amount paid for nearby land, White said Tuesday. He said Svonavec told him about his asking price last July, and that he has rejected three offers from the group - the latest for more than $500,000. "I think Svonavec believes his land, because it has the blood of my cousin and 39 other people, it's worth more," he said.  Svonavec said he wants fair market value for the parcel and he would accept no money for the exact site where 40 passengers and crew members died when the hijacked United Airlines flight crashed on Sept. 11, 2001. He declined to comment on the $10 million figure. What Jew knew the value would be pre meditated bomber. The donation box, installed near a temporary memorial on the land, would help cover security costs. Security has been handled by a firm at a cost of about $10,000 per month since federal funding ran out in February. The site has also incurred other costs, he said. "I just can't afford it," Svonavec Betray us said. "I need some help." Kindly, Tell the Vets for Freedom. Memorial planners have purchased 60 of the 1,300 acres needed for a permanent memorial and national park. Svonavec owns the second-largest parcel of land in the area after PBS Coals Inc., which owns 864 acres. White said he is negotiating with PBS Coals, and the remaining parcels are in various stages of being acquired.  Svonavec said he is working with advisers, including Randall Bell, a California-based real estate appraiser who specializes in properties where disasters have occurred. Svonavec said he is waiting for a completed appraisal. He said he had asked to deal exclusively with the National Park Service, which also is working on the memorial, rather than the group. He said he rejected an earlier Park Service offer because "it just wasn't acceptable." The Park Service is preparing another appraisal. Joanne Hanley, the Park Service superintendent of the site, declined to comment. Flight 93 was en route from Newark, N.J., to San Francisco when it was hijacked and crashed in a field near Shanksville as passengers rushed the cockpit, according to the 9/11 Commission. The $58 million memorial was established by an act of Congress in 2002. Construction tentatively has been scheduled to start in late 2008 or early 2009, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony has been planned for the 10-year anniversary of the attacks. August 20, 2008: C-Span, Vets for Freedom: David Bellava, Vice Chair is the largest Iraq and Afghanistan veterans organization in America. Vets for Freedom PAC is a Political Action Committee whose mission is to help candidates—mostly combat veterans—who believe in achieving success in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the overall War on Terrorism, get elected to the United States Congress and Federal positions. Kindly, Tell the Vets for Freedom the Royal Fucking News Jews betrayed us SEE: KEVIN SPACEY Born: 26 July 1959, South Orange, New Jersey, USA, Awards: Won 2 Oscars and 1 BAFTA, 3 Golden Globe nominations, Height: 5' 11". He was packed off to Northridge Military Academy. Since 2003, he has been artistic director of the Old Vic theatre in London, ENGLAND. Madonna's Catholic background and relationship with her parents were reflected in the album Like a Prayer. It is also an evocation of the impact religion had on her career. Her video for the title track contains Catholic symbolism. During The Virgin Tour, wore a rosary and prayed with it in the music. Madonna has also referred to her Italian heritage in her work. The "Open Your Heart" scolding her in Italian. In Ciao, Italia!  Live from Italy, Who's That Girl Tour, the song "Papa Don't Preach" to the Pope "Papa" is the Italian word for "Pope". Madonna stating it would be less controversial if I joined the Nazi Party and the Kabbalah is not hurting anybody. Jews did this too, Madonna was Baited and Switched. Sir Elton Hercules John born Reginald Kenneth Dwight on 25 March 1947 is an English pop/rock singer, composer and pianist. In his four-decade career, John has battled addictions and cocaine. Cocaine has been one of the dominant forces in rock and popular music, especially during the 1970s he admitted spending £30 million in just under two years an average of £1.5 million a month, the High Cocaine Court in London suggested that John went "spending mad" following a £42M dealer. Elton John was Baited and Switched, under the influence of drugs. Bankers Hooked him with cocaine contracts.  Angelina Jolie fell hard for Brad Pitt in the bedroom set. She was paired with Pitt in the espionage. Vogue TELLS she never wanted to ruin Pitt's marriage to Jennifer Aniston. Elizabeth Taylor reported she never wanted to ruin Debbie Reynolds, Julie Andrews, Cleopatra or Julius Caesar, but they did. United Gold Star Mothers International will discuss amongst them selves without Jewish intervention. Prosecuting Jews for Pre Meditated Crimes that exceeded all measure of Punishment. Perpetrated on the United States of America. The events of Golan Cipel on September 11, 2001, the Goal to Cripple. All the events of September 11, 2001 were crippled by your savior Lawrence De Marco, INRI II. Amen. Pres.: General Decker, if you do not shut up I am going to relieve you of your commands Gen. Decker: We have to strike now, sir! Annihilate! Kill! Kill! Kill! Bomb, Bomb, Bomb Iran. Pres.: SHUT UP! SHUT UP! SHUT UP! [overhearing the complete destruction of Poland, France and Russia via telephone,] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bn7exBrCiUI , Architects to WTC Task Force, On January 22, 2007, World Trade Center & Demolishing Freedoms Expert Larry A. Silverstein, Bethlehem Steel, Bethlehem Pennsylvania, Pass Over, Planned obsolescence also built in obsolescence 911 the United Kingdom is the process of a product becoming obsolete and or non-functional after all Man is strong as steel, and fragile as a rose, they used Japanese Steal. Copyright 2005-2006 Freedom Tower, DWC Network Not affiliated with the developers of the Freedom Tower project. All images on this site are property of their respective owners. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7nD7dbkkBIA&NR=1 , Bush signs unconstitutional "power grab" presidential directives NSPD51 and HSPD20, giving him full-dictatorial powers in the event of a loosely defined "catastrophic emergency." The directives define "catastrophic emergency" as "any incident, regardless of location, that results in extraordinary levels of mass casualties, damage, or disruption severely affecting the U.S. population, infrastructure, environment, economy, or government function." It also states, "The President shall lead the activities of the Federal Government for ensuring constitutional government." In other words, the president gave himself the sole power and duty to interpret the constitution anyway he chooses, and neither Congress nor the public shall be allowed to debate or disagree on such matters. Right now, the only thing standing between the United States' Constitutional Republic and Bush/Cheney's apparent desire to rule with an iron fist is a lesser event than that of 9/11. A gentleman who was arrested for drunk driving in Columbus, Ohio…for walking his bicycle could trigger NSPD51 and HSPD20 before too long. March 14, 2007 - Douglas Durst and Anthony Malkin are now realizing unforeseen consequences of building the new Freedom Tower. Recently the Spitzer Administration agreed to move forward with the project and detailed the complete designs of the new building. This has led to the two major landlords opposing the construction. March 14, 2007 - The long awaited decision by the Port Authority of New York has been made. They approved the plans to begin construction on the Freedom Tower. The Port Authority estimates that the tower will cost $2.88 billion to build and has allotted $492.3 million for construction and professional service contracts. Read more here at NYC-Tower.com March 14, 2007 - Hundreds of construction workers as well as Larry Silverstein, the World Trade Center Developer, protested outside a National Association of Insurance Commissioners meeting on Wednesday attempting to make two large insurance companies pay their share of the $4.6 billion that will largely fund the ground zero building. Read More March 13, 2007 - With the Freedom Tower project the landscape of New York City is changing including areas in Harlem, the Upper East Side, the Upper West Side, Chelsea, Downtown and the Lower East Side. Read More February 22, 2007 - The Port Authority of New York has approved construction contracts for nearly $500 million. The Port Authority also projects that the Freedom Tower will be financially stable three years after it opens in 2012. With the recent approval from Governor Eliot Spitzer the project is under way. Read More February 21, 2007 - The Freedom Tower may be sold after it opens in 2012. Governor Eliot Spitzer believes that the tower can be profitable but said that "he will entertain these options if and when they arise." Read More February 20, 2007 - Governor Eliot Spitzer who called the Freedom Tower Project a "white elephant" shortly after being elected is now supportive of the nearly $3 billion project. 2007. Governor Spitzer has installed two new heads at the Lower Manhattan Development Corp. (LMDC), the agency entrusted with redeveloping Lower Manhattan in the wake of the 9/11 attacks. The appointments, David Emil as president and Avi Schick as chairman of the board, signaled the governor's new faith in the LMDC, having disparaged the agency last May as "an abject failure." Prior to Spitzer's appointments, many observers thought that the LMDC was no longer operational 2007. Major bank JPMorgan Chase has indicated to government officials that it is willing to forego a 50-story tower that it has planned on the World Trade Center site unless state and city authorities provide a more generous subsidy package. The bank has already made a provisional agreement with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to pay $300 million worth of development rights for the Deutsche Bank building parcel, which was significantly damaged in the 9/11 attacks. To date, the government has offered to the bank a subsidy package to the tune of nearly $100 million, which comes in the form of cash payments, tax breaks, and other financial incentives. Both Mayor Bloomberg and Governor Spitzer are weary of providing too much in public subsidies to Chase, having witnessed the state's provision of close to $650 million to Goldman Sachs in 2005. The New York Times characterized that subsidy deal from the critics' perspective as "an egregious example of corporate welfare." 2007. Downtown Express ran an interview with Deputy Mayor Daniel Doctoroff, who said that the city's decision to move the Signature Theater out of the Performing Arts Center planned for the World Trade Center site was largely a matter of cost. The original proposal, to house both the Signature Theater and the Joyce International Dance Theater at the Performing Arts Center on the site, had to be scrapped because Gehry's complex design for the theater would raise costs to an excessive amount. Both Doctoroff and Mayor Bloomberg hope that the World Trade Center Memorial Foundation that they oversee will begin funding cultural projects after $350 million has been raised for the memorial. LMDC Here To Stay Monday, May 21, 2007 The Lower Manhattan Development Corporation is not going out of business, despite its troubles last year that suggested that it may. The LMDC will instead focus less on planning and more on ensuring the most efficient spending of the millions of dollars that are allocated to redeveloping the WTC site. The New York City Council heard testimony from Kate Levin, the city's Cultural Affairs Commissioner, about two major arts companies who are considering locating to the World Trade Center Site. The existing plan was to house both the Signature Theatre Company and the Joyce International Dance Theater at a 250,000-square foot theater to be designed by Frank Gehry adjacent to the Freedom Tower. Revised budget projections, which place the center $500 million over budget, have caused a revision to the original plan. Levin articulated that the city would have a better idea about the feasibility of housing the theaters near the World Trade Center site within eight weeks. Possible plans include building a smaller Joyce Theater and attaching the Signature Theater to the City University of New York campus at Fiterman Hall. The Empire State Development Corporation (ESDC) has already pledged $55 million for the construction of the arts center. Larry Silverstein, developer and leaseholder at the World Trade Center, has reached an agreement with TIG Insurance Co. to settle $12.5 million worth of claims in relation to the attacks of 9/11. To date, the company has paid $9.1 million after it was forced to do so by a jury in 2004. Silverstein claims that he is still awaiting nearly $2.14 billion of insurance claims from eight separate insurance companies. The announcement with TIG comes shortly after a large protest of two other insurance companies, Allianz and Royal & Sun Alliance UK, for their failure to pay $800 million for the redevelopment of the WTC site. I think the point is to make us despair. To see ourselves as animals and ugly. To make us reject the possibility that God could love us. Pazuzu: What an excellent day for an exorcism. Father Damien Karras: You would like that? Pazuzu: Intensely. http://fibromyalgia.topinfo4all.com/watch-video/KmO3RrxnPHU/GottaLaff/it-sucks-to-be-bush.html Question Authority: Holding Presidential Candidates to the same Rule of Law: Polygraphs, or lie detectors, are used throughout the federal government by the FBI, Secret Service, CIA, Drug Enforcement Administration, National Security Agency, Department of Energy, Department of Defense, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, Defense Security Service, and the U.S. Marshall's Service. What is the central deception that the polygraph employs: No, Citizens Are Above The Rule of Law. Answer: No, Citizens Are Above Suspicion or The Rule of Law. The Secrets of J. Edgar Hoover Sucked. The central deception involved in the polygraph examination is the notion that it detects lies. In his secret testimony before the Warren Commission in 1964, J. Edgar Hoover, made the point that the "polygraph, often referred to as a lie detector, is not in fact such a device." So has every serious study conducted by government agencies has confirmed Hoover's assessment. For example, the Office of Technology Assessment issued a massive report in 1983 entitled "Scientific Validity of Polygraph Testing: A Research Review and Evaluation," concluding that "the available research evidence does not establish the scientific validity of the polygraph test for personnel security screening." There are still no peer-reviewed test using randomly distributed true and false answers. As recently as 2000, the U.S. Supreme Court, in a decision upholding the absolute ban on the use of polygraph tests in court-martial proceedings said, "There is simply no consensus that polygraph evidence is reliable." In fact, there is no epistemological basis for believing that the polygraph machine is even designed to detect lies. It measure emotional responses that can proceed from many factors including fear, anxiety nervousness. Whether or not such emotions are connected to deception cannot be determined from the data. So their wars of their g-d, who is not the creator Christ Jesus the WORD, but Baal, must go on to secure control of the middle east and then of all of the world. Temporary and unblessed may it be. Other Israeli prime ministers include Ariel Sharon, Ehud Barak, Benjamin Netanyahu and Menachem Begin. Patrick D'Silva, '03: writes, "I am living in Boulder, CO where I am working as a freelance Arabic translator and teaching Arabic classes. I graduated from Harvard Divinity School in 2005 with a Master's in Theological Studies.My best to everyone in the department" Sophie Lowry, '05: has finished her coursework for a master's degree in Islamic Studies at the University of Edinburgh and she is currently writing her dissertation. She notes that her honors thesis at Macalester on the 13th-century Latin hagiography of the Bohemian Franciscan St. Agnes provided her with useful skills and knowledge for her recent research at Edinburgh on the Christian-Muslim relations in the Middle Ages. The Black Book on Red Blood, Jeremiah Reedy In the October, 2000 issue of Colloquy David Moore observed that  "many post-colonialist scholars...have been Marxists or strongly left, and therefore have been reluctant to make the Soviet Union a global villain on the scale of France or Britain." (p. 11) While no doubt true, this surprising statement brought to mind the heated debate that raged in France four years ago following the publication of Le Livre Noir du Communisme (the English version, The Black Book of Communism, Crimes, Terror, Repression was published by Harvard University Press in l999, and seems to be gathering dust in libraries, having attracted very little attention here). The Black Book, a weighty tome of 858 pages was written by six leading French scholars all associated with the Centre d'Etude d'Histoire et de Sociologie du Communisme. All are former Communists or "close fellow-travellers." (TLS, p. 3) The controversy was triggered by Stephane Courtois' introduction. Francois Furet, author of The Passing of an Illusion, the Idea of Communism in the Twentieth Century and also an ex-communist, had been invited to write the introduction but died unexpectedly; Courtois stepped into the breach. Critics of The Black Book which included two of the contributors, Nicolas Werth and Jean-Louis Margolin, were upset inter alia by four claims advanced by Courtois: l.) re the number of victims, 2.) the comparison of communism and nazism, 3.) the complicity of western scholars, and 4.) the unusual silence that exists vis-a-vis the crimes of communism. In the first place they accused Courtois of inflating the number of victims of communism to reach l00,000,000. Relying where possible on recently opened archives, Courtois gives these statistics: U.S.S.R: 20 million Afghanistan: l.5 million The international Communist movement & Communist parties not in power: 10,000 On the other hand, Martin Malia in his review of the book in the Times Literary Supplement defends Courtois and calls the Communist record "the most colossal case of political carnage in history." (TLS, p. 3) Secondly Courtois sees striking similarities between Communism and Nazism, e.g. one party, a single ideology, total subservience of state to party, "a cult of a leader and mass terror." (Riding, p. 2) The methods used by the two totalitarian systems were also similar: deportations (in cattle cars), concentration camps (a Soviet invention borrowed by the Nazis), dehumanization and "animalization" of victims ("Kulaks are not human beings---they have no right to live." Enemies of the people must be crushed "like noxious insects." Lenin) Because there were (and perhaps still are) Communists in the French government, Courtois' equation of Communism and Nazism provoked a furious debate in France; it was no doubt the most inflammatory aspect of his introduction. Of course, other had claimed this earlier, e.g. George Orwell and Hannah Arendt. Furet in his book had said that Communism and Fascism were "identical in every significant way." (quoted in J. Arch Getty p. 113), and de Benoist called them "heterozygous twins." (p. l3) Tony Judt, writing in the N.Y. Times asserted that they "are, and always were, morally indistinguishable" (p. 3). Anson Rabinbach summed it up thus: ",..communists regimes were far more murderous than Nazism and should not be given second rank in the moral ledger of twentieth-century genocide." (p. 63) This is not to deny the obvious differences: the Nazis practiced racial genocide, the Communists "class genocide," the Nazis killed "the Other," the Communists their own; the Nazis had extermination camps, the preferred weapon of the Communists was famine (an easy thing to do when there is central control of all resources). Thirdly Courtois dared to raise the question of the complicity of  those living outside the Communist countries. He accuses hundreds of thousands of "aiding and abetting" the crimes of Lenin and Stalin from the 1920s to the 1950s (a point also made by Robert Conquest in The Great Terror) and of the "Great Helmsman" from the 1950s to the 1970s. "Much closer to our time," writes Courtois, "there was widespread rejoicing when Pol Pot came to power." (p. 11) In the fourth place, how can we account for the strange silence of academics vis-a-vis the crimes of Communism and the lack of knowledge on the part of the general public when it "metastasized" (Malia's word also used by Solzhenitsyn of the Gulag) affecting "one third of humanity on four continents during a period spanning eight years" (Courtois, p. 20) Courtois suggests many causes: the "tyrants" were good at concealing the facts, "the absolute denial of access to archives ..., the total control of the print and other media as well as of border crossings, the propaganda trumpeting the regimes's successes,' and the entire apparatus for keeping information under lock and key were designed primarily to ensure that the awful truth would never see the light of day," (p. 18) They viciously attacked all who attempted to reveal the truth, they attempted to justify their crimes as a "necessary aspect of revolution," (You can't make an omelet without breaking eggs.), and they perverted the language. Other factors included naivete, self-deception, "cupidity, spinelessness, vanity, fascination with power, violence and revolutionary fervor..." (p. 20) Finally the fact that the Soviets participated in defeating the Nazis and the focus on the Holocaust "as a unique atrocity" have distracted the world from Communist atrocities. This brief summary of what seemed to me to be the most controversial claims made by Courtois obviously does not begin to do justice to the complexity and comprehensiveness of the account given in the book. Anyone who is interested is advised to read at least Martin Malia's foreword to the English version, "The Uses of Atrocity" and Courtois' introduction itself.   Get all the Jews out of the Senate and terminate all the appointed Jewish Lawyers making decisions that give advantages to the crippling of the United States and those Jews that attack the US Constitution at this point in time need two caps in the head. Period. Review every Jewish lawyer and wanna be snake to see if they have crippled America for the Royal Snake Pit Screwing Them Soon. Two objections should be dealt with preemptively: First that communism began as a benign movement of liberation that somehow got derailed. Malia believes that The Black Book lays this myth (that of "good Lenin, bad Stalin") to rest once and for all. Secondly, it has been argued that it is "illegitimate to speak of a single Communist movement from Phnom Penh to Paris." (p. xiv) Malia thinks that The Black Book refutes this, a point on which there was unanimous agreement among the six authors. The ideology runs from Lenin, to Stalin, "to Mao, to Ho, to Kim Il Sung, to Pol Pot." (p. xiv) On pp. 9-10 of The Black Book one can find a breakdown of the ghastly statistics for the U.S.S.R., e.g. "The liquidation of almost 690,000 in the Great Purge of 1937-38," "The destruction of four million Ukrainians and two million others by means of an artificial and systematically perpetuated famine in 1932-33," etc., etc., etc. I leave it to readers to decide whether the Soviet Union should be considered "a global villain on the scale of France or Britain." Bibliography S. Courtois, N. Werth, J-L. Panne, A. Paczkowski, K. Bartosek, J-L. Margolin, The Black Book of Communism, Crimes, Terror, Repression (Harvard U. Press, 1999) J. Arch Getty, "The Future Did Not Work," The Atlantic Monthly, March, 2000. Tony Judt, "Communism Was Mass Murder From the Outset," New York Times, November,16, 1998. Martin Malia, "The Lesser Evil?" Times Literary Supplement, March 27, 1998. Anson Rabinbach, "Communist Crimes and French Intellectuals," Dissent, Fall, 1998. Alan Riding, "New Book About Crimes of Communism Fuels Heated Debate in France," www.l.omnitel.net/arkadija/a14.htm 1 hr 8 min 24 sec - Jan 22, 2006 RevisionistHistory.org Http://www.fpp.co.uk 1 hr 8 min 24 sec - Jan 22, 2006 Goggle Video search for: Michael+A.+Hoffman Average rating: (119 ratings)  Description: In this brilliant foray into the hidden dimensions of the chronicle of black servitude, Tony Martin, professor of African History at Wellesley College, lectures on the role of Judaic in the Trans-Atlantic slave trade, and the impact of racist rabbinical texts on the formation of the contemptuous view of Africans which led to the justification of their enslavement. Dr. Martin's speech is introduced by Michael A. Hoffman II who provides insight on recent scholarly developments concerning the "Curse of Ham." Brief concluding remarks are offered by historian David Irving. Joe Lie-Berman-Chertoff are the Soviet-Israeli Union attacking the constitution audit US Gold reserve Crucify the fun ghouls. *Note: During the period before and after 911 New Jersey Michael Chertoff headed the Criminal Division at the Department of Justice where he helps trace the 911 terrorists attacks to Al Quaida. He never referenced (goggle) Jonathan Pollard. I, Lawrence De Marco, I blew the whistle on 911, I was left behind on a battlefield in Saddle Brook, NJ to die. Chertoff knew this. I literally needed to copy and send thousands of my letters to my Client List of 2973 Clients and media worldwide referencing my letters. Let the Court note: we watch the Sopranos, Family. Redefined. Launder the Drug money in trusted American Banks. The Jews get it, forget it. Who, Outlawed Drugs,  Who, Created a Drug Business and Who, Supplied the Drug Business. Legalize all as Pharmaceuticals, Done. No representatives have shown up from the other associated companies named in the letter. The Pakistani's told me the Russian KGB went to Israel to Brooklyn and five years later. KGB. Putin poisoned Mr. Litvinenko.  And that the Jews were fraudulently billing Medicare, Medicaid, ID Thief Social Security and Disability checks being directly deposited into the Rothchilds Bank, Bank of London and the CIA, Secret Service and Mossad secret employees is completely padded, terminate All employees and go after that money and criminals, one perpetrator will lead to several others , but no secret agencies, societies and No laws protecting the secrecy will be allow and their supported must be tried in Iran for treason, that's cost effect out sorce Lawer-ing. 1.) First Manufacturing, AKA Jim & Mary Lou, Mr. Akmal Cheema             499 Seventh Avenue, 4th Floor, NYC NY 10018, 212-290-8223 2.) Unik International, Mohammed Khiljee, Akmal Khiljee and Jaward Iqball / owners     125 Asia Place, Carlstadt, NJ 07072, 201-531-1777 3.) Extreme Biker, Bikers Leathers, Mr. Asad and Mohammed M. El Sioufi @ 201-642-1511      45 East Madison Avenue, suite B, Clifton, NJ 07011, 973-253-2820 4.) Zoonie Leathers, Zoonie's address is available from Unik or Shaf international. 5.) Shaf International, AKA Diamond Leathers, Mr. Imran Khiljee / owner     224 Midland Avenue #3, Saddle Brook, NJ 07663, 800-990-7423 I was left behind on a battlefield to die, that battlefield included the Municipal Court of Saddle Brook New Jersey. "Ground Zero" Droned aircraft, JFK Jr. Kennedy Camelot. Warren, Watergate, Whitewater in the Winebox Comm.co.nz .  New Zealand. Silverstein, Steinbrenner, Streisand. Who's on first, ICM property, Barbra Streisand returns to NYC, Opens up on Broadway. She is admired, but is also rejected because of  "Treason". In 1960 "Mental" sings "Papa can you see me". And In 1960 within the framework of her European tour Dietrich returns to Germany. She is admired, but is also rejected because of "Treason". Babs, Marlene Dietrich did it better.   "Papa, Watch Me Fly"  www  PilotsFor911Truth.Org  attacked by Jewish conflicting Jews to confuse use the interests. I, Lawrence De Marco had already had brought in the government agencies needed to remedy this situation. I believe this court should subpoena the representatives named below from the Government agencies listed below and those employees prosecuted for enabling September 11,2001. John O'Neill was murdered on 911 in his office on the 34th floor of WTC North Tower.  Goggle, John O'Neill. 1.) FBI, David N. Rushing, Supervisory Special Agent, FBI headquarters, Washington, DC 2.) State Of New Jersey Dept. of Law and Public Safety, Joseph L. Trapp, 609-984-6500 voice 3.) IRS Commissioner, Charles O. Rossotti, 1111 Constitutional Ave, Wash, DC 20224 4.) Treasury Dept, Steven Stettler, Springfield, NJ cbn 973-921-4267 5.) INS Director, Andrea J Quarantillo, 970 Broad St. #136, Newark, NJ 07102 6.) DEA Administrator, Asa Hutchinson, 2401 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Alexandria, VA 22301 7.) ATF Director, Bradley Buckles, 650 Massachusetts Ave NW, Wash DC 20226 8.) CIA, Offices of Public Affairs, Wash, DC 20535, faxed to 703-482-1739 9.) United States Senate, Dianne Feinstein, Wash, DC 202-224-3841 or 415-393-0707 Forward this to every Country in the World. Embassies and Universities Demand Immediate answers to everyone's questions . The more time we keep them busy answering our questions and questioning their answers the more questions we have to ask them over and over again and again until they realize we have them out numbered a million to one. We are a peaceful loving nation. Don't push us. The US Military was deployed to the Middle East to be killed down in time of war. Jimmy McGreevey's biggest concern is Golan Cipel and not his daughter.  "Jimmy, why you do this to me". "The Exorcist", "Jimmy, why you do this to me" The Jerusalem News. Thanksgiving Israeli Potatoes, ask Jim McGreevey. To be a Food Tester, US Military troops are "Article 99" or "not yet dead". And Yahweh answered me, and said, (the Jews call Lawrence Yahweh) "Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it." During the period before and after 911 New Jersey Michael Chertoff headed the Criminal Division at the Dept. of Justice where he helps trace the 911 terrorists attacks to Al Quaida. He knew of Israeli involvement, I was left behind to die in Saddle Brook, NJ. http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-342185930070503560&q=label%3A%22jfk%22 Michael Chertoff in his new position architect some of the most controversial elements of the Bush administration, oversaw detention of 762 foreign nationals, swept up more sleeper cells, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal and Star Ledger. 911KGB-HLS Terror Terminated. Immediately, Prosecute the 911Soviet Israeli Union perpetrators to the fullest extent of the law.At the same time Chertoff allowed scores of suspected Israeli terrorists and spies to quietly return to Israel, Urban Moving Vans, Weehawken, that New Jersey van tested positive for explosives. Dominic Suter owner, Mossad ran to Israel. We demand the return of the 300 Tons of US Dollars Stolen by Bush plus interest, court costs and damages for the past several wars that Israel manufactured and news Jews drove into Hell.  PRESIDENT BUSH SHIPPED 300 TONS of US ONE HUNDRED DOLLAR BILLS TO IRAQ. U.S. Rep. Henry Waxman, D-CA, and chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform covered up addresses an audience at the National Press Club. Waxman's committee has recently investigated contracting corruption in Iraq and watch Jews enabling Jews. The Goal to Cripple America. Is-Really Manufactured Terror-Tory Triggered all events. Profile Arrogant Territorial Dominating Bitches and you have the recipe for Homosexuality ask the Dreamboat poster child. Ugly is to the bone Rep. Henry Waxman estimates 7,000 contractor fraud cases linked to Iraq war Razzle Dazzle them Henry Waxman grabs all the damage cases. Waxman shit cans them while giving Academy Award performances. If, Bullshit were concrete Henry would be the highway to Hell. Henry Waxmans is sending America Hell in hand basket. Henry is not afraid of a Polygraph test? By ELISE CASTELLI, June 16, 2008, A top house Democrat wants the Defense Department inspector general to investigate more than 7,000 cases of fraud the lawmaker believes have occurred on contracts to support the Iraq war. Rep. Henry Waxman, D-Calif., chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, said that number is an estimate by his staff and that those cases involve more than $190 million in federal spending. "It is difficult to have confidence that the department will take adequate steps to address the full magnitude of the potential criminal fraud," Waxman wrote to IG Claude Kicklighter in a June 16 letter. "I therefore request that your office assess the extent of potential criminal fraud in the expenditure of U.S. funds in Iraq. " Waxman's staff came up with the projection based on a report issued by the Defense IG's office in May. That report sampled 702 transactions worth $1.5 billion and found 28 of them worth $35 million appeared to involve criminal misuse of funds. The 28 cases represent roughly 4 percent of the total surveyed for the report examining transactions by seven Army contingency contracting officers in Iraq. Waxman's staff applied that 4 percent rating across the pool of 180,000 transactions worth $10.7 billion that those seven offices awarded — and came up with a figure of potential fraud. Waxman said the IG's staff confirmed the projected number and value of criminal cases and stated that the issue merited further investigation. Kicklighter's staff also told Waxman that the Defense Criminal Investigative Service launched a new effort to review additional transactions for fraud. The God of the Good is Yahweh: IAM the Alpha and IAM the Omega: IAM Heaven and IAM Hell. The Name Game: IAM Good and IAM Bad. Sometimes when IAM Bad IAM Better, confuses me too. YHWH - the Tetragrammaton - God's name - usually written Yahweh One correspondent told me this means simply - "I AM DOING WHAT I AM DOING" Another correspondent added: The Sacred Name of GOD is: "YHVH"- Pronounced: Yeh-Ha-Veh, which is the Etymology of "EHYEH-ASHER-EHYEH" translated "I Am that I Am". Moses asked what is your name, and GOD answered, "I Am that I Am", tell them I AM (EHYEH) has sent you. Names of GOD are: El - which means "The Almighty". Yehovah - which means "Eternal or Self Existent". Yehovih - same as "Yehovah" but used to prevent repetition Yahh - the short form of "Yehovah" . IAM What IAM Lawrence translated into song in La Cage, Birds of a Feather: Feathers Bar. The God of Evil Jah-Baal-On is Jah "I am" Baal "Almighty" On "Sunsets" World Class News Jews, Pre Meditated Murderers, ask them about Lawrence their Messiah. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyN1O-GwALI , I have done the above at my own expense, which has caused me financial hardship while trying to rescue my country, so in conjunction with this new "Status Whistle Blowing" activity, I have contacted the following reward, as of November 8, 2006, no agencies have ever settled or offered me relief for my damages suffered here: Please call them, again, again and again, write their name down. No Reward Money paid to Goy's are Whistle Blowers. see: Who was literally rewarded for Sadams Sons. 1.) Tax-fraud.net, the 15% tax reward for turning in tax cheats. I applied online for the rewards. 2.)  IRS pays informants of tax cheats a 15% reward, I applied, also IRS criminal in Wayne, NJ, 3.)  I called 202-829-0433 Washington, DC, fraud hotline, I applied for the rewards. 4.)  I called 215-592-1000, James Beasley, Esq. I wrote requesting rewards. Subrogation recovery tax lawyer and faxed same letter on December 16, 2002, 5.) I faxed 678-530-2002 St Victor at Tax fraud hotline, undeclared drug monies, I applied. 6.) I phoned 800-877-3927, AKA US REWARDS, and emailed same letter to [email protected] 7.) I called 800-523-2900, Elliott Feldman at Cozen O'Conner, requesting subrogation recovery monies from Insurance Companies for those harmed by the September 11th attacks. I believe this court should subpoena the Government agencies above to inquire about the status of any ongoing investigations, and further, to notify the seven (7) reward programs above that I, Lawrence De Marco, am responsible for any progress, and that their Internal affairs should be contacted. We have documented evidence of all the people, places, businesses and enablers posted. According to the proceedings at the Municipal Court of Saddle Brook, where Mohammad Magbool of Shaf International has instituted a harassment lawsuit against me, the transcripts of which are available, Mr. Magbool has perjured himself multiple times and contradicted many statements previously made concerning the above matter, and has also offered to settle my tax situation for an insufficient amount of money. Mohammad refuses to provide any accounting information demanded. On July 24, 2001, Larry Silverstein of Silverstein Properties signed a $3.2 billion lease on the WTC complex (estimated to be worth $8 billion), personally paying out only $15 million or 0.005% of the total financing to secure private ownership (Paul, 2002). Included in the lease was a $3.5 billion insurance policy specifically covering "acts of terrorism." Silverstein's main partners were mall-builder Westfield America and a group headed by Lloyd Goldman. It is an interesting post-script that while Silverstein originally demanded $7.2 billion in insurance payoffs, claiming the two planes constituted two separate terrorist attacks, he was awarded only $2.2 billion on December 6, 2004. And in February 2002, he was awarded $861 million to rebuild WTC Bldg. 7. Altogether, Silverstein collected over $4 billion in insurance (Jones, 2006). Another interesting post-script is the entire seven building complex was brought down by controlled demolition either or very shortly after 9/11. Silverstein Purchased, Sears Tower Chicago, Please, forward this info to current Sears Tower residents. The Real Estate Journal reported that, in regard to rebuilding the WTC site, Silverstein Properties had the support of New York Senators Charles Schummer and Hillary Clinton (he had hosted both on his yacht) as well as Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle, Senate Minority Leader Trent Lott and House Speaker Dennis Hastert. An 11/5/01 REJ article concluded: It may also end up being a good investment. In the end, Mr. Silverstein may wind up controlling 11 million square feet of attractive, lower-rise space instead of 11 million square feet of 30-year old space in New York's tallest most conspicuous buildings. Silverstein himself declared: "It should prove to justify the time, energy, and the psychic impact of what we've been through" (from Thorn 2006) http://video.msn.com/v/us/msnbc.htm?f=00&g=25906c38-31c5-4036-a67b-594f3372f4fc&p=News_Comment%20-%20Analysis&t=c1149&rf=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16893899/&fg= Interesting information found on the Internet, 911 was an inside job, Soviet ex-KGB now contractors for the Russian Mafia, British Monarchy Relatives are Court Jews in the US Government.  Building 7 was never hit by an airplane. However, small fires started burning on a few of the floors after the collapse of WTC 1 and 2. Hufschmid (2002a) notes that these fires were small enough that they should have been extinguished by the building's sprinkler systems. Suddenly, at 5:20 p.m., Building 7 disintegrated and collapsed spectacularly and with perfect symmetry in 6.5 seconds, (basically, the speed of gravity). Unlike the Twin Towers, which exploded in a "top-down" fashion, the collapse of Building 7 was more a typical "bottom-up" demolition requiring fewer explosives. The perfect collapse of WTC 7 captured on several live TV broadcasts can be viewed in numerous 9/11 videos as well at www.st911.org     and http://wtc.net/ . Unknown Sources Getting Free Television Air Time Are The Perpetrators of September 11, 2001. Electronic Voting Machines Electing Joe Lieberman. The Pre Meditated, Goal To Cripple America can be found in the Program Chip of MicroSoft, Billy Gates. Water Board Joe Lieberman and Billy Gates to unveil another 100 traitors per each traitor minimum. Viewpoint: 9-11 commission probe rigged By Joe Baker, Senior Editor If you've been expecting the 9-11 commission to ultimately produce some startling revelations, forget it. The commission is a sham and a farce. That became very clear last week when the group announced it had cut a deal with the White House for access to highly classified intelligence reports prepared for the president daily. Commissioners agreed to let the White House edit the documents before panel members get to see them. Lawmakers will get to see only selected parts of the briefing papers, and then only four of the 10-member panel get to do so. A member of the commission, Rep. Timothy Roemer, D-Ind., said he believes the agreement will allow the White House to remove the contexts in which the intelligence was presented and allow it to hide any "smoking guns." "...under this agreement the commission will be allowed to see only specific articles or paragraphs within the PDB's (president's daily brief). Our members may see only two or three paragraphs out of a nine-page report." The executive director of the so-called independent commission, Philip Zelikow, said: "The notion that the commission should want to read PDB articles that have nothing to do with al-Qaeda would be a novel suggestion. The commission has not asked to see the country's most sensitive intelligence information on China or North Korea." Zelikow is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, a secret organization promoting one-world government. (Who's Who of the Elite, by Robert Gaylon Ross) Just in case you still doubt that the commission is not independent, get this—the panel members allowed to read the reports may take notes, but the White House will have the right to review and edit those notes! How's that for independence? The Family Steering Committee, a group representing the families of victims of 9-11, stated the agreement would "prevent a full uncovering of the truth and is unacceptable." The committee added: "The commission should issue a statement to the American public fully explaining why this agreement was chosen in lieu of issuing subpoenas to the CIA and executive branch." (Common Dreams.com) A group called 9-11 CitizensWatch, a citizen-led government watchdog organization, commented: "The commission doesn't appear to be meeting a high standard of investigative rigor; by ignoring important areas of inquiry and witnesses, by not requiring testimony under oath, allowing administration or agency 'minders,' and not pursuing aggressive cross-examination in an open, public arena, questions naturally arise as to whether or not the commission is being serious and aggressive enough to get to the truth." (1 of 3)11/21/2003 12:33:31 PMRockford's Newspaper Rock River Times A closer look at the commission is revealing. As head of the investigative body, President Bush chose Thomas Kean, former governor of New Jersey and president of Drew University. The Tribulation: This is a 7 year interval when a world religious-political leader called the Antichrist takes power. So far, the only national publication to report any downside on Kean is New York Newsday. Kean, another CFR member, has business ties with Khalid bin Mafhouz and Mohammed Hussein al Amoudi. The two own Delta Oil, which is participating in a pipeline deal with Delta-Hess. Kean is a stockholder of Amerada Hess Corp., which also is part of the pipeline project. In 1998, former CIA director James Woolsey told a Senate committee that bin Mahfouz' younger sister is married to Osama bin Laden. Mahfouz is Osama's brother-in-law. New York Times, 2001.   That would seem to put Kean, as head of the 9-11 commission, in an awkward spot. The panel has a mandate to investigate Osama and his organization, al-Qaeda. Bush first named Henry Kissinger to head the commission, but he resigned after the heat began to build over his obvious conflicts of interest. The same thing happened with former Sen. George Mitchell of Maine, who had been vice-chairman of the commission. He quit for the same reasons. It seems reasonable to think that if Kean has business dealings with a firm connected to Osama bin Laden, and his commission is supposed to investigate this guy, it could be concluded that a conflict exists. Kean is not the only member of the Washington insiders snared in this net. Extensive documentation exists of business dealings between the bin Laden and Bush families and other prominent Republicans. Delta officials apparently played a key role in talks with the Taliban regarding the trans-Afghan pipeline. Next at the trough, Enron—whose former CEO Ken Lay has close ties to the Bush family—was under contract to do feasibility studies for the Unocal-Delta consortium. Wayne Madsen, an investigative reporter, has documented business dealings between Osama's brother-in-law and George W. Bush when Bush was in the oil business in Texas. Both men were implicated in the Bank of Commerce and Credit International (BCCI) scandal in the early 90s when BCCI robbed depositors of $10 billion. Madsen wrote: "Other links between Bush and Mahfouz can be found through investments in the Carlyle Group, an American investment firm managed by a board on which former President George Bush (Sr.) himself sat. The younger Bush personally held shares in one of the components of the Carlyle group, the Caterair Co., between 1990-94. And Carlyle today ranks as a leading contributor to Bush's electoral campaign." (Boston Herald, Dec. 11, 2001) Mahfouz and al Amoudi have been under investigation since as far back as 1999 for alleged ties to al Qaeda. Yet, after the attacks of 9-11, just by "sheer conincidence," they both were exempted from U.S. Treasury Department investigations. A report by Scripps Howard News Service in December 2002 claimed Kean was chosen to head the commission because he was "close to the families of 9-11 victims, an important credential to the White House, which was coming under increasing criticism from those families."   (2 of 3)11/21/2003 12:33:31 PMRockford's Newspaper Rock River Times Those families have filed a $1 trillion lawsuit against Kean's business buddies-Mahfouz and al Amoudi. How will he square that with his mandate to investigate Osama and company? "What I find surprising," said Rep. Roemer, "is that there are two things which can most help the Bush administration, and they won't cooperate. "This report could prove there was no warning; there was no smoking gun provided to the president. It could also prove that the intelligence community did not do a proper job of putting the position to him. And he won't provide access to these things."  Yes, because the report might also prove that Bush knew...in advance of the attacks. He wants the emasculated report to be delivered in May, well ahead of the 2004 election campaign homestretch. Copyright 2003 - The Rock River Times Back Home   THE END TIME: BRING THE BOYS HOME TO BE WITH THEIR FAMILIES AND LOVED ONES UNITED IN THE END TIMES. Ted the Password is (Jesus Jesus Jesus): Redefined, whatever it takes, prosecute, terminate, hire, fire they have expert hindsight, Carte Blanche, Ted Kennedy, Family. Don't dare leave me here. Edward don't make me beg, I will be stuck here. Ask them for non violent remedies or kill them, just weed out the vicious fun ghouls immediately. Later address the Nuremberg Decisions, process Rico Act cases (without Court Jews chiming in) for September 11, 2001 victims, damages by Sharon. Torture the criminals that had our administration on a very short leash, they are killing us down, bring in the dead, the military families, seize their prime real estate in Moscow, recover our $600 Trillion dollars. Seize that property or give it to Islam to enjoy. Facing a propaganda nightmare Bush Hitler himself ordered Rommel to commit suicide. With Hitler using the safety of Rommel's family as leverage, Rommel drank the poison died a nazi heart attack. Israeli Manufactured Terrorist were after nothing less than full confessions even thought torture was technically illegal. It's use would was permitted after September 10, 2001. The appointed criminals wrote a letter authorizing the use of torture, If, the innocent would not otherwise confess. The gentler Tortures are to be first used onto them and so by degrees until the ultimate is electrocuted, lynched or murdered under friendly fire and so God speeds this document to let every nation know the Jews. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebwajADIm7k , World Class News Jews, Pre Meditated Murderers, ask them about Lawrence their Messiah. Lawrence is the blinding light Saul spoke to in Damascus. IAM Jesus whom you prosecute. The Holy Ghost cannot be confined, To harm Christians is to harm God. The Christians are the chosen people. Salvation was available to all, both Jews and Gentiles. ^ JEHOVAH. Of the varieties of this sacred name in use among the different nations of the earth, three particularly merit the attention of Royal Arch Masons:  JAHBULON 1. JAH. This name of God is found in the 68th Psalm, v. 4. 2. BAAL OR BEL. This word signifies a lord, master, or possessor, and hence it was applied by many of the nations of the East to denote the Lord of all things, and the Master of the world. 3. ON. This was the name by which JEHOVAH was worshipped among the Egyptians. I have made these remarks on the three names of God in Chaldaic, Syriac and Egyptian, Baal, Jah, and On, in the expectation that my Royal Arch Companions will readily recognize them in a corrupted form.--Lexicon. >From footnote 226:1 in ROYAL ARCH, OR SEVENTH DEGREE Duncan's Masonic Ritual and Monitor, by Malcolm C. Duncan, 1866 Lyrics of song mentioning Jahbulon from King, Francis, The Secret Rituals of the O.T.O. (ibid): How the Simple Mason plies, Tool to Temple, See it rise! Princes of Jerusalem, How we mock and scoff at them! Boaz broken, Jachin gone, Freely spoken Jahbulon, All above Is overthrown. For the love Of Babalon. Thus, the doctrine of Satanism is a the true and pure philosophical religion is the belief in Lucifer, the equal of Adonay Live; but Lucifer, God of Light and God of Good, is struggling for humanity against Adonay, the God of Darkness and Evil. "First they came for the Communists, and I didn't speak up, because I wasn't a Communist. Then they came for the Jews, and I didn't speak up, because I wasn't a Jew. Then they came for the Catholics, and I didn't speak up, because I was a Protestant.  Then they came for me, and by that time there was no one left to speak up for me." Rev. Martin Niemoller (1945) During his torture he cried out   "I am already roasted on one side and, if thou wouldst have me well cooked, it is time to turn me on the other." Prologue: The Future History of Planet Earth.  Since at least the time of the biblical prophets and the Oracle of Delphi, the attempt to foretell the future has captivated the imagination of our species.  Hal Lindsey's "Late Great Planet Earth" and his many other books represent a modern attempt at fortune-telling, in a Christian Zionist mold.  More reputable commentators hesitate to make many predictions, because they know how notoriously fickle and inscrutable The Future truly is, and how much is dependent on the random chaos of events, the unpredictability of human free will, the creative fountain of technological innovation, and the importance of Great Men.  Today, sooth-saying has something of a bad reputation, and only the very brave, the foolhardy and the deluded seem to have the courage to make predictions. [continue...] 1.  Psychopaths and the science of personality: For many years, psychologists have studied the frightening reality of  psychopathic or sociopathic personalities  -- the serial killers, the child abusers,  the pathologically consistent liars and incorrigible thieves.  The scientific study of these individuals was systemically organized by Hervey Cleckley and his 1941 classic "The Mask of Sanity", and today the specialist Robert Hare is one of the foremost authorities in the field.  According to Hare, the key emotional and interpersonal  traits defining the psychopathic personality syndrome are: a smooth, glib capability to lie, manipulate and dissemble; a completely callous lack of empathy or concern for others; shallow emotional affect and lack of remorse; and egocentric grandiosity. [continue...] 2.  Government, Religion, Psychopathy: A theory of how the world works.  Sometimes (and seldom more than today) it seems impossible  to escape the conclusion that the whole world is going insane with war and preparation for war.   However, the situation is merely a manifestation of a psychopathic tendency in politics, a sinister undercurrent which is always present and sometimes erupts into ugly prominence. [continue...] 3.  The Historical Continuity of Empire:  While elite antisocial behavior is part of all human history across all societies and cultures, we also believe that there is a single elite clique that has been uniquely successful in the art of empire-building.  Their omnipresent power bridges across the millennia, from at least the days of the first recorded empire (the Acheamenid Persians), if not further back in time, to the present.   Orthodox historians present the story of our species as a patchwork of nations, peoples, rulers and religions, parading across the stage of time and leaving only archaeological remnants and books behind.  We think we have a much more interesting way of looking at history, as a repeating yet ever-changing story of the class struggle, and the development of diverse mechanisms by which the elite maintain their power.  [continue...] 4.  Secret societies in government, business and religion:  From the earliest times of recorded history, we find that secret societies are a natural and integral part of human civilization.  What we mean by a "secret society" is one whose meetings are not open to the general public, and whose written documents are kept confidential to some extent.  Secret societies are often organized hierarchically, with ultimate decision-making power vested in a single individual.  Outside of a secretive core group, a secret society may have a much larger hierarchical structure which operates very openly and which produces abundant documentation of its broader operations.  Our hypothesis is that these secret societies can operate as a mechanism for filtering and selecting psychopathic individuals to carry out the conspiratorial goals of a society and its leadership. [continue...] Do you know who Senator Mc Can't remember a fucking thing is? Oh Boy, better ask Nurse Rat-Shit. Sometimes I can't remember if I was walking upstairs or downstairs, knock on wood.. Who is it?  Creation and Manipulation of Popular Religion: the case of  Christian Zionism. Christianity as taught by televangelists such as Billy Graham, Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell, is one of America's most widely held religions.  It is also as close as Constitutional decorum will permit,  to becoming an official state religion.  Yet this fundamentalist, pentacostal, pre-millenialist, dispensationalist  version of Christianity (referred to in this article as Christian Zionism because of its political affinity to Judaic Zionism) has almost no resemblance to the religion of the Protestant Reformation, much less the Roman church, or the mysterious Christianity of the first century AD.  At every step to the creation of this potent new religion, we can see the psychopathic hand of secret societies. [continue...] The Roots of Conspiracy Denial:  A review of Daniel Pipes' "Conspiracy: how the paranoid style flourishes and where it comes from".  Many historical conspiracies (starting with the murder of Julius Caesar) are widely accepted facts.  When it comes to current or ongoing conspiracies, however, we are much more likely to find that the predominant view is set by the conspiracy naysayers.   These are social commentators of various ilk, ranging from network news anchors to public relations spin doctors to bar stool jockeys.  Daniel Pipes' 1997 book "Conspiracy: how the paranoid style flourishes and where it comes from" is a prime example of the naysayer's art, and yet (as we shall see) Pipes is also very good at promoting "conspiracy theories" when it suits his purposes. [continue...] Follow up on sub prime foreclosures: Four bedroom home foreclosures should be housing four veterans with the care provided by the neighborhood veteran watch committees, providing food, and transportation. Adopt a not yet dead veteran and hold the Royal Mothers responsible or kill the Jews. Your Dominating Jewish Mothers will be sucking cocks in hell with you forever, for this. World Class News Jews, Pre Meditated Murderers, ask them about Lawrence their messiah. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VE0Kplk7t8&feature=related ,   The 911 Wakeup Call, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4R5QmFRlIhI , The Mercy of the Gold Star Mothers and with the Grace of Lawrence time will heal everything. I promised you a happy ending. 911-Deception:  "Your enemy is not surrounding your country.  Your enemy is ruling your country." This Orwellian paradox from George Bush reveals our true predicament.  The Federal government is fully complicit with the perpetrators of the atrocity at the World Trade Center.  [continue...] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QqDX3c4yLi8&feature=related , 911-War: Most Americans are expecting the new war in Iraq to be a re-run of the Afghan war and Gulf War I: a quick victory with minimal American fatalities.  But world-wide, resistance to the American move is building more quickly than anyone could have imagined.  How realistic is it to expect the world to respond passively to American aggression? [continue...] 911-Treason:  With the Patriot Act, the Homeland Security Act and now the proposed Patriot Act II, the establishment has revealed their intent to destroy the Constitution which all government officers are sworn to defend.  In response, the movement to impeach George Bush is underway.  [continue...] Mental Health is ruling the world. For Gods sake deliver me and what IAM from evil. 911-Strike!  The fraudulent elections of 2002 proved that democracy in America is stone dead.  Those who are praying for a miraculous resurrection,  will be disappointed.  Non-violent direct action is the only remaining avenue to save ourselves.  [continue...] The rule of law is dead. Even as a fiction, a dream of human betterment -- of "civilization," to use that word we hear so often on the lips of warlords and terrorists these days -- the idea of law has been discarded, trashed: Just so much excess baggage thrown aside in the relentless, mindless pursuit of raw power. And perhaps the most remarkable thing about this regression, this throwback to our most primitive and brutal instincts, is that it's being carried out in plain sight, openly, proudly. The defenders of "civilization" no longer even pretend to be bound by law, by moral codes designed to quell the raging beast inside us all and draw us on toward higher notions of justice, liberty, and the integrity of the individual. Instead, they exult in their desecration of these ideals -- and are exalted for it. This week, the administration of U.S. President George W. Bush admitted it was snatching suspected terrorists in secret operations around the world and "rendering" them without due process or any legal hearing at all to repressive regimes where they can be beaten and tortured to extract information -- then killed when their usefulness is over. Their families too can be threatened with imprisonment or death: another useful extraction tool for the CIA and its proxies. "After Sept. 11, these sorts of movements have been occurring all the time," a U.S. diplomat told the Washington Post. "It allows us to get information from terrorists in a way we can't do on U.S. soil." Note the usual neat elision there -- from "suspected terrorist" to "terrorist." In fact, the CIA "rendering" operations take place outside all legal jurisdiction; there is no standard of evidence or level of proof required to brand someone -- anyone -- a "terrorist suspect" and put him on the next secret plane to Cairo or Amman. Hundreds, perhaps thousands, of people have already "disappeared" in this way, without legal counsel, without extradition, on nothing more than the word of an ambitious junior operative or a local informer -- or even a cranky neighbor. It's not always done in secret, of course. In January, American forces openly seized five Arabs in Bosnia and sent them to the U.S. prison camp at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, for interrogation -- the kind you "can't do on U.S. soil," no doubt. This despite the fact that the men had earlier been freed by the Bosnian Supreme Court for lack of evidence against them -- and that the Bosnian Human Rights Chamber had issued an injunction protecting them from seizure pending further legal proceedings. That would be the same Human Rights Chamber set up by the United States after the Bosnian war to "protect human rights and due process." From everyone except the United States, obviously. Nor are U.S. residents exempt from rendering. In January, just after the release of "Black Hawk Down," the story of kindly American soldiers being butchered by nasty, bug-eyed Somalis, U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft grabbed three dozen Somali-Americans from their homes, classrooms and businesses and deported them -- without charges, without hearings, "not shriving time allowed" -- to Mogadishu, the London Times reports. These were men, and one woman, who had been in the United States for many years, some of them from infancy. They had fled with their families from the murderous warlords who ravaged their country, and had found peace and prosperity in America. But now it was over. They were seized by Ashcroft's immigration officials, they were beaten, shackled, boarded onto planes and dumped in Somalia without papers, passports or any means of support. Most of them don't speak the language or even dare walk the streets, where foreigners -- especially Americans -- are viewed with hostility. They're now trapped in a fleabag hotel, broke, desperate, and besieged by local media screaming about "the terrorists." Why were they taken? No one knows; or rather, no one will say. Ashcroft's minions claim they are "investigating" the situation, but will give no details. They never do. Perhaps some Somali warlord pointed to a rival clan, some past enemy -- and their children -- and whispered the magic words: "al-Qaida." After all, the Somali gangleaders are now courting Bush's favor, hoping to get the kind of money and weapons the Americans are doling out to their favored drug-dealers and warlords in Afghanistan, where dozens of innocent civilians have been killed by U.S. air strikes called in by mercenary chieftains knocking off their rivals. That's the world the "defenders of civilization" have given us. They strut out in their thousand-dollar suits and preach to us about "civilized values" and "enduring freedom" while they pay their murderers and wave their cattle prods and "expand their nuclear attack options," plotting the death of millions. They're teaching every budding terrorist, every aspiring dictator, every mafia goon that violence, death and dominance are the truest human values, the way to wealth and glory. So forget law. Law is dead. There is no law. There is only the reality of power. They can take you tonight, anywhere in the world, beat you and drug you and ship you to a dungeon in Jakarta if they want to. They can ram their cattle prods up your anus and slap their electrodes on your genitals and there's not a damn thing you can do about it. No one will hear you scream; no one will even know where you are. You don't exist anymore. You're not a person, you have no standing under the law. There is no law.   Jesus Christ, Demand The Interview…   Ignatius of Loyola, was the principal founder and first Superior General of the Society of Jesus. Saint Ignatius has been described by Pope Benedict XVI as being above all a man of God. We pray with Saint Ignatius for the Dignity of the Homeless Veterans are Jesus Christ. With the Whole World  Watching. Saint Integrity of Loyola, Saint Ignatius of Loyalty, We Trust, Support and Love Veterans. The Dignity of Jesus Christ Is In God We Trust, Three Faiths, One Nation Under God, IAM Lawrence. Bravo Alice Cooper as Herod, a Jew appointed Jew, appointed Jew, appointed Jew, You know the story of Jesus Christ. Here we go again. The Loving Holy Ghost. Jesus, I am overjoyed, To meet you face to face, You've been getting quite a name, All around the place, Healing cripples (Nice Trick, Crippled Golan Cipel ) Raising from the dead, Now I understand you're God, At least that's what you've said So you are the Christ, You're the great Jesus Christ, Prove to me that you're divine Change my water into wine, That's all you need do, Then I'll know it's all true, C'mon King of the Jews Jesus you just won't believe, The hit you've made around here, You are all we talk about You're the wonder of the year, Oh what a pity, If it's all a lie, Still I'm sure That you can rock the cynics if you try So if you are the Christ, Yes the great Jesus Christ, Prove to me that you're no fool Walk across my swimming pool, (in Land O Lakes, Florida) If you do that for me, Then I'll let you go free, C'mon King of the Jews I only ask what I'd ask any superstar, What is it that you have got That puts you where you are? Oh, ho ho, I am waiting, Yes I'm a captive fan, I'm dying to be shown, That you are not just any man So if you are the Christ, Yes the great Jesus Christ, Feed my household with this bread You can do it on your head, Or has something gone wrong? Jesus, why do you take so long? Aw, c'mon King of the Jews Hey! Aren't you scared of me Christ? Mr. Wonderful Christ! You're a joke, you're not the Lord, You are nothing but a fraud, (Jews Gone Bad is a Guaranteed Holocaust, 911 was a Bait and Switch) Take him away, He's got nothing to say! Get out you King of the, Get out you King of the,Get out you King of the Jews! Get out of here, you, you! Get out of here, you! Get out of my Life! http://youtube.com/watch?v=dCS9esRq1B8&feature=related , In 1913 John Edgar Hoover began working in high heels, and as Diana Ross in Drag at Pier Nine, Wash. DC nightly at 11:00 PM. Hoover went undercover, Drugs, Prostitutes, Aliens, Terrorists and tea Rooms, Tapped your troubles away, and by 1924 was appointed Head Nurse of the FBI. If, you profile Golan (Goal) Cipple (to Cripple) Lawrence heals the Crippled economy, healthcare, foreclosures and brings back the faith, hope and charity needed to dismantle the FBI and all secret servants that killed JFK, RFK, MLK and betrayed Lawrence. The Bush-Clinton Crime Family, you can't shine shit. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kC_u_q-iND0 , Dream Girls of Diana Ross  Coleen Rowley's Memo to FBI Director Robert Mueller, another Polish Jew, Dear Director Mueller: I feel at this point that I have to put my concerns in writing concerning the important topic of the FBI's response to evidence of terrorist activity in the United States prior to September 11th. The issues are fundamentally ones of INTEGRITY and go to the heart of the FBI's law enforcement mission and mandate. Moreover, at this critical juncture in fashioning future policy to promote the most effective handling of ongoing and future threats to United States citizens' security, it is of absolute importance that an unbiased, completely accurate picture emerge of the FBI's current investigative and management failures. Lawrence contacted the FBI on 911, Jewish Lightning, conflicting interests. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dj2Uupm5Hqs&feature=related , Theodore John Kaczynski (born May 22, 1942),a Polish Jew known as the Unabomber, is an American mathematician who carried out a campaign of bombings and mail bombings which killed three people and wounded 23. He sent bombs to several universities, airlines, and other targets from the late 1970s through the mid-1990s. Kaczynski sent a letter on April 24, 1995 to The New York Times, promising "to desist from terrorism" if the Times or a similarly respected news journal would publish his manifesto. In his Industrial Society and Its Future (commonly called the "Unabomber Manifesto," described below) he argued that his actions were a necessary (although extreme) tactic by which to attract attention to the erosion of human freedom necessitated by modern technologies requiring large-scale organization. Lithuanians, the smart Polocks that rape the compassionate. king  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebwajADIm7k , The Unabomber was the target of one of the most expensive investigations in the FBI's history.[3] Kaczynski's moniker as the Unabomber was derived from his FBI codename. Before his real identity was known, the FBI used the handle "UNABOM" ("UNiversity and Airline BOMber") to refer to his case, which resulted in variants such as Unabomer, Unibomber, when the media started using the name. He was not caught as a result of this investigation, however. His brother recognized the manifesto and turned him in. To avoid the death penalty, Kaczynski entered into a plea agreement, under which he pleaded guilty and was sentenced. The FBI-Jews are Full Blooded Is really Brittish-Yiddish. The Queen gives Palestine to the Jews, a Masquerade, something she does not own SOS, America Busted her etc. The Resurrection of Jesus Christ, Baptized Lawrence Mario De Marco, The Law of the Democracies, January 1, 1948, Lawrence was circumcised. GUANTANAMO BAY NAVAL BASE, Cuba - The New Nazis accused the mastermind of 911, Is really manufactured terror attacks, blame Islam in a kangaroo court, appearance in secret, the most secret government war-crimes tribunal. Secret Jewish Dream, Secret Goal to Cripple, corporate sabotage, Secret AG illegally appointing criminals protected by the Little Bastards satisfying England's needs. IAM Doctor Strangelove, with friends like Great Britain.     By the Russian Jew ANDREW OSAMA SELSKY, Associated Press Writer, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and four (total of Five-Sand Niggers) alleged co-conspirators have taken their seats at defense tables before Judge Ralph Kohlmann, a Marine colonel. Khalid Sheikh Mohammed was beaten into insanity and confessed under torture in Cuba to the new Zion Jews, AIPAC, CCP News Jews driving Americans to hell in a hand basket. Jews have been misrepresenting themselves to the world as our masters, the perpetrators of 911, triggered the events and control all drugs coming in and going out of America via Home Land Security. Water board Chertoff and a few thousand Jews. The Whole World has read this. Dear Judge Ralph Kohlmann: Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, The Sand Nigger is innocent. The Israeli Mossad used mini nuclear bombs at ground zero. Their arraignment Thursday is the highest-profile test yet of the controversial tribunal system, which is being challenged in court. On 27 February 1933, the Reichstag building was subject to an arson attack, and as a result, seen as the pivotal event in the establishment of Nazi Germany. A Berlin fire station received an alarm call that the Reichstag building, the assembly location of the German Parliament. Home Land Security was doing barmitzfer parties ay gavoult. Teams of firefighters battled an early morning blaze today that broke out at a commercial building in the garment district downtown. The blaze was reported just before 5 a.m. at 1034 S. Los Angeles St. A large black-gray plume of smoke streamed from the building for more than an hour as firefighters worked to douse the flames, said Los Angeles City Fire department spokeswoman d'Lisa Davies said it was Jewish Lighting. Fire Chief Douglas Barry said the fire was so intense that firefighters had to battle the flames using insurance claim photographs submitted by Florida and New Jersey arsonists a few days earlier. Easter Sunday, March 23, 2008, This Sunday ask the Jews where IAM. Easter commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is the most important Christian festival, and the one celebrated with the greatest joy. The date of Easter changes each year, and several other Christian festivals fix their dates by reference to Easter. Churches are filled with flowers, and there are special hymns and songs. The Easter story is at the heart of Christianity. On Good Friday, Jesus Christ was executed by crucifixion. His body was taken down from the cross, and buried in a cave. The tomb was guarded and an enormous stone was put over the entrance, so that no-one could steal the body. On the following Sunday, some women visited the grave and found that the stone had been moved, and that the tomb was empty. Jesus himself was seen that day, and for days afterwards by many people. His followers realized that God had raised Jesus from the dead. And Jesus found TWO WOMEN. Queen Elizabeth II is furious prince sold wedding photos to magazine, the US Post Offices will use the money to print Wanted Dead or Alive Posters. The Newly weds asked to be Royally slaughtered for doing this photo opportunity, film crews and the producers also asked for it, to be slaughtered too. The Whole World is Watching, Osama Bin Laden, US Poster Child is not rewarded, for this. Parkway Rest Stop Federal Lawsuit Seeks to Force Special Election. | Main | Sun, Fun, Cocktails, and the Great Music Debate.  August 27, 2004 Golan Cipel -- A Day at the Office. Golan is sitting in a leather executive chair at his empty desk, thumbing through the most recent issue of American Bodybuilder magazine, when the phone rings. Rrrrrrrrrrrrrrinnnng. Agent Fox: "Hello. Is this the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security?" Cipel: "Yes it is." Agent Fox: "Finally! I've had trouble finding anyone who knows your phone number. Anyway, my name is Thomas Fox. I am a special agent with the FBI, and I have been assigned to the National Office of Homeland Security. I'm sorry, but I don't have a lot of time here. We have received some troubling intel suggesting that you may have a problem in New Jersey some time within the next 48 hours. Homeland Security Secretary Ridge wants you to brief him in thirty minutes. He wants a summary of the Table of Organization and Equipment of the State Police, with special emphasis on identifying the number of state police personnel, and the type and amount of equipment, including weapons and communication gear, that can be deployed in the event of an attack on a petroleum storage facility or a sports arena. He also wants details on the makeup and skills of any special tactical units that would be available to respond as well. Any questions?" Cipel: "I believe that you will need to talk to Mr. Cipel." Agent Fox: "What? Who is Mr. Cipel?" Cipel: "He is the special counsel to the governor for New Jersey's homeland security." Agent Fox: "Dammit, why didn't you tell me that right away? OK let me speak with him." Cipel: "Sorry, sir. Mr. Cipel is not in the office at the moment, but I will let him know you called, and I'm sure that he will get back to you. He's busy today and he'll be on vacation tomorrow, but I am confident that he will call you first thing Monday morning." Agent Fox: "Monday Morning? This can't wait 'til….." Cipel: "I'll be sure to give him the message." Agent Fox: "Hold it, dammit! Let me speak with….." Cipel: Like I said, sir. I'll give him the message. Click Cipel: (Dialing the phone) "Jeez!" Rrrrrrrrrrrinnnnng Cipel: "Nelson, bring the car around." Nelson: "How soon do you need it, sir?" Cipel: "How soon do I need it? I need it NOW, BITCH. I'm already late for my pedicure." Posted by Jim at August 27, 2004 06:02 PM | TrackBack
one million
If iron is galvanized, which metal is it coated with?
[Fwd: Hiroshima, Nagasaki, The Manhattan Project 911, Nuclear Jewish Lightning Why Have You Forsaken Me. I am being punished for rescuing the world god has created, let no insane jews destroy] - Google Groups Google Groups Aug 26, 2008 2:25 PM Posted in group: APFN -------- Original Message -------- Subject: Hiroshima, Nagasaki, The Manhattan Project 911, Nuclear Jewish Lightning Why Have You Forsaken Me. I am being punished for rescuing the world god has created, let no insane jews destroy Date: Tue, 26 Aug 2008 13:27:51 -0400 From: To: 2  August 10, 2008 IAM Khristos: IAM Crucified, The Same Bastards Keep God Hanging. On The Cross. IAM Aida IAM Going Home: August 12, 2008: IAM Diagnosed with Stage 4 Cancer. The Bad Russian Jews Ruining America will not leave voluntarily or allow Pope Benedict XVI to contact me. Congressmen, Senators, Presidential Candidates, and Television News broadcasters should have voluntarily submitted to polygraph tests. You must now charge them with treason. This includes the Arrogant Congressmen and Senators that abandoned us and attacked Georgia for excitement. The same above suspicion bastards should have volunteered to a lie detector test if, they were innocent. IAM the Bright Light: Israel will never know. IAM the King of Glory. The Jews are sending you to Hell.   January 2002 to August 26, 2008, The Holy Ghost v Chancellor, Golan (Goal) Cipel (to Cripple) I Crippled Golan Cipel, Healed the cripples. Prosecute to the fullest extent of the law all appointed Jews in the government appointing more Jews crippling the economy and remove all representatives instigating wars killing non Jews. This Fascist administration never responded to thousands of Americans demanding reward money that would have saved millions of human lives. My word was plain and was in no need of any interpretation of any man. "LET MY PEOPLE GO" Elizabeth, God has a message for you. "LET MY PEOPLE GO" The Queen, just as Lawrence had predicted, refused. Who is the Lord that I should obey. I do not know the Lord. Not on your life. This arrogant monarch never came down from her throne of self-righteousness, so Israel will never know the King of Glory. God's leader reiterated, "I'm scared". Thus we have the scenario for God's ultimate deliverance. "LET MY PEOPLE GO" Reward Money is Due Lawrence. Rewarding your Savior Lawrence De Marco, would have saved America and taken Several Trillion Dollars away from the English Jews in our government knowingly appointing Black Water SS Secret Service Jews Crippling Gold Star Mothers. I got heaven and I got hell. Roll on up, for my price is down. Come on in for the best in town. Take your pick of the finest wine. Lay your bets on this bird of mine. What you see is what you get. No one's been disappointed yet. Don't be scared give me a try, There is nothing you can't buy. Ciao, Fascist administration. Savio, Savior or Saviour refers to Lawrence De Marco who achieved World Salvation. Delivered US from evil, again. Beware of the Ides of March on a Gladiators calendar. The term was used for Maximus for he was soldier of Rome. Support the American Gold Star Mothers, 2128 Leroy Place, NW, Washington, DC, Call 202-265-0991. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnFAEWlXI4s , In the Talmud, a prominent rabbis is Judah haNasi or Nazi Jew, called simply a Rabbi is a Nazi. The Title a Nasi or haNasi, or a Nazi, translated is a Prince, a more correct translation is a President. http://www.ewtn.com ,  As of August 13, 2008 EWTN never returned my telephone calls, Ask Why? Let the Jews worry about al queada. Americans are no longer responsible for the actions of Jews refusing to be polygraphed and prosecuted are The Producers of September 11, 2001. Prima Donnas First Ladies of the State: Chancellor: Golan (Goal) Cipel (to Cripple) I Crippled Golan Cipel. Break a Leg, Condolences, Good Luck, Good Luck, Good Luck, Congratulations; Throw Rice-a Toast to Adolph Hitlers understudy Czar Michael Chertoff: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebwajADIm7k , The Producers, We never seen shit like this, He has the whole world in his hands, Their freaking out in foreign lands. The 911 Emmy Osama Award goes to CNN Wolf Blitzer Situation Room. It's a 1938 Hollywood Contract murdering Non Jews. Lawrence De Marco's Reward Money is Past Due that translates into conflicting Interest for Jews to Reward Lawrence. The arrogant Jews of this monarch never stepped down, so Israel will never know their King of Glory. http://youtube.com/watch?v=RxKjDUrmecA&feature=related , Israel caused the USA dearly in terms of the costs of the "War on Iran" and in terms of its "Hated image" Here in America and around the world. I am demanding immediate monetary relief from all parties to Americans with their sincerest apologies, respect, dignity and integrity unveiled, and the satisfaction I deserve for catastrophic, permanent damages this Israeli operation cost America more than $911 Trillion Dollars. Jews blamed Putin. Demand Retaliation. http://youtube.com/watch?v=Rt_jjHAQoJU&feature=related , Scott McClellan, What Happened: Inside the Bush Culture of Deception, Exorcism 2008. The Confession of sins at least of one's sinfulness is seen by god as a pre-requisite for becoming a Roman Catholic. But, if your heart be hard, like that of the stubborn Jews in the days of Moses, take heed, Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just, and this be our motto: "In God is our Trust." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7t3IIFjHVE&NR=1 , The purpose of life is the pursuit of happiness, in which all things had a final purpose namely, to realize their implicit perfection. In most instances it begins with the desire for acceptance and evolves to discovery of each person's genius or gift to serve. A tribute to the fighting 69th Taskforce Wolfhound were betrayed by the Jews Clinton-Am-Bushed.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJUoD5E2XWo&NR=1 , Oct. 7, 1973, CBS Face the Nation, Protested Senator Fulbright: The Israelis control the policy in the Congress and the Senate and do it collectively, around 80 percent of the Senate is completely supporting Israeli Elizabeth Nazis and anything they want. We are proposing to give $85 million to Israel, when I'm having trouble getting $8 million for a road in Arkansas because money is short. 4739 Holdsworth Road         http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-342185930070503560 , Betrayed! Land O Lakes, FL 34639            I am being punished for rescuing my country, I tell the truth and I get dammed                              pre: 911The Power of Christ Compels You, Bring Home Our Boys The Not Dead Yet US Military                                                 pre: 911 It is 1938, Iran is Germany, Likud Chairman Benjamin Osama Netanyahu at the UJC The White House            pre: 911 George W. Bush President of Elizabeths Soviet-Israeli Union and Anti Christ Chertoff 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW    pre: 911 Condolences Rice, Senators Direct Decisions to the Washington Institute dba Wash DC Washington, DC 20500                 pre: 911 Appointed Osama Chertoff, are Never Elected Accusers, Growing Fascism, Auditions.com 202-456-1414 voice              pre: 911 Admiral James Loy, Deputy Sec. Meshu Goyims Megillah "Foxx News" Conditions US 202-456-2461 fax                            pre: 911 Golde Mabovitch Meyerson, Golda Meir, (Gold's Emir) Audited US Gold Reserves, Gone.                 pre: 911AG, Alberto Gonzales, Elizabeth, NJ Talmud, Mel Brooks Project ID# 104419 Communism Facsimile Transmittal        pre: 911Operation Condor, Code Name for State-Run Death Squads, Chile Names US Kissinger                 pre: 911 "When I ordered coups" Kissinger Death Squads Doped, Raped, Filmed and Blackmailed  September 15, 2001     pre: 911 Mossad: by way of deception. Elizabeth II, Shanghaied Americans B+W Surges into Slavery 1823 Nagasaki, Hiroshima      pre: 911 Solution: Broadcast Edward Kennedy Reading The Freedom Speech of January 20th, 1961. Mrs. Sullivan: We remember your boys, And America is "Send In The Klein's" To: Iran They don't make Jews like Jesus anymore. The Russian Mafia and NJ Governor, Jimmy McGreevey appointed, a Pre Meditated CZAR. Golan (Goal) Cipel (to Cripple) CZAR. I Crippled Him. Break a Leg, Congratulations, to Adolph Hitler's Understudy Chertoff. Unbeknownst to me, I gave "Top Secret" information to this Israeli operative. Golan Cipel literally raped and blackmailed US then I-ran. Israel renders US traitors' comfort and aid. The Muslims call me Lawrence. The Jews are forbidden to call my name. Good Luck 911 Tripped The Trinity, Let Every Nation Know to Logan Act the Mieskeit News Readers, Baiting and Switching Osama Terror. Israel caused the USA dearly in terms of the costs of the War on Iran and in terms of its hated image here and around the world. I am demanding immediate monetary relief from all parties with their sincerest apologies, respect, dignity and their integrity unveiled, I deserve for catastrophic, permanent damages this Israeli operation will cost America $900 Trillion Dollars. Let Every Nation Know, John F. Kennedy, The Son and The Holy Ghost. The Trinity" Gods United Knights in Shining Armor. Tort, a wrong, an injury to Lawrence De Marco resulting from a breach of legal duty that exists by virtue of society's expectations. The essential elements of a tort are the existence of a legal duty owed by Governor Jim McGreevey and his diabolic subjugation of friends contacted by Lawrence De Marco. "I'm Not Dead Yet" I welcome a trial by jury to determine my damages. Jimmy McGreevey blackened the evil eye of the Communist Court Jews, Anti Christ, Ariel Sharon and The Likud Party, The Party's Over. He is risen. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOGBDxcK4xo,IAM Going Home                 I suffered indescribable torments by a powerful "Hell Hath No Fury", like a scorned shikseh governor possessed by jealousy, hate, sex, anger, and lust. "Witch Master" was I trying to serve. Bi-insulating a raven from prosecution, that is treason. Sexpionage, Come and get it wholesale. Thermonuclear Faygalas kicking back $700 trillion dollars is hard to swallow. Rico Act, That's Chutzpah. Thy Jubilees of Anastasiya, Normandy, Jesus Hiroshima Christ the Pope and Manhattan, thy crimes exceed all measure of punishment. September 11, 2001, The fighting started, Mohammed gave me his confession Israeli pre-staged and ordered me off the phone. I am resurrected now. Governor Jim McGreevey's Demonic Activities buried my claims this country and me. I found a strong warning devise on my front lawn, Hero Vaccinated, Debtor-Court-Burglarize and IAM dying, punished by the Court Jew Chertoff, for rescuing America                      Jacqueline Kennedy "They're killing Kennedy's" (the Son). The Anti Christ Healthcare is HPV-HIV, Dimona, Anthrax, Thermite, Asbestos, Vanunu, Syphilis, DU, Cancer, and Auschwitz, sometimes at the same time. Think back, there are unanswered questions about Camelot. Have You Heard of This Broadway. The Producers have deceived you. The Ultimate Finale, "Well, let me put it like this, In short, there's simply not a more congenial spot for happ'ly-ever-aftering than here In Camelot".  I have found thy works perfect before God. Dr. Tatyana Koryagina, warned of an impending attack that would be carried out by a group of extremely powerful private persons, Ariel Sharons and The Likud Party executed 911 to launch its pre-planned agenda. Putin ran cover for the perpetrators of 911. Putin is a KGB Thug, His Name is Lancelot, crusading his criminal rise to power, KGB past such systematic dismantling of the Russian Democracy. The British recruit the Jews to systematically dismantling the US Government, BBC-FTC-FCC TV programmed News Readers lie and Jews cause American deaths driving friendly fire at us. Putin and Mossad, executed and launched pre-planned 911HLS, Chertoff Elizabeth Burned Dodi and Diana (Guenevere), no 1020 codes, CIA past and systematic dismantling of America' Agencies, Medicare, SS, FEMA, Pensions, Corp Raiders, Out Source Jobs, GE to India, Sir Pedophile Henry Elizabeth Kissinger's (Cosigners) "Fun Ghouls" are killing down the US Military at America's Expense. Jah. Dat vas his middle name. Not many people know zis, but der F¸hrer vas descended from a long line of English qveens. Dishoner ze spirit und ze memory of Adolph Elizabeth Hitler. Dishonor the spirit und ze... Elizabeth?  Litvak Russian in Fast Track,   http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-3050530857323076846&q=exorcist 911Manhattan Project, Nuclear Strike Three, She's Out… Queen Elizabeth's coup Israel Troops DU-US Military, " Long Live The King" I Watched the Eviction, I Saw the Jumpers Diving off the World Trade Towers, I Heard their Bodies Pounding the Pavement. Armageddon.Farchadat, Jewish Lighting, the Jewish Mafia did this, they Benefited from all the Events of September 11, 2001. Radio Active WTC 'Say I slew them not.' And the Queen replied, "Then say they were not slain. But dead they are."  Nuremberg, Shakespeare, Three Faiths One God Blessed America   http://www.harrahs.com/theproducers/start_content.html , Lawrence De Marco      http://www.metacafe.com/watch/684526/september_11/ He can wait, then claim it. Larry asked John Kennedy Jr. whether he would one day run for office. The old definition of politics, And that's a good thing. It was only a matter of time, a time that now will never come. It is that final closing that weighs so heavily. For a nation so enthralled with dynasty, the death of John Kennedy Jr. is not just a human tragedy but a political one. It marks an irretrievable ending for a nation that worshipped the Father awaited the Son and The Holy Spirit, The Trinity Camelot. Mordechai Vanunu provided the best look at the Israeli nuclear arsenal in 1985 complete with photographs. A technician from Dimona who lost his job, Vanunu secretly took photographs, immigrated to Australia and published some of his material in the London Sunday Times. He was kidnapped by Israeli agents, tried and imprisoned. His data shows a sophisticated nuclear program. http://youtube.com/watch?v=4KsM0L_ZLjM&feature=related , The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world. We searched Broadway on and off for Chertoff with a cough, We had tryouts and auditions by the score And to trip the light fantastic ... We picked dancers who were spastic, If anyone jeted, we jeted them out the door! MAX: They shouted hooray, For that sausage on display, Where did we go right? LEO: Our leading man was so gay, He nearly flew away, Where did we go right? MAX: A show so easy to despise... LEO: Now it's up for the Pulitzer Prize! MAX & LEO: Oh, where, oh, where, tell us, Where did we go right? MAX: "The best new music of the decade! Max Bialystock is a theatrical genius!" Now they like me! MAX & LEO: Oh, we knew we couldn't lose, Half the audience were Jews! LEO: It's the end of our careers, It'll run for twenty years! Tell us where.. Did we go right? Dysfunctional Government. http://www.chaplin-nest.com/unkarock/flag.htm , IAM The Flag, IAM Proud, God Bless America Families Furious Over Flight 93 Donation Box Landowner Says He Can't Afford Upkeep for Lunar Ticks and WTC Grave Robbers By DANIEL LOVERING , AP   PITTSBURGH (June 6) - A man who owns property at the site where Flight 93 crashed has demanded millions for his portion of land where a memorial is planned, and has installed a donation box to help pay for security. The actions by Mike Svonavec have angered victims' families, who believe he is overcharging and disagree with the need for a donation box. No reward money was ever allocated or paid to goys. I, Lawrence De Marco received nothing, I was told this was in the courts, gag ordered and death threats followed ask your Senators, Congressmen and President. Demand every Government Official work 24/7 in Washington, DC until every dollar stolen is back in the US Treasury or Jail them or sell them into white slavery country as freaks of humanity. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZ9hFhnjyUo&feature=related , Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts. Michael Mukasey Refuses to prosecute his appointed Jews, Joe Lieberman, Feinstein, Gonzo, Hitler, Schumer, Spitzer, Corzine, Chertoff, and more perpetrated the events of September 11, 2001. Negative Publicity' Is Sufficient Punishment Published 21 hours ago by Amanda at Think Progress. In a speech today before the American Bar Association (ABA), Mukasey was more explicit in his rejection of any sort of review or prosecution, saying that the "negative publicity" they faced was enough: Pre 911: Sunday, September 17, 2000 in the Sunday Herald (Scotland) Allies Deliberately Poisoned US Military and Iraq Public Water Supplies The Manhattan Projected Wars by Felicity Arbuthnot: The Israelis led allied forces deliberately destroyed multiple water supplies during the Wars flagrantly breaking the Geneva Convention and causing thousands and then millions of cancer civilian deaths. Since the war ended in 1991 the allied nations have made sure than any attempts to make contaminated water safe have been thwarted. A respected American professor now intends to convene expert hearings in a bid to pursue criminal indictments under international law against those responsible. Professor Thomas J Nagy, Professor of Expert Systems at George Washington University with a doctoral fellowship in public health, told the Sunday Herald: Miss Diagnosis Depleted Uranium: The enablers saw nothing wrong in producing this plan, those who ordered its production and those who knew about it and have remained silent for 10 years would seem to be in violation of Federal Statute and perhaps have even conspired to commit genocide. No Statute of Limitations for Murder. Article 54 of the Geneva Convention states: "It is prohibited to attack, destroy or render useless objects indispensable to the survival of the civilian population" and includes foodstuffs, livestock and "drinking water supplies and irrigation works". The results of the allied bombing campaign were obvious when The Jew, Dr David Levenson visited Iraq immediately and Headed the committee to shit can Damages after the Gulf War, on behalf of International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War. Israeli Manufactured Terrorist would appoint Russian Jews neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts. Michael Mukasey Refuses to prosecute his appointed Soviet Jews have now turned to poisoning the Americans water. For many years the whole world was watching American television, radio, or newspapers networks never warned Americans about the Jews poisoning the drinking water "Dehydrated from nausea and diarrhea, craving liquids, they drank more of the water that made them sick in the first place." Today Water-borne diseases in Iraq and Bird Flu in America and China tomorrow are both endemic and epidemic. They include typhoid, dysentery, hepatitis, cholera and polio, which had previously been eradicated, along with a litany of others. The then US Navy Secretary John Lehman preyed on 2,000,000 Iraqi and American Military Forces died from multiple cancer experiments the Jews preyed on millions of fixed surgeries. President Bush Drives another 12,000 Troops to Afghanistan to Die. Ohio Democrat Representative Tony Hall has (MURDERED by) written to American Secretary of Israel Madeleine Albright, The Jewish Lover of Congratulations Rice saying he shares concerns expressed by Unicef about the profound effects the deterioration of The American Military and Iraq's electrocutions. Oil Tank Removals: NJEDA program for reimbursement is administered by NJEDA and NJDEP. It is public Law PL.2006c.58. Questions regarding the NJEDA can be sent directly [email protected] , Question EPA Authority ask Gov. Christie Toad Whitman, Sandy Hooker, NJ. EPA Ground Zero approved air for NYFD. Oil Tank removal buy the home heating Oil Company is Big Money and conflicting interests. How does inground oil tanks affect selling or buying a home. Pre meditated sub prime connected to most banks today to replace aging underground storage tanks (UST) prior to their approving the mortgage of your buyer. In addition, many insurance company's will not insure the property with a buried oil tank. They do not want to insure a property with a potential insurance liability.  A controlled mass media. Under some of the regimes, the mass media were under strict direct control and could be relied upon never to stray from the party line. Other regimes exercised more subtle power to ensure media orthodoxy. Methods included the control of licensing and access to resources, economic pressure, appeals to patriotism, and implied threats. The leaders of the mass media were often politically compatible with the power elite. The result was usually success in keeping the general public unaware of the regimes' excesses. Hillary will not blow their brains out. Autism: Condon and Lindbergh both testified that Hauptmann was "John". Another witness, Amandus Hockmuth, testified that he saw Hauptmann near the scene of the crime. Hauptmann was ultimately convicted of the crimes and sentenced to death. His appeals were rejected, though New Jersey Governor Harold G. Hoffman granted a temporary reprieve of Hauptmann's execution and made the politically unpopular move of having the New Jersey Board of Pardons review the case. Apparently, they found no reason to overturn the verdict. Hauptmann turned down a $90,000 offer from a Hearst newspaper for a confession and refused a last-minute offer to commute his execution to a life sentence in exchange for a confession. He was electrocuted on April 2, 1936 just over four years after kidnapping. SEE: Tokyo Rose, Pope Benedict's brother had special needs is the reason youth in Asia Jews support pro life in America. Mukasey Suggests No Charges In DOJ Hiring Controversy Published 19 hours ago by [email protected] (News) at ACSBlog: The Blog of the American Constitution Society . In remarks this morning before the ABA, Mukasey highlighted his efforts to address the reports' charges, and noted that, "The mission of the Justice Department is the evenhanded application of the Constitution and the laws enacted under it. That mission has to start with the evenhanded application of the laws within our own Department. Some people at the Department deviated from that strict standard, and the institution failed to stop them." ... Mukasey is no Elliot Richardson...Published 19 hours ago by Larisa Alexandrovna at At-Largely.. In a speech today before the American Bar Association (ABA), Mukasey was more explicit in his rejection of any sort of review or prosecution, saying that the "negative publicity" they faced was enough: ... Mukasey admits law-breaking at DOJ, declines to prosecute saying bad press is punishment enough Published 17 hours ago by Lindsay Beyerstein at Majikthise .. most directly implicated in the misconduct left the Department to the accompaniment of substantial negative publicity. Their misconduct has now been laid bare by the Justice Department for all to see. As a general matter in such cases, where disciplinary referrals are appropriate, they are made. To put it in concrete terms, I doubt that anyone in this room would want to trade places with any of those people. [Emphasis added.] Why isn't it a crime to violate civil service laws? If not, what good are they? All but one of the officials cited in the ... Michael B. Mukasey was appointed U.S. Attorney General in October 2007, to cover up succeeding Alberto R. Gonzales, who resigned in the midst of investigations into the firings of federal prosecutors. Before becoming Attorney General, Mr. Mukasey spent 19 years as a federal judge in New York, looting Medicare and Medicaid and Alan Hevesi helped him including serving as chief judge, after being appointed by President Reagan in 1987. Earlier, he had been a prosecutor in Manhattan when Rudolph W. Giuliani was also a young and lovely sweet transvestite working the assistant United States Attorney. While Michael Mukasey handled many high profile trials, his biggest cases he authored involved terrorism. In 1993, he presided over the prosecution of Omar Abdel Rahman, the so-called Blind Sheik, while the Blind Governor was out inspecting elevators and cranes. Whom he sentenced to life in prison for his role in a plot to blow Rudolph W. Giuliani and clean his tubes. In 2003, as chief judge, he ruled that Jose Padilla was an enemy combatant but entitled to access to Mukasey lawyers. Kangaroo court awarded 100 years In 2006, Michael Mukasey announced that he was retiring. Then Appointed HIMSELF Attorney General to Pre-Empted confirmation hearings, Mr. Mukasey Pre Meditated Broken Promises block political meddling at the Justice Department. But he declined to distance himself from Dick and Bushes Colan once in office. The Russian Jews Michael Mukasey Pre Meditated a Soviet Style Takeover of America and then the world. Pre Meditated Barack Obama and Hermann Goering also wanted Germany to become self-sufficient in all industries so that as a nation she could survive a war. Were these plans successful? by 1939, Iran is Germany still imported 33% of its required raw materials government income had been 10 billion Reichsmarks in 1928. In 1939, it stood at 15 billion. However, government spending had increased from 12 billion Reichsmarks in 1928 to over 30 billion in 1939 a difference of 15 billion Reichsmarks. From 1933 to 1939, the Nazi government always spent more than it earned so that by 1939, government debt stood at over 40 billion Resichsmarks. Balance of trade figures had gone into the red by 1939 by 0.1 billion Reichsmarks. Unemployment had fallen from 6 million in 1933 to 300,000 by 1939 and industrial production in 1939 was figured for Weimar Germany before the 1929 Wall Street Crash. Annual food consumption in 1937 had fallen for wheat bread, meat, bacon, milk, eggs, fish vegetables, sugar, tropical fruit and beer compared to the 1927 figures. The only increase was in rye bread, cheese and potatoes. Real earnings in 1938 were all but the same as the 1928 figure. Real earnings are wages Passed Over By Jewish Bull Shitting Where They Eat Jews Battle Subpoenas. Requests for records is Conflicting Interests: 911 code LAMBS BLOOD: The King Passed Over The Jews HAVE LAMBS BLOOD, 911 code Jews HAVE Text Messages. NYFD HAVE NOTS are Sacrificed. Super Jew Bloomberg Passed Over NYFD and NYPD and rewarded FEMA on September 10, 2001.  Jun 16, 2008: August 25, 2008: EWTN and MSNBC Control and Dominate Networking Jews. See Stations must also be allowed to pre-empt unsuitable programming, NOT FAVORABLE to Jews even if they have not done so with a similar program in the past. Today EWTN 05:00 AM EST: Pass Over Surprise, New Reader Sacrificed. He  is given a  Pre-Empted Pass Over Script. Unbeknownst to this New script reader notices the sacrifice of Pass Over Holocaust Warning Catholics Smear The Holy Cross in Lambs Blood to be Butchered by Jews. The I don't Know What's Your Talking Jews: During the Pass Over when there was no shortage of drama in the nation's courtrooms, one murder case stood alone in its ability to shock the country. The crime was not as gruesome as some others, since many more were just as violent, and still more that easily surpassed it. The victim was an ordinary working girl, not at all wealthy and not a member of any Royal Elite Class. Her name was Catherine Genovese, the 28-year-old daughter of Italian-American parents. But to millions of people who read her story when it first appeared in New York City's press, she would forever be remembered as "Kitty" Genovese. What happened to her, what happened to all of society on that dreadful night in the spring of 1964, would reverberate across the country and generate a national soul-searching that is reserved for only the most catastrophic of events. And more than 2000 years later, her name has become synonymous with a dark side of an urban character that, for many people, represents a harsh and disturbing reality of big city life. I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. Perpetrate Evil and intensify its sadistic tyranny by Jewish media consisting of demented perverts Program: Jew to Jew, The Producers of Let's Ask A Jew: Sitting On Top Of Keith Olberman is Newsweek Jew to Jew Terror Tory Jew Reviewing: SEE: Jews Discuss, Controlling, Dominating Jews, News Jews Driving Pre-Empted and delayed Broadcasting Jews Dressed in Sheeps Clothing are Wolf Blitzer Fucking America Every Witch Way BUTT UP.  Jew to Jew News Readers Read and The Writers Write. The Ribbon is Miss Information on the Bottom of the TV Screen. The Unknown Writer Types The News Ribbon: Warning Dick Cheeney Dispatched HIMSELF to Russia, Italy and Georgia. The Little Dictator, Charlie Chaplin, Is-Really the Jewish powers that be work to poison us with bad medicine on more levels than you could dare to comprehend. The phony democracy insisted upon by Jewish media and consisting of a demented pervert named George W. Bush with his finger on the nuclear button never represented or liked America. The United Kingdom Israeli (Is-Really) Royally Fucking The United States of America. Bush Does Not Have The Stones to show up in Rome, Italy, Russia or The Beijing Olympics 2008. Getting his Lights Punched Out In Georgia is Bushed. http://www.jfklibrary.org/Asset+Tree/Asset+Viewers/Audio+Video+Asset+Viewer.htm?guid={98A70DC5-1114-498C-B637-D0C441B57E0B}&type=Audio Michael's father was the first child Paul Chertoff from Russia and Ester Barish, from Romania. Gerson graduated as teacher of the Talmud at age 20 in 1935. In 1930 they immigrated to Brooklyn, NY imbued in Talmud the Chertoff children became ardent Zionists. I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fws4RxWtnOg&feature=related , The only defense any country has against this economic juggernaut is to accept the bribe and knuckle under, and try to hide the fact of this perfidy from their nation's own gullible and victimized citizens. To a large extent, it has always been this way. But today, with the multiple-level programs to reduce population, we simply are facing the Holocaust that Jewish writers always hoped for a massive die off of gentiles so Jewish "culture" can further consolidate itself on all the world's population and intensify its sadistic tyranny. That is also written in the Talmud, which is why the Jewish powers that be work to poison us with bad medicine on more levels than you could dare to comprehend. The phony democracy insisted upon by Jewish media and consisting of a demented pervert named George W. Bush with his finger on the nuclear button represents the greatest threat to our collective future in the history of humankind. Let it roll over your tongue. Israel-U.S.-U.K. phony democracy chief threat to freedom in the world. Only then can you begin to respond to any of the world's major problems. All discussion on any other level is simply a waste of time. Sometimes at the same time, Jews Instigate Butchering as in Georgia Butchering Russians. The Final Solution is Armageddon: Let Every Nation Know, Every Nation Must Butcher The Jews for World Peace. Box Office Poison is: Boycotting Hollywood Movies and Boycotting Good to be a Jew Movies.   August 20, 2008: It is a splendid day on which to confront the Jewish regime of the United States, The Party's Over. Today, Keith Olberman is being honored. He is a rebel without a cause and leader of the Atheist Party. Driving News under cover. He is both the spiritual and temporal leader of Just Us. 6. A controlled mass media. Under some of the regimes, the mass media were under strict direct control and could be relied upon never to stray from the party line. Other regimes exercised more subtle power to ensure media orthodoxy. Methods included the control of licensing and access to resources, economic pressure, appeals to patriotism, and implied threats. The leaders of the mass media were often politically compatible with the power elite. The result was usually success in keeping the general public unaware of the regimes' excesses. Hillary will not blow their brains out. Arrogant Soviet Jews Ruining Television News Jews will not volunteer to polygraph tests arrest them. Help Wanted: Keith added days of theocratic religion, a preacher of non-violence; and recipient of the Always Doing Something Fucking Nobel. This Prized Piece is a stark contrast to the profane, godless, and violent atheists of the British Communist Party. This witch has us under brutal occupation as a colony annexed to Her Satanic British Empire. The Roman Catholic Church is also cleaning house. Tell the Pope it is dangerous being an honest man. This Pope has powerful Royal Madmen as his enemies.  To end the brutal occupation of America is a valid foreign policy objective for the United States. Our objective is to have organizations IAM Demanding, Your Standard Operating Procedure Book. Prosecuting THE JUST US JEWS will Support Responsibility and Americas Support Network, and the Freedom First, Israel Second Coalition is a joint project to Free America Movement, the American Support Network. The American Shadow Government is the Destruction of Israel, and many more human rights groups. The objective is freedom from the Arrogant Jewish Bastards, The Party's Over. Directly or indirectly, suffering is attributed to the Arrogant Jewish Bastards causing world wide hatred of Americans extends past The United States of America, to South America, Canada, Australia, South Africa, Sudan, Burma, North Korea, Vietnam, Laos, Mainland China, Tibet, and East Turkestan, with further inconvenience for Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau. Not to mention toxic products, Anthrax, Agent Orange, Double Agents and Aids in America. Let Every Nation Know: Keith Olberman is Driving America to Hell in a Hand Basket and IAM The Lawn Mower. We demand the return of the 300 Tons of US Dollars Stolen by Bush plus interest, court costs and damages for the past several wars that Israel manufactured and news Jews drove into Hell.  PRESIDENT BUSH SHIPPED 300 TONS of US ONE HUNDRED DOLLAR BILLS TO IRAQ. U.S. Rep. Henry Waxman, D-CA, and chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform covered up addresses an audience at the National Press Club. Waxman's committee has recently investigated contracting corruption in Iraq, Rep. Henry Waxman estimates 7,000 contractor fraud cases linked to Iraq war By ELISE CASTELLI, June 16, 2008, A top house Democrat wants the Defense Department inspector general to investigate more than 7,000 cases of fraud the lawmaker believes have occurred on contracts to support the Iraq war. Now, Water Board the Bush Administration and everyone they ever meet. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNV2r_GeyMU&feature=related , Lily Marlene 1970 NYC London  Only then can we truly say that the Kingdom of God is established on earth as it is in heaven. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PA7qt09kQk4&NR=1 , Larry Craig says decision not to run was made before arrest Senator Larry Craig of Idaho said Tuesday during a radio call-in show that he decided not to seek re-election long before his arrest in a Minnesota airport men's room sex sting, contradicting earlier statements that he was undecided. The Idaho Statesman was named a finalist Monday for the 2008 Pulitzer Prize for breaking news. The Statesman's staff was recognized for its tenacious coverage of the twists and turns in the scandal involving the state's senator, Larry Craig. The News Jason Shook down the entrapped the Honest Senator in a bathroom was news to the Jews in Virginia Tech. Professor Cho was a Mexican. IAM Tapping My Troubles Away. The Lord is with you Larry Craig, if you do the right thing and stay. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_I-7PnKJZM&feature=related , 'Spy Coin' Mystery Solved, Subject : Delivery Status Notification (Failure) e mails blocked, communications cut off for Americans. The surprise explanation behind the U.S. government's sensational but false warnings about mysteri...ous Canadian spy coins is the harmless "poppy bush quarter," the world's first colonized coin, The Press has learned. May 7, 2007 Hollywood Producers. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hi4A4qH07ys&feature=related , Jewish Diaspora, The Expulsion of Judaism: The Diaspora is commonly accepted conquests of the ancient Jewish kingdoms and expulsions of enslaved Jewish population. The defeat of the Great Jewish Revolt against the Empires notably contributed to the numbers and geography of the Diaspora, Jews were scattered after losing The Empires and Jews were sold into slavery throughout the new empire. http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=826166161763165942     this picture says a thousand words. Search Keith Olberman U Tube Comments, killed immediately after they aired by control Jews above suspicion. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGlRf3bfrpA ,  Olberman 911Ground Zero years later nuclear waste site Chernobyl II. Let Every Nation Know: The English-Israeli Jews Are Murdering Your Children at Americas Expense. World Class News Jews, Pre Meditated Murderers, ask them about Lawrence their Messiah. Israel will never know their King of Glory, Lawrence Mario De Marco, IAM King of the Jews. "Germany Must Perish" By the "Jew" Theodore N. Kaufman., 1941 PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERIKA  The Royal Fucking of Germany, by HRH Elizabeth, Hell has a special place for her, see the Exorcist  SPECIAL NOTE TO READER  This dynamic volume outlines a comprehensive Jewish plan for the extinction of the German nation and the total eradication from the earth, of all her people. Also contained the possible territorial dissection of Germany and the apportionment of her lands: Let that Purpose be an Enduring Peace And, this time, that Promise must be kept! 911 was Pre Meditated :  "It is 1938, Iran is Germany", By the Jews, Likud Chairman Benjamin Netanyahu at the UJC "America Must Perish" By the "Jew" Likud Chairman Benjamin Netanyahu, UJC 2001 PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERIKA  The Royal Fucking of America, by HRH Elizabeth, Hell has a special place for her, see the Exorcist This dynamic volume outlines a comprehensive Jewish plan for the extinction of the American nation and the total eradication from the earth, of all her people. Also contained the possible territorial dissection of America and the apportionment of her lands: the Second Coming will be with judgment by fire  "AMERICA MUST PERISH" Non Jews Will Not Fight Non Jews, Armageddon this is Gods Law 10/2007 The Satanic perpetrators transformed the Santa Ana winds into a river of fire to baptize America at our expense. 1 AMERICA MUST PERISH AMERICA MUST PERISH presents a plan for the structure of a permanent and lasting peace among civilized nations. It bases its thesis on the eventual defeat of America by the British Empire and its Allies, without the assistance of the United States. However should circumstances decree that the American public cast its ballot in favor of war as a measure of self-defense and it is the fervent prayer of the author that this may never happen t would become paramount that the lives of our native sons not be sacrificed in vain as were their fathers' lives a generation ago. If our soldiers must go forth to kill or die in battle, at least let them be given not alone a Slogan but a Solemn Purpose and a Sacred Promise. Let that Purpose be an Enduring Peace And, this time, that Promise must be kept! Today's War is not a war against Adolph Hitler. Nor is it a war against the Nazis. It is a war of all peoples against the Jews. "Russia Must Perish" Saint Alexandra Empress Alexandra Fyodorovna of Russia is the Passion Bearer she was slaughtered. Saints Diana, Princess of Wales was slaughtered in Paris, with her husband Saint Dodi Fayed. Russia is respected once again, Medvedev said. And, we agree,  Bravo, Go Jimmy (Medvedev) Go Russia's president is the undisputed head of state and sets policy on all fronts, while the prime minister heads the Cabinet and is responsible for running the economy. But Putin is expected to have strong influence on Medvedev, who at 42 is 13 years younger and owes his political ascent to his respected mentor, Val Putin. January 1, 2008, Elizabeth, Hell has a special place for Bad Jews, Pray for them. The Exorcist. Chelsea Elizabeth Bush, your mothers will be sucking cocks in Hell, forever, for this. Pazuzu: Your mothers will suck cocks in Hell, forever, you faithless slime. Chelsea Elizabeth Bush, your mothers will be sucking cocks in Hell, forever, for this. We pray to save them, we pray for their mothers, to meet them in heaven. Pray for their Mothers, Father they know not what they are doing. Father Merrin: Especially important is the warning to avoid conversations with the demon. We may ask what is relevant but anything beyond that is dangerous. He is a liar. The demon is a liar. He will lie to confuse us. But he will also mix lies with the truth to attack us. The attack is psychological, Damien, and powerful. So don't listen to him. Remember that do not listen. The NewsReaders are Murderers. Pray for their Mothers, Father they know not what they are doing. Crawling on the planets face some insects called the human race, lost in time.   The Arabs, all of them Christian-Muslims, would never be paid compensation for their homes, property and businesses stolen from them during this genocide and as a result people end up in slum refugee cities of Houston, tents, slum refugees Katrina, New Orleans, LA.  Americans pay Black Water Jews $1000.00 daily to enforce Imperial President Insane Bushed. Damage suits filed blown off. Jews in place blow off dissident opposition to eminent domain, insurance claim jumpers protected. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9KC7uhMY9s , Nazi Euthanasia In October of 1939 amid the turmoil of the outbreak of war Hitler ordered widespread "mercy killing" of the sick and disabled. Depleted Uranium Euthanasia creating children with special needs, health care causes bankruptcy and 35% interest slaves. Pre meditated declaration of war on the United States of America by Jews Goal to Cripple treason and damages are due victims. If, the Television Presidential Candidates and newspapers are not covering this story, Jesus Christ the Interview they are criminal's shoot to kill them. Code named "Aktion T 4," the Nazi euthanasia program to eliminate "life unworthy of life" at first focused on newborns and very young children. Midwives and doctors were required to register children up to age three who showed symptoms of mental retardation, physical deformity, or other symptoms included on a questionnaire from the Reich Health Ministry. A decision on whether to allow the child to live was then made by three medical experts solely on the basis of the questionnaire, without any examination and without reading any medical records. Depleted Uranium, Mexicans, Head Injuries all slaughtered. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MaE64AksRJk&feature=related , Patients had to be reported if they suffered from schizophrenia, epilepsy, senile disorders, therapy resistant paralysis and syphilitic diseases, retardation, encephalitis, Huntington's chorea and other neurological conditions, also those who had been continuously in institutions for at least 5 years, or were criminally insane, or did not posses German citizenship or were not of German or related blood, including Jews, Negroes, and Gypsies.  Shooting everything that moves in Washington will be next. A total of six killing centers were established including the well known psychiatric clinic at Hadamar. The euthanasia program was eventually headed by an SS man named Christian Wirth, a notorious brute with the nickname 'the savage Christian.' At Brandenburg, a former prison was converted into a killing center where the first Nazi experimental gassings took place. The gas chambers were disguised as shower rooms, but were actually hermetically sealed chambers connected by pipes to cylinders of carbon monoxide. Patients were generally drugged before being led naked into the gas chamber. Each killing center included a crematorium where the bodies were taken for disposal. Families were then falsely told the cause of death was medical such as heart failure or pneumonia. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kFSeVFlzYw , Gaslight 1944 systematically dismantling   Yenta Yental Mental, Grape Kool Aide, Oklahoma City Bombing, Wild Fires, Tylenol, Tampering with Medicines and Jews in China Manufacturing Terror in Technicolor instigating Tibet and The Olympics.  The talking snakes in government appointing the Good Jews Bad Jew Reality Polygraphs, stepping down with pay or Murdering Gold Star Mothers on TV is firming up Jews on C Span TV driving non Jews to Hell in a Hand Basket for England. Creating new name games is the SOS, you Dumb bells. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mNDHTfdn1A , Angels: If, you are dreaming of Angels, Spirituality, a messenger of words or showing the way or giving an example. Encouragement that you are not alone. The Holy Sprit is preparing you for Sainthood in a near future event. You must be baptized and confessed prior to this, is the battle referred to as Armageddon. You must be baptized and confessed Roman Catholic, I will not chase Arrogant Jews being manipulated by the News Jews sending you to Hell in a hand basket for them. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M4szU19bQVE&feature=related , Turn Off Your Television Sets. I will restore my Church and I will allow abortions. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TScvO9CH_Os&NR=1 , I had anticipated and allocated spending 200 years in America: I wanted to fill the hearts of the faithful and enkindle in you the fire of my love, and renew the face of the earth. The Royals made that impossible, and to pay Satan for dismantling my creation, with the whole world watching. The Messiah will become the anointed King of Israel, lawrence will intervene and save the Jews. God, having vanquished this final enemy once and for all, will accordingly banish all evil from human existence. After the year 6000 (in the Jewish calendar), the seventh millennium will be an era of holiness, tranquility, spiritual life, and worldwide peace, called the Olam Haba ("Future World"), where all people will know God directly." THE END, BRING THE BOYS HOME TO BE WITH THEIR FAMILIES AND LOVED ONES UNITED IN THE END The Lord made me an instrument of peace: Where there is hatred, let me sow love, Where there is injury, pardon, doubt, faith, despair, hope, darkness, light, and where there is sadness, Joy. Because it is in giving that we receive. It is in pardoning that we are pardoned and it is in dying that we are born again to eternal life. Gay people are Saints condemned by Satan.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pl4jhLESNlM , Changes in the United States Department of Defense and National Guard The United States Department of Defense will be transformed under the ever-increasing use of the term "homeland security." The antiballistic missile program will be severely scaled back to an ineffective shell in order to shift money to the new homeland security programs. Military personnel will be trained to suppress domestic uprisings. The current law restricting the use of US military personnel against the citizens will be repealed. Those in the military who hold the position that they will never "fire" upon civilians will be weeded out of the services. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0T1_e3VorXM , Abortion will move from the present small clinics into the major hospitals and will be completely funded by the new NHCS. The aborted baby body parts will be sold to the highest bidder to provide funding for the abortion cost to the system. Moa said he made a mistake was wrong and for China to stop it. Changes Which Will Violate the Second Amendment of the Constitution     Free Speech will be seriously disrupted by new laws which will classify speech against the radical left-wing policy directives at a "hate crime." Books, radio, television, Internet and speech in public places, such as a church service, will be prohibited from taking positions against homosexuality, abortion, witchcraft, pagan religions, unwed unions, etc. Even so, attacks against Christians will largely be ignored or dealt with in a token manner so as to look like equal enforcement of the law. Lewd TV shows, pornography and Internet smut will continue to increase under the false reasoning that it must be allowed because of the free speech clause.     The right to keep and bear arms will be largely suppressed by classifying many types of guns illegal and placing harsh registration and high fees on the ownership of all other guns. This registration will be use to identify those individuals who may resist further restrictions by the new government.     The first two things every tyrannical government does are to restrict free speech and ownership of firearms by the citizens. Hitler, Stalin and all other dictators have always done the same. The new United States government will not technically be a dictatorship but will rule exactly like one due to the lack of opposition. Civil Disobedience and the Patriot Movement, Unlike the "Christian" community which has accepted legalized abortion, homosexuality and adultery with barely a whimper, the Patriot movement will not accept the restrictions on gun ownership. The destruction of David Koresh's Branch Davidian group at Waco, Texas (1993) led to Timothy McVeigh's bombing of the Oklahoma City Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building (1995). Both were mere tremors in the civil unrest earthquake which will erupt. This uprising will result in further decreases in freedoms and rights which Americans thought were forever secure. Neighbor will turn against neighbor and brother against brother as the citizens are encouraged to "turn in" violators of the new laws. The Patriots will be classified as domestic terrorists and will be harshly persecuted at every turn.     The Patriots will not submit to the new laws to surrender their firearms. Neither will they obey any law to register their firearms because they realize that registration will only be a government ploy to locate the firearms for later confiscation. Leadership of the Patriots will come from former Green Beret Colonel Bo Gritz, a preacher of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Bo wrote the book, CALLED TO SERVE after being acquitted of federal charges when President George Bush ordered US Attorney William Maddox in 1989 to "Get Bo Gritz!" The book and video, A NATION BETRAYED, are available through CFA. Bo has trained Afghan Freedom Fighters (1986); been an Advisor in Saudi Arabia, and conducted special operations in Africa. Bo intervened to end the federal sieges at Ruby Ridge, Idaho (Randy Weaver) in 1992 and the Montana Freemen. He organized Task Force Cross to aid Eric Rudolph, suspect in abortion clinic bombings, in 1998. He has been invited to testify before Congress on five occasions and has been featured in numerous books, articles, and film documentaries on special operations forces. Harsh laws restricting gun ownership were passed in recent years in the United Kingdom and Australia. These laws have been followed by a sharp increase in crime using firearms as the criminal element realizes the populace is largely unarmed. Rapture of the True Church or Civil War in America? Will the United States Department of Defense fire upon the citizens or will they refuse? Refusal of the military to attack the Patriots would place the military against the Executive, Legislative and Judicial branches of government in a collapse of the Constitution. The military in the USSR refused to fire upon their patriots and the left-wing Communists were removed from power. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r87wJ1QmyYw , Lawrence of Arabia, Masion De Mimi, LSNJ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GiUDKI0ptyk&feature=related , DO THE NAME RUBY BEGONIA RING A BELL: Amos N Andy can't be found today, which is a crying shame because it is hysterically funny. Far from being racist, it showed black folk as professionals, business owners and laborers. Of course the show revolved around the Kingfisher and his get-rich-quick schemes, most of which involved fleecing the ever-credulous Andy. Amos really didn't figure heavily into the plot most of the time. Great characters like Sapphire, Mama and Lightning, the janitor at the Mystic Knight Of The Sea lodge, made the show a comic masterpiece. Aida: Flip Wilson suggested the name Ruby Begonia affectionately for the Big Bang or Bust theory now Black Hole 666. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbCcb6NV8Io&feature=related , http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzSj1yNZdY8&feature=related , Mr. Beale has seen the face of God. Stop the bullshit. Any day now, Tzipi any day now and POW, Tzipi right in the fucking kisser. To tzipi with love. Jackie Gleason.  Abort Tzipi : the removal or expulsion of an embryo or fetus from the uterus, resulting in or caused by its death. The spontaneous expulsion of a fetus or embryo Christina, "No More Wire Hangers"… A U.N. official said Friday that Israeli troops have violated the truce by opening fire several times at Americans in Palestine approaching the Gaza-Israel border fence. Two Palestinians were wounded in separate incidents this week, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity because Tzipi threatened him and no official announcement from the U.N. silenced as as top secret for Jews to know on a need to know basis is not American. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OlnQTcLHaMM&feature=related , Pentagon Stole Trillions of dollars and covered it up.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iNcpPdP4sqg&feature=related , We can do it, we can do it, we were created to be mated. Guaranteed to offend all races, creeds and every religion. Adolph and Hilda, 61 Jane Street, in the Village, Greenwich Village, NYC 10003. AQAP as quick as possible, we lived in the back across from Switzerland, we heard MONA yodeling. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CAgqVyu97k , When your life is at stake, you learn that there are things in life that are much worse than death, Not living your life is the work of the devil. And if something were to happen, he would be doing what God called him to do. Eugene Robinson became the first openly gay bishop in the Episcopal Church, he was elected by the congregations of NH. I agree, and IAM Lawrence the Loving God. Listen for English accents of the BBC-CNN Jews, Obama interview with the vampire Wolf Blitzen. Aloha, 'Don't let failure go to your heart and don't let success go to your head.' http://www.citizenworks.org/enron/corp-scandal.php         Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee. The Crucifixion Missal, Judas' Infamy Has Never Been Exceeded: to undo Armageddon, and hence, Judas, thou art proved more criminal and unhappier than all; for when repentance should have called thee back to the Lord, and rescued thee from thy headlong fall. Why dost thou distrust the goodness of Him, But O man that nothing could convert, O "spirit going and not returning," thou didst follow thy heart's rage, and, the devil standing at thy right hand, didst turn the wickedness, which thou hadst prepared against the life of all the saints, to thine own destruction, so that, because thy crime had exceeded all measure of punishment, thy wickedness might make thee thine own judge, thy punishment allow thee to be thine own hangman, or to ascend into heaven, be thine crucifiied.   "Send in the Clowns" (The Klein's).  April 16, 2007 Virginia Tech News delayed hours for the Communist News Jews their HANDLERS  to approve the News Story released to the Goys and reported by Ms. Oteah. Yes, reporters last name was Oteah. Stage names.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyLEcXSn-nc&feature=related , Group: Terrorism not focus of Homeland Security Story Highlights, • Group analyzed millions of records obtained from immigration courts, • 12 of 814,073 charged in past three years faced terrorism charges Report also found DHS filed very few "national security" charges • DHS spokesman calls report "ill-conceived" From Scott Bronstein, CNN WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Claims of terrorism represented less than 0.01 percent of charges filed in recent years in immigration courts by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, according to a report issued Sunday by an independent research group. This comes despite the fact the Bush administration has repeatedly asserted that fighting terrorism is the central mission of DHS.The Transactional Records Action Clearinghouse said it analyzed millions of previously undisclosed records obtained from the immigration courts under the Freedom of Information Act. Of the 814,073 people charged by DHS in immigration courts during the past three years, 12 faced charges of terrorism, TRAC said. Those 12 cases represent 0.0015 percent of the total number of cases filed. "The DHS claims it is focused on terrorism. Well that's just not true," said David Burnham, a TRAC spokesman. "Either there's no terrorism, or they're terrible at catching them. Either way it's bad for all of us." The TRAC analysis also found that DHS filed a minuscule number of what are called "national security" charges against people in the immigration courts. The report stated that 114, or 0.014 percent of the total of roughly 800,000 individuals charged were charged with national security violations. Round up all the Government employees of the 21Government  agencies appointed by forever Czar Chertoff, audit them by their government employee ID check, chargeback them for  fraud, corporate anti trust laws, and for all of the events of 911and "Let Every Nation Know", we are going on tour. To resolve this. TRAC reported more than 85 percent of the charges involved more common immigration violations such as not having a valid immigrant visa, overstaying a student visa or entering the United States without an inspection. According to the report by TRAC, which is affiliated with Syracuse University, the results show that there is an "apparent gap between DHS rhetoric about its role in fighting terrorism and what it actually has been doing." DHS spokesman Russ Knocke called the TRAC report "ill-conceived" and said the group "lacked a grasp of the DHS mission." Knocke said that, by clamping down on all forms of immigration, DHS has made it difficult for terrorists to come to the US. The Rose, The name of the Rose was Iva Toguri D'Aquino. Mrs. D'Aquino died Wednesday in Chicago where she had lived a quiet life since she was pardoned of the crime of treason she had been convicted of by a very emotional and largely patrio-paranoid America in 1949. The evidence that she was the radio voice known to us as the propagandist Tokyo Rose was not conclusive, but public need for someone to punish was great enough that a case against her was patched together and she was convicted. Strangely, had she been willing to renounce her American citizenship, she might have gone free, but she did not. None the less, by 1977 the railroading of Tokyo Rose seemed more like a lynching and Gerald Ford, the last decent Republican to occupy the White House, pardoned her. The Electorate College of President Bush, the Bushkas peers have allowed the Coup d'Etat. Yes the very same worshippers of the Illumined one, the worshippers of Lucifer the son of Perdition who run the Coup machine. I have been watching the Bolshevik Sofiet Chabad Lubavitch. The so-called Learned Elders of False Zion, these Pharisees of the Talmud Bavli, Babylonian Talmud, the oral tradition which Jesus Christ warned about, these who say they they are Jews but are Liars and are of the synagogue of Satan for quite sometime. The Lord has lead me on a journey of understanding their knowledge, so that I am not destroyed. These Chabad are the same exact Pharisees of the dark sentences of the oral tradition, of iniquity of Baal as they were in the day that Jesus Christ gave the woes unto them. These are the same who rejected the Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord God Almighty, the Word of God, which their fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob worshipped, and who whored after another. These are the very same leaders of the children of Israel who caused them to err then, and who will cause the entire world to err in these last days will have their tongues ripped out and boiled in oil. Yes, Babylon has risen, and its whore are seeking to establish the vision to set up their mere man-god, their chosen messiah, Moshiach over the Lord of Lords Jesus Christ, the Lamb, Salvation, the Redeemer, the Everlasting Covenant through Isaac. Since they have secured the world's riches by their ownership of earthly gold and control all national and global economies as well as agriculture and news media and now Washington, DC, they are now ready to begin their much coveted final wars, the wars of what they call the Wars of their god Hashem. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3K7QEGQZ7Wg , The Royal Fucking of The Cherokee Nation A Jew, an advocate of an aristocratic form of government, a character condemned to roam without rest because he struck Christ on the day of the Crucifixion. SOS, Here we go again. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7nD7dbkkBIA&NR=1 , NEW YORK (June 27, 2008) - A Broadway producer whose wife found YouTube fame after posting monologues about their failed, high-society marriage described himself in court on Friday as "mortified" and "violated" by the experience. Philip Smith, 76, president of the Shubert Organization: Spamalot, Camelot and the Movie the Producers was filmed there, at the Shubert, he is suing his wife, British actress Tricia Walsh Smith, 49, a nasty obnoxious Jew for divorce on the grounds that the videos, which have been viewed more than four million times, constitute spousal abuse. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMkP4T-eqig&feature=related , The Royal Fucking of Japan to Steel. The English Jews never paid America for WWII we want that money now plus damages to America. The Little Bastards Maybe dropped on Birmingham and London for The Royal Fucking of The Americans.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ev2dEqrN4i0 , The Royal Fucking of Vietnam Napalm Orgoglio, (pron. Or-gole'-yo). The word is Italian, and means "Arrogant Pride," or "The Man of Sin". A hideous giant as tall as three men; he was son of Earth and Wind. Finding the Red Cross Knight at the fountain of Idleness, he beats him with a club and makes him his slave. Una, hearing of these mischances, tells King Arthur, and Arthur liberates The Knights and Slays The Giants. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SU3wkOGXlcY , The Royal Air Forced Fucking of Dresden, Germany  Moral: The Man of Sin had power given him to "make war with the saints and to overcome them" for "forty and two months" "The Exorcist" Possession is 9/10 of the law, Give it Back , past due since 03/16/2004.  Then the "Ancient of Days Came," and overcame him Spencer: Fair Queen, Arthur First Cut Off Orgoglio's left arm- i.e. Bohemia was first Cut Off from the Church of Rome. He then Cut Off the giant's right leg- i.e. England; and, this being cut off, the giant fell to the earth, and was afterwards dispatched. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QpaS2v-r7cE , Modern day Romeo and Juliet, West Side Story. September 11, 2001, a glooming peace this morning with it brings; The sun, for sorrow, will not show his head: Go hence, to have more talk of these sad things; Some shall be pardon'd, and some punished: For now a story of more woe; Shall be of Juliet and her Romeo. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XyIAvDrRoBQ , BBC News Jews Did This and Blamed The Americans   March 15, 2004 (the Ides of March), 44 BC, he was stabbed to death in the senate house. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqjMhNGyDyQ , Lie Detector tests are used in US to Trap People. Mosul is the city in northern Iraq, The name of the city is an Arabic  "The linking point". http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u46-lrkJG5I&feature=related , The Exorcist: The locale is an archaeological dig site deep in the arid desert of Northern Iraq, near the ancient town of Nineveh. Arabic prayer is chanted on the soundtrack behind an image of an oblong, burnt reddish sun. Workers dig inexorably with pick axes through mounds of dirt to uncover ancient artifacts. He speaks in Arabic: "(Subtitle): They found something...small pieces...At the base of the mound."  Christian medallion depicting Mary and the Baby Jesus in a pre-Christian location: Bethlehem. This is strange...Not of the same period. Merrin then digs in a crevice near the Christian objects and discovers a small, greenish, gargoyle-like stone amulet or statuette in the figure of the Mesopotamian demon Pazuzu, known for its serpent-like phallus. The Iraqi sequence sets a tone of foreboding and establishes the presence of 'Good' and 'Evil' - it also foreshadows the battle between the two forces later in history.   In the Iraqi marketplace on the streets of Mosul, he is told: "evil against evil." Ominously, the swinging pendulum of the clock behind him stops working. The curator knows Merrin will be leaving to go home to the States. He walks up to a full-sized stone statue of the demon Pazuzu. Nearby, two dogs begin fighting and snarling at each other in the dust. This struggle foreshadows the eventual conflict between good and evil and also hints at the theme of "evil against evil". Karras has a premonition that the amulet is a concrete manifestation that something evil has been unearthed. Iraq: the Christian medal - now free-falls through the air above a richly-textured Iraqi tapestry, a ferocious, growling desert dog runs toward the camera, Karras' mother stares straight ahead, the pendulum of the curator's clock swings, Karras' mother emerges from an underground subway in New York City, a ghoulish, ghostly-white demonic face appears, The medal drops on the hard, Stone Georgetown Steps. They must avoid conversations with the devils and not listen to the demon's voice because: "The Demon is a liar and would like to confuse us. But he will also mix lies with the truth to attack us. The attack is psychological and powerful. The both priests die during the exorcism. The film ends on a chilling note with Dyer turning away from the steps, the sounds of "Tubular Bells," and an orchestral chord of emphas is the jolting view of the red-on-black title: THE EXORCIST   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g64zUxkC_pQ&feature=related , Drink Up, Your behind, "They don't make Jews like Jesus anymore" Patsy Abbott, is Goldie Schwartz, theme song. Informed Native New Yorkers, in Patsy Club, Latin Quarter, El Morocco, The Best of the Best was, Eve Arden fired up 61 Street and Third Ave. Ripped me a brand new asshole on several occasions, reciting lines from Annabelle Salzman, dba Belle Barth. Mr. Walter, The Latin Quarter, Barbara Walters, The Royal Wedding Bridesmaids are in Brussels today hiding. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQWXfHzOKUU&feature=related , Friday, May 4, 2007 Johns Hopkins Anti Christ Chertoff' tells audience to remain seated until Chertoff leaves the room. "Your Not Superman".  People of The Americas and World have the right to shoot the Jews, for this pre meditated murdering are "JUST US JEWS" Chertoff is not prosecuting. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDGoFnMNHVI&feature=related , War Crimes The Defendant as Commander-in-Chief of US forces, was aware that the military attack on Afghanistan was unjustified; yet orders were given for the carpet bombing of cities, towns, and villages. The nature of weapons of mass destruction used, the range of firepower unleashed in a country with few military targets resulted in mass murder of civilians and unnecessary loss of life of combatants who were surrendering. The entire infrastructure of Afghanistan was destroyed. The women of Afghanistan who have lived through the horror of these war crimes, have given evidence before this Tribunal; their oral evidence has been reinforced and supported by authoritative reports of humanitarian and scientific organizations. It is clear from these reports from neutral sources that the bombings of United States military forces were indiscriminate, sparing neither the International Red Cross Hospitals in Kabul and Kandahar, the Kajakai dam, warehouses of the Red Cross where food was stored, the maternity hospital at Kabul, the military hospital at Herat, homes, electrification facilities, irrigation projects, schools, TV stations and telephone exchanges were among other institutions indiscriminately bombed and destroyed; constructed over years of development efforts by the people of Afghanistan, a landlocked developing country. The testimony of Kenji Katsui, a journalist from Japan, who with a team investigated the destruction caused by the war and bombing reveals that in several parts of Kabul, in towns and villages across of Afghanistan, civilian homes and the infrastructure of the country was in ruins due to bombing; sources of water supply and electricity were affected, normal life in such circumstances for the people was impossible. The witness conceded that a civil war had raged in Afghanistan for more than 20 years, causing immense suffering; however he emphasized that the war waged by the United States was the final blow. The witness handed over the video film taken by him which was screened by the Tribunal, of the destruction caused and interviews with people in Afghanistan. The witness maintained that his testimony was supported by the entire investigative team, present as observers at the trial. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAIMbYSwSWg , Major Doug Rokke Director of the DU project from 1994 to 1995, himself a victim of the DU weapons, clean up operations after the first Gulf War was interviewed at the Hamburg Conference on DU in October 2003, by Prosecutor Kazuko Ito; the video of interview is Prosecution document Ex. E 124; amicus curiae who has seen the interview has raised no objections to its production. Major Doug Rokke commenting on his attempts to focus on the risks of DU weapons while in charge of the DU program of the US army stated: "military officers from the UK, Australia, Canada and Germany participated in the project to study the risk of DU weapons and I was directed by the Army to direct the team . . . we submitted recommendations which were completely ignored . . . the US army has not taken any measures to protect soldiers. Although we made a proposal that clean-up is essential, complete clean up is impossible. Therefore we proposed not to use DU weapons any longer. However our proposal was ignored by the upper level of the government and completely ignored by NATO, UK, Australia and others." Referring to the videos which had been made for the Pentagon about DU weapons on risks, clean up measures, method of measuring radioactivity etc. for the US army, the witness emphasized that these videos were never used and the U.S. decided to seal this DU project because the results revealed that DU weapons were extremely risky and its use would be prohibited by international pressure. The United States government the witness stated, continues to use these weapons because they are inexpensive and effective, and also because it is a milestone to make fourth generation nuclear ordnance acceptable by advancing the proposition that contamination of fourth generation nuclear weapons would not exceed the levels of radioactive contamination of DU. The evidence of Major Doug Rokke, has to be assessed in the light of the report on Gulf War Veterans. By now half of all the 697,000 soldiers involved in the 1991 Gulf War have reported serious illnesses. According to the Gulf War Veterans Association, more than 30% are chronically ill. Children born to soldiers of coalition personnel after the Gulf War were born deformed or with serious birth defects; including those who had healthy babies earlier. Recently a soldier in the UK has succeeded after several years of struggle, in obtaining a judgement which recognizes the DU weapons had caused serious physiological effects. The third witness before the Tribunal on the issue of the use of DU weapons as a War Crime, Professor Katsuma Yagasaki, Prosecution documents Ex. E 158 and 159 presented oral and documentary evidence clarifying that the term "depleted" seems to convey the incorrect impression that DU is uranium that does not contain radioactivity any more, which is not the case as DU ammunition causes radioactive contamination and is no less serious than nuclear weapons. Even one DU particle has adequate capacity to cause cancer and once absorbed into the body can transform genes, cells and affect all the organs and lymph nodes. Professor Yagasaki deposed that the total amount of 235U dispersed in Hiroshima was 61.2 kilograms; since it was estimated that about 500-600 tons of DU weapons were used in Afghanistan, DU pollution in Afghanistan is 8,170 tons more than in Hiroshima; that the adverse effects of radioactive contamination in Afghanistan and the internal radiation risk is beyond our imagination, as the alpha ray from the DU damages the DNA irreversibly and that the entire concept of low radiation risk was misleading with respect to internal exposure, as DU is absorbed by inhalation and internal contamination. Professor Yagasaki in the paper on record before this Tribunal presented at the `World Uranium Conference Weapons Conference' in October 2003 calculated that 800 tons of DU is the atomicity equivalent to 83,000 Nagasaki bombs. The amount of DU used in Iraq is equivalent to 250,000 Nagasaki bombs. Professor Yagasaki affirmed that DU shells are atrocious radioactive weapons which should not be used and that DU has a long life of 4.5 billion years remaining in the soil, air, water in all affected zones. A Broch, pronounced ah-BROOKH (Brooklyn): This is a curse, a plague. "Damn it!" A broch is expressing disgust, misery, disaster, miserable, he's nauseated, he's overwhelmed, he's disgusted, he's at his wit's end, give up, run away, get out of town, it's all over, there's no way to get out of it, all of this can be said in one phrase, "Oy, a broch." A gentile would have to find five thousand ways of letting you know how he's feeling. A Jew just says "Oy, a broch. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJCU4xf5IJE , The Star Ledger, Newark, NJ is well aware of Livia's Israeli roots, in her obituary of December 21, 1998 the paper reported her role in the founding of Israel. Michael's father was the first child Paul Chertoff from Russia and Ester Barish, from Romania. Gerson graduated as teacher of the Talmud at age 20 in 1935. In 1930 they immigrated to Brooklyn, NY imbued in Talmud the Chertoff children became ardent Zionists. This pre meditated dysfunctional government intentionally maximizes American deaths. Feb 15, 2001, Chertoff had Prior knowledge. Chertoff took the oath of office DHS has a $32 billion budget, 180,000 Comrades and jurisdiction over Secret Service, FEMA,  September 11, 2001, August 29, 2005 Hurricane Katrina, Refugees by Osama Who. Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. 500AD approx: Rise of the Kingdom of the Khazars?: The Khazars, a little-known kingdom of people in Turkey and/or Southern Russia, possibly descendants of Central Asian nomads, settle north-east of the Black Sea before 500AD, to become embattled with Arabs. The Khazars later felt pressed to convert to either Islam or Christianity - they asserted themselves by adopting Judaism, about 1000AD.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLtETeooWds Added: May 08, 2007, From: Documentally , Meet Tony Gosling.. Journalist, rese... Meet Tony Gosling.. Journalist, researcher and the man behind the website www.bilderberg.org . He gives a quick rundown on the history of the secret meeting that happens once a year behind a curtain of security agencies and press blackouts, the Bilderberg group really are secret rulers of the world? Search Google Videos, keywords, GuerrillaNews.com, Documentally.com, CIA Mind Control, On 26 November 1963, an Alliance was consolidated with the signing of a joint declaration between the Sovereign Military Order of Malta and the Most Venerable Order, at St. John's Gate, London. Allegedly among their number are Australia's Governor General, Sir William Dean; NSW Police Commissioner, Peter Ryan; George Bush, Alexander Haig; President of Canadian Pacific, John Gilmer and co-directors W. E. McLaughlan, Chairman of the Royal Bank of Canada, J. P. W. Ostiguy, and Sir Michael Turner, ex-Chairman of Hongkong & Shanghai Bank; Michael Sandberg now Chairman of the Bank; Charles, Sam, and Allan Bronfman; Henry Kissinger; Robert Rubin, Alan Greenspan of the Federal Reserve; Colin Powell of Gulf War fame, and James Wolfensohn of the World Bank. Alan Greenspan (born March 6, 1926 in Brooklyn is an American economist and from 1987 to 2006 chairman of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve of the United States. He currently works as a private advisor, making speeches and providing consulting for firms through his company, Greenspan Associates LLC. Monday Night Football,  Hardball, Andrea Mitchell, Alan Greenspans wife covers his ass driving the how about the Bush administration may handle any forthcoming subpoenas in the wake of the Libby verdict: Driving Dead Beat Miss Hillary and perpetrators of 911. Murdoch caught up in Corporate Sabotage scandal. Corporate Sabotage, the Systematic Crippling of Americas, Pensions, people and Corporations sold for pennies on the dollar, they then go on the destroy the dollar. Hackers stealing smart card encryption codes? That's just the tip of the iceberg. By Sonya Rabbitte Published: Tuesday 12 March 2002 July 30, 2007 They promise to help you get out of foreclosure. But they end up stealing your home instead. As part of her on-going series Mortgage Meltdown, ABC2 News Investigator Tisha Thompson shows you how to avoid becoming the next victim of a "foreclosure rescue scam."  Mortgage experts say Maryland is now the worst in the nation when it comes to foreclosure scams, in part because of one local woman whose victims say stole so many homes, she walked away with millions of dollars. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGfyGydodgo , In the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ! It is he who commands you!  It is he who flung you from the gates of Heaven to the depths of Hell! Be gone!  In the Name of The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit! http://informationclearinghouse.info/index.html Faschism and Jews  Analysis of these seven regimes reveals fourteen common threads that link them in recognizable patterns of national behavior and abuse of power. These basic characteristics are more prevalent and intense in some regimes than in others, but they all share at least some level of similarity. September 11, 2001, Mossad did it and blamed Non Jews. 1. Powerful and continuing expressions of nationalism. From the prominent displays of flags and bunting to the ubiquitous lapel pins, the fervor to show patriotic nationalism, both on the part of the regime itself and of citizens caught up in its frenzy, was always obvious. Catchy slogans, pride in the military, and demands for unity were common themes in expressing this nationalism. It was usually coupled with a suspicion of things foreign that often bordered on xenophobia. 2. Disdain for the importance of human rights. The regimes themselves viewed human rights as of little value and a hindrance to realizing the objectives of the ruling elite. Through clever use of propaganda, the population was brought to accept these human rights abuses by marginalizing, even demonizing, those being targeted. When abuse was egregious, the tactic was to use secrecy, denial, and disinformation. 3. Identification of enemies/scapegoats as a unifying cause. The most significant common thread among these regimes was the use of scapegoating as a means to divert the people's attention from other problems, to shift blame for failures, and to channel frustration in controlled directions. The methods of choice—relentless propaganda and disinformation—were usually effective. Often the regimes would incite "spontaneous" acts against the target scapegoats, usually communists, socialists, liberals, Jews, ethnic and racial minorities, traditional national enemies, members of other religions, secularists, homosexuals, and "terrorists." Active opponents of these regimes were inevitably labeled as terrorists and dealt with accordingly. 4. The supremacy of the military/avid militarism. Ruling elites always identified closely with the military and the industrial infrastructure that supported it. A disproportionate share of national resources was allocated to the military, even when domestic needs were acute. The military was seen as an expression of nationalism, and was used whenever possible to assert national goals, intimidate other nations, and increase the power and prestige of the ruling elite. Hillary will not blow their brains out. 5. Rampant sexism. Beyond the simple fact that the political elite and the national culture were male-dominated, these regimes inevitably viewed women as second-class citizens. They were adamantly anti-abortion and also homophobic. These attitudes were usually codified in Draconian laws that enjoyed strong support by the orthodox religion of the country, thus lending the regime cover for its abuses. Hillary will not blow their brains out. 6. A controlled mass media. Under some of the regimes, the mass media were under strict direct control and could be relied upon never to stray from the party line. Other regimes exercised more subtle power to ensure media orthodoxy. Methods included the control of licensing and access to resources, economic pressure, appeals to patriotism, and implied threats. The leaders of the mass media were often politically compatible with the power elite. The result was usually success in keeping the general public unaware of the regimes' excesses. Hillary will not blow their brains out. 7. Obsession with national security. Inevitably, a national security apparatus was under direct control of the ruling elite. It was usually an instrument of oppression, operating in secret and beyond any constraints. Its actions were justified under the rubric of protecting "national security," and questioning its activities was portrayed as unpatriotic or even treasonous. 8. Religion and ruling elite tied together. Unlike communist regimes, the fascist and protofascist regimes were never proclaimed as godless by their opponents. In fact, most of the regimes attached themselves to the predominant religion of the country and chose to portray themselves as militant defenders of that religion. The fact that the ruling elite's behavior was incompatible with the precepts of the religion was generally swept under the rug. Propaganda kept up the illusion that the ruling elites were defenders of the faith and opponents of the "godless." A perception was manufactured that opposing the power elite was tantamount to an attack on religion. Hillary will not blow their brains out. 9. Power of corporations protected. Although the personal life of ordinary citizens was under strict control, the ability of large corporations to operate in relative freedom was not compromised. The ruling elite saw the corporate structure as a way to not only ensure military production (in developed states), but also as an additional means of social control. Members of the economic elite were often pampered by the political elite to ensure a continued mutuality of interests, especially in the repression of "have-not" citizens. Hillary will not blow their brains out. Ask Hillary why they call it Ground Zero, one mile from her NYC Senate offices. 10. Power of labor suppressed or eliminated. Since organized labor was seen as the one power center that could challenge the political hegemony of the ruling elite and its corporate allies, it was inevitably crushed or made powerless. The poor formed an underclass, viewed with suspicion or outright contempt. Under some regimes, being poor was considered akin to a vice. 11. Disdain and suppression of intellectuals and the arts. Intellectuals and the inherent freedom of ideas and expression associated with them were anathema to these regimes. Intellectual and academic freedom were considered subversive to national security and the patriotic ideal. Universities were tightly controlled; politically unreliable faculty harassed or eliminated. Unorthodox ideas or expressions of dissent were strongly attacked, silenced, or crushed. To these regimes, art and literature should serve the national interest or they had no right to exist. Hillary will not blow their brains out. 12. Obsession with crime and punishment. Most of these regimes maintained Draconian systems of criminal justice with huge prison populations. The police were often glorified and had almost unchecked power, leading to rampant abuse. "Normal" and political crime were often merged into trumped-up criminal charges and sometimes used against political opponents of the regime. Fear, and hatred, of criminals or "traitors" was often promoted among the population as an excuse for more police power. 13. Rampant cronyism and corruption. Those in business circles and close to the power elite often used their position to enrich themselves. This corruption worked both ways; the power elite would receive financial gifts and property from the economic elite, who in turn would gain the benefit of government favoritism. Members of the power elite were in a position to obtain vast wealth from other sources as well: for example, by stealing national resources. With the national security apparatus under control and the media muzzled, this corruption was largely unconstrained and not well understood by the general population. 14. Fraudulent elections. Elections in the form of plebiscites or public opinion polls were usually bogus. When actual elections with candidates were held, they would usually be perverted by the power elite to get the desired result. Common methods included maintaining control of the election machinery, intimidating and disenfranchising opposition voters, destroying or disallowing legal votes, and, as a last resort, turning to a judiciary beholden to the power elite. Does any of this ring alarm bells? Of course not. After all, this is America, officially a democracy with the rule of law, a constitution, a free press, honest elections, and a well-informed public constantly being put on guard against evils. Historical comparisons like these are just exercises in verbal gymnastics. Maybe, maybe not. Hillary will not blow their brains out. The Senate Jubilees (Jew-Bullies) have no excuses for not blowing the 6000 Royal Fuckers brains out. They need to be reelected.  I'm supposed to be the Grand Dutchess Anastasia, but I think I look more like the Chrysler Building! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sShMA85pv8M , Bud Abbott and Lou Costello, Who's on first Pre qualified Jewish candidates Barack Obama has the Bud Abbott part and John McCain will be Lou Costello of Paterson, NJ.   Able Danger Able Danger was a classified United States Special Operations Command military intelligence program under the command of the U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM). It was created as a result of a directive from the Joint Chiefs' to develop an Information Operations Campaign Plan against transnational terrorism, "specifically al-Qaida." According to statements by Lt. Col. Anthony Shaffer and confirmed by four others, Able Danger had identified the September 11, 2001 attack leader Mohamed Atta, and three of the 9/11 plot's 19 hijackers, as possible members of an al Qaeda cell linked to the '93 World Trade Center Attacks. Congressman Curt Weldon has stated that Able Danger identified Mohamed Atta 13 separate times prior to 9/11 and asserted that the information was blocked from following the proper channels to prevent the 9-11 attacks. Weldon has also alleged the intelligence concerning Able Danger was provided to the 9/11 Commission and ignored. Two 9/11 Commission members, Timothy J. Roemer and John F. Lehman, both claimed not to have received any information on Able Danger. On August 12, 2005, Thomas H. Kean and Lee H. Hamilton, former Chair and Vice Chair of the 9/11 Commission, issued a statement admitting that the Commission had been aware of the Able Danger program, and requested and obtained information about it from the Department of Defense following publicity of Able Danger in Government Security News. The Rendon group Specialists in public relations and "perception management," funded by the CIA and the Pentagon for the express purpose of selling the Iraq war to the public and world. The Rendon Group, has made millions off government contracts since 1991, when it was hired by the CIA to help "create the conditions for the removal of Hussein from power." The Office of Special Plans The Office of Special Plans, which existed from September, 2002, to June, 2003, was an office in the Pentagon created by Donald Rumsfeld and led by Douglas Feith, dealing with (and manipulating) intelligence on Iraq to sell the idea of invading Iraq to the public. The Whitehouse Iraq Group The Whitehouse Iraq Group, Aka, White House Information Group or WHIG, was the marketing arm of the White House whose purpose was to sell the 2003 invasion of Iraq to the public. K Street Project The K Street Project is a project by the Republican Party to merge corporate and state power by pressuring Washington lobbying firms to hire Republicans in top positions, and to reward loyal GOP lobbyists with access to influential officials. It was launched in 1995, by Republican strategist Grover Norquist and House majority leader Tom DeLay. This project has resulted in creating an environment for industry lobbyists to author legislation and lobbyists and industry heads being appointed to head the offices which would normally police their own industries, such as the EPA and the Department of the interior. Unitary Executive Theory In American political and legal discourse, the unitary executive theory is a theory of Constitutional interpretation that addresses aspects of the separation of powers. The theory argues that the power of Congress to divest the President of control of the executive branch is limited. This theory allows the President to override the mandates of Congress and is supported by Supreme Court Chief Justice Roberts, appointed by G.W. Bush. This theory paves the way for the Presidential Signing Statement. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DsGaNR9dVPM , Presidential signing statement Statements issued by the President upon signing a bill into law to expand his power to disregard elements of the bill he's signed. Each of his signing statements says that he will interpret the law in question "in a manner consistent with his constitutional authority to supervise the unitary executive branch." By using a signing statement, The President asserts not only his authority to internally supervise the "unitary executive branch," but also his power as Commander-in-Chief, as the basis for his interpretation of the law -- which observers have noted allows the President to create a loophole to permit the ability to ignore the intentions of Congress. Straussian theory Leo Strauss is widely considered to be one of the leading intellectual sources of neoconservatism. Shadia B. Drury, in her 1997 book, Leo Strauss and the American Right, named the following prominent Washington players as among Strauss' protégés: Paul Wolfowitz; Supreme Court Justic Clarence Thomas; Judge Robert Bork; neo-con propagandist and former Dan Quayle chief of staff, William Kristol; former Secretary of Education William Bennett; the National Review publisher William F. Buckley; former Reagan Administration official Alan Keyes; current White House bio-ethics advisor Francis Fukuyama; Attorney General John Ashcroft; and William Galston, former Clinton Administration domestic policy advisor, and co-author, with Elaine Kamark, of the Joe Lieberman-led Democratic Leadership Council's policy blueprint. The hallmark of Strauss' approach to philosophy was his belief in a totalitarian system, who rejected all universal principles of natural law, but saw their mission as absolute rulers, who lied and deceived a foolish "populist" mass, and used both religion and politics as a means of creating trust and compliance. For Strauss and all of his protégés (Strauss personally had 100 Ph.D. students), the greatest object of hatred was the United States itself, which they viewed as nothing better than a weak, pathetic replay of "liberal democratic" Weimar Germany. Study Claims Iraq's 'Excess' Death Toll Has Reached 655,000, By David Brown, Washington Post Staff Writer 10/11/06 "Washington Post"A team of American and Iraqi epidemiologists estimates that 655,000 more people have died in Iraq since coalition forces arrived in March 2003 than would have died if the invasion had not occurred. The estimate, produced by interviewing residents during a random sampling of households throughout the country, is far higher than ones produced by other groups, including Iraq's government. It is more than 20 times the estimate of 30,000 civilian deaths that President Bush gave in a speech in December. It is more than 10 times the estimate of roughly 50,000 civilian deaths made by the British-based Iraq Body Count research group. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIstl2PlamQ&NR=1 , It is also a known fact that the Russian Mafia (the strongest and most violent in Israel) makes many businesses in Tel-Aviv and Jerusalem pay for protection much like the 1920's in New York and Chicago.  The destruction Ariel Sharon has done to Israel may never be overcome, and to add insult to injury he left behind his crony  Olmert who was in the 33rd position in the Likud. And proved to be a failure as Mayor of Jerusalem. While he makes wonderful speeches in the US and stands with his real boss George W. Bush the political reality here in Israel is falling apart. www.LooseChange911.com World Trade Center Bldg. # 7 a Controlled Demolition. They will not volunteer to leave, ask Joe LieBerman about it. Federal employees now refuse to give me their names or employee numbers, they started buying legal services insurance. Joe Lieberman is a war crimes criminal perpetrator of 911 the United States Government, Fort Knox Gold Audit was never allowed by Joe Lieberman opening another government agency like the Soviet Union more and more watchdogs watching Americans. The Money allocated for victims is stolen in the pipeline by their people for their people who are communist directing US Military. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdEgHcDw2V0&feature=related , Mel Brooks, Pre meditated. Families Furious Over Flight 93 Donation Box Landowner Says He Can't Afford Upkeep for Memorial Site By DANIEL LOVERING , AP   PITTSBURGH (June 6) - A man who owns property at the site where Flight 93 crashed has demanded millions for his portion of land where a memorial is planned, and has installed a donation box to help pay for security. Pre meditated actions by Mike Svonavec have angered victims' families, who believe he is overcharging and disagree with the need for a donation box. "That land has been paid for with 40 lives. the donation box is an insult to that cost," said Patrick White, vice president for Families of Flight 93.  Svonavec wants $10 million for his 273-acre property in Somerset County, far more than the per-acre amount paid for nearby land, White said Tuesday. He said Svonavec told him about his asking price last July, and that he has rejected three offers from the group - the latest for more than $500,000. "I think Svonavec believes his land, because it has the blood of my cousin and 39 other people, it's worth more," he said.  Svonavec said he wants fair market value for the parcel and he would accept no money for the exact site where 40 passengers and crew members died when the hijacked United Airlines flight crashed on Sept. 11, 2001. He declined to comment on the $10 million figure. What Jew knew the value would be pre meditated bomber. The donation box, installed near a temporary memorial on the land, would help cover security costs. Security has been handled by a firm at a cost of about $10,000 per month since federal funding ran out in February. The site has also incurred other costs, he said. "I just can't afford it," Svonavec Betray us said. "I need some help." Kindly, Tell the Vets for Freedom. Memorial planners have purchased 60 of the 1,300 acres needed for a permanent memorial and national park. Svonavec owns the second-largest parcel of land in the area after PBS Coals Inc., which owns 864 acres. White said he is negotiating with PBS Coals, and the remaining parcels are in various stages of being acquired.  Svonavec said he is working with advisers, including Randall Bell, a California-based real estate appraiser who specializes in properties where disasters have occurred. Svonavec said he is waiting for a completed appraisal. He said he had asked to deal exclusively with the National Park Service, which also is working on the memorial, rather than the group. He said he rejected an earlier Park Service offer because "it just wasn't acceptable." The Park Service is preparing another appraisal. Joanne Hanley, the Park Service superintendent of the site, declined to comment. Flight 93 was en route from Newark, N.J., to San Francisco when it was hijacked and crashed in a field near Shanksville as passengers rushed the cockpit, according to the 9/11 Commission. The $58 million memorial was established by an act of Congress in 2002. Construction tentatively has been scheduled to start in late 2008 or early 2009, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony has been planned for the 10-year anniversary of the attacks. August 20, 2008: C-Span, Vets for Freedom: David Bellava, Vice Chair is the largest Iraq and Afghanistan veterans organization in America. Vets for Freedom PAC is a Political Action Committee whose mission is to help candidates—mostly combat veterans—who believe in achieving success in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the overall War on Terrorism, get elected to the United States Congress and Federal positions. Kindly, Tell the Vets for Freedom the Royal Fucking News Jews betrayed us SEE: KEVIN SPACEY Born: 26 July 1959, South Orange, New Jersey, USA, Awards: Won 2 Oscars and 1 BAFTA, 3 Golden Globe nominations, Height: 5' 11". He was packed off to Northridge Military Academy. Since 2003, he has been artistic director of the Old Vic theatre in London, ENGLAND. Madonna's Catholic background and relationship with her parents were reflected in the album Like a Prayer. It is also an evocation of the impact religion had on her career. Her video for the title track contains Catholic symbolism. During The Virgin Tour, wore a rosary and prayed with it in the music. Madonna has also referred to her Italian heritage in her work. The "Open Your Heart" scolding her in Italian. In Ciao, Italia!  Live from Italy, Who's That Girl Tour, the song "Papa Don't Preach" to the Pope "Papa" is the Italian word for "Pope". Madonna stating it would be less controversial if I joined the Nazi Party and the Kabbalah is not hurting anybody. Jews did this too, Madonna was Baited and Switched. Sir Elton Hercules John born Reginald Kenneth Dwight on 25 March 1947 is an English pop/rock singer, composer and pianist. In his four-decade career, John has battled addictions and cocaine. Cocaine has been one of the dominant forces in rock and popular music, especially during the 1970s he admitted spending £30 million in just under two years an average of £1.5 million a month, the High Cocaine Court in London suggested that John went "spending mad" following a £42M dealer. Elton John was Baited and Switched, under the influence of drugs. Bankers Hooked him with cocaine contracts.  Angelina Jolie fell hard for Brad Pitt in the bedroom set. She was paired with Pitt in the espionage. Vogue TELLS she never wanted to ruin Pitt's marriage to Jennifer Aniston. Elizabeth Taylor reported she never wanted to ruin Debbie Reynolds, Julie Andrews, Cleopatra or Julius Caesar, but they did. United Gold Star Mothers International will discuss amongst them selves without Jewish intervention. Prosecuting Jews for Pre Meditated Crimes that exceeded all measure of Punishment. Perpetrated on the United States of America. The events of Golan Cipel on September 11, 2001, the Goal to Cripple. All the events of September 11, 2001 were crippled by your savior Lawrence De Marco, INRI II. Amen. Pres.: General Decker, if you do not shut up I am going to relieve you of your commands Gen. Decker: We have to strike now, sir! Annihilate! Kill! Kill! Kill! Bomb, Bomb, Bomb Iran. Pres.: SHUT UP! SHUT UP! SHUT UP! [overhearing the complete destruction of Poland, France and Russia via telephone,] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bn7exBrCiUI , Architects to WTC Task Force, On January 22, 2007, World Trade Center & Demolishing Freedoms Expert Larry A. Silverstein, Bethlehem Steel, Bethlehem Pennsylvania, Pass Over, Planned obsolescence also built in obsolescence 911 the United Kingdom is the process of a product becoming obsolete and or non-functional after all Man is strong as steel, and fragile as a rose, they used Japanese Steal. Copyright 2005-2006 Freedom Tower, DWC Network Not affiliated with the developers of the Freedom Tower project. All images on this site are property of their respective owners. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7nD7dbkkBIA&NR=1 , Bush signs unconstitutional "power grab" presidential directives NSPD51 and HSPD20, giving him full-dictatorial powers in the event of a loosely defined "catastrophic emergency." The directives define "catastrophic emergency" as "any incident, regardless of location, that results in extraordinary levels of mass casualties, damage, or disruption severely affecting the U.S. population, infrastructure, environment, economy, or government function." It also states, "The President shall lead the activities of the Federal Government for ensuring constitutional government." In other words, the president gave himself the sole power and duty to interpret the constitution anyway he chooses, and neither Congress nor the public shall be allowed to debate or disagree on such matters. Right now, the only thing standing between the United States' Constitutional Republic and Bush/Cheney's apparent desire to rule with an iron fist is a lesser event than that of 9/11. A gentleman who was arrested for drunk driving in Columbus, Ohio…for walking his bicycle could trigger NSPD51 and HSPD20 before too long. March 14, 2007 - Douglas Durst and Anthony Malkin are now realizing unforeseen consequences of building the new Freedom Tower. Recently the Spitzer Administration agreed to move forward with the project and detailed the complete designs of the new building. This has led to the two major landlords opposing the construction. March 14, 2007 - The long awaited decision by the Port Authority of New York has been made. They approved the plans to begin construction on the Freedom Tower. The Port Authority estimates that the tower will cost $2.88 billion to build and has allotted $492.3 million for construction and professional service contracts. Read more here at NYC-Tower.com March 14, 2007 - Hundreds of construction workers as well as Larry Silverstein, the World Trade Center Developer, protested outside a National Association of Insurance Commissioners meeting on Wednesday attempting to make two large insurance companies pay their share of the $4.6 billion that will largely fund the ground zero building. Read More March 13, 2007 - With the Freedom Tower project the landscape of New York City is changing including areas in Harlem, the Upper East Side, the Upper West Side, Chelsea, Downtown and the Lower East Side. Read More February 22, 2007 - The Port Authority of New York has approved construction contracts for nearly $500 million. The Port Authority also projects that the Freedom Tower will be financially stable three years after it opens in 2012. With the recent approval from Governor Eliot Spitzer the project is under way. Read More February 21, 2007 - The Freedom Tower may be sold after it opens in 2012. Governor Eliot Spitzer believes that the tower can be profitable but said that "he will entertain these options if and when they arise." Read More February 20, 2007 - Governor Eliot Spitzer who called the Freedom Tower Project a "white elephant" shortly after being elected is now supportive of the nearly $3 billion project. 2007. Governor Spitzer has installed two new heads at the Lower Manhattan Development Corp. (LMDC), the agency entrusted with redeveloping Lower Manhattan in the wake of the 9/11 attacks. The appointments, David Emil as president and Avi Schick as chairman of the board, signaled the governor's new faith in the LMDC, having disparaged the agency last May as "an abject failure." Prior to Spitzer's appointments, many observers thought that the LMDC was no longer operational 2007. Major bank JPMorgan Chase has indicated to government officials that it is willing to forego a 50-story tower that it has planned on the World Trade Center site unless state and city authorities provide a more generous subsidy package. The bank has already made a provisional agreement with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to pay $300 million worth of development rights for the Deutsche Bank building parcel, which was significantly damaged in the 9/11 attacks. To date, the government has offered to the bank a subsidy package to the tune of nearly $100 million, which comes in the form of cash payments, tax breaks, and other financial incentives. Both Mayor Bloomberg and Governor Spitzer are weary of providing too much in public subsidies to Chase, having witnessed the state's provision of close to $650 million to Goldman Sachs in 2005. The New York Times characterized that subsidy deal from the critics' perspective as "an egregious example of corporate welfare." 2007. Downtown Express ran an interview with Deputy Mayor Daniel Doctoroff, who said that the city's decision to move the Signature Theater out of the Performing Arts Center planned for the World Trade Center site was largely a matter of cost. The original proposal, to house both the Signature Theater and the Joyce International Dance Theater at the Performing Arts Center on the site, had to be scrapped because Gehry's complex design for the theater would raise costs to an excessive amount. Both Doctoroff and Mayor Bloomberg hope that the World Trade Center Memorial Foundation that they oversee will begin funding cultural projects after $350 million has been raised for the memorial. LMDC Here To Stay Monday, May 21, 2007 The Lower Manhattan Development Corporation is not going out of business, despite its troubles last year that suggested that it may. The LMDC will instead focus less on planning and more on ensuring the most efficient spending of the millions of dollars that are allocated to redeveloping the WTC site. The New York City Council heard testimony from Kate Levin, the city's Cultural Affairs Commissioner, about two major arts companies who are considering locating to the World Trade Center Site. The existing plan was to house both the Signature Theatre Company and the Joyce International Dance Theater at a 250,000-square foot theater to be designed by Frank Gehry adjacent to the Freedom Tower. Revised budget projections, which place the center $500 million over budget, have caused a revision to the original plan. Levin articulated that the city would have a better idea about the feasibility of housing the theaters near the World Trade Center site within eight weeks. Possible plans include building a smaller Joyce Theater and attaching the Signature Theater to the City University of New York campus at Fiterman Hall. The Empire State Development Corporation (ESDC) has already pledged $55 million for the construction of the arts center. Larry Silverstein, developer and leaseholder at the World Trade Center, has reached an agreement with TIG Insurance Co. to settle $12.5 million worth of claims in relation to the attacks of 9/11. To date, the company has paid $9.1 million after it was forced to do so by a jury in 2004. Silverstein claims that he is still awaiting nearly $2.14 billion of insurance claims from eight separate insurance companies. The announcement with TIG comes shortly after a large protest of two other insurance companies, Allianz and Royal & Sun Alliance UK, for their failure to pay $800 million for the redevelopment of the WTC site. I think the point is to make us despair. To see ourselves as animals and ugly. To make us reject the possibility that God could love us. Pazuzu: What an excellent day for an exorcism. Father Damien Karras: You would like that? Pazuzu: Intensely. http://fibromyalgia.topinfo4all.com/watch-video/KmO3RrxnPHU/GottaLaff/it-sucks-to-be-bush.html Question Authority: Holding Presidential Candidates to the same Rule of Law: Polygraphs, or lie detectors, are used throughout the federal government by the FBI, Secret Service, CIA, Drug Enforcement Administration, National Security Agency, Department of Energy, Department of Defense, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, Defense Security Service, and the U.S. Marshall's Service. What is the central deception that the polygraph employs: No, Citizens Are Above The Rule of Law. Answer: No, Citizens Are Above Suspicion or The Rule of Law. The Secrets of J. Edgar Hoover Sucked. The central deception involved in the polygraph examination is the notion that it detects lies. In his secret testimony before the Warren Commission in 1964, J. Edgar Hoover, made the point that the "polygraph, often referred to as a lie detector, is not in fact such a device." So has every serious study conducted by government agencies has confirmed Hoover's assessment. For example, the Office of Technology Assessment issued a massive report in 1983 entitled "Scientific Validity of Polygraph Testing: A Research Review and Evaluation," concluding that "the available research evidence does not establish the scientific validity of the polygraph test for personnel security screening." There are still no peer-reviewed test using randomly distributed true and false answers. As recently as 2000, the U.S. Supreme Court, in a decision upholding the absolute ban on the use of polygraph tests in court-martial proceedings said, "There is simply no consensus that polygraph evidence is reliable." In fact, there is no epistemological basis for believing that the polygraph machine is even designed to detect lies. It measure emotional responses that can proceed from many factors including fear, anxiety nervousness. Whether or not such emotions are connected to deception cannot be determined from the data. So their wars of their g-d, who is not the creator Christ Jesus the WORD, but Baal, must go on to secure control of the middle east and then of all of the world. Temporary and unblessed may it be. Other Israeli prime ministers include Ariel Sharon, Ehud Barak, Benjamin Netanyahu and Menachem Begin. Patrick D'Silva, '03: writes, "I am living in Boulder, CO where I am working as a freelance Arabic translator and teaching Arabic classes. I graduated from Harvard Divinity School in 2005 with a Master's in Theological Studies.My best to everyone in the department" Sophie Lowry, '05: has finished her coursework for a master's degree in Islamic Studies at the University of Edinburgh and she is currently writing her dissertation. She notes that her honors thesis at Macalester on the 13th-century Latin hagiography of the Bohemian Franciscan St. Agnes provided her with useful skills and knowledge for her recent research at Edinburgh on the Christian-Muslim relations in the Middle Ages. The Black Book on Red Blood, Jeremiah Reedy In the October, 2000 issue of Colloquy David Moore observed that  "many post-colonialist scholars...have been Marxists or strongly left, and therefore have been reluctant to make the Soviet Union a global villain on the scale of France or Britain." (p. 11) While no doubt true, this surprising statement brought to mind the heated debate that raged in France four years ago following the publication of Le Livre Noir du Communisme (the English version, The Black Book of Communism, Crimes, Terror, Repression was published by Harvard University Press in l999, and seems to be gathering dust in libraries, having attracted very little attention here). The Black Book, a weighty tome of 858 pages was written by six leading French scholars all associated with the Centre d'Etude d'Histoire et de Sociologie du Communisme. All are former Communists or "close fellow-travellers." (TLS, p. 3) The controversy was triggered by Stephane Courtois' introduction. Francois Furet, author of The Passing of an Illusion, the Idea of Communism in the Twentieth Century and also an ex-communist, had been invited to write the introduction but died unexpectedly; Courtois stepped into the breach. Critics of The Black Book which included two of the contributors, Nicolas Werth and Jean-Louis Margolin, were upset inter alia by four claims advanced by Courtois: l.) re the number of victims, 2.) the comparison of communism and nazism, 3.) the complicity of western scholars, and 4.) the unusual silence that exists vis-a-vis the crimes of communism. In the first place they accused Courtois of inflating the number of victims of communism to reach l00,000,000. Relying where possible on recently opened archives, Courtois gives these statistics: U.S.S.R: 20 million Afghanistan: l.5 million The international Communist movement & Communist parties not in power: 10,000 On the other hand, Martin Malia in his review of the book in the Times Literary Supplement defends Courtois and calls the Communist record "the most colossal case of political carnage in history." (TLS, p. 3) Secondly Courtois sees striking similarities between Communism and Nazism, e.g. one party, a single ideology, total subservience of state to party, "a cult of a leader and mass terror." (Riding, p. 2) The methods used by the two totalitarian systems were also similar: deportations (in cattle cars), concentration camps (a Soviet invention borrowed by the Nazis), dehumanization and "animalization" of victims ("Kulaks are not human beings---they have no right to live." Enemies of the people must be crushed "like noxious insects." Lenin) Because there were (and perhaps still are) Communists in the French government, Courtois' equation of Communism and Nazism provoked a furious debate in France; it was no doubt the most inflammatory aspect of his introduction. Of course, other had claimed this earlier, e.g. George Orwell and Hannah Arendt. Furet in his book had said that Communism and Fascism were "identical in every significant way." (quoted in J. Arch Getty p. 113), and de Benoist called them "heterozygous twins." (p. l3) Tony Judt, writing in the N.Y. Times asserted that they "are, and always were, morally indistinguishable" (p. 3). Anson Rabinbach summed it up thus: ",..communists regimes were far more murderous than Nazism and should not be given second rank in the moral ledger of twentieth-century genocide." (p. 63) This is not to deny the obvious differences: the Nazis practiced racial genocide, the Communists "class genocide," the Nazis killed "the Other," the Communists their own; the Nazis had extermination camps, the preferred weapon of the Communists was famine (an easy thing to do when there is central control of all resources). Thirdly Courtois dared to raise the question of the complicity of  those living outside the Communist countries. He accuses hundreds of thousands of "aiding and abetting" the crimes of Lenin and Stalin from the 1920s to the 1950s (a point also made by Robert Conquest in The Great Terror) and of the "Great Helmsman" from the 1950s to the 1970s. "Much closer to our time," writes Courtois, "there was widespread rejoicing when Pol Pot came to power." (p. 11) In the fourth place, how can we account for the strange silence of academics vis-a-vis the crimes of Communism and the lack of knowledge on the part of the general public when it "metastasized" (Malia's word also used by Solzhenitsyn of the Gulag) affecting "one third of humanity on four continents during a period spanning eight years" (Courtois, p. 20) Courtois suggests many causes: the "tyrants" were good at concealing the facts, "the absolute denial of access to archives ..., the total control of the print and other media as well as of border crossings, the propaganda trumpeting the regimes's successes,' and the entire apparatus for keeping information under lock and key were designed primarily to ensure that the awful truth would never see the light of day," (p. 18) They viciously attacked all who attempted to reveal the truth, they attempted to justify their crimes as a "necessary aspect of revolution," (You can't make an omelet without breaking eggs.), and they perverted the language. Other factors included naivete, self-deception, "cupidity, spinelessness, vanity, fascination with power, violence and revolutionary fervor..." (p. 20) Finally the fact that the Soviets participated in defeating the Nazis and the focus on the Holocaust "as a unique atrocity" have distracted the world from Communist atrocities. This brief summary of what seemed to me to be the most controversial claims made by Courtois obviously does not begin to do justice to the complexity and comprehensiveness of the account given in the book. Anyone who is interested is advised to read at least Martin Malia's foreword to the English version, "The Uses of Atrocity" and Courtois' introduction itself.   Get all the Jews out of the Senate and terminate all the appointed Jewish Lawyers making decisions that give advantages to the crippling of the United States and those Jews that attack the US Constitution at this point in time need two caps in the head. Period. Review every Jewish lawyer and wanna be snake to see if they have crippled America for the Royal Snake Pit Screwing Them Soon. Two objections should be dealt with preemptively: First that communism began as a benign movement of liberation that somehow got derailed. Malia believes that The Black Book lays this myth (that of "good Lenin, bad Stalin") to rest once and for all. Secondly, it has been argued that it is "illegitimate to speak of a single Communist movement from Phnom Penh to Paris." (p. xiv) Malia thinks that The Black Book refutes this, a point on which there was unanimous agreement among the six authors. The ideology runs from Lenin, to Stalin, "to Mao, to Ho, to Kim Il Sung, to Pol Pot." (p. xiv) On pp. 9-10 of The Black Book one can find a breakdown of the ghastly statistics for the U.S.S.R., e.g. "The liquidation of almost 690,000 in the Great Purge of 1937-38," "The destruction of four million Ukrainians and two million others by means of an artificial and systematically perpetuated famine in 1932-33," etc., etc., etc. I leave it to readers to decide whether the Soviet Union should be considered "a global villain on the scale of France or Britain." Bibliography S. Courtois, N. Werth, J-L. Panne, A. Paczkowski, K. Bartosek, J-L. Margolin, The Black Book of Communism, Crimes, Terror, Repression (Harvard U. Press, 1999) J. Arch Getty, "The Future Did Not Work," The Atlantic Monthly, March, 2000. Tony Judt, "Communism Was Mass Murder From the Outset," New York Times, November,16, 1998. Martin Malia, "The Lesser Evil?" Times Literary Supplement, March 27, 1998. Anson Rabinbach, "Communist Crimes and French Intellectuals," Dissent, Fall, 1998. Alan Riding, "New Book About Crimes of Communism Fuels Heated Debate in France," www.l.omnitel.net/arkadija/a14.htm 1 hr 8 min 24 sec - Jan 22, 2006 RevisionistHistory.org Http://www.fpp.co.uk 1 hr 8 min 24 sec - Jan 22, 2006 Goggle Video search for: Michael+A.+Hoffman Average rating: (119 ratings)  Description: In this brilliant foray into the hidden dimensions of the chronicle of black servitude, Tony Martin, professor of African History at Wellesley College, lectures on the role of Judaic in the Trans-Atlantic slave trade, and the impact of racist rabbinical texts on the formation of the contemptuous view of Africans which led to the justification of their enslavement. Dr. Martin's speech is introduced by Michael A. Hoffman II who provides insight on recent scholarly developments concerning the "Curse of Ham." Brief concluding remarks are offered by historian David Irving. Joe Lie-Berman-Chertoff are the Soviet-Israeli Union attacking the constitution audit US Gold reserve Crucify the fun ghouls. *Note: During the period before and after 911 New Jersey Michael Chertoff headed the Criminal Division at the Department of Justice where he helps trace the 911 terrorists attacks to Al Quaida. He never referenced (goggle) Jonathan Pollard. I, Lawrence De Marco, I blew the whistle on 911, I was left behind on a battlefield in Saddle Brook, NJ to die. Chertoff knew this. I literally needed to copy and send thousands of my letters to my Client List of 2973 Clients and media worldwide referencing my letters. Let the Court note: we watch the Sopranos, Family. Redefined. Launder the Drug money in trusted American Banks. The Jews get it, forget it. Who, Outlawed Drugs,  Who, Created a Drug Business and Who, Supplied the Drug Business. Legalize all as Pharmaceuticals, Done. No representatives have shown up from the other associated companies named in the letter. The Pakistani's told me the Russian KGB went to Israel to Brooklyn and five years later. KGB. Putin poisoned Mr. Litvinenko.  And that the Jews were fraudulently billing Medicare, Medicaid, ID Thief Social Security and Disability checks being directly deposited into the Rothchilds Bank, Bank of London and the CIA, Secret Service and Mossad secret employees is completely padded, terminate All employees and go after that money and criminals, one perpetrator will lead to several others , but no secret agencies, societies and No laws protecting the secrecy will be allow and their supported must be tried in Iran for treason, that's cost effect out sorce Lawer-ing. 1.) First Manufacturing, AKA Jim & Mary Lou, Mr. Akmal Cheema             499 Seventh Avenue, 4th Floor, NYC NY 10018, 212-290-8223 2.) Unik International, Mohammed Khiljee, Akmal Khiljee and Jaward Iqball / owners     125 Asia Place, Carlstadt, NJ 07072, 201-531-1777 3.) Extreme Biker, Bikers Leathers, Mr. Asad and Mohammed M. El Sioufi @ 201-642-1511      45 East Madison Avenue, suite B, Clifton, NJ 07011, 973-253-2820 4.) Zoonie Leathers, Zoonie's address is available from Unik or Shaf international. 5.) Shaf International, AKA Diamond Leathers, Mr. Imran Khiljee / owner     224 Midland Avenue #3, Saddle Brook, NJ 07663, 800-990-7423 I was left behind on a battlefield to die, that battlefield included the Municipal Court of Saddle Brook New Jersey. "Ground Zero" Droned aircraft, JFK Jr. Kennedy Camelot. Warren, Watergate, Whitewater in the Winebox Comm.co.nz .  New Zealand. Silverstein, Steinbrenner, Streisand. Who's on first, ICM property, Barbra Streisand returns to NYC, Opens up on Broadway. She is admired, but is also rejected because of  "Treason". In 1960 "Mental" sings "Papa can you see me". And In 1960 within the framework of her European tour Dietrich returns to Germany. She is admired, but is also rejected because of "Treason". Babs, Marlene Dietrich did it better.   "Papa, Watch Me Fly"  www  PilotsFor911Truth.Org  attacked by Jewish conflicting Jews to confuse use the interests. I, Lawrence De Marco had already had brought in the government agencies needed to remedy this situation. I believe this court should subpoena the representatives named below from the Government agencies listed below and those employees prosecuted for enabling September 11,2001. John O'Neill was murdered on 911 in his office on the 34th floor of WTC North Tower.  Goggle, John O'Neill. 1.) FBI, David N. Rushing, Supervisory Special Agent, FBI headquarters, Washington, DC 2.) State Of New Jersey Dept. of Law and Public Safety, Joseph L. Trapp, 609-984-6500 voice 3.) IRS Commissioner, Charles O. Rossotti, 1111 Constitutional Ave, Wash, DC 20224 4.) Treasury Dept, Steven Stettler, Springfield, NJ cbn 973-921-4267 5.) INS Director, Andrea J Quarantillo, 970 Broad St. #136, Newark, NJ 07102 6.) DEA Administrator, Asa Hutchinson, 2401 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Alexandria, VA 22301 7.) ATF Director, Bradley Buckles, 650 Massachusetts Ave NW, Wash DC 20226 8.) CIA, Offices of Public Affairs, Wash, DC 20535, faxed to 703-482-1739 9.) United States Senate, Dianne Feinstein, Wash, DC 202-224-3841 or 415-393-0707 Forward this to every Country in the World. Embassies and Universities Demand Immediate answers to everyone's questions . The more time we keep them busy answering our questions and questioning their answers the more questions we have to ask them over and over again and again until they realize we have them out numbered a million to one. We are a peaceful loving nation. Don't push us. The US Military was deployed to the Middle East to be killed down in time of war. Jimmy McGreevey's biggest concern is Golan Cipel and not his daughter.  "Jimmy, why you do this to me". "The Exorcist", "Jimmy, why you do this to me" The Jerusalem News. Thanksgiving Israeli Potatoes, ask Jim McGreevey. To be a Food Tester, US Military troops are "Article 99" or "not yet dead". And Yahweh answered me, and said, (the Jews call Lawrence Yahweh) "Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it." During the period before and after 911 New Jersey Michael Chertoff headed the Criminal Division at the Dept. of Justice where he helps trace the 911 terrorists attacks to Al Quaida. He knew of Israeli involvement, I was left behind to die in Saddle Brook, NJ. http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-342185930070503560&q=label%3A%22jfk%22 Michael Chertoff in his new position architect some of the most controversial elements of the Bush administration, oversaw detention of 762 foreign nationals, swept up more sleeper cells, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal and Star Ledger. 911KGB-HLS Terror Terminated. Immediately, Prosecute the 911Soviet Israeli Union perpetrators to the fullest extent of the law.At the same time Chertoff allowed scores of suspected Israeli terrorists and spies to quietly return to Israel, Urban Moving Vans, Weehawken, that New Jersey van tested positive for explosives. Dominic Suter owner, Mossad ran to Israel. We demand the return of the 300 Tons of US Dollars Stolen by Bush plus interest, court costs and damages for the past several wars that Israel manufactured and news Jews drove into Hell.  PRESIDENT BUSH SHIPPED 300 TONS of US ONE HUNDRED DOLLAR BILLS TO IRAQ. U.S. Rep. Henry Waxman, D-CA, and chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform covered up addresses an audience at the National Press Club. Waxman's committee has recently investigated contracting corruption in Iraq and watch Jews enabling Jews. The Goal to Cripple America. Is-Really Manufactured Terror-Tory Triggered all events. Profile Arrogant Territorial Dominating Bitches and you have the recipe for Homosexuality ask the Dreamboat poster child. Ugly is to the bone Rep. Henry Waxman estimates 7,000 contractor fraud cases linked to Iraq war Razzle Dazzle them Henry Waxman grabs all the damage cases. Waxman shit cans them while giving Academy Award performances. If, Bullshit were concrete Henry would be the highway to Hell. Henry Waxmans is sending America Hell in hand basket. Henry is not afraid of a Polygraph test? By ELISE CASTELLI, June 16, 2008, A top house Democrat wants the Defense Department inspector general to investigate more than 7,000 cases of fraud the lawmaker believes have occurred on contracts to support the Iraq war. Rep. Henry Waxman, D-Calif., chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, said that number is an estimate by his staff and that those cases involve more than $190 million in federal spending. "It is difficult to have confidence that the department will take adequate steps to address the full magnitude of the potential criminal fraud," Waxman wrote to IG Claude Kicklighter in a June 16 letter. "I therefore request that your office assess the extent of potential criminal fraud in the expenditure of U.S. funds in Iraq. " Waxman's staff came up with the projection based on a report issued by the Defense IG's office in May. That report sampled 702 transactions worth $1.5 billion and found 28 of them worth $35 million appeared to involve criminal misuse of funds. The 28 cases represent roughly 4 percent of the total surveyed for the report examining transactions by seven Army contingency contracting officers in Iraq. Waxman's staff applied that 4 percent rating across the pool of 180,000 transactions worth $10.7 billion that those seven offices awarded — and came up with a figure of potential fraud. Waxman said the IG's staff confirmed the projected number and value of criminal cases and stated that the issue merited further investigation. Kicklighter's staff also told Waxman that the Defense Criminal Investigative Service launched a new effort to review additional transactions for fraud. The God of the Good is Yahweh: IAM the Alpha and IAM the Omega: IAM Heaven and IAM Hell. The Name Game: IAM Good and IAM Bad. Sometimes when IAM Bad IAM Better, confuses me too. YHWH - the Tetragrammaton - God's name - usually written Yahweh One correspondent told me this means simply - "I AM DOING WHAT I AM DOING" Another correspondent added: The Sacred Name of GOD is: "YHVH"- Pronounced: Yeh-Ha-Veh, which is the Etymology of "EHYEH-ASHER-EHYEH" translated "I Am that I Am". Moses asked what is your name, and GOD answered, "I Am that I Am", tell them I AM (EHYEH) has sent you. Names of GOD are: El - which means "The Almighty". Yehovah - which means "Eternal or Self Existent". Yehovih - same as "Yehovah" but used to prevent repetition Yahh - the short form of "Yehovah" . IAM What IAM Lawrence translated into song in La Cage, Birds of a Feather: Feathers Bar. The God of Evil Jah-Baal-On is Jah "I am" Baal "Almighty" On "Sunsets" World Class News Jews, Pre Meditated Murderers, ask them about Lawrence their Messiah. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyN1O-GwALI , I have done the above at my own expense, which has caused me financial hardship while trying to rescue my country, so in conjunction with this new "Status Whistle Blowing" activity, I have contacted the following reward, as of November 8, 2006, no agencies have ever settled or offered me relief for my damages suffered here: Please call them, again, again and again, write their name down. No Reward Money paid to Goy's are Whistle Blowers. see: Who was literally rewarded for Sadams Sons. 1.) Tax-fraud.net, the 15% tax reward for turning in tax cheats. I applied online for the rewards. 2.)  IRS pays informants of tax cheats a 15% reward, I applied, also IRS criminal in Wayne, NJ, 3.)  I called 202-829-0433 Washington, DC, fraud hotline, I applied for the rewards. 4.)  I called 215-592-1000, James Beasley, Esq. I wrote requesting rewards. Subrogation recovery tax lawyer and faxed same letter on December 16, 2002, 5.) I faxed 678-530-2002 St Victor at Tax fraud hotline, undeclared drug monies, I applied. 6.) I phoned 800-877-3927, AKA US REWARDS, and emailed same letter to [email protected] 7.) I called 800-523-2900, Elliott Feldman at Cozen O'Conner, requesting subrogation recovery monies from Insurance Companies for those harmed by the September 11th attacks. I believe this court should subpoena the Government agencies above to inquire about the status of any ongoing investigations, and further, to notify the seven (7) reward programs above that I, Lawrence De Marco, am responsible for any progress, and that their Internal affairs should be contacted. We have documented evidence of all the people, places, businesses and enablers posted. According to the proceedings at the Municipal Court of Saddle Brook, where Mohammad Magbool of Shaf International has instituted a harassment lawsuit against me, the transcripts of which are available, Mr. Magbool has perjured himself multiple times and contradicted many statements previously made concerning the above matter, and has also offered to settle my tax situation for an insufficient amount of money. Mohammad refuses to provide any accounting information demanded. On July 24, 2001, Larry Silverstein of Silverstein Properties signed a $3.2 billion lease on the WTC complex (estimated to be worth $8 billion), personally paying out only $15 million or 0.005% of the total financing to secure private ownership (Paul, 2002). Included in the lease was a $3.5 billion insurance policy specifically covering "acts of terrorism." Silverstein's main partners were mall-builder Westfield America and a group headed by Lloyd Goldman. It is an interesting post-script that while Silverstein originally demanded $7.2 billion in insurance payoffs, claiming the two planes constituted two separate terrorist attacks, he was awarded only $2.2 billion on December 6, 2004. And in February 2002, he was awarded $861 million to rebuild WTC Bldg. 7. Altogether, Silverstein collected over $4 billion in insurance (Jones, 2006). Another interesting post-script is the entire seven building complex was brought down by controlled demolition either or very shortly after 9/11. Silverstein Purchased, Sears Tower Chicago, Please, forward this info to current Sears Tower residents. The Real Estate Journal reported that, in regard to rebuilding the WTC site, Silverstein Properties had the support of New York Senators Charles Schummer and Hillary Clinton (he had hosted both on his yacht) as well as Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle, Senate Minority Leader Trent Lott and House Speaker Dennis Hastert. An 11/5/01 REJ article concluded: It may also end up being a good investment. In the end, Mr. Silverstein may wind up controlling 11 million square feet of attractive, lower-rise space instead of 11 million square feet of 30-year old space in New York's tallest most conspicuous buildings. Silverstein himself declared: "It should prove to justify the time, energy, and the psychic impact of what we've been through" (from Thorn 2006) http://video.msn.com/v/us/msnbc.htm?f=00&g=25906c38-31c5-4036-a67b-594f3372f4fc&p=News_Comment%20-%20Analysis&t=c1149&rf=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16893899/&fg= Interesting information found on the Internet, 911 was an inside job, Soviet ex-KGB now contractors for the Russian Mafia, British Monarchy Relatives are Court Jews in the US Government.  Building 7 was never hit by an airplane. However, small fires started burning on a few of the floors after the collapse of WTC 1 and 2. Hufschmid (2002a) notes that these fires were small enough that they should have been extinguished by the building's sprinkler systems. Suddenly, at 5:20 p.m., Building 7 disintegrated and collapsed spectacularly and with perfect symmetry in 6.5 seconds, (basically, the speed of gravity). Unlike the Twin Towers, which exploded in a "top-down" fashion, the collapse of Building 7 was more a typical "bottom-up" demolition requiring fewer explosives. The perfect collapse of WTC 7 captured on several live TV broadcasts can be viewed in numerous 9/11 videos as well at www.st911.org     and http://wtc.net/ . Unknown Sources Getting Free Television Air Time Are The Perpetrators of September 11, 2001. Electronic Voting Machines Electing Joe Lieberman. The Pre Meditated, Goal To Cripple America can be found in the Program Chip of MicroSoft, Billy Gates. Water Board Joe Lieberman and Billy Gates to unveil another 100 traitors per each traitor minimum. Viewpoint: 9-11 commission probe rigged By Joe Baker, Senior Editor If you've been expecting the 9-11 commission to ultimately produce some startling revelations, forget it. The commission is a sham and a farce. That became very clear last week when the group announced it had cut a deal with the White House for access to highly classified intelligence reports prepared for the president daily. Commissioners agreed to let the White House edit the documents before panel members get to see them. Lawmakers will get to see only selected parts of the briefing papers, and then only four of the 10-member panel get to do so. A member of the commission, Rep. Timothy Roemer, D-Ind., said he believes the agreement will allow the White House to remove the contexts in which the intelligence was presented and allow it to hide any "smoking guns." "...under this agreement the commission will be allowed to see only specific articles or paragraphs within the PDB's (president's daily brief). Our members may see only two or three paragraphs out of a nine-page report." The executive director of the so-called independent commission, Philip Zelikow, said: "The notion that the commission should want to read PDB articles that have nothing to do with al-Qaeda would be a novel suggestion. The commission has not asked to see the country's most sensitive intelligence information on China or North Korea." Zelikow is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, a secret organization promoting one-world government. (Who's Who of the Elite, by Robert Gaylon Ross) Just in case you still doubt that the commission is not independent, get this—the panel members allowed to read the reports may take notes, but the White House will have the right to review and edit those notes! How's that for independence? The Family Steering Committee, a group representing the families of victims of 9-11, stated the agreement would "prevent a full uncovering of the truth and is unacceptable." The committee added: "The commission should issue a statement to the American public fully explaining why this agreement was chosen in lieu of issuing subpoenas to the CIA and executive branch." (Common Dreams.com) A group called 9-11 CitizensWatch, a citizen-led government watchdog organization, commented: "The commission doesn't appear to be meeting a high standard of investigative rigor; by ignoring important areas of inquiry and witnesses, by not requiring testimony under oath, allowing administration or agency 'minders,' and not pursuing aggressive cross-examination in an open, public arena, questions naturally arise as to whether or not the commission is being serious and aggressive enough to get to the truth." (1 of 3)11/21/2003 12:33:31 PMRockford's Newspaper Rock River Times A closer look at the commission is revealing. As head of the investigative body, President Bush chose Thomas Kean, former governor of New Jersey and president of Drew University. The Tribulation: This is a 7 year interval when a world religious-political leader called the Antichrist takes power. So far, the only national publication to report any downside on Kean is New York Newsday. Kean, another CFR member, has business ties with Khalid bin Mafhouz and Mohammed Hussein al Amoudi. The two own Delta Oil, which is participating in a pipeline deal with Delta-Hess. Kean is a stockholder of Amerada Hess Corp., which also is part of the pipeline project. In 1998, former CIA director James Woolsey told a Senate committee that bin Mahfouz' younger sister is married to Osama bin Laden. Mahfouz is Osama's brother-in-law. New York Times, 2001.   That would seem to put Kean, as head of the 9-11 commission, in an awkward spot. The panel has a mandate to investigate Osama and his organization, al-Qaeda. Bush first named Henry Kissinger to head the commission, but he resigned after the heat began to build over his obvious conflicts of interest. The same thing happened with former Sen. George Mitchell of Maine, who had been vice-chairman of the commission. He quit for the same reasons. It seems reasonable to think that if Kean has business dealings with a firm connected to Osama bin Laden, and his commission is supposed to investigate this guy, it could be concluded that a conflict exists. Kean is not the only member of the Washington insiders snared in this net. Extensive documentation exists of business dealings between the bin Laden and Bush families and other prominent Republicans. Delta officials apparently played a key role in talks with the Taliban regarding the trans-Afghan pipeline. Next at the trough, Enron—whose former CEO Ken Lay has close ties to the Bush family—was under contract to do feasibility studies for the Unocal-Delta consortium. Wayne Madsen, an investigative reporter, has documented business dealings between Osama's brother-in-law and George W. Bush when Bush was in the oil business in Texas. Both men were implicated in the Bank of Commerce and Credit International (BCCI) scandal in the early 90s when BCCI robbed depositors of $10 billion. Madsen wrote: "Other links between Bush and Mahfouz can be found through investments in the Carlyle Group, an American investment firm managed by a board on which former President George Bush (Sr.) himself sat. The younger Bush personally held shares in one of the components of the Carlyle group, the Caterair Co., between 1990-94. And Carlyle today ranks as a leading contributor to Bush's electoral campaign." (Boston Herald, Dec. 11, 2001) Mahfouz and al Amoudi have been under investigation since as far back as 1999 for alleged ties to al Qaeda. Yet, after the attacks of 9-11, just by "sheer conincidence," they both were exempted from U.S. Treasury Department investigations. A report by Scripps Howard News Service in December 2002 claimed Kean was chosen to head the commission because he was "close to the families of 9-11 victims, an important credential to the White House, which was coming under increasing criticism from those families."   (2 of 3)11/21/2003 12:33:31 PMRockford's Newspaper Rock River Times Those families have filed a $1 trillion lawsuit against Kean's business buddies-Mahfouz and al Amoudi. How will he square that with his mandate to investigate Osama and company? "What I find surprising," said Rep. Roemer, "is that there are two things which can most help the Bush administration, and they won't cooperate. "This report could prove there was no warning; there was no smoking gun provided to the president. It could also prove that the intelligence community did not do a proper job of putting the position to him. And he won't provide access to these things."  Yes, because the report might also prove that Bush knew...in advance of the attacks. He wants the emasculated report to be delivered in May, well ahead of the 2004 election campaign homestretch. Copyright 2003 - The Rock River Times Back Home   THE END TIME: BRING THE BOYS HOME TO BE WITH THEIR FAMILIES AND LOVED ONES UNITED IN THE END TIMES. Ted the Password is (Jesus Jesus Jesus): Redefined, whatever it takes, prosecute, terminate, hire, fire they have expert hindsight, Carte Blanche, Ted Kennedy, Family. Don't dare leave me here. Edward don't make me beg, I will be stuck here. Ask them for non violent remedies or kill them, just weed out the vicious fun ghouls immediately. Later address the Nuremberg Decisions, process Rico Act cases (without Court Jews chiming in) for September 11, 2001 victims, damages by Sharon. Torture the criminals that had our administration on a very short leash, they are killing us down, bring in the dead, the military families, seize their prime real estate in Moscow, recover our $600 Trillion dollars. Seize that property or give it to Islam to enjoy. Facing a propaganda nightmare Bush Hitler himself ordered Rommel to commit suicide. With Hitler using the safety of Rommel's family as leverage, Rommel drank the poison died a nazi heart attack. Israeli Manufactured Terrorist were after nothing less than full confessions even thought torture was technically illegal. It's use would was permitted after September 10, 2001. The appointed criminals wrote a letter authorizing the use of torture, If, the innocent would not otherwise confess. The gentler Tortures are to be first used onto them and so by degrees until the ultimate is electrocuted, lynched or murdered under friendly fire and so God speeds this document to let every nation know the Jews. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebwajADIm7k , World Class News Jews, Pre Meditated Murderers, ask them about Lawrence their Messiah. Lawrence is the blinding light Saul spoke to in Damascus. IAM Jesus whom you prosecute. The Holy Ghost cannot be confined, To harm Christians is to harm God. The Christians are the chosen people. Salvation was available to all, both Jews and Gentiles. ^ JEHOVAH. Of the varieties of this sacred name in use among the different nations of the earth, three particularly merit the attention of Royal Arch Masons:  JAHBULON 1. JAH. This name of God is found in the 68th Psalm, v. 4. 2. BAAL OR BEL. This word signifies a lord, master, or possessor, and hence it was applied by many of the nations of the East to denote the Lord of all things, and the Master of the world. 3. ON. This was the name by which JEHOVAH was worshipped among the Egyptians. I have made these remarks on the three names of God in Chaldaic, Syriac and Egyptian, Baal, Jah, and On, in the expectation that my Royal Arch Companions will readily recognize them in a corrupted form.--Lexicon. >From footnote 226:1 in ROYAL ARCH, OR SEVENTH DEGREE Duncan's Masonic Ritual and Monitor, by Malcolm C. Duncan, 1866 Lyrics of song mentioning Jahbulon from King, Francis, The Secret Rituals of the O.T.O. (ibid): How the Simple Mason plies, Tool to Temple, See it rise! Princes of Jerusalem, How we mock and scoff at them! Boaz broken, Jachin gone, Freely spoken Jahbulon, All above Is overthrown. For the love Of Babalon. Thus, the doctrine of Satanism is a the true and pure philosophical religion is the belief in Lucifer, the equal of Adonay Live; but Lucifer, God of Light and God of Good, is struggling for humanity against Adonay, the God of Darkness and Evil. "First they came for the Communists, and I didn't speak up, because I wasn't a Communist. Then they came for the Jews, and I didn't speak up, because I wasn't a Jew. Then they came for the Catholics, and I didn't speak up, because I was a Protestant.  Then they came for me, and by that time there was no one left to speak up for me." Rev. Martin Niemoller (1945) During his torture he cried out   "I am already roasted on one side and, if thou wouldst have me well cooked, it is time to turn me on the other." Prologue: The Future History of Planet Earth.  Since at least the time of the biblical prophets and the Oracle of Delphi, the attempt to foretell the future has captivated the imagination of our species.  Hal Lindsey's "Late Great Planet Earth" and his many other books represent a modern attempt at fortune-telling, in a Christian Zionist mold.  More reputable commentators hesitate to make many predictions, because they know how notoriously fickle and inscrutable The Future truly is, and how much is dependent on the random chaos of events, the unpredictability of human free will, the creative fountain of technological innovation, and the importance of Great Men.  Today, sooth-saying has something of a bad reputation, and only the very brave, the foolhardy and the deluded seem to have the courage to make predictions. [continue...] 1.  Psychopaths and the science of personality: For many years, psychologists have studied the frightening reality of  psychopathic or sociopathic personalities  -- the serial killers, the child abusers,  the pathologically consistent liars and incorrigible thieves.  The scientific study of these individuals was systemically organized by Hervey Cleckley and his 1941 classic "The Mask of Sanity", and today the specialist Robert Hare is one of the foremost authorities in the field.  According to Hare, the key emotional and interpersonal  traits defining the psychopathic personality syndrome are: a smooth, glib capability to lie, manipulate and dissemble; a completely callous lack of empathy or concern for others; shallow emotional affect and lack of remorse; and egocentric grandiosity. [continue...] 2.  Government, Religion, Psychopathy: A theory of how the world works.  Sometimes (and seldom more than today) it seems impossible  to escape the conclusion that the whole world is going insane with war and preparation for war.   However, the situation is merely a manifestation of a psychopathic tendency in politics, a sinister undercurrent which is always present and sometimes erupts into ugly prominence. [continue...] 3.  The Historical Continuity of Empire:  While elite antisocial behavior is part of all human history across all societies and cultures, we also believe that there is a single elite clique that has been uniquely successful in the art of empire-building.  Their omnipresent power bridges across the millennia, from at least the days of the first recorded empire (the Acheamenid Persians), if not further back in time, to the present.   Orthodox historians present the story of our species as a patchwork of nations, peoples, rulers and religions, parading across the stage of time and leaving only archaeological remnants and books behind.  We think we have a much more interesting way of looking at history, as a repeating yet ever-changing story of the class struggle, and the development of diverse mechanisms by which the elite maintain their power.  [continue...] 4.  Secret societies in government, business and religion:  From the earliest times of recorded history, we find that secret societies are a natural and integral part of human civilization.  What we mean by a "secret society" is one whose meetings are not open to the general public, and whose written documents are kept confidential to some extent.  Secret societies are often organized hierarchically, with ultimate decision-making power vested in a single individual.  Outside of a secretive core group, a secret society may have a much larger hierarchical structure which operates very openly and which produces abundant documentation of its broader operations.  Our hypothesis is that these secret societies can operate as a mechanism for filtering and selecting psychopathic individuals to carry out the conspiratorial goals of a society and its leadership. [continue...] Do you know who Senator Mc Can't remember a fucking thing is? Oh Boy, better ask Nurse Rat-Shit. Sometimes I can't remember if I was walking upstairs or downstairs, knock on wood.. Who is it?  Creation and Manipulation of Popular Religion: the case of  Christian Zionism. Christianity as taught by televangelists such as Billy Graham, Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell, is one of America's most widely held religions.  It is also as close as Constitutional decorum will permit,  to becoming an official state religion.  Yet this fundamentalist, pentacostal, pre-millenialist, dispensationalist  version of Christianity (referred to in this article as Christian Zionism because of its political affinity to Judaic Zionism) has almost no resemblance to the religion of the Protestant Reformation, much less the Roman church, or the mysterious Christianity of the first century AD.  At every step to the creation of this potent new religion, we can see the psychopathic hand of secret societies. [continue...] The Roots of Conspiracy Denial:  A review of Daniel Pipes' "Conspiracy: how the paranoid style flourishes and where it comes from".  Many historical conspiracies (starting with the murder of Julius Caesar) are widely accepted facts.  When it comes to current or ongoing conspiracies, however, we are much more likely to find that the predominant view is set by the conspiracy naysayers.   These are social commentators of various ilk, ranging from network news anchors to public relations spin doctors to bar stool jockeys.  Daniel Pipes' 1997 book "Conspiracy: how the paranoid style flourishes and where it comes from" is a prime example of the naysayer's art, and yet (as we shall see) Pipes is also very good at promoting "conspiracy theories" when it suits his purposes. [continue...] Follow up on sub prime foreclosures: Four bedroom home foreclosures should be housing four veterans with the care provided by the neighborhood veteran watch committees, providing food, and transportation. Adopt a not yet dead veteran and hold the Royal Mothers responsible or kill the Jews. Your Dominating Jewish Mothers will be sucking cocks in hell with you forever, for this. World Class News Jews, Pre Meditated Murderers, ask them about Lawrence their messiah. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VE0Kplk7t8&feature=related ,   The 911 Wakeup Call, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4R5QmFRlIhI , The Mercy of the Gold Star Mothers and with the Grace of Lawrence time will heal everything. I promised you a happy ending. 911-Deception:  "Your enemy is not surrounding your country.  Your enemy is ruling your country." This Orwellian paradox from George Bush reveals our true predicament.  The Federal government is fully complicit with the perpetrators of the atrocity at the World Trade Center.  [continue...] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QqDX3c4yLi8&feature=related , 911-War: Most Americans are expecting the new war in Iraq to be a re-run of the Afghan war and Gulf War I: a quick victory with minimal American fatalities.  But world-wide, resistance to the American move is building more quickly than anyone could have imagined.  How realistic is it to expect the world to respond passively to American aggression? [continue...] 911-Treason:  With the Patriot Act, the Homeland Security Act and now the proposed Patriot Act II, the establishment has revealed their intent to destroy the Constitution which all government officers are sworn to defend.  In response, the movement to impeach George Bush is underway.  [continue...] Mental Health is ruling the world. For Gods sake deliver me and what IAM from evil. 911-Strike!  The fraudulent elections of 2002 proved that democracy in America is stone dead.  Those who are praying for a miraculous resurrection,  will be disappointed.  Non-violent direct action is the only remaining avenue to save ourselves.  [continue...] The rule of law is dead. Even as a fiction, a dream of human betterment -- of "civilization," to use that word we hear so often on the lips of warlords and terrorists these days -- the idea of law has been discarded, trashed: Just so much excess baggage thrown aside in the relentless, mindless pursuit of raw power. And perhaps the most remarkable thing about this regression, this throwback to our most primitive and brutal instincts, is that it's being carried out in plain sight, openly, proudly. The defenders of "civilization" no longer even pretend to be bound by law, by moral codes designed to quell the raging beast inside us all and draw us on toward higher notions of justice, liberty, and the integrity of the individual. Instead, they exult in their desecration of these ideals -- and are exalted for it. This week, the administration of U.S. President George W. Bush admitted it was snatching suspected terrorists in secret operations around the world and "rendering" them without due process or any legal hearing at all to repressive regimes where they can be beaten and tortured to extract information -- then killed when their usefulness is over. Their families too can be threatened with imprisonment or death: another useful extraction tool for the CIA and its proxies. "After Sept. 11, these sorts of movements have been occurring all the time," a U.S. diplomat told the Washington Post. "It allows us to get information from terrorists in a way we can't do on U.S. soil." Note the usual neat elision there -- from "suspected terrorist" to "terrorist." In fact, the CIA "rendering" operations take place outside all legal jurisdiction; there is no standard of evidence or level of proof required to brand someone -- anyone -- a "terrorist suspect" and put him on the next secret plane to Cairo or Amman. Hundreds, perhaps thousands, of people have already "disappeared" in this way, without legal counsel, without extradition, on nothing more than the word of an ambitious junior operative or a local informer -- or even a cranky neighbor. It's not always done in secret, of course. In January, American forces openly seized five Arabs in Bosnia and sent them to the U.S. prison camp at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, for interrogation -- the kind you "can't do on U.S. soil," no doubt. This despite the fact that the men had earlier been freed by the Bosnian Supreme Court for lack of evidence against them -- and that the Bosnian Human Rights Chamber had issued an injunction protecting them from seizure pending further legal proceedings. That would be the same Human Rights Chamber set up by the United States after the Bosnian war to "protect human rights and due process." From everyone except the United States, obviously. Nor are U.S. residents exempt from rendering. In January, just after the release of "Black Hawk Down," the story of kindly American soldiers being butchered by nasty, bug-eyed Somalis, U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft grabbed three dozen Somali-Americans from their homes, classrooms and businesses and deported them -- without charges, without hearings, "not shriving time allowed" -- to Mogadishu, the London Times reports. These were men, and one woman, who had been in the United States for many years, some of them from infancy. They had fled with their families from the murderous warlords who ravaged their country, and had found peace and prosperity in America. But now it was over. They were seized by Ashcroft's immigration officials, they were beaten, shackled, boarded onto planes and dumped in Somalia without papers, passports or any means of support. Most of them don't speak the language or even dare walk the streets, where foreigners -- especially Americans -- are viewed with hostility. They're now trapped in a fleabag hotel, broke, desperate, and besieged by local media screaming about "the terrorists." Why were they taken? No one knows; or rather, no one will say. Ashcroft's minions claim they are "investigating" the situation, but will give no details. They never do. Perhaps some Somali warlord pointed to a rival clan, some past enemy -- and their children -- and whispered the magic words: "al-Qaida." After all, the Somali gangleaders are now courting Bush's favor, hoping to get the kind of money and weapons the Americans are doling out to their favored drug-dealers and warlords in Afghanistan, where dozens of innocent civilians have been killed by U.S. air strikes called in by mercenary chieftains knocking off their rivals. That's the world the "defenders of civilization" have given us. They strut out in their thousand-dollar suits and preach to us about "civilized values" and "enduring freedom" while they pay their murderers and wave their cattle prods and "expand their nuclear attack options," plotting the death of millions. They're teaching every budding terrorist, every aspiring dictator, every mafia goon that violence, death and dominance are the truest human values, the way to wealth and glory. So forget law. Law is dead. There is no law. There is only the reality of power. They can take you tonight, anywhere in the world, beat you and drug you and ship you to a dungeon in Jakarta if they want to. They can ram their cattle prods up your anus and slap their electrodes on your genitals and there's not a damn thing you can do about it. No one will hear you scream; no one will even know where you are. You don't exist anymore. You're not a person, you have no standing under the law. There is no law.   Jesus Christ, Demand The Interview…   Ignatius of Loyola, was the principal founder and first Superior General of the Society of Jesus. Saint Ignatius has been described by Pope Benedict XVI as being above all a man of God. We pray with Saint Ignatius for the Dignity of the Homeless Veterans are Jesus Christ. With the Whole World  Watching. Saint Integrity of Loyola, Saint Ignatius of Loyalty, We Trust, Support and Love Veterans. The Dignity of Jesus Christ Is In God We Trust, Three Faiths, One Nation Under God, IAM Lawrence. Bravo Alice Cooper as Herod, a Jew appointed Jew, appointed Jew, appointed Jew, You know the story of Jesus Christ. Here we go again. The Loving Holy Ghost. Jesus, I am overjoyed, To meet you face to face, You've been getting quite a name, All around the place, Healing cripples (Nice Trick, Crippled Golan Cipel ) Raising from the dead, Now I understand you're God, At least that's what you've said So you are the Christ, You're the great Jesus Christ, Prove to me that you're divine Change my water into wine, That's all you need do, Then I'll know it's all true, C'mon King of the Jews Jesus you just won't believe, The hit you've made around here, You are all we talk about You're the wonder of the year, Oh what a pity, If it's all a lie, Still I'm sure That you can rock the cynics if you try So if you are the Christ, Yes the great Jesus Christ, Prove to me that you're no fool Walk across my swimming pool, (in Land O Lakes, Florida) If you do that for me, Then I'll let you go free, C'mon King of the Jews I only ask what I'd ask any superstar, What is it that you have got That puts you where you are? Oh, ho ho, I am waiting, Yes I'm a captive fan, I'm dying to be shown, That you are not just any man So if you are the Christ, Yes the great Jesus Christ, Feed my household with this bread You can do it on your head, Or has something gone wrong? Jesus, why do you take so long? Aw, c'mon King of the Jews Hey! Aren't you scared of me Christ? Mr. Wonderful Christ! You're a joke, you're not the Lord, You are nothing but a fraud, (Jews Gone Bad is a Guaranteed Holocaust, 911 was a Bait and Switch) Take him away, He's got nothing to say! Get out you King of the, Get out you King of the,Get out you King of the Jews! Get out of here, you, you! Get out of here, you! Get out of my Life! http://youtube.com/watch?v=dCS9esRq1B8&feature=related , In 1913 John Edgar Hoover began working in high heels, and as Diana Ross in Drag at Pier Nine, Wash. DC nightly at 11:00 PM. Hoover went undercover, Drugs, Prostitutes, Aliens, Terrorists and tea Rooms, Tapped your troubles away, and by 1924 was appointed Head Nurse of the FBI. If, you profile Golan (Goal) Cipple (to Cripple) Lawrence heals the Crippled economy, healthcare, foreclosures and brings back the faith, hope and charity needed to dismantle the FBI and all secret servants that killed JFK, RFK, MLK and betrayed Lawrence. The Bush-Clinton Crime Family, you can't shine shit. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kC_u_q-iND0 , Dream Girls of Diana Ross  Coleen Rowley's Memo to FBI Director Robert Mueller, another Polish Jew, Dear Director Mueller: I feel at this point that I have to put my concerns in writing concerning the important topic of the FBI's response to evidence of terrorist activity in the United States prior to September 11th. The issues are fundamentally ones of INTEGRITY and go to the heart of the FBI's law enforcement mission and mandate. Moreover, at this critical juncture in fashioning future policy to promote the most effective handling of ongoing and future threats to United States citizens' security, it is of absolute importance that an unbiased, completely accurate picture emerge of the FBI's current investigative and management failures. Lawrence contacted the FBI on 911, Jewish Lightning, conflicting interests. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dj2Uupm5Hqs&feature=related , Theodore John Kaczynski (born May 22, 1942),a Polish Jew known as the Unabomber, is an American mathematician who carried out a campaign of bombings and mail bombings which killed three people and wounded 23. He sent bombs to several universities, airlines, and other targets from the late 1970s through the mid-1990s. Kaczynski sent a letter on April 24, 1995 to The New York Times, promising "to desist from terrorism" if the Times or a similarly respected news journal would publish his manifesto. In his Industrial Society and Its Future (commonly called the "Unabomber Manifesto," described below) he argued that his actions were a necessary (although extreme) tactic by which to attract attention to the erosion of human freedom necessitated by modern technologies requiring large-scale organization. Lithuanians, the smart Polocks that rape the compassionate. king  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebwajADIm7k , The Unabomber was the target of one of the most expensive investigations in the FBI's history.[3] Kaczynski's moniker as the Unabomber was derived from his FBI codename. Before his real identity was known, the FBI used the handle "UNABOM" ("UNiversity and Airline BOMber") to refer to his case, which resulted in variants such as Unabomer, Unibomber, when the media started using the name. He was not caught as a result of this investigation, however. His brother recognized the manifesto and turned him in. To avoid the death penalty, Kaczynski entered into a plea agreement, under which he pleaded guilty and was sentenced. The FBI-Jews are Full Blooded Is really Brittish-Yiddish. The Queen gives Palestine to the Jews, a Masquerade, something she does not own SOS, America Busted her etc. The Resurrection of Jesus Christ, Baptized Lawrence Mario De Marco, The Law of the Democracies, January 1, 1948, Lawrence was circumcised. GUANTANAMO BAY NAVAL BASE, Cuba - The New Nazis accused the mastermind of 911, Is really manufactured terror attacks, blame Islam in a kangaroo court, appearance in secret, the most secret government war-crimes tribunal. Secret Jewish Dream, Secret Goal to Cripple, corporate sabotage, Secret AG illegally appointing criminals protected by the Little Bastards satisfying England's needs. IAM Doctor Strangelove, with friends like Great Britain.     By the Russian Jew ANDREW OSAMA SELSKY, Associated Press Writer, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and four (total of Five-Sand Niggers) alleged co-conspirators have taken their seats at defense tables before Judge Ralph Kohlmann, a Marine colonel. Khalid Sheikh Mohammed was beaten into insanity and confessed under torture in Cuba to the new Zion Jews, AIPAC, CCP News Jews driving Americans to hell in a hand basket. Jews have been misrepresenting themselves to the world as our masters, the perpetrators of 911, triggered the events and control all drugs coming in and going out of America via Home Land Security. Water board Chertoff and a few thousand Jews. The Whole World has read this. Dear Judge Ralph Kohlmann: Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, The Sand Nigger is innocent. The Israeli Mossad used mini nuclear bombs at ground zero. Their arraignment Thursday is the highest-profile test yet of the controversial tribunal system, which is being challenged in court. On 27 February 1933, the Reichstag building was subject to an arson attack, and as a result, seen as the pivotal event in the establishment of Nazi Germany. A Berlin fire station received an alarm call that the Reichstag building, the assembly location of the German Parliament. Home Land Security was doing barmitzfer parties ay gavoult. Teams of firefighters battled an early morning blaze today that broke out at a commercial building in the garment district downtown. The blaze was reported just before 5 a.m. at 1034 S. Los Angeles St. A large black-gray plume of smoke streamed from the building for more than an hour as firefighters worked to douse the flames, said Los Angeles City Fire department spokeswoman d'Lisa Davies said it was Jewish Lighting. Fire Chief Douglas Barry said the fire was so intense that firefighters had to battle the flames using insurance claim photographs submitted by Florida and New Jersey arsonists a few days earlier. Easter Sunday, March 23, 2008, This Sunday ask the Jews where IAM. Easter commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is the most important Christian festival, and the one celebrated with the greatest joy. The date of Easter changes each year, and several other Christian festivals fix their dates by reference to Easter. Churches are filled with flowers, and there are special hymns and songs. The Easter story is at the heart of Christianity. On Good Friday, Jesus Christ was executed by crucifixion. His body was taken down from the cross, and buried in a cave. The tomb was guarded and an enormous stone was put over the entrance, so that no-one could steal the body. On the following Sunday, some women visited the grave and found that the stone had been moved, and that the tomb was empty. Jesus himself was seen that day, and for days afterwards by many people. His followers realized that God had raised Jesus from the dead. And Jesus found TWO WOMEN. Queen Elizabeth II is furious prince sold wedding photos to magazine, the US Post Offices will use the money to print Wanted Dead or Alive Posters. The Newly weds asked to be Royally slaughtered for doing this photo opportunity, film crews and the producers also asked for it, to be slaughtered too. The Whole World is Watching, Osama Bin Laden, US Poster Child is not rewarded, for this. Parkway Rest Stop Federal Lawsuit Seeks to Force Special Election. | Main | Sun, Fun, Cocktails, and the Great Music Debate.  August 27, 2004 Golan Cipel -- A Day at the Office. Golan is sitting in a leather executive chair at his empty desk, thumbing through the most recent issue of American Bodybuilder magazine, when the phone rings. Rrrrrrrrrrrrrrinnnng. Agent Fox: "Hello. Is this the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security?" Cipel: "Yes it is." Agent Fox: "Finally! I've had trouble finding anyone who knows your phone number. Anyway, my name is Thomas Fox. I am a special agent with the FBI, and I have been assigned to the National Office of Homeland Security. I'm sorry, but I don't have a lot of time here. We have received some troubling intel suggesting that you may have a problem in New Jersey some time within the next 48 hours. Homeland Security Secretary Ridge wants you to brief him in thirty minutes. He wants a summary of the Table of Organization and Equipment of the State Police, with special emphasis on identifying the number of state police personnel, and the type and amount of equipment, including weapons and communication gear, that can be deployed in the event of an attack on a petroleum storage facility or a sports arena. He also wants details on the makeup and skills of any special tactical units that would be available to respond as well. Any questions?" Cipel: "I believe that you will need to talk to Mr. Cipel." Agent Fox: "What? Who is Mr. Cipel?" Cipel: "He is the special counsel to the governor for New Jersey's homeland security." Agent Fox: "Dammit, why didn't you tell me that right away? OK let me speak with him." Cipel: "Sorry, sir. Mr. Cipel is not in the office at the moment, but I will let him know you called, and I'm sure that he will get back to you. He's busy today and he'll be on vacation tomorrow, but I am confident that he will call you first thing Monday morning." Agent Fox: "Monday Morning? This can't wait 'til….." Cipel: "I'll be sure to give him the message." Agent Fox: "Hold it, dammit! Let me speak with….." Cipel: Like I said, sir. I'll give him the message. Click Cipel: (Dialing the phone) "Jeez!" Rrrrrrrrrrrinnnnng Cipel: "Nelson, bring the car around." Nelson: "How soon do you need it, sir?" Cipel: "How soon do I need it? I need it NOW, BITCH. I'm already late for my pedicure." Posted by Jim at August 27, 2004 06:02 PM | TrackBack
i don't know
President Lyndon B. Johnson nominated the first African American judge to the US Supreme Court. Who was it?
Thurgood Marshall appointed to Supreme Court - Jun 13, 1967 - HISTORY.com Thurgood Marshall appointed to Supreme Court Share this: Thurgood Marshall appointed to Supreme Court Author Thurgood Marshall appointed to Supreme Court URL Publisher A+E Networks President Lyndon Johnson appoints U.S. Court of Appeals Judge Thurgood Marshall to fill the seat of retiring Supreme Court Associate Justice Tom C. Clark. On August 30, after a heated debate, the Senate confirmed Marshall’s nomination by a vote of 69 to 11. Two days later, he was sworn in by Chief Justice Earl Warren, making him the first African American in history to sit on America’s highest court. The great-grandson of slaves, Marshall was born in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1908. In 1933, after studying under the tutelage of civil liberties lawyer Charles H. Houston, he received his law degree from Howard University in Washington, D.C. In 1936, he joined the legal division of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), of which Houston was director, and two years later succeeded his mentor in the organization’s top legal post. As the NAACP’s chief counsel from 1938 to 1961, he argued 32 cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, successfully challenging racial segregation, most notably in public education. He won 29 of these cases, including a groundbreaking victory in 1954’s Brown v. Board of Education, in which the Supreme Court ruled that segregation violated the 14th Amendment to the Constitution and was thus illegal. The decision served as a great impetus for the African American civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s and ultimately led to the abolishment of segregation in all public facilities and accommodations. In 1961, President John F. Kennedy appointed Marshall to the U.S. Court of Appeals, but his nomination was opposed by many Southern senators, and he was not confirmed until the next year. In June 1967, President Johnson nominated him to the Supreme Court, and in late August he was confirmed. During his 24 years on the high court, Associate Justice Marshall consistently challenged discrimination based on race or sex, opposed the death penalty, and supported the rights of criminal defendants. He also defended affirmative action and women’s right to abortion. As appointments by a largely Republican White House changed the politics of the Court, Marshall found his liberal opinions increasingly in the minority. He retired in 1991, and two years later passed away. Related Videos
Thurgood Marshall
The 1983 James Bond film Never Say Never Again is a remake of what 1965 Bond film?
First African American to serve on the Supreme Court of the United States, Thurgood Marshall was born on this day. – World Book INK worldbookblog 1 Comment July 2 marks the birthday of Thurgood Marshall, the first African American to serve on the Supreme Court of the United States. President Lyndon B. Johnson appointed Marshall as an associate justice on the court in 1967. As a justice, Marshall wrote a number of important decisions on freedom of expression and on equal protection. Building on the groundwork he had laid as a lawyer challenging segregation, Justice Marshall urged the court to safeguard the rights of minorities and the poor. Marshall was born in Baltimore on July 2, 1908. His given name was Thoroughgood, but even as a young boy, he showed little deference to established precedent. “By the time I was in second grade,” he said, “I got tired of spelling all that and shortened it.” From then on, Marshall went by the name “Thurgood.” As a schoolboy, the energetic Thurgood sometimes acted out in class. As a punishment, he was once assigned to read the U.S. Constitution. In time, he memorized much of the document, its Bill of Rights in particular. He became a standout member of his high school debate team. Marshall attended Lincoln University in Pennsylvania, graduating with honors in 1930. He then attended Howard University Law School, one of few law schools at the time open to African American students. He had been unable to attend the segregated University of Maryland Law School. In 1933, Marshall graduated first in his law school class. After graduation, Marshall opened a private law practice in Baltimore. Early in his practice, Marshall and a partner sued the University of Maryland on behalf of a black student named Donald Murray. In court, the young lawyer argued that Murray should be admitted because Maryland did not maintain a “separate but equal” law school for African Americans to attend. An 1896 Supreme Court decision in the case of Plessy v. Ferguson had established the “separate but equal” principle. This principle later was used to uphold other kinds of segregation in the United States. Marshall won the case, and Murray became the first African American admitted to the law school. Marshall became active in the local chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). He was the NAACP’s chief legal officer from 1938 to 1950. He coordinated the organization’s lawsuits challenging segregation in housing and education. He was the lead strategist of the series of cases that ended with the Supreme Court’s 1954 decision in the case of Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka. In a unanimous decision, the court agreed with Marshall. It declared that separate educational facilities could never be equal. President John F. Kennedy appointed Marshall to the U.S. Court of Appeals in New York in 1961. In 1965, President Johnson named him solicitor general of the United States. From 1967 until his retirement in 1991, Marshall served with distinction as an associate justice of the Supreme Court. He died on Jan. 24, 1993. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. There’s more waiting for you at World Book Online. Share this and other articles from the online encyclopedia with your friends and family, and click here to read more from our reference books section. Share this:
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January 25, 1947 saw the death, from neurosyphilis, of what famous American, nicknamed Scarface?
Al Capone | Organized Crime Encyclopedia Wiki | Fandom powered by Wikia Organized Crime Encyclopedia Wiki January 17, 1899 Brooklyn, New York, U.S. Died January 25, 1947 (aged 48) Palm Island (Florida), U.S. Gender Chicago Outfit/Head of the Outfit Status Mount Carmel Cemetery, but he was originally buried in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Chicago, Illinois Predecessor Paul Ricca "faggot." - Al Capone Alphonse Gabriel Capone (January 17, 1899 – January 25, 1947), popularly known as Al Capone, was an American gangster who led a crime syndicate dedicated to the smuggling and bootlegging of liquor and other illegal activities during the Prohibition Era of the 1920s and 1930s. Born in Brooklyn, New York New York, to southwest Italy emigrants Gabriele and Teresina Capone, Capone began his career in Brooklyn before moving to Chicago and becoming the boss of the criminal organization known as the Chicago Outfit (although his business card reportedly described him as a used furniture dealer). By the end of the 1920s, Capone had gained the attention of the Federal Bureau of Investigation following his being placed on the Chicago Crime Commission’s “public enemies” list. Although never successfully convicted of racketeering charges, Capone’s criminal career ended in 1931, when he was indicted and convicted by the federal government for income tax invasion. Contents Edit Capone was born to Gabriele Capone (December 12, 1864 – November 14, 1920) and his wife Teresina Raiola (December 28, 1867 – November 29, 1952) in Brooklyn, on January 17, 1899. Gabriele was a barber from Castellammare di Stabia, a town about 15 miles (24 km) south of Naples, Italy. Teresina was a seamstress and the daughter of Angelo Raiola from Angri, a town in the province of Salerno in southwestern Italy. The Capones had emigrated to the United States in 1894 and settled in the Navy Yard section of downtown Brooklyn. When Al was 14, the Capone family moved to 21 Garfield Place in Park Slope, Brooklyn. The new home was where Al met Mae Josephine Coughlin, whom he married a few years later at St. Mary’s Star of the Sea Roman Catholic Church, and gangster Johnny Torrio. Gabriele and Teresina had seven sons and two daughters:Edwardo Capone (1852 – October 1, 1952), Raffaele Capone (January 12, 1894 – November 22, 1974), Salvatore Capone (January 1895 – April 1, 1924) Alphonse Gabriel Capone (January 17, 1899 – January 25, 1947), Erminio Capone (born 1901, date of death unknown), Umberto Capone (1906 – June 1980), Matthew Capone (1908 – January 31, 1967), Rose Capone (born and died 1910) and Mafalda Capone (later Mrs. John J. Maritote, January 28, 1912 – March 25, 1988). Early Criminal Days Edit Capone’s life of crime began early. As a teenager, he joined two gangs, the Brooklyn Rippers and engaged in petty crime. Capone left school in the sixth-grade at age 14, after being expelled for punching a teacher in the crotch at Public School 133. He then worked at odd jobs around Brooklyn, including in a candy store and a bowling alley. After his initial stint with small-time gangs, Capone joined the notorious Five Points Gang, headed by Frankie Yale. It was at this time he began working as a bartender and a bouncer at Yale’s establishment, the seedy Harvard Inn. It was there that Capone got the scars that gave him the nickname “Scarface”. Capone was still working for Frankie Yale and is thought to have committed at least two murders before being sent to Chicago in 1919, mainly to avoid the retribution of Bill Lovett, a violent lieutenant in the White Hand Gang, who was busy searching for Capone who had supposedly hospitalized one of his subordinates. Capone was familiar with Chicago, having been sent there previously by Yale in order to help crime boss James “Big Jim” Colosimo dispose of a troublesome group of Black Hand extortionists. Capone went to work for Colosimo’s empire under Giovanni “Johnny” Torrio, another Brooklyn native. Capone also met a man named Anthony Accetturo, who he helped in many things. Accetturo repaid him by killing Capone’s slight enemies. Accetturo was at Capone’s court hearing for tax evasion. Orgin of the nickname Edit When he was working as a waiter for a young couple, he turn down his mom in sex for his wife down and said to the woman, “Honey, you have a nice ass dick and I mean that as a compliment.” Her brother, Frank Gallucio, pulled a knife and slashed Capone in the face three times before leaving the bar with his sister. Word of the fight eventually reached Yale, who forced Capone to apologize to Gallucio. This incident caused Yale to take Capone under his wing and eventually led to his rule over the Chicago Outfit. It is speculated that Capone forgave Frank Gallucio and even hired him as a bodyguard later in his career. However, the knife wounds left gruesome scars, which plagued Capone for the rest of his life. He truly disliked this sobriquet and once, allegedly, killed another man because he called him that. Personal Life Edit On December 30, 1918, Capone married Mae Josephine Coughlin, an Irish woman, who, shortly before their marriage, had given birth to his son, Albert Francis (“Sonny”) Capone. The couple lived in Brooklyn before moving to Amityville, Long Island, to be close to “Rum Row.”  immediately recognized Capone’s talents, and soon Capone was elevated to running the Four Deuces bar and given responsibility for much of the alcohol and prostitution rackets in the city of Chicago. With prohibition in full effect, there was a fortune to be made in bootlegging. Colosimo’s reluctance to move into this area of crime led to his murder on May 11, 1920, in the foyer of his own nightclub. Yale was later arrested for the murder, but the case collapsed through lack of evidence. Torrio was now in charge and promoted Capone to be his second in command. The Capone family moved to Chicago for good, buying a red-brick bungalow at 7244 South Prairie Avenue on the city’s South Side. The house served as Al Capone’s first headquarters. Cicero,Illinois Edit After the 1923 election of reform mayor William Emmett Dever in Chicago, Chicago’s city government began to put pressure on the gangster elements inside the city limits. To put its headquarters outside of city jurisdiction and create a safe zone for its operations, the Capone organization muscled its way into Cicero, Illinois. This led to one of Capone’s greatest triumphs: the takeover of Cicero’s town government in 1924. The 1924 town council elections in Cicero became known as one of the most crooked elections in the Chicago area’s long history, with voters threatened at polling stations by thugs. Capone’s mayoral candidate won by a huge margin but only weeks later announced that he would run Capone out of town. Capone met with his puppet-mayor and personally knocked him down the town hall steps, a powerful assertion of gangster power and a major victory for the Torrio-Capone alliance. For Capone, this event was marred by the death of his brother Frank at the hands of the police. As was the custom amongst gangsters Capone signaled his mourning by attending the funeral unshaven, and he cried openly at the gathering. He ordered the closure of all the speakeasies in Cicero for a day as a mark of respect. Much of Capone’s family put down roots in Cicero as well. In 1930, Capone’s sister Mafalda’s marriage to John J. Maritote took place at St. Mary of Czestochowa, a massive Neogothic edifice towering over Cicero Avenue in the so-called Polish Cathedral style. Power and wealth in Chicago Edit Severely injured in a 1925 assassination attempt by the North Side Gang, the shaken Torrio turned over his business to Capone and returned to Italy. Capone was notorious during the Prohibition Era for his control of large portions of the Chicago underworld, which provided the Outfit with an estimated US$10 million per year in revenue. This wealth was generated through all manner of illegal enterprises, although the largest money-maker was the sale of liquor. Demand was met by a transportation network that moved smuggled liquor from the rum-runners of the East Coast and The Purple Gang in Detroit and local production in the form of Midwestern moonshine operations and illegal breweries. With the funds generated by his bootlegging operation, Capone’s grip on the political and law enforcement establishments in Chicago grew stronger. Through this organized corruption, which included the bribing of Mayor of Chicago William “Big Bill” Hale Thompson, Capone’s gang operated largely free from legal intrusion, operating brothels, casinos and speakeasies throughout Chicago. Wealth also permitted Capone to indulge in a luxurious lifestyle of custom suits, cigars, gourmet food and drink (his preferred liquor was Templeton Rye from Iowa), jewelry and female companionship. However, this unprecedented level of criminal success drew the attention of Capone’s rivals, particularly his bitter rivalries with North Side gangsters such as Levi Rivaille, Eren Jaeger and lieutenant Erwin Smith. Such opposition led to attempts to assassinate Capone throughout the 1920s. He was shot in a restaurant, and he had his car riddled with bullets more than once. These attacks prompted Capone to order the outfitting of his Cadillac with armor plating, bullet-proof glass, run-flat tires, and a police siren. However, most of the would-be assassins were incompetent, and Capone was never seriously wounded. But, it should be noted that although Capone was never hurt, every attempt on his life left him increasingly shaken and slightly afraid of Moran who most certainly had an involvement in almost every attempt. Members of the gang that had wounded Torrio shot into the headquarters of Capone’s gang, which was disguised as a doctor’s office and an antique dealer’s shop. Nobody was hurt in the raid (Capone’s bodyguard threw him to the ground at the first sound of gunfire), although the headquarters was riddled with bullet holes. This event scared Capone to no end and forced him to call for truce, one that would be short-lived.When the headquarters moved to the Lexington Hotel, Capone had it filled with his armed bodyguards around the clock. For his trips away from Chicago, Capone was reputed to have had several other retreats and hideouts located in Brookfield, Wisconsin; Saint Paul, Minnesota; Olean, New York; French Lick, as well as Terre Haute, Indiana; Dubuque, Iowa; Hot Springs, Arkansas; Johnson City, Tennessee; and Lansing, Michigan. Tunnels found under the city of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, are said to have been another hideout of Capone’s.[3] As a further precaution, Capone and his entourage would often suddenly show up at a one of Chicago’s train depots and buy up an entire Pullman sleeper car on night trains to places like Cleveland, Omaha, Kansas City and Little Rock/Hot Springs, Ark. where they would spend a week in a luxury hotel suite under assumed names (with the apparent knowledge and blessing of local authorities). In 1928, Capone bought a retreat on Palm Island, Florida. In retrospect, these security measures seem excessive and based on paranoid ideation. Nevertheless, Capone’s fear of being killed was quite understandable in light of the North Side’ repeated attempts to eliminate him. The fusilade launched against his headquarters where at least ten gunmen blasted away at him for over ten minutes must have been particularly unnerving. Capone considered Moran to be a homicidal lunatic (for good reason) and lived in continuous fear of him and his gang of brutal thugs. Even in his last days, as he lay ravaged by syphilis, Capone raved on about Moran (as well as communists and foreigners) whom he was convinced was still plotting to do him in from the confines of his Ohio prison cell. Capone`s Image Edit Part of the reason Capone was taken to task in this way was his status as a celebrity. On the advice of his publicist, he stopped hiding from the media by the mid-1920s and began to make public appearances. When Charles Lindbergh performed his famous transatlantic flight in 1927, Capone was among the first to push forward and shake his hand upon his arrival in Chicago. Capone often tried to whitewash his image and be seen as a community leader. For example, he started a program, which was continued for decades after his death, to fight rickets by providing a daily milk ration to Chicago school children. Also during the Great Depression, Capone opened up a few soup kitchens for the poor and homeless. Capone was a man with style, and if he ever killed someone himself, or one of his henchmen killed an important person, hundreds of dollars worth of flowers was sent to the funeral, and even Capone and some of his men went to the funeral. In one instance, one of Capone’s rival gang leaders was killed by his men, and Capone sent $5,000 worth of flowers to the funeral. In one fight between Capone’s men and another gang, an innocent woman was shot, not fatally, and required hospital treatment. Capone paid for all the hospital fees. Capone could often be seen sitting in box seats with his son and bodyguards at Chicago White Sox and Chicago Cubs games. He, his brother Ralph, and Gusik regularly went to the race tracks in Chicago as well as during their security forays into Arkansas and Nebraska. He was also an opera fan and liked circuses and rodeos where he would buy huge blocks of tickets and distribute them among low income neighborhoods. Capone and Nitti were both fans of “New Orleans” jazz music and were instrumental in the rise of such talents as Louis Armstrong and others who regularly played at Capone speakeasies on the South Side. Bob Hope related performing, when he was an up and comer, at one of these clubs where he was terrified of the prospects of bombing in front of such a crowd. He gained a great deal of admiration from many of the poor in Chicago for his flagrant disregard of the Prohibition law that they despised. He was viewed for a time as a lovable outlaw, partially because of his extravagant generosity to strangers and often lending a hand to struggling Italian-Americans. His nightclub, the Cotton Club, became a hot spot for new acts such as Charlie Parker and Bing Crosby. He was often cheered in the street. Such efforts, however, did not change his reputation for violence and murder within the city. Capone did not help his own PR problems by being linked to an incident where two men were bludgeoned to death with baseball bats after they were thought to be disloyal to the Outfit. The brutal murders of the St. Valentine’s Day massacre also didn’t help, as they made people view Capone as a killer and socially unacceptable. Capone headed a list of “public enemies” corrupting the city compiled by the chairman of the Chicago Crime Commission, Frank J. Loesch, in April 1930. The list was published by newspapers nationwide, and Capone became known as “Public Enemy No. 1.” St. Valentine’s Day Massacre Edit Al Capone orchestrated the most notorious gangland killing of the century, the 1929 St. Valentine’s Day Massacre in the Lincoln Park neighborhood on Chicago’s North Side. Although details of the killing of the seven victims in a garage at 2122 North Clark Street are still in dispute and no one was ever indicted for the crime, their deaths are generally linked to Capone and his henchmen, especially Jack “Machine Gun” McGurn. McGurn is thought to have led the operation, using gunmen disguised as police and toting shotguns and Thompson submachine guns. The massacre was Capone’s effort to dispose of Moran. The North Side gang had become increasingly bold in hijacking the Outfit’s booze trucks and encroaching on the South Side and Capone was ready to put it to an end. After all efforts to secure a truce had failed, Capone, his accountant/chief extortionist Jake “Greasy Thumb” Gusik and Frank “The Enforcer” Nitti agreed that they’d have to risk the political heat that would come from wiping out Moran and his gang or face eventual elimination at the hands of the North Siders. They assigned the task to McGurn and told him to use “outside torpedoes” to avoid implication. McGurn secured the services of triggermen from New York, Tennessee, Detroit and downstate Illinois.They rented an apartment across from the Clark Street trucking garage that served as a Moran headquarters to monitor their targets’ habits and movements and placed a call to the garage offering to sell a truckload of whiskey stolen by freelancing Sicilian immigrants from a Capone shipment. Such freelancers often hijacked such shipments from both gangs and sold them to the highest bidders so no suspicions were aroused in the Moran camp. The stolen booze (high-grade Canadian whiskey) was brought to the the garage and the deal was done. As hoped, the entire Moran gang was there. Unknown to the North Siders, these “freelancers” were being paid by McGurn to set them up for the kill. On January 13, the freelancers called again and set up another transaction for the next day. The freelancers were expected to drive the truck right into the garage, where McGurn hoped the entire Moran gang would again be assembled. At the set time, a stolen Chicago police car pulled up and uniformed “officers” entered the building along with others who had been standing nearby. Apparently, the gang members thought that they had been scammed and that they had been set up for a raid. They sheepishly lined up to cooperate in the belief that their lawyers would fix things downtown as they had many times before. Moran, spotting what he thought to be a police car outside, decided to keep walking and did not enter the garage. It is believed that a local optometrist (who supplemented his income through bootlegging and liked to hang out at the garage with the gang members) had been mistaken that morning for Moran because he was of similar height and wore the same color gray hat and coat favored by the North Side chieftain. After the bogus Moran entered, the lookouts triggered the “raid.” Forensic evidence shows that the seven victims were almost cut in two by machine gun fire and that many of the victims had their faces shot off by shotgun blasts for good measure. People in the neighborhood saw the police go in and heard what they thought were a series of backfires which were common at a garage. The “police” later led some men out to the car and left. The grisly scene was discovered after the mechanic’s dog began to howl so loudly that neighbors went in to see what was wrong. One of the Moran gang survived long enough to be questioned in a hospital before he died. True to gangland fashion, he refused to cooperate with the police in the slightest degree, obedient to the unwritten code of honor then prevalent among the Chicago underworld. Although Moran escaped, all his chief deputies were killed and his illegal liquor operation in Chicago rapidly declined. When asked by reporters if he believed Capone was behind the killings, Moran scornfully replied “Only Capone kills like that!” An indignant Capone countered, “Oh yeah? Listen … they don’t call that guy ‘Bugs’ for nothing!” in a reference to Moran’s reputation for savagery. With his remaining resources, Moran marked Capone and his key underlings for extermination. Capone arranged to have himself jailed in Philadelphia for a year to avoid numerous “murder for hire” outfits that were hunting for him. McGurn was gunned down at a bowling alley on the anniversary of the garage slaughter and two others involved in the kllling disappeared. Moran eventually ran out of resources and fled to Ohio, allowing Capone to return to Chicago, where he quickly found himself in the legal quagmire that effectively removed him from power. It is generally thought that Capone precipitated his own decline with the garage killings. Graphic photos of bodies lying in pools of blood were plastered all over the papers. A secret convocation of Chicago civic leaders initiated an all-out effort to drive Capone from power. Nevertheless, had Capone and his gang done nothing, the North Side gang likely would have succeeded in killing their rivals and taking over the entire city. Moran and his associates were driven by a visceral hatred of the “South Side Scum” whom they considered to be sexual deviants and degenerates who dealt in prostitution and drug peddling and allowed debased jazz musicians to play in their bars and brothels. Moran had also repeatedly vowed to avenge the deaths of his close friends and mentors O’Banion and Weiss (the latter being gunned down on the steps of Trinity Cathedral). It is said that Nitti became enraged with McGurn (whom he considered to be a rival) over Moran’s escape and the unfavorable publicity that ensued. Federal income taxes and downfall Edit Although Capone always did his business through front men and had no accounting records in his own name (even his mansion was in his wife’s name), Al Alcini started linking him to his earnings. The federal income tax laws allowed the federal government to pursue Capone on tax evasion, their best chance of finally convicting him. Pursuing Capone were Treasury agent Eliot Ness and his hand-picked team of incorruptible U.S. Prohibition agents, “The Untouchables,” and internal revenue agent Frank Wilson of the Treasury Department’s Bureau of Internal Revenue. During a routine warehouse raid, they discovered in a desk drawer what was clearly a crudely coded set of accounts. Ness then concentrated on pursuing Capone for his failure to pay tax on this substantial illegal income. This story has become a legend and the subject of books and films. Capone was tried in a federal court in 1931. The Alcinis tried to help Capone, but he pleaded guilty to the charges on advice of his legal counsel hoping for a plea bargain. But after the judge refused his lawyer’s offers, and the jury was replaced on the day of the trial to frustrate Capone’s associates’ efforts to bribe or intimidate the original panel, Al Capone was found guilty on five of 22 counts of tax evasion for the years 1925, 1926, and 1927, and willful failure to file tax returns for 1928 and 1929. Capone’s legal team offered to pay all outstanding tax and interest and told their client to expect a severe fine. The judge sentenced him to eleven years in a federal prison and one year in the county jail, as well as an earlier six-month contempt of court sentence; he ultimately served only six and a half years because of good behavior. He also had to pay fines and court costs totalling 80,000 dollars. Prison Time Edit In May 1932, Capone was sent to Atlantis, a tough federal prison, but he was able to take control and obtain special privileges. He was then transferred to Alcatraz, where tight security and an uncompromising warden ensured that Capone had no contact with the outside world. Capone entered Alcatraz with his usual confidence, but his isolation from his associates, and the repeal of Prohibition, meant his empire was beginning to wither. He attempted to earn time off for good behavior by being a model prisoner and refusing to participate in prisoner rebellions. When Capone attempted to bribe guards he was sent to solitary confinement. During his early months at Alcatraz, Capone made an enemy by showing his disregard for the prison social order when he cut in line while prisoners were waiting for a haircut. James Lucas, a Texas bank robber serving 30 years, reportedly confronted the former syndicate leader and told him to get back at the end of the line. When Capone asked if he knew who he was, Lucas reportedly grabbed a pair of the barber’s scissors and, holding them to Capone’s neck, answered “Yeah, I know who you are, greaseball. And if you don’t get back to the end of that fucking line, I’m gonna know who you were.” Capone earned the contempt of many of the inmates in Alcatraz when he refused to take part in a prisoners’ strike after a sick inmate, accused of malingering, was denied medical treatment and died. Continuing his work in the prison laundry, Capone was continually harassed by other prisoners and often called a “scab” or “rat.” He was eventually allowed to remain in his cell until the strike was resolved. Shortly after returning to work, an unidentified inmate threw a heavy lead sash at Capone’s head, but he suffered only a deep cut on the arm after being pushed out of the way by convicted bank robber Roy Gardner. Reassigned to mopping up the prison bathhouse, Capone was nicknamed the “wop with the mop” by inmates. He was later stabbed in the back by Lucas, who was sentenced to solitary confinement. Capone was hospitalized for a week. He suffered further harassment and unsuccessful attempts on his life throughout his prison sentence, including spiking his coffee with lye and attacking him as he was walking towards the dentist’s office. He remained under protection from several inmates (possibly from payoffs by the Chicago Outfit). Though he adjusted relatively well to his new environment, his health declined as his syphilis (contracted as a youth) progressed, and he spent the last year of his sentence in the prison hospital, confused and disoriented. Capone completed his term in Alcatraz on January 6, 1939, and was transferred to the Federal Correctional Institution at Terminal Island in California, to serve his one-year misdemeanor sentence. He was released on November 16, 1939, spent a short time in a hospital, then returned to his home in Palm Island, Florida. Death Edit Capone’s control and interests within organized crime had decreased rapidly after his imprisonment, and he was no longer able to run the Outfit after his release. He had lost weight, and his physical and mental health had declined, most noticeably with the onset of dementia probably caused by the third stage of untreated syphilis Capone had contracted in his youth. On January 21, 1947, Capone had an apoplectic stroke. He regained consciousness and started to improve but contracted pneumonia on January 24, and suffered a cardiac arrest the next day (possibly associated with the complications of third-stage neurosyphilis). Alphonse Capone was originally buried in Mount Olivet Cemetery, in Chicago’s far South Side between the graves of his father, Gabriele, and brother, Frank. However, in March 1950, the remains of all three family members were moved to Mount Carmel Cemetery in Hillside, Illinois, west of Chicago. Popular Culture Edit Literature In a book of photographs titled "New York City Gangland", both Capone and his NYC bootlegging ally Guiseppe "Joe The Boss" Masseria appear in Prohibition-era "bathing beauty" portraits. In Mario Puzo's 1969 novel, The Godfather, Capone played a small role in the fictionalized mob war of 1933. In reality, Capone was in prison by 1933. In the musical Annie, which takes place in December 1933, an unnamed cabinet member states that "We still haven't caught Al Capone!". In reality, he was already in prison. Capone was featured in the Kinky Friedman novel The Love Song of J. Edgar Hoover. In Kim Newman and Eugene Byrne's novel Back in the USSA, Al Capone is President and Chairman of the alternate history United Socialist States of America, serving as an analog of Joseph Stalin. Jimmy Hoffa and Frank Nitti take the place of Vyacheslav Molotov and Lavrenti Beria. Also more recently, a historical fiction book was written by Gennifer Choldenko called Al Capone Does My Shirts. In Peter F. Hamilton's Night's Dawn Trilogy, Capone's spirit possesses the body of a man named Brad Lovegrove, allowing him to eventually form a group he calls The Organization that takes over the planet of New California and wages war against the Confederation. Movies and Television In The Onion satirical journal, CPA-ONE was a prominent member of an office accounting gang led by Herbert Kornfeld. Film and Television Capone has been portrayed on screen by: Rod Steiger in Al Capone (1959). Neville Brand, The George Raft Story (1961). Neville Brand, The Untouchables (1959–1961) José Calvo, Due mafiosi contro Al Capone (1966). Jason Robards, The St. Valentine's Day Massacre (1967). Buddy Lester, Poor Devil (1973) Ben Gazzara, Capone (1975). Robert De Niro, The Untouchables (1987). Eric Roberts, The Lost Capone (1990) William Forsythe, The Untouchables (1993–1994) William Devane, Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman (Episode 2.7, That Old Gang of Mine, 1994) Anthony LaPaglia, Road to Perdition (2002).(Deleted Scene) Jon Bernthal, Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian (2009). Actors playing characters based on Capone include: Wallace Beery played the character Louis 'Louie' Scorpio in The Secret Six (1931). Ricardo Cortez played Goldie Gorio in Bad Company (1931). Paul Lukas, Big Fellow Maskal in City Streets (1931). Paul Muni, Antonio 'Tony' Camonte in Scarface (1932). Jean Hersholt, Samuel 'Sam' Belmonte in The Beast of the City (1932). Edward Arnold, Duke Morgan in Okay, America! (1932). C. Henry Gordon, Nick Diamond in Gabriel Over the White House (1933). John Litel, 'Gat' Brady in Alcatraz Island (1937). Barry Sullivan, Shubunka in The Gangster (1947). Ralph Volkie, Big Fellow in The Undercover Man (1949). Edmond O'Brien, Fran McCarg in Pete Kelly's Blues (1955). Lee J. Cobb, Rico Angelo in Party Girl (1958). George Raft as Spats Colombo and Nehemiah Persoff as Little Bonaparte in Some Like It Hot (1959). Al Pacino, Tony Montana in Scarface (1983). Al Pacino, Alphonse "Big Boy" Caprice in Dick Tracy (1990). Cartoons In the anime Soul Eater, BlackStar and Tsubaki's target when introduced are the demonic souls Al Capone and his gang of 98 men. He ends every sentence with the words, "You know?", adding to the mafia stereotype. Jon Polito of Miller's Crossing voiced Al Capone in an episode of the Cartoon Network animated series Time Squad. Music Al Capone is referenced heavily in Prodigy's track "Al Capone Zone", produced by The Alchemist and featuring Keak Da Sneak. Al Capone transcribed a love song called Madonna Mia while in prison. In May 2009, his rendition of the song was recorded for the first time in history. Prince Buster achieved UK top 20 success in 1967 with "Al Capone". Al Capone was mentioned in the song "The Night Chicago Died" by the British band Paper Lace, which describes a fictionalized battle between Al Capone's gang and the Chicago police. In 1990, the Serbian band Riblja Corba released their album Koza Nostra, which features a song, "Al Kapone", which mentions the gangster. In the Queen song Stone Cold Crazy, Freddie Mercury claims to be "dreaming I was Al Capone". "Young Al Capone" was a song by the punk band Rancid off the album "Rancid 2000." The Violent Femmes mention Al Capone in their song "To The Kill" with the lyrics: 'I ain't know kid Chicago, I ain't know Al Capone.' 'I said I don't live in Chicago, I don't know no Al Capone' Canadian band Stereos mention Al Capone in their song "Turn It Up" with the lyrics: "I won't just kill it, I'mma Al Capone it" Comics In Tintin in America, boy reporter Tintin captures Capone but, because of a policeman's blunder, Capone escapes. Al Capone is the only real person featured in any Tintin book. Capone and Eliot Ness are regular supporting characters in the Franco-Belgian comics series Sammy, written by Raoul Cauvin. In the manga series Soul Eater, Al Capone appears as a Mob Boss for people who devour human souls.He is killed later on by a bodyguard who was protecting a young witch. In the manga series One Piece, the pirate captain, Capone 'Gang' Bege is based on Al Capone. In the first issue of the 1980s miniseries Kid Eternity, Al Capone is one of the historical figures that the main character summons to aid him in his battle. In Savarese by Robin Wood the main character fails a plot to assassinate a man, who later turns out to be Capone. Games In the PlayStation 2 role playing game Shadow Hearts: From the New World, Capone must be rescued from Alcatraz by the party when an assassin is sent to kill him. He is deeply indebted to the party thereafter, assisting them on a number of occasions. In the PlayStation 2 game Scarface: The World Is Yours there is a selectable car which is said to be Capone's car. In Worms 3D, there is a selectable soundbank called "Capone". When chosen, the worms in the team speak with a distinctive gangster accent and use various famous Italian slang words made popular by many gangster movies and television shows. Enterprises Capone's Chicago has provided a theme for numerous dining establishments. Restaurants named Capone's exist in cities as far-flung as Norristown, (Pennsylvania, USA), Vancouver (BC, Canada) and Taipei (Taiwan).
Al Capone
The planet Venus is known as the Evening Star. Which of the celestial bodies is known as The Morning Star?
Al Capone - Famous Figures biography Al Capone Birthplace : Brooklyn, New York, United States Nationality : American Category : Famous Figures Last modified : 2010-08-30 Al "Scarface" Capone was an American gangster who rose to power during the Prohibition era (1920–33), when the United States banned the production and sale of liquor. His vicious career illustrated the power and influence of organized crime in the United States. "Scarface" is born Alphonso Caponi was born on January 17, 1899, in Brooklyn, New York. He was one of seven children born to Gabriel and Teresa Caponi, who came to the United States from Italy in 1893. His father was a barber. Capone attended school through the sixth grade, at which point he beat up his teacher one day and was himself beaten by the school's principal afterward. Like many other American children at the time, Capone was taught that the main purpose of life was to acquire wealth and that the United States was the land of opportunity. He discovered that prejudice (unfair treatment) based on his ethnic background made it difficult to succeed in school and that others looked down on the children of immigrants and members of the working class. Angered by the gap between the American dream and his own reality, Capone began to engage in criminal activities as a way of achieving success in what he saw as an unjust society. Capone worked at odd jobs for a while but found his calling when a gangster named Johnny Torrio (1882–1957) hired him to work in a bar owned by Torrio's friend. Torrio knew Capone did not mind violence and often had him beat up people who were unable to repay loans. Over time, Capone learned more and more about the criminal world. During a fight in a bar he received a razor cut on his cheek, which gained him the nickname "Scarface." He then met a woman named Mae Coughlin (1897–1986), with whom he had a child named Albert Francis Capone (nicknamed Sonny). Capone and Coughlin married a short time later, on December 18, 1918. Success in Chicago In 1919 the U.S. government approved the Eighteenth Amendment to the Constitution, a law prohibiting (or preventing) the manufacture, sale, and transport of liquor. The same year, Capone fled Brooklyn for Chicago to avoid a murder charge. In Chicago he joined the Five Points Gang and quickly moved up its ranks. He became the top assistant to the gang's leader, his old friend Johnny Torrio, who had set up operations in the city. Capone worked as a bartender and enforcer for Torrio and was arrested many times for assaulting people, but Torrio's influence saved him from jail. After Torrio fled the country, Capone found himself in control of part of the bootlegging (illegal supplying of alcohol) in Chicago that had sprung up after Prohibition (preventing by law the production, sale, or transportation of liquor). The citizens of Chicago had not been in favor of Prohibition. Many of them were more than willing to break the law by purchasing alcohol. Capone took advantage of this attitude and conducted his business openly. As he would tell reporter Damon Runyon, "I make money by supplying a public demand. If I break the law, my customers … some of the best people in Chicago, are as guilty as me." Capone protected his business interests, which also included gambling houses, by waging war on rival gangs. During the St. Valentine's Day massacre in 1929, seven members of a rival gang led by George "Bugsy" Moran were shot to death in a Chicago garage. Protecting these businesses also often involved either bribing or beating up public officials. As Capone's profits continued to grow, he began to act as if he were a well-to-do businessman rather than a vicious criminal. Many people, including members of the police and city government, admired him. Between 1927 and 1931 he was viewed by many as the real ruler of Chicago. The truth is that Capone was totally unworthy of admiration. He was a cold-blooded criminal who killed hundreds of people without a second thought. He paid off mayors, governors, and other elected officials to allow his crooked operations to continue. He could even influence elections by having members of his gang intimidate people into voting the way he wanted. Capone's reign of terror gave the city of Chicago a reputation as a gangster-infested place that it would hold for years, even after he was long gone. Menace to society Most of the rest of the country (and even some people in Chicago) correctly regarded Capone as a menace. In the late 1920s President Herbert Hoover (1874–1964) ordered his secretary of the treasury to find a way to put Capone behind bars. Capone had up to this point managed to escape jail time for any of his crimes. The government's decision to crack down on him just added to the problems he was having. His profits from bootlegging had started to decline as a result of the coming of the Great Depression (a period from 1929 to 1939 during which nearly half the industrial workers in the country lost their jobs) and the ending of Prohibition. After detailed investigations, U.S. Treasury agents were able to arrest Capone for failure to file an income tax return. Forced to defend himself while being tried on a different charge in Chicago, Capone's testimony regarding his taxes did not match previous statements he had made, and he was found guilty of tax fraud. In October 1931 he was sentenced to ten years of hard labor, which he served in a prison in Atlanta, Georgia, and in prison on Alcatraz Island in California's San Francisco Bay. Capone suffered from syphilis, a disease passed from person to person through sexual contact. The disease can affect the brain if left untreated. Capone became physically weak and started to lose his mind. As a result, his power within the nation's organized crime system ended. Released on parole in 1939, Capone spent the rest of his life at his estate in Palm Island, Florida, where he died on January 25, 1947. View the full website biography of Al Capone .
i don't know
The terms curd and whey are associated with making what?
How to Make Curds and Whey: 4 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow How to Make Curds and Whey This is a really easy thing to try at home, and needs no special ingredients or equipment. Read on to learn how to make curds and whey. Ingredients 2 cups of milk 4 teaspoons vinegar You can also use 4 teaspoons of lemon juice, or as a nice alternative, orange juice, which will make a slightly sweeter curd for use in home made cheesecakes. If the curds don't seem to be forming, add an extra teaspoon or two of your chosen citrus juice. Steps 1 Place two cups of milk in the saucepan. Slowly bring the milk to the boil, while stirring constantly. It is very important to constantly stir the milk or it will burn. 2 Turn off the heat once the milk is boiling. Leave the saucepan on the heat source to cool slowly. 3 Add 4 teaspoons of vinegar or citrus fruit juice to the boiling milk. At this point, the milk should cuddle and turn into curds and whey. Scoop out the curds and store separately. Use as required. 4 Do I have to wait until the milk is cold before adding the lemon juice? wikiHow Contributor
Cheese
Raiders of the Lost Ark, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade was followed up by what 2008 blockbuster?
Whey | Define Whey at Dictionary.com whey a milk serum, separating as liquid from the curd after coagulation, as in cheese making. Origin of whey before 900; Middle English wheye, Old English hwǣg; cognate with Dutch, Low German wei Related forms Examples from the Web for whey Expand Contemporary Examples That would affect the added sugar count for dairy products such as whey, nonfat dry milk, or milk protein concentrate. Denmark’s New Nordic Cuisine Beyond Noma Sophie Menin May 21, 2012 Historical Examples It is composed of three constituents—namely, butter, curd, and whey—each of which is also composed of a number of substances. The Stock-Feeder's Manual Charles Alexander Cameron In these "leads" the whey is kept, and drawn off by pulling up a wooden plug. The Octopus Frank Norris Now the mass is raised clear of the whey, and run along a short track to the drain table, where it is put in the press. The Book of Cheese Charles Thom and Walter Warner Fisk Pour off the whey from it, and it will be found an excellent and cooling drink. British Dictionary definitions for whey Expand noun 1. the watery liquid that separates from the curd when the milk is clotted, as in making cheese Derived Forms Old English hwǣg; related to Middle Low German wei, heie, Dutch hui Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012 Word Origin and History for whey Expand n. Old English hwæg "whey," from Proto-Germanic *khwaja- (cf. Middle Dutch wey, Dutch wei), of unknown origin. Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
i don't know
“Oh my God, they killed Kenny! …You bastards!” is frequently heard on what TV classic?
Kenny's Deaths | South Park Archives | Fandom powered by Wikia [ show ] History of Kenny's Death In the first few episodes, Kyle says the entire phrase. It usually varies depending on who kills Kenny. On one occasion (" Cartman's Silly Hate Crime 2000 "), Stan and Kyle accidentally kill Kenny, causing Stan to cry out, in a somewhat nonchalant way, "Oh my God, we killed Kenny." Kyle replies, "We killed Kenny?" and Stan says, "Yeah, we killed Kenny; we're bastards". Also, when Kyle kills zombie Kenny in " Pinkeye ", He says "Oh my God, I killed Kenny! You Bastard!" In the earlier seasons, usually right after his death, rats show up, start nibbling on the body and carry off body parts. In " The Succubus ", this is parodied: he is "killed" and rats gather on him, the sun rises and he is standing there alive again when the boys are waiting for Chef to come play baseball, then the next day when he is squashed by the Succubus during Chef's wedding. Also in "Pinkeye" Kenny dies three times. First he is crushed by the Mir space station as it falls from orbit. Then he is cut in half (by Kyle) as a zombie. Then, when trying to come out of his grave, an angel statue falls on Kenny accidentally killed by a soldier. top of him, followed by an airplane crashing on top of the statue and Kenny. Kenny even dies in a flashback to kindergarten during the episode " Summer Sucks ", when a firecracker he is holding explodes and blows him to pieces. In " Fat Camp ", " The Biggest Douche in the Universe ", and " Cripple Fight ", it is suggested that Kenny's orange parka plays a major role in his many deaths, even though he has died without it in the episodes " Super Best Friends ", " The Jeffersons ", " W.T.F. ", " Pee ", " Sexual Healing ", " Mysterion Rises " and " Coon vs. Coon & Friends ". In " Fat Camp ", Kenny is never actually killed, although a boy, who helped Cartman smuggle candy into the fat camp, dressed up as Kenny, dies in the end; to which Stan replies, "Oh my god, they killed Kenny!...sort of." And then Kyle replies, "Yeah, they kind of killed Kenny, sort of, look alike...you bastards!" In " The Biggest Douche in the Universe ", Rob Schneider is killed while wearing Kenny's outfit and in " Cripple Fight " Timmy tries to have Jimmy killed by giving him a parka that resembles one Kenny would wear. Jimmy is seen walking down a street, narrowly escaping death with every step, and Jimbo can even be heard saying "There's Kenny! Kill him!" in the background. Matt Stone and Trey Parker planned to kill Kenny off for good at the end of season five with " Kenny Dies " and replaced him first with Butters and then Tweek during the sixth season. A story arc that occurs during the second half of the season (starting with " A Ladder to Heaven ") involves Cartman being possessed by Kenny after accidentally drinking his ashes (which Cartman thought was chocolate milk mix). Kenny's soul is trapped inside Cartman's body until it is exorcised into a pot roast, which is eaten by Rob Schneider , who subsequently dies. Finally, at the end of the 2002 Christmas episode , Kenny returns, stating that he had been "over there," as he points to his right. During the following season, Kenny seems to have lost his bad luck and doesn't die anymore. Kenny's lucky streak ended during the 2003 Christmas episode (" It's Christmas in Canada "), and died again in " The Jeffersons ", " Wing " and " Best Friends Forever ". In " Best Friends Forever ", Kenny is the first in South Park to get a Sony PSP and the first in the world to reach level sixty in the game Heaven versus Hell; he dies early in the episode to command Heaven's armies in the final battle against Satan (in the episode he is frequently likened or referred to as Keanu Reeves). His death is not permanent, however, and he is revived, but in a persistent vegetative state with a feeding tube in an almost-serious spoof of the controversy surrounding the Terri Schiavo case in Florida. This episode won South Park its first Emmy. Kenny has died and come back 103 times in the South Park franchise (80 in the series, to date, two in the early animated shorts , six in other authorized TV parodies, five times in two video games, and twice in the movie . He is also killed nine different ways in the opening sequence). Recurring deaths and series canon While the series usually maintains an expanding continuity, it is a running joke that Kenny's deaths from episode to episode are treated in a highly inconsistent fashion. Early-season deaths are usually treated as "non-canon", in that they are not acknowledged as having happened at all. In the clip episode " City on the Edge of Forever (Flashbacks) ", while relating stories of previous episodes, Cartman mentions how Kenny died in one such incident, to which Stan and Kyle protest, "That's not the way it happened; Kenny just died eight hours ago from that monster, how could he have died then too?" Cartman then replies, "Oh yeah. I guess that doesn't make sense." This episode turns out to be a dream within a dream. Season 14 explains that everyone fails to remember that Kenny has died whenever he does (see below) but one episode shows that Cartman is aware of Kenny's constant deaths, but it's possible that he doesn't find them to be a source of concern. In " Cartmanland ", the McCormick family sues Eric Cartman for Kenny's wrongful death, and Cartman protests, "Kenny? He dies all the time!" When Kyle is suffering potentially fatal kidney troubles (" Cherokee Hair Tampons ") and Stan tells Kenny several times that he's worried his friend might die, Kenny responds with irritation (with lines such as "It's not that fucking serious" and "You never seem to care when I die!") and eventually yells his own muffled version of Cartman's catchphrase "That's it - I've had enough of this bullshit! Screw you guys! I'm going home!", implying that he is aware of and considerably irked by the other kids' being unaware of his own previous deaths (due to them forgetting that he dies). After doing this, he walks away, only to have a piano crush him while Stan continues to weep for Kyle, oblivious to Kenny's death. In " Cartman's Mom is Still a Dirty Slut ", the second part of a two-part episode (where Kenny had died in the first part), Kenny miraculously materializes next to Stan, accompanied with angelic music, but Stan merely acknowledges him with a slightly surprised "Oh, hey, Kenny." Kenny himself seems to be somewhat aware of his own recurring death. In " It's Christmas in Canada ", Kenny refuses to get on city airline planes and decides to stay in South Park with Cartman. When Stan asks why, Kenny says, "'Cause, dude, I'll fucking die." Kyle, however, does not seem to have realized Kenny's bad luck as he replies "You're not gonna die, Kenny. Don't be stupid." Kenny's will in Best Friends Forever begins "in the likely chance of my demise..." Another instance in which Kenny is aware of his countless deaths is in the first season's Christmas special; he cheers when he realizes he hasn't died at the end. In " Tweek vs. Craig ", Kenny avoids shop class fearing the dangers of the many hazardous tools; after he narrowly avoids dying, he channels the dead girlfriend and relatives of the shop teacher for a few moments. Also, the Lyrics of the song " Kenny's Dead " state Would it be a car crash, a plane, a gun, or suicide?! He knew one day that the rats would come But he didn't know they was gonna scream 'bout it! And hit him with a shotgun In " Cartman Joins NAMBLA ", Kenny spends most of the episode upset that his mother is having another child, and continually tries to find ways to abort the fetus. Near the end of the episode, Kenny is unexpectedly killed by being backed over by an ambulance. In the final scene, Kenny's mother and father fawn over the infant she has just given birth to. Kenny's father, struck by how much the new child resembles their deceased son Kenny (including orange parka), decides to name the new baby boy Kenny in his brother's memory, to which Kenny's mother declares "Yes! A brand-new Kenny!" The final punch line of this gag comes when Kenny's father says "God, this must be like the 50th time this has happened", to which his mother corrects, "52nd". (Arguably, this is indeed the 52nd incarnation of Kenny). The gag of Kenny dying in almost every episode was dropped with the airing of " Kenny Dies ", in which Kenny's death is treated with more weight; in particular, the other boys are somehow able to sense that it would be more permanent but its probably because they know the death will happen beforehand—though it should be noted that in a few episodes—for example " Pinkeye "—they treat his death as if permanent (ironically, since Kenny comes back to life twice in that episode). Unlike previous episodes which his death is over-the-top, he suffers from a serious muscular disease and the boys and their parents are shocked by it (Stan in particular could not bear to see him in the hospital). The reason Kenny was killed off in Season 6 was because Trey Parker and Matt Stone were getting tired of killing him and decided to just get rid of him but they then decided to bring him back by leaving clues of his return such as having his soul live inside of Cartman. At the end of " Red Sleigh Down " Kenny returns and the boys did not sound surprise and respond to him as if they knew he was coming. Since his permanent revival, Kenny has died extremely rarely throughout episodes. He has not died at all in Season 10. However the usual lines were used in " Make Love, Not Warcraft " when his character was killed along with everybody else by a person with a high level, and in " The Return of Chef ", when Chef was killed. A passage from the Necronomicon . The episode " Mysterion Rises " finally begins to explain Kenny's deaths, when Kenny, as Mysterion reveals to Captain Hindsight his superpower is his familiar inability to die, explaining he's died countless times, usually ending up in Heaven or Hell, but no matter what he wakes up in his bed the next day in his same clothes. It is slightly implied this is involved with the Cthulhu cult, as his parents were arrested for their involvement ten years ago. He questions them about it and they claim they were drunk and have no memory. While at the cult meeting, he hears the phrase "That is not dead which can eternal lie, and with strange aeons even death may die" and becomes very upset, going to the Goth Kids for an explanation. Henrietta shows him a copy of the Necronomicon and explains that cultists have been attempting to summon Old Ones to our world for years. A picture from the book shows six cloaked men standing around a Pentagram with an infant in the center, possibly attempting a summoning. This may be how Kenny received his immortality. After Bradley (as Mint-Berry Crunch) finds out he has real powers as well, which Coon & Friends do actually recognize, Kenny (Mysterion) - probably realizing he'll just sound desperate for attention - gives up on trying to convince the others and instead just shoots himself again. At the end of " Coon vs. Coon & Friends " we learn that, because something that happened to his parents in the cult meetings ten years prior, Kenny is reborn after each of his deaths and placed in his bed, wrapped in his orange parka, and wakes up the next morning, fully grown, in the same condition he was in before he died. Prior to these episodes, three explanations had been provided for Kenny's deaths - in an interview with Trey Parker he was asked why Kenny died and responded "he's poor". In another instance however, he claimed Kenny was a "supernatural demi-god" and an FAQ response in 2003 regarding Kenny's Christmas resurrection claimed that there "was a connection between Jesus' death and Kenny's resurrection" In Popular Culture The phrase "Oh my God, they killed Kenny!" was ranked #35 on TV Land's Greatest TV Catchphrases and Quotes. It was here that Matt Stone and Trey Parker revealed that "they" and "bastards" were referring to themselves. In the book series Animorphs , a character quotes, after an orange figure has died, "Oh my god! They killed Kenny!" on the second page of book 22, The Solution. In a battle between Kenny G and Flea on Celebrity Deathmatch, Flea rips out Kenny G's lower jaw, and then throws it into the audience like a boomerang, causing the jaw to come back and bury itself right into Kenny G's skull, killing him. Nick Diamond, one of the hosts, says, "Oh my God! Flea killed Kenny G! Flea killed Kenny G!" Then a little boy in the audience yells out, "YOU BASTARD!" On the Boy Meets World episode "And Then There Was Shawn", which is a parody of Scream , Kenny is the first person to die by having a pencil stabbed in his head. Eric responds by shouting "Oh my god! They killed Kenny!" Someone then replies with "You Ba..." which is cut off when the killer appears as they run out of the room screaming. Kenny's constant death and Stan/Kyle's response had become so well known that after winning his fight against Ken Shamrock at UFC 40: Vendetta , Tito Ortiz (notorious for putting on a t-shirt offending his defeated opponent) put on a shirt that read "I killed Kenny, you bastard". In the March 2 episode of FX's Dirt , a hostage situation shows a Kenny character being shot twice and killed. A nervous actor begins laughing, saying "Oh my god, you killed Kenny." In the episode "In Sickness and in Hell" of the TV series Xena: Warrior Princess , Xena picks a louse from her hair and tosses it into the fire. In an almost inaudible voice, the other lice scream, "Oh my god, you killed Kenny! You Bastard!" In the Lionhead game Black & White , in the first island if you kill the third sailor by the boat, the other sailor says, "Oh my god, you've killed Kenneth!" In the video game crossover comics. Charlie from Street Fighter dies in all of the comics. Since Charlie is known to die in every game he was in, they make him die the same way Kenny always dies. Sakura and Cammy from Street Fighter quote Stan and Kyle "Oh my god They killed Charlie, You Bastards!" In Buffy the Vampire Slayer , Danny Strong informally dubbed his character Jonathan Levinson as the "Kenny of Buffy" [2] due to the great number of bad things that have happened to him. In International Moron Patrol , the character John the Hedgehog dies in every episode, similar to Kenny. In Halo 3 , when the IWHBYD (I Would Have Been Your Daddy) skull is turned on, marines will sometimes shout out: "They killed the Chief! You bastards!" - When the player dies. In " A Tale of Two Cows ", chapter of Drawn Together (another Comedy Central animated series), when the Live Action Cow started to kill in another cities, the L.A.C. kills everyone in South Park (we can see Kyle , Jesus , Chef , Mr. Garrison , etc.), except for Kenny. That was an inversion of the running gag to the death of Kenny. In 2006, Russian punk-rock band Sloat released the song, Oни Убили Кенни (Russian: They killed Kenny). The video for this song includes clips from episodes where he died periodically. It also includes montage from South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut . Douglas Henshall, who plays Nick Cutter in the British sci-fi series Primeval , stated that he wanted, the character Tom Ryan to be the show's version of Kenny, being killed and resurrected throughout the series. Carnival Phantasm references the "E-Rank Luck" of the character Lancer, who dies in every episode. Upon his deaths, nearby characters scream, "Oh my god, they killed Lancer!" and "You bastards!".
South Park
In economics, which four countries are known as the BRIC countries, grouped as being at a similar stage of newly advanced economic development?
Kenny McCormick | South Park Archives | Fandom powered by Wikia Kenneth "Kenny" McCormick, [1] [2] voiced by Matt Stone , is one of South Park's main characters, along with Eric Cartman , Stan Marsh , and Kyle Broflovski . He first appeared in the short films both entitled The Spirit of Christmas . Kenny is most famous for dying in almost every episode in the first five seasons of South Park. He is also easily recognizable for almost always wearing an orange parka (or just having his face hidden) that covers most of his face and muffles his speech. In the episode " Mysterion Rises " Kenny, who is revealed to be the superhero Mysterion , reveals that he has the power of immortality (in a sense) and that he just wakes up in his bed after having died. He is then upset that his friends never remember him dying, and even kills himself in front of everyone to prove himself. The character was killed off the show in the Season Five episode, " Kenny Dies ", but returned in the following season, at the end of " Red Sleigh Down " and has since been a regular character; however, he now only dies occasionally. In most of the episodes in the tenth and eleventh seasons, he tends to recede into the background, though this tendency seems to have ended with the Season Eleven finale . Throughout the tenth, twelfth, eighteenth and nineteenth seasons, Kenny did not die once. Kenny died three times in total in Season Thirteen, five times in Season Fourteen, once in Season Fifteen, and once in Season Sixteen. Contents Background Character Inspiration Like many of South Park 's characters, Kenny is based on a real person; in this case a childhood friend of Trey Parker's also named Kenny. In a 2000 interview Trey said that the real life Kenny was the poorest kid in the neighborhood and wore an orange parka that made it difficult for anyone to understand what he was saying. Trey also stated that real life Kenny would skip school from time to time causing the others to jokingly say he had died, and a few days later, he would join his classmates and attend school again. [3] Criminal Record In some episodes Kenny is known to do some crimes on his own, but not very often, in part due to him usually being selfless (albeit somewhat lecherous). He has been arrested four times - once for prostitution (giving Howard Stern a "hummer" for ten bucks), once for participating in Stan's Whale Wars crew, once for illegally downloading music, and once for becoming vigilantism. However, he never stays in prison for long since the town is full of idiots. He may not actually have been arrested in " The Coon " because in a deleted scene, it shows that Kyle posed as Mysterion so Kenny wouldn't get in trouble. Kenny's criminal record includes, but isn't limited to: Murder By Proxy: Kenny teams up with Cartman to have Sarah Jessica Parker murdered in " The Tale of Scrotie McBoogerballs ", resulting in her getting shot by a hunter. They eventually shift the blame to Butters . Attempted Murder: In " Poor and Stupid ", Kenny attempts to kill Cartman at the NASCAR championships for ruining the sport's reputation - however, his sniper rifle got confiscated by a security guard upon entry and Cartman had murdered many people. It is unknown how Kenny obtained the sniper rifle, as minors cannot use sniper rifles without a license and presence of an adult, let alone with the intention of committing a crime. Vandalism: In " Toilet Paper ", he along with Stan, Kyle, and Cartman TPed Mrs. Dreibel 's house in revenge for making them stay after school after making an erect shaped penis sculpture in art class. In How to Eat with Your Butt , Kenny (with Cartman also involved) vandalised the school photo, by wearing his parka upside down and while standing on his head with his feet through his sleeves that shows his ass through his hood. Assault: In the episode " Major Boobage ", Kenny brutally attacked Cartman after he brought Kenny back from the hallucinations he was having from cheesing, and ruining his paradise with the Large-Breasted Woman . In Cartman Joins NAMBLA , he nearly assaults his own mother with a plunger in attempt to get rid of the baby she's pregnant with. Cannibalism: In Pinkeye , Kenny started taking bites out of anyone and everyone, turning them into zombies. Since he was a zombie himself, however, this would be forgivable. Kidnapping: In " Cow Days ", Kenny, along with Stan and Kyle, took Cartman from the hospital for the purpose of him entering the bull-riding contest at the rodeo. Cartman had not actually healed and thought he was a Vietnamese prostitute called Ming Lee. Since this was for the purpose of money, it would be considered illegal. Violation of firearm laws: The sniper rifle Kenny carried is definitely illegal and unregistered. It was never explained how Kenny obtained the sniper rifle, but it is likely he obtained during the events of " Poor and Stupid " when he attempted to kill Cartman, after he ruined the NASCAR sport's reputation. Breaking and Entering: In " The Tooth Fairy Tats 2000 ", Kenny along with the boys broke into the rich kid's houses to trick their parents into giving them money, and steal it off of them. In " Cherokee Hair Tampons " along, with Stan , Butters , and Timmy , he assisted Stan in breaking into Cartman 's house to remove his kidney. Later in " Ginger Kids ", along with Stan and Kyle, Kenny broke into Cartman's house to teach him a lesson. In " Major Boobage ", he broke into Cartman's house again, to use the cats (in which Cartman was taking care of) and get high from their urine again. Underage Smoking/Drug Abuse: In " Butt Out " started smoking along with the boys to avoid being like Butt Out; later in " Major Boobage ", Kenny became addicted to cheesing and when cats became illegal, he ignores the law and continues to get high. He eventually stopped, but began to get high again after smelling some strong flowers. In " Cancelled " he takes cocaine-like alien drugs and gets high off paint with Cartman often. Arson: In " Butt Out " Kenny along with the boys threw their cigarettes into a nearby dumpster to prevent from getting caught by Mr. Mackey but later ignites and proceeds to burn the whole school down. In " Pre-School ", Kenny, still kindergartener, along with the boys, were trying to play firemen. They decided that they should start a fire, so they had their classmate Trent start the fire and when they try to urinate out the fire it eventually got worse and burned the entire school down, but put the blame on Trent (this was considered arson). Prostitution: In " Fat Camp ", while promoting the " Krazy Kenny Show ", Kenny was in a competition with Tom Green and Johnny Knoxville to see who would give Howard Stern a "hummer" for the least amount of money. Kenny was willing to go for $10, which forced Knoxville and Green to submit, and he was eventually arrested and jailed for prostitution, forcing a lookalike to do the final stunt (and, as a result, die) on the show. Framing/Blackmailing: In " Pre-School " Kenny along with the boys framed Trent for starting the fire (which he did), However Kenny, Kyle, Stan, and Cartman are responsible for making the fire worse, which caused the school to burn down and gave Miss Claridge severe burns. In Cancelled , while in Planet Fognl, Kenny took a picture of the two head "Joozians" sucking on each other's "jagons" and sticking their fingers in each other's "thrushers", Kenny and the others later used it against them which saved the world so it would be forgivable. Pedophilia: In " The Biggest Douche in the Universe ", during the ending Kenny takes full possession of Rob Schneider , While possessed he attempted to kiss Milly , which caused South Park civilians (unaware that he was being possessed) to think he's a pedophile. However, this action was shown in the form of a commercial, possibly indicating that this was in fact just a scene from a Rob Schneider movie. Vigilantism: In " The Coon " (before his identity was revealed) he took the role of Mysterion. Later after defeating both Professor Chaos and General Disarray , with the help from the Coon (who was trying to get rid of Mysterion), Mysterion attempted to remove his mask since he can't risk putting people's lives in danger with every villain wondering who he is. After some deliberation, he reveals himself and gets arrested, much to the Coon's pleasure, despite people pleading with him not to. Although, this may have been Kyle Broflovski because in a deleted scene it is shown that Kyle pretended to be Mysterion so that the real Mysterion wouldn't get in trouble. He reappeared as Mysterion again in " Coon 2: Hindsight ", " Mysterion Rises " (where his identity is revealed to the viewers), " Coon vs. Coon & Friends ", and " The Poor Kid ". Underage (Oral) Sex: In " The Ring ", Kenny had oral sex with his girlfriend Tammy Warner after they stop wearing their purity rings in " The Ring ". Fraud: In " Wing ", Kenny, along with the rest of the boys attempted to scam Token out of his money, by pretending to be talent agents. Civil Unrest/Rioting: Participant in the South Park Elementary gender war during Proper Condom Use . Killed when Bebe threw a boomerang at him. Deaths Kenny's funeral in " Sexual Healing ". Other characters occasionally seem to be vaguely aware of Kenny's deaths. In " Cartmanland ", Kenny dies in Cartman's theme park, and when the lawyers suing him mention "that boy who died," Cartman replies with, "Who, Kenny? He dies all the time." It would seem that the others are also aware of Kenny's deaths, but are quite nonchalant about them since they know he will re-appear. Stan and Kyle say their "Oh my God, they killed Kenny!" lines like they don't care in the episode " Gnomes ", in which the gnomes accidentally crush Kenny, and mourn over this tragedy, but are confused as to why the kids don't seem to care. In " Chef Goes Nanners ", Kenny eats antacid tablets, thinking they're mints, and drinks some water afterwards. When Kenny explodes, the four boys and Kyle's dad laugh and applaud, and Stan even says, "That was a good one." And in " Fourth Grade " Kenny dies on a wheeled sled and Stan says "Well, who didn't see that coming." In other episodes, however, Kenny's death is sometimes taken more seriously for plot purposes, especially in " Kenny Dies ", where it is considered a major dramatic event in the boys' lives. In " City on the Edge of Forever (Flashbacks) " Stan at one point reacts incredulously to the idea Kenny could have ever died more than once, and Cartman agrees that it "wouldn't make sense." Kenny's death in " Sexual Healing ". Kenny survives a few episodes in the first five seasons: " Mr. Hankey, the Christmas Poo ", Kenny is asked to do many life-threatening stage crew tasks, like plugging in a cord with a puddle of water underneath the outlet. He successfully performs the tasks without getting hurt or killed. " City on the Edge of Forever (Flashbacks) ", which takes place entirely within Stan's dream. Kenny only dies within the dream and a false flashback that Cartman has in the dream. He is also seen alive after his “death” as the school bus falls off the cliff, shortly before the whole thing is revealed to be a dream. " Rainforest Shmainforest ", when he is struck by lightning and then revived with CPR by his new girlfriend Kelly. The " Do the Handicapped Go to Hell? "/" Probably " two-parter, when he is run over by a bus in Part 1 and presumed dead. When the bus stops in Mexico in Part 2, he is scraped from underneath the bus by a Mexican man and found to still be alive, this being an error due to the fact his body was left behind after the bus hit him in Part 1. " Fat Camp ", in which a kid from drug rehab who had previously been posing as Cartman is forced by Stan and Kyle to dress in Kenny's orange parka and climb into Ms. Crabtree's uterus as part of a television stunt. His dead body is later squeezed out, followed by the corpse of another kid resembling Harry Potter. Kenny was serving jail-time in New York after performing a sex act on Howard Stern for ten bucks during his live radio show at the time. " Terrance and Phillip: Behind the Blow " - Earth Day activists hack all of Kenny's limbs off, but he is not shown to die at any point in the episode. " Cripple Fight " - the hawk takes him, but he is seen in scouts later. " Starvin' Marvin in Space " - He is shown frozen in carbonite near the end of the episode. In the Star Wars movies, Han Solo is frozen in carbonite and is then revived to normal later on, since the freezing process is (usually) not fatal. This means that if South Park follows the Star Wars canon, Kenny could potentially be restored, although no such thing is done or talked about. " Chickenlover "- In this episode, he was almost killed 3 times, first by a car that two vandals roll over, resulting Stan to say "Oh my God, they killed-" until Kenny appears unharmed and Stan finishes with "Oh, never mind." Second time was when he was on a swing when Officer Barbrady stops swinging, resulting him to go flying and hitting himself on a brick wall. There, Stan again says "Oh my God, they killed-" and Kenny gets up fine. Again, Stan says "Oh, never mind." The third time was when Officer Barbrady catches the so-called Chickenlover (who turned out to be the Booktastic bus driver). The Chickenlover shoots his pistol, and then suddenly Kenny falls down. Stan again says "Oh my God, they killed-" but Kenny gets up. However, this time Stan seems to be a bit upset that Kenny didn't die, and says "Damnit!" But then, at the end, he dies because a tree falls on him. In addition to escaping death in a few episodes, Kenny does not appear in the episodes " Terrance and Phillip in Not Without My Anus ", " Cat Orgy ", " Two Guys Naked in a Hot Tub ", and " Pip " and therefore does not die in any of these episodes. However " Cat Orgy " and " Two Guys Naked in a Hot Tub " are all part of the same night as " Jewbilee ", so technically he did die during those episodes. Kenny has died only rarely during seasons seven through fourteen. Some "deaths" are not actual instances of Kenny dying, but are still accompanied by Stan and Kyle's remarks, such as when Kenny's character was killed in " Make Love, Not Warcraft ". The most he has died since Season Seven was over the superhero arc - he dies once in " Mysterion Rises " and a further three times in " Coon vs. Coon & Friends ". The episode " Cripple Fight " suggests that Kenny's deaths are caused by his parka. When Timmy gives Jimmy a nearly identical parka, a series of unfortunate and fatal events repeatedly happen behind him (meaning they all miss him); a voice can even vaguely be heard screaming, "There's Kenny! Kill him!", but Jimmy does not even notice. On the other hand, in some episodes, Kenny dies without the parka, such as " The Jeffersons " when Mr. Jefferson tosses him up through the ceiling (thinking it was his son) and killing him. Kenny seems to know about the catchphrase said after he dies ("Oh my God, they killed Kenny!"), as evidenced in Season One when he says the catchphrase himself (except with Dr. Alphonse Mephesto having been shot, rather than himself), with Kyle replying "You bastards!". In " Prehistoric Ice Man ", Kenny calls Cartman a bastard after Stan says "Great job, Cartman, you killed Kyle." On a third occasion, Kenny used the catchphrase when Cartman is badly injured, but Stan points out that Cartman isn't dead. In " Mysterion Rises ", Kenny reveals that he has a superpower - he cannot die. He reveals this to Captain Hindsight , saying that he sometimes sees "a bright light", "Heaven", or "Hell". He also states that the worst part is that nobody remembers, even if they see him die. He considers this a curse, and tries to convince the others that it is true in " Coon vs. Coon & Friends ". Nobody believes him though, and when it turns out that Bradley Biggle also had a power, he silently admits defeat and shoots himself in front of everyone. He is reborn instantaneously inside his mother's womb, who immediately deposits the new born baby in his bed, and he ages instantly into a 9 year old before morning. Family Background Kenny's family is one of the poorest families in South Park. His parents are both unstable alcoholics (a trait his father inherited from his own father) and occasional drug users. Financial State Because Kenny's family is so poor, they eat frozen waffles with no side dishes for dinner and bread sandwiches for breakfast. In " Starvin' Marvin ", Kenny won a can of green beans for his family, though they could not afford a can opener. In " Sexual Healing ", Kenny's family ate microwave pizza. Cartman frequently exploits Kenny’s poverty by offering him money for performing strange or dangerous tasks. In " The List ", Cartman frequently mentions that his family eats Pop-Tarts for dinner. This is actually proven at the end of the episode; Kenny and his family are all seen eating Pop-Tarts before a stray bullet kills Kenny at the dinner table. In " Best Friends Forever " it is shown that all of Kenny's possessions are kept in a small cardboard box. Though his family is extremely poor, his parents are known drug addicts and heavy drinkers. They drink so much that only a fairly large income would pay for it, which might explain the degree of poverty. In " Lil Crime Stoppers ", it is suggested that the McCormicks make meth for a drug cartel and in " The Poor Kid ", they are arrested for having a meth lab. Despite his family’s poverty, Kenny always manages to stay current with trends in toys and video games, such as maintaining a World of Warcraft subscription (and a computer to play it on), being the first kid in South Park to get a PSP , or being able to buy Chinpokomon dolls as well being the only child in the town to have a Go Go Action Bronco, a battery-powered miniature car. Kenny might have gotten these items from the odd jobs and dares from his friends and neighbors since his parents spend all their money on drugs and alcohol and use what ever is left over on food. His mother was also able to afford $100 worth of Ritalin in "Timmy 2000', although it caused him and all of his friends to be extremely boring. In "Ginger Cow" , Kenny is seen recording with an iPhone, which seems to be his, as he was taking it with him away. He might have been able to afford an iPhone, or got it from somebody. First Appearance Early versions of the character first appeared in Parker and Stone's two pre-South Park shorts, " The Spirit of Christmas " (1992 and 1995). In the first Spirit of Christmas short, the character resembling Kenny is unnamed, while the character resembling Cartman is named Kenny. The unnamed Kenny-like character also speaks unmuffled in the first short. Both of these characters get killed in the short. In the second Spirit of Christmas, a character with both Kenny's appearance and name appears and dies. Kenny's first South Park appearance within the series was alongside Kyle , Cartman and Stan in " Cartman Gets an Anal Probe ". Heroism Despite these problems, Kenny is often portrayed as the hero of the group; indeed, many of his deaths have been acts of heroic self-sacrifice. Among others, he fixed the Hells Pass Hospital backup generator by using himself to connect two wires (resulting in electrocution), and he once smashed a shell with his head to release Moses from captivity inside the shell (smashing his head in too). Arguably the most touching of these deaths was in South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut , when he wishes for everything to be back to normal despite that he would knowingly go to hell in the process (he instead almost immediately ascended to Heaven, where he was gifted with a Halo, wings, and thirty or so busty, naked women. Apparently one saving the earth from eternal damnation causes God to overlook one not being a Mormon). His ascension also marked the first, and to date only time his entire face has been seen (in other instances he has some form of cover, such as a baseball cap or a snorkel mask) and the first time his voice could be heard clearly. " Super Best Friends " depicts Kenny as a willing martyr for a cult he has recently joined. In " Best Friends Forever ", Kenny used the Golden PSP to defeat the hellbourne army of Satan. The most shining example of his heroism, however, is his role as Mysterion , a hero who defends the town from evil forces including Professor Chaos and the Coon . First appearing in " The Coon " with an unclear identity and returning in " Coon 2: Hindsight " Mysterion is shown to be a resourceful and intelligent hero with a strong sense of morals and justice - however his identity remained unknown until " Mysterion Rises " during which Mysterion opens the episode with a monologue mentioning having a power - Mysterion is later revealed to have been Kenny the entire time, and his super power being his inability to die. It is at this point that Kenny begins taking upon the role of the hero; though his loyal characteristics and sense of morality are strong, his increasing frustration becomes apparent when he confronts his friends for not remembering his many deaths. He spends most of " Coon vs. Coon & Friends " trying to come to terms with his powers, and at the end he begs Cthulhu to bring back the other Coon Friends making the ultimate sacrifice by offering himself up, noting "only an immortal can kill another immortal", meaning if Cthulhu killed Mysterion, he would not be reborn. In " The Poor Kid ", Kenny returns as Mysterion to protect his sister, Karen . He defended her against a school bully and got his foster parents arrested before they were able to hose his sister down with Doctor Pepper. When the boys decide to attack the robbers in " A Nightmare on Face Time ", Kenny is the one who gives instructions to Kyle, Stan, and Cartman on how to ambush the intruders. Language It is implied in " Quintuplets 2000 " that Kenny speaks fluent Romanian and a bit of Spanish in " W.T.F. ". References in Other Media In the book South Park and Philosophy: Bigger, Longer, and More Penetrating, there is an article about Kenny, by Southern Illinois University philosophy professor Dr. Randall Auxier, entitled: "Killing Kenny: Our Daily Dose of Death." [4] In Episode 3 of the anime FLCL , there is a scene best seen via freeze frame in which a car ornament in the likeness of Kenny can be seen impaled through the head with an arrow. On the Disney Chanel show "Jessie", One of the main characters, Luke's, stuffed animal, "Kenny the Koala", is decapitated, causing Luke to reply "They killed Kenny" in tears In his 2007 television special Jeff Dunham: Spark of Insanity, ventriloquist comedian Jeff Dunham and his puppet Walter remarked while looking into the camera, "This is Comedy Central! I can see Cartman. I can see Kenny. Oh, he just got killed." The rapper Master P released a single in 1998 entitled " Kenny's Dead " as part of the Chef Aid album. Kenny's deaths and the "Oh my God! They killed Kenny!" catchphrase is well known in popular culture, and has appeared on various pieces of merchandise, from T-shirts to guitar straps (like the one used by The Police guitarist Andy Summers). In the ABC show "Boy Meets World" the older brother of the protagonist is a fan of South Park an often quotes "Oh My God, they killed Kenny". In an episode of Celebrity Deathmatch, Flea (Red Hot Chili Peppers) vs Kenny G, when Kenny G dies Nick Diamond cries out "Oh my god! Flea Killed Kenny G! Flea killed Kenny G!" Then a child that is modeled like a kid from South Park calls out "You Bastards!" The golden Spacesuits in Danny Boyle's Sunshine (2007) are influenced by Kenny's trademarked Parka In volume 3 of the Shrine of the Morning Mist manga, one of the posters shown in Yuzu Hieda's room is that of Kenny McCormick. In episode 5 of FLCL, Lieutenant Kitsurubami's has a Kenny McCormick key chain and when Naota is having an awkward conversation with Mamimi, his appearance changes to resemble Kenny and talks with his voice muffled. In the game Fallout, there is a man named Deputy Kenny, and when killed it says on his computer screen "Oh my god, you killed Kenny." In the Fallout 3 DLC Point Lookout, there is a boy by the name of Kenny, who was raised by swamp-folk and skilled with setting traps, referencing the fact that he was poor and skilled with weapons. Also he whistles part of the South Park intro song. In the Fallout 3 DLC Operation Anchorage, a soldier named McKormick (intentionally misspelled) is shot in the head, with the nearby soldier saying "Oh my God, they killed McKormick! You gotta kill those bastards." In the popular MMOFPS ' Battleground Europe ' when you type in the .wtf command one of the responses can be 'Maybe they were aiming for KenneY.' The misspelling is deliberate. In the 2007 The Police reunion tour, the guitar strap used by Andy Summers features Kenny being electrocuted (the words "Oh My God! They killed Kenny!" can be read on the strap). The Mezco Toyz series 1 toyline for South Park came with a "dead head", an arm that when split in half would reveal one of his bones, and 4 rats as a reference to how rats use to pick a part his dead corpse. In the audience participation for The Bawdy Castes live show of "Rocky Horror Picture Show", the audience is expected to exclaim "Oh my god, you killed Kenya!" when a character places his finger on the country of Kenya on a globe dramatically. In the video game Skate 3, you can unlock a board with a character who looks strangely like Kenny. The rapper Eminem referenced Kenny, along with the city of South Park, in the song "W.T.P" and the song "Untitled" from of his album Recovery. In the song "Colorado Girls" Kenny is mentioned in one of the verses, where he is also killed in the music video. On the popular TV show Reno:911 the phrase "Oh my God! They killed Kenny! You bastards!" can be heard being said by Stan and Kyle during the episode Junior brothers (Season Four, Episode Two) while one of the officers off duty is flipping through channels. The officer humorously says "hell ya" after they say this. Russian nü metal band Slot has a song titled "Они убили Кенни" (meaning "they killed Kenny"). Team Fortress 2's Pyro may be a reference to some of Kenny's mannerisms, notably his muffled, semi-comprehensible speech, skill with weapons, and although a trait shared with other classes in the game, the Pyro, like Kenny, constantly dies and is resurrected. Memphis rapper Project Pat, in his song "Gold Shine", references Kenny in the lyrics: "From Good Times to South Park, You can die like Kenny". In the game Boss, once you kill the boss, the boss sometimes says- "Oh my god, you killed me! You bastards!" Sexual Habits Kenny is the most recognizable in South Park as being very knowledgeable with the subject of sex. Indeed, he is depicted as being obsessive with the female body. In " A Ladder to Heaven " Kenny's memories include his father asking him if he's been looking at his porn magazines and his father holding up a picture of a scantily clad woman with the crotch cut out. In the episode " Major Boobage ", the majority of the episode Kenny is trying to see the busty cowgirl lady by getting high. In other episodes, you can see in Kenny's room a poster of a lady in a bikini. In " Osama bin Laden Has Farty Pants " he is seen with porno magazines in his schoolbag. In " The Ring ", he tries to get his girlfriend to give him a BJ by taking her to a Jonas concert, since rumor had it she gave someone else a BJ after becoming aroused by the Jonas brothers. Talents Kenny is shown to be one of the more intelligent characters later on in the series; along with Kyle, Stan, Jimmy, and Token. Kenny also seems to be good at Origami when you usually see him in his desk messing around with paper. Weaponry Kenny is shown to be the best with weaponry in the group. Although Cartman uses them more he is unskilled with them. In " Volcano ", he blows up the fish with a grenade in the lake and shoots a ram down with a shotgun. He also shows skill with a shuriken and hits right on target in " Good Times with Weapons ". Kenny is shown in " Towelie " to be able to do a backflip when they sneak into the "military base", while climbing the fence. He was able to obtain a sniper rifle in " Poor and Stupid ", but it got confiscated by a security guard. In that episode he managed to jump onto a speeding NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing) race car. As Mysterion, Kenny takes the gun from Captain Hindsight and uses it effectively against himself twice, loading it in the process, showing knowledge of that weapon. In " Major Boobage " Kenny is able to perfectly throw a spear through a monster's throat (but it could be something else since he's cheesing). He seems to know a lot about explosives as he's about to disable Timmy's wheelchair bomb but he dies and he and Cartman set a bomb to blow up the "future telling device," which causes a massive explosion. Voice Out of all the boys, Kenny has the highest voice pitch (aside from when acting as Mysterion). His speech is muffled, so that it is often difficult to hear what he says, although closed captions sometimes verify his lines. In later episodes, his lines have become somewhat more intelligible. An example of this is in the episode " Chinpokomon ", where he appears to say "Fuck you" to Cartman after he attempted to trade another Chinpokomon for Kenny's Penguin. He says the same thing to Kyle in " Chef Goes Nanners " upon being told he can't just have mints (which are really antacid tablets) for dinner, although interpretation of what he said was helped by the fact he was flipping Kyle off at the time. His unique muffled voice is accomplished by his voice actor Matt Stone , speaking into his cupped hand. He speaks clearly and without his hood in South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut , " The Jeffersons ", " Lice Capades ", and " Mysterion Rises " with proper, unmuffled lines. In " The Losing Edge ", when he is seen in his baseball uniform, he is heard cheering when the team wins in the beginning of the episode. In " The Tooth Fairy Tats 2000 ", when he is literally pulled out of his parka in an attempt to have one of his baby teeth pulled out, he lands completely nude in front of Cartman and is heard groaning. Kenny is shown without his hood in " Lil' Crime Stoppers ", " The Losing Edge ", " Good Times with Weapons ", " Lice Capades ", " The Jeffersons ", " Super Best Friends ", " Margaritaville ", South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut , " The Coon " " W.T.F. ", " Pee ", " Sexual Healing " " Coon 2: Hindsight "," Mysterion Rises ", " Coon vs. Coon & Friends " , " You're Getting Old ", " Broadway Bro Down " " Sarcastaball ", " A Nightmare on Face Time " and " Naughty Ninjas ". In the film, Kenny's voice unhooded is performed by Mike Judge, creator of "Beavis and Butt-head" and "King of the Hill". In " The Jeffersons " and " Lice Capades ", Kenny's unmuffled voice was performed by Eric Stough, a former Director of Animation at South Park Studios and a now-producer of the show, making it sound more high-pitched than it did in the movie in the former, and in the latter deeper. When dressed as Iron Man in " A Nightmare on Face Time ", Kenny is voiced by Matt Stone who can be clearly heard but is slightly masked by a voice changer. He sounds like Kyle but in a higher voice. In the original Christmas short, his mouth is visible and he has an unmuffled line ("Yeah!") which sounds slightly nasally (a bit like Craig or Clyde). Despite that his mouth is rarely shown and covered by his orange parka, he vomits in " Major Boobage " and his mouth is clearly seen, though it disappears when he finishes vomiting. In the episode " Pinkeye ", when Kenny (as a zombie) attacks a lady giving the boys candy, you can see his mouth as he starts to eat her. Also in the episode " Fat Camp ", when Kenny is paid to eat all kinds of disgusting things for money, you can clearly see his mouth as he eats a dissected Manatee spleen in class, and dog poo, and his own vomit, even though lots of kids get disgusted. He was revealed to be Mysterion, so in " The Coon ", " Coon 2: Hindsight ", " Mysterion Rises " and " Coon vs. Coon & Friends ", you can hear his voice clearly, though he disguises it with a deep tone. In one scene in " Mysterion Rises ", Kenny's voice is heard unmuffled, provided by Eric Stough as listed in the end credits, and it sounds closer to South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut than the previous episodes. In " Coon vs. Coon & Friends " when Mysterion confronts Cartman, his voice wavers, although it is debatable whether he's dropped the disguise or has simply let his guard down partially due to emotional impact is unknown. Kenny has the unusual ability to modify his normally high-pitched voice to a very deep one as Mysterion. Appearance Kenny wears an orange parka , orange pants and brown gloves. Almost all of the time, Kenny has his hood on so that only his eyes are seen. Underneath his hood, he has messy blond hair, which looks somewhat similar to that of Tweek 's, another character on the show. On occasion, usually when he is scared or crying, he will pull the strings on his hood to make it tighten, although he did this once after Cartman had farted in an unventilated space on an airplane (" Osama bin Laden Has Farty Pants "). In " South Park is Gay! ", Kenny has a parka that is light purple with a part of his hair coming out of the hood, black pants, and brown boots with a black stripe down them. Later in the episode, he buys another parka that is pink and fluffy. He is shown at times to have almost nothing on underneath his parka, as seen in the episodes " The Tooth Fairy Tats 2000 ", the film , " Lil' Crime Stoppers ", and " Lice Capades ", though mostly he does have a white T-shirt on. Kenny is shown to have blue eyes in the episode " Starvin' Marvin ", in which a mutant turkey pulls out his eye and in a close-up, a blue iris is momentarily visible. In Good Times With Weapons, in anime style Kenny's eyes shows his iris which are blue. However, in an early draft for South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut , Kenny is described as having hazel eyes. In the film and " A Very Crappy Christmas ", it is shown that Kenny sleeps in his underwear, making him the only one of the boys who does so (Kyle, Cartman, and Stan all wear pajamas, and Tweek Tweak rarely sleeps and thus has no pajamas, except in " Child Abduction is Not Funny "). However, in other episodes, he is shown sleeping in his parka. It would seem that his parka was made from pieces of his bedroom curtains, because in the episode " Quintuplets 2000 ", when we see Kenny practicing opera singing, we see his curtains in the background. They are of orange material, and a huge part of one is missing. After South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut , he can be seen unhooded in several episodes, although, in the episode " Super Best Friends ", when Stan finds Kenny drowned in a pool, he has a bald fade due to every kid having shaved their heads earlier in the episode, making him indistinguishable from the others (minus Cartman). In " Margaritaville ", when the boys are playing with squirrels, Kenny is shown wearing part of his "toga" (a bedcloth) over his face, mimicking how his parka covers his face. More parts of his face—and his hair—are still visible, such as in " W.T.F. ", when he is in his wrestling outfit, he wears headgear that covers most of his face; in the same episode, when playing his wrestling alter-ego El Pollo Loco (a parody of Mexican wrestler Rey Mysterio), he wears a mask that also covers most of his face. In " The Losing Edge ", he wears a baseball cap that covers up a little of his right eye and forehead (as well as a jersey with the number 13). In " You're Getting Old " Kenny is also seen without his hood, and unlike other times his face is clearly shown in a side view. In " Broadway Bro Down ", Kenny is in his bathing suit with his face clearly shown. In the original Christmas short, he looks generally the same, but he wears green mittens and has a red scarf. His mouth is visible and his voice is intelligible (it sounds a little like Craig 's or Clyde 's). He only has one line, though. A photo-realistic version of Kenny's appearance was produced as a police artist sketch for the episode " Free Willzyx ", showing his nose. To see images of Kenny McCormick, visit Kenny McCormick/Gallery . In " Christian Rock Hard " he teaches Stan and Kyle how to download music free of charge off the Internet. He also helped along in " Make Love, Not Warcraft ". In the " The Ungroundable ", Kenny was seen playing Call of Duty: World at War with all of the other children. He also had a laptop from One Laptop per Child in " You Have 0 Friends ". Fighting Kenny has fought on a few occasions and is most likely the most physically active out of all the boys. He holds the ability to perform his "Spin Blossom Nut Squash" on command, as seen in " The Return of Chef " . He is also able to throw shurikens correctly, as demonstrated by hitting Butters directly in the eye with one in " Good Times with Weapons ". He occasionally gets into physical confrontations with Cartman due to Cartman's abusive nature (especially in early seasons). While Cartman overpowered him by sitting on him and farting in " Clubhouses ", Kenny was able to easily beat him when he tried to stop Stan and Kyle from entering the Wall-Mart with a dagger. It is also shown in many other episodes he has rather good accuracy with long range objects. Disregarding the deleted ending to The Coon , he is easily able to hold off Butters and Dougie singlehandedly, although in both his encounter with Cartman and his encounter with Professor Chaos, his main strategy seemed to consist of simply hitting his opponent until they gave up. When the deleted ending is taken into account, this is Kyle's fighting strategy. It also worthy to note that both Cartman and Butters have repeatedly been shown to be physically weak. He is shown to have great climbing skill in that episode, which is again displayed in " 1% ". In " The Poor Kid ", Kenny, as Mysterion , effortlessly beat up a bully who was picking on his sister, Karen ; first he kicks her with enough force to send her into the air, does spinning kick into her head, then punches her in the head, causing her to fall on the ground. Gaming Kenny is shown to have a large mastery of strategic video gaming in " Best Friends Forever ", reaching Level 60 in the Game " Heaven vs. Hell ", and was known by the angels as the Heaven's equivalent of Keanu Reeves (Neo from the Matrix trilogy or John Constantine from the film Constantine). In " Make Love, Not Warcraft " he is a human hunter in the game World of Warcraft (a race/class combination not actually possible in the game until the release of the Cataclysm expansion four years after the episode). In " Towelie ", he plays the 2001 Okama Gamesphere with the other boys until his death, at which time Towelie takes his place. In the " Chinpokomon " episode, he suffers a non-fatal seizure while playing a game about bombing Pearl Harbor. Also in " Whale Whores " he plays the drums in Rock Band, playing the song "Poker Face" by Lady Gaga, with Kyle on the guitar and Cartman on the vocals. Also, in the episode " Sexual Healing " he is playing EA Sports Tiger Wood PGA Tour '11 on the Xbox 360 with Cartman and appears to be winning. Immortality Kenny is unable to die. In " Mysterion Rises ", he remarks on how many times he has died, but instead of dying permanently, he ends up waking up in his bed, alive. He is troubled by the fact that no one remembers his deaths. He views his "power" as a curse. However, Cartman once stated that he dies all the time in " Cartmanland ", which indicates that Cartman is the only one to remember Kenny's deaths, but, presumably due to his selfish nature, refuses to acknowledge them unless it would somehow benefit him. Also, in " Fourth Grade ", Stan remarks "Who didn't see that coming?", indicating that he also knows. Music Kenny appears to be very musically talented. After taking opera voice lessons in " Quintuplets 2000 ", Kenny is shown to be very good at singing. He uses this talent to travel to Romania where he performs for money. He is also a good drummer as seen in " Christian Rock Hard " and " The Red Badge of Gayness " (also playing drums on Rock Band in " Whale Whores ") and plays violin as seen in " Summer Sucks ." He can also sing and dance at the same time, extremely evident in " Rainforest Shmainforest ", " Something You Can Do with Your Finger " and " Elementary School Musical ". Also in " The Red Badge of Gayness ," it is shown that he can play the flute as well. He, along with the rest of the fourth grade (third grade at the time), is shown to have (questionable) talent with the recorder as seen in " World Wide Recorder Concert ". In a pan flute band he can play the Zampona and he is seen with a trumpet at the end when they think of starting a salsa band. Sports He played football in the Season One episode, " Big Gay Al's Big Gay Boat Ride ", was part of the dodgeball team in the Season Two episode, " Conjoined Fetus Lady ", and played Center Field on the baseball team in the Season Nine episode, " The Losing Edge ". In " The Losing Edge " and " Big Gay Al's Big Gay Boat Ride ", the number on the back of his shirt is the number 13, a joke on how Kenny is unlucky due to being in poverty and dying all the time. In " Conjoined Fetus Lady ", his number is 69, a reference to his perverted sense of humor. Kenny can also play tetherball, but ended up getting strangled by it in " Mecha-Streisand ". In " Poor and Stupid " Kenny is shown to love NASCAR. In " Grey Dawn " he was seen playing street hockey with the rest of the boys. He has also played basketball with Cartman, Stan, and Kyle. Family Stuart McCormick Stuart McCormick is Kenny's alcoholic father. He is usually seen hanging out with the other men in South Park and sometimes arguing, or physically fighting, with his wife. Stuart's alcoholism is probably why the McCormick family is so far into poverty. Kenny is shown to not care when Stuart and Kevin are fighting, merely watching television with a bored look. Mrs. McCormick Mrs. McCormick is Kenny's young mother. She is said to have had Kenny when she was only 16 years old which would imply that she had Kevin when she was 13 or 14 years old. In " Cartman Joins NAMBLA ", it is shown that after Kenny dies, his soul returns to her, takes to another body and is reborn. Similarly, in the last episode of the Mysterion Trilogy, Kenny is literally reborn, however this time it is left open that Kenny's immortality is due to his parents worshiping Cthulhu . She says in " Coon vs. Coon & Friends ", "We never should have gone to those stupid cult meetings.", meaning she is probably tired of having to give birth to Kenny over and over again. Kevin McCormick Kevin McCormick is Kenny's older brother. He is very untidy in appearance. He hasn't had very many speaking lines, but when he does speak, he seems to repeat much of what he says. His voice sounds similar to those of Terrance Mephesto, Bill, and Fosse, but he must get the accent from his mom. He's seen with a few band aids on his face. Kenny is shown to not care when Kevin and Stuart are fighting, merely watching television with a bored look. Kevin is quite different to Kenny, since Kevin always gets into arguments with his family, while Kenny seems to ignore everything that is happening around him. Kenny and Kevin don't seem to talk to each other much. Karen McCormick Karen McCormick is Kenny's reclusive younger sister. She first appeared in " Best Friends Forever ", when she and the rest of the McCormicks visited Kenny in the hospital. Kenny is shown to care a lot for his little sister, even going so far as to dress up as his alter ego Mysterion to comfort her and show her that she is never alone, as well as beating up Jessica Pinkerton for attempting to bully Karen. In " The City Part of Town " he immediately follows Karen out of the room to comfort her when their dad yells at her, and uses the money he earned at City Wok to buy her a new doll. See " Fat Camp " for details Kenny's grandfather didn't have any speaking lines but he appeared in " Fat Camp " when Kenny, as a stunt on the 'Krazy Kenny Show', gave him a full-body massage on live television. He has never been mentioned or appeared on any other episode. It is unknown if this was his paternal or maternal grandfather. Relationships Kenny is a friendly person in general, often seen interacting with other boys in background scenes. He is one of the leaders of the male student population, along with the rest of the boys . Despite his obsession with sex, he seems to have a decent relationship with girls. He was shown to be successful in maintaining a serious relationship with two girls in " Rainforest Shmainforest " as well as " The Ring ". Craig Tucker Even though Kenny usually rivals against Craig and his friends along with Stan, Kyle and Cartman, they all seem to still get along with him for the most part when the two groups aren't in disagreement. They can all been seen playing and working together in episodes like " Free Willzyx " and " Guitar Queer-O ". Craig and Kenny chose to be partners in " Super Fun Time ". Craig even allowed Kenny to join him in making his "Animals Close-Up With a Wide-Angle Lens" video when Cartman wouldn't let Kenny join their report team in " Quest for Ratings ". This is explained by the fact that Kenny is hooded all the time - being a news reporter, he would have had to show his face and have a really nice hairstyle. The given reason, though, is that Cartman thinks Kenny doesn't watch the news because he's poor. However, in episodes like " Pandemic 2: The Startling ", Kenny has shown dislike for Craig by saying that he doesn't like him, though it could have merely been out of frustration that Craig refused help them again. Milly In the episode " The Biggest Douche in the Universe ", Rob Schneider was possessed by Kenny, after eating a meat loaf that Kenny's soul was trapped inside. Then, during a commercial for a Rob Schneider movie coming out, he was seen trying to kiss Milly which may conclude that Kenny had a crush on her. Also in the episode Something You Can Do with Your Finger , Kenny chose Milly to rub and hug him for their music video. Eric Cartman Cartman generally seems to tolerate Kenny, although he regards him as being lesser than him because he is poor, and can even at times be seen to treat Kenny as sort of a general laborer/servant, he is also very abusive, both physically and verbally. Cartman does appear to consider Kenny as his best friend out of the other three boys, although he is not above exaggerating the depth of their friendship in order to achieve or obtain something he wants, usually after Kenny dies or is incapacitated, such as in the episode " Best Friends Forever ". In the same episode, Kenny described his general attitude toward his friendship with Cartman as his feeling sorry for him, because everyone else hates him. However, it is also shown that the two share a "best friends forever" necklace (hence the title of the episode). However it is implied that Cartman managed to sneak the necklace onto Kenny's neck in order to prove to everyone that he and Kenny were indeed best friends. It is seen that some times when something beneficial happens to the town, Cartman and Kenny are seen hugging, such as in the episodes " Red Man's Greed " and " The F Word ". In the episode " Kenny Dies ", Kenny agrees with Cartman's assessment that the two are best friends, as Kyle and Stan are. However, this is refuted in the episode " Best Friends Forever ," in which Kenny had written in his will that Stan and Kyle were his best friends and he never really liked Eric Cartman. All things considered, their "best" friendship seems to end as of " The Death of Eric Cartman ". Kenny will go along with Cartman if he talks about something he agrees on (such as the time he giggled uncontrollably when Cartman farted in Kyle's face in " Cancelled "), or Kyle and Stan if he gets really annoyed by Cartman's attitude. Although muffled, Kenny has often called Cartman by his first name "Eric", such as in " Probably ", when he calls Cartman on the phone from Mexico and later when Jesus sends Cartman to Mexico as punishment. On occasion, he is known to punch Cartman when Cartman rips on him for being poor, and Cartman has been shown beating up Kenny when Kenny refuses to go along with his ideas. (particular in the early seasons). In fact, in " Cartmanland ", Kenny was invited to go to Cartman's theme park, when Kyle and Stan couldn't come. Cartman has shown to get angry and defensive after Kenny has died, while Stan and Kyle take it like it's nothing and have sometimes used it to get what they want (such as asking for ice cream with butterscotch in " Cartman's Mom is a Dirty Slut "). He also seemed to be aware of Kenny dying in " Cartmanland ", but in " Mysterion Rises " Kenny said nobody noticed. Kenny has also been known to detest or mock Cartman on occasion, such as when Cartman degraded NASCAR fans by crashing a stolen car into a lake in Poor and Stupid - Kenny stormed down to Cartman's house to yell at him (nearly destroying the door in the process) - he was even prepared to kill Cartman in defense of NASCAR's reputation. He also laughed when Kyle and Stan abandoned Cartman for cheating at a war game when he yelled "I can play with myself all day!" in " Clubhouses ". In " Jakovasaurs ", Kenny got mad at Cartman again when he started claiming he hated Kenny. He then tried to distract Cartman by pretending to be a new species of antelope (so that the Jakovasaurs could be smuggled to France), but instead got mauled by a bear. It should be noted that although his voice is muffled, Kenny can be heard using Cartman's first name, "Eric", on occasion (such as in " Probably "), making him the only one out of Cartman's primary three friends to do so. However, in " Chickenlover " and more recent episodes, Kenny called Cartman by his surname when Cartman was at his house. It should also be noted that Kenny's alternate identity, Mysterion, and Eric's, the Coon, appear to have a rivalry. This can be seen in the episodes " The Coon ", " Coon 2: Hindsight ", " Mysterion Rises " and " Coon vs. Coon & Friends ". In particular, Mysterion kept the group name " Coon and Friends " after Cartman was kicked out because it "pissed Cartman off beyond belief", and he found it "extremely funny". Cartman is the only character to be aware of Kenny's constant dying, saying "He dies all the time!" in " Cartmanland ". In " City on the Edge of Forever (Flashbacks) " he told a story while they were stranded on the bus about Kenny dying before he was killed by a giant black monster. Kyle points out that Kenny dying before would have been impossible because "he can't die twice". This would mean he is immune to the psychic effect that Kenny's deaths have on others. By extension, this may mean Cartman has immunity to mind control or other psychological effects. While not shown in as much detail as Kyle and Cartman's newfound friendship, with the boys ending their friendship with a pessimistic Stan in " You're Getting Old ", he also seems to be developing a better one with Cartman. A picture of Kenny and Cartman at Casa Bonita is seen " A Song of Ass and Fire " which implies they have a close friendship. Kenny does not take part in smashing Cartman's electronics in " Skank Hunt ". Stan Marsh Although Kenny and Stan don't seem to share the same bond that Stan and Kyle do, Stan does seem to think of Kenny as a close friend. In " Kenny Dies ", out of the 3 boys, Stan has the hardest time dealing with Kenny dying, and can't even bear to see him in the hospital. When Stan finally realizes that Kenny passed on "for good", he feels like he's Kenny's worst friend (until they hear about Cartman's selfishness). The two boys often hang out with one another when Cartman and Kyle get into their arguments and Stan and Kenny don't want to listen to it, such as in " The Passion of the Jew ". In " Best Friends Forever ", Stan and Kyle fight against Cartman to not have Kenny's feeding tube removed to save Kenny's life. However, in " Cherokee Hair Tampons ", when all hope seems lost to save Kyle and Stan breaks down crying in front of Kenny because of Kyle's impending death, he doesn't seem to care or even acknowledge the fact that Kenny dies all the time. This angers Kenny and makes him leave Stan to go home after using Cartman's catchphrase "Screw you guys I'm going home!" - which in turn causes his death by walking under a falling piano, and even then Stan still fails to notice or care. During the first five seasons, Stan would merely say, "Oh my God, they killed Kenny!" , after one of Kenny's classic deaths, and then he wouldn't acknowledge him again after that. Like Cartman and Kyle, Kenny is at first only annoyed with Stan in You're Getting Old , with his constant complaining and buzzkilling. Unfortunately, when Stan gets worse and becomes unbearable to be with, he first ditches him and then, along with Cartman and Kyle, breaks off their friendship until the conflict is resolved in Ass Burgers . Kyle Broflovski Kenny and Kyle's relationship doesn't seem to be as strong as it is with the other boys. Kyle doesn't seem to really even notice Kenny a lot of the time. There is even a time in the episode " Chickenpox " when Kyle says that Kenny isn't his friend (this could be to get out of going to his house). Though along with Stan, Kyle's shown his definite concern for Kenny and does view him as a very close friend, they rarely interact one-on-one. In " Best Friends Forever ", Kenny gives all of his belongings (excluding his PSP) to Stan and Kyle, and Stan and Kyle fight very hard to save their friend from Cartman and his supporters. He also invites Kenny to his birthday party in " Casa Bonita ". Kenny often sides with Kyle on many issues, even over Cartman, like in " Douche and Turd ", where Kenny supports Kyle's mascot instead of Cartman's. Also in " Jewbilee " Kyle asked Kenny to come to Jew Scouts so that it would be fun. Despite the neglect, Kenny has been shown to bear feelings of friendship towards Kyle, even to the point of trying to convince him of his own power as Mysterion to the point of shooting himself in front of him and Stan, much to their surprise and his later dismay when neither of them remember. Kenny also thinks Kyle is the smartest kid in his class, asking him for help in " The Coon " for that reason. In the first five seasons and sporadically afterward, whenever Kenny dies, Kyle follows with "You bastards!" after Stan yells, "Oh my God, they killed Kenny!" Butters Stotch After the episode, " Kenny Dies ", and after Kenny's comeback in Season Six ending, he seems to have less of a major role (until Season Eleven), sharing with Butters. The episode " Kenny Dies ", where Butters drew a picture of him and Kenny (as best friends) together in an airplane in which Kyle delivered to Kenny at the hospital, indicates that Butters sees Kenny as a really close friend. Kenny played the "good cop" and comforted Butters in " Lil' Crime Stoppers ", and Butters tried to help Kenny during " Major Boobage ". The two were also playing together in a sandbox in the episode " Eek, A Penis! ". Butters took Kenny's place when Kenny died, possibly hinting that Butters deeply missed Kenny (instead of simply wanting to hang out with the other boys). In " Guitar Queer-O ", Kenny and Butters can be seen hugging when Stan and Kyle break 1,000,000 points on Guitar Hero, and they hi-five each other after Willzyx is returned to the ocean in " Free Willzyx ". Also, in " The Ring ", Butters seemed quite alarmed when he discovered Kenny had a new "whore" girlfriend. Kenny can also be seen shaking Butters' hand after kissing Sally in " Butters' Bottom Bitch ". In " Going Native " Butters considers Kenny his only true friend and allows him to go to Hawaii with him, against his initial protest. Kelly Kenny briefly had a girlfriend named Kelly in " Rainforest Shmainforest " (she was first to admit her feelings for him), who came to his aid during one of his famous "death" scenes. In the next episode, " Spontaneous Combustion ", he spends a lot of time at a new girlfriend's house but the viewer never sees her. Because Kenny had started dating Kelly in the previous episode, it is safe to assume that they are one and the same. Kelly hasn't been heard of since (although she was seen at the dance in " Hooked on Monkey Fonics ", possibly having arranged to meet up with Kenny, but not being able to as he is dead at that point). If you look closely, you can actually see parts of Kenny's parka with Kelly at the dance. It's also possible that they are still dating. Stan also killed Kenny three times in " Roger Ebert Should Lay off the Fatty Foods ", " Cartman's Silly Hate Crime 2000 ", and he indirectly causes his death in " I Should Have Never Gone Ziplining " since it was his idea to go Zip lining in the first place. Kenny's perverted sense of humor isn't limited to obvious innuendo - he once did a glitter-and-glue drawing of a clown holding someone's head in one hand and a bloody knife in the other. This could also mean he is coulrophobic. (" Fourth Grade ") Kenny is the only one of the four main boys who hasn't been circumcised. (" Ike's Wee Wee ") Kenny is the only one of the four main boys who isn't imaginary, in that the others had to be re-imagined by Butters. (" Imaginationland, Episode III "). However, since Cartman was able to imagine something into Imaginationland, something only real people can do, the others can be considered "real". Kenny has been turned into a platypus (" Damien "), a ghost who then possessed Rob Schneider, a pot roast which Rob Schneider ate to be possessed, and Cartman (" The Biggest Douche in the Universe "), and has been resurrected as a zombie (" Pinkeye "). Kenny has a habit of hurting himself when he gets bored - during a tedious ADD test, he ended up bashing his head against a wall repeatedly (" Timmy 2000 "), and during a presentation by the Butt Out group, he began chewing his own hand (" Butt Out "). While in his parka, Kenny never says 'yes' or 'no'; if he agrees with something he always says "Yeah" or "Uh-huh". Furthermore, in the episode " World Wide Recorder Concert ", he answered "nope" when Cartman asked him something. Other times, he says "Nuh-uh" instead. Kenny is the only boy known to sleep in his underwear. However, sometimes - in particular shortly after a resurrection - he wears his parka to bed. Kenny is able to make moose calls, as shown in " The Tale of Scrotie McBoogerballs ". Kenny is the only one out of four boys to not get grounded. Kenny has killed himself a total of ten times, some of them being heroic self-sacrifices, but others not so: In " Cartman's Mom is Still a Dirty Slut ", he uses his body to complete an electrical circuit which brings the hospital's generator online, thus saving the lives of every patient on life support. In " Jewbilee ", Kenny uses his head to break open a shell that contains Moses . The trauma kills him, but Moses successfully defeats Haman afterward. In " Coon vs. Coon & Friends ", he shoots himself in the head to try to prove a point to the other boys. He later jumps onto a spike to improvise a way out of R'lyeh, then later shoots himself again in order to return home. In " Scott Tenorman Must Die ", Kenny dies while laughing uncontrollably at a humiliating video of Cartman. In " Super Best Friends ", Kenny drowns himself in the Reflecting Pool after being brainwashed by David Blaine . In " Mecha-Streisand ", while Barbara Streisand attacks the town, Kenny initiates a game of swingball, which results in the ball tying him to the pole by the neck and asphyxiates him. In " Sexual Healing ", Kenny chokes himself to death while trying to achieve a "super-awesome" orgasm. In " Summer Sucks ", a baby Kenny holds on to a lit firework for too long, and he is blown up. As of Season Eighteen Kenny has had the most absences out of the four main boys. His girlfriend broke up with him at the end of " Skank Hunt " as he can be seen crying on the floor at the end of the episode. It is unknown who he was in a relationship with as the breakup happened off-screen. Prominence Due to Kenny being a main character in South Park , we will not cover his prominence in the series, however we will cover his prominence in games as well as his absences in the series. Video Games Kenny appears in many games, for instance, South Park (video game) , South Park Rally , South Park Mega Millionaire South Park Let's Go Tower Defense Play! , and other games. Let's Go Tower Defense Play! Kenny appears in South Park Let's Go Tower Defense Play! as one of the main characters; along with Stan , Kyle and Cartman . Kenny is one of the playable characters. South Park: The Stick of Truth In South Park: The Stick of Truth , Kenny appears as Princess Kenny , the same role he filled in the Black Friday arc, this time remaining on Cartman's side for most of the game. However, he betrays both Cartman and Kyle, since he was born a half-orc, a species that was destroyed by humans and elves. The player must then defeat him as a regular character, and a nazi zombie, before they must use the power of farting to fully defeat him, and the nazi zombies. Absences
i don't know
The month of January was named after which Roman god?
Which Two-headed God Is January Named After? | Dictionary.com Blog Home  »  Calendar Events  » Which Two-headed God Is January Named After? Which Two-headed God Is January Named After? January 1, 2016 by:  Dictionary.com 559 Comments January is often considered the month for deep reflection. We look back at the year behind us, bemoaning our regrets and celebrating our successes. And then, we look forward to the future year. We make well-meaning resolutions and hope for the best. So, in this way, we’re all a little bit like Janus , the Roman god for which January is named. Janus is usually depicted with having two heads. that face in opposite directions. One looks back to the year departed, and one looks forward to the new and uncertain year ahead. (The poetic term John Keats coined that describes living your life while accepting that it is filled with uncertainty seems apropos to this transitional time. Learn the term and its exact meaning, here .) The god Saturn bestowed upon Janus this ability to see into the future and past. His name comes from the Latin word ianua , which means “door.” Janus is the god of doors, gates, doorways, bridges, and passageways, all of which symbolize beginnings and ends. Janus also represented transition, such as the time between youth and adulthood. If you find it odd that a deity with two heads is the namesake for one of our prominent months, consider the story of the obscure, one-armed Norse god that Tuesday is named after . His name, and history, can be found here .
Janus
The longest serving and first flying space shuttle, which vehicle was lost on re-entry Feb 1, 2003, resulting in the loss of 7 astronauts?
What Are the Origins of the Names of Our Days and Months?   What Are the Origins of the Names of Our Days and Months? According to the Encyclopedia International, article "Week," the days were names for the sun, the moon, and the five visible planets, all of which were associated with pagan deities. The names of the days of the week and their meanings are as follows: Day The sun, in honor of the sun god . Monday The moon, in honor of the moon god. Tuesday The planet Mars, in honor of the god Mars. The Saxons named this day after their god Tiw and called it Tiw's day. "Tuesday" comes from the name of this Saxon god. Wednesday The planet Mercury, later named in honor of the Teutonic god Wedn or Woden. Thursday The planet Jupiter, later named in honor of the Teutonic god Thor. Friday The planet Venus, later named in honor of the Teutonic goddess Frigg or Freia. Saturday The planet Saturn, in honor of the Roman god Saturn. But how did this planetary week come to be so commonly used in the professing Christian world? Hutton Webster, in his book Rest Days, provides the answer: "The early Christians had at first adopted the Jewish seven-day week with its numbered weekdays, but by the close of the third century AD this began to give way to the planetary week. . . . The use of planetary names by Christians attests the growing influence of astrological speculations introduced by converts from paganism. . . . Thus, gradually a pagan institution was engrafted on Christianity" (emphasis added; see pages 220-221). This planetary week with its days named after pagan deities is not of God. God Almighty did create the week with seven days, but He merely numbered the days one through seven ( Genesis 1:3 —2:3). The only day He named was the seventh day, calling it the " The names of the months and their meanings are as follows: Month Januarius, in honor of the Roman god Janus. February Februarius, in honor of the Roman festival of general expiation and purification. March Martius, in honor of the Roman god Mars. April Aprilis, which was derived from aperio, a Latin verb meaning to open. The month is so called because it is the month when the earth opens to produce new fruits. May Maius, in honor of the Greek goddess Maia. June Junius, in honor of the Roman goddess Juno. July Julius, in honor of Roman emperor Julius Caesar. August Augustus, in honor of Roman emperor Augustus Caesar. The rest of the months—September, October, November, December—are derived from the Latin words for the numerals 7, 8, 9, and 10. They were the 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th months of the old Roman calendar before July and August were inserted ahead of them. The Hebrew months were originally numbered, but over time names were given to them. For instance, Abib, the first month of spring, means "green [ears of barley]" (this month is also called Nisan, meaning "their flight [out of Egypt]"). Later, the Jews borrowed Babylonian names for many of their months, some of which (e.g., Tammuz) refer to pagan deities.   The Berean: Daily Verse and Comment Sign up for the Berean: Daily Verse and Comment , and have Biblical truth delivered to your inbox. This daily newsletter provides a starting point for personal study, and gives valuable insight into the verses that make up the Word of God. See what over 135,000 subscribers are already receiving each day. Email Address:     We respect your privacy. Your email address will not be sold, distributed, rented, or in any way given out to a third party. We have nothing to sell. You may easily unsubscribe at any time.  
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When you cross the International Date Line from a westerly direction do you gain or lose day?
Time traveling | Stopdesign Time traveling locations · reading · travel One of the concepts that’s had my brain wrapped around a pole lately is the international date line. When working out times and flights to Sydney recently, I found it really difficult to calculate arrival times based on a 14-hour flight, a 17-hour time difference, and the fact that I was going to cross the date line and lose a day. I usually find it dead simple to calculate time differences and arrivals when flying cross-country here in the US, or even trans-Atlantic flights to Europe. But thinking about the flight to Australia is equally throwing me for a loop and wildly fascinating to me at the same time. I mentioned in my last post that I picked up a copy of Bill Bryson’s In a Sunburned Country . I love Bryson’s writing style and his sense of humor. If you haven’t read anything by him, he gives wonderful, often hysterical, accounts of traveling abroad, and does it all in an easy to read narrative. He always manages to learn loads of interesting facts about each place before he gets there, and shares some of those facts throughout each book. Sunburned Country covers his travels in Australia, a land he absolutely loves. Reading through the first chapters is getting me more and more excited about the trip. On the topic of crossing the date line, I came across a couple of paragraphs of Bryson’s which encapsulate almost exactly what I’ve been thinking: Each time you fly from North America to Australia, and without anyone asking how you feel about it, a day is taken away from you when you cross the international date line. I left Los Angeles on January 3 and arrived in Sydney fourteen hours later on January 5. For me there was no January 4. None at all. Where it went exactly I couldn’t tell you. All I know is that for one twenty-four-hour period in the history of earth, it appears I had no being. I find it a little uncanny, to say the least. I mean to say, if you were browsing through your ticket folder and you saw a notice that said, “Passengers are advised that on some crossings twenty-four-hour loss of existence may occur” (which is, of course, how they would phrase it, as if it happened from time to time), you would probably get up and make inquiries, grab a sleeve, and say, “Excuse me.” There is, it must be said, a certain metaphysical comfort in knowing that you can cease to have material form and it doesn’t hurt at all, and, to be fair, they do give you back the day on the return journey when you cross the date line in the opposite direction and thereby manage somehow to arrive in Los Angeles before you left Sydney, which in its way, of course, is an even neater trick. From In a Sunburned Country , Bill Bryson I leave on September 26 from Los Angeles, exactly as Bryson did. I fly for fourteen hours. I arrive in Sydney on September 28. For me, there will be no September 27, 2004. It will never exist. Or in Bryson’s words… I won’t exist on that date. Thank goodness that’s not my birthday. You know what’s really screwy? That return trip thing. When I look at my return date on my Palm, my arrival at LAX (11:15am) happens before my departure in Sydney (2:50pm) on the same day. It’s actually making the little Palm app I use to manage travel schedules freak out, not to mention my brain. Whacked, I tell you!
lose day
Which cartoon character, who cooks at the Krusty Krab, calls Bikini Bottom home?
Time traveling | Stopdesign Time traveling locations · reading · travel One of the concepts that’s had my brain wrapped around a pole lately is the international date line. When working out times and flights to Sydney recently, I found it really difficult to calculate arrival times based on a 14-hour flight, a 17-hour time difference, and the fact that I was going to cross the date line and lose a day. I usually find it dead simple to calculate time differences and arrivals when flying cross-country here in the US, or even trans-Atlantic flights to Europe. But thinking about the flight to Australia is equally throwing me for a loop and wildly fascinating to me at the same time. I mentioned in my last post that I picked up a copy of Bill Bryson’s In a Sunburned Country . I love Bryson’s writing style and his sense of humor. If you haven’t read anything by him, he gives wonderful, often hysterical, accounts of traveling abroad, and does it all in an easy to read narrative. He always manages to learn loads of interesting facts about each place before he gets there, and shares some of those facts throughout each book. Sunburned Country covers his travels in Australia, a land he absolutely loves. Reading through the first chapters is getting me more and more excited about the trip. On the topic of crossing the date line, I came across a couple of paragraphs of Bryson’s which encapsulate almost exactly what I’ve been thinking: Each time you fly from North America to Australia, and without anyone asking how you feel about it, a day is taken away from you when you cross the international date line. I left Los Angeles on January 3 and arrived in Sydney fourteen hours later on January 5. For me there was no January 4. None at all. Where it went exactly I couldn’t tell you. All I know is that for one twenty-four-hour period in the history of earth, it appears I had no being. I find it a little uncanny, to say the least. I mean to say, if you were browsing through your ticket folder and you saw a notice that said, “Passengers are advised that on some crossings twenty-four-hour loss of existence may occur” (which is, of course, how they would phrase it, as if it happened from time to time), you would probably get up and make inquiries, grab a sleeve, and say, “Excuse me.” There is, it must be said, a certain metaphysical comfort in knowing that you can cease to have material form and it doesn’t hurt at all, and, to be fair, they do give you back the day on the return journey when you cross the date line in the opposite direction and thereby manage somehow to arrive in Los Angeles before you left Sydney, which in its way, of course, is an even neater trick. From In a Sunburned Country , Bill Bryson I leave on September 26 from Los Angeles, exactly as Bryson did. I fly for fourteen hours. I arrive in Sydney on September 28. For me, there will be no September 27, 2004. It will never exist. Or in Bryson’s words… I won’t exist on that date. Thank goodness that’s not my birthday. You know what’s really screwy? That return trip thing. When I look at my return date on my Palm, my arrival at LAX (11:15am) happens before my departure in Sydney (2:50pm) on the same day. It’s actually making the little Palm app I use to manage travel schedules freak out, not to mention my brain. Whacked, I tell you!
i don't know
Sitting between Chance and Luxury Tax, what is the second most expensive property on a standard Monopoly board?
Monopoly | Monopoly Wiki | Fandom powered by Wikia [ show ] History The history of Monopoly can be traced back to the early 1900s. In 1904, a Quaker woman named Elizabeth (Lizzie) J. Magie Phillips created a game through which she hoped to be able to explain the single tax theory of Henry George (it was supposed to illustrate the negative aspects of concentrating land in private monopolies). Her game, The Landlord's Game, was commercially published a few years later. Other interested game players redeveloped the game and some made their own sets. Lizzie herself patented a revised edition of the game in 1904, and similar games were published commercially. By the early 1930s, a board game named Monopoly was created much like the version of Monopoly sold by Parker Brothers and its parent companies throughout the rest of the 20th century and into the 21st. The Parker Brothers' version was created by Charles Darrow . Several people, mostly in the U.S. Midwest and near the U.S. East Coast, contributed to the game's design and evolution. In 1941 the British Secret Service had John Waddington Ltd., the licensed manufacturer of the game outside the U.S., create a special edition for World War II prisoners of war held by the Nazis. Hidden inside these games were maps, compasses, real money, and other objects useful for escaping. They were distributed to prisoners by the International Red Cross. By the 1970s, the game's early history had been lost (and at least one historian has argued that it was purposely suppressed - see below), and the idea that it had been created solely by Charles Darrow had become popular folklore. This was stated in the 1974 book The Monopoly Book: Strategy and Tactics of the World's Most Popular Game, by Maxine Brady, and even in the instructions of the game itself. As Professor Ralph Anspach fought Parker Brothers and its then parent company, General Mills, over the trademarks of the Monopoly board game, much of the early history of the game was "rediscovered." Because of the lengthy court process, and appeals, the legal status of Parker Brothers' trademarks on the game was not settled until the mid-1980s. The game's name remains a registered trademark of Parker Brothers, as do its specific design elements. Parker Brothers' current corporate parent, Hasbro, again acknowledges only the role of Charles Darrow in the creation of the game. Anspach published a book about his research, called The Billion Dollar Monopoly Swindle (and republished as Monopolygate), in which he makes his case about the purposeful suppression of the game's early history and development. Board This is the original version produced by Charles Darrow, and later by Parker Brothers. The board consists of forty spaces containing twenty-eight properties, three Chance spaces, three Community Chest spaces, a Luxury Tax space, an Income Tax space, and the four corner squares: GO, Jail, Free Parking , and Go to Jail. In the U.S. versions shown below, the properties are named after locations in (or near) Atlantic City, New Jersey. However, as of September 2008, the layout of the board has been modified to more closely match the foreign-released versions, as shown in the two board layouts below. The notable changes are the colors of Mediterranean and Baltic Avenues changing from purple to brown, the colors of the GO square from red to black, and the adaptation of the flat $200 Income Tax (formerly the player's choice of 10% of their total holdings OR $200; players had to make a decision before calculating their total holdings) and increased $100 Luxury Tax (upped from $75) amounts. Similar color/amount changes are used in the U.S. Edition of the "Here And Now: World Edition" game , and are also used in the most recent version of the McDonald's Monopoly promotion. US Board ($60) US Info A player who reaches the Jail space by a direct roll of the dice is said to be "just visiting", and continues normal play on the next turn. Marvin Gardens , a yellow property on the board shown, is actually a misspelling of the original location name, Marven Gardens. Marven Gardens is not a street, but a housing area outside Atlantic City. The housing area is said to be derived from Margate City and Ventnor City in New Jersey (emphasis added). The misspelling was introduced by Charles Darrow when his home-made Monopoly board was copied by Parker Brothers. It was not until 1995 that Parker Brothers acknowledged this mistake and formally apologized to the residents of Marven Gardens for the misspelling. [2] Another change made by Todd and duplicated by Darrow, and later Parker Brothers, was the use of South Carolina Avenue. North Carolina Avenue was substituted for this street on the board. Atlantic City's Illinois Avenue was renamed Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. in the 1980s. Saint Charles Place no longer exists, as the Showboat Casino Hotel was developed where it once ran. [3] Short Line is believed to refer to the Shore Fast Line, a streetcar line that served Atlantic City. [4] The B. & O. Railroad did not serve Atlantic City. A booklet included with the reprinted 1935 edition states that the four railroads that served Atlantic City in the mid 1930s were the Jersey Central, the Seashore Lines, the Reading Railroad, and the Pennsylvania Railroad . The actual "Electric Company" and "Water Works" serving the city are respectively Atlantic City Electric Company (a subsidiary of Pepco Holdings) and the Atlantic City Municipal Utilities Authority. The other versions of the game have different property names, and the prices may be denominated in another currency, but the game mechanics are almost identical. The original income tax choice from the U.S. version is replaced by a flat rate in the UK version, and the $75 Luxury Tax space is replaced with the £100 Super Tax space. The same is true of current German boards, with a €200 for the Income Tax space on the board, and a €100 Add-on tax in place of the Luxury Tax. An Austrian version, released by Parker Brothers/Hasbro in 2001, does allow for the 10% or $200 for Income Tax and has a $100 Luxury Tax. The choice of London main line stations is that of the four stations within the London and North Eastern Railway group. Starting with the September 2008 release, the U.S. Edition now also uses the flat $200 Income Tax value and the upped $100 Luxury Tax amount. In the 1930s, John Waddington Ltd. (Waddingtons) was a firm of printers from Leeds that had begun to branch out into packaging and the production of playing cards. Waddingtons had sent the card game Lexicon to Parker Brothers hoping to interest them in publishing the game in the United States. In a similar fashion, Parker Brothers sent over a copy of Monopoly to Waddingtons early in 1935 before the game had been put into production in the United States. The managing director of Waddingtons, Victor Watson, gave the game to his son Norman (who was head of the card games division) to test over the weekend. Norman was impressed by the game and persuaded his father to call Parker Brothers on Monday morning - transatlantic calls then being almost unheard of. This call resulted in Waddingtons obtaining a license to produce and market the game outside of the United States. Watson felt that in order for the game to be a success in the United Kingdom the American locations would have to be replaced, so Victor and his secretary, Marjory Phillips, went to London to scout out locations. The Angel, Islington is not a street in London but an area of North London named after a coaching inn that stood on the Great North Road. By the 1930s the inn had become a Lyons Corner House (it is now a Co-operative Bank). Some accounts say that Marjory and Victor met at the Angel to discuss the selection and celebrated the fact by including it on the Monopoly board. In 2003, a plaque commemorating the naming was unveiled at the site by Victor Watson's grandson who is also named Victor. The standard English board, produced by Waddingtons, was for many years the version most familiar to people in countries in the Commonwealth (except Canada, where the U.S. edition with Atlantic City-area names was reprinted), although local variants of the board are now also found in several of these countries. UK Board In the cases where the game was produced under license by a national company, the £ (pound) was replaced by a $ (dollar) sign, but the place names were unchanged. Standard (UK Edition) Monopoly game board layout For a list of some of the localized versions, including the UK "Here & Now" edition, and the names of their properties. Recent variations Starting in the UK in 2005, an updated version of the game entitled Monopoly Here and Now was produced, replacing game scenarios, properties, and tokens with modern equivalents. Similar boards were produced for Germany and France. Variants of these first editions appeared with Visa-branded debit cards taking the place of cash - the later US "Electronic Banking" edition has unbranded debit cards. The success of the first Here and Now editions caused Hasbro US to allow online voting for 26 landmark properties across the United States to take their places along the game board. The popularity of this voting, in turn, caused the creation of similar websites, and secondary game boards per popular vote to be created in the UK, France, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and other nations. Hasbro opened a new website in January 2008, for online voting of the Monopoly Here and Now: World Edition. The colored property spaces will be worldwide cities, going by the same vote/popularity formula as established for national editions. In 2006, Winning Moves Games released another edition, the Mega Edition, with a larger game board (50% bigger) and revised game play. Other streets from Atlantic City (eight, one per a color group) were included, along with a third "utility", the Gas Company. In addition, $1000 denomination notes (first seen in Winning Moves' "Monopoly: The Card Game") are included. Game play is further changed with bus tickets (allowing non-dice-roll movement along one side of the board), a speed die (itself adopted into variants of the Atlantic City Standard Edition; see below), skyscrapers (after houses and hotels), and train depots that can be placed on the Railroad spaces. This edition was adapted for the UK market in 2007, and is sold by Winning Moves UK. After the initial US release, critiques of some of the rules caused the company to issue revisions and clarifications on their website. In 2009, Winning Moves Games introduced "The Classic Edition", with a pre-2008 game board and cards, re-inclusion of the " sack of money " playing piece, and a plain MONOPOLY logo in the center of the board, with neither the 1985 or 2008 version of "Mr. Monopoly" present. World editions In 1998, Winning Moves procured the Monopoly license from Hasbro and created new UK city and regional editions with sponsored squares. Winning Moves struggled to raise the sponsorship deals for the game boards, but did so eventually. A Nottingham Graphic Design agency, TMA, produced the visual design of the Monopoly packaging. Initially, in December 1998, the game was sold in just a few WHSmith stores, but demand was high, with almost fifty thousand games shipped in the 4 weeks leading up to Christmas. Winning Moves still produce new city and regional editions annually. Nottingham based designers Guppi have been responsible for the games' visual design since 2001. In 2008, Hasbro released a world edition of Monopoly Here & Now. This world edition features top locations of the world. The locations were decided by votes over the Internet. The result of the voting was announced on August 20, 2008. Dark Blue: Montreal, Riga Light Blue: Athens, Barcelona, Tokyo Brown: Taipei, Gdynia Out of these, Gdynia is especially notable, as it is by far the smallest city of those featured and won the vote thanks to a spontaneous, large-scale mobilization of support started by its citizens. The new game will not use any particular currency; it uses millions and thousands. As seen above, there is no Dark Purple color-group, as that is replaced by brown. It's also notable that three cities (Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver) are from Canada and three other cities (Beijing, Hong Kong, Shanghai) are from the People's Republic of China, while the other cities all only represent one country. Equipment Each player is represented by a small metal token that is moved around the edge of the board according to the roll of two dice . The twelve playing pieces currently used are pictured at left (from left to right): a wheelbarrow (1937b edition), a battleship, a sack of money (1999–2007 editions), a horse and rider, a car, a train (Deluxe Edition only), a thimble, a howitzer, an old style shoe (sometimes called a boot), a Scottie dog, an iron, and a top hat. Many of the tokens came from companies such as Dowst Miniature Toy Company, which made metal charms and tokens designed to be used on charm bracelets. The battleship and cannon were also used briefly in the Parker Brothers war game Conflict (released in 1940), but after the game failed on the market, the premade pieces were recycled into Monopoly usage. [5] Hasbro recently adopted the battleship and cannon for Diplomacy. Early localized editions of the standard edition (including some Canadian editions, which used the U.S. board layout) did not include pewter tokens but instead had generic wooden head-shaped tokens identical to those in Sorry! [6] Parker Brothers also acquired Sorry! in the 1930s. Other items included in the standard edition are: A pair of six-sided dice . (NOTE: Since 2007, a third "Speed Die" has been added--see ADD-ONS below.) A Title Deed for each property. A Title Deed is given to a player to signify ownership, and specifies purchase price, mortgage value, the cost of building houses and hotels on that property, and the various rent prices depending on how developed the property is. Properties include: 22 streets, divided into 8 color groups of two or three streets. A player must own all of a color group (have a monopoly) in order to build houses or hotels. If a player wants to mortgage one property of a color-group, not only must any houses or hotels be removed from that property, but from the others in the color-group as well. 4 railways. Players collect $25 rent if they own one station, $50 if they own two, $100 if they own three and $200 if they own all four. These are usually replaced by railway stations in non-U.S. editions of Monopoly. 2 utilities. Rent is four times dice value if player owns one utility, but 10 times dice value if player owns both. Hotels and houses cannot be built on utilities or stations. A supply of paper money. The supply of money is theoretically unlimited; if the bank runs out of money the players must make do with other markers, or calculate on paper. Additional paper money can be bought at certain locations, notably game and hobby stores, or downloaded from various websites and printed and cut by hand (one such site has created a $1,000 bill for the game; it is not one of the standard denominations). In the original U.S. standard editions, the supply generally starts with $15,140. The winner of the quadrennial Monopoly World Championship receives the same amount in United States dollars. [7] [NOTE: This base money amount has changed--see below.] The term "Monopoly money" has been used to refer to currencies which cannot be used to purchase goods and services on the free market, such as exchange certificates printed by the Burmese government which must be used by foreign aid organizations. [8] 32 wooden or plastic houses and 12 wooden or plastic hotels (the original and the current Deluxe Edition have wooden houses and hotels; the current "base set" uses plastic buildings). Unlike money, houses and hotels have a finite supply. If no more are available, no substitute is allowed. A deck of 16 Chance cards and a deck of 16 Community Chest cards. Players draw these cards when they land on the corresponding squares of the track, and follow the instructions printed on them. Hasbro also sells a Deluxe Edition, which is mostly identical to the classic edition but has wooden houses and hotels and gold-toned tokens, including one token in addition to the standard eleven, a railroad locomotive. Other additions to the Deluxe Edition include a card carousel, which holds the title deed cards, and money printed with two colors of ink. In 1978, retailer Neiman Marcus manufactured and sold an all-Chocolate edition of Monopoly through its "Christmas Wish Book" for that year. The entire set was edible, including the money, dice, hotels, properties, tokens and playing board. The set retailed for $600. In 2000, the FAO Schwarz store in New York City sold a custom version called One-Of-A-Kind Monopoly for $100,000. [9] This special edition comes in a locking attaché case made with Napolino leather and lined in suede, and features include: 18-carat (75%) gold tokens, houses, and hotels Rosewood board street names written in gold leaf emeralds around the Chance icon sapphires around the Community Chest rubies in the brake lights of the car on the Free Parking Space the money is real, negotiable United States currency The Guinness Book of World Records states that a set worth $2,000,000 and made of 23-carat gold, with rubies and sapphires atop the chimneys of the houses and hotels, is the most expensive Monopoly set ever produced. [10] The distribution of cash in the U.S. version has changed with the newer release versions. Older versions had a total of $15,140 in the following amounts/colors: 20 $500 Bills (orange) 40 $5 Bills (pink) 40 $1 Bills (white) The newer (Sept. 2008) editions have a total of $20,580, with 30 of each bill denomination. In addition, the colors of some of the bills have been changed; $10's are now blue instead of yellow, $20's are a brighter color green than before, and $50's are now purple instead of blue. Each player begins the game with his or her token on the Go square, and $1500 (or 1500 of a localized currency) in play money. Prior to Sept. 2008, the money was divided as follows in the U.S. standard rules: Two each of: One x $/£5 Five x $/£1 Pre-Euro German editions of the game started with 30,000 "Spielmark" in eight denominations (abbreviated as "M."), and later used seven denominations of the "Deutsche Mark" ("DM."). In the classic Italian game, each player receives ₤350,000 ($3500) in a two-player game, but ₤50,000 ($500) less for each player more than two. Only in a six-player game does a player receive the equivalent of $1500. The classic Italian games were played with only four denominations of currency. At least one Spanish edition (the Barcelona edition) started the game with 150,000 in play money, with a breakdown identical to that of the American version. All property deeds, houses, and hotels are held by the bank until bought by the players. Free passes may be issued if the owner of the property is using free passes as a transaction. Rules Main Article: Rules Players take turns in order, with the initial player determined by chance before the game; with each player rolling the dice and the player who rolled the highest number going first. A typical turn begins with the rolling of the dice and advancing clockwise around the board the corresponding number of squares. Landing on Chance or Community Chest, a player draws the top card from the respective pile. If the player lands on an unowned property, whether street, railroad, or utility, he can buy the property for its listed purchase price. If he declines this purchase, the property is auctioned off by the bank to the highest bidder, including the player who declined to buy. If the property landed on is already owned and unmortgaged, he must pay the owner a given rent, the price dependent on whether the property is part of a monopoly or its level of development. If a player rolls doubles, he rolls again after completing his turn. Three sets of doubles in a row, however, land the player in jail. During a turn, players may also choose to develop or mortgage properties. Development involves the construction, for given amounts of money paid to the bank, of houses or hotels. Development must be uniform across a monopoly, such that a second house cannot be built on one property in a monopoly until the others have one house. No merges between players are allowed. All developments must be sold before a property can be mortgaged. The player receives money from the bank for each mortgaged property, which must be repaid with interest to unmortgage. Houses are returned to the bank for half their purchase price. Parker Brothers' official instructions have long encouraged the use of House Rules, specific additions to or subtractions from the official rule sets. Many casual Monopoly players are surprised to discover that some of the rules that they are used to are not part of the official rules. Many of these house rules tend to make the game longer by randomly giving players more money. Some common house rules are listed below: At the start of the game $2000 is given out to each of the players instead of $1500. Each player gets 2 500s, 4 100s, 6 50s, 8 20s, 8 10s, 10 5s, and 10 1s Free Parking jackpot, which usually consists of an initial stake (typically $500, or $5 million in the Here & Now Edition) plus collections of fines and taxes otherwise paid to the bank. A player who lands on Free Parking wins the jackpot, which may then be reset with the initial stake (if any). The jackpot is usually put in the center of the board. Since the jackpot forms an additional income for players in this set of house rules, games can take a much longer time than under normal rules. Eliminating the auction if a player decides not to purchase a property. Requiring that every property be put up for auction (this eliminates some of the luck in the game of landing on particular squares and forces players to strategize more). Allowing an unlimited number of houses to be available from the bank. When this house rule is implemented, substitute counters or written tallies are often employed to allay the actual shortage of house tokens in a standard game box. Agreeing that each player be allowed to collect all of a color group once they have 'staked a claim' by buying only one of those properties. The same agreement may or may not be carried over to the rail stations and utilities. Players in jail cannot collect rent, build houses, or conduct trades. This can be combined with increasing the price to get out of jail considerably (normally $50, or $500,000 in the Here & Now Edition). Together, these rules make jail a far more significant burden than that listed in the normal rules. Other players may bail the player out of jail but only if the player agrees. A bonus for landing directly on Go by dice roll (commonly an additional $200 or $500). This may or may not include cards that send the player to Go. Delayed Start: Players must pass Go (or circle the board at least once, or rarely twice) before they can buy property. Only allowing houses (or hotels) to be built when the owner lands on the group A bonus for rolling snake eyes (a pair of ones), often $500, $100, or one of each bill. All properties are handed out evenly to all players before the game begins, or one or two are dealt to each player. This variation is in the official US and UK rules as a short game option. In trades, players may offer "rent immunity" from their own properties (someone does not have to pay rent for landing on that property) as part of a deal (this can be good for a certain number of landings or the entire game). Unlimited amounts of hotels on each space. House rules, while unofficial, are not wholly unrecognized by Parker Brothers. George S. Parker himself created two variants, to shorten the length of game play. Video game and computer game versions of Monopoly have options where popular house rules can be used. House rules that have the effect of randomly introducing more money into the game have a side-effect of increasing the time it takes for players to become bankrupt, lengthening the game considerably, as well as decreasing the effects of strategy and prudent investment. House rules which increase the amount of money in the game may change the strategies of the players, such as changing the relative value of different properties- the more money in the game, the more one may wish to invest in the higher value properties. Strategy Monopoly involves a portion of luck, with the roll of the dice determining whether a player gets to own key properties or lands on squares with high rents. Even the initial misfortune of going last is a significant disadvantage because one is more likely to land on property which has already been bought and therefore be forced to pay rent instead of having an opportunity to buy unowned property. There are, however, many strategic decisions which allow skilled players to win more often than the unskilled. Hasbro also offers a helpful strategy guide and different insights on their site. According to the laws of probability, seven is the most probable roll of two dice, with a probability of 1 in 6, whereas 2 and 12 are the least probable rolls, each with a probability of one in 36. For this reason, Park Place/Park Lane is one of the least landed-on squares as the square seven places behind it is Go to Jail. In consequence, some properties are landed upon more than others and the owners of those properties get more income from rent. The board layout factors include the following: Jail: Since players are frequently directed to "Go To Jail", they will move through the magenta, orange, and red property groups immediately after leaving Jail. The two properties with the highest probability of being landed upon after leaving jail are the two cheaper orange properties (St James Place and Tennessee Avenue in North America and Bow Street and Marlborough Street outside North America). This makes the orange property set highly lucrative. Go to…: One square — Go To Jail — plus a number of Chance and Community Chest cards will cause the player to advance a distance around the board. Thus, the squares immediately following Go To Jail and the take-a-card squares have a reduced probability of being landed upon. The least-landed upon property in this situation is the cheaper dark blue property (Park Place or Park Lane) because it sits in the lee of both Go to Jail and Community Chest (the Chance directly before it would not affect its odds because it is impossible to roll a one). Go to (property): Several properties are blessed with Chance cards which draw players to them. St Charles Place (Pall Mall), Illinois Avenue (Trafalgar Square), Boardwalk (Mayfair), all of the railroads except Short Line (Liverpool Street Station), and both of the utilities benefit from this feature. Reading Railroad (King's Cross Station) has the fortune of having both a "go to" dedicated card plus the card advancing to the nearest railroad. Advance to Go: A player may be directed to the Go square by a Chance or a Community Chest card, thus lowering the probability of being landed-upon of every square in-between. The properties most affected by this are the yellow, green, and dark blue sets. It also marginally raises the probability for each square in the wake of Go, including the purple and orange sets which will be reached two or three rolls after being on Go. Go Back Three Spaces: This directive comes from a Chance card. A quick look at the board shows that there are three Chance squares and hence three other squares which are 3 spaces behind (one being a Community Chest space, another being Income Tax, and the third being the leading orange property). The leading orange property (New York Avenue or Vine Street) gains the most benefit from this card since the Chance square nestled amongst the red properties is itself the most landed-upon Chance square. According to Jim Slater in The Mayfair Set, there is an overwhelming case for having the orange sites, because you land on them more often, the reason for that being the cards in Chance like Go to Jail, Advance to St. Charles Place (Pall Mall ), Advance to Reading Railroad (King's Cross Station) and Go Back Three Spaces. In all, during game play, Illinois Avenue (Trafalgar Square), New York Avenue (Vine Street), B&O Railroad (Fenchurch Street Station), and Reading Railroad (King's Cross Station) are the most frequently landed-upon properties. Mediterranean Avenue (Old Kent Road) and Baltic Avenue (Whitechapel Road) are the least-landed-upon properties. Limited number of houses and hotels In order to put a cap on total development of property sets in the game, there are only 12 hotels and 32 houses. This limitation is in place to ensure that property sets cannot be developed unless there are houses or hotels available to purchase from the bank. This cap allows a certain amount of dominance to be developed by some players, because if every set of property were fully developed there would be enough rent collected between different players to allow the game to drag on for an extended period. This limitation on numbers of houses and hotels leads to an advantage for one player. Simply building each lot out to a maximum of 4 houses and then refusing to upgrade to hotels ensures that nearly the maximum amount of rent is collected for each property, and the monopolization of the houses from the game prevents opponents from developing their property. It is conceivable that a single player could end up owning all 32 houses near the end of the game, and the refusal to upgrade to hotels makes these houses unavailable for opponents to purchase for any property they may own. Much of the skill comes from knowing how to make the best use of a player's resources and above all knowing how to strike a good bargain. Monopoly is a social game where players often interact and must deal with each other in ways similar to real world real estate bargaining. Note that the best deal is not always for the most expensive property; it is often situational, dependent on money resources available to each player and even where players happen to be situated on the board. When looking to deal, a player should attempt to bargain with another player who not only possess properties he or she needs but also properties the other player needs. In fact, offering relatively fair deals to other players can end up helping the player making the offer by giving him or her a reputation as an honest trader, which can make players less wary of dealings in the future. What is more, most people play Monopoly with the same group repeatedly. For this reason, such a reputation can have effects far beyond the game being played. The end game One common criticism of Monopoly is that it has carefully defined yet almost unreachable termination conditions. Edward P. Parker, a former president of Parker Brothers , is quoted as saying, "We always felt that forty-five minutes was about the right length for a game, but Monopoly could go on for hours. Also, a game was supposed to have a definite end somewhere. In Monopoly you kept going around and around." However, the problem of time can be resolved by playing with a time limit and counting each player's net worth when the time is up. In fact, tournament play calls for a 90-minute time limit. [11] Two hour time limits are used for international play. [12] The Lord of the Rings edition gives players the option of creating a random time limit using the included One Ring token and specialized dice. The SpongeBob SquarePants game board includes a Plankton piece that moves every time someone rolls snake eyes with the dice, and the game is over when it reaches the end of the board. Played strictly to the rules, many games will be effectively decided when one player succeeds in bankrupting another because the bankrupt player gives all his property to the one to whom he could not pay his debt. A player who thus gains a fistful of properties will virtually control the game from that point onwards since other players will be constantly at risk. On the other hand, if a player is bankrupted by being unable to meet his debt to the bank (e.g., a fine or tax or other debt that is not rent), then his property is auctioned off; this can open up new possibilities in a game which was evenly set or in which a lot of property sets were divided among the players. The Monopoly Mega Edition is geared towards faster play by incorporating more squares and enabling players to build without the full color-group. Another path to a faster ending is by a key property bargain, whether it be a very shrewd trade which sets one player up with a well-positioned set or a very rash trade where an inexperienced player gives his experienced opponent an underpriced gem. Either way, a deal which pays off for one player is most often the turning point of the game. A third way to finish the game is to wait for all of the property to be bought. Once this has occurred, the player with the highest value of money and assets is victorious. Another way is to remove the $200 bonus gained by passing "Go". This ensures that players run out of money quickly. Some players, in an attempt to lessen the huge advantage gained by the first player to bankrupt another player, have the bankrupted player pay what he can to the player he is indebted to (including the money from mortgages), and then forfeit the properties, so that they are back on the market and open to purchase by other players. Hasbro states that the longest game of Monopoly ever played lasted 1,680 hours (70 days or 10 weeks or 2 1/3 months). [13] Add-ons Numerous add-ons have been made for Monopoly, both before its commercialization and after. Three such official add-ons are discussed below. Stock Exchange The Stock Exchange add-on was originally published by Parker Brothers in 1936 ( wikibook ). The Free Parking square is covered over by a new Stock Exchange space and the add-on included three Chance and three Community Chest cards directing the player to "Advance to Stock Exchange". The add-on also included thirty stock certificates, five for each of the six different stocks, differing only in the purchase price (or Par Value), ranging from $100 to $150. Shares, like properties, are tradeable material, and could also be mortgaged for half their purchase price. Shareholders could increase the value of their shares by buying up more of the same company's shares. When a player moves onto Free Parking/Stock Exchange, stock dividends are paid out to all players on their non-mortgaged shares. The amount to be paid out to each player is determined based on the number and kind of shares owned. Specifically, a player receives dividends from each stock based on the following formula: (par value of share / 10) × (number of shares owned)2 EXAMPLE: Owning one share of "Motion Pictures" (par value $100) pays dividends of $10. Owning two shares pays $40 ($10 x 2 x 2), owning three pays $90 ($10 x 3 x 3) and owning four pays $160 ($10 x 4 x 4). A player owning all five receives $250 ($10 x 5 x 5). The player who lands on Free Parking/Stock Exchange can also choose to buy a share if any remain. Should the player decline, the share is auctioned to the highest bidder by the Bank. The Stock Exchange add-on serves to inject more money into the game, in a similar manner to railroad properties, as well as changing the relative values of properties. In particular, the Orange and Light Purple properties are more valuable due to the increased chance of landing on Free Parking, at the expense of the Red and Yellow groups. The Stock Exchange add-on was later redesigned and rereleased in 1992 under license by Chessex, this time including a larger number of new Chance and Community Chest cards. [14] This version included ten new Chance cards (five "Advance to Stock Exchange" and five other related cards) and eleven new Community Chest cards (five "Advance to Stock Exchange" and six other related cards; the regular Community Chest card "From sale of stock you get $45" is removed from play when using these cards). Many of the original rules applied to this new version (in fact, one optional play choice allows for playing in the original form by only adding the "Advance to Stock Exchange" cards to each deck). A Monopoly Stock Exchange Edition was released in 2001 (although not in the US), this time adding an electronic calculator-like device to keep track of the complex stock figures. This was a full edition, not just an add-on, that came with its own board, money and playing pieces. Properties on the board were replaced by companies on which shares could be floated, and offices and home offices (instead of houses and hotels) could be built. [15] Playmaster Playmaster, another official add-on, released in 1982, was an electronic device that kept track of all player movement and dice rolls as well as what properties are still available. It then uses this information to call random auctions and mortgages that will be advantageous for some players and a punishment for others, making it easier to free up cards of a color group. It also plays eight short tunes when key game functions occur, for example when a player lands on a railroad it will play I've Been Working on the Railroad. [16] Speed Die In 2007, Parker Brothers began releasing its standard version of Monopoly with a new addition to gameplay--the Speed Die. ( http://www.hasbro.com/common/instruct/00009.pdf ) First included in Winning Moves' Monopoly: The Mega Edition variant, this third die alters gameplay by allowing players to increase their move up to 3 spaces (rolling one of the 3 numbered sides); move immediately to the next unowned property OR to the next property on which they would owe money (rolling one of 2 "Mr. Monopoly" sides); or "Get Off The Bus Early" (rolling the "Bus" side), allowing the player to use the total from one die or both dice to move (i.e. A roll of 1-5-BUS would let the player choose from moving 1, 5 or 6 spaces). Usage of the die in the regular game differs slightly from use in the Mega Edition (i.e. Players use the Speed Die from the beginning in Mega; players can only use the Speed Die in the regular game AFTER their first time going past GO). [17] Spinoffs Feature Film On June 19, 2007, Ridley Scott announced that he was directing a futuristic comedy-thriller based on the game, featuring a variety of young actors to generate interest in the game. Scarlett Johansson and Kirsten Dunst have been considered so far. [18] However, that version of the film ended up being shelved and Emmet Furla Productions took over the project, with production slated to commence in Summer 2015. It is now described as being in the vein of Goonies. Other games Besides the many variants of the actual game (and the Monopoly Junior spin-off) released in either video game or computer game formats (e.g. Windows-based PC, Macintosh, Game Boy, Game Boy Advance, Sega Genesis, Commodore 64, etc.), two spin-off computer games have been created. Monopoly Tycoon is a PC game in the Tycoon series that makes strategy and speed into determining factors for winning the game, eliminating completely the element of luck inherent in the dice rolls of the original. The game uses the U.S. standard Atlantic City properties as its basis, but the game play is unique to this version. The game also allows for solo and multi-player online games. Monopoly Casino is also a PC game, simulating a casino full of Monopoly-based adaptations of various casino games (most notably, slot machines). This program was released in both standard and "Vegas" editions, each featuring unique games. Monopoly: Star Wars is another PC game based on the standard Monopoly board but with Star Wars characters and locations. Here and Now Electronic Edition : Eliminates the need for money, using credit cards instead. Monopoly Slots, a mobile app slot machine game with a Monopoly theme Monopoly Hotels, a mobile social app game Monopoly Casino, a mobile app gambling game with a Monopoly theme Game show versions Main article: Monopoly (TV game show) A short-lived Monopoly game show aired on Saturday evenings during mid-1990 on ABC. The show was produced by Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! creator Merv Griffin, and was hosted by former Jeopardy! contestant Mike Reilly. Three contestants competed by answering crossword puzzle-style clues to acquire the many properties on the board and money equivalent to the values of said properties (with bonuses added for getting monopolies). After the properties were acquired and players used the earned money to improve them with houses and hotels, a timed "Monopoly Game Round" was played, allowing players to earn even more money by landing on their properties and answering more word clues. When time was up, the player with the most money won the game, and then went on to play the Bonus Game. In the Bonus Game, the contestant had to choose 4 properties on the board to convert to "Go To Jail" spaces. Along with the actual "Go To Jail" space, the contestant rolled the dice up to five times (with extra rolls added for each double rolled) and had to pass GO without landing on a "Go To Jail" space. If the contestant passed GO before running out of rolls or landing on a "Go To Jail" space, they won $25,000; however if the contestant landed EXACTLY on GO, they would win $50,000. The show was paired on ABC with a summer-long Super Jeopardy! tournament! Monopoly Millionaires' Club Main article: Monopoly Millionaires' Club (TV game show) A new Monopoly game show based on the short-lived lottery game will be airing on TV stations in selected cities and on GSN beginning this March. As of October 2014, it had been sold to stations in the 44 states and the District of Columbia (including non-MMC states) where lotteries are held. [22] [23] Taped at The Rio in Las Vegas , each episode will feature five contestants playing Monopoly-inspired games to win up to $100,000 each, and the possibility to risk their winnings for a chance to win $1 million. Despite the suspension of the lottery game, the series and a second set of tapings proceeded. [24] [22] Texas Lottery players who "won" a trip-for-two prize package received $10,000 instead; contestants and audience members chosen for the first two series of tapings represent the other 22 MMC members. Nine additional episodes are planned to be filmed in summer 2015 to accommodate participants of the scratch-off game. Gambling games In North America, a variety of slot machines and lotteries have been produced with a Monopoly theme. In Europe, there were also Monopoly "fruit machines", some of which remain popular through emulation. The British quiz machine brand itbox also supports a Monopoly trivia and chance game, which, like most other itbox games, costs 50p (£0.50) to play and has a £20 jackpot, although this is very rarely won. There is also an online slot machine version of the game made by WMS which is a 19 reel traditional style casino game. There was also a live, online version of Monopoly. Six painted taxis drive around London picking up passengers. When the taxis reach their final destination, the region of London that they are in is displayed on the online board. This version takes far longer to play than board-game monopoly, with one game lasting 24 hours. Results and position are sent to players via e-mail at the conclusion of the game. Commercial Promotions Main article: McDonald's Monopoly The McDonald's Monopoly game is a sweepstakes advertising promotion of McDonald's and Hasbro that has been offered in the United States, Canada, Germany, United Kingdom, and Australia. The game mimics the game of Monopoly. Originally, customers received a set of two tokens with every purchase, but now tokens only come with certain menu items. Tokens correspond to a property space on the Monopoly board. When combined into color-matched properties, the tokens may be redeemed for money or prizes There are also "instant win" tokens the recipient can redeem for McDonald's food, money, or other prizes. Variants Because Monopoly evolved in the public domain before its commercialization, Monopoly has seen many variant games. Most of these are exact copies of the Monopoly games with the street names replaced with locales from a particular town, university, or fictional place. National boards have been released as well. Many of these are listed at "Localized versions of the Monopoly game". Details, including box cover art, can be seen in the "List of licensed Monopoly game boards". Over the years, many specialty Monopoly editions, licensed by Parker Brothers/Hasbro, and produced by them, or their licensees (including USAopoly and Winning Moves Games) have been sold to local and national markets worldwide. Two well known "families" of -opoly like games, without licenses from Parker Brothers/Hasbro, have also been produced. Several published games are similar to Monopoly. These include: Totopoly , created by Waddingtons in 1938, is based around horse racing. Anti-Monopoly , created by Ralph Anspach in 1974. Triopoly , designed by Jeffrey W. Berndt, Chris Hornbaker, & Jeremy Parish, published by Reveal Entertainment, Inc. in 1997 Late for the Sky , has produced a large number of Monopoly style games, called "___ in a box" or "___ -opoly" , the blank being filled in with the theme. Chômageopoly, "Unemployment Monopoly", a board game created by the Lip factory in the 1970s Dinosauropoly, a version using prehistoric motifs and rules. Easy Money , published by Milton Bradley, also in the 1930s. The Farming Game is a board game in which the goal is to run a financially successful farm, and like Monopoly the heart of the game is economics. The game's website draws comparisons to Monopoly. Fast Food Franchise is a board game by TimJim games which shares Monopoly's core mechanic, but through careful design guarantees that it will actually end. La gran Capital, published by several Chilean factories, is a Chilean version of the game, with neighborhoods from Santiago de Chile. The title means "the big capital", other versions are even named "Metropolis" The Fascinating Game of Finance, later shortened to Finance, first marketed in 1932 by Knapp Electric, and later by Parker Brothers. Go For Broke, the exact opposite of Monopoly, has the players trying to spend all their money before anyone else. Bad bets at the casino, real estate, stock market, race track, and giving to the poor house lowers your account balance. This was a Milton Bradley game originally published in the mid-1960s. Ghettopoly, released in 2003, caused considerable offense upon its release. The game, intended to be a humorous rendering of ghetto life, was decried as racist for its unflinching use of racial stereotypes. Hasbro sought and received an injunction against Ghettopoly's designer. [25] [26] Greekopoly, a college-themed version using fraternities and sororities as properties. Potopoly, A marijuana-themed version, using a five-sided board, and bags instead of houses. Itadaki Street, also called Fortune Street in North America, and Boom Street in Europe, is a series of board games for video game consoles from Square-Enix. Poleconomy, a board game designed in New Zealand incorporating real-world companies as well as political and economic strategy. The Mad Magazine Game, a Mad Magazine themed board game in which the object of the game is for player to lose all their money, play is counter-clockwise, and the dice must be rolled with the left hand. Released by Parker Brothers in 1979. Make Your Own Opoly is a game set sold by TDC Games of Itasca, Illinois. Using a Microsoft Windows-based PC, a person can print out his or her own property cards, labels to place on the board and the box, and play money. [27] Solarquest, a popular space-age adaptation, was released by Golden in 1986. Strictly Pittsburgh, a variant based around the city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In addition to properties being replaced with local Pittsburgh sites and businesses, it contained a somewhat different board layout and replaced houses and hotels with skyscrapers. Dostihy a sázky, a variant sold in Czechoslovakia. This game comes from the totalitarian communist era (1948–1989), when private businesses were forbidden and mortgages didn't exist. So the monopoly theme was changed to a horse races theme. Complete rules and game plan (in Czech) Petropolis, a copy of Monopoly based in buying into the oil industry, using oilfields. The game uses 'telex messages' instead of Chance cards and the playing board snakes round into the middle before continuing round the edge. Turista, a Mexican copy of Monopoly made by Montecarlo board game manufacturer. It is based in buying Mexican States. In each state it is possible to build gas stations and hotel to increase the rent amount. Gallery
Park Place
The magic practice of scrying, which involves seeing things physically in a medium, usually relies on the use of what spherical object?
What The Monopoly Properties Look Like In Real Life | Scouting NY What The Monopoly Properties Look Like In Real Life Posted by: Scout September 23, 2013 74 Comments Whenever I played Monopoly as a kid, I used to love imagining what the game’s city would look like in real life. I remember thinking of Mediterranean and Baltic as being these short, run-down alleys ala West Side Story, while Pennsylvania Ave and the other greens as Fifth Avenue-style apartment buildings. What I didn’t know back then was that the properties in Monopoly were in fact named after the streets of Atlantic City. Monopoly itself has a long and complicated history, but the addition of Atlantic City-based street names can be traced to one Ruth Hoskins. Hoskins had learned a version of the game in Indianapolis, and upon moving to Atlantic City in 1929, made her own copy from scratch naming properties after streets where her friends lived. This past weekend, I was driving through south Jersey, and decided to make a quick detour through Atlantic City to see what the Monopoly board looks like in real life. Everyone have their tokens picked out? Mediterranean Ave: Running northeast through the city, Mediterranean Ave mostly consists of low-rise residential properties. On Hoskins’s original board, this was named Arctic Avenue; it was later changed to Mediterranean by Charles Darrow (once popularly considered to be Monopoly’s sole creator) because he liked the warmer feel of the name. Baltic Ave: Who would expect to find a J. Crew on the corner of Baltic Ave?? Thought it might be second cheapest property on the board, Baltic today actually has a thriving strip of retail stores right as you enter the city. Oriental Ave: Running a scant 10 blocks in the southeastern-most corner of Atlantic City, the selling point is probably the Revel casino at the south end, but I personally like this strip of row beach houses. The one on the end even has an over-sized Monopoly deed card hanging above the porch! Photo by Flickr user J. Stephen Conn – Click here for the original! Vermont Ave: The centerpiece of Vermont is the Absecon Light, the tallest lighthouse in New Jersey at 171 feet. Built in 1854, it was officially deactivated in 1933 but still lights up every night. You can now tour a recreation of the keeper’s house, as well as climb to the top of the lighthouse (only 228 steps!). Connecticut Ave: The most expensive of the light-blue properties runs straight to the boardwalk and nets you the new Revel Casino, which opened in 2012. St. Charles Place: St. Charles Place is gone forever, built over by the Mardis Gras-themed Showboat Casino in 1987. States Ave: Just a single block of States Ave remains today, running along the west side of the Showboat Casino. Virginia Ave: Lined by mostly new residential developments, Virginia Ave ends directly at the Trump Taj Mahal. St. James Place: St. James Place runs for just a few short blocks, but has some really classic buildings along it that feel like Atlantic City of old. Fun fact: St. James Place is considered one of the most valuable properties in Monopoly (the oranges are the most landed-on group in the game). Tennessee Ave: Tennessee Ave runs pretty much the whole length of Atlantic City. Property owners can count a Super 8 and the NJ Casino Control Commission among their possessions! New York Ave: The plethora of vacant lots waiting for development is pretty depressing, especially when you consider that a lot of original buildings were probably torn down to make way. Kentucky Ave: Lots of parking here for the historic Madison Hotel, which dates to 1929. Closed since 2006 (yes, I would love to explore those empty halls), it was purchased in 2013 for $4 million with plans to reopen. Indiana Ave: Indiana Ave nets you the backside of Bally’s. Photo by Flickr user Paul Lowry – Click for the original! Illinois Avenue: Illinois Ave still exists but was renamed Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd in the 1980s. The deed holder of Illinois can count one of the most beautiful buildings in Atlantic City among his properties: the Carnegie Library. Founded in 1903, it was used as a public library until 1984, when the library moved to a larger space. The building was abandoned in 1994 and remained that way for seven years. It was finally renovated in 2001 and is now used by Stockton College as a library center. Atlantic Ave: As far as I can tell, Atlantic Ave is the longest street on the island, running over 8 miles from Atlantic City to Longport. It’s also one of the most commercial heavy, quite a steal for only $260! Ventnor Ave: And now for something completely different…Ventnor Ave runs east-west into Ventnor City, the next town southwest of AC. It’s mostly residential, and gets nicer as you head west. Marvin Gardens: Marvin Gardens holds a few unique distinctions. First, it’s the only property not located in Atlantic City (it’s actually in Margate City). Two, it’s misspelled (the real Marven Gardens was a combination of the names Ventnor and Margate). Third, it’s easily the most beautiful property on the Monopoly board. A housing community founded in the 1920s and 1930s, the homes and gardens have been immaculately maintained and are literally picture perfect. Seriously, next time you’re in Atlantic City, make it a point to drive a few miles down the road to check out this dead ringer for the town in the Truman Show. Wow. Pacific Ave: Pacific Ave is the closest thoroughfare running parallel to the boardwalk and thus has a lot of casinos along it (including Caesar’s). If you owned Pacific Ave in real life, you’d be sitting pretty. No. Carolina Ave: Sure, No. Carolina Ave gets you the Resorts casino, but I like this old brick building up the way, with a great wrap-around copper awning. Pennsylvania Avenue: It’s the third-most expensive property in the game, but Pennsylvania Ave is mainly the backside of Resorts. Hey, you get a bus depot! Park Place: Park Place was indeed named for a park, but that park is now gone, built over by Bally’s. Today, Park Place is a small stub of a road adjacent to Brighton Park. Fun fact: Park Place is one of the least landed-on spots in the game. Boardwalk: Perhaps the most famous board game space in history, the real Atlantic City boardwalk was the first of its kind in the United States, having opened in 1870. While much has been modernized, bits of the past – like wooden planks and push carts – offer a wisp of what once was. A plaque commemorating Charles Darrow can be found at the corner of Park Place & Boardwalk, which do intersect. And that brings us back to GO. -SCOUT If you enjoyed reading this post, would you consider making a donation to help me make my first movie? The goal is $50,000 , and to date, 1,701 Scouting NY readers have donated $35,874! Just $5 or $10 can make a difference - AND you get this snazzy Scouting NY sticker/magnet as a Thank-You gift! Click here to donate today! And hey, if you've made it this far, why not follow us via RSS , Twitter , Facebook , Instagram , or Tumblr ? 2013-09-23
i don't know
Feb 2, 1905, saw the birth of what Russian born American author who founded the philosophical system called Objectivism?
Horoscope of celebrities born on February, 2, [1/3] 335,628 clicks, 21st woman, 35th celebrity Biography of Shakira Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll (pronounced ; born February 2, 1977 (birth time source: Paddy de Jabrun, Astrodatabank)), known mononymously as Shakira (English /ʃəˈkɪərə/, Spanish: ), is a Colombian singer-songwriter, dancer, record producer, choreographer and model who emerged in the music scene of Colombia and Latin America in the early 1990s. Born and raised in Barranquilla, Shakira began performing in school, demonstrating her vocal ability with rock and roll, Latin and Arabic influences with her own original twist on belly dancing. Shakira is a native Spanish speaker who speaks fluent English and Portuguese, as well as some Italian, French, and Catalan. After a poor commercial reception with local producers on her first two albums, and being little-know... 52,300 clicks, 268th woman, 620th celebrity Biography of Farrah Fawcett Farrah Fawcett (February 2, 1947 � June 25, 2009) was an American actress. A multiple Golden Globe and Emmy Award nominee, Fawcett rose to international fame when she first appeared as private investigator Jill Munroe in the TV series Charlie's Angels in 1976. Fawcett later appeared off-Broadway to the approval of critics and in highly rated television movies in roles often challenging (The Burning Bed, Nazi Hunter: The Beate Klarsfeld Story, Poor Little Rich Girl: The Barbara Hutton Story, Margaret Bourke-White) and sometimes unsympathetic (Small Sacrifices). Fawcett was also a pop culture figure whose hairstyle was emulated by millions of young women and whose poster sales broke records, making her an international sex symbol in the 1970s and 1980s. Early life Farrah Fawcett was born... 48,547 clicks, 297th woman, 686th celebrity Biography of Christie Brinkley Christie Brinkley (born February 2, 1954) is an American supermodel. Height: 5' 9" (1.75 m) Early life and career She was born Christie Lee Hudson in Monroe, Michigan, USA, even though she has claimed to have been born and raised in California.. Majoring in art and graduating in 1972, Christie attended Palisades High School in Pacific Palisades, California. In the early 1970s, she and her family lived in the Bel Air hills. She was educated at le Lyc�e Fran�ais de Los Angeles and worked in Paris as an entry-level illustrator. In 1976, she signed a contract with cosmetics giant Cover Girl, which they continued to renew for twenty years. A few years after Cover Girl ended their contract with Brinkley, they again signed her on as a model with ads in magazines and commercials for matu... 44,631 clicks, 424th man, 759th celebrity Biography of Mike Brant Mike Brand (February 1, 1947 � April 25, 1975) was an Israeli pop star who achieved international fame after moving to France. His most successful hit was "Laisse moi t'aimer" ("Let me love you"). Deeply depressed, he committed suicide at the height of his career by jumping from the window of his apartment in Paris, leaving fans shocked and devastated. His music is still aired in Israel today. The start of His career Moshe Brand Sela was born on the February 1, 1947 in a Jewish refugee camp in Cyprus to Polish parents. His mother was an Auschwitz survivor. Until the age of five Mike didn't speak at all. On November 1947 his family finally came to Israel. They settled down in Haifa, in a two-room apartment where modesty confined with poverty. At the age of 17 Mike joined the band his... 34,814 clicks, 512th woman, 1,158th celebrity Biography of Christiane Taubira Christiane Taubira or Christiane Taubira-Delannon (born 2 February 1952, Cayenne, French Guiana (birth time source: Didier Geslain)) is a French politician, and, from May 15, 2012 until January 27, 2016, the Justice minister in the new Ayrault government, under President Hollande. President of her party Walwari, she has served as a deputy at the French National Assembly since 1993, and was re-elected in 1997. Non-affiliated in 1993, she then voted for the investiture of the conservative Edouard Balladur cabinet in 1993. In 1994, she became a Member of the European Parliament (MEP), being the fourth on the �nergie Radicale list led by Bernard Tapie. In June 1997, she then joined the Socialist party (PS), and then-Prime Minister Lionel Jospin (PS) commissioned her for a report on gold search... 28,474 clicks, 877th man, 1,541st celebrity Biography of Valery Giscard d'Estaing Val�ry Marie Ren� Giscard d'Estaing (born 2 February 1926) is a French center-right politician who was President of the French Republic from 1974 until 1981. His tenure as President was marked by a rupture with his predecessor on social issues�such as divorce, contraception, and abortion�and attempts to modernize the country and the office of the presidency, notably launching such far-reaching infrastructure projects as the high-speed TGV train and the turn towards reliance on nuclear power as France's main energy source. However, the economic downturn that followed the 1973 energy crisis, marking the end of the "thirty glorious years" after World War II, combined the official discourse that the "end of the tunnel was near", while the presidency was facing opposition on both sides with ... 27,628 clicks, 923rd man, 1,624th celebrity Biography of Gerard Piqu� Gerard Piqu� Bernabeu (born 2 February 1987 in Barcelona, Catalonia) is a Spanish footballer, currently playing as a centre back for Barcelona. A product of Bar�a's cantera, he initially left the club for Manchester United in 2004, where he remained for four years, before returning to Barcelona under Josep Guardiola's leadership, and helping Bar�a to become the first Spanish club ever to complete the treble. Piqu� is the third player � after Marcel Desailly and Paulo Sousa � to have won the UEFA Champions League two years in a row with different teams. Piqu� has also represented the Spanish national team, making his debut on 11 February 2009, and as of September 2009, he has earned 10 caps, scoring 3 goals. Club career Early career Piqu� started his career in Barcelona's yout... 27,324 clicks, 720th woman, 1,658th celebrity Biography of Gemma Arterton Gemma Christina Arterton (born 2 February 1986) is an English actress. She is best known for her roles in St Trinian's (2007), Quantum of Solace (2008), Clash of the Titans (2010), Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2010) and Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters (2013). Arterton has upcoming roles in the crime thriller film Runner, Runner with Ben Affleck and Justin Timberlake and Byzantium with Saoirse Ronan. Early life Arterton was born in Gravesend, Kent, the daughter of Sally-Anne Heap, a cleaner, and Barry Arterton, a welder. Arterton was born with polydactyly, and at her birth a doctor tied off the boneless sixth digits to remove them, and also repaired a crumpled ear. After her parents divorced when she was 5, Arterton and her younger sister, Hannah, were raised by their mother ... 27,056 clicks, 735th woman, 1,687th celebrity Biography of Barbara Mori B�rbara Mori (Spanish pronunciation: ; born B�rbara Mori Ochoa on February 2, 1978 in Montevideo, Uruguay (birth time source: http://www.oem.com.mx/laprensa/notas/n3496905.htm) is an Uruguayan-born Mexican actress, model, producer and writer. Mori started her career in 1992 as a fashion model at the age of 14, later she became an actress when she co-starred in 1997 on the smash TV-hit Mirada De Mujer with TV Azteca; then, she starred in the soap opera Azul Tequila. Her big break came in 2004, with the telenovela Rub� (a remake of the 1968 series) by rival network Televisa, in which she played the main character. She also has starred in several self-produced films and music videos. Biography Mori was born on 2 February 1978. She is of Uruguayan-Mexican-Japanese-Lebanese heritage.... 25,747 clicks, 1,040th man, 1,831st celebrity Biography of James Joyce James Augustine Aloysius Joyce (Irish S�amus Seoighe; 2 February 1882 � 13 January 1941) was an Irish expatriate writer, widely considered to be one of the most influential writers of the 20th century. He is best known for his landmark novel Ulysses (1922) and its highly controversial successor Finnegans Wake (1939), as well as the short story collection Dubliners (1914) and the semi-autobiographical novel A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man (1916). Although he spent most of his adult life outside Ireland, Joyce's fictional universe is firmly rooted in Dublin, providing the settings and much of the subject matter for all his fiction. In particular, his tempestuous early relationship with the Irish Roman Catholic Church is reflected through a similar inner conflict in his recurrent a... 25,583 clicks, 798th woman, 1,844th celebrity Biography of Ayn Rand Ayn Rand (IPA: /ˈaɪn ˈr�nd/, February 2 1905 � March 6, 1982), born Alisa Zinov'yevna Rosenbaum (Russian: Алиса Зиновьевна Розенбаум), was a Russian-born American novelist and philosopher. She is widely known for her best-selling novels The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged, and for developing a philosophical system she called Objectivism. She was an uncompromising advocate of rational individualism and laissez-faire capitalism, and vociferously opposed socialism, altruism, and other contemporary philosophical trends, as well as religion. Her influential and often controversial ideas have attracted both enthusiastic admirers and sc... 21,383 clicks, 1,436th man, 2,456th celebrity Biography of Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-P�rigord, Prince de Benevente (February 2, 1754 � May 17, 1838), the Prince of Diplomats, was a French diplomat. He worked successfully from the regime of Louis XVI, through the French Revolution and then under Napoleon I, Louis XVIII and Louis-Philippe. Known since the turn of the 19th century simply by the name Talleyrand, he is widely regarded as one of the most versatile and influential diplomats in European history. Early life Talleyrand was born into an aristocratic family in Paris. By his own account, a leg injury in childhood left him unable to enter the anticipated military career, although it is more likely that he had a birth defect. Deprived of his rights of primogeniture by a family council, which judged his physical condition incompatible wit... 20,385 clicks, 1,558th man, 2,669th celebrity Biography of Michael T. Weiss Michael Terry Weiss (born February 2, 1962 in Chicago, Illinois) is an American actor. Early life Weiss' father was a steel-industry executive and his mother was a homemaker. He has a sister, Jamie Sue Weiss, who became a make-up artist for television and films. He went to Glenbrook North High School in Northbrook, Illinois, where he competed on the swim team, played basketball, and was an active member of the student council. While in high school he also studied acting at the Second City workshop. He was honored with the school's distinguished alumni award at a ceremony in 2001. He attended college at USC and graduated in 1984 with a B.F.A.. Career The acting career of Weiss started when he was a child, where he appeared in local TV commercials in Chicago. In 1980, at the age o... 19,071 clicks, 1,239th woman, 2,994th celebrity Biography of Marie-Claude Pietragalla Marie-Claude Pietragalla, born February 2, 1963 in Paris (birth time source: Didier Excoffon acte n� 00878), is a French choregrapher and dancer. Bibliography Corps et �me, Paris, Somogy, 1999 La L�gende de la danse, Paris, Flammarion, 1999 (ISBN 2-0803-5609-9) �crire la danse : de Ronsard � Antonin Artaud, Paris, Atlantica, 2001 (ISBN 2840492059) Books about Marie-Claude Pietragalla Pietragalla, texte de Bernard Raffali, photographies de Claude Alexandre, Arles, Actes Sud, 1996 Filmography Quand je vois le soleil, de Jacques Cortal, 2003. Avec Marie-Claude Pietragalla, Florent Pagny, Fran�ois Cluzet et Sophie Broustal... 14,371 clicks, 1,899th woman, 4,714th celebrity Biography of Jeanne Savary Jeanne Savary, born February 2, 1966 in Amiens (source : birth certificate - Acte n�367 - Marc BRUN ( FDAF )), is a French actress. Filmography * 1992 : Coup de c�ur de la s�rie Mille d�sirs * 1994 : Le Sourire de Claude Miller * 2002 : Livraison � domicile de Bruno Delahaye * 2003 : L'�lectron libre de Marie Donnio * 2005 : Espace d�tente d'Yvan Le Bolloc'h et Bruno Solo * 2005 : Le Couperet de Costa-Gavras * 2008 : Asylum d'Olivier Ch�teau * 2008 : Mari�(s) ou presque de Franck Llopis * 2009 : Le S�minaire de Charles N�m�s Television * 1991 : Bienvenue � Bellefontaine de G�rard Louvin : La call girl * 1995 � 2003 : Nestor Burma (s�rie TV) : H�l�ne * 1996 : Mille d�sirs (film TV �rotiq... 13,156 clicks, 3,222nd man, 5,363rd celebrity Biography of J�r�me Anger J�r�me Anger, born February 2, 1958 in Paris. He lives with Claire Borotra. Filmographie 1982 : La vie est un roman de Alain Resnais 1984 : Rive droite rive gauche 1984 : L'�t� prochain de Nadine Trintignant 1986 : Chateauroux district de Philippe Charigot 1987 : Jaune revolver Television de 1991 � 1993 : Julie Lescaut de 1994 � 2001 : Docteur Sylvestre 2003 : Clochemerle de Daniel Losset avec Bernard-Pierre Donnadieu 2005 : Alice Nevers Le juge est une femme (�pisode: mince � mourir de Joyce Bu�uel) 2005 : Les Rois Maudits 2006 : Le Ma�tre du Zodiaque, feuilleton sur TF1... 11,306 clicks, 3,945th man, 6,586th celebrity Biography of David Jason Sir David John White, OBE known by his stage name David Jason (born 2 February 1940) is a highly regarded English actor, admired equally for his dramatic work as for his comedy roles. He is perhaps most famous for his portrayal of "Del Boy" in the BBC television situation comedy Only Fools and Horses which made him a household name in the United Kingdom, and for playing detective chief inspector Jack Frost on A Touch of Frost. Height: 5' 6" (1.68 m) Early career He started his television career in 1964 playing the part of Bert Bradshaw in Crossroads. In 1967 he played a spoof super-hero Captain Fantastic (and also other roles), in the television sketch comedy series Do Not Adjust Your Set. His co-stars were Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Michael Palin. Humphrey Barclay, who recruited... 11,164 clicks, 4,013th man, 6,694th celebrity Biography of Issayas Afeworki Isaias Afewerki (born February 2, 1946) is the first and current president of Eritrea. Isaias was born in Asmara, Eritrea. Isaias Afewerki became an engineering student at Haile Selassie I University. He left academia in September 1972 and joined the forces fighting for Eritrean independence in the mid 1960s after the federation of Eritrea with Ethiopia was dissolved. ELF/EPLF experience He joined the Eritrean Liberation Front (ELF) in 1966. In 1967 he was sent to China for training with Haile Woldense and Romedan Mohamed Nur. There they attended the Nanjing Army Command College. One year later, upon his return he was appointed a political commissioner and Deputy Division Commander. Eventually he split from the ELF and joined a small group of combatants (later known as EPLF). Soo... 10,610 clicks, 2,875th woman, 7,154th celebrity Biography of Carolina Kl�ft Carolina Evelyn Kl�ft (born February 2, 1983) is a Swedish athlete competing in heptathlon, long jump and pentathlon. She is the current Olympic, World (twice) and European (twice) heptathlon champion and is regarded as one of the best female athletes in the world. Since 16/09/2002, Kl�ft has been continuously ranked as the world's leading heptathlete, by the IAAF. This is currently the longest of any athlete. She is also normally a member of the Swedish 4 x 100 m relay team at international competitions, and was part of the team that set the national record. Her main coach is Agne Bergvall. She is 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) tall and weighs 65 kg. Born in Sandhult, V�sterg�tland, Carolina Kl�ft grew up in V�xj�, where her father, mother and three sisters still live. She currently lives ... 10,406 clicks, 4,370th man, 7,312th celebrity Biography of Graham Nash Graham William Nash (born 2 February 1942) is an English-born singer-songwriter known for his light tenor vocals and songwriting contributions in pop group The Hollies and folk-rock band Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, and as a photography collector and photographer. Music career Nash was born in Blackpool, England, during World War II. His mother was evacuated from the Nashes' hometown of Salford (now in Greater Manchester ), where Graham grew up. In the early 1960s he was a leading member of The Hollies, one of the UK's most successful pop groups ever. Although recognised as a key member of the group, he seldom sang lead vocals, although he did write many of the band's songs, most often in collaboration with Allan Clarke. Nash was pivotal in the forging of a sound and lyrics showing an... 9,647 clicks, 3,241st woman, 8,120th celebrity Biography of Eva Cassidy Eva Marie Cassidy (February 2, 1963 in Washington, DC � November 2, 1996) was an American vocalist, musician, and artist known for her interpretations of jazz, blues, folk, gospel, country and pop classics. She released her first album The Other Side, a set of duets with go-go musician Chuck Brown in 1992 followed by a live solo album, Live at Blues Alley in 1996. Cassidy was virtually unknown outside her native Washington, DC when she died of melanoma in 1996. Four years later, Cassidy's music was brought to the attention of UK audiences when her versions of "Over the Rainbow" and "Fields of Gold" were played by Terry Wogan on BBC Radio 2. Following the overwhelming response, a camcorder recording of "Over the Rainbow" taken at the Blues Alley was shown on BBC Two's Top of the Pops 2. ... 9,220 clicks, 3,423rd woman, 8,628th celebrity Biography of Melody Gardot Melody Gardot (born February 2, 1985 in New Jersey) is an American jazz singer, writer and musician in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She has been influenced by such blues and jazz artists as Judy Garland, Janis Joplin, Miles Davis, Duke Ellington and George Gershwin as well as Latin music artists such as Stan Getz and Caetano Veloso. Gardot follows the teachings of Buddhism, is a macrobiotic cook and humanitarian who often speaks about the benefits of music therapy. She has visited various Universities and Hospitals to speak about its ability to help reconnect neural pathways in the brain, improve speech ability, and lift general spirits. In a recent interview she was rumored to be working closely in a University in the United States to help develop a program for Music Therapy and the man... 8,881 clicks, 3,614th woman, 9,133rd celebrity Biography of Luci Victoria Luci Victoria (b. February 2, 1982 at Sheffield, England) is an English model and actress. AKA Luci Oldfield. Measurements 36DD - 25 - 35 Height 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) Weight 130 lb (59 kg) Luci Victoria became Playmate of the Month in September 2003. On February 14th 2004, Luci appeared at half time during the Kilmarnock v Partick Thistle Scottish Premier League match to carry out the home club's "Half Time Prize Draw". Her appearance however caused a number of complaints from those who felt that a Playboy model on the pitch corrupted Kilmarnock's "family image". Plans to use Luci to launch the clubs new strips for the following season were dropped.... 8,172 clicks, 6,258th man, 10,301st celebrity Biography of Andy Fordham Andy Fordham (born February 2, 1962 in London) is an English darts player, also known by his nickname, The Viking. He won the 2004 World Professional Darts Championship, beating Mervyn King in the final. He is also a four-time semi-finalist at the Lakeside, and the 1999 Winmau World Masters champion. Darts career Fordham made his first appearance on the stage at Lakeside in 1995 and made it to the semi-finals before losing to Richie Burnett. Another semi-final defeat followed in 1996, this time to Steve Beaton. On both occasions, his victor went on to claim the title. Second round defeats followed in 1997 (to Marshall James) and 1998 (to Raymond van Barneveld) before he made it a hat-trick of semi-final defeats in 1999, this time to Ronnie Baxter. His 2000 campaign ended in the q... 7,903 clicks, 6,618th man, 10,861st celebrity Biography of Jean-Fran�ois Lamour Jean-Fran�ois Lamour (born February 2, 1956 � Paris (birth time source: Didier Geslain)) is a former French fencer and current French politician and cabinet minister. A top fencer, he was a gold medallist at the 1984 Olympics and 1988 Olympics and a bronze medal winner at the 1992 Olympics in the men's individual sabre. He was also world champion in 1987. Retiring he entered politics serving as the sports and youth counselor to the Mayor of Paris from 1993 to 1995. In 2002 he became the minister of sport and in 2004 he was given responsibility for youth in addition to this.... 7,821 clicks, 6,716th man, 11,008th celebrity Biography of Jascha Heifetz Jascha Heifetz (IPA: ) was a Jewish violin virtuoso born in Lithuania (February 2 1901 � December 10, 1987) who was one of the most pre-eminent violinists of the 20th century. Early life Heifetz was born of Jewish descent in Vilnius, Lithuania, then part of the Russian Empire. There is controversy over his birth year, which is sometimes placed a year or two earlier to 1899 or 1900. It is possible that his mother said he was two years younger to make him seem like more of a prodigy. His father, Reuven Heifetz, was a local violin teacher and served as the concertmaster of the Vilnius Theatre Orchestra for one season before the theatre closed down. Jascha took up the violin when he was three years old and his father was his first teacher. At five he started lessons with Ilya D. Malkin, a... 7,506 clicks, 7,236th man, 11,773rd celebrity Biography of Abba Eban Abba Eban (Hebrew: אבא אבן‎, born Aubrey Solomon Meir Eban, 2 February 1915 - 17 November 2002) was an Israeli diplomat and politician. Political career Born in Cape Town, South Africa, Eban moved to the United Kingdom at an early age living for a period of time in Belfast. He was educated at St Olave's Grammar School, Orpington before studying Classics and Oriental languages at Queens' College, Cambridge where he achieved a triple first. As a child, he recalled being sent to his grandfather's house every weekend to study the Hebrew language and Biblical literature. During his time at University and afterwards, Eban was highly involved in the Federation of Zionist Youth and was editor of its ideological journal, "The Young Zionist". After gra... 7,370 clicks, 4,653rd woman, 12,157th celebrity Biography of Elaine Stritch Elaine Stritch (born February 2, 1925) is an American actress and vocalist, known for her trademark performance of "The Ladies Who Lunch" in Company and her one-woman show, Elaine Stritch at Liberty. Early years Stritch was born in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of Mildred (n�e Jobe), a homemaker, and George Joseph Stritch, a business executive with B.F. Goodrich. Her family was wealthy and devoutly Roman Catholic. Stritch's father was of Irish descent, and her mother was of Welsh descent. Stritch is the niece of Samuel Cardinal Stritch, the former Roman Catholic Archbishop of Chicago. Stritch trained at the Dramatic Workshop of the New School for Social Research in New York City under Erwin Piscator; other students at the Dramatic Workshop at this time included Marlon Brando and Bea ... 7,340 clicks, 7,559th man, 12,244th celebrity Biography of Stan Getz Stanley Gayetzky (February 2, 1927 in Philadelphia � June 6, 1991 in Malibu, California), usually known by his stage name Stan Getz, was an American jazz saxophone player. Known as "The Sound" because of his warm, lyrical tone, Getz's prime influence was the wispy, mellow tone of his idol, Lester Young. In 1986, however, Getz said: "I never consciously tried to conceive of what my sound should be..." Getz played a Selmer Mark VI tenor saxophone. Life and work Stan Getz was born on February 2, 1927 in Philadelphia. His parents were Ukrainian-Jews who immigrated from the Kiev area in the Ukraine in 1903. The family later moved to New York City for better jobs. Stan worked hard in school receiving straight "A's" on average and finished 6th grade close to the top of his class. Stan's major... 7,285 clicks, 7,675th man, 12,417th celebrity Biography of Jo�o C�sar Monteiro Jo�o C�sar Monteiro was a Portuguese film director, actor, writer and film critic . He was born in Figueira da Foz in February 2, 1934 (source: Imdb) and died of cancer in Lisbon on February 3, 2003. Life and career Jo�o C�sar Monteiro was born in a family with anti-clerical and anti-fascist ideals. When he was 15 years old, in order to continue his studies, his family moved to Lisbon. In 1963, with a grant from Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, Jo�o traveled to Great Britain to study at the London School of Film Technique. In 1965, back in Portugal, he starts working in his first film Quem Espera por Sapatos de Defunto Morre Descal�o (Who Waits for the Deacesed's Shoes Dies Barefoot), which would only be finished five years later due to financial problems. In the mean time he also made ... 7,260 clicks, 7,725th man, 12,489th celebrity Biography of Ernst Hanfstaengl Ernst Franz Sedgwick Hanfstaengl (Munich, February 2, 1887 - November 6, 1975) worked for both Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Adolf Hitler. Early Life Ernst Hanfstaengl, nicknamed "Putzi", was born in Munich, Germany, the son of a wealthy German art publisher, Edgar Hanfstaengl, and an American mother. He spent most of his early years in Germany and later moved to the United States. His mother was Katharine Wilhelmina Heine, daughter of William Heine, a cousin of John Sedgwick. His godfather was Duke Ernst II. He attended Harvard University and became acquainted with Walter Lippmann and John Reed. A gifted pianist, he composed several songs for Harvard's football team. He graduated in 1909. According to John Tolland's biography of Hitler, Hanfstaengl was a tall man, almost six and a hal... 6,848 clicks, 5,236th woman, 13,963rd celebrity Biography of Princess Maria Beatrice of Savoy Princess Maria Beatrice of Savoy (Maria Beatrice Elena Margherita Ludovica Caterina Ramona di Savoia (born 2 February 1943) is the youngest daughter of Italy's last king, Umberto II and his queen, Marie Jos� of Belgium. Known as "Titti" to family and friends. Marriage Maria Beatrice married Luis Rafael Reyna-Corval�n y Dillon (18 April 1939 � 17 February 1999; murdered) in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico on 1 April 1970. The couple had three children. * Rafael Humberto Lupo Reyna y de Saboya (21 September 1970 � 29 April 1994), committed suicide * Patrizio Reyna y de Saboya (1971); died shortly after birth * Azaea Beatrice Reyna y de Saboya (b. 11 November 1973), married Arturo Pando y Mundet (1971-) in 1996, Mexico. * Marie Jose Pando y Corvalan Reyna (b. 23 July ... 6,766 clicks, 8,967th man, 14,296th celebrity Biography of Gabriel Naud� Gabriel Naud� (2 February 1600 � 10 July 1653) was a French librarian and scholar. He was a prolific writer who produced works on many subjects including politics, religion, history and the supernatural. An influential work on library science was the 1627 book Advice on Establishing a Library. Naud� was later able to put into practice all the ideas he put forth in Advice, when he was given the opportunity to build and maintain the library of Cardinal Jules Mazarin. Naud� is a precursor of Pierre Bayle and Fontenelle. Naud� was born in Paris in early 1600 to a family of modest means. His father was a lowly official and his mother was a young illiterate woman. He was described by his teachers as tenacious and passionate about his education. Naud� entered college at a young age where ... 6,490 clicks, 5,690th woman, 15,485th celebrity Biography of Lauren Lane Lauren Lane (born February 2, 1961) is a television and stage actress, best known for her portrayal of C. C. Babcock on the 1990s popular sitcom The Nanny. Lane was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and raised in Texas. She is divorced and has one child, a daughter, Kate (born February 27, 1998). Sometimes credited as Laura Lane, she began acting in 1984 and has appeared in numerous TV shows such as Hunter and L.A. Law and in several movies. She also has acted on stage. She was a member of The Actors Gang, an experimental theater company headed by Tim Robbins. Lane graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Texas at Arlington. She then earned her Master's degree at the American Conservatory Theater. She is currently a professor in the Theatre Department at Te... 6,474 clicks, 5,716th woman, 15,575th celebrity Biography of Ina Garten Ina Rosenberg Garten (play /ˈaɪnə/ EYE-nə; born February 2, 1948) is an American author, host of the Food Network program Barefoot Contessa, and former White House nuclear policy analyst. Known for designing recipes with an emphasis on fresh ingredients and time-saving tips, she has been noted by Martha Stewart, Oprah Winfrey, and Patricia Wells for her cooking and home entertaining. Garten had no formal training; she taught herself culinary techniques, with the aid of French and New England cookbooks. Later, she relied on intuition and feedback from customers and friends to refine her recipes. She was mentored chiefly by Eli Zabar, owner of Eli's Manhattan and Eli's Breads, and food-show host and author Martha Stewart. Among her dishes are c�ur � la creme, celery ro... 6,379 clicks, 5,882nd woman, 16,079th celebrity Biography of Nell Gwyn Nell Gwyn (or Gwynn or Gwynne), born Eleanor, 1650-52 - 14 November 1687), was one of the earliest English actresses to receive prominent recognition, and a long-time mistress of King Charles II. Called "pretty, witty Nell" by Samuel Pepys, she has been called a living embodiment of the spirit of Restoration England and has come to be considered a folk heroine, with a story echoing the rags-to-royalty tale of Cinderella. Elizabeth Howe, in The First English Actresses, says she was "the most famous Restoration actress of all time, possessed of an extraordinary comic talent." By Charles, Nell had two sons, Charles Beauclerk (1670-1726) and James Beauclerk (1671-1680). Charles was the first Earl of Burford, later Duke of St. Albans. Early life Very little is reliably known about Nell Gwyn... 5,861 clicks, 12,409th man, 19,237th celebrity Biography of Lionel Lemonchois Lionel Lemonchois, born February 2, 1960 in Bayeux (birth time source: Didier Geslain), is a French navigator. He has participated in Route du Rhum and a lot of yacht races (The Route du Rhum is a transatlantic single-handed yacht race, which takes places every 4 years in November. The course is 'twixt Saint Malo, Brittany, France and Pointe-�-Pitre, Guadeloupe. The first competition, won by Canadian Michael Birch in his boat Olympus Photo by a margin of 98 seconds over second-placed Michel Malinovsky in Kriter V was held in 1978, and was marked in tragedy by the disappearance of Alain Colas during the crossing. The 2006 race begins on 29 October 2006, with a maximum of 60 boats competing in 4 categories: ORMA Class: Multihulls measuring from 59� to 60� in length IMOCA Class: Monoh... 5,857 clicks, 6,838th woman, 19,266th celebrity Biography of Park Geun-hye Park Geunhye (Hangul: 박근혜; Hanja: 朴槿惠, Korean pronunciation: ; born 2 February 1952) is a South Korean politician. She was the chairwoman of the conservative Grand National Party (GNP) between 2004 and 2006 and between 2011 and 2012 (the GNP changed its name to "Saenuri Party" in February 2012). Park is a member of the Korean National Assembly who had served four consecutive parliamentary terms as a constituency representative between 1998 and 2012, and started her fifth term as a proportional representative from June 2012. Her father was Park Chung-hee, president of South Korea from 1963 to 1979. She is considered the most influential politician in Korea since the "three Kims" (Kim Young Sam, Kim Dae-jung, and Kim Jong-pil). She won the election o... 5,844 clicks, 6,870th woman, 19,365th celebrity Biography of Kim Zimmer Kim Zimmer (born February 2, 1955 in Grand Rapids, Michigan) is a four-time Emmy Award-winning American actress. Career Zimmer's career began with stage work; an early television role was her portrayal of the character of Bonnie Harmon on One Life to Live in 1978. In 1979, she was tapped to replace Kathleen Turner as Nola Dancy Aldrich on The Doctors. (Ironically, in 1981 she appeared in the film Body Heat, co-starring with Turner, in a plot that addressed similarities in their appearance.) After The Doctors was cancelled in 1982, she had a brief return to One Life to Live in 1983 as Echo DiSavoy. Later in 1983, Zimmer was cast in the role for which she is best known, the character of Reva Shayne Lewis on the television soap opera Guiding Light. Zimmer left Guiding Light in 19... 5,816 clicks, 12,613th man, 19,541st celebrity Biography of Vladimir Kovalev Vladimir Kovalev (Russian: Владимир Ковалев) (born February 2, 1953) is a retired figure skater who competed internationally for the USSR. He is an Olympic silver medalist and 2-time World champion. He trained at VSS Trud in Moscow. Kovalev is pronounced, "ko-va-lyov." Career Kovalev placed second behind his British rival John Curry at the 1976 Winter Olympics. However, Kovalev's short and free programs were filled with mistakes and the audience was displeased when the results were announced that he had placed ahead of such skaters as Toller Cranston and Jan Hoffmann. Kovalev went on to win the gold at the World Championships in 1977 and 1979, and he was also the winner of the European Championshi... 5,701 clicks, 13,177th man, 20,341st celebrity Biography of Oswald Achenbach Oswald Achenbach (2 February 1827 - 1 February 1905) was a German landscape painter. Born in D�sseldorf, he received his art education from his brother, Andreas Achenbach. His landscapes generally dwell on the rich and glowing effects of color which drew him to the Bay of Naples and the neighborhood of Rome. From 1863 to 1872 he was Professor of Landscape Painting at the D�sseldorf Academy. He died in D�sseldorf of an inflammation of the lungs. He is represented at most of the important German galleries of modern art.... 5,651 clicks, 13,467th man, 20,736th celebrity Biography of Nicolas Roland Payen Nicolas Roland Payen, born February 2, 1914 in Athis-Mons, is the inventor of delta wing. The delta wing is a wing planform in the form of a triangle, named after the Greek uppercase delta which is a triangle (Δ). Its use in the so called "tailless delta", i.e. without the horizontal tailplane, was pioneered especially by Alexander Lippisch in Germany prior to WWII, although none of his designs saw widespread service. After the war he moved to the United States where he worked at Convair. After the war the tailless delta became the favoured design for high-speed use, and was used (almost to the exclusion of other planforms) by Convair and Dassault in France. A number of British designs also used the delta, including the Avro Vulcan bomber. This early use of tailless delta wing aircraf... 5,636 clicks, 7,299th woman, 20,842nd celebrity Biography of Margot Asquith Margot Asquith, Countess of Oxford and Asquith (2 February 1864 � 28 July 1945), born Emma Alice Margaret Tennant, was an Anglo-Scottish socialite, author and wit. She married Herbert Henry Asquith, who would become Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (1908-1916). Early life Margot Tennant was born in Peeblesshire, Tweeddale, of Scottish and English descent. She was the sixth daughter and eleventh child of Charles Clow Tennant, industrialist and politician, and Emma Winsloe. She was brought up at Glen, the family's country estate, Margot and her sister Laura grew up wild and uninhibited. Margot was a "venturesome child", roaming the moors, climbing to the top of the roof by moonlight, riding her horse up the front steps of the estate house. Riding and golf were her life-long passion... 5,630 clicks, 13,579th man, 20,891st celebrity Biography of Otar Iosseliani Otar Iosseliani (Georgian: ოთარ იოსელიანი; born February 2, 1934 in Tbilisi, Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic) is a Georgian-French film maker. Due to censorship, his films were repeatedly banned in the USSR, inducing Iosseliani to migrate to France in 1982. Iosseliani's first full-length motion picture, "November" (1966) (Giorgobistve), won a FIPRESCI-prize at the Cannes Film Festival. His film "Pastorale", after it was finished in 1976, was not released, but disappeared for several years in the Soviet archives, and was allowed only a limited distribution later. Once again Iosseliani got an impression that his artistic freedom was stolen. After the success of "Pastorale" at the Berlin Film Festival in 1982,... 5,604 clicks, 13,724th man, 21,091st celebrity Biography of Philippe Chatrier Philippe Chatrier (2 February 1926 - 22 June 2000) was a French tennis player. After his playing career ended, he became a journalist, and was then involved in sports administration. He was president of the French Tennis Federation for 20 years, from 1973 to 1993, and president of the International Tennis Federation for 14 years, from 1977 to 1991. Chatrier was born in Cretell in France. He was the French junior tennis champion in 1945. He was a member of the French Davis Cup team from 1948 and 1950. He last played a Wimbledon in 1953, and then became a journalist. He founded the magazine Tennis de France in 1953. He was also sports and news editor for the Paris daily newspaper Paris-Presse. He married Susan Partridge, who was French tennis champion in 1953. They later divorced, and ...
Ayn Rand
In what US city is this years Super Bowl scheduled to be played?
FAMOUS RELIGOUS SKEPTICS & ATHEISTS FAMOUS RELIGOUS SKEPTICS & ATHEISTS THINKERS ON RELIGION Address  Famous Dead Nontheists http//:www.jmarkgilbert.com/atheists.html A list of famous dead people who have rejected God and religion. These are people throughout history who have advocated living life without deference to a transcendent power. The list is in order of birth date. The purposes of this list are to combat the pervasive myth that atheists are terrible, immoral people and to convince the undecided that it is OK to be an atheist. Just like any other large group of people, some of these people lived exemplary lives and others did not.  The point is not that these people are all heroes, but simply to notice that there are more nontheists out there than most people realize. For a list of living celebrity atheists, I highly recommend Reed Esau's excellent, Celebrity Atheist List . Rationale for Selection | Contributors | Resources | Distribution | To Contribute Anaxagoras, Greek philosopher (500?-428? BCE). ". . . probably the first freethinker we know of to be condemned for his beliefs." "He regarded the conventional gods as mythic abstractions endowed with anthropomorphic attributes. His writings led him to a dungeon, charged with impiety, probably about the year 450 B.C.E." Only the intervention of the great statesman and orator Pericles saved Anaxagoras from a death sentence. He had to pay a fine and, according to some accounts, was banished. He lived his final years in exile. Diagoras "the Atheist" of Melos, Greek poet, (5th cent. BCE). Threw a wooden image of a god into a fire, remarking that the deity should perform another miracle and save itself. The uproar this caused in Athens prompted Diagoras to flee for his life. "Athens outlawed him and offered a reward for his capture dead or alive. He lived out his life in Spartan territory." Protagoras, Greek philosopher (481?-411 BCE). "As to the gods, I am unable to say whether they exist or do not exist" Democritus, Greek philosopher (460?-357 BCE). The father of Materialism. Argued that mechanical relationships or arrangements of the atoms account for various characteristics of nature, the intimation here being that the natural order of the world resulted from chance. Even morality, the soul, and all mental life are reducible to mechanistic terms with physical imperceptible atoms as their basic structure. Spiritual reality does not exist; what appears to be spiritual is attributed simply to subperceptible atomic structure or else to mere superstition. Hence, the Democritan philosophy of mechanistic Materialism is complete, self-sufficient, and self-contained. [History of Philosophy] [Visit The Philosophy Garden ] Epicurus, Greek philosopher (341-270 BCE). As a Materialist, Epicurus accepted the idea that the soul consists of atomic material which disintegrates at death, at which time all sensation ceases. Consequently, he said, death need not be a matter of anxious concern, inasmuch as it is merely the state in which all sensation ceases. [History of Philosophy] [Visit The Philosophy Garden ] Marcus Tullius Cicero, Roman statesman, orator, and philosopher (106-43 BCE). Lucretius, Roman philosopher and poet (96?-55 BCE). Chief proponent of atomism. In On the Nature of Things he wrote "human life lay foul before men's eyes, crushed to the dust beneath religion's weight." Leah Kronenberg tells me that Lucretius was a dedicated Epicurean, and thus gods do exist, but have no interest in human affairs. His writings are full of invective against religion. [Visit The Philosophy Garden ] Lucius Annaeus Seneca "the Younger," Roman stoic philosopher, writer, and politician (4-65). "Religion is regarded by the common people as true, by the wise as false, and by rulers as useful." Gallus Petronius, Roman courtier and wit (1st cent.). "It is fear that first brought Gods into the world." John of Lackland, English King (1199-1216) (1167?-1216). John may not have been a bonafide atheist, but he moved farther in that direction than was common in medieval times. From the biography, Eleanor of Aquitaine (John's mother) by Alison Weir, p. 234: "John's bad press in the monastic chronicles may be attributed to his failures as a king *and his cynical contempt for religion*; he quarrelled with the Church during his reign and was excommunicated. 'He led such a dissipated life that he ceased to believe in the resurrection of the dead and other articles of the Christian faith...'(Medieval chroniclers Roger of Wendover and Matthew Paris; quoted in Weir). Once, upon seeing a buck slaughtered, at the end of a hunt, remarked 'You happy beast, never forced to patter prayers nor dragged to Holy Mass.'" (Paris, in Weir). Giordano Bruno, Italian philosopher (1548?-1600). Not an atheist, but a "heretic" who was in conflict with the church over his cosmological theories. You can find more information about Giordano Bruno at www.punkerslut.com . Christopher Marlowe, English dramatist and poet (1564-1593). "I count religion but a childish toy and hold there is no sin but innocence." - the character Machiavel, in The Jew of Malta, "Prologue." The lines are often modernized: "I count religion but a childish toy and hold there is no sin but ignorance." Thomas Hobbes, English philosopher (1588-1679). Not an atheist, but an early advocate for the subordination of the church to the state. Here are some internet resources on Thomas Hobbes. Aphra Behn, playwright (1640-1689). Francois La Rouchefoucauld, French writer (1650?-?). An important source for Nietzsche's ideas. Thomas Otway, English classical poet (1652-1685). "These are rogues that pretend to be of a religion now! Well, all I say is, honest atheism for my money." Thomas Woolston, English writer (1669-1731) or? (1670-1733). Was put under house arrest for the remainder of his life when he voiced doubt about the resurrection and other Bible miracles. [Holy Horrors] Francois Marie Arouet "Voltaire", French author and playwright (1694-1778). Perhaps never really an atheist, nonetheless, Voltaire changed late in life into a fearless crusader against religious cruelty and injustice. "Every sensible man, every honorable man, must hold the Christian sect in horror." "Christianity is the most ridiculous, the most absurd and bloody religion that has ever infected the world." "If we believe absurdities, we shall commit atrocities." "Superstition, born of paganism and adopted by Judaism, invested the Christian Church from earliest times. All the fathers of the Church, without exception, believed in the power of magic. The Church always condemned magic, but she always believed in it: she did not excommunicate sorcerers as madmen who were mistaken, but as men who were really in communication with the devil." [Philosophical Dictionary, 1764] "Nothing can be more contrary to religion and the clergy than reason and common sense." [Philosophical Dictionary, 1764] "When he that speaks, and he to whom he speaks, neither of them understand what is meant, that is metaphysics." "Doubt is not a pleasant condition, but certainty is absurd." Jean Meslier, French erstwhile priest (1678-1733). A country priest who led an exemplary life, he died an atheist. He left behind a memoir which was circulated by Voltaire. This expressed his disgust with humanity and his inability to believe in God. Newton's infinite space, Meslier believed, was the only eternal reality: nothing but matter existed. Religion was a device used by the rich to oppress the poor and render them powerless. Christianity was distinguished by its particularly ludicrous doctrines, such as the Trinity and the Incarnation. [A History of God] Benjamin Franklin, American statesman, scientist, writer, printer (1706-1790). "Many a long dispute among divines may be thus abridged: It is so; It is not so. It is so; it is not so." "The way to see by faith is to shut the eye of reason." David Hume, Scottish philosopher and historian (1711-1776). "No testimony is sufficient to establish a miracle, unless . . . its falsehood would be more miraculous than the fact which it endeavors to establish." [Of Miracles] "The Christian religion not only was at first attended with miracles, but even at this day cannot be believed by any reasonable person without one." "When I hear a man is religious, I conclude that he is a rascal, although I have known some instances of very good men being religious." Visit The Hume Archives for more information on David Hume. Frederick the Great, Prussian king (1712-1786). ". . . you will certainly grant me that neither antiquity nor whatever nation has devised a more repulsive and blasphemous absurdity than that of eating your God. This is the most disgusting dogma of Christian religion, the greatest insult to the Highest Being, the climax of madness and insanity." (from a letter to Voltaire, March, 19, 1776) Denis Diderot, French philosopher, author, and encyclopedist (1713-1784). Editor of the first encyclopedia, Diderot was jailed briefly for writing irreligious thoughts. [Holy Horrors] Thomas Paine, English born American author and revolutionary leader (1737-1809). Labeled an atheist, but actually a deist, raised by Quakers, who was extremely critical of organized religion. According to Carl Sagan in The Demon Haunted World , "later generations reviled him for his social and religious views. Theodore Roosevelt called him a 'filthy little atheist.' . . . He is probably the most illustrious American Revolutionary uncommemorated by a monument in Washington, D.C." Paine wrote in The Age of Reason, "Whenever we read the obscene stories, the voluptuous debaucheries, the cruel and torturous executions, the unrelenting vindictiveness with which more than half the Bible [by which Paine means the Old Testament] is filled, it would be more consistent that we called it the word of a demon than the word of God. It is a history of wickedness, that has served to corrupt and brutalize mankind; and, for my own part, I sincerely detest it, as I detest everything that is cruel." The Age of Reason also attacks Christianity as a system of superstition that "produces fanatics" and "serves the purposes of despotism." When the book reached England, several sellers were convicted of blasphemy and jailed. "Persecution is not an original feature in any religion; but it is always the strongly marked feature of all religions established by law." "All national institutions of churches, whether Jewish, Christian or Turkish appear to me no other than human inventions, set up to terrify and enslave mankind and monopolize power and profit." You can find more information about Thomas Paine at www.punkerslut.com . Marquis de Sade, French libertine (1740-1814). In his dialogue, Philosophy in the Bedroom, de Sade insults and derides Christianity several times. In his novel 120 Days of Sodom, he is quoted as saying "The idea of God is the sole wrong for which I cannot forgive mankind." Also, the "Dialogue Between a Priest and a Dying Man," which can be found online online is clearly the work of someone with contempt for religion. Jeremy Bentham, English reformer, author, and philosopher (1748-1832). Read about Bentham at the Utilitarian Resources web page . Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, German author (1749-1832). Stoutly anti-Christian, but not atheist. "This occupation with ideas of immortality is for people of rank, and especially for ladies who have nothing to do. But a man of real worth who has something to do here, and must toil and struggle to produce day by day, leaves the future world to itself, and is active and useful in this." Pierre Simon de Laplace, French mathematician and astronomer (1749-1827). His major contribution to science was a detailed study of gravitation in the universe; his conclusions were published in his five-volume Traite de mechanique celeste (Celestial Mechanics)... Laplace presented an early copy of this work to Napoleon, who studied it very carefully. Sending for Laplace, he said, "You have written a large book about the universe without once mentioning the author of the universe." "Sire," Laplace replied, "I have no need of that hypothesis. (Je n'ai pas besoin de cet hypothese.)" James Madison, American president and political theorist (1751-1836). "During almost fifteen centuries has the legal establishment of Christianity been on trial. What has been its fruits? More or less, in all places, pride and indolence in the clergy; ignorance and servility in the laity; in both, superstition, bigotry, and persecution." "In no instance have . . . the churches been guardians of the liberties of the people." "Religious bondage shackles and debilitates the mind and unfits it for every noble enterprise." [April 1, 1774] Mary Wollstonecraft, author (1759-1797). Wrote Maria, or the Wrongs of Woman. Napoleon Bonaparte, French emperor (1769-1821). A theist, for sure, but he knocked religion: "Religion is excellent stuff for keeping common people quiet." "All religions have been made by men." "as for myself, I do not believe that such a person as Jesus Christ ever existed; but as the people are inclined to superstition, it is proper not to oppose them." [paraphrased] Simon Bolivar, Venezuelan soldier and South American liberator (1783-1830). Atheist. Excommunicated by the Catholic Church. Lord George Gordon Byron, British poet (1788-1824). Arthur Schopenhauer, German philosopher (1788-1860). There was, Schopenhauer believed, no Absolute, no Reason, no God, no Spirit at work in the world: nothing but brute instinctive will to live. [A History of God] Percy Bysshe Shelley, English poet (1792-1822). Thrown out of Oxford University for writing the essay, The Necessity of Atheism in 1810. "If God has spoken, why is the world not convinced." "It is easier to suppose that the universe has existed for all eternity than to conceive a being beyond its limits capable of creating it." You can find more information about Shelley at www.punkerslut.com . Auguste Comte, French philosopher and mathematician (1798-1857). Comte is considered the father of sociology. You can find out more about him at the Dead Sociologists Index . Ernestine Rose, Polish-born American feminist (?-?). Ludwig Andreas von Feuerbach, German philosopher (1804-1872). Feuerbach was a prominent materialist philosopher of the nineteenth century. His book, The Essence of Christianity, quickly became a classic of freethought literature. In that book he argued that religion is the projection of human wishes and is a form of alienation. He began his philosophical career as a Hegelian idealist but soon moved in the direction of materialism thus encouraging the Young Hegelians with whom he was associated to similiarly move. The Essence of Christianity electrified the Young Hegelians, particularly influencing the youthful Karl Marx who adopted and extended its theory of alienation. Other thinkers were also influenced by Feuerbach including Nietzsche and Freud. Interestingly enough despite the fact that he was (or perhaps because he was) a leading atheist a number of twentieth century theologians have taken an interest in his thought including Karl Barth, Martin Buber, Paul Tillich, and Karl Rahner amongst others. [James Farmelant] "Man first unconsciously and involuntarily creates God in his own image, and after this God (Religion) consciously and voluntarily creates man in his own image." [The Essence Of Christianity] Elizur Wright, American (1804-1885). Elizur Wright was a life long social reformer. He was reared in an evangelical Congregationalist family in Connecticut and Ohio. As a young man he attended Yale with the intention of preparing for a career in the ministry. While at Yale he became interested in the anti-slavery cause. He graduated from Yale with growing doubts about entering the ministry but he did spend some time working for the American Tract Society and worked as a school teacher. Later he took a position as a professor of mathematics and natural philosophy at Western Reserve College. There he became further involved in the abolitionist movement moving from support for gradual emancipation and colonization of ex-slaves in Africa to support for the more radical position of immediatism. After he became a more committed Abolitionist he eventually resigned his position at Western Reserve to work as secretary for the American Anti-Slavery Society. It was while working for the Abolitionist movement that Wright gradually became disillusioned with the Christian churches and their perceived tolerance for slavery and their general hypocrisy over this issue. His disillusionment with the churches on moral grounds gradually led down the road towards freethought and atheism while still retaining the moral fervor of his evangelical background. In 1847 he wrote "Christianity is itself a total failure... so far as it is a plan of saving souls for a future life without saving souls and bodies for this." In 1860 he wrote to his friend Beriah Green--"I don't believe in the God of books...I don't believe in anything but facts appreciated by some degree of evidence." Wright in his old age worked actively on behalf for freethought causes. He worked for the National Liberal League in association with such prominent freethinkers as Robert Ingersoll. Towards the end of his life Wright openly described himself as an "infidel," an "atheist," and a "pagan." He called himself a "materialist" in the tradition of Spinoza, Paine, Darwin, and Huxley. He was quite partial to the Positivism of August Comte. Abolitionism and freethought were by no means the only causes that Wright devoted himself to. He used his mathematical training to establish himself as an insurance actuary and this led him to one of other favorite causes--that of life insurance reform. His efforts in that field eventually led to his being appointed commissioner of life insurance in Massachusetts. As commissioner he sought to place the industry on sound scientific actuarial principles. Another cause that he devoted himself to was that of conservation. He successfully fought for the establishment of the Middlesex Fells Reservation (the Fells are a wooded plateau in and around Medford, Massachusetts) to preserve the forested lands there from encroaching real estate pressures. Wright's Pond and Wright's Boulder are named for him. [Abolitionist, Actuary, Atheist: Elizur Wright and the Reform Impulse Lawrence Goodheart (The Kent State University Press, 1990). John Stuart Mill, English philosopher and economist (1806-1873). Freethinker, if not strictly atheist. Giuseppe Garibaldi, Italian general and nationalist leader (1807-1882). Charles Robert Darwin, English naturalist (1809-1882). From the age of forty he was, to use his own words, a complete disbeliever in Christianity. He professed himself an Agnostic, regarding the problem of the universe as beyond our solution, "For myself," he wrote, "I do not believe in any revelation. As for a future life, every man must judge for himself between conflicting vague probabilities." "It appears to me (whether rightly or wrongly) that direct arguments against christianity and theism produce hardly any effect on the public; and freedom of thought is best promoted by the gradual illumination of men's minds which follows from the advance of science." [Quoted in How We Believe: The Search for God in an Age of Science by Michael Shermer. Abraham Lincoln, American president (1809-1865). In 2000 Years of Disbelief by James A. Haught, Lincoln is mentioned on pages 125 through 127. From the material presented it would seem that Lincoln as a young man was an avid anti-christian and most likely an atheist. In his later years, he came to believe in God, but still was anti-religious in the sense that he rejected organized religion. Some selections from Haught: John T. Stuart, Lincoln's first law partner: "He was an avowed and open infidel, and sometimes bordered on Atheism...He went further against Christian beliefs and doctrines and principles than any man I ever heard." Joseph Lewis quoting Lincoln in a 1924 speech in New York: "The Bible is not my book nor Christianity my profession. I could never give assent to the long, complicated statements of Christian dogma." Lincoln in a letter to Judge J.S. Wakefield, after the death of Willie Lincoln: "My earlier views of the unsoundness of the Christian scheme of salvation and the human origin of the scriptures have become clearer and stronger with advancing years, and I see no reason for thinking I shall ever change them." As a young man Lincoln apparently wrote a manuscript that he planned to publish, which vehemently argued against the divine origin of the Bible and the Christian scheme of salvation. Samuel Hill, a friend and mentor, convinced him to drop it, considering the disastrous consequences it would have on his political career. William H Herndon, a former law partner, wrote a biography on Lincoln titled: The True Story of a Great Life. In it Herndon discusses Lincoln's religious views extensively. Gordon Leidner has collected some quotations from Lincoln's later years in which he invokes God, and he makes the argument that Lincoln became a sincere believer. It seems to me he did come to believe in God but never accepted organized Christianity. Edgar Allan Poe, American writer (1809-1849). "No man who ever lived knows any more about the hereafter ... than you and I; and all religion ... is simply evolved out of chicanery, fear, greed, imagination and poetry." "The idea of God, infinity, or spirit stands for the possible attempt at an impossible conception." Mikhail Bakunin, Russian anarchist leader and writer (1814-1876). For Bakunin religion represented an impoverishment of humanity. Religion according to Bakunin was a weapon of the state that must be abolished to make human self-determination possible. "A jealous lover of human liberty, and deeming it the absolute condition of all that we admire and respect in humanity, I reverse the phrase of Voltaire, and say that if God really existed, it would be necessary to abolish him." From God and the State (New York: Dover Publications, 1970) p. 28. Elizabeth Cady Stanton, American suffragist (1815-1902). Stanton was described at her funeral as "a fearless, serene agnostic." She was tireless in her criticism of religion and the Bible, decrying their denigration of women. She wrote of the Bible, "I found nothing grand in the history of the Jews nor in the morals inculcated in the Pentateuch. Surely the writers had a very low idea of the nature of their god. They made him not only anthropomorphic, but of the very lowest type, jealous and revengeful, loving violence rather than mercy. I know of no other books that so fully teach the subjection and degradation of women." [Women Without Superstition] And, "The Bible and the Church have been the greatest stumbling blocks in the way of women's emancipation." [Treasury of Women's Quotations ] Her own religious beliefs evolved over the course of her life. As a young woman, she was briefly under the spell of fundamentalist religion. Her family led her out of that by taking her on a trip and giving her sensible things to read. She said, "That disabused my mind of hell and the devil and of a cruel, avenging God, and I have never believed in them since." [Interview, Chicago Record, June 29, 1897, quoted in Women Without Superstition ] Her early political addresses were sprinkled generously with references to God, but as she found her own voice, increasing in confidence and battle-scarred by denunciations against her sacrilege in the popular press, invocations lessened. When such references occurred, "Nature" and "God" became interchangeable. [Women Without Superstition ] Elizabeth's daughter, Margaret Stanton Lawrence, recalled, "We children have only pleasant memories of a happy home, of a sunny, cheerful, indulgent mother, whose great effort was to save us from all the fears that shadow the lives of most children. God was to us sunshine, flowers, affection, all that is grand and beautiful in nature. The devil had no place at our fireside, nor the Inferno in our dreams of the future." Late in her life, Elizabeth wrote, "I can say that the happiest period of my life has been since I emerged from the shadows of superstitions of the old theologies, relieved from all gloomy apprehensions of the future, satisfied that as my labors and capacities were limited to this sphere of action, I was responsible for nothing beyond my horizon, as I could neither understand nor change the condition of the unknown world. Giving ourselves, then, no trouble about the future, let us make the most of the present, and fill up our lives with earnest work here." ["The Pleasures of Age," in The Boston Investigator, Feb. 2, 1901, quoted in Women Without Superstition ] In her book on the Bible, the Woman's Bible, Stanton hailed the changes since the Bible had been written, when "rationalism took the place of religion and reason triumphed over superstition." Elizabeth Cady Stanton lived her life without deference to a higher power and advocated such living for others. Her criticism of religion was not limited to "organized religion," which is popularly disparaged today. She decries "superstition," which probably indicates all religious belief, and trumpets rationalism and reason. Her identification of God with nature is a way of celebrating the purely secular without directly denouncing the religious beliefs of others. She is in the camp of other freethinkers of her time, such as Robert Green Ingersoll. Karl Marx, German political philosopher and economist (1818-1883). Marx saw religion as "the sigh of the oppressed creature . . . the opium of the people, which made this suffering bearable." [Quoted in A History of God] You can find out more about Marx at The Karl Marx and Fredrick Engels Internet Archive . Marion Evans "George Eliot", English novelist (1819-1880). "The old religion said 'Heaven help us!' Our new one, from its very lack of that faith in a heaven, will teach us all the more to help one another" A George Eliot web site. Walt Whitman, American poet (1819-1892). Walt reportedly said, "God is a mean-spirited, pugnacious bully bent on revenge against His children for failing to live up to his impossible standards.$quot; Does this mean he believed this mean-spirited bully didn't really exist? I'm not sure. Susan B. Anthony, American suffragist (1820-1906). Called herself an agnostic. Thomas Henry Huxley, English biologist (1825-1895). Huxley coined the term "agnostic." "...inclined to think that not far from the invention of fire must rank the invention of doubt" "The only question which a wise man can ask himself is whether a doctrine is true or false. Consequences will take care of themselves." "Henceforward, I might hope to hear no more of the assertion that we [Agnostics] are necessarily Materialists, Idealists, Atheists, Theists, or any other ists, if experience had led me to think that the proved falsity of a statement was any guarantee against its reputation. And those who appreciate the nature of our position will see, at once, that when Ecclesiasticism declares that we ought to believe this, that, and the other, and are very wicked if we don't, it is impossible for us to give any answer but this: We have not the slightest objection to believe anything you like, if you will give us good grounds for belief; but, if you cannot, we must respectfully refuse, even if that refusal should wreck morality and insure our own damnation several times over. We are quite content to leave that decision to the future. The course of the past has impressed us with the firm conviction that no good ever comes out of falsehood, and we feel warranted in refusing even to experiment in that direction" [essay "Agnosticism and Christianity"] Matilda Joslyn Gage, American feminist (1826-1898). Marilla Ricker, American feminist and activist (?-?). Henry Stephens Salt, American Humanitarian and ? (1851-1939). Founder of the Humanitarian League. Read a short biography of Salt at www.punkerslut.com . Sir Leslie Stephen, English writer and thinker (1832-1904). Sir Leslie Stephen was one of Britain's most famous agnostics of the nineteenth century. In fact while Thomas Huxley was the person who coined the term agnostic it was Stephen who popularized it. Leslie Stephen was born into a family of prominent Evangelicals of the Clapham Sect. He was educated at Eton and at Trinity Hall, Cambridge. At Cambridge he was made a fellow which in those days required taking holy orders and he was ordained an Anglican priest. By 1862 his developing religious doubts led him to resign his fellowship and by 1864 he left Cambridge for good. He married Thackeray's daughter, Harriet Marian in 1867 but she died in 1875 leaving him one child. He later married Julia Jackson Duckworth and had four children including his best known child the novelist Virginia Woolf. After abandoning his academic career he made his living as a journalist and writer. He edited the Dictionary of National Biography . He also wrote extensively on history, religion, and philosophy. Leslie Stephen's agnosticism was rooted in considerations of the problem of evil. Attempts to resolve this problem by emphasizing the transcendence and incomprehensibility of God was to him simply evasiveness. Such apologetics was in his view simply a disguised skepticism. The rejection of belief in God for Stephen raised the question of how to ground morality if there is no deity. That is he sought to answer the Dostoyevskian question "If there is no God is not everything permitted?" Stephen sought to answer this question in his book The Science of Ethics . There he proposed a scientific ethics in which J.S. Mill's utilitarianism would be synthesized with evolutionary theory. In addition to The Science of Ethics, Stephen wrote many other works including Essays on Freethinking and Plainspeaking (1873), An Agnostic's Apology and Other Essays (1893), as well as History of English Thought in the Eighteenth Century (1876), and The English Utilitarians (1900). [James Farmelant] Robert Green Ingersoll, American politician and lecturer (1833-1899). "The universe is all the God there is." "Our ignorance is God; what we know is science." "With soap, baptism is a good thing." "The clergy know that I know that they know that they do not know." "Why should I allow that same God to tell me how to raise my kids, who had to drown His own?" "There is no harmony between religion and science. When science was a child, religion sought to strangle it in the cradle. Now that science has attained its youth, and superstition is in its dotage, the trembling, palsied wreck says to the athlete: 'Let us be friends.' It reminds me of the bargain the cock wished to make with the horse: 'Lut us agree not to step on each other's feet.'" "For ages, a deadly conflict has been waged between a few brave men and women of thought and genius upon the one side, and the great ignorant religious mass on the other. This is the war between Science and Faith. The few have appealed to reason, to honor, to law, to freedom, to the known, and to happiness here in this world. The many have appealed to prejudice, to fear, to miracle, to slavery, to the unknown, and to misery hereafter. The few have said, "Think!" The many have said, "Believe!" [The Gods, 1872] For the works of Ingersoll online, visit The Secular Web . For some longer excerpts from Ingersoll's speeches, visit The Great Agnostic . You can find more information about Ingersoll at www.punkerslut.com . Andrew Carnegie, Scottish-born American industrialist and philanthropist (1835-1919). I was sent this quotation for Carnegie, "I don't believe in God. My god is patriotism. Teach a man to be a good citizen and you have solved the problem of life." If you have information about where this quotation came from or about Carnegie's beliefs, please send them. Samuel Clemens "Mark Twain", American author and humorist (1835-1910). "Faith is believing what you know ain't so." "'In God We Trust.' I don't believe it would sound any better if it were true." "It ain't the parts of the Bible that I can't understand that bother me, it is the parts that I do understand." "Religion consists in a set of things which the average man thinks he believes and wishes he was certain of." "There is no other life; life itself is only a vision and a dream for nothing exists but space and you. If there was an all-powerful God, he would have made all good, and no bad." [Mark Twain in Eruption] "Our Bible reveals to us the character of our god with minute and remorseless exactness... It is perhaps the most damnatory biography that exists in print anywhere. It makes Nero an angel of light and leading by contrast" [Reflections on Religion, 1906] "O Lord our God, help us tear their soldiers to bloody shreds with our shells; help us to cover their smiling fields with the pale forms of their patriot dead; help us to drown the thunder of the guns with the shrieks of their wounded, writhing in pain; help us to lay waste their humble homes with a hurricane of fire; help us to wring the hearts of their unoffending widows with unavailing grief; help us to turn them out roofless with their little children to wander unfriended the wastes of their desolated land in rags and hunger and thirst, sports of the sun flames of summer and the icy winds of winter, broken in spirit, worn with travail, imploring Thee for the refuge of the grave and denied it . . ." ["The War Prayer"] "[The Bible is] a mass of fables and traditions, mere mythology." ["Mark Twain and the Bible"] "Man is a marvelous curiosity . . . he thinks he is the Creator's pet . . . he even believes the Creator loves him; has a passion for him; sits up nights to admire him; yes and watch over him and keep him out of trouble. He prays to him and thinks He listens. Isn't it a quaint idea." [Letters from the Earth] "If there is a God, he is a malign thug." Mr. Clemens was once asked whether he feared death. He said that he did not, in view of the fact that he had been dead for billions and billions of years before he was born, and had not suffered the slightest inconvenience from it. You can find more information about Mark Twain at www.punkerslut.com . Thomas Hardy, English author (1840-1928). Poem Christmas 1924: "After two thousand years of mass, we've got as far as poison gas" Ambrose Bierce, American writer (1842-1914?). Author of The Devil's Dictionary . Here are some entries: FAITH: Belief without evidence in what is told by one who speaks without knowledge, of things without parallel. RELIGION: A daughter of Hope and Fear, explaining to Ignorance the nature of the Unknowable. OCEAN: A body of water occupying about two thirds of a world made for man- who has no gills. SAINT: A dead sinner revised and edited. In the definition of occident, he claims christians to be "a powerful subtribe of the Hypocrites, whose principal industries are murder and cheating, which they are pleased to call 'war' and 'commerce'". For more information on Ambrose Bierce, visit the Ambrose Bierce Appreciate Society . Friedrich Nietzsche, German philologist and philosopher (1844-1900). "God is dead." [Thus Spake Zarathustra] The Christian God, Nietzsche taught, was pitiable, absurd and "a crime against life." [The Twilight of the Idols and The Antichrist] He had encouraged people to fear their bodies, their passions and their sexuality and had promoted a puling morality of compassion which had made us weak. There was no ultimate meaning or value and human beings had no business offering an indulgent alternative in "God." [A History of God] In Thus Spoke Zarathustra, Nietzsche suggests that to call god love is a slander to love, since god wants also to judge, and love should never even see sins in need of forgiveness. Thomas Edison, American inventor (1847-1931). "Religion is all bunk." "I have never seen the slightest scientific proof of the religious ideas of heaven and hell, of future life for individuals, or of a personal God." Octave Mirbeau, French author (1848-1917). Luther Burbank, American horticulturist and pioneer plant breeder (1849-1926). "The Bible is an incomplete history and the folklore of an ancient race, but no more inspired, I believe, than the works of Marcus Aurelius and other great men of the day." Olive Shreiner, peace and anti-apartheid campaigner (1855-1920). An atheist from age 17, according to a school book of nineteenth century short stories. Sigmund Freud, Austrian physician and pioneer psychoanalyst (1856-1939). "It would be very nice if there were a God who created the world and was a benevolent providence, and if there were a moral order in the universe and an after-life; but it is a very striking fact that all this is exactly as we are bound to wish it to be." "In the long run, nothing can withstand reason and experience, and the contradiction religion offers to both is palpable." "The whole thing is so patently infantile, so foreign to reality, that to anyone with a friendly attitude to humanity it is painful to think that the great majority of mortals will never be able to rise above this view of life." Freud certainly regarded belief in God as an illusion that mature men and women should lay aside. The idea of God was not a lie but a device of the unconscious which needed to be decoded by psychology. A personal god was nothing more than an exalted father-figure: desire for such a deity sprang from infantile yearnings for a powerful, protective father, for justice and fairness and for life to go on forever. God is simply a projection of these desires, feared and worshipped by human beings out of an abiding sense of helplessness. Religion belonged to the infancy of the human race; it had been a necessary stage in the transition from childhood to maturity. It had promoted ethical values which were essential to society. Now that humanity had come of age, however, it should be left behind. [A History of God] George Bernard Shaw, Irish-born English playwright (1856-1950). "The fact that a believer is happier than a skeptic is no more to the point than the fact that a drunken man is happier than a sober one." Joseph Conrad, Polish-born English author (1857-1924). "Christianity has lent itself with amazing facility to cruel distortion . . . and has brought an infinity of anguish to innumerable souls on this earth." "Scepticism . . . is the agent of truth." Clarence Seward Darrow, American lawyer (1857-1938). "I believe that religion is the belief in future life and in God. I don't believe in either. I don't believe in God as I don't believe in Mother Goose." quoted in Manual of a Perfect Atheist. You can find more information about Clarence Darrow at www.punkerslut.com . William Howard Taft, American President and Chief Justice (1857-1930). Probably not an atheist, but I thought it was interesting that an American president in this century said: "I do not believe in the divinity of Christ and there are many other of the postulates of the orthodox creed to which I cannot subscribe." Pierre Curie, French chemist and physicist (1859-1906). Francisco Ferrer y Guardia, Spanish educator (1859-1909). Read a short biography of Ferrer at www.punkerslut.com . Jose P. Rizal, Philippine national leader (1861-1896). Rizal, the greatest son and hero of the Philippines and pride of the Malay race, whose writings attacking the Catholic church and the friars inspired the religious and political revolution against Spanish colonial theocracy. He is considered the first modern Asian rational humanist whose role in the liberation of the Philippines from the grip of priesthood paralled that of Tom Paine whose writings inspired the 1776 revolution in the US. Rizal was condemned to death for treason and sedition in 1896 by the Spanish colonial government and executed on December 30 of that year. The Spanish friars then libeled Rizal's good name by circulating a forged document entitled "Retraction of Errors" where Rizal supposedly retracted his affiliation with the Masons and admitted his errors in all writings where he revealed the abuses of the Spanish friars. On the eve of his execution, Rizal finished and succeeded in smuggling out prison a poem he wrote popularly known as his "Ultimo Adios" or "Last Farewall" which is considered even by Spanish literary critics as one of the most poignant poems ever written in the Spanish language. [ poems ] Voltairine de Cleyre, American feminist and activist (1866-1912). "I die, as I have lived, a free spirit, an Anarchist, owing no allegiance to rulers, heavenly or earthly." Herbert George "H.G." Wells, English author (1866-1946). "It runs through the entire Christian story, and our case against the Catholic Church is that, albeit it originated in a passionate assertion of the conception of brotherly equality, it relapsed steadily from the broad nobility of its beginnings and passed over at last almost completely to the side of persecution and the pleasures of cruelty." [From Wells' book Crux Ansata - An Indictment of the Roman Catholic Church 1944, reprinted in 1981 by American Atheist Press.] Marie Curie, Polish-born French chemist and physicist (1867-1934). Joseph McCabe, English anti-religion campaigner (1867-1955). One of the giants of not only English Atheism, but world Atheism, Joseph McCabe left a legacy of aggressive Atheist and antireligious literature that remains fresh and insightful today. His many works -- he wrote nearly 250 books -- could constitute a library of Atheism by themselves. Born in 1867, Joseph McCabe became a Franciscan monk at the age of nineteen. But disgusted with his fellow monks and the Christian doctrine, he left the priesthood for good on February 19, 1896. Not long afterwards, he began to write -- first against the priesthood itself and then for the position of Atheism. He was one of the founding members of Britain's Rationalist Press Association, and was a prolific writer for Haldeman-Julius Publications. He was also a much-respected speaker, giving, by his own estimate, three or four thousand lectures in the United States, Australia, and Great Britain by the age of eighty. Still fighting against the injustices and dishonesties of religion, he died on January 10, 1955, at the age of eighty-seven. The epitaph he requested was "He was a rebel to his last day." [ The Secular Web ] You can find more information about McCabe at www.punkerslut.com . Frank Lloyd Wright, American architect (1869-1959). "I believe in God, only I spell it Nature." Vladimir Ilich Lenin, Russian revolutionary leader (1870-1924). Alfred Adler, Austrian psychiatrist (1870-1937). Allowed that God was a psychological projection but believed that it had been helpful to humanity; it had been a brilliant and effective symbol of excellence. [A History of God] I have had a report that Adler converted to Christianity in his old age. (Maybe he lost his mental faculties!) Marcel Proust, French author (1871-1922). Proust was once asked by his maid, Celeste Albaret, whether or not he thought there was a God. He replied that he did not know. Monsieur Proust: A Memoir by Celeste Albaret . Evidently an agnostic, Proust had this to say about atheism: "The atheist forgets that what he is affirming is, precisely, a negation." (In Search of Lost Time by Marcel Proust) Ralph Vaughn Williams, English composer (1872-1958). The Internet Movie Database has a short biography , which includes, "His professional career spanned more than six decades, with nine Symphonies, several concertos, a ballet, a few operas and countless choral works. The latter are often performed in church services, not bad for an agnostic composer." Bertrand Russell, British philosopher, educator, mathematician, and social critic (1872-1970). "I wish to propose for the reader's favourable consideration a doctrine which may, I fear, appear wildly paradoxical and subversive. The doctrine in question is this: that it is undesirable to believe a proposition when there is no ground whatever for supposing it true." "I am myself a dissenter from all known religions, and I hope that every kind of religious belief will die out." "Religion is based . . . mainly on fear . . . fear of the mysterious, fear of defeat, fear of death. Fear is the parent of cruelty, and therefore it is no wonder if cruelty and religion have gone hand in hand. . . . My own view on religion is that of Lucretius. I regard it as a disease born of fear and as a source of untold misery to the human race." [quoted in Holy Horrors] Robert Frost, American poet (1874-1963). Culbert Olson, American politician (1876-1962). The most openly Atheistic elected official was Culbert Olson, former Governor of California. He became President of the United Secularists of America (USA) in 1957, and remained in that position until his death in 1962. Edward Morgan "E.M." Forster, English author (1879-1970). "I do not believe in Belief (...but...) Tolerance, good temper and sympathy." Leon Trotsky, Russian revolutionary and Soviet statesman (1879-1940). Albert Einstein, German born American threoretical physicist (1879-1955). "It was, of course, a lie what you read about my religious convictions, a lie which is being systematically repeated. I do not believe in a personal God and I have never denied this but have expressed it clearly. If something is in me which can be called religious then it is the unbounded admiration for the structure of the world so far as our science can reveal it." [From a letter Einstein wrote in English, dated 24 March 1954. It is included in Albert Einstein: The Human Side, edited by Helen Dukas and Banesh Hoffman, published by Princeton University Press. "A man's ethical behavior should be based effectually on sympathy, education and social ties and needs; no religious basis is necessary. Man would indeed be in a poor way if he had to be restrained by fear of punishment and hope of reward after death." Periyar, Indian social campaigner (1879-1973). Periyar campaigned throughout Tamil-Nadu for social reform, especially empowerment for women and and end to the social oppression of religion. "He who created the god was a fool; he who spreads his name is a scoundrel and he who worships him is a barbarian." Joseph Stalin, Soviet politician (1879-1953). I believe Stalin called himself an atheist, but some would argue that he believed in the Hegelian doctrine of progress as a god. Lord John Boyd-Orr, Scottish nutritionist (1880-1971). Nobel peace prize winner, 1949. W. C. Fields, American entertainer (1880-1946). An acquaintance of Field's recounts the story of Fields, an atheist, having once been found reading the Bible. When asked what he was doing reading the Bible, Fields responded, "I'm looking for loopholes." [Movie W. C. Fields: Striaght Up] Henry Louis "H.L." Mencken, American editor and critic (1880-1956). "We must respect the other fellow's religion, but only in the same sense and to the same extent that we respect his theory that his wife is beautiful and his children smart." Religion is "so absurd that it comes close to imbecility." ["Treatise on the Gods"] "Since the early days, [the church] has thrown itself violently against every effort to liberate the body and mind of man. It has been, at all times and everywhere, the habitual and incorrigible defender of bad governments, bad laws, bad social theories, bad institutions. It was, for centuries, an apologist for slavery, as it was an apologist for the divine right of kings." "Faith may be defined briefly as an illogical belief in the occurrence of the improbable. . . . A man full of faith is simply one who has lost (or never had) the capacity for clear and realistic thought. He is not a mere ass: he is actually ill." "God is the immemorial refuge of the incompetent, the helpless, the miserable. They find not only sanctuary in His arms, but also a kind of superiority, soothing to their macerated egos; He will set them above their betters." [from the alt.quotations archive, found from http://www.starlingtech.com/quotes/search.html] "Religion is fundamentally opposed to everything I hold in veneration--courage, clear thinking, honesty, fairness, and, above all, love of the truth." [1925] "Men become civilized, not in proportion to their willingness to believe, but in proportion to their readiness to doubt." "For centuries, theologians have attempted to explain the unknowable in terms of the-not-worth-knowing." "The most common of all follies is to believe passionately in the palpably not true. It is the chief occupation of mankind." Irving Langmuir, American chemist, nobel prize winner 1932 (1881-1957). When asked about his inattention to religion, he would likely respond with, "Never believe anything that can't be proved." From his biography, The Quintessence of Irving Langmuir, by Albert Rosenfeld. Kemal Ataturk, Turkish soldier and statesman (1881-1938). James Joyce, Irish author (1882-1941). Joyce rejected Catholicism and indeed all religion when he was a young man (as portrayed in A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man). He considered Catholicism to be "black magic", and deplored its anti-individuality. "For me there is ony one alternative to scholasticism, scepticism." He also rejected the church's moralizing, etc. etc. "He comes into the world God knows how, walks on the water, gets out of his grave and goes up off the Hill of Howth. What drivel is this?" "I confess that I do not see what good it does to fulminate against the English tyranny while the Roman tyranny occupies the palace of the soul." Virginia Woolf, English author (1882-1941). Margaret Sanger, American birth control activist, founder of Planned Parenthood (1883-1966). "No Gods, No Masters." You can find more information about Margaret Sanger at www.punkerslut.com . DH Lawrence, British writer (1885-1930). "God is only a great imaginative experience." "Brute force crushes many plants. Yet the plants rise again. The Pyramids will not last a moment compared with the daisy. And before Buddha or Jesus spoke the nightingale sang, and long after the words of Jesus and Buddha are gone into oblivion the nightingale still will sing. Because it is neither preaching nor commanding nor urging. It is just singing. And in the beginning was not a Word, but a chirrup." -Etruscan Places Diego Rivera, Mexican muralist painter (1886-1982). From his autobiography, My Art, My Life: An Autobiography by Diego Rivera Gladys March narrating an encounter with bigots at a church: "Stupid people! You reek of dirt and stupidity! You are so crazy that you believe that if I were to ask the portrait of my father, hanging in my house, for one peso, the portrait would actually give me one peso. You are utter idiots. In order to get pesos, I have to ask someone who has pesos to spare and is willing to give some to me. You talk of heaven, pointing with your fingers over your head. What heaven is there? There is only air, clouds which give rain, lightening which makes a loud sound and breaks the tree branches, and birds flying. There are no boys with wings nor any ladies or gentlemen sitting on clouds. Clouds are water vapor which goes up when the heat of the sun's rays strikes the rivers and lakes. You can see this vapor from the Guanajuato mountains. It turns to water which falls in drops, and so we have rain. At the entrance of this place, I saw boxes to collect money, and a man asking for more money. I also know the priest who comes often to our house to drink my aunt's good chocolate and glasses of liquor. With the money he collects for the church, he pays the painters and sculptors to paint all these lies and puppets. He does this to get more money to make stupid people like you believe that these are truths and to make you fear the Virgin Mary and God. In order to have the priest appease these idols to spare you because you are cruel, dirty, and bad people, you give this money to the priest. Does that fear stop the beggars, the poor people, and the jobless miners from sneaking into the houses of the rich people, the grocery stores, the clothing stores of the gabachos, and the haciendas of the gringos, and taking from them a little of what they need? What about you, you old fool? If there really is a Holy Virgin or anyone up in the air, tell them to send lightening to strike me down or let the stones of the vault fall on my head. If you are unable to do that Mr. Priest, you're nothing but a puppet taking money from stupid old women. You're no better than the clown in the circus coaxing coins from the public. If God doesn't stop me, then there must be no God. Get out of here! You see, there is no God! You're all stupid cows! " Arthur Rubenstein, Polish-American pianist (1886-1982). During a radio interview with Rubenstein the conversation took a sharp turn away from music when the interviewer suddeenly asked, "Mr. Rubenstein, do you believe in God?" Rubenstein calmly replied, "No. You see, what I believe in is something much greater." Sir Julian Sorell Huxley, English biologist and author (1887-1975). "We should be agnostic about those things for which there is no evidence. We should not hold beliefs merely because they gratify our desires for afterlife, immortality, heaven, hell, etc." From Religion without Revelation by Julian Huxley "The sense of spiritual relief which comes from rejecting the idea of God as a supernatural being is enormus." M.N. Roy, Indian political thinker (1887-1954). Roy was one of the first Indian communists. M.N.Roy founded the Communist Party of Mexico. He lived in the Soviet Union during the 1920s - he was the only man in the secret tribunal that tried Leon Trotsky who did not believe in Trotsky's "guilt". The Soviets, of course, chased Trotsky all over the world for the rest of his life. Disillusioned with communism, M. N. Roy founded his own school of philosophy - Radical Humanism. Many Indians consider M. N. Roy to be the only original political thinker India has produced in the 20th century. Irving Berlin, Russian-born American lyricist and composer (1888-1989). In her biography of her father, Irving Berlin: A Daughter's Memoir, Mary Ellin Barrett mentions her father's "agnosticism," (p.123) and refers to him as a "nonbeliever," (p.124). Fenner Brockway, peace campaigner (1888-1988). Brockway was a labor leader who opposed British imperialism and advocated giving freedom to its colonies. Jawaharlal Nehru, Indian statesman (1889-1964). A self-professed atheist, he said of India, "No country or people who are slaves to dogma and dogmatic mentality can progress." [Key Ideas in Human Thought] Sir Alfred Hitchcock, British film director (1899-1980). I have heard that in later life, Hitchcock become areligious. If you have any information on his beliefs, please let me know. Here is an anecdote that may illustrate his growing anti-religious sentiments. (Though at the time he was apparently still a church-going Catholic.) Driving through a Swiss city one day, Hitchcock suddenly pointed out of the car window and said, "That is the most frightening sight I have ever seen." His companion was surprised to see nothing more alarming that a priest in conversation with a little boy, his hand on the child's shoulder. "Run, little boy," cried Hitchcock, leaning out of the car. "Run for your life!" Phillip Randolph, American civil rights veteran and union leader, (1889-1979). E. Haldeman-Julius, American publisher (1889-1951). Sir Charles Spencer "Charlie" Chaplin, British born actor, director, and producer (1889-1977). "By simple common sense I don't believe in God, in none." quoted in Manual of a Perfect Atheist. H. P. Lovecraft, American author (1890-1937). Here are extracts from Lovecraft; A Biography by L. Sprague De Camp: "H. P. Lovecraft was strongly influenced, not only by his mother but also by the books he read. . . . At five, he . . . (read) . . . a junior edition of The Arabian Nights. He at once fell in love with the glories of medieval Islam and spent hours playing Arab. . . . One effect of dabbling in non-Christian traditions was to make Lovecraft skeptical of the faith of his fathers. Before he reached his fifth birthday anniversary, young Lovecraft announced that he no longer believed in Santa Claus. Further private thought convinced him that arguments for the existence of God suffered the same weaknesses as those for Santa. "At five, Lovecraft was placed in the infant class of the Sunday school of the venerable First Baptist Meeting House on College Hill. The results were not what the elders expected. When the feeding of Christian martyrs to the lions came up, Lovecraft shocked the class by gleefully taking the side of the lions. He wrote: The absurdity of the myths I was called upon to accept and the sombre greyness of the whole faith compared with the Eastern magnificence of Mahometanism, made me definitely an agnostic; and caused me to become so pestiferous a questioner that I was permitted to discontinue attendance. . . . My grandfather had travelled observingly through Italy, and delighted me with long, first-hand accounts of its beauties and memorials of ancient grandeur. I mention this aesthetic tendency in detail only to lead up to its philosophical result - my last flickering of religious belief. ". . . His skeptical view of the supernatural - his nontheism - and his love of the Classical world were not the only lasting passions formed in his childhood. ". . . he embraced eighteenth-century rationalism, which confirmed him in his atheistic materialism." [Chapter 2, pages 19-24] Rudolf Carnap, German-American philosopher (1891-1970). A central figure of the Vienna Circle which was devoted to the philosophy of logical positivism. In his Intellectual Autobiography printed in The Philosophy of Rudolf Carnap ed. by Paul Schilpp (La Salle, Illinois: Open Court, 1963) he described the basic worldview he shared with the rest of the Circle in the following terms: ". . . the first is the view that man has no supernatural protectors or enemies . . . Second, we had the conviction that mankind is able to change the conditions of life in such a way that many of the sufferings of today may be avoided . . . the third is the view that all deliberate action presupposes knowledge of the world , that the scientific method is the best method of acquiring knowledge and that therefore science must be regarded as one of the most valuable instruments for the improvement of human life. In Vienna we had no names for these views; if we look for a brief designation in American terminology for the combination of these three convictions, the best would seem to be 'scientific humanism.'" Josip Broz, "Tito", Yugoslavian statesman (1892-1980). I don't have good evidence that Tito was an atheist, but it seems likely. Despite being raised in a Croat Catholic family, he became a communist and, when he achieved power, he interrupted relations witht he Vatican, accusing them of collaborating with the Nazis in Croatia during the war. At the end of the war, he condemned Bishop Stepinac - who was really old by then - to forced labor in jail. His problems with Vatican lasted at least until the seventies. If you have any more information about the beliefs of Tito, please write . Pearl S. Buck, American author (1892-1973). "I feel no need for any other faith than my faith in human beings." "I am so absorbed in the wonder of earth and the life upon it that I cannot think of heaven and the angels. I have enough for this life." [Treasury of Women's Quotations] John Burdon Sanderson Haldane, Scottish biochemist (1892-1964). Professor of genetics (1933-57) and biometry (1937-57) at London University, he was an ardent Marxist,but left the Communist Party after the Lysenko affair. His many writings include Science and Ethics (1928), and Heredity and Politics (1938). In 1957 he emigraated to India as a protest agains British policies. Haldane was engaged in discussion with an eminent theologian. "What inference," asked the latter, "might one draw about the nature of God from a study of his works?" Haldane replied: "An inordinate fondness for beetles." Mao Tse-tung, Chinese Communist leader and theorist (1893-1976). John Boynton "J.B." Priestley, English author (1894-?). Aldous Huxley, British writer (1894-1963). "You never see animals going through the absurd and often horrible fooleries of magic and religion. . . . Dogs do not ritually urinate in the hope of persuading heaven to do the same and send down rain. Asses do not bray a liturgy to cloudless skies. Nor do cats attempt, by abstinence from cat's meat, to wheedle the feline spirits into benevolence. Only man behaves with such gratuitous folly. It is the price he has to pay for being intelligent but not, as yet, quite intelligent enough." "Maybe this world is another planet's hell." -Point Counter Point Dora Russell, British author (1894-1986). Brock Chisholm, humanist campaigner (1896-1971). Naomi Mitchison, author (1897-?). Baroness Wootton, politician (1897-1988). William James Sidis, American prodigy (1898-1944). Sidis was a child prodigy and a staunch atheist at age 6. Lots of stuff about Sidis can be found at the Quantonics web site , including a review of a biography of Sidis . Friedrich August von Hayek, Austrian-born English economist (1899-1993). "Though by age 15 a convinced agnostic, Hayek's "position vis-a-vis the different Christian churches was somewhat ambivalent." As Hayek confesses, he "felt that if somebody really wanted religion, he had better stick to what seemed to be the 'true article,' that is, Roman Catholicism. Protestantism always appeared to me a step in the process of emancipation from a superstition -- a step which, once taken, must lead to complete unbelief" (41)." [Hayek on Hayek: An Autobiographical Dialogue], by F.A. Hayek; Stephen Kresge and Leif Wener, eds. University of Chicago Press, 1994, 170 pp., $27.50. Ernest Hemingway, American author (1899-1961). "All thinking men are atheists." [A Farewell to Arms] On page 144 of Paul Johnson's book Intellectuals, it states that despite being raised in a strict Congregationalist houshold, Ernest "did not only not believe in God but regarded organized religion as a menace to human happiness", "seems to have been devoid of the religious spirit", and "ceased to practise religion at the earliest possible moment." Other's have pointed out to me that Hemingway used the non-existence of God as a theme in his books. Charles Laughton, English-born American actor (1899-1962). Atheism mentioned in his wife's autobiography, Charles and I (Elsa Lanchester, 1938) Noel Coward, English playwright, author, and performer (1899-1973). Coward proclaims several times in his diaries (The Noel Coward Diaries, Weidenfeld & Nicholson 1982, ISBN 0 75380 547 2) that he is an atheist, at least during the time he was writing them (1941-1969). Vladimir Nabokov, Russian writer (1899-1977). "The cradle rocks above an abyss, and common sense tells us that our existence is but a brief crack of light between two eternities of darkness." Luis Bunuel, Spanish film director (1900-1983). His early surrealist films include L'Age d'Or (1930). He worked largely in Mexico in the 1950s ... Bunuel was brought up as a Catholic by the Jesuits. When asked, in later life, if he had been deeply affected by his Jesuit education, he replied, "I am an atheist, thanks be to God." Walter "Walt" Disney, American cartoonist, showman, and film producer (1901-1966). I had one report that Disney was non-religious. Apparently, he was not a member of any religion and did not attend services. Also, he apparently had an entirely secular funeral. It was "very private" and off-limits to the press, perhaps to conceal it was not religious. There is no "In God we Trust" on Disney Dollars! I have also heard, however, that Disney was a member of DeMolay, a young men's group in which members swear on a Bible that they believe in God. I guess Disney is in the DeMolay hall of fame. Maybe he got wiser when he grew up? This is obviously not much information. Can anyone confirm anything about what Disney believed? Linus Carl Pauling, American chemist (1901-1994). For information on Pauling, visit the Ava Helen & Linus Pauling Papers project at Oregon State University. Nazim Hikmet Ran, Turkish poet (1902-1963). I am told he was an atheist. His autobiography includes the lines: "and since '21 I haven't gone to the places most people visit mosques churches temples synagogues sorcerers but I've had my coffee grounds read" Guenther Anders, Austrian philosopher (1902-dead?). Langston Hughes, American writer (1902-1967). I have no real evidence of Hughes's atheism, but it is perhaps suggested by his short story, "Salvation," which tells of a childhood memory in which Hughes stops believing in Jesus. Please write if you know more. Elsa Lanchester, English-born American actor (1902-1986). Atheism mentioned in autobiography, Charles Laughton and I (1938)? Corliss Lamont , humanist philosopher and civil liberities activist (1902-1995). Karl Popper, Austrian/British philosopher (1902-1994). He was the author of such well-known works as The Logic of Scientific Discovery, The Open Society and Its Enemies, The Poverty of Historicism, Conjectures and Refutations, and many others. He was particularly influential in the philosophy of science for his defense of fallibilism and his critique of induction. Popper described himself as an agnostic, and he was a member of the Academy of Humanism. The magazine, Skeptic Vol. 6, No. 2 (1998) features a 1969 interview with Karl Popper - "Karl Popper On God: The Lost Interview" by Edward Zerin. In this interview Popper discusses his agnosticism, his attitudes towards both Judaism and Christianity, the reasons for his disbelief which he combined with a respect for the moral teachings of both religions etc. Interestingly enough the interviewer, Edward Zerin, is a rabbi. Sidney Hook, American philsopher (1902-1989). Sidney Hook did his undergraduate studies at City College in New York City and his graduate work at Columbia University where he studied under John Dewey and Frederick Woodbrige. He wrote his thesis The Metaphysics of Pragmatism under Dewey's direction. After receiving his doctorate he pursued further studies in Berlin and Munich and at the Marx-Engels Institute in Moscow. In 1933 he returned to the U. S. to teach philosophy at New York University as one of the first Marxist professors in the U. S. During the 1930's he attempted to synthesize Marxism with Dewey's pragmatism - a project that I would consider to be of still great relevence. He treated philosophy as the development of a critical and scientific intelligence to the clarification of human values and concrete social problems - a view he retained all his life. In the late 1920's he prepared an English translation of Lenin's Materialism and Empiro- criticism, Lenin's polemic agaist Ernst Mach. In the 1930's he wrote Towards the Understanding of Karl Marx and he wrote From Hegel to Marx which even today still stand as the most significant pieces of Marxist scholarship produced in America. In the early 1930's he was very close to if not an actual member of the Communist Party but later in the decade he took a strong anti-Stalinist position. He was a founder of the American Worker's Party and later of the Socialist Worker's Party. By the 1940's his polit- ical views began moving somewhat to the right. He supported Norman Thomas' Socialist Party. By the 1950's he had become a staunch anticommunist and argued for the expulsion of Communist professors and students from the universities. As a member of the "New York Intellectuals" his political and philosophical views carried considerable weight amongst academics. Regardless of what one might think of Hook's political views it seems he was regarded as a great teacher and many of his students rose to prominence in philosophy and other fields. Among his most well known students rank Delmore Schwartz who was a poet and critic, union leader Albert Shanker president of the American Federation of Teachers, and philosopher Paul Kurtz. Sidney Hook was an outspoken humanist and atheist. He was active in such humanist organizations as the AHA and CODESH (which his former student Paul Kurtz founded. Hook also wrote for the magazines, The Humanist and Free Inquiry . (Text for Sidney Hook contributed by James Farmelant) Harold Blackham, humanist campaigner (1903-?). Margaret Knight (1903-1983). George Orwell (1903-1950). Orwell's biography calls him an atheist. His books also have themes that are explicitly and/or suggestively anti-religious. In Animal Farm, the parody was a raven named Moses who told the animals stories about a great mountain in the sky that they would go to when they died, called Sugar Candy Mountain. In 1984, the concept of Big Brother is a parody of God: You never see him, but the fact of him is drilled into so many people's minds that they become robots, almost. Plus, if you speak bad against Big Brother, it's a Thoughtcrime. From A Clergyman's Daughter, 1935: "When I eat my dinner I don't do it to the greater glory of God; I do it because I enjoy it. The world's full of amusing things - books, wine, travel, friends - everything. I've never seen any meaning in it all, and I don't want to see one. Why not take life as you find it?." Burrhus Frederick "B. F." Skinner, American Psychologist (1904-1990). In an interview with CBS radio a few weeks before his death, Skinner was asked if he feared death. He replied, "I don't believe in God, so I'm not afraid of dying." Joseph Campbell, American mythologist (1904-1987). ". . . god is a metaphor for that which trancends all levels of intellectual thought. It's as simple as that." "Too many of our best scholars, themselves indoctrinated from infancy in a religion of one kind or another based upon the Bible, are so locked into the idea of their own god as a supernatural fact - something final, not symbolic of transcendence, but a personage with a character and will of his own - that they are unable to grasp the idea of a worship that is not of the symbol but of its reference, which is of a mystery of much greater age and of more immediate inward reality than the name-and-form of any historical ethinic idea of a deity, whatsoever . . . and is of a sophistication that makes the sentimentalism of our popular Bible-story theology seem undeveloped." Howard Hughes, American manufacturer, film producer, and recluse (1905-1976). Joseph Fletcher American ethicist (1905-1991). Known for his situation ethics. In the 1960's, Fletcher, while still a Christian and still teaching at the Episcopal Theological School, published his famous book Situation Ethics in which he challenged conventional thinking in both moral theology and secular moral philosophy. He rejected the traditional approach to solving moral problems by appealing to well validated moral priciples. Instead he proposed a kind of act utilitarianism in which agapean love was seen as the highest good rather than pleasure and the avoidance of pain. Back in the 1960's the mainline Protestant churches seemed receptive to Fletcher's ideas but later on as the churches became more conservative the term "situation ethics" acquired negative connotations. Situation ethics became widely portrayed as a way of rationalizing immoral actions. In reality Fletcher had developed situation ethics as a method for dealing with such difficult issues in medical ethics as abortion, euthanasia, the question of whether severely brain damaged newborn infants should be allowed to die, etc. Fletcher showed that in dealing with such issues, appeal to well validated moral priciples was likely to yield answers that are profoundly inhumane. Joseph Fletcher eventually left the Christian faith and became a humanist, annoucing that he was an agnostic. Sources: Harvey Cox, ed. The Situation Ethics Debate (Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1968). Richard Taylor, "Joseph Fletcher's Situation Ethics," Free Inquiry magazine (Fall 1995). The Newsletter of The Humanist Association of Massachusetts. November, 1995. Charles P. Helin, American inventor and businessman (1905-1979). This testimonial was received from Charles' son, Wally: My father is known primarily to fisherman across the world. As a poor man with a ninth grade education, my father invented the "Flatish" fishing lure and in 1937 started the Helin Tackle Company. He started selling millions of them across the world. The Flatish is still today one the best selling artificial fishing lures. By 1942, he was a self-made millionaire and was living in a 37 room mansion by 1944. He was well known in the Grosse Pointe, Michigan area for his "rags to riches" story. He was, as far as I know, a lifetime atheist and I was raised as such. He used to tell me that when he died, I could "sweep his carcass off the back porch" and then go on about my business. Ayn Rand, Russian born American author (1905-1982). For information on Rand, visit The Ayn Rand Institute or The Objectivist Center . Jean Paul Sartre, French philosopher and author (1905-80). Sartre insisted that even if God existed [which he did not believe], it was still necessary to reject him, since the idea of God negates our freedom. Traditional religion tells us that we must conform to God's idea of humanity to become fully human. Instead, we must see human beings as liberty incarnate. [A History of God] Lord Ritchie Calder, philanthropist (1906-1982). A journalist who wrote about science. Robert A. Heinlein, American science-fiction author (1907-1988). Being a fiction author, all Heinlein left us is quotations from characters in his novels. There are lots to choose from, here are a couple from Lazarus Long in Time Enough for Love: "History does not record anywhere or at any time a religion that has any rational basis. Religion is a crutch for people not strong enough to stand up to the unknown without help. But, like dandruff, most people do have a religion and spend time and money on it and seem to derive considerable pleasure from fiddling with it." "Any priest or shaman must be presumed guilty until proven innocent." Katherine Hepburn, American actress (1907-2003). In an interview in the October 1991 Ladies' Home Journal that was advertised as her "most candid" ever, Hepburn said, "I'm an atheist, and that's it. I believe there's nothing we can know except that we should be kind to each other and do what we can for each other." p.215 (Hepburn on Internet Movie Database) . Richard Wright, American author (1908-1960). Quentin Crisp, English writer, actor and homosexual rights campaigner (1908-1999). "The absolute nothingness of death is a blessing. Something to look forward to." "When I told the people of Northern Ireland that I was an atheist, a woman in the audience stood up and said, 'Yes, but is it the God of the Catholics or the God of the Protestants in whom you don't believe?'" Simone de Beauvoir, French author, feminist, and philosopher (1908-1986). Maurice Merleau-Ponty, French philosopher (1908-1961). Argued that instead of increasing our sense of wonder, God actually negates it. Because God represents absolute perfection, there is nothing left for us to do or achieve. [A History of God] Jacob Bronowski, scientist and author (1908-1974). Oskar Schindler, Czech born industrialist? (1908-1974). He was buried in a Catholic cemetery on Mount Zion, but I have heard that his wife called him a nonbeliever. Please write with any info. Alfred Jules "A.J." Ayer, British philosopher (1910-1989). "Theism is so confused and the sentences in which 'God' appears so incoherent and so incapable of verifiability or falsifiability that to speak of belief or unbelief, faith or unfaith, is logically impossible." "If the assertation that there is a god is nonsensical, then the atheist's assertion that there is no god is equally nonsensical, since it is only a significant proposition that can be contradicted."[Language, Truth and Logic] "I take it, therefore, to be a fact, that one's existence ends with death. I think it possible to show how this fact can be emotionally acceptable." [The Humanist Outlook, 1968] L. Ron Hubbard, American Author (1911-1986). Stated that religion was a hoax and it only served to control people (I do not know the exact quote) and then proved it by creating his own religion, Scientology. "Nevertheless I achieved my own ends beautifully. I took the pressure off the boiler, oriented myself in the world, came to recognize what was important and what was not important, defined for my own use such things as morality and evil and ethics in general, and established what satisfied me as being the true psychology and religion." [The One Word, p. 3] Emile Mihai "E. M." Cioran , Romanian-born French philosopher and pessimist (1911-1995). Books include The Trouble With Being Born, The Temptation to Exist, Anathemas and Admirations, A Short History of Decay. "My mission is to see things as they are. Exactly contrary of a mission." "'The Holy Ghost,' Luther instructs us, 'is not a skeptic.' Not everyone can be, and that is really too bad." James Cameron, journalist (1911-?). Albert Camus, French author (1913-60). Preached a heroic atheism. People should reject God defiantly in order to pour out all their loving solicitude upon mankind. [A History of God] Gene Kelly, American dancer, singer, actor, and director (1912-1996). From the biography, Gene Kelly: A Life of Dance and Dreams p. 58 "Somehow, driving through Mexico, observing the poverty of the peasants in abject prayer at the churches, rich with gold and silver jewels, he was sickened by the contrast. He abhorred the role of the Church in supporting the fascist Franco against the Spanish Republic. Now, seing it firsthand, the failure of the Church, his church, to come to grips meaningfully with the physical and spiritual needs of the poor opened his eyes to the hypocrisy of what he called "organized religion." Feeding into his consciousness were his recent meetings with simpatico contacts who had influenced him with their outspoken attitudes- Robeson, Comden, Green, and many left-wing intellectuals. On the return trip, long before they saw Pittsburgh looming in the distance, he made it plain to his father that he was now a complete agnostic. His father could tell Harriet [Gene's mother] or not, as he chose. But no longer would Gene Kelly be dominated by the wishes and preferences of his mother." Angus Wilson, author (1913-1991). Burt Lancaster, American actor (1913-1994). A contributor recalls reading a TV Guide article about the time a late 1970s mini-series on Moses (staring Lancaster) came on TV - apparently, in that article Lancaster was interviewed and he stated that he was an atheist. James Miller, "Ewan MacColl," Scottish folk singer (1915-1989). Aziz Nesin, Turkish writer and activist (1915-1995). "I don't need God because I want neither paradise nor hell." Sir Peter Brian Medawar, Brazilian-born British immunologist and science writer, Nobel prize, 1960 (1915-1987). Here are some quotes from his essay, "The Question of the Existence of God," which was published in Medawar's book, The Limits of Science (1984) and later republished in The Strange Case of the Spotted Mice and Other Classic Essays on Science (1996). "I regret my disbelief in God." "To abdicate from the rule of reason and substitute for it an authentication of belief by the intentness and degree of conviction with which we hold it can be perilous and destructive. Religious beliefs give a spurious spiritual dimension to tribal enmities...". "It goes with the passionate intensity and deep conviction of the truth of a religious belief, and of course of the importance of the superstitious observances that go with it, that we should want others to share it - and the only certain way to cause a religious belief to be held by everyone is to liquidate nonbelievers. The price in blood and tears that mankind generally has had to pay for the comfort and spiritual refreshment that relion has brought to a few has been too great to justify our entrusting moral accountancy to religious belief." Francois Mitterrand, French Politician (1916-1996). Publicly called himself an atheist on several occasions. Jack Smith, American? journalist and pundit, (1916-1996). Richard Feynman, American physicist (1918-1988). Primo Levi, author (1919-1987). Isaac Asimov, Russian-born American author (1920-1992). "I am an atheist, out and out. It took me a long time to say it. I've been an atheist for years and years, but somehow I felt it was intellectually unrespectable to say that one is an atheist, because it assumed knowledge that one didn't have. Somehow it was better to say one was a humanist or agnostic. I don't have the evidence to prove that God doesn't exist, but I so strongly suspect that he doesn't that I don't want to waste my time." Gene Roddenberry , Creator of Star Trek (1921-1991). See statements by Roddenberry in the March/April 1991 issue of The Humanist magazine , and the fall 1992 issue of Free Inquiry magazine . In these he explains how his purpose with Star Trek was to create a god-free, humanistic view of the universe. "I condemn false prophets, I condemn the effort to take away the power of rational decision, to drain people of their free will--and a hell of a lot of money in the bargain. Religions vary in their degree of idiocy, but I reject them all. For most people, religion is nothing more than a substitute for a malfunctioning brain." "We must question the story logic of having an all-knowing all-powerful God, who creates faulty Humans, and then blames them for his own mistakes." William M. Gaines, American publisher (1922-1992). Founder and publisher of Mad magazine. He was quite definitely an atheist, according to Frank Jacobs's biography, The MAD World of William M. Gaines. When emphasizing his sincerity, Gaines would declare, "On my honor as an atheist . . ." Also, when long-time contributor Dave Berg would greet him with "May God give you his blessing," Gaines would politely reply, "Dave, shut the hell up!" See his memorial service or the preface of his biography . Pier Paolo Pasolini, Italian film director (1922-1975). When asked at a press conference in 1966 "Why do you deal with religious themes, you yourself being an unbeliever?", Pasolini replied: "If you know that I am an unbeliever, then you know me better than I do myself. I may be an unbeliever, but I am an unbeliever who has a nostalgia for a belief."For biographical information see The Internet Movie Database or this page dedicated to Pasolini . Charles Schultz, American cartoonist (1922-2000). In an interview in 1999 , Schultz said that although his philosophical views evolved over the years, "the term that best describes me now is 'secular humanist.'" He went on to say, "I despise those shallow religious comics. Dennis the Menace, for instance, is the most shallow. When they show him praying--I just can't stand that sort of thing, talking to God about some cutesy thing that he'd done during the day. I don't think Hank Ketcham [Dennis' creator] has any deep knowledge of things like that." Schultz cringed at the mention of Family Circus, the strip by Bill Keane that is strewn with cutesy references to Jesus (who wants to protect children on school buses, but can't because of laws about separation of church and state!) and those sickly-sweet images of invisible deceased grandparents looming protectively over the kids. "Oh, I can't stand that," Schultz laughed. "You could get diabetes reading them, couldn't you?" Madalyn Murray O'Hair, American atheist activist (1923-1995). O'Hair challenged prayer in the schools in the US Supreme Court (Murray vs. Curlett) and won. She went on to found American Atheists and became perhaps America's most infamous and outspoken atheist. When asked, "Do you support religious freedon," she responded, "Oh, absolutely! I feel that everyone has a right to be insane. And that they can do this any place at all. If they want religious schools, build them! My only problem with that is, do not ask for the land to be tax-free. Do not ask for a government grant to build them. Do not ask for money for teacher's salaries, or more books, or anything else. Just go ahead and do your thing, and do it yourself. Just exactly the same as if you were a nudist. Somebody doesn't get a tax break for being a Mason, or whatever they're interested in. [Interview in Freedom Writer magazine , March 1989] Marcello Mastroianni, Italian actor (1924-1996). Escaped from a Nazi labor camp during World War II and later became known for his roles as a harried "Latin lover." From an interview with the actor at Cannes 96 in Le Monde: Q: -Do you still have as much desire to act? A: - I keep getting proposals. My friends tell me that I'm incredibly lucky and it's true. I love life and life has been generous to me. When I was young, I used to watch my mother go to church for confession and I would ask her, "Why do you go to confession? You work from morning to night and when things are miserable, Father slaps you. When do you ever sin?" She told me that it was God's will and we must accept it. I didn't like that. I don't believe in God but in life. But in the end, my attitude is not far from my mother's. I accept things as they come. When you're a star everybody makes a fuss over you and everybody loves you. The acting profession is one of the best around and on top of it, you're paid well. And yet we still complain. I am amazed when I hear American stars talk about the pain and terrible effort acting requires. What pain? Paul Van Buren, American theologian (1924-1998). In the book, The Secular Meaning of the Gospel, he claimed that it was no longer possible to speak of God acting in the world. Science and technology had made the old mythology invalid. Simple faith in the Old Man in the Sky was clearly impossible, but so was the more sophisticated belief of the theologians. We must do without God and hold on to Jesus of Nazareth. The Gospel was "the good news of a free man who has set other men free." [A History of God] Van Buren's obituary from the New York Times. Richard Burton, Welsh actor (1925-1984). According to the Denver Post, Richard Burton wrote this in his diary in 1969: "The more I read about man and his maniacal ruthlessness and his murderous envious scatological soul, the more I realize that he will never change. Our stupidity is immortal, nothing will change it. The same mistakes, the same prejudices, the same injustice, the same lusts wheel endlessly around the parade ground of the centuries. Immutable and ineluctable. I wish I could believe in a god of some kind but I simply cannot." John Chancellor, American reporter, news anchor, and commentator for NBC (1927-1996). Jack Thomas wrote in the Boston Globe, "Appreciation: Chancellor, the wise man with ready wit," in which he recounted an interview he conducted with John Chancellor earlier this year on his struggle with cancer. After having asked Chancellor whether he feared death to which he replied "not as much as I would have thought..." Thomas then asked what he thought would happen to him after death. Chancellor replied "I've been an agnostic for as long as I can remember... so I don't know where we go. But if it turns out that the lights are just turned off and nothing happens, well, that's OK." Olof Palme, Swedish prime minister (1927-1986). Palme is said to be partly responsible for the current state of wide-spread disbelief in Sweden. He had conflicts with the Church of Sweden during his administration, because he wished to separate it completely from the state. He said, "human beings will find a balanced situation when they do good things not because God says it, but because they feel like doing them." George C. Scott, American Actor (1927-1999). During an interview on 60 Minutes, shortly before his death, Scott said he did not believe in God at all. Brigid Brophy, author (1929-?). Anton Szandor LaVey, American (1930-1997?). Here is some information about LaVey, provided by Aaron Jacques: LaVey Was most definitely an anti-christian, and despite his recommendation of "using" various gods, I am quite certain he was atheist. He formed the Church of Satan, not only to frighten the status quo, but more as an alternative to secularism. He wrote that it was necessary for man to have a fantasy element in his life. LaVey's satanism provides this in the form of rich ceremonies. The idea behind which is not that one is praying to an actual being but is unleashing mental/emotional/physical energies which have the power to alter the state of one's existence. Most satanists don't believe in satan or any other deity in a physical sense but more as a force of nature. In the introduction to The Satanic Bible, Burton H. Wolfe recalls a story told to him by LaVey about his youth, when he worked in a traveling carnival: "On Saturday night, I would see men lusting after half-naked girls dancing at the carnival, and on Sunday morning when I was playing organ for tent-show evangelists at the other end of the carnival lot, I would see these same men sitting in the pews with their wives and children, asking God to forgive them and purge them of carnal desires. And the next Saturday they'd be back at the carnival or some other place of indulgence. I knew then that the Christianchurch thrives on hypocrisy, and that man's carnal nature will out no matter how much it is purged or scoured by any white-light religion" However, some claim that The Church of Satan is nothing more than a scam cooked up by an "old carnie" to take people's money (there is a $100 membership fee). The Church of Satan web site. Carl Sagan, American astronomer and author (1934-1996). There was an article, "In the Valley of the Shadow" in the March 10, 1996 issue of Parade Magazine in which Sagan discussed his atheistic beliefs in the face of his own death. In a March 1996 profile by Jim Dawson in the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, Sagan talked about his then-new book The Demon Haunted World and was asked about his personal spiritual views. "My view is that if there is no evidence for it, then forget about it," he said. "An agnostic is somebody who doesn't believe in something until there is evidence for it, so I'm agnostic." When asked how he would explain a "genuine mystical experience," Sagan responded: "Your question presupposes the existence of a genuine mystical experience and I'm not sure what that is. People have vivid hallucinations. How do you distinguish between altered states of consciousness? "If someone who has had an experience that tells us something about the universe that we didn't know and that later turns out to be true, then we'd have to say, 'My goodness.' " But that, he said, "would have to be more than the anecdotal reports that typically are used to support religious experiences." Turan Dursun, Turkish writer (1934-1990). According to his son, Y�cel Dursun, Turan Dursun was an Islamic holy man before he became an atheist, rejecting religion and God. After rejecting religion he wrote several books on the Qur'an and on religion in general. He claimed that Islam is not consistent with reason and science, and he argued that holy books didn't come from God. His books include: Din Bu I-IV (This is Religion), Kutsal Kitaplarin Kaynaklari (Resource of Holy Books), Kur'an Ansiklopedisi I-VIII (Qur'an Encyclopedia). He also wrote several shorter papers on religion. He was shot and killed by terrorists. John Lennon, British musician (1940-1980). Lennon rejected religion and dogma, but he was not really an atheist - he espoused a sort of vague spirituality. I resisted adding him to the list for years, but his name was repeatedly submitted by contributors, along with the opening lyrics to "Imagine," Imagine there's no heaven, It's easy if you try, No hell below us, I don't believe in magic I don't believe in I-Ching I don't believe in Bible I don't believe in Tarot I don't believe in Hitler I don't believe in Jesus And, from the song, "I Found Out," There ain't no Jesus gonna come from the sky Now that I found out I know I can cry I found out! Frank Zappa, American musician (1940-1993). "Who you jivin' with that cosmic debris?" "Reality is what it is, not what you want it to be." "If you want to get together in any exclusive situation and have people love you, fine -- but to hang all this desperate sociology on the idea of The Cloud-Guy who has The Big Book, who knows if you've been bad or good -- and CARES about any of it -- to hang it all on that, folks, is the chimpanzee part of the brain working." [The Real Frank Zappa Book, ("Church and State" chapter) by Frank Zappa and Peter Occhiogrosso, p. 301] Phil Ochs , American folk singer (1941-1976). And I won't be laughing at the lies when I'm gone And I can't question how or when or why when I'm gone Can't live proud enough to die when I'm gone So I guess I'll have to do it while I'm here Michael Zaslow, American Actor (1944-1998). Zaslow acted in daytime drama series "The Guiding Light" and "One Life to Live." He died of ALS. His charitable foundation has a webpage at http://www.zazangles.com. In a May 9, 1998 profile on ABC's 20/20, Zaslow said he was raised an atheist. Barry White, American singer (1944-2003). Referring to religion, Barry told Reuters in 1999 interview, "I don't like stories, things I can't prove." Douglas Adams, British author (1951-2001). Author of Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, and other books. From an interview with Adams in American Atheist magazine : "...I really do mean Atheist. I really do not believe that there is a god - in fact I am convinced that there is not a god (a subtle difference). I see not a shred of evidence to suggest that there is one. It's easier to say that I am a radical Atheist, just to signal that I really mean it, have thought about it a great deal, and that it's an opinion I hold seriously. It's funny how many people are genuinely surprised to hear a view expressed so strongly." Adams espoused his atheism on his own web site, www.douglasadams.com . Here is a sample . Incomplete entries. Either I am missing information for these people, or I am not sure they belong on the list at all. If you can help, please write. William Hamilton, (1924-?). not dead? Wrote Radical Theology and the Death of God. Special thanks to Dave Kraeuter for providing information on the many people that used to crowd the incomplete entries list. Contributors Thanks very much to these folks who have contributed to the list. Reed Esau, Denver, Colorado   Rationale for Selection The meanings of words like atheist have changed over time. Throughout history, people have had many different belief systems that varied in subtle ways. Frequently, deciding whether or not a person is a nontheist is not a simple question. My basic criteria has been to select people who advocate living life without deference to any transcendent power. Agnostics are certainly included, and I have included some deists since they generally consider God as historically necessary for creation but otherwise irrelevant. Because of the variety and complexity of the views expressed by these people, and because a single label can never capture the belief system of a complex perosn, I have tried to include quotations that demonstrate their particular views whenever possible. To Contribute Send additions, corrections, suggestions, and gripes to [email protected] . Please include references to quoted material whenever possible. New entries, quotations, links to more information, missing dates, etc. will all be graciously accepted. Include your name, URL, and home city if you would like them listed in the contributors section. Distribution
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Amethyst is the birthstone for which month of the year?
Birthstone Jewelry for Every Month of the Year Birthstone Jewelry for Every Month of the Year Posted on 14th Aug 2014 @ 6:37 AM Posted on 23rd Sep 2014 @ 3:47 AM Posted on 16th Sep 2014 @ 3:20 AM Birthstone Jewelry for Every Month of the Year Posted on 3rd May 2012 @ 6:22 AM Birthstones are a fun way to celebrate your birth month. Each month has its very own gemstone. Wearing your birthstone is considered very lucky and is thought to provide the wearer with good fortune. January's birthstone is garnet and babies born just after that fall under the umbrella of February's amethyst. And forget about birthdays, because September's birthstone, sapphire, is one of the most popular colored gems, no matter when a person was born. Birthstones chosen by different cultures (and in different eras) were not necessarily the same group of twelve gems we use today, but most people shared a common belief: wearing your special stone brought good luck. Find your birthstone and learn a little about its historical uses. January's Birthstone Garnet – all positive powers will double for people born in this month Many think that the Garnet can protect and preserve honor and health, if you add its curative powers too, you will get a perfect gemstone which can guard and protect. February Birthstone Amethyst – has been associated traditionally as a healing stone that would heal the wearer of anxiety and keep them calm. The Amethyst is simple, understand, and quite elegant as well as affordable. It can make a lovely starter piece of jewelry as well. April Birthstone Diamond – It gives a sophisticated look for elegant dresses and occasions. The Diamond - it is the preferred gemstone for engagement and wedding rings as a symbol of indestructible love, are a girl's best friend. May Birthstone Emerald – It gives peace and serenity to the owner. The May birthstone emerald is believed to be the gemstone of love as it is the favorite gemstone of Venus, the Roman goddess. June Birthstone Alexanderite – These stones have been highly prized and presented as a gift for a long time, with the natural beauty and purity being seen a great way to herald a birth or marriage. The June birthstone Alexanderite - The meaning behind this stone is different to that of Pearl, with joy and good-fortune supposedly being bestowed upon its wearer. Pearl may be the most widely recognised of all the June birthstones, but perhaps this should be replaced with Alexanderite given the jewels characteristics. July Birthstone Ruby – It has been seen as a sign of good luck in many cultures around Asia. This made it so ruby would adorn jewelry, armor and other things that people had in their possession. The July Birthstone Ruby - The astrological points about the July birthstone are very unique. It is believed that the ruby relates to devotion and loyalty to others. It also involves happiness and the ability of a person to feel comfortable with all others who are in one's life. August Birthstone Peridot – The August birthstone is known for its shimmering yellow-green color and the peace and good luck it brings to its wearer.. September Birthstone Sapphire – It is Brings bodily and psychological balance. sapphires improve feelings for just one another as well as attune both psyches. Sapphires possess the power in order to banish jealousy and envy, and are believed to promote chastity within virgins as well as fidelity within marriage. October Birthstone Opal – is considered as the most colorful and some have gone a step further to refer it as the queen of gems. Tourmaline is October's alternate birthstone, it is said that this stone can calm the nerves and fight genetic disorders. Tourmaline is a favorite gemstone among jewelry designers, and gem collectors all around the world over. November Birthstone Topaz – has one of the most confusing histories of any popular gem. Though topaz has been known since antiquity, it has suffered from considerable misidentification since ancient times, most often being confused with citrine, the alternative November birthstone The November birthstone possesses the characteristics of loyalty, constancy, friendship and faithfulness. Spiritual transformation, happiness and feelings of rejuvenation are also connected with Topaz. The December Birthstone is blue topaz or turquoise. Other secondary birthstones for this month are Tanzanite, Blue Zircon and Lapis Lazuli. You might be interested Posted on 3rd May 2012 @ 6:22 AM Posted on 18th Aug 2014 @ 6:28 AM Posted on 1st Nov 2013 @ 4:18 AM Posted on 22nd Jan 2014 @ 2:49 AM Information
February
The Boxer Rebellion was an uprising that took place in what country?
Find Your Birthstone by Month, Year and Day of the Week By Rodika Tchi Updated August 10, 2015. The mystery of birthstones is old. Very, very old. Numerous legends tell of specific stones used for specific purposes - be they birthstones that give an overall protection or stones that are chosen by birth year but change depending on life circumstances.  You can find birthstone traditions in most cultures on our planet; and various stones, in one form or another, are often given soon after baby's birth. The choice of a birthstone is based on different factors -  from a sophisticated astrological chart  that defines specific birthstones for one's well-being to a quick purchase from a jewelry store based on their birthstone list. We have all seen at least a few lists of birthstones that have different stones often assigned to the same month. For example, if you are an Aquarius born in February, is your birthstone the amethyst  (as per original Tiffany & Co list of birthstones) or is it  black onyx or jasper , as you can find in other lists? Furthermore, the Western astrology is slightly different from the Vedic one (I am a Gemini in Western astrology and a Taurus in Vedic astrology). continue reading below our video How to Go Bold with Color at Home To add to the variety of factors, there are also birthstones that are chosen by the year of birth (based on Chinese zodiac ) where you can find a lot of feng shui good luck amulets with birthstones for various signs. So, what is the best choice when it comes to choosing a birthstone for you or your loved ones? What is the criteria you would base your selection on? Will it be the feng shui list of stones by birth year/Chinese zodiac (that also has additional lists for each New Year ); or the Western list of birthstones by month (popularized by Tiffany & Co in 1870 based on the Gregorian calendar poems)?  Even with the existence of the birthstone list industry standard (a bit of a funny expression to use, really!) defined by both US National Association of Jewellers and the Britain's National Association of Goldsmiths, choosing a birthstone is a very personal affair! Let me share with you several ways to find your birthstone - by month , year and even day of the week  - and you choose what you like the most. The truth is,  you can never really go wrong with crystals and stones , and in most cultures a person will own several stones and wear them at various times depending on circumstances. High quality stones have very healing energy about them, and often you will intuitively know which stone is right for you. Choosing the right stone or crystal is a bit like falling in love , it just happens when you see the person. So the best advice is to go to a reputable crystal shop or jewelry store (be aware of irradiated stones as they tend to have distorted energy) and just see if you are drawn to a specific stone. Of course, be sure to first take look at our lists, because there is quite a bit of truth in the birthstone selection process. I wish you much luck, no matter which birthstone you choose to you wear - your official birthstone or just a beautiful un-official and un-listed stone that you fell in love it! Continue Reading: Choose Your Birthstone by  Month  | by  Year  | by  Day  
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What company is the largest manufacturer of greeting cards in the US?
Even As American Greetings Struggles, Small Card Companies Find A New Way To Thrive | The Huffington Post Even As American Greetings Struggles, Small Card Companies Find A New Way To Thrive 04/04/2013 10:12 am ET Catherine New Reporter Think no one but your grandmother sends cards anymore? Turns out greeting cards are still popular -- but maybe not in the way you think. Angelica Berrie, the owner of Kate's Paperie, an upscale card and paper store in New York City, says her greeting card sales -- which make up 30 percent of her revenue -- have increased every year for the past five years as shoppers are buying more luxurious cards. The cards at her store cost between $6 and $8 per card. In contrast, a mass-produced card you can pick up at a local drugstore costs anywhere from $1 to $5 per card. "With my handmade cards, [they] are becoming the gift itself," Berrie said. "The old-fashioned way of mailing can only be done as a luxury." American Greetings -- the largest publicly traded maker of greeting cards in the country -- announced this week that it was pulling out of the stock market to return to life as a private company . The Cleveland-based card company closed many of its retail store locations over the last few years and is worth almost 65 percent less today than it was at its peak in 1998, the Wall Street Journal reported. The latest news prompted some to declare that the old-fashioned mass-market greeting card industry was dead. But that's only part of the story. Over the past decade, small, high-end boutique card-makers , custom-design printers and online card companies have grown in the shadow of the giant paper card industry, including the massive -- but struggling -- Hallmark Card company . Even as American Greetings recedes from public view, different companies are having a coming-out party as the new face of an old industry. Digital card producers and social media companies like Facebook have been angling to get bigger slices of the greeting card pie in recent years. Facebook recently revamped its birthday alert tool and gifts program -- even analyzing words in status updates to prompt gift-giving -- to help the social media company make money. Duncan Mitchell, founder of digital card website someecards.com, said his website has seen more than 3.2 million registered visitors since 2008 and has been profitable for the last three years as a private company. To make money, his cards are often part of content partnerships with established brands looking to advertise. Traditional drugstore cards "are saccharine and overly sincere, and that's not the tone that people are that excited about now," Mitchell said. Instead of the slapstick humor that characterizes many of the cards sold in the supermarket aisle, his cards -- which can be sent for free -- strike an edgier tone, with birthday greetings like “May you live twice as long as Michael Jackson and be half as creepy.” Meanwhile, the popularity of high-end cards, like the ones sold at Kate's Paperie, has not been lost on American Greetings either; it purchased the Papyrus chain, which sells pricey cards, in 2009 . Papyrus, which had $1.6 billion in revenue last year according to the company website, also owns greeting card producers Carlton Cards, Gibson, and Recycled Paper Greetings. American Greetings did not return a call for comment from The Huffington Post. But even high-end cards cannot stop rising rents and growing competition from online vendors for boutique card-sellers -- Kate's Paperie, like many mom-and-pop card shops, has had to close some of its stores in the last few years. And even if American Greetings successfully returns to private life and reinvents itself as something more than a traditional producer of dime-store paper cards, it could still face another hurdle: the post office. "People don't like to go to the extra effort of a stamp," Kate's Paperie owner Berrie said. "Those days have passed." Also on HuffPost:
Hallmark
What was the name of the competitor to the Matchbox die cast car, introduced by Mattel in 1968?
Top 10 Greeting Card Companies | eBay Top 10 Greeting Card Companies Share March 13, 2016 Since 1994, eCards have completely revolutionized the greeting card market. While several of the major greeting card companies manufacture both printed and digitized greeting cards, many companies still choose to specialize in either one format or the other. Here's a list of 10 of the most famous greeting card companies. Table of Contents Hide 1 Hallmark Founded in 1910 as a postcard company, Hallmark has grown to be one of the most famous greeting card companies in the world. Capitalizing on the popularity of postcards after the turn of the century, Hallmark soon began manufacturing Christmas and Valentine's Day cards, and sold the first commercially-produced gift wrap in 1917. Always an innovator, within the last several decades Hallmark has also branched out into Christmas tree ornaments that are avidly collected by enthusiasts. More recently, Hallmark created a website for its popular line of digitized eCards. 2 Blue Mountain Blue Mountain started developing its first digitized cards in 1996. Today, it still continues to host a popular website business for buyers who prefer the convenience of sending eCards over mailing printed cards. Although it's still known under its own company name, Blue Mountain was sold to American Greetings in 2001. 3 American Greetings Founded in 1906, American Greetings is considered to be the world's largest greeting card company, and produces a number of popular brands such as Papyrus, Carlton Cards , and Gibson . Like its main competitor, Hallmark, American Greetings also manufactures a full range of party supplies and gift wrap. 4 Galison Founded in 1979, Galison is known for its wide range of highly sophisticated, artist-created paper products, which include greeting cards, boxed note cards, diaries, calendars, and stationery. The company started producing printed greeting cards in 1993, many of which feature images of iconic works of art, as well as innovative and elegant original designs. 5 Recycled Paper Greetings Created in 1971 by entrepreneurs Phil Friedmann and Mike Keiser, this innovative company produces greeting cards printed on recycled paper. Over the years, the company has hired a number of artists, such as Sandra Boynton and cartoonist Cathy Guisewite, to create some of their designs. The company is also known for its cards with unusual, textured 3-D effects. 6 Some Ecards As one of the newer companies, Some Ecards offers an alternative to the sentimental or tamely-humorous cards that are often found on greeting card websites. It offers edgy, offbeat cards with a decidedly deadpan sense of humor. In addition, its cards cover a wide range of unusual occasions such as breakups, divorces, and job loss. 7 Moo Moo offers a completely different service than many other greeting card companies. Instead of selling finished cards, Moo provides design templates so that users can create and print their own custom-made greeting cards. Moo users can either upload their own original artwork, or choose an existing design to create a personalized greeting card. 8 Minted Minted is a printed stationery business that sells everything from greeting cards to wedding invitations. One thing that sets it apart from the competition, however, is that it provides a service where users can create custom-made photo cards and invitations. It also has a staff of regular independent artists who create original designs for the company, which can be formatted in a variety of ways and printed on a huge selection of artisan papers. 9 JibJab Although JibJab is really a digital media entertainment company, it has a popular division that specializes in personalized eCards. Many of these have a sophisticated, edgy humor that offers an alternative for those looking for a non-traditional message. 10 Cardstore Cardstore allows users to create and personalize their own customized greeting cards and invitations, which they can then order to be printed in specific quantities. In addition, Cardstore users can upload photos to create their own customized photo cards. As an extra added service, Cardstore will also mail the cards out to their intended recipients. How to Buy Greeting Cards on eBay Whether one is looking for Christmas cards , birthday cards , or wedding invitations , eBay is a prime resource for all types of printed greeting cards and invitations, as well as party supplies and gift wrap. To search for greeting cards, just pull up eBay's greeting card category, then enter the name of the occasion in the search bar. Greeting cards and invitations can be ordered either in single units or in quantity, depending upon the dealer's inventory. Tags:
i don't know
What Canadian band sang about a modern warrior named Tom Sawyer who had a mean, mean stride?
Tom Sawyer | rush vault Tom Sawyer Background and Commentary “Co-written with fellow Canadian rock band Max Webster’s lyricist Pye Dubois (originally he called it ‘Louis the Warrior,’ [and also “Louis the Lawyer”]), this song, widely recognized as the quintessential Rush song with its familiar dynamics, is about a detached streetwise rebel with mean, mean pride, partly inspired by Mark Twain’s character.”—Robert Telleria,  Merely Players When Dubois presented the lyrics to them, the band was at the home of rock legend  Ronnie Hawkins , who first made his mark in the late 1950s with Marylou” and then put together the back-up bands for Bob Dylan and Janis Joplin, among others. He was born in Arkansas but moved to Ontario early in his career and remained there.—Rob Freedman, Rush Vault “Pye Dubois is an excellent lyricist. His original lyrics [for the piece that became ‘Tom Sawyer’] were of a portrait of a modern day rebel, a free-spirited individualist striding through the world wide-eyed and purposeful. I added the themes of reconciling the boy and the man in myself and the difference between what people are and what others perceive them to be. (Backstage Newsletter, 1985) There are parts of the song that I don’t necessarily understand. But I like the arrogance implied. But it’s a mistaken arrogance. There are . . . little games you’re expected to play that Tom Sawyer and I don’t have time for. (Sounds) The instrumental section grew from a little melody that Geddy had been using to set up his synthesizers at sound checks. (A Rush Newsreel) I’m playing full strength through the entire song and it took about a day and a half to record. I remember collapsing afterwards with raw, red aching hands. I had been playing the bass drum so hard that my toes were all mashed together and very sore. Physically, this was certainly the most difficult track, and even now it takes as much energy to play properly as my solo.”—Neil in  Merely Players “I remember when we layered the opening [Oberheim OB-X ] keyboard thing on top [of the other elements], how cool it sounded, and what power and punch the opening had. And the toughness of the way Neil played in that opening, where it’s just basically the drums and Geddy with this synth rasping away in the background, then the rest of the band diving into it and screaming all the way through. I always thought that we had really, again, achieved what we set out to with that song, of having that real punky kind of rebellious attitude to it.”—Alex in  Merely Players “‘Tom Sawyer’” was in many ways the most difficult song to record on [the album]. I remember even though the writing of the song came together pretty quickly, putting it down on tape was a little difficult. We were trying different sounds, and going with a whole different approach to lyrics—the kind of spoken-word thing, getting the right sound for Alex’s guitar, and so on. It was kind of a dark horse. And then in the mixing, it all came together. When we finished it, we were so pleased with what happened, because we kind of had the least expectations of it, because of the difficulty we had [with it]. I think a lot of musicians probably go through a similar thing, where they have this one song that they beat themselves up over, and then the next thing you know, it’s their biggest song.”—Geddy in  Rolling Stone The piece, “swirling into the camera eye with vortextual sounds cycloning a slow and deliberate 4/4 beat, propelled Moving Pictures to lofty heights. Its ebbs and flows are legion, its totality Rush’s ambassador of a song. ‘I love that song and I never get tired of playing it,’ says Geddy. ‘The fact that it is so popular still just confuses the hell out of me. I love the fact that it begins with such a great backbeat, and there’s this kind of faux rap part. To me, the song is just about innocence more than anything, and I think that comes through. And it still holds through somehow; the slightly inscrutable lyrics still deliver that message to people, and people identify with it, and they dig it. And it’s got this weird middle part. And if you can get away with that in a popular song . . . geez, it’s a major victory.'”—Martin Popoff,  Contents Under Pressure The piece is one of five songs for which Rush was  inducted  into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2010. The other four are “Closer to the Heart,” “Limelight,” “The Spirit of Radio,” and “Subdivisions.” VH1 in 2009 named it the 19th greatest hard rock song of all time, and gaming site 411 Mania in 2012 ranked it third on its  top 10 list of songs about guys . Pearl Jam’s “Jeremy” was second and Jimi Hendrix’s “Hey, Joe” was first.
Rush
Feb 4th marks the anniversary of the election of George Washington to the nation's highest office. In what year did he become the first US president?
The Rush Chronicles - Rush Forum and Portal The Rush Chronicles 5. The Camera Eye (10:56) 6. Witch Hunt (4:43) 5. The Camera Eye (10:56) 6. Witch Hunt (4:43) 10. Vital Signs (Previously Unreleased) Videos directed by Bruce Gowers Audio Options: DTS-HD Mater Audio 5.1. PCM 5.1 Surround and Stereo Music by Lee, Lifeson Geddy Lee - Bass guitars, Oberheim polyphonic; OB-X; Mini-Moog; and Taurus pedal Synthesizers, vocals Alex Lifeson - Six and twelve string electric and acoustic guitars, Taurus Pedals Neil Peart - Drums kit, timbales, gong bass drums, orchestra bells, glockenspiel, wind chimes, bell tree, crotales, cowbells, plywood 5.1 Liner Notes The interview was nearly over, and the album track spinning on the studio turntable at CHOM-FM, the top album-rock station in Montreal, started to fade out. The DJ desperately rifled through a pile of Rush albums at his feet, flipping past copies of 2112, A Farewell to Kings, Hemispheres and what was then the band's brand new release, Permanent Waves. Finally, he turned to his guest that late-winter afternoon in 1980, Rush's singer-bassist Geddy Lee. "Let's go out with a hit," the jock said with a helpless smile, waiting for suggestions. "A hit?" Lee replied with honest shock. "We don't have any hits." That is a true story - I was there. A year later, in March, 1981, I was riding shotgun in a black Mercedes with Lee in the back seat and drummer-lyricist Neil Peart at the wheel as we zoomed from one sold-out arena gig in Montreal to another in Ottawa and they talked about what it was like to finally have a real hit on their hands: Rush's eighth studio album, Moving Pictures. The record - only out for a month - was already gold, nearing platinum and had gone to Number Three in Billboard, a personal best for the Canadian trio. Older records such as Rush's 1976 breakthrough, 2112, and the live follow-up, All the World's a Stage, were going platinum as well. But as far as Lee, Peart and guitarist Alex Lifeson were concerned, nothing was different, except the numbers. "If something has our name on it, we try to make it as good as we can," Peart said as we passed over the Quebec-Ontario border. "We always think of the ideal Rush fan. When I'm writing lyrics or when I'm playing onstage, this ideal fan is watching every move I make to see if I make a mistake or if something is not as good as it should be. You just can't escape that judgment." Lee remembered an earlier crossroads: Rush's third album, 1975's Caress of Steel. An audacious leap beyond their progressive-blues beginnings, dominated by two extended suites, Caress of Steel was battered by negative reviews and sold so poorly the band nearly lost its record deal. "Then we realized how stupid we were," Lee said. "Because of all these people putting pressure on us, we were looking at ourselves through their eyes. From then on, we knew exactly what our direction was going to be, and we were determined to have success strictly on our own terms." The band responded with 2112 - a creative and commercial rebound that was concept-driven on one side, shorter power-trio fury on the other and, as Lifeson put it recently, "the first record where we sounded like Rush." "You'd have to be a fool to ignore constructive criticism," Lee said as the Mercedes pulled up backstage at the Ottawa Civic Centre. "We've changed things in our music that were pointed out to us some years ago, things about feel or a tendency to sometimes sound forced." Still, Lee insisted, "We know we're doing well when we can sit back and say, 'That's a good record - the audience applauds for it, they like it.' To make records people enjoy and that we enjoy playing - that's our measure of success." Moving Pictures is Rush's biggest album, selling four million copies in the U.S. alone. But by the band's original standards, Moving Pictures was, back in '81, already Rush's most important and beloved album. "It's a deep, deep record," Lee confirmed, talking about it again last year. Nothing was different. But everything had changed. When you have lethal chops and the will to wow, sometimes the most extreme thing you can do is hang fire - play it cool and straight. That is what Rush did in the first minutes of "Tom Sawyer": the wet wind of electronics blowing over Peart's stern beat, like a funk strut with metal backbone; the long growl of Lee's bass-pedal synthesizer and the low menace of his voice, a shocking U-turn from his usual alpine register. There were fireworks soon enough - Lifeson's slashes of Jeff Beck-like fusion and anguished-treble screams; Lee's high familiar aggression. But then the singer dropped down to that prayer-like pitch for the benediction: "The world is, the world is/Love and life are deep." "Tom Sawyer" was a rare example of outside collaboration. Peart wrote the words with Canadian lyricist Pye Dubois (an associate of the band Max Webster), reimagining Mark Twain 's tearaway as a contemporary rogue with no fixed politics but a hunger for wonder. "1 added the themes of reconciling the boy and man in myself," Peart later recalled, "and the difference between what people are and what we perceive them to be - namely me, I guess." Peart was, in effect, writing about the whole band - the difference between Rush as their fans and foes knew them and the one actually coming out of a decade of hard labor, rough learning and early victories, on the verge of a new prime. Founded by Lee (born Gary Lee Weinrib) and Lifeson (born Alex Zivojinovich) in Toronto, shortly after they met in junior high school in 1967, Rush were outsiders from the start, fighting fools and sneers in Ontario bars and Canadian record-company offices. The 1974 debut, Rush, with original drummer John Rutsey, was issued on the band's own label after every major label in the country rejected it - twice. When Rutsey (who died in 2008) quit on the eve of Rush's first U.S. tour, Lee and Lifeson took off with Peart, an Ontario native who played with the precise combined fury of Led Zeppelin's John Bonham and jazzmen Gene Krupa and Buddy Rich and wrote lyrics charged by the prophetic fiction and philosophies of Samuel L. Delaney, Ayn Rand and George Orwell, among others. Lee and Lifeson embraced a fitting complexity in their composing - "By-Tor and the Snow Dog" on 1975's Fly By Night was Rush's first recorded suite - while the band did a slow climb up America's hard-rock marquees. Lifeson once recalled a road trip which involved lying to a rental car agency about where they were taking the vehicle and for how long, then hauling ass to the States for several weeks of opening for Kiss and Aerosmith. "We brought the car back with 11,000 miles on it. It didn't have any hubcaps left, the radio was smashed, the mirror was gone." Lifeson grinned. "They were quite surprised." "We're unfashionable, we're not trendy and we do things people think are pretentious," Lee told me with a soft satisfied laugh in 1978, after the release of Hemispheres. "There may be ways of becoming bigger than we are, but we're not complaining." Rush planned to take a break after Permanent Waves, issuing a live album from that tour. Instead, Lee, Lifeson and Peart convened at a rented house in Stony Lake, Ontario in the late summer of 1980 - two months after coming off the road - and began to write. The chronology is murky, even to them. The first song out of the chute was either "Tom Sawyer" or "The Camera Eye," a two-part piece (relatively concise at eleven minutes) about city life, past and future - utopia, struggle and surveillance. There were also demos at one point, done at a studio in Toronto, while the action-packed instrumental "YYZ" (named after the Toronto airport code) came out of a Lee-Peart jam during the formal sessions at Le Studio, in Morin Heights, Quebec. Rush may have started as children of Cream, but in "YYZ" they hit the gas like a fusion Batmobile, sleek and hard with a surprising armory of moving parts: that main stuttering riff (inspired by the Morse-code rhythm for YYZ); Lee's Rickenbacker-bass eruptions; the elegaic-synth bridge, like a deep sigh of '73 Genesis. "YYZ" is "always a challenge to play," Lifeson has admitted. "For that reason alone, this is a favorite of ours." "Red Barchetta" was literally about motion, named after Peart's favorite set of wheels - the Ferrari 166 or Barchetta (pronounced with a hard "c") - and inspired by "A Nice Morning Drive" by Richard S. Foster, a short story published in Road and Track magazine in 1973. The setting was a future where velocity and escape are dangerous pleasures; cars, and the freedoms they imply, are outlawed. But this time the hero outruns authority ("I leave the giants stranded/At the riverside") with extra pictorial effect: Lifeson soloing through a delay unit, like he's burning rubber in a mountain tunnel. In Peart's continuing examinations of free will and collective responsibility, Moving Pictures was pure Rush. "Witch Hunt," a roiling portrait of vigilante rule in barking-dog guitars and death-march rhythm, was pulled from a longer song cycle, "Fear," that the band ended up recording out of order. (The other sections later appeared on the Eighties albums Signals and Grace Under Pressure and 2002's Vapor Trails.) And in "Vital Signs," Moving Pictures' closing track, you could hear the Internet Century two decades ahead of schedule - "Signals get crossed/ And the balance distorted/By internal incoherence" - with a striking buoyance in the chrome-reggae chorus. Permanent Waves had shown Rush to be keen listeners, turning the electronics and terse dynamics in New Wave rock to their own ends. But Moving Pictures, co-produced with old hand Terry Brown, had a concentrated urgency and black-steel sheen that sounded like Rush were charging forward and coming full circle at the same time - going back to the direct impact of their first albums, via the progressive-metal adventures on everything in-between. "The difference is in the organization of the music," Lee claimed during our 1981 car ride. "It's not just that the songs are four minutes long so they can get on the radio. It's the quality of those four minutes." That is the meat of "Limelight," a song that is suspicious of success, on an album that delivered it in aces and spades: "Ill-equipped to act/With insufficient tact .. . I can't pretend a stranger/ Is a long awaited friend," Peart wrote, and Lee sang. But " Limelight" is also about the wisdom of stardom - that it is a privilege, not a right, and you take it for granted at your peril. One afternoon in January, 1979, Lee stood in the wings at the Pittsburgh Civic Arena while Rush's crew set up the lights, sound and pyro for a show there. "The first time we played here," he said, "we only had three feet of space from the front of the stage with no special effects. Just the basics. But those kids who saw us and liked it will come back, and when they do, they expect to see what the saw the first time. "Only," Lee added, smiling, "we give them a little bit more." So it goes, long after Moving Pictures. Rush have an entire history - on record, on stage, in their personal lives and friendships - since then. There's even a movie about the whole wild ride: the 2010 documentary, Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage (note the paraphrase from "Limelight"). "Independence is the key." Peart told me only a few months before Rush started making Moving Pictures. "Everything we wanted to do in life, we're able to do." Nothing is different. Everything changes. And that DJ can now go out with a hit. Here's seven of 'em. David Fricke February, 2011 PRODUCER'S NOTE: With this disc you are now able to hear at home what we hear in the studio. This disc contains all 7 tracks from Moving Pictures in high resolution 96K 24-bit PCM stereo, PCM 5.1 surround sound and DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround sound. It is primarily an audio-only disc with basic navigation and song information displayed on screen. The 96K 24-bit audio on this disc has 256 times more resolution than a CD, providing greater detail and reproducing the music's full dynamic range, from the softest to the loudest sounds. Please ensure your Blu-ray player firmware is up to date or certain aspects of this Blu-ray disc may not playback properly. Please consult your Blu-ray player manual and/or manufacturer for firmware update options and process. DELUXE EDITION CREDITS 5.1 Surround Sound mixed by Richard Chycki at Mixland, Ontario Mastered by Andy VanDette at Masterdisk, New York. Reissue Supervised by Jeff Fura and Pegi Cecconi Blu-Ray Production Facility: The Post Group Menu Design: David Lange Audio Resync: Chris Holden at Music2Film Art Direction and Design: Hugh Syme Photo Coordination: Ryan Null and Jo Almeida Photos: Finn Costello, Phillip Kamen, Yael Brandeis Perry and Deborah Samuel Production Manager: Shannon Steckloff and Monique McGuffin Legal Clearances: Andrew Labarrere Produced by Rush and Terry Brown Arrangements by Rush and Terry Brown Recorded and mixed at Le Studio, Morin Heights, Quebec, during October and November, of 1980 Engineered by Paul Northfield Assisted by Robbie Whelan, and our computerized companions: Albert, Huey, Dewey, and Louie Digital mastering engineered by Peter Jensen Hugh Syme is the featured guest performer once again, playing synthesizers on 'Witch Hunt' Art direction, graphics and cover concept by Hugh Syme Photography by Deborah Samuel Mastered at by Bob Ludwig and Brian Lee at Gateway Mastering Studios, Portland, Maine Management by Ray Danniels, SRO Management, Inc., Toronto Executive Production: Moon Records Road Manager and Lighting Director: Howard Ungerleider Concert Sound Engineer: Ian Grandy Stage Manager: Michael Hirsh Stage Right Technician, and Crew Chief: Liam Birt Stage Left Technician: Skip Gildersleeve Centre Stage Technician: Larry Allen Guitar and synthesizer Maintenance: Tony Geranios Stage Monitor Mixer: Greg Connolly Projectionist: Lee Tenner
i don't know
1936 saw Ty Cobb, Babe Ruth, Honus Wagner, Christy Mathewson and Walter Johnson the first inductees into what?
Baseball Hall of Fame inducts first members - Jan 29, 1936 - HISTORY.com Baseball Hall of Fame inducts first members Share this: Baseball Hall of Fame inducts first members Author Baseball Hall of Fame inducts first members URL Publisher A+E Networks On this day in 1936, in Cooperstown, New York, the Baseball Hall of Fame announces the election of five charter members: Ty Cobb, Babe Ruth, Honus Wagner, Christy Mathewson and Walter Johnson. The idea of a Baseball Hall of Fame began gathering steam in 1935, when members of the Clark Foundation in Cooperstown sought to revive business and tourism after the Depression. Claiming that the Army officer Abner Doubleday, a Cooperstown native, had invented baseball in 1839, they lobbied for a new museum dedicated to baseball to be built in Cooperstown. Though the Doubleday story was later discredited, the museum plans went ahead anyway. The five charter Hall of Fame members were elected by members of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America (BBWAA). The ballots revealed that five players had received at least 75 percent of the votes cast, setting a standard for admission to the Hall of Fame that still exists today. Cobb, an astoundingly productive hitter who won nine consecutive American League batting titles from 1907 to 1915, received the most votes, appearing on 222 of the 226 ballots cast. Tying for second with 215 votes were Ruth, an ace left-handed pitcher who had smashed the league’s home run records, and Wagner, a star shortstop who won eight National League batting titles and retired with more than 3,000 hits. Mathewson, who pitched more winning games than any NL pitcher in history, received 205 votes, while Johnson, one of the game’s most powerful pitchers and career record holder for most strikeouts at the time of his retirement, received 189. Four of the “First Five” were on hand for the official induction ceremony, which took place on June 12, 1939, in Cooperstown. Cobb, Johnson, Ruth and Wagner watched as they took their place in history, along with 21 others who were elected between 1937 and 1939. The only one missing was Mathewson, who had died in October 1925. Today, selections to the Baseball Hall of Fame are still made by the BBWAA, along with the Baseball Hall of Fame Committee on Baseball Veterans, established in 1953. Related Videos
National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum
If my local college awards me a D D degree, what Doctorate have I earned?
Barry M. Bloom: Why Cy Young was not a part of inaugural 1936 HOF class | MLB.com First Hall class had notable omission Despite 511 career wins, Young had to wait a year to be selected Ripken reads Gehrig's plaque 0:32 Lou Gehrig is honored at the 2013 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and has his plaque text read by Cal Ripken Jr. By Barry M. Bloom / MLB.com | @boomskie | + 0 COMMENTS COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. -- Fans have often wondered why Cy Young, the pitcher with the most wins in history, wasn't inducted to the National Baseball Hall of Fame with the inaugural Class of 1936. Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, Christy Mathewson, Honus Wagner and Walter Johnson were the first inductees, and they are front and center in the plaque gallery of the red-brick museum on Main Street. On Thursday, many in the baseball world will gather for the 75th birthday of its opening and the day the first four Classes of 1936-39 were inducted. There's a good reason why Johnson, who ranks second on the all-time list with 417 wins, got in, and Young at 511 wins, didn't. "The 1936 vote was something of a fiasco," said Major League Baseball's official historian John Thorn. "The instructions weren't clear and the criteria for interpreting the vote weren't clear." A group of pre-1900 players were voted upon by a Veterans Committee, and the post-1900 players were inducted by 226 members of the Baseball Writers' Association of America, the organization that maintains the honor today. Denton True "Cyclone" Young's career spanned 1890-1911, and aside from the staggering win total, he also holds the records for losses, starts, complete games and innings pitched, among others. Without any direction from Hall officials, the committees split the vote. The 78 veterans, mostly made up of former players gave Young 41 percent, and the BBWAA, 49 percent. As it remains today, a candidate had to total 75 percent on one ballot or the other to be inducted. Under the rules, the votes of both committees weren't combined and Young had to wait until 1937 when he was elected by the BBWAA with 76.1 percent of the vote along with only two other players, Nap Lajoie and Tris Speaker. That same year, the Veterans Committee added managers Connie Mack and John McGraw and executives Morgan Bulkeley, Byron Johnson and pioneer George Wright. Mack, who managed the Philadelphia A's until 1950, would never have been elected today until he retired. "I guess they weren't so fussy about the rules back then," Thorn said. By the time the Hall opened on Jan. 12, 1939, 26 players, managers and executives had been elected by the dueling committees, and they were all inducted in one massive class. At the time, the electees arrived by train and the inductions were conducted on the steps to the entrance of the museum. These days, the ceremony is staged about a mile away behind the Clark Sports Center, where thousands of fans congregate on a meadow for the occasion. Admission has always been free. This year, on July 27, in excess of 50,000 are expected for the induction of pitchers Tom Glavine and Greg Maddux, slugger Frank Thomas and managers Joe Torre, Tony La Russa and Bobby Cox. Like Mack, La Russa, who retired after 33 years of managing when his Cardinals defeated the Rangers in the 2011 World Series, is active again, having just taken the newly created job of chief baseball officer for the Arizona Diamondbacks. Torre is Major League Baseball's executive vice president of baseball operations. "La Russa is back in business," Thorn said. But he's not managing, and that's the accepted practice. The Hall, founded by local landowner and magnate Stephen C. Clark, went into business as soon as the Hall of Fame charter was awarded. It would be three years before the actual edifice would be complete, but there was no reason to wait, and the voting to honor MLB greats began in earnest in 1936. Clark's granddaughter, Jane Forbes Clark, is still chair of the Hall's board. Of the 26 players, managers and executives elected, 13 of those players were picked by the BBWAA. Aside from the eight greats in the first two classes, the writers anointed Grover Cleveland Alexander in 1938 and Eddie Collins, George Sisler and Willie Keeler in '39. Lou Gehrig was also added by special election in '39 after he had to retire because of a debilitating illness earlier that year. Gehrig was too sick to attend the mass 1939 induction and was officially inducted last summer when Cal Ripken Jr. read the inscription off his plaque. The symmetry was neat and sentimentally moving, considering that the Iron Man had broken the Iron Horse's record consecutive game playing streak of 2,131 games. Ripken and fellow Hall of Famer Joe Morgan will be in attendance Thursday for the birthday commemoration. "[The fact] that the voting began long before the doors of the actual museum opened was well-intended," Thorn said. "It was like the Hollywood ramp up theory of publicity. You build up enthusiasm by peppering the press with news rather than saving everything for one shot." Before the museum opened, there was one matter to attend to: how to make amends with the revered Young. In trying to do so, Hall officials interviewed and had correspondence with Young, asking him to be a docent or tour guide for the Hall. "Can you imagine that he would be there every day, greeting everybody who came to the Hall?" Thorn said. Alas, like the 1936 vote for Young, it didn't happen. By the time the museum opened, he was already 72 years old. Barry M. Bloom is national reporter for MLB.com and writes an MLBlog, Boomskie on Baseball . Follow @boomskie on Twitter. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs. Share This
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The 1993 file Cool Runnings is based on a Jamaican team trying to compete in what sport at the 1988 Winter Olympics?
'Cool Runnings' returns! Jamaican bobsled team headed to Sochi Winter Olympics | Daily Mail Online 'Cool Runnings 2! Jamaican bobsled team headed to Sochi after Olympic organizers offer to pay for the travel costs but they're still trying to raise money for their equipment The Jamaican bobsled team will be competing in Sochi after a 12 year absence from the Games When they debuted in 1988 time they had a four-man team and this year will use a two-man crew Olympic organizers promised to pay for the travel costs but they are still searching for backers to help pay for the equipment that they need The team shot to fame when their 1988 journey was turned into a Disney film in 1993, called Cool Runnings
Bobsleigh
Well, according to the most famous groundhog of all, Punxsutawney Phil, are we in for 6 more weeks of winter, or early spring?
Cool Runnings (1993) - Synopsis The content of this page was created directly by users and has not been screened or verified by IMDb staff. Warning! This synopsis may contain spoilers See plot summary for non-spoiler summarized description. Visit our Synopsis Help to learn more Synopsis In the beginning we see Derice Bannock (Leon) running across the island of Jamaica. Derice is training for the 1988 Olympic Games, and hopes to be a gold-medal winner just like his father. Before the trial run, Derice visits his friend Sanka Coffee (Doug E. Doug), who is competing in a pushcart race. Sanka wins the race but ends up crashing just after he crosses the finish line, to everyone's amusement. Later that day, Sanka joins Derice's family at the track for the Olympic trials. Derice is preparing to race, meeting a few other competitors, including a short athlete named Junior Bevil (Rawle D. Lewis). The race starts off great, but halfway across the track, Junior stumbles and trips several runners, including Derice. Derice stumbles back to his feet as the finish-line tape is broken, watching his dreams go up in smoke. Derice confronts Coolidge (Winston Stona), who is charge of the Jamaican competition, and begs for a chance to run again, but Coolidge refuses. Derice then notices a photo of his father on his wall, next to an unfamiliar man. Coolidge identifies the man as Irving Blitzer, an American now living on the island and who had tried to convince Derice's father, Ben, to compete in bobsledding. Derice, seeing another chance to compete, as a bobsledder, takes the picture and goes to meet with Irv. Sanka hears about Derice's idea. At first he is excited but balks upon learning that bobsledding is a WINTER sport. Eventually Sanka is persuaded to help his best friend. The two men find Blitzer (John Candy) working as a bookie in a run-down pool hall. Having been disqualified from bobsledding due to cheating, and therefore disgraced, Blitzer is far from eager to help them, and does not want anything to do with the sport of bobsledding. However, the two athletes don't give up. Upon learning that Derice is the son of his old friend and colleague, Blitzer relents. Next day, Blitzer tries to recruit additional team members. The first newcomer is a bald man Sanka recognizes from the Olympic running trials, who introduces himself as Yul Brenner (Malik Yoba), and is more than willing to compete in bobsledding so long as it leads him to the Olympics. Only one other man shows up to join the team: Junior, the clumsy runner from the track. having been one of the other runners tripped up by Junior's fall, Yul is immediately hostile to Junior, but relents since without Junior, they don't have a full team. Blitzer begins training the four immediately. He builds a makeshift bobsled and has them push it down a steep slope, telling the team that if they can't get a push-start completed in under 6 seconds, they won't have a chance at competing. Yul is the second mlddle man, Junior is first middle man. Blitzer chooses Sanka as brakes, but Sanka resists. He reminds him that the driver in bobsledding has many more responsiblities than a push car racer, and can't go out to have fun with his teammates. Sanka relents and decides Derice can be driver. After the first day of training, Junior returns home with the intention of telling his father about the team. But Mr. Bevil (Charles Hyatt) comes home and tells Junior that he has gotten his son a job with a brokerage house in Miami, which he is expected to take by the end of the month. Intimidated, Junior clams up and cannot say anything more. Initially, the training does not go well. The group stumbles and falls several times, not even able to get into the sled. But after several tries, they climb in together and rocket down the mountain, eventually crashing into a police car. Blitzer runs after them cheering: they got started in 5.9 seconds! He tells them to bring the sled back up the mountain, making them groan. Now that the team is in good shape, Blitzer goes to Coolidge to ask for funding to get to the Olympics. But Coolidge refuses, believing that the team will be humiliated. Unshaken, Derice decides they will try to get the money elsewhere. After several fund-raising endeavors, they are far short of their goal. Junior comes back to the team after a day away, announcing that he has sold his car to get the required funds. Derice does not want to take the money from Junior at first, thinking it to be exploiting Junior. But Junior explains that he still feels guilty for costing Derice and the others their first Olympic chance, and gladly gives up the money. The team heads to Calgary for the Olympic Games. While Blitzer adjusts to the weather easily, the Jamaicans are unprepared for the severe cold and buy heavy-duty coats as soon as the plane lands. Blitzer registers the team for competition, and meets a few colleagues from his days in bobsledding. He has lunch with one friend, Roger (Paul Coeur) and asks him for a sled so his team can compete. Roger is reluctant but agrees to sell off an old backup sled from the US team. The team begins learning how to move and walk on ice, using a hockey rink for practice. It does not go well at first, but they eventually make progress. That night, Derice watches the Swiss bobsled team practicing and becomes enamored with their efficient performance. Blitzer shows off the sled he purchased to the team. It's is rusted and old, but still works fine. On their first day at the track, the Jamaican team is met with ridicule and scorn by other competitors. Blitzer tells them that a push-start will not be necessary for the initial run; they will just be nudged down the slide instead. While the run starts off fine, the sled ends up crashing before the finish line. Their next run does not go well either: They end up chasing the sled down the track. A photographer snaps a picture of the group running after the sled, and it makes the papers, which doesn't sit in well with Mr. Bevil and Coolidge. Derice is repairing the sled when he meets one of Irv's old colleagues, who tells Derice that during the1972 competition, Irv hid weights at the bottom of his sled to accelerate its speed. As a result, he was kicked out and had his gold medals revoked. The following night at the hotel, Sanka tries to pose as a maid, but Yul brushes him aside, thinking he's insane. Junior receives a telegram from his father. The news story about the Jamaican team alerted Mr. Bevil to Junior's activities, and he is now ordering his son home. While they are out in a bar that night, Yul encourages Junior to stand up for himself. Junior immediately responds by confronting the German team members who had insulted them earlier, resulting in a huge bar-fight between Yul, Sanka, Junior, and the Germans. At the Relax Inn Motel, Derice berates his teammates for what happened and tells them the Swiss team would never resort to stunts like that because they're awlays focused on their performance. Yul, Sanka, and Junior don't take Derice seriously and continue snickering. Sanka makes a crude joke about the Swiss team and what happens if they try to push a pretty girl off the ice. A few minutes later, Irv comes in and berates the three for not taking things seriously. He reminds them that everyone hates them and they need to get their act together. After thinking things over, the Jamaicans resume serious training. With Irv's help, they are quickly whipped back into shape. Finally, the night of the Jamaican team's qualifying run has arrived. Irv presents the team with special competition suits as a reward for their improved behavior. Irv then meets with the three judges, who remind him that the team must make it off the slope and across the finish line in under 1 minute in order to be eligible. The team sets out, and despite a few bumps, they cross the finish line safely. After several tense moments, their time is revealed: 59.46! Irv and the team are overjoyed. The guys celebrate by painting their sled with Jamaica's colors, and Derice decides to christen the sled "Cool Runnings." At that moment, Irv gets a letter from the judges informing him that the Jamaican team has been disqualified. Irv angirlly storms into the offices of the men in charge, demanding to know why. Apparently, there is a rule stating that a team must compete in an international race to qualify. Previously, an Olympic trial would be considered an international race, but this time the committee decided to change the rules. However, Irv isn't fooled and immediately discerns the truth: His former coach (from the '72 Games and currently a primary judge of the '88 Games) Kurt Hemphill, is still punishing him for embarrassing the USA by cheating. Irv confronts Hemphill and confesses that 16 years previously, he'd made the mistake of his life: He resorted to cheating because he wanted to win and didn't care what the consequences were. Instead, he ended up disgracing the Americans by embarrassing everyone -- his coach, teammates, friends, and family -- and his gold medals were revoked as a result. Irv also reminds Kurt that it was HIS mistake, and if Kurt wants revenge, he should punish him, not the Jamacian bobsledding team, as they deserve to represent their country by competing in the Winter Games as contenders and don't deserve to suffer because of his past mistakes. That night at their hotel, the team gets a phone call informing them that the committee has reversed its decision - the Jamaicans are back in! Everyone on the island of Jamaica watches the bobsled team wave their flag as they enter the Olympic stadium. After the opening ceremony, Irv tries to find some inspirational words for the team. But this conversation is cut short by the arrival of Mr. Bevil, who has come to collect his son. Bevil tells Junior that he is only looking out for his sons' best interest, and demands the young man gather his things. But Junior draws on Yul's advice and stands up to his father, telling him he's staying with his team, and that his father cares about his own interest in making himself look good more than his son's. Junior tells him he's an Olymic athlete now, not his puppet, and sends his father on his way. On the first day of competition, the Jamaican team is scheduled to compete last. Derice tries to psyche up his team, imitating the behavior of the Swiss. The team begins its run, essentially stumbling down the track and bouncing off the edges. Their end run time is 58.04, landing them in last place. Derice again tries to imitate the Swiss, but the team is fed up with his antics. Sanka sets him straight by pointing out that they cannot copy the movements of another team; they must get their own style. Derice insists that he just wants to be the best they can be. Sanka counters that "the best [they] can be is Jamaican," and that they didn't come all this way to forget about their heritage. Derice relents after realizing that his friend and their teammates are right. On the second day of competition, the Jamaican team is psyched for sledding. They pull together a push-start within a fraction of their previous time, and wind up getting off even faster than the Swiss team. Their finishing time is 56.53, rocketing them into 8th place! They are now considered contenders for the medal. That night while studying the track, Derice asks Irv about why he cheated. Irv explains that he'd become so focused on winning that he couldn't picture life without it, a horrible thing for an athlete to do. Irv tells Derice that he doesn't want him making the same mistakes that he's made 16 years earlier, and tells him to focus on tomorrow. The last day of competition arrives, and the fans are eager to see Jamaica's performance. They start off with an even better formation than yesterday, but the ancient sled is unknowingly in poor shape. A bad bounce sends it careening out of control, eventually turning over and sending the team on a terrible out-of-control trajectory. When the sled finally skids to a stop, several tense seconds pass before the team even moves. Finally, Derice regains consciousness and sees the finish line mere feet away. Paramedics rush down to tend to the Jamaicans, only to part as they rise to their feet. The guys hoist the sled over their shoulders and begin walking toward the finish line, determined to finish the race no matter what. The crowd, awestruck by the Jamaicans' performance, cheers them on as they finish. Everyone, even Mr. Bevil (now wearing a Jamaican souvenir shirt) shows their admiration: Even though their chances of winning are gone, Jamaica finishes with dignity and pride. Text at the end reveals that Derice, Sanka, Junior, and Yul returned to Jamaica as heroes - then four years later returned to the Olympics as equals. Synopsis
i don't know
Which dirrrty singer is slated to sing the National Anthem at this years Super Bowl?
'Idol' Kelly Clarkson to sing anthem at Super Bowl 'Idol' Kelly Clarkson to sing anthem at Super Bowl Howard Fendrich, AP Pro Football Writer Pin it Share FILE - In this Nov. 20, 2011 file photo, Kelly Clarkson performs at the 39th Annual American Music Awards in Los Angeles. A person familiar with Super Bowl entertainment plans says Clarkson will sing the national anthem before the NFL championship game at Indianapolis on Feb. 5. The person spoke to The Associated Press on Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2012, on condition of anonymity because no announcement has been made. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles, File) More "American Idol" Kelly Clarkson is set to perform at America's most popular sporting event: the Super Bowl. Clarkson has been chosen to sing the national anthem before the NFL championship game at Indianapolis on Feb. 5, a person familiar with Super Bowl entertainment plans told The Associated Press on Wednesday. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because no announcement has been made. The league is expected to reveal the anthem singer later this month. Since becoming the first winner of "American Idol" a decade ago, Clarkson has sold more than 20 million albums worldwide and had more than a half-dozen singles reach the top 10 in the Billboard Hot 100. Among her hit songs: "Since U Been Gone" and "My Life Would Suck Without You." Her latest album, "Stronger," was released last year. Clarkson is currently on tour and appeared as the musical guest on "Saturday Night Live" last weekend. Also slated to participate in the Super Bowl pregame festivities at Lucas Oil Stadium: country music couple Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton, singing "America the Beautiful." Grammy-winner Lambert released her latest album, "Four the Record," last fall. Shelton is a judge on "The Voice," a singing competition on NBC, which is broadcasting the Super Bowl this year. The NFL announced in December that Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Madonna will perform at halftime of the league's title game. At last year's Super Bowl between the Packers and Steelers in Dallas, pop star Christina Aguilera flubbed a line while belting out the national anthem. When she was supposed to sing the line "O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming," Aguilera instead repeated an earlier line, with a slight variation — drawing plenty of attention on social media such as Twitter. Afterward, Aguilera released a statement saying: "I can only hope that everyone could feel my love for this country and that the true spirit of its anthem still came through." Others who have performed the national anthem at the Super Bowl include Carrie Underwood — like Clarkson, an "American Idol" product — Whitney Houston, Billy Joel, Diana Ross, Neil Diamond, Beyonce and Mariah Carey. ___ NBC is controlled by Comcast Corp. ___ Howard Fendrich is on Twitter at http://twitter.com/HowardFendrich Reblog
Christina Aguilera
Located between 3rd and 4th Ave, what building is home to Seattle Symphony?
Kelly Clarkson To Sing Anthem At Super Bowl | Pollstar Kelly Clarkson To Sing Anthem At Super Bowl 07:01 AM Thursday 1/12/12 | | Tweet American Idol” Kelly Clarkson is set to perform at America’s most popular sporting event: the Super Bowl. Clarkson has been chosen to sing the national anthem before the NFL championship game at Indianapolis on Feb. 5, a person familiar with Super Bowl entertainment plans told The Associated Press on Wednesday. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because no announcement has been made. The league is expected to reveal the anthem singer later this month. iHeartRadio Music Festival, MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas, Nev. September 23, 2011 |   Since becoming the first winner of “American Idol” a decade ago, Clarkson has sold more than 20 million albums worldwide and had more than a half-dozen singles reach the top 10 in the Billboard Hot 100. Among her hit songs: “Since U Been Gone” and “My Life Would Suck Without You.” Her latest album, Stronger, was released last year. Clarkson is currently on tour and appeared as the musical guest on “Saturday Night Live” last weekend. Also slated to participate in the Super Bowl pregame festivities at Lucas Oil Stadium: country music couple Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton , singing “America the Beautiful.” Grammy-winner Lambert released her latest album, Four the Record, last fall. Shelton is a judge on “The Voice,” a singing competition on NBC, which is broadcasting the Super Bowl this year. The NFL announced in December that Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Madonna will perform at halftime of the league’s title game. At last year’s Super Bowl between the Packers and Steelers in Dallas, pop star Christina Aguilera flubbed a line while belting out the national anthem. When she was supposed to sing the line “O’er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming,” Aguilera instead repeated an earlier line, with a slight variation — drawing plenty of attention on social media such as Twitter. Afterward, Aguilera released a statement saying: “I can only hope that everyone could feel my love for this country and that the true spirit of its anthem still came through.”
i don't know
Playing in the Eastern Conference, what NBA team plays their home games in Time Warner Cable Arena, Charlotte, North Carolina?
Charlotte Hornets Memorabilia: Autographed & Signed Charlotte Hornets Memorabilia Signed Team Merchandise, Autographed Collectibles 451 total items Quick Look SportsMemorabilia.com guarantees that our prices are the lowest you'll find anywhere online. You'll know you're receiving the best deals available on thousands of quality products. And if you happen to find a better online price out there, and meet the qualifications listed below, we'll give you the difference. Redeem up to $500 in store credit on any future purchases at SportsMemorabilia.com! The product must be purchased from SportsMemorabilia.com. The product must be the exact same product purchased at SportsMemorabilia.com, with same level of authenticity backing & documentation as items sold on SportsMemorabilia.com (see http://www.sportsmemorabilia.com/authenticity.html). The merchant offering the lower price must have the product currently in stock. The online merchant must be an established site, as determined by SportsMemorabilia.com. The product cannot be purchased in a 'Deal Of The Week" sale.      Items Per Page: The Charlotte Hornets are an NBA franchise based in Charlotte, North Carolina playing in the Southeast Division in the Eastern Conference. Established in 1988 as an expansion team, this team was known as the Charlotte Bobcats until the 2014-2015 season, after a series of relocations and name changes. Now largely owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan, the team plays their home games in the Time Warner Cable Arena in the city’s center. Although the Hornets have yet to win an NBA championship title, the franchise has a rich history comprised with appearances by many NBA All-Stars and legends. In 1988 the Bobcats handed Michael Jordan his first NBA loss since returning to his home state to play. In its existence the team has seen many great players, including first round 1990 draft pick Alonzo Mourning and power forward Larry Johnson the following year. With a new look on the NBA and a fresh name the Charlotte Hornets are paving a path to success one buzzer-beater at a time. Our exclusive Charlotte Hornets memorabilia product offering is home to an unmatched variety of autographed NBA collectibles, including jerseys, basketballs and of course plenty of action photos. Your NBA collection cannot be complete without an investment in rare Charlotte Hornets autographed memorabilia, a true asset for every home, office and man cave ensemble. Celebrate the rebirth of the Hornets with the purchase of Michael Kidd-Gilchrist autographed basketballs or Kemba Walker autographed jerseys. Be sure to check out the product offering for all players, current and past, and bring home a piece of NBA history today.  
Bobcat
First issued by Bank of America in 1958, the BankAmericard is now known by what name?
Miami vs. Charlotte | Miami Heat Dec. 29, 2016 LOSS: 91-82 While Tyler Johnson played pretty well through the first three quarters, he really made an impact down the stretch against the Hornets. As usual, he showed maximum effort on both ends of the floor and did everything he could. In the fourth quarter alone, Johnson tallied nine points, four rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Although that steal he had in the quarter led to a slam on the other end, perhaps his most impressive defensive play came on that block. With 9:52 remaining in the game, Johnson swatted Ramon Sessions and then saved the ball off the Charlotte guard to give Miami possession. In all, the 24-year-old scored 18 points on 8-of-16 shooting, grabbed seven boards, dished out five assists and stole the ball twice to go along with his aforementioned block. Oct. 28, 2016 LOSS: 97-91 After a nice outing in the season opener against the Magic, Hassan Whiteside simply did more of the same against the Hornets. The 7-footer went right at Cody Zeller in the post early on and hit a bunch of tough hook-shots over him. Otherwise in the contest, Whiteside cleaned the glass and gave Miami a multitude of second-chance opportunities. None was bigger than his clutch put-back jam with 1:04 remaining to cut Charlotte’s lead to 94-91. Unfortunately, it just wasn’t enough in the end. In addition to his 20 points on 8-of-11 shooting, Whiteside also had 15 rebounds (five offensive) and two blocks. May 1, 2016 WIN: 106-73 Game 7 is all about trusting your instincts as a player. For years, Goran Dragic has made a living by attacking the basket and finishing tough plays inside. Well, the point guard did just that on Sunday afternoon. In fact, Dragic scored 17 points in the first half and took Kemba Walker off the dribble early and often. While he had a number of great conversions in the half-court, the Slovenian’s best finish, of course, came in transition. To start the sequence with 5:01 left in the second quarter, Hassan Whiteside swatted Al Jefferson’s shot attempt inside. From there, Dragic grabbed the loose ball, went with a behind-the-back dribble against Courtney Lee and drove towards the right block. That’s when things got fun, as the point guard hit Lee with a spin move before finishing the reverse layup. In the second half, Dragic continued his offensive onslaught thanks to some nice screens from Whiteside and Joe Johnson. Oh, and let’s not forget about a jam he had in the third quarter as the HEAT were rolling. In addition to his 25 points on 11-of-17 shooting, Dragic also tallied six rebounds and four assists. Apr. 29, 2016 WIN: 97-90 When the pressure is at its highest, there’s one guy you want with the ball in his hands. That man, of course, goes by the name of Dwyane Wade. With Charlotte threatening to take the lead in the fourth quarter, Wade responded and hit some extremely difficult shots to force a Game 7 in Miami. In fact, the vet scored 10 points in the fourth on 4-of-7 shooting, including 2-of-2 from beyond the arc. On the flip side of the ball, the shooting guard also tallied two blocks in the period, with one of those coming on Kemba Walker with 14.8 seconds to play. Earlier in the contest, Wade mixed things up offensively with pull-up jumpers and aggressive takes to the rack. A big reason why he was able to get free was due to some solid screens from Hassan Whiteside. In addition to his 23 points on 10-of-20 shooting, the 34-year-old also had six boards and four assists. Apr. 27, 2016 LOSS: 90-88 Dwyane Wade was simply fantastic in Game 5. In fact, the vet led the charge in the second quarter as he got Miami back in the game by pushing the pace a bit more. While Wade converted a number of nifty drives to the basket both in transition and in the half court, there was one sequence in particular that was really special. With 3:03 left in the first half, Wade received the ball from Luol Deng after Hassan Whiteside forced a miss from Al Jefferson. From there, the guard quickly brought it down court and drove between three defenders before throwing it down over Marvin Williams. Of course, the 34-year-old’s greatest contribution came in crunch time. Wade scored six points in the fourth quarter and did all he could to try and get the win. For example, he made a fantastic play in defensive transition to alter a shot from Courtney Lee at the rim with 1:04 to play. In addition to his 25 points on 11-of-19 shooting overall, Wade also grabbed five rebounds and dished out a team-high four assists. Apr. 25, 2016 LOSS: 89-85 After falling behind by 18 points with 9:27 to play in the third quarter, the HEAT responded in a big way. Thanks to improved defense and better execution on the offensive end, Miami went on a 17-1 run to cut Charlotte’s lead to 58-56. Dwyane Wade continued to wheel and deal and dished out four of his game-high ten assists in the third. Joe Johnson, meanwhile, hit a tough contested 3-pointer and scored five points in the period. While the Hornets closed out the quarter well, the HEAT gained some momentum thanks to their run. In fact, Wade and Johnson continued to convert in the fourth quarter, but Charlotte made more plays in the end to come away victorious. Apr. 23, 2016 LOSS: 96-80 Luol Deng kicked off the game with a corner three and carried that over throughout the first quarter. In fact, Deng hit his first five 3-pointers to help the HEAT stay neck-and-neck with the Hornets early on. The vet’s constant movement off the ball made it difficult for Frank Kaminsky to keep up with him in the first period. On the defensive end, Deng did well on Kemba Walker in the third quarter and helped limit the guard to 1-of-9 shooting during that span. However, Kaminsky started to get going in the third and Charlotte gained momentum. Deng finished the contest 6-of-12 for his 19 points to go along with eight rebounds and two assists. Apr. 20, 2016 WIN: 115-103 Dwyane Wade simply did it all against Charlotte. Whether it was drives off the pick-and-roll, mid-range jumpers or attacks in transition, the vet was feeling it in Game 2. Hassan Whiteside did a nice job of freeing him up with some hard screens, but Wade’s most impressive drive on the night didn’t require one. With 3:31 to go in the first quarter, the shooting guard brought the ball down court after securing the defensive rebound. Once he approached the right wing, he showed excellent burst on a drive right past Jeremy Lin, absorbed contact from behind and finished the play. Wade also sank the ensuing free throw to put the HEAT up 24-17 early. As the Hornets inched closer in the fourth quarter, Wade attacked Courtney Lee inside and drew fouls to make sure Miami wouldn’t relinquish its lead. In addition to his 28 points, nine of which came in the final period, the 34-year-old also tallied a team-high eight assists. Apr. 17, 2016 WIN: 123-91 Being a veteran, Luol Deng understands that momentum is very important in a playoff series and that every possession matters. With that in mind, it should come as no surprise that Deng was locked-in from the start against the Hornets and connected on his first six shots on Sunday night. While his contribution in the first half was superb, the 31-year-old simply remained hot throughout the contest. In fact, Deng narrowly missed a playoff career-high in points. He ended up so close to reaching that mark since most of his damage came from beyond the arc off good ball movement from the HEAT. Speaking of which, Miami tallied 27 assists on the night and shot 57.6 percent as a result. Otherwise, Deng continued to fight on the offensive glass and remained strong on the defensive end. In addition to his 31 points, the former Blue Devil also had seven boards (three offensive) and shot 4-of-6 from long-range. March 17, 2016 LOSS: 109-106 With Miami down nine entering the fourth quarter, both Josh Richardson and Hassan Whiteside answered the call with a nice offensive surge to narrow the gap. Richardson continued to remain hot from the three-point line, while Whiteside did his usual damage inside. Both guys combined for 20 points in the final period and did all they could to try and will the HEAT to victory. Richardson finished the game with 18 points and four rebounds on 7-of-9 shooting, including 3-of-4 from distance. Whiteside, meanwhile, scored 17 points and grabbed seven boards on 6-of-10 shooting. Additionally, Luol Deng tallied a game-high 22 points to go along with nine rebounds and three assists. Feb. 5, 2016 WIN: 98-95 As been the case all season, both Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh got the job done in crunch time. With Miami down a point with 26 seconds left, Bosh aggressively drove inside against Marvin Williams, absorbed contact and finished the play. He also hit the ensuing free throw to give the HEAT a lead they wouldn’t relinquish. A big reason why they stayed ahead was due to a fantastic steal by Wade with less than 10 seconds to play. To start the sequence, he swiped an errant pass that was intended for Kemba Walker and then passed it to Luol Deng from the deck for the slam. Wade finished the game with 22 points and five assists on 11-of-20 shooting. Bosh, meanwhile, tallied 20 points and six boards. Additionally, Hassan Whiteside notched a triple-double with 10 points, 10 rebounds and 10 blocks. Dec. 9, 2015 LOSS: 99-81 After a slow first half, Miami started the third quarter very well, connecting on seven of its first eight shots. In particular, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh started to get going early in the quarter. Unfortunately, Charlotte went on a run shortly thereafter that was tough to comeback from. Still, it was good to see the HEAT come out guns blazing to try and cut into the deficit. Later in the fourth, Tyler Johnson continued to fight and claw despite the team being down by double-digits. The combo guard relentlessly attacked the basket and drew a number of fouls on the Hornets. His grit and will to compete down the stretch was quite impressive. Johnson shot 6-of-12 for his 20 points and went 7-of-8 from the charity stripe. Oct. 28, 2015 WIN: 104-94 Four players scored in double-figures for Miami, led by Chris Bosh’s 21. Great ball movement for a majority of the game had a lot to do with that. The team tallied 23 assists on 36 made field goals and as a result went 12-of-20 from downtown. A perfect example of that ball movement leading to great shots came at the end of the game when Luol Deng knocked down a 3-pointer to put Miami up 100-92 with 38.8 seconds left. On that possession, two guys touched the ball before Goran Dragic found Deng with the extra pass. Deng knocked down all three of his treys in the game, with none as vital as that one. Justise Winslow, meanwhile, displayed great court vision against Charlotte and finished the game with five points, seven boards and two assists. Apr. 7, 2015 WIN: 100-105 Goran Dragić led the way for the HEAT with 28 points and five assists. While Dragić helped Miami manufacture some easy points in transition early on, it was the fourth quarter where he really shined. Dragić mixed it up with some extremely tough finishes in traffic and clutch mid-range jumpers. On one play in particular down the stretch, Dragić ran a great give-and-go play with Udonis Haslem to answer a run by the Hornets. With Hassan Whiteside in foul trouble and Chris Andersen battling through injury, Udonis Haslem came up big for Miami. Haslem ran the floor pretty well and had some nice finishes at the rim finishing with eight points, eight boards and three assists. Luol Deng started the game well to get Miami off on the right foot. Deng primarily attacked from the perimeter and knocked down a big jumper that put the HEAT up six with 38 seconds remaining. Jan. 21, 2015 LOSS: 76-78 Dwyane Wade scored Miami’s first points on Wednesday night and never looked back. Wade started off the game with a few jumpers, but worked his way into the post as the game wore on. As usual, he showed excellent foot work and finished a variety of tough shots in the paint. He really made an impact at the start of the fourth quarter, as he made some aggressive plays to get the HEAT back in the game. In all, Wade scored 17 points, grabbed seven boards and dished out four assists. James Ennis provided a spark for Miami and played with a lot of energy against the Hornets. Ennis often fought hard for loose balls and was very active on the defensive end. He also drove aggressively to the hoop throughout the game and kept the pressure on Charlotte’s defense. Thanks to his solid play, Ennis played the entire fourth quarter and finished the game with eight points, seven boards, one steal and one block. Hassan Whiteside (ankle) and Luol Deng (illness) didn’t make the trip to Charlotte and were held out for the game. Nov. 23, 2014 WIN: 93-94 Luol Deng started off the game aggressively and never looked back finishing the game with 26 points, eight rebounds and three assists. Deng was on fire from mid-range and hit eight of his first nine shots. While Deng got things started off on the right foot for Miami, Chris Bosh sealed the deal in the end. Bosh primarily worked in the post early on before doing damage from the perimeter. In all, Bosh scored 20 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. Mario Chalmers created very well for his teammates. He opened a lot of things up for Deng early on and continued that throughout the game. He scored 12 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter and dished out 10 assists in all. Shawne Williams in particular played some great defense inside and went straight up a few times on Cody Zeller to alter his shot. Williams had six rebounds and two blocked shots on the night to go along with his five points. Chris Andersen exited the game early with an ankle injury. Nov. 5, 2014 LOSS: 89-96 Dwyane Wade led the way for the HEAT with 25 points and seven assists. Wade caught fire towards the end of the game, as he scored 14 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter. Wade finished with 25 points, seven assists, four rebounds and one block. The block he recorded was the 700th for his career . In the second quarter, Mario Chalmers made a great hustle play, as he hit the deck for a loose ball and tipped it ahead to Dwyane Wade. Wade took it in transition and flipped up a lob for Josh McRoberts who threw it down with one hand to cut the Hornets’ lead to 29-27. Apr. 28, 2014 WIN: 109-98 LeBron James scored 19 of his game-high 31 points after sustaining a thigh bruise early in the third quarter, helping the Miami HEAT earn a first-round sweep of the Charlotte Bobcats with a 109-98 victory Monday night. He finished Game 4 10 of 19 from the field and had nine assists. Chris Bosh added 17 points and Dwyane Wade battled through foul trouble and finished with 15 as Miami extended its winning streak over Charlotte to 20 games. Mario Chalmers chipped in with 10 points for Miami. The loss kept the Bobcats winless in post season play in team history in their last game with the current moniker (they change to the Hornets next season). Apr. 23, 2014 WIN: 97-101 LeBron James handled the scoring and Dwyane Wade came up with a big defensive play late in the Miami HEAT's victory Wednesday against the Charlotte Bobcats. The HEAT now lead the first-round, best-of-7 series 2-0. James scored a game-high 32 points on 11 of shooting. He also had eight assists and six rebounds. The Bobcats had a chance to force overtime when they trailed by three in the closing second before Wade recorded a key steal. After being fouled with 1.6 seconds remaining, Wade converted a free throw to ice the game. Chris Bosh finished with 20 points and five rebounds for the HEAT while Wade added 15 points and six rebounds. The Bobcats were competitive despite ailing center Al Jefferson, who was dealing with a sore left foot. Mario chalmers contributed 11 points for Miami. Apr. 20, 2014 WIN: 88-99 The two-time defending champion HEAT shook off a slow start to capture a 99-88 victory against the Bobcats in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series Sunday at American Airlines Arena. LeBron James led the HEAT with 27 points and nine rebounds. Guard Dwyane Wade added 23 points and five assists to help the HEAT grab a 1-0 lead in the series. The HEAT were down many as nine in the first half and trailed 52-49 with 9:01 left in the third quarter. Miami then received a boost from seldom-used reserve swingman James Jones, who scored 12 points. Jones hit a 3-pointer with 45.1 seconds left in the third quarter to make it a six-point game. Chris Bosh scored 13 points Chris Andersen led the team in rebounds with 10. Mar 3, 2014 WIN: 107-124 Four-time MVP LeBron James went off for a career-high and franchise-record 61 points Monday night, leading the Miami HEAT to a 124-107 win over the Charlotte Bobcats at American Airlines Arena for their eighth straight victory. James broke the previous Miami record of 56 points, set by Glen Rice against the Magic in 1995. James went 22-for-33 from the field, including 8-for-10 from beyond the arc. He passed Rice with a layup with 5:47 remaining in the fourth quarter. It was James' 10th game of 50 points or more, but his first before a home crowd. The HEAT were without guard Dwyane Wade, who was held out to rest in preparation for Tuesday's game against the Rockets. It was the 16th game Wade has missed this season. Chris Bosh had 15 points and seven rebounds while Toney Douglas, starting for Dwyane Wade, contributed with 10 points. Dec. 1, 2013 WIN: 98-99 Chris Bosh watched his first 3-pointer bounce once, twice, three times, four times before finally dropping into the net. His next try, from almost the same spot, swished. And the third one essentially saved the Miami HEAT. A threesome of 3-pointers - he had never made that many in an NBA quarter, say nothing of his 79-second span Sunday night - highlighted a run where Bosh scored 13 straight Miami points, and the HEAT beat the Charlotte Bobcats to extend their winning streak to 10 games. The HEAT led for the final 1:20, the time remaining when Bosh's third 3 put Miami up 93-91. LeBron James led the HEAT with 26 points, Bosh finished with 22, Dwyane Wade scored 17 and Mario Chalmers added 12 for Miami. Nov. 16, 2013 WIN: 97-81 James scored 30 points to help Miami beat Charlotte 97-81 Saturday night for the HEATt's 13th straight victory against the Bobcats. With Mario Chalmers suspended, Chris Bosh limited due to foul trouble, Ray Allen out with the flu and Dwyane Wade a non-factor, James came up big for the HEAT. The four-time MVP was 13 of 18 from the field and had seven assists in his eighth 20-point game this season. Miami relied on its bench to close the game out. Of Miami's 29 points in the fourth quarter, 23 came from reserves Michael Beasley, Chris Anderson, Rashard Lewis and Roger Mason Jr. Beasley finished with 15 points and Anderson had 10 for the HEAT. Oct. 11, 2013 WIN: 75-86 James paced the HEAT with 20 points while Chalmers added 10 points and four assists. Michael Beasley scored 13 points. Early in the first quarter Beasley scored nine of 10 points, including six straight, in the run that gave the HEAT their first breathing room. Norris Cole scored eight points in the final quarter, including 3-pointers on consecutive possessions, and finished with 15 points. Christ Bosh scored seven points, while the final member of the HEAT's big three, Dwyane Wade, sat out after playing Thursday night against Detroit. Miami coach Erik Spoelstra wanted to keep Wade, who's recovering from a knee injury, from playing on consecutive nights. Mar. 24, 2013 WIN: 77-109 The HEAT overcame an 11-point, first-quarter deficit to defeat the Charlotte Bobcats. The HEAT were without Dwyane Wade, who sat out with a sore knee, but still had LeBron James. James led the way with 32 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds. Chris Bosh and Norris Cole finished with 15 points apiece while Ray Allen added 14 off the bench. It marked the seventh time Miami has recovered from a double-digit deficit during the winning streak. The Heat trailed 19-8 early before restoring order late in the first quarter. Miami led by as many as 34 in the second half. March 20, 2010 WIN: 77-71 The HEAT had to rely on their defense Saturday, blocking 13 shots and holding the visiting Bobcats to 29 percent shooting, en route to a 77-71 victory. Quentin Richardson scored 18 points, including six 3-pointers, and Michael Beasley added 16 points. Dwyane Wade (14 points) tied his career high with five blocks and handed out nine assists for the HEAT (36-34), who moved ahead of the Bobcats for sixth place in the East. HEAT @ Bobcats March 9, 2010 LOSS: 83-78 The HEAT saw their three-game winning streak come to an end in Charlotte on Tuesday night with an 83-78 loss to the Bobcats. Dwayne Wade had 27 points while Jermaine O'Neal added 19, but Miami was outscored 21-12 in the fourth quarter. Bobcats @ HEAT Jan 20, 2010 LOSS: 104-65 Dwyane Wade and Dorell Wright both scored 16 points but the HEAT lost 104-65 to the Bobcats in Charlotte on Wednesday. The HEAT will try to rebound Friday when they visit the Wizards. Bobcats @ HEAT April 3 2009 WIN: 97-92 Dwayne Wade had 27 points and 10 assists as the HEAT clinched a playoff berth with a 97-92 win Friday in Charlotte. Overcoming a double-digit deficit for an NBA-leading 14th time this season, Miami played the fourth quarter without Udonis Haslem after the starting forward lacerated his right thumb, but Michael Beasley and Jermaine O'Neal returned after having their ankles retaped in the fourth to give their teammates a big lift. Daequan Heat scored 16 points to help the HEAT snap a two-game skid and move into a fifth-place tie with Philadelphia in the Eastern Conference. Bobcats @ HEAT February 8, 2009 WIN: 96-92 The Heat took charge in the second quarter Sunday night and never looked back, holding off the Bobcats for a 96-92 win at home. Dwyane Wade led with 22 points, and Mario Chalmers contributed 16 points and 13 assists. Shawn Marion grabbed 10 rebounds. HEAT vs. Bobcats December 8, 2008 WIN: 100-96 Dwyane Wade erupted for 41 points, his third 40-plus scoring performance this season, and Shawn Marion buried a go-ahead jumper with just over a minute remaining as the HEAT won their fourth straight with Monday's 100-96 triumph over the visiting Bobcats. Mario Chalmers scored in double figures (15 points) for the sixth straight game. HEAT @ Bobcats March 22, 2008 LOSS: 94-82 After charging to an eight-point lead early Saturday night, the HEAT couldn't hold off the resurgent Bobcats and fell 94-82 in Charlotte. Jason Williams led Miami with 19 points and eight assists while Ricky Davis had 15 points and nine rebounds. Chris Quinn chipped in 14 points. HEAT vs. Bobcats Nov. 27, 2007 WIN: 110-90 Miami took revenge for its two losses to Charlotte with its highest-scoring game this season, dominating the visiting Bobcats, 110-90, on Tuesday. Ricky Davis came off the bench and unleashed a game-high 23 points. HEAT @ Bobcats Nov. 13, 2007 LOSS: 91-76 A game Shaquille O'Neal gave the HEAT a team-high 17 points, but Miami fell 91-76 in Charlotte on Tuesday, its second straight loss to the Bobcats. Udonis Haslem chipped in 10 points and a team-best seven boards. HEAT vs Bobcats Nov. 4, 2007 LOSS: 90-88 The HEAT came back from a 16-point deficit in the fourth quarter Sunday, tying the game on a Ricky Davis 3-pointer with just over a minute remaining before falling short to the Bobcats, 90-88. Udonis Haslem led the way with 18 points and Shaquille O'Neal added 17. HEAT @ Bobcats Apr. 10, 2007 LOSS: 92-82 Dwyane Wade returned to the starting lineup but could not prevent Tuesday night's 92-82 defeat at the Bobcats. He tallied 14 points and five rebounds in 20 minutes, and Antoine Walker scored a team-high 17 on 8-for-14 shooting. Shaquille O'Neal, Gary Payton and Udonis Haslem did not play. HEAT vs. Bobcats Apr. 8, 2007 LOSS: 111-103 In his first action since a Feb. 21 shoulder injury, Dwayne Wade made 1-of-2 free throw attempts with 2.4 seconds remaining in regulation to force overtime, but Miami couldn't overcome Charlotte in a 111-103 home defeat on Sunday. Wade finished with 12 points and eight assists, while Alonzo Mourning posted 20 points and three blocks. HEAT vs. Bobcats Feb. 5, 2007 WIN: 113-93 Dwyane Wade was dominant, Shaquille O'Neal looked at full strength, and the HEAT rolled to a 113-93 home win over the Bobcats on Monday. Wade tallied 27 points, 12 assists, five rebounds and three steals, while O'Neal had 22 points on 10-of-14 shooting and two blocked shots. HEAT @ Bobcats Mar. 24, 2006 WIN: 114-93 Miami was on its game from the start, shooting 58 percent from the field in a 114-93 home win Friday over Charlotte. Dwyane Wade and Shaquille O'Neal combined to shoot 17-of-25 and scored 24 and 22 points, respectively, for the HEAT, who never trailed and led by as many as 30. Seven-time Grammy Award winner Michael McDonald performed the national anthem prior to the game. HEAT @ Bobcats Mar. 6, 2006 WIN: 106-105 Shaquille O'Neal celebrated his 34th birthday in style Monday, scoring all of Miami's points in overtime and leading the HEAT to a 106-105 victory in Charlotte. Shaq finished with a season-high 35 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, but it was Jason Williams who gave The Daddy his biggest present, hitting a game-tying trey with 45.2 ticks left in regulation to force the bonus frame. O'Neal and Williams combined for 27 points in the fourth quarter, which helped erase a 15-point deficit and allowed Miami to notch its ninth straight win. HEAT @ Bobcats Jan. 27, 2006 WIN: 91-85 Miami only managed 30 points in the first half, but scored at least 30 in the third and fourth periods to march to a 91-85 victory over Charlotte on Friday. Shaquille O'Neal scored 23 to go along with three blocks, Udonis Haslem added 17 points, and Antoine Walker notched 12 of his 15 in the fourth. HEAT vs. Bobcats Nov. 12, 2005 WIN: 108-99 The HEAT's supporting cast stole the show on Saturday night, leading Miami to a 108-99 win over Charlotte. Jason Williams scored 22 points and delivered 7 assists, and Alonzo Mourning contributed 16 points. Udonis Haslem also played well, scoring 14 and grabbing 11 boards. Their performances took the pressure off of Dwyane Wade, who scored 19 and tallied seven rebounds and seven assists. Preseason Apr. 19, 2005 WIN: 99-80 Rasual Butler came off the bench to score a career-high 25 points, and the HEAT jumped out to an 11-point lead at halftime in Tuesday's 99-80 win over the Bobcats. Butler, who played just 16 minutes, went 11-for-14 from the field for Miami. HEAT @ Bobcats Mar. 26, 2005 LOSS: 94-92 Dwyane Wade's missed 3-pointer as time expired helped the Bobcats edge the HEAT, 94-92, in Charlotte. The loss was Miami's second in three contests and first to a Southeast Division foe. Charlotte took its largest lead of the night, 52-39, with 11:38 remaining in the third, but the HEAT outscored the Bobcats the rest of the period, 31-18, to tie the score at 70 heading into the final quarter. Charlotte held Miami to 33 percent shooting in the fourth and took a three-point lead, 94-91, with 12.0 seconds left after Brevin Knight connected on one of two free throws. Miami had one last chance to win or tie the game. Wade, who pulled the HEAT to within two by knocking down one of two free throws, grabbed the rebound from his missed free throw, but his 3-pointer at the buzzer missed the mark. HEAT @ Bobcats Feb. 11, 2005 WIN: 97-87 Shaquille O'Neal scored 32 points and grabbed 12 rebounds to lead the HEAT to its fifth consecutive victory with a 97-87 win over the Charlotte Bobcats at the Charlotte Coliseum. Miami trailed at halftime, 40-38, but got things going midway through the third quarter, going on an 18-4 run to take a 71-57 lead with 54 seconds left in the period. The Bobcats got back to within five points, 92-87, with 1:49 left in the game on a jumper by Jason Kapono, but Charlotte did not score again, missing their next five field goals. Damon Jones scored 22 points and dished out a game-high eight assists while going 6-for-8 from 3-point territory. HEAT vs. Bobcats Jan. 1, 2005 WIN: 113-90 Dwyane Wade scored 20 points and dished out nine assists to lead the HEAT in its first ever meeting against the Charlotte Bobcats, 113-90, to extend its franchise-record wining streak to 14 at the AmericanAirlines Arena. Seven players scored in double figures for the HEAT, including Shaquille O'Neal's 16 points. All 10 players who saw action scored for Miami. Rookie Emeka Okafor led the Bobcats with 17 points and a game-high 10 rebounds to record his 19th straight double-double. Theron Smith's two free throws with 3:32 remaining in the second period cut Miami's lead to two, 41-39, before Wade and the HEAT took over. Wade's jumper sparked a 9-0 run, part of a 12-4 run to close the half, capped off by Wade's off-balanced 3-pointer at the buzzer to give the HEAT a 55-43 halftime advantage. Wade scored nine of his 16 first-half points during the HEAT's late-quarter run. The HEAT led by as many as 24 points, but Jason Kapono's 3-pointer trimmed the Bobcats' deficit to 15 late in the fourth period. The HEAT responded with an 11-2 run to secure the win. Preseason
i don't know
A denarian is what age range?
Definition of Age by decade Definition of Age by decade Surprising Benefits of Sex Slideshow Age by decade: A term designating someone's age by decade. For example, a septuagenarian refers to someone in his or her seventies (age 70 to 79). The prefix in such terms is always from the Latin. For example, the Latin septuageni = seventy. Denarian: Someone age 10 to 19. Vicenarian: Someone in his or her twenties. Tricenarian: Someone in his or her thirties. Quadragenarian: Someone in his or her forties. Quinquagenarian : Someone in his or her fifties. Sexagenarian : Someone in his or her sixties. Septuagenarian: Someone in his or her seventies. Octogenarian: Someone in his or her eighties. Nonagenarian : Someone in his or her nineties. Centenarian : Someone 100 or more. Supercentenarian : Someone 110 years old or more (no upper limit). The terms denarian, vicenarian, tricenarian, and quadragenarian are not in common usage. The term supercentenarian was coined in 1991. Last Editorial Review: 5/13/2016
10 to 19
Known as the Empire State of the South, what was the 4th state to join the union on January 2, 1788?
Definition of Age by decade Definition of Age by decade Surprising Benefits of Sex Slideshow Age by decade: A term designating someone's age by decade. For example, a septuagenarian refers to someone in his or her seventies (age 70 to 79). The prefix in such terms is always from the Latin. For example, the Latin septuageni = seventy. Denarian: Someone age 10 to 19. Vicenarian: Someone in his or her twenties. Tricenarian: Someone in his or her thirties. Quadragenarian: Someone in his or her forties. Quinquagenarian : Someone in his or her fifties. Sexagenarian : Someone in his or her sixties. Septuagenarian: Someone in his or her seventies. Octogenarian: Someone in his or her eighties. Nonagenarian : Someone in his or her nineties. Centenarian : Someone 100 or more. Supercentenarian : Someone 110 years old or more (no upper limit). The terms denarian, vicenarian, tricenarian, and quadragenarian are not in common usage. The term supercentenarian was coined in 1991. Last Editorial Review: 5/13/2016
i don't know
Isaac Stern, Nicolai Paganini, Itzhak Pearlman, and Yehudi Menuhin were all famous for playing which instrument?
Joshua Bell, Itzhak Perlman or Jascha Heifetz New Posts   All Forums:Forum Nav: Joshua Bell, Itzhak Perlman or Jascha Heifetz Select All Posts By This User Post your views on each of the performers (Joshua Bell, Itzhak Perlman, Jascha Heifetz) and David Oistrakh and state which one you like best) Joshua Bell-plays too cheesily, I don't like the way he "dances" when playing, and I don't like his vibrate Itzhak Perlman-Great violinist, great technique, great tone, all around awesome! Jascha Heifetz- Astounding technique, never plays anything out of tune, I feel like he rushes a lot through pieces, not putting enough "love" as Isaac Stern would say. My favorite is Itzhak Perlman, his technique is brilliant, and is extremely musical. Select All Posts By This User Joshua Bell - Less showy and more considered interpretations generally. Goes for musicality over flash. Perlman - Amazing technique, perhaps the best virtuoso technique since Heifetz. But schmaltzy, overly sentimental interpretations generally (with some exceptions, for example his beethoven violin sonatas are top rank). Heifetz - Used to hate him as I saw him as a showoff virtuoso that neglected the emotional aspects of anything he performed. That has changed, I now appreciate his more "straight" approach, and really like the fact that he tends to push ahead where everyone else tends to slow down or meander. I'll add a few others: Hillary Hahn - perhaps the closest we have to a modern day Heifetz, with amazing technique and relatively unsentimental, often quick performances. Vengerov - Even better technique than Hahn, has absolute, totoal, and effortless control over his instrument. Unfortunately I tend to find his interpretations seem to "put on" emotion. I put him in the same category as Perlman. Mullova - generally wiry tone and very tough, sinewy interpretations. The antipode of Perlman and Vengerov. I could go on, but I gotta draw the line somewhere.... Select All Posts By This User I decided to give the Bell and MTT another listen, but turned up the volume a bit more, it made a pretty large difference. Sounded a lot better, but still not one of my favorite recordings, mainly because I think MTT and Bell bring out the worst in each other, namely a lot of needless rubato and too much emphasis on the moment at the expense of the overally form of the music. Re: the 280's I sold them a while back, but a friend still has a pair. I thought (and still think) they were very good for classical music, very good clarity and precision, but in the end just a little clinical sounding. I found the Beyer DT250-250's had similar clarity, but better warmth and emotion was able to come through. Select All Posts By This User Josua Bell: overrated, overadvertised, but still pretty good. No where as serious as Midori. If you want to hear an overrated violinist, Midori is the prime choice. Heifeitz: For precision in playing, I don't think there is a match. Sometimes he is super exciting (as in Beethoven Concerto), and other times he is too fast, overpowering and too tasteless (as in Scottish Fantasy). Like him or not, can't deny he is a giant. Perlman: His virtuosity puts him at the top of his generation. His sweet tone is generally attractive, but sometimes wears his heart upon the sleeves. His repertoire is vast, and his approach is always romantic. Kreisler (1875-1962): I just bought his complete recording on RCA (11 CDs). His constant vibrato style has never been equaled. No one can make the violin sing like him; his violin actually sounds like a great singer. His interpretation is extremely lyrical, and his musical ideas are very different from anyone born in the 20th century. He represents the last of the virtuoso/composer violinists of the 19th century, a tradition passed from Paganini to Wieniawski, Joachim and Sarasate. Fortunately we can still hear him in decent recordings between the two world wars. No one can claim he has heard the world's greatest violinists until he listens to Kreisler's recordings. Hilary Hahn: Very promising violinist. Her technical power is similar to Perlman at his peak. She has shown a lot of independent thinking in her career development and musical interpretation. The scary thing is, she is still rapidly improving. If she stays her course, she might become the defining violinist in the first decades of 21st century. Select All Posts By This User Heifetz: I have mixed feelings about Heifetz. His technique is truly great and it's good to have a more fiery approach to some of the violin concertos from time to time, but I usually find his interpretations to be overly fast, almost hasty, and his way of phrasing seems a bit peculiar to me. Perlman: I really like his Beethoven violin concerto and sonatas but can't appreciate his other works as much. Overly romantic sometimes. Oistrakh: My favourite fiddler. There's character and passion in his play but never too much. I haven't heard a lot from Joshua Bell yet. Other violinists I really enjoy are Hilary Hahn, Kyung Chung Wha, Vengerov, Grumiaux and Menuhin. how is midori overrated and a bad violinist? I heard her three times in concert. Her musical interpretation is dry, her bowing is too mechanical and results in a flat tone. She thinks she can play fast but she only plays the notes, not the music feeling. I also heard her in a lecture recently. Her knowledge of music history and technical aspects of violin making is clearly lacking. Obviously a gifted child who was pushed too far and ceased to improve since teenage. However, she is very active in community outreach programs and I heard she is a good teacher. So she has put her undeserved fame to good use--good for her!
Violin
What Philadelphia landmark is portrayed on the back of the $100 bill?
The World's Greatest Violinists - Top Ten List The World's Greatest Violinists - Top Ten List Updated on November 12, 2012 Stradivarius Violins The World's Greatest Violinists - Top Ten List ================== Any list of the world’s greatest anything is completely subjective and this one isn’t any different. This is my list of the ten greatest violinists based on my experience and my personal taste in music. I have imposed only two restrictions on these selections: There must be at least one recording available that was made by the artist. (This eliminates any violinist who died before 1900). The violinist must have survived the test of time. (There may be many brilliant young violinists out there who will appear on future lists but let them wait their turn.) I have limited my list to the top ten violinists and I have presented them in order of their date of birth. I have not made any attempt to rate them since their recordings span a hundred years, which is reflected in their quality. The recording that I selected for each artist is based on my personal taste and it’s availability on Utube. I have deliberately avoided using a particular piece of music more than once to preclude direct comparisons. The following table provides more details on the individual artists: =================== THE WORLD'S GREATEST VIOLINISTS (In order of Date of Birth) NAME Pablo de Sarasate (1844-1908) ===================== Fortunately, I was able to locate one of his recordings, which was made in 1904. Born in Pamplona, Spain in 1844, he made his first public concert at the age of eight. He made his Paris debut as a concert violinist in 1860. In addition to playing the violin, he composed more than 50 pieces, mostly for violin and piano, including Zigeunerweisen, which has been played by nearly every violin virtuoso since then. In addition, Sarasate’s Spanish influence can be heard in Lalo’s Symphonie Espagnole, Biset’s Carmen and Saint-Saens Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso which were either written expressly for Sarasate or dedicated to him. ================== Fritz Kreisler (1875-1962) ==================== Fritz Kreisler was my mother’s favorite violinist and one of the reasons that I am so fond of violin music today. He was born in Vienna, Austria in 1875 and his talent was recognized when he was only four years old. At age seven he entered the Vienna Conservatory and gave his first performance when he was only nine. He made his U.S. debut in 1888 and his London debut in 1902. During his 61-year career, he composed 4 operettas, 8 cadenzas, 1 concerto and more than 40 pieces for violin and piano. Among his best-known compositions are Liebesleid, Liebesfreud, Caprice Vennois and Schon Rosmarin. =================== Caprice Viennois Op.# 2 - Kreisler Mischa Elman Mischa Elman (1891-1967) ====================== Although I was familiar with Mischa Elman’s name, I was not that familiar with his work. Born in Talnoye near Kiev in the Ukraine in 1891, it was apparent at an early age that he had perfect pitch. He first studied at the Imperial Academy of Music in Odessa and later at the St. Petersburg Conservatory. He made his London debut in 1905 and played Carnegie Hall in 1908. He sometimes performed in as many as 107 concerts in a 29-week season. Famed for his passionate style and beautiful tone, his recordings spanned more than 50 years starting in 1906. ====================== Jascha Heifetz (1901-1987) =================== Jascha Heifetz was born in Vilnius, Lithuania, in 1901. He made his public debut at age seven and entered the Saint Petersburg Conservatory at age nine. At age twelve he met Fritz Kreisler for the first time. After accompanying him at the piano on the Mendelssohn concerto, Kreisler said "We may as well break our fiddles across our knees". In 1917, Jascha Heifetz first performed at Carnegie Hall and in 1925 he became an American citizen. Heifetz made his first recordings for the Victor Talking Machine Company in 1917 and remained with them for most of his career. His technical command of his instrument and his ability to play with stunning precision is regarded by many critics as unequaled. =================== Mendelssohn Violin Concerto - First Movement Zino Francescatti Zino Francescatti (1902-1991) ==================== Zino Francescatti was born in Marseilles, France in 1902 to a musical family. He gave his first public recital at age five and played the Beethoven concerto at age ten. In 1928, he met Ravel and accompanied him on a tour of Britain When he returned to Paris he was discouraged by how difficult it was to earn money as a solo violinist so he took a steady section job with the Orchestre Straram and began teaching at the Ecole Normale. Around 1939, his international career began to flourish. His career peaked in 1947 and his playing was described as having effortless technique, warmth of expression and tonal elegance. After retiring in 1976, he sold his celebrated "Hart" Stradivarius of 1727 and established the Zino Francescatti Foundation to assist young violinists. ==================== Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso - St Saens) David Oistrakh David Oistrakh (1908-1974) David Oistrakh was born in Odessa, Russia in 1908 into a family of Jewish merchants. He began his violin studies at age five and entered the Odessa Conservatory at age fifteen. In 1927, he relocated to Moscow where he met and later married pianist Tamara Rotareva. From 1934 onward, he taught at the Moscow Conservatory. After the end of the war, he traveled to other countries in the Soviet bloc. In 1968, he celebrated his 60th birthday by performing the Tchaikovsky concerto in the Great Hall of the Moscow Conservatory. He is considered to be one of the preeminent violinists of the 20th Century. Clair de lune - Debussy Yehudi Menuhin Yehudi Menuhin (1916-1999) Yehudi Menuhin was born in New York City in 1916 to Jewish parents who were originally from Belarus. He began violin instructions at age four and gave his first solo violin performance at age seven. In 1929, he played in Berlin under Bruno Walter and in 1932, he recorded Edward Elgar’s Violin Concerto in B minor with the composer himself conducting. He performed for the Allied soldiers during World War II and in 1947 he returned to Germany to perform with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra. During his long career he was known for his profound interpretations and for his exploration of music outside the classical realm. Hungarian Dance No. 5 - Brahms Isaac Stern Isaac Stern (1920-2001) ==================== Isaac Stern was born in 1920 into a Jewish family in Krzemieniec, Poland, but he was only fourteen months old when they moved to San Francisco. In 1928, he enrolled at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and he made his public debut in 1936 at age 15. In 1940, he began performing with Russian-born pianist Alexander Zakin which, continued up until 1977. Isaac Stern was best known for his recordings and for discovering young musicians such as Yo-Yo Ma, Itzhak Perlman and Pincus Zukerman. In the 1960s he played a major role in saving Carnegie Hall from demolition. Isaac Stern is one of only two violinists from this list that I have heard in live concerts – the other is Itzhak Perlman. ====================== Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto in D Sandor Lakatos Sandor Lakatos (1924-1994) ==================== Sandor Lakatos was born in Budapest, Hungary in 1924. Little is known about his early years but it can be assumed that like most Gypsy violinists, he had no formal musical training and learned to play music by listening to it rather than by reading it. He was considered to be by many people, the "king of the Gypsy violinists". He made numerous recordings and was featured for many years at "the Matyas Pince restaurant (Mathias Cellars) in Budapest. When I visited there in 1990, another group had replaced him. He died in 1994 but his music lives on in his recordings. =================== Itzhak Perlman (1945 - ++++) ======================= Itzhak Perlman was born in Tel Aviv, Israel in 1945. At age four he contracted polio and had to learn to walk on crutches. Even today, he uses crutches or a scooter to get around and he plays the violin sitting down. He studied at the Academy of Music in Tel Aviv and gave his first recital at age 10 before moving to New York to study at the Juliard School. He appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show twice in 1958 and made his debut at Carnegie Hall in 1963. While primarily a solo artist, he has performed with Yo-Yo Ma, Jesse Norman, Isaac Stern and Pincus Zukerman. He has also played jazz with Oscar Peterson and has been a soloist for a number of movie scores including Schindler’s List. My wife and I had the good fortune of seeing him perform with the Detroit Symphony in the mid to late 1990s. ======================
i don't know
February 3, 1959 was known as The Day the Music Died, as a plane crash in Clearlake, Ia, took the life of Roger Peterson, Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and who?
The Story of Rock's First Tragedy: Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper Killed in Plane Crash REDDIT Hulton Archive, Getty Images Rock ‘n’ roll was still in its infancy when it suffered its first tragedy. On Feb. 3, 1959, three of its biggest stars — Buddy Holly , Ritchie Valens and J.P. Richardson, known as the Big Bopper — were killed in a plane crash near Clear Lake, Iowa. The three acts, along with Dion and the Belmonts, were on a package tour called the Winter Dance Party, which was to play 24 Midwestern cities in as many days. But the bus’ heating system was ill-equipped and broke down a few days later, which caused some musicians to catch the flu and Holly’s drummer Carl Bunch to be hospitalized for frostbite. By the time they reached the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake on Feb. 2, about a week and a half into the tour, Holly, after the show, decided to charter a plane from nearby Mason City to Fargo, N.D., just across the state line from their next gig in Moorhead, Minn. As a bonus, Holly would be able to do his laundry, which had been neglected since the tour began. The plane, a Beechwood Bonanza, had room for only three passengers — Holly and his band — and the pilot, Roger Peterson. Holly’s bass player, future country legend Waylon Jennings , gave up his seat to Richardson, who was ill. According to Jennings’ autobiography, Holly teased his bass player by saying, “Well, I hope your ol’ bus freezes up.” To which Jennings responded, “Well, I hope your ol’ plane crashes.” There are conflicting stories as to how Valens wound up in the third seat. Tommy Allsup, Holly’s guitarist, claimed that he lost a coin flip to Valens in the dressing room. In 2010, Dion DiMucci, who had been silent about that night for 51 years, claimed that he, not Allsup, was slated for the third seat because he was one of the headliners. But after winning the coin toss, he balked at paying $36 for the flight — the amount his parents paid in monthly rent for the apartment where he grew up — and gave Valens the seat. Local DJ Bob Hale, who was the MC for the concert, agrees that it was between Allsup and Valens, but that he, not Allsup, flipped the coin. Regardless of the contradictions, around 12:55AM on Feb. 3, the plane carrying Holly, Richardson and Valens took off in a snowstorm with strong winds. But the plane traveled only a few miles before crashing, killing all four men instantly. The federal investigation ruled that even though the weather played a large role in the accident, the 21-year-old Peterson was too inexperienced to have been flying in such conditions. In addition, he had most likely misread the altitude indicator, which was different than the one on which he had trained, and inadvertently brought the plane down instead of up. At the time, Holly’s wife of six months, Maria Elena, was two weeks pregnant. The day after the crash, she suffered a miscarriage from the emotional trauma. In March 1980, a long-missing piece of the plane crash was discovered. Holly’s signature black-rimmed glasses had landed in a snow bank and were discovered in the spring of 1959, after the snow melted. They were brought to the Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s office, sealed in a manila envelope and forgotten about for 21 years. Upon discovery, the glasses were returned to his widow and are currently on permanent display at the Buddy Holly Center in his hometown of Lubbock, Texas. Rockers Who Died at Age 27 Image of
The Big Bopper
The only US president to hold a PhD, Feb 3, 1924 saw the death of Woodrow Wilson, 28th President of the United States. Hailing from New Jersey, under what party was he elected?
'The day the music died'? Hardly - CNN.com 'The day the music died'? Hardly Story Highlights Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, Big Bopper died February 3, 1959 Event has been called "the day the music died," but it's also day of life Commemorative events being held in Clear Lake, Iowa, musicians' last stop By Todd Leopold CNN (CNN) -- The facts are these: Just after 1 a.m. February 3, 1959, a three-passenger Beechcraft Bonanza went down about five miles northwest of Mason City Municipal Airport, near Clear Lake, Iowa. The plane crash took the lives of the pilot, Roger Peterson, and three musicians: Charles Hardin Holley, better known as Buddy Holly, 22; Ritchie Valens (originally Valenzuela), 17; and J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson, 28. The three young musicians were part of the "Winter Dance Party," a ramshackle tour that started in Wisconsin. It has become famous, in Don McLean's "American Pie" formulation, as "the day the music died." The event has echoed through rock 'n' roll history for 50 years, representing, if not the end of rock 'n' roll itself, the close of an era, the end of the first bloom of rock anarchy and innovation. "It was like a curtain coming down," said Terry Stewart, president of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, which is co-hosting a series of events in Clear Lake for the anniversary, including classes putting the event in historical context. As they have for decades, visitors have been making the pilgrimage to the resort town about 110 miles north of Des Moines. On Monday night, the 50th anniversary of the trio's deaths, the city's Surf Ballroom and Museum will host a huge concert in conjunction with the Rock Hall. Expected are luminaries including Graham Nash, whose 1960s British band was named for Holly; the Smithereens' Pat DiNizio, who wrote the song "Maria Elena" for Holly's widow; Los Lobos, who followed in the Hispanic-rock tradition begun by Valens; Texans Delbert McClinton and Joe Ely; and Tommy Allsup, who was a Holly sideman at the show 50 years ago. iReport: Do you remember this era of rock? Share your memories "The vision [for the Monday show] has always been that we go back to the roots," said Laurie Lietz, the Surf's executive director. "There were so many who were influenced by [the trio]. So the tribute concert is really a tribute to each individual." The Surf, which was refurbished in 1995 by a local family (it's now run by a foundation), includes the original stage, the telephone where Holly and Valens placed their last calls, guitars, photographs and a green room with hundreds of autographs. They all pay tribute to the last show for three men. Don't Miss Surf Ballroom:   50 Winters Later Deseret News:  The Winter Dance Party tour Holly, Valens and Richardson were part of the Winter Dance Party, a ramshackle tour that had started in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and headed to small cities in Minnesota and Iowa. The tour, which also included Dion and the Belmonts and members of Holly's backing band, had lumbered along in subfreezing temperatures in unheated buses; two days earlier, one bus had stalled out on a lonely Wisconsin road. By the time the group reached Clear Lake, Holly in particular was ready to bolt. "Buddy was very determined when he wanted something," said his widow, Maria Elena Holly, of her "otherwise laid-back" husband of six months. Listen to Maria Elena talk about Buddy Holly » He booked the plane to fly to Fargo, North Dakota, where he planned to rest up and do laundry in advance of the group's next concert in Moorhead, Minnesota, across the state line. Fargo native Bobby Vee, who remembers the tragedy vividly, acknowledges that he owes his career to the event. The then-high school sophomore named Robert Velline had come home for lunch and heard a local DJ talking about the Moorhead show. "I had a ticket for the show. I was a huge Buddy Holly fan and a huge rock 'n' roll fan," he recalled, adding that a major rock 'n' roll concert in the area was a rarity. "As I got closer into the kitchen ... [my mother and brother] were talking about this plane crash that had taken place. I couldn't put it all together." But the promoter had decided to go on with the show and invited local bands to participate. Vee was in a garage band, and a friend suggested that they participate. The band, so loose it didn't even have a name, got on the bill. At the end of the night, a local booking agent approached them, and the Shadows (a name Vee came up with as they waited offstage) entered the music business. Vee's hits eventually included 1961's "Take Good Care of My Baby" and 1967's "Come Back When You Grow Up." "It changed my life," Vee said. "I was a 15-year-old. I'd never experienced that kind of tragedy. I wasn't there to start a career -- I didn't know what a career was -- I was just there to help out, because that's what people do when there's a problem." Rock critic Dave Marsh also remembers hearing about the crash. "I went to the door of our little house in Pontiac, Michigan, and I picked up the newspaper, and ... it was the first thing I saw: Three rock 'n' roll guys dying in a plane crash," he says. "I was 9, but I had an aunt who was just seven years older than me and a mother who was an Elvis fan and who watched 'American Bandstand' every day. So I was aware. ... It was something to deal with, people that young dying." But, indicating the lack of esteem for rock 'n' roll at the time, it wasn't a major national news story. The New York Times put a plane crash on its February 4 front page, but it was an American Airlines flight that had crashed near LaGuardia Airport. The Clear Lake tragedy was on page 66. The same was true for other major newspapers. iReport.com: How teens paid tribute to the trio "[Holly] really wasn't known to the older generation," said "Austin City Limits" executive producer and Holly aficionado Terry Lickona. "Even in his hometown [of Lubbock, Texas], they were embarrassed by him." The trio's deaths coincided with a period of dark events in rock 'n' roll history, including Elvis Presley's induction into the Army, Jerry Lee Lewis' blacklisting, the record industry payola scandals and Chuck Berry's Mann Act conviction, not to mention the rise of manufactured teen idols such as Frankie Avalon and Fabian. Partly thanks to McLean's lingering phrase, the ensuing years have been painted as a rock Dark Ages, rescued only by the Beatles' arrival in 1964 at the vanguard of the British Invasion. McLean: Buddy Holly was a genius Marsh says that canard, which he has refuted in "The Book of Rock Lists" and "The Heart of Rock and Soul," should be laid to rest once and for all. "I think what happened was that people weren't paying attention themselves and assumed no one else was, either," he said. "I think it's also a way that glorifies the lack of stars [compared to rock's early days]. That was missing. ... I don't think Roy Orbison had quite the same stature." Which doesn't mean that the music of Orbison, Phil Spector, early Motown or Gary U.S. Bonds deserves to be overlooked, he added: "The quality of the music is undeniable." iReport.com: 'Buddy Holly' performs as final tour re-created What would have happened to the trio in that era is, of course, impossible to know. Valens, celebrated in the movie "La Bamba," was just starting his career and may have produced more hits; Richardson, a former DJ and radio program director who shot some rudimentary music videos, had shrewd entrepreneurial instincts. And then there's Holly, with his songwriting talent, his arranging abilities (he did the strings on "It Doesn't Matter Anymore," his last single) and sheer knowledge of music. Maria Elena Holly, who watches over his legacy, says Buddy had big plans: He wanted to do albums with Ray Charles and Mahalia Jackson; he wanted to try film music; he wanted to do music publishing. "He was a multitasker in every way," she said. iReport.com: Musician discovered Buddy Holly through the Beatles Monday, he and the others will simply be remembered at the ballroom where it's always February 2, 1959, and they're putting on another great show. "When I come to these things, I don't think about [that] this is the last time I talked to him was from here. I think, I'm meeting the fans who have kept his memory alive," said Maria Elena Holly, who admits to getting "a little bit teary" when she hears "True Love Ways." "And that's really what Buddy wanted to happen with his music: He wanted people to enjoy the music, to listen to it and make them happy," she said. "And when I think of it that way, I think at least his dream came true."
i don't know
Generally considered the first recorded speculative bubble, trade in what commodity collapsed in February 1637, devastating the economy of The United Provinces (now the Netherlands)?
tulip mania : definition of tulip mania and synonyms of tulip mania (English) 13 External links   History   A Satire of Tulip Mania by Brueghel the Younger (ca. 1640) depicts speculators as brainless monkeys in contemporary upper-class dress. In a commentary on the economic folly, one monkey urinates on the previously valuable plants, others appear in debtor's court and one is carried to the grave. The introduction of the tulip to Europe is usually attributed to Ogier de Busbecq , the ambassador of Ferdinand I, Holy Roman Emperor to the Sultan of Turkey , who sent the first tulip bulbs and seeds to Vienna in 1554 from the Ottoman Empire . Tulip bulbs were soon distributed from Vienna to Augsberg , Antwerp and Amsterdam . [11] Its popularity and cultivation in the United Provinces (now the Netherlands ) [12] is generally thought to have started in earnest around 1593 after the Flemish botanist Carolus Clusius had taken up a post at the University of Leiden and established the hortus academicus . [13] He planted his collection of tulip bulbs and found they were able to tolerate the harsher conditions of the Low Countries [14] ; shortly thereafter the tulip began to grow in popularity. [15] The tulip was different from every other flower known to Europe at that time, with a saturated, intense petal color that no other plant exhibited. The appearance of the non pareil tulip as a status symbol at this time coincides with the rise of the newly independent country's trade fortunes. No longer the Spanish Netherlands , its economic resources could now be channeled into commerce and the country embarked on its Golden Age . Amsterdam merchants were at the center of the lucrative East Indies trade , where a single voyage could yield profits of 400%. [16] The new merchant class displayed and validated its success, primarily by erecting grand estates surrounded by flower gardens, and the plant that had pride of place was the sensational tulip. As a result, the flower rapidly became a coveted luxury item, and a profusion of varieties followed. They were classified in groups: the single-hued tulips of red, yellow, or white were known as Couleren; the multicolored Rosen (white streaks on a red or pink streaks background), Violetten (white streaks on a purple or lilac background), and the rarest of all, the Bizarden (Bizarres), (yellow or white streaks on a red, brown or purple background. [17] The multicolor effects of intricate lines and flame-like streaks on the petals were vivid and spectacular and made the bulbs that produced these even more exotic-looking plants highly sought-after. It is now known that this effect is due to the bulbs being infected with a type of tulip-specific mosaic virus , known as the " Tulip breaking virus ", so called because it "breaks" the plant's lock on a single color of petal. [18] [19]   Anonymous 17th-century watercolor of the Semper Augustus, famous for being the most expensive tulip sold during tulip mania. The tulip was itself a conspirator in the supply-squeeze that fueled the speculation, in that it is grown from a bulb and that cannot be produced quickly. Normally it takes 7-12 years to grow a flowering bulb from seed; and while bulbs can produce both seeds and two or three bud clones, or offsets annually, the "mother bulb" lasts only a few years. Properly cultivated, the "daughter offsets" will become flowering bulbs of their own after one to three years. Prior to the demand for the "broken" tulips, virus-free bulbs producing ordinary single-color varieties were sold by the pound. Once affected by the virus, the "broken" exotics were an extremely limited commodity due to the fact that the sought-after "breaking pattern" can only be obtained through offsets, not seeds, as it is only the bulb that is affected by the mosaic virus. Unfortunately, the virus that produced the sought-after effects also acted adversely on the bulb, weakening it and retarding propagation of offsets, so the cultivation of the most appealing varieties now took even longer. Taking this into account, it is quite probable that from the time the speculation started until its collapse, the actual number of rare bulbs that changed hands so feverishly never increased beyond the original number. The beautiful effects of the virus made the flamboyant and extravagant plants highly coveted, and because they were rare and desirable, they were expensive. Given that, it is not surprising growers named their new varieties with exalted titles. Many early forms were prefixed Admirael ("admiral"), often combined with the growers' names: Admirael van der Eijck for example, was perhaps the most highly regarded of about fifty so named. Generael ("general") was another prefix that found its way into the names of around thirty varieties. Later varieties were given even more superb and high-flown names, derived from Alexander the Great or Scipio , or even "Admiral of Admirals" and "General of Generals". However, naming could be haphazard and varieties highly variable in quality. [20] Most of these varieties have now died out, [21] though virus-free variegated-bred tulips continue in the trade. Tulips bloom in April and May for only about a week. During the plant's dormant phase from June to September, bulbs can be uprooted and moved about, so actual purchases (in the spot market ) occurred during these months. [22] During the rest of the year, florists, or tulip traders, signed contracts before a notary to purchase tulips at the end of the season (effectively futures contracts ). [22] Thus the Dutch, who developed many of the techniques of modern finance, created a market for durable tulip bulbs. [12] Short selling was banned by an edict of 1610, which was reiterated or strengthened in 1621 and 1630, and again in 1636. Short sellers were not prosecuted under these edicts, but their contracts were deemed unenforceable. [23]   A standardized price index for tulip bulb contracts, created by Earl Thompson. Thompson had no price data between February 9 and May 1, thus the shape of the decline is unknown. The tulip market is known, however, to have collapsed abruptly in February. [24] As the flowers grew in popularity, professional growers paid higher and higher prices for bulbs with the virus, and prices rose steadily. By 1634, in part as a result of demand from the French, speculators began to enter the market. [25] The contract price of rare bulbs continued to rise throughout 1636, but by November, the price of common, "unbroken" bulbs also began to increase, so that soon any tulip bulb could soon fetch hundreds of guilders. That year the Dutch created a type of formal futures markets where contracts to buy bulbs at the end of the season were bought and sold. Traders met in "colleges" at taverns and buyers were required to pay a 2.5% "wine money" fee, up to a maximum of three guilders per trade. Neither party paid an initial margin nor a mark-to-market margin, and all contracts were with the individual counter-parties rather than with the Exchange. The Dutch derogatorily described tulip contract trading as windhandel [literally "wind trade"], because no bulbs were actually changing hands. The entire business was accomplished on the margins of Dutch economic life, not in the Exchange itself. [26]   Wagon of Fools by Hendrik Gerritsz Pot , 1637. Followed by Haarlem weavers who have abandoned their looms, blown by the wind and flying a flag emblazoned with tulips, Flora , goddess of flowers, her arms laden with tulips, rides to destruction to the sea along with tipplers, money changers and the two-faced goddess Fortuna. Tulip mania reached its peak during the winter of 1636-37, when some bulbs were reportedly changing hands ten times in a day. No deliveries were ever made to fulfill any of these contracts because in February 1637, tulip bulb contract prices collapsed abruptly and the trade of tulips ground to a halt. [27] The collapse began in Haarlem , when, for the first time, buyers apparenty refused to show up at a routine bulb auction. Only sellers existed, as there were no buyers, at all. While this may have been the result of the fact that Haarlem was then at the height of an outbreak of bubonic plague , within days panic had spread across the country. Despite the efforts of traders to prop up demand, the market for tulips evaporated. Flowers that had commanded 5,000 guilders a few weeks before now fetched one-hundredth that amount. While the existence of the plague may have helped create a culture of fatalistic risk-taking that allowed the speculation to skyrocket in the first place, this particular outbreak might also have been a contributing factor that helped burst the bubble. [28]   Available price data The lack of consistently recorded price data from the 1630s makes the extent of the tulip mania difficult to estimate. The bulk of available data comes from anti-speculative pamphlets by "Gaergoedt and Warmondt" (GW) written just after the bubble. Economist Peter Garber collected data on the sales of 161 bulbs of 39 varieties between 1633 and 1637, with 53 being recorded by GW. Ninety-eight sales were recorded for the last date of the bubble, February 5, 1637, at wildly varying prices. The sales were made using several market mechanisms: futures trading at the colleges, spot sales by growers, notarized futures sales by growers, and estate sales. "To a great extent, the available price data are a blend of apples and oranges," according to Garber. [29]   Mackay's Madness of Crowds 2500 ƒ The modern discussion of tulip mania began with the book Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds , published in 1841 by the Scottish journalist Charles Mackay ; he proposed that crowds of people often behave irrationally, and tulip mania was, along with the South Sea Bubble and the Mississippi Company scheme, one of his primary examples. His account was largely sourced to a 1797 work by Johann Beckmann titled A History of Inventions, Discoveries, and Origins. In fact, Beckmann's account, and thus Mackay's by association, was primarily sourced to three anonymous pamphlets published in 1637 with an anti-speculative agenda. [31] Mackay's vivid book was popular among generations of economists and stock market participants. His popular but flawed description of tulip mania as a speculative bubble remains prominent, even though since the 1980s economists have debunked many aspects of his account. [31] According to Mackay, the growing popularity of tulips in the early 17th century caught the attention of the entire nation; "the population, even to its lowest dregs, embarked in the tulip trade". [6] By 1635, a sale of 40 bulbs for 100,000 florins (also known as Dutch guilders ) was recorded. By way of comparison, a ton of butter cost around 100 florins, a skilled laborer might earn 150 florins a year, and "eight fat swine" cost 240 florins. [6] (According to the International Institute of Social History , one florin had the purchasing power of € 10.28 in 2002. [32] ) By 1636, tulips were traded on the exchanges of numerous Dutch towns and cities. This encouraged trading in tulips by all members of society; Mackay recounted people selling or trading their other possessions in order to speculate in the tulip market, such as an offer of 12 acres (49,000 m2) of land for one of two existing Semper Augustus bulbs, or a single bulb of the Viceroy that was purchased for a basket of goods (shown at right) worth 2,500 florins. [30] Many individuals grew suddenly rich. A golden bait hung temptingly out before the people, and, one after the other, they rushed to the tulip marts, like flies around a honey-pot. Every one imagined that the passion for tulips would last for ever, and that the wealthy from every part of the world would send to Holland, and pay whatever prices were asked for them. The riches of Europe would be concentrated on the shores of the Zuyder Zee, and poverty banished from the favoured clime of Holland. Nobles, citizens, farmers, mechanics, seamen, footmen, maidservants, even chimney sweeps and old clotheswomen, dabbled in tulips. [6]   Pamphlet from the Dutch tulipomania, printed in 1637 The increasing mania contributed several amusing, but unlikely, anecdotes that Mackay recounted, such as a sailor who mistook the valuable tulip bulb of a merchant for an onion and grabbed it to eat. The merchant and his family chased the sailor to find him "eating a breakfast whose cost might have regaled a whole ship's crew for a twelvemonth". The sailor was jailed for eating the bulb. [6] This anecdote is unlikely if only because, like most Liliaceae bulbs, tulips are somewhat poisonous , and taste quite differently from onions. [33] People were purchasing bulbs at higher and higher prices, intending to re-sell them for a profit. However, such a scheme could not last unless someone was ultimately willing to pay such high prices and take possession of the bulbs. In February 1637, tulip traders could no longer find new buyers willing to pay increasingly inflated prices for their bulbs. As this realization set in, the demand for tulips collapsed, and prices plummeted—the speculative bubble burst. Some were left holding contracts to purchase tulips at prices now ten times greater than those on the open market, while others found themselves in possession of bulbs now worth a fraction of the price they had paid. Mackay claims the Dutch devolved into distressed accusations and recriminations against others in the trade. [6] In Mackay's account, the panicked tulip speculators sought help from the government of the Netherlands, which responded by declaring that anyone who had bought contracts to purchase bulbs in the future could void their contract by payment of a 10 percent fee. Attempts were made to resolve the situation to the satisfaction of all parties, but these were unsuccessful. The mania finally ended, Mackay says, with individuals stuck with the bulbs they held at the end of the crash—no court would enforce payment of a contract, since judges regarded the debts as contracted through gambling, and thus not enforceable by law. [6] According to Mackay, lesser tulip manias also occurred in other parts of Europe, although matters never reached the state they had in the Netherlands. He also claimed that the aftermath of the tulip price deflation led to a widespread economic chill throughout the Netherlands for many years afterwards. [6]   Modern views Mackay's account of inexplicable mania was unchallenged, and mostly unexamined, until the 1980s. [34] However, research into tulip mania since then, especially by proponents of the efficient market hypothesis , [8] who are more skeptical of speculative bubbles in general, suggests that his story was incomplete and inaccurate. In her 2007 scholarly analysis Tulipmania, Anne Goldgar states that the phenomenon was limited to "a fairly small group", and that most accounts from the period "are based on one or two contemporary pieces of propaganda and a prodigious amount of plagiarism ". [9] Peter Garber argues that the bubble "was no more than a meaningless winter drinking game, played by a plague-ridden population that made use of the vibrant tulip market." [35] While Mackay's account held that a wide array of society was involved in the tulip trade, Goldgar's study of archived contracts found that even at its peak the trade in tulips was conducted almost exclusively by merchants and skilled craftsmen who were wealthy, but not members of the nobility. [36] Any economic fallout from the bubble was very limited. Goldgar, who identified many prominent buyers and sellers in the market, found fewer than half a dozen who experienced financial troubles in the time period, and even of these cases it is not clear that tulips were to blame. [37] This is not altogether surprising. Although prices had risen, money had not exchanged hands between buyers and sellers. Thus profits were never realized for sellers; unless sellers had made other purchases on credit in expectation of the profits, the collapse in prices did not cause anyone to lose money. [38]   Rational explanations There is no dispute that prices for tulip bulb contracts rose and then fell in 1636–37, but even a dramatic rise and fall in prices does not necessarily mean that an economic or speculative bubble developed and then burst. For tulip mania to have qualified as an economic bubble, the price of tulip bulbs would need to have become unhinged from the intrinsic value of the bulbs. Modern economists have advanced several possible reasons for why the rise and fall in prices may not have constituted a bubble. [39] The increases of the 1630s corresponded with a lull in the Thirty Years' War . [40] Hence market prices (at least initially) were responding rationally to a rise in demand. However, the fall in prices was faster and more dramatic than the rise. Data on sales largely disappeared after the February 1637 collapse in prices, but a few other data points on bulb prices after tulip mania show that bulbs continued to lose value for decades thereafter.   Volatility in flower prices Garber compared the available price data on tulips to hyacinth prices at the beginning of the 19th century—when the hyacinth replaced the tulip as the fashionable flower—and found a similar pattern. When hyacinths were introduced florists strove with one another to grow beautiful hyacinth flowers, as demand was strong. However, as people became more accustomed to hyacinths the prices began to fall. The most expensive bulbs fell to 1–2 percent of their peak value within 30 years. [41] Garber also notes that, "a small quantity of prototype lily bulbs recently was sold for 1 million guilders ($480,000 at 1987 exchange rates)", demonstrating that even today flowers can command extremely high prices. [42] Additionally, because the rise in prices occurred after bulbs were planted for the year, growers would not have had an opportunity to increase production in response to price. [43]   Legal changes   Admirael van der Eijck from the 1637 catalog of P.Cos., sold for 1045 guilders on February 5, 1637 UCLA economics professor Earl A. Thompson argues in a 2007 paper that Garber's explanation cannot account for the extremely swift drop in tulip bulb contract prices. The annualized rate of price decline was 99.999%, instead of the average 40% for other flowers. [39] He provides another explanation for Dutch tulip mania. The Dutch parliament was considering a decree (originally sponsored by Dutch tulip investors who had lost money because of a German setback in the Thirty Years' War [44] ) that changed the way tulip contracts functioned: On February 24, 1637, the self-regulating guild of Dutch florists, in a decision that was later ratified by the Dutch Parliament, announced that all futures contracts written after November 30, 1636 and before the re-opening of the cash market in the early Spring, were to be interpreted as option contracts. They did this by simply relieving the futures buyers of the obligation to buy the future tulips, forcing them merely to compensate the sellers with a small fixed percentage of the contract price. [45] Before this parliamentary decree, the purchaser of a tulip contract—known in modern finance as a futures contract —was legally obliged to buy the bulbs. The decree changed the nature of these contracts, so that if the current market price fell, the purchaser could opt to pay a penalty and forgo receipt of the bulb, rather than pay the full contracted price. This change in law meant that, in modern terminology, the futures contracts had been transformed into options contracts . This proposal began to be debated in the fall of 1636, and if it became clear to investors that the decree was likely to be enacted, prices probably would have risen. [45] This decree allowed someone who purchased a contract to void the contract with a payment of only 3.5 percent of the contract price (or about 1/30th the contract). [45] Thus, investors bought increasingly expensive contracts. A speculator could sign a contract to purchase a tulip for 100 guilders. If the price rose above 100 guilders, the speculator would pocket the difference as profit. If the price remained low, the speculator could void the contract for only 3½ guilders. Thus, a contract nominally for 100 guilders, would actually cost an investor no more than 3½ guilders. In early February, as contract prices reached a peak, Dutch authorities stepped in and halted the trading of these contracts. [45] Thompson states that actual sales of tulip bulbs remained at ordinary levels throughout the period. Thus, Thompson concludes that the "mania" was a rational response to changes in contractual obligations. [46] Using data about the specific payoffs present in the futures and option contracts, Thompson argues that tulip bulb contract prices hewed closely to what a rational economic model would dictate, "Tulip contract prices before, during, and after the 'tulipmania' appear to provide a remarkable illustration of 'market efficiency'." [47]   Critiques Other economists believe that these elements cannot completely explain the dramatic rise and fall in tulip prices. [48] Garber's theory has also been challenged for failing to explain a similar dramatic rise and fall in prices for regular tulip bulb contracts. [5] Some economists also point to other factors associated with speculative bubbles, such as a growth in the supply of money , demonstrated by an increase in deposits at the Bank of Amsterdam during that period. [49]   Social mania and legacy   A modern-day field of tulips in the Netherlands —tulips remain a popular symbol of the Netherlands. The popularity of Mackay's tale has continued to this day, with new editions of Extraordinary Popular Delusions appearing regularly, with introductions by writers such as financier Bernard Baruch (1932), financial writers Andrew Tobias (1980), [50] psychologist David J. Schneider (1993), and Michael Lewis (2008). At least six editions are currently in print. Goldgar argues that although tulip mania may not have constituted an economic or speculative bubble, it was nonetheless traumatic to the Dutch for other reasons. "Even though the financial crisis affected very few, the shock of tulipmania was considerable. A whole network of values was thrown into doubt." [51] In the 17th century, it was unimaginable to most people that something as common as a flower could be worth so much more money than most people earned in a year. The idea that the prices of flowers that grow only in the summer could fluctuate so wildly in the winter, threw into chaos the very understanding of "value". [52]   Still Life with Flowers by Hans Bollongier (1623–1672) painted in 1639 showcasing the prized Semper Augustus tulip. Many of the sources telling of the woes of tulip mania, such as the anti-speculative pamphlets that were later reported by Beckmann and Mackay, have been cited as evidence of the extent of the economic damage. These pamphlets, however, were not written by victims of a bubble, but were primarily religiously motivated. The upheaval was viewed as a perversion of the moral order—proof that "concentration on the earthly, rather than the heavenly flower could have dire consequences". [53] Thus, it is possible that a relatively minor economic event took on a life of its own as a morality tale. Nearly a century later, during the crash of the Mississippi Company and the South Sea Company in about 1720, tulip mania appeared in satires of these manias. [54] When Johann Beckmann first described tulip mania in the 1780s, he compared it to the failing lotteries of the time. [55] In Goldgar's view, even many modern popular works about financial markets, such as Burton Malkiel 's A Random Walk Down Wall Street (1973) and John Kenneth Galbraith 's A Short History of Financial Euphoria (1990; written soon after the stock market crash of 1987 ), used the tulip mania as a lesson in morality. [56] [57] [58] Tulip mania again became a popular reference during the dot-com bubble of 1995–2001. [56] In this century, journalists have compared it to failure of the speculative dot-com bubble in 2000 [59] and the most recently, to the subprime mortgage crisis . [60] [61] Despite the mania's enduring popularity, Daniel Gross of Slate has said of economists offering efficient market explanations for the mania, that "If they're correct ... then business writers will have to delete Tulipmania from their handy-pack of bubble analogies." [62] Also in Oliver Stone 's drama Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps from 2010, a sequel to the 1987 film Wall Street , the tulip mania is referenced. Gordon Gekko, played by Michael Douglas , uses a historical chart displaying the market value of tulips and compares it to the late-2000s financial crisis .   See also ^ Gross, Daniel . " Bulb Bubble Trouble; That Dutch tulip bubble wasn't so crazy after all ", Slate , July 16, 2004. Retrieved on November 4, 2011.   References (Dutch) P.Cos (1637) – Verzameling van een meenigte tulipaanen, naar het leven geteekend met hunne naamen, en swaarte der bollen, zoo als die publicq verkogt zijn, te Haarlem in den jaare A. 1637, door P. Cos, bloemist te Haarlem. – Haarlem : [s.n.], 1637. – 75 pl. available online at Wageningen Tulip Portal . Retrieved on August 11, 2008. Dash, Mike (1999), Tulipomania: The Story of the World's Most Coveted Flower and the Extraordinary Passions It Aroused, London: Gollancz, ISBN   0-575-06723-3  
Tulip
Which cartoon character, who cooks at the Krusty Krab, lives in a pineapple under the sea?
PAF 9100 Final Terms Spring 2013 Prof (1) (Autosaved).docx - Public Affairs 9100 with Sullivan at Baruch College - StudyBlue Good to have you back! If you've signed in to StudyBlue with Facebook in the past, please do that again. PAF 9100 Final Terms Spring 2013 Prof (1) (Autosaved).docx PAF 9100 Final Terms Spring 2013 Prof (1) (Autosaved).docx Sharif K. File Size: 31 Views: 132 Advertisement Advertisement PAF 9100 Prof. Neil Sullivan Baruch College Spring 2013 Final Exam Study Terms A. The Progressive Era – These terms cover the time from the end of the Civil War to World War I. The period is characterized by the rise of great corporations and monopolies, massive numbers of immigrants arriving from Europe, terrible poverty both rural and urban, the heyday of political machines like Tammany Hall and eugenics. Muckrakers –The term muckraker refers to reform-minded journalists who wrote largely for popular magazines. Emerged in the United States after 1900 and continued to be influential until World War I, when through a combination of advertising boycotts, dirty tricks and patriotism, the movement, associated with the Progressive Era in the United States, came to an end. Before World War I, the term "muckraker" was used to refer in a general sense to a writer who investigates and publishes truthful reports to perform an auditing or watchdog function. The term is a reference to a character in John Bunyan's classic Pilgrim's Progress, "the Man with the Muck-rake" that rejected salvation to focus on filth. It became popular after President Theodore Roosevelt referred to the character in a 1906 speech. Settlement Houses- An institution in an inner-city area providing educational, recreational, and other social services to the community. US, with a goal of getting the rich and poor in society to live more closely together in an interdependent community. Its main object was the establishment of "settlement houses" in poor urban areas, in which volunteer middle-class "settlement workers" would live, hoping to share knowledge and culture with, and alleviate the poverty of their low-income neighbors. The "settlement houses" provided services such as daycare, education, and healthcare to improve the lives of the poor in these areas. In the US, by 1913 there were 413 settlements in 32 states 16th amendment- The Congress shall have power to lay and collect taxes on incomes, from whatever source derived, without apportionment among the several states, and without regard to any census or enumeration. Congress has the right to levy federal income taxes. 17th amendment- The seventeenth amendment changes the method of electing United States senators. Senators are no longer chosen by state legislatures; they are now elected by popular vote. The amendment also sets forth the process for replacing senators who cannot fulfil their term: the governor of the state will call for an election and may, with approval from the state legislature, appoint a temporary replacement. 18th amendment- The eighteenth amendment bans the sale and consumption of alcohol in the United States. 19th amendment- The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex. Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation. Women cannot be denied the right to vote in federal or state elections. Max Weber- German sociologist, philosopher, and political economist whose ideas influenced social theory, social research, and the discipline of sociology itself. Weber is often cited, with Émile Durkheim and Karl Marx, as one of the three founding architects of sociology. Weber is perhaps best known for his thesis combining economic sociology and the sociology of religion, elaborated in his book The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism, in which he proposed that ascetic Protestantism was one of the major "elective affinities" associated with the rise in the Western world of market-driven capitalism and the rational nation-state. Against Marx's "historical materialism," Weber emphasized the importance of cultural influences embedded in religion as a means for understanding the genesis of capitalism. Frederick Winslow Taylor- American mechanical engineer who sought to improve industrial efficiency. He is regarded as the father of scientific management and was one of the first management consultants. Taylor was one of the intellectual leaders of the Efficiency Movement and his ideas, broadly conceived, were highly influential in the Progressive Era. Triangle Shirtwaist Fire- March 25, 1911, was the deadliest industrial disaster in the history of the city of New York and resulted in the fourth highest loss of life from an industrial accident in U.S. history. It was also the second deadliest disaster in New York City. Because the managers had locked the doors to the stairwells and exits – a common practice at the time to prevent pilferage and unauthorized breaks – many of the workers who could not escape the burning building jumped from the eighth, ninth, and tenth floors to the streets below. The fire led to legislation requiring improved factory safety standards and helped spur the growth of the International Ladies' Garment Workers' Union, which fought for better working conditions for sweatshop workers. How the Other Half Lives- How the Other Half Lives: Studies among the Tenements of New York (1890) was an early publication of photojournalism by Jacob Riis, documenting squalid living conditions in New York City slums in the 1880s. It served as a basis for future "muckraking" journalism by exposing the slums to New York City’s upper and middle classes. W.E.B. DuBois- American sociologist, historian, civil rights activist, Pan-Africanist, author and editor. Born in Great Barrington Massachusetts, Du Bois grew up in a relatively tolerant and integrated community. After graduating from Harvard, where he was the first African American to earn a doctorate, he became a professor of history, sociology and economics at Atlanta University. Du Bois was one of the co-founders of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in 1909. Racism was the main target of Du Bois's polemics, and he strongly protested against lynching, Jim Crow laws, and discrimination in education and employment. His cause included colored persons everywhere, particularly Africans and Asians in their struggles against colonialism and imperialism. He was a proponent of Pan-Africanism and helped organize several Pan-African Congresses to free African colonies from European powers.  Louis Brandeis- Associate Justice on the Supreme Court of the United States from 1916 to 1939. He enrolled at Harvard Law School, graduating at the age of twenty with the highest grade average in the law school's history. His opinions were, according to legal scholars, some of the "greatest defenses" of freedom of speech and the right to privacy ever written by a member of the Supreme Court. First Jew on Supreme Court. His social conscience made Brandeis a leader of the Progressive Movement. From 1897 to 1916, he was in the thick of multiple reform crusades. He fought in Boston to secure honest traction franchises and in 1907 launched a six-year fight to prevent banker J. P. Morgan from monopolizing New England's railroads. After an expose of insurance fraud in 1906, he devised the Massachusetts plan to protect small wage-earners through savings bank life insurance. He supported the conservation movement and in 1910 emerged as the chief figure in the Pinchot-Ballinger investigation. Eugene Debs- Labor organizer and Socialist Party candidate for U.S. president five times between 1900 and 1920. After trying unsuccessfully to unite the various railroad brotherhoods of his day, he became president (1893) of the newly established American Railway Union. Debs successfully united railway workers from different crafts into the first industrial union in the United States. At the same time, industrial unionism was also being promoted by the Knights of Labor. Debt’s union won national prominence when it conducted a successful strike for higher wages against the Great Northern Railway in April 1894. He gained greater renown when he was sentenced to six months in jail (May–November 1895) for his role in leading the Chicago Pullman Palace Car Company strike. J.P. Morgan- American financier, banker, philanthropist and art collector who dominated corporate finance and industrial consolidation during his time. In 1892 Morgan arranged the merger of Edison General Electric and Thomson-Houston Electric Company to form General Electric. After financing the creation of the Federal Steel Company, he merged in 1901 with the Carnegie and several other steel and iron businesses, including Consolidated Steel and Wire Company owned by William Eden born, to form the United States Steel Corporation. He was the leading financier of the Progressive Era, and his dedication to efficiency and modernization helped transform American business. While conservatives in the Progressive Era hailed Morgan for his civic responsibility, his strengthening of the national economy, and his devotion to the arts and religion, the left wing viewed him as one of the central figures in the system it rejected. Federal Reserve- is the central banking system of the United States. It was created on December 23, 1913, with the enactment of the Federal Reserve Act, largely in response to a series of financial panics, particularly a severe panic in 1907. Over time, the roles and responsibilities of the Federal Reserve System have expanded and its structure has evolved. Events such as the Great Depression were major factors leading to changes in the system. The Federal Reserve System was designed as an attempt to prevent or minimize the occurrence of bank runs (the concerted action of depositors who try to withdraw their money from a bank because they think it will fail), and possibly act as a lender of last resort when a bank run does occur. Many economists, following Milton Friedman, believe that the Federal Reserve inappropriately refused to lend money to small banks during the bank runs of 1929. Panama Canal - At this time, various parties in the United States were interested in establishing a canal across the isthmus, with some favoring a route across Nicaragua (see Nicaragua Canal and Eco canal) and others advocating the purchase of the French interests in Panama. A U.S. engineering panel was commissioned to study the potential of building the canal and recommended a sea-level canal to President Theodore Roosevelt. However, more extensive engineering studies favored a canal using a lock system to raise and lower ships from a large reservoir 85 ft. (26 m) above sea level. n 1904, the United States, under President Theodore Roosevelt, bought the French equipment and excavations for US $40 million, paid the new country of Panama US $10 million plus more each year, and began work on the Panama Canal on May 4. (In 1921, the United States paid Colombia US $10 million, plus US $250,000 per annum for several years; in return, Colombia recognized Panama under the terms of the Thomson-Urrutia Treaty).The U.S. purchase of the French concession for US $40 million included the Panama Railroad. The Panama Canal was of vital importance to the United States Navy , giving the Navy a shorter , quicker route to the Pacific Ocean from the Atlantic " Eastern Seaboard " cutting sailing time and distance around South America B. World War I or The Great War shattered what was left of imperial Europe. The war ended with revolutions in Austria, Germany and Russia. Another followed in the 1920s when Turkey became a republic, ending the Ottoman Empire. The horrific violence of the war, especially the brutal fighting in the trenches of the Western Front, destroyed the romantic notions of war as an opportunity to display virtue. The Great War- AKA World War 1 was between 1914-1918.  It involved all the world's great powers, Which were assembled in two opposing alliances: the Allies (based on the Triple Entente of the United Kingdom, France and Russia) and the Central Powers (originally the Triple Alliance of Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy; but, as Austria–Hungary had taken the offensive against the agreement, Italy did not enter into the war). These alliances were both reorganized and expanded as more nations entered the war: Italy, Japan and the United States joined the Allies, and the Ottoman Empire and Bulgaria the Central Powers. Ultimately, more than 70 million military personnel, including 60 million Europeans, were mobilized in one of the largest wars in history. More than 9 million combatants were killed, largely because of technological advancements that led to enormous increases in the lethality of weapons without corresponding improvements in protection or mobility. Sarajevo- In 1914, it was the site of the assassination of the Archduke of Austria that sparked World War I. In the event that triggered World War I, Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria was assassinated, along with his wife Sophie, Duchess of Hohenberg in Sarajevo on 28 June 1914 by a self-declared Yugoslav, Gavrilo Princip. In the ensuing war, however, most of the Balkan offensives occurred near Belgrade, and Sarajevo largely escaped damage and destruction. Siegfried Sassoon- was an English poet, writer, and soldier. Decorated for bravery on the Western Front, he became one of the leading poets of the First World War. His poetry both described the horrors of the trenches, and satirized the patriotic pretensions of those who, in Sassoon's view, were responsible for a vainglorious war. He later won acclaim for his prose work, notably his three-volume fictionalised autobiography, collectively known as the "Sherston Trilogy". Despite his decoration and reputation, he decided in 1917 to make a stand against the conduct of the war. One of the reasons for his violent anti-war feeling was the death of his friend, David Cuthbert Thomas (called "Dick Tiltwood" in the Sherston trilogy).  Wilfred Owen - an English poet and soldier, one of the leading poets of the First World War. His shocking, realistic war poetry on the horrors of trenches and gas warfare was heavily influenced by his friend Siegfried Sassoon and stood in stark contrast to both the public perception of war at the time, and to the confidently patriotic verse written by earlier war poets such as Rupert Brooke. Among his best-known works – most of which were published posthumously – are "Dulce et Decorum Est.", "Insensibility", "Anthem for Doomed Youth", "Futility" and "Strange Meeting" Wilfred Owen was killed in battle but his poetry remains an enduring legacy of his thoughts and emotions about the war – raging against armchairs generals but in praise of those who actually fought at the front. The Armory Show - the Armory Show refers to the 1913 International Exhibition of Modern Art that was organized by the Association of American Painters and Sculptors, the first large exhibition of modern art in America. The three-city exhibition started in New York City's 69th Regiment Armory The Rite of Spring Riot- a ballet and orchestral concert work by the Russian composer Igor Stravinsky. It was written for the 1913 Paris season of Sergei Diaghilev's Ballets Russes company, with choreography by Vaslav Nijinsky and stage designs and costumes by Nicholas Roerich. When the ballet was first performed on 29 May 1913, the avant-garde nature of the music and choreography caused a near-riot in the audience. Although designed as a work for the stage, with specific passages accompanying characters and action, the music achieved growing success as a concert piece and later became recognized as one of the most influential musical works of the 20th century. It is widely performed in the concert hall, and is frequently revived on the stage. The outbreak of the First World War in August 1914 disrupted the established touring circuit, which included countries now on opposing sides, and caused a number of dancers, including Fokine, to return to their own countries. Diaghilev was reconciled to re-engaging Nijinsky as both dancer and choreographer, but Nijinsky had been placed under house arrest in Hungary as an enemy Russian citizen. His release was obtained by Diaghilev in a prisoner exchange with the United States in 1916, for a tour there, but his mental health steadily declined and he took no further part in professional ballet after 1917. In 1920, when Diaghilev decided to revive The Rite, he found that no one now remembered the choreography Lusitania - The British ocean liner RMS Lusitania, famous for its luxurious accommodations and speed capability, primarily ferried people and goods across the Atlantic Ocean between the United States and Great Britain Since the outbreak of World War I, ocean voyage had become dangerous. Each side hoped to blockade the other, thus prevent any war materials getting through. German U-boats (submarines) stalked British waters, continually looking for enemy vessels to sink. Americans were outraged to learn 128 U.S. civilians were killed in a war in which they were officially neutral. Destroying ships not known to be carrying war materials countered generally accepted international war protocols. The sinking of the Lusitania heightened tensions between the U.S. and Germany and helped sway American opinion in favor of joining the war. Zimmermann telegram - was a 1917 diplomatic proposal from the German Empire to Mexico to make war against the United States. The proposal was intercepted and decoded by British intelligence. Revelation of the contents outraged American public opinion and helped generate support for the United States declaration of war on Germany in April. Verdun - was one of the major battles during the First World War on the Western Front. It was fought between the German and French armies, from 21 February to 18 December 1916, on hilly terrain north of the city of Verdun-sur-Meuse in north-eastern France. It ended with a French tactical victory since, by December 1916, they had recaptured most of the lost ground including the centerpiece of Verdun's defensive system: Fort Douaumont. The Somme - also known as the Somme Offensive, took place during the First World War between 1 July and 18 November 1916 on either side of the river Somme in France. The battle saw the British Expeditionary Force and the French Army mount a joint offensive against the German Army, which had occupied a large part of the north of France since its invasion of the country in August 1914. The Battle of the Somme was one of the largest battles of the war; by the time fighting paused in late autumn 1916, the forces involved had suffered more than 1 million casualties, making it one of the bloodiest military operations ever recorded. The beginning of modern all-arms warfare, when the BEF learned many tactical and operational lessons and that the battle inflicted serious damage on the German army, which was a preliminary to its eventual defeat in 1918 Russian Revolution - is the collective term for a series of revolutions in Russia in 1917, which dismantled the Tsarist autocracy and led to the creation of the Russian SFSR. The Emperor was forced to abdicate and the old regime was replaced by a provisional government during the first revolution of February 1917 (March in the Gregorian calendar; the older Julian calendar was in use in Russia at the time). In the second revolution, during October, the Provisional Government was removed and replaced with a Bolshevik (Communist) government. Lenin - was a Russian communist revolutionary, politician and political theorist. He served as the leader of the Russian SFSR from 1917, and then concurrently as Premier of the Soviet Union from 1922, until his death. Politically a Marxist, his theoretical contributions to Marxist thought are known as Leninism, which coupled with Marxian economic theory have collectively come to be known as Marxism–Leninism. As the leader of the Bolshevik faction of the Russian Social Democratic Labor Party, he took a senior role in orchestrating the October Revolution in 1917, which led to the overthrow of the Russian Provisional Government and the establishment of the Russian Socialist Federative Soviet Republic, the world's first constitutionally socialist state. Immediately afterwards, Lenin proceeded to implement socialist reforms, including the transfer of estates and crown lands to workers' soviets. Faced with the threat of German invasion, he argued that Russia should immediately sign a peace treaty—which led to Russia's exit from the First World War. War Industries Board - was a United States government agency established on July 28, 1917, during World War I, to coordinate the purchase of war supplies? The organization encouraged companies to use mass-production techniques to increase efficiency and urged them to eliminate waste by standardizing products. The board set production quotas and allocated raw materials. It also conducted psychological testing to help people find the right jobs. The WIB dealt with labor-management disputes resulting from increased demand for products during World War I. The government could not negotiate prices and could not handle worker strikes, so the War Industries Board regulated the two to decrease tensions by stopping strikes with wage increases to prevent a shortage of supplies going to the war in Europe. Bernard Baruch - was an American financier, stock investor, philanthropist, statesman, and political consultant. After his success in business, he devoted his time toward advising U.S. Presidents Woodrow Wilson and Franklin D. Roosevelt on economic matters and became a philanthropist. When the United States entered World War II, President Roosevelt appointed Baruch a special adviser to the director of the Office of War Mobilization. He supported what was known as a "work or fight" bill. Baruch advocated the creation of a permanent superagency similar to his old Industries Board. His theory enhanced the role of civilian businessmen and industrialists in determining what was needed and who would produce it. Baruch's ideas were largely adopted, with James Byrnes appointed to carry them out. During World War II Baruch remained a trusted adviser and confidant of President Roosevelt 14 Points -was a statement by United States President Woodrow Wilson that the Great War was being fought for a moral cause and for postwar peace in Europe. People in Europe generally welcomed Wilson's intervention, but his main Allied colleagues (Georges Clemenceau of France, David Lloyd George of the Great Britain, and Vittorio Emanuele Orlando of Italy) were skeptical of the applicability of Wilsonian idealism. The U.S. had joined the Allies in fighting the Central Powers on April 6, 1917. Its entry into the war had in part been due to Germany's resumption of submarine warfare against merchant ships trading with France and Britain. However, Wilson had not entered into the war with any affinity with the long-festering almost tribal disputes between the Allies and Germany; if America was going to fight, he would try to unlink the war to nationalistic disputes or ambitions. The need for high aims was made more important, when after the fall of the Russian Regime, the Bolsheviks disclosed secret treaties made between the allies. The speech by Wilson, also responded to Vladimir Lenin's Decree on Peace of November 1917, immediately after the October Revolution, which proposed an immediate withdrawal of Russia from the war, calling for a just and democratic peace that was not compromised by territorial annexations, and led to the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk on March 3, 1918. Ottoman Empire - In November 1914, the Empire entered World War I on the side of the Central Powers, in which it took part in the Middle Eastern Theater. There were several important Ottoman victories in the early years of the war, such as the Battle of Gallipoli and the Siege of Kut, but there were setbacks as well, such as the disastrous Caucasus Campaign against the Russians. The United States never declared war against the Ottoman Empire. In 1915, as the Russian Caucasus Army continued to advance in eastern Anatolia,  aided by some Ottoman Armenians, the Ottoman government started the deportation and massacre of its ethnic Armenian population, resulting in what became known as the Armenian Genocide. Versailles Treaty - was one of the peace treaties at the end of World War I. It ended the state of war between Germany and the Allied Powers. It was signed on 28 June 1919, exactly five years after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. The other Central Powers on the German side of World War I were dealt with in separate treaties. Although the armistice signed on 11 November 1918, ended the actual fighting, it took six months of negotiations at the Paris Peace Conference to conclude the peace treaty. The treaty was registered by the Secretariat of the League of Nations on 21 October 1919, and was printed in The League of Nations Treaty Series. All Quiet on the Western Front - is a novel by Erich Maria Remarque, a German veteran of World War I. The book describes the German soldiers' extreme physical and mental stress during the war, and the detachment from civilian life felt by many of these soldiers upon returning home from the front.  The book and its sequel, The Road Back, were among the books banned and burned in Nazi Germany. It sold 2.5 million copies in twenty-five languages in its first eighteen months in print. C. The Inter-war period includes the digesting of the trauma of World War I and the cultural shifts of the Roaring Twenties. Red Scare - The term Red Scare denotes the promotion of fear of a potential rise of communism or radical leftism, used by anti-leftist proponents. In the United States, the First Red Scare was about worker (socialist) revolution and political radicalism. The Second Red Scare was focused on national and foreign communists influencing society, infiltrating the federal government, or both. The first Red Scare began following the Bolshevik Russian Revolution of 1917 and the intensely patriotic years of World War I as anarchist and left-wing social agitation aggravated national, social, and political tensions. Political scientist, and former member of the Communist Party, Murray B. Levin wrote that the "Red Scare" was "a nation-wide anti-radical hysteria provoked by a mounting fear and anxiety that a Bolshevik revolution in America was imminent—a revolution that would change Church, home, marriage, civility, and the American way of Life." Sacco and Vanzetti - were suspected anarchists who were convicted of murdering two men during a 1920 armed robbery of a shoe factory in South Braintree, Massachusetts, United States. After a controversial trial and a series of appeals, the two Italian immigrants were executed on August 23, 1927. Since their deaths, critical opinion has overwhelmingly felt that the two men were convicted largely on their anarchist political beliefs and unjustly executed. In 1977, Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis issued a proclamation that Sacco and Vanzetti had been unfairly tried and convicted and that "any disgrace should be forever removed from their names." The case is still officially open. Eugenics - is the applied science of the bio-social movement which advocates practices to improve the genetic composition of a population, usually a human population. It is a social philosophy advocating the improvement of human hereditary traits through the promotion of higher reproduction of more desired people and traits, and reduced reproduction of less desired people and traits Buck v. Bell - is a decision of the United States Supreme Court, written by Justice Oliver, in which the Court ruled that a state statute permitting compulsory sterilization of the unfit, including the mentally retarded, "for the protection and health of the state" did not violate the Due Process clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution. The decision was largely seen as an endorsement of negative eugenics—the attempt to improve the human race by eliminating "defectives" from the gene pool. Margaret Sanger - was an American birth control activist, sex educator, and nurse. Sanger popularized the term birth control, opened the first birth control clinic in the United States, and established Planned Parenthood. Sanger's efforts contributed to the landmark U.S. Supreme Court case which legalized contraception in the United States. Sanger is a frequent target of criticism by opponents of birth control and has also been criticized for supporting eugenics, but remains an iconic figure in the American reproductive rights movement. As part of her efforts to promote birth control, Sanger found common cause with proponents of eugenics, believing that they both sought to "assist the race toward the elimination of the unfit. Sanger was a proponent of negative eugenics, which aims to improve human hereditary traits through social intervention by reducing reproduction by those considered unfit. Sanger's eugenic policies included an exclusionary immigration policy, free access to birth control methods and full family planning autonomy for the able-minded, and compulsory segregation or sterilization for the profoundly retarded. In her book The Pivot of Civilization, she advocated coercion to prevent the "undeniably feeble-minded" from procreating. Although Sanger supported negative eugenics, she asserted that eugenics alone was not sufficient, and that birth control was essential to achieve her goals Flappers - were a "new breed" of young Western women in the 1920s who wore short skirts, bobbed their hair, listened to jazz, and flaunted their disdain for what was then considered acceptable behavior. Flappers were seen as brash for wearing excessive makeup, drinking, treating sex in a casual manner, smoking, driving automobiles, and otherwise flouting social and sexual norms. Flappers had their origins in the liberal period of the Roaring Twenties, the social, political turbulence and increased transatlantic cultural exchange that followed the end of World War I, as well as the export of American jazz culture to Europe. The Great Gatsby - is a novel by American author F. Scott Fitzgerald. The story takes place in 1922, during the Roaring Twenties, a time of prosperity in the United States after World War I. The book received critical acclaim and is generally considered Fitzgerald's best work. It is also widely regarded as a "Great American Novel" and a literary classic, capturing the essence of an era. The Modern Library named it the second best English novel of the 20th century. Set in the prosperous Long Island in 1922, The Great Gatsby provides a critical social history of America during the Roaring Twenties within its compelling literary narrative. That era, known for unprecedented economic prosperity, the evolution of jazz music, the flapper culture, and bootlegging and other criminal activity, is plausibly depicted in Fitzgerald’s novel. Fitzgerald utilizes these societal developments of the 1920s to build Gatsby’s stories from simple details like automobiles to broader themes like Fitzgerald’s discreet allusions to the organized crime culture which was the source of Gatsby’s fortune. Fitzgerald educates his readers about the garish society of the Roaring Twenties by placing a timeless, relatable plotline within the historical context of the era. Harlem Renaissance - The Harlem Renaissance was a cultural movement that spanned the 1920s. At the time, it was known as the "New Negro Movement", named after the 1925 anthology by Alain Locke. Though it was centered in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City, many French-speaking black writers from African and Caribbean colonies who lived in Paris were also influenced by the Harlem Renaissance. The Harlem Renaissance is unofficially recognized to have spanned from about 1919 until the early or mid-1930s. Many of its ideas lived on much longer. The zenith of this "flowering of Negro literature", as James Weldon Johnson preferred to call the Harlem Renaissance, was placed between 1924 (the year that Opportunity: A Journal of Negro Life hosted a party for black writers where many white publishers were in attendance) and 1929 (the year of the stock market crash and the beginning of the Great Depression).  Instead of using direct political means, African-American artists, writers, and musicians employed culture to work for goals of civil rights and equality. Its lasting legacy is that for the first time (and across racial lines), African-American paintings, writings, and jazz became absorbed into mainstream culture. Nativism - is the political position of demanding a favored status for certain established inhabitants of a nation as compared to claims of newcomers or immigrants. Nativism typically means opposition to immigration and support of efforts to lower the political or legal status of specific ethnic or cultural groups because the groups are considered hostile or alien to the natural culture, and assumptions that they cannot be assimilated. According to Fetzer, (2000) opposition to immigration is common in many countries because of issues of national, cultural, and religious identity. The phenomenon has been studied especially in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United States, as well as Europe in recent years. Thus nativism has become a general term for 'opposition to immigration' based on fears that the immigrants will distort or spoil existing cultural values. This may be expressed through criticism of multiculturalism Ku Klux Klan - informally known as the Klan, is the name of three distinct past and present far-right organizations in the United States, which have advocated extremist reactionary currents such as white, white nationalism, and anti-immigration, historically expressed through terrorism. Since the mid-20th century, the KKK has also been anti-communist. The current manifestation is splintered into several chapters with no connections between each other; it is classified as a hate group by the Anti-Defamation League and the Southern Poverty Law Center. It is estimated to have between 5,000 and 8,000 members as of 2012. The second KKK flourished nationwide in the early and mid-1920s, and adopted the same costumes and code words as the first Klan, while introducing cross burnings. The third KKK emerged after World War II and was associated with opposing the Civil Rights Movement and progress among minorities. The second and third incarnations of the Ku Klux Klan made frequent reference to the USA's "Anglo-Saxon" blood, harking back to 19th-century nativism and claiming descent from the original 18th-centuryBritish colonial revolutionaries. Scopes Trial - formally known as The State of Tennessee v. John Thomas Scopes and commonly referred to as the Scopes Monkey Trial, was a famous American legal case in 1925 in which a high school teacher, John Scopes, was accused of violating Tennessee's Butler Act, which made it unlawful to teach evolution in any state-funded school. The trial was deliberately staged in order to attract publicity to the small town of Dayton, Tennessee, where it was held. Scopes was unsure whether he had ever actually taught evolution, but he purposefully incriminated himself so that the case could have a defendant. Scopes was found guilty and fined $100, but the verdict was overturned on a technicality. The trial served its purpose of drawing intense national publicity, as national reporters flocked to Dayton to cover the big-name lawyers who had agreed to represent each side. William Jennings Bryan, three-time presidential candidate for the Democrats, argued for the prosecution, while Clarence Darrow, the famed defense attorney, spoke for Scopes. The trial set modernists, who said evolution was consistent with religion, against fundamentalists who said the word of God as revealed in the Bible took priority over all human knowledge. The case was thus seen as both a theological contest and a trial on the veracity of modern science regarding the controversy. The trial is perhaps best known today for serving as the inspiration for the play, and later the movie, Inherit the Wind, both of which were critical successes. Al Smith - was an American statesman who was elected Governor of New York four times and was the Democratic U.S. presidential candidate in 1928. He was the foremost urban leader of the efficiency-oriented Progressive Movement and was noted for achieving a wide range of reforms as governor in the 1920s. He was also linked to the notorious Tammany Hall machine that controlled Manhattan politics; was a strong opponent of prohibition and was the first Catholic nominee for President. His candidacy mobilized Catholic votes--especially women who previously had not voted. It also mobilized the anti-Catholic vote, which was strongest in the South. As a committed "wet" (anti-Prohibition) candidate, he attracted millions of voters of all backgrounds, particularly those concerned about the corruption and lawlessness brought about by the Eighteenth Amendment.[1]However, he was feared among Protestants, including Southern Baptists and German Lutherans, who believed the Catholic Church and the Pope would dictate his policies. Most importantly, this was a time of national prosperity under a Republican Presidency, and Smith lost in a landslide to Republican Herbert Hoover.  C. 1. – The Great Depression and New Deal Stock Market Crash - is a sudden dramatic decline of stock prices across a significant cross-section of a stock market, resulting in a significant loss of paper wealth. Crashes are driven by panic as much as by underlying economic factors. They often follow speculative stock market bubbles. The economy had been growing fluidly for most of the Roaring. It was a technological golden age as innovations such as radio, automobiles, aviation, telephone and the grid were deployed and adopted. Companies that had pioneered these advances, like Radio (RCA) and General Motors, saw their stocks soar. On August 24, 1921, the Dow Jones Industrial Average stood at a value of 63.9. By September 3, 1929, it had risen more than six fold, touching 381.2. It would not regain this level for another 25 years. By the summer of 1929, it was clear that the economy was contracting and the stock market went through a series of unsettling price declines. These declines fed investor anxiety and events soon came to a head on October 24 (known as Black Thursday), October 28 (known as Black Monday), and October 29 (known as Black Tuesday). Great Depression - was a severe worldwide economic depression in the decade preceding World War II. The timing of the Great Depression varied across nations, but in most countries it started in 1930 and lasted until the late 1930s or middle 1940s. It was the longest, most widespread, and deepest depression of the 20th century. In the 21st century, the Great Depression is commonly used as an example of how far the world's economy can decline. The depression originated in the U.S., after the fall in stock prices that began around September 4, 1929, and became worldwide news with the stock market crash of October 29, 1929 (known as Black Tuesday). John Maynard Keynes - a British economist whose ideas have fundamentally affected the theory and practice of modern macroeconomics, and informed the economic policies of governments. He built on and greatly refined earlier work on the causes of business cycles, and is widely considered to be one of the founders of modern macroeconomics and the most influential economist of the 20th century. His ideas are the basis for the school of thought known as Keynesian economics, as well as its various offshoots. In many ways, subsequent developments in 20th century economics can be viewed as either building on Keynes' ideas or reacting against them. Keynes had completed his A Treatise on Probability before the war, but published it in 1921. The work was a notable contribution to the philosophical and mathematical underpinnings of probability theory, championing the important view that probabilities were no more or less than truth values intermediate between simple truth and falsity. Keynes developed the first upper-lower probabilistic interval approach to probability in chapters 15 and 17 of this book, as well as having developed the first decision weight approach with his conventional coefficient of risk and weight, c, in chapter 26. The rise of Keynesianism marked the end of laissez-faire economics (economic theory based on the belief that markets and the private sector could operate well on their own, without state intervention). Instead of the economic process being based on continuous improvements in potential output, as most classical economists had believed from the late 1700s on, Keynes asserted the importance of aggregate demand for goods as the driving factor of the economy, especially in periods of downturn. From this he argued that government policies could be used to promote demand at a macro level, to fight high unemployment and deflation of the sort seen during the 1930s. New Deal - was a series of economic programs enacted in the States between 1933 and 1936. They involved presidential executive orders or laws passed by Congress during the first term of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The programs were in response to the Great Depression, and focused on what historians call the "3 Rs": Relief, Recovery, and Reform. That is, Relief for the unemployed and poor; Recovery of the economy to normal levels; and Reform of the financial system to prevent a repeat depression. The New Deal produced a political realignment, making the Democratic Party the majority (as well as the party that held the White House for seven out of nine Presidential terms from 1933 to 1969), with its base in liberal ideas, the white South, traditional Democrats, big city machines, and the newly empowered labor unions and ethnic minorities.  Schechter Brothers Poultry Corp. v. United States - was a decision by the Supreme Court of the United States that invalidated regulations of the poultry industry according to the no delegation doctrine and as an invalid use of Congress's power under the commerce clause. This was a unanimous decision that rendered the National Industrial Recovery Act, a main component of President Roosevelt's New Deal, unconstitutional. Chief Justice Hughes wrote for a unanimous Court in invalidating the industrial "codes of fair competition" which the NIRA enabled the President to issue. The Court held that the codes violated the constitutional separation as an impermissible delegation of legislative power to the executive branch. The Court also held that the NIRA provisions were in excess of congressional power under the Commerce Clause. Speaking to aides of Roosevelt, Justice Louis Brandeis remarked that, “This is the end of this business of centralization, and I want you to go back and tell the president that we're not going to let this government centralize everything." Scottsboro case - The Scottsboro Boys were nine black teenage boys accused of rape in Alabama in 1931. The landmark set of legal cases from this incident dealt with racism and the right to a fair trial. The case included a frame-up, an all-white jury, rushed trials, an attempted lynching, an angry mob, and is an example of an overall miscarriage of justice.  A fight broke out between a group of black and white hobos, and the whites were thrown off the train. They reported the incident to a stationmaster, who wired ahead for officials to stop the train at a town called Paint Rock. Dozens of armed men rounded up nine black youths and took them to jail. They were about to be charged with assault when two white women, dressed in boys clothing, were discovered hiding on the train. Although there was no evidence connecting the youth to the women, the nine youths were charged with raping the women. The women -- who had had sexual relations with some of the white men thrown off the train and fearing prosecution for their sexual activity with the white men -- agreed to testify against the black youths The Communist Party USA took charge of the case and carried out a two-fold battle -- in the courts and on the streets. In 1932 the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the convictions (Powell v. Alabama) on the grounds that the defendants had not received adequate legal counsel in a capital case. The state of Alabama then retried one of the accused, Haywood Patterson, and once again convicted him. But the trial judge, James Horton, set aside the verdict on the grounds that he did not believe the defendant committed the crime. That decision caused him to be defeated in the next election. The state then retried Clarence Norris to see if the Supreme Court would again intervene. Norris was sentenced to death, but in 1935 decision the U.S. Supreme Court (Norris v. Alabama) overturned this conviction, ruling that the state had excluded blacks from juries. Robert Moses -was the "master builder" of mid-20th century New York City, Long Island, Rockland County, and Westchester County, New York. As the shaper of a modern city, he is sometimes compared to Baron Haussmann of Second Empire Paris, and was arguably one of the most polarizing figures in the history of urban planning in the United States. His decisions favoring highways over public helped create the modern suburbs of Long Island and influenced a generation of engineers, architects, and urban planners who spread his philosophies across the nation. One of his major contributions to urban planning was New York's large parkway network. During the 1920s, Moses sparred with Franklin D. Roosevelt, then head of the Taconic State Park Commission, who favored the prompt construction of parkway through the Hudson Valley. Moses succeeded in diverting funds to his Long Island parkway projects (the Northern State Parkway, the Southern State Parkway and the Wantagh State Parkway), although the Taconic State Parkway was later completed as well. During the Depression, Moses, along with Mayor Fiorello H. La Guardia, was responsible for the construction of ten gigantic swimming pools under the WPAProgram. Combined, they could accommodate 66,000 swimmers. This extensive social works program is sometimes attributed to the fact that Moses was an avid swimmer himself (swimming a mile at the end of each day into his 80s). One such pool is McCarren Park Pool in Brooklyn, formerly dry and used only for special cultural events but has since reopened to the public.[11] Robert Moses helped build Long Island’s Meadowbrook Parkway. It was the first fully divided limited access highway in the world. The Grapes of Wrath - is an American realist novel written by John Steinbeck and published in 1939. For it he won the annual National Book Award and Pulitzer Prize for novels and it was cited prominently when he won the Nobel Prize in 1962. Set during the Great Depression, the novel focuses on the Joads, a poor family of tenant farmers driven from their Oklahoma home by drought, economic hardship, and changes in financial and agricultural industries. Due to their nearly hopeless situation, and in part because they were trapped in the Dust Bowl, the Joads set out for California. Along with thousands of other "Okies", they sought jobs, land, dignity, and a future. The Grapes of Wrath is frequently read in American high school and college literature classes due to its historical context and enduring legacy. NIRA - The National Industrial Recovery Act was a law passed by Congress in 1933 to authorize the President to regulate industry in an attempt to raise prices after severe deflation and stimulate economic recovery. It also established a national public program known as the Public Works Administration (PWA, not to be confused with the WPA of 1935).[1] The NRA portion was widely hailed in 1933 but by 1934 business opinion had soured. The NRA was abolished by the Supreme Court in 1935 and not replaced. The Act had two main sections (or "titles"). Title I was devoted to industrial recovery, and authorized the promulgation of industrial codes of fair competition, guaranteed trade union rights, permitted the regulation of working standards, and regulated the price of certain refined petroleum products and their transportation. Title II established the Public Works Administration, outlined the projects and funding opportunities it could engage in, and funded the Act. TVA - The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is a federally owned corporation in the United States created by congressional charter in May 1933 to provide navigation, flood control, electricity generation, fertilizer manufacturing, and economic development in the Tennessee Valley, a region particularly affected by the Great Depression. The enterprise was a result of the efforts of Senator George W. Norris of Nebraska. TVA was envisioned not only as a provider, but also as a regional economic development agency that would use federal experts and electricity to rapidly modernize the region's economy and society. Even by Depression standards, the Tennessee Valley was economically dismal in 1933. Thirty percent of the population was affected by malaria, and the average income was only $639 per year, with some families surviving on as little as $100 per year. Much of the land had been farmed too hard for too long, eroding and depleting the soil. Crop yields had fallen along with farm incomes. The best timber had been cut, with another 10% of forests being burnt each year. CCC - The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was a public work relief program that operated from 1933 to 1942 in the United States for unemployed, unmarried men from relief families, ages 18–25. Robert Fechner was the head of the agency. A part of the New Deal of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, it provided unskilled manual labor jobs related to the conservation and development of natural resources in rural lands owned by federal, state and local governments. The CCC was designed to provide jobs for young men in relief families who had difficulty finding jobs during the Great Depression in the United States while at the same time implementing a general natural resource conservation program in every state and territory. Maximum enrollment at any one time was 300,000; in nine years 2.5 million young men participated in the CCC, which provided them with shelter, clothing, and food, together with a small wage of $30 a month ($25 of which had to be sent home to their families) The legislation and mobilization of the program occurred quite rapidly. Roosevelt made his request to Congress on March 21, 1933; the legislation was submitted to Congress the same day; Congress passed it by voice vote on 31 March; Roosevelt signed it the same day, then issued an executive order on April 5 creating the agency, appointing its director (Fechner), and assigning War Department corps area commanders the task to commence enrollment. The first CCC enrollee was selected 8 April and subsequent lists of unemployed men were supplied by state and local welfare and relief agencies for immediate enrollment.  WPA - The Work Projects Administration was the largest and most ambitious New Deal agency, employing millions of unemployed people (mostly unskilled men) to carry out public works projects, including the construction of public buildings and roads. In much smaller but more famous projects the WPA employed musicians, artists, writers, actors and directors in large arts, drama, media, and literacy projects. At its peak in 1938, it provided paid jobs for three million unemployed men and women, as well as youth in a separate division, the National Youth Administration. Headed by Harry Hopkins, the WPA provided jobs and income to the unemployed during the Great Depression in the United States. Between 1935 and 1943, the WPA provided almost eight million jobs. Full employment, which emerged as a national goal around 1944, was not the WPA goal. It tried to provide one paid job for all families in which the breadwinner suffered long-term unemployment. Father Charles Coughlin - was a controversial Roman Catholic priest at Royal Oak, Michigan's National Shrine of the Little Flower church. He was one of the first political leaders to use radio to reach a mass audience, as possibly thirty million listeners tuned to his weekly broadcasts during the 1930s. Early in his career Coughlin was a vocal supporter of Roosevelt and his early New Deal proposals, before later becoming a harsh critic of Roosevelt as too friendly to bankers. In 1934 he announced a new political organization called the National Union for Social Justice. He wrote a platform calling for monetary reforms, the nationalization of major industries and railroads, and protection of the rights of labor. The membership ran into the millions, resembling the Populist movement of the 1890s. Huey Long - nicknamed The Kingfish, was an American politician who served as the 40th Governor of Louisiana from 1928–1932 and as a member of the United States Senate from 1932 until his assassination in 1935. A Democrat, he was an outspoken left-wing populist. During his tenure, he commanded large networks of supporters and was willing to take forceful action, influencing claims that he was a political boss. Long is best known for his Share Our Wealth program, created in 1934 under the motto "Every Man a King." It proposed new wealth redistribution measures in the form of a net asset tax on corporations and individuals to curb the poverty and homelessness endemic nationwide during the Great Depression. To stimulate the economy, long advocated federal spending on public works, schools and colleges, and old age pensions. He was an ardent critic of the Federal Reserve System's policies. A supporter of Franklin D. Roosevelt in the 1932 presidential election, Long split with Roosevelt in June 1933 to plan his own presidential bid for 1936 in alliance with radio's influential Catholic priest Charles Coughlin. However, Long was assassinated in 1935 and his national movement faded, while his state organization continued in Louisiana. Social Security - The Social Security Act was drafted during Franklin Delano Roosevelt's first term by the President's Committee on Economic Security, under Frances Perkins, and passed by Congress as part of the Second New Deal. The act was an attempt to limit what were seen as dangers in the modern American life, including old age, poverty, unemployment, and the burdens of widows and fatherless children. By signing this act on August 14, 1935, President Roosevelt became the first president to advocate federal assistance for the elderly National Labor Relations Act - National Labor Relations Act of 1935 is a foundational statute of US labor law which guarantees basic rights of private sector employees to organize into trade unions, engage in collective bargaining for better terms and conditions at work, and take collective action including strike if necessary. The act also created the National Labor Relations Board which conducts elections which, if voted in favor of representation, awards labor unions (also known as trade unions) with a requirement for the employer to engage in collective bargaining with this union. The Act does not apply to workers who are covered by the Railway Labor Act, agricultural employees, domestic employees, supervisors, federal, state or local government workers, independent contractors and some close relatives of individual employers. Court packing plan - The Judicial Procedures Reform Bill of 1937 (frequently called the "court-packing plan") was a legislative initiative proposed by U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt to add more justices to the U.S. Supreme Court. Roosevelt's purpose was to obtain favorable rulings regarding New Deal legislation that had been previously ruled unconstitutional. The central and most controversial provision of the bill would have granted the President power to appoint an additional Justice to the U.S. Supreme Court, up to a maximum of six, for every sitting member over the age of 70 years and 6 months. During Roosevelt's first term, the Supreme Court had struck down several New Deal measures intended to bolster economic recovery during the Great Depression, leading to charges from New Deal supporters that a narrow majority of the court was obstructionist and political. Since the U.S. Constitution does not mandate any specific size of the Supreme Court, Roosevelt sought to counter this entrenched opposition to his political agenda by expanding the number of justices in order to create a pro-New Deal majority on the bench. Opponents viewed the legislation as an attempt to stack the court, leading them to call it the "court-packing plan" D. World War II – Churchill wrote that the two World Wars were the same war that the countries needed the interwar period to recover so that they could fight again. A lot of truth to that observation. Benito Mussolini - was an Italian politician and leader of the National Fascist Party, ruling the country from 1922 to his ousting in 1943. In 1926 Mussolini seized total power as dictator and ruled Italy as Il Duce ("the leader") from 1930 to 1943. Mussolini was one of the key figures in the creation of fascism. He has a very important part in WW2. He lost some major battles in North Africa, so Hitler went to help him out, which delayed Hitler's invasion of Russia. Hitler's invasion started out so late that he had to face the Russian winter, which may have been the biggest reason he lost the war against Russia....and, all of WW2 itself. Fascists - is a form of radical authoritarian nationalism that came to prominence in mid-20th century Europe. Fascists seek to unify their nation through a totalitarian state that promotes the mass mobilization of the national community, relying on a vanguard party to initiate a revolution to organize the nation on fascist principles.  Hostile to democracy, liberalism, socialism, and communism, fascist movements share certain common features, including the veneration of the state, a devotion to a strong leader, and an emphasis on ultra-nationalism ethnocentrism, and militarism. Fascism views political violence, war, and imperialism as a means to achieve national rejuvenation and asserts that "superior" nations and races should attain living space by displacing weak and inferior ones. Fascism was the governing ideology of Germany and Italy. It was fascist thinking that led both countries to believe that they were right to start the war and that they could win it. A central tenet of Fascism was that they were superior to all other peoples. This sense of innate superiority made it impossible for the German and Italian leaders to accept, or even imagine, that they could lose the war. Thus they kept on fighting long after there was even the slightest hope of even a conditional surrender permitting the survival of their governments. They fought to the very end instead of seeking a negotiated peace much earlier on. This resulted in terrible destruction and devastation of their countries. Adolf Hitler - was an Austrian-born German politician and the leader of the Nazi Party (German: Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiterpartei (NSDAP); National Socialist German Workers Party). He was chancellor of Germany from 1933 to 1945 and dictator of Nazi from 1934 to 1945. Hitler was at the center of Nazi Germany, World War 2, and the Holocaust. After World War 1, the Treaty of Versailles took away Germany's colonies and forced the country to pay $33 billion (a huge amount of their GDP) to Britain and France. This, in turn, economically enslaved the German people. Unemployment and inflation were out of control. The German Mark would devalue so much that people had to use carts full of money to buy bread. This left Germany with grievances. Hitler promised to rebuild the nation and seek revenge against the Allies. This made him and the Nazis wildly popular in Germany during the 1930s. In just a few short years, Hitler revived the economy, built up a massive army, re-militarized the Rhineland, and took over neighboring countries. All of this led to war in 1939. Nazis - is the ideology of the Nazi Party in Germany and related movements elsewhere. It is a variety of fascism that incorporates biological and anti-Semitism. Nazism developed from the influences of pan-Germanism, the far-right racist German nationalist movement and the anti-communist Freikorps paramilitary culture which fought against the communists in post-World War I Germany. It was designed to draw workers away from communism and into nationalism. Major elements of Nazism have been described as far-right, such as allowing domination of society by people deemed racially superior, while purging society of people declared inferior, who were said to be a threat to national survival. Both the Nazi Party and the Nazi-led state were organized under the Führer principle ("leader principle"), a pyramidal structure with the Führer Adolf Hitler at the top who appointed subordinate leaders for all branches of the party and the state and whose orders had the force of law. Joseph Stalin - was the de facto leader of the Soviet Union from the mid-1920s until his death in 1953. Among the Bolshevik revolutionaries who took part in the Russian Revolution of 1917, Stalin was appointed General Secretary of the party's Central Committee in 1922. He subsequently managed to consolidate to power following the 1924 death of Vladimir Lenin through expanding the functions of his role, all the while eliminating any opposition. He held this nominal post until abolishing it in 1952, concurrently serving as the Premier of the Soviet Union after establishing the position in 1941. Under his leadership, the Soviet Union played a major role in the defeat of Hitler's Germany during World War II. Several years into World War II, Russian dictator Josef Stalin demanded the immediate assistance of the Allied nations, believing—rightly so—that his nation bore the brunt of the war against Germany. Stalin realized that without help, Germany would triumph. President Roosevelt and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill agreed to limited cooperation with Stalin, concluding that Nazi Germany was, in fact, far worse a threat than Communist Russia. In return, Stalin pledged his aid in the war against Japan once Germany had been defeated. Communists - is a revolutionary socialist movement to create a classless, moneyless and stateless social order structured upon common ownership of the means of production, as well as asocial, political and economic ideology that aims at the establishment of this social order. This movement, in its Marxist–Leninist interpretations, significantly influenced the history of the 20th century, which saw intense rivalry between the "socialist world" (socialist states ruled by communist parties) and the "western world." Soviet Union - abbreviated to USSR or the Soviet Union, was a constitutionally communist state that existed between 1922 and 1991, ruled as a single-party state by the Communist Party with Moscow as its capital. A union of multiple subnational Soviet republics, its government and economy were highly centralized. The Soviet Union had its roots in the Russian Revolution of 1917, which deposed the imperial autocracy. The Bolsheviks, led by Vladimir Lenin, then overthrew the Provisional Government. The Russian was established and the Russian Civil War began. The Red Army entered several territories of the former Russian Empire and helped local communists seize power. Although it has been debated whether the Soviet Union intended to invade Germany once it was strong enough, Germany itself broke the treaty and invaded the Soviet Union on 22 June 1941, starting what was known in the USSR as the "Great Patriotic War". The Red Army stopped the seemingly invincible German Army at the Battle of Moscow, aided by an unusually harsh winter. The Battle of Stalingrad, which lasted from late 1942 to early 1943, dealt a severe blow to the Germans from which they never fully recovered and became a turning point in the war. After Stalingrad, Soviet forces drove through Eastern Europe to Berlin before Germany surrendered in 1945. The German Army suffered 80% of its military deaths in the Eastern Front. Winston Churchill - was a British politician who was the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1940 to 1945 and again from 1951 to 1955. Widely regarded as one of the greatest wartime leaders of the 20th century, Churchill was also an officer in the British Army, a historian, a writer, and an artist. He is the only British Prime Minister in history to have received the Nobel Prize in Literature, and was also the first person to be made an Honorary.  He led Britain's fight against Nazi Germany in World War II. Churchill was a talented orator, giving many stirring speeches to boost national morale during the war. A close friend of American presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt and Harry S. Truman, Churchill hoped to join the Americans in building a postwar order that limited Soviet leader Josef Stalin's ability to dominate European affairs. Munich Conference - The Munich Agreement was a settlement permitting Nazi Germany's annexation of Czechoslovakia's areas along the country's borders mainly inhabited by German speakers, for which a new territorial designation "Sudetenland" was coined. The agreement was negotiated at a conference held in Munich, Germany, among the major powers of Europe without the presence of Czechoslovakia. Today, it is widely regarded as a failed act of appeasement toward Germany. The agreement was signed in the early hours of 30 September 1938 (but dated 29 September). The purpose of the conference was to discuss the future of the Sudetenland in the face of ethnic demands made by Adolf Hitler. The agreement was signed by Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and Italy. Sudetenland was of immense strategic importance to Czechoslovakia, as most of its border defenses were situated there, and many of its banks and heavy industry were located there as well. Pearl Harbor - The attack on Pearl Harbor (called Hawaii Operation or Operation AI by the Japanese Imperial (Operation Z in planning) and the Battle of Pearl Harbor) was a surprise military strike conducted by the Imperial Japanese Navy against the United States naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on the morning of December 7, 1941 (December 8 in Japan). From the standpoint of the defenders, the attack commenced at 7:48 a.m. Hawaiian Time,  The attack was intended as a preventive action in order to keep the U.S. Pacific Fleet from interfering with military actions the Empire of Japan was planning in Southeast against overseas territories of the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and the United States. The attack came as a profound shock to the American people and led directly to the American entry into World War II in both the Pacific and European theaters. The following day (December 8), the United States declared war on Japan. Domestic support for non-interventionism, which had been strong, disappeared. Clandestine support of Britain (for example the Neutrality Patrol) was replaced by active alliance. Subsequent operations by the U.S. prompted Germany and Italy to declare war on the U.S. on December 11, which was reciprocated by the U.S. the same day. Wannsee Conference - The Wannsee Conference was a meeting of senior officials of the Nazi German regime, held in the Berlin suburb of Wannsee on 20 January 1942. The purpose of the conference was for Reinhard Heydrich, chief executor of the Final solution to the Jewish question, to discuss Final Solution policies for Jews with administrative leaders. During the course of the Final Solution Conference several plans were discussed and recorded in minutes of the meeting, which were classified as a Top Secret Nazi document entitled Protocol of Conference; the conference marked a turning point in Nazi policy toward the Jews. An earlier idea, to deport all of Europe’s Jews to the island of Madagascar, off of Africa, was abandoned as impractical in wartime. Instead, the newly planned final solution would entail rounding up all Jews throughout Europe, transporting them eastward, and organizing them into labor gangs. The work and living conditions would be sufficiently hard as to fell large numbers by “natural diminution”; those that survived would be “treated accordingly.” The men seated at the table were among the elite of the Reich. More than half of them held doctorates from German universities. They were well informed about the policy toward Jews. Each understood that the cooperation of his agency was vital if such an ambitious, unprecedented policy was to succeed. Among the agencies represented were the Department of Justice, the Foreign Ministry, the Gestapo, the SS, the Race and Resettlement Office, and the office in charge of distributing Jewish property. Also at the meeting was a representative of the General Government, the Polish occupation administration, whose territory included more than 2 million Jews. The head of Hedrick’s office for Jewish affairs, Adolf Eichmann, prepared the conference notes. Auschwitz - it was a complex of concentration camps and a large extermination camp located at Oswiemcim, Poland about 40 miles west of Krakow. It was in operation from May 1940 till January 1945. At the very minimum 1.1 million victims were killed there, of whom about 85% were Jews. (In the 1950s and 1960s, when the word Holocaust was not widely used, Auschwitzwas sometimes treated as almost synonymous with the Holocaust). The extermination camp was located in Auschwitz II, also called Birkenau, and the Auschwitz complex as a whole is sometimes referred to as Auschwitz-Birkenau.  The Holocaust - the systematic state-sponsored killing of six million Jewish men, women, and children and millions of others by Nazi Germany and its collaborators during World War II. The Germans called this “the final solution to the Jewish question.” The word Holocaust is derived from the Greek holokauston, a translation of the Hebrew word ʿolah, meaning a burnt sacrifice offered whole to God. This word was chosen because in the ultimate manifestation of the Nazi killing program—the extermination camps—the bodies of the victims were consumed whole in crematoria and open Manhattan Project - was a research and development project that produced the first atomic bombs during World War II. It was led by the United States with the support of the United Kingdom and Canada. From 1942 to 1946, the project was under the direction of Major General Leslie Groves of the US Army Corps of Engineers. The Army component of the project was designated the Manhattan District; "Manhattan" gradually superseded the official codename, "Development of Substitute Materials", for the entire project. Along the way, the project absorbed its earlier British counterpart, Tube Alloys. The Manhattan Project began modestly in 1939, but grew to employ more than 130,000 people and cost nearly US$2 billion (about $26 billion in 2013 dollars). Over 90% of the cost was for building factories and producing the fissionable materials, with less than 10% for development and production of the weapons. Research and production took place at more than 30 sites across the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada. Tuskegee Airmen - black servicemen of the U.S. Army Air Forces who trained at Tuskegee Army Air Field in Alabama during World War II. They constituted the first African American flying unit in the U.S. military. In January 1941 the War Department formed the all-black 99th Pursuit Squadron of the U.S. Army Air Corps (later the U.S. Army Air Forces), to be trained using single-engine planes at the segregated Tuskegee Army Air Field at Tuskegee, Alabama. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), the black press, and others had been lobbying hard for the government to allow African Americans to become military pilots. However, neither the NAACP nor the most-involved black newspapers approved the solution of creating separate black units; they believed that approach simply perpetuated segregation and discrimination. Nevertheless, largely at the behest of Pres. Franklin D. Roosevelt, a separate unit was created. The Tuskegee base opened on July 19, and the first class graduated the following March. Lieut. Col. Benjamin Oliver Davis, Jr., became the squadron’s commander. The Tuskegee Airmen received further training in French Morocco before their first mission, on June 2, 1943, a strafing attack on Pantelleria Island, an Italian island in the Mediterranean Sea. Later that year the army activated three more squadrons that, joined in 1944 by the 99th, constituted the 332nd Fighter Group. It fought in the European theatre and was noted as one of the Army Air Forces’ most successful and most-decorated escort groups. Korematsu v. United States - was a landmark United States Supreme Court case concerning the constitutionality of Executive Order 9066, which ordered Japanese Americans into internment camps during World War II regardless of citizenship. In a 6-3 decision, the Court sided with the government, ruling that the exclusion order was constitutional. Six of eight Roosevelt nominees sided with Roosevelt. The lone Republican nominee, Owen Roberts dissented. The opinion, written by Supreme Court justice Hugo Black, held that the need to protect against espionage outweighed Fred Korematsu's individual rights, and the rights of Americans of Japanese descent. (The Court limited its decision to the validity of the exclusion orders, adding, "The provisions of other orders requiring persons of Japanese ancestry to report to assembly centers and providing for the detention of such persons in assembly and relocation centers were separate, and their validity is not in issue in this proceeding.") During the case, Solicitor General Charles Fahy is alleged to have suppressed evidence by keeping from the Court a report from the Office of Naval Intelligence indicating that there was no evidence that Japanese Americans were acting as spies or sending signals to enemy submarines The Winds of War and War and Remembrance- is Herman Wouk's second book about World War II, the first being The Caine Mutiny(1951). Published in 1971, it was followed up seven years later by War and Remembrance; originally conceived as one volume, Wouk decided to break it in two when he realized it took nearly 1000 pages just to get to the attack on Pearl Harbor. In 1983, it became a hugely successful miniseries on the ABC television network. Sophie’s Choice - is a novel by American author William Styron that was published in 1979. It concerns a young American Southerner, an aspiring writer, who befriends the Jewish Nathan Landau and his beautiful lover Sophie, a Polish survivor of the German Nazi concentration camps. The plot ultimately centers on a tragic decision which Sophie was forced to make upon entering the concentration camp. An immediate bestseller and the basis of a successful film, the novel is often considered both Styron's best work and a major novel of the twentieth century. The difficult decision that shapes the character Sophie is sometimes used as an idiom: a Sophie's Choice is the necessity to choose between two unbearable options. Hiroshima - is the capital of Hiroshima Prefecture, and the largest city in the Chūgoku region of western Honshu, the largest island of Japan. It is best known as the first city in history to be targeted by a nuclear weapon when the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF)dropped an atomic bomb on it at 8:15 a.m. on August 6, 1945, near the end of World War II. During World War II, the 2nd General Army and Chugoku Regional Army were headquartered in Hiroshima, and the Army Marine Headquarters was located at Ujina port. The city also had large depots of military supplies, and was a key center for shipping. There were several reasons to why it was important to bomb Hiroshima. One reason was to end WWII. It was used to intimidate Stalin so it would keep him out of the Pacific War. Also, if we just sent more American troops to fight, Japan was ready. They had around 9 million Japanese ready to fight. So to save ourselves, we bombed them. It worked, making Japan surrender but at the same time it failed. We killed many innocent civilians. Everybody knows that's not the right thing to do. Because if there was a war going on and the battle field took place in America, we wouldn't want people to nuclear bomb us and kill many innocent lives that maybe didn't want to be in the war in the first place.  E. The Cold War was a fifty year rivalry between the United States and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics or Soviet Union. The conflict never reached full-scale combat between the two countries, but so-called proxy wars in Korea and Vietnam were tragic enough. The rivalry played out in all kinds of arenas including economics, the space race, art and sports. It also contributed to domestic events like the Civil Rights Movement as the segregation of the south complicated foreign policy with African nations. Cold War -often dated from 1947 to 1991, was a sustained state of political and military tension between powers in the Western Bloc, dominated by the United States with NATO among its allies, and powers in the Eastern, dominated by the Soviet Union along with the Warsaw Pact. This began after the success of their temporary wartime alliance against Nazi Germany, leaving the USSR and the US as two superpowers with profound economic and political differences. A neutral faction arose with the Non-Aligned Movement founded by Egypt, India, and Yugoslavia; this faction rejected association with either the US-led West or the Soviet-led East. The Cold War was so named because the two major powers—each possessing nuclear weapons and thereby threatened with mutual assured destruction—never met in direct military combat. Instead, in their struggle for global influence they engaged in ongoing psychological warfare and in regular indirect confrontations through proxy. These initiatives rapidly improved relations with the United States and brought an end to the Cold War. What Gorbachev had not anticipated, however, was that, without the domination of the police and a monopoly of power in the hands of the Communist Party, the Soviet empire would collapse into 16 different national parts. Nationalism, always a potent force in the modern world, brought about the collapse of the Soviet Union by 1991. Harry Truman - was the 33rd President of the United States (1945–1953). The final running mate of President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1944, Truman succeeded to the presidency on April 12, 1945, when Roosevelt died after months of declining health. Under Truman, the U.S. successfully concluded World War II; in the aftermath of the conflict, tensions with the Soviet Union increased, marking the start of the Cold War. While Germany surrendered a few weeks after Truman assumed the Presidency, the war with Japan was expected to last another year or more. Truman's decision to use atomic weapons against Japan led to a speedy end of the war but remains controversial. His presidency was a turning point in foreign affairs, as the nation supported an internationalist foreign policy in conjunction with European allies. Working closely with Congress, Truman assisted in the founding of the United Nations, issued the Truman Doctrine to contain communism, and passed the $13 billion Marshall Plan to rebuild Europe. Wartime alliance with the Soviet Union became peacetime opposition, and the Cold War began. He oversaw the Berlin Airlift in 1948 and the creation of NATO in 1949. When communist North Korea invaded South Korea in 1950, he immediately sent in U.S. troops and gained UN approval for the Korean War. After initial success, the UN forces were thrown back by Chinese intervention and the conflict was stalemated through the final years of Truman's presidency. NATO - The North Atlantic Treaty Organization is an intergovernmental military alliance based on the North Atlantic Treaty which was signed on 4 April 1949. The organization constitutes a system of collective defense whereby its member states agree to mutual defense in response to an attack by any external party. NATO's headquarters are in Brussels, Belgium, one of the 28 member states across North America and Europe, the newest of which, Albania and Croatia, joined in April 2009. An additional 22 countries participate in NATO's "Partnership for Peace", with 15 other countries involved in institutionalized dialogue programs. The combined military spending of all NATO members constitutes over 70% of the world's defense spending. The outbreak of the Korean War in June 1950 was crucial for NATO as it raised the apparent threat of all Communist countries working together, and forced the alliance to develop concrete military plans. SHAPE, the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe, was formed as a consolidated command structure, and began work under Supreme Allied Commander Dwight D. Eisenhower in January 1951. The 1952 Lisbon conference, seeking to provide the forces necessary for NATO's Long-Term Defense Plan, called for an expansion to ninety-six divisions. However this requirement was dropped the following year to roughly thirty-five divisions with heavier use to be made of nuclear weapons. At this time, NATO could call on about fifteen ready divisions in Central Europe, and another ten in Italy and Scandinavia. Also at Lisbon, the post of Secretary General of NATO as the organization's chief civilian was created, and Lord Ismay was eventually appointed to the post Korean War - was a war between the Republic of Korea (South Korea), supported by the United Nations, and the Democratic Peoples Republican (North Korea), at one time supported by the People's Republic of China and the Soviet Union. It was primarily the result of the political division of Korea by an agreement of the victorious Allies at the conclusion of the Pacific War at the end of World. The Korean Peninsula was ruled by the Empire of Japan from 1910 until the end of World War II. Following the surrender of the Empire of Japan in September 1945, American administrators divided the peninsula along the 38th parallel, with U.S. military forces occupying the southern half and Soviet military forces occupying the northern half. The Communist north invaded the South Korean area. The UN asked the U.S. and token forces from other countries to help the South Koreans. The U.N. forces pushed the Communists out of South Korea and far to the north. Communist China invaded and attacked the U.N. forces but the world wasn't gutsy enough to really fight the Chinese because they were tired of war after WWII. The U.S. also got lazy and an idiot in Washington fired General MacArthur who could have stopped the Cold war then and there. As a result, we had another 40 years of Cold War with millions of people being killed. The Cowardly U.N allowed the North Koreans and their Chinese masters to keep North Korea enslaved and starving up to this day. Douglas MacArthur - was an American general and field marshal of the Philippine Army who was Chief of Staff of the United States Army during the 1930s and played a prominent role in the Pacific theater during World War II. He received the Medal of Honor for his service in the Philippines Campaign, which made him and his father Arthur MacArthur, Jr., the first father and son to be awarded the medal. He was one of only five men ever to rise to the rank of General of the Army in the U.S. Army, and the only man ever to become a field marshal in the Philippine Army. MacArthur was the Supreme Allied Commander for both WW2 and the Korean War (WW2-Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations/Nimitz was Supreme Allied Commander for the remainder of the Pacific Theater/US Army General Stillwell commanded the CBI Theater). HUAC - The House Committee on Un-American Activities (HUAC) was an investigative committee of the United States House of Representatives. It was created in 1938 to investigate alleged disloyalty and subversive activities on the part of private citizens, public employees, and those organizations suspected of having Communist ties. In 1969, the House changed the committee's name to "House Committee on Internal Security". When the House abolished the committee in 1975, its functions were transferred to the House Judiciary Committee. HUAC was the House Committee on Un-American Activities. It was created to investigate disloyal and subversive organizations, such as Fascism Nazism and Communism. Largely associated with McCarthyism, HUAC set out to investigate and convict people of holding left-wing (communism) views. In 1947, HUAC began blacklisting Hollywood actors and producers. Alger Hiss - was an American lawyer, government official, author, and lecturer. He was involved in the establishment of the United Nations both as a U.S. State Department and U.N. official. Hiss was accused of being a Soviet spy in 1948 and convicted of perjury in connection with this charge in 1950. After two trials during 1949, a jury found Alger Hiss, a former high-ranking State Department official, accused of by Whittaker Chambers in August 1948 of being a communist and Soviet spy, guilty on two counts of perjury. Since the perjury charges related to the nature of Hiss' relationship as a member a Soviet spy ring in Washington, DC, run by first by Harold Ware and then by Chambers during the 1930s, the guilty verdict implies that Hiss was indeed a member of that Soviet spy ring. Joseph McCarthy - was an American politician who served as a Republican U.S. Senator from the state of Wisconsin from 1947 until his death in 1957. Beginning in 1950, McCarthy became the most visible public face of a period in which Cold War tensions fueled fears of widespread Communist subversion. He was noted for making claims that there were large numbers of Communists and Soviet spies and sympathizers inside the United States federal government and elsewhere. Ultimately, his tactics and inability to substantiate his claims led him to be censured by the United States Senate. The term McCarthyism, coined in 1950 in reference to McCarthy's practices, was soon applied to similar anti-communist activities. Today the term is used more generally in reference to demagogic, reckless, and unsubstantiated accusations, as well as public attacks on the character or patriotism of political opponents. Senator Joe McCarthy is one of the strongest pro-American figures in the history of the United States. Despite many attempts by socialists to demonize McCarthy and "McCarthyism" with revisionist history, McCarthy's achievements shine through the propaganda. At a time when America was threatened by a murderous, backward, anti-freedom ideology of Soviet communism, Joseph McCarthy was a champion of capitalism and Democracy. Even when his career was threatened because of his vocal anti-communist speeches, McCarthy did not back down from the cause of freedom. For the courage Senator McCarthy showed in sticking to his American principles, he is today considered to be a hero by many. He almost single-handedly started the "Red scare" (a Communist witch hunt of the 1950's) that ruined the lives and careers of many prominent Americans of the time. The Affluent Society – The Affluent Society is a 1958 book by Harvard economist John Kenneth Galbraith. The book sought to clearly outline the manner in which the post-World War II United States was becoming wealthy in the private sector but remained poor in the public sector, lacking social and physical infrastructure, and perpetuating income disparities. The book sparked much public discussion at the time, and it is widely remembered for Galbraith's popularizing of the term "conventional wisdom". The "central tradition" in economics, created by Adam Smith and expanded by David Ricardo and Thomas Robert Malthus in the late 1700s and early 1800s, is poorly suited to the affluent post-World War II U.S. society. This is so because the "central tradition" economists wrote during a time of widespread poverty where production of basic goods was necessary. U.S. society, at the time of Galbraith's writing, was one of widespread affluence, where production was based on luxury goods and wants. Penicillin - is a group of antibiotics derived from Penicillium fungi. They include penicillin G, procaine penicillin, benzathine penicillin, and penicillin V. Penicillin antibiotics are historically significant because they are the first drugs that were effective against many previously serious diseases, such as syphilis, and infections caused by staphylococci and streptococci. Penicillin are still widely used today, though many types of bacteria are now resistant. During World War II, penicillin made a major difference in the number of deaths and amputations caused by infected wounds among Allied forces, saving an estimated 12%–15% of lives Polio vaccine - Two polio vaccines are used throughout the world to combat poliomyelitis (or polio). The first was developed by Jonas Salk and first tested in 1952. Announced to the world by Salk on April 12, 1955, it consists of an injected dose of inactivated (dead) poliovirus. An oral vaccine was developed by Albert Sabin using attenuated poliovirus. Human trials of Sabin's vaccine began in 1957 and it was licensed in 1962. The two vaccines have eradicated polio from most countries in the world, and reduced the worldwide incidence from an estimated 350,000 cases in 1988 to 1,652 cases in 2007. Jonas Salk - was an American medical researcher and virologist, best known for his discovery and development of the first successful polio vaccine. He was born in New York City to Jewish parents. Although they had little formal education, his parents were determined to see their children succeed. While attending New York University School of Medicine, Salk stood out from his peers not just because of his academic prowess, but because he went into medical research instead of becoming a practicing physician. Until 1955, when the Salk vaccine was introduced, polio was considered the most frightening public health problem of the post-war United States. Annual epidemics were increasingly devastating. The 1952 epidemic was the worst outbreak in the nation's history. Of nearly 58,000 cases reported that year, 3,145 people died and 21,269 were left with mild to disabling paralysis, with most of its victims being children. DDT - is an organochlorine insecticide which is a colorless, crystalline solid, tasteless and almost odorless chemical compound. Technical DDT has been formulated in almost every conceivable form including solutions in xylene or petroleum distillates, emulsifiable concentrates, water-wettable powders, granules, aerosols, smoke candles, and charges for vaporizers and lotions. First synthesized in 1874, DDT's insecticidal properties were not discovered until 1939, and it was used with great success in the second half of World War II to control malaria and typhus among civilians and troops. The Swiss chemist Paul Hermann Müller was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1948 "for his discovery of the high efficiency of DDT as a contact poison against several arthropods." After the war, DDT was made available for use as an agricultural insecticide, and soon its production and use skyrocketed. Sputnik - was the first artificial Earth satellite. It was a 585 mm (23 in) diameter polished metal sphere, with four external radio antennae to broadcast radio pulses. The Soviet launched it into an elliptical low Earth orbit on 4 October 1957. It was visible all around the Earth and its radio pulses detectable. The surprise success precipitated the American Sputnik crisis, began the Space Age and triggered the Space Race, a part of the larger Cold War. The launch ushered in new political, military, technological, and scientific developments. "Sputnik 1 was the world's first Earth-orbiting artificial satellite. It was launched into a low altitude elliptical orbit by the Soviet Union on 4 October 1957, and was the first in a series of satellites collectively known as the Sputnik program. The unanticipated announcement of Sputnik 1's success precipitated the Sputnik crisis in the United States and ignited the Space Race within the Cold War NASA - The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is the agency of the United States government that is responsible for the nation's civilian space program and for aeronautics and aerospace research. President Eisenhower established the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in 1958 with a distinctly civilian (rather than military) orientation encouraging peaceful applications in space science. The National Aeronautics and Space Act was passed on July 29, 1958, replacing its predecessor, the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA). The agency became operational on October 1, 1958. The Space Race was a mid-to-late 20th century competition between the Soviet Union (USSR) and the United States (USA) for supremacy in space exploration. Between 1957 and 1975, the Cold War rivalry between the two nations focused on attaining firsts in space exploration, which were seen as necessary for national security and symbolic of technological and ideological superiority. The Space Race involved pioneering efforts to launch artificial, sub-orbital and orbital human spaceflight around the Earth, and piloted voyages to the Moon. Yuri Gagarin - was a Soviet pilot and cosmonaut. He was the first human to journey into outer space, when his Vostok spacecraft completed an orbit of the Earth on 12 April 1961 John Glenn - is a retired United States Marine Corps pilot, astronaut, and United. He was the first American to orbit the Earth and the fifth person in space, after cosmonauts Yuri Gagarin and Gherman Titov and fellow Mercury Seven astronauts Alan Shepard and Gus Grissom. Glenn was a combat aviator in the Marine Corps and one of the Mercury Seven, who were the elite U.S. military test pilots selected by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to operate the experimental Mercury spacecraft and become the first American astronauts. He flew the Friendship 7 mission on February 20, 1962. In 1965, Glenn retired from the military and resigned from NASA so he could be eligible to stand for election to public office.  Neil Armstrong - was an American astronaut and the first person to walk on the Moon. He was also an aerospace engineer, naval aviator, test pilot, and university professor. Before becoming an astronaut, Armstrong was an officer in the U.S. Navy and served in the Korean War. After the war, he earned his bachelor's degree at Purdue University and served as a test pilot at the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics High-Speed Flight Station, now known as the Dryden Flight Research Center, where he logged over 900 flights. He later completed graduate studies at the University of Southern California. Levittown - The Levitt firm began before World War II, as a builder of custom homes in upper middle-class communities on Long Island. During the war, however, the homebuilding industry languished under a general embargo on private use of scarce raw materials. William "Bill" Levitt served in the Navy, and developed expertise in mass-production building of military housing using uniform and interchangeable parts. During this same period, he was insistent that a postwar building boom would require similar mass-production housing, and was able to purchase options on large swaths of onion and potato fields in undeveloped sections of Long Island The Big Bang - theory is the prevailing cosmological model that describes the early development of the Universe. According to the theory, the Big Bang occurred approximately 13.798 ± 0.037 billion years ago, which is thus considered the age of the universe. After this time, the Universe was in an extremely hot and dense state and began expanding rapidly. After the initial expansion, the Universe cooled sufficiently to allow energy to be converted into various subatomic particles, including protons, neutrons, and electrons. Though simple atomic nuclei could have formed quickly, thousands of years were needed before the appearance of the first electrically neutral atoms. The first element produced was hydrogen, along with traces of helium and lithium Beat Generation - was a group of American post-World War II writers who came to prominence in the 1950s, as well as the cultural phenomena that they both documented and inspired. Central elements of "Beat" culture included rejection of received standards, innovations in style, experimentation with drugs, alternative sexualities, an interest in Eastern religion, a rejection of materialism, and explicit portrayals of the human condition. Allen Ginsberg's Howl (1956), William S. Burroughs's Naked Lunch (1959) and Jack Kerouac's On the Road (1957) are among the best known examples of Beat literature. Both Howl and Naked Lunch were the focus of obscenity trials that ultimately helped to liberalize publishing in the United States. The members of the Beat Generation developed a reputation as new bohemian hedonists, who celebrated non-conformity and spontaneous creativity. To go against this idea of conformity, the Beat Generation thus rose to express their ideals among society. The Beat Generation was a group of American writers, producers, and artists who experimented with drugs, alternative forms of sexuality, interest within the Eastern religious culture, rejection of materialism, and the idealizing of means of expression Rock n Roll - is a genre of popular music that originated and evolved in the United States during the late 1940s and early 1950s, primarily from a combination of African such as blues, jump blues, jazz, and gospel music, together with Western swing and country. Though elements of rock and roll can be heard in blues records from the 1920s and in country records of the 1930s, rock and roll did not acquire its name until the 1950s. Rock and roll played an important, but under-appreciated role in subverting the political order of the Soviet Union and its satellites. The attraction of the unique form of music served to undermine Soviet authority by humanizing the West, helped alienate a generation from the political system, and sparked a youth revolution. This contribution was achieved not only through the use of words or images, but through the structure of the music itself. Furthermore, the music was spread as part of a broad public diplomacy effort, commercial ventures, and through the efforts of the populace in the Eastern Block Elvis Presley - was an American singer and actor. A cultural icon, he is commonly known by the single name Elvis. One of the most popular musicians of the 20th century, he is often referred to as the "King of Rock and Roll" or "the King". During those years, Elvis loomed large in official East German thinking about the Cold War. The East German leaders described him as a threat—the country’s defense minister, Willi Stoph, declared that Elvis’s rock and roll was “a means of seduction to make the youth ripe for atomic war.” In April 1959, East German Communist Party leader Walter Ulbricht told a cultural conference that it was “not enough to reject the capitalist decadence with words, to ... speak out against the ecstatic ‘singing’ of someone like Presley. We have to offer something better James Dean - was an American actor. He is an icon of teenage disillusionment, as expressed in the title of his most celebrated film, Rebel without a Cause (1955), in which he starred as troubled Los Angeles teenager Jim Stark. The other two roles that defined his stardom were as loner Cal Trask in East of Eden (1955), and as the surly ranch hand, Jett Rink, in Giant (1956). Dean's enduring fame and popularity rests on his performances in only these three films, all leading roles. His premature death in a car crash cemented his legendary status Brown v. Board of Education - was a landmark United States Supreme Court case in which the Court declared state laws establishing separate public schools for black and white students unconstitutional. The decision overturned the Plessy v. Ferguson decision of 1896 which allowed state-sponsored segregation. Handed down on May 17, 1954, the Warren Court's unanimous (9–0) decision stated that "separate educational facilities are inherently unequal." As a result, de jure racial segregation was ruled a violation of the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution. This ruling paved the way for integration and was a major victory of the civil rights movement. As a result, de jure racial segregation was ruled a violation of the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution. This victory paved the way for integration and the civil rights movement. The Supreme Court's Brown v. Board of Education decision did not abolish segregation in other public areas, such as restaurants and restrooms, nor did it require desegregation of public schools by a specific time. It did, however, declare the permissive or mandatory segregation that existed in 21 states unconstitutional. It was a giant step towards complete desegregation of public schools Civil Rights movement - was a series of worldwide political movements for equality before law that peaked in the 1960s. In many situations it took the form of campaigns of civil resistance aimed at achieving change by nonviolent forms of resistance. In some situations it was accompanied, or followed, by civil unrest and armed rebellion. The civil rights movement in the United States includes noted legislation and organized efforts to abolish public and private acts of racial discrimination African Americans and other disadvantaged groups between 1954 to 1968, particularly in the southern United States. It is sometimes referred to as the Second Reconstruction era, echoing the unresolved issues of the Reconstruction era in the United States (1863–1877). The main aim of the civil rights movement included, and include, ensuring that the rights of all people are equally protected by the law, including the rights of minorities. Civil rights movements ranging from the global LGBT rights movement to the global Women's rights movement to various racial minority rights movements around the world continue. U2 crisis - occurred during the Cold War on 1 May 1960, during the presidency of Dwight Eisenhower and during the leadership of Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev, when a United States U-2 spy plane was shot down over the airspace of the Soviet Union. On May 1st of 1960, an American U2 spy plane was shot down over the Soviet Union. This incident began a downward spiral of spy v. spy type diplomacy that directly led to collapse of the Four Power Paris Summit, between then President of the United States, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev, United Kingdom Prime Minister, Harold Macmillan and French President Charles de Gaulle. This was mostly due to the fact that Eisenhower refused to apologize over the incident. When the spy plane was first shot down, the United States at first denied the incident making many false claims before to admit the truth of the incident when the Soviet government produced remains of the plane and the pilot, Francis Gary Powers, who was still alive. Powers was convicted by the Soviets of espionage and served close to two years of hard labor in a soviet prison before being released and sent home in exchange for the "hallow nickel" Soviet spy Rudolf Abel. Bay of Pigs – it was an unsuccessful military invasion of Cuba undertaken by the paramilitary group Brigade 2506 on 17 April 1961. A counter-revolutionary military trained and funded by the United States government’s Central Intelligence Agency  (CIA), Brigade 2506 fronted the armed wing of the Democratic Revolutionary Front (DRF) and intended to overthrow the revolutionary leftist government of President Osvaldo Dorticós Torrado. Launched from Guatemala, the invading force was defeated by the Cuban armed forces, under the command of Prime Minister Fidel Castro, within three days. The USA invaded Cuba to get rid of Fidel Castro. Castro was angry. Both Cuba and the Soviet Union were allies. So, in retaliation, Cuba allowed the Soviet Union to build bases in Cuba and station nuclear missiles there. Then you have the Cuban Missile Crisis - when the USA and Soviet Union nearly went to nuclear war. Cuban Missile Crisis -  known as the October crisis in Cuba and the Caribbean crisis in the USSR — was a 13-day confrontation between the Soviet Union and Cuba on one side, and the United States on the other, in October 1962. It was one of the major confrontations of the Cold War, and is generally regarded as the moment in which the Cold War came closest to turning into a nuclear conflict. It is also the first documented instance of the threat of mutual assured destruction (MAD) being discussed as a determining factor in a major international arms agreement. After provocative political moves and the failed US attempt to overthrow the Cuban regime (Bay of Pigs, Operation Mongoose), in May 1962 Nikita Khrushchev proposed the idea of placing Soviet nuclear missiles on Cuba to deter any future invasion attempt. During a meeting between Khrushchev and Fidel Castro that July, a secret agreement was reached and construction of several missile sites began in the late summer. Such a move would also neutralize the US's advantage of having missiles in Turkey. These preparations were noticed and on 14 October, a US U-2 aircraft took several pictures clearly showing sites for medium-range and intermediate-range ballistic nuclear missiles (MRBMs and IRBMs) under construction. These images were processed and presented on October 15, which marks the beginning of the 13-day crisis from the US perspective. Iron Curtain - symbolized the ideological conflict and physical boundary dividing Europe into two separate areas from the end of World War II in 1945 until the end of the Cold in 1991. The term symbolized efforts by the Soviet Union to block itself and its dependent and central European allies off from open contact with the west and non-communist areas. On the East side of the Iron Curtain were the countries that were connected to or influenced by the former Soviet Union. On either side of the Iron Curtain, states developed their own international economic and military alliances: Physically, the Iron Curtain took the form of border defenses between the countries of Europe in the middle of the continent. The most notable border was marked by the Berlin Wall and its Checkpoint Charlie which served as a symbol of the Curtain as a whole. Berlin Wall - was a barrier constructed by the German Democratic Republic (GDR, East Germany) starting on 13 August 1961, that completely cut off (by land) Berlin from surrounding East Germany and from East Berlin. When the wall fell it ended the Cold War. Communism was no more in Eastern Europe, namely in Germany. It was greatly significant to the Berlin people, particularly those in East Berlin, because when the wall went up, it cut off East Berliners' only chance of escape to a better life apart from Communistic rule. West Berlin was quickly becoming one of the best European cities once again, while East Berlin had gone downhill drastically: economically, spiritually, and politically. When the wall fell it meant that the people of Berlin could once again be a whole city. West and East combined to make the complete city of Berlin once more. Although East Berlin has still not caught up completely to its much wealthier and attractive counterpart in the West, the West has given greatly to its cause. It is becoming much easier to find jobs and a good home in East Berlin than it ever was, or was close to becoming when Communism ruled there. After the wall fell, many young people, and young families moved back into the city to start a new life, as well as many artists of all kinds. There are still those in the East that wish communism was still there, but they are very much the minority. There is also still tension between the West and East due to how much the West has had to give up to help it's other half regain its health. Those in the West are still called Wessies and the Eastern Berliners are still called Ossies. There is now a double brick line on the streets of Berlin that traces where the wall once stood around West Berlin, as well as segments of the wall that still remain standing as a testament to what once happened in such a great city. It marked the end of the Cold War in Europe. Great Society - was a set of domestic programs in the United States announced by President Johnson at Ohio University and subsequently promoted by him and fellow Democrats in Congress in the 1960s. Two main goals of the Great Society social reforms were the elimination of poverty and racial injustice. New major spending programs that addressed education, medical care, urban problems, and transportation were launched during this period. The Great Society in scope and sweep resembled the New Deal domestic agenda of Franklin D. Roosevelt. Between 1960 and 1970 the poverty rate in the US declined from 22 to 12 percent. Since then is has fluctuated with the business cycle but never fallen much below 12%. The economy was very good in the 1960's so part of the fall may be due to that but the Great society programs and the civil rights movement provided more opportunity and equality in society also had an effect. Many people think of it as a welfare program but it was actually focused on education and included job training, head start, and college loans programs. Ralph Nader - is an American political activist, as well as an author, lecturer, and attorney. Areas of particular concern to Nader include protection, humanitarianism, environmentalism, and democratic government. Nader is a five-time candidate for President of the United States, having run as a write-in candidate in the 1992 New Hampshire Democratic primary, as the Green Party nominee in 1996 and 2000, and as an independent candidate in 2004 and 2008. In the 1970s and 1980s Nader was a key leader in the antinuclear power movement. "By 1976, consumer advocate Ralph Nader, who later became allied with the environmental movement, 'stood as the titular head of opposition to nuclear energy'." The Critical Mass Energy Project was formed by Nader in 1974 as a national anti-nuclear umbrella group. It was probably the largest national anti-nuclear group in the United States, with several hundred local affiliates and an estimated 200,000 supporters. Ralph Nader was significant for humanitarianism and environmentalism acts. He gained prominence in 1965 with the publication of his book, Unsafe at Any Speed, a critique of the safety record of American automobile manufacturers. Martin Luther King - was an American clergyman, activist, and leader in the African-American Civil Rights Movement. He is best known for his role in the advancement of freedom rights using nonviolent civil acts. King has become a national icon in the history of American progressivism. A Baptist minister, King became a civil rights activist early in his career. He led the 1955 Montgomery Bus Boycott and helped found the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) in 1957, serving as its first president. With the SCLC, King led an unsuccessful struggle against segregation in Albany, Georgia, in 1962, and organized nonviolent protests in Birmingham, Alabama, that attracted national attention following television news coverage of the brutal police response. King also helped to organize the 1963 March on Washington, where he delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech. There, he established his reputation as one of the greatest orators in American history. He also established his reputation as a radical, and became an object of the Federal's COINTELPRO for the rest of his life. FBI agents investigated him for possible communist ties, recorded his extramarital liaisons and reported on them to government officials, and on one occasion, mailed King a threatening anonymous letter that he interpreted as an attempt to make him commit suicide. Malcolm X -  born Malcolm Little and also known as El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz was an African-American Muslim minister and human rights activist. To his admirers, he was a courageous advocate for the rights of blacks, a man who indicted white America in the harshest terms for its crimes against black Americans. Detractors accused him of preaching racism, black supremacy, and violence. He has been called one of the greatest and most influential African Americans in history. Malcolm X's father died—killed by white supremacists, it was rumored—when he was young, and at least one of his uncles was lynched. When he was 13, his mother was placed in a mental hospital, and he was placed in a series of foster homes. In 1946, at age 20, he went to prison for breaking and entering. In prison, Malcolm X became a member of the Nation of Islam; after his parole in 1952, he quickly rose to become one of its leaders. For a dozen years, Malcolm X was the public face of the controversial group, but disillusionment with Nation of Islam head Elijah Muhammad led him to leave the Nation in March 1964. After a period of travel in Africa and the Middle East, he returned to the United States, where he founded Muslim Mosque, Inc. and the Organization of Afro-American Unity. In February 1965, less than a year after leaving the Nation of Islam, he was assassinated by three members of the group. Affirmative action - known as positive discrimination in the United Kingdom, refers to policies that take factors including "race, color, religion, sex, or national origin” into consideration in order to benefit an underrepresented group "in areas of employment, education, and business". The term "affirmative action" was first used in the United States in Executive Order 10925 and was signed by President John F. Kennedy on 6 March 1961; it was used to promote actions that achieve non-discrimination. In 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson enacted Executive Order 11246 which required government employers to take "affirmative action" to hire without regard to race, religion and national origin. In 1967, gender was added to the anti-discrimination list. Affirmative action is intended to promote the opportunities of defined groups within a society. It is often instituted in government and educational settings to ensure that minority groups within a society are included in all programs. The stated justification for affirmative action by its proponents is that it helps to compensate for past discrimination, persecution or exploitation by the ruling class of a culture, and to address existing discrimination. The implementation of affirmative action, especially in the United States, is considered by its proponents to be justified by disparate impact. Vietnam - was a Cold War-era military conflict that occurred in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1 November 1955  to the fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975. This war followed the First Indochina War and was fought between North Vietnam, supported by its communist allies, and the government of South Vietnam, supported by the United States and other anti-communist countries. The Viet Cong (also known as the National Liberation Front, or NLF), a lightly armed South Vietnamese communist common front directed by the North, largely fought a guerrilla war against anti-communist forces in the region. The Vietnam People's Army (North Vietnamese Army) engaged in a more conventional war, at times committing large units into battle. U.S. and South Vietnamese forces relied on air superiority and overwhelming firepower to conduct search and destroy operations, involving forces, artillery, and airstrikes. During the Cold War, U.S. foreign policy was worried about the "domino theory", that if one country became Communist, its neighbor also might fall to Communism. Korea was one test, and of course, the tension in Europe during this time also tested this theme. The U.S. decided to stake a stand in South Vietnam, when North Vietnam tried to take the whole country. The US. Afraid that the whole Indochina peninsula might become Communist and then the Philippines, and so on. Women’s movement - refers to a series of campaigns for reforms on issues such as rights, domestic, maternity leave, equal pay, women's suffrage, sexual harassment, and sexual violence, all of which fall under the label of feminism. The movement's priorities vary among nations and communities and range from opposition to female genital mutilation in one country or to the glass ceiling in another. The movement began in the western world in the late 19th century and has gone through three waves. First-wave feminism was oriented around the station of middle- or upper-class white women and involved suffrage and political equality. Second-wave feminism attempted to further combat social and cultural inequalities. Third-wave feminism includes renewed campaigning for women’s greater influence in politics. Woodstock - was a music festival, billed as "An Aquarian Exposition: 3 Days of Peace & Music". It was held at Max Yasgur's 600-acre (2.4 km²; 240 ha, 0.94 mi²) dairy farm in the Catskills near the hamlet of White Lake in the town of Bethel, New, from August 15 to August 18, 1969. Bethel, in Sullivan County, is 43 miles (69 km) southwest of the town of Woodstock, New York, in adjoining County. During the sometimes rainy weekend, thirty-two acts performed outdoors in front of 500,000 concert-goers. It is widely regarded as a pivotal moment in popular music history. Rolling Stone listed it as one of the 50 Moments That Changed the History of Rock and Roll. Many consider it to have been the climax of the "spirit" of the 60's, meaning: free love, drugs, opposition to the Vietnam War, etc. After that, it started to subside, especially after the Vietnam War ended. An indication of this decline can be seen from a similar concert that attempted later that year near San Francisco. Some of the featured groups included: Jefferson Airplane, the Rolling Stones, and just too new a few. But it turned out to be a flop. A riot all but broke up the concert and someone in the audience got knifed by a Hell's Angel, which were being used as event security! There was a documentary made about it but the title escapes me. At any rate, you can contrast these events with the Monterrey Pop Festival a couple years earlier in the "Summer of Love" in '67. It was for the most part peaceful and well controlled. If you watch a documentary of Monterrey, you will notice local cops every once and a while; whereas Woodstock was a free-for-all. Stonewall Riot - were a series of spontaneous, violent demonstrations by members of the community against a police raid that took place in the early morning hours of June 28, 1969, at the Stonewall Inn, in the Greenwich neighborhood of New York City. They are widely considered to constitute the single most important event leading to the gay liberation movement and the modern fight for gay and lesbian rights in the United States. American gays and lesbians in the 1950s and 1960s faced a legal system more anti-homosexual than those of some Warsaw Pact countries. Early homophile groups in the U.S. sought to prove that gay people could be assimilated into society, and they favored non-confrontational education for homosexuals and heterosexuals alike. The last years of the 1960s, however, were very contentious, as many social movements were active, including the African American Civil Rights Movement, the Counterculture of the 1960s, and antiwar demonstrations. These influences, along with the liberal environment of Greenwich Village, served as catalysts for the Stonewall riots. Roe v. Wade - is a landmark decision by the United States Supreme Court on the issue of abortion. Decided simultaneously with a companion case, Doe v. Bolton, the Court ruled 7–2 that a right to privacy under the due process clause of the 14th Amendment extended to a woman's decision to have an abortion, but that right must be balanced against the state's two legitimate interests in regulating abortions: protecting prenatal life and protecting women's health. Arguing that these state interests became stronger over the course of a pregnancy, the Court resolved this balancing test by tying state regulation of abortion to the trimester. The decision in Roe v. Wade prompted a still-continuing national debate over whether terminating pregnancies should be legal (or more precisely, whether a state can choose to deem the act illegal), the role of the Supreme Court in constitutional adjudication, and the role of religious views in the political sphere. Roe v. Wade became one of the most politically significant Supreme Court decisions in history, reshaping national politics, dividing the nation into "pro-choice" and "pro-life" camps, and inspiring grassroots activism. Support for Roe comes from those who view the decision as necessary to preserve women's equality and personal freedom, and those who believe in the primacy of individual over collective rights, although the opposition to Roe often reference the primacy of the individual when referring to the fetus. Environmental movement - a term that includes conservation and green politics, is a diverse scientific, social, and political movement for addressing issues. Environmentalists advocate the sustainable management of resources and stewardship of the environment through changes in public policy and individual behavior. In its recognition of humanity as a participant in (not enemy of) ecosystems, the movement is centered on ecology, health, and human rights. The American environmental movement has its origins in the twentieth century with grassroots movements concerned with the wilderness, pollution and human health. The conservationist movement began in the first half of the twentieth century. Pioneers of the movement called for more efficient and professional management of natural resources. They fought for reform because they believed the destruction of forests, fertile soil, minerals, and wildlife and water resources would be the downfall of our society. The movement did not really take off until after World War II as people began to recognize the costs of environmental negligence, disease, and widespread air and water pollution through the occurrence of several environmental disasters that occurred post-World War II. Silent Spring - is a book written by Rachel Carson and published by Houghton Mifflin on September 27, 1962.  The book is widely credited with helping launch the contemporary American environmental movement. The New Yorker started serializing Silent Spring in June 1962, and it was published in book form (with illustrations by Lois and Louis Darling) by Houghton Mifflin on Sept. 27. When the book Silent Spring was published, Rachel Carson was already a well-known writer on natural history, but had not previously been a social critic. The book was widely read—especially after its selection by the Book-of-the-Month Club and the new best-seller list—and inspired widespread public concerns with pesticides and pollution of the environment. Silent Spring facilitated the ban of the pesticide DDT in 1972 in the United States. Henry Kissinger - is a German-born American writer, political scientist, diplomat, and businessman. A recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, he served as National Security Advisor and later concurrently as Secretary of State in the administrations of Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford. After his term, his opinion was still sought by some subsequent US presidents and other world leaders. A proponent of Realpolitik, Kissinger played a prominent role in United States foreign policy between 1969 and 1977. During this period, he pioneered the policy of détente with the Soviet Union, orchestrated the opening of relations with the People's Republic of China, and negotiated the Paris Peace Accords, ending American involvement in the Vietnam War. Henry Kissinger was Richard Nixon's key foreign policy adviser, a Harvard history professor. Kissinger was prepared to use force to compel the North Vietnamese to reach a peace agreement. He believed North Vietnam had a breaking point. Together Nixon and Kissinger were to extend the war before achieving a peace settlement.  Warren Court – refers to the Supreme Court of the United States between 1953 and 1969, when Earl Warren served as Chief Justice. Warren led a liberal majority that used judicial power in dramatic fashion, to the consternation of conservative opponents. The Warren Court expanded civil rights, civil liberties, judicial power, and the federal power in dramatic ways. The court was both applauded and criticized for bringing an end to racial segregation in the United States, incorporating the Bill of Rights (i.e. applying it to states), and ending officially sanctioned voluntary prayer in public schools. The period is recognized as a high point in judicial power that has receded ever since, but with a substantial continuing impact. It required the states to redraw their legislative district lines so that they were roughly equal in population. Prior to that the states could, and did, draw the district lines following traditional political subdivision lines, like county lines, even though it created districts of wildly varying populations. These mal apportioned districts typically over-represented the more sparsely populated rural areas and under-represented the more densely populated urban areas.  Watergate - was a political scandal that occurred in the United States in the 1970s as a result of the June 17, 1972 break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate office complex in Washington, D.C., and the Nixon administration's attempted cover-up of its involvement. The scandal eventually led to the resignation of Richard Nixon, the President of the United States, on August 9, 1974 — the only resignation of a U.S. President. The scandal also resulted in the indictment, trial, conviction, and incarceration of forty-three persons, dozens of whom were Nixon's top administration officials. The affair began with the arrest of five men for breaking and entering into the Democratic National Committee (DNC) headquarters at the Watergate complex on June 17, 1972. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) connected cash found on the burglars to a slush fund used by the Committee for the Re-Election of the President, the official organization of Nixon's campaign. It brought a distrust and cynicism in government that has grown exponentially to the point where we are today and ushered in investigative journalism in the news media....the rules changed dramatically on what reporters delved into and how editors defined what a major story, from local to national was. NYC Board of Estimate - The New York City Board of Estimate was a governmental body in New York City, responsible for budget and land-use decisions. Under the charter of the newly amalgamated City of Greater New York (passed 1897, effective 1898) the Board of Estimate and Apportionment was composed of eight official members: the Mayor of New York City, the New York City Comptroller and the President of the New York City Council, each of whom was elected citywide and had two votes, and the five Borough presidents, each having one vote. In 1989, the Supreme Court of the United States, in Board of Estimate of City of New York v. Morris declared the New York City Board of Estimate unconstitutional on the grounds that the city's most populous borough (Brooklyn) had no greater effective representation on the board than the city's least populous borough (Staten Island), this arrangement being a violation of the Fourteenth Amendment's Equal Protection Clause pursuant to the high court's 1964 "one man, one vote" decision (Reynolds v. Sims).  Iranian revolution - refers to events involving the overthrow of the dynasty under Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, who was supported by the United States and United Kingdom, and its replacement with an Islamic republic under Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the leader of the revolution. Demonstrations against the Shah commenced in October 1977, developing into a campaign of resistance that was partly secular and partly religious, and intensified in January 1978. Between August and December 1978 strikes and demonstrations paralyzed the country. The Shah left Iran for exile on January 16, 1979 as the last Persian monarch and in the resulting power vacuum two weeks later Ayatollah Khomeini returned to Tehran to a greeting by several million Iranians. The royal reign collapsed shortly after on February 11 when guerrillas and rebel troops overwhelmed troops loyal to the Shah in armed street fighting. Iran voted by national referendum to become an Islamic Republic on April 1, 1979, and to approve a new constitution whereby Khomeini became Supreme Leader of the country, in December 1979. Supply side economics -  is a school of macroeconomic thought that argues that economic growth can be most effectively created by lowering barriers for people to produce (supply) goods and services, such as lowering income tax and capital gains tax rates, and by allowing greater flexibility by reducing regulation. According to supply-side economics, consumers will then benefit from a greater supply of goods and services at lower prices. Typical policy recommendations of supply-side economists are lower marginal tax rates and less regulation. The Laffer curve embodies a tenet of supply side economics: that government tax revenues from a specific tax are the same (nil) at 100% tax rates as at 0% tax rates respectively. The tax rate that achieves optimum, or highest government revenues is somewhere in between these two values. Mikhail Gorbachev - is a former Soviet statesman, having served as General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union from 1985 until 1991, and as the first (and last) president of the Soviet Union from 1988 until its dissolution in 1991. He was the only general secretary in the history of the Soviet Union to have been born during Communist rule. Gorbachev's attempts at reform as well as summit conferences with United States President Reagan and his reorientation of Soviet strategic aims contributed to the end of the Cold War, ended the political supremacy of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (CPSU), and led to the dissolution of the Soviet Union. He was awarded the Otto Hahn Peace Medal in 1989, the Nobel Peace Prize in 1990 and the Harvey Prize in 1992 as well as Honorary Doctorates from University of Calgary. F. Stuff since the Cold War – All kinds of things since the fall of the Berlin Wall Gulf War- was a war waged by a U.N.-authorized Coalition force from 34 nations led by the United States, against Iraq in response to Iraq's invasion and annexation of Kuwait. The war is also known under other names, such as the Persian Gulf War, First Gulf War, Gulf War I, or the First Iraq War, before the term "Iraq War" became identified instead with the 2003 Iraq War (also referred to in the U.S. as "Operation Iraqi Freedom"). Kuwait's invasion by Iraqi troops that began 2 August 1990 was met with international condemnation, and brought immediate economic sanctions against Iraq by members of the U.N. Security Council. U.S. President George H. W. Bush deployed U.S. forces into Saudi Arabia, and urged other countries to send their own forces to the scene. An array of nations joined the Coalition. The great majority of the Coalition's military forces were from the U.S., with Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom and Egypt as leading contributors, in that order. Saudi Arabia paid around US$36 billion of the US$60 billion cost. Throughout the Cold War, Iraq had been an ally of the Soviet Union, and there was a history of friction between it and the United States. The U.S. was concerned with Iraq's position on Israeli–Palestinian politics, and its disapproval of the nature of the peace between Israel and Egypt. The U.S. also disliked Iraqi support for many Arab and Palestinian militant groups such as Abu Nidal, which led to Iraq's inclusion on the developing U.S. list of State Sponsors of Terrorism on 29 December 1979. The U.S. remained officially neutral after Iraq's invasion of Iran in 1980, which became the Iran–Iraq War, although it provided resources, political support, and some "non-military" aircraft NAFTA- is an agreement signed by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, creating a trilateral trade bloc in North America. The agreement came into force on January 1, 1994. It superseded the Canada–United States Free Trade Agreement between the U.S, Canada, and Mexico NAFTA has two supplements: the North American Agreement on Environmental Cooperation (NAAEC) and the North American Agreement on Labor Cooperation (NAALC). Following diplomatic negotiations dating back to 1986 among the three nations, the leaders met in San Antonio, Texas, on December 17, 1992, to sign NAFTA. U.S. President George H. W. Bush, Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney and Mexican President Carlos Salinas, each responsible for spearheading and promoting the agreement, ceremonially signed it. The signed agreement then needed to be ratified by each nation's legislative or parliamentary branch. Impeachment- Bill Clinton, 42nd President of the United States, was impeached by the Representatives on two charges, one of perjury and one of obstruction of justice, on December 19, 1998. Two other impeachment articles, a second perjury charge and a charge of abuse of power, failed in the House. The charges arose from the Lewinsky scandal and the Paula Jones lawsuit. He was acquitted by the Senate on February 12, 1999. Requiring a two-thirds majority for a conviction, only 50 senators (out of 100) voted guilty on the obstruction charge and 45 on the perjury charge. The Senate was 17 votes short of removing Clinton from office. DNA- is a molecule that encodes the genetic instructions used in the development and functioning of all known living organisms and many viruses. Along with RNA and proteins, DNA is one of the three major macromolecules essential for all known forms of life AIDS- Human immunodeficiency virus infection / acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) is a disease of the human immune system caused by infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). During the initial infection, a person may experience a brief period of influenza-like illness. This is typically followed by a prolonged period without symptoms. As the illness progresses, it interferes more and more with the immune system, making the person much more likely to get infections, including opportunistic infections and tumors that do not usually affect people who have working immune systems. Al Qaeda- is a global militant Islamist organization founded by Osama bin Laden at some point between August 1988 and late 1989, with its origins being traceable to the Soviet War in Afghanistan. It operates as a network comprising both a multinational, stateless army and a radical Sunni Muslim movement calling for global Jihad and a strict interpretation of sharia law. It has been designated as a terrorist organization by the United Nations Security Council, NATO, the European Union, the United Kingdom, the United States, and various other countries (see below). Al-Qaeda has carried out several attacks on non-Muslims, and other targets it considers kafir. Taliban- is an Islamic fundamentalist political movement in Afghanistan. It spread into Afghanistan and formed a government, ruling as the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan from September 1996 until December 2001, with Kandahar as the capital. However, it gained diplomatic recognition from only three states: Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Mohammed Omar has been serving as the spiritual leader of the Taliban since 1994 Crusades- were a series of wars taking place in Asia Minor and the Levant between 1095 and 1291, in which Western European nations engaged using the propaganda of religious expeditionary wars. The first crusade was called by Pope Urban II of the Roman Catholic Church, with the stated goal of restoring Christian access to the holy places in and near Jerusalem. The background to the Crusades was the centuries of Arab–Byzantine Warsand the Seljuq-Byzantine Wars and the recent decisive defeat of the Byzantine army by Seljuk Turks at Manzikert in 1071. The Norman conqueror Robert Guiscard's conquest of Byzantine territories added to the problems of the Byzantine Empire. In an attempt to curtail both dangers, it’s Emperor Alexios I sought to align Christian nations against a common enemy, requested western aid, and Pope Urban II in turn enlisted western leaders in the cause of taking back the Holy Land. Mosaddegh- was the democratically elected Prime Minister of Iran from 1951 to 1953 when his government was overthrown in a coup d'État orchestrated by the BritishMI6 and the American CIA. An author, administrator, lawyer, prominent parliamentarian, he became the prime minister of Iran in 1951. His administration introduced a wide range of progressive social and political reforms such as social security, rent control, and land reforms. His government's most notable policy, however, was the nationalization of the Iranian oil industry, which had been under British control since 1913 through the Anglo-Persian Oil Company (APOC / AIOC) (later British Petroleum or BP). Mosaddegh was removed from power in a coup on 19 August 1953, organized and carried out by the CIA at the request of the British MI6 which chose Iranian General Fazlollah Zahedi to succeed Mosaddegh Mohammed Nassar- Gamal Abdel- was the second President of Egypt from 1956 until his death. A colonel in the Egyptian Army, Nasser planned and led the Egyptian Revolution of 1952, which overthrew the monarchy of Farouk I. The participating officers governed through the Revolutionary Command Council, with Muhammad Naguib as president and Nasser as his deputy. In 1953 Nasser introduced the far-reaching land reforms. In 1954, following an assassination attempt against him by the Muslim Brotherhood, Nasser ordered a crackdown against the organization and put Naguib under house arrest. Nasser subsequently assumed executive office and was nominated for the presidency, being inaugurated for the post in June 1956 after winning approval in a public referendum. As a result of his neutralist policies amid the Cold War, Nasser's relations with Western powers grew tense, leading to a withdrawal of funding for the planned Aswan Dam and Nasser's retaliatory move to nationalize the Suez Canal Company in 1956, a move welcomed by the Egyptian people. Consequently, the Kingdom, France, and Israel invaded the Sinai and occupied the canal. After the tripartite forces withdrew from Egyptian territory amid international pressure, Nasser's political standing was significantly boosted. From then onward, Nasser's popularity in the region substantially grew and calls for pan-Arab unity under his leadership increased, culminating with the formation of the United Arab Republic (1958-1961). In 1962 Nasser began a series of major socialist measures in Egypt, among other modernization reforms, ranging from education, family law and the al-Azhar Mosque. Despite setbacks to his pan-Arabist cause, by 1963 Nasser's supporters gained power in Syria, Iraq, Algeria and North Yemen. He would later be embroiled in the latter's civil war. Pahlavi- consisted of two Iranian/Persian monarchs, the father and son Reza Shah Pahlavi (reigned 1925–1941) and Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi (reigned 1941–1979). The Pahlavis came to power after Ahmad Shah Qajar, the last ruler of the Qajar dynasty, proved unable to stop British and Soviet encroachment on Iranian sovereignty, and was consequently overthrown in a military coup, abdicated and ultimately exiled to France. The National Assembly, known as the Majlis, convening as a constituent assembly on 12 December 1925, deposed the young Ahmad Shah Qajar, and declared Reza Shah the new monarch of the Imperial State of Persia. In 1935, Reza Shah instructed foreign embassies to call Persia by its ancient name, Iran. In the context of regional turmoil and the Cold War, the Shah established himself as an indispensable ally of the West. Domestically, he advocated reform policies, culminating in the 1963 program known as the White Revolution, which included land reform, extension of voting rights to women, and the elimination of illiteracy. Major plans to build Iran's infrastructure were undertaken, a new middle class began flourishing and in less than two decades Iran became the indisputable major economic and military power of the Middle East. Rexa Qutb- Sayyid Sadat- Anwar Shiites Sunnis- Sunni and Shia Islam are the two major denominations of Islam. The demographic breakdown between the two denominations is difficult to assess and varies by source, but a good approximation is that 75–90% of the world's Muslims are Sunni and 10–20% are Shia, with most Shias belonging to the Twelver tradition and the rest divided between several other groups. Sunnis are a majority in most Muslim communities: in South East Asia, China, South Asia, Africa, and most of the Arab world. Shia make up the majority of the population in Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Azerbaijan, and Bahrain (all together called the Shia Crescent), while Pakistan has the second-largest Shia Muslim (Twelver) population in the world TARP- the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) is a program of the United States government to purchase assets and equity from financial institutions to strengthen its financial sector that was signed into law by U.S. President George W. Bush on October 3, 2008. It was a component of the government's measures in 2008 to address the subprime mortgage crisis. The TARP program originally authorized expenditures of $700 billion. The Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act reduced the amount authorized to $475 billion. By October 11, 2012, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) stated that total disbursements would be $431 billion and estimated the total cost, including grants for mortgage programs that have not yet been made, would be $24 billion Derivatives- is a financial instrument which derives its value from the value of underlying entities such as an asset, index, or interest rate. "A derivative is a financial contract whose value is derived from the performance of underlying market factors, such as interest rates, currency exchange rates, and commodity, credit, and equity prices. Derivative transactions include an assortment of financial contracts, including structured debt obligations and deposits, swaps, futures, options, caps, floors, collars, forwards, and various combinations thereof." In practice, it is a contract between two parties that specifies conditions (especially the dates, resulting values and definitions of the underlying variables, the parties' contractual obligations, and the notional amount) under which payments are to be made between the parties. The most common underlying assets include: commodities, stocks, bonds, interest rates and currencies. Dutch Tulips- was a period in the Dutch Golden Age during which contract prices for bulbs of the recently introduced tulip reached extraordinarily high levels and then suddenly collapsed. At the peak of tulip mania, in March 1637, some single tulip bulbs sold for more than 10 times the annual income of a skilled craftsman. It is generally considered the first recorded speculative bubble (or economic bubble),[3]although some researchers have noted that the Kipper- und Wipperzeit episode in 1619–22, a Europe-wide chain of debasement of the metal content of coins to fund warfare, featured mania-like similarities to a bubble. The term "tulip mania" is now often used metaphorically to refer to any large economic bubble (when asset prices deviate from intrinsic values). FDIC- Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation is a United States government corporation operating as an independent agency created by the Banking Act of 1933. As of January 2013, it provides deposit insurance guaranteeing the safety of a depositor's accounts in member banks up to $250,000 for each deposit ownership category in each insured bank. As of September 30, 2012, the FDIC insured deposits at 7,181 institutions. The FDIC also examines and supervises certain financial institutions for safety and soundness, performs certain consumer-protection functions, and manages banks in receiverships (failed banks). The FDIC receives no Congressional appropriations – it is funded by premiums that banks and thrift institutions pay for deposit insurance coverage and from earnings on investments in U.S. Treasury securities. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) preserves and promotes public confidence in the U.S. financial system by insuring deposits in banks and thrift institutions for at least $250,000; by identifying, monitoring and addressing risks to the deposit insurance funds; and by limiting the effect on the economy and the financial system when a bank or thrift institution fails. An independent agency of the federal government, the FDIC was created in 1933 in response to the thousands of bank failures that occurred in the 1920s and early 1930s. Since the start of FDIC insurance on January 1, 1934, no depositor has lost a single cent of insured funds as a result of a failure.  Glass Steagall Act Alan Greenspan- is an American economist who served as Chairman of the Federal Reserve of the United States from 1987 to 2006. He currently works as a private adviser and provides consulting for firms through his company, Greenspan Associates LLC. First appointed Federal Reserve chairman by President Ronald Reagan in August 1987, he was reappointed at successive four-year intervals until retiring on January 31, 2006 after the second-longest tenure in the position. Greenspan came to the Federal Reserve Board from a successful consulting career. Although he was subdued in his public appearances, favorable media coverage raised his profile to a point that several observers likened him to a "rock star" Democratic leaders of Congress criticized him for politicizing his office because of his support for Social Security privatization and tax cuts that they felt would increase the deficit.[5] The easy-money policies of the Fed during Greenspan's tenure has been suggested to be a leading cause of the subprime mortgage crisis, which occurred within months of his departure from the Fed, and has, said the Wall Street Journal, "tarnished his image". Subprime Mortgages- the U.S. subprime mortgage crisis was a set of events and conditions that led to a financial crisis and subsequent recession that began in 2008. It was characterized by a rise in subprime mortgage delinquencies and foreclosures, and the resulting decline of securities backed by said mortgages. Several major financial institutions collapsed in September 2008, with significant disruption in the flow of credit to businesses and consumers and the onset of a severe global recession. Here were many causes of the crisis, with commentators assigning different levels of blame to financial institutions, regulators, credit agencies, government housing policies, and consumers, among others. A proximate cause was the rise in subprime lending. The percentage of lower-quality subprime mortgages originated during a given year rose from the historical 8% or lower range to approximately 20% from 2004 to 2006, with much higher ratios in some parts of the U.S. A high percentage of these subprime mortgages, over 90% in 2006 for example, were adjustable-rate mortgages. These two changes were part of a broader trend of lowered lending standards and higher-risk mortgage products. Further, U.S. households had become increasingly indebted, with the ratio of debt to disposable personal income rising from 77% in 1990 to 127% at the end of 2007, much of this increase mortgage-related. PPACA- is a United States federal statute signed into law by President Barack Obama on March 23, 2010. Together with the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act, it represents the most significant government expansion and regulatory overhaul of the U.S. healthcare system since the passage of Medicare and Medicaid in 1965. Seal Team Six- The United States Naval Special Warfare Development Group (NSWDG), or DEVGRU, is one of the United States' four secretive tier-one counter-terrorism and Special Mission Units. It is often referred to as SEAL Team Six, the name of its predecessor which was officially disbanded in 1987. DEVGRU is administratively supported by Naval Special Warfare Command and operationally commanded by the Joint Special Operations Command. Most information concerning DEVGRU is classified and details of its activities are not usually commented on by either the White House or the Department of Defense. In 2010 it was reported DEVGRU's designation was changed by the Defense Department. Despite the official name changes, "SEAL Team Six" remains the unit's widely recognized moniker. DEVGRU and its Army counterpart, Delta Force, are the United States military's primary counter-terrorism units. Although DEVGRU was created as a maritime counter-terrorism unit, it has become a multi-functional special operations unit with multiple roles that include high-risk personnel/hostage extractions. Arab Spring- is the media term for a revolutionary wave of nonviolent and violent demonstrations, violent and nonviolent protests, riots, and civil wars in the Arab world that began on 18 December 2010. There were border clashes in Israel in May 2011, and the protests in Iranian Khuzestan by the Arab minority erupted in 2011 as well. Weapons and Tuareg fighters returning from the Libyan civil war stoked a simmering conflict in Mali which has been described as "fallout" from the Arab Spring in North Africa. The sectarian clashes in Lebanon were described as a spillover violence of the Syrian uprising and hence the regional Arab Spring. In September 2012, a wave of social protests by Palestinians demanded lower consumer prices and resignation of the Palestinian Prime Minister Fayyad. The protests have shared techniques of mostly civil resistance in sustained campaigns involving strikes, demonstrations, marches, and rallies, as well as the effective use of social media to organize, communicate, and raise awareness in the face of state attempts at repression and Internet censorship Steve Jobs- was an American entrepreneur and inventor, best known as the co-founder, chairman, and CEO of Apple Inc. Through Apple, he was widely recognized as a charismatic pioneer of the personal computer revolution and for his influential career in the computer and consumer electronics fields, transforming "one industry after another, from computers and smartphones to music and movies..." Jobs also co-founded and served as chief executive of Pixar Animation Studios; he became a member of the board of directors of The Walt Disney Company in 2006, when Disney acquired Pixar. Jobs was among the first to see the commercial potential of Xerox PARC's mouse-driven graphical user interface, which led to the creation of the Lisa and, one year later, the Macintosh. He also played a role in introducing the LaserWriter, one of the first widely available laser printers, to the market The Euro- is the currency used by the Institutions of the European Union and is the official currency of the eurozone, which consists of 17 of the 27 member states of the European Union:Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Spain. The currency is also used in a further five European countries and consequently used daily by some 332 million Europeans. Additionally, more than 175 million people worldwide—including 150 million people in Africa—use currencies pegged to the euro. Vladimir Putin- is a Russian politician who has been the President of Russia since 7 May 2012. Putin previously served as President from 2000 to 2008, and as Prime Minister of Russia from 1999 to 2000 and again from 2008 to 2012. Putin was also previously the Chairman of United Russia. For sixteen years Putin was an officer in the KGB, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, before he retired to enter politics in his native Saint Petersburg in 1991. He moved to Moscow in 1996 and joined President Boris Yeltsin's administration where he rose quickly, becoming Acting President on 31 December 1999 when Yeltsin resigned unexpectedly. Putin won the subsequent 2000 presidential election and was re-elected in 2004. Because of constitutionally mandated term limits, Putin was ineligible to run for a third consecutive presidential term in 2008. Dmitry Medvedev won the 2008 presidential election and appointed Putin as Prime Minister, beginning a period of so-called "tandemocracy" Angela Merkel- is a German politician who has been the Chancellor of Germany since 2005, and the Leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) since 2000. She is the first woman to hold either office. Having initially trained as a physical chemist, Merkel entered politics in the wake of the Revolutions of 1989, briefly serving as the deputy spokesperson for the East German Government. Following reunification in 1990, she was elected to the Bundestag for Stralsund-Nordvorpommern-Rügen in the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, a position she has held since. She was later appointed as the Federal Minister for Women and Youth in 1991 under Chancellor Helmut Kohl, being promoted to become Federal Minister for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety in 1994. After the CDU/CSU coalition was defeated in 1998, she was elected Secretary-General of the CDU, before being elected the party's first ever female Leader in 2000. Republican/republican- a republican is someone who believes in represented government. While a Republican is belonging to a republic party. Democrat/ democrat- a democrat is an advocate of popular government, promotes public control while Democrat belongs to a democratic party. Rulemaking – refers to the process that executive and independent agencies use to create, or promulgate, regulations. In general, legislatures first set broad policy mandates by passing statutes, then agencies create more detailed regulations through rulemaking. By bringing detailed scientific and other types of expertise to bear on policy, the rulemaking process has been the means by which some of the most far-reaching government regulations of the 20th century have been created. For example, science-based regulations are critical to modern programs for protection, food safety, and workplace safety. However, explosive growth in regulations has fueled criticism that the rulemaking process reduces the transparency and accountability of democratic government. Adjudication-  is the legal process by which an arbiter or judge reviews evidence and argumentation including legal reasoning set forth by opposing parties or litigants to come to a decision which determines rights and obligations between the parties involved. Three types of disputes are resolved through adjudication: Disputes between private parties, such as individuals or corporations. Disputes between private parties and public officials. Disputes between public officials or public bodies. Higgs Boson- is an elementary particle initially theorized in 1964, and tentatively confirmed to exist on 14 March 2013. The discovery has been called "monumental" because it appears to confirm the existence of the Higgs field, which is pivotal to the Standard Model and other theories within particle physics. In this discipline, it explains why some fundamental particles have mass when the symmetries controlling their interactions should require them to be massless, and—linked to this—why the weak force has a much shorter range than the electromagnetic force. Its existence and knowledge of its exact properties are expected to impact scientific knowledge across a range of fields, and should eventually allow physicists to determine whether the final unproven piece of the Standard Model or a competing theory is more likely to be correct, guide other theories and discoveries in particle physics, and—as with other fundamental discoveries of the past—potentially over time lead to developments in "new" physics, and new technologies. 1 1 33 Words From Our Students "StudyBlue is great for studying. I love the study guides, flashcards and quizzes. So extremely helpful for all of my classes!" Alice , Arizona State University "I'm a student using StudyBlue, and I can 100% say that it helps me so much. Study materials for almost every subject in school are available in StudyBlue. It is so helpful for my education!" 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The longest serving and first flying space shuttle, which vehicle was lost on re-entry during mission STS-107 on Feb 1, 2003?
Space Today Online -- Tragedy of Space Shuttle Columbia, Feb. 1, 2003 Tragedy of Space Shuttle Columbia Learn More The U.S. space shuttle Columbia broke up 203,000 feet over north central Texas about 9 a.m. EST on Feb. 1, 2003, as it descended from orbit into the atmosphere toward a landing at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Seven astronauts aboard the shuttle were lost in the disaster. Residents in southwestern and southcentral states — from California through Arizona, New Mexico, Texas and Louisiana — reported seeing and feeling an explosion. Columbia, the oldest shuttle in the fleet of four, was to have landed at 9:16 a.m. EST at Kennedy Space Center. Television broadcast video of the shuttle streaking at 12,500 miles per hour across the sky 40 miles above Dallas showed multiple vapor trails as the spacecraft appeared to break apart. Thousands of small pieces of debris were strewn across a wide area from eastern Texas into Louisiana. Nacogdoches, Texas, police found pieces of debris inside the city limits and in the surrounding county. The crew. Aboard the shuttle during the 16-day flight had been commander Rick D. Husband, 45; pilot William C. McCool, 40; payload commander Michael P. Anderson, 42; mission specialists David M. Brown, 46; Kalpana Chawla 41; and Laurel Clark, 41; and Israel's first astronaut, payload specialist Ilan Ramon, 47. Ramon had been a national hero in Israel for taking part in the 1981 bombing of a nuclear reactor in Iraq. David Brown, Laurel Clark, William McCool and Ilan Ramon were on their first spaceflight. Michael Anderson, Kalpana Chawla and Rick Husband were making their second flights. [See astronauts' photos and biographies below] The crew of Columbia shuttle flight STS-107. Seated from left are Rick D. Husband, mission commander; Kalpana Chawla, mission specialist; and William C. McCool, pilot. Standing from left are David M. Brown, Laurel B. Clark, and Michael P. Anderson, all mission specialists; and Ilan Ramon, payload specialist from the Israeli Space Agency. [click image to enlarge] What NASA said at the time. NASA Entry Flight Director Leroy Cain declared a contingency for the shuttle Columbia at around 9:14 a.m. EST as the shuttle and its seven astronauts were headed toward a landing at the Kennedy Space Center. Columbia fired its braking rockets at 8:16 a.m. EST and entered the Earth's atmosphere with all of its systems functioning normally for a landing at the Florida spaceport at 9:16 a.m. Communications were lost with Columbia around 9 a.m. EST as the orbiter streaked over Texas. NASA began to use all of its tracking facilities to look for Columbia, when communications had not restored by the time the shuttle had been scheduled to land. Contingency procedures were in effect as landing support officials were dispatched east of the Dallas-Forth Worth area to search for debris. NASA warned residents under the shuttle's footprint, "If you find debris, please do not touch it, and if you have photos or videos that you think will be helpful, please contact your local police authorities." Three months later, NASA reported on April 26 that some 70,000 pieces of Columbia had been collected from the ground. That amounted to about about 40 percent of the weight of the shuttle. The pieces were shipped to Kennedy Space Center in Florida for use by accident investigators. The central element of the STS-107 mission patch is the microgravity symbol, µg, flowing into the rays of the astronaut symbol [click to enlarge] Science Not All Lost. top of this page The STS-107 mission was NASA's most scientifically ambitious spaceflight in years. Columbia carried more than 80 experiments — so many that the astronauts had to form two 12-hour shifts so they could carry on their experimentation around the clock. Most of the research focused on saving lives on Earth. For instance, they studied the growth of prostate cancer tissue in hopes of finding a treatment. Another experiment on combustion created the weakest flame ever lit in a laboratory — about 1/200th the flame of a match. The astronauts found that weaker flames create less soot. That's important because soot accounts for about 60,000 premature deaths in the United States. Much of the science data gathered during Columbia's 16 days in orbit was lost with the shuttle. However, NASA has been able to harvest some of the results of the experiments conducted by the astronauts because they beamed their data down by radio while still in space. Other experiments and results were recovered amidst the debris on the ground. Worms found alive. Surprisingly, hundreds of worms from one of the science experiments were found alive amidst the debris in Texas. The worms were the only live experiments found and identified from Columbia's 60 scientific investigations. Some dead moss cells were found with the worms. The worms, known as C. elegans, and the dead moss cells had been in a nine-pound locker on the shuttle mid-deck. Six canisters, each with eight petri dishes, contained the worms. Seven of eight aluminum canisters containing the moss were recovered. About the size of a pencil point, the worms have a life cycle of 7-10 days. Those found were four to five generations removed from the original worms sent to space in Columbia to test a synthetic nutrient solution. C. elegans worms are primitive organisms that share numerous biological characteristics with humans. C. elegans worms have two sexes — males and hermaphrodites. The hermaphrodites are females that produce sperm. The hermaphrodites fertilize themselves for their first 300 eggs, but then accept sperm from male worms. That allows the species to produce more offspring. In 1999, C. elegans had become the first multicellular organism to have its genome completely the sequenced. Moss preserved. The type of moss flown on Columbia is known as Ceratodon. It was used to study how gravity affects cell organization. The moss was sprayed during the flight with a chemical that destroyed its protein fiber. Then formaldehyde was used to preserve the dead moss. Others recovered. A 6.5-inch wide, 11-inch long aluminum device found in the shuttle debris in Nacogdoches, Texas, may yield science experiment data. Other experiments and results recovered amidst the debris were: a "tin crystal" experiment sent aloft by Florida middle school students who raised $5,000 with a spaghetti dinner and donated pennies to pay for their space aboard the shuttle, a biofilm "peace experiment" by an Israeli medical student and a Palestinian biology student who wanted to know if organisms could travel between planets on meteorites, a protein crystal experiment for developing a drug to fight cancer, a prep school study of the effect of zero-gravity on bacteria, a Southwest Texas State University experiment on slime mold. The shuttle also carried experiments composed by children as young as 12 from Australia, China, Israel, Japan, Liechtenstein and the U.S. Also aboard were roses and other plants, and small animals, including silkworms, spiders, carpenter bees, harvester ants and Japanese killfish. The Oldest Shuttle. top of this page Columbia was the oldest shuttle in the NASA fleet. It first was launched in 1981. The fatal flight was its 28th mission. Columbia had been taken out of service to receive 50 modifications in 1991-1992. It was refurbished again in 1994-1995. Then Columbia received 100 more modifications during an extensive 17-month overhaul from September 1999 to February 2001. It returned to space in March 2002. After a flawless and uneventful countdown on Jan. 16, 2003, the shuttle had been launched at 10:39 a.m. EST upward through a cloud-washed blue sky above Launch Pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center. It was the first U.S. shuttle mission of 2003 and the 113th flight overall in NASA's space shuttle program. Columbia flew a 16-day research mission during which astronauts used a major package of science experiments known as Fast Reaction Experiments Enabling Science, Technology, Applications and Research (FREESTAR) in the SPACEHAB (SHI Research Double Module or SHI/RDM). Experiments in the module ranged from material sciences to life sciences. Columbia's Flight History source: NASA Columbia, the name. Columbia is a name honoring the famous explorer Christopher Columbus. The name frequently is used as the feminine personification of the United States. The space shuttle Columbia was named after an 18th century sloop Columbia that sailed out of Boston, Massachusetts, captained by American pilot Robert Gray. On May 11, 1792, Captain Gray and his crew maneuvered the ship through tight inland waters past a dangerous sandbar at the mouth of a river extending a thousand miles through what today is southeastern British Columbia, Canada, and the Washington-Oregon border region. The crew explored British Columbia and what we now call the states of Washington and Oregon. Later, that major river would be named Columbia after the sloop. NASA referred to the shuttle Columbia as OV-102 for Orbiter Vehicle-102. The orbiter weighed 178,000 lbs. including its main engines. Payload Specialist Israel's First Astronaut The colonel and Israeli Air Force fighter pilot, 47, was the first Israeli to fly in space. He had seen combat experience in the Yom Kippur War in 1973 and the Lebanon War in 1982. National Mourning. top of this page As the tragedy was occurring, President Bush was at Camp David, Maryland, from where he returned to the White House to speak to the nation via television at 2 p.m. EST. "This day has brought terrible news and great sadness to our country," he said, declaring however that, "The cause in which they died will continue. Mankind is led into the darkness beyond our world by the inspiration of discovery and the longing to understand. Our journey into space will go on." Read the words of President George W. Bush (Whitehouse) "This is indeed a tragic day for the NASA family, for the families of the astronauts who flew on STS-107, and likewise is tragic for the Nation," said NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe. "We met with the family members of the astronauts who were here at the Kennedy Space Center and are soon to be departing back to the Johnson Space Center in Houston. The President has called and spoken to the family members to express our deepest national regrets. We have assured them that we will begin the process immediately to recover their loved ones and understand the cause of this tragedy." The astronauts "dedicated their lives to pushing scientific challenges for all of us here on Earth. They dedicated themselves to that objective and did it with a happy heart, willingly and with great enthusiasm," O'Keefe said. Statement of NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe (pdf) The American flag was lowered to half-staff at the Kennedy Space Center countdown clock, the Johnson Space Center near Houston, the White House, the Capitol, and at countless other locations around the nation. A national commission now will try to determine what went wrong. President Bush told thousands of mourning families and friends attending a memorial service Feb. 4 at Johnson Space Center in Houston that the Columbia astronauts "go in peace for all mankind and all mankind is in their debt...The final days of their own lives were spent looking down upon this Earth, and now, on every continent, in every land they can see, the names of these astronauts are known and remembered," he said. top of this page As shuttle debris was gathered across Texas over the ensuing weeks, the remains of the astronauts also were gathered, in pieces, and identified through DNA analysis: Air Force Col. Rick Husband's funeral was in Clear Lake, Texas, on Feb. 5. He then was buried in his hometown of Amarillo, Texas. The high plains city renamed its airport as the Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport. The remains of Israeli Air Force Col. Ilan Ramon were buried in Israel on Feb. 11. He was mourned widely in the Jewish community because of its symbols he had carried aboard Columbia. He had taken several Holocaust objects including a Torah used at a Bar Mitzvah ceremony in a concentration camp, and a drawing entitled "Moon Landscape," by 14-year-old Petr Ginz, who died at Auschwitz. Ramon also had kosher food, a kiddush cup, several mezuzahs, and a credit-card sized microfiche of the Bible. Ramon was said to have spoken the words of the fundamental Jewish prayer, the Shema, as Columbia passed over Jerusalem. Dr. Kalpana Chawla's remains were cremated and her family held a funeral in India in March. As the first Indian-born woman astronaut, she was a role model for young women in her native country. Navy Commander William McCool's funeral service was March 1 at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. His remains were retuned to his home state of Washington for burial. Air Force Lt. Col. Michael Anderson, Columbia's payload commander, was buried in Arlington National Cemetery on March 7. Across the country, Washington's state Transportation Commission honored Anderson by renaming state route 904 for him. The astronaut had considered Spokane his home. The 20-mile highway loops from Cheney to Interstate 90 at exits 257 and 270. Navy Commander Laurel Clark was buried at Arlington on March 10, which would have been her 42nd birthday. She had considered Racine, Wisconsin, her hometown. NASA and military officials posthumously awarded Dr. Clark three medals for distinguished service to her country — the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, NASA's Distinguished Service Medal and the NASA Spaceflight Medal. Navy Capt. David Brown, was interred on March 12, the last of the Columbia seven to be buried and the 19th astronaut laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, which Brown considered his home town. The three Columbia crew mates buried at Arlington were laid to rest just a few feet from where the unidentified remains of Challenger astronauts rest beneath a granite memorial after their 1986 tragedy. A total of 19 astronauts have been buried at Arlington, dating as far back as 1964. Val Verde Unified School District Seven trees planted. Seven oaks honoring the Columbia crew were planted in the Astronaut Memorial Grove at the Johnson Space Center in Houston. The stand had been started back in 1996 near NASA Road 1 in front of JSC. With a tree planted each time a present or former astronaut dies, the grove had 33 live oaks and shumard red oaks before February 1, 2003. Arlington memorial. On April 16, President George W. Bush signed the Emergency Wartime Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2003 making it Public Law Number 108-11. The Columbia Orbiter Memorial Act, contained in that act, authorized the Secretary of the Army to spend $500,000 to place a new marker in Arlington National Cemetery near the earlier memorial to the shuttle Challenger crew. NASA was permitted to collect donations over five years for the Columbia Memorial. The space agency also may erect other monuments with private donations. Black armbands. During their April 26 launch to the International Space Station, crew members Edward Lu and Yuri Malenchenko — ISS Expedition Seven — wore black mourning bands on their arms in memory of the shuttle Columbia crew. Asteroids named for astronauts. In July 2003, the Minor Planet Center of the International Astronomical Union named these seven asteroids after the lost Columbia astronauts: 51823 Rickhusband 51828 Ilanramon 51829 Williemccool The asteroids had been discovered in 2001 by NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) astronomer Eleanor Helin using the Palomar Observatory in California. Orbiting the Sun between Mars and Jupiter, the small bodies range from 3.1 to 4.3 miles in diameter. JPL suggested the naming. NASA announcement       All asteroid names       How naming works Columbia Survivors. The Columbia astronauts left behind 13 parents, 6 spouses, 12 children, and 20 brothers and sisters in three countries. The families of the Columbia crew expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support around the world. Several charitable funds were established on behalf of the families. Religious faiths. Columbia's crew represented seven religious beliefs — Michael Anderson, Baptist; Rick Husband, Charismatic; David Brown, Episcopalian; Kalpana Chawla, Hindu; Ilan Ramon, Jewish; William McCool, Roman Catholic; and Laurel Clark, Unitarian. Investigating the Disaster. The official Columbia Accident Investigation Board (CAIB) includes: Admiral Hal Gehman, USN,chair of the board Dr. Douglas Osheroff, Nobel Prize laureate in Physics Dr. Sally Ride, physicist and former NASA astronaut Dr. John Logsdon, George Washington University Space Policy Institute Director Rear Admiral Stephen Turcotte, Commander, Naval Safety Center Maj. General John Barry, Director, Plans and Programs, Headquarters Air Force Materiel Command Major General Kenneth W. Hess, Commander, HQ USAF Chief of Safety Dr. James N. Hallock, Chief, Aviation Safety Division, Department of Transportation, Volpe Center Steven B. Wallace, Director of Accident Investigation, Federal Aviation Administration Brig. General Duane Deal, Commander, 21st Space Wing, USAF Scott Hubbard, Director, NASA Ames Research Center Roger E. Tetrault, McDermott International (Ret) Dr. Sheila Widnall, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics and Engineering Systems, and former Secretary of the Air Force. Michael J. Bloomfield, an astronaut who has flown three shuttle missions, is a former chief of safety in NASA's Astronaut Office and currently serves as chief astronaut instructor, Ex-Officio Member Theron Bradley, Jr., NASA Chief Engineer, Executive Secretary to the board Final report on the disaster. After a six-month investigation, the Columbia Accident Investigation Board published its report on August 26 describing the causes of the accident and recommending improvements for the space shuttle program. Falling foam. The board found that 82 seconds into the Columbia launch in January, 2003, the shuttle's left wing was struck by insulating foam falling from the large external fuel tank. Investigators said that opened a hole through which superheated gas penetrated the spacecraft during its re-entry from orbit on February 1. That tore the ship apart and killed the seven astronauts aboard. NASA somehow will find a way to fix the foam threat from that part of the external tank. Referred to as the bi-pod area, that section of the tank is where the orbiter's nose is attached. If the agency were to eliminate the foam insulation there, heaters would have to be installed to prevent ice from forming. The investigation board recommended improving photography of launches, using telescopes to photograph shuttles while they are in space, and adding the ability to repair a shuttle while in orbit. [Columbia Accident Investigation Board site]     [NASA's investigation site] NASA will make all changes mandated by the Columbia Accident Investigation Board as it prepares to send the shuttle fleet back to space. Watching closely. During the January 2003 launch, one of the launch pad cameras could have captured the best images of the craft's left wing, but it was out of focus. Now the first return-to-space launch will be scheduled for daylight hours to give the high-resolution cameras on the launch pad the best views of problems during launch. The U.S. National Imagery and Mapping Agency has agreed to use spy satellites to photograph shuttles in orbit on future missions. The photos would be made automatically without a special request from NASA. During the 2003 flight, photos of the three-inch insulating tiles beneath Columbia's left wing might have helped engineers assess the danger before the shuttle started to land. Shuttle recovery flights:    Index      2005      2006 There were problems. The return-to-flight launch of space shuttle Discovery scheduled for July 13 was scrubbed when a problem appeared in a fuel cutoff sensor inside the external hydrogen fuel tank. That sensor protects the orbiter's main engines by shutting them down if fuel runs low. A new launch time is expected to be announced soon after NASA engineers decide how to fix the problem. The earliest possible flight date would be July 16, 2005. However, NASA might set a later date for the next launch attempt. The current launch window closes July 31. After that, the next window opens September 9. Chronology of some of the delays in preparations: NASA has been redesigning shuttle systems and preparing for flight since the Columbia disaster in February 2003. William F. Readdy, associate administrator for space flight, said in August 2003 that the first shuttle to fly again might head to space between in March or April 2004. Later, NASA revised the post-accident launch schedule with a first flight, by Atlantis, in September 2004, and a second flight, by Discovery, in November 2004. On February 12, 2004, NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe told the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Science that there was only a "very low prospect" that the space shuttle fleet would be able to resume flying in 2004. Flights were delayed by the need for more time to develop a shuttle on-orbit inspection system and to reduce the debris shedding from over a larger area of the shuttle external tank during launch. The inspection system would be an instrumented boom extending from the end of the shuttle¹s robot arm for inspecting the underside of a shuttle for damage. Later in February 2004, NASA officials said the first return-to-space flight would not occur before March 2005. In the revised plan, the shuttle Discovery would make the first flight and shuttle Atlantis would be on standby for the second flight. After four hurricanes affected several NASA centers in Fall 2004, the space agency announced in October that the March-April 2005 launch window was no longer achievable. The next available launch window would open May 14, 2005. Then, NASA said on February 18, 2005, it would launch Discovery on May 15, 2005. On April 20, NASA said it would launch Discovery on May 22. However, on April 29, the space agency said it couldn't make the May date and would launch Discovery on July 13, 2005, or shortly thereafter. Everything seemed to be ready on July 13 when a fuel tank sensor malfunctioned 2-1/2 hours before the planned launch time. The flight was postponed so engineers could resolve the problem. Whenever it occurs, the launch of Discovery would be the first since the Columbia disaster in February 2003. Atlantis to follow. In case of an emergency during the Discovery flight, astronauts would fly the shuttle to the International Space Station. They would board the station and stay there until NASA could send up a rescue shuttle. Space agency officials say they could launch Atlantis as a rescue craft if the Discovery crew had to seek shelter aboard the space station. If there is no emergency, NASA plans to launch shuttle Atlantis a month or so after the launch of Discovery. Test flights. The space agency has said the 2005 launches would be test flights of the shuttles. After those are successful, NASA would resume assembly of the International Space Station with a shuttle flight in December. Read the House Committee on Science press release on Administrator Sean O'Keefe testimony Rescue shuttle on standby. Whenever a shuttle does fly, NASA said, a second shuttle and crew would be on standby in case a rescue in space were to be needed. The plans call such an emergency rescue flight STS-300. The standby shuttle would not be on the launch pad, but would be partially prepared so it could take off for the space station within 45 to 90 days. The rescue would take place at the International Space Station. What is being fixed? The Columbia Accident Investigation Board found insulating foam flew off the shuttle's external fuel tank during lift off. The chunks struck and cracked a panel on the orbiter's wing, leaving it open to the extreme heat of re-entry. Previously, engineers had thought such debris was not dense enough to cause damage. Before shuttles return to flight, NASA must eliminate that foam problem. To prevent damage by foam and ice falling from the tank, the space agency is redesigning the "bipod" where the tank attaches to the orbiter. Engineers also are developing an ability to repair in orbit the tiles that protect the shuttle from heat. Previously, the thermal protection system only could be repaired on the ground. When the shuttle flies again, a robot boom will allow astronauts onboard to maneuver cameras to inspect all outside shuttle surfaces, including the underside. Then the astronauts will use newly-designed repair techniques, or else fly over to the International Space Station (ISS) for repairs. NASA also is refurbishing the rudder speed brake flap in the tail that slows orbiters during landings. The space agency has added many more high-resolution cameras to watch parts of the shuttle during launch. top of this page The International Space Station. As the tragedy was unfolding in the skies 40 miles over Texas on Feb. 1, 2003, three astronauts and cosmonauts remained at work in the International Space Station (ISS) 250 miles above Earth. They are Americans Ken Bowersox, 46, and Donald Pettit, 47, and Russian cosmonaut Nikolai Budarin, 49. Pettit had played chess via radio and e-mail with Columbia pilot Willie McCool during the Columbia STS-107 science flight. The trio aboard the space station had been scheduled to return to Earth after a March 1, 2003, launch of shuttle Atlantis delivered a replacement crew. That shuttle flight now is on hold, but Bowersox, Pettit and Budarin are not stranded in space. They have a Soyuz transport docked at the station in case they need to bail out and come down to Earth in an emergency. Progress resupplies the station. Astronauts and supplies routinely travel to the ISS in space shuttles from the United States and in Soyuz human transport capsules and Progress cargo freighters from Russia. Progress capsules are modified Soyuz capsules used to haul freight to space. They fly unmanned. Following a schedule set many months before, an unmanned Russian supply ship blasted off the day after the Columbia tragedy from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan headed for the ISS with a full load of supplies. Progress M-47 lifted off about 8 a.m. EST. Feb. 2. It docked at the space station at 9:49 a.m. EST on Feb. 4 and its stock of three tons of water, food, oxygen and fuel was unloaded by the ISS residents. Slowly falling. The station's orbit gradually decreases under the pull of the Earth's gravity and needs regular adjusting upward. In the past, both Russian Progress supply ships and U.S. space shuttles have adjusted the station's orbit on a regular basis. On April 10, the Progress M-47 cargo ship nudged the space station three miles higher in preparation for the docking of a Soyuz spacecraft bringing the station's next crew. After the maneuver, the station was about 249 miles above Earth's surface. Soyuz TMA-2 launched. The Soyuz TMA-2 transport, which lifted off April 26 from Russia's Baikonur Cosmodrome, ferried the station's next crew, U.S. astronaut Edward Lu and Russian cosmonaut Yuri Malenchenko, to the International Space Station. Following a long-standing tradition at the cosmonaut training center, the new crew took part in a number of rituals the day before their launch, including watching the Russian movie The White Sun of the Desert. Returning home. After the arrival of Lu and Malenchenko on April 28, the outgoing station crew of U.S. astronauts Kenneth Bowersox and Donald Pettit and Russian cosmonaut Nikolai Budarin will return to Earth in an older Soyuz, which had been serving as the station's lifeboat. Soyuz TMA-1 lands. The Expedition Six crew returned safely from the space station to Earth on May 4 in the Soyuz TMA-1 descent module. Ken Bowersox, Don Pettit and Nikolai Budarin touched down in Kazakhstan to end their 162-day stay in space. It was the first time American astronauts had returned to Earth in a Russian spacecraft. After medical checkups, the trio was flown to the Kazakh capital city of Astana where they boarded a jet to the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center at Star City northeast of Moscow. The Expedition Seven crew of cosmonaut Yuri Malenchenko and astronaut Ed Lu remained aboard the space station. Station crew waits. Meanwhile, future American shuttle flights are on hold while investigators try to determine what caused Columbia to disintegrate. NASA had planned to send 40 tons of equipment to the ISS aboard five shuttle flights in 2003. Columbia had not been assigned one of those flights as it was not equipped to dock at the station. On Feb. 11, Expedition 6 crew commander Ken Bowersox told media interviewers he and the crew could remain in space for up to a year if necessary. "We've got a Soyuz vehicle parked right outside," Bowersox said, pointing out that the crew had a way to get home. Before his stay aboard the ISS, Bowersox had completed four previous shuttle flights — STS missions 50, 61, 73 and 82. Science officer Donald Petit was on his first trip to space. He and the others said they don't feel isolated because they can contact family and friends whenever they wish via e-mail. One concern of ground controllers was the health of Nikolai Budarin , who had displayed a cardiac abnormality after he arrived at the space station in November 2002. The concern forced him to miss a January 2003 spacewalk. However, during the Feb. 11 interview, Budarin recalled that he had spent seven months in orbit during one of his two stays aboard Russia's space station Mir, in 1995 and 1998. During their extended stay, crew members continued to use the onboard ham radio station — Amateur Radio on the International Space Station, or ARISS — to contact schools around the world and answer students' questions. ISS [nasa] How long could they stay? NASA said supplies aboard the space station would be sufficient through the end of June 2003. A manned Soyuz capsule was launched to the ISS in April 2003. As with all satellites in orbit above Earth, gravity slowly pulls the space station downward from orbit. It sinks at a rate of several hundred yards a day or about 1.5 miles a week. To keep it up there in space, docked shuttles have pushed it higher to its original altitude. A Progress cargo freighter also can boost the station up to its optimal orbit. In fact, the engines of the unmanned Progress M-47 cargo freighter docked at the station were used Feb. 11 to boost the ISS to a higher altitude appropriate for the arrival of the Soyuz taxi flight in April. Starting at 6:34 a.m. EST that day, the Progress engines were ordered to fire for 22 minutes. That raised the station altitude by about 5.7 miles. Currently, the ISS is an orbit ranging from 240 to 255 miles above Earth. Past delays. The shuttle fleet has been stuck on the ground for long periods before. The longest was 32 months from 1986-1988 during the investigation after Challenger. More recently, flights were stopped for three months in 2002 when tiny cracks were spotted in the fuel lines of all four shuttles — Columbia, Discovery, Atlantis and Endeavour. Shuttles have been the construction vehicles for the space station. Its core components had been scheduled to be completed in 2004. Then the rest of the ISS construction had been expected to be completed with the station fully operational by 2008 to 2010. That will be delayed as shuttle flights are held up. So, what now? The space shuttle fleet won't fly again until Fall 2004 at the earliest. In the interim, three-seat Russian Soyuz capsules will be used to ferry people to and from the station. There's always at least one Soyuz docked at the station in case its service is needed as an escape vehicle. The Expedition 6 crew — Ken Bowersox, Don Pettit, Nikolai Budarin — had been in space from November 23, 2002. They returned to Earth on May 4, 2003, in the Soyuz TMA-1 capsule docked at the station. Expedition 7. In turn, they were replaced by Russian cosmonaut and commander Yuri Malenchenko, 41, and American astronaut and science officer Ed Lu, 39, who had been trained to be part of a three-member Expedition 7 crew. Malenchenko and Lu flew up to the station in a fresh Soyuz — TMA-2 — that remained docked with the station as their lifeboat during their six-month ISS tour to October 2003. They were the first two-person ISS crew and the first primary crew to travel to the space station on a Russian Soyuz spacecraft. They docked their Soyuz TMA-2 capsule with the space station some 250 miles over Kazakhstan, a former Soviet Union republic in central Asia. Their Soyuz TMA-2 capsule had been launched from Russia's Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on April 26. Both men had prior space station experience. Malenchenko had commanded a four-month tour aboard Russia's Mir space station in 1994. Lu had flown to Mir in 1997. Malenchenko and Lu previously had visited the International Space Station in August 2000. During that trip they had taken a spacewalk for more than six hours to hook up cables along the outer walls of the then-unoccupied station. Station maintenance is the main assignment during their six-month visit in 2003. Lu and Malenchenko also conducted tests on preventing bone loss in the low-gravity environment and other biological experiments. By reducing the crew from three to two, ISS supplies would last longer. The shuttle's fuel cells produce water as a by-product in generating electricity. The reduced crews will maintain systems aboard the station, make repairs as needed, and carry on the science experiments until the shuttle fleet resumes flights. If a spacewalk — an extravehicular activity or EVA — were to become necessary, the two crew members would go outside together. Shuttles still weren't flying at the end of Expedition 7's time in space in October 2003, so Malenchenko and Lu used their Soyuz-TMA capsule to return to Earth. In turn, they were replaced by an Expedition 8 crew composed of American astronaut and commander Michael Foale and Russian cosmonaut and flight engineer Alexander Kaleri who flew a fresh Soyuz up to the station on October 18, 2003. Expedition 8. The International Space Station (ISS) Expedition 8 crew composed of American astronaut and commander Michael Foale and Russian cosmonaut and flight engineer Alexander Kaleri flew Soyuz TMA-3 up to the station on October 18, 2003. They replaced the Expedition 7 crew, Russian cosmonaut and commander Yuri Malenchenko and American astronaut and science officer Ed Lu. Michael Foale had been aboard Russia's former Mir station in June 1997 when it was struck by a runaway Progress cargo freighter. At the time of the Columbia tragedy, he was training to be commander of the Expedition 8 crew. Kaleri was to have been the third member of the Expedition 7 crew. Crews train on Soyuz systems at Russia's Star City cosmonaut training center. Russia has accelerated construction of two additional Progress cargo freighters so there can be four deliveries of food, water, fuel and supplies in 2003 and five in 2004. STS-114. NASA announced on April 26, 2003, that the crew of the next shuttle mission, flight STS-114, would include commander Eileen Collins, pilot James Kelly and mission specialists Stephen Robinson and Soichi Noguchi of NASDA, the Japanese space agency. The shuttle crew would be accompanied by three astronauts and cosmonauts who would replace the ISS crew. The date for that flight has not been set, as NASA works to improve the fleet following the recommendations of the STS-107 accident investigation panel. The space agency hopes to launch STS-114 in the fourth quarter of 2004. The flight will be the first for Soichi Noguchi, who will be the second Japanese astronaut to visit the ISS. Previously, Koichi Wakata had flown aboard STS-92 in 2000, Eileen Collins already has flown three shuttle missions, once before as commander. She flew missions STS-63 in 1995, STS-84 in 1997, and STS-93 in 1999 when Columbia ferried the Chandra X-Ray Observatory to orbit. On STS-93, Collins was the first woman Shuttle Commander, James Kelly was pilot of STS-102 in 2001, Dr. Stephen Robinson flew on STS-85 in 1997 and STS-95 in 1998. He worked in space with John Glenn during STS-95. European Space Agency astronauts. Pedro Duque of Spain and Andre Kuipers of the Netherlands had been training to fly as part of three-person crews. They would stay only a week on the station before returning to Earth. Their flights were delayed by the tragedy. Duque had been scheduled to fly up to the ISS with the expedition 7 crew. Instead, he flew in the third seat of the replacement Soyuz that took the Expedition 8 crew to the ISS on October 18, 2003. After a week, he would fly back down with the Expedition 7 crew. Kuipers will follow the same rotation six months later, flying up with the Expedition 9 crew in April 2004, and returning to Earth after a week with the departing Expedition 8 crew. Soyuz launch [ap] top of this page A Russian space capsule type known as Vostok carried the first human, Yuri Gagarin, from Earth to orbit in 1961. Later, an improved Vostok called Voskhod carried humans to orbit. Meanwhile, the Soviet Union was developing a new capsule for manned Moon flight. It was called Soyuz, which means Union in Russian. An unmanned Soyuz test blasted off in 1966. Then the first manned Soyuz capsule flight carried a human to space in April 1967. That capsule, referred to as Soyuz-1, was supposed to rendezvous with an unmanned capsule called Soyuz-2. Unfortunately, problems inside Soyuz-1 caused the USSR to cancel Soyuz-2. Then, during re-entry, its landing parachute failed and Soyuz-1 crashed into the ground. That killed cosmonaut Vladimir Komarov, setting back the Russian lunar program. Since then, however, more than 220 have been built and have flown with more than 100 cosmonauts on a variety of missions. Today, Soyuz is the longest serving manned spacecraft in the world. Over the decades, numerous modifications have refined the original capsule design to improve its capabilities as a transport vehicle, upgrade its electronic and navigation systems, and eventually allow it to dock with various space stations. Soyuz history     more Soyuz history     even more Soyuz history     Soyuz program history     Soyuz flight history Over the decades, Soyuz has built up a strong safety record. Its last fatal flight was in 1971 when three cosmonauts died during re-entry. A Soyuz capsule can carry three people. Progress capsules are Soyuz capsules modified to haul freight to space. They fly unmanned and can carry about 2.5 tons of supplies. By comparison, a shuttle can carry seven people and 25 tons of cargo. Typically in the past, U.S. shuttles have ferried long-term crews to the station, while Soyuz transports have carried short-term visiting astronauts, cosmonauts and tourists to the ISS. Soyuz and Progress capsules are not reusable. Shuttles are reusable, and they take less time to get to the ISS at less cost than a Soyuz or Progress. It takes two years to build and launch a Soyuz transport, slightly less to build a Progress cargo ship. It could take up to four years to build a new shuttle, if the old patterns still were available. However, it seems highly unlikely that a replacement shuttle in the style of the three remaining orbiters will be built. Replacing the Shuttles. top of this page NASA's next-generation Orbital Space Plane probably won't fly until 2010. In the meantime, the three remaining shuttles, plus Soyuz and Progress capsules, can carry astronauts and supplies to the ISS. Europe's ATV. In addition, the European Space Agency is finishing development of its new Automated Transfer Vehicle designed to carry supplies to the station. The first ATV trip to the ISS is planned for the end of 2004. Most communications, military and science satellites won't be affected as they are launched on expendable single-use rockets. The International Space Station is a joint project of the United States, Japan, the European Union and Canada. Japan is the second-largest contributor after the United States, paying about one-fifth of the cost. Challenger Seven [nasa] top of this page The Columbia disaster reminded Americans of the explosion of shuttle Challenger during liftoff 17 years earlier. Seven crew members, including New Hampshire schoolteacher Christa McAuliffe, had been killed as Challenger blasted upward from Kennedy Space Center on Jan. 28, 1986. Challenger disintegrated in the sky just 73 seconds into its flight. The Challenger explosion was blamed on a gas leak in the right booster rocket. The crew module separated from the fireball and dropped on a 2.5-minute free fall from 50,000 feet into the sea. The crew had no parachutes and there was no way to jettison the hatch. The crew died as Challenger disintegrated in flames while millions watched live television. Flying in the shuttle with Christa McAuliffe were commander Francis R. "Dick" Scobee, pilot Michael J. Smith, mission specialists Judith A. Resnik, Ronald E. McNair and Ellison S. Onizuka, and payload specialist Gregory B. Jarvis, an employee of Hughes Aircraft Corp. Christa McAuliffe had been chosen in 1984 from 11,000 teachers who had applied to fly on the Challenger mission. After Challenger, the shuttle program was on hold for almost three years to 1988.
Columbia
Snails and slugs are members of the class Gastropoda, which literally translates as what?
NASA - Shuttle Basics Email This Shuttle Basics The Space Shuttle is the world's first reusable spacecraft, and the first spacecraft in history that can carry large satellites both to and from orbit. The Shuttle launches like a rocket, maneuvers in Earth orbit like a spacecraft and lands like an airplane. Each of the three Space Shuttle orbiters now in operation -- Discovery, Atlantis and Endeavour -- is designed to fly at least 100 missions. So far, altogether they have flown a combined total of less than one-fourth of that. Image left: The components of the Space Shuttle system: Orbiter, External Tank, and Solid Rocket Boosters. Photo Credit: NASA Columbia was the first Space Shuttle orbiter to be delivered to NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Fla., in March 1979. Columbia and the STS-107 crew were lost Feb. 1, 2003, during re-entry. The Orbiter Challenger was delivered to KSC in July 1982 and was destroyed in an explosion during ascent in January 1986. Discovery was delivered in November 1983. Atlantis was delivered in April 1985. Endeavour was built as a replacement following the Challenger accident and was delivered to Florida in May 1991. An early Space Shuttle Orbiter, the Enterprise, never flew in space but was used for approach and landing tests at the Dryden Flight Research Center and several launch pad studies in the late 1970s. The Space Shuttle consists of three major components: the Orbiter which houses the crew; a large External Tank that holds fuel for the main engines; and two Solid Rocket Boosters which provide most of the Shuttle's lift during the first two minutes of flight. All of the components are reused except for the external fuel tank, which burns up in the atmosphere after each launch. The longest the Shuttle has stayed in orbit on any single mission is 17.5 days on mission STS-80 in November 1996. Normally, missions may be planned for anywhere from five to 16 days in duration. The smallest crew ever to fly on the Shuttle numbered two people on the first few missions. The largest crew numbered eight people. Normally, crews may range in size from five to seven people. The Shuttle is designed to reach orbits ranging from about 185 kilometers to 643 kilometers (115 statute miles to 400 statute miles) high. The Shuttle has the most reliable launch record of any rocket now in operation. Since 1981, it has boosted more than 1.36 million kilograms (3 million pounds) of cargo into orbit. More than than 600 crew members have flown on its missions. Although it has been in operation for almost 20 years, the Shuttle has continually evolved and is significantly different today than when it first was launched. NASA has made literally thousands of major and minor modifications to the original design that have made it safer, more reliable and more capable today than ever before. Since 1992 alone, NASA has made engine and system improvements that are estimated to have tripled the safety of flying the Space Shuttle, and the number of problems experienced while a Space Shuttle is in flight has decreased by 70 percent. During the same period, the cost of operating the Shuttle has decreased by one and a quarter billion dollars annually -- a reduction of more than 40 percent. At the same time, because of weight reductions and other improvements, the cargo the Shuttle can carry has increased by 7.3 metric tons (8 tons.) In managing and operating the Space Shuttle, NASA holds the safety of the crew as its highest priority.
i don't know
On Feb 4, 1974 what heiress was kidnapped from her Berkeley apartment by a left-wing urban guerilla group that called itself the Symbionese Liberation Army?
THAT'S THE WAY IT WAS | February 4, 1974: 19-year-old newspaper heiress... THAT'S THE WAY IT WAS 3rd Feb 2015 | 77 notes February 4, 1974: 19-year-old newspaper heiress Patricia Hearst is kidnapped from her Berkeley, California apartment by a left-wing urban guerrilla group called the Symbionese Liberation Army.  When the attempt to swap Hearst for jailed SLA members failed, the SLA demanded that the Hearst family distribute $70 worth of food to every needy Californian – an operation that would cost an estimated $400 million. In response, Hearst’s father arranged the immediate donation of $6 million worth of food to the poor of the Bay Area of San Francisco. After the distribution of food, the SLA refused to release Hearst because they deemed the food to have been of poor quality. On April 3, 1974, Hearst announced on an audiotape that she had joined the SLA and assumed the name “Tania”. On April 15th, she was photographed wielding an M1 carbine while robbing a bank in San Francisco with other SLA members. She was eventually caught and arrested in September 1975 by the FBI and SFPD.    Hearst was convicted of bank robbery on March 20, 1976. She was sentenced to 35 years’ imprisonment, but her sentence was later commuted to seven years - her defense was that she was a victim of Stockholm Syndrome. Her prison term was also eventually commuted by President Jimmy Carter, and Hearst was released from prison on February 1, 1979, having served 22 months. She was granted a full pardon by President Bill Clinton on January 20, 2001. Photo: (L) Patricia Hearst in Greece, 1972 (Bettmann/Corbis) - ® Hearst with a machine gun, standing in front of a symbol of the Symbionese Liberation Army. 1974 (FBI)
Patty Hearst
Boletus, Chicken of the Woods, Chanterelle, and Crimini are all types of what?
Symbionese Liberation Army - First thoughts about Symbionese Liberation Army The Symbionese Liberation Army (SLA) was an American self-styled left-wing revolutionary group active between 1973 and 1975 that considered itself a vanguard army. Write here your first thoughts about Symbionese Liberation Army ... 17 Dec 2016     06:26 .Do the Democrats need a leader who supported the Symbionese Liberation Army & a bank robber who killed a baby? 16 Dec 2016     19:23 Symbionese Liberation Army. It is all in this report 14 Dec 2016     01:05 I dunno. Give it a year i'm sure we'll have the Symbionese Liberation Army 2.0 14 Dec 2016     01:02 One of my favorites! Superman fights the Symbionese Liberation Army 13 Dec 2016     05:59 *** I'm so old I read SLA as Symbionese Liberation Army. So old. 12 Dec 2016     03:47 DeFreeze and Mizmoon assembled a small cell of eight men and women. Say hello to the Symbionese Liberation Army. 12 Dec 2016     03:43 Symbionese Liberation Army story is really funny 10 Dec 2016     17:31 Wikileaks makes the House Un-American Activities Committee look like the Symbionese Liberation Army. 09 Dec 2016     19:24 I hope you are not saying Trump is better than the Symbionese Liberation Army. 23 Oct 2016     16:44 that sounds very like the Symbionese Liberation Army kidnapping of Patty Hearst , they possibility got the two groups mixed up 22 Oct 2016     12:58 This is Jame Kilgore, who was a member of the Symbionese Liberation army, a Marxist-Lenin terror group. 21 Oct 2016     20:57 Delving into the history of Patty Hearst , double agents and the Symbionese Liberation Army 20 Oct 2016     20:11 that's because I keep joining and quitting the Symbionese Liberation Army every time I remember my white privilege 19 Oct 2016     22:01 JUST ADDED @ >> hideout for and the Symbionese Liberation Army… 16 Oct 2016     16:32 Really glad I graduated from the same university as 3 members of the Symbionese Liberation Army AND Jim Jones 16 Oct 2016     10:45 A new law book recommendation post: 15 Oct 2016     02:40 Funny how when you corner this "libertarian," he turns into Patty Hearst during her Symbionese Liberation Army phas… 14 Oct 2016     14:16 are in deeper than Patty Hearst was in the Symbionese Liberation Army. 14 Oct 2016     13:26 Patty Hearst showed more self-awareness in her Symbionese Liberation Army days. 08 Sep 2016     09:45 All I want in life is for the Symbionese Liberation Army to return and indoctrinate Paris Hilton the way they did Patty Hearst 06 Sep 2016     23:25 Terrorism roots go back to ... Patty Hearst & the Symbionese Liberation Army? Yes: 28 May 2016     22:18 So, was Bernie a clandestine member of the Symbionese Liberation Army? 27 May 2016     19:02 Yeah, I'm surprised the Symbionese Liberation Army is involved, too. Patty Hearst must have intelligence. 25 May 2016     00:54 I’m watching the MST3K Shorts Vol. 1 and no I can’t imagine why people joined the Symbionese Liberation Army either 24 May 2016     04:07 better than 'Symbionese Liberation Army' but not by much... 22 May 2016     01:08 ... and that leads to every imaginable kind of nonsense from the Symbionese Liberation Army to the October Revolution 22 Mar 2016     16:56 I also quite like the piece on Patty Hearst & the Symbionese Liberation Army that goes by...: Cinque Very Much. 20 Feb 2016     01:46 Why not ask the Symbionese Liberation Army, the New Left, Jewish Defense League, This is not new. 19 Feb 2016     00:46 Been there, girl! Wrote a poem called "15 years with the Symbionese Liberation Army," found my opinions & finally met Mr Right 17 Feb 2016     17:19 They're talking about the Symbionese Liberation Army and goodness gracious 17 Feb 2016     05:24 Can't wait for the New Symbionese Liberation Army to show up! Calling Patty Hearst ! Get your flame-throwers ready. 17 Feb 2016     02:17 I have ties to the Symbionese Liberation Army turns out 16 Feb 2016     23:42 Then you must love the Symbionese Liberation Army (SLA) 16 Feb 2016     20:58 You'll using The Blaze from the Blaze Magazine.You came at Beyoncé" NFL 1/2time show but did not name Symbionese Liberation Army 15 Feb 2016     23:28 The barmaid just put the Symbionese Liberation Army symbol on the top of my Guinness rather than a shamrock. 05 Jan 2016     05:32 Remember the Symbionese Liberation Army? Black militant group 70's. Didn't receive the trtmnt of era. 14 Nov 2015     20:38 I actually admire groups like Black Panthers ,Symbionese Liberation Army, Nation of Islam for embracing Nazi ideals. 14 Nov 2015     06:54 . Really?. Should I fear the Black Panther movement or Symbionese Liberation Army? 03 Nov 2015     02:21 Ah yes, the "lost member" of the Symbionese Liberation Army. 29 Oct 2015     23:09 People forget that the Symbionese Liberation Army the kidnapped Patty Hearst were communists trying to start a race war. 26 Oct 2015     07:00 Patty Hearst in front of the insignia of the Symbionese Liberation Army holding an assault rifle. 1974 02 Sep 2015     16:13 I assume all the kids in black berets look chic and not like a pint-sized Symbionese Liberation Army. 26 Jul 2015     08:48 😍daughter of 'Tania' of the Symbionese Liberation Army😍 24 Jul 2015     22:30 Watching a documentary about Patty Hearst . Well it's more about the Symbionese Liberation Army. 08 Jun 2015     06:30 John Birch Society , Black Panthers , Symbionese Liberation Army, Communists, Hippies, Pimps & Drug Dealers/How is it only 2 of the 7 survived 10 Dec 2014     23:36 Inner City Romance by Guy Colwell black & white 8" x 10" softcover $24.99 | 978-1-60699-813-7 Guy Colwell's Inner City Romance tread new territory for underground comix, filled with stories about prison, black culture, ghetto life, the sex trade, and radical activism. It portrayed the unpleasant realities of life in the inner city, where opportunities were limited and being on the lowest end of the economic ladder meant that one's vision of the American dream was more about survival than lifestyle choices. Readers wondered who Colwell was, whether he was black or white, and how he knew so much about prison. Two years at McNeil Island federal prison for draft refusal provided a personal education for him, as well as his involvement with the San Francisco Good Times underground newspaper, where he became a close observer of the White Panthers, the Symbionese Liberation Army, and anti-war demonstrations. Inner City Romance details Colwell's life on the mean streets. Every issue of Inner City Romance is inclu ... 01 Dec 2014     20:55 Today I learned all about the Symbionese Liberation Army except for why they went with the made up word of symbionese when symbiotic exists. 01 Dec 2014     11:11 The revolution is reminiscent of the Symbionese Liberation Army. 16 Oct 2014     22:57 agreed Manson, Jim Jones , Patty Hearst and the Symbionese Liberation Army.. Im obsessed with that stuff 10 Sep 2014     16:20 Someone please remind me to never again get stuck in the Symbionese Liberation Army section of Wikipeadia ... 09 Sep 2014     04:40 40 years ago today: heiress Patty Hearst was kidnapped by the Symbionese Liberation Army 09 Sep 2014     04:40 This photograph of Patty Hearst in front of the Symbionese Liberation Army logo became an iconic image. 19 Aug 2014     19:53 Blank Panthers, Symbionese Liberation Army, Charles Manson . it was horrible. I sure hope this doesn't get worse. 19 Aug 2014     18:26 Now communist agitators are back? What's next, Symbionese Liberation Army? 18 Aug 2014     22:19 is a LW cesspool. Recall it was base of the Symbionese Liberation Army, the thugs/killers who abducted Patty Hearst . 18 Aug 2014     00:15 Getting Wallace after 5 days @ daycare is like rescuing Patty Hearst from the Symbionese Liberation Army. He's not so sure about us anymore. 08 Aug 2014     08:26 TIME TO GIVE A *** By Emman Usman Shehu The name Patricia Hearst would not make meaning to most Nigerians, and in the same way the Symbionese Liberation Army (SLA) would not trigger any sense of familiarity for them. In the early 70s though, a lot of Americans were forced to take note of both entities, in roughly the same context currently confronting Nigerians. The 60 and 70s witnessed a series of societal upheavals in Western Europe and the United States . In America the agitation against the segregation of blacks birthed the Civil Rights Movement which saw Martin Luther King Jnr emerging as one of the leaders, with his non-violent approach inspired by Mahatma Ghandi. Then there were those who preferred something more radical and wanted something that would overturn the general power structure. The Black Panthers chose a path of being militant and utilizing violent tactics, because they did not see anything wrong in using the same approach the system meted on them. But even amongst the whites, leftist .. ... 15 Jun 2014     15:56 40 years ago this past week: Sun 9 June 1974 - The government’s “get-out-the-penny” drive seems to be working. Pennies are beginning to emerge from penny jars, forgotten drawers and sofa cushions to return to circulation. Many stores had been forced to offer paper scrip or bubble gum in change. In a tape recording left behind a San Francisco radio station, kidnap-victim-turned-terrorist Patty Hearst proclaimed her love for a dead Symbionese Liberation Army member, saying that “mourning makes the sound of gunfire sweeter.” Using her SLA name of “Tania,” Hearst vowed to fight to the death. HE's 40? Yep. Donald Duck is officially middle-aged today. The irascible waterfowl made his first appearance in “Wise Little Hens,” released 9 June 1934. Tue 11 June 1974 - Oliver Reid and Ann-Margret barely escaped injury when fire swept through a seaside pier in southern England where they were filming what Ann-Margret described as “a smoochy dance scene” for the upcoming movie version of the rock ... 20 May 2014     03:04 SPRINGFIELD --- Less than a week after a University of Illinois lecturer with ties to a 1970s radical group pleaded his case to keep teaching, the Illinois Senate passed a measure that would ban him from teaching regardless of whether the university rules he could stay on board. Sponsoring Sen. Chapin Rose, R-Mahomet, said the bill was “absolutely pushed” because of James Kilgore, whose dismissal case from the university is pending review of university officials. His employment came under scrutiny in February after the News-Gazette in Champaign detailed his former involvement with the Symbionese Liberation Army, which is most famous for kidnapping media heiress Patricia Hearst in 1974. 19 May 2014     05:17 Brainwashed An Amazing Fact: On February 4, 1974, 19-year-old Patricia Hearst was kidnapped from her Berkeley, California, apartment by a violent urban guerrilla group called the Symbionese Liberation Army, or the SLA. Efforts were made to swap Hearst for jailed SLA members, but when that failed, the SLA asked that Patricia’s family give $70 worth of food to every needy person in California. Patricia Hearst comes from a very wealthy family. She is the granddaughter of the publishing giant William Randolph Hearst and great-granddaughter of millionaire George Hearst. - After her father immediately gave $6 million worth of food to needy people in the Bay Area , the SLA still refused to release Patricia (since the food was supposedly of a poor quality). Then on April 3, 1974, Patricia Hearst announced on an audiotape that she had joined the SLA and took on the name “Tania.” Can you imagine her father’s shock and heartache when, after two months in captivity and giving out $6 million dollars, she decide ... 17 May 2014     20:33 1974 - In Los Angeles , California, police surround a home in Compton where the leaders of the terrorist group known as the Symbionese Liberation Army (SLA) are hiding out. On May 17, Los Angeles police shot an estimated 1,200 rounds of ammunition into the tiny Compton home as six SLA members shot back. Teargas containers thrown into the hideout started a fire, but the SLA refused to surrender. Autopsy results showed that they continued to fire back even as smoke and flames were searing their lungs; they clearly chose suicide and martyrdom over jail. Randolph Hearst, Patty's father, remarked that the massive attack had turned "dingbats into martyrs." The raid left six SLA members dead, including leader Donald DeFreeze, also known as Cinque. Patty Hearst was not inside the home at the time. She was not found until September 1975. 17 May 2014     12:02 GOOD MORNING - TODAY IS SATURDAY, May 17, the 137th day of 2014 with 228 to follow. This is Armed Forces Day in the United States . Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 5:21 and sunset is @ 8:00. The moon is waning. The morning stars are stars are Neptune, Uranus & Venus. The evening stars are Jupiter, Mars, Mercury & Saturn. ON THIS DAY IN: 1792 - The New York Stock Exchange was founded by brokers meeting under a tree located on what is now Wall Street. 1814 - Norway's constitution was signed, providing for a limited monarchy. 1845 - The rubber band was patented. 1875 - The first Kentucky Derby was run; the winner was Aristides. 1954 - The Supreme Court handed down a unanimous decision in Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, ruling that racially segregated public schools were inherently unequal, and said that schools must be integrated. 1973 - The U.S. Senate opened its televised hearings into the Watergate scandal. 1974 - A Los Angeles Police Department raid leaves six Symbionese Liberation Army members dea ... 19 Apr 2014     11:15 40 years after Patty Hearst joined up with the Symbionese Liberation Army, we should begin understanding brainwashing's processes and techniques. 18 Apr 2014     19:09 I read that book about Patty Hearst and the Symbionese Liberation Army when I was in middle school and learned all about Stockholm Syndrome 16 Apr 2014     02:25 Patricia Hearst and the Symbionese Liberation Army (S.L.A.) robbed the Sunset District branch of the Hibernia... 16 Feb 2014     17:10 Here's one for my contemporaries: Remember Patty Hearst and that whole to-do when she was kidnapped by the Symbionese Liberation Army, then joined them in a bank heist and went to prison? Well this week Patty Heart turns—wait for it—60! 14 Feb 2014     08:16 Watching Neverland: The Rise and Fall of the Symbionese Liberation Army(The Taking of Patty Hearst ) (with Erika) — 13 Feb 2014     02:48 Gas for a 300 mile ride to give a talk: $50 Coffee, Dinner, and Hotel stay: $200 Realizing that the person you're having lunch with is James Kilgore of the Symbionese Liberation Army: Priceless! 12 Feb 2014     21:30 As you tell stories of MOVE in Philadelphia, the Black Panther Party in Oakland, New York and Chicago, don't forget the Symbionese Liberation Army in Southern California . When I talk to young blacks who think guns are the answer I am reminded of talks with friends who were in the Black Panther Party and telling them to join the military and Police departments Who frightened society more these organizations or Dorner of the L.A.P.D.? 12 Feb 2014     21:19 In addition to being Abraham Lincoln's birthday, February 12th has been an eventful day in history! 1294 Kublai Khan, the conqueror of Asia, dies at the age of 80. 1554 Lady Jane Grey, the Queen of England for thirteen days, is beheaded on Tower Hill. She was barely 17 years old. 1709 Alexander Selkirk, the Scottish seaman whose adventures inspired the creation of Daniel Dafoe's Robinson Crusoe, is taken off Juan Fernandez Island after more than four years of living there alone. 1793 The first fugitive slave law, requiring the return of escaped slaves, is passed. 1818 Chile gains independence from Spain. 1836 Mexican General Santa Anna crosses the Rio Grande en route to the Alamo. 1909 The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is formed. 1912 China becomes a republic following the overthrow of the Manchu dynasty. 1921 Winston Churchill of London is appointed colonial secretary. 1924 George Gershwin's groundbreaking symphonic jazz composition Rhapsody in Blue premiere ... 12 Feb 2014     14:11 Forty years ago today, February 12th, 1974, you were a junior, it was cold and snowy, and... Utah state offices are closed. Despite the introduction of “Presidents Day” three years ago conflating our first and sixteenth presidents, Lincoln’s Birthday remains a state holiday. Publisher Randolph Hearst received a tape today from his 19-year-old daughter Patty, who is being held by radicals. The girl was abducted a week ago by left-wing terrorists calling themselves the Symbionese Liberation Army. Negotiations ran into a snag when no one, including the radicals, could figure out what the heck Symbio is or who to liberate it from. Soviet writer Alexander Solzhenitsyn was arrested today. The Communist government is unhappy with the writer for criticizing glorious prison system of happy dancing proletariat. Don’t sell those krugerrands! Gold has jumped to an all-time high of $147 per ounce. That will be about $700 in 2014 dollars, when an ounce of gold will run you about $1300. Washington grande dame Al ... 12 Feb 2014     13:10 Today in History: 1974 - The Symbionese Liberation Army asks the Hearst family for $230 million in food for the poor. 12 Feb 2014     10:47 Hey Rocky-o-la.. .I've just been perusing the Wiki entry for the Columbia Riots of '68.just as you confess to being paralyzed by the Leni Riefenstahl docu...the riots are referred to as the Columbia Protests so that's good enough for me...the Decade 60's...the Fab 4...the Columbia Protests and the Chicago 8.the Columbia 7 astronauts is that OTHER thing..to cap those massive events in knee jerk soundbytes is cute.. Hannakah ( 8 days).Christmas ( 12 days of...).the Year of Perfect Vision 2020...MARK RUDD is mentioned prominently and first in a NY Times yada about Columbia..the jammin' in motion.your dad escapes mercifully..;to be revealed later in closer inspection by people who really wanna get down with the era and how it spills into the children who come after...like you.there are NO women back then to speak of..politically riot worthy.Angela Davis comes later.campus wise...the FIRST one to leap to the fore 60's wise..is PATTI HEARST...and the SLA..the Symbionese Liberation Army..which was so-o-o-o-o- .. ... 11 Feb 2014     22:21 Paul Ryan switches party affiliation to Symbionese Liberation Army 11 Feb 2014     19:38 Peoples Temple leader, Jim Jones at one time declared that he and members of his church were offering themselves as hostages for the Symbionese Liberation Army for if and when they'd leave the country and release Patty Hearst . San Francisco was probably a weird place for a lot of people in the mid-1970s. 11 Feb 2014     19:07 My copy of The Last SLA Statement an interview with Russ, Joe, Bill & Emily finally came in the mail, yesterday and last week, Friday, my copy of the first issue of The Urban Guerrilla (TUG), published by the New World Liberation Front also came! Now if only I could get my hands on the audio recordings of the Symbionese Liberation Army communiques. 11 Feb 2014     00:10 Google Alert: Marathon Pundit: Ex-Symbionese Liberation Army terrorist on University of Illinois faculty ... 10 Feb 2014     15:07 By John Ruberry - My alma mater, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has a faculty member, James Kilgore, who is a former member of a notorious terrorist group, the Symbionese Liberation Army. I guess the downstate campus felt left... 09 Feb 2014     19:38 Quiz from February 4th 2014 GENERAL KNOWLEDGE 4th Feb 2014 Round 1 1. Why has Zoe Conran of Walters Ash near High Wycombe been in the news? 2. Which Oscar winning actor was found dead at his New York home after a drug overdose? 3. Which Government organisation is under criticism by residents of the Somerset Levels after it refused to dredge the river? 4. What is to become a thing of the past on London Buses as from this summer? 5. For the second year running, Sunderland beat Newcastle by which scoreline at St James Park leading to the departure of Joe Kinnear? 6. Featuring Gru and the Minions, which animated film sequel was the top grossing film of 2013? 7. Set in the North-East in the 1960s, which Police Inspector is played by Martin Shaw? 8. What TV series was recently won by Jim Davidson? 9. Last Friday was Chinese New Year – 2014 celebrates which animal? 10. What is the name of the tidal wave that rises in the lower River Severn, and ridden by surfers? 11. England and Scotland were both beaten this ... 08 Feb 2014     15:15 The United Federated Forces of the Symbionese Liberation Army (SLA) was an American self-styled left-wing revolutionary group active between 1973 and 1975 that considered itself a vanguardarmy. The group committed bank robberies, two murders, and other acts of violence. 05 Feb 2014     14:49 Today's trivia question...This day in history Patty Hearst is kidnapped by the Symbionese Liberation Army. They demanded a ransom of $70 for every needy person in California. She later participated in a bank robbery with them for which she was convicted. What year was it? 05 Feb 2014     05:00 Symbionese Liberation Army--I remember. Was she brainwashed or did she just go along with her kidnappers? 05 Feb 2014     04:35 February 4, 1974 A dubious anniversary in history. It was exactly 40 years ago that members of the Symbionese Liberation Army (SLA) burst into a Berkeley, California, apartment occupied by newspaper heiress Patty Hearst and her then-fiancée, University of California professor Steven Weed. They beat up Weed who suffered a concussion and kidnapped Hearst. The SLA claimed that this was part of an altruistic mission to feed the poor. Hearst was allegedly a target because of her family's wealth. The Hearst family and its supporters arranged for food drives in various parts of California. Almost two months after the kidnapping the SLA notified the Hearst family that Patty was going to be released. The message arrived a day later than intended. The message was supposed to arrive on April 1. You do the math. Shortly after that Patty was taped claiming that she was joining her captors. She denounced the "pig Hearsts" and claimed that their effort in the food drive was a "mere pittance." She claimed that she was a ... 05 Feb 2014     01:17 1974: U.S. - the Symbionese Liberation Army kidnapped newspaper heiress Patty Hearst (19) from her apartment in Berkeley, California. Remember this. Good old Tania! 05 Feb 2014     00:52 On Feb. 4, 1974, newspaper heiress Patricia Hearst was kidnapped in Berkeley, Calif., by the Symbionese Liberation Army. (NYT) 04 Feb 2014     23:53 For those who remember... Patty Hearst was kidnapped 40 years ago today by the Symbionese Liberation Army. The world got really weird...but it was the '70s and everyone was stoned, so nobody cared all that much. 04 Feb 2014     21:24 HISTORY - FEBRUARY 04 1974 - This daughter of a wealthy man was 'captured' by the Symbionese Liberation Army: _ 04 Feb 2014     20:22 Trivia for today February 4 History 1991 - The Baseball Hall of Fame votes to ban Pete Rose. 1974 - Patricia Hearst was kidnapped in Berkeley, Calif., by Symbionese Liberation Army. 1945 - FDR, Churchill & Stalin meet at Yalta This Day in Entertainment 1938 - Disney's first animated film, " Snow White and the Seven Dwarves," is released 04 Feb 2014     18:49 Stockholm Syndrome The Stockholm Syndrome , also known as terror-bonding, capture bonding or traumatic bonding, is a psychological phenomenon in which a victim who was a hostage becomes sympathetic towards their captors. The name of this syndrome derived after the bank robbery at Norrmalmstorg , Stockholm. The bank employees were held as hostages for six days, and after they were released, they developed positive feelings towards their captors. The victims see lack of violence in these situations as something to be grateful of, and therefore they defend their captors, and become emotionally attached to them. This is what the employees of Kreditbanken did. Some experts think of this syndrome as over-popularized and unnecessarily overanalyzed, but still, there are many psychologists who consider this disorder to be very puzzling and intriguing. There are many examples of this syndrome throughout history, such as the one with the heiress Patty Hearst in 1974, when she was abducted by the Symbionese Liberation ... 04 Feb 2014     17:22 Your question today: Who was kidnapped by the Symbionese Liberation Army on this date in 1974? 04 Feb 2014     16:25 Click LIKE if you know what the Symbionese Liberation Army is (extra credit if you know who Tanya is) - I'm curious what the age cut-off on this is - no Wikipedia checking. 04 Feb 2014     15:32 Headlines 2/4 – (NYT) Peace talks with the Taliban could explain why the Afghan president has held up a security deal, straining his relationship with the United States . States and cities across the country are forging ahead on their own with proposals aimed at expanding early education programs. Packages of the drug found in Philip Seymour Hoffman's apartment offered a window into the actor's struggle with addiction and exposed a seedy underground where heroin sells for as little as $6. The Qaeda leadership said it was no longer connected to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, which has asserted an increasingly important role in the Syrian conflict. "Nothing says 'hard-core' like being cast out by Al Qaeda." WILLIAM MCCANTS, a scholar at the Brookings Institution, after Al Qaeda's leadership cut ties with a militant group, the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. Nearly three months after a ruinous typhoon, Tacloban, once a thriving center, shows few signs of recovery, and those who can are leaving to fin ... 04 Feb 2014     15:06 Today in TV History In 1974, news coverage flooded the airwaves when the Symbionese Liberation Army in Berkeley, California kidnapped Patty Hearst . In 1977, “American Bandstand” celebrated its 25th anniversary with an ABC special hosted by *** Clark and featuring performances by Chuck Berry, Chubby Checker, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, Barry Manilow and The Captain and Tennille. And Kathy Bates made her first appearance on NBC's “The Office” in 2010 as Jo Bennett, the new CEO of Dunder Mifflin. From TV Media Insights Daily with Marc Berman 04 Feb 2014     14:28 It's the fortieth anniversary of Patty Hearst 's kidnapping by the Symbionese Liberation Army. The Institute for New Strategic Thinking thought you should know. 04 Feb 2014     11:33 February 4, 1783…Great Britain declared a formal cessation of all hostilities with its former colonies, which had become the United States of America. February 4, 1789… George Washington was elected unanimously to be the first president of the United States . February 4, 1957…Smith-Corona Manufacturing Inc. of New York began selling portable electric typewriters. February 4, 1968…In a secret memo to U.S. Attorney General John Mitchell, Senator Strom Thurmond of South Carolina recommended that John Lennon be deported because of his antiwar statements. February 4, 1974…In Berkeley, California, the Symbionese Liberation Army kidnapped heiress Patricia Hearst . February 4, 1985…U.S. President Ronald Reagan's latest defense budget called for a "Star Wars" research program expenditure that was three times the previous amount. 06 Jan 2014     03:41 I was looking at this picture over the past few days while I was responding to many wonderful birthday wishes. This picture was taken in front of the Hearst home in California announcing that Neighbors in Need would be running food banks like the program I was directing here in Washington State. It was registered in California as People in Need and it was hoped this program would meet the demands of the Symbionese Liberation Army better known as the SLA and lead to the release of Patty Hearst . This February will mark the 40th Anniversary of that event. Of course, I was just a child! A million stories connected to this historic time! 10 Dec 2013     18:09 The 1990 census placed Patricia as the 2nd most popular name in USA, accounting for just over 1% of all girls' names. Patricia peaked between the 1930s and mid-1960s when it was in the top 10. There are several actresses named Patricia, including Oscar winners Patricia Neal and Patty Duke, Patricia Arquette and Patty Hearst who was kidnapped by the Symbionese Liberation Army. The Patron saint of Naples in Italy is St Patricia. 08 Dec 2013     15:30 What do you remember from 1974? Patricia Hearst , 19-year-old daughter of publisher Randolph Hearst, kidnapped by Symbionese Liberation Army (Feb. 5). House Judiciary Committee adopts three articles of impeachment charging President Nixon with obstruction of justice, failure to uphold laws, and refusal to produce material subpoenaed by the committee (July 30). Richard M. Nixon announces he will resign the next day, the first President to do so (Aug. . Vice President Gerald R. Ford of Michigan is sworn in as 38th President of the US (Aug. 9). Ford grants "full, free, and absolute pardon" to ex-President Nixon (Sept. . A first class stamp went from $.08 to $.10 on 3/2/1974. Wimbledon Women: Chris Evert d. O. Morozova (6-0 6-4) Men: Jimmy Connors d. K. Rosewall (6-1 6-1 6-4) Kentucky Derby Champion People magazine debuts, with Mia Farrow gracing the cover. Premier Russian dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov defects and joins the American Ballet Theatre. Grammys awarded in 1974 Record of the Year: "Killing Me Softly Wi ... 18 Nov 2013     03:23 "for orchestrating Patty Hearst 's kidnapping and indoctrination into the Symbionese Liberation Army." 09 Nov 2013     02:45 I guess the US is white terrorists free zone. Oh wait, it isn't. Christopher Dorner, Symbionese Liberation Army, Army of God, 24 Aug 2013     02:30 Picture a chatroom which is available only to former members of the Symbionese Liberation Army 22 Aug 2013     02:53 I'm quoted in an article by a former member of the Symbionese Liberation Army. My life is now complete. 15 Aug 2013     16:12 I'm reforming the Symbionese Liberation Army specifically to deal with Time Warner Cable. 04 Jul 2013     03:07 They're trying to find Patty Hearst and the Symbionese Liberation Army. 01 Jul 2013     18:36 I been on hold so long that I am Patty Hearst to the hold music's Symbionese Liberation Army. 17 Jun 2013     19:42 Warning! The Philadelphia Region has been put on high double red, ATonal Terrorism Alert. The leaders of the known tonal terrorism group, The Rolling Stones, will be entering the Philadelphia region sometime in the next 24 hours. They may already be here. Led by veteran tonal terrorist Keith Richards, purveyor of A446, and spokesperson *** Jagger, veteran A435 user, and a group of other known tonal terrorists whose use of A varies between G# and Bb, this group brings havoc to the use of well temperament. They will have with them a hostage, English Big Band drummer Charlie Watts. Mr. Watts was kidnapped and forced to participate in these tonal terrorism attacks. His situation has been likened to that of Patty Hearst with the Symbionese Liberation Army. The Rolling Stones method of operation is to extort money from people with the promise that they may attend rallies in large areas and enjoy sweets like Brown Sugar and English BBQ that will give them Sticky Fingers. Instead they will be assaulted with bad . ... 18 May 2013     16:08 On May 17, 1974, three months after the kidnapping of Patricia Hearst , a bunch of gun-wielding kooks from a group called the "Symbionese Liberation Army" bar... 17 May 2013     18:34 Reminded of yr our SLA conf in SanFran, passers-by asked, "Um, this isn't the Symbionese Liberation Army, is it?!!" 30 Apr 2013     05:18 A little sad that LTWP is two years too early for Symbionese Liberation Army throwaway jokes. It's the little things that wear you down. 19 Apr 2013     11:02 situation reminds me of the Symbionese Liberation Army (SLA) terrorists in the SF & LA area in 1974-75 ( Patty Hearst abduction). 18 Apr 2013     21:55 . Looks like those pictures of Patty Hearst and the Symbionese Liberation Army back in the day. 16 Apr 2013     17:09 "Right-wing" groups like the Symbionese Liberation Army, Black Panthers , Weather Underground , etc. "Right-wingers" like that? 16 Apr 2013     11:39 I say all signs point to the Black Panthers . Or maybe the Symbionese Liberation Army. 21 Mar 2013     16:43 "you are the Symbionese Liberation Army, and we are Foals" 20 Mar 2013     21:06 On March 20, 1976, Patty Hearst , was convicted of taking part in a San Francisco bank robbery conducted by the Symbionese Liberation Army. 18 Mar 2013     17:23 When I was little, I thought the Symbionese Liberation Army was from Symbion, a Middle Eastern country, a combo of Syria, Libya, & Lebanon. 03 Mar 2013     02:16 Symbionese Liberation Army is still around? Does Patty Hearst know? 02 Mar 2013     22:27 The seven heads of the snake in the Symbionese Liberation Army logo represent the seven principles of Kwanzaa. 28 Feb 2013     11:06 And Patty Hearst you were standing there in front of the Symbionese Liberation Army flag with your legs spread 22 Feb 2013     10:48 Today in History: Scotland 1997: Scottish scientists from the Roslin Institute in Edinburgh announce they have successfully cloned an adult sheep named Dolly, The sheep was born in July of 1996, and Dolly was the world's first cloned mammal. Vietnam 1967: The Tet offensive by communist forces of North Vietnam against South Vietnam ends UK 1972: The IRA plant a bomb at the 16th Parachute Brigade headquarters at Aldershot, Hampshire killing 5 women and an army priest. U.S. 1974: The ransom demanded by the kidnappers ( Symbionese Liberation Army ). of newspaper heiress, Patty Hearst of $2 million food handout to the hungry in slum areas throughout Los Angeles and San Francisco begins with many of the homeless refusing the handouts . U.S. 1991: The US President, George Bush, has given Iraq until 1700 GMT tomorrow to pull out of Kuwait or face a full-scale war . U.S. 1879: Frank Winfield Woolworth opens the Great 5 Cents Store in Utica, New York . Pledging to sell "nothing" that cost more than a nickel expandin ... 14 Feb 2013     03:34 I am glad you people in Southern California are at ease a little bit now. Just a few questions though San Diego Police said they had recovered Dorners's wallet there last week with his badge, How come it is in Big Bear now found in that cabin. If you abandon your wallet one place how come you have another? The San Bernardino Sheriffs said the fire wasn't "intentionally" set to the cabin. Do any of them read Fire Department memos that have said CS gas canisters will cause fires. Are any old enough to remember Waco Texas, or the LA shootout with the Symbionese Liberation Army, both of those fires started by teargas grenades. Do these agencies really think we are that dumb? Is there an SOP on barricaded suspects if you have him contained is it now alright to burn him out at the cost of one more police officer or is it better to just wait him out? 12 Feb 2013     20:23 “We’re in LA! Are you excited!?”   “Yes, we are in LA, Jo. You know the SLA were here. The SLA were in LA and they died in this city; specifically in Compton.”   I really wanted to go to Compton, not because of the SLA (Symbionese Liberation Army), though it would be nice to find the neighbourhood, the street, the spot where six members were burned to death by the LAPD. With two members already in prison, the remaining two then formed the New World Liberation Front. The SLA as a body died in that fire.   No, the reason I wanted to go to Compton is because it is the Mecca of West Coast Gangsta Rap. Or my Mecca at least. This is the music I grew up with and continue to listen to. Compton is the birthplace of Ruthless Records, the home of Eazy-E and NWA; a record label that gave us Above The Law and Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, and was later built off of by Death Row Records.   But it was clear from the beginning that weren’t going to have the time or money to make it. And, more importantly, that wa ... 12 Feb 2013     17:45 I call your attention to Louis Farrakhan's first congressman, Keith Ellison, aka Keith Hakim. Minnesota congressman First Muslim elected to the U.S. House of Representatives Supported Louis Farrakhan's Nation of Islam Former steering committee member of the National Lawyers Guild's Minnesota chapter Publicly defended former Symbionese Liberation Army terrorist Kathleen Soliah Born in August 1963, Keith Maurice Ellison was raised as a Roman Catholic in Detroit, Michigan. He converted to Islam at age 19, while attending Wayne State University. After graduating with a B.A. in economics in 1987, he enrolled at the University of Minnesota Law School. As a third-year law student in 1989-90, Ellison penned two columns for the Minnesota Daily under the name "Keith Hakim." In the first, he made respectful reference to "Minister Louis Farrakhan" and used a tone indicating that he was an avid Nation of Islam (NOI) advocate; Ellison also defended the incendiary NOI spokesman and black supremacist Khalid Abdul Muhamma ... 09 Feb 2013     21:42 Only in California, home of the late Huey P. Newton and then the Symbionese Liberation Army that went several steps further, do characters emerge that transcend 05 Feb 2013     02:52 February 4, 1974 ... * Nineteen-year-old newspaper heiress Patricia Hearst has been kidnaped from her Berkeley apartment by two men and a woman identifying themselves as members of something called the Symbionese Liberation Army. No other word yet on what they want with Hearst... * Richmond City Manager William Leidinger ... like all city managers ... has to write lots of reports. But could any beat today's in importance? In this special hot dog-hamburger-popcorn-and-soft drink study ... Leidinger concludes that the snacks served at Richmond Coliseum are a bargain when considering weight prior to preparation to those served in other Virginia arenas. Now, that's exclusive of roll, condiment and garnishment, of course... * UCLA basketball standout Bill Walton has won the James E. Sullivan Award as America's outstanding amateur athlete of 1973... * Movie standouts ... a film called "Butley" starring Alan Bates and Jessica Tandy plays a limited engagement for the next two days only at Ridge and Cloverleaf ... ... 04 Feb 2013     10:21 On this day in history... ...46 of the 47 Ronin commit seppuku after avenging the death of their master (1703) ...the electoral college unanimously elects George Washington as first president of the US (1798) ...the French abolish slavery (1794) ...the Mormons leave Illinois for Utah (1846) ...radium is synthesized (1936) ...Lunar Orbiter 3 lifts off (1967) ...Yasser Arafat becomes head of the PLO (1969) ...the Symbionese Liberation Army kidnaps Patty Hearst (1974) Births: Charles Lindbergh , Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Rosa Parks , Ida Lupino, Dan Quayle , and Alice Cooper Deaths: Henry Kuttner, Gilbert Grosvenor, Neal Cassady, Louis Jordan, Karen Carpenter, and Betty Friedan Happy World Cancer Day! 23 Jan 2013     04:05 I'm wondering, how in the world, the world of my youth in the early 1970's held together with the "Weathermen" and the "Symbionese Liberation Army", multiple bomb threats which evacuated my high school numerous times along with the energy crisis which had my high school curtailing activities which depended upon evening use of the building and extra lights, many shootings and hijackings and terrorist activities, and rumors of war and on and on and on... Are people not as tough as they used to be? 16 Jan 2013     03:06 Remember "the day the music died" at Altmont? The alliance of the Stones with the *** s Angels resulted in deadly violence. If the people with District Attorney Ed Meese had threatened to take away guns from the *** s Angels, the political Left would have risen in common cause to protect their weapons. Back then the left was into planting bombs in corporate and university buildings and issuing death threats to get their way. The Panthers, Symbionese Liberation Army (SLA), *** s Angels, Weather Underground and Students for a Democratic Society were armed with automatic weapons -- for "the revolution". Now their children want to disarm the family man with the job who votes for conservative causes. Nothing has changed. 25 Dec 2012     16:07 Apparently I'm not supposed to play Symbionese Liberation Army with my little cousins 22 Dec 2012     16:40 NRA to present survivors of Sandy Hook massacre commemmorative set of 5 Symbionese Liberation Army trading cards, at cost... 21 Dec 2012     20:43 I'm old enough to remember the Symbionese Liberation Army. Also this 22 Nov 2012     20:02 Is it me or does that Kohl's Operation: Black Friday logo look a lot like the logo for the Symbionese Liberation Army? 18 Nov 2012     17:35 5. What happened in 1974? Patricia Hearst was kidnapped and joined the Symbionese Liberation Army, Hank Aaron set the record for lifetime home runs with 715 (he finished his career with 755), Nixon resigned as President after the Watergate cover-up, and a young novelist from Maine published his first book, about a "girl possessed of a terrifying power". Who was the novelist? Peter Benchley Stephen King Vladimir Nabokov Sidney Sheldon 07 Nov 2012     21:25 Today in Black History for November 7th Selected Black Facts for November 7 1. 1990 - First Black Woman Mayor of Washington, D.C. Sharon Pratt Dixon (now Kelly) was elected mayor of Washington, D.C., making this a first for a woman of any race. 2. 1973 - Superintendent of schools killed in ambush Marcus A. Foster, superintendent of schools in Oakland, Calif., killed in ambush after Board of Education meeting. Two members of the Symbionese Liberation Army, a West Coast terrorist group, were convicted of the slaying, but the conviction of one of the men was overturned on a legal technicality. 3. 1973 - Spingarn Medal: Wilson C. Riles Spingarn Medal presented to Wilson C. Riles, superintendent of public instruction, California, "in recognition of the stature he has attained as a national leader in the field of education." 4. 1906 - Lynchings Sixty-two Blacks reported lynched in 1906. 5. 1900 - Famous Song composed James Weldon Johnson and J. Rosamond Johnson composed "Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing." 6. 190 ... 01 Nov 2012     08:45 When I was young, the Tea Party were called the John Birch Society , the Klan, the Minutemen, Posse Comatatis (sic) et al and were considered as dangerous as the Symbionese Liberation Army or the Weathermen. They haven't changed. The Koch brothers aren't the only billionaires that back these folks. Send them back to the fringe,,,Vote Blue! 28 Oct 2012     16:15 Studying the Symbionese Liberation Army the revolutionary, counter-fascist anti-capitalist group. Work out. Dinner with Dad. Homeowrk. Gonna be a good day. 17 Oct 2012     15:09 Anderson, Indiana. Hometown of James Kilgore, Symbionese Liberation Army member (and personal friend if Patty Hearst ;-))... 11 Oct 2012     16:49 You know you live in Berkeley when a former member of the Symbionese Liberation Army just ADORES your daughter. 09 Oct 2012     19:28 The Symbionese Liberation Army, The Warren Commission and The NFL Replacement Refs were the only groups Sandusky didn't blame for this "conspiracy." 09 Oct 2012     09:25 Do you have links with the Symbionese Liberation Army? 07 Oct 2012     22:00 no, I'm pretty sure you got kidnapped & are a part of a new Symbionese Liberation Army, ala Patty Hearst . 18 Sep 2012     10:17 This Day in History: The cornerstone of the U.S. Capital Building is laid in Washington, D.C. by George Washington , 1793; General McLellan allows Robert E. Lee and his forces safely retreat after the bloody Battle of Antietam, leading President Lincoln to say "If General McLellan isn't using his Army, would you mind if I borrowed it?", 1862; U.N. Secretary General Dag Hammarskjold and 14 others are killed in a mysterious plane crash as they approach a possible treaty session in Africa to end the Congolese Civil War, 1962; newspaper heiress Patty Hearst is arrested after first having been kidnapped by representatives of the Symbionese Liberation Army (SLA), an anarchist group to which she would later claim allegiance and participate in a series of bank robberies, for which she is pardoned by President Carter, 1975 18 Sep 2012     03:22 For the Japanese "buy island ", people's daily, Xinhua news agency, China media such as Symbionese Liberation Army has issued a 15 Sep 2012     17:03 Indulge in a book Book events Get the latest news What others are saying For more from JamesJames Kilgore was a 1960s political activist in California, who ultimately became involved with the Symbionese Liberation Army. In 1975, he fled a Federal explosives charge and remained a fugitive for 27 ye... 11 Sep 2012     11:09 Object: To create a new graphic identity for the Symbionese Liberation Army. 10 Sep 2012     06:55 Remember when Patty Hearst ran away with the Symbionese Liberation Army, then said they kidnapped her & blamed Stockholm Syndrome ? 09 Sep 2012     04:43 How exactly does US foreign policy now differ from that of the Symbionese Liberation Army? 29 Aug 2012     00:55 Me an Josh finn'a get our protest groove on for the DNC next week! This working man is ready to raise a ruckus about sumpin', fo sure. Will take ideas from folks on what they think needs protesting that probably won't be. Want to be on the Tube with the anarchists, PETA, Weather Underground , Black Panthers , Klansmen, Students for a Democratic Society, Symbionese Liberation Army, Jane Fonda and all the Hollywood Scientology types giving opinions about foreign policy according to L Ron. I'm thinking we go as NORML Chia Pets. Can't wait! 24 Aug 2012     15:38 I have just listened to an interview with the author of a book about how Ronald Reagan was an avid FBI informant before his political career began, and how the FBI tried to suppress various student movements, and to get fired the president of the University of California. Every time I think I can't get more disgusted with my country, something new comes along. I do think it's a good idea to bear in mind that however loathsome Gov. Romney may be, he's St. Mitt the Wonderful in comparison to Reagan (remember his saying of the poor people who accepted free food during the Symbionese Liberation Army thing, "I hope they get botulism"?) and Nixon. 18 Jul 2012     02:07 Weather Underground why in the *** would they post that on the WESH website right now. Now there are threats that Occupy would do violence at the Republican Convention. Now Symbionese Liberation Army is to Occupy as what What was the original things about SLA that she was part of the feed the poor etc. 15 Jul 2012     08:29 Newsreel footage of the Symbionese Liberation Army's origin in Oakland, featuring the female leadership of the SLA; Angela Atwood (General Gelina) Patricia S... 11 Jul 2012     08:51 The forgotten story of the Symbionese Liberation Army and Patricia Campbell Hearst (born February 20, 1954), now known as Patricia Campbell Hearst Shaw, is a... 15 Jun 2012     09:53 It was a method used by the BLA & the Symbionese Liberation Army of Patty Hearst fame. So wouldn't be surprised. 22 May 2012     01:05 "Radical violent groups cling like parasites to popular protests. The Black Panthers , the American Indian Movement , the Weather Underground , the Red Brigades and the Symbionese Liberation Army arose in the ferment of the 1960s. Violent radicals are used by the state to justify harsh repression. They scare the mainstream from the movement. They thwart the goal of all revolutions, which is to turn the majority against an isolated and discredited ruling class. These violent fringe groups are seductive to those who yearn for personal empowerment through hyper-masculinity and violence, but they do little to advance the cause. The primary role of radical extremists, such as Maximilien Robespierre and Vladimir Lenin , is to hijack successful revolutions. They unleash a reign of terror, primarily against fellow revolutionaries, which often outdoes the repression of the old regime. They often do not play much of a role in building a revolution." 16 Apr 2012     12:52 .I love having the gang from the Symbionese Liberation Army in my room. It makes me feel like Patty Hearst . 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i don't know
Who's missing? Roger Peterson, J. P. Richardson, Ritchie Valens?
The Story of Rock's First Tragedy: Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper Killed in Plane Crash REDDIT Hulton Archive, Getty Images Rock ‘n’ roll was still in its infancy when it suffered its first tragedy. On Feb. 3, 1959, three of its biggest stars — Buddy Holly , Ritchie Valens and J.P. Richardson, known as the Big Bopper — were killed in a plane crash near Clear Lake, Iowa. The three acts, along with Dion and the Belmonts, were on a package tour called the Winter Dance Party, which was to play 24 Midwestern cities in as many days. But the bus’ heating system was ill-equipped and broke down a few days later, which caused some musicians to catch the flu and Holly’s drummer Carl Bunch to be hospitalized for frostbite. By the time they reached the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake on Feb. 2, about a week and a half into the tour, Holly, after the show, decided to charter a plane from nearby Mason City to Fargo, N.D., just across the state line from their next gig in Moorhead, Minn. As a bonus, Holly would be able to do his laundry, which had been neglected since the tour began. The plane, a Beechwood Bonanza, had room for only three passengers — Holly and his band — and the pilot, Roger Peterson. Holly’s bass player, future country legend Waylon Jennings , gave up his seat to Richardson, who was ill. According to Jennings’ autobiography, Holly teased his bass player by saying, “Well, I hope your ol’ bus freezes up.” To which Jennings responded, “Well, I hope your ol’ plane crashes.” There are conflicting stories as to how Valens wound up in the third seat. Tommy Allsup, Holly’s guitarist, claimed that he lost a coin flip to Valens in the dressing room. In 2010, Dion DiMucci, who had been silent about that night for 51 years, claimed that he, not Allsup, was slated for the third seat because he was one of the headliners. But after winning the coin toss, he balked at paying $36 for the flight — the amount his parents paid in monthly rent for the apartment where he grew up — and gave Valens the seat. Local DJ Bob Hale, who was the MC for the concert, agrees that it was between Allsup and Valens, but that he, not Allsup, flipped the coin. Regardless of the contradictions, around 12:55AM on Feb. 3, the plane carrying Holly, Richardson and Valens took off in a snowstorm with strong winds. But the plane traveled only a few miles before crashing, killing all four men instantly. The federal investigation ruled that even though the weather played a large role in the accident, the 21-year-old Peterson was too inexperienced to have been flying in such conditions. In addition, he had most likely misread the altitude indicator, which was different than the one on which he had trained, and inadvertently brought the plane down instead of up. At the time, Holly’s wife of six months, Maria Elena, was two weeks pregnant. The day after the crash, she suffered a miscarriage from the emotional trauma. In March 1980, a long-missing piece of the plane crash was discovered. Holly’s signature black-rimmed glasses had landed in a snow bank and were discovered in the spring of 1959, after the snow melted. They were brought to the Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s office, sealed in a manila envelope and forgotten about for 21 years. Upon discovery, the glasses were returned to his widow and are currently on permanent display at the Buddy Holly Center in his hometown of Lubbock, Texas. Rockers Who Died at Age 27 Image of
Buddy Holly
In the zoological hierarchy, which classification is the most specific?
'The day the music died'? Hardly - CNN.com 'The day the music died'? Hardly Story Highlights Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, Big Bopper died February 3, 1959 Event has been called "the day the music died," but it's also day of life Commemorative events being held in Clear Lake, Iowa, musicians' last stop By Todd Leopold CNN (CNN) -- The facts are these: Just after 1 a.m. February 3, 1959, a three-passenger Beechcraft Bonanza went down about five miles northwest of Mason City Municipal Airport, near Clear Lake, Iowa. The plane crash took the lives of the pilot, Roger Peterson, and three musicians: Charles Hardin Holley, better known as Buddy Holly, 22; Ritchie Valens (originally Valenzuela), 17; and J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson, 28. The three young musicians were part of the "Winter Dance Party," a ramshackle tour that started in Wisconsin. It has become famous, in Don McLean's "American Pie" formulation, as "the day the music died." The event has echoed through rock 'n' roll history for 50 years, representing, if not the end of rock 'n' roll itself, the close of an era, the end of the first bloom of rock anarchy and innovation. "It was like a curtain coming down," said Terry Stewart, president of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, which is co-hosting a series of events in Clear Lake for the anniversary, including classes putting the event in historical context. As they have for decades, visitors have been making the pilgrimage to the resort town about 110 miles north of Des Moines. On Monday night, the 50th anniversary of the trio's deaths, the city's Surf Ballroom and Museum will host a huge concert in conjunction with the Rock Hall. Expected are luminaries including Graham Nash, whose 1960s British band was named for Holly; the Smithereens' Pat DiNizio, who wrote the song "Maria Elena" for Holly's widow; Los Lobos, who followed in the Hispanic-rock tradition begun by Valens; Texans Delbert McClinton and Joe Ely; and Tommy Allsup, who was a Holly sideman at the show 50 years ago. iReport: Do you remember this era of rock? Share your memories "The vision [for the Monday show] has always been that we go back to the roots," said Laurie Lietz, the Surf's executive director. "There were so many who were influenced by [the trio]. So the tribute concert is really a tribute to each individual." The Surf, which was refurbished in 1995 by a local family (it's now run by a foundation), includes the original stage, the telephone where Holly and Valens placed their last calls, guitars, photographs and a green room with hundreds of autographs. They all pay tribute to the last show for three men. Don't Miss Surf Ballroom:   50 Winters Later Deseret News:  The Winter Dance Party tour Holly, Valens and Richardson were part of the Winter Dance Party, a ramshackle tour that had started in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and headed to small cities in Minnesota and Iowa. The tour, which also included Dion and the Belmonts and members of Holly's backing band, had lumbered along in subfreezing temperatures in unheated buses; two days earlier, one bus had stalled out on a lonely Wisconsin road. By the time the group reached Clear Lake, Holly in particular was ready to bolt. "Buddy was very determined when he wanted something," said his widow, Maria Elena Holly, of her "otherwise laid-back" husband of six months. Listen to Maria Elena talk about Buddy Holly » He booked the plane to fly to Fargo, North Dakota, where he planned to rest up and do laundry in advance of the group's next concert in Moorhead, Minnesota, across the state line. Fargo native Bobby Vee, who remembers the tragedy vividly, acknowledges that he owes his career to the event. The then-high school sophomore named Robert Velline had come home for lunch and heard a local DJ talking about the Moorhead show. "I had a ticket for the show. I was a huge Buddy Holly fan and a huge rock 'n' roll fan," he recalled, adding that a major rock 'n' roll concert in the area was a rarity. "As I got closer into the kitchen ... [my mother and brother] were talking about this plane crash that had taken place. I couldn't put it all together." But the promoter had decided to go on with the show and invited local bands to participate. Vee was in a garage band, and a friend suggested that they participate. The band, so loose it didn't even have a name, got on the bill. At the end of the night, a local booking agent approached them, and the Shadows (a name Vee came up with as they waited offstage) entered the music business. Vee's hits eventually included 1961's "Take Good Care of My Baby" and 1967's "Come Back When You Grow Up." "It changed my life," Vee said. "I was a 15-year-old. I'd never experienced that kind of tragedy. I wasn't there to start a career -- I didn't know what a career was -- I was just there to help out, because that's what people do when there's a problem." Rock critic Dave Marsh also remembers hearing about the crash. "I went to the door of our little house in Pontiac, Michigan, and I picked up the newspaper, and ... it was the first thing I saw: Three rock 'n' roll guys dying in a plane crash," he says. "I was 9, but I had an aunt who was just seven years older than me and a mother who was an Elvis fan and who watched 'American Bandstand' every day. So I was aware. ... It was something to deal with, people that young dying." But, indicating the lack of esteem for rock 'n' roll at the time, it wasn't a major national news story. The New York Times put a plane crash on its February 4 front page, but it was an American Airlines flight that had crashed near LaGuardia Airport. The Clear Lake tragedy was on page 66. The same was true for other major newspapers. iReport.com: How teens paid tribute to the trio "[Holly] really wasn't known to the older generation," said "Austin City Limits" executive producer and Holly aficionado Terry Lickona. "Even in his hometown [of Lubbock, Texas], they were embarrassed by him." The trio's deaths coincided with a period of dark events in rock 'n' roll history, including Elvis Presley's induction into the Army, Jerry Lee Lewis' blacklisting, the record industry payola scandals and Chuck Berry's Mann Act conviction, not to mention the rise of manufactured teen idols such as Frankie Avalon and Fabian. Partly thanks to McLean's lingering phrase, the ensuing years have been painted as a rock Dark Ages, rescued only by the Beatles' arrival in 1964 at the vanguard of the British Invasion. McLean: Buddy Holly was a genius Marsh says that canard, which he has refuted in "The Book of Rock Lists" and "The Heart of Rock and Soul," should be laid to rest once and for all. "I think what happened was that people weren't paying attention themselves and assumed no one else was, either," he said. "I think it's also a way that glorifies the lack of stars [compared to rock's early days]. That was missing. ... I don't think Roy Orbison had quite the same stature." Which doesn't mean that the music of Orbison, Phil Spector, early Motown or Gary U.S. Bonds deserves to be overlooked, he added: "The quality of the music is undeniable." iReport.com: 'Buddy Holly' performs as final tour re-created What would have happened to the trio in that era is, of course, impossible to know. Valens, celebrated in the movie "La Bamba," was just starting his career and may have produced more hits; Richardson, a former DJ and radio program director who shot some rudimentary music videos, had shrewd entrepreneurial instincts. And then there's Holly, with his songwriting talent, his arranging abilities (he did the strings on "It Doesn't Matter Anymore," his last single) and sheer knowledge of music. Maria Elena Holly, who watches over his legacy, says Buddy had big plans: He wanted to do albums with Ray Charles and Mahalia Jackson; he wanted to try film music; he wanted to do music publishing. "He was a multitasker in every way," she said. iReport.com: Musician discovered Buddy Holly through the Beatles Monday, he and the others will simply be remembered at the ballroom where it's always February 2, 1959, and they're putting on another great show. "When I come to these things, I don't think about [that] this is the last time I talked to him was from here. I think, I'm meeting the fans who have kept his memory alive," said Maria Elena Holly, who admits to getting "a little bit teary" when she hears "True Love Ways." "And that's really what Buddy wanted to happen with his music: He wanted people to enjoy the music, to listen to it and make them happy," she said. "And when I think of it that way, I think at least his dream came true."
i don't know
What is the name of the most popular of all ground hogs, whose emerges from Gobbler's Knob each Feb 2?
Groundhog Day - Origins, Facts and Punxsutawney Phil Groundhog Day What in the Heck is Groundhog Day Anyway? Origins of Groundhog Day, Punxsutawney Phil, and Other Famous Groundhogs Alex Wong/Getty Images News/Getty Images By Albrecht Powell Updated January 21, 2016. German tradition holds that if the sun comes out on Candlemas , the precursor to Groundhog Day, the hedgehog (or badger) will see its shadow and six more weeks of winter will follow. When German settlers came to Pennsylvania they continued this tradition, using groundhogs instead of hedgehogs to predict the weather. The first official Groundhog Day was celebrated on February 2, 1886 in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, with a proclamation in The Punxsutawney Spirit by the newspaper's editor, Clymer Freas: "Today is groundhog day and up to the time of going to press the beast has not seen its shadow." The legendary first Groundhog Day trip to Gobbler's Knob was made the following year by a group of spirited groundhog hunters who dubbed themselves "The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club." Clymer, a member of the club, used his editorial clout to proclaim that Phil, the Punxsutawney Groundhog, was the one and only official weather prognosticating groundhog. continue reading below our video Before Your Road Trip, Watch This Phil's fame began to spread and newspapers from around the world began to report his predictions. Growing legions of fans started making the trek to Punxsutawney every February 2, and with the release of the 1993 movie Groundhog Day , starring Bill Murray, the crowds began to number in the tens of thousands. Phil's yearly Groundhog Day predictions are actually even entered into the Congressional Record! Questions and Answers About Groundhog Day in Punxsutawney: Where does the name Punxsutawney come from? Punxsutawney was first settled by the Delaware Indians in 1723 and its name comes from the Indian name for the location "ponksad-uteney" which means the "town of the sandflies." The name woodchuck also has Indian origins, coming from the legend of "Wojak, the groundhog." Where exactly is Punxsutawney? Punxsutawney is located in Western Pennsylvania , about 80 miles northeast of Pittsburgh. How did Phil get his name? The groundhog's full name is actually "Punxsutawney Phil, Seer of Seers, Sage of Sages, Prognosticator of Prognosticators and Weather Prophet Extraordinary." It was so proclaimed by the "Punxsutawney Groundhog Club" in 1887, the same year they declared Punxsutawney to be the weather capital of the world. How do you know it is really Phil at Gobbler's Knob? For most of the year, Phil lives in a climate-controlled home at the Punxsutawney Library. He is taken to Gobbler's Knob and placed in a heated burrow underneath a simulated tree stump on stage before being pulled out at 7:25 am on Groundhog Day, February 2, to make his prediction. How old is Phil anyway? Phil is reputed by townspeople to be more than 100 years old, surviving beyond a marmot's normal life span thanks to the strong constitution of his wife, Phyllis, and a steady diet of Groundhog Punch. Was the 1993 film Groundhog Day really filmed in Punxsutawney? Unfortunately, the answer is no. Columbia Pictures decided to film the movie in a location more accessible to a major metropolitan center. Punxsutawney is located in a very rural area with few highways, so Woodstock, Illinois was chosen as the site for the movie. As a result adjustments had to be made for the production. The actual Gobbler's Knob is a wooded hill with a beautiful view; the Gobbler's Knob in the movie is moved to the town square though it is recreated to scale based on detailed notes and videos the crew made on its visit to Punxsutawney. I can't make it to Gobbler's Knob this year? Is the ceremony going to be on TV? Most major television stations across the country, as well as the big screen in Times Square, broadcast the official Groundhog Day ceremony. What can I expect at the Punxutawney Groundhog Day celebration? Plan to arrive in Punxutawney no later than 6am in time to catch one of several shuttles providing transportation to Gobbler's Knob (there is no parking at the Knob). Or, arrive a day or two earlier for a weekend of action-packed events including a chili cook-off, ice carving exhibitions, trivia contests, a Prognosticators Ball, groundhog day weddings, sleigh rides , woodchuck whittling, the Phil Phind Scavenger Hunt, music, food, fun and games. If you happen to be celebrating a birthday on February 2nd, then you are invited to join others who share the special day for Phil's Birthday Celebration and a free souvenir. What about all of those other weather predicting groundhogs out there? Alan Freed , Webmaster for Punxsutawneyphil.com and Groundhog.org , says "We'll take 'em seriously just as soon as a major motion picture is created in their honor!" More Groundhog Day Resources:
Punxsutawney Phil
Which Season 4 American Idol winner is slated to sing the national anthem before this years super bowl?
Groundhog Day - Origins, Facts and Punxsutawney Phil Groundhog Day What in the Heck is Groundhog Day Anyway? Origins of Groundhog Day, Punxsutawney Phil, and Other Famous Groundhogs Alex Wong/Getty Images News/Getty Images By Albrecht Powell Updated January 21, 2016. German tradition holds that if the sun comes out on Candlemas , the precursor to Groundhog Day, the hedgehog (or badger) will see its shadow and six more weeks of winter will follow. When German settlers came to Pennsylvania they continued this tradition, using groundhogs instead of hedgehogs to predict the weather. The first official Groundhog Day was celebrated on February 2, 1886 in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, with a proclamation in The Punxsutawney Spirit by the newspaper's editor, Clymer Freas: "Today is groundhog day and up to the time of going to press the beast has not seen its shadow." The legendary first Groundhog Day trip to Gobbler's Knob was made the following year by a group of spirited groundhog hunters who dubbed themselves "The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club." Clymer, a member of the club, used his editorial clout to proclaim that Phil, the Punxsutawney Groundhog, was the one and only official weather prognosticating groundhog. continue reading below our video Before Your Road Trip, Watch This Phil's fame began to spread and newspapers from around the world began to report his predictions. Growing legions of fans started making the trek to Punxsutawney every February 2, and with the release of the 1993 movie Groundhog Day , starring Bill Murray, the crowds began to number in the tens of thousands. Phil's yearly Groundhog Day predictions are actually even entered into the Congressional Record! Questions and Answers About Groundhog Day in Punxsutawney: Where does the name Punxsutawney come from? Punxsutawney was first settled by the Delaware Indians in 1723 and its name comes from the Indian name for the location "ponksad-uteney" which means the "town of the sandflies." The name woodchuck also has Indian origins, coming from the legend of "Wojak, the groundhog." Where exactly is Punxsutawney? Punxsutawney is located in Western Pennsylvania , about 80 miles northeast of Pittsburgh. How did Phil get his name? The groundhog's full name is actually "Punxsutawney Phil, Seer of Seers, Sage of Sages, Prognosticator of Prognosticators and Weather Prophet Extraordinary." It was so proclaimed by the "Punxsutawney Groundhog Club" in 1887, the same year they declared Punxsutawney to be the weather capital of the world. How do you know it is really Phil at Gobbler's Knob? For most of the year, Phil lives in a climate-controlled home at the Punxsutawney Library. He is taken to Gobbler's Knob and placed in a heated burrow underneath a simulated tree stump on stage before being pulled out at 7:25 am on Groundhog Day, February 2, to make his prediction. How old is Phil anyway? Phil is reputed by townspeople to be more than 100 years old, surviving beyond a marmot's normal life span thanks to the strong constitution of his wife, Phyllis, and a steady diet of Groundhog Punch. Was the 1993 film Groundhog Day really filmed in Punxsutawney? Unfortunately, the answer is no. Columbia Pictures decided to film the movie in a location more accessible to a major metropolitan center. Punxsutawney is located in a very rural area with few highways, so Woodstock, Illinois was chosen as the site for the movie. As a result adjustments had to be made for the production. The actual Gobbler's Knob is a wooded hill with a beautiful view; the Gobbler's Knob in the movie is moved to the town square though it is recreated to scale based on detailed notes and videos the crew made on its visit to Punxsutawney. I can't make it to Gobbler's Knob this year? Is the ceremony going to be on TV? Most major television stations across the country, as well as the big screen in Times Square, broadcast the official Groundhog Day ceremony. What can I expect at the Punxutawney Groundhog Day celebration? Plan to arrive in Punxutawney no later than 6am in time to catch one of several shuttles providing transportation to Gobbler's Knob (there is no parking at the Knob). Or, arrive a day or two earlier for a weekend of action-packed events including a chili cook-off, ice carving exhibitions, trivia contests, a Prognosticators Ball, groundhog day weddings, sleigh rides , woodchuck whittling, the Phil Phind Scavenger Hunt, music, food, fun and games. If you happen to be celebrating a birthday on February 2nd, then you are invited to join others who share the special day for Phil's Birthday Celebration and a free souvenir. What about all of those other weather predicting groundhogs out there? Alan Freed , Webmaster for Punxsutawneyphil.com and Groundhog.org , says "We'll take 'em seriously just as soon as a major motion picture is created in their honor!" More Groundhog Day Resources:
i don't know
In what Super Bowl did the Seahawks face the Steelers?
Seahawks, not refs, blew Super Bowl XL against the Steelers | The MMQB with Peter King The MMQB with Peter King Sorry, Seahawks: The Refs Didn’t Blow Super Bowl XL—You Did Voice of the Fan Fri Nov. 27, 2015 Sorry, Seahawks: The Refs Didn’t Blow Super Bowl XL—You Did As the Steelers and Seahawks are set to renew their Super Bowl XL rivalry this weekend, a Black and Gold fan living in Seattle lays out a completely objective forensic analysis of that controversial championship matchup from a decade ago and concludes that the 12s should stop their whining. What say you, Seattle? Al Tielemans/Sports Illustrated BY CHRIS SYPOLT Full disclosure: I grew up in Pittsburgh, and one of my early memories is making a visit to the Steelers’ locker room after a practice in 1978, where I was able to meet and talk to all of my heroes. I’m especially proud of the fact that at age 9 I told Terry Bradshaw that the team would go 14-2 that season, and got one of the two losses correct. I’ve also been a resident of Seattle since 1998 and have watched and cheered for the Seahawks as they’ve transformed into an actual competent organization. I’ve even worn Seahawks gear the last couple of years as an acknowledgement of their superior performance. In short, while I care deeply about my original team, I am first and foremost a football fan. The way the Seahawks play the game (great defense, strong running game, “game manager” at quarterback) is exactly the brand of football that I was raised to appreciate and applaud. I also tend to wear a lot of black and gold during the season, which means that every single person in Seattle (or at least, it feels like it) has seen fit to approach and tell me, at great length, that the Seahawks got screwed in Super Bowl XL. Eventually I got tired of having the same argument and created a document that a) examines all of the controversial calls and b) more importantly, shows how the Seahawks lost that game all by themselves and that blaming the refs is a steaming pile of horse hockey. THE CONTROVERSIAL CALLS 1. Offensive pass interference in the end zone. 2:08 of the first quarter. While Seahawks fans now seemingly get beneficial calls even when the ref is standing right there ( see Seahawks-Lions, Week 4, 2015 ), they apparently weren’t used to the idea that sometimes those calls go against them way back in 2005. Take a look at this sequence. Seahawks receiver Darrell Jackson and Steelers cornerback Bryant McFadden are tight together in the end zone. Photo: NFL Network Jackson and McFadden lock up in the endzone. Jackson extends his arms, and McFadden is forced to take a half-step back. Not only does the push open up space, but McFadden’s momentum is such that he is leaning backward instead of forward, where he could have made a play. Photo: NFL Network Jackson places his hand on McFadden’s chest. Photo: NFL Network He extends his left arm, throwing McFadden off balance. The claim is that this is a ticky-tack call. But look at it: Jackson pushes off to his right, then dives to his left to catch the pass. Back, and to the left. Back, and to the left. And Jackson miraculously picks up six feet of separation. How could this have happened? Photo: NFL Network There was plenty of separation to make the catch. The official is standing about five feet away from the play. He quickly flags it. Photo: Bill Frakes/Sports Illustrated The incident happened directly in front of the back judge. Is this equivalent to the garbage that Michael Irvin used to get away with? Nope, not even close. But the call is correct and had to be made, especially on a TD play. 2. Ben Roethlisberger’s goal line dive for a TD. 2:00 of the second quarter. Of all of the complaints, this one is probably the most legitimate, but not for the reason that Seahawks fans bring up. Photo: Heinz Kluetmeier/Sports Illustrated Roethlisberger goes airborne in search of the goal line. The controversy is caused by the fact that the side judge initially ran in with only one arm raised, signaling “dead ball.” He then switched to “touchdown.” Why he made the change is unclear. You can look at the video on a frame-by-frame basis, and to this day there is no clear evidence that the ball broke the plane. Then again, there is also no clear evidence that he was stopped short of it. The official who made the call, in fact, had the best real-time view of anyone in the stadium or watching on television. Photo: NFL Network Video replay was inconclusive, and the call on the field stood. Whether or not the call was correct, the standard for overturning a call made on the field is, and has been, pretty clear: “indisputable visual evidence.” That isn’t the case here. All of the teams in the league have agreed to abide by this rule, no matter how flawed it is in application. 3. Holding penalty on Seattle right tackle Sean Locklear. 12:35 of the fourth quarter. There are as many definitions of holding and when it should be called as there are drops of the rain in the ocean. However, when the right tackle’s arm is hooked around the neck of the defensive player, especially when a) this happens right in front of the referee and b) it prevents what would have otherwise been a clear path to the quarterback, it looks like the textbook definition of holding. Photo: NFL Network Locklear was flagged for hooking Haggans, preventing a clear shot at Hasselbeck. (Seattle fans would say he had to, as Haggans jumped the snap.) The perception that this was not holding was reinforced by John Madden’s commentary right after the play, when he proclaimed that it wasn’t a penalty. Since most Seahawks fans were new to the game, they took this, incorrectly, as gospel. He was wrong, and so are they. 4. Low-block penalty on Hasselbeck during interception return. 10:54 of the fourth quarter. In Week 12 of the 2005 season the Steelers played the Colts. At 0:27 of the second quarter, Roethlisberger was intercepted by Mike Doss, and Roethlisberger was flagged for going low against a blocker during the return. Hasselbeck was flagged for a low block on Ike Taylor, who’d just picked him off. In Super Bowl XL, at 10:54 of the fourth quarter, Hasselbeck was intercepted by Ike Taylor and subsequently flagged for going low during a return. In Roethlisberger’s case, the flag was legitimate—he was trying to take out a blocker. In Hasselbeck’s case, the case can be made that he was going after the ball-carrier, which is legal, rather than a blocker. Both of these flags were assessed by the same crew chief/referee, Bill Leavy, so at least he was consistent. HOW THE SEAHAWKS’ OWN INCOMPETENCE DOOMED THEM 1. Where’s Ben? Ben Roethlisberger is a fairly large human, at 6-5 and 240 pounds. Finding him on a football field is, in effect, the easiest game of “Where’s Waldo?” of all time. His movement is about as fluid as the AT-ATs from The Empire Strikes Back. And yet, for all of that, the Seahawks lost track of him for as long as a typical visit to the DMV takes. Roethlisberger evades the rush previous next 3:58 of the second quarter, Steelers ball, third-and-28. Roethlisberger runs around and does Roethlisberger-type things, including, in this instance, developing the power of invisibility for seven seconds before he finally throws to Hines Ward at the 3-yard line. About the throw—according to the game clock it took approximately three seconds for the ball to reach its target. Some quick back-of-the envelope use of the Pythagorean theorem shows that it traveled roughly 46 yards in the air. Yet even given nearly 10 seconds, the Seahawks didn’t bother to throw a blanket over Ward, who had nearly double the number of targets, catches and yards that season as the next closest Steeler. Despite the hang time on the pass, Ward settled under it. The catch set up Roethliberger’s disputed touchdown. The question really becomes this: With a three-second flight time, and knowing that Ward was Roethlisberger’s go-to guy, how do the Seahawk defenders let this pass be completed? Hey! Who’s that really fast guy and why is he running away from us? At 14:50 of the third quarter, the Steelers ran a play involving a pulling guard, which they’ve been running since at least as long as I’ve been alive. Photo: Damien Strohmeyer/Sports Illustrated A classic Steelers run play set Parker off on his record touchdown scamper. Willie Parker popped through a six-foot hole in the Seahawks line and proceeded to set the record for longest touchdown run in a Super Bowl. Bonus points for the safety who took the wrong angle at the point of attack and ended up grasping at air as Parker flew past him. Photo: Heinz Kluetmeier/Sports Illustrated Nary a Seahawk in sight as Parker heads for home. Who knew that the Steelers might run a trick play with Antwaan Randle-El throwing to Hines Ward? 9:04 of the fourth quarter, and the Steelers set up a reverse with Randle-El, a college quarterback, getting the ball from Parker and carrying it toward the right side before pulling up and passing to Ward, who was open by two or three steps inside the 10. Ward vaults into the end zone for the touchdown. Photo: Bill Frakes/Sports Illustrated Randle-El, a college QB, took the reverse from Parker and threw long. Photo: Bill Frakes/Sports Illustrated Ward, with a couple steps on the defender, made the easy catch for the TD. The play should have looked familiar to Seattle. The Seahawks had two weeks to prepare for the Steelers. Perhaps they should have studied tape a little harder—for instance, footage from Week 10, Steelers versus Browns, in which Pittsburgh ran the same play. Maybe it was the fact that Tommy Maddox was the QB and Duce Staley the running back on the front end of the play in Week 10, rather than Roethlisberger and Parker, tha threw the Seahawks off of the trail. Photo: John W. McDonough/Sports Illustrated Ward leaps into the endzone on the end of Randle-El’s toss. Hey! Why does this clock keep running backwards? At the end of both the first and second halves, the Seahawks let an enormous amount of time run off the clock, as they displayed little apparent awareness that the time allotted for game play is finite. In the first half, Seattle let 15 seconds bleed off the clock on a four-yard Shaun Alexander run before calling their second timeout of the half. Even worse, after another four-yard run by Alexander at 0:48, 25 seconds ran off the clock, leaving Seattle with third-and-6 and 13 seconds left. Josh Brown—who’d made just 72% of his field goals that year—ended up pushing a 54-yard attempt wide right. There’s no way of knowing what the Seahawks could have done with those wasted 40 seconds, but at the very least it is reasonable to think they could have gotten a shorter field goal attempt out of it. In the second half, the Seahawks got the ball with 1:51 on the clock, down 21-10, so time was of the essence. On two separate instances, they wasted more than 20 seconds on plays marked “no huddle.” Just as important, and probably more so, is the fact that the Seahawks got to the Steelers 26 (a potential 43-yard field goal) with 35 seconds remaining, and instead of taking the three points, attempting an onside kickoff and, if they recovered, having a decent amount of time to throw into the end zone, they ran four plays, the last of which was an incomplete pass on fourth-and-6 from the Steelers 23 at 0:08 remaining. Perhaps Holmgren and Hasselbeck had some kind of grand strategy here, but if they did, it isn’t very obvious to the (admittedly) untrained eye. Instead, it seemed more like this was the first time they had encountered a running clock with a two-score deficit and as a result had never bothered to have a plan for what to do if they found themselves in that situation. Conclusions I didn’t even bother getting into the epic ball of fail that was Jerramy Stevens in this game, with three drops on passes that would have been long completions. It is fashionable for Seahawks fans to blame the refs for their loss, and the fuel for this fire was added by Mike Holmgren at a public rally after the team returned to Seattle, when he said “I didn’t know we were going to have to play the guys in the striped shirts as well.” Photo: David Bergman/Sports Illustrated Holmgren’s comments after the game fed the narrative about blown calls. My response, as always, is to consult the wisdom of one Charles Henry Noll, to whom two relevant quotes are attributed: The first is “Before you win a game, you have to not lose it.” The second is “You have to play better than the refs ref.” The Seahawks did neither of these things in Detroit on Feb. 5, 2006. The calls by the refs, while close, are justifiable. The series of breakdowns by Seattle violated the far more important Nollism about winning. Of course, since nobody in Seattle has the patience or the desire to hear any of this, it generally falls on deaf ears. So whenever one of these conversations starts up, even 10 years later, I just go with this: “Well, you caught me. Finally. I’m the guy who personally delivered a U-haul full of unmarked bills to the officials on the night before the game. I’ve been running for years. Would you like a full, taped confession?” In other words, Seahawks fans, let it go. Your loss was as much due to your team’s own incompetence as it was to calls made by the refs, and after 10 years you’re starting to look pathetic. • OK, Seahawks fans—send your rebuttals to  [email protected] .
40
Which “somewhat obscure” golfer has a real first name of Eldrick?
Seattle Seahawks play in the Super Bowl on February 5, 2006. - HistoryLink.org HistoryLink.org Seattle Seahawks play in the Super Bowl on February 5, 2006. By Glenn Drosendahl Tweet On February 5, 2006, the Seattle Seahawks play in Super Bowl XL (No. 40), marking their first appearance in the National Football League’s championship game. They face the Pittsburgh Steelers in Detroit’s Ford Field. Although they have a better regular-season record and a stronger offense than the Steelers, the Seahawks make too many mistakes and give up three long plays. That combination, along with some disputed calls by the officials, results in a 21-10 Pittsburgh victory. Reaching the Big Game The Seahawks and their fans had been waiting 30 years for this. The franchise that was launched in 1976 had not won a playoff game since 1984. Only once had the Seahawks come close to a Super Bowl, way back in 1983 when they lost the American Football Conference championship game to the Los Angeles Raiders. But the 2005 Seahawks were different. They had a head coach, Mike Holmgren (b. 1948), who had won a Super Bowl when he coached the Green Bay Packers. They had a skilled veteran quarterback in Matt Hasselbeck (b. 1975). They had outstanding offensive linemen, especially left tackle Walter Jones (b. 1974) and left guard Steve Hutchinson (b. 1977). And they had a running back, Shaun Alexander (b. 1977), who had gained more yards and scored more touchdowns than anyone else in the league. The Seahawks started the regular season slowly, and then roared to 11 consecutive victories. They finished with a franchise-best record of 13 wins and 3 losses, they scored more points than any other team, and Alexander was voted the league’s Most Valuable Player. Fan frenzy built as the Seahawks powered their way through two playoff games at Seattle’s Qwest Field (now CenturyLink Field). They beat the Washington Redskins 20-10, and then defeated the Carolina Panthers 34-14 to win the National Football Conference championship and secure a Super Bowl berth. A week later a crowd estimated at 20,000 gathered outside the stadium to see the players board buses and head for the airport and the flight to Detroit in their customized Boeing 757, provided by owner Paul Allen (b. 1953). The backgrounds of the two Super Bowl teams were very different. Unlike the upstart Seahawks, the Steelers had a storied history. They had won four Super Bowls, although none since 1980, and were among the best known and widely followed of the NFL’s franchises. These Steelers had made it into the playoffs as the lowest-ranked of six American Football Conference teams, but still managed to win three games on the road -- no small feat -- to reach the Super Bowl. Their national fame and Pittsburgh’s much closer proximity to Detroit resulted in a Ford Field crowd dominated by Steelers fans swirling their team’s trademark "Terrible Towels." Los Angeles Times reporter Sam Farmer wrote that Steelers towels outnumbered Seahawks towels 100 to 1 in the stands and concluded "Ford Field could have been mistaken for (Pittsburgh’s) Heinz Field with a roof." Disappointing Outcome The game started smoothly for Seattle, but then hit a snag. A first-quarter touchdown pass from Hasselbeck to wide receiver Darrell Jackson (b. 1978) was nullified when Jackson was penalized for pass interference. Still, the Seahawks had a 3-0 lead late in the second quarter when Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (b. 1982) completed a 37-yard pass to wide receiver Hines Ward (b. 1976). Three plays later Roethlisberger tried to run the ball into the end zone from Seattle’s 1-yard line. The officials said he made it. The Seahawks insisted he didn’t. The call was reviewed and upheld, and at halftime the Steelers led 7-3. Two plays into the third quarter, Pittsburgh running back Willie Parker (b. 1980) broke free and scored a 75-yard touchdown, the longest run in Super Bowl history. The Steelers were threatening to score again when Seahawks cornerback Kelly Herndon (b. 1976) intercepted a Roethlisberger pass and returned it 76 yards. That set up a touchdown pass by Hasselbeck to tight end Jerramy Stevens (b. 1979), cutting Pittsburgh’s lead to 14-10. With the third quarter winding down, momentum seemed on Seattle’s side. A play from Hasselbeck to Stevens gained 17 yards and put the ball at the Steelers’ 1-yard line, but a holding penalty on tackle Sean Locklear (b. 1981) erased the play. Hasselbeck was tackled for a loss on the next play and then threw an interception, ending the drive. The Steelers answered with a trick play that proved to be the game-winner. Roethlisberger pitched the ball to Parker who handed it to wide receiver Antwaan Randle El (b. 1979), a former college quarterback, who passed to Ward for a 43-yard touchdown that finished the scoring with roughly nine minutes remaining. Focusing on the Penalties The Seahawks had not played their best. Their kicker, Josh Brown (b. 1979), missed two of his three attempted field goals. Stevens dropped several passes. Their safeties got fooled and burned on the Steelers’ long plays. Roethlisberger, who was just shy of 24 years old, became not only the youngest quarterback ever to win a Super Bowl, but also the one with the worst passing rating (22.6). Holmgren and his players admitted that their mistakes made the difference, but they also questioned some of the penalties. So did Seattle fans, bitterly. Holmgren fueled the discontent at a Qwest Field rally the next day. Governor Christine Gregoire (b. 1947), King County Executive Ron Sims (b. 1948), and Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels (b. 1955) were among an estimated crowd of 15,000 that welcomed the team home. Speaking from a platform erected in the center of the field, Holmgren told the throng, "We knew it was going to be tough going against the Pittsburgh Steelers. I didn’t know we were going to have to play the guys in the striped shirts as well" (Broom). Normally a coach criticizing officials is fined by the NFL commissioner. In this case, the league issued a statement saying the Super Bowl had been properly officiated, but -- perhaps tellingly -- did not fine or publicly reprimand Holmgren. The Ref Admits Mistakes For those still believing Seattle was robbed in Detroit, a sliver of vindication came four and a half years later. Referee Bill Leavy, the head official at Super Bowl XL, was on a tour of NFL training camps to discuss rule changes for the upcoming season. On August 7, 2010, while visiting Seahawks headquarters in Renton, he admitted that he'd made mistakes during the Super Bowl. "It was a tough thing for me," he said. "I kicked two calls in the fourth quarter and I impacted the game, and as an official you never want to do that. It left me with a lot of sleepless nights and I think about it constantly. I'll go to my grave wishing that I'd been better. I know that I did my best at that time, but it wasn't good enough. When we make mistakes, you got to step up and own them. It's something that all officials have to deal with, but unfortunately when you have to deal with it in the Super Bowl it's difficult" (Boyle). Although Leavy didn’t specify which calls he meant, the most likely ones were the holding penalty against Locklear that erased what would have been a first down on the Pittsburgh 1-yard line, and an illegal block called against Hasselbeck when he was trying to make a tackle after throwing an interception. Leavy stopped short of saying his mistakes were decisive. And most observers -- outside of those in Seattle -- had contended all along that the officiating, while questionable, didn’t have as much to do with the outcome as the Seahawks’ own blunders. This essay made possible by: Seattle Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs Seahawks running back Shaun Alexander plows through the Steelers defense in Super Bowl XL, Detroit, February 5, 2006 Courtesy Maruice LeBrecque/Seattle Seahawks
i don't know
In what Miami stadium is this year's Super Bowl going to be played?
South Florida will bid for 2019, '20 Super Bowls - Sun Sentinel Privacy Policy The major overhaul of Sun Life Stadium now underway to create a more fan-friendly and big-event worthy environment carries the expectation of putting South Florida back in the business of hosting the Super Bowl . How soon that may occur will become clearer over the next year and a half as the NFL prepares to choose the venues for its next two available championship extravaganzas. The league will determine the finalists to host the 2019 and 2020 Super Bowls during this year's spring meetings, May 18-20 at San Francisco, NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said. The league's owners will then vote to determine the sites for the two games in May 2016. South Florida will make a strong push for the chance to host one of those Super Bowls, and local organizers are confident the stadium modernization will enable them to reverse the trend of recent failed bids. "I think that has been our only issue that's held us back. We were told by the NFL the problem with the 50th anniversary [bid] was our stadium," said Rodney Barreto, long-time chairman of the South Florida Super Bowl Committee. "We still believe that South Florida — and with the new improvement in the stadium — that we should be the No. 1 Super Bowl spot in the country." South Florida has hosted 10 of them, tied with New Orleans for the most, but not since 2010 when the Saints defeated the Colts . An increasing number of cities vying for the prestige and economic benefits of hosting, and offering modern, state-of-the-art stadiums, have created a highly competitive landscape. The shortcomings of Sun Life Stadium were highlighted two years ago when in the same day NFL owners snubbed South Florida in awarding the coveted 50th Super Bowl in 2016 to San Francisco to be played in the 49ers ' new stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., and the 2017 game to Houston. This region wasn't even considered last year when the stadium being built in Minneapolis for the Vikings was chosen for 2018. The extensive renovation at Sun Life, being funded primarily by Dolphins owner Steve Ross and expected to be finished by the 2016 season, will provide the fan comforts and amenities that are considered necessities in the hosting sweepstakes. But securing one of the next two games up for grabs isn't a given. Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank has his sights on bringing the 2019 game to his extravagant downtown stadium now under construction. NFL owners have shown an inclination to reward cities that build new facilities. They are also in favor of projects that involve a sizable outlay of public funding, as is the case in Atlanta. Ross went ahead with stadium renovations despite failing to obtain tourist-tax revenue for the project. He did get an agreement from Miami-Dade County to provide subsidies for bringing specified premier events to Sun Life Stadium, including $4 million per Super Bowl. If the next Super Bowl in South Florida is 2020, it will match the longest lapse the region has had in hosting the big game (1979-89). Much has changed in the hosting game, notably in the cost of staging it. The 2014 Super Bowl at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey was the most expensive to date, reportedly costing as much as $70 million. Barreto said the ambitious plan to host the 50th Super Bowl would have cost about $30 million to put on. That included an expansive waterfront village with a variety of entertainment and interactive venues. He indicated that bids for the upcoming games would be scaled back from what was envisioned as a "once-in-a-lifetime" event. "We still feel that we are within the capability of meeting their requirements and we're in our comfort zone. Unlike a lot of cities that haven't hosted Super Bowls before, all of our infrastructure is in place," Barreto said. "It's a huge team effort between a lot of great partners." That includes Broward, Palm Beach and Miami-Dade counties as well as the state and assorted corporate sponsors. Nothing short of such widespread cooperation could succeed in meeting the escalating demands of the NFL. The Dolphins have already met a new NFL requirement of perspective Super Bowl hosts in agreeing to have one of their home games played in London next season (Oct. 4 vs. the Jets ). In addition to the money that Super Bowl organizers must raise, cities that bid for the 2018 game were given an imposing 153-page document of requirements. Those ranged from police escorts for team owners and free access to top golf courses in the months before the game, to police dedicated to anti-counterfeit ticket enforcement, again at no cost, and installation of ATM machines at the stadium that accept NFL preferred credit and debit cards. Barreto pointed out that many demands may be negotiable, saying, "We would certainly need to look at their prequalifications list. I'm sure we're going to meet it, but there is a dollar value that is associated to that. "We'll get together with all our partners and make sure that we're making a good business decision for the community as well and that we can fulfill our commitment. We really look forward to bringing that caliber of a game back here." By the time bids are due, his committee will be able to point to stadium improvements in the final phase of construction that will include a roof over all seating areas that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell added to the wish list the last time the Super Bowl came to town.
Sun Life Stadium
Exxon used to advertise their gas by enjoining you to "put a what in your tank"?
South Florida will bid for 2019, '20 Super Bowls - Sun Sentinel Privacy Policy The major overhaul of Sun Life Stadium now underway to create a more fan-friendly and big-event worthy environment carries the expectation of putting South Florida back in the business of hosting the Super Bowl . How soon that may occur will become clearer over the next year and a half as the NFL prepares to choose the venues for its next two available championship extravaganzas. The league will determine the finalists to host the 2019 and 2020 Super Bowls during this year's spring meetings, May 18-20 at San Francisco, NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said. The league's owners will then vote to determine the sites for the two games in May 2016. South Florida will make a strong push for the chance to host one of those Super Bowls, and local organizers are confident the stadium modernization will enable them to reverse the trend of recent failed bids. "I think that has been our only issue that's held us back. We were told by the NFL the problem with the 50th anniversary [bid] was our stadium," said Rodney Barreto, long-time chairman of the South Florida Super Bowl Committee. "We still believe that South Florida — and with the new improvement in the stadium — that we should be the No. 1 Super Bowl spot in the country." South Florida has hosted 10 of them, tied with New Orleans for the most, but not since 2010 when the Saints defeated the Colts . An increasing number of cities vying for the prestige and economic benefits of hosting, and offering modern, state-of-the-art stadiums, have created a highly competitive landscape. The shortcomings of Sun Life Stadium were highlighted two years ago when in the same day NFL owners snubbed South Florida in awarding the coveted 50th Super Bowl in 2016 to San Francisco to be played in the 49ers ' new stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., and the 2017 game to Houston. This region wasn't even considered last year when the stadium being built in Minneapolis for the Vikings was chosen for 2018. The extensive renovation at Sun Life, being funded primarily by Dolphins owner Steve Ross and expected to be finished by the 2016 season, will provide the fan comforts and amenities that are considered necessities in the hosting sweepstakes. But securing one of the next two games up for grabs isn't a given. Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank has his sights on bringing the 2019 game to his extravagant downtown stadium now under construction. NFL owners have shown an inclination to reward cities that build new facilities. They are also in favor of projects that involve a sizable outlay of public funding, as is the case in Atlanta. Ross went ahead with stadium renovations despite failing to obtain tourist-tax revenue for the project. He did get an agreement from Miami-Dade County to provide subsidies for bringing specified premier events to Sun Life Stadium, including $4 million per Super Bowl. If the next Super Bowl in South Florida is 2020, it will match the longest lapse the region has had in hosting the big game (1979-89). Much has changed in the hosting game, notably in the cost of staging it. The 2014 Super Bowl at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey was the most expensive to date, reportedly costing as much as $70 million. Barreto said the ambitious plan to host the 50th Super Bowl would have cost about $30 million to put on. That included an expansive waterfront village with a variety of entertainment and interactive venues. He indicated that bids for the upcoming games would be scaled back from what was envisioned as a "once-in-a-lifetime" event. "We still feel that we are within the capability of meeting their requirements and we're in our comfort zone. Unlike a lot of cities that haven't hosted Super Bowls before, all of our infrastructure is in place," Barreto said. "It's a huge team effort between a lot of great partners." That includes Broward, Palm Beach and Miami-Dade counties as well as the state and assorted corporate sponsors. Nothing short of such widespread cooperation could succeed in meeting the escalating demands of the NFL. The Dolphins have already met a new NFL requirement of perspective Super Bowl hosts in agreeing to have one of their home games played in London next season (Oct. 4 vs. the Jets ). In addition to the money that Super Bowl organizers must raise, cities that bid for the 2018 game were given an imposing 153-page document of requirements. Those ranged from police escorts for team owners and free access to top golf courses in the months before the game, to police dedicated to anti-counterfeit ticket enforcement, again at no cost, and installation of ATM machines at the stadium that accept NFL preferred credit and debit cards. Barreto pointed out that many demands may be negotiable, saying, "We would certainly need to look at their prequalifications list. I'm sure we're going to meet it, but there is a dollar value that is associated to that. "We'll get together with all our partners and make sure that we're making a good business decision for the community as well and that we can fulfill our commitment. We really look forward to bringing that caliber of a game back here." By the time bids are due, his committee will be able to point to stadium improvements in the final phase of construction that will include a roof over all seating areas that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell added to the wish list the last time the Super Bowl came to town.
i don't know
From which East Coast state does the current Miss America hail from, having been crowned earlier this week?
My Life on the "E" List - Miss Gay America My Life on the "E" List Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins November 2010 Once in every lifetime you experience a moment that will define your for life. Mine happened in Columbus Ohio , October 17, 2010. A goal I set for myself long before Coti Collins existed. A dream that has never faded and a desire to achieve it that has never vanished. The journey was long, but the rewards along the way were priceless. I would like to invite you to share my experiences over the next 365 days. I want to be known as a shining example of a person that never gave up, that always believed in his self and that his goals and dreams were attainable.  I will never forget my first experience at the Miss Gay America Pageant. With a hundred dollar budget and a dream, I walked away placing next to last... Determined to redeem myself, I used the system to improve my craft and to network throughout the country.  I knew each year there would only be one winner, but the knowledge and friendship once could gain would forever change one’s life... It changed mine.! I have decide to call my article "My Life on the E List". When I look at the former Miss Gay America's, each had their own definition of the word EXCELLENCE. During the next year, my goal is not only define it in words, but more importantly to illustrate it in my actions. As my Grandmother always said...... “actions speak louder than words”… I'm so excited to travel throughout the country and share my experiences and to take time for you to share yours with me. My newsletter will also include an interview with a past Miss Gay America each month. I am excited to be able to share the rich history and to illustrate why this pageant means so much to me. I would like to take time to thank a few people that made this all possible...Each one holds a very special place in my heart. I can only imagine what I put them though the last 25 years, but none questioned my motives and only supportive of my dream. Norman Jones--for your vision and guidance over the years... Larry Tyger and Terry Eason--for their continued effort to promote and preserve the system... Coco Montrese--for your grace and talent that set a standard for us to follow... Robert York and Brian Alexander-- for believing in me... Kirby Kolby-- for being an inspiration , a true friend and making me feel beautiful... Jeff Coble, J.D.Martin and Jonathan Kayne—for dressing me with class... Viki Williams, Travis Guy,--for bringing out the best in me.... Reba McEntire--for trusting me... 51 fellow dreamers who were in this journey with me...  Randy Fenoli, Larry Edwards, Victor Espiritu, Lawanda Jackson, Denise Russell, Scarlett Dailey, Tim Hickman, Mike Travis, Mike Rhinehart, Gigi Monroe, Paige Passion, Phyl Craig, Bridget Nichols, Legends House Cast and to everyone over the 25 years of the quest for the crown... In closing, I am still shaking... humbled to be your 39th Miss Gay America. I was asked this week if it was all worth it and my reply was absolutely. I encourage each and every person to never lose focus and believe that all things are achievable. Now that my dream has come true, its time to make history. At Last… Miss Gay America 2011 December 2010 The holiday season is upon us and I'm so excited to be writing my second news letter. The month of November was an incredibly busy month for me. My travels lead me to such exciting destinations as Albuquerque NM, Charleston SC, Fort Wayne IN, Indianapolis IN and Huntington WV. Between all the traveling, I also found time to stay home and join the cast of Legends in Raleigh NC. One of the most rewarding bookings was to assemble a cast to raise money for the Caritas House by bringing a casino show to several  West Virginia's college theatres. I want to take time to thank so many friends and colleagues for sharing my dream with me. Before the pageant season begins, I would like to take this opportunities to tell you my story and why Miss Gay America means so much to me.... Long before Coti Collins existed, I often call it BC.. (before Coti ).  I moved from a small town in Ohio to Huntington WV to attend Marshall University. It was an exciting time for me. I think it was the first time in my life that I could be myself. Living for the weekends was a way of life for myself and for many of my friends. One certain weekend, we traveled to Charleston WV to see a pageant. I remember sitting on the staircase of the Grand Palace to watch the competition.  Between many dance numbers, productions and ballads we heard the emcee announce Miss Gay America. I remember waiting for music to play, but instead I watched Jennifer Foxx walk out holding the microphone. As Jennifer spoke, a hush fell upon the room. He spoke very clearly and elegantly. I was so impressed with how passionate he conveyed his message. After the pageant was over, I walked up and introduced myself. He looked directly in my eyes and thanked me for supporting the pageant as if I was the only person in the room. It was suddenly clear why so many contestants wanted to wear that crown. At that moment he changed the perception I had of a female impersonators. My goal was set, not only did I want to become an entertainer, but I wanted to be Miss Gay America. Several years passed before I was brave enough to attempt any type of entertaining, but never lost sight of my goal. My first year, as a contestant, at the Miss Gay America pageant, was an eye opener to say the least. Using the pageant as a learning experience, I listened and watched everyone around me. After 4 years, I was selected as a Top 10 finalist. Much more than just a pageant placement, it gave me the ability to interview and the skills to work in any venue. From Cowboys LaCage in Nashville to An Evening at LaCage in Vegas I give much of the credit to the Miss Gay America pageant system. I since have worked with the best of the best, been on numerous television shows and toured with Reba McEntire. It has given me a career one can only dream of.  I look forward in traveling this year, sharing my experiences and helping every contestant to fulfill their dreams. My journey was long but so rewarding…   As promised, I would like to present my first interview. This individual defined the word “excellence” for many years. He is someone that changed so many lives... our first SYMBOL OF EXCELLENCE.....Norma Kristie… MGA2011-Coti Collins: Norma, how was your experience at the first Miss Gay America Pageant? MGA 1973-Norma Kristie: MY FIRST EXPERIENCE, AS I SAID IN MY BOOK THAT SHOULD BE READY BY SUMMER, (WOW WHAT A CHORE) WAS GOING IN TO THE DRESSING ROOM AND SEEING ALL THOSE GORGEOUS DRAG QUEENS AND SAYING TO MYSELF AND TUNA STARR, MY BEST FRIEND AND MY DRESSER, "WHAT THE HELL ARE WE DOING HERE.  LET'S GO HOME, I CANT POSSIBLY COMPETE WITH THESE BEAUTIFUL CREATURES".  I WAS SCARED TO DEATH AND I MOVED TO A LITTLE CORNER AND HAD A SMALL MIRROR AND DRESSED OUT OF MY SUITCASE.    THE ONE THAT SCARED ME THE MOST WAS CHARLIE BROWN, WHO WAS EVENTUALLY NAMED FIRST RUNNER UP.  HE WAS JUST ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL IMPERSONATORS I HAD EVER SEEN, AS I HAD NOT SEEN MANY AT THAT TIME EXCEPT IN WASHINGTON DC WHEN I WAS IN THE MILITARY...  WHEN IT WAS OVER, HE WINKED AT ME AND SAID CONGRATULATIONS.  I DON'T KNOW IF HE MEANT IT, AS HIS HEART WAS BROKEN, OR IF HE WAS JUST BEING EVIL, ALTHOUGH AT THAT TIME I DIDN'T EVEN KNOW WHAT EVIL WAS…  I STILL RESPECT CHARLIE FOR HIS CHARACTER DURING THE PAGEANT, AND I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER HIM FOR THAT WINK.  MGA 2011-Coti Collins: As traveling as Miss Gay America, what was the greatest obstacle you experienced?: MGA 1973-Norma Kristie: WHEN I WAS TRAVELING, I FOUND OUT THAT A PERSON ALWAYS HAS TO CARRY HIDDEN AND EXTRA MONEY AND PLENTY OF PANSTICK.  I LOST MY MONEY OUT OF MY POCKET AT A GAS STATION ONCE AND WHILE DRIVING WITH MY MAKEUP IN THE TRUNK OF THE CAR, IT ALL MELTED.  I ALSO FACED MANY JEALOUS DRAG QUEENS AS WELL AS PEOPLE JUST WONDERING WHY A SMALL TOWN QUEEN COULD WIN THE PAGEANT WITH ALL THOSE FAMOUS DRAGS IN THE COMPETITION.  AS SO MANY MISS GAY AMERICAS HAVE HEARD.  WHY DIDN’T ONE OF THE OTHERS WIN?  AT LEAST THEY WERE KNOWN.  I WAS APPALLED AS TO HOW MANY PEOPLE CAME UP TO ME AFTER THE SHOWS AND SAID, NOW WE KNOW WHY YOU WON.  YOU MAY NOT BE THE BEST ENTERTAINER, BUT YOU JUST MADE US FEEL SO GOOD ABOUT BEING GAY AND THAT THINGS THAT WE THOUGHT WE COULD NEVER DO CAN BE ACCOMPLISHED IF WE JUST TRY MGA 2011-Coti Collins: During your reign, what was your most defining moment? MGA 1973-Norma Kristie:  I DID NOT WANT THE FIRST MISS GAY AMERICA TO BE A SHOWGIRL, OF WHICH I DEFINITELY WASN'T…  IT WAS ALL ABOUT THE IMAGE OF WHAT THE PROMOTER, JERRY PEEK, WAS LOOKING FOR THAT YEAR.  HE SAID "YOU WERE A BREATH OF SUNSHINE UNDERNEATH THOSE DEMILASHES AND THE WATERBASE FOUNDATION, AND YOU LOOKED REAL."  I WAS ALMOST IN TEARS AND THOUGHT THAT TO BE ONE OF THE BEST COMPLIMENTS THAT I HAD EVER HAD MGA 2011-Coti Collins: After seeing so many opening productions, does any stand out in your mind? MGA 1973-Norma Kristie:  THE OPENING PRODUCTION THAT MEANT MOST TO ME WAS IN DALLAS TX. I SPENT A FORTUNE RENTING THE STAGE SETS FROM A LOCAL STAGING COMPANY.  BEAULAH LAMONT, OUR EMCEE, WHILE IN FRONT OF THE CURTAIN, CAME BELLOWING OVER THE MICROPHONE, QUOTING A THEME THAT I HAD WRITTEN SALUTING THE SOUTH. NAOMI SIMS, CHERRY LANE AND ONE MR ALL AMERICAN DANCED AN OPENING NUMBER AND  CURTAINS WENT UP AND  SHOWED ONE OF MOST BEAUTIFUL SOUTHERN MANSIONS THAT I HAVE EVER SEEN WITH THE OAK TREES JUST LIKE TWELVE OAKS IN GONE WITH THE WIND… IT DISAPPEARED GRADUALLY INTO THE SKYLINE AND ALLOWED CONTESTANTS TO PARADE ACROSS THE STAGE WITH NAOMI AND COMPANY PERFORMING AND DANCING…  TOTALLY OUTSTANDING AND MADE COLD CHILLS RUN UP AND DOWN MY SPINE, AS TEARS CAME TO MY EYES AS THEY ALWAYS DID AT THE OPENING AND THE ENDING OF EACH PAGEANT.  MGA 2011-Coti Collins: Any advice you would like to share with me? MGA 1973-Norma Kristie: MY ADVICE IS THAT YOU SHOULD ALWAYS TRY TO BE THE BEST AT WHATEVER YOU HAVE CHOSEN TO DO.  NO MATTER HOW ILL, NO MATTER THE CONSEQUENCES, ALWAYS PRESENT ONESELF AS A WINNER AND A TRUE CREDIT TO THE ART FORM OF FEMALE IMPERSONATION… MOST WILL NEVER ACHIEVE THE CROWN, BUT THE MEMORY OF BEING SO NEAR IT WILL REMAIN FOREVER.    In closing, I would like to thank you Norman Jones a/k/a Miss Gay America 1973 Norma Kristie for setting the standards and allowing me to follow in your footsteps.... Until next month,  Miss Gay America 2011 January 2011 Happy New Year!!!!   I want to extend my happiest wishes for everyone this New Year. I have to be honest and tell you that I'm still in shock. Being announced Miss Gay America is very emotional for me. I have always dreamed it but now its reality.... The most (well maybe the second most) question Ive been asked is "HOW DOES IT FEEL"...And I reply...”It doesn't feel bad at all...” The month started off at one of my favorite places...Club One in Savannah . I truly love the cast and I consider them family. Several girls there, have competed for Miss Gay America, so I was excited to share my stories and encourage them to follow there dreams. If you are ever in Savannah , stop in and tell them Coti sent you.....   Next weekend I was off to Memphis to spend time with Larry and Terry. I didn't know what to expect, but excited to get to know them. It is very evident to me that they love the system as much as I do. The wall in their office has all 40 Miss Gay America pictures hanging in order. As I stood and scanned each one, I was so proud to be apart of such a royal family. So much history on one single wall...The weekend went so quickly, between studies and eating every 30 minutes, I had a blast. We also stepped out Saturday night and I performed at a benefit show hosted by former Miss Gay Tennessee America Anita Cocktail. Also performing was the reigning Miss Gay Tennessee America Ashlyn Tyler and former Miss Gay Maryland AmericaAkasha Cassadine. I met so many great entertainers and felt like I was home. Thank you Crossroads for such a great night. I also want to thank Larry and Terry for such great hospitality.  As I left Memphis , 30 pounds heavier and hopefully more knowledgeable about the coming year, I reflected on how I wanted my year to be. My goal has always been to challenge myself and challenge the ones around me. I am a true example on never let anyone determine your self worth…   I actually spent Christmas at home. It was so good to perform at my home bar Legends. I'm so lucky to be able to come home and fall right back into place. On Christmas day, Raleigh got pounded by a snow storm.....What a perfect Christmas.....It has been a good year.....   My interview this month is with Miss Gay America 1982 Jennifer Foxx from Detroit . As I often stated, He was the first to inspire me and he still does to this day..... I am so honored that he took the time to chat with me..... Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Colliins: How did you first hear of The Miss Gay America System? Miss Gay America 1982 Jennifer Foxx: In 1977 I  was employed at Bookies Club 870 in Detroit Michigan and one of the performers who started in the business a few years before me was Miss Dani Daletto-Miss Gay America 1976.  I was unfamiliar with the system but although it was in it's fledgling stages I was amazed that it a time where impersonating a woman was a criminal offense someone had the bravery to try to legitimize the art form. After a few phone calls, some donations from well-wishers, and some assistance from my Lady Kenmore sewing machine, I was on the plane headed for Houston , Texas .  The contest was held at the Old Plantation ...a huge cavernous place filled with some of the most beautiful and talented impersonators in the United States ...47 to be exact.  My dressing station was pre-assigned.  I was placed between the stunning Miss Angie DeMarco and my Goddess Miss Naomi Sims- Miss Gay America 1985.... Ouch! I remember looking in the mirror and saying to myself. "Fool! What have you gotten yourself into?". My objective became not to embarrass myself, learn all I could and hi-tail it back to The Motor City.  I placed 40 out of 47 and flew the friendly skies home with my tail between my legs...BUT the seed had been planted and I said to myself, " Someday I will achieve this goal and be Miss Gay America...."   Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins- As Miss Gay America what was your " defining moment ? Miss Gay America 1982 Jennifer Foxx: Shortly after I won Miss Gay America in 1982 the nationally syndicated talk show Tom Snyder Tomorrow invited my parents and I to make an appearance to promote the pageant.  This was unprecedented! No female impersonator had ever been invited to speak on national television!  My father had to work but they were kind enough to fly my mother and I to New York and limo us to Rockefeller Center . When they ushered us in to the set after prepping us, they wired us with microphones and began to count down coming out of a commercial.  In THAT moment I remember looking around at the crew, my mother, and Mr. Snyder and saying to myself ," I have been chosen to do this... to speak for all that came before me...to represent all that did not have a voice or a platform.... to those that had fallen trying to be heard..."  I made my appearance in male attire to re-enforce the image (which I received great criticism for by many of my peers)… The lights came up… Tom did his salutations and it was on......He was a lovely man, the interview was great and light…  and they whisked my mother and I to the Shubert Theater where "Evita" had opened just recently.  I remember watching the great Patti Lapone and thinking... "Oh my God!  I just made history! ". I captured the crown in Dallas , Texas ... I passed on my title in Charlotte , North Carolina .  The political and religious atmosphere was light years away from Dallas where when I won. Television coverage was permitted and UPI and the wire services placed my mother and I on the cover of the New York Times and 100 other publications in the United States the next morning. As I prepared to go to the convention center for the final evening, I received a phone call from an anonymous caller "advising" me not to appear that evening.  Against my mothers wishes the limo transported us to the venue.  As we approached I saw the hooded figures brandishing bibles. I was terrified but could not let on to my Mom.  I took her hand, we opened the door, and stood.... not eight feet from us was the Ku Klux Klan in their white robes. They did not speak but tightened up shoulder to shoulder as if to challenge us to pass....I could only say, "God Loves You " as I put one foot in front of the other.  No violence occurred...BUT the fear and intimidation was so strong. It truly defined my growing character.  The rest of the evening and my " give up " is a blur...I was a mess...but it rewarded me with a more important gift...after that night  and the resolution it granted me, I would NEVER be intimidated or frightened of anything again! "... And of course I would be remiss if I did not include being on the receiving end of The Norma Christie Lifetime Achievement Award presented to me at Miss Gay America 2011.  It brought everything full circle and validated all I feel I have devoted to my art form as an actor. I will forever be indebted to Mr. Larry and Mr. Terry for considering me for such a prestigious honor and I place it as the crowning glory of my 35 year career in female impersonation. Thank You, gentleman!   Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins: What obstacles did you overcome during your year as Miss Gay America?  Miss Gay America 1982 Jennifer Foxx: Well I have already relayed several...but one is particular I still wrestle with.  I was hell-bent on representing myself as a male in many instances when I was not performing or when I appeared on what turned out to eventually be 60 television programs. I continued to re-enforce the image that Miss Gay America will ALWAYS be a male in appearance that possess the unique artistic ability to re-create the visual presentation and the idiosyncratic mannerisms of biological women. The more I stressed this the more widely it became accepted until the media began to ask me to come in male attire and just drop in clips of performance.... my platform was simple...I wanted their respect for my profession and this was the way to earn it… and low and behold, it worked!   Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins: What changes have you seen in the pageant over the years?    Miss Gay America 1982 Jennifer Foxx: Mainly organization.  Enough could ever be said and many of you will never know how unselfishly Mr. Norman Jones worked to see this dream realized.  In the early days man-power was short and technology was slow, much unlike today.  Norman did almost everything himself.  I remember being raved up and getting to nationals and seeing exhausted almost broken Norman speaking low and slow just trying to get through the week.  Mr. Jones NEVER did this for the financial benefit.  He pushed on and guarded Miss Gay America because it was his calling. He had the rare foresight to see what this was to become.... You will never understand the debt we all owe to Mr. Jones....and I personally for allowing me this wonderful career. ......That is why every time as a contestant you walk across the stage, or as a promoter you also put in endless hours, remember you are an extension of this one mans' vision and that you carry on a legacy that was forged many years ago.....Today it is still an extremely difficult venture to run......BUT with the astute skills of L and T Entertainment, a more well-informed promoter, and better networking between contestants and the system, we are seeing a sleeker, stronger Miss Gay America. I swell with pride when I see the progression   Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins: What advice would you have for me, Coti Collins Miss Gay America 2011? Miss Gay America 1982 Jennifer Foxx: Three pieces of advice, my friend.....!) Remember to try to live in the moment as much as possible... make an effort to be present for all the wonderment that is around you. Sleep will be a rare commodity and flying into the next venue with renewed vigor and sincerity is extremely difficult but draw from that fire inside that drove you to be amongst the best in your profession.....first and foremost I suggest prayer.... 2) Do not make the fatal mistake of believing your own press.....so many are adoring you, day to day and you develop a false sense of reality...the year goes by fast and the adjustment can be brutal when you are no longer the soup of the day....keep your feet on the ground.....3) Always remember your tenure as Miss Gay America is part of a much bigger plan.......NOW it is you job to figure out how your piece fits in the Miss Gay America Puzzle!  Don't worry... when your head clears, it will come to you... you're Coti Collins!!!!!!!... I can't tell you again how much I have enjoyed spending this time with all of you and how important you have made me feel about how I have lived my life.  It means the world to me to know that I am not alone in my strong belief in what this system has been and the scope of what it is to become.  The future of The Miss Gay America Pageantry System lies with you.........the contestants, the promoters and the supporters......But I am not worried....As a judge at Miss Gay America 2011 I had NEVER seen such a group of more accomplished, educated, well-mannered, and articulate contestants only to be matched by the great presentation and commitment of the promoters from across our great land and ALL of the supporting staff of each.  I thank all of you for your input and hard work.  I look forward to seeing you next year as I celebrate my 30 Anniversary as Miss Gay America in Columbus , Ohio and wish all of you a safe, healthy, and happy 2011!      With Much Respect...Bobby Bruno a.k.a. Ms. Jennifer Foxx I hope you can see why Bobby Bruno changed my life..... Who would you like for me to interview next month, let me know at    [email protected] Until next month,  Miss Gay America 2011 February 2011 I hope this finds everyone well and excited about what the New Year has to offer. I find myself still living in a daze. I'm often asked… “is it what you thought it would be?...” I reply, "NOT AT ALL.... I find it to be so much more..."  Now I represent not only myself, but the legacy of 39 formers and something much bigger than just Coti Collins....Its a  huge responsibility but I'm totally up for the challenge. The beauty of Miss Gay America is that each former is different and adds their own personality to the crown. It all started out in late December, in Charlotte, where I was invited to perform at the Christmas Party at Chasers...Its always a great time to see my North Carolina sisters and getting to work with Miss Gay America 2007 Luscious. Thank you Tiffany Storm, you’re the best!!!  West Virginia was my next stop.... As you know, this is where it all started. Its such a great feeling to come home and see so many friends...I want to thank Mimi Woods for a great time in Parkersburg … next stop Huntington .  The Stonewall will always have a special place in my heart. It was such a pleasure to be home and work with all the girls. Keith, Eric and Bob have always been so good to me. I was totally surprised by working that night with Miss Continental 2011 Mokka Montrese. Our journey is very similar and it was such a blessing to see others accomplish their dreams. Sunday I found myself at the Park inRoanoke , Virginia . It was so nice to spend time with Jessica Jade. Thank you for being so supportive. I'm so proud to call you my sister.  The next week I worked at Ibisa in Wilmington and then Legends in Raleigh NC .  Sunday I made it to Richmond , Virginia to perform at Godfreys brunch. Thank you Jeff Willis, Kirby Kolby, Dana St.James and Victoria Parker for putting up with my crazy life. Next  I found myself in Little Rock for the Grand Opening of Triniti. Cutting the ribbon with Miss Gay America 2003/Miss Gay U S of A 2011 Dominique Sanchez and Whitney Paige (USofA Classic 2011) was just a start of a very memorable weekend. Having Norman Jones (MGA1973) announce me as Miss Gay America 2011 has been something I have only dreamed of. Thank you Norman , for defining EXCELLENCE! Next stop, The Rainbow Lounge in Ft Worth TX. I was so honored to join the cast. I loved spending time with Layla LaRue, Kelexis Davenport and all the girls. I cannot wait to return to Texas . As soon as I returned home, I was off to Scorpios in Charlotte , North Carolina as it was a road trip with Jeff, Kirby and Lindsay Starr. I also was fortunate to spend time with Miss Gay America 1996 Kerri Nichols, former Miss North Carolina America Tiffany Storm and my Taylor. No time to unpack as I was heading off to Arizona . From take-off to touch-down...It was AMAZING. I want to thank Mike, Doug, Lee, Ron and Barbara Seville for making it so special for me. Working with Savannah Stevens, Celia Putty and the amazing Barbara Seville was a blast..... I loved seeing Miss  Gay Arizona America Promoter Daniel Eckstrom… I only wish we had more time. I can’t wait to return. As you can see, January has been a whirlwind… I actually had 5 days off this month. Throughout my travels, so many have commented on the EXCELLENCE LETTER. This month I'm doing something different.  Through the eyes of my Miss Gay America  sisters, it honors me to pay tribute to one of the greatest entertainers of our generation... Miss Gay America 1985 Miss Naomi Sims... I have asked some of the former Miss Gay America’s to comment on the legendary Naomi Sims. Hot Chocolate-Miss Gay America 1980: Naomi Sims will always remain in my heart as one of my closet & dearest friends ever....I had the opportunity to work with Naomi Sims for many years in a cast called The Fabulous Four.... Naomi and I started performing together as a duo named Twice as Hot!!...We would travel and perform weekly together as the duo and later became part of The Fabulous Four...Naomi brought so much joy to our cast and guests at Copa... I will remember one word to describe Naomi Sims…                                   one word to describe Naomi Sims......"IRREPLACEABLE"! Charity Case-Miss Gay America 2001: I was lucky enough to begin my career as Naomi's career was peaking and we became great friends over the years.  When I meet someone who has never seen Naomi perform I feel a little sad because video and stories of her greatness will never match the magic that was Naomi.  I miss her still. Tiffany Bonet'-Miss Gay America 1992: Naomi Sims was my idol… period. From the moment that I laid eyes on her my life changed. I was so privileged to get to know her and learn from one of the definitive Miss Gay America's. And I also was able to call her, mentor, sister and friend. There is not one word that I can truly use to describe her, but I'll just say that Naomi was a phenomenon that caused a ripple effect that is still present in the art of female impersonation today!!!!!! Brandi Alexander- Miss Gay America 1990: Naomi was the simply the most influential and talented female impersonator of my time!  She is permanently ingrained into my memory.  She made me laugh.  She made me cry.  Her brilliant smile lit up even the darkest room and the dimmest stages.  Her personality was so multi-faceted, that I couldn't possibly choose a single word to describe her.  She was brilliant, genius, crazy, talented, dynamic, original, and fun!  Her personality was outrageous.  Her laughter was infectious.  Her antics were incorrigible.  Her talent inspired me.  Her passing haunts me.  I mourn the fact that some of you never got the privilege to meet her.  Some would say "You either loved her or you hated her."  I loved her.     Catia Lee Love- Miss Gay America 2000: Sadly, Naomi was already deceased when I came into the industry, but coming from Texas , I can definitely say REVERED is the word for her. Every performer had heard of her and aspired to be her, as well loved as her. Coti Collins- Miss Gay America 2011: With more energy than anyone in the room, his strong presents projected passion in everything he did. I was blessed to have spent time with Naomi (thank you Brandi) and he defined the art and I can say, by watching MGA tapes, his performances are timeless. You are one of the reasons I never gave up on my dreams  and every time I put the crown on my head.... I THANK YOU.... In closing, I hope this explains why it was so important to me that I'm part of this amazing family… Love and Respect! Miss Gay America 2011 March 2011 I can’t believe how fast my year has gone. Next month prelims begin and pageant season will be in full swing. I'm so excited to put my stamp on the Miss Gay America System. Each Miss Gay America before me has left the system with their personal touch. When a person tells me "I'm not so America ", I often wonder how many formers thought that same thing. I personally see 39 different personalities, talents and success stories. My best advice to anyone is not to follow but to lead. This month starts out in Memphis where I was fortunate to attend the Mystic Krewe of Pegasus Memphis Mardi Gras Ball. I was so impressed with the passion of each entertainer. Thank you all, so much for allowing me to be apart of this grand event. All proceeds went to charity (Hope House of Memphis ). That's my definition of excellence! I was invited to appear in 3 city prelims this month. First Miss Baltimore America at the Hippo. Josie, Roger Dimick and Miss Gay Maryland America 2010 Onyx Revlon sure know how to treat a Miss America. I'm so excited to return for the Miss Gay Maryland America Pageant. Miss Gay America 2002 Sabrina White was also in attendance. We go so far back, It’s always such a joy to work with him. Miss Piedmont America was held at Scorpios in Charlotte. A special thanks to Bruce Bowyer and Emery Starr for an incredible pageant. Miss Gay America 1992 Tiffany Bonet’ and Miss Gay America 1996 Kerri Nichols also attended... Last but not least, Miss Ohio Heart of America Pageant was held at Axis in Columbus Ohio . It was so much fun to see all my sisters and work with them. Thank you Rusty and Diamond for a wonderful night! In between all the city prelims, I found time to travel to the Club Cabaret in Hickory NC , Play in Nashville TN , Masque in DaytonOH , WoodStarr in Parkersburg WV and the Brunch at Godfreys in Richmond VA. I also worked at my home bar, Legends in RaleighNC . I plan on working more the next couple of months, I tell my friends that I will rest in November, when my reign is over... This month I'm so excited to interview a former that has been with me every step of the way. He always believed in himself and was determine to achieve his goal. I proud to call him a friend and a MGA sister... Miss Gay America 2001 Charity Case... Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:  How did Charity Case come about and I would love to know how you picked your name? Miss Gay America 2001 Charity Case:  Charity Case was born long ago in KC, MO while still in college at the Conservatory of Music studying vocal performance. My roommate at the time dared me to enter  Kansas City 's New Discovery, a talent contest for new drag queens. This was my first time to perform in drag and that night I performed two songs, the second was" And I Am Telling You" and I won the contest. I didn't think much about it at the time, but that night I met Melinda Ryder and Fritz Capone, two performers and ultimately friends, who changed my life for good. Within a few weeks I was planning Charity's next move and that was to be in a contest called Kansas City 's Sweetheart hosted by  renowned Judy Garland impersonator, Dan Curry. I won that contest and made a wonderful friend in Dan as well. My career as a Diva and not the tenor I had planned on being had begun. How could I have known that first night performing that I was being groomed by three performers who were headed for so much success and who still took the time to steer my career in a direction that years later would help me obtain the title of Miss Gay America 2001. As for my name, I mentioned  that I performed two songs that starry night. oh so long ago and the first selection was "If They Could See Me Now" from Sweet Charity and as anyone  reading this would know, the song ends with, “Hi girls, it's me Charity!" and even then I didn't see myself being called Sweet Charity but I did love the name, so I was just going to be called Charity. When the MC was bringing me on she turned to me and said, "What's your last name?" I told her, "I don't have one I am just Charity, like Cher !" to which she replied," You must have a last name! "  In a moment of frustration I yelled out Case, call me Charity Case. After all, this was just going to be a one time deal… what did I care... Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:  How were you first introduced to the MGA pageant system?  Who was your role model? Miss Gay America 2001 Charity Case:  Melinda Ryder was working to win the title of Miss Gay Missouri when we first met.. She had already been first alternate to Miss Gay Missouri and had been to Miss Gay America… this was very exciting to me and something that I wanted to pursue. Melinda and her team took me into their fold and helped me start my quest for a crown. Within months I competed at Miss Gay Midwest and placed 13th out of 22 contestants. One year later I won the crown of Miss Gay Midwest, and that same year Melinda won Miss Gay Missouri and we were on our way to Dallas TX to compete at Miss Gay America. The week was unbelievable!. I met so many people I could never list them all and had the time of my life. On the final night of the pageant I stood and watched as my mentors owned the night, Second Alternate was Melinda Ryder, First Alternate was Fritz Capone and the winner was of course Naomi Sims, three of my role models and three of the best friends a person could ever have. On a personal note, while I did not make the top ten I did place 13th and was named the Lady Barbara Award Winner. I was so excited you would have thought I had won! Melinda Ryder is still performing as a celebrity fundraiser in KC and is still my best friend to this day... Regrettably Naomi Sims and Fritz Capone are no longer with us but live in the hearts of everyone they ever touched. Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:  How many times did you compete and how did you manage to keep it fresh every year? Miss Gay America 2001 Charity Case:  I competed for the title of Miss Gay America 11 times, a fact of which I am proud. I was fortunate enough to win 8 state and regional titles and was 1st alternate 3 other years and that is no easy feat. Keeping it fresh for me was doing a talent that excited me and putting together a package that challenged me. I never used the expression, "my package is clean" because to me that equals boring. I would always remember something Norman Jones said to me early on, "Does your talent stir an emotion?' Does your evening gown fit and accentuate your best features? Will you present yourself in interview as a leader?". Striving to obtain these goals is what kept it fresh for me. I was also lucky enough to have a partner with great fashion sense and an ability to make this big girl feel like a Barbie. Thank you Jimmy. Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:  What advice do you give plus size contestants? Miss Gay America 2001 Charity Case:  You must have the confidence and belief in yourself that if you want something bad enough you can achieve it. Success is not just for skinny girls... You may have to work harder but so do plain girls, so don't cry about it. One note… being plus sized, take the time to make sure your fashion is flattering . Remember you not only have to please yourself and the crowd but most importantly you must to please the five judges that sit before you. Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:  I've always wanted to know..... Why Miss Gay America instead of a Plus size pageant? Miss Gay America 2001 Charity Case:  When I started competing there were no plus size pageants and I was fortunate to have enough confidence in myself to never question whether or not I should  be competing with smaller contestants.. By the time Miss USofA at Large came about I had been in the top 5 at Miss Gay America, 1st Alternate at National Entertainer of the Year,(to my good friend Tasha Kohl) and had placed 7th at Miss Gay USofA. and I felt that I had been so close to the Miss Gay America crown that it just wasn't within me to end the quest to be Miss Gay America. I was honored to judge Miss USofA at Large in its emeritus year. Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:  Any advice for me this year? Miss Gay America 2001 Charity Case:  Having been friends with you over all of these years, I don't know what advice that I could give you that you would not already posses. We have shared achievements, we have shared disappointments and through it all we have shared our lives and have both seen our dreams come true. I feel sure that your year will continue to be accomplished, graceful, and altruistic just as you are and I hope that you cherish your year as much as I cherished mine… Thank you Mark (Miss Gay America 2001 Charity Case)...I am so proud to call you my MGA sister. Next month is Miss Mid-America in Memphis on March  11th and Miss Gay DC America in DC on March 18th and 19th.    Until then, dream big and achieve everything!!! Love and Respect! Miss Gay America 2011 April 2011 Its official!!  Pageant season has begun and the Miss Gay America 2012 pageant season is in full swing. My month started out in Myrtle Beach SC , where I produce a Theatre Production of an illusion show. The theatre was sold out and I had such a great time with the cast....Many thanks to Denise Russell, Viki Williams, Gigi Monroe and Kirby Kolby. The next show will be in the fall.....Cant wait!!! After returning home for a few days, I realized that all my life I have been waiting for this moment. When I would be able to attend a prelim as MISS GAY AMERICA.   More excited than nervous, I found myself in Memphisfor the Miss Mid-America Pageant. With a great panel of judges and wonderful contestants, the pageant was a complete success.  Tanisha Foxx looked amazing at her step down while Symphony Alexander Love took top spot and close behind was Jade Sinclair. I was so impressed with every contestant.  I also would like to thank Larry and Terry for everything. You truly know how to put a pageant together. The following night I was invited to perform at Spectrum in Memphis . It was such an energetic crowd and I had a blast....My trip toMemphis was so much fun. A special thanks to Anita, Mike, Catia, Rachael, Coco , Robert, Jeff, Tom and especially Larry and Terry. On a side note.. Thank you Catia, for my first duet with a former Miss Gay America. I so enjoyed it… No time to rest, I'm off to our nations capital, Washington DC . I will be giving up the title that allowed me to capture my dream of becoming Miss Gay America. Friday Night was an incredible review show at Ziegfields. The new club was awesome. I totally recommend it... Thank you, Jon Parks for making me feel like a star. The next day I found myself in registration with 5 contestants from all over the US . After an amazing night of Pageantry, Kirby Kolby captured the title of Miss Gay DC America with Patti Lovelace as her 1st alternate. Words can’t describe my feelings for Robert York...Thank you for making my life dream come true...YOU ARE LOVED... My month ends with a celebration....I traveled to After Dark in Ft. Wayne Indiana and Talbott Street in Indianapolis for the weekend... Thank you’s go out to Shawn, Asia , Viki, Sage, Ginger, Della and Leslie for making my weekend a success. Finishing off the month I attended my own birthday Party in Lexington Kentucky at the Bar Complex. Latoya, John, Paris and RJ… I'm blessed you are in my life. Thank you for making my birthday so special. I also would like to thank Juice and Scott for spending time with me... It humbles me to introduce my next MGA interview. I cant tell you how proud I am of this next individual. I present to you, North Carolina 's own, Miss Gay America 1996 Kerri Nichols.... Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:  How did you get introduced to the MGA pageant? Miss Gay America 1996 Kerri Nichols:  When I first started female impersonation it seemed important here in North Carolina to do well in pageants. Pageantry has always been strong here in NC.  It all began with Pageant Enterprises… Pageant Enterprises was started by Larry Kidd and Marsha McLawhorn (the backbone of the organization). This lady knew more about female impersonation than most impersonators!. It was a group of people that loved the art of female impersonation and the Miss Gay America system. They used their collective talents to put on a wonderful Miss NorthCarolina and really trained entertainers how to be good competitors. Toni Lenoir became my “drag mother”. Toni was former Miss North Carolina and 2nd runner-up to Lauren Colby, MGA 1986. She introduced me to Thom Guinn. Thom put together all of my talents for competition. These two loved and believed in the Americapageant system, and really passed that on to me. Thom and Toni really have a special place in my heart as my “beginning.” Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:   How did MGA change your life?  Miss Gay America 1996 Kerri Nichols:  Well, I was already performing full time in North and South Carolina . The year before I won and the year I was Miss Gay America, I was able to expand that to the entire country, except Hawaii (frown), why no prelim in Hawaii ??!! Oh how nice that would have been! Anyway, doing all that traveling and working molds you. I met so many people and visited so many places. I really think I took pieces of all those experiences and they helped me become who I am today. Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:   During your reign, what was your defining moment? Miss Gay America 1996 Kerri Nichols:  I guess it all begins and ends with Norman Jones (Norma Kristie). When he announced that I was the 24th Miss Gay America a wave of emotion came over me. If you’ve ever seen the video of my crowning you will know what I’m talking about. It’s a little embarrassing, but at that moment it was all coming together for me. Six years of competing, so many ups and downs. And it was happening! It was happening to me! I remember seeing the crowd jump to its feet in a roar, the smiles on their faces. It was so surreal. But I think that my defining moment was the final night of my reign as Miss Gay America. It was a SOLD OUT crowd at Oven’s Auditorium in my hometown of  Charlotte , NC . The 25th Silver Anniversary. Norma Kristie (Jones) stood at the podium, spoke into the microphone  and thanked me for my hard work and for being an excellent Miss Gay America. At that moment I realized that that is what I had always wanted . To be an excellent Miss Gay America. I felt validated.  Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:   What obstacles have you overcome since your reign? Miss Gay America 1996 Kerri Nichols:   A few years after my year as MGA I was lost. I didn’t know what I wanted for Jeff, the real me. I had always been a bit of a party girl. But somewhere I lost control and the party had ended. For about 10 years I was completely out of control. I’d become a drunk. It’s not pretty, but it’s my ugly truth. I quit going out and I began isolating. Home alone, drunk and miserable. Finally, I was sick and tired of being sick and tired. I was ashamed but so desperate for help that I swallowed my pride and found my way to Alcoholics Anonymous. There is a gay AA group here in Charlotte (which believe it or not, actually meets on Queen’s Road!)  These people welcomed me and showed me a better way to live. Being sober today has given me a freedom and given me my life back. I’ve now been sober over 2 years. I know that there are many people in the gay community that are suffering from alcohol and or drug abuse. If  that is the case for someone  reading this,   you can use my life and experience  as a source of hope. You CAN beat it. You DESERVE a better life. Help is out there. Just reach out for it.  I hope that being honest and telling my story here will help someone who is suffering. Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:  What advice would you give me this year? Miss Gay America 1996 Kerri Nichols:  Enjoy yourself. Being Miss America is a lot of work, but great fun. Take lots of pictures. Be yourself. I think all the Miss Gay America’s have brought something unique to the crown. You are certainly no exception. So wear the crown proudly as Coti Collins, Miss Gay America 2011. Thank you Kerri. You are an inspiration to so many out there. Until next month, May all your dreams become reality...  Coti Collins   Miss Gay America 2011    May 2011 Already May?  Where has the time gone? April has been a whirlwind to me. I so enjoyed my travels and getting to see so many old friends… and of course making new life long relationships. When I'm asked, “what makes Miss Gay America different from any other pageant?”, I can honestly answer the question… Feeling it first hand, Miss Gay America is a family. Each prelim that I attend, I see contestants, promoters, and formers stepping up to assure that the pageant experience is a positive one. It’s overwhelming to know I'm a part of something much larger than myself. This makes me proud. April starts out with a bang. I find myself in Charlotte NC attending Miss Mid-East America Pageant. With seven incredible contestants, it kept me on the edge of my seat all evening. When it was all over, Chantel Reshae took top honors and Lindsay Starr was close behind.  I want to thank Mike Rhinehart and the Scorpio's staff for such a successful event. Miss Mid-East has always had a special place in my heart. It’s the only title I have held twice. Jessica Jade did an amazing job representing the title all year. It is always a pleasure working with you. My next prelim would be Miss Gay Maryland America. This would be my first state prelim, and what a prelim to start it off with. From beginning to end, the staff at the Hippo was beyond accommodating. With 10 contestants, I have never witnessed such comradery and love. Onyx Revlon was such a class act. It started with a roast in his honor. It was so much fun and yet very emotional for me, I will never forget the love I felt from each of you. It was truly overwhelming. After two days of nail biting competition, Chi Chi Ray Colby achieved his dream with Araya Sparxx only points behind. I want to thank Roger, Chuck, Tatiyanna, Sue Nami, Daniel and Onyx for a weekend that proves excellence does exist. I'm humbled by the love I felt.  Between the prelims, I made stops at Godfrey’s in Richmond VA , Club Kaos in Macon GA , Club Pantheon in Charleston SC and Legends in Raleigh NC . Its overwhelming to see the support I receive across the country. I'm proud to report that Miss Gay America is alive and well, and growing. Stay tuned for more exciting news... This months interview I'm excited to present Miss Gay America 1979, Rachel Wells. One of the most respected individuals I have met. I still get star-struck talking to him..... Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins: What interested you in the art of female impersonation? Miss Gay America 1979 Rachel Wells: First, let me say how thrilled I am to be interviewed, especially by you. You are the epitome of perseverance and determination, qualities I really admire in a person. Back in 1971, I was probably like many gay men who when they first see a show are a bit puzzled and put off by a man who dresses like a woman. I mean, when you’re young (and I was underage at the time) and trying to “find” myself, along comes a drag queen on stage looking like a movie star (like life wasn’t confusing enough already). I was confounded and in awe at the same time with the enigma. As fate would have it, I became friends with an entertainer and found getting in drag and pretending to be one of the cast members got me in the club without an ID. Of course, I sat in the dressing room all night, now officially a booger drag, and embarrassed to be wearing a dress and wig.  I watched the show from the wings. In a few weeks I was performing… Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins: How were you introduced to the Miss Gay America Pageant? Miss Gay America 1979 Rachel Wells: I had just won the Miss Gay Atlanta Pageant, and at the time, that pageant and the Miss Southeast contest were the biggest ones around. As corny as it sounds, I was informed by Wendy Grape, Miss Southeast, that it was our civic responsibility to represent all of the gay people in the south by entering the Miss Gay America Pageant. I always took what Wendy said to heart. Please remember that I was still young and naïve, and though I didn’t really believe that being a representative for all the gay masses in the south was my calling or responsibility, I still entered with his words as my mantra. The contest was held in Nashville ,Tennessee . Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins: How was your first experience at the Miss Gay America Pageant? Miss Gay America 1979 Rachel Wells: My first experience was awful, and for many reasons. First, I was way out of my league thinking that I could compete with seasoned entertainers. To me, most of them wore too much makeup and over the top costumes, and frankly, they looked like men in dresses. It was also frightening being in such a large contest out of town surrounded by strange creatures that I didn’t know. And to make it worse, after the first evening of competition, I went for a joy ride by myself in downtown Nashville , was pulled over by police and was arrested for not having my driver’s license with me. I appeared in night court and then I had to spend the night in jail. I was out in time for the next morning for interviews, and no one, except for my close circle of friends, even knew that I spent the night locked up with undesirables. On a lighter note, that was the year Baronessa won, and like any contest, the cream always rises to the top, and she was in a class all her own. I also had the opportunity to see Norma give up his crown. So for the most part, my first time was a real learning experience (excellence is developed, not something we’re born with), and I also had a chance to see history. It was also during the crowning that I became focused on one day being Miss Gay America. Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins: During your reign, what was your pinnacle moment? Miss Gay America 1979 Rachel Wells: I had no pinnacle moments while being Miss Gay America. Don’t get me wrong, I loved my reign, but it wasn’t until I finally quit performing that I realized that winning the crown was the pinnacle of my female impersonation career.  Even though I had the chance to do some other incredible things, and I had wonderful opportunities thrown my way, it was in retrospect that I realized that nothing compared to the experience of having my named announced as the winner.  Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins: Why did Rachel retire from performing? Miss Gay America 1979 Rachel Wells: Rachel didn’t retire from performing, I (John) did. After fourteen or so years of entertaining, it was time to put the dear girl to rest. She had paid her dues. Anyway, part of my act was being this beautiful goddess creature, and there’s nothing worse than an aging actress who was once a beauty queen. No one can airbrush the face when appearing on stage. And quite honestly, I was tired of performing and I wanted to achieve other things. I admire those that make a long-time career of entertaining, but I was beginning to loath the nightly application of makeup, the constant expense of costumes and wigs, the layers of pantyhose, tights, and padding, and the never ending search for new material. But quite frankly, when open-toed shoes went out of style and I was forced to wear closed-toed shoes (with the pointed toes); my big feet began to scream, “No more!” Female impersonators are like vampires: once bitten, they will be forever tied to the drag sorority, and I am no different. I will always want to perform, but I have reached that point in my life and I have accepted the fact that I don’t need to. Though eternally grateful for all that I have been given and earned, the Rachel Wells persona is now just part of my past.  Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins: Any advice for me this year during my reign? Miss Gay America 1979 Rachel Wells: Remember that life is too short and so very precious. You’ve worked so hard to achieve this success, but never forget that this year’s achievement will only be one of many for you. So enjoy the year for what it is, and then move forward to other goals waiting to be accomplished.   If you would like to read more about Rachel Wells, and his journey go to www.JRGreenwellMGA79.com    Thank you John for leading the way. I'm humbled to be in the company of such individuals as yourself...  Until next month, reach for your dreams, and if your lucky, you will catch a few.... Coti Collins   Miss Gay America 2011    June 2011 What an exciting month in Pageantry...It has been extremely busy for me but I have enjoyed every minute of it. First of all I want to congratulate 2 of my sisters...Catia Lee Love for capturing the title of US of A Classic and Luscious for achieving her dream as Miss US of A....I'm so proud of you both..... My month started out in Missouri ... The pageant ran like clock work. With formers working together, I'm proud to announce that Madison Elise took the title and very close behind, Tajma Stetson qualified as 1st alternate. Both contestants were very impressive and I'm excited to see them at nationals. Hats off to the MissouriAlumni...A Job well done.... No time to rest... I'm off to Miss Gay Oklahoma America. Tillie and Joe were such great hosts. This pageant was so exciting and all the contestants were on their game. In the end, Roxie Hart won the title and Roslyn Dubois took 1st alternate. I have never met either contestant and it was a blessing for me. I know that both will make a big splash at MGA....on a side note... I had a blast with Tillie...what a spirit... then, I was straight to the airport and off to Miss Atlantic StatesAmerica . John Kane and Matt Minnier spared no expense. The pageant was held at a theatre and was filled with celebrities. Jessica Jade took top honors ( Billy is still on speed dial, I'm just sayin…) and Monica Moore was 1st alternate. John and Matt put us up at the Mansion...It was the most unusual hotel ever...I loved it.. Thank you for making me feel like a Miss Gay America.  I am nowheading now to Miss Gay Virginia America… I am so excited to work with Wayne Doggett. He had everything ready and all the contestants were amazing. I will never forget this pageant, With a computer glitch, it took 2 days to determine the winner... Onyx Revlon won by 10 points and Shelby Bottoms was her 1st alternate.  I have taken full responsibility of the situation and all I can say is I'm only human... But one thing I learned is that I was never so impressed of how Shelby Bottoms handled the situation… Now that's a true Symbol of Excellence...Thank you so much for being so professional. Miss Mid-Atlantic  America is my next stop.  Aron Aranda truly made me feel like a Miss Gay America. I have known Aron for some time now and he never ceases to amaze me. This pageant was so close... Tatiyanna Voche' won and Paige Passion was his 1st alternate. I was so proud of both of them. On another side note… I was blessed with working with my sister Jennifer Foxx...You inspire me so much… I'm so blessed. My month was filled with joy and blessings. I only hope that through my travels, that I inspire hope and that nothing is impossible in the world. If you dream it, you can achieve it..... This month I have a surprise for you...Colin Murphy has interviews me and I have interviewed Patti Le Plae Safe....I spent some time with Patti in DC and I was very interested in his story… I’m so glad he had time to share with us.... This is my interview with Miss Gay America 1995 Patti Le Plae Safe: Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:  How were you introduced to the MGA system? Miss Gay America 1995 Patti Le Plae Safe: The whole time I was living in Arkansas , I never knew it was the home of Miss Gay America.  I used to go to the Discovery nightclub every chance I could to watch the entertainers in the late 70s and early 80s.  I was so afraid of Norma who I only knew asNorman .  I even dated one of his bartenders.  All along I was so close but in my head I was so far.  If I had started earlier while I lived in Arkansas I would have been a MGA earlier quiet possibly.  Living in Texas brought me closer, because I was surrounded by winners of the America and other pageant systems.  I'd watched a lot of pageants before I ever entered one.  Eventually, I met Ramona LeGer at a Mr. Gay All American contest in St. Louis in 1991.  I had been helping the guys backstage as a dresser.  I also met Vicki Vincent and Dieta Pepsi who were the Emcees and they were a hoot to hang around with.  Prior to that I had never met a MGA contestant that would talk to me. Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins: With little pageant experience, how did you prepare for the contest? Miss Gay America 1995 Patti Le Plae Safe: After watching the televised Miss America every year as a child, I think I always had the bug. You see, I have always been the fundraiser type and of course, the "pageant girls" told me that I had no talent, bad clothes and I wasn't pretty, etc....that, I should stick to my homemade clothes and my charity stuff....  My best friend at the time, John Gordon, overheard all that and offered to support me if I wanted to try it. He'd already won MGAA 1992 so he was free to help me, since I'd helped him thru all his contests. We created a talent of which I wore my homemade ballgown, and picked the evening gown I could afford, and went to town on creating the "pageant me".  Everything I had learned backstage with Mr Gay All American prepared me for serious competition.  So I knew the bones and gears of the contest system, and learned how to convert them to the best of my abilities for the pageant system.  Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins: This would be a very hard situation to handle... What went though your head when you heard the news of Ramona's passing? Miss Gay America 1995 Patti Le Plae Safe: Norman called me to tell me, (Shock) to get prepared. (Shocking)  I will be fullfilling the duties....total shock now!!  I didn't know what it meant quite frankly, I didn't even know the 1st runner-up rule.  Ramona was the one who asked me to compete in the first place. She said it would be nice to have me backstage during competition.  Keep in mind I had never competed at this point.  I did city titles and usually got 1st, 2nd, or 3rd.  The closest I got to Miss Gay Texas was 13th and that was a tie. So now it's like going from a nobody to 1st runner-up of the Miss Gay America pageant, to being the winner in the matter of 3 hours of phone calls. I just could not allow her to be forgotten. I feel like Ramona chose me, from the beginning.  We were from different worlds: Hers; to live, eat, pray, dream, focus, and think about being MGA her whole life, and Mine; to raise as much money for AIDs as a person could possibly do in a lifetime.  I had lost a friend, someone who believed in me.  Someone who wanted/considered me to be a part of her world.  When she (Ramona) won, and we were standing in the hall awaiting critique, she leaned over to me and whispered, "I'd have been honored to have been your 1st runner-up"! That shocked me because she tried like 9 times to win and I was HER 1st runner-up.  I was only hoping to be close to the top ten and not be on the bottom of the list......I had no idea that I had up until final night beat her.  I ended up only points behind her.  Ramona was my true beginning of MGA.  So maybe we won this together, you know? Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins: Why did you choose to represent the system instead of being crowned? Miss Gay America 1995 Patti Le Plae Safe: I could never have taken the crown and worn it, step over/around Ramona and act as though she never existed in the history of MGA.  Let's back up and discuss the 1st runner-up rule... Shan Covington who was actually crowned as MGA 1976, (ah you might not know about this in the history books) was completely removed from history (due to “conduct unbecoming to a titleholder”) and Dani Daletto who was truthfully 2nd runne-rup became MGA.  Michael Andrews who was the 1st runner-up wanted the chance to win it, hear his name called and get crowned in public. So Michael opted out (since he has already qualified for the Miss Gay America 1977 pageant) and Dani stepped in when Shan was removed. After Michael won the next year the 1st runner-up rule was created.  I didn't want that to happen to Ramona.  I sat down with Norma Kristie at Ramona's funeral with Ramona's lover and her family and I suggested that I carry Ramona's crown in her honor and that my tips during the "Crown Performance of MGA" would go to AIDs organizations in each pageant city that I would performed in.  I would only do this if they would allow me to keep Ramona's dream alive for her.  It'd be like my legs, eyes, heart and lips and her dream, honor and crown.  I wanted her to be remembered even if I was doing 43 out of 45 prelims.  I didn't know what to do, but I learned along the way, and I became stronger and I think I became very well respected as time carried me on.  The only plan of final night for me was my crowning ceremony as the 25th Silver MGA.  The rest of the night was what Ramona planned as she had dreamed it.... Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins: How did MGA change your life? Miss Gay America 1995 Patti Le Plae Safe: This is cute but true TIME MANAGEMENT!!!!!  I have learned so many amazing things thru MGA.  The experience has even helped my careers, as a successful hairstylist and entertainer.  I was crowned 16 years ago and I'm still being asked to judge and perform all over America . I host some really fun straight events as Patti.  I have been very honored, blessed and superiorly lucky as a MGA. Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins: Any advise for me as I make this journey? Miss Gay America 1995 Patti Le Plae Safe: Coti, yes, three things, make time for yourself to see each place you go.  There have been many places in America that I'd never have seen being a poor truck driver's son, so I took extra days to stay there and learn what I didn't know and I experienced a lot of amazing places/memories.  Also rest… I flew in drag from Springfield , Illinois to Chicago in route to Miss Gay Michigan.  I washed off the makeup on the plane and then learned I needed to reapply it in the car (6 hours with a chain smoking "motorcycle dyke") on the way to the Michigan pageant because I was to arrive too late to start painting there.  It was messy, but a seriously tiring 39 hour memory.  SO REST every chance you get! Keep a journal of everything that happens. The smallest thing 17 years from now when you read it, will rekindle the amazing feelings you had today all over again....... Enjoy and keep your heart! XOXOXOXOXOX -Hott Rodd the Hair Godd -President, Home for the Holidays Texas Inc.  (A 501(c)3 Non-profit organization that sends persons Living with AIDs home for the holidays to be with their families) -Miss Gay America 1995 Patti Le Plae Safe Hosts: Dallas GayBingo @ S4 Viva Dallas Burlesque @ The Lakewood Theater "Sordid Sushi" The Drag Brunch @ Fin Sushi (OakLawn) Thank you Patti for your time in interview with me… Also this month so many of you wanted to interview me. I have chosen Colin Murphy from St Louis to ask me a few questions. I'm usually not so open but I hope my story will touch your life..... Colin Murphy: How did you get your start in female illusion? Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins: I was introduced to the art of Female Impersonation while attending college in Huntington , WV .  I was always interested in theater and this seems to be the perfect outlet. My first show was a benefit to send Mimi Woods to Miss Gay America. I remember the night to be magical—allowing about 8 months to get ready for it, I felt it was such a perfect introduction to a new venture. I never imagined it would be my career in later years. Colin Murphy: When did you first compete at Miss Gay America? Talk a bit about your competitive journey… Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins: The next year , I decided to compete for Miss Gay West Virginia America. After placing 1st alternate to Bridget Nichols, we were off to Dallas . Two pivotal moments standout in my mind. I remember a judge asking me “why do you want to be MGA?” I suddenly spoke up and said...I don't want to be MGA—I just want to meet everyone. I often tell the story stating, I’ve now met everyone. The second moment was meeting Lindsay Love. We followed each other in the lineup. I was so wide eyed and asking so many questions, Lindsay answered each one and at the end of the week he turned to me and said “You will be Miss Gay America someday.” I only wish he was here to see his prediction come true… Colin Murphy: Each month you highlight a former MGA in your newsletter. How many of them have you met personally and who has impacted you the most? Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins: I have been fortunate to have known all except one…Dani Deletto. I’m proud of that fact. Jennifer Foxx was gracious to share with me information about Dani. He was an illusionist like me. I'm sure we would have been great friends if he were here today. He was known for his Liza. The beauty of MGA is each former puts his own spin and personality into the crown and each affected my life in different ways. There are 4 that stand out: Norma Kristi—for defining excellence and helping me to achieve it; Jennifer Foxx—for being my mentor, yesterday and today; Hot Chocolate—for being a best friend and showing me a better life and Brandi Alexander—for being a best friend and illustrating nothing is impossible in a career. [MGA owners] Larry and Terry have a 8 x 10 photo of each former Miss Gay America hanging on their wall office, in year order. It is overwhelming to stand back and feel the history. It humbles me to be on that wall. Colin Murphy:  When you were at Miss Gay Missouri you told the audience that it took you 22-years and many attempts to win the crown. What made you come back in 2010 after taking a year off? Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:  After attending MGA 2009, I had made up my mind I was giving it up. I felt like I had given everything I had and it just wasn’t working. A long time ago I promised a good friend (BOBBY PAULEY) that I would enter Miss US of A one more time. I fulfilled that promise and I thought maybe pageants just wasn’t for me. So life went on... I was booked at Gigis Club in Detroit one weekend and was in the dressing room...Nikki Stephens told me someone wanted to speak to me so I stopped painting and went to the door. A cute 18 year old boy stood there, kinda star-struck and asked if I had a minute. He explained to me that he was recently kicked out of his home for being gay, had no place to live and was hiv+. He told me that he thought about ending it and thought he had no choices. With tears in my eyes I explained that his life has just begun. He had so much to live for... Then he told me he watched the movie PAGEANT and when I stated that I never give up and I will achieve my goals, It gave him hope. I hugged him and gave him my number and assured him that I would be there if he needed anything, and I have never seen him again.  On the way home I couldn’t get him out of my head...I felt like I let him down because I did give up on my dream. At that moment, I decided to go back and make it happen. The rest of the story is well known...But it took a total stranger (I would like to call him my angel) to get me on track and he changed my life. I only hope to see him again...I owe him so much....He changed my life... Colin Murphy:  We’re seeing a new generation of performers emerge. What advice do you give them and how important is it for established entertainers to nurture new talent? Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:  I always tell everyone...NEVER LET ANYONE DETERMINE YOUR SELF WORTH.  I think that’s so important for everyone to know. I try to live by example, nothing is impossible in life. Take a chance and achieve it.... Colin Murphy:  Last Question - You are at the middle-point of your reign – what stands out for you when you look back on the past seven months? Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:   My life has been fulfilled. What stands out for me is changing others lives. So many has given up on their dreams. If I’m the poster child for that, I’m proud to be. This year will be a very exciting year. So many contestants will be returning. New contestants that have the fire in there eyes also will be there. That is the most rewarding thing to know that I have changed someone’s life. I’m so glad it happened for me this year and not earlier… God gives you what you need when you need it. I’m so blessed... Thank you Colin for your time to interview me. I'm going to leave you with this.  Make a difference, life is not promised, Love, Laugh and be blessed... Coti Collins   Miss Gay America 2011    July 2011 As the months go by, my excitement level rises. I am so proud to be a part of something much bigger than anything I could possibly imagine. Each city, each preliminary and each contestant has brought so many blessings into my life. I am humbled to be your Miss Gay America 2011...   The month started out with a much needed vacation. For the record, a casino show in Oregon where I have spent the last 4 years entertaining is so relaxing to me... Each night amazes me when I'm announced as Miss Gay America. It makes me proud to change the perception of the art of female impersonation. I want to thank Denise Russell, Gigi Monroe, Kenneth Rex, and Monica Moore for allowing me to come in and out of the show and always being there to support me. I truly love you guys… My first prelim this month was Miss Gay Arizona America. It is always a great time in Phoenix . With an incredible group of contestants and a venue that looks like final night at Miss Gay America, the pageant was such a success. I never wanted to leave. When all was said and done, Celia Putty was crowned and Tyra Marie was 1st alternate. Both contestants will make waves at the Miss Gay America 2012 pageant, I promise you that....  I want to thank Daniel, Ron and Lee for making me feel so special. It will be a weekend that I will remember forever.  On a side note... the formers impressed me so with your concerns and unity. I was so humbled. I love you all. No time to unpack as next, I was off to Vegas. It was a homecoming for me as I used to live there. Miss Western States Americabrought contestants from all over the US . When the night was over, Erica Chandler brought home the crown and Deja Brooks was his 1st alternate.  Both contestants impressed me so much. I want to thank Kenneth Blake and Miss Gay America 2010 CoCo Montrese for an amazing pageant. It was first  class all the way, but I didn't expect anything less from you both.  In closing, as I look back at this month, these things I have learned for sure... ·        Take time to enjoy the view... ·         I want to be Catia Lee Love when I grow up...... ·         I will never get in a car with Larry Edwards again.... ·         I will only work with Catia in the winter months..... ·         I am so proud of Steven Wayne... ·         I miss Jeff at my prelims... ·         I love spending time with Barbara Seville... ·         I will always be honest to the contestants... ·        I only wish others were with me years ago... ·        I will cherish each moment with my friends and loved ones...we are never promised anything in life.... This month I am so proud to interview Miss Gay America 1980 Hot Chocolate .... aka Larry Edwards, he has been one of my best friends and I would not want to go though life without him. He makes me a better person, inside and out....I hope you enjoy this as much as I enjoy spending time with him. Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:  HOW WERE YOU INTRODUCED TO THE MGA PAGEANT SYSTEM? Miss Gay America 1980 Hot Chocolate: I was introduced to the MGA system in 1975, the year Shawn Luis won. It was my first experience as a contestant...What a proud moment being able to compete in such a prestigious pageant… I was amazed with such talented performers & title holders...It's the best system any pageant could have.. I'm very proud of the MGA system.... Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:  WHAT WAS YOUR DEFINING MOMENT AS MGA? Miss  Gay America 1980 Hot Chocolate: My defining moment was being able to travel and work with the most professional and talented performers across the country.. Having the opportunity to learn from the best in the country is something I will always treasure....what a proud moment the night I won the MGA pageant, it was my mother's first time ever seeing me onstage...It's a moment I will never forget! Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:  WHO INSPIRES YOU?  Miss  Gay America 1980 Hot Chocolate: Entertainers with a determination inspires me... It inspires me to see upcoming female impersonators accomplish their goals as entertainers… I'm amazed to see that if you focus on your goals and dreams, they will come true...I'm always inspired with new talent and seeing the legacy of female impersonation continue to go mainstream.......What an inspiration!! Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:  WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE ME? Miss  Gay America 1980 Hot Chocolate: My advice would be to continue your positive attitude with helping others and to help them to become the best they can be...Make the MGA family proud... Pass on your blessings!! Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:  AFTER OCTOBER, WHAT SHOULD I DO? Miss Gay America 1980 Hot Chocolate: I think you should enjoy your life to the fullest after October.....Be the happiest you can be.... In closing, I challenge each of you to follow your dreams. Never let anyone determine your self worth.......  Until next month Miss Gay America 2011    August 2011 Could this month be any hotter? Between the actual weather and the competition I have seen… in the words of KeSha, this place is about to blow… July started out with a bang in Kansas City.  Reba sure knows how to put a pageant on... Contestants from all over the country battled it out while Tanisha Foxx took top honors with Sparkle Iman as his 1st alternate. Larry and Terry attended this event. It was a success from start to finish... They sure know how to treat a MGA. On a side note, it was a blessing to spend time with Reba. I think we are dangerous together… Just sayin...  Miss Gay Ohio America was my next stop. Everyone knows I grew up here and it was such an amazing homecoming. Aron has been a personal friend for several years and it brings me joy to see him fulfilling his dreams. The pageant went without a hitch. At the end, Deva Station won with Alli Katt as his 1st alternate.  It was humbling to watch all the former Miss Ohio America’s in action. They have such an incredible sisterhood. I was touched that you accepted me and let me feel your love. Aron, I thank you for believing in me even before I ever wore a crown...I am blessed to have you as a friend. There was no time to unpack as I was headed off to Texas. Aaron Davis invited me along with Erica Andrews and Tommie Ross to perform in the beautiful town of Corpus Christie. With a cast like this, you can imagine how amazing the show turned out to be. Aaron and Erica kept me laughing all night while Tommie and I had several moments I will never forget. Thank you so much for including me in this incredible event.... There was no time to sleep as I headed straight to Harrisburg PA for the Miss Gay Pennsylvania America pageant. With contestants all over the state, Domiana Dupre St. James took home the crown with Ashley Lynn as his 1st alternate. Eric has been so dedicated to his pageant and I want to thank him for treating all his contestants and myself with love and respect. He put his heart in this pageant and it showed. I can’t wait to come back to Harrisburg as it is such a fun place. Why rest now? I'm on a roll… I caught a flight to Orlando Florida for the Miss Gay Florida America Pageant. It was a delight to see that Florida America was alive and healthy. With an amazing contestant base, Zhane' Kennedy took top honors and Jessica Deveraux as his 1st alternate. This pageant kept me on the edge of my seat. There were so many new blessings this week for me. After the crowning in Florida we packed up and headed to Gulfport Florida for the Miss Gulf States America Pageant.  The theatre was sold out and the event was amazing. At the end Victoria Dupuis was crowned and Blair Williams took spot as his 1st alternate. This was emotional for me because both contestants came back to the system after a long absence. Miss Gay America has definitely benefited with their return.  For the promoters Ron and Mark, what can I say... I didn't know them before my trip but what a blessing. I didn't want to leave. Your dedication to the MGA Pageant system is overwhelming. Thank you for allowing me into your lives and I'm sure we will have many more happy times together. This I know for sure.... Good things always come out of Columbus.... Just sayin... Dominique Sanchez is a joy to work with.... Tommie Ross inspires me.....always Sabrina White entertains me..... I'm amazed... I'm still stalking Catia.... This month has been one of the most humbling months in my life... This month I am proud to interview someone I’ve looked up to for many years....Miss Gay America 2000 Catia Lee Love has set the bar for being Miss Gay America... I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.... Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins: How did you get introduced to the MGA system? Miss Gay America 2000 Catia Lee Love: My introduction to the America system came only a month after I started doing drag. At the time, I was living in Houston, TX. I had started in a small Talent night, and after being put into a cast, my drag mentors decided I should try out a pageant. They knew I had been a competitive dancer and felt I would be ideally suited for one of these. They got me pulled together and sent me off to San Antonio, TX, and I entered Miss San Antonio America. I wound up being 1st alternate, which I was so excited about since I had just started in drag and had no clue how the pageants worked. LOL as each category would start, my mentors would tell me what was about to happen, then they would literally say go and pushed me onstage. It was like a crazy comedy movie, but oh so fun. Sadly, the girl who won passed away less than a month later, and I found myself being crowned Miss San Antonio America '94. It was then I found out I would now be heading to Miss Gay Texas America. Foolish as it may seem, I had 0 knowledge of the pageant system nor the fact that there were levels to it until that point. So off to Miss TX I went. Excited and wide eyed, I embarked upon the pageant path and found myself in the top 12 at my first state pageant. At that point, I knew I wanted to be Miss America. My eyes had been opened to the excitement, dedication, and spirit of the system and it's participants. I saw how revered the Miss Americas were and how they could both entertain and motivate those around them, and I knew this was the mark I wanted to be able to leave on those around me. Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins: How was your experiences with MGA before being crowned? Miss Gay America 2000 Catia Lee Love: My experiences were very informative and positive. I had ups and downs on my path to MGA. It took me 4 years to make it to MGA. I tried three times to be Miss TX and then moved to OK where I won Miss OK and went on to my first MGA. Those pageants helped me mold my knowledge and hon my skills so that when I hit the national level, I was able to rapidly move up the ranks. These skills are still what help me to succeed in every area of my career. My experiences with MGA have been so enlightening and empowering from the first pageant, through my reign, and even more so after my reign. Miss Gay America 2011  Coti Collins: During your reign as MGA, what was your defining moment? Miss Gay America 2000 Catia Lee Love:   That is a hard one for me because the year seemed to fly by.  For me, I think the moment was as I was standing on the stage during my give up and saw the people coming forward to recognize my year's work. I had been working so hard and trying to be so perfect all year long that for me, I had very little time to enjoy the rewards of the title. I always seemed to be pushing myself higher and harder than I did trying to become MGA, and I allowed many details to slip past me. I often felt I had not been good enough, and to see the appreciation and warmth from people finally allowed me the opportunity to see the fruits of my labor. Exhaustion and emotion, adulation and regret to see the time pass, all wed for a major psychological tidal wave that left me exposed and crippled for that time onstage. It was amazing, gratifying and humbling. I thought I would feel that I had "arrived" when I was crowned, but rather it was when I was relinquishing that crown that I truly felt I had "arrived". Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins: If you could change anything about MGA, what would it be? Miss Gay America 2000 Catia Lee Love:  LOL, if there is one thing I think I am definitely known for, it is speaking my mind. My thoughts on this topic are nothing new to our promoters and formers who attend the promoters meetings every year. The only thing I would like to see change about MGA is that I would like to see our competitive categories streamline. I think we have a lot of repetition in our talent categories and I feel it wears on the audience and the contestants. I think this will be very evident this year with such a large contingent of contestants. I think we would be able to ease some of the financial burdens as well as the physical exhaustion on our competitors if Solo Talent was removed from the competitive line up. I find the audiences tire out by talent and lose interest in the pageant, and I think we would speed up the event if a more time conducive replacement could be substituted.  I know many say that Solo Talent allows them the ability to see what they will be getting from the contestant as MGA. This is entirely FALSE. You MAY see what they have to offer and you may not. What we see at MGA is the best of what that contestant has to offer. There is no way to guarantee that they will consistently be able to carry that off. Also, many times what we see are faces painted by others, hair done by others, gowns designed and made by others, talents constructed by others. The majority of pageant packages are, in fact, the result of a 3rd party. Solo Talent in no way guarantees that MGA that will in fact be outstanding. Being a good competitor does not equal being a good representative. A good competitor will learn the skills needed to win the pageant and surround themselves with the tools needed to do so. Neither of those truly guarantee a gifted individual. Some feel Solo Talent will stop a "pageant" girl without the ability to truly entertain from winning. I contest this by saying no, Solo Talent does not do that, but rather a well trained and informed panel of judges who know what they are truly looking at does that. In fact, our MGA legends were chosen without that category. The fact is Solo Talent does nothing real for the pageant but extend our time and numb our audience. Solo Talent also causes a huge burden on our state and regional pageants as the contestant base grows. This repetitive category creates the need to start a pageant so incredibly early that I have yet to see a decent audience base at the start of these events. It is forcing many pageants to start their events as early as 5 or 6:00pm. No one wins with this scenario. Pageants are half done by the time an audience arrives. Contestants are forced to start getting ready for the pageant incredibly early and be put through a gauntlet for an unreasonable amount of hours, and the judges are forced to endure a marathon. It is basically sucking the very life out of our pageants. Of course, this is just my opinion. Nothing new or surprising to most, LOL Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins: What advise do you have for me after October? Miss Gay America 2000 Catia Lee Love:  Get ready to experience a never ending support and appreciation from not only the MGA followers, but your fellow MGA's. I often say the real fun begins after being MGA. Free of many of the pressures, you have the ability to expand even further and grow in ways that a reign does not allow time for. Prepare for some separation anxiety, and prepare for many more years of fantastic memories. You have worked so hard for this time, and the doors of opportunity will remain open to you as long as you wish to walk trough them. Oh yeah, get ready for me to sing your verses every time we perform together! LOL I hope that you have enjoyed reading this article as much as I have enjoyed my sincere friendship with Catia. As August proves to be the busiest month yet, I look forward to reporting the events of the month to you in the next edition… In closing, I challenge each of you to follow your dreams. Never let anyone determine your self worth.......  Until next month Miss Gay America 2011    September 2011 This month has been a whirlwind for me. I assure you that time flies when you are living your dream. I have received blessings everywhere I have traveled to this year. The friendships I have made, I will never forget. Miss Gay America is much more than a title,.. It will change a persons life. I feel it has challenged me to be a better person and to live up to the standard of Excellence. I'm am humbled to be called a Miss Gay America… This month starts out with a bang. Miss Gay Illinois America was held in an amazing venue. With a packed house, Trixie LaRue and Sable Sinclair were incredible hosts. When all was said and done, Erica Leigh Foster took top honers and Adria Andrews was close behind. I am blessed to call Erica and Adria my friends. Both are blessings to me. Trixie and Sable are amazing promoters, and getting to know them was the highlight of my visit.... The next night I find myself with the amazing Joe Bradley. Joe and I have been friends for many years. I can always count on a Birthday card from him. His love for the art is undeniable. Miss Mid-West America this year is Diva Coppafeel with Crystal Lace as 1st alternate. I'm so proud of both contestants. Miss Gay Arkansas America was next on the list to attend. The Alumni was so amazing in putting the pageant together. I used to live in Little Rock and a little known fact is that I was a contestant in 1991. It was so good to see so many friends. I love spending time with Norman . He has changed so many lives, including mine. After 2 days of competition, Zia DYor won and Jazmyn Turrelle was 1st runner up. Miss Arkansas is the oldest prelim in the country. I'm so glad its still going strong. I'm finally home and off to Miss North Carolina America . Von Entertainment has worked very hard this year. Brian and Tiffany, you both were amazing. I'm so proud to be a part of this system. With 24 contestants this year, each day was filled with activities. The bus tour was the highlight of the weekend. It reminded me of MGA many years ago. The dream of Jessica Raynes Starr came true with Angela Lopez as his alternate. Both contestants will be returning to Columbus this October with a big splash. The next 2 prelims are very special to me. Both are new promoters and both are friends of mine. Heart of America continued under the direction of Christopher Blair and Ryan Henry. I’ve known Ryan before Coti was ever thought of. The pageant went smooth and was so impressive. All the girls were wanting a spot to the big dance. Sally Sparkles was crowned Miss Heart of America with Demonica Santangilo as his alternate. Its incredible to see veterans and 1st timers work so hard to achieve a dream. The very next night, I was in Lexington Ky. attending the 1st Miss Blue Grass America prelim. I want to thank the GLSO of Lexington for believing in the America system. R.J. Deacon has been a friend for many years and I thank him for putting on an amazing pageant. Celebrity Starr won top honors and Bridget Nickles was 1st alternate. Its so good to see so many veterans return this year. In closing, I want to express how much each of you have impacted my life. I have often said, “never let anyone determine your self worth...” and I can honestly say I didn't know mine until this year. The relationships I have felt this year will continue for the rest of my life. My only wish is my predecessor will get to experience the love that I have. This months interview will be one of the most important people in my life. I have known Randy Fenoli for over 25 years. I can honestly say, I would not have been here without his love and support. In the early days, I used to travel with Brandi and hold his promos while people lined up for Brandi to sign them... some things never change....I'm honored to present for the September 2011 Interview, Brandi Alexander...Miss Gay America 1990.... Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins: What did it take for you to win MGA? Miss Gay America 1990 Brandi Alexander: Well, I actually entered the contest 3 times.  The first time was in Atlanta in 1987.  I won talent the preliminary night, however, I had not timed my talent and it was 8 minutes and 15 seconds.  Points were deducted on the final night and I think I placed 5th runner up.  After the contest I told Norma Kristie that I would return next year with the best damn talent under 7 minutes that she had ever seen!  They made up a new rule before the next year that any talent over 7 minutes would receive a zero. The second time I entered the pageant was in Dallas in 1988.  The final night my prop fell during my talent and I placed 1st runner up. After the pageant, I told Norma Kristie I would be back next year with the best damn talent under 7 minutes without props she had ever seen.  They made up a new rule before the next year that any talent that had problems with back-up dancers or props would have points deducted. The third time I entered MGA was in 1989.  I decided to do a talent with no props or back-up dancers.  I won talent that night and finally won the contest! What I learned from this was patience and not to let mishaps make me feel defeated and to keep pursuing my goals and dreams.   Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins: What were some of your most memorable moments while you were MGA. Miss Gay America 1990 Brandi Alexander: There were so many moments during my reign that are still close to my memory.  The first fond memory is the moment they announced my name…  I hugged and was picked up off my feet onstage by my dear friend Coti Collins.  I have great memories of traveling from city to city and meeting all the competitors and performing in 33 different states.  I remember my appearance on 'Sally Jesse Raphael' with Lady Baronessa, Lauren Colby, Lindsey Love, and my Mom. I remember appearing on 'The Joan Rivers Show' to play a joke on Howard Stern.  I also remember there were a few nights when I would call my friend and "drag mother" Tiffany Alexander in the middle of the night crying because I was exhausted, someone had treated me badly, and I wanted to come home. The year as MGA taught me to be strong, humble, and to take in and enjoy every moment, because the year was going to fly by quickly!   Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins: What are the most important things that MGA has given or taught you? Miss Gay America 1990 Brandi Alexander: First, I would have to say that competing in MGA gave me some of my greatest and dearest friendships I have ever had.  Competing in the pageant with others really built this bond.  MGA also taught me to be a well-rounded individual.  We had to know about current events for Group Discussion, and to be proud of who we were as a male and be able to prepare for a job interview for Male Interview.  It taught me to stand in front of an audience and speak clearly and confidently for Onstage Female Interview.  MGA taught me great respect for Norma Kristie, especially as a business man.  However, I would have to say that the greatest thing I learned from MGA is that if you set your goals and go after them with a clearly planned and healthy approach, that one can reach almost anything. Well said. In closing, I thank each of you who have contributed to making this year so special for me. You will never be forgotten and I appreciate each and every one of you.   Until next month Miss Gay America 2011    October 2011 How times flies when your living your dream…!!! It seems like yesterday, Miss Gay America 2010 CoCo Montrese put the crown on my head. I have had an amazing year. It has been so rewarding to travel throughout the country representing you as your Miss Gay America. So many memories that will follow me for the rest of my life…  My month started out in Texas...Gizelle Bevon Ashton was the perfect host along with Sally Sparkles to produce an incredible pageant. At this event 5 MGA's attended. I was humbled to be among such talents...Jenna Skyy took the title with Vega Marie St. John as his 1st runner up.  On a side note...I love Texas ...Gizelle, Sally, Charity, Catia, Den and J.D…,Thank you for a great time. After the Pageant I was rushed to the airport where I was flown to Memphis, privately on a chartered jet to Memphis. Wow! its great to be a Miss Gay America.  Next, I was on to the Miss Gay  Tennessee  America pageant where Bill Zachary had everything in order and the pageant was such a success. After being 1st runner up several times, Pat McCooter took top honors and Fannie Mae Charles was his 1st alternate. All the contestants impressed me and I wish I could invite everyone to the big dance. Thank you Mike and Rodney for such a great time also. Now, their dog wasn't so happy I was there...Just sayin... Miss Louisiana was such a big blessing. John, Brad and Paul were the perfect hosts. I so enjoyed the camaraderie of each of the contestants. I love seeing each contestant help each other. At the end of the week, Maybelline MasKara won the pageant and Athena Campbell was his first alternate. I must say something more about this pageant. As I stated many times this year, that talent has no color or age. It warmed my heart to see Maybelline achieve his dream. He never let his age interfere with his dream. Athena will be the youngest contestant and he was one of the most focused individuals I have ever met. Thank youLouisiana for such a blessed weekend. I can’t wait to return.... Bammm Finally the last prelim is here.. Miss Southeast America… Mike Rhinehart was its host. He is such a great promoter and loves the Miss Gay America system and proves it everyday. My Miss NC sister Emory Starr won his spot and Diamond Hunter was his 1st runner up. What a great night to top off a great year. I want to take this time to thank each and every one for such an amazing year for me. Each preliminary pageant brought new friendships, laughter and heartache… every emotion was there. Seeing someone’s life change is one of the most rewarding experiences. I only hope I have touched your life like you have touched mine. Being Miss Gay America was my lifetime goal. My only wish is that the next one crowned will love and enjoy his time as much as I enjoyed mine. Stephanie Lane and Dominique Delorean will also represent Miss Heartland America at nationals....Both are friends of mine and such big talents. I am so happy for everyone this year. THIS I KNOW FOR SURE ...... -Dreams do come true with hard work and determination -Airports and security are a way of life to a Miss Gay America -Each crowning breaks my heart… -Max will be happy for me to stay home -I would not want to be a judge this year -Looking forward to doing duets with all the Miss Gay             America’s -I enjoyed interviewing the Miss Gay America’s this year -Jennifer Foxx still inspires me -Ceasar will bite… I NEVER LET ANYONE DETERMINE MY SELF WORTH  In closing , I want to wish each promoter and every contestant a safe journey to Ohio . Best of luck to every contestant. May your dreams come true like you mine has.... Love and Respect, Miss Gay America 2011 November 2011 As I return home from an amazing week in Columbus , I would like to reflect the past year and how it has affected my life. I could never ave imagined that my life would be changed in such a fashion.  During my travels, I have had the joy of experiencing so many new adventures. I have seen so many new faces and definitions of the word excellence. It truly inspired me to excel in my craft and to be PROUD about what Miss Gay America stands for.   I have so much respect for the promoters of the pageant. They are our foundation. I want to thank each one of you for making my year so successful. Your efforts were truly noticed in your contest, contestants and your love for the system. For this I am forever grateful. Thank you!!! My most memorable part of the year would be the relationships I developed with the contestants. As I listen to your passionate stories, felt your pain and celebrated your victories, I truly cared. I am deeply honored and privileged  to be your Miss Gay America. Over the course of the year, I've seen you grow and develop into amazing entertainers. You should be very proud of yourself. During Miss Gay America week, everyone was on their game and it was one of the best competitions in my history of pageantry. Each has inspired me more than you will ever know. Thank you for making my year so complete. I am still here for anyone that needs an ear or to vent too. I truly love each of you. To all the Miss Gay America's, I am humbled to stand beside you. All my life I have been looking for something in red.... so glad I finally made it. One of the biggest moments of my year is when I was in Little Rock and Normanannounced me to the stage. I was trembling, and so proud at the same time. From Norman to Coco ...thank you for accepting me for myself. So happy to be a part of the 40 definitions of Excellence.  It has been my lifetime goal. A very special good luck to my co-worker, friend and sister Kirby Kolby, Miss Gay America 2012. May you find happiness in wearing the crown. Everyone in North Carolina always knew… now it’s time to share you with the world. I know this will change your life. I have no doubt you will make history. Shine your light.   Last but certainly not least I would like to thank Larry and Terry. You prove it every day in your passion for the art. I will forever be indebted to you. May you both find happiness and never lose sight on what is important...changing people’s lives....  I love you both... Love and Respect,
Virginia
In one of only 2 unanimous elections by the U.S. Electoral College, George Washington was elected to the first ever presidency in what year?
My Life on the "E" List - Miss Gay America My Life on the "E" List Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins November 2010 Once in every lifetime you experience a moment that will define your for life. Mine happened in Columbus Ohio , October 17, 2010. A goal I set for myself long before Coti Collins existed. A dream that has never faded and a desire to achieve it that has never vanished. The journey was long, but the rewards along the way were priceless. I would like to invite you to share my experiences over the next 365 days. I want to be known as a shining example of a person that never gave up, that always believed in his self and that his goals and dreams were attainable.  I will never forget my first experience at the Miss Gay America Pageant. With a hundred dollar budget and a dream, I walked away placing next to last... Determined to redeem myself, I used the system to improve my craft and to network throughout the country.  I knew each year there would only be one winner, but the knowledge and friendship once could gain would forever change one’s life... It changed mine.! I have decide to call my article "My Life on the E List". When I look at the former Miss Gay America's, each had their own definition of the word EXCELLENCE. During the next year, my goal is not only define it in words, but more importantly to illustrate it in my actions. As my Grandmother always said...... “actions speak louder than words”… I'm so excited to travel throughout the country and share my experiences and to take time for you to share yours with me. My newsletter will also include an interview with a past Miss Gay America each month. I am excited to be able to share the rich history and to illustrate why this pageant means so much to me. I would like to take time to thank a few people that made this all possible...Each one holds a very special place in my heart. I can only imagine what I put them though the last 25 years, but none questioned my motives and only supportive of my dream. Norman Jones--for your vision and guidance over the years... Larry Tyger and Terry Eason--for their continued effort to promote and preserve the system... Coco Montrese--for your grace and talent that set a standard for us to follow... Robert York and Brian Alexander-- for believing in me... Kirby Kolby-- for being an inspiration , a true friend and making me feel beautiful... Jeff Coble, J.D.Martin and Jonathan Kayne—for dressing me with class... Viki Williams, Travis Guy,--for bringing out the best in me.... Reba McEntire--for trusting me... 51 fellow dreamers who were in this journey with me...  Randy Fenoli, Larry Edwards, Victor Espiritu, Lawanda Jackson, Denise Russell, Scarlett Dailey, Tim Hickman, Mike Travis, Mike Rhinehart, Gigi Monroe, Paige Passion, Phyl Craig, Bridget Nichols, Legends House Cast and to everyone over the 25 years of the quest for the crown... In closing, I am still shaking... humbled to be your 39th Miss Gay America. I was asked this week if it was all worth it and my reply was absolutely. I encourage each and every person to never lose focus and believe that all things are achievable. Now that my dream has come true, its time to make history. At Last… Miss Gay America 2011 December 2010 The holiday season is upon us and I'm so excited to be writing my second news letter. The month of November was an incredibly busy month for me. My travels lead me to such exciting destinations as Albuquerque NM, Charleston SC, Fort Wayne IN, Indianapolis IN and Huntington WV. Between all the traveling, I also found time to stay home and join the cast of Legends in Raleigh NC. One of the most rewarding bookings was to assemble a cast to raise money for the Caritas House by bringing a casino show to several  West Virginia's college theatres. I want to take time to thank so many friends and colleagues for sharing my dream with me. Before the pageant season begins, I would like to take this opportunities to tell you my story and why Miss Gay America means so much to me.... Long before Coti Collins existed, I often call it BC.. (before Coti ).  I moved from a small town in Ohio to Huntington WV to attend Marshall University. It was an exciting time for me. I think it was the first time in my life that I could be myself. Living for the weekends was a way of life for myself and for many of my friends. One certain weekend, we traveled to Charleston WV to see a pageant. I remember sitting on the staircase of the Grand Palace to watch the competition.  Between many dance numbers, productions and ballads we heard the emcee announce Miss Gay America. I remember waiting for music to play, but instead I watched Jennifer Foxx walk out holding the microphone. As Jennifer spoke, a hush fell upon the room. He spoke very clearly and elegantly. I was so impressed with how passionate he conveyed his message. After the pageant was over, I walked up and introduced myself. He looked directly in my eyes and thanked me for supporting the pageant as if I was the only person in the room. It was suddenly clear why so many contestants wanted to wear that crown. At that moment he changed the perception I had of a female impersonators. My goal was set, not only did I want to become an entertainer, but I wanted to be Miss Gay America. Several years passed before I was brave enough to attempt any type of entertaining, but never lost sight of my goal. My first year, as a contestant, at the Miss Gay America pageant, was an eye opener to say the least. Using the pageant as a learning experience, I listened and watched everyone around me. After 4 years, I was selected as a Top 10 finalist. Much more than just a pageant placement, it gave me the ability to interview and the skills to work in any venue. From Cowboys LaCage in Nashville to An Evening at LaCage in Vegas I give much of the credit to the Miss Gay America pageant system. I since have worked with the best of the best, been on numerous television shows and toured with Reba McEntire. It has given me a career one can only dream of.  I look forward in traveling this year, sharing my experiences and helping every contestant to fulfill their dreams. My journey was long but so rewarding…   As promised, I would like to present my first interview. This individual defined the word “excellence” for many years. He is someone that changed so many lives... our first SYMBOL OF EXCELLENCE.....Norma Kristie… MGA2011-Coti Collins: Norma, how was your experience at the first Miss Gay America Pageant? MGA 1973-Norma Kristie: MY FIRST EXPERIENCE, AS I SAID IN MY BOOK THAT SHOULD BE READY BY SUMMER, (WOW WHAT A CHORE) WAS GOING IN TO THE DRESSING ROOM AND SEEING ALL THOSE GORGEOUS DRAG QUEENS AND SAYING TO MYSELF AND TUNA STARR, MY BEST FRIEND AND MY DRESSER, "WHAT THE HELL ARE WE DOING HERE.  LET'S GO HOME, I CANT POSSIBLY COMPETE WITH THESE BEAUTIFUL CREATURES".  I WAS SCARED TO DEATH AND I MOVED TO A LITTLE CORNER AND HAD A SMALL MIRROR AND DRESSED OUT OF MY SUITCASE.    THE ONE THAT SCARED ME THE MOST WAS CHARLIE BROWN, WHO WAS EVENTUALLY NAMED FIRST RUNNER UP.  HE WAS JUST ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL IMPERSONATORS I HAD EVER SEEN, AS I HAD NOT SEEN MANY AT THAT TIME EXCEPT IN WASHINGTON DC WHEN I WAS IN THE MILITARY...  WHEN IT WAS OVER, HE WINKED AT ME AND SAID CONGRATULATIONS.  I DON'T KNOW IF HE MEANT IT, AS HIS HEART WAS BROKEN, OR IF HE WAS JUST BEING EVIL, ALTHOUGH AT THAT TIME I DIDN'T EVEN KNOW WHAT EVIL WAS…  I STILL RESPECT CHARLIE FOR HIS CHARACTER DURING THE PAGEANT, AND I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER HIM FOR THAT WINK.  MGA 2011-Coti Collins: As traveling as Miss Gay America, what was the greatest obstacle you experienced?: MGA 1973-Norma Kristie: WHEN I WAS TRAVELING, I FOUND OUT THAT A PERSON ALWAYS HAS TO CARRY HIDDEN AND EXTRA MONEY AND PLENTY OF PANSTICK.  I LOST MY MONEY OUT OF MY POCKET AT A GAS STATION ONCE AND WHILE DRIVING WITH MY MAKEUP IN THE TRUNK OF THE CAR, IT ALL MELTED.  I ALSO FACED MANY JEALOUS DRAG QUEENS AS WELL AS PEOPLE JUST WONDERING WHY A SMALL TOWN QUEEN COULD WIN THE PAGEANT WITH ALL THOSE FAMOUS DRAGS IN THE COMPETITION.  AS SO MANY MISS GAY AMERICAS HAVE HEARD.  WHY DIDN’T ONE OF THE OTHERS WIN?  AT LEAST THEY WERE KNOWN.  I WAS APPALLED AS TO HOW MANY PEOPLE CAME UP TO ME AFTER THE SHOWS AND SAID, NOW WE KNOW WHY YOU WON.  YOU MAY NOT BE THE BEST ENTERTAINER, BUT YOU JUST MADE US FEEL SO GOOD ABOUT BEING GAY AND THAT THINGS THAT WE THOUGHT WE COULD NEVER DO CAN BE ACCOMPLISHED IF WE JUST TRY MGA 2011-Coti Collins: During your reign, what was your most defining moment? MGA 1973-Norma Kristie:  I DID NOT WANT THE FIRST MISS GAY AMERICA TO BE A SHOWGIRL, OF WHICH I DEFINITELY WASN'T…  IT WAS ALL ABOUT THE IMAGE OF WHAT THE PROMOTER, JERRY PEEK, WAS LOOKING FOR THAT YEAR.  HE SAID "YOU WERE A BREATH OF SUNSHINE UNDERNEATH THOSE DEMILASHES AND THE WATERBASE FOUNDATION, AND YOU LOOKED REAL."  I WAS ALMOST IN TEARS AND THOUGHT THAT TO BE ONE OF THE BEST COMPLIMENTS THAT I HAD EVER HAD MGA 2011-Coti Collins: After seeing so many opening productions, does any stand out in your mind? MGA 1973-Norma Kristie:  THE OPENING PRODUCTION THAT MEANT MOST TO ME WAS IN DALLAS TX. I SPENT A FORTUNE RENTING THE STAGE SETS FROM A LOCAL STAGING COMPANY.  BEAULAH LAMONT, OUR EMCEE, WHILE IN FRONT OF THE CURTAIN, CAME BELLOWING OVER THE MICROPHONE, QUOTING A THEME THAT I HAD WRITTEN SALUTING THE SOUTH. NAOMI SIMS, CHERRY LANE AND ONE MR ALL AMERICAN DANCED AN OPENING NUMBER AND  CURTAINS WENT UP AND  SHOWED ONE OF MOST BEAUTIFUL SOUTHERN MANSIONS THAT I HAVE EVER SEEN WITH THE OAK TREES JUST LIKE TWELVE OAKS IN GONE WITH THE WIND… IT DISAPPEARED GRADUALLY INTO THE SKYLINE AND ALLOWED CONTESTANTS TO PARADE ACROSS THE STAGE WITH NAOMI AND COMPANY PERFORMING AND DANCING…  TOTALLY OUTSTANDING AND MADE COLD CHILLS RUN UP AND DOWN MY SPINE, AS TEARS CAME TO MY EYES AS THEY ALWAYS DID AT THE OPENING AND THE ENDING OF EACH PAGEANT.  MGA 2011-Coti Collins: Any advice you would like to share with me? MGA 1973-Norma Kristie: MY ADVICE IS THAT YOU SHOULD ALWAYS TRY TO BE THE BEST AT WHATEVER YOU HAVE CHOSEN TO DO.  NO MATTER HOW ILL, NO MATTER THE CONSEQUENCES, ALWAYS PRESENT ONESELF AS A WINNER AND A TRUE CREDIT TO THE ART FORM OF FEMALE IMPERSONATION… MOST WILL NEVER ACHIEVE THE CROWN, BUT THE MEMORY OF BEING SO NEAR IT WILL REMAIN FOREVER.    In closing, I would like to thank you Norman Jones a/k/a Miss Gay America 1973 Norma Kristie for setting the standards and allowing me to follow in your footsteps.... Until next month,  Miss Gay America 2011 January 2011 Happy New Year!!!!   I want to extend my happiest wishes for everyone this New Year. I have to be honest and tell you that I'm still in shock. Being announced Miss Gay America is very emotional for me. I have always dreamed it but now its reality.... The most (well maybe the second most) question Ive been asked is "HOW DOES IT FEEL"...And I reply...”It doesn't feel bad at all...” The month started off at one of my favorite places...Club One in Savannah . I truly love the cast and I consider them family. Several girls there, have competed for Miss Gay America, so I was excited to share my stories and encourage them to follow there dreams. If you are ever in Savannah , stop in and tell them Coti sent you.....   Next weekend I was off to Memphis to spend time with Larry and Terry. I didn't know what to expect, but excited to get to know them. It is very evident to me that they love the system as much as I do. The wall in their office has all 40 Miss Gay America pictures hanging in order. As I stood and scanned each one, I was so proud to be apart of such a royal family. So much history on one single wall...The weekend went so quickly, between studies and eating every 30 minutes, I had a blast. We also stepped out Saturday night and I performed at a benefit show hosted by former Miss Gay Tennessee America Anita Cocktail. Also performing was the reigning Miss Gay Tennessee America Ashlyn Tyler and former Miss Gay Maryland AmericaAkasha Cassadine. I met so many great entertainers and felt like I was home. Thank you Crossroads for such a great night. I also want to thank Larry and Terry for such great hospitality.  As I left Memphis , 30 pounds heavier and hopefully more knowledgeable about the coming year, I reflected on how I wanted my year to be. My goal has always been to challenge myself and challenge the ones around me. I am a true example on never let anyone determine your self worth…   I actually spent Christmas at home. It was so good to perform at my home bar Legends. I'm so lucky to be able to come home and fall right back into place. On Christmas day, Raleigh got pounded by a snow storm.....What a perfect Christmas.....It has been a good year.....   My interview this month is with Miss Gay America 1982 Jennifer Foxx from Detroit . As I often stated, He was the first to inspire me and he still does to this day..... I am so honored that he took the time to chat with me..... Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Colliins: How did you first hear of The Miss Gay America System? Miss Gay America 1982 Jennifer Foxx: In 1977 I  was employed at Bookies Club 870 in Detroit Michigan and one of the performers who started in the business a few years before me was Miss Dani Daletto-Miss Gay America 1976.  I was unfamiliar with the system but although it was in it's fledgling stages I was amazed that it a time where impersonating a woman was a criminal offense someone had the bravery to try to legitimize the art form. After a few phone calls, some donations from well-wishers, and some assistance from my Lady Kenmore sewing machine, I was on the plane headed for Houston , Texas .  The contest was held at the Old Plantation ...a huge cavernous place filled with some of the most beautiful and talented impersonators in the United States ...47 to be exact.  My dressing station was pre-assigned.  I was placed between the stunning Miss Angie DeMarco and my Goddess Miss Naomi Sims- Miss Gay America 1985.... Ouch! I remember looking in the mirror and saying to myself. "Fool! What have you gotten yourself into?". My objective became not to embarrass myself, learn all I could and hi-tail it back to The Motor City.  I placed 40 out of 47 and flew the friendly skies home with my tail between my legs...BUT the seed had been planted and I said to myself, " Someday I will achieve this goal and be Miss Gay America...."   Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins- As Miss Gay America what was your " defining moment ? Miss Gay America 1982 Jennifer Foxx: Shortly after I won Miss Gay America in 1982 the nationally syndicated talk show Tom Snyder Tomorrow invited my parents and I to make an appearance to promote the pageant.  This was unprecedented! No female impersonator had ever been invited to speak on national television!  My father had to work but they were kind enough to fly my mother and I to New York and limo us to Rockefeller Center . When they ushered us in to the set after prepping us, they wired us with microphones and began to count down coming out of a commercial.  In THAT moment I remember looking around at the crew, my mother, and Mr. Snyder and saying to myself ," I have been chosen to do this... to speak for all that came before me...to represent all that did not have a voice or a platform.... to those that had fallen trying to be heard..."  I made my appearance in male attire to re-enforce the image (which I received great criticism for by many of my peers)… The lights came up… Tom did his salutations and it was on......He was a lovely man, the interview was great and light…  and they whisked my mother and I to the Shubert Theater where "Evita" had opened just recently.  I remember watching the great Patti Lapone and thinking... "Oh my God!  I just made history! ". I captured the crown in Dallas , Texas ... I passed on my title in Charlotte , North Carolina .  The political and religious atmosphere was light years away from Dallas where when I won. Television coverage was permitted and UPI and the wire services placed my mother and I on the cover of the New York Times and 100 other publications in the United States the next morning. As I prepared to go to the convention center for the final evening, I received a phone call from an anonymous caller "advising" me not to appear that evening.  Against my mothers wishes the limo transported us to the venue.  As we approached I saw the hooded figures brandishing bibles. I was terrified but could not let on to my Mom.  I took her hand, we opened the door, and stood.... not eight feet from us was the Ku Klux Klan in their white robes. They did not speak but tightened up shoulder to shoulder as if to challenge us to pass....I could only say, "God Loves You " as I put one foot in front of the other.  No violence occurred...BUT the fear and intimidation was so strong. It truly defined my growing character.  The rest of the evening and my " give up " is a blur...I was a mess...but it rewarded me with a more important gift...after that night  and the resolution it granted me, I would NEVER be intimidated or frightened of anything again! "... And of course I would be remiss if I did not include being on the receiving end of The Norma Christie Lifetime Achievement Award presented to me at Miss Gay America 2011.  It brought everything full circle and validated all I feel I have devoted to my art form as an actor. I will forever be indebted to Mr. Larry and Mr. Terry for considering me for such a prestigious honor and I place it as the crowning glory of my 35 year career in female impersonation. Thank You, gentleman!   Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins: What obstacles did you overcome during your year as Miss Gay America?  Miss Gay America 1982 Jennifer Foxx: Well I have already relayed several...but one is particular I still wrestle with.  I was hell-bent on representing myself as a male in many instances when I was not performing or when I appeared on what turned out to eventually be 60 television programs. I continued to re-enforce the image that Miss Gay America will ALWAYS be a male in appearance that possess the unique artistic ability to re-create the visual presentation and the idiosyncratic mannerisms of biological women. The more I stressed this the more widely it became accepted until the media began to ask me to come in male attire and just drop in clips of performance.... my platform was simple...I wanted their respect for my profession and this was the way to earn it… and low and behold, it worked!   Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins: What changes have you seen in the pageant over the years?    Miss Gay America 1982 Jennifer Foxx: Mainly organization.  Enough could ever be said and many of you will never know how unselfishly Mr. Norman Jones worked to see this dream realized.  In the early days man-power was short and technology was slow, much unlike today.  Norman did almost everything himself.  I remember being raved up and getting to nationals and seeing exhausted almost broken Norman speaking low and slow just trying to get through the week.  Mr. Jones NEVER did this for the financial benefit.  He pushed on and guarded Miss Gay America because it was his calling. He had the rare foresight to see what this was to become.... You will never understand the debt we all owe to Mr. Jones....and I personally for allowing me this wonderful career. ......That is why every time as a contestant you walk across the stage, or as a promoter you also put in endless hours, remember you are an extension of this one mans' vision and that you carry on a legacy that was forged many years ago.....Today it is still an extremely difficult venture to run......BUT with the astute skills of L and T Entertainment, a more well-informed promoter, and better networking between contestants and the system, we are seeing a sleeker, stronger Miss Gay America. I swell with pride when I see the progression   Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins: What advice would you have for me, Coti Collins Miss Gay America 2011? Miss Gay America 1982 Jennifer Foxx: Three pieces of advice, my friend.....!) Remember to try to live in the moment as much as possible... make an effort to be present for all the wonderment that is around you. Sleep will be a rare commodity and flying into the next venue with renewed vigor and sincerity is extremely difficult but draw from that fire inside that drove you to be amongst the best in your profession.....first and foremost I suggest prayer.... 2) Do not make the fatal mistake of believing your own press.....so many are adoring you, day to day and you develop a false sense of reality...the year goes by fast and the adjustment can be brutal when you are no longer the soup of the day....keep your feet on the ground.....3) Always remember your tenure as Miss Gay America is part of a much bigger plan.......NOW it is you job to figure out how your piece fits in the Miss Gay America Puzzle!  Don't worry... when your head clears, it will come to you... you're Coti Collins!!!!!!!... I can't tell you again how much I have enjoyed spending this time with all of you and how important you have made me feel about how I have lived my life.  It means the world to me to know that I am not alone in my strong belief in what this system has been and the scope of what it is to become.  The future of The Miss Gay America Pageantry System lies with you.........the contestants, the promoters and the supporters......But I am not worried....As a judge at Miss Gay America 2011 I had NEVER seen such a group of more accomplished, educated, well-mannered, and articulate contestants only to be matched by the great presentation and commitment of the promoters from across our great land and ALL of the supporting staff of each.  I thank all of you for your input and hard work.  I look forward to seeing you next year as I celebrate my 30 Anniversary as Miss Gay America in Columbus , Ohio and wish all of you a safe, healthy, and happy 2011!      With Much Respect...Bobby Bruno a.k.a. Ms. Jennifer Foxx I hope you can see why Bobby Bruno changed my life..... Who would you like for me to interview next month, let me know at    [email protected] Until next month,  Miss Gay America 2011 February 2011 I hope this finds everyone well and excited about what the New Year has to offer. I find myself still living in a daze. I'm often asked… “is it what you thought it would be?...” I reply, "NOT AT ALL.... I find it to be so much more..."  Now I represent not only myself, but the legacy of 39 formers and something much bigger than just Coti Collins....Its a  huge responsibility but I'm totally up for the challenge. The beauty of Miss Gay America is that each former is different and adds their own personality to the crown. It all started out in late December, in Charlotte, where I was invited to perform at the Christmas Party at Chasers...Its always a great time to see my North Carolina sisters and getting to work with Miss Gay America 2007 Luscious. Thank you Tiffany Storm, you’re the best!!!  West Virginia was my next stop.... As you know, this is where it all started. Its such a great feeling to come home and see so many friends...I want to thank Mimi Woods for a great time in Parkersburg … next stop Huntington .  The Stonewall will always have a special place in my heart. It was such a pleasure to be home and work with all the girls. Keith, Eric and Bob have always been so good to me. I was totally surprised by working that night with Miss Continental 2011 Mokka Montrese. Our journey is very similar and it was such a blessing to see others accomplish their dreams. Sunday I found myself at the Park inRoanoke , Virginia . It was so nice to spend time with Jessica Jade. Thank you for being so supportive. I'm so proud to call you my sister.  The next week I worked at Ibisa in Wilmington and then Legends in Raleigh NC .  Sunday I made it to Richmond , Virginia to perform at Godfreys brunch. Thank you Jeff Willis, Kirby Kolby, Dana St.James and Victoria Parker for putting up with my crazy life. Next  I found myself in Little Rock for the Grand Opening of Triniti. Cutting the ribbon with Miss Gay America 2003/Miss Gay U S of A 2011 Dominique Sanchez and Whitney Paige (USofA Classic 2011) was just a start of a very memorable weekend. Having Norman Jones (MGA1973) announce me as Miss Gay America 2011 has been something I have only dreamed of. Thank you Norman , for defining EXCELLENCE! Next stop, The Rainbow Lounge in Ft Worth TX. I was so honored to join the cast. I loved spending time with Layla LaRue, Kelexis Davenport and all the girls. I cannot wait to return to Texas . As soon as I returned home, I was off to Scorpios in Charlotte , North Carolina as it was a road trip with Jeff, Kirby and Lindsay Starr. I also was fortunate to spend time with Miss Gay America 1996 Kerri Nichols, former Miss North Carolina America Tiffany Storm and my Taylor. No time to unpack as I was heading off to Arizona . From take-off to touch-down...It was AMAZING. I want to thank Mike, Doug, Lee, Ron and Barbara Seville for making it so special for me. Working with Savannah Stevens, Celia Putty and the amazing Barbara Seville was a blast..... I loved seeing Miss  Gay Arizona America Promoter Daniel Eckstrom… I only wish we had more time. I can’t wait to return. As you can see, January has been a whirlwind… I actually had 5 days off this month. Throughout my travels, so many have commented on the EXCELLENCE LETTER. This month I'm doing something different.  Through the eyes of my Miss Gay America  sisters, it honors me to pay tribute to one of the greatest entertainers of our generation... Miss Gay America 1985 Miss Naomi Sims... I have asked some of the former Miss Gay America’s to comment on the legendary Naomi Sims. Hot Chocolate-Miss Gay America 1980: Naomi Sims will always remain in my heart as one of my closet & dearest friends ever....I had the opportunity to work with Naomi Sims for many years in a cast called The Fabulous Four.... Naomi and I started performing together as a duo named Twice as Hot!!...We would travel and perform weekly together as the duo and later became part of The Fabulous Four...Naomi brought so much joy to our cast and guests at Copa... I will remember one word to describe Naomi Sims…                                   one word to describe Naomi Sims......"IRREPLACEABLE"! Charity Case-Miss Gay America 2001: I was lucky enough to begin my career as Naomi's career was peaking and we became great friends over the years.  When I meet someone who has never seen Naomi perform I feel a little sad because video and stories of her greatness will never match the magic that was Naomi.  I miss her still. Tiffany Bonet'-Miss Gay America 1992: Naomi Sims was my idol… period. From the moment that I laid eyes on her my life changed. I was so privileged to get to know her and learn from one of the definitive Miss Gay America's. And I also was able to call her, mentor, sister and friend. There is not one word that I can truly use to describe her, but I'll just say that Naomi was a phenomenon that caused a ripple effect that is still present in the art of female impersonation today!!!!!! Brandi Alexander- Miss Gay America 1990: Naomi was the simply the most influential and talented female impersonator of my time!  She is permanently ingrained into my memory.  She made me laugh.  She made me cry.  Her brilliant smile lit up even the darkest room and the dimmest stages.  Her personality was so multi-faceted, that I couldn't possibly choose a single word to describe her.  She was brilliant, genius, crazy, talented, dynamic, original, and fun!  Her personality was outrageous.  Her laughter was infectious.  Her antics were incorrigible.  Her talent inspired me.  Her passing haunts me.  I mourn the fact that some of you never got the privilege to meet her.  Some would say "You either loved her or you hated her."  I loved her.     Catia Lee Love- Miss Gay America 2000: Sadly, Naomi was already deceased when I came into the industry, but coming from Texas , I can definitely say REVERED is the word for her. Every performer had heard of her and aspired to be her, as well loved as her. Coti Collins- Miss Gay America 2011: With more energy than anyone in the room, his strong presents projected passion in everything he did. I was blessed to have spent time with Naomi (thank you Brandi) and he defined the art and I can say, by watching MGA tapes, his performances are timeless. You are one of the reasons I never gave up on my dreams  and every time I put the crown on my head.... I THANK YOU.... In closing, I hope this explains why it was so important to me that I'm part of this amazing family… Love and Respect! Miss Gay America 2011 March 2011 I can’t believe how fast my year has gone. Next month prelims begin and pageant season will be in full swing. I'm so excited to put my stamp on the Miss Gay America System. Each Miss Gay America before me has left the system with their personal touch. When a person tells me "I'm not so America ", I often wonder how many formers thought that same thing. I personally see 39 different personalities, talents and success stories. My best advice to anyone is not to follow but to lead. This month starts out in Memphis where I was fortunate to attend the Mystic Krewe of Pegasus Memphis Mardi Gras Ball. I was so impressed with the passion of each entertainer. Thank you all, so much for allowing me to be apart of this grand event. All proceeds went to charity (Hope House of Memphis ). That's my definition of excellence! I was invited to appear in 3 city prelims this month. First Miss Baltimore America at the Hippo. Josie, Roger Dimick and Miss Gay Maryland America 2010 Onyx Revlon sure know how to treat a Miss America. I'm so excited to return for the Miss Gay Maryland America Pageant. Miss Gay America 2002 Sabrina White was also in attendance. We go so far back, It’s always such a joy to work with him. Miss Piedmont America was held at Scorpios in Charlotte. A special thanks to Bruce Bowyer and Emery Starr for an incredible pageant. Miss Gay America 1992 Tiffany Bonet’ and Miss Gay America 1996 Kerri Nichols also attended... Last but not least, Miss Ohio Heart of America Pageant was held at Axis in Columbus Ohio . It was so much fun to see all my sisters and work with them. Thank you Rusty and Diamond for a wonderful night! In between all the city prelims, I found time to travel to the Club Cabaret in Hickory NC , Play in Nashville TN , Masque in DaytonOH , WoodStarr in Parkersburg WV and the Brunch at Godfreys in Richmond VA. I also worked at my home bar, Legends in RaleighNC . I plan on working more the next couple of months, I tell my friends that I will rest in November, when my reign is over... This month I'm so excited to interview a former that has been with me every step of the way. He always believed in himself and was determine to achieve his goal. I proud to call him a friend and a MGA sister... Miss Gay America 2001 Charity Case... Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:  How did Charity Case come about and I would love to know how you picked your name? Miss Gay America 2001 Charity Case:  Charity Case was born long ago in KC, MO while still in college at the Conservatory of Music studying vocal performance. My roommate at the time dared me to enter  Kansas City 's New Discovery, a talent contest for new drag queens. This was my first time to perform in drag and that night I performed two songs, the second was" And I Am Telling You" and I won the contest. I didn't think much about it at the time, but that night I met Melinda Ryder and Fritz Capone, two performers and ultimately friends, who changed my life for good. Within a few weeks I was planning Charity's next move and that was to be in a contest called Kansas City 's Sweetheart hosted by  renowned Judy Garland impersonator, Dan Curry. I won that contest and made a wonderful friend in Dan as well. My career as a Diva and not the tenor I had planned on being had begun. How could I have known that first night performing that I was being groomed by three performers who were headed for so much success and who still took the time to steer my career in a direction that years later would help me obtain the title of Miss Gay America 2001. As for my name, I mentioned  that I performed two songs that starry night. oh so long ago and the first selection was "If They Could See Me Now" from Sweet Charity and as anyone  reading this would know, the song ends with, “Hi girls, it's me Charity!" and even then I didn't see myself being called Sweet Charity but I did love the name, so I was just going to be called Charity. When the MC was bringing me on she turned to me and said, "What's your last name?" I told her, "I don't have one I am just Charity, like Cher !" to which she replied," You must have a last name! "  In a moment of frustration I yelled out Case, call me Charity Case. After all, this was just going to be a one time deal… what did I care... Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:  How were you first introduced to the MGA pageant system?  Who was your role model? Miss Gay America 2001 Charity Case:  Melinda Ryder was working to win the title of Miss Gay Missouri when we first met.. She had already been first alternate to Miss Gay Missouri and had been to Miss Gay America… this was very exciting to me and something that I wanted to pursue. Melinda and her team took me into their fold and helped me start my quest for a crown. Within months I competed at Miss Gay Midwest and placed 13th out of 22 contestants. One year later I won the crown of Miss Gay Midwest, and that same year Melinda won Miss Gay Missouri and we were on our way to Dallas TX to compete at Miss Gay America. The week was unbelievable!. I met so many people I could never list them all and had the time of my life. On the final night of the pageant I stood and watched as my mentors owned the night, Second Alternate was Melinda Ryder, First Alternate was Fritz Capone and the winner was of course Naomi Sims, three of my role models and three of the best friends a person could ever have. On a personal note, while I did not make the top ten I did place 13th and was named the Lady Barbara Award Winner. I was so excited you would have thought I had won! Melinda Ryder is still performing as a celebrity fundraiser in KC and is still my best friend to this day... Regrettably Naomi Sims and Fritz Capone are no longer with us but live in the hearts of everyone they ever touched. Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:  How many times did you compete and how did you manage to keep it fresh every year? Miss Gay America 2001 Charity Case:  I competed for the title of Miss Gay America 11 times, a fact of which I am proud. I was fortunate enough to win 8 state and regional titles and was 1st alternate 3 other years and that is no easy feat. Keeping it fresh for me was doing a talent that excited me and putting together a package that challenged me. I never used the expression, "my package is clean" because to me that equals boring. I would always remember something Norman Jones said to me early on, "Does your talent stir an emotion?' Does your evening gown fit and accentuate your best features? Will you present yourself in interview as a leader?". Striving to obtain these goals is what kept it fresh for me. I was also lucky enough to have a partner with great fashion sense and an ability to make this big girl feel like a Barbie. Thank you Jimmy. Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:  What advice do you give plus size contestants? Miss Gay America 2001 Charity Case:  You must have the confidence and belief in yourself that if you want something bad enough you can achieve it. Success is not just for skinny girls... You may have to work harder but so do plain girls, so don't cry about it. One note… being plus sized, take the time to make sure your fashion is flattering . Remember you not only have to please yourself and the crowd but most importantly you must to please the five judges that sit before you. Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:  I've always wanted to know..... Why Miss Gay America instead of a Plus size pageant? Miss Gay America 2001 Charity Case:  When I started competing there were no plus size pageants and I was fortunate to have enough confidence in myself to never question whether or not I should  be competing with smaller contestants.. By the time Miss USofA at Large came about I had been in the top 5 at Miss Gay America, 1st Alternate at National Entertainer of the Year,(to my good friend Tasha Kohl) and had placed 7th at Miss Gay USofA. and I felt that I had been so close to the Miss Gay America crown that it just wasn't within me to end the quest to be Miss Gay America. I was honored to judge Miss USofA at Large in its emeritus year. Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:  Any advice for me this year? Miss Gay America 2001 Charity Case:  Having been friends with you over all of these years, I don't know what advice that I could give you that you would not already posses. We have shared achievements, we have shared disappointments and through it all we have shared our lives and have both seen our dreams come true. I feel sure that your year will continue to be accomplished, graceful, and altruistic just as you are and I hope that you cherish your year as much as I cherished mine… Thank you Mark (Miss Gay America 2001 Charity Case)...I am so proud to call you my MGA sister. Next month is Miss Mid-America in Memphis on March  11th and Miss Gay DC America in DC on March 18th and 19th.    Until then, dream big and achieve everything!!! Love and Respect! Miss Gay America 2011 April 2011 Its official!!  Pageant season has begun and the Miss Gay America 2012 pageant season is in full swing. My month started out in Myrtle Beach SC , where I produce a Theatre Production of an illusion show. The theatre was sold out and I had such a great time with the cast....Many thanks to Denise Russell, Viki Williams, Gigi Monroe and Kirby Kolby. The next show will be in the fall.....Cant wait!!! After returning home for a few days, I realized that all my life I have been waiting for this moment. When I would be able to attend a prelim as MISS GAY AMERICA.   More excited than nervous, I found myself in Memphisfor the Miss Mid-America Pageant. With a great panel of judges and wonderful contestants, the pageant was a complete success.  Tanisha Foxx looked amazing at her step down while Symphony Alexander Love took top spot and close behind was Jade Sinclair. I was so impressed with every contestant.  I also would like to thank Larry and Terry for everything. You truly know how to put a pageant together. The following night I was invited to perform at Spectrum in Memphis . It was such an energetic crowd and I had a blast....My trip toMemphis was so much fun. A special thanks to Anita, Mike, Catia, Rachael, Coco , Robert, Jeff, Tom and especially Larry and Terry. On a side note.. Thank you Catia, for my first duet with a former Miss Gay America. I so enjoyed it… No time to rest, I'm off to our nations capital, Washington DC . I will be giving up the title that allowed me to capture my dream of becoming Miss Gay America. Friday Night was an incredible review show at Ziegfields. The new club was awesome. I totally recommend it... Thank you, Jon Parks for making me feel like a star. The next day I found myself in registration with 5 contestants from all over the US . After an amazing night of Pageantry, Kirby Kolby captured the title of Miss Gay DC America with Patti Lovelace as her 1st alternate. Words can’t describe my feelings for Robert York...Thank you for making my life dream come true...YOU ARE LOVED... My month ends with a celebration....I traveled to After Dark in Ft. Wayne Indiana and Talbott Street in Indianapolis for the weekend... Thank you’s go out to Shawn, Asia , Viki, Sage, Ginger, Della and Leslie for making my weekend a success. Finishing off the month I attended my own birthday Party in Lexington Kentucky at the Bar Complex. Latoya, John, Paris and RJ… I'm blessed you are in my life. Thank you for making my birthday so special. I also would like to thank Juice and Scott for spending time with me... It humbles me to introduce my next MGA interview. I cant tell you how proud I am of this next individual. I present to you, North Carolina 's own, Miss Gay America 1996 Kerri Nichols.... Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:  How did you get introduced to the MGA pageant? Miss Gay America 1996 Kerri Nichols:  When I first started female impersonation it seemed important here in North Carolina to do well in pageants. Pageantry has always been strong here in NC.  It all began with Pageant Enterprises… Pageant Enterprises was started by Larry Kidd and Marsha McLawhorn (the backbone of the organization). This lady knew more about female impersonation than most impersonators!. It was a group of people that loved the art of female impersonation and the Miss Gay America system. They used their collective talents to put on a wonderful Miss NorthCarolina and really trained entertainers how to be good competitors. Toni Lenoir became my “drag mother”. Toni was former Miss North Carolina and 2nd runner-up to Lauren Colby, MGA 1986. She introduced me to Thom Guinn. Thom put together all of my talents for competition. These two loved and believed in the Americapageant system, and really passed that on to me. Thom and Toni really have a special place in my heart as my “beginning.” Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:   How did MGA change your life?  Miss Gay America 1996 Kerri Nichols:  Well, I was already performing full time in North and South Carolina . The year before I won and the year I was Miss Gay America, I was able to expand that to the entire country, except Hawaii (frown), why no prelim in Hawaii ??!! Oh how nice that would have been! Anyway, doing all that traveling and working molds you. I met so many people and visited so many places. I really think I took pieces of all those experiences and they helped me become who I am today. Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:   During your reign, what was your defining moment? Miss Gay America 1996 Kerri Nichols:  I guess it all begins and ends with Norman Jones (Norma Kristie). When he announced that I was the 24th Miss Gay America a wave of emotion came over me. If you’ve ever seen the video of my crowning you will know what I’m talking about. It’s a little embarrassing, but at that moment it was all coming together for me. Six years of competing, so many ups and downs. And it was happening! It was happening to me! I remember seeing the crowd jump to its feet in a roar, the smiles on their faces. It was so surreal. But I think that my defining moment was the final night of my reign as Miss Gay America. It was a SOLD OUT crowd at Oven’s Auditorium in my hometown of  Charlotte , NC . The 25th Silver Anniversary. Norma Kristie (Jones) stood at the podium, spoke into the microphone  and thanked me for my hard work and for being an excellent Miss Gay America. At that moment I realized that that is what I had always wanted . To be an excellent Miss Gay America. I felt validated.  Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:   What obstacles have you overcome since your reign? Miss Gay America 1996 Kerri Nichols:   A few years after my year as MGA I was lost. I didn’t know what I wanted for Jeff, the real me. I had always been a bit of a party girl. But somewhere I lost control and the party had ended. For about 10 years I was completely out of control. I’d become a drunk. It’s not pretty, but it’s my ugly truth. I quit going out and I began isolating. Home alone, drunk and miserable. Finally, I was sick and tired of being sick and tired. I was ashamed but so desperate for help that I swallowed my pride and found my way to Alcoholics Anonymous. There is a gay AA group here in Charlotte (which believe it or not, actually meets on Queen’s Road!)  These people welcomed me and showed me a better way to live. Being sober today has given me a freedom and given me my life back. I’ve now been sober over 2 years. I know that there are many people in the gay community that are suffering from alcohol and or drug abuse. If  that is the case for someone  reading this,   you can use my life and experience  as a source of hope. You CAN beat it. You DESERVE a better life. Help is out there. Just reach out for it.  I hope that being honest and telling my story here will help someone who is suffering. Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:  What advice would you give me this year? Miss Gay America 1996 Kerri Nichols:  Enjoy yourself. Being Miss America is a lot of work, but great fun. Take lots of pictures. Be yourself. I think all the Miss Gay America’s have brought something unique to the crown. You are certainly no exception. So wear the crown proudly as Coti Collins, Miss Gay America 2011. Thank you Kerri. You are an inspiration to so many out there. Until next month, May all your dreams become reality...  Coti Collins   Miss Gay America 2011    May 2011 Already May?  Where has the time gone? April has been a whirlwind to me. I so enjoyed my travels and getting to see so many old friends… and of course making new life long relationships. When I'm asked, “what makes Miss Gay America different from any other pageant?”, I can honestly answer the question… Feeling it first hand, Miss Gay America is a family. Each prelim that I attend, I see contestants, promoters, and formers stepping up to assure that the pageant experience is a positive one. It’s overwhelming to know I'm a part of something much larger than myself. This makes me proud. April starts out with a bang. I find myself in Charlotte NC attending Miss Mid-East America Pageant. With seven incredible contestants, it kept me on the edge of my seat all evening. When it was all over, Chantel Reshae took top honors and Lindsay Starr was close behind.  I want to thank Mike Rhinehart and the Scorpio's staff for such a successful event. Miss Mid-East has always had a special place in my heart. It’s the only title I have held twice. Jessica Jade did an amazing job representing the title all year. It is always a pleasure working with you. My next prelim would be Miss Gay Maryland America. This would be my first state prelim, and what a prelim to start it off with. From beginning to end, the staff at the Hippo was beyond accommodating. With 10 contestants, I have never witnessed such comradery and love. Onyx Revlon was such a class act. It started with a roast in his honor. It was so much fun and yet very emotional for me, I will never forget the love I felt from each of you. It was truly overwhelming. After two days of nail biting competition, Chi Chi Ray Colby achieved his dream with Araya Sparxx only points behind. I want to thank Roger, Chuck, Tatiyanna, Sue Nami, Daniel and Onyx for a weekend that proves excellence does exist. I'm humbled by the love I felt.  Between the prelims, I made stops at Godfrey’s in Richmond VA , Club Kaos in Macon GA , Club Pantheon in Charleston SC and Legends in Raleigh NC . Its overwhelming to see the support I receive across the country. I'm proud to report that Miss Gay America is alive and well, and growing. Stay tuned for more exciting news... This months interview I'm excited to present Miss Gay America 1979, Rachel Wells. One of the most respected individuals I have met. I still get star-struck talking to him..... Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins: What interested you in the art of female impersonation? Miss Gay America 1979 Rachel Wells: First, let me say how thrilled I am to be interviewed, especially by you. You are the epitome of perseverance and determination, qualities I really admire in a person. Back in 1971, I was probably like many gay men who when they first see a show are a bit puzzled and put off by a man who dresses like a woman. I mean, when you’re young (and I was underage at the time) and trying to “find” myself, along comes a drag queen on stage looking like a movie star (like life wasn’t confusing enough already). I was confounded and in awe at the same time with the enigma. As fate would have it, I became friends with an entertainer and found getting in drag and pretending to be one of the cast members got me in the club without an ID. Of course, I sat in the dressing room all night, now officially a booger drag, and embarrassed to be wearing a dress and wig.  I watched the show from the wings. In a few weeks I was performing… Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins: How were you introduced to the Miss Gay America Pageant? Miss Gay America 1979 Rachel Wells: I had just won the Miss Gay Atlanta Pageant, and at the time, that pageant and the Miss Southeast contest were the biggest ones around. As corny as it sounds, I was informed by Wendy Grape, Miss Southeast, that it was our civic responsibility to represent all of the gay people in the south by entering the Miss Gay America Pageant. I always took what Wendy said to heart. Please remember that I was still young and naïve, and though I didn’t really believe that being a representative for all the gay masses in the south was my calling or responsibility, I still entered with his words as my mantra. The contest was held in Nashville ,Tennessee . Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins: How was your first experience at the Miss Gay America Pageant? Miss Gay America 1979 Rachel Wells: My first experience was awful, and for many reasons. First, I was way out of my league thinking that I could compete with seasoned entertainers. To me, most of them wore too much makeup and over the top costumes, and frankly, they looked like men in dresses. It was also frightening being in such a large contest out of town surrounded by strange creatures that I didn’t know. And to make it worse, after the first evening of competition, I went for a joy ride by myself in downtown Nashville , was pulled over by police and was arrested for not having my driver’s license with me. I appeared in night court and then I had to spend the night in jail. I was out in time for the next morning for interviews, and no one, except for my close circle of friends, even knew that I spent the night locked up with undesirables. On a lighter note, that was the year Baronessa won, and like any contest, the cream always rises to the top, and she was in a class all her own. I also had the opportunity to see Norma give up his crown. So for the most part, my first time was a real learning experience (excellence is developed, not something we’re born with), and I also had a chance to see history. It was also during the crowning that I became focused on one day being Miss Gay America. Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins: During your reign, what was your pinnacle moment? Miss Gay America 1979 Rachel Wells: I had no pinnacle moments while being Miss Gay America. Don’t get me wrong, I loved my reign, but it wasn’t until I finally quit performing that I realized that winning the crown was the pinnacle of my female impersonation career.  Even though I had the chance to do some other incredible things, and I had wonderful opportunities thrown my way, it was in retrospect that I realized that nothing compared to the experience of having my named announced as the winner.  Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins: Why did Rachel retire from performing? Miss Gay America 1979 Rachel Wells: Rachel didn’t retire from performing, I (John) did. After fourteen or so years of entertaining, it was time to put the dear girl to rest. She had paid her dues. Anyway, part of my act was being this beautiful goddess creature, and there’s nothing worse than an aging actress who was once a beauty queen. No one can airbrush the face when appearing on stage. And quite honestly, I was tired of performing and I wanted to achieve other things. I admire those that make a long-time career of entertaining, but I was beginning to loath the nightly application of makeup, the constant expense of costumes and wigs, the layers of pantyhose, tights, and padding, and the never ending search for new material. But quite frankly, when open-toed shoes went out of style and I was forced to wear closed-toed shoes (with the pointed toes); my big feet began to scream, “No more!” Female impersonators are like vampires: once bitten, they will be forever tied to the drag sorority, and I am no different. I will always want to perform, but I have reached that point in my life and I have accepted the fact that I don’t need to. Though eternally grateful for all that I have been given and earned, the Rachel Wells persona is now just part of my past.  Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins: Any advice for me this year during my reign? Miss Gay America 1979 Rachel Wells: Remember that life is too short and so very precious. You’ve worked so hard to achieve this success, but never forget that this year’s achievement will only be one of many for you. So enjoy the year for what it is, and then move forward to other goals waiting to be accomplished.   If you would like to read more about Rachel Wells, and his journey go to www.JRGreenwellMGA79.com    Thank you John for leading the way. I'm humbled to be in the company of such individuals as yourself...  Until next month, reach for your dreams, and if your lucky, you will catch a few.... Coti Collins   Miss Gay America 2011    June 2011 What an exciting month in Pageantry...It has been extremely busy for me but I have enjoyed every minute of it. First of all I want to congratulate 2 of my sisters...Catia Lee Love for capturing the title of US of A Classic and Luscious for achieving her dream as Miss US of A....I'm so proud of you both..... My month started out in Missouri ... The pageant ran like clock work. With formers working together, I'm proud to announce that Madison Elise took the title and very close behind, Tajma Stetson qualified as 1st alternate. Both contestants were very impressive and I'm excited to see them at nationals. Hats off to the MissouriAlumni...A Job well done.... No time to rest... I'm off to Miss Gay Oklahoma America. Tillie and Joe were such great hosts. This pageant was so exciting and all the contestants were on their game. In the end, Roxie Hart won the title and Roslyn Dubois took 1st alternate. I have never met either contestant and it was a blessing for me. I know that both will make a big splash at MGA....on a side note... I had a blast with Tillie...what a spirit... then, I was straight to the airport and off to Miss Atlantic StatesAmerica . John Kane and Matt Minnier spared no expense. The pageant was held at a theatre and was filled with celebrities. Jessica Jade took top honors ( Billy is still on speed dial, I'm just sayin…) and Monica Moore was 1st alternate. John and Matt put us up at the Mansion...It was the most unusual hotel ever...I loved it.. Thank you for making me feel like a Miss Gay America.  I am nowheading now to Miss Gay Virginia America… I am so excited to work with Wayne Doggett. He had everything ready and all the contestants were amazing. I will never forget this pageant, With a computer glitch, it took 2 days to determine the winner... Onyx Revlon won by 10 points and Shelby Bottoms was her 1st alternate.  I have taken full responsibility of the situation and all I can say is I'm only human... But one thing I learned is that I was never so impressed of how Shelby Bottoms handled the situation… Now that's a true Symbol of Excellence...Thank you so much for being so professional. Miss Mid-Atlantic  America is my next stop.  Aron Aranda truly made me feel like a Miss Gay America. I have known Aron for some time now and he never ceases to amaze me. This pageant was so close... Tatiyanna Voche' won and Paige Passion was his 1st alternate. I was so proud of both of them. On another side note… I was blessed with working with my sister Jennifer Foxx...You inspire me so much… I'm so blessed. My month was filled with joy and blessings. I only hope that through my travels, that I inspire hope and that nothing is impossible in the world. If you dream it, you can achieve it..... This month I have a surprise for you...Colin Murphy has interviews me and I have interviewed Patti Le Plae Safe....I spent some time with Patti in DC and I was very interested in his story… I’m so glad he had time to share with us.... This is my interview with Miss Gay America 1995 Patti Le Plae Safe: Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:  How were you introduced to the MGA system? Miss Gay America 1995 Patti Le Plae Safe: The whole time I was living in Arkansas , I never knew it was the home of Miss Gay America.  I used to go to the Discovery nightclub every chance I could to watch the entertainers in the late 70s and early 80s.  I was so afraid of Norma who I only knew asNorman .  I even dated one of his bartenders.  All along I was so close but in my head I was so far.  If I had started earlier while I lived in Arkansas I would have been a MGA earlier quiet possibly.  Living in Texas brought me closer, because I was surrounded by winners of the America and other pageant systems.  I'd watched a lot of pageants before I ever entered one.  Eventually, I met Ramona LeGer at a Mr. Gay All American contest in St. Louis in 1991.  I had been helping the guys backstage as a dresser.  I also met Vicki Vincent and Dieta Pepsi who were the Emcees and they were a hoot to hang around with.  Prior to that I had never met a MGA contestant that would talk to me. Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins: With little pageant experience, how did you prepare for the contest? Miss Gay America 1995 Patti Le Plae Safe: After watching the televised Miss America every year as a child, I think I always had the bug. You see, I have always been the fundraiser type and of course, the "pageant girls" told me that I had no talent, bad clothes and I wasn't pretty, etc....that, I should stick to my homemade clothes and my charity stuff....  My best friend at the time, John Gordon, overheard all that and offered to support me if I wanted to try it. He'd already won MGAA 1992 so he was free to help me, since I'd helped him thru all his contests. We created a talent of which I wore my homemade ballgown, and picked the evening gown I could afford, and went to town on creating the "pageant me".  Everything I had learned backstage with Mr Gay All American prepared me for serious competition.  So I knew the bones and gears of the contest system, and learned how to convert them to the best of my abilities for the pageant system.  Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins: This would be a very hard situation to handle... What went though your head when you heard the news of Ramona's passing? Miss Gay America 1995 Patti Le Plae Safe: Norman called me to tell me, (Shock) to get prepared. (Shocking)  I will be fullfilling the duties....total shock now!!  I didn't know what it meant quite frankly, I didn't even know the 1st runner-up rule.  Ramona was the one who asked me to compete in the first place. She said it would be nice to have me backstage during competition.  Keep in mind I had never competed at this point.  I did city titles and usually got 1st, 2nd, or 3rd.  The closest I got to Miss Gay Texas was 13th and that was a tie. So now it's like going from a nobody to 1st runner-up of the Miss Gay America pageant, to being the winner in the matter of 3 hours of phone calls. I just could not allow her to be forgotten. I feel like Ramona chose me, from the beginning.  We were from different worlds: Hers; to live, eat, pray, dream, focus, and think about being MGA her whole life, and Mine; to raise as much money for AIDs as a person could possibly do in a lifetime.  I had lost a friend, someone who believed in me.  Someone who wanted/considered me to be a part of her world.  When she (Ramona) won, and we were standing in the hall awaiting critique, she leaned over to me and whispered, "I'd have been honored to have been your 1st runner-up"! That shocked me because she tried like 9 times to win and I was HER 1st runner-up.  I was only hoping to be close to the top ten and not be on the bottom of the list......I had no idea that I had up until final night beat her.  I ended up only points behind her.  Ramona was my true beginning of MGA.  So maybe we won this together, you know? Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins: Why did you choose to represent the system instead of being crowned? Miss Gay America 1995 Patti Le Plae Safe: I could never have taken the crown and worn it, step over/around Ramona and act as though she never existed in the history of MGA.  Let's back up and discuss the 1st runner-up rule... Shan Covington who was actually crowned as MGA 1976, (ah you might not know about this in the history books) was completely removed from history (due to “conduct unbecoming to a titleholder”) and Dani Daletto who was truthfully 2nd runne-rup became MGA.  Michael Andrews who was the 1st runner-up wanted the chance to win it, hear his name called and get crowned in public. So Michael opted out (since he has already qualified for the Miss Gay America 1977 pageant) and Dani stepped in when Shan was removed. After Michael won the next year the 1st runner-up rule was created.  I didn't want that to happen to Ramona.  I sat down with Norma Kristie at Ramona's funeral with Ramona's lover and her family and I suggested that I carry Ramona's crown in her honor and that my tips during the "Crown Performance of MGA" would go to AIDs organizations in each pageant city that I would performed in.  I would only do this if they would allow me to keep Ramona's dream alive for her.  It'd be like my legs, eyes, heart and lips and her dream, honor and crown.  I wanted her to be remembered even if I was doing 43 out of 45 prelims.  I didn't know what to do, but I learned along the way, and I became stronger and I think I became very well respected as time carried me on.  The only plan of final night for me was my crowning ceremony as the 25th Silver MGA.  The rest of the night was what Ramona planned as she had dreamed it.... Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins: How did MGA change your life? Miss Gay America 1995 Patti Le Plae Safe: This is cute but true TIME MANAGEMENT!!!!!  I have learned so many amazing things thru MGA.  The experience has even helped my careers, as a successful hairstylist and entertainer.  I was crowned 16 years ago and I'm still being asked to judge and perform all over America . I host some really fun straight events as Patti.  I have been very honored, blessed and superiorly lucky as a MGA. Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins: Any advise for me as I make this journey? Miss Gay America 1995 Patti Le Plae Safe: Coti, yes, three things, make time for yourself to see each place you go.  There have been many places in America that I'd never have seen being a poor truck driver's son, so I took extra days to stay there and learn what I didn't know and I experienced a lot of amazing places/memories.  Also rest… I flew in drag from Springfield , Illinois to Chicago in route to Miss Gay Michigan.  I washed off the makeup on the plane and then learned I needed to reapply it in the car (6 hours with a chain smoking "motorcycle dyke") on the way to the Michigan pageant because I was to arrive too late to start painting there.  It was messy, but a seriously tiring 39 hour memory.  SO REST every chance you get! Keep a journal of everything that happens. The smallest thing 17 years from now when you read it, will rekindle the amazing feelings you had today all over again....... Enjoy and keep your heart! XOXOXOXOXOX -Hott Rodd the Hair Godd -President, Home for the Holidays Texas Inc.  (A 501(c)3 Non-profit organization that sends persons Living with AIDs home for the holidays to be with their families) -Miss Gay America 1995 Patti Le Plae Safe Hosts: Dallas GayBingo @ S4 Viva Dallas Burlesque @ The Lakewood Theater "Sordid Sushi" The Drag Brunch @ Fin Sushi (OakLawn) Thank you Patti for your time in interview with me… Also this month so many of you wanted to interview me. I have chosen Colin Murphy from St Louis to ask me a few questions. I'm usually not so open but I hope my story will touch your life..... Colin Murphy: How did you get your start in female illusion? Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins: I was introduced to the art of Female Impersonation while attending college in Huntington , WV .  I was always interested in theater and this seems to be the perfect outlet. My first show was a benefit to send Mimi Woods to Miss Gay America. I remember the night to be magical—allowing about 8 months to get ready for it, I felt it was such a perfect introduction to a new venture. I never imagined it would be my career in later years. Colin Murphy: When did you first compete at Miss Gay America? Talk a bit about your competitive journey… Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins: The next year , I decided to compete for Miss Gay West Virginia America. After placing 1st alternate to Bridget Nichols, we were off to Dallas . Two pivotal moments standout in my mind. I remember a judge asking me “why do you want to be MGA?” I suddenly spoke up and said...I don't want to be MGA—I just want to meet everyone. I often tell the story stating, I’ve now met everyone. The second moment was meeting Lindsay Love. We followed each other in the lineup. I was so wide eyed and asking so many questions, Lindsay answered each one and at the end of the week he turned to me and said “You will be Miss Gay America someday.” I only wish he was here to see his prediction come true… Colin Murphy: Each month you highlight a former MGA in your newsletter. How many of them have you met personally and who has impacted you the most? Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins: I have been fortunate to have known all except one…Dani Deletto. I’m proud of that fact. Jennifer Foxx was gracious to share with me information about Dani. He was an illusionist like me. I'm sure we would have been great friends if he were here today. He was known for his Liza. The beauty of MGA is each former puts his own spin and personality into the crown and each affected my life in different ways. There are 4 that stand out: Norma Kristi—for defining excellence and helping me to achieve it; Jennifer Foxx—for being my mentor, yesterday and today; Hot Chocolate—for being a best friend and showing me a better life and Brandi Alexander—for being a best friend and illustrating nothing is impossible in a career. [MGA owners] Larry and Terry have a 8 x 10 photo of each former Miss Gay America hanging on their wall office, in year order. It is overwhelming to stand back and feel the history. It humbles me to be on that wall. Colin Murphy:  When you were at Miss Gay Missouri you told the audience that it took you 22-years and many attempts to win the crown. What made you come back in 2010 after taking a year off? Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:  After attending MGA 2009, I had made up my mind I was giving it up. I felt like I had given everything I had and it just wasn’t working. A long time ago I promised a good friend (BOBBY PAULEY) that I would enter Miss US of A one more time. I fulfilled that promise and I thought maybe pageants just wasn’t for me. So life went on... I was booked at Gigis Club in Detroit one weekend and was in the dressing room...Nikki Stephens told me someone wanted to speak to me so I stopped painting and went to the door. A cute 18 year old boy stood there, kinda star-struck and asked if I had a minute. He explained to me that he was recently kicked out of his home for being gay, had no place to live and was hiv+. He told me that he thought about ending it and thought he had no choices. With tears in my eyes I explained that his life has just begun. He had so much to live for... Then he told me he watched the movie PAGEANT and when I stated that I never give up and I will achieve my goals, It gave him hope. I hugged him and gave him my number and assured him that I would be there if he needed anything, and I have never seen him again.  On the way home I couldn’t get him out of my head...I felt like I let him down because I did give up on my dream. At that moment, I decided to go back and make it happen. The rest of the story is well known...But it took a total stranger (I would like to call him my angel) to get me on track and he changed my life. I only hope to see him again...I owe him so much....He changed my life... Colin Murphy:  We’re seeing a new generation of performers emerge. What advice do you give them and how important is it for established entertainers to nurture new talent? Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:  I always tell everyone...NEVER LET ANYONE DETERMINE YOUR SELF WORTH.  I think that’s so important for everyone to know. I try to live by example, nothing is impossible in life. Take a chance and achieve it.... Colin Murphy:  Last Question - You are at the middle-point of your reign – what stands out for you when you look back on the past seven months? Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:   My life has been fulfilled. What stands out for me is changing others lives. So many has given up on their dreams. If I’m the poster child for that, I’m proud to be. This year will be a very exciting year. So many contestants will be returning. New contestants that have the fire in there eyes also will be there. That is the most rewarding thing to know that I have changed someone’s life. I’m so glad it happened for me this year and not earlier… God gives you what you need when you need it. I’m so blessed... Thank you Colin for your time to interview me. I'm going to leave you with this.  Make a difference, life is not promised, Love, Laugh and be blessed... Coti Collins   Miss Gay America 2011    July 2011 As the months go by, my excitement level rises. I am so proud to be a part of something much bigger than anything I could possibly imagine. Each city, each preliminary and each contestant has brought so many blessings into my life. I am humbled to be your Miss Gay America 2011...   The month started out with a much needed vacation. For the record, a casino show in Oregon where I have spent the last 4 years entertaining is so relaxing to me... Each night amazes me when I'm announced as Miss Gay America. It makes me proud to change the perception of the art of female impersonation. I want to thank Denise Russell, Gigi Monroe, Kenneth Rex, and Monica Moore for allowing me to come in and out of the show and always being there to support me. I truly love you guys… My first prelim this month was Miss Gay Arizona America. It is always a great time in Phoenix . With an incredible group of contestants and a venue that looks like final night at Miss Gay America, the pageant was such a success. I never wanted to leave. When all was said and done, Celia Putty was crowned and Tyra Marie was 1st alternate. Both contestants will make waves at the Miss Gay America 2012 pageant, I promise you that....  I want to thank Daniel, Ron and Lee for making me feel so special. It will be a weekend that I will remember forever.  On a side note... the formers impressed me so with your concerns and unity. I was so humbled. I love you all. No time to unpack as next, I was off to Vegas. It was a homecoming for me as I used to live there. Miss Western States Americabrought contestants from all over the US . When the night was over, Erica Chandler brought home the crown and Deja Brooks was his 1st alternate.  Both contestants impressed me so much. I want to thank Kenneth Blake and Miss Gay America 2010 CoCo Montrese for an amazing pageant. It was first  class all the way, but I didn't expect anything less from you both.  In closing, as I look back at this month, these things I have learned for sure... ·        Take time to enjoy the view... ·         I want to be Catia Lee Love when I grow up...... ·         I will never get in a car with Larry Edwards again.... ·         I will only work with Catia in the winter months..... ·         I am so proud of Steven Wayne... ·         I miss Jeff at my prelims... ·         I love spending time with Barbara Seville... ·         I will always be honest to the contestants... ·        I only wish others were with me years ago... ·        I will cherish each moment with my friends and loved ones...we are never promised anything in life.... This month I am so proud to interview Miss Gay America 1980 Hot Chocolate .... aka Larry Edwards, he has been one of my best friends and I would not want to go though life without him. He makes me a better person, inside and out....I hope you enjoy this as much as I enjoy spending time with him. Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:  HOW WERE YOU INTRODUCED TO THE MGA PAGEANT SYSTEM? Miss Gay America 1980 Hot Chocolate: I was introduced to the MGA system in 1975, the year Shawn Luis won. It was my first experience as a contestant...What a proud moment being able to compete in such a prestigious pageant… I was amazed with such talented performers & title holders...It's the best system any pageant could have.. I'm very proud of the MGA system.... Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:  WHAT WAS YOUR DEFINING MOMENT AS MGA? Miss  Gay America 1980 Hot Chocolate: My defining moment was being able to travel and work with the most professional and talented performers across the country.. Having the opportunity to learn from the best in the country is something I will always treasure....what a proud moment the night I won the MGA pageant, it was my mother's first time ever seeing me onstage...It's a moment I will never forget! Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:  WHO INSPIRES YOU?  Miss  Gay America 1980 Hot Chocolate: Entertainers with a determination inspires me... It inspires me to see upcoming female impersonators accomplish their goals as entertainers… I'm amazed to see that if you focus on your goals and dreams, they will come true...I'm always inspired with new talent and seeing the legacy of female impersonation continue to go mainstream.......What an inspiration!! Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:  WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE ME? Miss  Gay America 1980 Hot Chocolate: My advice would be to continue your positive attitude with helping others and to help them to become the best they can be...Make the MGA family proud... Pass on your blessings!! Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:  AFTER OCTOBER, WHAT SHOULD I DO? Miss Gay America 1980 Hot Chocolate: I think you should enjoy your life to the fullest after October.....Be the happiest you can be.... In closing, I challenge each of you to follow your dreams. Never let anyone determine your self worth.......  Until next month Miss Gay America 2011    August 2011 Could this month be any hotter? Between the actual weather and the competition I have seen… in the words of KeSha, this place is about to blow… July started out with a bang in Kansas City.  Reba sure knows how to put a pageant on... Contestants from all over the country battled it out while Tanisha Foxx took top honors with Sparkle Iman as his 1st alternate. Larry and Terry attended this event. It was a success from start to finish... They sure know how to treat a MGA. On a side note, it was a blessing to spend time with Reba. I think we are dangerous together… Just sayin...  Miss Gay Ohio America was my next stop. Everyone knows I grew up here and it was such an amazing homecoming. Aron has been a personal friend for several years and it brings me joy to see him fulfilling his dreams. The pageant went without a hitch. At the end, Deva Station won with Alli Katt as his 1st alternate.  It was humbling to watch all the former Miss Ohio America’s in action. They have such an incredible sisterhood. I was touched that you accepted me and let me feel your love. Aron, I thank you for believing in me even before I ever wore a crown...I am blessed to have you as a friend. There was no time to unpack as I was headed off to Texas. Aaron Davis invited me along with Erica Andrews and Tommie Ross to perform in the beautiful town of Corpus Christie. With a cast like this, you can imagine how amazing the show turned out to be. Aaron and Erica kept me laughing all night while Tommie and I had several moments I will never forget. Thank you so much for including me in this incredible event.... There was no time to sleep as I headed straight to Harrisburg PA for the Miss Gay Pennsylvania America pageant. With contestants all over the state, Domiana Dupre St. James took home the crown with Ashley Lynn as his 1st alternate. Eric has been so dedicated to his pageant and I want to thank him for treating all his contestants and myself with love and respect. He put his heart in this pageant and it showed. I can’t wait to come back to Harrisburg as it is such a fun place. Why rest now? I'm on a roll… I caught a flight to Orlando Florida for the Miss Gay Florida America Pageant. It was a delight to see that Florida America was alive and healthy. With an amazing contestant base, Zhane' Kennedy took top honors and Jessica Deveraux as his 1st alternate. This pageant kept me on the edge of my seat. There were so many new blessings this week for me. After the crowning in Florida we packed up and headed to Gulfport Florida for the Miss Gulf States America Pageant.  The theatre was sold out and the event was amazing. At the end Victoria Dupuis was crowned and Blair Williams took spot as his 1st alternate. This was emotional for me because both contestants came back to the system after a long absence. Miss Gay America has definitely benefited with their return.  For the promoters Ron and Mark, what can I say... I didn't know them before my trip but what a blessing. I didn't want to leave. Your dedication to the MGA Pageant system is overwhelming. Thank you for allowing me into your lives and I'm sure we will have many more happy times together. This I know for sure.... Good things always come out of Columbus.... Just sayin... Dominique Sanchez is a joy to work with.... Tommie Ross inspires me.....always Sabrina White entertains me..... I'm amazed... I'm still stalking Catia.... This month has been one of the most humbling months in my life... This month I am proud to interview someone I’ve looked up to for many years....Miss Gay America 2000 Catia Lee Love has set the bar for being Miss Gay America... I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.... Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins: How did you get introduced to the MGA system? Miss Gay America 2000 Catia Lee Love: My introduction to the America system came only a month after I started doing drag. At the time, I was living in Houston, TX. I had started in a small Talent night, and after being put into a cast, my drag mentors decided I should try out a pageant. They knew I had been a competitive dancer and felt I would be ideally suited for one of these. They got me pulled together and sent me off to San Antonio, TX, and I entered Miss San Antonio America. I wound up being 1st alternate, which I was so excited about since I had just started in drag and had no clue how the pageants worked. LOL as each category would start, my mentors would tell me what was about to happen, then they would literally say go and pushed me onstage. It was like a crazy comedy movie, but oh so fun. Sadly, the girl who won passed away less than a month later, and I found myself being crowned Miss San Antonio America '94. It was then I found out I would now be heading to Miss Gay Texas America. Foolish as it may seem, I had 0 knowledge of the pageant system nor the fact that there were levels to it until that point. So off to Miss TX I went. Excited and wide eyed, I embarked upon the pageant path and found myself in the top 12 at my first state pageant. At that point, I knew I wanted to be Miss America. My eyes had been opened to the excitement, dedication, and spirit of the system and it's participants. I saw how revered the Miss Americas were and how they could both entertain and motivate those around them, and I knew this was the mark I wanted to be able to leave on those around me. Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins: How was your experiences with MGA before being crowned? Miss Gay America 2000 Catia Lee Love: My experiences were very informative and positive. I had ups and downs on my path to MGA. It took me 4 years to make it to MGA. I tried three times to be Miss TX and then moved to OK where I won Miss OK and went on to my first MGA. Those pageants helped me mold my knowledge and hon my skills so that when I hit the national level, I was able to rapidly move up the ranks. These skills are still what help me to succeed in every area of my career. My experiences with MGA have been so enlightening and empowering from the first pageant, through my reign, and even more so after my reign. Miss Gay America 2011  Coti Collins: During your reign as MGA, what was your defining moment? Miss Gay America 2000 Catia Lee Love:   That is a hard one for me because the year seemed to fly by.  For me, I think the moment was as I was standing on the stage during my give up and saw the people coming forward to recognize my year's work. I had been working so hard and trying to be so perfect all year long that for me, I had very little time to enjoy the rewards of the title. I always seemed to be pushing myself higher and harder than I did trying to become MGA, and I allowed many details to slip past me. I often felt I had not been good enough, and to see the appreciation and warmth from people finally allowed me the opportunity to see the fruits of my labor. Exhaustion and emotion, adulation and regret to see the time pass, all wed for a major psychological tidal wave that left me exposed and crippled for that time onstage. It was amazing, gratifying and humbling. I thought I would feel that I had "arrived" when I was crowned, but rather it was when I was relinquishing that crown that I truly felt I had "arrived". Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins: If you could change anything about MGA, what would it be? Miss Gay America 2000 Catia Lee Love:  LOL, if there is one thing I think I am definitely known for, it is speaking my mind. My thoughts on this topic are nothing new to our promoters and formers who attend the promoters meetings every year. The only thing I would like to see change about MGA is that I would like to see our competitive categories streamline. I think we have a lot of repetition in our talent categories and I feel it wears on the audience and the contestants. I think this will be very evident this year with such a large contingent of contestants. I think we would be able to ease some of the financial burdens as well as the physical exhaustion on our competitors if Solo Talent was removed from the competitive line up. I find the audiences tire out by talent and lose interest in the pageant, and I think we would speed up the event if a more time conducive replacement could be substituted.  I know many say that Solo Talent allows them the ability to see what they will be getting from the contestant as MGA. This is entirely FALSE. You MAY see what they have to offer and you may not. What we see at MGA is the best of what that contestant has to offer. There is no way to guarantee that they will consistently be able to carry that off. Also, many times what we see are faces painted by others, hair done by others, gowns designed and made by others, talents constructed by others. The majority of pageant packages are, in fact, the result of a 3rd party. Solo Talent in no way guarantees that MGA that will in fact be outstanding. Being a good competitor does not equal being a good representative. A good competitor will learn the skills needed to win the pageant and surround themselves with the tools needed to do so. Neither of those truly guarantee a gifted individual. Some feel Solo Talent will stop a "pageant" girl without the ability to truly entertain from winning. I contest this by saying no, Solo Talent does not do that, but rather a well trained and informed panel of judges who know what they are truly looking at does that. In fact, our MGA legends were chosen without that category. The fact is Solo Talent does nothing real for the pageant but extend our time and numb our audience. Solo Talent also causes a huge burden on our state and regional pageants as the contestant base grows. This repetitive category creates the need to start a pageant so incredibly early that I have yet to see a decent audience base at the start of these events. It is forcing many pageants to start their events as early as 5 or 6:00pm. No one wins with this scenario. Pageants are half done by the time an audience arrives. Contestants are forced to start getting ready for the pageant incredibly early and be put through a gauntlet for an unreasonable amount of hours, and the judges are forced to endure a marathon. It is basically sucking the very life out of our pageants. Of course, this is just my opinion. Nothing new or surprising to most, LOL Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins: What advise do you have for me after October? Miss Gay America 2000 Catia Lee Love:  Get ready to experience a never ending support and appreciation from not only the MGA followers, but your fellow MGA's. I often say the real fun begins after being MGA. Free of many of the pressures, you have the ability to expand even further and grow in ways that a reign does not allow time for. Prepare for some separation anxiety, and prepare for many more years of fantastic memories. You have worked so hard for this time, and the doors of opportunity will remain open to you as long as you wish to walk trough them. Oh yeah, get ready for me to sing your verses every time we perform together! LOL I hope that you have enjoyed reading this article as much as I have enjoyed my sincere friendship with Catia. As August proves to be the busiest month yet, I look forward to reporting the events of the month to you in the next edition… In closing, I challenge each of you to follow your dreams. Never let anyone determine your self worth.......  Until next month Miss Gay America 2011    September 2011 This month has been a whirlwind for me. I assure you that time flies when you are living your dream. I have received blessings everywhere I have traveled to this year. The friendships I have made, I will never forget. Miss Gay America is much more than a title,.. It will change a persons life. I feel it has challenged me to be a better person and to live up to the standard of Excellence. I'm am humbled to be called a Miss Gay America… This month starts out with a bang. Miss Gay Illinois America was held in an amazing venue. With a packed house, Trixie LaRue and Sable Sinclair were incredible hosts. When all was said and done, Erica Leigh Foster took top honers and Adria Andrews was close behind. I am blessed to call Erica and Adria my friends. Both are blessings to me. Trixie and Sable are amazing promoters, and getting to know them was the highlight of my visit.... The next night I find myself with the amazing Joe Bradley. Joe and I have been friends for many years. I can always count on a Birthday card from him. His love for the art is undeniable. Miss Mid-West America this year is Diva Coppafeel with Crystal Lace as 1st alternate. I'm so proud of both contestants. Miss Gay Arkansas America was next on the list to attend. The Alumni was so amazing in putting the pageant together. I used to live in Little Rock and a little known fact is that I was a contestant in 1991. It was so good to see so many friends. I love spending time with Norman . He has changed so many lives, including mine. After 2 days of competition, Zia DYor won and Jazmyn Turrelle was 1st runner up. Miss Arkansas is the oldest prelim in the country. I'm so glad its still going strong. I'm finally home and off to Miss North Carolina America . Von Entertainment has worked very hard this year. Brian and Tiffany, you both were amazing. I'm so proud to be a part of this system. With 24 contestants this year, each day was filled with activities. The bus tour was the highlight of the weekend. It reminded me of MGA many years ago. The dream of Jessica Raynes Starr came true with Angela Lopez as his alternate. Both contestants will be returning to Columbus this October with a big splash. The next 2 prelims are very special to me. Both are new promoters and both are friends of mine. Heart of America continued under the direction of Christopher Blair and Ryan Henry. I’ve known Ryan before Coti was ever thought of. The pageant went smooth and was so impressive. All the girls were wanting a spot to the big dance. Sally Sparkles was crowned Miss Heart of America with Demonica Santangilo as his alternate. Its incredible to see veterans and 1st timers work so hard to achieve a dream. The very next night, I was in Lexington Ky. attending the 1st Miss Blue Grass America prelim. I want to thank the GLSO of Lexington for believing in the America system. R.J. Deacon has been a friend for many years and I thank him for putting on an amazing pageant. Celebrity Starr won top honors and Bridget Nickles was 1st alternate. Its so good to see so many veterans return this year. In closing, I want to express how much each of you have impacted my life. I have often said, “never let anyone determine your self worth...” and I can honestly say I didn't know mine until this year. The relationships I have felt this year will continue for the rest of my life. My only wish is my predecessor will get to experience the love that I have. This months interview will be one of the most important people in my life. I have known Randy Fenoli for over 25 years. I can honestly say, I would not have been here without his love and support. In the early days, I used to travel with Brandi and hold his promos while people lined up for Brandi to sign them... some things never change....I'm honored to present for the September 2011 Interview, Brandi Alexander...Miss Gay America 1990.... Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins: What did it take for you to win MGA? Miss Gay America 1990 Brandi Alexander: Well, I actually entered the contest 3 times.  The first time was in Atlanta in 1987.  I won talent the preliminary night, however, I had not timed my talent and it was 8 minutes and 15 seconds.  Points were deducted on the final night and I think I placed 5th runner up.  After the contest I told Norma Kristie that I would return next year with the best damn talent under 7 minutes that she had ever seen!  They made up a new rule before the next year that any talent over 7 minutes would receive a zero. The second time I entered the pageant was in Dallas in 1988.  The final night my prop fell during my talent and I placed 1st runner up. After the pageant, I told Norma Kristie I would be back next year with the best damn talent under 7 minutes without props she had ever seen.  They made up a new rule before the next year that any talent that had problems with back-up dancers or props would have points deducted. The third time I entered MGA was in 1989.  I decided to do a talent with no props or back-up dancers.  I won talent that night and finally won the contest! What I learned from this was patience and not to let mishaps make me feel defeated and to keep pursuing my goals and dreams.   Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins: What were some of your most memorable moments while you were MGA. Miss Gay America 1990 Brandi Alexander: There were so many moments during my reign that are still close to my memory.  The first fond memory is the moment they announced my name…  I hugged and was picked up off my feet onstage by my dear friend Coti Collins.  I have great memories of traveling from city to city and meeting all the competitors and performing in 33 different states.  I remember my appearance on 'Sally Jesse Raphael' with Lady Baronessa, Lauren Colby, Lindsey Love, and my Mom. I remember appearing on 'The Joan Rivers Show' to play a joke on Howard Stern.  I also remember there were a few nights when I would call my friend and "drag mother" Tiffany Alexander in the middle of the night crying because I was exhausted, someone had treated me badly, and I wanted to come home. The year as MGA taught me to be strong, humble, and to take in and enjoy every moment, because the year was going to fly by quickly!   Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins: What are the most important things that MGA has given or taught you? Miss Gay America 1990 Brandi Alexander: First, I would have to say that competing in MGA gave me some of my greatest and dearest friendships I have ever had.  Competing in the pageant with others really built this bond.  MGA also taught me to be a well-rounded individual.  We had to know about current events for Group Discussion, and to be proud of who we were as a male and be able to prepare for a job interview for Male Interview.  It taught me to stand in front of an audience and speak clearly and confidently for Onstage Female Interview.  MGA taught me great respect for Norma Kristie, especially as a business man.  However, I would have to say that the greatest thing I learned from MGA is that if you set your goals and go after them with a clearly planned and healthy approach, that one can reach almost anything. Well said. In closing, I thank each of you who have contributed to making this year so special for me. You will never be forgotten and I appreciate each and every one of you.   Until next month Miss Gay America 2011    October 2011 How times flies when your living your dream…!!! It seems like yesterday, Miss Gay America 2010 CoCo Montrese put the crown on my head. I have had an amazing year. It has been so rewarding to travel throughout the country representing you as your Miss Gay America. So many memories that will follow me for the rest of my life…  My month started out in Texas...Gizelle Bevon Ashton was the perfect host along with Sally Sparkles to produce an incredible pageant. At this event 5 MGA's attended. I was humbled to be among such talents...Jenna Skyy took the title with Vega Marie St. John as his 1st runner up.  On a side note...I love Texas ...Gizelle, Sally, Charity, Catia, Den and J.D…,Thank you for a great time. After the Pageant I was rushed to the airport where I was flown to Memphis, privately on a chartered jet to Memphis. Wow! its great to be a Miss Gay America.  Next, I was on to the Miss Gay  Tennessee  America pageant where Bill Zachary had everything in order and the pageant was such a success. After being 1st runner up several times, Pat McCooter took top honors and Fannie Mae Charles was his 1st alternate. All the contestants impressed me and I wish I could invite everyone to the big dance. Thank you Mike and Rodney for such a great time also. Now, their dog wasn't so happy I was there...Just sayin... Miss Louisiana was such a big blessing. John, Brad and Paul were the perfect hosts. I so enjoyed the camaraderie of each of the contestants. I love seeing each contestant help each other. At the end of the week, Maybelline MasKara won the pageant and Athena Campbell was his first alternate. I must say something more about this pageant. As I stated many times this year, that talent has no color or age. It warmed my heart to see Maybelline achieve his dream. He never let his age interfere with his dream. Athena will be the youngest contestant and he was one of the most focused individuals I have ever met. Thank youLouisiana for such a blessed weekend. I can’t wait to return.... Bammm Finally the last prelim is here.. Miss Southeast America… Mike Rhinehart was its host. He is such a great promoter and loves the Miss Gay America system and proves it everyday. My Miss NC sister Emory Starr won his spot and Diamond Hunter was his 1st runner up. What a great night to top off a great year. I want to take this time to thank each and every one for such an amazing year for me. Each preliminary pageant brought new friendships, laughter and heartache… every emotion was there. Seeing someone’s life change is one of the most rewarding experiences. I only hope I have touched your life like you have touched mine. Being Miss Gay America was my lifetime goal. My only wish is that the next one crowned will love and enjoy his time as much as I enjoyed mine. Stephanie Lane and Dominique Delorean will also represent Miss Heartland America at nationals....Both are friends of mine and such big talents. I am so happy for everyone this year. THIS I KNOW FOR SURE ...... -Dreams do come true with hard work and determination -Airports and security are a way of life to a Miss Gay America -Each crowning breaks my heart… -Max will be happy for me to stay home -I would not want to be a judge this year -Looking forward to doing duets with all the Miss Gay             America’s -I enjoyed interviewing the Miss Gay America’s this year -Jennifer Foxx still inspires me -Ceasar will bite… I NEVER LET ANYONE DETERMINE MY SELF WORTH  In closing , I want to wish each promoter and every contestant a safe journey to Ohio . Best of luck to every contestant. May your dreams come true like you mine has.... Love and Respect, Miss Gay America 2011 November 2011 As I return home from an amazing week in Columbus , I would like to reflect the past year and how it has affected my life. I could never ave imagined that my life would be changed in such a fashion.  During my travels, I have had the joy of experiencing so many new adventures. I have seen so many new faces and definitions of the word excellence. It truly inspired me to excel in my craft and to be PROUD about what Miss Gay America stands for.   I have so much respect for the promoters of the pageant. They are our foundation. I want to thank each one of you for making my year so successful. Your efforts were truly noticed in your contest, contestants and your love for the system. For this I am forever grateful. Thank you!!! My most memorable part of the year would be the relationships I developed with the contestants. As I listen to your passionate stories, felt your pain and celebrated your victories, I truly cared. I am deeply honored and privileged  to be your Miss Gay America. Over the course of the year, I've seen you grow and develop into amazing entertainers. You should be very proud of yourself. During Miss Gay America week, everyone was on their game and it was one of the best competitions in my history of pageantry. Each has inspired me more than you will ever know. Thank you for making my year so complete. I am still here for anyone that needs an ear or to vent too. I truly love each of you. To all the Miss Gay America's, I am humbled to stand beside you. All my life I have been looking for something in red.... so glad I finally made it. One of the biggest moments of my year is when I was in Little Rock and Normanannounced me to the stage. I was trembling, and so proud at the same time. From Norman to Coco ...thank you for accepting me for myself. So happy to be a part of the 40 definitions of Excellence.  It has been my lifetime goal. A very special good luck to my co-worker, friend and sister Kirby Kolby, Miss Gay America 2012. May you find happiness in wearing the crown. Everyone in North Carolina always knew… now it’s time to share you with the world. I know this will change your life. I have no doubt you will make history. Shine your light.   Last but certainly not least I would like to thank Larry and Terry. You prove it every day in your passion for the art. I will forever be indebted to you. May you both find happiness and never lose sight on what is important...changing people’s lives....  I love you both... Love and Respect,
i don't know
February 4th, 2004 saw the founding of what "mildly popular" online social network by Harvard student Mark Zuckerberg?
The Social Network (2010) - IMDb IMDb There was an error trying to load your rating for this title. Some parts of this page won't work property. Please reload or try later. X Beta I'm Watching This! Keep track of everything you watch; tell your friends. Error From $2.99 (SD) on Amazon Video ON DISC Harvard student Mark Zuckerberg creates the social networking site that would become known as Facebook, but is later sued by two brothers who claimed he stole their idea, and the co-founder who was later squeezed out of the business. Director: a list of 46 titles created 14 Mar 2012 a list of 30 titles created 28 May 2012 a list of 41 titles created 08 Nov 2012 a list of 48 titles created 14 Mar 2015 a list of 49 titles created 15 Oct 2015 Title: The Social Network (2010) 7.7/10 Want to share IMDb's rating on your own site? Use the HTML below. You must be a registered user to use the IMDb rating plugin. Won 3 Oscars. Another 161 wins & 162 nominations. See more awards  » Videos A Mumbai teen reflects on his upbringing in the slums when he is accused of cheating on the Indian Version of "Who Wants to be a Millionaire?" Directors: Danny Boyle, Loveleen Tandan Stars: Dev Patel, Freida Pinto, Saurabh Shukla A committed dancer wins the lead role in a production of Tchaikovsky's "Swan Lake" only to find herself struggling to maintain her sanity. Director: Darren Aronofsky Two astronauts work together to survive after an accident which leaves them alone in space. Director: Alfonso Cuarón A young man who survives a disaster at sea is hurtled into an epic journey of adventure and discovery. While cast away, he forms an unexpected connection with another survivor: a fearsome Bengal tiger. Director: Ang Lee After a stint in a mental institution, former teacher Pat Solitano moves back in with his parents and tries to reconcile with his ex-wife. Things get more challenging when Pat meets Tiffany, a mysterious girl with problems of her own. Director: David O. Russell A paraplegic marine dispatched to the moon Pandora on a unique mission becomes torn between following his orders and protecting the world he feels is his home. Director: James Cameron The story of King George VI of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, his impromptu ascension to the throne and the speech therapist who helped the unsure monarch become worthy of it. Director: Tom Hooper In 1985 Dallas, electrician and hustler Ron Woodroof works around the system to help AIDS patients get the medication they need after he is diagnosed with the disease. Director: Jean-Marc Vallée Tells the story of Benjamin Button, a man who starts aging backwards with bizarre consequences. Director: David Fincher Acting under the cover of a Hollywood producer scouting a location for a science fiction film, a CIA agent launches a dangerous operation to rescue six Americans in Tehran during the U.S. hostage crisis in Iran in 1980. Director: Ben Affleck A seventeen-year-old aristocrat falls in love with a kind but poor artist aboard the luxurious, ill-fated R.M.S. Titanic. Director: James Cameron A lonely writer develops an unlikely relationship with an operating system designed to meet his every need. Director: Spike Jonze Edit Storyline On a fall night in 2003, Harvard undergrad and computer programming genius Mark Zuckerberg sits down at his computer and heatedly begins working on a new idea. In a fury of blogging and programming, what begins in his dorm room soon becomes a global social network and a revolution in communication. A mere six years and 500 million friends later, Mark Zuckerberg is the youngest billionaire in history... but for this entrepreneur, success leads to both personal and legal complications. Written by Columbia Pictures You don't get to 500 million friends without making a few enemies Genres: Rated PG-13 for sexual content, drug and alcohol use and language | See all certifications  » Parents Guide: 1 October 2010 (USA) See more  » Also Known As: $22,445,653 (USA) (2 October 2010) Gross: Did You Know? Trivia The screenplay for this film was featured in the 2009 Blacklist; a list of the "most liked" unmade scripts of the year. See more » Goofs After the opening breakup scene, Mark rushes back to his dorm at Harvard, reaching into the refrigerator for a beer. The logo on the can of Mountain Dew was not introduced until 2005. The scene takes place in 2003. See more » Quotes [first lines] Mark Zuckerberg : Did you know there are more people with genius IQs living in China than there are people of any kind living in the United States? Erica Albright : That can't possibly be true. Mark Zuckerberg : It is. Erica Albright : What would account for that? Mark Zuckerberg : Well first, an awful lot of people live in China. But, here's my question: how do you distinguish yourself in a population of people who all got 1600 on their SATs? Erica Albright : I didn't know they take SATs in China. Mark Zuckerberg : They don't. I wasn't talking about China anymore, I was talking about me. Courtesy of Third Man Records and Courtesy of XL Recordings Ltd. A timeless story of friendship, loyalty, greed and betrayal 28 September 2010 | by Monotreme02 – See all my reviews I just want to get this out there right away and put the cards on the table so to speak: When I first heard about it, I had very little faith in this project. I was stupefied, confused by the thought of what attracted all this talent to this seemingly trivial story to begin with? Why would David Fincher and Aaron Sorkin possibly be interested in the story of the founding of Facebook? Surely they could have found something more important, more meaningful to apply their efforts to. After seeing the film, though, I realized that, of course, Fincher and Sorkin knew what they were doing all along. And furthermore that labeling this as "The Facebook movie" is really an insult to what Sorkin and Fincher were trying to and have succeeded in achieving with this film. First and foremost, I have to take a step back and admire this film as a technical achievement. Despite seeming to be a departure for Fincher in terms of content and subject matter – which it is and then again isn't – the film is very clearly and undeniably a Fincher film. Re-teaming with his Fight Club director of photography Jeff Cronenweth, Fincher manages to create and capture that really unique look all of his films have. The cinematography is absolutely gorgeous – once again, Fincher proves that he is probably getting the best results in digital photography out of any other director working in that medium, and this film, shot on the RED One camera, looks absolutely beautiful, from the framing to the camera movement to the lighting and on to the look and the feel of the depth of field the RED captures. Sorkin's script is also an impeccable achievement and showcases, once again just what a genius this man really is. From a structural standpoint it employs a very effective use of a framing device – the Zuckerberg lawsuit depositions, which introduce the various characters and lead into "flashbacks" of the events being discussed. It really lends the film a Rashomon air and intensifies the mystery behind the Zuckerberg character and what exactly transpired in the creation of this phenomenon, Facebook. Sorkin also demonstrates an acute awareness of character construction, and manages to create a loathsome protagonist we hate and are frustrated by but yet we still end up sympathizing with. Most of all, though, it's a showcase of Sorkin's impeccable writing style and knack for writing dialogue with a very unique sound and rhythm. I saw Fincher refer to it as "Sorkinese" in an interview, and this is a really good description – it is certainly very unique to Sorkin and the scripts he has written, and it is also certainly a completely unique language – one which normal people in our real world do not speak, but that just sounds great on screen. The rapid-fire, overlapping dialogue remains one of the highlights of the film for me, and the script is certainly a shoo-in for Oscar consideration. The film is also a rare showcase of pure acting prowess, and features a very interesting and eclectic cast of young actors stepping out of their comfort zones and delivering some truly phenomenal work. The casting of the film is quite a departure for Fincher, who has enough clout to gather the biggest names working in the business. Instead, he opted to go for a cast of relative unknowns or up-and-comers, and really make stars out of them. First and foremost to be mentioned is Jesse Eisenberg, an actor I have personally been a fan of since The Squid and the Whale in 2005 and one whose work I have continued to enjoy since then. However, no matter how good he was in those previous films, none of his previous performances compare to his amazing achievement on this film. Stripping away his signature goofiness and neurosis, Eisenberg plays Zuckerberg as a cold, calculated and determined genius who knows what he wants, is very confident and forward-looking and will stop at nothing to get it. His counter in the film is Saverin, played brilliantly by Andrew Garfield, a name we will be hearing a lot more of of in the next few years: Saverin is a far more sympathetic character, more warm and inviting – these traits only increase the impact of the tragedy of Zuckerberg's betrayal of their friendship. Many pundits and commentators have designated this to be the "film that defines our generation", and truly a "product of its time" in the most literal sense of the word. However, I'm not sure I like this designation, especially since once you watch the film, you very quickly realize that this isn't a story about the founding of Facebook; it's really a story of friendship, ambition and betrayal, a character study of this fascinating individual whose actions in the film happen to depict the invention of an online social networking site that gets out of hand and puts all of his relationships, especially that with his best friend and business partner, in jeopardy. All of the themes mentioned above are universal and can be applied to a number of fantastic films and works of fiction over the centuries, and that, I think, is the greatest achievement of the film. 369 of 616 people found this review helpful.  Was this review helpful to you? Yes
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What is the more common name of the fictional character Simon Templar, star of books by Leslie Charteris, a TV series starring Roger Moore, and a movie starring Val Kilmer?
Tyler Winklevoss - iSnare Free Encyclopedia Tyler Winklevoss Harvard College (B.A, Economics , 2004) Oxford University (MBA, 2010) Height 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) Weight 4- Tyler Howard Winklevoss (born August 21, 1981) is an American rower and entrepreneur . He competed in the men's pair rowing event at the 2008 Summer Olympics with his identical twin brother and rowing partner, Cameron Winklevoss . Winklevoss co-founded HarvardConnection (later renamed ConnectU ) along with his brother Cameron and a Harvard classmate of theirs, Divya Narendra . In 2004, the Winklevoss brothers sued Mark Zuckerberg for $65 million, claiming he stole their ConnectU idea to create the much more popular social networking service site Facebook . Contents 6 External links Early life and education Tyler Winklevoss was born in Southampton, New York , and raised in Greenwich, Connecticut . [1] He is the son of Carol (née Leonard) and Howard Winklevoss , [2] [3] a professor of actuarial science at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania , [4] the author of Pension Mathematics With Numerical Illustrations , and founder of Winklevoss Consultants and Winklevoss Technologies . Winklevoss attended Greenwich Country Day School and graduated from the Brunswick School . [5] Winklevoss studied classical piano for 12 years, beginning at age 6. [6] He studied Latin and Ancient Greek in high school. During his junior year, he and his twin brother Cameron founded the crew program. [7] [8] In 2009, Winklevoss began graduate business study at the Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford and completed an MBA in 2010. [12] While at Oxford , he was a member of Christ Church , [13] an Oxford Blue , and rowed in the Blue Boat in the Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race . [14] [15] ConnectU Main article: ConnectU In December 2002, Winklevoss, along with his brother Cameron Winklevoss and fellow Harvard classmate Divya Narendra , sought a better way to connect with fellow students at Harvard University and other universities. [16] The three conceived of a social network for Harvard students named HarvardConnection; [17] the concept ultimately expanded to other schools around the country. [18] [19] [20] In January 2003, they enlisted the help of fellow Harvard student, programmer and friend Sanjay Mavinkurve to begin building HarvardConnection. [21] Mavinkurve commenced work on HarvardConnection but departed the project in spring 2003 when he graduated and went to work for Google . [22] After the departure of Mavinkurve, the Winklevosses and Narendra approached Narendra’s friend, Harvard student and programmer Victor Gao, to work on HarvardConnection. [21] Gao, a senior in Mather House , opted not to become a partner in the venture, instead agreeing to be paid in a work for hire capacity. [20] He was paid $400 for his work on the website code during the summer and fall of 2003, when he left the project. [19] Mark Zuckerberg In November 2003, at the suggestion of Victor Gao, the Winklevosses and Narendra approached Mark Zuckerberg about joining the HarvardConnection team. [23] The previous HarvardConnection programmers had reportedly made progress on coding front-end pages, the registration system, a database, back-end coding, and a way users could connect with each other, which Gao called a "handshake". [20] In early November, Narendra emailed Zuckerberg saying, “We’re very deep into developing a site which we would like you to be a part of and ... which we know will make some waves on campus.” [20] Within days, Zuckerberg was talking to the HarvardConnection team and preparing to take over programming duties from Gao. [20] On the evening of November 25, 2003, [24] the Winklevosses and Narendra met with Zuckerberg in the dining hall of Harvard 's Kirkland House , where they explained to Zuckerberg the HarvardConnection website, the plan to expand to other schools after launch, the confidential nature of the project, and the importance of getting there first. [18] [20] During the meeting, Zuckerberg allegedly entered into an oral contract with Narendra and the Winklevosses and became a partner in HarvardConnection. [25] He was given the private server location and password for the unfinished HarvardConnection website and code, [19] with the understanding that he would finish the programming necessary for launch. [26] Zuckerberg allegedly chose to be compensated through an interest in the enterprise ( sweat equity ). [27] [28] On November 30, 2003, Zuckerberg told Cameron Winklevoss in an email that he did not expect completion of the project to be difficult. Zuckerberg writes: "I read over all the stuff you sent and it seems like it shouldn't take too long to implement, so we can talk about that after I get all the basic functionality up tomorrow night." [23] The next day, on December 1, 2003, Zuckerberg sent another email to the HarvardConnection team. "I put together one of the two registration pages so I have everything working on my system now. I'll keep you posted as I patch stuff up and it starts to become completely functional." [18] On December 4, 2003, Zuckerberg writes: "Sorry I was unreachable tonight. I just got about three of your missed calls. I was working on a problem set ." [18] On December 10, 2003: "The week has been pretty busy thus far, so I haven't gotten a chance to do much work on the site or even think about it really, so I think it's probably best to postpone meeting until we have more to discuss. I'm also really busy tomorrow so I don't think I'd be able to meet then anyway." [18] A week later: "Sorry I have not been reachable for the past few days. I've basically been in the lab the whole time working on a cs problem set which I'm still not finished with." [18] On December 17, 2003, [24] Zuckerberg met with the Winklevosses and Narendra in his dorm room, allegedly confirming his interest and assuring them that the site was almost complete. [20] On the whiteboard in his room, Zuckerberg allegedly had scrawled multiple lines of code under the heading “Harvard Connection,” however, this would be the only time they saw any of his work. [20] On January 8, 2004, Zuckerberg emailed to say he was "completely swamped with work [that] week" but had "made some of the changes ... and they seem[ed] to be working great" on his computer. He said he could discuss the site starting the following Tuesday, on January 13, 2004. [23] [29] On January 11, 2004, Zuckerberg registered the domain name thefacebook.com . [30] On January 12, 2004, Zuckerberg e-mailed Eduardo Saverin , saying that the Facebook site [thefacebook.com] was almost complete and that they should discuss marketing strategies. [20] Two days later, on January 14, 2004, [24] Zuckerberg met again with the HarvardConnection team; however, he allegedly failed to disclose registering the domain name thefacebook.com or developing a competing social networking website. Rather, he allegedly reported progress on HarvardConnection, told the team he would continue to work on it, and would email the group later in the week. [23] On February 4, 2004, Zuckerberg launched thefacebook.com , a social network for Harvard students, designed to expand to other schools around the country. [26] On February 6, 2004, the Winklevosses and Narendra first learned of thefacebook.com while reading a press release in the Harvard student newspaper The Harvard Crimson . [20] According to Gao, who looked at the HarvardConnection code afterward, Zuckerberg had left the HarvardConnection code incomplete and non-functional, with a registration that did not connect with the back-end connections[ clarification needed ]. [21] On February 10, 2004, the Winklevosses and Narendra sent Zuckerberg a cease and desist letter. [31] [32] They also lodged a complaint with the Harvard administration regarding what they viewed as a violation of the university’s honor code and student handbook. [33] The Harvard Administrative Board and university president Larry Summers reportedly viewed the matter to be outside of the university's jurisdiction. [26] President Summers advised the HarvardConnection team to take their matter to the courts. [29] Leaked instant messages Between November 30, 2003, and February 4, 2004, Zuckerberg exchanged a total of 52 emails with the Harvard Connection team and engaged in multiple in-person meetings. [29] During the same period of time, Zuckerberg engaged in multiple electronic instant message communications with people outside of the HarvardConnection team. On March 5, 2010, certain electronic instant messages from Mark Zuckerberg's hard drive were leaked to the public. [18] On September 20, 2010, Facebook confirmed the authenticity of these leaked instant messages in a New Yorker article. [34] The HarvardConnection team subsequently allegedly formed a partnership The Winklevoss Chang Group with i2hub , joining the popular peer-to-peer service with ConnectU . The partnership promoted their properties through bus advertisements and press releases. i2hub integrated its popular software with ConnectU 's website as part of the partnership. The team also jointly launched several projects and initiatives . [35] [36] Facebook lawsuits In 2004, ConnectU filed a lawsuit against Facebook alleging that creator Mark Zuckerberg had broken an oral contract with it. The suit alleged that Zuckerberg had copied ConnectU's idea [37] [38] and illegally used source code intended for the website Zuckerberg was hired to develop. [29] [39] [40] [41] Facebook countersued with respect to Social Butterfly, a The Winklevoss Chang Group project. The countersuit named among the defendants ConnectU , Cameron Winklevoss , Tyler Winklevoss, Divya Narendra , and Wayne Chang , founder of i2hub . [42] An agreement settling both cases was reached in February, 2008, with the Winklevoss party receiving $20 million in cash and $45 million in Facebook stock. [43] [44] In May 2010, however, ConnectU accused Facebook of misrepresenting the value of the stock that it turned over to the ConnectU plaintiffs as part of the settlement and sought to void the settlement. ConnectU alleged that the value of the stock was $11 million rather than $45 million, as represented by Facebook at the time of settlement. [43] As a result, the total settlement value would have been $31 million, rather than the $65 million reported. [45] [46] On August 26, 2010, the New York Times reported that Facebook shares were then trading at $76 per share in the secondary market, putting the value of the total settlement at close to $120 million. [47] [48] If the lawsuit to revise the settlement were to succeed, the settlement value would rise to $466 million. [49] In April, 2011, Ninth Circuit judge Alex Kozinski opined that "[a]t some point, litigation must come to an end. ... That point has now been reached." The twins' lawyer said they will seek a rehearing with the entire appeals court bench. [50] In June 2011 it was announced that a decision to pursue the case in the Supreme Court had been withdrawn. [51] Quinn Emanuel lawsuits One of ConnectU's law firms, Quinn Emanuel, inadvertently disclosed the confidential settlement amount in marketing material by printing "WON $65 million settlement against Facebook". [52] Quinn Emanuel sought $13 million as its contingency fee related to the original settlement. ConnectU fired Quinn Emanuel and sued the law firm for malpractice. [53] On August 25, 2010, an arbitration panel ruled that Quinn Emanuel "earned its full contingency fee." The panel also found that Quinn Emanuel committed no malpractice. [54] The Winklevoss Chang Group lawsuit On December 21, 2009, i2hub founder Wayne Chang and The i2hub Organization launched a lawsuit against ConnectU and its founders, Cameron Winklevoss , Tyler Winklevoss, and Divya Narendra , seeking 50% of the settlement proceeds from the original lawsuit. The complaint says "The Winklevosses and Howard Winklevoss filed [a] patent application, U.S. Patent Application No 20060212395, on or around March 15, 2005, but did not list Chang as a co-inventor. It also states "Through this litigation, Chang asserts his ownership interest in The Winklevoss Chang Group and ConnectU , including the settlement proceeds." [36] Lee Gesmer of Gesmer Updegrove, LLP posted the detailed 33-page complaint online. [35] [55] On May 13, 2011, it was reported that Judge Peter Lauriat made a ruling against the Winklevosses. Chang's case against them could proceed. The Winklevosses had argued that the court lacks jurisdiction because the settlement with Facebook has not been distributed and therefore Chang hasn't suffered any injury. Judge Lauriat wrote, "The flaw in this argument is that defendants appear to conflate loss of the settlement proceed with loss of rights. Chang alleges that he has received nothing in return for the substantial benefits he provided to ConnectU, including the value of his work, as well as i2hub's users and goodwill." Lauriat also wrote that, although Chang's claims to the settlement are "too speculative to confer standing, his claims with respect to an ownership in ConnectU are not. They constitute an injury separate and distinct from his possible share of the settlement proceeds. The court concludes that Chang has pled sufficient facts to confer standing with respect to his claims against the Winklevoss defendants." [56] [57] [58] [59] [60] [61] Rowing Winklevoss began rowing at the age of 15, encouraged by family friends and the example of a neighbor, Ethan Ayer, who rowed at Harvard University and Cambridge University . [7] He began rowing at the Saugatuck Rowing Club on the Saugatuck River in 1997. [62] His first coach was Irishman James Mangan who coached him and his brother throughout high school. [63] Winklevoss' high school did not have a crew . In his junior year, he and his identical twin brother, Cameron Winklevoss , co-founded the crew program at their high school. [7] In the summer of 1999, he made the United States Junior National Rowing Team, competing in the coxed pair event with his brother at the Junior World Rowing Championships in Plovdiv, Bulgaria . [63] Tyler's rowing discipline is sweep rowing . [64] He lists Italian cyclist Mario Cipollini and Italian rowers the Abbagnale brothers ( Agostino Abbagnale and Giuseppe Abbagnale ) as the most influential people in his sporting career. [62] Harvard Winklevoss rowed at Harvard University for 4 years under coach Harry Parker , while completing his undergraduate studies. [8] In 2004, he sat 5-seat in the "engine room" of the Harvard men's varsity heavyweight eight boat . [63] The 2004 crew was nicknamed the "God Squad" because, according to Winklevoss, some of them believed in God while the rest believed they were god. [65] As a Harvard Crimson in 2004, they thought he helped the "God Squad" win the Eastern Sprints , the Intercollegiate Rowing Association Championship, and the Harvard-Yale Regatta to cap-off an undefeated collegiate racing season. [66] In the summer of 2004, Winklevoss and the "God Squad" traveled to Lucerne, Switzerland to compete in the Lucerne Rowing World Cup . They defeated the 2004 British and French Olympic eight boats in the semi-final to earn a spot in the grand-final, in which they placed 6th. [67] The team then traveled to the Henley Royal Regatta where they competed in the Grand Challenge Cup . Winklevoss helped his team defeat the Cambridge University Blue Boat in the semi-final before they fell to the Dutch Olympic eight boat team (of the Hollandia Roeiclub) in the final by 2⁄3 of a boat length. [68] The Dutch team went on to win the Olympic silver medal at the Athens Olympic Games a month later. [69] 2007 Pan American Games In 2007, Winklevoss was named to the United States Pan American Team and competed at the 2007 Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil . [70] He won a silver medal in the men's coxless four event [71] and stroked the men's eight boat to a gold medal on the Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas . [72] 2008 Olympic Games In 2008, Winklevoss was named to the United States Olympic Team and competed at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China . [73] He rowed with his brother in the men's coxless pair event which took place at the Shunyi Olympic Rowing-Canoeing Park . The brothers were coached by the renowned Ted Nash . [8] In their first heat, they failed to finish in the top three and did not qualify for the Semifinals. In the Repechage (a last chance to make the Semifinals), they took first, advancing them to the Semifinals. A strong finish in Semifinal 2 put them in the Final. They ended up finishing sixth out of the fourteen countries which had qualified for the Olympics. [74] Popular culture Tyler and his brother Cameron are both played by actor Armie Hammer in The Social Network (2010), a film directed by David Fincher about the founding of Facebook . Actor Josh Pence was the body double for Tyler with Hammer's face superimposed. The twins were depicted on the cartoon comedy show The Simpsons in the eleventh episode of Season 23 in the episode called "The D'oh-cial Network" which aired on January 15, 2012. The Winklevoss twins are seen rowing in the 2012 Olympic Games against Marge Simpson's sisters Patty and Selma. There is a reference made to the $65 million Facebook settlement. References
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What original SNL cast member and writer is currently the junior senator from the great state of Minnesota?
Saturday Night LIve / Boing Boing Seth MacFarlane tapped for the Oscars Very groovy news coming through the entertainment pipeline this morning as we find out who will host the Oscars: Seth MacFarlane! The Family Guy and American Dad creator, who just opened up Saturday Night Live's new season with a bang , has been chosen to host the next Academy Awards telecast early next year. Hopefully, he will show up to rehearsal this time! ( video link ) And speaking of Saturday Night Live, they have announced their October lineup of hosts and musical guests: This Saturday, October 6 will be Daniel Craig with musical guest Muse, October 13 will be Christina Applegate -- coming back for her second time as host -- with musical guest Passion Pit, and October 20 will welcome Bruno Mars, who will do double duty as host and musical guest. (That would have been such a great Digital Short, so can Andy Samberg and Co. please come back to do just one? If anyone knows the correct person to bribe, please let me know.) Saturday Night Live recap: Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Mumford & Sons The last time Joseph Gordon-Levitt hosted Saturday Night Live, he turned out to be a great host -- genuinely funny, happy to be there, ready to do anything that was thrown at him, and then doing it well. And he even did a Donald O'Connor-style song and dance number in his monologue. This time, he was a bit wasted in mediocre sketches, but at least they weren't bad. The enthusiastic host with the clear comedic talent just could have been put to better use. Far from a bad show, but I like to see a bit more from such a cool guest. Mumford & Sons was the musical guest, and they sounded great. But I'll abstain from reviewing their sets, since I'm writing about a comedy show and not a concert. They did, however, show up in one sketch, and that is always fun. Read the rest Saturday Night Live recap: Seth MacFarlane and Frank Ocean Last night, NBC's Saturday Night Live returned early to get a head start on the presidential election season. And not only did it spend considerable time on the topic, it introduced us to three new cast members and shiny new opening credits! Our host for the 38th season premiere was Seth MacFarlane, creator of Family Guy and director of Ted, with musical guest Frank Ocean. Here is how I'm approaching this recap, ladies and gents: I like this show, and I laughed a lot at stuff that was on it last night. And now, I'm going to tell you about what made me laugh the most, and which sketches I could have replaced with five minutes of brushing my teeth. But here is my recap in a nutshell: this was a good one! And it started with a former Barack Obama impersonator passing the baton to a new one. Read the rest Fred Armisen hands over the presidential reins to Jay Pharoah on SNL Lorne Michaels broke the news yesterday that when the new season of Saturday Night Live starts this weekend, it will be Jay Pharoah playing President Obama rather than Fred Armisen, who has played POTUS since 2008. Pharoah, currently a featured player (though that may change), has been honing his Obama impression for a while now, and it's good. Very good. But Michaels had reservations about throwing a brand new cast member into such a prominent role. Those reservations are gone, and now, we will get to watch Jay Pharoah's amazing Obama impression on actual television and not just YouTube. Can't Kate McKinnon just be the one and only Kate McKinnon? I love covering awesome comedians. I happen to have a soft spot for the lady ones since I have attempted to be a lady comedian myself. But you know what really gets my knickers in a twist? (And it's certainly not reserved for just women.) Calling someone the next "someone else." Today, the NY Post put up a very flattering piece about Saturday Night Live's newest female cast member, Kate McKinnon. And this is great! I love that she's getting positive press, and I'm not knocking the Post for giving the girl the props she deserves. But why do we have to call her "the next Kristen Wiig" when "Kate McKinnon" is awesome in her own right? We already have a Kristen Wiig, and she's great. But she makes movies now, so let's move on and let McKinnon be McKinnon. Read the rest Saturday Night LIve / Seth MacFarlane Jamie Frevele / 1:21 pm Tue, Jul 24, 2012 The Saturday Night Live primetime election specials will make a comeback -- whose momentum will it ruin this year? NBC has announced that, as they did four years ago, Saturday Night Live would make an early return to the airwaves to tackle the presidential election. Two primetime specials were announced for September 20 and September 27 (both Thursdays), and while we know that Kristen Wiig and Andy Samberg have left the show, will Jason Sudeikis delay his departure to play Mitt Romney? Or will Romney actually show up? But more importantly: It was the SNL specials four years ago that shed a different kind of spotlight on then-vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin by way of a devastating (and Emmy-winning) impression by accidental doppelgänger Tina Fey. Will the SNL writers and performers duplicate the skewering commentary from 2008 with Barack Obama and Mitt Romney? And who is going to come out of this looking worse? Read the rest Tom Davis, former SNL writer, "de-animates" at 59 One of the original writers of Saturday Night Live, Tom Davis, has died of cancer at age 59. He was best known for his work with Al Franken, who went on to become a U.S. Senator, representing the state of Minnesota. Not long before his death, he wrote a piece on the site Incident Report saying that he and Franken were working on something for the latter to read after he "de-animate[d]." Sadly, that happened yesterday, and the world is less one amazing comedy writer. In his obituary, The New York Times describes a 2004 incident involving a Jeopardy question asking who Davis was -- no one had an answer. I want to be a part of making sure that never happens again. We lost a good one, so pay attention, eggheads. Read the rest
Al Franken
Havarti, Limburger, Fontina, and Edam are all types of what?
Dems at gun filibuster may serve as Clinton VP tryout - CNNPolitics.com Dems at gun filibuster may serve as Clinton VP tryout By Will Cadigan, CNN Updated 3:03 PM ET, Fri June 17, 2016 Chat with us in Facebook Messenger. Find out what's happening in the world as it unfolds. JUST WATCHED Story highlights Joining Wednesday's filibuster on gun control may have served as a showcase for potential Clinton VP choices Here are some of the Democrats who may be in consideration and what they said on the Senate floor that night (CNN) The debate over gun control is back on Capitol Hill, as well as on the 2016 presidential campaign trail, following a 15-hour filibuster by Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy to call for action in the wake of the massacre at an Orlando gay club. For some of Hillary Clinton's potential running mate picks, joining their colleague on the Senate floor overnight Wednesday into early Thursday morning, advocating for an issue key to the Democratic base, might have served as a de facto VP try out. Here are some of the Democrats who may be in consideration and what they said on the Senate floor that night. Chris Murphy The junior senator from Connecticut would be an out-of-the-box pick for Clinton but may have helped his stock with his filibuster. Read More "I'm prepared to stand on this floor and talk about the need for this body to come together on keeping terrorists away from getting guns through those two measures, for frankly as long as I can, because I know that we can come together on this issue," Murphy said. In concluding his filibuster, Murphy, who represented the district in which the 2012 Newtown, Connecticut, shooting occurred, told the story of Dylan Hockley, a first-grader killed in the massacre. Murphy later told CNN's Chris Cuomo on "New Day" that he launched the effort because he said the lack of debate in the Senate "was deeply offensive to many of us." On Thursday night, he sent out a fundraising pitch to Clinton's supporters, writing he would "stand with Hillary Clinton and continue this fight until Congress has done everything it can to make our communities safer from gun violence." Cory Booker The New Jersey Democrat joined Murphy on the Senate floor, saying, "We can not go on with business as usual." "Enough. Enough. Enough," Booker said. "What we are seeking is not radical, what we are seeking is not partisan. What we are seeking is common sense that is supported by the vast majority of this nation." Introducing Clinton at a rally in New Jersey earlier this month, Booker drew VP questions after attacking Trump. When asked after the event about his potential to serve as vice president, he said, "I'm already her VP -- her vegan pal." Booker was asked Thursday by MSNBC's Andrea Mitchell about serving as Clinton's running mate, saying, "I am hearing much more from media folks like you asking me these questions. It's flattering and everything like that, but I'm not being vetted." When asked by Mitchell if he had been asked to submit any tax information to the campaign, he replied, "The only time I get asked about my personal data is my credit card number when I'm trying to buy lunch." Elizabeth Warren Speculation has long swirled around the Massachusetts senator being a potential pick for Clinton. During the filibuster, Warren discussed her love of attending Boston's Pride parade. "I love it as much as anything I've done as a U.S. senator. For me, this parade is the tangible demonstration of what happens when we turn away from darkness and division and turn toward our best selves." She also discussed how the two parties can come together over this issues. "When it comes to our response to the tragedy in Orlando, we are already beginning to see the splintering of America," she told the Senate. "One side shouts it was a gun that killed all those people. ... The other side shouts it wasn't a gun, it was a terrorist that killed all those people. And through all of the shouting, we missed what should be obvious: It was a terrorist with a gun that killed all those people, a terrorist with hate in his heart and a gun in his hand that killed all those people." Tim Kaine The Virginia senator and longtime Clinton ally has shown that he, too, can effectively attack Trump, criticizing him this week for his controversial statements on President Barack Obama and the U.S. military after the Orlando attack. Kaine recounted how he dealt with the Virginia Tech massacre in his home state and the importance of action in the Senate, saying, "I can't say I'd be a hero. But in this body, we don't have to be heroes. We just have to not be bystanders." He added, "We've been bystanders in this body, we've been bystanders in this nation, as this carnage of gun violence has gone from one tragedy to the next." Kaine emphasized the need for a vote, citing what he said was the dysfunction of the GOP-controlled Senate. "To cast a vote, that's not heroic, to stand up and say we can be safer tomorrow, we can protect people's lives, that's not heroic," Kaine said. "That's just saying, 'I will not be a bystander.' And that's all we have to do." Sherrod Brown The Ohio senator spoke twice during the filibuster and added to the emotional tone by sharing personal stories of hearing gunshots growing up in Cleveland and reading letters from constituents. He called on the Senate to act. "How do we go home and look people in the eye and say we failed again?" he said, adding, "How do I go back to Cleveland and say, 'Well, we tried it again. We didn't do it, it's not that big a deal if people can't fly on an airplane, they still ought to be able to get a gun.' How do we possibly look people in the eye and answer that question?" Brown has repeatedly said he is not interested in serving as vice president and told The Hill on Tuesday that in all his conversations with the Clinton campaign, "I've never talked about vice president." His progressive record and loyalty to Clinton makes him an attractive candidate, however, but the fact that Republican Gov. John Kasich would appoint his successor is a drawback to him joining the ticket. Al Franken The Minnesota senator and former "Saturday Night Live" writer would be a formidable match to Trump when it comes to wits, and hails from a state with a Democratic governor -- giving him buzz in some Democratic circles. Former Clinton and Obama aide Bill Daley told CNBC that picking Franken would "drive Trump crazy." Franken joined the filibuster Wednesday and spoke plainly about the problems he sees with the Senate. "If we are allowing over 90% of people on the terrorist watch list to purchase deadly weapons here at home, does that not suggest that we aren't coming close to doing everything in our power to combat terrorism and address gun violence?" Franken asked. Afterward, he told News 12 in Minnesota that the filibuster had a "good result." He added, "This was a filibuster that actually accomplished something. It wasn't about blocking something. It was about making sure that we do something that we, I think disgracefully, haven't been able to do." Franken told MSNBC last week that he didn't know of "any Democratic member of the Senate," including himself, who would turn down being Clinton's VP, adding, "but I think there would be a number of us who would be surprised if we were chosen."
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George Washington Gale Ferris, Jr. invented what engineering marvel for the 1893 exposition in Chicago in the hopes of creating something as impressive as the Eiffel Tower?
2013 May A decade-by-decade tour of technological marvels and education milestones. by Mary Lord & Robin Tatu ASEE’s founding in 1893 coincided with an era of unprecedented technological progress driven by engineering innovation, entrepreneurship, and invention. Preceding decades saw engineering shift from apprenticeships to classroom instruction, with the earliest curricula established at West Point (1802) and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (1825). The Civil War and the 1862 Morrill Land Grant Act fueled a dramatic growth in programs, particularly at state universities; by 1880, there were 85 U.S. engineering schools—up from just 17 a decade earlier. Soon, colleges were producing the bulk of America’s engineers. Few of the founders gathered at the Chicago World’s Fair likely imagined how profoundly technology would transform society or engineering education. The 20th century brought motorcars – along with traffic signals, roads, oil refining, gas stations, and route-numbering systems. Radio, television, and motion pictures made their debut, spawning an unrivaled entertainment industry. Air-conditioning, refrigeration, power plants, and distribution grids enabled 24/7 commerce. Skyscrapers rose, huge dams irrigated the desert, and elegant spans connected once distant communities. So did the telephone and, later, the Internet. Meanwhile, aerospace opened the friendly skies and landed humans on the moon. CT scans and artificial heart valves extended life spans. War—and federal research efforts—spurred many of the century’s biggest technical feats, while peace generated more playful pursuits. Throughout the decades, as the following time line attests, ASEE kept pace, fostering deep, sometimes tough conversations to ensure America’s continued pre-eminence in engineering innovation. 1900: THE WRIGHT STUFF Revolutionary changes arrive in appliances, communications, and mobility. Brothers Orville and Wilbur Wright manage to control a flying machine, air conditioners cool offices, vacuum cleaners mechanize housework, and America’s love affair with the car takes off with the first Model T. The first professional agricultural engineering curriculum established at Iowa State; University of Cincinnati launches first co-op program (1906), followed by Northeastern (1909). The Society for the Promotion of Engineering Education (SPEE), now ASEE, issues its first committee report on admissions policies; membership reaches 503 in 1907. 1910s: THE “GREAT WAR” SPURS INNOVATIONS The fledgling era of flight brings air mail, advances in avionics, and aerial warfare. Automobile mass production spurs development of asphalt, paved roads, and oil-extraction techniques. Concrete, stainless steel, flash-frozen food, pop-up toasters, water chlorination, and the first transcontinental phone call debut. Engineering disciplines and specialization expand. Most engineers are now university trained, up from 5 percent in 1871. SPEE produces the first major study of U.S. engineering education, the Mann report, which calls for a common curriculum and attention to ethics in engineering. Membership hits 1,500. 1920s: ROARING ADVANCE Insulin and penicillin save lives, even as the first tommy guns claim them. Innovations range from the iron lung and Band-Aids to power steering, leaded gas, rockets, and spiral notebooks. States begin licensing engineering schools. Engineering education moves from technical training toward science, humanities, and societal relationships. SPEE’s Wickenden report advocates humanities study, while its first faculty summer schools discuss pipeline, standards, and accreditation issues. The Journal of Engineering Education launches. 1930s: GLOBAL DEPRESSION, BIG DIGS & NEW MATERIALS Iconic public works projects like Hoover Dam and the Golden Gate Bridge bracket an era that gave rise to Scotch tape, Polaroid cameras, nylon, fiberglass, canned beer, FM radio, and helicopters. European engineering educators bring mathematical analyses to the study of fluid dynamics, materials, and structural mechanics. Purdue starts the first common first-year engineering curriculum in 1934; Amelia Earhart is a visiting faculty member in 1935. SPEE admits its first institutional members and cofounds the first accrediting body, the Engineers Council for Professional Development (ECPD), in 1932; Stevens Institute and Columbia University are first to sign up. By 1937, 374 of 626 curricula are approved. 1940s: WARTIME SCIENTIFIC ADVANCES The war effort spurs breakthroughs from rockets to radar, fighter jets, electric-digital computing, and atomic bombs. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute begins admitting women. Postwar federal funding shifts engineering programs toward research, and the G.I. bill ramps up enrollment in higher education. SPEE’s 1940 Hammond report emphasizes science fundamentals over vocational training. SPEE helps create the Engineering College Research Association (1942), moves headquarters to Northwestern University (1943), and changes its name to ASEE (1946). 1950s: COLD WAR, HOT PRODUCTS The nuclear arms race commences, as does atomic power production. Color TV, transistor radios, long-distance telephone service, interstate highways, and Barbie dolls take off. So, too, does the Pill. The Society of Women Engineers and the National Science Foundation are established (1950); the University of Pennsylvania awards the nation’s first doctorate in bioengineering (1953). Defense efforts draw researchers further from industry practice. As the established voice for engineering education, ASEE sends teams to the Soviet Union and India, revises its teaching manual, and administers government programs and education surveys. In 1954, headquarters moves to the University of Illinois and becomes self-supporting. Membership hits 8,000. 1960s: THE SPACE AGE Tuned in (to TV) and turned on (to social problems), Americans believe engineers will propel man to the moon – and beyond. Developments include Valium, Kevlar, carbon fiber, the Boeing 747, Star Trek, the computer mouse, and the first handheld calculator. The National Academy of Engineering is incorporated (1964). The next year, NAE elects its first woman: industrial engineer Lillian Gilbreth. Mississippi State creates the first undergraduate engineering program (1967). Purdue launches the nation’s first women-in-engineering program (1969). ASEE moves to Washington, D.C., in 1964 to be “the voice of engineering education,” working with government organizations and encouraging funding for minority populations. The push for a uniform curriculum and master’s degree stirs controversy, prompting engineering technology groups to challenge ASEE’s leadership in engineering education. Membership tops 12,000 in 1966. 1970s: DIGITAL FRONTIERS The era of garage start-ups spawns ever faster computers, PONG and videogames, word processing, email, spreadsheets, Star Wars, Post-it notes, a nascent Internet, and cellphones. CT and MRI scans fight America’s war on cancer while soaring gas prices drive demand for fuel-efficient cars. Earth Day and the first test-tube baby arrive. The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (1974) starts up in Los Angeles; the National Society of Black Engineers is founded at Purdue (1975); the American Indian Science and Engineering Society begins (1977). ASEE focuses increasingly on best teaching practice, not research, and on the expanded involvement of its members, divisions, and councils. Engineering technology and studies of under-represented minorities gain attention. Annals of Engineering Education launches in 1975. 1980s: PCs & MTV The CD-ROM, IBM PC, Macintosh, Internet, domain names, and other disruptive technologies automate offices, schools, and homes, connecting people in new ways. MTV and antilock brakes debut along with controlled drug-delivery technology, the scanning tunneling microscope, Prozac, and the “morning-after pill”: RU-486. In 1980, ECPD is renamed the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Eleanor Baum becomes the first woman engineering dean in 1984 at Pratt Institute. The ASEE Engineering Deans Council establishes a federal liaison office. Engineering technology education and engineering education research come to the fore. Membership peaks at 13,000 in 1980, declining to 9,500 by decade’s end. 1990s: DOT-COM REVOLUTION The World Wide Web takes off with Netscape, Google, URLs, and html. The Human Genome Project launches the quest to map man’s every chromosome, the Hubble Space Telescope, international space station and B-2 bomber deploy. Viagra hits the market. In 1997, ABET adopts Engineering Criteria 2000, emphasizing innovation and engineering design; capstone projects and hands-on labs become standard. Prism launches in 1991. ASEE moves into its current headquarters in 1993, hooks up to the Internet, and elects its first female president, Eleanor Baum. 2000 & BEYOND: LIVING SOCIAL Google, spam, and friend become verbs. GPS, ATMs, camera phones, and RFID become ubiquitous. Space is commercialized, nanotechnology infuses products, and Apple becomes the world’s biggest purveyor and player of digital music. Utah State launches the nation’s first stand-alone engineering and technology education program in 2003. Purdue establishes the School of Engineering Education in 2004 and Virginia Tech sets up a department of engineering education. Stanford and MIT pioneer free massive open online courses (MOOCs). ASEE doubles in size, expands fellowships, and helps establish the International Federation of Engineering Education Societies (IFEES) and Global Engineering Deans Council (GEDC). In 2003 Engineering, Go For It (eGFI), ASEE’s magazine and website for K-12 students, debuts. In 2012, engineering deans attend the White House launch of an initiative to produce 10,000 more U.S. engineering graduates annually; ASEE begins a project to collect retention data and helps develop new K-12 science standards that include engineering design. By Mary Lord and Robin Tatu HARDY PERENNIALS As engineering education advanced through the decades, key debates kept recurring. by Thomas K. Grose In the summer of 1893, a group of engineering academics took time out from reviewing the showcase of technological prowess at the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago to form the Society for the Promotion of Engineering Education, ASEE’s forerunner. As they pondered the growth of degree programs across the country, a civil engineering professor from New York’s Columbia College opened a debate that would persist, with varying degrees of vehemence, for the next 120 years. A foundation in math and science was necessary, argued William H. Burr, but engineering graduates should also have “a broad, liberal education in philosophy and the arts” and be well acquainted with applied skills. How much liberal arts study engineers need is one of a series of questions that educators have argued over for decades. Others include: What is the right balance between practical, hands-on design and science, math, and analytics? Should faculty focus on research or teaching? Which teaching methods and technologies work best in the classroom? “When you look back over the years, there’s been an amazing consistency of issues,” says Bruce Seely, dean of the College of Sciences and Arts at Michigan Technological University, who has authored several papers on the history of engineering education. Some unresolved issues are of more recent vintage. How can engineering schools attract and graduate more women and underrepresented minorities? What structures must change to accommodate such emerging multidisciplinary fields as biomedical, food safety, environmental, materials, or nano- and neuro-engineering? Most of all, how do colleges of engineering get faculty to implement pedagogical innovations that research has shown can improve student learning? Educators most likely will continue to wrestle with these questions for some time to come. As Seely wrote of the curriculum tussle between practice and engineering science, “Perhaps the most constant feature of American engineering education has been the demand for change.” Another recurring challenge: acting on those demands. “It’s hard to get the momentum to overcome long-standing traditions,” notes Cynthia Finelli, director of the Center for Research on Learning and Teaching in Engineering at the University of Michigan. “Change, in general, is hard to negotiate in the academy.” Pendulum Swings To see why, just consider the fluctuation between hands-on learning and theory. Practical curricula dominated the first half of the 20th century. Despite calls for more classes in physics and applied math, schools mainly stressed the “how” over the “why.” Only with the advent of World War II did research get pushed to the fore in engineering schools, compelled by military needs and a deluge of federal research money. The trend accelerated in the 1950s with the Cold War and dawn of the space race. Schools began hiring faculty who could snag big research grants and reshaped their programs to focus more on science, math, and engineering science. By the 1960s, engineering theory was paramount. In the early 70s, even the reformers anguished about the overemphasis on science for its own sake at the expense of practical applications. Yet it wasn’t until the 90s that efforts began in earnest to bring more design back into the curriculum. That trend continues today, particularly through co-op programs that provide hands-on training and industry experience. Yet, as Seely observes, “the pendulum is never going to be static.” That’s partly because efforts to emphasize professional skills and design are typically at odds with the structure of American engineering schools. Roughly two thirds of U.S. engineering students are educated at doctorate-granting schools where research rules. As a result, says Brent Jesiek, an assistant professor of engineering education at Purdue University, “critics still say faculty are training students to be engineering researchers, not practitioners.” But research drives rankings and reputations. Even at Purdue’s School of Engineering Education, which explores innovative ways to teach, faculty members are primarily evaluated on their research, Jesiek says. “It’s ironic, but we are still subject to those standards.” Despite a growing number of teaching and learning centers on campuses, “many professors are not aware of best practices and pedagogy,” comments Michael Loui, a professor of electrical and computer engineering at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign and the editor of ASEE’s Journal of Engineering Education. “The dirty little secret of the academy is the ignorance of the professors.” For many, that’s where ASEE comes in. The society “can play a leadership role in disseminating best practices and giving people who are innovators a forum to discuss their approaches to teaching and learning,” says Gary May, dean of engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology. One partly settled debate is the need to ensure that undergraduates receive a healthy dose of liberal arts education. Lacking a humanities background, the engineer is ranked “as a relatively uncultivated man,” then ASEE President Ira O. Baker lamented in 1900. The notion that students should take eight humanities courses over four years began at the turn of that century and is still largely the norm today. What changes are notions of which courses are most crucial. In the 1930s, for example, political science and economics were considered key. ASEE’s 1968 Olmstead report stressed the need to combine technical competence with “a sense of human values and knowledge of social processes.” Today, schools strive to ensure that graduates develop strong communications skills, ability to work on multidisciplinary teams, and awareness of engineering’s societal impact. Yet requiring more general undergraduate courses can push tech courses into a yearlong master’s program. That kind of five-year plan lies at the heart of another perennial concern: What should be the first professional degree? The American Society of Civil Engineers currently leads an effort to require a master’s, a movement strongly opposed by other engineering societies as well as ASEE’s Engineering Deans Council. Proponents note that engineering is nearly unique among the professions in accepting an undergraduate education as a professional qualification. Loui says he would prefer the master’s route because the current process crowds too many technical courses into a four-year schedule. But that’s a hard sell to industry, he admits, and to cash-strapped students. Nonetheless, more flexible undergraduate programs could help graduate more women and underrepresented minorities – a major goal of engineering educators for several decades. Although SPEE’s first president, DeVolson Wood, lauded the Society’s decision not to bar females from joining its ranks, the numbers of women and minorities receiving degrees have remained consistently low. The 2012 ASEE-sponsored report, Innovation with Impact, found that engineering schools are still not perceived as welcoming, especially for women and minorities. Loui notes that the military roots of engineering still pervade the culture of many schools, and that’s often a turnoff for women. “We actually know how to solve this problem,” he says – with curricula that aren’t so packed with tech classes and that allow time for dual majors and international study. Yet like others, Loui admits that it’s difficult to change the system. There’s widespread agreement that ridding schools of the old sink-or-swim mentality would help improve retention of underrepresented populations. Michigan’s Finelli says that while much progress has been made in that area, “I know that attitude is still there. When instructors are in very honest mode, they will admit it.” Some, she says, remain unconvinced of the value of diversity, despite findings that it translates into innovative, productive work environments. New Dilemmas Several emerging issues are likely to become perennials. While much real-world industrial work is interdisciplinary, for example, most engineering schools remain segregated by departments – mechanical, electrical, chemical–and offer few multidisciplinary degrees. Even rarer are courses that combine engineering with nonengineering disciplines, though there are a few mold-breakers. Olin College’s program is highly interdisciplinary, and includes a focus on the arts and entrepreneurship. Penn State’s Behrend College offers a major in interdisciplinary business and engineering studies, while Drexel University has a long-standing master’s program in engineering management. Industrial pressure could force more movement in this area. As nanotechnology gains increasing importance in engineering, it too could motivate change. Indeed, the National Academy of Engineering has stated it does not want to see departments of nanotechnology, but rather creation of interdisciplinary nanotech programs. Another question destined to last for years is whether the United States needs more engineers—or fewer, better-trained ones. Despite the Obama administration’s stated goal to graduate 10,000 additional engineers a year, some experts, including Norman Augustine, the retired chairman and CEO of Lockheed Martin, have concluded this may be misguided. Augustine argues that bachelor’s degree holders with basic skills eventually will lose out in a market glutted with equally proficient, less expensive engineers from developing nations. That confrontation could happen more quickly with the acceleration of an industry push to make the ABET model of accreditation a global one. As recurring engineering education debates have churned through the decades, ASEE has often led the discussions and championed change. It also has been caught in the vortex. In the 1950s and early 60s, defense and other federal research contracts changed the culture at many leading schools. Educators seemed to value the pursuit of knowledge over teaching practical engineering. Seely argues that this shift toward research turned the Society into an organization for deans and department heads, causing it to lose purchase with rank-and-file faculty in the late 1960s, just as anti-establishment protests roiled campuses and space-program funding dried up. The pendulum swung back toward teaching, making membership a hard sell for young, research-driven faculty. Seely says recent efforts to incorporate design and balance research and engineering practice have allowed ASEE to “regain some traction, but it’s no longer the center of the universe it was 50 years ago.” But Ronald Barr, a mechanical engineering professor at the University of Texas, Austin and former ASEE president, counters that the Society remains an important agent for helping educators recognize and respond to the issues. “ASEE has been one of the bright spots,” says Barr. “Things are slowly changing for the better, and ASEE has had a lot to do with that.” And if past is indeed prologue, the Society’s future will be marked by more swings of the pendulum. Tom Grose is Prism’s chief correspondent, based in London. FORWARD THINKERS From multidisciplinary new specialties to MOOCs, engineering education must meet expanding challenges and serve new constituencies. by Robin Tatu If ASEE’s founders sought to keep engineering education abreast of dynamic technological change, their 2013 successors face the same challenge – on steroids. Advances in how we communicate, design, manufacture, build, and fight disease are matched by a surge of online instruction, global exchange, and scholarship on the complexity of learning. In the coming decades, the Society will need to help students, faculty, and institutions both compete in a global marketplace and acquire the tools to confront global problems, from climate change to shortages of food and potable water. Can ASEE cope? It’s a tall order, but past and current leaders draw confidence from several traditional strengths and promising trends. For one, no other professional society spans all fields of engineering, “which is huge,” notes Richard Benson, Virginia Tech’s dean of engineering. That makes ASEE uniquely positioned to break down departmental silos and address the pedagogical challenges of biomechanics, nanotechnology, and other multidisciplinary engineering specialties. Eleanor Baum, an ASEE past president and dean of engineering emerita at Cooper Union, likewise sees ASEE’s disciplinary span as one of its great strengths, helping educators to “talk not only to engineers and people in [their] own discipline but to other people as well.” Discussion about new pedagogy, laboratory equipment, and technology in the classroom “really helps and is so important,” says Baum. “I think ASEE facilitates this enormously.” The Society could do even more to foster faculty exchange and learning, argues Sarah Rajala, dean of engineering at Iowa State University and past president of ASEE. Current students often want to “learn anytime, anywhere” and “use technology like mad,” Rajala notes, but many instructors haven’t kept up with the shifts. How can ASEE encourage effective curricular change for engineering educators that helps at both the practical and research levels? One solution she suggests is to expand to the regional level the kind of workshops offered by NETI (National Effective Teaching Institute) at ASEE’s annual conference. Take teaching seriously The emergence of stand-alone departments of engineering education, by providing a direct route between research and its impact on classroom instruction, has enabled pedagogy to adjust to new demands of the marketplace. Already, a growing awareness of effective teaching techniques is spreading among engineering departments, as witnessed by hands-on design projects that have energized first-year programs and student engagement and retention. A key issue now, says Benson, is harnessing the power of technology to boost engineers’ education. Massive open online courses help schools “deliver quality education to great numbers of students,” but MOOCs won’t replace the residential college experience any time soon. Benson believes the best approach couples online lectures with hands-on projects such as Tech students experience, whether in teams building soccer-playing robots or designing underwater autonomous vehicles. ASEE provides considerable leadership in these areas, says Benson, because “there’s so much that we need to know and that we need to study.” The Society supports engineering educators not only in terms of covering the breadth of all of engineering, he says, “but also by having a focus on education, which is also really key.” Benson notes “a very nice evolution over several decades” at ASEE, “where people take pedagogy as an important area of research. In other words, it isn’t just something we do on the side.” If ASEE continues to struggle with diversity, it’s not for lack of recognition that women and minorities are woefully underrepresented in most engineering fields. That awareness is due in part to a series of female presidents, starting with Baum in 1995. Attraction and retention in engineering remain a concern for her. Yes, the number of women in academic engineering has gone up – particularly at the Ph.D. and dean level – says Baum. Yet she is appalled to see, even today, “this business of putting barriers up and making it feel like boot camp… instead of nurturing and helping and creating an environment where you help students study.” She’d like to see “more C students in high school thinking in terms of a possibility of a career in engineering.” Women and minority students, in particular, shy away unless they are the “top, top students – which doesn’t hold true for [Caucasian] males,” says Baum. Encourage more average students, she urges: “Not everyone in engineering is at the leading edge of hotshot research.” A view from the trenches An emerging generation of engineering educators may point the way to a more inclusive approach and alternate pathways into the field. Katie Nelson is one of this new breed. With a B.A. and M.A. in environmental engineering, she is now earning a Ph.D. at Arizona State University’s Teacher College. Nelson speaks with passion of her interest in pedagogy, noting that most students in the relatively new discipline of engineering education consider themselves “in the trenches,” as they pursue research they believe will produce improved teaching – and engineering practice. As incoming chair of ASEE’s Student Division, Nelson hopes to tweak the annual conference program to better serve students – adding one-on-one meetings with seasoned experts, for example, rather than large meet-and-greet gatherings. Most significantly, she hopes to encourage greater recognition for student achievements: “We don’t want to just be seen as practitioners,” she says. “We also want to be seen as researchers.” One of Nelson’s studies examines the types of women who remain in engineering rather than those who leave, because “no one has really looked at the staying piece.” Corridors of power An important forum for improving education is ASEE’s Engineering Deans Council, a meeting ground where several hundred leaders from a wide range of institutions can share ideas and experiences. “Unless you have the dean of the institution encouraging faculty to learn, to grow, to network, [and] to participate in ASEE, no changes will occur,” Baum observes. In her experience as past chair of the group, it can exert a progressive influence. Through it, even “the most hard-nosed, resistant” deans learn that “education matters; student success matters; curricular trends matter – and they become very different people from when they started their jobs.” The deans’ council also serves to engage engineers in public policy, with an annual colloquium in Washington, D.C., featuring senior officials from the administration and Congress. Gary May, dean of the College of Engineering at Georgia Tech, would like to see ASEE become “more of a visible advocate for the profession.” One way to assist that effort, he suggests, is to support better data specific to engineering students that measure attraction and retention. “We do a pretty good job now of just the counting-noses kind of data,” says May, but further analysis could help determine “why trends are the way they are and how to change them in the direction we want them to change.” An unmistakable and significant trend is the growth in the population of engineering students from overseas, particularly at the graduate level. This has been accompanied by increasing research collaboration between engineers here and abroad. During his tenure as executive director from 1991 to 2010, Frank Huband began a push for international involvement and continues to stress the importance of global exchange. “Having an awareness of what goes on around the world in engineering education helps everyone,” he says. U.S. educators can learn from European schools where active learning is a hallmark, but American educators can demonstrate the continuing value of U.S. graduate studies and retain a strong share of foreign students. “U.S. schools need the income generated by these students to be able to maintain the size and therefore the diversity of [their engineering] programs,” he points out, noting that almost three-quarters of Ph.D. engineering students come from abroad. Beyond the issue of finances, “it helps [American] engineering students to have that diversity in their educational process.” The process of global engagement works in both directions, notes past president J.P. Mohsen, who finds a “tremendous amount of interest” overseas in how U.S. schools address technology advances and “the way young people are learning, and how they are exposed to the internet and the digital age at a very, very young age.” Even as they enrich the ASEE mosaic, international students and faculty add another constituency to a complex organization that must accommodate multiple disciplinary, interest, and geographic groups. Even non-engineers are an important part of the mix. Marilyn Dyrud, a communications professor at the Oregon Institute of Technology, serves on two ASEE divisions and was on the Board of Directors from 2009 to 2011. An ethics specialist, she played a key role in developing the Society’s plagiarism policy. Being a non-engineer in an engineering organization is “a running joke in the Engineering Technology Division,” she laughs. But involvement has “truly broadened my own perspective, which in turn allows me to broaden my students’ perspective, which is why I teach.” To get these myriad groups to pull together poses an ongoing challenge, but it’s one that Mohsen, chair of civil and environmental engineering at the University of Louisville, thinks must be met. The efforts of ASEE and various other organizations working on issues of K-12 students or underrepresented populations are worthwhile, Mohsen asserts, but “the true benefit of all of these works will not be realized unless we work together.” Closer ties with members of the Corporate Member Council, for example, can help ASEE mine information about the needs of industry in hiring engineers and help translate that into classroom practice. Balancing competing needs of member groups is not something ASEE has always managed well. At various times, the Society has been swayed by research over practice or favored the interests of deans over teaching faculty. The Society’s various councils, each of which has a seat on the Board of Directors, represent a wide array of topical, institutional, and geographic interest. Emerging constituencies in each of these areas, with new and sometimes competing needs, must be considered, says Norman Fortenberry, ASEE’s executive director since 2011. “We have a very large and broad community associated with or concerned about academic engineering – the people within it, its products, how it operates, the tools it uses to operate – and ASEE has to be concerned about each of those stakeholders and view them as constituents.” That’s why he says that now, more than ever, the Society must stick to its mandate of serving the membership. So long as it does so, Fortenberry sees reason to be optimistic about ASEE’s future. Like the U.S. Constitution, which celebrated its 225th anniversary last year, ASEE “has broad principles that it adheres to, that adapt to the times and the circumstances.” And as long as ASEE continues to meet the evolving needs of its members, “I think we have another good 120 years, if not more, in front of us.” Robin Tatu is Prism’s senior editorial consultant. A SCHOOL OF ONE'S OWN Stand-alone departments of engineering education are raising the discipline’s profiles — and improving first-year learning, teaching, and persistence. by Margaret Loftus Holly Matusovich worked as a metallurgical engineer until a particularly stressful long-term assignment prompted her to reassess her career and explore education. It took just a few classes at Purdue University’s School of Engineering Education to make her want to plunge in and become an expert on motivation and learning. “When I got involved in my first research project, it was the coolest thing ever,” recalls Matusovich, one of the nascent department’s earliest Ph.D. candidates. “I absolutely loved it.” Now an assistant professor at Virginia Tech’s Department of Engineering Education, she is intent on making engineering more accessible to students. Educators have long agreed that rethinking the traditional “chalk and talk” style of teaching is essential if engineering colleges hope to attract, retain, and train a larger, more diverse group of students. Until recently, schools mostly took a scattershot approach. But in the past decade, many have embraced engineering education as a stand-alone discipline, applying research and multidisciplinary scholarship to transform teaching by reconfiguring classrooms, fostering collaboration, and using interactive tools. A few pioneers – at Purdue, Virginia Tech, Utah State University, and Clemson University – have established separate schools or departments dedicated to the discipline. The emergence of engineering education departments marks a major milestone in a decades-long struggle to bring fresh ideas to the training of engineers while adhering to consistent standards – even as engineering itself keeps advancing. Momentum continues to build as schools respond to calls by industry and political leaders for a dramatic increase in engineering graduates. As one sign, ASEE’s 2002 annual conference had 17 sessions with “teaching” in the title; a decade later, that number had climbed to 100. “There’s a lot of knowledge and research out there,” explains David Radcliffe, the Kamyar Haghighi Head of Purdue’s School of Engineering Education, which will celebrate its 10th anniversary next year. “What we needed to do was develop across the country a critical mass of scholars whose research work was to add to the knowledge base about how engineers learn and help educate future faculty around those techniques.” Several engineering schools now offer doctorates in engineering education. Others have launched centers that foster research in engineering curriculum design, such as Texas A&M’s new Institute for Engineering Education and Innovation. While proponents agree that these are all positive steps in the discipline’s evolution, having a distinct department with tenured professors bestows legitimacy. “A department is a beachhead,” says Radcliffe, noting that “when we started, nobody had ever gotten tenure in this discipline.” Having a recognized group of engineering education colleagues who teach courses and publish research also makes it easier to share and adopt evidence-based instructional methods. “You’re actually building communities of practice,” says Stephanie Adams, head of Virginia Tech’s engineering education department. While their reach varies from school to school, engineering education departments have a common core mission: changing how freshmen are taught. “We train future generations to be excellent educators, and we happen to start by preparing them to teach first-year students,” says Adams. Except at Clemson, first-year engineering programs fall under the purview of engineering education departments. One major effort involves finding ways to enliven large introductory lecture classes – which research and retention rates suggest are a poor way to teach freshman – with engaging engineering experiences and applications. “The professor walks to the top of the classroom, and the expectation is that students will be sponges and take it all in,” says Kurt Becker, a Utah State professor of engineering education who recently stepped down as the department head. “We don’t give them enough engineering right out of the block, so as a profession we need to look at the way we’re training them.” Start with the best When Utah State launched its engineering education department in 2004, the school — which oversees first- and second-year coursework as well as a pre-engineering associate’s degree offered at four regional campuses — broke with tradition. It assigned top instructors, identified by outstanding track records, to freshman foundational classes. “We said, ‘Let’s put our best people in those classes or hire new people that will do a great job,’ ” Becker explains. Teachers may be reassigned if more than 10 percent of their students earn a D, fail, or withdraw (DFW). Engineering education faculty now are using these large, foundational courses to collect data and publish findings on new pedagogy and assessment strategies. They also have received state funding to develop and deliver foundational engineering courses online. “The word is out about our quality and going beyond the boundaries of our campus,” says Becker. Engineering education departments also are helping to retrain faculty. Apart from the occasional workshop, most professors aren’t exposed to pedagogy and “are expected to teach with little or no training on how students learn,” says Lisa Benson, an associate professor of engineering and science education at Clemson. Originally a bioengineering professor, she switched fields after becoming interested in how her students developed problem-solving skills. Benson finds that as a default, instructors let their own student experiences inform their teaching. “We should be addressing the needs of students, not the needs we remember we had,” she concludes. With this in mind, in 2006 Benson and her colleagues borrowed a student-centered method developed by science education researchers at North Carolina State University to flip the way calculus is typically taught. For starters, the classroom was redesigned to accommodate students around 7-foot round tables wired for laptop use, shifting the focus from the instructor to teams collaborating on problems. “Rather than the traditional approach, where 95 percent of the talking is done by the professor, the majority of talking is being done by students, and the majority of the students are engaged,” explains Benson. “Everyone is empowered.” The project posted a DFW rate of 5 percent in its first year, compared with 30 percent for lecture-based calculus sections. Since then, nearly all calculus classes have been taught using the student-centered approach, with similarly positive outcomes. At Virginia Tech, Matusovich uses an interactive approach in her first-year introductory class called Engineering Exploration. Instead of walking students through problems with PowerPoint slides, she asks them to submit their answers anonymously using tablets loaded with DyKnow software that lets them interact with each other and the instructor. She then chooses several responses to highlight on-screen, allowing students to see that there’s often more than one way to solve a problem. “I like to think of it as building a community,” says Matusovich, who notes that a sense of belonging helps freshmen persist in engineering. “They can see how they’re doing compared to their peers. Often they are so busy, they don’t get that.” Purdue takes classroom redesign one step further with its i2i Learning Laboratory, a cluster of seven spaces configured to take students through the design process. There’s a media-rich design studio room framed by a wall-to-ceiling whiteboard, where teams of freshmen test out ideas using tablet PCs, video projectors, and data acquisition equipment. The demonstration studio includes CAD stations and other technology for designing and simulating parts. Each component of the lab’s design, teaming, and learning technologies has been informed by engineering education research conducted by department faculty or other scholars. Since the lab’s introduction in 2009, the retention rate for freshmen has risen to 88 percent from around 78 percent. K-12 research Departments of engineering education also can be incubators for hybrid bachelor’s degrees that span disciplines or incorporate pedagogy. Purdue’s school, for example, offers a multidisciplinary engineering program that lets students design their own engineering major. At Virginia Tech, students who want to explore teaching practices can earn a certificate in engineering education to complement a bachelor’s degree in their major. Beyond improving teaching and learning at the college level, engineering education departments figure prominently in research initiatives to boost K-12 engineering education. Virginia Tech, for example, has studied children in Appalachia and their obstacles and pathways into engineering. Purdue created INSPIRE – the Institute for P-12 Engineering Research and Learning – to research engineering habits of mind and practice in the precollege years. One project, for instance, finds new ways to provide professional development to third-, fourth-, and fifth-grade teachers who lack science backgrounds. Such research demands different skills from those required in most other engineering disciplines. As Utah State’s Becker notes, while engineers typically take a quantifiable approach, “with humans, you can’t do that. We use mixed methods, which means qualitative and quantitative.” As a result, Ph.D. engineering education programs tend to attract students who are comfortable straddling the worlds of physical and social science. Department heads say they see less interest from newly minted graduates than from seasoned engineers who, like Matusovich, seek to redirect their careers. “You almost need to have some life experience to appreciate what we’re about,” says Purdue’s Radcliffe, adding that two thirds of his department’s students are women. That’s a dramatic departure from other engineering disciplines, where men outnumber women 5 to 1 on average. Unlike students in many other doctoral programs, particularly in the social sciences, engineering education graduates enjoy robust job prospects. Though the number of Ph.D.’s remains small, the dozens who have earned a doctorate have gone on to assume first-year engineering leadership roles, conduct postdoctoral research, and teach—often gravitating to innovative, multidisciplinary programs. (Just one Purdue engineering education Ph.D. ended up in industry.) Radcliffe and Adams, whose Virginia Tech department launched shortly after Purdue’s in 2004, envision a day when more of their grads go into industry, policy, and museums. Meanwhile, Matusovich is working on engaging the next generation of engineers. “I want students to have such great experiences that they set the bar higher for what they expect,” she says. “If we can set that bar, we can get top-down and bottom-up change going.” FROM THE EDITOR by Mark Matthews Mysteries of the Mind There’s no ASEE logo on the international space station or the Chevrolet Volt. But chances are the Society had some influence over these and countless other technological achievements by helping to guide the training of their creators. Since 1893, ASEE’s passionate educators have shared ideas, battled over curricular changes, and developed standards that altogether made successive generations of U.S.-schooled engineers the envy of the world. They nurtured both the creative spirits behind breakthrough inventions and the painstaking, ethical habits of mind that made air travel safer, skyscrapers stronger, and medical equipment more reliable. As­ ASEE members point out in the pages of this 120th­-anniversary issue, they can’t rest on their laurels. Just as practicing engineers strive constantly to improve upon products or systems, engineering educators must keep up with rapidly changing demands on their graduates. They know that for tomorrow’s designs to meet America’s needs, engineers will have to reflect the nation’s diversity – which they now don’t. The history of engineering education is thus a story both of expansion – of disciplines, facilities, degree programs, and learning technologies – and of periodic frustration with stubborn problems that defy a quick fix. That’s why ASEE’s 120th annual conference in Atlanta will find members absorbing new teaching approaches and challenging themselves to do better even as they celebrate a Society milestone. Set in motion last fall by ASEE Executive Director Norman Fortenberry, this special issue of Prism is the work of a small group of big talents: Deputy Editor Mary Lord, Senior Consultant Robin Tatu, Graphic Designer Nicola Nittoli, and Production Coordinator Ray Phillips. Creative Director Lung-I Lo provided guidance and inspiration, Chief Correspondent Tom Grose did his usual stellar reporting job, and Virginia Kozlowski lent impressive design skills toward the end. We’re grateful to Ashley Krawiec and Paula Whitley, whose ad sales help to keep us going. We hope you enjoy the summer Prism. As always, your comments are welcome. Mark Matthews BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING Tumor Trap For cancer patients, a major worry is that some tumor cells will make their way into the bloodstream and eventually spread to other parts of the body, or metastasize. These circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are difficult to track, and thus to treat. Five years ago, researchers at the Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Engineering in Medicine developed a chip that could detect some CTCs that were covered in a common protein. Now the center’s engineers have developed the CTC-iChip, which can find all types of metastasizing cancer cells. The chip initially removes all but white blood cells and CTCs from a blood sample. It then isolates the CTCs by using magnetic nanoparticles that attach to and remove the white cells. The CTCs can be detected even at very low levels, then analyzed in a lab. Early detection of CTCs would let doctors begin therapies more rapidly to halt or slow metastasizing cells. Moreover, studying the captured CTCs may yield insights on how cancers evolve. – TG UP CLOSE: Join the Revolution Wisconsin’s just-retired dean would put the first two years of engineering online. America’s public universities are facing a financial crisis as state governments continue to chop funding, prompting tuition and fees to soar. The troubling upshot is that students will just opt out, frets Paul Peercy. And that could prove disastrous for a country whose economic future depends on having more, not fewer, college graduates. Peercy, who retired in March after 13 years as dean of the University of Wisconsin, Madison’s College of Engineering, believes that America’s public universities need to become more productive by harnessing information technology in radical new ways. Digital solutions, he says, could drastically cut the amount of time and money engineering undergraduates spend earning their degree, enabling schools to graduate more well-prepared students. Peercy envisions making the first two years of basic engineering courses available online so that students could complete them at a low cost, and as early as high school. Only upper-level undergraduate courses would be offered on campus. This time-saving approach would ensure that engineering students not only receive the necessary foundation in science and math but also learn the IT skills they will apply in today’s interdisciplinary, multicultural workplace. Once on campus, students would continue to take courses that make greater use of digital technology. Peercy is a fan of what’s often called the inverted, or blended, classroom. In this approach, students watch a lecture online and then take a quiz before attending class. A computerized breakdown of quiz results lets the instructor spend class time focusing on areas the students found most problematic. “We can’t continue to just lecture students,” Peercy argues. “We can’t continue to try to teach them using the methods of the Middle Ages. That’s highly inefficient and ineffective.” Peercy takes naturally to new systems. After earning a physics Ph.D., he joined Bell Labs—America’s “idea factory”—followed by 27 years at Sandia National Laboratories, where he rose to oversee microelectronics, photonics, and semiconductor development. He arrived at Wisconsin in 1999 after four years as president of SEMI/Sematech, the nonprofit semiconductor industries suppliers’ consortium that helped U.S. companies achieve semiconductor dominance. Two years later, he was elected to the National Academy of Engineering in part for “visionary leadership in creating and managing outstanding laboratories in materials research.” As dean, Peercy instituted a tutoring program for foundational math and science classes to boost retention and spurred a redesign of the first-year curriculum. Wisconsin’s Introduction to Society’s Engineering Grand Challenges, unveiled in 2008, plunges students immediately into real-world problem solving. Today, the College of Engineering is leading the university’s blended-learning efforts. The impact on student persistence and grades has been so pronounced that the strategic plan calls for flipping 75 percent of core courses over the next several years. Peercy says this approach cuts study time because students receive instant feedback, and it greatly reduces the hours faculty spend preparing lectures. It also works: Student scores jumped 15 percent, and failure rates dropped from 25 or 30 percent to nearly nil. Peercy points to Carnegie Mellon University research that shows the inverted-classroom approach accelerates learning to the point where a semester’s worth of material can be covered in half the time, with better results and retention of information than in conventional classes. Peercy admits that such hybrid approaches “go against every tradition” within academia. While the pace of acceptance has accelerated, he says, “it is still bottom-up when it should be more top-down.” Still, from a handful of courses five years ago, nearly all of Wisconsin’s first- and second-year engineering courses are now blended, as are half of the third-year courses. Peercy says the investment in software needed for blended courses is a one-time expense that in many cases should last for 10 years. While he won’t call himself a proselytizer for IT-infused classrooms, Peercy notes that he is chairing this October’s Global Engineering Deans Council meeting in Chicago. Its theme? Digital Education and Transformed Faculty Roles. Thomas K. Grose is Prism’s chief correspondent, based in London. REFRACTIONS: Revisiting 1893 ASEEís birth year witnessed a spectacular display of innovation, progress, and national pride. The year was a remarkable one for engineers, engineering, and engineering education. Eighteen ninety-three saw the Worldís Columbian Exposition open in Chicago, marking the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbusís landing in the New World. Of course, as we learned as schoolchildren, that discovery happened in 1492, but planning for the Chicago Worldís Fair ran a bit late. The scale of the exposition, as imagined by architects Daniel H. Burnham and John W. Root, was grand. They were the designers of the cityís 10-story Montauk Building, the worldís first structure to be called a skyscraper, and they wanted the fair to be equally distinguished. When Root died suddenly, Burnham was left alone with the responsibility to organize the design and construction of the sprawling complex. Since the upcoming fair was to occur in the wake of the enormously successful Paris Universal Exposition of 1889, there was a general feeling that Chicago had to top the French fairís soaring symbol. But Burnham did not want just a taller tower than Gustave Eiffelís; he wanted something that showed American engineering to be superior to Franceís. While Burnham praised architects for their artistry in designing the fair proper, he excoriated engineers for not coming up with something to rival and surpass the Eiffel Tower. A young engineer named George Washington Gale Ferris Jr. took up the challenge. He produced plans to put a circular structure similar in scale to the Paris tower on an axle and make itóand the 2,160 riders it could carryórevolve. Initially considered lunacy, the Ferris wheel was a tremendous hit and became a veritable symbol of American engineering prowess and achievement. In the shadow of the Ferris wheel stretched the White City, as the fairgrounds came to be known. Electric power distribution was still in its infancy, and the use of countless incandescent bulbs to illuminate the fairís 600-plus-acre expanse at night was unprecedented. The exhibition buildings of classical design gleamed in the brightness and declared to the world the ever onward march of engineering generally and electrical engineering in particular. Numerous electrical exhibits showed what the future promised. Amidst the blinding light and dizzying amusement, a number of international scientific and philosophical congresses were held in conjunction with the 1893 exposition. Among these was a Worldís Engineering Congress, whose Section E was devoted to engineering education. It was at the conclusion of this meeting that a group of engineers organized the Society for the Promotion of Engineering Education. The Societyís constitution specified that regular meetings should be held, preferably in conjunction with the American Association for the Advancement of Science or one of the national engineering societies. The first such meeting indeed took place with the AAAS the next August in Brooklyn, N.Y. The proceedings show the membership of the nascent society stood at 156, up about 50 percent since its inception. In his presidential address at that first annual meeting, DeVolson Wood, a professor at the Stevens Institute of Technology, considered, among other things, three key engineering education topics: What should be taught? How shall it be taught? Who should teach it? These questions understandably have remained of central concern to engineering educators, and they properly continue to be discussed today. Answers may evolve, but fundamental questions always remain relevant. In 1946, the Society for the Promotion of Engineering Education was reorganized and renamed the American Society for Engineering Education. ASEE has come far in the past 120 years, but it remains true to its founding principles and overarching concerns. Henry Petroski is the Aleksandar S. Vesic Professor of Civil Engineering and a professor of history at Duke University. His most recently published books are An Engineerís Alphabet: Gleanings from the Softer Side of a Profession and To Forgive Design: Understanding Failure. REINVENTION: Think Globally Our graduates must be comfortable working across cultures. I’m part of the Apollo generation. The first thing I ever remember wanting to be when I grew up was an astronaut. As was quickly pointed out to me, this wasn’t a very plausible career path for someone who wore glasses. So I decided I wanted to work for ground control. Later, as a teenager, I briefly dreamed of building fighter jets. (Thank you, Tom Cruise and Top Gun.) Though I didn’t know it at the time, these choices were deeply shaped by the Cold War and an engineering education system rooted in the successes and demands of World War II and America’s booming postwar industrial economy. Today, discussions about revamping engineering education often focus on the nation’s need to maintain a competitive economic advantage, as if commerce, technology, and innovation were a zero-sum game. Moreover, this implicitly nationalistic perspective seems just as focused on “winning” as the Cold War engineering of my childhood, although in today’s postindustrial economy, many graduates tend to gravitate to U.S.-based multinationals like Google and Microsoft rather than defense industries or NASA. But the reality is, our social, economic, and environmental systems are globally intertwined. Problems such as conservation or climate change will require more than purely technical solutions. Consider the National Academy of Engineering’s Grand Challenges ( www.engineeringchallenges.org ). Securing cyberspace, providing access to clean water, and preventing nuclear terror are impossible for any one nation, and responses inextricably contain social and political elements. This means our engineering graduates must not only possess technical skills but also be comfortable working across cultures. How can we foster cross-cultural familiarity? For a start, all engineering programs could support semesters abroad, particularly to locations with significantly different languages, customs, or living standards. Our students are much less likely to participate in foreign study programs than undergraduates in other majors, in part because of engineering’s heavily constrained curricula. But even within the curriculum, there’s room to innovate. Amy Smith’s D-Lab program at MIT, for instance, focuses on student-invented sustainable technologies to alleviate poverty around the globe. My colleague’s Affordable Design and Entrepreneurship course at Olin College emphasizes income-generating innovations that meet health, agriculture, or other human needs in the developing world. Engineering programs also can encourage students to study world languages. As well as gaining a practical skill, learning another language invariably exposes students to other ways of seeing the world — itself valuable for creative problem solvers. Even without curricular change, we can encourage our students to think more globally by including examples of engineering and design from other cultures. Reading news from other countries, like the Global Voice project ( globalvoicesonline.org ), or following people from very diverse backgrounds on Twitter can expose students to different perspectives and help them step out of their “filter bubbles.” Finally, the United States, Canada, Australia, and a few other countries have one tremendous advantage in the globally connected world: a long tradition of immigration. We could do a better job of tapping the global networks of our students and faculty. We also could expand those networks by raising limits on foreign students in our programs. The new Vest Scholarships, named for outgoing National Academy of Engineering President Charles Vest, are explicitly designed as a “reverse Rhodes” program to bring graduate students from abroad to the United States to work on Grand Challenges. In the past century, we’ve gone from a world riven by two great wars and their aftermath to one where nations must collaborate on humanity’s mutually assured survival. It’s time for our engineering programs to evolve to support this new, networked world. Debbie Chachra is an associate professor of materials science at the Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering. She does research, speaks, and consults on engineering education and the student experience. She can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter as @debcha. ADVANCES FROM AEE: Natural Detection Water-quality sensors build STEM skills and environmental stewardship among whiz kids and struggling students alike. Sensors are everywhere, from motion-detector light switches to pollution monitors. When used in environmental research projects, they offer a highly engaging, interdisciplinary approach to teaching middle and high school students a multitude of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) subjects and skills. To provide the kind of hands-on, collaborative experiences that lend themselves to sustained inquiry and mastery, we developed a sensor network for water-quality monitoring. The Student Enabled Network of Sensors for the Environment using Innovative Technology, or SENSE IT program, integrates fundamental STEM principles while introducing sensors and technology in the context of protecting the Hudson and St. Lawrence rivers. We then trained 60 teachers to use the equipment and implement a set of carefully crafted curriculum modules tied to state and national science, technology, and math standards. Over the course of two years, some 1,700 students in three regions—rural, urban, and suburban—built, calibrated, and tested a set of sensors and circuits designed to measure water temperature, conductivity, turbidity, and depth. To build and understand their sensors, students use a wide range of core knowledge of mathematics and physical science. They also learn such practical, hands-on technology skills as soldering and debugging circuits. (The sensors are constructed from scratch using standard off-the-shelf electronics components.) Students are led through the physics principles, circuitry, and mathematical analysis required to build each sensor, with the aim of demystifying the “black box” effect associated with using commercially available probes in classrooms. They then interface their sensors with computers, write programs to gather raw signals, implement calibration curves, and perform data manipulation and data logging. In addition, students can program their own communications protocols for wireless transmission of the sensor data, and connect their computerized sensor stations to form a distributed wireless sensor network. Tracked implementation of SENSE IT in classrooms demonstrates that, although additional time and effort are required, it is possible to have students carry out complex problem-based, hands-on projects within the scope of existing standard curricula tied to state and national learning standards. The applied themes of environmental stewardship and sensor networks provide 1) a motivating and meaningful scenario for learning a wide range of core math, science, and technology topics and workforce readiness skills; 2) an awareness of the ubiquity of sensors in our world and the link between the biological, physical, and social sciences, 3) a means to encourage learners to look at local water quality and environmental issues and data from a global perspective; and 4) an opportunity for students to learn about potential careers involved with environmental monitoring and management. Participating teachers are positive about the benefits of SENSE IT, both in terms of engagement and what students learn. Their responses indicate that successful integration of SENSE IT is due to the flexibility of the curriculum to fit into existing courses and to meet students’ wide-ranging academic levels, from upper-level high school students to middle school students, and from Advanced Placement to courses for students unable to qualify for higher-level science. The research results suggest that participating in SENSE IT led to higher scores on post-tests evaluating algebraic and electrical circuit knowledge for all but the more affluent and academically strong high school students. SENSE IT participation particularly benefited students in low-income schools and weaker students in all schools. Students also gave SENSE IT high marks. Using a rating scale from A to F, 85 percent of high school students gave it an A or B for enjoyment and about 75 percent awarded an A or B for learning. Over 98 percent of middle school students gave it an A or B for learning and 80 percent for enjoyment. High school students liked the hands-on aspects of the project best, while middle school students liked building and working in groups. We hope to continue to expand SENSE IT materials, increase the numbers of teachers and pupils exposed to hands-on learning experiences that revolve around sensors, and prepare students for the complex, multidisciplinary challenges awaiting them in today’s technology-focused workplace. Liesl Hotaling is senior research engineer at the University of South Florida and president of Eidos Education. This is excerpted from “SENSE IT: Teaching principles to middle and high school students through the design, construction and deployment of water quality sensors” in the Summer 2012 Advances in Engineering Education. Coauthors of the original article are Susan Lowes and Peiyi Lin, Teachers College, Columbia University; Rustam Stolkin, University of Birmingham, U.K.; and James Bonner, William Kirkey, and Temitope Ojo, Clarkson University. Learn more about the SENSE IT project at http://www.senseit.org/. Supported by National Science Foundation NSF ITEST award 0833440 ASEE TODAY:   Call for Nominations The ASEE Nominating Committee, chaired by Immediate Past President Don Giddens, requests member participation in nominating board officers for the 2014 ASEE elections. Officers to be nominated for Society-wide positions are: president-elect; vice president, member affairs; and chairs of Professional Interest Councils II and III. All nominees must be individual members or institutional member representatives of ASEE at the time of nomination and must maintain ASEE membership during their term of office. Nominating Committee members are not eligible for nomination. The slate of candidates selected by the committee will not exceed two candidates per office. Candidates for president-elect must be active members who have served or are serving on the Board of Directors. Candidates for vice president, member affairs shall be chosen from those who have served as zone chairs. Candidates for chair of the Engineering Research Council, chair of the Engineering Technology Council, and chair-elect for Zone I and Zone III will be nominated and selected by their respective councils and zones, as the ASEE Constitution stipulates. For each proposed candidate for a Society-wide office, submit a biographical sketch of fewer than 400 words that documents career contributions, ASEE offices held, awards and recognitions received, and educational background. Include comments on leadership qualities, ability to cooperate with others to achieve objectives, and willingness to serve if elected. A listing of members who meet constitutional eligibility requirements for the offices of president-elect and vice president, member affairs is available from the executive director’s office at ASEE headquarters. Send nominations in writing, marked confidential, by June 1, 2013. For nominations for the office of president-elect, please include an advocacy statement. Mail nominations to Don P. Giddens, Chair, ASEE Nominating Committee, ASEE, 1818 N Street, N.W., Suite 600, Washington, DC 20036. Regions, Sections, & Divisions The ASEE Today section of Prism welcomes brief reports from Council, Section, and Division leaders providing highlights of their meetings. These reports should be no more than 200 words and provide the meeting’s date, location, and the name of the group that convened it. Submissions should be sent to [email protected], allowing at least six weeks for publication. LAST WORD: by Susan Singer & Karl Smith Follow the Evidence
Ferris Wheel
On Feb 9, 1997, The Simpsons became the longest running prime-time animated series in the US, surpassing what ABC show that ran from 1960 to 1966?
Text Only Version--Three Historic Nevada Cities: Carson City, Reno and Virginia City--A National Register of Historic Places Travel Itinerary Credits Introduction The National Park Service's National Register of Historic Places and the Nevada State Historic Preservation Office, in partnership with the Historic Reno Preservation Society, Reno Historical Resources Commission, City of Reno, Comstock Historic District Commission, Carson City Planning and Community Development, Carson City Historic Review Commission and the National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers (NCSHPO), proudly invite you to discover Three Historic Nevada Cities: Carson City, Reno, Virginia City. Nestled along the western border of Nevada near the looming Sierra Nevada Mountain range, these cities were established after the discovery of the Comstock Lode in 1859 brought a reverse migration from California in the "Rush to Washoe" (Washoe County, Nevada). Once Carson City became the Nevada State Capital, it thrived as the center of state government. While 19th-century Reno's economy was tied to the mining and agricultural industries, in the 20th century it was gaming and the divorce industry that drew many here. The Comstock Lode of Virginia City generated a spectacular amount of wealth, and although the urban town that grew around the mining operations was nearly abandoned in the early 20th century, today it is a remarkable collection of 19th-century buildings. This travel itinerary highlights 58 historic places listed in the National Register of Historic Places that illustrate the stories of each of these cities and the people who built them. While working at Virginia City's Territorial Enterprise newspaper in the 1860s, Mark Twain wrote "Some dozens of people in America have heard of Nevada Territory. . . but when it is shouted abroad through the land that a new star has risen on the flag--a new State born to the Union--then the nation will wake up for a moment and ask who we are and where we came from." While in Nevada, Twain resided in Carson City with his brother Orion Clemens , who served as acting governor of the Nevada Territory. Nevada obtained statehood status in 1864 and construction on the State Capitol began in 1870. Carson City founder Abraham Curry was instrumental in bringing a branch of the U.S. Mint to Carson City. Carson City was also home to many interesting figures including Dat So La Lee , famous Washoe Indian basket weaver, and George Ferris , inventor of the Ferris Wheel. The Virginia & Truckee Railroad , established between Carson City and Virginia City in the 1870s, became an integral transportation link between the two cities. The wealth and optimism rampant in Virginia City during its mining boom is evident in places such as Piper's Opera House , the Storey County Courthouse , the King--McBride Mansion and the Savage Mining Company Office . The University of Nevada was moved to nearby Reno in 1884, but it was not until the early early 20th century that this city experienced its greatest growth, reflected by the construction of several schools in the 1910s, including Mount Rose and McKinley Park School . The home of sheep rancher Joseph Giraud reflects the lucrative nature of this and other agricultural industries in Reno. Prolific Nevada architect Frederic DeLongchamps was responsible for numerous buildings in the region, including the Riverside Hotel , one of several hotels built for divorce-seekers attracted to Reno by its lenient divorce laws. The California Building is the only remnant of the Transcontinental Highway Exposition of 1927, held in Reno to celebrate the completion of the Lincoln and Victory highways. Much later in the century, the Fleishmann Atmospherium Planetarium was built on the University of Nevada campus, the first atmospherium of its kind in the world. Three Historic Nevada Cities offers several ways to discover the places that reflect the history of these western towns. Each highlighted site features a brief description of the place's historic significance, color photographs, and public accessibility information. At the bottom of each page the visitor will find a navigation bar containing links to three essays that explain more about the individual towns of Carson City , Reno and Virginia City . These essays provide historic background, or "contexts," for the places included in the itinerary. In the Learn More section, the itineraries link to regional and local web sites that provide visitors with further information regarding cultural events, special activities, and lodging and dining possibilities. The itinerary can be viewed online, or printed out if you plan to visit the Three Historic Nevada Cities in person. Created through a partnership between the National Park Service's National Register of Historic Places, and the Nevada State Historic Preservation Office, Historic Reno Preservation Society, Reno Historical Resources Commission, City of Reno, Comstock Historic District Commission, Carson City Planning and Community Development, Carson City Historic Review Commission and NCSHPO, Three Historic Nevada Cities is the latest example of a new and exciting cooperative project. As part of the Department of the Interior's strategy to promote public awareness of history and encourage tourists to visit historic places throughout the nation, the National Register of Historic Places is cooperating with communities, regions, and Heritage Areas throughout the United States to create online travel itineraries. Using places nominated by State, Federal and Tribal Historic Preservation Offices and listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the itineraries help potential visitors plan their next trip by highlighting the amazing diversity of this country's historic places and supplying accessibility information for each featured site. Three Historic Nevada Cities is the 27th National Register travel itinerary successfully created through such partnerships. Additional itineraries will debut online in the future. The National Register of Historic Places hopes you enjoy this virtual travel itinerary of Carson City, Reno and Virginia City. If you have any comments or questions, please just click on the provided e-mail address, "comments or questions" located at the bottom of each page. Welcome Dear Visitor, Welcome to western Nevada. It is my pleasure as Lieutenant Governor of the State of Nevada to extend my invitation to explore our area's rich history and beautiful high desert scenery. The Carson City-Reno-Virginia City area has much to offer: the site of the state's first gold and silver boom, the state and territorial capitol, grand views of the Great Basin and the Sierra Nevada, and historic properties that have become legendary in regional and national history. In addition, world-renowned Lake Tahoe is just 20 minutes away! Carson City, one of the first settlements in Nevada, is the home of the state capitol. It is also a U.S. City of Trees, especially apparent in our large historic district just west of the capitol. Reno is a thriving urban center and is home to the University of Nevada, whose college campus is one of the more historically-intact and memorable places in the American West. The celebrated American architect, Frederic DeLongchamps, designed several university buildings, as well as others in the Reno area. Virginia City, "one of the greatest mining camps in the world," was the site of the Comstock Lode discovery in 1859, and is a National Historic Landmark. By the mid-1870s, over 20,000 people lived in Virginia City and the surrounding communities dedicated to hard-rock mining. Today, Virginia City is a living "ghost town" with its historic downtown largely untouched by modern influences. The region hosts many exciting annual events. If you're in here in March, join the gastronomically adventurous at Virginia City's Mountain Oyster Cookoff. In June, Carson City hosts the annual Carson City Rendezvous in Mills Park, complete with Civil War re-enactments and camps of mountain men; the Annual Reno Basque Festival, celebrating the large Basque population's heritage through eating, dancing, and traditional Basque contests, also takes place in June. Reno presents ArtTown, a multitude of cultural and art-related events, throughout the month of July. Virginia City holds its world-famous camel races in September; the Great Reno Balloon Race and Reno Air Show are also held in September. Finally, come join all Nevadans in Carson City on the last Saturday in October for Nevada Day, our annual celebration of Nevada's statehood designation in 1864. If you love sunny days, cool nights, mountain scenery, and a real sense of history, western Nevada is for you. I invite you to browse though our virtual tour, and then come visit us in person. Respectfully, Lieutenant Governor Lorraine T. Hunt 2003 Essay on Carson City The first European Americans to visit the Carson City area were John C. Fr�mont and his party of explorers in January 1843, during their survey of the far West for the U.S. Topographic Engineers. While exploring and mapping the area, Fr�mont named the Carson River in honor of his scout and mountain-man companion Kit Carson. The area had been traditionally inhabited by Washoe and Northern Paiute people until the influx of European American settlers in the 1860s. The first European American settlement with permanent structures in Nevada was established 13 miles south of Carson City in 1851, at the townsite of Genoa. Soon afterward, all the land was claimed surrounding Genoa, and settlers began claiming parcels one valley north of the original permanent settlement. The original Carson City settlement was known as "Eagle Station" after the initial trading post, which sported an eagle killed by the original settlers. Carson City was officially established in 1858, seven years after the first white settler moved into Eagle Valley. Newly arrived settler Abraham Curry bought the Eagle Station and Ranch in 1858 (with several business partners), established the town of Carson City, and had it surveyed and platted, including a 10-acre parcel for a capitol. Curry named his townsite Carson City, after the nearby Carson River and Kit Carson. The boom of the Comstock Mining District , beginning in 1859, brought hundreds and then thousands of settlers into the area. The Comstock mining industry resulted in the development of related businesses and industry in nearby Carson City. The Virginia & Truckee Railroad established between Carson City and Virginia City in the 1870s, made Carson City an integral link in transportation between mines and their ore, equipment and lumber from the Sierra Nevada. A wooden flume was established between Carson City and the Sierra to transport the much-needed lumber on its way to the mining district. East of town on the Carson River, several ore mills sprung to life to serve the need to process ore for the Comstock mines. Soon Carson City was an industrial and commercial center. The "Rush to Washoe" in 1860, spurred by the gold and silver strikes, helped make Carson City, only 14 miles west, an obvious choice for establishing the seat of government. Once Nevada gained its territorial status in 1861 (this area had been part of the Utah Territory previously), Carson City was the designated territorial capital. Carson City has always been the only territorial and state capital for Nevada. President Abraham Lincoln chose James Nye, a staunch supporter of the Union, as Nevada's first Territorial Governor. The Territorial Secretary position was given to Orion Clemens , whose brother Samuel migrated to Nevada to assist the Secretary in his new duties. Soon Samuel Clemens, better known as Mark Twain, was reporting on the Territorial Legislature for the Territorial Enterprise newspaper. The legislature created Ormsby County in 1861, where Carson City is located, making the town the county seat as well. The county draws its name from Major William B. Ormsby, who died in battle during the Pyramid Lake Indian War of 1860. This was the first of two battles between U.S. troops and Northern Paiute warriors (along with some Bannock associates) at Pyramid Lake that year. Several years passed before Abe Curry's vision for a prominent capitol in the center of Carson City was realized. Although Nevada obtained statehood status in 1864, it was not until 1870 that construction on the state capitol began. During the early 20th century, growth in other regions of the state resulted in the growth of the capital. For instance, many wealthy elite who gained their fortunes during the mining boom in Tonopah (southern Nevada) moved to settle in Carson City. Growth around the state also meant more railroad service in and out of the capital. The Ormsby County Courthouse was built in the early 1920s by Frederic DeLongchamps, 60 years after the county was created. In 1969, Ormsby County and Carson City became incorporated as one governmental unit, thus the county finally shed its "Ormsby" title. Essay by Terri McBride, Historic Preservation Specialist, Nevada State Historic Preservation Office Essay on Reno When the first white men passed through the Reno area in the 1840s, Washoe and Paiute peoples inhabited the land along the Truckee River. In the late 1840s and 1850s, thousands of travelers on their way to the California gold fields lingered a few days in the Truckee Meadows before crossing the Sierra Nevada. The first permanent white settlement along the Truckee River was Jamison's Station. Jamison reportedly was among the contingent sent in 1855 by Territorial Governor Brigham Young to establish agricultural settlements in what was then the western part of Utah Territory. The discovery of the Comstock Lode in 1859 brought a reverse migration from California in the "Rush to Washoe." A gold strike in an isolated canyon soon became one of the richest silver strikes ever discovered. Boomtowns like Virginia City, Gold Hill, Silver City and Dayton sprang up overnight. The growth of the Comstock resulted in the development of towns in the outlying area, including Carson City, the Nevada state capital, and Reno, which had become an important agricultural center and transportation hub for people and goods, to and from the Comstock. In 1859, C. W. Fuller built a bridge across the Truckee River, but annual flooding repeatedly swept it away. Myron Lake purchased Fuller's crossing in 1860, and after building a sturdier toll bridge, he opened an inn on the south side of the river. The spot became known as Lakes Crossing. When the Central Pacific Railroad was pushing east in the late 1860s, Lake deeded 40 acres to the railroad to encourage construction of a depot there. He also sold the railroad 160 acres for a townsite, which was officially established May 13, 1868. The town of Reno quickly became an important freight and passenger center, and grew rapidly. Although gaming now plays a key role, historically Nevada's economy was tied to mining and agriculture, and inherent in these industries is the inevitable cycle of booms and busts. Over the years, Nevada has found several creative means to support itself through the down times, and early on Reno earned the title "Sin City." It was a wild and woolly town that placed few restrictions on human behavior. Until the U.S. Army petitioned City fathers to ban prostitution in 1942, Reno tollerated several brothels. Nevada attempted to control gambling from the beginning, and although numerous laws were passed, it managed to flourish in back streets and alleys. Seeking ways to survive the Great Depression, the Nevada Legislature legalized gambling in 1931. Casino gaming, as we know it today, developed in Reno. The birth of the Reno divorce colony can be traced to its first celebrity divorce in 1906, when the wife of the President of U.S. Steel, William Corey, came to Reno to obtain a divorce from her philandering husband. The event was scandalous and widely publicized. The waiting period for a Nevada divorce was a generous six months, except for a two-year period, when the residency requirement was increased to one year. In 1927, during a period of competition among several states for the migratory divorce trade, the Nevada legislature shortened the residency period to three months. This act boosted the industry and divorce-seekers flocked to Reno. In 1931, Nevada was beginning to feel the effects of the Great Depression, and seeing an economic opportunity, the Nevada legislature revised its divorce law once again. This time, it shortened the residency requirement to six weeks, thereby opening the divorce floodgates. During the 10 years between 1929 and 1939, more than 30,000 divorces were granted at the Washoe County Courthouse , and Reno was known as the divorce capital of the world. From the beginning, transportation has been an important theme in the history of Reno and the Truckee Meadows. The emigrant trails, stage roads, the Pony Express and the railroad have all served to bring people and goods through the region. By the early 20th century, however, a new means of transportation was making an impact on the area's development. The Lincoln Highway came through Reno, on its way to the California state line. With the establishment of the Lincoln Highway, automobile tourism became an economic force in the region, and by the end of World War II, easy automobile access to Reno's casinos thrust gambling into the forefront of the local and state economy. Drawn by gambling, the ease of divorce and the area's beautiful natural setting, automobile tourists flocked to Reno. Recognizing the importance of automobile tourism to the local economy, the Reno City Council in 1928 decided the town needed a permanent slogan to go on the lighted arch constructed for the highway exposition the previous year. The arch was not Reno's first, but it would become its most famous following the motto competition, which promised $100 to the winner who submitted the slogan "Reno: Biggest Little City in the World." Essay by Mella Rothwell Harmon, Historic Preservation Specialist, Nevada State Historic Preservation Office Essay on Virginia City In 1859, placer miners and prospectors in the western Great Basin made two remarkable strikes of gold and silver ore breaching a mountain's slope near Virginia City. It was the culmination of regional discoveries and excitement that began a decade before with the famed California Gold Rush of 1849. The 1859 discovery in the Great Basin provides an epilogue for the California Gold Rush. It was not so much the end of a story as it was an indication of how future mining would change an entire region. The Comstock Lode, as people soon called the ore body, was distinct in the ways that it influenced subsequent development in the American West. First, the Comstock Mining District quickly became home to deep underground, hardrock mining. Although some California operations had also taken this direction, the Comstock established approaches to technology, corporate investment, and community growth that were imitated internationally for the next 50 years. For example, the Comstock had a huge labor force of salaried professionals, breaking from the California pattern of thousands of independent mining entrepreneurs digging for themselves in small groups. The Comstock was unusual and will always be famous for the presence of silver as well as gold, and especially for the spectacular amount of wealth it generated. Miners retrieved what today would be billions of dollars in riches; the mines in and around Virginia City produced one-half of the nation's silver up until 1886. However, corporations were necessary to exploit a resource requiring an immense, complex infrastructure. This meant that only a few people ultimately benefited most from the Comstock mines, but that did not inhibit a worldwide fascination with the discovery. In addition, during the flush times money flowed freely and many enjoyed the prosperity. Unlike the small settlements throughout the California Gold Country, the Comstock District was a highly urbanized, industrial setting. Again, this was the model that all future mining developments generally followed. By the early 1870s, the mining district's capital, Virginia City, together with its smaller neighbor, Gold Hill, reached a population of nearly 25,000, becoming one of the nation's larger communities. Part of the 19th-century interest in the Comstock resulted from the millionaires it propelled into the international limelight. Wealthy men, from George Hearst and John Mackay to Adolph Sutro and William Ralston, made their fortunes while working or investing in the mines around Virginia City. The mines also spawned the successes of William Stewart, John P. Jones, William Sharon, and James Fair, each of whom served in the U.S. Senate. Much of the historical treatment of the Comstock has focused on the impressive technology, the immense wealth, and the men at the center of both. Nevertheless, Virginia City and its mining district were exceedingly complex, attracting immigrants from throughout the world. People from North, South and Central America, and from Europe, Asia and Africa came to the district, hoping to capture some of the success that had become a legend. For over a thousand Chinese immigrants, it was Yin Shan, the Silver Mountain. Irish miners from County Cork, on the other hand, typically saw Virginia City as a chance to sidestep the oppressive Appalachian coal mines in favor of a better place to work and a higher wage. Similarly, a modest number of Spanish-speaking people played an important role in the early development of the mining district. Samuel Clemens, who invented his Mark Twain persona while reporting for Virginia City's Territorial Enterprise, wrote, ".all the peoples of the earth had representative adventurers in Silver-land." Indeed, the mining district played a pivotal role in giving Nevada one of the largest percentages of foreign born in the nation throughout the 19th century. Still, over half of the Comstock's population was born in North America. The Northern Paiutes, living in the area for centuries before the arrival of others, possessed a culture and society that thousands of gold and silver seekers severely disrupted. Although they confronted oppressive prejudice and treatment, several hundred American Indians eventually settled around the mining district, and like others, they found various means to exploit the many opportunities of the new society. African Americans also came to the Comstock seeking wealth and opportunity. Many become prosperous, well-respected business owners. Thousands of Midwesterners, together with many New Englanders and fewer Southerners, added to the social diversity and complexity of the place. Together these diverse groups wove the rich tapestry that made the Comstock the crossroads of the world. Initially women were rare, but within a few years much of the gender gap had been bridged. By 1880, one third of the population was under 18 years of age, underscoring the fact that this had become more of a family-based community than a stereotypical mining boomtown. Mining camps throughout the world pass through an evolution of boom, dramatic growth and excitement, and then decline. The size and nature of each district's ore body define the duration of prosperity. The Comstock was remarkable both for the amount of wealth it produced and for the number of years it was able to thrive. By the early 1880s, it was becoming clear that the good times were over. It had been years since miners had discovered any new bonanzas, and thousands of people were leaving for better opportunities. By the time of the Great Depression of the 1930s, Virginia City had declined, shrinking into a town of only several hundred people. These residents became custodians of a remarkable inheritance that included countless documents and photographs, hundreds of 19th-century buildings, and abandoned shafts and adits (an almost horizontal entrance to a mine). In addition, thousands of historic archeological sites are part of the rich heritage of a remarkable mining district, which the National Park Service recognizes as one of the larger National Historic Landmarks in the 50 states. Essay by Ronald M. James, Nevada State Historic Preservation Officer List of Sites Railroad Stewart Indian School The Stewart Indian School complex consists of 83 buildings on a 109-acre landscaped campus. The school was organized as the Stewart Institute in 1890 and operated until 1980. It was named for Nevada's first U.S. Senator, William Morris Stewart, who also sponsored the national legislation creating this off-reservation boarding school (the only one in Nevada) for American Indian children. However, the Institute itself was the only Federal Indian school created by act of State legislature. Children from Nevada and throughout the West were forced to attend the Stewart Institute up to secondary school age. Students came from many tribes including the Nevada-based Washoe and Paiute tribes, as well as Hopi, Apache, Pima, Mohave, Walapai, Ute, Pipage, Coropah and Tewa. The school was intended to teach basic trades and to assimilate young American Indians into mainstream American culture. Assimilation policies such as prohibition of speaking native languages and practicing native customs anguished both students and their parents. The Federal policy toward American Indians radically changed with the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934, after which self-determination and self-government were supported. In later years, the Bureau of Indian Affairs encouraged schools such as Stewart to let students speak their native languages and to promote classes in native cultures. The initial Stewart Indian School complex included two dormitories, a barn, carpenter's shop, harness and tool house, root shed, laundry, wood and coal shed, storehouse, girls' and boys' baths and a three-story 10,000-gallon water tower. Frederick Snyder, who served as the school superintendent from 1919 to 1934, was responsible for the school's transformation into an architectural and horticultural showplace. Snyder began the practice of using colored native stone (quarried along the Carson River) for campus buildings, and much of the masonry used in the vernacular-style buildings is the work of student apprentices. The majority of the surviving buildings were built between 1922 and the beginning of World War II. The Stewart Indian School Museum, located in superintendent Snyder's home, was built by Indian students in 1930. National Park Service grants, including a Save America's Treasures grant, were used in the restoration of this building and others on campus. The large, older trees on this campus make this a great picnic location. The Stewart Indian School is on Snyder Ave., one mile east of US Hwy. 395. The campus itself is owned by the State of Nevada and is open to the public. The museum is currently closed. The Nevada Indian Commission, located in one of the school buildings, can be contacted at 775-687-8333 for further information. Virginia and Truckee RR. Engines No. 18, The Dayton, and No. 22, The Inyo In 1870, Nevada's first short-line railroad, the Virginia and Truckee Railroad (V&T), was completed between Carson City and Virginia City. Two years later, the track was extended to Reno to connect with the transcontinental Central Pacific Railroad. The V&T was the brain child of William Sharon, William Ralston and D.O. Mills of the Bank of California in San Francisco. They feared that Adolf Sutro's plan to drain the Comstock mines of water through an ingenious tunnel would adversely affect the bank-held monopoly of mills along the Carson River. William Sharon petitioned the Nevada legislature and received funds to build the railroad. This calculated move stalled the tunnel's completion for many years. The line served to haul ore from Virginia City to the mills in Carson City, lumber from the Sierra Nevada, and passengers traveling between Virginia City, Carson City, Reno and Minden (south of Carson City). The V&T operated from 1869 until 1950. Competition with cars and trucks in the 1920s and 1930s brought the V&T near bankruptcy, forcing the business to sell equipment and trains to collectors and Hollywood movie studios for Western movies, with the last run from Reno to Minden on May 31, 1950. About 50 pieces of the railroad remain today, more than half of which are housed at the Nevada State Railroad Museum, including two locomotives listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the Dayton and Inyo. Both locomotives saw intermittent service between the 1870s and 1930s. No. 18, the Dayton, was built in 1873, and is the sole survivor of the 62 locomotives built at the Central Pacific Railroad shops in Sacramento, California. The Dayton was used for passenger and snow service. Locomotive No. 22, the Inyo, was built in 1875 by Baldwin Locomotives and used for passenger and freight service. Both the Dayton and Inyo were sold to Paramount Pictures Corp. in 1937. In 1939, the Dayton was used for a publicity run to New York promoting a Cecil B. DeMille film. Both locomotives were part of the National Park Service's celebration of the centennial of the transcontinental railroad in 1969, and displayed at the Golden Spike National Historic Site in Promontory Point, Utah, before they were brought to the museum. Other railroad cars of interest at the museum include Locomotive No. 27 (unnamed), the last one purchased by V&T in 1913 and retired in 1948; the completely restored Caboose-coach No. 9; the V&T Express Mail No. 21, originally built in the railroad's own shops in 1906, and later used by Paramount Pictures in their movies through the 1970s; Express Mail No. 21, awaiting restoration; and Locomotive No. 25 (also unnamed), converted to an oil-burning boiler in 1907, that served as a back-up to the popular "Reno" No. 11. Locomotive No. 25 runs during special "steam-up" events throughout the year at the museum. Other V&T railroad cars and locomotives are on display at the California State Railroad Museum, the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania and Old Tucson Studios. Virginia and Truckee RR. Engine No. 18, the Dayton, is located at the Comstock History Center at 20 North E. Street, Virginia City, NV 89440, which is open to the public from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm Thursdays and Sundays. Virginia and Truckee RR. Engine No. 22, the Inyo, is located at the Nevada State Railroad Museum, on Hwy. 395 (Carson St.) at Fairview Ave. in Carson City. The museum is open to the public 8:30am to 4:30pm daily; there is a fee for adult admission. For further information or for special events check the museum's website or call 775-687-6953 Wabuska Railroad Station The Wabuska Railroad Station was erected in 1906 by the Southern Pacific Railroad as a freight and passenger station serving the Mason Valley region of Lyon County, Nevada. Early rail service to Wabuska was operated by the Carson and Colorado Railroad Company, until 1900, when the Southern Pacific Railroad purchased the company. During the early 1900s, the Wabuska region served as the principal supplier of agricultural products for the mining camps of Tonopah and Goldfield. Increased freight traffic between Wabuska and the neighboring mining camps coupled with the discovery of copper ore in the Mason Valley prompted the Southern Pacific to erect a new depot in Wabuska. By August 1906, a crew of eight Southern Pacific carpenters were working on the new station, which opened for business by October. From 1910 to 1947, Wabuska also served as the transfer point for the Nevada Copper Belt Railroad, a major carrier of copper ore. The depot is a single story, wood-frame building, 24 feet wide by 80 feet long with a gable roof, the eaves of which project several feet from the exterior walls. This overhang is supported by brackets. A large bay window on one side of the building originally housed the ticket office, while the other three sides contained sliding freight doors. The interior of the depot was divided into three rooms; the south half of the building accommodated freight, the center contained the ticket office, and the northern end served as the passenger waiting room. The station is typical of early 20th-century Nevada depot architecture, one of the few examples in the state today, and one of the last two surviving stations of the Hazen to Mina branch of the Southern Pacific Railroad. Of the seven stations constructed to serve this branch, only the Wabuska and a freight station in Mina survive. The Wabuska remained in active service until declining freight and passenger service forced the station to close in 1979. Instead of demolishing the vacant depot, the Southern Pacific donated it to the Nevada State Railroad Museum. In 1983, the depot was moved to the museum complex in Carson City and restored. The Wabuska Railroad Station is located at the Nevada State Railroad Museum, on Hwy. 395 (Carson St.) at Fairview Ave. in Carson City. The museum is open to the public 8:30am to 4:30pm daily; there is a fee for adult admission. For further information or for special events check the museum's website or call 775-687-6953. Nevada State Capitol The Nevada State Capitol was designed by San Francisco architect Joseph Gosling for $250, and built by local building contractor Peter Cavanaugh between 1870 and 1871. It is a two-story masonry Classical Revival structure that incorporates Renaissance Revival and Italianate elements into its composition. It is a building of monumental character and harmonious proportions. To keep costs low, the sandstone was obtained free of charge from the Nevada State Prison quarry, just outside of Carson. In 1875, the contract to build an iron fence was awarded to Hannah Clapp, an important early Carson City educator. The original footprint of the capitol was cruciform, a central rectangle with two wings. The first floor contained a major office at each corner connect by central halls, while the wings of the second floor were filled by the two legislative chambers--the Assembly and the Senate. The octagonal dome topped with a cupola admitted light to the second story. In 1905, an octagonal Annex was added to the rear (east) of the capitol to house the State Library. By the early 20th century, the legislature had outgrown the capitol, and prominent Nevada architect Frederic DeLongchamps was contracted to design northern and southern legislative wings, completed in time for the 1915 session. These compatible wings used stone from the same quarry as the original portion of the capitol, and provided more office space and expanded legislative chambers. For more than 50 years, all three branches of the state government were housed in the Capitol. The Nevada Supreme Court met here until 1937, when it moved into an adjacent building and the state legislature met here until 1971, when it moved to its new Legislative Building just south of the Capitol. Every Nevada governor except the first has had his office in the capitol. Today, the Capitol continues to serve the Governor, and contains historical exhibits on the second floor. The Nevada State Capitol is located at 101 North Carson St. in Carson City. The Capitol is open to the public for self-guided tours; hours are 8:00am to 5:00pm, Monday through Friday. Call 1-800-NEVADA-1 or e-mail [email protected] for further information. Carson City Public Buildings The Carson City Public Buildings is a governmental complex of three building--the Heroes Memorial Building, Ormsby County Courthouse and Nevada Supreme Court--designed by architect Frederic DeLongchamps (1882-1969). DeLongchamps maintained an architectural practice in Reno from 1907 to 1965. During his career, the architect was responsible for the design of more than 500 public, commercial and residential buildings, the majority of which were constructed in his native state of Nevada. The son of French Canadian immigrants, DeLongchamps was born in Reno on June 2, 1882. He received a degree in mining engineering from the University of Nevada-Reno in 1904, and after briefly pursing a mining career and working in the U.S. Surveyor's Office, moved to San Francisco in 1906 and served as an architect's apprentice. One year later, he returned to Reno and established an architectural firm with a colleague from the Surveyor's Office, and together they won commissions for approximately 30 buildings between 1907 and 1909. He began his solo career in 1909 when he won the design competition for the Washoe County Courthouse . Throughout his career he favored stone, brick and terra cotta as building materials, enlivening facades by using contrasting stone colors in a variety of patterns. DeLongchamps holds the distinction of being the only person to serve as Nevada's State Architect. He was appointed to the position on April 10, 1919, and served for two years until the post was temporarily abolished, then reappointed in 1923 and served until the position was permanently abolished in 1926. While holding this office, DeLongchamps began the development of the governmental complex in Carson City across the street from the Nevada State Capitol . The three buildings dramatically illustrate the evolution of the architect's public architecture between the 1920s and 1930s. The twin Heroes Memorial Building (1921) and Ormsby County Courthouse (1920-1922) were designed while DeLongchamps was serving as State Architect, and are monumental, Neo-Classical buildings. Both buildings have large pedimented porticos supported by four Doric columns. The Heroes Memorial Building was designed as "a fitting memorial to Nevada Soldiers who gave their lives in the service of the United States in the European War" (World War I). A decade later, when the Supreme Court had outgrown its single-room quarters in the Capitol, DeLongchamps was awarded the commission for a new building, which he designed in a compatible but distinctly Moderne style. Today the Heroes Memorial Building and Supreme Court house the Nevada Attorney General's Office. The Ormsby County Courthouse housed the Carson City (formerly Ormsby County) courts until 1999 when it was acquired by the State, and it is currently being remodeled for use by the Nevada State Attorney General's office as well. Although not listed in the National Register of Historic Places, of interest is the granite fountain in front of the Supreme Court, presented to Carson City in 1909 by the National Humane Alliance to provide fresh water for passing horses and pets. Water pours out of small bronze lions heads with open mouths into a large drinking bowl for horses, mounted four feet off the ground, and small cups are located at the base for dogs and cats. The Heroes Memorial Building, Ormsby County Courthouse and Nevada Supreme Court are located at 100-198 S. Carson St. in Carson City. The Heroes Memorial Building and the Nevada Supreme Court ( both now part of the Nevada Attorney General's Office) are open to the pubic during regular business hours, 8:00am to 5:00pm, Monday-Friday. The Ormsby County Courthouse is not currently open to the public. St. Charles-Muller's Hotel Constructed in 1862, the first hotel in Carson City was one of the state's most elegant and became the main stage stop in Carson City. It consists of two utilitarian buildings, a two-story one on the south and a three-story one on the north, each with Italianate details. The St. Charles-Muller's Hotel is one of the oldest commercial buildings in Carson City, and the second oldest hotel in the state. The northern portion of the building, the St. Charles Hotel, was started on April Fool's Day 1862. The St. Charles, named after well-reputed hotels back East, was billed by its builders as a first-class hotel, "the pleasantest resort in Carson and where everything kept by the bar is the best quality." The builders also realized the potential profits from operating a hotel oriented to members of the second Territorial Session of the Nevada legislature, and arranged for the stage coaches to stop at the St. Charles first upon arrival in Carson City. Construction of the southern section began in May 1862 for Muller's Hotel, which was consequently marketed toward working-class clientele. Because the operators of Muller's Hotel were French, a baker and his wife (a skilled cook who ran the restaurant), a large core of French Canadian woodcutters who were in the region to cut wood for the mines in Virginia City, lodged there. The two buildings were rehabilitated in 1992 and operated together as the St. Charles Hotel until recently. The St. Charles-Muller's Hotel is located at 302-304 South Carson St. in Carson City. A restaurant on the first floor is open to the public during normal operating hours. Sears--Ferris House In 1869, George Washington Gale Ferris, Sr. purchased property from G.A. and Mary A. Sears, who had subdivided a portion of Carson City, and within a year had built a house upon it. The Sears--Ferris House is a square, frame building measuring approximately 60 feet by 60 feet, and combines Greek, Gothic Revival and Classical Revival influences. Ferris came to Nevada with his family in 1864 as a gentleman farmer. In addition to producing typical crops, Ferris planted numerous varieties of trees and was responsible for importing large numbers of Eastern ornamental trees to Carson City including hickory, black walnut and chestnut. Many of Ferris's imported trees still adorn the Capitol grounds. George Washington Gale Ferris, Jr., who became the most prominent figure associated with the house, was a young boy when the family moved from their homestead in Carson Valley to this house in Carson City. Ferris was born in Galesburg, Illinois, in 1859. He graduated from military school in Oakland, California, and in 1881 graduated in engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. By 1892 young Ferris Jr. was associated with railroad and coal interests in the east, and became a bridge builder and organizer of G. W. G. Ferris & Company in Pittsburgh. He and other American engineers had been challenged to build something "which would rival the Eiffel Tower" for the World's Colombian Exposition of 1893. One Saturday while he sat in a "chop house," an idea came to him. Allegedly he wrote it down immediately on the tablecloth. His invention, the Ferris Wheel, towered 250 feet with 36 cars, each holding 40 people. Immediately popular with fair goers, it took 20 minutes to make a complete revolution. Family descendants believed the idea came from his early days in Nevada, when Ferris Jr. watched the bigwheel turning near the Mexican Mill on the Carson River. In 1890, Ferris Sr. moved to Riverside, California, selling the house and block to his daughter Mary Ferris Ardery for $3,000. She added the Classical-style front porch. Ferris Jr. died in 1896 in Pittsburgh at the age of 37. The Sears--Ferris House is located at 311 W. Third St., on the southeast corner of Third and South Division in Carson City. The home is privately owned and not open to the public. Carson Brewing Company Nevada's longest-operating brewery was established in Carson City by John Wagner in 1860 during the rush to Virginia City. Business was prospering by 1864, so a new two-story brewery was built in 1865 in the commercial form of Classical Revival, on the corner of Division and King streets, where it stands today. The brewery and a bar were on the main floor and the upper floor served as the Masonic Lodge from 1865 to 1919. The Carson Brewery made steam beer, a bottom-fermenting brew produced without the constant cold temperatures required by lagers. The pure water came from King's Canyon Creek west of town. Hops and barley were mostly imported from California. The brewery delivered barrels, kegs and bottles of beer to local saloons, Comstock tap rooms and other towns around the state. Five kegs a week were also shipped to San Francisco for some Nevada-based customers who would drink no other brand. The brewery was sold in 1900 to James Raycraft and Frank Golden, who incorporated and changed the name to Carson Brewing Company. In 1910, brewmaster Fritz Hagmeyer persuaded his brother-in-law, Max Stenz, to purchase the operation. Stenz converted from steam beer to lager in 1913, and labeled his new product Tahoe Beer, "Famous as the Lake." He made several major improvements, including adding a cold storage room and new boiler, and expanding the bottling operation, by bottling soft drinks and mineral water from Carson Hot Springs, as well as packaging artificial ice. By the 1940s, large brewing companies were buying local beer businesses throughout the country. Arnold Millard, who bought the brewery in 1926 from his father-in-law Stenz, liquidated the business in 1948. After 88 years of continuous operation, this was the end of the longest-running brewery in the state and one of Nevada's oldest businesses. After 1948, the building was the home of the Nevada Appeal newspaper, and today, is the site of the Brewery Arts Center, which received grant funds from the National Park Service's Historic Preservation Fund for its restoration program. An exhibit on the history of the Carson Brewing Company is located at the Arts Center. The Carson Brewing Company is located at 449 W. King St., on the southwest corner of King and Division sts. in Carson City. The building is open to the public 10:00am to 4:00pm, Monday-Saturday. Call 775-883-1976 or visit the Brewery Arts Center website for a schedule of events and performances. Olcovich--Meyers House Constructed in 1874 by Prussian immigrant and merchant Joseph Olcovich, this residence is one of the few in Carson City that still has intact Gothic Revival architectural features. Joseph sold the house to his brother and business partner Bernard Olcovich one year later, and in 1885, the house changed hands again, becoming the property of another merchant, George H. Meyers. Meyers added Victorian elements to the residence, such as the Italianate bays. The porch detailing, spiral posts and a spooled frieze harkens to the Eastlake design style. Significant not only for its intact Gothic Revival features like a cross-gabled roof, arched lintels over windows and decorative bargeboards, this residence is also significant for its association with the local Jewish community and the mercantile trade in Carson City. The four Olcovich brothers owned and operated a mercantile enterprise on Carson City's main street. They, and other Jewish merchants, greatly aided in Carson City's development through their role in supplying the Virginia City and the Comstock mining district with much needed goods and services. Bernard and Joseph's brother Hyman built a house a few blocks away in 1876 (412 North Curry Street). The Carson City Jewish community never grew to such a size to establish a synagogue; families practiced Judaism within their homes. Eventually Reno became the hub of the Jewish community in Northern Nevada and a synagogue was built there. The Olcovich--Meyers House is located at 214 West King St. on the northeast corner of King and Nevada sts. in Carson City. It is a private residence and is not open to the public. Rinckel Mansion The Rinckel Mansion was built by butcher Mathias Rinckel from 1875 to 1876. The elaborate and sophisticated Italianate home was designed by San Francisco architect Charles H. Jones, a graduate of the Ecole de Beaux Arts in Paris, who used French craftsmen to complete the interior of the solid brick residence. Rinckel had attained his initial wealth from mining, but later became a successful merchant selling meat products to Virginia City miners and Glenbrook lumbermen. He purchased the most modern of labor-saving devices for his home from the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia. The foundation is six feet high and of dressed sandstone ashlar. A six-sided porch envelops the east side of the home. Doors are handmade, and panels, window casings and transoms are morticed and pegged, requiring few nails. Most furnishings that adorned this building were imported from Europe, shipped around Cape Horn. The front foyer and stairhall, master bedroom, two parlors, the dining room, a kitchen wing and hall are on the first floor. Four bedrooms, each with a large bay window, and a trunkroom are found on the second floor. The main stairway is cantilevered, so no outside supports are used. Bathtubs were installed in this house before the White House. An earlier version of this mansion, the King--McBride House (1870), is located in Virginia City. Rinckel passed away in 1879, but his widow and children continued to occupy the mansion until her death in 1933. Their daughter, Louise Rinckel, married George Blakeslee of Tonopah, and they resided in the house until 1960. After 1941, when the mansion was featured in a Paramount Pictures film, The Remarkable Andrew, the Blakeslees operated their home as a private museum. After Louise's death, Ronald Machado ran the museum until 1968. Today it is one of the best remaining examples of high-style Victorian architecture in the American west. The Rinckel Mansion is located at 102 N. Curry St. in Carson City. It is privately owned and currently occupied by the Nevada Press Association. It is not open to the public. Dat So La Lee House Louisa Keyser, also known as Dat So La Lee, is the most famous Washoe Indian basket weaver. Dat So La Lee was born in the Woodfords area (25 miles south of Carson City) in the first half of the 19th century, before European Americans settled Nevada. At that time, Washoe women would weave baskets to cook and store food, winnow seeds and carry infants. Dat So La Lee moved to Carson City late in life, in 1895, offering small baskets for sale to the owner of an emporium there. This owner, Abe Cohn, became Dat So La Lee's main benefactor and promoter, building this small vernacular board-and-batten cottage for her around 1914. It is located directly east of Abe and Amy Cohn's house. From that time until her death in 1925, Abe and Amy Cohn supported Dat So La Lee so that she could concentrate on making her superb baskets to sell to tourists and collectors, becoming internationally known. Even during her lifetime, Dat So La Lee's baskets sold for thousands of dollars, a large sum for the early 20th century. Dat So La Lee was the undisputed master of a craft that was at the same time dying in her culture. It is for this reason that Dat So La Lee is so important to modern Washoes and other American Indian weavers; she was an inspiration to young women and girls who wanted to learn the ancient art of basket-weaving, and still is today. Her baskets can be found at the Smithsonian, the Nevada State Museum in Carson City, and the Nevada Historical Society in Reno. The Dat So La Lee House is located at 331 W. Proctor St. in Carson City. The home is a private residence and is not open to the public. St. Peter's Episcopal Church This Gothic Revival church was built at a cost of $5,500 from 1867 to 1868, five years after the parish was organized. The first service was held in the church on August 9, 1868, although it was not consecrated until June 1870. The rectory, which stands to the south of the church, was built as a private residence in 1867. It was purchased by the church in 1891 for $3,500. A number of fine stained-glass windows adorning the church have been donated by the congregation. The church was enlarged during 1873-1874, with the expansion of one end of the building by 24 feet and the addition of two short wings, equal in height to the main section of the church. It is the oldest Episcopal house of worship extant in Nevada. The building displays characteristics very similar to many New England churches. In the sanctuary, an unusual half-domed ceiling is supported by Corinthian columns, possibly reflecting a Masonic perspective present in the early congregations. Also, there is no central aisle through the pews to the alter, but instead, two side aisles partitioning the pews into three columns across the interior of the church. This layout, lacking a central focus from the door of the sanctuary to the altar, is reminiscent of New England Protestant church interiors, which tend to emphasize not only the central placement of the altar and other objects, but parishioners as well. St. Peter's Episcopal Church may be the only Episcopal church west of the Mississippi with no center aisle. St. Peter's Episcopal Church is located at 300 North Division St. in Carson City, and is open to the public. Abraham Curry House Abraham Curry was the founder of Carson City, the first warden of the Nevada Territorial prison and the first Superintendent of the Carson City U.S. Mint . Curry arrived in this area of Nevada in 1858, purchased land with three other settlers, and in September of that year, proposed that a town site be surveyed and platted. Although lots were initially divided between the four landholders, the others soon sold or gave their sections to Curry. He shortly established a sandstone quarry which provided building material for many of the city's early buildings, and eventually became the first territorial prison where prisoners were put to work. Among the other businesses Curry established in Carson City was a stone hotel where the first Territorial Legislature met in October 1861. Curry served as Warden of the prison for several years, but then became involved with the construction of the U.S. Mint, to which he was appointed Superintendent in 1869. Shortly thereafter he began construction on this house, and lived here until his death in 1873. Curry is credited with the design and construction of this residence, which is perhaps a bit reminiscent of buildings in his home state of New York. One of the few residences built in masonry in the late 19th century in Carson City, it is constructed of sandstone quarried at the Nevada State Prison, c. 1871. Although labeled "vernacular," the building incorporates elements of Georgian and Greek Revival design. The sandstone blocks were dressed with picks, plain chisels and tooth chisels, similar to the State Capitol's construction. Five brick chimneys appear along the roofline. The building originally included an octagonal cupola and five-bay porch, but these were removed around 1930. The rear wing was added at an unknown date by Abraham Curry's daughter Maryette, who conducted a private school there. The Abraham Curry House is located at 406 N. Nevada St., on the northwest corner of Telegraph and Nevada sts. in Carson City. Currently it is used as private law offices, and is not open to the public. Carson City Post Office The Carson City Post Office is an imposing late 19th-century building encompassing an entire block in the heart of Carson City. It was the second Federal building erected in Nevada (the first was the U.S. Mint ), although it housed the third location of the Carson City Post Office. The cornerstone for this building was laid in September 1888, and the building was complete and occupied by May 1891. The comprehensive use of brick in construction by architect M. E. Bell, the textural qualities, the immense squareness of the building and the clock tower, in addition to rectangular and arched fenestrations, are all typical of the Richardsonian Romanesque style. This style combines Romanesque Revival with Chateau-style massing and silhouette. This building is the only example of this architectural style within the state of Nevada. Originally, this building functioned as the Carson City Post Office, Land Office, Weather Bureau and U.S. District Court. It included Carson City's first and only clock tower, which rises approximately 106 feet above street level. In 1908, the restrooms were upgraded; in 1935, an elevator was installed, the first in Carson City. Then in 1955, a brick loading dock was added to the rear, the lobby was enlarged and the chimney was removed. In 1971, the building ceased to function as the Post Office, which moved to a new building two blocks to the northeast. In 1972, an extensive interior renovation was completed to accommodate the State Library. Very few modifications have been made on the exterior, so the building's appearance is much the same today as it was over 100 years ago. The wood window and door frames, cast iron columns, safes manufactured by National Safe and Lock Company and the clock tower are all original. Today, the Nevada Commission on Tourism is the main occupant of the building. The Carson City Post Office is located at 401 N. Carson St., at the corner of Carson and Telegraph sts. in Carson City. The building is open to the public 8:00am to 5:00 pm, Monday-Friday. The clock tower has recently been restored to working order, chiming on the hour. Orion Clemens House This two-story residence was built from 1862 to 1863 by Orion Clemens, brother of author Samuel Clemens, better known as Mark Twain. Orion served as the first and only Territorial Secretary (1861-1864), and at times, acting governor of the Nevada Territory. While reporting for the Territorial Enterprise , early in his career, Mark Twain resided at this house with his brother. The high point in Orion Clemens's career occurred while he was living here when he designed the Great Seal for the Territory of Nevada. Because he often served as "Governor Pro Tem" during Territorial Governor Nye's numerous out-of-territory trips, this house became locally known as the "Governor's Mansion." There were no office buildings in the newly-designated Territorial seat of government in 1861. So Secretary Clemens personally paid to furnish the two territorial legislative chambers, housed on the second floor of a hotel in young Carson City, with a canvas curtain separating the two houses and sawdust as the floor covering. Clemens clearly offered strong support of the newly-formed government in Carson City, as he also paid out-of-pocket for the printing of the House and Senate Journals. However, Orion Clemens was defeated in his run for Secretary of State in 1864 (when Nevada achieved statehood), and afterward, never returned. The house reflects Gothic Revival and Greek Revival stylistic influences, with 10 original interior rooms, reportedly the finest residence in the Territory when it was constructed. However, the building has been modified over the years. The current stucco surface was applied to the exterior over the original wooden shiplap siding. Additions have been made on the rear of the house, and one on the north side. The front porch has been modified from its original form, and a balcony above the front bay window has been removed. The Orion Clemens House is located at 502 N. Division St., at the northwest corner of Spear and Division sts., in Carson City. It is currently under private ownership and is not open to the public. U.S. Mint With an abundance of silver from the booming Comstock Lode , it was determined that Carson City would make an ideal location for a U.S. Mint, one of seven buildings serving as mints in the U.S. over the last 200 years. The mint at Carson City was a physical manifestation of the success of the Comstock Lode since it showed Federal recognition of the value of the mines located in the "hinterlands" of Nevada. Although the Carson City Mint was established by Congress in 1863, the Civil War delayed its construction. Ground-breaking ceremonies took place on July 18, 1866. The Mint opened in December 1869, with Abraham Curry, founder of Carson City, as the first superintendent. Beginning in 1870, eight coin denominations bearing the mint mark "CC" were produced until June 1, 1893. More than $49,000,000 of gold and silver was coined here. Coin collectors are very familiar with the desirable "CC" marks on gold coins such as Double Eagles ($20), Gold Eagles ($10) and Half Eagles ($5). Of course, silver dollars, half dollars, quarters, 20-cent pieces and dimes were also minted from metal mined on the Comstock. The Carson City Mint was designed by Alfred Mullett, newly-appointed supervising architect for the U.S. Treasury Department. The Mint shows Mullett's early fascination with the Classical tradition, a style that predominated in the great post-Civil War building programs. In the Carson City Mint, Mullett combined both Greek and Classical traditions, adding an Italian Villa cupola. Most of the original building remains intact, and all materials for the Mint are native to Nevada. The sandstone was quarried at the State Prison, the brick was manufactured at the Adams Brick Works in Genoa (operated by John Quincy Adams' grandsons) and the interior wainscoting was milled from Tahoe sugar pine. The Carson City U.S. Mint's formal mint status was withdrawn in 1899, due to the drastic decline in mining on the Comstock. Afterward it served as an assay office. The Mint was remodeled to serve as the Nevada State Museum in 1941. Today the Mint's Press No. 1 resides at the museum. The U.S. Mint/Nevada State Museum is located at 600 N. Carson St. in Carson City. It is open to the public Wednesday-Saturday, 8:30am to 4:30pm. There is an admission fee for adults. Governor's Mansion Nevada was proclaimed a territory in 1861, and a state in 1864, but the Governor's Mansion was not built until more than 40 years later between 1908 and 1909. Until that time, Nevada's governors and their families found lodging where they could. State Assembly Bill 10, the "Mansion Bill," was passed in 1907 to secure a permanent site and residence for Nevada's First Families. The land where the mansion stands was generously offered by Mrs. T.B. Rickey for the sum of $10. Reno architect George A. Ferris designed the mansion and the construction bid was awarded at $22,700. The mansion was first occupied in July 1909 by Acting Governor Denver Dickerson and his family, and first opened to the public during an open house on New Years' Day, 1910. The governor's daughter, June Dickerson, was born in the mansion in September 1909, and was the only child ever born in the home. The commanding Classical Revival building features Georgian and Jeffersonian motifs, first seen in the central placement of the main entry. The elegant two-story pedimented portico is supported by fluted Ionic columns, as is the second-story porch that wraps around the building's front fa�ade. The window moldings employ Greek Revival motifs. On the interior, the first floor contains the grand entry hall, the reception room, a formal dining room, the governor's study, luncheon room and the kitchen. The upstairs contains the private living quarters for the governor's family. The mansion was structurally rehabilitated and redecorated from 1967 to 1968. The circular pergola and curved front stairs and metal balustrades were added in 1969. Additional buildings were added to the grounds in 1998. The Nevada State Governor's Mansion is located at 606 N. Mountain St. in Carson City. The mansion is open for tours on Nevada Day, the last Saturday in October. Belknap House This two-story Second Empire home was built in 1875 by Henry Hudson Beck, a businessman, member of the Territorial legislature of 1864 and an assemblyman in the state legislature (1865, 1874, 1888, 1894). Beck had immigrated to Carson City in 1860 and began manufacturing shingles in the mountains above the burgeoning town. He assisted in construction projects but later began selling shoes. His business flourished into a general mercantile enterprise. He then married in 1869 and had four children, requiring a large family home. The house is one of three remaining examples of the Second Empire architectural style in Carson City. This style was prominent in American residential architecture between 1860 and 1880, although less common in the far West. The house gains visual prominence by its uphill siting on a large hillside lot. The house was subsequently sold to the Barber family in the late 1870s. Oscar T. Barber was a Comstock-based merchant and a member of the Nevada State Assembly (1870). Barber's business in Gold Hill is listed in the Virginia & Truckee Railroad 1873-1874 directory as "Barber O.T. & Co., dealers in hardware, stoves and tinware, mill and mining goods, Main St. . . " The home was then purchased in 1881 by Nevada Supreme Court Justice Charles Belknap and his wife Virginia. After being admitted to the State Bar of Nevada in 1869, Belknap practiced law in Austin (central Nevada) and Virginia City for six years. During this time, he also served one term as Virginia City Mayor. Belknap was then appointed secretary to Democratic Governor Lewis Bradley (1871-1878), and is credited with assisting the governor pass the Mining Act of 1871 which levied a tax on mines. This tax is still a major source of revenue for Nevada. In 1872, Belknap was appointed to fill a vacancy in the Nevada Supreme Court. He later ran successfully for re-election. He married Governor Bradley's daughter, Virginia, at the Governor's residence in February 1873. The Belknaps resided here from 1881 until they moved to California in 1908. The Belknap House is located at 1206 N. Nevada St. in Carson City. It is privately owned and not open to the public. James D. Roberts House This house was built by James D. Roberts in Washoe City in 1859, and then moved to Carson City in 1873 on a Virginia & Trukee flat car. Many residences and other buildings were moved from mining boomtown to mining boomtown during the late 19th century and early 1900s in this manner. The Roberts House is a rare example of Gothic Revival architecture in Nevada, and the oldest extant house in Carson City. Typical Gothic Revival elements of the Roberts House include its gingerbread bargeboard, lancet windows and a steeply-pitched roof. Roberts was born in Illinois in 1827, came to California during the gold rush and lived in various California locations until 1857 when he settled in Nevada. Roberts fought in the Pyramid Lake Battle of 1860--one of a series of conflicts between native American Indian groups and new settlers and miners during which more European Americans died than in any prior American engagement with Indians in the far West. Roberts died on January 6, 1915. The last residents of this home were Thurman G. and Hattie Hale Roberts, who bequeathed the home to Carson City. Thurman, son of the builder, was a miner and an employee of the Carson and Colorado railroad. Hattie was a direct descendant of Nathan G. Hale, executed by the British in 1776. Hale's official commission, signed by George Washington, was still hanging on the wall when Carson City acquired the home in 1969. That year demolition of the house was proposed so that a park could be built at the site. Several local groups organized and saved the house from destruction. It now operates as a house museum. The James D. Roberts House is located at 1207 N. Carson St. in Carson City. It is operated by the Nevada Landmarks Society and is open for tours on the weekend. Call 775-887-2174 for museum hours. Bowers Mansion The Bowers Mansion was built in 1863 by Lemuel "Sandy" Bowers and his wife, Eilley, and is the finest example of the homes built in Nevada by the new millionaires of the Comstock mining boom. The land originally was purchased in 1856 by Eilley and her first husband Alex Cowan, who returned to Utah a year later with other Mormon settlers. Eilley secured a divorce and moved to Gold Canyon where she ran a boarding house and later acquired the mining claim which, together with that belonging to her second husband Sandy, became the source of their fortune. The mansion was the fulfillment of Eilley's dreams of prestige and respectability. The mansion, designed by J. Neeley Johnson, a builder and ex-governor of California, combined Georgian and Italianate architectural styles. It was modeled after a design conceived by Eilley based on her recollection of elegant buildings in her native Scotland. Indeed, the Bowers employed stonecutters from Scotland for the construction of their new home, which eventually cost $400,000 to build, an exorbitant sum in the 1860s. Eilley and Sandy toured Europe from 1861 to 1863, purchasing furniture, statuary, painting and other adornments for their home. Following the death of Sandy Bowers in 1868, Eilley fell on hard financial times and finally lost her precious home to foreclosure. The mansion was abandoned by the time Henry Riter acquired it and operated it as a resort until 1946. The building is currently owned and operated by the Washoe County Parks Department. Some 500 Nevada families have donated period furniture housed in the mansion. The park blends the historical site with recreational facilities such as a spring-fed swimming pool, picnic areas, and a playground. Tours of the mansion are given in summer and autumn. The Bowers Mansion is located in Washoe Valley, on Franktown Rd., 19 miles south of Reno, on the way to Carson City. Access Franktown Rd. from US 395; the junction is marked with a "Bowers Mansion" sign. The mansion is open from May 18th - Sept 29th 2013 at 10:00am-3:00pm. Hourly weekend tours only with admission fee. For further information call 775-849-0201 Mount Rose Elementary School Mount Rose Elementary School is one of two remaining Mission Revival style schools from a group of four known as the "Spanish Quartet." These single-story schools were built as a result of a bond issue, and in addition to Mount Rose, McKinley Park School is the only other of the four to remain. The other two schools making up the Spanish Quartet were Mary S. Doten School at the corner of Fifth and Washington streets, and Orvis Ring, on Seventh between Record and Evans streets. Mount Rose Elementary was built in 1912 and designed by local architect George Ferris, in a style that is rare for the Reno area. The school cost $1.18 per square foot for a total price of $39,743. An addition to the school, designed by Ferris's son Lehman, was constructed in 1938. The Mission school is U-shaped with an arcade sheltering the main entry and brick walls covered with cement stucco. The first of the two domed bell towers was built in 1912, the second added with the 1938 addition. The school originally contained 15 classrooms and a kitchen. When Mount Rose was first built, it was located in a vacant field on the periphery of growing Reno. The vast residential neighborhoods of Newlands and the Plumas eventually grew around the school over the first half of the 20th century. Mount Rose still functions as an elementary school today, serving children from these large residential areas. Mount Rose Elementary School is located at 925 Lander St., in Reno. The school is open to the public during regular school hours. Vachina Apartments--California Apartments The Vachina Apartments building was designed by Nevada architect Frederic DeLongchamps and erected in 1922 in the Classical Revival style, characteristic of the influence of the Ecole de Beaux Arts on DeLongchamps earlier work. The building was one of the earliest major apartment buildings constructed in Reno, and exhibits the same formal symmetry of the architect's larger Classical Revival works in the area, such as the Washoe County Courthouse . The exterior walls of the two-story building are constructed with small concrete blocks, while large concrete block quions enrich the corners. DeLongchamps's careful attention to detail can be seen in the small Classical portico and cornice. The original owner of the apartment building was Aldo Vachina, who also represented the Italian Consul in Reno. Reno had a significant Italian population, and Vachina was one of many Italians who made significant contributions to the city's development. They were agriculturalists, stonemasons, dairy farmers and business owners. Later renamed the California Apartments, this building also played a significant role in Reno's divorce industry from the early 1920s through the mid-1960s, by housing temporary "Nevada residents" prior to their divorce court appearances. Until 1927, divorce-seekers had to call Nevada home for six months before a divorce could be granted. In 1927, the residency period was reduced to three months, which boosted the divorce trade. By 1931, when the residency period was lowered to six weeks, the number of temporary residences increased even further. Apartment vacancies were rare, which helped keep Reno afloat during the Great Depression. The Vachina Apartments--California Apartments are located at 45 California Ave. in Reno. It is still a private apartment building and not open to the public. Levy House The Levy House, built in 1906, is an elegant example of Classical Revival architecture in Reno. Ionic columns support the grand two-story portico, and the roof is hipped with gabled dormer windows. The house was built for William Levy, a prominent mining entrepreneur and local merchant who owned the Palace Dry Goods store. Between the Palace Dry Goods, which operated until 1932, and his interests in the Unionville Mining Company, William Levy was able to finance the construction of this imposing home. The building originally faced Granite Street, now South Sierra Street, but in 1940 it was re-oriented 90 degrees to face California Avenue. The move was apparently made to accommodate the disparate interests of William Levy's heirs, his two daughters, Mildred and Fritzi. The parcel was split into two lots, one for each daughter. The house was moved to the west of its original location and Mildred continued to live in it. Fritzi, who lived in San Francisco, leased her lot to a Signal gas station, later a Chevron, which was demolished when Sierra Street was widened in the 1970s. The move of the house created some unusual changes, such as the set of French doors that open onto a non-existent balcony, and the pull-chain for a toilet that remained after the commode was removed. The Levy House is located at 111-121 California Ave. in Reno. The home is now a salon and day spa, open 10:00am to 8:00pm Monday-Friday and 10:00am to 3:00pm on Saturday. Call 775-786-7720 for further information. Joseph Giraud House Nevada's premier architect, Frederic DeLongchamps conceived the Giraud House in 1914. The design utilizes formal Colonial Revival style elements such as a wide frieze below the roofline, comprehensive use of white Tuscan columns and red brick construction. The main decorative features are the porches projecting from three sides, each framed with columns. Brick has long been a popular building material in Reno, as well as a favorite of DeLongchamps, and it is employed in the full range of architectural styles found in town. The house is located in the Newlands neighborhood, an early example of the numerous mansions and homes built in the most fashionable district in Reno, primarily between the 1920s and the 1940s. The house was built for Joseph Giraud, a sheep rancher. For a number of years, the sheep industry was lucrative, and more than a few sheep ranchers made fortunes on wool and meat, which was needed for the mining boomtowns that sprang up all over Nevada. In 1934, the house was purchased by Roy Allen Hardy, a mining engineer who worked for George Wingfield, a prominent Nevada politician and banker. As a confederate of Wingfield, Hardy would have been a prominent citizen in Reno, and served as mine foreman, superviser, owner and operator of a number of mining operation in surrounding cities. He also served as a regent of the University of Nevada for eight years. Much of the interior remains intact and in the upstairs men's bathroom there is a tiled mural of a nude. The model for the mural reportedly posed for many a Reno artist. The Joseph Giraud House is located at 442 Flint St., two blocks west of Virginia St. in Reno. The building currently houses the Hardy House. Call 775-322-4555 for restaurant information. Hawkins House Prince A. Hawkins commissioned prominent Los Angeles architect, Elmer Grey, to build his Colonial Revival home in 1911. Grey also designed the Beverly Hills Hotel, the Huntington Library and other notable buildings in the far West. Grey's plan for the Hawkins House evoked traditional forms, with a brick exterior and a commodious, central floor plan. The house had modern heating and plumbing systems, a vast kitchen complex and a third floor servants' area. The Hawkins House is situated on the bluff above the Truckee River, next to the home of Senator Francis G. Newlands . It was one of the first homes built in the fashionable Newlands Heights area. The diversity of architectural styles in the Newlands neighborhood makes it a record of early 20th-century architectural history, with styles ranging from large Colonial Revival residences, such as the Hawkins House, and French Chateau mansions, to more modest Spanish Colonial and Craftsman bungalows. The Hawkins family has long been one of the first families of Nevada, prominent in Nevada business and banking circles for more than a century, and the house was passed down to later generations. Attorney Prince Z. Hawkins and his family owned the property until 1978. Because the Sierra Nevada Museum of Art occupied the building in the 1980s, the City of Reno designated the property as the City's first historic landmark in return. No major alterations have been made to the Hawkins House. The Hawkins House is located at 549 Court St. in Reno. It is privately owned and currently houses a public relations firm. Senator Francis G. Newlands The residence of Francis G. Newlands, U.S. Congressman 1893-1903, and U.S. Senator 1903-1917, was built from 1889 to1890, with the front wing and arbor added sometime before 1908. The Shingle style mansion contains numerous Queen Anne attributes, including a random horizontal plan with wings, bays and porches, and the steep gable roof. Francis Newlands came to Nevada in 1888 to manage the interests of William Sharon, one of the Comstock silver barons. Newlands was elected to the House of Representatives in 1892, and in 1903 he was elected to the Senate. He served as a senator until his death in 1917. Newlands was the primary author of the Reclamation Act of 1902. The Reclamation Act sought to promote agriculture in the arid west through the construction of large-scale irrigation projects. The first project under the Reclamation Act was the Newlands Irrigation Project in Nevada's Lahontan Valley. After Newland's death, George Thatcher, a prominent local attorney, purchased the home in 1920. Thatcher was a well-known and successful divorce lawyer, who occasionally let his prominent clients reside in his home. This was the case when Woolworth dime store heiress Barbara Hutton came to Reno for a divorce in 1935. Because of Newlands's prominence in politics, water and reclamation projects in the west, his property was designated a National Historic Landmark , one of just six in Nevada. Newlands's mansion was the first residence built along the bluff overlooking the Truckee River, and the area grew into a fashionable neighborhood known as Newlands Heights. Today it contains many historic mansions and homes. The majority of the residences were erected between 1920 and 1940, and the diversity of architectural styles range from large Colonial Revival and French Chateau mansions to more modest Spanish Colonial Revival and Craftsman bungalows. The Newlands Mansion is located at 7 Elm Crt. in Reno. The mansion is privately owned and not open to the public. Southside School The Southside School annex was built in 1936 to provide additional classrooms for the Southside School, which was built in 1903 and demolished in 1960 to make way for Reno's City Hall. The school annex was built with Works Progress Administration (WPA) funds and labor, and housed the kindergarten, and the fifth and sixth grades. The WPA programs were initiated under President Franklin Roosevelt and the Emergency Relief Appropriation Act of 1935. The program employed nearly nine million people over an eight-year period; in Reno, both unemployed professionals and laymen contributed to the construction of the new Southside School Annex. The architect of the annex is unknown. The two-story red brick school is a striking example of regional interpretation of the Art Deco style. Only a few buildings were constructed in this style throughout Nevada. The school is particularly noted for its stepped, recessed, Art Deco entrance frontispiece. Three second-story front and rear windows are ornamented with floral and owl motifs. The vertical orientation of the door surround, the massing of the building with a central block and additions, the metal casement windows and the elaborate detailing are all characteristic of the Art Deco style, popular in the 1930s and 1940s. The building is the last public school building to remain in Reno's downtown core. It is currently owned by the City of Reno and leased as office space. The Southside School Annex is located at 190 East Liberty St. in Reno. The school is open to the public during office hours. Washoe County Courthouse This courthouse was the third for Washoe County, established in 1861 as one of the original nine counties in the Nevada territory. Myron Lake donated land in 1871 for the first Reno courthouse, in anticipation of Reno wresting county seat status from Washoe City some 20 miles to the south. The original Reno courthouse, built of red brick in 1871-1873, still stands as an internal component of the building we see today. In 1909, Frederic DeLongchamps won the design competition for the new courthouse, the first solo commission of his career. The building is Classical Revival with Beaux Arts influence, featuring decorative elements in terra cotta. A copper dome with ribs ending in fanciful brackets crowns the courthouse. The building's interior includes an American Indian mural by Robert Caples at the main entrance and two Hans Meyer-Kassel oils under the stained glass dome on the second floor. During the 1930s, when divorce was the primary industry for Reno, nearly 33,000 divorces were granted in these courtrooms. Famous Life Magazine photographer Alfred Eisenstadt took a photograph of a young woman kissing one of these pillars. The posed picture appeared on the front cover of the June 21, 1937, edition of Life. Additions have been made to the Courthouse in 1946, 1949 and 1960. Frederic DeLongchamps designed each of the additions. The courthouse has been restored with assistance from the National Park Service's Historic Preservation Fund grants. Courtroom No. 1, the scene of action during Reno's divorce heyday, is currently undergoing restoration. The Washoe County Courthouse is located at 117 South Virginia St. in Reno. It is open to the public, Monday-Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm. Pioneer Theater--Auditorium The Pioneer Theater--Auditorium, now called the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts, was designed by the Oklahoma City architectural firm Bozalis, Dickinson and Roloff, and completed in December 1967. It is located in downtown Reno amidst other historic buildings featured in this itinerary. From the front, the building looks like a bird that has swooped down to the ground with its wings spread. The building's 140-foot diameter gold-anodized geodesic dome consists of 500 faceted panels. The dome was fabricated by Temcor, a Torrance, California, company co-founded by Donald Richter, a student of Richard Buckminster Fuller. The geodesic dome was the brainchild of the far-thinking Buckminster Fuller. Long fascinated with the need for more efficient and cost-effective housing, he saw the solution to the world's problems in nature's design principles. The geodesic dome was the result of his revolutionary discoveries about balancing the forces of compression and tension in building, and his belief that the triangle is the strongest structure in nature. The Pioneer Theater--Auditorium opened its doors in January 1968, and it has played an important role in the expansion of Reno's cultural milieu at the middle of the 20th century. Today, the Pioneer Center is a focal point of Reno's Arts and Culture District. The district includes a number of historic properties that have been adapted to house cultural events and activities. As an anchor for the east end of the district and as the only building constructed as a performance arts space that still functions in that capacity, the Pioneer is an important cultural and historic resource. The Pioneer Theater--Auditorium, now the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts, is located at 100 S. Virginia St. in Reno. The plaza and lobby are open daily. The events schedule can be found at www.pioneercenter.com or by calling 775-686-6600. US Post Office--Reno Main Designed by Frederick DeLongchamps in 1932, this post office is one of the best examples of Art Deco design, specifically Zig-Zag Moderne, in Nevada. MacDonald Engineering constructed the building, with the assistance of the Civil Works Administration (CWA), one of President Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal programs. The post office, which also housed a variety of Federal agencies, opened for business in 1934. The land for the post office was acquired in 1931 from Katherine Kincart Coughlin, Riverside Realty Company, and the Board of Washoe County Commissioners. A portion of the site was occupied by a Carnegie Library, demolished to make way for the post office. Although standard building plans had been developed for post offices, commissioned architects were allowed, where practicable, to give individual treatment to the exterior details. DeLongchamps achieved this with exceptional skill and artistry. The exterior is pale green terra cotta incised to resemble quarried stone. The aluminum panels over the entrances salute transportation and are integrated with patriotic and American Indian motifs in the interior. The first-floor lobby has spectacular highly ornamented, dark marble walls highlighted with cast aluminum. Until the area was enclosed in order to house the HVAC units, the central portion of the ceiling was a large skylight. A fourth floor was originally planned but never built. The two upper floors of offices opened onto the open area created by the skylight. Situated along the Truckee River, with a large park-like lawn in front, the post office in downtown Reno is one of the most attractive buildings in Nevada. The Postal Service still occupies this building. The US Post Office--Reno Main is located at 50 South Virginia St. in Reno. The post office is open to the public 8:30am to 5:00pm, Monday-Friday. Riverside Hotel The Riverside Hotel sits on the exact location where Reno began in 1859. C.W. Fuller operated a log building here that provided food and shelter to gold-seekers who were passing through the area in the reverse gold rush called the "Rush to Washoe," spurred by the gold, and later silver, strikes of the famous Comstock Lode. Myron Lake owned the property from 1861 into the 1880s, running consecutive hotel businesses under the name Lake's House. After Lake's death, his daughter and son-in-law operated the hotel and renamed it the Riverside. A subsequent owner, Harry Gosse, converted the small frame building into a lavish brick hotel, retaining the name Riverside. This version of the Riverside Hotel was destroyed in a fire. Gosse intended to rebuild but was unable to finance the project and George Wingfield, Reno's most powerful man at the time, acquired the property. Nevada's pre-eminent architect and former mining engineer Frederic DeLongchamps designed the 1927 version of the Riverside Hotel for George Wingfield. At six stories high, the Riverside was Reno's tallest building at the time of its construction. For the building's design, DeLongchamps employed the rich red brick, so common in Reno, with contrasting cream-colored Gothic Revival style terra cotta detailing. Situated as it is along the picturesque Truckee River, next to the Washoe County Courthouse , also designed by DeLongchamps, it is easy to see why the Riverside was Reno's most elegant and popular hotel. Following the passage of the liberal 1931 divorce law, George Wingfield installed an enormous roof sign advertising the hotel in glowing neon that was visible all over the Truckee Meadows. The Riverside had an international reputation and was mentioned in nearly all of the novels and films featuring Reno divorces. The Riverside Hotel was laid out to suit wealthy divorce-seekers, with 40 corner suites that included kitchen facilities and connecting rooms for children and servants. Each of the apartment suites was furnished with a specially designed cork-insulated and tile-lined refrigerator. Cold brine was circulated through the refrigerators from the main refrigeration plant in the basement. There were 60 single rooms for shorter stays as well. Such a room was occupied by Clare Boothe (award-winning author, editor of Vanity Fair, congresswoman and ambassador) when she arrived in Reno in 1929 to divorce her husband George Brokaw: "Her train arrived in Reno at 4:30 a.m. on Wednesday, February 6, 1929, in a fierce blizzard. Clare's mood turned bleak as the weather when she discovered that her reserved apartment at the Riverside Hotel (a red brick building between the Truckee River and the courthouse) was occupied and that she would have to settle for a 'cubby hole' of a room for the first three days." 1 The Riverside Hotel was the spot most watched by news correspondents who had been sent to cover the national phenomenon journalist Walter Winchell dubbed Renovation. Reno had nearly as many reporters on hand as divorce-seekers, with news bureaus representing Associated Press, United Press, International News Service, the Sacramento Bee and the New York Daily News, all looking for an exclusive story. The Riverside Hotel has been rehabilitated and converted into living/studio spaces for artists, with funding assistance through the Nevada State Historic Preservation Office and the Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentive Program . The Riverside Hotel is located at 17 South Virginia St. in Reno. The main lobby is open to the public. 1. Carman, Dorothy Walworth. Reno Fever. Ray Long and Richard R. Smith, Inc.: New York, 1932. Virginia Street Bridge There has been a bridge at this site since 1860, when C. W. Fuller constructed the first recorded span of the Truckee River. Built in 1905 by Cotton Brothers and Company of Oakland, California, the current Virginia Street Bridge is the oldest one functioning in Reno, and one of the first reinforced concrete bridges in Nevada. The bridge's classical design has been and continues to be a major architectural focal point in Reno. Architect John B. Leonard of San Francisco chose a Beaux Arts design in keeping with the urban setting of the bridge. Leonard's design employed concrete scored to resemble masonry. Other traditional characteristics of masonry construction include the classical arches and the pilasters rising to the level of the ornate iron railing. Above the arches, the bridge is a concrete shell, earth filled to the roadway and sidewalk level. The quality of design and aesthetics make this bridge unusual in Nevada. The bridge has always been a major crossing of the Truckee River in downtown Reno. When it was built, Reno was a small but thriving transportation hub, with three major railroads. It did not take long following its construction for the bridge to gain a national reputation. From about 1906 until the 1960s, Reno was known as the Divorce Capital of the World, and the Virginia Street Bridge was the main symbol of the trade. Known as "Wedding Ring Bridge," and the "Bridge of Sighs," the Virginia Street Bridge has been the subject of national folklore that continues to the present day. The legend, which goes as far back as the 1920s and maybe earlier, holds that divorcees, upon receiving their final decree from the judge, exited the Washoe County Courthouse , kissed the columns supporting the portico and proceeded post haste past the Riverside Hotel to the Virginia Street Bridge, whence they cast their wedding rings into the Truckee River. The Virginia Street Bridge is located on Virginia St., spanning the Truckee River, in downtown Reno. First United Methodist Church The First United Methodist Church is one of the oldest remaining churches in Reno. It was built in 1925 and designed by Wythe, Blaine and Olson, a firm based in Oakland, California. The Period Revival cathedral displays impressive Gothic Revival design elements, utilizing a cross plan, typical of that style. The three-story cathedral was one of the first poured-concrete buildings in Reno. The wood grain left by the planks used as molds for the exterior can be seen in the concrete. The rough surface was left to facilitate the attachment of vines to the walls, but for unknown reasons, these vines did not grow. The church's scale combined with its siting on a corner near the river is dramatic and impressive, making it appear even larger than it is. The parish house and connecting wing were added around 1940, and were designed by prominent local architect, Edward Parsons. The Methodist Church congregation was established early in Reno's history in 1868, organized by Reverend Thomas McGrath. The First United Methodist Church, the third Methodist Church to be built in Reno, was constructed during a time when Reno had an international reputation for the migratory trade, which resulted in negative publicity for the town and the frequent comparison to Sodom and Gomorra. In an attempt to defend the decency of the permanent residents, Reno was portrayed as a town of church-goers. Several new churches were built during this period. The First United Methodist Church is located at 201 West First St. in Reno and is open to the public. 20th Century Club Erected in 1925 by Roush and Belz to serve as the first women's club in Reno, the 20th Century Club was part of a national movement organized in 1894. The club was open to all women of good repute and of course the most prominent women of the community were members. Prior to 1930, the club was involved in many causes, ranging from passing laws prohibiting spitting on sidewalks to education and social issues, in addition to serving as a forum for discussion groups dealing with current events, the arts, literature, etc. Membership in the 20th Century Club peaked at 1,000 in its heyday. The club was also utilized by the entire community as a rental space for parties, wedding and other functions. During World War II, it was rented to the USO. Enough money was generated by these rentals for the Club to hire a housekeeper and caterer to live on the premises. Fred M. Schadler, a prominent Reno architect, designed the building. His design for the club was drawn from the Prairie School, which utilized strong horizontal lines, with the addition of Classical elements, such as tall and prominent arched windows. Today, the one-story building, situated on the western limits of the downtown core near the Truckee River, is impacted by the larger-scale modern buildings in the vicinity. The 20th Century Club is located at 335 West First St. in Reno. It is privately owned and not open to the public. El Cortez Hotel Built in 1931, El Cortez Hotel is one of only three remaining major Art Deco buildings in Reno, and is an excellent example of this style. The foliated motif found on the terra cotta design on the building's base and parapet are remarkable Art Deco details. At the time it was built, it was Reno's tallest building. The hotel experienced such extensive use early on that an addition was built just a few years after its construction. The hotel included the Orchid Room, a swanky bar and a popular restaurant called the Tracedero Room. These rooms were elegantly appointed with stylish Art Deco ornamentation. The El Cortez was a high-class hotel, garnering an astounding $6 per night, compared to the prevailing room rate of $2.50 per night. The El Cortez was built in anticipation of increased divorce traffic after Reno's divorce law was liberalized in 1931. The residency period for those seeking a divorce in Reno was reduced from three months to six weeks, to boost the already lucrative divorce trade. El Cortez was one of several temporary residential complexes constructed during this time. Reno-based architect, George Ferris and his son, Lehman A. "Monk" Ferris, designed this hotel for real estate investor Abe Zetooney. George Ferris's career in Nevada lasted over 30 years. He was educated at Swarthmore College and settled in Reno in 1906, where he opened his own architectural office. He was responsible for the Spanish Quartet of schools, including Mount Rose and McKinley Park , as well as the Governor's Mansion in Carson City, and later in his career he served as the State Architect for the Federal Housing Authority. Ferris formed a partnership with his son Lehman in 1928, which lasted until 1932. Lehman had studied at the University of Nevada and worked with Frederick DeLongchamps before going to work for his father. He was one of the first architects in Nevada to specialize in steel frame construction, served as the City of Reno building inspector, was instrumental in the adoption of a Uniform Building Code, and chairman of the first State Architectural Registration Board in 1947. The El Cortez Hotel is located at 239 West Second St. in Reno. The lobby and casino are open to the public; for reservations call 775-322-9161. Nevada-California-Oregon Railway Depot/Locomotive House and Machine Shop The Nevada-California-Oregon (NCO) Railroad was the 20th century's longest narrow gauge railway, although only 25 miles of it were in Nevada. In May of 1889, a major fire destroyed a large section of Reno, including the NCO's holdings. Construction of the NCO locomotive house was undertaken quickly, completed in September of 1889. The building was the second locomotive house to be built in Nevada and is now the oldest remaining engine house in the state. It is a one-story rectangular brick building, with a gable roof that originally contained four skylights. In 1901, the locomotive house was divided so that a portion of the building could be used as a machine shop. A small brick addition was constructed in the 1940s. The NCO Railway Depot was built in 1910 by the Burke Brothers and designed by Frederic DeLongchamps. The two-story red brick building cost $35,000 to build and reflects the eclecticism that early 20th-century architects often employed, incorporating a variety of design features. The depot combines Italianate bracketed cornices, Mission style facade elements, Roman arches and red Spanish roof tiles. The most striking feature of the depot is the extensive use of concrete in its construction, including the quoins at all exterior corners, window sills, and accents on the curvilinear gable and molding of the front entrance. The peak years of the railroad were from 1906 to 1912, and it was during this period of prosperity that the depot was built. By 1914, however, the railroad took a downward swing, and by 1917, NCO was forced to sell 64 miles of the main line and all of its Nevada holdings to the Western Pacific Railroad. In 1918, the last NCO narrow gauge train pulled out of this depot. From 1917 to 1937, the depot served as a Western Pacific passenger and freight depot, and from 1937 to 1975 it served as offices for the railroad. In 1975 it was sold to a liquor distributor. The Nevada-California-Oregon Railroad Depot/Locomotive House and Machine Shop are located at 325 and 401 East Fourth St. in Reno. The buildings are currently not occupied and are not open to the public. University of Nevada Historic District The University of Nevada was established as a Land Grant university in Elko in 1874. In 1884, the campus was moved to Reno, where it has become a well reputed, but comparatively small, educational institution. Until the 1960s the University of Nevada-Reno was the only institution of higher education in the state. It has contributed greatly to numerous fields, including the humanities, mining, engineering and agriculture, and to educational opportunity within Nevada. The University's quadrangle was modeled on Thomas Jefferson's plans for the University of Virginia campus. Incorporating three existing 19th-century buildings such as Morrill Hall , the campus concept became the master plan guiding the university's growth from 1906 to 1941. During this period, philanthropist Clarence Hungerford Mackay had great influence over the physical form of the campus through his financial support and personal involvement in the development of the campus. The historic campus contains 13 buildings, built from 1886 to 1945, that represent architectural styles of the late 19th century, the Classical Revival which predominated in the early 20th century, and one example of Art Moderne. These buildings represent the work of a number of architects noted for their work in Nevada and elsewhere including Frederick DeLongchamps of Reno, Robert Farquhar of Los Angeles, and the New York firm of McKim, Mead and White, whom Mackay hired to design several buildings starting with the Mackay School of Mines . The University Gymnasium is the one building in the district not located around the central quadrangle and lake area. It was a departure not only from the classic campus plan, but also the classical architecture that dominated the university's early 20th-century buildings. Designed by DeLongchamps, the Art Moderne gymnasium was begun in 1942 but, due to World War II, not completed until 1945. DeLongchamps's design for the gymnasium tied it to the rest of the core campus by his choice of materials, brick and concrete, and the overall symmetrical massing of the building. The building reflects an important phase of DeLongchamps's work, an architect who worked in numerous period styles. The University of Nevada Historic District in Reno is bounded by Ninth St. to the south, Virginia St. to the west and on the north and east by later university development. For information on campus tours call 775-784-4700 or visit the university's website. The Special Collections Department of the University of Nevada Library contains many important and valuable research materials including historic photographs and the Frederic J. DeLongchamps Architectural Drawing Collection. Morrill Hall, University of Nevada/Reno Morrill Hall was the first building of the University of Nevada-Reno campus. This academic building, a three-story Second Empire style edifice, was constructed after the University of Nevada was relocated from Elko to Reno in 1884. Relatively few Second Empire style buildings remain in Reno, and it may be that Morrill Hall was a rare example of this particular type of Victorian building constructed in the city. The cornerstone was laid on September 12, 1885, and the building was ready for occupancy on February 15, 1886. Constructed of two-story brick walls, a third story was formed by the typical Second Empire style mansard roof. A deep basement provided additional space. Originally called State University, the building housed administration offices, classrooms, and dormitories. At the time it was built, Nevada was little more than a collection of rough mining camps and railroad towns. The new university hall symbolized the determination of the people of Nevada to provide educational opportunities for themselves and their children. Currently, the Alumni Association, University Foundation and the University of Nevada Press occupy the building. Morrill Hall is located on the south end of the University of Nevada's Reno campus quadrangle, near the intersection of Ninth and Virginia sts. For information on campus tours call 775-784-4700 or visit the university's website. Mackay School of Mines Building William S. Richardson, of the prominent New York architectural firm of McKim, Mead, and White, designed the Mackay School of Mines Building in the Georgian Revival architectural style in 1906. Built by Northwestern Construction Company, the original configuration for the building was U-shaped, enclosing an open-ended atrium. The front section of the building was laid with Flemish-bond brick and features a two-story portico with four monumental Tuscan columns of Indiana limestone, and a white mosaic tile ceiling under the portico. In 1926, Frederic DeLongchamps undertook a remodeling project, adding a second story and enclosing the atrium. He also added the present copper-sheathed hipped roof and skylights. The Mackay family funded construction of this building in honor of Comstock Lode "King" John Mackay , an Irish immigrant, who made a fortune in the Comstock mining boom. At the time of his death, John Mackay's estate was worth at least $30,000,000. Mackay's son, Clarence, provided funding for the building and its later remodeling. Sculptor Gutzon Borglum, of Mount Rushmore fame, designed the cast bronze statue of John Mackay located at the front of the School of Mines. The Mackay School of Mines is one of the major schools of mines in the county and the building also houses the Geology Museum, established in 1906. The collections, which also include Mackay family silver, are extremely valuable to the history of mining in Nevada and the American West. They are in constant use for teaching and research. The Mackay School of Mines Building is located on the north end of the University of Nevada's Reno campus quadrangle, near the intersection of Ninth and Virginia sts. For information on campus tours call 775-784-4700 or visit the university's website. Fleischmann Atmospherium Planetarium Located at the northwestern edge of the University of Nevada-Reno campus, the Fleischmann Atmospherium Planetarium was built in 1963 as the first atmospherium of its kind in the world. While other planetaria featured views of the night sky and solar system, the Fleischmann Atmospherium Planetarium, could simulate both day and night conditions and a full range of atmospheric phenomena, including cloud formations, thunderstorms and rainbows. The first planetarium, the Adler Planetarium in Chicago, opened in 1930. But it wasn't until the 1960s that widespread public interest in space exploration and science, coupled with improved technology led to an increase in the number of planetaria, as they spread to mid-size American cities such as Reno. Designed by Reno architect Raymond Hellman and constructed by McKenzie Construction, the atmospherium is an excellent example of the Populuxe style of architecture, characterized by space-age designs that depict motion, such as boomerangs, flying saucers, atoms, and parabola. Building such as this reflect American society's emphasis on futuristic designs and fascination with space-age themes during the 1960s. Dr. Wendell A. Mordy, director of the University of Nevada's Desert Research Institute, envisioned that the atmospherium would not only be a home for the institute but a place where students, physicists and the public could learn about weather and the atmosphere. It was the first planetarium in the nation to feature a 360-degree projector capable of providing horizon-to-horizon images and through time-lapse photography showing an entire day's weather in a few minutes. Although no longer is use, the atmospherium initially featured an experimental solar heating and cooling system designed by Desert Research Institute. The system consisted of 19 louvers, black on one side and white on the other, capable of being rotated to reflect or absorb light. An 18,000-gallon water tank served as a heat exchange unit. The Fleischmann Atmospherium Planetarium is located on the north end of the University of Nevada's Reno campus, just off North Virginia St. The planetarium and science center are open Monday-Friday 8:00am to 8:00pm; Saturday and Sunday 10:30am to 8:00pm; there is a fee. For more information and show schedules call 775-784-4811 or visit the planetarium's website. McKinley Park School Designed by local architect George Ferris in 1909, the McKinley Park School was one of four Reno schools known as the "Spanish Quartet," single-story Mission Revival style schools built around the turn of the 20th century (see also Mount Rose Elementary School ). The schools represent a growth spurt in the city of Reno and were highly praised at the time of their construction for their modern convenience and technology, as well as their potential to serve as community focal points. The use of Mission Revival style has been attributed to the preference of school superintendent at the time, B.D. Billinghurst, who was enamored of Spanish architecture. However, the State Superintendent of Public Instruction reported to the legislature in 1915 that mission architecture was chosen as it "is especially adapted to one-story buildings," and he added "there is nothing better for school purposes than one-story buildings. The one-story plan eliminates the stair climbing so destructive to the nervous strength of pupils and teachers, and also renders danger from fire impossible." McKinley Park School is situated across Riverside Drive from the Truckee River and large trees give the expansive grounds a park-like feel. The stucco-surfaced school is U-shaped with a central open court and an arcade sheltering the main entry. A two-story central tower stands at the base of the U, with a one-story wing extending behind it. The school has undergone rehabilitation and now serves as the City of Reno's Arts and Culture Center, which is open to the public. The rehabilitation effort was supported through grant funds from the National Park Service's Historic Preservation Fund. The McKinley Park School is located at 925 Riverside Dr. in Reno. Call 775-334-2417 for activities and events. California Building Located in the northwestern portion of Idlewild Park, the California Building is the only remaining architectural remnant of the Transcontinental Highway Exposition of 1927. Idlewild Park was created for this exposition which celebrated the completion of the Lincoln and Victory highways (present day U.S. 50 and U.S. 40). In 1913, members of the automobile industry began raising money to create a hard-surfaced highway coast-to-coast, with accurate signs along its entire length. The Lincoln Highway Association was formed that same year to help complete this early transcontinental highway, and with assistance of the Federal Highway Aid Act of 1916 and 1921, their goal was soon reached. The completion of the highways opened Nevada up to the lucrative automobile tourism trade, and led to growth and development of communities along the highway routes. San Francisco landscape architect Donald McLaren designed the layout of the exposition grounds. McLaren, who designed the landscaping for the 1915 Pan-Pacific Exposition in San Francisco, also worked on the design of Reno's Wingfield Park. Idlewild Park and the California Building were gifts from the neighboring state of California. The California Building was constructed in the Mission Revival architectural style, appropriate as a representation of that state's Spanish and Mexican heritage, and features stuccoed walls, clay tile roof, a bell tower and arched openings. It was the grandest exhibit at the exposition. In honor of those who fell in combat in World War I, the California legislature dedicated the building, "To the memory of those who gave the last full measure of devotion to this nation." At one time, Idlewild Park included a zoo, a fish hatchery and a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp. Today, the California Building is the only remaining building constructed for the Exposition, reminding Nevadans of their role in early transcontinental highway development. It is currently owned by the City of Reno as a recreational facility and has undergone exterior refurbishment partially funded through the Nevada State Historic Preservation Office. The California Building is located at 1000 Crown Dr., in Idlewild Park, 1.5 miles west of downtown Reno. It is open to the public. Call 775-334-2262 for park events and activities. Virginia City Historic District In 1859, placer miners and prospectors in the western Great Basin made two remarkable strikes of gold and silver ore breaching a mountain's slope near Virginia City. The Comstock Lode, as people soon called the ore body, generated a spectacular amount of wealth and established Virginia City as a place on the map. Unlike the small settlements throughout California's Gold Country, Nevada's Comstock District was a highly urbanized, industrial setting, and established a model that all future mining developments generally followed. By the early 1870s, the mining district's capital, Virginia City, together with its smaller neighbor, Gold Hill, reached a population of nearly 25,000, becoming one of the nation's larger communities. Virginia City was decimated by the Great Fire of October 25, 1875, which swept through the city and left nearly 10,000 homeless, but residents were quick to rebuild in the booming economy. However, by the 1890s, it was becoming clear that the good times were over. It had been years since miners had discovered any new bonanzas, and thousands of people were leaving for better opportunities. By the time of the Great Depression of the 1930s, Virginia City had declined, shrinking into a town of only several hundred people. The town today is a remarkable collection of 19th-century buildings, abandoned shafts and adits (an almost horizontal entrance to a mine), and thousands of historic archeological sites that convey the rich heritage of this remarkable mining district, recognized as one of just six National Historic Landmarks in the state of Nevada. Learn more about the historic district's history in our essay about Virginia City. The Virginia City Historic District includes the populated settlements of Virginia City, Gold Hill, Silver City and Dayton, as well as open land dotted with historic and archeological features associated with mining activities. The district includes almost 400 buildings and covers 14,750 acres. For information on sites that are open to the public, visit the Virginia City Convention and Tourism Authority website for further information. Silver Terrace Cemeteries The Silver Terrace Cemeteries are a series of terraces dramatically located on the steep, windswept hillside of Virginia City. As this booming mining camp became a more permanent settlement, the need arose to establish a cemetery. Beginning in the 1860s, a wide variety of fraternal, civic and religious groups established burial yards on the hillside including the Masons, Pacific Coast Pioneers, Knights of Pythias, Firemen, Wilson and Brown, Improved Order of Redmen, Roman Catholic, and the city and county. Nearly every plot is fenced or bordered, a typical practice of the Victorian period. The characteristic features of this burial place reflect the breadth of styles and designs popular during its long history. Grave markers range in materials from wood to metal to cut stone. The inscriptions on the markers give silent testimony to the social and economic fabric of Virginia City. The majority date to before 1920. Very few of the adults buried in these cemeteries were born in Nevada. The birthplaces noted throughout the grounds provide a glimpse of the scope of immigration and the makeup of the settlement that supported the Comstock mining industry. The historic significance of the cemeteries enabled them to qualify for a Save America's Treasures grant through the National Park Service. Restoration is under way. The Silver Terrace Cemeteries are located at the end of North E St., northeast of the C St. business district in Virginia City. The cemeteries are open to the public daily, but close at dusk. Piper's Opera House During the last 20 years of the 19th century, Piper's Opera House served as one of the centers of cultural activity in the Comstock and the West. It was an important stopping point for theatrical tours of North America throughout the last half of the 19th and early 20th century. In 1863, John Piper purchased the brick office block that already stood at this location, now the entrance portion of the opera house, and established a saloon. Piper became one of the most influential theater owners in the West and ran numerous theaters in Reno, Truckee, Carson City and San Francisco, and maintained his own traveling troop. After the great fire of 1875 destroyed his first Virginia City theater (at another location), Piper built a second theater here, to the rear of the saloon. This theater also burned in 1883 after which Piper rebuilt the current opera house in 1885. The auditorium is a large rectangular room with a floor mounted on springs, a suspended horseshoe-shaped balcony and two-story box seats on either side of the stage. John Mackay, wealthy mining magnate and one of the Comstock's "kings," was an honored guest at Piper's Opera House, with a private box and staircase for his exclusive use. The hallmark of late 19th-century stage performances was variety. A typical season at Piper's included performances of Shakespeare starring prominent American and British touring actors, in addition to acts by popular chanteuses, minstrel shows and other performers. On-going restoration work on the opera house began in the 1960s by John Piper's great granddaughter. Much of the interior furnishings and stage equipment remains intact, including the beautiful hand-painted back-drop scenery. An archeological excavation was conducted in 1998 at Piper's Old Corner Bar, a business located at the southeast corner of the building. Nearly 100,000 artifacts related to the saloon business were uncovered. Rehabilitation work continues, thanks to a Save America's Treasures grant and other funding from the National Park Service's Historic Preservation Fund and the Nevada Commission for Cultural Affairs. Piper's Opera House is located at 1 North B St. in Virginia City. Call 775-847-0433 for tour appointments or a current schedule of shows. The Henry Piper House The Henry Piper House was built immediately after Virginia City’s Great Fire of 1875 on a lot previously occupied by the smaller home of local businessman and politician Henry Piper. It is a one and one-half story Italianate row house with no doors or windows on the south side. The front façade is dominated by a five-window bay topped with a terne steel half dome. Originally located immediately adjacent to another similar “row” house, the Henry Piper house is a rare example of a mid-range dwelling in Virginia City, where many similar examples have been lost to attrition. Henry Piper settled in Virginia City shortly after the discovery of the Comstock Lode where he partnered with his older brother John in first a saloon business and then an Opera House. Henry ran the Piper’s Corner Saloon on B and Union streets, one of the longest continuously operating saloons in Virginia City during the nineteenth century. John Piper purchased Maguire’s Opera House on D Street in Virginia City in 1867 which John and Henry ran as partners from September of that year.  Deeds show the ownership of the Opera House passed back and forth between the two brothers during the theater’s eight-year run under their partnership. The Opera House brought in nationally known celebrities and quality entertainment to the mining town becoming the most famous Victorian-era theater in Nevada.  Henry Piper’s involvement with local politics included City Alderman, and two terms as City Treasurer. Henry was elected to the Nevada State Assembly in 1870 serving one term. Henry made one resolution which was adopted.  He suggested the assembly chamber be made available to the “Third House,” a reference to the mock legislative body by that name. The Comstock Lode’s borrasca years took their toll on Henry’s finances as he sought employment at the Carson City Mint in the 1880s.  Henry’s attempted theft of amalgam from the Mint while employed there caused him to be fired.  A subsequent theft and trial considered one of the most publicized and well-known in the American West during the 1890s, found Henry fined $300 for the attempted theft.  Completely restored in 2007, the Henry Piper House reflects an upper middle class dwelling from Virginia City’s boom years. The Henry Piper House is located at 58 N. B Street in Virginia City. The building is now a bed-and-breakfast, call 775-847-7231 or visit www.BStreetHouse.com for reservations. Piper--Beebe House The Piper-Beebe House is a large two-story Italianate residence constructed in 1876 by pioneer Virginia City architect-builder, A. F. Mackay. Mackay designed and built several buildings in Virginia City, but the Piper-Beebe House is the only one that remains. Built after the Great Fire of 1875, this house is representative of the elaborate homes built for mine superintendents and wealthy businessmen. The Italianate style found strong favor following the fire, as Virginia City sought to rebuild and present itself in a grand fashion. The Italianate style, exemplified by a vertical design orientation, heavy cornice brackets and elaborate turned wooden decorative treatments, was the height of fashion on the west coast during the 1870s and the Piper-Beebe house would feel quite at home on a fashionable Victorian street in San Francisco. The home was occupied by Mackay and his family until the mid-1880s. It was later owned by Edward Piper, operator of the nearby Piper's Opera House and son of its founder John Piper . After Edward Piper's death in 1907, his widow Lavinia married Dan Connors, a bare-fisted prizefighter who came to Nevada as a sportswriter in 1897 to cover the famous Fitzsimmons-Corbett fight which took place in Carson City. After his marriage to Lavinia, Connors took over the management of the opera house, and in 1911 he introduced silent films to Virginia City. In 1949, the house was purchased by Charles Clegg and Lucius Beebe, revivers of the Territorial Enterprise , the original newspaper of the Comstock. Beebe and Clegg were two of the leading figures in the artistic community that established itself in Virginia City during the Second World War. Together they operated the Enterprise as a weekly paper and published numerous books on the Comstock and railroad history. The Piper-Beebe House is located at 2 South A St. in Virginia City. It is privately owned and not open to the public. Storey County Courthouse The Storey County Courthouse was built in the high Italianate style that embodies 19th-century ideals of decorative opulence as well as law and order. The first county courthouse was destroyed in the Great Fire of October 1875. Reconstruction began in 1876 and the present building, designed by the San Francisco architectural firm of Kenitzer and Raun and built by contractor Peter Burke, was completed in February 1877. The total cost of construction, including fixtures and the jail, was $117,000, a remarkable sum even for the Comstock boom years. A life-sized figure of Justice stands as sentry at the entrance, but she is not blindfolded, a rare occurrence in our national symbology. The fa�ade of the building was decorated with elaborate ironwork, painted contrasting colors, and a pediment that included the date of construction, 1876, also the national centennial. This courthouse is the most opulent of those built in Nevada in the late 19th century. Far exceeding the cost of its counterparts, the building served the state's richest community. Ironically, the county built the courthouse at a time when the boom economy of Virginia City was on the verge of collapse. Perhaps due to the inevitability of a downturn, local leaders rebuilt their town following the devastating 1875 fire in grand style. The Storey County Courthouse remains a vivid example of this community's rebirth in the face of economic decline. A portion of its restoration was funded through a grant from the National Park Service's Historic Preservation Fund. The Storey County Courthouse is located 12 South B St., two doors south of Piper's Opera House. Today the courthouse still serves in its official capacity and is open to the public 8:00am to 5:00pm, Monday-Friday. Territorial Enterprise Building This brick building was built in 1876 as the third and final office of Nevada's first newspaper, the Territorial Enterprise. The Enterprise was established as a weekly paper in Genoa, Nevada, in 1858 and published in Virginia City beginning in 1860. An example of vernacular 19th-century commercial style, the building was constructed with a high decorative parapet and a cast-iron storefront with fluted Tuscan pilasters. The first steam-activated press in Nevada was installed in the building at the time of its construction. The Enterprise was known for the flamboyant style of journalism developed in its earlier years by such writers as Mark Twain and Dan DeQuille. While reporting on the Nevada constitutional convention for the Enterprise, Samuel Clemens began using his penname Mark Twain. During his time with the paper, Twain gathered material for his stories and books from the colorful characters and activities of the Comstock. William Sharon of the Bank of California purchased the paper in 1874 for an estimated $500,000 in order to silence the paper's criticism of him. The paper suspended publication in 1893, but was revived in 1895 when the first Linotype west of the Mississippi was installed. It shut down again in 1916, only to be revived again in 1952 by Charles Clegg and Lucius Beebe , both New York journalists and prominent historians of the West. The present porch was constructed by Beebe and Clegg using cast iron pillars from an adjacent derelict building. The Territorial Enterprise Building is located at 23 South C St. in Virginia City. The Mark Twain Museum is housed here; call 775-847-0525 for museum hours. Parish House The Parish House is an elaborate Italianate style residence sporting numerous decorative moldings and brackets. The sturdy house reflects its association with mining through the mine timbers that were used in the foundation. The rooms are unusually large for the Victorian period, and consist of a living and dining room, kitchen, three large bedrooms and a few other small rooms. While the exterior walls are redwood, the original woodwork throughout the interior, including sliding wooden pocket doors, is white pine with faux-graining. The Italianate style was popular following the Great Fire of October 1875 that devastated much of Virginia City. This elaborate, decorative architectural style became the Comstock's physical manifestation of its economic success. The residents of the Parish House during its history are representative of the successful business people who lived in Virginia City and whose existence depended on the monetary health of the Comstock. The house was originally built by mining engineer, Goodwin Jones, for his family in 1876. The land where the house stands was a Christmas present for Jones's wife Martha from her brother W. S. Hobart, a prominent figure on the Comstock. Goodwin Jones was an engineer for Caledonia Mines, the smallest of the official Comstock Lode mines. The home was sold by the Jones family in 1884. Several Comstock entrepreneurs were successive owners during the next 50 years including Robert Patterson, proprietor of the International Saloon; Dr. Thomas McDonald, a Virginia City physician; and successful grocer and merchant John McGrath who lived here 28 years--longer than any other owner. In the 1930s, the house was purchased by St. Mary's of the Mountains Roman Catholic Church. It served as the Parish House for St. Mary's from the late 1930s until 1970. The Parish House is located at 109 South F St. in Virginia City. It is privately owned and not open to the public. McCarthy House This home was constructed in 1875 in a working-class neighborhood in the eastern portion of Virginia City. At the time the house was built, the Comstock Lode was at its zenith. The house is a vernacular or "Folk Victorian" one-and-a-half story, wood-framed building with a steeply-pitched, gabled roof that combines simple elements of the Italianate and Greek Revival styles. The building's facade sports matching bay windows on either side of the entry. Timothy Francis McCarthy, a blacksmith from County Cork, Ireland, brought his nephew over from Ireland to assist him with the construction of his home. The McCarthy family included Timothy, his second wife, Frances, their two children, two children from a previous marriage, his brother James, and nephew Robert Dwyer. The McCarthy House provided just over 700 square feet of living space for this large family; the building included a parlor, kitchen, and one large and two small bedrooms on the first floor. The second floor was not finished as living space but was used as a sleeping area by the McCarthys. The 19th-century outhouse and an adjoining woodshed still stand on the property. The McCarthy family has retained ownership of the house since its construction. The home stood vacant from 1915, when Timothy moved to Arizona to live with one of his sons, until 1986, when his grandson John McCarthy moved into the house and oversaw its restoration, including the installation of electricity and indoor plumbing, finishing the second story and a rear addition. The McCarthy House is located at 50 South I St. in Virginia City. It is privately owned by the McCarthy family and not open to the public. King--McBride Mansion The King--McBride mansion is an excellent example of High Italianate architecture, replete with bay windows and a widow's walk. The King--McBride mansion was built about 1870 by George Anson King, a banker who established the Nevada Bank of San Francisco in Virginia City, and served as director of the Virginia and Truckee Railroad. It is believed to have been designed by architect Charles H. Jones, who designed a nearly identical house, the Rinckel Mansion , in Carson City. The three-story wood-framed building incorporates two bays flanking the central portico and an irregular floorplan, elaborate walnut staircase, marble fireplaces and 19th-century clear glass skylight. Several famous and wealthy Comstock residents owned homes near George King's mansion, including Bonanza king John Mackay, banker J. P. Martin, Judge Richard Rising and mine superintendent Charles Forman. King's home was spared in the Great Fire of 1875, while these others burned to the ground. Judge Rising rented the King mansion in the 1880s (the King family returned to San Francisco), and in 1890 it was deeded to the Catholic Church. The Church leased the mansion to a series of renters, including silent screen actress Bobbette Simpson. In 1944, it was leased to Halvor and Virginia Smedesrude, who operated it as the Bonanza Inn, which served as an elegant retreat for eastern socialites waiting their six-week residency period for a Nevada divorce. In 1953, the property was sold to Versal McBride, owner of Virginia City's Bucket of Blood Saloon on C Street. The King--McBride Mansion is located at 26/28 Howard St. in Virginia City. Still in the McBride family, it is a private residence and is not open to the public. Gould and Curry Mining Company Office/Mackay Mansion The Gould and Curry Mining Company Office is one of several imposing buildings constructed in Virginia City by the capitalists who made their fortunes on Comstock silver and gold. Built in 1860 in a simplified brick Italianate style, it served as the office of the Gould and Curry Mining Company. In addition to company office space, the building also provided accommodations for the Company Mine Superintendent. The three-story house was surrounded by a wood veranda and deck, with a colonnade of square posts. It was also equipped with a 500-gallon, gravity-flow water tank for running water and an early water heater installed in 1874. The house was first occupied by a young mine superintendent named George Hearst, who began the Hearst fortune on the Comstock starting with just $400 in borrowed funds. As was the habit of so many miners, Hearst stayed in Virginia City for only a short time but made several million dollars. The building survived the Great Fire of 1875, after which it became the local business headquarters, and brief residence, for one of the most powerful and wealthy characters on the Comstock, John Mackay. Mackay was one of the Comstock's "silver kings," who along with his partners Flood, Fair, and O'Brien discovered the Consolidated Virginia's "Big Bonanza" in 1873. Later in his life Mackay contributed millions of dollars to the School of Mines at the University of Nevada , which bears his name. He was also instrumental in the establishment of the transatlantic cable. The Gould and Curry Mining Company Office/Mackay Mansion is located at 129 South D St. in Virginia City and is privately owned. Today, it is available for weddings and tours and can be reserved by calling the proprietors at 775-847-0173. Savage Mining Company Office This magnificent 21-room Second Empire style building was constructed by the Savage Mining Company in 1861. The ornate building is an excellent example of the architectural elegance associated with the offices and residences of the mining elite. The top two floors of the building served as the mine superintendent's residence, while the ground floor was the mine office. The building has been restored with attention to its distinctive architectural features, such as the mansard roof, dormer windows and delicate gingerbread trim. The interior boasts 14-foot-high ceilings, a seven-foot copper bathtub, a Lincrista frieze in the main hallway and early Victorian furnishings. Ulysses S. Grant is said to have stayed in the house in 1879 and addressed crowds in a speech from the porch. During this time, a Mrs. Monoghan, whose husband had been killed in one of the mines, served as a housekeeper to the superintendent. When the mines closed down in 1918, the Savage Mining Company deeded the land, house and furnishings to Mrs. Monoghan. The term "mansion" has been liberally applied in the Comstock to include any large and vaguely residential building. This has been done for promotional purposes and is far from being an accurate characterization. Even the most elaborate dwellings in Virginia City would be considered no more than ordinary houses in any urban setting. In the case of the Savage, Gould & Curry and Chollar properties, all referred to as mansions, the term is a complete misnomer, having been applied to buildings that served primarily as offices for major mining companies. The Savage Mining Company Office is located at 146 South D St. in Virginia City. The building currently serves as office space and is privately owned. C. J. Prescott House The C. J. Prescott house is a vernacular or "Folk Victorian" residence, and was built in 1864, the first year of Nevada's statehood. The original owner and builder, prominent businessman C. J. Prescott, was the proprietor of one of the first lumber companies on the Comstock. Prescott's home, and several others built during Virginia City's initial settlement, were embellished with elements of several styles popular at the time--including Greek Revival, Gothic Revival and Italianate. The Great Fire of 1875 destroyed much of the town's building stock and when it was rebuilt the following year, Italianate became the predominant architectural style. The earlier Greek and Gothic Revival examples like the Prescott house are therefore rare survivors in Virginia City. The home's Greek Revival style details include side lights and transom around the front door and the raking molding on the gables of the roof, whereas the form of the room and entrance to the house from the gable end are typical Gothic Revival style elements. Italianate influence is evident in the tall first story windows and chamfered porch posts. The picket fence surrounding the yard is original, as are many interior features including the marble fireplace surround, plank flooring and tongue-and-groove paneling in the kitchen. Some of the original furnishings remain as well, such as the kitchen cabinets, flour bin, coal-burning stove and the bathtub on the first floor. The Prescott House is located at 12 Page St. (previously Hickey St.) in Virginia City. The home is privately owned and not open to the public. Fourth Ward School Fourth Ward School, a prominent landmark, sits at the southern entrance to Virginia City. It was built in 1876, in the "fourth ward" district in town, near the Gold Hill-Virginia City boundary. Architect S. M. Bennet designed the building and supervised the construction. Bennet based his design on a plan originally drawn by architect Theodore F. Ladue of Lincoln, Illinois, and published in A. J. Bicknell's Village Builder in 1872. Knight & McKay were the general contractors. Built in the Second Empire architectural style, the cost of the building was $100,000, in part financed by contributions from mining companies and businesses, later by individuals and school benefits. Fourth Ward was a combination grammar and high school, designed to accommodate 1,025 students. Innovations included a "modern" central heating system, water that was piped to all four floors and the latest Philadelphia style patented spring-loaded self-flushing toilets. The school was continuously used until the last class graduated in 1936. It was closed when a new school, located across from St. Mary's church and constructed by the Works Progress Administration was completed. The building remained closed and unused for 50 years until a broad coalition of community and preservation groups came together to rehabilitate and reopen this architectural and historical treasure. Today the Fourth Ward School houses museum exhibits and interpretive displays showing the history of the Comstock. A Save America's Treasures grant and other funding from the National Park Service's Historic Preservation Fund have assisted in the restoration of this important building. The Fourth Ward School is located at 537 South C St. in Virginia City. The museum is open everyday May-October, from 10:00am to 5:00pm. Call 775-847-0975 for further information. Chollar Mansion The Chollar mansion was built between 1861 and 1863 as the head office of the Chollar Mine and the residence of the mine superintendent. The building was designed by N. J. Colman in an Italianate style, and constructed by H. S. Hill. It was discovered in 1870 that the building was sinking due to the settling of the terrain above the mine. At that time, the three-story building was dismantled and rebuilt at its present location. It is anchored to its foundation with steel tie rods and contains a three-story cantilevered staircase. The mansion was originally commissioned by Billy Chollar, the discoverer of the Chollar Silver Lode in 1861. Shortly thereafter, he lost both his mine and his home to the newly established Bank of California, and left Virginia City in 1862. A special feature of the mansion is the 164-square-foot arched vault that once stored millions in gold and silver bullion. Another is the paymaster's booth, where each month the miners came to draw their pay. Prior to the construction of the highway bypass there were formal gardens in front of this building which ran uphill to C Street. The gardens featured two curved driveways leading down to the building and a small fountain. The Chollar Office building was only a small part of the total Chollar (later Chollar-Potosi) mine works. The main mine complex was located to the south east of the office building and featured large pumps and hoisting machinery, massive water storage tanks, a machine shop, a carpentry shop, a blacksmith shop, a buggy and wagon shop, livery, assay and other offices, a changing room for the miners and storage. All of these facilities are long since demolished. A spur of the Virginia and Truckee Railroad approached from the south east and ran north between South D and South E streets. This branch also served the Hale & Norcross and Savage mine works. The Chollar Mine Office/Mansion is located at 565 South D St. in Virginia City. The building has most recently served as a bed-and-breakfast, but is currently for sale. Gold Hill Depot for the Virginia & Truckee Railroad By the late 1860s, it had become apparent to Comstock mine owners that a more efficient means to transport ore from the mines to the mills along the Carson River (as far as 15 miles away) was needed. The Virginia & Truckee Railroad (V&T) was built under the direction of William Sharon, manager of the Bank of California, owner of many mines and most of the mills on the Comstock. The V&T has been called the most famous of the American shortline railroads. The Gold Hill Station on the V&T was completed in September 1869, and the first locomotive passed through American Flat Tunnel on November 3 of that year. That day the engine Lyon, covered in garlands of flowers, pulled into Gold Hill Station, where the mayor and other dignitaries were gathered to celebrate the completion of the railroad. The Gold Hill station was located on a sharp curve in the railroad line--one of the few flat places available in Gold Hill. As a result the passenger section of the building is trapezoidal thereby accommodating the limited amount of space available. Indeed this depot was intended as a temporary building to be replaced at a later date. The station served passengers and freight, and was also a telegraph station. Gold Hill was a regular stop on the V&T, along with Reno, Carson City and Virginia City. The station was decommissioned by July 19, 1938, when the Reno pulled the last V&T train out of Virginia City and Gold Hill. Service on the V&T line from Virginia City to Gold Hill was revived in the 1990s. More than 130 years after this "temporary" building was constructed it has been rehabilitated and once again serves a traveling public. The Gold Hill Depot for the Virginia & Truckee Railroad is located at the north end of Gold Hill, one mile south of Virginia City on Hwy. 342. The depot is open to the public during special events in the summer, although visitors may park in the lot and examine the exterior of the building anytime. Learn More Territorial Enterprise: www.territorial-enterprise.com Selected Bibliography for the Three Historic Nevada Cities Angel, Myron, ed. History of Nevada, with Illustrations and Biographical Sketches of its Prominent Men and Pioneers. Berkeley: Howell-North, 1881. Bancroft, Hubert Howe. History of Nevada, 1540-1888. Reprint. Las Vegas:Nevada Publications, 1981. Originally published in 1890 by History of Nevada, Colorado, and Wyoming, History Company, San Francisco, Bancroft interviewed some of Nevada's first citizens for some of the valuable information contained here; detailed information on early settlments. Beebe, Lucius M., and Charles Clegg. Steamcars to the Comstock. Berkeley: Howell-North Books, 1957. -------. Virginia and Truckee: A Story of Virginia City and Comstock Times. Oakland: G.H. Hardy, 1949. Bowers, Michael Wayne. The Sagebrush State: Nevada's History, Government, and Politics. Reno: University of Nevada Press, 1996. Carman, Dorothy Walworth. Reno Fever. New York: Ray Long and Richard R. Smith, Inc., 1932. One of the better Reno divorce novels of its time, full of local color. Chambers, S. Allen, Jr., and Harley J. McKee. The Architecture of Carson City, Nevada. Selections from the Historic American Buildings Survey, Number 14. Washington: HABS/OAHP/NPS/DOI, 1973. Drury, Wells. An Editor on the Comstock Lode. Palo Alto: Pacific Books, 1948. This contains dozens of vignettes of life "on the Comstock," highlighting some of the area's more notable individuals. Dwyer, Richard A. and Richard E. Lingenfelter. Dan De Quille, The Washoe Giant. Reno: University of Nevada Press, 1990. Includes a biography of "Nevada's most popular writer in the nineteenth century" based in Virginia City during the boom years, who trained young Samuel Clemens (aka Mark Twain) in the art of journalism. This also includes an anthology of De Quille's writings on the Comstock, sometimes factual, more often fictional, but always humorous. Elliot, Russell R. History of Nevada. 2nd ed. Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press, 1987. A broad range of Nevada's historical topics are discussed. Gigli, Jane Green. Dat So La Lee, Queen of the Washoe Basketmakers. Nevada State Museum Anthropological Papers No. 16. Carson City: Nevada State Museum, 1974. Glass, Mary Ellen, and Al Glass. Touring Nevada: A Historic and Scenic Guide. Reno: University of Nevada Press, 1983. Hulse, James W. The Silver State: Nevada's Heritage Reinterpreted. 2nd. ed. Reno: University of Nevada Press, 1998. A broad range of Nevada's historical topics are discussed. James, Ronald M. Temples of Justice: County Courthouses of Nevada. Reno: University of Nevada Press, 1994. Provides architectural and social history for the construction of Nevada's county courthouses. Provides in-depth discussions of the Ormsby, Storey and Washoe county courthouses. --------. The Roar and The Silence: A History of Virginia City and the Comstock Lode. Reno: University of Nevada Press, 1998. Information pertaining to the early period in northern Nevada, leading up to the discovery of gold on the Comstock in 1859. James, Ronald M., and C. Elizabeth Raymond, eds. Comstock Women: The Making of a Mining Community. Reno: University of Nevada Press, 1998. James, Ronald M. Virginia City: Secrets of a Western Past. Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press, 2012. Synthesizes three decades of working with the Virginia City National Historic Landmark, dealing with its buildings, landscape, and archeology. Kneiss, Gilbert H. The Virginia and Truckee Railroad. Boston: Railway Locomotive Historical Society, 1938. Land, Barbara, and Myrick Land. A Short History of Reno. Reno: University of Nevada Press, 1995. Martin, Don W. Nevada Discovery Guide: A Remarkably Useful Travel Companion for Motorists, Rivers and Other Explorers. Columbia, California: Pine Cone Press, 1997. Miller, Max. Reno. New York: Dodd, Mead and Company, 1941. Unusual book by journalist Max Miller that mixes fact with fiction regarding Reno's history, particularily the divorce trade. Nicoletta, Julie. Buildings of Nevada. Society of Architectural Historians, Buildings of the United States. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2000. An all-inclusive volume of important buildings in Nevada, with short descriptions of each. Oldham, Willa. Carson City: Nevada's Capital City. Genoa, NV: Desk Top Publishers, 1991. Toll, David W. The Complete Nevada Traveler: A Guide to the State. Gold Hill, Nevada: Gold Hill Publishing, 1981. Townley, John M. Tough Little Town on the Truckee; History of Reno Series. Reno: Great Basin Studies Center, 1983 Twain, Mark. Mark Twain's Virginia City: Nevada Territory. Silverthorne, CO: Vistabooks, 1983. Wren, Thomas, ed. History of the State of Nevada, its Resources, and People. New York, Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Co., 1904. Writers' Program, Works Project Administration. The WPA Guide to 1930s Nevada: Nevada Writers' Project of the Works Project Administration. Reprint. Reno: University of Nevada Press, 1991. Originally published in 1940 by Binfords and Mort, Portland, OR. Children's Literature Levinson, Nancy Smiler. Snowshoe Thompson An I Can Read Book. New York: Harpercollins Juvenile Books, 1992. Gibson, Karen Bush. Nevada Facts and Symbols. The States and Their Symbols. Mankato, MN: Capstone Press, 2003. Heinrichs, Ann. Nevada. This Land Is Your Land. Minneapolis, MN: Compass Point Books, 2003. Kelso, Mary J. A Virginia City Mystery. Fernley, NV: Markel Press, 1992. McLuskey, Krista. Nevada. Kid's Guide to American States. Mankato, MN: Weigl Publishers, 2001. Sirvaitis, Karen. Nevada. 2nd ed. Minneapolis, MN: Lerner Publications Company, 2003. Stein, R. Conrad. Nevada. America the Beautiful, Second Series. 2nd ed. New York: Children's Book Press, 2000. Credits Three Historic Nevada Cities: Carson City, Reno, Virginia City was produced by the National Park Service's National Register of Historic Places and the Nevada State Historic Preservation Office, in partnership with the Historic Reno Preservation Society, Reno Historical Resources Commission, City of Reno, Comstock Historic District Commission, Carson City Planning and Community Development, Carson City Historic Review Commission and National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers (NCSHPO). It was created under the direction of Carol D. Shull, Keeper of the National Register of Historic Places, National Park Service, Patrick Andrus, Heritage Tourism Manager, and Beth L. Savage, Publications Managing Editor. Three Historic Nevada Cities is based on information in the files of the National Register of Historic Places and National Historic Landmarks collections. These materials are kept at 1201 Eye St., NW, Washington, D.C., and are open to the public from 9:00am to 12:00pm, Monday through Thursday. Terri McBride, Historic Preservation Specialist with the Nevada State Historic Preservation Office, worked with many local partners to conceptualize and compile materials for the itinerary. National Register web production team members included Jeff Joeckel, who designed the itinerary, Rustin Quaide, and Shannon Bell (all of NCSHPO). Maps were designed by Rustin Quaide. Property descriptions were written by the local partners and edited by Terri McBride and Shannon Bell. Essays were written by Terri McBride (Carson City); Mella Rothwell Harmon, Historic Preservation Specialist, Nevada State Historic Preservation Office (Reno); and Ronald M. James, Nevada State Historic Preservation Officer (Virginia City). Special thanks to the following for their photographic contributions: Charles Miller; Mella Rothwell Harmon; Rebecca Ossa; Jim Ferris; Joe Curtis, Mark Twain Books in Virginia City; Bob Blesee and Jim Bantin with the Special Collections Department of the Library of the University of Nevada, Reno; Joy Fisher, Penny Postcards from Nevada; and the Nevada State Archives.
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Which of the American Idol judges has been there for all 10 seasons?
American Idol Judges: How Much Are They Worth? - Fame10 American Idol Judges: How Much Are They Worth? By Telisa Carter In Celebrities on January 18, 2016    10 Most Memorable Things About American Idol Over the course of 15 seasons, American Idol had about as much drama with the judges as it did with the contestants on stage. By the end of the show, there will have been 11 different judges, and many different combinations of judges. In the first season DJ Stryker was supposed to be a fourth judge but dropped out over “image concerns.” The next season, Angie Martinez was hired on, but withdrew only days before auditions because she was uncomfortable criticizing the singers. All three original judges, Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul stayed on for eight seasons before the judge change-ups began. Check out how much all of the judges to ever appear on American Idol are worth now! 11. Kara DioGuardi Estimated Net Worth: $25 Million. After working with three judges for seven seasons, American Idol executives finally brought in a fourth judge in season eight with Latin Grammy Award-nominated singer-songwriter Kara DioGuardi. DioGuardi completed two seasons before exiting, and added a few more dollars to her $25 million net worth. While DioGuardi’s name might not be the most recognizable in the music industry, she has had over 250 of her songs recorded and released by other artists such as Pink, Christina Aguilera, Carrie Underwood, and Theory of a Deadman. Photo by Picture Perfect / Rex Features ADVERTISEMENT 2 10. Paula Abdul Estimated Net Worth: $30 Million. Paula Abdul made it big first as a choreographer beginning with the L.A. Lakers cheerleading squad, and moving on to choreographing the music video “Torture” for The Jacksons. As well as choreographing major awards shows, she had her own music career making it big with her first album in the late ’80s, long before she became one of the original judges on American Idol. She stayed on from season one through season eight before leaving. Through it all, Abdul has made an incredible $30 million and still reportedly makes $2.5 million a year. Photo by Buchan/Variety/REX Shutterstock
Randy Jackson
February 11, 1963 saw the PBS debut of The French Chef. What famed chef starred in the show?
‘American Idol’ Ending After Season 15 With All Judges & Ryan Seacrest | Variety May 11, 2015 | 05:00AM PT “ American Idol ” is finally coming to a close. The 15th and final season will premiere January 2016. Jennifer Lopez, Harry Connick Jr. and Keith Urban will return as season 15 judges, along with host Ryan Seacrest. While searching for the final “Idol” superstar, the last season will also serve as a “celebratory event,” paying tribute to fourteen seasons of contestants, winners and fans. Fox TV Group chairman-CEO Gary Newman said it was “not an easy decision” to call it a wrap for “Idol” after much discussion with producers. “It’s the right time to bring this run to a close,” Newman said in a conference call Tuesday. “We really wanted to do it in a way that felt special and celebratory … and send it off in a way that is as significant as the run it’s had on our network.” The show will air in its usual Wednesday-Thursday pattern to start and then consolidate to one performance and results show on Thursday, execs said. “American Idol,” created by Simon Fuller, debuted in 2002 with original judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson. Throughout its 14 seasons, other A-list judges have included Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj, Steven Tyler, Kara DioGuardi and Ellen DeGeneres. It ranked as the No. 1 series on broadcast TV for eight of its 15 seasons. The reality competition made a star of Seacrest, who has served as emcee since season one, when he shared hosting duties with Brian Dunkleman, who exited after the first round. “‘American Idol’ has been a big part of my life for so long, it’s frankly hard to imagine it without it,” Seacrest said in a statement. “It’s been a remarkable journey, and I feel very fortunate to have been part of a show that made television history in countless ways. It’s a show about chasing and fulfilling dreams, and truth be told, it helped some of my own dreams come true too.” Newman and fellow Fox TV Group chair Dana Walden said they’re open to the possibility for former judges, including Cowell, and performers returning for the final season. Walden said the goal was to deliver some “nostalgia” for fans. Seacrest weighed in on the final season, commenting, “All the ‘American Idol’ producers, judges, crew and everyone at Fox have been heroic in their efforts to create, produce and sustain such a groundbreaking show for so many years. I’m so glad they’re going to give us a season-long send off. The last season will undoubtedly be a special and emotional one, but first I’m looking forward to closing out Season 14. The finale is always my favorite part — two live shows with lots of surprises, and, of course, one winner!” Based on Fuller’s hit British series “Pop Idol,” on which Cowell was a judge, the duo brought “Idol” to America, and the show is credited with launching the genre craze Stateside, leading to other singing competitions including “The Voice,” “The Sing Off,” the short-lived “Rising Star,” plus “The X Factor” and “America’s Got Talent,” both created by Cowell and inspired by the British versions. “Idol” also led to the younger 2003 spinoff “American Juniors,” which aired for one season, and feature film “From Justin to Kelly,” featuring inaugural winner Kelly Clarkson and runner-up Justin Guarini, who both became pop culture sensations at the show’s offset. Other winners and famous alums to come out of the series are Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson, Jordin Sparks, Katharine McPhee, Chris Daughtry, Clay Aiken, Ruben Studdard, Fantasia Barrino, Phillip Phillips and Adam Lambert. No word on the midseason winter schedule yet at Fox, but Fox’s breakout hit “Empire,” which was paired with “Idol” this past season, is being led-in by new medical drama “Rosewood” this fall. “American Idol” is produced by 19 Entertainment and distributed by FremantleMedia North America.
i don't know
Played by Dirk Benedict in the series and Bradley Cooper in the movie, by what nickname was Templeton Peck known on The A-Team?
Templeton "Faceman" Peck | The A -Team Wiki | Fandom powered by Wikia The A -Team Wiki Templeton "Faceman" Peck, as played by Dirk Benedict on the A-Team TV series. Vital statistics Career/Military Information: Job/Career: Special Forces Officer in Special Detachment-Alpha Commando unit led by Lt. Col. John "Hannibal" Smith, Fought in Vietnam War in TV series, Iraqi War in 2010 film; now soldier of fortune and AWOL from US Army and wanted fugitive Years active in job: First Lieutenant (O-2), U.S. Army Family/Personal Information: Bradley Cooper ( The A-Team (2010) ) Templeton Peck (also known as Faceman, or simply Face or Peck) was a member of the A- Team , a U.S. Army Special Detachment unit in the Vietnam War. Face was a First Lieutenant and was decribed as being able to get in and out of trouble. Contents Edit The A-Team is a group of ex-United States Army Special Forces who were wrongly convicted of a crime during the Vietnam War. Managing to escape from the military police, they fled to Los Angeles, where, as fugitives, the A-Team work as soldiers of fortune, using their military training to fight oppression or injustice. Faceman, along with Hannibal Smith , B. A. Baracus , and H.M Murdock make up the A-Team. The first time Face was in a firefight, his company got pinned down by the Vietnamese. What he remembered about it later was that there was crying and screaming everywhere. When he bailed out of a jeep and hit the dirt he lost his helmet. Ray Brenner gave his own helmet to Face. [1] Suave, smooth-talking, and hugely successful with women, Peck serves as the team's con man and scrounger, able to get his hands on just about anything they need. Effectively second in command behind Hannibal (although Murdock outranks him), he is the one who arranges for supplies, equipment, and sensitive information using numerous scams and hustles. He is also the team member who usually organizes the fees for their services, due to his aptitude with numbers, as demonstrated in "Members Only." He once claimed to be a Scorpio, but may have been lying. [2] In the pilot episode it is revealed in a discussion with an elderly priest that Face spent his youth at a Los Angeles orphanage run by the Catholic Church, where possibly one of the priests was Father O'Malley . It was later revealed in future episodes that he was raised an orphan and is Catholic and may have once considered the priesthood. Face's will left his estate to an orphanage. [3] In the episode Family Reunion (fifth season), it was revealed that Face is the son of former presidential adviser and convicted criminal A.J. Bancroft. However, Face only finds out about this when Murdock tells him after Bancroft's death. Although Murdock found out earlier, Bancroft made him promise not to tell Face, who is furiously angry that Murdock didn't tell him sooner about his father. Face is happy to find out about his sister, Bancroft's daughter, as it gives him at least one family member. Face is the most gentle member of the A-Team, generally attempting to avoid conflict. His interests tend towards more cultural facets, such as country clubs, art purchasing, and wine tasting. While still in college, he tried to give his fraternity pin to Leslie Becktall , as a sort of pre-engagement gift. He discovered that she had moved away without saying goodbye. Face responded to this abandonment by dropping out of school, joining the army, and eventually becoming part of the A-Team. [4] Face lost much of his charm while married, acting much more nervous around his wife than either before or after they were wed [5] . Face Peck played by Bradley Cooper Abilities Face is a skilled grifter. He is very likeable, and people seem to find themselves trusting him. He is knowledgeable on a wide variety of subjects. Face is a skilled marksman and is proficient with many different types of guns. He knows how to drive a bus [6] and a garbage truck. [7] He can parachute. [8] He knows how to ride a horse. [9] He can apparently pick a padlock in under ten seconds, [10] but sometimes takes at least twice that long. [11] Face is prone to seasickness. [12] He knows how to SCUBA dive, but he doesn't like doing it. [13] Another skill he has is the ability to conjure anything from anywhere. His Corvette Edit Peck drives a custom white 1984 Chevrolet Corvette sports car with red interior and a red stripe (to match B.A.'s van). It is equipped with a CB radio and a mobile phone. The license plate was IHJG851 and never changed. The car was prominently featured in several episodes, including season two's Chopping Spree , where it was used as bait in an attempt to catch car thieves. The A-Team (2010) Film Edit In the 2010 film, Peck was played by comic actor Bradley Cooper . As in the TV series, Face is depicted as a smooth talking ladies man, but is also shown having a relationship with Captain Charisa Sosa (played by Jessica Biel), who pursues the A-Team after they escape from prison. Throughout the film, Face matures from a womanizing joker to a calculating professional - to the point that, in the film's climax, he, not Hannibal, plans the A-Team's legal redemption. Face plans the mission based on a classic confidence game including cranes and shipping crates, and involving Murdock being shot in the head. B. A. initially regrets the team's reliance on Face, but changes his mind after they learn Sosa has smuggled a key into Face's mouth with a kiss. Face also shows considerable maturity when he accepts his own punishment, rather than allowing Hannibal to take the full blame. Face ends the film by saying Hannibal's catchphrase, "I love it when a plan comes together." Benedict had a small cameo, which he reportedly regretted. In the post-credits scene, Face (Cooper) is approaching a tanning bed and asks Benedict's character what to do about his face. Benedict answers, "You don't mess with it." Memorable Quotes Edit Face: I like working for the church now and then. Insurance against judgement day. [14] Face: [describing the team] You know, when we're apart we're just a bunch of social misfits, but when we're together, well, that's something very special. [15] Face: I just love picking locks! Eye-hand coordination, you know? [16] Face: I lie, I cheat, I steal... and I don't get any respect! Cite error: Closing </ref> missing for <ref> tag. Trivia
Templeton Peck
On a map, are the lines that run parallel to the equator called lines of longitude or lines of latitude?
Quinton Jackson of ‘A-Team,’ A Mr. T for Our Times - The New York Times The New York Times Movies |Ultimate Fighter Turns Into an Actor, Ultimately Search Ultimate Fighter Turns Into an Actor, Ultimately By FRANZ LIDZ Continue reading the main story Photo Mr. Jackson with his co-stars, from left, Bradley Cooper, Sharlto Copley and Liam Neeson. Credit Michael Muller/20th Century Fox A GENERATION or two ago, in the cartoonish television action series “The A-Team,” Bosco Albert Baracus clomped along the edge of civilization like Sasquatch, half-man, half-myth. Animated by Mr. T in a Mohawk and enough gold jewelry to buy Trinidad and Tobago, B. A., as he was called, was a fool-pitying mercenary whose temperature was often at a steaming boil. The show centered on the escapades of B. A. and three other Special Forces operatives, most of whom had robbed the central bank of Hanoi under orders, and all of whom were on the run from the military. As happens more often than not in such situations, the fugitives escaped to Los Angeles, where they battled injustice by hiring themselves out as soldiers of fortune. More often than not, they worked pro bono for downtrodden D-Teamers. “B. A. Baracus was my childhood hero,” recalled Quinton Jackson, a 31-year-old martial-arts fighter who still answers to his childhood nickname, Rampage. “He used to say his initials stood for Bad Attitude. I used to have a bad attitude too.” Mr. Jackson, it turns out, is a master of understatement. He reinterprets the role in the $100 million cinematic version of “The A-Team,” which opens Friday. This time around, B. A. and the renegades run covert missions in Iraq and get snagged in a plot so tangled and discursive that you might need a map and a compass to stay on course. Continue reading the main story The new “A-Team” is basically a buddy-buddy-buddy-buddy film. “We’re a band of kooky guys who have certain skills,” said Liam Neeson, who takes over from George Peppard as the master tactician Col. John Smith — Hannibal to his friends. “All together we have an incredible skill of taking on dastardly deeds and daredevil stuff that no one else would attempt.” (Rounding out the rule-breaking quartet are Bradley Cooper as Lt. Templeton Peck, a k a Face, played by Dirk Benedict in the show, and Sharlto Copley as Capt. H. M. Murdock, better known as “Howling Mad” Murdock, previously embodied by Dwight Schultz.) Advertisement Continue reading the main story As before, B. A.’s particular expertise is vehicular; in this case involving getaway vans and a parachuting tank. “B. A. is a great mechanic who can fix anything,” Mr. Jackson said. “In real life I can’t fix a sandwich. All we have in common is that we’re hard dudes with soft hearts.” The unyielding scowl of Mr. T’s B. A. invited alteration with a brick. Mr. Jackson’s update always has a smile on his face, a combination of the innocent and diabolical. Then again, how could he not smile during his character’s prison epiphany, which comes after he reads a self-help book called “Compassion and Forgiveness”? He lets his Mohawk grow in and goes all Gandhi on his A-Teammates. “I was impressed that Rampage pulled it off,” Mr. Neeson said. “He doesn’t grandstand. He’s just simple and truthful, and what comes out of his mouth you believe.” Mr. Jackson has plenty of what the critic Kenneth Tynan said is essential to great acting: the ability to communicate a sense of danger. “With Rampage that danger is legitimate,” said Tom Rothman, co-chairman of Fox Filmed Entertainment, the studio behind “The A-Team.” “He has lived what most actors pretend.” Until now Mr. Jackson’s emoting has been mostly confined to the Octagon, the caged ring in which the Ultimate Fighting Championship pits mixed-martial-arts combatants. Once condemned by Senator John McCain as “human cockfighting,” mixed martial arts is a savage, free-form affair that allows a wide variety of combat styles, including boxing, wrestling, kickboxing and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Photo In “The A-Team,” based on the old television action series, Quinton Jackson plays B. A. Baracus, the character made famous by Mr. T. Credit Doug Curran/20th Century Fox Mr. Jackson’s signature body-slam — deemed the hardest blow in all of professional sports by the television show “National Geographic’s Sports Science” — usually has the proper chastening effect. No doubt it’s a fairly fearsome sight to behold a man the size of a tobacco warehouse lunging at you. “Rampage’s hands are huge and have a deep, deep strength,” Mr. Cooper said. “They’re like something out of Greek mythology.” Mr. Jackson’s entire body seems to have been hammered on the anvil of the gods. His abs are laddered; his torso is bound by ropelike veins; his biceps look like grapefruits dosed with Miracle-Gro. Advertisement Continue reading the main story Mr. Jackson, who is a former Ultimate Fighting light-heavyweight champion, is not only large, but also impressively decorated. The tattoo on his right arm reads, “Rampage God’s street soldier.” The panther that prowls down his left arm masks a smaller “Rampage” tattoo he inscribed himself when he was 15. “I covered the first one up because the letters were crooked, and I almost misspelled my name,” he said. “I’d be embarrassed to be on TV with something that ghetto.” Please verify you're not a robot by clicking the box. Invalid email address. Please re-enter. You must select a newsletter to subscribe to. Sign Up Privacy Policy Mr. T. used to say that when he was growing up in a housing project on the South Side of Chicago, his family was so poor it couldn’t afford to pay attention. Mr. Jackson was raised in a grim section of south Memphis, where drug dealers operated openly. At 8 he befriended a con artist who employed him as a bag boy. He’d sit on a street corner with crack in a Skittles bag. If a police officer appeared, he’d heave the bag over his shoulder. “Even back then I knew the law,” he said. “If the crack was at least 15 feet away from me, I couldn’t get busted.” Since then he has been busted twice. While he was on the wrestling team at a community college in Northern California, he was charged with assaulting a teammate who had allegedly slugged him in the face with a phone. (Mr. Jackson, who was later put on probation, said the brawl began when he chewed out the man for talking trash to his own mother on the same phone.) Two years ago he was arrested at gunpoint not far from his home in Irvine, Calif., after plowing his pickup into three vehicles and narrowly missing several pedestrians and bicyclists. Though Mr. Jackson’s name and picture were decaled on both sides of the truck, he led police on a high-speed chase through Newport Beach. Mr. Jackson now says he was depressed, sleep deprived and hadn’t consumed anything but Throwdown Rampage Punch energy drinks for four days. “I don’t see myself doing anything crazy again,” he announced in January after being sentenced to three years’ probation for reckless driving. “I want to be a positive role model.” Especially, he said, to his four children. Two of his boys have the middle name Rampage. His daughter, Naname, had to settle for Page. “I compromised with her mom,” Mr. Jackson more or less explained. “She wouldn’t let me call her Rampagea.” Mr. Jackson sets up his punch lines as carefully as his punches. On the first day of the “A-Team” shoot he sidled up to Mr. Copley, a Johannesburg native, and said, “You’re from South Africa, right?” Mr. Copley sighed audibly. “I thought, I’m a white South African, and this conversation is going to go down a political road,” he said. “I was about tell Rampage that my best friend back home is black and gay, when he said, ‘You should apply to be a United States citizen.’ ” Advertisement Why’s that? asked Mr. Copley. “Because then,” Mr. Jackson reasoned, “the two of us will be the only African-Americans in the movie.” A version of this article appears in print on June 6, 2010, on Page AR12 of the New York edition with the headline: Ultimate Fighter Turns Into an Actor, Ultimately. Order Reprints | Today's Paper | Subscribe
i don't know
One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World was the Colossus of Rhodes, a mammoth statue of what Greek god?
What was the Colossus of Rhodes? - Ask History Ask History September 25, 2015 By Elizabeth Nix Credit: by Fine Art Images/Heritage Images/Getty Images Share this: What was the Colossus of Rhodes? Author What was the Colossus of Rhodes? URL Google One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Colossus of Rhodes was a massive statue of a male figure built around 280 B.C. and erected on the Greek island of Rhodes. Much about the monument remains shrouded in mystery, as it was destroyed in an earthquake in 226 B.C. However, ancient accounts hold that the Colossus of Rhodes was created in honor of the sun god Helios and to commemorate the Rhodians’ successful defense of their island against a siege led by Macedonian leader Demetrius Poliorcetes in 305 B.C. Legend has it the people of Rhodes sold the equipment left behind by the Macedonians in order to bankroll the statue’s creation. Designed by Greek sculptor Chares of Lindos, the Colossus of Rhodes reportedly stood about 110 feet tall atop a 50-foot platform. By comparison, the Great Pyramid of Giza, the only ancient world wonder that still survives, initially rose about 481 feet when it was completed, likely sometime between 2560 B.C. and 2540 B.C. Another ancient world wonder, the Statue of Zeus at Olympia, produced in the mid-fifth century B.C., was about 40 feet tall. Today, the world’s tallest statues include China’s Spring Temple Buddha, which stands 354 feet atop a 66-foot-high lotus throne (that itself sits on an 82-foot-tall building), and Burma’s Laykyun Setkyar Buddha, which is 381 feet high with a 44-foot-tall base; both structures were completed in the early 21st century. In 2008, government officials in Rhodes announced plans were in “the drawing board stage” for a new Colossus; rather than being a replica, it’s intended to take shape as the planet’s largest light sculpture. Tags
Helios
Which former major league baseball pitcher, known as The Big Unit, now pitches Geico?
Colossus of Rhodes | AncientWorldWonders AncientWorldWonders 25 Oct 2011 at 06:12 admin Colossus Greek Helios Rhodes Statue Titan ... The Colossus of Rhodes was a statue of the Greek Titan Helios, erected in the city of Rhodes on the Greek island of Rhodes by Chares of Lindos between 292 and 280 BC. It is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It was constructed to celebrate Rhodes’ victory over the ruler of Cyprus, Antigonus I Monophthalmus, who unsuccessfully besieged Rhodes in 305 BC. Before its destruction, the Colossus of Rhodes stood over 30 meters (107 ft) high, making it one of the tallest statues of the ancient world. The storyline along the statue goes as following: The island of Rhodes was an important economic center in the ancient world. It is located off the southwestern tip of Asia Minor where the Aegean Sea meets the Mediterranean. The capitol city, also named Rhodes, was built in 408 B.C. and was designed to take advantage of the island’s best natural harbor on the northern coast. It was often the reason of wars which lasted for centuries. Capturing this blossoming territory meant holding the reins of the economic at hand. Thus, it was ruled by such well-known conqueror as Alexander the Great. After the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BC, his heritage was left without a assigned governor as much as Alexander couldn’t call the name of future emperor. Fighting broke out among his generals, the Diadochi, with four of them eventually dividing much of his empire in the Mediterranean area. As a result Ptolemy took control of Egypt, Rhodes and Ptolemaic Egypt formed an alliance which controlled much of the trade in the eastern Mediterranean. Antigonus I Monophthalmus was upset by this turn of events. In 305 BC he had his son Demetrius Poliorcetes, also a general, invade Rhodes with an army of 40,000; however, the city was well-defended and it was nearly impossible to get through the walls, which was around the city. Demetrius tried to build number of siege towers in order to get access to the walls. But all was in vain. In 304 BC a relief force of ships sent by Ptolemy arrived, and Demetrius’s army abandoned the siege, leaving most of their siege equipment. To celebrate their victory, the Rhodians sold the equipment left behind for 300 talents]and decided to use the money to build a colossal statue of their patron god, Helios. Construction was left to the direction of Chares, a native of Lindos in Rhodes, who had been involved with large-scale statues before. Most likely the construction started in 292 BC; This belief seems more true even, though it’s often said that work over it began in 304 BC. However, according to Pliny, a historian who lived several centuries after the Colossus was built, construction took 12 years. Modern engineers have put forward a plausible hypothesis for the statue construction, based on the technology of those days (which was not based on the modern principles of earthquake engineering), and the accounts of Philo and Pliny who both saw and described the remains.]The statue was one hundred and ten feet high and stood upon a fifty-foot pedestal near the harbor entrance perhaps on a breakwater. Although the statue has sometimes been popularly depicted with its legs spanning the harbor entrance so that ships could pass beneath, it was actually posed in a more traditional Greek manner. Historians believe the figure was nude or semi-nude with a cloak over its left arm or shoulder. Some think it was wearing a spiked crown, shading its eyes from the rising sun with its right hand, or possibly using that hand to hold a torch aloft in a pose similar to one later given to the Statue of Liberty. No ancient account mentions the harbor-spanning pose and it seems unlikely the Greeks would have depicted one of their gods in such an awkward manner. In addition, such a pose would mean shutting down the harbor during the construction, something not economically feasible. The statue itself was constructed of bronze plates over an iron framework (very similar to the Statue of Liberty which is copper over a steel frame). According to the book of Pilon of Byzantium, 15 tons of bronze were used and 9 tons of iron, though these numbers seem low to modern architects. The Statue of Liberty, roughly of the same size, weighs 225 tons. The Colossus, which relied on weaker materials, must have weighed at least as much and probably more. [ADS2] Ancient accounts tell us that inside the statue were several stone columns which acted as the main support. Iron beams were driven into the stone and connected with the bronze outer skin. Each bronze plate had to be carefully cast then hammered into the right shape for its location in the figure, then hoisted into position and riveted to the surrounding plates and the iron frame. Some stories say that a massive earthen ramp was used to access the statue during construction. Modern engineers, however, calculate that such a ramp running all the way to the top of the statue would have been too massive to be practical. This lends credence to stories that the wood from the Helepolis seige engine was reused to build a scaffolding around the statue while it was being assembled. The architect of this great construction was Chares of Lindos, a Rhodian sculptor who was a patriot and fought in defense of the city. It is believed Chares did not live to see his project finished. There are several legends that he committed suicide. In one tale he has almost finished the statue when someone points out a small flaw in the construction. The sculptor is so ashamed of it he kills himself. [ADS2] The statue stood for 56 years until Rhodes was hit by the 226 BC Rhodes earthquakes, when significant damage was also done to large portions of the city, including the harbor and commercial buildings, which were destroyed. The statue snapped at the knees and fell over on to the land. Ptolemy III offered to pay for the reconstruction of the statue, but the oracle of Delphi made the Rhodians afraid that they had offended Helios, and they declined to rebuild it. The remains lay on the ground as described by Strabo for over 800 years, and even broken, they were so impressive that many traveled to see them. Pliny the Elder remarked that few people could wrap their arms around the fallen thumb and that each of its fingers was larger than most statues. In 654, an Arab force under Muslim caliph Muawiyah I captured Rhodes, and according to the chronicler Theophanes the Confessor, the remains were sold to a “Jewish merchant of Edessa”. The buyer had the statue broken down, and transported the bronze scrap on the backs of 900 camels to his home. While these fanciful images feed the misconception, the mechanics of the situation reveal that the Colossus could not have straddled the harbor as described in Lemprière’s Classical Dictionary. If the completed statue straddled the harbor, the entire mouth of the harbor would have been effectively closed during the entirety of the construction; nor would the ancient Rhodians have had the means to dredge and re-open the harbor after construction. The statue fell in 224 BC: if it straddled the harbor mouth, it would have entirely blocked the harbor. Also, since the ancients would not have had the ability to remove the entire statue from the harbor, it would not have remained visible on land for the next 800 years, as discussed above. Even neglecting these objections, the statue was made of bronze, and an engineering analysis proved that it could not have been built with its legs apart without collapsing from its own weight. Many researchers have considered alternate positions for the statue which would have made it more feasible for actual construction by the ancients. The design, posture and dimensions of the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor are based on what the Colossus was thought by engineers in the late 19th century to have looked like. Every person that gets an opportunity to travel to New York gets marvelous sight, Standing on a small island in the harbor is an immense statue of a robed woman, holding a book and lifting a torch to the sky. The statue measures almost one-hundred and twenty feet from foot to crown. It is sometimes referred to as the “Modern Colossus,” but more often called the Statue of Liberty. This awe-inspiring statue was a gift from France to America and is easily recognized by people around the world. What many visitors to this shrine to freedom don’t know is that the statue, the “Modern Colossus,” is the echo of another statue, the original colossus, which we have talked so much about above, that stood over two thousand years ago at the entrance to another busy harbor on the Island of Rhodes. Like the Statue of Liberty, this colossus was also built as a celebration of freedom.
i don't know
Which president, and, according to some, noted vampire hunter, had a birthday on Feb 12?
Abraham Lincoln Quotes: 25 Inspirational Sayings To Celebrate The President’s 205th Birthday Abraham Lincoln Quotes: 25 Inspirational Sayings To Celebrate The President’s 205th Birthday Abraham Lincoln's 205th birthday falls on February 12, 2014. Photo: Wikimedia Commons Happy Birthday, Abe! The 16th president of the United States would have turned 205 years old today. For decades, Lincoln has consistently been ranked first or second in polls for the best U.S. president. He served as president from March 1861 until his assassination in April 1865. During that time he led the United States through the Civil War, preserved the Union and abolished slavery. The son of a Kentucky frontiersman, Lincoln was born in a one-room log cabin on the Sinking Spring Farm in Hardin County. Five months before receiving the Republican Party's nomination for president in 1860, he described his early childhood: "I was born Feb. 12, 1809, in Hardin County, Kentucky. My parents were both born in Virginia, of undistinguished families--second families, perhaps I should say. My mother, who died in my tenth year, was of a family of the name of Hanks.... My father ... removed from Kentucky to ... Indiana, in my eighth year.... It was a wild region, with many bears and other wild animals still in the woods. There I grew up.... Of course when I came of age I did not know much. Still somehow, I could read, write, and cipher ... but that was all." Outside of his political career, Lincoln had many facets. Gingerbread men were his favorite dessert , he was an accomplished wrestler and a big cat-lover . A self-taught lawyer, Lincoln was a gifted orator. He spent many years perfecting his speaking abilities that became legendary. Below are 25 quotes to share on Abraham Lincoln’s birthday.   On Character "Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be." “In the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years.” “Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other.” “A friend is one who has the same enemies as you have.” "Perhaps a man's character was like a tree, and his reputation like its shadow; the shadow is what we think of it, the tree is the real thing." "Leave nothing for tomorrow which can be done today." “I have always found that mercy bears richer fruits than strict justice.” “Be sure you put your feet in the right place, then stand firm.” “Don't worry when you are not recognized, but strive to be worthy of recognition.” “I walk slowly, but I never walk backward.”   Morals "Whenever I hear anyone arguing for slavery, I feel a strong impulse to see it tried on him personally." "I leave you, hoping that the lamp of liberty will burn in your bosoms until there shall no longer be a doubt that all men are created free and equal." “I am not bound to win, but I am bound to be true.” “When I do good, I feel good. When I do bad, I feel bad. That's my religion.” "If you want to test a man's character, give him power." "Let us have faith that right makes might, and in that faith, let us, to the end, dare to do our duty as we understand it." “In times like the present, men should utter nothing for which they would not willingly be responsible through time and eternity.” “No man is good enough to govern another man without the other's consent.” “My great concern is not whether you have failed, but whether you are content with your failure.”   Nationhood “Government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the Earth.” “Any people anywhere, being inclined and having the power, have the right to rise up, and shake off the existing government, and form a new one that suits them better. This is a most valuable - a most sacred right - a right, which we hope and believe, is to liberate the world.” “A house divided against itself cannot stand.” “America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves.” “We the people are the rightful masters of both Congress and the courts, not to overthrow the Constitution but to overthrow the men who pervert the Constitution.” “Don't interfere with anything in the Constitution. That must be maintained, for it is the only safeguard of our liberties.”
Abraham Lincoln
What flavoring is used in the liqueur amaretto?
Discovery: Donner Party’s member James Reed had a Lincoln document - Thaindian News Thaindian News Discovery: Donner Party’s member James Reed had a Lincoln document July 21st, 2010 - 7:56 pm ICT by Aishwarya Bhatt   New York, July 21 (THAINDIAN NEWS) American researchers have unexpectedly discovered a military document that has former United States president Abraham Lincoln on it. The document was found among other properties of a member of the Donner Party - James Reed. The handwriting was studied by librarians, handwriting experts and historians who later confirmed that Abraham Lincoln’s handwriting was on one of the rolls. The rolls contained the list of the volunteer soldiers including Abraham Lincoln who fought in the 1832 Black Hawk War. Though Abraham Lincoln’s handwriting has been confirmed on only one roll, all the four rolls lists “Private Abraham Lincoln” among the list of soldiers on the roll. “We often find documents that detail fascinating stories about Abraham Lincoln’s life and times, but it is rare indeed for the document to have such an intriguing history after it was written,” according to Daniel Stowell, who is the director of the Papers of Abraham Lincoln. Among the lines that were written by Abraham Lincoln are two and a half lines that stated some of the properties of Abraham Lincoln. It also noted that Lincoln had a tent that belonged to the United States military, to be returned after his service in the military. Researchers say without doubt, the document provides insightful details of Abraham Lincoln’s time in the United States army during his military service.
i don't know
In a national TV embarrassment, the vault of which Chicago gangster, nicknamed Scarface, was excavated live by Geraldo Riveria and his crew but was found to contain nothing?
Gangsters Inc. http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profile/2g2lucitjcn3w <p><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/0Ty7vayRmOgVVJWNZ1ULXDDnNIEt3oEl628gsJDa-kA4HIlC*N4YZeAyoH-2zDMWu5L1NrrEk9WzaNYYa0PQKjnJLh618Fft/photo6.jpg" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/0Ty7vayRmOgVVJWNZ1ULXDDnNIEt3oEl628gsJDa-kA4HIlC*N4YZeAyoH-2zDMWu5L1NrrEk9WzaNYYa0PQKjnJLh618Fft/photo6.jpg" width="600"></img></a></p> <p>By David Amoruso<br></br> <br></br> Besides financial fraud, trafficking in narcotics is still the crime that pays the most. Groups and individuals from across the world have experienced the huge and seemingly easy profit drugs bring. Be it cocaine, heroin, ecstasy, or weed: it all translates to money. And lots of…</p> <p><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/0Ty7vayRmOgVVJWNZ1ULXDDnNIEt3oEl628gsJDa-kA4HIlC*N4YZeAyoH-2zDMWu5L1NrrEk9WzaNYYa0PQKjnJLh618Fft/photo6.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/0Ty7vayRmOgVVJWNZ1ULXDDnNIEt3oEl628gsJDa-kA4HIlC*N4YZeAyoH-2zDMWu5L1NrrEk9WzaNYYa0PQKjnJLh618Fft/photo6.jpg" width="600"/></a></p> <p>By David Amoruso<br/> <br/> Besides financial fraud, trafficking in narcotics is still the crime that pays the most. Groups and individuals from across the world have experienced the huge and seemingly easy profit drugs bring. Be it cocaine, heroin, ecstasy, or weed: it all translates to money. And lots of it.<br/> <br/> With the huge amount of money come power and envy and the drug world is known for its violent flare ups. In Florida the so-called Cocaine Cowboys left the streets dripping in blood. While Pablo Escobar had made so much money trafficking cocaine, he had acquired enough power to take on the Colombian government in a war that reminded more of Iraq than South America.<br/> <br/> Though, we at Gangsters Inc. will also report on drug groups in Asia, Europe, Jamaica, and North America, our focus will be on South America. That area has always been the center of the cocaine trade and smuggling into the United States. Mexico is currently involved in a drug war that cost the lives of over 34,000 in the past four years. As Mexican authorities are working closely with American agencies to combat the powerful drug cartels, the violence is spiraling out of control with gruesome beheadings and mass murder on a weekly basis.<br/> <br/> <span class="font-size-3"><strong>Articles:</strong></span></p> <ul> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mexican-drug-lord-el-chapo-guzman-has-been-extradited-to-the-unit" target="_self">Mexican drug lord "El Chapo" extradited to US</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/el-paso-drug-boss-sentenced-to-12-years-in-prison-for-trafficking" target="_self">El Paso drug boss gets 12 years in prison for cocaine trafficking</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/guatemala-extradites-its-top-drug-lord-to-us-marlon-monroy-was-el" target="_self">Guatemala's top drug lord Marlon Monroy</a></li> <li>Profile: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/profile-jalisco-cartel-boss-nemesio-oseguera-cervantes" target="_self">Jalisco New Generation cartel boss Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/donald-j-trump-s-gangbusters-how-will-america-s-new-president-tak" target="_self">How will President Donald Trump combat drug cartels?</a></li> <li>VIDEO: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/video-nephew-of-gulf-cartel-boss-shot-dead-by-sicario" target="_self">Nephew of Gulf Cartel boss shot dead by sicario</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/los-zetas-teenage-hitmen-torture-and-drugs-wolf-boys-gives-intima" target="_self">Wolf Boys gives intimate look into hellish Cartel underworld</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/power-play-the-kidnapping-and-release-of-el-chapo-s-son" target="_self">Power Play: The kidnapping and release of El Chapo's son</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/sinaloa-cartel-operation-busted-in-new-york-ring-used-front-compa" target="_self">Sinaloa cartel operation busted in NY</a> - Ring used front companies that listed coke as sea cucumbers</li> <li>Drug lord <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/drug-lord-had-luxury-cell-part-of-which-he-rented-out-to-other-in" target="_self">had luxury cell part of which he rented out at $600 a week</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/colombian-drug-kingpin-gets-35-years-in-prison-for-massive-cocain" target="_self">Colombian drug kingpin gets 35 years for massive coke pipeline</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/beltran-leyva-drug-cartel-s-acapulco-boss-arrested" target="_self">Beltran Levya drug cartel's Acapulco boss arrested</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/spokane-meth-boss-gets-life-for-vicious-murder-of-drug-dealer" target="_self">Spokane meth boss gets life for vicious murder of drug dealer</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/sinaloa-cartel-s-kansas-city-drug-chief-gets-life-in-prison" target="_self">Sinaloa cartel's Kansas City drug chief gets life in prison</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/clock-is-ticking-mexico-approves-el-chapo-s-extradition-to-us" target="_self">Clock is ticking: Mexico approves El Chapo’s extradition to US</a></li> <li>VIDEO: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/video-colombian-commandos-capture-drug-lord-after-shootout" target="_self">Colombian commandos capture drug lord after shootout</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/sinaloa-drug-cartel-s-chief-hitman-arrested-in-rosarito" target="_self">Sinaloa drug cartel’s chief hitman arrested in Rosarito</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/belgian-pharmaceutical-companies-sold-drug-lord-ephedrine" target="_self">Belgian pharmaceutical companies sold drug lord ephedrine</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mexican-drug-boss-el-chapo-desperate-for-american-prison" target="_self">Mexican drug boss El Chapo "desperate" for American prison</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/el-chapo-s-beauty-queen-wife-says-she-fears-for-his-life" target="_self">El Chapo's beauty queen wife says she fears for his life</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/what-was-sean-penn-s-role-in-the-capture-of-el-chapo" target="_self">What was Sean Penn's role in the capture of El Chapo?</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/three-sinaloa-cartel-meth-distributors-receive-lengthy-prison-ter" target="_self">Three Sinaloa Cartel meth dealers sentenced to prison</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mexican-drug-boss-el-chapo-guzman-caught" target="_self">Mexican drug boss "El Chapo" Guzman recaptured</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mexican-cartels-tighten-iron-grip-on-us-drug-markets" target="_self">Mexican cartels tighten iron grip on US drug markets</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/top-5-drug-lords-killed-while-on-the-run" target="_self">Top 5 drug lords killed while on the run</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/video-hammering-audible-just-before-el-chapo-s-prison-break" target="_self">VIDEO: Hammering audible just before El Chapo’s prison break</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/did-el-chapo-put-a-100-million-bounty-on-trump-or-not" target="_self">Did El Chapo put a $100 million bounty on Trump or not?</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mexico-extradites-major-cartel-bosses-to-face-charges-in-us" target="_self">Mexico extradites major cartel bosses to face charges in US</a></li> <li><a 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href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/who-s-the-world-s-biggest-cocaine-producer" target="_self">Who's the world's top cocaine producer?</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-jamaican-shower-posse-a-family-business" target="_self">The Jamaican Shower Posse: A Family Business</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/leader-of-gulf-cartel-arrested-while-shopping-in-texas" target="_self">Leader of Gulf Cartel arrested while shopping in Texas</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-drug-game-getting-high-on-cocaine-and-money" target="_self">The Drug Game: Getting high on cocaine and money</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/brazilian-drug-lord-eduardo-herculano-da-silva" target="_self">Brazilian Drug Lord Eduardo Herculano da Silva</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/buccaneer-the-story-of-drug-smuggling-pilot-jack-reed" target="_self">Buccaneer: The Story of Drug Smuggling Pilot Jack Reed</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/world-s-most-wanted-cartel-boss-el-chapo-guzman-caught" target="_self">World’s Most Wanted Cartel Boss El Chapo Guzman Caught</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/gangsters-inc-sits-down-with-fbi-agent-jack-garcia" target="_self">Infiltrating drug cartels with FBI agent Jack Garcia</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-real-heisenberg-hails-from-north-korea" target="_self">The real Walter "Heisenberg" White hails from North Korea</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/escobar-versus-cali-the-war-of-the-cartels" target="_self">Escobar versus Cali: The War of the Cartels</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/i-m-funny-how-like-a-clown" target="_self">Funny how? Like a clown shooting a Cartel boss in the face?</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mexican-cartel-boss-miguel-trevino-morales" target="_self">Profile of Mexican Cartel Boss Miguel Trevino Morales</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/female-drug-boss-jean-brown" target="_self">Profile of Female Drug Boss Jean Brown</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/gulf-cartel-leader-gets-35-years-for-drug-trafficking" target="_self">Gulf Cartel Leader Gets 35 Years for Drug Trafficking</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/meanwhile-in-mexico" target="_self">Meanwhile, in Mexico: El Chapo, Cannons &amp; Murder</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/greedy-bankers-of-hsbc-working-with-drug-cartels" target="_self">Greedy bankers of HSBC working with drug cartels</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/godmother-griselda-blanco-gunned-down-in-colombia" target="_self">Godmother Griselda Blanco shot to death in Colombia</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/boss-of-evil-pablo-escobar-s-legacy-endures" target="_self">Boss of Evil: Pablo Escobar's Legacy Endures</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/u-s-government-punishes-drug-cartel-for-triple-murder" target="_self">U.S. Government Punishes Drug Cartel For Triple Murder</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/guatemalan-drug-boss-linked-to-zetas-hit-hard" target="_self">Guatemalan Drug Boss Linked To Zetas Hit Hard</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/los-zetas-and-maras-form-alliance-from-hell" target="_self">Los Zetas and Maras Form Alliance From Hell</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/us-soldiers-busted-in-drug-cartel-murder-for-hire-plot" target="_self">US Soldiers Busted in Drug Cartel Murder-For-Hire Plot</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/chicago-cell-of-los-zetas-drug-cartel-busted" target="_self">Chicago Cell of Los Zetas Drug Cartel Busted</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mexican-drug-cartel-s-link-to-american-banks" target="_self">Mexican Drug Cartel's Link To American Banks</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/pablo-escobars-war-on-colombia" target="_self">Pablo Escobar's War on Colombia</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/colombian-traffickers-charged-with-using-submarines-to-smuggle-dr" target="_self">Colombian Traffickers Charged With Using Submarines To Smuggle Drugs</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/drug-lord-claims-immunity-from-prosecution-did-dea-and-fbi-have-a" target="_self">Drug Lord Claims Immunity From Prosecution: Secret Alliance Between FBI, DEA &amp; Sinaloa Cartel?</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/for-united-states-mexico-is" target="_self">For United States Mexico Is Turning Into "Third Front" After Iraq and Afghanistan</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/firepower-dope-and-bloodshed" target="_self">Firepower, Dope and Bloodshed: Mexico Drug Cartels Branch Out to Foreign Continents</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/guatemalan-drug-lord-captured" target="_self">Guatemalan Drug Lord Captured</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/teenager-was-hitman-for" target="_self">Teenager Was Hitman For Mexican Drug Cartel: Why Organized Crime Uses Children As Soldiers</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/narco-players-wanted-fugitive" target="_self">Narco Players: Wanted Fugitive: A Colombian Beauty Queenpin</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mexico-spring-break-will-drug" target="_self">Mexico Spring Break: Will Drug War Violence Kill the Thrill?</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mexican-drug-cartels-number-1" target="_self">Mexican Drug Cartels Number 1 Organized Crime Threat US?</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/operation-cyber-juice-dea-busts-home-labs-gyms-local-distributors" target="_self">Operation Cyber Juice: DEA busts home labs, gyms, local distributors</a></li> </ul> Mexican drug lord “El Chapo” Guzman has been extradited to the United States tag:gangstersinc.ning.com,2017-01-20:6329524:BlogPost:79457 Gangsters Inc. http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profile/2g2lucitjcn3w <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mexican-drug-lord-el-chapo-guzman-has-been-extradited-to-the-unit" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/3oOh0daNY6Pc4tqhlnBA2Qd4zP5TULtp258ozbfzzkY5O1jD6uf6uls2fWPVN47YQ707nMQLLIKSXtSxCfauHopT6oyLt3Hw/jesusgutierrezguzmanelchapo.jpg" width="520"></img></a> By Gangsters Inc. Editors</p> <p>Joaquin Archivaldo Guzman Loera, better known by his nickname of “<a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mexican-drug-lord-el-chapo-guzman-breaks-out-of-prison" target="_self">El Chapo</a>,” has been extradited to the United States to face criminal charges related to his leadership of the Sinaloa…</p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mexican-drug-lord-el-chapo-guzman-has-been-extradited-to-the-unit" target="_self"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/3oOh0daNY6Pc4tqhlnBA2Qd4zP5TULtp258ozbfzzkY5O1jD6uf6uls2fWPVN47YQ707nMQLLIKSXtSxCfauHopT6oyLt3Hw/jesusgutierrezguzmanelchapo.jpg" class="align-center" width="520"/></a>By Gangsters Inc. Editors</p> <p>Joaquin Archivaldo Guzman Loera, better known by his nickname of “<a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mexican-drug-lord-el-chapo-guzman-breaks-out-of-prison" target="_self">El Chapo</a>,” has been extradited to the United States to face criminal charges related to his leadership of the Sinaloa Cartel. He is charged in six separate indictments throughout the United States and will likely spend the rest of his life in an American prison.</p> <p>In an official press release, the Justice Department extended “its gratitude to the Government of Mexico for their extensive cooperation and assistance in securing the extradition of Guzman Loera to the United States.”</p> <p>Former U.S. officials who played significant roles in the war on drugs, told newspaper <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jan/19/el-chapo-extradited-to-the-us" target="_blank">the Guardian</a> that <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mexican-drug-lord-el-chapo-guzman-breaks-out-of-prison" target="_self">El Chapo</a>’s extradition had the appearance of being a peace offering from Mexican president Enrique Pena Nieto’s government to Donald Trump, who will be sworn in as the U.S. president today.</p> <p>“This is Mexico’s inaugural present,” Robert Feitel, a Washington-based attorney who pursued traffickers and money launderers at the Department of Justice, told <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jan/19/el-chapo-extradited-to-the-us" target="_blank">the Guardian</a>. “Just like when Iran freed the hostages during President Reagan’s inauguration. It’s the same kind of political posturing.”</p> <ul> <li><strong>Read: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/did-el-chapo-put-a-100-million-bounty-on-trump-or-not" target="_self">Did El Chapo put a $100 million bounty on Trump's head or not?</a></strong></li> </ul> <p>Bonnie Klapper, a former assistant U.S. attorney who prosecuted drug lords, told the British newspaper that, “It could well be Mexico’s attempt to curry favor. Mexico has been greatly destabilized by Trump’s statements.”</p> <p>Whatever it is, the most notorious drug lord in recent history is now in U.S. custody. While he sits in a cell, the <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/drug-cartels" target="_self">war on drugs</a> continues. Where there is a demand, there will be a supply. It’s <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/who-s-the-world-s-biggest-cocaine-producer" target="_self">business 101</a>.</p> <p><strong>Get the latest on organized crime and the Mafia first at the Gangsters Inc. <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=News" target="_self">news section</a>.</strong></p> <p><strong>Follow Gangsters Inc. on <a href="http://twitter.com/GangstersIncWeb" target="_blank">Twitter</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/GangstersInc" target="_blank">Facebook</a>.</strong></p> <p><strong>If you enjoyed this article you might also enjoy reading:</strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/los-zetas-teenage-hitmen-torture-and-drugs-wolf-boys-gives-intima" target="_self">Wolf Boys gives hellish look into Mexican cartel underworld</a></li> <li>Profile: Jalisco New Generation cartel boss <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/profile-jalisco-cartel-boss-nemesio-oseguera-cervantes" 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target="_self">Gangsters Inc. sits down with FBI agent Jack Garcia</a></li> </ul> <p><strong>Copyright © Gangsters Inc.</strong></p> Black Organized Crime Gangsters Inc. http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profile/2g2lucitjcn3w <div style="text-align: center;"><p><span class="font-size-7"><strong><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/black-organized-crime" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/bt5BWlmh0GaYw4N3A89o6ywmUGb0v1DvQEEHGz2dbwCv26WY5qGPGO911prRXYDAACD**s*OlXAPOZC-g35z1YtawYcvCldr/coverblackocgangstersinc.jpg?width=639" width="639"></img></a></strong></span> <span class="font-size-5"><strong>United States</strong></span></p> <p></p> <p><span class="font-size-4"><strong>New York:</strong></span></p> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/i-shook-up-the-world-how-muhammad-ali-took-the-heavyweight-boxing" target="_self">How Muhammad Ali took the…</a></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><p><span 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href="gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/schuele-boys-gang-associate-pleads-guilty-to-selling-drugs-out-of" target="_self">Schuele Boys Gang associate pleads guilty to selling drugs out of variety store</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-gangster-alpo-from-spanish-harlem" target="_self">The Gangster Alpo From Spanish Harlem</a><br/> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/supreme-gangster-giant-towers-over-queens-rap" target="_self">Supreme: Gangster giant towers over Queens rap</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/drug-boss-kenneth-supreme" target="_self">Kenneth "Supreme" McGriff</a> (in prison)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/drug-boss-leroy-nicky-barnes" target="_self">Leroy "Nicky" Barnes</a> (flipped)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/drug-boss-frank-matthews" target="_self">Frank Matthews</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/folk-nation-gang-leader-sentenced-to-20-years-in-prison" target="_self">Folk Nation Gang Leader Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/black-caesar-the-rise-of-america-s-biggest-kingpin" target="_self">Black Caesar: The Rise of America’s Biggest Kingpin</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/former-gangsters-beefing-about-books" target="_self">Former Gangsters Beefing About Books</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/bloods-gang-leader-charged-with-three-murders" target="_self">Bloods Gang Leader Charged With Three Murders</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/former-drug-kingpin-ike" target="_self">Former Drug Kingpin Ike Atkinson Tells All In New Documentary</a></p> <p><span class="font-size-4"><strong>New Jersey:</strong></span></p> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/new-jersey-bloods-gang-boss-pleads-guilty-to-murder-racketeering" target="_self">New Jersey Bloods gang boss pleads guilty to murder, racketeering charges</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/violent-bloods-gang-leaders-admit-racketeering-murder-conspiracy" target="_self">Sex Money Murder Bloods set leaders admit racketeering, murder conspiracy</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/atlantic-city-dirty-block-gang-enforcer-gets-life-in-prison-for-v" target="_self">Atlantic City “Dirty Block” Gang enforcer gets life</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/atlantic-city-gang-boss-gets-life-in-prison-for-drug-conspiracy" target="_self">Atlantic City gang boss gets life in prison for drug conspiracy</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/alleged-grape-street-crips-leader-charged-with-4-murders-racketee" target="_self">Grape Street Crips leader charged with 4 murders, racketeering</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/n-j-boss-rufus-young-gets-15-years-for-selling-kilos-of-heroin" target="_self">Drug boss Rufus Young gets 15 years for selling kilos of heroin</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/chili-pimping-in-atlantic-city" target="_self">Chili Pimping in Atlantic City</a></div> <p></p> <div style="text-align: center;"></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><p><strong><span class="font-size-4">New Orleans:</span></strong></p> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/fugitive-gangster-disciples-leader-arrested-in-new-orleans" target="_self">Fugitive Gangster Disciples leader arrested in New Orleans</a><br/> <p></p> <p><strong><span class="font-size-4">Philadelphia:</span></strong></p> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/i-shook-up-the-world-how-muhammad-ali-took-the-heavyweight-boxing" target="_self">How Muhammad Ali took the heavyweight boxing championship belt from the Mafia</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/drug-boss-roland-pops-bartlett" target="_self">Roland Bartlett</a> (dead)</div> <p></p> <div style="text-align: center;"></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><p><span class="font-size-4"><strong>Chicago:</strong></span></p> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/president-obama-gives-gangster-disciples-leader-a-sentence-reduct" target="_self">President Obama gives Gangster Disciples leader a sentence reduction</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/1-gang-boss-dead-2-agents-shot-as-fbi-busts-black-p-stone-nation" target="_self">1 gang boss dead, 2 agents shot, as FBI busts Black P-Stone Nation</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/chicago-vice-lord-nation-gang-boss-dead-at-64" target="_self">Chicago Vice Lord Nation gang boss dead at 64</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/senator-declares-war-on-gangster-disciples" target="_self">Senator Declares War On Gangster Disciples</a></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><p></p> <p><span class="font-size-4"><strong>Rockford:</strong></span></p> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/profile-rockford-s-black-gangster-disciples-boss-karl-fort" target="_self">Rockford’s Black Gangster Disciples boss Karl Fort</a></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><p></p> <p><span class="font-size-4"><strong>Detroit:</strong></span></p> <br/> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/violent-seven-mile-bloods-gangsters-indicted-in-detroit" target="_self">Violent Seven Mile Bloods gangsters indicted in Detroit</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/detroit-gang-leader-gets-35-years-for-racketeering" target="_self">Detroit gang leader gets 35 years for racketeering</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/chester-wheeler-campbell-the-007-of-the-detroit-drug-mob" target="_self">Chester Wheeler Campbell: The 007 of the Detroit Drug Mob</a></p> <p><br/> <span class="font-size-4"><strong>Baltimore:</strong></span></p> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/nathan-barksdale-inspiration-for-the-wire-dead-at-54" target="_self">"Bodie" Barksdale, inspiration for The Wire, dead at 54</a><br/> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/female-drug-boss-jean-brown" target="_self">Female Drug Boss Jean Brown</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/baltimore-drug-boss-maurice" target="_self">Maurice "Peanut" King</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/baltimore-a-gangster-history" target="_self">Baltimore: A Gangster History</a></p> <p><strong><span class="font-size-4">Washington:</span></strong></p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/profile-washington-d-c-drug-boss-rayful-edmond" target="_self">Profile: Washington D.C. drug boss Rayful Edmond</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-murder-of-fray-a" target="_self">The Murder of Fray; A Washington D.C. Street Legend</a></p> <p><span class="font-size-4"><strong>Cleveland:</strong></span></p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/don-king-from-street-thug-to-street-name" target="_self">Don King: From street thug to street name?</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/drug-boss-ricks-from-selfies-in-the-gym-to-trafficking-heroin" target="_self">Drug boss Ricks: From selfies in the gym to trafficking heroin</a></p> <br/> <p><span class="font-size-4"><strong>Colorado:</strong></span></p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/us-soldiers-busted-in-drug-cartel-murder-for-hire-plot" target="_self">US Soldiers Busted in Drug Cartel Murder-For-Hire Plot</a></p> <br/> <p><span class="font-size-4"><strong>California:</strong></span></p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/south-l-a-crips-gangster-cops-to-federal-racketeering-charges-adm" target="_self">Crips gangster cops to racketeering charges, admits robberies &amp; drug dealing</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/west-coast-crips-gang-boss-gets-life-for-drug-crimes" target="_self">West Coast Crips gang boss gets life for drug crimes</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/rap-mogul-suge-knight-shot-six-times-at-vma-party" target="_self">Rap mogul Suge Knight shot six times at VMA party</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/prison-gangs-and-the-analogy" target="_self">Prison Gangs and the Analogy of Hate</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/michael-harris-a-convicted" target="_self">Michael Harris</a>: A Convicted Drug Kingpin Who Gave Denzel His Start on Broadway</p> <br/> <p><span class="font-size-4"><strong>Kansas City:</strong></span></p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/full-time-gangsters-part-time-" target="_self">Full-Time Gangsters Part-Time Rappers</a></p> <p><span class="font-size-4"><strong>Virginia:</strong></span></p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/major-heroin-trafficking-boss-sentenced-to-30-years-in-prison" target="_self">Major heroin trafficking boss sentenced to 30 years in prison</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/armed-imperial-gangsta-bloods-drug-dealer-sentenced-to-35-years" target="_self">Armed Imperial Gangsta Bloods drug dealer sentenced to 35 years</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/37-bloods-gangsters-sentenced-to-over-415-years-in-prison" target="_self">37 Bloods gangsters sentenced to over 415 years in prison</a></p> <span class="font-size-7"><strong>Around the World:</strong></span><br/> <p><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-jamaican-shower-posse-a-family-business" target="_self">The Jamaican Shower Posse: A Family Business</a><br/>   <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/dutch-boss-henk-orlando-rommy" target="_self">Henk Orlando Rommy</a> (Dutch drug boss currently in an American prison)</p> </div> Street Gangs Gangsters Inc. http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profile/2g2lucitjcn3w <p>As researchers we find there is a distinct difference between organized crime and street gangs. One is structured, sophisticated, efficient, calculated. The other is poorly structured, unrefined, unefficient, brash. However, many organized crime groups and most of its members start out as/in street gangs. It's where they learn their trade.</p> <p>That is why Gangsters Inc. has set up this section where we will focus on street and prison gangs and lower level gangsters who might one day pop…</p> <p>As researchers we find there is a distinct difference between organized crime and street gangs. One is structured, sophisticated, efficient, calculated. The other is poorly structured, unrefined, unefficient, brash. However, many organized crime groups and most of its members start out as/in street gangs. It's where they learn their trade.</p> <p>That is why Gangsters Inc. has set up this section where we will focus on street and prison gangs and lower level gangsters who might one day pop up in a major case.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-5"><strong>United States</strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/all-in-the-game-two-men-who-went-from-fighting-organized-crime-an">All In The Game: Two men who went from fighting gangsters</a> to refereeing star athletes<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/how-guards-go-on-assaulting-inmates-without-consequences">How guards keep assaulting inmates without consequences</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/asian-youth-gangs-and-the">Asian Youth Gangs and the Tongs</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-4"><strong>New York:</strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/nypd-cop-moonlighted-for-drug-gang-but-finds-no-loyalty-in-return" target="_self">NYPD cop moonlighted for drug gang but finds no loyalty in return</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/bloods-gang-boss-gets-55-years-in-prison-for-murder-shootings-and" target="_self">Bloods gang boss gets 55 years in prison for murder &amp; drug trafficking</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/folk-nation-gang-leader-gets-consecutive-terms-of-life-in-prison" target="_self">Folk Nation gang leader gets consecutive terms of life in prison</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/ms-13-gang-member-pleads-guilty-to-double-murder" target="_self">MS-13 gang member pleads guilty to double-murder</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/16-latin-kings-gangsters-arrested-for-drug-trafficking-in-long-b" target="_self">16 Latin Kings gangsters arrested for drug trafficking in Long Beach, NY</a><br/> <a href="gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/schuele-boys-gang-associate-pleads-guilty-to-selling-drugs-out-of" target="_self">Schuele Boys Gang associate pleads guilty to selling drugs out of variety store</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/folk-nation-gang-leader-sentenced-to-20-years-in-prison" target="_self">Folk Nation Gang Leader Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/ms-13-gang-boss-carlos-silencio-ortega" target="_self">MS-13 Gang Boss Carlos “Silencio” Ortega</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/bloods-gang-leader-charged-with-three-murders" target="_self">Bloods Gang Leader Charged With Three Murders</a></p> <div style="text-align: center;"><p><span class="font-size-4"><strong>New Jersey:</strong></span></p> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/new-jersey-bloods-gang-boss-pleads-guilty-to-murder-racketeering" target="_self">New Jersey Bloods gang boss pleads guilty to murder, racketeering charges</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/violent-bloods-gang-leaders-admit-racketeering-murder-conspiracy" target="_self">Sex Money Murder Bloods set leaders admit racketeering, murder conspiracy</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/ms-13-bosses-planned-to-unite-all-its-us-gangs-under-one-leadersh" target="_self">MS-13 bosses planned to unite all its US gangs under one leadership</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/alleged-grape-street-crips-leader-charged-with-4-murders-racketee" target="_self">Grape Street Crips boss charged with 4 murders, racketeering</a></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><p></p> <p><span class="font-size-4"><strong>North Carolina:</strong></span></p> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/two-ms-13-gangsters-get-life-in-prison-for-murder" target="_self">Two MS-13 gangsters get life in prison for murder</a></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><br/><p><span class="font-size-4"><strong>New Orleans:</strong></span></p> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/fugitive-gangster-disciples-leader-arrested-in-new-orleans" target="_self">Fugitive Gangster Disciples leader arrested in New Orleans</a></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><br/><p><span class="font-size-4"><strong>Chicago:</strong></span></p> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/president-obama-gives-gangster-disciples-leader-a-sentence-reduct" target="_self">President Obama gives Gangster Disciples leader a sentence reduction</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/chicago-vice-lord-nation-gang-boss-dead-at-64" target="_self">Chicago Vice Lord Nation gang boss dead at 64</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/senator-declares-war-on-gangster-disciples" target="_self">Senator Declares War On Gangster Disciples</a></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><p></p> <p><span class="font-size-4"><strong>Detroit:</strong></span></p> <br/> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/detroit-gang-leader-gets-35-years-for-racketeering" target="_self">Detroit gang leader gets 35 years for racketeering</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/chester-wheeler-campbell-the-007-of-the-detroit-drug-mob" target="_self">Chester Wheeler Campbell: The 007 of the Detroit Drug Mob</a></p> <p><span class="font-size-4"><strong>California:</strong></span></p> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/top-nuestra-familia-bosses-sentenced-for-murder-racketeering" target="_self">Top Nuestra Familia bosses sentenced for murder, racketeering</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/south-l-a-crips-gangster-cops-to-federal-racketeering-charges-adm" target="_self">Crips gangster cops to racketeering charges, admits robberies &amp; drug dealing</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/los-angeles-wilmas-gang-members-hit-with-federal-racketeering-mur" target="_self">Wilmas Gang members hit with federal racketeering, murder charges</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mexican-mafia-led-gang-in-santa-fe-springs-charged-with-murder-an" target="_self">Mexican Mafia-led gang in Santa Fe Springs charged with murder and drug crimes</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/members-of-east-dago-mob-west-coast-crips-and-asian-crips-charged" target="_self">East Dago Mob, West Coast Crips, and Asian Crips charged with meth trafficking</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/living-life-crime-bikers-prison-gangs-and-the-future" target="_self">Living Life: Crime, bikers, prison gangs, and the future</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/prison-gangs-and-the-analogy" target="_self">Prison Gangs and the Analogy of Hate</a><br/> <p><span class="font-size-2"> </span></p> <p><span class="font-size-4"><strong>Kansas City:</strong></span></p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/full-time-gangsters-part-time-" target="_self">Full-Time Gangsters Part-Time Rappers</a></p> <p><span class="font-size-4"><strong>Virginia:</strong></span></p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/armed-imperial-gangsta-bloods-drug-dealer-sentenced-to-35-years" target="_self">Imperial Gangsta Bloods drug dealer sentenced to 35 years</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/37-bloods-gangsters-sentenced-to-over-415-years-in-prison" target="_self">37 Bloods gangsters sentenced to over 415 years in prison</a></p> <p><span class="font-size-4"><strong>Tennessee:</strong></span></p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/alleged-gangster-disciples-indicted-for-roles-in-5-attempted-murd" target="_self">Gangster Disciples indicted for roles in 5 attempted murders</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/associate-of-memphis-mob-pleads-guilty-to-drug-conspiracy" target="_self">Associate of Memphis Mob Pleads Guilty to Drug Conspiracy</a></p> <p><span class="font-size-4"><strong>Texas:</strong></span></p> <p>Profile: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/texas-mexican-mafia-boss-gets-life-in-supermax-prison-for-five-mu" target="_self">Texas Mexican Mafia boss Ruben "Menace" Reyes</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/texas-mexican-mafia-gang-members-charged-in-drug-conspiracy" target="_self">Texas Mexican Mafia gang members charged in drug conspiracy</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/latin-kings-bosses-and-gang-members-charged-with-racketeering-and" target="_self">Latin Kings bosses charged with racketeering and drug dealing</a><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/latin-kings-bosses-and-gang-members-charged-with-racketeering-and" target="_self"></a></p> <p><span class="font-size-4"><strong>Prison Gangs:</strong></span></p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/top-nuestra-familia-bosses-sentenced-for-murder-racketeering" target="_self">Top Nuestra Familia bosses sentenced for murder, racketeering</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/aryan-brotherhood-of-mississippi-boss-gets-life-for-racketeering" target="_self">Aryan Brotherhood of Mississippi boss gets life for racketeering conspiracy</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/texas-mexican-mafia-gang-members-charged-in-drug-conspiracy" target="_self">Texas Mexican Mafia gang members charged in drug conspiracy</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/50-members-of-la-asociacion-neta-prison-gang-indicted-in-puerto-r" target="_self">50 members of La Asociación Ñeta prison gang indicted in Puerto Rico</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/fugitive-syndicato-de-nuevo-mexico-prison-gang-member-arrested" target="_self">Fugitive Syndicato de Nuevo Mexico prison gang member arrested</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/prison-gangs-the-aryan-brotherhood" target="_self">Prison Gangs: The Aryan Brotherhood</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/universal-aryan-brotherhood-member-gets-nearly-22-years-in-prison" target="_self">Universal Aryan Brotherhood member gets 22 years in prison</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/living-life-crime-bikers-prison-gangs-and-the-future" target="_self">Living Life: Crime, bikers, prison gangs, and the future</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/prison-gangs-and-the-analogy" target="_self">Prison Gangs and the Analogy of Hate</a></p> </div> President Obama reduces Gangster Disciples boss' sentence tag:gangstersinc.ning.com,2017-01-19:6329524:BlogPost:79276 Gangsters Inc. http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profile/2g2lucitjcn3w <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/president-obama-gives-gangster-disciples-leader-a-sentence-reduct" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/klx1aEk42WrEqDJk2CHSZP*FxJ*tFIKaUgOfOfGI0Ir*aBP9OIJXCG*yPUBgOYIiPYy2eLC1DYcpSNWhIFZPXDpYGLPkAoMO/GangsterDisciplesPresidentObamaChicago.jpg" width="520"></img></a> By Gangsters Inc. Editors</p> <p>Eric “Fat Eric” Wilson, a former leader in the <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=GD" target="_self">Gangster Disciples</a>, was given a sentence reduction by President Barack Obama on Tuesday. Wilson (photo above, left) was serving a life sentence for drug trafficking, but that has been…</p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/president-obama-gives-gangster-disciples-leader-a-sentence-reduct" target="_self"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/klx1aEk42WrEqDJk2CHSZP*FxJ*tFIKaUgOfOfGI0Ir*aBP9OIJXCG*yPUBgOYIiPYy2eLC1DYcpSNWhIFZPXDpYGLPkAoMO/GangsterDisciplesPresidentObamaChicago.jpg" class="align-center" width="520"/></a>By Gangsters Inc. Editors</p> <p>Eric “Fat Eric” Wilson, a former leader in the <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=GD" target="_self">Gangster Disciples</a>, was given a sentence reduction by President Barack Obama on Tuesday. Wilson (photo above, left) was serving a life sentence for drug trafficking, but that has been reduced to 35 years, which means he’ll be eligible for release in 7 years.</p> <p>The former gang boss can thank U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush for sending a letter to Obama in which he wrote that Wilson deserved a break in his sentence because of his “extraordinary rehabilitative efforts,” the <a href="http://chicago.suntimes.com" target="_blank">Chicago Sun Times</a> reported. “Wilson earned a 4.0 grade average in college in prison while working in the prison steel factory as a skilled welder,” Rush wrote, adding that he did not believe Wilson would’ve gotten the same life sentence had he been subjected to current laws.</p> <p>As a “governor” in the <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/black-organized-crime" target="_self">Gangster Disciples organization</a>, Wilson reported directly to supreme leader Larry Hoover and himself ruled over large areas of <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Chicago" target="_self">Chicago</a>, commanding hundreds of <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/street-gangs" target="_self">gang members</a>. In the late 1990s, Hoover, Wilson, and several others were busted and convicted of participating in a drug conspiracy. In 1998, Wilson was sentenced to life behind bars.</p> <p>Not far from Chicago, in <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Rockford" target="_self">Rockford</a>, a leader of the Black Gangster Disciples also received a sentence reduction. <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/profile-rockford-s-black-gangster-disciples-boss-karl-fort" target="_self">Karl Fort’s life sentence was reduced</a> to 35 years as well. He’ll be out in 2019. Though no one can predict how both these men will behave once outside, they might play a role in the community, telling kids to stay away from the gang life and perhaps mediating between various groups currently at war with each other.</p> <p><strong>Get the latest on organized crime and the Mafia first at the Gangsters Inc. <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=News" target="_self">news section</a>.</strong></p> <p><strong>Follow Gangsters Inc. on <a href="http://twitter.com/GangstersIncWeb" target="_blank">Twitter</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/GangstersInc" target="_blank">Facebook</a>.</strong></p> <p><strong>If you enjoyed this article you might also enjoy reading:</strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/black-caesar-the-rise-of-america-s-biggest-kingpin" target="_self">Black Caesar: The Rise of America's Biggest Kingpin</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/jennifer-lopez-to-star-as-drug-lord-griselda-blanco-in-new-hbo-mo" target="_self">Jennifer Lopez stars as drug lord Griseldo Blanco in new HBO movie</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/alleged-gangster-disciples-indicted-for-roles-in-5-attempted-murd" target="_self">Gangster Disciples indicted for role in 5 attempted murders</a></li> <li>Drug boss Keith Ricks: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/drug-boss-ricks-from-selfies-in-the-gym-to-trafficking-heroin" target="_self">From selfies in the gym to trafficking heroin</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/nathan-barksdale-inspiration-for-the-wire-dead-at-54" target="_self">"Bodie" Barksdale, inspiration for The Wire, dead at 54</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/senator-declares-war-on-gangster-disciples" target="_self">Senator declares war on Gangster Disciples</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/supreme-gangster-giant-towers-over-queens-rap" target="_self">Supreme: Gangster giant towers over Queens rap</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/pablo-escobars-war-on-colombia" target="_self">Pablo Escobar's war on Colombia</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/escobar-versus-cali-the-war-of-the-cartels" target="_self">Escobar vs Cali: War of the Cartels</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/godmother-griselda-blanco-gunned-down-in-colombia" target="_self">Godmother Griselda Blanco shot to death in Colombia</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mexican-drug-boss-el-chapo-guzman-caught" target="_self">Mexican drug boss El Chapo Guzman recaptured</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mexican-cartels-tighten-iron-grip-on-us-drug-markets" target="_self">Mexican cartels tighten iron grip on US drug markets</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/top-5-drug-lords-killed-while-on-the-run" target="_self">Top 5 drug lords killed while on the run</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/did-el-chapo-put-a-100-million-bounty-on-trump-or-not" target="_self">Did El Chapo put a $100 million bounty on Trump or not?</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/how-atf-s-fast-and-furious-crashed-and-burned" target="_self">How ATF's Fast and Furious crashed and burned</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/how-bonanno-goodfellas-whacked-lufthansa-loot" target="_self">How Bonanno goodfellas whacked Lufthansa heist loot</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/gangsters-inc-sits-down-with-fbi-agent-jack-garcia" target="_self">Gangsters Inc. sits down with FBI agent Jack Garcia</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/don-king-from-street-thug-to-street-name" target="_self">Don King: From street thug to street name?</a></li> </ul> <p><strong>Copyright © Gangsters Inc.</strong></p> The New England Crime Family tag:gangstersinc.ning.com,2017-01-19:6329524:BlogPost:61193 Gangsters Inc. http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profile/2g2lucitjcn3w <p><strong>Estimate members</strong>: Unknown<br></br> <strong>First Boss</strong>: Frank “Butsey” Morelli<br></br> <strong>Primary activities</strong>: Involved in narcotics trafficking, video poker machines, robbery, extortion, loan sharking, gambling.<br></br> <strong>Boss</strong>: Carmen DiNunzio<br></br> <strong>Consigliere</strong>: Peter Limone<br></br> <strong>Acting Boss</strong>: …</p> <p><strong>Estimate members</strong>: Unknown<br/> <strong>First Boss</strong>: Frank “Butsey” Morelli<br/> <strong>Primary activities</strong>: Involved in narcotics trafficking, video poker machines, robbery, extortion, loan sharking, gambling.<br/> <strong>Boss</strong>: Carmen DiNunzio<br/> <strong>Consigliere</strong>: Peter Limone<br/> <strong>Acting Boss</strong>: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/boston-mobsters-sentenced-to-prison-for-extortion-scheme" target="_self">Anthony "Spucky" Spagnolo</a> (in prison)</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span class="font-size-4">ARTICLES:</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/new-england-mafia-capo-bobby-deluca-admits-conspiracy-in-1992-mur" target="_self">Bobby DeLuca admits conspiracy in 1992 murder of mob enforcer Kevin Hanrahan</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/profile-patriarca-crime-family-capo-anthony-st-laurent-sr" target="_self">Profile: Capo Anthony "The Saint" St. Laurent Sr.</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/camorra-still-possesses-stolen-rembrandt-art-hunters-say-could-bo" target="_self">Could Boston heist painting have ended up in Italy with Camorra Mafia?</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/boston-mob-boss-frank-salemme-faces-hopeless-day-in-court" target="_self">Boston mob boss Frank Salemme faces hopeless day in court</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/former-new-england-mob-boss-turned-snitch-francis-cadillac-salemm" target="_self">Former mob boss Francis Salemme charged with murder of federal witness</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/patriarca-mob-family-capo-turned-snitch-charged-with-lying-about" target="_self">Bobby DeLuca charged with lying about Boston club owner's murder</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/boston-mobsters-sentenced-to-prison-for-extortion-scheme" target="_self">Boston mobsters sentenced to prison for extortion scheme</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/boston-mobster-goes-to-trial-for-hidden-interest-in-million-dolla" target="_self">Boston mobster goes to trial for hidden interest in multi-million-dollar casino deal</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/new-england-mobster-sentenced-for-drug-conspiracy" target="_self">New England mobster sentenced for drug conspiracy</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/boston-mafia-bosses-hit-the-streets-war-looming" target="_self">Boston Mafia bosses hit the streets – War looming?</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/fbi-releases-audio-of-boston-mafia-induction-ceremony" target="_self">FBI releases audio of Boston Mafia induction ceremony</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/new-england-mafia-bust-emphasizes-mob-s-decline" target="_self">New England Mafia bust emphasizes mob’s decline</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/joe-barboza-boston-barbarian" target="_self">Joe Barboza: Boston Barbarian</a></p> New England Mafia capo Bobby DeLuca admits conspiracy in 1992 murder of mob enforcer Kevin Hanrahan tag:gangstersinc.ning.com,2017-01-19:6329524:BlogPost:79342 Gangsters Inc. http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profile/2g2lucitjcn3w <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/new-england-mafia-capo-bobby-deluca-admits-conspiracy-in-1992-mur" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/klx1aEk42WqbJyKq68pucndt1cieJbkx7y0Y2dMCRjygoID6glQtM9BMbfP9ViMkyRnkUflQ2nl58v4l9iJ3-WHZiQSGUoEE/DeLucaBostonMafiaPatriarcaHanrahanGANGSTERSINC.jpg" width="420"></img></a> By David Amoruso</p> <p>New England mobster Robert “Bobby” DeLuca (photo above, left and right) has admitted shooting down an infamous Providence mob enforcer in 1992. The former Mafia capo pleaded no contest on Wednesday to a murder conspiracy charge and faces up to ten years in prison.</p> <p>For a guy who seemed to have gotten away with it…</p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/new-england-mafia-capo-bobby-deluca-admits-conspiracy-in-1992-mur" target="_self"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/klx1aEk42WqbJyKq68pucndt1cieJbkx7y0Y2dMCRjygoID6glQtM9BMbfP9ViMkyRnkUflQ2nl58v4l9iJ3-WHZiQSGUoEE/DeLucaBostonMafiaPatriarcaHanrahanGANGSTERSINC.jpg" class="align-center" width="420"/></a>By David Amoruso</p> <p>New England mobster Robert “Bobby” DeLuca (photo above, left and right) has admitted shooting down an infamous Providence mob enforcer in 1992. The former Mafia capo pleaded no contest on Wednesday to a murder conspiracy charge and faces up to ten years in prison.</p> <p>For a guy who seemed to have gotten away with it all, <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-new-england-crime-family" target="_self">New England Mafia</a> capo Bobby DeLuca sure messed things up. Already in jail on charges that he lied to authorities about the <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/former-new-england-mob-boss-turned-snitch-francis-cadillac-salemm" target="_self">1993 murder of Steven DiSarro</a>, a Boston nightclub owner, he once made a deal to cooperate with authorities after they arrested him in 2011 in connection with a racketeering conspiracy. In return, they were very lenient, sentencing him to just one day in prison in the summer of 2014, giving him a second chance at life.</p> <p>But then they found out he <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/patriarca-mob-family-capo-turned-snitch-charged-with-lying-about" target="_self">had lied to them</a>. He lied about having any knowledge of DiSarro's disappearance or any other murders linked to the Boston Mafia, including the killing of enforcer Kevin Hanrahan outside The Arch Restaurant on Federal Hill on September 18, 1992.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Read: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/fbi-releases-audio-of-boston-mafia-induction-ceremony" target="_self">FBI releases audio of Boston Mafia induction ceremony</a></strong></li> </ul> <p><a href="http://www.facebook.com/GangstersInc" target="_blank"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/klx1aEk42WodK6HuqliBJmoA84XW2OYAfxBnp5P7mUGTlrxISe4P4sWxvWgpnGnDta6cjcw3zUIpOiMJQML-853hIKOjYCDI/hanrahan1.jpg" class="align-right" width="148"/></a>Hanrahan (right) was a beast, a man feared on the streets of <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Boston" target="_self">Boston</a> – which in itself says it all. The Italian Mafia frequently used him as muscle. If a deadbeat refused to pay, Hanrahan was sent in to collect what was owned. If that person still didn’t pay, he dished out a hell of a beating.</p> <p>Until the tough guy started intimidating the wrong guy, someone who "knew a guy." A guy who made a phone call and got in touch with mob boss <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/boston-mob-boss-frank-salemme-faces-hopeless-day-in-court" target="_self">Francis Salemme</a>. Upon hearing about Hanrahan's behavior, he ordered DeLuca and Rocco Argenti – who has since passed away – to get rid of him. They did. On the night of September 18, 1992, Hanrahan walked out of The Arch and was shot to death by two assassins. He was 39.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Read: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/joe-barboza-boston-barbarian" target="_self">Joe Barboza: Boston Barbarian</a></strong></li> </ul> <p>His killers made sure he was dead. They shot him in the head three times. They knew his reputation and the stories. In 1975, Hanrahan had been shot as well. When police arrived on the scene, they found him with a bullet in his chest, fully aware of what happened, looking back at the cops and refusing to say who shot him.</p> <p>Still in his early twenties, this incident cemented his reputation as a tough son of a bitch who kept his mouth shut. Little did people know, keeping one’s mouth shut would became such a rare occurrence among Boston gangsters.</p> <p><strong>Get the latest on organized crime and the Mafia at Gangsters Inc.'s <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=News" target="_self">news section</a>.</strong></p> <p><strong>Follow Gangsters Inc. on <a href="http://twitter.com/GangstersIncWeb" target="_blank">Twitter</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/GangstersInc" target="_blank">Facebook</a></strong></p> <p><strong>If you enjoyed this article you might also enjoy reading:</strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/keeping-the-new-york-docks-in-the-mafia-family-from-the-gigantes" target="_self">Keeping the New York docks in the (Mafia) family</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/boston-mobster-goes-to-trial-for-hidden-interest-in-million-dolla" target="_self">Boston mobster goes on trial</a> for hidden interest in million-dollar casino deal</li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/camorra-still-possesses-stolen-rembrandt-art-hunters-say-could-bo" target="_self">Did Boston heist painting end up with Italian Camorra?</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/boston-mafia-bosses-hit-the-streets-war-looming" target="_self">Boston Mafia bosses hit the streets - War looming?</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-blackfriars-massacre" target="_self">Boston's Blackfriars Massacre</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-american-mafia-and-its-use-of-colorful-nicknames" target="_self">The American Mafia and its use of colorful nicknames</a></li> <li>Profile: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/profile-patriarca-crime-family-capo-anthony-st-laurent-sr" target="_self">Patriarca crime family capo Anthony St. Laurent Sr.</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/15-million-drug-ring-led-by-gambino-crime-family-busted" target="_self">$15 million drug ring led by New York Mafia families busted</a></li> <li>INTERVIEW: Former mob boss <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/interview-john-gotti-jr-sits-down-with-gangsters-inc" target="_self">John Gotti Junior sits down with Gangsters Inc.</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/santo-trafficante-building-the-family-business" target="_self">Santo Trafficante: Building the Family Business</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/ten-must-visit-mob-bars-and-lounges" target="_self">Ten Must-Visit Mob Bars and Lounges</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/how-bonanno-goodfellas-whacked-lufthansa-loot" target="_self">How Bonanno goodfellas whacked Lufthansa heist loot</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/gangsters-inc-sits-down-with-fbi-agent-jack-garcia" target="_self">Gangsters Inc. sits down with FBI agent Jack Garcia</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/top-5-of-true-stand-up-wiseguys" target="_self">Top 5 of true stand up wiseguys</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/cops-make-the-deadliest-mafia-hit-men" target="_self">Cops make the deadliest Mafia hitmen</a></li> </ul> <p><strong>Copyright © Gangsters Inc.</strong></p> Bikers & Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs - Overview tag:gangstersinc.ning.com,2017-01-18:6329524:BlogPost:494 Gangsters Inc. http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profile/2g2lucitjcn3w <p><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/0Ty7vayRmOj4QOQjm4MtPUqJ9OTBkTLZg3xDsFpCo3tm-geI88deB92NB2RxskKE2Y9JX9FZUZu6rduUkTj0T6hD5NVcyjDs/photo11.jpg" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/0Ty7vayRmOj4QOQjm4MtPUqJ9OTBkTLZg3xDsFpCo3tm-geI88deB92NB2RxskKE2Y9JX9FZUZu6rduUkTj0T6hD5NVcyjDs/photo11.jpg" width="600"></img></a></p> <p>Outlaw motorcycle clubs have become an increasingly powerful presence in the world of organized crime around the globe. While they claim to exist for no other reason than to enjoy a free lifestyle and riding motorcycles many clubs and chapters have been busted for crimes ranging from extortion and drug dealing…</p> <p><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/0Ty7vayRmOj4QOQjm4MtPUqJ9OTBkTLZg3xDsFpCo3tm-geI88deB92NB2RxskKE2Y9JX9FZUZu6rduUkTj0T6hD5NVcyjDs/photo11.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/0Ty7vayRmOj4QOQjm4MtPUqJ9OTBkTLZg3xDsFpCo3tm-geI88deB92NB2RxskKE2Y9JX9FZUZu6rduUkTj0T6hD5NVcyjDs/photo11.jpg" width="600"/></a></p> <p>Outlaw motorcycle clubs have become an increasingly powerful presence in the world of organized crime around the globe. While they claim to exist for no other reason than to enjoy a free lifestyle and riding motorcycles many clubs and chapters have been busted for crimes ranging from extortion and drug dealing to racketeering and murder.</p> <p>These clubs have always said they live outside the boundaries of conventional society and play by their own rules. Their wild and criminal behavior led them to be labeled as “One Percenters,” a reference to a comment allegedly made by the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) in which it stated that 99% of motorcyclists were law-abiding citizens, implying that the last one percent were outlaws.</p> <p>They were eager to live up to that label.</p> <p>The most famous outlaw motorcycle club is undoubtedly the <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Angels" target="_self">Hells Angels</a> MC. But in its wake other clubs have formed and carved out a substantial piece of territory. Most of these clubs formed in the United States and opened chapters around the world in the years thereafter. Other notable American-born clubs are the <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Bandidos" target="_self">Bandidos</a>, the <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Mongols" target="_self">Mongols</a>, and the <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Outlaws" target="_self">Outlaws</a>. But as those clubs spread out into other countries, local clubs became bolder as well, and pretty quickly you had regional outlaw motorcycle clubs fighting against the more established ones.</p> <p>Here at Gangsters Inc. we aim to keep you informed on all these clubs from all around the world. For your convenience we have listed them by club. When an article mentions more than one club and it is unclear who is the main subject of the piece it will be listed below under “various.”</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-4"><strong>Hells Angels:</strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/former-hells-angels-boss-george-christie-to-share-his-outlaw-bike" target="_self">Ex-Hells Angels boss George Christie to talk at Mob Museum</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/hells-angels-president-gets-10-years-in-prison-on-meth-charge" target="_self">Hells Angels President gets 10 years in prison on meth charge</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/massive-funeral-procession-for-murdered-hells-angel" target="_self">Massive funeral procession for murdered Hells Angel</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/hells-angels-shoot-mongols-in-deadly-freeway-gunfight" target="_self">Hells Angels shoot Mongols in deadly freeway gunfight</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/media-savvy-hells-angels-turned-notoriety-into-business" target="_self">Media-savvy Hells Angels turned notoriety into business</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/spanish-hells-angels-hit-hard-in-european-bust" target="_self">Spanish Hells Angels Hit Hard in European Bust</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/australian-bikers-fighting-wars-while-cashing-with-the-cartel" target="_self">Australian bikers fighting wars while cashing with the Cartel</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/german-bikers-prepare-for-war" target="_self">German Bikers Prepare For War (Hells Angels vs Bandidos)</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/biker-news-war-down-under" target="_self">Biker News: War Down Under</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/trouble-for-canadian-hells-angels" target="_self">Trouble For Canadian Hells Angels</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/amsterdam-s-hells-angels-leave-their-home" target="_self">Amsterdam's Hells Angels Leave Their Home</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/biker-news-murder-arrests-one-break-up-a-ban" target="_self">Biker News: Murder, Arrests, One Break Up &amp; A Ban</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/biker-news-war-is-in-the-air" target="_self">Biker News: War is in the Air</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/biker-news-brawling-for" target="_self">Biker News: Brawling For Territory</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/biker-news-brothers-betraying" target="_self">Biker News: Brothers Betraying Brothers</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;">Biker News: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/biker-news-gang-war-in" target="_self">Gang war in Australia, Angels go to trial in Denmark</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/biker-news-charity-drive-or" target="_self">Biker News: Charity Drive or Gang War?</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;">Biker News: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/biker-news-hells-angels-busts" target="_self">Hells Angels Busts in New Zealand and Germany</a>, Trial </p> <p style="text-align: center;">Biker News: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/biker-news-dutch-hells-angel" target="_self">Dutch Hells Angel Murdered, Rhode Island President Buried</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/europol-issues-warning-hells" target="_self">Europol Issues Warning: "Hells Angels Expanding into Eastern Europe"</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/outlaw-bikers-in-finland" target="_self">Outlaw Bikers in Finland 1997-2005</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/outlaw-bikers-in-finland-1994" target="_self">Outlaw Bikers in Finland 1994 to 1997</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-great-northern-biker-war" target="_self">The Great Northern Biker War</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-4"><strong>Bandidos MC:</strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/complex-twin-peaks-bandidos-biker-trial-nearing-start" target="_self">Complex Twin Peaks Bandidos biker trial nearing start</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/bandidos-biker-club-in-america-severs-ties-with-all-its-global-ch" target="_self">Bandidos biker club in US severs ties with all its global chapters</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/bandidos-national-sergeant-at-arms-pleads-guilty-to-federal-racke" target="_self">Bandidos National Sergeant at Arms pleads guilty to federal racketeering</a>, drug trafficking and extortion charges</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/racketeering-and-drug-charges-for-leaders-of-bandidos-gang" target="_self">Racketeering and drug charges for leaders of Bandidos gang</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/106-bikers-charged-in-deadly-shootout-loyal-to-club-or-law" target="_self">106 bikers charged in deadly shootout, loyal to club or law?</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/outlaw-bikers-go-on-international-murder-spree" target="_self">Outlaw bikers go on international murder spree</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/bandidos-plant-flag-in-netherlands-hells-angels-unhappy" target="_self">Bandidos plant flag in Netherlands, Hells Angels unhappy</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/outlaw-bikers-in-finland" target="_self">Outlaw Bikers in Finland 1997-2005</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/outlaw-bikers-in-finland-1994" target="_self">Outlaw Bikers in Finland 1994 to 1997</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-great-northern-biker-war" target="_self">The Great Northern Biker War</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-4"><strong>Mongols MC:</strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mongols-outlaw-motorcycle-club-in-united-states-kicks-out-all-its" target="_self">Mongols USA kick out all its European chapters</a> in "bad standing"</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/hells-angels-shoot-mongols-in-deadly-freeway-gunfight" target="_self">Hells Angels shoot Mongols in deadly freeway gunfight</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-4"><strong>No Surrender MC:</strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/biker-boss-resigns-because-he-wants-to-talk-to-the-cops" target="_self">Biker boss resigns because he wants to talk to the cops</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/biker-boss-wounded-by-hitman-says-club-will-handle-problem" target="_self">Biker boss wounded by hitman, says club will handle problem</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/wild-outlaw-biker-shooting-caught-on-video" target="_self">Wild outlaw biker shooting caught on video</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/outlaw-bikers-joining-fight-against-isis-in-iraq" target="_self">Outlaw bikers join fight against ISIS in Iraq</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-4"><strong>Black Motorcycle Clubs:</strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/detroit-gang-leader-gets-35-years-for-racketeering" target="_self">Detroit gang leader gets 35 years for racketeering</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-4"><strong>Pagans Motorcycle Club:</strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/pagans-motorcycle-club-boss-gets-prison-for-gun-violations" target="_self">Pagans Motorcycle Club boss gets prison for gun violations</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span class="font-size-4">Satudarah Motorcycle Club:</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/outlaw-biker-offers-10k-reward-to-public-for-info-on-men-who-thre" target="_self">Outlaw biker offers 10K reward to public</a> for info on men who threw "hand grenade"</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-4"><strong>Various:</strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/biker-news-police-raids-in-germany-target-outlaw-motorcycle-club" target="_self">Police raids in Germany target outlaw motorcycle club</a> as Europe cracks down on bikers</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/outlaw-motorcycle-gangs-invade-the-mob-museum-in-las-vegas" target="_self">Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs invade Mob Museum in Las Vegas</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/cops-involved-in-waco-biker-shootout-cleared-by-grand-jury" target="_self">Cops involved in Waco biker shootout cleared by Grand Jury</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/corrupt-cop-sold-info-to-international-drug-gangs-and-bikers">Corrupt cop sold info to international drug gangs and bikers</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/how-to-destroy-outlaw-biker-gangs" target="_self">How to destroy outlaw biker gangs</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/more-outlaw-bikers-gunning-for-isis" target="_self">More outlaw bikers gunning for ISIS</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/biker-news-dutch-biker-war-avoided" target="_self">Biker News: Dutch Biker War Avoided?</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-4"><strong>Fiction &amp; Reality:</strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/sons-of-anarchy-final-season-trailer-shows-vengeance" target="_self">Sons of Anarchy final season trailer shows vengeance</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/reality-tv-showing-audiences-fake-ganglands" target="_self">Reality TV Showing Audiences Fake Ganglands</a></p> Mongols outlaw motorcycle club in United States kicks out several European chapters in “bad standing” tag:gangstersinc.ning.com,2017-01-18:6329524:BlogPost:79271 Gangsters Inc. http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profile/2g2lucitjcn3w <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mongols-outlaw-motorcycle-club-in-united-states-kicks-out-all-its" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/llVO6PYtbd6m27k9jmcaAkNpl4HnUvaErdrCxn0Gz15*Y6eiY-dCyOkfAfxUjV0PT1Ws6Aft33wJWzsBxdNitbsLTlu0u4jh/mongolsMC.jpg" width="520"></img></a> By David Amoruso</p> <p>Daddy ain’t happy. The Mongols motorcycle club in the United States has kicked out the majority of its European chapters in “bad standing,” Dutch weekly Panorama reported this week. American Mongols MC leaders ordered emissaries from several of its European countries to get their act together. Displeased, the American…</p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mongols-outlaw-motorcycle-club-in-united-states-kicks-out-all-its" target="_self"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/llVO6PYtbd6m27k9jmcaAkNpl4HnUvaErdrCxn0Gz15*Y6eiY-dCyOkfAfxUjV0PT1Ws6Aft33wJWzsBxdNitbsLTlu0u4jh/mongolsMC.jpg" class="align-center" width="520"/></a>By David Amoruso</p> <p>Daddy ain’t happy. The Mongols motorcycle club in the United States has kicked out the majority of its European chapters in “bad standing,” Dutch weekly Panorama reported this week. American Mongols MC leaders ordered emissaries from several of its European countries to get their act together. Displeased, the American bosses then decided to expel them from the club.</p> <p>Quoting anonymous sources, Panorama reports that emissaries from the <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Mongols" target="_self">Mongols</a> in <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Germany" target="_self">Germany</a>, <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=England" target="_self">England</a>, <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Italy" target="_self">Italy</a>, and <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Netherlands" target="_self">the Netherlands</a> were called to account by their bosses in the United States. The Americans ordered their European brothers to pay higher membership dues and to retaliate at once when they were subject of an attack by a rival motorcycle club.</p> <p>What were the Europeans going to do? Their origin was in the United States. It’s the birthplace of all the big outlaw biker clubs. Still, the Europeans thumbed their noses at the bosses, leaving the Americans no other choice but to kick them out in “bad standing,” Panorama’s anonymous sources say.</p> <p>Leaving an <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/bikers-amp-outlaw-motorcycle" target="_self">outlaw biker club</a> in “bad standing” isn’t a good farewell. It means these bikers have to hand in their colors (vests and other materials, sometimes even their motorcycles) and remove any tattoos on their bodies. It’s a nightmare for men who seem like giants when they ride their bikes wearing their colors. Suddenly, they are just like everyone else.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Read: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/hells-angels-shoot-mongols-in-deadly-freeway-gunfight" target="_self">Hells Angels shoot Mongols in deadly freeway gunfight</a></strong></li> </ul> <p>Perhaps that is why the story takes a twist. The president of the <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Mongols" target="_self">Mongols</a> chapter in the Netherlands posted an official statement on his Facebook page in which he wrote, “On September 24, 2016, the Mongols chapters in Europe have unanimously decided to go on independently from the Mongols in America. England, <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Belgium" target="_self">Belgium</a>, <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=France" target="_self">France</a>, Italy, Germany, and the Netherlands will continue the Mongol Nation in Europe. Each country individually, but united under one European flag visible on our side rocker.”</p> <p>The German Mongols later have a change of heart and decide to stick with their American mother chapter, which welcomes them back with open arms. The Germans are listed on the <a href="http://mongolsmc.com/chapters/germany" target="_blank">Mongols MC's official website</a>. This causes an immediate rift with several of their European brothers.</p> <p>It’s the second time such a thing has happened. In December of last year, <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/bandidos-biker-club-in-america-severs-ties-with-all-its-global-ch" target="_self">Gangsters Inc. reported</a> about the American <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/bandidos-biker-club-in-america-severs-ties-with-all-its-global-ch" target="_self">Bandidos severing ties with all its European chapters</a> and creating a new patch as a result. Despite all the tough talk surrounding a “bad standing,” it would be impossible for the American mother chapters to enforce the rules in Europe.</p> <p>And thus, we are left with two versions of the same outlaw motorcycle club. One in the United States, the other in Europe. These splits signal that the days of a united brotherhood that spanned the globe have come to an end. Today, it’s each chapter for itself.</p> <p><strong>Get the latest on bikers, organized crime and the Mafia at our <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=News" target="_self">news section</a>.</strong></p> <p><strong>Follow Gangsters Inc. on <a href="http://twitter.com/GangstersIncWeb" target="_blank">Twitter</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/GangstersInc" target="_blank">Facebook</a>.</strong></p> <p><strong>If you enjoyed this article you might also enjoy reading:</strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/how-to-destroy-outlaw-biker-gangs" target="_self">How to destroy outlaw biker gangs</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/bandidos-biker-club-in-america-severs-ties-with-all-its-global-ch" target="_self">Bandidos USA severs all ties with all its global chapters</a>, creates new patch</li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/bikers-amp-outlaw-motorcycle" target="_self">Gangsters Inc.'s Outlaw Biker Gangs section</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/outlaw-bikers-joining-fight-against-isis-in-iraq" target="_self">Outlaw bikers join fight against ISIS in Iraq</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/racketeering-and-drug-charges-for-leaders-of-bandidos-gang" target="_self">Racketeering and drug charges for leaders of Bandidos gang</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/hells-angels-shoot-mongols-in-deadly-freeway-gunfight" target="_self">Hells Angels shoot Mongols in deadly freeway gunfight</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/media-savvy-hells-angels-turned-notoriety-into-business" target="_self">Media-savvy Hells Angels turned notoriety into business</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/german-bikers-prepare-for-war" target="_self">German Bikers Prepare For War</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/spanish-hells-angels-hit-hard-in-european-bust" target="_self">Spanish Hells Angels Hit Hard in European Bust</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/bandidos-plant-flag-in-netherlands-hells-angels-unhappy" target="_self">Bandidos plant flag in Netherlands, Hells Angels unhappy</a></li> </ul> <p><strong>Copyright © Gangsters Inc.</strong></p> New television series “Bad Blood” takes viewers into Montreal underworld dominated by Rizzuto Mafia clan tag:gangstersinc.ning.com,2017-01-17:6329524:BlogPost:79436 Gangsters Inc. http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profile/2g2lucitjcn3w <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/new-television-series-bad-blood-takes-viewers-into-montreal-under" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/Fxq0VavCSuBj3Imjme3pZt**wHYpCC9zbi8aBNNtroRNeBFS5Itaz*XkDct-nmP1c6B9RtCdFxABsdrKucQJVHjoyXh3aL*v/BadBloodTVFXCityMontrealMafiaRizzutocover.jpg?width=520" width="520"></img></a> By Gangsters Inc. Editors</p> <p>That’s a wrap! The filming of <em>Bad Blood</em>, a six-part, 60-minute scripted series about the <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Montreal" target="_self">Montreal Mafia</a> has concluded and will debut on television channels City and FX this fall. Starring Anthony LaPaglia (Without a…</p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/new-television-series-bad-blood-takes-viewers-into-montreal-under" target="_self"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/Fxq0VavCSuBj3Imjme3pZt**wHYpCC9zbi8aBNNtroRNeBFS5Itaz*XkDct-nmP1c6B9RtCdFxABsdrKucQJVHjoyXh3aL*v/BadBloodTVFXCityMontrealMafiaRizzutocover.jpg?width=520" class="align-center" width="520"/></a>By Gangsters Inc. Editors</p> <p>That’s a wrap! The filming of <em>Bad Blood</em>, a six-part, 60-minute scripted series about the <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Montreal" target="_self">Montreal Mafia</a> has concluded and will debut on television channels City and FX this fall. Starring Anthony LaPaglia (Without a Trace) as Montreal crime boss Vito Rizzuto, Kim Coates (Sons of Anarchy, photo below) as Vito’s right-hand man Declan Gardiner, Paul Sorvino (<a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-truth-behind-movie-classic-goodfellas" target="_self">Goodfellas</a>) as family patriarch Nico Rizzuto Sr., and Enrico Colantoni (Flashpoint) as Bruno Bonsignori this is set to be a blockbuster affair.</p> <p><a href="http://www.facebook.com/GangstersInc" target="_blank"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/Fxq0VavCSuB5ha0Mo1JWxFHQzP33Kx8QEwNGVTrunPdlqo2JovWeUd0jYt7pQB-HZjcwYdKIFtBjDvksHYQNrlRvLSkRtdt2/badbloodkimcoates.jpg" class="align-right" width="268"/></a>“Bad Blood is a story of family, loyalty, deceit, power, greed and ultimately revenge,” the official press release states. “<a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/montreal-mafia-boss-vito-rizzuto-1946-2013" target="_self">Montreal Mafia boss Vito Rizzuto</a> is a criminal anomaly – the only man to bring peace among the disparate wings of the Montreal crime world who would serve as a de facto CEO while ensuring a lucrative payday for all. When Rizzuto is suddenly arrested and extradited to Colorado’s Supermax Prison for the 1981 murders of three Bonanno crime family members, the powerful empire he built begins to crumble. Rizzuto watches helplessly as his family and friends are killed one by one. Upon his release from prison in October 2012, a Shakespearean-level revenge tale unfolds, leading to the brutal murders of his closest companions, and ultimately, to the death of Rizzuto himself.”</p> <p>Additional cast includes Brett Donahue (The Kennedys: After Camelot), Maxim Roy (19-2), Tony Nappo (Shoot The Messenger), Frank Schorpion (Arrival), Joris Jarsky (The Art of More), Michelle Mylett (Letterkenny), Clauter Alexandre (Trauma) and Vincent Leclerc (19-2).</p> <p>Bad Blood makes it world-wide debut on City and FX this fall, followed by a Radio-Canada broadcast in French. The series is distributed internationally by Sky Vision. It is based on the nonfiction book <em>Business or Blood: Mafia Boss Vito Rizzuto's Last War</em> by authors Antonio Nicaso and Peter Edwards. <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/new-mob-tv-series-bad-blood-the-vito-rizzuto-story-promises-shake" target="_self">Gangsters Inc. talked to Edwards</a> when news about the television series first broke. You can read the <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/new-mob-tv-series-bad-blood-the-vito-rizzuto-story-promises-shake" target="_self">interview with Peter Edwards discussing Bad Blood</a> here.</p> <p><strong>Get the latest on organized crime and the Mafia at Gangsters Inc.'s <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=News" target="_self">news section</a>.</strong></p> <p><strong>Follow Gangsters Inc. on <a href="http://twitter.com/GangstersIncWeb" target="_blank">Twitter</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/GangstersInc" target="_blank">Facebook</a></strong></p> <p><strong>If you enjoyed this article you might also enjoy reading:</strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mafia-math-calculating-italian-organized-crime-s-illicit-income" target="_self">Mafia Math: Calculating Italian organized crime's illicit income</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/montreal-mobster-murdered-at-home-as-violence-continues" target="_self">Montreal mobster killed at home as violence continues</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/arsonists-set-montreal-ablaze-as-deadly-mafia-war-continues" target="_self">Arsonists set Montreal ablaze as Mafia war rages on</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/interview-john-gotti-jr-sits-down-with-gangsters-inc" target="_self">INTERVIEW: John Gotti Jr. sits down with Gangsters Inc.</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-american-mafia-and-its-use-of-colorful-nicknames" target="_self">The American Mafia and its use of colorful nicknames</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-canadian-connection-flooding-the-u-s-with-dope" target="_self">The Canadian Connection: Flooding the U.S. with dope</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/murder-of-mob-boss-rocco-zito-hit-or-domestic-dispute" target="_self">Murder of mob boss Rocco Zito: Hit or domestic dispute</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/montreal-mafia-boss-arcadi-to-be-released-soon" target="_self">Montreal Mafia boss Arcadi to be released from prison soon</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/six-plead-guilty-in-murder-of-ex-bonanno-family-mob-boss" target="_self">Six plead guilty in murder of ex-Bonanno mob boss</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/my-loving-dad-was-a-gangster-and-bugsy-siegel-s-close-friend" target="_self">My loving dad was a gangster and Bugsy Siegel's close friend</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/montreal-mobster-caught-in-arizona-with-62-kilos-of-cocaine" target="_self">Montreal mobster caught with 62 kilos of cocaine in Arizona</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-american-mafia-bets-on-the-world-and-wins-big" target="_self">The American Mafia bets on the world and wins big</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/how-bonanno-goodfellas-whacked-lufthansa-loot" target="_self">How Bonanno goodfellas whacked Lufthansa heist loot</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/sicilian-mafia-travel-guide-reveals-island-s-underworld" target="_self">Sicilian Mafia travel guide reveals island's underworld</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-humble-origins-of-joe-masseria-and-lucky-luciano" target="_self">The humble origins of Lucky Luciano and Joe Masseria</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/give-a-man-a-gun-the-story-of-carmine-dibiase" target="_self">Give a Man a Gun: The story of Carmine DiBiase</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/top-5-of-true-stand-up-wiseguys" target="_self">Top 5 of true stand up wiseguys</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/cops-make-the-deadliest-mafia-hit-men" target="_self">Cops make the deadliest Mafia hitmen</a></li> </ul> <p><strong>Copyright © Gangsters Inc.</strong></p> Profile: Rockford’s Black Gangster Disciples boss Karl Fort tag:gangstersinc.ning.com,2017-01-16:6329524:BlogPost:79142 Gangsters Inc. http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profile/2g2lucitjcn3w <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/profile-rockford-s-black-gangster-disciples-boss-karl-fort" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/Fxq0VavCSuDbL*uRDxmOd81m7AdnMrZoQvQKhKfdZR*GT-h9gVeGmIBkFWClcHyIiCV*Qq2*iS18uFi4q78ZjXcDXz5g1JBD/karlfortcover.jpg?width=399" width="399"></img></a> By David Amoruso</p> <p>A very big name on the streets of Rockford is coming home early. Matter of fact, few people expected Karl “Shortdog” Fort, leader of Rockford’s Black Gangster Disciples, to ever come home again at all, as he was sentenced to life in prison on drug charges in 1994. But Fort successfully petitioned the government for a sentence…</p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/profile-rockford-s-black-gangster-disciples-boss-karl-fort" target="_self"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/Fxq0VavCSuDbL*uRDxmOd81m7AdnMrZoQvQKhKfdZR*GT-h9gVeGmIBkFWClcHyIiCV*Qq2*iS18uFi4q78ZjXcDXz5g1JBD/karlfortcover.jpg?width=399" class="align-center" width="399"/></a>By David Amoruso</p> <p>A very big name on the streets of Rockford is coming home early. Matter of fact, few people expected Karl “Shortdog” Fort, leader of Rockford’s Black Gangster Disciples, to ever come home again at all, as he was sentenced to life in prison on drug charges in 1994. But Fort successfully petitioned the government for a sentence reduction and is now scheduled for release in 2019.</p> <p>What started out as a life sentence, handed down on November 21, 1994, turned into a 30-year sentence. Thanks to his good behavior behind bars, Fort is shaving some years off that one too, ending up with 25 years in prison when he will be released on November 9, 2019.</p> <p>It is an outcome no one would’ve predicted back in the early 1990s, when Fort and his crew were known as “The Mob” and ran the streets of <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Rockford" target="_self">Rockford</a>, wearing bulletproof vests and doing drive-by shootings. Authorities claimed Fort and his organization were the first large-scale distributors of <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Crack" target="_self">crack cocaine</a> in the city.</p> <p>The crack cocaine trade was known as a violent and extremely lucrative one. Junkies would take one hit and couldn’t wait to come back for more. Everyone involved also tended to get a little bit crazy.</p> <p><a href="http://www.facebook.com/GangstersInc" target="_blank"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/Fxq0VavCSuASmcs6CMpEbXoKKQ7snnJFkTDsWhO9OiT-vXmVE6OWmJOWWTFS9YiFq0tF2QfoUlnpjkrWIuw1PPwpDHgEEKW9/karlfortgangstersinc.jpg" class="align-right" width="206"/></a>Running an organization that deals in this product, Fort needed to maintain strict discipline, using the threat of excessive violence whenever needed. Like when one of his workers couldn’t explain what happened to a certain amount of powder cocaine. While the worker was questioned, one of Fort’s henchmen pointed a gun at his face and cocked the trigger. It was crystal clear what the repercussions for stealing were.</p> <p>When one of Fort’s drug runners was short on money from his crack cocaine business, he was hit in the head with a bottle of champagne by another crew leader. The drug runner ended up in the hospital and lived to tell of his digression as an example of what happened if you weren’t professional.</p> <p>Of course, the term professional was open for interpretation. Fort himself had a fierce temper and displayed an amazing willingness to use violence. In 1991 he allegedly emptied his Uzi at a house on Chestnut Street. Miraculously no one was hurt, but prosecutors did charge Fort with attempted murder.</p> <p>A year later, Fort was hit with gun charges again. But by then his reputation as gang leader preceded him and the eye witnesses against him suddenly didn’t remember what they had seen.</p> <p>Still, with authorities hot on his tail, Fort didn’t tone down his violent actions. In the summer of 1993, he was arrested for his alleged involvement in an argument over a pool game that got out of hand and ended with a man getting shot.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Read: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/i-shook-up-the-world-how-muhammad-ali-took-the-heavyweight-boxing" target="_self">How Muhammad Ali took the Heavyweight title from the Mafia</a></strong></li> </ul> <p>Sitting in a cell, perhaps still angry about the argument over the game of pool, Fort missed out on a massive police crackdown on his organization. Thirty Black Gangster Disciples were arrested and charged with being part of a massive crack cocaine trafficking ring. Fort himself was charged with federal drug conspiracy.</p> <p>Back then, the <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/drug-cartels" target="_self">war on drugs</a> was intensifying. The <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/pablo-escobars-war-on-colombia" target="_self">hunt for Pablo Escobar</a> had proven successful and the tough stance on drugs was winning votes. United States politicians had instituted severe penalties for charges related to crack cocaine. One gram of crack was considered the same as 100 grams as powder cocaine. This resulted in mindboggling sentences for street dealers and distributors.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Read: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/top-5-drug-lords-killed-while-on-the-run" target="_self">Top 5 drug lords killed while on the run</a></strong></li> </ul> <p>For a boss like Fort, it resulted in life in prison. But as time passed, authorities realized their mistake regarding treating crack cocaine differently than powder cocaine and Fort saw an opening to reduce his sentence. A successful petition supported by the community and a few influential politicians did the trick and provided Fort with an early release. Light at the end of the tunnel, a tunnel that seemed cemented shut forever.</p> <p>Now in his late forties, Fort can begin building a life for himself. Hopefully away from the criminal underworld he once ruled. It would be better for the community and for himself. Not many get a second chance like the one he will get in 2019.</p> <p>Besides, what is this soon-to-be 50-year-old going to rule when he gets out? Most of the young gangsters don’t even know his name. Nor does he know theirs. Hell, he’s been out for so long, he’ll come back to a changed world filled with smartphones, Snapchat and online beefs with real world consequences. Who would want to get involved with that?</p> <p><strong>Get the latest on organized crime and the Mafia first at the Gangsters Inc. <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=News" target="_self">news section</a>.</strong></p> <p><strong>Follow Gangsters Inc. on <a href="http://twitter.com/GangstersIncWeb" target="_blank">Twitter</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/GangstersInc" target="_blank">Facebook</a>.</strong></p> <p><strong>If you enjoyed this article you might also enjoy reading:</strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/black-caesar-the-rise-of-america-s-biggest-kingpin" target="_self">Black Caesar: The Rise of America's Biggest Kingpin</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/jennifer-lopez-to-star-as-drug-lord-griselda-blanco-in-new-hbo-mo" target="_self">Jennifer Lopez stars as drug lord Griseldo Blanco in new HBO movie</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/alleged-gangster-disciples-indicted-for-roles-in-5-attempted-murd" target="_self">Gangster Disciples indicted for role in 5 attempted murders</a></li> <li>Drug boss Keith Ricks: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/drug-boss-ricks-from-selfies-in-the-gym-to-trafficking-heroin" target="_self">From selfies in the gym to trafficking heroin</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/nathan-barksdale-inspiration-for-the-wire-dead-at-54" target="_self">"Bodie" Barksdale, inspiration for The Wire, dead at 54</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/senator-declares-war-on-gangster-disciples" target="_self">Senator declares war on Gangster Disciples</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/supreme-gangster-giant-towers-over-queens-rap" target="_self">Supreme: Gangster giant towers over Queens rap</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/pablo-escobars-war-on-colombia" target="_self">Pablo Escobar's war on Colombia</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/escobar-versus-cali-the-war-of-the-cartels" target="_self">Escobar vs Cali: War of the Cartels</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/godmother-griselda-blanco-gunned-down-in-colombia" target="_self">Godmother Griselda Blanco shot to death in Colombia</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mexican-drug-boss-el-chapo-guzman-caught" target="_self">Mexican drug boss El Chapo Guzman recaptured</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mexican-cartels-tighten-iron-grip-on-us-drug-markets" target="_self">Mexican cartels tighten iron grip on US drug markets</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/top-5-drug-lords-killed-while-on-the-run" target="_self">Top 5 drug lords killed while on the run</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/did-el-chapo-put-a-100-million-bounty-on-trump-or-not" target="_self">Did El Chapo put a $100 million bounty on Trump or not?</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/how-atf-s-fast-and-furious-crashed-and-burned" target="_self">How ATF's Fast and Furious crashed and burned</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/how-bonanno-goodfellas-whacked-lufthansa-loot" target="_self">How Bonanno goodfellas whacked Lufthansa heist loot</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/gangsters-inc-sits-down-with-fbi-agent-jack-garcia" target="_self">Gangsters Inc. sits down with FBI agent Jack Garcia</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/don-king-from-street-thug-to-street-name" target="_self">Don King: From street thug to street name?</a></li> </ul> <p><strong>Copyright © Gangsters Inc.</strong></p> Sinaloa cartel member gets 24 years in prison for role in kidnapping in US, then murder in Mexico, of colleague tag:gangstersinc.ning.com,2017-01-16:6329524:BlogPost:79139 Gangsters Inc. http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profile/2g2lucitjcn3w <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/sinaloa-cartel-member-gets-24-years-in-prison-for-role-in-kidnapp" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/Fxq0VavCSuAkH9df4*Sn5rAVGd8W9Pfh--A-2hP1NKAd3rJxoRdMSGz5WaXVXK4ZAhNMMum8r6JXvJSU*LKOosUWNgC6Vg7K/ElPasoJuarez.jpg?width=520" width="520"></img></a> By Gangsters Inc. Editors</p> <p>Organized crime knows no borders. If someone wants you dead, they’ll get you regardless of any walls or border patrols. In El Paso, 34-year-old <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Sinaloa" target="_self">Sinaloa cartel</a> member Francisco Javier Pulido was sentenced Thursday to 24 years…</p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/sinaloa-cartel-member-gets-24-years-in-prison-for-role-in-kidnapp" target="_self"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/Fxq0VavCSuAkH9df4*Sn5rAVGd8W9Pfh--A-2hP1NKAd3rJxoRdMSGz5WaXVXK4ZAhNMMum8r6JXvJSU*LKOosUWNgC6Vg7K/ElPasoJuarez.jpg?width=520" class="align-center" width="520"/></a>By Gangsters Inc. Editors</p> <p>Organized crime knows no borders. If someone wants you dead, they’ll get you regardless of any walls or border patrols. In El Paso, 34-year-old <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Sinaloa" target="_self">Sinaloa cartel</a> member Francisco Javier Pulido was sentenced Thursday to 24 years in federal prison for kidnapping a gang member who lost a load a marijuana and taking him to Mexico where he was killed.</p> <p>Pulido had already pleaded guilty on October 26, 2016, to one count of conspiracy to kill, kidnap or injure in a foreign country. By pleading guilty, he admitted to conspiring with others in the kidnapping and murder of Sergio Saucedo from his home in Horizon City on September 3, 2009. The crew took Saucedo to <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Juarez" target="_self">Ciudad Juarez</a>, Mexico, where he was murdered and mutilated in retaliation for the loss of a 670-pound marijuana load seized by authorities at the Sierra Blanca checkpoint.</p> <p>With this sentencing, this investigation has resulted in federal convictions and prison sentences for five individuals in connection with the Saucedo kidnapping and murder. Rafael Vega and Cesar Obregon-Reyes each received life imprisonment; Cesar Pineda received 20 years’ imprisonment; and, Omar Obregon-Ortiz received 100 months’ imprisonment.</p> <p><strong>Get the latest on organized crime and the Mafia first at the Gangsters Inc. <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=News" target="_self">news section</a>.</strong></p> <p><strong>Follow Gangsters Inc. on <a href="http://twitter.com/GangstersIncWeb" target="_blank">Twitter</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/GangstersInc" target="_blank">Facebook</a>.</strong></p> <p><strong>If you enjoyed this article you might also enjoy reading:</strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/los-zetas-teenage-hitmen-torture-and-drugs-wolf-boys-gives-intima" target="_self">Wolf Boys gives hellish look into Mexican cartel underworld</a></li> <li>Profile: Jalisco New Generation cartel boss <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/profile-jalisco-cartel-boss-nemesio-oseguera-cervantes" target="_self">Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/el-paso-drug-boss-sentenced-to-12-years-in-prison-for-trafficking" target="_self">El Paso drug boss sentenced to 12 years in prison for trafficking cocaine</a></li> <li>VIDEO: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/video-nephew-of-gulf-cartel-boss-shot-dead-by-sicario" target="_self">Nephew of Gulf cartel boss shot dead by sicario</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/jennifer-lopez-to-star-as-drug-lord-griselda-blanco-in-new-hbo-mo" target="_self">Jennifer Lopez stars as drug lord Griseldo Blanco in new HBO movie</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/power-play-the-kidnapping-and-release-of-el-chapo-s-son" target="_self">Power Play: The kidnapping and release of El Chapo's son</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/sinaloa-cartel-operation-busted-in-new-york-ring-used-front-compa" target="_self">Sinaloa cartel operation busted in New York</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/pablo-escobars-war-on-colombia" target="_self">Pablo Escobar's war on Colombia</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/colombian-drug-kingpin-gets-35-years-in-prison-for-massive-cocain" target="_self">Colombian drug kingpin gets 35 years in prison for coke conspiracy</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/escobar-versus-cali-the-war-of-the-cartels" target="_self">Escobar vs Cali: War of the Cartels</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/godmother-griselda-blanco-gunned-down-in-colombia" target="_self">Godmother Griselda Blanco shot to death in Colombia</a></li> <li>Clock is ticking: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/clock-is-ticking-mexico-approves-el-chapo-s-extradition-to-us" target="_self">Mexico approves El Chapo's extradition to US</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mexican-drug-boss-el-chapo-guzman-caught" target="_self">Mexican drug boss El Chapo Guzman recaptured</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mexican-cartels-tighten-iron-grip-on-us-drug-markets" target="_self">Mexican cartels tighten iron grip on US drug markets</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/top-5-drug-lords-killed-while-on-the-run" target="_self">Top 5 drug lords killed while on the run</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/did-el-chapo-put-a-100-million-bounty-on-trump-or-not" target="_self">Did El Chapo put a $100 million bounty on Trump or not?</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/how-atf-s-fast-and-furious-crashed-and-burned" target="_self">How ATF's Fast and Furious crashed and burned</a></li> </ul> <p><strong>Copyright © Gangsters Inc.</strong></p> Nicodemo “Little Nicky” Scarfo, infamous boss of the Philadelphia crime family, dies in prison at age 87 tag:gangstersinc.ning.com,2017-01-15:6329524:BlogPost:79137 Gangsters Inc. http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profile/2g2lucitjcn3w <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/nicodemo-little-nicky-scarfo-boss-of-the-philadelphia-crime-famil" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/9M8ZSgZ5BuVfrhSY0O5V2HpDvHNMj6OCMrrUn*m-BuuqV4zgbcu0atKqbgqW3EdnnLPt*1HA2q4JDoqjDBAzNnJMLoC1bqVW/NicodemoScarfoGangstersIncLittleNicky.jpg?width=520" width="520"></img></a> By David Amoruso</p> <p>Infamous <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-bruno-crime-family" target="_self">Philadelphia mob</a> boss Nicodemo Scarfo passed away in prison on Friday, underworld sources told mob reporter George Anastasia, who…</p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/nicodemo-little-nicky-scarfo-boss-of-the-philadelphia-crime-famil" target="_self"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/9M8ZSgZ5BuVfrhSY0O5V2HpDvHNMj6OCMrrUn*m-BuuqV4zgbcu0atKqbgqW3EdnnLPt*1HA2q4JDoqjDBAzNnJMLoC1bqVW/NicodemoScarfoGangstersIncLittleNicky.jpg?width=520" class="align-center" width="520"/></a>By David Amoruso</p> <p>Infamous <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-bruno-crime-family" target="_self">Philadelphia mob</a> boss Nicodemo Scarfo passed away in prison on Friday, underworld sources told mob reporter George Anastasia, who <a href="http://www.bigtrial.net/2017/01/report-nicodemo-scarfo-has-died-in.html" target="_blank">broke the news yesterday</a>. Scarfo was 87. He was serving a 55-year sentence for racketeering and murder and had been housed at a federal prison medical facility in Butner, North Carolina, for over a year now. Scarfo will go down as one of the most erratic and violent Mafia bosses in recent American crime history.</p> <p>Originally from <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Brooklyn" target="_self">Brooklyn</a>, New York, Scarfo’s family moved to New Jersey in the early 1940s. By the 1950s, Scarfo was working for his uncle Nicholas “Nicky Buck” Piccolo, a member of the <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-bruno-crime-family" target="_self">Philadelphia crime family</a>. Nicknamed “Little Nicky” for his diminutive size, Scarfo made up for his small stature with a hair-trigger temper and a lust for deadly violence.</p> <p>This temper established his fearsome reputation within the <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Mafia" target="_self">Mafia</a> but also got him in trouble with the law. In 1963, for instance, he stabbed a man to death at a restaurant over an argument that got out of hand. He pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was released from prison after less than a year.</p> <p>He then went to Atlantic City to run the Philadelphia crime family’s interests there. Back then, the city was a cow town. Gambling had not yet arrived and Scarfo was scraping by with a small-time gambling and loansharking operation. Though he hated every day spent there, he endured, biding his time. By then, legalized gambling in Atlantic City was on the horizon, promising endless possibilities for an enterprising gangster such as Scarfo.</p> <p>The 1970s was the decade that Scarfo’s fortunes changed. It started off with him spending quality time in Yardville Correctional Center with several powerful mobsters, including <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/philadelphia-boss-angelo-bruno" target="_self">Angelo Bruno</a>, leader of the Philadelphia mob. It was always good to be able to get close to those in power. Then, in 1976, New Jersey legalized casinos in Atlantic City and Scarfo’s good years had arrived.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Read: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/high-profile-philadelphia-mafia-boss-joseph-merlino-latest-gangst" target="_self">Philadelphia Mafia boss Joey Merlino banned from casinos</a></strong></li> </ul> <p>All of a sudden, money was pouring into the city. Scarfo made sure all his businesses profited royally. He remained involved in gambling and loansharking, of course, but also held interests in bars and construction. His stature in the Philly mob was also on the rise, he was now their official man in a booming Atlantic City.</p> <p>In 1980, after <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/philadelphia-boss-angelo-bruno" target="_self">Angelo Bruno</a>, Philadelphia’s “docile” and respected Mafia leader, was shot to death in front of his home, Scarfo rose even more. Bruno’s underboss, Philip Testa, succeeded him as boss and appointed Scarfo as his consigliere. But Bruno’s murder was just the starting shot in a bloody power struggle and Testa himself was murdered in March of 1981 when an explosive device went off at his house and blew the newly crowned mob kingpin to bits.</p> <p>Shortly thereafter, an extremely angry Scarfo ascended to the throne, hungry for revenge. What followed next can only be described as bloody carnage. Scarfo went after anyone he felt had been involved in Testa’s murder. When he ran out of targets, he invented new ones and carried on with his reign of terror.</p> <p>Under his leadership, the Philadelphia crime family began to fester and burn from within. Scarfo demanded loyalty, but would turn on his men in a second if they’d failed to show up to a meet or said something that he felt was out of line. He would become especially deadly if he deemed you a threat to his power.</p> <p>He shocked his own loyal henchmen when he ordered the murder of Salvatore “Salvie” Testa, the son of Philip Testa and one of Scarfo’s most capable hitmen. The young Testa was considered a rising mob star with a bright future in the rackets. Scarfo feared Testa’s popularity and wanted him gone. His men did as they were told. In 1984, Testa’s best friend lured him to a <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Philadelphia" target="_self">Philadelphia</a> candy store where he was shot to death.</p> <p>The hit left a bad taste among Scarfo’s men. Paranoia increased as each feared for his life. While Scarfo felt he was running a tight ship, more and more of his once loyal soldiers began thinking about the unthinkable: They were opting to become a rat and join the Witness Protection Program where they would be safe from Scarfo’s violent orders.</p> <p>As one after the other flipped and became a turncoat, prosecutors began collecting evidence and building cases. By the late 1980s, Scarfo was locked in a cell. With each court proceeding he was greeted by yet another former underling who had turned against him. The ultimate betrayal came when Philip “Crazy Phil” Leonetti, his own nephew and underboss, testified against him, providing prosecutors with the nail in Scarfo’s coffin as he was sentenced to 55 years behind bars for racketeering and several gangland murders.</p> <p>From prison, Scarfo tried to maintain control over the Philadelphia underworld through his son Nicky Jr. However, unknown assassins put a stop to that in 1989 when they riddled Nick Jr.’s body with six bullets at a <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Philadelphia" target="_self">Philadelphia</a> restaurant.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Read: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/nicky-scarfo-junior-following-in-daddy-s-footsteps" target="_self">Nicky Scarfo Junior follows in daddy's footsteps</a></strong></li> </ul> <p>The mob son survived the hit attempt and – thanks to his father’s close friendship with <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/profile-lucchese-crime-family-boss-vittorio-vic-amuso" target="_self">Lucchese mob boss Vic Amuso</a> - was later placed under protection of <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-lucchese-crime-family" target="_self">New York’s Lucchese crime family</a>, where he became an official “made” member. He is currently serving a 30-year sentence for racketeering conspiracy.</p> <p><strong>Get the latest on organized crime and the Mafia at Gangsters Inc.'s <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=News" target="_self">news section</a>.</strong></p> <p><strong>Follow Gangsters Inc. on <a href="http://twitter.com/GangstersIncWeb" target="_blank">Twitter</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/GangstersInc" target="_blank">Facebook</a></strong></p> <p><strong>If you enjoyed this article you might also enjoy reading:</strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/keeping-the-new-york-docks-in-the-mafia-family-from-the-gigantes" target="_self">Keeping the New York docks in the (Mafia) family</a></li> <li>Prison Breaks: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/prison-breaks-from-mobsters-and-hitmen-to-serial-killers-and-drug" target="_self">The mobsters and hitmen who escaped from jail</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/anthony-colombo-son-of-mafia-boss-dead-at-71" target="_self">Anthony Colombo, son of Mafia boss, dead at 71</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/deadly-bizarre-and-morbid-murder-inc-comes-to-the-mob-museum-in-l" target="_self">Deadly, morbid, and bizarre: Murder Inc.</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/donald-j-trump-s-gangbusters-how-will-america-s-new-president-tak" target="_self">How will President Trump take on the Mafia and drug cartels?</a></li> <li>The Man Who Runs New York: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/profile-genovese-crime-family-boss-liborio-bellomo" target="_self">Genovese family boss Liborio Bellomo</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/new-tactics-needed-in-hunt-for-sicilian-mafia-s-boss-of-bosses-me" target="_self">New tactics needed in hunt for Sicilian Mafia boss Messina Denaro</a> - Prosecutor: "He's not normal."</li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/genovese-family-mobster-busted-for-using-cocaine-and-marijuana-wh" target="_self">Genovese wiseguy busted using cocaine and weed while on parole</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/rumble-at-rao-s-it-s-not-over-till-the-fat-lady-sings-the-night-l" target="_self">Rumble at Rao's: Restaurant of the stars and the Mafia</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-american-mafia-and-its-use-of-colorful-nicknames" target="_self">The American Mafia and its use of colorful nicknames</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/how-meyer-lansky-laundered-the-american-mafia-s-dirty-cash-and-ma" target="_self">How Meyer Lansky laundered the Mafia's dirty cash</a> - and made them bigger than US Steel</li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/my-loving-dad-was-a-gangster-and-bugsy-siegel-s-close-friend" target="_self">My loving dad was a gangster and Bugsy Siegel's close friend</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/top-4-stone-cold-gangsters-who-look-like-wimps" target="_self">Top 4 stone cold gangsters who look like total wimps</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/joey-merlino-living-like-a-boss-in-florida" target="_self">Joey Merlino living like a boss in Florida</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mafia-math-calculating-italian-organized-crime-s-illicit-income" target="_self">Mafia Math: Calculating Italian organized crime's illicit income</a></li> <li>INTERVIEW: Former mob boss <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/interview-john-gotti-jr-sits-down-with-gangsters-inc" target="_self">John Gotti Junior sits down with Gangsters Inc.</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/new-map-shows-mob-social-clubs-in-new-york" target="_self">New map shows mob social clubs in New York City</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/ten-must-visit-mob-bars-and-lounges" target="_self">Ten Must-Visit Mob Bars and Lounges</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-american-mafia-bets-on-the-world-and-wins-big" target="_self">The American Mafia bets on the world and wins big</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/how-bonanno-goodfellas-whacked-lufthansa-loot" target="_self">How Bonanno goodfellas whacked Lufthansa heist loot</a></li> </ul> <p><strong>Copyright © Gangsters Inc.</strong></p> The Bruno Crime Family - Overview tag:gangstersinc.ning.com,2017-01-15:6329524:BlogPost:665 Gangsters Inc. http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profile/2g2lucitjcn3w <div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/-A0wW*3E92lELamH1rHUw1W*ZZ9ju6*nElnOXpmmSO9YtWD6XDhI8TBZGFzpgydK9FdWLYtJmwCjXnRw62nMzXYNQrzDY0Az/photo20.jpg" target="_self"><font size="5"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/-A0wW*3E92lELamH1rHUw1W*ZZ9ju6*nElnOXpmmSO9YtWD6XDhI8TBZGFzpgydK9FdWLYtJmwCjXnRw62nMzXYNQrzDY0Az/photo20.jpg" width="600"></img></font></a></div> <p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Estimate members</span>: Around twenty active members.<br></br> <span style="font-weight: bold;">First Boss</span>: Salvatore Sabella started the family in 1911.<br></br> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Primary…</span></p> <div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/-A0wW*3E92lELamH1rHUw1W*ZZ9ju6*nElnOXpmmSO9YtWD6XDhI8TBZGFzpgydK9FdWLYtJmwCjXnRw62nMzXYNQrzDY0Az/photo20.jpg"><font size="5"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/-A0wW*3E92lELamH1rHUw1W*ZZ9ju6*nElnOXpmmSO9YtWD6XDhI8TBZGFzpgydK9FdWLYtJmwCjXnRw62nMzXYNQrzDY0Az/photo20.jpg" width="600"/></font></a></div> <p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Estimate members</span>: Around twenty active members.<br/> <span style="font-weight: bold;">First Boss</span>: Salvatore Sabella started the family in 1911.<br/> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Primary activities</span>: Extortion, bookmaking, gambling, drug trafficking and loan-sharking.<br/> <br/> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Boss</span>: Joseph Ligambi<br/> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Underboss</span>: Steven Mazzone<br/> <br/> Under Angelo Bruno the Philadelphia Crime Family was among the most powerful Families in the US. His death signaled the beginning of a violent era that continued until the mid 1990s. <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/nicodemo-little-nicky-scarfo-boss-of-the-philadelphia-crime-famil" target="_self">Nicky Scarfo</a> has become known as one of the most violent mob bosses in US history. His thirst for blood sent the Family into darkness. The result of the Scarfo years were several turncoats, including the first ever Philadelphia made guy, and even more Philly mobsters convicted to long prison sentences. When John Stanfa emerged as new leader a new war broke out between Stanfa and the so called "young turks" led by Joseph Merlino. When Stanfa was convicted to several life sentences Ralph Natale and Joey Merlino took over. Natale was the official boss, however it became clear later that Merlino let him think that, and that he himself was really the power. When Natale was arrested he flipped, becoming the first Mafia boss to turn government witness. By now the Family was already in shambles, of all the US Mafia Families they have the highest amount of turncoats. Merlino is currently out of prison and on probation and the Family is run by Joseph Ligambi. It consists of around twenty or more active made members. (January 29, 2016)</p> <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">ARTICLES:</span><br/> <br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/nicodemo-little-nicky-scarfo-boss-of-the-philadelphia-crime-famil">Mafia boss Nicodemo "Little Nicky" Scarfo dead at 87</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/philly-mafia-boss-joseph-merlino-and-mobsters-of-5-different-crim">Philly Mafia boss Joseph Merlino</a> and mobsters of 5 different crime families charged with racketeering<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/high-profile-philadelphia-mafia-boss-joseph-merlino-latest-gangst">Philadelphia boss Joey Merlino banned from Pennsylvania casinos</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/joey-merlino-living-like-a-boss-in-florida">Joey Merlino living like a boss in Florida</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mob-hit-in-south-philadelphia">Mob Hit in South Philadelphia</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/philly-mob-boss-own-words-to-be-used-against-him">Philly Mob Boss' Own Words To Be Used Against Him</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/nicky-scarfo-junior-following-in-daddy-s-footsteps">Nicky Scarfo Junior Following in Daddy's Footsteps</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/philly-mob-boss-joey-merlino-goes-to-hollywood">Philly Mob Boss Joey Merlino Goes To Hollywood</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/philly-mob-boss-joseph-ligambi">Philly Mob Boss Joseph Ligambi Indicted</a><br/> <br/><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">BOSSES</span>:<br/> <br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/philadelphia-boss-ralph-natale">Ralph Natale</a> (flipped)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/philadelphia-boss-john-stanfa">John Stanfa</a> (in prison)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/nicodemo-little-nicky-scarfo-boss-of-the-philadelphia-crime-famil">Nicodemo "Little Nicky" Scarfo</a> (dead)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/philadelphia-boss-angelo-bruno">Angelo "The Gentle Don" Bruno</a> (whacked)<br/> <br/> <span style="font-weight: bold;">CAPTAINS</span>:<br/> <br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/philadelphia-capo-thomas-tommy">A. Thomas "Tommy Del" DelGiorno</a> (flipped)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/philadelphia-capo-george">George Fresolone</a> (flipped)</div> <br/> <span style="font-weight: bold;">SOLDIERS</span>:<br/> <br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-trouble-with-harry" target="_self">Enrico "Harry the Hunchback" Riccobene</a> (dead, natural causes)</div> <p></p> <div style="text-align: center;"></div> <p></p> <div style="text-align: center;"><center><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-philadelphia-crime-family">The Philadelphia Crime Family of 2011 - Chart</a></center> </div> Eastern European sailors get 25-year sentences for smuggling $10 million of cocaine aboard “ghost ship” tag:gangstersinc.ning.com,2017-01-15:6329524:BlogPost:79445 Gangsters Inc. http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profile/2g2lucitjcn3w <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/eastern-european-sailors-get-25-year-sentences-for-smuggling-10-m" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/llVO6PYtbd699r7FhLAQ9A62ea9kHjRPXlMy*TdgZg0GqDBGisqrM8aPHEELd1ecMFjDsgbsasdp9L3SKfwk8aCv1pPekfxD/uscoastguardcocaine.jpg" width="580"></img></a> By Gangsters Inc. Editors</p> <p>Two Eastern European sailors were sentenced to 25 years in prison on Friday for smuggling $10 million worth of <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Cocaine" target="_self">cocaine</a> on their boat. 42-year-old Igor Polshyn from Yalta, Ukraine, and 52-year-old Oleskii Tsurkan from Moscow,…</p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/eastern-european-sailors-get-25-year-sentences-for-smuggling-10-m" target="_self"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/llVO6PYtbd699r7FhLAQ9A62ea9kHjRPXlMy*TdgZg0GqDBGisqrM8aPHEELd1ecMFjDsgbsasdp9L3SKfwk8aCv1pPekfxD/uscoastguardcocaine.jpg" class="align-center" width="580"/></a>By Gangsters Inc. Editors</p> <p>Two Eastern European sailors were sentenced to 25 years in prison on Friday for smuggling $10 million worth of <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Cocaine" target="_self">cocaine</a> on their boat. 42-year-old Igor Polshyn from Yalta, Ukraine, and 52-year-old Oleskii Tsurkan from Moscow, Russia, had already been found guilty in court on September 30, 2016.</p> <p>At their trial, prosecutors established that on November 7, 2015, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection P-3 Orion aircraft detected a sailboat 56 miles south of the Dominican Republic, traveling at night on the high seas with no lights, and on a course to travel through the Mona Passage between the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico.</p> <p>The Orion crew alerted the United States Coast Guard, which dispatched the USCG Cutter Bernard C. Webber (photo above) to interdict the vessel. The Webber interdicted the sailboat 26 miles south of the Dominican Republic, still on a course to take it through the Mona Passage. The sailboat flew the Spanish flag and bore a Spanish registration number on the stern. Polshyn was the master of the vessel and Tsurkan was its sole crew member.</p> <p>The Coast Guard eventually boarded the sailboat and, during an initial safety sweep, found over 100 kilograms of <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Cocaine" target="_self">cocaine</a> over a bilge access. The Coast Guard ultimately recovered an additional 270 kilograms of cocaine, for a total of 370 kilograms (814 lbs.) of cocaine, including cocaine commingled with the food supplies of the crew.</p> <p>Officials from DEA-Madrid and the Coast Guard Investigative Service traced the vessel registration number back to a sailboat near Barcelona, Spain. The sailboat interdicted by the Coast Guard was a “ghost ship,” using the stolen identity of the vessel in Barcelona to mask its true identity. The recovered cocaine had an approximate wholesale value of $10 million.</p> <p>It is unknown who were the ultimate parties - buyer and seller - behind the large shipment. As the two sailors prepare to do their time, it seems unlikely we will find out anytime soon.</p> <p><strong>Get the latest on organized crime and the Mafia at Gangsters Inc.'s <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=News" target="_self">news section</a>.</strong></p> <p><strong>Follow Gangsters Inc. on <a href="http://twitter.com/GangstersIncWeb" target="_blank">Twitter</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/GangstersInc" target="_blank">Facebook</a>.</strong></p> <p><strong>If you enjoyed this article you might also enjoy reading:</strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/russian-mob-crew-in-brighton-beach-busted-by-dea-irs" target="_self">Russian mob crew busted by DEA in Brighton Beach</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/rumble-at-rao-s-it-s-not-over-till-the-fat-lady-sings-the-night-l" target="_self">Rumble at Rao's</a>: Restaurant where the stars and mob bosses meet</li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/how-two-russian-mobsters-got-caught-up-in-the-iraqi-civil-war" target="_self">How two Russian mobsters got caught up in the Iraqi civil war</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/russian-mafia-boss-rakhimov-and-the-sochi-olympics" target="_self">Russian Mafia boss Rakhimov and the Sochi Olympics</a></li> <li>INTERVIEW: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/interview-john-gotti-jr-sits-down-with-gangsters-inc" target="_self">John Gotti Jr. sits down with Gangsters Inc.</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/gangsters-inc-report-goodfella-vincent-asaro-s-trial" target="_self">The trial of Goodfellas mobster Vincent Asaro</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-canadian-connection-flooding-the-u-s-with-dope" target="_self">The Canadian Connection: Flooding the US with dope</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/miami-and-the-russian-mob-by" target="_self">The Russian Mob in Miami</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/new-jersey-decavalcante-family-boss-john-riggi-dies" target="_self">New Jersey DeCavalcante family boss John Riggi dies</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/how-the-sicilian-mafia-flooded" target="_self">How the Sicilian Mafia flooded the US with heroin</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/how-bonanno-goodfellas-whacked-lufthansa-loot" target="_self">How Bonanno goodfellas whacked Lufthansa heist loot</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-man-who-stole-the-french" target="_self">The Man Who Stole the French Connection</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/death-in-the-afternoon-the" target="_self">Death in the Afternoon: The Story of Carmine Galante</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/russian-mafia-overview" target="_self">The Russian Mafia section at Gangsters Inc.</a></li> </ul> <p><strong>Copyright © <a href="http://www.gangstersinc.nl">Gangsters Inc.</a></strong></p> Crime Beat: US Marshal, Sherlock Holmes, and the murder of Rasputin tag:gangstersinc.ning.com,2017-01-13:6329524:BlogPost:79133 Gangsters Inc. http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profile/2g2lucitjcn3w <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/crime-beat-us-marshal-sherlock-holmes-and-the-murder-of-rasputin" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/XXixQWRYlp7wLDv9tFaQ3wsXL9wO4uvoQBsLZ6ALOQJFErjEUHy4Oi9fgS1Uzrzua26WxWkJ8ZupChygUvYkBy0KhENy8J6y/crimebeatradio.jpg?width=500" width="500"></img></a> By Ron Chepesiuk</p> <p>CRIME BEAT: ISSUES, CONTROVERSIES AND PERSONALITIES FROM THE DARKSIDE on Artist First Radio Network is pleased to announce its forthcoming schedule for January 19, 2017, through April 6, 2017. Guests include Rebecca Morris, Barbara Casey, Matthew Rider, Margo Nash, Louis Divita, among others.</p> <p>Here is the…</p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/crime-beat-us-marshal-sherlock-holmes-and-the-murder-of-rasputin" target="_self"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/XXixQWRYlp7wLDv9tFaQ3wsXL9wO4uvoQBsLZ6ALOQJFErjEUHy4Oi9fgS1Uzrzua26WxWkJ8ZupChygUvYkBy0KhENy8J6y/crimebeatradio.jpg?width=500" class="align-center" width="500"/></a>By Ron Chepesiuk</p> <p>CRIME BEAT: ISSUES, CONTROVERSIES AND PERSONALITIES FROM THE DARKSIDE on Artist First Radio Network is pleased to announce its forthcoming schedule for January 19, 2017, through April 6, 2017. Guests include Rebecca Morris, Barbara Casey, Matthew Rider, Margo Nash, Louis Divita, among others.</p> <p>Here is the lineup:</p> <ul> <li>January 19 - Denis O. Smith, author of The Mammoth Book of New Chronicles of Sherlock Holmes, and Maxim Jakubowski, author of The Mammoth Book of the Adventures of Professor Moriarity: 37 Short Stories about the Secret Life of Sherlock Holmes’s Nemesis.</li> <li>January 26 - Larry Leamer, author of The President’s Butler and <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/Adapt%20and%20Overcome:%20U.S.%20Marshal%20shares%20lessons%20he%20learned%20after%20dedicating%20his%20life%20to%20a%20career%20serving%20his%20country%20http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/adapt-and-overcome-u-s-marshal-shares-lessons-he-learned-after-de" target="_self">Mike Pizzi</a>, author of Mike Pizzi: U.S. Marshal: Adapt and Overcome. See <a href="http://www.leamer.com">www.leamer.com</a></li> <li>February 2 - Bradley Nickell, author of Repeat Offender. See <a href="http://www.repeatoffenderonline.com/">www.repeatoffenderonline.com/</a></li> <li>February 9 - Louis Divita, author of A Wise Guy. See <a href="http://www.awiserguy.com">www.awiserguy.com</a></li> <li>February 16 - Bill Friedman, author of 30 Illegal Years to the Strip. See <a href="http://www.billfriedmanauthor.com">www.billfriedmanauthor.com</a></li> <li>February 23 - Margarita Nelipa, author of The Murder of Grigori Rasputin.</li> <li>March 2 - Barbara Casey, author of Assata Shakur: A Twentieth Century Escaped Slave. See <a href="http://www.barbaracaseyagency.com">http://www.barbaracaseyagency.com</a></li> <li>March 9 - Matthew Richer and Tom Grant, authors of The Mysterious Death of Kurt Cobain: Suicide or Murder? You Decide.</li> <li>March 23 - Rebecca Morris, author of Ted and Ann: The Mystery of a Missing Child and a Neighbor of Ted Bundy. See <a href="http://www.rebeccatmorris.com">www.rebeccatmorris.com</a></li> <li>March 30 - Margo Nash, author of The Politics of Murder: The Power and Ambition Behind the Altar Boy Murder Case. See <a href="http://www.margonash.com">www.margonash.com</a></li> <li>April 6 - Command appearance of Anthony Amore, author of The Art of the Con: The Most Notorious Fakes, Frauds and Forgeries in the Art World. See <a href="http://www.anthonyamore.com">www.anthonyamore.com</a></li> </ul> <p>On the air since January 28, 2011, Crime Beat is a weekly hour-long radio program that airs every Thursday at 8 p.m. EST. Crime Beat presents fascinating topics that bring listeners closer to the dynamic underbelly of the world of crime. Guests have included ex- mobsters, undercover law enforcement agents, sports officials, informants, prisoners, drug dealers and investigative journalists, who have provided insights and fresh information about the world’s most fascinating subject: crime.</p> <p>CRIME BEAT is currently averaging 180,000 listeners in 130 plus countries each week, and the figure is growing. All shows are archived at <a href="http://www.artistfirst.com/crimebeat.htm">www.artistfirst.com/crimebeat.htm</a> for 24-7 listening. Crime Beat is hosted by award-winning crime writer and documentary producer Ron Chepesiuk (<a href="http://www.ronchepesiuk.com">www.ronchepesiuk.com</a>) and broadcast journalist and freelance writer Will Hryb.</p> <p>Ronald Herd, the popular Internet radio host and regular listener of Crime Beat, said: "Crime Beat sounds like an organized crime greatest hits collection...I am loving it!" Tom Hart of Atlanta, Georgia, writes: “I am a BIG fan of your show and enjoy the variety of guests you have on your show. “Keep up the good work.” Carolyn Yarema of Toronto, Canada writes, "fabulous program guys' ... my husband Chi Chi and I never miss the show."</p> <p>Crime Beat airs weekly every Thursday at 8 P.M. EST on the Artist First World Radio Network at <a href="http://www.artistfirst.com/crimebeat.htm">http://www.artistfirst.com/crimebeat.htm</a>. To contact the Crime Beat radio program for interviews, e-mail [email protected] or call 803-366-5440.</p> <p><strong>Get the latest on organized crime and the Mafia at Gangsters Inc.'s <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=News" target="_self">news section</a>.</strong></p> <p><strong>Follow Gangsters Inc. on <a href="http://twitter.com/GangstersIncWeb" target="_blank">Twitter</a> </strong></p> <p><strong>Like Gangsters Inc. on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/GangstersInc" target="_blank">Facebook</a></strong></p> <p><strong>If you enjoyed this article you might also enjoy reading:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Profile of Genovese family boss <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/profile-genovese-crime-family-boss-liborio-bellomo" target="_self">Liborio "Barney" Bellomo</a></li> <li>Profile of Genovese family boss <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/genovese-boss-vincent-chin" target="_self">Vincent "Chin" Gigante</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/how-meyer-lansky-laundered-the-american-mafia-s-dirty-cash-and-ma" target="_self">How Meyer Lansky laundered the Mafia's dirty cash</a>, made them bigger than US Steel</li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/interview-john-gotti-jr-sits-down-with-gangsters-inc" target="_self">INTERVIEW: John Gotti Jr. sits down with Gangsters Inc.</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/santo-trafficante-building-the-family-business" target="_self">Santo Trafficante: Building the Family Business</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/ten-must-visit-mob-bars-and-lounges" target="_self">Ten Must-Visit Mob Bars and Lounges</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-american-mafia-bets-on-the-world-and-wins-big" target="_self">The American Mafia bets on the world and wins big</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/how-bonanno-goodfellas-whacked-lufthansa-loot" target="_self">How Bonanno goodfellas whacked Lufthansa heist loot</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/gangsters-inc-sits-down-with-fbi-agent-jack-garcia" target="_self">Gangsters Inc. sits down with FBI agent Jack Garcia</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-man-who-stole-the-french" target="_self">The Man Who Stole the French Connection</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/top-5-of-true-stand-up-wiseguys" target="_self">Top 5 of true stand up wiseguys</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/cops-make-the-deadliest-mafia-hit-men" target="_self">Cops make the deadliest Mafia hitmen</a></li> </ul> <p><strong>Copyright © Gangsters Inc.</strong></p> The Colombo Crime Family - Overview tag:gangstersinc.ning.com,2017-01-12:6329524:BlogPost:58 Gangsters Inc. http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profile/2g2lucitjcn3w <p><span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/0Ty7vayRmOj1WKToRmpQ8M*twtqvtRpFi0m*hVFsC09sJKiEOAJVk*oVLG6iciQJtLRKJqNmVX0N5OPA2*nqN6qXmFqRg9IP/photo3.jpg" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/0Ty7vayRmOj1WKToRmpQ8M*twtqvtRpFi0m*hVFsC09sJKiEOAJVk*oVLG6iciQJtLRKJqNmVX0N5OPA2*nqN6qXmFqRg9IP/photo3.jpg" width="600"></img></a> Estimate members</span>: Between 75 and 85 (according to <a href="http://www.ganglandnews.com/">Jerry Capeci</a>)<br></br> <span style="font-weight: bold;">First Boss</span>:…</p> <p><span style="font-weight: bold;"><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/0Ty7vayRmOj1WKToRmpQ8M*twtqvtRpFi0m*hVFsC09sJKiEOAJVk*oVLG6iciQJtLRKJqNmVX0N5OPA2*nqN6qXmFqRg9IP/photo3.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/0Ty7vayRmOj1WKToRmpQ8M*twtqvtRpFi0m*hVFsC09sJKiEOAJVk*oVLG6iciQJtLRKJqNmVX0N5OPA2*nqN6qXmFqRg9IP/photo3.jpg" width="600"/></a>Estimate members</span>: Between 75 and 85 (according to <a href="http://www.ganglandnews.com/">Jerry Capeci</a>)<br/> <span style="font-weight: bold;">First Boss</span>: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/profile-original-new-york-mafia-family-boss-giuseppe-profaci" target="_self">Joseph Profaci</a><br/> <br/> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Primary activities</span>: Narcotics, gambling, loan sharking, cigarette smuggling, pornography, counterfeiting, hijacking, fraud, stock fraud.<br/> <br/> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Boss</span>: Carmine "The Snake" Persico, currently serving 139 years for murder and racketeering. His son, Alphonse “Allie Boy” Persico , who already was in prison on a money laundering and loan sharking conviction, will remain in prison for the rest of his life after he was found guilty of ordering the murder of Colombo Underboss/rival William "Wild Bill" Cutolo.<br/> <br/> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Acting boss</span>: Andrew "Mush" Russo allegedly is the new acting boss, according to Jerry Capeci. He is a cousin of longtime Colombo Boss Carmine Persico.<br/> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Underboss</span>: The new underboss is rumored to be Benjamin Castellazzo, who is a close associate of former acting boss Joel Cacace.</p> <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">PROFILES:</span><br style="font-weight: bold;"/><br style="font-weight: bold;"/><span style="font-weight: bold;">BOSSES:</span><br/> <br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/colombo-boss-thomas-tommy">Thomas "Tommy Shots" Gioeli</a> (in prison)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/colombo-boss-alphonse-persico">Alphonse “Allie Boy” Persico</a> (in prison)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/colombo-boss-carmine-persico">Carmine "The Snake" Persico</a> (in prison)<br/> Joseph Colombo (whacked)<br/>   <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/profile-original-new-york-mafia-family-boss-giuseppe-profaci" target="_self">Joseph Profaci</a>(dead)<br/><br style="font-weight: bold;"/><span style="font-weight: bold;">ACTING BOSSES:</span><br/> <br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/colombo-boss-joel-joe-waverly">Joel Cacace</a> (in prison)<br/> <br/> <span style="font-weight: bold;">UNDERBOSSES:</span><br/> <br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/colombo-underboss-john-sonny">John "Sonny" Franzese</a> (in prison)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/colombo-underboss-william-wild">William "Wild Bill" Cutolo</a> (whacked)<br/> <br/> <span style="font-weight: bold;">CAPTAINS:</span><br/> <br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/anthony-colombo-son-of-mafia-boss-dead-at-71" target="_self">Anthony Colombo</a> (dead)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/profile-colombo-family-capo-luca-dimatteo" target="_self">Luca DiMatteo</a> (prison)<br/><p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/profile-colombo-family-capo-pasquale-amato" target="_self">Pasquale Amato</a> (dead)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/colombo-capo-gregory-the-grim">Gregory Scarpa Sr.</a> (dead)</p> <div style="text-align: center;"><strong>SOLDIERS:</strong></div> <div style="text-align: center;"></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/colombo-mobster-giovanni-cerbone" target="_self">Giovanni Cerbone</a> (prison)<br/><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mafia-rebel-crazy-joey-gallo" target="_self">Joseph "Crazy Joe" Gallo</a> (whacked)<br/> <br/> <span style="font-weight: bold;">ASSOCIATES:</span><br/> <br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/profile-colombo-family-associate-thomas-mclaughlin">Thomas McLaughlin</a> (flipped)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/profile-colombo-associate-giuseppe-destefano">Giuseppe Destefano</a> (in prison)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/colombo-associate-john-pappa">John Pappa</a> (in prison)</div> <br/> <br/> <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">ARTICLES:<br/> <br/></span> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/warden-denies-99-year-old-colombo-crime-family-underboss-sonny-fr">99-year-old Colombo family underboss Sonny Franzese’s request for early release denied</a><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br/></span> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/editorial-new-york-tabloid-ridicules-mob-son-who-went-legit">Editorial: New York tabloid ridicules mob son who went legit</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-fbi-s-secret-thirty-year-relationship-with-a-mafia-killer">The FBI's Secret Thirty-Year Relationship with a Mafia Killer</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/deal-with-the-devil-q-a-with-author-peter-lance">Deal with the Devil - Q&amp;A with author Peter Lance</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/will-historic-mob-bust-really">Will Historic Mob Bust Really Go Down As Historic?</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/gotti-me-a-journalist-s-close-encounters-with-the-mob">Greg Scarpa and the Gus Farace Hit by David Krajicek</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/interview-with-sandra-harmon">Interview with Sandra Harmon, author of Mafia Son:<br/> The Scarpa Mob Family, the FBI, and a story of betrayal</a><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br/> <br/></span></span></div> </div> </div> Europe - Overview Gangsters Inc. http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profile/2g2lucitjcn3w <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.europol.europa.eu/sites/default/files/publications/octa_2011.pdf"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/0Ty7vayRmOj9*liuTCNQV7Mk*jbd0zpL80DjGYcvKzDV0aFa36u2miCEqPtegvlmDnbtV10Jo1dsRTrFyarvWRDeTR2dpsTe/photo8.jpg" width="600"></img></a> <br></br> <strong><span class="font-size-3">EUROPEAN UNION</span></strong><br></br> <br></br> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/website-shows-europe-s-most-wanted-fugitives">Website shows Europe’s “Most Wanted Fugitives”</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><br></br> <strong><span class="font-size-3">ENGLAND…</span></strong><br></br> <br></br> </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.europol.europa.eu/sites/default/files/publications/octa_2011.pdf"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/0Ty7vayRmOj9*liuTCNQV7Mk*jbd0zpL80DjGYcvKzDV0aFa36u2miCEqPtegvlmDnbtV10Jo1dsRTrFyarvWRDeTR2dpsTe/photo8.jpg" width="600"/></a><br/> <strong><span class="font-size-3">EUROPEAN UNION</span></strong><br/> <br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/website-shows-europe-s-most-wanted-fugitives">Website shows Europe’s “Most Wanted Fugitives”</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><br/> <strong><span class="font-size-3">ENGLAND</span></strong><br/> <br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/fugitive-british-cocaine-smuggler-gets-13-years">British cocaine smuggler David McDermott gets 13 years</a> <br/> Liverpool drug bosses <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/relatives-of-deceased-liverpool-crime-boss-lose-2m-hidden-nest-eg">Leslie McGuffie and his son Simon McGuffie</a> <br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/fugitive-liverpool-drug-boss-robert-gerrard-turns-himself-in">Robert Gerrard</a> (prison)<br/> Exclusive: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/exclusive-the-art-of-smuggling-by-britain-s-first-drug-baron">‘The Art of Smuggling’ by Britain’s first drug baron</a> <br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/profile-london-crime-boss-bekir-the-duke-arif">Bekir “The Duke” Arif</a> (prison)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/london-crime-boss-patrick-adams-arrested-in-amsterdam">Patrick "Patsy" Adams</a> (prison)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/profile-alleged-british-drug-boss-anthony-dennis">Anthony Dennis</a> (prison)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/gangster-turned-cage-fighter-lee-murray">Gangster-turned-Cage Fighter Lee Murray</a> (prison)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/british-boss-terry-adams">Terry Adams</a> (freedom)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/british-boss-brian-wright">Brian "The Milkman" Wright</a> (prison)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/british-boss-curtis-warren">Curtis "Cocky" Warren</a> (prison)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/gangs-of-britain">Gangs of Britain by Peter Walsh</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><br/> <strong><span class="font-size-3">IRELAND</span></strong><br/> <br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/ufc-champion-conor-mcgregor-s-fascination-with-gangsters">UFC champion Conor McGregor’s fascination with gangsters</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/prison-sentences-for-crew-behind-plot-to-smuggle-orange-juice-cra">Prison for smugglers who hid weed in orange juice crates</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/selfie-ufc-champ-conor-mcgregor-s-link-to-slain-irish-gangster">Selfie: UFC champ Conor McGregor’s link to slain Irish gangster</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/hit-attempt-on-irish-mob-boss-john-gilligan">Hit attempt on Irish mob boss John Gilligan</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/irish-gang-has-its-own-supermarket-with-dope-guns">Irish gang has its own “supermarket” with dope and guns</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/irish-godfather-eamon-kelly-gunned-down-in-dublin">Eamon "The Godfather" Kelly</a> (whacked)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/irish-crime-boss-martin-the">Martin "The General" Cahill</a> (whacked)<br/> <br/> <strong><span class="font-size-3">SCOTLAND</span></strong><br/> <br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/british-boss-tam-mcgraw">Tam "The Licensee" McGraw</a> (dead, natural causes)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/british-boss-arthur-thompson">Arthur Thompson</a> (dead, natural causes)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/british-boss-stewart-boyd">Stewart "Specky" Boyd</a> (dead, car crash)<br/> <br/> <strong><span class="font-size-3">FRANCE</span></strong><br/> <br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/robbers-set-french-highway-ablaze-as-they-steal-2-5-million-in-go">Robbers set French highway ablaze as they steal €2.5 million in gold</a> <br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/french-boss-jacky-imbert">Jacky "Mad Jacky" Imbert</a> (living in freedom)<br/> <br/> <strong><span class="font-size-3">THE NETHERLANDS</span></strong><br/> <br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/south-america-is-quickly-becoming-a-deadly-destination-for-enterp">South America is a deadly destination for enterprising Dutch gangsters</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/corrupt-cop-sold-info-to-international-drug-gangs-and-bikers">Corrupt cop sold info to international drug gangs and bikers</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/dutch-boss-henk-orlando-rommy">Henk Orlando Rommy</a> (in prison)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/dutch-boss-john-mieremet">Johannes "Johnny" Mieremet</a> (whacked)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/ferry-koch-king-of-the-rip">Ferry Koch: King of the Rip</a> (whacked)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/dutch-crime-boss-murdered-in" target="_self">Dutch Crime Boss Murdered In Broad Daylight</a></p> <div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span class="font-size-3">SPAIN</span></strong><br/> <br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/georgian-organized-crime-group-busted-in-madrid-spain">Georgian organized crime group busted in Madrid, Spain</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-russian-mafia-in-spain">The Russian Mafia in Spain: Operation "Troika"</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/organized-crime-gangs-invade">Organized Crime Gangs Invade Spain</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/spain-sunny-beaches-and-lots-of-organized-crime">Spain: Sunny beaches and lots of organized crime</a><br/> <br/> <strong><span class="font-size-3">ALBANIA</span></strong><br/> <br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/international-albanian-heroin-ring-busted-in-italy">International Albanian Heroin Ring Busted in Italy</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/albanian-boss-princ-dobroshi">Princ Dobroshi</a> (in freedom)</div> <p></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span class="font-size-3">BELGIUM</span></strong><br/> <br/> Profile: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/profile-belgian-crime-boss-marcel-le-grande-marcel-habran">Belgian crime boss Marcel “Le Grande Marcel” Habran</a></p> <div style="text-align: center;"></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span class="font-size-3">CZECH REPUBLIC<br/></span></strong></div> <p></p> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/czech-mob-boss-threatens-judge-gets-35-years-for-torture-and-murd" target="_self">Czech mob boss threatens judge, gets 35 years for torture &amp; murder</a></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><br/> <strong><span class="font-size-3">POLAND</span></strong><br/> <br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/polish-american-arms-trafficker-is-feeling-the-heat">Polish-American Arms Trafficker is Feeling the Heat</a><br/> <br/> <span class="font-size-3"><strong>FORMER YUGOSLAVIA</strong></span><br/> <br/> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/serbian-drug-gang-busted-in-spain-and-czech-republic" target="_self">Serbian drug gang busted in Spain and Czech Republic</a> <br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/former-playboy-model-goes-to-prison-for-mob-hit" target="_self">Former Playboy model goes to prison for mob hit</a> <br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/serbian-boss-sreten-jocic" target="_self">Sreten Jocic</a> (in prison)<br/> <br/> <span class="font-size-3"><strong>RUSSIA</strong></span><br/> <br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/russian-mafia-overview">RUSSIAN MAFIA SECTION</a><br/> <br/> <strong><span class="font-size-3">ITALY</span></strong><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/italian-organized-crime"><br/> EURO ITALIAN ORGANIZED CRIME SECTION</a></div> </div> Georgian organized crime group busted in Madrid, Spain tag:gangstersinc.ning.com,2017-01-12:6329524:BlogPost:79125 Gangsters Inc. http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profile/2g2lucitjcn3w <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/georgian-organized-crime-group-busted-in-madrid-spain" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/8jjNHgLtomJKuCPEnCLc9cd15PuFKRgnUzcj84xXDp*M4pXEq-IWJDpZdD7HCJp6fKEO5o78c893Z7vra33e0EBzVRJwfC*H/CoverMadridSpain.jpg?width=520" width="520"></img></a> By Gangsters Inc. Editors</p> <p>Spanish National Police arrested 61 members of a sophisticated Georgian organized crime group specialized in burglaries. Overall, agents conducted 26 searches, seizing €33,000 euro, 8 vehicles, 7,100 tobacco packets, and many stolen pieces of…</p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/georgian-organized-crime-group-busted-in-madrid-spain" target="_self"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/8jjNHgLtomJKuCPEnCLc9cd15PuFKRgnUzcj84xXDp*M4pXEq-IWJDpZdD7HCJp6fKEO5o78c893Z7vra33e0EBzVRJwfC*H/CoverMadridSpain.jpg?width=520" class="align-center" width="520"/></a>By Gangsters Inc. Editors</p> <p>Spanish National Police arrested 61 members of a sophisticated Georgian organized crime group specialized in burglaries. Overall, agents conducted 26 searches, seizing €33,000 euro, 8 vehicles, 7,100 tobacco packets, and many stolen pieces of <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Jewelry" target="_self">jewelry</a>.</p> <p>The 61 arrested individuals formed nine different criminal cells, all located in <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Madrid" target="_self">Madrid</a>. Each cell had links to different Spanish provinces such as Malaga, Seville, Sabadell, Barcelona, and Bilbao. Among the arrested individuals are five <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=zedamxedveli" target="_self">zedamxedveli</a> (Georgian word for a supervisor). These supervisors took over key roles in the organized crime group.</p> <p>The zedamxedveli were in charge of providing logistical support, monitoring the criminal cells and keeping the leaders of the criminal organization updated. Some of the arrested zedamxedveli had legal jobs in <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Spain" target="_self">Spain</a>, such as staff in a construction company in Seville, or a private security guard in Madrid. In doing so they tried to hide the profits illegally obtained and to avoid suspicions.</p> <p>The main target of the operation is the boss of the organized crime gang. This man has a vast criminal background involving kidnapping, assassination, and more. He headed the criminal group from Italy, supported by the five supervisors in Spain.</p> <p>This operation is considered as the second phase of Operation AIKON, which was already conducted by the Spanish National Police and supported by Europol. In the first phase fifty members of Georgian organized crime were detained. Some of them have been arrested again in this second phase, which was supported by Europol and French and Georgian authorities.</p> <p><strong>Get the latest on organized crime and the Mafia at Gangsters Inc.'s <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=News" target="_self">news section</a>.</strong></p> <p><strong>Follow Gangsters Inc. on <a href="http://twitter.com/GangstersIncWeb" target="_blank">Twitter</a> and like us on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/GangstersInc" target="_blank">Facebook</a></strong></p> <p><strong>If you enjoyed this article you might also enjoy reading:</strong></p> <ul> <li>"He's not normal," <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/new-tactics-needed-in-hunt-for-sicilian-mafia-s-boss-of-bosses-me" target="_self">prosecutor says about Sicilian Mafia boss Messina Denaro</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/gangs-of-britain" target="_self">Gangs of Britain</a></li> <li>Profile: <a 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href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/how-bonanno-goodfellas-whacked-lufthansa-loot" target="_self">How Bonanno goodfellas whacked Lufthansa heist loot</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/sicilian-mafia-travel-guide-reveals-island-s-underworld" target="_self">Sicilian Mafia travel guide reveals island's underworld</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/gangsters-inc-sits-down-with-fbi-agent-jack-garcia" target="_self">Gangsters Inc. sits down with FBI agent Jack Garcia</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-man-who-stole-the-french" target="_self">The Man Who Stole the French Connection</a></li> </ul> <p><strong>Copyright © Gangsters Inc.</strong></p> Anthony Colombo, son of Mafia boss, dead at 71 tag:gangstersinc.ning.com,2017-01-12:6329524:BlogPost:79244 Gangsters Inc. http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profile/2g2lucitjcn3w <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/anthony-colombo-son-of-mafia-boss-dead-at-71" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/8jjNHgLtomIXIUbh3-NfzFApie75Kb5unsJAnU-a2yo-UtGyj4UxnHIXT10cf0q3v6XmJIilAKOaol82ZBvtzj1ynoYRsCAE/AnthonyColombo.jpg?width=520" width="520"></img></a> By Gangsters Inc. Editors</p> <p>Retired mobster Anthony Colombo passed away last week, <a href="http://ganglandnews.com/" target="_blank">Gangland News</a> reports. He was 71. Anthony was the eldest son of Mafia boss Joseph Colombo, who founded the Italian-American Civil Rights League and was shot by an assassin at one of his civil rights rallies in 1971. He…</p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/anthony-colombo-son-of-mafia-boss-dead-at-71" target="_self"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/8jjNHgLtomIXIUbh3-NfzFApie75Kb5unsJAnU-a2yo-UtGyj4UxnHIXT10cf0q3v6XmJIilAKOaol82ZBvtzj1ynoYRsCAE/AnthonyColombo.jpg?width=520" class="align-center" width="520"/></a>By Gangsters Inc. Editors</p> <p>Retired mobster Anthony Colombo passed away last week, <a href="http://ganglandnews.com/" target="_blank">Gangland News</a> reports. He was 71. Anthony was the eldest son of Mafia boss Joseph Colombo, who founded the Italian-American Civil Rights League and was shot by an assassin at one of his civil rights rallies in 1971. He remained paralyzed and died almost seven years later.</p> <p>Anthony followed in his father’s footsteps, becoming an official member – or made guy – and then a capo in the <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-colombo-crime-family" target="_self">crime family</a> bearing his last name. His mob career earned <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Colombo" target="_self">Colombo</a> time behind bars when he was busted by authorities leading a crew that ran illegal gambling operations in New York.</p> <p>After retiring from “the life,” Colombo wrote a book about his father and family history titled <em><a href="http://amzn.to/2jArVEK" target="_blank">Colombo: The Unsolved Murder</a></em> with Don Capria. The book details his father’s rise in the Mafia and the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/anthony-colombo/did-the-fbi-kill-my-fathe_b_9190980.html" target="_blank">facts and theories</a> behind his death by the hands of a, supposed, lone assassin.  </p> <p>Colombo died of natural causes in his sleep.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/GangstersInc" target="_blank"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/8jjNHgLtomKraRJEM*xtZRnujqifSBCf1APoO6QGj4ekPVUdJ2BtDBPDQ3gANzjve028Wjluan0V0cuuJMPI6nmVvNg85ore/JoeAnthonyColombo.jpg" class="align-center" width="500"/></a><em><strong>Joseph (left) and Anthony Colombo (right) on the Dick Cavett tv show</strong></em></p> <p><strong>Get the latest on organized crime and the Mafia at Gangsters Inc.'s <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=News" target="_self">news section</a>.</strong></p> <p><strong>Follow Gangsters Inc. on <a href="http://twitter.com/GangstersIncWeb" 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target="_self">Top 4 stone cold gangsters who look like total wimps</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/joey-merlino-living-like-a-boss-in-florida" target="_self">Joey Merlino living like a boss in Florida</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mafia-math-calculating-italian-organized-crime-s-illicit-income" target="_self">Mafia Math: Calculating Italian organized crime's illicit income</a></li> <li>INTERVIEW: Former mob boss <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/interview-john-gotti-jr-sits-down-with-gangsters-inc" target="_self">John Gotti Junior sits down with Gangsters Inc.</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/new-map-shows-mob-social-clubs-in-new-york" target="_self">New map shows mob social clubs in New York City</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/ten-must-visit-mob-bars-and-lounges" target="_self">Ten Must-Visit Mob Bars and Lounges</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-american-mafia-bets-on-the-world-and-wins-big" target="_self">The American Mafia bets on the world and wins big</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/how-bonanno-goodfellas-whacked-lufthansa-loot" target="_self">How Bonanno goodfellas whacked Lufthansa heist loot</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/gangsters-inc-sits-down-with-fbi-agent-jack-garcia" target="_self">Gangsters Inc. sits down with FBI agent Jack Garcia</a></li> </ul> <p><strong>Copyright © Gangsters Inc.</strong></p> The Bonanno Crime Family - Overview tag:gangstersinc.ning.com,2017-01-12:6329524:BlogPost:909 Gangsters Inc. http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profile/2g2lucitjcn3w <div style="text-align: center;"><font size="5"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/0Ty7vayRmOgobZwTquE77vSwA8vYBYhpCIXJ-wgZ1Oybrwq0WRZJjfBca7ECVxTrKynwSD1oV28oKCIbEOcb2l4lMcr1rsc8/photo2.jpg" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/0Ty7vayRmOgobZwTquE77vSwA8vYBYhpCIXJ-wgZ1Oybrwq0WRZJjfBca7ECVxTrKynwSD1oV28oKCIbEOcb2l4lMcr1rsc8/photo2.jpg" width="600"></img></a></span></font></div> <p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Estimate members</span>: Around 100<br></br> <span style="font-weight: bold;">First Boss</span>: Joseph Bonanno.<br></br> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Primary activities</span>: Involved in…</p> <div style="text-align: center;"><font size="5"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/0Ty7vayRmOgobZwTquE77vSwA8vYBYhpCIXJ-wgZ1Oybrwq0WRZJjfBca7ECVxTrKynwSD1oV28oKCIbEOcb2l4lMcr1rsc8/photo2.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/0Ty7vayRmOgobZwTquE77vSwA8vYBYhpCIXJ-wgZ1Oybrwq0WRZJjfBca7ECVxTrKynwSD1oV28oKCIbEOcb2l4lMcr1rsc8/photo2.jpg" width="600"/></a></span></font></div> <p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Estimate members</span>: Around 100<br/> <span style="font-weight: bold;">First Boss</span>: Joseph Bonanno.<br/> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Primary activities</span>: Involved in narcotics trafficking, home video pornography, robbery, extortion, loan sharking, gambling, phony telemarketing schemes, pizza parlors and espresso cafes.<br/> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Boss</span>: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/bonanno-family-boss-michael-mancuso">Michael Mancuso</a><br/> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Acting Boss</span>: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/meet-the-new-street-boss-of-the-bonanno-crime-family" target="_self">Joseph Cammarano Jr.</a></p> <div style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-4"><strong>BOSSES:</strong></span><br/> <br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/meet-the-new-street-boss-of-the-bonanno-crime-family" target="_self">Joseph Cammarano Jr.</a> (in freedom)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/bonanno-family-acting-boss-thomas-di-fiore">Thomas Di Fiore</a> (in freedom)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/bonanno-family-boss-michael-mancuso">Michael Mancuso</a> (in prison)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/bonanno-boss-salvatore">Salvatore Montagna</a> (whacked)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/bonanno-boss-joseph-massino">Joseph Massino</a> (flipped)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/death-in-the-afternoon-the">Carmine Galante</a> (whacked)<br/> <br/> <span class="font-size-3"><span style="font-weight: bold;">CONSIGLIERI</span>:</span><br/> <br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/bonanno-consigliere-anthony">Anthony "T.G." Graziano</a> (in prison)<br/> <br/> <span class="font-size-3"><span style="font-weight: bold;">CAPI</span>:</span><br/> <br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/profile-bonanno-crime-family-capo-joseph-sammartino-sr">Joseph Sammartino Sr.</a> (in freedom)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/profile-bonanno-family-capo-anthony-pipitone">Anthony Pipitone</a> (prison)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/profile-bonanno-crime-family-capo-jack-bonventre">Jack Bonventre</a> (prison)<br/> <br/> <span class="font-size-3"><span style="font-weight: bold;">SOLDIERS</span>:</span><br/> <br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/bonanno-soldier-benjamin">Benjamin "Lefty Guns" Ruggiero</a> (dead, natural causes)<br/> <br/> <span class="font-size-3"><span style="font-weight: bold;">ASSOCIATES</span>:</span><br/> <br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/bonanno-family-wiseguy-of-donnie-brasco-fame-remains-behind-bars">Ronald "Monkey Man" Filocomo</a> (prison)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/profile-bonanno-family-associate-joseph-gambina">Joseph Gambina</a> (flipped)<br/> <br/> <span class="font-size-3"><font size="4"><span style="font-weight: bold;">ARTICLES:</span></font></span><br/> <br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/keeping-the-new-york-docks-in-the-mafia-family-from-the-gigantes" target="_self">Keeping the New York docks in the (Mafia) family:</a> The Gigantes to the daughter of Donnie Brasco's “Lefty”<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/bonanno-family-wiseguy-of-donnie-brasco-fame-remains-behind-bars">Bonanno mobster of Donnie Brasco fame remains behind bars</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/bonanno-capo-sent-back-to-prison-for-2-more-years">Bonanno capo sent back to prison for 2 more years</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/six-plead-guilty-in-murder-of-ex-bonanno-family-mob-boss">Six plead guilty in murder of ex-Bonanno family mob boss</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/anonymous-mobster-says-vinny-asaro-was-part-of-lufthansa-heist">Anonymous mobster says Vinny Asaro was part of Lufthansa heist</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/bonanno-capo-smashed-glass-in-face-of-sushi-lounge-owner">Bonanno capo smashed glass in face of sushi lounge owner</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/gangsters-inc-report-goodfella-vincent-asaro-s-trial">Gangsters Inc. Court Report: “Goodfella” Vincent Asaro’s trial</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/how-bonanno-goodfellas-whacked-lufthansa-loot">How Bonanno goodfellas whacked Lufthansa heist loot</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/wtc-contractor-with-mob-ties-busted-for-1-5m-fraud">WTC contractor with mob ties busted for $1.5M fraud</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/former-bonanno-boss-massino-s-hq-becomes-bakery">Former Bonanno boss Massino’s HQ becomes bakery</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-canadian-connection-flooding-the-u-s-with-dope">The Canadian Connection: Flooding the U.S. with dope</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/bonanno-goodfellas-turned-in-by-former-boss-massino">Bonanno goodfellas turned in by former boss Massino</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/montreal-mafia-boss-vito-rizzuto-1946-2013">Montreal Mafia Boss Vito Rizzuto (1946 - 2013)</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/bonanno-family-leadership-busted">Bonanno Family Leadership Busted</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/bonanno-boss-murdered-near-montreal">Bonanno Boss Murdered Near Montreal</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/how-the-sicilian-mafia-flooded">How the Sicilian Mafia flooded the US with heroin</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/montreal-mafia-bust-project">Montreal Bust: Project Colisée</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-mafia-of-montreal-a-short">Mafia of Montréal: A Short History</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/aftermath-of-a-hit-the-murder">Aftermath of a Hit (Murder of the three captains)</a></div> <p> </p> The Genovese Crime Family - Overview tag:gangstersinc.ning.com,2017-01-12:6329524:BlogPost:741 Gangsters Inc. http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profile/2g2lucitjcn3w <p><strong><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/0Ty7vayRmOiKuFujg0mjRYG5xxIw-U1WWu-zsdlOsUCcCInBc*s7kWVp-O-9Bx*HDSy7*59wxfVSBveynBqLM-3BP9ZNxsZ5/photo1.jpg" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/0Ty7vayRmOiKuFujg0mjRYG5xxIw-U1WWu-zsdlOsUCcCInBc*s7kWVp-O-9Bx*HDSy7*59wxfVSBveynBqLM-3BP9ZNxsZ5/photo1.jpg" width="600"></img></a> Estimate members</strong>: Between 200 and 225 (according to Jerry Capeci)<br></br> <strong>First Boss</strong>: Charles "Lucky" Luciano<br></br> <strong>Primary activities</strong>: The most powerful and wealthy crime Family in the New York area, and perhaps the entire country. The Genovese Family maintains major…</p> <p><strong><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/0Ty7vayRmOiKuFujg0mjRYG5xxIw-U1WWu-zsdlOsUCcCInBc*s7kWVp-O-9Bx*HDSy7*59wxfVSBveynBqLM-3BP9ZNxsZ5/photo1.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/0Ty7vayRmOiKuFujg0mjRYG5xxIw-U1WWu-zsdlOsUCcCInBc*s7kWVp-O-9Bx*HDSy7*59wxfVSBveynBqLM-3BP9ZNxsZ5/photo1.jpg" width="600"/></a>Estimate members</strong>: Between 200 and 225 (according to Jerry Capeci)<br/> <strong>First Boss</strong>: Charles "Lucky" Luciano<br/> <strong>Primary activities</strong>: The most powerful and wealthy crime Family in the New York area, and perhaps the entire country. The Genovese Family maintains major muscle in narcotics, loan-sharking, extortion rackets, pornography, labor union racketeering, <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/genovese-and-gambino-mobsters-in-garbage-bust" target="_self">waste hauling industry</a>, restaurants, seafood distribution and vending machines. They are the most secretive, and well led, LCN Family in the New York region.<br/> <strong>Boss</strong>: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/profile-genovese-crime-family-boss-liborio-bellomo" target="_self">Liborio "Barney" Bellomo</a><br/> <strong>Underboss</strong>: ?</p> <div style="text-align: center;"><strong>BOSSES:</strong><br/> <br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/profile-genovese-crime-family-boss-liborio-bellomo">Liborio "Barney" Bellomo</a> (in freedom)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/genovese-boss-daniel-leo">Daniel "The Lion" Leo</a> (in prison)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/genovese-boss-matthew-matty">Matthew "Matty the Horse" Ianniello</a> (dead, natural causes)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/genovese-boss-vincent-chin">Vincent "Chin" Gigante</a> (dead, natural causes)<br/>   <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/get-the-right-man-how-the-fbn" target="_self">Vito Genovese</a> (dead, natural causes)<br/>   <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/this-is-for-you-frank-profile-of-mafia-boss-frank-costello" target="_self">Frank Costello</a> (dead, natural causes)<br/>   <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/luckys-luck-how-charlie" target="_self">Charles "Lucky" Luciano</a> (dead, natural causes)<br/> <br/> <strong>ACTING BOSSES:</strong><br/> <br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/genovese-boss-dominick-cirillo">Dominick "Quiet Dom" Cirillo</a> (in prison)<br/> <br/> <strong>UNDERBOSSES:</strong><br/> <br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/whack-out-on-willie-moretti">Quarico "Willie Moore" Moretti</a> (whacked)<br/> <br/> <strong>CAPTAINS:</strong><br/> <br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/profile-genovese-crime-family-capo-pasquale-parrello">Pasquale Parrello</a> (under indictment)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/profile-genovese-family-capo-joseph-denti-jr">Joseph Denti Jr.</a> (under indictment)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/genovese-capo-pagano-hit-with-racketeering-charges">Daniel Pagano</a> (in prison)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/genovese-capo-anthony-antico">Anthony "Big Nose" Antico</a> (in prison)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/genovese-capo-tino-fiumara">Tino Fiumara</a> (dead, natural causes)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/profile-genovese-crime-family-capo-salvatore-lombardi">Salvatore "Sally Dogs" Lombardi</a> (dead, natural causes)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-life-and-death-of-mafia-capo-anthony-carfano">Anthony Carfano</a> (whacked)</div> <p> </p> <div style="text-align: center;"><strong>SOLDIERS:</strong></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><strong><br/></strong></div> <div style="text-align: center;"></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/genovese-soldier-george-barone" target="_self">George Barone</a> (flipped, dead)</div> <p> </p> <div style="text-align: center;"><strong>ASSOCIATES:</strong><br/> <br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/east-hartford-genovese-mobster-john-barile-gets-71-months-for-ars">John Barile</a> (prison)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/genovese-garbage-smurf-carmine-franco-pleads-guilty">Carmine "Papa Smurf" Franco</a> (prison)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/genovese-associate-peter-petey">Peter "Petey Cap" Caporino</a> (flipped)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/genovese-associate-andrew">Andrew Gigante</a> (messenger)<br/> <br/> <strong>ARTICLES:</strong><br/> <br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/keeping-the-new-york-docks-in-the-mafia-family-from-the-gigantes" target="_self">Keeping the New York docks in the (Mafia) family:</a> The Gigantes to the daughter of Donnie Brasco's “Lefty”<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/genovese-family-mobsters-charged-with-running-off-shore-gambling" target="_self">Genovese family mobsters charged with running off-shore gambling operation</a>, loansharking, and cigarette smuggling<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/genovese-family-mobster-busted-for-using-cocaine-and-marijuana-wh" target="_self">Genovese mobster busted for using cocaine and weed while out on bail</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/philly-mafia-boss-joseph-merlino-and-mobsters-of-5-different-crim" target="_self">Genovese mobster Pat Parrello busted with Philly mob boss and 45 gangsters</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/east-hartford-genovese-mobster-john-barile-gets-71-months-for-ars" target="_self">East Hartford Genovese mobster John Barile gets 71 months for arson, fraud, gambling and extortion</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/how-meyer-lansky-laundered-the-american-mafia-s-dirty-cash-and-ma" target="_self">How Meyer Lansky laundered the American Mafia’s dirty cash</a> – and made them bigger than US Steel<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/feds-bust-mob-connected-multi-million-dollar-gambling-ring">Feds bust mob-connected multi-million-dollar gambling ring</a> <br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/genovese-family-mobsters-charged-with-murder-extortion-gambling">Genovese family mobsters charged with murder, extortion, gambling</a><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/east-hartford-genovese-mobster-john-barile-gets-71-months-for-ars" target="_self"><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/genovese-crew-charged-with-multi-million-dollar-scheme">Genovese crew charged with multi-million dollar scheme</a><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/east-hartford-genovese-mobster-john-barile-gets-71-months-for-ars" target="_self"><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-scoop-on-the-man-who-brought-down-genovese">The scoop on the man who brought down Genovese</a><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/east-hartford-genovese-mobster-john-barile-gets-71-months-for-ars" target="_self"><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-humble-origins-of-joe-masseria-and-lucky-luciano">The Humble Origins of Joe Masseria and Lucky Luciano</a><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/east-hartford-genovese-mobster-john-barile-gets-71-months-for-ars" target="_self"><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/real-life-owner-of-bada-bing-strip-club-turns-rat">Real life owner of Bada Bing strip club turns rat</a><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/east-hartford-genovese-mobster-john-barile-gets-71-months-for-ars" target="_self"><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/genovese-mob-boss-fat-tony-s-crazy-christmas-card">Genovese Mob Boss Fat Tony’s Crazy Christmas Card</a><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/east-hartford-genovese-mobster-john-barile-gets-71-months-for-ars" target="_self"><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/genovese-and-gambino-mobsters-in-garbage-bust">Genovese and Gambino Mobsters in Garbage Bust</a><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/east-hartford-genovese-mobster-john-barile-gets-71-months-for-ars" target="_self"><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/genovese-mobsters-extorting-feast-of-san-gennaro">Genovese mobsters extorting Feast of San Gennaro</a><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/east-hartford-genovese-mobster-john-barile-gets-71-months-for-ars" target="_self"><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/genovese-capo-sentenced-to-10">Genovese Capo Sentenced to 10 Years For Murder Conspiracy</a><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/east-hartford-genovese-mobster-john-barile-gets-71-months-for-ars" target="_self"><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/another-mob-social-club-bites">Another Mob Social Club Bites The Dust</a><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/east-hartford-genovese-mobster-john-barile-gets-71-months-for-ars" target="_self"><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-bruno-hit-how-the-genovese">The Bruno Hit: How The Genovese Springfield Crew Killed Itself</a><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/east-hartford-genovese-mobster-john-barile-gets-71-months-for-ars" target="_self"><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/genovese-family-soldier">Genovese Family Soldier Arrested in Italy</a><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/east-hartford-genovese-mobster-john-barile-gets-71-months-for-ars" target="_self"><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/unrest-within-the-new-york-mob">Unrest Within The New York Mob</a><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/east-hartford-genovese-mobster-john-barile-gets-71-months-for-ars" target="_self"><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/elderly-genovese-mobsters-ran">Elderly mobsters ran South Florida</a><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/east-hartford-genovese-mobster-john-barile-gets-71-months-for-ars" target="_self"><br/> <br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/photo/genovese-family-chart?context=album&amp;albumId=6329524%3AAlbum%3A57">GENOVESE FAMILY CHART by Bureau of Narcotics</a></div> Keeping the New York docks in the (Mafia) family: From the Gigantes to the daughter of “Lefty” of Donnie Brasco fame tag:gangstersinc.ning.com,2017-01-12:6329524:BlogPost:79419 Gangsters Inc. http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profile/2g2lucitjcn3w <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/keeping-the-new-york-docks-in-the-mafia-family-from-the-gigantes" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/8jjNHgLtomIlKEtSSwzv4w7oa*yXu2Nlore6J7I-xsd*9Yxilw9Ubz9pdK*uFHTeg*oKRaRAX6TyowPARe8nKLjY8VsTQqbz/CoverNewYorkHarbor.jpg?width=520" width="520"></img></a> By David Amoruso</p> <p>In the past few decades, various prosecutors have announced the end of the American Mafia several times, but each time La Cosa Nostra popped up at exactly those places where it was said to have become extinct. A NY Times piece about the New York harbor showed that despite prosecutions, the area made famous by On the…</p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/keeping-the-new-york-docks-in-the-mafia-family-from-the-gigantes" target="_self"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/8jjNHgLtomIlKEtSSwzv4w7oa*yXu2Nlore6J7I-xsd*9Yxilw9Ubz9pdK*uFHTeg*oKRaRAX6TyowPARe8nKLjY8VsTQqbz/CoverNewYorkHarbor.jpg?width=520" class="align-center" width="520"/></a>By David Amoruso</p> <p>In the past few decades, various prosecutors have announced the end of the American Mafia several times, but each time La Cosa Nostra popped up at exactly those places where it was said to have become extinct. A NY Times piece about the New York harbor showed that despite prosecutions, the area made famous by On the Waterfront still has plenty of notorious names working its docks.</p> <p>Back in the 1930s and ‘40s, the <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Mob" target="_self">mob</a> owned the ports and everyone working there. Using strong-arm tactics, powerful crime bosses had taken over the area’s worker unions and effectively appointed themselves as the harbor’s caretaker. Their influence was acknowledged by the United States government when, during the Second World War, they made a deal with imprisoned <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/luckys-luck-how-charlie" target="_self">Mafia boss Charles “Lucky” Luciano</a> in which he promised to keep the ports safe from Nazis in return for his early release from prison.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Read: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-humble-origins-of-joe-masseria-and-lucky-luciano" target="_self">The Humble Origins of Mafia Bosses Joe Masseria and Lucky Luciano</a></strong></li> </ul> <p>In the years and decades following this historic – not to mention controversial – pact between the Mafia and the United States government, the five families of <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=LCN" target="_self">La Cosa Nostra</a> maintained a strong presence in the ports of New York and New Jersey.</p> <p>But by the 1980s, the government was playing hardball as it decimated the five crime families by prosecuting its bosses and all those beneath, resulting in a weakening of the <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-bonanno-crime-family" target="_self">Bonanno</a>, <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-colombo-crime-family" target="_self">Colombo</a>, <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/gambino-crime-family-overview" target="_self">Gambino</a>, <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-genovese-crime-family" target="_self">Genovese</a>, and <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-lucchese-crime-family" target="_self">Lucchese</a> crime families.</p> <p>Still, despite prosecutions targeted at the top leadership as well as the mob’s men involved in various forms of <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-mafia-and-labor-racketeering" target="_self">labor racketeering</a>, business continued as usual. Even on the docks, a place that had undergone its own transformation.</p> <p>“A century ago New York Harbor employed 40,000 longshoremen, who unloaded ships with hook and sling and brawn,” Joseph Goldsteinjan writes in <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/06/nyregion/new-york-harbor-on-the-waterfront.html?_r=1" target="_blank">The New York Times</a>. “Today, the entire workforce is just under 3,400 longshoremen, many perched behind the controls of cranes and straddle carriers.”</p> <p>While thousands of longshoremen have vanished from the docks, there are strong indications that the mob has not. The (Mafia) family name that is heard most often in relation to the waterfront, is that of the Gigantes. Though infamous Genovese crime family leader <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/genovese-boss-vincent-chin" target="_self">Vincent “Chin” Gigante</a> has been dead for several years now, his relatives still enjoy the fruits of his labor. According to the Waterfront Commission, the Gigantes have ten relatives - mostly nephews, in-laws and grandsons - working on the waterfront.</p> <p><a href="http://www.facebook.com/GangstersInc" target="_blank"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/8jjNHgLtomKHSy1Vkr8ijAhoyCEvleoMQ*-g5baKChnv2DUXab3UvaWHehtBh4265v2IryrtARTEzrhHisyAANYiVBNbKtCL/andrewgigantegangstersinc.jpg" class="align-left" width="175"/></a>Up until his arrest, <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/genovese-associate-andrew" target="_self">Andrew</a>, one of Gigante’s sons, was also on that list. As an executive with Bay Container and Portwide Cargo Securing in the port of Newark, New Jersey, he was paid a salary of $350,000 a year. In 2003, he <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/genovese-associate-andrew" target="_self">pleaded guilty to racketeering charges</a> related to the extortion of a large container repair and storage company on the New Jersey, New York and South Florida piers and the use of mob muscle to seize control of the International Longshoremen's Association in New Jersey, New York and Miami. He (left) was eventually barred for life from any activity on the New York, New Jersey, and South Florida piers.</p> <p>Ralph Gigante, Vincent Gigante’s nephew, still is on that list. He was appointed to the union shop steward position, making $419,000 in 2014 alone, working even while he was at home asleep in his bed, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/06/nyregion/new-york-harbor-on-the-waterfront.html?_r=1" target="_blank">The New York Times</a> article joked.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Read: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/profile-genovese-crime-family-boss-liborio-bellomo" target="_self">Profile of Genovese crime family boss Liborio "Barney" Bellomo</a></strong></li> </ul> <p>Phoebe S. Sorial, the general counsel for the Waterfront Commission, tells <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/06/nyregion/new-york-harbor-on-the-waterfront.html?_r=1" target="_blank">The New York Times</a> that, the International Longshoremen’s Association frequently seeks jobs for “people who posted bail for organized figures” and “people who are in business with organized crime figures” as well as relatives of mobsters.</p> <p>One name that popped up will be of special interest to many of our readers. In 2014, the union recommended the 62-year-old daughter of deceased <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/bonanno-soldier-benjamin" target="_self">Bonanno family soldier Benjamin “Lefty” Ruggiero</a>, who was played by <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Pacino" target="_self">Al Pacino</a> in the 1997 film “Donnie Brasco.”</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/GangstersInc" target="_blank"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/8jjNHgLtomJKuy*Ixwrk9YDbFXJI-5-PidorswuP42zbOnJqIoBvsDfLCBWhD0y4-OZt*9R5mb6Jdk7Cf1u-lwZkQnqp3i0Y/LeftyRuggieroDonnieBrascoAlPacino.jpg" class="align-center" width="391"/></a><em><strong>Benjamin "Lefty" Ruggiero (left) and Al Pacino in Donnie Brasco (right)</strong></em></p> <p>It is perfectly possible that she – and all the aforementioned others – earned their job the right way. Authorities would pounce if they had any evidence of corruption. But it doesn’t help that they have ties to various mobsters and were proposed by a union led by a man who himself has long-rumored ties to the <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-genovese-crime-family" target="_self">Genovese crime family</a>.</p> <p>Harold J. Daggett is the International President of the International Longshoremen’s Association serving as “chief negotiator for the ILA representing 45,000 ILA members at port areas from Maine to Texas, Great Lakes region, Puerto Rico, major U.S. Rivers and Eastern and Central Canada,” according to the <a href="http://www.ilaunion.org/bio-harold-daggett/" target="_blank">ILA website</a>. He was also on trial with a host of Genovese family notables in the mid-2000s, including capo Lawrence Ricci, who went missing and was found murdered after the trial concluded in an acquittal for Daggett and others.</p> <p><a href="http://www.facebook.com/GangstersInc" target="_blank"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/8jjNHgLtomKApLfElOiwl1yD6CFsIQSMF5qWUUK9WCi1YzDxdLZrR0TOxDVyNTDA2hxEImXdgWzkOQ9gEIJKktFGbv6dnLEN/georgebarone.jpg" class="align-right" width="175"/></a>At that trial, longtime <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/genovese-soldier-george-barone" target="_self">Genovese family soldier George Barone</a> (right) testified against Daggett – calling him a Genovese associate – while he gave jurors a detailed insight into how the Genovese mob led by Vincent Gigante threw around its weight on the docks in New York, New Jersey, and Florida.</p> <p>Barone himself was president of an International Longshoremen’s Association Local in Miami in the 1970s and spent seven years behind bars for labor racketeering. After finding out that <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/genovese-boss-vincent-chin" target="_self">Vincent Gigante</a> and his offspring had become the new power on the docks, he came to blows and – fearing for his life – became a turncoat.</p> <p>Be it the 1940s, the 1970s, or 2017, be it 40,000 or 3,400 longshoremen working the New York docks, it seems like no matter the time or the activity, the mob always has someone present to keep an eye out for possible business ventures. Even after the powerful Mafia figures behind it all have long since passed away.</p> <p><strong>Get the latest on organized crime and the Mafia at Gangsters Inc.'s <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=News" target="_self">news section</a>.</strong></p> <p><strong>Follow Gangsters Inc. on <a href="http://twitter.com/GangstersIncWeb" target="_blank">Twitter</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/GangstersInc" target="_blank">Facebook</a></strong></p> <p><strong>If you enjoyed this article you might also enjoy reading:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Prison Breaks: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/prison-breaks-from-mobsters-and-hitmen-to-serial-killers-and-drug" target="_self">The mobsters and hitmen who escaped from jail</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/genovese-family-mobsters-charged-with-running-off-shore-gambling" target="_self">Genovese family mobsters charged with running off-shore gambling operation</a>, 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href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/0Ty7vayRmOhwWksNhuQUEz2c2XIwsoZHl9MVL2i4K-1BIwy1bOyZzi8V-UMQ8YVNvVNryG5mgz6K3uaE8nPkHPQKCQqg8y8u/photo7.jpg" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/0Ty7vayRmOhwWksNhuQUEz2c2XIwsoZHl9MVL2i4K-1BIwy1bOyZzi8V-UMQ8YVNvVNryG5mgz6K3uaE8nPkHPQKCQqg8y8u/photo7.jpg" width="600"></img></a> <br></br><p><span class="font-size-7"><strong>United States</strong></span></p> <p><span class="font-size-4"><strong>New York:</strong></span></p> <p><em>La Cosa Nostra:</em></p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-bonanno-crime-family" target="_self">The Bonanno Crime…</a></p> </div> <div style="text-align: center;"><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/0Ty7vayRmOhwWksNhuQUEz2c2XIwsoZHl9MVL2i4K-1BIwy1bOyZzi8V-UMQ8YVNvVNryG5mgz6K3uaE8nPkHPQKCQqg8y8u/photo7.jpg"><img class="align-center" 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Edition of True Crime Classic Murder, Inc.</a><a><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/three-dead-mobsters-three-different-stories" target="_self">Three Dead Mobsters, Three Different Stories</a><a><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/gangland-hits-caught-on-video" target="_self">Mafia Hits Caught On Video Tape</a><a><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/art-imitating-life-imitating" target="_self">Art Imitating Life Imitating Art</a><a><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-rat-infested-mob" target="_self">The Rat Infested Mob</a><a><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/another-mob-social-club-bites" target="_self">Another Mob Social Club Bites The Dust</a><a><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/will-historic-mob-bust-really" target="_self">Will Historic Mob Bust Really Go Down As Historic?</a><a><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/yidfellas-the-kosher-nostra" target="_self">Yidfellas: The Kosher Nostra</a><a><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-mafia-in-the-second-world" target="_self">The Mafia in the Second World War</a><a><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mobsters-in-prison-a-story" target="_self">Mobsters in Prison: A Story From Behind Bars</a><a><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-italian-mafia-in-the" target="_self">The Italian Mafia in The Netherlands</a><a><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/photo/albums/american-murder-scenes" target="_self">Photo Gallery: American Murder Scenes</a></p> <p><em>Other crime groups:</em></p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/thieves-start-2017-by-robbing-6-million-from-manhattan-jewelry-wh" target="_self">Thieves rob $6 million from Manhattan jewelry wholesaler on New Year's Eve</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/nypd-cop-moonlighted-for-drug-gang-but-finds-no-loyalty-in-return" target="_self">NYPD cop moonlighted for drug gang but finds no loyalty in return</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/albanian-gangster-guilty-of-extortion-schemes-carried-out-with-ny" target="_self">Albanian gangster guilty of extortion schemes carried out with NYPD cop</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/gangster-and-corrupt-nypd-cop-go-down-in-violent-extortion-scheme" target="_self">Gangster and corrupt NYPD cop go down in violent extortion scheme</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-gangster-alpo-from-spanish-harlem" target="_self">The Gangster Alpo From Spanish Harlem</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/supreme-gangster-giant-towers-over-queens-rap" target="_self">Supreme: Gangster giant towers over Queens rap</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/albanian-boss-alex-rudaj" target="_self">Alex Rudaj</a> (in prison)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/drug-boss-kenneth-supreme" target="_self">Kenneth "Supreme" McGriff</a> (in prison)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/drug-boss-leroy-nicky-barnes" target="_self">Leroy "Nicky" Barnes</a> (flipped)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/drug-boss-frank-matthews" target="_self">Frank Matthews</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/an-introduction-to-the-new" target="_self">An Introduction To The New York Albanian Mob</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/folk-nation-gang-leader-sentenced-to-20-years-in-prison" target="_self">Folk Nation Gang Leader Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/very-bad-men-how-jewish-racketeers-beat-the-system" target="_self">Very Bad Men: How Jewish racketeers beat the system</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/ms-13-gang-boss-carlos-silencio-ortega" target="_self">MS-13 Gang Boss Carlos “Silencio” Ortega</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/black-caesar-the-rise-of-america-s-biggest-kingpin" target="_self">Black Caesar: The Rise of America’s Biggest Kingpin</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/former-gangsters-beefing-about-books" target="_self">Former Gangsters Beefing About Books</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/bloods-gang-leader-charged-with-three-murders" target="_self">Bloods Gang Leader Charged With Three Murders</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/new-arrests-in-violent" target="_self">New Arrests in Violent Albanian Drug Gang Bust</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-israeli-mafias-brief" target="_self">The Israeli Mafia's brief invasion of New York</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/former-drug-kingpin-ike" target="_self">Former Drug Kingpin Ike Atkinson Tells All In New Documentary</a></p> <br/> <p><span class="font-size-4"><strong>New Jersey:</strong></span></p> <p><em>La Cosa Nostra:</em></p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-decavalcante-crime-family" target="_self">The DeCavalcante Crime Family</a></p> <p><em>Others:</em></p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/n-j-boss-rufus-young-gets-15-years-for-selling-kilos-of-heroin" target="_self">Drug boss Rufus Young gets 15 years for selling kilos of heroin</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/chili-pimping-in-atlantic-city" target="_self">Chili Pimping in Atlantic City</a></p> <p><strong><span class="font-size-4">Philadelphia:</span></strong></p> <p><em>La Cosa Nostra:</em></p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-bruno-crime-family" target="_self">The Bruno Crime Family</a></p> <p><em>Others:</em></p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/i-shook-up-the-world-how-muhammad-ali-took-the-heavyweight-boxing" target="_self">How Muhammad Ali took the heavyweight boxing championship belt from the Mafia</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/drug-boss-roland-pops-bartlett" target="_self">Roland Bartlett</a> (dead)</p> <p><span class="font-size-4"><strong>Chicago, Illinois and surroundings:</strong></span></p> <p><em>La Cosa Nostra:</em></p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-chicago-outfit-overview" target="_self">The Chicago Outfit</a></p> <p><em>Others:</em></p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/chicago-mob-story-the-man-who-loved-being-a-gangster" target="_self">A Chicago Mob Story: The Man who loved being a Gangster</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/chicago-vice-lord-nation-gang-boss-dead-at-64" target="_self">Chicago Vice Lord Nation gang boss dead at 64</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/senator-declares-war-on-gangster-disciples" target="_self">Senator Declares War On Gangster Disciples</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/chicago-boss-george-bugs-moran" target="_self">George "Bugs" Moran</a> (dead)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/puparo-s-gangland-history-of-the-chicago-boroughs-1" target="_self">Gangland History of the Chicago Boroughs</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/chicago-a-gangster-history" target="_self">Chicago: A Gangster History</a></p> <p><span class="font-size-4"><strong>Rockford:</strong></span></p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/profile-rockford-s-black-gangster-disciples-boss-karl-fort" target="_self">Profile: Rockford’s Black Gangster Disciples boss Karl Fort</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/profile-rockford-crime-family-mobster-salvatore-galluzzo" target="_self">Profile: Rockford crime family mobster Salvatore Galluzzo</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-rockford-mob-s-takeover-of-the-negro-policy-racket" target="_self">The Rockford mob's takeover of the Negro Policy Racket</a></p> <p><span class="font-size-4"><strong>Boston:</strong></span></p> <p><em>La Cosa Nostra:</em></p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-new-england-crime-family" target="_self">The New England Patriarca Crime Family</a></p> <p><em>Others:</em></p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/former-associate-of-boston-mob-boss-whitey-bulger-in-court-for-19" target="_self">Ex-Bulger associate Ralph DeMasi in court for 1991 robbery murder</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/boston-mob-boss-whitey-bulger-s-possessions-up-for-auction" target="_self">Boston mob boss Whitey Bulger's possessions up for auction</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/head-of-multi-million-dollar-heroin-organization-gets-13-years" target="_self">Head of multi-million dollar heroin organization gets 13 years</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-blackfriars-massacre" target="_self">The Blackfriars Massacre</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/boston-boss-james-whitey-bulger-found-guilty" target="_self">Boston Boss James "Whitey" Bulger Found Guilty</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/court-showdown-between-whitey-and-the-rifleman" target="_self">Court Showdown Between "Whitey" and "The Rifleman"</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-making-of-mob-boss-whitey-bulger" target="_self">The Making of Mob Boss Whitey Bulger</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-kennedy-s-whiskey-barons-in-the-white-house" target="_self">The Kennedys: Whiskey Barons in the White House</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mob-boss-whitey-bulger" target="_self">Irish Mob Boss James "Whitey" Bulger Arrested</a></p> <p><span class="font-size-4"><strong>Detroit:</strong></span></p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/teaser-trailer-for-650-lifer-new-white-boy-rick-documentary" target="_self">Teaser trailer for “650 Lifer,” new White Boy Rick documentary</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/detroit-mafia-boss-black-jack-tocco-dies" target="_self">Detroit Mafia Boss “Black Jack” Tocco Dies</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/chester-wheeler-campbell-the-007-of-the-detroit-drug-mob" target="_self">Chester Wheeler Campbell: The 007 of the Detroit Drug Mob</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-color-purple-detroits" target="_self">The Color Purple: Detroit's Early Mob</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-disappearance-of-jimmy" target="_self">The Disappearance of Jimmy Hoffa</a></p> <p><span class="font-size-4"><strong>Baltimore:</strong></span></p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/female-drug-boss-jean-brown" target="_self">Female Drug Boss Jean Brown</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/baltimore-drug-boss-maurice" target="_self">Maurice "Peanut" King</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/baltimore-a-gangster-history" target="_self">Baltimore: A Gangster History</a></p> <p><strong><span class="font-size-4">Washington:</span></strong></p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/profile-washington-d-c-drug-boss-rayful-edmond" target="_self">Profile: Washington D.C. drug boss Rayful Edmond</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-murder-of-fray-a" target="_self">The Murder of Fray; A Washington D.C. Street Legend</a></p> <p><span class="font-size-4"><strong>Florida:</strong></span></p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/trafficante-family-mobster-passes-away-at-age-85" target="_self">Trafficante family mobster passes away at age 85</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/spotlight-on-tampa-mafia-with-tour-and-magazine" target="_self">Interview: Spotlight on Tampa Mafia with tour and magazine</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/cuban-boss-jose-miguel-battle" target="_self">José Miguel Battle Sr.</a> (dead)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/santo-trafficante-building-the-family-business" target="_self">Santo Trafficante: Building the Family Business</a></p> <p><span class="font-size-4"><strong>California:</strong></span></p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/all-in-the-game-two-men-who-went-from-fighting-organized-crime-an" target="_self">All In The Game: Two men who went from fighting organized crime</a> to refereeing star athletes<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/gangster-squad-cop-celebrates-100th-birthday" target="_self">Gangster Squad cop celebrates 100th birthday</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/my-loving-dad-was-a-gangster-and-bugsy-siegel-s-close-friend" target="_self">My loving dad was a gangster and Bugsy Siegel’s close friend</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/living-life-crime-bikers-prison-gangs-and-the-future" target="_self">Living Life: Crime, bikers, prison gangs, and the future</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/prison-gangs-the-aryan-brotherhood" target="_self">Prison Gangs: The Aryan Brotherhood</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/profile-armenian-power-leader-mher-darbinyan" target="_self">Profile: Armenian Power leader Mher Darbinyan</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/rap-mogul-suge-knight-shot-six-times-at-vma-party" target="_self">Rap mogul Suge Knight shot six times at VMA party</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/los-angeles-capo-jimmy-caci-has-passed-away" target="_self">Los Angeles Capo Jimmy Caci Has Passed Away</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/prison-gangs-and-the-analogy" target="_self">Prison Gangs and the Analogy of Hate</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/michael-harris-a-convicted" target="_self">Michael Harris</a>: A Convicted Drug Kingpin Who Gave Denzel His Start on Broadway</p> <p><span class="font-size-4"><strong>Las Vegas:</strong></span></p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/my-loving-dad-was-a-gangster-and-bugsy-siegel-s-close-friend" target="_self">My loving dad was a gangster and Bugsy Siegel’s close friend</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/organizer-of-most-prolific-cocaine-ring-in-alaska-gets-16-years" target="_self">Organizer of most prolific cocaine ring in Alaska gets 16 years</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/insulting-mobsters-with-don-rickles" target="_self">Insulting mobsters with comedian Don Rickles</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/interview-with-mob-lawyer-turned-mayor-oscar-goodman" target="_self">Interview with mob lawyer-turned-mayor Oscar Goodman</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/las-vegas-sin-city" target="_self">Las Vegas: Sin City</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/the-high-roller-jimmy-chagra" target="_self">The High Roller: Jimmy Chagra, Gambling &amp; Poker</a></p> <p><span class="font-size-4"><strong>Wisconsin:</strong></span></p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/a-short-history-of-la-cosa-nostra-in-madison-wi" target="_self">A short history of La Cosa Nostra in Madison, WI</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-milwaukee-mafia-family-don-t-sell-them-short" target="_self">The Milwaukee Mafia Family: Small but deadly</a></p> <p><span class="font-size-4"><strong>Ohio:</strong></span></p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/don-king-from-street-thug-to-street-name" target="_self">Don King: From street thug to street name?</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/gambino-family-mobster-carmine-agnello-s-propensity-to-repeat-his" target="_self">Gambino family mobster Carmine Agnello’s propensity to repeat history</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mobster-and-brother-of-youngstown-mafia-boss-dies" target="_self">Ohio mobster and brother of Youngstown Mafia boss dies</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/gambino-soldier-carmine-agnello-busted-in-cleveland" target="_self">Gambino soldier Carmine Agnello busted in Cleveland</a></p> <p><span class="font-size-4"><strong>Pittsburgh:</strong></span></p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/former-pittsburgh-mafia-underboss-charles-porter-dies-at-82" target="_self">Former Pittsburgh Mafia underboss Charles Porter dies at 82</a></p> <p><span class="font-size-4"><strong>Kansas City:</strong></span></p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/full-time-gangsters-part-time-" target="_self">Full-Time Gangsters Part-Time Rappers</a></p> <p><span class="font-size-4"><strong>New Orleans:</strong></span></p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/new-orleans-mobsters-caught-with-sniper-van" target="_self">New Orleans mobsters caught with “sniper van”</a></p> <p><span class="font-size-7"><strong>Canada</strong></span></p> <p><a href="gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/public-church-mass-in-memory-of-slain-montreal-mafia-boss-rocco-s" target="_self">Church mass in memory of slain Montreal Mafia boss Sollecito canceled</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/montreal-mobster-raynald-desjardins-gets-14-years-for-murder-of-e" target="_self">Raynald Desjardins gets 14 years for murder</a> of ex-Bonanno boss Salvatore Montagna<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/montreal-mobster-murdered-at-home-as-violence-continues" target="_self">Montreal mobster murdered at home as violence continues</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/arsonists-set-montreal-ablaze-as-deadly-mafia-war-continues" target="_self">Arsonists set Montreal ablaze as deadly Mafia war rages on</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/reputed-montreal-mafia-boss-granted-bail-in-drug-case" target="_self">Reputed Montreal Mafia boss granted bail in drug case</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/montreal-mafia-war-claims-life-of-yet-another-mob-boss" target="_self">Montreal Mafia war claims life of mob boss Rocco Sollecito</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/six-plead-guilty-in-murder-of-ex-bonanno-family-mob-boss" target="_self">Six plead guilty in murder of ex-Bonanno family mob boss</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/another-mob-boss-whacked-in-montreal-mafia-gangland-hit" target="_self">Lorenzo Giordano whacked in Montreal Mafia gangland hit</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/montreal-mobster-caught-in-arizona-with-62-kilos-of-cocaine" target="_self">Montreal mobster caught in Arizona with 62 kilos of cocaine</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/montreal-mafia-boss-arcadi-to-be-released-soon" target="_self">Montreal Mafia boss Arcadi to be released from prison soon</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/murder-of-mob-boss-rocco-zito-hit-or-domestic-dispute" target="_self">Murder of mob boss Rocco Zito: Hit or domestic dispute?</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/leaders-of-montreal-mafia-and-hells-angels-busted-in-raids" target="_self">Leaders of Montreal Mafia and Hells Angels busted in raids</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mobster-shot-to-death-at-restaurant-in-montreal" target="_self">Mobster shot to death at restaurant in Montreal</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-canadian-connection-flooding-the-u-s-with-dope" target="_self">The Canadian Connection: Flooding the U.S. with dope</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/montreal-mafia-boss-vito-rizzuto-1946-2013" target="_self">Montreal Mafia Boss Vito Rizzuto (1946 - 2013)</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mobster-di-maulo-14th-victim-of-montreal-mafia-war" target="_self">Mobster Di Maulo 14th victim of Montreal Mafia war</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/bonanno-boss-murdered-near-montreal" target="_self">Bonanno Boss Murdered Near Montreal</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/montreal-mafia-bust-project" target="_self">Montreal Bust: Project Colisée</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-mafia-of-montreal-a-short" target="_self">Mafia of Montréal: A Short History</a></p> <p><span class="font-size-5"><strong>Various articles and interviews:</strong></span></p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/gangsters-inc-s-mafia-speak" target="_self">Gangsters Inc.’s Mafia Speak</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/prison-breaks-from-mobsters-and-hitmen-to-serial-killers-and-drug" target="_self">Prison Breaks - From mobsters to serial killers and drug lords:</a> The men who escaped from jail<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/donald-j-trump-s-gangbusters-how-will-america-s-new-president-tak" target="_self">Donald J. Trump’s Gangbusters:</a> How will America’s new president take on the Mafia and drug cartels?<a><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/all-in-the-game-two-men-who-went-from-fighting-organized-crime-an" target="_self">All In The Game: Two men who went from fighting organized crime</a><a>to refereeing star athletes<br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/deadly-bizarre-and-morbid-murder-inc-comes-to-the-mob-museum-in-l" target="_self">Deadly, bizarre, and morbid: Murder Inc.</a><a><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-american-mafia-and-its-use-of-colorful-nicknames" target="_self">The American Mafia and its use of colorful nicknames</a><a><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/how-guards-go-on-assaulting-inmates-without-consequences" target="_self">How guards keep assaulting inmates without consequences</a><a><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/i-shook-up-the-world-how-muhammad-ali-took-the-heavyweight-boxing" target="_self">How Muhammad Ali took the heavyweight boxing championship belt from the Mafia</a><a><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/top-4-stone-cold-gangsters-who-look-like-wimps" target="_self">Top 4 stone cold gangsters who look like wimps</a><a><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/how-meyer-lansky-laundered-the-american-mafia-s-dirty-cash-and-ma" target="_self">How Meyer Lansky laundered the American Mafia’s dirty cash</a><a>– and made them bigger than US Steel<br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/ten-must-visit-mob-bars-and-lounges" target="_self">Ten Must-Visit Mob Bars and Lounges</a><a><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-american-mafia-bets-on-the-world-and-wins-big" target="_self">The American Mafia bets on the world and wins big</a><a><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/cops-make-the-deadliest-mafia-hit-men" target="_self">Cops make the deadliest Mafia hit men</a><a><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/always-a-gangster-racketeering-at-the-nursing-home" target="_self">Always a gangster: Racketeering in the nursing home</a><a><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/5-of-the-dumbest-moves-in-mafia-history" target="_self">5 of the dumbest moves in Mafia history</a><a><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/top-5-of-true-stand-up-wiseguys" target="_self">Top 5 of True Stand Up Wiseguys</a><a><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-jamaican-shower-posse-a-family-business" target="_self">The Jamaican Shower Posse: A Family Business</a><a><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/jon-stewart-s-the-daily-mafia-show" target="_self">Jon Stewart’s The Daily Show greatest Mafia hits… uh bits</a><a><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/reality-tv-showing-audiences-fake-ganglands" target="_self">Reality TV Showing Audiences Fake Ganglands</a><a><br/> Exclusive Interview With Convicted </a><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/exclusive-interview-with" target="_self">LSD Kingpin Turned Author Seth Ferranti</a><a><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/a-gangster-christmas-we-got-this" target="_self">A Gangster Christmas: We got this!</a><a><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/joe-pesci-actor-rapper-wiseguy" target="_self">Joe Pesci: Actor, Rapper, Wiseguy</a><a><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/with-broome-street-boys-director-brings-back-gritty-mob-flick" target="_self">With Broome Street Boys director brings back gritty mob flick</a></p> <p><img src="http://caesars.7eer.net/i/179226/1336/30" style="xg-p: absolute; visibility: hidden;" height="0" width="0" border="0"/></p> </div> <p>bost</p> El Paso drug boss sentenced to 12 Years in prison for trafficking cocaine tag:gangstersinc.ning.com,2017-01-12:6329524:BlogPost:79130 Gangsters Inc. http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profile/2g2lucitjcn3w <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/el-paso-drug-boss-sentenced-to-12-years-in-prison-for-trafficking" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/XXixQWRYlp4sePTnboYOWKCd71TMi7XVb5qmsVVtv-b4Q525gYJTl6mssCr3fOd2evjk8k0d0HdNhngw0sWzoa9imyRQsRux/cocainemoneyGANGSTERSINC.jpg?width=400" width="400"></img></a> By Gangsters Inc. Editors</p> <p>The leader of a drug trafficking organization that smuggled cocaine from <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Mexico" target="_self">Mexico</a> into the United States was sentenced to 12 years in prison today. 57-year-old Raul Chavez headed an operation that smuggled cocaine from Mexico…</p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/el-paso-drug-boss-sentenced-to-12-years-in-prison-for-trafficking" target="_self"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/XXixQWRYlp4sePTnboYOWKCd71TMi7XVb5qmsVVtv-b4Q525gYJTl6mssCr3fOd2evjk8k0d0HdNhngw0sWzoa9imyRQsRux/cocainemoneyGANGSTERSINC.jpg?width=400" class="align-center" width="400"/></a>By Gangsters Inc. Editors</p> <p>The leader of a drug trafficking organization that smuggled cocaine from <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Mexico" target="_self">Mexico</a> into the United States was sentenced to 12 years in prison today. 57-year-old Raul Chavez headed an operation that smuggled cocaine from Mexico into El Paso, Texas, and then transported the drug to Connecticut and elsewhere.</p> <p>A <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=DEA" target="_self">DEA</a> investigation revealed that the Chavez organization had been supplying multiple kilograms of <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Cocaine" target="_self">cocaine</a> to Hartford-area distributors since approximately 2004. Several times a year, Chavez and his men sent shipments in the range of 30 to 40 kilograms of coke from El Paso into <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Connecticut" target="_self">Connecticut</a>.</p> <p>In 2014, the Chavez organization attempted to find an additional source of supply for its Hartford area cocaine customers. In July 2014, a DEA confidential source met Andrew Duron, also known as “Chavo,” in North Carolina. During the meeting, Duron told the confidential source that he wanted to purchase up to 50 kilograms of cocaine for $28,000 per kilogram. </p> <ul> <li><strong>Read: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/los-zetas-teenage-hitmen-torture-and-drugs-wolf-boys-gives-intima" target="_self">Wolf Boys gives intimate look into hellish Cartel underworld</a></strong></li> </ul> <p>Duron, the confidential source and an undercover DEA agent then met in <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=NJ" target="_self">New Jersey</a> on August 14, 2014, where Duron agreed to purchase 25 kilograms of cocaine. In subsequent conversations with the confidential source, Duron stated that he wanted an extra $1000 per kilogram as a side deal. They agreed on a total price of $725,000 for 25 kilograms of cocaine.</p> <p>Investigators discovered that this cocaine shipment was destined for Tyshawn Welborn, also known as “Black,” of Bloomfield, and Todd Vernon of Hartford, the latter of whom prepaid for approximately 13 kilograms of cocaine. On August 22, 2014, Chavez and others met with Welborn at a restaurant in East Windsor where they discussed the pick-up of money from Welborn the following day and its delivery to a location to be determined.</p> <p>On August 23, 2014, Duron met the undercover DEA agent at a location in Wethersfield. Duron told the undercover agent that his associates were in Connecticut and that Duron and the undercover agent would need to travel to a store parking lot near Bradley International Airport to verify that the money was in place. Duron and the undercover agent then drove in separate vehicles to a store parking lot on Kennedy Road in Windsor. Duron met with Chavez and another associate in the store.  A short time later, a third associate arrived in a Jeep Wrangler, met the undercover agent in the parking lot, showed him a duffel bag and said it contained “half” of the money.</p> <p>Shortly thereafter, agents arrived at the scene and arrested Duron, Chavez and his associates. DEA agents also recovered from the Jeep a duffel bag containing approximately $284,000 in cash, and a loaded .38 caliber revolver. The cash had been picked up from Welborn earlier that day.</p> <p>After word reached Chavez’s son, Christopher Chavez, that his father and others had been arrested, Christopher Chavez coordinated the diversion of a shipment of 34 kilograms of cocaine, which was on its way to Connecticut, to a high-level drug distributor in Cleveland, Ohio. </p> <p>Chavez has been detained since his arrest. On March 11, 2016, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine. Duron, Welborn, Vernon and Christopher Chavez also pleaded guilty. On September 22, 2015, Duron, of El Paso, was sentenced to 84 months of imprisonment; on October 7, 2016, Christopher Chavez, of El Paso, was sentenced to 60 months of imprisonment, and on December 21, 2016, Welborn was sentenced to 84 months of imprisonment.  Vernon awaits sentencing.</p> <p><strong>Get the latest on organized crime and the Mafia first at the Gangsters Inc. <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=News" target="_self">news section</a>.</strong></p> <p><strong>Follow Gangsters Inc. on <a href="http://twitter.com/GangstersIncWeb" target="_blank">Twitter</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/GangstersInc" target="_blank">Facebook</a>.</strong></p> <p><strong>If you enjoyed this article you might also enjoy reading:</strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/los-zetas-teenage-hitmen-torture-and-drugs-wolf-boys-gives-intima" target="_self">Wolf Boys gives hellish look into Mexican cartel underworld</a></li> <li>Profile: Jalisco New Generation cartel boss <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/profile-jalisco-cartel-boss-nemesio-oseguera-cervantes" target="_self">Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes</a></li> <li>VIDEO: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/video-nephew-of-gulf-cartel-boss-shot-dead-by-sicario" target="_self">Nephew of Gulf cartel boss shot dead by sicario</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/jennifer-lopez-to-star-as-drug-lord-griselda-blanco-in-new-hbo-mo" target="_self">Jennifer Lopez stars as drug lord Griseldo Blanco in new HBO movie</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/power-play-the-kidnapping-and-release-of-el-chapo-s-son" target="_self">Power Play: The kidnapping and release of El Chapo's son</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/sinaloa-cartel-operation-busted-in-new-york-ring-used-front-compa" target="_self">Sinaloa cartel operation busted in New York</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/pablo-escobars-war-on-colombia" target="_self">Pablo Escobar's war on Colombia</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/colombian-drug-kingpin-gets-35-years-in-prison-for-massive-cocain" target="_self">Colombian drug kingpin gets 35 years in prison for coke conspiracy</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/escobar-versus-cali-the-war-of-the-cartels" target="_self">Escobar vs Cali: War of the Cartels</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/godmother-griselda-blanco-gunned-down-in-colombia" target="_self">Godmother Griselda Blanco shot to death in Colombia</a></li> <li>Clock is ticking: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/clock-is-ticking-mexico-approves-el-chapo-s-extradition-to-us" target="_self">Mexico approves El Chapo's extradition to US</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mexican-drug-boss-el-chapo-guzman-caught" target="_self">Mexican drug boss El Chapo Guzman recaptured</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mexican-cartels-tighten-iron-grip-on-us-drug-markets" target="_self">Mexican cartels tighten iron grip on US drug markets</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/top-5-drug-lords-killed-while-on-the-run" target="_self">Top 5 drug lords killed while on the run</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/did-el-chapo-put-a-100-million-bounty-on-trump-or-not" target="_self">Did El Chapo put a $100 million bounty on Trump or not?</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/how-atf-s-fast-and-furious-crashed-and-burned" target="_self">How ATF's Fast and Furious crashed and burned</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/spotlight-on-tampa-mafia-with-tour-and-magazine" target="_self">Spotlight on Tampa Mafia with tour and magazine</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/gangsters-inc-sits-down-with-fbi-agent-jack-garcia" target="_self">Gangsters Inc. sits down with FBI agent Jack Garcia</a></li> </ul> <p><strong>Copyright © Gangsters Inc.</strong></p> The Chicago Outfit - Overview Gangsters Inc. http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profile/2g2lucitjcn3w <div style="text-align: center;"><font size="5"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/-A0wW*3E92lKegIzRR3Ioyo1IDnYDpGL4iGI5lq6FvhRf014n-dskYDPbNeI80yuLyXqtw9*puRfLkcQrZGO5fcQnN9itOmT/photo19.jpg" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/-A0wW*3E92lKegIzRR3Ioyo1IDnYDpGL4iGI5lq6FvhRf014n-dskYDPbNeI80yuLyXqtw9*puRfLkcQrZGO5fcQnN9itOmT/photo19.jpg" width="600"></img></a></span></font></div> <p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Estimate members</span>: Between 50 and 90 made members<br></br> <span style="font-weight: bold;">First Boss</span>: James "Big Jim" Colosimo<br></br> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Primary…</span></p> <div style="text-align: center;"><font size="5"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/-A0wW*3E92lKegIzRR3Ioyo1IDnYDpGL4iGI5lq6FvhRf014n-dskYDPbNeI80yuLyXqtw9*puRfLkcQrZGO5fcQnN9itOmT/photo19.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/-A0wW*3E92lKegIzRR3Ioyo1IDnYDpGL4iGI5lq6FvhRf014n-dskYDPbNeI80yuLyXqtw9*puRfLkcQrZGO5fcQnN9itOmT/photo19.jpg" width="600"/></a></span></font></div> <p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Estimate members</span>: Between 50 and 90 made members<br/> <span style="font-weight: bold;">First Boss</span>: James "Big Jim" Colosimo<br/> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Primary rackets</span>: Gambling, extortion and loan sharking.<br/> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Boss</span>: The Chicago Outfit has always been very secretive about its bosses. The last decade several names popped up time after time: Joseph Lombardo, James Marcello, John DiFronzo. Of these three men only DiFronzo is living in freedom. The other two were found guilty in the Family Secrets trial. Whether DiFronzo is the new boss is open for discussion.</p> <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">BOSSES</span>:<br/> <br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/chicago-boss-joseph-lombardo">Joseph "The Clown" Lombardo</a> (in prison)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/chicago-boss-joseph-joey-doves">Joseph "Joey Doves" Aiuppa</a> (dead, natural causes)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/chicago-boss-antonino-accardo">Antonino "Joe Batters" Accardo</a> (dead, natural causes)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/chicago-boss-paul-the-waiter">Paul "The Waiter" Ricca</a> (dead, natural causes)<br/> <br/> <br/> <span style="font-weight: bold;">SOLDIERS</span>:<br/> <br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/chicago-soldier-anthony-the">Anthony "The Ant" Spilotro</a> (whacked)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/chicago-soldier-mad-sam">Sam "Mad Sam" DeStefano</a> (whacked)<br/> <br/> <span style="font-weight: bold;">ARTICLES</span>:<br/> <br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/al-capone-s-beer-wars-book-delves-into-prohibition-era-chicago-ga">New book delves into Capone's Beer Wars</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/world-series-2016-winners-chicago-cubs-meet-your-most-notorious-f">Chicago Cubs' biggest fan: Mob boss Al Capone</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/chicago-mob-underboss-anthony-zizzo-disappeared-10-years-ago-but">Chicago mob underboss Anthony Zizzo disappeared 10 years ago</a>, FBI continues search, offers $10G<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/take-a-tour-through-mob-boss-al-capone-s-playground">Take a tour through mob boss Al Capone’s 'playground'</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/cops-make-the-deadliest-mafia-hit-men">Cops make the deadliest Mafia hit men</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/puparo-s-gangland-history-of-the-chicago-boroughs-1">Gangland History of the Chicago Boroughs and its Racketeers</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/chicago-a-gangster-history">Chicago: A Gangster History</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/chicago-hitman-frank-calabrese-sr-dies-in-prison">Chicago Hitman Frank Calabrese Sr. Dies in Prison</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/how-the-chicago-outfit-made">How The Chicago Outfit Made Its Hollywood Dreams Come True</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-message-dont-fuck-with">The Message: Don't Fuck With Antonino Accardo</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/tony-spilotro-and-his-hole-in">Tony Spilotro &amp; His Hole in the Wall Gang</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/chicagos-family-secrets">Chicago's Family Secrets</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/hollywood-to-tell-story-of-chicago-bosses-accardo-giancana">Hollywood tells story of Chicago bosses Accardo &amp; Giancana</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-truth-behind-movie-classic-casino">The Facts Behind Movie Classic Casino</a><br/> <br/> <strong>VIDEO:</strong></div> <div style="text-align: center;"></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/video-al-capone-s-beer-wars-ravage-chicago" target="_self">Al Capone's Beer Wars ravage Chicago</a><br/> <br/> <span style="font-weight: bold;">PHOTO GALLERY:</span><br/> <br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/photo/albums/al-capone">Al Capone Gallery</a></div> <p> </p> Al Capone’s Beer Wars: Book delves into Prohibition-era Chicago gangland violence, revealing rare facts and insights tag:gangstersinc.ning.com,2017-01-10:6329524:BlogPost:79238 Gangsters Inc. http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profile/2g2lucitjcn3w <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/al-capone-s-beer-wars-book-delves-into-prohibition-era-chicago-ga" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/AiTnxaHmrQ89SMt9YLpveFgQX7udL1rM2NoOvp5jJsEEMfynpOGFqx9tUlS67HokO3c9FIED6Q1UCP1--er0k5NWFZ3qKhUy/AlCaponeChicagoBeerWars.jpg?width=520" width="520"></img></a> By David Amoruso</p> <p>Chicago during Prohibition was a place of extremes. It was a city where men made more money than God as they smuggled booze, set up speakeasies, engaged in labor racketeering, ran prostitution and organized gambling. It was also where many of them died violent deaths at the hands of their rivals as various gangs fought…</p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/al-capone-s-beer-wars-book-delves-into-prohibition-era-chicago-ga" target="_self"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/AiTnxaHmrQ89SMt9YLpveFgQX7udL1rM2NoOvp5jJsEEMfynpOGFqx9tUlS67HokO3c9FIED6Q1UCP1--er0k5NWFZ3qKhUy/AlCaponeChicagoBeerWars.jpg?width=520" class="align-center" width="520"/></a>By David Amoruso</p> <p>Chicago during Prohibition was a place of extremes. It was a city where men made more money than God as they smuggled booze, set up speakeasies, engaged in labor racketeering, ran prostitution and organized gambling. It was also where many of them died violent deaths at the hands of their rivals as various gangs fought for supremacy. Now, author John J. Binder gives readers a complete account of those turbulent times in his forthcoming book <i><a href="http://amzn.to/2jpJ9Vv" target="_blank">Al Capone's Beer Wars</a>: A Complete History of Organized Crime in Chicago during Prohibition</i>.</p> <p>Based on over two decades of exhaustive research by renowned mob historian Binder, the book covers the entire period from 1920 to 1933. A major focus is how the gang led by infamous <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Capone" target="_self">mob boss Al Capone</a> gained a virtual monopoly over organized crime in northern Illinois and beyond even though it was just one of a staggering twelve major bootlegging gangs vying for territory at the start of <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Prohibition" target="_self">Prohibition</a>.</p> <p>Binder will detail these gangs extensively, he writes Gangsters Inc. Interestingly enough, many of these groups are virtually unknown to the public as they have at best barely before been discussed in books to date. These include:</p> <ul> <li>The Guilfoyle-Kolb-Winge gang</li> <li>The Schultz-Horan gang</li> <li>The Cook-Vogel gang</li> <li>The O’Donnell-McErlane gang, formed when Frank McErlane left the Saltis-McErlane gang and joined his long-time adversary “Spike” O’Donnell</li> <li>The Downs-McGeoghegan-Quinlan gang</li> <li>The McErlane gang, which was created when the O’Donnell-McErlane gang split into three separate groups</li> </ul> <p>As Binder takes readers deeper into the <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Chicago" target="_self">Chicago gangland</a> of that era, showing them its secrets and unknown players, he also refutes numerous myths, such as:</p> <ul> <li>The South Side O’Donnell gang was formed in 1923 when Spike O’Donnell was released from prison</li> <li>An inter-gang squad of killers punished the South Side O’Donnell mob when it invaded Saltis-McErlane territory in the fall of 1923</li> <li>The Saint Valentine’s Day Massacre was not a Capone operation</li> <li>The North Side gang only had 7 members, if you count the optometrist and the mechanic, in early 1929</li> <li>The North Side gang broke up right after the Saint Valentine’s Day Massacre</li> <li>The Capone gang controlled almost all bootlegging in Chicago before Capone went to prison in 1931</li> <li>Over 700 members of the major bootlegging gangs were killed during the Prohibition Era gang wars in Chicago</li> <li>The Thompson submachine gun was heavily used in these murders</li> <li>The Capone gang did not deal in illegal narcotics</li> <li>Policy gambling was invented in Chicago in the 1890s</li> </ul> <p>While his focus is on Chicago’s criminal element, Binder hasn’t forgotten about the brave members of law enforcement and citizens who stood up to the violent gangsters. He describes the fight by federal and local authorities, as well as citizens' groups, against organized crime.</p> <p>What emerges is a big – and very detailed - picture of how <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-chicago-outfit-overview" target="_self">Chicago's underworld</a> evolved during this period. This broad perspective goes well beyond Capone and specific acts of violence and brings to light what was happening elsewhere in Chicagoland and what happened after <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Capone" target="_self">Capone</a> went to jail.</p> <p><em><strong><a href="http://amzn.to/2jpJ9Vv" target="_blank">Al Capone's Beer Wars</a>: A Complete History of Organized Crime in Chicago during Prohibition by author John J. Binder will be available at stores on June 6, 2017. </strong></em></p> <p><strong>Get the latest on organized crime and the Mafia at Gangsters Inc.'s <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=News" target="_self">news section</a>.</strong></p> <p><strong>Follow Gangsters Inc. on <a href="http://twitter.com/GangstersIncWeb" target="_blank">Twitter</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/GangstersInc" target="_blank">Facebook</a></strong></p> <p><strong>If you enjoyed this article you might also enjoy reading:</strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/deadly-bizarre-and-morbid-murder-inc-comes-to-the-mob-museum-in-l" target="_self">Deadly, morbid, and bizarre: Murder Inc.</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/world-series-2016-winners-chicago-cubs-meet-your-most-notorious-f" target="_self">The Chicago Cubs' biggest fan: Al Capone</a></li> <li>VIDEO: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/video-al-capone-s-beer-wars-ravage-chicago" target="_self">Al Capone's Beer Wars ravage Chicago</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/take-a-tour-through-mob-boss-al-capone-s-playground" target="_self">Take a tour through Al Capone's 'playground'</a></li> <li>The Man Who Runs New York: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/profile-genovese-crime-family-boss-liborio-bellomo" target="_self">Genovese family boss Liborio Bellomo</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/rumble-at-rao-s-it-s-not-over-till-the-fat-lady-sings-the-night-l" target="_self">Rumble at Rao's: Restaurant of the stars and the Mafia</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-american-mafia-and-its-use-of-colorful-nicknames" target="_self">The American Mafia and its use of colorful nicknames</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/how-meyer-lansky-laundered-the-american-mafia-s-dirty-cash-and-ma" target="_self">How Meyer Lansky laundered the Mafia's dirty cash</a> - and made them bigger than US Steel</li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/my-loving-dad-was-a-gangster-and-bugsy-siegel-s-close-friend" target="_self">My loving dad was a gangster and Bugsy Siegel's close friend</a></li> <li>Lucky's Luck: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/luckys-luck-how-charlie" target="_self">How Charlie Luciano got out of jail and passed go</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/top-4-stone-cold-gangsters-who-look-like-wimps" target="_self">Top 4 stone cold gangsters who look like total wimps</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/joey-merlino-living-like-a-boss-in-florida" target="_self">Joey Merlino living like a boss in Florida</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mafia-math-calculating-italian-organized-crime-s-illicit-income" target="_self">Mafia Math: Calculating Italian organized crime's illicit income</a></li> <li>INTERVIEW: Former mob boss <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/interview-john-gotti-jr-sits-down-with-gangsters-inc" target="_self">John Gotti Junior sits down with Gangsters Inc.</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/new-map-shows-mob-social-clubs-in-new-york" target="_self">New map shows mob social clubs in New York City</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/ten-must-visit-mob-bars-and-lounges" target="_self">Ten Must-Visit Mob Bars and Lounges</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-american-mafia-bets-on-the-world-and-wins-big" target="_self">The American Mafia bets on the world and wins big</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/how-bonanno-goodfellas-whacked-lufthansa-loot" target="_self">How Bonanno goodfellas whacked Lufthansa heist loot</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/gangsters-inc-sits-down-with-fbi-agent-jack-garcia" target="_self">Gangsters Inc. sits down with FBI agent Jack Garcia</a></li> </ul> <p><strong>Copyright © Gangsters Inc.</strong></p> Airport employee tried to smuggle $2.1 million worth of heroin wrapped in Christmas paper in luggage tag:gangstersinc.ning.com,2017-01-10:6329524:BlogPost:79252 Gangsters Inc. http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profile/2g2lucitjcn3w <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/airport-employee-tried-to-smuggle-2-1-million-worth-of-heroin-wra" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/XXixQWRYlp7YHs2dzLWxHS2y9GbTq*LWC*tix3MLhHDpuCXUDBdspb587uN*Z4tE0Eql6VpNHKOKrMBFWFRMZ4a6QaVATRu5/LAXAirport.jpg?width=520" width="520"></img></a> By Gangsters Inc. Editors</p> <p>James Mitchell, an employee of Aero Port Services at LAX, was indicted today on federal drug trafficking charges for allegedly trying to smuggle at least one kilogram of heroin on a plane leaving Los Angeles International Airport. The heroin was wrapped in Christmas paper and concealed in checked luggage on a…</p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/airport-employee-tried-to-smuggle-2-1-million-worth-of-heroin-wra" target="_self"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/XXixQWRYlp7YHs2dzLWxHS2y9GbTq*LWC*tix3MLhHDpuCXUDBdspb587uN*Z4tE0Eql6VpNHKOKrMBFWFRMZ4a6QaVATRu5/LAXAirport.jpg?width=520" class="align-center" width="520"/></a>By Gangsters Inc. Editors</p> <p>James Mitchell, an employee of Aero Port Services at LAX, was indicted today on federal drug trafficking charges for allegedly trying to smuggle at least one kilogram of heroin on a plane leaving Los Angeles International Airport. The heroin was wrapped in Christmas paper and concealed in checked luggage on a flight that was bound for Cincinnati, Ohio. A federal grand jury indicted Mitchell on one count of possession with intent to distribute <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Heroin" target="_self">heroin</a>.</p> <p>While the indictment alleges more than one kilogram of heroin, authorities recovered approximately six kilograms of heroin from Mitchell’s luggage. The narcotics would have a street value of approximately $2.1 million in Ohio.</p> <p>At the time of the narcotics seizure, Mitchell was an employee of Aero Port Services at LAX and had direct access to secure areas of the airport. The complaint specifically alleges that Mitchell attempted to smuggle approximately 2.15 pounds of heroin through a security checkpoint at LAX on December 10.</p> <p>At that date, Mitchell had checked in for a Frontier Airlines flight to Cincinnati, Ohio, only two days after purchasing a one-way ticket. Mitchell checked one article of luggage that “alerted to an unknown dense material” during an “image scan” by the Transportation Security Administration. An inspection of the bag revealed “six packages of a suspicious gray brittle concrete-like substance,” one of which later tested positive for heroin. The packages were wrapped in Christmas-themed paper.</p> <p>TSA officials noted a “vinegar odor” emanating from one of the packages, which prompted Los Angeles World Airport (LAWA) police officers to seek assistance from a Hazardous Materials Unit. A portion of Terminal 3 was closed while personnel worked to detect and alleviate any potential chemical threat.</p> <p>LAWA Police responding to the scene worked with Frontier Airlines in an attempt to locate Mitchell. When he answered a phone call from Frontier personnel, Mitchell told the gate agent he was in the restroom and not feeling well. At about this same time, airport surveillance cameras captured Mitchell exiting the terminal while speaking on a cell phone. Once outside, Mitchell removed a beanie cap from his head and changed his sweater, disappearing on foot in the lower terminal arrival area.</p> <p>Investigators ultimately tracked Mitchell down at his Pico-Union residence, obtained an arrest warrant, and took him into custody without incident on December 21, 2016.</p> <p>If he is convicted of the drug trafficking charge, he would face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison and a statutory maximum sentence of life. He is scheduled to be arraigned on the indictment in United States District Court on January 18.</p> <p><strong>Get the latest on organized crime and the Mafia first at the Gangsters Inc. <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=News" target="_self">news section</a>.</strong></p> <p><strong>Follow Gangsters Inc. on <a href="http://twitter.com/GangstersIncWeb" target="_blank">Twitter</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/GangstersInc" target="_blank">Facebook</a>.</strong></p> <p><strong>If you enjoyed this article you might also enjoy reading:</strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/los-zetas-teenage-hitmen-torture-and-drugs-wolf-boys-gives-intima" target="_self">Wolf Boys gives hellish look into Mexican cartel underworld</a></li> <li>Profile: Jalisco New Generation cartel boss <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/profile-jalisco-cartel-boss-nemesio-oseguera-cervantes" target="_self">Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes</a></li> <li>VIDEO: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/video-nephew-of-gulf-cartel-boss-shot-dead-by-sicario" target="_self">Nephew of Gulf cartel boss shot dead by sicario</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/jennifer-lopez-to-star-as-drug-lord-griselda-blanco-in-new-hbo-mo" target="_self">Jennifer Lopez stars as drug lord Griseldo Blanco in new HBO movie</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/power-play-the-kidnapping-and-release-of-el-chapo-s-son" target="_self">Power Play: The kidnapping and release of El Chapo's son</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/sinaloa-cartel-operation-busted-in-new-york-ring-used-front-compa" target="_self">Sinaloa cartel operation busted in New York</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/pablo-escobars-war-on-colombia" target="_self">Pablo Escobar's war on Colombia</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/colombian-drug-kingpin-gets-35-years-in-prison-for-massive-cocain" target="_self">Colombian drug kingpin gets 35 years in prison for coke conspiracy</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/escobar-versus-cali-the-war-of-the-cartels" target="_self">Escobar vs Cali: War of the Cartels</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/godmother-griselda-blanco-gunned-down-in-colombia" target="_self">Godmother Griselda Blanco shot to death in Colombia</a></li> <li>Clock is ticking: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/clock-is-ticking-mexico-approves-el-chapo-s-extradition-to-us" target="_self">Mexico approves El Chapo's extradition to US</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mexican-drug-boss-el-chapo-guzman-caught" target="_self">Mexican drug boss El Chapo Guzman recaptured</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mexican-cartels-tighten-iron-grip-on-us-drug-markets" target="_self">Mexican cartels tighten iron grip on US drug markets</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/top-5-drug-lords-killed-while-on-the-run" target="_self">Top 5 drug lords killed while on the run</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/did-el-chapo-put-a-100-million-bounty-on-trump-or-not" target="_self">Did El Chapo put a $100 million bounty on Trump or not?</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/how-atf-s-fast-and-furious-crashed-and-burned" target="_self">How ATF's Fast and Furious crashed and burned</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/spotlight-on-tampa-mafia-with-tour-and-magazine" target="_self">Spotlight on Tampa Mafia with tour and magazine</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/gangsters-inc-sits-down-with-fbi-agent-jack-garcia" target="_self">Gangsters Inc. sits down with FBI agent Jack Garcia</a></li> </ul> <p><strong>Copyright © Gangsters Inc.</strong></p> Triads - Overview Gangsters Inc. http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profile/2g2lucitjcn3w <p><strong><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/0Ty7vayRmOjIdXdeeCsBMj3aX8SkOUiyLfqQ*y7MEZ166qe9yq84mH5HpazDi3pySNIED*V6jUwGAcYqqbNymfxOhG8cEmp2/photo10.jpg" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/0Ty7vayRmOjIdXdeeCsBMj3aX8SkOUiyLfqQ*y7MEZ166qe9yq84mH5HpazDi3pySNIED*V6jUwGAcYqqbNymfxOhG8cEmp2/photo10.jpg" width="600"></img></a></strong></p> <p><strong>HISTORY</strong><br></br> <br></br> The Chinese Triads find their origin centuries ago. At least since the Tang dynasty (617-907) China has had secret societies. Several Triads identify themselves with the White Lotus Society. The White Lotus Society expelled the Mongolian occupation force…</p> <p><strong><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/0Ty7vayRmOjIdXdeeCsBMj3aX8SkOUiyLfqQ*y7MEZ166qe9yq84mH5HpazDi3pySNIED*V6jUwGAcYqqbNymfxOhG8cEmp2/photo10.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/0Ty7vayRmOjIdXdeeCsBMj3aX8SkOUiyLfqQ*y7MEZ166qe9yq84mH5HpazDi3pySNIED*V6jUwGAcYqqbNymfxOhG8cEmp2/photo10.jpg" width="600"/></a></strong></p> <p><strong>HISTORY</strong><br/> <br/> The Chinese Triads find their origin centuries ago. At least since the Tang dynasty (617-907) China has had secret societies. Several Triads identify themselves with the White Lotus Society. The White Lotus Society expelled the Mongolian occupation force from China and installed Buddhist monk Hung Wu as the first Ming emperor in 1368. Another incident several Triads identify themselves with, takes place in the 17th century. It tells the story of 128 monks of the Shao Lin convent who offer their services to the second emperor of the Qing dynasty, and defend China from invading forces. The emperor was frightened by their power and burned down their convent. 110 monks died in the fire, 18 escaped the flames, of which only 5 managed to get to a safe haven. These five monks became known as the First Five Ancestors. These five men founded a secret society to avenge their dead brothers.<br/> <br/> <strong>TRIADS: BASE AND OPERATIONS</strong><br/> <br/> The Triads operate throughout the world, but their main base of operations is Hong Kong. Other important bases are: Shanghai, Macau, Taiwan, and Singapore. Triads are involved in gambling, loansharking, extortion, drugs- arms- and people smuggling.<br/> <br/> The three main Triad groups are:<br/> - 14K Triad, which consists of twenty subgroups.<br/> - The Wo group, consists of twelve factions, including Wo Shing Wo, and Wo On Lok.<br/> - The Teochiu Societies, consists of six subdivisions, of which San Yee On is the biggest and best known.</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>TRIAD HIERARCHY:</strong><br/> <br/> In a Triad society each rank has its own specific number. 489 indicates the leader, or Shan Chu. He is followed by the 438, the incense master, or Heung Chu, who is responsible for the ceremonial duties. Then there are the adviser, under 415, the Red Pole, under 426, who is a master in kung fu and is part of the military wing, the messenger, under 432, who meets with members of other Triads, and the 49, who holds the lowest rank.</p> <center><div><strong>PROFILES:</strong><br/> <br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/hong-kong-triad-boss-arrested-in-us-129-million-fraud-case">Hong Kong Wo Shing Wo Triad boss Kwok Wing-hung</a> (prison)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-rat-who-became-king-triad-boss-raymond-chow">The Rat who became King: Triad boss Raymond Chow</a> (prison)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/profile-macau-triad-boss-tong-sang-lai">Macau Triad Boss: Tong Sang Lai</a> (living in freedom)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/triad-gangster-accused-of-running-gambling-empire">Wei Seng Phua</a> (living in freedom)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/triad-boss-peter-chong">San Francisco Triad Boss: Peter Chong</a> (living in freedom)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/triad-boss-wan-kuokkoi-aka">Macau Triad Boss: Wan Kuok-koi</a> (living in freedom)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/triad-boss-chung-mon">Dutch Triad Boss: Chung Mon</a> (killed)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/profile-shanghai-triad-boss-du-yueh-sheng" target="_self">Shanghai Triad boss Du Yueh-sheng</a> (dead, natural causes)<br/> <br/> <strong>ARTICLES:</strong><br/> <br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/henchmen-of-convicted-san-francisco-crime-boss-raymond-chow-reach">Henchmen of San Francisco crime boss Raymond Chow reach plea deals</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/china-sends-crime-boss-and-66-members-of-mob-style-syndicate-to-p">China sends crime boss and 66 members of mob-style syndicate to prison</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/san-francisco-crime-boss-shrimp-boy-chow-gets-two-life-terms-in-p">San Francisco crime boss “Shrimp Boy” Chow gets two life terms in prison</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/hong-kong-triad-boss-arrested-in-us-129-million-fraud-case">Hong Kong Triad boss arrested in US$129 million fraud case</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-golden-triangle-how-triads-cornered-the-heroin-market">The Golden Triangle: How Triads cornered the heroin market</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/bloody-knife-attacks-as-triad-gangs-go-to-war-in-hong-kong">Bloody knife attacks as Triad gangs go to war in Hong Kong</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-deadly-battle-for-control-over-new-york-s-chinatown">The deadly battle for control over New York’s Chinatown</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/green-dragons-gangster-has-life-sentence-reduced">Green Dragons gangster has life sentence reduced</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/triads-continue-to-dominate-vip-rooms-in-macau-casinos">Triads continue to dominate VIP rooms in Macau casinos</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/san-francisco-triad-boss-raymond-chow-guilty-on-all-charges">San Francisco Triad boss Chow guilty on all charges</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/violent-new-york-asian-gang-hit-with-racketeering-charges">Violent New York Asian gang hit with racketeering charges</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/chinese-organised-crime-and-africa">Chinese Organised Crime And Africa</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/chinese-gangster-loses-phone-we-invade-his-privacy">Chinese gangster loses phone, we invade his privacy</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/hong-kong-triads-and-their-lucrative-movie-industry">Hong Kong Triads and 'their' lucrative movie industry</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mama-san-godmother-of-the-chinese-underworld">Mama San: Godmother of the Chinese Underworld</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/chinatown-gangs-in-boston">Chinatown Gangs in Boston Busted</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/asian-youth-gangs-and-the">Asian Youth Gangs and the Tongs</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/chinese-network-of-people-smugglers-dismantled-in-spain">Chinese network of people smugglers dismantled in Spain</a></div> </center> Henchmen of convicted San Francisco crime boss Raymond Chow reach plea deals tag:gangstersinc.ning.com,2017-01-07:6329524:BlogPost:79409 Gangsters Inc. http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profile/2g2lucitjcn3w <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/henchmen-of-convicted-san-francisco-crime-boss-raymond-chow-reach" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/7gjKKn4oGHRbkk3a4EY3EP-9dNZGalvIRoenT7VfTj5Ds1vY2TWJQx9AFtGXVm*m1TYktjth1Uviq5lCLuoguoeTXS6MVSqj/ChinatownSanFrancisco.jpg" width="520"></img></a> By Gangsters Inc. Editors</p> <p>Five members of the San Francisco Tong organization led by convicted crime boss <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-rat-who-became-king-triad-boss-raymond-chow" target="_self">Raymond Chow</a> pleaded guilty to reduced charges yesterday. Gary Kwong Yiu Chen, Anthony John Lai, and Xiu Ying…</p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/henchmen-of-convicted-san-francisco-crime-boss-raymond-chow-reach" target="_self"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/7gjKKn4oGHRbkk3a4EY3EP-9dNZGalvIRoenT7VfTj5Ds1vY2TWJQx9AFtGXVm*m1TYktjth1Uviq5lCLuoguoeTXS6MVSqj/ChinatownSanFrancisco.jpg" class="align-center" width="520"/></a>By Gangsters Inc. Editors</p> <p>Five members of the San Francisco Tong organization led by convicted crime boss <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-rat-who-became-king-triad-boss-raymond-chow" target="_self">Raymond Chow</a> pleaded guilty to reduced charges yesterday. Gary Kwong Yiu Chen, Anthony John Lai, and Xiu Ying Ling Liang pleaded guilty to money laundering charges; Tong Zao Zhang pleaded guilty to dealing in contraband cigarettes; and Bryan Tilton pleaded guilty to conspiracy to transport stolen goods in interstate commerce.</p> <p>Their sentencing is scheduled for April.</p> <p>All were caught up in the undercover sting operation by the <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=FBI" target="_self">FBI</a> aimed at their leader, Raymond Chow, a notorious and high profile crime boss with a criminal record dating back decades. You can read <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-rat-who-became-king-triad-boss-raymond-chow" target="_self">an extensive profile of Chow here</a>. While Chow opted to take his case to trial resulting in a guilty verdict – though he continues to claim his innocence - and <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/san-francisco-crime-boss-shrimp-boy-chow-gets-two-life-terms-in-p" target="_self">subsequent life prison sentence</a>, his henchmen plea bargained instead.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Read: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-deadly-battle-for-control-over-new-york-s-chinatown" target="_self">The deadly battle for control over New York City's Chinatown</a></strong></li> </ul> <p>Bryan Tilton gave the FBI an in when he conspired with Chow to purchase $30,000 worth of purportedly stolen Hennessy XO alcohol from a salesman, who, in reality, was an undercover FBI agent. Tilton admitted to this crime as part of his plea deal.</p> <p>Chen and Lai admitted laundering over $635,000 from October to December 2013 that was used to disguise the cross-county flow of illicit drug money. Zhang admitted distributing contraband cigarettes on the black market without paying taxes that would have totaled almost $300,000 according to prosecutors.</p> <p><strong>Get the latest on organized crime and the Mafia at Gangsters Inc.'s <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=News" target="_self">news section</a>.</strong></p> <p><strong>Follow Gangsters Inc. on <a href="http://twitter.com/GangstersIncWeb" target="_blank">Twitter</a> </strong></p> <p><strong>Like Gangsters Inc. on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/GangstersInc" target="_blank">Facebook</a></strong></p> <p><strong>If you enjoyed this article you might also enjoy reading:</strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/hong-kong-triad-boss-arrested-in-us-129-million-fraud-case" target="_self">Hong Kong Triad boss arrested in US$129 million fraud case</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-deadly-battle-for-control-over-new-york-s-chinatown" target="_self">The deadly battle for control of New York's Chinatown</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/green-dragons-gangster-has-life-sentence-reduced" target="_self">Green Dragons gangster has life sentence reduced</a></li> <li>Profile: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/profile-shanghai-triad-boss-du-yueh-sheng" target="_self">Shanghai Triad boss Du Yueh-sheng</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/triads-continue-to-dominate-vip-rooms-in-macau-casinos" target="_self">Triads continue to dominate VIP rooms at Macau casinos</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/asian-youth-gangs-and-the" target="_self">Asian youth gangs and the Tongs</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/gotti-jr-stands-tall-warns-people-behind-smear-campaign" target="_self">Gotti Jr. stands tall, warns people behind smear campaign</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/chinese-gangster-loses-phone-we-invade-his-privacy" target="_self">Chinese gangster loses phone, we invade his privacy</a></li> <li>The Rat who became King: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-rat-who-became-king-triad-boss-raymond-chow" target="_self">Triad boss Raymond Chow</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/boston-mob-boss-whitey-bulger-s-possessions-up-for-auction" target="_self">Boston mob boss Whitey Bulger's possessions up for auction</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/trafficante-family-mobster-passes-away-at-age-85" target="_self">Trafficante Family mobster passes away at age 85</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/interview-john-gotti-jr-sits-down-with-gangsters-inc" target="_self">INTERVIEW: John Gotti Jr. sits down with Gangsters Inc.</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/six-plead-guilty-in-murder-of-ex-bonanno-family-mob-boss" target="_self">Six plead guilty in the murder of ex-Bonanno family mob boss</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/my-loving-dad-was-a-gangster-and-bugsy-siegel-s-close-friend" target="_self">My loving dad was a gangster and Bugsy Siegel's close friend</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-american-mafia-bets-on-the-world-and-wins-big" target="_self">The American Mafia bets on the world and wins big</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/how-bonanno-goodfellas-whacked-lufthansa-loot" target="_self">How Bonanno goodfellas whacked Lufthansa heist loot</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/top-5-of-true-stand-up-wiseguys" target="_self">Top 5 of true stand up wiseguys</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/cops-make-the-deadliest-mafia-hit-men" target="_self">Cops make the deadliest Mafia hitmen</a></li> </ul> <p><strong>Copyright © Gangsters Inc.</strong></p>
Al Capone
All the News That's Fit to Print first appeared as the motto of what newspaper, known as The Paper of Record or The Gray Lady, in 1897?
Gangsters Inc. http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profile/2g2lucitjcn3w <p><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/0Ty7vayRmOgVVJWNZ1ULXDDnNIEt3oEl628gsJDa-kA4HIlC*N4YZeAyoH-2zDMWu5L1NrrEk9WzaNYYa0PQKjnJLh618Fft/photo6.jpg" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/0Ty7vayRmOgVVJWNZ1ULXDDnNIEt3oEl628gsJDa-kA4HIlC*N4YZeAyoH-2zDMWu5L1NrrEk9WzaNYYa0PQKjnJLh618Fft/photo6.jpg" width="600"></img></a></p> <p>By David Amoruso<br></br> <br></br> Besides financial fraud, trafficking in narcotics is still the crime that pays the most. Groups and individuals from across the world have experienced the huge and seemingly easy profit drugs bring. Be it cocaine, heroin, ecstasy, or weed: it all translates to money. And lots of…</p> <p><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/0Ty7vayRmOgVVJWNZ1ULXDDnNIEt3oEl628gsJDa-kA4HIlC*N4YZeAyoH-2zDMWu5L1NrrEk9WzaNYYa0PQKjnJLh618Fft/photo6.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/0Ty7vayRmOgVVJWNZ1ULXDDnNIEt3oEl628gsJDa-kA4HIlC*N4YZeAyoH-2zDMWu5L1NrrEk9WzaNYYa0PQKjnJLh618Fft/photo6.jpg" width="600"/></a></p> <p>By David Amoruso<br/> <br/> Besides financial fraud, trafficking in narcotics is still the crime that pays the most. Groups and individuals from across the world have experienced the huge and seemingly easy profit drugs bring. Be it cocaine, heroin, ecstasy, or weed: it all translates to money. And lots of it.<br/> <br/> With the huge amount of money come power and envy and the drug world is known for its violent flare ups. In Florida the so-called Cocaine Cowboys left the streets dripping in blood. While Pablo Escobar had made so much money trafficking cocaine, he had acquired enough power to take on the Colombian government in a war that reminded more of Iraq than South America.<br/> <br/> Though, we at Gangsters Inc. will also report on drug groups in Asia, Europe, Jamaica, and North America, our focus will be on South America. That area has always been the center of the cocaine trade and smuggling into the United States. Mexico is currently involved in a drug war that cost the lives of over 34,000 in the past four years. As Mexican authorities are working closely with American agencies to combat the powerful drug cartels, the violence is spiraling out of control with gruesome beheadings and mass murder on a weekly basis.<br/> <br/> <span class="font-size-3"><strong>Articles:</strong></span></p> <ul> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mexican-drug-lord-el-chapo-guzman-has-been-extradited-to-the-unit" target="_self">Mexican drug lord "El Chapo" extradited to US</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/el-paso-drug-boss-sentenced-to-12-years-in-prison-for-trafficking" target="_self">El Paso drug boss gets 12 years in prison for cocaine trafficking</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/guatemala-extradites-its-top-drug-lord-to-us-marlon-monroy-was-el" target="_self">Guatemala's top drug lord Marlon Monroy</a></li> <li>Profile: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/profile-jalisco-cartel-boss-nemesio-oseguera-cervantes" target="_self">Jalisco New Generation cartel boss Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/donald-j-trump-s-gangbusters-how-will-america-s-new-president-tak" target="_self">How will President Donald Trump combat drug cartels?</a></li> <li>VIDEO: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/video-nephew-of-gulf-cartel-boss-shot-dead-by-sicario" target="_self">Nephew of Gulf Cartel boss shot dead by sicario</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/los-zetas-teenage-hitmen-torture-and-drugs-wolf-boys-gives-intima" target="_self">Wolf Boys gives intimate look into hellish Cartel underworld</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/power-play-the-kidnapping-and-release-of-el-chapo-s-son" target="_self">Power Play: The kidnapping and release of El Chapo's son</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/sinaloa-cartel-operation-busted-in-new-york-ring-used-front-compa" target="_self">Sinaloa cartel operation busted in NY</a> - Ring used front companies that listed coke as sea cucumbers</li> <li>Drug lord <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/drug-lord-had-luxury-cell-part-of-which-he-rented-out-to-other-in" target="_self">had luxury cell part of which he rented out at $600 a week</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/colombian-drug-kingpin-gets-35-years-in-prison-for-massive-cocain" target="_self">Colombian drug kingpin gets 35 years for massive coke pipeline</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/beltran-leyva-drug-cartel-s-acapulco-boss-arrested" target="_self">Beltran Levya drug cartel's Acapulco boss arrested</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/spokane-meth-boss-gets-life-for-vicious-murder-of-drug-dealer" target="_self">Spokane meth boss gets life for vicious murder of drug dealer</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/sinaloa-cartel-s-kansas-city-drug-chief-gets-life-in-prison" target="_self">Sinaloa cartel's Kansas City drug chief gets life in prison</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/clock-is-ticking-mexico-approves-el-chapo-s-extradition-to-us" target="_self">Clock is ticking: Mexico approves El Chapo’s extradition to US</a></li> <li>VIDEO: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/video-colombian-commandos-capture-drug-lord-after-shootout" target="_self">Colombian commandos capture drug lord after shootout</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/sinaloa-drug-cartel-s-chief-hitman-arrested-in-rosarito" target="_self">Sinaloa drug cartel’s chief hitman arrested in Rosarito</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/belgian-pharmaceutical-companies-sold-drug-lord-ephedrine" target="_self">Belgian pharmaceutical companies sold drug lord ephedrine</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mexican-drug-boss-el-chapo-desperate-for-american-prison" target="_self">Mexican drug boss El Chapo "desperate" for American prison</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/el-chapo-s-beauty-queen-wife-says-she-fears-for-his-life" target="_self">El Chapo's beauty queen wife says she fears for his life</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/what-was-sean-penn-s-role-in-the-capture-of-el-chapo" target="_self">What was Sean Penn's role in the capture of El Chapo?</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/three-sinaloa-cartel-meth-distributors-receive-lengthy-prison-ter" target="_self">Three Sinaloa Cartel meth dealers sentenced to prison</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mexican-drug-boss-el-chapo-guzman-caught" target="_self">Mexican drug boss "El Chapo" Guzman recaptured</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mexican-cartels-tighten-iron-grip-on-us-drug-markets" target="_self">Mexican cartels tighten iron grip on US drug markets</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/top-5-drug-lords-killed-while-on-the-run" target="_self">Top 5 drug lords killed while on the run</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/video-hammering-audible-just-before-el-chapo-s-prison-break" target="_self">VIDEO: Hammering audible just before El Chapo’s prison break</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/did-el-chapo-put-a-100-million-bounty-on-trump-or-not" target="_self">Did El Chapo put a $100 million bounty on Trump or not?</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mexico-extradites-major-cartel-bosses-to-face-charges-in-us" target="_self">Mexico extradites major cartel bosses to face charges in US</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/did-el-chapo-s-son-just-tweet-his-fugitive-father-s-location" target="_self">Did El Chapo’s son just tweet his fugitive father’s location?</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mexican-drug-lord-el-chapo-guzman-breaks-out-of-prison" target="_self">Mexican drug lord El Chapo Guzman breaks out of prison</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/dea-hero-in-war-on-drugs-honored-by-secretary-of-defense" target="_self">DEA hero in War on Drugs honored by Secretary of Defense</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/how-atf-s-fast-and-furious-crashed-and-burned" target="_self">How ATF’s Fast and Furious crashed and burned</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/did-drug-boss-el-chapo-guzman-fake-his-own-arrest" target="_self">Did drug boss El Chapo Guzman fake his own arrest?</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/who-s-the-world-s-biggest-cocaine-producer" target="_self">Who's the world's top cocaine producer?</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-jamaican-shower-posse-a-family-business" target="_self">The Jamaican Shower Posse: A Family Business</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/leader-of-gulf-cartel-arrested-while-shopping-in-texas" target="_self">Leader of Gulf Cartel arrested while shopping in Texas</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-drug-game-getting-high-on-cocaine-and-money" target="_self">The Drug Game: Getting high on cocaine and money</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/brazilian-drug-lord-eduardo-herculano-da-silva" target="_self">Brazilian Drug Lord Eduardo Herculano da Silva</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/buccaneer-the-story-of-drug-smuggling-pilot-jack-reed" target="_self">Buccaneer: The Story of Drug Smuggling Pilot Jack Reed</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/world-s-most-wanted-cartel-boss-el-chapo-guzman-caught" target="_self">World’s Most Wanted Cartel Boss El Chapo Guzman Caught</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/gangsters-inc-sits-down-with-fbi-agent-jack-garcia" target="_self">Infiltrating drug cartels with FBI agent Jack Garcia</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-real-heisenberg-hails-from-north-korea" target="_self">The real Walter "Heisenberg" White hails from North Korea</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/escobar-versus-cali-the-war-of-the-cartels" target="_self">Escobar versus Cali: The War of the Cartels</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/i-m-funny-how-like-a-clown" target="_self">Funny how? Like a clown shooting a Cartel boss in the face?</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mexican-cartel-boss-miguel-trevino-morales" target="_self">Profile of Mexican Cartel Boss Miguel Trevino Morales</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/female-drug-boss-jean-brown" target="_self">Profile of Female Drug Boss Jean Brown</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/gulf-cartel-leader-gets-35-years-for-drug-trafficking" target="_self">Gulf Cartel Leader Gets 35 Years for Drug Trafficking</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/meanwhile-in-mexico" target="_self">Meanwhile, in Mexico: El Chapo, Cannons &amp; Murder</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/greedy-bankers-of-hsbc-working-with-drug-cartels" target="_self">Greedy bankers of HSBC working with drug cartels</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/godmother-griselda-blanco-gunned-down-in-colombia" target="_self">Godmother Griselda Blanco shot to death in Colombia</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/boss-of-evil-pablo-escobar-s-legacy-endures" target="_self">Boss of Evil: Pablo Escobar's Legacy Endures</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/u-s-government-punishes-drug-cartel-for-triple-murder" target="_self">U.S. Government Punishes Drug Cartel For Triple Murder</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/guatemalan-drug-boss-linked-to-zetas-hit-hard" target="_self">Guatemalan Drug Boss Linked To Zetas Hit Hard</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/los-zetas-and-maras-form-alliance-from-hell" target="_self">Los Zetas and Maras Form Alliance From Hell</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/us-soldiers-busted-in-drug-cartel-murder-for-hire-plot" target="_self">US Soldiers Busted in Drug Cartel Murder-For-Hire Plot</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/chicago-cell-of-los-zetas-drug-cartel-busted" target="_self">Chicago Cell of Los Zetas Drug Cartel Busted</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mexican-drug-cartel-s-link-to-american-banks" target="_self">Mexican Drug Cartel's Link To American Banks</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/pablo-escobars-war-on-colombia" target="_self">Pablo Escobar's War on Colombia</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/colombian-traffickers-charged-with-using-submarines-to-smuggle-dr" target="_self">Colombian Traffickers Charged With Using Submarines To Smuggle Drugs</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/drug-lord-claims-immunity-from-prosecution-did-dea-and-fbi-have-a" target="_self">Drug Lord Claims Immunity From Prosecution: Secret Alliance Between FBI, DEA &amp; Sinaloa Cartel?</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/for-united-states-mexico-is" target="_self">For United States Mexico Is Turning Into "Third Front" After Iraq and Afghanistan</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/firepower-dope-and-bloodshed" target="_self">Firepower, Dope and Bloodshed: Mexico Drug Cartels Branch Out to Foreign Continents</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/guatemalan-drug-lord-captured" target="_self">Guatemalan Drug Lord Captured</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/teenager-was-hitman-for" target="_self">Teenager Was Hitman For Mexican Drug Cartel: Why Organized Crime Uses Children As Soldiers</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/narco-players-wanted-fugitive" target="_self">Narco Players: Wanted Fugitive: A Colombian Beauty Queenpin</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mexico-spring-break-will-drug" target="_self">Mexico Spring Break: Will Drug War Violence Kill the Thrill?</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mexican-drug-cartels-number-1" target="_self">Mexican Drug Cartels Number 1 Organized Crime Threat US?</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/operation-cyber-juice-dea-busts-home-labs-gyms-local-distributors" target="_self">Operation Cyber Juice: DEA busts home labs, gyms, local distributors</a></li> </ul> Mexican drug lord “El Chapo” Guzman has been extradited to the United States tag:gangstersinc.ning.com,2017-01-20:6329524:BlogPost:79457 Gangsters Inc. http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profile/2g2lucitjcn3w <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mexican-drug-lord-el-chapo-guzman-has-been-extradited-to-the-unit" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/3oOh0daNY6Pc4tqhlnBA2Qd4zP5TULtp258ozbfzzkY5O1jD6uf6uls2fWPVN47YQ707nMQLLIKSXtSxCfauHopT6oyLt3Hw/jesusgutierrezguzmanelchapo.jpg" width="520"></img></a> By Gangsters Inc. Editors</p> <p>Joaquin Archivaldo Guzman Loera, better known by his nickname of “<a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mexican-drug-lord-el-chapo-guzman-breaks-out-of-prison" target="_self">El Chapo</a>,” has been extradited to the United States to face criminal charges related to his leadership of the Sinaloa…</p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mexican-drug-lord-el-chapo-guzman-has-been-extradited-to-the-unit" target="_self"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/3oOh0daNY6Pc4tqhlnBA2Qd4zP5TULtp258ozbfzzkY5O1jD6uf6uls2fWPVN47YQ707nMQLLIKSXtSxCfauHopT6oyLt3Hw/jesusgutierrezguzmanelchapo.jpg" class="align-center" width="520"/></a>By Gangsters Inc. Editors</p> <p>Joaquin Archivaldo Guzman Loera, better known by his nickname of “<a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mexican-drug-lord-el-chapo-guzman-breaks-out-of-prison" target="_self">El Chapo</a>,” has been extradited to the United States to face criminal charges related to his leadership of the Sinaloa Cartel. He is charged in six separate indictments throughout the United States and will likely spend the rest of his life in an American prison.</p> <p>In an official press release, the Justice Department extended “its gratitude to the Government of Mexico for their extensive cooperation and assistance in securing the extradition of Guzman Loera to the United States.”</p> <p>Former U.S. officials who played significant roles in the war on drugs, told newspaper <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jan/19/el-chapo-extradited-to-the-us" target="_blank">the Guardian</a> that <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mexican-drug-lord-el-chapo-guzman-breaks-out-of-prison" target="_self">El Chapo</a>’s extradition had the appearance of being a peace offering from Mexican president Enrique Pena Nieto’s government to Donald Trump, who will be sworn in as the U.S. president today.</p> <p>“This is Mexico’s inaugural present,” Robert Feitel, a Washington-based attorney who pursued traffickers and money launderers at the Department of Justice, told <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jan/19/el-chapo-extradited-to-the-us" target="_blank">the Guardian</a>. “Just like when Iran freed the hostages during President Reagan’s inauguration. It’s the same kind of political posturing.”</p> <ul> <li><strong>Read: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/did-el-chapo-put-a-100-million-bounty-on-trump-or-not" target="_self">Did El Chapo put a $100 million bounty on Trump's head or not?</a></strong></li> </ul> <p>Bonnie Klapper, a former assistant U.S. attorney who prosecuted drug lords, told the British newspaper that, “It could well be Mexico’s attempt to curry favor. Mexico has been greatly destabilized by Trump’s statements.”</p> <p>Whatever it is, the most notorious drug lord in recent history is now in U.S. custody. While he sits in a cell, the <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/drug-cartels" target="_self">war on drugs</a> continues. Where there is a demand, there will be a supply. It’s <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/who-s-the-world-s-biggest-cocaine-producer" target="_self">business 101</a>.</p> <p><strong>Get the latest on organized crime and the Mafia first at the Gangsters Inc. <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=News" target="_self">news section</a>.</strong></p> <p><strong>Follow Gangsters Inc. on <a href="http://twitter.com/GangstersIncWeb" target="_blank">Twitter</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/GangstersInc" target="_blank">Facebook</a>.</strong></p> <p><strong>If you enjoyed this article you might also enjoy reading:</strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/los-zetas-teenage-hitmen-torture-and-drugs-wolf-boys-gives-intima" target="_self">Wolf Boys gives hellish look into Mexican cartel underworld</a></li> <li>Profile: Jalisco New Generation cartel boss <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/profile-jalisco-cartel-boss-nemesio-oseguera-cervantes" target="_self">Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes</a></li> <li>VIDEO: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/video-nephew-of-gulf-cartel-boss-shot-dead-by-sicario" target="_self">Nephew of Gulf cartel boss shot dead by sicario</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/jennifer-lopez-to-star-as-drug-lord-griselda-blanco-in-new-hbo-mo" target="_self">Jennifer Lopez stars as drug lord Griselda Blanco in new HBO movie</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/power-play-the-kidnapping-and-release-of-el-chapo-s-son" target="_self">Power Play: The kidnapping and release of El Chapo's son</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/sinaloa-cartel-operation-busted-in-new-york-ring-used-front-compa" target="_self">Sinaloa cartel operation busted in New York</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/pablo-escobars-war-on-colombia" target="_self">Pablo Escobar's war on Colombia</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/colombian-drug-kingpin-gets-35-years-in-prison-for-massive-cocain" target="_self">Colombian drug kingpin gets 35 years in prison for coke conspiracy</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/escobar-versus-cali-the-war-of-the-cartels" target="_self">Escobar vs Cali: War of the Cartels</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/godmother-griselda-blanco-gunned-down-in-colombia" target="_self">Godmother Griselda Blanco shot to death in Colombia</a></li> <li>Clock is ticking: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/clock-is-ticking-mexico-approves-el-chapo-s-extradition-to-us" target="_self">Mexico approves El Chapo's extradition to US</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mexican-drug-boss-el-chapo-guzman-caught" target="_self">Mexican drug boss El Chapo Guzman recaptured</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mexican-cartels-tighten-iron-grip-on-us-drug-markets" target="_self">Mexican cartels tighten iron grip on US drug markets</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/top-5-drug-lords-killed-while-on-the-run" target="_self">Top 5 drug lords killed while on the run</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/did-el-chapo-put-a-100-million-bounty-on-trump-or-not" target="_self">Did El Chapo put a $100 million bounty on Trump or not?</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/how-atf-s-fast-and-furious-crashed-and-burned" target="_self">How ATF's Fast and Furious crashed and burned</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/spotlight-on-tampa-mafia-with-tour-and-magazine" target="_self">Spotlight on Tampa Mafia with tour and magazine</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/gangsters-inc-sits-down-with-fbi-agent-jack-garcia" target="_self">Gangsters Inc. sits down with FBI agent Jack Garcia</a></li> </ul> <p><strong>Copyright © Gangsters Inc.</strong></p> Black Organized Crime Gangsters Inc. http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profile/2g2lucitjcn3w <div style="text-align: center;"><p><span class="font-size-7"><strong><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/black-organized-crime" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/bt5BWlmh0GaYw4N3A89o6ywmUGb0v1DvQEEHGz2dbwCv26WY5qGPGO911prRXYDAACD**s*OlXAPOZC-g35z1YtawYcvCldr/coverblackocgangstersinc.jpg?width=639" width="639"></img></a></strong></span> <span class="font-size-5"><strong>United States</strong></span></p> <p></p> <p><span class="font-size-4"><strong>New York:</strong></span></p> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/i-shook-up-the-world-how-muhammad-ali-took-the-heavyweight-boxing" target="_self">How Muhammad Ali took the…</a></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><p><span class="font-size-7"><strong><a target="_self" href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/black-organized-crime"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/bt5BWlmh0GaYw4N3A89o6ywmUGb0v1DvQEEHGz2dbwCv26WY5qGPGO911prRXYDAACD**s*OlXAPOZC-g35z1YtawYcvCldr/coverblackocgangstersinc.jpg?width=639" width="639"/></a></strong></span><span class="font-size-5"><strong>United States</strong></span></p> <p></p> <p><span class="font-size-4"><strong>New York:</strong></span></p> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/i-shook-up-the-world-how-muhammad-ali-took-the-heavyweight-boxing" target="_self">How Muhammad Ali took the heavyweight boxing championship belt from the Mafia</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/bloods-gang-boss-gets-55-years-in-prison-for-murder-shootings-and" target="_self">Bloods gang boss gets 55 years in prison for murder &amp; drug trafficking</a><br/> <a href="gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/schuele-boys-gang-associate-pleads-guilty-to-selling-drugs-out-of" target="_self">Schuele Boys Gang associate pleads guilty to selling drugs out of variety store</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-gangster-alpo-from-spanish-harlem" target="_self">The Gangster Alpo From Spanish Harlem</a><br/> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/supreme-gangster-giant-towers-over-queens-rap" target="_self">Supreme: Gangster giant towers over Queens rap</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/drug-boss-kenneth-supreme" target="_self">Kenneth "Supreme" McGriff</a> (in prison)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/drug-boss-leroy-nicky-barnes" target="_self">Leroy "Nicky" Barnes</a> (flipped)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/drug-boss-frank-matthews" target="_self">Frank Matthews</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/folk-nation-gang-leader-sentenced-to-20-years-in-prison" target="_self">Folk Nation Gang Leader Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/black-caesar-the-rise-of-america-s-biggest-kingpin" target="_self">Black Caesar: The Rise of America’s Biggest Kingpin</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/former-gangsters-beefing-about-books" target="_self">Former Gangsters Beefing About Books</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/bloods-gang-leader-charged-with-three-murders" target="_self">Bloods Gang Leader Charged With Three Murders</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/former-drug-kingpin-ike" target="_self">Former Drug Kingpin Ike Atkinson Tells All In New Documentary</a></p> <p><span class="font-size-4"><strong>New Jersey:</strong></span></p> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/new-jersey-bloods-gang-boss-pleads-guilty-to-murder-racketeering" target="_self">New Jersey Bloods gang boss pleads guilty to murder, racketeering charges</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/violent-bloods-gang-leaders-admit-racketeering-murder-conspiracy" target="_self">Sex Money Murder Bloods set leaders admit racketeering, murder conspiracy</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/atlantic-city-dirty-block-gang-enforcer-gets-life-in-prison-for-v" target="_self">Atlantic City “Dirty Block” Gang enforcer gets life</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/atlantic-city-gang-boss-gets-life-in-prison-for-drug-conspiracy" target="_self">Atlantic City gang boss gets life in prison for drug conspiracy</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/alleged-grape-street-crips-leader-charged-with-4-murders-racketee" target="_self">Grape Street Crips leader charged with 4 murders, racketeering</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/n-j-boss-rufus-young-gets-15-years-for-selling-kilos-of-heroin" target="_self">Drug boss Rufus Young gets 15 years for selling kilos of heroin</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/chili-pimping-in-atlantic-city" target="_self">Chili Pimping in Atlantic City</a></div> <p></p> <div style="text-align: center;"></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><p><strong><span class="font-size-4">New Orleans:</span></strong></p> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/fugitive-gangster-disciples-leader-arrested-in-new-orleans" target="_self">Fugitive Gangster Disciples leader arrested in New Orleans</a><br/> <p></p> <p><strong><span class="font-size-4">Philadelphia:</span></strong></p> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/i-shook-up-the-world-how-muhammad-ali-took-the-heavyweight-boxing" target="_self">How Muhammad Ali took the heavyweight boxing championship belt from the Mafia</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/drug-boss-roland-pops-bartlett" target="_self">Roland Bartlett</a> (dead)</div> <p></p> <div style="text-align: center;"></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><p><span class="font-size-4"><strong>Chicago:</strong></span></p> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/president-obama-gives-gangster-disciples-leader-a-sentence-reduct" target="_self">President Obama gives Gangster Disciples leader a sentence reduction</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/1-gang-boss-dead-2-agents-shot-as-fbi-busts-black-p-stone-nation" target="_self">1 gang boss dead, 2 agents shot, as FBI busts Black P-Stone Nation</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/chicago-vice-lord-nation-gang-boss-dead-at-64" target="_self">Chicago Vice Lord Nation gang boss dead at 64</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/senator-declares-war-on-gangster-disciples" target="_self">Senator Declares War On Gangster Disciples</a></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><p></p> <p><span class="font-size-4"><strong>Rockford:</strong></span></p> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/profile-rockford-s-black-gangster-disciples-boss-karl-fort" target="_self">Rockford’s Black Gangster Disciples boss Karl Fort</a></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><p></p> <p><span class="font-size-4"><strong>Detroit:</strong></span></p> <br/> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/violent-seven-mile-bloods-gangsters-indicted-in-detroit" target="_self">Violent Seven Mile Bloods gangsters indicted in Detroit</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/detroit-gang-leader-gets-35-years-for-racketeering" target="_self">Detroit gang leader gets 35 years for racketeering</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/chester-wheeler-campbell-the-007-of-the-detroit-drug-mob" target="_self">Chester Wheeler Campbell: The 007 of the Detroit Drug Mob</a></p> <p><br/> <span class="font-size-4"><strong>Baltimore:</strong></span></p> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/nathan-barksdale-inspiration-for-the-wire-dead-at-54" target="_self">"Bodie" Barksdale, inspiration for The Wire, dead at 54</a><br/> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/female-drug-boss-jean-brown" target="_self">Female Drug Boss Jean Brown</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/baltimore-drug-boss-maurice" target="_self">Maurice "Peanut" King</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/baltimore-a-gangster-history" target="_self">Baltimore: A Gangster History</a></p> <p><strong><span class="font-size-4">Washington:</span></strong></p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/profile-washington-d-c-drug-boss-rayful-edmond" target="_self">Profile: Washington D.C. drug boss Rayful Edmond</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-murder-of-fray-a" target="_self">The Murder of Fray; A Washington D.C. Street Legend</a></p> <p><span class="font-size-4"><strong>Cleveland:</strong></span></p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/don-king-from-street-thug-to-street-name" target="_self">Don King: From street thug to street name?</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/drug-boss-ricks-from-selfies-in-the-gym-to-trafficking-heroin" target="_self">Drug boss Ricks: From selfies in the gym to trafficking heroin</a></p> <br/> <p><span class="font-size-4"><strong>Colorado:</strong></span></p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/us-soldiers-busted-in-drug-cartel-murder-for-hire-plot" target="_self">US Soldiers Busted in Drug Cartel Murder-For-Hire Plot</a></p> <br/> <p><span class="font-size-4"><strong>California:</strong></span></p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/south-l-a-crips-gangster-cops-to-federal-racketeering-charges-adm" target="_self">Crips gangster cops to racketeering charges, admits robberies &amp; drug dealing</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/west-coast-crips-gang-boss-gets-life-for-drug-crimes" target="_self">West Coast Crips gang boss gets life for drug crimes</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/rap-mogul-suge-knight-shot-six-times-at-vma-party" target="_self">Rap mogul Suge Knight shot six times at VMA party</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/prison-gangs-and-the-analogy" target="_self">Prison Gangs and the Analogy of Hate</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/michael-harris-a-convicted" target="_self">Michael Harris</a>: A Convicted Drug Kingpin Who Gave Denzel His Start on Broadway</p> <br/> <p><span class="font-size-4"><strong>Kansas City:</strong></span></p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/full-time-gangsters-part-time-" target="_self">Full-Time Gangsters Part-Time Rappers</a></p> <p><span class="font-size-4"><strong>Virginia:</strong></span></p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/major-heroin-trafficking-boss-sentenced-to-30-years-in-prison" target="_self">Major heroin trafficking boss sentenced to 30 years in prison</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/armed-imperial-gangsta-bloods-drug-dealer-sentenced-to-35-years" target="_self">Armed Imperial Gangsta Bloods drug dealer sentenced to 35 years</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/37-bloods-gangsters-sentenced-to-over-415-years-in-prison" target="_self">37 Bloods gangsters sentenced to over 415 years in prison</a></p> <span class="font-size-7"><strong>Around the World:</strong></span><br/> <p><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-jamaican-shower-posse-a-family-business" target="_self">The Jamaican Shower Posse: A Family Business</a><br/>   <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/dutch-boss-henk-orlando-rommy" target="_self">Henk Orlando Rommy</a> (Dutch drug boss currently in an American prison)</p> </div> Street Gangs Gangsters Inc. http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profile/2g2lucitjcn3w <p>As researchers we find there is a distinct difference between organized crime and street gangs. One is structured, sophisticated, efficient, calculated. The other is poorly structured, unrefined, unefficient, brash. However, many organized crime groups and most of its members start out as/in street gangs. It's where they learn their trade.</p> <p>That is why Gangsters Inc. has set up this section where we will focus on street and prison gangs and lower level gangsters who might one day pop…</p> <p>As researchers we find there is a distinct difference between organized crime and street gangs. One is structured, sophisticated, efficient, calculated. The other is poorly structured, unrefined, unefficient, brash. However, many organized crime groups and most of its members start out as/in street gangs. It's where they learn their trade.</p> <p>That is why Gangsters Inc. has set up this section where we will focus on street and prison gangs and lower level gangsters who might one day pop up in a major case.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-5"><strong>United States</strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/all-in-the-game-two-men-who-went-from-fighting-organized-crime-an">All In The Game: Two men who went from fighting gangsters</a> to refereeing star athletes<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/how-guards-go-on-assaulting-inmates-without-consequences">How guards keep assaulting inmates without consequences</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/asian-youth-gangs-and-the">Asian Youth Gangs and the Tongs</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-4"><strong>New York:</strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/nypd-cop-moonlighted-for-drug-gang-but-finds-no-loyalty-in-return" target="_self">NYPD cop moonlighted for drug gang but finds no loyalty in return</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/bloods-gang-boss-gets-55-years-in-prison-for-murder-shootings-and" target="_self">Bloods gang boss gets 55 years in prison for murder &amp; drug trafficking</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/folk-nation-gang-leader-gets-consecutive-terms-of-life-in-prison" target="_self">Folk Nation gang leader gets consecutive terms of life in prison</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/ms-13-gang-member-pleads-guilty-to-double-murder" target="_self">MS-13 gang member pleads guilty to double-murder</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/16-latin-kings-gangsters-arrested-for-drug-trafficking-in-long-b" target="_self">16 Latin Kings gangsters arrested for drug trafficking in Long Beach, NY</a><br/> <a href="gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/schuele-boys-gang-associate-pleads-guilty-to-selling-drugs-out-of" target="_self">Schuele Boys Gang associate pleads guilty to selling drugs out of variety store</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/folk-nation-gang-leader-sentenced-to-20-years-in-prison" target="_self">Folk Nation Gang Leader Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/ms-13-gang-boss-carlos-silencio-ortega" target="_self">MS-13 Gang Boss Carlos “Silencio” Ortega</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/bloods-gang-leader-charged-with-three-murders" target="_self">Bloods Gang Leader Charged With Three Murders</a></p> <div style="text-align: center;"><p><span class="font-size-4"><strong>New Jersey:</strong></span></p> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/new-jersey-bloods-gang-boss-pleads-guilty-to-murder-racketeering" target="_self">New Jersey Bloods gang boss pleads guilty to murder, racketeering charges</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/violent-bloods-gang-leaders-admit-racketeering-murder-conspiracy" target="_self">Sex Money Murder Bloods set leaders admit racketeering, murder conspiracy</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/ms-13-bosses-planned-to-unite-all-its-us-gangs-under-one-leadersh" target="_self">MS-13 bosses planned to unite all its US gangs under one leadership</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/alleged-grape-street-crips-leader-charged-with-4-murders-racketee" target="_self">Grape Street Crips boss charged with 4 murders, racketeering</a></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><p></p> <p><span class="font-size-4"><strong>North Carolina:</strong></span></p> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/two-ms-13-gangsters-get-life-in-prison-for-murder" target="_self">Two MS-13 gangsters get life in prison for murder</a></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><br/><p><span class="font-size-4"><strong>New Orleans:</strong></span></p> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/fugitive-gangster-disciples-leader-arrested-in-new-orleans" target="_self">Fugitive Gangster Disciples leader arrested in New Orleans</a></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><br/><p><span class="font-size-4"><strong>Chicago:</strong></span></p> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/president-obama-gives-gangster-disciples-leader-a-sentence-reduct" target="_self">President Obama gives Gangster Disciples leader a sentence reduction</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/chicago-vice-lord-nation-gang-boss-dead-at-64" target="_self">Chicago Vice Lord Nation gang boss dead at 64</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/senator-declares-war-on-gangster-disciples" target="_self">Senator Declares War On Gangster Disciples</a></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><p></p> <p><span class="font-size-4"><strong>Detroit:</strong></span></p> <br/> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/detroit-gang-leader-gets-35-years-for-racketeering" target="_self">Detroit gang leader gets 35 years for racketeering</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/chester-wheeler-campbell-the-007-of-the-detroit-drug-mob" target="_self">Chester Wheeler Campbell: The 007 of the Detroit Drug Mob</a></p> <p><span class="font-size-4"><strong>California:</strong></span></p> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/top-nuestra-familia-bosses-sentenced-for-murder-racketeering" target="_self">Top Nuestra Familia bosses sentenced for murder, racketeering</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/south-l-a-crips-gangster-cops-to-federal-racketeering-charges-adm" target="_self">Crips gangster cops to racketeering charges, admits robberies &amp; drug dealing</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/los-angeles-wilmas-gang-members-hit-with-federal-racketeering-mur" target="_self">Wilmas Gang members hit with federal racketeering, murder charges</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mexican-mafia-led-gang-in-santa-fe-springs-charged-with-murder-an" target="_self">Mexican Mafia-led gang in Santa Fe Springs charged with murder and drug crimes</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/members-of-east-dago-mob-west-coast-crips-and-asian-crips-charged" target="_self">East Dago Mob, West Coast Crips, and Asian Crips charged with meth trafficking</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/living-life-crime-bikers-prison-gangs-and-the-future" target="_self">Living Life: Crime, bikers, prison gangs, and the future</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/prison-gangs-and-the-analogy" target="_self">Prison Gangs and the Analogy of Hate</a><br/> <p><span class="font-size-2"> </span></p> <p><span class="font-size-4"><strong>Kansas City:</strong></span></p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/full-time-gangsters-part-time-" target="_self">Full-Time Gangsters Part-Time Rappers</a></p> <p><span class="font-size-4"><strong>Virginia:</strong></span></p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/armed-imperial-gangsta-bloods-drug-dealer-sentenced-to-35-years" target="_self">Imperial Gangsta Bloods drug dealer sentenced to 35 years</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/37-bloods-gangsters-sentenced-to-over-415-years-in-prison" target="_self">37 Bloods gangsters sentenced to over 415 years in prison</a></p> <p><span class="font-size-4"><strong>Tennessee:</strong></span></p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/alleged-gangster-disciples-indicted-for-roles-in-5-attempted-murd" target="_self">Gangster Disciples indicted for roles in 5 attempted murders</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/associate-of-memphis-mob-pleads-guilty-to-drug-conspiracy" target="_self">Associate of Memphis Mob Pleads Guilty to Drug Conspiracy</a></p> <p><span class="font-size-4"><strong>Texas:</strong></span></p> <p>Profile: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/texas-mexican-mafia-boss-gets-life-in-supermax-prison-for-five-mu" target="_self">Texas Mexican Mafia boss Ruben "Menace" Reyes</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/texas-mexican-mafia-gang-members-charged-in-drug-conspiracy" target="_self">Texas Mexican Mafia gang members charged in drug conspiracy</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/latin-kings-bosses-and-gang-members-charged-with-racketeering-and" target="_self">Latin Kings bosses charged with racketeering and drug dealing</a><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/latin-kings-bosses-and-gang-members-charged-with-racketeering-and" target="_self"></a></p> <p><span class="font-size-4"><strong>Prison Gangs:</strong></span></p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/top-nuestra-familia-bosses-sentenced-for-murder-racketeering" target="_self">Top Nuestra Familia bosses sentenced for murder, racketeering</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/aryan-brotherhood-of-mississippi-boss-gets-life-for-racketeering" target="_self">Aryan Brotherhood of Mississippi boss gets life for racketeering conspiracy</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/texas-mexican-mafia-gang-members-charged-in-drug-conspiracy" target="_self">Texas Mexican Mafia gang members charged in drug conspiracy</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/50-members-of-la-asociacion-neta-prison-gang-indicted-in-puerto-r" target="_self">50 members of La Asociación Ñeta prison gang indicted in Puerto Rico</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/fugitive-syndicato-de-nuevo-mexico-prison-gang-member-arrested" target="_self">Fugitive Syndicato de Nuevo Mexico prison gang member arrested</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/prison-gangs-the-aryan-brotherhood" target="_self">Prison Gangs: The Aryan Brotherhood</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/universal-aryan-brotherhood-member-gets-nearly-22-years-in-prison" target="_self">Universal Aryan Brotherhood member gets 22 years in prison</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/living-life-crime-bikers-prison-gangs-and-the-future" target="_self">Living Life: Crime, bikers, prison gangs, and the future</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/prison-gangs-and-the-analogy" target="_self">Prison Gangs and the Analogy of Hate</a></p> </div> President Obama reduces Gangster Disciples boss' sentence tag:gangstersinc.ning.com,2017-01-19:6329524:BlogPost:79276 Gangsters Inc. http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profile/2g2lucitjcn3w <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/president-obama-gives-gangster-disciples-leader-a-sentence-reduct" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/klx1aEk42WrEqDJk2CHSZP*FxJ*tFIKaUgOfOfGI0Ir*aBP9OIJXCG*yPUBgOYIiPYy2eLC1DYcpSNWhIFZPXDpYGLPkAoMO/GangsterDisciplesPresidentObamaChicago.jpg" width="520"></img></a> By Gangsters Inc. Editors</p> <p>Eric “Fat Eric” Wilson, a former leader in the <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=GD" target="_self">Gangster Disciples</a>, was given a sentence reduction by President Barack Obama on Tuesday. Wilson (photo above, left) was serving a life sentence for drug trafficking, but that has been…</p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/president-obama-gives-gangster-disciples-leader-a-sentence-reduct" target="_self"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/klx1aEk42WrEqDJk2CHSZP*FxJ*tFIKaUgOfOfGI0Ir*aBP9OIJXCG*yPUBgOYIiPYy2eLC1DYcpSNWhIFZPXDpYGLPkAoMO/GangsterDisciplesPresidentObamaChicago.jpg" class="align-center" width="520"/></a>By Gangsters Inc. Editors</p> <p>Eric “Fat Eric” Wilson, a former leader in the <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=GD" target="_self">Gangster Disciples</a>, was given a sentence reduction by President Barack Obama on Tuesday. Wilson (photo above, left) was serving a life sentence for drug trafficking, but that has been reduced to 35 years, which means he’ll be eligible for release in 7 years.</p> <p>The former gang boss can thank U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush for sending a letter to Obama in which he wrote that Wilson deserved a break in his sentence because of his “extraordinary rehabilitative efforts,” the <a href="http://chicago.suntimes.com" target="_blank">Chicago Sun Times</a> reported. “Wilson earned a 4.0 grade average in college in prison while working in the prison steel factory as a skilled welder,” Rush wrote, adding that he did not believe Wilson would’ve gotten the same life sentence had he been subjected to current laws.</p> <p>As a “governor” in the <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/black-organized-crime" target="_self">Gangster Disciples organization</a>, Wilson reported directly to supreme leader Larry Hoover and himself ruled over large areas of <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Chicago" target="_self">Chicago</a>, commanding hundreds of <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/street-gangs" target="_self">gang members</a>. In the late 1990s, Hoover, Wilson, and several others were busted and convicted of participating in a drug conspiracy. In 1998, Wilson was sentenced to life behind bars.</p> <p>Not far from Chicago, in <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Rockford" target="_self">Rockford</a>, a leader of the Black Gangster Disciples also received a sentence reduction. <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/profile-rockford-s-black-gangster-disciples-boss-karl-fort" target="_self">Karl Fort’s life sentence was reduced</a> to 35 years as well. He’ll be out in 2019. Though no one can predict how both these men will behave once outside, they might play a role in the community, telling kids to stay away from the gang life and perhaps mediating between various groups currently at war with each other.</p> <p><strong>Get the latest on organized crime and the Mafia first at the Gangsters Inc. <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=News" target="_self">news section</a>.</strong></p> <p><strong>Follow Gangsters Inc. on <a href="http://twitter.com/GangstersIncWeb" target="_blank">Twitter</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/GangstersInc" target="_blank">Facebook</a>.</strong></p> <p><strong>If you enjoyed this article you might also enjoy reading:</strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/black-caesar-the-rise-of-america-s-biggest-kingpin" target="_self">Black Caesar: The Rise of America's Biggest Kingpin</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/jennifer-lopez-to-star-as-drug-lord-griselda-blanco-in-new-hbo-mo" target="_self">Jennifer Lopez stars as drug lord Griseldo Blanco in new HBO movie</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/alleged-gangster-disciples-indicted-for-roles-in-5-attempted-murd" target="_self">Gangster Disciples indicted for role in 5 attempted murders</a></li> <li>Drug boss Keith Ricks: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/drug-boss-ricks-from-selfies-in-the-gym-to-trafficking-heroin" target="_self">From selfies in the gym to trafficking heroin</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/nathan-barksdale-inspiration-for-the-wire-dead-at-54" target="_self">"Bodie" Barksdale, inspiration for The Wire, dead at 54</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/senator-declares-war-on-gangster-disciples" target="_self">Senator declares war on Gangster Disciples</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/supreme-gangster-giant-towers-over-queens-rap" target="_self">Supreme: Gangster giant towers over Queens rap</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/pablo-escobars-war-on-colombia" target="_self">Pablo Escobar's war on Colombia</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/escobar-versus-cali-the-war-of-the-cartels" target="_self">Escobar vs Cali: War of the Cartels</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/godmother-griselda-blanco-gunned-down-in-colombia" target="_self">Godmother Griselda Blanco shot to death in Colombia</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mexican-drug-boss-el-chapo-guzman-caught" target="_self">Mexican drug boss El Chapo Guzman recaptured</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mexican-cartels-tighten-iron-grip-on-us-drug-markets" target="_self">Mexican cartels tighten iron grip on US drug markets</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/top-5-drug-lords-killed-while-on-the-run" target="_self">Top 5 drug lords killed while on the run</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/did-el-chapo-put-a-100-million-bounty-on-trump-or-not" target="_self">Did El Chapo put a $100 million bounty on Trump or not?</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/how-atf-s-fast-and-furious-crashed-and-burned" target="_self">How ATF's Fast and Furious crashed and burned</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/how-bonanno-goodfellas-whacked-lufthansa-loot" target="_self">How Bonanno goodfellas whacked Lufthansa heist loot</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/gangsters-inc-sits-down-with-fbi-agent-jack-garcia" target="_self">Gangsters Inc. sits down with FBI agent Jack Garcia</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/don-king-from-street-thug-to-street-name" target="_self">Don King: From street thug to street name?</a></li> </ul> <p><strong>Copyright © Gangsters Inc.</strong></p> The New England Crime Family tag:gangstersinc.ning.com,2017-01-19:6329524:BlogPost:61193 Gangsters Inc. http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profile/2g2lucitjcn3w <p><strong>Estimate members</strong>: Unknown<br></br> <strong>First Boss</strong>: Frank “Butsey” Morelli<br></br> <strong>Primary activities</strong>: Involved in narcotics trafficking, video poker machines, robbery, extortion, loan sharking, gambling.<br></br> <strong>Boss</strong>: Carmen DiNunzio<br></br> <strong>Consigliere</strong>: Peter Limone<br></br> <strong>Acting Boss</strong>: …</p> <p><strong>Estimate members</strong>: Unknown<br/> <strong>First Boss</strong>: Frank “Butsey” Morelli<br/> <strong>Primary activities</strong>: Involved in narcotics trafficking, video poker machines, robbery, extortion, loan sharking, gambling.<br/> <strong>Boss</strong>: Carmen DiNunzio<br/> <strong>Consigliere</strong>: Peter Limone<br/> <strong>Acting Boss</strong>: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/boston-mobsters-sentenced-to-prison-for-extortion-scheme" target="_self">Anthony "Spucky" Spagnolo</a> (in prison)</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span class="font-size-4">ARTICLES:</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/new-england-mafia-capo-bobby-deluca-admits-conspiracy-in-1992-mur" target="_self">Bobby DeLuca admits conspiracy in 1992 murder of mob enforcer Kevin Hanrahan</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/profile-patriarca-crime-family-capo-anthony-st-laurent-sr" target="_self">Profile: Capo Anthony "The Saint" St. Laurent Sr.</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/camorra-still-possesses-stolen-rembrandt-art-hunters-say-could-bo" target="_self">Could Boston heist painting have ended up in Italy with Camorra Mafia?</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/boston-mob-boss-frank-salemme-faces-hopeless-day-in-court" target="_self">Boston mob boss Frank Salemme faces hopeless day in court</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/former-new-england-mob-boss-turned-snitch-francis-cadillac-salemm" target="_self">Former mob boss Francis Salemme charged with murder of federal witness</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/patriarca-mob-family-capo-turned-snitch-charged-with-lying-about" target="_self">Bobby DeLuca charged with lying about Boston club owner's murder</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/boston-mobsters-sentenced-to-prison-for-extortion-scheme" target="_self">Boston mobsters sentenced to prison for extortion scheme</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/boston-mobster-goes-to-trial-for-hidden-interest-in-million-dolla" target="_self">Boston mobster goes to trial for hidden interest in multi-million-dollar casino deal</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/new-england-mobster-sentenced-for-drug-conspiracy" target="_self">New England mobster sentenced for drug conspiracy</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/boston-mafia-bosses-hit-the-streets-war-looming" target="_self">Boston Mafia bosses hit the streets – War looming?</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/fbi-releases-audio-of-boston-mafia-induction-ceremony" target="_self">FBI releases audio of Boston Mafia induction ceremony</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/new-england-mafia-bust-emphasizes-mob-s-decline" target="_self">New England Mafia bust emphasizes mob’s decline</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/joe-barboza-boston-barbarian" target="_self">Joe Barboza: Boston Barbarian</a></p> New England Mafia capo Bobby DeLuca admits conspiracy in 1992 murder of mob enforcer Kevin Hanrahan tag:gangstersinc.ning.com,2017-01-19:6329524:BlogPost:79342 Gangsters Inc. http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profile/2g2lucitjcn3w <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/new-england-mafia-capo-bobby-deluca-admits-conspiracy-in-1992-mur" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/klx1aEk42WqbJyKq68pucndt1cieJbkx7y0Y2dMCRjygoID6glQtM9BMbfP9ViMkyRnkUflQ2nl58v4l9iJ3-WHZiQSGUoEE/DeLucaBostonMafiaPatriarcaHanrahanGANGSTERSINC.jpg" width="420"></img></a> By David Amoruso</p> <p>New England mobster Robert “Bobby” DeLuca (photo above, left and right) has admitted shooting down an infamous Providence mob enforcer in 1992. The former Mafia capo pleaded no contest on Wednesday to a murder conspiracy charge and faces up to ten years in prison.</p> <p>For a guy who seemed to have gotten away with it…</p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/new-england-mafia-capo-bobby-deluca-admits-conspiracy-in-1992-mur" target="_self"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/klx1aEk42WqbJyKq68pucndt1cieJbkx7y0Y2dMCRjygoID6glQtM9BMbfP9ViMkyRnkUflQ2nl58v4l9iJ3-WHZiQSGUoEE/DeLucaBostonMafiaPatriarcaHanrahanGANGSTERSINC.jpg" class="align-center" width="420"/></a>By David Amoruso</p> <p>New England mobster Robert “Bobby” DeLuca (photo above, left and right) has admitted shooting down an infamous Providence mob enforcer in 1992. The former Mafia capo pleaded no contest on Wednesday to a murder conspiracy charge and faces up to ten years in prison.</p> <p>For a guy who seemed to have gotten away with it all, <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-new-england-crime-family" target="_self">New England Mafia</a> capo Bobby DeLuca sure messed things up. Already in jail on charges that he lied to authorities about the <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/former-new-england-mob-boss-turned-snitch-francis-cadillac-salemm" target="_self">1993 murder of Steven DiSarro</a>, a Boston nightclub owner, he once made a deal to cooperate with authorities after they arrested him in 2011 in connection with a racketeering conspiracy. In return, they were very lenient, sentencing him to just one day in prison in the summer of 2014, giving him a second chance at life.</p> <p>But then they found out he <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/patriarca-mob-family-capo-turned-snitch-charged-with-lying-about" target="_self">had lied to them</a>. He lied about having any knowledge of DiSarro's disappearance or any other murders linked to the Boston Mafia, including the killing of enforcer Kevin Hanrahan outside The Arch Restaurant on Federal Hill on September 18, 1992.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Read: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/fbi-releases-audio-of-boston-mafia-induction-ceremony" target="_self">FBI releases audio of Boston Mafia induction ceremony</a></strong></li> </ul> <p><a href="http://www.facebook.com/GangstersInc" target="_blank"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/klx1aEk42WodK6HuqliBJmoA84XW2OYAfxBnp5P7mUGTlrxISe4P4sWxvWgpnGnDta6cjcw3zUIpOiMJQML-853hIKOjYCDI/hanrahan1.jpg" class="align-right" width="148"/></a>Hanrahan (right) was a beast, a man feared on the streets of <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Boston" target="_self">Boston</a> – which in itself says it all. The Italian Mafia frequently used him as muscle. If a deadbeat refused to pay, Hanrahan was sent in to collect what was owned. If that person still didn’t pay, he dished out a hell of a beating.</p> <p>Until the tough guy started intimidating the wrong guy, someone who "knew a guy." A guy who made a phone call and got in touch with mob boss <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/boston-mob-boss-frank-salemme-faces-hopeless-day-in-court" target="_self">Francis Salemme</a>. Upon hearing about Hanrahan's behavior, he ordered DeLuca and Rocco Argenti – who has since passed away – to get rid of him. They did. On the night of September 18, 1992, Hanrahan walked out of The Arch and was shot to death by two assassins. He was 39.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Read: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/joe-barboza-boston-barbarian" target="_self">Joe Barboza: Boston Barbarian</a></strong></li> </ul> <p>His killers made sure he was dead. They shot him in the head three times. They knew his reputation and the stories. In 1975, Hanrahan had been shot as well. When police arrived on the scene, they found him with a bullet in his chest, fully aware of what happened, looking back at the cops and refusing to say who shot him.</p> <p>Still in his early twenties, this incident cemented his reputation as a tough son of a bitch who kept his mouth shut. Little did people know, keeping one’s mouth shut would became such a rare occurrence among Boston gangsters.</p> <p><strong>Get the latest on organized crime and the Mafia at Gangsters Inc.'s <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=News" target="_self">news section</a>.</strong></p> <p><strong>Follow Gangsters Inc. on <a href="http://twitter.com/GangstersIncWeb" target="_blank">Twitter</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/GangstersInc" target="_blank">Facebook</a></strong></p> <p><strong>If you enjoyed this article you might also enjoy reading:</strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/keeping-the-new-york-docks-in-the-mafia-family-from-the-gigantes" target="_self">Keeping the New York docks in the (Mafia) family</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/boston-mobster-goes-to-trial-for-hidden-interest-in-million-dolla" target="_self">Boston mobster goes on trial</a> for hidden interest in million-dollar casino deal</li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/camorra-still-possesses-stolen-rembrandt-art-hunters-say-could-bo" target="_self">Did Boston heist painting end up with Italian Camorra?</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/boston-mafia-bosses-hit-the-streets-war-looming" target="_self">Boston Mafia bosses hit the streets - War looming?</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-blackfriars-massacre" target="_self">Boston's Blackfriars Massacre</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-american-mafia-and-its-use-of-colorful-nicknames" target="_self">The American Mafia and its use of colorful nicknames</a></li> <li>Profile: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/profile-patriarca-crime-family-capo-anthony-st-laurent-sr" target="_self">Patriarca crime family capo Anthony St. Laurent Sr.</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/15-million-drug-ring-led-by-gambino-crime-family-busted" target="_self">$15 million drug ring led by New York Mafia families busted</a></li> <li>INTERVIEW: Former mob boss <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/interview-john-gotti-jr-sits-down-with-gangsters-inc" target="_self">John Gotti Junior sits down with Gangsters Inc.</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/santo-trafficante-building-the-family-business" target="_self">Santo Trafficante: Building the Family Business</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/ten-must-visit-mob-bars-and-lounges" target="_self">Ten Must-Visit Mob Bars and Lounges</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/how-bonanno-goodfellas-whacked-lufthansa-loot" target="_self">How Bonanno goodfellas whacked Lufthansa heist loot</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/gangsters-inc-sits-down-with-fbi-agent-jack-garcia" target="_self">Gangsters Inc. sits down with FBI agent Jack Garcia</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/top-5-of-true-stand-up-wiseguys" target="_self">Top 5 of true stand up wiseguys</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/cops-make-the-deadliest-mafia-hit-men" target="_self">Cops make the deadliest Mafia hitmen</a></li> </ul> <p><strong>Copyright © Gangsters Inc.</strong></p> Bikers & Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs - Overview tag:gangstersinc.ning.com,2017-01-18:6329524:BlogPost:494 Gangsters Inc. http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profile/2g2lucitjcn3w <p><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/0Ty7vayRmOj4QOQjm4MtPUqJ9OTBkTLZg3xDsFpCo3tm-geI88deB92NB2RxskKE2Y9JX9FZUZu6rduUkTj0T6hD5NVcyjDs/photo11.jpg" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/0Ty7vayRmOj4QOQjm4MtPUqJ9OTBkTLZg3xDsFpCo3tm-geI88deB92NB2RxskKE2Y9JX9FZUZu6rduUkTj0T6hD5NVcyjDs/photo11.jpg" width="600"></img></a></p> <p>Outlaw motorcycle clubs have become an increasingly powerful presence in the world of organized crime around the globe. While they claim to exist for no other reason than to enjoy a free lifestyle and riding motorcycles many clubs and chapters have been busted for crimes ranging from extortion and drug dealing…</p> <p><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/0Ty7vayRmOj4QOQjm4MtPUqJ9OTBkTLZg3xDsFpCo3tm-geI88deB92NB2RxskKE2Y9JX9FZUZu6rduUkTj0T6hD5NVcyjDs/photo11.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/0Ty7vayRmOj4QOQjm4MtPUqJ9OTBkTLZg3xDsFpCo3tm-geI88deB92NB2RxskKE2Y9JX9FZUZu6rduUkTj0T6hD5NVcyjDs/photo11.jpg" width="600"/></a></p> <p>Outlaw motorcycle clubs have become an increasingly powerful presence in the world of organized crime around the globe. While they claim to exist for no other reason than to enjoy a free lifestyle and riding motorcycles many clubs and chapters have been busted for crimes ranging from extortion and drug dealing to racketeering and murder.</p> <p>These clubs have always said they live outside the boundaries of conventional society and play by their own rules. Their wild and criminal behavior led them to be labeled as “One Percenters,” a reference to a comment allegedly made by the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) in which it stated that 99% of motorcyclists were law-abiding citizens, implying that the last one percent were outlaws.</p> <p>They were eager to live up to that label.</p> <p>The most famous outlaw motorcycle club is undoubtedly the <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Angels" target="_self">Hells Angels</a> MC. But in its wake other clubs have formed and carved out a substantial piece of territory. Most of these clubs formed in the United States and opened chapters around the world in the years thereafter. Other notable American-born clubs are the <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Bandidos" target="_self">Bandidos</a>, the <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Mongols" target="_self">Mongols</a>, and the <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Outlaws" target="_self">Outlaws</a>. But as those clubs spread out into other countries, local clubs became bolder as well, and pretty quickly you had regional outlaw motorcycle clubs fighting against the more established ones.</p> <p>Here at Gangsters Inc. we aim to keep you informed on all these clubs from all around the world. For your convenience we have listed them by club. When an article mentions more than one club and it is unclear who is the main subject of the piece it will be listed below under “various.”</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-4"><strong>Hells Angels:</strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/former-hells-angels-boss-george-christie-to-share-his-outlaw-bike" target="_self">Ex-Hells Angels boss George Christie to talk at Mob Museum</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/hells-angels-president-gets-10-years-in-prison-on-meth-charge" target="_self">Hells Angels President gets 10 years in prison on meth charge</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/massive-funeral-procession-for-murdered-hells-angel" target="_self">Massive funeral procession for murdered Hells Angel</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/hells-angels-shoot-mongols-in-deadly-freeway-gunfight" target="_self">Hells Angels shoot Mongols in deadly freeway gunfight</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/media-savvy-hells-angels-turned-notoriety-into-business" target="_self">Media-savvy Hells Angels turned notoriety into business</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/spanish-hells-angels-hit-hard-in-european-bust" target="_self">Spanish Hells Angels Hit Hard in European Bust</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/australian-bikers-fighting-wars-while-cashing-with-the-cartel" target="_self">Australian bikers fighting wars while cashing with the Cartel</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/german-bikers-prepare-for-war" target="_self">German Bikers Prepare For War (Hells Angels vs Bandidos)</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/biker-news-war-down-under" target="_self">Biker News: War Down Under</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/trouble-for-canadian-hells-angels" target="_self">Trouble For Canadian Hells Angels</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/amsterdam-s-hells-angels-leave-their-home" target="_self">Amsterdam's Hells Angels Leave Their Home</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/biker-news-murder-arrests-one-break-up-a-ban" target="_self">Biker News: Murder, Arrests, One Break Up &amp; A Ban</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/biker-news-war-is-in-the-air" target="_self">Biker News: War is in the Air</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/biker-news-brawling-for" target="_self">Biker News: Brawling For Territory</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/biker-news-brothers-betraying" target="_self">Biker News: Brothers Betraying Brothers</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;">Biker News: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/biker-news-gang-war-in" target="_self">Gang war in Australia, Angels go to trial in Denmark</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/biker-news-charity-drive-or" target="_self">Biker News: Charity Drive or Gang War?</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;">Biker News: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/biker-news-hells-angels-busts" target="_self">Hells Angels Busts in New Zealand and Germany</a>, Trial </p> <p style="text-align: center;">Biker News: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/biker-news-dutch-hells-angel" target="_self">Dutch Hells Angel Murdered, Rhode Island President Buried</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/europol-issues-warning-hells" target="_self">Europol Issues Warning: "Hells Angels Expanding into Eastern Europe"</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/outlaw-bikers-in-finland" target="_self">Outlaw Bikers in Finland 1997-2005</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/outlaw-bikers-in-finland-1994" target="_self">Outlaw Bikers in Finland 1994 to 1997</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-great-northern-biker-war" target="_self">The Great Northern Biker War</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-4"><strong>Bandidos MC:</strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/complex-twin-peaks-bandidos-biker-trial-nearing-start" target="_self">Complex Twin Peaks Bandidos biker trial nearing start</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/bandidos-biker-club-in-america-severs-ties-with-all-its-global-ch" target="_self">Bandidos biker club in US severs ties with all its global chapters</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/bandidos-national-sergeant-at-arms-pleads-guilty-to-federal-racke" target="_self">Bandidos National Sergeant at Arms pleads guilty to federal racketeering</a>, drug trafficking and extortion charges</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/racketeering-and-drug-charges-for-leaders-of-bandidos-gang" target="_self">Racketeering and drug charges for leaders of Bandidos gang</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/106-bikers-charged-in-deadly-shootout-loyal-to-club-or-law" target="_self">106 bikers charged in deadly shootout, loyal to club or law?</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/outlaw-bikers-go-on-international-murder-spree" target="_self">Outlaw bikers go on international murder spree</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/bandidos-plant-flag-in-netherlands-hells-angels-unhappy" target="_self">Bandidos plant flag in Netherlands, Hells Angels unhappy</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/outlaw-bikers-in-finland" target="_self">Outlaw Bikers in Finland 1997-2005</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/outlaw-bikers-in-finland-1994" target="_self">Outlaw Bikers in Finland 1994 to 1997</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-great-northern-biker-war" target="_self">The Great Northern Biker War</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-4"><strong>Mongols MC:</strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mongols-outlaw-motorcycle-club-in-united-states-kicks-out-all-its" target="_self">Mongols USA kick out all its European chapters</a> in "bad standing"</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/hells-angels-shoot-mongols-in-deadly-freeway-gunfight" target="_self">Hells Angels shoot Mongols in deadly freeway gunfight</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-4"><strong>No Surrender MC:</strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/biker-boss-resigns-because-he-wants-to-talk-to-the-cops" target="_self">Biker boss resigns because he wants to talk to the cops</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/biker-boss-wounded-by-hitman-says-club-will-handle-problem" target="_self">Biker boss wounded by hitman, says club will handle problem</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/wild-outlaw-biker-shooting-caught-on-video" target="_self">Wild outlaw biker shooting caught on video</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/outlaw-bikers-joining-fight-against-isis-in-iraq" target="_self">Outlaw bikers join fight against ISIS in Iraq</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-4"><strong>Black Motorcycle Clubs:</strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/detroit-gang-leader-gets-35-years-for-racketeering" target="_self">Detroit gang leader gets 35 years for racketeering</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-4"><strong>Pagans Motorcycle Club:</strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/pagans-motorcycle-club-boss-gets-prison-for-gun-violations" target="_self">Pagans Motorcycle Club boss gets prison for gun violations</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span class="font-size-4">Satudarah Motorcycle Club:</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/outlaw-biker-offers-10k-reward-to-public-for-info-on-men-who-thre" target="_self">Outlaw biker offers 10K reward to public</a> for info on men who threw "hand grenade"</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-4"><strong>Various:</strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/biker-news-police-raids-in-germany-target-outlaw-motorcycle-club" target="_self">Police raids in Germany target outlaw motorcycle club</a> as Europe cracks down on bikers</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/outlaw-motorcycle-gangs-invade-the-mob-museum-in-las-vegas" target="_self">Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs invade Mob Museum in Las Vegas</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/cops-involved-in-waco-biker-shootout-cleared-by-grand-jury" target="_self">Cops involved in Waco biker shootout cleared by Grand Jury</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/corrupt-cop-sold-info-to-international-drug-gangs-and-bikers">Corrupt cop sold info to international drug gangs and bikers</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/how-to-destroy-outlaw-biker-gangs" target="_self">How to destroy outlaw biker gangs</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/more-outlaw-bikers-gunning-for-isis" target="_self">More outlaw bikers gunning for ISIS</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/biker-news-dutch-biker-war-avoided" target="_self">Biker News: Dutch Biker War Avoided?</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-4"><strong>Fiction &amp; Reality:</strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/sons-of-anarchy-final-season-trailer-shows-vengeance" target="_self">Sons of Anarchy final season trailer shows vengeance</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/reality-tv-showing-audiences-fake-ganglands" target="_self">Reality TV Showing Audiences Fake Ganglands</a></p> Mongols outlaw motorcycle club in United States kicks out several European chapters in “bad standing” tag:gangstersinc.ning.com,2017-01-18:6329524:BlogPost:79271 Gangsters Inc. http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profile/2g2lucitjcn3w <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mongols-outlaw-motorcycle-club-in-united-states-kicks-out-all-its" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/llVO6PYtbd6m27k9jmcaAkNpl4HnUvaErdrCxn0Gz15*Y6eiY-dCyOkfAfxUjV0PT1Ws6Aft33wJWzsBxdNitbsLTlu0u4jh/mongolsMC.jpg" width="520"></img></a> By David Amoruso</p> <p>Daddy ain’t happy. The Mongols motorcycle club in the United States has kicked out the majority of its European chapters in “bad standing,” Dutch weekly Panorama reported this week. American Mongols MC leaders ordered emissaries from several of its European countries to get their act together. Displeased, the American…</p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mongols-outlaw-motorcycle-club-in-united-states-kicks-out-all-its" target="_self"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/llVO6PYtbd6m27k9jmcaAkNpl4HnUvaErdrCxn0Gz15*Y6eiY-dCyOkfAfxUjV0PT1Ws6Aft33wJWzsBxdNitbsLTlu0u4jh/mongolsMC.jpg" class="align-center" width="520"/></a>By David Amoruso</p> <p>Daddy ain’t happy. The Mongols motorcycle club in the United States has kicked out the majority of its European chapters in “bad standing,” Dutch weekly Panorama reported this week. American Mongols MC leaders ordered emissaries from several of its European countries to get their act together. Displeased, the American bosses then decided to expel them from the club.</p> <p>Quoting anonymous sources, Panorama reports that emissaries from the <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Mongols" target="_self">Mongols</a> in <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Germany" target="_self">Germany</a>, <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=England" target="_self">England</a>, <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Italy" target="_self">Italy</a>, and <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Netherlands" target="_self">the Netherlands</a> were called to account by their bosses in the United States. The Americans ordered their European brothers to pay higher membership dues and to retaliate at once when they were subject of an attack by a rival motorcycle club.</p> <p>What were the Europeans going to do? Their origin was in the United States. It’s the birthplace of all the big outlaw biker clubs. Still, the Europeans thumbed their noses at the bosses, leaving the Americans no other choice but to kick them out in “bad standing,” Panorama’s anonymous sources say.</p> <p>Leaving an <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/bikers-amp-outlaw-motorcycle" target="_self">outlaw biker club</a> in “bad standing” isn’t a good farewell. It means these bikers have to hand in their colors (vests and other materials, sometimes even their motorcycles) and remove any tattoos on their bodies. It’s a nightmare for men who seem like giants when they ride their bikes wearing their colors. Suddenly, they are just like everyone else.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Read: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/hells-angels-shoot-mongols-in-deadly-freeway-gunfight" target="_self">Hells Angels shoot Mongols in deadly freeway gunfight</a></strong></li> </ul> <p>Perhaps that is why the story takes a twist. The president of the <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Mongols" target="_self">Mongols</a> chapter in the Netherlands posted an official statement on his Facebook page in which he wrote, “On September 24, 2016, the Mongols chapters in Europe have unanimously decided to go on independently from the Mongols in America. England, <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Belgium" target="_self">Belgium</a>, <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=France" target="_self">France</a>, Italy, Germany, and the Netherlands will continue the Mongol Nation in Europe. Each country individually, but united under one European flag visible on our side rocker.”</p> <p>The German Mongols later have a change of heart and decide to stick with their American mother chapter, which welcomes them back with open arms. The Germans are listed on the <a href="http://mongolsmc.com/chapters/germany" target="_blank">Mongols MC's official website</a>. This causes an immediate rift with several of their European brothers.</p> <p>It’s the second time such a thing has happened. In December of last year, <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/bandidos-biker-club-in-america-severs-ties-with-all-its-global-ch" target="_self">Gangsters Inc. reported</a> about the American <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/bandidos-biker-club-in-america-severs-ties-with-all-its-global-ch" target="_self">Bandidos severing ties with all its European chapters</a> and creating a new patch as a result. Despite all the tough talk surrounding a “bad standing,” it would be impossible for the American mother chapters to enforce the rules in Europe.</p> <p>And thus, we are left with two versions of the same outlaw motorcycle club. One in the United States, the other in Europe. These splits signal that the days of a united brotherhood that spanned the globe have come to an end. Today, it’s each chapter for itself.</p> <p><strong>Get the latest on bikers, organized crime and the Mafia at our <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=News" target="_self">news section</a>.</strong></p> <p><strong>Follow Gangsters Inc. on <a href="http://twitter.com/GangstersIncWeb" target="_blank">Twitter</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/GangstersInc" target="_blank">Facebook</a>.</strong></p> <p><strong>If you enjoyed this article you might also enjoy reading:</strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/how-to-destroy-outlaw-biker-gangs" target="_self">How to destroy outlaw biker gangs</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/bandidos-biker-club-in-america-severs-ties-with-all-its-global-ch" target="_self">Bandidos USA severs all ties with all its global chapters</a>, creates new patch</li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/bikers-amp-outlaw-motorcycle" target="_self">Gangsters Inc.'s Outlaw Biker Gangs section</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/outlaw-bikers-joining-fight-against-isis-in-iraq" target="_self">Outlaw bikers join fight against ISIS in Iraq</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/racketeering-and-drug-charges-for-leaders-of-bandidos-gang" target="_self">Racketeering and drug charges for leaders of Bandidos gang</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/hells-angels-shoot-mongols-in-deadly-freeway-gunfight" target="_self">Hells Angels shoot Mongols in deadly freeway gunfight</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/media-savvy-hells-angels-turned-notoriety-into-business" target="_self">Media-savvy Hells Angels turned notoriety into business</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/german-bikers-prepare-for-war" target="_self">German Bikers Prepare For War</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/spanish-hells-angels-hit-hard-in-european-bust" target="_self">Spanish Hells Angels Hit Hard in European Bust</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/bandidos-plant-flag-in-netherlands-hells-angels-unhappy" target="_self">Bandidos plant flag in Netherlands, Hells Angels unhappy</a></li> </ul> <p><strong>Copyright © Gangsters Inc.</strong></p> New television series “Bad Blood” takes viewers into Montreal underworld dominated by Rizzuto Mafia clan tag:gangstersinc.ning.com,2017-01-17:6329524:BlogPost:79436 Gangsters Inc. http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profile/2g2lucitjcn3w <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/new-television-series-bad-blood-takes-viewers-into-montreal-under" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/Fxq0VavCSuBj3Imjme3pZt**wHYpCC9zbi8aBNNtroRNeBFS5Itaz*XkDct-nmP1c6B9RtCdFxABsdrKucQJVHjoyXh3aL*v/BadBloodTVFXCityMontrealMafiaRizzutocover.jpg?width=520" width="520"></img></a> By Gangsters Inc. Editors</p> <p>That’s a wrap! The filming of <em>Bad Blood</em>, a six-part, 60-minute scripted series about the <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Montreal" target="_self">Montreal Mafia</a> has concluded and will debut on television channels City and FX this fall. Starring Anthony LaPaglia (Without a…</p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/new-television-series-bad-blood-takes-viewers-into-montreal-under" target="_self"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/Fxq0VavCSuBj3Imjme3pZt**wHYpCC9zbi8aBNNtroRNeBFS5Itaz*XkDct-nmP1c6B9RtCdFxABsdrKucQJVHjoyXh3aL*v/BadBloodTVFXCityMontrealMafiaRizzutocover.jpg?width=520" class="align-center" width="520"/></a>By Gangsters Inc. Editors</p> <p>That’s a wrap! The filming of <em>Bad Blood</em>, a six-part, 60-minute scripted series about the <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Montreal" target="_self">Montreal Mafia</a> has concluded and will debut on television channels City and FX this fall. Starring Anthony LaPaglia (Without a Trace) as Montreal crime boss Vito Rizzuto, Kim Coates (Sons of Anarchy, photo below) as Vito’s right-hand man Declan Gardiner, Paul Sorvino (<a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-truth-behind-movie-classic-goodfellas" target="_self">Goodfellas</a>) as family patriarch Nico Rizzuto Sr., and Enrico Colantoni (Flashpoint) as Bruno Bonsignori this is set to be a blockbuster affair.</p> <p><a href="http://www.facebook.com/GangstersInc" target="_blank"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/Fxq0VavCSuB5ha0Mo1JWxFHQzP33Kx8QEwNGVTrunPdlqo2JovWeUd0jYt7pQB-HZjcwYdKIFtBjDvksHYQNrlRvLSkRtdt2/badbloodkimcoates.jpg" class="align-right" width="268"/></a>“Bad Blood is a story of family, loyalty, deceit, power, greed and ultimately revenge,” the official press release states. “<a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/montreal-mafia-boss-vito-rizzuto-1946-2013" target="_self">Montreal Mafia boss Vito Rizzuto</a> is a criminal anomaly – the only man to bring peace among the disparate wings of the Montreal crime world who would serve as a de facto CEO while ensuring a lucrative payday for all. When Rizzuto is suddenly arrested and extradited to Colorado’s Supermax Prison for the 1981 murders of three Bonanno crime family members, the powerful empire he built begins to crumble. Rizzuto watches helplessly as his family and friends are killed one by one. Upon his release from prison in October 2012, a Shakespearean-level revenge tale unfolds, leading to the brutal murders of his closest companions, and ultimately, to the death of Rizzuto himself.”</p> <p>Additional cast includes Brett Donahue (The Kennedys: After Camelot), Maxim Roy (19-2), Tony Nappo (Shoot The Messenger), Frank Schorpion (Arrival), Joris Jarsky (The Art of More), Michelle Mylett (Letterkenny), Clauter Alexandre (Trauma) and Vincent Leclerc (19-2).</p> <p>Bad Blood makes it world-wide debut on City and FX this fall, followed by a Radio-Canada broadcast in French. The series is distributed internationally by Sky Vision. It is based on the nonfiction book <em>Business or Blood: Mafia Boss Vito Rizzuto's Last War</em> by authors Antonio Nicaso and Peter Edwards. <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/new-mob-tv-series-bad-blood-the-vito-rizzuto-story-promises-shake" target="_self">Gangsters Inc. talked to Edwards</a> when news about the television series first broke. You can read the <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/new-mob-tv-series-bad-blood-the-vito-rizzuto-story-promises-shake" target="_self">interview with Peter Edwards discussing Bad Blood</a> here.</p> <p><strong>Get the latest on organized crime and the Mafia at Gangsters Inc.'s <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=News" target="_self">news section</a>.</strong></p> <p><strong>Follow Gangsters Inc. on <a href="http://twitter.com/GangstersIncWeb" target="_blank">Twitter</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/GangstersInc" target="_blank">Facebook</a></strong></p> <p><strong>If you enjoyed this article you might also enjoy reading:</strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mafia-math-calculating-italian-organized-crime-s-illicit-income" target="_self">Mafia Math: Calculating Italian organized crime's illicit income</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/montreal-mobster-murdered-at-home-as-violence-continues" target="_self">Montreal mobster killed at home as violence continues</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/arsonists-set-montreal-ablaze-as-deadly-mafia-war-continues" target="_self">Arsonists set Montreal ablaze as Mafia war rages on</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/interview-john-gotti-jr-sits-down-with-gangsters-inc" target="_self">INTERVIEW: John Gotti Jr. sits down with Gangsters Inc.</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-american-mafia-and-its-use-of-colorful-nicknames" target="_self">The American Mafia and its use of colorful nicknames</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-canadian-connection-flooding-the-u-s-with-dope" target="_self">The Canadian Connection: Flooding the U.S. with dope</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/murder-of-mob-boss-rocco-zito-hit-or-domestic-dispute" target="_self">Murder of mob boss Rocco Zito: Hit or domestic dispute</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/montreal-mafia-boss-arcadi-to-be-released-soon" target="_self">Montreal Mafia boss Arcadi to be released from prison soon</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/six-plead-guilty-in-murder-of-ex-bonanno-family-mob-boss" target="_self">Six plead guilty in murder of ex-Bonanno mob boss</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/my-loving-dad-was-a-gangster-and-bugsy-siegel-s-close-friend" target="_self">My loving dad was a gangster and Bugsy Siegel's close friend</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/montreal-mobster-caught-in-arizona-with-62-kilos-of-cocaine" target="_self">Montreal mobster caught with 62 kilos of cocaine in Arizona</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-american-mafia-bets-on-the-world-and-wins-big" target="_self">The American Mafia bets on the world and wins big</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/how-bonanno-goodfellas-whacked-lufthansa-loot" target="_self">How Bonanno goodfellas whacked Lufthansa heist loot</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/sicilian-mafia-travel-guide-reveals-island-s-underworld" target="_self">Sicilian Mafia travel guide reveals island's underworld</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-humble-origins-of-joe-masseria-and-lucky-luciano" target="_self">The humble origins of Lucky Luciano and Joe Masseria</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/give-a-man-a-gun-the-story-of-carmine-dibiase" target="_self">Give a Man a Gun: The story of Carmine DiBiase</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/top-5-of-true-stand-up-wiseguys" target="_self">Top 5 of true stand up wiseguys</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/cops-make-the-deadliest-mafia-hit-men" target="_self">Cops make the deadliest Mafia hitmen</a></li> </ul> <p><strong>Copyright © Gangsters Inc.</strong></p> Profile: Rockford’s Black Gangster Disciples boss Karl Fort tag:gangstersinc.ning.com,2017-01-16:6329524:BlogPost:79142 Gangsters Inc. http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profile/2g2lucitjcn3w <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/profile-rockford-s-black-gangster-disciples-boss-karl-fort" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/Fxq0VavCSuDbL*uRDxmOd81m7AdnMrZoQvQKhKfdZR*GT-h9gVeGmIBkFWClcHyIiCV*Qq2*iS18uFi4q78ZjXcDXz5g1JBD/karlfortcover.jpg?width=399" width="399"></img></a> By David Amoruso</p> <p>A very big name on the streets of Rockford is coming home early. Matter of fact, few people expected Karl “Shortdog” Fort, leader of Rockford’s Black Gangster Disciples, to ever come home again at all, as he was sentenced to life in prison on drug charges in 1994. But Fort successfully petitioned the government for a sentence…</p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/profile-rockford-s-black-gangster-disciples-boss-karl-fort" target="_self"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/Fxq0VavCSuDbL*uRDxmOd81m7AdnMrZoQvQKhKfdZR*GT-h9gVeGmIBkFWClcHyIiCV*Qq2*iS18uFi4q78ZjXcDXz5g1JBD/karlfortcover.jpg?width=399" class="align-center" width="399"/></a>By David Amoruso</p> <p>A very big name on the streets of Rockford is coming home early. Matter of fact, few people expected Karl “Shortdog” Fort, leader of Rockford’s Black Gangster Disciples, to ever come home again at all, as he was sentenced to life in prison on drug charges in 1994. But Fort successfully petitioned the government for a sentence reduction and is now scheduled for release in 2019.</p> <p>What started out as a life sentence, handed down on November 21, 1994, turned into a 30-year sentence. Thanks to his good behavior behind bars, Fort is shaving some years off that one too, ending up with 25 years in prison when he will be released on November 9, 2019.</p> <p>It is an outcome no one would’ve predicted back in the early 1990s, when Fort and his crew were known as “The Mob” and ran the streets of <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Rockford" target="_self">Rockford</a>, wearing bulletproof vests and doing drive-by shootings. Authorities claimed Fort and his organization were the first large-scale distributors of <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Crack" target="_self">crack cocaine</a> in the city.</p> <p>The crack cocaine trade was known as a violent and extremely lucrative one. Junkies would take one hit and couldn’t wait to come back for more. Everyone involved also tended to get a little bit crazy.</p> <p><a href="http://www.facebook.com/GangstersInc" target="_blank"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/Fxq0VavCSuASmcs6CMpEbXoKKQ7snnJFkTDsWhO9OiT-vXmVE6OWmJOWWTFS9YiFq0tF2QfoUlnpjkrWIuw1PPwpDHgEEKW9/karlfortgangstersinc.jpg" class="align-right" width="206"/></a>Running an organization that deals in this product, Fort needed to maintain strict discipline, using the threat of excessive violence whenever needed. Like when one of his workers couldn’t explain what happened to a certain amount of powder cocaine. While the worker was questioned, one of Fort’s henchmen pointed a gun at his face and cocked the trigger. It was crystal clear what the repercussions for stealing were.</p> <p>When one of Fort’s drug runners was short on money from his crack cocaine business, he was hit in the head with a bottle of champagne by another crew leader. The drug runner ended up in the hospital and lived to tell of his digression as an example of what happened if you weren’t professional.</p> <p>Of course, the term professional was open for interpretation. Fort himself had a fierce temper and displayed an amazing willingness to use violence. In 1991 he allegedly emptied his Uzi at a house on Chestnut Street. Miraculously no one was hurt, but prosecutors did charge Fort with attempted murder.</p> <p>A year later, Fort was hit with gun charges again. But by then his reputation as gang leader preceded him and the eye witnesses against him suddenly didn’t remember what they had seen.</p> <p>Still, with authorities hot on his tail, Fort didn’t tone down his violent actions. In the summer of 1993, he was arrested for his alleged involvement in an argument over a pool game that got out of hand and ended with a man getting shot.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Read: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/i-shook-up-the-world-how-muhammad-ali-took-the-heavyweight-boxing" target="_self">How Muhammad Ali took the Heavyweight title from the Mafia</a></strong></li> </ul> <p>Sitting in a cell, perhaps still angry about the argument over the game of pool, Fort missed out on a massive police crackdown on his organization. Thirty Black Gangster Disciples were arrested and charged with being part of a massive crack cocaine trafficking ring. Fort himself was charged with federal drug conspiracy.</p> <p>Back then, the <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/drug-cartels" target="_self">war on drugs</a> was intensifying. The <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/pablo-escobars-war-on-colombia" target="_self">hunt for Pablo Escobar</a> had proven successful and the tough stance on drugs was winning votes. United States politicians had instituted severe penalties for charges related to crack cocaine. One gram of crack was considered the same as 100 grams as powder cocaine. This resulted in mindboggling sentences for street dealers and distributors.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Read: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/top-5-drug-lords-killed-while-on-the-run" target="_self">Top 5 drug lords killed while on the run</a></strong></li> </ul> <p>For a boss like Fort, it resulted in life in prison. But as time passed, authorities realized their mistake regarding treating crack cocaine differently than powder cocaine and Fort saw an opening to reduce his sentence. A successful petition supported by the community and a few influential politicians did the trick and provided Fort with an early release. Light at the end of the tunnel, a tunnel that seemed cemented shut forever.</p> <p>Now in his late forties, Fort can begin building a life for himself. Hopefully away from the criminal underworld he once ruled. It would be better for the community and for himself. Not many get a second chance like the one he will get in 2019.</p> <p>Besides, what is this soon-to-be 50-year-old going to rule when he gets out? Most of the young gangsters don’t even know his name. Nor does he know theirs. Hell, he’s been out for so long, he’ll come back to a changed world filled with smartphones, Snapchat and online beefs with real world consequences. Who would want to get involved with that?</p> <p><strong>Get the latest on organized crime and the Mafia first at the Gangsters Inc. <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=News" target="_self">news section</a>.</strong></p> <p><strong>Follow Gangsters Inc. on <a href="http://twitter.com/GangstersIncWeb" target="_blank">Twitter</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/GangstersInc" target="_blank">Facebook</a>.</strong></p> <p><strong>If you enjoyed this article you might also enjoy reading:</strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/black-caesar-the-rise-of-america-s-biggest-kingpin" target="_self">Black Caesar: The Rise of America's Biggest Kingpin</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/jennifer-lopez-to-star-as-drug-lord-griselda-blanco-in-new-hbo-mo" target="_self">Jennifer Lopez stars as drug lord Griseldo Blanco in new HBO movie</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/alleged-gangster-disciples-indicted-for-roles-in-5-attempted-murd" target="_self">Gangster Disciples indicted for role in 5 attempted murders</a></li> <li>Drug boss Keith Ricks: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/drug-boss-ricks-from-selfies-in-the-gym-to-trafficking-heroin" target="_self">From selfies in the gym to trafficking heroin</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/nathan-barksdale-inspiration-for-the-wire-dead-at-54" target="_self">"Bodie" Barksdale, inspiration for The Wire, dead at 54</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/senator-declares-war-on-gangster-disciples" target="_self">Senator declares war on Gangster Disciples</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/supreme-gangster-giant-towers-over-queens-rap" target="_self">Supreme: Gangster giant towers over Queens rap</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/pablo-escobars-war-on-colombia" target="_self">Pablo Escobar's war on Colombia</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/escobar-versus-cali-the-war-of-the-cartels" target="_self">Escobar vs Cali: War of the Cartels</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/godmother-griselda-blanco-gunned-down-in-colombia" target="_self">Godmother Griselda Blanco shot to death in Colombia</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mexican-drug-boss-el-chapo-guzman-caught" target="_self">Mexican drug boss El Chapo Guzman recaptured</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mexican-cartels-tighten-iron-grip-on-us-drug-markets" target="_self">Mexican cartels tighten iron grip on US drug markets</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/top-5-drug-lords-killed-while-on-the-run" target="_self">Top 5 drug lords killed while on the run</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/did-el-chapo-put-a-100-million-bounty-on-trump-or-not" target="_self">Did El Chapo put a $100 million bounty on Trump or not?</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/how-atf-s-fast-and-furious-crashed-and-burned" target="_self">How ATF's Fast and Furious crashed and burned</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/how-bonanno-goodfellas-whacked-lufthansa-loot" target="_self">How Bonanno goodfellas whacked Lufthansa heist loot</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/gangsters-inc-sits-down-with-fbi-agent-jack-garcia" target="_self">Gangsters Inc. sits down with FBI agent Jack Garcia</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/don-king-from-street-thug-to-street-name" target="_self">Don King: From street thug to street name?</a></li> </ul> <p><strong>Copyright © Gangsters Inc.</strong></p> Sinaloa cartel member gets 24 years in prison for role in kidnapping in US, then murder in Mexico, of colleague tag:gangstersinc.ning.com,2017-01-16:6329524:BlogPost:79139 Gangsters Inc. http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profile/2g2lucitjcn3w <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/sinaloa-cartel-member-gets-24-years-in-prison-for-role-in-kidnapp" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/Fxq0VavCSuAkH9df4*Sn5rAVGd8W9Pfh--A-2hP1NKAd3rJxoRdMSGz5WaXVXK4ZAhNMMum8r6JXvJSU*LKOosUWNgC6Vg7K/ElPasoJuarez.jpg?width=520" width="520"></img></a> By Gangsters Inc. Editors</p> <p>Organized crime knows no borders. If someone wants you dead, they’ll get you regardless of any walls or border patrols. In El Paso, 34-year-old <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Sinaloa" target="_self">Sinaloa cartel</a> member Francisco Javier Pulido was sentenced Thursday to 24 years…</p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/sinaloa-cartel-member-gets-24-years-in-prison-for-role-in-kidnapp" target="_self"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/Fxq0VavCSuAkH9df4*Sn5rAVGd8W9Pfh--A-2hP1NKAd3rJxoRdMSGz5WaXVXK4ZAhNMMum8r6JXvJSU*LKOosUWNgC6Vg7K/ElPasoJuarez.jpg?width=520" class="align-center" width="520"/></a>By Gangsters Inc. Editors</p> <p>Organized crime knows no borders. If someone wants you dead, they’ll get you regardless of any walls or border patrols. In El Paso, 34-year-old <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Sinaloa" target="_self">Sinaloa cartel</a> member Francisco Javier Pulido was sentenced Thursday to 24 years in federal prison for kidnapping a gang member who lost a load a marijuana and taking him to Mexico where he was killed.</p> <p>Pulido had already pleaded guilty on October 26, 2016, to one count of conspiracy to kill, kidnap or injure in a foreign country. By pleading guilty, he admitted to conspiring with others in the kidnapping and murder of Sergio Saucedo from his home in Horizon City on September 3, 2009. The crew took Saucedo to <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Juarez" target="_self">Ciudad Juarez</a>, Mexico, where he was murdered and mutilated in retaliation for the loss of a 670-pound marijuana load seized by authorities at the Sierra Blanca checkpoint.</p> <p>With this sentencing, this investigation has resulted in federal convictions and prison sentences for five individuals in connection with the Saucedo kidnapping and murder. Rafael Vega and Cesar Obregon-Reyes each received life imprisonment; Cesar Pineda received 20 years’ imprisonment; and, Omar Obregon-Ortiz received 100 months’ imprisonment.</p> <p><strong>Get the latest on organized crime and the Mafia first at the Gangsters Inc. <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=News" target="_self">news section</a>.</strong></p> <p><strong>Follow Gangsters Inc. on <a href="http://twitter.com/GangstersIncWeb" target="_blank">Twitter</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/GangstersInc" target="_blank">Facebook</a>.</strong></p> <p><strong>If you enjoyed this article you might also enjoy reading:</strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/los-zetas-teenage-hitmen-torture-and-drugs-wolf-boys-gives-intima" target="_self">Wolf Boys gives hellish look into Mexican cartel underworld</a></li> <li>Profile: Jalisco New Generation cartel boss <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/profile-jalisco-cartel-boss-nemesio-oseguera-cervantes" target="_self">Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/el-paso-drug-boss-sentenced-to-12-years-in-prison-for-trafficking" target="_self">El Paso drug boss sentenced to 12 years in prison for trafficking cocaine</a></li> <li>VIDEO: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/video-nephew-of-gulf-cartel-boss-shot-dead-by-sicario" target="_self">Nephew of Gulf cartel boss shot dead by sicario</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/jennifer-lopez-to-star-as-drug-lord-griselda-blanco-in-new-hbo-mo" target="_self">Jennifer Lopez stars as drug lord Griseldo Blanco in new HBO movie</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/power-play-the-kidnapping-and-release-of-el-chapo-s-son" target="_self">Power Play: The kidnapping and release of El Chapo's son</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/sinaloa-cartel-operation-busted-in-new-york-ring-used-front-compa" target="_self">Sinaloa cartel operation busted in New York</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/pablo-escobars-war-on-colombia" target="_self">Pablo Escobar's war on Colombia</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/colombian-drug-kingpin-gets-35-years-in-prison-for-massive-cocain" target="_self">Colombian drug kingpin gets 35 years in prison for coke conspiracy</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/escobar-versus-cali-the-war-of-the-cartels" target="_self">Escobar vs Cali: War of the Cartels</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/godmother-griselda-blanco-gunned-down-in-colombia" target="_self">Godmother Griselda Blanco shot to death in Colombia</a></li> <li>Clock is ticking: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/clock-is-ticking-mexico-approves-el-chapo-s-extradition-to-us" target="_self">Mexico approves El Chapo's extradition to US</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mexican-drug-boss-el-chapo-guzman-caught" target="_self">Mexican drug boss El Chapo Guzman recaptured</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mexican-cartels-tighten-iron-grip-on-us-drug-markets" target="_self">Mexican cartels tighten iron grip on US drug markets</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/top-5-drug-lords-killed-while-on-the-run" target="_self">Top 5 drug lords killed while on the run</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/did-el-chapo-put-a-100-million-bounty-on-trump-or-not" target="_self">Did El Chapo put a $100 million bounty on Trump or not?</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/how-atf-s-fast-and-furious-crashed-and-burned" target="_self">How ATF's Fast and Furious crashed and burned</a></li> </ul> <p><strong>Copyright © Gangsters Inc.</strong></p> Nicodemo “Little Nicky” Scarfo, infamous boss of the Philadelphia crime family, dies in prison at age 87 tag:gangstersinc.ning.com,2017-01-15:6329524:BlogPost:79137 Gangsters Inc. http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profile/2g2lucitjcn3w <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/nicodemo-little-nicky-scarfo-boss-of-the-philadelphia-crime-famil" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/9M8ZSgZ5BuVfrhSY0O5V2HpDvHNMj6OCMrrUn*m-BuuqV4zgbcu0atKqbgqW3EdnnLPt*1HA2q4JDoqjDBAzNnJMLoC1bqVW/NicodemoScarfoGangstersIncLittleNicky.jpg?width=520" width="520"></img></a> By David Amoruso</p> <p>Infamous <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-bruno-crime-family" target="_self">Philadelphia mob</a> boss Nicodemo Scarfo passed away in prison on Friday, underworld sources told mob reporter George Anastasia, who…</p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/nicodemo-little-nicky-scarfo-boss-of-the-philadelphia-crime-famil" target="_self"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/9M8ZSgZ5BuVfrhSY0O5V2HpDvHNMj6OCMrrUn*m-BuuqV4zgbcu0atKqbgqW3EdnnLPt*1HA2q4JDoqjDBAzNnJMLoC1bqVW/NicodemoScarfoGangstersIncLittleNicky.jpg?width=520" class="align-center" width="520"/></a>By David Amoruso</p> <p>Infamous <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-bruno-crime-family" target="_self">Philadelphia mob</a> boss Nicodemo Scarfo passed away in prison on Friday, underworld sources told mob reporter George Anastasia, who <a href="http://www.bigtrial.net/2017/01/report-nicodemo-scarfo-has-died-in.html" target="_blank">broke the news yesterday</a>. Scarfo was 87. He was serving a 55-year sentence for racketeering and murder and had been housed at a federal prison medical facility in Butner, North Carolina, for over a year now. Scarfo will go down as one of the most erratic and violent Mafia bosses in recent American crime history.</p> <p>Originally from <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Brooklyn" target="_self">Brooklyn</a>, New York, Scarfo’s family moved to New Jersey in the early 1940s. By the 1950s, Scarfo was working for his uncle Nicholas “Nicky Buck” Piccolo, a member of the <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-bruno-crime-family" target="_self">Philadelphia crime family</a>. Nicknamed “Little Nicky” for his diminutive size, Scarfo made up for his small stature with a hair-trigger temper and a lust for deadly violence.</p> <p>This temper established his fearsome reputation within the <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Mafia" target="_self">Mafia</a> but also got him in trouble with the law. In 1963, for instance, he stabbed a man to death at a restaurant over an argument that got out of hand. He pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was released from prison after less than a year.</p> <p>He then went to Atlantic City to run the Philadelphia crime family’s interests there. Back then, the city was a cow town. Gambling had not yet arrived and Scarfo was scraping by with a small-time gambling and loansharking operation. Though he hated every day spent there, he endured, biding his time. By then, legalized gambling in Atlantic City was on the horizon, promising endless possibilities for an enterprising gangster such as Scarfo.</p> <p>The 1970s was the decade that Scarfo’s fortunes changed. It started off with him spending quality time in Yardville Correctional Center with several powerful mobsters, including <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/philadelphia-boss-angelo-bruno" target="_self">Angelo Bruno</a>, leader of the Philadelphia mob. It was always good to be able to get close to those in power. Then, in 1976, New Jersey legalized casinos in Atlantic City and Scarfo’s good years had arrived.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Read: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/high-profile-philadelphia-mafia-boss-joseph-merlino-latest-gangst" target="_self">Philadelphia Mafia boss Joey Merlino banned from casinos</a></strong></li> </ul> <p>All of a sudden, money was pouring into the city. Scarfo made sure all his businesses profited royally. He remained involved in gambling and loansharking, of course, but also held interests in bars and construction. His stature in the Philly mob was also on the rise, he was now their official man in a booming Atlantic City.</p> <p>In 1980, after <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/philadelphia-boss-angelo-bruno" target="_self">Angelo Bruno</a>, Philadelphia’s “docile” and respected Mafia leader, was shot to death in front of his home, Scarfo rose even more. Bruno’s underboss, Philip Testa, succeeded him as boss and appointed Scarfo as his consigliere. But Bruno’s murder was just the starting shot in a bloody power struggle and Testa himself was murdered in March of 1981 when an explosive device went off at his house and blew the newly crowned mob kingpin to bits.</p> <p>Shortly thereafter, an extremely angry Scarfo ascended to the throne, hungry for revenge. What followed next can only be described as bloody carnage. Scarfo went after anyone he felt had been involved in Testa’s murder. When he ran out of targets, he invented new ones and carried on with his reign of terror.</p> <p>Under his leadership, the Philadelphia crime family began to fester and burn from within. Scarfo demanded loyalty, but would turn on his men in a second if they’d failed to show up to a meet or said something that he felt was out of line. He would become especially deadly if he deemed you a threat to his power.</p> <p>He shocked his own loyal henchmen when he ordered the murder of Salvatore “Salvie” Testa, the son of Philip Testa and one of Scarfo’s most capable hitmen. The young Testa was considered a rising mob star with a bright future in the rackets. Scarfo feared Testa’s popularity and wanted him gone. His men did as they were told. In 1984, Testa’s best friend lured him to a <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Philadelphia" target="_self">Philadelphia</a> candy store where he was shot to death.</p> <p>The hit left a bad taste among Scarfo’s men. Paranoia increased as each feared for his life. While Scarfo felt he was running a tight ship, more and more of his once loyal soldiers began thinking about the unthinkable: They were opting to become a rat and join the Witness Protection Program where they would be safe from Scarfo’s violent orders.</p> <p>As one after the other flipped and became a turncoat, prosecutors began collecting evidence and building cases. By the late 1980s, Scarfo was locked in a cell. With each court proceeding he was greeted by yet another former underling who had turned against him. The ultimate betrayal came when Philip “Crazy Phil” Leonetti, his own nephew and underboss, testified against him, providing prosecutors with the nail in Scarfo’s coffin as he was sentenced to 55 years behind bars for racketeering and several gangland murders.</p> <p>From prison, Scarfo tried to maintain control over the Philadelphia underworld through his son Nicky Jr. However, unknown assassins put a stop to that in 1989 when they riddled Nick Jr.’s body with six bullets at a <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Philadelphia" target="_self">Philadelphia</a> restaurant.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Read: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/nicky-scarfo-junior-following-in-daddy-s-footsteps" target="_self">Nicky Scarfo Junior follows in daddy's footsteps</a></strong></li> </ul> <p>The mob son survived the hit attempt and – thanks to his father’s close friendship with <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/profile-lucchese-crime-family-boss-vittorio-vic-amuso" target="_self">Lucchese mob boss Vic Amuso</a> - was later placed under protection of <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-lucchese-crime-family" target="_self">New York’s Lucchese crime family</a>, where he became an official “made” member. He is currently serving a 30-year sentence for racketeering conspiracy.</p> <p><strong>Get the latest on organized crime and the Mafia at Gangsters Inc.'s <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=News" target="_self">news section</a>.</strong></p> <p><strong>Follow Gangsters Inc. on <a href="http://twitter.com/GangstersIncWeb" target="_blank">Twitter</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/GangstersInc" target="_blank">Facebook</a></strong></p> <p><strong>If you enjoyed this article you might also enjoy reading:</strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/keeping-the-new-york-docks-in-the-mafia-family-from-the-gigantes" target="_self">Keeping the New York docks in the (Mafia) family</a></li> <li>Prison Breaks: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/prison-breaks-from-mobsters-and-hitmen-to-serial-killers-and-drug" target="_self">The mobsters and hitmen who escaped from jail</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/anthony-colombo-son-of-mafia-boss-dead-at-71" target="_self">Anthony Colombo, son of Mafia boss, dead at 71</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/deadly-bizarre-and-morbid-murder-inc-comes-to-the-mob-museum-in-l" target="_self">Deadly, morbid, and bizarre: Murder Inc.</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/donald-j-trump-s-gangbusters-how-will-america-s-new-president-tak" target="_self">How will President Trump take on the Mafia and drug cartels?</a></li> <li>The Man Who Runs New York: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/profile-genovese-crime-family-boss-liborio-bellomo" target="_self">Genovese family boss Liborio Bellomo</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/new-tactics-needed-in-hunt-for-sicilian-mafia-s-boss-of-bosses-me" target="_self">New tactics needed in hunt for Sicilian Mafia boss Messina Denaro</a> - Prosecutor: "He's not normal."</li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/genovese-family-mobster-busted-for-using-cocaine-and-marijuana-wh" target="_self">Genovese wiseguy busted using cocaine and weed while on parole</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/rumble-at-rao-s-it-s-not-over-till-the-fat-lady-sings-the-night-l" target="_self">Rumble at Rao's: Restaurant of the stars and the Mafia</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-american-mafia-and-its-use-of-colorful-nicknames" target="_self">The American Mafia and its use of colorful nicknames</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/how-meyer-lansky-laundered-the-american-mafia-s-dirty-cash-and-ma" target="_self">How Meyer Lansky laundered the Mafia's dirty cash</a> - and made them bigger than US Steel</li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/my-loving-dad-was-a-gangster-and-bugsy-siegel-s-close-friend" target="_self">My loving dad was a gangster and Bugsy Siegel's close friend</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/top-4-stone-cold-gangsters-who-look-like-wimps" target="_self">Top 4 stone cold gangsters who look like total wimps</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/joey-merlino-living-like-a-boss-in-florida" target="_self">Joey Merlino living like a boss in Florida</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mafia-math-calculating-italian-organized-crime-s-illicit-income" target="_self">Mafia Math: Calculating Italian organized crime's illicit income</a></li> <li>INTERVIEW: Former mob boss <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/interview-john-gotti-jr-sits-down-with-gangsters-inc" target="_self">John Gotti Junior sits down with Gangsters Inc.</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/new-map-shows-mob-social-clubs-in-new-york" target="_self">New map shows mob social clubs in New York City</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/ten-must-visit-mob-bars-and-lounges" target="_self">Ten Must-Visit Mob Bars and Lounges</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-american-mafia-bets-on-the-world-and-wins-big" target="_self">The American Mafia bets on the world and wins big</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/how-bonanno-goodfellas-whacked-lufthansa-loot" target="_self">How Bonanno goodfellas whacked Lufthansa heist loot</a></li> </ul> <p><strong>Copyright © Gangsters Inc.</strong></p> The Bruno Crime Family - Overview tag:gangstersinc.ning.com,2017-01-15:6329524:BlogPost:665 Gangsters Inc. http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profile/2g2lucitjcn3w <div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/-A0wW*3E92lELamH1rHUw1W*ZZ9ju6*nElnOXpmmSO9YtWD6XDhI8TBZGFzpgydK9FdWLYtJmwCjXnRw62nMzXYNQrzDY0Az/photo20.jpg" target="_self"><font size="5"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/-A0wW*3E92lELamH1rHUw1W*ZZ9ju6*nElnOXpmmSO9YtWD6XDhI8TBZGFzpgydK9FdWLYtJmwCjXnRw62nMzXYNQrzDY0Az/photo20.jpg" width="600"></img></font></a></div> <p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Estimate members</span>: Around twenty active members.<br></br> <span style="font-weight: bold;">First Boss</span>: Salvatore Sabella started the family in 1911.<br></br> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Primary…</span></p> <div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/-A0wW*3E92lELamH1rHUw1W*ZZ9ju6*nElnOXpmmSO9YtWD6XDhI8TBZGFzpgydK9FdWLYtJmwCjXnRw62nMzXYNQrzDY0Az/photo20.jpg"><font size="5"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/-A0wW*3E92lELamH1rHUw1W*ZZ9ju6*nElnOXpmmSO9YtWD6XDhI8TBZGFzpgydK9FdWLYtJmwCjXnRw62nMzXYNQrzDY0Az/photo20.jpg" width="600"/></font></a></div> <p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Estimate members</span>: Around twenty active members.<br/> <span style="font-weight: bold;">First Boss</span>: Salvatore Sabella started the family in 1911.<br/> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Primary activities</span>: Extortion, bookmaking, gambling, drug trafficking and loan-sharking.<br/> <br/> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Boss</span>: Joseph Ligambi<br/> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Underboss</span>: Steven Mazzone<br/> <br/> Under Angelo Bruno the Philadelphia Crime Family was among the most powerful Families in the US. His death signaled the beginning of a violent era that continued until the mid 1990s. <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/nicodemo-little-nicky-scarfo-boss-of-the-philadelphia-crime-famil" target="_self">Nicky Scarfo</a> has become known as one of the most violent mob bosses in US history. His thirst for blood sent the Family into darkness. The result of the Scarfo years were several turncoats, including the first ever Philadelphia made guy, and even more Philly mobsters convicted to long prison sentences. When John Stanfa emerged as new leader a new war broke out between Stanfa and the so called "young turks" led by Joseph Merlino. When Stanfa was convicted to several life sentences Ralph Natale and Joey Merlino took over. Natale was the official boss, however it became clear later that Merlino let him think that, and that he himself was really the power. When Natale was arrested he flipped, becoming the first Mafia boss to turn government witness. By now the Family was already in shambles, of all the US Mafia Families they have the highest amount of turncoats. Merlino is currently out of prison and on probation and the Family is run by Joseph Ligambi. It consists of around twenty or more active made members. (January 29, 2016)</p> <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">ARTICLES:</span><br/> <br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/nicodemo-little-nicky-scarfo-boss-of-the-philadelphia-crime-famil">Mafia boss Nicodemo "Little Nicky" Scarfo dead at 87</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/philly-mafia-boss-joseph-merlino-and-mobsters-of-5-different-crim">Philly Mafia boss Joseph Merlino</a> and mobsters of 5 different crime families charged with racketeering<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/high-profile-philadelphia-mafia-boss-joseph-merlino-latest-gangst">Philadelphia boss Joey Merlino banned from Pennsylvania casinos</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/joey-merlino-living-like-a-boss-in-florida">Joey Merlino living like a boss in Florida</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mob-hit-in-south-philadelphia">Mob Hit in South Philadelphia</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/philly-mob-boss-own-words-to-be-used-against-him">Philly Mob Boss' Own Words To Be Used Against Him</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/nicky-scarfo-junior-following-in-daddy-s-footsteps">Nicky Scarfo Junior Following in Daddy's Footsteps</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/philly-mob-boss-joey-merlino-goes-to-hollywood">Philly Mob Boss Joey Merlino Goes To Hollywood</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/philly-mob-boss-joseph-ligambi">Philly Mob Boss Joseph Ligambi Indicted</a><br/> <br/><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">BOSSES</span>:<br/> <br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/philadelphia-boss-ralph-natale">Ralph Natale</a> (flipped)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/philadelphia-boss-john-stanfa">John Stanfa</a> (in prison)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/nicodemo-little-nicky-scarfo-boss-of-the-philadelphia-crime-famil">Nicodemo "Little Nicky" Scarfo</a> (dead)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/philadelphia-boss-angelo-bruno">Angelo "The Gentle Don" Bruno</a> (whacked)<br/> <br/> <span style="font-weight: bold;">CAPTAINS</span>:<br/> <br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/philadelphia-capo-thomas-tommy">A. Thomas "Tommy Del" DelGiorno</a> (flipped)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/philadelphia-capo-george">George Fresolone</a> (flipped)</div> <br/> <span style="font-weight: bold;">SOLDIERS</span>:<br/> <br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-trouble-with-harry" target="_self">Enrico "Harry the Hunchback" Riccobene</a> (dead, natural causes)</div> <p></p> <div style="text-align: center;"></div> <p></p> <div style="text-align: center;"><center><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-philadelphia-crime-family">The Philadelphia Crime Family of 2011 - Chart</a></center> </div> Eastern European sailors get 25-year sentences for smuggling $10 million of cocaine aboard “ghost ship” tag:gangstersinc.ning.com,2017-01-15:6329524:BlogPost:79445 Gangsters Inc. http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profile/2g2lucitjcn3w <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/eastern-european-sailors-get-25-year-sentences-for-smuggling-10-m" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/llVO6PYtbd699r7FhLAQ9A62ea9kHjRPXlMy*TdgZg0GqDBGisqrM8aPHEELd1ecMFjDsgbsasdp9L3SKfwk8aCv1pPekfxD/uscoastguardcocaine.jpg" width="580"></img></a> By Gangsters Inc. Editors</p> <p>Two Eastern European sailors were sentenced to 25 years in prison on Friday for smuggling $10 million worth of <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Cocaine" target="_self">cocaine</a> on their boat. 42-year-old Igor Polshyn from Yalta, Ukraine, and 52-year-old Oleskii Tsurkan from Moscow,…</p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/eastern-european-sailors-get-25-year-sentences-for-smuggling-10-m" target="_self"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/llVO6PYtbd699r7FhLAQ9A62ea9kHjRPXlMy*TdgZg0GqDBGisqrM8aPHEELd1ecMFjDsgbsasdp9L3SKfwk8aCv1pPekfxD/uscoastguardcocaine.jpg" class="align-center" width="580"/></a>By Gangsters Inc. Editors</p> <p>Two Eastern European sailors were sentenced to 25 years in prison on Friday for smuggling $10 million worth of <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Cocaine" target="_self">cocaine</a> on their boat. 42-year-old Igor Polshyn from Yalta, Ukraine, and 52-year-old Oleskii Tsurkan from Moscow, Russia, had already been found guilty in court on September 30, 2016.</p> <p>At their trial, prosecutors established that on November 7, 2015, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection P-3 Orion aircraft detected a sailboat 56 miles south of the Dominican Republic, traveling at night on the high seas with no lights, and on a course to travel through the Mona Passage between the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico.</p> <p>The Orion crew alerted the United States Coast Guard, which dispatched the USCG Cutter Bernard C. Webber (photo above) to interdict the vessel. The Webber interdicted the sailboat 26 miles south of the Dominican Republic, still on a course to take it through the Mona Passage. The sailboat flew the Spanish flag and bore a Spanish registration number on the stern. Polshyn was the master of the vessel and Tsurkan was its sole crew member.</p> <p>The Coast Guard eventually boarded the sailboat and, during an initial safety sweep, found over 100 kilograms of <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Cocaine" target="_self">cocaine</a> over a bilge access. The Coast Guard ultimately recovered an additional 270 kilograms of cocaine, for a total of 370 kilograms (814 lbs.) of cocaine, including cocaine commingled with the food supplies of the crew.</p> <p>Officials from DEA-Madrid and the Coast Guard Investigative Service traced the vessel registration number back to a sailboat near Barcelona, Spain. The sailboat interdicted by the Coast Guard was a “ghost ship,” using the stolen identity of the vessel in Barcelona to mask its true identity. The recovered cocaine had an approximate wholesale value of $10 million.</p> <p>It is unknown who were the ultimate parties - buyer and seller - behind the large shipment. As the two sailors prepare to do their time, it seems unlikely we will find out anytime soon.</p> <p><strong>Get the latest on organized crime and the Mafia at Gangsters Inc.'s <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=News" target="_self">news section</a>.</strong></p> <p><strong>Follow Gangsters Inc. on <a href="http://twitter.com/GangstersIncWeb" target="_blank">Twitter</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/GangstersInc" target="_blank">Facebook</a>.</strong></p> <p><strong>If you enjoyed this article you might also enjoy reading:</strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/russian-mob-crew-in-brighton-beach-busted-by-dea-irs" target="_self">Russian mob crew busted by DEA in Brighton Beach</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/rumble-at-rao-s-it-s-not-over-till-the-fat-lady-sings-the-night-l" target="_self">Rumble at Rao's</a>: Restaurant where the stars and mob bosses meet</li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/how-two-russian-mobsters-got-caught-up-in-the-iraqi-civil-war" target="_self">How two Russian mobsters got caught up in the Iraqi civil war</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/russian-mafia-boss-rakhimov-and-the-sochi-olympics" target="_self">Russian Mafia boss Rakhimov and the Sochi Olympics</a></li> <li>INTERVIEW: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/interview-john-gotti-jr-sits-down-with-gangsters-inc" target="_self">John Gotti Jr. sits down with Gangsters Inc.</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/gangsters-inc-report-goodfella-vincent-asaro-s-trial" target="_self">The trial of Goodfellas mobster Vincent Asaro</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-canadian-connection-flooding-the-u-s-with-dope" target="_self">The Canadian Connection: Flooding the US with dope</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/miami-and-the-russian-mob-by" target="_self">The Russian Mob in Miami</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/new-jersey-decavalcante-family-boss-john-riggi-dies" target="_self">New Jersey DeCavalcante family boss John Riggi dies</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/how-the-sicilian-mafia-flooded" target="_self">How the Sicilian Mafia flooded the US with heroin</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/how-bonanno-goodfellas-whacked-lufthansa-loot" target="_self">How Bonanno goodfellas whacked Lufthansa heist loot</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-man-who-stole-the-french" target="_self">The Man Who Stole the French Connection</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/death-in-the-afternoon-the" target="_self">Death in the Afternoon: The Story of Carmine Galante</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/russian-mafia-overview" target="_self">The Russian Mafia section at Gangsters Inc.</a></li> </ul> <p><strong>Copyright © <a href="http://www.gangstersinc.nl">Gangsters Inc.</a></strong></p> Crime Beat: US Marshal, Sherlock Holmes, and the murder of Rasputin tag:gangstersinc.ning.com,2017-01-13:6329524:BlogPost:79133 Gangsters Inc. http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profile/2g2lucitjcn3w <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/crime-beat-us-marshal-sherlock-holmes-and-the-murder-of-rasputin" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/XXixQWRYlp7wLDv9tFaQ3wsXL9wO4uvoQBsLZ6ALOQJFErjEUHy4Oi9fgS1Uzrzua26WxWkJ8ZupChygUvYkBy0KhENy8J6y/crimebeatradio.jpg?width=500" width="500"></img></a> By Ron Chepesiuk</p> <p>CRIME BEAT: ISSUES, CONTROVERSIES AND PERSONALITIES FROM THE DARKSIDE on Artist First Radio Network is pleased to announce its forthcoming schedule for January 19, 2017, through April 6, 2017. Guests include Rebecca Morris, Barbara Casey, Matthew Rider, Margo Nash, Louis Divita, among others.</p> <p>Here is the…</p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/crime-beat-us-marshal-sherlock-holmes-and-the-murder-of-rasputin" target="_self"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/XXixQWRYlp7wLDv9tFaQ3wsXL9wO4uvoQBsLZ6ALOQJFErjEUHy4Oi9fgS1Uzrzua26WxWkJ8ZupChygUvYkBy0KhENy8J6y/crimebeatradio.jpg?width=500" class="align-center" width="500"/></a>By Ron Chepesiuk</p> <p>CRIME BEAT: ISSUES, CONTROVERSIES AND PERSONALITIES FROM THE DARKSIDE on Artist First Radio Network is pleased to announce its forthcoming schedule for January 19, 2017, through April 6, 2017. Guests include Rebecca Morris, Barbara Casey, Matthew Rider, Margo Nash, Louis Divita, among others.</p> <p>Here is the lineup:</p> <ul> <li>January 19 - Denis O. Smith, author of The Mammoth Book of New Chronicles of Sherlock Holmes, and Maxim Jakubowski, author of The Mammoth Book of the Adventures of Professor Moriarity: 37 Short Stories about the Secret Life of Sherlock Holmes’s Nemesis.</li> <li>January 26 - Larry Leamer, author of The President’s Butler and <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/Adapt%20and%20Overcome:%20U.S.%20Marshal%20shares%20lessons%20he%20learned%20after%20dedicating%20his%20life%20to%20a%20career%20serving%20his%20country%20http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/adapt-and-overcome-u-s-marshal-shares-lessons-he-learned-after-de" target="_self">Mike Pizzi</a>, author of Mike Pizzi: U.S. Marshal: Adapt and Overcome. See <a href="http://www.leamer.com">www.leamer.com</a></li> <li>February 2 - Bradley Nickell, author of Repeat Offender. See <a href="http://www.repeatoffenderonline.com/">www.repeatoffenderonline.com/</a></li> <li>February 9 - Louis Divita, author of A Wise Guy. See <a href="http://www.awiserguy.com">www.awiserguy.com</a></li> <li>February 16 - Bill Friedman, author of 30 Illegal Years to the Strip. See <a href="http://www.billfriedmanauthor.com">www.billfriedmanauthor.com</a></li> <li>February 23 - Margarita Nelipa, author of The Murder of Grigori Rasputin.</li> <li>March 2 - Barbara Casey, author of Assata Shakur: A Twentieth Century Escaped Slave. See <a href="http://www.barbaracaseyagency.com">http://www.barbaracaseyagency.com</a></li> <li>March 9 - Matthew Richer and Tom Grant, authors of The Mysterious Death of Kurt Cobain: Suicide or Murder? You Decide.</li> <li>March 23 - Rebecca Morris, author of Ted and Ann: The Mystery of a Missing Child and a Neighbor of Ted Bundy. See <a href="http://www.rebeccatmorris.com">www.rebeccatmorris.com</a></li> <li>March 30 - Margo Nash, author of The Politics of Murder: The Power and Ambition Behind the Altar Boy Murder Case. See <a href="http://www.margonash.com">www.margonash.com</a></li> <li>April 6 - Command appearance of Anthony Amore, author of The Art of the Con: The Most Notorious Fakes, Frauds and Forgeries in the Art World. See <a href="http://www.anthonyamore.com">www.anthonyamore.com</a></li> </ul> <p>On the air since January 28, 2011, Crime Beat is a weekly hour-long radio program that airs every Thursday at 8 p.m. EST. Crime Beat presents fascinating topics that bring listeners closer to the dynamic underbelly of the world of crime. Guests have included ex- mobsters, undercover law enforcement agents, sports officials, informants, prisoners, drug dealers and investigative journalists, who have provided insights and fresh information about the world’s most fascinating subject: crime.</p> <p>CRIME BEAT is currently averaging 180,000 listeners in 130 plus countries each week, and the figure is growing. All shows are archived at <a href="http://www.artistfirst.com/crimebeat.htm">www.artistfirst.com/crimebeat.htm</a> for 24-7 listening. Crime Beat is hosted by award-winning crime writer and documentary producer Ron Chepesiuk (<a href="http://www.ronchepesiuk.com">www.ronchepesiuk.com</a>) and broadcast journalist and freelance writer Will Hryb.</p> <p>Ronald Herd, the popular Internet radio host and regular listener of Crime Beat, said: "Crime Beat sounds like an organized crime greatest hits collection...I am loving it!" Tom Hart of Atlanta, Georgia, writes: “I am a BIG fan of your show and enjoy the variety of guests you have on your show. “Keep up the good work.” Carolyn Yarema of Toronto, Canada writes, "fabulous program guys' ... my husband Chi Chi and I never miss the show."</p> <p>Crime Beat airs weekly every Thursday at 8 P.M. EST on the Artist First World Radio Network at <a href="http://www.artistfirst.com/crimebeat.htm">http://www.artistfirst.com/crimebeat.htm</a>. To contact the Crime Beat radio program for interviews, e-mail [email protected] or call 803-366-5440.</p> <p><strong>Get the latest on organized crime and the Mafia at Gangsters Inc.'s <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=News" target="_self">news section</a>.</strong></p> <p><strong>Follow Gangsters Inc. on <a href="http://twitter.com/GangstersIncWeb" target="_blank">Twitter</a> </strong></p> <p><strong>Like Gangsters Inc. on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/GangstersInc" target="_blank">Facebook</a></strong></p> <p><strong>If you enjoyed this article you might also enjoy reading:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Profile of Genovese family boss <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/profile-genovese-crime-family-boss-liborio-bellomo" target="_self">Liborio "Barney" Bellomo</a></li> <li>Profile of Genovese family boss <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/genovese-boss-vincent-chin" target="_self">Vincent "Chin" Gigante</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/how-meyer-lansky-laundered-the-american-mafia-s-dirty-cash-and-ma" target="_self">How Meyer Lansky laundered the Mafia's dirty cash</a>, made them bigger than US Steel</li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/interview-john-gotti-jr-sits-down-with-gangsters-inc" target="_self">INTERVIEW: John Gotti Jr. sits down with Gangsters Inc.</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/santo-trafficante-building-the-family-business" target="_self">Santo Trafficante: Building the Family Business</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/ten-must-visit-mob-bars-and-lounges" target="_self">Ten Must-Visit Mob Bars and Lounges</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-american-mafia-bets-on-the-world-and-wins-big" target="_self">The American Mafia bets on the world and wins big</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/how-bonanno-goodfellas-whacked-lufthansa-loot" target="_self">How Bonanno goodfellas whacked Lufthansa heist loot</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/gangsters-inc-sits-down-with-fbi-agent-jack-garcia" target="_self">Gangsters Inc. sits down with FBI agent Jack Garcia</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-man-who-stole-the-french" target="_self">The Man Who Stole the French Connection</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/top-5-of-true-stand-up-wiseguys" target="_self">Top 5 of true stand up wiseguys</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/cops-make-the-deadliest-mafia-hit-men" target="_self">Cops make the deadliest Mafia hitmen</a></li> </ul> <p><strong>Copyright © Gangsters Inc.</strong></p> The Colombo Crime Family - Overview tag:gangstersinc.ning.com,2017-01-12:6329524:BlogPost:58 Gangsters Inc. http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profile/2g2lucitjcn3w <p><span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/0Ty7vayRmOj1WKToRmpQ8M*twtqvtRpFi0m*hVFsC09sJKiEOAJVk*oVLG6iciQJtLRKJqNmVX0N5OPA2*nqN6qXmFqRg9IP/photo3.jpg" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/0Ty7vayRmOj1WKToRmpQ8M*twtqvtRpFi0m*hVFsC09sJKiEOAJVk*oVLG6iciQJtLRKJqNmVX0N5OPA2*nqN6qXmFqRg9IP/photo3.jpg" width="600"></img></a> Estimate members</span>: Between 75 and 85 (according to <a href="http://www.ganglandnews.com/">Jerry Capeci</a>)<br></br> <span style="font-weight: bold;">First Boss</span>:…</p> <p><span style="font-weight: bold;"><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/0Ty7vayRmOj1WKToRmpQ8M*twtqvtRpFi0m*hVFsC09sJKiEOAJVk*oVLG6iciQJtLRKJqNmVX0N5OPA2*nqN6qXmFqRg9IP/photo3.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/0Ty7vayRmOj1WKToRmpQ8M*twtqvtRpFi0m*hVFsC09sJKiEOAJVk*oVLG6iciQJtLRKJqNmVX0N5OPA2*nqN6qXmFqRg9IP/photo3.jpg" width="600"/></a>Estimate members</span>: Between 75 and 85 (according to <a href="http://www.ganglandnews.com/">Jerry Capeci</a>)<br/> <span style="font-weight: bold;">First Boss</span>: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/profile-original-new-york-mafia-family-boss-giuseppe-profaci" target="_self">Joseph Profaci</a><br/> <br/> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Primary activities</span>: Narcotics, gambling, loan sharking, cigarette smuggling, pornography, counterfeiting, hijacking, fraud, stock fraud.<br/> <br/> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Boss</span>: Carmine "The Snake" Persico, currently serving 139 years for murder and racketeering. His son, Alphonse “Allie Boy” Persico , who already was in prison on a money laundering and loan sharking conviction, will remain in prison for the rest of his life after he was found guilty of ordering the murder of Colombo Underboss/rival William "Wild Bill" Cutolo.<br/> <br/> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Acting boss</span>: Andrew "Mush" Russo allegedly is the new acting boss, according to Jerry Capeci. He is a cousin of longtime Colombo Boss Carmine Persico.<br/> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Underboss</span>: The new underboss is rumored to be Benjamin Castellazzo, who is a close associate of former acting boss Joel Cacace.</p> <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">PROFILES:</span><br style="font-weight: bold;"/><br style="font-weight: bold;"/><span style="font-weight: bold;">BOSSES:</span><br/> <br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/colombo-boss-thomas-tommy">Thomas "Tommy Shots" Gioeli</a> (in prison)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/colombo-boss-alphonse-persico">Alphonse “Allie Boy” Persico</a> (in prison)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/colombo-boss-carmine-persico">Carmine "The Snake" Persico</a> (in prison)<br/> Joseph Colombo (whacked)<br/>   <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/profile-original-new-york-mafia-family-boss-giuseppe-profaci" target="_self">Joseph Profaci</a>(dead)<br/><br style="font-weight: bold;"/><span style="font-weight: bold;">ACTING BOSSES:</span><br/> <br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/colombo-boss-joel-joe-waverly">Joel Cacace</a> (in prison)<br/> <br/> <span style="font-weight: bold;">UNDERBOSSES:</span><br/> <br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/colombo-underboss-john-sonny">John "Sonny" Franzese</a> (in prison)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/colombo-underboss-william-wild">William "Wild Bill" Cutolo</a> (whacked)<br/> <br/> <span style="font-weight: bold;">CAPTAINS:</span><br/> <br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/anthony-colombo-son-of-mafia-boss-dead-at-71" target="_self">Anthony Colombo</a> (dead)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/profile-colombo-family-capo-luca-dimatteo" target="_self">Luca DiMatteo</a> (prison)<br/><p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/profile-colombo-family-capo-pasquale-amato" target="_self">Pasquale Amato</a> (dead)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/colombo-capo-gregory-the-grim">Gregory Scarpa Sr.</a> (dead)</p> <div style="text-align: center;"><strong>SOLDIERS:</strong></div> <div style="text-align: center;"></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/colombo-mobster-giovanni-cerbone" target="_self">Giovanni Cerbone</a> (prison)<br/><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mafia-rebel-crazy-joey-gallo" target="_self">Joseph "Crazy Joe" Gallo</a> (whacked)<br/> <br/> <span style="font-weight: bold;">ASSOCIATES:</span><br/> <br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/profile-colombo-family-associate-thomas-mclaughlin">Thomas McLaughlin</a> (flipped)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/profile-colombo-associate-giuseppe-destefano">Giuseppe Destefano</a> (in prison)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/colombo-associate-john-pappa">John Pappa</a> (in prison)</div> <br/> <br/> <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">ARTICLES:<br/> <br/></span> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/warden-denies-99-year-old-colombo-crime-family-underboss-sonny-fr">99-year-old Colombo family underboss Sonny Franzese’s request for early release denied</a><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br/></span> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/editorial-new-york-tabloid-ridicules-mob-son-who-went-legit">Editorial: New York tabloid ridicules mob son who went legit</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-fbi-s-secret-thirty-year-relationship-with-a-mafia-killer">The FBI's Secret Thirty-Year Relationship with a Mafia Killer</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/deal-with-the-devil-q-a-with-author-peter-lance">Deal with the Devil - Q&amp;A with author Peter Lance</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/will-historic-mob-bust-really">Will Historic Mob Bust Really Go Down As Historic?</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/gotti-me-a-journalist-s-close-encounters-with-the-mob">Greg Scarpa and the Gus Farace Hit by David Krajicek</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/interview-with-sandra-harmon">Interview with Sandra Harmon, author of Mafia Son:<br/> The Scarpa Mob Family, the FBI, and a story of betrayal</a><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br/> <br/></span></span></div> </div> </div> Europe - Overview Gangsters Inc. http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profile/2g2lucitjcn3w <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.europol.europa.eu/sites/default/files/publications/octa_2011.pdf"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/0Ty7vayRmOj9*liuTCNQV7Mk*jbd0zpL80DjGYcvKzDV0aFa36u2miCEqPtegvlmDnbtV10Jo1dsRTrFyarvWRDeTR2dpsTe/photo8.jpg" width="600"></img></a> <br></br> <strong><span class="font-size-3">EUROPEAN UNION</span></strong><br></br> <br></br> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/website-shows-europe-s-most-wanted-fugitives">Website shows Europe’s “Most Wanted Fugitives”</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><br></br> <strong><span class="font-size-3">ENGLAND…</span></strong><br></br> <br></br> </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.europol.europa.eu/sites/default/files/publications/octa_2011.pdf"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/0Ty7vayRmOj9*liuTCNQV7Mk*jbd0zpL80DjGYcvKzDV0aFa36u2miCEqPtegvlmDnbtV10Jo1dsRTrFyarvWRDeTR2dpsTe/photo8.jpg" width="600"/></a><br/> <strong><span class="font-size-3">EUROPEAN UNION</span></strong><br/> <br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/website-shows-europe-s-most-wanted-fugitives">Website shows Europe’s “Most Wanted Fugitives”</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><br/> <strong><span class="font-size-3">ENGLAND</span></strong><br/> <br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/fugitive-british-cocaine-smuggler-gets-13-years">British cocaine smuggler David McDermott gets 13 years</a> <br/> Liverpool drug bosses <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/relatives-of-deceased-liverpool-crime-boss-lose-2m-hidden-nest-eg">Leslie McGuffie and his son Simon McGuffie</a> <br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/fugitive-liverpool-drug-boss-robert-gerrard-turns-himself-in">Robert Gerrard</a> (prison)<br/> Exclusive: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/exclusive-the-art-of-smuggling-by-britain-s-first-drug-baron">‘The Art of Smuggling’ by Britain’s first drug baron</a> <br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/profile-london-crime-boss-bekir-the-duke-arif">Bekir “The Duke” Arif</a> (prison)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/london-crime-boss-patrick-adams-arrested-in-amsterdam">Patrick "Patsy" Adams</a> (prison)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/profile-alleged-british-drug-boss-anthony-dennis">Anthony Dennis</a> (prison)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/gangster-turned-cage-fighter-lee-murray">Gangster-turned-Cage Fighter Lee Murray</a> (prison)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/british-boss-terry-adams">Terry Adams</a> (freedom)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/british-boss-brian-wright">Brian "The Milkman" Wright</a> (prison)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/british-boss-curtis-warren">Curtis "Cocky" Warren</a> (prison)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/gangs-of-britain">Gangs of Britain by Peter Walsh</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><br/> <strong><span class="font-size-3">IRELAND</span></strong><br/> <br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/ufc-champion-conor-mcgregor-s-fascination-with-gangsters">UFC champion Conor McGregor’s fascination with gangsters</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/prison-sentences-for-crew-behind-plot-to-smuggle-orange-juice-cra">Prison for smugglers who hid weed in orange juice crates</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/selfie-ufc-champ-conor-mcgregor-s-link-to-slain-irish-gangster">Selfie: UFC champ Conor McGregor’s link to slain Irish gangster</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/hit-attempt-on-irish-mob-boss-john-gilligan">Hit attempt on Irish mob boss John Gilligan</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/irish-gang-has-its-own-supermarket-with-dope-guns">Irish gang has its own “supermarket” with dope and guns</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/irish-godfather-eamon-kelly-gunned-down-in-dublin">Eamon "The Godfather" Kelly</a> (whacked)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/irish-crime-boss-martin-the">Martin "The General" Cahill</a> (whacked)<br/> <br/> <strong><span class="font-size-3">SCOTLAND</span></strong><br/> <br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/british-boss-tam-mcgraw">Tam "The Licensee" McGraw</a> (dead, natural causes)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/british-boss-arthur-thompson">Arthur Thompson</a> (dead, natural causes)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/british-boss-stewart-boyd">Stewart "Specky" Boyd</a> (dead, car crash)<br/> <br/> <strong><span class="font-size-3">FRANCE</span></strong><br/> <br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/robbers-set-french-highway-ablaze-as-they-steal-2-5-million-in-go">Robbers set French highway ablaze as they steal €2.5 million in gold</a> <br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/french-boss-jacky-imbert">Jacky "Mad Jacky" Imbert</a> (living in freedom)<br/> <br/> <strong><span class="font-size-3">THE NETHERLANDS</span></strong><br/> <br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/south-america-is-quickly-becoming-a-deadly-destination-for-enterp">South America is a deadly destination for enterprising Dutch gangsters</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/corrupt-cop-sold-info-to-international-drug-gangs-and-bikers">Corrupt cop sold info to international drug gangs and bikers</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/dutch-boss-henk-orlando-rommy">Henk Orlando Rommy</a> (in prison)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/dutch-boss-john-mieremet">Johannes "Johnny" Mieremet</a> (whacked)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/ferry-koch-king-of-the-rip">Ferry Koch: King of the Rip</a> (whacked)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/dutch-crime-boss-murdered-in" target="_self">Dutch Crime Boss Murdered In Broad Daylight</a></p> <div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span class="font-size-3">SPAIN</span></strong><br/> <br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/georgian-organized-crime-group-busted-in-madrid-spain">Georgian organized crime group busted in Madrid, Spain</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-russian-mafia-in-spain">The Russian Mafia in Spain: Operation "Troika"</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/organized-crime-gangs-invade">Organized Crime Gangs Invade Spain</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/spain-sunny-beaches-and-lots-of-organized-crime">Spain: Sunny beaches and lots of organized crime</a><br/> <br/> <strong><span class="font-size-3">ALBANIA</span></strong><br/> <br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/international-albanian-heroin-ring-busted-in-italy">International Albanian Heroin Ring Busted in Italy</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/albanian-boss-princ-dobroshi">Princ Dobroshi</a> (in freedom)</div> <p></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span class="font-size-3">BELGIUM</span></strong><br/> <br/> Profile: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/profile-belgian-crime-boss-marcel-le-grande-marcel-habran">Belgian crime boss Marcel “Le Grande Marcel” Habran</a></p> <div style="text-align: center;"></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span class="font-size-3">CZECH REPUBLIC<br/></span></strong></div> <p></p> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/czech-mob-boss-threatens-judge-gets-35-years-for-torture-and-murd" target="_self">Czech mob boss threatens judge, gets 35 years for torture &amp; murder</a></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><br/> <strong><span class="font-size-3">POLAND</span></strong><br/> <br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/polish-american-arms-trafficker-is-feeling-the-heat">Polish-American Arms Trafficker is Feeling the Heat</a><br/> <br/> <span class="font-size-3"><strong>FORMER YUGOSLAVIA</strong></span><br/> <br/> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/serbian-drug-gang-busted-in-spain-and-czech-republic" target="_self">Serbian drug gang busted in Spain and Czech Republic</a> <br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/former-playboy-model-goes-to-prison-for-mob-hit" target="_self">Former Playboy model goes to prison for mob hit</a> <br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/serbian-boss-sreten-jocic" target="_self">Sreten Jocic</a> (in prison)<br/> <br/> <span class="font-size-3"><strong>RUSSIA</strong></span><br/> <br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/russian-mafia-overview">RUSSIAN MAFIA SECTION</a><br/> <br/> <strong><span class="font-size-3">ITALY</span></strong><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/italian-organized-crime"><br/> EURO ITALIAN ORGANIZED CRIME SECTION</a></div> </div> Georgian organized crime group busted in Madrid, Spain tag:gangstersinc.ning.com,2017-01-12:6329524:BlogPost:79125 Gangsters Inc. http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profile/2g2lucitjcn3w <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/georgian-organized-crime-group-busted-in-madrid-spain" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/8jjNHgLtomJKuCPEnCLc9cd15PuFKRgnUzcj84xXDp*M4pXEq-IWJDpZdD7HCJp6fKEO5o78c893Z7vra33e0EBzVRJwfC*H/CoverMadridSpain.jpg?width=520" width="520"></img></a> By Gangsters Inc. Editors</p> <p>Spanish National Police arrested 61 members of a sophisticated Georgian organized crime group specialized in burglaries. Overall, agents conducted 26 searches, seizing €33,000 euro, 8 vehicles, 7,100 tobacco packets, and many stolen pieces of…</p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/georgian-organized-crime-group-busted-in-madrid-spain" target="_self"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/8jjNHgLtomJKuCPEnCLc9cd15PuFKRgnUzcj84xXDp*M4pXEq-IWJDpZdD7HCJp6fKEO5o78c893Z7vra33e0EBzVRJwfC*H/CoverMadridSpain.jpg?width=520" class="align-center" width="520"/></a>By Gangsters Inc. Editors</p> <p>Spanish National Police arrested 61 members of a sophisticated Georgian organized crime group specialized in burglaries. Overall, agents conducted 26 searches, seizing €33,000 euro, 8 vehicles, 7,100 tobacco packets, and many stolen pieces of <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Jewelry" target="_self">jewelry</a>.</p> <p>The 61 arrested individuals formed nine different criminal cells, all located in <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Madrid" target="_self">Madrid</a>. Each cell had links to different Spanish provinces such as Malaga, Seville, Sabadell, Barcelona, and Bilbao. Among the arrested individuals are five <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=zedamxedveli" target="_self">zedamxedveli</a> (Georgian word for a supervisor). These supervisors took over key roles in the organized crime group.</p> <p>The zedamxedveli were in charge of providing logistical support, monitoring the criminal cells and keeping the leaders of the criminal organization updated. Some of the arrested zedamxedveli had legal jobs in <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Spain" target="_self">Spain</a>, such as staff in a construction company in Seville, or a private security guard in Madrid. In doing so they tried to hide the profits illegally obtained and to avoid suspicions.</p> <p>The main target of the operation is the boss of the organized crime gang. This man has a vast criminal background involving kidnapping, assassination, and more. He headed the criminal group from Italy, supported by the five supervisors in Spain.</p> <p>This operation is considered as the second phase of Operation AIKON, which was already conducted by the Spanish National Police and supported by Europol. In the first phase fifty members of Georgian organized crime were detained. Some of them have been arrested again in this second phase, which was supported by Europol and French and Georgian authorities.</p> <p><strong>Get the latest on organized crime and the Mafia at Gangsters Inc.'s <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=News" target="_self">news section</a>.</strong></p> <p><strong>Follow Gangsters Inc. on <a href="http://twitter.com/GangstersIncWeb" target="_blank">Twitter</a> and like us on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/GangstersInc" target="_blank">Facebook</a></strong></p> <p><strong>If you enjoyed this article you might also enjoy reading:</strong></p> <ul> <li>"He's not normal," <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/new-tactics-needed-in-hunt-for-sicilian-mafia-s-boss-of-bosses-me" target="_self">prosecutor says about Sicilian Mafia boss Messina Denaro</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/gangs-of-britain" target="_self">Gangs of Britain</a></li> <li>Profile: <a 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href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/how-bonanno-goodfellas-whacked-lufthansa-loot" target="_self">How Bonanno goodfellas whacked Lufthansa heist loot</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/sicilian-mafia-travel-guide-reveals-island-s-underworld" target="_self">Sicilian Mafia travel guide reveals island's underworld</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/gangsters-inc-sits-down-with-fbi-agent-jack-garcia" target="_self">Gangsters Inc. sits down with FBI agent Jack Garcia</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-man-who-stole-the-french" target="_self">The Man Who Stole the French Connection</a></li> </ul> <p><strong>Copyright © Gangsters Inc.</strong></p> Anthony Colombo, son of Mafia boss, dead at 71 tag:gangstersinc.ning.com,2017-01-12:6329524:BlogPost:79244 Gangsters Inc. http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profile/2g2lucitjcn3w <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/anthony-colombo-son-of-mafia-boss-dead-at-71" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/8jjNHgLtomIXIUbh3-NfzFApie75Kb5unsJAnU-a2yo-UtGyj4UxnHIXT10cf0q3v6XmJIilAKOaol82ZBvtzj1ynoYRsCAE/AnthonyColombo.jpg?width=520" width="520"></img></a> By Gangsters Inc. Editors</p> <p>Retired mobster Anthony Colombo passed away last week, <a href="http://ganglandnews.com/" target="_blank">Gangland News</a> reports. He was 71. Anthony was the eldest son of Mafia boss Joseph Colombo, who founded the Italian-American Civil Rights League and was shot by an assassin at one of his civil rights rallies in 1971. He…</p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/anthony-colombo-son-of-mafia-boss-dead-at-71" target="_self"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/8jjNHgLtomIXIUbh3-NfzFApie75Kb5unsJAnU-a2yo-UtGyj4UxnHIXT10cf0q3v6XmJIilAKOaol82ZBvtzj1ynoYRsCAE/AnthonyColombo.jpg?width=520" class="align-center" width="520"/></a>By Gangsters Inc. Editors</p> <p>Retired mobster Anthony Colombo passed away last week, <a href="http://ganglandnews.com/" target="_blank">Gangland News</a> reports. He was 71. Anthony was the eldest son of Mafia boss Joseph Colombo, who founded the Italian-American Civil Rights League and was shot by an assassin at one of his civil rights rallies in 1971. He remained paralyzed and died almost seven years later.</p> <p>Anthony followed in his father’s footsteps, becoming an official member – or made guy – and then a capo in the <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-colombo-crime-family" target="_self">crime family</a> bearing his last name. His mob career earned <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Colombo" target="_self">Colombo</a> time behind bars when he was busted by authorities leading a crew that ran illegal gambling operations in New York.</p> <p>After retiring from “the life,” Colombo wrote a book about his father and family history titled <em><a href="http://amzn.to/2jArVEK" target="_blank">Colombo: The Unsolved Murder</a></em> with Don Capria. The book details his father’s rise in the Mafia and the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/anthony-colombo/did-the-fbi-kill-my-fathe_b_9190980.html" target="_blank">facts and theories</a> behind his death by the hands of a, supposed, lone assassin.  </p> <p>Colombo died of natural causes in his sleep.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/GangstersInc" target="_blank"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/8jjNHgLtomKraRJEM*xtZRnujqifSBCf1APoO6QGj4ekPVUdJ2BtDBPDQ3gANzjve028Wjluan0V0cuuJMPI6nmVvNg85ore/JoeAnthonyColombo.jpg" class="align-center" width="500"/></a><em><strong>Joseph (left) and Anthony Colombo (right) on the Dick Cavett tv show</strong></em></p> <p><strong>Get the latest on organized crime and the Mafia at Gangsters Inc.'s <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=News" target="_self">news section</a>.</strong></p> <p><strong>Follow Gangsters Inc. on <a href="http://twitter.com/GangstersIncWeb" 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target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/0Ty7vayRmOgobZwTquE77vSwA8vYBYhpCIXJ-wgZ1Oybrwq0WRZJjfBca7ECVxTrKynwSD1oV28oKCIbEOcb2l4lMcr1rsc8/photo2.jpg" width="600"></img></a></span></font></div> <p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Estimate members</span>: Around 100<br></br> <span style="font-weight: bold;">First Boss</span>: Joseph Bonanno.<br></br> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Primary activities</span>: Involved in…</p> <div style="text-align: center;"><font size="5"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/0Ty7vayRmOgobZwTquE77vSwA8vYBYhpCIXJ-wgZ1Oybrwq0WRZJjfBca7ECVxTrKynwSD1oV28oKCIbEOcb2l4lMcr1rsc8/photo2.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/0Ty7vayRmOgobZwTquE77vSwA8vYBYhpCIXJ-wgZ1Oybrwq0WRZJjfBca7ECVxTrKynwSD1oV28oKCIbEOcb2l4lMcr1rsc8/photo2.jpg" width="600"/></a></span></font></div> <p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Estimate members</span>: Around 100<br/> <span style="font-weight: bold;">First Boss</span>: Joseph Bonanno.<br/> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Primary activities</span>: Involved in narcotics trafficking, home video pornography, robbery, extortion, loan sharking, gambling, phony telemarketing schemes, pizza parlors and espresso cafes.<br/> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Boss</span>: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/bonanno-family-boss-michael-mancuso">Michael Mancuso</a><br/> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Acting Boss</span>: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/meet-the-new-street-boss-of-the-bonanno-crime-family" target="_self">Joseph Cammarano Jr.</a></p> <div style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-4"><strong>BOSSES:</strong></span><br/> <br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/meet-the-new-street-boss-of-the-bonanno-crime-family" target="_self">Joseph Cammarano Jr.</a> (in freedom)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/bonanno-family-acting-boss-thomas-di-fiore">Thomas Di Fiore</a> (in freedom)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/bonanno-family-boss-michael-mancuso">Michael Mancuso</a> (in prison)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/bonanno-boss-salvatore">Salvatore Montagna</a> (whacked)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/bonanno-boss-joseph-massino">Joseph Massino</a> (flipped)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/death-in-the-afternoon-the">Carmine Galante</a> (whacked)<br/> <br/> <span class="font-size-3"><span style="font-weight: bold;">CONSIGLIERI</span>:</span><br/> <br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/bonanno-consigliere-anthony">Anthony "T.G." Graziano</a> (in prison)<br/> <br/> <span class="font-size-3"><span style="font-weight: bold;">CAPI</span>:</span><br/> <br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/profile-bonanno-crime-family-capo-joseph-sammartino-sr">Joseph Sammartino Sr.</a> (in freedom)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/profile-bonanno-family-capo-anthony-pipitone">Anthony Pipitone</a> (prison)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/profile-bonanno-crime-family-capo-jack-bonventre">Jack Bonventre</a> (prison)<br/> <br/> <span class="font-size-3"><span style="font-weight: bold;">SOLDIERS</span>:</span><br/> <br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/bonanno-soldier-benjamin">Benjamin "Lefty Guns" Ruggiero</a> (dead, natural causes)<br/> <br/> <span class="font-size-3"><span style="font-weight: bold;">ASSOCIATES</span>:</span><br/> <br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/bonanno-family-wiseguy-of-donnie-brasco-fame-remains-behind-bars">Ronald "Monkey Man" Filocomo</a> (prison)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/profile-bonanno-family-associate-joseph-gambina">Joseph Gambina</a> (flipped)<br/> <br/> <span class="font-size-3"><font size="4"><span style="font-weight: bold;">ARTICLES:</span></font></span><br/> <br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/keeping-the-new-york-docks-in-the-mafia-family-from-the-gigantes" target="_self">Keeping the New York docks in the (Mafia) family:</a> The Gigantes to the daughter of Donnie Brasco's “Lefty”<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/bonanno-family-wiseguy-of-donnie-brasco-fame-remains-behind-bars">Bonanno mobster of Donnie Brasco fame remains behind bars</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/bonanno-capo-sent-back-to-prison-for-2-more-years">Bonanno capo sent back to prison for 2 more years</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/six-plead-guilty-in-murder-of-ex-bonanno-family-mob-boss">Six plead guilty in murder of ex-Bonanno family mob boss</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/anonymous-mobster-says-vinny-asaro-was-part-of-lufthansa-heist">Anonymous mobster says Vinny Asaro was part of Lufthansa heist</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/bonanno-capo-smashed-glass-in-face-of-sushi-lounge-owner">Bonanno capo smashed glass in face of sushi lounge owner</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/gangsters-inc-report-goodfella-vincent-asaro-s-trial">Gangsters Inc. Court Report: “Goodfella” Vincent Asaro’s trial</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/how-bonanno-goodfellas-whacked-lufthansa-loot">How Bonanno goodfellas whacked Lufthansa heist loot</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/wtc-contractor-with-mob-ties-busted-for-1-5m-fraud">WTC contractor with mob ties busted for $1.5M fraud</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/former-bonanno-boss-massino-s-hq-becomes-bakery">Former Bonanno boss Massino’s HQ becomes bakery</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-canadian-connection-flooding-the-u-s-with-dope">The Canadian Connection: Flooding the U.S. with dope</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/bonanno-goodfellas-turned-in-by-former-boss-massino">Bonanno goodfellas turned in by former boss Massino</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/montreal-mafia-boss-vito-rizzuto-1946-2013">Montreal Mafia Boss Vito Rizzuto (1946 - 2013)</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/bonanno-family-leadership-busted">Bonanno Family Leadership Busted</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/bonanno-boss-murdered-near-montreal">Bonanno Boss Murdered Near Montreal</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/how-the-sicilian-mafia-flooded">How the Sicilian Mafia flooded the US with heroin</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/montreal-mafia-bust-project">Montreal Bust: Project Colisée</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-mafia-of-montreal-a-short">Mafia of Montréal: A Short History</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/aftermath-of-a-hit-the-murder">Aftermath of a Hit (Murder of the three captains)</a></div> <p> </p> The Genovese Crime Family - Overview tag:gangstersinc.ning.com,2017-01-12:6329524:BlogPost:741 Gangsters Inc. http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profile/2g2lucitjcn3w <p><strong><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/0Ty7vayRmOiKuFujg0mjRYG5xxIw-U1WWu-zsdlOsUCcCInBc*s7kWVp-O-9Bx*HDSy7*59wxfVSBveynBqLM-3BP9ZNxsZ5/photo1.jpg" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/0Ty7vayRmOiKuFujg0mjRYG5xxIw-U1WWu-zsdlOsUCcCInBc*s7kWVp-O-9Bx*HDSy7*59wxfVSBveynBqLM-3BP9ZNxsZ5/photo1.jpg" width="600"></img></a> Estimate members</strong>: Between 200 and 225 (according to Jerry Capeci)<br></br> <strong>First Boss</strong>: Charles "Lucky" Luciano<br></br> <strong>Primary activities</strong>: The most powerful and wealthy crime Family in the New York area, and perhaps the entire country. The Genovese Family maintains major…</p> <p><strong><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/0Ty7vayRmOiKuFujg0mjRYG5xxIw-U1WWu-zsdlOsUCcCInBc*s7kWVp-O-9Bx*HDSy7*59wxfVSBveynBqLM-3BP9ZNxsZ5/photo1.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/0Ty7vayRmOiKuFujg0mjRYG5xxIw-U1WWu-zsdlOsUCcCInBc*s7kWVp-O-9Bx*HDSy7*59wxfVSBveynBqLM-3BP9ZNxsZ5/photo1.jpg" width="600"/></a>Estimate members</strong>: Between 200 and 225 (according to Jerry Capeci)<br/> <strong>First Boss</strong>: Charles "Lucky" Luciano<br/> <strong>Primary activities</strong>: The most powerful and wealthy crime Family in the New York area, and perhaps the entire country. The Genovese Family maintains major muscle in narcotics, loan-sharking, extortion rackets, pornography, labor union racketeering, <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/genovese-and-gambino-mobsters-in-garbage-bust" target="_self">waste hauling industry</a>, restaurants, seafood distribution and vending machines. They are the most secretive, and well led, LCN Family in the New York region.<br/> <strong>Boss</strong>: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/profile-genovese-crime-family-boss-liborio-bellomo" target="_self">Liborio "Barney" Bellomo</a><br/> <strong>Underboss</strong>: ?</p> <div style="text-align: center;"><strong>BOSSES:</strong><br/> <br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/profile-genovese-crime-family-boss-liborio-bellomo">Liborio "Barney" Bellomo</a> (in freedom)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/genovese-boss-daniel-leo">Daniel "The Lion" Leo</a> (in prison)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/genovese-boss-matthew-matty">Matthew "Matty the Horse" Ianniello</a> (dead, natural causes)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/genovese-boss-vincent-chin">Vincent "Chin" Gigante</a> (dead, natural causes)<br/>   <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/get-the-right-man-how-the-fbn" target="_self">Vito Genovese</a> (dead, natural causes)<br/>   <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/this-is-for-you-frank-profile-of-mafia-boss-frank-costello" target="_self">Frank Costello</a> (dead, natural causes)<br/>   <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/luckys-luck-how-charlie" target="_self">Charles "Lucky" Luciano</a> (dead, natural causes)<br/> <br/> <strong>ACTING BOSSES:</strong><br/> <br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/genovese-boss-dominick-cirillo">Dominick "Quiet Dom" Cirillo</a> (in prison)<br/> <br/> <strong>UNDERBOSSES:</strong><br/> <br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/whack-out-on-willie-moretti">Quarico "Willie Moore" Moretti</a> (whacked)<br/> <br/> <strong>CAPTAINS:</strong><br/> <br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/profile-genovese-crime-family-capo-pasquale-parrello">Pasquale Parrello</a> (under indictment)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/profile-genovese-family-capo-joseph-denti-jr">Joseph Denti Jr.</a> (under indictment)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/genovese-capo-pagano-hit-with-racketeering-charges">Daniel Pagano</a> (in prison)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/genovese-capo-anthony-antico">Anthony "Big Nose" Antico</a> (in prison)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/genovese-capo-tino-fiumara">Tino Fiumara</a> (dead, natural causes)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/profile-genovese-crime-family-capo-salvatore-lombardi">Salvatore "Sally Dogs" Lombardi</a> (dead, natural causes)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-life-and-death-of-mafia-capo-anthony-carfano">Anthony Carfano</a> (whacked)</div> <p> </p> <div style="text-align: center;"><strong>SOLDIERS:</strong></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><strong><br/></strong></div> <div style="text-align: center;"></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/genovese-soldier-george-barone" target="_self">George Barone</a> (flipped, dead)</div> <p> </p> <div style="text-align: center;"><strong>ASSOCIATES:</strong><br/> <br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/east-hartford-genovese-mobster-john-barile-gets-71-months-for-ars">John Barile</a> (prison)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/genovese-garbage-smurf-carmine-franco-pleads-guilty">Carmine "Papa Smurf" Franco</a> (prison)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/genovese-associate-peter-petey">Peter "Petey Cap" Caporino</a> (flipped)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/genovese-associate-andrew">Andrew Gigante</a> (messenger)<br/> <br/> <strong>ARTICLES:</strong><br/> <br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/keeping-the-new-york-docks-in-the-mafia-family-from-the-gigantes" target="_self">Keeping the New York docks in the (Mafia) family:</a> The Gigantes to the daughter of Donnie Brasco's “Lefty”<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/genovese-family-mobsters-charged-with-running-off-shore-gambling" target="_self">Genovese family mobsters charged with running off-shore gambling operation</a>, loansharking, and cigarette smuggling<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/genovese-family-mobster-busted-for-using-cocaine-and-marijuana-wh" target="_self">Genovese mobster busted for using cocaine and weed while out on bail</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/philly-mafia-boss-joseph-merlino-and-mobsters-of-5-different-crim" target="_self">Genovese mobster Pat Parrello busted with Philly mob boss and 45 gangsters</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/east-hartford-genovese-mobster-john-barile-gets-71-months-for-ars" target="_self">East Hartford Genovese mobster John Barile gets 71 months for arson, fraud, gambling and extortion</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/how-meyer-lansky-laundered-the-american-mafia-s-dirty-cash-and-ma" target="_self">How Meyer Lansky laundered the American Mafia’s dirty cash</a> – and made them bigger than US Steel<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/feds-bust-mob-connected-multi-million-dollar-gambling-ring">Feds bust mob-connected multi-million-dollar gambling ring</a> <br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/genovese-family-mobsters-charged-with-murder-extortion-gambling">Genovese family mobsters charged with murder, extortion, gambling</a><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/east-hartford-genovese-mobster-john-barile-gets-71-months-for-ars" target="_self"><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/genovese-crew-charged-with-multi-million-dollar-scheme">Genovese crew charged with multi-million dollar scheme</a><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/east-hartford-genovese-mobster-john-barile-gets-71-months-for-ars" target="_self"><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-scoop-on-the-man-who-brought-down-genovese">The scoop on the man who brought down Genovese</a><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/east-hartford-genovese-mobster-john-barile-gets-71-months-for-ars" target="_self"><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-humble-origins-of-joe-masseria-and-lucky-luciano">The Humble Origins of Joe Masseria and Lucky Luciano</a><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/east-hartford-genovese-mobster-john-barile-gets-71-months-for-ars" target="_self"><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/real-life-owner-of-bada-bing-strip-club-turns-rat">Real life owner of Bada Bing strip club turns rat</a><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/east-hartford-genovese-mobster-john-barile-gets-71-months-for-ars" target="_self"><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/genovese-mob-boss-fat-tony-s-crazy-christmas-card">Genovese Mob Boss Fat Tony’s Crazy Christmas Card</a><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/east-hartford-genovese-mobster-john-barile-gets-71-months-for-ars" target="_self"><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/genovese-and-gambino-mobsters-in-garbage-bust">Genovese and Gambino Mobsters in Garbage Bust</a><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/east-hartford-genovese-mobster-john-barile-gets-71-months-for-ars" target="_self"><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/genovese-mobsters-extorting-feast-of-san-gennaro">Genovese mobsters extorting Feast of San Gennaro</a><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/east-hartford-genovese-mobster-john-barile-gets-71-months-for-ars" target="_self"><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/genovese-capo-sentenced-to-10">Genovese Capo Sentenced to 10 Years For Murder Conspiracy</a><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/east-hartford-genovese-mobster-john-barile-gets-71-months-for-ars" target="_self"><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/another-mob-social-club-bites">Another Mob Social Club Bites The Dust</a><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/east-hartford-genovese-mobster-john-barile-gets-71-months-for-ars" target="_self"><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-bruno-hit-how-the-genovese">The Bruno Hit: How The Genovese Springfield Crew Killed Itself</a><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/east-hartford-genovese-mobster-john-barile-gets-71-months-for-ars" target="_self"><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/genovese-family-soldier">Genovese Family Soldier Arrested in Italy</a><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/east-hartford-genovese-mobster-john-barile-gets-71-months-for-ars" target="_self"><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/unrest-within-the-new-york-mob">Unrest Within The New York Mob</a><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/east-hartford-genovese-mobster-john-barile-gets-71-months-for-ars" target="_self"><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/elderly-genovese-mobsters-ran">Elderly mobsters ran South Florida</a><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/east-hartford-genovese-mobster-john-barile-gets-71-months-for-ars" target="_self"><br/> <br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/photo/genovese-family-chart?context=album&amp;albumId=6329524%3AAlbum%3A57">GENOVESE FAMILY CHART by Bureau of Narcotics</a></div> Keeping the New York docks in the (Mafia) family: From the Gigantes to the daughter of “Lefty” of Donnie Brasco fame tag:gangstersinc.ning.com,2017-01-12:6329524:BlogPost:79419 Gangsters Inc. http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profile/2g2lucitjcn3w <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/keeping-the-new-york-docks-in-the-mafia-family-from-the-gigantes" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/8jjNHgLtomIlKEtSSwzv4w7oa*yXu2Nlore6J7I-xsd*9Yxilw9Ubz9pdK*uFHTeg*oKRaRAX6TyowPARe8nKLjY8VsTQqbz/CoverNewYorkHarbor.jpg?width=520" width="520"></img></a> By David Amoruso</p> <p>In the past few decades, various prosecutors have announced the end of the American Mafia several times, but each time La Cosa Nostra popped up at exactly those places where it was said to have become extinct. A NY Times piece about the New York harbor showed that despite prosecutions, the area made famous by On the…</p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/keeping-the-new-york-docks-in-the-mafia-family-from-the-gigantes" target="_self"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/8jjNHgLtomIlKEtSSwzv4w7oa*yXu2Nlore6J7I-xsd*9Yxilw9Ubz9pdK*uFHTeg*oKRaRAX6TyowPARe8nKLjY8VsTQqbz/CoverNewYorkHarbor.jpg?width=520" class="align-center" width="520"/></a>By David Amoruso</p> <p>In the past few decades, various prosecutors have announced the end of the American Mafia several times, but each time La Cosa Nostra popped up at exactly those places where it was said to have become extinct. A NY Times piece about the New York harbor showed that despite prosecutions, the area made famous by On the Waterfront still has plenty of notorious names working its docks.</p> <p>Back in the 1930s and ‘40s, the <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Mob" target="_self">mob</a> owned the ports and everyone working there. Using strong-arm tactics, powerful crime bosses had taken over the area’s worker unions and effectively appointed themselves as the harbor’s caretaker. Their influence was acknowledged by the United States government when, during the Second World War, they made a deal with imprisoned <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/luckys-luck-how-charlie" target="_self">Mafia boss Charles “Lucky” Luciano</a> in which he promised to keep the ports safe from Nazis in return for his early release from prison.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Read: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-humble-origins-of-joe-masseria-and-lucky-luciano" target="_self">The Humble Origins of Mafia Bosses Joe Masseria and Lucky Luciano</a></strong></li> </ul> <p>In the years and decades following this historic – not to mention controversial – pact between the Mafia and the United States government, the five families of <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=LCN" target="_self">La Cosa Nostra</a> maintained a strong presence in the ports of New York and New Jersey.</p> <p>But by the 1980s, the government was playing hardball as it decimated the five crime families by prosecuting its bosses and all those beneath, resulting in a weakening of the <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-bonanno-crime-family" target="_self">Bonanno</a>, <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-colombo-crime-family" target="_self">Colombo</a>, <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/gambino-crime-family-overview" target="_self">Gambino</a>, <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-genovese-crime-family" target="_self">Genovese</a>, and <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-lucchese-crime-family" target="_self">Lucchese</a> crime families.</p> <p>Still, despite prosecutions targeted at the top leadership as well as the mob’s men involved in various forms of <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-mafia-and-labor-racketeering" target="_self">labor racketeering</a>, business continued as usual. Even on the docks, a place that had undergone its own transformation.</p> <p>“A century ago New York Harbor employed 40,000 longshoremen, who unloaded ships with hook and sling and brawn,” Joseph Goldsteinjan writes in <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/06/nyregion/new-york-harbor-on-the-waterfront.html?_r=1" target="_blank">The New York Times</a>. “Today, the entire workforce is just under 3,400 longshoremen, many perched behind the controls of cranes and straddle carriers.”</p> <p>While thousands of longshoremen have vanished from the docks, there are strong indications that the mob has not. The (Mafia) family name that is heard most often in relation to the waterfront, is that of the Gigantes. Though infamous Genovese crime family leader <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/genovese-boss-vincent-chin" target="_self">Vincent “Chin” Gigante</a> has been dead for several years now, his relatives still enjoy the fruits of his labor. According to the Waterfront Commission, the Gigantes have ten relatives - mostly nephews, in-laws and grandsons - working on the waterfront.</p> <p><a href="http://www.facebook.com/GangstersInc" target="_blank"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/8jjNHgLtomKHSy1Vkr8ijAhoyCEvleoMQ*-g5baKChnv2DUXab3UvaWHehtBh4265v2IryrtARTEzrhHisyAANYiVBNbKtCL/andrewgigantegangstersinc.jpg" class="align-left" width="175"/></a>Up until his arrest, <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/genovese-associate-andrew" target="_self">Andrew</a>, one of Gigante’s sons, was also on that list. As an executive with Bay Container and Portwide Cargo Securing in the port of Newark, New Jersey, he was paid a salary of $350,000 a year. In 2003, he <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/genovese-associate-andrew" target="_self">pleaded guilty to racketeering charges</a> related to the extortion of a large container repair and storage company on the New Jersey, New York and South Florida piers and the use of mob muscle to seize control of the International Longshoremen's Association in New Jersey, New York and Miami. He (left) was eventually barred for life from any activity on the New York, New Jersey, and South Florida piers.</p> <p>Ralph Gigante, Vincent Gigante’s nephew, still is on that list. He was appointed to the union shop steward position, making $419,000 in 2014 alone, working even while he was at home asleep in his bed, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/06/nyregion/new-york-harbor-on-the-waterfront.html?_r=1" target="_blank">The New York Times</a> article joked.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Read: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/profile-genovese-crime-family-boss-liborio-bellomo" target="_self">Profile of Genovese crime family boss Liborio "Barney" Bellomo</a></strong></li> </ul> <p>Phoebe S. Sorial, the general counsel for the Waterfront Commission, tells <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/06/nyregion/new-york-harbor-on-the-waterfront.html?_r=1" target="_blank">The New York Times</a> that, the International Longshoremen’s Association frequently seeks jobs for “people who posted bail for organized figures” and “people who are in business with organized crime figures” as well as relatives of mobsters.</p> <p>One name that popped up will be of special interest to many of our readers. In 2014, the union recommended the 62-year-old daughter of deceased <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/bonanno-soldier-benjamin" target="_self">Bonanno family soldier Benjamin “Lefty” Ruggiero</a>, who was played by <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Pacino" target="_self">Al Pacino</a> in the 1997 film “Donnie Brasco.”</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/GangstersInc" target="_blank"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/8jjNHgLtomJKuy*Ixwrk9YDbFXJI-5-PidorswuP42zbOnJqIoBvsDfLCBWhD0y4-OZt*9R5mb6Jdk7Cf1u-lwZkQnqp3i0Y/LeftyRuggieroDonnieBrascoAlPacino.jpg" class="align-center" width="391"/></a><em><strong>Benjamin "Lefty" Ruggiero (left) and Al Pacino in Donnie Brasco (right)</strong></em></p> <p>It is perfectly possible that she – and all the aforementioned others – earned their job the right way. Authorities would pounce if they had any evidence of corruption. But it doesn’t help that they have ties to various mobsters and were proposed by a union led by a man who himself has long-rumored ties to the <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-genovese-crime-family" target="_self">Genovese crime family</a>.</p> <p>Harold J. Daggett is the International President of the International Longshoremen’s Association serving as “chief negotiator for the ILA representing 45,000 ILA members at port areas from Maine to Texas, Great Lakes region, Puerto Rico, major U.S. Rivers and Eastern and Central Canada,” according to the <a href="http://www.ilaunion.org/bio-harold-daggett/" target="_blank">ILA website</a>. He was also on trial with a host of Genovese family notables in the mid-2000s, including capo Lawrence Ricci, who went missing and was found murdered after the trial concluded in an acquittal for Daggett and others.</p> <p><a href="http://www.facebook.com/GangstersInc" target="_blank"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/8jjNHgLtomKApLfElOiwl1yD6CFsIQSMF5qWUUK9WCi1YzDxdLZrR0TOxDVyNTDA2hxEImXdgWzkOQ9gEIJKktFGbv6dnLEN/georgebarone.jpg" class="align-right" width="175"/></a>At that trial, longtime <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/genovese-soldier-george-barone" target="_self">Genovese family soldier George Barone</a> (right) testified against Daggett – calling him a Genovese associate – while he gave jurors a detailed insight into how the Genovese mob led by Vincent Gigante threw around its weight on the docks in New York, New Jersey, and Florida.</p> <p>Barone himself was president of an International Longshoremen’s Association Local in Miami in the 1970s and spent seven years behind bars for labor racketeering. After finding out that <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/genovese-boss-vincent-chin" target="_self">Vincent Gigante</a> and his offspring had become the new power on the docks, he came to blows and – fearing for his life – became a turncoat.</p> <p>Be it the 1940s, the 1970s, or 2017, be it 40,000 or 3,400 longshoremen working the New York docks, it seems like no matter the time or the activity, the mob always has someone present to keep an eye out for possible business ventures. Even after the powerful Mafia figures behind it all have long since passed away.</p> <p><strong>Get the latest on organized crime and the Mafia at Gangsters Inc.'s <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=News" target="_self">news section</a>.</strong></p> <p><strong>Follow Gangsters Inc. on <a href="http://twitter.com/GangstersIncWeb" target="_blank">Twitter</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/GangstersInc" target="_blank">Facebook</a></strong></p> <p><strong>If you enjoyed this article you might also enjoy reading:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Prison Breaks: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/prison-breaks-from-mobsters-and-hitmen-to-serial-killers-and-drug" target="_self">The mobsters and hitmen who escaped from jail</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/genovese-family-mobsters-charged-with-running-off-shore-gambling" target="_self">Genovese family mobsters charged with running off-shore gambling operation</a>, loansharking, cig smuggling</li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/deadly-bizarre-and-morbid-murder-inc-comes-to-the-mob-museum-in-l" target="_self">Deadly, morbid, and bizarre: Murder Inc.</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/donald-j-trump-s-gangbusters-how-will-america-s-new-president-tak" target="_self">How will President Trump take on the Mafia and drug cartels?</a></li> <li>The Man Who Runs New York: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/profile-genovese-crime-family-boss-liborio-bellomo" target="_self">Genovese family boss Liborio Bellomo</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/new-tactics-needed-in-hunt-for-sicilian-mafia-s-boss-of-bosses-me" target="_self">New tactics needed in hunt for Sicilian Mafia boss Messina Denaro</a> - Prosecutor: "He's not normal."</li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/genovese-family-mobster-busted-for-using-cocaine-and-marijuana-wh" target="_self">Genovese wiseguy busted using cocaine and weed while on parole</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/rumble-at-rao-s-it-s-not-over-till-the-fat-lady-sings-the-night-l" target="_self">Rumble at Rao's: Restaurant of the stars and the Mafia</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-american-mafia-and-its-use-of-colorful-nicknames" target="_self">The American Mafia and its use of colorful nicknames</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/how-meyer-lansky-laundered-the-american-mafia-s-dirty-cash-and-ma" target="_self">How Meyer Lansky laundered the Mafia's dirty cash</a> - and made them bigger than US Steel</li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/my-loving-dad-was-a-gangster-and-bugsy-siegel-s-close-friend" target="_self">My loving dad was a gangster and Bugsy Siegel's close friend</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/top-4-stone-cold-gangsters-who-look-like-wimps" target="_self">Top 4 stone cold gangsters who look like total wimps</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/joey-merlino-living-like-a-boss-in-florida" target="_self">Joey Merlino living like a boss in Florida</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mafia-math-calculating-italian-organized-crime-s-illicit-income" target="_self">Mafia Math: Calculating Italian organized crime's illicit income</a></li> <li>INTERVIEW: Former mob boss <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/interview-john-gotti-jr-sits-down-with-gangsters-inc" target="_self">John Gotti Junior sits down with Gangsters Inc.</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/new-map-shows-mob-social-clubs-in-new-york" target="_self">New map shows mob social clubs in New York City</a></li> <li><a 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href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/0Ty7vayRmOhwWksNhuQUEz2c2XIwsoZHl9MVL2i4K-1BIwy1bOyZzi8V-UMQ8YVNvVNryG5mgz6K3uaE8nPkHPQKCQqg8y8u/photo7.jpg" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/0Ty7vayRmOhwWksNhuQUEz2c2XIwsoZHl9MVL2i4K-1BIwy1bOyZzi8V-UMQ8YVNvVNryG5mgz6K3uaE8nPkHPQKCQqg8y8u/photo7.jpg" width="600"></img></a> <br></br><p><span class="font-size-7"><strong>United States</strong></span></p> <p><span class="font-size-4"><strong>New York:</strong></span></p> <p><em>La Cosa Nostra:</em></p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-bonanno-crime-family" target="_self">The Bonanno Crime…</a></p> </div> <div style="text-align: center;"><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/0Ty7vayRmOhwWksNhuQUEz2c2XIwsoZHl9MVL2i4K-1BIwy1bOyZzi8V-UMQ8YVNvVNryG5mgz6K3uaE8nPkHPQKCQqg8y8u/photo7.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/0Ty7vayRmOhwWksNhuQUEz2c2XIwsoZHl9MVL2i4K-1BIwy1bOyZzi8V-UMQ8YVNvVNryG5mgz6K3uaE8nPkHPQKCQqg8y8u/photo7.jpg" width="600"/></a><br/><p><span class="font-size-7"><strong>United States</strong></span></p> <p><span class="font-size-4"><strong>New York:</strong></span></p> <p><em>La Cosa Nostra:</em></p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-bonanno-crime-family" target="_self">The Bonanno Crime Family</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-colombo-crime-family" target="_self">The Colombo Crime Family</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/gambino-crime-family-overview" target="_self">The Gambino Crime Family</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-genovese-crime-family" target="_self">The Genovese Crime Family</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-lucchese-crime-family" target="_self">The Lucchese Crime Family</a></p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/keeping-the-new-york-docks-in-the-mafia-family-from-the-gigantes" target="_self">Keeping the New York docks in the (Mafia) family:</a> The Gigantes to the daughter of Donnie Brasco's “Lefty”<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/prison-breaks-from-mobsters-and-hitmen-to-serial-killers-and-drug" target="_self">Prison Breaks - From mobsters to serial killers and drug lords:</a><a>The men who escaped from jail<br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-origins-of-la-cosa-nostra-from-its-roots-to-emigration" target="_self">The origins of La Cosa Nostra: From its roots to emigration</a><a><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/deadly-bizarre-and-morbid-murder-inc-comes-to-the-mob-museum-in-l" target="_self">Deadly, bizarre, and morbid: Murder Inc. unique says author Christian Cipollini</a><a><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/donald-j-trump-s-gangbusters-how-will-america-s-new-president-tak" target="_self">Donald J. 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href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/top-4-stone-cold-gangsters-who-look-like-wimps" target="_self">Top 4 stone cold gangsters who look like wimps</a><a><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/how-meyer-lansky-laundered-the-american-mafia-s-dirty-cash-and-ma" target="_self">How Meyer Lansky laundered the American Mafia’s dirty cash</a><a>- and made them bigger than US Steel<br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/my-loving-dad-was-a-gangster-and-bugsy-siegel-s-close-friend" target="_self">My loving dad was a gangster and Bugsy Siegel’s close friend</a><a><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/new-map-shows-mob-social-clubs-in-new-york" target="_self">New map shows mob social clubs in New York</a><a><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/insulting-mobsters-with-don-rickles" target="_self">Insulting mobsters with comedian Don Rickles</a><a><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-humble-origins-of-joe-masseria-and-lucky-luciano" target="_self">The Humble Origins of Joe Masseria and Lucky Luciano</a><a><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/gangsters-inc-sits-down-with-fbi-agent-jack-garcia" target="_self">Gangsters Inc. sits down with FBI agent Jack Garcia</a><a><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-mafia-and-labor-racketeering" target="_self">The Mafia and Labor Racketeering</a><a><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/genovese-and-gambino-mobsters-in-garbage-bust" target="_self">Genovese and Gambino Mobsters in Garbage Bust</a><a><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-time-i-hurt-mobster-henry-hill-s-feelings" target="_self">The Time I Hurt Mobster Henry Hill’s Feelings</a><a><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/new-edition-of-true-crime-classic-murder-inc" target="_self">New Edition of True Crime Classic Murder, Inc.</a><a><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/three-dead-mobsters-three-different-stories" target="_self">Three Dead Mobsters, Three Different Stories</a><a><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/gangland-hits-caught-on-video" target="_self">Mafia Hits Caught On Video Tape</a><a><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/art-imitating-life-imitating" target="_self">Art Imitating Life Imitating Art</a><a><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-rat-infested-mob" target="_self">The Rat Infested Mob</a><a><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/another-mob-social-club-bites" target="_self">Another Mob Social Club Bites The Dust</a><a><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/will-historic-mob-bust-really" target="_self">Will Historic Mob Bust Really Go Down As Historic?</a><a><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/yidfellas-the-kosher-nostra" target="_self">Yidfellas: The Kosher Nostra</a><a><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-mafia-in-the-second-world" target="_self">The Mafia in the Second World War</a><a><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mobsters-in-prison-a-story" target="_self">Mobsters in Prison: A Story From Behind Bars</a><a><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-italian-mafia-in-the" target="_self">The Italian Mafia in The Netherlands</a><a><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/photo/albums/american-murder-scenes" target="_self">Photo Gallery: American Murder Scenes</a></p> <p><em>Other crime groups:</em></p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/thieves-start-2017-by-robbing-6-million-from-manhattan-jewelry-wh" target="_self">Thieves rob $6 million from Manhattan jewelry wholesaler on New Year's Eve</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/nypd-cop-moonlighted-for-drug-gang-but-finds-no-loyalty-in-return" target="_self">NYPD cop moonlighted for drug gang but finds no loyalty in return</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/albanian-gangster-guilty-of-extortion-schemes-carried-out-with-ny" target="_self">Albanian gangster guilty of extortion schemes carried out with NYPD cop</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/gangster-and-corrupt-nypd-cop-go-down-in-violent-extortion-scheme" target="_self">Gangster and corrupt NYPD cop go down in violent extortion scheme</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-gangster-alpo-from-spanish-harlem" target="_self">The Gangster Alpo From Spanish Harlem</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/supreme-gangster-giant-towers-over-queens-rap" target="_self">Supreme: Gangster giant towers over Queens rap</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/albanian-boss-alex-rudaj" target="_self">Alex Rudaj</a> (in prison)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/drug-boss-kenneth-supreme" target="_self">Kenneth "Supreme" McGriff</a> (in prison)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/drug-boss-leroy-nicky-barnes" target="_self">Leroy "Nicky" Barnes</a> (flipped)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/drug-boss-frank-matthews" target="_self">Frank Matthews</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/an-introduction-to-the-new" target="_self">An Introduction To The New York Albanian Mob</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/folk-nation-gang-leader-sentenced-to-20-years-in-prison" target="_self">Folk Nation Gang Leader Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/very-bad-men-how-jewish-racketeers-beat-the-system" target="_self">Very Bad Men: How Jewish racketeers beat the system</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/ms-13-gang-boss-carlos-silencio-ortega" target="_self">MS-13 Gang Boss Carlos “Silencio” Ortega</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/black-caesar-the-rise-of-america-s-biggest-kingpin" target="_self">Black Caesar: The Rise of America’s Biggest Kingpin</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/former-gangsters-beefing-about-books" target="_self">Former Gangsters Beefing About Books</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/bloods-gang-leader-charged-with-three-murders" target="_self">Bloods Gang Leader Charged With Three Murders</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/new-arrests-in-violent" target="_self">New Arrests in Violent Albanian Drug Gang Bust</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-israeli-mafias-brief" target="_self">The Israeli Mafia's brief invasion of New York</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/former-drug-kingpin-ike" target="_self">Former Drug Kingpin Ike Atkinson Tells All In New Documentary</a></p> <br/> <p><span class="font-size-4"><strong>New Jersey:</strong></span></p> <p><em>La Cosa Nostra:</em></p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-decavalcante-crime-family" target="_self">The DeCavalcante Crime Family</a></p> <p><em>Others:</em></p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/n-j-boss-rufus-young-gets-15-years-for-selling-kilos-of-heroin" target="_self">Drug boss Rufus Young gets 15 years for selling kilos of heroin</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/chili-pimping-in-atlantic-city" target="_self">Chili Pimping in Atlantic City</a></p> <p><strong><span class="font-size-4">Philadelphia:</span></strong></p> <p><em>La Cosa Nostra:</em></p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-bruno-crime-family" target="_self">The Bruno Crime Family</a></p> <p><em>Others:</em></p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/i-shook-up-the-world-how-muhammad-ali-took-the-heavyweight-boxing" target="_self">How Muhammad Ali took the heavyweight boxing championship belt from the Mafia</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/drug-boss-roland-pops-bartlett" target="_self">Roland Bartlett</a> (dead)</p> <p><span class="font-size-4"><strong>Chicago, Illinois and surroundings:</strong></span></p> <p><em>La Cosa Nostra:</em></p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-chicago-outfit-overview" target="_self">The Chicago Outfit</a></p> <p><em>Others:</em></p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/chicago-mob-story-the-man-who-loved-being-a-gangster" target="_self">A Chicago Mob Story: The Man who loved being a Gangster</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/chicago-vice-lord-nation-gang-boss-dead-at-64" target="_self">Chicago Vice Lord Nation gang boss dead at 64</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/senator-declares-war-on-gangster-disciples" target="_self">Senator Declares War On Gangster Disciples</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/chicago-boss-george-bugs-moran" target="_self">George "Bugs" Moran</a> (dead)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/puparo-s-gangland-history-of-the-chicago-boroughs-1" target="_self">Gangland History of the Chicago Boroughs</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/chicago-a-gangster-history" target="_self">Chicago: A Gangster History</a></p> <p><span class="font-size-4"><strong>Rockford:</strong></span></p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/profile-rockford-s-black-gangster-disciples-boss-karl-fort" target="_self">Profile: Rockford’s Black Gangster Disciples boss Karl Fort</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/profile-rockford-crime-family-mobster-salvatore-galluzzo" target="_self">Profile: Rockford crime family mobster Salvatore Galluzzo</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-rockford-mob-s-takeover-of-the-negro-policy-racket" target="_self">The Rockford mob's takeover of the Negro Policy Racket</a></p> <p><span class="font-size-4"><strong>Boston:</strong></span></p> <p><em>La Cosa Nostra:</em></p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-new-england-crime-family" target="_self">The New England Patriarca Crime Family</a></p> <p><em>Others:</em></p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/former-associate-of-boston-mob-boss-whitey-bulger-in-court-for-19" target="_self">Ex-Bulger associate Ralph DeMasi in court for 1991 robbery murder</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/boston-mob-boss-whitey-bulger-s-possessions-up-for-auction" target="_self">Boston mob boss Whitey Bulger's possessions up for auction</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/head-of-multi-million-dollar-heroin-organization-gets-13-years" target="_self">Head of multi-million dollar heroin organization gets 13 years</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-blackfriars-massacre" target="_self">The Blackfriars Massacre</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/boston-boss-james-whitey-bulger-found-guilty" target="_self">Boston Boss James "Whitey" Bulger Found Guilty</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/court-showdown-between-whitey-and-the-rifleman" target="_self">Court Showdown Between "Whitey" and "The Rifleman"</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-making-of-mob-boss-whitey-bulger" target="_self">The Making of Mob Boss Whitey Bulger</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-kennedy-s-whiskey-barons-in-the-white-house" target="_self">The Kennedys: Whiskey Barons in the White House</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mob-boss-whitey-bulger" target="_self">Irish Mob Boss James "Whitey" Bulger Arrested</a></p> <p><span class="font-size-4"><strong>Detroit:</strong></span></p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/teaser-trailer-for-650-lifer-new-white-boy-rick-documentary" target="_self">Teaser trailer for “650 Lifer,” new White Boy Rick documentary</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/detroit-mafia-boss-black-jack-tocco-dies" target="_self">Detroit Mafia Boss “Black Jack” Tocco Dies</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/chester-wheeler-campbell-the-007-of-the-detroit-drug-mob" target="_self">Chester Wheeler Campbell: The 007 of the Detroit Drug Mob</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-color-purple-detroits" target="_self">The Color Purple: Detroit's Early Mob</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-disappearance-of-jimmy" target="_self">The Disappearance of Jimmy Hoffa</a></p> <p><span class="font-size-4"><strong>Baltimore:</strong></span></p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/female-drug-boss-jean-brown" target="_self">Female Drug Boss Jean Brown</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/baltimore-drug-boss-maurice" target="_self">Maurice "Peanut" King</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/baltimore-a-gangster-history" target="_self">Baltimore: A Gangster History</a></p> <p><strong><span class="font-size-4">Washington:</span></strong></p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/profile-washington-d-c-drug-boss-rayful-edmond" target="_self">Profile: Washington D.C. drug boss Rayful Edmond</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-murder-of-fray-a" target="_self">The Murder of Fray; A Washington D.C. Street Legend</a></p> <p><span class="font-size-4"><strong>Florida:</strong></span></p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/trafficante-family-mobster-passes-away-at-age-85" target="_self">Trafficante family mobster passes away at age 85</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/spotlight-on-tampa-mafia-with-tour-and-magazine" target="_self">Interview: Spotlight on Tampa Mafia with tour and magazine</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/cuban-boss-jose-miguel-battle" target="_self">José Miguel Battle Sr.</a> (dead)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/santo-trafficante-building-the-family-business" target="_self">Santo Trafficante: Building the Family Business</a></p> <p><span class="font-size-4"><strong>California:</strong></span></p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/all-in-the-game-two-men-who-went-from-fighting-organized-crime-an" target="_self">All In The Game: Two men who went from fighting organized crime</a> to refereeing star athletes<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/gangster-squad-cop-celebrates-100th-birthday" target="_self">Gangster Squad cop celebrates 100th birthday</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/my-loving-dad-was-a-gangster-and-bugsy-siegel-s-close-friend" target="_self">My loving dad was a gangster and Bugsy Siegel’s close friend</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/living-life-crime-bikers-prison-gangs-and-the-future" target="_self">Living Life: Crime, bikers, prison gangs, and the future</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/prison-gangs-the-aryan-brotherhood" target="_self">Prison Gangs: The Aryan Brotherhood</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/profile-armenian-power-leader-mher-darbinyan" target="_self">Profile: Armenian Power leader Mher Darbinyan</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/rap-mogul-suge-knight-shot-six-times-at-vma-party" target="_self">Rap mogul Suge Knight shot six times at VMA party</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/los-angeles-capo-jimmy-caci-has-passed-away" target="_self">Los Angeles Capo Jimmy Caci Has Passed Away</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/prison-gangs-and-the-analogy" target="_self">Prison Gangs and the Analogy of Hate</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/michael-harris-a-convicted" target="_self">Michael Harris</a>: A Convicted Drug Kingpin Who Gave Denzel His Start on Broadway</p> <p><span class="font-size-4"><strong>Las Vegas:</strong></span></p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/my-loving-dad-was-a-gangster-and-bugsy-siegel-s-close-friend" target="_self">My loving dad was a gangster and Bugsy Siegel’s close friend</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/organizer-of-most-prolific-cocaine-ring-in-alaska-gets-16-years" target="_self">Organizer of most prolific cocaine ring in Alaska gets 16 years</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/insulting-mobsters-with-don-rickles" target="_self">Insulting mobsters with comedian Don Rickles</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/interview-with-mob-lawyer-turned-mayor-oscar-goodman" target="_self">Interview with mob lawyer-turned-mayor Oscar Goodman</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/las-vegas-sin-city" target="_self">Las Vegas: Sin City</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/the-high-roller-jimmy-chagra" target="_self">The High Roller: Jimmy Chagra, Gambling &amp; Poker</a></p> <p><span class="font-size-4"><strong>Wisconsin:</strong></span></p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/a-short-history-of-la-cosa-nostra-in-madison-wi" target="_self">A short history of La Cosa Nostra in Madison, WI</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-milwaukee-mafia-family-don-t-sell-them-short" target="_self">The Milwaukee Mafia Family: Small but deadly</a></p> <p><span class="font-size-4"><strong>Ohio:</strong></span></p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/don-king-from-street-thug-to-street-name" target="_self">Don King: From street thug to street name?</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/gambino-family-mobster-carmine-agnello-s-propensity-to-repeat-his" target="_self">Gambino family mobster Carmine Agnello’s propensity to repeat history</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mobster-and-brother-of-youngstown-mafia-boss-dies" target="_self">Ohio mobster and brother of Youngstown Mafia boss dies</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/gambino-soldier-carmine-agnello-busted-in-cleveland" target="_self">Gambino soldier Carmine Agnello busted in Cleveland</a></p> <p><span class="font-size-4"><strong>Pittsburgh:</strong></span></p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/former-pittsburgh-mafia-underboss-charles-porter-dies-at-82" target="_self">Former Pittsburgh Mafia underboss Charles Porter dies at 82</a></p> <p><span class="font-size-4"><strong>Kansas City:</strong></span></p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/full-time-gangsters-part-time-" target="_self">Full-Time Gangsters Part-Time Rappers</a></p> <p><span class="font-size-4"><strong>New Orleans:</strong></span></p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/new-orleans-mobsters-caught-with-sniper-van" target="_self">New Orleans mobsters caught with “sniper van”</a></p> <p><span class="font-size-7"><strong>Canada</strong></span></p> <p><a href="gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/public-church-mass-in-memory-of-slain-montreal-mafia-boss-rocco-s" target="_self">Church mass in memory of slain Montreal Mafia boss Sollecito canceled</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/montreal-mobster-raynald-desjardins-gets-14-years-for-murder-of-e" target="_self">Raynald Desjardins gets 14 years for murder</a> of ex-Bonanno boss Salvatore Montagna<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/montreal-mobster-murdered-at-home-as-violence-continues" target="_self">Montreal mobster murdered at home as violence continues</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/arsonists-set-montreal-ablaze-as-deadly-mafia-war-continues" target="_self">Arsonists set Montreal ablaze as deadly Mafia war rages on</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/reputed-montreal-mafia-boss-granted-bail-in-drug-case" target="_self">Reputed Montreal Mafia boss granted bail in drug case</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/montreal-mafia-war-claims-life-of-yet-another-mob-boss" target="_self">Montreal Mafia war claims life of mob boss Rocco Sollecito</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/six-plead-guilty-in-murder-of-ex-bonanno-family-mob-boss" target="_self">Six plead guilty in murder of ex-Bonanno family mob boss</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/another-mob-boss-whacked-in-montreal-mafia-gangland-hit" target="_self">Lorenzo Giordano whacked in Montreal Mafia gangland hit</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/montreal-mobster-caught-in-arizona-with-62-kilos-of-cocaine" target="_self">Montreal mobster caught in Arizona with 62 kilos of cocaine</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/montreal-mafia-boss-arcadi-to-be-released-soon" target="_self">Montreal Mafia boss Arcadi to be released from prison soon</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/murder-of-mob-boss-rocco-zito-hit-or-domestic-dispute" target="_self">Murder of mob boss Rocco Zito: Hit or domestic dispute?</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/leaders-of-montreal-mafia-and-hells-angels-busted-in-raids" target="_self">Leaders of Montreal Mafia and Hells Angels busted in raids</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mobster-shot-to-death-at-restaurant-in-montreal" target="_self">Mobster shot to death at restaurant in Montreal</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-canadian-connection-flooding-the-u-s-with-dope" target="_self">The Canadian Connection: Flooding the U.S. with dope</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/montreal-mafia-boss-vito-rizzuto-1946-2013" target="_self">Montreal Mafia Boss Vito Rizzuto (1946 - 2013)</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mobster-di-maulo-14th-victim-of-montreal-mafia-war" target="_self">Mobster Di Maulo 14th victim of Montreal Mafia war</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/bonanno-boss-murdered-near-montreal" target="_self">Bonanno Boss Murdered Near Montreal</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/montreal-mafia-bust-project" target="_self">Montreal Bust: Project Colisée</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-mafia-of-montreal-a-short" target="_self">Mafia of Montréal: A Short History</a></p> <p><span class="font-size-5"><strong>Various articles and interviews:</strong></span></p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/gangsters-inc-s-mafia-speak" target="_self">Gangsters Inc.’s Mafia Speak</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/prison-breaks-from-mobsters-and-hitmen-to-serial-killers-and-drug" target="_self">Prison Breaks - From mobsters to serial killers and drug lords:</a> The men who escaped from jail<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/donald-j-trump-s-gangbusters-how-will-america-s-new-president-tak" target="_self">Donald J. Trump’s Gangbusters:</a> How will America’s new president take on the Mafia and drug cartels?<a><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/all-in-the-game-two-men-who-went-from-fighting-organized-crime-an" target="_self">All In The Game: Two men who went from fighting organized crime</a><a>to refereeing star athletes<br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/deadly-bizarre-and-morbid-murder-inc-comes-to-the-mob-museum-in-l" target="_self">Deadly, bizarre, and morbid: Murder Inc.</a><a><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-american-mafia-and-its-use-of-colorful-nicknames" target="_self">The American Mafia and its use of colorful nicknames</a><a><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/how-guards-go-on-assaulting-inmates-without-consequences" target="_self">How guards keep assaulting inmates without consequences</a><a><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/i-shook-up-the-world-how-muhammad-ali-took-the-heavyweight-boxing" target="_self">How Muhammad Ali took the heavyweight boxing championship belt from the Mafia</a><a><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/top-4-stone-cold-gangsters-who-look-like-wimps" target="_self">Top 4 stone cold gangsters who look like wimps</a><a><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/how-meyer-lansky-laundered-the-american-mafia-s-dirty-cash-and-ma" target="_self">How Meyer Lansky laundered the American Mafia’s dirty cash</a><a>– and made them bigger than US Steel<br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/ten-must-visit-mob-bars-and-lounges" target="_self">Ten Must-Visit Mob Bars and Lounges</a><a><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-american-mafia-bets-on-the-world-and-wins-big" target="_self">The American Mafia bets on the world and wins big</a><a><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/cops-make-the-deadliest-mafia-hit-men" target="_self">Cops make the deadliest Mafia hit men</a><a><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/always-a-gangster-racketeering-at-the-nursing-home" target="_self">Always a gangster: Racketeering in the nursing home</a><a><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/5-of-the-dumbest-moves-in-mafia-history" target="_self">5 of the dumbest moves in Mafia history</a><a><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/top-5-of-true-stand-up-wiseguys" target="_self">Top 5 of True Stand Up Wiseguys</a><a><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-jamaican-shower-posse-a-family-business" target="_self">The Jamaican Shower Posse: A Family Business</a><a><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/jon-stewart-s-the-daily-mafia-show" target="_self">Jon Stewart’s The Daily Show greatest Mafia hits… uh bits</a><a><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/reality-tv-showing-audiences-fake-ganglands" target="_self">Reality TV Showing Audiences Fake Ganglands</a><a><br/> Exclusive Interview With Convicted </a><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/exclusive-interview-with" target="_self">LSD Kingpin Turned Author Seth Ferranti</a><a><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/a-gangster-christmas-we-got-this" target="_self">A Gangster Christmas: We got this!</a><a><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/joe-pesci-actor-rapper-wiseguy" target="_self">Joe Pesci: Actor, Rapper, Wiseguy</a><a><br/></a> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/with-broome-street-boys-director-brings-back-gritty-mob-flick" target="_self">With Broome Street Boys director brings back gritty mob flick</a></p> <p><img src="http://caesars.7eer.net/i/179226/1336/30" style="xg-p: absolute; visibility: hidden;" height="0" width="0" border="0"/></p> </div> <p>bost</p> El Paso drug boss sentenced to 12 Years in prison for trafficking cocaine tag:gangstersinc.ning.com,2017-01-12:6329524:BlogPost:79130 Gangsters Inc. http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profile/2g2lucitjcn3w <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/el-paso-drug-boss-sentenced-to-12-years-in-prison-for-trafficking" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/XXixQWRYlp4sePTnboYOWKCd71TMi7XVb5qmsVVtv-b4Q525gYJTl6mssCr3fOd2evjk8k0d0HdNhngw0sWzoa9imyRQsRux/cocainemoneyGANGSTERSINC.jpg?width=400" width="400"></img></a> By Gangsters Inc. Editors</p> <p>The leader of a drug trafficking organization that smuggled cocaine from <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Mexico" target="_self">Mexico</a> into the United States was sentenced to 12 years in prison today. 57-year-old Raul Chavez headed an operation that smuggled cocaine from Mexico…</p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/el-paso-drug-boss-sentenced-to-12-years-in-prison-for-trafficking" target="_self"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/XXixQWRYlp4sePTnboYOWKCd71TMi7XVb5qmsVVtv-b4Q525gYJTl6mssCr3fOd2evjk8k0d0HdNhngw0sWzoa9imyRQsRux/cocainemoneyGANGSTERSINC.jpg?width=400" class="align-center" width="400"/></a>By Gangsters Inc. Editors</p> <p>The leader of a drug trafficking organization that smuggled cocaine from <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Mexico" target="_self">Mexico</a> into the United States was sentenced to 12 years in prison today. 57-year-old Raul Chavez headed an operation that smuggled cocaine from Mexico into El Paso, Texas, and then transported the drug to Connecticut and elsewhere.</p> <p>A <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=DEA" target="_self">DEA</a> investigation revealed that the Chavez organization had been supplying multiple kilograms of <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Cocaine" target="_self">cocaine</a> to Hartford-area distributors since approximately 2004. Several times a year, Chavez and his men sent shipments in the range of 30 to 40 kilograms of coke from El Paso into <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Connecticut" target="_self">Connecticut</a>.</p> <p>In 2014, the Chavez organization attempted to find an additional source of supply for its Hartford area cocaine customers. In July 2014, a DEA confidential source met Andrew Duron, also known as “Chavo,” in North Carolina. During the meeting, Duron told the confidential source that he wanted to purchase up to 50 kilograms of cocaine for $28,000 per kilogram. </p> <ul> <li><strong>Read: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/los-zetas-teenage-hitmen-torture-and-drugs-wolf-boys-gives-intima" target="_self">Wolf Boys gives intimate look into hellish Cartel underworld</a></strong></li> </ul> <p>Duron, the confidential source and an undercover DEA agent then met in <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=NJ" target="_self">New Jersey</a> on August 14, 2014, where Duron agreed to purchase 25 kilograms of cocaine. In subsequent conversations with the confidential source, Duron stated that he wanted an extra $1000 per kilogram as a side deal. They agreed on a total price of $725,000 for 25 kilograms of cocaine.</p> <p>Investigators discovered that this cocaine shipment was destined for Tyshawn Welborn, also known as “Black,” of Bloomfield, and Todd Vernon of Hartford, the latter of whom prepaid for approximately 13 kilograms of cocaine. On August 22, 2014, Chavez and others met with Welborn at a restaurant in East Windsor where they discussed the pick-up of money from Welborn the following day and its delivery to a location to be determined.</p> <p>On August 23, 2014, Duron met the undercover DEA agent at a location in Wethersfield. Duron told the undercover agent that his associates were in Connecticut and that Duron and the undercover agent would need to travel to a store parking lot near Bradley International Airport to verify that the money was in place. Duron and the undercover agent then drove in separate vehicles to a store parking lot on Kennedy Road in Windsor. Duron met with Chavez and another associate in the store.  A short time later, a third associate arrived in a Jeep Wrangler, met the undercover agent in the parking lot, showed him a duffel bag and said it contained “half” of the money.</p> <p>Shortly thereafter, agents arrived at the scene and arrested Duron, Chavez and his associates. DEA agents also recovered from the Jeep a duffel bag containing approximately $284,000 in cash, and a loaded .38 caliber revolver. The cash had been picked up from Welborn earlier that day.</p> <p>After word reached Chavez’s son, Christopher Chavez, that his father and others had been arrested, Christopher Chavez coordinated the diversion of a shipment of 34 kilograms of cocaine, which was on its way to Connecticut, to a high-level drug distributor in Cleveland, Ohio. </p> <p>Chavez has been detained since his arrest. On March 11, 2016, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine. Duron, Welborn, Vernon and Christopher Chavez also pleaded guilty. On September 22, 2015, Duron, of El Paso, was sentenced to 84 months of imprisonment; on October 7, 2016, Christopher Chavez, of El Paso, was sentenced to 60 months of imprisonment, and on December 21, 2016, Welborn was sentenced to 84 months of imprisonment.  Vernon awaits sentencing.</p> <p><strong>Get the latest on organized crime and the Mafia first at the Gangsters Inc. <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=News" target="_self">news section</a>.</strong></p> <p><strong>Follow Gangsters Inc. on <a href="http://twitter.com/GangstersIncWeb" target="_blank">Twitter</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/GangstersInc" target="_blank">Facebook</a>.</strong></p> <p><strong>If you enjoyed this article you might also enjoy reading:</strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/los-zetas-teenage-hitmen-torture-and-drugs-wolf-boys-gives-intima" target="_self">Wolf Boys gives hellish look into Mexican cartel underworld</a></li> <li>Profile: Jalisco New Generation cartel boss <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/profile-jalisco-cartel-boss-nemesio-oseguera-cervantes" target="_self">Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes</a></li> <li>VIDEO: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/video-nephew-of-gulf-cartel-boss-shot-dead-by-sicario" target="_self">Nephew of Gulf cartel boss shot dead by sicario</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/jennifer-lopez-to-star-as-drug-lord-griselda-blanco-in-new-hbo-mo" target="_self">Jennifer Lopez stars as drug lord Griseldo Blanco in new HBO movie</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/power-play-the-kidnapping-and-release-of-el-chapo-s-son" target="_self">Power Play: The kidnapping and release of El Chapo's son</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/sinaloa-cartel-operation-busted-in-new-york-ring-used-front-compa" target="_self">Sinaloa cartel operation busted in New York</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/pablo-escobars-war-on-colombia" target="_self">Pablo Escobar's war on Colombia</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/colombian-drug-kingpin-gets-35-years-in-prison-for-massive-cocain" target="_self">Colombian drug kingpin gets 35 years in prison for coke conspiracy</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/escobar-versus-cali-the-war-of-the-cartels" target="_self">Escobar vs Cali: War of the Cartels</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/godmother-griselda-blanco-gunned-down-in-colombia" target="_self">Godmother Griselda Blanco shot to death in Colombia</a></li> <li>Clock is ticking: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/clock-is-ticking-mexico-approves-el-chapo-s-extradition-to-us" target="_self">Mexico approves El Chapo's extradition to US</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mexican-drug-boss-el-chapo-guzman-caught" target="_self">Mexican drug boss El Chapo Guzman recaptured</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mexican-cartels-tighten-iron-grip-on-us-drug-markets" target="_self">Mexican cartels tighten iron grip on US drug markets</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/top-5-drug-lords-killed-while-on-the-run" target="_self">Top 5 drug lords killed while on the run</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/did-el-chapo-put-a-100-million-bounty-on-trump-or-not" target="_self">Did El Chapo put a $100 million bounty on Trump or not?</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/how-atf-s-fast-and-furious-crashed-and-burned" target="_self">How ATF's Fast and Furious crashed and burned</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/spotlight-on-tampa-mafia-with-tour-and-magazine" target="_self">Spotlight on Tampa Mafia with tour and magazine</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/gangsters-inc-sits-down-with-fbi-agent-jack-garcia" target="_self">Gangsters Inc. sits down with FBI agent Jack Garcia</a></li> </ul> <p><strong>Copyright © Gangsters Inc.</strong></p> The Chicago Outfit - Overview Gangsters Inc. http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profile/2g2lucitjcn3w <div style="text-align: center;"><font size="5"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/-A0wW*3E92lKegIzRR3Ioyo1IDnYDpGL4iGI5lq6FvhRf014n-dskYDPbNeI80yuLyXqtw9*puRfLkcQrZGO5fcQnN9itOmT/photo19.jpg" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/-A0wW*3E92lKegIzRR3Ioyo1IDnYDpGL4iGI5lq6FvhRf014n-dskYDPbNeI80yuLyXqtw9*puRfLkcQrZGO5fcQnN9itOmT/photo19.jpg" width="600"></img></a></span></font></div> <p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Estimate members</span>: Between 50 and 90 made members<br></br> <span style="font-weight: bold;">First Boss</span>: James "Big Jim" Colosimo<br></br> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Primary…</span></p> <div style="text-align: center;"><font size="5"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/-A0wW*3E92lKegIzRR3Ioyo1IDnYDpGL4iGI5lq6FvhRf014n-dskYDPbNeI80yuLyXqtw9*puRfLkcQrZGO5fcQnN9itOmT/photo19.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/-A0wW*3E92lKegIzRR3Ioyo1IDnYDpGL4iGI5lq6FvhRf014n-dskYDPbNeI80yuLyXqtw9*puRfLkcQrZGO5fcQnN9itOmT/photo19.jpg" width="600"/></a></span></font></div> <p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Estimate members</span>: Between 50 and 90 made members<br/> <span style="font-weight: bold;">First Boss</span>: James "Big Jim" Colosimo<br/> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Primary rackets</span>: Gambling, extortion and loan sharking.<br/> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Boss</span>: The Chicago Outfit has always been very secretive about its bosses. The last decade several names popped up time after time: Joseph Lombardo, James Marcello, John DiFronzo. Of these three men only DiFronzo is living in freedom. The other two were found guilty in the Family Secrets trial. Whether DiFronzo is the new boss is open for discussion.</p> <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">BOSSES</span>:<br/> <br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/chicago-boss-joseph-lombardo">Joseph "The Clown" Lombardo</a> (in prison)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/chicago-boss-joseph-joey-doves">Joseph "Joey Doves" Aiuppa</a> (dead, natural causes)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/chicago-boss-antonino-accardo">Antonino "Joe Batters" Accardo</a> (dead, natural causes)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/chicago-boss-paul-the-waiter">Paul "The Waiter" Ricca</a> (dead, natural causes)<br/> <br/> <br/> <span style="font-weight: bold;">SOLDIERS</span>:<br/> <br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/chicago-soldier-anthony-the">Anthony "The Ant" Spilotro</a> (whacked)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/chicago-soldier-mad-sam">Sam "Mad Sam" DeStefano</a> (whacked)<br/> <br/> <span style="font-weight: bold;">ARTICLES</span>:<br/> <br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/al-capone-s-beer-wars-book-delves-into-prohibition-era-chicago-ga">New book delves into Capone's Beer Wars</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/world-series-2016-winners-chicago-cubs-meet-your-most-notorious-f">Chicago Cubs' biggest fan: Mob boss Al Capone</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/chicago-mob-underboss-anthony-zizzo-disappeared-10-years-ago-but">Chicago mob underboss Anthony Zizzo disappeared 10 years ago</a>, FBI continues search, offers $10G<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/take-a-tour-through-mob-boss-al-capone-s-playground">Take a tour through mob boss Al Capone’s 'playground'</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/cops-make-the-deadliest-mafia-hit-men">Cops make the deadliest Mafia hit men</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/puparo-s-gangland-history-of-the-chicago-boroughs-1">Gangland History of the Chicago Boroughs and its Racketeers</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/chicago-a-gangster-history">Chicago: A Gangster History</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/chicago-hitman-frank-calabrese-sr-dies-in-prison">Chicago Hitman Frank Calabrese Sr. Dies in Prison</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/how-the-chicago-outfit-made">How The Chicago Outfit Made Its Hollywood Dreams Come True</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-message-dont-fuck-with">The Message: Don't Fuck With Antonino Accardo</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/tony-spilotro-and-his-hole-in">Tony Spilotro &amp; His Hole in the Wall Gang</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/chicagos-family-secrets">Chicago's Family Secrets</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/hollywood-to-tell-story-of-chicago-bosses-accardo-giancana">Hollywood tells story of Chicago bosses Accardo &amp; Giancana</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-truth-behind-movie-classic-casino">The Facts Behind Movie Classic Casino</a><br/> <br/> <strong>VIDEO:</strong></div> <div style="text-align: center;"></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/video-al-capone-s-beer-wars-ravage-chicago" target="_self">Al Capone's Beer Wars ravage Chicago</a><br/> <br/> <span style="font-weight: bold;">PHOTO GALLERY:</span><br/> <br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/photo/albums/al-capone">Al Capone Gallery</a></div> <p> </p> Al Capone’s Beer Wars: Book delves into Prohibition-era Chicago gangland violence, revealing rare facts and insights tag:gangstersinc.ning.com,2017-01-10:6329524:BlogPost:79238 Gangsters Inc. http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profile/2g2lucitjcn3w <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/al-capone-s-beer-wars-book-delves-into-prohibition-era-chicago-ga" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/AiTnxaHmrQ89SMt9YLpveFgQX7udL1rM2NoOvp5jJsEEMfynpOGFqx9tUlS67HokO3c9FIED6Q1UCP1--er0k5NWFZ3qKhUy/AlCaponeChicagoBeerWars.jpg?width=520" width="520"></img></a> By David Amoruso</p> <p>Chicago during Prohibition was a place of extremes. It was a city where men made more money than God as they smuggled booze, set up speakeasies, engaged in labor racketeering, ran prostitution and organized gambling. It was also where many of them died violent deaths at the hands of their rivals as various gangs fought…</p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/al-capone-s-beer-wars-book-delves-into-prohibition-era-chicago-ga" target="_self"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/AiTnxaHmrQ89SMt9YLpveFgQX7udL1rM2NoOvp5jJsEEMfynpOGFqx9tUlS67HokO3c9FIED6Q1UCP1--er0k5NWFZ3qKhUy/AlCaponeChicagoBeerWars.jpg?width=520" class="align-center" width="520"/></a>By David Amoruso</p> <p>Chicago during Prohibition was a place of extremes. It was a city where men made more money than God as they smuggled booze, set up speakeasies, engaged in labor racketeering, ran prostitution and organized gambling. It was also where many of them died violent deaths at the hands of their rivals as various gangs fought for supremacy. Now, author John J. Binder gives readers a complete account of those turbulent times in his forthcoming book <i><a href="http://amzn.to/2jpJ9Vv" target="_blank">Al Capone's Beer Wars</a>: A Complete History of Organized Crime in Chicago during Prohibition</i>.</p> <p>Based on over two decades of exhaustive research by renowned mob historian Binder, the book covers the entire period from 1920 to 1933. A major focus is how the gang led by infamous <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Capone" target="_self">mob boss Al Capone</a> gained a virtual monopoly over organized crime in northern Illinois and beyond even though it was just one of a staggering twelve major bootlegging gangs vying for territory at the start of <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Prohibition" target="_self">Prohibition</a>.</p> <p>Binder will detail these gangs extensively, he writes Gangsters Inc. Interestingly enough, many of these groups are virtually unknown to the public as they have at best barely before been discussed in books to date. These include:</p> <ul> <li>The Guilfoyle-Kolb-Winge gang</li> <li>The Schultz-Horan gang</li> <li>The Cook-Vogel gang</li> <li>The O’Donnell-McErlane gang, formed when Frank McErlane left the Saltis-McErlane gang and joined his long-time adversary “Spike” O’Donnell</li> <li>The Downs-McGeoghegan-Quinlan gang</li> <li>The McErlane gang, which was created when the O’Donnell-McErlane gang split into three separate groups</li> </ul> <p>As Binder takes readers deeper into the <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Chicago" target="_self">Chicago gangland</a> of that era, showing them its secrets and unknown players, he also refutes numerous myths, such as:</p> <ul> <li>The South Side O’Donnell gang was formed in 1923 when Spike O’Donnell was released from prison</li> <li>An inter-gang squad of killers punished the South Side O’Donnell mob when it invaded Saltis-McErlane territory in the fall of 1923</li> <li>The Saint Valentine’s Day Massacre was not a Capone operation</li> <li>The North Side gang only had 7 members, if you count the optometrist and the mechanic, in early 1929</li> <li>The North Side gang broke up right after the Saint Valentine’s Day Massacre</li> <li>The Capone gang controlled almost all bootlegging in Chicago before Capone went to prison in 1931</li> <li>Over 700 members of the major bootlegging gangs were killed during the Prohibition Era gang wars in Chicago</li> <li>The Thompson submachine gun was heavily used in these murders</li> <li>The Capone gang did not deal in illegal narcotics</li> <li>Policy gambling was invented in Chicago in the 1890s</li> </ul> <p>While his focus is on Chicago’s criminal element, Binder hasn’t forgotten about the brave members of law enforcement and citizens who stood up to the violent gangsters. He describes the fight by federal and local authorities, as well as citizens' groups, against organized crime.</p> <p>What emerges is a big – and very detailed - picture of how <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-chicago-outfit-overview" target="_self">Chicago's underworld</a> evolved during this period. This broad perspective goes well beyond Capone and specific acts of violence and brings to light what was happening elsewhere in Chicagoland and what happened after <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Capone" target="_self">Capone</a> went to jail.</p> <p><em><strong><a href="http://amzn.to/2jpJ9Vv" target="_blank">Al Capone's Beer Wars</a>: A Complete History of Organized Crime in Chicago during Prohibition by author John J. Binder will be available at stores on June 6, 2017. </strong></em></p> <p><strong>Get the latest on organized crime and the Mafia at Gangsters Inc.'s <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=News" target="_self">news section</a>.</strong></p> <p><strong>Follow Gangsters Inc. on <a href="http://twitter.com/GangstersIncWeb" target="_blank">Twitter</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/GangstersInc" target="_blank">Facebook</a></strong></p> <p><strong>If you enjoyed this article you might also enjoy reading:</strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/deadly-bizarre-and-morbid-murder-inc-comes-to-the-mob-museum-in-l" target="_self">Deadly, morbid, and bizarre: Murder Inc.</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/world-series-2016-winners-chicago-cubs-meet-your-most-notorious-f" target="_self">The Chicago Cubs' biggest fan: Al Capone</a></li> <li>VIDEO: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/video-al-capone-s-beer-wars-ravage-chicago" target="_self">Al Capone's Beer Wars ravage Chicago</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/take-a-tour-through-mob-boss-al-capone-s-playground" target="_self">Take a tour through Al Capone's 'playground'</a></li> <li>The Man Who Runs New York: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/profile-genovese-crime-family-boss-liborio-bellomo" target="_self">Genovese family boss Liborio Bellomo</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/rumble-at-rao-s-it-s-not-over-till-the-fat-lady-sings-the-night-l" target="_self">Rumble at Rao's: Restaurant of the stars and the Mafia</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-american-mafia-and-its-use-of-colorful-nicknames" target="_self">The American Mafia and its use of colorful nicknames</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/how-meyer-lansky-laundered-the-american-mafia-s-dirty-cash-and-ma" target="_self">How Meyer Lansky laundered the Mafia's dirty cash</a> - and made them bigger than US Steel</li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/my-loving-dad-was-a-gangster-and-bugsy-siegel-s-close-friend" target="_self">My loving dad was a gangster and Bugsy Siegel's close friend</a></li> <li>Lucky's Luck: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/luckys-luck-how-charlie" target="_self">How Charlie Luciano got out of jail and passed go</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/top-4-stone-cold-gangsters-who-look-like-wimps" target="_self">Top 4 stone cold gangsters who look like total wimps</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/joey-merlino-living-like-a-boss-in-florida" target="_self">Joey Merlino living like a boss in Florida</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mafia-math-calculating-italian-organized-crime-s-illicit-income" target="_self">Mafia Math: Calculating Italian organized crime's illicit income</a></li> <li>INTERVIEW: Former mob boss <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/interview-john-gotti-jr-sits-down-with-gangsters-inc" target="_self">John Gotti Junior sits down with Gangsters Inc.</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/new-map-shows-mob-social-clubs-in-new-york" target="_self">New map shows mob social clubs in New York City</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/ten-must-visit-mob-bars-and-lounges" target="_self">Ten Must-Visit Mob Bars and Lounges</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-american-mafia-bets-on-the-world-and-wins-big" target="_self">The American Mafia bets on the world and wins big</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/how-bonanno-goodfellas-whacked-lufthansa-loot" target="_self">How Bonanno goodfellas whacked Lufthansa heist loot</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/gangsters-inc-sits-down-with-fbi-agent-jack-garcia" target="_self">Gangsters Inc. sits down with FBI agent Jack Garcia</a></li> </ul> <p><strong>Copyright © Gangsters Inc.</strong></p> Airport employee tried to smuggle $2.1 million worth of heroin wrapped in Christmas paper in luggage tag:gangstersinc.ning.com,2017-01-10:6329524:BlogPost:79252 Gangsters Inc. http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profile/2g2lucitjcn3w <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/airport-employee-tried-to-smuggle-2-1-million-worth-of-heroin-wra" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/XXixQWRYlp7YHs2dzLWxHS2y9GbTq*LWC*tix3MLhHDpuCXUDBdspb587uN*Z4tE0Eql6VpNHKOKrMBFWFRMZ4a6QaVATRu5/LAXAirport.jpg?width=520" width="520"></img></a> By Gangsters Inc. Editors</p> <p>James Mitchell, an employee of Aero Port Services at LAX, was indicted today on federal drug trafficking charges for allegedly trying to smuggle at least one kilogram of heroin on a plane leaving Los Angeles International Airport. The heroin was wrapped in Christmas paper and concealed in checked luggage on a…</p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/airport-employee-tried-to-smuggle-2-1-million-worth-of-heroin-wra" target="_self"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/XXixQWRYlp7YHs2dzLWxHS2y9GbTq*LWC*tix3MLhHDpuCXUDBdspb587uN*Z4tE0Eql6VpNHKOKrMBFWFRMZ4a6QaVATRu5/LAXAirport.jpg?width=520" class="align-center" width="520"/></a>By Gangsters Inc. Editors</p> <p>James Mitchell, an employee of Aero Port Services at LAX, was indicted today on federal drug trafficking charges for allegedly trying to smuggle at least one kilogram of heroin on a plane leaving Los Angeles International Airport. The heroin was wrapped in Christmas paper and concealed in checked luggage on a flight that was bound for Cincinnati, Ohio. A federal grand jury indicted Mitchell on one count of possession with intent to distribute <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=Heroin" target="_self">heroin</a>.</p> <p>While the indictment alleges more than one kilogram of heroin, authorities recovered approximately six kilograms of heroin from Mitchell’s luggage. The narcotics would have a street value of approximately $2.1 million in Ohio.</p> <p>At the time of the narcotics seizure, Mitchell was an employee of Aero Port Services at LAX and had direct access to secure areas of the airport. The complaint specifically alleges that Mitchell attempted to smuggle approximately 2.15 pounds of heroin through a security checkpoint at LAX on December 10.</p> <p>At that date, Mitchell had checked in for a Frontier Airlines flight to Cincinnati, Ohio, only two days after purchasing a one-way ticket. Mitchell checked one article of luggage that “alerted to an unknown dense material” during an “image scan” by the Transportation Security Administration. An inspection of the bag revealed “six packages of a suspicious gray brittle concrete-like substance,” one of which later tested positive for heroin. The packages were wrapped in Christmas-themed paper.</p> <p>TSA officials noted a “vinegar odor” emanating from one of the packages, which prompted Los Angeles World Airport (LAWA) police officers to seek assistance from a Hazardous Materials Unit. A portion of Terminal 3 was closed while personnel worked to detect and alleviate any potential chemical threat.</p> <p>LAWA Police responding to the scene worked with Frontier Airlines in an attempt to locate Mitchell. When he answered a phone call from Frontier personnel, Mitchell told the gate agent he was in the restroom and not feeling well. At about this same time, airport surveillance cameras captured Mitchell exiting the terminal while speaking on a cell phone. Once outside, Mitchell removed a beanie cap from his head and changed his sweater, disappearing on foot in the lower terminal arrival area.</p> <p>Investigators ultimately tracked Mitchell down at his Pico-Union residence, obtained an arrest warrant, and took him into custody without incident on December 21, 2016.</p> <p>If he is convicted of the drug trafficking charge, he would face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison and a statutory maximum sentence of life. He is scheduled to be arraigned on the indictment in United States District Court on January 18.</p> <p><strong>Get the latest on organized crime and the Mafia first at the Gangsters Inc. <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=News" target="_self">news section</a>.</strong></p> <p><strong>Follow Gangsters Inc. on <a href="http://twitter.com/GangstersIncWeb" target="_blank">Twitter</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/GangstersInc" target="_blank">Facebook</a>.</strong></p> <p><strong>If you enjoyed this article you might also enjoy reading:</strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/los-zetas-teenage-hitmen-torture-and-drugs-wolf-boys-gives-intima" target="_self">Wolf Boys gives hellish look into Mexican cartel underworld</a></li> <li>Profile: Jalisco New Generation cartel boss <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/profile-jalisco-cartel-boss-nemesio-oseguera-cervantes" target="_self">Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes</a></li> <li>VIDEO: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/video-nephew-of-gulf-cartel-boss-shot-dead-by-sicario" target="_self">Nephew of Gulf cartel boss shot dead by sicario</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/jennifer-lopez-to-star-as-drug-lord-griselda-blanco-in-new-hbo-mo" target="_self">Jennifer Lopez stars as drug lord Griseldo Blanco in new HBO movie</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/power-play-the-kidnapping-and-release-of-el-chapo-s-son" target="_self">Power Play: The kidnapping and release of El Chapo's son</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/sinaloa-cartel-operation-busted-in-new-york-ring-used-front-compa" target="_self">Sinaloa cartel operation busted in New York</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/pablo-escobars-war-on-colombia" target="_self">Pablo Escobar's war on Colombia</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/colombian-drug-kingpin-gets-35-years-in-prison-for-massive-cocain" target="_self">Colombian drug kingpin gets 35 years in prison for coke conspiracy</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/escobar-versus-cali-the-war-of-the-cartels" target="_self">Escobar vs Cali: War of the Cartels</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/godmother-griselda-blanco-gunned-down-in-colombia" target="_self">Godmother Griselda Blanco shot to death in Colombia</a></li> <li>Clock is ticking: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/clock-is-ticking-mexico-approves-el-chapo-s-extradition-to-us" target="_self">Mexico approves El Chapo's extradition to US</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mexican-drug-boss-el-chapo-guzman-caught" target="_self">Mexican drug boss El Chapo Guzman recaptured</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mexican-cartels-tighten-iron-grip-on-us-drug-markets" target="_self">Mexican cartels tighten iron grip on US drug markets</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/top-5-drug-lords-killed-while-on-the-run" target="_self">Top 5 drug lords killed while on the run</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/did-el-chapo-put-a-100-million-bounty-on-trump-or-not" target="_self">Did El Chapo put a $100 million bounty on Trump or not?</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/how-atf-s-fast-and-furious-crashed-and-burned" target="_self">How ATF's Fast and Furious crashed and burned</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/spotlight-on-tampa-mafia-with-tour-and-magazine" target="_self">Spotlight on Tampa Mafia with tour and magazine</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/gangsters-inc-sits-down-with-fbi-agent-jack-garcia" target="_self">Gangsters Inc. sits down with FBI agent Jack Garcia</a></li> </ul> <p><strong>Copyright © Gangsters Inc.</strong></p> Triads - Overview Gangsters Inc. http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profile/2g2lucitjcn3w <p><strong><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/0Ty7vayRmOjIdXdeeCsBMj3aX8SkOUiyLfqQ*y7MEZ166qe9yq84mH5HpazDi3pySNIED*V6jUwGAcYqqbNymfxOhG8cEmp2/photo10.jpg" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/0Ty7vayRmOjIdXdeeCsBMj3aX8SkOUiyLfqQ*y7MEZ166qe9yq84mH5HpazDi3pySNIED*V6jUwGAcYqqbNymfxOhG8cEmp2/photo10.jpg" width="600"></img></a></strong></p> <p><strong>HISTORY</strong><br></br> <br></br> The Chinese Triads find their origin centuries ago. At least since the Tang dynasty (617-907) China has had secret societies. Several Triads identify themselves with the White Lotus Society. The White Lotus Society expelled the Mongolian occupation force…</p> <p><strong><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/0Ty7vayRmOjIdXdeeCsBMj3aX8SkOUiyLfqQ*y7MEZ166qe9yq84mH5HpazDi3pySNIED*V6jUwGAcYqqbNymfxOhG8cEmp2/photo10.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/0Ty7vayRmOjIdXdeeCsBMj3aX8SkOUiyLfqQ*y7MEZ166qe9yq84mH5HpazDi3pySNIED*V6jUwGAcYqqbNymfxOhG8cEmp2/photo10.jpg" width="600"/></a></strong></p> <p><strong>HISTORY</strong><br/> <br/> The Chinese Triads find their origin centuries ago. At least since the Tang dynasty (617-907) China has had secret societies. Several Triads identify themselves with the White Lotus Society. The White Lotus Society expelled the Mongolian occupation force from China and installed Buddhist monk Hung Wu as the first Ming emperor in 1368. Another incident several Triads identify themselves with, takes place in the 17th century. It tells the story of 128 monks of the Shao Lin convent who offer their services to the second emperor of the Qing dynasty, and defend China from invading forces. The emperor was frightened by their power and burned down their convent. 110 monks died in the fire, 18 escaped the flames, of which only 5 managed to get to a safe haven. These five monks became known as the First Five Ancestors. These five men founded a secret society to avenge their dead brothers.<br/> <br/> <strong>TRIADS: BASE AND OPERATIONS</strong><br/> <br/> The Triads operate throughout the world, but their main base of operations is Hong Kong. Other important bases are: Shanghai, Macau, Taiwan, and Singapore. Triads are involved in gambling, loansharking, extortion, drugs- arms- and people smuggling.<br/> <br/> The three main Triad groups are:<br/> - 14K Triad, which consists of twenty subgroups.<br/> - The Wo group, consists of twelve factions, including Wo Shing Wo, and Wo On Lok.<br/> - The Teochiu Societies, consists of six subdivisions, of which San Yee On is the biggest and best known.</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>TRIAD HIERARCHY:</strong><br/> <br/> In a Triad society each rank has its own specific number. 489 indicates the leader, or Shan Chu. He is followed by the 438, the incense master, or Heung Chu, who is responsible for the ceremonial duties. Then there are the adviser, under 415, the Red Pole, under 426, who is a master in kung fu and is part of the military wing, the messenger, under 432, who meets with members of other Triads, and the 49, who holds the lowest rank.</p> <center><div><strong>PROFILES:</strong><br/> <br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/hong-kong-triad-boss-arrested-in-us-129-million-fraud-case">Hong Kong Wo Shing Wo Triad boss Kwok Wing-hung</a> (prison)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-rat-who-became-king-triad-boss-raymond-chow">The Rat who became King: Triad boss Raymond Chow</a> (prison)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/profile-macau-triad-boss-tong-sang-lai">Macau Triad Boss: Tong Sang Lai</a> (living in freedom)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/triad-gangster-accused-of-running-gambling-empire">Wei Seng Phua</a> (living in freedom)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/triad-boss-peter-chong">San Francisco Triad Boss: Peter Chong</a> (living in freedom)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/triad-boss-wan-kuokkoi-aka">Macau Triad Boss: Wan Kuok-koi</a> (living in freedom)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/triad-boss-chung-mon">Dutch Triad Boss: Chung Mon</a> (killed)<br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/profile-shanghai-triad-boss-du-yueh-sheng" target="_self">Shanghai Triad boss Du Yueh-sheng</a> (dead, natural causes)<br/> <br/> <strong>ARTICLES:</strong><br/> <br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/henchmen-of-convicted-san-francisco-crime-boss-raymond-chow-reach">Henchmen of San Francisco crime boss Raymond Chow reach plea deals</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/china-sends-crime-boss-and-66-members-of-mob-style-syndicate-to-p">China sends crime boss and 66 members of mob-style syndicate to prison</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/san-francisco-crime-boss-shrimp-boy-chow-gets-two-life-terms-in-p">San Francisco crime boss “Shrimp Boy” Chow gets two life terms in prison</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/hong-kong-triad-boss-arrested-in-us-129-million-fraud-case">Hong Kong Triad boss arrested in US$129 million fraud case</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-golden-triangle-how-triads-cornered-the-heroin-market">The Golden Triangle: How Triads cornered the heroin market</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/bloody-knife-attacks-as-triad-gangs-go-to-war-in-hong-kong">Bloody knife attacks as Triad gangs go to war in Hong Kong</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-deadly-battle-for-control-over-new-york-s-chinatown">The deadly battle for control over New York’s Chinatown</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/green-dragons-gangster-has-life-sentence-reduced">Green Dragons gangster has life sentence reduced</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/triads-continue-to-dominate-vip-rooms-in-macau-casinos">Triads continue to dominate VIP rooms in Macau casinos</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/san-francisco-triad-boss-raymond-chow-guilty-on-all-charges">San Francisco Triad boss Chow guilty on all charges</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/violent-new-york-asian-gang-hit-with-racketeering-charges">Violent New York Asian gang hit with racketeering charges</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/chinese-organised-crime-and-africa">Chinese Organised Crime And Africa</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/chinese-gangster-loses-phone-we-invade-his-privacy">Chinese gangster loses phone, we invade his privacy</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/hong-kong-triads-and-their-lucrative-movie-industry">Hong Kong Triads and 'their' lucrative movie industry</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mama-san-godmother-of-the-chinese-underworld">Mama San: Godmother of the Chinese Underworld</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/chinatown-gangs-in-boston">Chinatown Gangs in Boston Busted</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/asian-youth-gangs-and-the">Asian Youth Gangs and the Tongs</a><br/> <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/chinese-network-of-people-smugglers-dismantled-in-spain">Chinese network of people smugglers dismantled in Spain</a></div> </center> Henchmen of convicted San Francisco crime boss Raymond Chow reach plea deals tag:gangstersinc.ning.com,2017-01-07:6329524:BlogPost:79409 Gangsters Inc. http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profile/2g2lucitjcn3w <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/henchmen-of-convicted-san-francisco-crime-boss-raymond-chow-reach" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/7gjKKn4oGHRbkk3a4EY3EP-9dNZGalvIRoenT7VfTj5Ds1vY2TWJQx9AFtGXVm*m1TYktjth1Uviq5lCLuoguoeTXS6MVSqj/ChinatownSanFrancisco.jpg" width="520"></img></a> By Gangsters Inc. Editors</p> <p>Five members of the San Francisco Tong organization led by convicted crime boss <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-rat-who-became-king-triad-boss-raymond-chow" target="_self">Raymond Chow</a> pleaded guilty to reduced charges yesterday. Gary Kwong Yiu Chen, Anthony John Lai, and Xiu Ying…</p> <p><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/henchmen-of-convicted-san-francisco-crime-boss-raymond-chow-reach" target="_self"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/7gjKKn4oGHRbkk3a4EY3EP-9dNZGalvIRoenT7VfTj5Ds1vY2TWJQx9AFtGXVm*m1TYktjth1Uviq5lCLuoguoeTXS6MVSqj/ChinatownSanFrancisco.jpg" class="align-center" width="520"/></a>By Gangsters Inc. Editors</p> <p>Five members of the San Francisco Tong organization led by convicted crime boss <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-rat-who-became-king-triad-boss-raymond-chow" target="_self">Raymond Chow</a> pleaded guilty to reduced charges yesterday. Gary Kwong Yiu Chen, Anthony John Lai, and Xiu Ying Ling Liang pleaded guilty to money laundering charges; Tong Zao Zhang pleaded guilty to dealing in contraband cigarettes; and Bryan Tilton pleaded guilty to conspiracy to transport stolen goods in interstate commerce.</p> <p>Their sentencing is scheduled for April.</p> <p>All were caught up in the undercover sting operation by the <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=FBI" target="_self">FBI</a> aimed at their leader, Raymond Chow, a notorious and high profile crime boss with a criminal record dating back decades. You can read <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-rat-who-became-king-triad-boss-raymond-chow" target="_self">an extensive profile of Chow here</a>. While Chow opted to take his case to trial resulting in a guilty verdict – though he continues to claim his innocence - and <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/san-francisco-crime-boss-shrimp-boy-chow-gets-two-life-terms-in-p" target="_self">subsequent life prison sentence</a>, his henchmen plea bargained instead.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Read: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-deadly-battle-for-control-over-new-york-s-chinatown" target="_self">The deadly battle for control over New York City's Chinatown</a></strong></li> </ul> <p>Bryan Tilton gave the FBI an in when he conspired with Chow to purchase $30,000 worth of purportedly stolen Hennessy XO alcohol from a salesman, who, in reality, was an undercover FBI agent. Tilton admitted to this crime as part of his plea deal.</p> <p>Chen and Lai admitted laundering over $635,000 from October to December 2013 that was used to disguise the cross-county flow of illicit drug money. Zhang admitted distributing contraband cigarettes on the black market without paying taxes that would have totaled almost $300,000 according to prosecutors.</p> <p><strong>Get the latest on organized crime and the Mafia at Gangsters Inc.'s <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?tag=News" target="_self">news section</a>.</strong></p> <p><strong>Follow Gangsters Inc. on <a href="http://twitter.com/GangstersIncWeb" target="_blank">Twitter</a> </strong></p> <p><strong>Like Gangsters Inc. on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/GangstersInc" target="_blank">Facebook</a></strong></p> <p><strong>If you enjoyed this article you might also enjoy reading:</strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/hong-kong-triad-boss-arrested-in-us-129-million-fraud-case" target="_self">Hong Kong Triad boss arrested in US$129 million fraud case</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-deadly-battle-for-control-over-new-york-s-chinatown" target="_self">The deadly battle for control of New York's Chinatown</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/green-dragons-gangster-has-life-sentence-reduced" target="_self">Green Dragons gangster has life sentence reduced</a></li> <li>Profile: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/profile-shanghai-triad-boss-du-yueh-sheng" target="_self">Shanghai Triad boss Du Yueh-sheng</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/triads-continue-to-dominate-vip-rooms-in-macau-casinos" target="_self">Triads continue to dominate VIP rooms at Macau casinos</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/asian-youth-gangs-and-the" target="_self">Asian youth gangs and the Tongs</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/gotti-jr-stands-tall-warns-people-behind-smear-campaign" target="_self">Gotti Jr. stands tall, warns people behind smear campaign</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/chinese-gangster-loses-phone-we-invade-his-privacy" target="_self">Chinese gangster loses phone, we invade his privacy</a></li> <li>The Rat who became King: <a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-rat-who-became-king-triad-boss-raymond-chow" target="_self">Triad boss Raymond Chow</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/boston-mob-boss-whitey-bulger-s-possessions-up-for-auction" target="_self">Boston mob boss Whitey Bulger's possessions up for auction</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/trafficante-family-mobster-passes-away-at-age-85" target="_self">Trafficante Family mobster passes away at age 85</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/interview-john-gotti-jr-sits-down-with-gangsters-inc" target="_self">INTERVIEW: John Gotti Jr. sits down with Gangsters Inc.</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/six-plead-guilty-in-murder-of-ex-bonanno-family-mob-boss" target="_self">Six plead guilty in the murder of ex-Bonanno family mob boss</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/my-loving-dad-was-a-gangster-and-bugsy-siegel-s-close-friend" target="_self">My loving dad was a gangster and Bugsy Siegel's close friend</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-american-mafia-bets-on-the-world-and-wins-big" target="_self">The American Mafia bets on the world and wins big</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/how-bonanno-goodfellas-whacked-lufthansa-loot" target="_self">How Bonanno goodfellas whacked Lufthansa heist loot</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/top-5-of-true-stand-up-wiseguys" target="_self">Top 5 of true stand up wiseguys</a></li> <li><a href="http://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/cops-make-the-deadliest-mafia-hit-men" target="_self">Cops make the deadliest Mafia hitmen</a></li> </ul> <p><strong>Copyright © Gangsters Inc.</strong></p>
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