#I say as though I am not a public speaker and participant of social events

[tothepointofinsanity]

[I received a lot of asks recently…I am happy that people continue to share things with me. One good feature about Tumblr that is a double edged sword is its ask function. I am too intimidated to speak to anyone myself, so the inbox functions as a medium between me and others. Messaging can sometimes feel intrusive to people, so I have only ever talked to one person on this blog. Nevertheless, I am really glad that people told me things or showed me pictures/memes or anything. Even if it can feel “pointless” to some people and other blogs that the ask isn’t presented in a question, I don’t mind because the way I communicate is vastly different to the point where if you landed in my inbox and said a string of gibberish I would still answer it unless something uncomfortable was brought up…]

[teenvogue]

Adam Rippon Discusses His LGBTQ Advocacy, Self-Care, and Leaving Figure Skating Behind

It’s been less than a year since Adam Rippon officially became“America’s Sweetheart” (self-proclaimed but true nonetheless). The skater made his indelible mark during the 2018 Winter Olympics — not only with his medal-worthy figure skating abilities, but also his powerful displays of LGBTQ pride, magnetic personality, sense of humor, and razor-sharp wit — all of which quickly catapulted him to icon status.

Since the February games, he’s continued to shine on the public stage. No longer skating competitively, Adam has since shifted his focus to new outlets and projects. This year, he won Dancing With the Stars: Athletes; his upcoming gigs include a place at the judge’s table on Dancing With the Stars: Juniors and a guest role on Will & Grace.

But his work also extends well beyond Hollywood, as Adam continues to be a leading advocate and voice for the LGBTQ community. Among other efforts, he helped raise $40,000 for GLAAD’s LGBTQ youth programs, received the Human Rights Campaign’s Visibility Award, signed on as an ambassador for the When We All Vote campaign, and co-hosted the Trevor Project’s TrevorLive gala (which raised more than $2 million for the non-profit).

Most recently, Adam participated in a benefit reading of The Laramie Project, a play (and movie that follows a small town after the death of Matthew Shepard, a gay 21-year-old who was murdered in a hate crime in 1998. And shortly before the Laramie benefit, Adam and Wanda Sykes co-headlined the Chicago House Speaker Series, an event benefiting Chicago House’s work providing housing and supportive services to people impacted by HIV and AIDS, as well as LGBTQ marginalization. “I think that Chicago House is such an awesome place for a lot of people who feel like they need a sense of community,” Adam explained to Teen Vogue. “I think the work that they started doing in the ‘80s and the work that they've transitioned into doing now is so important, and it's helped so many young people feel like they have a seat at the table.”

Teen Vogue met up with Adam in Chicago to discuss life after skating, his next dream job, and his favorite stress-busting self care ritual.

Teen Vogue: Since the Olympics you've become a prominent advocate for the LGBTQ community. What has that experience been like for you?

Adam Rippon: A little surreal. I feel like, at the core, I haven't changed at all; and I feel like my life is still pretty much the same even though it's not and totally different. But I try to remember that I feel like people listened to me because my voice felt real. And in a day and age like now, when you can follow athletes and you can follow them on different social media platforms, you know what they stand for. You know where they are. You know what they're doing. But if you say something that doesn't feel authentic, people can see right through that.

So when I was at the Olympics, I told myself I just wanted to enjoy the experience. And I felt that my version of enjoying the experience would be [to be] honest in every interview [and] focused in every competition. And I felt like I was able to do that, and I felt like people could relate to that. It was just such a great experience; and I feel like because I was able to do that, I was able to share my story and hopefully help people along the way.

TV: Now that you’re a leading voice for not only the LGBTQ community but also your generation, do you feel like there's a lot of pressure on your shoulders?

AR: No, no more than before. I think being the kind of athlete I was — I'm the oldest of six kids as well — I've always sort of felt like a big brother. And I've always tried to feel like a leader and somebody that people could turn to for advice, or if they needed somebody just to be there. A lot of people have said, “I'm surprised you haven't said something crazy or something off-kilter.” But I've always been really thoughtful, and I try to be thoughtful of other people and other people's feelings and say things that are important to me and cut the bullsh*t. If it's just for a quick laugh, it's not really that important to say.

I love to be funny, but I feel like it's easier to poke fun at yourself rather than other people. But I don't feel any more pressure than before because since I was young, I wanted to be that role model that I didn't have growing up. So I try to be that.

TV: You’ve been working on a lot of exciting projects, including the recent benefit reading of The Laramie Project. What compelled you to sign on for that?

AR: I started to learn a lot about Matthew Shepard and his story. It's pretty powerful that…[today], somebody [would] be embraced across so many different Americans for being their authentic self; and 20 years prior to that, somebody was murdered for being gay. I feel like Matthew Shepard and his story have helped pave the way for somebody like me to be successful and to be embraced, and I felt like it was really important for me to get involved. When I was asked to get involved in the reading, I obviously jumped at the chance.

TV: While you may not be competitive skating anymore, your schedule seems to be just as busy — if not more so — with your advocacy and your new endeavors, like Dancing With the Stars Junior. How do you handle the stress that comes with all of that and make time to take care of yourself?

AR: Right now, I'm trying to do everything that comes my way so that I can take in the whole experience. I think as I get further along, I'll be able to really pinpoint what it is I'd like to do next. I love entertaining. I love making people laugh. I love being in that space. I love performing; and for a while, skating was that outlet for me to be a performer. [Now I’m] trying to take advantage of everything. I've been trying to do a little bit of everything, and I think my schedule is maybe 10 times busier than it was when I was competing.

How do I take care of myself? I think no matter where I am, I try to set up a little space where I just make sure I brush my teeth and I wash my face. And then I just let the rest fall into place.

Continue reading

📸: NBC Sports

[theliberaltony]

via Politics – FiveThirtyEight

Former Vice President Joe Biden joined the 2020 presidential field Thursday, immediately becoming its front-runner on the back of near universal name recognition and polls that regularly show him capturing around 30 percent of respondent’s support.

While many of Biden’s fellow Democrats openly welcomed him to the race, behind the scenes, several — including Sen. Cory Booker, former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julian Castro, Sen. Kamala Harris and former Rep. Beto O’Rourke — began to fundraise off of the news, showcasing an awareness that the path to the nomination just became all the more difficult.

Here’s the weekly candidate roundup:

April 19-25, 2019

Michael Bennet (D) The Colorado senator tweeted last Friday that he “underwent a successful surgery” to treat his prostate cancer and “requires no further treatment.” Bennet previously said that he had been ready to announce a presidential run until he received the cancer diagnosis, but would still enter the race if he was ultimately declared cancer free. Joe Biden (D) The former vice president announced the launch of his presidential campaign Thursday after months of build up, releasing a video in which he said that “everything that makes America, America, is at stake” in the upcoming presidential election.

Biden’s first television interview will take place on ABC’s “The View” on Friday and then he will hit the road, making trips to Pittsburgh Monday, Iowa and South Carolina later next week, then Nevada, California and New Hampshire before mid-March.

He and his wife Dr. Jill Biden will also sit down with Robin Roberts, co-anchor of ABC’s “Good Morning America,” ahead of his Pittsburgh event. The interview will air on GMA Tuesday.

Biden’s campaign was immediately endorsed by Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., and all three members of his home state of Delaware’s congressional delegation, Sens. Tom Carper, Chris Coons and Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester. Cory Booker (D) Booker became the latest Democratic presidential candidate to release his tax returns Wednesday evening, posting 10 years’ worth to his campaign website.

Though the New Jersey senator made only $152,715 in 2018 — on which he paid $29,446 in taxes and donated $24,000 to charity — he revealed himself to be relatively wealthy from years of accumulated speaking fees and royalties nearing $3 million total. The returns also showed fairly substantial charitable giving, with over $20,000 in contributions every year since 2012, including two years that topped $82,000 and $240,000, respectively.

At Wednesday’s “She the People” forum in Texas, Booker again pledged to select a female running mate should he be the Democratic presidential nominee. Pete Buttigieg (D) Buttigieg earned his first endorsement from a member of Congress this week, with Rep. Don Beyer of Virginia releasing a statement saying that he was backing the South Bend, Indiana mayor and comparing him to former President Barack Obama.

“I endorsed Barack Obama early, having been moved by both his intelligence and his political capability. I am similarly inspired by Mayor Pete,” Beyer said. “With him, I feel the promise of a new generation, and I see a way out of the darkness.” Julian Castro (D) In an interview with The New Yorker, Castro outlined his position on immigration, which has been the centerpiece of his campaign, explaining that he doesn’t believe those attempting to cross the southern border “are a national security threat” and that he found it “beautiful” “that people still see this country as a place of opportunity and safety.”

Speaking with BuzzFeed News Tuesday, Castro pushed back against the idea that Congressional impeachment proceedings would backfire on Democrats, saying that it was possible for the party to “walk and chew gum at the same time” — holding Trump accountable while pitching their strengths ahead of the 2020 election.

Castro was the center of a humorous moment at Wednesday’s “She the People” forum in Texas, when he revealed that the event’s program featured a photo of his twin brother Rep. Joaquin Castro and joked that his brother “would say that’s a good thing because he’s better looking than I am.”

John Delaney (D) After President Donald Trump met with Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey Tuesday and reports emerged that the president raised concerns about a dip in the number of his followers, Delaney called on Twitter users to unfollow Trump’s account, arguing that he “cares more about his Twitter followers than the American people.”

In a tweet, the former Maryland congressman said that Trump’s “continued dishonesty and weaponization of social media has been divisive” and that the reduction to his follower count would “hit him where it actually hurts him… his ego.” Tulsi Gabbard (D) The Hawaii congresswoman shared her belief that “it’s time for the country to focus on the issues that matter most to Americans” in lieu of the investigation into the Trump campaign’s contacts with Russia after the Mueller report revealed “no collusion.”

“The conclusion that came from that Mueller report was that no collusion took place,” Gabbard said on Fox News Sunday. “Now is the time for us to come together as a country to put the issues and the interests and the concerns that the American people have at the forefront, to take action to bring about real solutions for them.” Kirsten Gillibrand (D) In an appearance on “The View” Wednesday, Gillibrand was supportive of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Democrats’ efforts to subpoena key figures named in special counsel Robert Mueller’s report, despite Trump’s insistence that they should not have to testify before Congress.

“The Mueller report was very damning,” Gillibrand said, adding, “If President Trump takes on Nancy Pelosi over whether he’s going to respond to her subpoenas, I will put my money on Nancy Pelosi every time.”

During the same appearance on “The View,” a day ahead of Biden’s official campaign announcement, she said he’s “going to have to directly answer to voters” on allegations of inappropriate touching. Kamala Harris (D) Harris received some criticism that she was too cautious during a CNN town hall on Monday, during which she repeatedly called for “conversations” and “debate” about a number of issues, including felon voting rights, the voting age, slavery reparations and student debt forgiveness.

The California senator did signal her support for impeachment during the event, arguing that the Mueller report presented evidence that Trump engaged in obstruction of justice, but said she was a “realist” about the whether the efforts would ultimately be successful, given Senate Republicans’ support for the president. John Hickenlooper (D) The former Colorado governor joined in calls for Mueller to testify before Congress in an interview with WBUR-FM, and, on evidence that Trump and his administration misled the public about contact with Russia, said that Americans should “expect more from our commander-in-chief.” Larry Hogan (R) Hogan, the governor of Maryland, continues to say that he is considering a Republican primary challenge of Trump, explaining at a New Hampshire Institute of Politics “Politics and Eggs” event Tuesday morning that people continue to approach him about the possibility.

“People have asked me to give this serious consideration and I think I owe it to those people to do just that. That’s what I’m doing,” he said.

Hogan was further critical of the Republican National Committee, which he said had “the right to support the sitting president” but shouldn’t “change the rules and… insist 100% loyalty.” Jay Inslee (D) The Washington governor penned an open letter on Earth Day to his fellow 2020 candidates urging them to support his proposal for the Democratic National Committee to dedicate one out of 12 planned primary debates to solely focus on climate change. Amy Klobuchar (D) In the CNN Town Hall hosted earlier this week, the Minnesota Senator said that Trump should be held accountable following the Mueller report, but she stopped short of calling for impeachment.

Klobuchar also hosted a meet-and-greet event in Lexington, South Carolina to talk with local residents about her positive economic agenda to move the country forward. Wayne Messam (D) Miramar, Florida Mayor Wayne Messam’s presidential campaign was undergoing allegations that his campaign staff isn’t getting paid.

According to a report published by the Miami New Times, an anonymous former campaign staffer said that a campaign team member sent an email to staff with the subject line “Notification of hold on paychecks,” which blamed the failure to disburse checks on Messam’s wife, Angela.

Messam, whose lawyers are reviewing the allegations, told ABC News that “an unnamed staffer making a claim like that can’t be validated.” Seth Moulton (D) The Massachusetts congressman officially announced his candidacy for president this week on ABC’s “Good Morning America.”

“And I am running because I am a patriot, because I believe in this country and because I have never wanted to sit on the sidelines when it comes to serving it,” Moulton said. Beto O’Rourke (D) Former Texas Rep. Beto O’Rourke, while speaking to the press at the “She the People” forum in Texas, joined some of his fellow 2020 presidential candidates by stating that he is willing to “rethink” the voting rights of non-violent prisoners.

O’Rourke will also be returning to Nevada for his second trip since announcing his candidacy for president to participate in various grassroots events across the state. Tim Ryan (D) Ryan, who as a sitting member of the House would be in a position to vote on impeachment, said this week that he doesn’t believe his chamber should begin proceedings against Trump, telling CNN that the House Judiciary Committee should continue to investigate.

“Let the Judiciary Committee look at this. There’s a process in place here. I trust [committee chair Rep.]Jerry Nadler, he’s one of the smartest guys in the United States Congress, I think that’s the natural next step and let’s see where that leads,” Ryan said. Bernie Sanders (D) During a CNN town hall Monday, Sanders shared his opinion that incarcerated felons should be allowed to vote, a stance that was met with immediate backlash from Republican Party officials.

“I think the right to vote is inherent to our democracy — yes, even for terrible people — because once you start chipping away … you’re running down a slippery slope,” Sanders said. “I do believe that even if they are in jail paying their price to society, that should not take away their inherent American right to participate in our democracy.” Eric Swalwell (D) Like Booker, Swalwell promised to select a woman to be his running mate, should he capture the Democratic nomination.

“I’ve pledged that I would ask a woman to serve as vice president,” he said in an appearance on MSNBC. “I would put forward a diverse candidate, and I would put forward policies that would make sure that inherent bias that exists, or discrimination that exists in communities, would be eliminated.” Elizabeth Warren (D) Warren was among the first presidential candidates to call for proceedings last Friday in the aftermath of the Mueller report’s release, tweeting that “to ignore a President’s repeated efforts to obstruct an investigation into his own disloyal behavior would inflict great and lasting damage on this country, and it would suggest that both the current and future Presidents would be free to abuse their power in similar ways.”

The Massachusetts senator released a proposal this week to wipe out student loan debt for millions of people and make public colleges free. Warren said that the plan would cost the federal government $640 billion, but be paid for by a tax increase on families with $50 million or more of wealth. Bill Weld (R) Weld outlined his campaign strategy in an interview with The New York Times, pointing out that independent voters can vote in the Republican primary in 20 states, including the early-voting state of New Hampshire and his home state of Massachusetts.

“If people speak to issues that are of interest to millennials and Gen Xers and suburban female voters, I think the size and character of the electorate who are going to be voting in the Republican primaries is going to be quite different than you get right now,” the former Massachusetts governor said.

Weld additionally revealed that he’ll campaign in California, Oregon and Washington in addition to heavy travel in New England and the mid-Atlantic states. Andrew Yang (D) A Yang rally in Los Angeles on Monday attracted over 2,000 people, his campaign claimed, and it’s the latest sign of widespread interest in a campaign once off most political observers’ radars.

At an event in Las Vegas Wednesday, Yang compared himself to Trump, explaining that like the real estate mogul in 2016, he plans to speak about issues and ideas that other Democrats are ignoring, highlighting automation as a threat to American jobs.

[covid19worldnews]

Carson City, Quad County COVID-19 Sunday briefing: 20 new cases, 28 recoveries

News – Monday, November 2, 2020 – 6:42am

Carson City Health and Human Services

Carson City Health and Human Services reported Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020 there are 20 new cases and 28 additional recoveries of COVID-19 in the Quad-County region. This brings the total number of cases to 1,890, with 1,706 recoveries and 23 deaths; 161 cases remain active.

Denise Clodjeaux, Rotary Club of Carson City

J.M. “Brew” Brewster of the Nevada State Prison Preservation Society will be the guest speaker at this week’s Rotary Club of Carson City’s meeting. The meeting takes place Tuesday at 12:30 p.m. Guests are invited to attend via Zoom.

By Elinor Bugli

The Carson City Symphony Association announces the fifth annual instrumental music scholarship for Carson City students age 5 to 17. The scholarship was established by a generous gift from Jennifer and John Webley in memory of Rosemary Nebesky, former board member and friend of the Carson City Symphony Association.

Community – Sunday, November 1, 2020 – 2:42pm

Here are the results of the 46th annual World Championship Jack Drilling competition held Saturday at the Carson Mall as part of the 2020 Nevada Day festivities.

News – Sunday, November 1, 2020 – 2:52pm

Douglas County Sheriff’s Office

On October 31, 2020, at approximately 6:20 am, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office responded to AM/PM gas station located at 1676 US Highway 395 North, Minden for a report of a robbery. The suspect concealed his identity by wearing a Halloween wig and mask.

News – Sunday, November 1, 2020 – 1:16pm

Nevada State Treasurer’s Office

CARSON CITY — Nevada State Treasurer Zach Conine announced Thursday the return of more than $28.5 million in unclaimed property to Nevadans during the COVID-19 pandemic by the Treasurer’s Office Unclaimed Property Division.

Outdoors – Sunday, November 1, 2020 – 12:57pm

By JoAnne Skelly

My friend Kristen and I were discussing that fall is the best time for planting almost everything. Not only are plants on sale at nurseries, the soil is warm and the weather is cool, which is less stressful on newly installed plants.

News – Sunday, November 1, 2020 – 11:45am

After months of sunny skies, no precipitation and fire weather concerns, National Weather Service forecasters say western Nevada and the Lake Tahoe areas may see a significant shift with possible rain and snow showers moving into the region by the first weekend of November.

Community – Sunday, November 1, 2020 – 9:45am

Here are the winners of the Nevada Day 2020 beard contest held Saturday at Red’s Old 395 Grill in Carson City.

News – Sunday, November 1, 2020 – 9:13am

The next Carson City Board of Supervisors meeting will take place Thursday, Nov. 5, 8:30 a.m. in the Bob Boldrick Theatre of the Community Center located at 851 E. William Street.

News – Sunday, November 1, 2020 – 11:03am

Carson City Health and Human Services

Carson City Health and Human Service reported via social media Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020 that there is 1 additional death due to COVID-19 in the Quad-County region. The individual was a Carson City resident. We are also reporting 16 new cases and 17 additional recoveries of COVID-19 in the Quad-County Region. This brings the total number of cases to 1,870, with 1,678 recoveries and 23 deaths; 169 cases remain active.

News – Sunday, November 1, 2020 – 8:50am

South Carson Street now has new sidewalks, fresh roadway, improved lighting, and landscaping, with more landscaping on the way. Construction crews will continue to wrap up on some miscellaneous work during November. More details on the ribbon cutting ceremony is forthcoming. See CarsonProud.com.

Western Nevada College

The community is invited to attend Dia de los Muertos, a traditional Mexican celebration that honors deceased loved ones and/or their heroes by creating an altar that includes their pictures and favorite foods.

Outdoors – Sunday, November 1, 2020 – 7:08am

Photography by Edward Howell

A clear Blue Moon over Carson City on Halloween, Oct. 31, 2020.

News – Sunday, November 1, 2020 – 7:01am

By Phil Brady

The results are in. Students laughed at them because they had to dress differently, today, but they laughed at the students, too, because they were all dressed the same.

By Elinor Bugli

Carson City Symphony Association announces release of Project Euterpe, Episode 8: Gibson-Rosen Violin Duo. It features Laura Gibson and Emma Rosen, a mother-daughter team on violins.

Community – Saturday, October 31, 2020 – 2:22pm

by Kelsey Penrose

The newly opened Stewart Indian School Cultural Center and Museum is hosting tours and demonstrations today to celebrate Nevada Day.

News – Saturday, October 31, 2020 – 12:17pm

Nevada Day enthusiasts are gathered downtown to celebrate Nevada’s statehood Saturday with music, food, drinks, and fun.

Community – Saturday, October 31, 2020 – 11:31am

by Kelsey Penrose

The Nevada Day Beard Contest kicked off at 10 a.m. today at Red’s Old 395 Grill in Carson City, bringing the hairiest from around the state to compete for the honor of claiming the best beard in a myriad of categories.

Opinion – Saturday, October 31, 2020 – 8:14am

By Brett Fisher

The Nevada Day Committee got it wrong this year. By selecting “My Favorite Nevada Moment” as the theme for 2020, the committee has left people like me out.

I can’t whittle my experiences in Nevada down to just one favorite.

Community – Saturday, October 31, 2020 – 6:50am

by Kelsey Penrose

While Nevada may look a little different this year to keep everyone safe and healthy, some things will never change, including the annual hot air balloon launch!

Gina Lopez

The Brewery Arts Center and Carson City have teamed up with musician Eric Henry Andersen for an updated version of Home Means Nevada.

News – Friday, October 30, 2020 – 2:20pm

At 3:19 p.m. a traffic accident was reported at the intersection of Fairview and Highway 50.

First responders are currently enroute to the scene.

Motorists should seek alternate routes or use caution within the area.

NAA Gallery Release

Stop by the Nevada Artists Association now to see the Nevada Day show, hosting art made from local artists through the end of December.

Open every day 12-4 pm, except Mondays and Thanksgiving Day at the Nevada Artists Association Gallery, 449 West King Street, Carson City, NV.

News – Friday, October 30, 2020 – 11:43am

Carson City Sheriff’s Office Press Release

The Carson City Sheriff’s Office is requesting assistance from the community in reference to a robbery that occurred at Carson Vape.

Community – Friday, October 30, 2020 – 11:21am

by Kelsey Penrose

Happy (almost) Halloween readers! This year, due to Nevada Day falling on a Saturday, trick or treating is being held tonight, Friday Oct. 30 in the capital city.

Business – Friday, October 30, 2020 – 10:28am

By Isaiah Burrows

As people gather for the Nevada Day festivities, a notable local business in Carson City will be celebrating a major milestone.

by Kelsey Penrose

Happy Friday, Carson City! Today is the last day to early vote in person in Carson City, so be sure to get to the Community Center today to cast your ballot!

News – Friday, October 30, 2020 – 6:37am

by Kelsey Penrose

The local ski resorts will be opening this upcoming winter season despite COVID-19, though there are safety measures in place.

By Isaiah Burrows

Heading into the final weekend of October, Halloween and Nevada Day events will keep revelers busy through Sunday making for a jam packed weekend of fun for families and grownups around the Carson City region.

Riley Snyder, The Nevada Independent

Vice President Mike Pence promised that a COVID-19 vaccine is “just a few weeks away” while rallying supporters in Reno on Thursday, making a likely final pitch to Nevada voters with the election just days away.

The campaign rally and nearly 45-minute speech was held at a private hangar near the Reno Tahoe International Airport is likely to be the last major top-of-the-ticket candidate appearance in Nevada for the 2020 presidential race.

News – Thursday, October 29, 2020 – 6:19pm

UPDATE 7:13PM: Traffic should be cleared in all directions after 7:30 p.m. said Carson City Sheriff Ken Furlong. With two vehicle crashes earlier and the Boo-Nanza Halloween celebration at Centennial Park that ended at 7 p.m., traffic along Highway 50 East has been significantly impacted with delays.

News – Thursday, October 29, 2020 – 5:56pm

Carson City Health and Human Services is reporting Thursday, Oct. 29, 2020 that there are 32 new cases and 17 additional recoveries of COVID-19 in the Quad-County region. This brings the total number of cases to 1,854, with 1,661 recoveries and 22 deaths; 171 cases remain active.

News – Thursday, October 29, 2020 – 5:48pm

Carson City Sheriff’s Office

The Carson City Sheriff’s Office has identified two suspects allegedly involved in the theft of a political sign last week.

News – Thursday, October 29, 2020 – 3:15pm

Teri Vance, Nevada Department of Corrections

When inmate Austin Miller started working with wild horses nearly two years ago at the Stewart Conservation Camp in Carson City, he knew very little about horses.

News – Thursday, October 29, 2020 – 2:20pm

by Kelsey Penrose

UPDATE AND CLARIFICATION: The Carson City and the Quad-County region is currently experiencing a large spike of COVID-19 cases, most likely due to the lifting of many lock down restrictions, people not social distancing, wearing masks or those who are participating close together without face coverings in large gatherings.

Obituaries – Thursday, October 29, 2020 – 12:06pm

A Celebration of Life ceremony will get underway at 1 p.m. today, Thursday, for Carson City Mayor and native Nevadan Robert “Bob” Crowell.

The ceremony is not open to the public but it can be viewed via live stream at the following link here: Mayor Bob Crowell Celebration of Life Ceremony.

News – Thursday, October 29, 2020 – 10:05am

For the second year, Nevada Day has its own brew to call its own, made at Carson City’s own Shoe Tree Brewing Company.

News – Thursday, October 29, 2020 – 6:24pm

Carson City Sheriff’s Office

UPDATE, THURSDAY, OCT. 29: The Carson City Sheriff’s Office Investigation Division has located Hunter Goodbear. He was located in Peoria, AZ. The Carson City Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the community for their assistance with locating the juvenile. *** The Carson City Sheriff’s Office Investigation Division is asking for assistance in locating a 14-year-old runaway juvenile.

News – Thursday, October 29, 2020 – 9:09am

Hannah DeGoey, Nevada Highway Patrol

The Nevada Highway Patrol and other Nevada law enforcement agencies participating in the Joining Forces program will be increasing seat belt enforcement efforts throughout the state.

News – Thursday, October 29, 2020 – 8:33am

Local non-profit GREENevada announced Thursday the winners of the 2020 Golden Pinecone Sustainability Awards, a prestigious annual event recognizing local individuals and organizations working towards a more sustainable Nevada.

Celebrating Halloween in Carson City is really unlike any other place because the holiday sometimes lands on the same day as many Nevada Day festivities are underway. To have a more organized and safe Halloween for children, Carson City will again host its “BOOnanza” celebration this Thursday, and the Children’s Museum will host a safe trick or treating event Friday.

News – Wednesday, October 28, 2020 – 5:18pm

Carson City Health and Human Services

Carson City Health and Human Services is reporting Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2020 that there are 40 new cases and 35 additional recoveries of COVID-19 in the Quad-County region. This brings the total number of cases to 1,822, with 1,644 recoveries and 22 deaths; 156 cases remain active.

News – Wednesday, October 28, 2020 – 4:21pm

Dan Davis, Carson City School District

Due to the number of employees and students who have been advised to isolate from confirmed cases of COVID-19 at Mark Twain Elementary School and out of an abundance of caution, the Carson City School District will temporarily transition the school and its students to full-remote learning until further notice.

News – Wednesday, October 28, 2020 – 5:05pm

Kim Y. Smith, Nevada DPS

CARSON CITY — Nevada Department of Public Safety Director George Togliatti has appointed David Fogerson as Administrator of the DPS, Division of Emergency Management. Fogerson’s appointment is effective Wednesday, October 28, 2020.

News – Wednesday, October 28, 2020 – 3:14pm

The annual Nevada Day Chili feed at the Carson Nugget and a historic east-side tour of Carson City are among two new events have been added to this weekend’s roster of Nevada Day festivities.

News – Wednesday, October 28, 2020 – 2:18pm

KIm Y. Smith, Nevada DPS

CARSON CITY — The Nevada Department of Public Safety, State Fire Marshal Division is investigating the cause of a structure fire Monday in Churchill County where 2 people died and 1 person is in critical condition.

Announcements – Wednesday, October 28, 2020 – 12:32pm

Carson City Parks, Recreation and Open Space

The Carson City Parks, Recreation and Open Space Department will host a special Full Moon Hike this Saturday, October 31st, at Silver Saddle Ranch. Come experience a full moon costume adventure that can only happen once in a Blue Moon.

Meet at Silver Saddle Ranch dressed in your best Halloween Costume. We will walk to the Carson River and back to ranch in a 2 mile loop. The trail is considered Easy according to the IMBA Trail Rating System.

News – Wednesday, October 28, 2020 – 3:20pm

Carson City Fire Department, sheriff’s deputies and the Nevada Highway Patrol responded Wednesday afternoon to a vehicle crash near the intersection of College Parkway and Research Way.

Outdoors – Wednesday, October 28, 2020 – 10:50am

Carson City Parks and Recreation

Due to daylight saving time, the Carson City Rifle and Pistol Range will adjust to its winter schedule starting November 1. The Range will be open to the public for drop in use Thursdays through Sundays, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., weather permitting.

News – Wednesday, October 28, 2020 – 9:45am

Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak will hold a press conference at 3 p.m. Wednesday to provide an update on Nevada’s current COVID-19 situation. Gov. Sisolak will be joined by COVID-19 Response Director Caleb Cage and Julia Peek, Deputy Administrator in the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services.

Business – Wednesday, October 28, 2020 – 3:30pm

Carson City area casinos drew a slight increase in gaming revenue this September compared to the same time in 2019, while south shore Lake Tahoe figures were the best in the state, according to a monthly report released Wednesday by the Nevada Gaming Control Board.

Community – Wednesday, October 28, 2020 – 8:39am

Ronni Hannaman, Carson City Chamber

On Monday, Girl Scouts from Troops 1951 and 35 gathered to plant 15 trees at Carson’s historic Lone Mountain Cemetery.

Obituaries – Wednesday, October 28, 2020 – 12:44pm

UPDATE: On Wednesday, by executive order, Governor Steve Sisolak ordered the flags of the United States and the State of Nevada to be flown at half-staff at the State Capitol and State public buildings and grounds from sunrise until sunset on Thursday, October 29, 2020 as a mark of solemn respect and in remembrance of Carson City Mayor and native Nevadan Robert “Bob” Crowell, whose memorial is being held Thursday.

News – Wednesday, October 28, 2020 – 8:31am

A 43-year-old man was arrested Tuesday for suspicion of indecent or obscene exposure, a gross misdemeanor offense, a Carson City sheriff’s office booking report states.

https://www.covid19snews.com/2020/11/02/carson-city-quad-county-covid-19-sunday-briefing-20-new-cases-28-recoveries/

[bthenoise]

Q&A: Andrew McMahon Discusses Recent Drive-In Shows, 15 Years Of ‘Everything In Transit’ And More

Photo by Joe Ortega

What’s there to say about Andrew McMahon that hasn’t already been said? With not one, not two but three successful musical acts under his belt, the man is a musical phenom. Not to mention, with the help of his Dear Jack Foundation -- which raises money for kids and young adults with cancer -- McMahon is also quite the philanthropist as well.

Now, currently stuck in the middle of a messy global shut down, what’s a guy like McMahon supposed to do? Well, how about throw an intimate three night drive-in concert experience to not only help people forget about the world’s problems but also raise money for a good cause.

Taking place in Southern California, McMahon and his bandmates put together three socially distant nights fans will never forget as they performed Jack’s Mannequin’s beloved Everything In Transit in full as well as favorites from both Something Corporate and Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness.

Exploring what it was like to play a rare drive-in concert during unprecedented times while also celebrating 15 years of his alt-indie breakout LP, we spoke with McMahon to get his thoughts on the weekend that was. 

To see what the talented singer-songwriter had to say and check out some photos from the show by Noise contributor Moe Horta, be sure to look below. Afterward, for more from McMahon (including his new single “Get On My Wave”) head here.   

Looking at your Instagram it appears you’re in the desert getting some well deserved rest after a long weekend. Were you pretty burnt out after those three shows? And were you even planning on doing three?

Andrew McMahon: I mean, I wouldn't say I'm burnt out. What I will say is that just because of the nature of what we were trying to accomplish -- and obviously, I feel like the stakes were much higher in the sense that there are really so few outlets for entertainers to entertain and for people to be entertained -- I think the priorities of making sure we were doing it in a way that was safe for the fans, the band and crew and a lot of what we were deploying at the time was new technology. I think, if anything else, it was just a lot of added stress. I tend to stress out and get nervous about all shows whether they're the most turnkey [shows] I've done a million times before. So I think the extra layers of like sort of “reappearing” in society in such a public way after kind of being hermetically sealed and quarantined [laughs] it was a lot but it ended up being so much fun and really cathartic. And yeah, we got to add the third show because the first two sold out so quickly and we added the live stream because we really wanted other people to be able to participate. It was a whirlwind to say the least but a lot of fun.

Is it interesting to think, looking back on this years from now, you were one of the first artists to do this drive-in concert idea? It’s almost historic in a way.

I mean, in all honesty, we saw this going on in a couple of countries in Europe currently in the pandemic that had been hit first. So you know, for me, sure there's some strategic benefit to being one of the first to market with something like this. I think it's exciting to be a part of something new and trying to bring something to people who have been missing the live experience. But I mean, I think the bigger thing for me and for all of us involved was like, one, this is what we do. We want to entertain people. And for the promoter who we did this with, they have these venues and have these spaces that aren’t being used. And I think the coolest thing about it was just that we really approached it as a family or community event. It wasn't like a typical concert where, you know, even going into it, it didn't look like it was going to make much money at all because of how expensive it was to put it together. But everybody sort of did it because we wanted to be a part of something unique and create some weird little artifact of this time that says, “Hey, we still kind of stepped up and tried to do our best version of what we could do in bringing entertainment.”

Compared to all the other shows you’ve played in your career, which surely there’s probably been some unique ones, how did this feel?

Look, I'll say this: You sort of grade it on a curve, right? I mean, because we've all been without proper platforms to do shows it's obviously different looking out at the massively spaced out parking lot and people -- we were fortunate with our drive-in, we really decided and committed going forward we won't do a drive-in where it isn't built so that people can safely social distance and watch outside of their cars because I think the model where you put people inside a car is pretty rough and they can't get out. So we did at least have the benefit of seeing faces in their own little socially distant car parking spaces next to the car. We did get that connection with fans. I'd say from the first show we did to the third show, we were constantly [updating things] that by the second night we added more speakers throughout the parking lots. We felt like we wanted to make sure that if people for some reason didn't have their FM radios turned on, which is where most of the signal from the show came from, that there was still a good mix coming their way. And I'd say by the third night that we played, it actually felt really blissful and beautiful.

During the show, you mentioned you had your high school prom right around the corner of the venue. As if things weren’t surreal enough considering the circumstances, what was it like feeling that experience as well? Must have been pretty full-circle in a way.

So the building, The Grove, is effectively the venue we played -- the parking lot of The Grove. And yeah, The Grove used to be called Tinsel Town and it was home to my senior prom. So you know, when we were trying to figure out how to safely sort of rehearse with the band -- we all got tested, then we all rehearsed on the stage at The Grove. So we did all of our prep for the show on the theater where I danced with my prom date. That for me, just as a side note, I was able to do something in the community where I was raised and saw familiar faces. And also to know that for a solid few weeks we were able to employ a lot of people in the town from the town where I grew up, it felt like a big win all around and something that we're all really proud of.

Speaking of where you grew up, were drive-in movies something you experienced a lot as a kid? For some people, it seems like the concept of going to a drive-in movie theater is new to them.

I mean, I've never been to a drive-in in my whole life. I think I've passed a few. I'm a big fan of cross-country road trips so I've done a bunch of those and I always found it nostalgic and wild when you see these sort of ramshackle drive-in movie theaters that don't really have movies anymore but still have kind of beat-up screens out there. So I mean, I feel like it's an interesting symbol to re-enter the vernacular of our culture that all of a sudden this dying method of entertainment is actually one of the few safe ways where people can gather right now. I think it's a little ironic that it happens to be in a format that has been long considered obsolete.

Yeah, it's interesting that in the time with so much technology, something that's been around forever and is pretty outdated is what’s helping save the music industry.

You know, not to get too philosophical about it in the pandemic, but I think there has been a certain level of full-circle just as far as people needing to take the time to reconnect with family and slow down a little bit. Because obviously, you can't be in an office for a million hours a day. There's restrictions on work and whatnot. I do think there's, at least for me and my family, an education in like, “Ah, maybe we can live a little simpler.” You know, maybe we don't need to be out at restaurants all the time. I appreciate the fact that at some point we'll be able to start doing that again but I think a lot of our culture is coming full-circle and asking some questions about how we spend our time and how we will spend our time when this is over.

Talking more about your life feeling a little full-circle, during these shows you celebrated 15 years of Everything In Transit. What was it like being where we are in the world in 2020 to go back to 2005 and process some of those songs again?

It's wild. You know, life couldn't be in some degree more different than it is. I mean, the sort of subject of that record was my wife, who at the time, we were separated. ... Transit especially, I've always held in this strange place within my own personal history. It really is, in so many ways, a stamp in the middle of a road where I could have gone left or I could have gone right. You know, all of a sudden, it's like here I am broken up and I'm sick then my wife and I are together and my life goes into a completely different direction. So when I sing those songs, it's almost like revisiting [this moment] standing somewhere in the middle of a fork in the road where you're sort of forced to go one direction and you thought you were going to go another.

2005 was obviously a pretty impactful year for you for a lot of different reasons. Is it hard or a little weird to celebrate a record that came out the same year you got your cancer diagnosis? 

You know, to say there isn't some level of complexity obviously would be a lie. It's interesting for me. Everything In Transit, even though it got really wrapped up in my illness and there seems to be some sort of almost prophetic words written throughout it about hospitals and doctors and things, [those were written] long before I was even living in a hospital dealing with that stuff. I also really look at that record and sort of the naivety and the hope that's written into it. The fact that it really was the thing I was most motivated to, not only to get heard, but to be able to play live at some point, I feel a bit of a debt of gratitude to that album for me getting better quickly because it was really so much at the heart of my survival. It's like, “I love this record so much, I want people to hear it” so I think I see that side of it a lot more. I [also] see the love story in it more than anything because it really is this moment that all of us go though as people when we end up really falling in love with someone. You know, sometimes you wonder if it's too good to be true and then blow it up to see if you're right. In my case, whatever happened to me put me back on the right road and I ended up getting married with the girl who I wrote that record about. So I think I see those parts more than the cancer or the complications that followed.

Talking about the performance of the record, which songs were most excited to bring back into the setlist again?

Oh man. You know, even when Transit was out, we really didn't play “Into the Airwaves” a lot. If you actually got the original version of the record, “Airwaves” was a bonus track back when you could have a bonus track, you know what I mean? Like, we just tagged it on to the end of the record. If you were willing to listen for a minute, then that song would play. And I kind of treated it that way because it felt like an epilogue more than a part of the body of the main story. So we sort of treated it like that live. [During the drive-in shows] we did a version of it that was just like an acoustic rendition of the song. And to me, that ended up being this really beautiful moment that we hadn't put a ton of thought into but we're just like, “Let's do one of these tunes a little bit different than you would hear it on the album” and it became one of my favorite parts of all three nights. And the words, “don't panic, there's simply no need, it's going to be a hard day” I think hit me a little bit harder and perhaps the audience a little bit harder too just knowing that we are in a moment where it's pretty easy to let the fear take the wheel in this particular moment in time.

That’s very true. Speaking of that rendition, was it challenging to put together considering you probably had pretty limited practice time?

Well, I mean, a couple things to that: One, when we agreed to do the show, we made it imperative that all of us would be tested before we got on stage together and that we would all quarantine during the process of putting the shows on. So we were still more or less masked when we weren't singing but we all knew we were safe. So that was helpful but we didn't truly have a ton of time to practice. I think in all, the whole band really only had four days to pull together the record and we also had Morgan who was a new addition learning all of those songs to play for the first time at that show [laughs]. My second point being that I'm really blessed to have some very incredible musicians that I've worked with on and off for decades now. And you know, if I were to say let's work on an acoustic version of this song, Bobby would be sending me guitar riffs and things that he thinks would work before we even got to practice and we would just sit down and feel it out. I think that was what was fun about what I call the “ramble song” during the set. We also did another version of “Love and Great Buildings” on a couple of the show nights and with both of those, I think it turned out really cool. They were just meant to be like, “Hey, pick up your guitar and go with the changes. Let's see how it works.” And it turned out really cool I thought.

Yeah, it came out great and the fans definitely enjoyed it too. It is crazy to think that this show was such a unique moment in time that might not ever happen again?

Yeah I mean, that's how we intended it. You know, I think when we started working on the show as a concept is was like, “We're gonna do this thing, and there's a number of reasons to do it, but the number one reason was let's create a hopeful, positive memory in the middle of a time where people are feeling like they're missing out on a lot and things are a little out of control.  Let's give people some control, give them a place to be with other people that's safe and just smile and hang out.” There hasn't been a lot of that in my life. You know, I get that with my family but I'm not really in a position to go sit anywhere with 2000 people and be a part of a common experience. I felt like that was really, if anything, the impetus of doing this whole thing. Just let's give a lot of people a place to be safe.

Adding to that hopeful and positive note, portions of the tickets sold went to the Dear Jack Foundation which you guys raised a lot of money for. How’d it feel knowing you’re not only giving your fans some joy but also helping the foundation as well?

Yeah, I'll be perfectly honest: Looking around at what's going on with the economics of people, nonprofits are getting hit really hard right now. It's a very tough time to raise money because I think, rightfully so, everybody's holding on to their money waiting to see how long they're gonna have to save to get through this thing. So we knew really early on that there would be a component of giving back to the charity via ticket sales and the live stream. What I think blew us away was that we didn't really anticipate the live stream being as big of a thing as it was. We were like, “Oh yeah, maybe a thousand people will watch.” [Instead], thousands of people showed up for the live stream and that generated a really good amount for Dear Jack. And I'm going to kind of keep doing a version of that throughout the year. Like we're launching the 250k Challenge, which is like our big fan-centric fundraiser we do every year in the fall, so that's gonna launch [in August]. We're gonna do some fundraising over Instagram Live and have donate shows and things like that. You know, anything I can do to keep the lights on for Dear Jack is important in terms of the work we're doing there and the work that still needs to be done regardless of what's going on.

That's really awesome. Obviously, no one really knows what the future holds but in terms of your music, do you think the pandemic will impact some of the songs you're writing?

It's hard to say. I'll be honest: Since this pandemic began, I've actually been working on a book project primarily. So most of the day, I spend writing on a laptop just writing words. And I had written tons [of music] leading up to the pandemic that I was so excited about and doing a lot of work with an artist named King Tuff who's just incredible. He's like this rock artist -- really talented, great songwriter -- and we're kind of this weird mismatched pair as far as if you put us on paper. You'd be like, “I'm not sure if this is a record I'd pick up.” But the songs we were writing together before the pandemic, I was so excited by. It just felt really fresh. Hysterically, it felt, if anything, more like a great summer record. It's not that the lyrics aren't very literary or that they're not deep, but there's just a sound to it that was a little bit effortless. In a way, I think if those songs were released during this pandemic, they would almost be released more as an antidote to it rather than a reflection specifically of what it feels like. Cause I'm not writing a lot of music [right now]. I'm writing words. I'm writing this book and then I'm revisiting the songs that I wrote that are supposed to come out but haven't yet [laughs]. It'll be interesting but I certainly imagine once I actually get down behind my piano and start writing songs, it's possible that [writing about] the effects of what we're all going through would only be natural. But at the same time, I've also found when, at least the times when things feel hopeless, I end up latching on to the concept of hope and what is the other side of that coin to keep me out of it. Rather than going dark and deep into it and not giving myself the good medicine that I could be getting out of a song.

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A post shared by Andrew McMahon (@amnthewilderness) on Jul 22, 2020 at 1:25pm PDT

[deniscollins]

These CEOs broke the rules at a secretive summit to expose a billionaire’s crude sexual comments

What would you do if you attended a financial industry summit which has a privacy policy that confines the information shared by industry leaders to only those who pay $25,000 to attend, and a keynote speaker makes  crude, inappropriate remarks, including comparing his wealth management strategy to picking up women for sex: (1) Share the comments on Internet to expose them, (2) maintain the policy and say nothing because a financial person’s credibility is wholly dependent on their ability to be discreet and keep information private, (3) something else, if so what? Why? What are the ethics underlying your decision?

On the second day of one of the nation’s most elite conferences for wealth management CEOs, self-proclaimed “self-made multibillionaire” Ken Fisher shared his industry philosophy during a fireside chat at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in San Francisco.

Fisher, 68, had been previously honored at the Tiburon CEO Summit and has written 11 books, regularly writes newspaper columns on finance and has a net worth of $3.7 billion. His conversation on the main stage with Chip Roame, managing partner at Tiburon Strategic Advisors, was a keynote event open to all 220 participants. There were no competing panels.

But almost as soon as his session began, attendees said online and in interviews with The Washington Post, Fisher used the spotlight to make crude, inappropriate remarks, including comparing his wealth management strategy to picking up women for sex.

Roame, who moderated the discussion, did not intervene or ask Fisher to stop.

In the audience, attendees quietly and privately discussed their shared dismay about what they characterized as a pattern of behavior. The backlash did not go public, though, until hours later — in large part because of a summit-wide privacy policy meant to confine the information shared by industry leaders to only those who pay the $25,000 to attend.

At least three attendees refused to stay quiet, willfully violating the summit’s code of conduct to expose Fisher’s behavior with the hope of bringing reform to the wealth management world — which eventually forced Roame to address the matter publicly and Fisher to apologize.

Violating the summit’s media policy was risky, attendees said, particularly in the field of wealth management. A person’s credibility is wholly dependent on their ability to be discreet and keep information private. But those who spoke out said this circumstance warranted an exception.

“I chose to speak out because maintaining a culture of silence around harassment and assault protects those who abuse their power, which then further marginalizes underrepresented groups,” Sonya Dreizler, a speaker and consultant to financial services firms, told The Post.

Dreizler, who specializes in investing that delivers both financial and environmental or social justice returns, came forward after her friend and fellow summit attendee Alex Chalekian shared a video of himself recapping Fisher’s behavior, which he called a “true debacle.”

Chalekian, founder and CEO of Lake Avenue Financial in Pasadena, Calif., said Fisher talked about dropping acid and his belief that charities are immoral. According to Chalekian and other attendees, Fisher also made crude comments about genitalia and mentioned financier Jeffrey Epstein, who was indicted on federal sex-trafficking charges earlier this year before dying by suicide in prison.

“Things that were said by Ken Fisher were just absolutely horrifying,” Chalekian said in the video.

Rachel Robasciotti, founder and CEO of wealth management firm Robasciotti and Philipson in San Francisco, also publicly condemned Fisher’s words “at great personal risk to my career,” she told The Post in an interview.

“If we want things to be different, we have to be different,” Robasciotti said. “And that means not condoning that kind of behavior."

In the days since the summit, Roame has denounced Fisher’s remarks in a lengthy statement and vowed that the powerful billionaire will never again be invited back to the Tiburon CEO Summit.

“These comments lacked the dignity & respect that should be expected by any Tiburon CEO Summit speaker or attendee,” Roame said. “These were unacceptable words at Tiburon, in the wealth & investments industry, and in society generally.”

Roame also said he “commended” Chalekian for “having the strength to go public.”

Fisher has been forced to respond, too, both apologizing for and defending his words.

In an email to his employees at Fisher Investments that was obtained by Forbes, Fisher was dismissive of criticism from attendees and wrote that Chalekian’s video “mischaracterizes” what he said at the summit.

“It attributes views to me that I neither expressed nor endorsed,” Fisher wrote. “… Many of you are likely familiar with my sometimes colorful means of expressing myself. I like to say whatever is on my mind. I want to you to know I am sincerely sorry if anything I’ve said in your presence offended you. That certainly was never my intention.”

Fisher was more defiant in an interview Wednesday with Bloomberg News.

“I have given a lot of talks, a lot of times, in a lot of places and said stuff like this and never gotten that type of response,” Fisher told Bloomberg. “Mostly the audience understands what I am saying."

On social media, other financial advisers and wealth managers came forward claiming they had heard Fisher make equally crass comments while speaking at previous industry summits.

At one conference in Dana Point, Calif., last year, Fisher said it was “stupid” to brag about financial performance in a direct mailer, according to video of the summit obtained by Bloomberg. Fisher compared that move, according to Bloomberg, to “walking into a bar and you are a single guy and want to get laid and walking up to some girl and saying: ‘Hey you want to have sex?’ You just turn yourself into a jerk.”

When asked what he would have done differently in life, Fisher said he would have “had more sex,” according to the video.

Fisher told Bloomberg he is an “easy guy to dislike” because he manages so much wealth, adding that he regretted taking the speech invitation because it ended up being a “pain in the neck.”

“I wonder if anybody will be candid at one of these Tiburon events again,” he told Bloomberg.

On Thursday, Fisher expressed contrition.

“Some of the words and phrases I used during a recent conference to make certain points were clearly wrong and I shouldn’t have made them. I realize this kind of language has no place in our company or industry,” he said. “I sincerely apologize.”

Robasciotti said her critique of Fisher’s behavior has nothing to do with being candid.

“I don’t need political correctness; I need responsibility from the leaders,” she said. “No other CEO is going to do a deal with me if they’re thinking about me as a sexual object.”

Robasciotti identifies as a queer black woman in an industry overwhelmingly occupied by white men. Fisher’s words, she said, and the message they reinforce are what make it more difficult for people like her to succeed.

“If there aren’t women and people of color in the industry,” she said, “it’s because they don’t feel welcome.”

She is trying to change the work environment from the inside by hiring LGBTQ people, people of color and women and co-founding a social justice investing platform called RISE (Return on Investment and Social Equity), which has partnered with consumer activism and workplace equity groups to tackle the issue of workplace sexual harassment.

The initiative, called Force the Issue, is what she spoke about at the summit — just minutes after Fisher’s keynote address ended. The irony, Robasciotti said, was not lost on her.

“This exact issue was parallel,” she said.

[hviral]

Michael Flynn, George Papadopoulos hope

Two former Trump aides — both of whom have been convicted of crimes — will speak at a right-wing conference organized by a QAnon conspiracy theorist to raise money for mounting legal bills stemming from the Mueller probe.

Michael Flynn, President Trump’s former national security adviser, and George Papadopoulos, a former Trump campaign foreign policy adviser, are scheduled to speak at the “Digital Soldiers Conference” in Atlanta in September, Mother Jones reported. Both men pleaded guilty to lying to federal investigators in former special counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia probe.

The conference, which features a logo that is an American flag with stars rearranged to form a “Q”, is billed as an event for “patriotic social media warriors” to prepare for the upcoming “digital civil war” against “censorship and suppression.”

On Sept 14, Atlanta will host the QAnon-themed "Digital Soldiers Conference." Speakers allegedly include QAnon pushers Bill Mitchell, Joy Villa, and Rich Granville. Also: George Papadopoulos and General Flynn. Its logo is a US flag with a Q made of stars.https://t.co/YIzqgo9y3d pic.twitter.com/18yBC2DtJU

— Travis View (@travis_view) August 13, 2019

The event website offers tickets ranging from $49 to $2,500 for an “Ultra VIP” pass. The site says that the “majority of proceeds” will go to Flynn’s legal defense fund. Though he pleaded guilty in the Mueller probe, Flynn continues to await his sentencing and recently hired a new lawyer who has spread anti-Mueller conspiracy theories on Fox News.

The event is organized by Rich Granville, the CEO of Yippy Inc. Granville’s Twitter feed is almost entirely filled with references to QAnon, an unhinged conspiracy theory that claims a secret government insider who goes by “Q” is dropping clues about a secret Trump operation to fight the “deep state” by sending prominent Democrats to face secret military tribunals and executions at Guantánamo Bay.

Granville acknowledged that he is a QAnon believer to Mother Jones but denied that his logo, a flag that clearly has a large Q on it, is a reference to the conspiracy theory favored by especially unhinged far-right partisans. He bizarrely claimed instead that the stars refer to “Flynn’s prior status as a three-star general,” the publication reported.

“It does look like Q, but there is no reference to QAnon anywhere on that site,” Granville insisted.

He told the outlet that he believes the secret Trump plot espoused by QAnon followers is no theory.

“Do I think it’s good for America? Absolutely,” he said. “Do I think it’s a conspiracy theory? I doubt that.”

“I am with anybody who is with the United States of America, any digital soldier, any patriot, any average American who is doing their part to support the president of the United States,” Granville added.

Flynn pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about his contacts with Russian officials in December 2017. He also admitted to lying in Foreign Agent Registration Act documents about having lobbied for the Turkish government while serving as an adviser to the Trump campaign. Mueller’s office recommended a lenient sentence for Flynn, citing his “substantial cooperation.” QAnon believers have speculated that Flynn is actually working with Mueller to bring down the deep state and expose the alleged Democratic pedophile ring, Mother Jones reported.

Trump has not spoken publicly about QAnon but has retweeted QAnon conspiracy theorists, invited them to the White House and included rally-goers carrying QAnon signs in a recent campaign video. At a rally earlier this month, a speaker at one of his rallies recited a QAnon slogan minutes before Trump took the stage.

The FBI’s field office in Phoenix issued an intelligence bulletin in May warning that QAnon poses a domestic terror threat.

The memo described QAnon as a conspiracy theory positing that the anonymous “Q” has posted “classified information online to reveal a covert effort, led by President Trump, to dismantle a conspiracy involving ‘deep state’ actors and global elites allegedly engaged in an international child sex trafficking ring.”

“The FBI assesses these conspiracy theories very likely will emerge, spread, and evolve in the modern information marketplace, occasionally driving both groups and individual extremists to carry out criminal or violent acts,” the memo said, warning that the threat will likely increase during the 2020 campaign.

Earlier this year a QAnon believer named Anthony Comello killed a man believed to be a crime boss because he believed the man was a “member of the deep state,” his attorneys said.

“Mr. Comello’s support for ‘QAnon’ went beyond mere participation in a radical political organization. It evolved into a delusional obsession,” the attorney said. “Mr. Comello became certain that he was enjoying the protection of President Trump himself, and that he had the president’s full support.”

The post Michael Flynn, George Papadopoulos hope appeared first on HviRAL.

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[smasisik]

Last July 28, 2018, Saturday, we went back to Brgy. Mapulang Lupa, Valenzuela City to again meet with KAYUMANGGI members and other participants in order for the groups of CSRGOVE K35 to hold our respective Service Learning Activities. The service learning activities of each group were unique in their own ways; some were to hold workshops on how to make resumes and application forms, some presented ideas on how they could use social media for their org to be bigger and known to other people and other female workers who believe in the same views while our group conducted a workshop on public speaking.

Our group, along with another group, were tasked to maximize the expansion team of KAYUMANGGI and help them with their agendas and help them have ideas and tips on the things they can do. As part of the group working on the expansion team, we thought it would be of great help for the leaders, especially those who conduct the talks in their recruitment, to know effective ways for their audience to keep a connection with them and to not lose interest in them. By giving a public speaking workshop, we can give them tips and what and what not to do when speaking in front of the public. We also shared to them the benefits of proper public speaking.

Getting there, it took a while for us to start, we even stayed in the van for quite some time. Apparently, our service learning activity clashed with other activities happening in the area and not enough audience were gathered. For example, a group needed teens and adults for their workshop but if I’m not mistaken, the teens had an event in school that day and there was only one available teen for the event. All in all, the total number of participants for our SL Activity were only about 8-10 adults and about 10 kids as well. At the end of it, despite the lack of participants, we just made do with what we had and made it work. Though it didn’t go as planned, I’d like to think it could still be called a successful event.

For our public speaking workshop, we originally wanted to conduct the workshop with the KAYUMANGGI members who usually do the public speaking during recruitments, and the expansion team to help them be aware as well. But because of the problem we encountered, to still be able to push through, we managed to talk to the three members of the expansion team. Although we weren’t able to speak to their main speakers, I think the members we were able to conduct the workshop with also appreciated our efforts to help them improve their team.

During the workshop, because there were toddlers in the area, it was obvious that the members we talked to were somehow distracted since they were also trying to take care of their kids. Because of the several distractions around, it somehow felt that they were almost uninterested in listening to us and that it felt draggy but honestly, I know I couldn’t blame them. Before anything else, they are mothers who has a lot of things to do at home and trying to earn a living for their family and another factor could have been that they aren’t really the main speakers for their organization but in the middle of our workshop, I’m glad it turned into a more interactive conversation as they started participating and started stating their opinions towards what we were saying. For example, with the benefits we mentioned, they also said that it was right and that they also see it happening; that indeed a good speaker is really able to persuade and convince more women to join their organization. Also, with the tips and do’s and don’ts, some of the things we’ve shared to them was really new for them so they really ask us how it was supposed to be done properly. They also learned the different signs of nervousness when presenting and they said hopefully, they could apply it to their future talks.

Although there were a bit change of plans during the event and even if we only talked to three members (less than we actually planned) and although they weren��t really the main speakers of their organization, I would say it was still a successful learning event. We were able to accomplish all our objectives and we were able to share some knowledge we have to them and hopefully, this makes a change in their organization and that it helps them expand their organization even more.

Overall, from this experience, I realized how lucky we are to be at such a privileged position because unlike KAYUMANGGI, we don’t encounter the same problems they do, especially regarding to their work. As Lasallian students, it is undeniable that we already have an advantage in the workplace once we start being part of it and that’s only because of our school. From this privileged point of view, there is nothing I can do if it gives us an advantage but instead, I can use this advantage to help these people who are less fortunate than I am when it comes to opportunities and take a stand with them. With this privilege, I can help them voice out their concerns and the things they fight for. As an individual, it probably won’t be much but if I get to encourage more of my fellow Lasallians, I know it can really make a big difference in the workplace.

[loveperfectionis-blog]

Tune Into Online Talk Show

Is on-line discuss radio changing the conventional AM and FM radio? Partly possibly however not completely. It's true that some new and current speak present programs are transferring to the Web at a fast charge to succeed in a wider viewers. And the excellent news -- online talk radio is growing and its future seems shiny.

A new Arbitron study reveals that approximately 37 million Individuals have listened to Web radio only in the near past and about 20 million of them are listening to their favorite radio applications on-line. GlobalTalkRadio.com, the most important on-line talk radio at this time, confirms the growing trend in Internet radio.

The station's founder and CEO Kevin Dawson stated GlobalTalkRadio had a 168 % progress in traffic in 2006 and the pattern is increasing primarily based on their initial statistics for 2007. He expressed enthusiasm about this improvement saying "we really could also be beginning a brand new age of broadcasting not like something seen since radio inventor Guglielmo Marconi made his first radio sign in 1895.

GlobalTalkRadio has made it its mission to contribute to the event of radio and broadcasting. The station believes that on-line radio has many benefits. For one factor, listeners will have the ability to hear their packages on-demand day-after-day of every week. Visitors who're lucky to be invited on established applications will even have the ability to attain a target market who're prone to take heed to them. Meanwhile, for people who need to host their very own programs, they are going to be pioneers of this latest media that has a worldwide attain. One other advantage of Web radio is that hosts in addition to their company can expound on issues being discussed with no time constraints in contrast to within the conventional radio which allows visitors to say their piece for just a few minutes.

Podcasting is also a brand new pattern in online discuss radio. It's actually subscribing to audio content that robotically downloads to your private computer. Presently, podcasts cowl radio packages and archived lectures or shows which permit listeners to meet up with what they've missed. Podcasting is gaining popularity and its progress in the close to future is very doubtless. Extra individuals are expected to find this as a result of it is free and simple to use.

Many organizations have truly explored this medium streaming audio and even video of their occasions. They've made their firm occasions obtainable on podcast enabling their staff, who missed these occasions, to still get first-hand data on what took place. Some publications, on the other hand, have added podcasts as a complement to their written content material online. An example of their podcasts could be interviews in connection with the articles printed on their web site.

Few fortunate people in this world are profitable in molding their pastimes into a life-lengthy career. Expertise, in fact, has often assisted them to chase a few of their not possible goals. A majority of us love to spend our time chatting, gossiping, arguing and discussing a variety of topics. But what happens when this favourite pastime of yours turns into one of many hottest profession options! That is no dream but a reality that has been made possible with accessibility of the Web worldwide. Regardless of where you might be, you may all the time feel near your near and expensive ones with the a number of features on the net.

The Web has emerged as one of the primary channels for entertainment. Television reveals, music, news, diverse topics and discuss reveals.... the record is never ending. Of late, online radio discuss exhibits have online talk show become very popular. These discuss exhibits are usually not solely informative but also supply some thought scary material. Apart from, energetic and standard participation makes them even more fascinating.

The audience, who're free to react and express their positive or detrimental opinions, listens to discussions on various topics with interest. Actually, widespread response forms the backbone of most of the talk radio exhibits. Usually, thought-frightening matters enlighten the individuals and help to mould their opinion. Subjects might vary from politics to nationwide points, from social evils to entertainment. These vast ranges of conversations need an in a position host to capture the eye of the listeners. A very good Internet speak radio host ought to due to this fact be not solely a superb speaker but additionally possess an incredible sense of humor.

Have you ever thought of using free online radio reveals to get focused website visitors? It might shock you to know simply how many on-line radio exhibits there are that may easily assist you to come on and discuss your products and/or companies. To be able to persuade you, on this article I'm going to clarify exactly why it's best to use online radio exhibits that can assist you get focused website traffic. On-line radio is a medium that can be ignored.

The primary cause why it is best to use online radio to get focused website visitors can be as a result of it's simpler to get booked on them then larger radio exhibits. Greater radio exhibits offline are often focused towards enjoying music that's widespread in the mean time. Online radio reveals normally recognize anybody who has anything of actual value to say, so so long as it suits in with their platform.

The second purpose you must use this very effective methodology to generated highly targeted web site visitors would be because they typically have smaller but highly targeted audiences. The Web permits for folks to create radio reveals round even the smallest niches and probably the most minuscule topics. It is best to be capable of reach these small goal audiences quite straightforward, and funnel the majority of them over to your website as properly.

Lastly, you need to use radio to get focused website traffic as a result of they are usually archived publicly to create podcasts. Which means that individuals can continue to search out and listen to your interview for months or years after the initial broadcast. So targeted website traffic will proceed coming in and generating income for you even after you've got stopped actively selling a selected website.

The very fact of the matter is there are a whole lot of online radio shows as of late as a result of common radio is simply too limited in its selection. There are a lot of people out there who are enthusiastic about subjects that cannot be discovered on common radio. And there's a good chance one can find a distinct segment that can be best reached through the use of this platform. If this platform is used correctly you may get a lot of targeted website visitors, and also construct a following.

I'd advise anyone who's serious about making an attempt to get focused visitors by using this platform to take it severely, simply as they might in the event that they were making an attempt to get on an offline radio station.

I went to school and received my diploma in advertising and marketing. Nobody bothered to tell me that I would not know exactly what I wished to do once I graduated. I had a job selling copiers and fax machines, for goodness sakes.

Well, I hated it and quickly stop, simply to appreciate that I really didn't have any idea what I needed to do. So, I went back to school to get my MBA. When I completed, I moved to Los Angeles. I met a lady, Stephanie, who had a talk show on local cable entry. She prompt I get one as well. I wasn't positive I had much to say.

The extra I thought of it, I knew there were so many people who did have loads to say. Once I began, I knew I used to be meant to have a talk show, and I had lastly discovered my passion and what I needed to do.

So, if you're interested by having a talk present. Here are some issues I recommend you do. Have in mind, it is going to take numerous work, and it is not as easy as it might appear. First discover out what you need the speak show to be about. Do you want to deal with comic abilities, talking to celebrities, or giving health recommendation? What is the format going to be? Are you going to interview folks or get one other host?

Do some research to see if the most important shut city to the place you reside has a local cable entry community. Contact this community and ask them what the necessities are for having a talk present. Some cities have strict necessities, like you need to actually dwell in that city, while others are extra lenient.

Another choice, and what I've been doing for years now, if to have your own speak present online. Now, this requires some work and expertise in order for you it to be good. I acquired a degree in broadcast journalism, which helps with my filming and modifying.

It's important to find your personal company, so it's good to know the place to look. Asking buddies or family will solely final so long. You can put a posting on craigslist or at your church. It's important to know who you're searching for, as a result of chances are you'll get every kind of requests for individuals to be on your show. You need to be willing to say, "No" to those that don't suit your requirements. When you have got done a number of shows, you will realize you possibly can become a bit of pickier on whom you need as friends.

It is advisable work out the place you'll be filming. You may call a neighborhood middle or library. I've found many people like shooting out of their workplace or in a conference room. There are many places you'll find that will not value something.

If you're doing a video speak show, you will want cameras and editing tools. Lighting is nice but not a necessary when beginning off, because you possibly can at all times shoot someplace that has good lighting. You can too enhance the lighting with your enhancing software.

Three cameras are needed when filming. You don't want a digicam crew, though it would make for a greater present. You'll be able to set one digicam on you, one other on the visitor, and the third on the "master" of each of you in one shot. You will need to get microphones, so you can higher hear the dialog. Having only the mic that's attached to the digicam will choose up other sounds that will interfere with the dialog. It's amazing the sounds the mic can decide up. It will be higher if you will get an audio particular person... someone who can put on headphones in the course of the show to hearken to any feedback or interference. If there may be suggestions, the individual can give you a sign to adjust your microphone.

Another factor to bear in mind, do not movie outdoors. There are too many issues you may't management there, whether it is the sound of vehicles, trains, animals, or other individuals. It might sound okay to you, but it's going to sound fully completely different once you're attempting to listen to the show over those sounds.

If you edit the present, you will have to watch it via once. You need to determine which pictures are greatest on you, the guest, or a grasp shot. The perfect shot could also be a response shot, versus the shot of the particular person speaking. Figuring out all of this comes with follow. You also need to make sure the audio is consistent. You need to use the audio from the identical digicam, as long as the audio isn't louder with one person than another.

It is best to get some intro and exit music for the present. You can compose it yourself or have another person do it. In case you use someone else's work, it's essential to be sure you get permission. Also, be sure you fade in and fade out when to start/end the present. It's also possible to dissolve between cuts to make them seem smoother.

Whenever you've utterly put the show collectively, there might be a way of accomplishment. You may upload it to you mevio or YouTube or you will get your own site. Keep in mind if you would like your individual present, this primary one episode is only the beginning. You'll have to do that again and again for it to become a talk show. You also want to make sure the reveals are intriguing, enlightening or present one thing that makes individuals want to preserve watching and return to you for more reveals. You need those repeat viewers. This will take time to search out your niche.

Though the Web principally provides everyone a constructive expertise, assaults in opposition to our private privateness and security are reaching epidemic proportions. These cyber-attacks are occurring in our own properties and companies. Our personal computers are getting used as zombies to attack the computers of different individuals, their companies, and our nation. Identity theft and various crimes dedicated online, commonly referred to as cybercrime, has grown to epidemic proportions.

As an average laptop and Internet person, you will not be conscious of those threats nor have any concept about the dramatically rising dangers you face when your pc is related to the Internet. And when you do turn out to be victimized, typically it appears that there's nothing you, the common laptop-and-internet consumer, can do to struggle back.

Internet Security Advocates are on a marketing campaign for Web security awareness and protection. With a mission is to carry vital consciousness to individuals, households, and small enterprise homeowners, they provide access to the necessary tools and ongoing expertise to assist the public secure their computers and keep securely protected.Utilizing the internet as a technique to combat back, Web Safety Advocates discovered a talk present as another option to proceed to struggle cybercrimes.

[caveartfair]

Is Culture in the Americas in Trouble? Arts Leaders Say Yes

Anne Pasternak, Bill Arning, Jordan Casteel, Teju Cole. © Art Basel.

On Thursday evening, a diverse group of leaders came together to discuss the current threats to culture in the Americas. Organized as part of Art Basel in Miami Beach, the panel, titled “Is Culture in the Americas in Big Trouble?”, included artist Jordan Casteel, Brooklyn Museum director Anne Pasternak, Contemporary Arts Museum Houston director Bill Arning, and writer and photographer Teju Cole. While there weren’t many concrete solutions drawn, the conversation offered a clear diagnosis of the key issues facing art and culture and, at the very least, a starting point for how we can understand and address them going forward.

“You could talk about seven different things that have happened this week, all of which are unbearable, and here we are, we’re bearing it somehow,” said Cole, who led the conversation.

Likely among them is the GOP tax bill, which has divided communities across the United States; the wave of allegations about sexual harassment that are roiling industries across America; and President Donald Trump’s declaration of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, which has caused further unrest in the Middle East. The panelists shared their perspectives on wider political and social shifts that are taking place within this turbulent climate, out of which several themes emerged.

Culture Is Inseparable from Politics

Throughout the course of the conversation, it became clear that the notion of culture is expanding: It can no longer exist in a vacuum. “Coming to this lecture I was expecting that we would be talking about the future of culture,” an older gentleman said after raising his hand. “The word ‘culture’ has been degraded; we talk about gun culture or culture of violence, political culture, food culture,” he said. “But culture the way I understand [it] and was brought up with was something that gives us another layer in our lives.”

“I think we should recognize the kind of complexity that’s inevitable when you have a word like culture,” Cole responded to the audience member. (According to a recent study, more people think that eating at a food truck is considered culture than going to a museum.) And referencing this week’s news that the buyer of Leonardo da Vinci’s Salvator Mundi painting, which sold at Christie’s last month for nearly half a billion dollars at auction, is Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman, Cole asked, “Is that culture? Is that great news?” He continued: “They’re busy waging a war that’s causing the largest humanitarian catastrophe that’s going on right now in Yemen.” (Christie’s has since confirmed that the piece was acquired by Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism.)

The idea that culture can no longer be viewed as a discrete realm of human experience, separate from social and political realities, surfaced at other times during the discussion. “When I say culture you’re thinking art world and institutions; I’m not,” Pasternak said earlier in the panel. “I’m thinking of what’s happening. There’s a war on culture. Let’s focus on the United States: There is a war on people of color, there is a war on immigrants, there’s a war on women. I am very concerned about culture in this country.”

Polarization and Politicization

Since the 2016 presidential election, many Americans have acknowledged the silos that social media sites create, leading to dangerous bubbles of news information, a theme that materialized in the conversation. “If you spend all your time seeing movies, reading books, listening to music, and seeing exhibitions that already reinforce what you think you know about the culture,” Arning cautioned of these echo chambers, “the risk is that we don’t see anything that we don’t already agree with; and that is where the trouble is.”

The path forward requires meaningful discourse, the speakers agreed. “In the visual arts there has been a lot of understandable, perhaps appropriate, anger towards our institutions; towards one another,” said Pasternak later in the discussion. “People are saying, ‘I’m not having it anymore; you’ve fucked up this world; you’ve been a part of these exclusionary mechanisms.” She expressed concern, however, that the “social media mob mentality” we are seeing makes it “hard to have thoughtful conversations to support one another at a time when we need to come together and we need to be a part of a change we want to see.”

Casteel cautioned that the privilege of the art world still needs to be part of the discussion. “The idea of culture, I just come to whose cultures are we talking about and who’s in trouble,” she said. Invoking the history and persecution of her ancestors, she said, “that pain is so deep within me; to think unity is the right answer for everyone…I would love to have the conversation but it doesn’t necessarily mean I agree.”

New or Ongoing Crisis?

Though recent events have brought many of these issues, including systemic racism against people of color and sexual harassment against women, to the fore, the speakers acknowledged that this public awareness doesn’t mean that the issues are any more or less urgent than they have been historically.

“Things are particularly bad but in my opinion, shit’s been bad for a while,” said Casteel. “Things are coming to awareness for a lot of people for the first time,” she added, or people are “starting to go into depths of their thinking; they’re understanding that being liberal isn’t enough, that there’s work to be done.” It starts with our communities, she said, and the people we engage with every day.“I have an understanding that things have always been bad; it’s just much clearer how bad they are,” said Pasternak. “I think that this is so monumental what’s about to happen to middle class and poor people in this country. It’s holding up a mirror of our darkest side of who we are as a nation.” In regards to the new policy changes that the GOP is pushing through, she expressed hope that taking to the streets will be enough. “We must use all of our creativity to fight injustice,” she said.

Where Do We Go from Here?

Alding shared that a number of his artist friends whose work is not political or socially oriented have wondered about the path forward: Should they be making work that speaks to these issues? In his own day-to-day, Alding tries not to “let the outside world in until I’ve done some intention-setting,” he said. “Everyone makes that negotiation for themselves of how to keep going in the face of all the natural disasters and social disasters going on.”

Similarly, Casteel said later, you need to “do substantive work every day when you wake up and you look in the mirror and you say ‘I’m going to go into the world and offer it something, whatever it is, today.’”

“There’s not one way to participate,” said Pasternak. “There’s not one way that’s more meaningful than another. Protest is one thing, building bridges is another, individual personal everyday actions matter.”

from Artsy News

[qualityfandomtrash-blog]

Legal Questions To Ask During An Interview

Did any courses prove especially useful as you began practicing?

As you know, law colleges receive a lot of criticism for failing to prepare attorneys for law clinic, and there are lots of opportunities for advancement. When students start practicing having said this, many law schools provide a wide variety of courses, from theoretical to intensely practical, that will prove useful. In my opinion, the most important courses you may take are legal research and writing, both basic and advanced. I attended Cornell Law School in Ithaca, New York. At the time, it had because I was among the associates who may turn without any editing into a memo, an intensive , research and writing program during winter break that served me well in summer positions. In my experience today as a hiring attorney, the greatest failing I have observed with pupils and new attorneys whom I've interviewed or hired is an inability to examine both sides of a problem and outline the findings in a coherent memo or even persuasive brief. Mastery of writing skills and legal analysis in law school are crucial--both because these tools make you a direct advantage to a law firm and also since they're virtually impossible improve in practice and to spend time on. After legal research and writing, I discovered the skills courses I took, as well as some extracurricular activities, were very helpful not so much when I worked at a firm but once I started my own training. Skills, where depositions were taken by us, drafted interrogatories and I took a year of trial advocacy, and prepared witnesses for a trial. The class gave me assurance on the fundamentals when I had my very first trial. Similarly, moot court ready me to draft briefs and argue (a path on appellate advocacy can do exactly the same). If I had known better at the time, I would have taken a course on contract or transactional drafting, each of which are abilities I never developed quite well partially because I never felt I had obtained a good base for them in law school. I did not take accounting, but a number of my classmates did. I believe an general comprehension of accounting principles can be valuable for analyzing the worth of cases and damages for conducting your own practice but. In addition to skills courses, any hands-on experience you'll be able to find--if it is functioning in a legal practice, part time at a small law firm, or clerking for a judge--will help in practice. My two summer-associate places, one in a big firm and one at a business, gave me an opportunity to view court cases and depositions and to know what to expect on the job. A number of my colleagues believe law schools must provide classes on advertising, trust accounting, business development, starting a law firm, and customer relations. Surely, if you have a chance to attend two or a lecture by all means do so. However, I question the value of those skills classes, taught outplus they are not difficult to figure out at work. To tell the truth, none of my substantive law classes were very helpful in practice beyond supplying a general understanding of how to read and examine a case and an overall understanding of legal principles. Probably the most useful abilities classes are people taught by adjunct professors about cutting-edge topics like e-discovery, social media and the law, employment law trends, and such, in which you learn about timely topics and, presumably, would retain the knowledge of use when you graduate.

Was there anything that you wished you would have done differently in law school that you did not realize until you began to practice?

I went into law school about five years after I graduated from college, so I'd been out in the workforce for some time. I had a job at a health insurance company and went to law school at nighttime. There are two or three things I wish I had done differently, and a couple of things I am happy I did. I wish I'd worked in a law firm, even for a semester. It is quite tricky to go from a full-time, salaried job to a law enforcement job that is low-paying. However, I wish I had, even for a brief time. It might have been nice to get some experience since I opened my own practice fairly soon after being admitted to the bar. Even things as easy as how to establish a client file, the best way to charge, and how to assign work could have been nice to learn beforehand rather than on the fly. I wish I'd dealt with my discomfort over talking to people around, and asking them for, cash. It was quite uncomfortable when I opened my clinic to speak to clients about money and ask them write me a check that is large. I'd read Jay Foonberg's book, How to begin and Build a Law Practice, which had great suggestions. However, I wish I had worked with a cash coach (or perhaps done role playing with buddies) to get over my discomfort of saying, "The retainer inside this matter is X, and now I can't begin work without it." Practice saying this until it seems like second nature, if you do nothing else. I am glad I didn't buy commercial outlines prior to after the initial semester. I'm glad I had to spot the issues on my own also struggled to work out the procedural history and facts. Yes, I probably could have had more sleep and quiet crying in my cubicle at work, but training my brain to figure out out those things has been a advantage later on. I had been satisfied my skills were fine following my first-semester grades came in, and that I bought some commercial outlines to help me. When cases are read by me there are no commercial outlines, and I do just fine without them. I am glad I didn't compare my research habits to those of my pals. I have been a studier. When it came time to study for the bar exam, I kept up my customs but had been hearing from friends who were at the law school library with a study team to close. I wondered if my 10 a.m.--4 p.m. schedule at my local library was going to induce me to fail the bar, so I ventured down to the law library one day. I discovered that those people could have been "at the library" all day, but they were definitely not researching all day. I returned to my own habits and understood the study skills that got me through law school would get me I understood worked for me. The same thing applies to my practice. My office is open four days every week, and I do not see clients in the evenings or on weekends. My program may not seem like everyone, but it works for me and my clients. Discover what works for you, and do not be afraid to stay with it if it's not what everyone else is doing.

What is the best way to have work?

Though it isn't quite as easy as it had been five or six years ago before the economic downturn, locating a job in the legal market has improved significantly in the past couple of decades. To land your first job out of law school, you have to first decide which type of job that you would like to secure. If you plan to attach one of the AmLaw 100 companies or operate in the public sector, the ideal strategy is to participate in your law school's on-campus interview plan, which literally brings law firms and government entities directly to your door and allow you to find out about and apply for a variety of opportunities. Check with your school to see which public-sector agencies and firms participate in the program. If the on-campus interview app does not satisfy your needs (it often benefits only students in the top 10 percent or 20 percent of the course), do not fret. There are other methods. Among the primary things you need to do would be to begin networking. Students think translates into being bothering lawyers or a pest. The fact remains that students who are network and proactive well land jobs. Do not know where to start? One of the best places to start is your school. Reach out to your own law school professors and ask for assistance. They are in the community and may direct you to individuals in industries and particular law firms. Interested in law? Seek advice. You could be surprised by professors' willingness to assist. And do not be afraid to arrange. Also inquire your career services department about potential internships. There are a huge array of internships these days, and it is not unusual to see these morph. Even if your internship does not become a job, you are now networked together with all the attorneys from that internship, a lot of whom can provide references that speak directly to your ability and will be delighted to assist you to find a place. Be sure to attend your law school's alumni events. As lawyers love to help attorneys networking with graduates from your school is effective. It's also a great idea to join your regional bar association. Pupils may have the ability to join for a discounted price, and membership provides a number of applications, including speaker systems and events with entry. The bar association is a great resource for meeting attorneys finding job prospects, and learning about the sector. It is very important to convey enthusiasm and passion during the job-hunting and networking procedure. The most common comments I hear to describe their rejection of candidates that are certain, is that the lawyer did not show enough enthusiasm for the job. Attorneys are typically passionate in their careers and respond to other people who show enthusiasm and the drive. So keep all this in mind, enjoy the process (you are going to learn a lot along the way), and good luck with your hunt! --Barbara Kott I'm interested in hearing about an lawyer who's married or has children and how such an attorney manages work and family at precisely the exact same moment. What are the adventures of an lawyer who is married into a non-attorney? Managing time between family and career is incredibly varied from person to person, even within exactly the same firm because of distinct styles and realities within individual households. It is impossible to provide an answer. To discover balance between life and livelihood, it's necessary to get a big-picture perspective. Life will nearly never seem balanced because it is difficult to focus on work and family concurrently if you are taking snapshots hourly, daily, or even weekly. A attorney can not take a deposition whilst reading a story and can not compose a motion while volunteering in a classroom. Should you take certain measures but it is possible to be an attorney and a superb parent in the same time. Determine how long you can and want to devote to family. A different answer is for everyone, and no response is wrong. Some attorneys are the sole- or majority-income supplier, and consequently those lawyers may have fewer choices decrease or to change their hours. Attorneys are able to stay home full time however believe by progressing their careers, they serve their households. There's everything in between, and a spectrum of choices -- from partnership-track lawyer to stay-at-home parent. The key is to determine what's going to work. For that reason, it is more important to do whatever possible to plan for alternatives. That I wasn't certain how I'd handle parenthood while working full time at a full-time law company. My income was the income in the time, and also my husband's career was busier. I was committed to staying full time at least enough to give it an honest chance, which I did before my oldest child was three years old and my youngest was just one year old. At that point, my spouse (a non-lawyer) and I determined that our collective lack of sleep and too little time for anything aside from work was not something we were willing to sustain forever. Since my earnings was secondary and it was financially viable, we decided I'd resign from the firm (after changing into a part-time schedule for about eight weeks). I had been hesitant to quit working entirely because I wanted to use the skills I had worked to grow, so I started a freelance legal clinic. My hours change, and I have flexibility monitor homework to work an average of six hours daily, plus volunteer in classrooms, and cook healthy meals all of which are priorities for me. Carefully select your company, or have other choices in mind. We're lucky to practice law in a time when part-time and flex-time programs are valid choices in large law firms. But every firm is different, and it's important to understand what will work for your employer. It will be difficult to place the precedent if there are not any part-time or flex-time lawyers in a company. But if there are attorneys with flex-time or part-time schedules in a firm, you have a proven frame but mentors. Be aware that flex-time and part-time agreements may be more challenging in smaller firms or even while working for sections. My law firm has been receptive to adapting my requests for flex time plus a reduced-hour program. A proactive partners shifted my caseload to allow me time in the workplace and with more chances as soon as I returned from my pregnancy leave. My firm accepted my proposal that was part-time as soon as I returned from my second leave. I am confident a schedule would have functioned for at least a few decades, if my family situation was different. When you plan your own career, try to plan for various scenarios, and take steps to make them potential by building strong professional associations. Build strong professional relationships. Powerful relationships with employers, coworkers, and classmates lead to opportunities and career flexibility. If you perform outstanding work, and are responsible, reliable, trustworthy, your employer will take action urge you to others and to keep you. Do most attorneys work 50-plus hours per week? I'm a hard worker and dedicated to my career. However, it appears that many attorneys struggle to have a life outside of the workplace.

Do you must push yourself into the ground the first few years of training to create it?

Working 50-plus hours each week consistently is comparatively uncommon. Sometimes you will have to burn just a little lavender oil. There will be occasions once you simply cannot get the business done by working a standard 9-to-5 work afternoon, without a responsible professional will drop the ball at the midst of a due diligence inspection for a multibillion-dollar deal or walk from this office the weekend in front of a major trial begins. The practice of law is a aggressive undertaking. You will be charged with representing your clients' interest zealously, and so across the other hand. When it is issue that is transactional or a litigation, often there are market-based, client-driven, or time deadlines and pressures that will dictate the amount of time you will have to spend getting the task done. And trust me, you meet with the demands imposed by either these factors or the behaviour of your opposition and will not do if you don't rise to the occasion. Moreover, since you'll usually be working with a group of other lawyers, you won't want to let your team down. We lawyers are professionally and ethically bound to zealously represent our clients' interests within the bounds of the law. When you undertake the representation of any matter large or small, the relevant concerns truly do not revolve solely around your schedule--your clients' interests (and the reputation of your company) is a priority. There are significant benefits for putting in a hard day's work, however. You will experience a good deal of professional pride and a sense of achievement for a job well done. This feeling of professional advancement will grow and thrive since your skills become more elegant. Being in law school you conquer and have already run a gauntlet of challenges, and that means you have a sense of what success feels like. When you're currently representing real clients with things that have real-world implications that sense will increase. That's why it's known as the "practice" of lawenforcement. Most of you may be paid for the time commitments you'll need to make, which in the economy of today is a handsome amount at the market rate. So while you will not have to necessarily "drive yourself into the ground" to make it, you will be involved in a competitive process and will want to develop a reputation as a go-to associate who's typically willing to buck up and pitch in when necessary. In this profession, success breeds success. The more you're regarded as a "team player," the more others will want to work together and seek your services. This can help build a demand for your services within the internal market of your firm. That's, other partners and partners seeking to build a team will need you. For partners, it is vital since it will help you build the foundation for reputation and your career to develop this internal demand. That being said, there's truth in the old adage "work hard, play hard." I always tell our associates to handle their own "triangle of life." In other words, they ought to try and achieve a balance between work, rest, and play. There'll be times when the work leg of this equation predominates. But when those pressures are over, remember to recharge. Proceed on a ski excursion. Go read a novel. Spend some time with your family. Or just relax for a while. From the 29 years I have been practicing law, I have never heard of a firm that does not understand the need to let its partners relax and recharge after going through a lengthy, slough that was hard. At our company, one of the things we look for during the recruiting procedure is pupils who are both wise and prepared to work hard to fulfill our clients' hard and unpredictable needs. However, we recognize this to be a lawyer, you have to have things on your life outside work. Whether it is friends, family members, education, hobbies, or all of the aforementioned, there's absolutely absolutely no reason while providing our clientele with high quality 39, that a attorney can not have a healthy, thriving existence outside of their office. In actuality, there's every reason they should. Having responsibilities and interests outside the office make you a individual, and that is. Many hours are spent by our lawyers outside the workplace on things such as but not limited to pro bono research and post writing or community service jobs , nonprofit board memberships, and athletic jobs. While all those activities help to make our attorneys' lives they make us a workforce that is able to satisfy the wants and requirements of our customer base that is diverse. While the practice of law may make it hard to register for a class that meets at 6 p.m. every Thursday for six months, it will provide the flexibility to be out the workplace when things come up--even at middle of the work day--provided your work is finally getting done. During a recent visit to the University of Chicago (where he once taught), Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia emphasized the significance of work-life balance in the legal profession, urging students to find a clinic that "enables a human existence" and permits for "period to attend to your other duties, to your loved ones, to your church or synagogue, to your community. All of those are real duties," he explained. Indeed, Justice Scalia recognized his own experience as a young attorney at Jones Day in Cleveland, "where he never felt pressure to work each weekend." Though I can't speak for other companies, not one of our associates (senior or junior) are evaluated exclusively on the amount of hours they work. In fact customers are getting to be increasingly sensitive to billing concerns. If you would like to make sure your success as a attorney, ask yourself whether you are succeeding in meeting with your clients' needs. As a spouse or a senior associate, your client is likely the true client that's currently paying to get your law firm's services. Your client might be for whom you're working, the associate or partner. No matter whom your client is, the ideal way to be a indispensible and valuable part of your organization is to ensure that that your customer is happy. It is not spent in the workplace. It is all about the caliber of work you do while there. Be certain you are providing the best services that you can possibly supply. Sometimes that may mean a weekend at the office or that a very long day. Other times, however, that means a reasonable afternoon followed by dinner with your family or friends. We are very pleased with our efforts to allow attorneys and staff to balance their professional and private lives; these efforts help us keep the most excellent people we recruit and develop. Our company has been one in the nation to offer you a policy. We believe customer service is measured not by the amount of hours worked but by focus on the client's needs. Our "one company" culture, in which every customer is a client of the company rather than of individual lawyers, as well as our approach of staffing issues to meet a client's particular requirements, ends in a collaborative approach that affirms attorneys' working reduced hours.

Can you see a bias against individuals who attend law school later in life?

Simply put, I do not. In fact, I believe the reverse is true, both at the law school level but, more importantly law school is over and new pupils are searching for employment. Students and graduates looking for a career in the law after being in the job sector for an elongated period have certain benefits over their fellow students who went straight from high school to college and then law school: real-world expertise and "know-how." Being a lawyer is not only about learning the law and problem solving. It is about understanding clients' goals, both personally and within a business. From there, lawyers can create plans for addressing those goals but always keeping in mind that the customers' prices and company and/or individual strategies. In a nutshell, knowing and applying the legislation, while important to any attorney's success, is just 1 component of what an attorney does. And, candidly, lawyers who have prior experience in the workforce, prior expertise that is real-life, or adulthood in terms of life courses are more armed to instantly grasp the bigger picture of what it's to be a attorney. In actuality, no book, no scientist, without a mock trial can actually be a substitute for life experience. Something as straightforward as learning how to operate in a workplace or learning how to work and interact with other people is, without doubt, "on-the-job" training. Having that fundamental "know-how" gives later-in-life students a distinct benefit in a lot of ways over their younger classmates. Really, among the first things a profession student (one that has gone straight through) will want to learn is how to work in an office atmosphere. The learning curve for this ability require quite a long time and could be steep. The graduates that are later-in-life are well prepared to operate from day one and do not share that struggle. In short, yes, later-in-life students can sometimes feel a bit out of place with the younger audience. However they also have a distinct advantage that a large part of the straight-through students do not--a little more life in the rear-view mirror. That expertise will help from day one in law school. Professors will rely on and seek out those students to draw on that knowledge and the student's established work ethic. As soon as a résumé is reviewed by a law company in the pupil, it's going to have confidence that the graduate is ready beyond the scholarly world and prepared to add instant value to its clients and the firm. So go forth and conquer, regardless of what time in life you made a decision to make your way to this honorable profession.

What do you enjoy most about your project? Least?

I started from the securities and corporate department of a large law firm, but made to start an immigration practice after four years. The job wasn't interesting to me rather than fulfilling, although I enjoyed the company and worked with a number of very pleasant folks. In fact I would have gone back to school to pursue a PhD and become teaching. As for what I enjoy about my job, here are a Couple of things: I'm able to provide life-changing assistance to my clients. There are other areas of law. Nevertheless, as soon as I win, I helping someone through one of the very arduous procedures. I love politics and've always been fascinated by the legislative process. In my work, I've managed to get involved writing laws, advocating for pro-immigration policies in Congress, publishing op-ed columns in newspapers, etc.. I love writing and my job is heavily oriented in that direction. I've managed to write four books and hundreds of articles and book chapters over time. And writing has helped to set me and make my practice more successful. I get to work with several interesting men and women in the arts, academia, medicine, sports, etc. Immigration is one of the very political regions of law and it is constantly changing, which retains my clinic intriguing. As with the majority of immigration companies, we bill virtually every case on a flat-fee foundation rather than on an hourly one. And that has freed up us from the shackles of the billable hour. We're judged by efficiency and clients and results tend not to argue about their bills because they're educated. There aren't many drawbacks, but I could mention a couple of: It took me several years earlier I was at a stage where I had been making the kind of money that I would have made when I stayed in corporate legislation. It was certainly a sacrifice for a period of time, although the past few years have actually exceeded what I be earning if I had not moved. I deal on a daily basis with government agencies that aren't always administering the law and often have examiners that are under-trained. It may be frustrating dealing with a system that is so unpredictable. I'm in a smaller town with hardly any law enforcement companies. When we've had to employ attorneys or paralegals, finding people with expertise has been difficult and getting someone to relocate is hard. So we have been reluctant to hire it is really tough to predict whether a person will work out well with no history and since training can be time consuming. Like many other clinics, we're sensitive to the market. We have been lucky that a few have grown in the past couple of decades and have been insulated from the recession, but others have cut back on hiring and that has contributed to a decline in the demand for immigration work. Though I like this practice because of its political character, I have also been frustrated by the paralysis in Congress which has meant that lots of parts of the immigration system are still dysfunctional. There are instances where I just can not provide clients with solutions regardless of the fact that there is widespread recognition that repairs to the machine are required.

[markjoeckel]

BizTalk Arlington - O.K. Carter Notes For The Arlington On Tap Segment - April 25th 3-4pm

Radio Show notes April 25

Local politics warming up

Early voting started yesterday and things are already warming up politically, though not because of the election but with consequences that may affect the election. It’s all about smoking. The Arlington Council passed a toughened smoking ordinance on a first reading two weeks ago 6-3, leaving bingo halls alone but eliminating smoking from most other places…sexually oriented businesses (if you can still find one here in Puritan City), pool halls and bars. The council is supposed to vote on it tonight in what is normally a routine second reading item on the consent agenda, which means they wouldn’t even talk about it.

Since then the nightclub industry and the vaping people have suddenly figured out what’s afoot and gone a little bonkers. The saloon crowd quickly gathered what’s reported to be a 1,500-signature petition protesting the ordinance change. The Arlington Republican Club voted more than 60 percent against the ordinance.

So many people showed up with the big petition last week that they overloaded the City Hall Elevator and it stalled.

Long story made shorter, expect quite a crowd at City Hall tonight asking the council to reconsider the ordinance change. Everybody involved is being lobbied…more proof that no matter what happens in the world, somebody’s ox gets gored.

What will happen is anybody’s guess but don’t be surprised if the whole thing ends up tabled until after the election May 6.

Writer and Pundit Donna Darovich to wrap up Arlington on Tap season 

Humorist, satirist and author Donna Darovich will close out the current Arlington on Tap downtown happy hour and lecture series with a nostalgic and funny recollection: The Life and Times of the Old-Time Fabulous Arlington Citizen-Journal.

Save the date: May 9, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Maverick’s Bar and Grill, 601 E. Main St.

“Before the world of social media and before the C-J was essentially blended into what is now the Arlington Star-Telegram, the Citizen-Journal dominated the role of informational gate keeper for what was important – or not – in suburban boomtown Arlington,” said Darovich. “The paper had a terrific run from 1897 until the 1990s.”

About that Eastern Star property, all 28.5 acres of it

We talked about the school district buying the property just south of AT&T Field for a 2,500-seat performing arts center but the district also has athletic plans…happened to sit next to a school board member at a recent event…as we guessed one of the athletic facilities will be an Olympic-rated pool, a natatorium. It also appears this will be the main gymnastics venue for the district and quite likely will also include a facility for increasingly popular wrestling that can be utilized for other activities.

By the way there’s also going to be a 500-seat blackbox theater that will be used for both district and community performance events.

Does the district need 28.5 acres? My source said no…that they’ll probably eventually sell 20 or so acres and put it back on the tax market. No doubt there are already investors looking at that, hoping to glom onto higher traffic expected from a new enclosed Texas Rangers Ballpark and all the activity the Texas Live Complex is expected to generate.

IT’s ALL IN THE LIGHT

The American Society of Mass Spectrometry has named UTA chemistry professor Saiful Chowdhury (Sah-full Chowd – hurry) as one of the leading emerging investigators worldwide work developing new techniques using mass spectrometry to differentiate protein modifications linked to cancer and aging. Chowdhury has developed new strategies using spectrometry biomarkers for things like leukemia, pancreatic and colon cancers; genetic- and aging-related illnesses, along with parasitic, bacterial and viral infections.  He says new technique is an easy an inexpensive easy and inexpensive way to make precise diagnosis and there marker make it possible to design very specific treatment strategies instead of the old scattergun throw all kinds of chemo and radiation at it. Very cool

Road Closures downtown for up to a month…be patient

 Abram Street, from Oak Street to Elm Street

▪  Center Street, from Front Street to South Street

▪  Mesquite Street, from UTA Boulevard/Border Street to Front Street

StageCraft Friends of the Duncan seek smaller performing arts venue

Something musicians, dancers, speakers and theatrical performers need in Arlington is a small, affordable venue…a new group – StageCraft Friends of the Duncan -- is forming that aims to collaborate with the city to use the Duncan Center in Vandergriff Park…the idea is that the group would buy portable risers to create theater-style seating and also replace the center’s lighting and audio systems (all of which is now more than three decades old)…The venue would seat about 200…pretty cool idea. Interested parties include Miss Persis School of Dance, American Jazz Performers of Arlington, Arlington Master Chorale, Timeless Concerts, Dance Theatre of Arlington, Arlington Music Teachers’ Association, the Arlington Community Band, the Barbershop Quartet, Gown Town Theater and I Am! Among others. Since the risers are portable, the center would still be useable for other purposes.

Tiny House fever on the UTA campus…Davis south of Abram

In the shadows of much larger construction projects like the Science and Engineering Innovation and Research Building and residence hall-dining hall-parking garage projects on the west side of campus, a smaller development is taking shape that molds student minds as they head out into the professional world.

Students from the College of Architecture, Planning and Public Affairs are building tiny houses as their senior design projects on Davis Street, between Greek Row Boulevard and UTA Boulevard.

How small?

One house is only 360 square feet and the other dwarfs the first coming in at 390 square feet. In their coursework, faculty and students are calling the structures micro houses.

The units will be sold once completed, proceeds be used for future projects…so it’s a good opportunity to buy one, but might want to check local zoning regs first.

Maybe you don’t want a single family residence, even a tiny house? Pretty soon you can check out The chocolate-brown complex on Lamar Boulevard north of Interstate 30 (between Cooper and Collins near Rolling Hills Golf Club)  that’s been taking shape for about a year.

The four-story structure occupies land that once was home to three blighted apartment complexes built in the 1970s.

It’s the first phase of the Arlington Commons, an upscale apartment complex that will be marketed to young urban professionals…i.e. millennials who often prefer lifestyles not requiring a lawnmower.  It will feature big balconies and a roughly 450-space parking garage that the apartment building wraps around, almost hiding it from view. It will provide close parking spaces for tenants on the upper levels. Lots of downsizing seniors also seem to be interested. Pre-leasing starts in May, with the first occupancy in August.

Where is it: 425 E. Lamar Blvd., on the north side of Lamar, between Ryan Plaza and Van Buren drives.

The $50 million first phase sits on 5.6 acres of the 24-acre site. The four-phase, $200 million project would be built over the next 10 years with at least the originally planned 1,328 units---year that’s a lot of units. School district probably going nuts about it.

Hall of Famer coming to Town

Emmitt Smith will be keynote speaker at The Salvation Army’s Annual Inspiring Hope fundraising luncheon on Wednesday, May 3 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.

The NFL’s all-time leading rusher and Pro Football Hall-of-Famer helped win three Super Bowl championships as a member of the Dallas Cowboys. Smith’s football life actually began when he played on a youth football team at The Salvation Army when he was eight years old.

Like most children who lived nearby, Smith went to The Salvation Army every day after school. The organization provided a place for kids to gather, make friends and participate in activities they couldn’t afford to do otherwise.

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health concludes no connection between Nichols, health claims

The Arlington school district says there’s been significant misinformation with respect to Nichols Junior High School. They’ve provided a list of entities they collaborated with…Tarrant County Public Health Department; Environmental Protection Agency, Arlington Fire Department, and independent experts (Armstrong Forensic Laboratory, Inc.; EFI Global Engineering, Fire and Environmental Services; Engineered Air Balance Company, and; Estes McClure, and Associates), and now National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), on behalf of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, have all tested and/or reviewed the tests and have concluded that there is no credible evidence that Nichols Junior High has caused anyone’s illnesses. They say the threatened lawsuit has no data to support claims of harm. No doubt this will all continue for a while.

 The chamber of commerce small business winners have been announced. Get their awards at a Chamber event in May.

FOR-PROFIT CATEGORY

Stripe-A-Zone Inc. – Founded in 1950, Stripe-A-Zone is one of the nation’s premier pavement marking companies. In 2016, Stripe-A-Zone was recognized as a Top Contractor in their industry and has received similar accolades through various other professional organizations. The company is deeply involved in community endeavors – the Chamber Board, Arlington Rotary, Arlington library, Boys & Girls Club, AISD Education Foundation, Crossroads Christian Church, Women in Philanthropy, Salvation Army and other entities.

Sutton Frost Cary LLP (SFC) – SFC provides tax and assurance and consulting services to various industries. SFC has more than 45 employees, including eight partners and 23 CPAs contributing to their record growth. SFC and staffers are involved in the Chamber (and Young Professionals), Rotary, United Way, YMCA of Arlington, Leadership Arlington, UTA Accounting Alumni Association, Dental Health for Arlington and others. Beyond involvement, the firm contributes to numerous entities like SafeHaven, Boys & Girls Club, Theatre Arlington, Patriot Dogs, Levitt Pavilion and many more.

NONPROFIT CATEGORY

Arlington ISD Education Foundation – the Arlington Independent School District Education Foundation serves the students, teachers and staff of the AISD in Arlington and adjacent communities within the school district by fulfilling extraordinary education needs and initiatives not financed by the district or state funding. Through collaborative efforts, the Foundation has shown growth in volunteer support, fundraising initiatives, grants distributed for classroom instruction, diversity and increasing support to economically disadvantaged children.

VETERAN-OWNED CATEGORY

Jim Ross Law Group, P.C. – the Jim Ross Law Group is a general practice litigation law firm based in Arlington. Jim Ross is a veteran having served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps. Staff member are  active in the Arlington Police Foundation, Chamber of Commerce, Special Olympics, Salvation Army, Arlington Public Library, Theatre Arlington, Junior League of Arlington and many other programs.

Internet access just too expensive? Arlington residents may be eligible for low-cost, high-speed internet through Charter’s new Spectrum Internet Assist (SIA) program. How would you know if eligible? If already a recipient of National School Lunch Program (NSLP) free or reduced lunch, Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) of the NSLP, or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) age 65 and older only

Charter is offering the fastest internet speeds (30/4 Mbps) at a $14.99 per month rate for qualified customers in an effort to make broadband more affordable for low-income families and seniors.

A recent Federal Communication Commission report on broadband access found that 34 million Americans lack access to high-speed broadband in the home. About 5 million families with school-aged children in the United States don’t have access in the home.

[jonboudposts]

Britain’s Worst: The Sorry Attempt of Fascists to Make Something from Pain and Horror

In response to the lone attack by wannabe terrorist Adrian Ajao in Westminster on 22 March, the far right organisations Britain First and what is left of the English Defence League decided to try and gather in London to show their concern or anger or who knows what in regards this pretend Muslim driving into people and brutally killing a policeman at Parliament.

As is usual with these people, they could not wait to try and pump some life into their failed doctrine and even-more-failed lives by taking to the streets for some non-event of an event; thinking themselves bullet-proof when wrapped in a flag and using such terrible, violent events as the Westminster attack to push their racist rubbish - assuming perhaps rightly that most people would be too sentimental to criticise them for this repulsive hijack.

However, where the rump of fascism goes, the much-wider-category that is anti-fascism stands in their way.   A deeply committed group taking in all sorts; from the politically-motivated socialists and anarchists; to trade union members and working class activists; to the middle class and concerned individuals.  A verity of age groups and backgrounds, with religions and without, sexuality and gender uncertain and irrelevant.  Signs are humorous and serious, chants are the same.  Press attention is usually negative.  Police presence more nuisance than protection.

We gathered by South Africa House, opposite Trafalgar  Square around 12pm.  Passing through the Square, I spotted one EDL bloke with his precious George Cross flowing in the wind, outnumbered by the police around him (around four).  A serious estimate puts EDL presence that day as lower than people making a lunchtime visit to the Mexican place around the corner from the Square (they do a lovely burrito by the way; the restaurant not the EDL).

This was a serious but enjoyable event that allowed people who were strong enough to buck the trend to stand against the threatening behaviour of violent thugs who think they have a pass for their racism whenever someone is murdered or attacked by an extremist of the non-white and/or non-domestic verity (experience shows as these events go on, the participants from far right groups get more agitated and often attack people, sometimes each other).  It is also about standing up for something; the values of anti-fascism, which have a deep working class and academic history recently remembered - by those who cared to - at the marking of 80 years since both The Battle of Cable St and the beginning of the Spanish Civil War.

The main body of the anti-fascist contingent made their way along Whitehall; some small but loud clashes with the heavy-handed police ensued but mostly it was peaceful.  This part always bothers me; when those determined to row with the police kick into action, giving the very news agencies we all hate the story they want; out of control mob, etc.  In truth very few people were nicked but it was a giant distraction that allowed the few EDL boneheads to wander around, shout some shit to us and run off.  They really were not worth the effort, around five at best standing on a crossing surrounded by police vans for protection. The real issue, the marginally larger one, was Britain First.

The Britain First contingent gathered outside Charing Cross station by their minibus. Anti-fascists often travel to these events and the usual mode is coach, due to the large numbers.  The core of BF are able it seems to squeeze into a minibus, despite getting ‘thousands’ of likes on their Facebook page.  Even at their gathering point, they were outnumbered by police and bemused passers by. 

My preferred tactic would have been all crowding the station and preventing them from marching in the first place, in the tradition of our wonderful ancestors of Cable St.  Who would listen to me though?  I stood by until these bastards started moving, the only thing I can say felt like a defeat that day; we should have prevented them ‘marching’ the very small distance they did.  It would mean little to the wider mindset but the power of this – both historically and personally – would have given us a great advantage.

We gathered on Victoria Embankment, awaiting their arrival and slotting into a pen around 50 yards away. To our right was the Themes, flowing away regardless of the shouts, taunts, loves or loathing of the city around it.  This kind of pseudo-poetic crap is usually not of much worth to me but while one is waiting to face the runt of far right in all their green-fleeced glory, it passes the time.

Opposite, just under the train bridge between Waterloo and Charing Cross, was a small river of flags.  There were many flags. Union Jack and George Cross but the odd Welsh national too.  There were more flags than people, which was obvious but we later discovered BF boys had been told to bring at least two each, having the effect of making their small number almost invisible under a cloud of cloth. So many flags in fact you struggled to see the people underneath them – because there were so few people underneath them.

They filed into their pen, stood around, then….

Well, nothing really. Faint sound that was probably speeches could be heard when the wind blew in this direction.  A passing tourist might have thought this was some kind of flag procession, but I suspect any attempted politics was lost.  Then came the personal conflict I often have at these events – I want to stand proud and outlast this scum, see them off the streets but at the same time I am well behind on paperwork, there are a couple of records I was hoping to look for today and, well, this is such a pathetic turn out for Britain First would it really matter if I pissed off early?

It would of course; it would matter to me and if they were still here, it would matter to my Grandparents too.

Late in the day, the good people of the Hare Krishna made an appearance with their free food wagon. They opened up the Tupperware and a line of Anti-Fas formed for some lovely grub, giving donations along the way. Not long after this, a small group with a pushchair containing a speaker came walking along the Themes with punk rock and dance tunes a-plenty.  We now had food and music to go with our solidarity. Britain First had flags.

The BF brigade decided to go home early and were given a lovely send off from our end.  The microphone was taken up by UAF and Stand Up to Racism co-chair Wayman Bennett, who was less than a quarter through his concluding speech when the Britain First rally had disappeared back the way they came.  How this national turn out could be seen as anything other than woeful would take an award-winning imagination.

Wayman reminded us however it was our work today and over the years that made this happen.  The defeat of the English Defence League, British National Party, many a smaller group and now Britain First was down to street mobilisation more than anything else.  The people sitting behind the laptop screen contacting their MPs do important work; while those writing reports do even more, but they did not bring down any far right group by themselves, nor protect those they seek to threaten directly in their streets and homes.

We live in a country where a political leader can still be criticised from not singing the national anthem and the newspapers that publish this criticism can do so with a straight face. We live in a world where people can take to social media as an attack or killing is being reported and call for Muslims to be interned or far right candidates in Europe be voted for before the bodies are even cold.

Fascist scum will use anything to try and bolster their non-cause. Patriotism, sentimentality, never criticising the police or armed forces, giving these unlimited airtime without questioning anything - organisation like the EDL and Britain First rely on this sentimental crap; witness the EDL’s piss-weak excuse for having a pop at a Muslim lady during their recent cha cha in Birmingham, claming they were having a ‘one minute silence’ for something (Keith Palmer, Lee Rigby, Oswald Mosley, who knows) that was interrupted by this woman and the brave young lady who came to her defence (among others).  Only in a society as gutless as this one could they get away with such a claim (who told them they could call a city, or even a street corner to silence anyway?). A sad by-product of that wonderful picture of Saffiyah Khan laughing in the face of this angry white interloper who came to her city to cause trouble, is the spend force of the EDL getting far more publicity that they could ever deserve.

Maybe a patriot is reading this and you think I am wrong about patriotism or too harsh; perhaps you feel it has good qualities.  To that I would reply that if you believe you can be patriotic and not be a thuggish, intolerant mess, then join me and many others standing against such groups as Britain First.  Do not merely watch as the very same forces that tore Europe apart in the 1930s try to gain a foothold on the neck of decent society.

There is no sideline to stand on with fascism, never was.  People have allowed this situation to get gradually worse and here we are, with Europe and America seeing a rise in this intolerance, hate and violence – and I blame those not joining the fight against it as much as I do the practitioners of intolerance.

For those of you who spend far too much time in love with the war years, now is your chance to live your own version of them; let’s smash fascism together.  It is showing up all over Europe again – attacking people for their religion, nationality and even sexuality.  This is what happens when you let your history get hijacked, weakened and abused.  Stop sitting at home reading about history; get in the street and make it.

[type2diabetestreatments-blog]

Biking Across America with Type 1 Diabetes

New Post has been published on http://type2diabetestreatment.net/diabetes-mellitus/biking-across-america-with-type-1-diabetes/

Biking Across America with Type 1 Diabetes

Thanks to our periodic correspondent Joanne Milo (who blogs at The Savvy Diabetic) we're happy to feature a special interview today with fellow type 1 and advocate Cassidy Robinson, a young adult from Orange County, CA, who's part of a 24-person team of PWDs biking across America this summer. The program, organized by the nonprofit group Beyond Type 1, is dubbed Bike Beyond, and runs from June 2 - Aug. 11.

We're thrilled to hear more about this ride and Cassidy's personal diabetes story today.

A Guest Interview by Joanne Milo

I met Cassidy Robinson years ago at a JDRF Type One Summit on a beautiful Sunday morning in Orange County, CA. It was a morning filled with inspirational speakers and informational sessions… and then finally lunch! I ended up sitting next to this 20-something T1 and we struck up a conversation. She was diagnosed at age 2 but didn't really start taking her diabetes management seriously until her early 20s, she told me. She got connected to a local support group and the Diabetes Online Community, and the rest is history!

Cassidy and I stayed in touch. She was born, raised and living/working in Southern California, but the next thing I knew, she had upped and moved to Manhattan! I’m a native New Yorker and was so excited for her to experience NY and the East Coast.

When I had an opportunity for our local D-support group to participate in a pilot program with online counseling to discuss resiliency, Cassidy jumped right in, even though it meant going online every two weeks at 9pm NY time (yeah, she’s young, it really wasn’t keeping her up late!).

And then, the next thing I hear: Cassidy is one of 24 T1 bike riders participating this summer in the Beyond Type 1 Bike Beyond program. This is a ride from New York City all the way to San Francisco -- really, about 4,300 miles over the span of 70 days (60 riding and 10 days of events and PR).

Before we get into the ride itself and all that Cassidy's doing on that front, here's a quick intro to her personal journey in diabetes.

Early Days of Diabetes

As noted, Cassidy was born and raised in Orange County, CA. Her folks still live in the home where she grew up. She was diagnosed with T1 early, at age 2 years and 4 months, in January 1993. She was and remains the only T1 in her entire family.

She obviously doesn’t remember much at the time she was diagnosed but her parents tell her that in late December 1992, both she and her two brothers had chicken pox. They recovered but she didn’t. Her pediatrician knew instantly that she had T1 because she “smelled like maple syrup.”

Her life has taken turns and twists, probably because Cassidy is curious about life. Her degree in sociology from the University of California San Diego exposed her to classes in gender politics, mental illness (which helped her navigate her own emotional journey with diabetes), and alternative religions. And you gotta love her senior research thesis subject: nudists at Black’s Beach!

She worked in publishing in the construction industry which led to work in an event production company, expanding her knowledge into the music industry.

Then the epiphany! Move to New York City… so she did, two years ago now, to work in public relations in the fashion and lifestyle industry. As she says, “It’s funny, I started my career in male-dominated and machine-centric industries, but I’ve found myself in a female and image-centric industry!” She always lands in a good or even better place!

She’s active! I mean, really active! Having grown up in Southern California, she’s a beach and water lover. She runs and loves a good game of softball. But her passion is hiking, and she's even hiked Half Dome last fall with her dad. When she slows down, she’s an avid reader and photographer, loves music and attending live shows -- and most of all, hanging with friends and her loving family.

So here's the rest on Cassidy and the Bike Beyond event, in Q&A form.

JM) Are you a major bike rider, aka a "gear head" in the biking world?

CR) I’ve actually been scared of riding a bicycle my entire life. I didn’t learn how to ride until I was 11 years old and haven’t ridden much in general. The last time I rode a bike was in college and I was riding my grandmother’s 30-year-old Specialized bike! I’m learning about road bikes and team riding from scratch while I train for Bike Beyond. Honestly, it feels like I’m learning how to ride a bike for the first time – but hey, there’s a first time for everything!

What flipped the switch?

My dad actually cycled cross-country from New York to California after graduating college. I grew up hearing the stories from his ride and his bragging about it to anyone who would listen. For most of my life, I’ve had this notion in the back of my mind that it would be cool to replicate his ride with a few of my friends. The desire to ride cross-country has just been getting stronger in the last couple years. When I drove cross-country with my dad in the fall of 2015 we talked a lot about his ride and even more about my desire to do the same thing.

But with the challenges of T1D, did you have to think long and hard about signing up for this rigorous biking trip?

Not a wink!

I had no hesitation in submitting my application to be on the team! As soon as I saw the post for applicants on Nov. 1, 2016, I stepped out of work, ran up to the roof and filmed my application video. I knew that I would do whatever it took to make the ride happen – be it fundraising, training or planning. I was on pins and needles for a month and a half waiting to find out if I made the team. It was all I could think about!

What's the most exciting part of this upcoming ride?

I’m excited about so many things it’s hard to contain it!

I’m really excited about connecting with T1Ds across the country. Most of our ride will be through cities and towns I’ve never been to and I’m jazzed to meet T1Ds in those places. I have so many questions about what kind of care they receive, what communities they participate in and how their experience with T1D is similar or different than my own.

I’m also super excited to have roughly two dozen new DiaBesties in the form of my teammates. I have so few T1D friends in my life, but this summer is going to be 24 of us bonding over every quirk and trait. I feel like the best day of my life will be meeting everyone in New York City before we start, and the worst day will be saying good bye in San Francisco.

What about the training?

I am training hard! I found out I made the team on Dec. 23, 2016, and I’ve been in the gym six days a week since. I’ve been alternating between indoor cycling classes, weight lifting, yoga and Pilates. My body composition is changing: I’m stronger and more muscular than I’ve ever been.

I’m excited to start riding outdoors when we receive our bikes from Specialized! They are sponsoring our cycling gear including beautiful bicycles, helmets and shoes!

Are you hoping for NO rain and NO headwinds?

I’m nervous about rain and wind! I think the only way to prepare is to experience riding in them, which I haven’t yet. I have no doubts that rain, wind and dust will be tough on us all this summer but we’ll overcome! Just keep pedaling…

[From my riding experiences, I'd say be careful to avoid the painted lane stripes in the rain, as they are slippery!]

Do you have any particular fears or concerns?

I’m completely terrified by my lack of cycling experience! I’m working as hard as I can to prepare, but only day after day on the bike will show us what we’re made of.

How about the fundraising part?

I hit the $4,800 fundraising requirement in just 8 days! And since then, I've raised my personal goal of $6,800, to match my most recent A1C of 6.8%. The team goal is $100,000 and we are halfway to that goal with a little less than two months to go. Any donation is gratefully and enthusiastically appreciated!

For the ride itself, I will be wearing a GoPro (another sponsor of Bike Beyond) for a documentary to be released in November 2017.

Any final thoughts, Cassidy?

I get really emotional thinking about how supportive my friends and family have been. Everyone I’ve talked to about the ride has been so excited and interested in what we’re doing! I can’t wait to share our experiences with everyone this summer!

For those interested, you can donate to Cassidy's ride through her fundraising page and/or donate to the overall Bike Beyond fundraising page. During the ride, Cassidy will be sharing tidbits on social media at @TeamBikeBeyond and @CassidyJaye on Twitter, and also @BeyondType1, @BeyondType1Daily, and #BikeBeyond on Instagram.

Cassidy, we are all so excited for you, wishing you sunny days and tail winds, and great T1D connections, and much fun!!

Disclaimer: Content created by the Diabetes Mine team. For more details click here.

Disclaimer

This content is created for Diabetes Mine, a consumer health blog focused on the diabetes community. The content is not medically reviewed and doesn't adhere to Healthline's editorial guidelines. For more information about Healthline's partnership with Diabetes Mine, please click here.

Type 2 Diabetes Treatment Type 2 Diabetes Diet Diabetes Destroyer Reviews Original Article

[nancyedimick]

Is asking IRS agents to leak President Trump’s tax return a crime (and constitutionally unprotected)?

President Trump has said his tax returns are being audited by the Internal Revenue Service and that he won’t release them publicly until the audit is completed. (Pete Marovich/Pool via Bloomberg)

The New York Times’ Nicholas Kristof, responding to Matt Yglesias’s statement that “It’s impressive that the IRS never leaks,” wrote:

But if you’re in IRS and have a certain president’s tax return that you’d like to leak, my address is: NYT, 620 Eighth Ave, NY NY 10018. https://t.co/ujYe100Tn9

— Nicholas Kristof (@NickKristof) March 6, 2017

The problem is that (1) it’s a felony for someone who works at the Internal Revenue Service to leak a tax return, and (2) soliciting someone to commit a crime is itself a crime. So if the statement was intended to be serious (more on that below), then it might well be illegal.

What about the First Amendment? It wouldn’t immunize the original leak, because the government can generally restrict government employees from revealing confidential documents, including tax returns:

[An IRS employee’s] interest as a citizen in commenting upon matters of public concern is … substantial, but it must give way to the government’s interest in this case. … Here, the government seeks to restrict disclosure of private tax information to the press, where the result sought to be accomplished by such disclosure could be accomplished by less deleterious means. Given the compelling governmental interest in maintaining a workable tax system, it is difficult to say that this regulation is unreasonable. See, e.g., Connick v. Myers, 461 U.S. 138, 154 (1983) (government employee’s “limited First Amendment interest” was trumped by action which might “disrupt the office, undermine [supervisor’s] authority, and destroy close working relationships”); Snepp v. United States, 444 U.S. 507, 509 n.3 (1980) (the government’s “compelling interest in protecting both the secrecy of information important to our national security and the appearance of confidentiality so essential to the effective operation of our foreign service” enabled the CIA to “impos[e] reasonable restrictions on employee activities that in other contexts might be protected by the First Amendment”).

(Note that allowing release of such tax return information won’t affect just “certain president[s],” but potentially anyone else who might reasonably worry that an IRS agent would decide that his income or exemptions are of public interest.)

And I suspect that the First Amendment wouldn’t immunize the request for the leak, either. True, abstract advocacy of criminal conduct is almost always constitutionally protected: To fit within the narrow “incitement” exception, it would have to be intended to and likely to persuade people to engage in imminent criminal conduct, which is to say at a specific time in the very near future (minutes, hours or maybe a few days away).

But calls to commit a specific crime are generally not constitutionally protected, see United States v. Williams (2008). “Offers to give or receive what it is unlawful to possess have no social value and thus, like obscenity, enjoy no First Amendment protection.” And while the material we’re discussing here would be unlawful to give rather than to possess, I think the analysis would likely be the same — requests that the listener engage in a specific crime involving a specific person are generally punishable solicitation.

The trouble, of course, is figuring out where the solicitation vs. protected advocacy line is drawn. In Williams, the Supreme Court made clear that it thought there was such a line, and that the speech in that case (“Dad of toddler has ‘good’ pics of her an [sic] me for swap of your toddler pics, or live cam”) was clearly on one side of the line, as solicitation and offer of child pornography. But it didn’t say much beyond distinguishing “a proposal to engage in illegal activity,” which is constitutionally unprotected, “and the abstract advocacy of illegality,” which generally is constitutionally protected. (Consider also Hess v. Indiana (1973), where the court reversed Gregory Hess’s conviction for telling fellow demonstrators who were ordered off a street, “We’ll take the f—ing street later” or “We’ll take the f—ing street again.” The court thought this speech should be judged under the speech-protective test for advocacy and didn’t mention solicitation; maybe that reflects the view that solicitation requires more specificity than in Hess’s statement.)

I think that asking IRS employees — even if not a specific employee — to leak a specific document is likely to be enough to put the statement on the solicitation side of the line, rather than the mere advocacy side. But I can’t be completely certain of that.

Of course, all this is relevant only if the tweet was intended to be serious. If it was just intended to be a joke or hyperbole or otherwise not serious, then it wouldn’t qualify as solicitation, because solicitation is generally defined as asking someone to commit a crime with the purpose of that crime being committed. (That, I take it, was the reason that then-candidate Donald Trump’s “Russia, if you’re listening, I hope you’re able to find the 30,000 emails that are missing; I think you will be rewarded by our press” likely wasn’t seen as a punishable solicitation.) The question isn’t whether the speaker should have known that listeners would perceive the statement as serious, but rather whether the speaker intended that the listeners do so.

Finally, say that someone does send President Trump’s tax return to the New York Times, and this is found to have been prompted by Kristof’s tweet and the tweet is found to have been serious. Would the New York Times be free to publish it? (Note that another subsection of the tax return confidentiality statute bars everyone, and not just IRS employees, from publishing tax return information that “is disclosed [to them] in a manner unauthorized by [federal law].”)

That, too, is not completely clear, but I doubt it. In Bartnicki v. Vopper (2001), the Supreme Court confirmed that speakers have a right to publish information (at least on matters of “public concern”) even if the information was illegally gathered by someone else, and the same would apply to information illegally leaked by someone else. But the court noted that, in that case, “The persons who made the disclosures did not participate in the interception,” though “they did know — or at least had reason to know — that the interception was unlawful.” And the two-justice concurrence elaborated on that:

[T]he broadcasters here engaged in no unlawful activity other than the ultimate publication of the information another had previously obtained. They “neither encouraged nor participated directly or indirectly in the interception.” No one claims that they ordered, counseled, encouraged, or otherwise aided or abetted the interception, the later delivery of the tape by the interceptor to an intermediary, or the tape’s still later delivery by the intermediary to the media. Cf. 18 U.S.C. § 2 (criminalizing aiding and abetting any federal offense).

Soliciting illegal conduct generally counts as a form of participating in the illegal conduct, so I doubt that Bartnicki would provide First Amendment protection for publishing tax return information that was released in response to an unlawful solicitation.

In any event, that’s my quick and tentative sense of the relevant legal rules, such as they are. Naturally, if I am mistaken here, please let me know so I can correct things.

Originally Found On: http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/volokh-conspiracy/wp/2017/03/06/is-asking-irs-agents-to-leak-president-trumps-tax-return-a-crime-and-constitutionally-unprotected/

[wolfandpravato]

Is asking IRS agents to leak President Trump’s tax return a crime (and constitutionally unprotected)?

President Trump has said his tax returns are being audited by the Internal Revenue Service and that he won’t release them publicly until the audit is completed. (Pete Marovich/Pool via Bloomberg)

The New York Times’ Nicholas Kristof, responding to Matt Yglesias’s statement that “It’s impressive that the IRS never leaks,” wrote:

But if you're in IRS and have a certain president's tax return that you'd like to leak, my address is: NYT, 620 Eighth Ave, NY NY 10018. https://t.co/ujYe100Tn9

— Nicholas Kristof (@NickKristof) March 6, 2017

The problem is that (1) it’s a felony for someone who works at the Internal Revenue Service to leak a tax return, and (2) soliciting someone to commit a crime is itself a crime. So if the statement was intended to be serious (more on that below), then it might well be illegal.

What about the First Amendment? It wouldn’t immunize the original leak, because the government can generally restrict government employees from revealing confidential documents, including tax returns:

[An IRS employee’s] interest as a citizen in commenting upon matters of public concern is … substantial, but it must give way to the government’s interest in this case. … Here, the government seeks to restrict disclosure of private tax information to the press, where the result sought to be accomplished by such disclosure could be accomplished by less deleterious means. Given the compelling governmental interest in maintaining a workable tax system, it is difficult to say that this regulation is unreasonable. See, e.g., Connick v. Myers, 461 U.S. 138, 154 (1983) (government employee’s “limited First Amendment interest” was trumped by action which might “disrupt the office, undermine [supervisor’s] authority, and destroy close working relationships”); Snepp v. United States, 444 U.S. 507, 509 n.3 (1980) (the government’s “compelling interest in protecting both the secrecy of information important to our national security and the appearance of confidentiality so essential to the effective operation of our foreign service” enabled the CIA to “impos[e] reasonable restrictions on employee activities that in other contexts might be protected by the First Amendment”).

(Note that allowing release of such tax return information won’t affect just “certain president[s],” but potentially anyone else who might reasonably worry that an IRS agent would decide that his income or exemptions are of public interest.)

And I suspect that the First Amendment wouldn’t immunize the request for the leak, either. True, abstract advocacy of criminal conduct is almost always constitutionally protected: To fit within the narrow “incitement” exception, it would have to be intended to and likely to persuade people to engage in imminent criminal conduct, which is to say at a specific time in the very near future (minutes, hours or maybe a few days away).

But calls to commit a specific crime are generally not constitutionally protected, see United States v. Williams (2008). “Offers to give or receive what it is unlawful to possess have no social value and thus, like obscenity, enjoy no First Amendment protection.” And while the material we’re discussing here would be unlawful to give rather than to possess, I think the analysis would likely be the same — requests that the listener engage in a specific crime involving a specific person are generally punishable solicitation.

The trouble, of course, is figuring out where the solicitation vs. protected advocacy line is drawn. In Williams, the Supreme Court made clear that it thought there was such a line, and that the speech in that case (“Dad of toddler has ‘good’ pics of her an [sic] me for swap of your toddler pics, or live cam”) was clearly on one side of the line, as solicitation and offer of child pornography. But it didn’t say much beyond distinguishing “a proposal to engage in illegal activity,” which is constitutionally unprotected, “and the abstract advocacy of illegality,” which generally is constitutionally protected. (Consider also Hess v. Indiana (1973), where the court reversed Gregory Hess’s conviction for telling fellow demonstrators who were ordered off a street, “We’ll take the f—ing street later” or “We’ll take the f—ing street again.” The court thought this speech should be judged under the speech-protective test for advocacy and didn’t mention solicitation; maybe that reflects the view that solicitation requires more specificity than in Hess’s statement.)

I think that asking IRS employees — even if not a specific employee — to leak a specific document is likely to be enough to put the statement on the solicitation side of the line, rather than the mere advocacy side. But I can’t be completely certain of that.

Of course, all this is relevant only if the tweet was intended to be serious. If it was just intended to be a joke or hyperbole or otherwise not serious, then it wouldn’t qualify as solicitation, because solicitation is generally defined as asking someone to commit a crime with the purpose of that crime being committed. (That, I take it, was the reason that then-candidate Donald Trump’s “Russia, if you’re listening, I hope you’re able to find the 30,000 emails that are missing; I think you will be rewarded by our press” likely wasn’t seen as a punishable solicitation.) The question isn’t whether the speaker should have known that listeners would perceive the statement as serious, but rather whether the speaker intended that the listeners do so.

Finally, say that someone does send President Trump’s tax return to the New York Times, and this is found to have been prompted by Kristof’s tweet and the tweet is found to have been serious. Would the New York Times be free to publish it? (Note that another subsection of the tax return confidentiality statute bars everyone, and not just IRS employees, from publishing tax return information that “is disclosed [to them] in a manner unauthorized by [federal law].”)

That, too, is not completely clear, but I doubt it. In Bartnicki v. Vopper (2001), the Supreme Court confirmed that speakers have a right to publish information (at least on matters of “public concern”) even if the information was illegally gathered by someone else, and the same would apply to information illegally leaked by someone else. But the court noted that, in that case, “The persons who made the disclosures did not participate in the interception,” though “they did know — or at least had reason to know — that the interception was unlawful.” And the two-justice concurrence elaborated on that:

[T]he broadcasters here engaged in no unlawful activity other than the ultimate publication of the information another had previously obtained. They “neither encouraged nor participated directly or indirectly in the interception.” No one claims that they ordered, counseled, encouraged, or otherwise aided or abetted the interception, the later delivery of the tape by the interceptor to an intermediary, or the tape’s still later delivery by the intermediary to the media. Cf. 18 U.S.C. § 2 (criminalizing aiding and abetting any federal offense).

Soliciting illegal conduct generally counts as a form of participating in the illegal conduct, so I doubt that Bartnicki would provide First Amendment protection for publishing tax return information that was released in response to an unlawful solicitation.

In any event, that’s my quick and tentative sense of the relevant legal rules, such as they are. Naturally, if I am mistaken here, please let me know so I can correct things.

Originally Found On: http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/volokh-conspiracy/wp/2017/03/06/is-asking-irs-agents-to-leak-president-trumps-tax-return-a-crime-and-constitutionally-unprotected/