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The van, owned by the local Veterans of Foreign Wars (search) chapter, was driven by a close friend of Hammond. He was taken to a hospital to be treated for emotional distress.
"It's devastating," said Richard Slowey, adjutant of VFW Post 697. "Bill is a very warm and very kind person."
The Army veteran, who served in the infantry, had fought in the Battle of the Bulge (search), according to Robert Wessa, the post's junior vice commander. He was a past commander of the post and stayed active, traveling to a school with Wessa last week to talk about Veterans Day.
Wessa said he was in a different part of the parade and no idea anything had happened until he noticed that a group of marchers hadn't started.
A man who answered the phone at Hammond's house declined to comment. Post members said Hammond owned a contracting business and he and his wife, Irene, had several children.
Wessa remembered Hammond as a strong leader and good friend. He was still an avid motorcyclist and completed a road trip around Canada and the United States when he was in his late 70s.
"He was quite a guy," Wessa said. "It's a sad day."
Michelle Obama’s recent interview with People Magazine in which she talked about a trip to Target as an example of racism is being heavily criticized, especially after some pointed out that she has already told the same Target story in a different capacity.
In the interview with People Magazine, Barack and Michelle Obama disclosed that they have each faced racism in different ways throughout their lives, and the FLOTUS pointed out that she even experienced it during a shopping trip to Target not too long ago.
TheBlaze points out, however, that the First Lady told the same story during an appearance on David Letterman’s show last year. The context, however, was quite different than it was during the People interview.
Take a look at Michelle Obama’s interview with David Letterman below (portion starts at 4:40). Do you think the First Lady intended to change the way she told her Target story?
Wind power from turbines like these near Tracy is an important element of California’s energy policy as it works to fight climate change. PG&E may seek to change its renewable energy contracts in bankruptcy.
As it begins the long process of reorganizing under bankruptcy protection, Pacific Gas and Electric Co. is locked in a related legal fight over renewable power contracts that involves some of the biggest names in the energy industry.
Led by NextEra Energy Inc., companies that sell wind and solar energy to PG&E are trying to prevent the San Francisco utility from canceling its wholesale contracts with them in an effort to strike cheaper deals in Bankruptcy Court.
NextEra also owns the Florida Power & Light Co. utility. Its recent PG&E-related efforts, which started with federal regulators, have earned support from companies including Consolidated Edison Inc., which owns a utility serving New York City, and Exelon Corp., owner of utilities in Chicago, Washington and Philadelphia, among others.
Days before PG&E Corp. and its utility subsidiary filed for bankruptcy protection — after publicly declaring their intent to do so — the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission declared it had concurrent jurisdiction, which would mean the utility could not unwind its wholesale contracts without approval from federal regulators.
But PG&E has continued to resist, asking the Bankruptcy Court in San Francisco to declare exclusive jurisdiction over the contracts. U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge Dennis Montali will consider the matter later this month.
PG&E has agreements to purchase power from about 350 energy suppliers representing $42 billion, according to Bankruptcy Court papers. The company says it entered into most of the agreements to satisfy California’s renewable energy requirements, and the contracts typically last for 15 to 20 years or more.
Renewable energy prices have fallen significantly since the contracts were put in place, creating an opportunity for PG&E.
The company said it has not made any decisions about whether to assume or reject any of the power purchase agreements, but it wants the freedom to consider the option without also going to federal regulators. Allowing the federal commission to retain authority in the process “could very well impede confirmation of a plan of reorganization,” PG&E told the Bankruptcy Court.
The wholesale contracts aren’t the only way renewable energy is a factor as PG&E tries to reorganize under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. More broadly, the case threatens to limit the part PG&E can play in the state’s efforts to fight climate change, including spending on the infrastructure required to support a huge expansion of charging stations for electric cars.
PG&E “recognizes its important role” in supporting the state’s clean energy projects, and is committed to staying involved as it reorganizes, according to James Noonan, a spokesman for the company.
In an email, Noonan reiterated PG&E’s position that a Chapter 11 restructuring is crucial in allowing the company to continue safely providing gas and electricity. PG&E filed for bankruptcy protection Tuesday because of the potential liability posed by two seasons of devastating Northern California wildfires.
“It will also enable the company to work constructively and collaboratively with policy makers, regulators and relevant stakeholders to consider a range of alternatives to provide for the safe delivery of natural gas and electric service for the long term in an environment that continues to be challenged by climate change,” Noonan said of the bankruptcy.
In trying to assert its authority during PG&E’s bankruptcy reorganization, the federal energy commission is following a commonly trod path, according to Jared Ellias, a UC Hastings associate law professor. He said “lots and lots of government agencies” have tried to intervene in bankruptcy cases.
He noted a recent case involving the bankruptcy of Ohio’s FirstEnergy Solutions Corp. The U.S. Bankruptcy Court in the Northern District of Ohio ultimately issued a preliminary injunction preventing the federal commission from requiring FirstEnergy to follow wholesale power contracts it wanted to reject in bankruptcy. An appeal is pending.
“My guess is that Judge Montali will be persuaded by this reasoning,” Ellias said.
PG&E may face pressure to raise rates during the bankruptcy, especially if it makes major payments to wildfire victims, Patterson said. Lowering the cost of its wholesale contracts could relieve some of the pressure, he said.
NextEra, meanwhile, has projected public confidence about PG&E’s bankruptcy. NextEra officials say they expect the subsidiary affected by PG&E’s bankruptcy to meet its growth targets regardless of the utility’s Chapter 11 filing.
KUALA LUMPUR (Bernama): Almost two hours of heavy downpour in the capital on Sunday (Nov 11) once again caused several areas and roads to be affected by flash floods.
Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) Enforcement Department director Azman Mahmood said the rain, which began at about 4pm, saw water build up in the tunnel heading from Jalan Tun Razak towards KLCC and Jalan Loke Yew.
According to Azman, Jalan Wirawati, Jalan Pudu Ulu, Jalan Pudu Perdana, Jalan Cheras and Jalan Kepong were also affected by flash floods.
He said DBKL personnel had been deployed to disperse traffic and divert vehicles away from the affected routes.
"We also received reports of the surau of the Hiliran Ampang People's Housing Project being inundated in water as well as of fallen trees in Jalan Ampang.
"DBKL's rescue squad, as well as members of the Fire and Rescue Department, are currently carrying out works to clean up the area," he said when contacted by Bernama.
Five vehicles and their drivers were stuck in a flash flood in the Jalan Tun Razak tunnel, Kuala Lumpur.
The Fire and Rescue Department received a distress call about the incident at 5.56pm on Sunday.
"Upon reaching the scene, we saw that the drivers had climbed onto their car roofs to escape the flood.
"It took us about 10mins to rescue the victims. No one was hurt," said the department in a statement on Sunday.
The situation was under control by 8pm.
On social media, many shared photos of a motorist sitting on his car which was almost fully submerged in flood waters in a tunnel, and wrongly claimed that the photo was taken in the Smart Tunnel.
However, Smart Tunnel on its Facebook has clarified that the incident in fact took place in the tunnel leading from Jalan Tun Razak down to the KLCC carpark.
A Sikh gurdwara in Kampung Pandan was also flooded after the heavy rain.
The Wadda Gurdwara Kampung Pandan was almost completely submerged in water including the prayer hall.
Heat grill: Turn all burners to high, cover, and heat grill until hot, about 15 minutes. Leave all burners on high.
While grill heats, combine 1 cup barbecue sauce, ¼ cup oil, and ¼ cup water in 1-gallon zipper-lock bag. Cut tempeh into 1½-inch pieces and add to bag with marinade. Trim mushrooms and add to bag. Press out air from bag, seal, and turn to coat; set aside.
Stem and seed bell peppers, then cut into 1½-inch pieces. Halve each romaine heart lengthwise (do not core). Halve lemon crosswise.
Remove tempeh and mushrooms from marinade and thread in alternating order with peppers onto eight 12-inch metal skewers. Pat dry with paper towels. Brush romaine with remaining 2 tablespoons oil and season with salt and pepper.
Clean and oil cooking grate. Place skewers on grill and cook, covered, turning as needed, until tempeh is well browned and vegetables are tender and slightly charred, 10 to 12 minutes. Brush 1 side of skewers with ¼ cup barbecue sauce and turn sauced side down. Grill until sizzling and well browned, about 1 minute. Repeat on second side with additional ¼ cup barbecue sauce. Transfer to platter and tent with aluminum foil.
Place romaine and lemon cut side down on now-empty grill and cook until lightly charred, 3 to 5 minutes. Flip romaine and cook until second side is lightly browned, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer romaine to second platter and squeeze grilled lemon over lettuce. Slide tempeh and vegetables off skewers. Serve with remaining ¼ cup barbecue sauce and romaine.
Nutrition information per serving: 311 calories; 157 calories from fat; 17 g fat (3 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 0 mg cholesterol; 312 mg sodium; 24 g carbohydrate; 2 g fiber; 10 g sugar; 20 g protein.
TROY - Hundreds came out Saturday to pay their respects for the four Troy residents brutally murdered last month. A memorial service was held at the Troy Middle School.
36-year-old Shanta Myers, her two children and her partner, 22-year-old Brandie Mills, were found murdered in their basement apartment on the day after Christmas.
Two Schenectady men, Justin Mann and James White, have been arrested and charged in connection with the murders.
Ampersand Duck is a Canberra-based artist and designer. She would like to be a full-time letterpress printer but finds that life quite often gets in the way of her plans. She has been blogging for over two years, and while often repeating herself, never runs out of things to say.
2.06 County Acres with a access to Grassy Creek. Kayak or Canoe and fish your way down the deep creek bed into Kerr Lakes 50,000 of water. Quiet little subdivision with large lots and only a few homes. Walking distance to the community center. Only a short commute to the Raleigh/Durham for work or shopping. Improved walkway permit to the water. Wonderful waterfront deal. If a bigger lot is needed, lot 4 beside is also available for sale with another 1.4 acres for only another $$35,000.
Vulcan County council has awarded the company with the lowest bid with a contract to replace a failing bridge structure near .
The County received 11 tenders by the Dec. 13 deadline to replace a 23-metre three-span bridge constructed in 1953 on the Bow River irrigation canal on Range Road 191, in the southwest quarter of 25-16-19.
Brooks Asphalt and Aggregate quote a cost of $340,925 – about $30,000 lower than the next highest bid – to remove two existing bridges and replace them with two large culverts measuring three metres in width by 34 metres in length.
The County had allocated $427,968 in its 2019 capital budget for the construction project, a savings of $87,043. The project had been carried over from the 2018 capital budget.
Telemundo also announced the creation of a Los Angeles-based production studio, Fluency, that will produce content for Latinos in the U.S in both Spanish and English.
Emilio Romano, president of Telemundo Media, said he's hoping the "American Idol" host will use his connections and leverage to attract talent.
Ryan Seacrest will produce a new music series for the Spanish-speaking Telemundo network that will feature two established artists competing against each other for the audience's vote.
The format for "Superstar Showdown" has been successful in other countries. Emilio Romano, president of Telemundo Media, said he's hoping the "American Idol" host will use his connections and leverage to attract talent. The network hasn't publicly set a start date for the series.
Telemundo announced several of its programming plans for next season on Sunday. The network usually gets less than half of the audience of the dominant Univision. Telemundo had its highest ratings ever during the first three months of 2013.
"We've been the underdog for so many years and we've been given the mission to fight and fight hard," Romano said.
Telemundo will air five new telenovelas next season. The prime-time soap operas, stuffed with melodrama and romance, are generally the programming backbone for Spanish-speaking networks. One new series, "Camelia la Tejana," is based on a popular song and features a young woman trying to escape from one of Mexico's most powerful drug lords.
Romano said he hopes Telemundo can distinguish itself from its competition by creating telenovelas specifically with the U.S. market in mind, instead of remaking series that originated in other countries. He hopes they will speak more to an American audience concerned about immigration issues and nostalgic for the countries they left behind.
One example he gave was last year's remake of the movie "Maid in Manhattan."
Telemundo is expanding its sports coverage. The weekly show, "Titulares y Mas," will begin airing all weeknights at 11:35 p.m. The network will also start a daytime game show that pits youngsters against adults.
Hearst To Replace Town & Country‘s Pamela Fiori?
Luxury magazine Town & Country is reportedly looking to replace its longtime editor Pamela Fiori, who has been at the magazine’s helm since 1993.
The luxury magazine’s ad pages have dipped significantly — 45.6 percent — within the past year, and it isn’t fairing too well on the circulation front, either.
Town & Country is one of many magazines for affluent readers that took a real hit when the excessive 80’s were replaced by the belt-tightening 90’s.
Fiori attempted to revamp the magazine’s image as “elitist” during her time, and it remains to be seen whether its next editor will continue on that path.
Even the most carefully prepared instructor cannot anticipate all of the unique consequences of every instructor/student interaction. We begin by discussing the most serious of these teaching challenges—conflicts with students—and then discuss some common classroom challenges.
A sensitive approach to your work with students can save you from many problems.
By phrasing questions and criticism carefully, you can generally avoid defensive or hostile responses.
If you are supportive, encouraging, and respectful of student ideas in class, you can correct wrong answers or point out weaknesses without discouraging your students.
Always show students the courtesy of listening to and responding to their answers when they offer an idea.
Rather than dismissing a weak or inaccurate idea immediately, ask the student to clarify it using class material. Often, students can talk their way into a more thoughtful response.
You will also want to be careful about teasing or sarcastic humor, since these are all too often easily misinterpreted.
You are also less likely to run into conflict with your students if you resolve any mixed feelings you have about your authority as a teacher. Students are often confused by and alienated from a teacher who acts first as a friend or peer and then as a stern authority figure. Students expect you to set clear boundaries and to hold them to their academic responsibilities.
Sometimes serious conflicts do arise between teacher and student—charges of poor instruction, irregular or unfair grading, deviation from announced procedures about course requirements, and the use of nonacademic criteria in computing grades. Although you may assume such problems are rare, in fact they are not. Concerns about academic performance (including grade disputes, Honor Code violations, credit and registration issues, and concerns about faculty conduct) are among the most frequently registered student complaints to the ombudsperson’s office. Ideally, such problems can be avoided by carefully formulating, communicating, and following classroom policies, especially regarding grading. However, if a problem does arise, there are steps you can take to resolve the conflict.
First try to resolve the conflict through discussion with the student. If you are a TA, involve the professor early on. Most conflicts can be worked out cooperatively at this stage. If you anticipate the discussion being particularly difficult or confrontational, you may want to invite (with the student’s permission) a colleague (e.g., the department’s student services officer) or another member of your teaching team (e.g., the student’s TA) to ensure that the meeting serves everyone’s interest.
For those conflicts that cannot be addressed through informal discussion, the university has a formal grievance procedure, outlined in the Stanford Bulletin.
An alternative to the formal grievance procedure is to go to, or refer the student to, the ombudsperson’s office. As a mediator, the ombudsperson can talk with all the parties involved to try to find a mutually satisfying resolution. The ombudsperson can only offer advice; he or she does not have the authority to impose solutions.
Conflicts can also arise when teachers are attracted to their students or vice versa. To avoid such potential clashes, the university very strongly discourages such relationships. Stanford has an explicit policy on sexual harassment and has committed itself to creating an atmosphere “free of sexual harassment and all forms of sexual intimidation and exploitation.” Visit Stanford's website http://harass.stanford.edu/.
YOU MIGHT not recognise him, but the picture shows education secretary Charles Clarke. Clarke, then president of the National Union of Students, was on the platform of a public meeting of 200 people in 1975.
He had rushed to the defence of 14 people who were on trial for trumped-up charges very similar to the accusations New Labour has thrown at George Galloway.
The 14 were charged with conspiracy to break the Incitement to Disaffection Act. Their 'crime' was to distribute leaflets to soldiers calling for the withdrawal of British troops in Ireland. A 31 year old lecturer, Andrew Lloyd, was charged with merely possessing the leaflet.
Labour officials have suspended Galloway for urging troops not to fight in the war in Iraq and for accusing Blair and Bush of acting like wolves. Strangely one figure has been missing from the campaign to defend Galloway - the one-time defender of free speech, Charles Clarke.
THE whole political establishment has united in mourning Margaret Thatcher's husband Denis. He was not a harmless old drunk, but a bigoted, racist reactionary who made a fortune from the oil industry.
He used his money to promote Thatcher's right wing ideology. They'll be no tears from workers and all the other victims of Thatcherism.
INSIDE THE System wants to be the first to congratulate east London Labour MP Jim Fitzpatrick on his latest post. He has travelled a long road since his days as a militant firefighter back in the 1970s.
In the recent government reshuffle he was given the job of vice chamberlain of the royal household. Fitzpatrick infuriated firefighters by his lack of support for their recent dispute. Now Blair has rewarded him by making him a royal flunky.
THE HOME Office is planning to equip buses with detention cells to interrogate asylum seekers. The buses will be stationed in small towns and will be used as mobile reporting centres for immigration officials.
The Home Office denies the buses will be used to detain asylum seekers. So why have a detention 'cell'? The first bus will be piloted in a three-month trial starting in August.
RICHARD Branson's got some cheek. He may have delayed thousands of people travelling on his Virgin trains, but he is suing train maker Alstom for £83 million because they are late delivering trains.
At the same time Branson is to get a £280 million handout from tax payers because the line the trains are meant to run on is not yet ready.

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