Union of India Vs. K. R. Tahiliani & ANR [1980] INSC 34 (26 February 1980)
KRISHNAIYER, V.R.
KOSHAL, A.D.
CITATION: 1980 AIR 953 1980 SCR (2)1092 1980 SCC (3) 309
CITATOR INFO :
O 1987 SC1907 (3,5) RF 1987 SC1933 (6,10)
Fundamental Rules-Rule 56(j) (i)-Scope of-Government servant officiating in a class I or class II post-If could be compulsorily retired.
On the question whether a Government servant officiating in a class 1 or class II service or post could be retired compulsorily by exercising power under r. 56(j) (i) of the Fundamental Rules after he has attained the age of 50 years.
HELD :
1. Rule 56(j)(i) is meant to cover only those who are in a post on a regular basis, that is, in a substantive capacity and not on an officiating basis only.
2. A government servant ordinarily holds service at the pleasure of the State which means pleasure canalised by rules. [1093H]
3. An officiating hand has no right to the post and cannot be strictly said to be in that service or post as a member of that service. In short an officiating government servant does not really belong to class I or class II service until he acquires a right there on. The structure of the clause "if he is in class I or class II service or post" emphasises the nature of the service or post vis-a-vis the Government servant concerned. When a government servant belonging to class I or class II service or post on a regular basis has to be retired compulsorily rule 56(j)(i) comes to the rescue of the Government. But if he is only a temporary hand who has no right to the post he can always be reverted to the post, if any, on which he has a lien.
Similar is the position of an officiating hand. [1094B-D]
4. Although the rule vests an absolute right in the appropriate authority to retire a government servant in public interest absolutism, and arbitrariness are contrary to the scheme of the rules of this kind. Even while exercising the power under this rule the State should take care not to act arbitrarily, misguided by the absolute expression in the rule. [1094F-G]
CIVIL APPELLATE JURISDICTION : Civil Appeal No. 850 of 1978 Appeal by special leave from the judgment and order dated 22-7-1977 of the Delhi High Court in L.P.A. No. 97 of 1977. Civil Appeal No. 2008 of 1978.
Appeal by special leave from the judgment and Order dated 19-5-1978 of the Allahabad High Court in Civil Misc. Writ No. 1592/76.
G. L. Sanghi, R. B. Datar and Miss A. Subhashini for the Appellant in both the appeals.
1093 M. K. Ramamurthy, G. D. Gupta and Miss Anita for the Respondent in CA No. 850/76.
Shanti Bhushan and P. K. Pillai for the Respondent in CA No. 2008/78.
The Judgment of the Court was delivered by KRISHNA IYER, J.-Two government servants have been retired from service in exercise of the powers vested in the Central Government by Rule 56 (j) (i) of the Fundamental Rules. They have successfully challenged compulsory retirement by petitions under Article 226 of the Constitution and the Union of India has come up in appeal to this Court by special leave. The sole question to be decided is whether a government servant officiating in a Class I or Class II service or post can be retired compulsorily by exercising the power under Rule 56 (j) (i) after he has attained the age of 50 years.
The biographical details of these two officials in government service need not detain us because the facts are admitted and the only point at issue is whether Rule 56(j) (i) will apply to a government servant who is only officiating in a Class I or Class II post or service. We agree with the High Court that on a correct interpretation of that Rule, an officiating hand will not be caught in the claws of the compulsory retirement provision. The reasons may briefly be stated by us now although these have been elaborately set out by the High Court (in the Delhi case).
We may extract the relevant part of the Rule at this stage:
"56. (j) Notwithstanding anything contained in this rule the appropriate authority shall, if it is of the opinion that it is in public interest to do so have the absolute right to retire any Government servant by giving him notice of not less than three months in writing or three months' pay and allowances in lieu of such notice.
(i) If he is in Class I or Class II service or post and had entered Government service before attaining the age of thirty five years after he has attained the age of fifty years." A Government servant ordinarily holds service at the pleasure of the State but in our Republic where the rule of law prevails even pleasure is canalised by rules. Viewed from this perspective security of tenure is a value in itself. In Government jurisprudence it is, 1094 however, open to the State to make rules under the proviso to Article 309; and Rule 56 (j) is one such rule. Assuming as we do, the validity of the said Rule, the question of construction causes little difficulty once the scheme of the provision is understood correctly.
An officiating hand has no right to the post and is perhaps a fleeting bird who may have to go back to the substantive post from which he has been promoted on an officiating basis. What is more to the point, a person who has been appointed de novo may begin his service on an officiating basis or on a temporary basis and it is obvious that he has no right to the post and cannot be strictly said to be in that service or post as a member of that service.
In short, an officiating Government servant does not really belong to Class I or Class II service until he acquires a right there on. Even viewed closely and meticulously, the structure of the clause, namely, "if he is in Class I or Class II services or post", emphasises the nature of the service or post vis-a-vis the Government servant concerned.
We need not go into the semantic shapes, lexical niceties or linguistic nuances but only go through the meaning and purpose of the provision. When a Government servant belonging to a Class I or Class II service or post on a regular basis has to be retired compulsorily, Rule 56 (j) (i) comes to the rescue of the Government. But if he is only a temporary hand, he has no right to the post and can always be reverted to the post, if any, on which he has a lien.
Similar is the position of an officiating hand. Thus, we have reached an inevitable conclusion that Rule 56 (j) (i) is meant to cover only those who are in a post on a regular basis, i.e., in a substantive capacity, and not on an officiating basis only.
In passing, we may make it clear that although the Rule vests an absolute right in the appropriate authority to retire a Government servant in public interest, yet absolutism and arbitrariness are contrary to the scheme of the rules we are concerned with. We, therefore emphasise the fact that even while exercising power under Rule 56 (j) (i) the State will take care not to act arbitrarily, misguided by the absolute expression in the Rule.
We dismiss the two Appeals and vacate the stay in Civil Appeal No. 850 of 1978. In each case, costs quantified in a sum of Rs. 2,500/- (Two Thousand and Five Hundred) will be paid. The counsel for the respondents in both the cases have generously agreed that Rs. 1,000/- (One Thousand), out of the said sum be paid over to the Free Legal Aid Society in each case.
P.B.R. Appeals dismissed.


Armagnac Sempé 1951
Armagnac age
Eye: Mahogany with golden highlights.
Nose: Complex and deep with notes of prunes, dried fruits, orange peel, Christmas cake and dried garden herbs.
Palate: Full-bodied and seductive, with an attractive, refined fruity character. Spiced hints of cinnamon and nutmeg are accompanied by subtle coffee nuances and a persistent, heady aftertaste.
The Armagnac Sempé 1951 is one of life's treasures. This limited edition release harks back to the heyday of the House of Sempé, a flashback to the elegant and decadent 1950s. As the name suggests, it's a single harvest vintage from the year 1951, made with eaux-de-vie sourced exclusively from the Armagnac AOC. It has been produced from distillates of different varieties of white grapes and aged in Gascon oak barrels for over a half a century, developing a depth of flavor that only time can bring. There are precious few vintages left of this age, so make sure to savor it while you still can.
Armagnac is a grape brandy produced in the Gascony region of southwest France, between the Adour and Garonne rivers by the foothills of the Pyrenees, as it has been since at least the 15th century. The terroir here is a mixture of sand and clay, spread across rolling hills drenched in sunshine during the long summer - resulting in dark, rich and rustic eaux-de-vie with concentrated flavors. The wood used for Armagnac casks is a particular wide-grained variety found in the Gascon forest, which has been toasted to a medium char to develop its sweetness and tannins perfectly. The wide grain allows for accelerated movement of the spirit in and out of the wood, creating depth of flavor and a well-developed aroma.
The House of Sempé is one of the best-known trading houses in Armagnac, founded in 1934 by Abel Sempé, a Gascon who worked tirelessly in the service of his country and his region. Known as a member of the resistance for the Armagnac battalion, he later served as Senator for the Gers for many years. He spread the Sempé Armagnac brand around the world in the 1950s and some of the stunning vintages he acquired can still be enjoyed today.
Shown in a classic 'Milady' bottle, this expression features a stunning label decorated with gold and a simple wooden presentation box emblazoned with the Sempé name. This would make a wonderful gift for anyone with a 1951 birthday or anniversary.
How to Serve Armagnac Sempé 1951
To fully appreciate the complex depth of this vintage, we recommend serving it at a slightly warmer temperature of 20-22°C. Pour into a tulip glass and wait a few minutes for the spirit to settle and concentrate its full aromas. Take your time and savor the moment; after all, this is an Armagnac that has waited over half a century to be tasted.
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Brandon Raub Speaks
This Former Marine Unlawfully Detained And Committed By Police Is Suing The Government
Michael Kelley | Aug. 30, 2012, 11:02 AM
YouTube/TRIFreedomUnderFire
Raub served as a Marine combat engineer in Iraq and Afghanistan from 2005 to 2011, earning the rank of sergeant.
This Marine Veteran Was Picked Up By The Feds Over Facebook Posts About 9/11
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Here's What You Need To Know About The NDAA's Indefinite Detention Clause
The former Marine who was unlawfully detained and placed in a psychiatric institution by authorities is filing a civil lawsuit against government officials involved.
Brandon Raub, 26, was detained on August 16 in connection to Facebook posts critical of the government after authorities from the FBI, Secret Service and local Virginia police questioned him at his home in Chesterfiled, Va.
On August 20 a judge ordered Raub to spend up to 30 days in a psych ward, but on August 23 a circuit court judge dismissed the government's case and ordered Raub's immediate release because the petition for his detainment was "so devoid of any factual allegations that it could not be reasonably expected to give rise to a case or controversy."
Now the decorated Marine veteran is suing the government officials who were involved in the unlwaful arrest and detention.
In an interview with his lawyer John Whitehead, Raub said that the experience "made me scared for my country—the idea that a man can be snatched out of his property without being read his rights should be extremely alarming to all Americans."
"Brandon Raub's case exposed the seedy underbelly of a governmental system that seems to be targeting Americans, especially military veterans, for expressing their discontent over America's rapid transition to a police state," Whitehead, president of the Rutherford Institute, said in statement. "Brandon Raub is not the first veteran to be targeted for speaking out against the government, detained against his will. … Hopefully, by holding officials accountable, we can ensure that Brandon is the last."
While in one of two psych wards Raub said he didn't know why he was singled out and that he found the situation "extremely ironic" because he was considering reenlisting in the Marine Corps.
Below is Whitehead's interview with Raub in which they speak about his military service, what he considers the problems of the U.S. government and the details of his detention:
SEE ALSO: Judge Orders Release Of Detained Marine From Psychiatric Hospital >
Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/brandon-raub-suing-government-2012-8#ixzz254VIWgKU
Brandon Raub Speaks Out About His Imprisonment For Facebook Comments
Brandon Raub's attorneys to file civil suit against government
Posted on: 12:01 pm, August 29, 2012, by Alix Bryan
CHESTERFIELD, Va. (WTVR)—Attorneys for The Rutherford Institute are preparing to file a civil lawsuit against government officials who were involved in the arrest and detention of the 26-year-old Virginia resident, and Marine veteran Brandon Raub.
Raub was arrested by FBI, Secret Service agents and local police on August 16, 2012, and detained in a psychiatric ward from Aug. 16-Aug. 23, for posting controversial song lyrics and political views on his private Facebook page.
BONUS: Marine veteran Brandon Raub discusses detention over Facebook post
Judge Allan Sharrett, a Hopewell County judge, dismissed the case. He said that the original petition for Raub's detention contained no facts. In other words, there was no information on why Raub was being held — and the judge deemed this violated his civil liberties.
The Rutherford Institute said that since coming to Raub's defense, military veterans across the country have contacted them and recounted similar incidents.
BONUS: Full text, Brandon Raub's proclamation: Take our Republic back
According to the press release, Rutherford Institute attorneys plan to take issue with the manner in which Virginia's civil commitment statutes are being used to silence individuals engaged in lawfully exercising their free speech rights.
Anthony Troy and Brian Fowler with Troutman Sanders LLP of Richmond, Va., will be acting as affiliate attorneys for The Rutherford Institute in preparation of the civil lawsuit.
COMPLETE COVERAGE: Chesterfield Marine veteran detained over Facebook posts
Brandon Raub to be transferred to Salem psych ward
Full text, Brandon Raub's proclamation: Take our Republic back
Mother of detained Marine vet says he's a patriot, not a threat
Statement from attorneys on Brandon Raub detention
Chesterfield police: Raub resisted officers, was taken for evaluation
Chesterfield Marine veteran to remain detained over Facebook posts
Chesterfield man, Marine veteran, detained over Facebook posts
New York State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver Assisted Vito Lopez In A Coverup By Giving Victims $103G Public Funds As Hush Money
I'm posting political pieces such as the Silver-Lopez-Lippman stuff below just to show how education politics must be understood before anything really changes for the better in our public schools. My opinion: get the triumvirate out of New York State.
Silver hit by 'hu$h' probe
By ERIK KRISS in Albany and JOSH MARGOLIN in NY POST
Last Updated:3:26 AM, August 29, 2012
Posted:12:50 AM, August 29, 2012
NYS Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver
A state ethics committee created by Gov. Cuomo has launched a potentially damning probe into the six-figure Assembly payout to two of Vito Lopez's alleged sex-harassment victims — a deal Speaker Sheldon Silver now admits he green-lighted, sources said yesterday.
With his role in the scandal facing intense scrutiny, Silver made a stunning mea culpa last night.
"I now believe it was the wrong one from the perspective of transparency," he said in a statement, referring to the decision to keep the settlement under wraps.
"I take full responsibility in not insisting that all cases go to the ethics committee."
He then laid out his mistakes in authorizing the $103,080 settlement:
"The Assembly (1) should not agree to a confidential settlement, (2) should insist that the basic factual allegations of any complaint be referred to the ethics committee for a full investigation and (3) should publicly announce the existence of any settlement, while protecting the identity of the victims," Silver said.
The rare admission by one of the state's most powerful lawmakers comes during the opening stages of an investigation by the independent Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE), which "will focus on the process'' that led to the taxpayer-funded settlement, a source said.
Probers are interested in what led to the deal, who did the negotiating and how the final terms were hammered out, sources said.
Cuomo — who created JCOPE last year to police the state government — yesterday said investigators should probe Lopez's alleged sexual misconduct.
"What's really troubling here is a person coming forward and saying they were harassed by a public official," he said. "If there were repeated instances of it, I think he should resign everything."
Still, the governor defended the use of public funds to settle sex-harass cases.
"This would not be the first harassment case that the state settled . . . It's the obligation of the state to settle the claims, if you can,'' he said.
The costly deal involved two women, The New York Times reported.
The deal also was well-known to more state officials than previously thought, The Post has learned. A lawyer in Attorney General Eric Schneiderman's office reviewed the settlement and made a recommendation on it, although neither the lawyer nor Schneiderman was involved in its approval, said a top aide to the AG. State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli's office cut the check for it.
Lopez, 71, yesterday resigned as Brooklyn's Democratic Party leader, but vowed to hold on to his Assembly seat, despite calls for his ouster.
He was censured and stripped of his position as head of the Assembly's Housing Committee by Silver on Friday after the Assembly's ethics panel charged that Lopez groped at least two young female staffers.
It was then revealed that two other women claimed he had sexually harassed them — but Assembly leaders quietly dealt with them by negotiating the settlement.
The president of the National Organization for Women of New York City, Sonia Ossorio, said Silver's feet need to be held to the fire.
"This earlier complaint was never reported to the Assembly's ethics committee,'' she said.
"Sheldon Silver is now in the hot seat with Lopez, and he has a lot of explaining to do."
A Silver spokesman previously said that the only time complaints aren't investigated by the ethics committee is when victims insist that they not be "for reasons of personal privacy.''
Gloria Allred, lawyer for at least one of the women in the settlement, said in a statement yesterday, "We have never requested or insisted that a legislative committee or other body not proceed with an investigation."
Lopez denied the charges in a statement yesterday, saying, "I never sexually harassed any staff, and I hope and intend to prove in the coming months the political nature of these accusations."
Kevin Mintzer, the lawyer for the two other women whose complaints led to Lopez's censure, demanded that the Brooklyn kingmaker be immediately forced to give up his Assembly seat.
"The notion that Mr. Lopez will continue to be in a position to sexually harass other Assembly employees is intolerable,'' Mintzer said.
Lopez, in resigning his local party post, said he did so because of an "onslaught of character attacks.''
They have "put enormous emotional pressures on my family and close friends. I cannot sit by and allow that to continue," said the pol, who has a longtime girlfriend.
But a Brooklyn party source said Lopez doesn't want to give up his Assembly seat because he is still hoping to get rid of Lincoln Restler, a fellow district leader who could challenge Lopez's protégé, City Councilman Steve Levin.
Former Assemblyman Frank Seddio is said to be a front-runner to replace Lopez as party leader.
Additional reporting by Sally Goldenberg, Rich Calder, Fredric U. Dicker, Dan Mangan, Kate Sheehan
From Betsy Combier :
We all remember Wayne Barrett's expose of the corruption inside our Unified Court System, right? Now President Obama has appointed Shelly Silver - oops, I mean Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman - to the Board of Directors of the State Justice Institute:
President Obama Announces More Key Administration Posts
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, President Barack Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individual to a key Administration post:
• Jonathan Lippman – Member, Board of Directors of the State Justice Institute
The President also announced his intent to appoint the following individual to a key Administration post:
• John F. Sopko – Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction
President Obama said, "The extraordinary dedication these individuals bring to their new roles will greatly serve the American people. I am grateful they have agreed to serve in this Administration and I look forward to working with them in the months and years to come."
President Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individual to a key Administration post:
Judge Jonathan Lippman, Nominee for Member, Board of Directors of the State Justice Institute
Judge Jonathan Lippman is currently Chief Judge of the State of New York and Chief Judge of the New York Court of Appeals, a position he has held since 2009. Judge Lippman has spent his entire legal career in the New York State court system, serving for 40 years in a variety of roles. He was Presiding Justice of the Appellate Division of the New York Supreme Court, First Department from 2007 to 2009; an Associate Justice of the Appellate Term for the Ninth and Tenth Judicial Districts from 2006 to 2007; a Justice of the Supreme Court, Ninth Judicial District from 2006 to 2009; and Chief Administrative Judge of all New York State Courts from 1996 to 2007. Judge Lippman is a member of the Board of Directors of the Conference of Chief Justices, former President of the Conference of State Court Administrators, and former Vice Chair of the Board of the National Center for State Courts. He is the recipient of numerous awards and honors, including the William H. Rehnquist Award for Judicial Excellence, which the National Center for State Courts awarded to him in 2008. He holds a B.A. from New York University in Government and International Relations and a J.D. from the New York University School of Law.
Cuomo's on the case
Posted:10:27 PM, August 28, 2012
Gov. Cuomo yesterday took effective custody of the Sheldon Silver-Vito Lopez sexual-harassment scandal — urging his hand-tooled Joint Commission on Public Ethics to work its way to the bottom of Albany's latest bubbling cesspool.
JCOPE was Cuomo's idea, and six of the agency's 14 members — including Executive Director Ellen Biben — are Cuomo retainers of some standing.
Ellen Biben
As is Letizia Tagliaferro, named by Biben yesterday as JCOPE's director of investigations and enforcement.
These are people of considerable talent, as well. They're well-equipped to make quick work of the Silver-Lopez scandal — should they choose to do so.
And if they don't — well, it's on Cuomo.
Late yesterday, the governor publicly called on JCOPE to investigate the sexual-harassment allegations against Lopez.
Good for the governor.
But any investigation that doesn't include a thorough public airing of just how the Assembly came to make a surreptitious $103,000, taxpayer-funded payment to make the Lopez claim go away will be no investigation at all.
Silver, of course, had to be right in the middle of it all; no payment of any sort would have been made without the Assembly speaker's imprimatur.
So a serious probe by definition means that Cuomo and Silver are hell-bent for a major collision.
Fine by us.
Cuomo came to office promising "a new day in Albany" and a vow to "restore honor and integrity to government."
Not that he's in any way responsible for Lopez's misdeeds, of course. Nor for those of Albany's legion of legislative malfeasors.
Silver, on the other hand, has been an enabler of misconduct for years — going back at least to when he used tax dollars to bail one of his own key aides out of a sexual-misconduct mess.
Authorizing Lopez's payout, in other words, was just another day at the office for the speaker.
And, in that respect, getting to the bottom of Silver's behavior is — institutionally speaking — of far more importance than determining who Lopez groped and when he groped them.
Lopez, it appears, is just a pig.
Silver is one of the most powerful elected officials in Albany — not someone who should be rolling around in the muck with all the other oinkers.
Silver said yesterday that he believes the secret payout was "wrong . . . from the perspective of transparency."
Said Cuomo: "I think JCOPE should do an investigation of the allegations that have been made and let's have the facts."
From his lips to Biben's ear.
We don't doubt that she's listening.
From Betsy Combier:
You cant make this stuff up. Let's see how Attorney General Eric Schneiderman and Governor Andrew Cuomo get out of this one. We, the public dont need any of these cheats, including Cuomo.
Silver Lopez New York's Joe Paterno Sandusky
Pay to Play Sexual Abuse Cover Up
Albany's Blue Wall of Silence: No Outrage By Members
Lopez, as sketchy a pol as they come, now turns out to be a serial molester. And Silver has been an enabler — and, effectively, his paymaster. Vito Lopez needs to go. Shelly Silver needs to come clean. Now. .@nypostopinion calls Vito Lopez a "serial molester" & NYS Assembly Speaker Sheldon SIlver his "enabler" * Daily News: Speaker Sheldon Silver's handling of case against Vito Lopez needs full probe"A hushed up settlement with tax dollars is not in the public interest * Albany's enforcement mechanisms — supposedly bolstered by Cuomo — broke down badly when it came to Lopez." * Rumors of an Albany housecleaning have been greatly exaggerated * The Times urges Lopez to resign from the state assembly and demands the state's Joint Commission on Public Ethics begin investigating the matter: * The Daily News calls for a full probe of the Lopez harassment incidents and the events that led the Assembly to settle one claim: * Newsday praises state officials for getting serious about cleaning up Albany, but worries that pols will continue to violate the law or breach ethical standards: * The TU says it's time for Lopez to go. *State Paid $103,000 to Settle Sexual Harassment Lawsuit Against Vito Lopez(NY Mag) * Vito Lopez Sexual Harassment Claims Settled By Sheldon Silver's Authorization Of Secret Payment(Huff Post) *"this could be worse than the Michael Boxley affair"--@Fud31 re: Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver's handling of Vito Lopez case.* Tax $ Settled Assembly Sex Claim: Report(NBC) * "Vito Lopez is a sexual predator who should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law with both criminal and civil charges against him," Lincoln Restler said. "His corrupt reign has, fortunately, come to an end." * Citizens Union would like JCOPE to take a look into the settlement with Lopez's first sexual harassment allegation. * Governor Cuomo agreed that the ethics panel needs to do something. * Cuomo Wants Facts In Lopez Investigation(YNN) * Gloria Allred, who represented at least one woman who settled with Lopez, said her firm has "never requested or insisted that a legislative committee or other body not proceed with an investigation." * (Another Bragg piece): NYC Councilman Dan Halloran is campaigning for Congress on a shoestring budget, and was able to travel to Israel – in style – thanks to funding from a Brooklyn nonprofit, the World Committee.
Bloomberg Doing His Best Sargent Schultz "I know Nothing"On Lopez
.@MikeBloomberg, asked whether @vitojlopez should resign, says "it's up to the albany legislature to investigate" .@MikeBloomberg, asked whether @VitoJLopez assembly payment was appropriate, said "I just don't know what laws are"* Bloomberg Declines to Opine on Vito Lopez's Woes(NYO)
Silver Spokesman Victim Asked for Privacy
A spokesman for Silver's office said that the only situation where a complaint isn't referred to the ethics committee is when a victim asks for privacy. (WNYC)
Gloria Allred Not True
A statement Tuesday from Gloria Allred, an attorney for the woman, said they have "never requested or instead that a legislative committee or other body not proceed with an investigation."
The DN editorial board says: Spill the Vito Lopez secrets
The New York Times called on Lopez to step down, while the New York Post and the Daily News put the heat on Shelly Silver instead.
Shelly buys silence(NYP) Was Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver's lightning-fast crackdown last week on a powerful colleague charged with sexually harassing two female interns meant to divert attention from his own misuse of public money? * Last night, in response to a FOIL request, the amount was disclosed: $103,080, paid two months ago. * Assembly Paid $103,000 in Harassment Case(NYT)Sheldon Silver, the New York State Assembly speaker, authorized the secret payment to settle sexual harassment claims against Assemblyman Vito J. Lopez, according to Assembly records.Assemblyman Vito Lopez denied charges he sexually harassed female staff members and has "no intention of resigning," but records showed Speaker Shelly Silver approved a $103,080 payment to settle his claim. Lawmaker Denies Sexual Charges(WSJ) *Looks like Vito's grabby tendencies cost taxpayers $103k(NYDN) * copy of "Quick Pay Voucher" suggesting there was a $100K settlement for a prior Vito Lopez case. * The voucher said the money was used for "legal services." [Erik Kriss] * A Silver spokesman said alleged victims can request that sexual harassment cases not be referred to the Assembly's ethics committee. [Jon Campbell] Lots of Buzz about Lopez stepping down (NYO)
Fake Sheldon Silver @ShellySilver
Gevalt. The Senate is a mess. The press should focus on this... RT @nydailynews Queens Sen. Shirley Huntley indicted
There is precedent for such action.
Back in 2003, Silver's chief counsel, Michael Boxley, plea-bargained his way out of a rape charge leveled by a 22-year-old legislative intern — after which it came to light that two years earlier, another staffer had charged Boxley with sexually assaulting her.he. The first victim subsequently sued — pocketing a $507,500 payment, plus legal fees, with all but $20,000 of the bill being borne by the taxpayers.
Deep Throat: Follow the Money
Daily News The $103,080 does not represent the full size of the settlement"
NYT leaves out Naomi Rivera when writing about the latest Albany scandals. Has never talked about Naomi Rivera
The Bronx establishment is going all-out to save Naomi Rivera.* The Bronx Democratic County Leader Carl Heastie is "unwavering" in his support for Assemblywoman Naomi Rivera, who is the subject of four ongoing investigations. [Sally Goldenberg]
Labels: Betsy Combier
Brandon Raub Speaks Out About His Imprisonment For...
New York State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver Ass...


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The Best NYC Museums You've Never Heard Of
There's more to see below Chambers Street besides the typical tourist spots. Depart from the crowds (as much as you can, anyway) and visit these 10 museums exploring NYC's history, skyscrapers, and even its elevators.
By Jillian Anthony
Castle Clinton
This stronghold at the tip of Manhattan has served the people of New York City in many different capacities. It was originally built to ward off the British in 1812, then adapted into a promenade and beer garden before converting into the first immigration station in New York. "Many Americans who think their families came through Ellis Island actually came through Castle Clinton," says National Park Service's Chief of Operations and Visitor Services Liam Strain. The castle also housed NYC's first aquarium, which was the busiest spot in the city during the days when New York first became a tourist attraction.
Known as the birthplace of American government, Federal Hall has been the site of the first Congress, Supreme Court, and Executive Branch offices. The original building, which was torn down and rebuilt as a Customs House with a grand Neoclassical Greco-Roman design, was where George Washington took his oath of office—you can even see the Bible he swore on and the actual stone he stood upon while doing it—and where the Bill of Rights was drafted.
Fraunces Tavern Museum
Standing out against an endless backdrop of skyscrapers is Fraunces Tavern, a building that still looks just like it did in the 1700s when it served as a meeting place for America's forefathers like George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, and John Adams. The tavern houses paintings of revolutionary scenes and cartography buffs can peruse 27 maps of the United States from the 18th and 19th centuries; visitors can also dine at one of the building's eight restaurants and bars.
Mmuseumm
An only-in-New-York sort of gem, this teeny museum is located entirely within one elevator shaft. The museum displays contemporary artifacts that showcase the modern world and include a bag of Cable Car Gummy Worms, a bag of cheese puffs and, formerly, the shoe George W. Bush narrowly dodged as it flew toward him in 2008. The museum is currently closed to make way for a new installation but will reopen soon, so email info@mmuseumm.com to book a tour.
Museum of American Finance
Just a few streets away from the selfie-magnet Charging Bull statue is a museum dedicated to what makes our capitalist society go round: money. Housed in the very appropriate setting of the historic Bank of New York, built in 1929, the banking hall showcases exhibitions on the financial guru of the U.S., Alexander Hamilton, as well as rare items like a 1792 Treasury Bond owned and signed by George Washington, ticker tape from the stock market crash of 1929 and a solid-gold Monopoly game set worth $2 million.
Museum of Jewish Heritage
This waterfront institution with sweeping views of New York Harbor and neighboring Battery Park is a reflective look into the Jewish experience, both past and present. The three floors of the core exhibition tell sobering stories of the Holocaust through more than 4,000 first-person testimonies and artifacts the time, while special exhibitions like "Designing Home: Jews and Midcentury Modernism explore Jews' significant cultural contributions." "Universal themes of heritage, humanity, hope, and renewal touch people of every background and faith," says director of marketing Lisa Safier. Make sure to take some time to meditate in the Garden of Stones, where trees bloom from the center of boulders each year in a powerful sculpture memorial.
Museum of the American Indian
Located inside the statuesque Beaux Arts-style Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House, this 99-year-old institution offers a comprehensive look at the native groups of the Western hemisphere and the suffering they've endured at the hands of European settlers. "This museum teaches not just accurate histories of Native peoples, but also highlights the present and illuminates the futures of the great many for whom this institution honors," says Public Affairs Specialist Joshua Stevens. "We are in the business of correcting histories, and histories are corrected only if they are known."
Though it's officially a place to learn about New York's history as a port city, the Seaport is really a sweet escape from the bustling madness of the metropolis. "I'd characterize the museum as a hidden treasure," says Executive Director Jonathan Boulware. "The buildings, the district and the museum itself are really Old New York." Head to Schermerhorn Row to learn about the shipping trade and Peter Schermerhorn's merchant business, see 19th-century letterpresses in action on Water Street, and finally, go to Pier 16 to see the Street of Ships and catch a ride on a 130-year-old schooner.
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Skyscraper Museum
Learn about the makings of New York's iconic and ever-changing skyline at this small museum that simulates its core subject matter through a "vertical Versailles" of reflective panels and a mirrored stainless steel ceiling. The current exhibition, "Ten Tops," surveys skyscrapers with more than 100 stories worldwide and includes wind tunnel models, blueprints, and photos of buildings including the Burj Khalifa, Shanghai Tower, and the first-ever 100-story skyscraper, the Empire State Building.
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7th Regiment
American Colonial
Antiquery
Brass Barrel
Brescian
British East India Company
Cartridge Box
Double Barrel
English Gun Maker
Firearms Guns Flintlock French & Indian War Revolutionary War British Military
Flayderman's Guide
Fort Cumberland
French & Indian War 1754-1763
General Braddock
Gun Maker
Historic Americana
Kepi.
King Frederick II
King Frederick William II
King George II
King George III
Musket
Muzzle-loader
Napoleonic War
Nautical Antiques
Percussion Cap
Pin Fire Revolver
Plains Indian Wars
Post-Revolutionary War to Civil War
Powder Horn
Riggs & Brothers
Saddle Holsters
Sinclair Saber
Twigg
WW I
antique 19th century
antique cannon
belt dagger
iron cannon
percussion pistol
powder flask
(PAIR) of 18th-early 19th Century English Military Cannon Powder Buckets, #2002
(PAIR) of Large American Indian Wars Images, #1875 Militaria
(PAIR) of Leather Saddle Holsters for a Brace of Flintlock Pistols, #2486
19th Century Drum, #840 Militaria
A Fantastic (PAIR) of Early 18th Century Iron Ship's Cannon
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A Fine (PAIR) of Leather Saddle Holsters for a Brace of Flintlock Pistols, #3037 Militaria
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A Fine Civil War Era Military Federal Snare Drum, #2803 Militaria
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A Good 17th Century Italian/Brescian Wheel Lock Mechanism
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A Good American CIVIL WAR UNION Infantry Model 1855 Cartridge Box, 7th New York , #3215 Militaria
A Good English Brass Barrel Flintlock Blunderbuss by TWIGG, LONDON
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A Good European Battle Flail / Morning Star of Medieval form
A Good European Battle Morning Star Mace of Medieval form
A Good French Military Model 1822 Percussion Service Pistol, St. Etienne Arsenal
A Good Late Civil War - Plains Indian Wars - WW I Era Binoculars by RIGGS & BRO, PHILADEPHIA
A Good PAIR of Pistol Saddle Holsters
A Rare 16th Century Breastplate, most likely Italian or German
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A Rare British Military/East India Company Brown Bess Officer's Flintlock Fusil by WILSON dated 1779
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A Rare German 17th Century "SHOT-PROOF" Weight Breastplate from the Armory of Archduke Eugen
A Spectacular Museum Quality (BRACE) of Massive French Double Barrel Flintlock Holster Pistols
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A Very Rare American Colonial French & Indian War Powder Horn Dated 1759
American Leather Shot Dispenser, #1988 Militaria
An Interesting Belt Dagger
An Interesting German/Prussian Military Hanger Reign of Frederick II - Frederick William II, King of Prussia
British Military Tomb Stone Hat, 23rd Regiment, #2714 Militaria
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Civil War Albany, NEW YORK Zouave Cadet's Kepi, #963 Militaria
Civil War Kepi, #976 Militaria
Civil War Period 7th NEW YORK STATE MILITIA Kepi, #2601 Militaria
CIVIL WAR Period French 12mm PIN FIRE Revolver by E Le Faucheux
CIVIL WAR UNION CARTRIDGE BOX, #2891 Militaria
Civil War-Early Indian Wars Federal Kepi, #1778 Militaria
Colonial Period (Single) Flintlock Saddle Holster, #1523 Militaria
DUPONT Black Powder Keg, #1884 Militaria
Early 19th Century American 2-Point Officer's Hat, #2624 Militaria
English 19th Century Drum and Leather Sling, 101 Regiment, #2680 Militaria
English Leather Shot Dispenser, #1987 Militaria
English William IV-Queen Victoria Period Personal Traveling Set, #1876 Militaria
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European/Ottoman Leather Belt Pouch, #477 Militaria
EXTREMELY RARE CIVIL WAR CONFEDERATE CARTRIDGE BOX, S. S. COTTRELL & CO. C. S. ARSENAL RICHMOND DATED 1863
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FEATURED ON DISCOVERY CHANNEL'S TV SHOW MASTER OF ARMS !!! A Good English Iron Barrel Flintlock Blunderbuss by John PARKINSON, LONDON
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French Brass Napoleonic War Regimental Shako/Haversack Plate, #776 Militaria
French Military Artillery Cartridge/Fuse Bandolier, #508 Militaria
Japanese Edo Period Single Abumi (stirrup), #2582 Militaria
Large Colonial Wood Water Canteen, #856 Militaria
Miniature On Ivory Painting of King Friedrich der Grasse (Frederick The Great) Framed In Tortoise & Ivory Dated 1779, #1469 Militaria
Pair of French Saddle Holsters for the Pistol., #988 Militaria
Pair of Saddle Holsters for the Pistol., #2721 Militaria
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Scottish Sinclair Saber, #1605 Edged Weapons
U. S. Navy 2-Point CHAPEAU BRAS Cocked Hat, #2807 Militaria
Unidentified Civil War Period ? Militia Kepi, #2675 Militaria


A tale of two hashtags
May 28, 2014by bbp adminin Blog
In the last week, for very different reasons, two particular hashtags got a lot of attention on Twitter.
During the run-up to Thursday's UK local and European elections, the UK Independence Party tried to drum up visibility (though why they thought it was needed given the relentless media attention…) by pushing the use of #WhyImVotingUkip. The goal was to get supporters sharing their motivations, presumably to open up a wider audience to the attractions of the party's position.
I could be wrong, but I get the sense that Ukip's communications people don't really get what a tech-savvy userbase is able to do to a hashtag campaign by a controversial brand. Either that or they have uncommon faith in human nature – which is unlikely, given they rely so heavily on bringing out the worst in people.
Were they, I wonder, surprised when the hijack happened?
#WhyImVotingUkip because I heard they were going to take Britain out of Europe, so I'm hoping they move us somewhere hot like the Caribbean
— Dominic McGregor (@DominicMcGregor) May 22, 2014
#WhyImVotingUkip because Dracula was from Romania and we need to keep vampires away
— Carlos Adama (@Carlos_Adama) May 21, 2014
Because I want any child in Britain whose parents aren't the same race is Nigel Farage to live in fear #WhyImVotingUkip
— Tony Grew (@ayestotheright) May 21, 2014
https://twitter.com/loveandgarbage/statuses/468897025506172928
#WhyImVotingUkip because if I don't we'll all be eating romanian gay-bombs while the EU makes my nan wear a burkha. Or something.
— Jason Cook (@jasonmarkcook) May 21, 2014
Obviously in the early stages there were a number of very earnest Tweets by actual supporters delivering their personal viewpoint on why Ukip was going to be good for the country. But it was the sarcastic and undermining thread of messages that quickly dominated the hashtag and its media coverage, many using the opportunity to highlight the more extreme positions stated by the party's supporters.
It's astonishing that a brand almost defined by the extreme division between its followers and opponents should throw something like this out into the world with no thought as to how it could backfire. No doubt Ukip could argue that given the results it didn't damage their campaign, but given this is a party whose own spokeswoman acknowledged their difficulty in getting their message across to the "more media-savvy, educated" sections of the populace, you'd think someone would have flagged that giving that audience another stick with which to beat them wasn't necessarily the brightest idea.
At the other end of the scale, and showing how a hashtag that emerges organically is often more effective than a manufactured one, was the #YesAllWomen wave.
When multiple-murderer Elliot Rodger's videos and online manifesto were discovered, his misogynistic attitudes and goal to target women who had not given him what he believed he deserved were quickly seized upon. (The complex system of motivation and circumstance that tipped Rodger over the edge is far beyond the outsider's ability to judge – here I'm only discussing the statements he made and the response to them.) It's common when male violence against women happens for some men to jump to their gender's defence by pointing out that "not all men" carry out these acts, which while true has become something of a clichè. The broad goal of #YesAllWomen is to counter that: Not all men behave like this, but all women have to live in a world where they could be a victim of this. Under the hashtag, women and men alike offered viewpoints and experiences highlighting the reality of their world:
"I have a boyfriend" is the easiest way to get a man to leave you alone. Because he respects another man more than you. #yesallwomen
— Ariel Filion (@ArielFilion) May 27, 2014
#YesAllWomen because I was told "don't wear that, guys will look at you" but my brother wasn't told "don't look at girls like that"
— Whats Good, Miley!? (@avonsloveaffair) May 26, 2014
#YesAllWomen started in response to a mass shooting in CA but it's trending worldwide b/c harassment of women is a problem everywhere
— Zerlina Maxwell (@ZerlinaMaxwell) May 27, 2014
#YesAllWomen because Taylor Swift gets more hate from singing about her life experiences than Robin Thicke did for making a song about rape.
— lexi (@LexayRaee) May 25, 2014
The cops who asked me "Well, what were you wearing?" when I reported an attack and attempted rape. #YesAllWomen
— Aimee Mann (@aimeemann) May 25, 2014
Unsurprisingly, many of the users employing the hashtag were attacked, which in many ways only served to illustrate the need for it in the first place. Even these responses only served to broaden the reach of the hashtag though, leading at least a couple of tools I've seen calculate its reach so far as over one billion impressions.
A hashtag like this explodes because it taps into a very real experience shared by huge numbers of women, but sometimes it takes a catalyst, even a terrible one, to bring that experience into the open.
If there's one thing that the stories of each of these hashtags illustrate it's that very little beats passion and spontaneity when it comes to giving social media an impact. Which is why I suspect I'm not the only one who took the story of 45 days to plan and execute a single Tweet as satire when I first read it.


The first line of this book is a perfect introduction into how the rest of this book is going to go:
Theoretically, Blue Sargent was probably going to kill one of these boys.
Welcome to Dream Thieves, people! Where Blue Sargent owns 3 ½ boys who she loves but exasperate her to no end. There's also the quick recap about the whole true-love's-kiss-and-then-he-dies scenario, but we've talked about that extensively and you probably already know what's up.
Right now, we're standing on a hilltop. It's windy. Gansey is busy being beautiful on top of the hill in his infamous yellow polo shirt, and Blue is busy thinking about him being turned into a statue outside a library so she can look at him all day long. That's love, folks.
Except that Blue has just decided it's not, because he made a stupid feminist joke. And, anyways, she already decided she's into Adam. Who cares about Gansey's "nice mouth" and "gloriously tanned legs?" Certainly not Blue Sargent.
They stood in a close circle: Adam Parrish, gaunt and fair; Noah Czerny, smudgy and slouching; and Ronan Lynch, ferocious and dark. On Ronan's tattooed shoulder perched his pet raven, Chainsaw.
Just in case you forgot who you were dealing with. (I've been doing a lot of reading for my classics class, and these adjectives remind me of a lot of the epithets you get in epic poetry—gaunt Adam and smudgy Czerny stood next to the war-painted Ronan).
Blue joins the circle and Adam touches her elbow, which is supposed to be romantic, I think. Ronan is too busy opening up a small model plane to notice. Upon closer examination everyone realizes the battery hatch is empty, and so the plane shouldn't be able to fly. Adam points that out and Ronan makes fun of him for it. It's all very teenage boy.
Gansey takes a more scholarly approach—there's an empty space in the plane, something should probably go in there, right? Ronan sleeping brain answered missiles but he didn't manage to take those, so Blue suggests grass seeds. Resourcefulness is one of her best qualities. Ronan thinks so, too, which is why he says "good thinking, Maggot." Blue ignores him and compares the dynamics of their group to the plane's controllers, which has five buttons. Adam is the button off to the side, apparently. This part isn't very subtle.
I have three things to say about this section: first, Ronan calling Blue "Maggot" is very important to me. Second, shut up about how Adam isn't "as close" as the others, Blue. He's not the only one who was involved in a ritual sacrifice; your dad popped out of the ley line only to pop back in at the moment of your birth. We all deal with shit. And third, they are so very excited about this plane and it's just a really cute way to start off the story. I kind of can't get enough of it.
Ronan pitched the plane left and right, looping it around the crest, Chainsaw close behind. When the plane passed back overhead, he hit that fifth button. Seeds cascaded from the open hatch, rolling off their shoulders. Blue clapped and reached out her palm to catch one.
"You incredible creature," Gansey said.
See? Cute.
With Ronan's superpower proved real, they gather up their stuff and resume their walk along the ley line.
I've said it once and I'll say it again: what a lovely way to start a book! All of our favorite teenagers are back to making fun of each other in the Virginia countryside. After what happened at the end of the last book, with all those fraught conversations and angry looks, it's nice to see them doing magic that doesn't result in one of their teachers getting trampled.
I mentioned this briefly in the summary, but I think it's worth repeating that it's only chapter one and I'm already tired of everyone singling Adam out. Blue is pushing this idea that because Adam sacrificed his freedom to the ley line, that he's somehow set apart from the rest of them, and that's just not true? Out of the four boys Blue is observing, one is dead, one died and then was resurrected, one of them inherited the ability to pull objects out of his dreams. But somehow, Adam's the only one who took it too far. It doesn't add up!
I think it's just because Blue is so aware of Adam, in the same way she's aware of Gansey. And even with Gansey she's too busy picking out all the things about him that sets him apart from her, the things she doesn't like. She's so used to feeling a special kinship with Adam because of their shared past that she's not sure what to do about this divergence in future. Which, okay. I get that. But don't compare him to the fifth button on the remote control. That's just rude.
Overall, though, this chapter was emotionally and scenically beautiful. I want it painted, so I can hang it above the fireplace I don't have.
Looking forward, I'm excited for a lot of things. Ronan and Blue's relationship really takes off from here (Maggot was only the beginning), Blue learns to love more about Gansey than just his "gloriously tanned" legs, and we get more and more and more magic.
And Ronan stood there with his hands on the controller and his gaze on the sky, not smiling, but not frowning, either. His eyes were frighteningly alive, the curve of his mouth savage and pleased. It suddenly didn't seem at all surprising that he should be able to pull things from his dreams.
In that moment, Blue was a little in love with all of them. Their magic. Their quest. Their awfulness and strangeness. Her raven boys.
They set off on the perfectly straight ley line, Ronan's gaze still directed up to his plane and to Chainsaw, a white bird and a black bird against the azure ceiling of the world. As they walked, a sudden rush of wind hurled low across the grass, bringing with it the scent of moving water and rocks hidden in shadows, and Blue thrilled again and again with the knowledge that magic was real, magic was real, magic was real.
Action: It's chapter one, dude. 5/10
Magic: Need I remind you: magic was real, magic was real, magic was real. 100/10
Comic Relief: Gansey making anti-feminist jokes was a little too annoying to rate this any higher than a 7/10
book review dream thieves trc reread


GOJIRA Officially Sign With Roadrunner Records
A few days ago, we reported that the studio where Gojira is recording their new album pretty much gave away that the band had signed to Roadrunner Records. People at the label were keeping quiet until the official announcement was made, which we now have. Here is the official press release touting the band's signing:
"New York, NY: Roadrunner Records announced today the addition of French metal behemoths Gojira to the label. The band is universally recognized as one of the most talented and extreme art-metal acts on the scene today. Gojira is one of those rare bands that comes along every couple of years and takes everything you know about metal, twists it, reimagines it and comes up with something wholly unique. It's doubtful you've heard anything like Gojira before. The band makes that much of an impact with its music and approach.
Gojira are comprised of vocalist/guitarist Joe Duplantier, who has a previous relationship with Roadrunner, having played bass on Cavalera Conspiracy's debutInflikted, along with guitarist Christian Andreu, bassist Jean-Michel Labadie and drummer Mario Duplantier, who is also Joe's brother!
"We are so stoked to walk with the legendary Roadrunner," Joe said about the new partnership. "We discovered Sepultura, Machine Head, Death, Fear Factory and so many other great bands thanks to these guys. Roadrunner has been a great source of inspiration for us as metal fans. It's an honor to be part of this family today as a band. We feel we'll get the right support at the right moment in our career. We cannot wait to release our new record and get back on the road."
The band's Roadrunner debut will be its fifth album overall. It was 2005′s From Mars to Sirius and 2008′s The Way of All Flesh which established Gojira as a metal force of nature and a key player in the scene. The band will record in New York City, also the label's headquarters, in November 2011, with a spring 2012 release date being eyed. Joe Duplantier will serve in a co-producer capacity along Josh Wilbur (Lamb of God).
"I've been a huge Gojira fan ever since their monumental From Mars to Sirius album and have been actively pursuing them ever since," Roadrunner Senior VP of A&RMonte Conner said. "I am thrilled to finally be welcoming them to the Roadrunnerfamily. Gojira are one of the best bands in metal today, with a sound and style all their own. Their live shows are unreal, from the level of playing, to the intensity, to the Godzilla like stomp that hits you in the chest."
Gojira have kept busy in between albums. They recently recorded the four-song Sea Shepherd EP, with all proceeds from the EP benefiting the Sea Shepherd charity. Sea Shepherd is a Washington-state based non-profit marine conservation organization which employs direct action tactics to protect sea life. One of the songs, "Blood And Salt," recently surfaced on a Metal Hammer UK sampler CD.
Release details on that EP, which is loaded with A-list metal guests like Mastodon'sBrent Hinds, Lamb Of God's Randy Blythe, Soulfly's Max Cavalera and Strapping Young Lad's Devin Townsend to name a few, are yet to be determined.
In other Gojira news, the band will perform as part of Australia's Soundwave Festival, which is slated for February 2012."
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P.E.I. Heritage Buildings
This Blog is to inform and display the architectural heritage of Prince Edward Island!
Skinner's Pond and Stompin' Tom Connors
As most of you know, well-known Canadian musician Stompin' Tom Connors died last week in Ontario at the age of 77. Stompin' Tom was born in Saint John, New Brunswick. When he was a boy he came to live with the Aylward family in Skinner's Pond, West Prince County, Prince Edward Island - a community filled with Acadian and Irish culture.
In the early 1970's Stompin' Tom bought the old Skinner's Pond School (No. 19) and opened it as a museum about the school and his life's story. Over the years it fell in to disrepair - a local group offered to take over the operations of it and with some help from government kept it going until a dispute between Tom and a neighbour saw it closed for good.
Skinner's Pond School. The school was opened between 1859 and 1860. At the time it was an Acadian school. First teacher listed (1780): Alice Hughes. Information cf. Some Historical and Biographical Notes of the Community (Parish) of Palmer Road. Compiled by Members of the Community School. 1973. St. Louis, P.E.I. Page 18. Also from this book, pages 29-30. Stompin' Tom Connors. Tom Connors was not born on the Island, but he is the adopted son of Mr. and Mrs. Russell Aylward of Skinner's Pond. Tom has once been named as the top folk and country singer of the year in Canada. During the summer of 1972, in a brief ceremony in Charlottetown, Premier Alex Campbell named him the Province's Good Will Ambassador as a token of recognition of the efforts Tom has made both on a national and an international level in the promoting of his adopted province. Tom has purchased the old school at Skinner's Pond and plans to turn it into a sort of historical showcase. He has had the school completely renovated, and has had erected on the school grounds a small monument with a plaque which was placed during the official opening in June 1973.
In the 1990's CBC P.E.I. did two stories on Stompin' Tom's visit to the Island - his tour to Summerside, a tour of the schoolhouse and UPEI presenting him with an honorary degree - http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/story/2013/03/07/pei-stompin-tom-connors-memories-584.html
Image above cf. http://steprobin.wordpress.com/2008/09/16/prince-edward-island-eastern-pei-king%E2%80%99s-county-july-14-qnd-15/
I grew up about 10 miles from Skinner's Pond and would occasionally travel the shore road through Skinner's Pond. On the old school property Stompin' Tom had his truck on display in the yard - the truck he used to travel/tour Canada. I remember it sat there for years and became very dilapidated!
Skinner's Pond Historic Sites & Interpretive Centres
Skinner's Pond Schoolhouse
This is the oldest original schoolhouse on P.E.I. There are several displays about the school's history and also one about legendary Canadian singer Stompin' Tom Connors who was a student here. A gift shop with unique P.E.I. souvenirs is also at the school.
http://www.pei.worldweb.com/SkinnersPondPE/SightsAttractions/HistoricSitesInterpretiveCentres/
I never knew this old school claimed such historical value - more investigation is required. As Mark (a blog follower) noted Fanning School in Malpeque has the claim of being the oldest school still standing on Prince Edward Island. See my previous blog post about Fanning School - http://peiheritagebuildings.blogspot.ca/2011/08/fanning-school-malpeque.html
Below is a plaque which can be observed on the front yard of the schoolhouse.
Image cf. http://photo.net/off-topic-forum/00bQSq
There's alot of information on the web about Stompin' Tom - one such is Wikipedia. Check it out - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stompin'_Tom_Connors
Skinner's Pond. Where did it get its' names? Below comes from Geographical Place Names of Prince Edward Island by Alan Rayburn, page 114.
Skinners Pond: Adjacent to Northumberland Strait, Lot 1. Said to be names for a captain shipwrecked there. Also said to be derived from etang des Peaux, "skin pond". In Bayfield 1847. Wyld 1845 Stephens Inlet. 4 mi W of Tignish in Lot 1. PO 1856-1861 and 1867-1914.
Posted by Carter W. Jeffery at 5:35 PM
Labels: PEI Schoolhouse, Place Names of PEI, Skinners Pond, Stompin' Tom Connors
RANDY HICKS March 25, 2013 at 2:23 PM
I sure would like to see a picture of Toms truck chained to the concrete pad. I visited it years ago and have told many about it but no one even rememnbers. Most folks think I dreamed it!!
Rest in Peace Stompin Tom.
Randy Hicks
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Mrs. Bagnall's house burns, Charlottetown, 1812
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Jeremiah Dalton House, Burton
HERITAGE PRAYER
We keep forgetting all of those who lived before us.
We keep forgetting those who lived and worked in our communities.
We keep forgetting those who prayed and sang hymns in our churches before we were born.
We keep forgetting what our fathers have done for us.
We commit the sin, Lord, of assuming that everything begins with us.
We drink from wells we did not find.
We eat food from farmland we did not develop.
We enjoy freedoms which we have not earned.
We worship in churches which we did not build.
We live in communities we did not establish.
This day, make us grateful for our heritage.
cf. Cumberland Historic Village, near Ottawa - in the vestibule of Vars Knox United Church -
adapted from a prayer in the old Covenanters' Church - 1804, Grand Pre, Nova Scotia.
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EDITORIAL: Is the big stick stirring the hornets nest?
A new law to deter rock throwers in New South Wales may be a lousy smoke screen. Severe laws already exist
A new law to deter rock throwers in New South Wales may be a lousy smoke screen.
Severe laws already exist which seemingly have no effect in stopping busses getting pelted with rocks and other projectiles.
Projectile throwers already face tough penalties, including:
Malicious damage, which carries up to five years in prison;
Malicious damage with intent to cause bodily injury, which carries a sentence of seven years in prison;
Affray which carries a sentence of 10 years in prison;
Malicious damage with intent to endanger life, which carries a penalty of up to 25 years prison.
Rock attacks on buses have dominated the media of late with some suburbs declared no-go-zones.
The NSW Government will legislate to make the mere act of throwing a rock at a vehicle a crime, regardless of whether you hit it or not.
The offence tabled to NSW Parliament will apply to any person who intentionally throws or drops an object on or toward a vehicle or vessel on a road, rail or waterway.
The new offence will be introduced to the State Parliament in coming weeks and will carry a maximum penalty of five years in prison.
We will now have five avenues in NSW to prosecute a rock thrower, which in theory is great for the perception of law and order but misses the mark because it still doesn't address the cause.
Has anyone actually asked these people why they are throwing rocks at buses or other vehicles?
The government should be conducting a study to find the reasons and put in some preventative and educational programs.
The big stick obviously hasn't worked and only stirred up the hornets' nest.