text:
I've never really written anything before, so sorry if it's terrible. Critique is always welcome!

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   It was two in the afternoon when Jack decided to go for a walk. The house was empty, as usual, and loneliness always made him want to be outside. Grabbing his copy of Animal Farm, he threw on a thin sweatshirt and closed the door softly behind him, as if trying to tell his house of his somber mood. Standing just outside his door, he paused only to sigh, and then set forth toward the park.

   The walk was uneventful, but the park was quite the opposite: children chasing squirrels, couples walking dogs and students holding hands filled the cobblestone walkways while a stranger strumming the guitar laid on the grass, humming to himself in self-enjoyment.

   Jack found an empty bench on the far side of the park; he always found that this area was far more enjoyable. There was less noise, less traffic, and the leaves on the trees were always arranged in such a way that they left little patches of light flickering across the ground. It was late August, the weather was beginning to cool, and the crisp autumn air was creeping up on the humidity of summer.

   On the bench, Jack made himself comfortable. He leaned back, draped the ankle of his right foot over the knee of his left, and opened the book. In Jack’s opinion, reading was an activity that was best enjoyed outside in public places. It let him dive deeper into his thoughts, and though he was surrounded by many people, it left that lingering feeling of loneliness. It was a feeling that Jack was so accustomed to that he had convinced himself that he truly enjoyed it.

   Jack was only a quarter of the way down his third page when he first saw the glimmer of light-orange out of the corner of his eye. He didn’t look up, but he could tell that a person was approaching him, a girl. Confidence was in her steps, and when she neared the bench, she stopped.

   “Mind if I sit here?”

   Jack looked up. Her golden hair was the first thing he noticed, followed quickly by her bright orange dress that swayed gently with the wind. Her sudden vibrant appearance caught him so off guard that he almost forgot to reply.

   “Oh, of course!” He slid over to the left, making room for her.

   The girl smiled, a genuine, kind smile, and sat down gracefully. She put her bag down beside her and pulled out a book of her own. Within minutes, the two were completely absorbed in their reading. Any stranger that walked by could have rightfully assumed that they were blissfully unaware of the other.

   Except that Jack wasn’t. He was painfully aware of the girl’s presence, even more so when she pulled out an old copy of 1984. More than once, he debated turning to her and innocently exclaiming, “Orwell!”

   She would look at him with confusion. “Sorry?”

   “George Orwell,” he would say again, motioning toward her novel.

   “Oh, yeah.” She would smile and look at the cover, as if noticing it for the first time.

   “It’s a good one.”

   “Oh it’s my favorite!” She would exclaim. The two would look into each other’s eyes, smile shyly and feel an instant connection.

   Then she would introduce herself, and Jack would shake her hand and introduce himself. And with that small conversation, a friendship would sprout, and from a friendship, perhaps something more.

   However, Jack said none of those things. He sat in silence, pretending to read his book while imagining what fun the two could have if he would just speak to her. But the more he imagined, the more scenarios popped up into his head.

   Perhaps she wasn’t like how he imagined. Perhaps she would hate him, think he was annoying if he tried to talk to her while she was reading.

   He would exclaim, “Orwell!”

   “Sorry?”

   “George Orwell, 1984.”

   The girl would raise her eyebrows in mild annoyance, but remain polite. “Yup!”

   “It’s a good one.”

   Finally, she would sigh and look at him. “Excuse me, but I’m just trying to read.” She’d put her book back up, shielding out Jack, and he’d be left slightly embarrassed, wishing he had never said anything.

   And so, Jack did exactly that: he never said anything. He went back to reading his book and left the girl in the orange dress alone.

   After a long while, when Jack was on page 40 or so, the girl’s cellphone rang. She picked it out of her pocket and read a text, laughing quietly to herself. She tapped out a quick reply, put her phone back and picked up her bag. As she stood up to leave, Jack looked up one last time, pretending that he had just remembered her existence. The girl looked back at him as well, and smiled. Not a big a smile, nor a significant smile, but a smile.

   And with that, she walked away, and in a few minutes, she was out of sight. Jack sighed. He wondered how he always got so attached to these people he met on the street, characters in a story whose names were not even revealed. It tugged at something deep in his heart, and loneliness filled his thoughts for a split moment; but after that moment, it was all gone.

   He convinced himself that people were not as interesting as he made them out to be, that each person's life story was not something he should bother to learn. Not realizing that another opportunity had just passed him by.

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Thanks for reading and alla that

title: [Romance-ish] Missed Chances (876 Words)

question: What do Jack and the girl who sits near him have in common?

answer: They are both reading books by George Orwell.

question: What does Jack miss out on?

answer: A chance to talk to the girl.

question: What does Jack eventually decide to do?

answer: Not to say anything.

question: What does Jack convince himself at the end of the story?

answer: That other people's perspectives are not worth listening to.

question: Write a ~4 sentence summary.

answer: A young man sits down to read a book. A girl comes to read a book by the same author, Orwell, next to him. The boy cannot think of anything to say. Then the girl leaves.


split: train

text:
Birthday Girl

It’s my birthday! Come celebrate with me! I’m turning 30 so this is a big one. Dancing, fun, seafood and the Potomac River: all of my favorite things.

When:
Saturday, June 11th at 7:30pm

Where:
Pier 30 Restaurant
113 Macnamara Pl
Alexandria, Va 22314

       The e-vite was pink and yellow with balloons surrounding it. I haven’t seen Anna in two years. We met while I was working for the Recreational Center, teaching kids to swim and play soccer. I spent my nights studying, reading and contemplating the meaning of life. She spent her nights doing karaoke, working odd jobs around the city and networking with other local musicians. We were opposites, yet I felt like I needed her spirit in my life. I loved who she was and idolized her for what I thought I didn’t have at all. We spent hours laughing, talking, exploring the zoo’s new exhibits and painting messy portraits. We spent other moments improving my wardrobe; I became her own personal canvas. I could’ve run away with her and never come back. She had that affect on me. It was one of those romances no one really knew about and one I don’t share with everyone. She was different and beautiful yet she left a big hole in my heart. She left suddenly and I just wanted to see her again, for closure, one more time.

“She’s inviting you?” Joan asked over the phone. She was my co-worker and the closest friend I’ve had since moving to the city.
“Yes. I haven’t heard from her in two years and suddenly I get a birthday invitation. Just like her to do something like that.”
“So what are you gonna do?… about Abe? She asked, whispering for some reason.
“I’m gonna tell him of course. You know, about the party.”

Abe is my everything. I’ve been loyal, and would never dream of hurting

him. ‘I ridiculously trust you’ he said once, while we drove through Nevada,

on our way back from our trip to Monterrey.

“So the party’s tonight?” Abe asked, gluing a wing to his small, modeled airplane.
“Yes, you coming with me?” I said, sitting across from him.

“I don’t think so, I’ve got to finish this.” He said.

“You’ve been working on that thing for over a year. What makes you think

you’re gonna finish it tonight?”

“I wanna finish this by next week so I can take it to the air show this time.

Go, have fun. I’ll see you when you get back.” He said.

I was glad he said no. I didn’t want him to come. I needed to go on my own.

Pier 30 was loud, packed and filled with pink and white balloons. I had on

my tight black dress, one of three dresses that I owned. It itched but I knew I

needed to femme it up a bit, just a little bit as Abe would say. Everyone

looked dressed in their business attire, like they just got off of work. It’s a

DC crowd, that’s not surprising.

“Hey there, you made it.” She flashed her huge smile.

I stood there for a minute and stared. There she was. She’s made her way

back into my life, again. So suddenly.

“I see you’ve changed a bit” She said, looking me up and down.

“Yes, you know. It’s my attempt to soften up.” I said, pulling my dress down

a bit, uncomfortably.

“I like it, it’s you. I knew you would start wearing dresses, it was only a

matter of time.” She said.

“Yeah, I just wanted to try something new.” I said.

Her eyes still in the shape of almonds, her hair pulled up perfectly in a bun.

Things haven’t changed. My heart still filled with excitement just being in

her presence.

She grabbed my hand and we walked around the party together. She

introduced me to a few people, everyone nice and welcoming, half of them

drunk already.

The night was filled with birthday cake, red wine and a piñata. She’ll be

using piñata’s on her 80th birthday, I guarantee that.

It was 2 am and there was trash, popped balloons and party streamers all

over the floor. We both walked out of the door together and stood in front of

the place. “Thank you for inviting me, it was great to see you.” I said.

“It was great to see you too. Are you coming with me tonight?” She asked,

suddenly.

My heart skipped a beat. I wanted to be with her again. I

wanted to share everything, go on road trips, run away with her. All of those

feelings hadn’t changed.

“Anna, I can’t do that. I’m sorry.”

She stood there and watched me, like she expected me to say that.

 “You left, remember? And now you want everything to be ok? It’s not.” I

said.

She looked right in my eyes. It was like she could read my mind, like we had

an unspoken agreement.

She reached down and adjusted my dress. Stared at it, then looked right at

me. Then she turned around and walked away. I wanted to stop her, but I

didn’t. I turned around and walked back into my life, back into Abe’s

with part of my heart still with hers, knowing I could probably never see her

again.

title: Birthday Girl

question: Why does the protagonist want to go to Anna's birthday party?

answer: She wants closure since Anna just walked out of her life.

question: Why is Anna surprised to see the protagonist wearing a dress?

answer: It wasn't a routine style of wear for the protagonist in the past.

question: Why doesn't the protagonist want Abe to accompany her to the party?

answer: Because she's going to Anna's party for closure and wants to be free from the social dynamic of their relationship during the party.

question: What does Anna want to do?

answer: She asks the protagonist if she'd like to come with her. It's implied that the offer is to run away together, just like the old times.

question: Write a ~7 sentence summary.

answer: Two years after Anna walked out of their relationship, she sends a birthday invitation to the protagonist. They are opposite personalities, the protagonist an introvert, Anna an extrovert. The protagonist talks to her boyfriend Abe, who tells her to go by herself because he's busy with a project. She's relieved he doesn't accompany her; she wants to go alone for closure. At the party, she and Anna socialize and talk, and the night ends with Anna implicitly offering her to run away together. The protagonist tells her it's not OK that Anna walked out on her. Anna turns her back and walks away without saying anything.


text:
I worked with a guy who was well known on the job for being a real "playa". There were many guys there (over 100) but then we started getting temporary female workers who would work a few days at a time. Some stayed just a few days, others a few months. Of course all the guys went crazy always trying to talk to all the hot new girls who came through the workplace. But one guy there was by far the most successful of all. He always got the hottest, cutest girls. And they quickly fell for him. Some head over heels.

The fellas joked about it but we just didn't get it. This guy was the shortest guy in the workplace. Just from 5'2" to 5'4" at the most. But over the years I saw him with the hottest girls of all and eventually when he got married it was to a supremely beautiful and sweet woman who any guy would want.

Whenever anyone asked him how he did it and what his secret was he would just avoid the discussion and say "Nothing. I just get to know them. I usually don't even hit on these women...and if I do they don't even realize it. A lot of times the women get impatient and ask me to take them out after work or make the first move."

He also said something I'll never forget. "Most guys don't know how to be a woman's friend. I do. That's the only secret I have."

Still not sure how he did it but the women fell for him quickly and I've seen this little guy with models and he's dated all types of women from black, white, latino, asian, poor and rich girls. Girls much younger and girls older than him. Short girls and even very tall girls. I mean 6' in heels and they were crazy about him.

Ever known a guy like this? What gives here? There's gotta be more to it than this. And NO he had no more money than anyone else and was definitely not generous with it. In fact women would spend their money on him and cook lunch and bring it to work for him. I really wish I could find this guy and learn his secrets. Anyone have any ideas how he could do this?

UPDATES:

question: How tall was the guy who always got girls?

answer: 5'2" or 5'4"

question: What does the guy say his secret is to get girls?

answer: Being their friends.

question: How many guys worked at his workplace?

answer: Over 100.

question: Who did the guy get married to?

answer: A beautiful woman.

question: Write a ~1 sentence summary.

answer: The author discusses a former co-worker who had great success with the ladies and wonders what his secret might have been.


text:
_The Czech Republic debates artistic freedom—again._

In April 2007, Czech artist David Hons replaced the human silhouettes in 48 Prague crosswalk signals with figures engaged in decidedly less pedestrian activities. One signal depicted a man urinating; another had a bottle raised to his mouth. A man squatted to defecate; another appeared to be falling down drunk. “I wanted to show people, they don’t have to walk or stand when the system says so,” Hons wrote on his website.

A Prague municipal court found Hons guilty of vandalism, fined him $3,750, and ordered that he come up with an additional $5,000 to repair the signals. Hons paid for the repairs but refused the fine, explaining that he was merely expressing himself. Last December, he was sentenced to a month in jail. “I feel that paying the fine would be similar to signing an agreement to collaborate with the [secret police] in the era of totalitarianism,” the 37-year-old artist wrote in a statement published in the Czech newspaper _Lidové noviny_ shortly before he entered prison.

Hons isn’t the only dissatisfied Czech citizen who has recently made his frustration public. In May 2010, as the country was preparing for a nationwide election, Roman Smetana, a 29-year-old bus driver from the city of Olomouc, defaced some 30 campaign posters, scrawling, “Liars,” “Idiots,” “Corruptioneers,” and “Prostitutes” across them in Magic Marker. After the election, the victorious center-right Civic Democrats took legal action. Smetana was found guilty of vandalizing private property, fined $800, and ordered to perform 100 hours of community service. He complied with the fine (to avoid debt collectors) but resisted the second half of the punishment. His graffiti, he told the court, “was the free expression of opinion by a citizen who, unlike political parties, does not have huge funds for publicity at his disposal.” For refusing the community service, he was sentenced to 100 days in jail. Yet this month, Smetana refused to show up at the prison to begin his sentence; he could now spend three years behind bars for defying the court’s orders.

The convictions of Hons and Smetana have struck a chord in the country. Earlier this month, the Czech National Theater hosted a discussion about the two cases, which, the theater says, have reignited the “lasting dispute about the extent to which the state has the power to correct interventions in the public space.” Facebook campaigns have been organized in defense of both men, and an Internet petition in support of Smetana, citing the country’s Charter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms, has gathered 3,800 signatures. Immediately after Hons was imprisoned, anonymous pranksters across the country painted over the heads of pedestrian signal silhouettes as a sign of solidarity with the artist. Meanwhile, the Czech Helsinki Committee, a NGO that monitors human rights, has expressed disapproval of both prosecutions. “We do not consider it correct,” the organization said in a statement, “to criminalize the critical expressions of citizens or the independent expressions of artists.”

------------------------------------------------------------------------

ARTISTIC DEMONSTRATIONS of discontent have a storied history in Czech politics. The psychedelic rock group Plastic People of the Universe was widely seen as subverting Communist rule with their music, and their 1976 trial—for “organized disturbance of the peace”—inspired Vaclav Havel and a small group of dissidents to draft Charter 77, the civic initiative insisting that the Czechoslovak Communist regime respect basic human rights.

The most famous example of Czech protest art, however, came 15 years later. Early on the morning of April 28, 1991, a 23-year-old art student named David Černý ascended the World War II–era Monument to Soviet Tank Crews in Prague with a group of his friends and painted the green tank bright pink. Although originally erected to commemorate the Soviet liberation of Czechoslovakia from the Nazis, the tank had become “an occupation symbol,” the artist recently recalled when I interviewed him. The police promptly arrested Černý, and under pressure from Moscow—which would not remove the last of its troops from the country until June 1991—the Czechoslovak government ordered the tank repainted. Ten days later, making use of their parliamentary immunity, a group of Czech and Slovak deputies, all former dissidents, again covered it in pink.

The “Pink Tank” has since become one of the country’s most celebrated acts of anti-Russian defiance—and is now the precedent to which the vandalism of Hons and Smetana is being compared. Hons, according to the Czech Helsinki Committee, is operating within Černý’s legacy but has received less nuanced consideration from the government. “It was unimaginable that the state would have responded by criminally prosecuting [the painting of the tank] as vandalism without taking into consideration its artistic and political dimensions,” the organization argued.

To be sure, the latest bout of artistic protest addresses different concerns from Černý’s. Rather than Soviet occupation, Hons and Smetana were lashing out at political apathy and rampant corruption—a poll released earlier this month found that more than half of Czechs believe their democratic system is not working. Even Smetana’s trial itself is tangled up in a conflict of interest: The judge is the wife of a former regional leader of the Civic Democrats and refused to recuse herself. “I know who your husband is,” Smetana said to her in court. “He’s one of the biggest bastards in the [Civic Democrats] and in all of Czech politics. ... Today, ‘bastard’ is almost a synonym for your husband’s surname.”

Supporters of Hons and Smetana called upon conservative Czech President Václav Klaus to grant them a pardon, but the leader ensconced in Prague Castle was not moved. Havel’s death late last year has left many Czechs with a feeling of anomie; the conscientious, liberal politics he embodied stands in stark contrast to the humorless and doctrinaire hand played by the current authorities. Surely, the absurdist playwright, who used to draw a little heart next to his signature, would have smiled at the actions of his now-convicted countrymen. “Ten years ago,” Černý told me, Havel “would probably immediately give them a pardon. But that asshole in the Castle won’t.”

_James Kirchick is a contributing editor for_ The New Republic _and_ World Affairs Journal _and a fellow with Foundation for Defense of Democracies. This article appeared in the April 19, 2012 issue of the magazine._

question: What would Czech artist David Hons say about his actions?

answer: David Hons would most probably defend his actions and state that he was depicting his art in the best way possible and had freedom of expression.

question: What did Hons and Smetana's actions lead to?

answer: Hons and Smetana's actions lead to a discussion by the Czech National Theater about the "extent to which the state has the power to correct interventions in the public space."

question: Who lead the most famous example of Czech protest art?

answer: David Cerny led the most famous example of Czech protest art as him and his friends painted a Soviet Tank bright pink in Prague.

question: What did the "Pink Tank" represent?

answer: The "Pink Tank" represented one of the country's most celebrated acts of anti-Russian defiance.


text:
GERHARD ABSTREITER is a German physicist and professor of physics at Technical University of Munich (TUM), currently holding the university's highest honor, the Emeritus of Excellence and also being a Distinguished Visiting Professor at University of California, Santa Barbara. From 1987 to 2015, he was a full professor at TUM and also, in 2010 and 2011, a Distinguished Visiting Professor at University of Tokyo. He is a Fellow of the American Physical Society, Bavarian Academy of Sciences and Humanities and acatech.[1][2][3][4]

He won the Max Born Medal and Prize in 1998.

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

title: Gerhard Abstreiter

question: What is the professor's specialism?

answer: Physics.

question: Is the professor currently active?

answer: Likely - the article mentions he is currently a professor so it would seem so at the time of writing.

question: What accolades has this person achieved?

answer: The Emeritus of Excellence, Distinguished Visiting Professor at University of California, Distinguished Visiting Professor at University at Tokyo, and the Max Born Medal and Prize.

question: Where has the professor taught?

answer: Technical University of Munich, University of California, and University of Tokyo

question: Write a ~2 sentence summary.

answer: The article is a brief biography of German physicist Gerhard Abstreiter, currently a professor at Technical University of Munich. He is well-recognised in his current post as well as at the Universities of California and Tokyo, and is a previous recipient of the Max Born Medal and Prize.


text:
MOORE TOWNSHIP is an inactive township in Shannon County, in the U.S. state of Missouri.[1]

Moore Township was erected in 1842, and named after Robert E. Moore, an early settler.[2] The infamous Tri-State Tornado (which was likely a tornado family) was first sighted in the area and would cause around 700 fatalities across Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana.

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[2]

title: Moore Township, Shannon County, Missouri

question: Where is Moore Township?

answer: Shannon County, Missouri, US.

question: How did Moore Township get its name?

answer: It is named after early settler Robert E. Moore.

question: Which natural disaster is mentioned?

answer: The Tri-State Tornado.

question: How many deaths occurred?

answer: Approximately 700.

question: Why is the township inactive?

answer: It's implied the tornado and related deaths are the reason it is no longer active.

question: Write a ~1 sentence summary.

answer: The inactive Moore Township (Missouri, US) is named after settler Robert E. Moore and suffered in the Tri-State Tornado.


text:
GERALD VINCENT HEANEY (January 26, 1899 – December 26, 1974) was a stage magician and magic supplier from Berlin, Wisconsin, United States. “Heaney the Great” and his magic show toured North America for a number of years during the mid 1900s.[1]

Early life

Gerald Heaney was born on January 26, 1899 in Berlin, Wisconsin to John and Agnes Heaney.[2][3] John Heaney owned a jewelry store in Berlin, one of its earliest businesses.[4][5] Gerald's interest in magic began at the age of 15 when he met Henry Boughton (Harry Blackstone Sr.).

Boughton was preparing for a performance in Berlin and asked the jeweler to create a piece of equipment for him. Boughton had not yet adopted the Blackstone pseudonym and was billed as “Frederick the Great”. Boughton befriended Heaney, at times referring to him as “the kid from Berlin”. He and Heaney remained friends until Boughton's death in 1965.[6][7]

Career and marriage

After his encounter with Blackstone, Heaney became interested in producing magical supplies. When the family jewelry store closed in 1922, Heaney announced that he would devote all of his time to the development of magical goods. To this end, he started a mail order business for magical books, tricks, novelties and other supplies.[8]

[Heaney Magic Company, Catalogue No. 25 (1924)]

Heaney married Viola “Vi” McCarthy in 1925 or 1926. Soon thereafter, the pair met Houdini back-stage after a performance at Chicago's Princess Theater. He asked them to join his group of assistants, and they worked Houdini until a month before his death in October 1926.[9][10][11]

Heaney was ambidextrous and became adept at playing card manipulation. He started performing magic by developing a 15-minute vaudeville act using playing cards. Over time, Heaney also became an accomplished illusionist, ventriloquist and hypnotist. The Heaney Magic Show eventually became a touring act that required about five tons of equipment per show.[12]

Photos attest that, like Blackstone, Heaney performed wearing a tie and tails. Heaney's wife, whose stage name was Princess Aloiv, became Heaney's stage supervisor and chief assistant. She also played an organ to provide music for their shows.[13]

Besides Blackstone, Heaney became well-acquainted with Thurston and Dante. After Thurston died in 1936 the Heaneys acquired his illusions, props and personal effects. “It took a box car over 40 feet long”, said Heaney. They housed Thurston's equipment at their farm in Berlin, gradually adding some of the illusions to their two-hour show.[14][15][16][17][18][19]

The Heaney Magic Show toured in Mexico, Canada and widely throughout the United States until the 1950s.[20][21] The show never played Europe but the goateed performer made appearances on Chicago and Milwaukee television stations.[22]

Later years and death

In his later years, Heaney maintained his mail order business. Although he stopped touring, he continued to perform at private engagements several times per year.[23] He also preserved his memberships with the International Brotherhood of Magicians and the Society of American Magicians.[24]

Following a four-year illness, Heaney died in Oshkosh on December 26, 1974.[25][26][27] Upon his death, Oshkosh magicians Fred Kruse and Curt Walter performed the Broken Wand Ceremony using a golden wand, but left it unbroken to commemorate Heaney's long career.[28]

Heaney and his wife are interred at the Oakwood Cemetery in Berlin.

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title: Gerald Heaney (magician)

question: Who was Gerald Vincent Heaney?

answer: He was a stage magician and magic supplier from Berlin, Wisconsin, United States. “Heaney the Great” and his magic show toured North America for a number of years during the mid-1900s.

question: Explain how Heaney got interested in magic.

answer: Henry Boughton (Harry Blackstone Sr.) was preparing for a show in Berlin and asked Heaney's dad to create a piece of equipment for him. Heaney was 15 at the time, and the two became lifelong friends until Boughton's death in 1965.

question: What was the relationship between Heaney and Harry Houdini?

answer: Heaney and his wife met Houdini backstage after a performance at Chicago's Princess Theater. Houdini asked them to join his group of assistants. They worked with Houdini until a month before he died in October.

question: What happened when the family jewelry store closed in 1922?

answer: Heaney announced he would devote all his time to the development of magical goods.

question: Write a ~5 sentence summary.

answer: Gerald Vincent Heaney was an ambidextrous stage magician, illusionist, ventriloquist, and hypnotist from Berlin, Wisconsin, USA. After briefly working as one of Houdini's assistants, Heaney became adept at playing card manipulation and started his own magic show "Heaney the Great" with his wife, Viola “Vi” McCarthy. They toured Mexico, Canada, and the US until the 1950s. He also owned Heaney Magic Company, a mail-order business for magic props, books, novelties, and other supplies. Heaney died in Oshkosh on December 26, 1974, after a four-year illness.


text:
The Combined Action Platoon to which I was assigned consisted of 12 Marines and one Navy Corpsman. We later described  ourselves as Peace Corps workers with rifles operating as units in the countryside of I Corps outside of Da Nang Vietnam in 1970.

Winning the hearts and minds was the official mantra we were told when being given an area of operation to conduct patrols, ambushes and operations to attempt to ensure that the Viet Cong and NVA not control the locals by kidnapping village chiefs and murdering them or using their  terrorist tactics to convince some villages that wished to have allegiance to South Vietnam be left unmolested from their influence.

As a nineteen year old Navy Corpsman, I have to admit that my knowledge of politics was minimal and our involvement in Vietnam by the late sixties was obviously a “let’s get the hell out of here,” mentality. We flashed peace signs to each other everywhere we went while hitching rides on military vehicles on Highway One, the main asphalt artery running north to south.

Mainly, our platoon of Marines worked with a larger group of local militia types who were called Popular Forces.These were locals who were their National Guard (young, old and in-between) that we tried to train while living in their hometown villages in our area of operation. I was more idealistic in the beginning trying to work the civic action principles of this very different type of infantry unit.

In the villages I would hold Medcaps which were basically mobile clinics. Where I set up  a wooden table and chair in front of a Vietnamese home on a dusty main street while the villagers all lined up to be examined and diagnosed by me, a nineteen year old navy medic.

The Vietnamese word for doctor is bacsi but they usually just called me Bacsi-Doc. A heady title for a teenage corpsman.

The tedious drudgery and sometimes freakish minutes of terror in the CAPs seemed to blend into the day to day existence of never knowing when you might die or be horribly wounded as we witnessed this around us. Our Vietnamese counterparts seemed to appear to bear the brunt of this since Command had dictated a year previously that the Vietnamese had to take the lead on patrols and operations.

There was always the fear of a sniper round or stepping on a booby trap while on patrol or the knowledge that the same CAP a year previously had been wiped out in an ambush while on patrol.

 I told a Vietnam vet friend of mine recently that my recollection of Vietnam was comprised of two words: Chaos and bullshit. Chaos being the insanity of war and bullshit being the reasons we were there in the first place.

There are so many memories, many of which are blocked and repressed but will still creep up in a sweaty nightmare some forty years later. Basically I was just trying to do my job as a medical corpsman of which I had gone through much training to become.

Before leaving my last duty station at Bethesda Naval Hospital near Washington, D.C.I had worked in the ER learning skills that might only be approved to be performed by medical doctors in the civilian world. After receiving orders for Vietnam the next month, I was officially designated as a Navy 8404 FMF (Fleet Marine Force) Combat Corpsman since we were now Navy personnel officially attached to Marine Corps units which I learned had one of the highest mortality rate of any military occupational specialty.

When arriving in-country we attended Vietnamese Language School which was a two week course to also help us understand Vietnamese customs. We were then assigned to one of the four Combined Action Groups operating in I Corps.

The Lt. Col at the completion of the course seemed to take some kind of sadistic pleasure in telling us forty corpsmen lined up that day that only fifty percent of us would be making it home.

After being there a few months in the CAPs I became resigned  to doing the best I could under the circumstances. One afternoon, I was told that a local farmer had sliced his hand open while in the rice paddies. He was in a nearby hamlet to where we moved that night since being a mobile CAP was now our modus operandi. This was so that the enemy would not know where we might be set up on any given night. We’d learned that the older stationary units could bring on an attack more likely from the Viet Cong.

We became aware that we never knew who to really trust living among the people and  could actually be living with Viet Cong sympathizers. What I learned most interestingly early on was that these poor peasant farmers and their families just wished to be left alone by both us and the Viet Cong it seemed.

As the Marines I was with set up our nightly perimeter and sent out their ambush team, I entered this farmer’s humble straw made home to set up my medical bag on a rough wooden table with a kerosene lamp.

 I tended his wound, cleaning it with antiseptic while laying out my suture kit. I injected lidocaine to help numb the area. Using forceps and needle, I then carefully applied individual stitches along the length of the meaty part of his thumb that he had sliced open.

It occurred to me that this farmer had likely never been treated by anyone in his life for anything medically related and I thought he could also very well be either Viet Cong or a sympathizer.

I learned years later that the Viet Cong actually highly respected us for the humanitarian works we performed while in these CAP units and sometimes didn’t harass us because we were actually helping them in some unforetold way in this strange war nobody wanted.

As I squinted in the poor light to mend this Vietnamese man’s hand, I heard  a Marine who was sitting quietly nearby by say: “ Geez, Doc, where did you learn to do shit like that.?”

title: Bacsi-Doc Short story about the Vietnam war.

question: Why would the Viet Cong attack the CAPs if they respected them for humanitarian works?

answer: From the narrative, there are two possible reasons for this. First is that the ambushes were not targeting the CAPs specifically and the mobile CAPs camps cannot be distinguished from non-CAPs camps. Another possible reason is that the CAPs get replaced even if they do get wiped out, so killing the current CAPs does equate to losing the humanitarian benefits they give.


text:
[]The news will certainly send shock waves through the media as Howard stern has just lost his epic battle with Sirius XM Satellite Radio (NASDAQ:SIRI).  The suit, filed over a year ago, had some tantalizing tid-bits of the history of the Howard Stern deal with Sirius, the merger with XM, and of course the massive bonus structure that Stern received as part of the deal.  Stern, has had many rants on his show about how he feels the company cheated him out of potential bonuses worth well over $100 million and possibly as much as $300 million.

The sides have been at odds for months, but in the end Sirius XM’s request for summary judgment came down in the favor of the satellite radio provider.  Documents filed in court today confirm  Judge Barbara Kapnick’s ruling.  Stern and his agent, Don Buchwald, have the right to appeal, but as of right now Sirius XM is victorious.

The biggest factor working against the Stern side was very specific bonuses paid out in the event of a merger with XM.  It would appear that the court felt that the language in this section created a separation in the subscriber pool, and that a value was placed on the XM side of the equation in the event of a merger.  Stern received that payment and thus in the thoughts of Sirius XM, they had already made him whole.

Stern may well have some choice words about the decision, and it could make for some entertaining radio.  Stay tuned.

View Judges Ruling

question: Who has Howard Stern lost an epic battle with?

answer: Howard Stern has lost an epic battle with Sirius XM Satellite Radio

question: What have Howard Stern's rants on his shows been about?

answer: The rants have been about how he feels the company cheated him out of potential bonuses worth well over $100 million and possible as much as $300 million.

question: What was the biggest factor working against Stern?

answer: The biggest factor working against Stern were the specific bonuses paid out in the event of a merger with XM.

question: Who was in favor the judgement?

answer: The satellite radio provider received the favor of the judgement.

question: Write a ~2 sentence summary.

answer: This article describes the case of Howard Stern and Sirius XM Satellite Radio, in which the ruling was in favor of the satellite radio provider. Howard Stern's rants and complaints were voiced as well.


text:
I shared recently how Steve Graves challenged my leadership team with six viruses that commonly take leaders down. Steve continued to give us solid insight on how to fight and attack the viruses that can corrupt a leader’s heart. While the counsel he gave is simple, we often over-complicate defeating sin and guarding our hearts. It is much better to have a simple plan to execute than over-analyze and fail to act.

1.  To fight _greed_, let go.

If greed starts to take greater hold of our hearts, we are wise to let go of some resources. Let go of some money. Give. Giving combats greed.

2.  To fight _lust_, run fast.

Walking slowly is not a wise approach to lust. Run fast. Leaders who fall into sexual temptation fail to obey the simple command given to us in Scripture: _Flee from sexual immorality._

3.  To fight _revenge_, stand still.

Vengeance does not belong to us; it is the Lord’s. To fight the desire for revenge, we must remind ourselves that He is in charge, not us. We must discipline ourselves to stand still.

4.  To fight _independence_, lean in.

Community is often uncomfortable because it is sanctifying, and sanctification is never comfortable. Independence is much more comfortable. To fight it, we must lean in to community.

5.  To fight _pride_, promote others.

One practical way to fight pride is to take yourself out of the spotlight and promote others. Helping others succeed reminds you that you are not necessary.

6.  To fight _laziness_, take steps.

Get up. Get off the couch. Take steps toward goals. Move.

John Owen preached, “You must be killing sin or sin will be killing you,” and we must bring both intensity and intentionality to killing these viruses. We should not seek to manage them; we should seek to kill them.

Are you interested in writing for HealthyLeaders.com? Head on over to our Write for Us page to submit an article!

question: What are the six viruses that take leaders down?

answer: Greed, lust, revenge, independence, pride and laziness.

question: Who is Steve Graves?

answer: It is not mentioned in this article. He can be a spiritual leader and an authority on leadership.

question: Summarize all the information relating to sin.

answer: The author writes that we often over-complicate defeating sin and guarding our hearts. He suggests a simple plan to execute. He also quotes John Owen preaching that you must be killing sin or sin will be killing you and recommends intensity and intentionality to killing the identified leadership viruses.

question: What different approaches does the author suggest in killing the different viruses?

answer: Give money away to counteract greed; Flee from sexual immorality; Do not act to take revenge; Lean in to community to fight independence; Promote others to work against pride; and take steps to address laziness.

question: Write a ~2 sentence summary.

answer: The author lists six leadership viruses and describes a simple plan to counteract each of them. He describes these viruses as sins that must be killed.


text:
I found this in my email from way back in high school. Little to no research was involved, so please excuse any inaccuracy.

The pounding of hooves grew stronger, as their cheers grew louder. His back stiffened as his heart began to slow. The horse’s breathing became strong and rhythmic. As he lowered the lance, the world was lost to the sounds of a slow pounding thud.

Thud.

“You awake in there?”

	The boy was lying in a large puddle of blood as the voices continued to speak.

“What do you mean he’s not talking? I put good money on that child and he was supposed to win. Don’t tell me I can’t show that waste of space what he is worth to me before—“

“Sire, please. The boy will be ready for the next fair. I swear.”

“I’ve had enough of this nonsense. This…this boy will either win or his blood won’t be the only one shed next time,” was the only thing the Duke managed to get out before he stormed out of the stable.

“Thanks,” the boy mumbled between his blood stained teeth.

“Don’t mention it William, just get up and help me clean up this mess.”

Timothy had been training William for sometime now and he knew better than to flatter him or tell him that he tried his best. William never liked that kind of stuff. He was stern and headstrong and he knew that the Duke meant business. The next fair he would have to face the Stranagor’s knight. Roland.

Weeks that followed seemed to crawl by as William’s hard work became ingrained into his mind. All he could think of was Roland and his greasy smile. Roland saw no honor in the game. He did not fight for the church. He did not fight for his honor and not even for his most recent wench, but he fought for his money; and it was the money that he would die for.

Click. His boots were set. His mind racing. Straps tightened and greaves on. The bones creaked under the weight of his chest piece. He felt the cold unrelenting steel between his fingers and his nerves began to tremble. Steam began to seep through the slits in his helmet as he mounted his steed and retrieved his lance. He could feel the slow rising and falling of the horse’s chest as he rode out to face his opponent.

Roland was waiting with his sick twisted smile hidden beneath solid black steel. William knew it was time. The signal was sent and William’s heart began beat furiously as his horse’s hooves pounded against the dirt. He raised his lance directly at the slit between Roland’s helmet and breastplate and rode on. He clenched his teeth as he waited for impact. His arm began to ache as the splinters began to fly. He could almost feel the hot liquids splatter inside Roland’s helmet as the short screams of agony bellowed as a response. William turned his horse towards the roaring crowd.

title: A Medieval Knight's Tale

question: Who was the boy lying in blood?

answer: William.

question: What kind of knight is William?

answer: Headstrong and stern, doesn't take well to flattery or sugar coating.

question: Who does Roland fight for?

answer: No one, not the church or honor. Only for money.

question: Who wins the joust between Roland and William?

answer: William lands his lance right between Roland's helmet and breastplate.

question: Write a ~5 sentence summary.

answer: William is a boy jouster who has been trained by Timothy for some time. He is headstrong and stern and doesn't like being told he did his best when he loses. He is facing Roland, the Stranagor's knight, in his next match. He lands his lance between Roland's helmet and breastplate, as he practically feels the blood splatter inside Roland's helmet. The crowd roars.


text:
_As is the tradition at Eater, our closeout of the year is a survey of friends, industry types, and bloggers. This year, we asked the group eight questions running the gamut from meal of the year to top restaurant newcomers, and we'll be rolling out their expert opinions all week long. Responses are cut, pasted, and (mostly) unedited herein. Readers, please do add your survey answers in the comments._

Q: WHAT WERE YOUR TOP STANDBYS OF 2014?

_CHRIS ANGELUS, FOUNDER OF PORTLAND FOOD ADVENTURESAND RIGHT AT THE FORK PODCASTS_

For friends in from out of town, two new places nudged their way onto my list:  The American Local and Ataula.  Both feature great menus for sharing and the service is outstanding.  With my family, it's easiest to get my sons to endure a meal with me at Verde Cocina.

_BYRON BECK, EDITOR, GOLOCALPDX_

The following continue to delight and dazzle me: Radar, Navarre, Grassa, Olympic Provisions, Tasty N Alder, New American, Departure, Cheryl's Kitchen.

_KAREN BROOKS, BOOK AUTHOR; FOOD EDITOR AND RESTAURANT CRITIC FOR PORTLAND MONTHLY_

I'm a die-hard regular at Lovely's Fifty Fifty for pizza and ice cream. New Yorkers may cringe, Italians may flee, but this low-key kitchen routinely busts out super satisfying pizzas, carefully constructed, beautifully singed, light on cheese, and sporting a changing cast of unholy toppings that somehow work magic. Kale? Cauliflower? Hard to fathom, but these ingredients starred this year in my own private pizza addiction. For dessert, always _— always_ — malted milk ice cream. Other places you'll find me: 1) inhaling anything and everything at the Sugar Cube, especially the aptly names Blackout Cake;  2) breakfasting at Sweedeedee, and 3) hanging with friends at Luce, which really dialed in the kitchen this year and delivered on its promise of intimate Italian dining at affordable prices.

_BRETT BURMEISTER, BLOGGER, FOOD CARTS PORTLAND_

As a spur of the moment eater mostly, I tend to hit up those places that have proven to sate our bellies — Happy House Chinese for veggie egg foo young, Vita Cafe for huevos rancheros, Minizo food cart for Ramen, Geno's for the best steak in town, Acapulco's Gold for a shot and enchiladas.

_LIZ CRAIN, AUTHOR "FOOD LOVER'S GUIDE TO PORTLAND" AND "TORO BRAVO" COOKBOOK_

Toro Bravo, Biwa, Tanuki, Bollywood Theater, Boke Bowl, Broder Nord, EaT Oyster Bar

_ANDREA DAMEWOOD, RESTAURANT CRITIC,_PORTLAND MERCURY__

I'll always love Podnah's, Shigezo and HA & Vl. Nothing will change that feeling (I hope). Le Pigeon remains my go-to fancy spot.

_ERIN DE JESUS, WRITER, EATER NATIONAL_

Earl Ninsom's tasting-menu restaurant Langbaan (rightfully) got tons of attention this year, but PaaDee has stealthily become one of Portland's most consistent, comforting restaurants. It's become a go-to particularly when I'm lazy to give more than three seconds of thought about where to go to dinner, which I mean as the highest compliment: I know I can walk in and find exactly what I want, even when I have no idea what that is.

_ALLISON JONES, WRITER, PORTLAND MONTHLY_

Departure (#teamgg), Ground Breaker Brewing, Harlow, Kure, Wolf & Bear's, New Cascadia, and the apple berry tea at Maurice.

_EMILY MCINTYRE, COFFEE AND BEVERAGES WRITER_

__ Bollywood Theater, Nong's Khao Man Gai, East Glisan Pizza

_KERRY NEWBERRY, FOOD AND TRAVEL WRITER; WINE EDITOR AT SIP NORTHWEST_

Roman Candle for perfect arancini and affogato. Ataula for tapas always satisfies. Plus, who can resist the xupa-xup? Weekend brunch at Irving Street Kitchen because it's never rushed. Pok Pok Noi for I-can't-believe-it's-Monday-already takeout dinner. The Parish for oysters. Firehouse Restaurant for wood-fired mussels and alfresco dining (come back summer!).

_GARY OKAZAKI, PROFESSIONAL GLUTTON (AKA GARY THE FOODIE)
_

I dine most often at Aviary. Chef Sarah's new dishes were some of my most favorite from  Portland in 2014: foie gras hum bao, crab chawanmushi, silken tofu, and sweet and sour pork short rib. The food that emanates from Aviary's kitchen is some of the most consistently well-executed in the city.

_MICHAEL RUSSELL, RESTAURANT CRITIC AND REPORTER, THE OREGONIAN_

Kachka is only eight months old, but it already feels like a standby. My go-to order: Siberian pelmeni (dumplings) in "fancy" broth, Herring Under a Fur Coat, pickled veggies and cured fish, maybe the beef tongue stroganoff, plus a vodka flight or two.

Among older restaurants, Firehouse has settled into my regular rotation as a more casual, equally charming, sort-of sibling restaurant to Nostrana. You can show up in jeans and a fleece, sip a perfect Negroni, nibble on fried stuffed olives and eat al dente pasta or one of the city's best Neapolitan pizzas. In the summer, the patio might make you feel like you've walked into a Fellini film.

_PETER SZYMCZAK, WRITER,OREGON WINE PRESS AND SIP NORTHWEST_

2014 was busy with work and travel, so we tended to stay close to home in inner Southeast: Farm, Noble Rot, Screen Door, Sok Sab Bai, Clarklewis, Luce, Nostrana.

_MIKE THELIN, FEAST PORTLAND CO-FOUNDER_

PaaDee is the restaurant that you want in your neighborhood — not too fancy, but always familiar and good. Having Langbaan in the back room is an added bonus. PorQue No is my other standby: Brian's Bowl is crucial. Canteen is the restaurant that was my anonymous vegan pleasure, but now I run into every chef in town there so good to know I'm not alone in my appreciation for solid hippie food. I also love Olympic Provisions. It is probably the most consistently satisfying restaurant in Portland, and due to the popularity of the charcuterie, the OP restaurants fly under the radar.

_DREW TYSON, WRITER AND PHOTOGRAPHER
_

Taqueria Villanueve and Teote

_MICHAEL ZUSMAN, COOKBOOK AUTHOR, RESTAURANT CRITIC (AND JUDGE)
_

When I'm not exploring further afield, I default to my close-to-home Northwest neighborhood favorites: Ataula for magnificent modern Spanish dishes and St. Jack (v2.0) for decadent French country-style plates with a side of chef Aaron Barnett's Canuck wit (if I'm lucky enough to snag a seat at the end of the kitchen counter). When I'm out with the kid, we frequently slip across W. Burnside to Grassa and Lardo.

question: Is it likely that some of these restaurants are now permanently closed?

answer: Yes, probably, because anything could happen in business.

question: Who among the survey participants gave the best response?

answer: It's hard to say. All of them seem to have given interesting responses.

question: Why is the author giving out this particular survey?

answer: They probably think that giving people some idea of the best standbys of 2014 is a great way to end the year.

question: Why is McDonald's not mentioned in any of the responses?

answer: Probably because the survey participants didn't think McDonald's is not one of the top standbys.


text:
The MANCHESTER CITY LIBRARY was established in the mid-1850s, and serves the population of Manchester, the largest city in the state of New Hampshire. It is one of twelve libraries in the GMILCS consortium (Greater Manchester Integrated Library Cooperative System) that provides materials and services to the greater Manchester area,[1] and is on the U.S. Department of Interior's National Register of Historic Places, listed under the Victory Park Historic District as a contributing property,[2] one of the four buildings that face the park.[3] Even though the current building was completed in 1914, library services were provided as early as 1844 through a membership-based organization known as the Manchester Atheneum, and then as a public library which was housed in two other buildings.[4] Over the last century, the library has undergone many renovations to maintain the historical integrity of the building. It has continuously provided materials in various formats (print, digital, and multimedia), as well as vital services to the public, including internet access, literacy programs, community events, and educational workshops and classes.

History

The idea of a free public library for Manchester was first proposed in 1854 by Mayor-Elect Frederick Smyth during his inaugural speech. Prior to this, registered members in the area used the Manchester Atheneum between 1844 and 1854.[5] [Front entrance of the Manchester City Library (Carpenter Memorial Building) in 2006]

Atheneum (1844-1854)

The Atheneum was formed in 1844, and consisted of a library, reading room, and museum. Its organizers consisted of eight members including a president, vice president, three directors, secretary, treasurer, and a librarian. The organization was sustained for ten years by the monetary donations of benefactors, and book donations by association members. It wasn't free or public, but rather, belonged to the shareholders. However, individuals could gain access by paying a $3.00 annual fee.[6]

Patten Block (1854-1871)

Once the public library proposal was suggested by Mayor Smyth, the Atheneum's collection was officially transferred to the city's possession on September 6, 1854, and was housed at 6 Patten Block off Elm Street, next to City Hall. It officially opened to the public November 8, 1854, with Francis B. Eaton as Head Librarian. His salary was $315.50 per year.[7] The collection started with fewer than 200 volumes.[8]

With a steadily growing population after its opening, the library was doing extremely well, building its collection up to 3,000 books, until tragedy struck in 1856 on the morning of February 5. A fire originating from the printing press in the basement of the building completely destroyed the library with the exception of 600 items (including those that were checked out). After much work by the trustees, a temporary location was set up at Smyth's Block on July 22, 1856,[9] for one year, until Patten's Block was rebuilt in 1857. However, in less than two decades, that location also became too small, and a new building was erected on Franklin Street in 1871. [Public Library circa 1875] [Franklin Street Building]

Franklin Street Building (1871-1914)

The lot on which the Franklin Street building was erected was donated by the Amoskeag Manufacturing Company. The library had a dark, dingy, ecclesiastical feel to it which many patrons did not enjoy. In particular, the high wire fence that separated patrons from the bookshelves was an issue of discontent.[10] Only ministers and teachers could browse the stacks as they pleased, but they still needed a librarian to retrieve any requested items for them, due to fragile step ladders. At times, patrons would have to wait up to an hour to have their items retrieved. Furthermore, if the items retrieved happened to be ones that were already read, or unwanted, patrons could not return them on the same day. Only one or two items could be checked out at a time, and daily fines were relative to the size of the books, as was the checkout period.[11]

Eventually, a small open shelf was created in 1901 so patrons could have access to certain general interest books. Although patrons enjoyed this new addition, it caused some issues for staff as the number of missing items increased dramatically within one year. As a result, inventories were taken one to two times a year while all books were asked to be returned, and the library was shut down during this time.[12][Railings separating shelved books from patrons|297x297px] The Franklin Street location was not without its problems. Patrons complained about only being able to check out books on the day of the week they were assigned. This practice was abolished in 1880.[13]

In 1881, an addition was built, which doubled the library's capacity. This also allowed more space for federal documents, since Judge Daniel Clark declared the library a federal depository site in 1884.[14] Early catalogs were compiled by the trustees as books, after which they switched to a dictionary card catalog in 1894. These cards contained the author, title, subject, and form of the books, and were listed in alphabetical order. Books were placed on the shelves in a “fixed location” which was indicated on its card, as well as a number on the shelf, but they were not grouped by subject. As a result, if they were moved to another shelf, the numbers became useless. Eventually, that same year, the library was rearranged and classified by the Cutter Expansive Classification system, which grouped the books together by subject, and the number assigned to each remained permanent. Staff began using Library of Congress cards in 1902. The first children's card catalog was created in 1906, but it wasn't until 1907 that the age limit restricting children from officially using the library was abolished. However, there was still no dedicated Children's Room at that point. Last, but not least, one of the most troublesome issues faced occurred in 1908, when there was an infestation of termites in many books, documents, and even the oak posts of the building. Once cement floors were put down, however, the problem was eradicated.[15] [First Children's Room for the Carpenter Memorial Building (Manchester City Library)|left|245x245px]

Branches aka “Stations”

As the population grew, patrons became reluctant to travel more than half a mile for books. Consequently, “stations” (i.e., small branches) were opened up around the city. The first branch opened in East Manchester at the drug store of Charles G. Dunnington on May 28, 1912, and operated once a week, while the second one opened in West Manchester one year later in the drug store of Charles R. Leckie. This location also operated only once a week. But limited space proved challenging, and eventually space was rented out in both the East and West sides at 374 Massabesic Street, and 15 North Main Street, respectively, with a library assistant in charge. Over the years between 1914 and 1928, three other small spaces at schools and local stores functioned as stations as well.[16]

Carpenter Memorial Building (1914-present)

[Intricate ironwork staircase in the main building of the Manchester City Library|left]Due to a continuously growing population, library collection, and the need for a separate children's room, it became evident that a new facility would be needed once again. Upon the death of his wife, Elenora Blood Carpenter, in 1910, Frank P. Carpenter, the president of the Amoskeag Paper Mill, offered to construct a new building in her honor.

Ground was broken in September 1912,[17] and the cornerstone, a five-ton block of Concord granite coming from the same quarry that supplied the Library of Congress, was laid by Carpenter on June 11, 1913.[18] Within the stone was a copper receptable that served as a time capsule; it held records, newspapers, coins, clothes manufactured in Manchester, and other historical items.[19] The foundation was prepared by the R.H. Howes Company of New York, and construction contract was given to F.G. Fearon & Co. of New York.[20]

The new Italian Renaissance-style building, which was 150 feet long and 90 feet deep,[21] took two years to complete by architects Edgar A.P. Newcomb of Honolulu and Edward L. Tilton of New York City.[22] They incorporated Concord granite, Botticino and Lastavena marble, as well as oak woodwork, brick, concrete, plaster, and steel beams into the construction, as well as a beautiful skylight dome in its rotunda. The cost to build the library was approximately $355,000, which in today's dollars would be the equivalent of US$8.5 million. The building, which still serves the population of Manchester, was officially dedicated on November 18, 1914, in front of a crowd of more than 5,000 people,[23][24] and could now accommodate more than 300,000 materials.[25][Rotunda dome of the Manchester City Library] The dedication program contained musical selections by the First Regiment Band, an invocation by Rev. Thomas Chalmers, D.D., a main address by Samuel D. Felker (then governor of New Hampshire), and a dedicatory oration by Rev. Burton W. Lockhart, D.D.[26] During the period of transition from the Franklin Street Building to the Carpenter Memorial Building, the library was closed for 15 working days, during which time they transferred 74,000 books from one location to the other,[27] beginning on the day of the dedication, and ending on December 7, 1914, when the doors opened to the public.[28]

In 1929, the library celebrated its 75th anniversary. During this time, a history of the library was written and privately printed.[29]

During World War II while there was increased patronage, the library held a “Victory Book Campaign” and collected donations from the community to ship to the armed forces overseas.[30] But as a result of efforts to conserve oil, and an undue strain placed on library assistants who had to work additional evening hours, the trustees voted to change regular operational hours on Wednesdays from 9 am to 1 pm, instead of the regular hours of 9 am to 9 pm, for the first time in 30 years.[31] This, however, proved to be unpopular with the public, who brought the issue to Mayor Benoit. As a result, a new schedule was implemented at the start of 1946, changing the hours on Monday to 1 pm - 9 pm, and on Wednesdays, 9 am - 6 pm.[32]

Some other noteworthy events are as follows:[33]

-   _1929:_ The 75th anniversary of the library was celebrated; a history was written and privately printed in commemoration of the event
-   _1934:_ Library closes on Sundays
-   _1953:_ Bookmobile service inaugurated
-   _1955_: Large Print books are added to the collection
-   _1963:_ First photocopy machine in use
-   _1984:_ Bookmobile bought by local company for other usage
-   _1989:_ Library cards with barcodes are first issued
-   _1994:_ Began using Dynix online catalog for in-house use
-   _1996:_ Public internet stations arrive; library catalog goes online to the public
-   _1998:_ West Branch awarded the NH Preservation Alliance Award
-   _2005:_ New teen area created
-   _2006:_ NH Downloadable books (e-books) become available; Hunt Grant used to install wireless internet access at both buildings
-   _2007:_ Main building is awarded the NH Preservation Alliance Award for renovations
-   _2008:_ Automated checkout system is upgraded to Polaris to provide better access for patrons to their records
-   _2009:_ Open holds system through the GMILCS consortium allows for materials to be requested and shared by patrons between libraries in the area
-   _2010:_ West Branch celebrates 30 years of service
-   _2011:_ New security gates added
-   _2013:_ 3M e-book service added as a GMILCS libraries offering
-   _2014:_ 100th Anniversary of the Carpenter Memorial Building
-   _2015:_ Flood at the West Branch on the evening of February 16 due to a burst sprinkler pipe; security cameras installed at Main Library
-   _2016:_ West Branch reopens on May 2
-   _2017:_ Main library closed to the public in January for two weeks during flooring renovations then reopened January 30; library begins offering Zinio online magazine service in April

[Frank P. Carpenter, founder & benefactor of the Carpenter Memorial Building (Manchester City Library)|left]

New Hampshire Room

[The original King Fire Station in Manchester (now the West Branch of the Manchester City Library)] On March 16, 1958, the New Hampshire (NH) Room was dedicated in the Manchester City Library. The NH Room houses a reference collection containing genealogical information, military and immigration records, biographies, Manchester city directories, literature, yearbooks, vital records, and library scrapbooks, and local town histories. It also includes microfilm of federal census records for New Hampshire, as well as popular local and regional newspapers dating back to the mid-1800s. In 1995, upon a bequest from a late Carpenter family relative, Priscilla Sullivan, the NH Room was moved to the largest second-floor room in the building.[34]

Staff, trustees, and volunteers

Frank P. Carpenter, in addition to paving the way for the existing of the current building, also served as a library trustee from 1892 to 1937. His children, Mary Carpenter Manning and Aretas Blood Carpenter, also were library trustees, serving from 1927 to 1965 and 1940 to 1965 respectively.[35][36]

The original Board of Trustees in 1854 included: Frederick Smyth (Mayor, Ex-Officio), David J. Clarke (President, Common Council), Samuel D. Bell, Daniel Clark, David Gillis, William P. Newell, E.A. Straw, William C. Clarke, Samuel N. Bell[37] Since its inception, the library has had fifteen directors, including Denise M. van Zanten, who is the current director.[38]

West Branch

[Renovated West Branch of the Manchester City Library|left] As the community grew, so did the need for an additional branch on the west side of the Merrimack River. In 1978, discussions for a new community center led the original King Fire Station at 76 North Main Street to be transformed into a building which houses the William B. Cashin Senior Activity Center and the West Branch of the library.[39] The branch, which is located next to Manchester High School West, opened in 1980, and then closed in 2015 due to a major flood.[40] It then reopened in 2016 after a massive renovation of the three-story building.[41]

Renovations and enhancements

[Flooring remodel, Jan. 2017|409x409px] Over the years, the library has undergone several renovations to enhance and preserve the integrity of the currently existing buildings:

-   _1937:_ Bronze railing installed on the front steps as a gift from Frank P. Carpenter[42]
-   _1973:_ Fire alarm system installed[43]
-   _1979:_ Construction begins on the West Branch
-   _1984:_ Handicapped Accessible Ramp installed at main building[44]
-   _1986:_ Main floor closet made into a public restroom[45]
-   _1991:_ A new elevator was installed to replace the original. The Manchester Garden Club raised funds to add greenery and landscaping to the grounds.[46]
-   _1997:_ The West Branch gets a face lift; the Clock Tower is restored[47]
-   _2000:_ New, custom-built Circulation Desk is installed[48]
-   _2005-2006:_ Fire alarm system upgraded;[49] a climate control system with air conditioning was installed; significant cleaning of the building; restoration of the tile roof, installation of a built-in gutter system and site lighting.[50]
-   _2006:_ More renovations at branch in Circulation and Children's services; branch extends usage to all three floors of building; major flooding in lower level of main building leads to new tile flooring in bathrooms and Winchell Room[51]
-   _2007-2008:_ Fiber-optic lines were installed at the West Branch to enhance computer connections. During this time, repairs were made to the leaking roof and chimney.[52]
-   _2013:_ The main floor bathroom was refinished.[53]
-   _2015-2016:_ A frozen pipe burst on February 17, 2015, in the lower level of the West Branch, filling it with of water. After a year's worth of renovations, the branch re-opened to the public in May 2016 after a significant remodel.[54] Renovations totaled close to a half a million dollars worth in materials, shelves and furnishings, elevator, walls, doors, a heating/cooling system, and windows.[55]
-   _2017:_ The main library closed to the public between January 16 and 29, 2017, for a floor renovation project. New carpets were installed throughout a majority of the building, and marble tiles in the Rotunda matching the overall color scheme were laid down. During this time, extended hours were in place at the West Branch.

[ 2015 - Flood damage to the West Branch of the Manchester City Library occurred due to a frozen pipe bursting. |260x260px|left]

Other facts

-   Some of the original oak tables are still being used by the public in the building today.[56]
-   A central ventilation and vacuuming system were in use during the library's opening.[57]
-   The entryway and lower level hallway are made of marble.[58]
-   In 1986, the children's room, originally located on the south side of the main floor, was relocated to the lower level.[59]
-   The library's auditorium seats 173 individuals, and was initially called the “Lecture Hall”.[60]
-   When the building first opened, it housed the Manchester Historic Association.[61]
-   The desk in the Rotunda is original to the building.[62]
-   MCL contains the largest collection of materials in the state of New Hampshire with approximately 225,000 items.[63]

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[44] VanZanten, D. (2017); _Manchester City Library Timeline 1910-2017._

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title: Manchester City Library

question: When was the Manchester City Library established?

answer: In the mid-1850s.

question: What state is Manchester located in?

answer: New Hampshire.

question: Who first proposed the idea of a free library in Manchester?

answer: Mayor-elect Frederick Smyth.

question: What was the first institution founded in Manchester called?

answer: The Atheneum.

question: Write a ~1 sentence summary.

answer: This article is about a library founded in Manchester, New Hampshire in the mid 1850s, detailing the history of the library up to the present day.


text:
In the early days of Reddit, they used it as their logo, one of them had drew it and it looked cute, they even made a stuffed version and named it Snoo because the name also sounded cute. Snoo was kept on top of their computer and they adored him.

But one winter, one cold cold winter, that ragtag band of the people who maintained Reddit huddled together in the last burning embers of their fireplace, for they couldn't pay the heating bill. They were growing colder and colder, and their hope of seeing the future of their small but promising site, Reddit.

Suddenly, Snoo rose and spoke, "Fear not, my brothers, for I am your Savior Snoo" this of course scared the daylights out of everyone in the room besides Snoo who now had forgotten the cold and gathered around Snoo and asked him questions as to why he had suddenly spoke. Snoo raised an adorably small hand and said,

"You mortals will not yet be able to comprehend my existence, only know you have a great piece in the puzzle of the universe, your site's members shall be many, do not lose hope for you shall survive this winter, you will one day by the last hope of the free thinking universe"

One among the eager crowd inquired the Snoo, "But how, our fire is quickly waning and our bodies will not produce heat much longer"

The Snoo turned to him and said, "Do not worry, that is why I have come, I know I must sacrifice myself to save the universe in the future, it is my piece in the puzzle and I shall take it with dignity"

With one final adorable salute he cast himself into the fireplace and stoked the flames. This bold sacrifice somehow kept the fire burning for eternity, and it still burns to this day. The Redditors who witnessed that bold, and strangely vague sacrifice decided to make effigies of the Snoo so that his face and his sacrifice that saved Reddit would be remembered. Of course, they profit off them in the Reddit Store, but it's the thought that counts.

title: The Origin of Snoo the Reddit Alien.

question: Why did Snoo sacrifice itself?

answer: He wanted to keep the Reddit team alive and warm during the winter.

question: Explain the concession about profiting off Snoo.

answer: While the effigies of Snoo are made to remember his sacrifice, they also profit off of selling Snoo-related merchandise.

question: What is the narrative meaning of winter besides being cold?

answer: The fate of Reddit isn't known yet, and it may just wither as many creatures and flora do in winter.

question: How does Snoo know the future?

answer: It's not explained in the story. Along with Snoo's coming alive, it's another paranormal event.

question: Write a ~7 sentence summary.

answer: In the early days of Reddit, the team behind it huddle alongside the fireplace. They are out of money during winter, and their fate is not certain. Their mascot, Snoo the Reddit Alien rises to speak, "Fear not, my brothers, for I am your Savior Snoo." He tells them that Reddit will grow, have many users, and one day they will be the last hope of the free-thinking universe. He goes on to say that he knows they are cold, but he's there to sacrifice himself with dignity and hops onto the fire, keeping the team warm. The Redditors who witnessed this moment made effigies of Snoo so that his sacrifice will always be remembered. They also profited off Snoo.