In the days following the April 4, 1968 assassination of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., Pittsburghs streets filled with protesters and angry rioters. Seven days of riots were spurred by shock and disbelief that the man who utilized non-violence to fight for justice had become a victim of violence himself.

The pain and frustration was undergirded by the poor economic conditions and deep racism felt by Black residents across the country. In comparison to other cities, the destruction was less severe in Pittsburgh. Casualties included one death and 36 people injured, along with more than 1,000 arrests. After news of Kings death hit the airwaves, the impact was immediate. By 10:30 p.m., glass and debris from broken storefronts were strewn along Centre and Fifth avenues.

Fifty-two years later on May 25, 2020 police in Minneapolis responded to a call about a Black man allegedly attempting to pass a counterfeit $20 bill. Police pinned George Floyd to the ground, while a bystander filmed from the side. And there for the whole world to see, the life seeped out of Floyd as he repeated that he couldnt breath while officer Derek Chauvin calmly pressed his knee into his neck. All the while, three of his fellow officers stood around with their hands in the pockets.

Days of protests broke out across the country, and in Pittsburgh and like 1968, some of them included violence and significant property damage. Unlike 1968, social media also streamed the violent crackdown by police across the country including the controversial use of gas on protesters locally and while the riots lasted seven days in 1968, demonstrations have been going on for more than a month since Floyds death.

Carlos Peterson, 70, a local technical artist who notably is the designer of the Phoenix Rising sculpture at Freedom Corner in the Hill District, was 18 in 1968. He vividly recalls what he was doing when he learned of Kings assassination.

I was living with my brother Paul at that time. He was just home from Vietnam, and we had no TV, so it would be the next day before I found out. At school, a special assembly was called for us, and they brought in some folks from the NAACP to give us the news. Of course, the riots, looting and destruction started by that time.

When I think about that time, and how later we looked around and the neighborhood was so devastated after the riots, it took a while before realizing that we had literally destroyed our own communities I believe it was because we had no knowledge of who we were or what our history was.

Petersen designed the Phoenix Rising sculpture at Freedom Corner in the Hill District. (Photo by Jay Manning/PublicSource)

Peterson felt that if youth had been taught Black history they would have had a greater respect for the community. And even though there were a few students who understood what was missing from school, he said, Black history wasnt being taught. "I was not taught in my home about myself as a African American," he said.

In 2020, Peterson points out that current protesters did not destroy one thing in the Black neighborhood they went Downtown, this was a big difference I believe it is because there has been more intense education around our Black History.

In Pittsburgh, a largely peaceful protest on May 30 escalated into a chaotic scene with police deploying gas and other crowd control agents on demonstrators. They made numerous arrests. Vandalism included the destruction of police cars and shattering of storefront windows. Police on June 1 again used gas during a demonstration that had been peaceful in East Liberty, an action now subject to a federal lawsuit filed by protesters. Demonstrations in the month since have been peaceful across the region.

Peterson notes that recent protests came after the loss of control felt by communities locked down for more than two months due to COVID-19, and after residents felt priced out of their neighborhoods after years of gentrification. And then theres the repeating deaths, not just of Floyd, but of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and others.

This rage had taken on an entirely different pallor than it did 52 years ago, he said. I see the depth of the rage as the biggest difference.

Tamanika Howze of the Hill District was 19 in April 1968. She was meeting with members of Black Sisters United in the home of one of the members. She was in disbelief when a young man entered telling them what happened, they were in disbelief.

We ran upstairs and turned on the televisionthere we saw it and we immediately hit the streets, Howze said. Things had already started.

Comparing 1968 to now, Howze notes that while there were many underlying issues around inequality, the trigger to the anger and rage and frustration was brought on by the assassination of King. Today, the protests stem from an ongoing broken system one that has shown us regularly that racism is real, its systemic, and that as African Americans we are expendable and essentially not valued. And this is made more abundantly clear each day.

During the 60s, organizing major demonstrations took time. In our current world of social media organizing is more instantaneous, she said, and getting the word out and the details of the planned protest can happen within hours.

Retired Pittsburgh police officer Brenda Tate, was also 19 at the time. She and her then-husband were coming home from an evening out at a local bar when they observed a flurry of activity out on the streets of the Hill District. They passed a Jewish meat market on Wylie Avenue whose windows had been smashed people were coming in and out of the broken windows with meat in their hands.

She approached the crowd to find out what was going on. It was then that she learned of Kings death.

It took till I got home for that news to sink in and just how devastating it was for Blacks in this country, Tate said.

Brenda Tate is holding a photo of herself as a teenager in her home in the Hill District. (Photo by Jay Manning/PublicSource)

In her view, the most significant difference between todays demonstrations and 1968 is the brutality of Floyds death, and how readily it could be seen firsthand.

We were, of course, angry because of the death of Martin Luther King, but the inhuman way Floyd was killed and the power of cell phone videos that allowed us to see that murder over and over again, I feel, created greater pain than anything we know. Hearing him call out for his mother, and then watching as all the officers involved, stood around casually with their hands in their pockets.

Tate noted that it seemed white people viewed the death not just with sympathy, but actually empathized with what we have been experiencing with the continued killings of Black men and the brutality associated with it.

Tate also blames President Donald Trump as a catalyst for racism. She shares that she heard her mother and her aunt say theyd never return to the pain of deep racism and Jim Crow environment they endured while living in Birmingham but now it seems that Trumps behavior toward Black Americans has given a free ticket to racists to act with hatred beyond the level of the 60s.

Brenda Tate (right) and her aunt Margaret Watson, who turns 100 on July 6, at Brenda Tate's home in the Hill District (Photo by Jay Manning/PublicSource)

Todays protests have also spread across the world.

I believe that God has a plan that he was going to make manifest beyond the United States, Tate said. I believe his intent is that everyone all over was going to participate on some level.

Brenda Tate (right) and Margaret Watson, who is turning 100 on July 6, at Brenda Tate's home in the Hill District (Photo by Jay Manning/PublicSource)

Seventy-five year old George Moses had just returned from Vietnam and was working at J&L Steel Mill in April 1968. He got a call because the rioting broke out in the streets and his mother-in-law was stuck in Homewood at Holy Cross Church, unable to get home to the Hill.

I had to leave work, in Hazelwood, drive to Homewood, and return her to the Hill District, he said. The streets were already alive with angry folks as a result of the killing of Martin Luther King.

George Moses in front of his home in Point Breeze (Photo by Jay Manning/PublicSource)

Back then, he recalls protests being led by ministers and heads of organizations like the NAACP, along with civil rights champions like Alma Speed Fox. Today, he has seen a more diverse crowd, including people of different ages, more women and a far greater proportion of white people. Another major difference is that the news media is no longer in sole control of how a demonstration is seen. Cell phones and social media have taken local protests worldwide.

Other countries could see for themselves what was going on here, he said. And now more than ever all eyes are on Americaone way or the other, we set the pace for oppressed individuals all over all the anti-racist actions happening in this country are on full view before the world.

But the prevalence of violent images has caused even greater trauma than in the 60s.

When the word went out about the death of Martin Luther King it was shocking and bad enough, Moses said. Imagine how terrible it would have been if there was a video of him on the balcony of the Lorraine Hotel and it kept playing over and over again.

George Moses in front of his home in Point Breeze (Photo by Jay Manning/PublicSource)

And while local residents who recall the turmoil of the 60s are heartened by a long overdue awakening about racism across the country, those who remember the fallout from Kings death share a collective sadness that after 52 years, racism is still as prevalent, still pervasive, even more institutionalized, and results in the senseless killings of unarmed Black men all over this country.

"Unlike the 60s there are the images of the mistreatment of African American men that run so deep, that we can't keep ignoring them, Peterson said, referencing the video of an officer kneeling on Floyds neck as he struggled to breathe. It represents our lives being lost right before our eyes."

Renee P. Aldrich is an award-winning writer, a published author and a motivational speaker. She has been writing for more than 20 years and can be reached at writingthewriteword@gmail.com.

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They recall the turmoil of '68. Here's what they think of Black Lives Matter. - PublicSource

If you played fantasy football in the early 2010s, youre definitely familiar with Adrian Peterson. During his time with the Minnesota Vikings, the running back established himself as one of the NFLs most dynamic offensive talents. As you might assume, that also helped him take home more than $100 million during his professional career.

For all of that on-field success, though, Peterson isnt sitting on a massive fortune. In fact, the running back trusted the wrong people and has ended up with a negative $4 million net worth.

RELATED: Adrian Peterson Eyeing Surpassing Barry Sanders in NFL Record BooksTerrell Owens Lost Almost $80 Million Following a String of Bad Decisions

In todays NFL, few offenses are built around a franchise running back. During his prime, however, Adrian Peterson seemed capable of putting an entire team on his back.

After a dominant high school career and three strong seasons at the University of Oklahoma, Peterson entered the 2007 NFL draft. The Minnesota Vikings snagged the running back with the seventh overall pick and immediately handed him the keys to the offense. Peterson promptly proved that the team made the right decision.

The running back posted 1,341 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns during his first year in the pros, cruising to Offensive Rookie of the Year honors; Peterson immediately followed that up with a 1,760-yard sophomore campaign. He peaked, however in 2012, rushing for 2,097 yards and 12 touchdowns en route to the Offensive Player of the Year and NFL MVP titles.

That season, however, proved to be Petersons peak. After a solid 2013 campaign, the running back missed most of 2014 afterhitting his son with a switch;he returned to action in 2015, but then spent the majority of 2016 on the sidelines with a torn meniscus. That injury proved to be the end of his time with the Vikings.

After splitting 2017 between Arizona and New Orleans, Peterson found a home with the Washington Redskins. While hes no longer an elite offensive threat, the running back is still capable of doing a job on Sundays.

During his prime, Adrian Peterson was one of the top offensive threats in the NFL. Understandably, that helped the running back take home a pretty sizable salary.

According toSpotracsfinancial data, the running back has earned almost $102 million during his time in the pros. The vast majority of that money came during All Days time with the Vikings; between entering the league as a first-round pick and posting league MVP-quality numbers, he took home almost $95 million during his time in Minnesota.

In recent years, however, Petersons status and, in turn, salary, has deceased. During the 2017 season, which he spent with the Saints and Cardinals organizations, he made $3.5 million. Hes earned approximately $2.5 million during his time with the Redskins; this season, hes playing on a club option with a base salary of $2.25 million before bonuses.

Despite that earning power, Adrian Peterson hasnt found himself in the best financial shape. In an all too familiar tale, the running back trusted the wrong people, landing himself in a tough spot.

As Daniel Kaplan reported for The Athletic in July 2019, the running backs massive salary hasnt been enough to keep him out of debt.

A Pennsylvania lender is suing Peterson for allegedly defaulting on a $5.2 million loan, the proceeds of which he used to pay back other debts he incurred, including millions from a pay-day lender, court documents in New York show, Kaplan wrote. The sum, which with interest and legal fees is now $6.6 million, is separate from the $2.4 million a Maryland state judge last week ordered Peterson to pay another creditor Democracy Capital Corp. In 2018, a Minnesota court ordered him to pay $600,000 left unpaid on a $2.4 million loan.

Shortly after the story broke, Petersons lawyer, Chase Carlson, issued a statement on Twitter. It seems like the running back, like many other pro athletes, found himself following bad financial advice from those in his inner circle.

The truth behind Adrian Petersons current financial situation is more than is being reported at this time,Carlson explained.Because of ongoing legal matters, I am unable to go into detail, but I will say this is yet another situation of an athlete trusting the wrong people and being taken advantage of by those he trusted. Adrian and his family look forward to sharing further details when appropriate.

Today, CelebrityNetWorth estimates Adrian Petersons fortune at negative $4 million. Unfortunately, hes another case on-field success failing to carry over to their finances.

Stats courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference

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Adrian Peterson Trusted 'the Wrong People' and Ended Up With a Negative $4 Million Net Worth - Sportscasting

You know by now what to expect if youre planning to attend college football teams this fall. Wear a face mask. Dont expect to tailgate six hours, if at all. Get used to concession food fitting into a package. Stadiums wont be at 100 percent capacity. Prepare for digital ticket-taking and staggered entry.

Youve already read and heard most of that, though. So lets now switch to your experience while watching games on TV, where ratings could be as high as ever.

Its not so much what will be different with College Football 2020, but how networks keep those differences from being overly noticeable.

Game experiences, regardless if they are in the stadium or on the couch, wont be the same. The goal, though, continues to be making viewers feel as if theyre in the stadium, right along with the lucky reduced crowd who could actually be there.

That mind-set wont change. Aside from those less-than-full stadiums and players spaced about the sideline instead of between the 25-yard lines (and referees maybe wearing masks), viewers arent likely to see many differences.

Behind the scenes, however, things will be different.

Remote announcers? Probably.

Theyll likely work from a studio in another state, and not in press boxes at the games theyre describing. Thats the biggest difference, from a TV perspective, but its something viewers and broadcasters themselves eventually will adjust to.

The impact on fans, while minimal in my view, starts with how producers and announcers do their pregame preparation, said Des Moines resident Ray Cole, who was a past ABC board member and liaison to ESPN.

They typically show up at college football game days ahead of time. Pregame meetings with coaches and players of both teams are common.

Those meetings now will be via social media; informative one-on-ones are probably out this season.

I doubt that (announcers) Chris Fowler or Sean McDonough will find college football coaches being as warm, candid and straightforward as they have in the past, Cole said. But it can be done successfully.

Fran Fraschilla called basketball games during the 2016 Summer Olympics from an studio in Stamford, Conn. He pulled it off so well, that friends would call or text him to see how he was enjoying Rio.

More recently, ESPNs Karl Ravech and Eduardo Perez called the networks coverage of Korean baseball from their homes.

Additional advertising revenue streams?

Fewer fans mean athletics departments are finding creative ways to help cushion the revenue losses. More company logos on fields? Company emblems on uniforms (Im not sure apparel contracts would allow that)? Advertising logos superimposed digitally at various places of the stadium?

Media outlets such as signage, TV, radio, digital and social channels will see higher demand, so finding ways to capitalize on that will be key, said Chris Wujcik, vice-president of client consulting services at GMR Marketing in New Berlin, Wis.

Traditionally, college and pro football have intentionally avoided signage that has a large TV presence, while trying to maintain a clean landscape and keep the game as the focal point.

Moving forward, with so many in-person limitations reducing the value of in-stadium elements, schools will need to focus on trying to shift assets to provide sponsors the impressions that they crave. (Thats) via broadcast, on what will likely be increased TV ratings, since people will not be able to attend events the same way.

Unique advertising opportunities

Iowa State is among the schools that sell advertising on the blinders that shield signal-waving sideline personnel from observant opponent coaches in the press box. The multicolored ribbon circling the inside of stadiums includes advertising, as do scoreboard video boards.

Anything that is going to get a considerable amount of high profile, on-air exposure should be considered as a possibility, Wujcik said.

An interesting backstage idea

While gameday, in-person access may be limited, schools have an opportunity to create and promote fresh online and social media content, Wujcik said. If fans cant get into the stadium, give them behind-the-scenes tours of the facility.

Show how things operate on gamedays in areas they cant see in person, such as the locker rooms and coaches offices. Bring them into a week of team prep for the upcoming opponent, or into the personalities of the players and coaches.

Now is the time to see how people have been living, and continuing to function in a socially distant world.

And remember this

The late, great Ronald Reagan was famous for calling Chicago Cubs baseball games remotely from the old WHO radio studio while ripping results off the wire, Cole said. Capturing the thrill of victory and agony of defeat in compelling ways that touch viewers on an emotional level has come a long way.

Viewers wont notice much of a difference, if any. At least thats the plan.

See original here:

Peterson: This college football season will be different from broadcast, advertising perspective, too - Boone News-Republican

(Jordan Peterson)

However, in this piece, I will explain precisely why Thinkspot was created. The story starts shortly after the turn of the millennium, with crowdsourcing and crowdfunding.

I have a problem: My interests are esoteric, and most people are simply not very interested in the things that get me going. I do not often have an opportunity to discuss deeply the ideas that I am passionately interested in. So I was excited when Jordan Peterson announced his backing of the social networking website Thinkspot in June of 2019. I hoped that Petersons involvement would attract enough people who were Maps of Meaning (Petersons earlier and more involved book) readers, as opposed to say 12 Rules for Life(his more recent and popular work) fans. I hoped this would be a place where I might find the types of discussions I was looking for. However, satisfying my personal desire for stimulating conversation was not exactly why Thinkspot was created in the first place. All of the articles that I have read about Thinkspot make many assumptions and usually start with an ill-defined, sweeping gesture towards free speech. However, in this piece, I will explain precisely why Thinkspot was created. The story starts shortly after the turn of the millennium, with crowdsourcing and crowdfunding.

The In Crowd

In 2006, crowdsourced user-generated content was the rage. Times Person of the Year was You, alluding to those individuals creating the content for Wikipedia, Facebook, Youtube, and countless other sites that would be empty, uninteresting deserts were it not for the content created by users themselves. Around that same time, a group of art lovers was creating a website called Indiegogo to crowdsource fundraisingor, as it soon became known, crowdfunding.

By 2013, seven years after Googles $1.65 billion acquisition of Youtube, user-generated content was becoming nothing short of big business. And Youtube was accounting for $3.5 billion in advertising dollars being collected by Google. So, for some creators on Youtube, things were getting increasingly serious. Youtube was no longer about a teenager sitting in his or her bedroom talking to the camera; creators such as Jack Conte were raising the bar on production values, creating full-fledged short films. At this point, Indiegogo (and other crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter) was becoming aviable option for well-known artists to seek funding for specific projects, such as the $5.7 million raised to create the 2014 film Veronica Mars or the $3.1 million Zach Braff raised for a film sequel to Garden State, the 2014 film Wish I Was Here. However, there was still no platform for artists to seek an ongoing stream of revenue: basically a salary. So Cone created one, Patreon, and he announced its creation in one of his Youtube videos.

The idea behind Patreon was a modern take on one of the oldest business models in the world: patronage for artists. For centuries, great artists, who were not independently wealthy, survived by securing the patronage of someone who was. Essentially, they were given an allowance by their patron (a salary, if you will) to ensure that they continued to create, and, in turn, the whole world benefited from the art they created. Patreon gained users and subscribers rapidlynot least because in 2016, Youtube began, in the words of Peter Kafka, demonetizingsome videos because its software thought the content was unfriendly for advertisers. So thanks to the demonetization trend, more and more creators needed to find alternative sources of revenue for businesses they had spent significant effort building, businesses that in some cases disappeared nearly overnight due to demonetization.

Release the Hounds

On December 17, 2014,Slatedeclared 2014 The Year of Outrage, and, six days later, Bloomberg published a response: an opinion piece entitled Sadism and the Online Mob: The Internet and social media make it easier for people to engage in vicious behavior toward one another.

The outrage mob was already a well-established phenomenon at that time, with Justine Sacco, a media publicist, making headlines as the poster child for Twitter mobs delighting in ruining lives over moral transgressions. The Twitter mob came to realize that it had significant influence, given that large corporations were willing to fire people just to placate these mobs. After Adria Richards, a developer evangelist for SendGrid, caused a stranger to be fired from his job with just one tweet, the mob turned on her, and she was soon fired herself. Once companies started caving to that kind of pressure, no one was safe.

Over the next couple of years, as Youtube demonetization became more aggressive, more creators sought relief with Patreon. By 2017 the service processed$150 million worth of payments to content creators. Some of the biggest recipients of these payments were Youtube content creators who had been demonetized because of the outage mobs reaction to their political views. However, Patreon eventually started showing signs of being co-opted by the trend towards censorious behavior, and it began to make decisions about who could (or could not) use the platform based on moral judgments. The consequence was the defection of a few of its highest-profile creator members: Sam Harris, Dave Rubin, and Jordan Peterson.

Yelling Fire in a Crowded Theater

There had been a few controversies at Patreon since the censorship began in 2017; however, the tipping point for Harris, Rubin, and Peterson was the banning of British social commentator Carl Benjamin. Harris had already come close to leaving the year before over Patreons first high-profile banning: of Canadian filmmaker and journalist Lauren Southern based on the view that she was raising funds in order to take part in activities that are likely to cause loss of life.

With Benjamin, Patreon went a step further, however, by banning him because of words he used in a discussion on somebody elses Youtube videoin other words, for an opinion expressed on someone elses creative work. Bearing in mind that Patreon had up until that point been perceived as a neutral safe haven for creators, the banning of Benjamin was widely viewed as a betrayal of the long-standing Western value of free speech. Only social justice true believers felt that Benjamins speech rose to the level of clear and present danger (the doctrine adopted by the Supreme Court of the United States to determine under which circumstances limits can be placed on First Amendment guarantees). Most others felt thatas unfortunate and offensive as Benjamins speech wasbanning him from the platform was overreaching.

So this was the proximate cause for establishing Thinkspot: looking to create a free marketplace for ideas, where content creators could seek financial remuneration for their content without fear of having their business pulled out from under them because of the whims of the platform provider. Thinkspots answer to this was to combine the content presentation platform with the funding mechanism. Thus, Thinkspot was poised not just to be a Patreon Killer but also a Patreon, Youtube, Facebook, and Twitter Killer.

Of course, the Killer characterization is hyperbole. I do not really think that Thinkspots founders sought to displace Youtube as the worlds premier purveyor of cat videosor to unseat Twitter as the worlds premier home for inchoate rage. The idea was to rely upon the reputations of Peterson and Rubinnoted free speech advocatesto assure creators that the platform would remain ideologically neutral, while ensuring that the voices of controversial content creators would not be financially starved-out of the marketplace of ideas. Simply put: Thinkspots original and primary objective was to provide content creators with a reliable revenue stream.

Jordan Peterson and the News

Much has been made of Petersons involvement with Thinkspot, and why not? He is the visible face of Thinkspot and a figure of international acclaim. As such, googling Jordan Peterson launches Thinkspot returns just over 30,000 results. However, in reality,there has been little visible evidence of Petersons involvement. It is difficult to say what would have happened were it not for Peterson and his wife, Tammys, recent serious health issues. So we can only know what actually is. Anyone joining Thinkspot with the hope of interacting directly with Peterson is likely to be seriously disappointed.

As for those 30,000 Google hits, many are articles expressing varying degrees of skepticism and condemnation of Peterson and/or Thinkspot, as well as misapprehensions regarding Thinkspots primary purpose. Perhaps I am reading something into them that is not there, but they do seemon the wholerather eager for Thinkspot to be a failure. I will simply remark that very few of these reviews or articles bear any relation at all to my actual experiences on the platform.

The Nuts and Bolts of Thinkspot

I submitted my email address to the waiting list for the Thinkspots beta edition on July 13, 2019 and received my invitation about five months later on December 11th. I believe I was one of the very early members, having signed up just two months after the very first Welcome post was made by the Thinkspots administrators on October 17th.

The platform was advertised as being in beta, but little further information was available. New users were left to explore on their own. The user interface takes some getting used to, which is a polite way of saying that it leaves much to be desired. The interface is somewhat complicated and definitely unpolished. The biggest problem is nested comments. They are not easy to keep track of, and I cannot count the number of times I have received a comment intended for someone else.

Every member of Thinkspot is called a Contributor, in Thinkspeak. All contributors are equal, however, some are just a little bit more equal than others. Featured Contributors get to set pricing and charge for access to their content, and they can create Events, Media, and eBooks. It is not that there is really anything wrong with this; it is entirely in keeping with the original mission of Thinkspot. I have heard mentions in various conversations that eventually all contributors will have this option once the website is out of beta testing, but I suspect that only a small percentage of contributors will end up taking advantage of this. One has to build up a fairly large, devoted audience before one can successfully charge admission, and it is not easy to build that audience.

There is definitely an eeriealmost neglectedatmosphere at Thinkspot. It makes me think of Lord of the Flies. I feel like we, Thinkspot users, are abandoned on a deserted island to fend for ourselves.

But, enough about the container, what about the content?

Personally, I am drawn to only about four or five of the Featured Contributors out of the 44, so no more than 10% of the content on Thinkspot interests me much. My perspective on the other 90% is that of a tourist, someone who visits but does not stay. I have no idea how well my experience in my little patch of Thinkspot translates to the restat least no subjective idea.

What I can do, instead, is provide some objective statistic on the contributors and how they interact with the subscribers. For example, half of the Featured Contributors have listed Culture as an interest, and almost half have also listed Society, Philosophy, and Politics. I believe, though, that these choices actually say very little about the authors. After all, we all agree that taking candy from babies is bad and helping little old ladies across the street is good. What self-respecting intellectual would not be interested in those things? So it is much more revealing when a contributor lists an interest that nobody else does. Then, we know something interesting about that contributor. Gratifyingly, there are 33 Featured Contributors with unique interests.

Readers might be interested to note that from a political point of view, there is only one Featured Contributor listing Conservatism as an interest and just one other listing Progressivism. It would appear that Thinkspot is not quite the hotbed of extreme political partisanship that many articles would have you believe. In fact, the distribution of interests is fairly evensomething for which the mysterious curators of Thinkspot must be commended. Here is the full list of interests showing how many contributors have selected each one:

I can also provide some more quantitative data:

The top contributor in terms of content creation is philosopher Stephen Hicks who postson average nine times per week for the past 45 weeks he has been on Thinkspot.The leader in terms of average number of views per post isquite predictablyJordan Peterson. The runner-up is less obvious: Bishop Robert Barron, founder of Word on Fire Catholic Ministries and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Rated third and fourth, respectively, are the publications Merion West and The Post Millennial. Now, let us take a look at which users receive the most recommendation tags (Think: Facebook likes). The content creator whose posts most motivate readers to leave a tag (Recommend, Like, Agree, Insightful, Provocative, or Disagree) is Carl Benjamin, the source of the aforementioned Patreon controversy. He is followed by PragerU, the contributor who listed Conservatism as an interest, and then by Jordan Peterson.

The posts that generate the most user commentson averageare written by Marshall Herskovitz, the contributor who listed Progressivism as an interest. (Herskovitz is a writer, film producer, and director, who is committed to the cause of fighting climate change.) Herskovitz is followed by Jonathan Pageau, a Canadian artist and carver focused on Christian iconography, and then by Carl Benjamin.

Thus, the picture that emerges is very different from what most articles about Thinkspot would have one believe. The Featured Contributors are, for the most part, surprisingly heterogeneous, representing an eclectic mix of interests. Some are political, some apolitical, some theistic, some atheistic, some artistic, some scientific, some establishment, some anti-establishment, and so on. The top viewed contributors are not the top commented upon, and the top posters (in volume) are not the most recommended. The heterogeneity in Featured Contributors draws an equally heterogeneous audience, and so the user base of Thinkspot makes for a very mixed bag.

There is one trait the Featured Contributors largely share: They do not interact very often with anyone elses content. If we keep in mind the original mandate of Thinkspot, this should hardly be surprising, yet a great number of people seem to have subscribed with the expectation of engaging in discussion with the Featured Contributors. Certainly, many unfavorable reviews were based on this premise. Nevertheless, I have had many engaging discussions on Thinkspot, despite the dreadful user interface. I have learned a lot, and I have worked through much thinking in discussions with others. I am a mostly satisfied customer.

The Future

The management of Thinkspot is rather opaque with regards to the future. I invited its leadership team to engage with me for the writing of this article, but I received no response. This leaves me free to speculate.

I would say that Thinkspot has a lot of potential. Its heterogeneity is probably a positive portent. The world desperately needs social media that is not just an echo chamber and, consequently, there is a window of opportunity. I would also say that the segment of the community that I interact with comes to the website for discussion among ourselves. This is the case even if this was not the original intent or focus of Thinkspot. If Thinkspot fails quickly to improve the group discussion experience, something better will come along, and the website will lose a substantial part of its community. This is the most obvious threat I see. Finally, there is the issue of critical mass. Thinkspot seems to have about 63,000 participants at the moment, and the statistics that I have pulled together suggest that any given creator could not hope to appeal to more than 10% of the Thinkspot population because of the diversity of taste among its users. Then assume a (very optimistic) conversion rate of 3%, and we have 189 paying subscribers. Even at $240 per yearwhich most people find very expensive (even the wildly-popular Ben Shapiro cannot charge more than that)this works out to only $45,360 per year, not a particularly lucrative gig.

Youtube has cat videos; Twitter has outrage; and Thinkspot will have to find its drawing card: the thing that will pack em in to the rafters. Otherwise, the content creators the system was originally designed for will simply ignore it as irrelevant. 63,000 potential subscribers is not enough for even one content creator to earn a living. Without a flourishing community (because of user interface issues) to provide a sufficiently large audience pool for content creators wishing to commercialize, Thinkspot faces a dual threat that it must move quickly to overcome.

I wish Thinkspot all the best; it is a worthy endeavor.

Adam Wasserman has 30 years of IT management experience and is the author of The Chaos Factory.

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What Is the Real Deal at Jordan Peterson's Thinkspot? - Merion West

If your house smelled like lemon on a Saturday morning, it was a cleaning day. That smell of fresh citrus isnt just a novelty the acidity of lemon makes it an excellent cleaningagent.

You may think of [scent] as a fashion accessory, but it really can be used to communicate. Kevin Peterson, Detroit-based perfumemaker

As we move forward in a post-COVID world, however, what will the future of scent be? Will the scent of lemon persist? Will we associate the smell of hand sanitizer with this current global pandemic movingforward?

Its a question that Detroit-based perfume maker Kevin Peterson has beenpondering.

Chris Miele

The exterior of Sfumato Fragrances and Castalia on Second AvenueinDetroit.

We dont often think of scents as a mode of communication, says Kevin Peterson, the nose at Sfumato Fragrances and co-owner and cocktail scientist at Castalia, a scent-infused cocktail lounge in the Cass Corridor (its considered the only one of its kind in the U.S.)You may think of it as a fashion accessory, but it really can be used tocommunicate.

Scent has become a focal point as we start to re-examine how we use public spaces and the smells we associate withcleanliness.

A lot of our idea of what clean scents are actually goes back to plague times, says Peterson. During the bubonic plague in Europe, the predominant theory of how disease spread was that bad smells transmitted it and the way to counteract that was with good smells, says Peterson. So things like pine, lemon and rosemary were actually what people used in theory to rid themselves from the plague. Strangely, hundreds of years later, a lot of those ideas are still what dominate our idea of what clean smellslike.

As businesses and restaurants begin to reopen with newly implemented safe and health regulations, Peterson says that identifying if a place is clean or not will be a potent form ofcommunication.

You can read a sign that says we [clean] every five minutes, but if you smell that cleanliness, you absorb that information on a much deeper level than reading a sign, saysPeterson.

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Detroit Perfume-Maker Says New Scents Will Help Us Move Past Pandemic - WDET

"I don't want to be the one that brings down a season."

The Cardinals announced Sunday that infielder Elehuris Montero tested positive for COVID-19 and has been placed in isolation awaiting the next step in the protocols. Montero is asymptomatic, an official said. The Cardinals have four other players with tests pending, including Carlos Martinez and Alex Reyes, though the team won't confirm the names of the players.

Some of the players traveled together to St. Louis and that appears to be part of the delay when it comes to their test results.

On Saturday, the players had a meeting that included messages from a veteran group: Adam Wainwright, Yadier Molina, Dexter Fowler, Matt Carpenter, Matt Wieters, and Miller. They spoke about the need to remain disciplined away from the ballpark and to put aside for three months any activities that might put them in jeopardy of getting the virus and bringing it to the ballpark.

"Do everything we possibly can to assure there's a season on our end," Wainwright said.

Miller's understanding of the agreement is that players can opt-out of the season at any time -- at any time they feel unsafe, they worry for their health, or they have an issue at home that would lead to that decision. Already some high profile players have opted out of the season, including Dodgers lefty David Price, Washington Nationals lifer Ryan Zimmerman, and Colorado outfielder Ian Desmond. Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman and San Diego outfielder Tommy Pham have tested positive for COVID-19, their teams disclosed. Freeman is symptomatic, the Braves said and his wife confirmed on social media.

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Cardinals lefty Andrew Miller: 'There's still some doubt we're going to have a season' - St. Louis Post-Dispatch

The average career of an NFL player is 3.3 years, so when players sign contracts longer than three years, they are bucking the trend. That stat means most rookies entering the league on standard four-year contracts never see the end of those deals.

So, when you see veterans playing deep into their second contracts, they are actually outliers. One player, running back Adrian Peterson, now with Washington, is heading into his 14th season in the league. Hes really an outlier.

The average career expectancy for an NFL running back is 2.57 years, the lowest of any position in the NFL. Kickers lead the way (4.87 years) followed by quarterbacks (4.44), cornerbacks (2.94) and wide receivers (2.81).

Peterson is essentially a freak, which is something New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley has been called in his two seasons in the NFL. Some believe Barkley will have a long career in the league based on his magnificent physique and the drive to keep himself in top shape.

The guy is built. You look at his stature and how strong he is as a runner, former New England Patriots linebacker and current ESPN analyst Rob Ninkovich said recently. I think he has the potential to play a very long time based on look, just the way he plays, the style of play he has. You look around the league at some of these other really good running backs; they might not have the frame, might not have the build that Barkley has. Im going with him. I think hes got a bright future. I know last year he had the ankle injury, but look, its football. Things happen. He came back from that and Im anticipating a very big year for him this year.

Barkley is listed at 6 feet tall (but has also been listed at 5-foot-11 in some places) and weighs in at 234 pounds. That is a lot of compact power for a ball carrier with his shiftiness, speed and versatility.

By contrast, Peterson is 6-foot-1 and 220 pounds. Tennessees Derrick Henry, the leagues rushing leader last season who is considered the ultimate running back specimen in todays NFL, is 247 pounds. But he has nearly four inches on Barkley at 6-foot-3.

Barkleys durability came into question last season when he suffered a high ankle sprain in the Giants Week 3 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He missed a month of the season and then wasnt the same player until very late in the season. He didnt have another 100-yard rushing game until Week 14.

ESPN analyst Louis Riddick believes Barkleys career can exceed Petersons if he can stay healthy. Thats always the big if. Keep in mind Peterson who is a surefire Hall of Famer has 14,216 rushing yards, which is fifth on the all-time list, but he only eclipsed 2,000 total yards from scrimmage once in his career. Barkley did that in his first season in the NFL.

Everyone knows how I feel about Saquon Barkley, Riddick said. I think because hes the bigger player, he is the one I would probably pick and hes probably overall the more explosive athlete. Hes the guy who, despite being that size, is someone who isnt to talk about Bruce Lee, he isnt that guy. Hes not the stiff, tree-like figure. Hes one of those guys who does have tremendous physical dexterity and flexibility for a guy whos 228, 230 pounds and runs a low 4.3.

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Is Saquon Barkley the next Adrian Peterson? - Giants Wire

The general consensus in the NFL right now is that running backs have a short shelf life in the league. Because of wear and tear on players bodies from taking constant hits, some are hesitant to hitch wagons to running backs for too long. But a few NFL running backs prove that isnt always true.

Adrian Peterson of the Washington Redskins is the prime example right now. Drafted out of Oklahoma in 2007, Peterson is entering his 14th year in the NFL and is still playing full seasons in the league.

So who could be the next running back to follow a similar path of Peterson and remain in the NFL for a long time? On NFL Live on Monday, analyst Rob Ninkovich said he thinks former Penn State star and current New York Giant Saquon Barkley could be that guy.

The guy is built. You look at his stature and how strong he is as a runner, Ninkovich said. I think he has the potential to play a very long time based on look, just the way he plays, the style of play he has. You look around the league at some of these other really good running backs; they might not have the frame, might not have the build that Barkley has. Im going with him. I think hes got a bright future. I know last year he had the ankle injury, but look, its football. Things happen. He came back from that and Im anticipating a very big year for him this year.

Barkley comes off of his second season in the NFL where he had over 200 carries and 1,000 yards. When compared to Peterson, Barkley isnt quite on pace with the workload that Peterson had put on him early. Peterson had 238 carries in his rookie season with the Minnesota Vikings and then 363 the next year for a total of 601 carries. Barkley is currently at 478.

With the drafting of Georgia star lineman Andrew Thomas and the continued development of quarterback Daniel Jones, Barkley could grow even more in 2020 and continue to create quite the name for himself in the NFL.

Everyone knows how I feel about Saquon Barkley, ESPN analyst Louis Riddick added. I think because hes the bigger player, he is the one I would probably pick and hes probably overall the more explosive athlete. Hes the guy who, despite being that size, is someone who isnt to talk about Bruce Lee, he isnt that guy. Hes not the stiff, tree-like figure. Hes one of those guys who does have tremendous physical dexterity and flexibility for a guy whos 228, 230 pounds and runs a low 4.3.

As long as he can stay healthy and doesnt suffer some kind of freak injury, you have to think Saquons upside is unbelievable because of the fact he does have those physical characteristics and he is someome who can play in both a run game and pass game, equally effectively.

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Analysts think Saquon Barkley could be the next Adrian Peterson - 247Sports

Numerous NFL players have taken part in protests across the country in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. There have been talks of whether or not we will see protests by players while the national anthem is played at games this season. One NFL player has already come out and said that they will be protesting this season.

Washington Redskins running back Adrian Peterson, when asked by the Houston Chronicle if he will protest this year he said, Yeah, without a doubt, without a doubt.

Petersons reasoning goes back to Colin Kaepernick when he first knelt during the national anthem in 2017. Just four years ago, youre seeing Kaepernick taking a knee, and now were all getting ready to take a knee together going into this season, without a doubt, he said.

The NFL and league commissioner Roger Goodell posted a video on social media Friday saying that the league will support its players who choose to protest peacefully.

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Redskins Adrian Peterson Says He Will Kneel During The National Anthem Without A Doubt - uSports.org

USA TODAY Sports' Gabe Lacques breaks down the greatest issues surrounding negotiations between Major League Baseball and its' players. USA TODAY

As we wait, with hope, for the start of the baseball season, we are analyzing each of the New York Mets' Top 10 prospects with a series of reports.

If you want to know what the Mets think about lefty David Peterson, recall what manager Luis Rojas said during spring training. Multiple times, he stated the club was stretching out seven starting pitchers.

Wait, what?

There were six arms competing for five rotation spots. The seventh man?

Peterson.

He did not possess a realistic shot to make the Opening Day rotation, but the fact the Mets were preparing him as a starter speaks to how highly they view him. Of all arms in the farm system, he might be closest to making a big-league start.

Analyzing the NY Mets' Top 10 prospects: No. 7 Mark Vientos

Analyzing the NY Mets' Top 10 prospects: No. 8 Thomas Szapucki

Feb 24, 2020; West Palm Beach, Florida, USA; New York Mets pitcher David Peterson (77) throws against the Washington Nationals at FITTEAM Ballpark of the Palm Beaches.(Photo: Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports)

In 2017, MLB.com ranked Peterson as the No. 19 prospect in the MLB Draft. The Mets eventually took Peterson with the No. 20 overall pick, and he's risen ever since.

Peterson began2018, his first full pro season, in Low A. Over nine starts, the Oregon alumpitched to a 1.82 ERA as he displayed his first-round talent. He finished the season in High A, where he started 13 games and pitched to a 4.33 ERA.

In 2019, he started 24 Double A games, finishing with a 4.19 ERA.

Fielder independent pitching (FIP) isolates the outcomes a pitcher can control. Simple terms: It does not account for outcomes that involve luck (balls in play).

Peterson's FIP in 2018 was 2.98. A year later, it was 3.19. Those indicate he might have pitched better than his ERA shows.

Perhaps most important, he proved he can handle the grind of a professional starting pitcher. He has not missed extended time.

Often, minor-league pitchers are evaluated over small sample sizes, whether that be because of injuries or innings limits. Peterson, on the other hand, has started two full seasons.

Feb 16, 2020; Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA; New York Mets pitcher David Peterson (77) waits to do defensive drills during a workout at spring training.(Photo: Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports)

Since taking over as general manager, Brodie Van Wagenen has been aggressive. He's acted on the organization's desire to win now.

While noble, it has also come at a cost. Trading Jarred Kelenic haunts fans, but the Mets also lost three good pitching prospects over the last year and a half.

In the Robinson Can-Edwin Diaz deal, the Mets sent the Mariners Justin Dunn,who reached the bigs last season and notched a 2.70 ERA over 6 2/3 innings. Months later, the Mets traded their top two pitching prospects Anthony Kay and Simeon Woods Richardson to acquire Marcus Stroman from Toronto.

These moves created an opportunity for others in the New York farm system, though. Suddenly, Petersonbecame one of the best prospect arms.

He represents needed starting pitching depth. In spring training, six starters competed for five spots. The competition eventually worked itself out when Noah Syndergaard underwent Tommy John surgery.

But behind him?

Well, that's where things get interesting. The Mets sent Seth Lugo and Robert Gsellman into last offseason with an order to prepare as if they'd be starters in 2020, but because the club signed Rick Porcello and Michael Wacha, the former two went back to the bullpen.

Walker Lockett made a few spot starts for the Mets in 2019, and could be an option. But Peterson could also be considered.

Peterson made a strong impression this spring, allowing only a run over six innings of Grapefruit League action.

Thus far, his rise has seemed encouraging for an organization that needs capableprospects to move through its ranks.

Justin Toscanois theMetsbeat writer for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to allMetsanalysis, news, trades and more, pleasesubscribe todayanddownload our app.

Email:toscanoj@northjersey.comTwitter:@justinctoscano

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Analyzing the NY Mets' Top 10 prospects: No. 6 David Peterson - NorthJersey.com

As if planning a wedding isnt stressful enough already, lets add a pandemic.

A thought along those lines may have run through the heads of thousands of Michigan brides as the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic hit the state in early March, and spurred the closure of non-essential businesses and the halting of gatherings as the 2020 wedding season was about to begin.

"Its stressful, its sad, but things will get better, said bride-to-be Sara Figueroa, who in April postponed her May 2020 wedding to April 2021. Ultimately, what matters is that youre married.

Four Michigan brides spoke to MLive about how they retooled their wedding plans as the pandemic set in. One opted for a small ceremony on her original May date. One postponed until fall. Two rescheduled their nuptials for 2021.

Thousands of couples are married in Michigan annually, but the numbers declined this spring amid the pandemic.

In Kent County alone, the number of marriage license applications between March 15-May 15 declined by 34% this year, compared to 2019, according to the Kent County Clerks Office. The number of recorded marriages during the same timeframe declined by 73%. However, that stat could change as more couples turn in their marriage licenses, officials noted. In the Upper Peninsula, Marquette County marriages declined by 33% during the same period, according to that countys clerks office.

Weddings are planned months and years in advance, so whenever theres a disruption to such an important event, its stressful for all involved, said Kent County Clerk Lisa Posthumus Lyons. Marriage licenses have been, by far, the service for which our office has received the most frantic calls and emails.

The statewide stay-home order aimed at stemming the spread of coronavirus went into effect on March 24 and extended through June 1. Among the temporary closures were government offices, including county clerks offices that are responsible for issuing marriage licenses. With offices closed, many counties stopped issuing them for a couple weeks. It was mid-April when a mail-in process became available in some counties; other counties began offering appointments.

The by-mail process allowed couples like Mackenzie and Matt Mergener, of Lake Orion, to tie the knot in a backyard ceremony on May 24.

We're just happy to start our life together because who knows when the chaos is going to end, Mackenzie Mergener said.

The stay-home order temporarily closed non-essential businesses, including wedding venues, party rental shops, dress and tuxedo retailers, tailors and seamstresses, florists, DJ services, salons, and photographers and videographers, among other wedding vendors. The order also said not to gather with people outside ones household.

While June has brought an easing of coronavirus-related restrictions, gatherings of the size and scope of many weddings still arent allowed. In southern Michigan, indoor gatherings are limited to 10 people and outdoors is limited to 100. In the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula, up to 50 people can gather inside and up to 250 outside, starting June 10.

RELATED: Restaurants, pools, libraries reopen: An updated chart of whats allowed in Michigan

The new orders are encouraging for brides planning late-summer and fall weddings, although they are still facing uncertainty.

We just kept pushing out a month at a time, said bride-to-be Jayme Peterson, whose wedding is scheduled for Sept. 24. Finally, in the middle of May, we decided to really push it out to September and hopefully it will be able to happen.

Postponing until 2021 is considered less risky by many brides-to-be, including Nichole Baldwin. Her June 2020 wedding is rescheduled for June 2021.

"It did feel like there was a big weight lifted off after we did postpone things, she said.

RELATED: Is a second wave of coronavirus inevitable? Michigan nears critical point to suppress another outbreak

Baldwin, Figueroa, Mergener and Peterson each approached their wedding planning differently when coronavirus began to spread through Michigan. Here are their stories.

Newlyweds Matt and Mackenzie Mergener steal a moment under Mackenzie's veil on their wedding day, May 24, 2020, in Oakland County, Michigan. The ceremony included the bride, groom and their immediate families. The COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic that kept them from having their dream wedding that day.Courtesy of Kelly Smith | Treasured Images Photography

Newlyweds Mackenzie Mergener, 26, and Matt Mergener, 25, took a lighthearted approach to their pared-down celebration.

With six guests, they drank Corona beer, wore bride and groom face masks for photos, and even ordered a koozie that says, Im not a regular bride, Im a quarantined bride.

If you cant beat em, join em make it a laughable moment, instead of a sad moment, Mackenzie Mergener said.

But being married without having celebrated fully feels a bit eerie, she said. In addition to their big wedding, they missed out on having a bridal shower, bachelor and bachelorette parties, and a honeymoon.

They were wed on May 24, which was their original date but almost everything else about the ceremony was adjusted. While they still wanted to get married on that date, the couple realized their dream wedding would not be possible that day when the statewide stay-home order was extended through May 15.

We held out as long as we could, and then started trying to figure out what to do, she said.

Her parents volunteered their backyard as the venue. The cake and flowers were ordered six days before the ceremony, and her wedding dress not the one she had planned to get married in, which is stuck with the seamstress arrived four days before.

Present for the wedding were the bride and grooms immediate families two parents and a brother each and photographer Kelly Smith of Treasured Images Photography, who maintained social distancing. Mackenzie Mergeners brother, Thomas Soma, 23, served as the officiant after becoming ordained specifically for the occasion.

The day of, it definitely felt like a celebration, she said. It was beautiful.

The couple met while attending Michigan State University in 2016. Matt Mergener proposed during July 2018. He works in sales for Align Technology while she is an elementary special education teacher at Avendale Community Schools.

The couple hopes to have a vow renewal ceremony and a reception later this year possibly in December.

We werent able to see those people who have been working toward this wedding just as hard as we have, she said. It just feels like this thing happened in our lives and nobody really knows, and we dont even know what it is. Were very happy though. Were happy that our forever gets to start right now rather than continuing to postpone.

RELATED: Ann Arbor-area couples cope with wedding planning woes amid coronavirus outbreak

Samuel Winn, 26, and Jayme Peterson, 25, both of Byron Center, pose for engagement photos. Winn proposed on March 8, 2020. The couple hoped to marry quickly to ensure Peterson's terminally ill father could be part of the wedding. Due to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, their wedding is now scheduled for Sept. 24, 2020.Marie Peterson

Samuel Winn, 26, proposed to 25-year-old Jayme Peterson on the ice at a Detroit Red Wings hockey game on March 8. Two days later, the first coronavirus cases in Michigan were announced.

They wanted to get married as soon as possible because Petersons father, Jim Peterson, is terminally ill with cancer.

My dad is my everything thats my best friend, Peterson said. Winn is also close with Petersons family, including her father.

As the pandemic settled in, Winn and Peterson began postponing their wedding by one month at a time. Then, Petersons dads health improved after a bone marrow transplant, and that enabled the couple to set the date for Sept. 24.

A major consideration in the wedding planning is that Winns family lives in Detroit where the novel virus hit Michigan hardest. The couple didnt want to risk causing additional spread by bringing a large group from Detroit to the Grand Rapids area.

The bride-to-be has planned her entire wedding during the pandemic unable to go to stores or meet with vendors in person. She has called about 45 DJ services and has yet to book one. A caterer was also difficult to find, but they did eventually get one. The venue, Townsend Park near Rockford, and a photographer are also booked. Decorations have been made with supplies ordered online. A family friend will officiate.

One store Peterson did go to was Bridal Elegance, where she found her wedding dress shortly before stores were ordered to close. But shes hasnt been able to make any progress on the grooms and groomsmens tuxes.

Peterson and Winn have been together about seven years. They met as freshman attending Baker College of Muskegon. Peterson is a caseworker for Samaritas Families First program. Winn works in customer service at Praxis Packaging.

At first, I was thinking Whats the rush? Peterson said. But I want my dad to be part of it. I would be devastated if he wasnt there.

RELATED: From hair salons to gyms, experts rank 36 activities by coronavirus risk level

Nichole Baldwin and fiance Kevin Creason pose for engagement photos in Traverse City.Courtesy of Nikki K Photography

The Baldwin-Creason wedding was always going to be a sparkly affair; now that bride-to-be Nichole Baldwin has an extra year to plan, its going to be extra gaudy, she quipped.

And everyone is just going to have to deal with it, said 31-year-old Baldwin who, after playing bridesmaid 17 times, has no plans of giving up any part of the bridal experience.

35-year-old Kevin Creason proposed to Baldwin on her 30th birthday, using the occasion to disguise his reason for gathering her friends and family for a barhop around Traverse City. He proposed at the end of the evening at Clinch Park, where they had their first date.

Creason, a manager at 2 Lads Winery, and Baldwin, a nursing assistant at Munson Medical Center, have been together for about five years. The Traverse City couple planned to tie the knot on June 13. They pulled the plug on that plan in April. Their new date is June 26, 2021, at Castle Farms.

I did almost a year and a half of planning, so it was devastating having to put it off, Baldwin said. Theres no reason to try to force a wedding and only have 10 people or risk people getting sick. Id rather wait and have everyone there and enjoying themselves.

She was happy to get a June date at her original venue since 2021 calendars are filling up quickly as would-be 2020 brides postpone, and newly-engaged couples work to plan their weddings, too.

By the time they postponed, the couple had paid for the wedding in full - $25,000-$35,000, Baldwin said. Luckily, all the vendors were able to reschedule at no extra charge. Still, there are some costs associated with postponing, like reordering anything with the wedding date on it. They also ordered change-the-date" cards and new invitations.

Her bridal shower was supposed to be in March and the bachelorette party was scheduled for April. Those will both be rescheduled, too.

Ive waited this long. Im not in any rush to get married, Baldwin said. Were going to be together for a lifetime. Ive spent all this time making the tiniest decisions. I want to make sure that I get to have my big day. Now, I just have time to make it extra sparkly.

RELATED: 7 numbers that stand out as Michigan begins to re-open after coronavirus quarantine

Sara Figueroa, 23, and Dennis South, 36, both of Portage pose for engagement an photo. They had planned their wedding for May 16, 2020, but were forced to postpone due to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. They are now planning a ceremony on April 24, 2021, but may legally marry before then.Larissa Catherine Photography

When coronavirus was detected in Michigan, Sara Figueroa assumed she would have to postpone her wedding to her fianc, Dennis South.

The Portage couple has been together for about four years. After meeting online and spending two years in a long-distance relationship, South proposed in April 2018 in front of family at their home. They planned to marry on May 16, 2020.

Figeroa, 23, works as an assembler at Stryker Medical while South, 36, is a store manager at Okun Brothers.

With about 50 guests, the couple planned to host their reception at a lodge at Bertha Brock Park in Ionia. But after the stay-home order went into effect, Figueroa knew it wasnt going to happen.

"Everyone was telling me to wait until it got closer, Figueroa said. In the best interest of everyone involved, I would just rather postpone for next year.

Knowing that a lot of couples would have to reschedule, she didnt want to lollygag and risk losing vendors. Fortunately, all her vendors were able to accommodate the new date: April 24, 2021.

I would rather have the wedding that I wanted, Figueroa said.

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How Michigan couples are getting married - or not - during the coronavirus pandemic - MLive.com

Protesters poured fake blood at Faneuil Hall on Tuesday as they renewed calls to rename the historic Boston meeting house that's considered the Cradle of Liberty but named after a slave trader.

Residents and young community activists, meanwhile, demanded that city leaders to slash the police department budget as part of a growing movement to "defund" law enforcement agencies.

A small group of faith and community leaders rallied at City Hall, chanting "change the name" and "black lives matter." A few then crossed the street and poured fake blood in front of Faneuil Hall, where Samuel Adams and other prominent Bostonians debated independence from Britain.

"We are spilling blood here at Faneuil Hall because it is at this place that slaves were sold into a life of bondage," said Kevin Peterson, founder of the New Democracy Coalition. "This building is a symbol of white supremacy. We can move toward racial repair in Boston if we rid ourselves of the ugly icons which include Faneuil Hall."

Peterson's coalition has for years called for the hall to be renamed in honor of Crispus Attucks, a man of African and Native American descent who is considered the first casualty of the American Revolution. His body lay in state in Faneuil Hall after he was shot by a British soldier in the Boston Massacre of 1770.

Attucks has also become something of a rallying figure during nationwide protests following the death of George Floyd and other black Americans at the hands of police. The meeting hall and its marketplace were built in 1742 with financing from merchant Peter Faneuil, who owned and traded slaves.

Residents and community groups testifying at a Boston City Council budget meeting Tuesday called for cutting police department funding.

The council should consider trimming the department's budget by about 10%, roughly $40 million, they said. They suggested cutting overtime costs, phasing out officers at public schools, eliminating military-style training, exercises and weapons, and other money-saving measures.

The activists suggested the city instead invest in youth services, including job programs, violence prevention efforts, and mental health counselors and other wellness supports in the public school system.

The youth group For the People has said it will hold a march from the historically black Roxbury neighborhood to City Hall on Wednesday to continue the call for the budget changes and other police reforms.

"These are not the entirety of our community's demands or of our movement's demands, but they do represent bare minimum steps that can be taken right now through a democratic process that honors both what this moment and the future of Boston is calling for," said Stephen Lafume, a 21-year-old Boston resident.

Democratic Mayor Marty Walsh has said he'll propose reallocating some of the police department budget, but has so far not released any details.

Council members have also called on him to make good on his pledge to make Boston a national leader in combating racism after Floyd's death in Minneapolis on May 25.

Councilor Michelle Wu has said that an independent civilian review board should investigate police misconduct, that the department's body camera policy should be strengthened, and that agencies should be banned from using face recognition surveillance technology.

Councilor Andrea Campbell has said Walsh should commit to reviewing and changing the police department's use-of-force policy within 60 days.

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Protesters Renew Demand To Change The Name Of Faneuil Hall - WBUR

In this whacky and never seen before world were living in, there are going to be things you are not going to see in 2020.

Its bad enough that that high school and college tournament seasons in hockey and basketball were washed away.

I especially feel for all the seniors who never got to play that final game of their careers.

Then, we lost the major league baseball season, even though the MLB insists it is still trying to implement an 80-game season and post season in the next month or so.

Good luck on that as several star players are already saying they dont want to get paid of for half of a year.

Thats the kind of greed that has turned off many people to pro sports.

Theres also the matter of playing the games in stadiums that will be cleared for the most part because of COVID-19.

I believe the fall college football season might be in the most jeopardy of any sport.

The are just too many colleges (Division I, II and III) sponsoring the sport for there not to be major problems with scheduling.

The National Football League might be in the best logistical shape of all pro teams, believe it or not.

With just 32 teams and a 17-game regular season schedule, the NFL might be able to find just enough locations safe enough to play in.

Can you imagine telling Green Bay Packers season ticket-holders they mave to travel to Minnesota or Detroit for a home game.

Sports aside, consider whats been lost locally because of the pandemic.

We also wont have the chance to watch any July Fourth festivities. There isnt going to be a Chassell Strawberry Festival or a Baraga Lumberjack Days. Or any number of other celebrations that were planned.

And thats still not the worst scenario going down the road.

If theres another outbreak coming up, we could lose the fall and winter sports seasons for everyone.

And thats very scary.

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Peterson: The things you won't see in 2020 | News, Sports, Jobs - Daily Mining Gazette

James Peterson

A national roadbuilders group has unanimously elected Medfords James Petersoninto its Transportation Development Hall of Fame.

The American Road and Transportation Builders Association selected Peterson,who is vice president of roadbuilder James Peterson Sons, to join the organizations hall of fame, an honor that recognizes his contribution to, and leadership in, the industry.

Jim has contributed his time and efforts to the Wisconsin and national transportation constructionindustries for many years and he is very deserving of this prestigious honor, said Pat Goss, executive director of the Wisconsin Transportation Builders Association.

A fifth generation company, James Peterson Sons began in the 1930s with a homemade scaper pulled by a team of horses. The company now designs and builds transportation systems, in addition to performing commercial and residential projects, excavation, stormwater management and railroad grading.

Peterson previously served as president of the Wisconsin Transportation Builders Association in 1986 and 2006, served as president of ARTBAs contractors division and was chairman of a national committee for the trade group. He also previously served as chairman of TRIP, a transportation research group.

I was proud to support Jim Petersons selection for the 2020 Class of the American Road and Transportation Builders Association Hall of Fame, said U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin, in a statement. Jim has carried on a family tradition of providing good, family-supporting jobs to Wisconsinites and works collaboratively with his employees to maintain a positive and strong company culture. Jim has been an incredible resource in my advocacy of federal support for the improvement of roads and bridges throughout Wisconsin.

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James Peterson elected to roadbuilders hall of fame - Daily Reporter

The Iowa football coach speaks on June 3 about his role in speaking out on racism and police violence, as well as what he's trying to learn. Hawk Central

The allegations of racial bias within the Iowa football program should empower college athletes to know that they can use their voice and their platform for change.

Within our state of Iowa borders.

Nationally.

Everywhere.

People who havent been listening and some perhaps ignoring you are being forced to hear you now.

And it's not just a conversation happening now within this state.

By now, if youre reading this, youve heard: Black former Iowa football players spoke up on social media last week, alleging mistreatment within the program, mostly by the nations highest-paid strength coach.

And it was not just a few athletes, either. There were many of them, spanning different stretches of strength coach Chris Doyles 21-year career at Iowa.

Some said that Doyle made racially insensitive remarks. Another former Iowa player said Doyle stepped on players'fingers before lifts.

The mother of another player said Iowa offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz, head coach Kirk Ferentzs eldest son, had made insensitive remarks as well.

The calls for an overhaul in the culture of Iowa football are impossible to ignore.

Their concerns were heard, far and wide.

Expect this conversation to only grow within the coming weeks and months.

In recent days, we've heard college football players call out coaches at top programs like Florida State, Clemson and Utah highlighting anything from a head coach exaggerating his communication with his athletesafter George Floyd's death late last month at the hands of Minneapolis police to assistant coaches using racist language.

What happened at Iowa is a major part of an emerging movement of athletes using their powerful voices to call for accountability and culture change within college athletics.

NFL defensive lineman Mike Daniels, a former Iowa Hawkeyes star, is being tasked with leading a diverse committee with the aim of improving the culture for black athletes within the football program.(Photo: Kirthmon F. Dozier, Detroit Free Press)

Doyle, 51, who is on paid administrative leave, denied the accusations in a social media post Sunday.

At no time have I ever crossed the line of unethical behavior or bias based upon race," he wrote. "I do not make (racist) comments and I don't tolerate people who do."

Brian Ferentz has not been placed on leave and Kirk Ferentz did not believe his sons alleged behavior was as troubling as the actions alleged to have come from Doyle.

I dont know what an investigationKirk Ferentz said would happen will uncover. But with so many black former players speaking out about troubling experiences at one school, it needs to be a vigorous good-faithinvestigation.

College football coaches and the star players they coach have a unique power. Fans live on their every word. Opposing fans twist them. Reporters use their comments to shape columns and stories.

Now, if Iowa is true to bettering its culture as a result of this weekend's testimonials, college athletes will see their voices have the ability to effect real change.

Already a long-standing social media ban on Iowa football players was lifted. It's unclear if Iowa planned that before this weekend's onslaught of racial bias allegations, but it was a policy that was outdated, especially as we near name, image and likeness passage. That social media platform is an opportunity for athletes to earn money in their college careers.

But more importantly, it's a platform through which they can make their voice heard by their large followings.

Leistikow: A chance for Iowa football to truly leave its jersey in a better place

What also needs to change in all of this? Openness and transparency within many programs in the nation. We see examples of how highly secretive college football operations, in reality, produce a chilling effect on people who want to speak up.

Protecting athletes and their well-beingis more important than protecting the program.

Whats happened emphasizes the need for more access to whats going on within the locked gates of the practice field.

College football programs, most at least, controlmuch of the information that gets out. But athletic departments everywhere need to ask themselves an important question.

Who is that really helping?

Wouldnt the Iowa program, or any other college sports program for that matter, be better off if the sort of the alleged behavior we read about this weekend been reported on and corrected years ago?

Iowa strength and conditioning coach Chris Doyle works with players before a NCAA Big Ten Conference football game, Saturday, Nov., 16, 2019, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.(Photo: Joseph Cress/Iowa City Press-Citizen)

Perhaps having a pool reporter at practices would cause a coach to think more about the words they use when talking with an athlete.

This happens too often in college athletics, where an issue is allowed to fester until it becomes a deep wound for the program, the school, its fans and the community.

These allegations against Doyle and Brian Ferentz have shown us, again, that college sports has operated in secrecy far too long.

Make no mistake: This isn't just on the athletes. Coaches, administrators, professors, fans, the media, all of us, need to speak up for these athletes too.

To athletes all over: Keep using your voice.

People are hearing you.

And people, I hope, are changing for the better because of you.

Randy Peterson has been writingfor the Des Moines Register for parts of sixdecades. Reach him at rpeterson@dmreg.com, 515-284-8132, and on Twitter at @RandyPete.

Continued here:

Peterson: Iowa football allegations show the societal impact empowered college athletes can have here and nationally - Des Moines Register

When John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan took over the 49ers, one of their biggest offseason goals was to bring in a multi-talented running back fit for today's game.

They did so in signing Jerick McKinnon to a four-year deal in 2018. There's one problem, though: McKinnon has yet to play a regular-season down for San Francisco. An ACL injury and struggles with regaining comfort on the injured knee have kept the running back out of action for the last two seasons.

The former understudy to Adrian Peterson in Minnesota is turning to his old friend for a true test of where McKinnon stands at this point on his road to returning to football. He's heading to Houston to put himself through Peterson's legendary, marathon-like workouts.

"I feel like it's my last test to really see how it feels," McKinnon said, via The Athletic's Matt Barrows. "There's a lot of hard work going on down there. That's really where I'm going to amp it up as hard as I can and see where it goes."

Peterson's workouts are a significant source of his power, speed and longevity, with the latter prevailing most in recent years. It also set a standard for McKinnon, one he feels he must revisit now in order to fully grasp how prepared he is to return to football action.

"There were a lot of things back then that were tough," he said of his struggles with rehabilitation and a failed attempt to return to action in 2019. "I feel now that I'm getting back to where I was effortlessly."

McKinnon's absence has opened the door for other backs to shine. Matt Breida, Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson Jr. have all seen significant playing time in the last two seasons because the 49ers have had to find a way to replace what they lost with McKinnon's injury. Tevin Coleman would be the ideal complement to McKinnon (or vice versa) in a 2020 San Francisco backfield, which has been fine without McKinnon but could be even better with him.

The reason: McKinnon's lateral quickness and ability to change direction make him a very difficult target to cover in open space. Add that to an offense that's already masterful at times with Shanahan at the helm, and the reigning NFC champs only get stronger.

First, McKinnon will have to figure out how strong he is -- and he's going to get quite a test with the strong man nicknamed "All Day."

See the rest here:

McKinnon to test knee in workouts with AP - NFL.com

Business Insider chief correspondent Hayley Peterson has been covering retail for the last seven years, after a prior stint reporting on the White House.

Hayley is known for her hart-hitting investigations that expose labor issues at big retailers and grocers like Walmart and Amazon.

In one of her most recent stories, she brought to light how Whole Foods uses a heat map tool to track potential unionization among its employees. The reporting provided a rare look into corporate labor-tracking activities, a common practice among large companies but one rarely discussed publicly.

Here's her conversation with deputy executive editor Olivia Oran.

Olivia Oran: You have long covered labor issues at retailers like Amazon and Walmart. How did you get interested in this particular story involving Whole Foods?

Hayley Peterson: Companies have tracked union activity for years, but this was the first time I had ever heard of a process involving a heat map that ranks stores by "risk" scores using data such as racial diversity and employee loyalty.Oran: Tell me about your reporting process. How did you get sources to trust you about such a sensitive topic?

Peterson: I think the most important part of any source relationship is honesty and transparency.

At the start of most of my interviews, I explain in detail how my reporting process works, what sources can expect from me, and how I might use the information I learn during our conversation. I often share my past work, as well, to help familiarize them with the types of stories I write.

Then I answer any questions they might have about my process and let them know that they can back out of an interview at any time or decline to answer any particular question.

If they are comfortable talking to me after that, then I start asking questions.

Oran: What was the hardest part about reporting out this piece?

Peterson: I think the hardest part of reporting any story can often be the process of thoroughly vetting and fact-checking information. This process often involves finding additional sources and supporting documents, among other resources.

Oran: What fascinates you about covering retail?

Peterson: I'm almost always thinking about the retail business. I enjoy talking to friends, family, and strangers about where and how they shop and what they buy. I love digging into data on changing consumption habits and watching how retailers adapt to shoppers' evolving preferences through programs like curbside pickup and automated fulfillment.

I also love being able to go out and interact with the companies I cover by visiting their stores,ordering from their websites,and talking to their employees and delivery drivers. It helps me view the industry through many different lenses.

Beyond that, I think retail is incredibly important and relevant to everyone who breathes and eats.The retail and restaurant industries employ more than one in 10 US workers and feedand clothe all of us as consumers.

Oran: What story are you most proud of throughout your reporting career?

Peterson: I'm really proud of a story I wrote two years ago about what it's like to work as an Amazon driver. I interviewed more than 30 drivers, some of whom described alleged abuses, including lack of overtime pay, missing wages, intimidation, and favoritism. Many drivers said they felt pressured to drive at dangerously high speeds, blow stop signs, and urinate in bottles on their trucks. Amazon has made changes to its delivery system since then, including changing how its drivers are paidto ensure they earn what they are owed.

Oran: Thinking about retailers broadly, what are the big themes that you're going to be watching this year, particularly as coronavirus slams the industry?

Peterson: I'm going to be watching closely how consumption habits change as shelter-from-home orders are lifted. Will the habits that shoppers formed while trapped at home become permanent? Or will people increasingly feel comfortable returning to grocery stores, shopping malls, and movie theaters?

I'm also curious about whether retailers will consider permanently adopting higher pay and more lenient sick policies once coronavirus restrictions are lifted. Workers have fought for changes like these for years, and only recently achieved them in the midst of a global pandemic. It will be hard to take these benefits away and make the argument that they are no longer needed or deserved.

Oran: You talk to so many frontline retail workers, from cashiers, to sales clerks. What do these workers most want people to know?

Peterson: It has been really eye-opening listening to the perspectives of frontline retail workers during the pandemic. In the beginning around late February to early March I heard from many frustrated and fearful workers who were begging for access to masks and more cleaning supplies as they reported to work each day and interacted with dozens and in some cases hundreds of people. As the weeks wore on, retailers started providing personal protective equipment, offering bonuses, and relaxing sick-leave policies. Now, workers are fighting to retain those benefits.

I think retail employees, particularly at "essential" stores, would want people to recognize how hard they are working to keep shelves stocked and would ask customers to practice patience and respect during their outings. While some workers have told me heartwarming stories about customers giving them home-made masks or other gifts, others have said that shoppers have grown increasingly impatient and angry in stores and have screamed at them for inconveniences like long lines.

Original post:

Behind the scenes with retail reporter Hayley Peterson - Business Insider - Business Insider

Andrew Joseph, FORTHEWiN.com Published 8:33 a.m. ET May 5, 2020

A small number of Asian giant hornet sightings in the Pacific Northwest has raised alarm. Wochit

In case 2020 couldnt have gotten any worse as a year,giant Murder Hornets thought it was a good timeto arrive on U.S. soil.

According to aSaturday report from The New York Times, the Asian giant hornet delightfullydubbed Murder Hornets have been spotted in parts of Washington and British Columbia, Canada for the first time. The hornets, which are indeedgiant, have a stinger thats capable of penetrating a regular beekeeper suit. The hornets also can kill a human if that person is stung multiple times.

Though the primary concern about these hornets arriving to North America concerns the bee population these hornets kill entire hives of honeybees just to feast on larva the prospect of running into a three-inch hornet is terrifying.

And, well, a video of YouTuber Coyote Peterson letting a Murder Hornet sting him will do nothing to quell those fears.(Note: Sting happens around the 11-minute mark).

In an effort to measure up the worlds most painful stings, Peterson tracked down the giant hornet in Japan and intentionally took a sting from the insect.

To Petersons misfortune, the Murder Hornets stinger actually got caught and dislodged into his arm, which caused way more venom than he anticipated to get released. His arm swelled up at a stunning rate and he was in a near-incapacitating amount of pain.

So, uh, yeah, if you see one of these hornets in person, run away and call a local department of agriculture.

More: We've got bigger problems than 'murder hornets'

Look into the eyes of this "murder hornet." The invasive species slaughters honeybees, can be deadly to humans and unfortunately has been spotted in the USA.(Photo: Washington state Dept. of Agriculture)

Read or Share this story: https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/2020/05/05/murder-hornet-youtuber-coyote-peterson-willingly-got-stung/3083439001/

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YouTuber Coyote Peterson willingly got stung by a Murder Hornet and it seemed awful - The Cincinnati Enquirer

Name: Caley PetersonSchool: Pelham Park Middle SchoolGrade: EighthWhats your favorite subject in school? My favorite subject in school is math.What school groups are you involved in? I am involved in Future Business Leaders of America and the National Junior Honor Society.What community groups are you involved in? I am part of the Serve Team at the Church of the Highlands.Who is your favorite teacher? My favorite teacher is Mr. Collins.What are your hobbies? I enjoy playing basketball, volleyball and running. I also enjoy making crafts.If you could donate $100 to a charity, which one would you choose? I would choose to donate the money to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.What do you want to be when you grow up? I want to be a chemical engineer when I grow up.

The Shelby County Reporters Student of the Week is open to students of all ages who attend public, private or home schools in the county. To nominate someone, contact Scott Mims at 250-669-3131 or scott.mims@shelbycountyreporter.com.

Sponsored by Compact 2020.

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Student of the Week: Caley Peterson - Shelby County Reporter - Shelby County Reporter

Reader: Why all the fuss? If you don't want to run into a burning building, don't become a fireman. If you don't like high-speed chases, don't train to be a police officer. If you don't want to be exposed to possible contagious germs, don't become a health care professional.

My point is if you train and are compensated well financially and with ample benefits, then that should be enough. I tire of the constant barrage of accolades, free food, free gas, free car washes, etc., etc., etc., for so-called first responders!

Am I thankful for these above-mentioned people? Absolutely, but enough is enough. Once we start praising and rewarding with "goodies" certain professions, we leave out so many other well-deserving individuals and groups.

So again I ask, "Why all the fuss?"

Peterson: You could ask 1,000 people this question, and collect 1,000 different answers. I saw a similar sentiment in comments on our Facebook post asking people to honor heroes first responders and other front-line workers. That reader wrote that these individuals are not heroes, just people doing their jobs.

But I'll share how I see it, Robert, with thanks for taking my call Friday (We had a nice brief chat about how many handwritten letters we still receive at the newspaper; on average, about two a day come in by mail).

One, kindness. I think and see from the news and feature story ideas that come our way and our reporters dig up, that people simply want to show kindness to others during this pandemic.

Two, I think people want to help, and what form can that take during stay-at-home orders that many people have lived under for nearly two months? They may not have the proper training and authority to run into a burning building, and they may not have the education and licensing to save the life of a mother dying from the coronavirus, but they can sure help how they are able. And that may be in the form of offering free food or a service they are able to provide.

Does that mean other well-deserving individuals and groups may be left out, as Robert asks? Well sure. Maybe those kindnesses come in smaller but more direct ways, like the hefty tips I've given to the Shipt shoppers who've delivered my Target groceries (finding great substitutes when necessary, but yep, no toilet paper!), and the hearty verbal thank-yous I've given to two veterinarians and their staffs who have helped me in the last month.

A little kindness to some still seems like worthy kindness to me.

At a boardinghouse, all diners sit down at the same time at long table(s) and eat what is being served at that meal. You don't order off a menu, you share the food served in platters/bowls with the diners closest to you whether they are in your party or not. Your party is not separated from another party by any space.

The Nevada Basque restaurants mentioned in Mr. Lang's submission do not serve boardinghouse style. I am very familiar with these restaurants as well as all the Basque restaurants along the I-80 corridor between Reno and Elko, Nev. I've been eating at them for 30 years. I've made the trip along that corridor at least 18 times in the last 20 years and have eaten at each of the mentioned restaurants within the last year.

I've co-authored two articles for Nevada Magazine (August 1998 and November 2017) on those very restaurants. None of them serve boardinghouse style, they serve "family" style. Does "family" style sound familiar?

It should; it's how meals are served at the remaining excellent traditional Basque restaurants in Bakersfield such as Wool Growers and Benji's. The last semblances of Basque boardinghouse service that I know of are the "boarder's table" at Santa Fe Basque Restaurant in Fresno, and the one at Centro Basco Restaurant in Chino, both of which also have regular service.

In short, if you want to take a journey to Nevada and sample some Basque restaurants, it's a nice trip and some pretty good restaurants. But if you're going in search of a boardinghouse-style Basque restaurant, forget about it. The last one in North America, and probably the world, that served strictly boardinghouse style just closed.

Larry Errea, former director and president, Kern County Basque Club

Peterson: Thank you, Larry, for taking the time to write and share your expertise on boardinghouse and family dining, and Basque traditions. What rich history!

Reader: The word trump there are quite a few that mean the same for that sentence. Not needed for your byline.

Oh, well Kern County will be fooled twice come fall so shame on you. Until people start calling out Trump to his face (all on camera) every name in the book he wont stop his (expletive) show.

You want four more years of him?

Notice that headline has a lowercase "trump," and it is used as a verb.

Webster's New World College Dictionary, the one we use along with the Associated Press Stylebook, defines it in this case as to surpass or outdo. Regardless of your politics, trump, lowercase, was a perfectly fine word to use in this context.

Peterson: A reader wrote to point out and I think complain that my Sound Off columns aren't as long as my predecessor's and unless I am working more than 100 hours a week, I need to do better.

Sorry to disappoint, Mr. Reader who did not want his name used. I guess I'm failing in his eyes. The length of Sound Off largely depends on what I receive. Send some good comments and questions and I'll try to answer them here. Full first and last names are preferred.

Executive Editor Christine L. Peterson answers your questions and takes your complaints about our news coverage in this weekly feedback forum. Questions may be edited for space and clarity. To offer your input by phone, call 661-395-7649 and leave your comments in a voicemail message or email us at soundoff@bakersfield.com. Include your name and phone number; your contact information wont be published.

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SOUND OFF: Is there too much 'fuss' over first responders? - The Bakersfield Californian