The King of Torts - John Grisham

I just finished another John Grisham book - great read! I am off to the library to check out another one! It is great to be catching up on my JG reading and enjoying it in the process.

http://www.jgrisham.com/the-king-of-torts/

The office of the public defender is not known as a training ground for bright young litigators. Clay Carter has been there too long and, like most of his colleagues, dreams of a better job in a real firm. When he reluctantly takes the case of a young man charged with a random street killing, he assumes it is just another of the many senseless murders that hit D.C. every week. As he digs into the background of his client, Clay stumbles on a conspiracy too horrible to believe.

He suddenly finds himself in the middle of a complex case against one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world, looking at the kind of enormous settlement that would totally change his life—that would make him, almost overnight, the legal profession’s newest king of torts…

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John Grisham - Author, Lawyer

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Grisham

John Ray Grisham (born February 8, 1955) is an American author, best known for his popular legal thrillers. Before becoming a writer, he was a successful lawyer and politician. As of 2008, his books have sold over 250 million copies worldwide.[1]

National Adoption Day !

As I have posted before I was never adopted but just continued to move along the social services system into different foster familes and programs. I remember ALMOST being Adopted by a family or at least there was a lot of discussion about it during the "HONEYMOON Period".

It is a blessing that many children and families will be Celebrating National Adoption Day around the country this Friday Novemeber 20, 2009.

Massachusetts Adoption Resource Exchange Mission Statement

MARE exists to find "a place to call HOME" for CHILDREN in foster care, including sibling groups and children who are traditionally harder to place. We do this by recruiting, educating, supporting and advocating for FAMILIES throughout the adoption process.

Our History Founded in 1957, MARE was one of the first adoption exchanges in the United States. For 50 years, MARE has helped to find adoptive homes for more than 5,000 children and has received national recognition for its initiatives.

Programs & Services MARE focuses on children in the custody of the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families who are ages six and older, children of color of all ages, sibling groups, and children with emotional, physical and intellectual challenges. These children have one thing in common, the need for a permanent adoptive family. MARE tailors its recruitment activities to meet the needs of a particular child. MARE also acts as a central clearinghouse for information and referrals regarding all types of adoption.

What is National Adoption Day? On National Adoption Day 2009 – Friday, November 20 in Massachusetts – courts in all 50 states will open their doors to legalize the adoptions of thousands of children from foster care and to celebrate and honor all families that adopt. In Massachusetts, hundreds of children, parents, judges, lawyers, adoption professionals and child advocates will celebrate National Adoption Day.

Where? In Massachusetts, judges will open their courts on Friday, November 20, 2009 to legalize the adoptions of more than 200 children currently in foster care. The participating courthouses are:

Cambridge, Middlesex County Juvenile Court - Press Conference, 9:00 AM
Boston, Edward W. Brooke Courthouse
Brockton, George N. Covett Courthouse
Hadley, Franklin/Hampshire Juvenile Court
Pittsfield, Berkshire Juvenile Court
Salem, Essex County Juvenile Court
Springfield, Hampden County Juvenile Court
Worcester, Worcester Trial Court


More Information?
To learn more about National Adoption Day and adoption from foster care in general, contact MARE at 617-54-ADOPT (617-542-3678) or 1-800-882-1176 or by email. Information on the nationwide celebration is available at http://www.nationaladoptionday.org/2006/index.asp.

The Massachusetts Adoption Resource Exchange (MARE), the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF), the Juvenile Court Department of the Massachusetts Trial Court, the Probate and Family Court Department of the Massachusetts Trial Court, local adoption agencies and the courts have organized this special day to celebrate the joys of adoption and encourage more families and individuals to give children permanent families through adoption.



The Home for Little Wanderers

About Adoption The Adoption Program at The Home for Little Wanderers is affiliated with the following organizations:

The North American Council on Adoptable Children
The Massachusetts Adoption Resource Exchange Adoption Community of NE
The American Adoption Congress Adoption Professionals Association of Massachusetts
Joint Council on International Children's Services from North America

Our program is licensed by the Department of Early Education and Care and accredited by The Council on Accreditation of Services for Families and Children, Inc. If you would like to receive a copy of The Home's Board of Directors or Adoption Program budget, please contact Adoption Services at (617) 232-8610. Also, if you would like to receive in advance copies of any documents that you will be asked to sign throughout the adoption process, please let us know. It is the Home's practice to give families various applicable documents in stages corresponding to each phase of the adoption. Lastly, if requested The Home will provide families with statistics of The Home's provision of adoption services during the past three years.

Order books about Adoption through http://www.tapestrybooks.com/ and a 10% donation for every book purchased will be made to The Home for Little Wanderers' Adoption Program.

2008 WCPS, LaShundle Rundles Celebrates her 40th Bday!

I was blessed yesterday to celebrate my 40th birthday.

Most women dread the big 4-0 but I was so grateful".

2008 WCPS, LaShunda Rundles - Celebrates her 40th Birthday!

Wednesday November 18, 2009 !

Sisters Sonyan and LaShunda Rundles celebrate LaShunda's 40th Birthday Party -

Wednesday November 18, 2009

Just received an email last night asking me how LaShunda is doing and I am happy to report that she just celebrated her 40th Birthday yesterday Wednesday November 18, 2009! I too was celebrating as the Keynote during of Researchers Club # 22o1 53d Luncheon at the Hascomb Airforce Base in Bedford, Massachusetts.

Looks like we have many celebrations this month of November! My daughter Sabrina turned 12, LaShunda turned 40 and the Researchers Club celebrated 53 years!

Email From Toastmaster Wendy:
Hi Sherri, I found your blog and was wondering if you have any more information about Lashaunda coming home. It looked from the last post that she might have been headed home in April of this year, but I wasn't sure if there was another update to share. As a fellow Toastmaster, I'm curious about her. Wendy

Wendy M. Schram District 62 Fall Conference Chair E. Division Governor Past
http://us.mc836.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=wschram@dow.com
Lets get talking!

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Email for District 31 Governor Sherri (ME)

Greetings Wendy!

That is a GREAT question and I am copying LaShunda on this email as I am sure she would
be glad to note that you are asking about her!

The last time I checked it sounded like things were going well from the posts on Facebook!

Send me an update so I can post on my BLOG sist'ha!

Happy B-day LaShunda!! Keep Taking Center Stage!

Sherri

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Email for 2008 WCPS, LaShunda Rundles

Hello!

You are right. It is great to be thought of. I was wondering if I was yesterday's news since we have a new world champ. Nice to still be a "topic". As an update, things are getting better day by day. I was blessed yesterday to celebrate my 40th birthday. Most women dread the big 4-0 but I was so grateful.

I also saw my doctor yesterday who said, "looking good." I still need to have a surgery which will probably be in January to correct a hernia created by the other 12 surgeries and I should be able to sit back and finish recovering. But I have gained 7 pounds, I am still eating on my own, no feeding tube, and I have done away with the wheelchair and the cane. I can't walk very long but I do it all by myself just like a big girl.

I made a visit to my District 50 conference last weekend and just fed off that energy. I will be speaking in the spring at both D50 and D25 here in Texas so let me know when 31 is in need of my services. I am ready to serve and give back to all those folks who sent me that positive energy. I am so sure that the collective karma given out by Toastmasters all over the world, literally...the world...is what sustained my life.

I still have miles to go in my recovery. I am still a size 0. The bright side is that I was one step away from being able to wear Garanimals!!!! But the more I keep embracing life, the more I think I will get back on track. Keep me in your thoughts and I will always be thinking of you. Here are a few pics from yesterday on my Bday. Of course my sis was with me.

Be blessed Ladies!
LaShunda

Museum of Science (Boston) - Sixth Grade Chaperone

In 1830, six men interested in natural history established the Boston Society of Natural History, an organization through which they could pursue their common scientific interests. Devoted to collecting and studying natural history specimens, the society displayed its collections in numerous temporary facilities until 1864, when it opened the New England Museum of Natural History at the corner of Berkeley and Boylston Streets in Boston's Back Bay. That museum is now known worldwide as the Museum of Science. http://www.mos.org/

Read more here
http://www.mos.org/visitor_info/about_the_museum/history_of_the_museum

(Left to right) Brad Washburn, Mrs. Harold Hodgkinson, Carlton Fuller, and Frederick Lovejoy with a model of Science Park, completed in 1951.

On Tuesday October 27, 2009 I was one of the St. Pius V. Sixth Grade Chaperone's. I drove my car into Boston with Joanne - another Mom to meet the kids who were transported by a large yellow bus. I was a little stunned to watch the drive passed through red lights...

I had a group of five girls, Sabrina, Ava, Angela, Ashley and Jacksie - using the first letter of each girl's name - I called my group "JAAAS". It is NOT always easy to be your own daughter's Chaperone but I will have some stories to share with her as she moves into adulthood in another six or seven or even ten years.

We attended the Harry Potter Exhibition - which was amazing to see all the beautiful costumes and props from the each of the movies. Admittedly I have not seen ANY of the movies or read the books and probably won;t either. But I certainly did appreciate the art of it! Just not my type of movies or books - but the display was incredibly gorgeous.

If it Exhibit comes to your town - check it out!

http://www.mos.org/

http://www.harrypotterexhibition.com/

MUSEUM OF SCIENCE HOSTS EAST COAST PREMIERE OF HARRY POTTER: THE EXHIBITION International Touring Exhibition to Open in Boston

Museum of ScienceBoston, MA October 25 - February 21, 2010

In this amazing exhibition, guests will get an up close and personal look at the artistry and craftsmanship that went into creating the iconic props and costumes that appeared throughout the Harry Potter films. These authentic artifacts will be displayed in elaborate settings inspired by locations from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry including the Gryffindor common room, Hagrid’s hut and the Great Hall.


Harry Potter™ is a cultural phenomenon, inspiring the imaginations of millions across the globe. Now it's your chance to peer into the wizard's world in a new exhibit featuring more than 200 authentic props and costumes from the Harry Potter films, all displayed in settings inspired by the film sets -- including the Great Hall, Hagrid's hut and the Gryffindor™ common room. View iconic film artifacts such as Harry's glasses, the Marauder's Map, and Hermione's Yule Ball gown, and pause to pull a screeching Mandrake from its pot or try your hand at tossing a "Quaffle."

Showcasing the supreme artistry and craftsmanship that went into the making of the ever popular film series, Harry Potter: The Exhibition is sure to spark curious minds and foster an excitement of discovery among visitors of all ages.

TM & © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Harry Potter Publishing Rights © JKR. (s09)


http://www.mos.org/

https://store.mos.org/?action=showevent;event_id=530

The Mission of the Museum of Science
The Museum's mission is to play a leading role in transforming the nation's relationship with science and technology. This role becomes ever more important as science and technology shape and reshape our lives and world, and it means we:

Promote active citizenship informed by the world of science and technology
Inspire lifelong appreciation of the importance and impact of science and engineering
Encourage young people of all backgrounds to explore and develop their interests in understanding the natural and human-made world

To do this, we will continue to build our position as a leader in the world's museum community and use our educational perspective as an informal learning institution to help the formal pre K-12 education system.

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TIP - Many Local Libraries offer discounted passes program to visit museums (these passses may not include special exhibits) but a discount is a discount!

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CHAPERONE

http://www.answers.com/topic/chaperone

A person, especially an older or married woman, who accompanies a young unmarried woman in public.

An older person who attends and supervises a social gathering for young people.
A guide or companion whose purpose is to ensure propriety or restrict activity: "to see and feel the rough edges of the society . . . without the filter of official chaperones" (Philip Taubman).

tr.v., -oned, -on·ing, -ones.To act as chaperon to or for. See synonyms at accompany.

[French, from chaperon, hood, from Old French, diminutive of chape, cape, head covering. See chape.]

The Summons - John Grisham

"My success was not planned, but it could only happen in America."

John Grisham, Lawyer, Writer

“I was never a bookworm. I remember reading Dr. Seuss, the Hardy Boys, Emil and the Detectives, Chip Hilton, and lots of Mark Twain and Dickens. My athletic ability did nothing but invite taunts. I was an indifferent student and an athlete with delusions of adequacy, dreams of adulation.” John Grisham. Author, Lawyer http://www.jgrisham.com/

One of my FAVORITE authors is John Grisham and admittedly I was about seven books behind on my reading! I just finished readin The Summons from 2002! Well this one left many questions unanswered but that is how JG writes - leaving the reader in suspense! I like that!

A few years ago I started reading The Testiment (1999) butit had so many different characters that I was not able to keep up the way I normally do with his books. I AM planning on finishing it at some point. Actually I will have to reread what I have already read.

Last night I went to my local public libray and bought Bleachers (2003) and I will begin reading it this week.

I am excited to get back into my JG reading. I love the suspense, the law, the action and the chase.

Share what books YOU Read that keep you wanting to read more!

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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Grisham

John Ray Grisham (born February 8, 1955) is an American author, best known for his popular legal thrillers. Before becoming a writer, he was a successful lawyer and politician. As of 2008, his books have sold over 250 million copies worldwide.[1]

Biography and career
John Grisham, the second oldest of five siblings, was born in Jonesboro, Arkansas, to Southern Baptist parents of modest means. His father worked as a construction worker and a cotton farmer while his mother was a homemaker.[2] After relocating frequently, the family settled in 1967 in the town of Southaven in DeSoto County, Mississippi, where Grisham graduated from Southaven High School. He played as a quarterback for the school football team. Encouraged by his mother, the young Grisham was an avid reader, and was especially influenced by the work of John Steinbeck, whose clarity he admired. His brother Vaughn is one of the nation's main experts on Community Development and is a professor of Public Administration at the University of Mississippi


During 1977, Grisham received a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from Mississippi State University. Grisham tried for the baseball team at Delta State University, but was dismissed by the coach, who was former Boston Red Sox pitcher Dave "Boo" Ferriss. Grisham and Ferris have since teamed to host a fundraiser for Delta State Baseball, at which the two discussed how and why Ferris dismissed Grisham, telling him he should "stick to the books" after Grisham failed miserably in his attempts to hit a college level curve ball. He earned his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Mississippi School of Law in 1981. During law school Grisham switched interests from tax law to criminal and general civil litigation. Upon graduation he entered a small-town general law practice for nearly a decade in Southaven, where he focused on criminal law and civil law representing a broad spectrum of clients. As a young attorney he spent much of his time in court proceedings.


Grisham describes himself as a "moderate Baptist," and has performed mission service for his church in Brazil; that country provides the setting for two of his novels: The Testament, which has a strong religious theme; and The Partner. He lives with his wife Renée Jones and their two children, Ty and Shea. Grisham's website states that the "family splits their time between their Victorian home on a farm" outside Oxford, Mississippi, "and a home near Charlottesville, Virginia."[3] In 2008, he and Renee bought a condo in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.[13]

Read More About John Grisham
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Grisham

http://www.yuddy.com/celebrity/John-Grisham/bio

http://www.spout.com/players/John_Grisham/P___166848/default.aspx

http://www.mswritersandmusicians.com/writers/john-grisham.html

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Books By John Grisham

Legal fiction
A Time to Kill (1989)
The Firm (1991)
The Pelican Brief (1992)
The Client (1993)
The Chamber (1994)
The Rainmaker (1995)
The Runaway Jury (1996)
The Partner (1997)
The Street Lawyer (1998)
The Testament (1999)
The Brethren (2000)
The Summons (2002)
The King of Torts (2003)
The Last Juror (2004)
The Broker (2005)
The Appeal (2008)
The Associate (2009)

Non-legal fiction
A Painted House (2001)
Skipping Christmas (2001)
Bleachers (2003)
Playing for Pizza (2007)
Ford County (2009

District 31 Fall 2009 Conference ROCKED!

"Rarely in life can people truly make a significant impact in another person life. The opportunity, experience and hope I received yesterday defies description, even for a TM. I will carry it with me for life. I sincerely apppreciate you arranging it. I look forward to being a part of TM in whatever capacity you feel best serve TM and the District". Ron


My District 31 Fall 2009 Conference ROCKED! IT REALLY REALLY ROCKED!
I was proud to be the 2009-2010 District 31 Governor during such an amazing event. We had a great turn out and the entire day went EXTREMLEY WELL with one minor incident (well major) - my business meeting...sigh!

The day was just grand from the Opening Ceremonies, Parade of Banners, National Anthem, Keynote Speaker - 2009 Second Place Winner, Mary Cheyne, to the Hall of Fame, Luncheon with Communication & Leadership Awardee, Dr. Joan Wallace-Benjamin, Edcuational Sessions, (Business Meeting - I'll get to that) and the Humorous Speech Contest!

I am extremely proud of my Conference Committee - especially the Co-Chairs, Satvir Maudgal (who was the 2008-2009 Division Governor of the Year!) and Dough Sheadel and amazing friend who always goes BEYOND the call of duty!

The lunch was delicious and the desert was a chocolate LAZA cake - out of this world YUMMY!

I have been getting amazing feedback and testimonials! I hope we can out do ourselves for the 2010 spring conference. It will be my final one as the District Governor and my final one as a District Officer in the Leadership track - other than serving as the 2010-2010 Immediate Past District Governor...

Well - I certainly could have done a BETTER job at my business meeting. I tried to run it professionally but there are times when things don;t work out they way we hope or plan. But for the spring I DO PLAN on running a tighter meeting and keeping it professonal. I am hoping to have an experienced Parlimentarian and my St. At Arms on hand to help me with any issues. This is what the leadership track is for to learn how to get better! I was proud of my Team!

So with that sad everything else went VERY well.

Soon the Top Three will be heading to New Jersey for our Midwinter Training Retreat and I am soooo looking forward to reconnecting with my fellow Region Vii District Officers, International Directors and Kristen, Darcey and Dan Rex from World Head Quarters!

Take Center Stage! www.district31.org




"Greetings Sherri, Bil, Ben, and the myriad others who helped to make the
Fall Conference a success. I have attended quite a few fall and spring conferences and want to say that this one was tops! Having Mary Cheyne take us behind the scenes all the way to the International Speech Contest was a great first act. I shall certainly remember her example of the Chinese bamboo shoot not showing until the 4th year of being planted"!

"The Karioke Power Point presentations were challenging and fun for our fellow TM (thank goodness not me) with funny evaluations by Bo and Ryan. Dr. Joan Wallace-Benjamin gave a great speech at the delicious luncheon, and my admiration for the Home for Little Wanderers and Sherri, particularly, grew even more".

"Our remaining educational session with Dennis Coppola and a fellow TM whom we shared with during that session, and the biggie--the District Humorous Speech Contest sure wrapped up a wonderful day. Well Done"! Ellie Lyman, CTM, CL Minutemen Club, No. 2288

"What a great conference! And what a masterful display of what a great team can accomplish"!
MJ Webmaster

S turned A Dozen - Happy 12th Birthday Day!

Today November 14, 2009 my daughter, S turned a DOZEN! Hard to believe that I had her tweleve years ago. We had her party at Lucky Strikes a bowling alley with about Eleven of her BFF's.

She got some great gifts. She simply LOVES Aeropstale - so you can image how EXSTATIC she was with the $25.00 Aeropstale gift card from Amber and the white Aeropstale hoodie sweat shirt from Christina and the amazing Aeropstale shoulder bag she got from Diana (Christina's twin sister). It sure didn;t compare to my $50.00 gift card to Target(!).

She also LOVED the Webkinz Zebra and Zebra print (with a pink S) mug, and mini zebra print book. She got some really cool sets of PJ's and other nice gifts her friends were very generous.

I bought her a black coat but I am sure she LOVES the Aeropstale coat & Aeropstale sweater that Moms bought her. I think next week she is getting a digital camera from her uncle. She REALLY wants a lap top and she will probably get an affordable one.

I survived her final TWEEN B-DAY and next year she will begin her TEEN journey.

A DOZEN BIRTHDAYS have passed us by - and that also means that I too am a DOZEN years older...I hope I become wiser by November 14, 2010!

HAPPY 12th BIRTHDAY S!!


http://www.aeropostale.com/

Aéropostale may refer to:
Aéropostale (clothing), an apparel retailer

Aéropostale (aviation), formally la Compagnie générale aéropostale, a defunct French airmail company

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A%C3%A9ropostale