Free Republic

David Stock, a prolific musician who served as a composer-in-residence for the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and was the founder of the Pittsburgh New Music Ensemble, died peacefully surrounded by his family on Monday, Nov. 2. He was 76. Stock, who had been under the care of hospice, died following a brief illness due to a rare blood disorder, according to his son-in-law, Jonathan Mayo.

EXCERPTS "At the start of 2011, we’re still just emerging from a once-in-a-lifetime recession that’s taken a terrible toll on millions of families," Obama said. "We all have friends and neighbors trying to get their lives back on track." (snip) "In a few days, a new Congress will form, with one house controlled by Democrats, and one house controlled by Republicans – who now have a shared responsibility to move this country forward," Obama said. "And here’s what I want you to know: I’m willing to work with anyone of either party who’s got a good idea and the commitment...