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Monorail Station - Mint Colony
Mint Colony Monorail Station is only 5 min. walk from Pals Hotel. This monorail, started in 2019, runs between Chembur to Mahalaxmi connecting all major business districts like Lower Parel, Wadala, Sewri, Worli.
Hotel St.Regis / ITC Grand Central Hotel
These five star hotels are located within 2 kms. from our hotel. Many prominent exhibitions and events are hosted in these venues. Proximity to High Street Phoenix Mall and Kamala Mills compound make this location attractive for city nightlife.
SVP Stadium, DOME @ NSCI
The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Indoor Stadium aka Dome @NSCI is only 5 kms. from our hotel. Its an indoor sports arena, in Mumbai, Maharashtra. The facility seats 5,000 people. The stadium is administered by National Sports Club of India.
Smaaash @ Kamala Mills
Gaming and entertainment centre like no other in South Mumbai for all ages. Cricket, Football, Bowling, Go Karting. You name it and they have it. Great place for entire family. Located at Lower Parel inside the massive Kamala Mills Compound.
Shri Siddhivinayak Temple
Shree Siddhivinayak Ganapati Mandir is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shri Ganesh. It is located in Prabhadevi, Mumbai, Maharashtra.[1] It was originally built by Laxman Vithu and Deubai Patil on November 19, 1801. Though it is one of the richest temples in Mumbai, the current generation of Patil is staying in state of despair near the temple.
The temple has a small mandap (hall) with the shrine for Siddhi Vinayak ("Ganesha who grants your wish"). The wooden doors to the sanctum are carved with images of the Ashtavinayak (the eight manifestations of Ganesha in Maharashtra). The inner roof of the sanctum is plated with gold, and the central statue is of Ganesha. In the periphery, there is a Hanuman temple as well.
Haji Ali Dargah
The Haji Ali Dargah is a mosque and dargah (tomb) located on an islet off the coast of Worli in the Southern part of Mumbai. Near the heart of the city proper, the dargah is one of the most recognisable landmarks of Mumbai.
An exquisite example of Indo-Islamic Architecture, associated with legends about doomed lovers, the dargah contains the tomb of Sayed Peer Haji Ali Shah Bukhari.
Bandra–Worli Sea Link
The Bandra–Worli Sea Link, officially called Rajiv Gandhi Sea Link, is a cable-stayed bridge with pre-stressed concrete-steel viaducts on either side that links Bandra in the Western Suburbs of Mumbai with Worli in South Mumbai. The bridge is a part of the proposed Western Freeway that will link the Western Suburbs to Nariman Point in Mumbai's main business district.
The ₹16 billion (US$250 million) bridge was commissioned by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), and built by the Hindustan Construction Company. The first four of the eight lanes of the bridge were opened to the public on 30 June 2009.All eight lanes were opened on 24 March 2010.
The sea-link reduces travel time between Bandra and Worli during peak hours from 60–90 minutes to 20–30 minutes
The Gateway of India is a monument built during the British Raj in Mumbai City of Maharashtra state in Western India . It is located on the waterfront in the Apollo Bunder area in South Mumbai and overlooks the Arabian Sea. The structure is a basalt arch, 26 metres (85 feet) high. It lies at the end of Chhatrapati Shivaji Marg at the water's edge in Mumbai Harbour. It was a crude jetty used by the fishing community which was later renovated and used as a landing place for British governors and other prominent people. In earlier times, it would have been the first structure that visitors arriving by boat in Mumbai would have seen. The Gateway has also been referred to as the Taj Mahal of Mumbai,[8] and is the city's top tourist attraction.
The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS), formerly Prince of Wales Museum of Western India, is the main museum in Mumbai, Maharashtra[3] It was founded in the early years of the 20th century by prominent citizens of Bombay, with the help of the government, to commemorate the visit of the then prince of Wales. It is located in the heart of South Mumbai near the Gateway of India. The museum was renamed in the 1990s or early 2000s after Shivaji, the founder of Maratha Empire.
The museum building is built in the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture, incorporating elements of other styles of architecture like the Mughal, Maratha and Jain. The museum building is surrounded by a garden of palm trees and formal flower beds.
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Intimacy takes on many forms, but of all the ways people display affection for one another, kissing has the most transformative power. Kisses can be sweet; kisses can be playful; they can be ice-breakingly exciting. But kissing can also reveal truths between two—or more—people and act as a catalyst for everything from passion to relationship drama.
Model and Film Hooligans founder Lida Fox explores these aspects of the humble smooch through a curated collection of personal photographs and writing in her new book, Kiss Me. The book brings viewers into bedrooms, house parties, and crowded cafes as people are photographed in the midst of genuine affection and PDA melodrama.
Last week, Fox stopped by the office Newsstand to drop off some copies of the book and tell us all about it. Read our interview with the photographer below, and don’t forget to stop by the Newsstand to get your own copy.
Interview by Charles Caesar
Tell me a bit about why you made the book. Like, what prompted the topic of kissing?
It was just something that I noticed a lot of people were taking photos of or had in their personal collection of photos. It was also around the time when a lot of people were breaking up, kind of at the end of last year. It seemed like everyone had these six year relationships ending—like, everyone was like, ‘I can’t take this anymore.’ So many people I know broke up, and I also broke up with my boyfriend. I mean, I didn’t break up with him, we just broke up. So, for the writing in the book, I asked people to send in their ideas on relationships or their ideas on love—and this was all happening before the time when everyone was breaking up. The book started before that happened. But then it was all coming together while that was happening so I was like, ‘Oh shit.’
That made it interesting to read everyone’s perspectives and they were all really personal. Even when they were funny, they were generally pretty sad—regarding love and how it affects people. A lot of people were really insecure about their writing too. But I just connected the writing with all of the photos. Sometimes the people writing the pieces weren’t the photographers who shot the photos, but there was something overlapping with the themes—laughing or tackling someone or spitting in someone’s face. And then the writing would be about like, ‘licking the sweat off of them.’ So, it all overlapped well and came together really nicely.
There’s a lot of different photographers in the book. How was the process of editing all those different artists’ work into a single book?
It took a long time! And I put it together with my friend Aida [Nizankovska], who I do Film Hooligans with. We asked people to send in their photos—some people only sent in a few, so that was easy to just be like, ‘Okay if you sent three then they’re all in.’ But other people sent in like fifteen or twenty photographs and it was like, ‘Okay, let's go through them and see which ones work best.’ So, it took a little over a year.
What were you looking for in the photos that you chose?
I wanted to have the work encompass a lot of different feelings of love. Some of the pictures are really tender, there’re people who are having sex, there’s a photo of a mouth kissing through Skype—which is relatable. There are also people who are not enjoying the kisses, they’re like, ‘Ugh, get away from me, don’t kiss me.’ I wanted to bring a lot of different perspectives together.
Talk to me a bit about Film Hooligans. What is it?
Film Hooligans also started as just an idea to showcase people’s film diaries, because so many people take film photos. For Instagram things are always really edited—it shows the ideal of someone’s life and it’s usually a way people are trying to come across. A lot of people still take film photos and they are so excited about them, but then they just keep them to themselves—which is awesome, that’s the point of taking them. But I started taking photos to remember things that were happening in my life that I would forget. Because I do actually go back and look at film photos more than scroll through the old photos in my phone—though I do that, too. But so many people have these diaries laying around, and sometimes you sit down with friends and share them, but not always. So, we just wanted a place for people to submit their photos, then we put them up, and it’s public so anyone can see them and enjoy these photos that are really beautiful, or funny, or show an interesting perspective on life.
There’s a serious magic in the film process—I think it’s got something to do with the fact that you’re working with chemistry, as opposed to pixels or other methods.
You also can’t see the photo immediately after you’ve taken it. With phone photos, people are often like, ‘Oh let’s see!’ or ‘Fix this, fix that—let’s look like this now,’ or people get really staged. That happens in film photos, as well, but I try to get shots that people aren’t expecting—that they don’t realize I’m taking. Just capturing moments—what’s really going on.
How many people are involved with Film Hooligans?
It’s a lot, and it’s always growing. It used to just be close friends, but more and more people have been submitting rolls, so we’ve been able to expand and have more and more types of people involved. I find it interesting because it shows people’s lives—people who are photographers, people who are into music, fashion, or who are artists. These aren’t the perspectives that everyone has in the country, but sometimes I’ll get emails where people are like, ‘Oh this made me pull out my old film camera that I used to use,’ and that’s really exciting.
What made you want to turn Kiss Me into a book as opposed to a section on the Film Hooligans site?
Aida and I have always wanted to do print. It seems like a contradiction sometimes because we run a film website—like an anti-digital space, but our platform is digital. So, we’ve always wanted to have some things in print as a memento. There was one zine we did before this that didn't really have a concept—it was just a mashup of photos and drawings that people sent. So, this was the first one that we had a concept for and actually released.
Do you think people will interact with the work in a unique way because it’s printed, as opposed to what it would be if it were just on the site, where people would view it on their laptop or phone?
I think so—I mean, I hope so. People come into bookstores and connect with work in a way that's totally different from the internet. Plus, they can take it home and look back at it later—I think that makes it more meaningful than just seeing it on screen.
I know you said you were going through a breakup part way through completing the book. Where did making the book put you emotionally?
It was interesting because some of the writing in the book was mine, but it was older, so not all of it was directly about things that were happening in my life at the time—but some of it was. I find that my writing can be vague and interpreted in different ways, but some of it did have to do with my relationship at the time, and my ex-boyfriend also has one piece of writing in the book, as well. It says, ‘Two lips crash landing, neither one left standing,’ and I decided to include it. Then we broke up.
Did you ever want to stop working on the book because you were going through that breakup?
Not really, because I’d been working on it for such a long time and I was really excited with how it was coming together. So, I never really thought about stopping it. Also, there were other old relationships in the book. Marcel [Castenmiller], for instance, sent me photos that include past girlfriends. Luckily, people seem to be chill about moving on.
Have you ever had an unforgettable kiss?
I mean, most of my kisses—not all—but a lot of them have been really meaningful. I’ve always loved kissing—I’m all for it.
My favorite piece from the book is on page 49. It says, ‘Love may be imagined. But the outcomes that it brings are real. If it’s ever screwed you over, at least it taught you how to feel.’ Have you ever experienced a love that didn’t go as planned?
That one’s mine! And it was probably about the relationship I was in before the last one, though it’s relevant to both of them. I feel like when I sense things are going bad, I often do something to make the other person mad and screw things up, which is kind of what another one of my pieces in the book is about. It’s so stupid, and I’m trying not to do shit like that ever again, but I definitely have done things like that, where I’m like, ‘I don’t think you love me, I’m going to kiss this other person in front of you.’ And sometimes, that ends a relationship and you're like, ‘Oh, yeah, that kind of backfired. I guess I deserve it.’
I feel like kissing is less intense than sex, but in a lot of ways, almost more intimate.
Yeah, completely. I find it, in many ways, the most intimate thing—kissing. So, I do get jealous sometimes—I’m trying to be not so jealous now. But I have friends who are in relationships and have threesomes or have open relationships. There’s some people who can do that and some who can’t because they just get too jealous. I’ve always found it really interesting—I guess the mystery of your partner being with someone else creates a jealousy that can keep things new and interesting. I don’t know if I’ll get to that point just yet.
Are there any photos from the book with a wild story behind it? Tell me about the lead image—the one with the two guys kissing that you took.
That was a fun night. That’s my ex-boyfriend and one of my best friends. The three of us, and also with my roommate, would get together and just like, go crazy. On this night, everyone was just kissing everyone. We were playing truth or dare, people were spitting tequila into each other’s mouths—at one point we all kissed every other person. It’s just fun!
Kissing can be way fun if you do it some place you’re not supposed to be doing it. Have you ever kissed somewhere that's like, ‘I should not be making out here but I am doing it anyway.’
I don’t know if there's anywhere you’re truly not supposed to make out. I mean, I like having sex on roofs. I have a couple times and it’s just fun—you’re like, ‘Someone could totally see us, but probably not. Still, they might be watching.’
What’s next for you? Will there ever be a Kiss Me 2?
I’ve mostly been working on music, so it’s a very different endeavor than this. I play in a band and I have another band with some friends. But maybe there could be a sequel. I feel like it would need to have another component to make it different. But there could be!
‘Kiss Me’ is available now at the office Newsstand.
Finding the Fairest of Them All
Foley Gallery's two current shows go beyond skin-deep.
Hell is the A Train Platform at 3AM
Juliana Huxtable takes us inside her latest performance at the Park Avenue Armory.
'Tomorrow Will Still Be Ours,' an exhibition benefitting the ACLU
An ongoing event at Gavin Brown's enterprise.
Boy Meets Art World
Thomas Barger comes to terms with childhood using chairs, tables, and a Cuisinart.
The Patriarch of Pathetic Aesthetics
'I need to grow up and be taken seriously said the clown at the urinal' by Cary Leibowitz.
Steel Nudes
Nick Moss' 'Rigorous Perception' at Leila Heller Gallery in Chelsea.
Dan Colen, Desertscapes & Wile E. Coyote
The artist's latest exhibition, 'High Noon,' is on view at Gagosian Beverly Hills.
Grand Slam at Geary Contemporary
Ai Weiwei at Deitch Projects
Featuring the personal belongings of refugees.
#lovewattsrevealed
This post contains ****Spoiler Alerts****
Liam Little's surreal world
Model and painter talks about his beginnings and where he is going.
DRØME Does Love
office partied with DRØME in LES to celebrate the release of their 'Young Days' zine.
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Tag Archives: SB668
What To Expect In The Second Half Of The 2014 Legislative Session
March 24, 2014 by zachary
As we move into the second half of the 2014 Legislative Session, we are still watching the Legislature carefully. Of all the bills we were watching over the last two years, only three remain active. So let’s take a moment to see what the state of those three bills are.
The only bill to have any kind of hearing so far this year is HB2134. This bill, when it was introduced, would have returned the signature requirement to its pre-1974 requirement of 5,000. It passed the House Rules Committee in 2013 and sat there until the last day the House could hear its own bills in 2014. At that time, it was amended to 2.5% of the last general election. The bill then passed the House on a vote of 74 to 11. It is now awaiting a Senate Rules Committee hearing. The Senate has until April 10 to hear House bills in committee and until April 24 to hear it on the floor.
The other ballot access reform bill that is still alive is SB668. This bill passed the Senate on a unanimous vote in 2013. This bill is the weaker of the two reform bills. It merely removes the Presidential elections from the signature formula. It is in the House awaiting a Rules Committee hearing. It has the same deadlines as HB2134 but on the House side.
Of these two bills, we greatly prefer that HB2134 pass. But at this point, it is difficult to say if either will get a hearing. Our greatest fear is that both chambers will not move on either bill because they have both passed one of their own already. We have reached out to both the Senate Author of HB2134 and the House author of SB668 to find out what their next moves are. Neither has responded to our requests.
The final bill on our watch list is SB76. This bill is one that we hope the House does not consider at all. It would double the filing fees to run for office. This bill will have the effect of reducing the number of people who would run for office. In Oklahoma, where far less than 50% of legislative seats make it to the November ballot, this would harm Oklahoma more than help. This bill has passed solely on partisan lines. No Democrats have voted in favor of it. It is in the House waiting a hearing by the Appropriations and Budget committee. We have reached out to the House author to find out if he has plans to push it through, but he has not responded.
So as we enter the last two months of the legislative session, we will be keeping you up to date on any movement made on these three bills.
Posted in Ballot Access | Tagged HB2134, SB668, SB76 | Leave a comment |
Speaker Shannon Kept His Word; Refused To Hear Ballot Access Reform
April 26, 2013 by zachary
Earlier in the session, HB2134 died in the House after the Calendar Committee refused to hear the bill and pass it to the floor. During that time, it was made known that Speaker Shannon did not want to hear ballot access reform at all. We had hoped that Speaker Shannon might have only wanted to not hear HB2134 specifically. We then put our hopes on the Senate Bill, SB668, that was not as good, but would pave the way for further real reform. Unfortunately, SB668, despite passing the Senate and the House Judiciary Committee, failed to be heard by the House Calendar Committee. These actions show that Speaker Shannon refused to hear any ballot access reform bills.
It is unfortunate that such needed reform was blocked by a single person in the State Legislature. As I have pointed out many times, all the evidence points to the need for reform. Oklahoma has been the only state in the United States to deny its voters more than two choices for President in the last three elections. The election results for 2012 show that the confusion and spoiler arguments used to fight reform hold no weight. Ballot Access News showed that at least 20,000 voters were denied the opportunity to vote for Gary Johnson. With all that evidence showing the real harm of our current laws toward voters, and the lack of harm to the duopoly parties, supporting ballot access reform, why wasn’t it a priority?
With the death of SB668, Oklahoma voters are no closer to being able to choose the party and candidates of their choice. While the bills are dead for this year, they can be revived next year. However, even if one of them were to pass and signed into law, it would be too late for new parties to form before the Governor elections. But that should not stop us. Getting real reform, as found in HB2134, passed in 2014 will open the door wide for the 2016 election. That would be a valuable change for Oklahoma voters.
So what should we do? We need to raise further awareness of the issue. We need more letters to the editors, more letters and calls to State Legislators. Write your Representative and Senator. Write the Governor. Demand that they bring ballot access reform to Oklahoma voters. More importantly, tell your friends and family about the need for reform. We will continue to bring you the latest news and updates on this important topic.
Posted in Ballot Access | Tagged SB668, Speaker Shannon | 3 Comments |
After HB2134’s Death, What’s Left For Oklahoma’s Reform Efforts?
Last week, the House let HB2134 die for the year. Had it passed HB2134, the law governing the signature requirement to form a new party would have gone from a 5% of the last general election requirement to a flat 5,000 signature requirement. This would have returned Oklahoma law to how it was prior to 1974. Yet, due to some unwillingness from Speaker Shannon, HB2134 never got a floor vote despite passing the Rules Committee unanimously.
So what is left for Oklahoma voters? There are still two bills alive and kicking that we are keeping our eyes on. The first is a similar bill to HB2134. SB668 passed the Senate unanimously and is now waiting for action from the House. Under SB668’s language, the signature requirements to form a new party would no longer take into consideration the Presidential elections, only the Governor elections. What this would do is bring about consistency between elections, but would not bring about much relief to new parties.
As you look back through recent elections, you will find that in Presidential election years, years in which parties would form based on the last Governor election, new parties were not able to form and gain access to the Presidential ballot. This language is the primary reason why Oklahoma has been the only state in the nation to give its voters only two choices for President for three elections in a row.
Despite these complaints, there is value in allowing SB668 to go forward as currently written. First, recent Legislative Sessions have shown that the Senate is unwilling to pass anything that goes lower than 5%. This stance has prevented a number of bills from going to the Governor to be signed into law. Next, we have Speaker Shannon’s stance that ballot access reform is not a priority. We are not sure if the specific reform found in HB2134 was not a priority or just ballot access reform in general. Letting SB668 go to the House Floor for a vote would show that reform itself is a priority but Speaker Shannon doesn’t support a genuinely lower requirement to form a new party. Finally, passing SB668 as is would open the door to future reform efforts as the Legislature would have a changed mindset toward reform efforts. This psychological opposition to reform would be weakened after the passage of SB668 and any future complaints and opposition would not be as strong.
SB668 has not yet been assigned to a House committee for review. When it does, it will most likely go to the Rules Committee which has shown its support already for reform. After that, it will need to pass the Calendar Committee before getting a floor vote. Hopefully, we will see it pass out of both without issue. Representative Watson, the House sponsor of the bill, is on the Rules Committee so he will most likely be advocating for its passage soon.
The other bill that we are concerned about is SB76. SB76 would double the filing fees for all elected offices in Oklahoma. This fee, as far as we can tell, is not needed in the state. An increased fee to run for office will result in nothing but a reduction in people running for office. In the last election, less than 50% of all Oklahoma legislative seats had a November election. All other seats were either unopposed or settled in a primary election. With so few people running for office, why would anyone support further reduction?
SB76 has already been assigned to a committee for a hearing. It has been assigned to the House Appropriations and Budget committee but will most likely be assigned to one of the subcommittees, either the General Government or the Revenue and Taxation subcommittee. Representative Russ, the House Sponsor of the bill, is on the General Government Subcommittee so it is likely to go there, however, the bill does increase fees so that falls under the purview of the Revenue and Taxation committee. We will likely find more information soon.
That is where we stand at this point in the Legislative Session. What we need from you at this point is to contact your Representatives and ask them to support the passage of SB668 and to oppose SB76.
Posted in Ballot Access | Tagged SB668, SB76 | Leave a comment |
Senate Ballot Access Reform Bill Passes Without A Title
February 28, 2013 by zachary
On February 27, the Senate heard and passed SB668, ballot access reform, on a vote of 42-0. This bill now goes on to the House for consideration. However, the bill was not amended to change the 5% language it current holds. This means that the inconsistency between it and the House version, HB2134, remains. Senator Rob Johnson did acknowledge that disparity and as such requested that the title be stricken before the vote. Unfortunately, that will not help the effort to bring reform to the state.
Richard Prawdzienski of the Oklahoma Libertarian Party commented.
Striking the title devalues the vote of 42-0. Without a title, the bill has to come back to the Senate to have the title placed back on if bill gets a pass vote in the House. If more language is added, it means the bill must be heard in a conference. Many bills in conference die a quiet death.
Having ballot access reform assigned to a conference is one of the fears of many supporters of reform. That had been the fate of all recent attempts that passed the House and Senate. In each of those previous attempts, the Senate part of the conference committee refused to hear the bills and they died.
At this point, we are waiting to hear about progress on HB2134. It has yet to be placed on the agenda for the House. Please contact your Representative and ask them to support HB2134 in its current form.
Posted in Ballot Access | Tagged SB668 | Leave a comment |
Letter To The Editor Published In Tulsa World
Today, the Tulsa World published my Letter to the Editor. This letter was pretty much word for word my letter to NewsOK, but the World made several edits. Nothing that changed the meaning in any way, just the flow. It is great to see that the World finally picked it up. This letter has sparked a pretty great conversation in the comments that had yet to exist on the Tulsa World website.
I will express one aside here. The Tulsa World is a supporter of what are called “paywalls” in which non-subscribing readers are blocked from reading more than 10 or so articles a month. This means that it is likely that some of you may not be able to read the letter or the comments. This is one reason why I like to post the letter contents in full. Continue reading →
Posted in Ballot Access | Tagged HB2134, Letter to the Editor, SB668, TulsaWorld | Leave a comment |
SB668 Passes Senate Rules Committee With Amendments
Wednesday, February 13th, the Senate Rules Committee voted 19-0 to pass SB668, Ballot Access Reform, with an amendment which Senator Johnson introduced in the meeting. The amendment grants the Election Board greater authority to answer questions and resolve disputes(pdf) over who is authorized to represent a new party in the state. It reads as follows:
In the event a question or dispute arises as to which person or persons have the authority to act on behalf of a recognized political party, the Secretary of the State Election Board shall have the authority to make such determination based on relevant state statutes, official documents filed with the Secretary of the State Election Board, the party’s by-laws, and, if possible, consultation with the party’s national chair or executive committee.
This amendment seems to be targeted at situations such as this past Presidential Election in which the state chapter of the Americans Elect Party tried to nominate the Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson. That nomination eventually went to the State Supreme Court which ruled that the state party did not have authorization to nominate a Presidential Candidate because the national party refused to hold a convention. This amendment would seem to allow the Election Board the power to resolve these disputes without going to court.
Unfortunately, this is the only amendment and one that is not really necessary. It would have been preferable to have the bill amended to require a set 5,000 signatures. I have not heard back from Senator Johnson or any other members of the Rules Committee on that matter.
Posted in Ballot Access | Tagged Amendments, SB668 | Leave a comment |
Example Letter Sent Regarding SB 668 Ballot Access Reform
With SB 668 being sent to the Senate Rules Committee for review, I feel that it is important to contact those members to express the need to amend the bill to reflect the 5,000 signature requirement in the House Bill. As such, I am providing you with the letter that I sent to Senator Rob Johnson, the author of SB 668. I also sent a similarly worded letter to the other members of the Senate Rules Committee.
So if you are having trouble writing a letter or need some talking points when making phone calls, feel free to use this letter as a launching point.
Dear Senator Johnson,
My name is Zachary Knight. I am the Chief Editor of OKVoterChoice.org, the online home of Oklahomans for Ballot Access Reform. I am writing to you today regarding the introduction of SB668 to the 2013 Legislative Session. I am grateful to see that you have taken up this important reform for Oklahoma’s political climate. However, I must express some disappointment in the current wording of the bill.
According to the bill as introduced, SB668 would not bring much relief to new parties attempting to form in Oklahoma. SB668 simply removes the Presidential elections from the equation. While this language would bring some stability to the petition requirements, it will do little to ease the burden of fledgling parties in the state.
Additionally, it is this language that has led reform bills in previous sessions to die in committee as the Senate refused to amend the bills to reflect a flat signature requirement as proposed in similar House bills. For four years, the Senate has maintained that the requirement should be kept at 5% of the Gubernatorial elections and for four years, this demand has led to Oklahoma voters continuing to be denied voter choice.
Representative Hickman has introduced HB2134 which would reduce the signature requirement to a flat 5,000 signatures. I would implore you to amend your bill, SB668, to reflect that same requirement. Oklahoma voters deserve to have more choices on the ballot.
I fear that without this reform, Oklahoma politics and elections will continue to stagnate as fewer and fewer people take part in the election process. We have seen this over the last 3 Presidential elections. Each election has seen significantly lower voter turnout than the previous election. How much longer will the Oklahoma Senate sit idly by while Oklahoma voters lose faith in the Democratic process?
Once again, I ask that you amend SB668 to reflect the 5,000 signature requirement in the House Bill.
Thank you for your time. I look forward to watching the progress of your bill.
E. Zachary Knight
OKVoterChoice.org
Ballot Access Reform Introduced In Oklahoma
Once again, Ballot Access Reform bills have been introduced in the House and Senate. Unfortunately, we are already off to a rocky start. While bills have been introduced in both houses of the State Legislature, each bill carries its own conflicting language.
First up, we have SB668, introduced by Senator Rob Johnson. This bill became available first and includes language that really offers no reprieve to new political parties. It modifies the current requirement of 5% of the last general election, which includes both the Presidential and Gubernatorial, to 5% of the last Gubernatorial election.
This is better in only the fact that no political parties have met the current requirement following Presidential election years. All new parties that have formed since the 1974 change have only been able to form in years following Gubernatorial elections. However, only 3 such parties have formed since the 80s. Considering the most recent example, the Americans Elect Party, was only able to form with considerable outside financial backing, we would continue to see a lack of political options in years to come.
Fortunately, the House version, HB2134 introduced by Representative Jeffrey Hickman, includes language consistent with the requirements prior to 1974. Under HB2134, a new party would be able to form after gathering only 5,000 signatures. This is a much more reasonable and fair requirement than the current 5% requirement.
However, due to the conflicting nature of these two bills, it will be difficult for true reform to pass this year without a fight. In the last Legislative Session, similar bills were filed. While both passed their respective houses, although the House version did not pass without an amendment that raised the requirement to 25,000 signatures, because of the conflicting language, the bills went to a Conference Committee which sat on them till the close of the session. This killed the chances of reform in both 2011 and 2012.
Another unfortunate oversight by those filing these bills is the lack of other needed reforms. Particularly in the area of retaining status. Oklahoma’s current requirement for retaining status is to win 10% of the total votes in the General Election. If a party does not field a candidate or does not win the 10% mark, they are removed from party status and must re-qualify. A better solution would be to make party status good for 4 years rather than the current 2 and to lower the General Election vote requirement to 1-5%.
Finally, neither of these bills tackle the statute language that immunizes the Democratic and Republican parties from these requirements. Under current law, if the Democratic or Republican parties fail to win 10% of the general Election vote, they will still retain official party recognition.
While these bills are not perfect, it is imperative that we contact our House and Senate representatives and encourage them to vote for these reforms. It is also important that we emphasize to our Senators, and specifically the Senate Rules Committee to amend the legislation to reflect the 5,000 signature requirement. We should also emphasize to the House Rules Committee to preserve the current language.
Posted in Ballot Access | Tagged HB2134, SB668 | Leave a comment |
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Turkey was the first Muslim-majority country in which a gay pride march was being held.[118] However, the parades have been banned nationwide since 2015. Authorities cite security concerns and threats from far-right and Islamist groups, but severe police retrubution against marchers had led to accusations of discrimination tied to the country's increasing Islamization under Erdogan.[119]
São Paulo Gay Pride Parade happens in Paulista Avenue, in the city of São Paulo, since 1997. The 2006 parade was named the biggest pride parade of the world at the time by Guinness World Records; it typically rivals the New York City Pride March as the largest pride parade in the world.[144] In 2010, the city hall of São Paulo invested R$1 million in the parade.
On Saturday, June 27, 1970, Chicago Gay Liberation organized a march[32][full citation needed] from Washington Square Park ("Bughouse Square") to the Water Tower at the intersection of Michigan and Chicago avenues, which was the route originally planned, and then many of the participants extemporaneously marched on to the Civic Center (now Richard J. Daley) Plaza.[33] The date was chosen because the Stonewall events began on the last Saturday of June and because organizers wanted to reach the maximum number of Michigan Avenue shoppers. Subsequent Chicago parades have been held on the last Sunday of June, coinciding with the date of many similar parades elsewhere. Subsequently during the same weekend, gay activist groups on the West Coast of the United States held a march in Los Angeles and a march and "Gay-in" in San Francisco.[34][35]
The first NYC Pride Rally occurred one month after the Stonewall Riots in June 1969, that launched the modern Gay Rights Movement. 500 people gathered for a “Gay Power” demonstration in Washington Square Park, followed by a candlelight vigil in Sheridan Square. NYC Pride has continued this proud tradition by hosting the event in various locations throughout the city. The March passes by the site of the Stonewall Inn on Christopher Street, location of the June 1969 Stonewall riots.
Taking place after the popular Midsummer celebrations, Helsinki Pride is the biggest cultural event in Finland celebrating human rights and diversity. The weeklong Helsinki Pride 2019 runs from June 24th-30th, with the main Pride parade on Saturday, plus various workshops, activities, shows and dance parties. Thinking of attending? Then please ...read more
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month (LGBT Pride Month) is celebrated annually in June to honor the 1969 Stonewall riots, and works to achieve equal justice and equal opportunity for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) Americans. In June of 1969, patrons and supporters of the Stonewall Inn in New York City staged an uprising to resist the police harassment and persecution to which LGBT Americans were commonly subjected. This uprising marks the beginning of a movement to outlaw discriminatory laws and practices against LGBT Americans.
On July 22, 2005, the first Latvian gay pride march took place in Riga, surrounded by protesters. It had previously been banned by the Riga City Council, and the then-Prime Minister of Latvia, Aigars Kalvītis, opposed the event, stating Riga should "not promote things like that", however a court decision allowed the march to go ahead.[85] In 2006, LGBT people in Latvia attempted a Parade but were assaulted by "No Pride" protesters, an incident sparking a storm of international media pressure and protests from the European Parliament at the failure of the Latvian authorities to adequately protect the Parade so that it could proceed.
Nepal Pride Parade is organized on June 29 every year. There are also Pride Parades organized by Blue Diamond Society and Mitini Nepal. A youth led pride parade which uses broader umbrella terms as Queer and MOGAI, is organized by Queer Youth Group and Queer Rights Collective. Blue Diamond Society's rally on Gai Jatra is technically not considered as a Pride Parade. [62] Mitini Nepal organizes Pride Parades on Feb 14 while, a Queer Womxn Pride is also organized on International Women's Day.
Although first LGBTQ festival in Slovenia dates to 1984, namely the Ljubljana Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, the first pride parade was only organized in 2001 after a gay couple was asked to leave a Ljubljana café for being homosexual. Ljubljana pride is traditionally supported by the mayor of Ljubljana and left-wing politicians, most notably the Interior minister Katarina Kresal, who joined both the 2009 and 2010 parade. Some individual attacks on activists have occurred.
Critics, such as Gay Shame, charge the parades with an undue emphasis on sex and fetish-related interests, which they see as counterproductive to LGBT interests, and expose the "gay community" to ridicule. LGBT activists[who?] counter that traditional media have played a role in emphasizing the most outlandish and therefore non-representative aspects of the community. This in turn has prompted participants to engage in more flamboyant costumes to gain media coverage.
June is Pride Month, a month to celebrate gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, and asexual people, plus all other sexual orientations and genders. The month is celebrated in June in commemoration of the Stonewall Riots, which kicked off the first major demonstrations for gay rights in America. On June 28, 1969 police raided the Stonewall Inn in New York City’s Greenwich Village, but bar patrons — gay men and drag queens — fought back, a spontaneous incident which is now marked as the beginning of the gay rights movement in the United States. Brenda Howard, a bisexual activist, organized a march and other events to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the riots and is known as the “Mother of Pride.” Today, Pride Month features marches around the country, educational and awareness events, and parties to celebrate gay pride!
The Hong Kong Pride Parade 2008 boosted the rally count above 1,000 in the second largest East Asian Pride after Taipei’s. By now a firmly annual event, Pride 2013 saw more than 5,200 participants. The city continues to hold the event every year, except in 2010 when it was not held due to a budget shortfall.[48][49][50][51][52][53][54][excessive citations][non-primary source needed]
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Many parades still have at least some of the original political or activist character, especially in less accepting settings. The variation is largely dependent on the political, economic and religious settings of the area. However, in more accepting cities, the parades take on a festive or even Mardi Gras-like character, whereby the political stage is built on notions of celebration. Large parades often involve floats, dancers, drag queens and amplified music; but even such celebratory parades usually include political and educational contingents, such as local politicians and marching groups from LGBT institutions of various kinds. Other typical parade participants include local LGBT-friendly churches such as Metropolitan Community Churches, United Church of Christ, and Unitarian Universalist Churches, Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG), and LGBT employee associations from large businesses.
On August 3, 2012 the first LGBT Viet Pride event was held in Hanoi, Vietnam with indoor activities such as film screenings, research presentations, and a bicycle rally on August 5, 2012 that attracted almost 200 people riding to support the LGBT cause. Viet Pride has since expanded, now taking place in 17 cities and provinces in Vietnam in the first weekend of August, attracting around 700 bikers in 2014 in Hanoi, and was reported on many mainstream media channels.[69]
On July 21, 2009, a group of human rights activists announced their plans to organize second Belgrade Pride on September 20, 2009. However, due to the heavy public threats of violence made by extreme right organisations, Ministry of Internal Affairs in the morning of September 19 moved the location of the march from the city centre to a space near the Palace of Serbia therefore effectively banning the original 2009 Belgrade Pride.[100]
A number of associations and social movements have been denouncing in recent years which, in its views, is a depletion of the claims of these demonstrations and the merchandization of the parade. In this respect, they defend, in countries like Spain, the United States or Canada, a Critical Pride celebration to have a political meaning again.[63][64][65][66] Gay Shame, a radical movement within the LGBT community, opposes the assimilation of LGBT people into mainstream, heteronormative society, the commodification of non-heterosexual identity and culture, and in particular the (over) commercialization of pride events.[citation needed]
On June 30, 2001, several Serbian LGBTQ groups attempted to hold the country's first Pride march in Belgrade. When the participants started to gather in one of the city's principal squares, a huge crowd of opponents attacked the event, injuring several participants and stopping the march. The police were not equipped to suppress riots or protect the Pride marchers. Some of the victims of the attack took refuge in a student cultural centre, where a discussion was to follow the Pride march. Opponents surrounded the building and stopped the forum from happening. There were further clashes between police and opponents of the Pride march, and several police officers were injured.[98][99]
The Helsinki Pride was first time organized in 1975 and called Freedom Day. It has grown into one of the biggest Nordic Pride events. Between 20,000-30,000 people participate in the Pride and its events annually, including a number of international participants from the Baltic countries and Russia.[74] There have been a few incidents over the years, the most serious one being a gas and pepper spray attack in 2010[75] hitting around 30 parade participants, among those children.[76] Three men were later arrested.
In 2007, Europride, the European Pride Parade, took place in Madrid. About 2.5 million people attended more than 300 events over one week in the Spanish capital to celebrate Spain as the country with the most developed LGBT rights in the world. Independent media estimated that more than 200,000 visitors came from foreign countries to join in the festivities. Madrid gay district Chueca, the biggest gay district in Europe, was the centre of the celebrations. The event was supported by the city, regional and national government and private sector which also ensured that the event was financially successful. Barcelona, Valencia and Seville hold also local Pride Parades. In 2008 Barcelona hosted the Eurogames.
In 2015 saw the first edition of OUTing The Past, a festival of LGBT History spearheaded by Dr Jeff Evans. The festival started in three venues in Manchester: the LGBT Foundation, The Central Library and the Peoples History Museum. Comprising several presentations of diverse history presented by a mixture of academics, LGBT enthusiasts and activists. Sitting alongside the popular presentations was an academic conference with the inaugural Alan Horsfall Lecture given by Professor Charles Upchurch of Florida University. This is now a yearly event funded by the Campaign for Homosexual Equality. Stephen M Hornby was appointed as the first National Playwright in Residence to LGBT History Month. The first production created as a result of this was a three part heritage premiere co-written with Ric Brady and performed across the weekend called "A Very Victorian Scandal" which dramatised new research about a drag ball in 1880 in Hulme.
Auckland's City Auckland Pride Festival holds its parade in February every year.[173] In 2018, lesbian couple Victoria Envy and Sinéad O'Connell became the first couple in New Zealand to legally wed in the parade.[174] and Jacinda Ardern became the first New Zealand Prime Minister to walk in the Auckland Pride Parade.[175] In March, Wellington also holds a pride parade during the Wellington Pride Festival.[176]
2019 will be extra special because New York will be hosting the iconic World Pride for the entire month of June. This will be the first time in World Pride's 20-year history that the event will take place in the USA. Pride means different things to everyone, which is why World Pride NYC offers a whole heap of LGBTQ activities during the celebrations.
At the beginning of the gay rights protest movement, news on Cuban prison work camps for homosexuals inspired the Mattachine Society to organize protests at the United Nations and the White House, in 1965.[8] Early on the morning of Saturday, June 28, 1969, LGBTQ people rioted following a police raid on the Stonewall Inn in the Greenwich Village neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City.[9][10] The Stonewall Inn was a gay bar which catered to an assortment of patrons, but which was popular with the most marginalized people in the gay community: transvestites, transgender people, effeminate young men, hustlers, and homeless youth.[11]
By the late 1970s and early 1980s, as many of the actual participants had grown older, moved on to other issues, or died, this passage of time led to misunderstandings as to who had actually participated in the Stonewall riots, who had actually organized the subsequent demonstrations, marches and memorials, and who had been members of early activist organizations such as Gay Liberation Front and Gay Activists Alliance. The language has become more accurate and inclusive, though these changes met with initial resistance from some in their own communities who were unaware of the historical events.[39] Changing first to Lesbian and Gay, today most are called Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) or simply "Pride".
Another parade, this time billed as an international event, was scheduled to take place in the summer of 2005, but was postponed to 2006 due to the stress on police forces during in the summer of Israel's unilateral disengagement plan. In 2006, it was again postponed due to the Israel-Hezbollah war. It was scheduled to take place in Jerusalem on November 10, 2006, and caused a wave of protests by Haredi Jews around central Israel.[60] The Israel National Police had filed a petition to cancel the parade due to foreseen strong opposition. Later, an agreement was reached to convert the parade into an assembly inside the Hebrew University stadium in Jerusalem. June 21, 2007, the Jerusalem Open House organization succeeded in staging a parade in central Jerusalem after police allocated thousands of personnel to secure the general area. The rally planned afterwards was cancelled due to an unrelated national fire brigade strike which prevented proper permits from being issued. The parade was postponed once more in 2014, as a result of Protective Edge Operation.
The State of New York is preparing to host in 2019 the largest international LGBT pride celebration in history, known as Stonewall 50 – WorldPride NYC 2019,[5] to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots; as many as 4 million people are expected to attend in Manhattan alone.[6] In New York City, the Stonewall 50 - WorldPride NYC 2019 events produced by Heritage of Pride will be enhanced through a partnership made with the I ❤ NY program's LGBT division and shall include a welcome center during the weeks surrounding the Stonewall 50 / WorldPride events that will be open to all. Additional commemorative arts, cultural, and educational programming to mark the 50th anniversary of the rebellion at the Stonewall Inn will be taking place throughout the city and the world.[7]
The annual gay Pride weekend in Cologne takes place from July 5th-7th in 2019. with the street parade on Sunday. Hundreds of thousands of participants are expected. The street festival will feature numerous LGBT activities and events - colourful stage performances, parties, political events, film screenings, cultural activities, etc. Planning to be ...read more
Brenda Howard, a bisexual activist, is known as the "Mother of Pride" for her work in coordinating the march, and she also originated the idea for a week-long series of events around Pride Day which became the genesis of the annual LGBT Pride celebrations that are now held around the world every June.[22][23] Additionally, Howard along with the bisexual activist Robert A. Martin (aka Donny the Punk) and gay activist L. Craig Schoonmaker are credited with popularizing the word "Pride" to describe these festivities.[24][25][26] Bisexual activist Tom Limoncelli later stated, "The next time someone asks you why LGBT Pride marches exist or why [LGBT] Pride Month is June tell them 'A bisexual woman named Brenda Howard thought it should be.'"[27][28]
Take a look at resources from the Administration on Children and Families’ National Clearinghouse on Youth and Families. These resources are geared at helping youth-serving organizations understand and more effectively support lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning young people: Serving Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning Youth With Open Arms.
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Trinidad and Tobago organised its first pride parade on 27 July 2018 at the Nelson Mandela Park in Port of Spain.[179] Expressing his opinion on the march, Roman Catholic Archbishop Rev. Jason Gordon said: "TT is a democracy and as such members of society have a right to protest whenever they believe their rights are not being upheld or violated. (The) LGBT+ community has several areas where there is legitimate concern and these have to be taken seriously by the country and by the government and people of TT.[180] "
In Brazil, LGBT history is celebrated during the São Paulo Gay Pride. Its events have been organized by the APOGLBT – Associacao da Parada do Orgulho de Gays, Lesbicas, Bissexuais e Travestis e Transexuais (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transvestite Pride Parade Association) since its foundation in 1999.[24] Each year, the events are held in either May or June.[citation needed]
Frank Kameny soon realized the pivotal change brought by the Stonewall riots. An organizer of gay activism in the 1950s, he was used to persuasion, trying to convince heterosexuals that gay people were no different than they were. When he and other people marched in front of the White House, the State Department and Independence Hall only five years earlier, their objective was to look as if they could work for the U.S. government.[38] Ten people marched with Kameny then, and they alerted no press to their intentions. Although he was stunned by the upheaval by participants in the Annual Reminder in 1969, he later observed, "By the time of Stonewall, we had fifty to sixty gay groups in the country. A year later there was at least fifteen hundred. By two years later, to the extent that a count could be made, it was twenty-five hundred."[39]
A Brazilian photographer was arrested after refusing to delete photos of police attacking two young people participating in a gay pride parade on October 16, 2011 in the city of Itabuna, Bahia, reported the newspaper Correio 24 horas. According to the website Notícias de Ipiau, Ederivaldo Benedito, known as Bené, said four police officers tried to convince him to delete the photos soon after they realized they were being photographed. When he refused, they ordered him to turn over the camera. When the photographer refused again, the police charged him with contempt and held him in jail for over 21 hours until he gave a statement. According to Chief Marlon Macedo, the police alleged that the photographer was interfering with their work, did not have identification, and became aggressive when he was asked to move. Bené denied the allegations, saying the police were belligerent and that the scene was witnessed by "over 300 people", reported Agência Estado.[55]
In Greenland, LGBT history is celebrated with a Pride Parade instead of a month-long celebration. It started in 2010 when 19-year-old Nuka Bisgard and her friend Lu Berthelse, 24, another woman, teamed up with other Greenlanders to create a pride celebration.[22] This was made to help Greenland's visible and invisible gay community feel more inclusive and united. On May 15, 2010, their hard work paid off when Pride drew over a thousand participants. Gay Pride has successfully been repeated since 2010.[23]
For 2019, Pride Island will occupy Pier 97, in the heart of Hell's Kitchen, and as per usual you can expect top-notch performers. While the line-up is yet to be confirmed, Pride Island has a history of attracting the biggest performers of any pride in the world. Last year, Pride Island welcomed Aussie pop princess, Kylie Minogue, while previous years have seen Ariana Grande, Cher, and the late Whitney Houston take to the stage.
The initiative received government backing from the deputy DfES and Equalities Minister Jacqui Smith, although some sections of the press argued against its political correctness, and pointed out that the sexuality of some historical figures is more a matter of speculation than fact.[16] Supporters of the event countered that it is important to challenge heterosexist attitudes in society.
On Sunday, June 28, 1970, at around noon, in New York gay activist groups held their own pride parade, known as the Christopher Street Liberation Day, to recall the events of Stonewall one year earlier. On November 2, 1969, Craig Rodwell, his partner Fred Sargeant, Ellen Broidy, and Linda Rhodes proposed the first gay pride parade to be held in New York City by way of a resolution at the Eastern Regional Conference of Homophile Organizations (ERCHO) meeting in Philadelphia.[20]
LGBT History Month was celebrated in Hungary for the first time in February 2013, and since then every year. The program series is coordinated by Háttér Society and Labrisz Lesbian Association, events are organized in partnership with other LGBT organization, cultural and academic institutions, professional organizations etc. The majority of the events take place in Budapest, but a few events are also organized in larger cities all over the country, e.g. in Debrecen, Pécs, Miskolc and Szeged.[29]
In August 2011, Sao Paulo city alderman Carlos Apolinário of the right-wing Democrats Party sponsored a bill to organize and sponsor "Heterosexual Pride Day" on the third Sunday of December. Apolinário, an Evangelical Protestant, stated that the intent of the parade was a "struggle ... against excesses and privileges". Members of Grupo Gay da Bahia and the Workers' Party opposed the bill as enhancing "the possibility of discrimination and prejudice".[54] The bill was nevertheless passed by the city council, but never received the signature of mayor Gilberto Kassab.
The Amsterdam, in the Netherlands, Gay Pride has been held since 1996 and can be seen as one of the most successful in acquiring social acceptance. The week(end)-long event involves concerts, sports tournaments, street parties and most importantly the Canal Pride, a parade on boats on the canals of Amsterdam. In 2008 three government ministers joined on their own boat, representing the whole cabinet. Mayor of Amsterdam Job Cohen also joined. About 500,000 visitors were reported. 2008 was also the first year large Dutch international corporations ING Group and TNT NV sponsored the event.
Social conservatives are sometimes opposed to such events because they view them to be contrary to public morality. This belief is partly based on certain things often found in the parades, such as public nudity, BDSM paraphernalia, and other sexualized features. Within the academic community, there has been criticism that the parades actually set to strengthen homosexual-heterosexual divides and increase essentialist views.
October was chosen by Wilson as the month for the celebration because National Coming Out Day already was established as a widely known event, on October 11, the date of the Second March of Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights., In 1987,[10] October also commemorated the first National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights by LGBT people in 1979.[6] LGBT History Month is intended to encourage honesty and openness about being LGBT.[10]
Ranging from solemn to carnivalesque, pride events are typically held during LGBT Pride Month or some other period that commemorates a turning point in a country's LGBT history, for example Moscow Pride in May for the anniversary of Russia's 1993 decriminalization of homosexuality. Some pride events include LGBT pride parades and marches, rallies, commemorations, community days, dance parties, and festivals.
The first gay pride parade in Mexico occurred in Mexico City in 1979, and it was attended by over a thousand people.[146] Ever since, it has been held annually under different slogans, with the purpose of bringing visibility to sexual minorities, raising awareness about HIV/AIDS, fighting homophobia, and advocating for LGBT rights, including the legalization of civil unions, same-sex marriages, and LGBT adoption. In 2009, more than 350,000 people attended the gay pride march in Mexico City—100,000 more than the previous year.[147] Guadalajara has also held their own Guadalajara Gay Pride every June since 1996, and it is the second largest gay pride parade in the country.[148] Gay pride parades have also spread to the cities of Monterrey,[149] León, Guanajuato,[150] Puebla,[151] Tijuana,[152] Toluca,[153] Cancun,[154] Acapulco,[155] Mérida,[156] Xalapa,[157] Cuernavaca,[158] Chihuahua,[159] Matamoros,[160] Saltillo,[161] Mazatlan,[162] Los Cabos,[163] Puerto Vallarta,[164] and Hermosillo, among others.
The Leipzig CSD Pride 2019 festival is scheduled to take place from July 5th-13th, with the LGBTQ parade on Saturday. Organised by a group of individuals and representatives of various associations, institutions and projects, the one-week festival features many LGBTQ-related activities, discussions, events and parties across the city. Planning to ...read more
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True North Commercial REIT Announces July 2018 Distribution
July 16, 2018 By NewsWire Tagged With: TSX:TNT.UN
/NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION IN THE U.S. OR OVER U.S. NEWSWIRES/
TORONTO, July 16, 2018 /CNW/ – True North Commercial Real Estate Investment Trust (TSX: TNT.UN) (the “REIT“) today announced its July 2018 monthly cash distribution in the amount of $0.0495 per trust unit (“Unit“), payable on August 15, 2018 to holders of Units of record at July 31, 2018.
Eligible investors registered in the DRIP will have their monthly cash distributions used to purchase additional Units, at a 3% discount to the weighted average closing price of the Units, for the five trading days immediately preceding the date of distribution declared by the REIT. No assurances can be made that new Units will be made available under the DRIP on a regular basis, or at all. The DRIP provides an efficient and cost-effective way for the REIT to issue additional equity to existing unitholders.
About the REIT
The REIT is an unincorporated, open-ended real estate investment trust established under the laws of the Province of Ontario. The REIT currently owns and operates a portfolio of 41 commercial properties consisting of approximately 3.3 million square feet in urban and select secondary markets across Canada focusing on long term leases with government and credit-rated tenants.
The REIT is focused on growing its portfolio principally through acquisitions across Canada and such other jurisdictions where opportunities exist. Additional information concerning the REIT is available at www.sedar.com or the REIT’s website at www.truenorthreit.com.
SOURCE True North Commercial Real Estate Investment Trust
View original content: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/July2018/16/c1844.html
KMP.UN $19.51 0.11 0.57%
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1-86 Nettle Lake Mound Group [11]
2-86 Paul Allman Siple [10]
3-86 Bryan's Air Mail Field [5]
4-86 Rail Speed Record [6]
5-86 Stryker's Railroad Heritage [7]
6-86 Cedar Hill Farm [3]
7-86 Richard E. Schreder 1815-2002 [5]
8-86 Casimir Pulaski: Father of American Cavalry [7]
9-86 William James Knight / Andrews Raiders [5]
10-86 Edgerton Town Hall and Park Opera House [5]
Home / Williams County / 10-86 Edgerton Town Hall and Park Opera House [5]
Edgerton Town Hall & Park Opera House
Title, side B
Edgerton was settled beside the St. Joseph River when the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern railroad was completed in 1854. The village was incorporated on December 4, 1865, and named for Alfred P. Edgerton, who donated the land for the park. He was an agent for Hicks & Company, a land speculation business. The firm of Von Behren & Shaffer built the town hall and opera house in 1884 for $7,998. The building and park became a hub of local activity. The park's bandstand showcased the Edgerton Village Band and citizens gathered for picnics and festivities. (Continued on other side)
Text, side B
(Continued from other side) The opera house hosted many community events: concerts, plays, elections, court, lectures, commencements, dances, meetings, basketball games and traveling drama troupes, and featured a stage and a three-arch balcony of polished oak. Autographs of dozens of performers and speakers appearing from the 1890s to the early 1920s filled the wall behind the ticket booth. In 1925, the school built a new auditorium and many events relocated there. The opera house, appearing much as it had in 1884, was eventually abandoned. The village government vacated the town hall in 2009. On June 23, 2010, a storm destroyed the old town hall and opera house shortly before the Edgerton Historical Society could purchase and restore the building. Artifacts were salvaged from the opera house and are displayed at the historical society's museum in the Edgerton Village Hall at 324 North Michigan Avenue.
Edgerton, Town Hall, Opera House
Edgerton Historical Society; Edgerton Pythian Sisters of St. Joe #449; Edgerton Village; Ohio History Connection
corner of South Michigan Avenue and East Indiana Street
Edgerton, OH 43517
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Tom Peet
Tom Peet’s Kick Off on S41 previews the games of five local teams, which are Chesterfield, FC Bolsover, Matlock Town, Alfreton Town and Staveley Miners’ Welfare. There will also be an ‘Out of Our League’ look at a different local team each week for another team outside of these five. We will also look at Chesterfield, Derbyshire and England cricket (during the season) amongst other significant sporting events. There is also the Sports Related Song of the Week, my musical guessing game ‘Who Are You’ and a different theme each week to which the music is selected. BIOG Here’s the About Me – Born in Chesterfield, Tom Peet grew up and currently lives in Darley Dale, between Matlock and Bakewell with his wife, Lindsey, beautiful daughter called Emily, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Misty. Tom likes most sports, including Football, Cricket, Snooker, Golf, American Football, F1, Tennis and Wrestling. His favourites for those are Arsenal, Derbyshire, Ronnie O’Sullivan, Phil Mickelson, New Orleans Saints, Hamilton & Grosjean, Federer and a wrestler I can’t say as he’s dead. Tom is a Commercial Buyer/Project Sourcer for a distribution company called Anixter in Chesterfield. He won the 2009-10 Presenter of the Year award for the student radio station DRS at the University of Derby, which is where he graduated from with a 2:1 BA(Hons) in Popular Music with Music Technology. He also presented the Warm Up on Spire Radio for two and a half years. That’s all you need to know about me, folks.
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Last Updated: Sunday, 18 December 2005, 19:56 GMT
New hope for arthritis sufferers
Arthritis can cause severe pain
Scientists say they have made a significant step towards finding a new treatment for osteoarthritis, a disease that can leave people unable to walk.
Researchers at Bristol University successfully grew new cartilage from a patient's own stem cells.
They hope the technique will allow them to carry out transplants in the future, but experts warn it could take over a decade to perfect the technique.
Osteoarthritis, a form of rheumatic disease, affects 2m people in the UK.
Experts from Bristol University grew a piece of cartilage using stem cells, which are self-renewing and have the ability to grow into blood, bones or organs.
The cells were taken from the bone marrow of people undergoing hip replacement operations because of the disease.
The cells were placed in a solution to help them develop. They were then grown into a scaffold made up of polyglycolic acid, which is the same material used to make dissolvable, surgical stitches.
This means that once the cartilage is transplanted, the scaffold should melt away.
'Really good quality'
The new technique is expected to overcome problems of transplant rejection because the patient's own cells are used to create the cartilage.
Ethical concerns over using human embryos in stem cell research can also be avoided.
Dr Anthony Hollander from Southmead Hospital, where the research has been carried out, told the BBC: "We believe this is the first time really good quality cartilage that's very similar to your own cartilage has been grown in this way."
But experts warned that perfecting the technique for transplants could take more than a decade.
Professor George Nuki, from the British Society for Rheumatology, said: "I think we should be encouraged but not overly excited. At the moment this is a milestone but not really a breakthrough."
Strained ligaments
There is no single cause of osteoarthritis but several factors can increase the likelihood of getting it, including being over 40, female, overweight or having an existing injury to a joint.
With the disease, the smooth cartilage that takes the strain in a normal joint becomes rough, brittle and weak.
To compensate, the bone beneath it thickens and spreads out, forming knobbly outgrowths.
The membrane surrounding the joint also thickens and the fluid-filled space within it becomes smaller.
As osteoarthritis gets worse, bits of cartilage may break away from the bone, causing the bone ends to rub together and the ligaments to become strained.
This causes a lot of pain and changes the shape of the joint.
Osteoarthritis is most common in the hands, knees, hips and feet but some people also develop it in the back and neck.
NHS: Get involved
Advice and information to help you get more from the NHS
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05 Feb 05 | Health
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Arthritis Research Campaign
Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Alliance
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National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society
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2016 EPK
View the 2016 EPK
ADELE, JENNIFER LAWRENCE, JUSTIN BIEBER, SOFIA VERGARA WILL FERRELL, AMY POEHLER, ZENDAYA, THE VOICE, SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS, FIFTH HARMONY AND MORE WIN BIG AT NICKELODEON’S 2016 KIDS’ CHOICE AWARDS
Host Blake Shelton, John Stamos, Fifth Harmony, Jason Sudeikis, Josh Gad,
Cameron Dallas and Jace Norman Drenched with Slime
**For an embeddable video player with show clips, please visit:
http://www.nick.com/sbcom/press/kca-media.jhtml
**For the EPK and still photos from Nickelodeon’s 2016 Kids’ Choice Awards, please visit: www.NickKCApress.com
LOS ANGELES–March 12, 2016–Adele, Jennifer Lawrence, Justin Bieber, Sofia Vergara, Will Ferrell, Amy Poehler, Zendaya, The Voice, SpongeBob SquarePants, Fifth Harmony and more were among those who won coveted orange blimps at Nickelodeon’s 2016 Kids’ Choice Awards onSaturday, March 12, 8-9:30 p.m. (ET/tape delayed for West Coast). Hosted by country music superstar and coach on NBC’s The Voice, Blake Shelton, the awards were broadcast from the “Fabulous” Forum in Inglewood, Calif., where kids celebrated the best of everything they love in pop culture.
This year's festivities kicked off with Shelton getting hosting pep talks from celebrity friends including Adam Levine, Pharrell Williams, Nick Jonas, Selena Gomez, Chewbacca and BB-8. After being alerted that the Stormtroopers were trying to take over the 2016 Kids’ Choice Awards, Shelton jumped into action and battled his way onto the show stage via a super-charged chair from The Voice.
During the show, singer-songwriter Charlie Puth and hip-hop star Wiz Khalifa performed a medley of “One Call Away” and “See You Again,” right before taking home the blimp for Favorite Collaboration. Rapper Silento appeared the night of Kids’ Choice Awards to sing his mega-hit “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae),” and DNCE closed the show with a performance of their chart-topping single “Cake by the Ocean” that culminated with an ultimate slime dousing of the audience.
The 2016 Kids’ Choice Awards proved to be a mega slime fest, from kids in the audience awarding Shelton with an epic finale sliming, to Jace Norman dumping a bucket of green goo on John Stamos, to Fifth Harmony getting drenched after their win for Favorite Music Group, and Shelton welcoming Jason Sudeikis and Josh Gad to the green side.
This year’s show put the power of choice in the hands of kids at home with an interactive digital experience like never before. Kids had the opportunity to choose what happens live during the show by casting votes to see four different outrageous moments play out: Shelton and Norman pranking DNCE with toilet paper in their dressing room; Cameron Dallas getting super soaked in slime; Shelton donning a unicorn outfit; and the stage environment changing to underwater.
Additional celebrities in attendance included: Robert Downey Jr., Amy Poehler, Rob Gronkowski, Ellen DeGeneres, Chris Evans, Meghan Trainor, Fifth Harmony, Heidi Klum, Keke Palmer, Anthony Anderson, John Stamos, Chloe Bennet, Buddy Valastro, Sarah Hyland, Dove Cameron, Grant Gustin, Laura Marano, Zendaya, Will Arnett, Debby Ryan, and cast members from Dance Moms, plus stars of Nick’s hit series Game Shakers (Kel Mitchell, Benjamin Flores Jr., Cree Cicchino, Madisyn Shipman, Thomas Kuc) and The Thundermans (Jack Griffo, Kira Kosarin).
In addition to the live votes, Nick's digital platforms offered games and exclusive real-time updates with photos and videos from the Orange Carpet and backstage. From Facebook to Snapchat and everything in between, Nickelodeon's social channels captured all of the best snaps, memes, GIFs, videos and pics from the night. Fans can go to Nick.com or the Nick App to relive all of their favorite show moments by watching video highlights from the live show and flipping through live event pictures.
Kids and families casted votes in 22 categories, including two new ones, Favorite Cooking Show and Favorite Collaboration. Fans were able to vote for their top picks across all of Nickelodeon’s digital platforms including Nick.com and the Nick app and on iPad, iPhone, Kindle, and select Android devices; along with Twitter using #KCA.
Nickelodeon’s 2016 Kids’ Choice Awards will encore tonight at 10:00 p.m. (ET/PT) and Sunday, March 13, at 12:00 p.m. (ET/PT) on Nickelodeon. Replays of the awards will also air on TeenNick Tuesday, March 15, at 9:00 p.m. (ET/PT) and on Nicktoons Thursday, March 17, at 8:00 p.m. (ET/PT). Nickelodeon’s 2016 Kids’ Choice Awards will be available on Nickelodeon On Demand on March 13.
The following are Nickelodeon’s 2016 Kids’ Choice Awards winners:
TELEVISON:
Favorite TV Show
Favorite Family TV Show
Favorite Male TV Star – Kids’ Show
Ross Lynch – Austin Moon, Austin & Ally
Favorite Male TV Star – Family Show
Jim Parsons – Sheldon Cooper, The Big Bang Theory
Favorite Female TV Star – Kids’ Show
Zendaya – K.C. Cooper, K.C. Undercover
Favorite Female TV Star – Family Show
Sofia Vergara – Gloria Delgado-Pritchett, Modern Family
Favorite Talent Competition Show
Favorite Cooking Show
Favorite Cartoon
Favorite Movie
Favorite Movie Actor
Will Ferrell – Brad Whitaker, Daddy’s Home
Favorite Movie Actress
Jennifer Lawrence – Katniss Everdeen, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 2
Favorite Animated Movie
Favorite Voice From an Animated Movie
Amy Poehler – Joy, Inside Out
Favorite Music Group
Favorite Male Singer
Favorite Female Singer
Favorite Song Of The Year
Favorite New Artist
Favorite Collaboration
See You Again – Wiz Khalifa feat. Charlie Puth
Diary of a Wimpy Kid series
Favorite Video Game
The 2016 Kids’ Choice Awards will be seen in more than 180 countries and territories around the globe. Within hours of airing live in the United States, Canada and Australia, the show will roll out in internationally giving kids around the world the opportunity to tune into their local Nickelodeon channel to enjoy the show. In many international markets, the 2016 KCAs will feature country-specific award categories and nominees such as UK’s Favorite Tipster, Favorite Pinoy Personality and Estrella Latina Favorita (Favorite Latin Artist). Voting spanned six continents across local Nickelodeon websites and Twitter hashtag voting (#KCA), giving kids practically everywhere the chance to decide who takes home a coveted blimp.
Sponsors of Nickelodeon’s 2016 Kids’ Choice Awards include Amazon Fire Tablet, Fruit by the Foot™, Yoplait® GoGurt®, Lucky Charms, Hot Wheels®, McDonald’s® USA, Skechers, and Toyota.
Nickelodeon’s 2016 Kids’ Choice Awards is produced by Nickelodeon Productions. Elizabeth Kelly, Michael Dempsey, Shelly Sumpter Gillyard and Jay Schmalholz are executive producers.
Nickelodeon, now in its 36th year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books and feature films. Nickelodeon’s U.S. television network is seen in more than 90 million households and has been the number-one-rated basic cable network for 20 consecutive years. For more information or artwork, visit http://www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB).
Ariana Urbont Lilah Kojoori
Ariana.Urbont@nick.com Lilah.Kojoori@nick.com
Lilah Kojoori
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British Royals 13th March 2019
The Duchess of Cambridge attends National Portrait Gallery Gala 2019
Jess Ilse
The Duchess of Cambridge to visit The Foundling Museum
The Queen and the Duchess of Cambridge to undertake a rare joint engagement
@KensingtonRoyal/Twitter
Yesterday, the Duchess of Cambridge ended a day of engagements at the National Portrait Gallery, attending a gala in support of transforming the building and its initiatives – the most substantial such change since its opening.
The official theme of the gala was ‘Inspiring People: Transforming Our National Portrait Gallery’ – and marks the Gallery’s “biggest ever development since our historic building opened in 1896,” according to its official website.
“We will deepen the understanding and enjoyment of our remarkable Collection, sharing it with the widest and most diverse audience possible.”
The Duchess of Cambridge arrives for this evening’s @NPGLondon #PortraitGala, where Her Royal Highness will meet members of the Gallery’s Youth Forum and view artwork produced by some of the National Portrait Gallery’s outreach schemes. pic.twitter.com/AYnvxWGc0X
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) March 12, 2019
The Gallery’s focus will be on building partnerships, expanding its school programme, building volunteer and placement opportunities; new, creative projects for young people around the UK; improved digital resources; and skills sharing through a network of UK museums.
There will also be a new entrance, a new way to display collections, a focus on re-opening the East Wing and creating a learning centre.
Inside, Kate met with members of the National Portrait Gallery’s Youth Forum and Learning Team to learn about Creative Connections, a programme for young people between the ages of 14 and 16, where they’re partnered with contemporary artists and learn about art.
She also had the chance to view artwork on display and learned about the outreach programmes for young people across the country.
Kate attended alongside other high-profile guests including Princess Beatrice and her boyfriend, Edoardo Mapelli Mozi, Lord Snowdon, David and Victoria Beckham, Liam Payne, and supermodels Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, and Bianca Jagger.
Princess Beatrice at the event with her new boyfriend.
The National Portrait Gallery has hosted a gala every few years since its 150th anniversary in 2006. Since Kate became its patron in 2012, she has attended every gala: in 2014 and 2017. Previous galas were held in 2006 and 2009.
Kate’s first official royal portrait hangs in the National Portrait Gallery, and she has also contributed to an exhibition, ‘Victorian Giants: The Birth of Art Photography’, where she wrote the programme’s foreword and captions for the photos on display.
Related ItemsDuchess of CambridgeNational Portrait Gallery
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Q&A with Mac DeMarco
The mellow crooner sat down with our editors to give us the scoop on the musical influences behind his latest—and most personal—album yet.
October 16, 2018 • No Comments •
Wearing beat-up Vans, an old T-shirt, ripped jeans, and chain-smoking cigarettes, Mac DeMarco isn’t exactly the epitome of a rock star. The 27-year-old Vancouver native is as laid-back as the chords and riffs imbued in the music that launched his career as one of the most authentic acts in the industry.
Despite his casual joie de vivre, DeMarco is something of a workhorse when it comes to creativity. A multi-instrumentalist, DeMarco writes, records, and produces most of his songs, and even makes his own music videos, which he shares on his YouTube page. His latest album, This Old Dog, is one of his most personal yet, with lyrics that breezily touch on subjects like his relationship with his father and coming-of-age in a mid-twenties malaise. We sat down with DeMarco before he embarked on his international tour to get his take on his newfound celebrity.
Your latest album, This Old Dog, has been critically and commercially successful. Have you noticed the new level of fame you’ve achieved? How are you dealing with it?
I don’t feel like I’m really famous, or famous at all, but there’s, like, a weird sideways look you get from people and you’re like, “OK, why are you looking at me?” It’s just a human reaction, but, I think for some reason a lot of my fans are just like, “I’m gonna go and say ‘what’s up’ to him.”
And you make yourself really approachable. You even gave out your address in a track on your last album. How did that work out?
A lot of people were like, “what are you doing?” and “you’re gonna get robbed.” But it was fine. I lived pretty far out from New York City too, so if people were gonna come, they had to be really big fans to make the trip. I met a lot of cool people and a lot of really nervous people. It was interesting. And, I don’t know if I’d necessarily do it again, but I’m glad I did it.
Who are some of your musical influences? In the past you’ve mention Harry Nilsson, Neil Young, and John Lennon, but I also notice a little James Taylor as well, especially his songwriting.
I grew up on all those guys and it was a good base for me. I mean James, I missed when I was younger, so the last couple years I got a little more into his stuff. I think they kinda get passed off as not being great musicians or guitar players because they play acoustic, but James and Paul [Simon] are actually insane guitar players. In fact, a lot of their music is really intricate. A lot of the chord changes and harmonies are unbelievable. Nowadays, though, I pretty much just listen to weird ambient music or horror movie soundtracks.
Do you have a special way you approach writing a new song? Do you start with the music or lyrics?
It can be different. Just recently, I think because I had stuff like James Taylor and Paul Simon in my head, I wanted to sit down and write songs on my acoustic guitar. So, I’d have the entire song there before doing the whole recording process. But in the past, I had a riff or some kind of beat or something going on and kind of built around that. Sometimes lyrics come early, sometimes they come late. When it happens, it happens, and a lot of times it doesn’t work out, so it’s just luck of the draw.
The song “My Old Man” on your latest album seems to suggest you’re seeing more of your dad in yourself. Did you mean it to be autobiographical?
Yeah, it is. I mean, it’s sort of about growing up, but I think it’s a reflection of where I am in my life right now. A lot of the record is about my dad, my family…and different relationships.
Are you still close to your folks back home?
My mom, yeah. My dad was never really in the picture, so that’s part of the tale of the record I suppose.
Was your mom supportive of your music growing up?
She was. I don’t really know if I ever had a moment where I sat down and told her, “hey mom, I want to be in a band.” I was just always in bands and she knew that I liked doing it. She’d help out with what she could. I had a little studio at the house that wasn’t exactly soundproof at all, but she bought me a lot of my first gear. I never thought that I would be able to just be in a band and make money. That’s insane to me still today.
Why did you decide to cover the James Taylor song, “Fool to Care,” recently? How did the idea come about?
Well, my bass player that’s with me now, John, he’s really into James and he put me on to it a little bit more. I heard the track—I don’t really know what year it’s from, but it’s off the Gorilla album. I hadn’t heard that record and he played it for me and I was like “ooh, yeah.” It was like the first kind of off-the-beat song. John was staying with me for a little while and while we were off tour, we didn’t have anything going on, so we said, “why don’t we cover that James song?”
You’ve been praised for your songwriting ability. Did you always know you had a talent for lyric writing?
DeMarco’s third studio album, This Old Dog.
Not really, I mean, I played with people all my life, in and out of different bands. When I was doing that, maybe once someone asked me to sit down and write a song. Usually, I would go off on my own and try to work on stuff, just to see if I could do it. For me, songwriting comes from recording over and over again and trying different things—alone. Even if it’s ripping stuff off.
How do you put together your music videos? Do you work with different directors that you like, or is it mostly your concepts?
Back in the day, when I had maybe two videos out there, I did everything on my own. From playing, to recording and mixing, so it felt better to do the videos myself with a couple friends. It made it so it was more in tune with what I was doing overall; we would just walk out of the house and make it happen. Even now, the video for “This Old Dog,” off the last album, we just went to Chinatown to shoot that. If it’s not me, I sometimes have my friend Pierce—who used to play with us, but he’s also a videographer—help us out. His style is just like, “well, let’s get some Tecate and turn the camera on.” Videos are great and it’s part of the process, but I never want it to detract from the music. It’s a video for the music, so my attitude is like, whatever works, works for me.
You lived in Far Rockaway in Queens. Did living by the sea influence your music?
Well, the record I did out there, Another One, I wrote a lot of in the winter. But it’s weird though, because in New York you usually don’t see a tree out your window or anything like that. It’s definitely a different vibe out there in the Rockaways. Especially since I was alone in that house a lot, hammering away at stuff. At night, for example, I would hear wind blowing through trees or the waves hitting against the shore. It affected the music in some way, I’m not sure how. I liked the house a lot, my roommates and I go back sometimes.
You now live in Silver Lake. What has the transition between Vancouver, Queens, and LA been like?
I like LA. I’m trying it out. A lot of people are down on LA but most of them haven’t had the opportunity to see it on a daily basis. It’s funny, when I was planning to move out here, I remember, even from my neighbors in Rockaway, were like, “oh, you’re moving to LA, great.” But, you know, I said, “I don’t have a bone in this fight because I’m Canadian.” I’m sure I won’t stay here forever, but for now, I’m enjoying it. New York has got a lot going on. I love New York, you know. It’s a different vibe out here and a completely different thing for me. We have space here. You know, I have a driveway. The quality of life is just a little bit higher.
© Photo 1, 2 & 3 courtesy of Coley Brown
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Hales omission has unified England squad – Root
Joe Root shares a joke with Chris Woakes during practice before the recent one-day international against Pakistan
England v Pakistan – second ODI
Venue: Ageas Bowl, Southampton Date: Saturday, 11 May Time: 11:00 BST
Coverage: Ball-by-ball Test Match Special commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra, Radio 4 LW, online, tablets, mobiles and BBC Sport app. Live text commentary on the BBC Sport website.
England’s decision to remove Alex Hales from their World Cup squad has brought the remaining players closer together, says fellow batsman Joe Root.
Hales had been named in the hosts’ preliminary World Cup squad despite serving a 21-day suspension following an “off-field incident”, which the Guardian reported was a positive test for recreational drugs.
He was then dropped after a senior players’ meeting, for what limited-overs captain Eoin Morgan described as a “complete breakdown in trust”.
“Now we’re back playing cricket, that is really good for the group,” said Test skipper Root.
“We can concentrate on our full focus being on the cricket going into the World Cup.”
England are in ‘best possible position’ to win the World Cup – Root
And when asked if Nottinghamshire right-hander Hales’ exclusion has had a unifying effect on the England squad, Root added: “Yes, absolutely.”
England’s World Cup squad will only be finalised after the ongoing one-day international series against Pakistan. Their opening game of the tournament is against South Africa at The Oval on 30 May.
Barbados-born pace bowler Jofra Archer, who qualified to play for England in March, could still force his way into the final 15 and bowled with hostility in the little play that was possible before Wednesday’s first match of the ODI series was rained off.
And Root has been impressed by the Sussex right-armer, while rejecting any notion his late entrance to the ODI squad could cause any disharmony.
“He’s been extremely impressive so far,” said Root. “It’s early days, but the way he bowled yesterday was particularly good.
“When guys come in and perform well, that is good for the squad. If guys are performing at the best of their ability, that will improve the standard of the group.
“I don’t think he’s created any rifts, uncertainty, or problems in the team, it’s purely providing competition and that can only be a good thing.”
England’s Jofra Archer dismisses Pakistan’s Fakhar Zaman
But Root would not be drawn on whether Archer would be part of the Test team that will look to regain the Ashes later in the summer.
“When you watch him play and train, you are always looking towards the Ashes,” said the Yorkshire right-hander. “There’s a huge of amount of cricket and chances for him, along with a lot of other guys.
“The selectors will make sure they weigh everything up carefully and cleverly. They will pick a squad of players that is performing well and are fit and ready to go.”
However, former England skipper Michael Vaughan was adamant that Archer will line up against Australia.
“I have no qualms about what I have seen from Archer,” said Vaughan.
“He will be involved in the Ashes. He’s outstanding. He’s different. He bowls 90mph, he bats, he fields like a gun. He will be playing Test cricket soon.”
‘IPL friendships could defuse Ashes animosity’
Jonny Bairstow, left, was involved in several confrontations with David Warner, centre, during the Ashes in 2017-18
Also looking ahead to the Ashes, which begins on 1 August, England all-rounder Moeen Ali speculated that relationships formed at the Indian Premier League could have an effect on cricket’s oldest rivalry.
Whilst Moeen has been a team-mate of India captain Virat Kohli with Royal Challengers Bangalore, wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow has formed a hugely successive opening partnership with controversial Australia batsman David Warner.
After a fractious series between the two sides down under in 2017-18, Moeen believes experiences in India could remove some of the animosity.
“That is the one thing about the IPL that really helps. You get to know different people,” said the Worcestershire spinner.
“You play with guys who you’re not sure about, but you get to know them and you become good friends.
“If there is a bit of a feeling, it can take a little bit out. Jonny and Davey got to know each other quite well. In the past they have gone hard at each other, but I’m sure that it won’t be as hard this time.”
Hales omission has unified England squad – Root added by B. Sarah on May 10, 2019
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The whole sky seen in the light of gamma rays. The most prominent feature is the bright band of diffuse glow along the map’s centre, which marks the central plane of our Milky Way galaxy. Most of the gamma rays are produced when energetic particles, accelerated in the shock waves of exploding stars, collide with gas atoms in the space between the stars. Beyond our own galaxy, most of the bright spots come from active galaxies that have supermassive black holes at their heart. Material falling toward the black hole gets heated to incredible temperatures, making it glow in gamma ray light. This image is a five-year summary of data collected by NASA’s Fermi Gamma Ray Telescope which has been orbiting Earth since 2008.
Image © NASA/DOE/Fermi LAT Collaboration
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12 Jan, 2016 / 0
Brittany is the most westerly region of France. It is bordered by the English Channel to the north, the Celtic Sea and the Atlantic Ocean to the west, and the Bay of Biscay to the south. Its land area is 34,023 km² and, at the 2010 census, its population was estimated to be 4,475,300. Previously a kingdom and then a duchy, Brittany was united to the Kingdom of France in 1532 as a province. It is considered as one of the six Celtic nations and its name “Little Britain” is opposed to “Great Britain”.
Breton is a Celtic language brought from Great Britain to Armorica by migrating Britons during the Early Middle Ages. Despite a period of decline during the XXth century, the number of its speakers accounts nowadays for about 200.000, while the number of children attending bilingual classes is constantly increasing with more than 15.000 children.
wind: 3 m/s SSE
wind: 5 m/s E
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945 Princess St. Kingston ON. CA K7L 0E9
info@strialithium.com
About Stria
A Critical Material
Pontax-Lithium/Quebec
Why Stria
Broker Update
Lithium Industry News
Stria Lithium Announces a Non-Brokered Private Placement for an Amount of $1,000,000
07 JulStria Lithium Announces a Non-Brokered Private Placement for an Amount of $1,000,000
Written by Liam Mills
Categorised StriaNews
TSX-Venture: SRA
OTTAWA – June 23, 2016 — Stria Lithium Inc. (TSX VENTURE:SRA) (“Stria” or the “Company”) announces a non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of up to $1,000,000 by issuing a maximum of 8,333,334 units at a price of $0.12 per unit.
Each unit is comprised of one (1) common share and one-half (1/2) of one common share purchase warrant. Each warrant will entitle its holder to purchase a common share at an exercise price of $0.20 per common share for a period of 24 months following the closing date of the private placement.
The Offering is subject to the final approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. The company will use the proceeds for general working capital and research related to the Company’s lithium extraction process technology.
Stria Lithium Inc. (TSX VENTURE:SRA) is a Canadian junior mining exploration company with an expanding technology focus and is also the sole owner of the Pontax spodumene lithium property in Northern Quebec. Stria’s mission is to be a reliable, profitable global source for both lithium metal and lithium compound products and process technologies for producing value added lithium products.
Stria’s expanded business focus is on the application of in-house developed technologies and processes that lead to the production and milling of lithium metal and lithium metal foil for advanced lithium batteries.
From the production of lithium metal also comes the value added production of: lithium hydroxide; lithium carbonate; lithium fluoride; and lithium chloride.
Lithium is a critical metal in the universal fight against global warming. It is a core component of Lithium-Ion batteries used for powering electric vehicles and for industrial scale energy storage.
Forward-Looking Statement
This news release may contain forward-looking statements, being statements that are not historical facts, and discussions of future plans and objectives. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove accurate. Such statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and future events to differ materially from those anticipated or projected. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company’s expectations are in our documents filed from time to time with the TSX Venture Exchange and provincial securities regulators, most of which are available at www.sedar.com.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the accuracy of this release.
Stria Lithium Inc.
Iain Todd
President & COO
itodd@strialithium.com
www.strialithium.com
Powering The Green Revolution
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Country Entertainment
This Southern Girl From Louisiana Went On To Win An Oscar
So is who this little girl sitting atop a John Deere tractor in the cutest baby blue and white dress?
It’s none other than “Walk The Line” star Reese Witherspoon.
Reese – who grew up in New Orleans, Louisiana – wrote: ‘Because what Southern girl doesn’t love a John Deere tractor.. #TBT’
You can tell from the photo that her smile hasn’t changed a bit, and with a grin like that it’s no wonder this little beauty went on to conquer the film industry and win the coveted Oscar.
Best Moments: When Country Artists Surprise Their Fans
Get your tissues ready. We’ve compiled our top favorite moments when Country artists surprise their fans.
1. Taylor Swift (Surprise #1) – The Grammy winner surprised leukemia patient Jordan Nickerson in his room at Boston’s Children’s Hospital with a very special song.
2. Taylor Swift (Surprise #2) – Lowering herself to her knees to be at eye-level with the sweet fan, Swift was totally taken with fan Tripp Stratton as she gave him a goodie-bag full of all the things a fan would love.
3. Miranda Lambert – She wiped away tears as she sang “Over You” to a 7-year-old fan with cancer. Lambert held hands with the young girl in the front row, and couldn’t hold back tears as the crowd finished the song for her.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PH63LafLyE4
4. When WGNA found out how much the music of Luke Bryan affects four-year-old Riley, they got Luke on the phone to talk to him.
5. Brett Eldrege – Imagine belting our your favorite Brett Eldrege song in your car while putting on mascara, and then he pops out of nowhere to sing it with you. Well that’s exactly what happened in this video.
Sometimes I sneak up on people! Ha!
A video posted by Brett Eldredge (@bretteldredge) on May 16, 2014 at 9:32am PDT
7 Country Music Stars Who Took A Tumble On Stage
After watching all these videos we feel for these Country Music superstars. Life on stage is not all glitz and glamour. Nobody is perfect, and sometimes you might take a good fall on stage. Here are 7 Country Music artists who are a little more clumsy than you think!
1. Carrie Underwood
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QoPecFHhBb8
2. Tim McGraw
3. Miranda Lambert
4. Dierks Bentley
5. Taylor Swift
6. Hunter Hayes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sEU_BylzgeY
7. Luke Bryan
8 Reasons September Was A Weird Month For Country Music
September was a weird month for Country Music. Just see for yourself!
1. Blake Shelton went to work at Pizza Hut.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5bFgDYS6Ek
2. He also did a strange, but hilarious lip synch on the the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lY9cUsTtPKA
3. Willie Nelson showed us a crazy card trick.
4. Dierks Bentley was ‘Living On A Prayer.”
5. Miranda Lambert opened up her own bed and breakfast in Oklahoma called The Ladysmith.
6. Luke Bryan had a corn maze made in his own image.
7. Brantley Gilbert became an ordained minister and wants to marry off his fans at an upcoming show.
8. Dustin Lynch fell at one of his shows. At least that’s what we think it looks like.
(Ok, let’s add just two more reasons to make this even more awkward.)
9. Kellie Pickler is the new voice for Mirabelle in the newest VeggieTales movie.
10. And RaeLynn became a unicorn (sort of).
How Tall Are Your Favorite Country Music Artists?
Just how tall are your favorite Country Music artists? We’ve measured the results. Check them out below.
1. Miranda Lambert – 5.4″
2. George Straight – 5′ 10″
3. Alan Jackson – 6′ 4″
4. Dolly Parton – 5′ 0″
5. Luke Bryan – 6′ 0″
6. Justin Moore – 5’6″
7. Carrie Underwood – 5′ 3″
7 Surprising Facts You Might Not Know About Jake Owen
He’s sexy, smart, and we love his music. Here are 7 surprising facts you might not know about Country Music star Jake Owen.
1. Jake Owen’s name isn’t Jake, it’s Joshua.
2. He has a fraternal twin named Jarrod.
3. As a teenager, Jake was a professional golfer and won his first tournament at age 15.
4. After a wakeboarding accident, Jake took a break from golfing to recover from his surgery and borrowed a neighbors guitar. He taught himself how to play and soon started gigging at local venues.
5. He proposed to his wife on stage (without an engagement ring) while performing his hit song ‘Don’t Think I Can’t Love You.’
6. He has two dogs Vern and Merle who is his travel companion.
7. The tattoo on his arm is of his wife’s lips (lucky her).
BONUS: His abs looks like this…
Monday LOLs. “Do The Cowboy Hip Hop”
Well this is hilarious. You’ll need this on a Monday, trust me. Enjoy!
Happy Birthday Faith Hill: Pictures Throughout The Years
Country Music Superstar Faith Hill celebrates her 46 birthday today, and can we say that she gets more and more beautiful with age? Take a look at her career throughout the years.
In 1993 Faith Hill burst onto the Country Music scene with the album “Take Me As I Am.” She went on to win the Top Female Vocalist award at the Academy of Country Music Awards.
In 1996 the songbird fell in love and married Country Music Superstar Tim McGraw on October 6 of that year. Since being married they have vowed to never spend more than 3 days apart. Wow! She later gave birth to her first daughter Gracie.
1998 was a major turning point in Faith’s career. She scored her first ever pop crossover hit with “This Kiss” which peaked at #7 on the charts.
The follow up to her pop crossover breakthrough was “Breathe” released in 1999. The track reached #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. We began to see a sexier side of Faith Hill.
In 2001 after getting her hair braided in the French West Indies, it became brittle and dry. Faith decided to chop it all off and sported this radical blunt bob haircut – one of the most talked about haircuts at the time. She later admitted that this was one of her most favorite haircuts. In 2002 she received a Grammy Award for the album “Cry.”
The Country Girl was back in 2005 with the album “Fireflies,” including the No. 1 ‘Mississippi Girl.’ Her look began to mature.
In 2011 Faith Hill released her new single “Come Home” at the 2011 CMA Awards.
At the 2014 ACM Awards Faith Hill made an appearance with dark blonde locks and a beautiful smokey blue gown proving that the Country Music star is truly a timeless beauty.
Happy Birthday Faith!
Our Guide To The Perfect Country Girl Wedding
Planning a wedding? We’ve got the perfect guide to help you add that Country Girl twist to your big day. Here are a few of our favorite ideas.
1. Find the perfect dress.
2. Use flowers from the farm for your bouquet.
3. Mason jars make great center pieces.
4. Throw a little bit of camo in there.
5. Get creative with wedding photos.
6. Book the perfect venue.
7. Wear the cutest lingerie. Click here to shop.
Stop Everything You’re Doing And Watch This Video Of Blake Shelton
Last night Blake Shelton made an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, and well… just watch the video below please.
Blake. You are amazing.
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creative archives, digital projections, esem projects
Marcus Clark profile projected on the ANU School of Law Building for Thinking Spaces, Esem Projects 2013.
How many things the night recalls, and how we weep for them though they never were!
Fernando Pessoa, The Book of Disquiet.
The nights are playing their tricks on us.
Come sundown, large-scale illuminated projections are transforming cities into magical caverns of light and magic, colour and spectacle. Melbourne’s White Night attracted some half a million nocturnal gatherers, Sydney’s Vivid Festival is ‘like New Years Eve’ for two weeks in July, Sydney’s coldest month. Public light shows are proliferating across cities and towns, in steets and back alleys: I Light Marina Bay (Singapore), Lux (Wellington), City Evolutions (Newcastle), Melbourne’s Gertrude St Projection Festival, every year New York’s Materials & Methods produce projection festivals in partnership with local artists and lighting designers.
This Nuit Blanche concept is not new: in recent years, the success of Paris’ Nuit Blanche, which began in 2002, has inspired a pan-European event called “Nuits Blanches Europe” involving night festivals across cities like Brussels, Rome, Madrid and Bucarest. The Son Et Lumiere concept, credited to Paul Robert-Houdin, was a form of nighttime entertainment usually presented in an outdoor venue of historic significance and first held at the Château de Chambord in France in 1952.
This night-time immersion of the arts has been hosted in more than 120 cities around the world including Brussels in Belgium, New York in the US and Amsterdam in the Netherlands. One of the most popular ‘Nuit Blanche’ celebrations around the world with tourists and residents in early March is in Montréal, Canada. It antes up some 180 mostly free indoor and outdoor activities including installations, exhibitions, live performances and screenings that light up the night in the city. The cities exchange experiences, projects and artists and new cities become candidates each year.
Spectacular in their scale and dazzling in their brightness, artists, lighting engineers, and audio-visual mavericks design these installations by using the surfaces of built spaces to sculpt visual masterpieces of light, form and colour. Their tricks of illumination exploit technical tools – 3D architectural mapping, sensors, software-enabled visual distortions, real-time image manipulation of the ever growing, luminous flux of data – to introduce into public spaces a sense of the ‘technological uncanny’ (1), a phantasmagorical urban world in which anything, seemingly, is possible (2).
To see the image of a woman splayed out over the sails of the Sydney Opera House, her hands reaching out towards the harbour, or the surfaces of a warehouse building peeled back to reveal a forest beneath, is to see the familiar transformed into the strange, the impossible revealed as if it might really be true.
For creators of projection artworks, the topography of the built environment becomes a material to incorporate into the programming and design of urban interfaces(3). Digitally-projected, luminous information is in this way mixed with the ‘data’ of material spaces – it’s the disjunctures between the two that can be exploited to provoke the greatest of surprises. We think we are seeing a wall, but suddenly we are seeing a forest. Architectural dreams become hyper-real surfaces.
Such is the dynamic nature of projection art today – and, indeed, the size of the commissioning budgets attached to them – that we can now see unfolding a proliferation of genres and approaches to working with light and data in public space. I’ve started to think about how we might begin to frame these approaches (early stage thoughts, please bear with me).
In City Life, Sydney-based projection agency Electric Canvas transformed a historic customs house into a living, breathing community of city workers. Here, the digital agency edia architects use digital projection to reveal complex interactions existing, real-time, within localized audiences, making use of harvested information gleaned from mobile devices and other sensors, thus illuminating patterns of mobility, complexity, and flux. Technically, the piece mixed high power digital projectors with use of large-format “PIGI” projectors, filling the walls of the building with spectacular, bedazzling colour and light. Everybody will look up in wonder.
City Life from The Electric Canvas on Vimeo.
Projection mapping is fundamental to most projection artwork, playing with the sense of uncanny produced by remapping the dimensions of a building and then layering it with completely different visual animations and effects. The field is vast and diverse, the aesthetics sometimes, dare I say, dubious, driven by a shock and awe mentality at times.
Here is a recent event in Maastricht, the Netherlands, which did explore a temporal dimension to projection mapping in a historically sensitive way. Vrijthof, one of the best known squares in Maastricht, was lit up for one week in November 2013, from 13 to 20 November, featuring a 20 minute ‘show’ projected onto the facade of the ‘Hoofdwacht’, a military guardhouse with a history dating back to the 17th century. Here was an impressive 3D mapping projection that offered audiences an overview of the turbulent history of the city.
Place-making & Urban Interventions
During recent years I’ve become more and more involved in projection-based artworks, which reflects partly the growing demand for this genre of work, whether from local councils, universities, urban developer clients and public art commissions. Working with Michael Killalea through Esem Projects, this practice has been continually evolving to incorporate different ways of working with communities, their stories, local historical collections in projection-based outcomes.
There are multiple layers to this work. In the first instance, each projection project is knitted closely with stories of place: who has lived here, what has changed, where are the strongest attachments and how are these expressed, what has been documented? Why is this project being funded, and what role is it to play in connecting with a community or audience? Each of these questions shape the given response to a commission.
Here, for example, is our work ‘Eyes on the Street’, projected onto the United Services Club on Watt St in Newcastle nightly from June 2013 to April 2014. The film loop incorporates visual recordings and documentation of Watt St from its earliest European habitation. It is deliberately confined to the acts of documentation, and the ways in which these are co-opted to represent the ‘image of a city’ to a wider audience.
Eyes on the Street: City Evolutions installation by Esem Projects from esem projects on Vimeo.
For the work of Esem Projects, digital projection allows for a different kind of engagement with digital collections and archives, enabling some playful interventions (and sometimes difficult negotiations) in the spaces of the city. The public canvas allows for a recorded archeology of a collection to be surfaced back into the present day in a more spectacular fashion. We bring community contributions to this practice, allowing members of a community to see their own memory pieces writ large. By doing this, new communities are in turn forged. Working with the site of the former Hotel Australia for the Last Drinks project for Art & About in 2012, we spent an evening with community contributors from across Sydney, who all had known the way the precinct used to be, but would have no cause to ‘visit’ the historical site now, because all is dust. Reinscribing documentation of the past back into the present is to work with the possibilities of temporal layering, in situ, and of ‘creating’ historical sites once edited out of the modern city.
In this image below, a man is seen closing the curtains of his window at University House, ANU. The man was filmed in 1956. The footage is being projected onto University House in 2013.
This is not technically complex, but I do believe it has a role to play in extending the possibilities of projection artworks in public spaces. There is both the selection of site, and the location of documentary footage, that underpins the affect of such a work which, while not technically difficult to achieve, does rely on fairly extensive research sluething, quite some chance, and ready access to the site. But such playful layering of past and present spaces can be used not just fancifully, but also to more political ends.
The ‘Latent Souls’ project, for example, arose from a series of smaller activities by the “Niño Viejo” (“Old Child”) Collective in Valencia. The artists state: “Our aim was to use the city as an audiovisual format to express various proposals which criticise urban development in the city. Small, playful actions which interfered with the urban space and aimed to alter it, were sarcastic about it and transgressed it, thereby offering a critical and personal vision of ‘public space’.
Almas latentes_Incubarte09 from NiñoViejo on Vimeo.
Spatial Practices & Mixed-reality Interfaces
“Box” was released by Bot & Dolly in September 2013 and seemed to reset the boundaries of projection mapping for the next little while at least, incorporating never-before-seen robot-powered projection mapping on moving objects. “Box”, launched to widespread acclaim, resulted in the synthesis of real and digital space made all the more alive through the sense of fluidity and movement, of machines, of man, and of movable objects (er, a box), the culmination of multiple technologies, including large scale robotics, projection mapping, and software engineering. As said by the makers: “We believe this methodology has tremendous potential to radically transform theatrical presentations, and define new genres of expression”.
Box from Bot & Dolly on Vimeo.
And then, there is Little Boxes, by artist Bego Santiago. This is perhaps my most favourite piece of all, with its playful use of scale and movement, and its dedication to a timeless, iconic song, that puts us all in our places.
LITTLE BOXES from Bego M. Santiago on Vimeo.
(1) Collins and Jervis 2008:1
(2) Sassen 2009: 29
(3) Edensor 2012: 1107.
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In the very same region of upstate New York where, just a few years earlier, the summer of love was in full, psychedelic bloom, Matt Ziselman experienced his own summer of love. Well, minus the love. And the music. And, the most prevalent drug at the time—at least in Matt’s world—was probably Calamine lotion.
SUNBURNED AND CIRCUMCISED is a funny, poignant coming-of-age story chronicling the eight weeks Matt’s family spent at the Highland Park Bungalow Colony in New York’s Catskills Mountains. Picture The Wonder Years, but with generous amounts of Jewish guilt tossed in and you get the idea.
Going from the mean (okay, they were more mild than mean), stickball playing, Mr. Softee eating, bicycle riding streets of 1972 Brooklyn to the hinterland of upstate New York was a big deal. Matt’s mom told him they were going to “the mountains.” Matt pictured soaring Alpine peaks and Julie Andrews twirling in meadows while hitting high C’s. Turns out, Matt’s mom’s definition of the word “mountain” was, shall we say, wrong! Enter The Catskills.
It was a summer filled with morning reveille, courtesy of a badly scratched 45 record and long, seemingly aimless hikes that did little to counter the term “Wandering Jew.” There was a painful run-in with a highly irate—bordering on anti-Semitic—swarm of hornets; an end-of-summer Color War as intense as any Israeli offensive; and enough swimming to promote gill growth. There were chilly mornings spent searching for salamanders; parched afternoons spent rounding the bases on a field that was more dirt than diamond; and evening skies so full of fireflies and stars that it was hard to tell where one ended and the other began. But, most of all, it was a summer of family, friendship and—whether Matt realized it or not at the time—his first, awkward, hesitant steps towards growing up.
Download Sunburned and Circumcised PDF
Download Sunburned and Circumcised ERUB
Download Sunburned and Circumcised DOC
Download Sunburned and Circumcised TXT
While born in Brooklyn, Matt has always considered himself a Long Islander, where he was raised. Should you ever run-in to him you can easily verify this simply by asking him to say the words, “Long Island.”
Matt’s most recent book, Sunburned and Circumcised is a memoir that recounts the summer of 1972, which Matt and his family spent at the Highland Park Bungalow Colony in New York’s Catskills Mountains. It’s like The Wonder Years, but with significant amounts of Jewish guilt. His first book, Hounded: The Lowdown on Life from Three Dachshunds (2013, Hachette) chronicles Matt’s relationships with his Teutonic trio of dogs – Baxter, Maya and Molly. Matt is currently working on his next book.
Matt’s worked in marketing for a long time, though he couldn’t tell you exactly how that came to pass. He continues to do so because he has become quite fond of such basics as food, shelter and HBO. He’s married and has a 16-year old daughter. Matt hates the heat; he currently resides in Jacksonville, Florida. He fails to find the irony even remotely amusing.
Reviews of the Sunburned and Circumcised
Phone number you need to drive to protect against robots.
Why do you need to drive a phone?
A hard book, obviously not for everyone.
Download EBOOK Sunburned and Circumcised by Matt Ziselman Online free
PDF: sunburned-and-circumcised.pdf
ERUB: sunburned-and-circumcised.epub
DOC: sunburned-and-circumcised.doc
TXT: sunburned-and-circumcised.txt
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Teresa Milbrodt, Fictioneer
Writer of the Monstrously Normal and Normally Monstrous
Your home for the mythical and mundane.
American Reliquary
Kill your darlings: A writer at work.
“Fires” — An early draft of “Combust”
“Larissa and Family Dynamics”
“Meriwether Lewis’ Skull Fragments” — first appeared in North American Review
“Meriwether Lewis’ Skull Fragments” — novel excerpt
“On the Train” — first published in North American Review
“On the Train” — the original draft
“The Shell” — A tale with two endings…
“Theodore Roosevelt’s Eyebrow Hairs” — novel excerpt
“Trade” — BFA thesis version
Larissa on Youtube
Links to Online Stories
More Selected Stories…
Selected Stories
Aspects of Living in a One-Bedroom Car
Larissa Loses Her Job (A Lament in Three Parts)
Lemmings (This story first appeared in the literary journal Crazyhorse)
Opti-Fit
Places Where the Biology Teacher and Janitor Have Made Out: A list complied by Sheila, Tina, and Amy, Fourth Period Biology
Selling Toothpaste in Small Towns (or Five Laments Over My Pac-Man Machine)
The Foot (another story about Frederick from “Daisies”)
Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Squirrel
Washington’s Finger
What We All Know at Night
Why I Don’t Bring Home Pizza Anymore
Bearded Women: Stories
Larissa Takes Flight…
The Patron Saint of Unattractive People
Artwork by Teresa Milbrodt
Just in case you’ve been wanting to dig into my deep dark drawer of forgotten drafts, this page is for you. Of course the writing process is just that, a process involving blood, sweat, tears, and a whole lot of coffee. Below are links to several stories and book chapters that started out one way, and ended up a whole lot different when I was done pounding on them.
The story “Combust” in my Bearded Women: Stories collection was originally much different. It wasn’t bad, but after getting feedback from one of my professors in grad school it didn’t seem like the plot was taking off. I couldn’t let go of the idea of a spontaneously combusting woman, however, so I reworked the premise into something that was much different, but still includes some passages I loved from the original draft.
“Combust” was first printed in North American Review, and I’m including a link to the earlier draft here.
“On the Train” also first appeared in North American Review, and it’s another story that started with a much different premise. On the rewrite I wanted to keep the idea that my protagonist was trapped on a train with annoying people and way too much time to think. In the second version I think her problems are more interesting and nuanced, a step up from the original divorce story.
Here’s a link the original version, and the one that was later published in North American Review.
Writing is always a collaborative process, whether you’re working with editors or a workshop group. When I first submitted my story “The Shell” to the literary magazine Nimrod for consideration, editor Francine Ringold wrote back with some suggestion for revision. In particular she suggested ways to change the ending, since she thought it was lacking. They ended up accepting the piece of publication, and I think that the ending I wrote (along with her help) worked much better than the original. “The Shell” is also printed in my Bearded Women: Stories collection.
To read the first ending, and the second ending that appeared in the final story, click here.
Sometimes I have a strange premise that I try to expand into a longer story, but it never quite works. That was the case for my story “Trade,” which was originally in my BFA thesis. I kept the plot and some of the original language, and rewrote it as a piece of flash fiction that will appear in my upcoming collection Larissa Takes Flight: Stories. The revised story, “Larissa Goes Into Business,” was published in Booth Journal. You’ll notice it’s a lot tighter, and ends on a much different note than the original longer draft. Of course, this is also a lesson to never throw away any of your writing, because you might want to come back to it years later and play with old ideas.
To read the original draft click here. To read “Larissa Goes Into Business” from Booth Journal, click here. (It’s on the second page.)
Another story printed in Booth Journal was “Larissa and Elementary Chemistry.” When I was working on edits for the Larissa Takes Flight: Stories collection, my editor Bryan Furuness suggested making some changes to strengthen the family element in the story, and the tensions between parents and children. These edits are slight, but they help to give the story a slightly different flavor, and again I really like the end result.
You can read “Larissa and Elementary Chemistry” by clicking on the Booth Journal link above, and you can read the version that will appear in my short story collection, “Larissa and Family Dynamics,” by clicking here.
I wrote my novel American Reliquary as a novel-in-stories, hoping to rewrite some of them so I could submit them to literary magazines while I was trying to get the whole novel published. (For more information on the novel, you can click here.) When I’m doing those kinds of revisions, I find that I need to rewrite at least a third of the story so that it makes sense as a stand-alone work and includes the necessary background details. A few of the chapters had to undergo even more drastic rewrites so they could function as stand-alones. I’m including the openings to two chapters of American Reliquary here, as well as links to the stand-alone stories that were eventually published.
First, here’s the chapter opening to “Meriwether Lewis’ Skull Fragments,” and a link to the story of the same name that appeared in North American Review. The POV narrator doesn’t shift, but some of the material doesn’t make sense without the rest of the novel.
I did a much more drastic revision on “Theodore Roosevelt’s Eyebrow Hairs,” completely changing the narrator from first person singular to first person plural. Instead of the story being told from an outsider to the community, now it’s told by a group of insiders and has a much different flavor.
The story was originally published in Scholars & Rogues, so you can read it by clicking here. You can also read the opening to the novel chapter by clicking here.
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The Fight of Our Lives by William Bennett & Seth Leibsohn
Want to know the dirty little secret in the war on terror? Some of us have already surrendered.
Since the dreadful events of 9/11, America has waged an international war on terrorism. But are we prepared to win, or are we practicing surrender? We have foiled dozens of terrorist attacks since then. But while the Fort Dix terrorists were stopped, an Islamist terrorist at Fort Hood unleashed hell on American servicemen. Despite Maj. Nidal Hasan’s shouting “Allahu Akbar” as he pulled the trigger, the official Pentagon report refused to mention Islam or use the word Muslim. And said the army chief of staff, “As horrific as this tragedy was, if our diversity becomes a casualty, I think that's worse.” As William J. Bennett and Seth Leibsohn show, for lack of clarity, conviction, and determination, America is on the verge of declaring preemptive cultural surrender in the war on terror. The Fight of Our Lives will reinvigorate the discussion and embolden those who wish to win the war on terror.
My review:This was a great and interesting book to read. The whole Muslim situation in the US worries and scares me, so I was very interested in this book.
The authors do not make a blanket statement that all Muslims are terrorists, but they do show how the Koran advocates violence and death for non-Muslims.
It is actually a sobering read. The authors show what extents our government goes to in trying to appease the Muslims and whitewash the threat from them, whether it be from radical Islam, or Islam in general.
There is a lot of information here, and it is obvious that they did their research. It shows. I found myself disgusted by the actions taken by even our own president to make the Muslims look good, and how hard he tries to avoid the terrorist label being attached to a Muslim.
This isn't just an expose' on the whitewashing of the Islamic terror threat against the USA. The authors also give ideas how we need to proceed with this threat.
They devote a chapter to the Fort Hood shooting. I learned some new things related to that shooting. How much was overlooked because the shooter was a Muslim and things like that. That chapter alone was enlightening enough to read the book for.
We are indeed at a war with Islam, and our government seems intent on losing that war. This book offers a really sobering look at where we are in this war, and it isn't promising. Yet the book is worthwhile reading and is a good wake-up call. I highly recommend it for anyone interested in this subject.
Dr. William J. Bennett is one of America’s most important, influential, and respected voices on cultural, political, and educational issues. A Brooklyn native, Bill Bennett studied philosophy at Williams College (B.A.) and the University of Texas (Ph.D.) and earned a law degree from Harvard. Host of the top-ten nationally syndicated radio show Bill Bennett’s Morning in America, he is also the Washington Fellow of the Claremont Institute. Former chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities (1981-1985), and Secretary of Education (1985-1988), and first director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (1989-1990), Bennett is a regular contributor to CNN and has contributed to America’s leading newspapers, magazines, and television shows. He is the author and editor of seventeen books, two of which—The Book of Virtues and The Children’s Book of Virtues—rank among the most successful of the past decade. He, his wife Elayne, and their two sons, John and Joseph, live in Maryland.
Seth Leibsohn is a Fellow with the Claremont Institute; a frequent commentator and writer on both domestic and foreign policy issues; and a managing partner of Leibsohn and Associates, a Washington, DC-based consulting firm.
The Fight of Our Lives is available from Thomas Nelson Publishers.
Labels: Book Review, Current events, Non-fiction
Wolves Among Us by Ginger Garrett
The Corruptible by Mark Mynheir
The Fight of Our Lives by William Bennett & Seth L...
Marketing Christianity
False Pretenses by Kathy Herman
CSN Stores.... a shoe review
Vicious Cycle by Terri Blackstock
Tyndale contest
Bound By Guilt by C.J. Darlington
Love Amid The Ashes by Mesu Andrews
Beside Still Waters, a book to check out
The Caregiver by Shelley Shepard Gray
The Mountains Bow Down by Sibella Giorello
A Happy Medium
The10 Best Decisions a Single Can Make
The 10 Best Decisions a Man Can Make
Curiosities of the Civil War by Webb Garrison
Book of Days by Jim Rubart
Petra, City In Stone by T.L. Higley
The Resurrection by Mike Duran
The Strange Man by Greg Mitchell
Hearts Aglow by Tracie Peterson
A Trail of Ink by Mel Starr
In The Shadow of Evil by Robin Carroll
When All My Dreams Come True by Janelle Mowery
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Mel Fisher, Key West Treasure Hunter
by Island Genn September 2, 2011 History
Mel Fisher was arguably the most famous treasure hunter in modern times. Probably because in 1985 he discovered the Atocha, a Spanish galleon that sank off of the Florida Keys in a hurricane in 1622. With over $450 million in treasures found so far from the wreck, including 40 tons of gold and silver, Pieces of Eight, emeralds, artifacts, and over 1000 bars of silver, Mel and his crew were known by everyone in our little island community.
Mel was born in Indian in 1922 and was adventurous from the start. He went to college and then fought in WWII. After the war he moved to California and opened the state’s very first dive shop. He became a pioneer in the dive industry, modifying and inventing gear to make diving more practical. He even filmed serval of his expeditions for fun and to draw people to the sport. As a hobby, Mel dove rivers to pan for gold; this was his first encounter with hunting for treasure.
Soon, Mel ended up marrying his dive buddy Dolores and they honeymooned in the Florida Keys. They went back to California and their dive shop, but they would obviously return to the Keys later on. The Fishers were adventurous and they traveled often to check out different dive sites. In the early 1960’s they met a treasure hunter who had found gold off of the Florida coast. The Fishers decided to move to Florida and take up treasure hunting full time, and they brought a whole team of divers with them from California.
In the late 1960’s the Fishers and their crew moved to the Florida Keys where the weather was warmer, there were more wrecks closer to shore, and they could dive nearly everyday. They initially moved to Islamorada, but decided that Key West would make a better headquarters since they could dive the Marquesas from here much more easily. By 1971the crew began finding indications of a wreck near to the Marquesas. Over the next decade, the crew found jewels, anchors, chains, ship parts, cannons, and more artifacts in the area. But it was not until 1985 that they hit pay dirt. On July 20th while Mel was shopping for new fins, his team found the mother load. Mel first found out by a well-wisher on the street who had heard the local radio broadcast that they found the Atocha.
While the search for the Atocha was exciting and ended up paying off big for Mel and his crew, it did have its problems. Lawsuits with the state over who owned the treasures lasted years. And some of the crew, including one of Mel’s sons, died in a tragic accident on the water in 1975. But this did lead to more safety measure being taken as well as the company becoming experts in recovery and conservation of underwater relics.
Today people can still dive the area with the Fisher crew. And if diving is not your thing you can learn a lot more about one of the Keys most well know residents and see some of the booty of the Atocha at Mel Fisher’s Museum located on Front Street in Key West.
For more information about things to do and see in our island city, go to our Key West Web Site. You can also visit our Key West Events Calendar to see upcoming special events.
And for more restaurant reviews check out our restaurant review section of this blog as well as our restaurant reviews at www.gotothekeys.com.
Island Genn – Your Key West Concierge
Atocha Diving key west Marquesas Mel Fisher Scuba Treasure Hunter
Southernmost Point
Key West Firehouse Museum
Conch Republic
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posted in: Behind-The-Scenes, Interview, Season 4, Season 5, Steven Kane, The Last Ship, TNT
It is a Tuesday at the beginning of August, and, on possibly one of the worst telephone lines ever recorded, we are waiting for Steven Kane to come on the line from THE LAST SHIP’s production offices in Culver City, Los Angeles. Steve is a very busy man at the moment: not only is the show about to premiere, but the cast and crew are deep into production on the show’s fifth season, after an unprecedented double renewal last year. He has also not long come back from Comic Con in San Diego, after which he took an exclusive showing of the season four premiere to servicemen and women at the Naval Base.
In between this frenetic activity, Steve took the time to talk to us about season four’s origins, its parallels to Homer’s Odyssey, and what we might expect throughout the season for some of our favourite characters. However, we can’t begin without his rundown of where we find the crew of the Nathan James this season.
“It’s been sixteen months since Chandler walked off the ship in self-imposed exile,” explains Steve. “The first episode is called ‘In Medias Res’, which is the Greek term for ‘in the middle of things’, as a theatre term. And we really are in the middle of things. We catch up with the Nathan James, and they’re off the coast of Morocco, tracking down some mysterious seeds. We don’t quite know what’s going on, but eventually we learn that there’s a global famine that’s begun, where the virus that people are now immune to is looking for another host, and it jumps back to its original form as a plant virus, infecting all the crops that sustain life on earth: the commelinids, the wheats, the rices, the grasses – especially the grasses, because they feed the animals and everything else.
“Anything that people and animals rely on for food – and the biosphere in general – is now in decay, and there’s really no cure for it, except, like the original virus, if you go back to the source, you might be able to find something to help. In this case, the source is these old seeds, these palm seeds, that happen to have coexisted back in the Ice Age with the virus itself, so they have a natural immunity to it. These seeds have been stored in a seed bank, and they’ve been stolen from the seed bank, and Nathan James is trying to figure out how to get them back. When we find them, they’ve already made contact with the guy who they think may be their conduit to find these seeds, someone who’s involved in the theft of the seeds.
PHOTO CREDIT: TNT / Ali Goldstein
“They meet this guy in a bazaar in Morocco, and we see Sasha undercover, and there’s another guy there, who’s a Brit named Fletcher, who’s an MI6 officer who is working in partnership with Nathan James in the global search for these seeds. You can sense in the first episode that he and Sasha have formed more than just a friendship, and that maybe there’s a romance budding between them, and you realise how much time has gone by, and that Sasha’s moved on. [On board] the Nathan James, Slattery’s at the helm, the crew is together, and they’re fighting their way across the Mediterranean, looking for these seeds.
“Meanwhile, Chandler’s in self-imposed exile on some island in Greece, and he’s with his family, working as a fisherman anonymously. He has met a girl himself, and there’s a bit of a romance there; if he’s Odysseus, she’s Calypso. But he’s always looking towards home. He’s always thinking about his shipmates, and his home, but he’s trying to find a peaceful life, and is trying to get away from being the hero, for a change. He was struggling all through season three with the idea of being the guy whose face is painted on walls, the iconic, ideal hero. He didn’t want that role, it was thrust upon him. But by the end of season three when he murders Shaw in cold blood, even though he had plenty of good reasons, he feels like he crossed a line. He saw a side of himself he didn’t like, he saw a violent side of himself, he saw a vindictive side, and he didn’t feel like he deserved to be considered a hero, nor a leader, so he walked off the ship.
“Really, this season is about ‘can you do that’? Can you refuse the call? This is a hero’s tale. We set it in the Mediterranean because we found there were a lot of parallels between his story and the Greek tragedies, and the epic poems like The Odyssey. [Chandler] is a hero-warrior, who really needs to get home.
“So that’s the initial condition we find ourselves in, and seeing how this story collides with Nathan James, eventually, and then taking it forward.”
Steve made mention of the virus jumping back to its point of origin in the plant world. However, there has been a lot of discussion – and criticism – amongst long-term fans of the show regarding this, as season one stated the virus’ origins was in Arctic terns. This, though, appears to have been an assumption based on the available information at the time. “It did come from the birds, but the birds got it from the drinking water, and the drinking water got it from the soil,” he explains. “The soil got it from plant life. It was in the permafrost, buried and dormant, then it got into the drinking water of migratory birds, and that’s where it jumped kingdoms, into the animal [kingdom]. It didn’t affect the birds, they just carried it, and when they brought their droppings to the mainland, that’s when it became a zoonotic and jumped from animal to animal, like avian flu and swine flu we have today.”
Despite appearances, the entire fourth season of THE LAST SHIP was filmed entirely in and around Los Angeles, which presented its own challenges. After all, trying to recreate various regions from the Mediterranean within the 30 Mile Zone wouldn’t necessarily be a piece of cake. “We always talk about traveling with the show, and going to exotic locations to film,” says Steve. “We look into them, we pursue them, and there’s some feasibility that it could actually happen, but in the end, LA offers so much, and it makes it so much more efficient for us to do it here. We have amazing locations, we have an amazing art department, an amazing visual effects department. We’ve taken you from the North Pole, to Central America, all across the coast of the Southern United States, all across Asia and the South China Sea.
“The Mediterranean was a new challenge, but not something my crew wasn’t up to. This season, we’ll take you to Morocco Spain, Gibraltar, Northern Africa, Sardinia, Greece, Malta, other little islands in the Mediterranean, and we never left Southern California.”
PHOTO CREDIT: TNT
Given that Chandler is, effectively, THE LAST SHIP’s version of Odysseus, and his Greek girlfriend Cali is the equivalent of Calypso, who attempted to keep Odysseus on her island to make him her immortal husband, we wonder who is Chandler’s Penelope. “His Penelope, in many ways, is Sasha,” begins Steve. “She’s the one who, in her heart, felt that he would come back, and she has her suitors, but he always has that place in her heart.
“His Telemachus [Odysseus’ son] is really his young crew on the ship, people like Ray; he discovered Ray in the south when [Ray] was taking care of a bunch of kids at a summer camp, and they were like ‘Lord of the Flies’, living on their own. Not only does he befriend him, but Ray joins the Navy to serve. Kathleen [Nolan, Tex’s daughter] joins the ship, even though she’s lost her father Tex, she returns and she joins the air crew. Those crew members are like the lost sons and daughters of Odysseus, who are bereft and literally at sea without him.
“There are a lot of references, a lot of correlations, they fight – in some ways – a cyclops, when they fight the people in the caves of Gibraltar. They go to the Land of the Dead in a later episode, they go the Lotus Eaters, and there’s all kinds of fun little references. We really do tackle a lot of the Mediterranean, and we go through a major storm. I think we really did a nice job of standing in the storytelling and the location, even though we shot it in LA, making the location a major character in the show.
“We always like to have fun with languages, too. In season three, Sasha herself spoke something like six different languages in Asia. This season, we have people speaking different dialects of Arabic, Italian, Spanish, Maltese, Greek. It’s a pretty international cast. We take you on a journey, we’re on a ship, and that is part of the lore. We’ve been around the world already on the show, and the Mediterranean was something we wanted to do. The Mediterranean itself is just such a great metaphor: it has 31 countries, 57 languages, and people around the Mediterranean are like frogs around a pond. These are people who have more in common with each other than they do with people in their own country. We also like the historical element of it, like Homer, the fact it goes back to the Peloponnesian War, so all that stuff together made a really romantic setting for the season.”
THE LAST SHIP has garnered an impressively large and passionate fanbase since its premiere in 2014, with people watching it all across the globe, and it is this passion from its fans doesn’t go unrecognised by the cast and crew. “It feels great [to have such a large and passionate fanbase],” Steve says. “We feel like we’re not working alone in a vacuum, knowing there are people out there who care, and who are looking forward to seeing it. It means a lot to us.
“We were just at Comic Con, and we had a large crowd, and they were really excited that we were back, and to see the cast and hear about season four. The very same day, we went to the Navy base in San Diego, where we often film, and screened [the premiere] for the Navy. It was such a warm and powerful experience, because we know that everywhere we travel, sailors come up to us and say how much they love the show, and how it means so much to them to have see the Navy community, and the Surface Warfare community, represented on television in such a positive way.
“That means a lot to us, too: our relationship with the United States Navy has become so close, and they know we’re not setting out to make a commercial for them, but we are telling a story about heroes, and, truthfully, we meet these men and women in real life and they, in many ways, are heroes. It means a lot to us, and I think everyone on the crew has felt the special bond with both the fans and the Navy. [The Navy] come to the set all the time, and they visit, and literally, as we’re talking, I just got an email from an Admiral, inviting me to an aircraft carrier for a visit this weekend. The Department of Defense just presented me with a beautiful flag that flew over the Pentagon in my honor, in July, just to say thank you for what the show does.
“It really means a lot to us that the fans watch the show, care about the show. Anything from you guys is special. We sit here in these offices, and we make up stories, and then we shoot them and put them out to the world, and the great thing about the internet is that you actually get the feedback now, and not just from the ratings and the numbers, but from people actually responding and saying how they feel. It means a lot to us, and we really appreciate it, and we hope we’re giving you guys everything you’re hoping for.”
Speaking of the fans, there’s already rumblings in the fandom about ensuring a sixth season, and what fans can do to help with that possibility. “They can certainly let their opinion be known if they want a season six,” laughs Steve. “Let the powers that be at TNT know. Every year, when we finish a season, it’s television. You don’t know how you’re going to do, you don’t know how your ratings are going to do, you don’t know what’s going to change. Networks make decisions, and every year, we’re hopeful for a renewal. Last year, they had so much confidence in us, they gave us a two season renewal.
“We have episodes that’ll take you through 2018, and I think a lot of it will depend on how we perform, in the ratings, and there are a million other factors. TNT have always supported the show, they’ve been great champions of the show when needed, and we’ve been a real team. We have nothing but great things to say about them, and whatever choice they make, will be up to them. I wouldn’t rule it out, but since we’re so far ahead of schedule, and we have a whole other year of episodes to deliver to you guys, that decision doesn’t have to get made just yet.”
There you have it from the Boss Man himself – if you want season six, keep watching, keep feeding back, and let TNT know you want more of THE LAST SHIP!
For more from this exclusive interview, get your free copy of The Watchers Magazine at https://magzter.com/GB/Watchers-Media/The-Watchers-Magazine or download The Watchers Magazine app free from iTunes or Google Play.
CAST APPEARANCES OCT 23-29
CAST APPEARANCES 16-22 OCTOBER
RECAP REVIEW – BREAD & CIRCUSES
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Home :: Grocery Totes :: Books (200) :: Voynich Manuscript [1438] (2)
The Voynich Manuscript is considered to be "the world's most mysterious manuscript". The work dates back to the early 15th century, and is believed to be from northern Italy. The manuscript was purchased in 1912 by Wilfrid Voynich, which is where it got its name. The illustrations are believed to be of plants and their possible medical uses, however, most of the plants do not match known species and the language used remains unknown and unreadable.
Grocery Tote | Voynich Manuscript [1438]
The Voynich Manuscript is considered to be "the world's most mysterious manuscript". The work dates back to the early 15th century, and is believed to be from northern Italy. The...
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DiVE on NPR – Virtual Reality Opens New Worlds
from http://wunc.org/post/virtual-reality-duke-opens-new-worlds
Researchers at Duke University are using a virtual reality center to test experiments that aren’t feasible in the real world.
It’s called the Duke Immersive Virtual Environment, or the DIVE, for short. In reality, it’s a cube. Six sides. You get inside. Images are projected on each wall. With the help of special goggles, the images become an immersive 3-D world. A special wand allows you to interact with the world.
It has applications for everything from psychiatry, to the mining industry, and even creative writing.
One of the simulations is of a kitchen. Whoever enters is asked to find a pair of keys. The sound in the room increases in intensity and volume as the simulation continues. A car starts beeping, a pot boils over and creepy violins play in the background.
Regis Kopper is the director of the DIVE and part of the Pratt School of Engineering. He says the kitchen simulation is a good example of how the DIVE can be used for psychological experimentation.
“This environment was used in an experiment exactly to examine how people would get stressed in a virtual environment. There are actually no keys here,” he says. “The idea is as you hear all this background noise… the idea was to see if people would start getting stressed by examining the skin conductance, the heart rate and all that.”
The great thing about the DIVE is programmability. No matter what your specialty, you can probably come up with a use for it. Kopper says researchers are working on adapting a mining simulation for the DIVE. Mining’s a pretty dangerous profession, and it’s safer to train in a virtual environment than the real one.
There are even applications for something like creative writing. David Zielinski, software engineer for the DIVE, says that MFA students at Duke use it to create virtual worlds.
“That’s another example of the cross disciplinary work we’ve done,” he said. “You can create realistic training environments in here, but you can also be more imaginative and not be limited to creating structures that can even feasibly exist.”
There is another draw to the DIVE. It can help attract people to science. You can’t find these things everywhere. Kopper says there are only about 10 to 15 in the United States. Every Thursday, the DIVE holds an open house where anybody can come.
The DIVE has a variety of practical applications, but it’s also just plain fun. Most tours end with a ride on the virtual roller coaster. It’s thrilling, and, other than the lack of wind rushing past, almost as good as the real thing.
← zSpace Congrats to this year’s FIP International Year of Light Student Winners! →
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jQuery Ticker
Kenneth Bae's release from North Korea
Matthew and Grace Huang imprisonment in Qatar
Matthew and Grace Huang
To the AAPI Faith Alliance:
Thank you for taking the time to get the know the case of my sister, Grace, her husband Matt, and their 3 children. They, along with their families, have been through substantial trauma, and we believe we have been sustained only by the prayers of believers and by the hand of God.
As you probably already know, in March 2014, Matt and Grace Huang were sentenced to 3 years in the prison for child endangerment, a charge which they never faced during the 14 months of investigation and trial following the unexpected death of their daughter, Gloria. They had originally been charged with intentionally starving Gloria to death, which was irrefutably proven false and impossible, both medically and judicially. The presiding Judge Al Emadi himself said that the charges of murder had no evidence to support the claim. However, the courts then changed the accusation to child endangerment and convicted Matt and Grace without providing them the opportunity to defend themselves against the new charge - an outrageous violation of due process and international human rights. Matt and Grace are also completely innocent of endangering the life of Gloria, and due to the inadequate autopsy performed by the Qatari prosecution, we may never know her cause of death. While we realize these things take time to resolve, Matt and Grace and their two remaining sons have suffered enough. This family needs to be reunited as quickly as possible.
We are asking for a show of support for Matt and Grace to our government by way of our online petition. There are already over 150,000 signatures, and we want to see that number continue to grow to make sure this case does not get buried or forgotten. The family is also coming to the end of its resources to finance the case. Matt and Grace have sold their home and liquidated all their retirement assets to fund their fight for freedom. Please consider donating to their case. If every person who has signed the petition donates just $1 or $2, it would generate a significant source of funding in their struggle to return home.
Thank you so much for giving us the opportunity to provide an update to this story, for your prayers, and for your support.
For more ways you can help, please start by visiting our website FreeMattAndGrace.com.
Daniel Chin [Brother of Grace Huang]
Sign the Petition: http://www.change.org/en-CA/petitions/free-matt-and-grace-innocent-americans-imprisoned-in-qatar
For more information: http://freemattandgrace.com/
Kenneth Bae
Dear friends at AAPI Faith Alliance,
My name is Terri Chung, and I am the sister of Kenneth Bae, an American citizen who has been imprisoned in North Korea (DPRK) since November 3, 2012.
Kenneth is a man of faith and a hardworking husband and father of three, ranging from ages 17 – 23. In the past, Kenneth served as a missionary in China. Then, more recently, Kenneth saw an opportunity in North Korea that resonated with his heart and entrepreneurial spirit. He believed in showing compassion by contributing to the North Korean economy in the form of tourism. He started his own tour company in China, taking short trips across the Chinese border into DPRK.
Introducing the untainted beauty of the land and the people of North Korea to the outside world was his livelihood and passion. In the past two years, he led 18 tours into the special economic zone of Rason, bringing more than 250-300 citizens from the U.S., Canada, China and Europe. This is what he was doing when he was arrested.
On April 30, 2013, Kenneth was tried, convicted, and sentenced to 15 years of hard labor for “hostile acts against the republic.” Though we acknowledge he has been convicted of crimes under DPRK laws, we also know that his intentions were only to help.
Kenneth is the longest detained American in the DPRK since the Korean War and the only one to have been sent to its labor camp. We are gravely concerned about his increasingly deteriorating health.
During the 18 months of Kenneth’s imprisonment, there has been woefully little progress on his case. But one message that has been conveyed consistently through Kenneth’s letters and phone calls is this: Kenneth’s freedom can only come with the help of the US government.
The State Department has tried a couple of times to intervene with a diplomatic envoy, but it has been rejected twice by the DPRK. In the midst of rising tension between the US and the DPRK, we see no immediate hope for resolution to his case.
We need your help to advocate for Kenneth’s freedom, to make sure he is not forgotten. We need your voices to appeal to Secretary Kerry and President Obama to take urgent action to secure Kenneth’s freedom. I look forward to speaking with you at the conference about ways you can appeal to our leaders to bring Kenneth home. Thank you for your prayers and ongoing advocacy.
Terri Chung
http://FreeKenNow.com
http://facebook.com/FreeKennethNow
Terri Chung, Kenneth Bae’s Sister | freekennow@gmail.com
Derek Sciba, family friend | scibad@gmail.com | 206‐713‐5564
Sign the Petition: www.change.org/FreeKenNow
For more information: http://freekennow.com/
News: Huffington Post - Impact "Kenneth Bae: When One Hurts, All Hurt" Grace Ji-Sun Kim, Rev. Jesse Jackson
Emerging Issues RSS Feed
"Kenneth Bae / Matthew and Grace Huang" Powered by RSS Feed Informer
Top Issues / Problems to Address
Youth/Next Generation
Foreign Policy Issues
U.S. AID/State Department
Why this matters - Even though Asian American and Pacific Islanders make up 6 percent of the total U.S. population, we account for over 40 percent of the 4.2 million individuals caught in the current family immigration visa backlog. And we account for 84 percent of the employer-based visa backlog! AAPI DREAMers also account for 40 percent of those in the University of California system.
Today, more immigrants come from Asia or the Pacific Islands than any other region in the world. Those from Asian countries also account for 10 percent, or about 1.3 million, of all undocumented immigrants
Resource links:
The White House - The Benefits of Commonsense Immigration Reform
The White House - Winning the Future: President Obama's Agenda and the AAPI Community
Asian American Center for Advancing Justice "A Community of Contrasts, Asian Americans in the United States: 2011"
Asian American Center for Advancing Justice "A Community of Contrasts 2014 in the United States"
Asian Law Caucus Infographic - The Back of the Line / Asian Law Caucus Infographic - The 'New' Angel Island
AAPI Data Infographic - Growth of the Undocumented, 2000 to 2011
Southeast Asia Resource Action Center - Resources: Deportation and Southeast Asian Americans
Pew Research Hispanic Trends Project - On Immigration Policy, Deportation Relief Seen As More Important Than Citizenship
Southeast Asia Resource Center (SEARAC) - Resources: Deportation and Southeast Asian Americans
Asian American Justice Center - “The Impact of SB 1070 on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders”
Asian American Justice Center - “Asian American Perspective on Comprehensive Immigration Reform - Testimony before the Subcommittee on Immigration Committee on the Judiciary United States House of Representatives - Hearing on Perspectives of Immigrant Advocacy Organizations on Comprehensive Immigration Reform”
MSNBC.com - "Asian Americans Want Immigration Reform Too"
Religion News Service - “COMMENTARY: The hidden immigration impact on American churches”
Migration Policy Institute - "Asian Immigrants in the United States"
Why this matters - Asian Americans are facing serious moral choices in regard to how we should respond to recent rulings by the Supreme Court on affirmative action. There are seismic shifts taking place in the landscape of higher education induced by these rulings. Both sides of the debates over affirmative action are seeking to enlist Asian Americans to shore up their arguments for and against affirmative action policies. As it has become clear that race based policies are on the decline, here are some sources to read to help us develop critical responses to changing affirmative action practices that reflect our commitment to social justice and diversity:
CARE (National Commission on AAPI Research in Education) "The Attitudes of Asian Americans Toward Affirmative Action"
CARE "Asian Americans And The Benefits Of Campus Diversity: What The Research Says"
18millionrising.org "Why I Support Affirmative Action: One Asian American Perspective"
Colorlines.com "Wanted: Disgruntled Asian-Americans to Attack Affirmative Action"
Los Angeles Times Op-Ed - "An Asian American turn to the right?"
Los Angeles Times Op-Ed - "Affirmative action at California colleges: A debate based on fear"
The Daily Beast - "Asians vs. Affirmative Action"
New York Times - "Asian-Americans in the Argument"
Why this matters - Human trafficking, the buying/selling of people, is rising as a dangerous threat. Profits for trafficking are the second largest illegal enterprise in the world, after drugs. People are bought and sold for use as laborers, domestic workers, sex workers, and held against their will in many US cities, and around the world.
The AAPI community cares about trafficking because it is disproportionately affecting our communities. Sex trafficking and forced labor are thriving in Asian and South Asian countries. The orientalization of API women helps grow the demand for Asian women in brothels. In the US, victims of trafficking are coming from many Asian countries and the need for services in Asian languages is high. And for our community, there is a unique tie between domestic violence and trafficking that needs to be addressed.
Restore NYC
Not For Sale Campaign
Exodus Cry
Why this matters - Contrary to the model minority myth, many Korean and Asian Americans in Southern California are suffering in silence with mental health and substance abuse issues.· Asian Americans are the fastest growing victims of hate crimes. (Facts compiled by KCCD.)
· Suicide rates among Asian American youth and young adults are among the highest across all ethnic groups across the United States.
· 30% of Asian American girls from 5th to 12th grade report having symptoms of depression.
· 17% of boys (5th to 12th grades report they experience physical abuse.
· 60% of Korean married women report being battered by their spouses.
· Most Asians are reluctant to report domestic violence.
· Asian gangs are the fastest growing street gangs in L.A. County with 20,000 members.
· Asian Americans have the highest percentage of juvenile arrests in L.A. County.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) - U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
The Office of Minority Health - U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association (NAMI)
NAMI Asian American Community Mental Health Fact Sheet
American Psychological Association - 2006 First National Study on Asian American Mental Health
California Reducing Disparities Project - API Population Report: In Our Own Words
National Asian Women's Health Organization (NAWHO) Mental Health and Depression in Asian Americans Fact Sheet
The Korean Health and Education/Information Center
USA Today - "Saving Sanity and Souls in Koreatown"
NJ.Com - Local Film Maker Headed to White House for Asian American Mental Health Event
The Diamond Back (University of Maryland's Independent Student Newspaper) - "Panel Discusses Mental Health Care Race Gap"
The Boston Globe - "Helping Asian Teens Find Balance in Studies"
KCCD - Mental Health and Well-being Collaboration for Korean and Asian Americans in Partnership with SAMHSA
My Brother's Keeper (Federal Initiative)
Boys and young men of color — regardless of where they come from — are disproportionately at risk from their youngest years through college and the early stages of their professional lives. President Obama has announced a new initiative with leading foundations and businesses that take a collaborative, multi-disciplinary approach to build ladders of opportunity and unlock the full potential of boys and young men of color. The Presidential Memorandum has established the My Brother's Keeper Task Force to help determine which public and private efforts are working, how the Federal government can support those efforts, and how we can get more folks involved in those efforts across the board. At the White House Briefing portion of the summit, we will be learning about this new special initiative and how we can help make an impact.
The current emphasis of this initiative leans towards the Hispanic and African American communities. To further demonstrate the AAPI Christian community's commitment towards raising up the next generation of young leaders in America, we will be dialoguing on this initiative with policymakers and highlight the challenges that Asian youths also face. For example, studies have shown that dropout rates for high school students are directly tied to income and poverty levels. The national statistics on poverty rates show Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders at 11.7% and 17.6% respectively. These figures still trail behind the African American and Hispanic populations at about 26% and 23%, but still show a need for support and attention in the AAPI communities so that our nation's young men can be empowered together for the future.
Many Asian youths try to find a sense of belonging. They are drawn towards groups of people in similar situations who share with them a sense of support, mutual understanding, and camaraderie. This dynamic often results in efforts to gain status or respect among their peers. These groups provide a sense of family and acceptance for the youths, who previously felt isolated while integrating to a new environment. These congregations may initially begin as social groups, but can easily become targets for gang recruitment. My Brother’s Keeper would strengthen the AAPI and other communities of color to face these challenges and establish lasting change for our country's boys and young men.
For more information: http://www.whitehouse.gov/my-brothers-keeper
Separate but Equal: Asian Nationalities in the United States
Six distinct Asian national origin groups now number more than a million in the United States. This report points out the substantial differences among them and draws out some of their implications. Their share of immigrants ranges from under half to over three quarters; their share below poverty is as low as 6% and as high as 15%; some are especially concentrated in Los Angeles and others in New York. As the Asian population grows in size and diversity, it becomes less useful to think about Asian Americans as a single category. It is more accurate to study Chinese and Indians, Filipinos and Japanese, Koreans and Vietnamese.
Doing so leads to two main findings. First, every Asian nationality except Japanese is more segregated from whites than are Asians as a broad category. In fact, two of the largest nationalities (Chinese and Indians) are about as segregated as Hispanics, Vietnamese are as segregated as African Americans, and there has been little change in the last two decades. Second, quite unlike the case of Hispanics and African Americans, Asian national origin groups live in neighborhoods that are generally comparable to those of whites, and in some respects markedly better. The Asian pattern is separate but equal (or even more than equal), raising questions about the prospect or value of their residential assimilation in the future.
cal_fac_report06112013.pdf
The AAPI Story - In Numbers
Center for American Progress - State of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders Series
samson_13_multiple_grp_threat_asam_white_attitudes_dubois_rev.pdf
apalc_11_asam_stats.pdf
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143 result(s) for your search
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Electricity Access in Sub-Saharan Africa: Uptake, Reliability, and Complementary Factors for Economic Impact
investment, too, and for that, utilities must make money. Yet all over the region, utilities are running at a loss. Electricity Access in Sub-Saharan Africa Blim po • Cosgrove-Davies Electricity Access in Sub-Saharan Africa AFRICA DEVELOPMENT FORUM Electricity Access in Sub-Saharan Africa Uptake
Published on 13 Jul 2019
Regional Migration and Wage Inequality in the West African Economic and Monetary Union
This paper investigates the impact of regional migration on average wages and wage inequality in the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA). We exploit a unique data from a unified labour force household survey which covers natives and migrants in the seven economic capitals of the
Published on 1 Mar 2019
Evaluating 15 Years of Support for Development
This document is a summary of the final report of the external evaluation of 15 years of AFD and FFEM interventions related to “the development of rural territories or landscapes”3 in sub-Saharan Africa. This evaluation was commissioned by AFD and conducted between June 2016 and December 2017 by
Published on 1 Feb 2019
Innovate for sanitation
In 2012 a call for proposals for FISONG projects was launched in the field of "Sanitation, hygiene and waste: long-term mechanisms and local capabilities” aiming at improving sanitation services in the context of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs
Southern Africa: Energy transition
Southern Africa has access to a wealth of primary renewable energy sources, with enough geothermal, hydro, wind and solar resources to provide gigawatts of power. However, the adoption of low-carbon technologies is uneven and hampered by technical, financial and regulatory barriers that slow down
Published on 1 Sep 2018
Anne Odic : Cities have a role to play in the fight against the climate change
Cities have an absolutely essential role to play in the fight against climate change. Anne Odic, Head of cities division at AFD explains it in a few minutes.
AFD and Mozambique
Present in the country since 1981, AFD is a long-term partner of Mozambique. For nearly 40 years, AFD has continuously supported the country in its efforts to improve basic infrastructure, preserve biodiversity, and ensure citizens’ access to basic services.
Southern Africa: Social inclusion
levels of inequality in many countries in the region. Reducing maternal and infant mortality, countering the spread of HIV, improving farmers’ productivity, increasing access to high quality education are a few examples of AFD’s work to improve social inclusion. These initiatives are in line with AFD’s
AFD and Nigeria
AFD began its activities in Nigeria 10 years ago and is now one of the country’s rightful partners. Its unique position as a bilateral lender for varied financing solutions enables it to contribute not only to the development of a competitive economy that creates jobs and wealth, but also to a
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TWO BOOKS AND A PLAY ABOUT AFGHANISTAN:NOT TO BE MISSED
I'm the Cultural Consultant on this fabulous new play, set in Afghanistan. The World Premier of THE MOST DANGEROUS HIGHWAY IN THE WORLD is with Golden Thread production in San Francisco. Here’s a little about the play.
The Most Dangerous Highway in the World
a world premiere play by Kevin Artigue
directed by Evren Odcikin
A fearless eight-year old businessman makes his living directing traffic with a soda bottle on the highway connecting Jalalabad to Kabul. Soldiers, accidents, and ghosts are no match for this little fighter with a knack for surviving the toughest challenges. Inspired by a New York Times article about the real-life “Pepsi bottle boys” of Afghanistan, this poetic play introduces an up-and-coming writer of great promise.
Kevin Artigue is a graduate of Public Theater’s prestigious Emerging Writers Group and the first playwright of non-Middle Eastern descent to be produced on the Golden Thread mainstage. He has been developing this play with Golden Thread for three years, including as part of the 2014 National New Play Network’s showcase.
MAY 6-29, 2016 at Thick House in San Francisco
Thursdays–Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 3pm
Ticket Pricing: Previews $10 | General Admission $34 | Student/Senior $24
$5 off if two tickets, use code 20FRIEND
With an introduction by former First Lady Laura Bush, WE ARE AFGHAN WOMEN: VOICES OF HOPE chronicles the lives of young and old, daughters and mothers, educated, and those who are still learning. These determined women are defying the odds to lead Afghanistan to a better future. Their stories are a stark reminder that in some corners of the world the struggle continues and that women’s progress in society, business, and politics cannot be taken for granted. Their eloquent words challenge all of us to answer: What does it truly mean to be a woman in the twenty-first century?
Here are Afghan women in their own words. Words that are by turns inspiring, moving, courageous, and heartbreaking. Their powerful stories create a compelling portrait of the lives, struggles, and successes of this extraordinary nation and its extraordinarily resilient women. With an introduction by Laura Bush, honorary founding co-chair of the U.S.-Afghan Women’s Council.
Afghanistan has been described as “the worst nation in the world to be a woman.” More than fifty percent of girls who are forced into marriage are sixteen or younger. Too many women live in fear and in many areas, education and employment for women are still condemned. The women featured in We Are Afghan Women are fighting to change all that. From rug weavers to domestic violence counselors to business owners, educators, and activists, these courageous women are charting a new path for themselves, their families, their communities, and their nation. Told in their own voices, their stories vividly capture a country undone by decades of war and now struggling to build a lasting peace.
Meet Dr. Sakena Yacoobi, who ran underground schools for girls until the Taliban fell, and today has established educational centers across Afghanistan to teach women and girls basic literacy. Or Freshta Hazeq, who as a female business owner, has faced death threats, sabotage, and even kidnapping threats against her children. Naheed Farid is the youngest female member of Afghanistan’s parliament. During her campaign, opponents cut Naheed’s face out of campaign posters and her family risked complete ruin, but her husband and father-in-law never wavered, encouraging her to persevere. Here, too are compassionate women such as Masooma Jafari, who started a national midwives association. Her own mother was forced into marriage at age twelve and gave birth to her first child at age thirteen.
RETURN TO THE LITTLE COFFEE SHOP OF KABUL the honest, entertaining and life-affirming sequel to The Little Coffee Shop of Kabul, featuring the same loveable cast of characters, from internationally bestselling author Deborah Rodriguez. In a little coffee shop in war-torn Kabul, five very different women unite for one important cause: to protect the women in Afghanistan. Now back home in the US, SUNNY, the founder, is finding it difficult to settle and dreams of returning to her beloved coffee shop. SHEA is haunted by a traumatic event that makes her renounce her Afghan heritage.
YAZMINA, the coffee shop's new owner, wants to use her newfound security to help other women avoid the fate she narrowly escaped. ZARA, promised in marriage to a violent man she's never met, arrives at the coffee shop seeking sanctuary. And HALAJAN, the grandmother still breaking all the rules, is secretly learning to drive ...Together, these five women set out to change their lives, and the lives of women in Afghanistan, forever.
I’m pleased to share that four of Afghan Culture Unveiled Recipes are included in this book.
In "Afghan Culture", "Afghan People", "Afghan women", Books & Visual, Afghan Culture Tags The LIttle Coffee Shop of Kabul, Deborah Rodrigues, Laura Bush, Afghan women, Afghanistan, Afghan plays, Pepsi boy, Pepsi boys, Afghan books
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Dolphins Eliminated
19 March 2015 12:45: The CAF Interclubs Organising Committee issued its decision on Thursday, 19 March 2015 on the basis of the various reports of the match officials and correspondences between the concerned parties.
The Committee had received a petition from Nigerian club, Dolphins, through the Nigeria Football Federation. Dolphins did not show up at Rades Stadium (Tunisia) on Saturday, 14 March 2015 at 3pm local time, for the kick-off of the match against Club Africain of Tunisia, for the 1/16th round first leg of the Orange Confederation Cup. The referee acknowledged forfeiture of Dolphins.
The Committee noted that the Nigeria Football Federation did not observe article 10.2 of Chapter IX of the rules of the competition, which obliges the federation of the visiting team to inform the federation of the host team and CAF of the date of arrival in the capital of the host country at least two weeks prior to the date scheduled for the match. The non-observance of this disposition attracts a fine of $2000.
As it stands, the club only informed CAF on 13 March 2015 of the fact that it missed its flight between Port-Harcourt and Lagos, and could only arrive in Tunis on the day of the match without requesting for a postponement of the encounter. Even though the request was not made, CAF proposed to the Tunisian team to delay the kick-off of the match by 30 minutes for the sake of fair-play.
In view of the above, the Committee did not consider that we were facing a case of force majeure and went on to apply Article 17 of Chapter XI of the regulations, which states: “If for any reason whatsoever, a team withdraws from the competition or does not report for a match-except in case of force majeure accepted by the Organizing Committee - or if it refuses to play or leaves the ground before the regular end of the match without the permission of the referee, it shall be considered loser and shall be eliminated from the competition.”
Dolphins are thus eliminated without prejudice to other financial sanctions that could be taken by the Committee.
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akkord film
Akkord develops and produces feature films and TV series with a focus on animated production, both German and international co-productions. Akkord is one of the leading German film producers in animation and has built solid relationships all over the world with producers, production studios, broadcasters, local distributors, subsidy funds and international distributors. This network of worldwide partners secures Akkord’s co-financing abilities as well as access to creative resources and top-notch projects. Akkord’s productions are seen through with passion and love and regularly receive international awards and prizes. As member of the animation department of the German Producers Alliance, Akkord is taking an active contribution of the German animation industry.
Founded in 2001 by Dirk Beinhold, Akkord benefits from over 28 years of his producing experience in Los Angeles and Germany. Akkord’s co-founder, Vinh Pham, worked at Polygram and Hollywood’s largest talent agency CAA from 1991 to 1997. The core of the company consists of Akkord’s story development team with the experienced creative producers Katharina Wicke, Susanne Biesinger und Claudio Winter. Valentin Greulich joined Akkord in 2012 as a Production Executive and has been the company’s COO since 2017, assisted by Finance & Contract Administrator Annkatrin Swars. In 2013, Akkord established branch offices in Hamburg and near Stuttgart with more top-class employees for Akkord’s animated productions. Thanks to the development of numerous feature films and TV series with a focus on family entertainment, Akkord is also broadening its range of international partnerships.
© 2019 akkord film produktion GmbH. Imprint. Privacy Policy.
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Tuesday, Apr 16, 2019, 3:45 pm
The Stop & Shop Strike Is Showing There’s Still Power in a Union
BY Michael Arria
Stop & Shop workers maintain a picket line while on strike on April 12, 2019 in Somerville, Massachusetts. (Photo by Scott Eisen/Getty Images)
Roughly 31,000 employees of the northeastern grocery chain Stop & Shop have been on strike for nearly a week across more than 240 stores in Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island. The workers, represented by the United Food & Commercial Workers (UFCW), walked out on April 11 after voting to authorize the strike in March. During what is reportedly the largest private sector strike in three years, talks continued Tuesday, with neither side able to make an agreement.
Stop & Shop is owned by Ahold Delhaize, a retail company based in The Netherlands. Ahold Delhaize is a $44 billion company, and it's saved millions thank to the corporate tax breaks implemented by the Trump administration. Workers say that, despite these numbers, Stop & Shop is attempting to cut employee pensions, raise the cost of healthcare and roll back overtime pay. They’re also concerned about the company’s rising use of automation, which many believe will lead to inevitable layoffs.
The workers have received vast support throughout the community, while the stores have been forced to scrape by with temporary staff in many areas. An employee named Temika who works at a store in Providence uploaded a Facebook video detailing what the current state of the store. “I had a family member go in today and just take a look around,” she said, continuing, “It looked terrible. The prepared foods, the deli, the seafood department, the bakery—everything was shut down. The tables looked exactly the way they looked the day [everybody went on strike], which means they haven’t been rotating anything.”
The current state of Stop & Shop should be a legitimate concern for the company. The Southern California grocery strike of 2003 to 2004 led to the establishment of new grocery chains and customers shifting their allegiances after they began shopping at different stores. The same trend could very well impact New England. Customer Gail Zulla told a local news station that she used to shop at a Providence location of Stop & Shop but had been picking up her groceries at the local rival Shaw’s. "It's the busiest I've ever seen a Shaw's in my life,” she said, “It's like it's a snow storm. There's no bread, there's nothing." She said she’ll take her business elsewhere while the strike is underway, adding, "maybe I'll stay at Shaw's.”
When In These Times spoke with UFCW Local 1445 political director Jim Carvalho last month, he said that the union was hoping other workers would be inspired by the actions of the Stop & Shop employees. This appears to have born out. The striking workers have received solidarity from faith groups, other unions and local lawmakers. Rabbi Jon-Jay Tilsen of Beth El-Keser Israel in New Haven told The New Haven Register, “Any food purchased by crossing a picket line or from scab workers is not kosher for Passover.” The Teamsters Council 10 has stopped picking up trash for the company, and Massachusetts Democratic Senator (and presidential candidate) Elizabeth Warren showed up at a picket line with coffee and donuts for the employees. "These giant companies think they can knock unions back," Warren told the Somerville crowd on April 12. "Unions are here to stay because when you're fighting for your family, you stay in the fight until you win."
After a video of Boston Bruins legend Ray Bourque leaving a Stop & Shop was posted on social media, the former hockey player felt compelled to release a statement via Twitter. “Being a union hockey player for 22 years I respect Unions and the work that they do.” Bourque tweeted. “I have a medical condition that I was preparing for this morning and mistakenly crossed the picket line at Stop & Shop. On my way out I apologized immediately. I support the employees of Stop & Shop and once my medical condition is resolved I plan on returning to stand in solidarity and will walk the picket line alongside the members of the union.”
While unionization is declining throughout the country, Massachusetts—where most Stop & Shop stores are located—has actually experienced a sizable uptick. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the amount of workers who consider themselves part of a union went up by 16% from 2017 to 2018.
However, Stop & Shop remains one of the only remaining unionized stores in the industry, as big-box retailers like Walmart have put others out of business in recent years. As grocery industry analyst Burt Flickinger recently told The Boston Globe, “Stop & Shop is the last, best, and final hope for the great Roman empires of unionized food retail chains.”
Michael Arria
Michael Arria covers labor and social movements. Follow him on Twitter: @michaelarria
More by Michael Arria
American Airlines Mechanics Are Threatening the “Bloodiest, Ugliest Battle” in Labor History
Will the Teacher Strike Wave Hit Mississippi?
Why Workers at the Biggest Grocery Chain in New England Just Authorized a Strike
Polar Vortex Shows How Incarcerated Workers Are Bearing the Brunt of Extreme Weather
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HomeAbout The Review
Is there anybody out there?: Many students unaware of campus media outlets
Grace McKenna/THE REVIEW
Do you know about the student media sources available to you at the university?
BY MATTHEW MCKEE
The Review and WVUD are in the West annex of Perkins Student Center.
At the university, some of the most interesting and accessible services provided are the multiple student-run public media sources. These are not only free to access for students who wish to follow campus news and be entertained, but also organizations that any undergraduate can become a part of if they so choose.
Despite this, there is still the possibility that these rare college opportunities are falling on deaf ears. Here, we attempt to answer the question: Do most students actually know about these student media? And of those who do know, how many of them actually use them?
For the sake of answering these questions, I put my focus on three different media organizations that are kept up and run on campus in the same ways as any other university organization. These are WVUD, STN 49 and The Review, of course.
For those out of the loop, WVUD is the public radio station on campus, where students are invited to sign up and host their own shows to be heard across Newark. STN 49 is the university’s television station, where students can produce their own shows related to news, sports and more.
To gauge student awareness, I set out to ask random students around campus how familiar they were with these different media entities and how often they engage with them. The results were less than stellar.
Students were the most familiar with The Review, and those who were not quickly learned about it as they were being interviewed for The Review. The location of newspapers all across campus and the prominence of the offices in Perkins Student Center seemed to be the main contributing factor to this.
When it came to actually reading the paper, most students expressed that they had at least read something in the past, most commonly using the website as stories would occasionally appear in their social media feed.
WVUD was almost as well-understood as the newspaper, the large sign on the side of Perkins again being a main reason for this. Though it seemed that most students knew what the radio station was, most could not say they ever went out of their way to listen.
“I knew it existed because I lived on Academy for a while and the building was right there,” senior Dylan Leh says.
But Leh had no experience listening to WVUD before, and this was much of the same from other students asked around campus.
Students interviewed seemed to have the lowest awareness of STN 49. When asked for ideas on how to make them more interested in a university television station, students had a few interesting ones.
Sophomore Mariah Mallis suggests that STN 49 could give students “a rundown of what’s happening” to keep them informed, similar to WVUD.
Another common idea was to implement comedic programming, such as skits or sketch comedy.
However, such a show already exists. The Biweekly Show, premiering live every other Tuesday on STN 49, has been popular on the station for many years.
From all the interviews, there seems to be some disconnect when it comes to student awareness of university media. Whether this is the fault of the media outlets or the students is unknown, but both could probably do better.
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Tania Strecker and Joe Mace (alternate episodes)
BBC Choice, 2 October 2000 to 24 February 2002 (20 episodes in 2 series)
Frankly, we're getting more pleasantly surprised by the Beeb by the minute. With The Weakest Link they've got a ratings hit which aims to give away £10,000 a day. Then came a show on BBC Choice which gave a holiday of a lifetime away to one lucky couple, daily. On BBC Choice, the channel that could hardly get picked up very well.
And by looking at it, you'd think that it was a modern cheapo version of Passport crossed with Ultra Quiz with random excerpts of modern contemporary music liberally sprinkled on top. The reason that you'd think that is because that's kind of what it was.
Five couples were flown somewhere nice in the world (Where d'ya want to go? NEW YORK! Where don't you want to go? Newquay, etc.) and they competed in various challenges. There were four in total and if you came last in any of the challenges then you got the next plane home so in the space of 24 hours four of the five couples would not only have flown to the place in question but would have flown back home too. Cruel indeed, given that trips to America are about 7 hours long and you'd be eliminated as soon as you get there.
Round One was The Plane Game where each of our five couples used the plane trip to read up on the travel guides they'd been given on the place of destiny. Then they got a written questionnaire. The couple who performed the worst got to stay on the plane because once it landed it went straight back home.
The next three challenges all seemed as if they were concocted about five minutes before they decided to film it.
Round 2 in New York, which is the place and episode we're basing this synopsis on, had the remaining four couples shooting one at a time from the free throw line of a basketball court with the first three to get shots in going on and the fourth couple going home.
Round 3 got the three remaining couples to get residents of New York to feed them hot dogs which would also have to be photographed. The team who ate the least hot dogs, with the photos to prove it were sent home.
The losers cabs back to the airport rather hilariously had hidden cameras in them so we found out what they really thought of the experience, the other contestants and so on. Sneaky but fun.
The final round then and our couples tried and found the correct key that opened the Penthouse suite they would be staying in. What followed was a bit like the Locked in the Limo game from Whatever You Want but instead of answering questions on their favourite stars, one of the couple filled in a questionnaire and the questions were multiple choice based on their responses. Whoever did best in Round 3 went first. Get a question right, pick a key, if it fits you won if it didn't your opponent tried. Keep going until someone won a holiday for two.
Shockingly, for a travel game show there were surprisingly little actual travelly bits in it apart from random facts about the city read out by the locals between rounds. The music played over the top was of varying relevance. It was very difficult to feel tension when faced with eating hot dogs. That about sums up the show really.
Retrieved from "http://ukgameshows.com/ukgs/Come_Fly_with_Me"
Category: Action and Adventure
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Home»Sports»Danes Let One Slip Away on National Stage
Danes Let One Slip Away on National Stage
John C. Longton III 2018-02-09
John C. Longton III / February 9, 2018 / 0
Joe Cremo drives to the basket — Nick Wood ASP
ALBANY, N.Y. — We’ve seen this before. The Great Danes surrendered late game leads to the Catamounts in recent years and when these teams square off you just know that it’s never over.
This one might have hurt a little more. Maybe it was because the Danes were up by almost 20 points at one point. Maybe it’s because the Danes squandered two second half double digit leads. Or maybe because all of this happened while the game was being broadcasted nationally on ESPN U.
The Vermont Catamounts defeated the UAlbany Great Danes 72-67 in front of an electric packed house of 3,602 at SEFCU Arena on Thursday night.
UAlbany led by 17 points in the first half and had two separate double digit leads in the second half, but could not survive the Vermont surge late in the game. The Great Dane offense grew stagnant in the last 2:38 and the Catamounts closed out the contest on a 6-0 run to give them their 31st conference win in a row and have now beat UAlbany in their last five meetings.
“I thought Albany played really well,” said Vermont Head Coach John Becker. “They were dominant most of the game and the better team for most of the game. I’ll have to take a look at the tape to see how we actually won this game to be honest with you.”
“I honestly don’t know how we won that game,” said Vermont senior forward Drew Urquhart after the game. Urquhard scored 12 of his 19 points in the second half as his team raced to the finish line strong. “The last 10 minutes were a blur and once you’re in that competitive mindset it’s just like blackout mode and do whatever you can to get that W.”
This is not uncharted territory for the Catamounts, who came back on the Danes late in the second half twice last year, the most memorable being the America East Championship game last March. This team is rolling and the only America East team to go toe to toe with them in the last two years have been the Great Danes. They just haven’t been able to close them out.
“We’ve proven that we can take them down to the wire, but we’ve not gotten the job done,” said UAlbany Head Coach Will Brown.
The Danes were feeling themselves in the first half. They started the game by making their first four buckets in a row. Travis Charles kicked off the action and his mid-range jumper was hitting early. Charles had eight of his 12 points in the first seven minutes and the Danes raced out to a 17-11 lead. Before you knew it they pushed that to 25-11 in the midst of a 10-0 run and ultimately went on a 19-2 run, extending their lead to 30-13 with just over seven minutes to play in the first half. The building was buzzing and the Danes looked as if they were going to route the Catamounts on ESPN U in a showcase game for the rest of the nation to see.
That was the apex of the game for the Danes. Vermont chipped into the lead and would only trail UAlbany by nine heading into the break. Catamount senior guard Trae Bell-Haynes made a layup with just three seconds to go in the first half to make the game 35-26. The fact that that basket cut the lead to single digits gave Vermont poise during intermission.
“That’s huge for your confidence to be able to score. Nine is always better than 11,” said Bell-Haynes, who finished with 20 points.
It only took the Catamounts four minutes to tie the game up at 41 in the second half. They came out of the locker room and played with a lot more intensity that they had on display in the first half.
“The first half we were pretty soft and we kind of let them go down and do what they wanted,” said Bell-Haynes. “In the second half we were able to slow them down and take away some key shots.”
The Catamounts smothered the Danes in the last 20 minutes and limited them to shooting 38-percent from the floor, compared to 52-percent in the first half. The Danes did however manage to go on a couple runs in the second half, but Vermont silenced the crowd and went on their own runs response like clockwork. They were able to knife their way to the glass for a few easy layups down the stretch.
It also didn’t help that they got to the charity stripe twice as many times as the Danes and went a perfect 20-for-20 from the line, which ultimately was the deciding factor.
“When you give them layups and 20 points from the free-throw line they’re a tough team to beat,” said Cremo. “They are already tough to beat and you can’t do that stuff against them.”
Cremo did have a shot attempt to tie the game with 13 seconds left, but the ball rimmed out and was a microcosm of this Vermont UAlbany series in the past couple of years.
“It’s a shot that I work on all the time. It just didn’t drop,” said Cremo.
The Danes had their chances and almost took down a goliath that haven’t lost a regular season conference game since February 8th 2016. Not only that, but the game was nationally televised and it showed the rest of the country that the America East Conference is not to be taken lightly.
“It was a physical America East old school slugfest,” said Becker.
“Hats off to Vermont. They finished the game strong,” said Brown. “We just have to keep working at getting better, but I’m proud of my guy’s effort.”
The Danes want another shot at Vermont, but have a long road ahead if they want a chance to do so. Right now UAlbany is sitting in fourth place in the division with a 6-5 conference record with five games remaining in the regular season. This Sunday they travel out to Hartford and will try to avenge a 72-64 loss by the Hawks from earlier this season.
If the Danes run the table, they have a chance at getting the number two seed in the America East Conference Tournament and a possible rematch with a Catamount team that they desperately want to beat.
“I think they [Vermont] will go 16-0 in league play,” said Brown. “Hopefully we get another crack at them.”
John C. Longton III
John C. Longton III is the sports editor of the Albany Student Press. He previously served as sports editor for Hudson Valley Community College's student newspaper, the Hudsonian. Longton also works for Townsquare Media, the Albany Patroons, and runs his own podcast weekly, Rated R Sports.
Tags:America EastAmerica East basketballCatamountsGo great danesGreat DanesUAlbany Great Danesualbany mens basketball
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Patience Continues to Pay Off for Cam Healy
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ARGENTINA – MONACO
ARGENTINA - MONACO
The Argentine Republic territory, located in the southern end and to the Southwest of South America between Andes Mountain Range and the Atlantic Ocean, is the second biggest in South America and the eighth regarding extension in the world. It is a country organized in a representative and federal way, with 23 provinces and an autonomous city, Buenos Aires, capital and seat of the federal government.
Argentina is an emerging country, recognized by The World Bank as one of South America powers. According to World Wild Fund (WWF) recent report, Argentina is the ninth country (among more than 150 countries) with the greatest natural wealth and biodiversity.
Argentine Republic stopped being an Spanish colony in 1810, becoming a very attractive country for large waves of European, Asian and South American immigrants. That is the reason why Argentina is described as a “melting pot”. Its people hospitality allowed social integration and cultural and economic development.
The Principality of Monaco is a City State of Europe. Located on the French Riviera, also called Côte d’Azur (old Niza County), between the Mediterranean Sea and The Alps, 15 km away from the Italian border.
Monaco history begins as from the 13th century and it has been associated since then to the Grimaldi family. In has a constitutional monarchic system, being ruled since 2005 by Sovereign Prince Albert II. Its official language is French, but Italian and English are also spoken. ‘Monegù’ is the Monegasque language, used by the old and taught at Principality schools.
Since the 19th century, the Principality of Monaco has been a welcoming place for people from all over the world. Monégasque hospitality has contributed to Principality development and success. Monaco is the second smallest independent region of the world, following the Vatican, being recognized by its financial capacity, optimal living conditions, and its solidarity actions.
AMA is a non-profitable Association, founded in 2006. It is located at The Principality of Monaco and has a representation in Argentina.
Number of oficial page Monaco: #7745 of 3/3/2006
RT @FundacionRuta40: FR40 dice PRESENTE en #DialogoEducacion junto a 60 organizaciones @SemEducacion #YoVotoEducación http://t.co/cJ8lhokWMJ 4 years
Thanks @maurocolagreco & friends for such a wonderful evening! #OliverBonnet @BeSeaSkin http://t.co/RYZKH6Htdp 5 years
Follow @monacoargentina
© 2019 AMA Association Monaco-Argentina.
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‘Tis the Season: Justin Vivian Bond Subverts the Spirit of the Holidays
By Andy Battaglia Posted 12/15/17 12:36 pm
Justin Vivian Bond.
DAVID KIMELMAN
Justin Vivian Bond has a habit of gracing holiday cabaret shows with sentiments attributable to a slightly skewed perspective. Previous titles for the artist’s seasonal affairs include “Star of Light! An Evening of Bi-Polar Witchy Wonder” and “The Bi-Polar Express,” and musical offerings within them have been known to showcase stirring renditions of songs such as “Somebody’s House Always Burns At Christmas.” This year, in the cozy environs of Joe’s Pub in New York, the tradition continues with a multi-night run for the newest variation on a theme: “Justin Vivian Bond: Manger Danger! Jesus as a Weapon and a Tool.”
The musically inclined and monologue-inclusive show—which opened last night and continues through December 23—follows in a lineage tracing back to Bond’s holiday-themed shows as part the outlandish cabaret duo Kiki & Herb, for which the artist channeled the persona of a booze-swilling, pill-popping octogenarian with a grizzled voice and a tendency to overshare. Music is the centerpiece, but garrulous banter between songs—as well as lyrics in the songs themselves, some of them originals and many of them covers of pop stars including Joni Mitchell, Taylor Swift, Adele, Radiohead, Prince, Judee Sill, and so on—coalesce into collective narratives about holidays both enjoyed and endured.
Justin Vivian Bond at Joe’s Pub.
KEVIN YATAROLA
So what songs will feature this year? “The first line in the first song is ‘Tonight, there are no saviors,’ ” Bond said in an interview two weeks ago. Beyond that, the artist was reticent to share too much in the way of detail, so as not to spoil the surprise for followers in New York who have made a holiday tradition of getting soused and witnessing Bond muse over the holidays with a rich mix of playful wickedness and earnest investment.
Among a few general teases were vows to address “my crush on Jesus” and to “call out all the sex stuff that’s going on, to put it simply.” “Clearly the people who are using morality in a power play have absolutely, as far as I can tell, no moral authority whatsoever,” Bond said. “So the show is about using the North Pole and the cross as a way of navigating where we’re at with our morality this Christmas. I think that’s a nice way of putting it.”
The latest performance run takes up a calling that goes back nearly to the womb. “The very first show I ever did was when I was 18 months old, in my family church,” Bond said. “I was an early talker, and they put me up on the pulpit where they had a little children’s Christmas play. I said, ‘I can wish you, though I’m small, Merry Christmas one and all.’ That was my first performance, and I’ve been doing it ever since.”
Among Bond’s early muses was the great Joni Mitchell. “My aunt was a junior choir lady, and she made the mistake of teaching us ‘Both Sides Now’ in choir practice,” the artist said. “We weren’t allowed to sing it because it was secular, but I felt so much spirituality in it. That was when I first remember being confined in what counted as being spiritually validated. That song meant so much and affected people so much more deeply than the other songs.”
Whether Mitchell will figure in “Manger Danger!” is an open question, but a certainty on the set list, Bond said, is a song from the movie Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence. “It’s a movie from the early ’80s with a soundtrack by Ryuichi Sakamoto,” Bond said. “David Bowie was in that film. I was stoned when I saw it.”
As for the moniker for the latest holiday show, the subtitle of “Manger Danger! Jesus as a Weapon and a Tool” winks at the New Museum exhibition “Trigger: Gender as a Tool and a Weapon,” in which Bond features by way of an installation and an occasional performance piece for which the artist models in a museum window on open view from the street. “That show is not at all in any way homogenous,” Bond said of “Trigger.” “It brings up a lot of different ways of looking at art and who makes art, so I’m thrilled to be in it.”
Titled My Model | My Self: I’ll Stand By You (2017), the window piece relates to an installation inside the museum that alludes to Bond’s formative infatuation with the iconic model Karen Graham. (Earlier versions of the work have shown at AMP: Art Market Provincetown in Massachusetts, Vitrine gallery in London, and Participant Inc in New York.)
“I started drawing her in high school,” Bond said of Graham, whose modeling look helped defined ’70s and ’80s glam. An illustration by Bond’s teenage hand features in the installation, and then, for the performance component in the window, the artist puts down stakes for pre-scheduled periods and strikes poses inspired by Graham in an environment outfitted like a photographer’s set with hand-drawn wallpaper and a red velvet rope. “ ‘Two minutes is a long time’—those are the only words I’ve ever heard her utter,” Bond said of an interview that Graham once gave on camera.
As for the hot pink dress that Bond dons when in thrall to Graham’s legacy, the artist said, “I had to figure out what I was going to wear. What would be the relevant?”
While researching clothes from the time of Graham’s prime, Bond realized a lot of the designers’ names were unknown decades later. “All the names I didn’t know were designers who died of AIDS in the ’80s and ’90s,” Bond said. “I was overcome. I got so angry and upset—it was one of those things that literally triggered me.”
Justin Vivian Bond, My Model | My Self: I’ll Stand by You, 2017, at New Museum, New York.
SCOTT RUDD
One name that presented itself was that of Frank Masandrea. “Through my research,” Bond said, “I discovered that he had been one of the first people in the fashion industry to start doing events to raise awareness of how AIDS was decimating the fashion industry.” A search for vintage evening wear turned up a keeper designed by Masandrea himself: a “beautiful silk pink dress with a rhinestone tear drop,” Bond said. “It was on eBay for like $29, and it fit me like a glove.”
Bond described the tribute as bittersweet. “As a young trans person, I couldn’t conceive of myself in terms of wanting to be trans,” the artist said. “I would think of myself in terms of wanting to be a woman. I looked at heteronormative people because there weren’t trans people to look at as role models.”
“But who dresses these people?” Bond asked. “The gays—and then they die and nobody ever remembers them or thinks of them ever again. In creating glamour and these sorts of imagery that we are surrounded by, are we complicit, are we implicit, or are we actually not allowed to participate? You know, ‘You can do this, but you can’t do that.’ By standing in the window in this dress, I’m proclaiming the existence of all these things.”
"Trigger: Gender as a Tool and a Weapon"
'I Saw Music as Less Commercial and More Free': Kim Gordon on Her Warhol Museum Survey, Her Career as an Artist, and Working with Larry Gagosian
'The More You Look at Susan's Work, the More You Uncover': Susan Te Kahurangi King's Inimitable Drawings Showcased in Chicago
Flying Colors: Beth Letain on Her Electrifying, 'Slightly Perverse' Painting Practice
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Rajesh Thakker, M.D., ScD
Institution: Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford
Career Stage: May Professor of Medicine, University of Oxford
Research Focus: Molecular Genetics of Disorders of Calcium Homeostasis
ASBMR committee/leadership positions held:
Associate Editor for JBMR 2003-2008; 2013-present
Programme Co-chair for organising 30th ASBMR Annual Meeting (2008)
ASBMR Louis V Avioli Founder's Award (2009)
What brought you to the bone field and why have you stayed?
This began, in the mid 1980s, with a patient, as is often the case for physician-scientists. I had developed an early interest in endocrinology and medicine, and was admitting patients from the Emergency Department. The patient, a young woman, had severe hematemesis due to a peptic ulcer, a past history of renal stones due to primary hyperparathyroidism, and further investigation showed she had a prolactinoma. This indicated that she had multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1), a genetic disorder inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. The genetic defect and the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms causing MEN1 were unknown. I was fortunate to work with Jeffrey O'Riordan, who had expertise in endocrinology and calcium homeostasis, and he encouraged me to pursue research.
Moreover, I attended patients with metabolic bone and mineral disorders and realised that many gaps existed in our knowledge of their underlying mechanisms, and that these could be elucidated through the recent advances in molecular biology. This was exemplified by an inspiring lecture, by Jack Martin, on the identification of parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP), as the humoral factor causing the hypercalcemia of malignancy, in which he illustrated the usefulness of the molecular approach to understanding fundamental disease processes. I was deeply excited by this discovery and the scientific approach, and obtained a Medical Research Council (MRC) clinical training fellowship to pursue research studies aimed at further understanding the biological mechanisms for mineral disorders. Since then, I have been continually supported by the MRC (UK), and the bone and mineral field has provided continuing challenges and excitement in the discovery of the underlying biological mechanisms causing human disease.
What has been your favorite ASBMR Annual Meeting moment?
My favourite ASBMR annual meeting moment occurred at my first ABMR meeting in 1988. I suddenly had the opportunity of meeting my heroes - the top researchers (e.g. Michael Whyte) whose papers I had been avidly reading – and discussing scientific ideas with them. The ASBMR was friendly and welcoming, with the senior investigators eager to discuss ideas and to provide encouragement. This was well illustrated by a conversation that I had with Gerald Aurbach in 1991. My PhD student (David Parkinson) and I had identified a PTH mutation causing an autosomal recessive form of hypoparathyroidism. Gerald Aurbach listened with interest and encouraged submission to a top quality journal, which we did, and published our results in Nature Genetics. I have always found that my favourite moments at any ASBMR annual meeting are the lively discussions in science and clinical medicine that take place around the posters, at the oral presentations, and also informally over coffee. It is these discussions that maintain the vibrancy and youthful eagerness of the ASBMR that are the bedrock of collaborations and friendships, which I most treasure.
What is a challenge you have faced and how did you overcome it?
Rejection is a tough challenge that every academic will face, whether it is a paper, grant, or a job application. I find the best way of overcoming rejection is to avoid anger (it only channels your energy into a futile activity), but instead to focus on appropriate resubmission/reapplication, while considering the constructive criticism you’ve received from reviewers. To help me focus, I will go for a long walk, run or swim; talk to my wife (always sympathetic) and family; discuss the issues with my team, colleagues and friends; and take soundings from mentors (e.g. Graham Russell and Kay Davies) who give good and direct advice.
I also try to keep the challenge in perspective by reminding myself that I am undertaking the research to understand the disease and thereby improve care for patients, who have had to overcome, during the course of their illness, much bigger challenges. Finally, I try to be resilient and will reflect on Rudyard Kipling’s advice to his son in the form of his memorable poem “If” and especially the words “…If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster, and treat those two imposters just the same...[then]…you’ll be a man, my son!”
Dr. Thakker is a May Professor of Medicine at the University of Oxford.
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Which All-Star festivities are the best?
By Bay Area Duck Guy
The Major League Baseball All-Star festivities are fast approaching, and it got me thinking: which league’s All-Star festivities are the best?
Each league has a pretty similar approach to the festivities, but there are some differences.
Here is a breakdown of each league:
Pro Bowl played in Hawaii each year the week before the Super Bowl.
Rosters voted on by fans, players, and coaches – each accounts for one-third of the vote.
Although the NFL has the least amount of extra festivities around the All-Star game, it draws higher television ratings than any other sport. The last Pro Bowl was reported to have 13.5 million viewers. Despite the high ratings, many fans (and media) were not fond of the game because, as the article previously linked puts it, players were “hitting each other as though they were having a pillow fight.”
Game takes place in February each year, around the half-way point in the season in a different venue each year.
Starters for Eastern and Western Conference teams are voted on by fans, rest of roster filled out by coaches vote (coaches cannot vote for their own players).
Dunk Contest, 3-Point Shootout, and other skills competitions accompany the game as part of the festivities.
Rookie-Sophomore game takes place.
Celebrity-Legends game takes place as well.
The NBA has done a good job in the last few years making the All-Star Weekend a celebration of the sport and its athletes while keeping fans connected to the festivities. Fans have a huge say in the Dunk Contest because voting for the champion is done via fans text messaging in their vote.
A professor of mine at the University of Oregon’s Warsaw Sports Marketing Center, Paul Swangard, often remarks about the high quality of the marketing done by the NBA, and told my class that they do it best based on their advertising, fan connection, and celebratory feeling.
Although not as lackluster as the Pro Bowl, the NBA All-Star game is not a true basketball game until the fourth quarter when the teams start to buckle down. Until then, it’s pretty much a playground game (usually), which can be fun to watch in its own regard.
Roster selection seems to be a happy medium in this case where fans control who starts but coaches control the rest of the roster. However, players are removed from the mix, which seems a little unfortunate since it is a celebration of the talent of the players.
Game played at a different ball park each season on second Tuesday in July (hence the nickname “Midsummer Classic”).
Starters determined by fan voting, roster filled out by players ballot and manager selections.
Accompanied by Home Run Derby every year the day before.
Celebrity-Legends Softball game played as well.
Players wear their own team uniforms during the game rather than a new uniformed denoting which All-Star squad they are a part of.
Despite its problems, the MLB All-Star game probably has the most tradition and importance of all of the leagues. This makes the game more intense, and it is marketed accordingly.
Recently, the Home Run Derby has become more fantasy-like with the players actually picking the teams. It’s clear this has made it a bit more fun for the players (just look at how into it they all are while watching the Derby), but it’s also helped downplay the worry that the Derby curses players for the remainder of the season since the players who participate really want to.
Game played at season’s midway point in January.
Rosters selected by fans and NHL Hockey Operations Department.
Rather than having East vs. West, the teams are picked through a fantasy draft conducted by the players themselves.
Game accompanied by Skills Competition.
Talk about making it fun for the players. Each team captain (chosen by his peers) gets the chance to put together a true dream team from a pool of the best players the NHL has to offer. Ratings wise, the NHL is the least popular sport in the United States, but this change has begun to pick up some momentum for the NHL All-Star festivities as other leagues are beginning to do similar fantasy-style drafts in their festivities.
All in all, each league does things a little different. MLB has the tradition, the NHL has the new idea, the NBA has the celebration package, and the NFL has the viewers (although I’m still not sure why based on the way the players play the game).
It seems that only time will tell if the NHL’s new format will really catch on, but it certainly has potential. MLB still has the most important game, but the NBA has a better package for the fans.
Which league has the best All-Star festivites?
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San Jose Sharks hire Hall of Famer Larry Robinson as assistant coach
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Travelers often bring the world home with them
Travelers often go to the ends of the earth to bring home colorful indigenous crafts to add distinctive notes to their homes.
Except for missing out on the adventure of travel itself, armchair travelers can buy some of the same unusual objects.
Crafts from faraway places can be found in home furnishings specialty stores, crafts galleries and, increasingly, via the Internet through dot-com companies and nonprofit groups.
For example, the wares of Bangladeshi artisans were displayed to retailers shopping a gift fair in January. They are being offered through a joint venture between an American company, One Nest.com, Inc. (http://www.onenest.com) and the Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee and include textiles, baskets, woodworking items and clothing.
“People of Bangladesh can sell more products and use the income to educate their children, live in better conditions, and gain respect among their peers,” said Durreen Shahnaz, a Bangladesh native and CEO of One Nest. In return, Americans have access to interesting decorative objects.
One Nest is one of a number of Web sites now putting artisans from the developing world and American retailers together for mutual benefit. Another example is http://www.viatru.com.
There are also Web sites for consumers, such as http://www.novica.com, with a database of approximately 8,500 items made by 1,700 artisans and artists from around the world. Customers order directly from the maker.
Logging onto http://www.peoplink.org results in access to large database of products, countries and prices. In January, there was even a sale section with serving spoons from Africa, baskets and birdhouses from the Philippines and musical instruments from various countries.
“While many craftspeople in underdeveloped parts of the world have no electricity, those that do have access to computers and cameras to present their objects, as well as the marketing know-how to take advantage of them, and can find it helpful to sell on the Internet,” says Paola Gianturco of Mill Valley.
Gianturco, co-author of “In Her Hands: Craftswomen Changing the World” (Monachelli Press, $60, hardcover), recently completed a five-year project in which she saw firsthand how making craft objects is helping sometimes desperately poor women raise their families’ standard of living.
She became intrigued with the subject in 1995 and decided to take a sabbatical from her corporate consulting business to photograph and write about the phenomenon.
She invited a former colleague, Toby Tuttle of Evergreen, Colo., to join the adventure. Before each of six trips, the women lined up interpreters knowledgeable about crafts who spoke English as well as the native language.
Their book showcases the crafts and lives of some 90 women in 12 countries in Latin America, Eastern Europe, Africa, and Asia. Altogether 18 different crafts are represented, including rugs from Turkey; textiles such as applique panels, woven fabrics and knitted doll purses; pottery from Latin America; flower painted panels from Poland; straw baskets and mats from Africa; and batik work from Indonesia.
There is a great variety in both the crafts themselves and the methods for marketing them. “Some of the handicrafts are exquisite and elegant and some are funky, some expensive and others inexpensive, some for sale locally and others internationally,” Gianturco said.
Not all the customers for crafts are foreigners. “In Bali, women used to spend as much as a third of their day creating elaborate religious offerings of arrangements of fruit and flowers,” Gianturco said.
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Government Reform over the Past 20 Years - Part 5, Becoming Collaborative
Submitted by rgordon on Thu, 11/08/2018 - 10:23
In the IBM Center’s new book, Government For The Future: Reflection and Vision for Tomorrow’ Leaders, we have identified six major trends that have driven government management reforms. This is the fourth in a six-part series where we highlight each trend; part two summarizes the evolution of performance management in U.S. federal, state, and local governments. For more detail, see the chapter on Becoming Collaborative.
The concept of “collaborative governance”—that is, working jointly across the traditional boundaries of governmental agencies, and between the public and private sectors—has proven an effective strategy for implementing policy initiatives over the past two decades in an increasingly interdependent environment. The descriptive terms for these phenomena vary—from networks and collaborations to partnerships, horizontal government, boundary spanning, joined up government, and more.
What Drives Collaborative Governance?
Professor Rosemary O’Leary has described how government has steadily increased its use of collaborative approaches in lieu of the traditional hierarchical and bureaucratic approach. She says there are several explanations for this shift.
First, most public challenges are larger than one organization, requiring new approaches to addressing public issues such as housing, pollution, transportation, andhealthcare.
Second, collaboration helps to improve the effectiveness and performance of programs by encouraging new to provide services.
Third, technology advances helped “organizations and their employees to share information in a that is integrative andinteroperable.”
Finally, citizens are seeking additional avenues for engaging in governance, resulting in new and different forms of collaborative problem solving and decision making.
Evolution of Collaborative Networks
Progress in this area has moved through three major phases over past 20 years, as shown in the following chart:
Early action: Informal networks of people, programs, and organizations—and the use of partnerships (a more formalized approach)—grew organically, largely from the bottom-up, as pragmatic responses to specific situations. These included community-led efforts to improve the water quality of rivers, as well as the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s efforts to prevent future damage to communities facing natural disasters—versus only responding to a community after a disaster has occurred.
Expansion: Policy makers began to proactively use network- based, collaborative governance models to address broader issues, such as improving food safety, addressing changes brought about by climate change, cross-agency law enforcement efforts, and creating veteran-centric approaches to myriad resources available to veterans.
Institutionalization: Statutory authority, strategic plans, and capacity-building efforts helped legitimize and provide the foundation for policymakers to use collaborative networks in a wide array of policy arenas. This has been reflected in statutory provisions creating cross-agency priority goals, Office of Management and Budget directives, and presidential directives to use collaborative approaches and to develop a cadre of career executives with experience working across organizational boundaries. Some Congress appropriated funding has also specifically targeted these efforts.
In addition, there is a shift underway to create and use “platforms” to organize and deliver internal services. Platforms are electronic business models that have become a foundation for virtually frictionless transactions and interactions between “many-to-many”—like eBay, Facebook, Airbnb and Uber. Digital platforms may presage the future of how collaborative governance evolves.
All of government will not suddenly transition to collaborative networks. And this model is not appropriate for everything that government does. As in the private sector, there will continue to be “dual operating systems,” with traditional hierarchies and collaborative networks operating side by side.
But, as the prevalence of collaborative governance increases, the use of “collaborative platforms” will grow as part of the broader family of collaborative network models. The platform concept is not new and has been widely adopted in the private sector. Businesses such as Uber, Airbnb, and Facebook all have a platform-based business model. Currently, platform models in the public sector are more prevalent at the state and local levels, and in other countries, than in the U.S. federal government. They seem more sustainable than some other forms of networks.
What is meant by “platform”? Collaborative platforms are defined as organizations or programs with dedicated competencies and resources for facilitating the creation, adaptation, and success of multiple or ongoing collaborative projects or networks. They also noted that collaborative platforms specialize in facilitating, enabling, and to some degree regulating “many-to-many” collaborative relationships. More effective platforms do not mandate participation, but rather catalyze and facilitate voluntary efforts.
Two key platform characteristics are (1) to provide a framework for other activities to be organized, and (2) to provide a stable framework that is easily reconfigured to respond to changes in demand and the broader environment. The use of platforms may mitigate in ensuring the sustainability of networks by capturing information on progress, knowledge, and work products. The use of a platform may also allow networks to scale and more quickly pivot in response to external shocks, such as funding cuts or the loss of a critical stakeholder.
In a 2008 report, Integrating Service Delivery Across Levels of Government: Case Studies of Canada and Other Countries, Jeffrey Roy and John Langford describe how other countries have adopted digital platforms to improve the delivery of services to citizens. They wrote that public services are “traditionally delivered by a plethora of government agencies via programs that are not connected to each other.” They found a global movement to be more citizen-centric in the design and delivery of services using a network approach that relies on the use of digital platforms. This is being done in countries such as Canada, Belgium, Denmark, and Australia.
At the U.S. federal level, this approach is not yet widely used in citizen interactions. However, the federal government has committed to the use of “enterprise platforms” for internal services, which is more about integrating services onto a common platform than using a voluntary collaborative networking approach. Examples include the move to shared services for human resources and payroll, the creation of the Defense Health Agency that is a new platform for providing healthcare services such as pharmaceutical support across military services, and the Department of Homeland Security’s development of a multiagency operations center. As state and local citizen services platforms multiply and gain experience in delivering integrated services in the coming years, this model will likely be adopted more widely at the federal level as well.
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News Pack
BT Top 30
Dullas Alahapperuma Outlines the track record
Politicians don't retire. They are made to retire, if at all. Dullas Alahapperuma was different. He ‘retired hurt'. The political arena, however, has a way of un-retiring the voluntarily retired. He came back with a shout, this unassuming man did. In a political milieu where the only endowments that seem to count are wealth and connections, Dullas had what many would think is the poorer g....
Cover story - October 2008
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Politicians don't retire. They are made to retire, if at all. Dullas Alahapperuma was different. He ‘retired hurt'. The political arena, however, has a way of un-retiring the voluntarily retired. He came back with a shout, this unassuming man did. In a political milieu where the only endowments that seem to count are wealth and connections, Dullas had what many would think is the poorer gift, the power of the word. This is a rare asset and one which was recognised and employed to good effect by Mahinda Rajapaksa. Today, as the minister in charge of a subject whose defining words are ‘inefficiency', ‘corruption,' and ‘patronage', namely transportation, Dullas needs more than words to deliver what has always been thought to be undeliverable. He has a plan. He had a story to tell. We listened.
By Malinda Seneviratne
Let us begin at the beginning. Outline for us briefly your journey from the moment you switched from journalist to politician.
I was working as the News Editor of the ‘Lakdiva' newspaper when the Southern Provincial Council was dissolved in May 1993. Mangala Samaraweera invited me to contest on the Sri Lanka Freedom Party ticket. He was the one who brought me into electoral politics, and although we have our differences, I am deeply indebted to him for this move. I secured the highest number of preferential votes. The Provincial Council was dissolved over the Franciscu incident the following year. I was re-elected in March 1994 and was appointed the Minister of Transport and also as the SLFP organizer for Kamburupitiya. The SLFP got 65.5% of the vote in Kamburupitiya at the August 1994 general election. This was the highest percentage secured by the party in any electorate, even better than the traditional stronghold of Attanagalla. As for me, I topped the list from the Matara District. It is pertinent to record that the SLFP had been out of power for 17 years. There were very few with ministerial experience; in fact, I was one of just 13 persons who had held such a post among those in our parliamentary group.
The record showed that you were not made a minister or even a deputy minister. In fact, one might argue that you were deliberately sidelined. Was there disillusionment as a consequence?
Yes, I was not made a minister. On the other hand, neither did I solicit for a ministry. Also, not being a minister or a deputy minister does not stop you from playing a useful and productive role as a people's representative. I joined with others to offer constructive criticism about policy issues. You might remember that we were called the Mulberry Group.
You are correct, however, about being disillusioned. The political culture and the absence of any coherent action that delivered something to the people disillusioned me. Our efforts with the ‘Mulberry Group' notwithstanding, I was contemplating quitting politics altogether towards 1998-99.
Mangala Samaraweera was the one who brought me into electoral politics, and although we have our differences, I am deeply indebted to him for this move.
And yet you contested the general election in 2000. That would be contradicting this sentiment, wouldn't it?
If you remember that time, you might recall that I ran a unique campaign during that election. I wanted to explore the limits of what decent political practice could produce. My campaign obeyed the Election Law to the letter. There wasn't a single poster carrying my name, picture or number. There was no polythene either. The total cost of that campaign was Rs 64,000. I didn't treat potential voters even to a cup of plain tea.
It is an interesting fact that the wall outside my house carried everyone's picture but mine!
There were no leaflets, no advertisements. In fact, one candidate had distributed a leaflet under my name but with his preferential number! I distinctly remember a TV debate with the present Speaker, W J M Lokubandara where we were both asked to make final, wrap-up statements. Mr Lokubandara, in his inimical style, made sure that everyone knew what his preferential number was. The moderator then told me to reveal my number as well, in the interest of fairness. I refused.
I was able to convince all contending parties to come to a single stage and address prospective voters. This was a big achievement and a stark contrast to the bickering, mud-slinging and even violent culture that dominated the political scene.
Without any campaign as such, without posters, leaflets or advertisements, the people still returned me to Parliament, this time in the 4th place. I think I proved something important in this exercise.
Today, there is a strong anti-polythene ethic in our political culture and the leadership of all political parties subscribe to it. I've been involved in many election campaigns: two provincial council elections, two local government elections, two general elections and two presidential elections; and there has not been a single complaint about any untoward incident in Kamburupitiya. This is a significant achievement and I believe that the way I engaged politically has a lot to do with it.
And yet you chose not to contest in 2001. At the time you said that you were ‘too white' for politics. Your argument was that politicians were essentially ‘brown' or ‘discoloured' and a ‘white person' naturally shows them up. One can argue that politicians are no less brown in 2005 compared to 2001. So, what prompted this turn-around on your part?
To answer this, I have to go back to the 1994-2001 period. My conscience told me that the entire period was nothing but a monumental lie. There were grand plans to bridge the ethnic divide and heal a fractured people like the Sudu Nelum Movement, the project to restore the Jaffna Library to its former glory etc., but the little things were neglected. The kovil for God Katharagama in Matara was destroyed in 1983. It was rebuilt only last year. The Vel Festival was not held until this year.
There were issues within the SLFP as well. There was absolutely no room for dissent. No elections. There was no space or a process for younger people to grow, to develop and emerge as leaders. There was no democracy in the party. There was no room in the party for anyone except those who were willing to say ‘yes' to the leader. There was no system for people to come up in the ranks. Naturally, the UNP made overtures and some people crossed over. That was how Ranil Wickremesinghe came to power.
There were other serious issues that troubled me. There was no development taking place. There was so much talk about conflict resolution but there was no movement in this regard. We couldn't construct a single tank. The first six years of President Kumaratunga's tenure was marked by inefficiency. After that it was all a lie. I freely acknowledge that I have to share part of the blame. I am pointing a finger at myself as well, I admit.
We did our best as a group. We boycotted the votes of four ministries and we pressurised several heads of state corporations to resign. It was an honest and determined effort on our part but one which invited a lot of anger and malice. It was, all things considered, a regrettable time and I have more sadness than anger about all that.
I felt that the country was going backwards. Simultaneously there stirred in my heart and mind a different kind of rebellion. I had neglected my family. I had entered Law College, but hadn't been able to complete. I also wanted to learn Tamil. All this contributed to my decision to ‘retire'. I didn't want to be used as a shield. I didn't want to put my signature to a corrupt, indecent act.
I must say that if it is a miracle that trains still run and people do get from one place to another, it is because of the dedication of the workers, whatever their faults may be.
I left the island in January 2003, to study Political Science at the University of Iowa. I was there for a year and a half. Then came the 2005 Presidential Election; Mahinda Rajapaksa, who was the candidate of the United People's Liberation Front, called me. He wanted me to return to Sri Lanka and help him in his Presidential bid.
You must keep in mind that Mahinda Rajapaksa has always been a friend and in many ways a comrade-in-arms. When efforts were under way to do away with the Paddy Marketing Board, we opposed it together. Moreover, he, along with S B Dissanayake, had always fought on my behalf. That is how I was given a deputy minister post.
Mahinda Rajapaksa knew what my objections were. He knew I was disillusioned. He knew why I was disillusioned and why I decided not to contest in 2001. He knew I didn't want to be someone who makes up the numbers. So when he told me that I could actually work, that I could put to use my skills and energies, I could not dismiss it out of hand. I returned. I helped him in the campaign. I believe we ran a good, positive and creative campaign which helped make him president.
I helped change the tone of the campaign. We took up the theme, ‘Aluth Sri Lankavak' or ‘A New Sri Lanka'. We were determined not to engage in mudslinging. I advised Mahinda Rajapaksa that his campaign should reflect his character. He is a man who doesn't engage in vilification of opponents; he doesn't make enemies and doesn't create unnecessary antagonisms. We destroyed some 40,000 posters that had a negative tone and came up with the line, ‘madin nethuva godin enna' which deliberately moved away from the political culture of mudslinging.
It was a campaign that did not have the support of the party. In fact, important individuals in the party did everything possible to derail the campaign.
Later, I was asked to change my role from advisor to first member of parliament and then minister. I accepted because I knew this leadership was different; there was a political will to get things done and to make a significant change in the country.
You were not exactly ‘rewarded' when the President made you Transport Minister, were you?
True. It is not a ministry that people want to take up. It is almost like a punishment transfer. No one wants this job. The President himself told me that this would be a hard job, that it would challenge me and that it might even destroy me. That was an observation that came not from a man wanting to punish me, but from someone who trusted me and had confidence in my ability to deliver.
Let's talk about ‘transport'. What was the situation when you took over?
As I said, this is not the easiest ministry to handle even though it is one of the most important ones. Our transport system is one that harasses everyone. If you take the train service, all commuters are prisoners. They travel in discomfort due to inadequate numbers of buses and trains, are frustrated by traffic congestion, and once they arrive in office, require a couple of hours to recover composure and peace of mind necessary to do any useful work. Wimal Weerawansa got it right when he said that ‘Sudu Mahattaya gets into the train in Matara, but when he reaches Colombo, he is Kalu Mahattaya'! Delays, lack of cleanliness and congestion all contribute towards a massive and negative impact on overall productivity.
There was rampant corruption. Let me give one example. Ten locomotive engines had been purchased from France at a cost of Rs 180 mn each. That would be equivalent to Rs 420 mn each today. That was a decision taken by the then president and not the minister, not the general manager of CGR and not on recommendations made by any competent authority on relevant technical fields. This is the kind of thing that as back benchers, we had seen and raised objections to. Even today, seven of these engines cannot be used!
The reason for all this is not hard to find. There had been no scientific study of issues that plagued the public transport system. There was no innovation, no professionalism. There was no vision.
Today, department heads and officials are the main decision makers. Political leaders cannot interfere. I was given only the framework, ‘Mahinda Chinthana', and I was asked to deliver. So I studied the subject. I consulted the experts and the officials. Together we identified four issues: politicisation, lack of professionalism, corruption and a manifest lack of motivation to modernise the sector.
Let us start with the railways. What are the key problems and what measures have been taken so far to correct the flaws and move ahead?
This was a job-giving ministry. Patronage was the name of the game. Since 1979, all promotions in the CTB depended on whether or not a given individual was a member of the UNP trade union, the Jathika Sevaka Sangamaya (JSS). It was only for the ‘greens'. And between 1994 and 2001, it was only for the ‘blues', members of the SLFP trade union. Integrity, commitment and skills were irrelevant. This was the system that was in place for 28 years. This was the subculture that dominated the transport sector.
There was no professionalism to speak of. For example, the CGR has a running fleet of between 49-55 engines on an average day. There are 22 types of engines! In other words, you will find just one or two engines from a particular make. Where is the synergy here? Where is the ‘streamlining'? The reason is clear. Politicians and not professionals made decisions and I am sure a lot of people made a lot of money through commissions!
This situation required immediate attention. So I put in place capable and qualified officials. Dr Lalith Gunaruwan was appointed as general manager, Railways; Dr Amal Kumarage as chairman, National Transport Commission, Dr Wijayamuni, and Dr Jayasiriwardena, one of only four PhD holders in this field, was brought into the board of the SLTB. I brought in young professionals such as the CEO, SLTB, Dhammika Hewapathirana, who is a state counsel.
I found that no graduate had been hired by the SLTB since 1975. Remember, this is an institution that had Anil Munasinghe as chairman and Lal Jayawardena as director, Finance. We hired the first batch of graduates recently; 113 were sent to 106 depots as depot supervisors. These management trainees, I am sure, will make a huge difference in this sector.
Then there is the issue of corruption. This is a phenomenon that pervades the railways. We own 13,000 acres of land and this is more than what the Land Ministry owns! 2,300 acres, I found, have been given to various friends and family of relevant authorities. Some had been leased at the ridiculous rate of Rs 60 per month. We have now formulated a land policy and we intend to recover!
A foot of rail costs Rs 670, but it can be sold at Rs 15. This is a privileged enjoyed by the minister. I don't have to elaborate how this privilege can be employed to earn massive profits and to the detriment of the Treasury. I went to Cabinet and got rid of this privilege. Now this can only be done through a public auction. Accordingly, we got an offer of Rs 98 mn for small pieces of discarded/unused rail.
The railways in Sri Lanka are archaic. Recently, speaking at the Ananda College Prize Giving, I observed that if my grandfather were to be reborn today, he will recognise only two things: the appearance of a school classroom and public transport. I found a manifest absence of the need to change, need to improve, improvise and modernise. To give you an idea of how archaic the sector is, just consider the fact that the railway signal system is the same as was used 100 years ago.
The system is ancient and the officials are untrained. So we will be sending 400 to India for training in electrification, ticketing, e-booking, computerisation, IT systems etc. Again, in terms of human resources, the problem is that we are overstaffed and few are trained or skilled. CTB has 6,700 excess staff. Bus conductors have been promoted as depot managers. Their qualification? Having put up posters for this minister. Political patronage is what appears to have counted in these promotions.
We had at the beginning of the last century 1,600 kilometres of track; but today just 1,200. In 1975, we had 5,200 buses, but by 2004, this number had dropped to 2,400.
We have addressed all these issues in the past 19 months, that is, since I took over the ministry. I have not hired a single worker although this is a ministry that has a reputation and a culture for doing nothing to solve problems and doing whatever is possible to give jobs.
I must say that if it is a miracle that trains still run and people do get from one place to another, it is because of the dedication of the workers, whatever their faults may be. Today the unions cooperate with us. You might be surprised to know that there are 124 trade unions in the railways. To put things in perspective, we have only 55 engines. That would make 2.5 trade unions per engine. The majority of the unions are very supportive. They are extremely critical and this is a good thing. This is what we need.
I firmly believe that the leadership has to show the way forward in a situation where wastage and corruption are veritable subcultures. We are a 24-hour ministry that is extremely poor. For this reason, I have eschewed ministerial privileges.
We have also obtained cabinet approval to work with the private sector and will accordingly build a carriage building plant and container depots.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa delivers for the ordinary people and not necessarily only for the elite, as has been the common practice for the most part of our post-independence history.
The transport ministry has to worry about other things besides railways. What is the situation in terms of overall transportation issues, congestion in urban areas, accessibility etc?
Yes. Over 800,000 people on average come into the City of Colombo on working days. They have to use three railroads and 12 roads to get into the city. Around 10% use trains, 20-25% use cars and other personal vehicles while 65% use approximately 15,000 buses to travel to and from the capital. Of the road capacity, the share of buses is around 20% and there is a serious mismatch when we consider the fact that 65% of the commuters use this mode of transport.
There is, then, a serious problem and a problem that will get worse unless solutions are found. We will soon implement a ‘park and ride' concept. There are six key entry points into the city and the plan is to provide large parking areas for private vehicles such as cars and jeeps and to provide a super luxury shuttle service to various key points.
The bottom line is to understand the commuter's point of view. For the commuter, time is important. Safety is important. Comfort is important. Efficiency is important. The Transport Ministry is not about buses and trains only. For example three-wheelers transport 4% of all passengers. They are also important. The roads, the railways, the buses, trains and other vehicles are not only part of the problem, they are part of the solution as well as long as efficient systems are put in place, reviewed periodically and necessary adjustments made. Transport, moreover, is not a problem that is limited to Colombo or the main urban areas. Transport is about providing access, of allowing people and goods to move from one place to another with minimum hassle.
In this regard, we will be extending the Southern line from Matara to Katharagama. Work on the 27-km section from Matara to Beliatta will begin in September. The main obstacle, the bridge over the Nilwala, has already been completed. We have also obtained a line of credit from India, to relay the track between Colombo and Matara to make it suitable for high speed trains. This work will commence in January 2009 and will be completed in a year.
To put the nature of the problem in perspective, consider the fact that while we have railway tracks aggregating to 1,200 kilometres, we also have 900 railway crossings! This is a huge obstacle to ‘doing' high-speed! Another important thing to remember is that one-fourth of this track, i.e. approximately 300 kilometres allows a maximum speed of just 10 kilometres per hour. We have to keep in mind that we need to switch from wood sleepers to steel ones, the former needing to be replaced every 10-12 years and the latter every 40.
There are hard decisions to make and make them we will. The Kelani Valley line brings in 6,000 commuters to the city every day, but this can easily be raised to 70,000-80,000. If this is done the congestion on the road will immediately become less. The perennial problem that has hampered the development of this line has been that of squatters on the railway reservation. In some places the gap between the train and the roof of some of these houses is less than a foot. There is on average one death per month on this line. We have to enforce regulations pertaining to squatting on railway reservation. That would be a very unpopular move and politically very damaging as well, but it has to be done and I will do it.
On the larger political picture...are you saying that everything is healthy, wealthy, and nice?
Of course not! The President received a mandate and this mandate was reaffirmed in the various elections held since November 2005. This does not mean that the people have given the Government blanket approval. There are issues that need to be addressed. There are economic issues, some generated by global processes and some not. We still have to work out a methodology to resolve the outstanding grievances of Tamil people.
There is a problem of governance also. People talk about the ‘Jumbo Cabinet' and here we have to understand that J R Jayawardena's constitution is largely to blame. There are practicalities that necessitate a cabinet of this size. Everyone knows the realities of the numbers game in parliament. Even the UNP knows that the electoral system makes it close to impossible for a single party to obtain enough seats to secure a parliamentary majority and consequently political stability. Governments are necessarily coalitions. The political leadership cannot afford to ignore this reality.
I readily admit that the worst type of character in our society is the politician. This is not, however, an inevitability. Neither is it uncorrectable. Our Leader has started a process of democratisation within the SLFP which includes the setting up of procedures to ensure that young people get the opportunity to come forward, make a mark and take up leadership positions. At the last local government elections, 67% of SLFP candidates who were elected happened to be under 40 years of age.
Politics remains a dirty game, all things considered. Any regrets about coming back to be among the ‘brown coloured' lot?
To be honest, I did not return because I had any faith in the SLFP. No, I came back because I believed that Mahinda Rajapaksa had a plan, had vision and integrity. My faith in him has not diminished. He remains a self-made man, a man who is in touch with the earth and the people. There may be flaws, but he remains committed to a social transformation powered by the understanding that 80% of our people are rural in residence and/or in outlook and has not given reason for any of them to revise the thought that he is ‘one of us'.
The example of the Eastern Province is indeed noteworthy. The people of that area have become owners of the political process. The development that is taking place in the East should be a revelation to everyone.
The President is a practical man. He knows what has to be done and will go ahead and do it, instead of engaging in endless, and in the end meaningless, ideological debate. He delivers for the ordinary people and not necessarily only for the elite, as has been the common practice for the most part of our post-independence history.
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Advocating for the implementation of recommended measures to improve infant and young child feeding
Saurabh R Shrivastava, Prateek S Shrivastava, Jegadeesh Ramasamy
Department of Community Medicine, Shri Sathya Sai Medical College and Research Institute, Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu, India
Shrivastava SR, Shrivastava PS, Ramasamy J. Advocating for the implementation of recommended measures to improve infant and young child feeding. Ann Trop Med Public Health 2017;10:1835-6
Shrivastava SR, Shrivastava PS, Ramasamy J. Advocating for the implementation of recommended measures to improve infant and young child feeding. Ann Trop Med Public Health [serial online] 2017 [cited 2019 Jul 15];10:1835-6. Available from: http://www.atmph.org/text.asp?2017/10/6/1835/196625
Worldwide, every infant and young child has the right to healthy nutrition and is a crucial determinant to ensure child survival and facilitate optimal growth and well-being.[1] As the initial 2 years of life marks one of the most crucial phases, maintaining better nutrition during that period significantly reduces the risk of illnesses, deaths, and the onset of noncommunicable diseases.[1] The current global estimates suggest that undernutrition alone accounts for the death of more than 3 million children each year, and even millions of children are either stunted or overweight or have wasting across the world.[1],[2]
Moreover, despite the known benefits of breastfeeding for decades, together for both the mother and the child, only 35% of infants are exclusively breastfed for the recommended period, which from another angle suggest that heath stakeholders are losing the opportunity to save the lives of 0.8 million under-5 children each year, which can be accomplished by just ensuring optimal breastfeeding.[1],[3] In fact, various actions have been taken and strategies have been implemented to safeguard, encourage, and advocate breastfeeding, such as sanctioning longer period of leaves to the postnatal mother, banning promotion and advertisement of all forms of breast milk substitutes, implementing provisions of baby-friendly hospital initiatives in all hospitals, extending counseling session to encourage continuation of breastfeeding at all possible levels of contact, and lobbying community support through creation of mother support groups and community-based health promotion activities.[2],[3],[4]
Furthermore, as the child attains 6 months of age, the need for energy and nutrients exceeds beyond what is being provided by breast milk, and hence complementary foods should be introduced.[1] However, on-demand breastfeeding should be continued till the child becomes 2 years of age, responsive feeding should be encouraged; proper hygiene has to be maintained; a gradual increase in the number of meals, variety, and food consistency should be done; and fortified foods should be promoted to improve the outcome of complementary feeding.[2],[3],[5]
In addition, it is extremely important to support and give additional attention to infants in vulnerable categories, which include HIV-positive or adolescent mothers, malnourished child, families exposed to humanitarian emergencies, and the like.[1],[2]
The international stakeholders have come up with a global strategy to improve infant and young child feeding, and the strategy recommends the need for formulation of a comprehensive national policy based on the local contexts, organize training sessions for health professionals to improve their skills and knowledge pertaining to breastfeeding and complementary feeding, ensure that all mothers have access to skilled care to initiate and maintain exclusive breastfeeding for the recommended period, and even advocated for the legal provisions to discourage breast milk substitutes.[1],[4],[5]
To conclude, there is an immense need to improve the proportion of infants and young child who are optimally breastfed and timely started on complementary feeding as well. However, to improve the existing trend and to reduce the burden on the health system, the need of the hour is to act in a concerted manner through the support and active involvement of all stakeholders.
SRS contributed in the conception or design of the work, drafting of the work, approval of the final version of the manuscript, and agreed for all aspects of the work
PSS contributed in the literature review, revision of the manuscript for important intellectual content, approval of the final version of the manuscript, and agreed for all aspects of the work
JR contributed in revising the draft, approval of the final version of the manuscript, and agreed for all aspects of the work
World Health Organization. Infant young child feeding-Fact sheet N 342 2016. Available from: http://who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs342/en/. [Last accessed on 2016 Jun 9].
Reinbott A, Jordan I. Determinants of child malnutrition and infant and young child feeding approaches in Cambodia. World Rev Nutr Diet 2016;115:61-7.
Gautam KP, Adhikari M, Khatri RB, Devkota MD. Determinants of infant and young child feeding practices in Rupandehi, Nepal. BMC Res Notes 2016;9:135.
Shrivastava SR, Shrivastava PS, Ramasamy J, The Baby-friendly initiative: Foundation stone in ensuring exclusive breastfeeding. S Afr Fam Pract 2014;56:250-1.
Chaiken MS. Behaviour change communication in programmes to enhance infant and young child feeding: Lessons from the field. Matern Child Nutr 2016;12:191-2.
Saurabh R Shrivastava
Department of Community Medicine, Shri Sathya Sai Medical College and Research Institute, 3rd Floor, Ammapettai Village, Thiruporur, Guduvancherry Main Road, Sembakkam Post, Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu
Shrivastava SR
Shrivastava PS
Ramasamy J
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Happy Birthday — Standardized Testing
By Bob Welbaum June 19, 2019 Fun Facts
According to The Writer’s Almanac of June 17, 2019, the first standardized tests were administered by the College Board on this day in 1901. As both a student and educator, I thought the background of this event was so interesting, I’m going to quote the Almanac’s account in its entirety —
Before standardized tests, many universities had their own college entrance exams, and prospective students were required to come to campus for a week or more to take exams. Since each college’s exam demanded a different set of knowledge, high schools offered separate instruction for students based on which colleges they hoped to attend. Some colleges accepted applicants based on how well previous graduates of the same high school were doing at the college. Other colleges sent faculty to visit high schools, and if the high school met their criteria, then they would admit any graduate of that school. It was a confusing system, and as more Americans began to attend college, it was no longer practical. Between 1890 and 1924, the number of college students grew five times faster than the growth of the general population. In 1885, the principal of a prestigious boarding school wrote to the National Education Association asking them to reform the system. It took 15 years of discussion, committees, and arguments, but the College Board was finally formed in 1900. Its founders hoped to simplify curricula at the high schools, and make a college education accessible to a wider pool of applicants.
Beginning today and throughout this week in 1901, the first standardized college entrance exams were given to 973 students at 67 locations (plus two more in Europe). More than a third of the students were from New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Students were tested in English, French, German, Latin, Greek, history, mathematics, chemistry, and physics. The tests were essays, not multiple choice, read by a team of experts in each subject. The experts met at tables in the library of Columbia University, and the essays were graded as Excellent, Good, Doubtful, Poor, or Very Poor. Columbia was one of the main forces behind the conversion to standardized testing — of the 973 applicants, 758 were applying to either Columbia or its affiliate Barnard.
For the next couple of decades, the tests were in use but were not widely accepted. Only a small fraction of incoming freshmen took standardized tests, and there were only 10 colleges that admitted all of their students based on the test — some colleges looked at the test, but also provided their own entrance exams, and happily admitted students of any qualifications if their parents were donors.
The early tests were considered “achievement” tests because they tested for students’ proficiency in certain subjects. A couple of decades later, the College Board switched to “aptitude” tests, intended to measure intelligence. There were mixed motives for this change. On the surface, it made college admittance more fair and accessible to students whose high schools didn’t teach ancient Greek or prepare students specifically for college. But the biggest proponents of intelligence testing were college officials who were concerned about the rapid influx of immigrants — especially Eastern European Jews — to their student body. A Columbia University dean worried that the high numbers of recent immigrants and their children would make the school “socially uninviting to students who come from homes of refinement,” and its president described the 1917 freshman class as “depressing in the extreme,” lamenting the absence of “boys of old American stock.” These college officials believed that immigrants had less innate intelligence than old-blooded Americans, and hoped that they would score lower on aptitude tests, which would give the schools an excuse to admit fewer of them.
In 1925, the College Board began to use a new, multiple-choice test, designed by a Princeton psychology professor named Carl Brigham, who had modeled it on his work with Army intelligence tests. This new test was known as the Scholastic Aptitude Test. The first SAT was taken in 1926. These days, more than 2 million students take the SAT each year.
And that’s how we got to where we are today. You can listen to the complete Writer’s Almanac for June 17 at https://www.spreaker.com/user/prairehomeproductions/the-writers-almanac-for-june-17-2019.
Word Origins — Boilerplate
Modern Travel is a Marvel ! But…
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CFR.org | Tending to Japan-U.S. Ties
Ahead of his arrival in Washington, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe hailed the U.S.-Japanese alliance as “indispensable” (WashPost). But relations between Tokyo and Washington have shown signs of a chill since Abe came to power in the fall of 2006. Abe lacks the personal connection his charismatic predecessor Junichiro Koizumi had with President Bush, and the two countries appear out of sync in pressuring North Korea to acknowledge responsibility for the kidnapping of Japanese citizens (Reuters) two decades ago. Vice President Dick Cheney said the relationship “has never been stronger” during his February visit to Tokyo. But weeks before Cheney’s arrival, Japanese officials criticized the Bush administration’s Iraq policy (FT), with Taro Aso, the foreign minister, going so far as to call it “naïve.” The alliance was further tested by Abe’s comments denying evidence of Japanese military participation in the sexual enslavement of some 200,000 “comfort women.”
Japan, U.S. Policy
CFR.org | The Burden of Saying Sorry
Japanese Premier Shinzo Abe drew international reproach recently for disputing that his country's military coerced young women into sexual enslavement during Japan's occupation of China and the Korean peninsula. The controversy also raised questions about the importance of saying sorry, a gesture that can smooth diplomatic waters but can also open the door to claims for legal compensation. Abe's remarks came shortly after U.S. Rep. Michael M. Honda (D-CA) proposed a bill in January demanding that Tokyo apologize and accept “historical responsibility” for the Japanese military's role in the abuse of “comfort women.” That is the term for the roughly 200,000 mostly Korean and Chinese women pressed into providing sex to Japanese soldiers during wartime.
Japan, South Korea, U.S. Policy
CFR.org | Japan’s New Leader Faces Old Problems with China and South Korea
Shinzo Abe took the helm from Junichiro Koizumi in September as Japanese prime minister during a period of chilling relations with Beijing and Seoul, due to China and South Korea’s memory of brutal Japanese aggression in the region during the decades leading up to Hiroshima. Koizumi's official visits to the Yasukuni Shrine, which honors several Class A war criminals along with about 2.5 million war casualties, had revived memories of Japan's World War Two-era brutalities in China and South Korea. In recent months, then–cabinet chief Abe’s emergence as the favored candidate for the premiership by the governing Liberal Democratic Party did little to calm Chinese and South Korean fears. The right-leaning leader has been unapologetic about his country’s history, and he supported the revision of Japan’s pacifist constitution. Also, he has not concealed his affection for his deceased grandfather Nobusuke Kishi, a Japanese prime minister after the war, in spite of a war crime indictment. But experts say that the North Korean nuclear test announcement, which came within weeks of Abe taking office, presented the three countries with an opportunity to forge common ground in handling the crisis. Abe's first official visits, to Seoul and Beijing, prompted hopes that he would bring a new commitment to improving relations with Japan's important neighbors.
China, Japan, South Korea
CFR.org | Japan's History Test
Imperial visits to the controversial Yasukuni memorial stopped almost thirty years ago. A 1988 memorandum, leaked last month, revealed that the late Japanese Emperor Hirohito ended his visits after the enshrinement of war criminals at the memorial in 1978. "That is why I've since stopped visiting. That is how I feel in my heart," said Hirohito (Yomiuri). But the imperial memo hasn't stopped Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi from making another annual visit to the shrine (The Age)—which honors 2.5 million war dead along with more than a thousand war criminals—on the August 15 anniversary of Japan's World War II surrender. The visit drew immediate condemnation from China and South Korea (ChiTrib).
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Emilee Bose Named NAC Rookie of Week
WATERVILLE, Maine – After averaging nine points per game over the weekend as Castleton split its road games in Maine, freshman forward Emilee Bose has been named the North Atlantic Conference Women's Basketball Rookie of the Week, announced Monday by the league office.
Last Friday, she helped keep Castleton in the game at Husson, hitting all four of her field goal attempts for eight points while also pulling down four rebounds and blocking one shot. The next day at Maine Maritime, Bose scored 10 points, including a perfect 4-for-4 performance from the free throw line, plus she grabbed three rebounds and earned one steal.
So far this season, Bose has appeared in 17 games off the bench, averaging 14.2 minutes, 7.1 points, and 4.2 rebounds per game. She has scored in double figures three times, with a season high of 16 points against Williams Jan. 2.
This is Bose's first career weekly conference honor and the second weekly award of the season for the Spartans, as Brooke Raiche was named NAC Rookie of the Week Dec. 11.
Castleton (15-3, 11-1 NAC) returns to Glenbrook Gym for a key NAC contest against the Lyndon Hornets Tuesday, Jan. 30, starting at 5:30 p.m.
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ADA Volunteer Nominated to Head the Indian Health Service
By Katie Bunker March 2009 People,
March 24 — President Barack Obama today nominated Yvette Roubideaux, MD, MPH, a diabetes researcher and longtime American Diabetes Association volunteer on Native American issues, to be director of the Indian Health Service.
Roubideaux, 46, of Tucson, Ariz., is a physician and an assistant professor in the University of Arizona College of Medicine's Department of Family and Community Medicine. Roubideaux has been recognized not only for her research on health policy and diabetes in Native Americans and Alaska Natives but also for her volunteer work. Last year she received ADA's Addison B. Scoville Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service. Roubideaux served on ADA's Awakening the Spirit Team for nearly a decade, ultimately chairing the committee. The group was a leader in the national advocacy effort that won congressional reauthorization last year of the Special Diabetes Program for Indians at the National Institutes of Health through 2011, as part of a $600 million boost in federal funding for diabetes research, prevention, and treatment.
"The SDPI funding has resulted in almost 400 new diabetes treatment and prevention programs in Indian communities across the country," Roubideaux told Diabetes Forecast last year. "Evaluation of the program has shown increased access to services and reductions in intermediate outcomes of diabetes care, such as decreases in A1C levels in people with diabetes." (A1C is an estimate of a person's average blood glucose over the past three months.)
Roubideaux, a member of the Rosebud Sioux tribe, was herself an Indian Health Service patient as a child in South Dakota and went on to work in the service as a medical officer and clinical director on the San Carlos Indian Reservation and in the Gila River Indian Community. From 2000 to 2002, she served on the Department of Health and Human Services Secretary's Advisory Committee on Minority Health. She is a past president of the Association of American Indian Physicians.
Her appointment must be confirmed by the Senate.
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Editor's Note: The CNN Wire is a running log of the latest news from CNN World Headquarters, reported by CNN's correspondents and producers, and The CNN Wire editors. "Posted" times are Eastern Daylight.
35 soldiers killed in suicide attack in Pakistan
From CNN's Syed Mohsin Naqvi
LAHORE, Pakistan (CNN) -- Thirty-five Pakistani soldiers were killed Wednesday morning in a suicide bombing in a recruit training area in Pakistan's northwest province.
The incident occurred at Dargai, near Mardan, when a man wrapped in a shawl ran into the training area and exploded himself, a Pakistan army spokesman said.
Army sources said several others were wounded, some of them critically. (Posted 2:48 a.m.)
It's Dems 234, GOP 201, plus-minus 4 seats in the House
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- CNN projects Democrats will win approximately 234 House seats in midterm congressional elections, with Republicans holding on to approximately 201 seats.
The final totals could change, plus or minus four seats, depending on recounts, absentee ballots and a runoff that will decide party control of one Texas district seat.(Posted 2:47 a.m.)
Israeli tank shells kills at least 18 Palestinians
GAZA CITY (CNN) -- Poised just outside the northern Gaza town of Beit Hanoun, Israeli tanks fired 10 rounds of shells into the town's center early Wednesday, killing 18 people -- including women and children -- and wounding at least 30, Palestinian Health Ministry officials said.
Israel Defense Forces confirmed they launched artillery shells into Gaza, but said the area where they were fired was not the same area Palestinian officials were reporting. The IDF did not say where they fired the shells.
Israeli military said they targeted an area from where militants had fired eight Qassam rockets earlier.
The tank operation comes one day after IDF announced their withdrawal from Beit Hanoun, six days after moving into the Israeli border city town to root out militants who have been firing rockets into southern Israel. (Posted 2:28 a.m.)
Democrats House takeover triggers leadership contests
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- With Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., poised to become the first woman speaker of the House and Republicans forced to hand over committee gavels to Democrats, the positioning is under way for House leadership positions in both parties.
A House GOP source told CNN's Dana Bash that a battle is brewing between current House Republican Leader John Boehner, R-Ohio, and Rep. Mike Pence, R-Ind., for the top GOP leadership post if Speaker Dennis Hastert announces he is stepping aside.
The source said Pence, who has been in Congress only since 2000, is "seriously considering" challenging Boehner. Pence is a leading conservative voice in the House as chairman of the Republican Study Committee, a group of more than 100 Republican congressmen formed to "advance a social and economic conservative agenda."
A Republican source close to Boehner said he would wait until Hastert officially announces his intentions, but "he is expected to stand for leader if Hastert steps aside."
Republican leadership aides have said they did not expect the Hastert to run again for a leadership post when the GOP House members vote, which is expected to take place Nov. 15.
Senior House Democratic sources said a fight is shaping up for the House Democratic leadership post, which is expected to be vacated by Pelosi as she ascends to the speakership.
The sources said House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer, D-Md., and Rep. John Murtha, D-Pa., will contend to be the new majority leader.
Based on a review of current committee assignments, seniority and guidance from senior House Democrats, this is a list of likely House committee chairmanships in the upcoming Congress:
Committee on Agriculture -- Chairman: Rep. Collin Peterson, D-Minnesota
Committee on Appropriations -- Chairman: Rep. David Obey, D-Wisconsin
Subcommittee on Defense -- Chairman: Rep. John Murtha, D-Pennsylvania
Committee on Armed Services -- Chairman: Rep. Ike Skelton, D-Missouri
Committee on Budget -- Chairman: Rep. John Spratt, D-South Carolina
Committee on Education and the Workforce -- Chairman: Rep. George Miller, D-California
Committee on Energy and Commerce -- Chairman: Rep. John Dingell, D-Michigan
Committee on Financial Services -- Chairman: Rep. Barney Frank, D-Massachusetts
Committee on Government Reform -- Chairman: Rep. Henry Waxman, D-California
Committee on Homeland Security -- Chairman: Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Mississippi
Committee on House Administration -- Chairman: Rep. Juanita Millender-McDonald, D-California
Committee on International Relations -- Chairman: Rep. Tom Lantos, D-California
Committee on the Judiciary -- Chairman: Rep. John Conyers, D-Michigan
Committee on Resources -- Chairman: Rep. Nick Rahall II, D-West Virginia
Committee on Rules -- Chairman: Rep. Louise McIntosh Slaughter, D-New York
Committee on Science -- Chairman: Rep. Bart Gordon, D-Tennessee
Committee on Small Business -- Chairman: Rep. Nydia Velazquez, D-New York
Committee on Standards of Official Conduct -- Chairman: Rep. Howard Berman, D-California
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure -- Chairman: Rep. James Oberstar, D-Minnesota
Committee on Veterans' Affairs -- Chairman: Rep. Michael Michaud, D-Maine
Committee on Ways and Means -- Chairman: Rep. Charles Rangel, D-New York
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence -- Chairman: Unknown, but possibly Rep. Alcee Hastings, D-Florida or Rep. Silvestre Reyes, D-Texas
--CNN's Mark Preston and Dana Bash contributed to this report. (Posted 2:23 a.m.)
Talent concedes Missouri Senate race
ST. LOUIS (CNN) -- Republican Sen. Jim Talent of Missouri conceded defeat to Democrat Claire McCaskill early Wednesday after a hard-fought race, becoming the fourth Republican to lose a Senate seat in Tuesday's midterm elections.
Talent told volunteers that the loss "was not because of any lack of support," but said "the headwind was just very, very strong this year."
With 89 percent of precincts reporting, McCaskill -- who has served as state auditor since 1998 -- led the freshman senator by about 25,000 votes. CNN projected her the winner about the time Talent conceded.
"Once again, Democrats have claimed Harry Truman's Senate seat for the working people of Missouri," she said.
McCaskill's win leaves Democrats just two seats shy of recapturing the Senate for the first time in four years. Races in Montana and Virginia remained too close to call early Wednesday, with a recount considered likely in Virginia.(Posted 2:22 a.m.)
Voters opting to raise minimum wage, ban same-sex marriage
(CNN) -- Voters in five states Tuesday approved ballot measures raising the minimum wage, joining 18 other states in setting a wage higher than the federal mark of $5.15 per hour, according to CNN projections.
Ohio voters raised the wage to $6.85 per hour, Montana to the higher of $6.15 or the federal wage and Missouri to $6.50. Arizona voters raised the minimum wage to $6.75, and Nevada voters upped the wage to $6.15 if the employer does not provide health benefits.
The Ohio and Missouri measures tie the minimum wage to the Consumer Price Index.
One other state -- Colorado -- was considering a similar measure.
Other hot-button issues on ballot measures include initiatives that would ban same-sex marriage in eight states, restrictions on abortion in three states, marijuana issues in three states and stem-cell research in one state.
Additionally, Arizona voters approved a measure making English the state's official language, while Michigan voters approved an initiative that put limitations on affirmative-action policies at state colleges and universities.
But Arizonans rejected one of the more unusual ballot measures of the year -- a proposal intended to boost voter turnout by awarding a lucky voter $1 million.
Tennessee, South Carolina, Colorado, Idaho, Wisconsin, South Dakota and Virginia voted to ban same-sex marriage, a measure also on the ballot in Arizona. Although the vote was close, Arizona appeared to be on its way to becoming the first state to reject a measure restricting marriage to a man and a woman.
Colorado was also slated to vote on a measure that would create domestic partnerships for same-sex partners.
On abortion, South Dakotans said "no" to an outright ban on the procedure, while California and Oregon voters were considering measures that would require parental notification for minors to get abortions.
Voters in Colorado elected not to legalize marijuana, a question Nevadans were also considering. Voters in South Dakota decided against legalizing use of the drug for medical purposes.
And in Missouri, voters were considering whether to allow stem-cell research. (Posted 1:52 a.m.)
Webb declares victory in Virginia Senate race
ARLINGTON, Va. (CNN) -- Democrat Jim Webb declared victory early Wednesday in his race against incumbent Republican Sen. George Allen, despite a razor-thin margin that made a recount likely.
"I'd like to say that I appreciate what Senator Allen said not long ago when he came on the news and said we all need to respect the democratic process," said Webb, a former Navy secretary. "We all go out and we vote, we argue, we vote -- but also I would like to say that the votes are in, and we won."
Webb was leading Allen by fewer than 2,300 votes early Wednesday, with only a handful of precincts yet to report. Allen had not conceded, telling supporters earlier that "the counting will continue through the night."
Virginia does not conduct automatic recounts in close races, but the apparent loser can request one after the votes have been certified if the margin is less than one percent of the total votes cast.
White House spokesman Tony Snow said a recount was likely.
Allen, once considered a 2008 presidential contender, was plagued by a series of gaffes and miscues in the last weeks of the campaign. But he recalled early Wednesday that he had faced a recount in his first political race, winning by 18 votes, and expressed confidence that he would eventually prevail in this one.
"This has been an interesting election, and the election continues," he said.
The Virginia race has left Democratic leaders "biting our nails," said Sen. Chuck Schumer, the party's Senate campaign chairman.
Webb led early returns, trailed Allen as more boxes came in and pulled ahead by a fraction of a percent as late votes were counted. When he was still behind, he told supporters that the race was likely to remain open for some time.
While many observers had predicted the Democrats would regain control of the House, as they appear to have done for the first time since 1994, regaining the Senate was seen as less likely.
The party needed a net gain of six seats among the 33 at stake Tuesday to reclaim control of the chamber for the first time in four years, and had picked up three Tuesday night. Races in Missouri and Montana remained unsettled early Wednesday, meanwhile. (Posted 1:52 a.m.)
White House strikes conciliatory tone after GOP House defeat
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- President Bush will make two calls Wednesday morning, one to outgoing House Speaker Dennis Hastert expressing condolences and the other to congratulate Rep. Nancy Pelosi of California, who is in line to replace Hastert in the job, White House Press Secretary Tony Snow said.
Bush will say that "the problems we faced this morning are the same problems we'll face tomorrow: winning the war in Iraq, keeping the economy together, working on renewing "no child left behind" legislation, Snow said.
"She (Pelosi) talked about energy independence, and we want to work on comprehensive immigration reform, some things we can get some action on," Snow said. "It will be interesting politically, a new opportunity to get things done. We're going to get a lot done. On energy, education, those are clearly things we can work on."
Snow also said the president wants to work in a bipartisan way.
"It was encouraging to hear the Democrats say it's time to get rid of partisanship," Snow said. "Bush wants to go back to the Texas model, he's always reached out. He's been trying over the last couple of years with limited success."
But White House officials are also counting on a conservative House, one that is closer to the president's thinking than is Pelosi. Snow noted that "three dozen blue dogs (conservative Democrats) have voted against her on various issues. And it's the conservative Democrats who made real gains."
While Snow said the president wouldn't give up fighting for tax cuts, he conceded that it would be "harder to move some bills." Snow also said Bush would "take the political heat" for continuing to lobby for changes to Social Security.
Snow suggested that, as conditions improve in Iraq, Pelosi and the White House could find common ground. "Winning the war on terror is important to all of us," he said. "A lot of things can happen in a couple of months. Everyone says they want victory. The Democrats are now stakeholders in that, in the future, to finish the job in Iraq."
Snow was cagey about whether personnel changes are imminent, saying he "wouldn't rule anything in or out." He added that it was "reasonable to believe" that some people who have been with the administration for a long time "might be ready to step down," but he would not specify who they might be.
Bush went to bed after hearing news of the House loss and still "having high hopes for the Senate," said Snow, who added that the Virginia race was headed for a recount.
According to Snow, Bush spent much of the evening in his study watching election results on Fox News Channel.
Karl Rove, the administration's chief political strategist, darted in and out of the study to the family room, watching various channels on various television sets, all of which were on, Snow said.
Rove, like Chief of Staff Josh Bolten and Counselor Dan Bartlett, were working their Blackberries and phones throughout the night, Snow added.
Occasionally, the first lady popped in.
The president was constantly asking Rove "What's it look like, how many seats?" Snow said.
Delay house seat goes to Democrat
(CNN) -- CNN projects that Democrat Nick Lampson has won the Texas house district 22 seat vacated by former Republican leader Tom Delay, defeating Republican Shelly Sekula-Gibbs. (Posted 1:46 a.m.)
Democrats take House; Senate control rides on close races in Mo., Va.
(CNN) -- Democrats made gains across the board in Tuesday's midterm elections and seized control of the House for the first time in 12 years, with control of the Senate coming down to three hard-fought contests in Virginia, Missouri and Montana.
Democrats must win all three to secure a majority, and they are leading in all three, although the outcome in Virginia is so close there could be a recount.
With polls now closed in all 50 states, CNN projects that Democrats will pick up at least 21 seats, more than the 15 needed to capture a majority in the House. The result will make Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi the first woman House speaker in U.S. history, although she may face the tricky prospect of managing a majority that's only in the single digits.
"Tonight is a great victory for the American people," Pelosi told cheering supports in Washington. "They voted to take our country in a new direction, and that is exactly what we intend to do."
Democrats picked up 23 Republican-held House seats Tuesday night, but two Democratic seats in Georgia that were targeted by Republicans were still too close to call, which could reduce the overall Democratic gain.
House Majority Leader John Boehner said Republicans were "deeply disappointed in the outcome."
"Our challenge as Republicans is to regain our confidence, our courage and our energy to address the big issues that matter," Boehner said in a statement. "If Republicans stand together and united behind solutions and ideas that move us closer to our common vision of a freer, more prosperous America, I'm confident the American people will return us to the majority in two years."
At the White House, President Bush -- whose anemic approval ratings proved a drag on Republican prospects -- was described as "disappointed" with the House results, although spokesman Tony Fratto said Bush was "still optimistic about the Senate."
The White House has scheduled a news conference Wednesday afternoon where Bush will discuss the outcome of Tuesday's vote.
In addition to their win in the House, Democrats also snatched away six governorships -- enough to give them a majority of governorships nationwide -- as well as three Senate seats.
Sens. Rick Santorum in Pennsylvania, Mike DeWine in Ohio and Lincoln Chafee in Rhode Island were defeated, and Democrats managed to fend off strong Republican challenges to Sen. Bob Menendez in New Jersey and an open seat in Maryland.
However, in order to secure a majority in the Senate, Democrats need to sweep all three hotly contested Senate seats still outstanding in Virginia, Montana and Missouri.
In Virginia, embattled Republican Sen. George Allen and his Democratic challenger, Jim Webb, were locked in a virtual tie, with Webb leading by only about 2,700 votes out of nearly 2.3 million cast.
In Missouri, after leading most of the night, Republican Sen. Jim Talent fell behind his Democratic challenger, State Auditor Claire McCaskill, although less than 20,000 votes separated them, out of more than 1.6 million cast.
In Montana, GOP Sen. Conrad Burns trailed Democratic state Sen. John Tester by 7 points, with about half of the precincts in.
Among the governorships lost by Republicans were New York, Ohio and Massachusetts, all of which they had held for more than a decade, as well as Arkansas and Colorado. Maryland Gov. Bob Ehrlich also went down to defeat at the hands of Democratic Baltimore Mayor Martin O'Malley.
One bright spot for the GOP came in the biggest gubernatorial prize of the night, California, where actor-turned-politician Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger was on his way to an easy win over his Democratic opponent, State Treasurer Phil Angelides.
In Ohio, Democratic Rep. Ted Strickland defeated Republican Secretary of State Ken Blackwell. And in Massachusetts, Democrat Deval Patrick defeated GOP Lt. Gov. Kerry Healey, becoming only the second black governor elected in the United States since Reconstruction.
In New York, Democratic state Attorney General Eliot Spitzer ended 12 years of GOP control of the governorship, trouncing Republican John Fazo.
Incumbent governors won re-election in Alabama, Arizona, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Michigan, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
In Florida, where Republican Gov. Jeb Bush was forced out by term limits, state Attorney General Charlie Crist kept the governorship in GOP hands, defeating Rep. Jim Davis.
A slew of incumbent senators also cruised to victory Tuesday, including Jon Kyl, R-Ariz., Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., Tom Carper, D-Del., Bill Nelson, D-Fla., Daniel Akaka, D-Hawaii, Richard Lugar, R-Ind., Olympia Snowe, R-Maine; Ted Kennedy, D-Mass., Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich. and Trent Lott, R-Miss.
Also winning were Ben Nelson, R-Neb., John Ensign, R-Nev., Jeff Bingaman, D-N.M., Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., Kent Conrad, D-N.D., Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas, Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, Robert Byrd, D-W.Va., Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., Herb Kohl, D-Wisc., and Craig Thomas, R-Wyo.
In Pennsylvania, Santorum was swept from office by Democrat Bob Casey Jr.; in Ohio, Rep. Sherrod Brown ousted DeWine; and in Rhode Island, Chafee -- who often angered his fellow Republicans by bucking the party line -- lost to Democratic state Attorney General Sheldon Whitehouse.
In Tennessee, former Chattanooga Mayor Bob Corker, a Republican, defeated his Democratic rival, Rep. Harold Ford Jr., who was trying to become the first black candidate ever elected to the Senate from a Southern state.
In Vermont, independent Rep. Bernie Sanders won his state's open Senate seat. He has said he will caucus with Democrats in the Senate, as did the independent he will replace, Sen. Jim Jeffords. Democrats also held an open Senate seat in Minnesota, where Amy Klobuchar defeated Republican Rep. Mark Kennedy.
And in Connecticut, Sen. Joe Lieberman, who was forced to run as an independent after losing the Democratic primary to Ned Lamont, won re-election, defeating both Lamont and Republican Alan Schlesinger.
Exit polls showed that four major issues -- corruption, terrorism, the economy and the war in Iraq -- played a role in Tuesday's voting, with roughly four in 10 voters saying those issues were extremely important to their vote.
And defying the traditional political maxim that "all politics is local," 62 percent of voters said national issues mattered more than local issues when deciding which House candidate to pick.
By a wide margin, voters said they disapproved of the war in Iraq and the job performances of both Congress and President Bush.
The exit polls also showed the polarizing effect the war had on the electorate. Among voters who were against the war, almost nine out of 10 said they chose a Democratic House candidate; those who approved chose the Republican by nearly the same margin. (Posted 1:32 a.m.)
Democrats poised to pick up majority of governorships
(CNN) -- Six governorships changed from Republican to Democratic hands in Tuesday's election, giving Democrats control of a majority of the top state posts for the first time in 12 years.
With polls closed in every state, CNN projected winners in 31 of 36 races. In addition to the six pickups, Democrats retained 15 governorships while Republicans retained 10.
Democrats needed to make a net pickup of four governorships in 36 races to get to the magic number of 26.
CNN projections gave former Clinton Justice Department official Deval Patrick the governorship in Massachusetts, where Republicans have held the seat for 12 years. Patrick will become the Bay State's first black governor and only the second elected nationally since Reconstruction.
Democrats also ended Republican rule over more than 10 years in Ohio, where GOP governors had held the seat for 20 years, and in New York, where Republican Gov. George Pataki retired after 12 years in office.
Democratic Rep. Ted Strickland won the governor's race in Ohio, defeating Secretary of State Ken Blackwell, and Attorney General Eliot Spitzer won the New York contest.
Democrats also picked up the governships of Maryland, where Baltimore Mayor Martin O'Malley won a close race over incumbent Gov. Robert Ehrlich, and in Arkansas, where Attorney General Mike Beebe defeated former Bush administration official Asa Hutchinson.
In Colorado, Democrat Bill Ritter topped Republican Rep. Bob Beauprez. Both candidates noted Democratic gains, not only in governorships, but also in the Senate and the House.
"Tonight is the night we bring direction back to this country," Ritter said in his acceptance speech. "We bring hope back to this country. Have a country we can all be proud of again."
Beauprez noted that Republicans "have some work to do."
"There's a bit of a wind blowing out there, and it's not necessary a warm, friendly wind," he said in his concession speech. "It's time we take inventory. I still think we are the party of good ideas and leadership."
Democrats are set to hold onto governorships in Arizona, Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Maine, New Hampshire, Iowa, Oregon and Wyoming. Republicans were retaining seats in Connecticut, Georgia, Nebraska, South Carolina, Alabama, Vermont, Florida, Hawaii, California and Texas.
The races in Alaska, Idaho, Minnesota, Nevada and Rhode Island are still too close to call.
Unlike controlling the House or Senate, having a majority of governorships has little practical effect, because governors operate independently of each other. However, a switch would give Democrats bragging rights and access to state political organizations that could be helpful in the 2008 presidential election. (Posted 1:29 a.m.)
ARLINGTON, Va. (CNN) -- Democrat Jim Webb declared victory in his race against incumbent Republican Sen. George Allen early Wednesday, though a recount in the hotly contested election appeared likely.
"The votes are in, and we won," saiut
d Webb, who led Allen by fewer than 2,300 votes with 99 percent of precincts reporting. (Posted 1:26 a.m.)
Dems declare victory in House
(CNN) -- Democrats took control of the House of Representatives for the first time in 12 years Tuesday, seizing 22 seats from Republicans, CNN projects -- far more than the 15 they required to gain control.
The turnover was a clear signal that dissatisfaction over the Iraq war, the unpopularity of President Bush and a series of Republican scandals played a role in the voting booth.
Those defeated included Rep. Clay Shaw of Florida -- an author of the 1996 welfare reform bill. In 2004, Shaw won re-election with 63 percent of the vote.
"Tonight is a great victory for the American people," said House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, who is poised to become speaker of the House. "Today, the American people voted for change, and they voted for Democrats to take our country in a new direction. And that is exactly what we intend to do."
That particularly applies to the war in Iraq, she said. "'Stay the course' has not made our country safer, has not honored our commitment to our troops, and has not made the region more stable. We cannot continue down this catastrophic path ... the campaign is over. The Democrats are ready to lead."
As speaker, Pelosi would become the first woman in line for the presidency after the vice president.
"We welcome the opportunity to usher in a new era of responsibility in Washington, and there's a lesson I want you to hear ... the American people never lose their zeal for reform and neither can we," said Illinois Congressman Rahm Emanuel, head of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. "The old era of irresponsibility is over, and the new era of real reform has just begun."
The victories were not won across the board, however. Republicans were closely watching two seats in Georgia, hoping to stem some of the Democratic tide. Two Democratic incumbents were fighting for seats redrawn by the state legislature to make them more Republican. And in Illinois, Iraq war veteran Tammy Duckworth conceded her highly-contested open seat to Republican Pete Roskam.
"We are deeply disappointed in the outcome, but as Republicans we must recommit ourselves to the principles that brought us to the majority and renew our drive for smaller, more efficient, more accountable government," said House Majority Leader Tom Boehner of Ohio in a statement.
President Bush was told Republicans had lost the House by his chief political strategist, Karl Rove, according to White House spokesman Tony Fratto.
"Obviously, the president is disappointed, with the results," said White House counselor Dan Bartlett, according to Fratto.
But, Fratto said, Bush is "still optimistic about the Senate."
The president, he said, would not be making any calls Tuesday night, because there were still outstanding contested races. Bush did speak with Republican Chair Tom Reynolds, who won re-election in New York, Fratto said.
Bush has scheduled a 1 p.m. Wednesday news conference on the election.
An average of six recent national polls asking which party Americans planned to vote for in their House races showed Republicans trailing Democrats by a double-digit margin, 53 percent to 41 percent.
All 435 seats in the House were up for re-election. Since the Civil War, the party holding the White House has lost an average of 35 seats in midterm elections where sitting presidents had served longer than one term.
To keep the House, Republicans would have had to retain 22 of their vulnerable seats -- more than 60 percent -- at a time when the public mood does not play to their favor.
That task has been made more difficult because five seats that arguably should be in the GOP column have been put in jeopardy by scandals and investigations that have bedeviled the Republican caucus over the past year.
Democrats picked up seats held by former Rep. Bob Ney of Ohio, who resigned Friday after pleading guilty to multiple counts stemming from the long-running probe into disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff. They also picked up the seat held by former Rep. Mark Foley of Florida, who resigned and abandoned his re-election bid amid a sex scandal in September. The two had been expected to be safe seats for Republicans, as was that held by former Rep. Tom DeLay of Texas. Democrats were leading in the race for DeLay's seat.
DeLay, the former House majority leader from Texas, left office to defend himself against state money-laundering charges related to campaign finances, and Foley, after admitting to inappropriate behavior with teenage male congressional pages.
The fallout from the Foley affair has put Rep. Tom Reynolds, the head of the National Republican Congressional Committee, in a tough fight in his western New York district, after he revealed that he had been told about Foley's "overly friendly" e-mails to a page before they became public. Reynolds, however, held onto his seat.
And in suburban Philadelphia, 10-term Rep. Curt Weldon lost to Democrat Joseph Sestak. Weldon was running under a cloud after federal agents searched his daughter's home in mid-October, as part of an investigation into whether he used his position to steer contracts to her lobbying firm. Weldon has denied any wrongdoing.
On the Democratic side, Rep. William Jefferson of New Orleans is also seeking re-election while under investigation for corruption, including revelations by prosecutors that $90,000 in cash was found stashed in his freezer. Jefferson was leading the contest. However, due to Louisiana's unique election process, the seat is expected to stay in Democratic hands.
Tuesday's vote in Louisiana is actually a primary in which Jefferson and his 12 challengers (eight Democrats, three Republicans and a Libertarian) all run in the same race, regardless of party. If no one wins a majority, the top two finishers will meet in a runoff.
Jefferson's strongest challenger is expected to be state Rep. Karen Carter, who received the Democratic Party's formal endorsement over the incumbent, who has denied any wrongdoing.
--CNN's Suzanne Malveaux and Keith Oppenheim contributed to this report. (Posted 1:12 a.m.)
Democrats take House, make gains in Senate, governorships
(CNN) -- Democrats made gains across the board in Tuesday's midterm elections and seized control of the House for the first time in 12 years, although Republicans were still positioned to maintain their majority in the Senate after retaining a crucial open seat in Tennessee.
In Virginia, embattled Republican Sen. George Allen and his Democratic challenger, Jim Webb, were locked in a virtual tie, with Webb leading by less than 3,000 votes with 99 percent of precincts reporting.
In Missouri, Republican Sen. Jim Talent held a 3-point lead over his Democratic challenger, State Auditor Claire McCaskill, with about 70 percent of the precincts reporting. And in Montana, GOP Sen. Conrad Burns trailed Democratic state Sen. John Tester by 8 points, with less than 40 percent of the precincts in.
Various voting problems reported across the country
By Cable News Network
Several voting problems are being reported Tuesday in the crucial midterm elections. CNN first learned of some of the problems in "iReport" submissions from CNN viewers. Here's a breakdown of the problems by state: Colorado
Denver District court has denied a request from lawyers for the state's Democratic Party for a two-hour extension for voting in Denver County.
Denver District Court Judge Sheila Rappaport made that ruling Tuesday afternoon.
Brian Mason of the Colorado Democratic Party said there were "severe problems when the polls opened this morning in Denver. ... The poll books -- which show registered voters -- were not ready."
He said many voters waited in long lines as a result and many left without voting because the sites ran out of provisional ballots, which are used in case of such an emergency. There have also been problems with laptop computers to verify voter registration. Florida
Voting was delayed for about 90 minutes in Deerfield Beach, according to Broward County Supervisor of Elections Brenda Snipes, after a poll worker used the same activator to "turn on" machines for two precincts sharing the same location. Each precinct is supposed to have its own activator. New electronic machines and new activators were brought in.
In Volusia County, according to Jenny Nash, with the Florida secretary of state's office, the county elections supervisor confirmed that the wrong ballots were given to 10 voters. Nash said those voters "have no recourse and cannot vote again," adding, "once your ballot is counted, that's it. "
Separately, eight of 170 Diebold optical scanners in Volusia County had memory problems for an hour Tuesday morning, according to Nash. She said the ballots have been stored in an emergency bin and will be scanned later by poll workers. Georgia
Polls at one precinct in DeKalb County, Georgia, in suburban Atlanta will stayed open one hour later. Election officials say polling officials failed to follow procedure when voting machines failed to show they were fully charged. According to election officials, voting was delayed about and hour and some people left without voting. In Clayton County, one remained opened for an extra half hour, until 730 p.m. because the poll official didn't have the key to the building Tuesday morning, according to the secretary of state's office.
A judge in Kane County ordered all 223 precincts in the county to stay open an extra 90 minutes tonight, until 9:30pm ET, according to Jay Bennett of the Kane County Clerk's office. She say problems were primarily in 17 precincts in the northern part of Kane County, but the judge decided to keep all the polling places open. The county was using an electronic voting system called eSlate, first used in the March primary.
The clerk's office in Cook County said two suburban precincts will stay open for an extra hour because they opened an hour late for undisclosed reasons. One precinct is in Cicero and the other in Bloom Township near Chicago Heights. Indiana
Two LaPorte County precincts that were supposed to close at 7 p.m. CT have extending voting hours, according to Jen Fanger of the Indiana secretary of state's office. One will remain open an extra half hour, until 7:30 p.m., and the other will remain open for an extra hour, until 8 p.m. because of problems with human error. Two precincts in Tippecano County remained open until 6:30 p.m. ET. They were both originally supposed to close at 6 p.m.
The polls in Delaware County will remain open an extra two hours and 40 minutes, until 8:40 p.m. ET, because of a computer error with electronic voting machines. The extension was approved by the 5th Circuit Court of Delaware County after local election officials filed to keep the polls open longer, according to Phil Nichols of the Delaware County Board of Elections in Muncie.
The problem delayed the opening time for more than 70 precincts.
"The company that made the machines said the PIN numbers were wrong on the cards needed to activate the machines and we are attempting as best we can to rectify a situation that would otherwise prohibit people from voting," Judge Wayne Lennington of the 5th Circuit Court told CNN. "I really believe the company let us down in a big way."
Lennington said he had spoken to an official with MicroVote General Corp. earlier in the day.
The Delaware County Board of Elections has voted to file a complaint against MicroVote for the delays, Nichols said.
The polls in the rest of the state will close at the scheduled time, with the last polling stations shutting down at 7 p.m. ET.
In Marion County, paper ballots had to be used in more than 100 precincts because touch screens on electronic voting machines weren't working, according to election officials. Kentucky
An unnamed poll worker at a Jefferson County polling location was arrested and charged with assault Tuesday after a scuffle, according to authorities. The poll worker allegedly choked a voter and pushed him out the door of a polling location. Apparently, the poll worker insisted that the man vote on judicial races. He allegedly refused to vote on that portion of the ballot because of limited knowledge about those races, said Les Fugate of the Kentucky Board of Elections. Maryland
Democratic election workers at two polling places in Prince George's County showed CNN copies of a brochure that contained a sample ballot, supposedly with Democratic candidates indicated but actually with Xs next to two Republican candidates, incumbent Robert Ehrlich for governor and Lt. Governor Michael Steele for senator.
They also featured pictures of three prominent African-American Maryland politicians -- county executive Jack Johnson, his predecessor, Wayne Curry, and former NAACP President Kweisi Mfume. On the front of the brochure it said, "Ehrlich-Steele Democrats Official Voter Guide." At the bottom of the brochure, small type stated, "Paid and authorized by Bob Ehrlich for Maryland Committee Inc." and "Paid and Authorized by Steele for Maryland Inc."
Shareese DeLeaver, press secretary for the Ehrlich campaign, said she did not think the brochure was a "dirty trick" because the governor has been on similar brochures in the past. She said it was simply an example of how people could support local Democratic candidates for lower offices and still support Ehrlich and Steele. She said that the Democrats' complaints shows how they "underestimate the intelligence of the Maryland electorate."
David Paulson, communications director for the Maryland Democratic Party, told CNN the party had asked for an injunction to put a stop to the distribution of brochures labeled "Ehrlich-Steele Democrats" but it was denied. (See Maryland - Fliers) Missouri
Five counties -- Jasper, Pemiscot, Jefferson, Dunklin and Polk-- ran out of ballots, according to Stacie Temple of the Secretary of State's office. Election officials made photocopies of ballots, which Temple says is an acceptable thing to do for election authorities, and will have to hand-count the votes and add them in. Depending on the numbers, this could cause delays in returns for those counties.
Earlier, St. Louis County Election Board Chairman John Diehl on Tuesday called judges at two precincts to remind them of rules regarding acceptable forms of voter identification.
Diehl said he received reports from a monitoring group that workers at two polling places were asking voters specifically for photo ID. The Missouri Supreme Court declared state photo ID laws unconstitutional in a ruling on Oct. 16. New Jersey
The office of the New Jersey Republican Committee said that four affidavits have been filed by Republican voters who say that they weren't able to vote for Republican Senate candidate Tom Kean because the Sequoia voting machines they were using were already programmed to vote for Democrat Bob Menendez, according to NJRC Counsel Mark Sheridan.
Sheridan said that all of the problems came out of Democratic jurisdictions and that "voters have been thrown out when they try to make claims." He went on to say, "It would be too much of a coincidence for it to happen in the same polling places."
Michelle Schaffer at Sequoia told CNN, "We have been in close communication with the New Jersey attorney general's office, and we are not aware of any issues that are problematic, nor have they raised any to ask us about. "
She added, "Things are going well. "
A handful of polling locations in Camden County have experienced problems with Sequoia electronic voting machines, according to Phyllis Pearl, the Camden County superintendent of elections.
She said 35 of the county's 700 machines had printer or mechanical malfunctions. Nine of the machines have been replaced because of mechanical problems, and three districts had to switch temporarily to emergency ballots as a result of the malfunctions.
There are also reports of electronic voting machine malfunctions in Montclair and Union counties. The polling locations have issued paper ballots in some cases and have had voting machines replaced. New Mexico
There was a ballot shortage at two precincts in Bernalillo County, according to Ray Baray, New Mexico's deputy secretary of state. In one of those precincts, just 150 ballots were delivered for 2,000 registered voters. Baray said that for about two hours Tuesday, people were unable to vote because of the shortage. He said he suspects the ballots came up short because some dropped a zero in the number of ballots to be sent.
He said the state has no idea how many people left without voting.
In response, Republican incumbent Rep. Heather Wilson wrote a letter to the Committee on House Administration saying, "Under the constitutional authority granted to the House, I am requesting that the Committee on House Administration dispatch observers to the First District of New Mexico to monitor this election and ensure full compliance with federal law."
Deputy Secretary of State Ray Baray's office released a statement saying, "There was an administrative error on the county's part that resulted in a shortage of ballots in two precincts. Our understanding is that this has been corrected as of 2 p.m. today when the Bernalillo County Clerk had more ballots printed and delivered to the affected precincts."
The Supreme Court of Albany County has ordered that all paper ballots in that county -- including absentee, military, affidavit, emergency and optical scanned -- be impounded, which means they can't be opened or counted until Monday.
This is a pre-emptive move in case races are tight, which means that for those races, final results won't be known for days. Local law enforcement officers will be responsible for securing the paper ballots. The decision is a result of a suit that was filed on behalf of both the New York Democratic and Republican parties. North Carolina
One polling place in Durham County stayed open an hour late Tuesday, closing at 8:30 p.m. ET Tuesday, according to Ms. Johnnie McLean of the North Carolina Board of elections. She said the polling place opened fifty minutes late because a poll worker forgot the key to the building. Ohio
Federal Judge Dan Polster ruled to keep the polls at 16 polling sites in Cuyahoga County open and extra hour-and-a-half until 9pm ET. The Ohio Democratic Party had filed a lawsuit with the United States District Court, Northern District of Ohio, to keep the polls open longer, ensure ballot security and make sure ballots are accurately counted. The suit cites numerous problems -- late poll openings, machine problems and confusion over the state's identification laws -- at Cuyahoga County polling locations.
Early Tuesday morning, Republican Rep. Jean Schmidt had trouble casting her paper ballot via a scanner in Loveland, northeast of Cincinnati.
Schmidt spokesman Matt Perin said elections officials put her ballot in a lock box and said they'd manually enter her vote later.
"I feel confident that the system in place will take care of it. I sure hope my vote counts," Schmidt said, laughing. Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Secretary of Commonwealth Pedro Cortes told CNN that his office received a letter from the state GOP committee saying it had information that voters were having trouble with vote "flipping" (trying to vote for one candidate but the other name appearing instead).
Cortes said his office contacted each county where this was supposedly happening. He found those allegations are unsubstantiated, saying if there were errors, they were voter error. When asked if he was going to impound the machines, he responded that "there was no need to do it," adding that he had no authority to impound them.
He said this would typically be done by court order. He added that these are heavily Republican-dominated counties, with Republican judges, none of whom have corroborated these allegations. Cortes said his department will conduct a careful review of these issues as part of their post-election analysis. "If there is any validation we'll act appropriately."
Earlier, election officials announced that polls in Lancaster and Lebanon counties were to remain open an extra hour, until 9 p.m. ET, because of software glitches. And election officials in Lebanon County said ballots cast after 8 p.m. will be on paper and will be counted Tuesday night.
Cortes also told CNN 10 of Allegheny County's 1,314 polling places did not open on time. The late openings are attributable to human error, he said.
In Allentown, Police Chief Ron Manescu said Michael Young was charged with criminal mischief and tampering with voting machines under state law. Manescu said Young walked in to a polling site, showed identification, went into the booth and began to beat the voting machine with a paperweight in the shape of a cat. Poll workers called the police, who found Young seated and "hanging his head" upon arrival. Young is awaiting arraignment; bail has not yet been set. Rhode Island
Three electronic voting machines in West Warwick malfunctioned early in the day and were quickly repaired or repalced, said Bob Kando, executive director of the Rhode Island Board of Elections.
A judge ordered four polling precincts in Lancaster County to stay open an additional hour because voting did not start promptly at 7 a.m. Tuesday for various reasons, according to the state's Secretary of State's office. The polling officials should have offered voters a paper ballot because the electronic voting was not up and running. They did not offer the voters that option. Utah
Utah County experienced encoder problems early Tuesday morning at some polling places. Voters were allowed to vote provisionally until the problem was solved, at about 9:15 a.m., according to Joe Demma, the chief of staff to the lieutenant governor. Utah County contains Provo, one of the state's largest cities. Virginia
The FBI is conducting a preliminary investigation into allegations that some voters in eight counties in Virginia received deceptive calls prior to the midterm elections, law enforcement sources told CNN. (See VA - Deceptive Calls)
Separately, Jean Jensen of the Board of Elections said the board will notify both political parties that two Edge voting machines -- one in Isle of Wight and another in Rockingham County -- have "locked up." For some reason, officials cannot tally votes from those machines, the board said. Technical experts cannot work on them until morning. Washington
Polls in this northwestern state had to deal with problems because of recent bad weather, road closings and flooding. According to the state's Elections Director, Nick Handy, two polling places in Eastern King Co. (Seattle) were closed and relocated to temporary sites nearby. Handy says for the handful of voters physically blocked by road closures, the state has devised ways for them to either fax or electronically transmit their ballot to the auditors, which state law allows for. Washington is predominantly a vote-by-mail state and that has minimized the impact of a severe storm. Wisconsin
A circuit court judge ordered one polling station in Madison, Wisconsin, to stay open until 9 p.m. CT. Earlier, there had been a threat at that location and the voting equipment had been moved outside and across the street for voters. (Posted 1:07 a.m.)
Tennessee, South Carolina, Wisconsin and Virginia voted to ban same-sex marriage, a measure also on the ballot in Colorado, Idaho, Arizona and South Dakota. Colorado was also slated to vote on a measure that would create domestic partnerships for same-sex partners.
Voters in Colorado and Nevada were choosing whether to legalize marijuana, while voters in South Dakota were deciding whether to allow use of the drug for medical purposes.
Democrats 'biting our nails' over Virginia Senate seat after 3 pickups
(CNN) -- Democratic challengers wrested at least three Senate seats from Republicans in Tuesday's midterm elections, with a closely watched Virginia race balanced on the edge of a knife as Democrats fought to reclaim control of the chamber.
Democrats trailed their Republican opponents in two states, Tennessee and Missouri, early Wednesday, but led in Montana. And in the Virginia contest between Republican Sen. George Allen and his Democratic opponent, former Navy Secretary Jim Webb, a recount appeared likely as Webb led Allen by fewer than 2,400 votes out of more than 2.4 million cast.
The Virginia race has left Democratic leaders "biting our nails," said Sen. Chuck Schumer, the party's Senate campaign chairman. Webb told his supporters late Tuesday that many votes remained to be counted in Democratic-leaning precincts, and a recount appeared likely.
Webb led early returns, trailed Allen as more boxes came in and pulled ahead by a fraction of a percent as late votes were counted. When he was still behind, he warned supporters that the race was likely to remain open for some time.
"It's going to take a while, but at some point very soon, I think we're going to be on top," he said.
Allen, once considered a 2008 presidential contender, was plagued by a series of gaffes and miscues in the last weeks of the campaign. But he said that he faced a recount in his first political race, winning by 18 votes, and reassured supporters that "the counting will continue through the night."
"It seems like every time there's a new e-mail, there's more votes coming in," he said.
While many observers had predicted the Democrats would regain control of the House, as they appear to have done for the first time since 1994, regaining the Senate was seen as less likely. The party needed a net gain of six seats among the 33 at stake Tuesday to reclaim control of the chamber for the first time in four years.
Democrats have hammered GOP lawmakers in both houses this year, tying them to the sagging approval ratings for President Bush and the increasing unpopularity of the war in Iraq. Earlier, Schumer told reporters that Democrats were feeling "very, very good" about Tuesday's elections.
"What it looks like from one end of America to the other is that the election is a referendum on George Bush, the rubber-stamp Congress, and the need for a change in direction," Schumer said.
Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum, the No. 3 Republican in the Senate, fell to his Democratic opponent, Bob Casey Jr. In Ohio, Democratic congressman Sherrod Brown toppled two-term incumbent Mike DeWine. And in Rhode Island, GOP maverick Lincoln Chafee, an opponent of the war in Iraq who said he did not vote for President Bush's re-election, fell to Democrat Sheldon Whitehouse.
"This just was a little too steep of a mountain to climb, but it was not for want of people helping us climb it," said Santorum, an outspoken opponent of abortion and same-sex marriage who once suggested that striking down sodomy laws would lead to the legalization of "man-on-dog" sex. "Thank you so very much for your dedication to beliefs in a cause that will not end with tonight."
In Missouri, freshman Republican Sen. Jim Talent led Democratic State Auditor Claire McCaskill by a 50-46 margin with 64 percent of the state's precincts reporting. And in Tennessee, CNN projects that former Chattanooga Mayor Bob Corker will beat Democratic U.S. Rep. Harold Ford, whom he led by a 51-48 percent with 90 percent of that state's vote counted.
The last remaining race was in Montana, where state Sen. Jon Tester led GOP incumbent Conrad Burns by a 55-43 percent margin with 22 percent of the votes cast.
Meanwhile, Democrats claimed victory in two other states where they now hold seats.
In New Jersey, Sen. Robert Menendez won a full term against Republican Thomas Kean Jr., the son of the former governor and chairman of the 9/11 commission. Menendez had been dogged by questions about his personal finances since his appointment in 2005, but told supporters Tuesday night that he would be "a voice that will make you proud."
And in Maryland, Rep. Ben Cardin claimed victory with a 52-47 percent lead over Republican Lt. Gov. Michael Steele for the seat now held by retiring Democrat Paul Sarbanes. But with about a quarter of the vote still out, Steele has refused to concede and urged supporters to "hang tough" and prepare for a long night.
"I'm asking you to hang in there with me tonight because we've got more counting to do," he said. "We've got more precincts to come in, and there are 200,000 absentee ballots out there that need to be counted."
Meanwhile, in Connecticut, incumbent Sen. Joseph Lieberman won a new term as an independent against Ned Lamont, the man who beat him in the Democratic primary in August. Lamont conceded defeat after trailing Lieberman by a 50-39 margin with about 75 percent of boxes reporting.
"I thank the people of Connecticut, who tonight have given me, once again, the honor of being their senator -- and in doing so, chose progress over partisanship; problem solving over polarization; and the mainstream over the extreme," said Lieberman, the Democrats' vice presidential nominee in 2000.
Though re-elected as an independent, Lieberman has said he will caucus with Democrats in the new Congress.
The Republican candidate, Alan Schlesinger, was drawing just 10 percent of the vote as many Republican voters supported Lieberman, a staunch supporter of the war in Iraq. According to CNN exit polls, Republicans voted for Lieberman over Schlesinger, 70 percent to 21 percent, while independents went for Lieberman over Lamont by a 52-to-38 percent margin.
Most other incumbents cruised to re-election Tuesday, including possible Democratic presidential contender and former first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton. New York voters sent her back to the Senate for a second term by a better than 2-to-1 margin with 79 percent of precincts counted.
"I hope we're going to have some new Democratic members of Congress before today is over, and I'm hoping I'm going to be in the Democratic majority," she said.
In Florida, Democratic incumbent Bill Nelson will win a second term by defeating Rep. Katherine Harris, who was Florida's secretary of state during the presidential recount of 2000. In Utah, veteran GOP Sen. Orrin Hatch won a new term, while Democrat Edward Kennedy claimed his eighth full term in Massachusetts.
In Maine, Republican Olympia Snowe won a third term, while West Virginia Democrat Robert Byrd, 88, already the chamber's longest-serving member, will claim a ninth term by beating Republican challenger John Raese.
And in Vermont, independent Rep. Bernie Sanders has beaten Republican nominee Richard Tarrant. Sanders, the socialist former mayor of Burlington, has pledged to caucus with the Democrats; he replaces retiring independent Sen. Jim Jeffords, a former Republican who handed control of the Senate to Democrats in 2001 by leaving the GOP. (Posted 1:04 a.m.)
As speaker, Pelosi would become the first woman in line for the presidency after the vice president. She would be followed by Sen. Robert Byrd of West Virginia, who held on to his Senate seat.
--CNN's Suzanne Malveaux and Keith Oppenheim contributed to this report. (Posted 1 a.m.)
(CNN) -- Voters in four states Tuesday approved ballot measures raising the minimum wage, joining 18 other states in setting a minimum wage above the federal mark of $5.15 per hour, according to CNN projections.
Ohio voters raised the wage to $6.85 per hour, Montana to the higher of $6.15 or the federal wage and Missouri to $6.50. Arizona voters raised the minimum wage to $6.75.
Two other states -- Colorado and Nevada -- were considering similar measures.(Posted 12:47 a.m.)
(CNN) -- Democrats made gains across the board in Tuesday's midterm elections and seized control of the House for the first time in 12 years, although Republicans were still positioned to maintain their majority in the Senate.
With polls now closed in every state except Alaska, CNN projects that Democrats will pick up at least 18 seats, more than the 15 they needed to capture a majority in the House. The result will make Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi the first woman House speaker in U.S. history.
However, Democratic prospects remained unclear in hotly contested Senate races in Virginia, Tennessee and Missouri, at least two of which they need to win to pull off the six-seat gain needed to secure a majority in the upper chamber.
In Virginia, embattled Republican Sen. George Allen and his Democratic challenger, Jim Webb, were locked in a virtual tie, with Webb leading by less than 3,000 votes with 99 percent of precincts reporting. In Tennessee, former Chattanooga Mayor Bob Corker held a 3-point lead over his Democratic rival, Rep. Harold Ford Jr., with about 95 percent of the precincts reporting.
In Missouri, Republican Sen. Jim Talent also led his Democratic challenger, State Auditor Claire McCaskill, with nearly two-third of the precincts reporting. However, in Montana, GOP Sen. Conrad Burns trailed Democratic state Sen. John Tester with a little more than a quarter of the precincts in.
One bright spot for the GOP came in the biggest gubernatorial prize of the night, California, where actor-turned-politician Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger was projected to defeat his Democratic opponent, State Treasurer Phil Angelides.
In Ohio, Democratic Rep. Ted Strickland defeated Republican Secretary of State Ken Blackwell. In Massachusetts, Democrat Deval Patrick defeated GOP Lt. Gov. Kerry Healey, becoming only the second black governor elected in the United States since Reconstruction.
Incumbent governors won re-election in Alabama, Arizona, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Michigan, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
A slew of incumbent also senators cruised to victory Tuesday, including Jon Kyl, R-Ariz., Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., Tom Carper, D-Del., Bill Nelson, D-Fla., Daniel Akaka, D-Hawaii, Richard Lugar, R-Ind., Olympia Snowe, R-Maine; Ted Kennedy, D-Mass., Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich. and Trent Lott, R-Miss.
Also winning were Ben Nelson, R-Neb., John Ensign, R-Nev., Jeff Bingaman, D-N.M., Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., Kent Conrad, D-N.D., Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas, Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, Robert Byrd, D-W.Va., Herb Kohl, D-Wisc., and Craig Thomas, R-Wyo.
In Pennsylvania, Santorum was swept from office by Democrat Bob Casey Jr.; in Ohio, Rep. Sherrod Brown ousted GOP Sen. Mike DeWine; and in Rhode Island, Chafee -- who often angered his fellow Republicans by bucking the party line -- lost to Democratic state Attorney General Sheldon Whitehouse.
In Vermont, independent Rep. Bernie Sanders won his state's open Senate seat. He has said he will caucus with Democrats in the Senate, as did the independent he would replace, Sen. Jim Jeffords. Democrats also held an open Senate seat in Minnesota, Democrat Amy Klobuchar defeated Republican Rep. Mark Kennedy.
And in Connecticut, Sen. Joe Lieberman, who was forced to run as an independent after losing the Democratic primary to Ned Lamont, will win re-election, defeating both Lamont and Republican Alan Schlesinger.
The exit polls also showed the polarizing effect the war had on the electorate. Among voters who were against the war, almost nine out of 10 said they chose a Democratic House candidate; those who approved chose the Republican by nearly the same margin. (Posted 12:46 a.m.)
CNN projects Corker win in Tennessee; Republicans hold onto Senate seat
(CNN) -- CNN projects Republican candidate Bob Corker will win the Tennessee Senate race, defeating Democratic Rep. Harold Ford Jr. He'll fill the open seat now held by retiring Republican Bill Frist, the Senate majority leader. (Posted 12:44 a.m.)
CNN projects Oregon governor
(CNN) -- CNN projects that incumbent Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski, a Democrat, will be re-elected, defeating Republican Ron. Saxton. (Posted 12:35 a.m.)
CNN projects California governor
(CNN) -- CNN projects that Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger will be re-elected, defeating Democrat Phil Angelides. (Posted 12:21 a.m.)
CNN projects Nevada minimum wage
(CNN) -- CNN projects that Nevada voters will approve a mandatory minimum wage constitutional amendment, which would set the wage at $6.15 if the employer does not provide health benefits. In all, six states have approved minimum wage ballot measures in the 2006 election. (Posted 12:20 a.m.)
CNN projects Sens. Kyl, Ensign re-elected in Arizona, Nevada
(CNN) -- CNN projects Republican incumbent Jon Kyl will win the Arizona Senate race, defeating Democratic challenger Jim Pederson.
CNN also projects Republican incumbent John Ensign will win the Nevada Senate race, defeating Democratic challenger Jack Carter, the son of former President Jimmy Carter. (Posted 11:52 p.m.)
CNN projects Hawaii governor
(CNN) -- CNN projects that Republican Gov. Linda Lingle will win re-election in Hawaii, defeating Democrat Randall Iwase. (Posted 11:18 p.m.)
(CNN) -- Voters in three states Tuesday approved ballot measures raising the minimum wage, joining 18 other states in setting a wage higher than the federal mark of $5.15 per hour, according to CNN projections.
Ohio voters raised the wage to $6.85 per hour, Montana to the higher of $6.15 or the federal wage and Missouri to $6.50.
Three other states -- Arizona, Colorado and Nevada -- were considering similar measures.
Other hot-button issues on ballot measures include initiatives that would ban same-sex marriage in seven states, restrictions on abortion in three states, marijuana issues in three states and stem-cell research in one state.
Additionally, Arizona voters approved a measure making English the state's official language, while Michigan voters approved an initiative that put limitations on affirmative-action policies at all state colleges and universities.
In early returns, voters in Tennessee and Virginia voted to ban same-sex marriage, a measure also on the ballot in Colorado, Idaho, South Carolina, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Colorado voters were also slated to vote on a measure that would create domestic partnerships for same-sex partners.
On abortion, California and Oregon voters were considering measures that would require parental notification in order for minors to get abortions, while South Dakota voters were considering an outright ban on the procedure.
And in Missouri, voters were considering whether to allow stem-cell research. (Posted 11:16 p.m.)
Dems pick up seats in Pa., Fla., Conn.
(CNN) -- CNN projects Democrat Christopher Carney will win Pennsylvania's 10th District, defeating Republican Rep. Don Sherwood.
CNN projects Democrat Tim Mahoney will win Florida's 16th District, defeating Republican Joe Negron. The seat was left open by the resignation of former Rep. Mark Foley.
CNN projects Democrat Chris Murphy wins Connecticut's 5th District, defeating Republican incumbent Rep. Nancy Johnson.
That brings to 10 the number of Democratic pickups in the House. (Posted
CNN projects Feinstein, Akaka re-elected in Calif., Hawaii Senate races
(CNN) -- CNN projects Democratic incumbent Dianne Feinstein will win the California Senate race, defeating Republican challenger Richard Mountjoy.
CNN also projects Democratic incumbent Daniel Akaka will win the Hawaii Senate race, defeating Republican challenger Cynthia Thielen.
CNN projects Michigan affirmative action
(CNN) -- CNN projects that Michigan voters have approved an amendment to the state constitution which would limit affirmative action policies at the University of Michigan and other state universities.
The language would prohibit those schools "from discriminating against or granting preferential treatment on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin."
In 2003, the Supreme Court ruled narrowly in favor of affirmative action policies at the University of Michigan.
Dems score seventh House pickup in N.C.
(CNN) -- CNN projects Democrat and former NFL quarterback Heath Shuler will win in North Carolina's 11th district, defeating GOP incumbent Rep. Charles Taylor.
The pickup is the seventh for Democrats in the House.
CNN projects Arkansas governor
(CNN) -- CNN projects Democrat Mike Beebe will be elected Arkansas governor, defeating Republican Asa Hutchinson. This is a Democratic pickup because Republican Gov. Mike Hukabee is leaving office because of term limits. (Posted 10:48 p.m.)
Democrats win sixth pickup in Pa.
(CNN) -- CNN projects Democrat Joseph Sestak will win Pennsylvania's 7th District, defeating Republican incumbent Rep. Curt Weldon.
The pickup is the sixth for Democrats in the House. (Posted 10:55 p.m.)
Isolated reports of voting snafus in the Show-Me State From CNN Producer Alex Walker
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Isolated reports of balloting problems cropped up in the Show-Me State Tuesday, mainly in St. Louis County, the largest jurisdiction in the state.
Officials here told CNN that 25 "roving technicians," hired by the election board, have been in high-gear all day, troubleshooting human and machine errors.
"We have 440 poll locations, 3,500 poll workers and 2,200 pieces of equipment," said election board chairman John Diehl. "When you have those kinds of numbers, you're bound to have glitches."
Diehl confirmed a report early Tuesday that voters at one polling location in Normandy Township were turned away during the first hour of voting, but said the problem was corrected quickly. An optical scan machine -- which reads hand-marked ballots -- was not working, and voters were told to return later.
"If that machine is not working, poll workers are trained to instruct voters to use the iVotronic touch-screens or to drop their paper ballots into the optical scanner's emergency bin to be processed later," Diehl said. "For whatever reason, this particular judge did not explain the other options ... They should have never turned a voter away."
Denise Lieberman of the Election Protection Coalition, a voter advocacy group, told the election board of the situation, and said that St. Louis County had major problems all day.
Lieberman said she heard from voters through her organization's hotline (866-OUR-VOTE), and that callers reported voter ID confusion at two polling stations in the county: Christ the King Church on Big Bend Boulevard and Nathaniel Hawthorne Elementary School on North Hanley Road.
"We had reports that poll workers were asking for photo ID at both locations," Lieberman said. "At Hawthorne Elementary, callers said that there were also signs indicating that a signature ID was required."
Election board officials would not confirm those reports, but Diehl said his staff phoned the judges at those precincts to remind them of the requirements.
Last month, the Missouri Supreme Court ruled that photo and signature ID requirements were unconstitutional.
"I can't confirm everything that an individual poll worker says to an individual voter, but we did call those precincts to counsel them on the rules," Diehl said. "I am not aware of any voter being denied the right to vote over a photo ID issue."
Registered voters in Missouri need only one of the following: any ID issued by the state, an agency of the state, or local election authority of the state; any federal ID; a university, vocational or technical school ID from any institution of higher education located within the state; a copy of a utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, government check or other government document that contains the voter's name and address; or a driver's license or state identification card issued by another state.
Diehl said he had expected the kinds of incidents reported by Lieberman and other voter advocates, but said the elections board was not aware of any systemic voting problems in St. Louis County.
CNN received at least one report of delays in the City of St. Louis, with poll workers having trouble booting up e-voting machines in the first hour of voting at the Barr Branch Public Library in Ward 6.
"The election judges didn't know how to get them going, and were not getting a response from election officials," said voter Michael Lane in an e-mail to CNN. "I don't know if they eventually started working, but the line began to back up as people waited to receive a paper ballot." (Posted 10:44 p.m.)
CNN projects Florida governor
(CNN) -- CNN projects Republican Charlie Crist will be elected Florida governor, succeeding Republican Gov. Jeb Bush, defeating Democrat Jim Davis. (Posted 10:43 p.m.)
CNN projects 'no' on Ohio slot machines
(CNN) -- CNN projects that a proposal to allow slot machines at nine different locations in Ohio, including seven at existing race tracks, will be defeated. Thirty per cent of the revenue would have been directed towards educational programs. (Posted 10:40 p.m.)
Democrat takes open Ohio seat for fifth pickup
(CNN) -- CNN projects Democrat Zack Space will take the open seat in Ohio's 18th district, defeating Republican Joy Padgett. This represents the fifth pick-up by Democrats in the House.
The seat was formerly held by Rep. Bob Ney, who resigned Friday following his guilty plea to multiple counts stemming from the long-running probe into disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff. (Posted 10:39 p.m.)
CNN projects Vermont governor
(CNN) -- CNN projects that Republican Gov. Jim Douglas of Vermont will win re-election, defeating Democrat Scudder Parker. (Posted 10:37 p.m.)
CNN projects Maine governor
(CNN) -- CNN projects that incumbent Democratic Gov. John Baldacci of Maine will win re-election, defeating Republican Chandler Woodcock. (Posted 10:25 p.m.)
CNN projects Wisconsin governor
(CNN) -- CNN projects Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle will be re-elected in Wisconsin, defeating Republican Rep. Mark Green. (Posted 10:25 p.m.)
CNN projects Hatch to win new Senate term in Utah
(CNN) -- CNN projects Republican incumbent Orrin Hatch will win the Utah Senate race, defeating Democratic challenger Pete Ashdown. (Posted 10:07 p.m.)
CNN projects Montana minimum wage initiative
(CNN) -- CNN projects that voters in Montana have approved a ballot measure that will legally raise the minimum wage. It would raise the minimum wage to $6.15 per hour or the federal minimum wage, whichever is higher.
Montana is the third state tonight to adopt a similar ballot measure. Earlier, voters in Ohio and Missouri approved mandated minimum wage increases. (Posted 10:07 p.m.)
CNN projects GOP incumbent Lott to win Mississippi Senate race
(CNN) -- CNN projects Republican incumbent and former Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott will win his bid for a fourth term, defeating Democratic challenger Erik Fleming. (Posted 9:52 p.m.)
CNN projects Kansas governor
(CNN) CNN projects incumbent Democratic Gov. Kathleen Sebelius will win re-election in Kansas, defeating Republican Jim Barnett. (Posted 9:49 p.m.)
CNN projects Oklahoma, South Carolina governor
(CNN) -- CNN projects incumbent Democratic Gov. Brad Henry will win re-election, defeating the Republican, Rep. Ernest Istook.
CNN also projects that incumbent Gov. Mark Sanford, Republican of South Carolina, will defeat Democrat Tommy Moore. (Posted 9:47 p.m.)
Democrats win third pickup in Indiana, CNN projects
(CNN) -- CNN projects Democrat Joe Donnelly will win Indiana's 2nd district -- defeating Republican incumbent Rep. Chris Chocola. The race was a rematch of a 2004 contest. The pickup is the third for Democrats. (Posted 9:39 p.m.)
CNN projects Maryland governor
(CNN) -- CNN projects that Democrat Martin O'Malley, the mayor of Baltimore, will defeat Maryland Gov. Robert Erlich, the incumbent Republican. This is a pick-up for the Democrats, the fourth on the night.
Democrats need a net pick-up of four governorships to take over a majority of the state posts. Heading into the balloting, five GOP-held seats were considered likely to switch, and races for six others are down to the wire.
By contrast, just four Democrat-held governorships appear to be within possible Republican reach, and two of those were leaning Democratic. (Posted 9:39 p.m.)
CNN projects Democratic win in Rhode Island Senate Race
(CNN) -- CNN projects Democratic challenger Sheldon Whitehouse will win the Rhode Island Senate race, defeating Republican incumbent Lincoln Chafee. The pickup is the third of six the Democrats need to reclaim control of the Senate from the GOP. (Posted 9:29 p.m.)
CNN projects Texas, Illinois, Wyoming governors
(CNN) -- CNN projects that Republican incumbent Gov. Rick Perry of Texas will win re-election, defeating three other candidates, including the singer/musician "Kinky Friedman."
In Wyoming, CNN projects that incumbent Gov. Dave Freudenthal, a Democrat, will defeat Republican Ray Hunkins.
And in Illinois, CNN projects incumbent Democratic Gov. Rod Blagojevich will win re-election, defeating Republican Judy Baar Topinka. (Posted 9:27 p.m.)
Democrat picks up seat in Kentucky, CNN projects
(CNN) -- CNN projects Democrat John Yarmouth will win in the 3rd district of Kentucky, defeating Republican incumbent Representative Anne Northup.
That seat represents a pickup for the Democrats. (Posted 9:26 p.m.)
Cardin holds Maryland Senate seat for Democrats, CNN projects
(CNN) -- CNN projects Democratic Rep. Ben Cardin will win the Maryland Senate race, defeating Republican Lt. Gov. Michael Steele. Cardin will fill the seat now held by retiring Democrat Paul Sarbanes. (Posted 9:22 p.m.)
Incumbent Lieberman wins Connecticut Senate race, CNN projects
(CNN) -- Democratic senator-turned-independent candidate Joe Lieberman will win the Connecticut Senate race, defeating the Democratic nominee, Ned Lamont, and Republican candidate Alan Schlesinger, CNN projects.
Lieberman ran as an independent after losing the Democratic primary to Lamont. (Posted 9:15 p.m.)
Dems hold open Senate seat in Minn., incumbents re-elected in 8 states, CNN projects
(CNN) -- CNN projects Democrat Amy Klobuchar will win the Minnesota Senate race, defeating Republican Rep. Mark Kennedy and holding the seat now held by Sen. Mark Dayton for the Democrats, CNN projects.
CNN projects Democratic incumbent and former first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton will win the New York Senate race, defeating Republican challenger John Spencer.
CNN projects Democratic incumbent Debbie Stabenow will win the Michigan Senate race, defeating Republican challenger Mike Bouchard.
CNN also projects Democratic incumbent Jeff Bingaman will win the New Mexico Senate race, defeating Republican challenger Allen McCulloch.
CNN projects Democratic incumbent Kent Conrad will win the North Dakota Senate race, defeating Republican challenger Dwight Grotberg.
CNN projects Democratic incumbent Ben Nelson will win the Nebraska Senate race, defeating Republican challenger Peter Ricketts.
CNN projects incumbent Democrat Herb Kohl will win the Wisconsin Senate race, defeating Republican challenger Robert Lorge.
CNN projects Republican incumbent Kay Bailey Hutchison will win the Texas Senate race, defeating Democratic challenger Barbara Ann Radnofsky.
And CNN projects Republican incumbent Craig Thomas will win the Wyoming Senate race, defeating Democratic challenger Dale Groutage. (Posted 9:06 p.m.)
Casey to oust Santorum in Pennsylvania Senate race, CNN projects
(CNN) -- Democratic challenger Bob Casey Jr. will defeat Republican incumbent Rick Santorum, the third-ranking Republican in the Senate, in Pennsylvania, CNN projects.
This is the second pick-up of the night for Democrats, who hope to gain six seats to win control of the chamber for the first time in four years. (Posted 9:04 p.m.)
CNN projects Arizona English language ballot initiative
(CNN) -- CNN projects that Arizona voters will approve a measure making English the official language of the state. Among other things, it would reduce dual-language printed material for circulation. (Posted 9:03 p.m.)
CNN projects Democratic Senate pickup in Ohio
(CNN) -- CNN projects Democratic challenger Sherrod Brown will win the Ohio Senate race, defeating Republican incumbent Mike DeWine.
This is the first pick-up of the night for Democrats, who hope to gain six seats to win control of the Senate. (Posted 8:51 p.m.)
CNN projects Menendez to beat Kean in New Jersey Senate race
(CNN) -- CNN projects Democratic incumbent Bob Menendez will win the New Jersey Senate race, defeating Republican challenger Tom Kean Jr. (Posted 8:36 p.m.)
Democratic challenger to win in Indiana, CNN projects
(CNN) -- CNN projects Democratic challenger Brad Ellsworth will win Indiana's 8th Congressional District, defeating Republican incumbent Rep. John Hostettler.
That seat represents a pick-up for the Democrats. (Posted 8:25 p.m.)
CNN projects: Missouri minimum wage amendment
(CNN) -- CNN projects that an amendment to the Missouri State Constitution that would raise the minimum wage to $6.50 per hour has been passed. It mandates that the state wage match the federal minimum wage and is indexed annually to the Consumer Price Index.
Earlier, CNN projected that Ohio voters would approve a raise in the minimum wage to $6.85 per hour. (Posted 8:22 p.m.)
Maryland governor's campaign says fliers no 'dirty trick'
BALTIMORE (CNN) -- The campaign of Maryland's Republican governor, Robert Ehrlich, took responsibility Tuesday for a flier that some voters complained was an attempt to falsely suggest Ehrlich and another candidate are Democrats.
The flier, marked "Ehrlich-Steele Democrats Official Voter Guide," included a sample ballot that showed "X" marks next to numerous Democratic candidates as well as Ehrlich and Lt. Gov. Michael Steele, a Republican who is running for senator.
Some of the fliers included pictures of Ehrlich with Democrats Kweisi Mfume and Prince George's County Executive Jack Johnson, both of whom had endorsed Ehrlich's Democratic opponent, Mayor Martin O'Malley. (Posted 8:18 p.m.)
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Seniors Lead OSU in Day Four Practice
Photo By: Photo by James D. Smith/CBAA
EULESS, Texas – Oklahoma State completed its fourth practice in preparation for the AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic, working for an hour and 45 minutes Monday at Trinity High School.
“Practice was good,” Head Coach Mike Gundy said. “We went through special teams and had good offensive and defensive periods. The attitude and tempo were really good. We’ve got great senior leadership with 28 of those guys. That helps us during bowl week.”
One of those seniors, cornerback Justin Gilbert, will be on the defensive side of perhaps the game’s most intriguing matchup, going against Missouri receiver Dorial Green-Beckham. Green-Beckham is 6-5. Gilbert is 6-0. Both are considered among the best at their positions nationally.
“I think you’re looking at two potential first-round draft picks,” Gundy said. “So when you have that type of talent competing against each other it will always be a lot of fun. With his size, he’s very tall for a receiver but Gilbert’s also very tall for a corner.
“Gilbert has made us proud this year. He didn’t play well last year and this year he’s had a great season. He had a great offseason, worked hard, been a good leader. At one point late in the season, he got hurt and played through it, played with some pain and came back.”
The Cowboys went through media day interviews at AT&T Stadium on Monday and were scheduled to visit Texas Scottish Rite Hospital on Tuesday in Dallas.
“We want to thank the Cotton Bowl and AT&T and everybody involved,” Gundy said. “We’ve been here a few days now and the hospitality and the accommodations and entertainment and facilities that we’ve had have been really good. Our players have had a great few days.”
The 78th AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic is Friday, Jan. 3 on FOX. Airtime is set for 6:30 p.m. CST with kickoff scheduled for 7:10 p.m. Making their fourth appearances as members of FOX’s broadcast crew, Gus Johnson and Charles Davis will describe all the action and will be joined by Kristina Pink reporting from the sideline. FOX is broadcasting the Classic for the 16th consecutive year.
ESPN Radio returns as the Classic’s national radio partner for a second-straight year. Brad Sham, the “Voice of the Dallas Cowboys,” will partner with Ed Cunningham offering color commentary and Ian Fitzsimmons adding analysis from the sideline to provide the call of the 78th Classic to hundreds of affiliate stations around the country as well as subscribers of Sirius Satellite Radio and XM Satellite Radio in the United States and Canada.
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Shelton covers Bare
Friday, November 2, 2018 – Blake Shelton released a cover of Bobby Bare's "Tequila Sheila."
Originally released in 1980 by Bare, a Country Music Hall of Fame and Grand Ole Opry member on his album "Down and Dirty," the reimagined throwback tune features an introductory vocal by Bare. The song was written by Shel Silverstein and Mac Davis.
"One of the coolest things I've been able to do in my career, because I've been fortunate, is be a little selfish along the way and be able to record some songs that I grew up loving," Shelton said. "I feel like they have helped shape who I am as an artist and were what inspired me to want to be a country singer. I recorded this song and didn't really have a plan for it - I just wanted to have my own version. I'm a huge fan, and I always felt like Bobby Bare's personality was the kind I wanted to have as an artist too."
"Blake Shelton is by far one of the biggest stars in country music right now and a great friend to traditional country. I'm glad to know him and thrilled he would include me on this record. It was a lot of fun," said Bare.
Shelton announced earlier this week that he would launch a tour in 2019.
03/26/19: Shelton believes in "God's Country"
11/29/18: Shelton goes undercover again
10/31/18: Shelton goes on the road
03/14/18: Shelton visits TV
11/13/17: Shelton leads country CDs in Billboard top 10
11/03/17: Shelton, Ballerini, Kid Rock, Brice all out with new sounds
10/30/17: Shelton freaks out
09/21/17: Shelton heads for the "Shore"
Texoma Shore
Blake Shelton's 11th studio album finds The Voice advisor in a contented, one might even say homey, frame of mind. The opening track and first single "I'll Name the Dogs" sets the tone. It's a rollicking ode to domesticity that manages to make household chore distribution ("You find the spot and I'll find the money / You be the pretty and I'll be the funny") both romantic and amusing. The beat switches to hip-hop on "Money," but the sentiment »»»
Live EP
This six-song "Blake Shelton Live EP" seems a little odd. It's not as though Shelton had an especially noteworthy tour to document. Besides, at only six songs long, it's a relatively short document, anyhow. While it may be little more than a post-it note of a project, though, it also packs a powerful punch. You recognize right away the large amount of enthusiasm the act of singing to an audience brings out of Shelton. When compared to the recorded versions of these hits, »»»
Hipsters may only consider checking out Bobby Bare's "Things Change" due to the participation of hot item Chris Stapleton, who sings on a remake of the old hit "Detroit City." Hopefully, though, they'll immediately recognize Bare's immense talent and stick around for the whole shooting match. Bare's no spring chicken anymore, but he sounds extremely good throughout this classic-sounding country effort. Bare's singing voice may not be a thing of country »»»
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About/Blogroll
100 Favourite Films
DVD - Monsters
or: Roadie in the infected zone.
One word to sum it up: Quality.
There are two types of debut film-makers: One type is usually someone who has had experience with music videos and the like that has been thrown in to direct a crappy romantic comedy or a cheesy blockbuster of sorts. Another type is someone who has written a movie which they have been working on forever, and try to fund it themselves, ignoring the fact that they don't have any huge names headlining it and the certainly don't have a huge budget to work with. Christopher Nolan did it with Following, a really good movie which cost him just $6,000 to make, and look where he is now. Darren Aronofsky did it with his debut Pi, costing $60,000. He ain't so bad nowadays. Gareth Edwards, with his first feature film and only $800,000 to make a believable sci-fi movie, shows enough promise with Monsters, which could say that he might be as good as either Nolan or Aronofsky in the future. And people, who probably missed this film, will go back to this film and see how effective a small budget can be.
Here's my first problem though: the small budget made me like this movie even more than I believe it deserved. There isn't much story within the film...it's pretty much all about the aesthetics. Which is a pretty big stake to claim when you don't spend millions on the movie, which is why Monsters succeeds. The atmosphere in this film is incredible. Edwards has paid so much attention to making a realistic alternate world that has been taken over by monsters. I loved seeing all the shots of broken buildings and roads which looked exactly like a monster had interfered with it. Some people go completely over the top when they do these sorts of flicks and suggest that all kinds of crazy things happened. Not here. This is one of the reasons why Monsters is such an achievement.
Edwards also has a sturdy hand when it comes to directing and editing. The cinematogrpahy is absolutely beautiful. I can't believe that people will literally throw millions at someone to get a job half as good as this one. Every shot is one that is made out of love, and you can tell. That camera has a lot of heart, which may sound strange, but it's obvious that Edwards really cared about this film and wanted to make it as beautiful as possible. His locations were well picked, making for an unforgettable experience when it comes to looking at the film. What he did with the special effects was pretty amazing, as well. While there wasn't as much monster action as I was expecting, the scene towards the end when the two creatures were joining over the top of the gas station was truly spectacular. It was a simple, yet very effective scene, which made me wonder exactly how much it costs to do such great special effects. Because those effects were pretty damn good.
Where Monsters has it's major hiccup, though, is the fact that it is all dressed up and it has barely anywhere to go. It's essentially a road trip movie, and because the world is in danger, then I guess you could say this film differentiates itself from other road trip movies. But to be honest, the characters aren't really the most exciting people ever and their story isn't anything to rave about. They don't have any heroic moments and the ending is cheaply cliched. I guess it helps that newcomers Whitney Able and Scoot McNairy can play their parts so well...like the rest of the film, they were very natural, and had amazing chemistry. It's just a shame that most of the film was improvised, though, because structure could have helped this film greatly. Instead, it drags with excessive dialogue which doesn't add an arc to the characters at all. And that's a huge shame, because Monsters achieved so much, only to have it all undone by a really average story.
THE VERDICT: It's a very believable movie...the atmosphere, the chemistry and the effects. Monsters is good for it's low budget, but the story is ultimately lacking.
What I hoped for:
What I got:
Posted by Stevee Taylor at 9:39 PM
Labels: Gareth Edwards, Monsters, movies of 2010, sci-fi, Scoot McNairy, Whitney Able
This post was:
Cherokee May 16, 2011 at 11:41 PM
From the start of it, it sounded like you LOVED the film, and I was thinking we were gonna have a big debate on this one, but your points are totally valid.
For me, Monsters was a film I held in such great esteem because I was disappointed by the end of it. I even went on to say in some review that it was a throwback to 70s American acting...I had no idea what I was thinking of, then.
I kind of swap and change on this one, though. I want to root for it because of it's minuscule budget, but then, like you, I have some kind of reality check about the story and think it's a film that is stylish, but has no substance.
Good review though, (as always.)
Matt S May 17, 2011 at 5:24 AM
I have heard this was very good, but for whatever reason it just has never interested me. Perhaps I should give it a go! Great review
Jack L May 17, 2011 at 1:30 PM
Yeah, I've heard this one was pretty disappointing from a narrative point of view.
But I still may see it, as I find low budget first feature length films to be fascinating. Probably because I'll be doing to do the same someday...
Great review Stevee, very balanced criticism!
Stevee Taylor May 17, 2011 at 7:06 PM
Cherokee - I was actually going to rate it higher, but then as I kept writing, I got more and more pissed off with it. I keep remembering how small the budget was and how brilliant it turned out to be, but then the film would bore people who don't know of the budget. Oh well, we can't all win.
Matt - Give it a go...I'd love to see what you think of it!
Jack - I find low budget feature films interesting for exactly the same reason as you!
You mustn't be afraid to dream a little bigger, darling.
You Must Really Like Me!
Previous Cinematic Paradox!
Previous Cinematic Paradox! December (1) August (1) July (1) December (1) November (1) October (2) August (2) July (1) May (5) April (1) March (5) February (7) January (8) December (5) November (10) October (8) August (2) July (3) June (1) April (1) February (11) January (12) December (21) November (21) October (25) September (9) August (13) July (24) June (25) May (26) April (27) March (26) February (26) January (25) December (31) November (23) October (22) September (17) August (27) July (31) June (28) May (32) April (30) March (32) February (35) January (38) December (32) November (36) October (28) September (28) August (50) July (41) June (24) May (14) April (22) March (22) February (19) January (22) December (28) November (26) October (13)
Stevee Taylor
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2155 Old Main Bldg
Professor Stack to receive international award for his research
Wayne State professor of criminal justice, Dr. Steven Stack, is the recipient of the 2017 Erwin Stengel Research Award. The Stengel Award is for outstanding “research evidenced by number and quality of publications in internationally acknowledged journals and indicators of esteem and reputation.” It is the most prestigious international suicide research award and has been awarded since 1977 by the International Association of Suicide Prevention (IASP).
Stack is the first sociologist to receive the Stengel Award and will receive it at the Biannual Congress of IASP in Kuching, Malaysia in July.
Professor Stack has published 331 articles and chapters, as well as four books, mostly on the social and psychiatric predictors of suicidality. These include many articles in high impact journals such as the American Sociological Review. Stack’s research has received over 10,500 citations according to data in Google Scholar. He has also served on five editorial boards including all three major journals in suicide studies.
Professor Stack’s previous awards include the Louis Dublin Award given annually by the American Association of Suicidology for lifetime contributions to research on suicide.
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EAST COUNTY EDUCATION ALLIANCE
Fulfilling the promise within each and every East County student
About ECEA
Grossmont-Cuyamaca College Promise
A unique partnership designed to provide East County high school students with a smoother path to college and a career has been created by the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District and the Grossmont Union High School District.
An agreement formalizing the East County Education Alliance (ECEA) was signed at Cuyamaca College by Bill Garrett, president of the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District Governing Board; Cindy L. Miles, chancellor of the college district; Robert Shield, president of the Grossmont Union High School District Governing Board; and Ralf Swenson, superintendent of the high school district.
The Alliance was formed to increase collaboration between the two districts so that students are better informed about their college and career options after high school and have a smoother path to college. The partnership has set goals of increasing the number of students who graduate from high school prepared for college, along with increasing the numbers of students who graduate from college ready to enter the workforce.
“Too often, college and high school districts work in silos – they have different funding streams, different governance structures and different cultures,” Miles said. “What we need to remember is we are serving the same students – just at different times in their lives. The East County Education Alliance helps us to do just that.”
Within the 2014-15 academic year, Alliance members plan to
align curriculum so that the lessons students are taught in high school better matches the knowledge and skills they are expected to have at college,
provide communications to high school students, parents and counselors about how best to prepare for college or a career,
increase programs allowing high school students to take college classes,
raise scholarships funds for students who commit to goals that prepare them for college or a career,
launch a website and communications to keep students, educators, and community members informed about resources, progress, and how to get involved.
Following more than a year of planning, the Alliance kicked off October 30, 2014 with a four-hour summit involving 120 college and high school educators designing joint goals and activities to improve student readiness for college and careers. Action councils focused on curriculum alignment (with teams for math, English, ESL, counseling, science, career/technical education); student engagement and readiness; parent, community and workforce engagement; and fundraising and communication.
A joint meeting between the college district and high school district governing boards is being scheduled for March 2015 to review progress toward the Alliance goals.
Swenson said the Alliance expands on the many collaborative efforts already going on between the two districts, such as the Got Plans! college and career fair that the high school district was held at Cuyamaca College, attended by more than 4,000 high school students and parents.
“The Alliance will offer a promising future for our East County community as we work to ensure that every high school student understands the opportunities available to them after graduation,” Swenson said.
Shield, the high school district’s board president, shared Swenson’s enthusiasm.
“It’s exciting to formalize something that’s been in the works for years,” he said. “We’re very fortunate to have this relationship, and I’m confident it will improve the quality of what we do for our students.”
The keynote speaker for the event was Brad Phillips, president and CEO of the Institute for Evidence-Based Change. For 25 years, Phillips has pioneered the collaborative collection and sharing of data across educational segments, using the information to make changes that improve student success.
Phillips previously worked as senior director of institutional research, planning and academic services at the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District. While at the district, he founded the California Partnership for Achieving Student Success (Cal-PASS) that expanded across the state from a data-sharing partnership between the district, Grossmont Union High School District and San Diego State University.
He said the two districts have already collaborated by creating faculty councils in English and math to align curriculum in those subject areas. The Alliance can expand the collaboration into other areas, he said.
“This partnership has been a long time in the making,” Phillips said. “I believe that this Alliance can thrive.”
Garrett said the summit is just the start of increased collaborations between the high school and college districts.
“The East County Education Alliance represents our commitment to help every student in the area be successful,” Garrett said. “This will improve education in East County and make it a better place to work and live.”
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Home / Blogs / staff writers's blog / More student concern over Stirling religion department
More student concern over Stirling religion department
Following the recent reports of continuing concern from students at the University of Stirling over the imperilled future of the globally recognised religion programme there, we have received another communication from a student about a recent university meeting to discuss the issue.
The student who made the following comments, and whom we will call Mary, wished to remain anonymous. Ekklesia has received a number of similar written and verbal observations from other students.
“I recently attended a meeting held by the University in order to provide us with information regarding the news of the closure of the religion department, and to ease any anxieties we might have surrounding this. The Head of Arts and Humanities led the meeting.
“An immediate problem was that the first year students could not be in attendance. Instead, they were to be provided with a separate information meeting of their own.
“While this may have practical advantages, it also ends up separating the new students, who may have very little understanding of the situation, from those students who have been best informed and most vocal in their concerns and anxieties.
“We were repeatedly told that the upcoming changes would make no difference to the overall quality of our degrees, with the guarantee that they would not be negatively affected. How this is going to be ensured in practical terms was not specified.
“The concern about the present specialist academic staff not being there to teach the modules was dismissed. We were told that ‘academic staff change all the time.’
“We were also told that any ‘real decisions’ have yet to be made, so we should stop worrying about eventualities.
“During the meeting the claim was made that the fact that the religion course has ‘Religion’ in the title was deterring prospective students from applying. Several students reacted to this, as it seemed a very odd claim to make. We asked for evidence of this, but none was provided.
“It was repeatedly denied that there was any threat of redundancy to the staff, [despite a clear statement to the contrary by the UCU], but the university is unable to say if all of the remaining staff will be present next year.
“There was then a series of statements which I can only assume were intended to make us regard the staff with suspicion, warning us to be weary of academics trying to ‘cling to their posts’.
“There was even what appeared to be a dismissal of the present existence of the religion department. We were told that we needed to ‘get real’ and to admit that it is not a ‘real’ department, because it only contains four members of staff.
“Perhaps the most worrying aspect of the meeting was the response to news of the potential closure of the religion department being made available to students. Press reporting of the matter was described as ‘malicious’.
“It seemed clear to many of us that had the threat to religion at Stirling not been made public, the department would have been shut down quietly and without warning, and the students would not have been told until afterwards.
“Overall, the meeting did very little to soothe any concerns. In fact, many students expressed feeling even more anxious after the meeting, as the information given was so lacking.
“As it stands now, the threat of closure continues, leaving the students to try not be overwhelmed at the task of completing coursework for a degree which might not have any real standing in the near future.”
Full background here:
* Reporting and statements of support at the Critical Religion Association: http://criticalreligion.org/events/august-2015-religion-at-stirling-unde...
* Global concern continues over Stirling University religion programme: http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/22111
Stirling University students dissatisfied over future of religion department: http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/22108
* Union negotiates, confirming continued threat at Stirling: http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/22029
* University of Stirling to close pioneering religion department: http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/22005
* Widespread dismay at university plans to end religion courses: http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/22008
* Religion, higher education and critical thinking: http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/22009
* Response but no clarity on Stirling University religion department: http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/22012
* Petition launched to save religion department at Stirling University: http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/22018
Keywords:stirling university | stirling | Religion | critical religion | academic research
staff writers's blog
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Home New industrial zones to rev up economy - PM
New industrial zones to rev up economy - PM
Disna Mudalige and Camelia Nathaniel
The country’s economic performance will make strides with the planned industrial zones in Bingiriya, Hambantota and Trincomalee, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe told Parliament yesterday.
He was speaking towards the end of the Budget debate when the House took up the Expenditure Heads of the Ministries coming under his purview. Countering claims by UPFA MP Bandula Gunawardena that the golden era of the economy was under former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, the PM reminded the House how the income from garments and textile exports dropped sharply during the period from 2004-2014.
The PM pointed out that it was Bangladesh which got a golden era due to drop in garments exports from Sri Lanka.
The PM, observing that the country was debt-ridden when he assumed duties in 2015, said that the situation has gradually been improved with much difficulty.
“Due to the restraint policies we followed, we even lost many local government bodies. This was because we told the truth during the difficult period. However, today we have a surplus in our Primary Account after 70 years. Then what is the golden era of the country, the era where the debt was increased or the era where we made a surplus in the Primary Account?” he asked.
(See more on page 12)
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Home DYNAMICS OF URBAN SRI LANKA
DYNAMICS OF URBAN SRI LANKA
Archt. Plnr. L. T. Kiringoda ‘Centre for Cities’ University of Moratuwa
The art and science of ordering the use of land and siting of buildings and communication routes so as to secure the maximum practicable degree of economy, convenience, and attractiveness and to ensure that the environment is protected at locations suitable for densely populated human settlements form the core of the professional discipline of Town Planning.
Urban Designers and Architects are expected to induce life to such locations through creating liveable spaces, places and shelter for humans to live, work and play. And the Structural Engineers ensure that the structures, which house or facilitate human activities, remain stable during the estimated lifespan of the structures. Sometimes the very humans who demanded those structures may pull them down for want of modernity or for want of more profits.
Whatever the circumstances leading to building or rebuilding, Town Planning has to play the initial lead role in finding suitable locations and guiding the development thereon for accommodating the change. This change forms the basis for studying dynamics in the densely populated human settlements, which are designated as urban. It is an accepted norm the world over, that a healthy rate of urbanization is a good indicator for measuring growth and development in the national context. Hence urbanization and urban dynamics can be considered as complementing each other.
In general, urban dynamics involves the study of the changing movements of people, objects and information in a city. With advancements in technology and new discoveries in science, new trends emerge causing changes in urban lifestyles. Whether these trends remain static or dynamic depends on the aspirations of the urban dwellers and the capacity of urban areas to respond to change.
In the background of massive investments being mobilized for development of road, water and air transport, power and water supply, solid waste management, flood control and urban regeneration, changes of hitherto unprecedented scale could be expected in some of the urban areas in the country.
Moreover, the government declaring its intention to enter into FTAs with emerging Asian Economic Giants is sending down signals to state sector institutions responsible for spatial planning and infrastructure development and private sector institutions with capacity for investing capital in large scales, to prepare for partnerships for developing Tourism, Health, Industrial, IT, Marine, Education and many other Services sectors.
The expanding variety of services will be more complex. Therefore, besides the pace of change in urban physical environments, host of other movements are expected to form more dynamic networks. Whether, it could truly happen and whether the planning instruments and planning tools currently available in the country are adequate for sustaining the growth which is expected to result from new dynamics, need to be examined for maintaining vibrancy and efficiency of urban systems.
Measuring vibrancy and efficiency of new systems with current indicators will not yield good monitoring results and therefore and more new indicators would have to be formulated. As the complexity of urban systems increases formulating suitable indicators to measure the dynamics and collecting data for the same required extensive collaborative research involving researchers in the fields of Town Planning, Sociology, Marketing, Economics, Health, and Transport etc.
Therefore, the intent of this paper is to highlight the current level of preparedness and adequacy of available planning instruments and tools for creating dynamic urban environments in the country. A dialogue to promote the study of emerging complexity of urban dynamics in Sri Lanka through collaborative research has to begin.
The content of this article is a description of
a) Is Sri Lanka an urbanized country?
b) Is urban Sri Lanka dynamic?
Urban, Urbanization and Urban Dynamics
There is no universally accepted yardstick to define a human settlement as ‘urban’. Different countries adopt different yardsticks independently. A report titled “World Urbanization prospects” reveals that out of 231 countries surveyed 28% used a pure administrative definition. (UN, 2012)
Some countries used a combination of population and geographic characteristics with administrative criteria. Some other countries define urban as areas or agglomerations, which have a minimum population ranging from 1500-50,000, a minimum density of 400-1,000 persons per square mile and at least 75% of the adult male population being employed in non-agriculture activities (UN, 2005).
According to Deuskar (2016) each definition may be well-suited to its own national context, but the differences present a problem when trying to compare urbanization across countries.
The simplest definition of urbanization is in describing it as an index of transformation from traditional rural economies to modern industrial one. Demographic point of view urbanization is the increase of proportion of population living in “urban areas” of a country and urbanization is the percentage of population who live in urban areas out of the total population in a country. (Uduporuwa, 2010)
Kingsley Davis (1965) in “Urbanization of Human Populations” has explained urbanization as process of switch from spread out pattern of human settlements to one of concentration in urban centres. According to him it is a finite process--- a cycle through which a nation passes as they evolve from agrarian to industrial society and mentions that there are three stages in the process of urbanization.
a) The initial stage characterized by rural traditional society with predominance in agriculture and dispersed pattern of settlements;
b) The acceleration stage where basic restructuring of the economy and investments in social overhead capitals including transportation, communication take place and dependence on primary sector gradually dwindles;
c) The terminal stage where urban population exceeds 70% or more and at this stage level of urbanization remains more or less same or constant.
Urban Dynamics
Unless affected by natural or man-made disasters, or opportunities for good employment and good housing are on the decline, an urban area is expected grow continuously. However urban dynamics is simply not continuous growth. It is a description of the changing movements of people, objects and information in a city. (IGI-Global, 2016)
Alfeld (1969) states that urban dynamics incorporate limited land availability as an explicit resource constraint and only demolition of existing structures can clear the way for further building. In equilibrium, construction balances demolition. He further explains that if experience is any guide then two rules ought to guide any future application of urban dynamics: 1) Emphasize answers not models; 2) Emphasize interface not data. In addition to applying these rules he states that urban decision makers must grasp four interconnected principles that control urban behaviour: a) resource constraints, b) urban aging, c) relative attractiveness and d) growth vs. equilibrium.
Forrester (1969) developed a computer simulation model for visualizing how the central city first grows, then stagnates and decays. Sanders & Sanders (2004), in a review of Forrester’s model, states that “an urban area is traditionally defined as a system interacting industries, people and housing and as the area develops and the land gets filled with buildings and structures, the process of aging causes stagnation. Unless there is continuing renewal what is developed on land converts the area from one marked as innovation and growth to one characterized by aging housing and declining industry”.
A module on urban dynamics offered in an academic programme by IHS, The Netherlands states that urban dynamics are expressed in terms of urbanization, urban competitiveness, urban networks, informality, urban environmental sustainability, climate change, locational economics and land markets (IHS, 2013).
Another opinion on urban dynamics dwells on the idea that inclusiveness of cities makes them dynamic because it is the people who can make it dynamic. Misra (2016) analysing the outcomes of a discussion on “How do we build inclusive cities?” lists three pre-requisites for the planning process to make cities in which everyone-regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race, age or ability-can live and thrive.
Step 1: Acknowledge the problem- Examine closely how inclusive-or not inclusive-they currently are;
Step 2: Push for transit-oriented development- Formulate housing policies that aim to build cities rather than housing policies;
Step 3: Invest in people and be “nimble”- Investing in the future of a city necessitates investing in its residents.
What is interesting to note in the discussion mentioned above was its concluding remark: “Economic growth is easy but inclusion is harder.”
Urban development in Sri Lanka
Until the 16th Century Sri Lanka’s history has no record of network of cities. Each kingdom had its seat of governance established in the city bearing the name of the kingdom and other urban centres, if there were any, may have been too small for reckoning.
During Portuguese and Dutch Colonial Periods, there were networks of Fortified Towns and records of Dutch Period show that, Forts in Colombo, Galle and Jaffna having battalions with over 1,200 soldiers in each. Studies on living Fortified Town in Galle show that city had been planned to accommodate trading and residential activities in addition to military activity. Due to fears of attacks from the sea and land, those towns were planned as closed systems protected by high fortifications and moats. (Kiringoda, 1992) First mention of drawbridges can be found in Dutch Records and at Star Fort Matara the drawbridge has been reconstructed with expertise from The Netherlands.
The whole country was brought under British Colonial Rule in 1815. Introduction of commodity agriculture in a massive scale bringing the wet and intermediate zones in the country under a plantation land use, required roads, railroads and harbours to transport the export produce from the hinterland. The British also introduced statutes for governance of urban local councils: Municipal Ordinance (1947), Urban Council Ordinance (1939 and Town Council Ordinance (1946). These statutes empowered the local administrators to provide and maintain thoroughfares and public amenities. As regards travel and transport between cities across rivers, there is evidence in historical records, that pontoon bridges (bridge of boats) had been constructed in Galle (across Mahamodera Lake), and Kelaniya (across Kelani River).
The British also introduced statutes for planning and guiding developments in those urban areas: Housing & Town Improvement Ordinance (1915) and Town & Country Planning Ordinance (1946). These laws had hardly any power to promote urban development beyond regulatory planning and development control but they are still in force in spite of amendments or enactment of new laws to promote development in urban areas.
In 1977, the country’s economy was liberalized to bring in investments from capital markets to develop industrial, tourism, power generation and road, sea and air transport. Urban development was given a high priority and to facilitate implementation of development strategies, new policy instruments to establish institutions such as UDA (1978), Greater Colombo Economic Commission (1978), Mahaweli Authority (1979) and National Housing Development Authority (1979) were introduced. Since 1978, urban development in Sri Lanka has been promoted and guided by the development plans, prepared for local areas declared as urban under the powers of the UDA Law.
(The writer, L. T. Kiringoda is a Chartered Architect, Town Planner and a Chartered Environmentalist. He headed the Directorate of Development Planning of the Urban Development Authority of Sri Lanka, wherein he served for nearly 3-decades).
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1939 Jay-Z look-alike: Is the Rap Star A Vampire Or Immortal?
Posted by Chris Tyler | May 13, 2013 | Curiosity | 0 |
1939 Photograph of Jay’Z Look-a-Like Goes Viral
The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture sifted through old photographs at the New York Public Library and discovered a 1939 still of a man who bore a striking resemblance to rap mogul Jay-Z.
A 1939 Jay-Z look-alike photograph has now gone viral. Additionally, the photographer has been identified as Sid Grossman from Harlem, but the Jay-Z look-a-like hasn’t been identified.
Fans of Jay-Z have come up with theories of their own with some speculating he is a time traveler and others wryly commenting that Jay-Z has somehow obtained eternal youth.
Another theory is that Jay-Z is a member of the Illuminati. The secret society reportedly rules the world from behind the scenes and some believe that Jay-Z has found his way into the ranks. Of course, that doesn’t really explain the 1939 photo of the Jay-Z look-alike.
While allegations of the photo being altered or even a complete fake continue, the NYPL fully stands behind its authenticity.
Yes, the New York Public Library swears, the old photo of the guy who looks scarily like Jay-Z really is an unretouched, un-Photoshopped image from 1939. “We’re 100 percent certain it’s legitimate,” Adenike Olanrewaju, a library spokeswoman, said on Friday. (NY Times)
In a Tumblr post from last week, the New York Public Library provided some more context on the photo’s background.
Was one of Brooklyn’s finest in Harlem in 1939? This Sid Grossman photo of “Harlem Loiterers” from the Prints Collection at NYPL’s Schomburg Center for Research In Black Culture has created quite a stir since being posted to the Center’s Facebook page the other day. Why? Because the man on the right looks a heck of a lot like Jay-Z (for evidence, check out these photos of Jay-Z when he visited The New York Public Library in 2010). Cue Twilight Zone music, right? Schomburg’s Curator of Digital Collections Sylviane A. Diouf found the photo while researching an exhibition, and said, “I was immediately struck by the similarity to Jay-Z and actually laughed out loud … I still hope somebody will tell us who that young man really was.” (NYPL Tumblr)
In other news, Beyoncé has announced that the couple is considering a second child which would be a younger sibling to their daughter Blue Ivy. Beyoncé herself is a big sister and she recently told ABCNEWS in an interview that she believes her daughter needs the companionship.
Beyoncé admitted she has enjoyed being big sister to Solange Knowles. She explained that raising her daughter is now the most important thing in her life. Beyoncé considers herself to be a protective mother and is concerned that Blue Ivy get a chance to live a normal life. Beyoncé also expressed gratitude for being able to do what she loves: singing & performing.
Jay-Z has gone old school.
Among the “Harlem Loiterers” collection at the New York Public Library is a 1939 pic that bears a striking resemblance to once of rap music’s biggest names.
The NYPL’s Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture is hoping someone knows the identity of the man in the picture, which was snapped by Sid Grossman.
1939 Jay-Z Look-Alike Photo Goes Viral After Picture Found in New York City (VIDEO)
http://www.christianpost.com/news/1939-jay-z-look-alike-photo-goes-viral-after-picture-found-in-new-york-city-video-95809/
1939 Photo Of Jay-Z Look-Alike Sparks Conspiracy Theories
http://www.inquisitr.com/660575/1939-photo-of-jay-z-look-alike-sparks-conspiracy-theories/#gBOsvO61j4ZmFxxk.99
1939 JAY-Z LOOKALIKE PHOTO “100 PERCENT” LEGIT
http://www.sohh.com/2013/05/1939_jay-z_lookalike_photo_100_percent_l.html
http://www.sohh.com/jump/index.php?goto=http://nypl.tumblr.com/post/50087409533/was-one-of-brooklyns-finest-in-harlem-in-1939
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A basic online presence is no longer enough to overcome faltering sales growth, says ecommerce company.
More than £733m was spent online in the UK in May, but with sales dropping month-on-month, retailers must ensure they have high end visibility and user experience if they are to continue to grow sales.
ECommerce now accounts for 12 per cent of all sales according to the latest figures from the ONS, growing 7.4 per cent year-on-year and continuing to easily outstrip the rest of the sector, which grew only 2.5 per cent.
However, online growth has begun to slow, and the amount spent dropped by 2.1 per cent from April to May.
“Shoppers have been flocking online in recent years, and simply maintaining a basic eCommerce presence has previously been enough to scoop up a huge number of customers and ensure rapid growth,” said Andy Muldoon, the CEO of leading cloud-based ecommerce solution PowaWeb.
“However, we have begun to see a turning point in the industry, with overall sales growth cooling even as the number of retailers online increases. Merely existing online is no longer enough – retailers have to ensure they are able to stand out from the intense competition and deliver a compelling service that captures repeat customers.”
PowaWeb has empowered leading brands around the world with a suite of cloud-based SaaS (software as a service) solutions. Hoover, a major global manufacturer, saw an incredible doubling last year of revenue through their sites thanks to PowaWeb’s market-leading expertise in driving web traffic and converting to sales.
The company, part of Powa Technologies Group which includes the mobile payments solution PowaTag, works with more than 250 companies around the world, and has expanded its operations to meet the unprecedented industry demand. Andy Muldoon was recently announced as CEO for PowaWeb after serving the group as Global Head of Client Services at Powa for the past 18 months.
PowaWeb’s SaaS-based solution enables brands to quickly and easily create a powerful online retail presence that can be scaled to accommodate rapid international expansion. The pioneering platform was one of the first to achieve PCI compliance in 2008.
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hostels247 > Hostels > UZBEKISTAN
Country Uzbekistan - Opt for the Silk Road of Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan is blessed with rich culture and splendid architecture that it can boast of. This land is famous for its culture, which is more than two thousand years old.
You can choose from a wide range of accommodation from Hotels and apartments to bed & breakfast, guesthouse and hostels, every budget is covered
Uzbekistan has a history as old as the civilization of the world. The country got its independence pretty recently on 1 September 1991. The country is notorious for its infamous history of constant terrorist attacks, invasions and militant rule. It is believed that it was country’s riches, which constantly attracted the militants to this land.
Some of the most happening places in the country are Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva. The only word picture that can describe these words rightfully would be of desert caravans moving along in serpentine manner, twirling dervishes and endless deserts fused with beautiful architecture which seems to have merged into the sand.
Trains are one of the easiest means to enter into this country via the neighbouring countries, such as Afghanistan, Turkmenistan and Russia. There are also regular flights from Russia to Tashkent International Airport. Other most convenient way to roam about is via hiring cars within the city.
Places of Entertainment
When talking about popular places in Uzbekistan, Tashkent is one place you should visit. There is a massive difference between the architecture and lifestyle of old and new Tashkent. The new Tashkent was built after the massive earthquake in 1966.
Some other places of interest include the State Art Museum, The Museum of Decorative and Applied Arts and Shash Mausoleum. Individuals who are interested in art, embroidered handicrafts would especially love these places.
It is important to note that the highest Uzbek note is worth only US$0.80. So, if you would try exchanging a $100 bill into the local currency, be prepared to receive a bundle of sum in lieu of it. Secondly, the latest news has it that the increased vigilance has resulted in leveling the price for black market and bank rates. So you really don’t need to bother about getting your dollars exchanged in the black markets.
Group accommodation in Uzbekistan | Cheap hostels & budget hotels
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Adverse HBOC-Endothelial Dysfunction Synergism: A Possible Contributor to Adverse Clinical Outcomes?
Author(s): George P. Biro. University of Ottawa, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, Adjunct Professor, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Journal Name: Current Drug Discovery Technologies
Adverse outcomes in clinical trials on Hemoglobin Based Oxygen Carriers (HBOCs) appear to have occurred more frequently in HBOC treated than in control treated subjects. The differential may be related to many factors, including study complexity and compliance issues. Adverse outcomes also appear to be related to chronic comorbidities in subjects undergoing elective surgery. Frequently occurring comorbidities in these populations are those related to aging, cardiovascular and metabolic disease (hypertension, atherosclerosis, diabetes, etc.). These are highly prevalent among many population subsets. These conditions have been extensively studied and are characterized by dysfunction of important endothelial vasoregulatory mechanisms, including impaired nitric oxide bioavailability, excessive generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and possibly enhanced vasoconstrictor mechanisms. Although less extensively studied, HBOCs have properties that may have an important amplifying effect upon mechanisms operating in endothelial dysfunction, by scavenging nitric oxide, generating further excess of ROS which in turn react with nitric oxide, inhibit nitric oxide synthase and possibly stimulate the release of vasoconstrictors such as endothelin. It is likely that amplification of vasoconstrictor effects is not uniformly operative in all vascular beds, and that some protective autoregulatory mechanisms maintain sufficient blood flow in vital organs as long as sufficient vasodilator reserve is available. When the latter is exhausted in the presence of arterial disease with physical obstructions, blood flow to vital organs may become compromised. This paper suggests avenues of further exploration to elucidate whether the combination of HBOC and endothelial dysfunction is a contributing factor in HBOC related adverse outcomes.
Keywords: Angiotensin, atherosclerosis, coronary vascular disease, diabetes, endothelial dysfunction, endothelial function, endothelium, endothelin, guanylyl cyclase, hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier, hemoglobin, hypertension, nitric oxide, nitric oxide synthase, peroxynitrite, prostaglandins, reactive oxygen species, vascular smooth muscle, vasoconstriction, vasodilation.
Title:Adverse HBOC-Endothelial Dysfunction Synergism: A Possible Contributor to Adverse Clinical Outcomes?
Author(s):George P. Biro
Affiliation:University of Ottawa, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, Adjunct Professor, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Keywords:Angiotensin, atherosclerosis, coronary vascular disease, diabetes, endothelial dysfunction, endothelial function, endothelium, endothelin, guanylyl cyclase, hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier, hemoglobin, hypertension, nitric oxide, nitric oxide synthase, peroxynitrite, prostaglandins, reactive oxygen species, vascular smooth muscle, vasoconstriction, vasodilation.
Abstract:Adverse outcomes in clinical trials on Hemoglobin Based Oxygen Carriers (HBOCs) appear to have occurred more frequently in HBOC treated than in control treated subjects. The differential may be related to many factors, including study complexity and compliance issues. Adverse outcomes also appear to be related to chronic comorbidities in subjects undergoing elective surgery. Frequently occurring comorbidities in these populations are those related to aging, cardiovascular and metabolic disease (hypertension, atherosclerosis, diabetes, etc.). These are highly prevalent among many population subsets. These conditions have been extensively studied and are characterized by dysfunction of important endothelial vasoregulatory mechanisms, including impaired nitric oxide bioavailability, excessive generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and possibly enhanced vasoconstrictor mechanisms. Although less extensively studied, HBOCs have properties that may have an important amplifying effect upon mechanisms operating in endothelial dysfunction, by scavenging nitric oxide, generating further excess of ROS which in turn react with nitric oxide, inhibit nitric oxide synthase and possibly stimulate the release of vasoconstrictors such as endothelin. It is likely that amplification of vasoconstrictor effects is not uniformly operative in all vascular beds, and that some protective autoregulatory mechanisms maintain sufficient blood flow in vital organs as long as sufficient vasodilator reserve is available. When the latter is exhausted in the presence of arterial disease with physical obstructions, blood flow to vital organs may become compromised. This paper suggests avenues of further exploration to elucidate whether the combination of HBOC and endothelial dysfunction is a contributing factor in HBOC related adverse outcomes.
George P. Biro, “Adverse HBOC-Endothelial Dysfunction Synergism: A Possible Contributor to Adverse Clinical Outcomes?”, Current Drug Discovery Technologies (2012) 9: 194. https://doi.org/10.2174/157016312802650733
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Volkswagen achieves ISO 9001:200 Certification before first customer car built
11:26 AM PST - 4/6/2011 Written By: Volkswagen of America, Inc
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (5 April, 2011) — Volkswagen Group of America, Chattanooga Operations announced today that the automobile manufacturing facility’s quality management system has been independently audited and confirmed as conforming with the requirements of the International Organization for Standardization’s (ISO) 9001:2008.
ISO 9001:2008 is an internationally recognized quality management standard applicable to manufacturing organizations for establishing a business management system with a focus on system optimization and ongoing improvement.
"I’m very pleased that Volkswagen Chattanooga has achieved this quality benchmark so early in the process of running this facility,” said Frank Fischer, Volkswagen Chattanooga’s Chair and CEO. "From the very start we have emphasized quality, whether in our planning or employee training, as a foundation to building the highest quality mid size sedan, and this audit has verified our success reaching those goals,” Fischer said.
The ISO 9001:2008 audit, completed by TUV USA, highlighted as ‘quite impressive in depth and scope’ the hiring and training process of the Volkswagen Chattanooga employees. The Volkswagen Academy located at the manufacturing facility has extensive classroom and hands-on training for every team member hired to work at Volkswagen Chattanooga.
The audit also noted that given the short timeframe for implementation, the effort in general was ‘impressively done with excellent depth and detail within each department.’ Planning was also highlighted as ‘very well executed at all levels’.
"We are proud of the Passat we are building and proud of the quality measures that each person who touches the process takes in their work,” said Andreas Linke, General Manager Quality Assurance for Volkswagen Chattanooga. ISO 9001:2008 is an important step, but is by no means the end of the process of producing quality. In fact, it’s just the beginning,” Linke said.
About Volkswagen Group of America, Chattanooga Operations LLC
Volkswagen will invest $1 billion in the local economy for the Chattanooga plant and create more than 2,000 direct jobs in the region. According to independent studies, the new Volkswagen plant is expected to generate $12 billion in income growth and an additional 9,500 jobs related to the project. The Chattanooga manufacturing facility will build the all-new 2012 Passat sedan, specially designed for the North American market.
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The Nature of Love — What Love Is
Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good.
In Romans 12, the Apostle Paul talked about what love is and what love does. In verse 9, he said, “Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good.” Notice there are two characteristics of what love is.
First of all, Paul said, love is without hypocrisy. That word “hypocrisy” comes from a Greek word that describes an actor who would put on a mask to pretend to be somebody else. That is what a hypocrite is. He is somebody who is masked, somebody who is playing a part different from who he really is. Paul was saying, “Let your love be without a mask. Do not be two-faced.” We do that all the time, don’t we? We see somebody and say, “It is wonderful to see you,” while privately thinking, “When can I get out of here?” Or you say to somebody, “You look great today,” when you secretly think, “That is the most hideous outfit I have ever seen.” That is hypocritical love. Christians are not to be that way.
Second, true love is discerning. Paul said, “Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good” (12:9). We all know people who go around saying, “I just love everybody and everything.” That is not true love; that is mushy sentimentality. If you really love somebody, then you will be discriminating. True love does not discriminate against people, but it discriminates between good and evil.
In the 1960s, Joseph Fletcher introduced a concept called situational ethics. Situational ethics was the revolutionary thought that there are no moral absolutes, that nothing is absolutely right or absolutely wrong in every circumstance. That would mean instead of asking what is right or wrong, you ought to ask yourself, “What is the loving thing to do in this situation?” For example, if two people love one another and just happen to be married to other people, then situational ethics says it is not wrong for them to commit adultery because the loving thing is for those two people to be together. Or if a mother finds herself pregnant and the thought of a new baby is stressing her out, then the thing she ought to ask herself is, “What is the loving thing to do?” And the loving thing to do in that situation, she would say, is to take care of her own needs first and get rid of her baby. That is situational ethics. What began as a revolutionary concept in the 1960s has become mainstream today. It is the way our culture thinks. People say there is nothing that is right or wrong in every circumstance; what is important is that you just love people.
But Paul said it is impossible for something to be loving and evil at the same time. When we say we love somebody, it does not mean that we love everything they do or love everything about that person. It means that we want the very best for him or her, and at the same time we hate what is evil. True love is without hypocrisy, and it is discerning.
Today’s devotion is excerpted from “True Love Never Waits” by Dr. Robert Jeffress, 2014.
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What does decomposition sound like?
As you may know, I have done a bit of research on what decomposition smells like. We at the University of Huddersfield Forensic Anthropology Research Group have been looking at the volatile organic compounds that are given off by a cadaver as it decomposes, and determining how knowledge of these compounds can help us improve the training of specialist 'victim remains' detection dogs (see previous post: What's that smell?, and this article in The Conversation.). I have also presented some interesting, interactive talks and demonstrations where the audience get to smell for themselves some of the main players in the 'scent of death'.
In my talks, I have often described the scent of death and decomposition as a 'symphony' of smells, of chemicals waxing and waning with time as the process unfolds. In light of this, I have recently teamed up with exciting, London-based artist duo French and Mottershead to describe the process of decomposition in sound. They have created the fascinating suite of interactive works called Afterlife, that explores the 'experience' of decomposition - a medley of sounds, smells and 'feelings' of the final journey from a whole body to our constituent parts. Take a few minutes to listen to their slightly disturbing, macabre but strangely soothing and lullaby-like piece about a body decomposing in a woodland environment here.
They also devised and organised the fantastic Passing Encounters Open Seminar, held at UCL on the 6th February this year, that brought together artists, historians, forensic anthropologists and sociologists to discuss attitudes towards death, dying and decomposition. I was very happy and honoured to be invited to speak and to bring the scent of death experience with me. Here is a picture of the faces of the audience as they smelled some of the odours associated with decomposition.
Our new project involves trying to capture the sounds of decomposition. I love the concept of taking a well-known process and looking at it from another perspective. We're working with experienced and dynamic sound recordist/sound designer Pascal Wyse. I helped them by providing some decomposing animal carcasses for them to record. We started off looking at rabbit carcasses (not killed for the purposes of the research) in different stages of decomposition. We recorded the sounds from this rabbit clearly in the bloat stage (reached after about a month after death in this case). Flies were attracted to the corpse, there were maggots active around its orifices. We put a special microphone up against its bloated abdomen as well, to listen to any sounds of gases gurgling.
We are hoping to extend this work to capture the sounds of larger animals decomposing, and hopefully, one day, with appropriate funding, take sound recordings from human corpses. I absolutely love this multidisciplinary type of work, taking advantage of the intriguing cross-overs between scientific and artistic endeavour. Hopefully, we will have more to tell you soon - watch this space!
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Narratives: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Events
Marina Lambrou is fascinated by stories...
All of us have our own story – a web of entangled events that make up our lives. For most of us in the Western world these events are, on the whole, predicatable and happy. But, sadly, this is the exception rather than the rule.
For most of human history, many of the chapters in the stories of people’s lives have been conflict, violence, hunger, poverty and sickness. Even close to home in London, terror struck the streets on 7 July 2005. In 2011, protests against an alleged racist shooting by police officers in Tottenham erupted into national riots and fire-bombings. And in June 2017, Grenfell Tower in Kensington burned to the ground, leaving at least eighty people dead.
These are extraordinary events, yet they happen to ordinary people.
How do the individuals involved make sense of what has happened?
In this touching presentation, Marina will explain how people construct their own narrative and how trauma affects the stories people tell about themselves.
Wednesday 22 November, 7.00pm
The riots in London in 2011
Meet the presenter
Dr Marina Lambrou is an associate professor in English language and linguistics, and course director for the BA English Language and Linguistics course at Kingston University. She joined Kingston from the University of East London, having previously worked at Goldsmiths College (University of London) and Middlesex University. Prior to teaching in universities, she was the evening director at International House Language School, London, where she also taught English as a second language for many years.
ABOUT FORM SEVEN
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FORM SEVEN, Hampton Court House, Surrey, KT8 9BS020 8943 0889
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Acquia announced today that it’s teaming with CloudFlare to offer its customers CloudFlare Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) protection, as well as Content Delivery Network (CDN) services. Acquia will sell and service these products.
Acquia wanted a product it could package and service, so the partner needed to be flexible in this regard. It considered building something itself, but quickly rejected that idea, Chris Stone, senior VP of products and development at Acquia explained.
“We went looking for the best solution first, and then an opportunity to work with someone that could be Acquia led and that was key to working with CloudFlare,” he said. It didn’t hurt that some customers were asking for CloudFlare by name.
As for CloudFlare, it gets its products in large enterprises where Acquia typically operates, but it is letting Acquia package CloudFlare services under the Acquia brand.
CloudFlare CEO Matthew Prince is careful to point out, even though it’s being offered as part of the Acquia product family, it’s still a CloudFlare log-in, and the product customers interact with is the same CloudFlare product every customer uses.
Acquia is a commercial front-end for the open source Drupal web content management platform. It provides customers with tools to implement and manage Drupal that the open source package doesn’t offer with an emphasis on customizing the customer experience.
Stone says with customers running hundreds or even thousands of sites on the Acquia platform, a DDoS attack (which can take down a site by flooding it with requests) could be devastating. Drupal provides its own security layer, but Stone says Acquia wanted to offer customers another layer of security. That’s what the CloudFlare DDoS product, known as Acquia Edge Protect under the Acquia brand umbrella, offers them.
“This adds an extra layer of security on top of Drupal. We had a very secure platform and now we are adding a layer of protection for DDoS attacks,” Stone explained. In other words, it’s filling in a missing piece in its security with a third-party product.
As for the other piece, Content Delivery Networks or CDNs offer performance improvement by moving content closer to where the demand is to improve delivery speed. Customers don’t want to wait for a video to buffer or a website to load and the CloudFlare CDN product, known as Edge CDN under Acquia gives Acquia customers a CDN option.
CloudFlare claims using this tool, you can dramatically reduce the number of servers, which reduces overall bandwidth requirements, and results in lower operating costs (assuming it works as advertised).
Stone says the idea behind offering these products as Acquia products with his company’s support is the ‘single throat to choke’ theory. The theory goes that customers want best of breed products, but they also want to deal with a single vendor whenever possible. It’s important to note though that CloudFlare will continue to develop these products. Acquia is just acting as a partner.
Acquia CTO Dries Buytaert developed Drupal in his dorm room in the early 2000s and grew the project as open source, which it remains today. He co-founded Acquia as the commercial arm of Drupal in 2007. The company has raised over $118 million.
CloudFlare launched in 2009 and has raised over $71 million.
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By Alex | August 6th, 2011
I said to look out for a Flashpoint #2 review soon, didn’t I? Well, maybe this isn’t exactly “soon”, but that’s because this is much more than that! We’ve decided to do several Flashpoint updates, covering the event as it happens, mostly from my semi-clueless perspective. Today I’ll be covering both Flashpoint #2 and #3, as well as several of the tie-in issues that have come out recently.
At this point there are more than twenty issues relating to Flashpoint available. I normally try to avoid giving away big spoilers, but it’s going to be almost impossible for these updates. If you don’t want anything spoiled, I’d advise you to read no further.
Seeing as there’s so much to cover this month, I’m going to be breaking this down into sections. First up, let’s take a look at issue #2 of the main book.
Flashpoint #2
Flashpoint #2′s cover depicts The Flash, strapped into an electric chair and out in the rain, with Batman in the shadows behind him throwing the switch. My first thought when seeing it was to ask myself if this was how Barry planned to recover his powers, or whether it was purely metaphorical. This strikes me as being another simple cover, though in a slightly different way to the one before it; like the one before it, though, it features The Flash himself prominently. There isn’t a lot else going on, and the only other character in view is in the background. If you ask me, it’s the second cover in a row to be good at grabbing your attention, and it’s drawn really well. This cover was done by Andy Kubert and Sandra Hope.
The second issue of Flashpoint picks up where the first left off. Having no one else to turn to in this strange new version of history, Barry drove himself to Gotham and snuck into a rather sparse looking Batcave. He’s soon confronted by a very untrusting Batman, whom he tries to convince was his friend in the universe he’s from. But Barry’s made a miscalculation, which was the twist at the end of issue #1: in this world, Batman is not Bruce Wayne—he’s Thomas Wayne. Barry quickly realizes that in this history, it was Bruce who was killed in Crime Alley, leading to his father’s personal war on crime.
This new version of Batman wastes no time breaking bones and tossing Barry around, obviously not believing his rantings about being from another world. That is, until Barry’s senses are suddenly overwhelmed with new memories—the memories he should have had if he was the Barry Allen of this world. He realizes that his mind is changing to fit the new reality, and that can mean only one thing: it isn’t an alternate world, but his world, changed. And if he doesn’t act fast, he may just forget that history has been changed at all.
For some reason, after these mental flashes, Barry’s Flash ring seems to drop to the floor, apparently from his person. Seeing it as his chance to prove to Batman he’s been telling the truth, Barry explains how it contains his costume and shoots it out to show him. But it isn’t his costume that pops out; it’s the costume of Professor Zoom—the Reverse-Flash. Barry believes this is Zoom’s way of telling him that he’s responsible for the changes in the timestream, which certainly isn’t out of the question given his past exploits. Finally beginning to believe that the intruder might not be completely crazy, Dr. Wayne gives in and goes along with Barry’s…well…completely crazy plan to get his powers back. This involves strapping Barry into the electric chair from the cover, on the roof of Wayne Manor, in the middle of a thunderstorm, with beakers of the appropriate chemicals balanced all around him—in other words, completely recreating the accident that gave him his powers in the first place. The twist at the end of this issue is that it ends exactly how you’d expect it to end if this weren’t a comic book…
The bulk of this issue is about the interactions between these two characters, but we do cut away from them a couple of times—first to see Aquaman and then to see Wonder Woman. The Sea King makes his appearance at the beginning of the issue, attacking Slade and some other assorted villains when their pirate ship drifts too close to Paris, which is now underwater. The Themyscirian princess is introduced later in “New Themyscira”—which used to be Britain; we learn through her interrogation of Steve Trevor (who in other universes had been her love-interest, ironically) that everyone’s favorite reporter, Lois Lane, has been spying on the Amazons for Cyborg.
As I already said, Barry still doesn’t get to become The Flash in this issue. I was still sort of disappointed by that when I first read the issue, but at the same time, I felt like I was starting to get an idea of what sort of pace the story was going for. This is only issue 2 of 5, after all; you could say that we’re only just getting past the beginning of the story, with the middle on its way in issue #3. Issue #1 introduced us to the concept and kept us as blind and confused about the new world as Barry himself, while this issue fleshed out the Flashpoint Earth more and explained some of what’s going on, once again leaving me curious about what will happen next.
Andy Kubert is once again the artist in this issue, and his art continues to please me consistently. I think this issue’s visual highpoint is a two page spread of what used to be Paris; now little more than a ship’s graveyard, the ruined tip of the Eiffel Tower jutting up above the waves hints at how much Europe has been flooded—although it’s an extra at the back of the issue that reveals the true extent of this.
This issue also gives us our first good look at Wonder Woman and Aquaman’s Flashpoint designs. Aquaman’s is pretty good, sporting what looks vaguely like a red and black version of his normal costume and wearing a constantly serious expression on his scarred face; after seeing his pre-war design in a later issue, I’ve come to appreciate this one a bit more. But of the two, it’s Wonder Woman’s I find more interesting; her Flashpoint counterpart wears full warrior’s armor that is very different from the costume we’re used to, or even from her more recent costume (yes, the one with the pants). I quite like it.
Both of these new designs are by Andy Kubert himself, and further details about them—as well as details about the designs of Flash, Batman and Cyborg—are found as extras at the end of this issue. It’s clear when you look at these notes that Mr. Kubert put some thought into the finer details on each costume, some of them being things I wouldn’t have noticed in the panels of the comic itself.
Another nice little extra is a map of the Flashpoint Earth, illustrated by Freddie Williams III. It shows all the territories and war zones, as well as the extent of the flooding. If issue #1 was to introduce the concept and issue #2 was to flesh it out, I think this was the perfect time to throw in something like this. Like Barry himself, we’re just starting to get an idea of what this new world is like. I’m also quite pleased to see that New Zealand—which is where I live right now—is part of the neutral territories!
With issue #2 out of the way, I was ready and eager for more. However, I think it’s safe to say that I underestimated the scale of a DC event. By the time issue #3 of the main book was out, about twenty tie-in issues had been released as well. It’s been quite a task going through and summarizing them all, but here they are—Flashpoint’s first batch of tie-ins.
The Tie-Ins
First up is Batman: Knight of Vengeance, of which two issues have currently been released. This comic serves to flesh out the alternate dark knight more, showing us just how different he, his allies, and his enemies are from the world we knew. Plot wise, these three issues seem to be covering the case of the abducted Dent children, which was mentioned, and still unresolved, back in issue #1 of the main book. Thomas Wayne makes an older, gruffer Batman, but apart from one big thing at the end of issue #2, I don’t think the story really adds a lot we didn’t already know about him. The rest of the cast are another matter, with almost every role being quite different from the regular timeline. The story takes a dark and bloody turn towards the end, finishing on another major plot twist.
Both issues were written by Brian Azzarello and illustrated by Eduardo Risso, and I found them quite intriguing. I think my only criticism would be that the covers seem very forgettable to me.
Abin Sur: The Green Lantern #1 came out around the same time as issue #1 of Knight of Vengeance. My first thought was that the cover looks much like an old science fiction movie poster, which I like. The story begins with us being introduced to Abin as a child, learning from his sister that he should respect all life, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant; we then cut ahead to Abin, grown up and in the Green Lantern Corps, fiercely dismembering a Manhunter robot while yelling, “You are not alive!” Once again, the reader learns through the dialogue that this is a very different world: the Black Lanterns are still running wild, Kilowog is dead, Sinestro is still a Green Lantern, and both Abin’s sister and his homeworld Ungara have been lost. The Guardians charge Abin with retrieving the White Entity from Earth before the planet destroys itself with war and fear. While he makes his way to our doomed little world, Sinestro visits Atrocious and asks him a surprising question, hinting that the Red Lantern might know more about this whole big event than we do!
The issue is written by Adam Schlagman and drawn by Felipe Massafera. The art is of very high quality and has an impressive amount of detail. My overall thought on the issue was that Abin Sur seemed surprisingly violent and insubordinate, but I suppose you can’t blame him after losing his home and his sister.
The second issue begins with a flashback showing Abin training with Sinestro, as well as Sinestro meeting Abin’s sister, who would be his wife in the main continuity. We then return to the present, where Abin has crashed after being shot down by us humans…some advanced alien he turned out to be. He is found by Hal Jordan, but he’s pushed out of the way almost immediately by Cyborg, and Abin is taken away by the government. It doesn’t take him long to break out of his containment tank, however, and he quickly agrees to join Cyborg in trying to save the world, even though the Guardians threaten to take away his ring if he does so. While looking for survivors in Europe, Abin is met by Sinestro; initially thinking he’s there for his ring, it turns out he’s learned of the Flashpoint Prophesy from Atrocious, and describes it as an event in time that changes everything moving forward. He’s also learned that The Flash can put everything back as it was, and thus if he controls The Flash’s power, he can put it back better than it was, so that Abin and his sister are alive in the new timeline. Abin believes Sinestro’s mind has been poisoned by Atrocious’ lies, and knowing he can’t succeed while Abin lives, Sinestro bluntly goes on the attack.
I thought the first issue was a little fast paced, but the second feels outright rushed to me. Hal Jordan’s in it so briefly before being told to go away, Abin joins Cyborg in the shortest conversation possible, and Sinestro resorts to attacking Abin with such little provocation. On the other hand, I am curious about how Atrocious knows about Flash’s role in all this. The art is by Robson Rocha, Felipe Massafera and Joe Prado, and is definitely the issue’s strongest point. Felipe Massafera once again provides a stylish cover.
At first I thought Secret Seven was a comic I knew nothing about, having never a Secret Six comic…but as it turns out, the two apparently have absolutely nothing in common anyway. The cover alone makes it stand out from other current DC comics, looking quite psychedelic with Shade—our main character—looming over screaming, red eyed heads. It’s crazy…but actually, rather fitting once you’ve been introduced to the guy. Indeed, his first appearance in this issue has him reminding himself that while his hallucinations aren’t real, he is real; that’s not really something most people would forget. Shade has reality warping powers that stem from his “Changing Vest”, an item of alien origin. His is going a little wrong, however, and his insanity isn’t helping matters. This all results in an issue that’s sometimes like watching a trippy music video…and I have to say, I enjoyed it. The art is very colorful and, in a way, slightly more cartoony than the other DC comics I’ve been reading lately. Written by Peter Milligan and pencilled by George Pérez, this was a fun one to check out.
Issue #2 has another cover by George Pérez, with the same screaming heads as the first, but this time with Amethyst and Abra Kadabra instead of Shade. The rest of the issue is laid out by Fernando Blanco and finished by Scott Koblish, resulting in a somewhat less cartoony style than the first. I didn’t find this issue as much fun, personally; in fact, I mostly just found it even more confusing. Shade’s vest seems to be causing trouble left and right, possibly due to his increasing madness…or maybe the madness is due to the vest? Whatever the case, despite gathering two members of the Secret Seven without really meaning to, Shade seems no closer to leading a team and helping Cyborg than when the story started. The issue ends with Mr. Kadabra, apparently believing Shade is dangerous—which probably isn’t wrong—revealing the identities of the Secret Seven to the world, followed by another confusing twist right at the end. This one definitely wasn’t as fun for me as the first, and with only one more issue to go, I can’t imagine that this team is actually going to do anything to help the world; at most I think they might just save it from Shade’s broken vest.
Citizen Cold #1 provides some backstory for this universe’s Leonard Snart, a.k.a. Captain Cold. In the Flashpoint timeline, Cold fancies himself some kind of hero, and is apparently Central City’s greatest. That’s to the public, at least; if anything, Cold might actually be more villainous here than in the old timeline. Rather than simply stopping criminals, he lures them to his city with false information so he can defeat them and increase his popularity, and he seems to have no problem with killing them outright to boot. This first issue does a good job of letting us see into Snart’s mind, and he’s an interesting character to say the least. We also see a lot of familiar faces from Flash’s comics, including a lot of his rogues—now Cold’s rogues. The issue was written and drawn by Scott Kolins. The art has a good level of detail. It’s a strange thing to mention and not something I’d normally notice or comment on, but the panel layout was also really well done.
Issue #1 of Deathstroke and the Curse of the Ravager gives us a closer look at that ship (the titular Ravager) full of assorted bad guys from Flashpoint #2. They’re modern day pirates with Deathstroke as their captain, taking advantage of the chaos the world is in for their own profit. But Captain Slade himself only seems interested in one treasure in particular: his missing daughter. This issue seems like a bit of a wild goose chase, with the pirates following the girl’s trail only to always be one step behind. There’s a lot of action and bloody combat, which you’d probably expect after seeing the cover. This issue was written by Jimmy Palmiotti and pencilled by Joe Bennett; I feel the bright coloring work by “The Hories” deserves a mention as well.
Emperor Aquaman #1 is an issue that answers some of the questions people have had about the Flashpoint world. In fact, most of the issue is backstory. We learn that Diana and Arthur were to be married, and are told through the dialogue that Aquaman had her mother assassinated on their wedding day, kicking off the war. We also learn that Themyscira was destroyed and that the Amazons took over Great Britain soon after. The final reveal, which the issue more or less revolves around, is the how and why of Aquaman sinking western Europe; the twist of what fuels his weapon of mass destruction is a little predictable, but nonetheless unsettling. My only real complaint is that the narrative jumps around a lot, showing us “10 months ago”, then the present, then “8 months ago” seemingly randomly. I’m also not that fond of Ardian Syaf’s cover, but his art for the rest of the issue is very good, with lots of detail. The issue was written by Tony Bedard.
Written by Jeff Lemire and drawn by Ibraim Roberson, Frankenstein & the Creatures of the Unknown is one of the oddest titles for a comic I’ve ever come across. The comic itself is pretty bizarre, too. Towards the end of World War II, the Americans happen to discover Frankenstein’s monster buried in ice somewhere in the North Atlantic. Sensing evil in the Germans, the monster—simply going by Frankenstein here—joins the Allies in their fight. This first issue is pretty fast paced, the story skipping ahead years every other time you turn the page. The “creatures” mentioned in the title are super soldiers, supposedly based on Frankenstein himself and inspired by other classical monsters; along with Frankenstein, they fight for the freedom of the world, but are all betrayed by the American government when the war ends. Frozen in cryogenic suspension, the group awakens and escapes in the present day, leaving issue #2 to deal with what effects their presence will have on the modern Flashpoint world.
Personally, I think this first issue might have had a bit too much crammed into it. You can’t really blame the writers when they have to fit the whole story into three very short issues, but I felt like I barely got a chance to know the characters. Most of them didn’t even get a single line of dialogue before being shoved into suspended animation tubes. We’re told that Griffith, the wolfman, can’t even form a sentence anymore following their long sleep, but I wouldn’t have known that was anything new since he never got to utter a word before that point. Still, the fast pace did cause some unintentionally funny moments, such as how dang quickly and easily they beat the Nazis. There’s also an interesting moment when they’re escaping from the lab under Metropolis and pass a giant, broken vault with Superman’s shield on it; this is our first hint at where this timeline’s version of Superman has been. Roberson’s art is very polished, and despite them being classical monsters, the designs of Frankenstein and the creatures are unique. Doug Mahnke’s cover isn’t quite up to the standard of the art within, but it’s striking and brutal nonetheless.
Deadman and the Flying Graysons #1 introduces us to this world’s Deadman, a.k.a. Boston Brand, and Dick Grayson, a.k.a….well…he’s not Robin in this reality. It was only when I remembered Deadman was originally an acrobat in life that this match up made sense to me. The two, along with the rest of the Grayson family, are performers in a travelling circus that found itself stranded in eastern Europe when Aquaman sank the west. The circus continues to travel, trying to bring some smiles to the bleak little world of Flashpoint. This issue kind of feels like the opposite of Frankenstein and the Creatures of the Unknown #1; where that rushed through action scenes very quickly, this book spends its entire first issue introducing the characters. There’s very little in the way of actual action in this one, but the cliffhanger ending hints at a lot coming in issue #2. I feel that this pays off and actually works better, and I was intrigued by the interactions between the characters all the way through the issue. J.T. Krul, the writer, does a great job of making the characters compelling, and there’s some simple yet really good dialogue between Dick and Boston towards the end of the issue. Mikel Janin’s artwork is of very high quality throughout, and the cover by Cliff Chiang and Jared Fletcher looks almost like something out of the Silver Age.
The first one-shot of the tie-ins is Grodd of War, which details the modern life of Guerilla Grodd in the Flashpoint world. The cover, drawn by Francis Manapul, shows Grodd in war armor holding a bloody, human skull; Manapul is a great artist, and this cover is by no means bad, but I find it a little forgettable. The rest of the issue is sort of a mixed bag. The premise is interesting, with Grodd growing bored of his peaceful rule after conquering all of Africa. He takes his violence out on whomever he can, and even seems to let enemies go so that they might return for revenge at a later date, as if he’s always looking for a challenge. There are some parts, however, that a casual comic fan like myself just didn’t get. I never would have known who Congorilla was without looking him up, and without knowing he was already an established character, his brief appearance in the issue was confusing and seemed pointless; on the other hand, perhaps I should have guessed that a character with such an elaborate backstory wasn’t created just for this.
Sean Ryan’s writing here is simple…or should I say subtle? It doesn’t ram explanations down your throat. Grodd doesn’t monologue or overly explain his feelings to the reader, yet Ryan’s writing and Ig Guara’s art do a good job of conveying them anyway. It’s definitely a well done comic, but…like the cover, I don’t find it very memorable in the end. No one in the Flashpoint world seems to care that Grodd’s taken over Africa, and with everything else that’s going on in their world, maybe I find it a little hard to care, too.
Sorry, Africa… That’s pretty mean of me…
Legion of Doom #1 does a good job of subverting expectations. The issue follows the incarceration of Heatwave, a.k.a. Mick Rory, after he murders Jason Rusch in a crazy bid to become the superhero Firestorm himself, a desire sparked by his obsession with fire. We see him on death row, and around that point, I started to wonder what this had to do with the Legion of Doom. As if on queue, the comic cuts to the classic Hall of Doom rising out of the swamp…but it’s not what you expect. In the Flashpoint world, the Hall of Doom is death row—a high security prison owned by “Green Arrow Industries”, and the place Mick had been imprisoned all along. He doesn’t plan on sticking around, however, and enlists Cluemaster—a Batman villain—to smuggle a very surprising package in for him…with gruesome results. Rooney Buchemi’s art varies a bit from page to page, but on the whole is very good, with some of the more brutal moments (such as Jason’s death) being rather cringe worthy. The dialogue seemed pretty average to me, however.
World of Flashpoint #1 has a pretty fitting cover, depicting the star of the issue sitting with the Flashpoint Earth in her lap; drawn by Brett Booth and Andrew Dalhouse, it’s simple yet eye-catching. The story, written by Rex Ogle, follows the life of this reality’s version of Traci Thirteen, a “Homo Magi” (that is, a human born with inherited magical powers) who was just trying to have a normal life learning witchcraft from her mother. Unfortunately, her family happened to live in Paris, and I think we all know by now what happens there… Traci and her father escape Aquaman’s tsunami thanks to her magic, but she isn’t powerful enough to save her mother or brothers. The guilt and regret weigh heavily on both of them, straining their relationship; several months later, Traci secludes herself refining her magical gifts, while her father turns to the H.I.V.E. organization in an attempt to save the world, no matter the cost. Both father and daughter have their own ideas of how they should help the world and what sort of price peace is worth, but it seems to me that both are using their respective ways as an escape from the tragedy they have suffered. The issue ends with their ideals clashing in an explosive way when her father and H.I.V.E. decide to blast New Themyscira off the map with a satellite weapon, leaving only Traci to try to stop them before they murder millions of people. This issue has some good emotion in it, as well as a few appearances from characters we haven’t seen in the Flashpoint world up to now.
Speaking of cameos, Traci pays a visit to Madame Xanadu, one of DC’s mystic Arthurian characters. Her crystal ball provides us with yet more backstory, mentioning the Justice Society and how they failed, falling because they lacked someone “faster”. Does this mean Jay Garrick didn’t become The Flash in this world either? Has this world never had a Flash? We also see that an alien craft fell on the city of Metropolis some time ago, apparently proving fatal to the inhabitants; the stylized “S” on the side makes it even more obvious whose ship this was, and while it explains why there’s no Clark Kent/Superman around, it leaves us wondering just what could have caused the spaceship to touch down in such a different place.
World of Flashpoint #2 begins with a cover by Brett Booth, Norm Rapmund and Andrew Dalhouse. This time Traci is floating amongst unique tarot cards, with the Flash logo on the back and various characters from the Flashpoint world on the front; not only did I love this cover immediately, but I want that deck. In this issue, Traci narrowly escapes from H.I.V.E headquarters after being drugged by her own father, returning to her mentor, Madame Xanadu. Unfortunately, she seems to be on the verge of death—something she’d predicted in the previous issue—and can only advise Traci to let her tarot cards guide her around the world, to let her see why it’s worth saving and then show her father the same. Almost the whole issue has Traci teleporting around the world, meeting the Flashpoint versions of other DC characters such as Red Tornado, Guy Gardner, and Jason Todd…who has a surprising occupation in this reality. Traci is disappointed that no one she meets will join her and help, but in the end, that wasn’t what Madame Xanadu told her to do. The issue ends with her going back to face her father, who appears to have a few surprises up his sleeves.
Issue #1 of Lois Lane and the Resistance begins with more valuable exposition. We’ve already learned that an Atlantean assassinated Diana’s mother, but here we find out that the Amazons themselves destroyed and sank Themyscira in an attempt to kill Aquaman and other members of the ruling class of Atlantis, who were all on the island at the time. These two enormous events, as well as the Amazon occupation of the United Kingdom, all happened within the space of of a measly three months; the issue’s story begins nine months later, with Aquaman sinking western Europe. Reporting in Paris at the time of the disaster, Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen soon find themselves fleeing from the resulting tsunami; Lois survives by taking refuge with a priest at the top of the Basilica of Sacré-Cœur, but Jimmy is tragically killed as he heroically tries to help an old man. Soon rescued by the Amazons and taken to England, Lois is surprised to find that Jimmy’s camera is actually a high tech communicator, providing a direct link Cyborg. Yes folks, Jimmy Olsen was some sort of secret agent, and Lois jumps at the chance to pick up where he left off, becoming an informant behind enemy lines.
This is an interesting issue because it gives us our first real look at what New Themyscira is like—and it’s a pretty dark place. Non-Amazonian women are offered re-education seminars, and anyone who refuses to subscribe to their beliefs is sent to some kind of concentration camp; given that they refused to save a Christian priest earlier for his belief in a “false god”, I guess this policy isn’t too surprising. The Amazons are apparently even recruiting civilian women, attempting to give them Amazonian strength through some unrevealed process, though the success rates are low and the consequences of failure are pretty dire. All in all it’s an intriguing issue, drawn competently by Eddie Nunez and written by both Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning.
The Canterbury Cricket is another candidate for the weirdest title ever award—and that’s coming from somebody raised in Britain. This story, written by Mike Carlin, gives us our first introduction to the titular character. It begins with the British Resistance—made up of Etrigan the Demon, Godiva, Mrs. Hyde and Wicked Jinny Greenteeth—fighting for their lives against the Amazons; the group is saved in the nick of time by our hero, who can only be described as an enormous cricket. The large insect man, apparently being a very patriotic Brit, joins their cause in a heartbeat, and the rest of the issue is mostly him explaining his peculiar origins to the group. Despite it being almost entirely backstory and character interactions, there’s a fair sprinkling of action in this one, and the way the characters talk with each other is pretty good as well. Honestly, how can talking with Etrigan not be interesting? The issue’s art is done by Rags Morales, another great artist who draws some wonderful facial expressions, especially when it comes to Etrigan. The cover is by both Morales and Ruffino, and it matches the inner art very well. Using the colors of the Union Jack for the title text was a nice touch.
Being British myself, I was asked if anything about this comic seemed strange to me, or if England had been misrepresented. The only thing I can think of worth mentioning is that the Cricket seemed to speak very proper, formal English throughout the entire issue, but then blurts out, “Ruddy hell!” on the last page, which just doesn’t strike me as something a person with formal speech patterns would say. Maybe it was intentional.
Project Superman is a tie-in starring a character named Neil Sinclair, a man who volunteers for Sam Lane’s project to create…well…a superman—not a surprising goal when the Amazons and Atlanteans are already supermen/superwomen. Neil is infused with alien DNA from the mysteriously named “Project Six” (whom I’ll get to later in the article) and gains the power to adapt to basically anything. The more tests they put him through, the more super-powered he becomes…but is he trustworthy? Lane begins to keep more of a distance from him and seems like he might have moved on to other projects; perhaps as a result, Sinclair begins keeping certain powers such as x-ray vision and super hearing to himself. Still wanting Lane to see him as a success, he continues to push himself, but they seem to decide he was a mistake after all when he slaughters everyone during a mission, including his own support team. The issue ends with Neil locked down in the facility, just as Metropolis is devastated above by the arrival of a familiar alien baby—just as Madame Xanadu had told us. This issue, written by Scott Snyder and Lowell Francis, is okay, but I’m far more interested in where the story will go from here than what has happened so far. Gene Ha is the artist, using a style that seems almost…how should I say it…old school? He also provides the cover, which depicts Sinclair standing over Metropolis as it’s hit by a meteor shower—the arrival of you-know-who!
Hal Jordan #1 of 3 has a nice cover by Rags Morales and Gabe Eltaeb, with Hal against a blue-sky background and three jets flying by in the foreground. The art, provided by Ben Oliver, is very detailed and realistic compared to most of the other books. The story gives us the normal Hal Jordan backstory—how his father was a pilot and died in a crash, yet Hal still became a pilot anyway. In this reality, Hal and Carol Ferris were drafted to fly planes as part of a coastal patrol; this leads to their planes being attacked by some kind of man shark of all things, and Hal shows off his normal reckless side, wrecking their expensive aircraft and getting himself in trouble. But this doesn’t stop him from flying off in another plane without permission, and as he flies, he encounters someone as reckless and insubordinate as him: Abin Sur. More specifically, he witnesses Abin being shot down by a purple beam of some sort—which I still don’t know the origin of—and lands to see if he’s okay. This ending ties in with the second Abin Sur issue I looked at earlier. To be honest, I think the issue felt as rushed as Abin Sur #2 thanks to things like a complete lack of transition between Hal taking off and seeing Abin shot down; I almost thought it might be written by the same person, but the writer for this one was Adam Schlagman. Still, since we know Hal doesn’t get the ring from the Abin Sur issues, it’ll be interesting to see where they’re going with this one.
Green Arrow Industries #1, written by Pornsak Pichetshote and drawn by both Marco Castiello and Ig Guara, introduces us to quite a different Oliver Queen. In the normal timeline, Ollie is the guy who stands up for the little people and is one of DC’s most left-wing characters; here, though, he’s the head of the faceless Green Arrow Industries corporation and very literally couldn’t use a bow to save his life. The company is apparently named after the missiles they create rather than a superhero and makes all of its money reverse engineering and repackaging supervillain weaponry. I suppose this explains Ollie’s Legion of Doom prison to an extent. In this issue, assassins break in and kill all of Queen’s staff, including Roy Harper and several generals who were visiting. Oliver follows the only surviving intruder, armed not with a bow, but weapons and gadgets from various DC villains. He ends up in a fight against the much more skilled female assassin and learns what he’d done, whether he meant to or not, to earn the anger of the group; as it turns out, the research centers studying the equipment of villains had been devastated by those very bad guys when they came looking for their property. Not only does this issue end in tragedy, but it’s a one shot as well, so there’s no chance for a happy ending here. As a fan of Green Arrow, it’s pretty disheartening to see Ollie as hopeless and lost as he is here. It does come with a fantastic cover by Viktor Kalvachev, however.
The Outsider #1 gives us our first real introduction to The Outsider himself…and I mean ever, because he didn’t even exist before his appearance in Flashpoint #1. The issue’s story begins in Chandigarh, India, the year 1960, where a woman is giving birth. The baby is unusual, however, and she doesn’t survive the delivery; when the father rejects the strange child, no one else in Chandigarh survives, either, the entire city being engulfed in some sort of unexplainable disaster, leaving only the baby alive at its center. Years later this child, given the name Michael Desai by an orphanage he ran away from, has grown to acquire wealth, power, and fancy business suits. This first issue establishes the character as a generally calm, intelligent, and rather charismatic individual, and despite him being a bad guy, I find it kind of hard not to like him. He seems to have his fingers in many illicit pies, and after an introduction that lets us see another side to a scene from Flashpoint #1, the rest of the issue involves one of those pies coming back for revenge. Fans of Mr. Terrific may not like how this one ends.
This issue, written by James Robinson, is a good balance of characterization and action—a fine first issue for a new character. Javi Fernandez is responsible for the art, which is generally very detailed, but may be let down by some very blank backgrounds during the action scenes. The cover is by Kevin Nowlan and depicts The Outsider standing over a vanquished Batman, Cyborg, Abin Sur, and new character Blackout, whom The Outsider seemed quite interested in capturing in this issue. As they’re both new characters, I have to wonder if this relationship between them is going to become important later on.
Written by Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning, I found Wonder Woman and the Furies #1 to be one of the most interesting of the tie-ins. It begins “fourteen years ago” on Themyscira, where a younger, more innocent Diana plans to secretly set out to sea so she can see the world beyond their shores. She’s attacked almost immediately, by a Kraken of all things, but is saved in the nick of time by good old Aquaman. Finding that she’s been poisoned by the monster’s venom, Arthur takes her back to Atlantis for treatment. This act of kindness starts the two ancient kingdoms’ relationship off on the right foot, but as we know, it all turns tragic. The rest of this issue covers the wedding in detail, and for the first time, we get to see exactly what (and who) sparked off the war; as I suspected early on, there’s more to the assassination than the world knows.
What I really like about this tie-in is that Diana and Arthur weren’t always the war leaders we’ve come to see them as in Flashpoint. Until the disaster at the wedding, both characters were actually a lot like they should have been—happy, optimistic, heroic, and both sort of carefree; although this is later spoiled by treachery and deceit, it makes me wonder if there’s a slim chance for peace in this timeline after all. I also really like Ed Benes and Peter Pantazis’ cover for the issue, which is a great shot of Wonder Woman in her war armor, standing in the ruins of London. The rest of the art is by Scott Clark and is of the same high quality I’m coming to expect from the comics in this event; the details on the backgrounds and scenery are especially good.
The final few I’ve saved till the end due to how different they are from the rest. While every other tie-ins feature alternate versions of characters we know (and a few altogether new ones), these three feature characters who, like Barry, aren’t really from this new timeline at all. The first of these is the Reverse-Flash tie-in, although to be fair, this issue seems to be mostly flashback and doesn’t directly take place in the Flashpoint event; this begs the question, of course, of what the point of it is. Is it just to bring people like me up to speed, or is there a hidden meaning in here somewhere? Time will tell, I suppose.
Reverse-Flash, a.k.a. Professor Zoom, a.k.a. Eobard Thawne, is an interesting character with an interesting, though slightly confusing backstory, which I’ll try to keep as brief as possible. Born far in the future, where spandex superheroes are only myth, Thawne was obsessed with the legendary Flash and, through studying him, managed to replicate his powers and become the fastest man alive in his time. Thawne is pretty unstable, though, and Barry Allen puts a stop to him; this of course leads to him becoming the villainous Reverse-Flash. In this issue, we see Thawne use his time travelling abilities to go into the past in attempts to exact revenge on his former idol. His first experiment is to prevent the accident that turned Barry into the Flash in the first place, but this proves to be disastrous for him; with no Flash in the past, he would never become the Reverse-Flash in the future, and would cease to exist Back to the Future style. Realizing this, Thawne takes it upon himself to travel further back and subtly ruin Barry’s childhood, hoping small changes during those years wouldn’t lead to his own non-existence. It seems to work, and the issue ends with him arriving at Barry’s home to kill his mother—something we know he succeeded in doing in the main timeline.
As I said, the main oddity about this issue is it’s all mostly things fans already know. If there’s a clue to the cause of the Flashpoint event hidden in here, it’s hidden well. Another oddity is that the cover calls this issue #1 of 3, but it’s apparently only a one-shot. This was another issue written by Scott Kolins, but this one was drawn by Joel Gomez. The art seems rougher around the edges than almost every other Flashpoint comic, but I kind of like it—particularly the backgrounds, which sometimes looked like water paintings. The cover was drawn by Ardian Syaf, Vicente Cifuentes, and Kyle Ritter, and shows Reverse-Flash destroying objects representing Batman, Wonder Woman, Superman and the rest as he runs, seeming to try to make us believe Thawne is responsible for all of Flashpoint…but I still have my doubts about that. The cover’s art doesn’t match the issue’s art at all, but that’s more of an observation than a criticism.
Next up is Kid Flash Lost #1. Starring Bart Allen, this one actually does take place within the Flashpoint event. The first thing to mention about the issue is that the cover is by Francis Manapul, which I’m beginning to spot right away thanks to his unique style; Manapul was the artist for most of the pre-Flashpoint Flash comics and will be drawing and writing the post-Flashpoint Flash comic after DC’s reboot, so it’s nice to see his take on the current, pre-reboot Bart here. The art inside, provided by Oliver Nome, is different, but by no means bad; again, it’s got the high amount of detail I’m coming to expect from this event. DC seems to have a lot of good artists these days.
The issue seems to begin with Bart trying to talk to Barry, who strangely keeps running from him. But this is all a trick. Noticing subtle mistakes, Bart uses his head and concludes that he’s trapped in a simulation—and once he’s realized that, waking up is a cinch. The young speedster finds himself in a strange lair, but isn’t concerned…that is, until he finds that his speed powers are gone. In fact, according to him, the Speed Force itself is gone…which, if true, is far worse than the situation Barry is in. The rest of the issue has Bart fending off an attack from the surprising owner of the lair, rescued by an unexpected ally, and discovering that he’s in some kind of Matrix-esque future. He realizes that the timeline has been tampered with and that without his speed force powers, nothing is protecting his existence; like Barry’s memories, Kid Flash himself may soon disappear. Of all the tie-ins so far, this is probably the one I’m most antsy to see more of, since it seems to be the one most likely to tell us what’s happened to the timestream. It was written by Sterling Gates, and I thought he did a good job of writing Bart’s part.
The tie-in I’ve saved until the very last was, ironically, the very first to be released. The reason I saved it for last is that it’s the most unusual: Booster Gold #44 and #45 are indeed Flashpoint tie-ins, but they’re also standard issues in the Booster Gold comic. Like Barry and Bart, the Booster here is exactly the same Booster from the original timeline; also like Barry, he finds himself in the middle of the Flashpoint world, and is quickly mistaken for some kind of Atlantean enemy by the United States government. Booster struggles to make sense out of what’s happening and believes he’s in some kind of alternate timeline, since time travelling is something he does regularly. When he and his robot Skeets try to return to their time, however, it doesn’t work, and Skeets’ conclusion really verifies things for us: they’re not in an alternate timeline—they’re in the only timeline.
Issue #44 ends with the arrival of an enemy Booster never wanted to run into again: Doomsday…or as they call him in this world, “Project Six”. This time he’s apparently under the control of the US military—under the control of General Nathaniel Adams, who was Captain Atom in the original timeline, to be precise. Anyone who knows anything about Doomsday can probably guess that this is not a brilliant idea, but it seems to be working for now, and Booster is forced to retreat while rescuing a somewhat reluctant damsel. The rest of issue 45 has him learning about the strange new world via the internet and coming to the same conclusion as Barry: that Reverse-Flash, whom he’d run into in the timestream not long ago, must be the one responsible for the changes in history.
Both Booster Gold issues were written and drawn by Dan Jurgens, who does an excellent job with both. I’d actually say the art may be some of the best I’ve seen in the event. Both covers are fantastic, featuring Booster prominently and several other characters and places in the backgrounds; in issue #44′s you can even see the Superman vault from Frankenstein and the Creatures of the Unknown. On top of that, the writing does an excellent job of introducing the character to someone like me who, despite knowing who Booster Gold is, has never read an actual Booster Gold comic before now. Like Kid Flash Lost, I feel like this comic has a high chance of actually explaining the Flashpoint event, since timelines are what Booster does for a living. Let’s just hope he lasts against Doomsday long enough to figure it all out.
As I said earlier, I definitely underestimated the scale of a DC event such as this. This has been my first time following an entire event, and even though DC’s issues are just over 20 pages long these days, reading and analysing every tie-in was a tougher task than I would have guessed. There’s so much information here that it’s sometimes hard to keep track of everything, and despite that, the biggest mysteries of Flashpoint still remain unsolved. But don’t think for a second that this deters me; at this point, I’m more curious than ever about how all of this is going to turn out.
After much ado, I find myself at the true middle of the story.
The issue starts with another cover by Andy Kubert. This one features Flash, Batman and Cyborg breaking through that big ol’ Superman vault door, all three of them looking shocked at what they find inside. The cover teases us by only showing the back of the occupant’s head, but the short black hair makes it clear that it’s Kal-El himself. He seems to be behind several inch thick glass, and the entire room is bathed in a red light; those who know a little about Superman will easily guess that this ill-boding glow is the sort of radiation you get from a red star, which robs Kryptonians of their special powers. The subtitle of the issue is present on this cover: Project Superman Revealed.
This is another good cover by Kubert. It once again chooses a couple of colors and sticks to them, which really seems to bring things together. Predictably, though, my dominant thought when I first saw it was whether Barry would finally get to be The Flash in this issue!
We join Cyborg as he converses with the U.S. president. As much as they’d like to, the government can’t spare any more time for Cyborg’s team to come together. Victor insists that sending in the U.S. military to try to break up a superhuman conflict would be disastrous, but with Steve Trevor presumed dead and the message he was carrying to the resistance presumably intercepted, their hands have been forced; they can’t wait any longer for Batman and the others to come to their senses and help out. Incidentally, it seems the counterspy Wonder Woman spoke of in issue #2 is Element Woman, whom we see sneaking about in his headquarters. Relieved of duty, Cyborg’s chance to save the world may be lost.
Meanwhile, back in Wayne manor, Barry is bandaged from head to toe and clearly in incredible pain…not surprising since he was electrocuted and covered in flaming chemicals. You would think this would be enough to deter anyone, but the first words out of Barry’s mouth are: “I need a bigger bolt of lightning.” Dr. Wayne thinks he’s crazy—which seems to be becoming the norm—but relents and lets him have it his way after listening to his reasoning. Barry knows that if he doesn’t get his powers back, his memories of the original timeline will soon be overwritten; he won’t even realize things aren’t the way they’re supposed to be anymore, nor will he remember his wife, or Thomas’ son. The two return to the roof, and before they can even strap Barry back into his chair, an enormous bolt of lightning hits him directly, blowing Batman off the roof in the process. But before the caped crusader can meet a grisly end on a spiked fence below, the moment we’ve been waiting for arrives: Barry rushes down the side of the manor as quick as lightning and plucks his fellow crime fighter from the jaws of death.
Finally, The Flash is back!
After using the Batcave’s chemicals to construct himself a new costume in a flash (haw), Barry uses Dr. Wayne’s rather disappointing personal computer—no super Bat-computer in this reality, apparently—to search for potential allies, much like Booster did. With Abin Sur still alive, Hal Jordan never became a Lantern, so Barry can’t risk putting him in danger; Wonder Woman and Aquaman are obviously out of the question; with such options unavailable, he asks the obvious question: where is Superman? Explaining the Kryptonian’s origin to Thomas, he repeats what we learned from the tie-ins: a rocket crashed into Metropolis at the time Barry specified, killing thirty-five thousand people. Not knowing what happened to the ship and its occupant after that, Batman calls the only person that can find out.
The two meet up with Cyborg, and Batman surprises him by agreeing to be the strategist in his army. His terms are simply that he gets to pick the members himself, beginning with The Flash and the occupant of the rocket, whom Cyborg will have to find by hacking government systems. Cyborg is against it, but he can’t pass up a chance at getting Batman, and thus others, on his team. They find the location of both the rocket and its occupant—“Subject 1”—and the rest of the issue covers their break in and discovery of the Kryptonian himself; what they come face to face with, however, is definitely not the Superman we’re used to…
Issue #3 has some interesting moments. The occupant of the rocketship is definitely Kal-El, but we can’t really call him Clark Kent; this Kal-El has been in a research facility his entire life, and thus was never raised by the Kents. Jonathan and Martha made Clark the man that he was, so it’s hard to guess what kind of guy he’ll turn out to be in this reality. We also learn that two more rockets were found after the first, which I presume must have belonged to Krypto and Kara; disturbingly, the three heroes happened to pass a room with a canine skeleton marked “Subject 2” on their way through the underground lab. Finally, it’s mentioned there’s a bridge in Central City that leads nowhere and that no one knows—or perhaps remembers—where it’s supposed to go; I wouldn’t have known this by myself, but this bridge is apparently meant to lead to Keystone City, the home of Jay Garrick. Not only that, but the villain known as The Fiddler once shifted Keystone City out of phase with the rest of the world to get revenge on Jay himself. That seems to be what’s happened here, but if Jay wasn’t The Flash in this reality, why did Keystone City still end up being hidden? Perhaps Jay was a Flash and is still there? I suppose time may tell.
I’m really starting to like Thomas Wayne as Batman, and his interactions with Barry—who’s practically his opposite—are a lot of fun. Barry is an unendingly hopeful optimist, just the kind of person the people of this Earth need right now. He even trusts that Kal-El’s heart will be the same no matter how much history has changed, and even though Dr. Wayne seems to think he’s insane and naïve most of the time, he’s still been persuaded to go along with him so far. My favorite moment between the two of them in this issue was when Barry voiced his disapproval at the way Thomas lied to Cyborg about joining his team—something the Batman doesn’t really plan on going through with; Dr. Wayne countered that if Barry succeeds at putting everything right, none of it will matter anyway. Issues written by Geoff Johns always seem to have a least one little exchange between the characters that I find myself liking. I know I’ve fixated a bit on Barry getting his powers back, but the truth is, Mr. Johns makes him a great character even without them.
Andy Kubert is once again the artist here. I’m finding it increasingly hard to have anything to say about his work, which just seems to be continuously flawless. It’s extremely detailed and easy to follow. In truth, it’s probably the best in the whole event, which makes sense since it’s the main book. What more can I say than that?
This issue gives us our first look at the Flashpoint version of Superman, once again designed by Kubert himself. Like a lot of things in the Flashpoint world, his appearance is bleak and depressing. They’ve got him wearing some sort of jumpsuit with an “S” on it, but it’s different to the Kryptonian one they slapped on the vault, and actually stands for “Subject 1”.
Like issue 2, #3 ends with more character designs from Mr. Kubert. Three of them are for characters from the British resistance: Lady Godiva, Mrs. Hyde, and Canterbury Cricket. These three characters were only in one panel of this issue, so it’s good to see their designs in more detail if you haven’t already seen them in the Canterbury Cricket one-shot; however, unlike the others so far, these three aren’t colored. Superman’s is, though, so you can get a better look at his design and read the brief notes on it here.
With this, we’re now halfway through the whole event. The first half has had some good parts and some average parts, but I find it hard to think of any bits that were outright bad. There were times where I thought an issue didn’t add much to the overall story, such as Grodd of War, Legion of Doom, and Captain Cold, but if you take all the tie-ins as a whole rather than individually, they serve to paint a much bigger picture, to give this world character and backstory, and to help immerse us in it. On the other hand, I think this means a lot of the tie-in issues may only interest people who, like me, are trying to follow the entire event, and that can obviously be an expensive task.
The writing may have had its ups and downs, but in my opinion, the art has been absolutely superb throughout. DC seems to have itself a lot of good artists these days, and it really feels like they’re giving it their all. The few pieces of art I haven’t really liked have been from some of the covers, which seems pretty odd to me. From my childhood, I remember comics always having fantastic covers to attract you, but mediocre art inside; here it sometimes feels like the other way around. There have, of course, been plenty of great covers as well, my favorites being by Dan Jurgens, Francis Manapul, and Andy Kubert. I hope this level of quality is kept up through the second half of the event.
If I had to make a prediction for what will happen next, I’d guess that we’re on the verge of unravelling the mystery. I believe the answers will start appearing in the first part of this second half, centering around Flashpoint #4. That will leave our heroes time to take action in the final fifth of the story. But what will their actions lead to? With a massive reboot occurring right as the Flashpoint event comes to a close, the solution to all of this seems as uncertain as ever.
Make sure to join us next time where I’ll be taking on the entire second half of the event. With two main issues and an even greater number of tie-ins on the way, it will undoubtedly be even more of a challenge for me!
Covers: B- (Some good ones, some not so good ones, but some great ones to make up for them.)
Writing: B (The writing seems to range between good and average to me, so a score somewhere in the middle of that seems reasonable.)
Art: A+ (Ranges from good to great. I can’t really think of any way they could have done better.)
Extras: B (Only Flashpoint #2 and #3 have really had proper extras, so I can only judge the event based on those. #2′s were better than #3′s.)
Overall (not an average): B+ (A very good event so far. The Flashpoint world has already become so detailed and fleshed out that it’s impossible not to be drawn into it. There was twists around every corner, constantly challenging your expectations, and it’s almost impossible not to sit around with fellow fans trying to solve the mysteries yourself.)
Since there are were so many issues covered here, we decided I should make some recommendations for people to check out. Like I said, it’s expensive to follow the whole event, so these are the tie-ins I think are worth checking out:
> Booster Gold #44 and #45. As I explained, this one is very like the main Flashpoint comics because it stars a character from the original timeline. They’re well drawn and have a good chance of revealing some of the event’s secrets.
> Kid Flash Lost #1. Pretty much the same as above. Manapul’s cover is very nice.
> Wonder Woman and the Furies #1. Out of all the flashbacks so far, I think this was the best. It showed us what Wonder Woman and Aquaman were like before their lives became nothing but war and obsession with revenge, and it shows us definitively how the war began.
> Batman: Knight of Vengeance #1 and #2. The first issue is n’t that great, but the second has one of the best surprise endings out of the whole event so far. Plus, with Batman playing an important role in the main book, this seems like a logical choice.
> Project Superman #1. With Kal-El making an appearance in Flashpoint #3, it seems like a good idea to learn his backstory here.
> Emperor Aquaman #1. Just if you want to know what really happened to Europe.
Everything else can probably be skipped for the most part, but there isn’t really anything bad enough for me to suggest avoiding at all costs. At worst, there are just a few that don’t seem very relevant to understanding the event. These are:
> Grodd of War. Not a bad one-shot, but so far Grodd’s actions don’t seem to have had much of an impact on the world at all.
> Legion of Doom #1. Does it really matter to the world that Heatwave is trying to escape from prison?
> Frankenstein and the Creatures of the Unknown #1. The story seems very isolated so far.
This comic was purchased at retail.
The mystery of the Flashpoint will continue…
Fanboy Review won’t have ads for the time being due to the legal issues between Amazon and the state of California. Enjoy!
The Flash and all related characters – © 2011 DC Comics. All Rights Reserved.
Categories: Comic Review, Feature, Reviews
This entry was posted in Comic Review, Feature, Reviews and tagged Aquaman, Barry Allen, Batman, DC Comics, Flash, Flashpoint, Geoff Johns, Green Arrow, Green Lantern, Superman, The Flash, Wonder Woman on August 6, 2011 by Alex.
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Awarded in London
UK Critics' Circle Music Awards
The Music Section of the Critics’ Circle included Federico Colli among the recipients of its 2018 Awards.
The award ceremony took place at the Royal Festival Hall on 10th May 2019, after playing Rachmaninov piano concerto no. 2 with the Philharmonia Orchestra under Andrew Nethsingha for the Southbank Centre Classical Season.
Here are the reasons for the prize:
Emerging Talent (Instrumental): Federico Colli
Since winning the 2012 Leeds International Piano Competition, Federico Colli has been developing apace. Technically this young Italian pianist is as good as it gets – witness his exceptional control of sonority, voicing and colour – but this is placed at the service of an individual imagination that casts new light on the music while staying essentially true to the composer. His recent Chandos recording of Scarlatti proved a landmark for him, and if his first recital at the Queen Elizabeth Hall a few years ago was unforgettable, his Wigmore Hall debut this autumn confirmed that he’s an artist with potential to rise very high indeed.
Jessica Duchen
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Home Developer OSI's Open Flap
OSI's Open Flap
By Jim Wagner | August 24, 2005
The goals of the OSI's license proliferation committee were thrown into question when the creator of the organization's manifesto was recently denied entrance.
Bruce Perens, the co-founder of the Open Source Initiative (OSI) and creator of the Open Source Definition, went public with his displeasure that he wasn't invited to take part in the committee, which will advise the OSI board of directors on its recommendations to address license proliferation.
Perens said he was contacted Laura Majerus, the committee's chair, the day the call for volunteers went out.
His only reply was a form letter saying there were too many qualified members looking for a position on the committee. He told internetnews.com that he fought for acceptance using back channels at the organization, a measure that proved ineffective.
And that's when he took it public, posting to the committee's discussion list on Sunday and touching off a public debate on the goals of the license proliferation committee.
"We have to have some questions about the Open Source Initiative," he said. "The organization has been self-electing since 1999, and in that time, a lot of other organizations in the open source world have either established some sort of working meritocracy, or they've established an elective system. The OSI doesn't have either. It's not a meritocracy, and it's not democratic."
The squabble began April 18, when Majerus posted the committee's charter and request for volunteers to the license-discuss e-mail discussion list. In the post, she emphasized that the committee would have to be kept to a manageable level; on June 9, she posted a second request for volunteers to the list.
"It's not that Bruce is not qualified, he certainly is," Majerus said. "I tried to get a variety of folks who would have a variety of takes on the problem."
Majerus said she received Perens' request, and others, but waited until the second request for volunteers went through before making a choice she felt was the best mix of people to sit on the committee. Perens was notified he wasn't on the committee at the same time as everyone else, she said, and she replied to him personally with her reasons when he responded to the form letter.
The license proliferation committee was launched in April to address the growing number of open source licenses approved by the organization over the years.
Today there are more than 50 different OSI-approved licenses, based on requirements put forth in the Open Source Definition.
Of the 13 members on the board, according to a post to the discussion list by Majerus on Monday, seven are attorneys, and four are OSI members. Three of the OSI members also are on the OSI board of directors. The fourth is Eric Raymond, OSI co-founder and president emeritus.
Each, however, represent different interests, Majerus said. And while members may be attached to an organization, they also have the expertise that she was looking for in committee members.
Larry Rosen, former general counsel and secretary at the OSI and founding partner of Resenlaw & Einschlag, found the makeup of the license proliferation committee odd, but wasn't worried because nothing will actually happen without community approval.
However, he wasn't satisfied with the reasoning behind Perens' rejection and thinks they should allow him to join.
"The excuse that there were too many committee members is BS," he said in an IM interview. "If [former president] Jimmy Carter or Pope Benedict or [Microsoft founder] Bill Gates or (heaven forbid) [HP vice president of Linux] Martin Fink wanted to be on the committee, do you think for one minute they would have said, 'Sorry, no room for you?'"
Russell Nelson, OSI board and license proliferation committee member, vigorously defended the committee selection process.
"Bruce is a great guy, and he has all this history, but what has he contributed on the license-discuss mailing list? Has he put forth any particular evidence that he understands all the licenses, that he's read them all [and] contributed to OSI?" he said. "That history is either not there or, if you want to go back six to eight years, it's there but so old that you've got to question: Is Bruce the best person to be on the committee?"
Perens responded that the license proliferation discussion list was only begun after the committee was formed, but he had recently participated in evaluating licenses via the main discussion list. He pointed out that he had served as OSI's primary license reviewer.
"We're talking about license guidelines that I wrote," he said.
Nelson also pointed out that Perens wasn't the only person not invited to serve on the committee, just the only one to take it public.
Regarding his and the other OSI officials on the committee, Nelson said they are there to provide a dual role. One is to provide corporate governance over an OSI sub-committee; the other is to represent the individual developers in the open source community. He pointed out that work conducted on the license proliferation discussion list will be heard by committee members and have a bearing on the recommendations put forth to the OSI board.
The committee work is just beginning, he noted, and the community will have time to respond to the final recommendation before or if it's adopted by the OSI board.
Perens, however, said he wouldn't participate on the list if he isn't selected for the license proliferation committee.
"They don't have to listen to a discussion list," he said. "The discussion list is essentially a dev/null for comments."
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Home Hardware AMD Updates Its Enthusiast CPU and Platform
AMD Updates Its Enthusiast CPU and Platform
By Andy Patrizio | January 08, 2009
Advanced Micro Devices is charging forward despite its own problems and those of the economy at large, touting new, high-performance CPUs and a second-generation platform that combines its CPU, graphics processing unit (GPU) and chipset.
With the purchase of ATI in 2006, the company gained the capability to deliver an all-in-one solution combining the three major pieces of silicon needed in a computer now under one roof. Integration and assimilation of ATI hasn't been all that easy, but the merger has seen fruition in the debut of its first-generation CPU, GPU and chipset offering, Spider.
"It started back in 2007 -- the market was looking at us and saying, 'Hey, now that you got ATI under your roof, what are you doing for an all-AMD solution?' So Spider was the result," David Schwarzbach, division market manager for the Desktop group at AMD (NYSE: AMD), told InternetNews.com.
"So we're taking the learnings from that into Dragon to find ways to make them work seamlessly together, [to] make the platform easy to find and purchase," he added.
One of the problems with Spider was that while AMD designed the parts that made up the computer, you couldn't find a Spider-branded or -labeled computer anywhere, except from boutique dealers. Many OEMs who made AMD motherboards didn't even put the Spider brand on the box.
So now, for parts suppliers selling through retail channels like Newegg.com, Dragon-branded components will come with something like a logo program, so customers can identify Dragon-approved parts to build their own system.
The plan is for AMD to enable each of its partners, from the distribution channel to OEMs, to streamline validation of Dragon parts and platforms and make it easier to build and sell complete systems.
Key to Dragon is a new processor, the Phenom II. Just as the first Phenom was a desktop derivative of Barcelona -- its quad-core Opteron server chip -- Phenom II is the offspring of Shanghai, a newer quad-core Opteron built on a 45 nanometer design instead of Barcelona's 65nm. This smaller die size allowed Shanghai to ship early and at a higher clock speed.
As a result, the Phenom II will be faster than the Phenom, and cooler. It comes in two models, the 920 and 940, which run at 2.8GHz and 3.0GHz, respectively. Additionally, the 940 will be unlocked, so overclockers will have a field day. Schwarzbach said during a recent overclocking event at AMD's Austin, Texas offices that a liquid nitrogen-based system got a CPU to boot and run at 5.9GHz.
But don't expect AMD to make that a selling point.
"These data points aren't to say we are going to come out with a 5GHz processor," he said. "What it says is there is an option for these do-it-yourselfers to say, 'I can either spend $1,000 for a processor or spend a quarter of that on an AMD processor that's unlocked, invest a portion of that into a cooling system and I got a lot of extra coin in my pocket.'"
Phenom II will introduce a new socket, the AM3, that supports DDR3 memory. However, Phenom II chips will work in current AM2/AM2+ motherboards, preserving people's investments in older motherboards and memory.
With the CPU's launch, AMD also plans to introduce what it calls the Fusion gaming utility, a desktop switch that turns off all background tasks, like Windows Defender or the Sidebar in Windows Vista, to give as much power as possible toward game play. Also, Phenom II will be Energy Star 5.0-compliant and will use technology, borrowed from AMD's mobile chips, that shuts down unused segments of the CPU for power savings while idle.
Dragon's components also include ATI's new HD 4800 line of video cards and the 790GX chipset, both of which are already on the market. Going forward, AMD expects to get all three of its product lines in sync for simultaneous release.
AMD also has a commercial platform, the more dryly named AMD Business Class, which Schwarzbach said would be updated with these newer technologies in the third quarter of 2009. The main rationale for the delay, compared to Dragon, is to give DDR3 memory a chance to come down in price.
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What is a Water Footprint?
Everything we use, wear, buy, sell and eat takes water to make. The water footprint measures the amount of water used to produce each of the goods and services we use. It can be measured for a single process, such as growing rice, for a product, such as a pair of jeans, for the fuel we put in our car, or for an entire multi-national company. The water footprint can also tell us how much water is being consumed by a particular country – or globally – in a specific river basin or from an aquifer.
The water footprint is a measure of humanity’s appropriation of fresh water in volumes of water consumed and/or polluted.
The water footprint allows us to answer a broad range of questions for companies, governments and individuals. For example:
where is the water dependence in my company’s operations or supply chain?
how well are regulations protecting our water resources?
how secure are our food or energy supplies?
can I do something to reduce my own water footprint and help us manage water for both people and nature?
Depending on the question you are asking, the water footprint can be measured in cubic metres per tonne of production, per hectare of cropland, per unit of currency and in other functional units. The water footprint helps us understand for what purposes our limited freshwater resources are being consumed and polluted. The impact it has depends on where the water is taken from and when. If it comes from a place where water is already scarce, the consequences can be significant and require action.
The water footprint has three components: green, blue and grey. Together, these components provide a comprehensive picture of water use by delineating the source of water consumed, either as rainfall/soil moisture or surface/groundwater, and the volume of fresh water required for assimilation of pollutants.
Direct and indirect water use
The water footprint looks at both direct and indirect water use of a process, product, company or sector and includes water consumption and pollution throughout the full production cycle from the supply chain to the end-user.
It is also possible to use the water footprint to measure the amount of water required to produce all the goods and services consumed by the individual or community, a nation or all of humanity. This also includes the direct water footprint, which is the water used directly by the individual(s) and the indirect water footprint – the summation of the water footprints of all the products consumed.
The three water footprints:
Green water footprint is water from precipitation that is stored in the root zone of the soil and evaporated, transpired or incorporated by plants. It is particularly relevant for agricultural, horticultural and forestry products.
Blue water footprint is water that has been sourced from surface or groundwater resources and is either evaporated, incorporated into a product or taken from one body of water and returned to another, or returned at a different time. Irrigated agriculture, industry and domestic water use can each have a blue water footprint.
Grey water footprint is the amount of fresh water required to assimilate pollutants to meet specific water quality standards. The grey water footprint considers point-source pollution discharged to a freshwater resource directly through a pipe or indirectly through runoff or leaching from the soil, impervious surfaces, or other diffuse sources.
Components of agricultural water footprint: green, blue and grey (from SAB Miller and WWF, 2009
The relation between consumption and water use
“The interest in the water footprint is rooted in the recognition that human impacts on freshwater systems can ultimately be linked to human consumption, and that issues like water shortages and pollution can be better understood and addressed by considering production and supply chains as a whole,” says Professor Arjen Y. Hoekstra, creator of the water footprint concept.
“Water problems are often closely tied to the structure of the global economy. Many countries have significantly externalised their water footprint, importing water-intensive goods from elsewhere. This puts pressure on the water resources in the exporting regions, where too often mechanisms for wise water governance and conservation are lacking. Not only governments, but also consumers, businesses and civil society communities can play a role in achieving a better management of water resources.”
A film by UNESCO WWAP. Produced and animated by Steve Cutts
Some facts and figures
The production of one kilogramme of beef requires approximately 15 thousand litres of water (93% green, 4% blue, 3% grey water footprint). There is a huge variation around this global average. The precise footprint of a piece of beef depends on factors such as the type of production system and the composition and origin of the feed of the cow.
The water footprint of a 150-gramme soy burger produced in the Netherlands is about 160 litres. A beef burger from the same country costs on average about 1000 litres.
The water footprint of Chinese consumption is about 1070 cubic metres per year per capita. About 10% of the Chinese water footprint falls outside China.
Japan with a footprint of 1380 cubic metres per year per capita, has about 77% of its total water footprint outside the borders of the country.
The water footprint of US citizens is 2840 cubic meter per year per capita. About 20% of this water footprint is external. The largest external water footprint of US consumption lies in the Yangtze River Basin, China.
The global water footprint of humanity in the period 1996-2005 was 9087 billions of cubic meters per year (74% green, 11% blue, 15% grey). Agricultural production contributes 92% to this total footprint.
Water scarcity affects over 2.7 billion people for at least one month each year.
Water Footprint Assessment Manual: Setting the Global Standard
Get the complete and up-to-date Water Footprint Assessment Manual, developed by the Water Footprint Network.
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Dread selling yourself? This hot new freelance trend may be your answer
in: Business,Employment,Latest Trend
Jody Greenstone Miller, co-founder and CEO of Business Talent Group, has teamed up with global search firm Heidrick & Struggles to bring indie talent to big companies.
One of the biggest challenges for freelancers is winning new business. Even the most experienced pros often dread pitching new clients to win projects—a job that was often done by the sales or business development team in previous corporate careers.
Some of the most sought-after free agents may not have to hustle up work in the same way in the future. More big companies are looking for high-level freelancers the same way they find other talent: through headhunters.
In a new partnership that reflects the trend, Heidrick & Struggles, a Nasdaq-traded, global executive search firm, announced it is collaborating on an exclusive basis with Business Talent Group (BTG), a high-end marketplace for on-demand independent talent. Heidrick & Struggles will give its clients access to professionals in BTG’s network for project-based assignments.
“With this collaboration, we are creating yet another way to help the companies we work with, as well as the permanent candidates we place, be more successful by providing high-end talent solutions that can help them fulfill their most pressing business needs,” said Krishnan Rajagopalan, president and CEO of Heidrick & Struggles, in a statement.
The Association of Talent Development, an association focused on workforce development, has found that 83% of organizations face skills gaps that threaten their ability to prepare for the future. The same survey found that fewer companies are investing in either internal or external training to close the chasm, in an environment where there’s a lot of debate about who bears the responsibility for doing so.
One way companies are navigating around the problem is by hiring independent consultants with the skills they lack on staff, driving an uptick in consultants who command six-figure pay, according to BTG Co-founder and CEO Jody Greenstone Miller.
BTG’s consultants, typically pros who have five or more years of experience, are concentrated in fields such as pharma, finance and consumer products. They typically work on site in engagements that last for several months.
“The fact that organizations are now interested and willing to think about this and how to bring this into their companies is a big new step forward and will really change and accelerate the ability for managers to do this,” says Miller.
BTG, founded in late 2007, has built its business model around providing high-level talent within 24 hours. Its dedicated, in-house client service team relies on proprietary technology and talent data, using the company’s private First Look project-bidding platform.
The firm has grown quickly amidst high demand and today has offices in New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Austin, Chicago and Boston. Miller, formerly a venture partner at Maveron in Seattle, has been adept at securing funding.
BTG raised $8 million in a series B round to augment its technology in 2016. Kelly Services, the giant global workforce solutions firm, became a strategic investor as leader of a Series C round, in a deal announced in September 2018. Kelly, which invested an undisclosed amount, now holds a minority stake in the firm.
Miller co-authored a much-discussed article called “The Rise of the Super Temp” for Harvard Business Review in 2012. It offered a window on the careers of highly-compensated free agents who call the shots in their careers, parachuting in and out of corporate America to tackle challenging projects for which they are uniquely suited.
According to BTG’s 2019 High-End Talent Report, more Fortune 1000 companies are turning to independent professionals to close talent gaps. The biggest skills gaps are in biotech, IT and marketing, the research found.
The high-end consultants in the greatest demand are in project management (1), market analysis (2), growth strategy (3), strategic planning (4), and corporate and business unit strategy (5), program management office support (6), product development launches (7), supply chain (8), customer experience and insights (9) and innovation strategy (10), according to BTG’s data.
Despite the demand, it can be hard to bring this talent on board due to both challenges in how organizations operate and a managerial mindset more focused on working with traditional employees. For instance, many organizations rely on procurement and HR to onboard independent workers for freelance projects, notes Miller. That puts them behind the eight-ball in enlisting talent for projects that need to be completed ASAP. A big company can easily take two weeks to process a contract. “Good talent is not going to sit around for two weeks,” says Miller.
Miller says some companies are realizing they need to adopt new talent-acquisition and onboarding systems to make the most of the trend. That will bode well for highly-skilled free agents who want to build a six-figure career and like doing work that allows them to partake in the rhythms of corporate life, without having to commit to a full-time, “permanent” job.
“This market will only explode and be a reliable career path when the major corporate entities around the world are systematically using and relying on on-demand talent,” Miller says. “You’ll have a stable base of users that will truly change what’s possible.”
3 powerful ways crypto is completely going to transform our lives
Exactly how much it will cost you to retire well in every state in America
Sorry truckers, Volvo’s autonomous vehicles can handle it from here
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Bio / Blog / Contact
Online Mentorship
Introduction to Watercolor – Level 1
Painting Birds – An Advanced Master Class
Young Creatives Art Camp for Kids
A Fresh Start in Watercolor
Growing up in the one of the most picturesque environments on the North Island of New Zealand, among farmlands and beaches, Karen had a love for nature’s beauty instilled in her from an early age. Later, in her teens, her family immigrated to the Bay Area where she won a scholarship to attend the Academy of Art.
After completing her Bachelor of Fine Art in Illustration, Karen found her love of teaching while volunteering at a local Elementary school. She would return to the Academy of Art University to hone her oil painting skills while pursuing her Masters in Fine Art.
Working in numerous media including watercolor, oil, pastel, acrylic, pen and ink, Karen’s paintings are noted for their luminosity, color harmony and expressive brush work.
With each piece, the viewer is taken on a journey through her experiences by capturing vivid mood and essence within her and translating that to the canvas or paper, whether for portraits, still life or landscapes.
Having taught art to students of all ages and skill levels for 20 years, Karen still says that one her greatest joys is teaching painting and helping students discover their individual abilities.
All images © Karen Paul All rights reserved.
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From iconoclast to icon: my moment of reflection
A long time ago (sometime in the 1980s), I gave a paper at a regional Costume Society of America meeting. I can't remember the topic, and it isn't even listed on my CV. Only one thing stands out in my memory: I was introduced by Richard Martin, at that time one of the brightest stars in the fashion studies firmament. Only one year my senior, Richard was an established curator and scholar, producing several blockbuster exhibits a year at the Fashion Institute of Technology. He had graduated from college the same year I graduated from high school, and earned two master's degrees while I was still waiting tables. In short, he was brilliant. He was also gracious and generous; there are many "stars" in academic fields who are willing to lower themselves to occasional brief appearances at conferences, where they hang out with the other stars and ignore everyone else. Richard was not that person.
So it was that Richard Martin (THE Richard Martin) was at a regional meeting presiding over a session of papers by junior scholars and graduate students. I was probably the most senior presenter, but still an assistant professor; my very first article about boys' clothing and gender had just been published in Dress. And he introduced me not just with a list of my degrees and positions, but a description of my work. WHICH HE CLEARLY HAD READ. And he called me an iconoclast. On my secret, imaginary business cards ever since, is the line "Richard Martin called me an iconoclast".
Yesterday I got this message via Linkedin from Rob Smith, founder of The Phluid Project, a gender-free store in New York.
I’m working on a Ted X talk on why do we gender clothing. I want to thank you for your work and insight.
It’s extremely helpful as I finesse my language around this topic.
I opened The Phluid Project a year ago with the mission to eliminate gender barriers and restrictions around fashion.
For me, and many others, you are an icon.
So: iconoclast icon? Iconic iconoclast? I think what it means is "don't stop". So I won't!
Vulnerability #UULent2019 poem
How those figures became hidden
I have been writing less these days because mostly I am doing research, either for my next book or for a series of church history articles for my congregation's newsletter. So poor "Everything Else" has been sadly neglected. This little lagniappe will have to do for now. On page 224 of The New Seventeen Book of Etiquette and Young Living (1970), in the chapter about manners on the working world, author Enid Haupt lists a range of exciting career opportunities now open to women, especially in science and engineering. She offers this anecdote:
A young career girl barely out of college, with a brilliant bent for math, helps bring astronauts back from the moon through computer calculations at a space center.
I doubt that Haupt was making up that story; as Seventeen's publisher and the author of a regular column in the magazine, she must have known about the "computers" at NASA - women hired to do the extensive complex calculations that made space exploration possible. As we know from the Hollywood film "Hidden Figures", many of these women were African American. In fact, the "computer" who performed the trajectory calculations that assisted the 1969 moon landing was Katherine Johnson, played by Taraji P. Henson in the film. Knowing this, I could not help but wonder why Haupt had "hidden" her race? Why depict her in the anecdote simply as "a young career girl"?
Haupt does not completely ignore race in her 321-page book. Chapter 5, "Pride and Prejudice", devotes its entire three pages to racial and religious discrimination, and it is a reminder of the cultural environment that shaped today's older adults, especially the white women who were Seventeen's predominant readers.
Her points:
"old barriers" are being chipped away. She offers Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm as both proof if this progress and as an example of optimism for improved race relations.
to overcome prejudice, young people should focus on their own attitudes and behavior, not "the big issues" (My take: This makes it easy to ignore institutional racism...)
In a section "You the Victim", which comprises half of this short chapter, Haupt offers advice to readers who feel they have been the objects of discrimination. "Give the person the benefit of the doubt...maybe it was an honest mistake". "...brush any chip off your own shoulder and look inward...". "Don't look for slights by others". Minorities living in a hostile neighborhood should "not give others reason to criticize". "You can win the respect of others if, through steady determination, you become outstanding in something".
Perhaps like Katherine Johnson became an outstanding mathematician, only to be rendered invisible 200 pages later.
Katherine Johnson in 2008. By NASA/Sean Smith - http://www.nasa.gov/centers/langley/news/researchernews/rn_kjohnson.html, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=40422586
I can't imagine that many of Haupt's white readers in 1970 would argue with her advice. Speaking for myself, in the first part of the chapter, she pretty much describes how I was "taught" to deal with difference. Prejudice was a personal flaw to be addressed in the same way as poor posture, through individual effort. The Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act had eliminated the "big issues", and all that remained was a bit of attitude adjustment. People just needed to be more open-minded, and some people needed to get that chip off their shoulder. By now we should know better.
ETA: The phrase "politics of respectability" seems appropriate to what I am finding in etiquette books.
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JiaFu fiber cables blog
Fiber optic cable manufacturer
Tag Archives: fiber optic
Introduction Of Specialty Fibers For Optical Communication Systems
Optical fiber communications have changed our lives over the last 40 years. There is no doubt that low-loss optical transmission fibers have been critical to the enormous success of optical communications technology. It is less well known however, that fiber-based components have also played a critical role in this success.
Initially, fiber optic transmission systems were point to point systems, with lengths significantly less than 100 km. Then in the 1980s, rapid progress was made on the research and understanding of optical components including fiber components. Many of these fiber components found commercial applications in optical sensor technology such as in fiber gyroscopes and other optical sensor devices. Simple components such as power splitters, polarization controllers, multiplexing components, interferometric devices, and other optical components proved to be very useful. A significant number of these components were fabricated from polarization maintaining fibers (PMFs). You can buy the PM fiber patch cables from Fiberstore.
Although not a large market, optical fiber sensor applications spurred research into the fabrication of new components such as polarization maintaining components, other components such as power splitters were fabricated from standard multimode (MM) or single-mode telecommunication fiber. In the telecommunication sector, the so-called passive optical network was proposed for the already envisioned fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) network. This network relied heavily on the use of passive optical splitters. These splitters were fabricated from standard single-mode fibers (SMFs). Click here to get the price single mode cable fiber optic. Although FTTH, at a large scale, did not occur until decades later, research into the use of components for telecommunications applications continued.
The commercial introduction of the fiber optical amplifier in the early 1990s revolutionized optical fiber transmissions. With amplification, optical signals could travel hundreds of kilometers without regeneration. This had major technical as well as commercial implications. Rapidly, new fiber optic components were introduced to enable better amplifiers and to enhance these transmission systems. Special fibers were required for the amplifier, for example, erbium-doped fibers. The design of high-performance amplifier fibers required special considerations of mode field diameter, overlap of the optical field with the fiber active core, core composition, and use of novel dopants. Designs radically different from those of conventional transmission fiber have evolved to optimize amplifier performance for specific applications. The introduction of wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) technology put even greater demands on fiber design and composition to achieve wider bandwidth and flat gain. Efforts to extend the bandwidth of erbiumdoped fibers and develop amplifiers at other wavelength such as 1300nm have spurred development of other dopants. Codoping with ytterbium (Yb) allows pumping from 900 to 1090nm using solid-state lasers or Nd and Yb fiber lasers. Of recent interest is the ability to pump Er/Yb fibers in a double-clad geometry with high power sources at 920 or 975 nm. Double-clad fibers are also being used to produce fiber lasers using Yb and Nd.
Besides the amplication fiber, the EDFA (Erbium-Doped Fiber Amplifier) requires a number of optical components for its operation. These include wavelength multiplexing and polarization multiplexing devices for the pump and signal wavelengths. Filters for gain flattening, power attenuators, and taps for power monitoring among other optical components are required for module performance. Also, because the amplifier-enable transmission distance of hundreds of kilometers without regeneration, other propagation propeties became important. These properties include chromatic dispersion, polarization dispersion, and nonlinearities such as four-wave mixing (FWM), self-and cross-phase modulation, and Raman and Brillouin scattering. Dispersion compensating fibers were introduced in order to deal with wavelength dispersion. Broadband coupling losses between the transmission and the compensating fibers was an issue. Specially designed mode conversion or bridge fibers enable low-loss splicing among these thre fibers, making low insertion loss dispersion compensators possible. Fiber components as well as microoptic or in some instance planar optical components can be fabricated to provide for these applications. Generally speaking, but not always, fiber components enable the lowest insertion loss per device. A number of these fiber devices can be fabricated using standard SMF, but often special fibers are required.
Specialty fibers are designed by changing fiber glass composition, refractive index profile, or coating to achieve certain unique properties and functionalities. In addition to applications in optical communications, specialty fibers find a wide range of applications in other fields, such as industrial sensors, biomedical power delivery and imaging systems, military fiber gyroscope, high-power lasers, to name just a few. There are so many linds of specialty fibers for different applications. Some of the common specialty fibers include the following:
Active Fibers: These fibers are doped with a rare earth element such as Er, Nd, Yb or another active element, The fibers are used for optical amplifiers and lasers. Erblium doped fiber amplifiers are a goog example of fiber components using an active fiber. Semiconductor and nanoparticle doped fibers are becoming an interesting research topic.
Polarization Control Fibers: These fibers have high birefringence that can maintain the polarization state for a long length of fiber. The high birefringence is introduced either by asymmetric stresses such as in Panda, and bowtie design. If both polarization modes are available in the fiber, the fiber is called PMF. If only one polarization mode propagates in the fiber while the other polarization mode is cutoff, the fiber is called single polarization fiber.
Dispersion Compensation Fibers: Fibers have opposite chromatic dispersion to that of transmission fibers such as standard SMFs and nonzero dispersion shifted fibers (NZDSFs). The fibers are used to make dispersion compensation modules for mitigating dispersion effects in a fiber transmission system.
Highly Nonlinear Optical Fibers: Fibers have high nonlinear coefficient for use in optical signal processing and sensing using optical nonlinear effects such as the optical Kerr effect, Brillouin scattering, and Raman scattering.
Coupling Fibers or Bridge Fibers: Fibers have mode field diameter between the standard SMF and a specialty fiber. The fiber serves as an intermendiate coupling element to reduce the high coupling loss between the standard SMF and the specialty fiber.
Photo-Sensitive Fibers: Fibers whose refractive index is sensitive to ultraviolet (UV) light. This type of fiber is used to produce fiber gratings by UV light exposure.
High Numerical Aperture (NA) Fibers: Fibers with NA higher than 0.3. These fibers are used for power delivery and for short distance communication applications.
Special SMFs: This category includes standard SMF with reduced cladding for improved bending performance, and specially designed SMF for short wavelength applications.
Specially Coated Fibers: Fibers with special coating such as hermitic coating for preventing hydrogen and water penetration, metal coating for high temperature applications.
Mid-Infrared Fibers: Non-silica glass-based fibers for applications between 2 and 10 micron
Photonic Crystal Fibers (PCFs): Fibers with periodic structure to achieve fiber properties that are not available with conventional fiber structures.
More fiber optics, such as patch cord, patch panel, fiber adapters, fiber connectors, please visit our websites http://www.jfiberoptic.com, http://www.jfcable.com and http://www.jfopt.es
This entry was posted in Fiber Optic and tagged communication, fiber optic, telecommunication on July 7, 2014 by admin.
Detail Of Single Mode And Multi Mode Fiber Optic Cable
Fiber optic cable has become apparent that fiber-optics are steadily replacing copper wire as an appropriate means of communication signal transmission. They span the long distances between local phone systems as well as providing the backbone for many network systems. Other system users include cable television services, university campuses, office buildings, industrial plants, and electric utility companies.
There are three types of fiber optic cable commonly used: single mode, multimode and plastic optical fiber (POF). Although fibers can be made out of transparent plastic, glass, or a combination of the two, the fibers used in long-distance telecommunications applications are always glass, because of the lower optical attenuation. Both multi-mode and single-mode fibers are used in communications, if you need to transmit less data over longer distances, use single mode fiber optic cables. For a greater data capacity over shorter distances, go with multi mode fiber optic cables, with multi-mode fiber used mostly for short distances (up to 500 m),Multi mode is often used for LANs and other small networks. And single-mode fiber used for longer distance links.
Single Mode Fiber: Single Path through the fiber
Single Mode cable is a single stand (most applications use 2 fibers) of glass fiber with a diameter of 8.3 to 10 microns that has one mode of transmission. Single Mode Fiber with a relatively narrow diameter, through which only one mode will propagate typically 1310 or 1550nm. Carries higher bandwidth than multimode fiber, but requires a light source with a narrow spectral width. Single Mode is also referred to as single-mode fiber, single-mode optical waveguide, mono-mode optical fiber and uni-mode fiber. Single-mode fiber gives you a higher rate of transmission, it also can carry the signal up to 50 times farther distance than multimode, at a slightly higher cost.Single-mode fiber has a much smaller core than multimode.
Single Mode fiber is used to connect long distance switches, central offices and SLCs (subscriber loop carriers, small switches in pedestals in subdivisions or office parks or in the basement of a larger building). Practically every telco’s network is now fiber optics except the connection to the home.
Multi Mode Fiber: Multiple Paths through the fiber
Multi-Mode cable has a little bit bigger diameter, with a common diameters in the 50-to-100 micron range for the light carry component (in the US the most common size is 62.5um).Typical multimode fiber core diameters are 50, 62.5, and 100 micrometers. Multi Mode fiber is used for shorter distances. Most applications in which Multi-mode fiber is used, 2 fibers are used. Multimode fiber gives you high bandwidth at high speeds (10 to 100MBS – Gigabit to 275m to 2km) over medium distances. Light waves are dispersed into numerous paths, or modes, as they travel through the cable’s core typically 850 or 1300nm. Long cable runs (Above 3000 feet 914.4 meters in length), the multiple paths of light are believed to cause signal distortion at the receiving end, resulting in lost packets and incomplete data transmission. IPS recommends the use of single mode fiber in all applications using Gigabit and higher bandwidth.
This entry was posted in Fiber Optic and tagged fiber cable, fiber optic, network, network cable on February 12, 2014 by admin.
The History of Fiber Optics
Fiber optics, though used extensively in the modern world, is a fairly simple, and relatively old, technology. Guiding of light by refraction, the principle that makes fiber optics possible, was first demonstrated by Daniel Colladon and Jacques Babinet in Paris in the early 1840s. John Tyndall included a demonstration of it in his public lectures in London, 12 years later. Tyndall also wrote about the property of total internal reflection in an introductory book about the nature of light in 1870: “When the light passes from air into water, the refracted ray is bent towards the perpendicular… When the ray passes from water to air it is bent from the perpendicular… If the angle which the ray in water encloses with the perpendicular to the surface be greater than 48 degrees, the ray will not quit the water at all: it will be totally reflected at the surface…. The angle which marks the limit where total reflection begins is called the limiting angle of the medium. For water this angle is 48°27′, for flint glass it is 38°41′, while for diamond it is 23°42′.” Undigested human hairs have also been shown to act as an optical fiber.
Armored Inside Fiber Optic Patch Cord
D4/PC Single Mode Simplex Fiber Optic Patch Cord
DIN/PC Single Mode Fiber Optic Patch Cable
Distribution Style Fiber Optic Cable with Pulling Eye
Practical applications, such as close internal illumination during dentistry, appeared early in the twentieth century. Image transmission through tubes was demonstrated independently by the radio experimenter Clarence Hansell and the television pioneer John Logie Baird in the 1920s. The principle was first used for internal medical examinations by Heinrich Lamm in the following decade. Modern optical fibers, where the glass fiber is coated with a transparent cladding to offer a more suitable refractive index, appeared later in the decade. Development then focused on fiber bundles for image transmission. Harold Hopkins and Narinder Singh Kapany at Imperial College in London achieved low-loss light transmission through a 75 cm long bundle which combined several thousand fibers. Their article titled “A flexible fiberscope, using static scanning” was published in the journal Nature in 1954. The first fiber optic semi-flexible gastroscope was patented by Basil Hirschowitz, C. Wilbur Peters, and Lawrence E. Curtiss, researchers at the University of Michigan, in 1956. In the process of developing the gastro scope, Curtiss produced the first glass-clad fibers; previous optical fibers had relied on air or impractical oils and waxes as the low-index cladding material.
A variety of other image transmission applications soon followed.
In 1880 Alexander Graham Bell and Sumner Tainter invented the ‘Photo phone’ at the Volta Laboratory in Washington, D.C., to transmit voice signals over antical beam. It was an advanced form of telecommunications, but subject to atmospheric interferences and impractical until the secure transport of light that would be offered by fiber-optical systems. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, light was guided through bent glass rods to illuminate body cavities. Jun-ichi Nishizawa, a Japanese scientist at Tohoku University, also proposed the use of optical fibers for communications in 1963, as stated in his book published in 2004 in India. Nishizawa invented other technologies that contributed to the development of optical fiber communications, such as the graded-index optical fiber as a channel for transmitting light from semiconductor lasers. The first working fiber-optical data transmission system was demonstrated by German physicist Manfred Börner at Telefunken Research Labs in Ulm in 1965, which was followed by the first patent application for this technology in 1966. Charles K. Kao and George A. Hockham of the British company Standard Telephones and Cables (STC) were the first to promote the idea that the attenuation in optical fibers could be reduced below 20 decibels per kilometer (dB/km), making fibers a practical communication medium. They proposed that the attenuation in fibers available at the time was caused by impurities that could be removed, rather than by fundamental physical effects such as scattering. They correctly and systematically theorized the light-loss properties for optical fiber, and pointed out the right material to use for such fibers — silica glass with high purity. This discovery earned Kao the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2009.
NASA used fiber optics in the television cameras sent to the moon. At the time, the use in the cameras was classified confidential, and only those with the right security clearance or those accompanied by someone with the right security clearance were permitted to handle the cameras.
The crucial attenuation limit of 20 dB/km was first achieved in 1970, by researchers Robert D. Maurer, Donald Keck, Peter C. Schultz, and Frank Zima working for American glass maker Corning Glass Works, now Corning Incorporated. They demonstrated a fiber with 17 dB/km attenuation by doping silica glass with titanium. A few years later they produced a fiber with only 4 dB/km attenuation using germanium dioxide as the core dopant. Such low attenuation ushered in optical fiber telecommunication. In 1981, General Electric produced fused quartz ingots that could be drawn into fiber optic strands 25 miles (40 km) long.
Attenuation in modern optical cables is far less than in electrical copper cables, leading to long-haul fiber connections with repeater distances of 70–150 kilometers (43–93 mi). The erbium-doped fiber amplifier, which reduced the cost of long-distance fiber systems by reducing or eliminating optical-electrical-optical repeaters, was co-developed by teams led by David N. Payne of the University of Southampton and Emmanuel Desurvire at Bell Labs in 1986. Robust modern optical fiber uses glass for both core and sheath, and is therefore less prone to aging. It was invented by Gerhard Bern see of Schott Glass in Germany in 1973.
The emerging field of photonic crystals led to the development in 1991 of photonic-crystal fiber, which guides light by diffraction from a periodic structure, rather than by total internal reflection. The first photonic crystal fibers became commercially available in 2000. Photonic crystal fibers can carry higher power than conventional fibers and their wavelength-dependent properties can be manipulated to improve performance.
Source: fiber optic cable manufacturer
This entry was posted in Fiber Optic and tagged communication, fiber optic, fibre optic, network, optical fiber on August 5, 2013 by admin.
The difference between copper and fiber optics?
Although the fiber optic cables may look like traditional copper cables, we should always bear in mind that inside fiber cables are fragile glass fibers which can be broken easily if not properly treated.
What will happen if a fiber is smaller than its minimum bend radius?
What is fiber optics?
Stranded loose tube cable technology
Fiber optic patch cord features
What is a Fiber Optic Converter
Bittree to Feature High-Performance Patch Panels for Fiber-Optic and Ethernet Cabling at 2013 NAB Show
Optical fiber cabling installation can unlock advanced IP features
This entry was posted in Fiber Optic and tagged commnucation cable, fiber optic, network cable on July 25, 2013 by admin.
Disadvantages of Fiber Optics?
The science of fiber optics has its advantages and disadvantages. Though there are more advantages than disadvantages, they still are there. One of the largest disadvantages is the overall price of manufacturing and installation of the fiber optic system. Not only is a large amount of glass wire needed for one of these systems, but expensive transmitters and receivers are needed to move the data it carries. Setting up the wires and splicing them also comes at a large expense and also with a great degree of difficulty.
Related fiber optics products:
Fiber optical cables, fiber optic patch cord, fiber optic pigtail
This entry was posted in Fiber Optic and tagged cables, fiber network, fiber optic, fiber optics, network, optic fiber, optical fiber on July 15, 2013 by admin.
What are Fiber Optic Attenuators
Fiber optic attenuators are used in applications where the optical signal is too strong and needs to be reduced. For example, in a multi-wavelength fiber optic system, you need to equalize the optical channel strength so that all the channels have similar power levels. This means to reduce stronger channels’ powers to match lower power channels.
The attenuation level is fixed at 5 dB, which means it reduces the optical power by 5dB. This attenuator has a short piece of fiber with metal ion doping that provides the specified attenuation.
There are many different mechanisms to reduce the optical power, this picture shows another mechanism used in one type of variable attenuator. Here variable means the attenuation level can be adjusted, for example, it could be from 1 dB up to 20dB.
Fiber optic attenuators are usually used in two scenarios.
The first case is in fiber optic power level testing. Attenuators are used to temporarily add a calibrated amount of signal loss in order to test the power level margins in a fiber optic communication system.
In the second case, attenuators are permanently installed in a fiber optic communication link to properly match transmitter and receiver optical signal levels.
Optical attenuators are typically classified as fixed or variable attenuators.
Fixed attenuators have a fixed optical power reduction number, such as 1dB, 5dB, 10dB, etc.
Variable attenuators’ attenuation level can be adjusted, such as from 0.5 dB to 20dB, or even 50dB. Some variable attenuators have very fine resolution, such as 0.1dB, or even 0.01dB.
This slide shows many different optical attenuator designs.
The female to female fixed attenuators work like a regular adapter. But instead of minimizing insertion loss, it purposely adds some attenuation.
The female to female variable attenuators are adjustable by turning a nut in the middle. The nut adjusts the air gap in the middle to achieve different attenuation levels.
The male to female fixed attenuators work as fiber connectors, you can just plug in your existing fiber connector to its female side.
The in-line patch cable type variable attenuators work as regular patch cables, but your can adjust its attenuation level by turning the screw.
For precise testing purposes, engineers have also designed instrument type variable attenuators. These instrument type attenuators have high attenuation ranges, such as from 0.5 dB to 70dB. They also have very fine resolution, such as 0.01dB. This is critical for accurate testing.
This entry was posted in Fiber Optic and tagged computer, fiber attenuator, fiber connector, fiber optic, network, optical fiber, optical fiber attenuators on July 9, 2013 by admin.
What is Single-mode optic fiber
Fiber with a core diameter less than about ten times the wavelength of the propagating light cannot be modeled using geometric optics. Instead, it must be analyzed as an electromagnetic structure, by solution of Maxwell’s equations as reduced to the electromagnetic wave equation. The electromagnetic analysis may also be required to understand behaviors such as speckle that occur when coherent light propagates in multi-mode fiber. As an optical waveguide, the fiber supports one or more confined transverse modes by which light can propagate along the fiber. Fiber supporting only one mode is called single-mode or mono-mode fiber. The behavior of larger-core multi-mode fiber can also be modeled using the wave equation, which shows that such fiber supports more than one mode of propagation (hence the name). The results of such modeling of multi-mode fiber approximately agree with the predictions of geometric optics, if the fiber core is large enough to support more than a few modes.
The waveguide analysis shows that the light energy in the fiber is not completely confined in the core. Instead, especially in single-mode fibers, a significant fraction of the energy in the bound mode travels in the cladding as an evanescent wave.
The most common type of single-mode fiber has a core diameter of 8–10 micrometers and is designed for use in the near infrared. The mode structure depends on the wavelength of the light used, so that this fiber actually supports a small number of additional modes at visible wavelengths. Multi-mode fiber, by comparison, is manufactured with core diameters as small as 50 micrometers and as large as hundreds of micrometers. The normalized frequency V for this fiber should be less than the first zero of the Bessel function J0 (approximately 2.405).
Related fiber optic products:
This entry was posted in Fiber Optic and tagged fiber equipment, fiber optic, optical fiber, single-mode fiber on May 30, 2013 by admin.
The History about fiber optics
Fiber optics, though used extensively in the modern world, is a fairly simple, and relatively old, technology. Guiding of light by refraction, the principle that makes fiber optics possible, was first demonstrated by Daniel Colladon and Jacques Babinet in Paris in the early 1840s. John Tyndall included a demonstration of it in his public lectures in London, 12 years later. Tyndall also wrote about the property of total internal reflection in an introductory book about the nature of light in 1870: “When the light passes from air into water, the refracted ray is bent towards the perpendicular… When the ray passes from water to air it is bent from the perpendicular… If the angle which the ray in water encloses with the perpendicular to the surface be greater than 48 degrees, the ray will not quit the water at all: it will be totally reflected at the surface…. The angle which marks the limit where total reflection begins is called the limiting angle of the medium. For water this angle is 48°27′, for flint glass it is 38°41′, while for diamond it is 23°42′.” Unpigmented human hairs have also been shown to act as an optical fiber.
Practical applications, such as close internal illumination during dentistry, appeared early in the twentieth century. Image transmission through tubes was demonstrated independently by the radio experimenter Clarence Hansell and the television pioneer John Logie Baird in the 1920s. The principle was first used for internal medical examinations by Heinrich Lamm in the following decade. Modern optical fibers, where the glass fiber is coated with a transparent cladding to offer a more suitable refractive index, appeared later in the decade. Development then focused on fiber bundles for image transmission. Harold Hopkins and Narinder Singh Kapany at Imperial College in London achieved low-loss light transmission through a 75 cm long bundle which combined several thousand fibers. Their article titled “A flexible fibrescope, using static scanning” was published in the journal Nature in 1954. The first fiber optic semi-flexible gastroscope was patented by Basil Hirschowitz, C. Wilbur Peters, and Lawrence E. Curtiss, researchers at the University of Michigan, in 1956. In the process of developing the gastroscope, Curtiss produced the first glass-clad fibers; previous optical fibers had relied on air or impractical oils and waxes as the low-index cladding material.
In 1880 Alexander Graham Bell and Sumner Tainter invented the ‘Photophone’ at the Volta Laboratory in Washington, D.C., to transmit voice signals over an optical beam. It was an advanced form of telecommunications, but subject to atmospheric interferences and impractical until the secure transport of light that would be offered by fiber-optical systems. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, light was guided through bent glass rods to illuminate body cavities.Jun-ichi Nishizawa, a Japanese scientist at Tohoku University, also proposed the use of optical fibers for communications in 1963, as stated in his book published in 2004 in India. Nishizawa invented other technologies that contributed to the development of optical fiber communications, such as the graded-index optical fiber as a channel for transmitting light from semiconductor lasers. The first working fiber-optical data transmission system was demonstrated by German physicist Manfred Börner at Telefunken Research Labs in Ulm in 1965, which was followed by the first patent application for this technology in 1966.Charles K. Kao and George A. Hockham of the British company Standard Telephones and Cables (STC) were the first to promote the idea that the attenuation in optical fibers could be reduced below 20 decibels per kilometer (dB/km), making fibers a practical communication medium. They proposed that the attenuation in fibers available at the time was caused by impurities that could be removed, rather than by fundamental physical effects such as scattering. They correctly and systematically theorized the light-loss properties for optical fiber, and pointed out the right material to use for such fibers — silica glass with high purity. This discovery earned Kao the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2009.
NASA used fiber optics in the television cameras that were sent to the moon. At the time, the use in the cameras was classified confidential, and only those with the right security clearance or those accompanied by someone with the right security clearance were permitted to handle the cameras.
The crucial attenuation limit of 20 dB/km was first achieved in 1970, by researchers Robert D. Maurer, Donald Keck, Peter C. Schultz, and Frank Zimar working for American glass maker Corning Glass Works, now Corning Incorporated. They demonstrated a fiber with 17 dB/km attenuation by doping silica glass with titanium. A few years later they produced a fiber with only 4 dB/km attenuation using germanium dioxide as the core dopant. Such low attenuation ushered in optical fiber telecommunication. In 1981, General Electric produced fused quartz ingots that could be drawn into fiber optic strands 25 miles (40 km) long.
Attenuation in modern optical cables is far less than in electrical copper cables, leading to long-haul fiber connections with repeater distances of 70–150 kilometers (43–93 mi). The erbium-doped fiber amplifier, which reduced the cost of long-distance fiber systems by reducing or eliminating optical-electrical-optical repeaters, was co-developed by teams led by David N. Payne of the University of Southampton and Emmanuel Desurvire at Bell Labs in 1986. Robust modern optical fiber uses glass for both core and sheath, and is therefore less prone to aging. It was invented by Gerhard Bernsee of Schott Glass in Germany in 1973.
Related fiber optic products: fiber optic patch cord, fiber optic patch panel, fiber optic connector
This entry was posted in Fiber Optic and tagged computer, fiber cables, fiber optic, network on May 30, 2013 by admin.
About Optical fiber
An optical fiber (or optical fibre) is a flexible, transparent fiber made of glass (silica) or plastic, slightly thicker than a human hair. It can function as a waveguide, or “light pipe”, to transmit light between the two ends of the fiber. The field of applied science and engineering concerned with the design and application of optical fibers is known as fiber optics. Optical fibers are widely used in fiber-optic communications, which permits transmission over longer distances and at higher bandwidths (data rates) than other forms of communication. Fibers are used instead of metal wires because signals travel along them with less loss and are also immune to electromagnetic interference. Fibers are also used for illumination, and are wrapped in bundles so that they may be used to carry images, thus allowing viewing in confined spaces. Specially designed fibers are used for a variety of other applications, including sensors and fiber lasers.
Optical fibers typically include a transparent core surrounded by a transparent cladding material with a lower index of refraction. Light is kept in the core by total internal reflection. This causes the fiber to act as a waveguide. Fibers that support many propagation paths or transverse modes are called multi-mode fibers (MMF), while those that only support a single mode are called single-mode fibers (SMF). Multi-mode fibers generally have a wider core diameter, and are used for short-distance communication links and for applications where high power must be transmitted. Single-mode fibers are used for most communication links longer than 1,050 meters (3,440 ft).
Joining lengths of optical fiber is more complex than joining electrical wire or cable. The ends of the fibers must be carefully cleaved, and then spliced together, either mechanically or by fusing them with heat. Special optical fiber connectors for removable connections are also available.
This entry was posted in Fiber Optic and tagged fiber, fiber cable, fiber optic, fibre, network, optic fiber on May 30, 2013 by admin.
Guide To Fiber Optic Splice Closure
A Quick Guide To Fiber Optic Power Meter
12 cores Ribbon Indoor Flat Fiber Optic Cable
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Category Archive for: ‘Security’
Home / Security
Provisional agreement on Firearms Directive
After a year of discussions, the Parliament and the Council have finally reached a provisional political agreement on the Firearms Directive, as proposed by the Commission in November 2015. The purpose of the revision is to make it harder to legally acquire high capacity weapons in the European Union, to allow better tracking of legally held firearms thus reducing the …
European Travel Information and Authorization System
Following the announcement by President Juncker in his 2016 State of the Union address, the Commission has recently published its proposal on the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) to strengthen security checks on visa-free travellers. The ETIAS will gather information on all those travelling visa-free to the European Union, to allow for advance irregular migration and security checks …
Temporary internal border controls
Following the Commission’s adoption of the Recommendation for prolonging temporary internal border controls, Commissioner Avramopoulos intervened at the European parliament in Strasbourg to present the Commission point of view. The responsible for Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship underlined the important steps taken in the past months to strengthen and improve the management of the external borders of the EU, stressing …
Privacy Shield: no sooner put into force than the questions begin
The Art. 31 Committee, bringing together experts from all EU Member States, finally voted, last 8th July, in favour of the Privacy Shield agreement between the EU and the US. Four national data experts, however, abstained from the vote. According to some sources, they were representatives from Austria (who had already voted against the General Data Protection Regulation), Bulgaria, Croatia …
The EU proposes action to counter violent radicalisation
As part of its continued efforts to tackle the serious security problems facing Europe, rendered ever more visible by the recent terrorist attacks in France and Brussels, the European Commission has published a Communication on the prevention of violent radicalisation leading to extremism. In spite of the fact that this is generally viewed as a national responsibility, the Commission has …
MEPs increase Europol’s powers in the fight against terrorism
MEPs have voted in favour of increasing the powers of the EU’s police agency, Europol. On 11th May, the Parliament approved a draft set of governance rules agreed by Parliament and Council negotiators in November 2015. The aim of these new rules is to provide Europol with the tools necessary to counteract increasing levels of cross-border crime and terrorist threats. …
Commission presents revised Entry-Exit System proposal
On 6th April 2016, the European Commission presented its revised proposal for the establishment of an Entry-Exit System (EES) as part of the broader Smart Borders Package, which concerns the role of information systems in enhancing external border management, internal security and the fight against terrorism and organised crime. The Commission believes that the system will ensure that authorised short-stays …
Transatlantic data transfers: agreement reached on an EU – US Privacy Shield
On 29th January 2016, an important step forward in the EU-US negotiations on a renewed Safe Harbour Agreement was made, thanks to the approval by the US Senate of the Judicial Redress Act. The Judicial Redress Act is a piece of legislation that will allow citizens from the European Union to enforce, in US Courts, their data protection rights as …
Strengthening the exchange of criminal records on non-EU citizens
On 19th January, the European Commission put forward a proposal aiming to facilitate the exchange of non-EU citizens’ criminal records in the EU by upgrading the European Criminal Records Information System (ECRIS). Part of the European Agenda on Security, the aim is to reinforce cooperation between national authorities, in particular in the context of the fight against terrorism and cross-border …
An important December for the EU PNR
On 2nd December 2015, the Council and the European Parliament (EP) achieved an agreement in trialogue on a compromise text on the EU PNR. On 4th December 2015, the Council approved the compromise text. Dimitris Avramopoulos, Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship, praised it as a “balanced and proportionate agreement,” and Etienne Schneider, Luxembourg’s Deputy Prime Minister for Internal …
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Axis & Allies: Europe 1940
2010 board wargame
Larry Harris
strategy, logistics
http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=ah/prod/europe1940
Axis & Allies: Europe 1940 is a 2010 board wargame simulating the European Theatre of World War II at the strategic level.
Axis & Allies: Europe 1940 is part of the Axis & Allies family of games and is an update of an earlier game, Axis & Allies: Europe. It was created by Larry Harris and published by Avalon Hill, a division of Wizards of the Coast, which is a subsidiary of Hasbro.
2 New features introduced
3 Global game
Gameplay[edit]
The game board is a map of Europe. Players take turns moving pieces representing military units on the board and engaging in simulated combat. There is also a production system for creating new units.
In Axis & Allies: Europe 1940, players take the role of an Axis power (Germany or Italy) or an Allied power (the United Kingdom, the United States, or the USSR). France is also considered a major power, but because of its relatively weak position in the game it is controlled by another Allied player.
The objective of the Axis players is to capture a certain number of cities from a specified list, while the Allied players must capture Berlin and Rome to win the game. Each player also strives to achieve certain national objectives, which are separate for each player.
New features introduced[edit]
Features in Axis & Allies: Europe 1940 not seen in earlier Axis & Allies series games include:
France — for the first time in an Axis & Allies game, France is considered a major power.
Declarations of War — unlike previous Axis & Allies games, which begin at a later date when all powers are at full hostilities, two powers — the United States and the USSR — are at peace at the beginning of the game. The Axis powers may declare war on them at any time, while the United States may not declare war until the collect–income phase of its third turn, and the USSR not until the combat move phase of its fourth turn.
Neutral territories — there are three different types of neutral territories:
Pro–Axis Neutrals are considered friendly to Axis powers. Any Axis power may move land units into these territories in its non–combat move phase, which converts the standing armies of that territory into equivalent units of the occupying power. Pro–Axis Neutrals may be attacked by any Allied power without further consequences.
Pro–Allied Neutrals follow the same rules as the Pro–Axis neutrals, except only Allied powers may move into and convert them.
True Neutrals are not considered friendly to anyone. If any power attacks a True Neutral, every other True Neutral becomes friendly to the other side. For example, if the UK attacks the True Neutral Sweden, every other True Neutral becomes a Pro–Axis Neutral.
New Units — two new units are introduced to the Axis & Allies series: the tactical bomber, an air unit which is smaller and more maneuverable than the standard bomber and is designed to cooperate with land units, and mechanized infantry, which has the combat abilities of infantry and the movement abilities of armor.
Facilities — the industrial complex is divided into major and minor complexes, with varying construction costs, requirements, and unit deployment capabilities. Air bases and naval bases are also present in the game, enhancing the abilities of air and sea units.
Repairs — battleships and aircraft carriers (which can now also endure two hits) are not immediately repaired at the end of a battle. Instead, they must be taken to a sea zone adjacent to a naval base, where they are repaired at the start of the player's next turn.
Global game[edit]
Axis & Allies: Europe 1940 may be combined with Axis & Allies: Pacific 1940, with some changes in the setup, rules, starting income, and national objectives, to form a single game with a game board roughly 180 centimetres (5.9 ft) by 80 centimetres (2.6 ft) in area.
Axis and Allies: Europe 1940 product description at Wizards of the Coast
Axis & Allies by Larry Harris
World War I 1914
Axis & Allies Miniatures
War at Sea
Tactics (1954)
Tactics II (1958)
Gettysburg (1958)
Chancellorsville (1961)
Civil War (1961)
D-Day (1961)
Bismarck (1962)
Afrika Korps (1963)
Stalingrad (1963)
Midway (1964)
Blitzkrieg (1965)
Jutland (1967)
Anzio (1969)
PanzerBlitz (1970)
Caesar (1971)
Origins of World War II (1971)
Outdoor Survival (1972)
Richthofen's War (1972)
Alexander the Great (1974)
Panzer Leader (1974)
Rise and Decline of the Third Reich (1974)
The Russian Campaign (1974)
Tobruk (1975)
Wooden Ships and Iron Men (1975)
Starship Troopers (1976)
War at Sea (1976)
Air Assault on Crete (1977)
Arab-Israeli Wars (1977)
Hexagony (1977)
Napoleon (1977)
Squad Leader (1977)
Victory in the Pacific (1977)
Wizard's Quest (1979)
The Longest Day (1980)
Hitler's War (1981)
Storm Over Arnhem (1981)
Panzer Armee Afrika (1982)
B-17, Queen of the Skies (1983)
Up Front (1983)
White Bear and Red Moon (1983)
Panzergruppe Guderian (1984)
Advanced Squad Leader (1985)
Empires in Arms (1985)
Platoon (1986)
Patton's Best (1987)
Turning Point: Stalingrad (1989)
Battle of the Bulge (1991)
Advanced Third Reich (1992)
Guadalcanal (1992)
We the People (1993)
Empire of the Rising Sun (1995)
London's Burning (1995)
Axis & Allies (1999)
Battle Cry (2000)
Axis & Allies: Europe (1999)
Axis & Allies: Pacific (2001)
Axis & Allies: D-Day (2004)
Axis & Allies Miniatures (2005)
Axis & Allies: Battle of the Bulge (2006)
Axis & Allies Naval Miniatures: War at Sea (2007)
Axis & Allies: Guadalcanal (2007)
Axis & Allies: Europe 1940 (2010)
Axis & Allies: Pacific 1940 (2010)
Axis & Allies: World War I 1914 (2013)
Victory Games
James Bond 007 (1983)
Lords of Creation (1983)
Powers & Perils (1983)
Tales from the Floating Vagabond (1991)
Microcomputer Games
B-1 Nuclear Bomber (1980)
Computer Acquire (1980)
Lords of Karma (1980)
Midway Campaign (1980)
North Atlantic Convoy Raider (1980)
Planet Miners (1980)
Conflict 2500 (1981)
Empire of the Over-Mind (1981)
Voyager I (1981)
The Alien (1982)
Andromeda Conquest (1982)
Legionnaire (1982)
Telengard (1982)
Computer Football Strategy (1983)
NukeWar (1983)
Incunabula (1984)
Jupiter Mission 1999 (1984)
Quest of the Space Beagle (1984)
Space Cowboy (1984)
Under Fire! (1985)
Operation Crusader (1994)
Kingmaker (1995)
1830: Railroads & Robber Barons (1995)
D-Day: America Invades (1995)
World at War: Stalingrad (1995)
Avalon Hill's Advanced Civilization (1996)
Over the Reich (1996)
Achtung Spitfire! (1997)
Squander (1965)
Acquire (1976)
Diplomacy (1976)
TwixT (1976)
Rail Baron (1977)
Speed Circuit (1977)
Bowl Bound (1978)
Magic Realm (1979)
Source of the Nile (1979)
Circus Maximus (1980)
Machiavelli (1980)
Amoeba Wars (1981)
Conquistador (1981)
Paydirt (1982)
Titan (1982)
The Mystic Wood (1983)
1830: The Game of Railroads and Robber Barons (1986)
Britannia (1987)
Kremlin (1988)
Merchant of Venus (1988)
Republic of Rome (1990)
Advanced Civilization (1991)
History of the World (1993)
Age of Renaissance (1996)
Air Baron (1996)
Stratego: Legends (1999)
Cosmic Encounter (2000)
Star Wars – The Queen's Gambit (2000)
Risk 2210 A.D. (2002)
Betrayal at House on the Hill (2004)
Risk Godstorm (2004)
Monsters Menace America (2005)
Nexus Ops (2005)
RoboRally (2005)
Vegas Showdown (2005)
Down with the King (1981)
Enemy in Sight (1981)
Charles S. Roberts
Eric Dott
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Axis_%26_Allies:_Europe_1940&oldid=877997876"
Board games introduced in 2010
Larry Harris (game designer) games
Origins Award winners
World War II board wargames
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Browsing the archives for the sexual preference tag.
Inclusivity and Exclusivity in Fiction: Leah Bobet on Literature as a Conversation
This is the sixth interview and the eighth post in my series on inclusivity and exclusivity in fiction. You can find a full list of other posts so far at the end of this piece.
In today’s post, we get to finish the discussion we started some time back with writer Leah Bobet.
LUC: In our first round of questions, you mentioned Poppy Z. Brite’s book Drawing Blood, saying “Besides all the vampire sex and killing, what I took from that was that gay people are just people with relationships and problems and to do lists and lives to run and stories,” and you went on to describe how that has affected how you see and understand many kinds of people in the world. Are you consciously trying to create “aha” moments like this for your own readers? Are your goals for inclusivity in your writing explicit and specific?
LEAH: I’m not, no – and I’m not sure if one deliberately can create that moment. Every reader’s set of experiences and stories and, well, their brains are different. The “aha” moment is when the story being told combines with the rest of your life and data and experiences in a way that tips over a realization you’ve been on the verge of making. It’s so very rooted in the reader that I’m not sure crafting it is possible.
What you can do, I think, is present the world as you see it, or the questions you’re sitting up nights asking yourself. And people will either agree or disagree with what you show them, or go off asking all new questions that you never could have predicted.
As for goals for inclusivity, mostly the goal for me is to have it — which could be read as extremely explicit and specific, or not at all! But to be clearer: I don’t write to a moral point, or to proselytize in any way. It didn’t take more than five minutes’ experience as an editor to learn that there’s a difference between a story and a piece written To Make A Point ™, and that the latter is very difficult to make into an interesting or engaging read.
What I do try to write is the kinds of stories I want to read as a reader, and those are stories that challenge me; stories that can both sweep up my heart and make me really and truly think; stories that examine social values without trying to sell them to the reader. The stories I write are populated by all kinds of people because I want to read stories like that, and because that’s the world on my block, in my neighbourhood, in my city.
LUC: When a writer tackles a story that includes someone from a group they’re not a part of, what tests or steps or touchstones should be used, in your opinion, to do the job right?
LEAH: Youch – I am not at all qualified in any fashion to say how one can do the job right. You can do all sorts of recommended things and still drop the ball on this sort of thing, or do none of them and do a really productive job. It’s all situational, and it depends, also, on what job you’re trying to do.
I think there are two main factors to look at when you’re writing characters from a marginalized group, however you choose to tackle them. The first: What’s the existing social and literary conversation around how that group is portrayed? What are the in-person stereotypes about them, and what are the fiction stereotypes? Because even if you’re not aware of or writing out of that stereotype, literature’s a conversation, and your comment (to stretch that metaphor!) will be taken as part of the larger conversation. If it’s just reinforcing that, or not acknowledging in certain ways that there is a conversation going on, then it’s very easy to do harm.
I’ve tripped on that one myself: Thinking I knew the ground around how a minority is treated in fiction, and not in fact knowing it at all. That particular piece of work hurt readers, and I can tell you unambiguously that causing harm with your work – using the trust a reader grants you carelessly, or using it ill – is a horrible feeling. It’s not one I personally care to repeat.
The second factor? Remember that your characters are people.
This sounds small, but it’s actually pretty big. Remembering someone’s a person can mean remembering that someone from group X will have things that make them laugh and cry and roll their eyes just like someone from group Y will. It can mean that they’ll be more or less attached to the culture and religion and society they grew up in, or in different ways, depending on their personality and experiences. It can mean looking at their reactions as not something opaque and Other and strange, but as reactions to people around them being kind or cruel, or what has been expected of them, or what success and failure were laid out to mean when they were young. It also means that they have a personality, and that there isn’t a standard, textbook way for people of group X to react to those things: anyone who’s ever had an argument with their siblings can pretty much back that one up.
In short, you are writing a human being. Treat them as such: as someone complete.
This means, a lot of the time, learning not just to watch, and to see, but to empathize. Which doesn’t mean to feel bad for someone; it means to, to the best of your ability, shift your own perspective. What might your street look like to someone with mobility issues? What would a character who grew up on a farm notice when they walk into a city park, and what would one who grew up in Manhattan notice?
This isn’t just a tool for writing characters different than you; it’s a tool for writing any characters well. And it’s a tool that ends up bleeding, like all the best ones do, into your life: Because real people are complete and complex humans too, and once you’ve gotten into practice in taking other perspectives and not assuming your own is the only perspective? You’re seeing people. And that will reflect in your interactions; in how you treat your neighbours in the small things; and in how they notice, and treat you in return.
LUC: We’ve talked a little about Drawing Blood. Are there other books or stories that, for you, stand out in this regard? If so, what did they do right?
LEAH: Actually, this might appear to come a bit out of left field? But: Anything by Sean Stewart. Specifically Galveston, or Nobody’s Son.
If you subscribe to the theory that every author has a couple themes or problems they keep returning to, picking at around the edges, then one of Stewart’s is about realizing that you’re actually a complete asshole, and then what you do after that realization hits. This is useful to everyone, I think, because I have not yet met a person of any identity makeup who hasn’t been an asshole to somebody. In activism or just in daily living, the skill of what you do after you’ve been hurtful to someone else is a very useful one to practice, no matter who you are. They’re flawed books about flawed people, and I’m not put off by either the books or the protagonists being flawed, because they’re also clear-eyed and kind.
So, what did those books do right for me, as a reader? Aside from being quite well-made in a lot of ways – Stewart has a real skill with subtlety and nuance, especially when it comes to his characterization – the thing that affected me about them was that they’re so non-judgmental. They let you in close to people who are wounded and recognize those wounds as valid and real, and then show how the behaviour that woundedness causes hurts other people, and how that pain is valid, too. And I think that’s the key: That pain is valid too, not instead. There’s an immense compassion in recognizing that we’re all capable of simultaneously being the people dealing the hurt and receiving it, or acting out of old hurt while acting well or badly. Rendering that into fiction is a very tricky thing – almost as tricky as practising that kind of compassion in life. And it’s just as worthwhile, I think.
Leah Bobet is the author of Above, a young adult urban fantasy novel (Arthur A. Levine/Scholastic, 2012), and an urbanist, linguist, bookseller, and activist. She is the editor and publisher of Ideomancer Speculative Fiction, a resident editor at the Online Writing Workshop for Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror, and a contributor to speculative web serial Shadow Unit.
She is also the author of a wide range of short fiction, which has been reprinted in several Year’s Best anthologies. Her poetry has been nominated for the Rhysling and Pushcart Prizes, and she is the recipient of the 2003 Lydia Langstaff Memorial Prize. Between all that she knits, collects fabulous hats, and contributes in the fields of food security and urban agriculture. Anything else she’s not plausibly denying can be found at leahbobet.com.
7/27 – interview with Leah Bobet
7/29 – Where Are the Female Villains?
8/3 – interview with Vylar Kaftan
8/9 – Concerns and Obstacles (multiple mini-interviews)
8/10 – James Beamon on Elf-Bashing
8/17 – Steve Bein on Alterity
8/24 – Anaea Lay on “An Element of Excitement”
diversity, exclusivity, fiction, gender, inclusivity, Interviews, leah bobet, novels, race, sexual preference, short stories, writing
Inclusivity and Exclusivity in Fiction: Leah Bobet
Attending Readercon recently, I was struck by discussions I heard and took part in that brought up the problem of inclusivity and exclusivity in fiction: that is, what kinds of characters are conspicuously not present or very often stereotyped. This applies to race, but also to a lot of other categories: sexual preference, gender and gender identity, age, disability, mental health, social and economic class, and others.
The question I’m left with as a writer is this: what am I not doing and not seeing that’s contributing to the problem, and what can I do and understand that will contribute to making things better? So I’m doing a series of interviews with writers I admire who have things to say on the subject, starting with this one with Leah Bobet, whose novel Above (Arthur A. Levine, just out in April) tackles physical differences and marginalization in a novel and compelling way. Publisher’s Weekly gave it starred review: “Bobet effortlessly blends reality and fantasy, her characters are both gifted and broken—hers is a world that is simultaneously fantastic and painfully real.”
LUC: A lot of your fiction deals with characters that aren’t common in the books and stories we often see. From your point of view, is this tendency of most commercial fiction to prefer white, fairly young, straight, “non-ethnic”, monotheistic, neurotypical, non-disabled, and otherwise “normal” (perhaps I should say “as-though-normal”) characters a problem, or are you just taking a different path? If it’s a problem, what’s wrong with it?
LEAH: Hah – you’re asking me if this is a creative decision or a political one! Well-played. And, well, it’s both. They’re inextricable.
I feel that it’s definitely a problem, yes – and it’s because of that word “normal”. We’re none of us normal, and we’re all normal, and that’s not just the thing your parents tell you to make you feel better when some bigger kid pushed you around for whatever invented reason. Calling one (fairly narrow!) kind of person “normal” makes people expect that their stories are the most important, and ultimately, that anyone who falls outside those lines doesn’t really have stories. And they do. We do. You do.
Not only does that rob everyone of a whole lot of interesting stories, but it slowly and concretely gives us the idea that those people who aren’t “normal” don’t really matter. They don’t have stories, so they don’t do interesting things; fight fights; reconcile; cry; learn; fail. They don’t exist.
And telling most of the people in your society that they subtly don’t exist? Just, well. Seems like a bad idea to me.
LUC: So what happens when traditionally disregarded groups of people do make it into our novels and stories, especially as central characters? What kinds of impact can or do we have on readers when we write more inclusively?
LEAH: Well…just like with any work of fiction, a few things can happen. It depends on who’s writing the work – are they in the group, or out of it? – and who’s reading it, and how well the portrayal is done.
The portrayal can be done sloppily or on the basis of the kind of harmful stereotypes that most people have about someone else without even realizing it, and then people are hurt and angry, and there are negative feelings all around. Or, when it’s done thoughtfully, it can still sink like a stone: Books or stories fail to catch on all the time, for reasons I’m sure most of publishing would pay in body parts to figure out. Or, well, there can be a benefit to readers, or to the community overall.
I think it’s probably hard to say where those social benefits begin and end. Readers are people, and each person has a different and individual relationship with the various labels and roles that make up their identity (and that’s the first trap of all: thinking that just because someone is a member of a minority group, that that identity is their identity, or that all members of a given group have the same relationship to that part of their lives. It’s not, and they don’t.) So one reader might see themself in a character and feel like their existence, their stories, are being acknowledged by the larger community. Another might start thinking about how their neighbour sees the world, and even if that’s not how their neighbour sees the world at all, learning to be considerate is, I think, a real plus. Another might say, “That’s not what being X is like,” and then be clearer on what, for them, being X is actually like and why someone else might see it that way, whether that someone else is a member of the group or not.
Someone else might realize, in the back of their head, that there are more stories and ways of living out there than their own, and develop further the kind of open-mindedness that makes you not automatically reject someone living differently than yourself.
This happens. This works. Once upon a time when I was eleven years old, and didn’t even have much of a concept of gay people (yeah, it was a pretty isolated and homogenous suburb, and it was the early nineties. I know.) I read Poppy Z. Brite’s Drawing Blood. Besides all the vampire sex and killing, what I took from that was that gay people are just people with relationships and problems and to do lists and lives to run and stories. And although here and there I’ve struggled with the kind of ingrained prejudices you get when you grow up in a largely racially homogenous, economically homogenous, religiously homogenous isolated suburb, that has never been one of them. Right story, right time, right reader.
So I guess what I’ve been groping towards here is that portraying characters and people who aren’t in that narrow band of traditional North American “normal” can, at its best, make people different from a reader not other. It can make a reader go, “Oh, right, that person is still a person,” instead of seeing a role, a stereotype, an other. It can make all the readers out there who don’t fit in that narrow slice of the population whose stories are always told – being, most of the population of North America right now – feel like yes, everyone else sees them; they are acknowledged as part of the community too. That they have a voice and a place, and space to be more than the stereotypes that are frequently expected. It gets writers who aren’t part of that narrow slice of the population out there, heard, and paid, which is really important, because having homogenous professions in a heterogenous community can be really toxic when it comes to things like public policy, and who needs what, and how it needs to be done in the everyday world.
And then? Maybe we all treat each other better.
I’ll have more questions for Leah in a follow-up interview down the road.
A quick question to distinguish you from evil spambots: 4 / 1 =
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Armenia: Amulsar mine 'threatens socio-environmental disaster'
Source: FIDH, CIS (Armenia) (2019-06-20)
For earlier article, please read: Amulsar mine backed by locals
Amulsar Mine in Armenia: Government Must Avoid Potential Environmental and Human Disaster
International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), Civil Society Institute Armenia
Erevan-Paris — Later this month the Armenian government will decide whether to allow mining company Lydian Armenia to resume its Amulsar mine operations. Initiated in a climate of corruption, the operations were suspended in August 2018 following strong opposition actions by local communities and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). FIDH warns against the disastrous toll that the mine’s operations would take on local communities.
The government’s decision will depend on the conclusion of the expert study it commissioned early this year to evaluate the risks of exploitation of the Amulsar mine. FIDH and and Civil Society Institute Armenia (CSI) conducted a fact-finding mission to Armenia and to the Amulsar region in April 2019, shedding light on the hazards which would be caused by the project. The mining project clearly prioritizes profit, with utter disregard for human rights and the environment.
In 2007, the mining company Lydian Armenia CJSC, a subsidiary of Lydian International, started its operation of exploration and feasibility for a gold mine extraction project in Armenia. Since 2012, experts and activists have denounced the negative impact of mining operations in Amulsar on health and the environment. Last year some residents blocked access to the mine and demanded the suspension of the project. In response, Lydian Armenia started a vigorous campaign to silence all critics, including human rights defenders.
In November 2018, approximately 3,000 citizens from the Jermuk Municipality, in which Amulsar is situated, signed a petition to stop the project, and on December 18, 2018, the Council of Jermuk Community decided to develop Jermuk Community as an environment-friendly economy, prohibiting metal mining on its territory. Nevertheless, the central government pressured this and other communities in Armenia, who decided against mining in their territory, to change their decisions, saying that this kind of decision cannot be taken locally.
Protesters point out the corrupted climate that led to the beginning of the project, the lack of proper consultation and the potential disastrous impacts that it will have on the water system of the area (the Keetchut reservoir), and by consequence on life and health of local residents and on the Lake Sevan, the biggest source of water of the country.
The heavy consequences that such project will certainly have on the town of Jermuk, are another source of concern. The town, one of the most celebrated resort towns of the Caucasus since the 18th century, well-known for the properties of its spring waters, clean air and peaceful environment, would likely be transformed into a mining town, undergoing irreparable damage. Farming—the main livelihood of people in the area—would also be heavily affected by air, water and soil pollution, as well as significant changes in the landscape.
During their fact-finding mission, FIDH and CSI met with several stakeholders working on the area: civil society organizations, activists, institutional representatives and international organizations. These encounters revealed that, despite progress and optimism linked to the new political climate, business activities—particularly those of the mining industry, including the Amulsar project—cause reason for concern not only for environmental issues but for also for human rights.(1)
Some of the Amulsar project’s problems documented by FIDH and CSI were also pointed out in a 2017 report by the Compliance Advisor Ombudsman of the International Finance Corporation, which has since then terminated its investment in the project. There are land acquisition issues and a lack of proper consultation with all affected communities, in particular with the Jermuk community that would be fundamentally impacted mine’s operations. “The issues pointed out in 2017 have not been addressed to date in any way by the government or the company and no other sustainable alternative has been explored or proposed to the community”, affirms Maddalena Neglia, head of the globalization and human rights desk at FIDH.
FIDH recently called the attention of the international community to Lydian Armenia’s worrying systematic judicial harassment and defamation campaigns aiming to silence critical journalists and human rights defenders, particularly women, working on the Amulsar case.
Lydian Armenia continues to pressure the Armenian government to allow operations to resume. In March 2019, for example, it notified the Armenian government of an existing dispute in front of arbitration tribunals for breach of UK and Canadian bilateral investment treaty, while it continued to criticize the Armenian government’s behavior via its web page and in investors’ forums.(2)
“The attitude taken by Lydian Armenia so far does not suggest any good for the future of the Jermuk community. We are deeply concerned that, once again, investors’ interests could be valued over the protection of people and the planet. How can we consider the destruction of the little paradise that is Jermuk and its surrounding area to be ‘sustainable development’?” asks Artak Kirakosyan, FIDH Vice President and Director of Civil Society Institute Armenia.
(1) FIDH believes that any government decision on Amulsar, or on investment projects more generally, should be based on proper human rights due diligence and not only on an environmental risk assessment, as required by the UNGPs and OECD Guidelines on multinational companies. Moreover, it should take into account the social impacts of the project on all affected communities, including on the town of Jermuk, and particularly on those who are most vulnerable, such as women and children.
(2) For example: https://www.juniorminingnetwork.com/junior-miner-news/press-releases/476-tsx/lyd/62119-lydian-announces-first-quarter-2019-results-and-corporate-update.html
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The New England Patriots are a professional American football team situated in the Greater Boston region. The Patriots contend in the National Football League (NFL) as a part club of the league’s American Football Conference (AFC) East division. The group plays its home diversions at Gillette Stadium in the town of Foxborough, Massachusetts, which is located (34 km) southwest of downtown Boston, Massachusetts and (32 km) upper east of downtown Providence, Rhode Island. The Patriots are additionally headquartered at Gillette Stadium.
American Football League (AFL),
A unique individual from the American Football League (AFL), the Patriots joined the NFL in the 1970 merger of the two alliances. The group changed its name from the original Boston Patriots after relocating to Foxborough in 1971. The Patriots played their home diversions at Foxboro Stadium from 1971 to 2001, at that point moved to Gillette Stadium toward the beginning of the 2002 season. The Patriots’ rivalry with the New York Jets is considered a standout amongst the most bitter rivalries in the NFL.
The Patriots logo
The Patriots have showed up in the Super Bowl ten times in establishment history, the vast majority of any group, eight of them since the landing of head coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady in 2000. The Patriots have since turned out to be a standout amongst the best groups in NFL history, winning 15 AFC East titles in 17 seasons since 2001, without a losing season in that period. The establishment has since set various prominent records, incorporating most wins in a ten-year time span (126, in 2003– 2012), an undefeated 16-amusement standard season in 2007, the longest winning streakconsisting of customary season and playoff recreations in NFL history (a 21-diversion streak from October 2003 to October 2004), and the most back to back division titles won by a group in NFL history (won nine straight division titles from 2009 to 2017). The group possesses the record for most Super Bowls achieved (eight) and won (five) by a head coach– quarterback couple. As of now, the group is tied with the 49ers and Cowboys for the second most Super Bowl wins with five, after the Steelers, who have six.
Establishment history
On November 16, 1959, Boston business executive Billy Sullivan was granted the eighth and last establishment of the developing American Football League (AFL). The accompanying winter, local people were permitted to submit thoughts for the Boston football group’s authentic name. The most famous decision – and the one that Sullivan chose – was the “Boston Patriots,” with “Loyalists” alluding to those settlers of the Thirteen Colonies who revolted against British control amid the American Revolution and in July 1776 declared the United States of America an free country. Quickly from that point, craftsman Phil Bissell of The Boston Globe developed the “Pat Patriot” logo.
The Patriots battled
The Patriots battled for a large portion of their years in the AFL, and they never had a general home stadium. Nickerson Field, Harvard Stadium, Fenway Park, and Alumni Stadium all filled in as home fields amid their opportunity in the American Football League. They played in just one AFL title diversion, following the 1963 season, in which they lost to the San Diego Chargers 51– 10. They didn’t show up again in an AFL or NFL post-season game for an additional 13 years.
At the point when the NFL and AFL merged in 1970, the Patriots were set in the American Football Conference (AFC) East division, where despite everything they play today. The following year, the Patriots moved to a new stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, which would fill in as their home for the following 30 years. Because of the move, they reported they would change their name from the Boston Patriots to the Bay State Patriots.[5] The name was dismissed by the NFL and on March 22, 1971, the group formally declared they would change its geographic name to New England.
Amid the 1970s, the Patriots had some achievement, winning a billet to the playoffs in 1976—as a wild card team—and in 1978—as AFC East heroes. They lost in the first round the two times. In 1985, they came back to the playoffs, and made everything the manner in which to Super Bowl XX, which they lost to the Chicago Bears 46– 10. Following their Super Bowl misfortune, they came back to the playoffs in 1986, yet lost in the first round. The group would not make the playoffs again for eight more years. Amid the 1990 season, the Patriots went 1– 15. They changed proprietorship three times in the following 14 years, being acquired from the Sullivan family first by Victor Kiam in 1988, who sold the group to James Orthwein in 1992. Orthwein proposed to move the group to his native St. Louis, Missouri (where it would have been renamed as the St. Louis Stallions), yet rather sold the group in 1994 to its current owner Robert Kraft.
Despite the fact that Orthwein’s period as proprietor was short and disputable, he oversaw real changes to the group, first with the contracting of former New York Giants coach Bill Parcells in 1993. Orthwein and his promoting group additionally dispatched the NFL to build up another visual character and logo, and changed their essential hues from the conventional red, white and blue to blue and silver for the group uniforms.[7] Parcells would convey the Patriots to two playoff appearances, including Super Bowl XXXI, which they lost to the Green Bay Packers by a score of 35– 21. Pete Carroll, Parcells’ successor, would likewise take the group to the playoffs twice in 1997 and 1998 preceding being expelled as head mentor after the 1999 season.
The Patriots are playing
The Patriots’ present coach, Bill Belichick, was enlisted in 2000, and another home field, Gillette Stadium, was opened in 2002. Under Belichick, the group won three Super Bowls in four years (2001, 2003, and 2004). The Patriots completed the 2007 normal season with an immaculate 16– 0 record, ending up just the fourth group allied history to go undefeated in the standard season, and the just a single since the association extended its regular season schedule to 16 games. After progressing to Super Bowl XLII, the group’s fourth Super Bowl in seven years, the Patriots were vanquished by the Giants to end their offer for a 19– 0 season. With the misfortune, the Patriots finished the year at 18– 1, winding up just a single of three groups to run 18– 1 alongside the 1984 San Francisco 49ers and the 1985 Chicago Bears. The Patriots’ come back to the Super Bowl in 2012 yet lost again to the Giants, 21– 17. In 2015, they won Super Bowl XLIX, overcoming the Seattle Seahawks by a score of 28– 24. The Patriots turned into the main group to achieve nine Super Bowls in the 2016– 17 playoffs and confronted the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl LI, which wound up making ready for their fifth Super Bowl victory,tying them with the Dallas Cowboys and the San Francisco 49ers for the second-most in NFL history, 1 behind the Pittsburgh Steelers with 6; the amusement was likewise the primary Super Bowl to go into extra time.
The Patriots turned into the principal group to achieve ten Super Bowls in the 2017– 18 playoffs but lost to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LII, on February 4, 2018, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
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Tag Archives: Center Point Road
Thomas Rhett’s New Album, “Center Point Road,” Debuts Atop the All-Genre Billboard 200 Chart
Thomas Rhett’s new album, Center Point Road, which dropped on May 31, debuted at No. 1 on the all-genre Billboard 200 chart, as well as the Billboard Top Country Albums chart. According to Nielsen Music, Center Point Road moved 76,000 equivalent units, representing the biggest opening week for any country album in 2019. The 16-song…… MORE
Thomas Rhett Says Kelsea Ballerini Turned a “Good Song Into Great” on New Collaboration, “Center Point Road” [Listen]
Thomas Rhett is gearing up for the release of his upcoming fourth studio album, Center Point Road, which will drop on May 31. The 16-song album takes its name from the street in TR’s Hendersonville, Tenn., hometown that shaped much of his life experiences. TR co-penned every track on the album, which also features a…… MORE
Jim Casey talks with Thomas Rhett about: the anticipation of releasing his new album, Center Point Road, on May 31 moving from Valdosta, Ga., to Hendersonville, Tenn., as a 5-year-old in 1995 his first memory of his house on Center Point Road building the new 16-song album finding the centerpiece for the album, “Remember You…… MORE
Thomas Rhett Taps Jon Pardi for New Song, “Beer Can’t Fix” [Listen]
Thomas Rhett is gearing up for the release of his upcoming fourth studio album, Center Point Road, which will drop on May 31. The 16-song album takes its name from the street in his Tennessee hometown that shaped much of TR’s life experiences. TR co-penned every track on the album, which also features a number…… MORE
Thomas Rhett to Headline Special Show at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena During CMA Fest
One week after releasing his fourth studio album, Center Point Road, on May 31, Thomas Rhett will headline a special concert at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on June 8 during CMA Fest. Fans will get to experience an up-close-and-personal set from the singer/songwriter via a stripped-down, in-the-round setting. Longtime fans will recognize the B-stage layout, inspired…… MORE
Thomas Rhett’s New Album Features Collaborations With Kelsea Ballerini, Little Big Town & Jon Pardi
Thomas Rhett revealed the track listing, songwriters, featured artists and cover art for his upcoming fourth studio album, Center Point Road, which will drop on May 31. The 16-song album takes its name from the street in his Tennessee hometown that shaped much of his life experiences. TR co-penned every track on the album, which…… MORE
Thomas Rhett Announces New Album and Drops Dance-Inducing Lead Single, “Look What God Gave Her” [Listen]
Thomas Rhett revealed that he will release his upcoming fourth studio album, Center Point Road, on May 31. The album takes its name from the street in his Tennessee hometown that shaped much of his life experiences. To get the party started, TR has released the album’s uptempo lead single, “Look What God Gave Her.”…… MORE
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High-strength marijuana increases risk of mental health issue
March 20, 2019 by erfa5t8
Regular cannabis use and high-strength varieties are most likely to increase the chance of psychological illness amongst users, according to researchers behind the largest research study of its kind.
Experts have previously flagged a link between marijuana usage and psychosis, particularly among susceptible people with heavy usage of the drug. Now research recommends the potency of the marijuana is also important, with patterns in cannabis usage connected to how often brand-new cases of psychotic disorders arise in various cities.
The study approximated that 30% of newbie cases of psychotic disorders in south London, and half of those in Amsterdam, could be prevented if high-potency cannabis was not offered. The group says that equates to about 60 less cases each year in south London.
Does marijuana use actually trigger psychotic disorders?|Carl L Hart and Charles Ksir
” If you are a psychologist like me who works in this catchment area and sees first-episode psychosis clients, this has a considerable effect at the level of services and, I would likewise argue, family and society,” stated Dr Marta Di Forti, the lead author of the research, from King’s College London.
High-strength cannabis, such as skunk, has levels of the psychedelic substance tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) above 10%. According to data launched in 2015, 94 %of cops cannabis seizures in the UK were of high-strength ranges. These ranges likewise include very little cannabidiol (CBD), a substance that might secure against psychosis. Writing in the journal Lancet Psychiatry, Di Forti and a worldwide team of scientists report how they studied patient information– including cannabis use– gathered in between mid 2010 and mid 2015 for 901 adults under the age of 65 who reached mental health services in one of 10 locations in Europe, or one in Brazil, and received their very first diagnosis of a psychotic disorder that was not down to, for instance, brain tumours or acute substance abuse. For comparison, the team asked more than 1,200 healthy individuals from across the same areas about their cannabis usage. The strength of marijuana was approximated from the name people gave to the drug. After taking into consideration elements including drinking, education and use of other drugs such as ketamine, the group found
those with a psychotic condition were most likely to have utilized cannabis eventually in their life than those without the condition. How dangerous is marijuana for boys’s mental health? Find out more Frequency of usage was likewise highlighted by researchers: the opportunities of having a psychotic condition were 40% greater amongst those who used the drug more than when
a week compared with those who hardly ever, if ever, used it, while the chances of having a psychotic disorder were more than 3 times higher among those who used marijuana everyday compared to those who seldom if ever utilized it. What is more, day-to-day users of high strength cannabis were most likely to have a psychotic condition, compared to never-users, than those who used low-potency marijuana every day. The most significant link in between everyday cannabis usage and having a psychotic condition was in Amsterdam, where the opportunities were seven times greater than for those who had
never ever used the drug: nearly all marijuana sold in” coffee bar” in Amsterdam is high-strength, while varieties with 67% THC have been found in the Netherlands. Incidences of psychosis were higher in Amsterdam than a lot of other locations studied, with only south London surpassing it.” Daily use of high-potency marijuana and how this varies across Europe explains a few of the striking variations we have actually determined in the incidence of psychotic disorder, “stated Di Forti.
However, she kept in mind that not all everyday users of high-potency marijuana develop a psychotic disorder, meaning it is important to work out who is most vulnerable, which other factors are likewise at play.
Cannabis cigarette smoking in teenage years linked to the adult years anxiety Read more The study had limitations
because it relied on self-reported usage of cannabis and just small numbers of participants were involved at each website. Likewise, THC and CBD content of the cannabis was not directly determined while the results might, a minimum of in part
, be down to those at higher danger of psychosis being most likely to use cannabis. Prof Sir Robin Murray, another author of the research study from King’s College London, said the research study has implications for the debate on whether marijuana should be legalised.” If you are going to legalise marijuana, unless you wish to spend for more a lot more psychiatric beds and a lot more
psychiatrists, then you require to design a system where you would legalise in a way that would not increase the intake and increase the strength, “he said.
Dr Adrian James, the registrar of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, stated: “A good drugs method need to focus on preventing and minimizing damage, not on diverting individuals to the criminal justice system, “adding that well-provisioned and staffed addiction services required to be restored.
Subjects Cannabis Medical research
Psychological health
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The Increasing Role of Management Representatives in Business towards ISO 9001:2015
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We have seen through several years transformations in ISO 9001 which substantiates the important role of Management Representatives (MRs) from Managing Procedures to Managing Processes to Managing Results . ISO 9001 has gone past the 25 years since its inception last 1987 and is here to stay. The concepts of customer, process, management review and continual improvement among others have been stable through many organisations and so is the application of the ISO 9001 standard. Everyone can associate with the requirements that guided organisations in managing the assurance for quality products and services all towards increasing assurance for customer satisfaction and the drive for continual improvement.
With its silver years of existence and 4 revisions, it has seen through the transformation of the role of management representatives in various organisations and is yet to see some further developments to address the emerging issues that we have today. Through the years, with the observed revisions of related management system standards and the emerging revision for ISO 9001:2015, we are about to see further challenges for the post of being the management representative, be it a QMR : Quality Management Representative or the increasing role of being the IMR: Integrated Management Representative. A growing question then arises in every practitioner for Management System.
(Q) What do we anticipate for ISO 9001:2015? What is in store for the new QMR?
The technical experts behind the ISO 9000 series of standards have been chartering the change and soliciting data from user communities and reviewing the feedback from the market. With the results of such studies are two key directions:
The first being intention is that ISO 9001:2008 would be revised with only minor changes, and this had already been witnessed approximately 5 years ago where the revision was only on terminologies, linkage with relevant standard and provisions for managing competence particularly for auditors as has been supported with the ISO 19001 version 2011.
Second, ISO 9001:2015 which is its target date of release would result in a more extensive revision, addressing global and technological changes in the marketplace. There are areas of consideration that will go into the next revision, and they are those that relates to (1) sector - specific standards and to improvements and changes in technology, supply chain management, and globalisation.
(1) Sector-specifics and related management system standards
Over the years, there’s been a proliferation of sector-specific standards based on ISO 9001. In the last two years, standards have been added relating to food safety - ISO 22000, road safety management – ISO 39001, and the petroleum industry - ISO 29001. They join the now-mature standards in such areas as medical device - ISO 13485, automotive - ISO/TS 16949, telecommunications - TL 9000, and aerospace - AS9100. These sector-specific standards are mostly founded on ISO 9001 and their sector-specific nature revolves around the addition of requirements that are unique to a particular industry. For example, automotive suppliers, registered to ISO/TS 16949, deal with customer specific requirements and application of core tools.
The standards field has been further augmented by standards relating to environmental issues - ISO 14001, health and safety - OHSAS 18001, energy management – ISO 50001, sustainable events management – ISO 20121 and competence in laboratory testing and calibration - ISO 17025. The above related standards are now growing to be not just an effort for environmental integrity and societal accountability but are becoming to be a customer contractual requirement.
It can be challenging for an organisation complying with such commitments with customers and to develop a QMS that incorporates the requirements of multiple sector-specific standards effectively and efficiently. Though reality prevails that meeting customer requirement entails that you manage the business risks and related risks that will lead to its disruption. And such is where the auditors’ competence and the integrative function of the management representative are headed in the future of ISO 9001:2015- the ability of your present management system to integrate or link with related management system standards and the accompanying objectives.
Some of the future concepts being addressed are the integration of risk-based thinking. The objective of other management system standards i.e. ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 differ significantly from this quality management system standard but the model being espoused in the ISO 14001 and the OHSAS 18001 as has been summarised in PAS 99 is being looked at as the integrative model for effective reconciliation of management plans, processes and performance results. This is expected to be another significant input in the next major revision of ISO 9001 to formally adopt the wider perspective of planning which incorporates risk-based thinking.
With such, the QMR: Quality Management Representative or the IMR: Integrated Management representative has to consider the completeness of his knowledge regarding the risks prevalent to the business that will affect customer requirements and their satisfaction. Likewise, this necessitates the challenge on the currency and completeness of the Quality Management Principle to manage uncertainties on its objectives and not only its process and system interfaces. An auditor and a management representative thus not only must possess process and systemic approach of thinking but a risk-based approach for the decisions he must make.
(2) Improvements and changes in technology, environmental factors, information management, supply chain management, and globalisation.
The developments we see in the technology will likewise give rise to enhancements in processes that deals with Knowledge Management, Technology and changes in Infrastructure and Communications technology, Lifecycle Management including Outsourcing and Offshoring.
Outsourcing has been addressed in the 2008 version as such that refers to those processes needed by the organisation that are performed by an external entity. It is recognised that outsourcing is a growing aspect of many organisations in focusing on its core competencies and managing cost-effectiveness in managing its processes. The outsourcing strategies also lead the way for globalisation and the growing dependence in supply chain management. Challenges in the management of supply chain abound such as managing least-cost and least-distance including the medium and frequency of shipments that challenges the paradigm towards an efficient and optimal way of doing things.
The growing pace of information growth creates a challenge for application systems to manage documentation and the convenience gives rise to certain risks on information security.
The future of ISO 9001 depends on its ability to retain the generic and universal concepts that make it work among organisations to be workable in managing its most important stakeholder- its customers and its ability to give a framework for managing emerging needs to ensure its continued applicability in our ever-changing world. The thrust for the PDCA cycle might bring further enhancements on the way we improve things utilising principles beyond improvement and on to innovation taking the premise to manage Performance Effectiveness through Product Conformity and Process Efficiency and the incorporation of Quality Tools and Best Practices.
It is still an anticipated revision but the manner in which such will be addressed will have a long-range effect on the continued viability of ISO 9001 and its value-add to the business. Being an MR then may mean that you manage the emerging concerns abound the industry that your business is in and focus not only on the customer satisfaction but its linkage with the emergence of developments on the global market-place, and such entails managing risks in the business setting. The risks may not be exactly on higher perspectives such as environmental integrity and social accountability just yet but there are risks that go beyond quality that matters to your customers and the top management that you represent.
So as ISO 9001: Quality Management System is here to stay , so does the Management Representative in their role for managing the system along with the risks that goes with it. Way to go FORWARD for all MRs will be to learn Risk-Based Process Management and Auditing and towards Business Risk Management. Risks comes in the picture as creating uncertainties in achieving our objectives, and so we journey from Managing Results and on to the future of Managing Risks and Value Chain in the continuing developments in ISO 9001.
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Image from the Fragility tour book, showing the track's existence
CD-R from the Fragility tour book
"Stained" is an unreleased track from 1999's The Fragile. Nothing about the track is known, nor if it is an alternative name for a track put onto the album at a later date. It is possible that the track is a working title for the track "Underneath It All", as the word "stained" features prominently in the song.
No track of this name was on the 2017 release The Fragile: Deviations 1, which was a compilation of instrumentals and extended or unused tracks from The Fragile sessions.
It is one of two tracks that feature in background photos from this era that remain unreleased, the other being "Rotation".
Retrieved from "http://www.nin.wiki/index.php?title=Stained&oldid=54497"
Rare NIN Songs
Unreleased Material
This page was last modified on 7 April 2019, at 22:31. This page has been accessed 569 times.
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Arturo Tappin - Tappin' deep into the Caribbean
Arturo Tappin was playing in one of his favourite waterfront clubs back home in Barbados when a woman arrived looking uncannily like Roberta Flack. Thinking this was only a coincidence, Tappin slipped into one of Flack’s hits, Feel Like Making Love, as a joke during his saxophone solo.
After he was finished the woman summoned him to her table and asked him what he was doing in Barbados. Tappin said, “Working. I’m from here.”
His inquisitor replied, “No, you need to be with us in New York. I’ll send you the tickets” – and that’s how Tappin got the saxophonist’s job in Roberta Flack’s band. Two weeks later he was recording a DVD in Washington DC with the great soul, R&B and jazz singer with nothing so much as a rehearsal beforehand.
Tappin has a fund of such stories, including the times he met and played for Bill Clinton, Barack Obama and Fidel Castro, and will doubtless share some with his audiences when he begins a ten-night Edinburgh Fringe run this weekend.
He’s met his heroes, including percussionist Ralph MacDonald, who played on the first album Tappin ever bought, Grover Washington’s Winelight, and told Tappin that his wife thought he sounded just like Washington, then hired him for his band. He’s had a limo sent for him to take him to Radio City Music Hall in New York for his first gig with soul heart-throb Luther Vandross, and he’s played with Caribbean music legends from jazz pianist Monty Alexander to reggae star Maxi Priest.
Not bad for the school pupil who had, he says, the misfortune of being able to sing the note that the music teacher played on the piano.
“If you could do that, you were corralled into the choir and given violin lessons,” he says. “I thought, I’m getting out of this, so I joined the cadets instead and they said, If you can play music, you can play clarinet in the band, and I was stuck with that until I was fifteen and got my first saxophone.”
It was around this time that Tappin realised that the records his photographer father had brought back from his time spent working in the UK must have seeped into his consciousness by osmosis.
“My dad was a big Sinatra fan and I didn’t mind that but he came back from London with all these Stan Getz, Cannonball Adderley, Duke Ellington and Miles Davis albums that he’d play every weekend, and I did not like that,” says Tappin. “But suddenly I began to hear something I could relate to in them. I started playing gigs with these older guys and eventually I won a scholarship to Berklee when I was nineteen.”
His time in Boston at the famous music school was a culture shock in good ways and bad. He’d hear students three years his junior who were so good that he’d wonder why they were even bothering to study.
This made him work – he’d practise from six to midnight after classes – and the knowledge he gained about jazz harmony allowed him to add solid theory to his ability to play Charlie Parker and Grover Washington licks by instinct. After he’d been stopped three times by the police for no other reason than the colour of his skin, however, he decided to take his qualifications and head home.
“Growing up in Barbados I never even considered if someone was black, brown or white,” he says. “They were just people. One time in Boston I got lost and asked these two very respectable looking women for directions – and they turned and ran like they’d seen the devil. That was funny but other times, if I hadn’t been carrying my Barbados passport, I’d have been in real trouble.”
Back home things lightened up and he tells another story about acquiring a manager who had seen this saxophonist playing in a reggae band and another one playing in a jazz band – and hadn’t realised they were the same saxophonist wearing different clothes.
“He said, You should make an album that’s jazz and reggae. So I did and that’s how I ended up working with Monty Alexander because he flavours his jazz with the Caribbean.”
He subsequently lived in Brooklyn for ten years but he prefers the Caribbean pace of life and if Roberta Flack, with whom he still works, needs him, he can fly off around the world with her from Barbados.
“The Caribbean’s in my music,” he says. “When I get to Edinburgh I’ll read the room to feel what people like. I might play anything from 1934 to 2014, maybe play some bebop and flavour it with calypso or play bossa nova or a blues with a reggae inflection. It’s all one to me.”
From The Herald, August 13, 2014.
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U.S. Political News
Ross Perot dead at 89 years old
Thread: Ross Perot dead at 89 years old
If only he had won the Presidency our world would be in a much better place. If I had been old enough at the time I would have voted for him.
https://www.dallasnews.com/business/business/2019/07/09/ross-perot-self-made-billionaire-patriot-philanthropist-dies-89
__________________________________________________ ________________
"A politician will do almost anything to keep their job, even become a patriot" - Hearst
Suzanimal
I loved his voodoo stick.
Originally Posted by Ron Paul
The intellectual battle for liberty can appear to be a lonely one at times. However, the numbers are not as important as the principles that we hold. Leonard Read always taught that "it's not a numbers game, but an ideological game." That's why it's important to continue to provide a principled philosophy as to what the role of government ought to be, despite the numbers that stare us in the face.
Originally Posted by Origanalist
This intellectually stimulating conversation is the reason I keep coming here.
RIP my former boss, I will remember all of the good times down in Plano :-)
“The right to life is the source of all rights—and the right to property is their only implementation. Without property rights, no other rights are possible. Since man has to sustain his life by his own effort, the man who has no right to the product of his effort has no means to sustain his life. The man who produces while others dispose of his product, is a slave.”
I was a dumb young man when he first ran and was not a fan. Looking back with wiser eyes, he might not have been perfect and would have been probably run over by the deep state, but I believe he would have changed a great many things for the better if he would have won
Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect - Mark Twain
Ross Perot, billionaire former presidential candidate, has died at age 89
Perot died in Texas, the state where he was born, surrounded by family.
"Mr. Perot was a true patriot and a dedicated humanitarian. He will be missed greatly," Ross Mulford of Petrus Asset Management Company said in a statement.
In 1992, Perot made a name for himself when he became the most successful non-major party presidential candidate in 80 years, amassing 19 percent of the popular vote, running against President George H.W. Bush and Arkansas Gov. Bill Clinton.
As a boy in Texarkana, Texas, Perot delivered newspapers from the back of a pony. He earned his billions in a more modern way, however — by building Electronic Data Systems Corp., which helped other companies manage their computer networks.
Yet the most famous event in his career didn't involve sales and earnings; he financed a private commando raid in 1979 to free two EDS employees who were being held in a prison in Iran. The tale was turned into a book and a movie.
Perot first became known to Americans outside of business circles by claiming that the U.S. government left behind hundreds of American soldiers who were missing or imprisoned at the end of the Vietnam War. Perot fanned the issue at home and discussed it privately with Vietnamese officials in the 1980s, angering the Reagan administration, which was formally negotiating with Vietnam's government.
Perot's wealth, fame and confident prescription for the nation's economic ills propelled his 1992 campaign against President George H.W. Bush and Democratic challenger Bill Clinton. Some Republicans blamed him for Bush's lost to Clinton as Perot garnered the largest percentage of votes for a third-party candidate since former President Theodore Roosevelt's 1912 bid.
During the campaign, Perot spent $63.5 million of his own money and bought up 30-minute television spots. He used charts and graphs to make his points, summarizing them with a line that became a national catchphrase: "It's just that simple."
Former President George W. Bush called Perot a patriot.
"Texas and America have lost a strong patriot," Bush said in a statement. "Ross Perot epitomized the entrepreneurial spirit and the American creed. He gave selflessly of his time and resources to help others in our community, across our country, and around the world. He loved the U.S. military and supported our service members and veterans. Most importantly, he loved his dear wife, children, and grandchildren. Laura and I send our heartfelt condolences to the entire Perot family as they celebrate a full life."
...Perot's ideas on trade and deficit reduction remained part of the political landscape. He blamed both major parties for running up a huge federal budget deficit and letting American jobs to be sent to other countries. The movement of U.S. jobs to Mexico, he said, created a "giant sucking sound."
Perot continued to speak out about federal spending for many years. In 2008, he launched a website to highlight the nation's debt with a ticker that tracked the rising total, a blog and a chart presentation.
More: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ross-pe...ed-2019-07-09/
RIP he was the Best Candidate in 92!
Anti Globalist
RIP. Has Ron ever talked about Ross Perot?
"Perhaps one of the most important accomplishments of my administration is minding my own business."
Step into the time machine and see the first debate...
kahless
Originally Posted by Matt Collins
I agree and voted for him. RIP.
Stratovarious
Thanks for the trip down memory lane... truly worth the watch.
One thing then that stands true now - most people look to government to solve their problems, because they more than usually ask themselves the wrong the questions.
Much like the Indians in another thread, you sell your soul (or your property) and believe that there is no accountability. Now that government has grown so exponentially large, there is little ability by the people to hold it back.
PursuePeace
I was just a youngin' back then and not involved in politics at all, but I loved this guy.
He definitely captured my attention. Something no other politician ever did when I was at that age.
There is only one kind of freedom and that's individual liberty. Our lives come from our creator
and our liberty comes from our creator. It has nothing to do with government granting it. -Ron Paul
RAND 20/20
Perot could have won if he had run in the GOP primary.
Perot's second campaign four years later was far less successful. He was shut out of presidential debates when organizers said he lacked sufficient support. He got just 8% of the vote, and the Reform Party that he founded and hoped to build into a national political force began to fall apart.
He would have been steamrolled like Ron Paul. Along the way, and down in Tampa.
Party politics is not the answer; changing the hearts and minds of the American people is.
Last edited by PAF; 07-09-2019 at 10:16 AM.
UWDude
I thought he was crazy. (was not old enough to vote), because that's what my tv said, and that's what all the kids in school said.
A real missed chance for America.
Even so, him talking about America needing to make tangible items always stuck with me.
Trumps first 100 day action survey: Let trump know what is important to you
Perot’s VP pick (Stockdale) had a hard time with debating and public speaking. It was not his profession.
Here’s a fair discussion featuring Doug Wead:
Originally Posted by PAF
That quote is about his second run. He had no chance the second time. Some of the media (Larry King) liked and covered Perot. He could have won the Primary the first time he ran. Bush was not popular.
Ron ran in the GOP primary. He would have had zero coverage without that. Trump also learned that lesson from the Perot run.
Last edited by Brian4Liberty; 07-09-2019 at 10:23 AM.
Perot was ahead in the polls and sabotaged himself by dropping out in July, only to return in October. If he had not done that I think he would have won.
People felt his excuse that the Bush's were trying to sabotage his daughters wedding was not good enough. The Bush's probably were but you stay in and fight them.
How the media covered it below.
Perot Charges Plot Forced Him Out; 'Loony,' GOP Says : Campaign: He accuses Bush camp of plan to smear daughter and disrupt her wedding, and says he quit race to protect her. Texan offers no proof for allegations.
https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-...761-story.html
Independent presidential candidate Ross Perot accused President Bush's campaign Sunday of plotting to fake a photograph to smear his youngest daughter, of conspiring to disrupt her wedding and of hiring an ex-CIA employee to wiretap his computerized stock trading program and ruin him.
Perot said the plotting was the real reason he dropped out of the campaign for 11 weeks. He said he wanted to spare his daughter, Caroline, the pain that such dirty tricks could cause. After her wedding in August, Perot said, he told her what he had done. He said she replied: "Get back into the race." He did, on Oct. 1.
Last edited by kahless; 07-09-2019 at 12:11 PM.
The duopoly would not have permitted that. Which is why Ross ran third party.
Unfortunately, so did the "2-party" system. Thus trump.
Uh no..... the "educating everyone" route is a guaranteed way to fail.
One doesn't have to be involved in party politics in order to win, but trying to educate others on the issues is a losing strategy.
Zippyjuan
Perot on the issues (according to the Heritage Foundation): https://www.heritage.org/budget-and-...economic-plans
Among the central features of the Perot plan:
Spending Cuts. Perot claims that over five years he will cut at least $352 billion, including $141 billion through Medicare and Medicaid reform, $108 billion in wasteful spending and programs, $50 billion in farm and other subsidies, and $40 billion in defense.
Tax Hikes. Perot over five years would raise $408 billion in new revenue, including $158 billion with a 50 cent per gallon increase in the gasoline tax, $72.9 billion by limiting mortgage interest deductions, $66 billion through higher taxes on Medicare and higher premium payments, $33 billion through a hike in the top individual tax rate from 31 percent to 33 percent, and $30 billion by increasing from 50 percent to 85 percent the share of Social Security benefits for better off recipients subject to taxes.
Tax Cuts for Businesses. Perot would reduce the capital gains tax for long-term investments and eliminate it on small business, and change the tax code to stimulate investment. He also favors investment tax credits and the research and development tax credit.
Anti-Trust Reform. Perot calls for amendments to the 1890 Sherman Anti-Trust Act, which restricts cooperation between American enterprises facing foreign competition. This is an especially welcome proposal -- one not found among the proposals of the other candidates.
Environmental Regulation. While denouncing "overregulation" of the economy by the government, Perot surprisingly advocates a massive increase in federal government control of the economy in the name of ill-defined environmental concerns.
Originally Posted by Swordsmyth
The quality seems to have dropped significantly since I came here, I guess you get what you pay for.
"There is always a tweet. That has become accepted fact in the Trump presidency: For every pronouncement the President makes, there is at least one tweet from his past that directly contradicts his current view." -CNN
I am Zippy and I approve of this post. But you don't have to.
Originally Posted by kahless
Perot was a head in the polls and sabotaged himself by dropping out in July, only to return in October. If he had not done that I think he would have won.
You are correct that pretty much did him in.
Even if he hadn't done that though, I don't know that an independent run would overcome the advantage of the two party system.
Perot led only one month's polls. He was declining when he withdrew. Some blamed Perot for Clinton getting elected. Others blame Bush's "Read my lips- No New Taxes" pledge failure. Or the 1991 recession- unemployment peaked at 7.7% in June of 1992.
http://www.city-data.com/forum/elect...t-did-not.html
Last edited by Zippyjuan; 07-09-2019 at 12:43 PM.
We can always depend on Zippy to give us the establishment perspective. It was as predictable as the sun rising that you would come here to s*** in this thread.
Originally Posted by Zippyjuan
Perot led only one month's polls. He was declining when he withdrew.
The Gallop poll shows he was one point behind Bush and ahead of Clinton. The two other June polls he was ahead of both of them. That is pretty good for a 3rd party candidate.
The Pew Research poll that month had Perot ahead in ages 25-49 and 65+. He tied Bush with ages 50-65 and was behind Bush by 2 points for 18-24. Remove Blacks from 18-24 and he was ahead. If you remove blacks completely from the poll Perot was way ahead of Bush and Clinton when he dropped out.
https://www.pewresearch.org/wp-conte...f/19920708.pdf
I am guessing the news media hyping the "you people" comment early that month hurt him with blacks in the June polls.
buck000
My dad worked on his campaign in Delray Beach FL, was totally into him. He and I both voted for Perot. RIP.
Krugminator2
Glad you pointed that out. Perot is like Tucker Carlson, a social democrat. Right man won in hindsight. Bill froze the regulatory state. Cut the capital gains rate. Passed welfare reform. Expanded trade. And spending didn't grow very much. Not perfect but better than Bush Sr and Perot.
Is he wrong though. Perot was a big government guy. Sure he was anti-establishment but he wasn't a friend of liberty.
Originally Posted by Krugminator2
He was also a proponent of the "War on Drugs", among other things.
Ross Perot
By Johnny Appleseed in forum Open Discussion
Ron Paul and Ross Perot
By jillian in forum Rally for the Republic
Opinion of Ross Perot
By Michael Ingram in forum U.S. Political News
Where is Ross Perot?
By CareerTech1 in forum Grassroots Central
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Eminem Is Performing a New Song At the 2017 EMA
Eminem's long-awaited comeback is finally happening this weekend at the 2017 EMA in London! The notorious Rap God will be performing his new single "Walk On Water" live for the first time on Sunday night.
It's been four years since Eminem performed "Berzerk" and "Rap God" and was honored with the Global Icon Award at the 2013 EMA.
Eminem's going to be releasing his ninth album soon and rumors have been circulating about it for months now. The upcoming album still remains a big mystery on many fronts including the release date. This EMA performance will finally give fans a taste of the new album!
Eminem has been dropping major hints about the album on Instagram and confirmed a rumor that it will be called Revival.
A post shared by Marshall Mathers (@eminem) on Nov 8, 2017 at 11:39am PST
The especially intriguing rumor about the album's title started with an Instagram post from Eminem's trusted manager, Paul Rosenberg. The photo he shared featured a suspiciously prominent advertisement for a prescription drug called "REVIVAL" in the background. Fans quickly spotted Eminem's signature backwards 'E' in the drug's name, did some digging and discovered that the disease that the drug claims to treat doesn't exist.
Look what arrived at the Shady offices today! @Yelawolf TRIAL BY FIRE comes out this Friday 10/27! #cdbaby
A post shared by Paul Rosenberg (@rosenberg) on Oct 25, 2017 at 1:26pm PDT
REVIVAL's website, askaboutrevival.com, has a number of red flags. At first glance, it seems like your typical boring prescription drug website but when you look at the details it starts to sound a lot like Eminem. Symptoms listed on the site include "highly combustible head," "rage" and "male pattern baldness (most commonly in women)." The video on the site includes the line, "It's easy to lose yourself." Lose yourself, people! So, yeah, it's hard deny that Eminem is behind it.
His performance is going to be a memorable addition to an already incredible lineup that includes Kesha, Shawn Mendes, Demi Lovato and more.
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Things to look out for in 2017
As we approach mid-February and the Christmas break begins to feel like a distant memory, it’s time to start thinking about what 2017 has in store for the planning world. There’s plenty in the pipeline to get our heads around so to help you keep up to date here’s a summary of just a few of the things to look out for.
Better Apartment Design Standards (BADS)
The highly anticipated BADS were released in their entirety in December 2017 (read our summary here), along with an introduction date of March 2017. The Department has also released a Public Consultation Report, detailing how the BADS were amended in response to feedback on the draft. This report includes some interesting commentary on some of the changes that were made between the draft and final version of the BADS, such as the removal of numerical building setback requirements and the removal of the light courts standard.
How the guidelines will be interpreted by Councils or VCAT will be the challenge for the industry moving forward and there will no doubt be some interesting VCAT decisions arising in 2017 that will give some guidance on the interpretation of the different objectives and standards and when a variation is considered appropriate.
The Better Apartment Design Standards can be found here.
Robbie McKenzie (Senior Associate) and Colleen Peterson (Managing Director) will be hosting a series of workshops in the coming weeks to help educate our clients and their architects on the implication of the BADS. Those of you interested in attending, please contact Timea Toth on timeat@ratio.com.au to register your interest.
Smart Planning Program / Planning Scheme Review
The Smart Planning Program has been introduced in response to the growing complexity and inefficiency of Victoria’s Planning System, with the objective to make the system more efficient.
With the last major review held over 20 years ago, the Smart Planning Program aims to utilise technology to create a more accessible and simplified system. Interestingly, the Program also aims to improve state-wide consistency in the application of zones and overlays to reduce repetition, limit permit triggers and increase investment certainty. This opens up the potential for significant changes to the structure of planning schemes and the application of planning policy.
More information on the program can be found here.
Ratio will keep our clients up to date on the review in upcoming newsletters as information comes to hand.
Melbourne Metro Rail Project
Amendment GC45 to the Maribyrnong, Melbourne, Port Phillip and Stonnington planning schemes was gazetted on 5 January 2017 facilitating the construction of the 9km rail tunnel between South Kensington and South Yarra - shown in the attached map. While the consultation process is over, there are new Design and Development Overlays in place that may impact development in affected areas. Get in touch with us if you have a proposal that you think could be impacted.
The Minister for Planning has also released his assessment of the project which can be read in full here.
Transport for Victoria
Transport for Victoria (TfV) is a new transport agency that will bring together the planning, managing and coordinating of Victoria's transport system and its agencies, including combining VicRoads and Public Transport Victoria (PTV). Our understanding is that this change will provide for one point of contact when applications are referred to these authorities, which we anticipate will provide for a more streamlined approach to the referral system.
Version 1.5 of the Built Environment Sustainability Scorecard (BESS), which is a common tool used to assess ESD through the planning process, will go live on 20 February 2017. While many of the changes to the BESS software relate its useability, there will be changes that provide different score criteria for different types of buildings (e.g. dwellings, retail).
We expect to learn how these changes affect the assessment of applications in the coming weeks and whether it results in improved assessment of applications. Stay tuned for more feedback.
ratio: regularly posts important traffic & planning news updates. You can follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn
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Merchant Banking: Meaning and Functions of Merchant Banking
Meaning and Functions of Merchant Banking are as follows:
The term ‘merchant banking’ has been used differently in different parts of the world. While in U.K. merchant banking refers to the ‘accepting and issuing houses’, in U.S.A. it is known as ‘investment banking’. The word merchant banking has been so widely used that sometimes it is applied to banks who are not merchants, sometimes to merchants who are not banks and sometimes to those intermediaries who are neither merchants not banks.
In India merchant banking services were started only in 1967 by National Grindlays Bank followed by Citi Bank in 1970. The State Bank of India was the first Indian Commercial Bank having set up separate Merchant Banking Division in 1972. In India merchant banks have been primarily operating as issue houses than full- fledged merchant banks as in other countries.
A merchant bank may be defined as an institution or an organisation which provides a number of services including management of securities issues, portfolio services, underwriting of capital issues, insurance, credit syndication, financial advices, project counselling etc. There is a distinction between a commercial bank and a merchant bank. The merchant banks mainly offer financial services for a fee. while commercial banks accept deposits and grant loans. The merchant banks do not act as repositories for savings of the individuals.
Functions of Merchant Banks:
The basic function of a merchant banker is marketing corporate and other securities. Now they are required to take up some allied functions also.
A merchant bank now takes up the following functions:
1. Promotional Activities:
A merchant bank functions as a promoter of industrial enterprises in India He helps the entrepreneur in conceiving an idea, identification of projects, preparing feasibility reports, obtaining Government approvals and incentives, etc. Some of the merchant banks also provide assistance for technical and financial collaborations and joint ventures
2. Issue Management:
In the past, the function of a merchant banker had been mainly confined to the management of new public issues of corporate securities by the newly formed companies, existing companies (further issues) and the foreign companies in dilution of equity as required under FERA In this capacity the merchant banks usually act as sponsor of issues.
They obtain consent of the Controller of Capital Issues (now, the Securities and Exchange Board of India) and provide a number of other services to ensure success in the marketing of securities. The services provided by them include, the preparation of the prospectus, underwriting arrangements, appointment of registrars, brokers and bankers to the issue, advertising and arranging publicity and compliance of listing requirements of the stock-exchanges, etc.
They act as experts of the type, timing and terms of issues of corporate securities and make them acceptable for the investors on the one hand and also provide flexibility and freedom to the issuing companies.
3. Credit Syndication:
Merchant banks provide specialised services in preparation of project, loan applications for raising short-term as well as long- term credit from various bank and financial institutions, etc. They also manage Euro-issues and help in raising funds abroad.
4. Portfolio Management:
Merchant banks offer services not only to the companies issuing the securities but also to the investors. They advise their clients, mostly institutional investors, regarding investment decisions. Merchant bankers even undertake the function of purchase and sale of securities for their clients so as to provide them portfolio management services. Some merchant bankers are operating mutual funds and off shore funds also.
5. Leasing and Finance:
Many merchant bankers provide leasing and finance facilities to their customers. Some of them even maintain venture capital funds to assist the entrepreneurs. They also help companies in raising finance by way of public deposits.
6. Servicing of Issues:
Merchant banks have also started to act as paying agents for the service of debt- securities and to act as registrars and transfer agents. Thus, they maintain even the registers of shareholders and debenture holders and arrange to pay dividend or interest due to them
7. Other Specialised Services:
In addition to the basic activities involving marketing of securities, merchant banks also provide corporate advisory services on issues like mergers and amalgamations, tax matters, recruitment of executives and cost and management audit, etc. Many merchant bankers have also started making of bought out deals of shares and debentures. The activities of the merchant bankers are increasing with the change in the money market.
Short notes on Universal Banking
Get complete information on the Assistance Provided By Merchant Bankers
Comprehensive Notes on Merchant Banking in India
Get complete information on SEBI Guidelines on Merchant Banking
Paragraph on Life of a Fisherman – by Anand
Top 6 Facilities Provided by Banks to Customers
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HEi-know
HEi News Roundup live
The TEF may not be perfect -- but it's still worth going for gold
As the latest Teaching Excellence and Student Outcomes Framework (TEF) results are published, Sue Reece, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Student Experience) at Staffordshire University, says the efforts her institution made to move up from a Silver to a Gold award were worth it, despite flaws in the TEF methodology.
Study finds progress on tackling hate crime and sexual harassment on campus
Universities awarded funding as part of a large-scale programme to tackle hate crime and sexual harassment on campus have made good progress, an evaluation of the scheme has concluded.
Hinds urges OfS to take “ambitious” measures to protect HE standards
Education Secretary Damian Hinds has urged the Office for Students to adopt “ambitious” new measures “in order to tackle risks to the world class quality of higher education” in the UK.
"Open border" universities perform best in new U-Multirank rankings
The most internationally engaged "open border" universities perform best in the quality of their education, research impact, and knowledge transfer, according to U-Multirank, which has published its latest set of global rankings.
Augar proposals must not mean supporting FE at the expense of HE
The Augar review panel was right to highlight under-funding of further education, but addressing this should not mean cuts in the higher education budget, argues Dr Joe Marshall, Chief Executive Officer of the National Centre for Universities and Business (NCUB).
You are here: Home > HEi Know > HEi News > Half of students think feminism is "too radical", survey finds
Half of students think feminism is "too radical", survey finds
Over half of students feel the feminism movement is too radical, according to a survey conducted by The Student Room.
Responses to the student online community's poll of over 2,000 students particularly highlighted a negative perception of feminism among male students, with nearly half (46 per cent) believing it meant women getting superior treatment to men, 41 per cent seeing it as representing "man hating", and 31 per cent associating it with "angry women".
The results, timed to coincide with International Women's Day, suggested female students were three times more likely to describe themselves as feminists as their male peers.
Female respondents had a more positive impression of feminism, seeing it as the political, economic and cultural equality of the sexes (64 per cent), the pursuit of equal rights for men and women (62 per cent) and both genders working together to advocate for equality (52 per cent).
The research also shed light on the impact that campaigns like #MeToo and Time’s Up have had on young people, and revealed some stark differences between male and female students.
Male students admitted to being more concerned about offending someone when sharing their opinions on feminist issues (45 per cent), and even reported to feeling tired of hearing about gender inequality (60 per cent). Most concerningly, 65 per cent of male respondents claimed that campaigns like #MeToo, Time’s Up and the Women’s March had no impact on them at all.
Amongst female students, however, the research revealed a very different stance, with 68 per cent of female respondents feeling more hopeful thanks to high profile campaigns. In addition, almost half of female respondents said they felt more informed on feminist issues (49 per cent), and would be more comfortable calling out gender inequality in the future (49 per cent).
The research also revealed that global activism had not just changed young women’s attitudes to gender inequality. One in five female respondents (20 per cent) had been inspired to take action following high profile campaigns by donating to a charity or attending an event. Amongst women who had experienced sexist behaviour in the past, 65 per cent of them said they would be more likely to take action thanks to these campaigns.
Hannah Morrish, Student Choice and Higher Education Lead at The Student Room said: “We’ve seen lots of conversations on the site with students sharing their opinions on these campaigns, and gender inequality in general. It’s encouraging to see from this research that the prominence of these campaigns is having an impact on young women’s attitudes towards gender equality, and is inspiring them to take action.
“However, the fact that young men have such a negative perception of feminism is concerning. It’s clear that there is still work that needs to be done to ensure young men are engaged with this issue, and feel part of the conversation."
Students Top Ten Feminist Icons in 2018
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Killing Eve | Lefsetz Letter
They gave me a free subscription to Hulu so I could watch Beau Willimon’s “The First.”
The female lead was miscast and Sean Penn was so macho it was a turn-off. Penn needs to prove that a little guy can have cojones too, and you just have to laugh, he seems to take himself so SERIOUSLY!
But “Killing Eve” does not.
That’s the confounding thing, the tone, you’re not sure whether it’s serious or comical and then you decide just to run with it.
It was on BBC America and my e-mail implored me to watch it but to be truthful the commercials ruined it and after two episodes, we gave up.
But then I found out it was on Hulu, and I wanted to finish it before my three month subscription ran out.
Now “Killing Eve” is not as good as “House of Cards,” which Beau Willimon ran so well. “House of Cards” was the breakthrough streaming show just like “The Sopranos” was the breakthrough cable show. Oh sure, HBO had “Dream On” and “Larry Sanders” before, but neither of them pushed the format to the point where television eclipsed movies. I still remember Meadow manipulating her parents, telling them to punish her by taking away her gas card. It’s these little insights that bond you. Kids today manipulate their parents, they’re best friends with their parents, nobody in the boomer era EVER said their parents were their best friends, but today…
And “House of Cards” was full of wisdom.
And stunningly, “Killing Eve” is too.
First of all, it’s a small coterie of people who control the world. Forget whether Russia was meddling with the election, the fact that Trump knew these people and interacted with them begs the question…WHICH SIDE ARE YOU ON?
But what if there are no sides. What if the same cabal runs the entire world. Especially those you’ve never heard the name of.
That’s one big point in “Killing Eve,” the TWELVE.
The other is the line uttered by Irina deep into the series, when she delineates the power of information, the world runs on it, and those who have it and can analyze it triumph in the end.
It works on every level, macro and micro. And you can use this information to manipulate or to take a stand but one thing’s for sure, you use it to discover where the game is going. He who knows this continues to play, he (OR SHE!) who doesn’t, is ultimately left behind.
That’s what ages you, when the game overwhelms you, when it’s just too much. When someone starts complaining about streaming and smartphones and social media, know that they’re on their way out, the game has overwhelmed them, they’re never gonna pass GO! and get two hundred dollars ever again.
And “Killing Eve” is a female-dominated show. It’s not about giving women male roles, but creating female roles and letting women shine.
Like Sandra Oh.
I know, she was on that medical drama. But I’ve never seen an episode of “Grey’s Anatomy.” That’s entertainment, I’m looking for life, the essence. And that was depicted in Oh’s starring role in her feature debut, 1994’s “Double Happiness.” Back when I used to read the reviews and go to the theatre, when being a fan of foreign and indie film was a pursuit, before Sundance led the studios into the territory and it all collapsed.
And sure, she’s got that wonderful hair, but first and foremost, Sandra Oh can act! Can do things with her face the models cannot. She illustrates acting is a profession.
As for Jodie Comer, she was hard to figure out. Was she too cute, or not quite beautiful enough. Was it her awkward, unbelievable smile? But when Sandra talks with Anna and you find out Jodie’s history, it all comes together.
And speaking of Anna, Susan Lynch embodies Russia in this role. She’s not classically beautiful, she’s got some miles on her face, she’s not stick thin, she’s a working woman, who is passionate and fulfilled by her work, but it doesn’t eclipse the absence of her husband.
And the episodes in Russia make the series. Maybe it’s just our preconception of the country, but the imperfection, the shabbiness, it rings true. And when I was there eight years ago, I was stunned that there was a window open in the Hermitage, right by a Picasso, whereas climate control is key in western museums, and our guide was playing the game of payoffs to get her daughter into a good school, and this is what makes art, when it’s more than story.
And when it takes you away.
Like I said, you’re not sure whether to laugh or cry, whether to be engrossed or skeptical, but eventually you go with the flow. It’s almost like a James Bond movie starring women, but with a Bond not as bogus as Roger Moore or as one dimensional as Daniel Craig.
And what is life anyway?
As Villanelle says, it’s about a great flat, a fun job and having someone to lie in bed and watch movies with. That’s it. Sure, accomplishments are fun, fame can pay dividends, but neither necessarily make you more happy.
And Villanelle wants to be happy. She can never quite get there, but she wants it so bad.
And so do we. We’re searching for it all the time.
A fun job. What a concept. Not a status job, or a well-remunerated job, but one that makes you smile and laugh. Is being an assassin fun?
To Villanelle it is.
So I’m not saying to put “Killing Eve” on your must-list.
And now that I’ve got Hulu I haven’t bothered to watch “The Handmaid’s Tale.” Funny, the bigger the buzz, the more I don’t want to catch up on it. If everybody’s watching it, like “Game of Thrones,” I don’t need to. I’ll catch up a couple of years after the series is completed, when it’s all not dribbled out episode by episode, when no one’s talking about it at the water cooler and viewing it will seem like going down into a rabbit hole alone, having a private experience.
But limits are being tested on television all day long. Sure, it’s overwhelming, sure there are too many shows, but it’s like having too many websites, no one complained about that during the advent of the internet.
Enjoy it. It won’t last forever. Just like blockbusters killed the movie business. Imagine if there was no “Jaws,” no “Star Wars,” imagine if film continued to be about real life, story…
Then you’d have television.
Then you’d have “Killing Eve.”
[from https://ift.tt/2k9aO1A]
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Something New Takes Flight at Children’s Memorial Hermann
HOUSTON (August24, 2017)
Children’s Memorial Hermann and Memorial Hermann Life Flight® today unveiled a new look for one of the signature red Life Flight helicopters. The redesigned helicopter sports a bright green exterior and features the Children’s Memorial Hermann logo.
“Memorial Hermann Life Flight was the first hospital-based air ambulance service in the state and has been flying pediatric patients for the past 41 years,” said Susie Distefano, SVP and CEO of Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital. “Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital, in partnership with Memorial Hermann Life Flight, was the first pediatric hospital in the community to provide hospital-based ground and air ambulance transportation for critically ill newborns, children and high-risk obstetric patients. The aircraft redesign puts a fresh face on our commitment to children and the Houston community as a whole.”
The green helicopter will be reintegrated immediately into the existing Life Flight fleet and will operate alongside the other five, red aircrafts.
“Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital recently celebrated its 30th anniversary,” said Tom Flanagan, Vice President of the Trauma Service Line for Memorial Hermann Health System and Chief Operating Officer at Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center. “The new look of this aircraft serves as a symbol of our devotion to continue providing compassionate, high quality care to women and children in their greatest times of need.”
In addition to the helicopter’s makeover, the Children’s Transport Team at Children’s Memorial Hermann will be sporting new uniforms, which are black with bright green stripes that accent the sides of the jumpsuit and match the new helicopter.
For pediatric patients needing critical care, increasing the chance for survival and recovery means getting the best care as quickly as possible. Led by pediatric and neonatal intensive care physicians, the Children's Transport Team provides specialized emergency pediatric and neonatal transport services for patients from infants and premature babies, including those born as early as 23 weeks' gestation and weighing as little as one pound, to adolescents – around the clock, 365 days a year.
Our transport capabilities ensure that pediatric patients admitted to local, regional, national and international hospitals can be quickly transferred to a hospital within the Memorial Hermann Health System. Depending on the location and severity of the child's medical condition, the transport team will use:
A ground ambulance service for cases up to 300 miles away
Memorial Hermann Life Flight for cases up to 150 miles away
Fixed-wing air transport worldwide
Memorial Hermann is the only Houston-based health system that offers this innovative service to transport pediatric patients as well as adult patients and care for them at one facility, helping to ensure all patients receive the best care from specialized physicians as soon as possible.
Memorial Hermann Red Duke Trauma Institute is the only certified Level I trauma center in the Texas Medical Center able to admit and care for patients of all ages under one roof. This provides a unique advantage for families, especially in trauma situations when multiple family members are admitted to the Emergency Center, as we are equipped to care for the entire family unit in one place.
Life Flight was founded in 1976 by James "Red" Duke, M.D., and the service operates around the clock – weather permitting – 24-hours a day, 365 days a year. Crews perform more than 3,000 missions each year, making the John S. Dunn Helistop one of the busiest helipads in the world. Since its inaugural flight, Memorial Hermann Life Flight has flown more than 140,000 missions.
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You are here: Home / Featured Aftermarket Tuners / POSAIDON performance enhancements for the Mercedes AMG G 63
POSAIDON performance enhancements for the Mercedes AMG G 63
March 11, 2019 By Mike
POSAIDON: Up to 880 hp / 1,200 Nm in the G class
Even though it does not look like anything has changed for the last 40 years, under the hood of the Mercedes G class series (W463) introduced last May is an entirely redeveloped vehicle with ultramodern state-of-the-art technology. Of course, the same also applies to the drive: the sporty spearhead of the G series is the Mercedes AMG G 63, which is powered by a 585 hp 4.0-liter V8 (M 177). The AMG off-roader is therefore just as powerful as its sports car brother, the AMG GT R, which is optimized for track use and is fueled by the same engine (with the exception of the dry sump lubrication used in this model).
But, as you would except, the engineers at POSAIDON, who are specialized in performance optimization of Mercedes Benz and in particular Mercedes AMG engines, are also taking the G 63 to the next level.
Even the “smallest” step up in the POSAIDON power program for the G 63 pushes the four-liter V8 to 700 hp and 950 Nm using software upgrades. Thanks to TÜV approval, a record of the power increase can be included in the legally required vehicle documents. And so, with more ammunition in its arsenal, the 2.5-ton luxury off-roader can reach speeds of 100 km/h in just 4.2 seconds and, thanks to an additional control device installed by POSAIDON that does away with factory Vmax restriction, can reach a maximum speed of 250 km/h. POSAIDON is offering this “liberating” upgrade for almost all current Mercedes Benz and Mercedes AMG vehicles.
But the G is even more ferocious when the POSAIDON engineers set to work not just on the electronics, but also on the hardware: The transformation of the G 63 to “POSAIDON RS 830” includes upgrades to both OEM turbochargers and forged high-performance pistons and high-pressure fuel pumps. On top of that, there are new exhaust manifolds and downpipes with sports catalytic converters. The result – as indicated in the name – is a whopping 830 hp and a maximum torque of a mighty 1,100 Nm. In order to keep a handle on this kind of power, POSAIDON is also adapting both the engine software and the transmission software in the RS 830 conversion. The POSAIDON RS 830 can go from 0 to 100 km/h in a lightning-fast 3.9 seconds, and its Vmax is 266 km/h. The RS 830 transformation is also approved by TÜV.
The top athlete in the POSAIDON G family is the RS 830+. Instead of an upgrade to the series turbochargers, this car gets entirely new, ball bearing-mounted high-performance turbochargers in addition to the upgrades mentioned above. This produces a power output of 880 hp and 1,200 Nm, which means that a top speed of 271 km/h is possible. The 0-100 km/h sprint is completed in just 3.7 seconds.
To cap it all off, POSAIDON is making changes to the power display in the AMG menu of the on-board computer: here, drivers and passengers can see the exact power and torque values produced by the vehicle at any time, providing a clear picture of its true power. POSAIDON is not only offering this modification for the G 63, but also for all other current AMG models.
All additional facts, as well as pricing and delivery information can be obtained from:
POSAIDON GmbH & Co. KG Fraunhofer-Straße 13 56218 Mülheim-Kärlich, GERMANY Tel.: 0800-POSAIDON (0800-76724366, free of charge from all German networks) Tel.: +49 (0) 261 921 66 80 0 (D / AT / CH) Email: info@posaidon.de www.posaidon.de
Filed Under: Featured Aftermarket Tuners
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Home » General »
2011 MTV Video Music Awards Nominees Announced
By Anna Ranch on December 3, 2017 7:01 am in General, Hollywood, Music Junkie / no comments
Katy Perry and The VMA Spaceman
The 2011 MTV Video Music Awards nominees list has just been released. Katy Perry bagged the most number of nominations, totalling to nine. Her nominations include “Video of the Year” and “Best Female Video.” Meanwhile, The Rolling In The Deep singer Adele and the comebacking Kanye West have seven nods each.
Here’s the full list of this year’s VMA nominees.
VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Adele, “Rolling in the Deep”
Tyler, The Creator, “Yonkers”
Katy Perry, “Firework”
Bruno Mars, “Grenade”
Beastie Boys, “Make Some Noise”
BEST FEMALE VIDEO
Beyonce, “Run The World (Girls)”
Nicki Minaj, “Super Bass”
Lady Gaga, “Born This Way”
BEST MALE VIDEO
Cee Lo Green, “F*** You”
Eminem feat. Rihanna, “Love the Way You Lie”
Kanye West feat. Rihanna & Kid Cudi, “All of the Lights”
Justin Bieber, “U Smile”
BEST HIP HOP VIDEO
Lil Wayne feat. Cory Gunz, “6?7?”
Chris Brown feat. Lil Wayne & Busta Rhymes, “Look at Me Now”
Lupe Fiasco, “The Show Goes On”
Foster The People, “Pumped Up Kicks”
Wiz Khalifa, “Black and Yellow”
Big Sean feat. Chris Brown, “My Last”
Kreayshawn, “Gucci Gucci”
BEST POP VIDEO
Pitbull feat. NE-YO, Nayer & Afrojack, “Give Me Everything”
Katy Perry, “Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)”
Britney Spears, “Till the World Ends”
BEST ROCK VIDEO
The Black Keys, “Howlin For You”
Foo Fighters, “Walk”
Mumford & Sons, “The Cave”
Cage The Elephant, “Shake Me Down”
BEST COLLABORATION
Katy Perry feat. Kanye West, “E.T.”
Nicki Minaj feat. Drake, “Moment 4 Life”
BEST ART DIRECTION
Lady Gaga, “Judas”
Kanye West, “Power”
Death Cab For Cutie, “You Are a Tourist”
Bruno Mars, “The Lazy Song”
LMFAO feat. Lauren Bennett & GoonRock, “Party Rock Anthem”
Katy Perry, “Teenage Dream”
Thirty Seconds to Mars, “Hurricane”
BEST DIRECTION
Manchester Orchestra, “Simple Math”
BEST SFX (SPECIAL EFFECTS)
Linkin Park, “Waiting for the End
Chromeo, “Don’t Turn the Lights On”
The MTV Video Music Awards will be airing live from Nokia Theatre on August 28.
Adele, Kanye West, Katy Perry, MTV, vma, VMAs 2011
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Private Stock has created this Privacy Policy to inform you of our information collection, use and sharing practices for this Web site. Please also review our Terms & Conditions which also govern your use of this Web Site. Please be advised that the practices described in this Privacy Policy apply only to information gathered through this Web site and, where applicable, through our Customer Service Department in connection with this Web site, and do not necessarily reflect our practices with respect to information gathered through other Web sites that we operate or through other off-line means. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this Privacy Policy, you should contact our Customer Service Department.
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We collect and store certain other information automatically whenever you interact with this Web site. For example, we collect your IP address, browser information and reference site domain name every time you visit this Web site. We also collect information regarding customer traffic patterns and site usage. This information is used to analyze and improve this Web site and to provide our customers with a fulfilling experience.
Also, like many Web sites, we use “cookies”, which are files stored on your computer’s hard drive by your browser. Cookies do not contain personally identifiable information. Cookies are also used to track the identity of the Web site you visited immediately prior to visiting this Web site; otherwise, we do not track information about your use of other Web sites. Most browsers accept cookies automatically but allow you to disable them. We recommend that you leave cookies “turned on” so that we can offer you a better shopping experience on this Web site. We also may collect and store information about you that we receive from other sources, to enable us to update and correct the information contained in our database and to provide product recommendations and special offers that we think will interest you.
Is Information Collected From Children?
This Web site is not intended or directed to anyone under the age of 13. We do not sell or ship any items ordered through this Web site directly to anyone who we know to be under the age of 13, nor do we collect any personal information from anyone who we know to be under the age of 13. If you are under the age of 13, you should use this Web site only with the involvement of a parent or guardian and should not submit any personal information to us.
With Whom Do You Share Information?
We do not share with others, or sell or rent to others, any personal information that you provide to us through this Web site or through our Customer Service Department, except with your consent or as described in this Privacy Policy.
We engage third parties to perform services in connection with the operation of our business. Examples of these services include marketing and promotional material distribution, Web site evaluation, data analysis and, where applicable, data cleansing. We provide personal information to these third parties, but we authorize them to use this information only in connection with the services they perform. We may release personal information if we believe in good faith that: the law or legal process requires it; we have received a valid administrative request from a law enforcement agency; or such release is necessary to protect the rights, property or safety of Private Stock, or any of our respective affiliates, business partners, customers or others.
We may share non-personal information with our marketing partners, advertisers and others from time to time. Examples of such non-personal information include the number of users who visited this Web site during a specific time period or purchased a specific product through this Web site. This information generally is shared in an aggregated form.
As with any business, it is possible that as our business develops, we might sell or buy online stores or other assets. In such transactions, information about customers often is among the transferred assets. Accordingly, in the event that Private Stock, or substantially all of our respective assets, are acquired by a third party, such information may be one of the transferred assets (unless the information was collected under a previous Privacy Policy that did not permit such disclosure). Under such circumstances, Private Stock as the case may be, would to the extent possible require the acquiring party to follow the practices described in this Privacy Policy.
What Happens When I Link To or From Another Web Site?
This Web site may contain links to Web sites operated by third parties. Please be advised that the practices described in this Privacy Policy do not apply to information gathered through these other Web sites. We encourage you to be aware of when you leave this Web site and to read the privacy policies of each and every Web site that you visit.
If you have accessed this Web site through a link from certain of our advertising or marketing partners, this Web site may include a frame of the applicable advertising or marketing partner. Nevertheless, the information you provide to us through these framed Web pages is collected by us, and our use of this information is governed by this Privacy Policy.
What About Contests and Sweepstakes?
When we run a contest or sweepstakes relating to this Web site, it will be accompanied by a set of rules. The rules for each contest/sweepstakes will specify how the information gathered from you for entry will be used and disclosed.
What About Online Surveys?
We may from time to time conduct on-line surveys. When you complete an online survey, we may ask for certain information including your age, zip code, shopping habits, email and/or mailing address. This information will be treated in accordance with this Privacy Policy.
How Will I Be Informed About Changes Regarding This Privacy Policy?
If we make any material changes to this Privacy Policy, we will post a notice on this Web site notifying users of the changes. In some cases, we also may send an email notifying users of the changes. You should check this Web site periodically to see if any recent changes to this Privacy Policy have occurred.
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SPE ANTEC® 2016 Plenary Sessions
Speakers at the plenary sessions of the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) ANTEC® 2016 conference will focus on the future of the plastics industry, with special emphasis on additive manufacturing, 3D printing, and the promise of automotive light-weighting through use of carbon fiber composites.
ANTEC 2016, the world’s largest plastics technical conference, will take place May 23-25 at the JW Marriott Indianapolis in Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.A.
Plenary sessions will include the following presentations:
Monday, May 23: Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing: State of the Industry, by Tim Caffrey, senior consultant at Wohler Associates.
Tim Caffrey is a senior consultant at Wohlers Associates Inc., Fort Collins, Colorado. His responsibilities include the execution of consulting projects, speaking, and representing the company at national and international events. He is a principal author of the Wohlers Report, an in-depth worldwide study of the state of the additive manufacturing and 3D printing industry. He has worked with Wohlers Associates since 2000.
Tuesday, May 24: The State of the Plastics Industry: Outlook for 2016 and Beyond. This will be a discussion by a panel of industry editors, followed by a discussion between the editors and members of SPE’s Next Generation Advisory Board.
Plastics Industry Editors Panel will include Jim Callari, associate publisher and editorial director of Plastics Technology; Susan Flynn, managing editor of Composites Manufacturing; Clare Goldsberry, senior contributing editor of Plastics Today; and Don Loepp, editor in chief of Plastics News. Mike Tolinski, managing editor of SPE’s Plastics Engineering, will serve as moderator. Don Rosato, publications chairman for the Plastics Institute of America at the University of Massachusetts—Lowell, will serve as coordinator.
Wednesday, May 25: A Platform for Novel Lightweight Automotive Composite Design, by Antony Dodworth, chief technology and manufacturing officer at Bright Light Structures.
Antony Dodworth is chief technology and manufacturing officer at Bright Light Structures, LLC, San Francisco, California. His automotive career began in 1985 with chassis engineering for the Indianapolis 500. He has worked for Bright Lite Structures since 2011. From 2003 until 2011 he was principal research manager at Bentley Motors Ltd. where he led a team investigating the adoption of composite materials. He has designed, worked on, and built chasses for the March Indy 500 car; Leyton House F1; McLaren F1 and F1 road car; Hyundai Coupe concept; Cadillac Cien; Jaguar F Type concept; and Bentley GT concept, road car convertible, Supersport, Mulsanne, and T35. He lectures frequently on composite fibers at universities and serves on the boards of composite fiber industry associations.
“The plenary sessions at ‘ANTEC at Indy’ will offer a unique view of the future of plastics,” said Donna S. Davis, technical conference chair of ANTEC 2016. “And with the running of the 100th anniversary Indianapolis 500 race taking place on the following Sunday, we couldn’t miss the opportunity for one of our plenary speakers to look at the future of automotive.”
For more information, visit: www.antec.ws
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MMA Launches First-Ever “Internet of Things” Incubation Council to Increase Education and Innovation Opportunities for Members
Introduction Coincides with MMA’s Upcoming SM2 Innovation Summit During NYC Advertising Week September 30-October 1
MMA Logo
Mobile has clearly transformed business and has changed what’s possible for marketers as they engage their consumers. Now we are seeing how the Internet of Things is further disrupting the way in which brand marketers connect with their consumers."
New York (PRWEB) September 25, 2014
The Mobile Marketing Association (MMA), the leading global trade association for the mobile industry, today announced the launch of the Internet of Things (IoT) Incubation Council. The IoT Incubation Council, which will bring together various experts in IoT, marketing and technology fields, will focus on examining and understanding the impact that IoT technologies, like wearables and the connected car, will have on marketing and how they’ll change the way brands create products and services to interact with consumers.
“Mobile has clearly transformed business and has changed what’s possible for marketers as they engage their consumers. Now we are seeing how the Internet of Things is further disrupting the way in which brand marketers connect with their consumers. In essence, the product has become the medium,” said Sheryl Daija, chief strategy officer at the MMA. “The Council will help marketers prepare for this next mobile phenomenon and create a culture of education, experimentation and innovation.”
As the IoT industry continues to pick up steam, it’s becoming clear that the next tech phenomenon will not be browser-based, but rather a mobile-driven Internet created by objects and apps that are able to intelligently communicate with each other. Through a network of interconnected devices, the IoT will help us complete everyday tasks – from exercising and sleeping to powering cars and living in connected homes – in a more efficient and streamlined way. With the recent introduction of devices like the Apple Watch and large acquisitions of device manufacturers like Google’s $3.2 billion acquisition of Nest, this revolution is closer than many think. In fact, Gartner predicts that the wearable market will reach $12 billion by 2018, up from zero in 2009.
The MMA has already appointed two industry experts to co-chair the Council, including Richard Ting, EVP, global executive creative director, mobile & social platforms, at R/GA, and Gregory Kennedy, VP of marketing at Tapsense. The MMA will select and invite a number of other industry influencers and leaders to join the IoT Incubation Council in the coming weeks.
“The IoT is still in its infancy but we’re already seeing many different vertical industries, from healthcare to energy monitoring, embrace this movement to create new disruptive products and services,” said Ting. “Before brand marketers jump on this trend, they need to take a step back and think about what value-added products and services they can create for consumers – before leveraging it as a marketing or advertising channel.”
"The emergence of wearables and the Internet of Things has huge implications for the future of entertainment and advertising products,” said Kennedy. “It will provide context beyond just location and proximity and help deliver key user data for marketers. I am excited to be part of this council and provide feedback on how these issues can be addressed by both the publishing and advertising ecosystem.”
Key goals of the IoT Incubation Council will be to ensure brands are educated on industry advancements and prepared for its inevitable adoption. It will also serve as a think tank and will work to foster innovation in the way that brands approach IoT and wearable device marketing.
The launch of the IOT Incubation Council coincides with the MMA’s upcoming SM2 Innovation Summit at Highline Stages during NYC Advertising Week on September 30-October 1. Focused on how mobile is driving the innovation of marketing, SM2 will feature an “experience room” focused on the IoT, where attendees can touch, feel and interact with a variety of wearable technologies and even check out a Lincoln MKZ Connected Car. Richard Ting will also kick-off two days of sessions, which will include presentations from Facebook, Unilever, Hasbro, BNY Mellon, Ford and others. If you’re interested in attending SM2, please visit: http://www.mmaglobal.com/sm2/register.
For MMA Members that would like to participate in the IoT Incubation Council, please visit:
http://www.mmaglobal.com/programs/internet-things-incubation-council.
About the Mobile Marketing Association (MMA)
The MMA is the world’s leading global non-profit trade mobile marketing association comprised of more than 800 member companies, from nearly fifty countries around the world. Our members hail from every faction of the mobile marketing ecosystem including brand marketers, agencies, mobile technology platforms, media companies, operators and others. The MMA’s mission is to accelerate the transformation and innovation of marketing through mobile, driving business growth with closer and stronger consumer engagement. Anchoring the MMA’s mission are four core pillars; to cultivate inspiration by driving the innovation for the Chief Marketing Officer; to build the mobile marketing capabilities for the marketing organizations through fostering know- how and confidence; to champion the effectiveness and impact of mobile through research providing tangible ROI measurement; and advocacy. Additionally MMA industry-wide committees work collaboratively to develop and advocate global best practices and lead standards development.
Mobile Marketing is broadly defined as including advertising, apps, messaging, mCommerce and CRM on all mobile devices including smart phones and tablets. Members include, American Express, AdChina, Colgate - Palmolive, Dunkin’ Brands, Facebook, Google, Group M, Hewlett Packard, Hilton Worldwide, Kellogg Co., L’Oréal, MasterCard, McDonalds, Microsoft, Mondelez International Inc., Pandora Media, Procter & Gamble, R/GA, The Coca-Cola Company, The Weather Company, Unilever, Visa, Vodafone, Walmart, xAd, Zenith Optimedia and many more. The MMA’s global headquarters are located in New York with regional operations in Europe/Middle East/Africa (EMEA), Latin American (LATAM) and Asia Pacific (APAC). For more information about the MMA please visit http://www.mmaglobal.com.
Erin Lockhart
Epoch PR
erin(at)epoch-pr(dot)com
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Paramedic to RN
Fire Science Degrees
Public Health Degrees
LPN to RN
BS in Homeland Security
MPA Homeland Security
Public Personnel Mgmt.
A.S. in Fire Science
Online Public Safety Degrees and Education Resources - Paramedic to RN, LPN to RN Programs, Criminal Justice, Fire Science Degrees, and Many More
Recent events have brought the Public Safety of the American people into the forefront of education. The need for trained personnel in all areas of Public Safety is growing rapidly, and many are stepping up to become the new American heroes in our society.
Plagues, natural phenomenon, war, multi-casualty accidents, and acts or terrorism are all examples of just a few of the various crises that the human culture has to deal with. When one of these occurs, the effects can be felt thousands of miles away in the daily lives of people from around the world.
Since the beginning of history record keeping, incidences of people assisting others during emergencies have been recorded. Hippocrates, was regarded as "The Father of Modern Medicine", and is noted for being among the first to categorize and treat epidemic diseases. The idea of protecting the safety of the public people made an early appearance. In 1656 the Dutch Merchant vessel Vergulde Draeck wrecked off the coast of Australia. It was then that one of the earliest recorded multi-casualty search and rescue efforts began.
"We live in the midst of alarms; anxiety beclouds the future; we expect some new disaster with each newspaper we read"
Abraham Lincoln 29 May 1856
The population of the world is growing, and along with the massive growth in world population, also comes a higher probability of people to encounter disasters more frequently. The time to become prepared for such emergencies has come, and society has risen to meet this obligation by creating more advanced response systems, incident command systems, and rescue task force teams. Federal, State, and Local Governments have invested billions of dollars in creating agencies at all levels in order to respond to crisis in shorter response times, and with more prepared task forces.
Education is the Key
Find the program you want
Request the information
Get started with your new career!!
It's that easy!!
Rising up to meet the challenges of creating leaders and task members of these response teams is the educational system of today's society. Many colleges and universities are working quickly to create and implement professionally designed programs to teach individuals how to function in all facets of the demands on public safety. Accredited degree programs in virtually every aspect of public safety and emergency management are available to students, and governmental funding is available for many of the courses offered. The goal is to create a Public Safety Response system designed to facilitate early fast response times, provide the best in care available, and to bring about rapid recovery and cleanup efforts.
Advances in modern emergency responses hinge greatly on the ability to educate those working in the field. More and more students are finding new programs each day to advance their education and make a positive impact towards creating a more stable environment for American citizens to live in. Some of those programs include the Paramedic to RN Bridge, EMT to BS in EMS Management, LPN to RN Bridge, Emergency and Disaster Management, a great many Criminal Justice Degrees, and many more options. We can help you get started in those programs and many more!
The Beginners Guide to Understanding Cardiology
Cardiology can be intimidating and overwhelming to someone new to the field. It expands to include: not only the heart itself, but also the entire venous and arterial structure, how it interacts with organ function, the complicated anatomy and pathophysiological features, and how certain chemicals interact and change the workings of the cardiac system. Because of this, it often helps to have easy references to look upon as refresher. This guide serves as a refresher for the experienced professional, and also as an introductory for someone new to cardiology. Read More »
Homeland Security Careers and Education
The Department of Homeland Security is not the only body that hires for Homeland Security jobs. Careers in Homeland Security can span virtually every type of career available. From IT to Law Enforcement, to Nursing, students can find jobs within the scope of Homeland Security. See what types of careers are available and the educational requirements needed to fill those career needs. Read More »
What is a Criminal Justice Degree
Criminal Justice encompasses a wide range of fields of study. Everything from Legal Assisting to Law Enforcement can benefit from degrees in Criminal Justice. Understanding what a degree in Criminal Justice is can help you decide how a Criminal Justice degree can benefit you. Read More »
Emergency Medical Degrees
Homeland Security Degrees
Criminal Justice Degrees
B.S. in EMS Management
Stories | Sitemap | ROR Sitemap | Privacy Policy | Contact US | Accreditation
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by Gary Cadwallader Read author interview March 15, 2006
If you look up the hill, you’ll see her. She watches every night and our view of her changes as we sail on the wind and land like black feathers upon her neck.
It is too warm for February and the moon is full. Orion’s belt is hard and close over the house and beyond that is the Milky Way. The black sky arcs like you’re at the bottom of the sea and the moon makes the pasture gray and blue and throws fuzzy shadows behind a man as he walks out of a stand of walnut trees. He leads an all-black stallion. He wears no clothes. The horse is unsaddled.
He rides in great circles mirroring the moon, which lights his skin as if he wore armor or silver scales and he sits upright with his arms outstretched, shouting, “Bring her back to me. Bring her back,” and hooves pound in punctuating rhythm like drums. The pair does not gallop; they canter like a man on a rocking horse or some Sagittarian creature thrown into the tide, bobbing in hypnotic rhythm.
She watches with binoculars from the wood-covered hill and she sees him riding counter-clockwise, always left, always left as if he’s turning back time and though she’s too far away to hear the words, she knows why his arms are spread wide towards the heavens.
She watches as he puts the horse away and walks back to the house. His head is down and he climbs the wooden steps slowly. Lights move from room to room. Lights go out. Lights come on. The door opens and something slips out and she says, “The cat,” and you can see the man look towards the hill, but his eyes never focus. Then all is dark.
She waits. When she’s sure he is asleep, she becomes a shadow among the walnut trees and slips through the door he never locks, avoids the creaky floor board and enters his darkened bedroom. One hand is at her belt.
He wakes up to the rustle of clothing and sits straight up as if he’s frightened and cowers from the looming thing so close to the bed.
She laughs.
He knows her now and says, “Marie?” as if it’s a question, though the tone of his voice says something else. In the blue light of the radio dial, she looks like one of the young girls from town, perhaps someone from the video store where he stops every night since she left, and where the young girls whisper when he rents romances.
“I scared you!” Marie is delighted with herself and she looks like a pale statue rising from the clothes around her ankles.
“What’s up?” he asks coolly, though his voice is higher than usual.
“I came to spend the night,” she says. She says it matter-of-fact, all composed, as if seven months mean nothing and then she tries to say, “I’m sorry,” but it is as if the words die in her throat or are not in English and the words drift away into awkward silence.
“I best take a bath,” he says throwing back the covers. “Been working all day.” He walks towards the bathroom, turning on the light and ignoring her nakedness. He turns the tap full on to cover his quick breathing and steps into the huge oval tub.
When he turns off the water, he can hear her slipping into the bed. “So, what’s up?” he asks again.
“I’ve been confused,” she says. “Things aren’t like I thought.”
“If you’re confused, won’t this make it worse?” There’s something you know here, something in his voice that says I want to be nice, but I’m really not. I’m selfish and want you back, but the face he shows her is innocent.
“Make it worse? Probably…” she says and he tells her to bring the shampoo. And you think, do it before he changes his mind.
She comes to him and her bare thighs are level with his mouth. She is soft and white. Lightly freckled and she smells like White Diamonds perfume.
“I knew you’d come back,” he says. “I dreamt it. In the dream, you only stayed one night, though.”
“I am. Just this one.”
He nods. Accepting. “I’ll have more dreams, you’ll see.” He grins slyly and you think of the moonlight ride.
He makes love to her, touching her everywhere and we know he’ll be sad when she leaves, but he won’t say anything. He won’t say, “Come back to me.” Not out loud. Not to her. Instead, he’ll talk to the moon and ride the great black horse he calls Voodoo.
Through the blinds, the full moon throws black stripes across their bodies.
Pushcart nominee Gary Cadwallader lives on a small farm in Warrensburg, Missouri where he likes to write about relationships between men and women.
This story appeared in Issue Twelve of SmokeLong Quarterly.
Mice Getting the Points
The Cellist
Ally’s First Step
Everybody in Holland Is Mad at Me
The Work Week
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A Shameful South Carolina Export
It’s not only Mexico and the Dominican Republic that are providing illegal substances that plague our nation and ruin our young peoples’ lives. We also hear about marijuana from British Columbia and California, methamphetamine labs just about anywhere, and apparently, synthetic drugs coming right here from South Carolina.
The whole “synthetic drug” craze has only been known for about two years now. Someone came up with a way to take various kinds of leaves and substances and treat them with legal chemicals in order to create a substance that can make a person high. Since these didn’t exist before, every state rushed, upon learning of their danger, to pass restrictions on them and get them ousted from store shelves.
A story from May 2012 says that federal investigators are finding these drugs entering Minnesota and Wisconsin and they are hot on the trail to find out who is shipping them from Texas and Nevada as well as from our home state. When the substances are being shipped illegally through the U.S. Postal System, that’s when the federal agents get more involved. Minnesota and Wisconsin passed laws last year against these synthetic drugs, which are often sold as “bath salts” or “plant food.” At least 14 search warrants have been issued because of packages received from Greenville, South Carolina.
It has been a gray area because for awhile these items were legal, and so it was not illegal to ship them to other states as well. The company here in South Carolina is called “Southern Burn” and the owner is a 26 year old man named Ravi Patel who is also the registered agent for Revolution Distribution. He shipped from a UPS store to the Twin Cities and Rochester, as well as in Tomah and Black River Falls, Wis.
There have been a number of overdoses that have occurred because of this product and as mentioned, all states are working through their legislative processes to add synthetic drugs to the list of illegal substances. It was only a year ago over in Blaine, Minnesota that a group of teens legally ordered these synthetic drugs through the mail, resulting in the death of 19 year old Trevor Robinson, who was described as “an ordinary kid” and “a new father,” and of the hospitalization of two of the friends.
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Summary Report of the Review of U.S. Human Space Flight Plans Committee
Status Report From: Review of U.S. Human Space Flight Plans Committee
To: John P. Holdren, Director, Office of Science and Technology Policy
Charles F. Bolden, Jr., Administrator, National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Lori B. Garver, Deputy Administrator, National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Cc: Sally C. Ericsson, Program Associate Director, Office of Management and Budget
From: Review of U.S. Human Space Flight Plans Committee
Subject: Summary Report
Dear Dr. Holdren and Mr. Bolden,
On behalf of the Chairman of the Review of U.S. Human Space Flight Plans Committee, Norman Augustine, Edward Crawley, Sally Ride, and the other members of the Committee, please accept the attached Summary Report.
This Summary Report provides an overview of the key findings, options, and issues identified by the Committee during its review of the U.S. human space flight plans and program.
The committee is currently engaged in preparing the Final Report for delivery to you. The Final Report will provide more detail and depth to the attached Summary Report and will include the supporting analyses from the Committee's review.
The U.S. human spaceflight program appears to be on an unsustainable trajectory. It is perpetuating the perilous practice of pursuing goals that do not match allocated resources. Space operations are among the most complex and unforgiving pursuits ever undertaken by humans. It really is rocket science. Space operations become all the more difficult when means do not match aspirations. Such is the case today.
The nation is facing important decisions on the future of human spaceflight. Will we leave the close proximity of low-Earth orbit, where astronauts have circled since 1972, and explore the solar system, charting a path for the eventual expansion of human civilization into space? If so, how will we ensure that our exploration delivers the greatest benefit to the nation? Can we explore with reasonable assurances of human safety? And, can the nation marshal the resources to embark on the mission?
Whatever space program is ultimately selected, it must be matched with the resources needed for its execution. How can we marshal the necessary resources? There are actually more options available today than in 1961 when President Kennedy challenged NASA and the nation to "land a man on the Moon by the end of the decade."
First, space exploration has become a global enterprise. Many nations have aspirations in space, and the combined annual budgets of their space programs are comparable to NASA's. If the United States is willing to lead a global program of exploration, sharing both the burden and benefit of space exploration in a meaningful way, significant benefits could follow. Actively engaging international partners in a manner adapted to today's multi-polar world could strengthen geopolitical relationships, leverage global resources, and enhance the exploration enterprise.
Second, there is now a burgeoning commercial space industry. If we craft the space architecture to provide opportunities to this industry, there is the potential--not without risk--that the costs to the government would be reduced. Finally, we are also more experienced than in 1961, and able to build on that experience as we design an exploration program. If, after designing cleverly, building alliances with partners, and engaging commercial providers, the nation cannot afford to fund the effort to pursue the goals it would like to embrace, it should accept the disappointment of setting lesser goals.
Can we explore with reasonable assurances of human safety? Human space travel has many benefits, but it is an inherently dangerous endeavor. Human safety can never be absolutely assured, but throughout this report, it is treated as a sine qua non. It is not discussed in extensive detail because any concepts falling short in human safety have simply been eliminated from consideration.
How will we explore to deliver the greatest benefit to the nation? Planning for a human spaceflight program should begin with a choice about its goals--rather than a choice of possible destinations. Destinations should derive from goals, and alternative architectures may be weighed against those goals. There is now a strong consensus in the United States that the next step in human spaceflight is to travel beyond low-Earth orbit. This should carry important benefits to society, including: driving technological innovation; developing commercial industries and important national capabilities; and contributing to our expertise in further exploration. Human exploration can contribute appropriately to the expansion of scientific knowledge, particularly in areas such as field geology, and it is in the interest of both science and human spaceflight that a credible and well-rationalized strategy of coordination between them be developed. Crucially, human spaceflight objectives should broadly align with key national objectives.
These more tangible benefits exist within a larger context. Exploration provides an opportunity to demonstrate space leadership while deeply engaging international partners; to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers; and to shape human perceptions of our place in the universe. The Committee concluded that the ultimate goal of human exploration is to chart a path for human expansion into the solar system. This is an ambitious goal, but one worthy of U.S. leadership in concert with a broad range of international partners.
The Committee's task was to review the U.S. plans for human spaceflight. In doing so, it assessed the programs within the current human spaceflight portfolio; considered capabilities and technologies a future program might require; and considered the roles of commercial industry and our international partners in this enterprise. From these deliberations, the Committee developed five integrated alternatives for the U.S. human spaceflight program. The considerations and the five alternatives are summarized in the pages that follow.
Key Questions to Guide the Plan for Human Spaceflight
The Committee identified the following questions that, if answered, would form the basis of a plan for U.S. human spaceflight:
What should be the future of the Space Shuttle?
What should be the future of the International Space Station (ISS)?
On what should the next heavy-lift launch vehicle be based?
How should crews be carried to low-Earth orbit?
What is the most practicable strategy for exploration beyond low-Earth orbit?
The Committee considers the framing and answering of these questions individually, and in a consistent way, to be at least as important as their combinations in the integrated options for a human spaceflight program.
1.0 CURRENT PROGRAMS
Before addressing options for the future human exploration program, it is appropriate to discuss the current programs: the Space Shuttle, ISS and Constellation, as well as the looming problem of "the Gap."
1.1. Space Shuttle
What should be the future of the Space Shuttle? The present plan is to retire it at the end of FY 2010, with its final flight scheduled for the last month of that fiscal year. Although the current Administration has relaxed the requirement to complete the last mission before the end of FY 2010, there are no funds in the FY 2011 budget for continuing Shuttle operations.
In considering the future of the Shuttle, the Committee assessed the realism of the current schedule; examined issues related to Shuttle workforce, reliability and cost; and weighed the risks and possible benefits of a Shuttle extension. The Committee noted that the projected flight rate is nearly twice that of the actual flight rate since return to flight after the Columbia accident. Recognizing that undue schedule and budget pressure can subtly impose a negative influence on safety, the Committee finds that a more realistic schedule is prudent. With the remaining flights likely to stretch into the second quarter of 2011, the Committee considers it important to budget for Shuttle operations through that time.
Although a thorough analysis of Shuttle safety was not part of its charter, the Committee did examine the Shuttle's safety record and reliability. New human-rated launch vehicles will likely be more reliable once they reach maturity, but in the meantime, the Shuttle is in the enviable position of being through its infant mortality phase. Its flight experience and demonstrated reliability should not be discounted.
Once the Shuttle is retired, there will be a gap in America's capability to launch humans into space. That gap will extend until the next U.S. human-rated launch system becomes available. The Committee estimates that, under the current plan, this gap will be at least seven years long. There has not been this long a gap in U.S. human launch capability since the U.S. human space program began.
Most of the integrated options presented below would retire the Shuttle after a prudent flyout of the current manifest, indicating that the Committee found the interim reliance on international crew services acceptable. However, one option does provide for an extension of Shuttle at a minimum safe flight rate to preserve U.S. capability to launch astronauts into space. If that option is selected, there should be a thorough review of Shuttle recertification conducted to date and overall Shuttle reliability to ensure that the risk associated with that extension would be acceptable. This review should be performed by an independent committee, with the purpose to ensure that NASA has met the intent behind the relevant recommendation of the Columbia Accident Investigation Board.1
1 "Prior to operating the Shuttle beyond 2010, develop and conduct a vehicle recertification at the material, component, subsystem, and system levels. Recertification requirements should be included in the Service Life Extension Program." [Columbia Accident Investigation Board, R9.2-1]
1.2 International Space Station
In considering the future of the International Space Station (ISS), the Committee asked two basic questions: What is the outlook between now and 2015? Should ISS be extended beyond 2015?
The Committee is concerned that the ISS, and particularly its utilization, may be vulnerable after Shuttle retirement. ISS was designed, assembled and operated with the capabilities of the Space Shuttle in mind. The present approach to its utilization is based on Shuttle-era experience. After Shuttle retirement, ISS will rely on a combination of new, and as yet unproven, international and commercial vehicles for cargo transport. Because the planned commercial resupply capability will be crucial to both ISS operations and utilization, it may be prudent to strengthen the incentives to the commercial providers to meet the schedule milestones.
Now that the ISS is nearly completed and is staffed by a full crew of six, its future success will depend on how well it is used. Up to now, the focus has been on assembling ISS, and this has come at the expense of using the Station. Utilization should have first priority in the years ahead. The Committee finds that the return on investment of ISS to both the United States and the international partners would be significantly enhanced by an extension of ISS life to 2020. It seems unwise to de-orbit the Station after 25 years of assembly and only five years of operational life. Not to extend its operation would significantly impair U.S. ability to develop and lead future international spaceflight partnerships. Further, the ISS should be funded to enable it to achieve its full potential: as the nation's newest national laboratory, as an enhanced test bed for technologies and operational techniques that support exploration, and as a framework that can support expanded international collaboration.
The strong and tested working relationship among international partners is perhaps the most important outcome of the ISS program. The partnership expresses a "first among equals" U.S. leadership style adapted to today's multi-polar world. That leadership could extend to exploration, as the ISS partners could engage at an early stage if aspects of exploration beyond low-Earth orbit were included in the goals of the partnership agreement.
1.3 The Constellation Program
The Constellation Program includes: the Ares I launch vehicle, capable of launching astronauts to low-Earth orbit; the Ares V heavy-lift launch vehicle, to send astronauts and equipment to the Moon; the Orion capsule, intended to carry astronauts to low-Earth orbit and beyond; and the Altair lunar lander and lunar surface systems astronauts will need to explore the lunar surface. As the Committee assessed the current status and possible future of the Constellation Program, it reviewed the technical, budgetary and schedule challenges that the program faces today. Given the funding originally expected, the Constellation Program was a reasonable architecture for human exploration. However, even when it was announced, its budget depended on funds becoming available from the retirement of the Space Shuttle in 2010 and the decommissioning of ISS in early 2016. Since then, as a result of technical and budgetary issues, the development schedules of Ares I and Orion have slipped, and work on Ares V and Altair has been delayed.
Most major vehicle-development programs face technical challenges as a normal part of the process, and Constellation is no exception. While significant, these are engineering problems, and the Committee expects that they can be solved. But these solutions may add to the program's cost and/or delay its schedule.
The original 2005 schedule showed Ares I and Orion available to support ISS in 2012, only two years after scheduled Shuttle retirement. The current schedule now shows that date as 2015. An independent assessment of the technical, budgetary and schedule risk to the Constellation Program performed for the Committee indicates that an additional delay of at least two years is likely.2 This means that Ares I and Orion will not reach ISS before the Station's currently planned termination, and the length of the gap in U.S. ability to launch astronauts into space will be no less than seven years.
2 The independent assessment was conducted for the Committee by the Aerospace Corporation.
The Committee also examined the design and development of Orion. Many concepts are possible for crew-exploration vehicles, and NASA clearly needs a new spacecraft for travel beyond low-Earth orbit. The Committee found no compelling evidence that the current design will not be acceptable for its wide variety of tasks in the exploration program. However, the Committee is concerned about Orion's recurring costs. The capsule is considerably larger and more massive than previous capsules (e.g., the Apollo capsule), and there is some indication that a smaller and lighter four-person Orion could reduce operational costs. However, a redesign of this magnitude would likely result in over a year of additional development time and a significant increase in cost, so such a redesign should be considered carefully before being implemented.
2.0 CABABILITY FOR LAUNCH TO LOW-EARTH ORBIT AND EXPLORATION BEYOND
2.1 Heavy-Lift Launch to Low-Earth Orbit and Beyond:
No one knows the mass or dimensions of the largest piece that will be required for future exploration missions, but it will likely be significantly larger than 25 metric tons (mt) in launch mass to low-Earth orbit, the capability of current launchers. As the size of the launcher increases, fewer launches and less operational complexity to assemble and/or refuel them results, and the net availability of launch capability increases. Combined with considerations of launch availability and on-orbit operations, the Committee finds that exploration will benefit from the availability of a heavy-lift vehicle. In addition, heavy lift would enable the launching of large scientific observatories and more capable deep-space missions. It may also provide benefit in national security applications. The question is: On what system should the next heavy-lift launch vehicle be based?
Table 2-1. Characteristics of heavy-lift launch vehicles, indicating the EELV and NASA heritage families.
Potential approaches to developing heavy-lift vehicles (Table 2-1) are based on NASA heritage (Shuttle and Apollo) and EELV (evolved expendable launch vehicle) heritage. Each has its distinct advantages and disadvantages.
In the Ares-V-plus-Ares-I system planned by the Constellation program, the Ares I launches the Orion and docks in low-Earth orbit with the Altair lander launched on the Ares V. It has the advantage of projected very high ascent crew safety, but it delays the development of the Ares V heavy lift vehicle until after the independently operated Ares I is developed.
In a different, related architecture, the Orion and Altair are launched on two separate "Lite" versions of the Ares V, providing for more robust mass margins. Building a single NASA vehicle could reduce carrying and operations costs, and accelerate heavy-lift development. Of these two Ares system alternatives, the Committee finds the Ares V Lite in the dual mode the preferred reference option.
The more directly Shuttle-derived family consists of in-line and side-mount vehicles substantially derived from the Shuttle, providing more continuity in workforce. The development cost of the more Shuttle-derived system would be lower, but it would be less capable than the Ares V family and have higher recurring costs. The lower launch capability could eventually be offset by developing on-orbit refueling.
The EELV-heritage systems have the least lift capability, so that to provide equal performance, almost twice as many launches would be required, when compared to the Ares family. If on-orbit refueling were developed and used, the number of launches could be reduced, but operational complexity would be added. However, the EELV approach would also represent a new way of doing business for NASA, which would have the benefit of potentially lowering development and operational costs. This would come at the cost of ending a substantial portion of the internal NASA capability to develop and operate launchers. It would also require that NASA and the Department of Defense jointly develop the new system.
All of the options would benefit from the development of in-space refueling, and the smaller rockets would benefit most of all. The potential government-guaranteed market for fuel in low-Earth orbit would create a stimulus to the commercial launch industry. In the design of the new launcher, in-space stages and in-space refueling, the Committee cautions against the tradition of designing for ultimate performance, at the cost of reliability, operational efficiency and life-cycle cost.
2.2 Crew Access to Low-Earth Orbit
How should U.S. astronauts be transported to low-Earth orbit? There are two basic approaches: a government-operated system and a commercial crew-delivery service. The current Constellation Program plan is to use the government-operated Ares I launch vehicle and the Orion crew capsule. However, the Committee found that, because of technical and budget issues, the Ares I schedule no longer supports the ISS.
Ares I was designed to a high standard in order to provide astronauts with access to low-Earth orbit at lower risk and a considerably higher level of reliability than is available today. To achieve this, it uses a high-reliability rocket and a crew capsule with a launch-escape system. But other potential combinations of high-reliability rockets and capsules with escape systems could also provide that reliability. The Committee was unconvinced that enough is known about any of the potential high-reliability launcher-plus-capsule systems to distinguish their levels of safety in a meaningful way.
The United States needs a way to launch astronauts to low-Earth orbit, but it does not necessarily have to be provided by the government. As we move from the complex, reusable Shuttle back to a simpler, smaller capsule, it is an appropriate time to consider turning this transport service over to the commercial sector. This approach is not without technical and programmatic risks, but it creates the possibility of lower operating costs for the system and potentially accelerates the availability of U.S. access to low-Earth orbit by about a year, to 2016. The Committee suggests establishing a new competition for this service, in which both large and small companies could participate.
2.3 Lowering the cost of space exploration
The cost of exploration is dominated by the costs of launch to low-Earth orbit and of the inspace systems. It seems improbable that significant reductions in launch costs will be realized in the short term until launch rates increase substantially--perhaps through expanded commercial activity in space. How can the nation stimulate such activity? In the 1920s, the federal government awarded a series of guaranteed contracts for carrying airmail, stimulating the growth of the airline industry. The Committee concludes that an architecture for exploration employing a similar policy of guaranteed contracts has the potential to stimulate a vigorous and competitive commercial space industry. Such commercial ventures could include supply of cargo to the ISS (already underway), transport of crew to orbit and transport of fuel to orbit. Establishing these commercial opportunities could increase launch volume and potentially lower costs to NASA and all other launch-services customers.
This would have the additional benefit of focusing NASA on a more challenging role, permitting it to concentrate its efforts where its inherent capability resides: for example, developing cutting-edge technologies and concepts, and defining programs and overseeing the development and operation of exploration systems, particularly those beyond low-Earth orbit.
The Committee strongly believes it is time for NASA to reassume its crucial role of developing new technologies for space. Today, the alternatives available for exploration systems are severely limited because of the lack of a strategic investment in technology development in past decades. NASA now has an opportunity to develop a technology roadmap that is aligned with an exploration mission that will last for decades. If appropriately funded, a technology development program would re-engage the minds at American universities, in industry and within NASA. The investments should be designed to increase the capabilities and reduce the costs of future exploration. This will benefit human and robotic exploration, the commercial space community, and other U.S. government users.
3.0 FUTURE DESTINATIONS FOR EXPLORATION
What is the strategy for exploration beyond low-Earth orbit? Humans could embark on the following paths to explore the inner solar system:
Mars first, with a Mars landing, perhaps after a brief test of equipment and procedures on the Moon.
Moon first, with lunar surface exploration focused on developing the capability to explore Mars.
Flexible path to inner solar system locations, such as lunar orbit, Lagrange points, near- Earth objects and the moons of Mars, followed by exploration of the lunar surface and/or Martian surface.
A human landing followed by an extended human presence on Mars stands prominently above all other opportunities for exploration. Mars is unquestionably the most scientifically interesting destination in the inner solar system, with a history much like Earth's. It possesses resources, which can be used for life support and propellants. If humans are ever to live for long periods on another planetary surface, it is likely to be on Mars. But Mars is not an easy place to visit with existing technology and without a substantial investment of resources. The Committee finds that Mars is the ultimate destination for human exploration; but it is not the best first destination.
What about the Moon first, then Mars? By first exploring the Moon, we could develop the operational skills and technology for landing on, launching from and working on a planetary surface. In the process, we could acquire an understanding of human adaptation to another world that would one day allow us to go to Mars.
There are two main strategies for exploring the Moon. Both begin with a few short sorties to various sites to scout the region and validate the lunar landing and ascent systems. In one strategy, the next step would be to build a base. Over many missions, a small colony of habitats would be assembled, and explorers would begin to live there for many months, conducting scientific studies and prospecting for resources that could be used as fuel. In the other strategy, sorties would continue to different sites, spending weeks and then months at each one. More equipment would have to be brought on each trip, but more diverse sites would be explored and in greater detail.
There is a third possible path for human exploration beyond low-Earth orbit, which the Committee calls the Flexible Path. On this path, humans would visit sites never visited before and extend our knowledge of how to operate in space--while traveling greater and greater distances from Earth. Successive missions would visit: lunar orbit; the Lagrange points (special points in space that are important sites for scientific observations and the future space transportation infrastructure); near-Earth objects (asteroids that cross the Earth's path); and orbit around Mars. Most interestingly, humans could rendezvous with a moon of Mars, then coordinate with or control robots on the Martian surface.
The Flexible Path represents a different type of exploration strategy. We would learn how to live and work in space, to visit small bodies, and to work with robotic probes on the planetary surface. It would provide the public and other stakeholders with a series of interesting "firsts" to keep them engaged and supportive. Most important, because the path is flexible, it would allow many different options as exploration progresses, including a return to the Moon's surface, or a continuation to the surface of Mars.
The Committee finds that both Moon First and Flexible Path are viable exploration strategies. It also finds that they are not necessarily mutually exclusive; before traveling to Mars, we might be well served to both extend our presence in free space and gain experience working on the lunar surface.
4.0 INTEGRATED PROGRAM OPTIONS
The Committee has identified five principal alternatives for the human spaceflight program. They include one baseline case, which the Committee believes to be an executable version of the current program of record, funded to achieve its stated exploration goals, as well as four alternatives. These options are summarized in Table 4-1.
Table 4-1. A summary of the integrated program options.
The committee was asked to provide two options that fit within the FY 2010 budget profile. This funding is essentially flat or decreasing through 2014, then increases at 1.4 percent per year thereafter, which is less than the 2.4 percent per year used to estimate cost inflation. The first two options are constrained to that budget.
Option 1. Program of Record as assessed by the Committee, constrained to the FY 2010 budget. This option is the Program of Record, with only two changes the Committee deems necessary: providing funds for the Shuttle into FY 2011 and including sufficient funds to de-orbit the ISS in 2016. When constrained to this budget profile, Ares I and Orion are not available until after the ISS has been de-orbited. The heavy-lift vehicle, Ares V, is not available until the late 2020s, and worse, there are insufficient funds to develop the lunar lander and lunar surface systems until well into the 2030s, if ever.
Option 2. ISS and Lunar Exploration, constrained to FY 2010 budget. This option extends the ISS to 2020, and it begins a program of lunar exploration using Ares V (Lite). The option assumes Shuttle fly-out in FY 2011, and it includes a technology development program, a program to develop commercial crew services to low-Earth orbit, and funds for enhanced utilization of ISS. This option does not deliver heavy-lift capability until the late 2020s and does not have funds to develop the systems needed to land on or explore the Moon.
The remaining three alternatives are fit to a different budget profile--one that the Committee judged more appropriate for an exploration program designed to carry humans beyond low-Earth orbit. This budget increases to $3 billion above the FY 2010 guidance by FY 2014, then grows with inflation at a more reasonable 2.4 percent per year.
Option 3. Baseline Case --Implementable Program of Record. This is an executable version of the program of record. It consists of the content and sequence of that program - de-orbiting the ISS in 2016, developing Orion, Ares I and Ares V, and beginning exploration of the Moon. The Committee made only two additions it felt essential: budgeting for the fly-out of the Shuttle in 2011 and including additional funds for ISS de-orbit. The Committee's assessment is that, under this funding profile, the option delivers Ares1/Orion in FY 2017, with human lunar return in the mid- 2020s.
Option 4. Moon First. This option preserves the Moon as the first destination for human exploration beyond low-Earth orbit. It also extends the ISS to 2020, funds technology advancement, and uses commercial vehicles to carry crew to low-Earth orbit. There are two significantly different variants to this option.
Variant 4A is the Ares Lite variant. This retires the Shuttle in FY 2011 and develops the Ares V (Lite) heavy-lift launcher for lunar exploration. Variant 4B is the Shuttle extension variant. This variant includes the only foreseeable way to eliminate the gap in U.S. human-launch capability: it extends the Shuttle to 2015 at a minimum safe-flight rate. It also takes advantage of synergy with the Shuttle by developing a heavy-lift vehicle that is more directly Shuttle-derived. Both variants of Option 4 permit human lunar return by the mid-2020s.
Option 5. Flexible Path. This option follows the Flexible Path as an exploration strategy. It operates the Shuttle into FY 2011, extends the ISS until 2020, funds technology development and develops commercial crew services to low-Earth orbit. There are three variants within this option; they differ only in the heavy-lift vehicle.
Variant 5A is the Ares Lite variant. It develops the Ares Lite, the most capable of the heavylift vehicles in this option. Variant 5B employs an EELV-heritage commercial heavy-lift launcher and assumes a different (and significantly reduced) role for NASA. It has an advantage of potentially lower operational costs, but requires significant restructuring of NASA. Variant 5C uses a directly Shuttle-derived, heavy-lift vehicle, taking maximum advantage of existing infrastructure, facilities and production capabilities.
All variants of Option 5 begin exploration along the flexible path in the early 2020s, with lunar fly-bys, visits to Lagrange points and near-Earth objects and Mars fly-bys occurring at a rate of about one major event per year, and possible rendezvous with Mars's moons or human lunar return by the mid to late 2020s.
The Committee has found two executable options that comply with the FY 2010 budget. However, neither allows for a viable exploration program. In fact, the Committee finds that no plan compatible with the FY 2010 budget profile permits human exploration to continue in any meaningful way.
The Committee further finds that it is possible to conduct a viable exploration program with a budget rising to about $3 billion annually above the FY 2010 budget profile. At this budget level, both the Moon First strategy and the Flexible Path strategies begin human exploration on a reasonable, though hardly aggressive, timetable. The Committee believes an exploration program that will be a source of pride for the nation requires resources at such a level.
5.0 ORGANIZATIONAL AND PROGRAMMATIC ISSUES
How might NASA organize to explore? The NASA Administrator needs to be given the authority to manage NASA's resources, including its workforce and facilities. Even the bestmanaged human spaceflight programs will encounter developmental problems. Such activities must be adequately funded, including reserves to account for the unforeseen and unforeseeable. Good management is especially difficult when funds cannot be moved from one human spaceflight budget line to another--and where new funds can ordinarily be obtained only after a two-year delay (if at all). NASA should be given the maximum flexibility possible under the law to establish and manage its systems.
Finally, significant space achievements require continuity of support over many years. One way to ensure that no successes are achieved is to continually pull up the flowers to see if the roots are healthy. (This Committee might be accused of being part of this pattern!) NASA and its human spaceflight program are in need of stability in both resources and direction.
6.0 SUMMARY OF KEY FINDINGS
The Committee summarizes its key findings below. Additional findings are included in the body of the report. T he right mission and the right size: NASA's budget should match its mission and goals. Further, NASA should be given the ability to shape its organization and infrastructure accordingly, while maintaining facilities deemed to be of national importance.
International partnerships: The U.S. can lead a bold new international effort in the human exploration of space. If international partners are actively engaged, including on the "critical path" to success, there could be substantial benefits to foreign relations, and more resources overall could become available.
Short-term Space Shuttle planning: The current Shuttle manifest should be flown in a safe and prudent manner. The current manifest will likely extend to the second quarter of FY 2011. It is important to budget for this likelihood.
The human-spaceflight gap: Under current conditions, the gap in U.S. ability to launch astronauts into space will stretch to at least seven years. The Committee did not identify any credible approach employing new capabilities that could shorten the gap to less than six years. The only way to significantly close the gap is to extend the life of the Shuttle Program.
Extending the International Space Station: The return on investment to both the United States and our international partners would be significantly enhanced by an extension of ISS life. Not to extend its operation would significantly impair U.S. ability to develop and lead future international spaceflight partnerships.
heavy payloads away from the Earth, is beneficial to exploration, and it also will be useful to the national security space and scientific communities. The Committee reviewed: the Ares family of launchers; more directly Shuttle-derived vehicles; and launchers derived from the EELV family. Each approach has advantages and disadvantages, trading capability, lifecycle costs, operational complexity and the "way of doing business" within the program and NASA.
Commercial crew launch to low-Earth orbit: Commercial services to deliver crew to low-Earth orbit are within reach. While this presents some risk, it could provide an earlier capability at lower initial and lifecycle costs than government could achieve. A new competition with adequate incentives should be open to all U.S. aerospace companies. This would allow NASA to focus on more challenging roles, including human exploration beyond low-Earth orbit, based on the continued development of the current or modified Orion spacecraft.
Technology development for exploration and commercial space: Investment in a well-designed and adequately funded space technology program is critical to enable progress in exploration. Exploration strategies can proceed more readily and economically if the requisite technology has been developed in advance. This investment will also benefit robotic exploration, the U.S. commercial space industry and other U.S. government users.
Pathways to Mars: Mars is the ultimate destination for human exploration; but it is not the best first destination. Both visiting the Moon First and following the Flexible Path are viable exploration strategies. The two are not necessarily mutually exclusive; before traveling to Mars, we might be well served to both extend our presence in free space and gain experience working on the lunar surface.
Options for the Human Spaceflight Program: The Committee developed five alternatives for the Human Spaceflight Program. It found:
Human exploration beyond low-Earth orbit is not viable under the FY 2010 budget guideline.
Meaningful human exploration is possible under a less constrained budget, ramping to approximately $3 billion per year above the FY 2010 guidance in total resources.
Funding at the increased level would allow either an exploration program to explore Moon First or one that follows a Flexible Path of exploration. Either could produce results in a reasonable timeframe.
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Interview: Exclusive Interview with H.E. Ambassador of France Guillaume Rousson
You are here: Home » ARTS » Sarajevo film Festival reveals Jury of the Competition Programme
Sarajevo film Festival reveals Jury of the Competition Programme
Emilie Bujès from Switzerland, Orwa Nyrabia from Syria and Nenad Puhovski from Croatia will serve on the jury of the Competition Programme – Documentary Film of the 25th Sarajevo Film Festival.
Emilie Bujès (Switzerland)
Artistic Director of the Visions du Réel International Film Festival Nyon
Emilie Bujès is since 2017 the Artistic director of Visions du Réel, International Documentary Film Festival Nyon, and was previously a programmer at the festival since 2012. She is a program advisor for Cannes Directors’ Fortnight and an expert for the Swiss fund visions sud est. She has previously been the deputy artistic director of La Roche-sur-Yon International Film Festival (2014–2016) and a member of the ‘Image/mouvement’ commission of the CNAP (French National Centre for Visual Arts).
Before this, she was a curator at the Geneva Contemporary Art Center (2010–2014) and has contributed to the program of film festivals and art institutions such as the Forum Expanded–Berlinale, the Contemporary Art Centre (CAC) Vilnius, the Lausanne Underground Film and Music Festival, the Transmediale (Berlin), or the artist/curator-run space Forde (Geneva). She has been teaching at Geneva School of Art and Design and Bern University of the Arts, and received a Swiss Art Award for curators in 2014.
Orwa Nyrabia (Syria)
Artistic Director of the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (The Netherlands)
Born in 1977, Orwa Nyrabia is the Artistic Director of the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam. He was born in Syria where he worked as actor and as journalist, before starting up the first independent documentary-specialized production company in the country, in 2002, together with his partner Diana el Jeiroudi. Later on in 2008, Nyrabia and El Jeiroudi co-founded the independent documentary film festival DOX BOX, which quickly became the Arab region’s leading documentary festival. Nyrabia moved to Egypt in 2012, then to Germany in 2013, where he continued producing award-winning international co-productions such as Dolls, A Woman from Damascus (IDFA 2007), Return to Homs (IDFA 2013 and Sundance 2014) and Silvered Water (Cannes 2014).
Nyrabia tutored many up and coming filmmakers from around the world and served as juror for some of the world’s most influential film funds and festivals. He is a member of AMPAS, IDA, EDN. His films earned a long list of awards including a Sundance Grand Jury award and a Grierson Award and his work earned him accolades such as the George Polk Award, the Nestor Almendros Award and the Katrin Cartlidge Award. His work has been highlighted by media outlets such as 60 Minutes, NYT, WP, Le Monde…
Nenad Puhovski (Croatia)
Director of Factum and ZagrebDox
Nenad Puhovski is one of the pivotal persons in the development of modern Croatian documentary film. He is the author and producer of awarded films and director of the biggest regional documentary film festival.
Nenad was born in 1949 in Zagreb, where he completed his primary and secondary education, the Faculty of Philosophy and Academy of Dramatic Arts (ADU). As a stage, film and TV director (amateur since 1965 and professional since 1973), he has directed over 250 productions. He has received a number of Croatian and international awards.
He worked as a dramaturgist of &TD Theater. As of 1980, he worked as a teacher on the Film and TV Directing Department of ADU. Today he works there as a Professor of Documentary Directing. He is the founder of the TV Program Department and graduate studies of documentary film. He taught and mentored projects of young professionals in Europe, Asia, South America, Near East, Africa and USA.
In 1997 he founded Factum, the most important Croatian independent documentary production. He has been managing it ever since. He has produced more than 70 documentary films that were shown on more than seventy festivals. In addition to numerous international awards, they won three Grand Prix Awards and four Best Production Awards at the Days of Croatian Film. In 2005, he founded ZagrebDox, the biggest international documentary film festival in the region. He has been its director ever since.
He received the City of Zagreb Award and the Order of Danica Hrvatska. He is also a winner of the Albert Kapović Award for outstanding contribution to the art of film in Croatia (awarded annualy by the Croatian Producers Association) and Gold Medal for best producer at Belgrade Documentary and Short Film Festival.
For his work on documentary film, particularly for launching and managing ZagrebDox, he received in 2009 the European Documentary Network (EDN) Award and Medal of the City of Zagreb.
He is a member of the European Film Academy.
Tags: #BiH #film #movie #sarajevo #SFF
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