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Ronan Daly Jermyn
Associated Offices
By Ciara Ní Longaigh
The proposal for an EU Directive on Work-Life Balance (“the Directive”) for parents and family carers aims to provide greater flexibility to people in terms of leave and better balance between work and life. This Directive will overhaul (and ultimately repeal) the existing framework around paternity, parental and carers’ leave from the EU. The Directive is part of an overall initiative of the EU to support parents and carers in the labour market and to better share such leave between men and women equally. From an Irish perspective, we are ahead of the curve, with many of the proposed changes already in place, or on the way in the coming months.
Irish parents (other than the mother of the child) are entitled to two weeks’ leave from work following the birth or adoption of their child. This leave can start at any time within the first six months of the birth or adoption of the child. Payment from an employer for this leave depends on the employee’s contract of employment. Statutory paternity benefit is available to parents (currently €245 per week, where eligible).
In the EU, there is no minimum standard for paternity leave and it is applied differently across each Member State. The new Directive will introduce paternity leave as an individual and non-transferable right. Parents (other than the mother) will be able to take at least 10 working days of paternity leave around the time of the birth of the child. The leave must be paid at least to the level of sick pay. The current Irish legislation will comply with the proposed Directive. Paternity benefit currently exceeds the level of illness benefit paid by the state to eligible employees on a weekly basis.
Parents are permitted to take 18 weeks’ unpaid leave per child (once certain additional conditions are met). If both parents work for the same employer, then it is possible to transfer up to 14 of the 18 weeks’ leave from one parent to the other parent. From November 2019, the Parental Leave and Benefit Bill 2019 is expected to introduce two weeks paid parental benefit for the first time in Ireland. The paid element is intended to increase incrementally from two to seven weeks paid leave by 2021. The Government has focussed on the development bond between a male parent particularly, and a new child – with the proviso that the parent will only qualify for paid parental benefit taken during the first year of the child’s life.
Under the Directive, each parent will be entitled to the same four months’ leave, however, in an effort to encourage a more balanced take up of the leave, particularly from male parents, there will be a restriction from transferring two months’ leave to the other parent. Parents will also be able to request to take the leave in a more flexible form than the existing requirement to take blocks of 6 weeks. Requests for remote working, part-time work and other flexible arrangements must be considered. It will be the Irish Government’s responsibility to put some structure around how this will work.
Separately, the Directive speaks of incentivising, men in particular, to take this leave, and to ensure they do so, require Member States to pay an allowance (to the equivalent of illness benefit), and in alignment with maternity and paternity pay. Ireland is again ahead of the curve on this, as mentioned above.
Carers’ Leave
In Ireland, the broad concept of carers’ leave involves a temporary unpaid absence from work for at least 13 weeks (and not more than 104 weeks) to provide full-time care to someone. Eligible employees will receive carer’s benefit, which currently amounts to €220 per week.
An individual right to carers’ leave is currently not recognised at an EU level. Under the proposed Directive, all employees will have the right to five working days of carers’ leave per year. Interestingly, the proposed Directive does not require payment of any state allowance to employees who take carers’ leave.
The emphasis of the proposed Directive is to ensure that female employees continue to contribute to the workforce. It is recognised that there is a significant underrepresentation of women in the workplace, primarily because of the difficulty in balancing work and family obligations. The European Parliament specifically calls out that females who have sick or dependant relatives can end up dropping out of the labour market entirely.
The proposed Directive will facilitate every employee with children up to eight years of age, and carers, and will ensure that such individuals have a right to request flexible working arrangements. This includes:
Reduced working hours
Remote working options
Unlike other Member States, there is currently no legislative provision in Ireland governing the right to request flexible working. It is likely that the publication of the Directive will require legislative changes in Ireland to put structure around the application process, and the extent to which an employee may have the right to enforce a reasonable request for flexible working arrangements.
Ultimately, the most significant impact of the proposed Directive from an Irish perspective, will be the introduction of the right of parents and carers to request flexible working arrangements. Once the proposed Directive becomes effective, Ireland will have three years in which to comply with the new requirements. As the proposed Directive is now at the final stage and awaiting Council approval, the clock will start ticking in the coming months. Many Irish employers have already started to introduce a flexible working policy, following the increased global movement towards more versatile working arrangements. Flexible working policies are extremely useful to set out how requests for flexible working arrangements will operate. It is important to note that the right to request flexibility is not a right to be granted flexibility, and employers will have the discretion to consider, but postpone and refuse requests in certain circumstances.
This document is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal or other professional advice. Specific legal advice should be sought on any particular matter.
For more information on the content of this insight please contact:
Ciara Ní Longaigh, Solicitor, ciara.nilongaigh@rdj.ie, +353 21 4802727
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Maintaining Employee Rest Breaks
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2 Park Place, City Gate Park,
Mahon Point, Cork, T12 DHOF, Ireland
Email: info@rdj.ie
Fax: +353 (0)21 4802790
The Exchange, George’s Dock,
IFSC, Dublin 1, D01 P2V6, Ireland
Tel: +353 (0)1 6054200
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Tel: +44 (0) 2073376178
© 2019 Ronan Daly Jermyn
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emmanouela.repapi@imm.ox.ac.uk
MSc; PhD
Computational Biologist
Emmanouela Repapi joined the Computational Biology Research Group in January 2014. Since then she has worked on a variety of projects ranging from studying splicing alterations in myelodysplastic syndromes to being involved in the analysis of datasets with the aim of understanding the mechanisms underlying the endothelial to hematopoietic transition. In her time in the Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine (WIMM) she has been focusing on the analysis of all types of RNA Sequencing data, including single-cell analysis. She has also been teaching the RNA-Seq course in the WIMM, along with Nicki Gray. Dr Repapi completed her DPhil at the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research at the University of Oxford working on the identification and analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that affect cancer in humans. She was involved in numerous projects, working with clinical and genetic data of different types of cancer including chronic lymphocytic leukemia, melanoma and pancreatic cancer. Her first degree was in Applied Mathematics at the National Technical University of Athens before completing an MSc in Applied Statistics at the University of Oxford. Prior to her PhD, she worked as a training fellow in Genetic Epidemiology at the University of Leicester conducting a meta-analysis of Genome Wide Association Studies (GWAS) for pulmonary function.
DOT1L inhibition reveals a distinct subset of enhancers dependent on H3K79 methylation.
Godfrey L. et al, (2019), Nat Commun, 10
SCL/TAL1 cooperates with Polycomb RYBP-PRC1 to suppress alternative lineages in blood-fated cells.
Chagraoui H. et al, (2018), Nat Commun, 9
Impact of spliceosome mutations on RNA splicing in myelodysplasia: dysregulated genes/pathways and clinical associations.
Pellagatti A. et al, (2018), Blood, 132, 1225 - 1240
Canonical Notch signaling is dispensable for adult steady-state and stress myelo-erythropoiesis.
Duarte S. et al, (2018), Blood, 131, 1712 - 1719
Single-cell analysis reveals the continuum of human lympho-myeloid progenitor cells.
Karamitros D. et al, (2018), Nat Immunol, 19, 85 - 97
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Athletes and Teams
Peter Sagan crowned King of Paris-Roubaix as incredible solo attack and superhuman BORA-hansgrohe efforts lead to a legendary win
17. April, 2018 | Posted by Dirk | Categories: News
It was a race where the win had eluded the UCI World Champion so many times, but today Peter Sagan not only won Paris-Roubaix for the first time in his career, he also won it in style. After the BORA-hansgrohe riders executed their plan perfectly, riding hard from the start and sacrificing themselves for their team leader, the Slovak rider took over, going on an audacious breakaway move with 54km remaining that left his rivals unable to react. Teaming up with the remnants of the day’s escape, Peter extended the time gap, and as the final kilometres came into view and the Roubaix velodrome loomed large on the horizon, there was no doubting who was going to take the win. Quick to thank his teammates from the finish line for their part in his victory, Peter took away a cobblestone for his victory, his second Monument of his career and was crowned the first winner of Paris-Roubaix in the Rainbow Jersey in nearly forty years.
Paris-Roubaix is the kind of race where to call the going ‘tough’ is not an exaggeration – it’s an understatement. This is one of the most famous races of cycling history because not only is the 257km parcours so difficult, with its 29 cobblestone sectors, but because the weather and a healthy dose of luck are just as important a part of a rider’s chances as good form and strength. It would be 93km before the race hit the first cobbled section, but with the potential for wind, rain and punctures, a rider’s chances could be ended long before here. With each cobblestone section rated in difficulty from one to five stars, the Trouée d’Arenberg, Mons-en-Pévèle and the Carrefour de l’Arbre being amongst the most difficult, and tactically, the most important, before reaching the famous circuit of the Roubaix Velodrome for the finale.
The Team Tactics
The Hell of the North is a race that the UCI World Champion has yet to add to his palmarès, and so for Peter Sagan, the victory was the only goal for today. To tire out the other teams, the aim was to ride hard from the start, with Andreas Schillinger and Rüdi Selliger driving the pace from the outset, Juraj Sagan and Maciej Bodnar taking over for the mid-section and Marcus Burghardt and Daniel Oss protecting Peter when the race really came to life. The rest would be down to Peter, and the whole peloton knew that he would have the legs and the tactical brain to know when to make his winning move.
There was some distance from the start of the day to the first cobblestone section, and so riders would try to make an impact as early as possible, but in spite of some attempts to break away, it wasn’t until 35km had passed that an attempt stuck, with a small group of nine riders gaining a small advantage on the peloton. There were no contenders in this group, and so they posed little threat to the main group, and so were allowed on their way, leading by five minutes before the peloton was spurred on to reduce the gap. Entering the Trouée d’Arenberg, the UCI World Champion was kept safe by the German National Champion, with Peter Sagan and Marcus Burghardt showing their strength, and Daniel Oss riding to shut down the attacks that attempted to close the ever-decreasing gap to the breakaway, which was slowly shedding members as the harder cobblestone sectors came.
The whole of the BORA-hansgrohe team had shown superhuman strength to control the pace and respond to attacks, destroying themselves to keep Peter in contention. With less than thirty seconds between the chasers and the final three members of the break, at 54km Peter attacked on his own. The bunch didn’t know how to react, and the Slovak rider was left to disappear on up the road, first bridging to the breakaway before working with the escape to build the advantage back up, exceeding a minute and hitting 1’30” at its peak. One by one the breakaway riders dropped off until it was just two, and while the chasers managed to reduce the time gap, the number of kilometres remaining was dropping at a faster rate. Entering the famous Roubaix Velodrome, it was just Peter and the Swiss Champion, Silvan Dillier left. Riding away to take the win in a two-man sprint, the race was won by a rider in the Rainbow Stripes of UCI World Champion for the first time since Bernard Hinault in 1981.
01 P. Sagan 5:54:06
02 S.Dillier + 0:00
03 N.Terpstra + 0:57
04 G.Van Avermaet + 1:34
05 J.Stuyven + 1:34
From the Finish Line
“It’s amazing to win Paris-Roubaix! I’m so tired after this race but I have to say, this year I wasn’t involved in any crashes, I wasn’t feeling tired at the start and just tried to save energy. After I went in the attack I just kept going until the finish. I feel so much better than I have done in all the years I’ve ridden Paris-Roubaix – I was so much more tired then than I am today. Thank you to all my teammates, because they did such a great job – Daniel Oss, Marcus Burghardt and Maciej Bodnar, my brother Juraj and to Andreas Schillinger and Rüdi Selliger at the start, who kept the group all together. In the end, I made the winning move with around 50km to go and I’m very happy to have come in first. It’s an amazing feeling. I always try to do my best and to get the best results.” – Peter Sagan
“We had a clear plan at the Paris-Roubaix today and it was flawlessly executed. I was in the car with Willi Bruckbauer, the owner of our principal naming sponsor BORA, and I can tell you the car was on fire!!! This is the first Monument our team wins!!! Our strategy was to launch an early attack by saving energy up to that point and play one card. I saw Peter’s attack on TV and very quickly he opened a big gap. I had a good feeling about it and as we saw, it was impossible for the others to reach him. It’s always nice to win such a big race from the break rather than a bunch sprint. The Paris-Roubaix was missing from his palmares and it was a very important win for him and the team as a whole. We had a few mixed results at the Flemish Classics – we won Gent-Wevelgem but lost at Flanders and didn’t do so well in the other races. I think that with today’s great victory we have a very good spring season.” – Ralph Denk
Phenomenal Evenepoel powers to first pro win
Philippe Gilbert writes history at Paris-Roubaix
Monumental Julian Alaphilippe wins Milano-Sanremo
Elia Viviani starts the season with a bang in Tour Down Under
MARIANNE WINS IN HEUSDEN-ZOLDER AFTER AN UNPRECEDENTED THRILLING BATTLE
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« 12 images of spring in Mill Valley | Main | An Epidemic of Reason? »
Memories of people, places and things
Our memories of other people are most often associated with the places in which we knew them best—longest, perhaps, for better or for worse, always most vividly; and often we remember their movement and visage, and particular things they wore or ate, used or did. Yesterday, listening to Garrison Keillor's rendition of The Writer's Almanac on public radio, I heard three accounts of people, places and things that brought some of my own memories keenly to mind.
The first is a poem by Faith Shearin, "My Grandparents' Generation." The things the poet remembers her grandparents taking with them, leaving her with something else, poorer or richer, maybe just different, but the overall accounting is one of loss, of missing, nostalgia. Most of all, to evoke what they took is to remember their companionship. How do you remember your grandparents'—or even, if you are of a certain age, your parents'—taking with them? If there is feeling of loss for something taken, is there also feeling of gratitude for something planted, something they left for you to nourish?
At this moment I remember three things—more, much more, but these three will do for now.
First, there is the memory of being held in my father's arms as he was about to go off to war. He is wearing a uniform, and I draw in the smell of his jacket against my cheek, almost as if a light rain had fallen. Then there is an image of my mother leaning against the doorway between kitchen and living room. She holds a cigarette in her left hand, looks to the pots cooking, then, more engaged, to our conversation she wouldn't miss. Finally, I remember an evening with my grandmother. I was living with her on my vacations from college, and had returned home very late. She was still up, writing letters by the light of a goose-necked lamp and a low fire in the grate, listening to Gregorian chants on the phonograph. I had left her that morning a short essay I'd written, and I was anxious for her response. She put down her pen, came to join me at the fireside, and said, "Johnny, your writing reminds me of the writing of your father." We talked on into the night of the father I'd lost and, she knew, longed for, years after his final leavetaking.
Here is Faith Shearin's poem:
My Grandparents’ Generation
They are taking so many things with them:
their sewing machines and fine china,
their ability to fold a newspaper
with one hand and swat a fly.
They are taking their rotary telephones,
and fat televisions, and knitting needles,
their cast iron frying pans, and Tupperware.
They are packing away the picnics
and perambulators, the wagons
and church socials. They are wrapped in
lipstick and big band music, dressed
in recipes. Buried with them: bathtubs
with feet, front porches, dogs without leashes.
These are the people who raised me
and now I am left behind in
a world without paper letters,
a place where the phone
has grown as eager as a weed.
I am going to miss their attics,
their ordinary coffee, their chicken
fried in lard. I would give anything
to be ten again, up late with them
in that cottage by the river, buying
Marvin Gardens and passing go,
collecting two hundred dollars.
“My Grandparents’ Generation” by Faith Shearin from Telling the Bees. © Stephen F. Austin State University Press, 2015.
I grew up in many different places. My feelings of home always had a tentativeness, an expectation that it wouldn't last. One of the places I circled back upon, especially in the years of my adolescence and early adulthood, was the island of Manhattan. I liked to walk and imagine the city before it became so tall and thick with human life. So it was with a shiver of almost familiar pleasure yesterday morning that I heard Garrison Keillor tell a story:
"Peter Minuit landed on the island of Manhattan on this date in 1626. Dutch fur traders had been living on nearby Governors Island for a couple of years, and had built a trading post there. In 1625, construction began on Manhattan Island in the form of a citadel, Fort Amsterdam. The Dutch West India Company appointed Minuit Director of the Colony of New Netherland. He arrived on Mannahatta, the 'island of many hills,' to find a small village already in place, with more land being cleared. On the west side of the island there was a cemetery, a small farm, an orchard, and two wealthy estates. Most of the houses were built along the East River, since its shore was more protected from winds than the shore of the Hudson. The main street was built over an old Indian path running from the southern tip of the island north to what is now City Hall Park. First it was called Heere Straat, which meant Gentlemen’s Street, but it eventually came to be known as Breede Wegh — which became the name we know it by today, Broadway.
"But outside the infant settlement near the island’s southern edge grew towering stands of hickory, oak, and chestnut trees. Minuit also would have found grasslands and salt marshes. What would eventually become Times Square was at that time a red maple swamp. A creek ran through Midtown. Where the best eateries now stand, wild game roamed freely: turkey, deer, and elk. The beaches and waterways were teeming with eels, brook trout, and shellfish. And Madison Square Garden was a marsh on the edge of a forest. The island’s population was every bit as diverse as it is today: lying at the convergence of two geographic zones, Mannahatta was home to northern spruce and southern magnolia, migratory birds and tropical fish, more than 1,800 different species in all."
For all the lands I've tenuously held and in which I found a nest, of course there are a great many more I've never lived in. Some I've come to know at least a little and admire as a lingering or recurrent visitor; others I've never seen but have come to feel a kinship for, mostly through reading tales of lives lived there. Of those, first and foremost is the land of Israel. Some of the tales have come to me from my rabbi son, Joshua; many, of course, from the Bible, others through reading contemporary fiction, memoir and commentary, most memorably Amos Oz's memoir, A Tale of Love and Darkness, David Grossman's novel, To the End of the Land, and Stephen Mitchell's version of the New Testament, The Gospel According to Jesus.
So there is the third account for which I was grateful in The Writer's Almanac yesterday, Garrison Keillor's noting that it was the 76th birthday of Amos Oz:
"born Amos Klausner in Jerusalem (1939). His uncle was killed by the Nazis, but his father managed to escape to Jerusalem in the late 1930s. His family spoke Yiddish, Russian, Polish, German and English, but Amos was taught only Hebrew. As he grew up, he witnessed the founding of the Israeli nation. In 1948, he helped other schoolchildren fill sandbags to prepare for the siege of Jewish Jerusalem in the War of Independence. When they won the war, he saw hundreds of thousands Jewish refugees stream into Israel. He later said, 'The Jerusalem of my childhood was a lunatic town flooded with conflicting dreams, a vague federation of communities, people, faiths, ideologies, and hopes.'
"He left home when he was 14 to work and study at a kibbutz, and he changed his last name to Oz, which means 'strength' in Hebrew. He began writing poems, and in 1966 he came out with his first novel, Elsewhere Perhaps. Since then, he’s published many more novels, including My Michael (1968) and The Same Sea (2002). His latest novel is called Judas (2014).
"Many of his novels and essays have challenged traditional Zionism, and he’s become a controversial figure in Israel. He wrote: 'Daytime Israel makes a tremendous effort to create the impression of the determined, tough, simple, uncomplicated society ready to fight back, ready to hit back twice as hard, courageous, and so on. Nocturnal Israel is a refugee camp with more nightmares per square mile […] than any other place in the world. Almost everyone has seen the devil.'"
Posted by John Roosevelt Boettiger on Tuesday, 05 May 2015 | Permalink
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Internal memo on Bill O'Reilly sent to Fox News employees
NEW YORK — The following internal memo was sent to Fox News Channel employees on Wednesday:
"We'd like to address questions about Bill O'Reilly's future at Fox News. After a thorough and careful review of allegations against him, the Company and Bill O'Reilly have agreed that Mr. O'Reilly will not return to the Fox News Channel.
This decision follows an extensive review done in collaboration with outside counsel.
By ratings standards, Bill O'Reilly is one of the most accomplished TV personalities in the history of cable news. In fact, his success by any measure is indisputable. Fox News has demonstrated again and again the strength of its talent bench. We have full confidence that the network will continue to be a powerhouse in cable news.
Lastly, and most importantly, we want to underscore our consistent commitment to fostering a work environment built on the values of trust and respect.
Rupert, Lachlan, James
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Sarcoma Story: Emilie Lemmons
Saint Paul, Minn.
I’m Emilie, a writer and mother to two young boys, married to my best friend and living in St. Paul, Minnesota. I was diagnosed with a soft-tissue sarcoma in August 2007, while pregnant with our youngest son. Cancer sucks. But we are trying to live life to the fullest in spite of it. Welcome to my world.
a night out for sarcoma survivors
Monday night, I took a nausea pill and got myself dressed for the first time since Friday; after dinner, we all piled into the car and went to the Rein In Sarcoma Party in the Park. (The poster image is of sunflowers, a symbol for sarcoma healing, apparently.) It was a nice night out. The weather was pleasant, the band sounded good, and there were plenty of family activities. I was wearing my chemo backpack and feeling a bit tired, but neither of those things kept me from enjoying myself. We even ran into a family we’d met in ECFE class this spring.
At the bubble-blowing station, Daniel found (and kept … *gulp*) a battery-operated bubble-blower that he now refers to as his “weed-whacker.” A push of the button turned on a low-humming fan that sounds a lot like the saw noises Daniel likes to make. He’s shy in crowds, but he was in heaven, aiming it at people very quietly and unobtrusively, his eyes steadily trained on whomever was in his view, like a little Jedi knight.
The highlight of the night was free rides on Como Park’s 94-year-old carousel. I decided I wanted to take Daniel on it. Steve wondered if my stomach would be able to tolerate the spinning. I wondered if I’d be able to climb onto a horse with my bad hip. We both wondered if Daniel would freak out. Yes, yes and sort of.
The first horse I put Daniel on was too high and too big, and when I put him on top of it and stood next to him with my arms around his waist, he immediately slunk down toward me saying, “I don’t like it.”
The carousel operator came by and told us the bench seats were full, but gestured to a small horse in the middle row a few yards back. We made our way, and I put Daniel on that horse. He responded the same way to the horse, but I was pretty sure he’d do OK if I were sitting on it with him.
The carousel operator, who had seen that I had difficulty walking, immediately commissioned the two guys on either side of me to help out. Lucky me: They were both good-looking and strong! (And dads, riding with their kids.) One of them helped me up while the other held my cane.
As I got settled, the guy who helped me up said, “Hip or leg?”
“Hip,” I said. Turns out that at a sarcoma picnic, you aren’t too far from people who have been there, done that. He’d had it in his leg, had surgery and chemo and all the works. We traded war stories as the carousel went around, and my self-consciousness about having to ask for help because of my hip evaporated.
Daniel’s face went from a frown to a smile. He liked the up-down motion, and he had fun seeing his dad wave at him every time time he came into view. Later, though, he told me the horses were “kind of scary.”
As we loaded up the car to go home, the band was playing Gloria Gaynor’s I Will Survive, with a few lyrics rewritten for the cancer crowd. It was kind of hokey, but I found myself crying anyway, quietly, sitting on a bench behind the stroller. A woman in her 50s or 60s came up to me and said, “Honey, I have two kids, 22 and 25, and when I was your age, I looked just like you. And now, here I am.” And then she smiled encouragingly and walked away.
See the Emilie’s Lemmondrops blog.
Emilie died on Christmas eve, December 24, 2008. St. Paul Pioneer Press writer Molly Millet speaks of her life, her family, and the people she reached through her bog Lemmondrops.
The Lemmons family have established an RIS Named Fund. To contribute, please select “Emilie Lemmons Fund” from the drop-down menu on our secure donation page.
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40th Parliament, 3rd Session (March 3, 2010 - March 26, 2011)
35-1 .
35th Parliament, 1st Session
January 17, 1994 - February 2, 1996
Right Hon. Jean Chrétien
ACCESS 35-1
35th Parliament, 2nd Session
January 29, 2001 - September 16, 2002
September 30, 2002 - November 12, 2003
37th Parliament, 3rd Session
Right Hon. Paul Martin
October 4, 2004 - November 29, 2005
April 3, 2006 - September 14, 2007
Right Hon. Stephen Harper
October 16, 2007 - September 7, 2008
January 26, 2009 - December 30, 2009
41st Parliament, 2nd Session
October 16, 2013 - August 2, 2015
42nd Parliament, 1st Session
December 3, 2015 - Present
Right Hon. Justin Trudeau
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EDITED HANSARD • NUMBER 140
PRIVATE MEMBERS' BUSINESS
Canada Post Corporation Act
Mr. Brad Trost (Saskatoon—Humboldt, CPC) (11:05)
Mr. Michael Savage (Dartmouth—Cole Harbour, Lib.) (11:10) (11:15)
Ms. Chris Charlton (Hamilton Mountain, NDP) (11:20) (11:25)
Mr. Merv Tweed (Brandon—Souris, CPC) (11:30)
The Acting Speaker (Mr. Barry Devolin)
Suspension of Sitting
(The sitting of the House was suspended at 11:33 a.m.)
Sitting Resumed
Citizen's Arrest and Self-defence Act
Mr. Don Davies (Vancouver Kingsway, NDP)
Mr. Nathan Cullen
Mr. Dennis Bevington (Western Arctic, NDP)
Mr. Nathan Cullen (12:05)
Mr. Kevin Lamoureux (Winnipeg North, Lib.) (12:10) (12:15) (12:20)
Mr. Bob Dechert (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice, CPC) (12:25)
Mr. Kevin Lamoureux
Mr. Don Davies (Vancouver Kingsway, NDP) (12:30)
Mr. Jeff Watson (Essex, CPC)
Mr. Bob Dechert (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice, CPC) (12:35) (12:40) (12:45)
Mrs. Cathy McLeod (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Revenue, CPC)
Mr. Bob Dechert
Mr. Alex Atamanenko (British Columbia Southern Interior, NDP)
Mr. Bob Dechert (12:50)
Mr. Kevin Lamoureux (Winnipeg North, Lib.)
Ms. Olivia Chow (Trinity—Spadina, NDP) (12:55)
Ms. Olivia Chow (Trinity—Spadina, NDP) (13:00) (13:05) (13:10)
Ms. Olivia Chow
Mr. Alan Tonks (York South—Weston, Lib.) (13:20)
Mr. Serge Ménard (Marc-Aurèle-Fortin, BQ) (13:25) (13:30) (13:35) (13:40)
Hon. Larry Bagnell (Yukon, Lib.) (13:45)
Mr. Serge Ménard
Mr. Joe Comartin (Windsor—Tecumseh, NDP)
Mr. André Bellavance (Richmond—Arthabaska, BQ) (13:50)
Mr. Paul Szabo (Mississauga South, Lib.)
Mr. Paul Szabo (Mississauga South, Lib.) (13:55)
The Acting Speaker (Mr. Barry Devolin) (14:00)
STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS
St. Thomas Industrial Revolution Challenge
Mr. Joe Preston (Elgin—Middlesex—London, CPC)
Immigrant Settlement Services
Mr. Alan Tonks (York South—Weston, Lib.)
Mrs. Maria Mourani (Ahuntsic, BQ)
Ms. Libby Davies (Vancouver East, NDP)
Don Brittain
Mr. James Lunney (Nanaimo—Alberni, CPC)
Mutual Insurance Companies (14:05)
Mr. Francis Valeriote (Guelph, Lib.)
Canadian Forces
Mr. Phil McColeman (Brant, CPC)
Sylvain Couture
Mrs. Claude DeBellefeuille (Beauharnois—Salaberry, BQ)
Outstanding Citizens
Mr. Robert Sopuck (Dauphin—Swan River—Marquette, CPC)
Democratic Reform
Hon. Carolyn Bennett (St. Paul's, Lib.) (14:10)
Mr. Deepak Obhrai (Calgary East, CPC)
Mr. Charlie Angus (Timmins—James Bay, NDP)
Mr. Bernard Généreux (Montmagny—L'Islet—Kamouraska—Rivière-du-Loup, CPC)
Mr. Robert Bouchard (Chicoutimi—Le Fjord, BQ)
Year of India in Canada
Ms. Yasmin Ratansi (Don Valley East, Lib.)
Hon. Jim Abbott (Kootenay—Columbia, CPC)
Hon. Ralph Goodale (Wascana, Lib.)
Mr. Pierre Poilievre (Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister and to the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, CPC)
Hon. Ralph Goodale (Wascana, Lib.) (14:20)
Hon. John Baird (Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, CPC)
Government Communications
Mr. Marc Garneau (Westmount—Ville-Marie, Lib.)
Hon. Stockwell Day (President of the Treasury Board and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, CPC)
Mr. Gilles Duceppe (Laurier—Sainte-Marie, BQ)
Hon. Jason Kenney (Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, CPC)
Mr. Gilles Duceppe (Laurier—Sainte-Marie, BQ) (14:25)
Mr. Thierry St-Cyr (Jeanne-Le Ber, BQ)
Mr. Thomas Mulcair (Outremont, NDP)
Mr. Thomas Mulcair (Outremont, NDP) (14:30)
Ms. Olivia Chow (Trinity—Spadina, NDP)
Hon. Wayne Easter (Malpeque, Lib.)
Mrs. Lise Zarac (LaSalle—Émard, Lib.) (14:35)
Mrs. Lise Zarac (LaSalle—Émard, Lib.)
Former Public Sector Integrity Commissioner
Mrs. Carole Freeman (Châteauguay—Saint-Constant, BQ)
Afghanistan (14:40)
Mr. Claude Bachand (Saint-Jean, BQ)
Hon. Peter MacKay (Minister of National Defence, CPC)
Ms. Martha Hall Findlay (Willowdale, Lib.)
Ms. Siobhan Coady (St. John's South—Mount Pearl, Lib.)
Hon. Diane Ablonczy (Minister of State of Foreign Affairs (Americas and Consular Affairs), CPC) (14:45)
Hon. Diane Ablonczy (Minister of State of Foreign Affairs (Americas and Consular Affairs), CPC)
Mr. Ron Cannan (Kelowna—Lake Country, CPC)
Hon. Lisa Raitt (Minister of Labour, CPC)
Ms. Megan Leslie (Halifax, NDP)
Mr. Colin Carrie (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health, CPC)
Quebec City Arena
Mr. Michel Guimond (Montmorency—Charlevoix—Haute-Côte-Nord, BQ)
Hon. Josée Verner (Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, President of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister for La Francophonie, CPC) (14:50)
Hon. Josée Verner (Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, President of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister for La Francophonie, CPC)
Mr. Justin Trudeau (Papineau, Lib.)
Mr. Jack Harris (St. John's East, NDP)
Hon. Peter MacKay (Minister of National Defence, CPC) (14:55)
Hon. Jim Flaherty (Minister of Finance, CPC)
Hon. Geoff Regan (Halifax West, Lib.)
Mr. Jean Dorion (Longueuil—Pierre-Boucher, BQ)
Hon. Rob Nicholson (Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, CPC)
Hon. Rob Merrifield (Minister of State (Transport), CPC) (15:00)
Mr. Richard Harris (Cariboo—Prince George, CPC)
Mr. David Anderson (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Natural Resources and for the Canadian Wheat Board, CPC)
Ms. Irene Mathyssen (London—Fanshawe, NDP)
Hon. Diane Finley (Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, CPC)
Points of Order
The Speaker (15:05)
Routine Proceedings
Government Response to Petitions
Mr. Tom Lukiwski (Parliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, CPC)
Committees of the House
Citizenship and Immigration.
Mr. David Tilson (Dufferin—Caledon, CPC)
Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics (15:10)
Hon. Shawn Murphy (Charlottetown, Lib.)
Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities
Ms. Candice Hoeppner (Portage—Lisgar, CPC)
Tobacco Act
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)
Service Canada Mandate Expansion Act
Hon. Bryon Wilfert (Richmond Hill, Lib.)
Mr. Daniel Paillé (Hochelaga, BQ)
The Environment (15:15)
Mr. Nathan Cullen (Skeena—Bulkley Valley, NDP)
Firearms Registry
Mr. Mark Warawa (Langley, CPC)
Mr. Scott Simms (Bonavista—Gander—Grand Falls—Windsor, Lib.)
Mr. John Rafferty (Thunder Bay—Rainy River, NDP)
Child Pornography (15:20)
Mr. Peter Stoffer (Sackville—Eastern Shore, NDP)
Mr. Jim Maloway (Elmwood—Transcona, NDP)
Questions on the Order Paper
Mr. Paul Szabo (Mississauga South, Lib.) (15:25) (15:30)
Mr. Marc Lemay (Abitibi—Témiscamingue, BQ) (15:35)
Mr. Paul Szabo (15:40)
M. Marc Lemay
Mr. Paul Szabo
Ms. Ruby Dhalla (Brampton—Springdale, Lib.) (15:45)
Mr. Marc Lemay (Abitibi—Témiscamingue, BQ) (15:50) (15:55) (16:00)
Mr. Marc Lemay
Mr. Derek Lee (Scarborough—Rouge River, Lib.) (16:20) (16:25) (16:30)
Mr. Derek Lee
Mr. Don Davies (16:40)
Mr. Don Davies
Mr. Derek Lee (16:45)
Mr. Bruce Hyer (Thunder Bay—Superior North, NDP) (16:50) (16:55) (17:00)
Hon. Steven Fletcher (17:05)
The Deputy Speaker
Mr. Bruce Hyer
Mr. Brian Murphy (Moncton—Riverview—Dieppe, Lib.)
Hon. Steven Fletcher (Minister of State (Democratic Reform), CPC)
Mr. Brian Murphy (Moncton—Riverview—Dieppe, Lib.) (17:15) (17:20) (17:25)
Mr. Rodger Cuzner (Cape Breton—Canso, Lib.) (17:30)
Mr. Brian Murphy
Hon. Steven Fletcher (Minister of State (Democratic Reform), CPC) (17:35)
Mr. Brian Murphy (17:40)
Mr. Joe Comartin (Windsor—Tecumseh, NDP) (17:45) (17:50) (17:55)
Hon. Joseph Volpe (Eglinton—Lawrence, Lib.) (18:00)
Mr. Joe Comartin
Hon. Joseph Volpe
Mr. Joe Comartin (18:05)
The Deputy Speaker (18:10)
Hon. Joseph Volpe (Eglinton—Lawrence, Lib.) (18:15) (18:20)
Business of the House
Mr. David Sweet (Ancaster—Dundas—Flamborough—Westdale, CPC)
(Motion agreed to)
Mr. Rodger Cuzner (Cape Breton—Canso, Lib.)
Hon. Joseph Volpe (18:25)
Ms. Jean Crowder (Nanaimo—Cowichan, NDP)
ADJOURNMENT PROCEEDINGS
Mrs. Sylvie Boucher (Parliamentary Secretary for Status of Women, CPC)
Ms. Irene Mathyssen (18:35)
Mrs. Sylvie Boucher
Mr. Francis Scarpaleggia (Lac-Saint-Louis, Lib.)
Mr. Dave MacKenzie (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Safety, CPC) (18:40)
Mr. Francis Scarpaleggia
Mr. Dave MacKenzie
National Defence (18:45)
Hon. Laurie Hawn (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence, CPC)
Hon. Bryon Wilfert
Hon. Laurie Hawn
House of Commons Debates
3rd SESSION
40th PARLIAMENT
OFFICIAL REPORT (HANSARD)
Speaker: The Honourable Peter Milliken
The House met at 11 a.m.
[Private Members' Business]
The House resumed from December 9 consideration of the motion that Bill C-509, An Act to amend the Canada Post Corporation Act (library materials), be read the third time and passed.
[Table of Contents]
Mr. Brad Trost (Saskatoon—Humboldt, CPC):
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to speak today about the importance of literacy for Canada and Canadians. In particular, in speaking to Bill C-509, introduced by my colleague, the member for Brandon—Souris, I am particularly pleased, as the son of a librarian, to be supporting this bill.
I am pleased today to highlight some of the government's ongoing investments in and support of this vital skill and to speak about the important role that the library book rate plays in supporting literacy.
Improving the literacy and essential skills of Canadians is a key part of the government's commitment to building a highly skilled, adaptable and competitive work force. The ability to read is just one aspect of the essential skills today's workers need in a competitive marketplace. Others include document use, numeracy, writing, oral communication, working with others, continuous learning, thinking and computer skills. These are skills that many of us in our daily lives take for granted.
Recognizing how important and fundamental these skills are, the Government of Canada invested $38 million in 2010-11 in the Office of Literacy and Essential Skills. This office serves as a national centre of expertise in literacy and essential skills that complements the work of the provinces and territories in adult learning. It works to ensure that Canadians have the skills they require to participate fully in the labour market and their communities. It does this by developing and sustaining networks of pan-Canadian coalitions and bringing together the key organizations and partners that play a role in literacy and essential skills across Canada.
The office plans, develops, tests and disseminates new ideas, tools, and strategies for effective interventions in literacy and essential skills, and supports organizations and institutions in bettering literacy and other essential skills in their activities and policies. Through the work of the Office of Literacy and Essential Skills, the government provides core funding to literacy coalitions across Canada. It also supports a number of innovative projects that work with businesses to design and test new approaches for addressing the essential skills challenges of workers.
In our global economy, a highly skilled population is a key asset for any nation and is fundamental to economic growth. Globalization and new technologies have propelled us in this knowledge-based economy. Reflecting this, the occupational composition of Canada has shifted toward occupations that require higher levels of education and skill. A knowledge-based economy requires workers who can adapt quickly to changing skills and requirements. Literacy is fundamental to this adaptability. Without literacy, it is difficult to keep up with the rapid evolution of working environments, let alone the increased computerization often required. In order to preserve Canada's competitiveness in today's global economy, it is essential to invest in workers who will be ready and able to keep up with these changes.
There is little doubt that essential skills like literacy contribute not only to the national economy but also to people's personal, economic, and social wellbeing. These essential skills are key to someone's ability to realize their economic and social potential and are the foundation upon which they acquire additional knowledge and skills throughout their lives. Positively associated with good health, employment stability and remuneration, literacy enables people to participate in their communities, to make wise community decisions and to construct social networks.
However, these skills also have to be understood and appreciated for their large social implications in the 21st century. Essential skills, especially literacy, are linked to civic participation, community building and the development of social institutions. Without these skills, there is an increased risk that certain groups could be excluded from these kinds of social and civic activities.
A lot of work remains to be done to improve literacy in Canada. About 9 million individuals or 42% of working-aged Canadians currently score below the minimum literacy level required to function well in a knowledge-based economy. There is evidence of a significant gap in literacy rates between rural and urban Canadians. The gap is found in our schools, with remote students not performing as well on average as their urban counterparts, a trend that persists into adulthood. Similarly, the literacy performance of aboriginal populations is lower than that of the total Canadian population, especially in remote areas.
Canadians without access to information and communications technologies, who do not use computers to access information via CD-ROMs, CDs, DVDs and the Internet, also tend to have lower literacy levels than the rest of the population. Not only are they faced with a digital divide but also a literacy gap.
The key to adults' literacy proficiency and the development of literacy in their children seems to be reading at home. It increases a person's proficiency through engagement in literacy activities, such as reading books, magazines, manuals or newspapers. Libraries play a fundamental role in providing Canadians with access to a wide range of reading materials and literacy activities. With the help of Canada Post's library book rate, libraries are able to dramatically increase rural and remote library users' access to a consolidated Canadian collection of around 465 million items.
In recognition of the important role of libraries in literacy, Library and Archives Canada recently partnered with TD to support Canada's literature and literacy as part of its commitment to foster reading and literacy programs in communities throughout the country. Through this partnership, Library and Archives Canada is involved in a number of programs, like the TD summer reading club, the TD Canadian children's literature awards and, to support higher learning, the TD Canada Trust scholarships for community leadership, as well as other scholarships, bursaries and in-school programs.
These programs help children and students improve their reading skills and develop a greater interest in reading. In particular, the summer reading club increases the number of books that participating children read and teaches them to use the library to open up cultural, community and social horizons. Last summer, half a million Canadian children participated in this club, with over 27,000 events held at 1,995 libraries nationwide. Through the initiative of the summer reading club, participating children read almost 2.4 million books last summer.
Efforts to create future readers and learners and to engage current readers and help all Canadians build and maintain their skills are vital to our economic development and growth. Libraries and literacy programs are fundamental to our future for this very reason.
The library book rate, which my colleague's legislation supports, has played an important role in the sharing of these books across the country, especially with rural and remote locations. The support it has provided to libraries and their communities cannot be overstated.
It is for these reasons that I support this legislation. The library book rate will help with literacy. It is not the only or sole solution but a very small piece. However, it is a piece that helps librarians serve their communities and teachers to access new resources and helps remote students to access the entire world, not just the world on the Internet but also the world still on the printed page, and the world on CDs and DVDs. It is something that is good for our economy. It provides equality of citizenship all across the country and, more importantly, it provides access to the world in remote places all across the country.
I urge all hon. members to support this legislation for the literacy support it provides, as well as its support for remote regions and our current and next generations that are striving to build a better Canada.
Mr. Michael Savage (Dartmouth—Cole Harbour, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to have the opportunity to speak on Bill C-509 introduced by our colleague from Brandon—Souris. I want to commend him for his initiative and diligence. I know how long he has been working on this. He is a good member of Parliament and works hard. Although I have not had the pleasure of seeing him chair committees, I have heard from others that he is a wonderful chair of the committee, being very fair and reasonable. Therefore I particularly want to commend him on Bill C-509, as well as my colleague from Mississauga—Streetsville, who has been supportive and worked hard on this file.
This bill, as people know, is about the book rate. Bill C-509 is an act to amend the Canada Post Corporation Act (library materials). It has had various incarnations before. The history of this bill is well known to people in the House, having been documented in debate on the bill's previous incarnations. The book rate has existed for a long time, since 1939. There are 2,000 libraries using the rate. In 1997, the rules were changed so that the book rate would not to be funded by the Government of Canada, the result I think of the WTO, but instead by Canada Post.
This bill has the support of a number of people, including a person who is very important to me, someone who has been my constituency assistant since I was elected in 2004. I snatched her away from the Dartmouth library. She is very passionate about books, literacy and the work of libraries. She told me that if I did not support this bill, she would not be my employee. For that reason, for Peggy and many others, I am pleased to support this bill. I want to let the House know that Peggy Landes has worked for me these six and a half years and will be leaving me at the end of this month to go on to better pursuits with her husband, but her work will continue in my office.
The Canadian Library Association, in a toolkit it prepared, indicated three reasons the book rate is very important. I want to read those into the record. The library book rate:
Ensures equitable access to documents located in libraries across the country and made available to all Canadians;
Supports the intellectual needs of remote northern and rural communities; and
It is the principle underpinning the concept that the collections of all libraries are a national asset accessible to all Canadians and as such supports education and lifelong learning as well as helping to maintain Canada’s global competitiveness and productivity
There is an issue with productivity in this country. There are demographic pressures coming down the street and staring us in the face right now. We are going to need more productive employees in this country and more people with post-secondary education. Frankly, we do not have high enough literacy rates, even though we have a very educated population. We need to do everything we can to ensure that people are educated to the extent of their abilities, not only for their benefit but also of the country as a whole. More and more Canadians are going to need post-secondary credentials. If they do not get them, the problem in Canada of jobs without people and people without jobs will continue and likely get worse, because people have not been matched with those jobs.
I want to support this bill from the point of view not only of rural communities but also of people with disabilities, a group that I spend a lot of time with. There are many Canadians with disabilities who do not have access to some of the benefits that many other people do. They use libraries to a high degree and we need to ensure that continues to be the case.
When we look at ways of improving and building Canada, recognizing where we are in the world and understanding how to go forward, we come across things like libraries, museums and other cultural institutions. In my own community of Dartmouth—Cole Harbour, there is the new Dartmouth library. I say it is new though it was built in about 1988. However, it is a fabulous improvement over the old library and has become part of the regeneration of the downtown Dartmouth area, and has served a very significant purpose. Moreover, in the spring of last year, the Woodlawn Public Library opened up.
Libraries like these can be fabulous gathering places not just for adults but also for children in particular and, in many cases, for seniors. These people come together not only to enjoy the library but also the benefits it provides in terms of being a community gathering spot for people to exchange ideas and to catch up.
I want to mention museums. There is the Dartmouth Heritage Museum, which is really only a shell of what it could be. As a young guy, I grew up in the great community of Dartmouth. I was one of seven children and my father was a doctor. He used to leave us at the old Dartmouth museum and go across the bridge to deliver a baby, and would come back two, three or four hours later and we would still be there looking at the models in the museum.
It is a shame that the old Dartmouth museum is now mostly housed in a warehouse in Burnside. We need funding for the new Dartmouth museum and I will fight for it. As well, the Cole Harbour Heritage Farm that recognizes the heritage of the great farming community of Cole Harbour and people like Melvin Harris and many others who have helped to build that community.
In terms of culture, Dartmouth is the home of hockey. If the member for Kings—Hants or other members from areas like Windsor, Nova Scotia, Kingston, Ontario or even Montreal, Quebec were here they would dispute that. However, I encourage them to have a look at the book, Hockey's Home: Halifax--Dartmouth by Martin Jones which clearly documents that hockey started on the lakes in Dartmouth.
I mention all these things because we cannot go wrong when we fund and continue to support those cultural institutions like libraries, museums and interpretation centres. I think of the Shubenacadie Canal that runs through Dartmouth and all the way through Nova Scotia. It is now going through a capital campaign. These are the things that government needs to be involved in.
I also want to address literacy. I have spoken many times on this issue in the House of Commons. For a nation as wealthy as it is, Canada has very high illiteracy rates. We have had cuts to literacy over the past few years, notably the first year of the present government. It cut literacy to the tune of $17.7 million. It disempowered local literacy organizations.
One of the saddest meetings I have had as an MP was not with somebody in my own constituency but from a neighbouring constituency who came to see me. He said that he did not have a lot of education but that he had a job and was able to take care of his wife and kids. In fact, he was offered a promotion but the problem with the promotion was that he was afraid he would be forced to take the literacy test. He thought it might not only kill his promotion but might put his current job in jeopardy.
Those are the Canadians we need to be helping. It is the Canadians who not only do not have the skills but those who do not have enough and those who need to upgrade their skills. Literacy, being a key component, is a key reason I commend my colleague from Brandon—Souris for bringing this bill forward.
Disadvantaged Canadians, whether they are people with disabilities or low income families that cannot afford to buy new books, these are people who benefit from the book rate. I want to commend librarians from coast to coast to coast. I think of the librarians I knew when I was growing up in the schools and in the Dartmouth Library. They are very patient people who do not ask for very much except for those things that through their efforts will benefit other Canadians. I think we really need to encourage that.
In Nova Scotia, one of the great pioneers of children's literacy is Dr. Richard Goldbloom, a pediatrician and Order of Canada recipient. He is one of the most significant and dedicated pediatric surgeons in this country. He started a program at the IWK-Grace Health Centre. When kids were born, the parents, regardless of income, all received a package of books to take home so that these parents could read to their children on a regular basis. All families received this package of books and, for some families, it made a huge difference. We need to encourage literacy from the earliest days.
Some people might suggest that we do not need early learning and child care in this country, perhaps believing that children do not start to learn until they are six years old. We know they start to learn as soon as they are born or even before that and literacy is important. I think that keeping the book rate ties into that issue very well.
I want to read a letter from the Canadian Library Association that all MPs received. It was dated last May and speaks to the fact that once again it is pleased to offer its support to my colleague's bill. It reads:
[CLA and] the entire library community remains concerned about the sustainability of the Library Book Rate, which contributes to the public policy goals of literacy, lifelong learning, inclusion, and vibrant communities.
I thank people like Heather Neish who sent a letter to me from my constituency encouraging this to continue. I thank all the people who have worked in libraries in my own community of Cole Harbour, Dartmouth and all across Canada, and people like Peggy Landes who brought words, not just markings on a page but words that bring meaning to life for Canadians.
I again commend my colleague from Brandon—Souris for this most important bill. I am sure all members in the House will support it.
Ms. Chris Charlton (Hamilton Mountain, NDP):
Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to stand in the House today to again speak in support of Bill C-509, An Act to amend the Canada Post Corporation Act (library materials). I commend the member for Brandon—Souris for bringing this important issue forward.
It is important to begin by reiterating what the book rate is and the important objectives that it serves.
Since 1939, libraries in Canada have been able to exchange books at a reduced postage rate, the so-called “book rate”. It allows libraries in our country, particularly smaller branches often in rural Canada, to access the much larger collections of urban centres at manageable costs. It also provides all Canadians with access to specialized local collections held in particular branches.
The bill before us today seeks to ensure that continues to be the case and, in so doing, that public libraries across the country continue to thrive and grow.
With apologies to Jane Austen, it is a truth universally acknowledged that a reader in possession of a curious and lively mind must be in want of a library. Public libraries are the lifeblood of Canadian communities and nowhere is this more true than in the many thousands of smaller and remote communities that dot our country. Libraries mean all Canadians, regardless of geography, language, income or ability, have access to novels and magazines, information services, textbooks, CDs, DVDs, Wi-Fi and computers, and often, as well, to local cultural treasures and specialized collections.
However, more than this, public libraries are meeting places. This is where toddlers and their exhausted parents gather to enjoy a story or a puppet show together; where teenagers come for movies and music and, occasionally, even to study; where workers explore career or travel options; and where seniors attend a seminar or find that perfect book to help them build their granddaughter's tree fort. Libraries promote social inclusion, literacy, skills development and lifelong learning. Libraries are a safe haven. Somerset Maugham said, “To acquire the habit of reading is to construct for yourself a refuge from almost all the miseries of life”.
In my hometown of Hamilton, we are blessed with an incredible library system. The Hamilton Public Library offers an extraordinary range of books, programs and services. With its 24 branches, two bookmobiles and virtual branch system, here is just a taste of what the Hamilton Public Library has to offer our community: resume writing workshops, pottery painting classes, storytime for newcomer families, youth advisory group meetings and reading and homework clubs for teens across the city. It also houses the Leonardo Sciascia collection, the collected works of the famous Sicilian novelist, essayist, short story writer, non-fiction writer and dramatist.
The Hamilton Public Library, like thousands of others across the country, is more than just bricks and mortar and books. A library is the sum of the wealth of knowledge that every patron brings to it. A library is a classroom, a playground, a neighbourhood and a sanctuary.
I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone at the Hamilton Public Library, the staff, the volunteers, the board and the patrons for making our library a centre for all that is good in our community.
If the House will indulge me for just a moment, I will share author Philip Pullman's eloquent telling of his own love of books and libraries. He said:
But what a gift to give a child, this chance to discover that you can love a book and the characters in it, you can become their friend and share their adventures in your own imagination.
And the secrecy of it! The blessed privacy! No-one else can get in the way, no-one else can invade it, no-one else even knows what’s going on in that wonderful space that opens up between the reader and the book. That open democratic space full of thrills, full of excitement and fear, full of astonishment, where your own emotions and ideas are given back to you clarified, magnified, purified, valued. You’re a citizen of that great democratic space that opens up between you and the book. And the body that gave it to you is the public library. Can I possibly convey the magnitude of that gift?
Public libraries are, indeed,a central thread in our very social fabric but, as with so many aspects of our lives, libraries, too, are facing a rapidly changing landscape. We live in the world of the Internet, Kindle and other e-books. Technological change has brought a huge transformation to the library system that I spent so much time in, both as a kid and as a student.
That change has been embraced by our public libraries and they have risen to the challenge of innovation. That is why it is so important that the bill before us today broadens the definition of library materials to ensure that audiovisual materials, such as cassettes, CD-ROMs and DVDs, are also eligible for the book rate, which currently applies only to books.
However, it is not just about adapting to new technological formats. In the knowledge-based 21st century economy, it is essential that libraries continue to provide access to their immense collections.
In the information age, it is critical that libraries are able to provide a breadth and depth of research and reading material to meet the needs of a richly varied demographic, speaking a multitude of languages. And, because each of Canada's libraries, obviously, cannot house the enormously varied inventory that Canadians need to access, public libraries must be able to share their inventories.
Canada's library collections are a national asset and, thanks in part to the library book rate, they are accessible to all Canadians through a resource-sharing network among branches. Inter-library loans ensure equitable access to a composite Canadian library collection of some 465 million items available to all Canadians through their local libraries.
As the Canadian Library Association explains:
The Library Book Rate provides special postal rates for libraries to ship books to other libraries and to readers, allowing libraries to loan more books and encourage more reading. The Library Book Rate is especially important to Canada’s rural and remote libraries by helping Canadians borrow books regardless of where they live. Special rates for shipping library books have been in place since 1939 but are subject to regular review. Without the special Library Book Rate, libraries would pay over $10 for the same service they receive for $0.81 today.
That kind of increase in expenses for individual libraries would clearly be disastrous. As legislators, we must act to ensure that never happens. That is why this bill is so important.
As members in the House will know, the book rate expired in 2006. Since that time, Canada Post has continued to offer the book rate but without a formal agreement with the federal government. With the amendments introduced at committee, this bill would ensures the book rate is protected by legislation and that, in turn, will allow libraries the financial certainty they need to plan for the future.
I was particularly pleased to see an amendment made to the bill in committee that would require Canada Post to seek approval of the House of Commons before there is any increase in the rate. As members will recall, this was the one issue that I was deeply concerned about when I took part in the debate at second reading.
As it was originally drafted, it was the Governor in Council, which is really the cabinet, that had to approve requests for a rate hike. Such decisions are made behind closed doors and without the benefit of any public input. It was important to me that local institutions as important as our public libraries had the benefit of participating in the decisions that will ultimately affect them. By returning the decision-making power to the House of Commons, such participation is not only possible, it will be actively sought out. I commend the member from Brandon—Souris for agreeing to that important change.
A further amendment to the bill would ensure that the definition of library materials will be reviewed at least every 10 years to keep the legislation as current as possible. With the fast-changing technological advancements that we are seeing, this amendment is as welcome as it is necessary.
Access to learning and information is fundamental to society and to a knowledge-based economy. For that reason, it is critical that all Canadians, regardless of where they live, must have access to a broad selection of books and media.
Public libraries are the great social equalizers and promote essential public policy we can all agree on: literacy, knowledge, learning and community. It was Benjamin Franklin who said, “An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest”.
In closing, I have one final quote from everyone's favourite author, Dr. Seuss, who said, “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go”.
Mr. Merv Tweed (Brandon—Souris, CPC):
Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues in the House for the generous support they have offered to me on the bill.
The impetus behind the bill was to ensure that libraries knew the cost of moving books and other library materials back and forth. Although they had an agreement with Canada Post, there were times when it was suggested, or it may have been presumed, that the rates would rise dramatically. As was explained in the last speech, that would impact libraries, particularly rural libraries, in a very significant way.
The bill intends to protect the rate and expand it to include today's technology. I was pleased with the review of the bill in committee. There were some changes made that I thought were very welcome. As parliamentarians, this is an issue that impacts all of us and I think it is important that we all play a role in it.
I have received generous support across Canada. Hundreds, if not thousands, of names have come in on petitions in support. They were not from one specific region of Canada, but from all across Canada, which tells me that libraries are important.
As someone who grew up in a small rural community in Manitoba, I understand the value of having access to the larger centres. Not everybody has the ability to move things in and out of these larger centres, but they can do so with the mail.
If people are watching today, I would encourage them to contact their library and find out about the book rate. They do not have to travel great distances. They can have library books and materials delivered right to their doorstep if they are unable to access their local library.
It will move into the other place very soon. I am hopeful that people studying it will see the positives and the benefits to all Canadians, and that we will bring it back to the House. With certain situations prevailing, I would like to see this happen as soon as possible, so I will encourage my friends in the other place to do the same.
With that, I thank hon. members for the opportunity. I too want to thank the people who work in the library system. They do a tremendous job and a great service to Canadians. This is just one way of showing a little support for them. It also enables Canadians to have better access to reading. What more could I say?
The Acting Speaker (Mr. Barry Devolin):
The question is on the motion. Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion?
Some hon. members: Agreed.
Some hon. members: No.
The Acting Speaker (Mr. Barry Devolin): All those in favour of the motion will please say yea.
Some hon. members: Yea.
The Acting Speaker (Mr. Barry Devolin): All those opposed will please say nay.
Some hon. members: Nay.
The Acting Speaker (Mr. Barry Devolin): In my opinion the yeas have it.
And five or more members having risen:
The Acting Speaker (Mr. Barry Devolin): Pursuant to Standing Order 98, the recorded division stands deferred until Wednesday, March 9, 2011, immediately before the time provided for private members' business.
The House will now suspend sitting until noon.
(The House resumed at 12 p.m.)
[Government Orders]
The House resumed from March 4 consideration of the motion that Bill C-60, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (citizen's arrest and the defences of property and persons), be read the second time and referred to a committee.
When this matter was last before the House, the hon. member for Skeena—Bulkley Valley had seven minutes remaining in the comments and questions period. The hon. member for Vancouver Kingsway on questions and comments.
Mr. Don Davies (Vancouver Kingsway, NDP):
Mr. Speaker, this legislation arises out of a bill that was proposed by my colleague from Trinity—Spadina, who took early and decisive action to put a very worthwhile idea before the House. My colleague has suggested that shopkeepers and small business people not be criminally charged if they are attempting to defend their property after the commission of a crime.
The Criminal Code currently permits a citizen to make an arrest during the commission of a crime, but there seems to be a gap in the law whereby if a person takes that step within a reasonable time after the commission of the offence, he or she could be charged, as Mr. Chen was in Toronto.
I would like to ask my hon. colleague what his position is with respect to amending our law to allow shopkeepers to conduct a citizen's arrest within a reasonable time after the commission of an offence, provided that person does not break the law or is otherwise overzealous or aggressive in doing so.
Mr. Nathan Cullen:
Mr. Speaker, I know my colleague from Vancouver Kingsway has issues in his riding about what we sometimes call petty crime, or theft under $5,000.
As my colleague correctly said, the idea raised in this bill originates with the member for Trinity—Spadina who has worked long on the issue of how to treat a citizen's arrest. This bill applies not just to shopkeepers and small business owners but to homeowners as well. New Democrats put forward this idea to a government that spends the vast majority of its time talking about crime issues.
There is a gap in the law. What happens when a citizen makes an arrest outside the immediate event itself? If an hour or several hours have gone by, the law changes. It does not allow for the same citizen's arrest.
Sometimes when a crime is committed the store owner or the homeowner sees the person who committed the crime but no police are available. It is important for people to understand that if police are available or there are reasonable grounds to expect a police officer to be available to make the arrest, that is the preferred course. Police officers are paid and trained to do that type of work. It is a dangerous thing to make a citizen's arrest. It is provocative. It can be very intense. It can also be quite physically dangerous for both parties involved. It is not ideal.
We are suggesting that if the government wants to make this change, we will allow the bill to be split and fast-track this part immediately through Parliament. We have not heard from the other parties yet as to whether or not they are interested in doing this, but it is critical. The part that we want to fast-track is the piece that we all agree on. It does not need further study. We are suggesting that if a citizen's arrest is not made in the process of the crime being committed but sometime after that, it would still be permissible for a citizen to make an arrest without fear of being charged with assault or confinement or whatnot.
We again plead with the government that if it wants to get something done, this is an opportunity to do it.
Mr. Dennis Bevington (Western Arctic, NDP):
Mr. Speaker, I too am concerned about the lack of response on this particular issue in terms of splitting the bill and moving it forward in a decent fashion that would permit some serious reflection.
The government pushes crime bills forward willy-nilly without thinking about them and without careful reflection on the views of experts in the field. Are we offering this compromise so that some of the important work can get done and so we can carefully scrutinize at committee the work the government has proposed?
Mr. Speaker, people should understand that there are three main parts to this bill. We are suggesting fast-tracking the third part through the process because there is little debate around it. The experts agree this is something we could do, which would be to allow more time to elapse between the crime being committed and the citizen's arrest being made. The first two parts of the bill are in need of study. That is what is likely to happen with this bill.
I have not heard too many of the opposition members speak, but the bill is likely to get through second reading. However, with the way laws work and the process we have in Parliament, that is going to take some time. The government is thereby jeopardizing its own bill, which was based on the work by the member for Trinity—Spadina. Within the next couple of weeks we will be facing a federal budget, which hangs in the balance. We do not know if it will pass or not. We do not know if there will be an election in a few weeks.
If the government is sincere about doing something about this issue, New Democrats have offered it a path forward. If it does not do that, then it is the government's choice.
However, the government says it wants to make some change happen for average ordinary Canadians. Canadians read the morning newspaper and ask why Mr. Chen in Toronto, or some other shopkeeper, was charged with wrongful confinement, kidnapping essentially, for having wrestled to the ground a fellow who came back a second time to steal more from Mr. Chen's shop. If the government really wants to make that change happen, let us do something about it. It is an error in the law and we can correct that error.
The other two parts of the bill need study. We would be happy to study those parts and bring in witnesses.
My hon. colleague from Western Arctic is right. The government is loath to bring forward evidence. On other crime bills, we ask for two things. We ask the government to show us any research to show it is going to be effective, because that is important, and we also ask what it is going to cost. Those questions are seen as reasonable ones to Canadians: is it going to work and what is the bill going to cost?
The government does not do that when it comes to crime bills. When we bring forward issues around repairing the social safety net or improving environmental regulations in this country, all the Conservatives want to know is what it will cost, but when it comes to crime, they seem to forget that mantra. They do not seem to care. We find that offensive to the intelligence of Canadians.
Those are two simple questions on any bill: is it going to work and what is it going to cost?
On crime, those guys have their blinkers on. It is ideology over any kind of intellect. That has to change for the government to gain any kind of support from other parties.
Mr. Kevin Lamoureux (Winnipeg North, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure today to add my comments on Bill C-60, a bill that I believe does have considerable support in the chamber. It is only a question of time before the bill passes second reading. I suspect there will be a number of speakers and we look forward to that happening.
However, as much as there is principle and thought behind putting the bill together as something that receives considerable support, there is a need for us to review the bill and be very diligent in having discussions with some of the stakeholders in regard to the bill at committee stage. There is a great deal of concern in terms of some of the details, but the principle is something that is very good. I understand why the idea of extending the amount of time it takes in order to make an arrest has come about, in particular in reference to an incident that occurred in Toronto in 2010.
I want to pick up on the point that was just talked about by my New Democratic colleague. That is the issue of why it is we have the bill before us today. My understanding is the government wants to come across as being tough on crime and this is going to be one of those tough on crime bills that the government is no doubt going to talk about whenever the next election occurs. It is appropriate to raise the issue of the timing of this particular bill. The idea of extending the amount of time is not new. It has now been talked about for virtually a year as the New Democrats and the Liberal Party each have a bill to address the issue in part. The Liberal Party has been talking about it for a long time now. I believe it was in June 2010 when the member for Eglinton—Lawrence brought forward a bill that in part addressed this issue.
It is interesting in terms of the government's response to private member's bills. It wants to try to give the impression to the public that it is bringing in legislation that is going to have an impact on the issue of crime. At the same time, when opposition parties, in particular when the Liberal Party brings forward a bill that would go a long way toward providing assurances and improve our system so that victims and their concerns are addressed, the government sits back and does nothing. Instead of adopting a good idea from the Liberal Party, the government chooses to sit back, do nothing and wait until it feels it is time to bring forward the same type of legislation. One could question the government's motives in terms of why it has decided to wait so long in responding to what was a very sensitive issue. It is something that is not just sensitive to the city of Toronto.
In my constituency, an incident occurred in 2010 where there was no citizen's arrest per se, but it spoke volumes in terms of police availability. The incident happened right beside my constituency office, where there is a small retail store. A couple of youths, both under age 14, and one of them might have been only eight or nine years old, walked into the store. The clerk was asked if there was ice cream. She went to the front of the store into the freezer where she was jumped from behind by the child. The child had, I believe, scissors and stabbed her in the neck. Because of the screaming that followed, the children were scared and fled the store. The clerk had to go to the hospital to get stitches.
At the end of the day, in the discussions that I have since had with the clerk, there is a sense of frustration with some of the crimes that take place and the need to take action. There were some individuals not too far from the scene who were not too sure as to exactly what they could have done. There is a general lack of knowledge with regard to citizen's arrest.
Only a number of days later there was a young individual on the top of the roof of my building threatening to stab or kill someone with scissors, a violent act. The landlord was quite concerned and did not know what he could do in terms of a citizen's arrest. The youth left the building and made a run for it. We knew who the child was and could ultimately make an identification.
We need to have confidence that the police are going to be there for us when we need them. It is an issue of resources. In many situations we find that individuals, shop owners, or concerned citizens find themselves in a position where they are able to take some form of action in the form of a citizen's arrest. If done appropriately, it is a wonderful thing.
At times, a citizen's arrest can be very dangerous. We have to make sure there is proper legislation to support it and yet not necessarily encourage individuals to be overly abusive physically with someone who is stealing a chocolate bar or something of that nature. There has to be a common sense component to it. That is why I say sending the bill to committee would be a good thing. I look forward to that happening.
I found it interesting when I read some of the quotes from Mr. Chen and what had taken place in Toronto. It reinforces a couple of the points that I want to emphasize.
In a report by the CBC, flower store owner Hamid Kheiry stated with regard to the availability of police that even if he calls, nothing happens. This is the prevailing opinion the public has. It is one of the reasons there is a great deal of frustration and people look at ways to be more directly involved. As we all know, the police cannot be everywhere. There is a role for citizens to play with regard to issues of this nature.
In terms of the courts, in his remarks, Justice Ramez Khawly, who presided over this case, stated there was, in part, perceived police inaction. The last thing I would want to imply is that this problem exists today because of our police forces. Our police are most capable and do a phenomenal job with the resources they have.
In the federal byelection in Winnipeg North a great emphasis was put on the issue of crime. The Conservative government said it wanted to address the issue head on. The biggest commitment the Conservatives made with regard to the issue of policing that could have an impact on legislation such as this was to increase the number of police officers.
This has been a hotly debated issue in Winnipeg. It resurfaced the other day in a debate at city council. It was reported in the Winnipeg Free Press. Let there be no doubt, police resources are of critical importance in dealing with issues of this nature. I am suggesting that the case in Toronto is not an exception. I believe there are a good number of citizen's arrests carried out across Canada.
For every citizen's arrest, I truly believe there are many more incidents of frustration. That frustration is because there is a sense that there is no consequence to some of the actions being taken in stores and homes across Canada. As a whole, people want to ensure there is a consequence to these actions.
I believe that if the public were canvassed we would find there is a great deal of support in terms of providing additional resources to our police agencies. I suspect the Conservatives are aware of that. That is the reason they made a commitment for 2,500 more police officers across Canada.
In looking at the Winnipeg Free Press print edition of February 26, there are three specific parts I would like to emphasize. It reads as follows:
Winnipeg officials want to know what happened to their portion of $14 million in federal money to hire 15 more police officers for city streets.
The money was made available in 2008 under the...government's $400 million Police Officers Recruitment Fund, intended to put 2,500 more police officers on the street nationally over the five years.
It states further:
Three years later, city officials say they haven't received the money to hire the additional officers.
I do believe that the legislation we have before us and the type of actions we see from the government speak of two different things. One, the government recognizes the value of trying to be perceived as being tough on crime, so it wants to bring forward legislation. Two, the government wants to be able to recognize the value of having additional police resources, so it talks a great deal about that. The government has suggested it has brought forward the necessary funds.
I would question the government on those two issues.
I started off my comments by talking about the government not recognizing the Liberal Party's bill on the issue of citizen's arrest. A member from the New Democratic Party also brought forward a bill, but it became an issue of timing.
The Conservative government ignored those bills and did nothing, in favour of waiting until the timing was right for it to bring in its own bill. It did not care in terms of the other bills being proposed. The government wanted to take the credit. That is what it was about. It wants the credit for trying to look as if it is tough on the crime front.
On the second issue of policing, the government recognized the value in the public wanting to ensure there are adequate police resources in our communities. It said it was going to provide more policing. Then there is the question in terms of the follow-through on it. Why is it that years after the government made that commitment, the city of Winnipeg has not seen those additional police officers on the street?
Money can be transferred over, but, at the end of the day, if those police officers are not materializing, a promise has been broken. When the government says that it is tough on crime, we can review not only this legislation, but other legislation that the government has failed on in this measure. It has not delivered, in a timely fashion, on many pieces of legislation that have been put forward, even from the opposition benches.
Sometimes the government throws in other complications to legislation to try to prevent or slow down legislation from ultimately passing. For example, if the government really wanted to get legislation such as Bill C-60 passed quickly, then to what degree did the government work with the official opposition, the Liberal Party, the New Democrats and to a certain degree the Bloc Party to address Mr. Chen's story, which is duplicated by many other shopkeepers across the country? How can we pass the legislation in a more timely fashion?
The Liberal Party was prepared to take action on this issue before the summer break in July 2010. It could have been done prior to the summer of 2010 if the government had the same interest it claims to have today in wanting to pass Bill C-60. However, it did not meet the government's agenda, which is not necessarily in the best interest of the public. Ultimately, that is what I would argue.
Associated with this bill is the issue of policing. It is referenced in the courts in terms of the shopkeepers and the perception of the public has a whole. The government said that it recognized that and would make a commitment, but it failed to follow through on that commitment.
A very high percentage of the population in Winnipeg North is overwhelmingly concerned about the issue of crime and safety, more so than most constituencies across Canada. Members will excuse me if I am sensitive on the issue of having more police on our streets and in our community police offices. Winnipeg North has seen community policing and police in community police offices go down. Over the same period of time that the Conservatives have been in office, community policing has gone down in service stations.
The Conservatives have done nothing to support those community police offices. The federal government does have a role to play. Through community police offices, we are able to better educate the population in regards to prevention.
There is a wonderful website that I went to when I had some public safety meetings a few weeks ago. It is about crime and safety in Winnipeg North. There is one at St. John's High School and one at Northwood Community Club on how to prevent crime from taking place. Individuals I had a chance to chat with talked about the issue of citizen arrests and how that could occur. Community policing and education play a role in making our communities safer.
As much as it is great to see the bill today, I look forward to it going to committee. I think Canadians as a whole would support the principle of extending the amount of time for arrest.
Mr. Bob Dechert (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice, CPC):
Mr. Speaker, I thank the hon. member for his declaration of support for what is very good and necessary legislation. I listened intently to his speech and that of the member of the NDP who spoke about the timing of the bill.
I met with members of the shop corners community immediately following the incident Mr. Chen was involved in before the hon. member was a member of the House. They told me that not only were they concerned about the timing of arrest, but what they were allowed to do in order to protect their property and themselves if they were threatened with personal physical harm.
Typically, the two opposition bills mentioned this morning said nothing about what people could do to defend their property or their person, because those bills were politically motivated. They were brought in simply to score a quick, cheap, political hit, but did not address the whole issue of citizen's arrest, property defence and defence of a person.
Perhaps the member could comment on that.
Mr. Kevin Lamoureux:
Mr. Speaker, we can tell a lot about what the Conservatives hope to really achieve by the way in which they will consult with people. For example, did the minister responsible for the bill have discussions with critics? To what degree were the Conservatives open to having feedback prior to the introduction of the bill? The ultimate goal should be to try to address the issue at hand to the very best of our ability.
We could have passed the bill about the amount of time it would take for a citizen to make an arrest. This is the primary concern, from my understanding, that Mr. Chen and many other Canadians had. That portion of the bill could have passed in June of 2010. Even if it were before committee at that time, we could have reviewed it and maybe looked at ways to improve the bill back then.
There are some good parts in the bill of which we are very supportive. We want to see it go to committee and we are open to other possible amendments, reviewing and giving due diligence to other aspects of the bill itself.
Mr. Speaker, I notice my hon. colleague mentioned promises that were made by the government a few elections ago about providing 2,500 more police officers across the country.
I was visited by representatives of police boards across Canada in my office last week. They told me that they knew for a fact that those 2,500 officer positions had not been created for a few reasons. One was the federal government had not given long-tern funding commitments that would enable them to provide those positions. Also, the money was transferred to provinces without being tied to the creation of those positions. Therefore, some provinces put portions of that money into general revenue.
Considering that part of the bill is motivated by the fact that police are just not able to respond quickly enough to shop owners or people who find themselves perhaps being the victims of a crime, could my hon. colleague comment on the connection between having enough police officers in our communities and the need to have citizens be able to make their own arrests in the absence of quick, prompt responses by police officers?
Mr. Speaker, I am a very strong advocate for community policing. For the city of Winnipeg, that promise would have meant 15 additional police officers for the city. Quite frankly, we could have used every one of those police officers in the field as community police officers.
The value of having community police officers going into the different businesses, explaining how citizen's arrests are made, among may other things, has phenomenal values.
Ultimately, the point I was trying to get at, when I made reference to it, was the fact that the government made a promise. It promised to put more police officers on the street. It has failed to follow through on that promise. The city of Winnipeg has still not hired one of those 15 police officers.
The issue is the Conservatives have brought forth the bill and have made this commitment, but they need to follow through with it. They need to turn what they talk about into reality. For Winnipeg North, crime and safety is number one. We need those police officers on the street. We need to have bills like this in some form passed.
Mr. Jeff Watson (Essex, CPC):
Mr. Speaker, I have listened intently to the comments of the member opposite, particularly his assertion about the timing of this bill and his reference to the member for Eglinton—Lawrence on how this could have been handled sooner.
The reality is the member for Eglinton—Lawrence had a choice as well. The order of precedence allows him to move his bill forward quickly. He chose another bill and allowed his particular version of the bill with respect to self-defence to languish, where it would never be debated in Parliament. If the Liberals were truly tough on crime, that bill would have been on the order of precedence.
I remind the member opposite that the member for Eglinton—Lawrence's other bill, the one that he actually thought was a priority, has already been through committee. Would he like to comment on whether he spoke with the member for Eglinton—Lawrence about making this a priority instead of pretending it was a priority?
Mr. Speaker, one of the nice things about the chamber is the ability to get unanimous consent. If in fact the chamber and the Conservatives at any point in time saw the value of that bill and wanted to pick up on the issue, they would have been able to approach the Liberal Party, and vice-versa, the Liberal Party could have approached other members. It is up to the chamber to look for unanimous consent to bring forward a good idea.
At the end of the day, what I know is it would have been wonderful to have seen that bill passed. If the government knew it would bring in legislation of this nature, why would it not approach the Liberal Party and say that it liked the bill, that it would like to see some amendments to it, but it would work with the bill so it could be brought forward to the House? With the unanimous support of the House, it could have been debated back in June, passed and some Conservative amendments could have been made to it. Members of the Liberal Party are very open-minded in having good ideas brought forward, passed and turned into law.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to speak today on Bill C-60, An Act to amend the Criminal Code, which addresses the issues of citizen's arrest, defence of property and defence of persons.
I would like to begin by addressing the reforms to the law of self-defence and defence of property. Defences arise when a person is alleged to have committed a criminal offence. The availability of a defence means that, although a person did commit an act that would otherwise be a crime, he or she should not be convicted for it because of some other circumstance amounting to a defence at law. If a person is defending themself from an attack or defending their property from being stolen, they might need to behave in a way that would normally attract criminal responsibility, such as an assault against the person threatening them. The defences are the law's way of balancing the generally applicable offences with exceptional circumstances that can validate the commission of crimes.
In the McIntosh case in 1995, the Supreme Court of Canada issued a very stark assessment of the law of self-defence. Here is what former Chief Justice Antonio Lamer had to say:
I would observe that ss. 34 and 35 of the Criminal Code are highly technical, excessively detailed provisions deserving of much criticism. These provisions overlap, and are internally inconsistent in certain respects.... It is to be expected that trial judges may encounter difficulties in explaining the provisions to a jury, and that jurors may find them confusing.
Chief Justice Lamer went on to say:
I am of the view that any interpretation which attempts to make sense of the provisions will have some undesirable or illogical results. It is clear that legislative action is required to clarify the Criminal Code’s self-defence regime.
Confusing law is not just a matter of passing concern; when laws are difficult to understand, there are real consequences. People will not be able to read the law and understand the rules that govern their conduct; and police will have a difficult time assessing whether a person has a valid defence for the conduct and may end up laying charges just to be on the safe side, in the hope that the court will sort out the confusion.
I have spoken with dozens of police officers who have told me that this is exactly what they do. I believe that this is probably what happened in the case of Mr. Chen. The police were faced with a series of confusing provisions in the Criminal Code. Their duty is to uphold the law, and so their duty is to lay a charge and seek the court's determination. That is what they did in this case.
That is why these types of cases and these provisions in the Criminal Code really require very close scrutiny, and that is what Bill C-60 is intended to do.
Prosecutors and defence counsel will spend considerable time making arguments about the meaning and the scope of the law; courts will have tremendous difficulty explaining the law to juries; juries will be asked to apply laws that even lawyers and judges do not fully understand; and even if the jury comes to the right conclusion, there are likely to be grounds for the losing party to appeal, causing delay in the final resolution of the outcome for the person charged, and the cost to the justice system will be significant and unnecessary.
We are right to be concerned about confusing laws. It is Parliament's duty to ensure that the law is accessible and clear to all Canadians. The time has come to do so in regard to these provisions.
When we looked at these provisions, we realized that there were nine provisions in the Criminal Code that were very confusing and, in some ways, contradictory. And when we looked further into it, we realized that these provisions of the Criminal Code had not actually been substantially revised since 1960. Thus it was the right time to do so.
The case of Mr. Chen was certainly a catalyst for change and gave rise to an opportunity for us to examine these provisions. However, when we actually sat down and spoke to shop owners, and here I hope that the member for Winnipeg North who spoke previously had an opportunity to do so in his city, we came to the conclusion that there was a lot more that needed to be fixed than just the timing of the citizen's arrest provision.
Prior to and after the Supreme Court of Canada's pronouncements in the McIntosh case, there were numerous attempts to reform the law.
First, the former Law Reform Commission of Canada proposed in 1987 a re-codified general part of the Criminal Code, the part that contains many general rules, such as the defences and rules surrounding participation in crime. This report included a reformed law of self-defence and defence of property.
The Canadian Bar Association also produced a report in 1992 for a reformed general part of the code and proposed a slightly different, but vastly simpler, defence of the person and defence of property.
Around the same time, the Department of Justice issued a white paper that was a draft of a new general part of the Criminal Code. It included yet another version of a simplified defence for self-defence and defence of person.
Again in 1998, the Department of Justice consulted with Canadians on various ways in which the defences could be simplified and clarified. However, law reform never came until now.
Bill C-60 presents the first legislative response in many decades to the confusing law on self-defence and defence of property. In a nutshell, the legislation seeks to simplify both defences in order to provide clear guidance to Canadians about what they can do in an emergency situation where they are forced by a threat to themselves or their property.
Simpler laws will provide better guidance to police officers who are called to the scene of a crime, who will, as a result, be better able to make appropriate decisions about whether charges are warranted or not. Simpler laws will also allow courts to instruct juries in a sensible manner. This will reduce successful appeals and retrials, saving the justice system unnecessary time and expense.
The proposed new law of self-defence will boil down to a few simple considerations: did the person reasonably perceive that they or another person was being threatened with force, or were they actually being assaulted; did they respond for the purpose of protecting themselves or the other person from that force; did they act reasonably in the circumstances?
These are the key components that permit a person to do what would otherwise be criminal, whether it be using force against force, or doing something else such as breaking into a property to escape an attacker. These components are very similar to those that are currently part of the law of self-defence, but the defence in Bill C-60 provides a single, simple, general rule. The law on the books today, by contrast, is based on the same basic principles but is written in a very complicated and overly detailed way.
Why does the law need to be more complicated than these three principles? The answer is that it does not. One new feature of the defence of persons is the addition of a non-exhaustive list of factors to help guide the judge or jury in determining whether the conduct was reasonable in the circumstances.
Our government believes this additional feature will be welcomed by the courts, which will be called upon to interpret the law and instruct juries on a more simple defence. The factors on the list are well known in the case law dealing with self-defence, because they often arise in all kinds of different cases.
The list will include the nature of the force that was threatened and the proportionality of the response to it, whether there were weapons present and whether the parties had a pre-existing relationship, including in particular whether there were previous incidents of violence.
This last factor will be particularly important in cases where a battered spouse uses force. As the Supreme Court has noted in the landmark case of Lavallee, it is sometimes difficult for a jury to understand how a battered spouse might stay in a relationship or how they might come to understand the patterns of violence of their partner.
The list of factors to consider will help ground the jury's consideration of the facts by clearly identifying this factor, among others, as relevant to its assessment of reasonableness.
The current defence of property scheme has the same flaws as those of self-defence. There are too many overlapping provisions that set out specific situations and they are far too complicated to know which to apply and in what circumstances.
The reform proposed in Bill C-60 would dramatically simplify the law by setting out one single general rule for the defence. The same level of protection that is currently provided by five separate defences would be captured in one simplified defence. In the simplest of terms, a person will be able to do what is reasonable in the circumstances to protect property in their possession from being taken, destroyed or trespassed upon.
Bill C-60 expands the time in which a property owner can arrest a person who is committing an offence in relation to their property. This change will bring flexibility to the power of citizen's arrest, which will complement the other reforms in the bill by helping Canadians to protect their interests when the situation calls for urgent action.
I think all members can agree that clear and simple defences and a citizen's arrest law that provides flexibility for variations in the circumstances will allow all Canadians to take necessary and reasonable steps when the circumstances leave them with no other reasonable options.
I urge all members to support this important legislation.
If time allows, I would like to distinguish for all of the members present today the difference between Bill C-60 and the two private members' bills.
As I mentioned in my remarks, the government's bill is broader in scope. It clarifies and simplifies the law of self-defence and defence of property, and would expand the provisions governing citizen's arrest. The two private members' bills deal only with citizen's arrest.
With respect to the reforms to the citizen's arrest provisions, the government's bill would expand the time period for a citizen to make an arrest, but in a carefully and articulated way so as not to invite citizens to make such arrests where it is instead feasible and advisable for the police to do so.
Bill C-565, the NDP bill, proposes to allow a person to make a citizen's arrest of another person whom, on reasonable grounds, he or she believes has committed an offence and where the arrest occurs within a reasonable time following commission of the offence.
Bill C-547, the Liberal private member's bill proposed by the member for Eglinton—Lawrence, proposes amendments similar to Bill C-565 but without the reasonable time requirement.
Perhaps the member for Winnipeg Centre may want to read his colleague's bill. He mentioned something about reasonable time for a citizen's arrest, but that is not even included in that bill.
These two private members' bills would allow for a citizen's arrest based on reasonable grounds that an offence has been committed. However, there is no time limit within which this belief must be formed and the time could extend to weeks or months later.
The government's proposal, requiring that the arrester find someone committing an offence and make the arrest within a reasonable time only when it is not feasible in the circumstances for a peace officer to make the arrest, is more limited and more responsible. It does not equate the citizen's arrest power with that of the police.
Mrs. Cathy McLeod (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Revenue, CPC):
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague for articulating this important piece of legislation and detailing its different aspects.
The member talked about the difference between the two private members' pieces of legislation and our legislation. I would like him to articulate clearly the important changes in Bill C-60 that were not in those pieces of legislation.
Mr. Bob Dechert:
Mr. Speaker, as we heard today, the opposition has proposed two bills that are very limited in scope, without taking the time to look into what is really behind all of the circumstances in these types of cases.
When shopowners are confronted by a shoplifter, as Mr. Chen was, they look at what they need to do both to defend their property and, potentially, defend themself or staff or customers.
All of these provisions are wrapped up together. We cannot simply make a change to the time of a citizen's arrest without examining what people have the right to do to defend themselves or their property. However, that is typical of the opposition when it finally gets engaged in a criminal justice matter. Most of the time the opposition is against criminal justice legislation, and most of the time those members side with the offender not the victim.
In this case the government took the time to look at all of the related provisions and to make the necessary amendments that will clarify the law for all Canadians for decades to come.
Mr. Alex Atamanenko (British Columbia Southern Interior, NDP):
Mr. Speaker, I was going to thank the hon. member for his speech until he came out with a real cheap shot in saying that we do not believe in justice bills. That is blatantly untrue, and the member should realize that. It is time for those guys over there to work with us to come up with some good legislation, which is what we should be doing here in the House.
I would like to ask the hon. member if he recognizes that my colleague from Trinity—Spadina, with her private member's bill, and the tabler of the Liberal Party's private member's bill, have actually laid the groundwork for this piece of legislation? In other words, would he give them some credit for the fact this issue is being debated?
I wonder if he could outline what he considers to be a reasonable time. It is my understanding that the difference between this bill and what currently exists is that this bill would allow a shopkeeper some leeway, a couple of hours or a day, to apprehend a person, whereas that is not possible now. I would like some clarification on that.
Much of the time we have problems like this owes to inadequate policing. I wonder if my colleague recognizes the fact that we need the federal government to step up to the plate, especially when it concerns the RCMP and our small rural communities, so that we will not have situations where police officers go off duty and are not replaced.
Mr. Speaker, I thank the hon. member for his support for at least part of this legislation, and hopefully all of it.
My comment about the voting record of his party on justice bills is based on experience. He does not sit on the justice committee as I do, but I am there day after day listening to his colleagues on the justice committee present witness after witness against bills that are designed to rebalance the criminal law as between offenders and victims. I can say from experience day after day that they slow down and delay legislation by putting forward witnesses that only want to talk about the needs of offenders.
Let me talk about the timing of this bill. I and other members of the government met with shop owners, including Mr. Chen, immediately following the event that took place in his store. We heard what they think is necessary on a range of issues. It was not just the timing of the citizen's arrest in that particular case. That was one very narrow aspect.
What they are concerned about and face every single day working in their stores 16 to 18 hours serving their communities is that there are people who repeatedly and violently steal from them. They need to know what they can do to defend their property and to defend themselves, their staff and their customers when these people enter their stores.
It would be unreasonable to simply add the word “reasonable” to the Criminal Code, which is essentially what the NDP wanted to do. They wanted to insert one word so they could say they have done something in responding to people's needs without actually taking the time, which is typical of the opposition, to get to the root of the problem and make important reforms that would solve the problem and simplify the Criminal Code for police, judges and all Canadian citizens.
Mr. Speaker, my question relates to what a reasonable amount of time is. It would be of great benefit if he could expand upon what is a reasonable amount of time. I would appreciate whatever the member may be able to put on the record with regard to that.
Mr. Speaker, that is a good question. What is reasonable really has to depend on the circumstances. It is very difficult to say generally what would be reasonable. In the specific case that was a catalyst for this bill, the court actually found that the period of time was not really in question because the perpetrator was actually in the process of perpetrating a secondary crime at the time the citizen's arrest was made.
However, we have made it clear that in addition to a reasonable period of time, it must also be not feasible in the circumstances for the police to be called in to make the arrest, which is of course what we want to happen in the vast majority of cases. However, when that is not feasible and police are not available, it would be reasonable for a citizen to make an arrest.
If the member is a lawyer, he may know that Lord Denning, a famous member of the House of Lords, said that what is reasonable is what is in the mind of the man on the Clapham omnibus. If I could put that in Canadian terms, it is what citizens on the Burnhamthorpe Road West bus in my riding or on the GO train going to work every morning would think is a reasonable period of time in which they could make an arrest in order to protect their property.
Ms. Olivia Chow (Trinity—Spadina, NDP):
Mr. Speaker, I do not see the relationship between a citizen's arrest in David Chen's case at the Lucky Moose and spousal abuse.
The bill in front of us has three parts. The first deals with citizen's arrest, the second with defence of property and the third with self-defence. Why has the Conservative government tacked on the two other elements when there is unanimous consent on the first element of citizen's arrest? The Bloc, the Liberals and the New Democrats are in agreement on changing the words to allow a reasonable amount of time on reasonable grounds. We have no problem with that. The other two parts basically remove the section that said “not intended to cause death or grievous bodily harm”. This means that the Conservatives are expanding the whole notion of when people can protect themselves. It gets into very muddy waters.
I cannot see how self-defence is connected with a citizen's arrest and why it is included in this bill.
Mr. Speaker, if the member actually took the time to speak to shopkeepers, she would understand that in the vast majority of cases they are actually defending themselves in addition to defending their property. They need to know what they can do in order to protect their personal health. Also, they need to know what steps they can take to protect their property. These things are all intertwined.
If members actually take the time to think about what is going on and what shopkeepers need to do when they see somebody come into a store and take something off the shelf, they will realize that we are taking nine very confusing provisions of the Criminal Code, section 34 to section 42, and section 494, and we are simplifying them into three provisions that everyone will be able to understand.
Mr. Speaker, first, I want to say that David Chen of the Lucky Moose Food Mart would never want to assault another human being. Therefore, this whole question of self-defence is a red herring, because he was not being attacked by the person who stole things from his store. It is not a question of self-defence we are dealing with. We are talking about his right to make a citizen's arrest.
Why do we need the part of this bill that deals with citizen's arrest? From coast to coast to coast we have heard from small business owners, not just from the one group the Conservative government spoke of having one or two meetings with. I have in fact met with store owners not just in Toronto but in Vancouver and Montreal also. They are saying that they work long hours, their profit margins are small and, unlike large stores, they have no money to hire security guards and do not want to do so. They really do not have a lot of extra staff on hand. They work such long hours and their profit margins are very low, so every dollar they lose from shoplifting means that they must work many more hours.
Let me describe Mr. Chen's situation. I believe that a large number of Canadians are now familiar with the story.
Mr. Chen works at least 16 to 18 hours a day, seven days a week, every week of the year. Most times he and his wife stay upstairs above the store in order to wake up early in the morning to go to the market to buy the merchandise they sell in their store. They hire a number of employees. However, on average they make around minimum wage, so every $100 they lose means they have to work another 10 or 15 hours. When they noticed that a person was repeatedly coming to their store to steal plants and food items, they wanted to take action. It is not that they wanted to cause any harm to anyone. They called the police several times and yet the police for some reason did not come.
An hour later the thief came back with the intent to steal more plants, because the first time around the thief was unable to carry all the plants that he wanted to take. He came back to steal more, but did not get to do that. David Chen proceeded to give chase and held the person in his van. Once the police arrived, Mr. Chen was charged with the very serious offences of assault, confinement, carrying a concealed weapon, et cetera.
Mr. Chen had difficulty finding the time and financial resources to hire a lawyer to go to court over and over again to defend himself. Members of the community in Toronto organized a fundraising banquet in order to support him because they felt that what had happened to him was unjust.
In my riding, we have noticed that what occurred to David Chen is not an isolated incident. Another store owner in the Kensington market area, Jeff Ing, who sells fruits and vegetables at his store, Jungle Fruit, has lost a lot of business because of the same person who was shoplifting at the Lucky Moose.
I then went with the member for Vancouver Kingsway to talk to other store owners. We walked along Victoria Street with a petition in support of my private member's bill, Bill C-565, that would allow a citizen's arrest to happen, not at a time when the offence is taking place but within a reasonable amount of time after an offence has taken place, with reasonable grounds. Every shop on Victoria Street and every shopper with whom we spoke were willing to sign the petition. They thought it was important that the Criminal Code be amended with a very common-sense amendment and that it was high time for such an amendment to take place.
Some people asked whether the amendment would encourage vigilantism. No, it would not because the code would not be changed in a way that would allow a citizen's arrest to be done in a way that would cause harm. The “arrest” is basically detaining the person while waiting for the police officers to come and make the actual arrest. The amendment would not change any part of the code dealing with using force.
Some may ask if it means that the employees of some stores would be requested to put their lives in danger in order to apprehend shoplifters. Absolutely not. People do not need to detain shoplifters. We encourage people to call the police and wait for them to come. It is only when there is no other choice that they would make a citizen's arrest. No employees would be under any duress, because they are protected by the provincial labour code, to put themselves in any kind of dangerous situation. It would not justify any use of force because that is not what it is all about.
We believe it is up to peace officers, RCMP, provincial police and the local police force to do their job. We need to ensure that community policing is the order of the day. We need to ensure the police are visible in the community, work closely with the communities and the business improvement area so we can reduce shoplifting incidents in the first place, rather than waiting for them to happen and a citizen's arrest having to be made. It is also important that the Conservative government honour its campaign promise to hire more police officers. However, in some cities across Canada, we have not see the increase of police officers as promised.
We must also invest in crime prevention. The person shoplifting should have drug treatment programs to ensure he or she quits the drug habit. The shoplifter admitted to that. For young people who may fall into gang situations, we need to find ways to ensure they have good role models and good employment programs before they start shoplifting in the first place.
Bill C-60, however, is not just about citizen's arrest. Two other portions in Bill C-60 are far more complex. I fail to see why the government would not allow this portion, which has the unanimous support of all parties, to move ahead, which is precisely the request that came from the community.
The member from Mississauga—Erindale, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice, was in receipt of suggestions for a private member's bill from the community with the precise wording that both myself and other members of Parliament have submitted. The community was interested in the citizen's arrest portion of the Criminal Code.
Adding in the defence of property and self-defence muddies the water. If the Conservatives are not willing to split the bill and do a quick consent for citizen's arrest, then the bill will go to the justice committee where it must go through a very detailed study of the two portions.
Some elements that modernize the Criminal Code may be worthy of support but some of the other amendments may have unintended consequences. For example, removing the requirements on the use force in self-defence could lead to troubling incidents and may result in the escalation of violence. I certainly hope not but we do not know.
The guideline right now is very straightforward in that ordinary Canadians are not allowed to use force that could result in the death of the attacker unless they believe their life is at risk. The use of force must be proven in order to defend oneself. If the definition of the type of threat is removed, then unintended consequences may result for people who believe they are under any kind of threat. In the Criminal Code now, the amount of force needed to repel an attack should be used, but not more. Why do we need to change that aspect of it?
This part of the bill is quite complex and causes some unease in terms of what precisely the Conservative government is trying to do, which is why we are calling upon the Conservatives to immediately split the bill and allow the other two portions of the bill to undergo careful examination. If the government is not willing to do so, then it is playing politics with incidents like David Chen's incident at the Lucky Moose Food Mart. Instead of working with other parties to get results and make Parliament work, the Conservatives want to take this incident and play partisan games with it, which is most unfortunate.
I hope that is not the government's intention, and I do not detect that intention. I sense a willingness of all parties to work together to ensure that incidents, like David Chen's incident, never happen again.
Perhaps all members of Parliament have heard the petitioners from coast to coast to coast who have petitioned Parliament to take action. I recently submitted 10,000 names to Parliament of people urging us to take immediate action.
This debate on amending the Criminal Code for citizen's arrests has been requested by the community for over a year and a half. The incident that led to this discussion, David Chen's incident, occurred in May 2009. It is not as if this just occurred. We have had a long time to look at the Criminal Code and a long time to discuss what needs to be done. On my private member's bill, which came forward in September of last year, there were numerous discussions on the citizen's arrest portion. A lot of store owners from Montreal have talked about this and they want us to work together.
It is my sincere wish that we do not muddy the water with the other two portions of this bill and allow the citizen's arrest portion to move ahead. There is no doubt that the whole notion of self-defence and protection of property in the Criminal Code, which was written a long time ago, will eventually need some kind of adjustment and amendment with more modernized wording so that the different sections can be compressed into a few sections. I understand why that is necessary but to tack it on to Bill C-60 is unfortunate.
The other element of this is that we do not know whether the Conservative government will bring forward a budget that is supportable by all parties. If the budget comes forward and one of the opposition parties makes a decision not to support it, then Parliament will not survive past the end of March. If that is the case, then all the work that has been done to amend the Criminal Code, specifically on citizen's arrests, will not occur.
We are in early March and there are only a few weeks before the coming budget. For this bill to get through second reading today or tomorrow, then go to the justice committee where it has a large number of justice bills in front it, and then, assuming it passes there, to come back to the House of Commons at report stage and then third reading will take quite a bit of time. After that, it still needs to go to the Senate for approval.
Leaving this bill so late, in terms of the upcoming budget, is most unfortunate. I do hope the government will work with the opposition members of Parliament to split the bill and allow the citizen's arrest portion to move ahead with unanimous consent.
Mr. Speaker, I know the member met with her constituent, Mr. Chen, and other shop owners in her constituency. She is sincerely trying to amend the law to fix what everyone recognizes are anomalies in the law.
In her comments, the member asked why we need to amend the right to self-defence and the right to defence of property. With respect, I think she answered her own question in her remarks.
The member then went on to describe some of the facts in the Mr. Chen, Lucky Moose Market case. She rightly mentioned that he was charged with assault and forcible confinement. What happened in that case was that he chased the perpetrator down the laneway, arrested him, tied him up and put him in the back of a van. Therefore, he was charged with assault and with confinement. He needs to know that the provisions of the law that he was charged with are: What right did he have to defend his property; what actions could he take to defend his property; and what actions, in a more broader case, could he take to defend himself.
I wonder if the member could comment on that.
Ms. Olivia Chow:
Mr. Speaker, at no time did David Chen feel that the shoplifter would assault him. When he gave chase, it was because of the plants that the shoplifter had taken. I fail to see how removing a section such as, “not intended to cause death or grievous bodily harm” from the Criminal Code to justify self-defence would help the situation.
Right now a person has to prove that he or she used force in order to defend himself or herself. At no point was that really the question. The question was whether it was within David Chen's right to make a citizen's arrest. Had he done so when the shoplifter was stealing in the store he would not have been charged, but because he chased him outside after the shoplifting had occurred, that was the real problem. That was perceived as the problem. That was what was debated in court.
I sat through the entire summary by David Chen's lawyer. I also sat through the entire judgment when the judge acquitted David Chen, so I am very familiar with the court case.
Mr. Alan Tonks (York South—Weston, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, the member has somewhat addressed the issue with respect to defending one's property within the context of an incident that was going on in a shop, as the case was.
The police and law enforcement agencies are concerned however with respect to the chase and the serious harm that could be done to an individual who has had his or her property stolen under the conditions Mr. Chen found himself.
Would the member elaborate in terms of how we could minimize the impression with the community that this is an action that, while understandable, is one that could place an individual in harm's way? Is there some associated communication that we could put out to the public? Is there anything we could entrench within the Criminal Code that would remind people, particularly those who are dealing with the public on a day-to-day basis, that quick acceleration of an incident could be dramatically harmful?
Mr. Speaker, when asked by the media whether he would do the same thing again, David Chen said he probably would not. When asked what he would do if the incident happened again, he said that he would call the police.
Shoplifters still come into his store. He has a video camera in his store and he takes photos of the shoplifters and puts them on display. It is public shaming in a way. He works very closely with the police.
One of the consequences of the whole incident is that community-based policing in Toronto's Chinatown is much better. People are now working closely together so that the police response is faster and the store owners understand that they should call the police and make sure police officers are notified first.
It is a learning experience for some store owners. I am glad that lesson is learned, but that does not justify what happened to David Chen and all the things he went through. However, he wants to tell the other store owners to wait for the police to come, if they can.
Mr. Speaker, just last week I visited businesses in Vancouver Kingsway, which is a community full of small businesses and many hard-working store owners and business owners of all types. In particular the Chinese, Vietnamese and Filipino communities all have a very strong business work ethic and they tell me that they are struggling.
They told me that many of their businesses are on the margins of survival and it is extremely critical that they be able to protect their property in every respect. Losing $5,000, $10,000, or $100,000 a year is the difference in their businesses remaining viable.
My hon. colleague walked with me up Victoria Drive in Vancouver Kingsway and spoke to store owners. I am wondering what the store owners and small business owners are saying in her community about the good work she has been doing with respect to pushing this issue forward in the House.
Mr. Speaker, store owners in Toronto's Chinatown, throughout Toronto and across the country are saying that they want all political parties to work together to change the law and make it more flexible in terms of citizen's arrest. They would then feel secure knowing if they did something similar to what David Chen did, they would not have to go through what he experienced, namely, a year and a half of lost time, a huge amount of expense and a lot of attention that he did not want.
They are hoping for speedy passage of the amendment to the citizen's arrest portion of the Criminal Code.
[Translation]
Mr. Serge Ménard (Marc-Aurèle-Fortin, BQ):
Mr. Speaker, at this stage, I will say that we plan on voting in favour of sending this bill to committee to be studied. It must at least be substantially amended, if not replaced by the bill that all legislators in this House wanted and that was much more simple than the one we have in front of us today.
The speaker before me mentioned some incidents in Toronto that have made people think. Two members from two different parties introduced much simpler bills to clarify things.
I will sum up the situation. A store owner who sees a shoplifter who has previously stolen from him return to his shop and act the same way, realizes that he will once again be robbed. He does not have time to call the police, who would not arrive in time. Therefore, he decides to arrest the individual himself and detain him until the police arrive. That is something that makes sense. I will talk about two cases I pleaded that show that this is useful, especially in a country as vast as ours, where sometimes the police are far away and may take 45 minutes to an hour to come arrest someone who is committing an offence on or in relation to property.
We should have been satisfied with these private members' bills. What is strange in this case is that the department is telling us that it is introducing this bill to clarify things, but the language it uses is far from clear. In a few moments I will read some excerpts. I think it will take a lot of thinking and explanations before we can truly understand the provisions of the bill.
I am told that people love to hear my speeches in the House. It feels as though we are talking to an empty room or to a completely disinterested group of people. Our debates are televised and some people are disappointed if I do not use examples from past cases of mine to illustrate my point. I will talk about two cases, if I have the time.
I would like to clarify our position from the outset. We recognize that this amendment to section 494 is exactly what members want right now. Subsection 494(2) of the Criminal Code states the following:
Any one who is
(a) the owner or a person in lawful possession of property, or
(b) a person authorized by the owner or by a person in lawful possession of property,
may arrest without warrant a person whom he finds committing a criminal offence on or in relation to that property.
It is important to take note of what is not said in this subsection. It says “finds committing”. But if the following day the owner sees the person who committed the offence to his property—such as breaking his car windows, for example—it is too late to make a citizen's arrest.
That is what happened to Mr. Chen, as was mentioned by the previous speaker. And it happens quite often. We agree with the amendment proposed in Bill C-60, which would change subsection 494(2) to the following:
The owner or a person in lawful possession of property, or a person authorized by the owner or by a person in lawful possession of property, may arrest a person without a warrant if they find them committing a criminal offence on or in relation to that property and
(a) they make the arrest at that time;
Up until that point, there are only slight changes to the current law, but then the following is added:
(b) they make the arrest within a reasonable time after the offence is committed and they believe on reasonable grounds that it is not feasible in the circumstances for a peace officer to make the arrest.
This amendment, which is similar to two private members' bills previously introduced, would resolve the problem that we are all now aware of and provide the solution that we all want.
This government has a bad habit. Whenever it sees that the House is likely to reach unanimous consent on a given measure, it always has to add something. We in the Bloc Québécois are particularly concerned about the changes it is making to the principle of self-defence.
For instance, here are two situations that could become legal and—even worse—become widespread, if the bill passes in its entirety. After a dispute over a fence degenerates, one neighbour utters death threats against the other neighbour and his family. Incidentally, people do not usually really mean them when they utter death threats. They usually amount to nothing more than excessive language, not all that different from what is often heard here in this House, for example. The two are more or less on the same level.
One thing is certain: the neighbour who hears those threats should not feel truly threatened. However, say he does feel threatened and fears for his life, and wanting to defend his family, he will say, he goes after his neighbour and kills him, justifying his action by saying that the police could not guarantee his safety and that of his family in the long term. In such a case, no one would ever know if the deceased neighbour ever really intended to carry out his threats. Thus, if potentially deadly force is to be used, we want to ensure that the danger is real, that there is no other option besides violence to respond to those threats.
In the other scenario, imagine a young person shoplifting in a convenience store. The store clerk, outraged by this recurring act in his store that is eating up his profits, pulls a shotgun on the shoplifter, but it fires accidentally. At present, that is a criminal offence, because it deals with property and because it involves someone who is not a peace officer. He would be using force that is disproportionate to the crime committed and that caused someone's death.
This is why we want to carefully study the provisions of this bill that have to do with self-defence.
I have practised criminal law since 1966 and have always found the current provisions to be logical and rather self-explanatory and not requiring any radical changes. For example, without going into all the details, the current provisions on self-defence against unprovoked assault start out as follows:
(1) Every one who is unlawfully assaulted without having provoked the assault is justified in repelling force by force if the force he uses is not intended to cause death or grievous bodily harm and is no more than is necessary to enable him to defend himself.
(2) Every one who is unlawfully assaulted and who causes death or grievous bodily harm in repelling the assault is justified if
(a) he causes it under reasonable apprehension of death or grievous bodily harm from the violence with which the assault was originally made or with which the assailant pursues his purposes; and
(b) he believes, on reasonable grounds, that he cannot otherwise preserve himself from death or grievous bodily harm.
No matter their education, jurors who carefully read this section, or if it is read by the judge—perhaps judges provide a copy of the Criminal Code section—are perfectly capable of understanding it. Now here is what they want to replace it with. Why? I do not know.
This is the proposed wording:
A person is not guilty of an offence if
(a) they believe on reasonable grounds that force is being used against them or another person or that a threat of force is being made against them or another person;
(b) the act that constitutes the offence is committed for the purpose of defending or protecting themselves or the other person from that use or threat of force;...
I am not exaggerating when I say that I am certain that anyone hearing this for the first time will not understand the underlying principle. However, if they referred to the text I read earlier, the current Criminal Code section, they would have a much better understanding.
I do not understand when the government says that it wants to clarify an act, but then it uses such esoteric language to replace Criminal Code provisions that have stood the test of time.
As a lawyer, I have been involved in various cases. I remember a client who was accused of manslaughter. In fact, he might have been accused of murder, but the Crown was prepared to convict for manslaughter of a boat thief.
The defendant was living on an island east of Laval and he had several neighbours. Thieves would arrive by water. One night, the defendant, who was having prostate problems, got up and turned on the lights. He heard a noise, looked outside and saw people fleeing in a canoe. He realized that they were thieves. He finished what he was doing and went back to bed. Later, he heard the sound of boats knocking together even though the river was calm at that hour. He kept the light off and looked outside. What did he see? He saw two people in a canoe pulling his neighbour's motor boat behind them. He yelled out to them and told them to let go of the boat immediately, that they had been caught red-handed. The people kept paddling as though nothing were wrong and headed toward a nearby island to hide. The man found the shameless thieves and told them he had guns. He warned them to give up the boat or he would shoot.
At this point his wife was awake and he asked her to call the police. He could still see the two men paddling. Since he is a hunter, he has at least two guns: a rifle he uses for big game hunting and a .22 calibre gun.
He decided against using the moose hunting rifle because the shot could be fatal and the .22 calibre gun would make enough noise just to scare them. The man warned the thieves that he was aiming his gun at them, ready to shoot, but they kept on paddling. He decided to shoot in front of the canoe to scare them, but they kept on paddling. He warned them he was going to shoot again and he ordered them to let go of the boat. The thieves continued to paddle. The man took another shot in front of the canoe—or so he thought. Then one of the perpetrators seemed to be hiding in the canoe and the other raised his paddle and said they were surrendering. They came back toward him. The police were called to the scene.
One of the two thieves got out of the canoe, but the other one seemed to remain hidden inside. The man warned the thieves that he was armed and that they should not do anything foolish because the police were on their way. Finally, when the police arrived, the man handed over the rifle, trembling, and said that there was another person hiding in the canoe. The police went to look in the canoe and saw that the other person was dead.
Normally, a .22 calibre bullet fired at that range should not do that, but a .22 calibre bullet is still a bullet even though it is small and slow. In this case, the bullet entered the thief's side, passed between two of his ribs, through one of his lungs—where there was not much to stop it—and lodged at the base of his heart, which is what caused his death.
A police officer would have had the right to do what this man did, although admittedly a police officer would not have done it. Nevertheless, under the Criminal Code, a police officer has the right to behave like this. He used the only force available to make the arrest and it was deadly force. Individuals do not have the right to use deadly force simply to protect their property.
I told myself that the jurors would understand his position, so we decided to bring the case before a jury. We had an expert shooter come in, who told me to ask the police officers whether they had touched the weapon or made any changes to it. I asked him why and he said that he would tell me later. The police officers said that they had kept the weapon as they had found it. The expert shooter noticed that the sight was not calibrated for the range in question. He said that if the man in question had not wanted to hit the thieves, he should have aimed above their heads. Although a bullet travels several feet per second, a canoe also travels a certain distance in several seconds.
I thought that the judge would have to often reiterate that the force must be reasonable and proportional to the situation. If shouting was not enough to convince boat thieves who are on the water to stop, how else could they be stopped other than with a shot? The man had weapons at his disposal and he chose the less dangerous one. He aimed ahead of the boat so that the thieves would see the flash. His arguments convinced the jury and he was acquitted even though the judge told me that she would have found him guilty. She did not sentence him to time in prison since she understood his reasoning. This earned me some nice comments from the presiding juror, who knew Mr. Roy, Mr. Mulroney's former chief of staff. Mr. Roy was actually her nephew, and she told him that the lawyer was extraordinary. However, that has nothing to do with the application of the law, except that a law that is difficult to understand could lead to a sympathy verdict. This bill is ten times harder to understand.
I think that I have time to talk about another case, but it is about the ordinary arrest of an ordinary citizen after the fact. It is similar to the case of Mr. Chen, except that a security guard was involved. It is 17 years since I last practised criminal law. At the time, it was not popular for men to shave their heads, except maybe a few troublemakers. The individual in my case had no hair, no eyebrows, nothing. He had what is called alopecia universalis. He told me that he had no hair anywhere—yes, even where you are thinking. It is odd to see someone without any hair or eyebrows. This person told me that a few thousand people in Montreal have this condition, including the drummer of for the band Corbeau. He said that people always mistook him for someone else.
He had just moved and went into Steinberg's grocery to buy some bread and coffee for breakfast. When he got to the cash, he was arrested by the security guard who said that he had stolen something the day before. He responded that he had not been in the store the day before and that it was likely someone who looked like him. He said that he was often mistaken for the drummer from Corbeau, who had the same condition.
We explained his conditions and the effects of it, but when I tried his case, the security guard at the door of the court had the same condition. So we did not need an acquittal, but we filed a lawsuit. Steinberg went bankrupt and the security guard committed suicide. He had made a mistake by arresting him the following day. He did not have the right to arrest him because he had not caught him in the act.
Hon. Larry Bagnell (Yukon, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, if the “H” government will allow me to speak in this “H” Parliament, in this “H” House of Commons, I would like to make a couple of comments.
The parliamentary secretary made two comments. One was on the witnesses brought to committee by the opposition. The other was about the time we spent deliberating in committee.
Like that member, I sat on justice committee in the past. I thought the opposition witnesses brought the expertise that was needed. Often the bills we saw in justice committee were not well thought out by the government. They were totally off track of what would have been useful.
The member implied that we spent too long discussing a bill without giving it thoughtful consideration. Yet in committee expert witnesses told us time and time again that they had not been consulted. Those witnesses could protect victims and make Canada safer.
Does the member think the witnesses brought to committee by his party and other opposition parties are not useful to the process? Does he think too much time is spent in thoughtful debate in committee, or is just part of the anti-democratic modus operandi of the Conservative government?
Mr. Serge Ménard:
Mr. Speaker, I know that the witnesses we call are useful, but I do not understand what the hon. member's comment has to do with Bill C-60. We have not yet reached committee stage. We might have a witness in mind to invite, but as far as I am concerned, there are certain observations we can already make ourselves. With a small amendment, the current bill would be improved and not so confusing.
Mr. Joe Comartin (Windsor—Tecumseh, NDP):
Mr. Speaker, my colleague from the Bloc made some opening comments about this, but can he see any advantage at all in the proposed amendments in the first part of the bill, not those relating to section 494, but those relating to sections 34 to 42 of the code that deal with the right of self-defence, the right of defence of property, both residential and commercial, and the right of defence to protect one's other personal assets? Does he see anything in the proposed amendments in regard to those sections that would advance the law or protection for our communities?
Mr. Speaker, not at all. I see it as a step backward to give less importance to self-defence with force likely to cause death. I also believe that the proposed amendments will make the bill much more confusing than it already is. What is more, in our experience over the years and in my experience as a lawyer, the current law has not caused much confusion, but there are sections in this bill that are absolutely illegible. The answer to the question is clear. I do not see any progress; I see a backward movement.
Mr. André Bellavance (Richmond—Arthabaska, BQ):
Mr. Speaker, my colleague from Marc-Aurèle-Fortin is absolutely correct. For people who do not have a background in law, it is very helpful to be provided with real, concrete examples of what has happened in similar situations. At the beginning of his speech, he referred to certain private member's bills that have been introduced and that deal with these type of situations. For example, in the Toronto area, the owner of a convenience store had to use force to restrain a thief. As a result, members introduced bills.
The member for Marc-Aurèle-Fortin brought up certain problems that exist in Bill C-60. I would like him to explain the difference between the bills introduced by private members and the bill introduced by the government so that people like me, who do not have a background in law, can understand. He has said that the private members' bills are simpler. I would like to know what specific problems he sees with Bill C-60.
Mr. Speaker, the overall problem is that it will create confusion. The degree of force that can be used in self-defence is too subjective a concept. The legislation is good in that it extends the time within which an owner or his representative can arrest a repeat offender—that was already established in the law.
The example that I gave you, which was something I experienced during my time as a lawyer, demonstrated that someone should be arrested on the spot. If he is arrested the next day, a mistake could be made, even though there might be good reason for it, such as seeing a person with no hair or eyelashes. But it could be someone else.
Given the incident in Toronto, given the size of our country and given the time that it takes for police to arrive on the scene as they are often called to do, a little more time must be allowed after the offence is committed. As for the rest, why make the concept of potentially deadly force more subjective, especially if the owner does not fear for his life but simply fears the person who is attacking him?
Mr. Paul Szabo (Mississauga South, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, the concerns the member raised and the concerns we have heard from other stakeholders in this matter raise the question about whether the bill should have been referred directly to committee before second reading. Members will be asked to vote on a bill that has some problematic areas in which expertise is necessary. This matter happened back in October of 2010. We are four to five months later and we are only at second reading debate.
The whole process seems to have been poorly thought out by the government. I hope the member would agree that the best approach is not to pass a bill at second reading, with approval in principle, when we could put it straight to the committee and make fundamental changes, about which I believe the member is talking.
Mr. Speaker, we are going to try to remove the useless passages in committee. In my opinion, the amendments to section 494 are the only really useful thing in this bill.
It is true that a number of situations are described, illustrating when the use of force is reasonable. I would point out that all these situations were drawn from case law. Judges do not require a detailed list of what is or what is not reasonable, especially when the list is not exhaustive. What is deemed reasonable has never posed a problem; jurors and judges are perfectly capable of discerning this in practice.
Even though this clause is clear, it is useless. I believe that we should only retain the useful part, that is the amendments to section 494.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to add some commentary on Bill C-60.
Most Canadians will recall the incident where a shopkeeper observed someone stealing from his market in Toronto and then took off. Then the person came back and did it again. The shopkeeper saw him, ran him down and held him.
It is fairly straightforward in the eyes of the public. It is interesting to note that there are some very sensitive questions of law. Most Canadians would say that they have the right to protect their property or to hold a person until the police arrive. We have seen many stories like that.
The issue of civil liberties is very sensitive in the law. From some of the speeches given to date, there is a question about whether the proposed amendments in Bill C-60 will, in fact, be appropriate.
It is my view, where there are technical, legal matters and where the House has brought in a bill, we are asked, without the benefit of expert witnesses and legal opinions, et cetera, to debate it the best we can do. Without hearing from witnesses, we are at second reading.
The importance of that is at second reading we kind of get the mood of the House and whether we are prepared to approve, in principle, a bill to go forward to the next stage, which would be to go to committee.
In the question about what is actually affected by second reading, it is important for members to know and to remember that when we give approval in principle, it restricts the scope of amendments that can be made at committee. Certain things cannot be touched. We will not be able to go beyond the scope of the bill. For instance, if it deals with this universe, these items and we wanted to make it bigger than it was at second reading, it could not be done. If we wanted to change, substantively, the intent or the essence of the bill, it could not be done at committee. That is one of the reasons I asked the question of the hon. member earlier.
I am a little confused. This case took place in October 2010. I think it was tabled in the House February 10. We are now in the beginning of March and we are finally starting debate.
This is a matter where Parliament could have shown a bit more leadership in addressing a very serious question of law. The bill could have been put forward, certainly before the Christmas break, and referred to committee so it could prepare its work and at least arrange for witnesses during the Christmas break. Then we could have started the hearings in committee when we came back in January.
It is an important issue of law. It is an issue which I think Canadians would expect us to deal with in a responsible fashion so we could address the questions of the day.
I raise those points because I think it is important. There is always a good reason to send a bill straight to committee rather than having second reading.
The other part has to do with the whole concept of the civil liberties. The member who just spoke laid out the fact that many of the amendments were problematic and might be more harmful than helpful in this case. When I finish my comments after question period, I hope to lay some of those out.
I must interrupt the member at this time for statements by members. The hon. member for Mississauga South will have 15 minutes remaining when the House returns to this matter.
[Statements by Members]
Mr. Joe Preston (Elgin—Middlesex—London, CPC):
Mr. Speaker, who wants to be an industrial revolutionary?
St. Thomas, Ontario has a vision to be the best manufacturing community in North America and a group of local private sector business leaders has taken huge steps to make this happen.
We want to welcome industrialists, innovators and business leaders from around the world to imagine building something great in St. Thomas, Ontario.
If people have an idea but no place to set up, then they should take the challenge now. They should enter to win a factory to call their own and to make their home. People must enter today and a winner will be chosen and be in his or her new home by September.
We are serious about manufacturing in St. Thomas, and we are proud of it, too.
If what people have just heard describes them, they should enter the St. Thomas industrial revolution challenge at stirchallenge.ca.
Win a factory, be an industrial revolutionary and make St. Thomas home.
Mr. Speaker, as the House knows, federal funding for language, counselling, mentoring and job training to help new Canadians integrate and support themselves and their families was arbitrarily cut by the government by $53 million in December.
Nowhere has the impact been more dramatic than in Toronto and the greater Toronto area, where unemployment rates for new immigrants are nearly triple the national average, as their jobs have proven to be less secure in the recent recession.
Fully 81% of these cuts are being made in Ontario, largely in the GTA and are in addition to $207 million the federal government promised but has not spent.
The Province of Ontario has responded with interim funding to community-based organizations, which will allow a continuation of service during this present impasse.
In addition, this House has supported a resolution from the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration calling for a reinstatement of the program in support of settlement services.
Given the actions of the Province of Ontario and this House, I would ask that the minister simply declare a moratorium on the funding cut and accelerate negotiations with the Province of Ontario for a new Canada-Ontario agreement for settlement services.
Mrs. Maria Mourani (Ahuntsic, BQ):
Mr. Speaker, in December 2010, the people of Colombia were hit hard by terrible floods.
I was saddened not only by the number of deaths, but also by the number of families affected by this natural disaster. Oxfam has estimated that over 2.1 million people have been affected by the severe flooding, which destroyed nearly 3,000 homes and damaged farmland, infrastructure and major highways. Some 28 of the country's 32 districts were flooded.
The flooding has exacerbated the already glaring socio-economic inequalities. It is estimated that about 70% of those affected by this disaster do not have access to clean drinking water.
In Colombia, it is time to rebuild and it is a time for hope. Here in North America, however, it is also time to rebuild—within our hearts and minds.
Long live the people of Colombia and may pan-American solidarity prevail.
Ms. Libby Davies (Vancouver East, NDP):
Mr. Speaker, like many in B.C., I was horrified to learn of the slaughter of 100 sled dogs in Whistler. These dogs were massacred in an inhumane and cruel manner and then buried in a mass grave.
Public reaction has been huge as Canadians express their outrage and sadness about this appalling crime. I would like to thank the many people who have sent petitions banning the import of cat and dog fur, and petitions pressing for a ban on human consumption of horse meat. I am very pleased to have seconded Bill C-618 regarding the banning of products made of cat and dog fur. I strongly support Bill C-229 to strengthen cruelty to animals laws so that those responsible for such acts would be punished accordingly.
All these important citizen initiatives have focused our attention on what needs to be done.
Animal cruelty laws must be effective and they must not be stripped down in the Senate. I urge all members to join together to protect animals and prevent animal cruelty.
Mr. James Lunney (Nanaimo—Alberni, CPC):
Mr. Speaker, it was Friday evening at a gala that Don and Rose Brittain were chosen as Parksville's citizens of the year. Sadly, the award was posthumous for Don, who passed away suddenly on February 6.
Don Brittain was a founding member of the Coombs-Hilliers Volunteer Fire Department and was fire chief for nearly two decades. He worked much of his career with the Ministry of Transport and Highways, and finished as an inspector of commercial vehicles.
An avid outdoorsman, hunter and farmer, a leader with 4-H and Arrowsmith Search and Rescue, Don was a good neighbour to everyone who knew him.
The Brittains raised their own and numerous foster children. Their home was a magnet for young people, and love was the foundation.
Don's memorial service drew an estimated 750 people, who jammed the hall to remember a man who always showed up when help was needed. Don's truck and firefighting gear were featured at his memorial. Area firefighters saluted a local icon and on Friday, and Parksville's citizen of the year received a standing ovation.
It is my pleasure to salute Don Brittain, citizen of the year, one great Canadian who left a legacy that shaped a community.
Mutual Insurance Companies
Mr. Francis Valeriote (Guelph, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, Canada has 106 mutual property and casualty insurance companies that were set up by farmers over 100 years ago at a time when it was very difficult for them to find insurance at a reasonable cost.
As a result of action taken by external sources, the Economical Mutual Insurance Company announced its intention to demutualize last December. Because there is no process in place for property and casualty insurers, the Minister of Finance will be asked to consider draft regulations.
The Canadian Association of Mutual Insurance Companies is strongly opposed to professional consultants, brokers, directors, officers and selected staff from getting a windfall from the demutualization. Furthermore, in the case of Economical, a small minority of policyholders stands to share in the whole value of the company. This is wrong and should not be allowed.
I call on the Minister of Finance to give significant consideration to how value should be distributed during the demutualization of a property and casualty insurance company with the objective of finding fairness for all.
Mr. Phil McColeman (Brant, CPC):
Mr. Speaker, it was a hero's welcome for reserve soldiers of the 56th Field Regiment of the Royal Canadian Artillery in Brantford. On February 24, families and friends gathered to celebrate the safe return of all 25 soldiers who just completed a recent tour in Afghanistan.
Fit, healthy and safe, these brave soldiers participated in a welcome home parade that honoured their exceptional service to their regiment, community and country.
As Canadians, we take enormous pride in our men and women who have served and continue to serve in Afghanistan. We are grateful for the sacrifices they continue to make and their unwavering commitment to our country.
Mrs. Claude DeBellefeuille (Beauharnois—Salaberry, BQ):
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to congratulate Dr. Sylvain Couture, a doctor from Saint-Stanislas-de-Kostka, who was honoured at the La Presse/Radio-Canada excellence gala for 2010 for the quality of his work and for his devotion to humanitarian causes.
Following the earthquake in Haiti on January 12, 2010, Dr. Couture managed the emergency field hospital set up in Port-au-Prince by the Canadian and Norwegian Red Cross. He had already been to Haiti once before with Médecins du monde to provide assistance following Hurricane Jeanne in 2004.
Dr. Couture also worked on the ground in Southeast Asia after it was ravaged by a tsunami in 2004 and in Pakistan after the earthquake in 2005. He has also been to Afghanistan several times on relief missions.
I am proud to pay tribute to him for his exemplary work ethic, his courage and his devotion. I encourage him to continue his invaluable service.
Congratulations Dr. Couture. You are an exceptional man with great strength of character.
Mr. Robert Sopuck (Dauphin—Swan River—Marquette, CPC):
Mr. Speaker, on March 3, Karen Davis of Dauphin and Adrienne Mack of Neepawa were awarded the YWCA Women of Distinction Award. This award is presented to role models who have made significant contributions to their communities.
Karen has distributed new books every month to 200 children in the Dauphin area, while Adrienne has volunteered for several community organizations, including the Yellowhead Road Runners Club and Neepawa Rotary Club. These citizens and others like them make Canada a better place in which to live.
I would also congratulate 20-year-old Shane Luke, captain of the Dauphin Kings MJHL hockey team. Shane was nominated for the Canadian Junior Hockey League Player of the Year award. Shane was named the MJHL's most valuable player and won a trophy for hockey ability and sportsmanship. He will attend Providence College next year on a full scholarship at the division one level.
Whether it is outstanding volunteers or skilled athletes, the people of Dauphin—Swan River—Marquette are well served by such outstanding citizens.
Hon. Carolyn Bennett (St. Paul's, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to support Dress Colourfully for Democracy Day, although a black armband would have been more appropriate.
After five years of this regime, senior members of the Conservative Party are facing serious charges and potential prison sentences in relation to a $1.2 million scam to break election spending limits to buy more attack ads.
This adds to the government's egregious abuse of power and subversion of democratic processes, such as using the “H” word to rebrand the Government of Canada and misleading Parliament and hiding information.
In addition, people in charge of supervisory institutions were fired for criticizing the government, and Parliament was prorogued.
Given the way our government works, I have serious concerns about the future of our democracy.
That is why we want to fight for democracy through our plan for renewal.
It is time for the assault on Canadian democracy to stop. The Prime Minister does not make the rules. Canadians--
The Speaker:
Order. The hon. member for Calgary East.
Mr. Deepak Obhrai (Calgary East, CPC):
Mr. Speaker, our government is deeply concerned by reports that Zimbabwe is willing to supply uranium to Iran.
Iranian authorities have refused to fully co-operate with the International Atomic Energy Agency to address international concerns about the nature of its nuclear program.
As a result of Iran's continued non-compliance, the UN Security Council adopted resolutions 1737 in 2006 and 1803 in 2008, which clearly prohibit the supply of uranium to Iran.
Canada strictly adheres to these international legal obligations to prevent the sale or transfer of uranium to Iran. Zimbabwe should immediately cancel any plans it may have to facilitate Iranian acquisition of uranium.
Our government will strongly oppose any attempt to circumvent these important UN Security Council resolutions.
Mr. Charlie Angus (Timmins—James Bay, NDP):
Mr. Speaker, Timmins—James Bay is home to some of the richest gold, copper and diamond mines in the world, and now with the ring of fire, we are blessed with an enormous potential for chromite. Our hopes for the ring of fire are tempered with the long-term plans for how this resource will be developed.
We saw the Conservative government completely abandon mining communities when it gave the thumbs up to Vale and Xstrata. The result was the shutdown of the smelter in Timmins and wars waged against the communities of Voisey's Bay, Sudbury and Thompson.
On the ring of fire, northerners are speaking with one voice. We do not want the ore shipped to other jurisdictions or to China. We want the ring of fire processed in northern Ontario. We want the full benefit for our communities, for natives and non-natives. We want to see if the ring of fire can develop our rail lines and provide long-term economic stability.
We are calling on the government to develop a plan. The New Democrats say that northern Ontario should be able to benefit fully from the ring of fire.
Mr. Bernard Généreux (Montmagny—L'Islet—Kamouraska—Rivière-du-Loup, CPC):
Mr. Speaker, childhood obesity is on the rise in Canada. Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial to a child's development and overall health. Obesity can lead to a number of health problems normally seen in adults, such as type 2 diabetes and hypertension.
The Conservative government is trying to reverse that trend. Today, the Minister of Health and Conservative colleagues launched discussions on a strategy to curb childhood obesity.
We are starting a national dialogue with the medical community, parents, teachers and children themselves on the best ways to promote and maintain a healthy weight among young Canadians.
This will be the first national dialogue of its kind in Canada. Never before have such broad and diverse groups come together to tackle the problem of childhood obesity.
The Conservative government is committed to making children's lives as healthy as possible.
Mr. Robert Bouchard (Chicoutimi—Le Fjord, BQ):
Mr. Speaker, Bill C-288, which was introduced by my colleague from Laurentides—Labelle and introduces a tax credit for new graduates working in regions facing economic challenges, has been before the Senate for almost nine months. However, the bill is being completely blocked and its study is constantly being postponed because of pressure from the Conservative government, which opposes Bill C-288.
Students from the FEUQ and the FECQ are on the Hill today to condemn this situation. At a press scrum over the noon hour, they condemned the attitude of the Prime Minister, who is playing party politics and going against the democratic will of the members of this House who want the Senate to examine Bill C-288.
The Prime Minister is trying to dictate each and every issue that the Senate examines, and this only emphasizes its partisanship, even though he himself promised to put an end to it. Is there a single Conservative member from Quebec who will have the courage to stand up and condemn this situation?
Ms. Yasmin Ratansi (Don Valley East, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, the Year of India event last Friday was supposed to be a non-partisan celebration. That was until the PMO got involved. After the Prime Minister spoke, the PMO tried to embarrass the next speaker, the Leader of the Opposition, by removing the podium and ushering the media out of the room. This childish behaviour is not becoming of a prime minister. Clearly, the PMO has taken the concept of owning the podium too literally.
Like the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, I guess the Prime Minister will make sure his staff takes the blame for his mistakes, but the buck stops at the top for those who misuse government resources and treat Canada's ethnic communities like mere political pawns.
This nonsense has got to stop. I call on all members to proudly celebrate our historic and burgeoning ties with India, but let us do it free from partisan politics.
Hon. Jim Abbott (Kootenay—Columbia, CPC):
Mr. Speaker, the era of Liberal entitlement lives strong. The Liberals have long held that the rules do not apply to them. Last week, Liberal members stood in the House and attacked my colleague because his former staffer mistakenly used parliamentary resources for partisan purposes.
Yet, we now know that the Liberals in Prince Edward Island have been advertising that constituents can buy Liberal Party memberships in a Liberal member's office. This is out of his taxpayer-funded constituency office. What does he have to say about the abuse? He said that constituency offices are all partly political anyway.
This weekend, that same MP went on the attack again. He said, “This is totally unacceptable...Parliamentary materials are never allowed to be used for political gain, especially to drum up donations for political parties”. Apparently, what is “unacceptable” for others is “acceptable” for him.
Will the member for Charlottetown do the right thing and apologize?
[Oral Questions]
Hon. Ralph Goodale (Wascana, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, the Conservative election fraud scheme is getting worse. It is a scheme to break national party spending laws by at least $1.3 million and then bilk taxpayers for $800,000 in illegal rebates claimed by 67 local Conservative riding associations. Now we know that at least 17 claims were actually paid before Elections Canada detected the fraud and stopped the dirty money.
If the Prime Minister thinks this is all okay, why did his regime concoct phony invoices to try to hide it?
Mr. Pierre Poilievre (Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister and to the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, CPC):
Mr. Speaker, it would be difficult to respond to and correct all of the factual errors in the hon. member's question in 35 seconds.
I will inform the member that Conservative candidates spent Conservative funds on Conservative advertising. The national party did transfer funds to the local campaigns and those local campaigns followed all the rules in making proper filings to Elections Canada. That is why we continue to press our case in the court of law. We took Elections Canada to court because we have followed all the rules and we will continue to pursue our case.
Mr. Speaker, let us be clear, this is not just a little administrative problem. It is election fraud. It is against the law and it is not commonplace. Only the Conservative regime had this scheme.
Charges have been laid. The Director of Public Prosecutions has said there is voluminous evidence of illegality. Even to lay those charges he first had to believe there was a likelihood of conviction.
To deter such illegal behaviour, will the Prime Minister support mandatory minimum sentences to get tough on Conservative crime?
Mr. Speaker, last week I told the Liberals that they would not qualify for an Oscar victory, but that member might be an exception. He would win best fiction.
What happened here, of course, was Conservative candidates spent Conservative funds on Conservative advertising. The national party transferred funds to the local campaigns. The reason Elections Canada knows this is that we told it, and why would we not? After all, it is legal, ethical and common practice among all parties. It singled us out and so we took it to court and we will continue to pursue our case.
Mr. Speaker, the Conservatives did not tell Elections Canada they sent false invoices.
One minister falsifies a document, tries to cover up and fails to tell the truth. Another minister launches an illegal fundraising scheme to shake down new immigrants. Four of the Prime Minister's close advisers are charged with election fraud involving forged invoices and dirty money. Those in the Conservative regime who object to this fraud are called “turds“ and “idiots” by all the Prime Minister's men.
Will this regime at least tell Senator Finley and Senator Gerstein to step aside while charges against them are outstanding?
Hon. John Baird (Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, CPC):
Mr. Speaker, let me tell the deputy leader of the Liberal Party that at least no one in this party has had to write a cheque for $1 million back to the taxpayers that they stole when they were in office.
Mr. Marc Garneau (Westmount—Ville-Marie, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, from coast to coast to the Canadarm in space, the identity of the Government of Canada is subject to strict, non-partisan rules. It is that identity, which belongs to all Canadians, that the Prime Minister is attacking. Once again, he is disregarding existing rules. He is acting as though he were above the law.
In fact, is that not the problem, that the Prime Minister thinks that he is the government?
Hon. Stockwell Day (President of the Treasury Board and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, CPC):
Mr. Speaker, there has been no change. This is a practice used by many governments. We will continue to use the term “Government of Canada”. It is not uncommon for governments to use this practice.
Mr. Speaker, Canadians are immensely proud of their country and rightly so, but the Conservatives do not seem to share in that pride. It is no longer the “Government of Canada”, but the government of the Prime Minister's last name. It is a government of only one, for only one and by only one.
Is this what the Prime Minister meant when he said that by the time he was finished we would no longer recognize Canada? Why does the Prime Minister think he is more important than Canada?
Mr. Speaker, there has been no change of policy or practice. It is not uncommon at all to see governments use various terms. A quick search of the various Internet sources show at least 109 references used by the Liberals. As a matter of fact, a term was used by the leader of the former government, a term that was endorsed by the clerk of the Privy Council, Mr. Mel Cappe, and also the president of the Privy Council.
Mr. Gilles Duceppe (Laurier—Sainte-Marie, BQ):
Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Immigration said his staff's use of parliamentary letterhead for partisan fundraising was a minor administrative mistake. Yet it was the minister who told a member of his office staff, who is paid by taxpayers, to conduct this targeted fundraising.
Will the Minister of Immigration admit that he was behind this partisan fundraising carried out with government resources and that he must take responsibility and resign?
Hon. Jason Kenney (Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, CPC):
Mr. Speaker, it is obviously completely inappropriate to use government resources to raise funds for any political party. That is why I accepted responsibility as soon as I learned of this administrative mistake by my office. My political assistant offered his resignation and I accepted. I subsequently contacted the ethics commissioner and you, Mr. Speaker. I apologize for this mistake, and we have taken corrective action.
Mr. Speaker, that is a little too easy. When it is time to cut ribbons, the minister is responsible. He takes responsibility, he struts about, and he says that he made the decision. But, when he breaks the rules, it is no longer his fault, it is the fault of his assistants. He is never responsible for that. He cannot have it both ways. Ministerial responsibility is always applicable. He made a mistake, he is responsible, he should resign.
Mr. Speaker, my office's standard practices were not followed in this case. As soon as I learned of it, I took steps to correct the situation. My political assistant submitted his resignation and I accepted. I personally informed you and the ethics commissioner as soon as I became aware of the situation. It is obviously inappropriate, and I apologize for the mistake made in my absence. I believe that this is the end of this story.
Mr. Thierry St-Cyr (Jeanne-Le Ber, BQ):
Mr. Speaker, the problem with the minister of immigration is that he is confusing his obligations towards newcomers with the partisan interests of the Conservative Party. It is preposterous that the minister responsible for processing all immigration applications is involved in a pre-election communications plan targeting certain ethnic groups.
How can we believe that the Conservatives' electoral and racial profiling will not be used as a framework for government policies, since they are orchestrated by the same minister?
Mr. Speaker, this government is proud of the progress it has made in responding to the aspirations and values of new Canadians and members of our cultural and ethnic communities. This government cut the Liberals' head tax in half. This government tripled funding to establishment services for newcomers. This government issued an apology for the head tax charged to Chinese Canadians. And that is not all. We are proud of our record when it comes to new Canadians.
Mr. Speaker, one of the Minister of Immigration's responsibilities is to appoint citizenship judges as well as members of the Immigration and Refugee Board. These people must make decisions and examine cases based on merit, not the Conservative government's partisan interests.
How can we believe in their neutrality, knowing that the minister who chose them has drawn up a short list of communities to woo?
Mr. Speaker, this government introduced a new process for appointing and pre-screening IRB members. Of the people applying to become IRB members, 90% are not recommended to the minister. Only 10% are recommended. Since becoming minister, I have recommended to Cabinet the appointment of about 130 IRB members. I know that one of them had ties to the Conservative Party.
Mr. Thomas Mulcair (Outremont, NDP):
Mr. Speaker, we are beginning to see the extent of the Conservative Party's electoral fraud. For example, in 2006, in Hull—Aylmer, actual local campaign expenses totalled $12,000; however, the refund received from taxpayers' money totalled $34,000. In other words, an illegal refund was received for three times the actual campaign expenses.
For years, the Conservatives have been calling on the Liberals to pay back the money from the sponsorship scandal. It is now the Conservatives' turn to tell taxpayers when they are going to pay back the money they stole through their system of electoral fraud.
Mr. Speaker, clearly the premise of the question is wrong. In actual fact, Conservative Party candidates spent Conservative money on Conservative ads. The national party transferred funds to local candidates. The reason why Elections Canada knows about it is that we told them. Why not? It is legal, it is ethical and all the parties do it on a regular basis. We have defended our case before the courts and will continue to do so.
Mr. Speaker, it is taxpayers' money and that party stole it.
For the past five years the Conservative motto has been abuse, cheat and scheme, that the ends justify the means. And if one gets caught, use a low level staffer as a scapegoat.
The latest example is one of the worst. The minister instructed his staff to use his letterhead and government resources for purely partisan political purposes, which is completely illegal. His pathetic justification? He would normally be responsible but he was not physically present when the letter was written; therefore, he is not responsible This passes the bounds of hypocrisy even for a Conservative.
The minister is responsible for these illegal acts. When will he resign?
Actually, Mr. Speaker, that is the opposite of what happened.
I was leaving to go overseas and I asked a staff member to pass on to caucus colleagues some information, specifically saying not to use government resources in doing so. It is why, unlike the member for Edmonton—Strathcona, who uses her parliamentary email account for partisan messages, I have my own personal political letterhead that we use for these purposes. It ought to have been used in this instance; it was not. That was inappropriate, which is why the staff member in question offered his resignation, which I accepted.
Mr. Speaker, the senior staffer was fired just because he was caught.
This was a scheme organized by the minister of immigration to exploit immigrant communities. The minister has been doing much of this fundraising himself, abusing his power as the minister.
How many organizations hoping to get funding or some special favours were hit up for donations? Who else has he shaken down?
Mr. Speaker, we are proud of our record and of communicating our record to new Canadians.
I want to emphasize that even just last night, I attended a fundraising event for the Conservative Party that was attended by more than 800 proud Canadians from diverse backgrounds. They were there to contribute of their own free will to the Conservative Party precisely so that we can communicate our message about how we finally have a government that reflects and fights for the values and aspirations of new Canadians who believe in entrepreneurship, in opportunity, and believe in this government.
Hon. Wayne Easter (Malpeque, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, in the riding of Malpeque, the Conservatives used the in and out scam to funnel money to use for national ads, overspent the limit and tried to buy the election. Bad enough.
Now we know that other ridings in Atlantic Canada not only used this scam but have already received refunds for it, in Halifax and in Humber, Newfoundland.
Will the Prime Minister order these two Conservative riding associations to pay back the thousands of dollars they owe Canadians in dirty money?
Mr. Speaker, these ridings and, indeed, the entire Conservative Party followed all of the rules. Conservative candidates spent Conservative funds on Conservative advertising.
What is interesting is that we still do not have any questions from the Liberal Party on jobs. Why? It is because our economic action plan has created 460,000 of them. There are no questions on unemployment. Why? Unemployment in Canada is two percentage points lower than in the United States for the first time in a generation. There are none on the economy, because we have had six consecutive quarters of economic growth in Canada. There are none on savings, because five million Canadians have opened up Conservative-created tax-free savings accounts.
We are getting the job done.
Mr. Speaker, could the parliamentary secretary get to answering the question?
The audacity of the government is simply astounding. No one is better at saying one thing and doing another than the super cop from Vaughan.
This month is fraud prevention month. The slogan is: “Recognize it, Report it, Stop it”. Meanwhile in Vaughan, where tens of thousands of dollars were used to commit election fraud, the new MP praises fraud prevention.
Will the member do the right thing and tell the Conservative regime to repay the dirty money?
Mr. Speaker, if the members continue to ask the same question, they will continue to get the same answers.
Conservative candidates spent Conservative funds on Conservative advertising. The national party transferred funds to local candidates. The reason Elections Canada knows it is because we told them, and why would we not? It is legal, ethical and common practice amongst all political parties.
We have taken Elections Canada to court because we have followed the rules, and we will continue to pursue our case in front of the courts.
Mrs. Lise Zarac (LaSalle—Émard, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, it is already shameful enough that the Conservatives cheated our electoral process by committing electoral fraud in 67 ridings to the tune of more than $1 million. To add insult to injury, the Conservatives had the gall to make taxpayers repay the bogus expenses.
Will the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs give taxpayers back the thousands of dollars that she received fraudulently?
Mr. Speaker, Conservative candidates spent Conservative funds on Conservative advertising. The national party did transfer funds to the local campaigns.
The reason Elections Canada knows that is because we told them and why would we not? It is legal, ethical and common practice amongst all political parties.
Elections Canada singled us out, so we took them to court. We will continue to pursue our case in front of the courts.
Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs is not the only one to have extorted repayment from taxpayers as part of the Conservatives' scheme.
Her colleagues from Beauce, Charlesbourg—Haute-Saint-Charles, Lévis—Bellechasse and Lotbinière—Chutes-de-la-Chaudière were also reimbursed tens of thousands of dollars that they did not deserve.
What are the Conservatives waiting for to pay taxpayers back for these ill-gotten funds?
Mr. Speaker, the hon. member just mentioned members who followed the rules.
The Conservative candidates in question spent Conservative funds on Conservative advertising. The reason Elections Canada knows that is because we told them and why would we not? It is legal, ethical and common practice. That is why, when they singled us out, we took them to court. We will continue to pursue our case against Elections Canada.
Mrs. Carole Freeman (Châteauguay—Saint-Constant, BQ):
Mr. Speaker, when he was in opposition, the current Prime Minister strongly condemned the severance package paid to David Dingwall, who had resigned over excessive expense claims. The Prime Minister said at the time that no law was forcing the Liberal government to pay him a severance package and that, in fact, it was merely a crass attempt to buy his silence.
Just as the Liberals did with David Dingwall, how could the Prime Minister pay a half-million-dollar severance package, with a confidentiality clause, to the former integrity commissioner, when she should have simply been dismissed—
The hon. President of the Treasury Board.
Mr. Speaker, in this situation, the government sought and received legal advice, which it followed.
I also understand the person referred to by my colleague will answer to the committee this Thursday. The members on the committee will be able to ask questions, for they have all the information.
Mr. Speaker, the truth is that Christiane Ouimet, who was appointed by the Conservatives, was so incompetent that she turned out to be a political embarrassment to the government.
The Prime Minister decided to do the same as the Liberals did with David Dingwall, and offered the former integrity commissioner a very sweet deal so she would leave quickly and quietly.
Why did the Prime Minister offer Christiane Ouimet a golden parachute, when she should have simply been dismissed?
Mr. Speaker, the individual in question was selected with the approval of all parties in this House. Furthermore, that individual will answer the members' questions at the meeting scheduled for Thursday afternoon. The members have all the information, and I believe they will have some questions to ask.
Mr. Claude Bachand (Saint-Jean, BQ):
Mr. Speaker, when the Conservatives, with the Liberals' help, decided to extend the mission in Afghanistan, we were told that the mission would be centred around Kabul. But now the Minister of National Defence is saying that he hopes to open training centres in Herat, Mazar-E-Sharif, and Jalalabad, a city on the border with Pakistan. That is nowhere near Kabul.
Why has the government hidden the truth from us yet again, if not to try and get the public to blindly accept that the military mission in Afghanistan is being extended?
Hon. Peter MacKay (Minister of National Defence, CPC):
Mr. Speaker, as usual, the member has incorrectly analyzed the issue.
The combat mission will come to an end. The Canadian Forces will then transition into a training mission in a Kabul-centric, behind the wire configuration. That is the position of the Government of Canada.
We fully support the ongoing efforts of the men and women in uniform, who are doing magnificent work on the ground in Afghanistan. I would elicit the support of the member opposite for the same.
In the meantime, Mr. Speaker, NATO allies are growing impatient and want to know Canada's plans for the training mission. The Minister of National Defence has still not submitted his plan to cabinet.
Is the minister's delay not explained by the fact that he is looking to buy time so that the public does not know the scope of the deployment before a potential spring election?
Mr. Speaker, as usual we have more gibberish from the member opposite. He does not know what he is talking about. He does not support the Canadian Forces. He does not support the country. I will leave it at that.
Ms. Martha Hall Findlay (Willowdale, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, it is clear that the Minister of Citizenship does not understand the seriousness of the matter or, worse, he does understand, but he just does not care about his responsibilities as minister. He is using his office and his position as minister to get votes from people in ethnic or very ethnic communities.
Is the minister not ashamed to use and manipulate new Canadians in that way?
Mr. Speaker, I have already addressed the matter, which led to the resignation of my staff member. However, I will say the following.
This government is proud of its record and proud of responding to the aspirations and values of new Canadians. The Liberal government, however, imposed a $1,000 head tax on every newcomer, and we have cut that fee in half.
The Liberal government froze settlement funding. We have tripled that investment. The Liberals were against apologizing for the Chinese head tax. It was this government that apologized. We are proud of our record.
Mr. Speaker, it is his position as minister. The Minister of Citizenship and Immigration decides on quotas for new Canadians. He decides on who gets to come to Canada. He gets to decide on who stays here. He gets to decide on which families get to be reunified.
However, it is also the minister who is using his office, his position, his connections and his detailed government information to work for votes from ethnic and very ethnic communities.
How can the Prime Minister condone this abuse of power and influence and this conflict of interest?
Mr. Speaker, perhaps the member could explain to us what the rules are in her office. What kind of accountability exists when, for example, in the last Parliament she was sanctioned for raising money on her parliamentary website?
A member of my staff resigned when he made a mistake. I took responsibility as soon as I learned about it. Why did she not do the same?
Ms. Siobhan Coady (St. John's South—Mount Pearl, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, the minister of immigration is not the only Alberta Conservative under an ethical cloud.
Would the Minister of State of Foreign Affairs confirm that she broke the Conflict of Interest Act and was recently penalized by the Ethics Commissioner? Would the minister tell the House and the Canadian people why?
Hon. Diane Ablonczy (Minister of State of Foreign Affairs (Americas and Consular Affairs), CPC):
Mr. Speaker, that is incorrect.
Mr. Speaker, I am looking here at a public notice of an administrative monetary penalty. The name of the public office holder included is the minister's name, and the amount of the penalty is also cited. It has been more than six weeks since she was fined by the Ethics Commissioner and she is still refusing to pay the fine. She is not owning up to that.
Why will the minister not abide by the law? It is clear that she violated the act.
Mr. Speaker, the Ethics Commissioner contacted me about a document that had not been filed and I immediately filed the document. There was no penalty.
Mr. Ron Cannan (Kelowna—Lake Country, CPC):
Mr. Speaker, inmates at the Mountain Institution in Agassiz, British Columbia, have indicated that they are preparing to apply to the Canada Industrial Relations Board to form the first inmate labour union in Canada.
Would the Minister of Labour please inform the House of the government's position on this move by criminals in Canada?
Hon. Lisa Raitt (Minister of Labour, CPC):
Mr. Speaker, obviously we are strongly opposed to this. Offering criminals the same legitimacy that is afforded to prison guards and other legitimate labour unions is offensive. I have instructed my officials to examine all options to deal with the effects of such a move.
Ms. Megan Leslie (Halifax, NDP):
Mr. Speaker, by giving the unelected Senate the mandate to review the health accord, the Prime Minister and his members are not representing Canadians' concerns. Together with the economy, health care is the most important issue to Canadians across the country.
Will the Conservatives include the NDP's practical health care proposals in the budget to be tabled in two weeks?
Mr. Colin Carrie (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health, CPC):
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague for the question. It is obvious that the NDP and its members do not understand our country's health care system. At every opportunity, the member has voted against giving money to the provinces.
With regard to the Senate, as we know, having recently completed a detailed and objective review of H1N1, the Senate committee has displayed the expertise, the resources and the access to witnesses required to do a thorough and independent report of the progress in the 2004 accord.
The minister sent a letter to the Senate, requesting it to--
The hon. member for Halifax.
Mr. Speaker, it sounds like the minister's answer but it does not get any truer with repetition.
The government is legally obligated to provide leadership and to make our health care system work, but the government has failed. Canadians want a concrete, comprehensive plan for medicare but the Conservatives refuse to provide anything more than talking points.
New Democrats have proposed practical solutions for the millions of Canadians who do not have a family doctor.
Will the Conservatives deal with the family doctor crisis in this budget, yes or no?
Mr. Speaker, what is shameful is that the NDP members had every opportunity. When we offer transfers to the provinces, those members vote against everything in health care.
As the member knows, the delivery of heath services is the prerogative of the provinces and we work closely with the provinces and territories to ensure they have the resources to deliver those services.
She and her entire party should be ashamed that they vote against every opportunity to give more money to the provinces to provide more doctors, more services and more medication to the people of Canada who need it. That is their record.
Mr. Michel Guimond (Montmorency—Charlevoix—Haute-Côte-Nord, BQ):
Mr. Speaker, the minister responsible for the Quebec City region is rejecting Mayor Labeaume's proposal on the pretext that the federal government does not have any programs to support facilities that are designed primarily for professional sports. Nevertheless, an internal memo stated that, although the multi-purpose arena could house a professional team, this was not a condition of the proposal.
Rather than misrepresenting Mayor Labeaume's proposal, why will the minister not recognize that this is a multi-purpose arena for which the government must provide immediate funding?
Hon. Josée Verner (Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, President of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister for La Francophonie, CPC):
Mr. Speaker, our position has been clear for several months. We indicated that we do not have a program for facilities designed mainly to house professional sports teams. We also indicated that the private sector must make a significant investment. Given the fact that most of the money for the proposed Quebec City arena is public money, the federal government does not have a program to support it.
That being said, at the beginning of October, 60,000 people marched on the Plains of Abraham to bring back the Nordiques.
Mr. Speaker, the Canadian Press tried to obtain details about the government's deliberations on the Quebec City arena. They received only 60-some pages with half of the information censored.
Since there have been doubts from the beginning that the Conservatives actually intended to help fund the arena, why does the minister not make public all the internal documents related to this project? What does she have to hide?
Mr. Speaker, my colleagues in the Quebec City region and I have nothing to hide. We have a solid track record. The Bloc has no track record to speak of.
Access to information requests are made under the act and given to public servants who apply the act.
Mr. Justin Trudeau (Papineau, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, North Africa is going after tyrants and fighting for democracy, but here in Canada, it is the Conservatives who are attacking our democracy. They continue to refuse to be held accountable by covering up anything that could enable Canadians to judge their actions.
The latest example we have is the document on the financing of the Quebec City arena with page after page blacked out. There are no state secrets here. They are only hiding the dangerous incompetence of this irresponsible government.
Why are the Conservatives so afraid of transparency?
Mr. Speaker, access to information requests are administered by qualified, independent public servants who apply the legislation.
It has come to this, Mr. Speaker. In order for members of the House to do our jobs and make informed decisions on behalf of Canadians, we need to pry scraps of relevant information out of the Conservatives' clenched fists and drag it out of them as they kick and scream at committee.
I will remind them that they have a deadline to meet today to produce the costs of prisons, planes and corporate tax giveaways. Or, do they actually take pride in being found in contempt of Parliament and, therefore, in contempt of Canadians?
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to inform the member for Papineau that the information that was requested by the finance committee has already been tabled in the House.
Mr. Jack Harris (St. John's East, NDP):
Mr. Speaker, Canadians are right to distrust the government's plans for the extension of the military mission in Afghanistan.
We know that weeks after its about-face announcement of the extension, the government had to send a fact-finding mission to the region to figure out what to do.
Today we learn that the government still has not decided what our soldiers will be doing and that it is running out of time to do so.
How can the government promise a Kabul-centric mission when it has not even figured it out for itself?
Mr. Speaker, the member has it all wrong. In part of his answer he said that he had not learned. That is true because we have not released the details. What we have said is that the combat mission will come to an end this year, that we will transition into a training mission, which will be Kabul-centric, meaning in the Kabul region; and that there will be work done to continue the important efforts by the Canadian Forces to impart the skill set needed by the Afghan security forces to do what we do.
Mr. Speaker, first it was to be military training in classrooms behind the wire in Kabul. Then the line was that it was to be Kabul-centric. Now we find out that the Conservatives do not know where our troops will be going.
This is not the first time the government has extended our military mission in Afghanistan by saying one thing to Canadians and doing another. Previous extensions were supposed to be about training too, but our soldiers continued to be put in harm's way.
How can the government expect Canadians to keep buying the same lines over and over? It is time the government kept its promise, repeated again and again, to bring all of our soldiers home in 2011.
Mr. Speaker, the member opposite and his party have made it very clear that they do not support the ongoing mission in Afghanistan. We, in fact, believe it is important. We continue with our NATO allies to support the efforts in Afghanistan, to see the Afghan national security forces improve their professionalism and to give them the ability to defend their own borders and their own security. This has been an ongoing effort for which Canadians can be very proud.
The effort will be in transitioning to training in and around the Kabul area. The focus will be on training, not combat.
Mr. Speaker, recently the Liberals sent the member for Willowdale to Brantford looking to attack my riding. The Liberals found a local business, Brant Screen Craft, that happened to be removing a sign from its building that day. The Liberals said that was a sad sign of depressing Brant. However, the only depressing thing is cheap Liberal politics because the hard-working people of Brant Screen Craft were actually expanding their operations, putting up a brand new sign and hiring 50 people.
Could the Minister of Finance explain why this company is expanding?
Hon. Jim Flaherty (Minister of Finance, CPC):
Mr. Speaker, the member for Brant is doing a fine job for the people and businesses of Brant, the employers of Brant.
The only thing that is sad and depressing about this is that the Liberals keep getting it wrong. They are wrong with their high-tax plan and wrong with their planned tax hike. They should listen to the people who are running the business and hiring 50 new people in Brant. They say:
“[The Liberals’] attempt at disparaging the Conservatives...was a disaster…. Ironically, we had looked into locating our finishing...facility in Michigan. The corporate tax cuts and programs provided by the Conservative government were the deciding factor—
The hon. member for Halifax West.
Hon. Geoff Regan (Halifax West, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister paid Christiane Ouimet half a million dollars after she resigned as integrity commissioner. There is no other job in Canada where one can get rich for quitting.
It is clear that the Prime Minister is buying her silence, but why is he paying her half a million dollars in hush money? What is he so desperate to hide?
Mr. Speaker, the government sought legal advice in this matter and it has followed that advice. That individual, quite rightly, reports to an all party committee, the same committee that approved her original hiring. The committee has asked for and has received all the details related to this matter.
The former commissioner will be reporting to that committee this week and I would expect that members of Parliament, who have all the information, would pose the questions. That is where this should be taking place.
Mr. Jean Dorion (Longueuil—Pierre-Boucher, BQ):
Mr. Speaker, the leader of the Bloc told the Minister of Foreign Affairs what options were available to him in order to freeze Ben Ali's assets without the need for special legislation. Specifically, the government could use section 354 and part XII.2 of the Criminal Code as well as article 54 of the United Nations Convention against Corruption to immediately freeze the assets of Ben Ali and his family.
Did the minister look at the Bloc's proposals and will he immediately freeze the assets that were stolen from the Tunisian people?
Hon. Rob Nicholson (Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, CPC):
Mr. Speaker, I thank the Bloc member for that legal advice. Of course, he got it completely wrong.
We work with Tunisia. We work with other countries. I am very pleased and very proud that the legislation to correct the laws of our country and fill in the gaps will go to committee today.
This hon. member should get behind that. Let us get it passed by the end of the week.
Mr. Speaker, for years, rail companies have been gouging western farmers out of hundreds of millions of dollars a year to ship their crops.
In 2007-08 farmers were overcharged $123 million and in 2008-09 another $275 million. Service continues to decline, while the government is holding back on releasing the railway service review report that was promised by the end of 2010. Repeated calls for a railway costing review have been unanswered, while the robbery continues.
When will the minister finally release the railway service review? When will he commit to a full costing review of railway charges?
Hon. Rob Merrifield (Minister of State (Transport), CPC):
Mr. Speaker, I want to clarify something for my hon. colleague because he may not understand the prairie farmers. What they really have a problem with is service. That is why we put a professional panel in place to deal with rail service in our country. I have the report. We will be announcing our next steps to that report very soon.
Mr. Richard Harris (Cariboo—Prince George, CPC):
Mr. Speaker, Conservative Party members are aware that mining is at the heart of many rural communities in Canada and provides stable, well-paying jobs to hundreds of thousands of Canadians.
While the opposition spends more time criticizing Canada's mining activities around the world, Canada's expertise is sought to help promote mining and complete mining in a safe and responsible way.
Could the parliamentary secretary tell the House how our Conservative government is helping to support thousands of jobs across Canada in the mining sector?
Mr. David Anderson (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Natural Resources and for the Canadian Wheat Board, CPC):
Mr. Speaker, unlike the opposition, our government has a long-standing commitment to the Canadian mining industry.
With the support of a strong rural caucus, including the member for Cariboo—Prince George, we have taken steps to create mining jobs by lowering taxes, the flow-through tax credit for exploration, and by reducing red tape.
I am proud to say that today the Minister of Natural Resources announced the extension of the targeted geoscience initiative for three more years. This investment will strengthen the Canadian economy. It will support the more than 300,000 Canadians who work in mining.
We are proud of this investment and we are proud of our support for rural Canada.
Mr. Speaker, Ms. Ouimet received more than 228 complaints from public servants and did nothing. The supposedly independent officer of Parliament was taking direct orders from the Prime Minister's Office to cover up complaints of wrongdoing.
Now the Prime Minister has paid her $500,000 to shut her mouth. When will he admit that the creation of the integrity commission was a sham to cover up wrongdoing and protect his power?
Mr. Speaker, with all due respect to my friend, I cannot believe he accepted it, without any complaint, when that scripted diatribe was handed to him. I just cannot believe he accepted it.
The cases that she did not look into were looked into by the Auditor General. The Auditor General has made certain recommendations, which are being followed. We took immediate action to put in place an interim commissioner, who is doing a full review of all of those cases.
The former commissioner is going to be before the standing policy committee this week.
Ms. Irene Mathyssen (London—Fanshawe, NDP):
Mr. Speaker, by refusing to even consider a national child care policy, the Conservatives are not only insulting families, they are damaging the economy too.
According to the YWCA, the lack of accessible, affordable child care is keeping women out of the workforce. Tomorrow is International Women's Day.
New Democrats have an affordable, pragmatic plan for national child care. Does the minister have the courage to admit her family policies are a failure? Will her party get behind the NDP plan?
Hon. Diane Finley (Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, CPC):
Mr. Speaker, few governments have ever done as much as we have to support families. We believe in them.
We believe that parents are in the best position to decide how to raise their children. It is they who should decide what form of child care they get, whether it is institutional care, or it is mom or dad staying home or granny around the corner.
It is their choice, not the government's. We support the choice of parents all the way.
[Points of Order]
Mr. Speaker, you will recall from my questions during question period that I was making reference to the fact that the Prime Minister had decided to re-brand the Government of Canada to the “H” government. I made it quite clear that I felt this was outrageous as an act and also that it went against strict rules. Civil servants have been instructed to make those necessary changes.
My question today has to do with Parliament. Parliament is the designation that has now been pushed on the civil service by the Prime Minister. Is it considered parliamentary? Because we will be often referring to the Government of Canada in this chamber and in the Senate, I would like to have a ruling from you, Mr. Speaker, as to whether the new designation replacing “Government of Canada” is considered to be parliamentary.
I suspect it is not, but I will certainly look at the matter and return to the House if necessary.
Mr. Speaker, this is in response to the question that was asked to me in question period by the hon. member for St. John's South—Mount Pearl. Through the magic of the Internet, my assistant let me know, after the question, that, in fact, I had a letter in my office from the Ethics Commissioner, which arrived on Friday. She had not told me about it yet.
However, because I did not file the document within 30 days, as I was supposed to, the Ethics Commissioner has let me know that I will be liable for a $100 fine, which I will pay forthwith with apologies to the Ethics Commissioner for my tardiness.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to advise the House, and I will be happy to table the documentation, which is the public notice of administrative monetary penalty issued under the authority of the Conflict of Interest Act, that gives the nature of the violation, the name of the public office-holder, the amount of the penalty, as was discussed, and also the notice of the date of violation, which was January 26, 2011. I ask leave to table this document.
Does the hon. member have the unanimous consent of the House to table this document?
Mr. Speaker, during question period the President of the Treasury Board referred to a legal opinion, which he said justified paying the former integrity commissioner half a million dollars for utterly failing to do her job. The Integrity Commissioner is an officer of Parliament. She reports to the House. It seems to me it would be appropriate for the President of the Treasury Board to table that legal opinion. Would he do so?
Mr. Speaker, was this a point of order?
It is a point of order. It may be a question. He did ask if the minister was prepared to table the document to which he referred.
Mr. Speaker, if the member opposite wants to get into tabling legal opinions, we could go back and perhaps table the legal opinions provided to the previous Liberal government from the sponsorship scandal.
[Routine Proceedings]
Mr. Tom Lukiwski (Parliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, CPC):
Mr. Speaker, under the provisions of Standing Order 36(8), I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the government's response to three petitions.
Mr. David Tilson (Dufferin—Caledon, CPC):
Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the 10th report of the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration in relation to a motion adopted at the committee, on Tuesday, March 1, on the negotiations between L'Association québecoise des pharmaciens propriétaires and the Department of Citizenship and Immigration Canada pertaining to the interim federal health program.
Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics
Hon. Shawn Murphy (Charlottetown, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the 12th Report of the Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics in relation to its study of the follow up of the Information Commissioner's report cards.
Ms. Candice Hoeppner (Portage—Lisgar, CPC):
Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the ninth report of the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities in relation to the 2011 census.
I also have the honour to present, in both official languages, the 10th report of the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities, which pertains to Canada summer jobs.
moved for leave to introduce Bill C-631, An Act to amend the Tobacco Act (smokeless tobacco and little cigars).
She said: Mr. Speaker, health experts agree that flavoured tobacco products are consumed by young Canadians as a stepping stone to consuming non-flavoured tobacco products. By banning flavoured tobaccos, we will help reduce smoking rates in Canada.
Bill C-32, which amended the Tobacco Act and came into force in October 2009, was supposed to ban flavoured cigarillos. However, we learned last year that tobacco manufacturers found a loophole in the definitions that allowed them to continue selling flavoured cigarillos.
The bill I am tabling today would close that loophole. The bill would also ban all forms of flavoured smokeless tobacco, something that government officials promised to do by June 2010. They did not fulfill that promise and this bill would fill that legislative gap.
I would like to thank my New Democrat health critic predecessor, Judy Wasylycia-Leis, for her significant efforts to have flavoured tobacco banned in Canada and the work that led to the passage of Bill C-32. While she is no longer a member of Parliament, her legacy of good work remains a testament to her time in office.
moved for leave to introduce Bill C-632, An Act to expand the mandate of Service Canada in respect of the death of a Canadian citizen or Canadian resident.
He said: Mr. Speaker, currently when a Canadian dies, a family member typically has to contact about a dozen federal departments and agencies to cancel tax records, passports, social insurance cards and various other benefits and IDs. This is a hard process, especially for people who are already grieving the loss of a loved one. It is unfair for the government to force them to repeat the story over and over again to different federal agents.
The bill would establish a one-stop shop for grieving Canadians to contact all federal departments with a single phone call or email after a loved one dies. It would eliminate a burdensome obligation for Canadians going through a very difficult period and I believe would ultimately save Canadian taxpayers a tremendous amount of money and stress.
It is important that we deal with the issue of bereavement in a very professional and compassionate way and this bill seeks to do that through the human resources department of Service Canada.
Mr. Daniel Paillé (Hochelaga, BQ):
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to present a petition from people in Hochelaga who are concerned about low income housing.
These buildings were constructed in the 1970s and are in dire need of renovations. People from across Quebec have spoken to me about this type of problem.
Mr. Speaker, it is with pleasure that I bring forward another petition in regard to Air Canada and the jobs that are being threatened.
The petitioners call upon the government to have Air Canada held accountable to the Air Canada Public Participation Act, believing, as I do, that Air Canada is in violation of the law.
Personally, we have to do whatever we can to protect those jobs. That applies to Winnipeg, Montreal and Mississauga. We are talking about thousands of good quality jobs. There was a commitment when Air Canada was privatized. We are calling for the government to do the right thing and protect those jobs as it states in the Air Canada Public Participation Act.
Mr. Nathan Cullen (Skeena—Bulkley Valley, NDP):
Mr. Speaker, I am adding a group of petitions to an already sizable number signed by Canadians who have written to the minister and to the government. These petitioners are from Prince Rupert, Victoria and Nanaimo.
They call upon the government to finally enact a legislative tanker ban on the north coast of British Columbia, in light of the threat of a proposed raw bitumen pipeline from Alberta to B.C.'s north coast.
The petitioners, many dozens of whom are British Columbia residents, consider this to be an area that deserves the protection and the attention of the Canadian government, which has already recognized the area for a federal park and a marine park.
The petitioners strongly urge the government to immediately legislate a ban on bulk oil tanker traffic off B.C.'s north coast.
Mr. Mark Warawa (Langley, CPC):
Mr. Speaker, I have four petitions that I am honoured to present. The first one is with regard to the long gun registry.
The petitioners indicate that the registry has not saved one single life since it was introduced and that the costs have spiralled out of control to over $2 billion a decade later.
The petitioners call upon the House of Commons to pass any legislation that would cancel the Canadian long gun registry and streamline the Firearms Act.
Mr. Speaker, the second petition has to do with skin cancer.
The petitioners note that one in seven Canadians will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer and one of the most rapidly increasing cancers in Canada.
The petitioners call upon Parliament to support a national skin cancer and melanoma initiative to provide much needed access to newer drug treatments and funding for research and educational programs.
Mr. Speaker, the next petition is in regard to medical benefits.
The petitioners note that there are a number of severe, potentially life-threatening conditions that do not qualify for disability programs. Pre-existing conditions or poverty may prevent individuals from purchasing private coverage.
Therefore, the petitioners call upon the House of Commons to adapt specific and precise legislation to provide additional medical EI benefits that are at least equal to maternity EI benefits.
Mr. Speaker, the last petition has to do with life.
The petitioners note that Canada and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms respect the human rights of everyone who has the right to life.
Therefore, the petitioners call upon Parliament to pass legislation for the protection of human life from the time of conception until natural death.
Mr. Scott Simms (Bonavista—Gander—Grand Falls—Windsor, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, I rise again on the issue of employment insurance to present two petitions to the House.
Many workers on the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador are working seasonally, primarily in fishing plants and the tourism sector. They are asking that the pilot projects introduced in 2005 be continued. These projects continued until June, but these workers would like them to be made permanent, which would leave the companies able to hire them and the employees in a better position.
The petitioners come primarily from Birchy Cove, Newman's Cove, Amherst Cove, as well as Bonavista.
The residents of Bonavista also need a wharf and they need it soon in the area of the Ocean Choice International Plant.
Mr. John Rafferty (Thunder Bay—Rainy River, NDP):
Mr. Speaker, I rise today with two petitions to present.
The petitioners call upon Parliament to affirm that pension benefits are in fact deferred wages, to elevate defined benefit pension plans to secured status under the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act and the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act, and to pass into law any legislation before it that would achieve these objectives. This petition is signed by hundreds, and perhaps even thousands, of Canadians.
I remind those present here today that these petitioners and millions of other Canadians across Canada will be watching very closely this coming Wednesday when Bill C-501 comes before the House for a vote at report stage.
Mr. Peter Stoffer (Sackville—Eastern Shore, NDP):
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to present a petition signed by approximately 3,000 to 5,000 individuals from across the country.
The petitioners indicate that the Internet is an unregulated pipeline of child pornography and child exploitation. My own private member's bill deals with a lot of the things this particular petition is asking for.
The petitioners call upon Parliament to enact strict child pornography laws to protect our children once and for all from the evils and dangers of the Internet.
The hon. member for Hochelaga has already spoken during the hearing of petitions. He is supposed to present all of his petitions at the same time. Does he have the unanimous consent of the House to present another petition at this time?
Mr. Speaker, I would like to apologize to you as well as to the hon. member for Abitibi—Témiscamingue. I am pleased to present a second petition, which is every bit as important as the first. I had forgotten about it. I am sorry.
Mr. Jim Maloway (Elmwood—Transcona, NDP):
Mr. Speaker, my petition is signed by dozens of Canadians and calls for an end to Canada's military involvement in Afghanistan.
In May 2008, Parliament passed a resolution to withdraw the forces by July 2011. The Prime Minister, with much help from the Liberal Party, broke his promise to honour the parliamentary motion and refuses to put it to a vote in the House.
Committing 1,000 soldiers to a training mission still presents a big danger to our troops and an unnecessary expense when our country is faced with a $56 billion deficit. The military mission has cost Canadians more than $18 billion so far, money that could have been used to improve health care and seniors' pensions here in Canada.
In fact, polls show that a majority of Canadians do not want the military mission to continue beyond July 2011. Therefore, the petitioners call upon the Prime Minister to honour the will of Parliament and bring the troops home now.
Mr. Speaker, I ask that all questions be allowed to stand.
Is that agreed?
The House resumed consideration of the motion that Bill C-60, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (citizen's arrest and the defences of property and persons), be read the second time and referred to a committee.
Mr. Speaker, before question period I had set out some arguments that reflected the concerns already raised by some hon. members that this bill may not be a good start in terms of the intent. There may be good reasons that this bill should have been referred to committee before second reading to allow some expert testimony from witnesses to assist in making whatever changes they felt necessary before it came to the House for debate.
I pulled up the minister's speech from Friday on this matter, and it strikes me that this has been going around for a long time. In fact, we are talking about an incident that took place in 2009. Mr. Chen was acquitted on February 17, 2011. It has taken a very long time for this bill to be received. I think it was only on February 17 that the bill was tabled at first reading, and here we are in March.
I wonder why the minister would not take the opportunity for a bill that includes, in the opinions of a number of hon. members, potentially some confusing areas that may be very problematic. The factors that would determine whether or not there was a reasonable amount of time, a reasonable expectation, et cetera, are very long and when these incidents occur on a snap basis, the public at large will not be familiar with them. This bill may encourage people to feel empowered that they can undertake a citizen's arrest without knowing that they may very well still be charged. Ultimately, it would be up to the courts to determine whether or not they met the test under the bill. This is not a black and white situation.
Given that is the case, the only explanation I can think for why the minister did not refer the bill directly to committee was that the justice committee right now, as usual, is bogged down with several pieces of legislation. Considering the average time it would take to discharge those pieces of legislation, it is likely that this particular bill would not come back to the House after committee until sometime in the fall. We may not see this bill go to the Senate until the Christmas break, and then the Senate will deal with it at some point.
That is an awfully long time, even though it still presumes that the bill would go through the process very expeditiously. However, I do not believe that would be the case. I much suspect there will be substantial amendments sought at committee, first of all, to delete a number of clauses and, second, to add others, which may be challenged as beyond the scope or intent of the bill. There may be other problems with it.
As much as I hate to admit it, this particular case has been used as a bit of a political football.
I was reminded by another member that the member for Eglinton—Lawrence introduced a private member's bill on June 16, 2010, after Mr. Chen was acquitted and when the government still had not taken action.
On September 27, 2009, the minister of immigration actually visited Chinatown for a photo op and made an empty promise to raise the issue of amending the Criminal Code with the government.
On June 16, 2010, after nine months of inaction, the member for Eglinton—Lawrence introduced his private member's bill.
On October 10, 2010, Mr. Chen was acquitted. I was in error when I said it was February 2010; it was actually October 2010.
On November 4, 2010, the member for Eglinton—Lawrence held a press conference calling on the government to adopt his bill, Bill C-547.
On January 21, 2011, the Prime Minister met with Mr. Chen and promised legislation would be introduced soon.
On February 15, the government put a notice on the notice paper by the Minister of Justice that there would be a bill. It was in fact tabled in February and debated in the House for the first time on Friday.
This was an important case of clarification necessary in the Criminal Code for Mr. Chen and for other citizens who are victims of robbery, but there are certain elements that have to be taken in the law.
For most Canadians, it is a slam dunk. They are going to protect their property even if they have to tackle the guy, whoever he might be, and hold him until the police come. They do not think about whether or not they are using unreasonable force. If they happen to see this person the next day and recognize him they will tackle him. They are not sure whether that is a reasonable period of time.
That is precisely what the bill deals with, the various factors on how the courts are going to be asked to interpret our intent for this legislation. From listening to a couple of the speakers, I think the conclusion is that it is going to add confusion. Let me give some examples.
When people think about the amendments they will understand that in a heated moment, in a snap decision they might not have considered some of the following.
First, a person is not guilty of an offence if he or she believes on reasonable grounds that force is being used against him or her, or another person, or that the threat of force is being made against him or her by another person, if the act that constitutes the offence is committed for the purpose of defending or protecting himself or herself from another person, and the act committed is reasonable in the circumstances.
That is where the problem starts. What constitutes being reasonable in the circumstances to use force to arrest someone? In determining whether the act committed is reasonable in the circumstances, the bill suggests that the court may consider certain things. It is not that the individual should consider them, but I doubt that the public at large would be able to deal with it.
The court is going to have to consider the nature of the force or the threat being used and the extent to which the force was imminent or whether there were other means available to respond to the potential use of force. For example, were there any options. The court will have to consider the person's role and intent in the incident, what he or she was doing, was the person a party to it at some point in some way. The court will have to consider whether the party to the incident used or threatened to use a weapon. Sometimes it is unknown and people are not sure what constitutes a weapon.
The court will have to consider the size, age and gender of the parties to the incident. I am not sure many people would even think about that. I suppose if the individual is a very large person and the other person is intimidated by that individual, it may have some influence on the person's judgment about whether or not the person is going to attempt to arrest the individual. The nature, duration and history of any relationship between the parties becomes relevant, as does the nature and proportionality of the person's response to the threat of use of force, and whether the act committed was in response to the use of threat or force the person knew was lawful. That is part of it.
There is another whole part that goes into the whole aspect of defence of property, but there is a lot of parallel of what constitutes a defence of property. The point, without reading the various provisions, is that the bill does not propose a change in the Criminal Code, which is going to make a defence of property by apprehending or arresting someone because it is one's property.
I have a feeling that Canadians may not be comfortable understanding that we are balancing off the interests of defending and protecting our property and civil liberties. There are certain things that cannot be done to other people. Where is that balance?
When I looked at the speech the justice minister gave on Friday, he used terminology to say that the bill was balanced and necessary, but the speeches so far do not concur. The commentary so far is that although the amendments to sections 34 through 42 in the Criminal Code would cause some confusion, there seems to be some support for the amendments to section 495 and section 494.
Currently section 495 of the Criminal Code says that a peace officer may arrest without warrant a person who has committed an indictable offence or who, on reasonable grounds, the peace officer believes has committed or is about to commit an indictable offence; a person whom the peace officer finds committing a criminal offence; as well as any person whom the peace officer believes, on reasonable grounds, has committed or is about to commit an indictable offence.
What the courts have told us is that for an arrest to be valid on the basis of reasonable grounds, the grounds must be objectively established, in the sense that a reasonable person standing in the shoes of the officer would believe that there are reasonable and probable grounds to make the arrest.
Section 494 of the Criminal Code deals with a private citizen making an arrest. Currently section 494 of the code says that a private citizen may arrest those found committing indictable offences, those being pursued by others who have the authority to arrest, or those committing criminal offences in relation to property.
It is important to note, and the minister agrees, that there is a legal duty under section 494 to arrest and deliver the person to the police forthwith. This has been interpreted by the courts to mean as soon as reasonably practical under all the circumstances.
All of a sudden, “reasonable” and “interpretation” become a big part of the bill.
The bill would expand section 494(2) to permit the property owner or a person authorized by the property owner to arrest a person if he or she finds that the person who committed a criminal offence on or in relation to his or her property is just at the time when the offence is being committed or also within a reasonable time after the offence is committed.
Here again is the concept of a reasonable time and, all of a sudden, it is subject to interpretation, so caution has to be taken.
I think I have made my point with regard to the changes being made. I would like to briefly comment on a couple of other points.
We have had two private members' bills on this issue already. It is clear that the government has not taken this seriously. In fact, it has politicized it by having photo ops and saying that it is going to do things, which it did not do for almost a year. Then, when we look at the calendar and what is going on at the justice committee, it is very clear that the bill is a long time away from ever becoming law, if at all.
I also note that the very last clause of the bill says that the bill will come into force when it gets fixed by an order of Governor in Council.
After the legislation goes through the House and the Senate and receives royal assent, the provinces have to get involved. It becomes even more problematic because the provincial policing authorities are probably the ones which are going to have to enforce this law. The government has not done its homework. It should have been done already. I do not believe that the government is serious about this. I hope it does not stand in the way of getting the bill through the justice committee expeditiously.
Mr. Marc Lemay (Abitibi—Témiscamingue, BQ):
Mr. Speaker, I listened carefully to my colleague. I will have the opportunity to come back to this topic later, when I speak to Bill C-60.
My colleague is quite right. Incidentally, the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights is in session right now, and I will return to that meeting following my speech here in the House. There are 16 bills awaiting study by the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights and, among them, we are currently examining Bill C-4, An Act to amend the Youth Criminal Justice Act and to make consequential and related amendments to other Acts—also known as the Youth Criminal Justice Act. Our examination of Bill C-4 is nowhere near complete.
That being said, my colleague is probably right to say that perhaps we will not be examining Bill C-60 anytime soon. I found that aspect of the member's position very interesting. The bill contains two series of clauses. One part has to do with the whole notion of self-defence. I will come back to that later. It has to do with section 34 and subsequent sections of the Criminal Code. The second part, regarding the defence of property, has to do with section 494.
Would his Liberal Party colleagues be willing to split the bill? We could drop the whole self-defence part, in other words, the amendments to section 34 and subsequent sections that are far more problematic than the request under section 494 of the Criminal Code. Would they agree that the bill should be split in two in order to study the changes to section 494 sooner, even if it means delaying the passage of the other amendments regarding self-defence, that is, regarding section 34 and subsequent sections?
Mr. Paul Szabo:
Mr. Speaker, I thank the member, who is on the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, for confirming to the House that the committee is very bogged down with 16 bills. That is a story in itself. If we go back in history and find out how many of these bills have been before us previously, how many died on prorogation and had to be introduced, how many were dropped and put into a consolidation and how many were dropped altogether, we are on a merry-go-round.
With regard to his specific question, I agree with him. I have heard from others in the House and it seems that is the way the debate is going, with amendments to sections 34 through 42. These are the areas where there seems to be some confusion or concern about making the law even less clear than it is already. There does not seem to be much difficulty with the other amendments regarding police and public arrest under subsection 494(2).
The member has an important suggestion for the House to consider and it may even be dealt with at committee by simply making that change right off the bat.
M. Marc Lemay:
Mr. Speaker, if I have the opportunity to ask another question, then I will gladly do so. In response to what the hon. member just said, I would say that there were nine bills before the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights that died on the order paper when Parliament was prorogued. In the end, three of these nine bills were reintroduced for consideration by the House. Moreover, one of the bills we considered here has to do with online pornography and online predators. I cannot recall the exact numbers because there are so many, but I think that it was Bill C-20 that was recently passed by the House and, in our opinion, should be passed by the Senate.
That being said, Bill C-60 deals with two issues, one of which is very problematic: the use of self-defence to protect one's property. This has always been a problematic issue. The hon. member was speaking about the proposed amendments to sections 34 to 42 of the Criminal Code, which pertain to self-defence. These sections are often subject to interpretation and the courts have rendered many different decisions in this regard. The protection of property, which is what interests me, is addressed in section 494 of the Criminal Code. Under section 494, we may arrest without warrant a person who is destroying our property or that of others. I will come back to this later.
Can the protection of property be distinguished from self-defence? If so, we could pass Bill C-60 to amend just one section of the Criminal Code, section 494. I would like to hear the hon. member's thoughts on this. Perhaps he could speak to us about his party's position, which unfortunately I have not yet heard.
Mr. Speaker, members in this place want to be successful when delivering legislation, in whole or in part, that helps address the problem raised by the Chen case. We need to be responsible in this fashion.
The member had a suggestion and I heard a couple of other suggestions. In most cases, though, it sounds like the full bill, as presented to us, Bill C-60, will not be acceptable to the majority of parliamentarians.
It does raise, however, the number of bills we have had over all these years, which the member mentioned. This is the political or the partisan line. If the Conservatives have lots of bills, we could say that they were tough on crime or at least that they intend to be tough on crime. However, if the bills keep getting shut down or thrown out because we have an election or prorogation and they have to be reinstated or not, this is part of the game that is being played.
This was a straightforward incident. By consultation, the Department of Justice, with appropriate consultation with provincial authorities, could have come up very quickly with what the principle deterrents are to having an effective Criminal Code with regard to citizen's arrest. It could have dealt with it.
It looks like another ministerial staffer has come up with a laundry list of a whole bunch of other things, none of which have been vetted with the provinces yet, so we will have to enforce this and Canadians will have to understand it.
The minister has let the House down and so has Bill C-60.
Ms. Ruby Dhalla (Brampton—Springdale, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, I want to take the opportunity to commend my colleague, who is in a riding adjacent to mine, on some of the work he has done in regard to ensuring that there is a tough on crime stance that is effective and efficient.
When talking to some of the officers in my constituency of Brampton—Springdale and some of the organizations, they feel that the bill does not address the initiative that was intended. A variety of different ideas and suggestions have been put forward.
In my particular riding there is a huge initiative by many of the organizations and many of the officers to ensure that we actually have local solutions. We have heard a lot of rhetoric from the government on justice and addressing crime but when it comes to actual results they are very minimal.
There is a great deal of frustration and anxiety that these particular issues are not being addressed. In my community we have an initiative we have co-founded called the Brampton-Springdale Youth Advisory Council where we have young people engaged to design and develop some local solutions on some of the challenges they face.
Perhaps the member could elaborate on some of those amendments and ideas on how we can get the community engaged to ensure we have effective results instead of just pieces of legislation being thrown at parliamentarians and no real results for community members.
Mr. Speaker, crime prevention is an extremely important part of the equation. We talk about prevention, punishment, rehabilitation and reintegration as the pieces. Prevention is always a dollar best spent. It is always better.
With regard to Bill C-60, though, I am concerned that this may flare up in a feeling that people can take the law into their own hands and mete out a little bit of justice themselves, which raises the whole concern about vigilantism, which we must be very careful about. Yes, rights need to be balanced but we cannot be seen to be encouraging people to give it a try while we cannot protect them. The courts may still decide, on a case by case basis, that an individual could not do what he or she did.
People need to know that the bill is not black and white. It will not give an answer to individual cases, and certainly not in the heat of a moment when something occurs.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to speak to Bill C-60, which came to Parliament rather oddly. The Prime Minister went to Toronto to make an announcement about a man who had been arrested. This government is known for its piecemeal legislation. In other words, if something happens in Toronto, Winnipeg or Vancouver, the government suddenly jumps on it and introduces a bill to amend the Criminal Code.
The problem is that they go about it all wrong. That is the first problem. They amend sections of the Criminal Code. If it is not parole, then it is the parole act, at which point they amend sections on probation, release, etc. They jump from pillar to post and Bill C-60 is no different. We are going to explain the problem to those watching us. It happens. It concerns section 494 of the Criminal Code, which states:
494. (2) Any one who is
This where the problem begins.
Allow me to explain. Let us just say you own a home or a convenience store, as in the case that led to the proposed amendment now before us. The convenience store owner was robbed. The owner saw the robber some time later and, when he recognized the robber, arrested him. The problem is he does not have the right to do that. It was the poor store owner, Mr. Chen, from Toronto, who was arrested, brought to court, charged with illegal arrest and sentenced. It makes no sense; we know that. However, the legislation says, “may arrest without warrant a person whom he finds committing a criminal offence on or in relation to that property”, in other words, the property he legitimately owns or the property regarding which he is authorized by the owner.
Therefore, you can arrest someone who comes to steal from your convenience store. If you are the clerk at a convenience store and a thief tries to take your money from the cash register, you can arrest him because the law says that you can arrest someone who is “committing a criminal offence on or in relation to that property”. It is not a problem for one person to arrest another who is committing an offence: the former will never be charged. The problem arises, as in the case of the poor man from Toronto, when you arrest someone for a crime committed earlier. The police were taking so long to arrive that he thought it would be quicker for him to arrest the thief. Unfortunately for Mr. Chen, the thief was acquitted because it was an unlawful arrest, and the poor man found himself being charged with unlawful arrest.
Up to this point, it is a good idea to amend section 494 because people are unhappy, with good cause, as they feel that they cannot even arrest someone who has comes to rob them at home.
But a subtle point is being introduced in Bill C-60 and the proposed new subsection 494(2):
The owner or a person in lawful possession of property, or a person authorized by the owner or by a person in lawful possession of property, may arrest a person without a warrant if they find them committing a criminal offence on or in relation to that property and...
This is where the problem arises.
It is clear that if someone is robbing a convenience store, they can be arrested. That is not a problem. However, this is what they want us to pass into law:
That is going a bit far. This means that the owner of a convenience store, to use the same example, can arrest someone who steals money from the register. This happens often. I had many clients who went into a convenience store to steal. Convenience stores have a strange habit of always putting cases of beer on sale near the door, where anyone can see that a big case of 24 costs $24.92 instead of the regular price. Someone opens the door while another person steals the case of beer. You could say that the convenience store owners are asking for trouble.
If you see someone in the process of stealing, you can arrest them, no problem. However, the bill adds the following: “...they make the arrest within a reasonable time after the offence is committed and they believe on reasonable grounds....” Those two points are important. Not only do they have to make the arrest within a reasonable time, but they have to believe that the police or a peace officer would not be able to get there. That is asking a lot of someone.
The Bloc Québécois is in favour of sending this bill to be studied in committee. We think that section 494 of the Criminal Code should be amended. This poor man arrested someone, knowing that this individual had come to rob him. That happens often. To come back to my example, there is a sale: 24 beers for $12.98. That will surely attract thieves. One of the thieves opens the door of the convenience store and the other grabs the case of beer. The owner of the store did not see him steal it, but after two minutes he realizes that he is missing a case of beer. He opens the door, looks outside and sees someone leaving with a case of beer. Under the current section 494, he could not arrest the individual because he did not catch him in the act. That is what happened in Toronto, but the individual decided that he would still arrest the thief and then ended up in trouble.
We believe that a solution can be found so that this section allows an individual to arrest someone. Clearly, if the owner does not immediately arrest someone who is stealing a case of beer, and if the police are not around the corner, it is over. Those are the two instances where something can be done.
However, we have issues with the bill. If it were only about amending section 494, all of the parties would have passed Bill C-60 to rectify that particular issue quickly. It is a Conservative thing. They are using Bill C-60 to introduce a series of amendments to sections 34 through 42 of the Criminal Code, which have to do with self-defence. And they are way out in left field on this.
We cannot support them in that. There are a number of amendments proposed for sections 34 through 42. It is worth reading some of them. Anyone who has practised criminal law, for the defence or the Crown, anyone who has argued a case will know what this means.
Every one who is unlawfully assaulted without having provoked the assault is justified in repelling force by force if the force he uses is not intended to cause death or grievous bodily harm and is no more than is necessary to enable him to defend himself.
Subsection 34(1) is very easy to understand. If you are attacked, you have the right to defend yourself. But if someone punches you and you use a baseball bat or pool cue to defend yourself, in a bar for example, and you cause grievous bodily harm or even death, that is clearly not a case of self-defence. Someone who is attacked on the side of the road has the right to defend himself. Everyone has the right to defend himself against a violent attack, as long as he does not intend to cause death or grievous bodily harm.
They are trying to force us to accept certain things. The bill would amend section 34 with a new subsection 34(1), which reads:
And there is more. Listen to this:
(b) the act that constitutes the offence is committed for the purpose of defending or protecting themselves or the other person from that use or threat of force; and
(c) the act committed is reasonable in the circumstances.
They dare to add another amendment:
(2) In determining whether the act committed is reasonable in the circumstances, the court may consider, among other factors,
(a) the nature of the force or threat;
(b) the extent to which the use of force was imminent and whether there were other means available to respond to the potential use of force;
(c) the person’s role in the incident;
(d) whether any party to the incident used or threatened to use a weapon;
(e) the size, age and gender of the parties to the incident;
I could go on. What they would have us swallow makes no sense. It is clear we will never, ever accept that.
They want to put every ruling from the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal for Ontario, the Quebec Court of Appeal and the Court of Appeal for British Columbia that ever defined self-defence into the Criminal Code.
With all due respect to the Conservatives, I must say that the concept of self-defence has evolved over time. The definition of self-defence is no longer as open as we thought. We have taken into account the force necessary to repel the attack if, in so doing, the person did not intend to cause death or serious bodily harm. If that is not clear, then it is up to the court to decide. It is not up to us to define the concept of self-defence for the court.
This would also be added:
(f) the nature, duration and history of any relationship between the parties to the incident, including any prior use or threat of force and the nature of that force or threat;
(g) the nature and proportionality of the person’s response to the use or threat of force;
It does not make sense to try to define self-defence in the Criminal Code. We cannot accept that. The courts have given rulings and when people were dissatisfied, they filed an appeal. If they were still dissatisfied, the case went before the Supreme Court, which established, once and for all, the definition of self-defence and how self-defence can be invoked by defendants.
We cannot accept all of this. There are examples of legitimate self-defence. Here is one such example. One of my clients goes into a convenience store—this has happened a few times—except he does not know that this is the fifth time the store has been robbed. Nor does my client know that the store owner has a 12-gauge. For the benefit of my Conservative friends, a 12-gauge is a weapon, a shotgun. So he has a 12-gauge shotgun under the counter. The owner tells himself that this is the last time someone is going to rob his store. My client enters the store and, yes, he goes about assaulting the store owner to steal from the cash register. I am not saying that my client is a charming man or that he should win a Governor General's award. That is not what I am saying. I am saying that my client goes into a convenience store and robs it. He has no weapon. He leans over to reach into the cash register to take the money. What does the store owner do? He pulls out the 12-gauge shotgun and shoots him. He does not shoot him in the head. He does not shoot him in the heart. He shoots him in the legs to make sure this guy remembers him. He does not want to kill the robber. That is what he told the court.
With all due respect, I do not think that this qualifies as self-defence. The court agreed. I defended the accused. The owner came and said all this before the court. Clearly the judge said that his behaviour did not constitute self-defence. What is self-defence? I repeat: self-defence is “repelling force by force if the force he uses is not intended to cause death or grievous bodily harm and is no more than is necessary to enable him to defend himself”. When someone shoots another person in the leg with a 12-gauge shotgun, the courts assume that the person did so with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm. In this example, the man was convicted.
Bill C-60 is well-intentioned in aiming to solve the problem of defence of property. However, a distinction must be made between the defence of property and self-defence. Self-defence applies when an individual is the victim of a personal attack. Motorist A is driving down the highway—and this has happened on more than one occasion—and is cut off by another motorist, motorist B. Motorist A does not like this. He pursues the other vehicle and cuts the driver off. Motorist B parks his vehicle and hits motorist A with a baseball bat. This is not self-defence.
What was well-intentioned risks going nowhere because clearly we are not going to agree to amend sections 34 to 42 on self-defence. There is too much in there. The courts have ruled on the definition of self-defence, on the defence of self-defence. We have to let the courts do their job.
However, and I will end on this point, the idea of amending section 494 of the Criminal Code is well-intentioned and we can work on amending this section so that it does what society is asking for.
Mr. Speaker, the more I hear the input of members, the more I understand that this bill seems to try to put into legislation what the courts traditionally have thought of as being factors and other considerations but not factors or considerations hat may cause someone to be charged with an improper arrest.
In the simple case of Mr. Chen, which is a very vanilla case, someone robbed him. He was not able to apprehend that person and hold him for police at the time. However, that person returned to rob him a second time. He was identified, chased on his bicycle, stopped and held for the police. Mr. Chen was charged under the application of the current Criminal Code.
If we had to make a change to the Criminal Code to ensure that Mr. Chen would never be charged again for the same act, what would the change be?
Mr. Marc Lemay:
Mr. Speaker, that is the $1,000 question. I thank my colleague for his question, and I will try to be brief in my reply.
If we remove sections 34 to 42, Mr. Chen would not be able to benefit from the presumption of self-defence because Mr. Chen was not attacked. That settles the matter of sections 34 to 42. I do not understand why these clauses are being proposed; they should not be there.
Let us now discuss the heart of the matter, section 494. I concur with my colleague that we have to find a solution to the problem. This section states that a person authorized by the owner—we are talking about the man in question—“may arrest without warrant a person whom he finds committing a criminal offence on or in relation to that property”.
We need to find a way to say that he may make the arrest, within a reasonable time, after the offence is committed. This has not been studied or analyzed. If someone leaves the convenience store with a case of beer without the owner or clerk seeing him and, in the next few seconds, that person realizes that a case of beer is missing, goes outside and sees the perpetrator, then I believe that he could make the arrest, even though he did not see the offence being committed. We must find a way to rewrite section 494.
My colleague is quite right to say that we have to avoid such legal mistakes, if we can call them that. Above all we must not introduce piecemeal legislation that addresses individual issues.
Mr. Speaker, I listened with interest to the many cogent points put forward by my hon. colleague. It is fair to characterize this bill as comprising three parts. The first part deals with the situation that many Canadians were very appalled to see involving the circumstances that happened to Mr. Chen.
The first part of the bill would enlarge the time period in which someone can make a citizen's arrest. We know the current Criminal Code says that a citizen's arrest can be made during the commission of an offence. The first amendment would enlarge that period to be within a reasonable time, which I think most Canadians would find reasonable. The next two parts have to do with the government rewriting the sections on defence of property and defence of person.
I think we can all agree in the House that the first part of the bill is merited and should proceed but that the second and third parts require careful and considered study. Would he agree that we can support sending this bill to committee so that it can examined in a cautious manner what kind of amendments may be necessary to the Criminal Code to deal with the second and third parts of this bill?
Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for his question. He is correct. There are two things. First, there is no need to touch sections 34 to 42 on self-defence. The courts in all of the provinces and the Supreme Court of Canada have issued rulings; there is jurisprudence. Lawyers who have even the briefest introduction to criminal law in the first year of law school learn the definition of self-defence. There is no need to amend these sections.
Second, there is defence of property, which is less clear. Defence of person is self-defence, but I agree with my colleague that when we talk about defence of property there are some grey areas in section 494. At least we will have focused the debate on subsection 494(2) of the Criminal Code. I admit that it is not clear.
If I had had to defend that individual, there would have been a trial, even though we know that you can arrest without a warrant a person you find committing a criminal offence, as is written in the bill. A citizen must witness the offence; he must be there. He has the right to arrest someone he finds committing an offence. The rest, only peace officers may do. But if they do not come, even after being called three times, what does someone do when the thief is drinking a beer on the corner? That is where the public is right. When the committee studies section 494, it will no doubt find a solution. However, we must not be touching sections 34 to 42 on self-defence.
Mr. Speaker, the member has really helped to move this along a fair bit.
After seeing how this pattern is working out, it strikes me that the government bill before us is not one which has been crafted with due care and diligence. The Department of Justice and legal experts are there to help the government in crafting these things. There are representations by the government and the minister, photo ops by the minister and the Prime Minister, and yet the bill fundamentally does not work. It is problematic.
I wonder whether the member shares my concern that maybe this whole idea of photo ops and bills that do not work has more to do with getting another picture for the government's ethnic strategy rather than delivering legislation, because the government wants to continue to say it is tough on crime without actually delivering legislation on crime.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague for his question. They might seem to be tough on crime, but they only needed to amend subsection 494(2). They did not need to touch sections 34 and on. That is what irritates me. Bill C-60 was introduced to deal with a specific problem and that is fine. But at the same time, they are trying to meddle in every court decision ever made on self-defence. My colleague from Marc-Aurèle-Fortin has said before that bad laws make good lawyers rich.
If Bill C-60, which amends sections 34 through 42, is passed as-is, lawyers will be laughing all the way to the bank just because they can exploit the wording of this incomplete bill. Let us fix section 494 now and deal with the rest later.
It is my duty, pursuant to Standing Order 38, to inform the House that the questions to be raised tonight at the time of adjournment are as follows: the hon. member for London—Fanshawe, Status of Women; the hon. member for Lac-Saint-Louis, Public Safety; the hon. member for Richmond Hill, National Defence.
Mr. Derek Lee (Scarborough—Rouge River, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, a number of us have been waiting for Bill C-60 to come forward, at least we were hoping it would, although, as my remarks may show, it was never clear that the self-defence provisions of the Criminal Code, which the bill would purport to fix, were really broken. However, it does provide for a very interesting debate, at least for those of us who are interested in some of the micro details of the Criminal Code, especially as they relate to the common law.
As colleagues have already pointed out, on one level the bill was drafted to address a situation that arose in a Toronto Criminal Code prosecution. It is one that I got involved with on the street, as a number of publicly elected people did at the time because of the nature of the facts. I can say that the proposed new wording for subsection 494(2) is a reasonable attempt to address the fact sequence in that case. I am not sure that an amendment actually is needed, but I respect the intention of that portion of the bill.
The rest of the bill quite surprisingly purports to codify the common law provisions of self-defence and put them in the Criminal Code. I was not aware that these provisions were broken. I always subscribe to the adage that if something is not broken, we should not try to fix it. I am getting the impression that is what is going on with the other aspects of Bill C-60.
Let us go back to the first set of issues involving subsection 494(2) and the unfortunate events surrounding the shoplifting and attempted shoplifting at the Lucky Moose supermarket. That is a real business in the heart of downtown Toronto and is owned by a very fine gentleman, a proprietor and small businessman who is very hard working, as are his employees.
He was confronted by a shoplifter. The particular shoplifter is known to almost everyone who works there. He is a repeat offender and has a record longer than my arm. He is so notorious as a thief that his picture has been placed throughout the neighbourhood on lamp posts. His modus operandi involves going into an area with his bicycle, parking it, stealing something, getting on the bike and whisking away. As I say, he has a very lengthy record. He is before the courts now and probably will be for the foreseeable future, so there is no point in my saying much more than that.
The store involved is one that puts merchandise out front. Sometimes it is vegetables, fruit or flowers. Canadians in large cities will be very familiar with that format of a grocery store or supermarket.
What happened on that particular day was that the thief showed up once, stole merchandise, left in the way I described on the bike, and showed up again later. At that point he was recognized and the shop owner and his employees took steps to apprehend the guy, knowing that he had already stolen once and was preparing to do it again. The guy was apprehended. The outcome was shocking and really quite sad to me and many other people in that the shop owner was charged.
A few weeks ago the court case ended with the charges being dropped. In the meantime, the unfortunate proprietor had to undertake a defence. He had many people in the community supporting him. He had a good legal team. The sad thing was that this law-abiding citizen suddenly, in the course of defending his business, became an accused criminal.
This bothered me a lot at the time. Because it was before the courts there was not a whole lot any of us could do. We just hoped for fair treatment in the courts. That eventually happened, but at what cost to this law-abiding businessman in our community?
In my view, the whole story from start to finish should have been about that businessman, Mr. Chen. It should have been about him and his business and its place in our community, but for reasons I really cannot explain and none of us could, it was not about that. The police changed the story. The police turned him into an alleged criminal and it became a story about the powers of arrest by police versus the citizen. That was just wrong.
I do not know what part of the system went wrong, but I am not alone in saying that whatever went on in the days that followed that event, it did not happen properly. In my view, it was not even in accordance with the law as I read it. I think the police and the prosecutors made a mistake in forcing Mr. Chen to defend himself. I can only say that the police and the prosecutors were doing more to defend their own powers of arrest than they were to protect Mr. Chen and his business.
I say that sadly because in Toronto we have a very good police force. Its motto is “To Serve and Protect”, but one can only ask how much did it serve and protect Mr. Chen in this case. The police turned him into the alleged criminal and it took him a year to clear his name.
Was there a need to change the law? I do not think there was, but I can see the argument that there was. It is quite a normal reaction to say that if the existing state of the law is interpreted by the police as this, we have to change the law. I understand where that is coming from. I am just not sure that the police had the law correctly.
I did a bit of research, and needless to say I had a bit of help doing it. In looking at the law, of course it is related to the common law in that the powers of arrest that citizens have are buried in the common law. They exist. They are real. They are not a fiction. The Criminal Code does not say citizens have the power of arrest. The common law says that citizens have the power of arrest. In fact, citizens had an obligation to effect an arrest in the old days and if they did not make the arrest, they could be fined. Even though we do not fine people now for not making citizens' arrests, the powers are still there and they are referred to, at least indirectly, in our Criminal Code the way it has been worded up to now, and members should keep in mind our Criminal Code is over 100 years old.
In common law, the power of a private person to arrest is limited to treason or a felony that has actually been committed or attempted, or where a breach of the peace has been actually committed or is apprehended, and larceny, theft. Stealing is a felony in common law.
There was no power to arrest for a simple misdemeanour where there was no breach of the peace and where it was not necessary to arrest the offender to prevent the renewal of the act. Members should please recall, as I go through this, that the thief in the real life situation showed up again, apparently to steal again, with his bike, the same modus operandi, the same routine. He showed up again and that is, I repeat, a renewal.
For people who are interested in history, in 1892, the old system of misdemeanour and felony was wiped out and replaced in our Criminal Code and in the British system. However, abolishing the distinction between felonies and misdemeanours at that time had no effect on the principles of arrest without warrant in the common law, at least for breach of the peace.
Section 8 of the current Criminal Code permits all of the common law defences to be used. Citizens should take some comfort in knowing that all of the common law defences that we have had for hundreds of years, going back to the Magna Carta, still exist in the Criminal Code unless they have been explicitly removed, and case law across the country has confirmed that, similar to other jurisdictions.
I will read the current state of this as best I could research it. In the case of a breach of the peace, there is a power to arrest, without warrant, on the part of a citizen where:
(1) a breach of the peace is committed in the presence of the person making the arrest; or
(2) the arrestor reasonably believes that such a breach will be committed in the immediate future by the person arrested although he has not yet committed any breach; or
(3) where a breach has been committed and it is reasonably believed that a renewal of it is threatened.
I just referred to my research here, that is the case of R. v. Howell, which was a British Queen's Bench case.
However, the court dare held that there must be an act done or threatened to be done that either actually harms a person or, in his presence, his property.
In the Lucky Moose supermarket case, there was property and a threatened new breach of the peace, which was the taking, the theft, the larceny in relation to the property of Mr. Chen. That particular line of reasoning does not appear to have shone through in this particular court case but I believe it should have. I believe the prosecutor should have known that. I believe the police should have been told that. Mr. Chen should not have been charged.
In any event, he was charged but, fortunately, the judge who presided, in the end, made the right decision or decisions and we in Toronto have all gone on with our lives.
However, I found two things regrettable. One was the lack of appreciation of the prosecutors and the police of these of common law provisions. If that is the state of the art and our police and prosecutors do not know these common law defences and common law provisions that citizens have been basing their lives on here in our jurisdiction and under our Constitution for over a century, then maybe it is time to rewrite the code. We will write it down for them so they can read something and be satisfied with it.
However, I do regret that all of this transpired when I believe Mr. Chen had a very clear legal case that should have been made. I could not help but think that the police were trying to make the point that arresting people was their job, not the citizen's job. Yes, it is their job to do law enforcement, and they do a very good job of it across the country, but they should never place the citizen in a secondary or second-class role. Citizens, for whom the police work, should always be number one. This particular shop owner, Mr. Chen, up to that point in time, had not done anything wrong. He was just defending his own business. I do not know how the police did not see that. I hope the police understand my words as not being critical of their ongoing work on behalf of all of our communities, but their work in connection with prosecutors ought to be well based on the law.
This legislation seems to be a fix for the section of the Criminal Code that pertains to the facts of this case. Even though I do not feel that it was necessary, I accept that we can amend the code for that.
Accompanying this statutory amendment is a whole rewrite and codification of the law of self-defence under the Criminal Code. As I said earlier, if it is not broken, why are we trying to fix it?
I read one of the sections and it bothered me a bit. I will read the relevant words:
(a) they either believe on reasonable grounds that they are in peaceable possession of property or are acting under the authority of [some who is]...;
(b) they believe on reasonable grounds that another person...is about to enter...the property...;
(c) the act...is...for the purpose of...preventing the other person from entering the property...;
(d) the act committed is reasonable in the circumstances.
There are many private properties In a big city. I cannot imagine all of the complications that will arise when we codify this and try to figure out what is reasonable and what is not, how much force someone is allowed to use before somebody steps off the public sidewalk, where the property line is, is it an individual or a corporation that owns the property, is it a condominium corporation, is it a landlord or is it rented property.
The government has not explained why it feels the need to rework and codify these common law provisions in the Criminal Code. The danger in doing it are that it will codify a part of the common law but not all of it or it will go too far, or it will not think of every fact situation in having codified the part of the common law that seems to be working reasonably well generally for us. By codifying it, the government is preordaining and structuring a result involving a sequence of facts that nobody ever thought of. We would then have to amend the code again because nobody ever thought of that particular set of circumstances.
I will be looking for answers from the government. It really has not stated why it felt it was necessary to write these new sections, to codify the common law self-defence provisions in the Criminal Code.
The minister said that the list of factors codifies well-recognized features of many self-defence situations and will help guide judges and juries in applying the new law. Is it new law or is it just old law codified? The government should tell us what needs to be fixed before we walk down this road of codifying something that has worked pretty well for us under our Constitution the right of self-defence. Everybody has a pretty good gut feeling for what it is and it has worked for us for over 100 years, maybe even 200 or 300 years.
I will be looking for those answers in the debate and I will be scrutinizing this bill very carefully at committee.
Mr. Speaker, I know my hon. colleague said that he was seeking answers to why the government has added what appear to be unnecessary provisions to this bill. I will suggest a possible answer for him and I would like his comment on it.
The issue that spawned this was when Mr. Chen arrested someone after the commission of an offence but within a reasonable time. My colleague from Trinity—Spadina quickly drafted a private member's bill, Bill C-565, which dealt exactly with that scenario. It would have amended the Criminal Code to permit a citizen to arrest someone, not only during the commission of an offence but within a reasonable time. Had we stopped there, the problem would have been solved.
However, if the government had adopted that common sense solution, it would have given the New Democrats credit for fixing the solution, which it could not tolerate. Instead, it had to draft a bill to add two further and unnecessary aspects to this bill, which is to radically alter the way we deal with self defence of person and property in this country.
I would submit for my hon. colleague that the reason the government did this was that it did not want anybody else in this House, be it the Liberal Party, the New Democrats or the Bloc, taking meaningful measures that protect community. In the government's view, it is the only one that can do that. Of course, Canadians know that is not the case.
Could my hon. colleague comment on that as being a potential theory as to why the government added two very unusual aspects to this bill that were not called upon by the situation of Mr. Chen and which cause more confusion than any solutions they offer?
Mr. Derek Lee:
Mr. Speaker, I kind of agree with the hon. member as he described the lead-up to this. However, I am trying to put rationale to this initiative of the government to codify and legislate in relation to defence of property. I am speculating wildly, and forgive me if I am wrong, but the only thing I can think of is that the Conservative Party is a right wing party that has tried and failed and cannot find a way to put into our Constitution the area of property rights. A lot of people have sympathy for that type of initiative without defining it.
This is coming at us right out of the blue. I think it is the Conservatives' way of putting into statute something that enters into that envelope of protection of property rights. The only thing I can think of is that codifying self-defence provisions in the Criminal Code in relation to property, because they specifically mention it here, is their way of nudging that thing and pretending to be doing something in the envelope of property rights. That is about the only reason I can put on this, other than that I draw a blank. If I am wrong, I hope I am forgiven.
Mr. Don Davies:
Mr. Speaker, I do note that the current Criminal Code does actually refer to “defence of person” and “defence of property”. In fact, section 38 is entitled “defence of property” and section 34 of the current Criminal Code deals with the common law defence that allows someone to repel an assault with reasonable force. I am not sure that is the answer.
When my colleague from Trinity—Spadina went to visit Mr. Chen and quickly drafted legislation that would solve the problem that Mr. Chen and all the small business owners across this country faced, what did the government do? Did it move that bill forward to fix that problem and stand up for the shopkeepers and small business owners of the country? No. The government sent the Prime Minister in to do a photo op with Mr. Chen, and then it went to the trouble of re-drafting sections of the Criminal Code that were not raised by this issue.
In the case of Mr. Chen, the issues of “defence of property” or “defence of person” were not raised. The only question we were talking about there was when is the appropriate time for Mr. Chen to make a citizen's arrest. Of course, he was charged, to Canadians' shock and horror across this country, because he made the arrest when the criminal returned to the store to hit him up again.
I would like my hon. colleague to comment on the scenario that the government simply does not want Canadians to know that parties on this side of the House also take community safety very seriously and propose very meaningful and helpful policies and bills to help achieve that goal.
Mr. Speaker, it is true that the government is not the only party in the House that has spent time on this file. I personally have spent quite a few hours on this file both downtown, in my office, on the phone, et cetera.
However, I would respond with one caution, and that is this. In attempting to codify, to define the common-law rights of self-defence in the way it has, by putting conditions and provisos in particular circumstances and situations, the government may actually be shrinking the rights of self-defence without knowing it. This is what we have to turn our minds to. In my view, it is an unnecessary Criminal Code amendment. The rationale for it is yet unclear.
I am looking forward to hearing those answers in due course.
Mr. Speaker, I want to chat for a minute about how the bill impacts the small businesses in the community of Vancouver Kingsway.
Vancouver Kingsway is a commercial centre made up almost entirely of small businesses. Up and down Kingsway, Victoria Drive and Nanaimo Street, thousands of small businesses are operated by families and individual proprietors who employ Canadians. They are the real drivers of the Canadian economy. Whether run by Vietnamese, Chinese, Filipino or South Asian families, the people in these businesses have told me that they are having difficulty staying afloat. In many cases, the HST has really hurt their businesses. Now we see the issue of them being subject to charges under the current Criminal Code for defending their own property.
I believe all of us in the House agree that we need to make changes to the Criminal Code. Does my hon. colleague agree with the New Democrats that we should split off the sections of the bill, which he finds controversial, and I agree with him, about defence of property and defence of person and pass the part of the bill that extends the right of someone to conduct a citizen's arrest within a reasonable time of the commission of the offence and, at all times, restrict that person to reasonable measures so the person is not justified in committing an assault on the alleged criminal? In his view, would that be a better approach to dealing with this matter?
Mr. Speaker, I can agree with him that it might be a good approach. I cannot bind my colleagues in the House or at committee, but it is one approach to getting rid of the whole truckload of potential issues involved in codifying the self-defence provisions of the Criminal Code.
My friend mentioned small business owners. There are thousands of them across the country, all of whom deserve the respect of police and Canadians in their communities. I am also thinking of other scenarios where there are big companies, firms and corporations and security guards, some of whom are armed. There are implications for those scenarios and personal property scenarios that we will have to think about now.
The average citizen is probably quite happy thinking that he or she is okay with his or her rights of self-defence. However, now the government must codify and change it. Therefore, we must think it through to ensure that we get it right for the ordinary citizen, whether he or she is dealing with a small shopping store, a big shopping mall, the big corporate-owned plot of land or the big corporate-owned ranch scenario, when it comes to trespassing and defence of property. I am suspicious that all of this is unnecessary.
Mr. Bruce Hyer (Thunder Bay—Superior North, NDP):
Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to rise in the House today to speak to the citizen's arrest and self-defence bill. As we know, a good portion of the bill, and the part that I want to talk about today, was originally put forward as part of a private member's bill by the hon. member for Trinity—Spadina.
I support her idea to enhance the ability of small businesses to protect their property through the mechanism of citizen's arrest. As a small business owner myself, I know all too well the enormous challenges that small businesses face across Canada.
I support passing the amendments to section 494 of the Criminal Code in the bill dealing with citizen's arrest to permit arrest without warrant and within “a reasonable period” rather than the present wording, which requires an arrest contemporaneous with the event. This change was originally introduced by the hon. member for Trinity—Spadina in her private member's bill as a result of an incident at a convenience store in Toronto, the Lucky Moose. The name of that store is well known, although it sounds like it should be a store in Thunder Bay—Superior North. The owner apprehended an individual, who had stolen an item from the store, some time after the theft had taken place. The amendment to section 494 has been supported, in principle, by chiefs of police across Canada, prosecutors and defence counsels.
Bill C-60 proposes compressing sections 34 to 42 of the Criminal Code, which deal with the defence of a person and property, into two new parts. The stated rationale is to clarify the laws on self-defence and the defence of property so Canadians, including the police, prosecutors and the courts, can more easily understand and apply the law.
The legislation would expand the legal authority for private citizens or persons with small businesses to make arrests within a reasonable period of time after they found a person committing a criminal offence either on or in relation to their property, ensuring the proper balance between the powers of the citizens and the powers of the police. It would also bring much needed reforms to simplify the complex Criminal Code provisions on self-defence and defence of property and clarify where reasonable use of force would be permitted in relation to the above.
The amendments to Criminal Code subsection 494(2) on citizen's arrest would authorize a business person or other citizen to make an arrest within a reasonable period of time after he or she found someone committing a criminal offence that occurred on or in relation to his or her property. This power of arrest would only be authorized when there were reasonable grounds to believe it would not be feasible in the circumstances for the arrest to be made by a police officer.
It talks about reasonable use of force. The legislation would make it clear by cross-reference in the Criminal Code that the use of force would authorized in a citizen's arrest, but there would be limits placed on how much force could be used. In essence, the laws permit the reasonable use of force taking into account all the circumstances of a particular case. To be clear, a person will not be entitled to use excessive force in any citizen's arrest. That will continue.
There are some important considerations for us to take into account. A citizen's arrest is a very serious and potentially dangerous undertaking. Unlike a police officer, a private citizen is neither tasked with the duty to preserve and maintain public peace or, generally speaking, properly trained to apprehend suspended criminals. In most cases, an arrest might consist of either actually seizing or touching a person's body with a view to detaining him or her or using words where the person submits to the arrest. A citizen's arrest made without careful consideration of the risk factors may have serious, unintended physical or legal consequences for those involved.
When deciding if a citizen's arrest is appropriate, a small business people, or other citizen, should consider the following things: whether a peace officer is available to intervene at that time instead and their personal safety, or that of others, that might be compromised by attempting such an arrest. They should report information about the crime to the police instead of taking action on their own whenever possible. They should have a reasonable belief regarding the suspect's criminal conduct and ability to identify them. Last, they can and should turn over the suspect to the police without delay once that arrest is made.
Let us look at the current laws in this regard.
Under section 494(1), people may arrest a person whom they find committing an indictable offence, or a person, who on reasonable grounds, they believe has committed a criminal offence and is escaping from, and is freshly pursued by, persons who have lawful authority to arrest that person.
Section 494(2) of the Criminal Code, which is the provision proposed to be expanded by the bill, currently provides that anyone who is either the owner or in lawful possession of or has been authorized by the owner or the person in lawful possession of that property may arrest a person if he or she “find committing” a criminal offence on or in relation to that property.
“Finds committing” means situations where the accused is caught in the act, committing that offence. This concept extends to take into account a situation where the accused has been pursued immediately and continuously after he or she has been found committing the offence. Also, the existing law requires that when a citizen's arrest takes place, the individual must be delivered to a peace officer without delay.
Let us talk about self-defence and the defence of property as it relates to the proposed amendments. The new Criminal Code provisions are being proposed to clarify the laws on self-defence and defence of property so Canadians, including the police, the prosecutors and the courts, can more easily understand and apply the law. Clarifying that law and streamlining statutory defences may assist prosecutors and police in exercising their discretion not to lay a charge or proceed with a prosecution.
Amendments to the self-defence provisions would repeal the current confusing law and create one new self-defence provision. It would permit people who reasonably believe they or others to be at risk of the threat of force or acts of force or damage to their property to commit a reasonable act to protect themselves, their property or others.
As I said before, I am a small business owner and I know all too well the huge challenges of many kinds that small businesses across Canada face. Therefore, I would like to raise some of the reasons that are collateral and that bear on the need for small business people to feel more empowered by the Government of Canada and to make their businesses more viable. They are struggling. Small businesses across Canada today, the small economic engines across Canada, are struggling through our recession because of a lot of red tape and a growing tax burden as we shift taxes off of large corporations and onto small corporations.
Small business people are straddled with usurious credit card merchant fees. I and my party have talked about this issue, again and again, the need to get banks and credit card companies off the backs, out of the pockets, the bank accounts and the wallets of small business people across Canada.
Small business people pay fees to the credit card companies that are above and beyond what it costs them to provide average Canadians with the service that is required. Small business people are left with no choice but to pay those usurious fees because they cannot run our businesses without those credit cards. So far the government has not gone to bat to protect small businesses from usurious credit card companies and banks.
Another challenge that small businesses face is a government which has been constantly shifting tax burdens, tax responsibilities off large corporations and onto the backs, not only of average Canadians, but onto the backs of small- and medium-size business firms.
In the late 1970s, the marginal corporate tax rate on large corporations in the U.S. and Canada was the same, at 36%. Today it is still 36% in the United States, but through the Mulroney years, the Chrétien years, the Martin years and now under the current government, those taxes have been reduced. They are soon to be 15% and the government, through the HST, is shifting them onto average Canadians and the burden of collecting and doing the paperwork for that will fall on small businesses.
It has also been shifted through things like the EI premiums which are about to increase again, increasing the cost to Canadian workers and Canadian small businesses.
Despite the fact that small businesses are usually locally based and invest and hire in their local communities, governments, and the current government especially, have favoured large corporations with across-the-board tax cuts, whether they make sense or not, whether they result in investment in Canada or not, whether they keep jobs in Canada or not.
When the NDP government came in 11 years ago in Manitoba, it made a promise to take the tax burden off small businesses because it understood that it is small businesses which are creating jobs. In fact, 80% to 90% of all the jobs created in Canada for many decades have been created, not by big businesses, but by small businesses. The Manitoba government kept its promises and reduced the provincial corporate tax rate on small businesses from 11% down to zero. The government and small businesses in Manitoba have demonstrated through growth, prosperity and job creation, that this has been the economic engine which has made Manitoba the most prosperous province in Canada today with balanced budgets, high employment and weathering the recession almost without even noticing it.
Small businesses in our communities take many forms, from mom and pop convenience stores on the corner all the way up to significant engineering and consulting firms and software developers. In fact, 76% of small- and medium-size businesses earn revenue between $30,000, all the way up to close to $500,000 a year. Now, $30,000 may seem small to us, but it is important to a family that uses it to grow its business and support its children. Small businesses are major economic engines, pint-sized engines which jointly drive the economy of Canada and are growing, not shrinking, and staying, not leaving the country or leaving town, and adding jobs, not cutting jobs.
It is about time that our small businesses got more help and more respect from a government that is happy to hand out billions of dollars in senseless, unnecessary tax cuts to oil giants, big banks and big insurance companies.
Small businesses represent almost 98% of the total number of business establishments in Canada. That number comes from the Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses. Small- and medium-size businesses employ 55% of all the working individuals in Canada.
Service jobs are important. Government jobs provide important services across the nation. Union jobs in large companies are important to our economy. It is true that many of the dollars generated by large corporations do trickle down to small businesses in the community. But, to reiterate that number, over half of the direct jobs in Canada are jobs that relate to small- and medium-size businesses.
Small- and medium-size businesses are taking the lead on research and development in Canada, which is something we desperately need if Canada is to address our perennial shortfall in productivity and competitiveness.
Large corporations in Canada spend a piddling 0.8% of their revenues on research and development. Small- and medium-size firms spend an astounding 5.8%, almost 6%, of their revenues on research and development.
I am an evolutionary biologist and the best evolutionary strategy through a billion years was a main gene pool with outlier populations. It is in those outlier populations where progress, where evolution occurs, feeding that genetic material into the main gene pool.
Similarly, small businesses are the places where the new ideas come from. Steven Jobs and Bill Gates at one time were small businessmen. Look where some of these small businesses can go. We need to support them and help them.
Small businesses are exporters. They play a big role in keeping Canada a trading nation. Over 85% of all Canadian exporters are small- and medium-size businesses.
These facts and statistics show how vital small- and medium-size firms are to Canada's economy and to the future of every Canadian and every member of Parliament. We work for the Canadian taxpayers and increasingly, the Canadian taxpayers are average Canadians and small- and medium-size businesses.
Small- and medium-size businesses create jobs right here at home. They inject dynamism into the Canadian market, which we desperately need and they invest their revenues back into our communities. They do not export those investment dollars back to the United States. They do not pay them out in ridiculously over-the-top, obscene CEO salaries which then get stuffed into tax shelters in the Caribbean and in Panama.
Canada needs to do more to support our small- and medium-size firms. We should be encouraging the entrepreneurial spirit which in the past has driven so many Canadians to take a chance on a great idea and see where it goes.
Whether in Thunder Bay, Geraldton, Longlac, Marathon, Schreiber, Terrace Bay, Red Rock, and so on, in my riding of Thunder Bay—Superior North, we need to help and grow our small businesses, particularly given the role that the government has played through NAFTA, softwood lumber and non-help in the recession to our forest industry in northwestern Ontario. To a large extent, it is small businesses which have hung on bravely and are saving us.
Hon. Steven Fletcher:
Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order. I have listened to the member for quite some time now. I question the relevancy of his comments. We are supposed to be talking about Bill C-60. He is talking about things that are not related.
The Deputy Speaker:
I would urge the member to be mindful of the subject matter of Bill C-60. He has about a minute left, so perhaps he could bring his remarks back to the subject matter of the bill.
Mr. Bruce Hyer:
Mr. Speaker, it is clear to me and clear to most, other than the government, that any way we can help small businesses helps to offset the many other liabilities that have been placed upon them by the government.
We should not be burdening our small businesses with unfair taxes, exorbitant fees, mountains of paperwork and the inability to deal with crime that affects their business.
I urge all members in the House to support our small business people by giving them another important tool to protect their property and their businesses.
Mr. Brian Murphy (Moncton—Riverview—Dieppe, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, I listened to the entire speech of my friend and his laudable words about small, medium and larger enterprises. I know from his background as an evolutionary biologist that we were all hoping that the remarks would evolve into commentary about Bill C-60.
I do not want to take too much of his time in asking my question, so what does he think about Bill C-60, with respect to self-defence and a citizen's arrest? Does he think it goes too far as drafted? Is it beyond what his colleague from Trinity—Spadina had suggested, or is it the right fit ?
I will give him all the time to evolve an answer on that one.
Mr. Speaker, as an evolutionary biologist I also know that evolution did not all occur in the past; it is an ongoing process. It is happening today, it is happening this afternoon and it will continue to happen as long as there is life on earth.
The portions of this bill that were drafted by the hon. member for Trinity—Spadina are just right. I am still looking at the rest of the bill and thinking about the important balance between the rights of citizens, the rights of small business people and how important it is to make sure that those rights are not exceeded and that we do not stray into areas that are dangerous for them or society.
Hon. Steven Fletcher (Minister of State (Democratic Reform), CPC):
Mr. Speaker, as an evolutionary biologist I am surprised that it has taken the member so long to figure out that crime is bad and bad people need to be arrested and that good people need to conduct their affairs conducive to the Canadian way of life. Bad people go to jail and good people help keep the bad people in jail.
I wonder if the member's evolution as a member of Parliament coincides with the advanced thoughts of his constituents rather than the de-evolution which often occurs when the NDP talk about hugging a thug rather than keeping the thugs in jail.
Mr. Speaker, I will give a serious answer to a sarcastic question.
As a biologist I know that much of evolution is not about competition only. It is also about co-operation. Charles Darwin was brilliant but he did not go quite far enough. Social Darwinists throughout a century and now alive and well on that side of the House believe that competition, tooth and claw, and winners and losers make evolution and government work.
People in this party and I believe that more often it is about co-operation between different aspects of society helping everybody who wants help. There are a few who are hopeless, but most of the people in prisons today are going to need our help to become functioning members of society.
The idea that it is only about punishment is unfortunately antediluvian.
Mr. Speaker, my hon. colleague from Thunder Bay—Superior North represents not only his constituents well but many of the small businesses that operate in his riding.
I am really quite surprised at the questions from members of both the Liberal Party and the government. They are questioning the bill's relevance to small business.
The bill's genesis was based on a store owner who was defending his property. One of the reasons he was defending his property was that he was so frustrated at the pilfering going on at his store. Why was he concerned about that besides the obvious problems facing his business? He was concerned because small business owners in this country operate on tight margins. If we listened to Mr. Chen speak at committee, which I am sure most members of the House did, they would have heard him say just how marginal his business is and how important it is that he have the ability to protect his property.
To hear the Liberals and the Conservatives just dispense with that and wonder why the bill has anything to do with the precarious situation of small business owners across this country is quite surprising to me. I would like to congratulate my hon. colleague for bringing that important aspect of the bill to the attention of the House.
I would ask him to explain how businesses are operating in his riding and how they may react to this bill before the House.
Mr. Speaker, the hon. member for Vancouver Kingsway was a successful lawyer for many years. He understands, as a justice here in Canada explained, that the middle class most of the time can no longer afford to go to court and defend themselves and that we see increasingly laws and justice for only the rich and powerful.
It is sad when stockbrokers and bankers steal and defraud. It is sad when politicians sometimes lie and steal and misrepresent the law. The worst these people get is a slap on the wrist or they never are fully prosecuted. Middle-class business people often do not have the resources to properly defend themselves in the courts.
Mr. Speaker, I am going to use most of my time speaking about Bill C-60. I will open by summarizing what I think the pith and substance of the bill is, namely, two sections of the Criminal Code.
The Criminal Code is a large book that stuck together all kinds of laws in the 1890s after Confederation. The book is that old. It is a compendium that started out with a bunch of general provisions, including regarding cattle stealing, treason and things that we do not see a lot of these days; high treason indeed is not something that we often see. The code has often been amended, however, and appended to it are all of the fact situations that we have lived through as a country and community over our great history.
What we are seeing today is a call for two things, the modernization of the code with respect to two parts of a citizen's life, that of self-defence against an offence and the powers they may have on behalf of the state in arresting or stopping the action of a fellow citizen. Thus the bill deals with what we commonly call self-defence and citizen's arrest. We are looking either to modernize the general provisions that have been around a long time and/or are reacting to a specific fact situation or a number of them that have happened in this country.
We have to step back as parliamentarians and say that it is always good to modernize or harmonize the law, in this case the code and its antiquated language, with respect to what is happening now. There is no question about that. It is not always a good thing to have the Criminal Code or any law chase after a particular fact situation, no matter how compelling the reason is.
Whatever is enacted to react to a specific situation had better go through the prism of the general welfare and good of communities so that it fits every other fact situation in these two important areas of self-defence and citizen's arrest.
The two aspects, self-defence and citizen's arrest, are so different from each another that they are about 400 sections apart in the code. The self-defence provisions, which are among our oldest provisions, are in the 30s and 40s sections of the code, and the so-called citizen's arrest provision is way up in section 494. They are very different. However, they are tied together in this instance here, because what we are really reacting to as parliamentarians are a number of fact situations where specific individuals, shopkeepers or small businessmen or homeowners, have taken action to protect either their property or themselves and, in many instances, detained individuals.
It is extremely important to look at it from the point of view of asking people that if this were to happen to them, would they want that protection in the law. Let us look at both citizens. There is a citizen who did something wrong by taking goods from a shopkeeper, from another citizen, which is wrong. If we were to say there were nothing in the code that covered that theft or public nuisance, I would say we ought to put something in it.
However, let us not look at this in isolation. There are various sections covering these. If there is theft, nuisance, harassment, racist acts or violent acts, these are now covered by the Criminal Code. Let us be clear about that. There are provisions that cover the fact situations we have all been listening to and talking about today.
The question is, in the absence of action by the state, should a person be able to stop or prevent the action as it affects his or her personal safety or property?
Again, those sections are now in the code. They do allow citizens to take the law, as we say quite frequently and pejoratively, into their own hands. The Criminal Code now provides for that. Anyone who says there are no provisions in the code for a person to apprehend and stop another citizen from doing something is not telling the whole truth. Those provisions exist.
The issue is how far should those powers go.
This is a delegation of a state power. The state has the right, and the obligation in some cases, to arrest an individual who is breaking the law. In the section in the 490s, as I mentioned, about citizen's arrest, a citizen who is not a peace officer can also undertake that task that has not been performed by a peace officer.
We would expect, therefore, that if that were to be the case, it would have to be done with great care, greater care than by a peace officer, who also has to provide reasonable grounds for arresting someone and to abide by all the laws, including our Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The onus is even higher on someone who takes the citizen's arrest route to protecting him or herself, or property.
What we are trying to do here is have a debate as to whether the law as it sits is adequate, or whether we need to expand that law so greatly that judges and police officers would even have some doubts as to whether it would lead to increased vigilantism and the taking of the law into one's own hands.
I do not think there is anyone on any side of the House who is going to say that this is a simple question. It is a question of degree. The degree to which someone takes the law into their own hands on behalf of the state to protect themselves or their property is not a simple question; it is a metered question, a question that depends very much on the facts.
There was a saying in my days of reading the law that cases do not stand for grand propositions but turn neatly on their facts. That is really what we are talking about here. In the case of a shopkeeper in Toronto who was terrorized and humiliated and who had seen his livelihood, and perhaps his own personal safety, put in peril on many occasions, he decided that he knew who the perpetrator was and that he would apprehend the perpetrator after the fact.
What we are finding here is that if that action had been taken at the time of the incident, he would not have been charged with unlawful confinement. It is academic, but he probably would have had every right under the section as it now exists to take his citizen's arrest role seriously and have it ratified by police officers, prosecutors and the judges, if it have ever gone that far.
When this case really first came up, I knew many members of Parliament, and not just from the greater Toronto area and all parties, who felt very badly that this shopkeeper who had merely been defending his security had been charged. I do not think there is a person who did not feel for that citizen of Canada.
The question at that time seemed simple, I suppose, to me. I thought that at some point, on the volition of the government or that of the opposition or someone else's, we would change the Criminal Code, as I mentioned in my first remarks, so that it would evolve into a modern document. I thought that we would respond to this by suggesting that a reasonable time could elapse from the time of the offence to the time of the apprehension and that we would provide not just that defence but also the ability to apprehend someone under the citizen's arrest provision. I really thought that was maybe all we would be facing with respect to this whole area.
Let us remember that this could not have been a burning issue for the government before that incident in Toronto. Let us recall, as we do profoundly on this side, that the government has been in power for over five years and has had multiple opportunities to bring forward justice legislation. It has brought forward many justice bills that it has killed itself. At no time until Bill C-60, some five years after coming into power on a law and order agenda, a putative or Pyrrhic law and order agenda, did the government do anything with respect to these two issues in the code. It did nothing. These were not burning issues.
From year one to year five of a mandate, there is a fact situation that all members of Parliament react to in a positive way. That is, they want to help, and the Conservatives came forward with Bill C-60. However, the bill does not make that little change to the code that would fit the fact situation and make the criminal law more modern and responsive. The bill perhaps goes too far, which is the argument being made as bill moves along to committee.
I say this because the Prime Minister visited Chinatown in Toronto, as reported in The Toronto Star, where he said that previous governments had refrained from stiffening the law because:
they [had] wanted to avoid vigilantism, which is a genuine threat to the rule of law.
However, he added that many Canadians believed that “the right balance [had] been lost in the justice system“ and that there was a sense that criminals were protected at the expense of victims.
I had my researcher look back to see if there were any quotes specifically on this aspect of vigilantism and self-defence and the provisions for citizen's arrest. However, there had been no comments made by the Prime Minister or his justice minister on reforming this law, until this fact occurred.
So we have a Prime Minister who is commenting on previous governments. I would say that the indictment is against the Prime Minister and his various justice ministers who, for five years, have done nothing about this problem, which they seem to think existed for some time. It is a bit misleading for the Prime Minister to say that in a political scene, of course. However, he also wanted to make the police feel secure by saying at that time that the:
—police are the first line of protection against crime—
—which everyone would agree with—
[And that] Police officers will continue to have the responsibility to preserve and maintain public peace as Canada’s first and foremost criminal law enforcement body.
That is fine, but what this act would go ahead and do is perhaps to give people the view that as citizens they are now going to have more powers to prevent wrongdoing as they see it on their property. This is not me saying this, but the deputy chief of the Halifax Regional Police service, not that of a minor, inconsequential backwoods or half-professional force but one of the best police forces in Canada. The deputy chief of the Halifax Regional Police said of the law as it is that:
It doesn’t give any great power of citizens to go out and grab people on the street.
He said that as part of a round table discussion with the Minister of Justice at the time. Throughout the article by the Canadian Press reporting what he said, he was very cautious in suggesting that any accretions to public arrest powers should be exercised very conservatively, which is not a word that I use very often. He said that these were not matters that people should engage in without some caution. He said that the law enforcement agencies had enough of a challenge in teaching experienced officers how to interpret the law, and wondered if it meant now that they would have to go out and give citizens courses on how to perform a citizen's arrest.
Experts outside the government and outside of Parliament have also recognized that the rules around self-defence, the extension of citizen's arrest, tell us that if someone performs an action in reaction to an assault or an invasion or perceived invasion or threat to personal property, he or she might act in a physically, emotionally, or other harmful way to another person.
The person would then have to have a defence to not be charged or convicted, and that is generally in those provisions that I mentioned in the low 30s and 40s of the Criminal Code on self-defence.
The idea that one could tinker with self-defence on a situational basis is rather appalling. The police officers who participate in round tables do not come to those round tables with written amendments to the laws that the government then puts up on the television screen the next day after consulting with Department of Justice lawyers.
I heard today at committee that a number of provincial prosecutors who were talking about amendments to a bill were not consulted on the bill as presented. There is something wrong when ministers of justice and prime ministers do not consult police officers and crown prosecutors when amending legislation.
We have had experts from the police and prosecutorial communities say that because each case is unique with widely diverse and sometimes contradictory evidence, no broad policy statement is intended with respect to the use of a firearm in the defence of one's home, for instance. This was in response to a situation where certain charges were dropped against a person who was defending his home. This tells us that these are very complex issues.
While the government has put forth a bill that seemingly reacts to a very small set of circumstances, it has in fact opened up a Pandora's box that must be studied very vigilantly and diligently at committee to make sure that the box is not too wide open.
As I said, everyone has sympathy for the shopkeeper in Toronto. This is one of those issues that unifies all parties. I heard the NDP speak eloquently about the situation, as have the Liberal Party and the Conservative Party. However, instead of bringing a bouquet, the Conservatives bring an entire flower garden to the issue. It is confusing. Are we just responding to a particular set of circumstances for which minor amendments to the code would suffice, or are the Conservatives trying to open up a very dangerous Pandora's box that might lead certain people to believe that the law of Canada has changed?
I saw the Prime Minister on television for the usual 6.8 seconds. He said that we were allowed to take that law, and we do not really need the charter, but if someone goes across the corner of our property with a Ski-Doo, we can defend that.
This is not an urban or rural issue. It is not a male or female issue. It is not an issue that divides on the basis of race, religion, or in what part of the country one lives. It is the Criminal Code of Canada and it has to apply in every fact circumstance.
The good people of Grand Manan Island in my province of New Brunswick had a problem several years ago. People from the mainland were going there and selling drugs to their young people. They frequented or lived in a house which the community felt was the centre of this activity. It is alleged that the people got together as a community and burned the house down and ran those people off the island.
As a father of three young children and a former mayor of a city, I understand local politics. I understand about protecting the community. On one level we would say, good for them that they cleaned up the community. However, we might recoil and think that if an illegal activity was going on, where were the police? Why were the police not able to do the job that should been done?
We might ask the question of the police and they might say that they are severely under-resourced, that the troops the RCMP in rural New Brunswick were supposed to get did not come, that the resources they are supposed to have are not there and it is a rural and remote community and they just cannot enforce the laws that are on the books. We would have an understanding of that.
However, to open up the law to let people burn other people's houses down is not necessarily a solution. In the trial sentencing, if there was wide open judicial discretion in this case, a judge might take into consideration the volition of the community and, while saying it was wrong, be a little merciful on the sentence. In fact, that is what happened in my province and it showed that the system worked. It is under-resourced, but it works.
However, not all of this law is good law and we will take a good look at it at committee. I want to commend those who spoke in favour of the good provisions that helped the store owner in Toronto.
Mr. Rodger Cuzner (Cape Breton—Canso, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, throughout his entire speech, my colleague did not mention a single word about small business in Canada, in contrast to the speech that was delivered earlier by a member of the NDP.
If we proceed with this, is there a greater risk of putting citizens in harm's way? We have highly trained police forces. In some of the police shows on television, we see police officers going after somebody who is totally enraged. The person may be on drugs or in an unsettled mental state for whatever reason. They are very intense situations. Are we placing citizens at risk if we proceed with this legislation?
Mr. Brian Murphy:
Mr. Speaker, in fact, I did mention small businesses and shopkeepers. I just did not spend 20 minutes on that sector of the economy and I apologize because I know my friend wanted to hear more on that.
His principal point is whether this is opening a Pandora's box where vigilantism might be encouraged. As drafted, let us hear what the experts, police, prosecutors, professors who study this area of the law, and victims have to say on this. Let us hear from victims whose loved ones have been killed mistakenly, whether by police officers or private citizens who took the law into their own hands. Let us hear from those victims.
The government is all about victims. Let us hear from all stakeholders on this issue and decide whether this is going too far for public political purposes or whether there can be a balance achieved with respect to righting and modernizing some of the code provisions that did not protect the storekeeper in metro Toronto.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the member for actually speaking to the bill. That helps with the debate.
I wonder if the member could comment on the situation that led to the introduction of this bill. The shopkeeper ended up being re-victimized when, after being robbed, the police charged him. That is double victimization. The robber got off. That is ridiculous.
I wonder if the member could at least agree that the person who does the crime should do the time and the people using common sense and good judgment to apprehend the criminal should not be penalized for that.
I wonder if the member could at least agree that the thrust of the bill is not to punish victims of the original crime but to keep the bad guys away from the citizenry.
Mr. Speaker, there is a very specific amendment to the citizen's arrest portion of the code which would basically correct what was wrong in this fact situation.
Yes, it is wrong that the person who did the crime did not do the time. He was let off because he was unlawfully confined in that Mr. Chen allegedly confined him after the event occurred.
As we see in the government bill, clause 3 would amend subsection 494(2) to add very important words to say that the owner or a person in lawful possession of property may arrest a person if “they make the arrest within a reasonable time after the offence is committed and they believe on reasonable grounds that it is not feasible in the circumstances for a peace officer to make the arrest”.
That is the specific fact situation that would have assisted in the case of Mr. Chen. I say bravo on one section of five pages and we will take a look at the rest.
Mr. Speaker, I listened with great interest to my colleague.
When we look at the aspect of citizen's arrest, one of the problems we have seen with the law is the time limit component, which one part of the bill deals with quite explicitly.
From the member's speech and others from the Liberals, the Bloc and certainly from the New Democrats, because it was the member for Trinity—Spadina who came up with the suggestion, and the member for Windsor—Tecumseh, who will be speaking soon, it seems there is agreement.
The idea was to extend the time allowed for someone to make a citizen's arrest, so that if the alleged theft happened at two o'clock and the person missed the offender right at that moment, at three, four or five o'clock the person would be able to make that citizen's arrest if the person was not able to secure some support from the police. That is the piece where we seem to have agreement from the other parties, and obviously from the Conservatives, because they put it in the bill, although they took it from the New Democrats which is fine.
Can we not simply fast-track that element of the bill that does not seem to require a great deal of study or hearing of witnesses? We could then study the other two parts that have more nuance on how they get applied. Would that be something the Liberals would support? Since the Liberals are clearly in support of the case of Mr. Chen and others like that around the country, a little more permission on the time aspect would be supported by all members in the House and we could get this bill done even before the budget is seen by this place.
Yes and no, Mr. Speaker.
Obviously the Liberals would support those parts that I just read in the previous answer about extending the time to make an arrest within a reasonable time after the offence is committed. If that is what my friend is talking about, that would be good law. That would be an easy amendment.
The no part is, I have been here for only five years and I have been on the justice committee all that time. Even when we make reasonable suggestions to Conservatives, it is the baby with the bathwater scenario with them. The member for Windsor—Tecumseh has been here a lot longer. He has been on this earth a lot longer too. Every time he makes a suggestion, it may be a good one, but the baby goes out with the bathwater because the Conservatives want the whole bill so they can go to the six o'clock news with it. They really do not want to make the incremental changes that would prevent this fact situation from occurring
Mr. Speaker, the bill is really two bills and probably should not be drafted in this way.
If we deal with the part that it appears all parties agree with, and perhaps picking up where my colleague from Moncton—Riverview—Dieppe finished off, section 494 of the Criminal Code as it is now places restrictions on the use of citizen's arrest. In particular, in the simple reading over the years there have been two conditions where it is not a police officer who does the arrest. The first is the arrest has to occur on or immediately adjacent to the property where the crime occurred and it has to be done contemporaneous with the event.
I think everybody in the House and the vast majority of Canadians know the situation in the Toronto Chen case. The individual was suspected of committing a crime of theft once before. He returned to the property and was confronted by the owner. He fled and then was seen subsequently by the owner and then apprehended, away from the property and clearly not contemporaneous with the potential additional theft that it was suspected he would have perpetuated on that day. The shop owner was subsequently charged.
I have had a great deal of discussion with police officers, including chiefs of police, across the country. Generally there is this sense that they would have found other ways of not charging the shop owner in that case. However, they recognized, as well, that to clarify the Criminal Code, section 494, at this period of time, both because of that case and because of other incidents where police officers and prosecutors had been caught by a strict interpretation of that section, they had to proceed with charges when they would have preferred not to.
As my colleague from British Columbia mentioned earlier, and we have heard repeatedly in the House, our colleague from Trinity—Spadina had proposed some amendments to the section some time ago, shortly after the Chen case became public and notorious. It was to introduce two concepts of reasonableness, a reasonable length of time and with a reasonable apprehension that the person would not be brought into custody and charged because there were no police officers available.
The government has added an additional provision to clarify the issue around the role the owner of property must perform. It is not only that it has to be within a reasonable period of time, but the government has put in specific wording, in addition to the reasonable time test, that the individual citizen who considers making a citizen's arrest must also “believe on reasonable grounds that it is not feasible in the circumstances for a peace officer to make the arrest”.
We have heard a number of comments in the public, from the legal community and occasionally from a police officer, around vigilantism being fostered or encouraged by this amendment. The very fact that we have put in this criteria that people have to make the apprehension within a reasonable period of time and be under the belief that if they do not make the arrest, there will be no police officer available to make the arrest, the individual will escape responsibility for the alleged criminal act.
The government's proposed amendment to section 494 is very similar to what the NDP had proposed, with that one additional strengthening of it, which we would be in support of and, as we heard today and previous days, the other opposition parties would be in support of that as well. Unfortunately, the bill does not end there and it should have. We should have run this through quite quickly with all party support.
Instead, the government has lumped in a bunch of other amendments, which it so commonly does. It has taken sections 34 to 42 of the Criminal Code and compressed them down into sections, which would now be sections 34 and 35. I am not sure what the government will do with the numbering of the rest of the code because it would shrink by six sections, if my math is correct, if these amendments were to go through.
The government seems to be somehow drawing an analogy of the principles that are contained in section 494 with those in sections 34 to 42, and that does not follow. If we look at the rest of the sections around section 494, they are very much about the authority of police officers to arrest, either with or without warrants, and the role of both the prosecutor and the judiciary in that regard as well.
There are a number of sections, starting at around 492-493, running down through to about section 200, that deal with that issue. Section 494 should properly be there. The concept of citizen's arrest fits in very appropriately there. It is not the same as the provisions in sections 34 to 42.
If I do a quick summary, what is in sections 42 down to 34 are provisions for self-defence of our person, defence of our principal residence, defence of commercial property with regard to trespass and other crimes on those properties and our right to defend our ownership of personal property, from cars to jewellery to furniture to clothing, et cetera.
The sections in that part of the Criminal Code, and it is early on in the Criminal Code, reflect law that has been in the code since it started back in the 1890s in Canada and back to even before we had criminal codes and criminal legislation in England. These would have been fiats from the king when these concepts began to evolve, and they have evolved over hundreds of years, to the point where we have them now encoded in the Criminal Code.
What is being proposed, and I cannot put it any other way, are radical changes to those sections. I have looked at it quite closely over the last few weeks since we first saw the initial draft of the bill. What jumped out at me was some wording that, clearly, the government had taken from interpretations of those sections 34 to 42, which are judicial decisions. Because the language was more modern than what was in the Criminal Code, it thought it would be a good to add it. Unfortunately, it also seems to have left out some very important legal principles, and I say this from the vantage point of both lawyers who prosecute offences and our police and defence lawyers who defend.
I will use as one example the provisions in those sections 34 to 42 with regard to the concept of provocation. I will do it in a three-step process.
If the perpetrator of the provocation is assaulted, that perpetrator is then entitled to self-defend but to a lesser degree because that individual caused the provocation of the assault. There is a sort of quasi-defence there, both to the assault and then the defence of that assault. That concept has evolved and been interpreted by our courts and is quite well understood, not by the average citizen but by lawyers and judges in our criminal courts.
I do not see any reference at all to the concept of justification. This one is certainly more complicated, but it is not the same as provocation. People have reason to believe they can use physical force on other people and similarly they can use perhaps excessive force to repel what is perceived as an assault on either them or their property. That concept does not appear in either of the sections that are purported to replace sections 34 to 42.
Another concept that appears vaguely is the concept of what we used to refer to either as colour of right or claim of right. I feel like I am back at law school. I have instructed at university and I feel I am back doing that same kind of thing. These are very basic legal concepts that are usually taken in the first term of first year law school, but are sometimes repeated in later years if specialty courses are taken in criminal law.
The concept of colour of right or claim of right crops up quite regularly in matrimonial disputes. Someone says that he or she is the registered owner of the property and threatens to throw out someone who has been living at that property as a partner for a lengthy period of time. The person being evicted has a claim of right to stay there. That concept does not appear, at least clearly, in the proposed amendments.
There is a similar type of concept in commercial relationships involving multiple business partners. One person may be the registered owner of the business, with the majority of shares, and the other person may want to come back on the property to remove stuff or whatever. This claim of right allows an individual to go back on to the property. That only appears once in the proposed amendments and it seems to be absent in other areas.
Going back to my first year at law school, I have to wonder if this bill was drafted as we were dealing with the issue of Mr. Chen and his citizen's arrest. These principles should be in the amendments. It may be done in a different way. An argument could be made that the sections are being modernized, brought into the 21st century. I am a strong advocate of the need to bring our Criminal Code into the 21st century because there are all kinds of problems with it.
I do not know if the government was trying to do that. I do have serious doubts, at least in part, that the it did not accomplish that in terms of keeping those principles but modernizing the wording around them. If that is what the government is doing, then I have serious problems with the bill because it did not accomplish this.
On the other hand, there may be another agenda here, and I am not sure what it is other than to move toward a more U.S.-style of what we in law talk about as self-help. Perhaps the agenda is to move more toward that which is allowed much more broadly in the U.S. criminal justice system than it is in Canada, Britain, Australia or New Zealand, countries that have similar jurisdictions both in terms of the way our law developed and the way we deal with the issue of crime and the ability to use self-help to fight crime.
Whether that other political ideological agenda exists is not clear, but there must be concerns that with some of these proposed changes we may in fact go that way.
Due to our support of section 494 and wanting to correct the problem in the Chen situation, I believe most of us will support the bill to go to committee. However, when the bill gets to committee, we will need very clear explanations as to the drafting behind the bill and whether the concepts of provocation, justification and claim of right have been done away with in most cases.
Having set out those parameters and limitations in the bill, it goes without saying that this will be a source of great wealth for lawyers. Both prosecutors and the defence bar will literally spend years reinterpreting the concepts in the bill because the historical principles that applied around the use of self-help appear to have changed so radically. After listening to the speeches from the government, I have determined that we have not had any rational explanation as to why it has made this move. It just does not seem to add up.
It is unfortunate that the government coupled it with the amendments to section 494. It would have been nice to get that as a separate bill. I know my colleague from Trinity—Spadina had offered the government to make it a short separate bill containing a two-paragraph amendment to the existing section 494 to be able to get it through the House rapidly.
As it stands now, once this bill gets to the justice committee it will be backed up behind other bills that are already there. We will need to spend a great deal of time to determine if there are unintended consequences, whether long-standing legal principles will be undermined and, if so, what that would mean to the practice of law in Canada and the right of citizens to defend themselves and their property, whether it be their home or their commercial interests. We will need a great deal of evidence in order to understand that.
As I have indicated, the NDP will be supporting this going to committee because of our support for the amendments to section 494 and the whole concept of making it clear when the power of a citizen's arrest can be used. However, we have very grave concerns about the balance of the bill. That will require a great deal of work at the justice committee in order to understand it.
Hon. Joseph Volpe (Eglinton—Lawrence, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, I want to take advantage of the fact that my hon. colleague has introduced himself as a former law professor and, therefore, an esteemed person, a knowledgeable person and someone who is aware of the consequences of the law, the intent behind what the laws may say and how the courts may interpret the legislation.
I noted that he wanted his colleague from Trinity—Spadina, in her presentation, to serve as a model for the government.
I want to ask him if he would share with us just what his interpretation was of the court case dealing with Mr. David Chen in Toronto that prompted two opposition members, both from Toronto, to present legislation for the government's consideration.
As I read the decision, the judge interpreted the actions of Mr. Chen to be one continuous activity and therefore interpreted the concept of reasonableness in all of its permutations into one very basic issue and said that it was very reasonable for Mr. Chen to do what he had to do.
I am wondering whether that was the interpretation, in his capacity as a former professor of law, that he came to. Does he agree with Professor Anand and Professor Young who have expounded on this and whether that is the basis for his position that the government should have cut this short, should have focused on what is the very simple crux of the matter and then asked all parties to pass this all in one hearing, one very quick decision? The courts have already ruled on this. Would that be his interpretation as well?
Mr. Joe Comartin:
Mr. Speaker, one needs to be careful of the factual situation. My colleague is correct about the decision by the court, that it saw this as a continuous event.
In effect, after the original theft, Mr. Chen believed he was able to recognize the thief who was in his shop again acting in a fashion that led Mr. Chen to believe he was at risk of a further theft occurring. The continuous nature of it was not just the original offence and then Mr. Chen identifying the person. It was identifying the thief and being concerned that another theft was about to occur.
When we consider that, it was quite reasonable for the court to say that it was reasonable that when Mr. Chen saw the person a very short time later on the street, this was one continuous event: the original theft, the suspected attempt at another theft and now the apprehension. That is the way the court drew those conclusions.
I need to be blunt. When we look at the rigidity of the wording in section 494 as it is, the court was being very, although I hate to say it, liberal in its interpretation.
Hon. Joseph Volpe:
It's a good word.
I want to be very clear that I mean small “l” liberal in its interpretation of the section because a small “c” conservative interpretation of it could have very easily come to a different conclusion.
That brings me to the second part of the member's question, which is the importance of getting this amendment through. The same kind of fact situation could come up, but there then may be a judge applying a rigid conservative interpretation and convicting somebody like Mr. Chen with maybe the facts being slightly different.
Mr. Speaker, I was proud to second Bill C-565 introduced by my hon. colleague from Trinity—Spadina, a bill that would repair the situation when Mr. Chen was arrested for simply detaining someone who had stolen from his store mere hours earlier.
I walked up Victoria Drive in Vancouver Kingsway with my colleague and we visited store owners. We visited flower shops, restaurants and retail outlets of all types and asked store owners in Vancouver Kingsway how they felt about the situation. Every one of them felt that it was completely inappropriate to have a law that would see a store owner charged for simply detaining someone who had stolen from the store owner mere hours earlier.
My hon. colleague's bill, Bill C-565, repaired that situation by expanding the Criminal Code in a very prudent manner, allowing people to arrest make a citizen's arrest, as it is called, within a reasonable time of the commission of an offence.
Does my hon. colleague agree that is an amendment to our law that we really need to make in the House and leave the issues of defence of property and defence of person to further prudent, careful and cautious study as we hear from witnesses before we make amendments to those areas of the law that may actually have far-reaching consequences beyond that which is necessary to solve the Chen situation?
Mr. Speaker, let me emphasize that it is important to get that through. I have been on the justice committee for over seven years now and up to this point we have not heard from any government witnesses, ministers or officials that there is a crying need to amend those other eight sections of the Criminal Code.
After I saw what was being proposed in the bill, I had the opportunity to spend time with criminal defence lawyers, prosecutors and, more important, police officers and police chiefs. They are all telling me that they do not see any problem. They understand we want the amendment to section 494 because of the Chen case but they are not aware of any problem with sections 34 to 42, the provisions that allow for self-defence of the person or property. There just does not seem to be a crying need for it.
Why the government would have combined them when there is a crying need for amendments to section 494 and why it is moving down that road at all really begs the question. There is no crisis that needs to be addressed. That much is fairly clear.
Mr. Speaker, my hon. friend did all this talking about the liberal interpretation and about being conservative, but let us talk about a socialist perspective on the defence of property, the means of production, the defence of property amendments that are here.
The Department of Justice memo talks about the bill and says that the defence of property aspects are spread out over a number of sections and they differentiate based on personal property or real property. It seems that the bill attempts to concentrate it and make it coherent.
In the defence of property proposal, does the member think it would give homeowners or property owners more justification to use violence? Is that his interpretation or not?
Mr. Speaker, I have not come to a conclusion on that. I can see where there is that possible interpretation but it is not at all clear.
As I said in my comments, the whole concept of justification is very poorly treated in these amendments. Therefore, it is really hard to understand what the end result will be. I do not think it is stretching it all, nor fearmongering, that we are looking at unintended consequences because it is drafted so generally as opposed to a number of the specifics that we have in the existing section.
I will add one additional point around the responsibility that we have as citizens to protect ourselves. Our courts have made it quite clear, and this goes back into all sorts of interpretations and decisions from England, that as we develop our society we place police officers in the position of playing this role. The role of the citizen for self-help is always the exception.
I will make one further point. Our courts have made it quite clear that in this situation, for instance, if the person is being arrested, the police officer must give the warnings under the charter, which are the right not to self-incriminate, et cetera. There has been one decision that citizens do not have that responsibility, but it comes back to the point that our courts have been very clear that they want to see the use of self-help as the exception and they want our police officers to be doing the job that they have been mandated to do.
I will just take this opportunity to inform members that we have concluded the first five hours of debate, so now speeches will be 10 minutes and the questions and comments periods will be five minutes.
Resuming debate. The hon. member for Eglinton—Lawrence.
Mr. Speaker, the bill should be named the David Chen bill, or the we thank David Chen for opening our eyes to the deficiencies of the Criminal Code, section 494, bill or, even more importantly, the why David Chen deserves credit when the Conservatives want to give Canadians none bill.
Why do I say that? Members might think me a little harsh, but David Chen, a legitimate store owner who runs a family business, who minds his own business, who calls in the police whenever there is a problem and there is a problem virtually on a daily basis, and he asks the court system, the justice system to help him make a living in Canada, like so many Canadians, and what happens? One day he sees a thief, someone who has stolen from him in the past, someone who has appeared on his video screen, someone on whom he has called the police on several occasions, someone who has more than 47 convictions for theft. He sees him come back not one-half hour after he has stolen from him.
He seized the thief and held him. He called the police and the police came, but they arrested him. They charged him with a whole slew of charges, including forcible confinement, arrest, kidnapping. Imagine, in a country like Canada where due process is a very important element of our life, the store owner, the defender of his own property, is the one who is charged.
For a government which likes to have these news bite type of titles to its legislation, it does not do that this time. Instead it sends its senior minister, the Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, because of course this is an immigration issue. It is not a law issue. It is not a justice issue, it is not a tough-on-crime issue. This is an immigration, citizenship and political issue.
Off the Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism goes, to demonstrate that the Government of Canada, no, I am sorry; what is its new title? It is not the Government of Canada. It has been personalized. The one individual, the guy who makes all the rules, the guy whose initials are S.H., dispatches his senior minister on a citizenship, immigration and political issue.
On September 27, 2009, and let us keep that date in mind because it is an important date, he says that this is an egregious problem and we are going to change this. I notice that the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice accompanied him. He said that this is a real problem and we are going to correct it because this is unjust, untrue and it is not right that a guy who tries to run a family business gets put through a process where he is a victim of somebody else's crime. He is a victim, again. He says that the Conservatives are going to change the law. That was on September 27, 2009. What is the date today? I am not sure if the government members can actually read a calendar, but the last time I looked we were in the month of March in 2011.
The government finally decided to present a piece of legislation. If I seem angry, it is because I am angry for all those citizens who, like David Chen, were looking for the government to do something right. They were looking to the Government of Canada, before it became the S.H. government, but it is all about evolution.
The interesting thing about September 27, 2009 is two things were happening concurrently. There was paranoia on the government benches about the potential of an election and the Minister of Justice was dialoguing with his colleagues, the attorneys general of the various provinces, about precisely what to do in a case like David Chen's, which apparently happens more often than not.
I asked my colleague from Windsor what he thought in his capacity as a former professor of law, about making this particular minor change that would have given direction to everybody. Just a few days ago, the Minister of Justice spoke on the bill and said that they are doing this because the courts pay attention to what Parliament says when they look for direction in law. Then he proceeded to give three, four, five, a million reasons as to why he wanted to consolidate the concept of reasonableness in law. However, the Minister of Justice knew in 2009 when David Chen was first ordered to appear at court that the law was going to change because everyone agreed it needed to be changed. What did he do? He allowed David Chen to use his own resources, at his own expense and stress in order to test that concept in court, to see what the courts would do. They did it for him.
So instead of thanking David Chen for saving the government all this money, the Conservatives said they are going to have a piece of legislation. Everyone wants to glory in the victory that appears on behalf of all Canadians. David Chen deserves not just a medal, but he also deserves to be compensated for all his work.
Two members of Parliament, the member of Parliament for Eglinton—Lawrence on June 16 last year presented a very brief proposal to amend section 494 of the Criminal Code, and the member for Trinity—Spadina did a similar thing in September 2010. We come to October 29, 2010 and the courts decide in favour of David Chen. The government rushes to congratulate him. The Prime Minister, the one who runs the government, for whom the government is named, says the government is going to make this its first priority and it is going to change the law. However, David Chen already had to go to court.
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Intervention and Statebuilding in Kosovo: An Interview with Gëzim Visoka
20 years after the international intervention in Kosovo, Gezim Visoka discusses the NATO-led campaign and the statebuilding efforts which followed.
Q. The 1999 NATO led intervention in Kosovo is still seen as controversial because the campaign did not have Security Council support. The Independent International Commission on Kosovo called the campaign “illegal but legitimate”. As someone who was present in Kosovo at the time, was there a solid case for intervention and how was the campaign received in Kosovo?
NATO’s intervention in Kosovo has become a controversial event which is used and abused by different dominant powers for their foreign policy interests. NATO’s justification for intervention was to protect civilian population from ethnic cleansing and well-anticipated tendencies for genocidal acts. The case for intervention was solid as preventive and coercive diplomacy failed to resolve the crisis and the scale of human rights abuses in Kosovo and the threat to international peace and security was imminent.
The international intervention was an attempt to halt Serbia’s state-sponsored violence against Kosovo Albanians, which consisted of ethnic policing to maintain control over the territory, ethnic cleansing in regions where local insurgence was challenging the judicial authority, and then full-scale depopulation of Kosovo by driving Kosovo Albanians out of the territory in response to NATO’s humanitarian intervention.
In Kosovo, NATO’s intervention was received as turning point in country’s collective survival and seen as a crucial action to liberate the country from Milosevic’s brutal rule and open the space for a more prosperous and dignified future. Nowadays, Serbia together with Russia has started a campaign to delegitimise NATO’s intervention considering it an act of aggression in an attempt to displace Serbia’s responsibility for the wars of Yugoslavia and justify Russia’s annexation of Crimea. NATO's intervention and the subsequent deployment of UN-authorised peacekeeping force in Kosovo has demonstrated that NATO in Kosovo was not and it is not an aggressive actor. On the contrary, it has become a crucial factor for the protection of all communities in Kosovo. In this regard, NATO’s intervention in Kosovo is unique and has not created the negative impact that we often see with other cases, such as Afghanistan.
Q. The crisis which prompted the intervention stemmed from the Kosovan war. What were the key drivers behind that conflict?
The conflict in Kosovo was for the self-determination of the majority of Kosovo Albanians who opposed rule by various foreign rulers, including the Ottoman Empire, Serbian Kingdom, and later Yugoslavia. The key drivers of the conflict in the modern times include the suppression of Kosovo Albanians demands for greater autonomy and self-determination. This suppression took place through institutional discrimination, political violence, and systematic human rights abuses. Other contributing factors involve the failure of the international community to resolve Kosovo crisis as part of the overall Yugoslavia’s dissolution settlement. The international community by considering Kosovo crisis as a human rights issue and not one of self-determination came complicit in permitting Serbia to abuse the civilian population in Kosovo. The reactive armed resistance in Kosovo then fuelled further the tensions, which demonstrated that the internationalisation of the Kosovo issue was possible only through assertive methods. In this sense, international diplomacy by failing to act early and by default, encouraged violent conflicts.
Q. Following the 1999 intervention, several phases of interventionism followed in Kosovo. The first was an administrative intervention involving a loose network of international organisations and powerful states governing in Kosovo. What was the rationale behind this, and how did it impact on the peacebuilding and statebuilding agenda in Kosovo?
When the conflict in Kosovo ended in 1999, no peace agreement was reached between Kosovo Albanians and the Serbian regime. As I have argued in Peace Figuration After International Intervention, NATO’s campaign ended the violent phase of the conflict but did not resolve the problem of peace in the Kosovo. The UN imposed their own version of peace by placing Kosovo under international administration for an undefined period of time. Administrative interventionism in Kosovo is synonymous with the UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), which remains one of the most assertive international missions in governing war-torn societies. What administering Kosovo directly meant was building a democratic polity aimed at increasing the likelihood of a self-sustaining peace; promoting electoral democracy that would produce democratic practices; establishing the rule of law that would promote effective governance; developing power-sharing mechanisms that would promote ethnic reconciliation; establishing a neo-liberal economy that would develop a free-market and economic growth; and supporting civil society that would promote human rights and social inclusion.
The placement of Kosovo under UN administration compensated for the absence of a state, but did not resolve the problem of statehood. Initially, the international community utilized peacebuilding to pacify Serbia’s dissatisfaction with NATO’s intervention and the UN’s administration of Kosovo. Peacebuilding took the shape of accommodating the rights and interests of Serbian community through decentralisation of power, special political status and reserved seats in the parliament and government, and the collective return of refugees. On the other hand, an agenda for statebuilding was devised to satisfy the Kosovo Albanians’ quest for independent statehood. Statebuilding and the entire power-sharing arrangements were designed to moderate political conflict between pacifist and armed factions of Albanian resistance in Kosovo. While in other cases peacebuilding and statebuilding might go hand in hand, in Kosovo they became conflated with negative repercussions for durable peace in this conflict-affected society. Multiple subsequent international missions attempted to build peace and establish state institutions, yet struggled with how to accommodate and transform ethnic cleavages and resolve claims for statehood.
Q. Following the declaration of independence in 2008, how and why did international intervention in Kosovo continue?
While the coordinated declaration of independence after the failure of parties to reach a settlement was portrayed as being about transferring sovereignty from international missions to Kosovo institutions, it actually ended up shifting one mode of interventionism to another. In the book Shaping Peace in Kosovo, I have widely examined how the rationale behind supervised independence by a group of states and overlapping international organisations was to convince the neutral states and opponents of Kosovo’s independence that the fledgling country had agreed to temporarily share its sovereignty with an international entity and immediately offered special institutional arrangements to accommodate the rights and interests of the Serb community. After independence, statebuilding became increasingly concerned with institutional reform, Europeanisation, and membership in international society. During supervisory interventionism the international community lost interest in building peace and promoting reconciliation in Kosovo. They were more preoccupied with policing the consequences of their disseverments, namely corruption, elite predation, and instability, than addressing the root causes and drivers of conflict.
Q. How have the international missions in Kosovo and the peacebuilding and statebuilding process been received by the majority of the Kosovan population?
The protracted international missions in Kosovo and the fluid policy of peacebuilding and statebuilding did not satisfy the expectations of the majority of the Kosovan population. Local dissatisfaction with international missions grew as clarification of Kosovo’ s statehood was delayed. They considered statebuilding and peacebuilding as tools for disciplining local actors and imposing external standards without recognising the democratic rights of the local population and their desire for freedom and self-determination. As argued recently in my co-edited volume Unravelling Liberal Interventionism, some groups in Kosovo considered international missions as neo-colonial interventions preventing local self-determination. The lack of accountability among the international missions has undermined the local legitimacy and credibility of international organisations in Kosovo. International missions are criticised their undemocratic governance due to the fact that local people and institutions could not challenge their decisions. For a while, executive, legislative, and judicial authorities were vested in a handful of international administrators, whose decisions could not be challenged by the local population, whose actions were not always transparent, and who could not be removed from power by the community in whose interests they ostensibly exercised authority. Local populations wanted international assistance that would support the local economy, encouraging production and self-sufficiency, rather than external assistance that would deepen dependency on foreign markets.
Parallel to an internationally led peacebuilding and statebuilding process, the local state formation and contestation process took place within and outside newly built state institutions which profoundly shaped peace in Kosovo. Ethnic elites in Kosovo did not serve in their expected roles of local peace-makers and peace-builders. Rather, they promoted divergent perspectives regarding how to achieve a sustainable peace in Kosovo. For many Kosovars, primary responsibility for failed peacebuilding in Kosovo lies with the international community for tolerating the formation of a corrupted and sabotaged political elite and for constantly imposing external peacebuilding agendas, which were incongruent with the local reality and unacceptable for the majority population in Kosovo. Promoting peace also had a negative impact on the popularity of politicians.
Those who promoted reconciliation and peace lost political support as the broader political constituency and popular opinion continues to remain still hostile towards other ethnic groups. Nationalist leaders on all sides deplored through naming and shaming campaigns those who spoke the truth and promoted reconciliation and moderation. Seen from this perspective, the efforts of international missions to build state institutions and to transform parapolitical structures into legitimate political entities have not managed to produce a sustainable, emancipatory social contract in Kosovo, where the people’ s needs and will are at the centre and the democratic principles of socio-economic and ethnic equality are incorporated within state practices. What has emerged is a negative hybrid peace, semi-democratic governance structures with a weak economy, and fragile state-society relations.
Q. Kosovo is often held up as a success story of liberal internationalism and interventionism. How accurate is that depiction?
Last year Kosovo marked the tenth anniversary of its independent statehood. Despite many challenges and shortcomings, within two decades, Kosovo has transitioned from war to peace, from an authoritarian regime to democracy, from socialist to market economy, from international administration to supervised statehood, and Kosovo is now gradually integrating itself into the European and international community. Seen from this perspective, as I have argued in one of my most recent books Acting Like a State, Kosovo is considered a success story of western liberal interventionism, especially in creating a state from scratch whose hard-won statehood was a remedy of last resort following Serbia’s grave human rights violations and whose wide diplomatic recognition was granted to promote democracy, multi-ethnicity and regional peace.
Yet, independent statehood has not delivered Kosovo’s citizens with the well-deserved political space and infrastructure for self-determination, democratic governance, and economic prosperity. This is evidenced by Kosovo’s ongoing poverty, under-development, and limited access to global markets. Kosovo citizens continue to remain most isolated people in Europe. Ten years since independence, many in Kosovo now feel that its international partners have left the country in limbo by failing to fulfil their promise to help Kosovo gain its rightful place within the international democratic community. The increased rivalry between Kosovo’s allies and their opponents has entangled the emerging state into complex processes, which can further stagnate Kosovo’s process of seeking recognition and membership in international bodies, or even undermine Kosovo’s achievements during its first decade of independent statehood. Overall, Kosovo’s political fate continues to be exposed to political uncertainties and is far from being permanently settled.
Image credit: AgronBeqiri/Wikimedia Commons.
About the interviewee
Dr Gëzim Visoka is Assistant Professor of Peace and Conflict Studies at Dublin City University (Ireland). Dr Visoka’s research focuses on post-conflict peacebuilding, state recognition, and critical international theory. He is author and editor of numerous books, including: The Oxford Handbook of Peacebuilding, Statebuilding, and Peace Formation (with Oliver P. Richmond, Oxford University Press, 2020); Routledge Handbook of State Recognition (with John Doyle and Edward Newman, Routledge 2019), Normalisation in World Politics (with Nicolas Lemay-Hébert, The University of Michigan Press, 2020), Acting Like a State: Kosovo and the Everyday Making of Statehood (Routledge, 2018); Shaping Peace in Kosovo: The Politics of Peacebuilding and Statehood (Palgrave Macmillan, 2017); and Peace Figuration after International Intervention (Routledge, 2016). Dr Visoka has published his work in the Journal of Common Market Studies, Review of International Studies, Foreign Policy Analysis, International Studies Review, International Peacekeeping, Civil Wars, and Journal of Human Rights Practice, among others.
Published: 29th April, 2019
ORG Explains #10: The UK’s Joint Expeditionary Force
This primer describes the new UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF), situating it in the context of other European rapid reaction forces and the UK and NATO’s expanded military presence in the Baltic Sea region.
ORG Explains #7: The UK Military in the Arctic
This primer explains what military presence, relations and obligations the UK has in the “High North” region comprising the Arctic and the adjacent Northeast Atlantic Ocean between Scotland, Iceland, Greenland and Norway.
ORG Explains #5: NATO Nuclear Sharing
This primer explains the role US-owned B61 tactical nuclear weapons play in Europe as part of NATO’s nuclear sharing arrangements. It considers these weapons in terms of their economic, political, diplomatic and security significance, including internal NATO dynamics, US-Russia relations and international arms control, non-proliferation and disarmament regimes.
Europe and NATO x~25
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European Military Integration: Implications for the UK
European military integration will, if successful, pose even larger questions about the UK’s roler of “Global Britain’s” resurgent interest in supporting the US in the Asia-Pacific region.
Towards a New Consensus on National Security
As the UK commences negotiations on leaving the EU, juggles challenges to its own union, confronts a new wave of DIY terrorist attacks, and launches Europe’s largest ever warship, the need for a “strategic” National Security Strategy has never been greater.
The UK, Russia and NATO Revisited
From Theresa May’s hand-holding with Donald Trump to the pointed demands of US President, Vice-President and Defense Secretary that European states pay their share of NATO’s costs, via Turkish-Russian rapprochement and a seemingly endless series of scandals linking incoming US officials to Russian influencers, turbulence in trans-Atlantic relations looks set to be the defining security issue of 2017.
Spetsnaz: An Interview with Mark Galeotti
In this interview Dr Galeotti discusses the history and evolution of Spetsnaz and their current use under Vladimir Putin.
Taking Back Control? The UK, Europe and NATO
The briefing argues that Britain’s future international policy should correspond both with the interests and values of the majority and be based on principles such as democracy, human rights and social justice.
ORG Special Fundraising Event: Europe, Russia and Preventive Diplomacy
Oxford Research Group (ORG) brought together some of the top names in foreign policy and journalism in a special fundraising event on June 26th at the Tricycle Theatre, London. Discussing the question ‘Should we be scared of Putin?’ were Mary Dejevsky, a leading journalist and commentator on Russia, and former British Foreign and Defence Secretary Sir Malcolm Rifkind.
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Charcoal Grill Smoker Box Review
You are here: Home / Product Reviews / Charcoal Grill Smoker Box Review
A Review of the Charcoal Grill with Rotisserie
The charcoal grill conjures images of summer, novelty aprons, and juicy, delicious meats, but by no means is that all. Grills are surprisingly versatile machines. They prepare meats, fish, vegetables, and other foods at different speeds and styles. Because they are outdoors, they are safer and more adaptable. There are other advantages consumers do no know about. What follows is a short, concise overview and charcoal grill reviews of three major brands. These cover affordability, versatility, and reliability.
Advantages of the Charcoal Grill
Charcoal tends to burn at between 500 and 700 degrees, placing it among the hotter-burning fuels. Flammability risk while transporting charcoal is low, making it safe. Burning charcoal infuses a smoky flavor in meats. It is welcomed in backyards, campgrounds, parks, and a multitude of other locations.
In a hurry? Check features and monthly sale prices for the Charcoal Grill.
The Rotisserie: Does It Make Meat Better?
Many cooks would answer with a resounding “yes.” A charcoal grill with rotisserie relies on indirect heat, trapping the moisture inside and maximizing the Maillard Reaction. That’s the chemical process that browns food, making the outer layers crisp and tasty. While meat in direct contact with a grill requires flipping, the rotisserie provides slow rotation, ensuring every part of the meat is cooked equally.
To Smoke or Not To Smoke?
For a smokier flavour, a charcoal grill with smoker box is indispensable. It eliminates more bacteria than direct-contact grilling and browns meat the same way a rotisserie does. It is the choice method for barbecue masters. Smoking is indirect grilling that infuses flavour but takes longer. “Low and slow” is the motto of smokers, and there is a reason for this. The longer the process, the better the taste.
The Big Three Brands
Grillers want the best quality and the lowest possible price. This is a difficult balance, but there are many cheap charcoal grills out there that get the job done. Three such grills, the Dyna-Glo, the Landmann, and the Marter Forge Grill are reviewed below.
The Dyna-Glo
The Dyna-Glo grill comes in three sizes, ranging in price from $190 to $350. It features a deep charcoal bed that can be raised or lowered with a hand crank, allowing the cooking temperature to increase or decrease. There is a cast-iron door into the charcoal bed, allowing the cook to stoke the fire without disturbing the meat. It comes with a thermometer gauge which many claim is extremely accurate.
These amenities mean meats can be cooked efficiently, safely, and at various speeds. A removable trap pan underneath the grill makes clean-up easy. A smoke stack is there for those who want a smokier flavour in their meat. Two large wheels and two smaller, rotating casters make it highly portable. The higher-end models (above $350) feature rotisseries.
The Landmann
The Landmann is for serious smokers. It features an offset smoking box for slow smoke cooking. Larger than the Dyna-Glo, it has a 1,048 square inch cooking space, as well as a built-in side table and storage cabinet. This means cooks never have to abandon the grill to find a forgotten utensil. It is a heavier piece of equipment, weighing in at about 136 pounds (compared to the Dyna-Glo’s 116 pounds).
This grill is also less portable than the Dyno-Glo with four small casters. However, the wheels are lockable, adding a much-needed safety feature. It also features a temperature gauge, and two charcoal pans accessed through steel double doors. This allows the grill to cook at two different temperatures at the same time, an essential when preparing more than one type of meat. This unit costs around $350 (more if the rotisserie option is desired).
The Master Forge Grill
Finally, there is the Master Forge Grill. There are a number of master forge charcoal grill reviews online, some good, some not. At $199, it is among the cheapest grills. It has an 816 square inch cooking area. It has two foldable side tables, and a mesh basket underneath to store additional items. There are other amenities, such as LED-lit knobs and a temperature gauge. The charcoal shelf can be raised, but not taken out, which makes clean-up more difficult. The ash pan can be removed, though.
One of its strongest features is the wheel system, which is very similar to the Dyno-Glo (two large ones for stability and two rotating casters for ease of movement). At 90.4 pounds, it is the lightest of the three models, in part because of thinner steel housing. While some have called this model a bit flimsy, its lightness and wheels make it by far the most portable. It is the best item for beginning grillers and those on a tight budget. For a few additional dollars, it can be converted to a charcoal grill with rotisserie.
Finding the right grill is a lot like finding the right car. Is it big enough? Is it fast enough? Is it efficient and easy to clean? And most importantly, will it last? Each of these three grills has at least one aspect that distinguishes it from the other two. The Dyno-Glo is the most heavy-duty and easily cleaned. The Landmann is the most versatile, especially for smoking, and has the largest cooking area. The Master Forge is highly affordable, very portable, and a good choice for the grilling beginner. Once customers have carefully examined the prices, advantages, and disadvantages of each grill, only one question remains: How do you like your meat?
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2012 Midnight Sun Marathon
The Midnight Sun Marathon, an annual event in the Arctic Circle, is billed as the "world's northernmost marathon." During the summer months in Tromsø, Norway, where the race takes place, the sun remains in the sky for 24 hours per day. This year's marathon took place June 30. Despite the fact that competitors raced during the middle of the night, they crossed the finish line under the bright "midnight sun."
Photo and Text by Kirsten Kortebein
At 12:15 a.m., Leon Johnson of the United Kingdom tackles the race's final 10 kilometers under Tromsø's famous "midnight sun."
The day's youngest Norwegian competitor, Elora Van Vuurden-Kvalnes, heads toward the finish line during the day's 5:00 p.m. children's race.
While warming up at 10:30 p.m. before the race start, Tromsø resident Thomas Føre puts on his sunglasses. However, the constant daylight doesn't faze the local runners: "when you're born into it, you get used to it," says fellow Arctic native Tjere Håkstad.
Kurt Petrich of Bend, Oregon, braves the Arctic temperatures with Joseph Simmons and William Gordley during the day's 10-K race.
Cheering from the roadside, a woman and her daughter support the runners. "This is an exciting event for the children of Tromsø," she said. "Supporting the racers makes for a great excuse to stay up past their bedtime."
"Northern Runners," a group of Scandinavian distance runners, used Facebook to promote itself; in one year, they've grown from five founders to a community of more than 800 members. "We've been accused of being more active on Facebook than in training," joked Tjere Håkstad, one of the group's founding members.
"It's a strange feeling to be putting on your sunglasses at midnight," was the recurring theme among conversations between first-time Midnight Sun Marathon competitors.
During the Midnight Sun Marathon, participants race around two of the islands that make up the city of Tromsø, which gives them views of Norway's mainland and Arctic fjords.
Because the marathoners finished during the night, they were greeted by partying students as they entered the center of town. Around 1:00 a.m., a runner from the University of Tromsø was joined by two friends–who had just left a local bar–as he sprinted the marathon's final 100 meters.
Berta Viñas of Barcelona, Spain, enjoys a beer after completing the race. When crossing the finish line, all runners were given a beer brewed at Macks Ølbryggeri, "the northernmost brewery in the world."
More than 4,000 participants traveled from 50 different countries to compete in this year's Midnight Sun Marathon.
2012 Olympics - Friday-Sunday Highlights
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The 2012 NYC Marathon
Run to the Sun
Duals in the Sun
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Ryan On The Radio
Work With Ryan
Ryan Honick: Disability Advocate, Public Speaker, and Professional Persuader
Ryan Honick
WHAT THE NAVY YARD SHOOTING TEACHES US ABOUT PR AND POLITICS
Yesterday’s events at Navy Yard offer us some great lessons in public relations and demonstrate the power that social media can and should play in the face of tragedy. As with anything, some did it well, others not so much.
Anyone who follows the United States Navy on Twitter knew about the incident while the shooter was still in the building because the Navy was tweeting about it in real time. At first it struck me as odd if only because of the closely guarded nature of our military, but this kind of reporting is exactly what you want in a moment of crisis. You want to get information out quickly to as many people as possible and get ahead of the story before misinformation becomes fact in the blink of an eye. The US Navy’s approach here was spot on. Get ahead, and control the story. They did a fantastic job on that front.
In other proof that good always triumphs over evil, Uber DC sent out a tweet on its account letting patrons know that they were offering free rides to those still within the vicinity of the shooting. Good PR and doing the right thing go hand-in-hand. Take note, WMATA.
Proving they have no class and holding their riders with such contempt, a WMATA bus denied free bus fare to a patron from Navy Yard. As if that weren’t enough to make you disgusted, not only were they disseminating information to as few people as possible, but they continued to disseminate the wrong information.
Amid all the chaos and uncertainty, the Senate went on lockdown by the afternoon out of “an abundance of caution.” However, the House, which is actually closer to Navy Yard, did not. Go figure. Politics are always at play in this city.
Finally, we have the response of our beloved Washington Nationals. They did the right thing offering the stadium as a place to reunite families with those affected by the shooting, but why it took almost the entire day deciding to postpone the evening’s game, I’m not sure. With the ongoing investigation and insistence by the Capitol Police that residents remain away from the area, it defies logic. There certainly are logistics involved in canceling an event like this at the last minute, but I think if Major League Baseball were more coordinated it wouldn’t have taken them almost six hours to make that call. There are several reasons from the outset that game should have been canceled immediately. The most obvious reason is that you don’t want play in an unsafe environment. Not to mention many players (rightfully so) felt that playing last night would be disrespectful.
Social media is a powerful medium and can be used to great advantage during crisis time. Your brand can benefit tremendously when it’s used correctly or it can suffer when it’s not. Learning to leverage it and use it wisely when needed is extremely valuable.
Newer PostSTARBUCKS CEO HOWARD SCHULTZ’S OPEN LETTER IS MEANINGLESS
Older PostTHIS WEEK IN PR: ROYALLY COMICAL
© 2019 by Ryan Honick
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Property news round-up: Island life is just the tops
Sofa so good for Peter and Susan Scott at Countesswells
A round-up this week's property news with Beverly Brown
IT seems island life is unbeatable – or at least according to Bank of Scotland’s latest Rural Quality of Life Survey, which shows the Orkney Isles have shot to number one position from 46th place last year due to methodological changes in the survey, which takes in factors such as crime rates, employment rates, traffic volumes, health and schools spending.
However, as the Shetland Isles and the Western Isles took second and third places respectively, there has to be something in it. Scottish Borders came fourth, which gives it the best quality of life accolade for the whole of Britain.
Interestingly, the survey also reveals Orkney has some of smallest houses in Britain, while the biggest homes are in the Western Isles (closely followed by Dumfries and Galloway and Aberdeenshire).
Other snippets reveal East Ayrshire is the best place for Internet access – and also has the lowest CO2 emissions, while the sunniest place in Scotland is East Lothian.
And if you want to make it to a ripe old age, best relocate to Perth & Kinross, where life expectancy is highest.
STEWART Milne Homes has welcomed the owners of the first five homes at its Regency Place development in Aberdeen’s newest community at Countesswells. Amongst those collecting their keys were Peter and Susan Scott, who chose the location for its rural setting, woodland walks and close proximity to Aberdeen city centre. Countesswells is set to ultimately comprises 3,000 homes. The show village at Regency Place is open daily from 11.00am to 5.00pm.
Love Applecross
THE Applecross peninsular in Wester Ross is one of the most beautiful spots in Scotland, which should give Cuaig Croft a heady marketing edge. This traditional croft house has been upgraded and refurbished to create an idyllic retreat with sitting room, dining kitchen, bathroom and three bedrooms. Apart from mesmerizing views to Rona, Raasay, Isle of Skye, Hebrides and Torridon, the nearby area also offers trout and sea fishing, a sandy beach and the famous Applecross Inn. Offers over £240,000 are sought by Strutt & Parker, Inverness.
Money for good causes
CALA Homes (West) has launched a £35,000 community bursary initiative across Scotland in a bid to help charities and organisations within the local communities it is building.
The award-winning house builder is inviting local charities, community groups and organisations to apply for a share of the bursary in various regions to help fund projects that will make a difference in and around the local community.
In the West of Scotland, the fund has been split into three regions with Lanarkshire, Glasgow and East Dunbartonshire each receiving £5,000; in East Lothian, £10,000 is available to successful bursary applicants; and in North Scotland, the bursary is already under way with groups selected to receive a share of the £10,000 pot available in and around Aberdeen. Application forms are available at www.cala.co.uk/bursary, applicants must state the amount they would like to secure and what the money will be used for. The deadline for applications in East Lothian is May 19 and in the west, June 9.
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Clipping The World’s Longest Fingernails Straight From India!
On display, his cut fingernails span a length of over 31 feet!
sabrina — July 11, 2018
Longest Fingernails
After 66 years, it was time for a manicure. But for Mr. Shridhar Chillal of Pune, India, clippers weren’t going to cut it.
With the longest fingernails in the world—over 350 inches—Chillal hadn’t cut his nails since 1952!
Embarking on his journey at the age of 14, Chillal decided to grow his nails when he was scolded by his school teacher for accidentally breaking the teacher’s long nail—a sign of status in India.
Historically, it is considered a sign of wealth for a man to have at least one long nail in Chillal’s home country. It shows that the clawed does not have to do manual labor, particularly if it is kept clean and in good condition. Believe it or not, during the Qing dynasty, even women of the imperial Chinese court kept long nails to signify the same, going as far as to wear elaborate jeweled fingernail guards.
The teacher said that Chillal would never understand the importance of what he had done because Chillal had never committed to anything.
“I took it as a challenge,” said Chillal, and there was no looking back.
But, How Does He…?
Chillal’s unusual choice didn’t stop him from leading a normal and happy life. He married, has two children, three grandchildren, and enjoyed a successful career as a Government Press Photographer. However, as he aged, his long nails proved more challenging to maintain an ordinary lifestyle. He found it difficult to sleep, and even a gust of wind was cause for alarm.
Chillal chose to only grow the nails on his left hand. Due to years of growing his nails and the weight of the nails, his hand is permanently handicapped. He cannot open his hand from a closed position or flex his fingers.
Forever Weird
After decades of dedication, enough was enough. Ripley’s flew Chillal from India to the United States to cut his nails and forever memorialize them in Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Times Square.
On display, believe it or not, his cut fingernails, laid flat, span a length of over 31 feet—the height of a three-story building!
Next post Tightrope Daredevil Extraordinaire: The Great Blondin
Previous post Why Is Chelsea Football Club Fixated On Celery?
About the Author sabrina
Down with stuffed animals [taxidermy] and stuffing my face [food].
Ann Louise
Teachers beware of what you say to your students!! You never know how it may affect them!!!
CHARLES D. GELFAND
Must have been difficult to pick his nose; among other necessary personal chores.
No one will ever dare to beat his record.
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The Book of the Unwinding
(Witches of New Orleans, #2)
Genres: fantasy > urban fantasy
The struggle for power continues in the sequel to The King of Bones and Ashes from Wall Street Journal bestselling author J.D. Horn.
With their magic diminishing, warring factions of New Orleans witches desperately search for the Book of the Unwinding — a legendary grimoire, hidden by spells, that holds the key to unimaginable powers. As a ruthless struggle erupts in a maelstrom of malevolent magic, psychic Nathalie Boudreau finds her destiny intertwined with that of an exiled witch.
Her name is Alice Marin, a vulnerable young woman trapped in a realm of illusion. Only Nathalie can free her, but first she must come to understand and master her own extraordinary abilities.
Now, in a world where betrayals have become the order of the day, it will fall to two women to restore rightful balance amid terrifying chaos.
About the Author :: J. D. Horn
J. D. Horn was raised in rural Tennessee, and has since carried a bit of its red clay in him while traveling the world, from Hollywood, to Paris, to Tokyo. He studied comparative literature as an undergrad, focusing on French and Russian in particular. He also holds an MBA in international business and worked as a financial analyst before becoming a novelist. He has race bibs from two full marathons and over thirty (an counting) half marathons.
J. D.’s books have now been translated into Russian, Romanian, Polish, German, Spanish, Italian, and French, with a Turkish version of The Line in the works. J. D. is a long-time animal rights advocate, animal lover, and non-proselytizing vegetarian. He, his spouse, Rich, and their rescue Chihuahua, Kirby Seamus, split their time between Central Oregon, San Francisco, and Palm Springs.
J. D. Horn >
Witches of New Orleans
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Camaro Generation 1 302/290 Z28 Coupe 1968
Chevrolet Camaro Generation 1 302/290 Z28 Coupe 1968
The first-generation Chevrolet Camaro appeared in dealerships on September 29, 1966, for the 1967 model year on a brand-new rear-wheel drive GM F-body platform and would be available as a 2-door, 2+2 seat, coupe or convertible with a choice of six-cylinder and V8 power plants. The first-gen Camaro would last up through the 1969 model year.
The Camaro's standard drivetrain was either a 230 cu in (3.8 L) straight-6 engine rated at 140hp (104 kW) or a 327 cu in (5.4 L) (307 cu in (5.0 L) in later in 1969) V-8 engine, backed by a Saginaw three-speed manual transmission. There were 8 (in 67), 10 (in 68), and 12 (in 69) different engines available in 67-69 Camaros. And there were several transmission options. A four-speed manual was optional, replacing the base three-speed. The two-speed "Powerglide" automatic transmission was a popular option in 1967 and 1968 until the three-speed "Turbo Hydra-Matic 350" automatic became available starting in 1969. The larger Turbo 400 three-speed automatic was an option on SS396 cars.
There were a plethora of other options available all three years, including three main packages:
The RS was an appearance package that included hidden headlights, revised taillights with back-up lights under the rear bumper, RS badging, and exterior bright trim. It was available on any model.
The SS performance package consisted of a 350 or 396 cu in V8 engine and chassis upgrades for better handling and to deal with the additional power. The SS featured non-functional air inlets on the hood, special striping, and SS badging.
The Z/28 performance package was designed (with further modifications) to compete in the SCCA Trans-Am series. It included a solid-lifter 302 V8, 4-speed transmission, power disc brakes, and two wide stripes down the hood and deck lid.
The 1967 Camaro shared the sub frame / semi-unibody design with the 1968 Chevy II Nova. Almost 80 factory and 40 dealer options, including three main packages, were available.
The RS was an appearance package that included hidden headlights, revised taillights with back-up lights under the rear bumper, RS badging, and exterior rocker trim.
The SS included a 350 cu in (5.7 L) V8 engine and the L35 and L78 396 cu in (6.5 L) big-block V8's were also available. The SS featured non-functional air inlets on the hood, special striping, and SS badging on the grille, front fenders, gas cap, and horn button. It was possible to order both the SS and RS to receive a Camaro RS/SS. In 1967, a Camaro RS/SS convertible with a 396 engine paced the Indianapolis 500.
The Z/28 option code was introduced in December 1966 for the 1967 model year. It was the brainchild of Vince Piggins, who conceived offering "virtually race-ready" Camaros for sale from any Chevrolet dealer. This option package was not mentioned in any sales literature, so it was unknown to most buyers. The Z/28 option required power front disc brakes and a close-ratio Muncie 4-speed manual transmission (posi-traction was optional). It featured a 302 cu in (4.9 L) small-block V-8 engine, 3" crankshaft with 4" bore, an aluminum intake manifold, and a 4-barrel vacuum secondary Holley carburetor of 780 cfm. The engine was designed specifically to race in the Trans Am series (which required engines smaller than 305 cu in (5.0 L) and public availability of the car. Advertised power of this engine was listed at 290hp (216 kW). This is an under-rated figure. Chevrolet wanted to keep the horsepower rating at less than 1hp per cubic inch, for various reasons (e.g. insurance and racing classes). The factory rating of 290hp occurred at 5300 rpm, while actual peak for the high-revving 302 was closer to 360hp (268 kW) (with the single four barrel carb) and 400hp (298 kW) (with optional dual-four barrel carbs) at 6800-7000 rpm. The Z/28 also came with upgraded suspension, racing stripes on the hood and trunk lid, '302' front fender emblems on the 67 and early 68 cars, and 'Z/28' emblems in late 68 & 69. It was also possible to combine the Z/28 package with the RS package.
Only 602 Z/28s were sold in 1967, along with approximately 100 Indianapolis Pace Car replicas. The 1967 and 1968 Z/28s did not have the cowl induction hood, optional on the 1969 Z/28s. The 1967 Z28 received air from an open element air cleaner or from an optional cowl plenum duct attached to the side of the air cleaner that ran to the firewall and got air from the cowl vents. 15-inch rally wheels were included with Z/28s while all other 1967-9 Camaros had 14-inch wheels.
The origin of the Z/28 nameplate came from the RPO codes - RPO Z28 was the code for the Special Performance Package. RPO Z27 was for the Super Sport package.
Cars assembled in Switzerland, at GM's local facility in Biel, were all coupés with the 198 PS (146 kW; 195hp) 4,638 cc (283 cu in) small-block V8 - an engine which was not available in contemporary Camaros built in the United States. The Swiss-built Camaros were not available with the three-speed manual and had a differential lock and front disc brakes as standard. Some additional safety equipment was also standard.
The styling of the 1968 Camaro was very similar to the 1967 design. With the introduction of Astro Ventilation, a fresh-air-inlet system, the side vent windows were deleted. Side marker lights were added on the front and rear fenders which was a government requirement for all 68 vehicles. It also had a more pointed front grille and divided rear taillights. The front running lights (on non-RS models) were also changed from circular to oval. The big block SS models received chrome hood inserts that imitated velocity stacks.
The shock absorber mounting was staggered to resolve wheel hop issues and higher performance models received multi-leaf rear springs instead of single-leaf units. A 396 cu in (6.5 L) 350hp (261 kW) big block engine was added as an option for the SS, and the Z28 appeared in Camaro brochures. The 427 cu in (7.0 l) was not available as a Regular Production Option (RPO). Several dealers, such as Baldwin-Motion, Dana, and Yenko, offered the 427 as a dealer-installed replacement for the factory-supplied 396cid engine.
Ghibli 4,9SS Coupe by Ghia
Appia GT by Zagato
911 2,2E 911/01 Coupe
930 3,0 930/51-USA Coupe
Giuletta Sprint Veloce Zagato SVZ
356 1500 (546/2) Coupe by Reutters
Model K 1938 Coupe 412 by LeBaron
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For Colored Girls (2010) — Jo/Red
Nutty Professor II: The Klumps (2000) — Denise Gaines
Poetic Justice (1993) — Justice
Cannes 2019: Justice Singleton on the Legacy of Her Father, John Singleton
by Bill Stamets | May 23, 2019 |
Justice Singleton held an event about her father at this year's Cannes.
Breaking Barriers: Goodbye to John Singleton
by The Editors | May 1, 2019 |
A tribute to John Singleton.
Looking Back at the Films Directed by the Late John Singleton
by Nick Allen | April 29, 2019 |
A celebration of the late John Singleton's filmography, as guided by the writings of Roger Ebert.
John Singleton: 1968-2019
by Odie Henderson | April 29, 2019 |
A tribute to the late, great John Singleton.
Music is Crucial to Every Film: John Legend on "Southside with You"
by Nick Allen | August 24, 2016 |
An interview with executive producer John Legend about "Southside with You," composing the end credits song "Start" for the film's closing credits and much more.
Prince: 1958 - 2016
A tribute to the multi-talented artist known as Prince.
The Twelve Scenes of Christmas: Numbers 12 to 9
by Brian Doan | December 18, 2013 |
We're counting down twelve great movie scenes set around Christmas. Here is the first batch, with #12 through #9.
#30 September 29, 2010
by Marie Haws | September 22, 2010 |
"Beware of artists - they mix with all classes of societyand are therefore most dangerous." ~ Queen Victoriastencil by Banksy, British graffiti artistAnd who inspired a recent film about art...
"Don't mess Malcolm up"
by Omar Moore | April 18, 2010 |
May Contain Spoilers
From its incendiary opening to its somber but exultant conclusion, Spike Lee's grand and important film "Malcolm X" captures the life of a complex, charismatic and gravely misunderstood man who fought for human rights and justice for Africans and African-Americans. The film, based on The Autobiography of Malcolm X as told to Alex Haley, is arguably Mr. Lee's best and most universal film, and one of the great American film biographies.
For context, "Malcolm X" had extraordinary publicity leading up to its 1991 production. Numerous black activists in New York City and elsewhere had forecasted that Mr. Lee's film would not accurately depict the essence of Malcolm. "Don't mess Malcolm up," was a refrain the director heard over and over again.
"Twilight: New Moon" is processed lunch meat
by Roger Ebert | April 2, 2010 |
From Lisa Walden, New Rochelle, NY: The "Twilight: New Moon" DVD was just released last week and I rented it. I am a 52 year old African-American woman who truly enjoys film. I attempt to see as many films in theaters as I can but time may not allow my catching some so I have to make do with rental.
Zhang Yimou's gold medal
by Roger Ebert | August 9, 2008 |
I was one of the allegedly three billion people watching the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics on TV, and I think I received the intended message: China is here, big time. The scope, precision and beauty of the production was, you will agree, astonishing. The distinguished director Zhang Yimou was given $300 million and full rein of his imagination, and perhaps some of his background in opera was also useful. The sheer size of the production was awesome. It said a lot for China, both positively and perhaps negatively. With the exception of the star pianist Lang Lang, a duet between Sarah Brightman and Liu Huan, and some featured dancers, the emphasis was not on individuals, but on masses of performers, meticulously trained and coordinated. What was your reaction to the opening spectacle of 2,008 drummers, creating waves and shapes of lights with their drums? Mine was amazement and pleasure. Also a reflection of the discipline and dedication of these unpaid drummers. You could see the little earpieces with which they apparently received cues; you could imagine the performance otherwise breaking down into chaos.
Movie Answer Man (12/03/2000)
by Roger Ebert | December 3, 2000 |
Q. I just read your review of "Unbreakable." I'm afraid you didn't get the whole point of the movie. This film is not a "serious drama" as you state in your review. The entire movie is tongue in cheek. It's sly and witty, with lots of laughs for those who get the joke. The joke is that the entire movie is a comic book about a new super hero, in which the hero discovers his powers. The very name of the Bruce Willis character, David Dunn, is in the classic comic book tradition of Peter Parker, Clark Kent and Lois Lane." Similarly, Mr. Glass is in the tradition of The Joker, The Riddler, Pruneface, etc. The Bruce Willis character goes out in the rain wearing a hooded poncho reminiscent of Batman's hood and cape. I think the movie is a victim of bad marketing. The previews should have shown some of the lighter scenes to give the audience more appropriate expectations. (Jared Laskin, Los Angeles)
Singleton graduates to 'Higher Learning'
by Roger Ebert | January 8, 1995 |
John Singleton is all of 26 years old now, and struggling to keep from repeating himself.
John Singleton Recites The Poetry of Cinema
by Roger Ebert | July 18, 1993 |
John Singleton is one of those rare directors who would just as soon talk about other people's movies as about his own. He was in Chicago to promote his new film, "Poetic Justice," which is a good film and in some ways, a brave one, and he talked about it, all right - and why there are so few films about black women, and why Janet Jackson surprised him in the leading role.
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Former Ghosts
Former Ghosts is the project of former This Song Is a Mess But So Am I member Freddy Ruppert, with loose collaborations from multiple people including Xiu Xiu frontman Jamie Stewart, Zola Jesusoriginator Nika Roza Danilova, Yasmine Kittles of Tearist, Annie Lewandowski of Powerdove, and Carla Bozulich. Past live incarnations have included Jherek Bischoff and Sam Mickens. Ruppert is the lead songwriter on this project. The title of the debut, Fleurs, is a reference to the whiteflowered iris (Iris germanica).
From an interview, Freddy explained the formation of the band: “A lot of the songs were written before Former Ghosts even really came together as a full on band. Once I had decided that this was going to be a new music project for me, having Jamie on board just came naturally. We had always talked about doing a project in this kind of style but both of our schedules were just too busy to actually do it, but then it ended up working out this time around. Nika got involved because I am a big fan of her band Zola Jesus and I asked her to sing on a song and when she sent it back to me I was so blown away that I knew that I needed her to be a part of this band!”
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Inside the "Splash!" Zone
Logan Schayes | May 31st 2013, 10:33 am
This year ABC aired a new reality show about diving called “Splash!” The show featured celebrities doing harder and harder dives from the springboard and platform each week. Some of the dives were really hard and there were many painful belly flops! The coach for the show was Greg Louganis, the greatest diver ever. And one of the judges was David Boudia, a gold medal-winner at the 2012 London Olympics.
I am very lucky that my mom was an Olympic Diver and was a teammate of Greg’s in the 1988 Seoul Olympics. We are also friends with David and saw him make the team at the Olympic Trials in Seattle last spring. My mom took me to California to watch the final episode of “Splash!” and I got to interview both Greg and David on the set of the show. I got to sit by the championship trophy and David even let me wear his gold medal for the interview! WOW!
Both divers have had incredible successes, terrific coaches and mentors, but also difficult times. Greg and David credit their coaches with teaching them not only diving skills but life skills as well. David even commented on how his college coach helped him learn to be a man. So I learned that to reach the top, it is super important to have great supporters. It can be your parents, coaches, or other mentors. But you can’t reach the top by yourself!
Both divers also have lots of interests. Greg grew up acting and dancing, he raises and shows dogs, and also teaches diving and life skills. David played lots of sports including soccer, gymnastics, and baseball. After seeing the Olympics on TV when he was 7, he had the dream of making it and added diving and other Olympic sports. While both stars enjoy playing video games, they both stress doing it in balance with their sports.
It wasn’t all fun and games though. Both divers were bullied as kids and now both teach students to be aware of bullies and how to stand up to them. Greg was dyslexic as a kid and didn’t figure it out until college. The other kids called him names like “retard” and “moron” and would beat him up almost every day. What made him the saddest was that the kids watching wouldn’t do anything to help. David was made fun of and bullied by his friends because they didn’t consider diving in a little swimsuit to be macho like football. Both stars stressed how important it is to believe in yourself. The best way to show them up is to win!
Being at the show “Splash!” was one of my favorite experiences. I got to hang out with Greg and David who are both really cool guys. The show was fun to watch and I enjoyed being in California. Plus wearing David’s gold medal makes me want to go earn one myself!
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Robbie Williams Set To Be A Judge On 'The Voice'
31 March 2016, 12:54 | Updated: 2 November 2017, 15:29
The 'Angels' singer could join 'The Voice' judging line-up when it moves to ITV later this year.
Robbie Williams is back in the limelight following rumours that he'll join Take That on a reunion tour tipped for 2018.
And it seems he really could be back for good as new reports suggest that the singer is also wanted by ITV for the new series of 'The Voice'.
A source told The Daily Star, “X Factor have been courting Robbie for years but The Voice team think they have a better chance because their filming schedule is shorter, and it allows him to concentrate on other projects.
“They want to shake up the show’s dynamics and Robbie ticks all the boxes in terms of personality and experience.”
Robbie is currently working on a new album set for release later this year so the timing could be just right.
Current judge Ricky Wilson has confirmed his departure from the series but it is unconfirmed whether will.i.am, Paloma Faith and Boy George will remain.
Would You Like To See Robbie Williams On 'The Voice' Judging Panel?
See more Music News
Belinda Carlisle opens up about destroyed music after Universal fire: ‘It’s horrible’
Pet Shop Boys are turning classic '80s movie My Beautiful Laundrette into a musical
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Web browser options expand
Originally published December 20, 2004 at 12:00 am Updated December 27, 2004 at 4:54 pm
For those who remember the browser wars, Microsoft seems to be missing in action from the latest battle. In recent months, upstart browsers such as Firefox and Opera have lured...
Seattle Times editorial columnist
For those who remember the browser wars, Microsoft seems to be missing in action from the latest battle.
In recent months, upstart browsers such as Firefox and Opera have lured more than 10 million users away from Microsoft’s Internet Explorer, largely because of concerns about IE’s security problems.
Microsoft is busy building and testing a faster, more secure version internally, but executives say it won’t be released for at least another year, until the next version of Windows is done in 2006.
They say customers can upgrade IE in the meantime with security patches and add-on features available from Microsoft and other companies that “extend” the software.
“We’re not changing our strategy,” said Jim Allchin, head of the Windows platform division. “We have a very, very innovative set of capabilities that we’re putting in the next version. And in the meantime it’s an extensible platform, and there will be a set of extensions that Microsoft does as well as others.”
One computer-security expert said that by waiting to release the next version of IE, Microsoft is giving a head start to makers of malicious software.
Some alternatives to IE
History: A descendant of Netscape, Firefox was released last month after months of public testing. The software was collaboratively developed over the Internet, but it’s managed by a nonprofit group supported by Microsoft competitors, including America Online, IBM, Red Hat and Sun Microsystems.
Key features: “Tabbed browsing” allows you to simultaneously open multiple Web pages, then switch back and forth by clicking on exposed tabs. Pages are organized similar to the way paper files are organized in a file cabinet. Other features include built-in pop-up-ad blocker, privacy tools and freely shared source code.
Users: More than 10 million, mostly in the U.S.
Where to get it: www.mozilla.org/products/firefox/
History: Opera Software was started after researchers at Norwegian phone company Telenor developed a browser in 1994. It released its first browser on the Internet in 1996 and now provides browsers for PCs, phones and other devices. The company went public in March. Partners include IBM, Sony and Nokia.
Key features: Tabbed browsing; pop-up blocker; built-in mail and chat programs; integrated search window; customizable appearance; security features
Users: More than 3 million, high concentration in Europe
Price: Free version includes advertising; $39 for ad-free version
Where to get it: www.opera.com
History: The company that popularized Web browsers in the early 1990s is now a subsidiary of AOL Time Warner, which purchased Netscape in 1999 and operates the business largely as a provider of dial-up Internet access. Netscape’s browser technology is shared with the public through the Mozilla organization, but AOL has continued to update the Netscape browser. Currently under testing is a new Netscape browser that uses both Mozilla and Explorer technology.
Key features: Tabbed browsing, pop-up controls
Users: Not available
Where to get it: www.netscape.com
“If they built in additional security measures, then they should get it out as fast as possible,” said Richard Stiennon, head of threat research at Webroot Software, a Boulder, Colo., company that makes anti-spyware products. “The people who are making money off of spyware are out getting richer every day and [becoming] more and more threatening opponents. Two years from now they’ll have significant resources, so the faster that Microsoft can curtail their success the better.”
The delay is also allowing newcomers such as Firefox to claim the state of the art in browser technology. Firefox, a descendant of Netscape Navigator, was released last month with the support of volunteer programmers and Microsoft competitors such as America Online, Sun Microsystems and IBM.
Separately, AOL has started testing two new browsers, including a new version of Netscape, which it acquired in 1999.
“Users have clearly indicated, by the growing shift toward alternative browsers, that they want a choice,” said Netscape spokesman Andrew Weinstein.
Tamer approach
It’s hard to believe this is happening to the same Microsoft that just seven years ago was rushing out new versions of Internet Explorer to compete with every Netscape advance, and bullying computer makers that put Netscape’s browser on their systems.
That ferocious approach led to court decisions that Microsoft broke antitrust law and cost the company more than $3 billion in settlements with Netscape and others.
But legal concerns have little to do with the company’s more moderate approach to browser development, according to the manager in charge of IE.
A bigger factor is Microsoft’s responsibilities as the dominant provider of browsing software, said Dean Hachamovitch, general manager of Internet Explorer.
Now that IE is used on most of the world’s computers, racing to match the features of competitors is less important than providing a stable, reliable product, Hachamovitch said.
Microsoft is especially sensitive to the concerns of big companies and software developers that build products based on IE. They want Microsoft to proceed cautiously and to continue making subtle improvements to its current browser, he said.
Hachamovitch said he has to balance those concerns with the requests of customers who want new features such as the “tabbed” Web page displays offered by Opera and Firefox.
“You go through and talk to all these people and ask them what they want out of a browser and there are a lot of conflicting requests around: ‘Hey, give me tabs right now’ versus ‘I want stability, I want a platform that won’t break, I want to make sure I have extensability, I want to make sure have manageability,’ ” he said.
“There’s layer after layer of expectation because of the role that software has today,” he said. “That wasn’t there five years ago, much less 10 or 15 years ago.”
Losing market share
Meanwhile, Microsoft has started losing browser market share for the first time in four years. IE’s share in the U.S. has dropped from 96 percent in early 2003 to 92 percent as of Dec. 3, according to WebSideStory, a San Diego research company that noticed the downward trend about six months ago.
Analyst Geoff Johnston attributed the shift to simultaneous publicity about Firefox and IE’s vulnerabilities. “Not only has this thing not died down, it’s gaining some steam,” Johnston said. “What [appeared] to be an anomaly six or seven months ago has turned into a full-fledged trend — Firefox has really picked up a lot of fans.”
IE’s vulnerabilities were severe enough that in June the federal Internet-security monitoring agency suggested that switching browsers was one way to reduce the risk of attack.
The advisory was issued because there was a hole in IE, for which Microsoft has since issued a patch, said Marty Lindner, a team leader at the U.S. Computer Emergency Readiness Team at Carnegie Mellon University.
JAKUB MOSUR / AP, 2002
Mitchell Baker hangs a banner at the Mozilla 1.0 release party in San Francisco in 2002. Mozilla’s Firefox browser was released last month.
Lindner would not recommend a particular browser or say what he’s using personally. “Our role is to point out what the technical risks are in a particular product,” he said.
With IE, Lindner said, “there are known vulnerabilities that there are patches for. If people haven’t applied the patches they are at risk.”
He said the biggest computer-security vulnerability is the person using the computer, so people should exercise caution and make sure their systems are patched and kept up to date.
“I would argue strongly that you can talk about alternative browsers all you want for whatever reason, but it’s not going to minimize the ability of the bad guy to still own your machine,” he said.
Hachamovitch said he gets asked often — on airplanes, at dinner parties — whether people can feel secure using IE. His advice is to use the browser with Windows XP and with XP’s Windows Update service turned on and the latest update kit — Service Pack 2, or SP2 — installed.
“Whatever software anyone writes at any time, there are malicious people out there. They will target and they will find things to do,” he said. “There’s a really long discussion we can have around how do you judge trust, how do you judge vulnerability, how do you judge exploitability, how do I judge my safety, what are safe browsing habits?” he said. “Candidly, what do I say to them? I think XP SP2 is still the best browser overall when you look at the full set of criteria for choosing a browser.”
Competition that’s free
While IE is distributed for PCs only with the Windows operating system, a handful of serious competitors is distributed free on the Web.
One leading contender, particularly in Europe, is Opera, a browser first developed by researchers at Norway’s telephone company. A spinoff company formed to produce the browser went public in March, despite the challenge of competing with Microsoft.
“When David was fighting Goliath, he had to be more clever, faster and see opportunities. That’s us,” Opera public-relations specialist Eskil Sivertsen said via e-mail.
AOL provides a browser based on IE, and it has continued updating the Netscape browser. It’s now preparing to release a new version that uses both Netscape and IE technology. Microsoft gave AOL the rights to use IE as part of a $750 million antitrust settlement last year.
AOL is also the largest supporter of Mozilla, a nonprofit group that manages and shares Netscape’s browser technology. It released Firefox last month.
AOL provided $2 million to launch Mozilla. About $300,000 more came from open-source software advocate Mitch Kapor.
Former Netscape employees account for most of the roughly 12 to 20 employees at Mozilla’s office in Mountain View, Calif. They are supplemented by about 30 software developers from IBM, Sun Microsystems and other companies working with Mozilla technology.
Mozilla officials did not respond to requests for comment before deadline.
Taken for granted
It’s unlikely that any of the new browsers will overcome IE, but consumers will benefit from the increased competition, said Ed Felten, a Princeton computer-science professor who testified for the government in Microsoft’s antitrust trial.
In those early days, browsers appeared ready to displace the operating system as the platform for personal computing, and the industry’s future seemed to be at stake. That never came to pass.
“People now take browsers largely for granted as a piece of basic technology,” Felten said.
Browser technology stagnated since Microsoft won the browser wars, he said, and most computer scientists have turned their attention elsewhere.
“We’ll see renewed competition in the market between Firefox and IE and we’ll probably see more progress than we saw for a while there,” he said. “But I doubt it will be seen as one of the central issues in the computer industry.”
Brier Dudley: 206-515-5687 or bdudley@seattletimes.com
Brier Dudley: 206-515-5687 or bdudley@seattletimes.com; on Twitter: @BrierDudley. Brier Dudley is a member of The Seattle Times editorial board. His columns appear regularly on editorial pages of The Times. Email: bdudley@seattletimes.com
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< BACK TO NEWSROOM
Q&A: Sandra Ro on Blockchain and Opportunities in the Fourth Industrial Revolution
By Nick Johnson
Sandra Ro is CEO of the Global Blockchain Business Council (GBBC).
From making supply chains traceable to securing sensitive medical data, much has been written about blockchain’s potential to transform the world in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Blockchain facilitates next-generation transactions and record keeping with smart contracts and distributed, customizable ledgers. It holds so much promise that at business schools ranging from Berkeley to Wharton, students are flocking to classes on it. But how should organizations separate reality from the hype?
As CEO of the Global Blockchain Business Council (GBBC), Sandra Ro has a ringside view of the whole blockchain ecosystem. We caught up with her for a discussion on the impact of blockchain on business and how it can lend itself to a more “human-centric” approach to technology.
A recent Salesforce Research study showed that 72 percent of customers (consumers and business buyers) believe blockchain will transform their expectations of companies within the next five years. What’s behind the rise of blockchain and how do you see its potential?
The global financial crisis of 2007 and 2008 triggered a fundamental rethink about financial stability, the role of money, and the dependability of “trusted third parties” such as banks.
Blockchain is a technology that allows people to transact securely via a decentralized and transparent platform - without needing to rely on third party intermediaries. Its emergence some 10 years ago was a response to an erosion in trust in traditional institutions; it has inspired a new generation of solutions aimed at exploring novel ways to reduce financial risk and exchange assets cheaply and securely.
But its potential isn’t confined to financial services. I believe blockchain can drive profound change across a range of industries and sectors, re-imagining the way we do so many things. Right now, for example, the technology is poised to disrupt how we manage health records, fight voter fraud, and distribute welfare, to name just a few areas. The possibilities are endless.
You mention that blockchain’s infrastructure is both transparent and decentralized. Can you explain a little more about how it works?
Blockchain technology allows a business to create a decentralized digital record of transactions — a “distributed ledger,” in other words. The platform works via a network of people who help to execute transactions and maintain the ledger by offering their computational power.
Every new transaction is mathematically encrypted and added as a new “block” to a chain of existing - and previously verified - records. However, the only way to update the system is by consensus. Blockchain technology uses a special algorithm to validate blocks before they can be added to the chain, ensuring that ledger transactions only update when parties across the network agree on their validity and approve them. This consensus algorithm creates a permanent record where verified data cannot be altered without changing every previous data block. This makes the digital records in such systems much harder to tamper with and easier to audit.
Blockchain also allows participants to exchange and authenticate data without having to rely on a third-party authority, such as a bank, sitting at the center and enforcing compliance.
But how does this make blockchain networks superior to a regular database?
Many companies currently operate via siloed databases, where information is stored in multiple places and formats. That approach can have an impact on reliability and accuracy, with out-of-date records, lost data, and administrative errors adding cost through fees and delays. It can also create friction for businesses through redundant and onerous paperwork, and open up opportunities for fraud and crime.
A blockchain, by contrast, is like a giant real-time ledger that can be run on millions of computers — a shared and single source of truth. Transacting with customers is faster and cheaper because intermediaries aren’t required to authenticate transactions – that role is filled by the technology. This can help businesses streamline their processes and reduce costs.
On a public blockchain, the identity of network participants is pseudonymously concealed behind powerful cryptography. However, the transactions that each network participant makes are open to viewing. That means all transactions can be monitored transparently across the chain, which helps to reduce human error. Other advantages include more robust security, making blockchain networks more resilient to data tampering and cyberattacks. However, there are certain records that should not be public (for example, most financial transactions). Today, private, permissioned blockchains solve the issues around privacy in transactions, but, over time, public blockchains will respond to these challenges with nascent solutions like sidechains and zk-SNARKs, that allow parties to verify each others’ information without actually sharing the information itself.
What industries are likely to be most affected by blockchain?
The most-cited use cases involve the financial services sector. Over the last five years, blockchain’s potential to improve the efficiency, security, and transparency of digital transactions has attracted a huge swathe of startups eager to disrupt traditional players in this area. They’ve been deploying the technology to develop applications that aim, for example, to cut out the number of intermediaries involved in existing transaction processes such as stock exchanges, payment networks, and money transfer services. Their goal is to reduce complexity and cost. There’s also a major focus on developing blockchain solutions to counter fraud and ensure the integrity of data.
Obviously, all this has been a big wake-up call for banks and other financial institutions. As they try to understand these developments and their potential impact, we’re seeing them invest in blockchain. They’re setting up internal teams, investing in startups, and creating common initiatives to understand the potential and search for use cases that can be implemented with minimal risk.
One of these is the Post Trade Distributed Ledger Group, which recently merged with the GBBC, a leading trade association for the blockchain technology ecosystem. Since 2015, this “collaborative community” of financial institutions and prominent market infrastructure players has looked at ways to understand the impact of technologies such as blockchain on the post-trade space (that is, the processes businesses use to verify the details of a transaction once it has taken place). The group shares case studies and research on the feasibility and scalability of exciting new initiatives, such as the Australian Stock Exchange’s pioneering move to replace its legacy Clearing House Electronic Subregister System (CHESS) platform with a distributed ledger technology-enabled solution.
What are some of the most innovative applications of blockchain that you’re currently excited about?
My personal bias is for human-centric technology — that is, technology that solves real-world problems and alleviates human suffering, and isn’t just “tech for tech’s sake.”
We’re seeing a lot of exciting use cases in this regard that are built on blockchain technology. Take the United Nations’ World Food Programme (WFP), which has a number of blockchain-based initiatives running to help it distribute humanitarian aid. In Jordan, for example, the WFP has been giving out vouchers based on cryptocurrencies to Syrian refugees, who use them to purchase food and other necessities. The organization records all entitlements on a blockchain-based computing platform, which allows it to speed up transactions while lowering the risk of fraud or data mismanagement.
Other organizations are using blockchain-based applications to give displaced Rohingya people secure digital identities. Refugees often find it impossible to access government services in countries where they have settled after being forced to flee their homelands, because they lack passports or official ID. With these use cases, a blockchain database is used to record individual digital IDs, which can then be issued to people once they have taken a test to verify that they are genuine Rohingya.
Are you also seeing the blockchain conversation start to widen out across a broader range of industry verticals?
Yes, over the last three years, we’ve seen many businesses look at verticals that they’ve not traditionally been involved in and think to themselves, “Well, actually, blockchain offers us an opportunity to get involved in this area. We could develop an application based on this technology where we could cut out the middleman and offer this service faster, cheaper, and more securely.” That’s led to a very wide range of efforts to augment the technology for use across industries.
Take healthcare, for example. We’re seeing blockchain startups looking to develop applications that can deliver such things as improved health data security, anonymized data pools for research companies, and new ways to fight counterfeit drugs.
Then there’s supply chain disruption. Blockchain technology can be used to monitor costs, labor, and even waste and emissions at every point of a supply chain. That has big implications for companies seeking to reduce inefficiencies, and add traceability and security in the way they manage complex supply chains.
How about the real estate sector?
We’re involved in some exciting discussions with businesses around efforts to “tokenize” real estate on a blockchain. The underlying concept here is that of the “token economy,” which is something blockchain enables.
Money is one way to denominate value, of course, but you can also create alternatives — such as digital tokens created on a blockchain as part of a decentralized software protocol. Some blockchain tokens, like bitcoin, function as a digital currency. But tokens can be used to digitally represent any kind of tangible asset, from cattle to gold. Companies using tokens accept them for their products and services but require customers to use or earn them in specific ways.
In terms of real estate, tokenized pieces of a property can be tracked and traded via a shared database. The tokens allow for “fractional ownership,” or the ability for a qualified real estate owner to split up their property and sell off equity stakes, should they need extra money.
Earlier, you touched on your personal bias for ‘human-centric’ technology. Could you say a little more about how blockchain technology could be harnessed to help create more equitable societies?
The promise of blockchain technology and tokenization is that it can open up access to trading and investing to anyone — activities that historically have been reserved for the wealthy few.
To continue with our real estate example, the token economy can help city leaders fund affordable housing. Here, citizens could be offered municipal bonds based on blockchain tokens that allow fractional ownership. More people can become property owners, in other words, with the purchase of assets in this way, and that can help us get to a more equitable place as a society.
I do feel that most Fortune 500 leaders have not stepped up as good corporate and societal citizens — there’s a lot more that they could do to help reduce inequality in the economic sector. Applications built around blockchain offer an avenue to explore that.
But tugging at business leaders’ heartstrings isn’t the issue here. Emerging as it did as a grassroots movement with openness, transparency, and “people power” at its core, blockchain technology also speaks to millennial and Gen Z values. If businesses want to appeal to this customer base, it also makes sound economic sense to pay attention to blockchain as it rises through our economic bloodstream.
Q3 Shopping Index: Strongest-Ever Shopper Engagement Heading into the Holiday Season
How Analytics Powers an Intelligent Experience: A Conversation About Einstein Analytics
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‘Mindhunter’ Teaser Trailer: David Fincher’s New Netflix Series
Posted on Tuesday, August 29th, 2017 by Jack Giroux
Director David Fincher helped Netflix make a splash with one of their earliest hits, House of Cards. The filmmaker behind Gone Girl and The Social Network is now making a crime series for the streaming service called Mindhunters, which is about two FBI agents trying to understand the psyche of serial killers. Fincher, who produced the series with actress Charlize Theron, directed the first three episodes of the 10-episode season.
Below, watch the new Mindhunter teaser trailer.
The Netflix series is an adaptation of Mark Olshaker and John Douglas‘ 1996 nonfiction novel, “Mind Hunter: Inside the FBI’s Elite Serial Crime Unit,” which is based on Douglas’ work as an FBI profiler tracking down serial killers. The series is about two agents, Holden Ford (Jonathan Groff), and Bill Tench (Holt McCallany), in the FBI’s Investigative Support Unit. They’re attempting to understand the mindset of serial killers and psychopaths to help track them down. The series is set in 1979, which is around the period of Fincher’s masterpiece, Zodiac.
The new look at Mindhunter is short, but isn’t without Fincher’s dark sense of humor:
Mindhunter Teaser Trailer
It’s a great little tease that gives an idea of what the series is about, the two characters Groff and McCallany are playing, and a sense of the mood. The last trailer was full-length and unnerving in its bleakness, but a tease as short as this one still does an excellent job of selling the characters and tone. On his movies, Fincher is very hands on with the marketing, so it wouldn’t be surprising if he had a big hand in making the teaser. The brief glimpse into a day on the job for these agents, debating whether to bring a gun, says enough about the two characters and series.
McCallany and Groff do look great together. McCallany hasn’t worked with Fincher since Fight Club, but I’m excited to see him starring in a David Fincher project. The actor has stood out with supporting roles consistently throughout his career. Considering he’s the lead in a show involving Fincher, I’m assuming he’ll have a great role to play as Bill Tench.
Fincher has spent the last year working on Mindhunters, his first directing gig since 2014’s Gone Girl. Over the years, he’s worked on two shows that sadly never came to fruition, HBO’s Video Synchronicity and Utopia. Video Synchronicity halted production after a few episodes were shot, while Utopia didn’t move forward after a budget dispute. On the feature film front, Fincher has been considering making World War Z 2 for a while now, but that sequel still awaits the greenlight. While we wait for an announcement on the zombie film, at least we’ll have more content from Fincher coming up to consume and discuss endlessly.
Mindhunter premieres October 13.
‘Mindhunter’ Season 2 Release Date Confirmed by David Fincher
David Fincher’s Next Movie is a Black and White Netflix Film Starring Gary Oldman and Written By Fincher’s Own Father
‘Mindhunter’ Season 2 Arrives in August
The Latest ‘Love, Death & Robots’ Trailer Gets Extremely NSFW
Netflix, TV Trailer, David-Fincher, Holt McCallanay, Jonathan Groff, Mindhunter
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Sleep On It
Homesafe, In Her Own Words, Never Loved
tickets also available at Vertigo Records
presented with the support of Ontario Creates
limit of six tickets per household/credit card.
any tickets purchased by suspected resellers are subject to cancellation.
"Stay pissed.
That's the calling card of Toronto pop punk group Like Pacific. Since 2010, the band has been developing its own unique space amongst its peers in pop punk's newest wave, channeling anger and frustration in lieu of sadness and defeatism. The lyrical sentiments are met by the band's sound, borrowing from early 2000's emo-drenched pop punk but with their own twist of hardcore ferocity.
Now, with the release of their self-titled EP on New Damage Records and Pure Noise Records, the Toronto five-piece plans to bring their angst-filled, anthemic songs to anyone who will hear them. Like Pacific has already gotten off to a fierce start in 2015, including tours with the likes of Vanna, A Loss For Words, Pentimento, and a festival appearance at Southeast Best. All this to be done before the year is even half over.
The band's tireless work ethic and unique spot in a crowded genre take centre stage in watching their growth, with their debut full length record on the horizon."
Pop Punk band from Chicago, Illinois, USA formed in 2012
TJ Horansky - lead guitar, backing vocals (2013–present)
Jake Marquis - rhythm guitar, backing vocals (2012–present)
AJ Khah - bass guitar (2013–present)
Luka Fischman - drums, percussion (2012–present)
Zech Pluister - lead vocals (2016–present)
Former Members:
John Cass - vocals (2012–2015)
Homesafe are a band from Oak Lawn, Illinois. They are currently signed to Pure Noise Records
27 York St.
Ottawa, ON, K1N
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Sudbury Regional Competitive Soccer League: Afro-Heritage Club soccer continues to make its mark in Sudbury
Keith Dempsey For The Sudbury Star
Members of the Afro-Heritage Club over-40 soccer team pose for a photo. Photo supplied
The Afro-Heritage Club soccer continues to grow in the Nickel City, with a men’s squad and an over-40 (seniors) team.
Both of those teams won championships last year in the Sudbury Regional Competitive Soccer League — their first season in existence.
“Now, we have a chance to defend the titles,” said Francois Nzotungwanimana, who helped form the Afro-Heritage Club, which consists mostly of players who have immigrated to Sudbury.
“Mostly people from Africa, they come here to study, to work,” Nzotungwanimana said. “They are doctors, engineers or students at Laurentian University, (College) Boreal or Cambrian (College). Most of them don’t play in the leagues here, and when I noticed that they were outside just kicking a ball, I knew we had to make a team and get them involved in the community.”
Afro-Heritage Club will compete in the Sudbury Star Cup for the second time this summer. That event runs Aug. 10-11.
“It means we’re part of the community,” said Nzotungwanimana, an engineer who moved to Sudbury from Sault Ste. Marie, considers himself to be originally from London, Ont. “You have to be part of the community. There’s no better way for these people of African descent to be active in the community other than playing soccer. Soccer is like a second religion.
“The goal for putting the teams together is to get involved in the community, encourage participating for both the people of Afro-heritage, for members in the community that have been here a long time, but also to encourage newcomers to come out and participate, meet the rest of the community and interact and communicate.”
Nzotungwanimana said there’s nothing better “than playing in sports.”
“Personally, I’ve played for the Croatians, I’ve played for a Portuguese team, the Italians. I’ve played for all other communities, so I said, ‘You know what, we have the numbers, let’s motivate people of Afro-heritage and put together a team.’ ”
Nzotungwanimana said 50 per cent of both teams this season are new members, which speaks to the growth the club has had in such a short period of time.
“The goal is to keep expanding,” he said. “And some of our members went and joined other teams, too, which is good. We want them to integrate, link up with other communities and feel at home, get to meet other people. Who knows, they may be future co-workers, they may make families.”
For those interested in joining the Afro-Heritage soccer club, or to find out more information, email francnzo@gmail.com.
Keith Dempsey’s soccer column is presented by the Sudbury Regional Competitive Soccer League. It will run weekly during the summer.
Photo: Sheridan wins Idylwylde Ladies Invitational Wolves' Murray to stay busy preparing for Canes rookie camp, next...
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You are here: Home / Sports Memorabilia / Sports Memorabilia News / Memorabilia a Big Part of Tiger Stadium Plans
Memorabilia a Big Part of Tiger Stadium Plans
Detroit may be closer to holding an auction of Tiger Stadium memorabilia, but now Hall of Fame broadcaster Ernie Harwell is lending his own collection to help back a plan to save part of the old ballpark.
Legendary Detroit Tigers’ broadcaster Ernie Harwell and his attorney, Gary Spicer, announced on Monday that they will join the Board of Directors of the Old Tiger Stadium Conservancy.
Harwell and Spicer say the moe is aimed at helping the city move forward with plans to utilize at least a portion the old park, which has been decaying since the Tigers left several years ago. The city has already contracted with Schneider Auctions of St. Louis to sell many of the stadium seats and other pieces of memorabilia that can be salvaged. The auction is expected to take place some time later this year with proceeds going to the development plan. The city has yet to publicly embrace the Convervancy’s plan, with Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick preferring to use the site primarily for a housing development.
The 89 year-old Harwell struck out in his attempts to back plans to keep a larger portion of the stadium intact, but believe its possible to save 3,000 seats as well as the playing field, dugouts and lockerrooms for use by high school teams.
Harwell hopes his lending support to the plan makes it easier for the conservancy to raise money and work through details with the Detroit Economic Growth Corp., which is overseeing the plans to demolish most of the ballpark.
“We just want to keep the Tiger Stadium here,” said Harwell.
Harwell says he will donate his baseball memorabilia collection, which has a reported value of $4 million, for a museum on the site. The collection is currently on loan to the city’s public library.
Ernie Harwell on eBay
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Surrey Imagine-X spokesman says app puts power in voters’ hands
Surrey man in Imagine-X group charting actions of politicians ahead of the May 9 provincial election
Tom Zytaruk
The Imagine-X web app shown on a mobile device.
As they say, knowledge is power.
And Imagine-X plans to put more of both in B.C. voters’ hands, particularly as the May 9 provincial election nears.
A group of a dozen or so Lower Mainland residents, claiming to be self-funded and free of political affiliation, has developed a web app that offers users rapid access to the voting records of all of B.C.’s MLAs, covering 109 standing votes between July 2013 to July 2016.
Those who click on the link, at Imagine-x.ca/votes, will find instructions on how to use it.
“What brought us together is our concern with the current political landscape, and to build a better B.C.,” says Surrey resident Fred Bantados, the spokesman for Imagine-X (pictured).
Bantados, 29, works as an accountant in the tech sector and has a degree in biochemistry and business administration from Simon Fraser University.
“We believe there’s a better way we can do politics in B.C. We want to put the power, the knowledge, in the voters, the constituents hands,” he says of himself and his colleagues, all in the 25 to 55-year-old age range.
Bantados says they dream of what this province could be if it weren’t “hindered” by party-whipped politics, and expect considerable traffic on their website as the election gets closer.
“It’s the first of its kind,” he says. “We’re getting a lot of good feedback.”
The source of this free database, which you can view in a web browser, is Hansard, which transcribes parliamentary debates and actions.
“Anything on the Hansard database gets pulled right in,” Bantados explains. “We’ve done all the heavy lifting for you.”
Users are presented with a series of columns they can click on to discover the details of the vote, with each dot representing an MLA who voted. If the dot is above the middle line, the vote was “Yay.”
The application reveals that, between July 2013 and July 2016, a mere 1.8 per cent of all votes cast — just two — were cast outside party lines. One-hundred per cent of the Liberal government’s initiatives passed, while all else failed.
“The data shows MLAs are voting more along the party line,” Bantados noted. “It makes me question if really they are voting in their constituents’ best interests.”
It also helps voters to keep track of their local MLA, to help them decide if the MLA is representing them in Victoria, or representing Victoria to them.
The idea, ultimately, is to help voters see if what their MLA is telling them, particularly during the election campaign, matches how they’ve been voting in the legislative assembly.
Meantime, another interesting website for those who want to keep track of what their local MP is up to in Ottawa is Openparliament.ca, which contains information on any given MPs’ speeches in the House of Commons, bills and votes, as well as information on federal government committees.
tom.zytaruk@thenownewspaper.com
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iPhone 7 pre-order date tipped for September 9
By James Rogerson 2016-07-28T08:48:00.209Z Mobile phones
It could be an expensive day
It doesn't seem like there's much left to know about the iPhone 7 at this point – and that includes the release date.
We'd heard that it would be landing in shops during the week of September 12, and @evleaks (a usually reputable tipster) followed that up by saying it would go on sale on Friday September 16 – and now the same tipster has suggested pre-orders will open on Friday September 9.
That still doesn't tell us when the iPhone 7 will actually be announced. Pre-orders may not open the same day as the announcement, but assuming @evleaks is right it seems very likely that the announcement will happen during that week, which begins on September 5.
We should stress that this isn't official information, but @evleaks seems very confident of it – and he's one of the most reliable leakers in the business.
Evolution not revolution
Whenever it launches, the iPhone 7 isn't expected to be a huge advance over the iPhone 6 – in fact it might not even be called the iPhone 7, with that name instead reserved for a massive overhaul next year, on the phone's 10-year anniversary.
But there is talk of a waterproof design, a larger camera lens and a lot more power, so the iPhone 7 (if indeed it's called that) could still be worth getting excited about – and the potentially more interesting iPhone 7 Plus and iPhone 7 Pro may be landing alongside it.
Either way, Apple's probably not worrying, as it's just sold its one billionth handset.
More into Android? Check out our concept for the Samsung Galaxy S8
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Kent Hoffman
2015 Event, Entertainment, TEDxSpokane Speakers, 24 Nov, 2015
Infinite Worth. Each of us carries within the gift of infinite worth. Find out what that means for us to walk in relationship with others with a new sense of interconnectedness. Kent Hoffman is a clinician, attachment researcher, and co-founder of the Circle of Security program. His life work has included building intervention approaches for…
2015 Event, Entertainment, TEDxSpokane Speakers, Uncategorized, 24 Nov, 2015
Young Adult Lit Belongs To Everyone. A lifetime as a teacher and librarian has taught Kris that young adult literature is everyone’s literature because that stage of life lends itself to stories that resonate emotionally. Kris Dinnison spent nearly two decades as a teacher and librarian, while dreaming of becoming a writer. She lives in…
2015 Event, TEDxSpokane Speakers, Uncategorized, 24 Nov, 2015
Hoarding as a Mental Health Issue Having launched the first service program in the Greater Spokane area for individuals self-identifying with hoarding behaviors, provides a better understanding of this mental health disorder. Ceci Garrett is the founder and Executive Director of Lightening the Load, a ministry that works to connect those in the Spokane area with…
Jonathan Wisor, PH.D.
2015 Event, Design, TEDxSpokane Speakers, Uncategorized, 24 Nov, 2015
A researcher at the world’s leading sleep institute unlocks the secrets to a better night’s sleep, which he says we all need more of to perform better at work and in life. Dr. Wisor is an Associate Professor of Medical Sciences at the WSU Spokane Health Sciences Campus. He runs the Wisor Lab to identify…
Myth Busting Wine. Sarah invites wine enthusiasts and novices alike to shed the pretense as she busts myths about how to learn about wine and to enjoy it for its own sake. Sarah is a well-traveled wine lover who grew up on a cherry and apple farm in SE Washington State. Her agricultural roots help…
Food As Ministry. Bob takes a pastoral approach to cooking and food and reflects on what it means to be a chef and Food Network star in a time when people want to make meaning of sharing a meal together Award-winning Chef, Robert Lombardi is a member of the American Culinary Federation and holds various…
Receiving Life in Ancestral Blueprints. Lisa shares how her work as a psychotherapist with individuals, couples, and families inspires her perspective on U.S. history, belonging, ancestors, race, and love. Lisa is the Founding Director of the Center for Ancestral Blueprints where she developed programs such as the Family Matters Immersion Series, An Embodied Conversation with…
2015 Event, Design, TEDxSpokane Speakers, 24 Nov, 2015
Words, Not Ideas: How to Write a Book. A professional writer who also coaches other writers, helps us find ways to dust off our manuscript and finish that masterpiece that’s been calling our name from under those piles of aspirations. Mattie John Bamman is a writer and editor focused on food, travel, and poetry. Wine,…
Active as a classically trained cellist as well as a rock vocalist and drummer, Tim Gales blends the styles and sensibilities of the rock and classical worlds in his compositions. Having studied cello under Dr. John Marshall, he has performed with the EWU Symphony Orchestra and with EWU chamber ensembles, as well as staging recitals…
Personal Leadership. Transformational life experiences are opportunities to refine a personal leadership philosophy. Matt will share his harrowing near-death experience that launched his inner journey that has shaped his approach to life, love and teaching. Dr. Matthew Chase is a professor of Recreation and Tourism Management at Eastern Washington University. He also serves as Co-chair…
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Israel postpones Turkish-brokered talks with Syria
DAMASCUS (AFP) -— A fifth round of Turkish-brokered peace talks between Syria and Israel this week has been postponed at Israel's request, Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallem said.
""It has been postponed at the request of the Israeli side,"" Muallem told a press conference with visiting Spanish counterpart Miguel Angel Moratinos.
The next round of talks between the two neighbors -- which have technically been at war for 60 years -- was due to be held on Thursday.
""When Israel is ready to resume the talks, we will be too because we want to build a solid base that will allow the launch of direct negotiations whatever the outcome of the Kadima party election in Israel,"" Muallem added.
Turkey, which has been acting as mediator in the talks, confirmed that Thursday's planned meeting had been cancelled at Israel's request.
Israel said it failed to complete the formalities that would allow its chief negotiator, Yoram Turbowicz, to remain on the negotiating team after he resigned from his post as Olmert's general secretary, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's office said.
""The Israeli side has emphasized that it is ready to resume the talks as soon as this technical and legal process is completed,"" it said, adding that a new date for the fifth round had not yet been fixed.
A senior Israeli government official confirmed that ""there are logistical problems with the status of Turbowicz.""
But he said Israel hoped to resume the negotiations soon.
""Israel is committed to pursuing peace with Syria and we hope that there will be another round of talks in Turkey very shortly,"" the Israeli official said.
Israel and Syria launched indirect negotiations brokered by Turkey in May, eight years after talks were frozen over the fate of the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.
Syria has said that ultimately only Washington has the clout to sponsor direct talks, although it has been keen to win greater international support for the process.
""Syria has always called for a European role in the peace process equal to the U.S. one, as Europe is nearer to our region and has an interest in its security and stability,"" Muallem said.
""We discussed with Moratinos a scenario for... the direct negotiations in order to show that the international community is interested in sponsoring a just and comprehensive peace on all tracks.""
Moratinos said the European Union was keen to do what it could to help advance the process.
""One of the most important changes I can see in the Middle East is that the countries in the region itself are taking their own responsibilities,"" he said, hailing Turkey's role in brokering the indirect preparatory talks between the two sides.
Asked whether Madrid, which hosted the 1991 conference that launched the Middle East peace process, was ready to host a new conference to relaunch it, Moratinos said: ""Spain is always ready to welcome any peace conference.
""But let things go step by step now the different tracks move steadily and seriously and then the parties and the international community will decide if they want to have a comprehensive peace conference.""
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Seeing in a different light: TSU citizens police academy becomes national model
Three years ago, TSU created a citizens police academy for students and officers to better understand each other.
Seeing in a different light: TSU citizens police academy becomes national model Three years ago, TSU created a citizens police academy for students and officers to better understand each other. Check out this story on Tennessean.com: https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/2018/07/06/tsu-collegiate-citizens-police-academy-model-hbcu-nashville/732367002/
Natalie Allison, Nashville Tennessean Published 8:00 a.m. CT July 6, 2018
TSU student Mark Clear Jr. approaches a car cautiously during the city's first-ever Collegiate Citizen Police Academy. The students get hands-on experience of what it's like to be on the police force.(Photo: John Partipilo / The Tennessean)Buy Photo
As high-profile police shootings of unarmed black men prompted protests around the country, the Rev. Frank Stevenson was bothered by what he saw to be a growing divide.
It was 2015, and the outrage over the killings of men like Eric Garner in New York City, Michael Brown Jr. in Ferguson, Mo., and Walter Scott in North Charleston, S.C., had spread to Nashville in the form of protests organized by anti-police brutality activist movement Black Lives Matter.
"There were two competing schools of thought," said Stevenson, dean of students at Tennessee State University and pastor at City of Grace Church. "One is either you are supporting police officers, or you were kind of with the Black Lives Matter movement, and you had to pick which side you wanted."
He and the Rev. Enoch Fuzz thought it would be helpful for students and police in Nashville to learn from each other's perspectives, and after a meeting with and buy-in from Metro Nashville Police Chief Steve Anderson, Stevenson and TSU were on their way to creating a program that was the first of its kind.
TSU's Collegiate Citizens Police Academy has become national model
Three years later, TSU's Collegiate Citizens Police Academy has become a national model for other universities, being named "best student organization" at the Historically Black College and Universities Digest Awards on June 22.
Even before the award was given in Washington, D.C., at the annual HBCU event, Stevenson said TSU had heard from other universities — both HBCUs and those that aren't — asking for guidance on starting a similar program of their own to bridge a gap between students of color and police in their cities.
Stevenson has created a package to send to other university officials curious about the curriculum and how TSU, a university whose student population is 70 percent black, operates its program.
A TSU Collegiate Citizens Police Academy class. (Photo: Submitted)
'It gives them a varied perspective on policing'
Nashville police Sgt. Raymond Jones, who has helped coordinate the program, said the officers who have taken part in the collegiate academy over the last three years have learned that many of the students' concerns with police aren't simply due to highly-publicized shootings in recent years.
"We are dealing with some stereotypes going back 10, 15, 20 years," Jones said, ideas stretching back to what many students experienced and were taught growing up in their families and communities.
Jones said he can understand where they're coming from.
He said that as an African-American man and TSU graduate himself, he is in a unique position to help facilitate frank conversations between students and the police.
"It helps the officers see things in a different light, so they can understand where students are coming from," Jones said. "It gives them a varied perspective on policing."
Stevenson said one of the most eye-opening experiences for the students has been the traffic stop simulation, in which an officer plays the role of a civilian driver and a student approaches the vehicle unaware of what will happen next.
They have to make split-second decisions about whether to use deadly force, Stevenson said, a task that many of the students — in their brief experience through the simulation — admitted was difficult.
Nashville police looking for officers in TSU program
The program is also proving to be a potential source of recruitment.
Sgt. Clifton Knight, who oversees recruiting for Nashville police, said eight students from the academies have applied to the department.
Janita Vanzant, 23, will graduate in December from TSU in through its partnership with Motlow State Community College.
A criminal justice student who also works at the Coffee County jail, she drove the two hours each week this spring from Franklin County, where she lives, to make the three-hour class on Thursday nights in Nashville.
Vanzant is determined to get on with Metro Nashville Police Department as a result of the collegiate academy, she said, though she was previously unfamiliar with the department that's much larger than the local agencies in her area.
"We've definitely gotten a closer relationship with TSU, and that’s very important, it being a historically black university," Jones said. "It has widened the pipeline for recruitment. We're always trying to increase the diversity of the police department."
Reach Natalie Allison at nallison@tennessean.com. Follow her on Twitter at @natalie_allison.
Read or Share this story: https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/2018/07/06/tsu-collegiate-citizens-police-academy-model-hbcu-nashville/732367002/
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Online Video & Entertainment›
Ireland: weekend online video consumption 2014
On a weekend day, at what time do you watch online videos?
This statistic shows data on the preferred time for online video consumption during the weekend in Ireland in 2014. During the survey period it was found that during the weekend, 18 percent of Irish internet users watched online videos in the afternoon.
internet users who watched online videos in the past week
The original survey question was phrased by the source as follows: "At what time of the day was that?"
Most viewed YouTube videos of all time 2019
Number of Netflix paid streaming subscribers in the U.S. 2011-2019
YouTube usage reach in the United States 2018, by age group
YouTube: most popular brand channels 2019, by total number of video views
Statistics on "Online video in the United States"
Platforms and content
Percentage of internet users who watch online video content on any device as of January 2018, by countryShare of internet users who watch online videos 2018, by country
Number of digital video viewers in the United States from 2012 to 2021 (in millions)Digital video viewers in the United States 2012-2021
Digital video penetration in the United States from 2013 to 2021Digital video penetration in the United States 2013-2021
Frequency of internet users in the United States watching online video in 2016United States: online video viewing frequency 2016
Daily time spent watching video content in the United States in 1st quarter 2018, by screen (in minutes)Time spent watching video content in the U.S. Q1 2018, by screen
Percentage of internet users in selected countries who watch online video content every day as of January 2018Daily online video usage in selected countries 2018
Number of monthly logged-in YouTube viewers worldwide as of May 2019 (in billions)Global logged-in YouTube viewers per month 2017-2019
Most popular online video categories in the United States as of February 2017Leading online video categories in the United States 2017
Most popular online video properties in the United States as of March 2019, ranked by unique viewers (in millions)Leading U.S. video properties 2019, by unique viewers
Social media platforms accessed by internet users in the United States to watch videos as of December 2017U.S. social media platform usage for video viewing 2017
Most popular YouTube partner channels in the United States in March 2019, ranked by unique viewers (in millions)Most popular U.S. YouTube partner channels 2019, ranked by viewers
Share of U.S. population who have used YouTube to watch music videos or listen to music as of February 2017, by occurrenceU.S. users who use YouTube to watch or listen to music 2017, by occurrence
Most popular YouTube videos based on total global views as of June 2019 (in billions)Most viewed YouTube videos of all time 2019
Frequency of YouTube use in the United States as of October 2017YouTube usage frequency in the United States 2018
Frequency of YouTube use among mobile users in the United States as of 2nd quarter 2017Mobile YouTube usage frequency in the United States 2017
Percentage of U.S. internet users who use YouTube as of January 2018, by age groupYouTube usage reach in the United States 2018, by age group
Number of mobile phone video viewers worldwide from 2016 to 2021 (in billions)Global mobile phone video viewers 2016-2021
Most popular mobile music and video apps in the United States as of March 2019, by monthly users (in millions)Most popular entertainment apps in the U.S. 2019, by audience
Most popular mobile music and video apps in the United States as of March 2019, by reachMost popular entertainment apps in the U.S. 2019, by reach
Number of mobile phone video viewers in the United States from 2014 to 2020 (in millions)Mobile phone video viewers in the United States 2014-2020
Number of tablet video viewers in the United States from 2013 to 2020 (in millions)Tablet video viewers in the United States 2013-2020
Number of daily mobile video views on Snapchat as of April 2016 (in billions)Daily mobile video viewing volume on Snapchat 2015-2016
Market reach of the most popular mobile app categories in the United States as of March 2019Leading mobile app categories in the United States 2019, by reach
Leading entertainment apps in the Apple App Store in the United States in June 2019, by number of downloads Leading iPhone entertainment apps in the U.S. 2019, by downloads
Online video advertising spending worldwide from 2015 to 2017 (in billion U.S. dollars)Online video ad spend worldwide 2015-2017
Share of advertising spending in the United States in 2018, by mediumShare of U.S. ad spend 2018, by medium
Digital video advertising spending in the United States from 2015 to 2017 (in billion U.S. dollars)Digital video advertising spending in the U.S. 2015-2017
Distribution of digital video ad impressions in the United States from 2nd quarter 2014 to 1st quarter 2018, by ad lengthDigital video ad impressions in the U.S. 2014-2018, by ad length
Distribution of digital video ad views in the United States from 1st quarter 2016 to 4th quarter 2018, by content lengthDigital video ad views in the U.S. 2016-2018, by content length
Distribution of digital video ad views in the United States from 1st quarter 2014 to 4th quarter 2018, by deviceDigital video ad views in the U.S. 2014-2018, by device
Average number of monthly video posts by brands to Instagram from January 2016 to December 2017Instagram: monthly video posts by brands 2016-2017
Number of digital video users in the United States from 2016 to 2022, by type (in millions)Digital Market Outlook: users of digital video in the U.S. 2016-2022, by type
Reasons for signing up to subscription video on demand (SVoD) services in the United States in 2017Reasons for signing up to SVoD services in the U.S. 2017
Subscription video on demand (SVoD) revenue worldwide from 2016 to 2022 (in billion U.S. dollars)SVOD revenue worldwide 2016-2022
Subscription video on demand (SVoD) revenue in the United States in 2014 and 2016 (in billion U.S. dollars)SVOD revenue in the U.S. 2014-2016
Preferred over-the-top (OTT) services among consumers in the United States as of September 2016OTT services preferred in the U.S. 2016
Leading video subscription services in the United States in 2018, by number of subscribers (in millions)Leading video subscription services in the U.S. 2018, by number of subscribers
Number of Netflix paying streaming subscribers in the United States from 3rd quarter 2011 to 1st quarter 2019 (in millions)Number of Netflix paid streaming subscribers in the U.S. 2011-2019
Number of titles available on Netflix in the United States in 2010 and 2018Number of titles available on Netflix in the U.S. 2018
Bulgaria: weekday online video consumption 2014
Greece: weekday online video consumption 2014
Portugal: weekday online video consumption 2014
Sweden: weekday online video consumption 2014
New Zealand: weekday online video consumption 2014
Czech Republic: weekend online video consumption 2014
Bulgaria: online video consumption via tablet 2016
Online Videos in China
Mobile internet usage worldwide
Social Networks in China
E-Commerce in China
Online video usage in the United States
Internet usage in China
Online video in the United States
Online video in the United Kingdom (UK)
Video on demand in Italy
Online video market in China
Mobile video in the United States
Video on demand in Norway
Video on demand in the Netherlands
Mobile video market in the United Kingdom (UK)
Q2 2018 State of Online Video Report
Digital video market in Germany
Video on demand in the United Kingdom (UK)
Video on demand in Hungary
The State of Online Video 2018
eSports and (online) gaming in the Benelux region
Percentage of internet users who watch online video content on any device as of January 2018, by country
Number of digital video viewers in the United States from 2012 to 2021 (in millions)
Digital video penetration in the United States from 2013 to 2021
Frequency of internet users in the United States watching online video in 2016
Daily time spent watching video content in the United States in 1st quarter 2018, by screen (in minutes)
Percentage of internet users in selected countries who watch online video content every day as of January 2018
Number of monthly logged-in YouTube viewers worldwide as of May 2019 (in billions)
Most popular online video categories in the United States as of February 2017
Most popular online video properties in the United States as of June 2017, by videos streamed (in millions)
Most popular online video content properties in the United States as of June 2017, by user engagement (in billion minutes)
Most popular online video properties in the United States as of March 2019, ranked by unique viewers (in millions)
Social media platforms accessed by internet users in the United States to watch videos as of December 2017
Most popular YouTube partner channels in the United States in March 2019, ranked by unique viewers (in millions)
Share of U.S. population who have used YouTube to watch music videos or listen to music as of February 2017, by occurrence
Most popular YouTube videos based on total global views as of June 2019 (in billions)
Frequency of YouTube use in the United States as of October 2017
Frequency of YouTube use among mobile users in the United States as of 2nd quarter 2017
Percentage of U.S. internet users who use YouTube as of January 2018, by age group
Number of unique Facebook desktop video viewers in the United States as of December 2017
Most watched Facebook video publishers worldwide as of March 2019 (in million views)
Number of mobile phone video viewers worldwide from 2016 to 2021 (in billions)
Most popular mobile music and video apps in the United States as of March 2019, by monthly users (in millions)
Most popular mobile music and video apps in the United States as of March 2019, by reach
Number of mobile phone video viewers in the United States from 2014 to 2020 (in millions)
Number of tablet video viewers in the United States from 2013 to 2020 (in millions)
Number of daily mobile video views on Snapchat as of April 2016 (in billions)
Market reach of the most popular mobile app categories in the United States as of March 2019
Leading entertainment apps in the Apple App Store in the United States in June 2019, by number of downloads
Leading entertainment apps in the Apple App Store in the United States in June 2019, by revenue (in million U.S. dollars)
Most common frustrations of mobile video viewers in the United States when streaming mobile video as of February 2018
Online video advertising spending worldwide from 2015 to 2017 (in billion U.S. dollars)
Share of advertising spending in the United States in 2018, by medium
Digital video advertising spending in the United States from 2015 to 2017 (in billion U.S. dollars)
Distribution of digital video ad impressions in the United States from 2nd quarter 2014 to 1st quarter 2018, by ad length
Distribution of digital video ad views in the United States from 1st quarter 2016 to 4th quarter 2018, by content length
Distribution of digital video ad views in the United States from 1st quarter 2014 to 4th quarter 2018, by device
Average number of monthly video posts by brands to Instagram from January 2016 to December 2017
Most popular YouTube brand channels as of April 2019, ranked by total number of video views (in billions)
Share of cross screen in the number of digital video ad campaigns in the United States from 3rd quarter 2014 to 1st quarter 2018
Average digital and mobile video advertising spending according to agencies and marketers in the United States in 2018, by industry (in million U.S. dollars)
Digital and mobile video advertising spending according to agencies and marketers in the United States from 2015 to 2018 (in million U.S. dollars)
Programmatic mobile video ad spending in the United States from 2016 to 2020 (in billion U.S. dollars)
Local video advertising revenue in the United States in 2018 and 2022, by medium (in billion U.S. dollars)
Number of digital video users in the United States from 2016 to 2022, by type (in millions)
Reasons for signing up to subscription video on demand (SVoD) services in the United States in 2017
Subscription video on demand (SVoD) revenue worldwide from 2016 to 2022 (in billion U.S. dollars)
Subscription video on demand (SVoD) revenue in the United States in 2014 and 2016 (in billion U.S. dollars)
Preferred over-the-top (OTT) services among consumers in the United States as of September 2016
Leading video subscription services in the United States in 2018, by number of subscribers (in millions)
Number of Netflix paying streaming subscribers in the United States from 3rd quarter 2011 to 1st quarter 2019 (in millions)
Number of titles available on Netflix in the United States in 2010 and 2018
Number of titles available on Netflix in the United States in 2010 and 2018, by content type
Most common type of content viewed on Netflix in the United States as of September 2017
Number of Amazon Video subscribers in the United States in 2017 and 2023 (in millions)
Most common type of content viewed on Amazon Prime Video in the United States as of September 2017
Penetration rate of Amazon Prime Instant Video in the United States from 3rd quarter 2013 to 3rd quarter 2017
Content most enjoyed on Amazon Prime Video in the United States as of September 2017
Most popular digital original television shows based on audience demand in the United States from June 9-15, 2019 (in million average demand expressions)
On a weekday, at what time do you watch online videos?
How often do you watch online videos on your tablet?
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Health & Pharmaceuticals›
Medical Technology›
France: export value of instruments and appliances used in dentistry 2012-2017
Export value of instruments and appliances used in dentistry from France from 2012 to 2017 (in 1,000 euros)
by Statista Research Department, last edited Nov 19, 2018
This statistic displays the total export value of instruments and appliances used in dentistry from France from 2012 to 2017 in thousand euros. In 2016, the export value amounted to 162 million euros.
Export value in thousand euros
According to the publisher the data is updated on a constant basis. No release date was given.
Leading export countries worldwide 2017
U.S. trade balance 2000-2018
Key Figures of Retail
Total value of U.S. trade in goods worldwide 2004-2018
Total value of U.S. trade in goods with China 2008-2018
Statistics on "Trade in the U.S."
Key Figures of U.S. International Trade
Overview of the U.S. Goods Trade
Leading Goods Trade Partners with the U.S.
U.S. Goods Trade by Selected State
Top 20 export countries worldwide in 2017 (in billion U.S. dollars)Leading export countries worldwide 2017
Share of the leading merchandise exporters worldwide in 2017, by exporting nationShare of the leading merchandise exporters worldwide 2017, by exporting nation
Leading merchandise importers worldwide in 2017, by importing nation (in billion U.S. dollars)Leading global merchandise importers 2017, by importing nation
Share of the leading merchandise importers worldwide in 2017, by importing nationShare of the leading merchandise importers worldwide 2017, by importing nation
Total value of U.S. international trade from 2000 to 2017 (in billion U.S. dollars)Total value of U.S. international trade 2000-2017
U.S. trade balance of goods and services from 2000 to 2017 (in billion U.S. dollars)U.S. trade balance of goods and services 2000-2017
Balance of trade goods and services of the U.S. from 2010 to 2019, by quarter (in billion U.S. dollars)U.S. foreign trade - balance of trade goods and services by quarter 2010-2019
Total volume of U.S. exports of trade goods and services from 2010 to 2019, by quarter (in billion U.S. dollars)U.S. foreign trade - exports of trade goods and services by quarter 2010-2019
Total volume of U.S. imports of trade goods and services from 2010 to 2019, by quarter (in billion U.S. dollars)U.S. foreign trade - imports of trade goods and services by quarter 2010-2019
Annual change in imports of trade goods and services from the United States from 1990 to 2024*Growth rate of U.S. imports 1990-2024
Total value of U.S. trade in goods (export and import) worldwide from 2004 to 2018 (in billion U.S. dollars)Total value of U.S. trade in goods worldwide 2004-2018
Total imports and exports of goods of the United States from January 2017 to July 2018 (in million U.S. dollars)Total imports and exports of goods of the U.S. 2017-2018
United States' trade balance from 2000 to 2018 (in billion U.S. dollars)U.S. trade balance 2000-2018
Total value of the United States' trade deficit from January 2017 to April 2019 (in billion U.S. dollars)*Total value of U.S. trade balance 2017-2019
Total value of U.S. agricultural imports from 2012 to 2019 (in billion U.S. dollars)Total value of U.S. agricultural imports 2012-2019
Total value of U.S. agricultural exports from 2012 to 2019 (in billion U.S. dollars)Total value of U.S. agricultural exports from 2012 to 2019
Value of the U.S. apparel trade worldwide from 2007 to 2017 (in million U.S. dollars)Value of the U.S. apparel trade worldwide 2007-2017
Leading 15 trade partners with the United States in 2018, by country (in billion U.S. dollars)*Leading 15 trade partners with the United States 2018, by country
Leading 15 countries share of U.S. total trade in goods (export and import) in 2018*Leading 15 countries share of U.S. total trade in goods 2018
Total value of U.S. trade in goods (export and import) with China from 2008 to 2018 (in billion U.S. dollars)Total value of U.S. trade in goods with China 2008-2018
Total value of U.S. trade in goods (export and import) with Canada from 2004 to 2018 (in billion U.S. dollars)Total value of U.S. trade in goods with Canada 2004-2018
Total value of U.S. trade in goods (export and import) with Mexico from 2004 to 2018 (in billion U.S. dollars)Total value of U.S. trade in goods with Mexico 2004-2018
Total value of U.S. trade in goods (export and import) with Japan from 2004 to 2018 (in billion U.S. dollars)Total value of U.S. trade in goods with Japan 2004-2018
Total value of U.S. trade in goods (export and import) with Germany from 2004 to 2018 (in billion U.S. dollars)Total value of U.S. trade in goods with Germany 2004-2018
California's imports and exports of goods from January 2017 to July 2018 (in million U.S. dollars)California's imports and exports of goods 2017-2018
Texas' imports and exports of goods from January 2017 to July 2018 (in million U.S. dollars)Texas' imports and exports of goods 2017-2018
Michigan's imports and exports of goods from January 2017 to July 2018 (in million U.S. dollars)Michigan's imports and exports of goods 2017-2018
Illinois' imports and exports of goods from January 2017 to July 2018 (in million U.S. dollars)Illinois' imports and exports of goods 2017-2018
New York's imports and exports of goods from January 2017 to July 2018 (in million U.S. dollars)New York's imports and exports of goods 2017-2018
New Jersey's imports and exports of goods from January 2017 to July 2018 (in million U.S. dollars)New Jersey's imports and exports of goods 2017-2018
Georgia's imports and exports of goods from January 2017 to July 2018 (in million U.S. dollars)Georgia's imports and exports of goods 2017-2018
Poland: export value of instruments and appliances used in dentistry 2012-2017
Austria: export value of instruments and appliances used in dentistry 2012-2018
Greece: export value of instruments and appliances used in dentistry 2012-2018
Romania: export value of instruments and appliances used in dentistry 2012-2018
Hungary: export value of instruments and appliances used in dentistry 2012-2018
Spain: export value of instruments and appliances used in dentistry 2012-2017
Belgium: export value of instruments and appliances used in dentistry 2012-2018
Bulgaria: export value of instruments and appliances used in dentistry 2012-2018
Portugal: export value of instruments and appliances used in dentistry 2012-2018
Export value of dental drill engines from France from 2012 to 2017
Export value of dental drill engines from Spain from 2012 to 2017
Export value of dental drill engines from Hungary from 2012 to 2018
Export value of dental drill engines from Romania from 2012 to 2018
Export value of dental drill engines from Belgium from 2012 to 2018
Export value of dental drill engines from Greece from 2012 to 2018
Export value of dental drill engines from Portugal from 2012 to 2018
Export value of dental drill engines from Poland from 2012 to 2017
Export value of dental drill engines from Bulgaria from 2012 to 2018
Export value of dental drill engines from Austria from 2012 to 2018
Import value of instruments and appliances used in dentistry in the UK 2011-2017
Flower industry in the Netherlands
U.S. Agriculture
Medical equipment in the United Kingdom
2016 Top Markets Report Medical Devices
Top 20 export countries worldwide in 2017 (in billion U.S. dollars)
Share of the leading merchandise exporters worldwide in 2017, by exporting nation
Leading merchandise importers worldwide in 2017, by importing nation (in billion U.S. dollars)
Share of the leading merchandise importers worldwide in 2017, by importing nation
Total value of U.S. international trade from 2000 to 2017 (in billion U.S. dollars)
U.S. trade balance of goods and services from 2000 to 2017 (in billion U.S. dollars)
Balance of trade goods and services of the U.S. from 2010 to 2019, by quarter (in billion U.S. dollars)
Total volume of U.S. exports of trade goods and services from 2010 to 2019, by quarter (in billion U.S. dollars)
Total volume of U.S. imports of trade goods and services from 2010 to 2019, by quarter (in billion U.S. dollars)
Annual change in imports of trade goods and services from the United States from 1990 to 2024*
Total value of U.S. trade in goods (export and import) worldwide from 2004 to 2018 (in billion U.S. dollars)
Total imports and exports of goods of the United States from January 2017 to July 2018 (in million U.S. dollars)
United States' trade balance from 2000 to 2018 (in billion U.S. dollars)
Total value of the United States' trade deficit from January 2017 to April 2019 (in billion U.S. dollars)*
Total value of U.S. agricultural imports from 2012 to 2019 (in billion U.S. dollars)
Total value of U.S. agricultural exports from 2012 to 2019 (in billion U.S. dollars)
Value of the U.S. apparel trade worldwide from 2007 to 2017 (in million U.S. dollars)
Leading 15 trade partners with the United States in 2018, by country (in billion U.S. dollars)*
Leading 15 countries share of U.S. total trade in goods (export and import) in 2018*
Total value of U.S. trade in goods (export and import) with China from 2008 to 2018 (in billion U.S. dollars)
Total value of U.S. trade in goods (export and import) with Canada from 2004 to 2018 (in billion U.S. dollars)
Total value of U.S. trade in goods (export and import) with Mexico from 2004 to 2018 (in billion U.S. dollars)
Total value of U.S. trade in goods (export and import) with Japan from 2004 to 2018 (in billion U.S. dollars)
Total value of U.S. trade in goods (export and import) with Germany from 2004 to 2018 (in billion U.S. dollars)
California's imports and exports of goods from January 2017 to July 2018 (in million U.S. dollars)
Texas' imports and exports of goods from January 2017 to July 2018 (in million U.S. dollars)
Michigan's imports and exports of goods from January 2017 to July 2018 (in million U.S. dollars)
Illinois' imports and exports of goods from January 2017 to July 2018 (in million U.S. dollars)
New York's imports and exports of goods from January 2017 to July 2018 (in million U.S. dollars)
New Jersey's imports and exports of goods from January 2017 to July 2018 (in million U.S. dollars)
Georgia's imports and exports of goods from January 2017 to July 2018 (in million U.S. dollars)
Export value of instruments and appliances used in dentistry from Poland from 2012 to 2017 (in 1,000 euros)
Export value of instruments and appliances used in dentistry from Austria from 2012 to 2018 (in 1,000 euros)
Export value of instruments and appliances used in dentistry from Greece from 2012 to 2018 (in 1,000 euros)
Export value of instruments and appliances used in dentistry from Romania from 2012 to 2018 (in 1,000 euros)
Export value of instruments and appliances used in dentistry from Hungary from 2012 to 2018 (in 1,000 euros)
Export value of instruments and appliances used in dentistry from Spain from 2012 to 2017 (in 1,000 euros)
Export value of instruments and appliances used in dentistry from Belgium from 2012 to 2018 (in 1,000 euros)
Export value of instruments and appliances used in dentistry from Bulgaria from 2012 to 2018 (in 1,000 euros)
Export value of instruments and appliances used in dentistry from Portugal from 2012 to 2018 (in 1,000 euros)
Export value of dental drill engines from France from 2012 to 2017 (in 1,000 euros)
Export value of dental drill engines from Spain from 2012 to 2017 (in 1,000 euros)
Export value of dental drill engines from Hungary from 2012 to 2018 (in 1,000 euros)
Export value of dental drill engines from Romania from 2012 to 2018 (in 1,000 euros)
Export value of dental drill engines from Belgium from 2012 to 2018 (in 1,000 euros)
Export value of dental drill engines from Greece from 2012 to 2018 (in 1,000 euros)
Export value of dental drill engines from Portugal from 2012 to 2018 (in 1,000 euros)
Export value of dental drill engines from Poland from 2012 to 2017 (in 1,000 euros)
Export value of dental drill engines from Bulgaria from 2012 to 2018 (in 1,000 euros)
Export value of dental drill engines from Austria from 2012 to 2018 (in 1,000 euros)
Import value of instruments and appliances used in dentistry in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2011 to 2017 (in 1,000 GBP)
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LOSA PLLC Home
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The Law Office of Stephanie Adams (LOSA), PLLC
I write books.
And give legal advice to fellow writers.
Sallie Randolph: attorney, author
Sallie draws on her extensive experience as a published author to help clients plan, seek, and realize their own publishing goals.
Sallie has written seven books and is the lead author of Author Law A to Z (Capital Books, 2005) and co-contributor of the legal chapter for The ASJA Guide to Freelance Writing: A Professional Guide to the Business, for Nonfiction Writers of All Experience Levels, edited by Timothy Harper (St. Martin’s Griffin, 2003).
Sallie's other book credits include:
Gerald R. Ford, President, (Walker, 1986); Richard M. Nixon, President (Walker, 1989); Woodrow Wilson, President (Walker, 1991); Putting on Perfect Proms, Programs and Pageants (Franklin Watts, 1991), and is co-author with Nancy O. Bolick of Shaker Inventions (Walker, 1990) and Shaker Villages (Walker, 1993).
Sallie has also written articles, travel pieces, short stories, and features for such publications as Ms., Outside, Grit, Good Housekeeping, Woman's World, Sports Parade, Off Duty, Bicycle Sport, Campaigns & Elections, Miami Herald, Buffalo News, Los Angeles Times, Louisville Courier-Journal , Cleveland Plain Dealer, and many others.
For three years, Sallie was the editor of the Sierra Atlantic, a 32-page half-tabloid official publication of the New York State (Atlantic Chapter) Sierra Club, circulation of 40,000+ where she solicited articles; coordinated efforts of volunteers; edited, typeset, laid out and pasted up the entire publication; handled advertising, billing, and relations with printer, mail house, chapter board of directors and supervising publications committee.
She was also an editorial consultant to the Arcade Herald, a respected weekly newspaper where she helped develop the reporting staff and implemented regular coverage of government, business, school and community events and did investigative reporting, interviews, feature writing and photography.
This extensive experience with print media informs Sallie's approach to helping authors identify and actualize their priorities for the terms they write and publish under.
Firm News & Commentary
The Law Office of Stephanie Adams, PLLC, 363 Grant Street, Buffalo, NY, 14213, United StatesPH: 716-464-3386 FAX: 716-262-0984info@LOSApllc.com
The Law Office of Stephanie Adams, PLLC is a registered Empire State Development Woman-Owned Business.
Is the website not helping you?
The ethics of the attorney-client relationship, and New York's Attorney Rules of Professional Conduct, are here. Contacting the firm does not create an attorney-client relationship, but inquiries for service are confidential. Our privacy policy is here.
Unless otherwise credited, photos on this site are © 2017 Clay Davies. The people in the photos are not actors, and all images are used with permission.
Website text and compilation © 2018 The Law Office of Stephanie Adams, PLLC.
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The Stocks To Buy Now
Home / Companies / Willow Biosciences Inc. (CSE: WLLW)
Watch List Companies
Cannabis Strategic Ventures, Inc. (OTCQB: NUGS)
Canopy Rivers Inc. (TSX.V:RIV) (OTC: CNPOF)
Chemistree Technology Inc. (CSE: CHM) (OTC: CHMJF)
ChineseInvestors.com (CIIX)
Choom Holdings, Inc. (CSE: CHOO) (OTC: CHOOF)
City View Green Holdings Inc. (CSE: CVGR)
Consorteum Holdings, Inc. (CSRH)
Cool Events Inc. (RNWR)
Earth Science Tech, Inc. (ETST)
Endonovo Therapeutics Inc. (ENDV)
Foresight Autonomous Holdings Ltd. (NASDAQ: FRSX) (TASE: FRSX)
Genprex Inc. (NASDAQ: GNPX)
Geyser Brands Inc. (TSX.V: GYSR)
Golden Developing Solutions, Inc. (DVLP)
Green Growth Brands Inc. (CSE: GGB) (OTCQB: GGBXF)
Green Hygienics Holdings Inc. (GRYN)
Hemptown USA
INmune Bio Inc. (NASDAQ: INMB)
IONIC Brands Corp. (CSE: IONC) (OTC: IONKF)
Lexaria Bioscience Corp. (CSE: LXX) (OTC: LXRP)
Marijuana Company of America Inc. (MCOA)
MustGrow Biologics Corp. (CSE: MGRO)
Nabis Holdings (CSE: NAB) (OTC: NABIF) (FRA: 71P)
Net Element, Inc. (NASDAQ: NETE)
Nightfood Holdings, Inc. (OTCQB: NGTF)
Organigram Holdings Inc. (TSX.V: OGI) (NASDAQ: OGI)
Pacific Rim Cobalt Corp. (CSE: BOLT) (OTCQB: PCRCF) (XFRA: NXFE)
Pacific Software, Inc. (PFSF)
Petroteq Energy Inc. (TSX.V: PQE) (OTC: PQEFF)
Plus Products Inc. (CSE: PLUS) (OTCQB: PLPRF)
Pressure BioSciences Inc. (PBIO)
QMC Quantum Minerals Corp. (TSX.V: QMC) (OTC: QMCQF) (FSE: 3LQ)
Redfund Capital Corp. (CSE: LOAN) (OTCQB: PNNRF) (Frankfurt: O3X4)
Sharing Services Global Corporation (SHRG)
SinglePoint, Inc. (SING)
Siyata Mobile Inc. (TSX.V: SIM) (OTCQX: SYATF)
Spectrum Global Solutions, Inc. (SGSI)
Sproutly Canada, Inc. (CSE: SPR) (OTCQB: SRUTF) (FRA: 38G)
Standard Lithium Ltd. (TSX.V: SLL) (FRA: S5L) (OTC: STLHF)
Sugarmade, Inc. (SGMD)
Willow Biosciences Inc. (CSE: WLLW)
Willow Biosciences Inc. (CSE: WLLW) is a leading developer of biosynthetic production systems for high-value, plant-derived active pharmaceutical ingredients (“APIs”) and intermediates. The company’s cannabidiol (“CBD”) yeast-based biosynthesis program produces a high yield, ultrapure, low-cost and scalable manufacturing solution for pharmaceutical, food, beverage and personal care consumers of CBD.
The company is headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Biosynthesis Platform
Willow’s proprietary yeast-based lab strains produce CBD, tetrahydrocannabinol (“THC”), and cannabigerol (“CBG”), as well as certain minor and novel cannabinoids.
The company’s expertise in the esoteric field of biosynthesis and in delivering commercial fermentation pathways for the production of pharmaceutical-grade compounds grew from its origins in opiate research. Willow recently delivered a de novo biosynthesis pathway in yeast for thebaine, a key precursor API used as a feedstock in the manufacture of semi-synthetic opiates such as naloxone (used to reverse opioid overdose) and several common analgesics. Led by Chief Scientific Officer Dr. Peter Facchini, Willow’s research team discovered and patented numerous previously unknown genes coding for core catalytic pathway enzymes, as well as a number of additional non-pathway, yet commercially-essential, accessory genes.
Utilizing this proven synthetic biology platform, Willow’s research team has already begun producing cannabinoids at lab scale, using yeast as the host cell “factory.” This biosynthetic fermentation-based process is capable of producing pharmaceutical grade CBD in 10 days – far less time than traditional plant-based extraction methods.
Willow anticipates its technology can be scaled to produce hundreds of kilograms per batch of cannabinoid API at less than $1,000 per kilogram, thus costing approximately 60% less than current chemical synthesis methods and 90% less than conventional plant-based extraction methods.
World-Class Collaboration
Willow and Noramco Inc., the world’s largest producer of high-quality synthetic cannabinoid APIs and other controlled substance APIs for the pharmaceutical and healthcare industry, have an exclusive, worldwide Joint Development Agreement (“JDA”) to design a yeast-based biosynthesis platform for the production and distribution of a highly pure CBD isolate.
The mutually exclusive agreement calls for Willow to be responsible for optimizing yeast strains in a biosynthetic process to generate ultrapure CBD at high yield and substantially lower cost compared to current methods. Noramco will leverage its decades of experience in producing and delivering CBD and pharmaceutical APIs by being responsible for the scale-up, regulatory submission, marketing and distribution of products manufactured under the JDA.
Each company will invest comparable funds, will retain the intellectual property associated with their respective scopes of work and share equally in gross profits from sales of products manufactured under the JDA.
The agreement with Noramco (http://nnw.fm/Mz1vW) addresses the increasing demand for CBD-based APIs and other CBD-infused products by pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, consumer packaged goods, beverages and other industry sectors.
The U.S. market potential of cannabinoids is significant, with industry analysts projecting $50 billion in cannabinoid-based pharmaceutical sales and $16 billion in CBD consumer goods retail sales by 2025. As of June 2019, 34 U.S. states and the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands have legalized cannabis for medical use. Another 13 states and territories have approved recreational cannabis for adult use while other states are considering similar measures.
The cannabinoid API market continues to evolve with CBD and other cannabinoid-based treatment options currently in clinical trials for indications such as post-traumatic stress syndrome, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, chronic pain, schizophrenia, cancer treatments and other challenging unmet medical conditions.
Willow is fully funded after raising $29 million via private placement and $8 million in exercised warrants by Tuatara Capital Fund II, L.P. Proceeds of the funding will be used to enhance the existing laboratory space in Calgary and Vancouver, Canada, and in San Francisco, California. The company anticipates exiting 2020 with $15.8 million in cash.
President and CEO Trevor Peters is an experienced executive who co-founded four startup companies in the past 15 years. He has raised over $1 billion in equity and debt financings at various stages of corporate development and has been integral to successful transactions totaling over $4 billion on sale. Mr. Peters previously was chief financial officer at Caracal Energy Inc., which sold to Glencore plc in 2014 for $1.8 billion.
Chief Financial Officer Travis Doupe has over 18 years of experience in financial leadership roles, principally in the international oil and gas industry, where he provided corporate strategic direction while overseeing all aspects of financial operations. Mr. Doupe is the treasurer and a member of the board of directors of the Canada Council for the Americas – Alberta and holds a CA-CPA designation and earned a bachelor’s degree in management from the University of Calgary.
Dr. Peter Facchini, Chief Scientific Officer, has been professor of plant biochemistry in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Calgary since 1995. He is recognized internationally as a leader in plant specialized metabolite biosynthesis. Dr. Facchini is the Canada Research Chair in Plant Metabolic Processes Biotechnology and has published more than 150 research papers and scholarly articles. Dr. Facchini received a PhD from the University of Toronto and conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Kentucky and Université de Montréal.
Dr. Joseph Tucker, Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors, holds more than 20 issued or pending patents and is a member of the Board of Directors of BioAlberta. He has extensive senior leadership experience in multiple public and private biotech companies. Dr. Tucker received a PhD in biochemistry and molecular biology from the University of Calgary.
Willow Biosciences Inc. Website
News & Media Overview Chart Financials Filings Time & Sales Historical Data
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J Dilla Changed My Life
Photo by Andreas Schiko
by Jeff Jank
Updated Oct. 2012 | J Dilla Changed My Life T-shirt is available again through Pay Jay Productions, the imprint overseen by The Estate of James Yancey on behalf of his four heirs.
We didn't know his identity when we received a photo of a man wearing this hand-made shirt the day after what turned out to be J Dilla's last show in December 2005. But there was no mistaking the message: J DILLA CHANGED MY LIFE.
It was during this short Europe tour when J Dilla appeared on stage in a wheel chair when the public learned of the seriousness of his medical condition. We placed the photo on our home page, and were immediately hit with requests from people from all over the world asking if they could get one.
When Dilla returned from tour he remembered the shirt, and there was talk of making them available for the public. Dilla's mother also also recalled: "It was very inspiring - not just what it said but the fact that he made it and wore it up on the stage all night."
I eventually got in touch with the guy in the photo, DJ Deckstarr, who created the shirt himself. He was the opening DJ that night at Unique Club in Dusseldorf, Germany, December 2005. Here's his story:
"Let me tell you about the inspiration. It has to do with the photos of the concert in London, but it was mostly the reaction of the people that started to write all these negative things."
"I have been a hardcore Dilla fans for years ... I can't think of any other artist that was able to touch me with music like he did. I have been waiting for years to get the chance to see this man perform and I was so happy that Dilla would come in December. I was reading all this stuff, 'this man should stay at home,' and so on. I was thinking to myself, why can't these people appreciate what Dilla is doing right now and just support him? I wanted Dilla to see that it is more than just music and that I support him from the bottom of my heart no matter what, because he has been there for me all these years."
j-dilla.com | J Dilla Facebook | www.stonesthrow.com/jdilla
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Last Wednesday and Thursday night, the top twenty Democratic presidential candidates—yes, there are actually more than twenty—locked horns in Miami to bitch about corporations, racial injustice, brown children who are denied Facebook access in concentration camps, how guns are uncool, and all the other shit no one really cares about. Every last one of them was rich and powerful—at least compared to me—yet none of them could stop screaming about the “rich and powerful.”
After thinking that my vote for Trump would change something—anything—I’m back to where I was before 2016—despondent that voting changes anything at all. I am unfamiliar with nearly all of these clowns, and I doubt that I’d be persuaded even if they explained their policies.
My “analysis” of their performances is based not on their policies, because I doubt that even they understand their policies, if they in fact have them. Instead,I will focus on what actually decides elections—physiognomy and gut reactions.
Here are the 20 candidates, presented in alphabetical order.
Right out of the box, I’m annoyed that he spells his surname with only one “T.” But not only is that unforgivable, as is the fact that he has all the personality of room-temperature milk, he had to go and blow everything by announcing, live and onstage, that he is a recent survivor of prostate cancer. This means that doctors have been fiddling around inside his anus. How will that look—and smell—on a world stage? It also means that he has been compromised as a male, and this is entirely unacceptable. A man without a functional and robust prostate gland is not fit to be the leader of the free world. Do we really want a president who won’t ever be able to achieve another erection? He has no chance to become president, and he really needs to shut up.
This duplicitous, shape-shifting cactus is drying up in front of our eyes. If he survives the primaries and is the Democratic nominee, his body will contain all the moisture of a tumbleweed on Election Eve, and a dehydrated president is not what this nation needs right now. Even though he’s a white man, he wants everyone to know he’s not cool with it, and he went out of his way to call Trump a racist and a supporter of white supremacists. It didn’t help, though—the mulatto mud-puppy Kamala Harris ate him alive on some alleged “racism” in his past, but Joe knew it would be political suicide to get salty with an ex-Negress. And there’s no way his teeth are real.
This bullet-headed, haunted-eyed faygelah surrounds himself with hostile-looking black women and claims that people on his block are getting shot all the time, and somehow he expects this to be his pathway to electoral victory? Apparently both of his parents were black, but not by much, as he’d have trouble passing the paper-bag test. During the debate he claimed, without a hint of irony, that “we” don’t talk nearly enough about black trannies. This, combined with his terrifying eyes and pronounced frown lines, suggests to me that he may be the first gay mulatto serial killer to run for president of a major American political party. His name should be Scary Booker. Keep him away from your children; he’s far too frightening.
Should any president have a husband, much less a male president? Mayor Pete’s upper lip has a five o’clock shadow that is borderline Nixonian, and as he spoke in his disingenuously earnest way, I kept wondering: How many male buttholes has he sniffed? It may not seem relevant to you, but it’s intensely relevant to me: I’m not saying we should have a woman president, but if we did, we should assume that at one point or another during her various sexual escapades she’s caught a whiff of a male anus. But the fact that Pete Buttigieg has undoubtedly sniffed at least one male butthole is a deal-breaker. Sorry, but you can’t ever walk that back.
Greasy and reptilian, this half-pint race-hustler eats beans and remembers the Alamo. He kept breaking into some weird language that I assume was Spanish but couldn’t be bothered to check. His entire campaign seems to be based on the fact that he’s Hispanic. But so was Richard “The Night Stalker” Ramirez. I can tell he hates gringos with every drop of grease that drips from his ample forehead. Plus, he refuses to pronounce the “J” in “Julian.”
“A measure of weight lighter than a milligram should be called a “beto.””
The worst hook nose and teeth of any presidential candidate I’ve ever seen. Being very tall doesn’t compensate for these glaring physical deficiencies. He made a point of mentioning that his son is black and that, by proxy, he has experienced anti-black racism. His biggest accomplishment in life is dragging a black lesbian back onto Team Hetero—impressive, but hardly presidential.
Way too bald to be president. Blindingly bald. All I see is bald. His eyes are intensely terrifying, perhaps even scarier than Cory Booker’s. His eyes bear the anguished and mortified expression of a man who had seen himself bald in the mirror for the first time in his life only minutes before walking onstage. He sees himself as the most moderate candidate, but he is also the baldest. Extremely bald cancels out politically moderate every time.
The only sensible antiwar voice in the whole campaign on either side and quite possibly the only surfer, too. She is not only Samoan, but she isn’t fat. And if she’s going to be religious, she might as well be a Hindu, because at least they have the best food. Surrounded as she is by other female candidates who couldn’t get laid at a bar in Fairbanks in mid-January at 2AM surrounded by horny lumberjacks, she is possibly the most attractive female who has ever run for president. She is also the most “presidential” in mien. She is the only candidate toward whom I had a positive reaction. I’m finding it difficult to say anything negative about her, and it’s pissing me off.
Blinking multiple times per second, Ms. Kirsten wants everyone to know that she’s a woman, but we knew that already because she can’t shut up. Everything is women women women women, and I’d like to stand before the world to announce it’s not an accomplishment to be born with a vagina, especially one I suspect is icy-cold and bears the faint aroma of clam juice and boiled cabbage. She kept interrupting everyone like the rude bitch she obviously is. If she actually meant half of what she said, she would have had a live abortion onstage during the debate.
For someone who was obviously named after a famous pro wrestler—whose surname was also Harris—she grossly disrespects her heritage by insisting on mispronouncing her uniquely enchanting first name. Although she is half-black and half-Tamil Indian, I’ve never heard her say “I am a Tamil Indian and I am proud of it,” but just this year she said the same thing about being black, even though her cup of java has at least three scoops of Coffee Mate in it. She clearly hates white people and all they’ve accomplished and has made it her goal to turn the First World into the Third World while pretending it represents “progress.”
The Lincoln Chafee of this voting cycle, this goofy-assed fossil is polling less than 1% because he has a ridiculous name and an even more ridiculous toupee. Hairpieces should disqualify anyone from public office. He also slices his wrinkled throat by announcing that he opposes socialism in a party that fellates Karl Marx. Beyond that, I don’t know what he stands for and I don’t want to know. All I know is that I disapprove of this so-called “man.”
A bit of a blockhead, he looks like a high school football coach who has spent most of his adult life immersed in a world of jockstraps and butt-slaps. He’s kind of the most “presidential-looking” of all the Democratic candidates in classical terms, but he’s not running in a classically oriented party. Being a normal-looking white male will be his death blow, and unless he transitions into a woman over the next 90 days, he needs to pack his duffel bag and get the heck out of here.
Despite her unfortunate face and name, she smiles so much she seems drunk—and she may indeed be snockered simply to take the edge off what is a legendary temper. She has a self-satisfied smile that makes up for an appalling lack of beauty. She kept staring at Tulsi Gabbard as if she wanted to have sex with her. Still, I couldn’t find it within me to hate her, which is miraculous.
Like some people are famous for being famous, he’s best known for being a candidate who thinks he should be a candidate. With a candy-corn nose on a Howdy Doody face, he redefines the term “lightweight.” A measure of weight lighter than a milligram should be called a “beto.” He appeared chastened by the fact that no one thinks he should be president more than he does. Like at least three other candidates—only one of whom was Hispanic—he made a point of speaking in Spanish. Why, it’s almost as if all the wetbacks in southern Texas don’t see him as a gringo no matter how hard he aims to please.
What a boring name. The only thing worse would be if his name was Kevin Ryan. This is the sort of guy who would choose to live in Ohio even if he didn’t have to. He came off like kind of a dumb douchebag—maybe the douchebaggiest of them all. Paranoid and charmless, he also suffers from noticeably dark circles under his eyes, and anus eyes do not a viable candidate make.
The passage of four years has done nothing to make him happier; if anything, he’s more crotchety than ever, which I assumed was biologically impossible. Always shvitzing and kvetching and on the verge of popping a blood vessel, he is the angriest person in politics. Did you not hear him the first seven hundred times when he said, “We’re doomed”? I did, and I stopped listening after a while.
Smirkingly overconfident in an asshole-jock kind of way, he looks the candidate most likely to be a date rapist. Remember, this is the power-hungry lunatic who arrogantly proclaimed that the US government has nukes and would easily squash any insurgency by gun owners. He kept reminding Joe Biden that he was younger than Joe Biden, apparently unaware that everyone in the theater was younger than Joe Biden. He also made some comment about the smell of diapers, which should have disqualified him from the debate right then and there. Plus, his last name is confusing.
What a tightly wound ball of twine this wannabe squaw is. She kept shaking her head so hard I feared it would fly off. She was so uncomfortably intense it seemed as if her ovaries were going to explode. She reminded me of grade-school nuns who’d beat you bloody with a yardstick if she so much as suspected you were even thinking of masturbating.
It is quite evident that this woman’s vagina cries actual tears. She criticized the other candidates for having these dumb and superficial “plans” while insisting what is really needed is to come up with a slogan as empty as “Make America Great Again.” She said that the great struggle in this campaign season is between love and hate, and she represents love, and she’s actually stupid enough to think that Americans are dumb enough to vote for love, but if they are, she’s a genius.
Despite being the only male without a tie, this anti-gun Russia conspiracy nutter was easily the most uptight candidate of both debates. Being Asian may be a blessing when it comes to math skills, but it is a crippling liability when it comes to the sort of charisma required to be a national leader. Yang once mentioned that whites were being affected by the opioid crisis, and as such he is the only presidential candidate in memory who has ever explicitly expressed sympathy for white people. But the moment it was brought to his attention that white nationalists supported him, he explicitly disavowed them. He won’t last past the first couple months of primaries, and every former Alt-Righter who hopped on the mega-cringey “Yang Gang” train will look like the directionless, idea-free, bandwagon-jumping meme-tards I’ve always said they are.
Busing, Part II: Birth of a Ruination
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Search Result for is the incompetence — 103 articles
The divided UK
The following was posted by Charles Adams on Progressive Pulse a couple of days ago, and I thought it well worth sharing:
Something that I knew, but it still shocks me, is illustrated in this data from The Economist.
In terms of regional inequality, the UK is more divided than the US. The situation in the UK is extreme. It is as if a great crime has been committed on large parts of the UK population. The regions have become sacrifice zones, feeding the finance monster in London. The same crime committed on the heartlands in the US. The crime began in 1970s and it is still happening. As inequality drives political instability, it is vitally important for all, wherever they live that something is done. As the Economist suggested nearly two years ago, “Regional inequality is proving too politically dangerous to ignore”
– The Economist, 17 December, 2016.
Depending on where you live, and how much you travel, you may not have noticed how extreme the situation is. I live on the edge of the Durham coalfield and travel daily through old pit towns and villages. If you live where I live, London is another world. Compared to much of the North East, much of the South East plus westwards to Bath seems like another country. Both the statistics and the reality have been known for a long time. In 2014 the Mail published an article with the headline, “Parts of Britain are now poorer than POLAND” with a series of graphics based on Eurostat data including this one where the British Isles appears twice!
The numbers correspond to the percentage difference of local GDP per capita to the EU average. Similarly to the more recent Eurostat data presented in Sean’s post on Northern Ireland
We can see that North East, Northern Ireland, and Wales have not been doing as well as say Slovenia. Now you could argue that this is more the fault of London than Brussels, but may be this data does help explain why some people in these regions might not be so emthusiastic about the EU. The wider EU context is discussed in more depth here.
In the UK regions, any disenchantment that was already brewing was further fermented by austerity (as discussed here by Peter). Austerity further disadvantaged those regions that were already suffering. The map below is from a paper “Did Austerity Cause Brexit?” by Thiemo Fetzer of the University of Warwick. It shows the loss of income due to asuterity across different regions of the UK. Again, we see that it is Cornwall, Wales, Northern England and Lincolnshire that have been hit the hardest.
The case is black and white, Britain is divided by extreme regional inequality. This problem has been building since the 1980s and political parties of both colours have not done enough to stop it. Inequality drives politically instability and eventually everyone suffers. Ideas such as the Green New Deal could be a part of a solution. Land value tax is another. We desparately need more than one.
The PWC BHS Audit failure reveals a system rotten to its very core
It is not every day that a classic that will be read for years to come is published. Yesterday was such a day. And the classic in question? The Financial Reporting Council's report on PWC's audit of BHS. I have read all 39 pages this morning.
It's hard to describe how shocking the report is. It's especially shocking to me as a former audit partner, and when I compare just how weak PWC's systems were when compared to the procedures my own firm used to follow to ensure audit quality control.
Let me focus on some facts, first of all. These, on hours recorded on the audit, are interesting: The focus has been given by many to the near absence of time expended by the partner and senior manager. But I am shocked by the tiny total hours: just 154.5 hours, or less than five weeks work, much if it by very junior staff, was expended on this audit. The audit fee was £355,000. The average charge per hour was, then, £2,297. That is either daylight robbery, or someone at the FRC is misreporting facts.
If the hours recorded were true then at every possible level of work this audit could not have been properly undertaken. And gross mischarging took place.
It may have been both. But let's stop the pretence that audit is not profitable in that case.
Overall, there can be no doubt that Sir Philip Green and his companies were of considerable value to PWC:
This ratio is shocking. And what is more shocking is that the audit partner headed the supply of the non-audit services. There was no pretence at a separation of duties and so any audit objectivity. The same person who could give 2 hours to the audit could, over the same period, given 15 times that amount of effort to non-audit services.
And there was basic fraud:
False statements were made.
This is shocking enough, but the gross negligence of the actual audits, outlined in some detail in the report is also incredible. The turnover of BHS was basically not audited: it was only checked as part of the group but individual accounts were also signed off, of course. This was just wrong. Nor were large parts of the cost of sales audited. And major intra-group adjustments were simply ignored. Whilst the basic question of whether a company in such obvious trouble was a going concern or not, and so able to meet its financial obligations, was simply not tested at all. Indeed, the auditor who did most of the work, who had only one year's post qualification experience and may, therefore, have had just four year's experience in all, was not even aware that a sale was planned and did not allow for it in the audit work. Her manager and the audit partner did not apparently notice that deficiency. Which was not surprising as they could hardly have looked at the file at all.
This is not just a tale of woeful incompetence, although it is that.
It's also not just a tale of fraud, although that happened.
It has to be a tale of systemic failure: I cannot believe that this was just the proverbial 'rotten apple', yet again. For such a situation to have arisen here it must have been sufficiently commonplace for no one to have noticed anything amiss in what was happening. The implication is for the firm as a whole, and not just this audit and this partner.
And what of the penalty for such utterly gross incompetence and fraud? At £6.5 million for PWC it was less than a per cent of profit. It was a cost of doing business at more than £2,000 an hour. An inconvenience if the rest of the show can stay on the road.
My suggestion is the Financial Reporting Council has also failed here. PWC should have been barred from taking on new audit work. The FRC should have ordered a review of all its major audit files. Evidence of replication of the risk should have been sought: how many other audits were signed off with just two hours of partner time, for example? It would hardly be hard to identify them, and so pick the files for review, after all. But nothing of the sort has happened. Despite such gross failure, PWC is still selling audit services today.
And the question has, then, to be asked as to why that is, and why this business model is permitted to exist?
I discussed rent-seeking in the context of CEOs yesterday. I will suggest there is rent-seeking in these firms as well. What is very apparent is that just as CEOs cannot justify their salaries these firms cannot justify their fees. But they, or rather their partners, get away with them because they can exploit the rent that their firm name permits them to charge.
There is no value added.
There may be no service at all.
There is just a fee and a veneer of service that the FRC will not disrupt and so the rent-seeking, rather than the service, goes on.
This country; our financial system, and all the people who depend on it; they all need real audit services. I suspect, very strongly, that they are not getting anything close to that service and that BHS is not atypical in any way. PWC just made the mistake of being found out.
This rotten system needs root and branch reform. Of the regulator. Of the obligations of the auditor. Of the law. On the way firms are permitted to operate. And on their accountability.
Will we get it? Or will the rents just continue to flow to those who have not earned them? What do you think?
Is the incompetence of May and Trump deliberate?
I argued yesterday that the UK is now rudderless because of May’s willingness to change policy on a whim in an attempt to retain power. Her ability to shift position for no other reason than appeasement of whoever appears her most immediate threat is quite extraordinary.
Unless, of course, it is compared with Trump’s ability to deny the meaning of all he says, even when he cannot deny having said it. Yesterday he claimed the comments made about Putin on Monday were all just a mistake. Who doesn’t, after all, say ‘would’ when they mean ‘wouldn’t’?
Leave aside for a moment the idea that both are just expedient. Leave aside too the idea that they are people of such little principle that they can renege on themselves without a moment’s hesitation. Dismiss too any suggestion of incompetence. Maybe all such ideas are far too convenient. And come to that, just exactly what May and Trump may want believed.
Suppose instead that the aim really is instability: that they read Naomi Klein’s ‘Shock Doctrine’ and thought they’d get themselves some of that.
I’ve never wanted to believe that there were those who would create chaos for its own sake. But if you really wanted to destabilise liberal democracy, why wouldn’t you do just that?
We know democracy is in retreat, and not just as an ideal. The pretence that it exists in Russia is just that; i.e. a pretence. Within the EU it is in retreat in Poland and Hungary. The two party systems of the US and UK have always been vulnerable. Suppose they fall? And suppose the fall is already in planned progress?
I don’t want to accept this possibility. But there have been other possibilities in my life that bitter experience has required that I address. The possibility that the process of democratic failure in the UK is much further advanced than I had thought possible is one that I have to, at least, consider possible. The time has come when it would be negligent not to do so.
The Scottish Growth Commission gets its economics very badly wrong
The 354 page report of the Scottish Growth Commission was published this morning. But you don't need to read it all. I admit I had an advance copy and as I read it last night I remained vaguely optimistic until I reached page 47. Then I knew the SNP has a disaster on its hands and that if it was to become independent on the basis of this report the last thing that the people of Scotland would enjoy would be growth.
That’s because on page 47 the report says:
The Commission recommends that the currency of an independent Scotland should remain the pound sterling for a possibly extended transition period.
Admittedly it then adds:
A future Scottish Government should put in place the arrangements and financial infrastructure that would support a move to an independent Scottish currency at such time as this was considered appropriate for the Scottish economy.
Which is a sop, because most depressing is this comment, which comes next:
What happens with respect to currency the day before an independence vote would happen the day after and continue to happen until such time as the elected Scottish Government seeks to do something differently.
In other words, this Commission recommends that Scotland use the currency created by another country. That will mean five things.
The first is that Scotland will have no control over its money supply after independence.
Second it will have no control over its interest rate.
Third, if London decides to trash the rUK economy to support The City, or some other cause, Scotland will go down with it.
Fourth, all the negative impacts of Brexit will be imported directly into the Scottish economy.
Fifth, Scotland will effectively have to earn the currency of another state to service its debts.
All of these are devastating decisions by a Commission that is supposedly dedicated to independence. As that list shows, by choosing sterling as the Scottish currency Scotland would have no effective hope of achieving that status: it would remain enslaved by the pound and tied to the apron strings of London.
Depressingly, in support of their proposal the Commission says:
We note that this was the approach taken by Ireland for an extended period, albeit in a different period of history.
I know plenty enough about Irish economic history to describe the consequnce of this policy succinctly: it was a disaster that oppressed Ireland economically for decades.
I thought my mood could not go lower, but then it did. I read the recommended objectives for macroeconomic management of the Scottish economy in paragraph B12, which says Scotland should:
Target a deficit value of below 3 per cent within 5 to 10 years.
National debt should not increase beyond 50% of GDP and should stabilise at that level.
Borrow only for public investment in net terms over the course of the cycle.
During the transition period real increases in public spending should be limited to sufficiently less than GDP growth over the business cycle to reduce the deficit to below 3% within 5 to 10 years. At trend growth and target inflation rates this would mean average annual cash spending increases of above inflation in contrast to the Scottish budget experience under the UK regime of recent years and that scheduled for the remainder of the current planning period.
In other words, the Scottish economy will, after indepdence, be run to keep the London money markets happy.
The ability of a country with its own currency to issue debt to finance growth will be foregone by Scotland not having its own currency. Forget full employment then. But worse, what the Commission is saying by adopting these objectives, which will cruise all others in the report, that Scotland should welcome austerity in its place. That’s what a deficit of 3% is guaranteed to deliver. This is literally importing George Osbrone’s economics into Scotland.
Except its worse than that because spending will be cut to meet this target. This is what the fourth bullet point means. The new government of Scotland would, then, crush the economy for years to keep the money markets of London happy.
And Gordon Brown’s Fiscal rule, that clearly worked so well before the crash of 2008, is exactly what the third bullet point describes. When the Commission stops importing Tory economic incompetence it supports Labour’s failed policies instead.
Finally, and for good measure, the goal of keeping debt to 50% of GDP means invetsment in anything in the new Scotland will just be a pipe dream.
I could have gone on to plough throught the rest of this report, but why bother? Any quantity of graphs, and any number of comparisons with states broadly similar in size to Scotland are utterly irrelevant if this Commission that is supposed to be about growth has decided to remove any chance that Scotland could use monetary policy to control its economy, and has crushed any chance of a fiscal stimulus by committing Scotland to decades of austerity with the sole purpose of keeping the old oppressor in London happy.
The Scottish Growth Commission has proved to be a fantastic policy agent for the financial elite. But for those who hoped for a bright independent future it offers nothing but despair.
This Commission’s suggestions are a disaster for Scotland, the SNP and the cause of independence. The Commission has proved itself the slave of pre-crash economics and a proponent of everything that is oppressive about neoliberalism. It’s really hard to imagine how it could have been much worse or more out of kilter with what I sense the people of Scotland want.
This is a sorry day for Scotland.
HMRC is descending into chaos
Posted on April 9 2018
Philip Fisher, writing for AccountingWEB (of which I was once an editor), has reported this morning that:
On 4 April HMRC announced that EU State Aid had not been renewed for the EMI share scheme, which means that no EMI share options issued from 7 April 2018 onwards will qualify for tax relief.
This does not bode well for the UK’s attempts to leave the EU smoothly. Compared with the administrative nightmare of changing most of this country’s legislation, the need to renew EU State Aid approval for the EMI scheme would be a mere drop in the ocean.
Bizarrely, we are informed by Employment-related securities bulletin No 27 (April 2018) that our legislators have failed to complete this relatively simple task by the deadline of 6 April 2018, on which the old approval expires.
You can view this at all sorts of levels. As someone who is not much bothered about EMI I will not make the fuss many accountants might on that issue. But I can make considerable fuss at three other levels.
The first is the incompetence of HMRC in letting this happen without notice. That is not what tax certainty requires.
Second, there is the issue of the EU. If we cannot get such things right now, what will happen as the chaos of Brexit descends?
Third, what does this say about the management resources available top HMRC? In the clearest way possible it is saying that they are inadequate.
The signs are deeply worrying. HMRC is descending into chaos and I see little chance of it coming out again for a long time to come.
The nails are being driven into the coffin of the Financial Reporting Council
I have over the last few years been one of a small group who have supported Tim Bush at the Local Authority Pension Fund Forum (who I advise on tax issues) with regard to his campaign for reform of the UK Financial Reporting Council.
Our criticisms have been multifold, ranging from corporate capture from the accountancy profession and business who they were meant to regulate, to failing to act in the public interest, to straightforward incompetence, to failing to address issues of public concern, like country-by-country reporting, on which they could have taken a stand. There have also been considerable criticisms of their governance structures. It was therefore welcome to note this report in the FT this morning:
The UK’s accounting watchdog is facing a formal inquiry into its independence and competence after being criticised by Greg Clark, the business secretary.
Mr Clark said in evidence to a committee of MPs that the Financial Reporting Council should be examined, after concerns about its “toothless” regulation of the industry.
“There is a strong case for reviewing the operation of the FRC and that is something that I intend to require,” said Mr Clark. “We should look at the operations of the FRC to see whether there are changes that are required — this should be done independently.”
Bring it on, as I think some say. It's long overdue. And the language is so clear that the chance it will survive looks to be very limited.
That's the good news.
The bad news is that they will probably appoint PWC to do it.
John Redwood admits it: there never was a reason for austerity
Posted on March 6 2018
I think this is worth reading:
I have not been worried about the state deficit for sometime, ever since Mr Brown found out that the UK state can literally print money to pay its bills. Mr Osborne, originally a critic of this in opposition, then discovered its charms in office as well. It turned out to have no adverse consequences on shop price inflation, though of course it caused massive price inflation in government bonds, because it was accompanied by severe pressure against bank lending to the private sector to avoid an inflationary blow off. I always adjust the outstanding debt by the £435 bn the state has bought up, as this is in no sense a debt we owe. So our government borrowing level (excluding future state pensions which some here worry about and which have always been pay as you go out of taxation) is modest by world standards at around 65% of GDP, and at current interest rates is affordable.
Most of the state debt we owe to each other anyway. The government owes it to taxpayers who own the debt in their pension funds and insurance policies. The state can always raise enough money to pay the domestic bills backed by the huge powers to tax, and as we have just seen when credit expansion and inflation are low it can also use liquidity created by the monetary authorities.
To many who read this blog that will be unsurprising stuff. Except, that is, for the fact that it comes from far-right Tory MP John Redwood, who put it in his blog yesterday. He follows it with some usual xenophobic comments on the EU and aid, meaning the man is not reformed in any way, but what he has done is let an enormous cat out of the bag.
He has admitted there is no need for a government to balance its books.
He has admitted QE cancels debt.
He has then admitted the whole ‘passing debt to the next generation’ phobia is wrong.
And he has admitted as a result that there was no reason for austerity, the imposition of which served no economic purpose.
As a result he has, in two paragraphs, shredded the whole economic rationale on which he has been elected to Parliament.
And in so doing he has driven coach and horses through all those who still say that austerity must continue, because what he has done is make clear that if this is economically unnecessary then it can only be driven by incompetence, or a hatred of government, or class warfare, or all three.
He is right on this. Deficits do not matter if there is less than full employment. And governments can cancel debt, at will. Debt, in fact, only exists as a favour to financial markets, who desperately need it but have no hold over government as a result.
What does matter is that people like him do not want to use this knowledge for the good of people in this country and elsewhere.
It is time others did.
If there is a need for audit reform it must be the replacement of the Financial Reporting Council
The FT has reported this morning that the Financial Reporting Council, who regulate the UK’s large auditors, are to undertake a review of that sector as they believe that there is insufficient competition within it.
This, as an exercise in missing the point, is just what the FRC want and as far from what is needed as is possible. The failings in audit have nothing to do with competition. They have to do with:
1) control of the regulator by those they regulate;
2) the systemic failure to appropriately define an audit, which is at present considered to be a check on compliance with what are inappropriate rules for disclosure, with little consideration given to meaning;
3) the failure to recognise the importance of any stakeholder barring shareholders and the suppliers of commercial debt;
4) the FRC’s own failure to take account of public demands for for better corporate reporting, as best represented by country-by-country reporting, to which it has never given attention.
Pretending that improving competition in the audit market will change any of these issues is absurd, and the FRC know that. What they are doing is crude politics to prevent any suggestion that a failing large auditor must pay the price for their incompetence.
That suggests one thing: if there is a reform required in this market it s to replace the inept, and captured, FRC so that audit might be subject to effective regulation.
New tax penalties – but will they work?
As the Chartered Institute of Tax has noted this morning:
The Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT) has highlighted that two significant new penalties for tax non-compliance have come into effect following Royal Assent to Finance (No. 2) Act 2017.
The first of these is a substantial penalty for 'enablers of defeated tax avoidance' which comes into effect in relation to enabling actions carried out on or after the date of Royal Assent and tax arrangements entered into on or after that date.
The second is a penalty for 'failing to correct relevant offshore tax non-compliance' which applies to failures to correct inaccuracies and omissions existing at the end of the tax year 2016/17 within the period from 6 April 2017 to 30 September 2018.
I do, of course, welcome any measure targeting tax abuse, and the professional people who facilitate it. Of these two I happen to think the second regime may well be useful, precisely because it removes the defence that proper advice had been taken, which has let far too many off the hook of tax liability in the past. I suspect there will be some anxiety about getting some past misdemeanours corrected as a result of that one. It's the first penalty that concerns me a lot more.
That legislation is fundamentally flawed. What it does is impose penalties on anyone involved in a scheme to which the UK General Anti-Abuse Rule, introduced in 2013, applies. It does not apply to tax avoidance schemes notified under the Disclosure of Tax Avoidance Scheme rules of 2004. And it most certainly does not apply to anything widely thought to be avoidance, such as the practices of Google, Amazon and Apple. As a result this law is entirely toothless. So far the General Anti-Abuse Rule has been used once in four years. And that is not by accident, but by design. HMRC always wanted a GAAR they would not have to use because they knew that if they used it too often it may be challenged in the Courts and its absurd tests (that an arrangements entered into "cannot reasonably be regarded as a reasonable course of action") might prove to be of no legal worth.
That's why it's not being used by HMRC. Or rather, it is that and the fact that a panel drawn from the tax profession has also to give its consent to HMRC using it before it can be used to challenge a taxpayer - a case of putting the fox in charge of the hen house if ever there was one.
But the result is that this new law is also utterly toothless because the pre-condition of it being used is never going to exist. To put it another way, this law is knowingly useless and yet is being promoted as a solution to this problem when all in the tax abuse profession know it cannot work - as do HMRC and HM Treasury.
So it has to be asked why a law has been proposed to tax scams that is itself a scam? Is this deliberate? Is it incompetence? Or is it the government actually showing it is in hock to the tax abuse profession, onshore and offshore, who create these things?
We need to know because right now the government is misleading the public, who are rightly concerned about tax abuse, into thinking action is going to be taken when that is likely to never be the case. I'd suggest the government is avoiding the issue of tax avoidance - and that is wholly unacceptable.
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Sawers relishing return as part of new British K4 crew
08 May 2013 / 19:05
Louisa Sawers is relishing racing on the World Cup circuit again and is adamant Britain’s new women’s canoe sprint K4 crew can be successful as they build towards the Rio 2016 Olympics.
Sawers joined forces with Jess Walker, Rachel Cawthorn and Angela Hannah in the K4 500m at the London 2012 Olympics last summer, the quartet going on to finish fifth in the final at Eton Dorney.
The new British K4 combines two of the Olympic quartet with two new faces as Sawers and Hannah link up with Hayleigh Mason and Lani Belcher with the latter being assigned seat one in the boat.
They came together after the Nottingham selection event and subsequent rigorous testing the week after at Eton Dorney with their first international outing this week’s World Cup opener in Szeged.
They will also race at the second World Cup of this year in the Czech Republic venue of Racice a week later and Sawers believes it will be the start of plenty of success in the future.
“It’s exciting to have a new crew and it’s a strong crew,” said Sawers, who also competed in the K2 500m at London 2012 with Abigail Edmonds, finishing third in the B final.
“We’ve got Hayleigh who is powerful and a tough cookie, Angela is also very powerful and I’m consistent in the back of the boat.
“Lani has mainly done K2 in the past so it’s good that she has moved to K4. She has driven K2s for the past five years internationally and she paddles her K1 with good rhythm, so that makes it easy to transfer it into the K4.
“It’s exciting that it’s come around again and it’s nice to be going away and racing on a different course against the people that you have been lining up against for the past four or five years.
“Although this year is about seeing where we are and developing the K4 again, we have a plan for Rio and leading up to that, the aim being to make the podium continuously at World Cups through to 2014 and 2015.
“World Cups give us the chance to see how good we are and how good our winter training was. It will be good to see how fast we can make the boats go.”
© Sportsbeat 2013
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Dominant Performance Continues For U.S. Women’s Volleyball Players As They Beat World No. 1 China
By Karen Price | June 07, 2018, 11:29 a.m. (ET)
Team USA celebrates after defeating China at the FIVB Volleyball Nations League on June 7, 2018 in Jiangmen, China.
In a showdown of the world’s top two women’s volleyball teams, the second-ranked United States came out on top against No. 1 China on Thursday at the FIVB Volleyball Nations League in Jiangmen, China.
Team USA beat the reigning Olympic champion, 25-20, 25-22, 25-20, to bring its record to 11-1 at the tournament, a performance that has the Americans sitting in first place in the standings and has them qualified to compete in the six-team Finals Round beginning June 27 in Nanjing, China.
It was the Americans’ 10th win in a row at the tournament. They trailed in the third set, 20-15, but scored the next 10 points to finish things off. Michelle Bartsch-Hackley led with 18 points, but it was a strong overall U.S. effort to polish off the host team and wrap up another 3-0 week in the league.
On Wednesday, the fourth-ranked Brazilians did manage to snap Team USA’s 25-set winning streak, but that was the best they could do as the U.S. won the match, 25-23, 26-28, 25-21, 25-18. The U.S. took a close first set, coming back from a 15-12 deficit along the way, then Brazil won the second set on its third set-point chance to end the U.S. streak. Team USA bounced back and again overcame deficits in both the third and fourth sets to secure the win.
Lauren Gibbemeyer had 16 points with eight kills on 16 swings and eight blocks, Jordan Larson had 15 kills on 35 swings and a block and Foluke Akinradewo had nine kills on 20 seconds and four blocks. Brazil had won nine matches in a row before facing the Americans.
The U.S. opened the week by beating Russia, 25-14, 25-18, 25-18, on Tuesday and breaking a 37-year-old record in the process. It was the team’s eighth consecutive straight-set win, beating a U.S. record of seven straight-set victories from 1978 to 1981. After controlling the first two sets against No. 5 Russia, the U.S. trailed briefly in the third, but scored the last eight points to improve to 9-1 at the tournament.
Bartsch-Hackley led the team again with 13 kills on 20 attacks along with two aces and a block and Annie Drews had nine points in the win.
The U.S. next heads to Santa Fe, Argentina, for games against Serbia, Korea and Argentina June 12-14.
Karen Price is a reporter from Pittsburgh who has covered Olympic sports for various publications. She is a freelance contributor to TeamUSA.org on behalf of Red Line Editorial, Inc.
Team USA Suffers Its First Loss In 6 Matches, Unable To Finish Off Host Brazil In Volleyball Nations League June 03, 2018
U.S. Women Top Volleyball Nations League Standings After Three More Wins In Week 3 May 31, 2018
U.S. Men’s Volleyball Team Executes 3-0 Sweep In Week 1 Of Nations League Play May 27, 2018
U.S. Women’s Volleyball Team Goes 3-0 In Week 2 Of Nations League To Top Standings May 24, 2018
U.S. Women’s Volleyball Team Ranked Third After Opening Series Of Nations League May 18, 2018
Michelle Bartsch-Hackley
Jordan Larson
Kelsey Robinson
Rachael Adams
Foluke Akinradewo
Tori Dixon
Annie Drews
Lauren Gibbemeyer
Kelly Murphy
Micha Hancock
Justine Wong Orantes
Sarah Wilhite Parsons
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Business Breaking | Top News
Dunkerley to retire as Hawaiian Airlines CEO
Hawaiian Airlines held a blessing ceremony for its first Airbus A321neo aircraft today. During the press conference, Mark Dunkerley, right, announced his retirement as president and CEO, with executive vide president and chief commercial officer Peter Ingram, left, taking over in March.
Hawaiian Airlines president and CEO Mark Dunkerley, 54, will retire on March 1, and will be succeeded by Peter Ingram, 51, the airline’s executive vice president and chief commercial officer, the company announced this morning.
“Dunkerley’s departure will end 15 years of leadership during which the company executed a remarkable turnaround to become one of the world’s most successful airlines,” a company news release said. “During Dunkerley’s tenure, Hawaiian Airlines successfully embarked on a bold Asia-Pacific growth strategy, adding service to Tokyo, Osaka and Sapporo, Japan; Seoul, South Korea; and Beijing, China as well as new routes to Auckland, New Zealand; Sydney and Brisbane, Australia; and New York City.”
“This has been a heart-wrenching decision,” said Dunkerley, who joined Hawaiian in December 2002. “I am so proud to be associated with this company and our employees. Hawaiian Airlines is truly in a class of its own, distinguished by all the employees I am honored to call my colleagues. At the same time, I am excited by the new opportunities ahead of me and I am confident that Peter Ingram and the team will lead the company to further success.”
The company said that since Dunkerley joined the company, it has doubled the number of passengers flown annually, to 11 million. increased gross revenues four-fold, to $2.64 billion, and doubled its staff to 6,600 employees.
Hawaiian Airlines’ board chairman Lawrence Hershfield said in a news release, “Mark’s abilities as an airline chief executive are evident in the phenomenal growth and success of Hawaiian Airlines over the course of his leadership.”
Hershfield added, “Peter Ingram has been an important part of Hawaiian Airlines’ growth and success for the past 12 years, and we are confident in his deep knowledge of the airline, the industry and the community.”
Ingram joined Hawaiian as chief financial officer in December 2005, six months after its emergence from bankruptcy. In 2011, he became chief commercial officer, overseeing marketing and sales, revenue management and network planning, loyalty programs and cargo, according to the airline.
“I am humbled by the board’s confidence in me and excited by the opportunity to lead an incredible team as Hawaiian’s CEO,” Ingram said in the news release. “Mark has been an inspirational leader for our company and mentor to me and many others and I will be proud to continue pursuing the strategy for growth and success that we have been following for the last several years.”
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Suspect arrested after stabbing leaves man, 18, in serious condition in Kalihi
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Protesters decry neglect after Brazilian museum fire
Amid melee at Rio's National Museum, museology students begin project to digitise the institution
Gabriella Angeleti and Gareth Harris
4th September 2018 17:48 BST
View of the National Museum, in Rio de Janeiro, which was destroyed by a fire Photo: Fabio Motta/Estado Contuedo, Agencia Estado via AP Images
Hours after an immense fire consumed the National Museum in Rio de Janeiro, a crowd of protesters gathered in front of the wrecked institution on last night (3 September) to protest the financial neglect that led to its demise. The 200-year-old historical building lacked an efficient sprinkler system—a result of years of incremental budget cuts by the Brazilian government—and was quickly gutted when the blaze erupted shortly after the museum closed to visitors on Sunday (2 September).
Police officers shot tear gas at protesters who attempted to the enter the building. The scale of damage to collection and building has not yet been assessed, but aerial photographs of the museum offered little hope, and a video by an anonymous poster showed a grim aftermath. Although the facade of the building has mostly survived, much of the roof collapsed and the interior of the 13,000 sq meter museum, once filled with important scientific and anthropological artefacts, is packed with charred rubble.
Less than 40 days before the fire, an architect wrote to the federal public ministry of Rio de Janeiro to report that the building had been neglected and asked for urgent measures, detailing exposed wires and other constructional issues, according to documents published by G1. In the letter, the architect, whose name was withheld, wrote that important archives “could catch fire at any moment and it’s a miracle that [a fire] hasn’t already happened”, adding that “it’s urgent that firefighters visit” the building.
Brazilian president Michel Temer and former president Dilma Rousseff are being faulted for a failure to adequately maintain cultural institutions in Brazil like the National Museum, with some accusing them of mismanagement of public funds that flowed to the 2016 Rio Olympic Games and the 2014 World Cup.
More than 20 years ago, the World Bank allegedly offered $80m to renovate the National Museum. The offer was reportedly turned down by Israel Klabin, a former mayor of Rio de Janeiro who presided over the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, which manages the museum, and objected to a condition attached to the donation requiring that the museum be converted to a private non-profit association. In an interview, Klabin writes that the fire was the “result of an archaic model of governance that does not allow the modernisation of the country”.
Meanwhile, museology students of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro have partnered with the Peruvian museological laboratory Museofilia to launch an initiative to build a digital archive of the museum’s collection and are asking visitors to send in photos. Museums across the world, including the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago and the Smithsonian Institution Archives have stepped up to support and promote the project on social media. Images can be sent to thg.museo@gmail.com.
The National Museum was the oldest scientific institution in the country and held around 20 million artefacts spanning 11,000 years, including various early indigenous works of art, the largest meteorite ever discovered in Brazil and the oldest human skull discovered in the Americas, nicknamed Luzia. The status of the institution’s most important works remains unknown.
Reactions from the São Paulo biennial (7 September-9 December)
At the launch of the 33rd Bienal de Sāo Paulo on Tuesday (4 September), Eduardo Saron, the vice president of the biennial foundation, said: “This is catastrophic, I’ve cried a lot. It is a defeat for all of us, for mankind. We are lacking a state policy for culture. There is no overarching policy for heritage. Maybe the death of this museum will force the government to move forward.”
“Our government does not care for its heritage; it is despicable. These [destroyed] items were from all over the world,” said Danilo Miranda, the director of the non-profit cultural and business body Sesc (Serviço Social do Comércio), at the launch. “We are currently going through an electoral process [a presidential election will be held next month], and I have not seen one word on art or culture.”
The Brazilian artist Letícia Ramos is showing a selection of works at the Pivo exhibition space in Sāo Paulo (Universal History of the Earthquakes, until 27 October). She conducted much of her research for the show at the National Museum. “It’s difficult to talk about the fire at the National Museum. I’m shocked. The museum had the most important collection of history and science [material] in Brazil. The documents, the cultural history could be revisited, restudied, rewritten—we had access to [these archives]. The National Museum was a guardian of all of these things.”
More NewsTopicsNewsBrazilRio de Janeiro
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State of Massachusetts investigates reported racism at the MFA Boston
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Ludwig-Erhard-Anlage 1, Frankfurt, Hessen, 60327, Germany
http://www.messefrankfurt.com/frankfurt/en/messe/willkommen.html
+49 69 75 75 0
Messe Frankfurt Overview:
The strong brands of Frankfurt's flagship fairs are unrivalled and successful both at the Frankfurt home venue and at trade fair venues all over the world. They offer international marketing platforms for consumer goods, textiles, architecture, technology and design as well as automotive technology.
Messe Frankfurt's events inspired around three million visitors worldwide in 2008: business people, buyers, retailers and many more.
At the home venue in Frankfurt am Main, the whole world meets. 42 trade fairs were held in Frankfurt in 2008, with an attendance of over 43,600 exhibitors and some 1.68 million visitors.
Messe Frankfurt news
Intersec 2019 To Focus On Government Regulations And Infrastructure Investment As Key Drivers For Fire Safety Industry
The Middle East’s US$1.9 billion fire safety systems and equipment market will see solid growth over the next six years, with new government regulations around life safety and fire protection along with large-scale infrastructure investment among the key market drivers. A November 2018 report by analysts 6Wresearch estimates the Middle East market for firefighting systems, fire detection & alarm systems, and emergency exit & lighting, will be worth US$3 billion by 2024, growing at a compound annual growth rate of nearly eight percent. The report stated the regional market witnessed a slight decline during 2014-2016, however from 2017 demand has picked up, aided by recovering oil prices and government economic diversification initiatives aimed at reviving the construction sector. Passive fire-rated products Fire & Rescue is the second largest of seven show sections at the annual three-day event Additionally, revised fire and life safety codes, such as those rolled out by the UAE Civil Defence in 2016, has helped growth in passive fire-rated products in new buildings and infrastructure, while adding further impetus to the retrofitting segment, where newer systems in line with current regulations are replacing older systems. 6Wresearch’s report was published ahead of the Intersec exhibition, the world’s leading trade fair for security, safety, and fire protection, taking place from 20-22 January 2019 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. Fire & Rescue exhibitors Fire & Rescue is the second largest of seven show sections at the annual three-day event, where more than 1,300 exhibitors from 59 countries are set to take part in the show’s 21st edition early next year. More than 350 of those will be in the Fire & Rescue section, including the biggest names in the global fire and life safety business such as UAE-based powerhouses NAFFCO and Concorde Corodex Group, Honeywell from the USA, Japanese-headquartered Hochiki, Drager from Germany, and Turkish fire truck manufacturer, Volkan. Future fire safety trends All those involved in the construction process are placing greater importance of meeting, and exceeding, the standards set out" Eaton Corporation is another headline exhibitor in the Fire & Rescue section and is one of many companies at Intersec 2019 positive about the current and future fire safety trends in the regional market. Frank Ackland, Eaton’s Middle East Managing Director said the regulations set out by the UAE Civil Defence for example, offer a much higher standard of regulation than has ever been seen before: “Eaton provides emergency lighting and fire detection systems for buildings and we’ve noted an increase in the levels of regulation that are being adhered to – not only to the set standard but also above in many cases." "All those involved in the construction process are placing greater importance of meeting, and exceeding, the standards set out. That doesn’t mean there isn’t more work to be done, and this is where we see a significant investment in retrofitting also taking place in the UAE, in order to make older buildings safer and in line with current regulations.” Fire and emergency lighting Eaton will showcase a wide range of products from its fire and emergency lighting divisions at Intersec 2019, including its adaptive evacuation exit luminaires which provide commercial buildings with the potential to redirect occupants to safety by adjusting the directions displayed according to the threat. Our uninterrupted power systems (UPS), provide vital peace of mind to buildings such as hospitals and military bases" Ackland said all Eaton’s solutions are designed with safety at the core, adding, “This is not limited to our life safety division products, and we’ve have noticed there’s a much greater emphasis placed on how power solutions can keep a building safe and mitigate risks caused by power fault or failure." "Our uninterrupted power systems (UPS), for example, provide vital peace of mind to buildings, specifically those where critical power is a necessity such as in hospitals and military bases. They also to ensure the continual safety of data and information that can be lost to public cyberspace within a split second of a power failure.” Emergency mobile solutions Concorde Corodex Group is another regular Intersec exhibitor and will showcase in 2019 its UAE-made emergency mobile solutions, such as fire trucks, ambulances, special vehicles, and hydraulic platforms, along with its static fire equipment, including pumps, cabinet extinguishers and fixed suppression equipment. Starting out as a two-man show with big ideas and a lot of hard work in 1974, the company now has two factories in the UAE with 1,500 people and is widely regarded as one of the world’s most trusted exporters of life safety and fire protection solutions. Intersec Future Security Summit will be raising key issues on artificial intelligence, security integration, emergency preparedness and response, data protection, IoT and much more Life safety and fire protection Mohanned Awad, Concorde Corodex’s Regional Director for Business Development, said much of this is thanks to its UAE roots, “In the UAE, the natural status of our customers and partners is to be early adopters,” said Awad. “Our partners always request to think ahead of the curve; they don’t want to just solve the problem but to be able to prevent the problem and be two or three steps ahead of the problem." "We’re very fortunate to have such demanding requirements locally, because we’ve been able to take that know-how and expand it through other markets that we serve, such as Asia, MENA and the CIS. It’s forced us to think out of the box and put considerable investment in research and development capabilities and to bring on board many key people who have experience.” Concorde Corodex Group, and its brand Bristol, plan to showcase at Intersec 2019 something that’s never been seen before in the UAE Awad said Concorde Corodex Group, and its brand Bristol, plan to showcase at Intersec 2019 something that’s never been seen before in the UAE – if it arrives on time: “It’s a new technology that may have been seen in other places but not in the UAE, and will take up a big footprint outside the fairgrounds,” he said. “It will definitely be an eyebrow raiser.” Commercial and hospitality sectors Intersec 2019 is organised by Messe Frankfurt Middle East and returns with key government supporters such as Dubai Police, Dubai Civil Defence, Dubai Police Academy, Dubai Municipality, and the Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA). Andreas Rex, Intersec’s show director, said the commercial and hospitality sectors are other key verticals driving demand for fire safety systems and equipment, adding, “The big growth, particularly in the UAE will come over the next two years as delivery of the Dubai Expo 2020 looms, while throughout the Gulf region, large scale infrastructure investment will steer the market toward solid growth." Intersec, situated at the heart of it all in Dubai, presents the ideal opportunity to access these markets" "Intersec, situated at the heart of it all in Dubai, presents the ideal opportunity to access these markets and beyond, where thousands of engineers, system integrators, contractors, industry professionals and decision makers will seek solutions for their various projects.” Fire Safety and Protection Conference Intersec’s other show sections comprise Commercial Security, Safety & Health, Homeland Security & Policing, Physical & Perimeter Security, Information Security, and Smart Home & Building Automation. The annual showpiece returns next year with a revamped conference line-up, including a three-day Intersec Future Security Summit raising key issues on artificial intelligence, security integration, emergency preparedness and response, data protection, IoT and much more. Fire Safety and Protection Conference will involve authorities, fire chiefs, engineers, fire fighters and emergency response professionals Returning is the SIRA (Security Industry Regulatory Agency) Forum, with the latest updates in security law and industry regulations in Dubai, while a one-day Fire Safety and Protection Conference will involve authorities, fire chiefs, engineers, fire fighters and emergency response professionals. Popular event features Returning popular features in 2019 include the Drone Zone, an Outdoor Demo Area, a Smart Home Pavilion and the Safety Design in Buildings Pavilion. More than 150 exhibitors will be participating for the first time, while Canada, China, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Korea, Pakistan, Russia, Singapore, Taiwan, UK, and the USA comprise the 15 country pavilions. Intersec 2019 is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and supported by the Dubai Police, Dubai Police Academy, Dubai Civil Defence, SIRA, and the Dubai Municipality.
Intersec Security, Safety and Fire Protection Middle East Awards 2018 drive innovation and improvements
The Middle East’s outstanding security and fire safety projects and products will share the spotlight next week, when they contest for the ultimate accolade at the region’s only awards ceremony dedicated to excellence in commercial security and fire protection. A stellar shortlist of 55 finalists from 150 entries has been selected for the inaugural Intersec Security, Safety and Fire Protection Middle East Awards, with the winners across 10 categories to be celebrated during a gala dinner on the 20th September 2018 at Dubai’s Habtoor Palace. Hotly contested fire categories include the Fire Protection Project of the Year, where the Dubai Frame, the Dubai Mall Fashion Avenue Expansion, and Route 2020 Metro Rail are among the five finalists. Meanwhile, the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre Gate, Sheikh Zayed Sports City Stadium, and King Abdullah Economic City Hijaz in Saudi Arabia are the three finalists making the cut in the Security Public Assembly Project of the Year. It’s important to acknowledge the hard work and efforts that industry stakeholders undertake to ensure security and fire safety standards are maintained across the Middle East" The 1st Intersec Awards are organised by Messe Frankfurt Middle East, which also organises Intersec, the world’s largest security, safety, and fire protection trade fair which takes place every year and returns for its 21st edition in January 2019 in Dubai. Recognizing the work of security professionals Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said: “The Intersec Awards are designed to recognise and celebrate the great work that security and fire protection-related professionals are contributing to keep our societies safe and secure, from manufacturers, authorities, consultants, and contractors, to the end-users and clients. “It’s important to acknowledge the hard work and efforts that industry stakeholders undertake to ensure security and fire safety standards are maintained across the Middle East, and we’re delighted with the industry response to these inaugural awards. “There have been exceptional examples of industry innovation in recent years, not only in functionality, but in other important areas such as sustainability, reusability, and aesthetics. The Intersec Awards brings the very best of these examples of industry best-practise, celebrated among industry peers and the public,” Pauwels added. Six security and four fire categories The Intersec Awards are good for the fire protection and security industries in general and particularly in the Middle East because they show the maturity that the industry has now reached in the region" The 1st Intersec Awards comprise six security categories (three project and three product categories), and four fire categories (one project and three product), with a 12-strong independent judging panel overseeing the shortlist and ultimately deciding the overall winners. Terry Johnson, Senior Fire Service Advisor at the Dubai Civil Defence, who was among the seven judges adjudicating the fire categories, said: “The Intersec Awards are good for the fire protection and security industries in general and in the Middle East in particular because they show the maturity that the industry has now reached in the region. “They also show how the industry has gained in confidence in its actual abilities over the past years, and there’s a shared benefit from all participating companies and stakeholders.” Driving innovation and improvements John Cowling, Director of AcuTech Consulting Group in the Middle East, who was part of the Security Categories judging panel, added: “Initiatives such as the Intersec Awards are beneficial because they drive innovation and improvements, thus motivating the regional security and fire safety industries to higher achievements. Security should be an enabler, and not prohibit operations, so we take a holistic approach to those that add value, and show new innovative designs" “They keep industry standards high because they promote competition, showing suppliers, manufacturers, as well as consultants that striving for continuous improvement adds value to the industry. “As judges, what we’re looking for is design, innovation and what adds value to businesses. Security should be an enabler, and not prohibit operations, so we take a holistic approach to those that add value, and show new innovative designs, which range from low tech and simplistic right through to the very high tech.” Seven key show sections at Intersec 2019 More than 250 industry professionals are expected to attend the inaugural Intersec Security, Safety and Fire Protection Middle East Awards in Dubai, which is partnered with Axis Communications as Platinum Sponsor, and ATEÏS as Categories Sponsor. The 21st edition of Intersec will take place from 20-22 January 2019 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, featuring more than 1,300 exhibitors from 59 countries, and covering the seven key show sections of commercial security, fire & rescue, homeland security & policing, physical & perimeter security, safety & health, cyber security, and smart home & building automation.
Smart Industry Solutions Shanghai 2018 Held Concurrently With SIBT And SSHT For The First Time To Outline The Future Of Manufacturing
SISS held concurrently with SIBT and SSHT Inspired by SPS IPC Drives in Nuremberg, Germany and its first sister event in China, SIAF – SPS Industrial Automation Fair Guangzhou, Smart Industry Solutions Shanghai (SISS) was successfully held on 4 September. The conference took place concurrently with Shanghai Intelligent Building Technology (SIBT) and Shanghai Smart Home Technology (SSHT) this year for the first time, providing a supplementary programme for these fairs’ visitors to discover more about the latest manufacturing solutions for their technology products. Smart Industry Solutions Shanghai (SISS) Organised by Guangzhou Guangya Messe Frankfurt Co Ltd, the third edition of SISS successfully achieved its aim of presenting an overview of the application of Internet of Things (IoT) in the smart industrial automation industry. SISS was concurrently held with Shanghai Intelligent Building Technology (SIBT) and Shanghai Smart Home Technology (SSHT) for the first time. SISS acted as an effective avenue for the exchange of market intelligence, with expert speakers delivering thought-provoking presentations touching every facet of intelligent industrial automation system. This year’s speakers represented renowned companies, institutes and associations including Contrinex Electronic Technology, Datalogic (Shenzhen) Industrial Automation, Pepperl+Fuchs Automation, Rockwell Automation and Wintelligence. For these companies, the conference helped them to get their innovative ideas across to different sectors of the industry. Conversely, 85 conference attendees from the smart industrial automation and manufacturing sectors were impressed by the engaging dialogue, and found it rewarding to network with key players within the industry. IoT and Artificial Intelligence This year, several key developments of Industry 4.0, ranging from smart factories to automotive applications and intralogistics, were pinpointed, including the idea of utilising IoT technologies to develop revolutionary manufacturing methods. Speakers from different sectors also shared their thoughts on the latest trends related to big data analytics, IT/OT convergence, digital twin and artificial intelligence.
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Jumia surges on US debut as Africa's Amazon goes public
Jumia Technologies AG shares soared by 75% on their first day of trading in New York, as investors rushed to buy into the company's plans to extend online shopping services across Africa.
The stock traded at $25.46 as of 16:34 local time on Friday, valuing the company at more than $1.9bn (R26.5bn at current exchange rates). Jumia earlier raised $196m with the sale of 13.5 million American depositary receipts at $14.50 each.
The listing caps seven years of growth for Jumia, which was founded by 38-year-old French entrepreneurs Sacha Poignonnec and Jeremy Hodara in 2012 and now has more than 4 million customers in 14 African countries. While the retail platform isn't profitable, sales jumped by almost 40% last year to 130.6 million euros ($147.3 million)
"This is about awareness," Poignonnec said in a phone interview. "Millions and millions of Africans are yet to realise the benefits of e-commerce."
The company has headquarters in Berlin and got early funding from German startup incubator Rocket Internet SE, while its biggest shareholder is the MTN Group, Africa's largest mobile-phone company. More recent investors include French drinks maker Pernod Ricard SA and Mastercard, which put in a combined 125 million euros in the build up to the initial public offering.
Often tagged Africa's Amazon.com, Jumia operates in countries such as Nigeria and Ivory Coast where the US giant lacks distribution infrastructure and much presence. The company has developed a logistics arm that includes pick-up and drop-off points to combat vague addresses, and also lets customers make mobile-phone payments if they don't have access to banking services.
Africa's Amazon set for New York IPO as online retail grows
"It's an opportunity for retail investors to buy the Africa growth story, the story of a growing consumer class," said Steven Grin, managing partner of Lateral Capital, a New York-based investment company focused on Africa. "Rising per-capita incomes, an increasingly young and urban population, falling internet and data costs, surging mobile-phone penetration - these favorable long-term trends underpin the rise of the African online consumer."
The offering was led by Morgan Stanley, Royal Bank of Canada, Citigroup and Berenberg Capital Markets. Citadel Securities was the designated market maker.
Poignonnec and Hodora met while colleagues at McKinsey, with the former spending time in Ivory Coast working for the US consultancy.
"E-commerce is becoming very big everywhere," Poignonnec said. "We looked at the opportunity in Africa. It's a big opportunity to help buyers and help sellers."
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Richard Reeves
Richard Reeves Archives
About Richard Reeves
http://www.uexpress.com/richard-reeves/about
Political journalist and historian Richard Reeves is currently senior lecturer at the Annenberg School for Communication at the University of Southern California. As an author, syndicated columnist and Pulitzer Prize finalist, his left-of-center commentary has appeared in more than 100 newspapers and online outlets since 1975. He has received dozens of awards for his work in print, television and film.
Educated as a mechanical engineer, Reeves began his career in journalism at the age of 23, founding the Phillipsburg Free Press in Phillipsburg, N.J. He has been a correspondent for the Newark Evening News and the New York Herald Tribune and was the chief political correspondent of The New York Times. He has also written for numerous other publications, becoming national editor and columnist for Esquire and New York Magazine along the way. Named a "literary lion" by the New York Public Library, Reeves has won a number of print journalism awards and has been a Pulitzer Prize finalist and juror.
In 1975, Reeves published his first book, "A Ford, not a Lincoln." His "President Kennedy: Profile of Power," now considered the authoritative work on the 35th president, has won several national awards and was named the Best Non-Fiction Book of 1993 by Time magazine and Book of the Year by Washington Monthly. His most recent book, "Daring Young Men," a history of the Berlin Airlift, was published in 2011.
Reeves has worked extensively on television and in film. He was chief correspondent on PBS' "Frontline." He has made six television films and won all of television's major documentary awards: the Emmy for "Lights, Camera...Politics!" for ABC News; the Columbia-DuPont Award for "Struggle for Birmingham" for PBS; and the George Foster Peabody Award for "Red Star over Khyber" for PBS. He has also appeared in two feature films, "Dave" and "Seabiscuit."
In 1998, Reeves won the Carey McWilliams Award of the American Political Science Association for distinguished contributions to the understanding of American politics. He was the Goldman Lecturer on American Civilization and Government at the Library of Congress that year; the lectures were published by Harvard University Press under the title What the People Know: Freedom and the Press.
© Copyright Andrews McMeel Universal, Andrews McMeel Syndication, uexpress , © Andrews McMeel Syndication 2019
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Parks and countryside
Land of the Fanns
Show page links for this section
Landscape Partnership
'Land of the Fanns' is a low-lying area to the north of the river Thames, including parts of Greater London, Essex and Thurrock.
The landscape spans about 185 square kilometres (71.4 square miles) from Dagenham in the west to the outskirts of Basildon in the east, from Brentwood in the north to the Thames shoreline in the south. It includes Aveley, South Ockendon, West Thurrock, Purfleet, Chafford Hundred, west Grays, Bulphan, Orsett and Horndon on the Hill.
The natural environment is a river plain made up of the northern Thames-side marshes, fens and fanns, interspersed with low hills and ridges cut by local river valleys with their own marshes.
From the river it rises in geological platforms, known as the Romford Steps, to a range of hills that include – from west to east – the Havering Ridge, the Brentwood Heights and Langdon Hills.
'Fann' is a Saxon term for low marshy land or a low-lying district. The fanns and fann men were often recorded in local parish records during the 17th and 18th centuries.
For more about the area, go to Thames Chase: 'Land of the Fanns' local history.
Funding for the Fanns
In December 2016, the Heritage Lottery Fund confirmed an award of £1.35 million to the Land of the Fanns Landscape Partnership. With this award, the partnership is working on a 5-year plan to restore and celebrate one of the last landscapes of London. The total value of the programme is £2.4 million.
The areas of focus within Thurrock include Belhus, Mardyke, The Fanns in North and South Ockendon and Langdon Hills.
The programme, beginning in April 2017, will offer local people the chance to get involved in a range of events and activities to improve understanding and help restore the local heritage.
Activities will range from travelling archaeology exhibitions to opportunities for learning new skills in natural, built and archaeological heritage.
Find out more about the Land of the Fanns Landscape Partnership and projects.
Land of the Fanns in Thurrock and other boroughs
How can we make this page easier to use?
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33 Sunday B - End Times - Parousia
33rd Sunday B from Padir Neylu
by Fr. Tommy Lane
After the Gulf War in 1991 black snow fell in parts of the Middle East caused by the smoke from all the burning oil in Kuwait. With nuclear weapons humanity possesses the power now to create a nuclear winter where the sun’s light would be blotted out due to so much smoke in the atmosphere. It is sobering to think that we now have the power to fulfill Jesus’ words in today’s Gospel when he said the sun will be darkened, the moon will lose its brightness, stars will fall and the powers in the heavens will be shaken (Mark 13:24-25). Jesus made that statement not to frighten us but to remind us that there is nothing permanent in this world and to live with an eye on the End because when he comes again the world and the cosmos will be dissolved. Jesus said those words to give us a second chance, a second chance at living as he asks, a second chance at preparing for judgment, a second chance at preparing for our death.
Father James Gilhooley
In 1981, a man left $57,000 in his will to Jesus. It was for His own use when He returned at the Second Coming. The money was to be invested at the highest interest in the meantime. Does anyone really think that Jesus will be shopping at a posh department store for a new seamless robe and sandals upon His return? Does anyone feel money is what He shall require from us at the Parousia? Is this what the Nazarene is all about? Christ is more interested in the way we conduct our lives this moment rather than tomorrow. He is more eager to see us improve life for others today than He is to remove us from it.
Andrew Greeley has some wise thoughts on this point. The Second Coming, the New Age, the New Epoch, he says, can and should be happening throughout this day and week. I saw the Second Coming at a Soup Kitchen where I worked. A white woman volunteer gave a black man soup, pasta, and coffee. As he was leaving, he thanked her. Then she noticed the bad condition of his shoes. She told him to wait. From the clothing closet, she brought several pair. The woman got down on her knees and fitted each pair. Finally, she found his fit. In this forty minute encounter, Jesus in His Second Coming was present.
I was watching Him washing His apostles' feet all over again. I witnessed the New Age today at a fast-food restaurant. A busload of children treated their waitress with kindness. "Please" and "thank you" were more plentiful than hamburgers and cokes. They cleaned their table. They left a generous tip and a happy waitress. There was no doubt but that the Lord was present. I see the New Epoch every time one of you gives me $100 and asks me to give it to a family having a difficult time. If one looks sharp enough, you can see a smile on Christ's face. I observed the New Order yesterday. I was lost and could not find the correct road. I asked directions of a young man. Though he was in as much a hurry as I, he U-turned and told me to follow him for several miles. Then he put my car on the correct road. Can you not hear Jesus applaud as I tell you this story?
I heard of the Second Coming yesterday. A mother told me of her return from a long journey. On her kitchen table, she found a dozen carnations waiting to greet her. The benefactor was her teen son. That day she saw Christ in her boy. I saw the New Epoch last week. A priest had heard that hostiles in a parish were gleefully giving another priest, whom he hardly knew, a hard time. He phoned. "May I buy you a good lunch?" The trip cost him not only the restaurant bill but also a round trip of 140 miles, and over half a tank of gas. Was not the Nazarene riding with him that day? You, I am sure, can fill in the blanks and tell me of the times when you saw the Second Coming this past week. And hopefully you were the cause of it.
If negative, just as hopefully you will bring it about tomorrow. We ask Jesus, "How do we prepare for dying?" He responds, "By living." As Greeley says, the answer to the "when?" of the Second Coming can be readily given. The Lord is present anywhere people treat each other with gentleness, generosity, and thoughtfulness. A man helped Mother Teresa in Calcutta. He was swept off his feet as he watched the small giant wash sick bodies. He said to her, "I want to remain here permanently with you." The woman, whose wrinkled face showed thousands of miles of wear, said with a smile, "No, no.
It is but an illusion. Go home and bloom where you are planted. The message that each one of us is a member of God's family is as much needed where you came from as it is here. We must do small things with great love." This last line so moved US President George W Bush that he quoted it in his brief inaugural address in Washington, DC in 2001. This week why not see how many times you yourself can bring Jesus back to earth? Here's a proverb to motivate you. "I sought my God; my God I could not see. I sought my soul; my soul eluded me. I sought my neighbor, and I found all three." Become God's miracle for somebody today.
Gospel text: Mark 13:24-32
Michel DeVerteuil
Textual Comments
This is the final teaching of Jesus’ public ministry. The language is very symbolic but through our meditation we will be able to enter into it and really enjoy it.
The whole passage is under the heading that this is what Jesus said to his disciples. We can begin by asking ourselves who was the person who spoke to us in this way? It could be anyone; often we find that it was someone we had never thought of as having been sent to us by God. Now we can recognize that he or she (or perhaps they) were truly a “divine” person.
Perhaps it was one of our children; a person in our neighbourhood we had thought little of; or someone from another faith we had tended to look down on. Now we recognize that they were sent to us by God, sent by him to stir us up. They remind us of deep lessons we could learn from the evil we see going on all round us. It was a “time of distress”, many things had gone wrong for us, but life teaches us that times like that also contain an important message for us. Now we can see this more clearly than ever before.
We can divide the passage into three sections. They are connected of course, but the language is very symbolic and it would be better to focus on one at a time, allowing each to touch us very deeply.
Let’s take verses 24 to 27 first. They tell us of the breakdown of stable parts of our surroundings. Things we had taken for granted we couldn’t do without; now life has taught us that we can well survive without them.
Two things happening at the same time however:
– the scattering of what at first seemed so important that we thought we could never survive without it,
– the gathering of God’s faithful.
While areas were being destroyed which we thought we couldn’t do without, God’s faithful ones, his true citizens, were now being gathered into one community, a very happy zealous community. It was the kind of community that many of us outside are not involved in, but we know now that it was really a true and easily verifiable community.
This is a teaching about the end of the world. We must however start by letting it remind us of other experiences, times when things whose disappearance we believed would mark the end of our little world actually disappeared – and yet we survived! Things that we had thought were destined to last forever turned out to be just temporary. We had taken things for granted – now we are taught by life that it was merely our little “private world” which has come to an “end”. The ancient order has truly passed away and we are now well and truly into a new one. It is one that we hadn’t prepared ourselves for; it’s advent took us by surprise.
These experiences occur both for communities and for individuals. There were times when we thought that provided we were faithful to certain circumstances our life, our community, would be fine. Now we know how inaccurate our little prejudices were.
In verses 28 and 29 we read the parable of the fig tree. It speaks to us about life and how it turns out for us. Even in an atmosphere of winter, a small sign of hope was present among us. We can look back now and see how it was there – even though we didn’t recognize it at the time. Now we can see it for what it really is.
In verses 30 and 31, Jesus gives a sense of urgency to the parable. He assures us that whatever happened to him, his words will not pass away – they will last forever. This was a true prophecy in the time of Jesus; in what sense can we say that it is always true when it happens to us today?
We need to put our views of life forward with the same sense of self-confidence, the sense that this is really what God wants us to say to others. We ourselves are significant.
We had not seen the connection between the commandment and God’s pleasure in what we do. As we read it here, it is a statement made by Jesus to us. We must now ask ourselves to what extent can we Christians speak with similar confidence about our own statements to the world of today? They are our own ideas of what is right and what is wrong. We do not say them with the confidence that this is really what God wanted us to say to our people and indeed to the whole world.
Verse 32 can stand by itself as a powerful statement of faith in God’s future. Only the Father knows what was really happening to us. The angels did not and neither did the Son. We can often think of similar surroundings now. We tended to look to the angels or to the Son to give us a correct answer but find none from them. We must therefore have confidence to say what we truly believe in.
Scriptural Prayer
Lord, we remember with gratitude the times of crisis in our lives:
– a spouse proved unfaithful;
– we lost our job;
– we fell into a serious sin;
– we learned we were seriously ill;
– we lost someone dear to us.
Our world fell apart in those days, after that time of distress.
The sun was darkened, the moon lost its brightness;
the stars came falling from heaven,
and the great powers of heaven were shaken.
But you did not abandon us;
in the midst of all that turmoil we received a great grace
– we understood for the first time the meaning of faith;
– we discovered inner resources we didn't know we had;
– friends rallied around us.
We experienced your saving power coming in the clouds
with great power and glory and sending your angels to gather us,
your chosen ones who had been scattered to the four winds,
from the ends of the world to the ends of heaven.
“The more solitary I am, the more affection I have for all my brothers.” …Thomas Merton
Lord, when we are driven by our egos we put people into categories:
rich and poor, saved and sinners,
developed countries and third world countries.
When we enter into our nothingness before you,
letting the stars we aspire to fall from heaven
and the great powers to be shaken,
we experience your angels gathering together all those people
whom in our willfulness we had scattered to the four winds.
“If we listen attentively we shall hear, amid the uproar of empires and nations, a faint flutter of wings, a gentle stirring of life and hope.” …Albert Camus
Lord, we thank you for those people who,
when everyone else sees only deep winter,
perceive that the twigs of the fig tree have become supple,
and therefore summer is near,
a new era is coming, is at the very gates,
and that before this generation has passed away
new and wonderful things will have taken place.
Lord, prayer is trusting totally in your love,
knowing with unshakeable confidence
that heaven and earth will certainly pass away
but your love for us will not pass away.
Lord, the freedom which Jesus bequeathed to us enables us to do our best
without having to worry about when or where it will bear fruit.
Like Jesus, we are quite content to acknowledge
that as regards the day and the hour of success, no one knows it,
no one but you, our loving Father.
“The dark period is over and Europe is on the threshold of a new era.” …Pope John Paul II, Aug. 1991.
Lord, we thank you that we have seen stars fall from heaven
and great powers shaken.
Your chosen ones who were scattered to the four winds
are being gathered to build a new future.
Thomas O’Loughlin
Introduction to the Celebration
Autumn is turning into winter, the leaves have fallen, the cold darkness seems to be ever more present – and for us, Christians, our thoughts turn to the end of time. But rather than the end of time being an apocalyptic prospect, we journey onward with the confidence that the Lord who is the judge of the living and the dead is also the one who is the healer, who reconcies and forgives, the prince of peace. It is in his presence that we have gathered, rejoicing that this meal is the anticipation of the heavenly banquet.
Homily notes
1. The gospel puts before us the great image of the Son of Man returning to the earth and gathering his people. This dramatic image – the stuff of many a religious nightmare – arrests our attention and focuses us, at this time each year, on one little line in the creed:
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. Unfortunately, the image of today’s gospel is so striking that down the centuries generations of Christians have be-come so excited about the ‘apocalypse’, that they have for gotten that proclaiming that the Lord will come at the end oi time is only the second half of the equation. So what is ihe first half?
2. Whenever we think about the end when the Lord, the Son of the Father will come again; we must also think that the Lord, the Son of the Father, is the one through whom the universe came in existence at the very beginning. This is what we profess earlier in the creed: through him all things were made. And the Lord, the Son of the Father, who was there at the beginning and will be there at the End, is also the one who is with humanity as our source of light and life:
For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and was made man.
3. To profess to be a follower of Jesus is to assert that he is the Alpha – there at the beginning – and the Omega – there at the End – and with us now.
4. But what does this mean? It means that we have to think of ourselves, all living creatures, and all creation as in a situation between God s love at the Alpha, the beginning, and God’s love at the Omega, the end. Between these times we have been entrusted with the creation: we hold all creation, all life, on trust from God.
5. Jesus makes it very clear that we do not know when the end will come: But of that day or that hour no one known, even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.’
Our task is to act as the people who have been given responsibility to use the creation well, to act as good stewards to remember that when we abuse it we breaking God’s fundamental loving trust in us,
6. We are all on a journey from the Alpha towards the Omega. How we make the journey — how we behave along that road how we act as pilgrims who who have no notion when they will arrive – is all important
7. During the coming weeks we shall hear many reports in the media about climate change. We will hear of a new initiative to cut down on energy use. We may take a load of bottles to the bottle bank for recycling, or we might just switch off some lights or gadgets that are running on stand-by. When we hear these reports or do these things, we might think that all this has little do with religion or faith or waiting for the Lord to return to judge the living and the dead: we could not be more wrong. We, as the people who have professed the universe to have been made through the Son and who believe he will come again, are the people who can set all ecological concerns in context. The creation is God’s; we have been entrusted with it; we are called to be good stewards.
Sean Goan
The last chapter of Mark before the events of the Easter is sometime called a ‘tittle apocalypse’. Aware of their Jewish roots, the first Christians made use of apocalyptic writing to present the victory of Jesus over sin and death. Their belief was that the resurrection had ushered in the last days and that Jesus would return soon. Therefore there was an urgency to their preaching of the gospel and we get a flavour of that from this reading. As we approach the end of another liturgical year, the church invites us to reflect on the fact that we are moving towards an ultimate goal, and that no matter how bad things may get God has triumphed and will triumph again. This type of literature is hard for us to relate to as it seems rather dark and fantastic but it is a literature of hope and that is its perennial value.
The people for whom both our readings for today were written were probably spending much time thinking about the future and wondering were was God to be found in the violence and bloodshed that was going on around them. In these communities were two people whose names we do not know who had a vibrant vision of hope and they made it their business to share it with those around them.’ ‘Our God will not fail us so do not give up in the face of hopelessness or despair’ was the gist of their message. This is still the heart of the gospel message, so let’s ask or the faith to believe it and the courage to share it.
Donal Neary SJ
Reminder from the Tree
The tree was a big image for Jesus – he spoke many truths of his message pointing at trees, like mustard seeds which grew big, vines that withered, and the fig tree which was common to his hearers. When asked about the signs of things to come, he gave no long homily, but just looked at the fig tree and said you know from this when summer and winter is coming. In the same way we can sense his presence in our lives in different ways. This may not help us to know about the end of time and the questions people had then, but it can get us to become aware of how God is present in our lives.
The word of God is spoken in the human words of many people. In kindly words, in forgiving and tolerant words, and also in the word of God spoken in the Mass, Jesus speaks to us today. Like the people looking at a fig tree, we can find his presence in the kindliness and the helpful words of another. This is the word of God in human form. It will not pass away.
We are called to speak his word in our way of life: to be friends of the earth, friends of all people, and friends of the poor. That’s redemption, Jesus and ourselves working in unison.
God’s book of compassion and love includes our names. We can be thankful our are names are in the book of life.
From the Connections:
The first generation of Christians expected Christ to return in their lifetimes. When their world began to collapse around them under the Roman onslaught of Jerusalem, they wondered in their anguish, When will Jesus return for us?
With every experience of loss, with every sign of illness, with ever hint of age creeping upon us, we become more and more aware of our mortality. We live on the edge of eternity. Jesus does not deny the pain and anguish of the end (citing in today’s Gospel reading the graphic images of the prophet Daniel) nor that the earth will indeed pass away. But the important thing is not when Jesus will come (for we know he will), but our readiness to meet him.HOMILY POINTS:
The signs of the end times should not frighten us or terrify us into submission before the horrible wrath of God; Jesus urges us, instead, to recognize such “signs” in a spirit of hope and a perspective of faith in God’s providence: to appreciate what a precious gift our limited time on earth is; to realize that every changing world and passing stage, every pain and triumph, are opportunities for growth, maturity and understanding of the transforming presence of God in one another; to embrace change -- the passing away of our own “heaven and earth” -- as part of our journey to the dwelling place of God.
The unsettling images Jesus articulates in today’s Gospel confronts us with the reality that the things we treasure – our careers, our portfolios, our bodies, our celebrity -- will one day be no more and that our separation from them will be bitter.
The “signs” that Jesus speaks of in today’s Gospel are all around us; the “fig tree” grows and blossoms in the lives of every one of us. With eyes and hearts of faith, we can recognize such “signs” of God’s love in our midst. The Gospel fig tree challenges us to listen beyond mere words, to look deeper than the surface, to realize the presence of God in times and places when and where God seems to be absent.
Christ calls us to embrace, not the things of the body but of the soul, not the things of the world but the things of God, but the lasting, eternal treasures of love and mercy, the joy that comes only from selfless giving, the satisfaction that comes from lifting up the hopes and dreams of others.Attached or committed
While on a skiing holiday, a young man became separated from his party and spent three days in below-zero weather. He managed to survive, but he suffered extensive damage to his feet. So severe was the frostbite and gangrene that doctors wanted to amputate his right foot. The young man flatly refused.
Gradually he became sicker and sicker as the toxins from his injured foot began to flood his body. His family and friends were desperate, but he would not be moved. He would keep his foot.
The situation came to a head one evening when a team of surgeons reviewed his most recent lab studies and assessed his worsening condition. Finally, his fiancée, overwhelmed by the possibility of her beloved’s death, could take it no more. Weeping, she tore his engagement ring off her finger and thrust it onto the swollen black toe of his right foot.
“I hate this damn foot,” she sobbed. “If you want this foot so much, why don’t you marry it? You’re going to have to choose, you can’t have us both.”
The small bright diamond, surrounded by the black and rotting tissues of his foot, sparkled with life.
The young man said nothing and closed his weary eyes.
The next day, he scheduled the surgery.
[From Kitchen Table Wisdom by Rachel Naomi Remen, M.D.]
The young man later said his fiancée’s dramatic gesture had helped him see that he was more attached to keeping his foot than he was committed to life. He had been married to his foot. The unsettling images Jesus articulates in today's Gospel confront us with the reality that the things we are “married” to – our careers, our portfolios, our bodies, our celebrity – will one day be no more and that our separation from them will be bitter indeed. Christ calls us to embrace, not the things of the body but of the soul, not the things of the world but the things of God: the lasting, eternal treasures of love and mercy, the joy that comes only from selfless giving, the satisfaction that comes from lifting up the hopes and dreams of others.
From Fr. Andrew Greeley
Today we begin our annual tour through Apocalyptic literature. Both Daniel and Mark describe the end times, the final reckoning time when the Lord God and His Son Jesus will triumph over sin and death. The apocalyptic writings are charged with poetry, metaphor, fantasy.
We must not make the mistake some of the fundamentalists do and interpret these passages literally. However, we must not make the opposite mistake of dismissing them as “nothing but” poetry. Metaphor tells us truth more fully and more adequately than does plain prose. The truth is Heaven and Earth may indeed pass away, but not before the Final Resolution in which good triumphs over evil an life over death. We don’t know when or how that will happen. Those issues really don’t matter. What does matter is that Jesus and his true followers will finally win.
Once upon a time a TV commentator (on PBS) delivered a pessimistic editorial on a Friday evening broadcast (taped earlier in the day). The world was in grim shape, he told the camera. Global warming was worse than anyone had thought it was. The population of the world would double again in the next twenty year. It was likely that an asteroid would hit earth before the end of the next century. Rage was increasing the third world countries against our wealth.
The races were polarizing in America. The crime had turned up again. Our schools were total failures and would not, could not get any better. There was a drug and alcohol epidemic in white suburban high schools. Divorce rates were increasing. Abortions were at an all time high. A wave of bad news was sweeping the earth and thee was nothing anyone could do about it.
When the taping was over, he got into his Mercedes and drove rapidly into the country to escape the Friday night traffic rush. At his house on the shore of the lake, he relaxed in the sauna, sipping from a large glass of Barolo wine, swam in the pool, wrapped himself in a robe, and sat on the deck as the sun set. He poured himself a second glass of wine and, as the sky turned red and then purple that life was very good indeed.
1) The end time phobia: French "prophet" and astrologer Nostradamus (1503-1566), foretold that the world would end when Easter fell on April 25. This happened in 1666, 1734, 1886 and 1943; it will occur again in 2038. In 1379, St. Vincent Ferrer (1350-1419), a Spanish Dominican monk, basing his prediction on the number of verses in the Book of Psalms (2,537 verses), predicted the demise of the world in AD 3936. By the end of 1998, the Mount of Olives Hotel, run by Palestinian Muslims, wrote to 2,000 Protestant Christian groups in the U.S. asking "How would you like to be reserving your rooms at the Mount of Olives Hotel, to wait for the ‘second coming’ of Jesus on the first day of the new millennium, 2000 A.D.?" Scientists, also, fueled public anxiety by citing a series of possible ways, including, nuclear war and collision with a comet, in which the world could come to an end. A very popular book in 1989 was 89 Reasons Why the World will End in 1989. The Jehovah’s Witnesses frightened gullible followers at least 3 times during the last century with their “end of the world” predictions in 1914, 1918 and 1974. It is this paranoid fear that led people to die in the mass suicides organized by Heaven’s Gate and Jim Jones. The film Omega Code, released in October, 1999, was an independent movie funded by the Trinity Broadcasting Network, the largest Evangelical Christian TV network in the U.S. It was promoted by a team of 2,400 U.S. Evangelical pastors. The plot involved a portrayal of the “rapture” at the imminent “Second coming” of Jesus , when “born again” and "saved" Christians, both alive and dead, are supposed to fly upward in the air to meet Jesus. The film was rated in the top 10 grossing movies for October, 1999. Over 17 million copies of Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins' novel Left Behind on the “Second coming,” were sold by July 27, 2000. This is how modern man reacts to the reality of the coming of the end of the world. Hence, today’s readings remind us that we should be well prepared and always ready to meet Jesus at any time, daily in our brothers and sisters and at the end of our lives or the end of the world, whichever comes first.
2) Bingo first!
Who cares about the Second coming?: There is a second group of people who ignore Christ’s Parousia and stick to their addictions. A woman was hurrying home from work. This was her Bingo night. Suddenly she spotted this fellow standing on the edge of the pavement holding aloft a placard which read: The end of the world is near. She went up to him and said, ‘You say the end of the world is near.’ ‘That’s right, missus,’ he replied. ‘But are you sure?’ ‘Quite sure, missus.’ ‘And you say it’s near.’ ‘Yes, missus.’ ‘How near?’ ‘Oh, very near.’ ‘Could you be more precise?’ ‘This very night, Missus’. She paused for a moment to reflect on this. Then in a voice full of anxiety, she asked, ‘Tell me, son. Will it be before or after Bingo?’ (Flor McCarthy in New Sunday and Holy Day Liturgies).
3) Two Polish men were taking their first train trip to Warsaw on the train. A vendor came down the corridor selling bananas which they'd never seen before. Each bought a banana. The first man eagerly peeled the banana and bit into it just as the train went into a dark tunnel. When the train emerged from the tunnel, he looked across to his friend and said, "I wouldn't eat that if I were you." "Why not?” asked his friend. “Because, it makes you temporarily blind.”
3) A motorist with poor eyesight was driving through a dense fog and was trying desperately to stay within range of the taillights of the car ahead of him. As he squinted and worried his way along, trying to stay on course with those taillights, the car in front suddenly stopped, and his car hit the car in the front. The driver of the rear car got out and demanded to know why the other driver came to such an abrupt stop. "I had to," he replied, "I'm in my own garage!"
4) Once upon a time a TV commentator (on PBS) delivered a pessimistic editorial on a Friday evening broadcast (taped earlier in the day). The world was in grim shape, he told the camera. Global warming was worse than anyone had thought it was. The population of the world would double again in the next twenty year. It was likely that an asteroid would hit earth before the end of the next century. Rage was increasing the third world countries against our wealth.
5. "You’ll wish you were Jewish!!" A Protestant minister and a Catholic priest enjoyed teasing their Jewish rabbi friend, continually asking him when he was going to convert to their faith. When the Holidays rolled around, the rabbi sent them a card with the following: "Season’s Greetings! Roses are reddish, Violets are bluish; When the Messiah comes, you’ll wish you were Jewish!!"
6. Missed the “rapture” by a minute: A certain man, Herbert Washington by name, was so taken up by the nearness of Christ’s second coming and “the rapture” that he became a pain in the neck to his coworkers. So his coworkers hatched a plan to pay him back in his own coin. One day, when Herbert went to the washroom, they laid their work clothes on their chairs and hid in the supply room. When Herbert came back from the washroom, he thought the rapture had taken place. The Muslim janitor, who was part of the joke, pretended to have witnessed everyone disappear and ran around the office feigning panic. Herbert fell to the ground clutching his heart and screaming, "I knew you'd forget me, Jesus! What did I do wrong?" He was rushed to a local hospital with what was diagnosed as a mild heart attack. (Fr. Munachi).
7. The Second Coming. A Sunday school teacher asked his class, “If I sold my house and my car, had a big garage sale and gave all my money to the church, would that get me into Heaven? “NO!” the children all answered. “If I cleaned the church every day, mowed the yard, and kept everything neat and tidy, would that get me into Heaven?” Again, the answer was, “NO!” Again the teacher asked, “Well, then, if I were kind to animals and gave candy to all the children, and loved my wife, would that get me into Heaven?” Again, they all answered, "NO!" “Well then how can I get into Heaven?” A five-year-old boy shouted out, “YOU GOTTA BE DEAD!” Good insight for a five-year old!
8. Somnambulist or Methodist? "Be constantly on the watch! Stay awake," Jesus commands. The signs-of-the-times are such that, clearly, this is no time for somnambulists. A somnambulist, as you know, is a person who walks in his sleep. On the eve of his wedding, a young man decided to confess all to his fiancée. He went to her and said, "My love, there is something I feel I must tell you before we are married; something you must know. It may make a difference in your feeling toward me. You see, I am a somnambulist." The young lady thought for a moment, then replied, "Oh that's all right. There's no problem. I was raised a Methodist. We can go to your Church one Sunday and to mine the next."
#1: Scientists on the end of the world: Scientists have fueled public anxiety by citing a series of possible ways in which the world could come to an end, e.g. (a) Sucked into a black hole. A large dead star which has collapsed and has become so incredibly dense that even light cannot escape it, a “black hole” is thought to be a fatal attraction for any nearby matter; (b) Climate change. Another ice age or glacial period is expected in 2,000–10,000 years; if and when it occurs, over eight billion people will try to survive on 30% less land mass; (c) The Greenhouse Effect. A predicted temperature increase of 6o F is expected by the year 2030; if this occurs, polar regions will thaw, ocean levels will rise and vast areas of earth will be flooded; (d) Collision. Earth may be hit by a meteorite, asteroid or comet; (e) Cosmic Rays. Earth’s magnetic field is waning at present, making it susceptible to the rays of an exploding supernova and/or solar flares; (f) Nuclear War and its Aftermath. A familiar and frightening scenario: a possible nuclear war could wipe out up to 90% of the U.S. population and 50% of that of Russia; (g) The Death of the Sun. Considered as the ultimate disaster, the eventual cooling of the sun will occur only after an intense period of heating up which will boil away earth’s oceans and bake its crust unto lifelessness. [Patricia Datchuck Sánchez, Celebration.] But Today’s readings give us the assurance that our God will be with us all the days of our lives and that we will have the ongoing presence of the Holy Spirit in our midst guiding, protecting and strengthening us in spite of our necessary human uncertainty concerning the end time when “Christ will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead.” So, the Church advises us to entrust the unknown and unknowable future to God’s caring and capable hands.
# 2: $ 57, 000 for Jesus’ shopping in his second coming: In 1981, a man left $57,000 in his will to Jesus. It was for His own use when He returned at the Second Coming. The money was to be invested at the highest interest in the meantime. Does anyone really think that Jesus will be shopping at a posh department store for a new seamless robe and sandals upon His return? Does anyone feel money is what He shall require from us at the Parousia? Is this what the Nazarene is all about? Christ is more interested in the way we conduct our lives this moment rather than tomorrow. He is more eager to see us improve life for others today than He is to remove us from it. Andrew Greeley has some wise thoughts on this point. The Second Coming, the New Age, the New Epoch, he says, can and should be happening throughout this day and week. I saw the Second Coming at a Soup Kitchen where I worked. A white woman volunteer gave a black man soup, pasta, and coffee. As he was leaving, he thanked her. Then she noticed the bad condition of his shoes. She told him to wait. From the clothing closet, she brought several pair. The woman got down on her knees and fitted each pair. Finally, she found his fit. In this forty-minute encounter, Jesus in His Second Coming was present. I was watching Him washing His apostles’ feet all over again. I witnessed the New Age today at a fast-food restaurant. A busload of children treated their waitress with kindness. “Please” and “thank you” were more plentiful than hamburgers and cokes. They cleaned their table. They left a generous tip and a happy waitress. There was no doubt but that the Lord was present. I see the New Epoch every time one of you gives me $100 and asks me to give it to a family having a difficult time. If one looks sharp enough, you can see a smile on Christ’s face. I observed the New Order yesterday. I was lost and could not find the correct road. I asked directions of a young man. Though he was in as much a hurry as I, he U-turned and told me to follow him for several miles. Then he put my car on the correct road. Can you not hear Jesus applaud as I tell you this story? I heard of the Second Coming yesterday. A mother told me of her return from a long journey. On her kitchen table, she found a dozen carnations waiting to greet her. The benefactor was her teen son. That day she saw Christ in her boy. I saw the New Epoch last week. A priest had heard that hostiles in a parish were gleefully giving another priest, whom he hardly knew, a hard time. He phoned. “May I buy you a good lunch?” The trip cost him not only the restaurant bill but also a round trip of 140 miles, and over half a tank of gas. Was not the Nazarene riding with him that day? You, I am sure, can fill in the blanks and tell me of the times when you saw the Second Coming this past week. And hopefully you were the cause of it. (Fr. James Gilhooley)
#1: “You’ll wish you were Jewish!!” A Protestant minister and a Catholic priest enjoyed teasing their Jewish rabbi friend, continually asking him when he was going to convert to their Faith. When the Holidays rolled around, the rabbi sent them a card with the following: “Season’s Greetings! Roses are reddish, Violets are bluish; When the Messiah comes, you’ll wish you were Jewish!!”
#2: Missed the “rapture” by a minute: A certain man, Herbert Washington by name, was so taken up by the nearness of Christ’s second coming and “the rapture” that he became a pain in the neck to his coworkers. So his coworkers hatched a plan to pay him back in his own coin. One day, when Herbert went to the washroom, they laid their work clothes on their chairs and hid in the supply room. When Herbert came back from the washroom, he thought the rapture had taken place. The Muslim janitor, who was part of the joke, pretended to have witnessed everyone disappear and ran around the office feigning panic. Herbert fell to the ground clutching his heart and screaming, “I knew you’d forget me, Jesus! What did I do wrong?” He was rushed to a local hospital with what was diagnosed as a mild heart attack. (Fr. Munachi).
#3: The Second Coming. A Sunday school teacher asked his class, “If I sold my house and my car, had a big garage sale and gave all my money to the Church, would that get me into Heaven? “NO!” the children all answered. “If I cleaned the Church every day, mowed the yard, and kept everything neat and tidy, would that get me into Heaven?” Again, the answer was, “NO!” Again the teacher asked, “Well, then, if I were kind to animals and gave candy to all the children, and loved my wife, would that get me into Heaven?” Again, they all answered, “NO!” “Well then how can I get into Heaven?” A five-year-old boy shouted out, “YOU GOTTA BE DEAD!” Good insight for a five-year old!
#4: Somnambulist or Methodist? “Be constantly on the watch! Stay awake,” Jesus commands. The signs-of-the-times are such that, clearly, this is no time for somnambulists. A somnambulist, as you know, is a person who walks in his sleep. On the eve of his wedding, a young man decided to confess all to his fiancée. He went to her and said, “My love, there is something I feel I must tell you before we are married; something you must know. It may make a difference in your feeling toward me. You see, I am a somnambulist.” The young lady thought for a moment, then replied, “Oh that’s all right. There’s no problem. I was raised a Methodist. We can go to your Church one Sunday and to mine the next.”
24 Additional anecdotes:
1) The end time phobia: French “prophet” and astrologer Nostradamus (1503-1566), foretold that the world would end when Easter fell on April 25. This happened in 1666, 1734, 1886 and 1943; it will occur again in 2038. In 1379, St. Vincent Ferrer (1350-1419), a Spanish Dominican monk, basing his prediction on the number of verses in the Book of Psalms (2,537 verses), predicted the demise of the world in AD 3936. By the end of 1998, the Mount of Olives Hotel, run by Palestinian Muslims, wrote to 2,000 Protestant Christian groups in the U.S. asking “How would you like to be reserving your rooms at the Mount of Olives Hotel, to wait for the ‘second coming’ of Jesus on the first day of the new millennium, 2000 A.D.?” Some scientists fueled public anxiety by citing a series of possible ways, including nuclear war and collision with a comet, in which the world could come to an end. A very popular book in 1989 was 89 Reasons Why the World Will End in 1989. The Jehovah’s Witnesses frightened gullible followers at least 3 times during the last century with their “end of the world” predictions in 1914, 1918 and 1974. It is this paranoid fear that led people to die in the mass suicides organized by Heaven’s Gate and Jim Jones. The film Omega Code, released in October 1999, was an independent movie funded by the Trinity Broadcasting Network, the largest Evangelical Christian TV network in the U.S. It was promoted by a team of 2,400 U.S. Evangelical pastors. The plot involved a portrayal of the “rapture” at the imminent “Second coming” of Jesus, when “born again” and “saved” Christians, both alive and dead, are supposed to fly upward in the air to meet Jesus. The film was rated in the top 10 grossing movies for October, 1999. Over 17 million copies of Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins’ “Second Coming” novel, Left Behind, were sold by July 27, 2000. This is how modern man reacts to the reality of the coming of the end of the world. Hence, today’s readings remind us that we should be well prepared and always ready to meet Jesus at any time, daily in our brothers and sisters, and at His Final coming for us — at the end of our lives or the end of the world, whichever comes first.
2) Bingo first! Who cares about the Second coming? There is a second group of people who ignore Christ’s Parousia and stick to their addictions. A woman was hurrying home from work. This was her Bingo night. Suddenly she spotted this fellow standing on the edge of the pavement holding aloft a placard which read: The end of the world is near. She went up to him and said, “You say the end of the world is near.” “That’s right, missus,” he replied. “But are you sure?” “Quite sure, missus.” “And you say it’s near.” “Yes, missus.” ”How near?” “Oh, very near.” “Could you be more precise?” “This very night, Missus.” She paused for a moment to reflect on this. Then in a voice full of anxiety, she asked, “Tell me, son. Will it be before or after Bingo?” (Flor McCarthy in New Sunday and Holy Day Liturgies).
3) The Judgment Day: President John F. Kennedy was very fond of a particular story, which he often used to close his speeches during his 1960 presidential campaign. It is the story of Colonel Davenport, Speaker of the Connecticut House of Representatives back in the year 1789. One day, while the House was in session, the sky of Hartford suddenly grew dark and gloomy. Some of the Evangelical House representatives looked out the windows and thought this was a sign that the end of the world had come. Uproar ensued, with the representatives calling for immediate adjournment. But Davenport rose and said, “Gentlemen, the Day of Judgment is either approaching or it is not. If it is not, there is no cause for adjournment. If it is, I choose to be found doing my duty. Therefore, I wish that candles be brought.” Candles were brought and the session continued. Today’s readings contain the same message: we need always to be prepared to receive Jesus at his second coming by accepting him now as our personal Savior and doing now what he has commanded us to do.
4) Left Behind: The scene is the interior of a Boeing 747. It is the wee hours of morning and the plane is somewhere over the Atlantic en route to London. The captain leaves his cockpit and strolls down the aisle intending to flirt with the senior flight attendant. She is in shock. People are missing. They have vanished leaving shoes, socks, clothes, jewelry-everything behind. An elderly lady, sitting in first class, cries as she holds her husband’s sweater and pants. She has been left behind. (Matthew 24: 40): “Two men will be in the field, one will be taken, the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill, one will be taken and the other left.” So begins Left Behind, the first novel of the immensely popular fiction series by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins. Sixteen volumes are now on the market with 62 million copies sold for $650 million, along with a movie, web site, 2002 calendar, and survivor kits for children and youth. Tyndale publishers tripled their company’s profits in two years. But the truth is that Left Behind is fiction, not fact. It has more to do with finances than faith. Its miracle lies in its marketing, not its theology. The Rapture, on which the whole series is built, is the remote idea that believers will somehow be caught up in the clouds with Jesus to avoid the great persecution spreading over the earth. Matthew knows nothing about “rapture” when he talks about the endtime. Just read the text. In Verse 36 we read, “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” Who of us is smarter than Jesus? Jesus didn’t even know. Why should we try to second guess the Savior? (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/frank-schaeffer/end-times-election-result_b_777865.html)
5) Additional endtime predictions: People have been predicting the end of the world since the first century. St. Paul thought Christ would return in his lifetime. Hippolytus, one of the early philosophers, predicted Christ would return in AD 500. In 960, German theologian, Bernard of Thuringia, calculated the end of the world would come in 992. Some were so sure the world was going to end in 1000 A.D. that they did not bother to plant crops. Astrologer, Johann Stoeffler, said the world would be flooded on February 20, 1524. Solomon Eccles, in 1665, ran through the streets of London carrying blazing sulfur on his head announcing that the world was going to go up in flames within the year. In 1874, Charles Russell, founder of the Jehovah’s Witnesses, concluded that Christ had already returned, but people would have another forty years of grace. In 1914 the denomination was forced to revise its timetable. Herbert Armstrong, in his publication, Plain Truth, set the date for the end of the world as January 7, 1972. The Year 2000, and more specifically, the projected Y2K computer problem, caused many to think that the “end was at hand.” Some people made statements such as “a United Nations world-takeover is imminent” and that “Y2K will be the event that they use.” Some even claimed that Jesus spoke of Y2K in His Olivet Discourse, using Luke 21:25 as justification: “There will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth dismay among nations, in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves.”
On September 12th of 2001, a false quotation of the 16th century French astrologer, Nostradamus, spread across the Internet, saying, “Metal birds, striking twin brothers, will mark the end of the world.” The Bible says our times are in God’s hands. We think in minutes. God thinks in millennia. Psalm 90:4 states, “For a thousand years in Your sight are as yesterday, now that it is past, or as a watch of the night.” Martin Luther said in the 1500’s, “We have reached the time of the white horse of the apocalypse; this world can’t last any longer.” On April 3, 1843, one-half million Seventh Day Adventists waited for the end of the world. Some even climbed mountains hoping for a head start to heaven. Remember the Y2K scare at the turn of the last millennium? (http://www.tnnonline.net/tribnews/paranoia/milmadness/index.html)
6) More endtime fixations: Endtime fixations are not exclusive manifestations of ancient communities. On October 23, 1844 thousands of Christians sold their earthly possessions, dressed in white robes, climbed to the tops of the highest mountains they could find, climbed to the tippy-tops of trees to get even higher, and waited for Jesus to return. They had been told this was the date by William Miller, a farmer from western New York who dabbled in apocalypticism which led him to declare this as the date of Jesus’ return based on his exegesis of the Scriptures. When no one went anywhere but down the mountain, he announced a calculation error. The real date was to be six months later, which also came and went as his followers now went . . . away . . . for good. Jim Jones was another apocalyptic leader. In the 1970s he moved his People’s Temple Full Gospel Church from San Francisco to Guyana, where he could wait for the endtime by creating a community that would live as if the endtime had already occurred. On November 18, 1978, Jim Jones and 911 of his followers ended their wait for the endtime by drinking cyanide-laced Kool-Aid. Other apocalyptic communities, from Mother Ann Lee’s Shakers to John Humphrey Noyes’ Oneida Community, sublimated their endtime energies into crafting, the first, Shaker furniture and the second, Oneida silverware. Jesus’ words to his disciples this morning warn us against such idle speculations or apocalypticism. Apocalypticism can be defined as a set of beliefs and behaviors flowing from the assumption that humans are able to discover the date of the coming consummation of time, the coming Day of the Lord and the return of the Son of Man by using the speculations, learning and lore of sages and scholars, ancient and modern.
7) Still more Doomsday bluffing: Anticipating the end of the world in 1975, twenty-four men, women, and children from Grannis, Arkansas, moved into one tiny house and waited there for ten months. The end did not come as they had expected, and they were evicted for not paying their rent. In 1986 a man named Richard Kieninger of Garland, Texas, organized a group of people to survive the calamities of the end of time. On May 5, 2000, Kieninger’s followers planned to witness the last day from a dirt pile. Similarly in 1525, a German preacher. Johann Stoeffler, predicted the end of the world by flood. All of his parishioners built boats and rafts to survive the end. When the flood did not come, they threw Herr Stoeffler into a deep pond. Such was the case on October 22, 1844. The followers of William Miller, a farmer turned preacher, donned white ascension robes and waited on a hilltop for the Second Coming of Christ. When Christ did not come, they adjusted their beliefs and formed what is now known as the Seventh Day Adventist Church. Jesus said that we should not wait by trying to guess the date. Said Jesus, “But of that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of Heaven nor the Son, but the Father alone” (Mt 24:36). He wanted his followers to be ready for the day of the coming of the Lord at any time. He said that we must be ready because the Son of Man is coming at an hour we least expect. Jesus’ call is clear. He calls his followers to expect the end – of our own lives, as of the end of the world – to come at any moment.
8) Christ is coming; be prepared: When the bi-partisan 9/11 commission members made their final report to Congress, they began their report with these words. “September 11, was a day of unprecedented shock and suffering in the history of the United States. The nation was unprepared. …. The 9/11 attacks were a shock, but they should not have come as a surprise.” What follows is a long list of warning signs that had been generally ignored by the Clinton and Bush administrations in their pursuit of other matters. Things have changed since then. Now the unofficial creed of the American Homeland war on terror is, “Be Vigilant, Be Watchful, and Be Prepared.” We must not be caught off-guard again. There are Christians who approach the coming of Christ the way the government deals with the war on terror. They ring out a danger and they announce a warning. With concern, they say, “You’d better get ready! You’d better watch out — because before you know it, Christ will come.”
9) Jesus is the living Lord who will come again: To live by Faith also means we will do what we can to offset the threat of the annihilation of life on earth, first of all, by registering our outrage at the atrocities that war, by itself, inflicts upon people. Not many of us can afford to do what Joan Kroc, the widow of the founder of McDonald’s fast food chain, did just after Memorial Day had been celebrated in 1985. She bought full page advertisements in newspapers and had the following quote from the late former-President Dwight D. Eisenhower printed beside his picture in his military uniform: “Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired signifies, in the final sense, a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and are not clothed. This world in arms is not spending money alone. It is spending the sweat of its laborers, the genius of its scientists, the hopes of its children … This is not a way of life at all in any true sense. Under the cloud of threatening war, it is humanity hanging from a cross of iron.” Beyond our voiced or written objections to the arms race or the bomb race, it is for us Christians, as the expression of our Faith in God, to do the good works of love and mercy – feeding the hungry, caring for the poor, telling people the Good News in Jesus Christ – incumbent upon those who believe Jesus is the living Lord who will come again. [George M. Bass, The Cradle, the Cross, and the Crown, (CSS Publishing Company, 1986), 0-89536-817-X]
10) “Does anybody really care?” The musical group, Chicago, recorded a song several years ago asking, “Does anybody really know what time it is? Does anybody really care?” When it comes to predicting the end of the world, Jesus says, nobody knows what time it is but God, so why should the rest of us try to learn it?
11 “He’ll find me hoeing cotton when he comes.” There is a beautiful Afro-American Spiritual song about waiting for the Lord’s second coming doing one’s duty faithfully:
There’s a king and a captain high, and he’s coming by and by
And he’ll find me hoeing cotton when he comes.
You can hear his legions charging, the regions of the sky
12) Saints and endtime: St. Francis of Assisi, Saint of Nature, was hoeing his garden one day. A philosopher friend approached him and asked, “What would you do if you learned you would die before the sun sets?” St. Francis reflected for a moment and replied, “I would finish hoeing my garden. I would be faithful to what I am doing now.” Dietrich Bonhoeffer was asked by critics, “Why do you expose yourself to all this danger? Jesus will return any day and all your work and suffering will be for nothing.” Bonhoeffer said, “If Jesus returns tomorrow, then tomorrow I will rest from my labors, but today I have work to do. I must continue the struggle until I am finished.”
13) Wake up and stay awake: Ever since the attack on the World Trade center in New York on Sept 11, 2001, there have been nonstop warnings to be alert to possible terrorist attacks. In U. S. airports repeated public announcements from Homeland Security advise whether the level of alert is yellow, orange or red. People are asked to be vigilant. Today’s second and third readings want us to move to red alert. Paul wants the Romans to wake up and Jesus warns us to stay awake. (Sr. Dr. Barbara E. Reid, NT professor at CTU, Chicago)
14) In the end all will be fine…Robert Muller was an undersecretary of the United Nations. He wrote practically using apocalyptic imagery: “We are witnessing a unique moment of evolution, the birth of collective organs in the human species. For the first time humankind is emerging as a global organism with a common blood stream, a central nervous system, a shared heart, a corporate brain, and a common destiny.” He said it is a secular way. The prophet and today’s Gospel uses more mystical terms. Let us live with this vision: humanity in labour to give birth –through distress and pain –to that human and divine organism of whom Jesus is the head, [Joseph Donders inPraying and Preaching the Sunday Gospel; quoted by Fr. Botelho.]
15) “Then comes the dawn:” Years ago an old municipal lamplighter, engaged in putting out his lights one by one, was met by a reporter who asked him if he never grew tired of his work in the cold dark night of labour. “Never am I cheerless,” said the old man, for there is always a light ahead of me to lead me on.” “But what would you have to cheer you when you have put out the last one?” asked the writer. “Then comes the dawn.” said the lamplighter. A man of the world might have asked Jesus the same question. One light after another did he put out: the lamp of popular acclaim, the lamp of patriotic approval, the lamp of ecclesiastical conformity –all for the sake of God’s love which burned in his heart and showed him a better way. At last even the light of his life was to flicker out on the hill called Calvary. What then? We hear his voice, “Into Thy hands I commend my spirit,” and then the dawn came. [Carl Knudsen in The Living One; quoted by Fr. Botelho.]
16) The sound of the Gospel: I read recently of a small foundry town where mills are kept running day and night. The steam hammers, some of them several tons in weight, are constantly kept busy, beating out the huge masses of molten metal. The inhabitants of the town had become accustomed to the constant noise, and could sleep soundly through the night without being disturbed. One night, because of some breakdown in the machinery, these hammers suddenly stopped working, and the consequence was that nearly everyone in the town woke up. What awakened them? Not the oft-repeated stroke of the heavy hammers, but their sudden stopping. This reminds us of the state of millions of people in our day. While the Gospel hammer is kept at work, millions within sound of it are fast asleep. But the time will come when the Lord shall return and take his people away, and then the hammer of God’s word shall suddenly cease. Then there shall be an awakening of many-Gospel hardened sleepers, but it will be too late. [C. Johnson in Quotes and Anecdotes; quoted by Fr. Botelho.]
17) The coming of the Lord: A 200-seater amphitheatre, costing 20,000 pounds, was built overlooking the Sydney Harbour, Australia, in 1925, for the second coming of Christ. Members of ‘The Order of the Star of the East’, led by Hindu mystic Krishnamurti, believed that Christ would soon return to earth in human form and walk across the Pacific Ocean to the amphitheatre, When he did not arrive in 1929, the group dissolved, and a block of flats now occupies the site. May we be aware of the signs of His coming and always be prepared! [Anonymous; quoted by Fr. Botelho.].
18) Cry, the Beloved Country: Alan Paton was a South African writer. Among the books he wrote was the haunting story, Cry, the Beloved Country, which poignantly described the situation in South Africa under apartheid. Paton had a dream. He dreamt of a new day for his beloved South Africa, a day in which there would be justice and equality for all. For this reason, he entered into politics and fought to end the iniquitous system of apartheid. For decades, he followed his dream, and worked generously and courageously to make it a reality. It was a dream that many said would not be realized. Yet it was. Unfortunately, Paton did not live to see it. He died before the dawn. The prophet Isaiah had an even bolder dream, a dream of universal brotherhood and peace. Isaiah’s vision was a splendid one. It would only be realized by the coming of the Lord Jesus. (Flor McCarthy in New Sunday and Holy Day Liturgies).
19) Death comes sometimes in a most unexpected manner. Atilla was the fearsome ruler of the Huns from AD 434 to 453. He was a public enemy to the Roman Empire. Twice he attacked the Balkans; he marched his army through France; and his rulership spread from Germany to the Ural River and from the Danube River to the Baltic Sea. Many today regard him as a monster, a cruel dictator who ruled through fear. His death was really mysterious. He died on his wedding night from a simple nosebleed. Bruce Lee’s son Brandon was on the set of the film The Crow in which he was playing the lead role. One scene required Lee to be shot by a prop-gun firing blanks. The gun had been used several times before in filming but a cheaply made round of blanks had lodged part of the lead in the barrel of the gun. It caused his death. Jesus said: “But as for that day or hour, nobody knows it.” Hence he asks us to be prepared. None of us is guaranteed the next breath. (Fr. Bobby Jose).
20) “I shall return!” The Japanese bombed Pearl Harbour in Hawaii on December 7th, 1941. Soon after, they invaded and occupied the Philippines. The US General Douglas McArthur was stationed in the Philippines, and on March 11th, 1942, he was forced to leave the islands. Before leaving for Australia, he promised the islanders “I shall return.” On October 20th, 1944, two and a half years later, he kept his promise. He landed on one of the islands and announced, “I have returned.” This heralded freedom for the Philippines. -Jesus assures us: “Heaven and earth shall pass away before my word passes away.” (Jack McArdle in And That’s the Gospel Truth; quoted by Fr. Botelho).
21) Vision of a better future: The leader of a certain Indian tribe was dying, so he summoned his three sons and said: “I am dying; before my death, I must choose one of you to succeed me as the head of our tribe. I have the same task for each of you. I want you to climb our holy mountain and bring me back something beautiful. The one whose gift is most outstanding will be the one who will succeed me.” The following morning the sons set out on their search, each taking a different path up the mountain. After several days the sons returned. The first brought his father a beautiful and rare flower that grew near the summit of the mountain. The second son brought his father a valuable stone, round and colorful which had been polished by the wind and the rain. The third son, who came empty handed, said to his father: “I have brought back nothing to show you father. As I stood on the top of the holy mountain, I saw that on the other side was a beautiful land filled with green pastures. In the middle of these pastures is a crystal lake. I have a vision of where our tribe could go for a better life. I was so overwhelmed by what I saw and by what I could see that I could not bring anything back.” The father replied: “You shall be our tribe’s new leader, for you have brought back the most precious thing – the gift of a vision for a better future.” Today’s Gospel on the end time warnings gives us a better vision of how to lead our lives. (Dennis McBride; quoted by Fr. Botelho). '
22) Making Adjustments: An old sea captain named Eleazar Hall lived in Bedford, Massachusetts, during the time of the great sailing ships. He was renowned, legendary, and revered as the most successful of sea captains of the day. Captain Hall was often asked about his uncanny ability to stay out so long without navigational equipment. Eleazar simply replied, “Oh, I just go up on deck and listen to the wind and rigging. I get the drift of the sea, look up at the stars, and then set my course.” Well, times changed at Bedford. The big insurance companies moved in and said they no longer insured the ships if the captains didn’t have a certified and properly trained navigator on board. They were terrified to tell Eleazar. But to their amazement he said, “If I must, I will go and take the navigational course.” Eleazar graduated high in his class, and having greatly missed the sea, he immediately took off for a long voyage. On the day of his return, the whole town turned out to ask him the question: “Eleazar, how was it having to navigate with all those charts and equations?” Eleazar sat back and let out a long low whistle. “Oh,” he replied, “it was simple. Whenever I wanted to know my location, I’d go to my cabin, get out my charts and tables, work the equations and set my course with scientific precision. Then I’d go up on deck and listen to the wind and the rigging, get the drift of the sea, look at the stars, and go back and correct the errors I had made in computation.” When I heard that, I prayed, “Lord, I want to know you that way. I want to go up on deck, hear Your quiet Voice in my heart, consider Your eternal Word, and then go back down below and make adjustments to all those fine, logical, scientific plans I’ve drawn up in my head.” Ron Mehl fromSurprise Endings; (quoted by Fr. Botelho).
23) It began in “the hole”! There is a story of a hardened criminal serving a life sentence, who felt such despair that life had no longer any hope for him. His behavior got so mean that he was sent to solitary confinement for three weeks in what was known as “the hole.” One day while in “the hole” a remarkable thing happened. He was lying on the cold cement doing sit-ups when he noticed that something was wedged into the back corner of the cell, under the sleeping platform. He had no idea how it got there but figured a former resident of “the hole” must have left it. He wiggled it out. It was, of all things, a copy of the New Testament. Now the thing that is so remarkable is that the inmate actually began to read from it. The inmate had always been a dynamo of power and energy. Suddenly, he began to wonder what would have happened to him had he used his power and energy for good rather than evil. The thought completely boggled his mind. For a long time he lay there thinking: “Why did God create me? Why did God create someone who would end up behind bars? Why did God create someone who would die to goodness and love and be buried in a tomb of evil and hate in a prison cell?” What happened next is hard to describe. A surprising thought entered the inmate’s mind. The greatest event in history began in a tomb- a tomb just as secure and guarded as his cell. That event, of course was the resurrection of Jesus. A second thought jolted him. What happened to Jesus could happen to him too, in “the hole.” Because of Jesus’ new life and glory, he too could be reborn. He too could be re-created. In a sense he too could rise from the dead. At that moment something roused deep inside him; he felt it stirring. He asked Jesus to come to him and raise him to a new life, to re-create a hardened criminal into a new person. And what happened to Jesus in the tomb happened to the prisoner in his tomb, “the hole.” The resurrection power of God brought him new life. That man was Starr Dailey, who after being released from prison became one of the pioneers of prison reform in the United States. (Mark Link).
24) “But as for that day or hour, nobody knows it.” Atilla was the fearsome ruler of the Huns from 434 to 453 AD. He was public enemy to the Roman Empire. Twice he attacked the Balkans; he marched his army through France; and his rulership spread from Germany to the Ural River and from the Danube River to the Baltic Sea. Many today regard him as a monster, a cruel dictator who ruled through fear. His death was really mysterious. He died on his wedding night from a simple nose bleed.
Bruce Lee’s son Brandon was on the set of the film The Crow in which he was playing the lead role. One scene required Lee to be shot by a prop-gun firing blanks. The gun had been used several times before in filming but a cheaply made round of blanks had lodged part of the lead in the barrel of the gun. It caused his death.
Jesus said: “But as for that day or hour, nobody knows it.” Hence, he asks us to be prepared.fr. Bobby Jose).
Fr. Jude Botelho:
The first reading from the Book of Daniel speaks of the end of the world. "There is going to be a time of great distress, unparalleled since nations came into existence." The apocryphal style is a form of writing used by the prophets not to frighten the people. The purpose is not to speak of the future but to look at the present differently. What is happening at present might look terrible; it may appear that we are heading for worse times. Whatever happens, the Lord has not and will not abandon his people. The prophets were reassuring the people, who were losing hope that they should not give up. "When that time comes, God's people will be spared. Those who lie in the dust will rise again." In fact, in the midst of death the prophet speaks of the hope of resurrection. No matter how terrible the circumstances that surround us, no matter how hopeless the world around us may seem, our God is a God of hope and new life.
"I shall return!"
The Japanese bombed Pearl Harbour in Hawaii on December 7th 1941. Soon after, they invaded and occupied the Philippines. The US General Douglas McArthur was stationed in the Philippines, and on March 11th 1942, he was forced to leave the islands. Before leaving for Australia, he promised the islanders "I shall return." On October 20th 1944, two and a half years later, he kept his promise. He landed on one of the islands, and announced "I have returned." This heralded freedom for the Philippines. -Jesus assures us: "Heaven and earth shall pass away before my word passes away."
Jack McArdle in 'And That's the Gospel Truth'
In the Gospel of Mark we find similar apocryphal language being used by Jesus as he describes the end of time. "The sun will be darkened and the moon will lose its light and the stars will fall from the heaven." But we have to remember that these are not signs that God is destroying the world but signs that He is coming. In the midst of what is fearful comes the Lord to ease our fear. We may be surrounded by terrible circumstances and calamities but that should not get us down. There will always be difficult moments in our lives. These are not a punishment from God; they are the entry point for His coming into our lives. The important thing is to look beyond, to read the signs of the times and to believe in His reassuring word. What is important is how one looks at all that was happening to us and to our world. Our faith gives us the vision to look beyond the obvious to the deeper reality that is beyond. This faith vision is based on the word of God, and the promise that the Lord gives us. "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away." As we struggle to live in troubled times, as we are battered by the storms of life, as we are harangued by prophets of doom to await the end, only our faith vision will help us to look beyond to the Lord who will never abandon us. The Lord says: "When you call to me I will listen to you, and I will bring you back to the place from which I exiled you."
Vision of a better future
The leader of a certain Indian tribe was dying, so he summoned his three sons and said: "I am dying; before my death, I must choose one of you to succeed me as the head of our tribe. I have the same task for each of you. I want you to climb our holy mountain and bring me back something beautiful. The one whose gift is most outstanding will be the one who will succeed me." The following morning the sons set out on their search, each taking a different path up the mountain. After several days the sons returned. The first brought his father a beautiful and rare flower that grew near the summit of the mountain. The second son brought his father a valuable stone, round and colourful which had been polished by the wind and the rain. The third son, who came empty handed, said to his father: "I have brought back nothing to show you father. As I stood on the top of the holy mountain, I saw that on the other side was a beautiful land filled with green pastures. In the middle of these pastures is a crystal lake. I have a vision of where our tribe could go for a better life. I was so overwhelmed by what I saw and by what I could see that I could not bring anything back." The father replied: "You shall be our tribe's new leader, for you have brought back the most precious thing - the gift of a vision for a better future."
Dennis McBride
It began in "the hole"!
There is a story of a hardened criminal serving a life sentence, who felt such despair that life had no longer any hope for him. His behaviour got so mean that he was sent to solitary confinement for three weeks to what was known as "the hole." One day while in "the hole" a remarkable thing happened. He was lying on the cold cement doing sit-ups when he noticed that something was wedged into the back corner of the cell, under the sleeping platform. He had no idea how it got there, but figured a former resident of "the hole" must have left it. He wiggled it out. It was, of all things, a copy of the New Testament. Now the thing that is so remarkable is that the inmate actually began to read from it. The inmate had always been a dynamo of power and energy. Suddenly, he began to wonder what would have happened to him had he used his power and energy for good rather than evil. The thought completely boggled his mind. For a long time he lay there thinking: "Why did God create me? Why did God create someone who would end up behind bars? Why did God create someone who would die to goodness and love and be buried in a tomb of evil and hate in a prison cell?" What happened next is hard to describe. A surprising thought entered the inmate's mind. The greatest event in history began in a tomb- a tomb just as secure and guarded as his cell. That event, of course was the resurrection of Jesus. A second thought jolted him. What happened to Jesus could happen to him too, in "the hole." Because of Jesus' new life and glory, he too could be reborn. He too could be re-created. In a sense he too could rise from the dead. At that moment something roused deep inside him; he felt it stirring. He asked Jesus to come to him and raise him to a new life, to re-create a hardened criminal into a new person. And what happened to Jesus in the tomb happened to the prisoner in his tomb, "the hole." The resurrection power of God brought him new life. That man was Starr Dailey, who after being released from prison became one of the pioneers of prison reform in the United States.
Mark Link
Making Adjustments
An old sea captain named Eleazar Hall lived in Bedford, Massachusetts, during the time of the great sailing ships. He was renowned, legendary, and revered as the most successful of sea captains of the day. Captain Hall was often asked about his uncanny ability to stay out so long without navigational equipment. Eleazar simply replied, "Oh, I just go up on deck and listen to the wind and rigging. I get the drift of the sea, look up at the stars, and then set my course." Well, times changed at Bedford. The big insurance companies moved in and said they no longer insured the ships if the captains didn't have a certified and properly trained navigator on board. They were terrified to tell Eleazar. But to their amazement he said, "If I must, I will go and take the navigational course." Eleazar graduated high in his class, and having greatly missed the sea, he immediately took off for a long voyage. On the day of his return, the whole town turned out to ask him the question: "Eleazar, how was it having to navigate with all those charts and equations?" Eleazar sat back and let out a long low whistle. "Oh," he replied, "it was simple. Whenever I wanted to know my location, I'd go to my cabin, get out my charts and tables, work the equations and set my course with scientific precision. Then I'd go up on deck and listen to the wind and the rigging, get the drift of the sea, look at the stars, and go back and correct the errors I had made in computation." When I heard that, I prayed, "Lord, I want to know you that way. I want to go up on deck, hear your quiet voice in my heart, consider your eternal Word, and then go back down below and make adjustments to all those fine, logical, scientific plans I've drawn up in my head."
Ron Mehl from 'Surprise Endings'
A woman was hurrying from work. This was her bingo night. Suddenly she spotted this fellow standing on the edge of the pavement holding aloft this placard which read: THE END OF THE WORLD IS NEAR. She went up to him and said, "You say the end of the world is near." "That's right missus," he replied. "But are you sure?" "Quite sure missus." "And you say it's near." "Yes missus." "How near?" "Oh, very near." "Could you be more precise?" "This very night, missus." She paused for a few moments to reflect on this. Then in a voice full of anxiety, she asked, "Tell me, son, will it be before or after bingo?" - The world in which we live is an uncertain one. It seems to lurch from one crisis to another. This uncertainty can cause great fear and anxiety. In the midst of this uncertainty we need something to rely on. For the Christian that can only mean one thing: faith in God.
Flor McCarthy in 'New Sunday and Holy day Liturgies'
Then comes the dawn
Years ago an old municipal lamplighter, engaged in putting out his lights one by one, was met by a reporter who asked him if he never grew tired of his work in the cold dark night of labour. "Never am I cheerless," said the old man, for there is always a light ahead of me to lead me on." "But what would you have to cheer you when you have put out the last one?" asked the writer. "Then comes the dawn." said the lamplighter. A man of the world might have asked Jesus the same question. One light after another did he put out: the lamp of popular acclaim, the lamp of patriotic approval, the lamp of ecclesiastical conformity -all for the sake of God's love which burned in his heart and showed him a better way. At last even the light of his life was to flicker out on the hill called Calvary. What then? We hear his voice, "Into Thy hands I commend my spirit," and then the dawn came.
Carl Knudsen in 'The Living One'
Sermons.com
Have you ever tried to make a prediction? Here are some predictions from the past. All from people who were trusted individuals:
Thomas Watson, chairman of IBM, in 1943 said, "I think there is a world market for maybe five computers."
Popular Mechanics magazine in 1949 made this prediction: "Where a calculator on the ENIAC is equipped with 18,000 vacuum tubes and weighs 30 tons, computers in the future may have only 1,000 vacuum tubes and weigh only 1.5 tons."
There was an inventor by the name of Lee DeForest. He claimed that "While theoretically and technically television may be feasible, commercially and financially it is an impossibility."
The Decca Recording Co. made a big mistake when they made this prediction: "We don't like their sound, and guitar music is on the way out." That was their prediction in 1962 concerning a few lads form Liverpool. Their band was called the Beatles.
As the disciples walked out of the Temple in Jerusalem Jesus paused, looked back at the Temple and predicted, "Do you see all these great buildings. Not one stone will be left on another." To the disciples this was bedrock. Nothing could bring down these walls. "Look, teacher! What massive stones! What magnificent buildings!" they said to Jesus.
The smallest stones in the structure weighed 2 to 3 tons. Many of them weighed 50 tons. The largest existing stone, part of the Wailing Wall, is 12 meters in length and 3 meters high, and it weighs hundreds of tons! The stones were so immense that neither mortar nor any other binding material was used between the stones. Their stability was attained by the great weight of the stones. The walls towered over Jerusalem, over 400 feet in one area. Inside the four walls was 45 acres of bedrock mountain shaved flat and during Jesus' day a quarter of a million people could fit comfortably within the structure. No sports structure in America today comes close.
You can then understand the disciples' surprise...
A number of years ago, leaders in a church decided to track down the congregation's drop-outs. They combed through the membership list, put together a list of names, and sent out volunteers two-by-two to knock on doors and invite the absent members back to church.
As is often the case, the volunteer visitors discovered that most of the people visited had found other things to do on Sunday morning. One person said, "I would come back to church if it didn't conflict with my tennis time." Another said, "We came to church when our kids were involved. When they outgrew Sunday School, we stopped going." Another said, "I enjoy going to church on the really big days, like Christmas, Easter, and the Fourth of July. Compared to those days, other services are a little bit dull."
One response was different. Two volunteers named Jack and Esther went to see a man whom nobody knew. He lived on the end of the street, in a big house behind three overgrown pine trees. It took the volunteers a few minutes to find the front door. All the curtains were drawn. It looked like nobody was home. Suddenly the door swung open, and a thin man with a shock of white hair said, "My name's Tarnower. What do you want?" They said, "We're from the church. We stopped by to see you." He invited them in. They explained why they had come.
In a few minutes, he was shaking a bony finger at them. "I'll tell you why I don't go to church anymore. It's because I got in the habit of reading the Sunday Times before I went to the worship service."
Esther leaned forward. "Tell us," she said warmly, "how did the newspaper keep you from coming to church? Did you get caught up in the sports section and lose track of time? Or the comics?"
Mr. Tarnower looked at her with wild eyes. "No," he said, "I read the news. It's an awful world out there. There are a lot of diseases I don't understand. Wars break out. Families fall apart. Children run through the streets with handguns. People die prematurely. Listen, the world is falling apart, and the church can't do a thing about it."
"Well," Jack said, "you ought to come back. We have a nice minister, a fairly good choir, and a Bible study on Wednesday nights. You might enjoy our program."
"No," Mr. Tarnower said, "I don't think so. I get out for groceries, but that's all I want to face. I went to church for a while, but the world got worse. When my wife died, I decided to sit in here, watch everything fall apart, and wait my turn. I don't go to church anymore. The church has nothing to say."
He has a point. We live in a rough and painful world that seems to grow worse each day...
On the Preparation Committee
It is understandable that some Christians have grown impatient over the centuries, and have tried to speed things up a bit. I love what someone once said about the return of the Lord. "God did not put me on the Time & Place Committee; He put me on the Preparation Committee." Our job is not to speculate about times and seasons, but to make sure that we are living as God wants us to live - sisters and brothers to one another - here and now. Some folks are "so heavenly minded they are no earthly good."
Donald B. Strobe, Collected Words, www.Sermons.com _________________________
The Disciples as Tourists
Tourists. As Mark 13 opens, the disciples are like tourists, gawking at the more striking features of "the big city" that they were visiting for the high and holy festival of Passover. If there had been cameras in those days, you can almost picture the disciples mugging for the camera in front of the magnificent opulence of the Temple. Little bands of tourists wearing bright orange hats would be milling through the plazas and colonnades of the Temple as tour guides with bullhorns shouted forth impressive statistics. "Some of these foundation stones weigh 5 tons and were brought into the city through the massive efforts of thousands of masons and slaves."
Appreciative "Ooohs" and "Ahhhs" would follow each stunning stat.
It was, all in all, a heady atmosphere. You couldn't help but look up to see the towering heights. When I've been in places like Chicago and New York City, I know full well that standing on a sidewalk and staring up at the towering heights of the Sears Tower or the Empire State Building is the surest way possible to have me be easily identified as a tourist. But I can't help it! I don't want to look like some hick from the outback who is bowled over by skyscrapers, but they are just so impressive. They simply dwarf you! And so I steal as many heavenward glances as I can.
The disciples were like that. They don't want to look like simple fishermen from Galilee and the like, but let's face it: you just don't see stonework like this back on the farm. Their enthusiasm is so great that they cannot resist pulling Jesus into the action. Their master seems oddly unmoved by the ramparts and architectural heights of Jerusalem. He is the only one NOT craning his neck and mugging for the camera. So the disciples try to bring him around. "Teacher! Lookee here - isn't this one massive hunk of limestone!? Isn't the craftsmanship on these carvings impressive? Can you imagine what it must have taken to raise up such a high edifice!?"
But Jesus meets their breathless enthusiasm with a shrug of his shoulders. "Yes, I see them. But you know what? Even the biggest of these stones will soon fall and be thrown down. One day, there won't be a single building to look at here."
Scott Hoezee, comments and observations on Mark 13:1-8.
Humor: False Prophets and Messiahs
Several years ago, Carl Reiner and Mel Brooks did a comedy skit called the "2000 Year Old Man". In the skit, Reiner interviews Brooks, who is the old gentleman. At one point, Reiner asks the old man, "Did you always believe in the Lord?"
Brooks replied: "No. We had a guy in our village named Phil, and for a time we worshiped him."
Reiner: You worshiped a guy named Phil? Why?
Brooks: Because he was big, and mean, and he could break you in two with his bare hands!
Reiner: Did you have prayers?
Brooks: Yes, would you like to hear one? O Phil, please don't be mean, and hurt us, or break us in two with your bare hands.
Reiner: So when did you start worshiping the Lord?
Brooks: Well, one day a big thunderstorm came up, and a lightning bolt hit Phil. We gathered around and saw that he was dead. Then we said to one another, "There's somthin' bigger than Phil!"
Carl Reiner and Mel Brooks, 2000 Year Old Man
Is The Mule For Sale?
Once upon a time there was a woman married to an annoying man. He would complain about everything. One day he went to the creek with his mule. He complained so much that the mule got annoyed and kicked him to death. At the funeral, when all the men walked by the wife she shook her head yes and every time the women walked by she shook her head no.
The minister asked "Why are you shaking your head yes for men and no for women?" Her response was, "The men would say how sorry they felt for me and I was saying, "Yes, I'll be alright." When the women walked by, they were asking if the mule was for sale . . . "
Staff, www.Sermons.com.
"I Would Plant an Apple Tree"
Martin Luther was once asked what he would do if he knew that the world was coming to an end tomorrow, and he said: "I would plant an apple tree." In other words, Luther, trusting in God's gracious, unmerited mercy would live life just as he had been living it. When John Wesley was asked the same thing, being an obsessive-compulsive type, he said that he would arise at 4:00 AM, preach at 5:00 visit the sick at 7:00, go to communion at 8:00...etc., until the questioner realized that that was exactly what Wesley had planned to do tomorrow anyway! Because we believe that God is like Christ, we can dare to live in faith and hope and love now; trusting God for whatever the future holds, because we believe that God holds the future, and that God's Name and God's Nature are love.
Donald B. Strobe, Collected Words, www.Sermons.com
"Don't panic!" Those are the words I frequently say when someone has come to see me and they are in the midst of a crisis. They may have lost their job, had a marital crisis, a problem with a child, or found themselves in serious financial trouble. They are anxious. It seems like the world is caving in on them. They feel lonely and afraid. They can't see any way out of their predicament.
It has been my experience over the years as a pastor that when folks are desperate they tend to run, quit or act in haste. I am not discounting their pain or minimizing the crisis, rather I am merely helping them to see that their perceptions have exaggerated the crisis. Or, they have a distorted perception of reality.
This was the case with the disciples. They were being persecuted by an oppressive government. They were powerless and under immense pressure. All seemed dark and hopeless, so much so that they wondered if the "end" was near. They were desperate, blinded by their anxiety and totally unable to see into the future.
They are no different than us. Whenever things are happening in the world of epic proportions, like hurricanes, wars, catastrophes or plagues there are those who believe that the world is coming to an end.
Keith Wagner, Are You Having an Anxiety Attack?
History Is Going Somewhere
William Barclay wrote in his book The Mind of St. Paul, "The great value of the doctrine of the Second Coming is that it guarantees that history is going somewhere. We cannot tell how it will happen. We cannot take as literal truth the Jewish pictures of it which Paul used. We need not think of a physical coming of Christ in the clouds, or a physical trumpet blast. But what the doctrine of the Second Coming conserves is the tremendous fact that there is one divine, far-off event to which the whole creation is moving; there is a consummation; there is a final triumph of God."
William Barclay, The Mind of St. Paul, New York: Harper and Bros. 1958, p.229
Gollum's Riddle
In the Hobbit by JRR Tolkien Bilbo Baggins has met Gollum for the first time. Bilbo is lost and needs to find his way out of Gollum's cave. Gollum will show him the way out if he can answer a riddle.
This thing all things devours,
Birds, beasts, trees, flowers;
Gnaws iron, bites steel;
Grinds hard stone to meal;
Slays king, ruins town,
And beats high mountain down.
Bilbo is stumped. He doesn't know the answer to the riddle and after being pressured by Gollum says, "Give me time." Gollum hears the word "time" and mistakenly takes it as Bilbo's answer, which of course is right. Time devours all things, even massive Temples.
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Australian Grand Prix Qualifying
Today was the debut of Formula 1’s new qualifying rules. The result? An embarrassing mess.
That this weekend’s race is in Australia makes it a bit impractical for us Europeans to watch it live. I wasn’t really planning to get up at 7 in the morning for the qualifying session, but when the Heir to the Throne decided that a quarter past six was a great time to start the day, I decided to make the most of it and to watch how the new qualifying rules would work in practice. I was, after all, pretty sure they would lead to some thrilling racing during the qualifying sessions.
Q1 started out like we’d all hoped, with a lot of cars on track from the beginning. But did it ever become more exciting than qualifying used to be with the old rules? No. If anything, it turned out even more anti-climatic. With over five minutes left of the last qualifying session, several of the drivers left their cars in the pits because it simply wasn’t anything to gain from going out again. If you ask me, that’s a massive insult to the spectators on the track who paid good money to watch the qualifying sessions. It only lasts for an hour, including breaks between the sessions, and to deprive the spectators of over a third of the final, 14 minutes long session is a shame. As a driver, you could at least sit in your car in the pit box and pretend you give a shit.
Pretty much everyone and their grandmother agreed that the new qualifying rules don’t work in real life. Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel – who was one of the drivers who decided to flip off the crowd by leaving his car in Q3 – even managed to include a classic “I hate to say I told you so” when asked to comment about the disaster:
“We all said what is going to happen. It happened. We were told to wait and see. Now we saw and I don’t think it was very exciting.” — Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari)
Formula 1’s main problem isn’t the rules, though. It’s Mercedes dominance. The qualifying results show that very little has changed since the 2015 season: Mercedes still locks out the front row, Ferrari is the only real contender (but they are still half a second behind the slowest Mercedes), while the rest of the teams are scattered somewhere in the background.
I’m honestly not sure if Formula 1 is something I’ll spend any of my precious spare time watching this season. I’ll probably give it a chance by watching a couple of races, but if Mercedes, and my arch enemy Lewis Hamilton, continue to dominate, I’m out.
March 19, 2016 13:14:22
RIP Kent (1990-2016)
March One-Liners
If I could do it all again, I’d be a farmer.
— Mobutu Sese Seko
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Clowns Gearing Up To Protest ‘It’ Over Negative Clown Stereotypes
"You need to remember that clowns are people too.”
by Mack Lamoureux
Photo via the Thunder Bay Clown Club's Facebook
Some Canadian clowns are painting on a frowny face regarding the soon-to-be released remake of It because the film's main attraction is Pennywise, a child-eating, creepy as all hell clown.
It, the hotly anticipated film based on Stephen King's bestselling novel, is coming into theatres on Thursday night and the Thunder Bay Clown Club will be gathering outside of the town's Silver City Theatre shortly before the movie premieres. Dianne McNicol, who performs in Thunder Bay under the name Dottie The Clown, told VICE that the group will be there for just a few minutes handing out pamphlets denouncing the negative view of clowns.
"We feel that this has done great harm in the business of clowning and for clowns," said McNicol. "A number of clown clubs have actually folded due to the negativity surrounding it."
"You need to remember that clowns are people too."
McNicol said that the gathering really isn't a rally or a protest per se, but more of an "information session." In a press release, Thunder Bay Clown Club President Dan "Daffy" Baxter, said that "our purpose is to provide theatre goers with leaflets about the differences between professional clowns and clowns depicted as monsters and villains in film and media." That said, McNicol told VICE that the it can't be ignored that the resurfaced stereotype of the "evil clown" has done serious damage to the clown's bottom line.
In 2016, an insanely annoying epidemic of "scary clowns" took North America by storm. People were making clown prank videos—some good, the vast majority bad—and clowns were photographed with chains and knives looking menacing as all hell. At one point a man in clown get-up actually stabbed a man in Sweden. In Canada, Home Depot pulled some of their clown halloween gear. The bullshit hasn't stopped either: a week ago a "local prankster" tied a bunch of red balloons to sewer grates a la the opening scene of Stephen King's tome.
It's likely going to get worse as Halloween approaches.
Photo via the Lititz Borough Police Department's Facebook
"The financial blow to the clowning industry has already happened," said McNicol. "When I meet my American clown friends, they tell me that business has dropped, people won't invite them to parties, they don't get invited to events anymore."
"It's definitely has hurt the business aspect for people that use it as a business."
Luckily the Thunder Bay Clown Club—who boast 26 members and primarily do charity events—have, for whatever reason, been spared from this hit. "Cooler heads may have just prevailed here," McNicol said.
The fear of clowns is informally known as coulrophobia and is linked to John Wayne Gacy and the original pressing of Stephen King's It. While it's not listed in ICD-10 or the DSM-5 categorisation of disorders, it's a relatively well-known phenomenon. Earlier this year, King tweeted out that "the clowns are pissed at me," saying that kids have always been scared of clowns and to "not kill the messenger."
McNicol said that in recent days, she's hearing the term "scary clown" uttered by children more and more and actually blames this more on "Lipstick Clowns"—the clowns that haven't been trained but just throw on a costume and get in people's faces—than the media. Actual clowns, McNicol explained, have a code of conduct, follow and ethical code, and a clown constitution.
"All of this hurts us because we do such good in the community, but we embrace it, we understand what's happening," said McNicol. "That's what we want to give this information and say: 'Don't promote It, don't go out on halloween and dress your kids as scary clowns, don't perpetuate the idea of evil clowning.'"
All this being said, it still looks like a pretty goddamn great update on the 1990 TV series—so we'll take what we can get.
Follow Mack Lamoureux on Twitter.
#Films
creepy clowns
scary clowns
clowning
Thunder Bay Clown Club
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VICE vs Video games
‘The Witness’ Is 2016’s First Absolutely Essential Video Game
Jonathan Blow's comeback is a magical achievement that has little to do with video gaming precedent.
by David Whelan
26 January 2016, 1:52pm
All screenshots from the game's official website
For a game so quiet, The Witness never stops talking. There is no music. The trees creak and birds chatter. Stand still for long enough and you might hear the distance chime of something unknown. Occasionally you might see a Dictaphone discarded on the ground – a message left perhaps by a previous occupant of the island, or maybe something else entirely. But the real communication is conducted within the 660-plus puzzles dotted around the island. It's a language spread across hundreds of mazes, and with each one you get closer to understanding the whole.
I've been asked to not say too much about the game, which is totally correct. The Witness is about learning and discovery, of closing the distance between creator and player. For me to tell you anything other than how it made me feel would be robbing you of that experience. It made me feel quite good.
In The Witness, players will find themselves walking around an island, isolated, solving puzzles in order to discover more about... Well, that would be spoiling it.
Within the many, many hours I spent exploring this stunning world, I realised its closest parallels are to literature and epistemological philosophy, rather than other games. Across human experience, we've always been obsessed with puzzles and solutions. In Teju Cole's novel Open City, for example, Julius – a young Nigerian immigrant – wanders around New York City ruminating about the maze of life and the variety of monsters hiding around every corner. Alone and always moving, Julius's New York is not just a city, but a shifting sandbox of discovery, where everything from getting out of bed to social interactions becomes a puzzle to be solve. The city morphs before Julius's eyes, and he often doesn't know if it's him or the buildings that have changed: "The site was a palimpsest, as was all the city, written, erased, rewritten." I found myself constantly thinking about Open City as I played The Witness, and many other books and films, too.
In Ben Lerner's novel, Leaving the Atocha Station, the narrator similarly finds himself wandering and musing through life, in search of "a profound experience of art". He goes to gallery after gallery – always wondering whether he'll be found out for inauthenticity – hoping to be moved. He never is. In The Witness I found myself solving puzzle after puzzle hoping to be moved. I was.
Just as with Cole and Lerner, The Witness is less about solutions to the incomprehensible and more about our journey to the end. That may sound ridiculously pretentious, but I genuinely believe it's true: its designer Jonathan Blow has, clearly, chosen the puzzle genre as a way to talk about life. This is handled best through the puzzles, and less well in the occasionally hammy Dictaphones dotted around containing quotes from famous theologians and scientists. Very seldom have I played a computer game that has made me think – via its mechanics alone – about the philosophical issues underpinning it.
Article continues after the video below
One of The Witness's greatest strengths as a game is its consciously stripped-down approach to the puzzle and open-world genres. The puzzles are always obvious in their location and what function they serve, and it is very rare to not know where to go next. (Note the black wires winding around the entire island that link each section – don't know what you just achieved? Follow the wire.) This is an improvement from Blow's previous game Braid, an experience that was both very fun and deeply annoying, to the extent that I'm fairly sure Blow is at his happiest when he's pissing off the player. The Witness is more of an even fight. Not to say it's easy – it isn't – but that the answers are, often, right in front of your face.
What was particularly wonderful about my time with The Witness was that, despite being alone on the island for countless hours, I felt constantly locked in conversation – with the world around me, with the puzzles that threatened to melt my brain, with its creators. At no point did I feel genuinely lonely – I knew I was a rat in a maze, but the fact I was learning to speak back to the game was an incredible experience I have never felt before in this medium. Braid, by contrast, often had me feeling like I'd revised for my maths GSCE and accidentally stepped into an A-level physics exam after slamming two pencils in my eyes.
One weakness of having so many bloody puzzles is that the strength of each individual one is almost impossible to maintain. Not all of them are satisfying; some alter mid-series and frustrate for hours, while others simply aren't that tough. I felt I spent far too long, for instance, in an area with a very tedious and not at all challenging puzzle involving light and perspective. This was followed by an even more irritating section set within what can only be accurately described as a gigantic toilet. To counter that gripe, my favourite area is a wonderful cohesion of theory and execution where you spend your time literally building pathways in the air with your mind. It's wonderful.
The mazes aren't so much hard as they are alien: in order to get them, you have to figure out what they're trying to say to you, and about you. I like to imagine the whole game is that one wonderful scene in Close Encounters of the Third Kind when the humans first discover how to communicate with the mothership, but stretched across anything from 20 to 100 hours. The Witness is all about your perspective: the higher above the maze you get, the clearer the picture becomes. Just as Oedipa Maas discovered in Pynchon's The Crying Lot of 49, you have to rise above the maze to finally see the "hieroglyphic sense of concealed meaning, of an intent to communicate".
'The Witness', release date trailer
While not perfect, Blow's second release is the closest I have come to being moved by a computer game, by its function and message alone. Like staring at a piece of art in a gallery, my hours spent with The Witness caused changes within me. I found myself letting out many a "fucking yes!" when I worked out the solutions. I don't do that when I down a boss in Bloodborne.
For a game about isolation and being alone, there is a real warmth about the experience. The game's artists – Eric Anderson, Luis Antonio and Orsolya Spanyol – have created a world that looks sort of like a child's drawing after they've gotten high on ice cream. Which is to say: it's one of the very greatest worlds I have ever explored. Not only does it look good enough to eat, it is also thematically consistent with the game – it begins with childish wonder (like the player) and slowly, steadily darkens as the player learns more and more of the information the game wants to provide (this is, essentially, a metaphor about growing up). Ah. Everything in The Witness coheres with the central idea, and that is an astounding achievement.
Like puzzles? How about quizzes? Take this Noisey one to work out How Music you are.
Whenever I would active a maze panel and attempt a solution, I would be surprised by the wonderfully tactile nature of it. A bright line would appear, accompanied by a subtle buzz, moving sturdily along the path I drew. It is often cruel: solving one puzzle often only lights up the next, which can be quite frustrating when you've spent an hour on a single maze, which was eventually solved after a stiff drink had loosened up my brain. However, feeling frustration with The Witness is precisely what it's designed to do. Learning how to speak is not easy. The more you know, the more you know you don't know. But suffer the lessons and there are great awards.
You will never feel so close to the architects of a game than you will with The Witness. And that's a pleasure open to everyone who wants to play it, and who doesn't cheat. Looking up a solution online is like learning 25 letters of the alphabet. Any word containing the one letter you don't know will make no sense to you. It's robbing yourself of understanding, nobody else.
What I'm ultimately saying is: somehow, in a game with no characters and no scripted narrative, I have been moved. I have walked through the island like Cole's Julius and experienced Lerner's profound experience of art. All that in a game about drawing a bloody line through a grid, over and over and over again. Blow has shortened the distance between game and player in a way other games can only dream. It's a magical achievement.
The Witness (official website) is out now for PC and PlayStation 4, with a iOS version planned for later in 2016.
@mrdavidwhelan
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The Reality of Playing Twitter Like a Video Game
It's Time To Get Excited About a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Game Again
vice gaming
David Whelan
Jonathan Blow
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How to Make an Animation?
Last Updated On: Tuesday January 08, 2019
3 Steps to Make an Animation with Anime Studio Pro 9
Step 1: Pre Production
Step 2: Production
Step 3: Post Production
“How to Make an Animation?” Step 1: Pre Production
The pre-production part is the first step towards making the animation and initiates a long chain of action that are undertaken in order to create the film. The idea of pre-production mainly revolves around the basic concept of the film which is gradually converted into a full length animation. Anime Studio Pro 9 allows figuring out a rough story line along with several other important aspects such as proper direction and scripts are worked upon. The direction outlines important features such as the camera angles and the shot sequences.
Story Boarding: It implies the plotting of the perfect story line and is an important part of the animation process. The comic role is based chiefly on the drawings that help to visualize the character in real time film play. Detailed scene changes and animation plots are also figured out well. Planning out the appropriate text notes and coupled with the most suitable camera movements enable the film to be pictured well enough to please the audience and is undoubtedly an essential step towards the answer of ‘how to make an animation’.
Layouts: The costumes of the characters are designed under the ‘layouts’ category of the software. Also the location of each of the scenes and the positioning of the respective characters throughout the entire sequence are taken care of.
Model Sheets: The model sheets on the other hand involves the precise sketching of each of the characters exactly in the way the director visualizes it. These rough sketches form the blueprints while shooting the entire sequence of the various characters which are later processed by the modelling department to give it the finished appearance.
“How to Make an Animation?” Step 2: Production
Once the project steps into the production department, the primary work of paying heed to the details begin. Modelling, Texturing, Lighting, animation and rigging are the most important processes that come together with the software.
Modelling: Most of the modellers in general tend to bring in some variation in each of the characters while modelling thereby imparting it with its uniqueness. The models are primarily based on the free form structures and the other hard surface models using Anime Studio Pro 9. The shapes of the models are also juggled as per the convenience of the director considering the character’s role in the film.
Texture: The texturing artists contributes the essential shades and painting patterns keeping in mind the precise requirements and color combination that will be present in any particular shot sequence. The textures can be built efficiently using the studio pro software based on an existing image or even from scratch. Superlative incorporation of the textures into the final shot sequence enhances the overall appearance of the entire sequence.
Lighting: Positioning the lights at the most suitable places accounts for the ideal lighting properties of how to make an animation. The light intensity sets the mood for any particular scene and is hence adjusted conveniently as per the shot requirements. Establishing direct and reflected shadows also impacts the color combination and lighting theory of the set.
“How to Make an Animation?” Step 3: Post Production
This is the final step involved in the quest for how to make an animation and typically deals with imparting the finishing touches to the overall film. The post production process generally revolves around working on the scenes by editing the raw sequences or by inserting a suitable clip in between. Sound editing and compositing are the other important tasks that are implemented in the final phase of production.
If you interesting in the Anime Studio Pro 9 or want to get it. Click Here to See Pricing, Ratings, and Reviews on Amazon.com
Or, if you want to find out more about the best animation software, click here to read this post.
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Is Bond 25 Truly Cursed?
The Lion King (and Beyoncé) Takes Hollywood by Storm
Paul Chi
Stranger Things 3’s Real Hero Is Erica, a Pint-Size, Ice-Cream-Loving Nerd Shamer
Danny Boyle Thinks Robert Pattinson Should Play James Bond Too
what a joker
George Clooney on Sharing His Birthday with Royal Baby: “That Kid Is Stealing My Thunder”
The Oscar winner jokingly took Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s new son to task at the premiere of his Hulu series, Catch-22.
Left, by Valerie Macon/Getty Images; right, by Dominic Lipinski/Getty Images
George Clooney turned 58 on Monday, the same day Prince Harry and Meghan Markle welcomed their new son, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor—and the Oscar winner isn’t too pleased about sharing his birthday with the royal baby.
“It’s really irritating—that kid is stealing my thunder,” Clooney joked at the Hollywood premiere of his new Hulu series, Catch-22, Tuesday evening. “It’s supposed to be my day, and for me!”
All jokes aside, Clooney, who attended the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s wedding in May 2018 with his wife, Amal Clooney, is thrilled for the new parents.
“They’re a lovely couple, so I’m very happy for them,” said Clooney. “For any couple who has a baby, it’s an exciting time.”
Clooney himself is a proud father to almost-two-year-old twins Emma and Alex, but says he doesn’t have the wisdom to give the royal couple any parenting tips.
“You think I should give any advice to anyone? No!” he quipped. “What do I know? I’m old.”
While Clooney grumbled amiably about sharing his birthday with the royal baby, he celebrated his special day by honoring his wife’s work in helping to free two Reuters journalists, who had been jailed in Myanmar after more than 500 days for reporting on a massacre of Rohingya civilians.
“It was pretty great. We celebrated my wife’s work at my birthday dinner. She’s been working to get the Reuters journalists freed in Myanmar for a year, and they walked out last night,” he said. “That’s the best birthday gift. I couldn’t be more proud of my wife and for Reuters. They stuck up for journalism. It’s important.”
Clooney’s latest project is the Hulu limited-series adaptation of the classic Joseph Heller anti-war novel. The star wore several hats on the production—he directed two episodes, executive produced the series, and co-stars in it as Lieutenant Scheisskopf. And though Clooney may joke about being “old,” it seems clear that he shows no sign of slowing down when it comes to his career. When asked what he hopes his legacy will be, however, Clooney gave an answer that had nothing to do with his profession.
“I want to be remembered for my dance moves,” he said—joking again, we assume.
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— Lady Gaga’s four outfits, Jared Leto’s head, and all the campy looks from this year’s Met Gala
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— A compelling case for Robert Downey Jr. to win an Oscar
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The Three Faces of Steve: On Stephen Sondheim
Books & the Arts
Finishing the Hat makes clear Stephen Sondheim’s belief that being an artist requires intellectual vigilance.
By David Schiff
Finishing the Hat, the first of two long-awaited volumes of Stephen Sondheim’s lyrics, wit and wisdom, reminds me of another exacting exercise in self re-evaluation: the New York Edition of the fiction of Henry James. In the eighteen prefaces he wrote for the twenty-four-volume set, James revealed the sparks that found ready kindling in his imagination, and shared his many struggles to coax them into stories and novels. James could detect a spark in something as fleeting as casual conversation: “A mere floating particle in the stream of talk.” Because the Broadway musical is a collaborative effort, many of Sondheim’s shows have been set alight by other people’s sparks; but regarding Pacific Overtures (1976), for one, Sondheim shares a truly Jamesian moment of inspiration. He recalls coming upon a Japanese screen at the Metropolitan Museum of Art: “It was like a sudden explosion; it seemed to grow as I looked at it.” The screen, Sondheim suggests, was not just a piece of japonaiserie; rather, it was an aesthetic commandment to honor the principle of “less is more,” not as an abstract idea but as an emotional imperative.
Finishing the Hat
Collected Lyrics (1954–1981) With Attendant Comments, Principles, Heresies, Grudges, Whines and Anecdotes.
By Stephen Sondheim.
Buy this book.
Sondheim on Music
Minor Details and Major Decisions.
By Mark Eden Horowitz.
Spanning the first three decades of Sondheim’s career, and revealing more of his creative process than James’s prefaces did of his own, Finishing the Hat includes rejects, rewrites and substitutes of lyrics from thirteen shows that together illuminate the dark, devious road leading to Broadway hits and flops. Like James, Sondheim transformed a popular genre often aimed at the young into an art for, and about, adults. Writing for a smart audience, James and Sondheim have no qualms about appearing smarter-than-thou, but Sondheim is smart about being smarter. Whereas James allowed his followers to call him The Master, Sondheim wrote a tongue-in-cheek song for the revue Sondheim on Sondheim (2010) in which the cast hails him as God. Sondheim, like James, is also ruthless when assessing the talents of famous predecessors. In sidebar “heresies” planted throughout Finishing the Hat, he pillories Ira Gershwin (“His work bespeaks a generous, warm and talented man, but his brother was a genius”), Lorenz Hart (“the laziest of the pre-eminent lyricists”) and Noël Coward (“the Master of Blather”). Sondheim sounds mild compared with James, who practiced summary executions: “Our Mutual Friend…is poor with the poverty not of momentary embarrassment, but of permanent exhaustion.” “Mr. Trollope is simply unable to depict a mind in any liberal sense of the word.” Not even Tolstoy is spared: “From no other great projector of the human image and the human idea is so much truth to be extracted under an equal leakage of its value.”
These judgments would sound coldblooded if they were not part of an encompassing project of self-criticism. Following a common aesthetic commandment—thou shalt not tell, but show—the work of both artists reveals the inner life of characters rather than showcasing the cleverness of its creator. This approach requires scrupulous revision and refinement. It demands technique. Technical acuity, moreover, is not empty virtuosity but a form of knowledge and, eventually, sympathy. Every page of Finishing the Hat is marked by Sondheim’s belief that being an artist requires intellectual vigilance. As James famously advised, “Try to be one of the people on whom nothing is lost!” Sondheim’s sympathies, deep rather than broad, extend mainly to other perspicacious characters; yet his best work strips bare the pitfalls of intelligence, especially when it is allied with the imagination. Intelligence, he shows, is amoral. The painter George in Sunday in the Park With George (1984) and the serial killer in Sweeney Todd (1979) are versions of the same character: brilliant, obsessed and blind to the sources of their own cruelty.
Art isn’t easy, as Sondheim wrote, especially art based on a highly self-conscious aesthetic; and over the years Sondheim has taken on projects whose difficulties would terrify most composer/lyricists, let alone their financial backers. A Japanese musical (Pacific Overtures)? A show about presidential assassins (Assassins)? Critics—champions of Sondheim as well as skeptics—have often oversimplified the shows on the assumption that Sondheim is a perennially clever kid rather than a stern ethicist. John Lahr, for one, described him as peddling “boulevard nihilism” in Sweeney Todd. It’s not hard to find a character in the shows who sees the world through the eyes of Holden Caulfield—life sucks, everyone’s a phony, we die alone—but that view is part of the story, not an op-ed published under Sondheim’s byline. One could just as easily accuse Sondheim of dabbling in “boulevard idealism” in Merrily We Roll Along (1981), which tracks the relation of innocence and experience in reverse chronology, ending with a bright-eyed affirmation of youthful idealism as corny as Kansas in August.
With an initial run of just sixteen performances, Merrily ranks among Sondheim’s most humiliating flops, even though it boasts no fewer than three of the greatest “showbiz” numbers of all time (“It’s a Hit!” “Franklin Shepard, Inc.” and “Opening Doors”) and one classic ballad (“Not a Day Goes By”). Unfortunately, but perhaps understandably, Finishing the Hat does not shed much light on the show’s failure other than to say that its faults were remedied by casting older actors and the several rounds of rewriting suggested by Sondheim’s current collaborator, James Lapine. Sondheim explains that the show, like several of its predecessors, re-enacted the moral fable of Allegro, the notorious flop by Sondheim’s mentor Oscar Hammerstein (the 17-year-old Sondheim served as Hammerstein’s assistant on the show). In Allegro, a precursor of the “concept musical,” a doctor repeatedly attempts to escape the moral compromises of bourgeois existence, and eventually succeeds. Merrily, based on a 1934 play by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart, tells the story backward, beginning in 1981 and ending in 1957, and spotlights not a doctor but a songwriter and movie producer, Franklin Shepard, whose moral compromises, never redeemed, leave a trail of broken marriages and soured friendships. The theme of art versus life would return in Sondheim’s work with Sunday in the Park With George, but there, at least, the audience has the assurance of knowing that the George of the first act is the painter Georges Seurat, whose La Grande Jatte attained masterpiece status, thereby, or so many critics assumed, justifying the artist’s thorny life.
Merrily recalls Thomas Mann’s unsettling tales about artists: we don’t know if their art is any good, so we can’t tell if it will atone, even slightly, for the long list of misdeeds committed while making it. For the novelist this ambiguity can be a potent source of irony, but in musical theater irony can be slippery because keeping a show’s point of view clear is difficult. Shepard is rich, but is he a good composer or just a lucky hack? On the original cast recording the overture sounds tinny and tacky. Its tunes could have been fished from the wastebasket of the Broadway songwriter Jule Styne, which would make the overture a bizarre hommage to Sondheim’s collaborator in Gypsy. But perhaps it’s an exposé of Shepard’s mediocrity, assuming that the overture is by Shepard, not Sondheim.
Finishing the Hat allows us to compare the Merrily lyrics from the 1981 disaster production with those from the more successful revised production staged first in 1985 and again a decade later (although without showing us the revised script). The differences contradict the oft-repeated accusation that Sondheim is not interested in his characters. The original production of Merrily opened with a high school anthem, “The Hills of Tomorrow,” composed by the teenage Shepard. It sounds a lot like “Make Our Garden Grow” from Candide, but not as good—which may have been the point. Frank’s first hit song, “Good Thing Going,” which shadows him through the score like a guilty conscience, sounds like “Small World” as rewritten for the Carpenters. It’s hard to say how that irony works. The song also sounds very much like one that could launch a successful showbiz career.
The problem with Merrily, as Sondheim and Lapine came to realize, was a matter of emphasis. The story that needed to be told was not a younger generation’s rejection of their parents’ values, timely as that tale might have been, but rather Shepard’s awareness of the choices in life that had led him into the abyss. It’s a Jamesian angle. The central action of the show, Sondheim realized, took place within Shepard’s mind, and exploring it demanded empathy, not irony. No wonder the show was hard to write, and harder to stage. Rescuing it from disaster required a ruthless reappraisal of the original, a new script, new characters, new songs and no distracting anthem, however pretty. Most of all, it required a sharper definition of the lead characters and their motivations: aren’t both Charley and Mary, the two creative partners Frank betrays on his way to the top, in love with him? I’m not convinced that every problem was solved, or is solvable, but I find the revised version (which can be heard on an imported Jay/TER CD) a far richer backstage drama, dramatically and musically, than even A Chorus Line. Sometimes ambition trumps perfection.
Sondheim, again like James, has always written strong, complicated female characters, from Momma Rose of Gypsy to Fosca of Passion. His songs have inspired great performers: Ethel Merman, Angela Lansbury, Elaine Stritch, Barbara Cook, Bernadette Peters and Donna Murphy. Although many critics have linked the emphasis on the feminine in James’s and Sondheim’s work to homosexuality, a subject James could never explicitly address, and that Sondheim avoided depicting onstage until late in his career (in Bounce, from 2003), it could also be viewed as a reaction to the rise of feminism, a movement James portrayed with a mixture of admiration and satire in The Bostonians. As in James, most men in Sondheim are running scared from women, and yet they are still in charge. Robert, the unmarried protagonist of Company, seems understandably perplexed by the opportunities and traps that surround him. The final song, “Being Alive,” offers him the same advice that James put in the mouth of Lambert Strether, the unmarried protagonist of The Ambassadors: “Live all you can; it’s a mistake not to.”
If art isn’t easy in a feminist age, love is hell. The relationship between the sexes festers like an open wound in many of Sondheim’s shows, and sometimes even his defenders have chosen to ignore the pain. Frank Rich’s rave review in the New York Times of Sunday in the Park With George, which surely helped earn Sondheim a Pulitzer, described only one facet of the show—the George part. Rich termed Sunday “a contemplative modernist musical,” as if it were a Robert Wilson play. The show celebrated Seurat’s “methodical intellectual precision,” which, Rich wrote, Sondheim happened to share. (Sondheim often takes critics to task for identifying him with his characters, but to no avail.) Minimalist cool had moseyed uptown, from SoHo to Times Square, and Rich’s review congratulated all concerned for their impeccable good taste.
The actual show, messier and far more interesting than Rich’s account of it, centers on Seurat’s mistress Dot. In dramatic terms, she functions as an obstacle. George wants to finish La Grande Jatte. Dot wants George’s undivided attention. He obsesses; she pouts. In symbolic terms, though, George and Dot are antitheses: male and female, art and life, reason and passion. This conflict drives the plot and the performance (preserved on DVD), as does the fierce duel between Mandy Patinkin and Bernadette Peters for the audience’s favor. In terms of the plot, George and Dot both win: he finishes the painting, which the world will posthumously call a masterpiece, and she leaves for America carrying his child. Although the second act offers an anodyne, it’s-all-good resolution with the song “Children and Art,” the show offers more questions than answers.
Sondheim’s first romantic period piece, A Little Night Music (1973), set in Sweden at the turn of the twentieth century, may have seemed an anomaly when it appeared on the heels of Company and Follies; but it augured the emergence of Sondheim’s romantic side, a noir version but romantic nevertheless. In his prefaces James called attention to the interplay of romanticism and reality in his fiction, noting that romanticism, manifested in the fairy-tale plots of some of his novels, opens the door to “disconnected and uncontrolled experience—uncontrolled by our general sense of ‘the way things happen.’” Despite critics’ preoccupation with the influence of Allegro on Sondheim, romanticism is his true inheritance from Hammerstein, who got his start working as a lyricist for operettas like The Desert Song and Rose-Marie. Beginning with Show Boat, Hammerstein achieved a synthesis of musical comedy and operetta that lifted the musical into a symbolic realm of representation. The Indian Territory in Oklahoma! and Down East Maine in Carousel are less realistic settings than imaginary locales, geographically distant but emotionally magnified, where Hammerstein could explore contemporary political and psychological issues more powerfully than he did in the apparently realistic setting of Allegro.
Sondheim’s musicals can mostly be divided into two categories: modern-dress musical comedies (Company, Follies, Merrily We Roll Along) and exotic neo-operettas (A Little Night Music, Pacific Overtures, Sweeney Todd, Into the Woods, Passion). While Company established Sondheim as a savvy portraitist of contemporary life, I think operetta, turned inside out and upside down, to be sure, is his true calling. There’s no better proof than a quartet of shows that may become the Sondheim “Ring”: Sweeney Todd, Sunday in the Park With George, Into the Woods and Passion. Even realistic shows like Company and Follies feature songs—“Getting Married Today,” “The Ladies Who Lunch,” “I’m Still Here”—that are romantic in the Jamesian sense, not love songs but moments of such detailed interiority that each one could be a one-act play. Sondheim credits this type of song to Rodgers and Hammerstein, but he has so enhanced the art of the story-song that many of his have taken on a second life as cabaret standards.
With Sweeney Todd Sondheim transcended the conflicting claims of realism and romanticism by placing the entire action within an unreal framework created through staging, writing style and, most important, continuous music that does not interrupt the action but is the action. Sondheim turned the Victorian device of a returning choral ballad into a rhythmic engine that churns throughout the show, powering Sweeney’s unrelenting thirst for revenge. I hope the second volume of Finishing the Hat will illuminate how Sondheim and Lapine further extended this technique in Sunday in the Park With George and Into the Woods. In these shows the romantic realm of song breaks free of its usual boundaries. Into the Woods jump-cuts between the multiple plotlines and chops their respective songs into recurring fragments, creating a show that feels at once fast-paced and monumental. Although I don’t think Sondheim’s shows are—or need to be—operas, anyone writing opera would benefit from studying the speed with which these shows delineate character and plot. Even the most successful recent operas, such as John Adams’s Nixon in China, feel clunky by comparison.
For all its revelations, Finishing the Hat leaves many questions unanswered. Sondheim talks a lot about lyrics, less about music, even though he has said he enjoys composing more than writing. Fortunately Mark Eden Horowitz, senior music specialist at the Library of Congress, which houses Sondheim’s papers, knows the music cold, and in the interviews collected in Sondheim on Music he serves Sondheim as a gracious yet provocative inquisitor, often asking questions about tiny notations in his sketches. Sondheim’s answers reveal much about his working process. Horowitz treats us to Sondheim the composer, who strikes a different figure from the cocky, combative lyricist. Sondheim is as self-conscious about his compositional technique as he is about his lyrical craft, and he clearly learned much from his studies with Milton Babbitt about generating music out of short motifs containing just a few notes, like the subject of a Bach fugue. But there’s also an ad hoc feeling to Sondheim’s musical affinities that comes as a surprise. Regarding Pacific Overtures, for instance, Sondheim talks about the influence of John Cage and the early Broadway composer Jerome Kern, whose hits included “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes” and “The Way You Look Tonight.”
Maybe the second volume of Finishing the Hat will say more about Sondheim the auteur, a question as tricky in the collaborative world of musical theater as it is in the movies (though not, of course, in fiction). Writing about Sondheim is marred by the tendency to blame the collaborators for a show’s every plot misstep or false note, as if Sondheim had phoned in the songs or enjoyed a godlike immunity from criticism; conversely, writers treat every detail of a show as clues about Sondheim’s childhood, love life and politics, as though he had written, produced and directed every note of music, every scrap of lyric and every line of dialogue. Volume one slyly encourages this approach, taking its title from a song in Sunday in the Park With George that celebrates the intense, internal process of artistic creation, which binds the artist to his subject and alienates him from other people. As a credo the song is a cross between Rilke’s “The Panther” and Frank Sinatra’s “My Way.” It is well suited to Sunday’s George, who paints in splendid isolation even when other people are in his atelier, but it distorts the creative process of the Broadway musical. It takes a team to put the hat on the stage.
Sondheim started out working with co-creators like Leonard Bernstein and Jerome Robbins, who were his elders and, at the time, betters. From Company to Merrily We Roll Along he collaborated with a contemporary, Harold Prince: the two reportedly met at a performance of South Pacific when they were both around 20. James Lapine, with whom he has worked since the early 1980s, is almost twenty years Sondheim’s junior. You might expect these relationships, based on the partners’ varying degrees of experience, talent and taste, to be audible in the shows; yet it is Sondheim’s voice that has pervaded their lyrics and music from the beginning of his career. How does collaboration really work? Is it the psychodrama we hear in “Franklin Shepard, Inc.” in Merrily, or the mutual madness of “A Little Priest” in Sweeney Todd? I’m saving a space on my coffee table for answers, and further heresies, in volume two.
David SchiffDavid Schiff, a professor of music at Reed College, is the composer of the opera Gimpel the Fool and author of books on the music of Elliott Carter and George Gershwin.
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UK far-right activist jailed
LONDON: British far-right figurehead Tommy Robinson was jailed for contempt of court on Thursday, having live-streamed a confrontation with defendants in a criminal trial that was subject to reporting restrictions.
Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was sentenced to nine months in jail, minus the time he has already spent in prison, reducing his term to 19 weeks, of which he will serve half before being released.
"Nothing less than a custodial penalty would properly reflect the gravity of the conduct we have identified," judge Victoria Sharp said at the Old Bailey in London, England’s central criminal court.
"The respondent cannot be given credit for pleading guilty. He has lied about a number of matters and sought to portray himself as the victim of unfairness and oppression." Sharp and fellow judge Mark Warby last Friday found Robinson had acted in contempt when broadcasting footage of defendants arriving at Leeds Crown Court in northern England in May 2018. He live-streamed footage of men accused of the sexual exploitation of young girls, while the jury in the second of a series of linked grooming trials was considering its verdicts.
Reporting restrictions postponed the publication of any details until the end of all the cases, in a bid to ensure all defendants received a fair trial. Robinson, 36, denied any wrongdoing, saying he did not believe he was breaching any reporting restrictions and had only referred to information that was already in the public domain. Robinson was jailed for 13 months in May 2018 after being found in contempt of court on the day of the broadcast. He served 10 weeks in prison before being freed after the original finding of contempt was overturned by the Court of Appeal in August.
More From World
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Death Toll Climbs to 36 in Oakland Warehouse Fire
KRISTIN J. BENDER and BRIAN MELLEY, Associated Press
OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — The death toll in the Oakland warehouse fire climbed to 36 Monday with more bodies still feared buried in the blackened ruins, and families anxiously awaited word of their missing loved ones.
The laborious job of digging with shovels and buckets through the debris was suspended overnight because of a dangerously unstable wall but was expected to resume.
Flames tore through the building, known as the "Ghost Ship," during a dance party Friday night. The cluttered warehouse had been converted to artists' studios and illegal living spaces, and former denizens said it was a death trap of piled wood, furniture, snaking electrical cords and only two exits.
It was the most lethal building fire in the U.S. in more than a decade.
Authorities have identified 11 of the bodies but withheld some of the names. Those whose identities were yet to be released included a 17-year-old and the son of a sheriff's deputy, authorities said.
Alameda County sheriff's spokesman Sgt. Ray Kelly said officials expect the death toll to rise, but he wouldn't speculate how high it might go.
Investigators said they believe they have located the section of the building where the fire started, but the cause remains unknown.
Also, the district attorney's sent a team to search for evidence of a crime in the warehouse, which was already under investigation by the city for possible code violations.
The space had a permit to operate as a warehouse only. Neighbors had complained of people living there illegally, trash piling up and other unsafe conditions.
A growing memorial of flowers, candles and notes paid tribute to the missing and the dead.
Kai Thomas and a group of red-eyed classmates from an arts high school in San Francisco pressed against police tape Sunday near the street corner. They lost a friend in the blaze.
Three of the boys had been in the cramped and dark building, Thomas said, but one got separated from them just before someone yelled, "Fire!"
"It was just really smoky and hard to see," said Thomas, who wasn't there but recounted what he had been told by two others who didn't want to speak. "They jumped off the second-floor balcony and ran out."
The boys waited for their 17-year-old friend for more than three hours, but he never emerged.
Jesse James Alexander, a DJ who wasn't at the party, showed up at the scene Sunday to remember three friends who were killed, though he didn't want to give their names.
Others were still holding out hope.
Outside a sheriff's office where people gathered for word of their loved ones, Yuri Kundin said he was hoping for good news about two of his friends, Alex Ghassan and Hanna Henriikka Ruax, who was from Finland.
One of the many notes left on a sidewalk around the corner from the remains of the warehouse read: "Praying for you. ... Hope you're still here."
The couple who operated the building's arts colony, called the Satya Yuga collective, were identified as Derick Ion Almena and Micah Allison. They were believed to have been away at the time of the blaze.
Almena had leased the property from its owner and then rented out living space, said Danielle Boudreaux, a former friend of the couple. They held regular concerts and dance parties, like the one Friday, to make money, Boudreaux said.
Almena did not immediately respond to emails or calls to numbers associated with him. No one answered a call to a number for Allison.
San Francisco TV station KGO tracked Almena down Sunday at a hotel in Oakland. Asked if he had anything to say to the families of those who were killed, he said: "They're my children. They're my friends, they're my family, they're my loves, they're my future. What else do I have to say?"
Almena and Allison had a troubled relationship, said Allison's father, Michael Allison of Portland, Oregon. He and other family members persuaded his daughter to go to a drug rehabilitation center in 2015, but Almena talked his way into the clinic and got Micah to leave with him, Michael Allison said.
The couple's three children had lice and needed new clothes, prompting family to call child-protective services, said Michael Allison, who wept as he spoke.
But Almena and his partner eventually were able to win custody of the children back and cut off all communication with Michael Allison, the father said.
"Whenever I could, I would to talk to (Micah) to get away from him because I knew he was dangerous from day one," he said. "All of that has now been proven."
Shelley Mack was drawn to the warehouse two years ago by the promise of living among artists and paying a reasonable amount in an area where the tech boom has created a housing shortage and driven up rents. She left after a few months.
"Some people were happy to have a roof over their head even though there was no heat or no place to eat or that it was filthy and infested," Mack said.
"You just get sucked in because it seems like it's this nice place and this artistic community and they talk a good game. There are people there that wanted to be there and believed in it. And I think I did too for a little bit. And then I afterward, I was like, um, no."
Associated Press writers Ellen Knickmeyer, Olga Rodriguez, Tim Reiterman and Sudhin Thanawala in San Francisco, and Jonathan J. Cooper, Terry Chea and Janie Har in Oakland contributed to this report.
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Jeremy Corbyn ‘like a brick wall’ over Brexit referendum
Henry Zeffman
Jeremy Corbyn with Sir Keir Starmer. He says the Labour leader has moved a long was regarding BrexitDARIO PIGNATELLI/GETTY IMAGES
Shifting Jeremy Corbyn to a more pro-Remain position on Brexit has been a long and drawn-out process that sometimes makes you feel like banging your head against a brick wall, Sir Keir Starmer has admitted.
Nonetheless, the shadow Brexit secretary said that Labour had “moved a long way”. He has played a crucial role in Labour’s gradual shift from opposing a second EU referendum to supporting the concept. Speaking in a podcast released this week, Sir Keir revealed just how fraught that process had been.
Told by Matt Forde, presenter of The Political Party, that he seemed to have been “dragging” the Labour leader “incrementally to a more Remain stance”, Sir Keir replied: “There’s an element of that. We have shifted and moved our position…
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Sudan Denies Accusing US of Backing Coup Plot
Allegations of U.S. involvement in an coup plot in Sudan are being denied by both the U.S. Government and the Khartoum government. The allegations were made by a Sudanese Presidential assistant, who accused the United States of backing a plot to assassinate members of President Omar al-Bashir's government. A U.S. embassy statement categorically denied any connection with what it called the "alleged conspiracy." As Nick Wadhams reports from our East Africa bureau, Sudan's government has also rejected the allegations of U.S. involvement, but has detained several people on charges of plotting a coup.
Sudanese authorities arrested 14 people Saturday, including the leader of the opposition Umma Reform and Renewal Party, on charges that they were smuggling weapons into the capital Khartoum in preparation for a coup. Retired army officers and a former tourism minister were also detained.
The government says the plotters wanted to create enough unrest in Sudan to compel intervention by the international community. It says officials from Libya exposed the plot after one of the chief conspirators, Mubarak al-Fadil, turned to it for financial help.
The Paris-based Sudan Tribune Web site reported that presidential adviser Nafi Ali Nafi had told the al-Jazeera news channel that Washington was behind the plot.
But Foreign Ministry spokesman Ali Sadiq Ali said no such allegation was made.
"It is not correct," said Sadiq. "Mr. Nafi did not mention any country by name, so it is not true that Mr. Nafi has mentioned the United States. The investigations now are going ahead with those people and I do not think any name will be disclosed. To the best of my knowledge as spokesman of the Foreign Ministry I have no idea that the government of Sudan has mentioned any particular country in this issue."
The alleged leader of the coup plot, Mubarak al-Fadil, had recently moved his party away from its initial pro-government stance and had sought to reunite with an opposition group that it had broken with in 2002. He had been a presidential adviser, but was fired in 2004 after purportedly making contacts with the United States without Sudanese leader Omar al-Bashir's consent.
The government was also said to be angered by recent comments in which Fadil criticized the government's handling of the Darfur crisis.
Mr. Bashir, who came to power in a 1989 bloodless coup, wields virtually all political power in his nation and has repeatedly accused his opponents of planning to overthrow him. In 2005, 28 people were arrested on allegations of a coup plot.
On Friday, U.S. envoy to Sudan, Andrew Natsios, said Sudan has resumed bombings against civilians in its western Darfur region. He said Arabs have begun to occupy lands in Darfur that were previously occupied by non-Arabs.
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Admissions & Financing
Erasmus Mundus MA Euroculture:
Society, politics and culture in a global context
Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. mult. Martin Tamcke
Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. mult. Martin Tamcke, born 1955, studied Theology, Philosophy and Oriental Studies at Georg-August-Universität Göttingen. From 1978 to 1981 he was Student Assistant in a project of the German Research Foundation (DFG), “Religious history and cultural history of Near and Middle East and Central Asia – Research in syncretism”, which was conducted by Prof. Dr. Hage, Prof. Dr. Strothmann and Prof. Dr. Wießner. In 1981, Mr. Tamcke became lecturer at the University Göttingen for three years. He held the same position at the Philipps-University Marburg afterwards and obtained his Ph.D. (Dr. theol.) there at 1985. In 1993, Mr. Tamcke finished his Habilitation and became Associate Professor the same year. From 1994 on, Mr. Tamcke taught Church-History in Hermannsburg; in 1999 he went back to Göttingen as the Professor for Ecumenical Theology at the faculty of Theology. In the same year, he was the Co-Founder of the Master of Arts in Euroculture Programme in Göttingen and went to Chennai/Madras, India, as a Visiting Professor. During 1999 and 2003 he was External Examiner at the School of Historical Studies at the University of Birmingham, UK. Prof. Dr. Tamcke was the Dean of the Faculty of Theology at the Georg-August-Universität Göttingen between 2007 and 2009 and since 2009 he has been the Vice-Dean. Prof. Dr. Tamcke has been the Director of Studies of Euroculture until April 2017 and is currently the Director of Studies of Intercultural Theology.
Room II 70
HBK 17
Office Hours: Wednesdays 12.00-13.00
E-mail: mtamcke@gwdg.de
Erasmus Mundus Programme Euroculture: Society, politics and culture in a global context
Oeconomicum 1.120a
37073 Göttingen, Germany
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Avengers: Endgame Has A Huge Plot Hole That Needs Answering
By : Charlie Cocksedge On : 29 Apr 2019 16:54
Warning: Contains Spoilers
This should go without saying, but if you’ve not seen Avengers: Endgame – and intend to do so – don’t read this article.
It’s full of spoilers and plot points and it’s really only for those who know what happens and are happy to analyse it.
So turn back now if you don’t want the film ruined for you.
Okay, now we’re alone and no one’s going to pull us up for spoilers, let’s have a little dig into the plot and one question in particle-r (you’ll see) that a few fans have raised an eyebrow at.
It has to do, of course, with the use of time travel in the film, and specifically the amount of Pym particles (there you go) that are shared among characters – good and bad – throughout the story.
As you’ll remember (before the recent, unbelievably epic Game of Thrones episode makes you forget), once the Avengers have got their heads around the whole time travel thing – which, as they point out themselves, is questionable in any film – they only have a limited amount of Pym particles to help them do it.
As is made clear many, many times – they only have enough particles for one round trip each. They have two test runs, which Ant-Man and Hawkeye use to very different levels of success.
That leaves Hulk, Tony, Cap, Black Widow, Rocket, Hawkeye, Thor, Rhodes, Ant-Man, and Nebula, in 2023, with ONE ROUND TRIP each.
Now, we know Tony and Cap go back to the 1970s to get some more, but that’s a separate matter, as we’re looking at Nebula.
2023-Nebula has one round trip. But she gets captured by 2014-Nebula and 2014-Thanos. 2014-Nebula then uses 2023-Nebula’s particles to go to the future, sent by her 2014-father. So, between them, both Nebulas have used up their one round trip.
The question, and the possible plot hole then, is how does 2014-Nebula pull 2014-Thanos to 2023 for the final battle having used up her Pym particles? We see Thanos’ ship flying through the quantum realm and growing bigger and bigger as it gets to the battlefield, but we don’t see him get any particles of his own.
One answer would be that Thanos and his team are smart enough to replicate Pym’s technology, which they managed to do while we weren’t looking. But it’s not explained in the film.
It’s a fairly major question that – as far as we’re aware – goes unanswered. Then again, we’re only nitpicking, because it’s sometimes hard to comprehend just how gargantuan this film really is…
Charlie Cocksedge
Charlie Cocksedge is a journalist at UNILAD. He graduated from the University of Manchester with an MA in Creative Writing, where he learnt how to write in the third person, before getting his NCTJ. His work has also appeared in such places as The Guardian, PN Review and the bin.
Topics: Avengers,Avengers Endgame,captian america,Iron Man,Marvel,plot hole
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Pacific workshop pushes for universal ratification of UNCAT
by Marc Limon, Executive Director of the Universal Rights Group and Olivia Bebe October 28, 2016 Contemporary and emerging human rights issues, News, Prensa, URG News
Friday 28th October 2016, Fiji
On 27-28 October 2016, the Universal Rights Group supported the organisation of a Convention against Torture Initiative (CTI) workshop for Pacific Island States in Natadola, Fiji. The regional workshop, entitled ‘Benefits of, and challenges to, the ratification and implementation of the UN Convention against Torture in the Pacific region: sharing experiences and building capacity,’ represented an important contribution to CTI’s goal of securing universal ratification of the UNCAT by 2024. The CTI meeting was organised in partnership with the Association for the Prevention of Torture (APT) and the URG.
The UNCAT was adopted in 1984 and today there are 159 States Parties to the Convention. Of the 36 States that have yet to ratify the Convention, many are Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs); in particular, 9 (25%) are Pacific SIDS.
After an opening session featuring speeches by Hon. Mr. Frank Bainimarama, Prime Minister of Fiji, Hon. Mr. Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, Attorney-General of Fiji and, H.E. Mr. Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, 8 of the 9 non States Parties from the Pacific (Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Tuvalu); together with the 3 Pacific SIDS States Parties (Fiji, Nauru and Vanuatu); representatives of the governments of Australia, Chile, Denmark, Indonesia, Ghana, New Zealand, UK, and USA; the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture and URG Board member, Juan Mendez; representatives of OHCHR, UNDP and the EU; and assembled experts; discussed opportunities and challenges to ratification and implementation of the UNCAT. The Fiji event focused, in particular, on the human and technical capacity constraints faced by Pacific SIDS.
Other objectives of the meeting included:
– To understand perceptions about the costs and benefits of ratification and implementation of the UNCAT, and of deeper engagement with the international human rights system.
– To understand the challenges, especially capacity and technical challenges, faced by Pacific SIDS, in the context of the ratification and implementation of the UNCAT, and other core human rights conventions.
– To provide a space for State representatives (UNCAT State Parties and non-State Parties) and other stakeholders to share opinions on and experiences about UNCAT ratification and implementation, including the benefits of engagement.
– To provide a space for State representatives (UNCAT State Parties and non-State Parties) and other stakeholders to share information on common challenges and obstacles to ratification and implementation, and how those obstacles have been overcome, especially by other States in similar situations (e.g. other SIDS).
– To explain the steps towards ratification, what ratification would mean in practical terms, and how ratification and engagement with the UN Treaty Body system can support States in their efforts to prevent torture.
– To provide a balanced account of what ratification entails, and the responsibilities (including reporting responsibilities) it involves.
– To demonstrate that ratification is not a barrier to combating serious crime and may even assist in establishing a more professional and effective police and criminal justice system
– To promote dialogue and cooperation among countries of the Asia-Pacific region and beyond on torture prevention.
Universal UNCAT Ratification
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Canada boycotts U.N. group led by N. Korea
North Korea's embassy in Beijing, China. North Korea has been given the chair of the U.N. Conference on Dismarmament, a move which has caused Canada to withdraw from the proceedings. UPI/Stephen Shaver | License Photo
OTTAWA, July 12 (UPI) -- Canada's foreign affairs minister announced Monday the country will boycott the U.N. Conference on Disarmament until North Korea is no longer head of the group.
Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird said he believes placing North Korea as the leader of the group, which is focused on disarmament and other arms control agreements, is ridiculous, the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. reported.
"North Korea is simply not a credible chair at this United Nations body. The regime is a major proliferator of nuclear weapons and its non-compliance with its disarmament obligations goes against the fundamental principle of this committee," Baird said during a conference call with the media.
North Korea holds the chairmanship from June 28 through Aug. 19, during which time Canada will abstain from the committees' activities. So Se Pyong, North Korea's representative in the group, said he was committed to the group's work, and will continue to strengthen the committee's ability to produce results.
The United Nations Conference on Disarmament rotates its presidency through its 65 members, which include both Canada and North Korea, CTV reported.
Mullen urges Beijing to influence N. Korea S. Korea proposes talks on seized assets Seoul considers bigger defense budget Khan claims N. Korea paid bribes
John Baird
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Sept. 8, 2016 / 7:25 AM
J.K. Simmons on filming 'Justice League': 'That was a really fun set'
J.K. Simmons attends the premiere of the motion picture sports comedy "Break Point" on August 6, 2015. Simmons recently discussed his time filming Warner Bros. upcoming superhero epic, "Justice League." File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Susan Sarandon (L) and J.K. Simmons arrive at the premiere of the film "The Meddler" in Los Angeles on April 13, 2016. Simmons recently discussed his time filming "The Meddler" and Warner Bros. upcoming superhero epic, "Justice League." File Photo by David Silpa/UPI | License Photo
LONDON, Sept. 8 (UPI) -- J.K. Simmons has detailed his time spent filming Warner Bros. upcoming superhero ensemble film Justice League calling it "a really fun set."
"My part is done. They are filming that for basically most of 2016, so some of the superheroes are still at work in jolly old London, but I'm back home with my family," the actor explained to Entertainment Tonight about wrapping up his part as trusted Batman ally Commissioner Gordon.
Simmons also laid out how most of his scenes in the film involve interactions with Ben Affleck's Dark Knight along with other members of the superhero team.
"Yeah, mostly with Ben. In this first installment of the Justice League, Commissioner Gordon is not a particularly sizable part. We just kind of introduce him and see a little bit of his interactions with Batman — and with most of the Justice League," he said.
Simmons then compared Justice League director Zack Snyder to filmmaker Lorene Scafaria who worked with the 61-year-old recently on The Meddler alongside Susan Sarandon.
"Zack [Snyder] runs sort of a big, happy family and it's obviously, in many ways, a very different work environment when you're working on a big, giant movie like that than a relatively small movie like The Meddler. But at the end of the day, the director is the one who sets the tone. And one of the things that Zack and Lorene [Scafaria] have in common is they're just nice, smart, competent, fun people that you don't mind spending a 12-hour day with," Simmons shared.
Simmons was cast as Commissioner Gordon back in March and takes on the role following Gary Oldman portraying the character in director Christopher Nolan's most recent The Dark Knight trilogy. Ben McKenzie currently portrays the character in Fox's Batman prequel series drama, Gotham.
The Oscar winning actor is no stranger to comic book adaptations as he famously appeared as disgruntled newspaper editor-in-chief J. Jonah Jameson in the original Spider-Man trilogy alongside Tobey Maguire and director Sam Raimi.
Justice League opens in theaters Nov. 17, 2017.
J.K. Simmons cast as Commissioner Gordon in 'Justice League' 'Justice League' synopsis revealed, now a stand-alone film J.K. Simmons explains buff gym photo, likes to 'stay in decent shape'
Celebrities get silly on the red carpet
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Nov. 9, 2001 / 10:15 AM
Exhibitors optimistic about holiday movies
PAT NASON, UPI Hollywood Reporter
LOS ANGELES, Nov. 8 (UPI) -- With monsters already pulling in big bucks and wizards ready to work amazing box-office magic, America's movie theater owners and operators are optimistic that the coming holiday movie season will provide them with a Merry Christmas and set the tone for a prosperous new year.
Disney-Pixar's "Monsters, Inc." set box-office records when it opened last weekend and seems destined to become one of the top hits of 2001 -- getting the holiday season off to an auspicious start, and continuing a string of positive economic news in at least one sector of the otherwise unfortunate U.S. economy.
John Fithian, president of the National Associations of Theater Owners, says the movie exhibition business has been good -- even after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks -- and should remain strong through the end of the year.
"We are about 6 percent higher on box-office receipts this year than we were at this time last year and, I think we're close to 1 percent higher in admissions, year-to-date," said Fithian. "It's a real strong improvement. We hope that trend continues through holiday period."
Although movie admissions dipped a little bit after Sept. 11, Fithian said the terrorist attacks have had no negative impact overall on exhibitors.
"We've had eight weekends since Sept. 11," he said, "and I think seven of them have had better results that comparable period the year before. Yes, there was a short-term impact when Americans obviously stayed home and watched the news for a long period of time, but we found that Americans -- while still very focused on what's going on in the world -- are trying to move on with their lives and looking for ways to take a break from the strains of the day, and a movie is a good way to do that."
Fans of "Harry Potter" are counting the days until Nov. 16, when Warner Bros. finally releases "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone." Their anticipation cannot possibly be a match for that of the people who own and operate the theaters where the movie will play.
The studio plans to show "Harry Potter" at more than 3,000 theaters -- some analysts say it could be as many as 4,000. At that rate, it could conceivably play on somewhere in the neighborhood of 5,000 to 7,000 screens.
Based on past experience, those are almost preposterous numbers.
The record is 3,653 theaters -- set on the last weekend of May 2000 when Tom Cruise's "Mission: Impossible 2" grossed $57.8 million in its opening weekend. The picture went on to gross $215.4 million and reach No. 30 on the list of all-time U.S. blockbusters.
"Shrek" took in $42.3 million when it opened in 3,587 theaters on May 18 of this year. It went on to take in $267 million and finish at No. 13 on the all-time list.
"Monsters, Inc." opened at 3,237 locations and grossed $62.6 million in its first weekend. It was the fourth biggest three-day opening ever, and the best ever for an animated feature -- beating the $57.4 million standard set in 1999 by another Disney-Pixar project, "Toy Story 2." Box-office analysts are projecting that "Monsters, Inc." will finish comfortably over the $200 million mark.
Opening big movies on such large numbers of screens is a relatively recent development in the movie business, generally born of distributors' distaste for lost sales that result when houses fill up on opening weekends and would-be ticket buyers are turned away.
Fithian said the trend is actually troubling to NATO members, (the national association of theatre owners -- not the defense alliance) because with so many ticket sales occurring in the first weekend of a movie's run, there is a risk that the run will be shorter.
"We are troubled by the shorter runs," said Fithian. "The drop-off in attendance in pictures the second and third weekend is higher this year than it has been in previous years. It used to be that if the drop-off was 25-to-30 percent you'd start to get a little troubled. That's a good number now. Now, the typical drop-off is more like 40-to-45 percent."
The reason why that matters to exhibitors is that the revenue they derive from playing a picture is based on complicated formulas which give the distributor a much larger share of the revenues in the early part of a run, forcing exhibitors to wait several weeks before they start to partake in a more meaningful way in any box-office bonanza.
If "Harry Potter" lives up to its potential, exhibitors won't have to worry about a short run. But, as everyone in Hollywood knows, there are no sure things.
Warner Bros. is understandably downplaying the box-office potential for the first movie version of J.K. Rowling's wildly popular book series. But box office watchers in the financial world are not shy about projecting huge numbers.
Some analysts have already speculated that, internationally at least, "Potter" could sink "Titanic's" box-office record.
The more times the movie is screened -- at its London premiere last Sunday, for example, or at various trade and industry screenings around the U.S. -- the more realistic the higher projection sounds.
Most of the pre-holiday attention as been lavished on "Harry Potter," "Monsters, Inc." and "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring" -- the first part of writer-director Peter Jackson's movie adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's classic "Lord of the Rings" trilogy.
But box-office watchers are always on the lookout for surprises.
Big-ticket movies do not always live up to expectations (Note: "Godzilla," "Wild Wild West"). And you never know when a movie will come out of nowhere and turn into the little engine that could.
This time last year, few people had heard a word about "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" or "Traffic." Both went on to gross well over $100 million, and both were nominated for the best picture Oscar.
It's too early to identify the pleasant surprises of the 2001 holiday season, but the slate has its share of prestige pictures that are expected to do reasonably good -- if not blockbuster -- business.
Will Smith as the champ in "Ali" opens at Christmas -- the rough equivalent of "Cast Away's" opening slot last year. The Tom Hanks desert island drama went on to gross $233.6 million and reach No. 23 on the all-time blockbuster list.
The major attraction this weekend -- the new Farrelly Brothers comedy, "Shallow Hal," starring Gwyneth Paltrow and Jack Black -- could break out, as other Farrelly projects have ("There's Something About Mary," "Dumb & Dumber").
Martin Lawrence could continue his crowd-pleasing ways with "Black Knight" -- as an employee at the mythical Medieval World amusement park who gets smacked in the head and wakes up in 14th century England.
"Spy Game" has Robert Redford and Brad Pitt, in the story of a CIA operative who is ready to retire when he learns that his protégé is under arrest for espionage in China. Pitt also shows up -- with Julia Roberts and George Clooney -- in "Ocean's Eleven," Oscar-winning director Steven Soderbergh's remake of the 1960 heist caper starring Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack.
One of the most anticipated comedies of the season -- "The Royal Tenenbaums," starring Ben Stiller, Gwyneth Paltrow and Gene Hackman -- is generating some fairly positive buzz. And box-office heavyweight Tom Cruise returns to the screen with his new lady, Penélope Cruz, and his "Jerry Maguire" writer-director, Cameron Crowe, in "Vanilla Sky."
As the head of a trade organization whose membership includes the major theater chains -- which show all the competing movies -- Fithian is averse to singling out one picture over another, or playing favorites in any way. But he said NATO is, in general, "very excited" about the slate of movies coming to a theater near you this holiday season.
"We'll just have to see how the pictures are received by patrons," he said.
The movie business is benefiting from some economic factors that are hurting other sectors of the leisure industry.
"Forms of leisure activities that involve travel or higher dollars ... are hurting right now," he said. "But movie theaters are both local and affordable. So when some industries suffer because of decreased travel or harder economic times, we do quite well."
In the end, though, Fithian said there are only two factors that make the movie exhibition business successful -- the quality of the movies and the quality of the movie houses.
"If you have both lots of people will come," he said. "If you don't, they won't."
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Aug. 7, 2017 / 7:19 PM
Former AL MVP, manager Don Baylor dies of cancer at age 68
Former Arizona Diamondbacks batting coach Don Baylor sits in the dugout during a game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium in St. Louis on July 10, 2011. File photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI | License Photo
Former major league slugger and manager Don Baylor died Monday of cancer. He was 68.
"Don passed from this earth with the same fierce dignity with which he played the game and lived his life," his wife, Rebecca, said in a statement.
Baylor, who played 19 seasons in his major league career and was the 1979 American League MVP, died at a hospital in his native Austin, Texas, after a 14-year struggle with multiple myeloma.
Baylor played for the Baltimore Orioles, Oakland Athletics, California Angels, New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins. He was an All-Star and the MVP winner with the Angels in 1979 when he led the majors in RBIs (139) and runs (120).
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Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred expressed his condolences to the Baylor family.
"Throughout stints with 14 different major league teams as a player, coach or manager, Don's reputation as a gentleman always preceded him," Manfred said.
Baylor reached the World Series three straight years at the end of his career from 1986 to 1988 and won the title with the Twins in 1987.
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In his career, Baylor batted .260 with 338 home runs and 1,276 RBIs. He was known for crowding the plate and led the majors seven times in being hit by pitches during a season, drawing 267 in his career.
Following his playing career, Baylor became manager for the expansion Colorado Rockies for their inaugural season in 1993. During his six-year stint, he took the Rockies to their first postseason appearance in 1995 and later managed the Chicago Cubs for three seasons (2000-2002). He had a 627-689 overall record.
"As a manager, coach and friend, Don Baylor will forever be a part of the fabric of the Colorado Rockies," the team wrote on Twitter.
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The Cubs tweeted: "The Cubs mourn the passing of former manager Don Baylor. We send our condolences to his family and friends."
"We are deeply saddened by the passing of former Yankee Don Baylor. He was a great man & we send our thoughts to his family & friends," the Yankees wrote on Twitter.
Players also took to social media after hearing about the death of Baylor, who was simply called "Groove."
"Saddened to hear I've lost another teammate in Don Baylor, fierce competitor and huge piece of the puzzle in 86, RIP Groove," Hall of Famer Wade Boggs wrote on Twitter, referring to when they played for the Red Sox.
"Don Baylor was a really good ballplayer and an excellent manager. Baseball and all those who knew him, lost an amazing man today. #RIP," Pete Rose tweeted.
"Anyone would be hard pressed to find a more solid, upstanding man & friend in their life," Hall of Famer Dave Winfield tweeted.
MLB Players Association executive director Tony Clark issued a statement Monday on the deaths of Baylor and Darren Daulton, the former Philadelphia Phillies All-Star who died Sunday at the age of 55.
"Words cannot express the sadness we feel today, as cancer claims two more of the baseball-playing fraternity's proudest and strongest members," Clark said. "Darren Daulton and Don Baylor will be deeply missed by the entire baseball community. During their playing careers and beyond, both Darren and Don selflessly helped generations of young players transition from wide-eyed rookies into successful Major Leaguers. Don's commitment to the game and its future also inspired him to play an instrumental role in helping the MLBPA establish itself as a bona-fide union. Our thoughts and prayers are with Darren's and Don's families, friends and legions of fans."
Rob Manfred
Pete Rose
Don Baylor
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Yankees, Red Sox rivalry heats up as they meet in ALDS
Mike Shalin, The Sports Xchange
Chris Sale and the Boston Red Sox face the New York Yankees in the New York Yankees in Game 1 of the ALDS on Friday. Photo by Eric Gay/UPI | License Photo
BOSTON -- It has been 14 years since the Boston Red Sox pulled off the greatest postseason comeback in baseball history and rallied from three games down to stun the rival New York Yankees in the American League Championship Series.
Friday night, arguably sports' greatest rivalry is renewed in the postseason again in the American League Division Series.
In a quick reminder, the Red Sox, down to their final inning of what was about to be a four-game sweep, tied Game 4 against Mariano Rivera, won in the 12th inning on a David Ortiz walk-off two-run homer and then went on to win the next three games -- and then ended the franchise's 86-year World Series drought by sweeping the St. Louis Cardinals.
That was then and this is now, with the 108-win Red Sox hosting Games 1 and 2 as they open their quest for a fourth title in 15 years.
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While the Red Sox waited, the Yankees, seeking their first title since 2009 and their second since 2000, broke out the long ball and eliminated the Oakland A's in the wild-card game Wednesday night.
"I think (his players) can't wait," Yankees manager Aaron Boone, the home run hero of New York's 2003 elimination of the Red Sox. "I think they're ready and relish the opportunity to go up against the game's best this year. And obviously we're very familiar with them.
"We know how good they are. I mean, we know we have to play our best if we're going to have a chance to beat them. Obviously they're very tough at Fenway."
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The Red Sox won the final game of the regular season last Sunday to win the season series 10-9 -- and are 29-28 in the last 57 games between the rivals. But it was a dominating four-game sweep by the Red Sox in early August that blew the AL East race open.
Now, the 108-54 record resets to 0-0.
Chris Sale, the Boston ace who has thrown just 17 innings since July 27 because of a shoulder inflammation problem, faces J.A. Happ in the opener -- with Boston's David Price going against Masahiro Tanaka in Game 2 of this matchup between rookie managers.
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"Everybody in baseball wants this matchup and so do we," says New York's Dellin Betances, who pitched well out of the bullpen Wednesday night.
Thursday, Sale said, "It's fun. I mean, what else do you want? You got the Yankees and the Red Sox in the playoffs playing against each other. One of the biggest rivalries in sports ever. It's what we signed up for."
Red Sox manager Alex Cora meant all along to limit Sale's innings in an attempt to turn around his late-season struggles that included going 0-2 against the Houston Astros in last year's ALDS. But the plan could not have been to limit the skinny left-hander to 17 innings after July 27 of what looked like a Cy Young season.
Sale, 12-4 with a 2.11 ERA on the season, gave up three runs on four hits -- with eight strikeouts -- in 4 2/3 innings against the Orioles last Saturday, with his velocity down, has thrown twice since. Weather forced him inside for his first session but he threw in the bullpen Wednesday.
The Red Sox feel a mechanical flaw that has since been corrected was the cause of the mph dip.
"I do feel that they found something and he's going to be fine," Cora said. "Obviously, we're going to have to wait 'til (tomorrow) to see if it works. But one thing for sure, if there's velocity there, if he goes up to 99 mph or he's throwing 95 mph or he's throwing 91 mph, he's still a great pitcher. And he showed it. ... So as far as him competing and his slider and his changeup, they're still good. It's just the separation obviously what makes hitters uncomfortable."
The Yankees started Luis Severino Wednesday, thus holding Happ, who is 7-0 in 11 starts, for Boston.
Happ is 1-1 with a 1.99 ERA in four starts against Boston this season (six of the 11 runs against him were unearned) and was 2-0 with a 1.90 ERA in four outings last season. He is 8-4 with a 2.98 ERA in 21 games -- 20 starts -- lifetime against the Red Sox, 5-2 with a 3.27 ERA in 10 games -- nine starts -- at Fenway Park.
He is 1-1 with a 3.72 ERA in 10 postseason games -- three starts -- and was pitching in relief when he was on the champion Philadelphia Phillies in 2008.
Sale beat the Yankees twice this season, allowing just one run and striking out 19 in 13 innings. But both outings came before July.
Sale is 6-4 with a 1.61 ERA in 17 games -- 14 starts -- lifetime against the Yankees.
The Red Sox have some ugly numbers against Happ -- except for Steve Pearce and Brandon Phillips, the latter not likely active for the series. Pearce is 11-for-32 (.344) with six homers and Phillips 8-for-23 (.348) with three home runs off the lefty.
But Sandy Leon is 1-for-10 (.100), Jackie Bradley Jr. 3-for-20 (.150), Xander Bogaerts 5-for-31 (.161), Andrew Benintendi 2-for-18 (.167), Rafael Devers 2-for-12 (.167), J.D. Martinez 4-for-20 (.200) and Mookie Betts 7-for-34 (.206) with two homers.
The current Yankees roster is hitting a combined .193 (32-for-166) against Sale. Aaron Hicks is 8-for-25 (.320), but Miguel Andujar is 0-for-6, Austin Romine 2-for-17 (.118), Gary Sanchez 3-for-20 (.150), Brett Gardner 4-for-45 (.160) with 10 strikeouts, and Aaron Judge 3-for-18 (.167) with two home runs.
While the Yankees bullpen took care of the last five innings Wednesday night, the Red Sox enter the postseason loaded with pen questions. In fact, Boston relievers had a cumulative 4.84 ERA in 126 1/3 innings.
"You look around the league in September, there were some great bullpens that became bad," Cora said. "They were hit around. They were giving up leads. It's the nature of 162 games. We're going to the same guys, and it seemed like some of them hit the wall."
The Boston bullpen had a 6.75 ERA in 19 games against New York this season.
Cora confirmed former Yankee Nathan Eovaldi will start a Game 4 if necessary, in New York and likely against CC Sabathia.
Xander Bogaerts
Jackie Bradley
Wimbledon: Halep beats Serena Williams for 2nd Grand Slam title
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Oct. 28, 2005 / 9:34 PM
Methodists deal with homosexuality
HOUSTON, Oct. 28 (UPI) -- The United Methodist Church's highest court must decide the cases of one pastor who was removed for being gay and one who refused to admit a gay parishioner.
The Rev. Edward Johnson is on unpaid leave from the South Hill United Methodist Church, the Washington Post reports. He refused the entreaties of his supervisor and his bishop to allow an avowed active homosexual to become a formal member of the church.
The Rev. Beth Stroud won a regional appeal on technical grounds of a ruling that she could not serve as pastor of a Philadelphia church because she is in a relationship with another woman. Stroud continues to serve the church as a lay minister while she waits for the high court's findings.
The Rev. Tom Thomas, representing Johnson, argued Thursday that the church gives pastors sole authority to decide who can be a member.
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Jan. 12, 2018 / 3:00 AM
On This Day: Hattie Caraway becomes first woman elected to Senate
On Jan. 12, 1932, Hattie Caraway, D-Ark., became the first woman elected to serve a full term as a United States senator.
UPI Staff
On January 12, 1932, Hattie Caraway, D-Ark., pictured in 1936, became the first woman elected to serve a full term as a United States senator. File Photo by Library of Congress/UPI
Turkish police stand guard as forensic experts inspect the site of a blast in the Blue Mosque area in Istanbul's tourist hub of Sultanahmet, Turkey on January 12, 2016. File Photo by Ali Turkel/UPI | License Photo
On January 12, 1912, industrialist Andrew Carnegie, pictured in 1913, lined up with the anti-trust view of former President Theodore Roosevelt as against the trust dissolution plans of President Taft today in testimony before the Stanley Committee. File Photo by Library of Congress/UPI
Jan. 12 (UPI) -- On this date in history:
In 1912, industrialist Andrew Carnegie lined up with the anti-trust view of former President Theodore Roosevelt as against the trust dissolution plans of President Taft today in testimony before the Stanley Committee.
In 1919, UP correspondent John Graudenz arrested by German troops while en route to the scene of an attack in Berlin, he was later released.
In 1921, Judge Kenesaw Mountain Landis was elected the first commissioner of Major League Baseball.
In 1932, Hattie Caraway, D-Ark., became the first woman elected to serve a full term as a United States senator.
In 1943, the U.S. wartime Office of Price Administration said standard frankfurters would be replaced during World War II by "Victory Sausages" consisting of a mixture of meat and soy meal.
In 1986, U.S. Rep. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., traveled into space aboard the shuttle Columbia.
File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI
In 1994, U.S. President Bill Clinton asked Attorney General Janet Reno to appoint an independent counsel to investigate the Whitewater land deal affair that involved him and the first lady.
In 2003, Maurice Gibb, 53, of the Bee Gees, died of complications from an intestinal blockage.
In 2006, about 350 people were crushed to death by a stampeding crowd at the entrance to Jamarat Bridge in Mina, Saudi Arabia, during a pilgrimage to Mecca.
In 2010, a magnitude-7 earthquake dealt Haiti and its capital Port-au-Prince a catastrophic blow, killing at least 100,000 people. The massive quake crippled the already-strained infrastructure of the island nation and sparked a cholera outbreak that killed thousands over the next several years.
File Photo by Anatoli Zhdanov/UPI
In 2013, a bus struck a pole on the side of a road in Nepal and plunged 700 feet down a slope. Authorities said the accident killed at least 30 people and injured many others.
In 2014, Six world powers (Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States) and Iran agreed on a plan to restrict Iranian nuclear operations in return for the easing of some economic sanctions. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said, "We've taken a critical, significant step forward towards reaching a verifiable resolution that prevents Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon."
In 2016, 10 people died and 15 were injured in a bombing near the historic Blue Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey.
In 2017, President Barack Obama surprised Vice President Joe Biden with the Medal of Freedom. The visibly moved Biden told the president, "Mr. President, I'm indebted to you, I'm indebted to your friendship."
File Photo by Olivier Douliery/UPI
UPI Archives: Ovation for Jeanette Rankin, first woman in Congress
Hattie Caraway
Janet Reno
Maurice Gibb
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Anichebe excited to be reunited with Irvine
And striker gives insight into how new Albion head coach will operate
ALBION striker Victor Anichebe is looking forward to being reunited with Alan Irvine when pre-season training gets underway at the start of July.
Anichebe, a product of Everton’s Academy, emerged through the youth ranks at Goodison Park before making his first-team debut in January 2006.
His rise coincided with Irvine’s appointment as assistant manager to David Moyes in 2002, spending five-and-a-half-years as the Toffees’ No.2 before departing to pursue his own managerial ambitions in late 2007.
Anichebe went on to bag 25 goals in 169 appearances before swapping Merseyside for the Midlands last August.
And following Irvine’s appointment as Albion head coach last week, Anichebe has given his thumbs up to the Scot’s arrival and provided an insight into the kind of approach he will bring to The Hawthorns.
“I know Alan really well, he’s the one who brought me through at Everton,” he said.
“He was the one who took a lot of the training sessions with David Moyes when I was younger.
“He was a huge part of what happened when I first came through. Everton were doing really well and he was a huge part of that, he’s a great coach.
“I think Alan will always give us great training sessions and we’ll always know what we need to do out on the pitch. You won’t go out unprepared.
“Alan plays a good style of football as well.
“I know a lot of people at Everton who wouldn’t disagree with me, they will also say he’s a great coach.”
Anichebe added: “The players will enjoy great training sessions, they will enjoy the way he plays and they will enjoy his character as a person, especially the younger players.
“They’re the ones who are going to be the future and we’ve got a few really good, exciting young players. He will give them a chance if they’re up for it and they’re eager.
“I think that’s something Albion fans should look forward to.”
Saido Berahino, 20, finished last season as Albion’s leading goalscorer, Liam O’Neil, 20, made three substitute appearances while Donervorn Daniels, 20, Kemar Roofe, 21, and Adil Nabi, 20, were on the fringes of first-team action.
Midfielder George Thorne, 21, also returns to Albion having enjoyed a successful season on loan at Derby, who were beaten in the Championship play-off final at Wembley.
And Irvine’s desire to give youth a chance is something Anichebe is keen to stress to the club’s emerging contingent.
“As soon as I heard the appointment I said to guys like Donervorn and some of the other younger guys ‘make sure you’re ready pre-season’ because Alan doesn’t care whether you’re a senior pro or who you are,” he said.
“He’ll give the young guys a chance if you’re ready and you’re good enough.
“If they can get a good pre-season under their belts then Alan will have no problem giving them a chance because he sees the quality of young players he has brought through.”
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High on my list of periodicals with an unidentified female editor is Weldon’s Ladies’ Journal (1875-1954), one of the first British home dressmaking monthlies. Selling cheaply at 3d (about £1 today), it offered paper patterns and practical instructions. It was part of the vast Weldon and Co. dressmaking empire, which also published the long-running Weldon’s Practical Needlework series. (Speaking of needlework, don’t forget to check out the Great Lady’s Magazine Stitch Off over at the Lady’s Magazine Project blog!)
Weldon’s Ladies’ Journal 1892 fashion plate
In the first decades of its existence, Weldon’s Ladies’ Journal was successfully run by an editor working under the name of “Marie Bayard” who also wrote advice manuals for Weldon such as Hints On Etiquette (1885) and Toilet Hints, or, How to Preserve Beauty, and How to Acquire it (1883). I confess I am intrigued by Madame Bayard to the point of distraction. Was she a French émigrée kindly sharing her fashion expertise with England’s women (and earning some money doing so)? Or a stylish pseudonym waiting to be uncovered? I have always assumed the latter, since I could not find any Marie Bayard in the English censuses who fit the profile. I did come across a young employee of the journal in the 1881 census, though: 24-year-old London-born Louisa E. Patterson, who gave her occupation as “Sub Editress Weldon’s Ladies’ Journal.”[1] Was this the closest we would ever get to the elusive Madame Bayard?
Marie Bayard in the 1884 Business Directory of London. Historical Directories of England & Wales, University of Leicester. specialcollections.le.ac.uk/
The plot thickened about a year ago when I found a “Bayard Marie paper modellr” at 7 Southampton Street and 23 Exeter Street, Strand, in the 1884 Business Directory of London. Why would anyone use a pseudonym in a business directory? Did Marie Bayard exist after all? I rushed to the censuses of 1881 and 1891, but there was no one listed as a paper modeller at either address. I did stumble across Christopher Weldon himself at 9 Southampton Street, though, and the Post Office London Directory confirmed what I should have known all along: Southampton Street and Exeter Street – parallel streets in the heart of London’s publishing district – were Weldon and Co.’s business addresses. Even if Marie Bayard worked there, she almost certainly would not have lived there. Convinced I had reached a dead end, I saved my findings in a separate Word file and forgot about it.
A few weeks ago, while we were fine-tuning the data model for the database, Madame Bayard caught my attention again. Since she ran a paper modelling business, I figured she may have been mentioned in the London Gazette, an obvious source I had somehow overlooked. I did a quick search for her name and got one hit: on 15 June 1920 a deceased estate notice was published for a Mrs Marie Bayard Johns who had died on 3 October of the previous year. This was a name I had not come across before.
1891 ad for G. E. Johns, Son & Watts. Grace’s Guide to British Industrial History. http://www.gracesguide.co.uk
Some further sleuthing revealed that Marie Bayard Johns was born Maria Bayard Arnott on 13 December 1846 in Christchurch, Hampshire, the second daughter of Capt. Henry Arnott and his wife Charlotte, née Clarke. “Bayard” (often abbreviated to “B.”) is not her last name but her middle name, which is why I did not find her in genealogical records before. On 20 January 1890, she married widower Edward Wildy Johns, partner of John Brand and Co. chromo-lithographers, engravers and printers. His father was George Edward Johns, owner of a large fancy-box manufacturing company in London. Marie Bayard Johns died at the Hawthorns Hotel in Bournemouth in 1919. Her estate was valued at almost £29,000.
According to her will, she left considerable sums to various high-society friends and family members, some of whom I hoped would enable me to connect her to Christopher Weldon. My heart skipped a beat when one of these friends led me via her husband to Georgina Weldon, the famous campaigner against the lunacy laws. No direct relation of Christopher Weldon, as far as I can tell.
Arnott’s first and middle names, her evidently genteel background and her late marriage at the age of 43 to a chromolithographer and engraver (someone any fashion editor and paper pattern maker would have had to deal with at some point) all make her a likely candidate for being the Marie Bayard who edited Weldon’s Ladies’ Journal. But that’s not enough for a positive ID. What do you think? A good lead, or a frustrating coincidence?
Marianne Van Remoortel
[1] 1881 Census Returns of England and Wales, The National Archives of the UK, RG12/478 f.56 p.6.
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Obama’s whopper about Rutherford B. Hayes and the telephone
By Glenn Kessler
Glenn Kessler
(LARRY DOWNING/REUTERS)
“Of course, we’ve heard this kind of thinking before. If some of these folks were around when Columbus set sail, they must have been founding members of the Flat Earth Society. … There always have been folks who are the naysayers and don't believe in the future, and don't believe in trying to do things differently. One of my predecessors, Rutherford B. Hayes, reportedly said about the telephone, ‘It’s a great invention, but who would ever want to use one?’ That's why he's not on Mount Rushmore because he’s looking backwards. He’s not looking forwards. He’s explaining why we can't do something, instead of why we can do something.”
— President Obama, remarks on energy, Largo, Maryland, March 15, 2012
In a speech on energy Thursday, the president took aim at the “cynics and naysayers” who dismiss potential new sources of energy, such as wind and solar. Leave aside the canard about most Europeans believing the earth was flat before Columbus — that’s an elementary-school tale with little basis in fact.
What about President Hayes? Was he really so dismissive about the invention of the telephone?
Hayes, the nation’s 19th president, served only one term, 1877-1881, after a very close and disputed election that needed to be settled by an electoral commission. (He went to bed thinking he had lost to Democrat Samuel Tilden.) He was a master politician who banned liquor from the White House for political purposes (and to curb boorish behavior by members of Congress).
The quote cited by Obama does exist on the Internet, but we would expect the White House staff to do better research than that. (This line was in the president’s prepared text, so it was not ad-libbed.) But the trouble is, historians say that there is no evidence Hayes ever said this. Not only that, contrary to Obama’s jab, Hayes was interested in new technology.
According to Ari Hoogenboom, who wrote the definite biography, “Rutherford B. Hayes: Warrior and President,” Hayes entertained Thomas A. Edison at the White House. Edison demonstrated the phonograph for the president. “He was hardly hostile to new inventions,” Hoogenboom said.
Hayes, in fact, was such a technology buff that he installed the first telephone in the White House. A list of telephone subscribers published in the article “The Telephone Comes to Washington,” by Richard T. Loomis, shows that the White House was given the number “1.”
The White House phone initially was connected to the Treasury Department. Hoogenboom, in his book, writes that Hayes’s wife Lucy requested that a quartet sing on October 26, 1877, to inaugurate the service, but the concert abruptly ended because the powerful bass voice of one singer smashed “to atoms” the “sounding board of the telephone.”
Nan Card, curator of manuscripts at the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center in Fremont, Ohio, can pinpoint when Hayes first tried out the phone: June 1877. Hayes, it turns out, kept 126 scrapbooks of newspaper articles that featured him, and on page 82 of the 111th scrapbook was an account from the June 29 edition of the Providence Journal.
The version of events certainly is different than Obama’s telling. We reprint the whole report below because it gives a real flavor of the moment.
The President at the Telephone
About 3 o’clock the President enjoyed a new sensation. Under the direction of Mr. Fred A. Gower, managing agent of Prof. [Alexander Graham] Bell, a telephone wire was connected with the Western Union Telegraph wire, tendered for the purpose of manager Bradford, and telephone communication established with Prof. Bell at the City Hotel in this city.
The President was then invited to place one of the telephones, which by the way resembled a rather large-sized bobbin, against one ear, which he did, when Mr. Gower spoke in the other in a moderate tone of voice, saying, “Prof. Bell, I have the honor to present to you the President of the United States, who is listening at the other telephone; do you understand?”
The President listened carefully while a gradually increasing smile wreathed his lips, and wonder shone in his eyes more and more, until he took the little instrument from his ear, looked at it a moment in surprise, and remarked, “That is wonderful.”
During this time Prof. Bell said, according to Mr. Gower, who was listening at the telephone: “Mr. President, I am duly sensible of the great honor conferred upon me in this for the first time presenting the speaking telephone to the attention of the President of the United States. I am located in one of the parlors of the City Hotel, in Providence. I am speaking to you through thirteen miles of wire, without the use of any galvanic current on the line. I hope that you understand distinctly what I say, and I shall be very glad to hear something from you in reply, if you please.”
At the suggestion to him from Mr. Gower, that he should speak to Prof. Bell, the President said, “Please speak a little more slowly.” A few more messages passed, when the President again remarked, “That is wonderful,” saying he could understand some words very well, but could not catch sentences.
[Pennsylvania] Gov. [John] Hartranft also tried the wonderful little instrument, with much the same experience as the President, saying in answer to a query from Prof. Bell, “I understand you very well.”
Note that Hayes first tried the “wonderful” telephone at the end of June, and then had it installed in the White House just four months later. So, rather than “not looking forwards,” as Obama put it, Hayes quickly embraced the new technology.
In fact, he was a little too ahead of his time, because there were so few telephones installed elsewhere in the county. (The telephone list mentioned above shows only 190 subscribers in Washington two years after the telephone first came to Washington.) According to Hoogenboom, most communications from the White House continued to be done by telegraph during the rest of Hayes’s presidency.
Hoogenboom, who is an Obama supporter, added that unlike many Republicans today, Hayes was an advocate of federal action, particularly spending on education. He even wanted to use the federal budget surplus to direct more money to poor districts.
Besides historians, Obama’s staff also could have checked with the White House Historical Association, which recounts Hayes’s interest in the telephone in a classroom lesson for children in grades 4-8.
Card said the Hayes presidential library has never been able to find evidence of the alleged Hayes quote. “It seems to be out there, as people say it all the time,” she sighed. (Run a Nexis search and you’ll see many examples.)
White House spokesman Jay Carney pointed to those “multiple media references,” as well as an Encyclopaedia Britannica reference and even a previous comment by President Ronald Reagan as evidence that Obama was not out of line in citing this tall tale about Hayes.
“I’m not arguing that this is not in dispute, but the quote is widely cited,” Carney said. He added that Obama was using the anecdote in service of a broader point.
Reagan did once made a similar observation, according to Feb. 23, 1985, report by UPI reporter Helen Thomas. In this case, Reagan poked fun at his age, clearly making a joke:
Reagan recalled that President Rutherford B. Hayes once was “shown a recently invented device.”
“That's an amazing invention,” he said. “But who would ever want to use one of them?” He was talking about a telephone. I thought at the time that he might be mistaken.”
Of course, Reagan — “80 percent of our air pollution stems from hydrocarbons released by vegetation” — was widely mocked for getting his facts wrong. So we are not sure he is the best source for presidential history.
We contacted Encyclopaedia Britannica senior technology editor Rob Curley about its use of the Hayes reference, in a book titled “100 Most Influential Investors of All Time,” and he said he would recheck its sources.
The Pinocchio Test
It’s bad enough for one president to knock another one for not being on Mount Rushmore, but it’s particularly egregious to do so based on incorrect information.
We went back and forth over whether this error was worth three or four Pinocchios. We nearly decided on three Pinocchios because Obama used the phrase “reportedly” and because others have said this before him. The Encyclopaedia Britannica reference especially gave us pause. That’s a legitimate, but not infallible, source. But then we remembered it took only a phone call to a real historian to find out the truth.
Our final ruling was swayed in the end by this: The president in particular has a responsibility to get historical facts right, and in this case he got them completely backwards. Obama mocked Hayes for “looking backwards ... not looking forwards.” In reality, Hayes embraced the new technology. He should be an Obama hero, not a skunk.
Hayes is dead and buried, but he deserves an apology.
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The Volokh Conspiracy Opinion
No, the credit Card Act is not a free lunch
By Todd Zywicki
A friend called to my attention an essay by Harold Pollack that was posted on Vox last week, “How new regulations saved consumers billions in credit card fees.” P0llack is apparently a professor of social service administration with a primary expertise in public health and crime, but has written a brand-new book on personal finance. The focus of Pollack’s article is the effects on consumers from the enactment of the Credit Card Accountability and Disclosure (Card) Act of 2009, which codified existing regulatory limits on the ability of credit card issuers to adjust credit card terms in light of changes in consumer risk (such as limiting the ability to raise interest rates) and placed price controls on certain behavior-based fees, such as over-the-limit fees and others.
According to Pollack, the effect of the Card Act essentially was a free lunch to consumers:
My favorite finance paper published last year makes clear that struggling with credit cards is not unusual. The study examined 2008–2012 data from a mammoth database of 160 million credit card accounts at America’s eight largest banks to analyze the practical impact of the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure (CARD) Act, which Congress passed in 2009. The authors found that the CARD Act was a triumph of financial regulation.
“The CARD Act did two main things,” according to Neale Mahoney, a co-author of the study and my cross-campus colleague at the University of Chicago. “First, it restricted a number of credit card fees. Second, it required credit card issuers to provide information on annual statements that was designed to ‘nudge’ consumers into making larger monthly payments on their cards.”
Mahoney and his co-authors found that the legislation saved consumers $11.9 billion per year, largely by reducing fees imposed on the least sophisticated consumers who have the lowest credit scores.
And unlike other sorts of credit regulation, the CARD Act seems to have produced few offsetting unintended consequences. “We don’t find any evidence that card issuers offset the reduced fee revenue by increasing interest rates (or other fees not targeted by the law) or by reducing access to credit,” Mahoney told me.
Most of the savings came from eliminating fees credit card companies used to charge when customers went over their credit limits.
The paper that Pollack identifies as his “favorite finance paper published last year” is this one, “Regulating Consumer Financial Products: Evidence from Credit Cards” by Sumit Agarwal, Souphala Chomsisengphet, Neale Mahoney and Johannes Stroebel. The theory of their paper rests in the idea of so-called “shrouded fees,” a theory from behavioral economics that rests on the idea that certain price or quality elements of consumer contracts (including consumer finance contracts) essentially escape the notice or understanding of consumers when they enter into contracts and as a result consumers can be exploited on those margins (it is rarely specified whether this results in a transfer of rents to lenders or simply a cross-subsidization among consumers in a zero-profit equilibrium world where any supposed rents are competed away). The theory, roughly put, is that these fees are “not salient” to consumers, and as a result most consumers do not notice them when they shop for credit cards (again, the statement of the theory is ambiguous, in that it is rarely specified whether it is “most” or “all” or “enough” consumers, which are all important issues for the theoretical models to be specified). And since consumers don’t notice them and shop on those margins, it is argued, they are serving no particular risk-based pricing function and as a result if we wipe those fees out, then there should be no harm to consumers in the form of offsetting price adjustments (such as in interest rates or other fees) and no reduction in access to credit, especially for higher-risk borrowers. And so this is why Pollack touts the supposed consumer-friendly aspects of the law, in that, according to the paper he discusses, the law supposedly eliminated or restricted these fees and since they were “shrouded” or “non-salient,” there supposedly were no offsetting adjustments in terms of higher interest rates (or other fee adjustments) and no reduction in access to credit for higher-risk borrowers. And let me stress at the outset that I admire and respect these economists and I don’t see anything wrong with the economics in the article.
The problem is not the economics, but the law: The entire paper rests on a fatal flaw in the authors’ understanding of the regulatory regime they examine. Moreover, this error is fatal, in the sense that the error in understanding the regulatory regime is so profound that it negates their findings entirely. Moreover, once the error in the regulatory regime is corrected, the consumer-friendly finding that there is a regulatory free lunch here is turned on its head. Allow me to explain.
The following is a discussion of an article that Tom Durkin, Greg Elliehausen and I published last summer in the Supreme Court Economic Review entitled “An Assessment of Behavioral Law and Economics Contentions and What We Know Empirically About Credit Card Use by Consumers,” 22 S. Ct. Econ. Rev. 1 (2014). A non-final working paper version of the article is available here (I will be quoting from the as-published version of the article which is substantively similar to the working-paper version but also included some final page proof edits that are not included in the working paper version).
The Card Act was passed by Congress in April 2009 and the regulations implementing the Card Act went into effect beginning February 2010. So in order to test the effects of the Card Act, the authors constructed a database of credit card accounts beginning March 2008 and then traced those through to December 2011 (once they make various adjustments) to supposedly get before and after snapshots of the effects on consumer accounts. They narrow the analysis of the “pre-Card” period still further by starting the collection of FICO scores at April 2008. They conclude that the Card Act reduced fees paid by consumers for over-the-limit fees and other similar fees but that there were virtually no unintended consequences in terms of offsetting interest rate or fee adjustments and no restriction in access to credit.
Here’s the problem — the Card Act was not written on a blank slate. The Card Act largely codified existing regulations that were virtually identical to what later was enacted as the Card Act. The Federal Reserve regulations were formally proposed in May 2008, and the final rules were adopted in December 2008 (moreover, they had been discussed substantially before then and the substance was anticipated as early as 2007). As we write in our our article:
Recent federal regulation and legislation provides further opportunity to examine the economic significance of risk-based fees. In May 2008 the Federal Reserve Board proposed and then in December 2008 adopted final rules that regulated credit card contract terms, although those new rules were not scheduled to go into effect until July 1, 2010. In 2009 Congress passed the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility, and Disclosure Act of 2009 (the “CARD Act”), which legislated many of the terms of the Fed’s regulation, thereby superseding the Fed’s action. In August 2010 the Federal Reserve issued its rules implementing the CARD Act. Thus, even though the final regulations were not implemented until August 2010, banks were aware by May 2008 at the latest (and presumably by 2007 or early 2008) of pending regulation governing credit card terms.
Both the Fed’s regulations and the Card Act apply significant limitations to terms of the credit card agreement that BLE proponents claim to be non-salient. For example, except for introductory rates and variable rate cards, issuers are required to provide forty-five days’ notice before increasing interest rates and fees and prohibited from increasing interest rates on existing balances unless the account falls deeply in arrears. Such rate increases then must be reevaluated every six months. These provisions limit risk-based penalty pricing, which credit card issuers have used to help manage accounts on which risky behavior was observed. The rules also placed price ceilings on the size of penalty fees, requiring them to be reasonably proportional to the cost to the issuer. In short, the Fed’s rules implementing the Card Act substantially restricted the ability of card issuers to raise interest rates, to adjust contract terms, and to assess back-end behavior-based fees on credit card contracts (the ones alleged to be non salient).
And here’s where the problem with the Agarwal et al. paper comes in: The writers treat the entire pre-Card Act period as their “pre” period. In fact, it is telling that their article makes no mention at all of the Federal Reserve regulations that were promulgated in May 2008 and anticipated before then. Thus, their article rests on the assumption that the period early 2008 was a pure “pre” period because the Card Act wasn’t enacted until 2009 and the regulations didn’t come on line until 2010. But their baseline period was in fact already distorted by the adjustments made by credit card lenders to the Fed regulations, which the Card Act largely just codified. Again, the article makes no mention of the Federal Reserve regulations much less make any effort to control for their effects.
And it turns out that this error is important because once you extend the event window to include the Fed regulations, the free lunch for consumers touted by Pollack disappears. (Pollack also ignores multiple studies that have found an adverse effect for consumers from just the Card Act itself.) Most notably, the finding that there was no reduction in access to credit cards by higher-risk borrowers and offsetting impact on other fees disappears. We discuss several studies in our article that do actually include the effects of the Federal Reserve regulations and which uniformly find an adverse effect on access to credit cards from the combined effect of the regulations and Card Act, especially for higher-risk borrowers:
This failure to consider the anticipatory effects of the Federal Reserve’s regulations turns out to be important, as shown by Jambulapati and Stavins.[1] Examining data from the Consumer Financial Monthly survey, Jambulapati and Stavins reviewed the effect of the CARD Act on the supply of credit card credit and credit card terms. Moreover, they examined not just the period preceding the effective date of the CARD Act’s rules (February 2010) but also the earlier period of the Federal Reserve’s rulemaking. Between May 2009, when the CARD Act was signed, and February 2010, they found that banks reduced credit limits but did not close accounts at a higher rate than previously. When they expanded their inquiry to consider the possible preemptive effects of the Federal Reserve’s earlier rulemaking, however, they found that a higher fraction of accounts was closed immediately following adoption by the Federal Reserve of its rules in 2008. They also found evidence that the reduction in credit lines began during that period as well. Thus, once the Federal Reserve’s earlier rulemaking is taken into account, the two waves of regulations were associated with a reduction in both access to credit cards and credit lines, as would be predicted by the standard economic model.
In addition to identifying a reduction in lending, Jambulapati and Stavins found that average interest rates rose almost two percentage points in the period preceding the effective date for most of the CARD Act’s rules. Taking into account the market responses to the Federal Reserve’s regulations as well as the Credit CARD Act, they also found reductions in credit supply, both in terms of fewer accounts and lower credit limits.
Santucci also examined the effect of the CARD Act on credit limits, comparing initial credit lines for new credit card accounts in 2005 versus 2011.[2] Santucci found that the average initial credit line for a new card fell by 60% (from $5,000 to $2,000) and fell even further for the riskiest quartile of accounts, by 66.7% (to $500). Thus, as predicted by standard economics, restrictions on the ability to adjust interest rates and other risk-based pricing practices resulted in a reduction of initial credit lines for consumers.
Han, Keys, and Li further examined the effect of the CARD Act on access to credit by reviewing the volume of new account solicitations before and after the CARD Act became effective.[3] Focusing on a pool of consumers who had filed bankruptcy, they sought to identify the access of those high-risk borrowers to credit and the impact of the CARD Act on their access to credit.
They found that after the CARD Act became effective, the number of offers for new accounts to higher-risk borrowers fell sharply, suggesting a substantial decrease in the supply of credit available to riskier borrowers. Moreover, they found a substantial deterioration in the quality of the cards offered to those borrowers when compared to the pre–CARD Act period. “Before the financial crisis, the offers to [bankruptcy] filers are more comparable with those to nonfilers; but, in the post–CARD Act period, on balance, filers tend to receive much less favorable offers.” In particular, following the enactment of the CARD Act, lenders offered riskier borrowers much lower credit limits than before the act. Offers were less likely to have low introductory teaser rates or rewards. Moreover, following the enactment of the CARD Act, riskier borrowers were more likely to be offered cards with an annual fee, and the spread between the cost of funds and the APR widened substantially. In fact, while the interest rate spread for those who filed bankruptcy and those who did not was similar prior to the enactment of the CARD Act, subsequently the spread was 175 points wider for those who had filed bankruptcy than those who had not. As they observed, “Thus, although filers continue to receive credit card offers, lenders who extend credit to them apparently engage in a different business strategy—keeping credit limits low to mitigate default risk and levying fees to boost profit from such borrowers.” Although they found the largest effects for riskier borrowers, they found that the interest rate spread increased for all borrowers, including even those who had not filed bankruptcy.
What this means is that if one were to calculate the actual economic impact on consumers from the Card Act (and the Federal Reserve regulations) one has to include in the analysis the impact on the large number of consumers who lost access to credit cards as a result of the Card Act and thus instead were forced to turn to high-cost alternatives such as payday loans, which is the next-best alternative for many consumers who saw their credit lines slashed or lost access to credit cards entirely.
Although this paper has a fatal flaw in its understanding of the law that negates its findings, I want to emphasize that I am an admirer of the economics work of the co-authors on this paper. For example, a couple of them teamed to write one of the most important papers that tests the behavioral economics hypothesis that consumers would be predicted to systematically underestimate the likelihood that they will revolve credit card balances. For those who are interested, they find that contrary to the BE hypothesis, a majority of consumers choose the cost-minimizing contract, that most consumers correct their errors, and that consumers do not appear to systematically underestimate their likelihood of revolving and that errors are not systematically biased, i.e., consumers act in a manner that is consistent with the idea that they are as likely to overestimate their likelihood of revolving as to underestimate it — in fact, according to their data collected under the particular constraints they impose on their field experiment, they actually find that consumers are much more likely to err in a manner that is consistent with the idea that consumers are unduly “underoptimistic” about their likelihood of paying off their balances without revolving. We suggest in our paper that result is explained by standard rational choice models of consumer behavior that the costs of overoptimism vs. underoptimism are asymmetrical in the experiment, in that the costs of being underoptimistic are bounded by the size of the annual fee whereas the costs of overoptimism are essentially unbounded. You can read the discussion in the paper.
But as for the CARD Act, I believe Mr. Pollack might do well to adopt a new “favorite” finance article if he really wants to know what is going on (I’d recommend ours).
A final word — one interesting lesson from all this is to be cautious in the belief that that peer review is a panacea for the ailments associated with student-edited law reviews. I have been extremely critical of several prestigious law reviews that have published hand-waving behavioral economics articles that ignore the available economic literature, such as on the use of overdraft protection by consumers. But this article was published in an extremely prestigious economics journal and subject to presumably rigorous peer review. One suspects, however, that the peer reviewers were knowledgeable about the economics covered in the article but not the full legal and regulatory framework and so presumably the reviewers and editors were also unaware of the existence of the Federal Reserve regulations that predated the Card Act.
[1] Vikram Jambulapati and Joanna Stavins, The Credit CARD Act of 2009: What Did Banks Do?, Public Policy Discussion Paper, Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, No 13-7 (Oct 2013), online at http://www.bostonfed.org/economic/ppdp/2013/ppdp1307.htm.
[2] Larry Santucci, A Tale of Two Vintages: Credit Limit Management Before and After the CARD Act and Great Recession, Philadelphia Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia Payment Cards Center Discussion Paper (Feb. 2015); see also Joshua Ronen and Tiago da Silva Pinheiro, Unintended Consequences of the Credit Card Act (Aug. 2014) (concluding that the CARD Act likely was welfare reducing for many consumers).
[5] Song Han, Benjamin J. Keys, and Geng Li, Unsecured Credit Supply over the Credit Cycle: Evidence from Credit Card Mailings, Finance and Economics Discussion Series, Divisions of Research & Statistics and Monetary Affairs, Federal Reserve Board, Working Paper 2011-29 (2011), online at http://www.federalreserve.gov/pubs/feds/2011/201129/201129abs.html.
Leaf Page Test - Mon Jul 15 16:30:02 EDT 2019
‘Doomsday preppers’ kept a low profile in rural Florida. Then two women escaped.
Suffering joint pains from osteoarthritis? Some do’s and don’ts on getting relief.
Opinion You happy now, Tucker Carlson?
Opinion I may not agree with AOC’s squad, but they are better Americans than Trump
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THUMB, Peter
(b. 1681, Bezau, d. 1766, Konstanz)
Former Benedictine Abbey Church, St Gallen
The first designs by Caspar Moosbrugger for the Baroque church on the foundation of St. Gall date to 1721. To link the shrines of St Gall and St Othmer, he designed a double crucifix with two domed crossings. After Moosbrugger's death in 1723, another Vorarlberg architect, Johann Michael Beer from Bleichten, took over the work, producing alternative plans that included a large octagon in the middle of the nave. Between 1730 and 1754, six other architects came forward with proposals. In each case, an attempt was made to combine the schemes of Moosbrugger and Beer.
Finally, Peter Thumb triumphed in 1755 with a version of Beer's scheme linking a longitudinal design with a central plan. Wall-piers and a pier system placed in relation to them run through the whole space to create a coherent whole. The two choirs appear not as separate entities but linked together at the central point. Moreover, the entrances to the church are placed in such a way that the building is powerfully represented not just by the façade of the choir towers but also in the effect of its breadth. Work was completed in 1770.
The picture shows a view of the nave.
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It’s a Wrap: Best movies of 2018
Movies matter. They can turn your world upside down. They can inspire, motivate and on the flipside, anger. I go the movies to laugh, to cry, to get swept away by a story and its characters. I go to the movies because I love the shared (but different for everyone) experience of seeing a film. Not everyone has the same reactions.
Speaking of movie-going experiences, earlier this year I was the oldest at a screening made up of mostly teenagers of the charming adolescent rom-com “Love, Simon.” It was a hoot. Shortly after, I was among the youngest in the audience for the septuagenarian sex comedy “Book Club.” That too was a trip. There’s something about being around an excited audience of any age watching a movie, a good one, intended for them.
Conversely, there’s nothing quite like being in an empty theater, which was the case for the racial drama “The Hate U Give.” You feel like the actors are talking directly to you and no one can see you cry. Not every film affords this kind of pleasure. You certainly wouldn’t watch “A Quiet Place” by yourself, because that’s a communal experience. It’s practically a silent-movie and any real-life sounds, like crunching popcorn or slurping soda, add intensity to the ambience. The audience lets out a collective exhale after Emily Blunt silently delivers a baby in a bathtub.
But the ability to have something as majestic as “Roma,” or as whimsical as “Mary Poppins Returns,” or as opulent as “Crazy Rich Asians” wash over you is a powerful thrill. Ditto for the riveting Live Aid finale in the Queen biopic, “Bohemian Rhapsody,” and hearing Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper duet “Shallow” for the first time. I tear up just thinking about it. Give me a screen, the bigger the better because there’s no other way to watch Chris Hemsworth dance (sans shirt) to Deep Purple’s “Hush” or watch Tom Cruise and Henry Cavill duke it out in bathroom brawl in “Mission: Impossible - Fallout.” On a smaller screen, the cringe-inducing impact of insecure teen Kayla (Elsie Fisher) donning that ill-fitting swimsuit at the cool girl’s pool party is dramatically lessened, as is Josh Hamilton’s monologue telling Kayla how proud he is of her and the way she’s growing up. The collective gasp during that ill-fated car ride in “Hereditary,” or the group cheer when Captain America makes his first appearance in “Avengers: Infinity War” to save Wanda and Vision from the losing side of a fight, or the Volk sequence in “Suspiria,” or when “Ready Player One” morphs for a moment into “The Shining,” or when Neil Armstrong walks on the moon in “First Man” - those were all worth the price of admission this year. And that’s just a handful of memorable moments in an outstanding year. It seems that in this age of streaming services, the movie-going experience is still worth the effort. And so, without further ado, here is an alphabetical list of 10 movies that brought me exhilaration and escape this year.
“BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY”: You’ll want to download the whole Queen discography after experiencing “Bohemian Rhapsody,” the jukebox musical about the late Freddie Mercury, the band’s bravura frontman resurrected by a bravura Rami Malek. The SAG and Golden Globe nominee captures Freddie’s heart and soul by going all in, even when the script doesn’t. From the stomp-stomp-clap of “We Are the Champions” to the “Mmm num ba de” of “Under Pressure,” the movie, the highest-grossing musical biopic ever, has stuck with me. I dare you not to tap your feet and sing-along.
“CAN YOU EVER FORGIVE ME?”: Melissa McCarthy takes a dramatic role for a whirl and it turns out to be her best part since “Bridesmaids.” Marielle Heller directs this fact-based dramedy about literary forger and malcontent Lee Israel and her partner in crime, played by Richard E. Grant. A scam drives the plot but this movie is all about the unlikely friendship that develops between McCarthy’s acerbic Lee and Grant’s roguish, Jack. Both performances are brilliant.
“COLD WAR”: Don’t overlook this black-and-white beauty because that other black-and-white spectacle is taking all the attention. This portrait of ill-fated lovers set in Poland after World War II blows Alfonso Cuaron’s “Roma” right off the screen. From Oscar-winning filmmaker Pawel Pawlikowski (“Ida”), “Cold War” features a devastating performance from Joanna Kulig (remember her name) as a beautiful post-World War II siren recruited for a singing and dancing revue assembled to promote Soviet propaganda. Tomasz Kot is equally dynamic as her somewhat gullible conductor in a steamy, off-and-on romance unfolding over more than a decade. Cold might be in the title, but they generate heat. And, the last line of the movie is best I’ve heard all year (no spoilers).
“GAME NIGHT”: Oh, the games people play. And the games played on them. Just ask the group of friends (Jason Bateman, Rachel McAdams, Kyle Chandler, Jesse Plemons) caught up in the unexpected chicanery of “Game Night” when they discover the all-for-fun murder-mystery contest they’ve engaged in turns out to involve a very real kidnapping. Suddenly, instead of turning over clue cards, they’re outrunning mobsters, dodging bullets and trying to stop a Learjet from taking off. Maybe the premise isn’t the most plausible, but it’s lot more fun than you’d expect. All “Game Night” did was have me laughing from start to finish. What’s better than that?
“EIGHTH GRADE”: Bo Burnham delivered a pitch-perfect coming-of-age story courtesy of his discovery of Elsie Fisher, cast as an awkward middle-school student clumsily negotiating the landmine that is adolescence in the age of social media. It will make you cringe, cry and it reminds us why no one would ever want to go back to that confusing time in our lives. It should be required viewing for every teenager and their parents. Josh Hamilton also delivers a soulful performance as Fisher’s single father.
“GREEN BOOK”: Viggo Mortensen and Mahersala Ali take a roadtrip through the Jim Crow South in Peter Farrelly’s unabashed crowd-pleaser. Ali is black classical pianist Don Shirley, who hires working-class Italian-American Tony Lip (Mortensen) as a driver. Odd-couple comedy, racial intolerance and an unlikely friendship ensues. Both actors are flat-out terrific.
“IF BEALE STREET COULD TALK”: The Barry Jenkins-directed drama - his first film since his Oscar-winning “Moonlight” - is a stirring story of love and racial injustice. An adaption of James Baldwin’s 1974 novel, the movie also boasts an evocative score by Nicholas Britell and Regina King’s standout supporting role as a righteous mother fighting on behalf of her pregnant daughter. Come to see newcomer Kiki Layne and Stephan James - both exceptional as the young couple at the center of the story - but stay for Brian Tyree Henry’s searing monologue about the criminal justice system and what it’s like to be guilty of being black in America.
“A STAR IS BORN”: I will follow Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga into the “Shallow” and back again for this fourth iteration rising-star/fading-star tale. I didn’t know I wanted it, but guess I needed it. I normally hate sappy romances, but this one pierced my cold heart. Or, maybe, it was Cooper’s glass-blue eyes, or that he looked exactly like Eddie Vedder. Or, maybe, it was his real-life dog, Charlie. Regardless, you can’t deny the two leads shared a high-wattage chemistry that overcame a few shortcomings in the script. Plus, any movie that finds a part for Sam Elliot, Andrew Dice Clay and Dave Chappelle is a plus in my book.
“VICE”: You either love or hate Adam McKay’s (“The Big Short”) hyper, over-stylized direction, delicious asides and narration. I loved it. Ditto for this satiric takedown of former Vice President Dick Cheney (Christian Bale, an Oscar shoo-in), shown come up from his bootstraps to become George W. Bush’s puppet master. Along the way, McKay does the unthinkable: He elicits empathy, however short-lived, showing Cheney as a devoted father and husband. Kudos to Sam Rockwell as Dubya and Steve Carell as Cheney’s mentor, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld. Oh, and Amy Adams, too, as Lynne Cheney.
“WON’T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR?”: The sweater, the singing, the puppets, the sneakers, yup, it’s all there in Oscar-winner Morgan Neville’s documentary about the late PBS children’ show host, Fred Rogers. In these anxious times sometimes you need a good cleansing cry, and Neville brings us to tears with the film’s simple message: Be kind. It’s Kindergarten 101. The highest-grossing documentary of the year is like a big group hug for a weary nation.
The next 15: “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” “The Favourite,” “First Man,” “The Rider,” “Support The Girls,” Leave No Trace,” “Mary Poppins Returns,” “Ben Is Back,” “Black Panther,” “Annihilation,” “A Quiet Place,” “Love, Simon,” “What They Had,” “Lean on Pete,” “Thoroughbreds,” “The Ballad of Buster Scruggs”
Don’t miss these documentaries: “Free Solo,” “Three Identical Strangers,” “McQueen,” “Science Fair,” “RBG”
Foreign favorites: “Cold War,” “The Guilty,” “Custody,” “Capernaum,” “Summer 1993”
Five duds: “15:17 To Paris,” “Red Sparrow,” “Christopher Robin,” “Life Itself,” “Robin Hood”
Best surprise: “Support The Girls”
Best drinking buddies: Melissa McCarthy and Richard E. Grant in “Can You Ever Forgive Me?”
Biggest heart: “Instant Family”
Favorite catchphrase: “Gucci,” from “Eighth Grade”
Best family film: “Paddington 2”
Best animated: “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse”
Best couple: The Rock and George in “Rampage”
Best kiss: The Ferris Wheel smooch in “Love, Simon”
Best fight: Bathroom brawl in “Mission: Impossible - Fallout”
Best dance: Chris Hemsworth in “Bad Times At The El Royale”
Best song: “Shallow” from “A Star Is Born”
Best voice: Bryan Cranston in “Isle of dogs”
Best comedy: “Game Night”
Best villain: Erik Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan) from “Black Panther”
Most disappointing villain: Patrick Wilson’s Orm in “Aquaman”
Best cameo: Every Stan Lee appearance (“Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” “Ant-Man and the Wasp,” “Avengers: Infinity War,” “Venom” and “Black Panther”)
Best breakout (male): John David Washington for “BlackKkKlansman”
Best breakout (female): Elsie Fisher for “Eighth Grade”
Best kid performance: Zain Al Rafeea in “Capernaum”
Best animal performance: Olivia, the white Westie from “Game Night,” Widows” and “Insatiable.”
Biggest letdown: “Solo: A Star Wars Story”
Best popcorn flick: “Mission: Impossible - Fallout”
Best chemistry: Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga in “A Star Is Born”
Most twisted: “Suspiria!”
Best costumes: “The Favourite”
Best fictional city: Wakanda, “Black Panther”
Best sports movie: “Borg vs McEnroe”
Best revival: “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse”
Best biopic: “Private War”
Best rapping: Daveed Diggs in “Blindspotting”
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Lafite Takes China
By Janice Fuhrman
Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) is now planting Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah vines at its 62-acre property on China’s Penglai Peninsula in Shandong Province, and while local wine production has taken place for years, Lafite expects its first Chinese wines to premier as soon as 2015.
The company already owns wine estates in Bordeaux, Sauternes, the Languedoc, Chile and Argentina. What motivated it to pioneer modern wine production in China?
“The goal of Domaines Barons de Rothschild is to create a first growth everywhere it can establish a vineyard, and now it’s China,” says Eric Kohler, technical director of the company’s China project. “Planting a vineyard in China is like working on the moon—there is no history of quality wine there. We made the biggest, most complex agronomic study we have ever done as a company and arrived at the conclusion that the climate is not so different from the south of Languedoc, temperature-wise, but the soil is very interesting because of lots of granite and schist—very good soils for wine quality,” he says.
The difficulty, however, will be to manage the period of rain in June and July, according to Kohler. “Our big challenge is to fight against this rain. We adapted the terroir and the vineyard blocks by building lots of terraces to mitigate the effects of the rain.”
The China property is about 300 miles from Beijing in Shandong Province. “It’s just beautiful,” says Christophe Salin, managing director of Domaines Barons de Rothschild. “There is a lake surrounded by a wall. My best hope is that by the end of 2012, we’ll have a winery building and a residence built on the property and our first wines released by 2015.”
The company plans to purchase local grapes to experiment with how its Chinese wines will take shape. “Everything depends on the quality of what we come up with, but we plan to work according to our standards and create an ‘A’ wine and a ‘B’ wine like we do at Lafite,” said Salin. “It could take as much as 15 years to get to a final decision about our wine.”
Salin says it has been a long-held dream of his to plant a vineyard in China, where Lafite is highly prized by China’s burgeoning crop of millionaires. “China is an agricultural country but the wine they make there is not yet good enough. It is like Chile 20 years ago,” he says. “We know that if we showed with our know-how, our time and our hands how to make good wine, they’re going to learn and they will make good wine, drink it, and eventually buy the best wine in the world, which is French."
Since 2008, Domaines Barons de Rothschild has been working on the project in partnership with CITIC Group, a state-owned investment company of the People’s Republic of China. Domaines Barons de Rothschild is one of a number of other foreign companies planning to make wine in China, including France’s Moët Hennessey.
China, with its population of 1.3 billion, is projected to become the world’s largest domestic market for wine consumption within a few decades.
E. & J. Gallo Buys Edna Valley Vineyard & Winery
Charles Banks Acquires Qupé Winery
King of Cabernet
Right Time, Right Place: California's Right Bank-Style Wines
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Carlyle Ventures Out Into Consumer Sector
Greg SchneiderThe Washington Post
Updated March 1, 2004 12:11 pm ET
Carlyle Group, the Washington private-equity firm famous for tapping the expertise of former U.S. politicians to make money investing in U.S. government-regulated industries, is branching in a new direction: consumer businesses.
Carlyle has formed a team to oversee consumer-related ventures, hoping to capitalize on a dynamic merger-and-acquisition market for firms that make consumer products. In 2003, Carlyle invested a record $2.5 billion and reported a record $2.1 billion return for investors.
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Dead man found in Roanoke River, according to police
Heat wave continues; pop-up storms return
Hampton Police via CNN
Remains found in Hampton NASA steam plant confirmed as 2-year-old missing boy
What's News Today: July 15, 2019
New Freedom Farm hosts veterans' breakfast in honor of WWII Marine
Former NFL running back Chris Warren returns to the valley for annual Fastest 40 football camp
Trudeau: Canada is 'legitimately concerned' about NAFTA
'There are ways to modernize and improve NAFTA'
By JENNIFER HANSLER, CNN
Posted: 10:11 PM, February 07, 2018 Updated: 10:11 PM, February 07, 2018
UNTV via CNN
(CNN) - Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Wednesday night that he is "legitimately concerned" about the future of NAFTA, but he maintained that his nation will not be cowed into taking a disadvantageous deal for the sake of preserving the trade agreement.
"We are legitimately concerned about the future of NAFTA because the President has said he's not sure it's a good thing," Trudeau told David Axelrod on "The Axe Files," a podcast produced by the University of Chicago Institute of Politics and CNN. The conversation came during a four-day US tour for the Prime Minister.
NAFTA talks make 'some progress' but huge differences remain
Trump hints at fight over $1 trillion trade with Europe
South Korea condemns Trump's tariffs
"When Canadians see me engaging constructively, collaboratively -- but firmly -- at the negotiating table on NAFTA, saying, 'Look we know there are ways to modernize and improve NAFTA in ways that will create a win-win-win when we include Mexico,' there is a path absolutely for that. But we are not going to take a win-loss just for the sake of getting a deal," he said.
"We know we can work towards a good deal. But we also know that we will not be pushed into accepting any old deal, and no deal might very well be better for Canada than a bad deal. And being firm on that is, I think, what Canadians expect of me," the Prime Minister added.
President Donald Trump campaigned on a promise to renegotiate or terminate the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement, calling it "the worst trade deal in history." Almost all trade tariffs among the three member nations -- the US, Canada and Mexico -- were eliminated under the deal, and the pact made it easier for companies to relocate their operations. Trump has the authority to pull the United States out of the deal without congressional approval; he simply has to give Canada and Mexico six months' notice.
Trudeau said Canada would be willing to modernize the terms of the agreement, and he stressed the interdependence of the two nations' economies.
"Frankly, there is no country in the world that has a greater vested interest in the United States being successful than Canada," he said. "You know, when you sneeze, we catch a cold. I mean, we're so interlinked that absolutely we want to make sure it's a good deal for the United States, because that's part of making a good deal for Canada."
Negotiators from the US, Canada and Mexico are continuing to hash out the details of a compromise on NAFTA. They met in Montreal at the end of January for a sixth round of negotiations. US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said the round was "a step forward" but that progress was being made "very slowly." Substantial differences on divisive issues like auto manufacturing remained.
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In this picture released on Wednesday, June 19, 2019, by the official website of the office of the Iranian supreme leader, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei speaks in a meeting at his residence in Tehran, Iran. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday, June 24, 2019, targeting Iran's supreme leader and his associates with financial sanctions, the latest action the U.S. has taken to discourage Tehran from developing nuclear weapons and supporting militant groups.
Sailors stand on deck above a hole the U.S. Navy says was made by a limpet mine on the damaged Panama-flagged, Japanese owned oil tanker Kokuka Courageous, anchored off Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, during a trip organized by the Navy for journalists, Wednesday, June 19, 2019. The limpet mines used to attack a Japanese-owned oil tanker near the Strait of Hormuz last week bore “a striking resemblance” to similar mines previously seen in Iran, a U.S. Navy explosives expert said Wednesday, stopping short of directly blaming Tehran for the assault.
Fay Abuelgasim
In this picture released on April 29, 2019, by the official website of the office of the Iranian supreme leader, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei reads part of a book while visiting Tehran's book fair in Tehran, Iran. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday, June 24, 2019, targeting Iran's supreme leader and his associates with financial sanctions, the latest action the U.S. has taken to discourage Tehran from developing nuclear weapons and supporting militant groups.
FILE - In this Thursday, June 13, 2019 file photo, an oil tanker is on fire in the sea of Oman. A series of attacks on oil tankers near the Persian Gulf has ratcheted up tensions between the U.S. and Iran -- and raised fears over the safety of one of Asia’s most vital energy trade routes, where about a fifth of the world’s oil passes through its narrowest at the Strait of Hormuz. The attacks have jolted the shipping industry, with many of operators in the region on high alert.
In this picture released on May 29, 2019, by the official website of the office of the Iranian supreme leader, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei attends a meeting at his residence in Tehran, Iran. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday, June 24, 2019, targeting Iran's supreme leader and his associates with financial sanctions, the latest action the U.S. has taken to discourage Tehran from developing nuclear weapons and supporting militant groups.
FILE - This file image released by the U.S. Department of Defense Monday, June 17, 2019, and taken from a U.S. Navy helicopter, shows what the Navy says are members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy removing an unexploded limpet mine from the M/T Kokuka Courageous. A series of attacks on oil tankers near the Persian Gulf has ratcheted up tensions between the U.S. and Iran -- and raised fears over the safety of one of Asia’s most vital energy trade routes, where about a fifth of the world’s oil passes through its narrowest at the Strait of Hormuz.
In this photo released by the official website of the office of the Iranian Presidency, President Hassan Rouhani attends a meeting with the Health Ministry officials in Tehran, Iran, Tuesday, June 25, 2019. Rouhani said the new U.S. sanctions targeting the Islamic Republic's supreme leader and others are "outrageous and idiotic." The comments by Hassan Rouhani come a day after the Trump administration sanctioned Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and his associates.
In this photo released by the official website of the office of the Iranian Presidency, President Hassan Rouhani attends a meeting with the Health Ministry officials, in Tehran, Iran, Tuesday, June 25, 2019. Rouhani said the new U.S. sanctions targeting the Islamic Republic's supreme leader and others are "outrageous and idiotic." The comments by Hassan Rouhani come a day after the Trump administration sanctioned Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and his associates.
In this photo released by the official website of the office of the Iranian Presidency, President Hassan Rouhani attends a meeting with the Health Ministry officials, in Tehran, Iran, Tuesday, June 25, 2019. Iran on Tuesday sharply criticized new U.S. sanctions targeting the Islamic Republic's supreme leader and other top officials, saying the measures spell the "permanent closure" for diplomacy between the two nations. For his part, Iran's president described the White House as "afflicted by mental retardation."
U.S. National Security Adviser John Bolton speaks during a press conference in Jerusalem, Tuesday, June 25, 2019. .
Oded Balilty
As his plane is reflected in the glass building behind them, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, right, walks with Abu Dhabi Assistant Foreign Ministry Undersecretary for Protocol Affairs Shihad Al Faheem, as they say goodbye on the secretary's departure from Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Tuesday, June 25, 2019, en route to an undisclosed location.
Jacquelyn Martin
Iran says 'idiotic' new US sanctions shut doors of diplomacy
By NASSER KARIMI and JON GAMBRELL Associated Press
TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Iran warned Tuesday that new U.S. sanctions targeting its supreme leader and other top officials meant "closing the doors of diplomacy" between Tehran and Washington amid heightened tensions, even as President Hassan Rouhani derided the White House as being "afflicted by mental retardation."
President Donald Trump called that a "very ignorant and insulting statement," tweeting that an Iranian attack on any U.S. interest will be met with "great and overwhelming force ... overwhelming will mean obliteration." His secretary of state said the Iranian statement was "immature."
The sharp remarks from Tehran shows the pressure that the nation's Shiite theocracy and its 80 million people feel over the maximalist campaign of sanctions by the Trump administration. From Israel, U.S. National Security Adviser John Bolton said Iran could walk through an "open door" to talks with America but also warned that "all options remain on the table" if Tehran makes good on its promise to begin breaking one limit from its 2015 nuclear deal with world powers.
The verbal volleys recalled North Korea's statements about Trump before the dramatic change in course and the start of negotiations with Washington. In 2017, state media quoted North Korean leader Kim Jong Un calling Trump "the mentally deranged U.S. dotard."
However, there are no signs the Iranian leadership would welcome talks.
"The useless sanctioning of Islamic Revolution Supreme Leader (Khamenei) and the commander of Iranian diplomacy means closing the doors of diplomacy by the U.S.' desperate administration," Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi tweeted. "Trump's government is annihilating all the established international mechanisms for keeping peace and security in the world."
Trump enacted the new sanctions against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and his associates on Monday.
U.S. officials also said they plan sanctions against Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, something that drew Rouhani's anger during his televised address Tuesday.
"You sanction the foreign minister simultaneously with a request for talks," an exasperated Rouhani said. He called the sanctions against Khamenei "outrageous and idiotic," especially since the 80-year-old Shiite cleric has no plans to travel to the United States.
"The White House is afflicted by mental retardation and does not know what to do," he added in Farsi, using a term similarly as offensive in English.
While U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said he hadn't heard Rouhani's reaction to the new sanctions, he said that if true, "that's a bit immature and childlike."
"But know that the United States will remain steadfast in undertaking the actions that the president laid out in this strategy to create stability throughout the Middle East, which includes the campaign we have, the economic campaign, the pressure campaign that we have on the Islamic Republic of Iran," Pompeo added.
The crisis gripping the Middle East stems from Trump's withdrawal of the U.S. a year ago from the nuclear deal with Iran and other world powers and then imposing crippling new sanctions on Tehran. Recently, Iran quadrupled its production of low-enriched uranium to be on pace to break one of the deal's terms by Thursday, while also threatening to raise enrichment closer to weapons-grade levels on July 7 if European countries still abiding by the accord don't offer a new deal.
Citing unspecified Iranian threats, the U.S. has sent an aircraft carrier to the Middle East and deployed additional troops alongside the tens of thousands already there. All this has raised fears that a miscalculation or further rise in tensions could push the U.S. and Iran into an open conflict, 40 years after the Islamic Revolution.
The sanctions followed Iran's downing on June 20 of a U.S. surveillance drone, worth over $100 million, above the Strait of Hormuz, sharply escalating the crisis. Trump then said he pulled back from the brink of retaliatory military strikes but continued his pressure campaign against Iran.
Mousavi's statement echoed that of Iran's U.N. ambassador, Majid Takht Ravanchi, who warned Monday that the situation in the Persian Gulf is "very dangerous" and said any talks with the U.S. are impossible in the face of escalating sanctions and intimidation. Meanwhile, the U.S. envoy at the United Nations, Jonathan Cohen, said the Trump administration's aim is to get Tehran back to negotiations.
Later Tuesday, Rouhani spoke by phone with French President Emmanuel Macron and told him: "If the Americans again want to violate the waters and airspace of Iran, Iran's armed forces are assigned to confront them and will take a strong approach," according to the state-run IRNA news agency.
But he added that Iran does not have any interest in escalating tensions in the region and never seeks war with any country, including the United States, the news agency reported, quoting him as saying: "We have always been committed to improving the stability and security of the region, and we will take efforts in this direction."
Pompeo held talks Monday with officials in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia about building a broad, global coalition that includes Asian and European countries to counter Iran. He is likely to face a tough sell in Europe and Asia, particularly from those nations still committed to the nuclear deal with Iran.
Meanwhile, Bolton said Trump was open to real negotiations to eliminate Iran's nuclear weapons program and "all that Iran needs to do is walk through that open door." He was meeting with his Russian and Israel counterparts in a first-of-its-kind trilateral security summit in Jerusalem that was focused on Iranian involvement in regional conflicts, particularly in neighboring Syria.
"As we speak, American diplomatic representatives are surging across the Middle East, seeking a path to peace. In response, Iran's silence has been deafening," Bolton said. "There is simply no evidence that Iran has made the strategic decision to renounce nuclear weapons and open realistic discussions to demonstrate that decision."
But only hours later, Bolton told a news conference that "all options remain on the table" if Iran goes over the limit for its low-enriched uranium stockpile as planned by Thursday.
"It would not be in their interest to do it but they have done a lot of things recently that are not in their interest," Bolton said.
Gambrell reported from Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Associated Press writer Aron Heller in Jerusalem contributed.
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Church apologizes after boy with autism is asked to leave for making noises during service
Scottie Andrew and Brian Ries, CNN
Paul Rimmer intended to celebrate the end of Father's Day at church with his two young sons in tow. But their time together was cut short for what the church considered a disruption and Rimmer considered "rejection."The family was to attend Sunday's Evensong, a mostly sung-through evening service at King's College Chapel in Cambridge, England.The event was particularly thrilling for Rimmer's 9-year-old son, Tristan, who loves the 16th century church's ceilings and famed Latin chorales. And because he has autism and is nonverbal, he expresses his excitement primarily through laughter and calls, his dad explained.But before the end of the service, an usher asked Tristan and his family to leave on the grounds that he was disrupting fellow parishioners, Rimmer said.In a biting letter addressed to the college's dean, the Rev. Dr. Stephen Cherry, Rimmer frames his grievances as a faux-apology for "lessening the satisfaction" of tourists who visit the chapel and who found his son's form of worship offensive.On Monday, he published the letter on Facebook, where it's been shared nearly 6,000 times."My son might not be able to talk, but he knows perfectly well what is going on around him," he wrote. "He isn't even ten years old and he knows that he is unwelcome."Rimmer, who teaches astrophysics at the University of Cambridge, said the incident wasn't the first time his family had been asked to leave a church but marked the only occasion a member of the clergy asked for their removal."Might I suggest that you place a sign at the front of the chapel, clearly identifying which categories of people are welcome and which are not?" he wrote.Cherry issued an apology on his blog the same day Rimmer shared the letter. The chapel dean said he "failed and Tristan" at the service, but denied that he personally called for the family's removal."Nonetheless as Dean I do take responsibility for the whole life of the Chapel and in that regard I express my unreserved apology and intention that we will do better in the future," Cherry wrote.In an update, Rimmer said he was "touched" by the several dozen churches that invited his son to attend and worship the way he wanted, as well as the countless parents of children with autism who offered their support.The dean met with Rimmer, who said they had a positive conversation about how to make the chapel accessible to all its parishioners.Public and private institutions like churches and schools aren't always sensory friendly for children and adults with autism. A 2018 study found that children with autism were nearly twice as likely to never attend religious services compared to children without the diagnosis, largely because they or their families felt unwelcome in places of worship.The diocese of Ely that includes King's College Chapel hasn't shared efforts its made in making its churches autism-friendly, but the Church of England allows the deaf and people with disabilities to serve as ministers.Rimmer and Cherry didn't immediately respond to requests for comment.
CAMBRIDGE, England —
Paul Rimmer intended to celebrate the end of Father's Day at church with his two young sons in tow. But their time together was cut short for what the church considered a disruption and Rimmer considered "rejection."
The family was to attend Sunday's Evensong, a mostly sung-through evening service at King's College Chapel in Cambridge, England.
The event was particularly thrilling for Rimmer's 9-year-old son, Tristan, who loves the 16th century church's ceilings and famed Latin chorales. And because he has autism and is nonverbal, he expresses his excitement primarily through laughter and calls, his dad explained.
But before the end of the service, an usher asked Tristan and his family to leave on the grounds that he was disrupting fellow parishioners, Rimmer said.
In a biting letter addressed to the college's dean, the Rev. Dr. Stephen Cherry, Rimmer frames his grievances as a faux-apology for "lessening the satisfaction" of tourists who visit the chapel and who found his son's form of worship offensive.
On Monday, he published the letter on Facebook, where it's been shared nearly 6,000 times.
"My son might not be able to talk, but he knows perfectly well what is going on around him," he wrote. "He isn't even ten years old and he knows that he is unwelcome."
Rimmer, who teaches astrophysics at the University of Cambridge, said the incident wasn't the first time his family had been asked to leave a church but marked the only occasion a member of the clergy asked for their removal.
"Might I suggest that you place a sign at the front of the chapel, clearly identifying which categories of people are welcome and which are not?" he wrote.
Cherry issued an apology on his blog the same day Rimmer shared the letter. The chapel dean said he "failed [Rimmer] and Tristan" at the service, but denied that he personally called for the family's removal.
"Nonetheless as Dean I do take responsibility for the whole life of the Chapel and in that regard I express my unreserved apology and intention that we will do better in the future," Cherry wrote.
In an update, Rimmer said he was "touched" by the several dozen churches that invited his son to attend and worship the way he wanted, as well as the countless parents of children with autism who offered their support.
The dean met with Rimmer, who said they had a positive conversation about how to make the chapel accessible to all its parishioners.
Public and private institutions like churches and schools aren't always sensory friendly for children and adults with autism. A 2018 study found that children with autism were nearly twice as likely to never attend religious services compared to children without the diagnosis, largely because they or their families felt unwelcome in places of worship.
The diocese of Ely that includes King's College Chapel hasn't shared efforts its made in making its churches autism-friendly, but the Church of England allows the deaf and people with disabilities to serve as ministers.
Rimmer and Cherry didn't immediately respond to requests for comment.
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Tier 4: Unknown Territory for Global Engineers
Since creating the world’s first practical compact diesel engine, Yanmar has been at the forefront of the evolution of diesel engines. Environmental performance is no exception.
Commencing in 2013, Tier 4 (19 ≦ kW < 56) is the fourth stage of emissions standards set by the U.S. EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). Compared to stage 3 it was a significant regulatory tightening, being referred to amongst some in the field as requiring emissions to be "cleaner than the air we breathe". The only way for engineers to succeed in meeting Tier 4 standards was an unhesitating willingness to venture into unchartered territory.
NOX (nitrogen oxides) + NMHC (non-methane hydrocarbons)
PM (Particulate Matter)
Tier 4 greatly strengthened regulatory values (19 ≦ kW < 56)
First Across the Line to Clear the World's Highest Hurdle ※
Since diesel engines burn fuel for power, it is not possible to achieve zero emissions. As a company we accepted the challenge, to bring exhaust emissions down to Tier 4 compliant levels while providing reassurance for our customers.
With previous diesel engines, the focus was on the mechanical work done by the engine. However, the most important characteristic of our Tier 4 compliant engines are the electronic control systems. Electronic control has been closely integrated into the engine and the difference is much greater than it first appears. To produce this engine, both the design and the production method of the engine had to be altered. It is no exaggeration to say we created a new diesel engine: a diesel engine for the future.
The diesel engine of tomorrow is in the making today. These innovations aren't limited to the engine's electronic control unit and R&D, but extend to other areas as well, such as a complete revamp of the production lines that make the engines.
The road to success isn't always straight forward, but our Fundamental Principle of "to conserve fuel is to serve mankind" provided a compass to keep us moving in the right direction. Combining innovative technology and determination as a diesel engine maker, Yanmar's was the first engine to be certified by CARB (California Air Resources Board) for full compliance of Tier 4 standards※.
This was followed by U.S. EPA Tier 4 certification, and now the engine is receiving high praise from customers all over the world.
※In May, 2012, Yanmar's was the world's first non-road diesel engine in the 19 - 56 kW class to be certified by CARB (California Air Resources Board) for full compliance of Tier 4 standards
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THE FOUNDATION FOR VISUAL ARTS
AND THE GRIFFIN ART SPACE FOUNDATION INVITE YOU FOR:
THE 12th PORTFOLIO REVIEW!
How to switch from making very good photos to making excellent ones? Which development path to take? Continue works on a project or stop and publish it? You will find answers to those and a hundred other questions by taking part in one of flagship events of the Krakow Photomonth Festival, i.e. the Portfolio Review.
Not only is it an opportunity for you to have your works assessed by Polish and international experts, but a chance to become a part of the prestigious Griffin Art Space collection! This year will be the fourth edition of a competition for the best portfolio, held during the Portfolio Review. The winner will receive a beautifully prepared folder with his or her works, and one of them will be purchased to the Griffin Art Space collection.
What is more, the Portfolio Review participants, in addition to the competition, will be given an opportunity to present their photographs to a wider public during an open part of the event, framed in good music and a glass wine.
The 12th Portfolio Review will be held on Saturday, 27 May, from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in Centrum Biurowe Lubicz, ul. Lubicz 23, Krakow.
The open meeting with the participants and reviewers of the 12th Portfolio Review as well as the presentation of collector’s publications won by the previous years’ laureates of the Griffin Art Space competition – Bogusław Madej, Wiktoria Wojciechowska, and Wiktor Dąbkowski, will start directly after the closed part of the Review, on 27 May at 6:30 p.m. at ul. Lubicz 23 in Krakow.
RULES FOR ENTRY
The Portfolio Review is open to all. Applications are invited from anyone interested, especially students of art schools and photographers and artists with previous experience of presenting their works.
First choose five reviewers with whom you’d like to have a face-to-face talk. Each conversation will last 20 minutes. Reviewers list is presented below.
Next, complete an APPLICATION FORM and by 10 May send it to: portfolio[at]photomonth.com. Attach to the registration form a zipped folder with a selected series of your photos – format: jpg or png, preferred size: 1920 px length.
The earlier you send your registration, the greater the chance that you’ll get to meet your chosen reviewers. The works you send could prove decisive in the selection procedure. If there are more entries than available places, the organiser reserves the right not to accept registrations.
You will be informed that your registration has been accepted on 11–13 May 2017 by a response confirming participation, and should then secure your place paying the fee by 15 May 2017. A list of participants will also be published at photomonth.com.
The participation fee for the 12th Portfolio Review is: 250 PLN (60 EUR) for five meetings..
photographer, architect, photographic critic
Among his books are Collecting Photography (2002), The Genius of Photography (2007), The Pleasures of Good Photographs (Aperture, New York, 2010), winner of the ICP Infinity Writer’s Award (2011), and (with Martin Parr), The Photobook: A History (3 vols., 2004, 2006 and 2014), winner of Deutsche Fotobuch Preis and the Kraszna Krausz Prize in 2007. His first photobook, It Was a Grey Day, pictures of Berlin, was published in 2015.
Arnis Balčus
photographer, FK Magazine, Riga Photomonth
Editor in chief of FK Magazine and also the director of Riga Photomonth festival in Latvia. Has participated as an expert at portfolio reviews in Kaunas, Derby, Madrid, St.Petersburg and Landskrona festivals and events, as well as nominating and evaluating entries for photo contests . Also teaches documentary photography at ISSP School and Riga Stradins University. Recently has published a photobook “Victory Park”.
Raphaël Biollay
Festival Images in Vevey
Since 2008, Raphael Biollay is curator at Festival Images (Vevey, Switzerland). Also General Secretary of the “Vevey Images Foundation”, he supervises the whole production of the festival and associated projects such as the exhibition space Quai1 or the Vevey International Photography Award. Working for more than twenty years on international artistic productions, he is connected with major international institutions both in the fields of contemporary art, video art and photography.
independent writer, curator, educator
She is also a collection consultant and a dealer specialized in fine art photography and photobooks. The artistic director of the fourth edition of DocField Documentary Photography Festival. She has also been the curator of exhibitions during Belgrade Photo Month 2017. From 2005 until 2014 she was the art director of Kowasa gallery in Barcelona. Since 2008, she has been teaching in photography schools in Spain and abroad. She regularly contributes essays on photography criticism for international publications.
Maciej Jaźwiecki
Photo editor at “Duży Format” and the “Gazeta Wyborcza” daily. Member of the inPRO collective of documentary photographers. Graduate of Sociology – Applied Social Sciences from the University of Warsaw. Enthusiast of incorporating innovative tools in building modern visual storytelling. He took part in “Hack the Photo” – the first photo hackathon organised by the International Center of Photography in New York.
Dušan Kochol
OFF_festival Bratislava
Founder and now director and curator of OFF_Festival Bratislava. He graduated in Promotional Art Design from the School of Applied Arts. The Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy degrees were completed at the Institute of Creative Photography, Silesian University in Opava. As a contemporary artist, his projects have been exhibited around the world and in 2016 he was presented with the Photographer of the Year award for the significant contribution to the quality, development and promotion of Slovak photography at home and abroad.
Andreas Koller
freelance editor, Edition Patrick Frey
Studied new media and history and theory of architecture in Basel and Zurich. Freelance collaborator with Edition Patrick Frey since 2010. He has edited and contributed to various arts publications.
Olga Łacna
Fort Institute of Photography
President of the board and artistic director of the Fort Institute of Photography in Warsaw (since 2016). Graduate from the Faculty of Graphic Arts at the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw and the Łódź Film School in the field of photography. Her area of work covers graphic design, photo edition, and photo book design (including Michał Szlaga’s Stocznia and Odyseja). From 2011 to 2015 she was the artistic and creative director of the “Malemen” magazine.
Krzysztof Pacholak
photographer, curator, culture animator
Coordinator of photography projects at the Association of Creative Initiatives “ę”. Originator of the “Migawki” project, tutor in such programmes as “Fotoprezentacje”, “Polis(h) Photo Lab”, “Polska.Doc”, member of the programme board and curator of TIFF Festival. He runs his own photography classes in the Służewski Culture Centre. Graduate of sociology from the Institute of Applied Social Sciences at the University of Warsaw and photography from the Institute of Creative Photography in Opava.
Agnieszka Pindera
Used to work at POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews in Warsaw and the Centre for Contemporary Art “Znaki Czasu” in Toruń. Co-curator (with Daniel Muzyczuk) of Konrad Smoleński's exhibition Everything Was Forever, Until It Was No More in the Polish Pavilion for the 55th International Art Exhibition in Venice. Editor and originator of such books as “Practical Guide for Artists” and “Artist-run Initiatives and Spaces”. Curator at the Museum Research Center of the Art Museum in Łódź. Member of the International Association of Art Critics (AICA).
Marta Przybyło-Ibadullajev
Archeologia Fotografii Foundation
History of art (Institute of Art History at the University of Warsaw) and photography (Warsaw School of Photography and Graphic Design) graduate. Since 2009, she has worked for the Archeologia Fotografii Foundation where her duties include running the publishing department, designing publications, as well as archiving, curating, and educational works. Author of the Foundation’s publications and books. Participated in the recreation of the design of Zofia Rydet’s book Mały człowiek. Since April 2017, she has been the vice-president of the Foundation.
Agnieszka Rayss
photographer, Sputnik Photos
Co-founder of the Sputnik Photos collective. Her core area of work is documentary photography. She is a two-time winner of the Picture of the Year award (2011 and 2012), and a finalist in such competitions as Hasselblad Masters Award, Lucie Foundation Award, and Sony World Photo Awards. Her works have received many national awards, including Grand Press Photo, and BZWBK Press Photo. American Dream and Tu się zaczyna koniec miast are among her photo publications. She has exhibited her photographs during Fotofestiwal in Łódź, Prague Biennale, and Noorderlicht Photofestival.
Iris Sikking
She is currently working on thematic group exhibitions as well as monographic exhibitions for several venues in Europe. In 2016 she was a guest curator for the Krakow Photomonth. Exhibitions curated by her was widely acclaimed, and travelled to many places like the Tokyo Photographic Art Museum, the ACP in Sydney, CO|Berlin or the FotoMusuem in Antwerp. Apart from the development of exhibitions she advises visual artists closely in developing their projects through one to one meetings and portfolio reviews.
Monika Szewczyk-Wittek
editor, Napo Images
Experienced press editor, worked for the “Rzeczpospolita” daily. Manager of the Digital Archive Project at TR Warszawa, co-founder and coordinator of the Napo Images agency and vice-president of the Napo Foundation. Former jury member in such competitions as BZ WBK Press Foto and Photojournalist of the Year, and reviewer at portfolio shows (e.g. in Zachęta gallery). She teaches photo edition and conducts seminars at the University of Warsaw.
Nadine Wietlisbach
curator, Photoforum Pasquart
Since 2016 she has been the director of Photoforum Pasquart Biel/Bienne. In 2007, she founded the independent art space sic! Raum für Kunst in Luzern, which she initiated since. In 2015, she won the Swiss Art Award 2015 (critique, publication, exhibition section) and was curator in residence at the Museum of Contemporary Photography in Chicago. She holds lectureships at Bern University of the Arts and Karlsruhe University of Arts and Design, and serves on both domestic and international juries.
Further information from:
Coordinator of the 12th Portfolio Review
Alicja Caban, +48 517 056 414, portfolio[at]photomonth.com
PORTFOLIO EVENING
All participants of the 12th Portfolio Review, who submit their access to the Griffin Art Space Competition will be able to present their works to a wide public during a special event, i.e. the Portfolio Evening in Centrum Biurowe Lubicz, which fill follow the closed part of the Review. The Portfolio Review is open to all who want to meet the Review participants, view their photographs and discuss with them.
GRIFFIN ART SPACE PRIZE – LUBICZ 2017
The competition winner is to be selected by representatives of the Foundation for Visual Arts and Griffin Art Space from the photographers whose works will be presented during the final exhibition. The winner will have a folder with his best portfolio produced, one of which will be his to keep, and the other purchased from the artist at market value for the Griffin Art Space art collection. The organiser will fund work on the folder design with a graphics studio. The form of the publication (size of photos, production technique, binding, circulation) will be decided on the basis of discussions between Foundation for Visual Arts experts and the artist. The winner of Griffin Art Space prize will be announced until 5 June.
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Kalahari Hunter-Gatherers and their Descendants
Author: Alan Barnard, University of Edinburgh
Publication planned for: August 2019
availability: Not yet published - available from July 2019
Pre-order Add to wishlist
The hunter-gatherers of southern Africa known as 'Bushmen' or 'San' are not one single ethnic group, but several. They speak a diverse variety of languages, and have many different settlement patterns, kinship systems and economic practices. The fact that we think of them as a unity is not as strange as it may seem, for they share a common origin: they are an original hunter-gatherer population of southern Africa with a history of many thousands of years on the subcontinent. Drawing on his four decades of field research in Botswana, Namibia and South Africa, Alan Barnard provides a detailed account of Bushmen or San, covering ethnography, archaeology, folklore, religious studies and rock-art studies as well as several other fields. Its wide coverage includes social development and politics, both historically and in the present day, helping us to reconstruct both human prehistory and a better understanding of ourselves.
Brings together ideas from a variety of fields to provide a holistic understanding of Bushmen as a cluster of ethnic groups
Draws on the author's four decades of field research in southern Africa
Covers the diversity of Bushmen groups over a long time-period, providing important historical understanding
contains: 17 b/w illus. 7 maps 5 tables
1. 'Bushmen': unity and diversity
2. The politics of indigeneity
3. How far back can we go?
4. Discovery and destruction of the /Xam
5. The !Xoõ and their neighbours
6. G/wi, G//ana and the central Kalahari
7. Naro: 'Central', 'Northern' or unique?
8. Ju/'hoansi or !Kung: classic San
9. Hai//om: Khoekhoe-speaking San
10. Bushmen of the Okavango
11. Sharing the land with others
12. Conclusions.
Index (71 KB)
Alan Barnard, University of Edinburgh
Alan Barnard is Emeritus Professor of the Anthropology of Southern Africa in the University of Edinburgh. He has over 40 years' experience of field research with Bushmen or San in Botswana, Namibia and South Africa. His publications include Language in Prehistory (Cambridge, 2016), Genesis of Symbolic Thought (Cambridge, 2012) and Social Anthropology and Human Origins (Cambridge, 2011).
Hunter and Habitat in the Central Kalahari Desert
Continent of Hunter-Gatherers
New Perspectives in Australian Prehistory
The Cambridge Encyclopedia of Hunters and Gatherers
Genesis of Symbolic Thought
Hunters and Herders of Southern Africa
A Comparative Ethnography of the Khoisan Peoples
Cultural Diversity among Twentieth-Century Foragers
An African Perspective
Image-Makers
The Social Context of a Hunter-Gatherer Ritual
Power, Economy, and Ideology
Demography in Archaeology
Cambridge Archaeological Journal
The Cambridge Archaeological Journal is one of the leading international journals for symbolic, social and cognitive…
International Journal of Cultural Property
International Journal of Cultural Property provides a vital, international, and multidisciplinary forum for the broad…
The Antiquaries Journal
The Antiquaries Journal aims to reflect the multi-disciplinary nature of the study of material culture, publishing…
Proceedings of the Prehistoric Society
New to Cambridge Journals in 2013 The Proceedings of the Prehistoric Society (PPS) bring the latest results of…
Africa is the premier journal devoted to the study of African societies and culture. Editorial policy encourages…
Antiquity is a peer-reviewed journal of world archaeology. Founded by O.G.S. Crawford in 1927, the journal reports…
European Journal of Archaeology
The European Journal of Archaeology is the international, peer-reviewed journal of the European Association of Archaeologists…
Latin American Antiquity
American Antiquity
Advances in Archaeological Practice
Nationalities Papers
History and Theory in Anthropology
Anthropological theory
Anthropology: general interest
Linguistic anthropology
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Publications > AD291: Limits of gender equality: Poor, uneducated Mozambicans less likely to see improvement
AD291: Limits of gender equality: Poor, uneducated Mozambicans less likely to see improvement
Sadhiska Bhoojedhur and Thomas Isbell
Gender equality is enshrined in Mozambique’s Constitution and promoted through its participation in international conventions and treaties as well as its 2004 Family Code, which requires equality in property and family law, including sharing of assets within marriage (International Federation for Human Rights, 2007; UN Women, 2012). During the launch of a National Plan of Action on Women, Peace, and Security in June 2018, the Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Welfare reiterated the government’s commitment to promoting gender equality, emphasizing that equal participation of men and women in all spheres of society is a prerequisite for sustainable development (AllAfrica, 2018).
Yet gender disparities are a persistent reality for many women in Mozambique, in forms ranging from child marriage and teen pregnancy to domestic violence and sexual abuse (Cumbe, Materula, Sadler, & Agosta, 2017; Christensen, 2018). According to a United Nations Country Team report (2013), more than half of Mozambican women report having suffered some form of physical, sexual, or psychological violence, and almost three-fourths of girls said they were aware of cases of sexual abuse and harassment in their schools. Mozambique ranks 138th out of 164 countries on the United Nations Development Programme’s (2018) Gender Development Index, and especially in the North and in rural areas, traditional patriarchal values remain strong (Tvedten, 2011).
In leadership roles, Mozambican women are better represented than women in many other African countries: 40% of the Mozambican Parliament are women (World Bank, 2018). However, while the Global Gender Gap Report ranked Mozambique No. 1 in Africa in 2008 in terms of economic participation and opportunity, by 2018 the country had dropped to No. 7 (No. 49 in the world) because of setbacks in women’s labour-force participation, particularly in senior and managerial positions (World Economic Forum, 2008, 2018).
According to the latest Afrobarometer survey, a majority of Mozambicans think gender equality has been achieved with regard to education, work, and land, and give the government good marks on promoting opportunities for women. However, poor and lesseducated citizens are considerably less likely to perceive progress on gender equality. Moreover, Mozambicans’ support for equality is uneven: While most endorse equality in access to land and political leadership, majorities prioritize men when it comes to getting a job and say families are better off if a woman, rather than a man, takes care of home and children.
Afrobarometer director elected to National Academy of Sciences
Mounting protests in Sudan highlight the rise of Africa's activist generation
Most Africans still want democracy, but fewer than one in six qualify as “dissatisfied democrats”
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Renowned Italian horse boot manufacturer Veredus has announced that it is teaming up with up-and-coming female showjumper Jessica Mendoza.
"Veredus has always been our first choice of horse boot; I don't think you can beat them,” said Jessica. “I need to be confident that I am giving the horses the best protection I can in top competition and Veredus gives me that confidence. I am delighted to be flying the flag for Veredus boots.”
At just 20 years old, Jessica is tipped as one of the most exciting new talents in British showjumping. Breaking into the World’s Top 100 Riders and Top 10 Showjumpers in spring 2015, she has already represented Great Britain at senior international level at the 2015 European Showjumping Championships and in Nations Cups, and is currently competing at Grand Prix level.
Simon Middleton, managing director at Zebra Products Ltd, the exclusive UK distributor of Veredus products said, “It’s fantastic to have such an exciting young rider on board as an ambassador for Veredus. Jessica is one of the best emerging talents in showjumping, and we are keen to support her hard work and commitment to the sport – something we really admire about her.”
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Tags: A Forest Of Stars, Black Metal, Curse, Opportunistic Thieves of Spring, Prophecy Productions, The Gentleman, Victorian Age
Some time ago Alternative Matter’s very own Mat Davies was quite amazed by the latest A Forest Of Stars record, entitled Opportunistic Thieves Of Spring. Reason enough to have a friendly chat with these lads. On behalf of the band The Gentleman (TG) and Curse (C) answered some questions on their new album, their passion for the Victorian Age and their favorite beverages…
First off, thanks for taking the time to talk to Alternative Matter and many congratulations on the record- it’s a beguiling and thoroughly captivating piece. How has the response from fans and critics been?
TG: A tip of the hat to you sir, and thank you for the most flattering comments! The response on the whole has been rather more than positive, which is frankly astonishing. There’s not much more I can say really, without sounding like an absolute pompous arse, so I’ll stop there if you don’t mind?
C: Indeed, we have been fortunate to receive a fair amount of positive comment on this record. Also some not so positive, which is always enjoyable to read.
What were you trying to achieve with this record? How happy are you that you’ve achieved what you set out to?
TG: I think I’ve said elsewhere that musically, we were trying to marry the idea of the vastness of the cosmos – that feeling of being so tiny and insignificant in the grand scheme of the universe – to be awe of that magnitude, and cast adrift within it, wandering forever endlessly, and sort of fuse that with the complete opposite; that cold, suffocating feeling of being in a very tight space, cloying, dense, full of unsettling atmosphere, dirty-filthy, unpleasant. Essentially two complete extreme opposites. And of course, we came nowhere near to achieving that – we’d be stupid to think otherwise – but still very happy with what we came up with by way of a compromise, albeit one that fell substantially short of what we desired. But then, we are listless fools.
Your website and much of the band’s vision is a cornucopia of late Victoriana- what is it about the late Victorian period that resonates with you?
TG: Well, let me be brief, lest we should be here all day as I ramble on and on and on and… The thing is, it’s not one particular trait, or incident, or person, or event, or year that it can be pinned down to, it is the sum of the whole – the national consciousness, the spirit of the time more than anything. In particular, the sense of adventure and fair play that sat without apparent contradiction next to unspeakable suffering, oppression and ignorance. So you had a fantastic leap forward in terms of science and understanding, literary ideas, social reform, politics and socialism, but equally you had the majority of the country living in abject poverty and squaller, swept neatly under the carpet. They didn’t talk about it, despite it being there on their literal doorsteps everyday of their lives. It’s just so odd. You had a nation that firmly believed it was the greatest and knew best, and would happily go about the world, gobbling up other countries and annexing them for “their own good” – they actually believed (at least, on the surface) what they were doing was completely justified and helping to make the world a better place. And they’d rid themselves of as many “savages” as it took until the subjugated nation got the message and settled down. Of course, they’d never be viewed as equals by their conquerors, but they’d be better off than they were, naturally, now their quaint little culture had been eradicated. But then you had Faraday, or Jules Verne, or Sir Robert Peel or the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, or a million other fascinating souls, many of whom openly criticised the policies of the time; and more importantly, tried to enact change, to do something about it. I don’t know. I’ll spend my life reading, researching and learning about ‘37 – ‘01 and be no closer to understanding the attraction. It is a question without an answer. Excepting the one I just gave, obviously. Um…
There’s an almost literary aesthetic running through your work- how important are art and literature to you in what your trying to achieve with the band?
TG: I cannot speak for the lyrics, but art and literature play a large part in all our lives in general, and I firmly believe that influences the music and what we do, even if it is subconsciously. The mood and feeling of music can be inspired as much by wanting to recreate (for instance) the atmosphere evoked by a painting or a passage in a novel, as by other songs. For us, at least.
C: Lyrically speaking, they tend to touch on whatever is going through my mind at the time. Also, quite often, places and events observed in day to day life. Also, more often than not these days, simply products of my increasingly warped imagination.
Your work, whilst having a clear vision, feels highly collaborative: does everyone play a part in bringing the vision to life?
TG: Absolutely. Everyone contributes their equal share to the band and its music, in myriad ways. Without that it simply would not work – it needs multiple people to keep everything in check and on course.
C: The band has always been a highly collaborative beast. Everything is agreed upon before anything is finalised. This being said, if someone feels particularly strongly about a certain element, then we reconsider as a whole.
What bands and artists are influencing what you’re doing? Who would you like to collaborate with in the future?
TG: There are too many to list, really. The absolute crucial components would be bands like Swans, GSY!BE, Emperor, Arcturus, Steeleye Span, Ved Buens Ende, …In The Woods, Ulver, Devil Doll and so on. In terms of collaborating, if I’m being totally unrealistic, I’d say Kate Bush. She’s still as musically vibrant and interesting now as she was thirty odd years ago, though I’d very much doubt she’d be interested anything we’d do! Realistically, having our friends from other bands contributing (body?) parts would be fantastically flattering. We shall see!
C: I’d have to include Darkthrone and New Model Army here. Without them I wouldn’t be the same man, lyrically or spiritually.
What’s been the high points and low points of being in the band so far?
TG: High point – Just being able to meet and in some cases form friendships with a lot of great people, both in bands we’ve played with and in the audience who’ve come to see us. Low point – I’d say Ketttleburner having to leave was rather a sad moment for all of us, himself included.
C: Most definitely seconded.
What’s next on the horizon for the band?
TG: We’re settling in to write the new album, finally! We’ve been rather excited about this for a while now, but with all our live commitments finished for the moment, we’re locking ourselves away for the summer and then recording in the autumn – if all goes to plan, of course.
We’re swiftly heading into festival season? Who would be on your ultimate festival line up?
TG: It’d have to be varied; in my (unasked for) opinion, there’s nothing worse than a whole day of the same type of music, each band incrementally different from the last. So a little bit of everything. Roger Waters headlining, of course. Oh, and the classic line up of Fields of the Nephilim performing Elysium in its entirety. That would make my year, I think. And Carcass – Katheryne would quite literally kill me if I didn’t include them. Apart from that, I like to be surprised and discover new bands, so be my guest!
C: I’d like to see Swans perform something like a four hour set. That should just about finish off all present.
We’re getting a round in: what’s your poison?
TG: Why, thank you kindly! A bottle of Laudanum and a cup of tea, please.
C: Rum, Jagermeister and Real ale. Not necessarily in the same glass.
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Amendment to CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972 - Notification regarding Simplification of Pension Procedure
No. 1I19/2013-P&PW (E)
Ministry of Personnel, P.G. & Pensions
Department of Pension & Pensioners' Welfare
(Desk E)
3rd Floor, Lok Nayak Bhawan,
KhanMarket, New Delhi
To, The Manager,
Govt. of India Press,
Mayapuri, Ring Road,
Sub: Amendment to CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972 - Notification regarding
Sir, I am to forward herewith a copy of Notification (English & Hindi versions) on the above subject and to request that the same may be published in the Gazette of India (Extraordinary) Part II, Section 3, sub-section (i).
2. The Notification has been signed by Joint Secretary (Pension).
Encl: As Above.
(Sujasha Choudhury)
Deputy Secretary
[TO BE PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE OF INDIA, EXTRAORDINARY, PART II,
SECTION 3, SUB - SECTION (i)]
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare
New Delhi, the 29th August, 2014
G.S.R………… (E). – In exercise of the powers conferred by the proviso to article 309 and clause (5) of article 148 of the Constitution and after consultation with the Comptroller and Auditor General of India in relation to persons serving in the Indian Audit and Accounts Department, the President hereby makes the following rules further to amend the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 1972, namely:
1. (1) These rules may be called the Central Civil Services (Pension) Fourth Amendment Rules, 2014.
(2) They shall come into force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette.
2. In the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 1972, (hereinafter referred to as the said rules),
(a) in rule 32,–
(i) in the marginal heading, for the word “or”, the word “and” shall be substituted;
(ii) in sub-rule (1), for the word “or”, the word “and” shall be substituted;
(iii) after sub-rule (1), the following shall be inserted, namely:
“(1A) For the purposes of verification of service, the Head of Office shall follow the procedure provided in clause (a) of rule 59.”;
(b) in the said rules, in rule 56, for sub-rule (1) and sub-rule (2), the following sub-rules shall respectively be substituted, namely:
“ (1) Every Head of Department shall have a list prepared every three months, that is, on the 1st January, 1st April, 1st July and 1st October each year, of all Government servants who are due to retire within the next twelve to fifteen months of that date.
(2) A copy of every such list shall be supplied to the Accounts Officer concerned not later than 31st January, 30th April, 31st July or 31st October, as the case may be, of that year.”
(c) in the said rules, for rule 57, the following rule shall be substituted, namely:
“57. The Head of Office shall write to the Directorate of Estates at least one year before the anticipated date of retirement of the Government servant who was or is in occupation of a Government accommodation (hereinafter referred to as the allottee) for issuing a `No demand certificate' in respect of the period preceding eight months of the retirement of the allottee.”
(d) in the said rules, in rule 58, for the words “two years” the words “one year” shall be substituted;
(e) in the said rules, for rule 59, the following rule shall be substituted, namely:-
“59. Stages for the completion of pension papers on superannuation. – The Head of Office shall divide the period of preparatory work of one year referred to in rule 58 in the following three stages, namely:–
(a) First Stage. – Verification of service. –
(i) The Head of Office shall go through the service book of the Government servant and satisfy himself as to whether the certificates of verification for the service subsequent to the service verified under rule 32 are recorded therein.
(ii) In respect of the unverified portion or portions of service, he shall verify the portion or portions of such service, as the case may be, based on pay bills, acquittance rolls or other relevant records such as last pay certificate, pay slip for month of April which shows verification of service for the previous financial year and record necessary certificates in the service book.
(iii) If the service for any period is not capable of being verified in the manner specified in sub-clause (i) and sub-clause (ii), that period of service having been rendered by the Government servant in another office or Department, the Head of Office under which the Government servant is at present serving shall refer the said period of service to the Head of Office in which the Government servant is shown to have served during that period for the purpose of verification.
(iv) On receipt of communication referred to in sub-clause (iii), the Head of Office in that office or Department shall verify the portion or portions of such service, in the manner as specified in sub-clause (ii), and send necessary certificates to the referring Head of Office within two months from the date of receipt of such a reference:
Provided that in case a period of service is incapable of being verified, it shall be brought to the notice of the referring Head of Office simultaneously.
(v) If no response is received within the time referred to in the preceding subclause, such period or periods shall be deemed to qualify for pension.
(vi) If at any time thereafter, it is found that the Head of Office and other concerned authorities had failed to communicate any non-qualifying period of service, the Secretary of the administrative Ministry or Department shall fix responsibility for such non-communication.
(vii) The process specified in sub-clauses (i), (ii), (iii), (iv) and (v) shall be completed eight months before the date of superannuation.
(viii) If any portion of service rendered by a Government servant is not capable of being verified in the manner specified in sub-clause (i) or sub-clause (ii) or sub-clause (iii) or sub-clause (iv) or sub-clause (v), the Government servant shall be asked to file a written statement on plain paper within a month, stating that he had in fact rendered service for that period, and shall, at the foot of the statement, make and subscribe to a declaration as to the truth of that statement.
(ix) The Head of Office shall, after taking into consideration the facts in the written statement referred to in sub-clause (viii) admit that portion of service as having been rendered for the purpose of calculating the pension of that Government servant.
(x) If a Government servant is found to have given any incorrect information willfully, which makes him or her entitled to any benefits which he or she is not otherwise entitled to, it shall be construed as a grave misconduct.
(b) Second Stage. - Making good omission in the service book. –
(i) The Head of Office while scrutinising the certificates of verification of service, shall also identify if there are any other omissions, imperfections or deficiencies which have a direct bearing on the determination of emoluments and the service qualifying for pension.
(ii) Every effort shall be made to complete the verification of service, as specified in clause (a) and to make good the omissions, imperfections or deficiencies referred to in sub-clause (i).
(iii) Any omission, imperfection or deficiency which is incapable of being made good and the periods of service about which the Government servant has submitted no statement and the portion of service shown as unverified in the service book which it has not been possible to verify in accordance with the procedure laid down in clause (a) shall be ignored and service qualifying for pension shall be determined on the basis of the entries in the service book.
(iv) For the purpose of calculation of average emoluments, the Head of Office shall verify from the service book the correctness of the emoluments drawn or to be drawn during the last ten months of service.
(v) In order to ensure that the emoluments during the last ten months of service have been correctly shown in the service book, the Head of Office may verify the correctness of emoluments only for the period of twenty-four months preceding the date of retirement of a Government servant, and not for any period prior to that date.
(c) Third Stage. - As soon as the second stage is completed, but not later than eight months prior to the date of retirement of the Government servant, the Head of Office shall –
(i) furnish to the retiring Government servant a certificate regarding the length of qualifying service proposed to be admitted for the purpose of pension and gratuity and also the emoluments and the average emoluments proposed to be reckoned for retirement gratuity and pension.
(ii) direct the retiring Government servant to furnish to the Head of Office the reasons for non-acceptance, supported by the relevant documents in support of his claim within two months if the certified service and emoluments as indicated by the Head of Office are not acceptable to him.
(iii) forward to the retiring Government servant Form 5 advising him to submit the same duly completed in all respects so as to reach the Head of Office not later than six months prior to his date of retirement.”
(f) in the said rules, after rule 59, the following rule shall be inserted, namely:
“59-A. A Government servant, retiring for reasons other than superannuation may, submit Form 5 before such retirement but after the competent authority has approved such retirement or the retirement has become effective, as the case may be.”;
(g) in the said rules, for rule 60, the following rule shall be substituted, namely:
“60. Completion of pension papers. – In cases under rule 59, the Head of Office shall complete Part I of Form 7 not later than four months before the date of retirement of a Government servant and in cases under rule 59-A, the Head of Office shall complete Part I of Form 7 within three months after submission of Form 5 by a Government servant.”;
(h) in the said rules, in rule 61, –
(i) sub-rule (3) shall be omitted;
(ii) for sub-rule (4), the following sub-rule shall be substituted, namely:
“ (4) The papers referred to in sub-rule (1) shall be forwarded to the Accounts Officer not later than four months before the date of superannuation of a Government servant and in cases other than retirement on superannuation not later than three months after the date of submission of Form 5.”;
(i) in the said rules, in rule 62, the words, brackets and figures, “within the period specified in sub-rule (4) of rule 61” shall be omitted;
(j) in the said rules, in rule 63, for sub-rule (1), the following sub-rule shall be substituted, namely:
“(1) The Head of Office shall, after ascertaining and assessing the Government dues referred to in rule 71, furnish the particulars thereof to the Accounts Officer in Form 8.”
(k) in the said rules, for rule 64, the following rule shall be substituted, namely:
“64. Provisional pension for reasons other than Departmental or Judicial proceedings.– (1) Where in spite of following the procedure laid down in rule 59, it is not possible for the Head of Office to forward the pension papers referred to in rule 61 to the Accounts Officer within the period specified in sub-rule (4) of that rule or where the pension papers have been forwarded to the Accounts Officer within the specified period but the Accounts Officer may have returned the pension papers to the Head of Office for eliciting further information before issuing pension payment order and order for the payment of gratuity and the Government servant is likely to retire before his pension and gratuity or both can be finally assessed and settled in accordance with the provisions of these rules, the Head of Office shall rely upon such information as may be available in the official records, and without delay, determine the amount of provisional pension and the amount of provisional retirement gratuity.
(2) On receipt of Form 5, in a case of retirement otherwise than on superannuation, the Head of Office shall sanction provisional pension and also provisional retirement gratuity till issue of Pension Payment Order.
(3) Where the amount of pension and gratuity cannot be determined for reasons other than the Departmental or Judicial proceedings, the Head of Office shall –
(a) issue a letter of sanction addressed to the Government servant endorsing a copy thereof to the Accounts Officer authorising –
(i) 100 per cent of pension as provisional pension for a period not exceeding six months to be reckoned from the date of retirement of the Government servant ; and
(ii) 100 per cent of the gratuity as provisional gratuity withholding ten per cent of gratuity.
(b) specify in the letter of sanction the amount recoverable from the gratuity under subrule (1) of rule 63 and after issuing the letter of sanction referred to in clause (a), the Head of Office shall draw –
(i) the amount of provisional pension ; and
(ii) the amount of provisional gratuity after deducting therefrom the amount specified in sub-clause (ii) of clause (a) and the dues, if any, specified in rule 71,
in the same manner as pay and allowances of the establishment are drawn by him.
(4) The amount of provisional pension and gratuity payable under sub-rule (2) or sub-rule (3) shall, if necessary, be revised on the completion of the detailed scrutiny of the records.
(5) (a) The payment of provisional pension shall not continue beyond the period of six months from the date of retirement of a Government servant or from the date of submission of Form 5 by the Government servant, whichever is later, and if the amount of final pension and the amount of final gratuity had been determined by the Head of Office in consultation with the Accounts Officer before the expiry of the said period of six months, the Accounts Officer shall -
(i) issue the pension payment order; and
(ii) direct the Head of Office to draw and disburse the difference between the final amount of gratuity and the amount of provisional gratuity paid under sub-clause (ii) of clause (b) of sub-rule (3) after adjusting the Government dues, if any, which may have come to notice after the payment of provisional gratuity.
(b) If the amount of provisional pension disbursed to a Government servant under subrule (3) is, on its final assessment, found to be in excess of the final pension assessed by the Accounts Officer, it shall be open to the Accounts Officer to adjust the excess amount of pension out of gratuity withheld under sub-clause (ii) of clause (a) of sub-rule (3) or recover the excess amount of pension in instalments by making short payments of the pension payable in future.
(c) (i) If the amount of provisional gratuity disbursed by the Head of Office under sub-rule (3) is more than the amount finally assessed, the retired Government servant shall not be required to refund the excess amount actually disbursed to him.
(ii) The Head of Office shall ensure that chances of disbursing the amount of gratuity in excess of the amount finally assessed are minimized and the officials responsible for the excess payment shall be accountable for the overpayment.
(6) If the final amount of pension and gratuity have not been determined by the Head of Office in consultation with the Accounts Officer within a period of six months referred to in clause (a) of sub-rule (5), the Accounts Officer shall treat the provisional pension and gratuity as final and issue pension payment order immediately on the expiry of the period of six months.
(7) As soon as the pension payment order has been issued by the Accounts Officer under clause (a) of sub-rule (5) or sub-rule (6), the Head of Office shall release the amount of withheld gratuity under sub-clause (ii) of clause (a) of sub-rule (3) to the retired Government servant after adjusting Government dues which may have come to notice after the payment of provisional gratuity under sub-clause (ii) of clause (b) of sub-rule (3).
(8) If a Government servant is or was an allottee of Government accommodation, the withheld amount should be paid on receipt of `No Demand Certificate' from the Directorate of Estates.”;
(l) in the said rules, in rule 65, for sub-rule (1), the following sub-rule shall be substituted, namely:
“(1) (a) On receipt of pension papers referred to in rule 61, the Accounts Officer shall apply the requisite checks, record the account enfacement in Part II of Form 7 and assess the amount of pension, family pension and gratuity and issue the pension payment order not later than one month in advance of the date of the retirement of a Government servant on attaining the age of superannuation.
(b) In the cases of retirement otherwise than on attaining the age of superannuation, the Accounts Officer shall apply the requisite checks, complete Part II of Form 7, assess the amount of pension, family pension and gratuity, assess dues and issue the pension payment order within three months of the date of receipt of pension papers from the Head of Office.
(c) The Accounts Officer shall indicate in the Pension Payment Order, the name of the spouse of the Government servant, if alive, as family pensioner.
(d) The Accounts Officer shall also indicate in the Pension Payment Order, the names of the permanently disabled child or children and dependent parents and disabled siblings as family pensioners if there is no other member of family to whom family pension may become payable before such disabled child or children or dependent parents or disabled siblings.
(e) On receipt of a written communication from the Head of Office on an application from an existing pensioner or family pensioner, the Accounts Officer shall also indicate in the Pension Payment Order, the names of the permanently disabled child or children and dependent parents and disabled siblings as family pensioners if there is no other member of family to whom family pension may become payable before such disabled child or children or dependent parents or disabled siblings.
(f) The Pension Disbursing Authority shall authorise family pension to the members of family referred to in clause (c), (d) or (e) in accordance with the provisions of rule 81 in the order indicated in rule 54.”
(m) in the said rules, in rule 66, in the proviso, for the words “not exceeding five hundred”, the words “not exceeding three thousand five hundred” shall be substituted;
(n) in the said rules, in rule 68, –
(i) for sub-rule (1), the following shall be substituted, namely:
“(1) In all cases where the payment of gratuity has been authorised later than the date when its payment becomes due, including the cases of retirement otherwise than on superannuation, and it is clearly established that the delay in payment was attributable to administrative reasons or lapses, interest shall be paid at the rate applicable to General Provident Fund amount in accordance with the instructions issued from time to time:
Provided that the delay in payment was not caused on account of failure on the part of the Government servant to comply with the procedure laid down by the Government for processing his pension papers.”
(ii) in sub-rule (2), for the words “administrative lapse”, the words “administrative reasons or lapse” shall be substituted;
(iii) in sub-rule (4),after the words “payment of gratuity”, the words “on account of administrative lapses.” shall be inserted;
(o) in the said rules, in rule 70, after sub-rule (1), the following sub-rule shall be inserted, namely:
“(1-A) The question whether the revision has become necessary on account of a clerical error or not shall be decided by the administrative Ministry or Department.”
(p) in the said rules, in rule 72, –
(i) in sub-rule (1), for the words “eight months before the date of retirement of the allottee”, the words, “within two months” shall be substituted;
(ii) in sub-rule (4), the words “of four months” shall be omitted;
(q) in the said rules, in rule 73, for the words “the dues two years before”, the words “the dues one year before” shall be substituted.
(r) in the said rules, in rule 77, for sub-rule (3), the following sub-rule shall be substituted, namely:-
“(3) Where the family of the deceased Government servant is eligible under rule 54 for family pension, the Head of Office shall address the eligible member of the family or the guardian, as the case may be, in Form 13 for making claim in Form 14.”
(s) in the said rules, in rule 80,–
(i) for the words and figures “items 22, 23, 24, 25 and 26” wherever they occur, the words and figures “items 14, 21 and 22” shall be substituted;
(ii) sub-rule (3) shall be omitted;
(t) in the said rules, in rule 80A, in sub-rule (5), in the proviso, for the words and brackets “two hundred and fifty rupees (inclusive of relief on family pension)”, the words “three thousand five hundred rupees and admissible dearness relief” shall be substituted;
in the said rules, in rule 80B, –
(i) in the marginal heading, for the words “final pension”, the words “final family pension” shall be substituted;
(ii) after sub-rule (2), the following sub-rules shall be inserted, namely:
“(2-A) The Accounts Officer shall, while authorising the family pension for the first eligible member of the family, indicate the names of the permanently disabled child or children and dependent parents and disabled siblings as family pensioners in the Pension Payment Order, if there is no other member of family to whom family pension may become payable before such disabled child or children or dependent parents or disabled siblings.”
(iii) sub-rule (5) shall be omitted;
(iv) in sub-rule (6), for the words “final pension”, the words “final family pension” shall be substituted;
(v) in the said rules, in rule 80C, in sub-rule (1), –
(i) in clause (i), in sub-clause (g), for the words “ the permissible period of four months from the date of death of the Government servant”, the words “the permissible period thereafter,” shall be substituted;
(ii) after clause (viii), the following clause shall be inserted, namely:-.
“(ix) Any amount of licence fee or damages, remaining unpaid after adjustment from the withheld amount of gratuity, may be ordered to be recovered by the Head of Office through the Accounts Officer concerned from the dearness relief without the consent of the family pensioner and in such cases no dearness relief shall be disbursed until full recovery of such dues has been made.”;
(w) in the said rules, for rule 81, the following rule shall be substituted, namely:
“81. Sanction of family pension and residuary gratuity on the death of a pensioner or family pensioner. – (1) Where the Head of Office has received an intimation regarding the death of a pensioner or death or ineligibility of a family pensioner, he shall ascertain whether any family pension or residuary gratuity or both in respect of the deceased pensioner and any family pension in respect of the family pensioner are payable and proceed as hereinafter provided.
(2) (a) (i) If the deceased pensioner is survived by a widow or widower who is eligible for the grant of family pension under rule 54, the amount of family pension as indicated in the Pension Payment Order shall become payable to the widow or widower, as the case may be, from the day following the date of death of the pensioner.
(ii) The Pension Disbursing Authority shall, on receipt of a claim in Form 14 from the widow or widower, authorise the payment of family pension to the widow or widower, as the case may be:
Provided that no claim in Form 14 shall be required if the widow or widower was holding a joint account with the pensioner in which pension was being credited.
(iii) The Pension Disbursing Authority shall authorise payment of family pension to the widow or widower, who is not required to submit Form 14, on receipt of information in writing of the death of the pensioner:
Provided that such widow or widower shall submit a copy of death certificate to the Pension Disbursing Authority and an undertaking to the effect that any amount to which he or she is not entitled to or any amount which may be credited to his or her account in excess of the amount to which he or she is entitled would be refunded or made good.
(v) Subject to the provisions of clause (b), if the deceased pensioner is survived by a permanently disabled child or children or dependent parents or disabled siblings whose names have been included in the Pension Payment Order as family pensioners under clause (d) of sub-rule (1) of rule 65, the Pension Disbursing Authority shall, on receipt of a claim in Form 14, authorise payment of family pension to the member of family who is eligible to receive family pension in accordance with the provisions of rule 54.
(vi) Where the deceased pensioner is survived by spouse and permanently disabled children or dependent parents or disabled siblings, whose names had not been included in the Pension Payment Order previously, the Accounts Officer shall include their names in the Pension Payment Order on receipt of a written communication from the Head of Office.
(vi) The Pension Disbursing Authority shall, on death or ineligibility of the family pensioner and on receipt of a claim in Form 14, authorise payment of family pension to a permanently disabled child or dependent parent or disabled sibling whose name has been included in the Pension Payment Order as family pensioner and who is eligible to receive family pension in accordance with the provisions of rule 54.
(b) (i) Where the Pension Payment Order does not include name of any member of the family or where the Head of Office is of the opinion that in accordance with the provisions of rule 54, the family pension in respect of the deceased pensioner or family pensioner has become payable to a member of the family other than those whose names have been included in the Pension Payment Order under sub-rule (1) of rule 65 or sub-clause (i) or sub-clause (iv) of clause (a), including a person who became member of the family of the pensioner after the retirement, he shall, on receipt of a claim in Form 14, sanction the family pension in Form 20 or Form 21, as the case may be, to such member of family to whom family pension has become payable.
(ii) If family pension is sanctioned under sub-clause (i), the Head of Office shall include the names of any permanently disabled child or children and dependent parents and disabled siblings as family pensioners if there is no other member of the family to whom family pension may become payable before such disabled child or children or dependent parents or disabled siblings.
(3) (i) Where a widow or widower in receipt of family pension remarries and has, at the time of remarriage, child or children from the deceased Government servant or pensioner who is or are eligible for family pension, the remarried individual shall be eligible to draw the family pension on behalf of such child or children if such individual continues to be the guardian of such child or children.
(ii) For the purposes of clause (i), the remarried individuals shall apply to the Head of Office in Form 14, along with a declaration that the applicant continues to be the guardian of such child or children.
(iii) If the remarried individual has, for any reason, ceased to be the guardian of such child or children, the family pension shall become payable to the person entitled to act as guardian of such child or children under any law for the time being in force and such person may submit a claim in Form 14 to the Head of Office for the payment of family pension.
(4) If the person eligible for family pension is a minor or is suffering from any disorder or disability of mind or is mentally retarded, the guardian may submit a claim in Form 14 on behalf of such person.
(5) Where on the death of a retired Government servant a residuary gratuity becomes payable to the family of the deceased under sub-rule (2) of rule 50, the Head of Office shall sanction its payment on receipt of a claim or claims in Form 22 from the person or persons eligible to receive the residuary gratuity."
(x) in Form 5, for the words "eight months before the date of his retirement" the words "six months before the date of retirement" shall be substituted;
(y) in Form 14,
(i) for the marginal heading, the following marginal heading shall be substituted, namely:
"Form of application for family pension on death of a Government servant or pensioner or on death or ineligibility of a family pensioner"
(ii) for sub-item (iv) of item 1, the following shall be substituted, namely:-
"(iv) Date of death of Government servant/pensioner! date of death or ineligibility of family pensioner."
[F.No.1119/ 2013-P&PW (E)]
(Vandana Sharma)
Joint Secretary
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non-Western
Wednesday, November 5th, 2014
Frank Capra, Gauguin, and Diagonal Lines
Lately, in coordination with my volunteer responsibilities at a local art museum, I have been reading What Are You Looking At? The Surprising, Shocking, and Sometimes Strange Story of 150 Years of Modern Art by Will Gompertz. Although a good portion of the things in this book are a review for me, I still am learning several new things, which is fun. I also appreciate Gompertz’s humorous and approachable writing style.
This book isn’t without a few minor flaws, however. I am only about a third of the way into the book, but so far I have noticed a few assertions which seem historically unfounded, as well as a quote about Cézanne which was interpreted slightly out of context. But even these slight errors are providing a diversion for me, since they are making me curious in wanting to know more.
One such diversion for me revolved around Gompertz’s assertion that a scene from Frank Capra’s movie It’s a Wonderful Life was influenced by Gauguin’s painting Vision After the Sermon (Jacob Wrestling the Angel). Gompertz points out that the tree in Gauguin’s painting is used to as a compositional device: the tree is set at a diagonal to divide the earthly realm in the lower left portion of the canvas from the heavenly vision in the upper right (shown below).
Paul Gauguin, “The Vision After the Sermon (Jacob Wrestling the Angel),” 1888. Image courtesy WikiArt
Gompertz then explains that there is a similarity with this composition and a scene from It’s a Wonderful Life in which George Bailey, who has just attempted suicide by jumping off a bridge into a river, is resting and drying off in a wooden shack with his rescuer, the angel Clarence. Due to the perspective of the camera, some shots of this scene are divided by the diagonal of a clothesline; this line separates the heavenly angel Clarence from the burdened, careworn mortal George Bailey (see below).
Film still from Frank Capra’s “It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946)
I agree with Gompertz that there are compositional and symbolic parallels between Capra’s film and the Gauguin painting. And I appreciate that Gompertz brought this to my attention, especially since It’s a Wonderful Life is one of my favorite movies. My issue, however, is that Gompertz asserts a direct, one-to-one historical relationship between the painting and film. He explicitly states that Capra “referenced this painting” by Gauguin.1 I cannot find any source by Frank Capra or anyone else associated with It’s a Wonderful Life to verify that Capra had Gauguin’s painting in mind when he created his classic film.
Interestingly, though, my research did lead me to find that Capra was interested in Gauguin and his art. Capra’s autobiography, The Name Above the Title (1972), discusses Gauguin at one point. In this section, Capra addresses what some critics could perceive as the “gee whiz!” factor in his films – that is, characters in the films walk around wide eyed, perceiving things as larger than life. Capra defends this “gee whiz” factor by explaining that to some people, “all that meets the eye is larger than life, including life itself.”2 Capra then explains, “Gauguin was a gee whizzer. He painted the South Seas not as he found them, but as he wanted to find them. He created his own South Seas.”3
There is no doubt, then, that Capra thought highly of Gauguin, and it seems like he also liked Gauguin’s paintings, by extension. However, I’m still waiting to find a direct historical connection between It’s a Wonderful Life and Vision After the Sermon, even if a visual connection can be made. If I was writing Gompertz’s book, I would have wanted to point out this visual similarity, but also mention that Capra may have been influenced – either directly or indirectly – by other artistic factors when he considered the set up for this scene with George Bailey and Clarence. I’m particularly reminded of Japanese paintings which use diagonal lines to divide different spaces, such as the division between private and public spheres in a scene from the Tale of Genji (see below).
Kano Ryusetsu Hidenobu, scene from “Tale of Genji,” late 17th century – early 18th century
Gauguin’s Vision After the Sermon was definitely influenced by the Japanese aesthetic, but Gauguin wasn’t the only 19th century artist who was interested in diagonal lines (or even trees-as-diagonal-lines, for that matter – see Van Gogh’s Flowering Plum Tree, which is a copy of a Hiroshige print). So, my guess is that several factors are contributing to Frank Capra’s scene. Does anyone have other thoughts or know more about Capra’s artistic influences as a director?
Also, do you know of other places in which diagonal lines are used to create a strong symbolic distinction between two types of spaces (such as earthly and unearthly, or public and private)? This compositional device is intriguing to me.
1 Will Gompertz, What Are You Looking At? The Surprising, Shocking, and Sometimes Strange Story of 150 Years of Modern Art (New York: Plume, 2012), 66. Source available online as a Google Book: http://books.google.com/books?id=gBXxKol-XVYC&lpg=PT56&ots=fD3Hou_k0j&dq=frank%20capra%20george%20bailey%20gauguin&pg=PT56#v=onepage&q&f=false
2 Frank Capra, The Name Above the Title: An Autobiography (London: W. H. Allen, 1972), 138. Source available online as a Google Book: http://books.google.com/books?id=x_E09IWRomMC&lpg=PA138&ots=31sjkINX8o&dq=%22the%20name%20above%20the%20title%22%20gauguin&pg=PA138#v=onepage&q&f=false
Francis DeStefano says:
I also love It’s a Wonderful Life but if you look at the video of the scene in the shack, you will see that all three characters are on the same side of the rigged up clothes line. Except for Capra’s great close ups, you might say that the line acts more like a Renaissance parapet that separates the viewer from the scene.
Some just see sentimentality in Capra’a films but he was a great artist in his own right. No one ever made a movie “move” like Capra.
Alberti's Window says:
Hi Frank! Thanks for pointing out this detail. I reworded my post to better reflect the clothesline as a visual separation (due to the camera’s angle) than a physical separation between the characters.
I agree with what you have said about Capra and how he can make a movie “move.” Two of my other favorite Capra films are Mr. Smith Goes to Washington and You Can’t Take It With You.
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How Shopping Became a Pleasure - A Look at The First Publix Store
Earlier this month, Publix celebrated the 86th anniversary of their founding. In those 86 years, Publix has grown into a chain of over 1,120 stores with locations in 6 (soon to be 7) states, and has become the nation's 5th largest grocery chain, and the United States' 13th largest retailer overall. Publix has become a powerful force in the grocery world (especially in Florida) over the last 86 years, with no signs of slowing down. However, today I want to focus on something else. Rather than featuring a typical modern (or modern-ish) Publix, like the early 2016 opened store in the photo above, I want to take a trip back to the very beginning - September 6, 1930 to be exact - to take a look at the original Publix located in downtown Winter Haven, FL. While the original Publix hasn't operated as a Publix in nearly 75 years, it's still amazingly well preserved as we'll soon see. So let's begin our tour of how shopping became a pleasure...
The Original Publix Store (Publix #1)
58 4th St. NW, Winter Haven, FL
This little storefront you see here in downtown Winter Haven was the home of the first Publix store, which opened on September 6, 1930. Last year for Publix's 85th anniversary, I wrote this post explaining the background of Publix's founding, and Publix founder George Jenkins' motive for breaking away from managing the Piggly Wiggly store located next door to the first Publix. I'll go into a little background history in this post, but today's post will be mostly focused on the building itself. If you'd like a more detailed explanation of the history of Publix, please feel free to read that post I linked to.
Other than some new paint and a new awning, this building still looks exactly the same as Publix left it when they relocated to their new store down the street in 1940. This building was built in 1916, and has housed many tenants other than the first Publix over the last hundred years. The most recent occupant of the Publix #1 building is a Mexican restaurant called El Norteño, which opened in July 2015. I found this article that talks about the new restaurant opening the the space originally home to the first Publix store.
Closeup of the original storefront. All of this is original too.
This is the building immediately to the right of the original Publix. From what I've researched, this is the building where the Piggly Wiggly was that George Jenkins managed. In early 1930, the Piggly Wiggly changed owners, and as manager, George Jenkins felt he should visit the new owner to introduce himself and talk about plans for the store's future. So George Jenkins traveled all the way to Atlanta for this meeting, just to be snubbed by the new owner. This enraged George Jenkins, and caused him to quit his job as manager of the Piggly Wiggly and open his own grocery store next door. Within a year, after a fierce pricing war and one-upsmanships, Publix drove the Piggly Wiggly out of business, and the rest is history.
An overview of some of the other buildings on the block. Downtown Winter Haven is very quaint, and very historic (outside of being home to the first Publix as well). If you're ever in the area, I recommend taking a quick drive down the main street, Central Ave., or taking a little walk around. I have a few more photos of downtown Winter Haven coming up shortly, but a few last things about the original Publix:
Photo courtesy of Publix.com - The Publix photo timeline at that link is pretty interesting to take a look at!
The photo above shows the original Publix store back when it was a Publix sometime in the 1930's. They've come a long way when you compare this to the photo of the modern Publix at the beginning of this post. All of the little details you saw from the present day photos are also present in the historic photo.
Photo courtesy of Josh Hallet's flickr photostream
And here's something neat that Publix did for their 75th anniversary back in 2005. The home of their original store was vacant at the time, so Publix decided to decorate it like it would have looked back in the 30's when Publix was still here! This only lasted for that one year to celebrate their 75th anniversary, but it would have been neat if they left the building like this and turned it into a Publix museum (like what Walmart did with their first store).
A quick screengrab from Bing Maps showing all of the buildings on the block.
As I mentioned before, Publix relocated from their original location on 4th St. in 1940 to a larger store, which was considered the first "modern Publix Supermarket". Many people consider this next building to the be the original Publix, even though the storefront a few blocks away was technically the first. Let's take a walk over to the 1940 store from the original store, and take in a few of the other sights along Central Avenue in downtown Winter Haven as we make our way to the relocated Publix #1:
Turning the corner from 4th St and looking east along downtown's main street, Central Avenue. The next few photos are just some random photos of downtown that I took as I made the short walk from the original Publix to its relocation.
A small breezeway between two restaurants.
Looking west on Central Ave.
Closeup of the large neon sign hanging over the front entrance of the Ritz Theater. While the sign looks old, it turns out it isn't. I discovered this sign was only installed in 2013. Even though it's new, they did a really good job replicating a historic theater marquee sign to match the historic vibe of downtown Winter Haven.
And there it is straight ahead - the second location of the original Publix.
The Original Publix Supermarket (Relocation of the store on 4th St.)
197 W. Central Ave, Winter Haven, FL
This building is where the original Publix moved to after establishing itself as a successful grocery store. This new store was considered George Jenkin's "dream store" and a "food palace", and included such features as "piped-in music, air conditioning, cold cases for frozen and refrigerated items, in-store donut and flower shops, and electric-eye automatic doors." Here's a photo of what this store looked like back in the 1940's. Other than having the top of the center glass block panel chopped off, this building is also very well preserved, and is still very recognizable as a former Publix. This store was the first of Publix's Art Deco store prototype to be built. These art deco style store were primarily located in downtown areas, as the era of the surburban shopping center had yet to take off when this model was introduced in the early 1940's. When suburban shopping centers began to become more commonplace in the mid to late 50's, Publix stopped building these tiny art deco stores and switched to their most famous design of all time: The Publix Wing Store. Many of these tiny art deco style Publix stores still exist, and are very well preserved. For example, here's a creative reuse of one of these art deco style Publix stores in St. Petersburg.
Currently, the 1940 Publix is home to St. Matthew Regenerations Thrift Store. From what I can tell, this thrift store has been here a really long time.
The windows and the marble trim are all original to Publix. The marble trim under the windows was a design feature Publix used in their stores all the way through the late 70's.
Another view of the windows. As you can tell, I visited this store around Christmas time.
Looking in through the front door for a peek at what the interior currently looks like. The thrift store wasn't open for the day yet, so this is all we'll be able to see of the interior. The ceiling in this front part of the building looks like something out of 1940, but it looks like much of the rest of the building has been gutted or modified over time. In the very back it looks like there is an exposed ceiling, which is not original. The first ten photos you can click on at this link (other than the one of the parade) show what this store looked like in the 40's, including interior pictures from right before the grand opening! It's pretty neat seeing what this store looked like inside back in 1940, and I highly recommend clicking though those photos.
And a final parting photo from the 1940 Publix.
And here's a quick Bird's Eye aerial image of the building. The skinny addition coming off from the right side of the main building was added on after Publix left I believe. The buildings behind the old Publix aren't a part of the old Publix.
So that's pretty much it from the original Publix stores. I really don't know when the 1940 store closed, but I believe it was replaced by either the Northgate Plaza store on 6th Street, or Southeast Plaza store on Cypress Gardens Boulevard. Both of those stores date back to the Wing Store era, although both were later rebuilt in the 2000's. However, if you'd like to see some additional historic Publix photos, this article has a bunch from different Publix stores all over the state, including a few from the two original Winter Haven stores I just covered.
UPDATE 9/28/2016: Commentor duckman66 shared a link to a very interesting publication from the Lakeland Ledger published in 1980 to commemorate the Publix's 50th anniversary. It's a fascinating read about Publix's first 50 years in business, and I highly suggest reading it (it's a bit long however, so plan a little time if you want to read the entire thing). Here's the link: http://bit.ly/2d3WXUY
To officially conclude this post, I decided to include this picture of the man who started it all, George "Mr. George" Jenkins, looking snazzy in that custom made Publix suit jacket. This photo was sent in a while ago by flickr user Otis "Joe" Smith, and I believe it dates back to the 80's. George Jenkins was very active with Publix all the way until his death in 1996 at the age of 88, and was very well liked by his employees. Even after becoming wheelchair bound due to a stroke in 1989, he still continued to work for the company and visit stores. To this day his legacy lives on as Publix continues to grow into new markets and continues to grow stronger. Still to this day, Publix places a photo of Mr. George in every one of their stores (usually behind the customer service counter), showing that they will continue to uphold the beliefs their founder laid out for them 86 years ago.
Labels: Bonus Buy Store, City: Winter Haven, County: Polk, Publix
Publix to Test In Store Starbucks Kiosks
In the last few days, Publix has announced they will allow Starbucks to open kiosks in four of their stores as a part of a pilot program. In the last few years, Publix has been experimenting with operating their own cafes, but this will be the first time Publix will be offering a cafe kiosk operated by an outside source. The four test locations will be the Publix stores located on Gandy Boulevard in Tampa and the Winter Park Village Publix in Winter Park, and also two Publix stores in North Carolina in Charlotte and Winston-Salem. (Ironically, this will be Starbuck's second time appearing within the walls of that building in Winter Park, as that Publix was originally home to an Albertsons that opened with a Starbucks. You can read the post about that store here.) As you all probably have heard, the new Florida Safeway stores all added Starbucks kiosks as a part of their conversion from Albertsons to Safeway. According to speculation, Publix is supposedly testing in-store Starbucks kiosks as a service to better compete with new chains entering their territory (not only in Florida, where Safeway and some new organic stores are popping up, but chains like Wegmans that will be overlapping with Publix in North Carolina and Virginia). However, I have to wonder if the Florida debut of Safeway has something to do with this pilot program in the two Florida stores, like how a threat by Wegmans probably influenced those two test locations in North carolina. Anyway, the first two links in this post will direct you to articles with more information about this new pilot program if you'd like to read more about it.
Labels: Publix
Former Albertsons #4486 - Lake Worth, FL
Albertsons #4486/Western Beef #304
4624 Hypoluxo Road, Lake Worth, FL - Hypoluxo Village
Today we journey down to South Florida to take a look at the 7th to last new Albertsons store to open in Florida, store #4486. This Albertsons opened in 2003 as a part of the final wave of new stores to open in Florida, and was the last Albertsons to be built with the Plaza/Early 2000's design. After this store, this look was modified to include a different interior layout and two entrances on opposite sides of the store, which I refer to as the "Early 2000's Modified" design. Anyway, this store would be one of three stores to operate in Lake Worth, coexisting for a time with store #4328 four miles to the north of here, and store #4384 six miles to the west (the last new Albertsons to open in Florida). However as Albertsons began to falter, Lake Worth slowly began to lose their three Albertsons stores. First to go was #4384, which closed in 2006 after barely two years in business. #4328 went next, closing in October 2009, leaving this store as the last Albertsons in Lake Worth. However, this store's triumph over its sister stores in Lake Worth wasn't much of a victory in the end. In February 2010, four months after #4328 closed, #4486 closed with 6 of the remaining 7 Albertsons stores in South Florida (with the lone exception in that closure wave being the Oakland Park store).
From February 2010 until 2012, this building sat vacant. In late 2012, Western Beef, a New York City based grocery chain, announced they would be opening a store in this former Albertsons. Western Beef's stores are primarily clustered in the 5 Boroughs of New York City, with a few outlier stores on Long Island, and in Westchester, NY and North Jersey. In 2009, Western Beef began a push into South Florida (skipping all the way down here from New York) to open a store in an old Winn-Dixie in Boca Raton. Definitely a strange move for a somewhat small, family owned chain, but it sure isn't the first time a random, isolated Florida division of a northern chain has popped up here. Western Beef eventually opened a second Florida location in the former Pembroke Pines Albertsons (#4380) in 2011, followed by their third location, this one, which opened on December 15, 2012. So far, Western Beef has kept their Florida division at three stores, and I have yet to see any plans for more around here any time soon.
In addition to the photos I took during my visit to this store, also included in this post are some photos sent in by AFB contributor Graham B., who frequented this store back in its early days as Albertsons. Graham's photos are designated by the letters 'GB' underneath the photo, like the photo above.
Overall, Western Beef didn't do a whole lot to the exterior of this building. Other than some new paint, this was exactly how the Albertsons looked. This store also had a very similar exterior to that of store #4466 in Port St. Lucie. Inside, Western Beef did a good amount of work to the interior, and not a whole lot from Albertsons remains inside. Western Beef takes up three quarters of the old Albertsons space, with a Dollar Tree taking up the remaining portion of the main store building.
If you look closely above the doors in the above photo, you can make out the faint labelscar from Albertsons' pharmacy sign.
Moving along to the front walkway...
The main entrance lies just ahead behind that pallet. For perspective, click here for a similar view of this area from 4466.
Let's go inside for a look around...
Going inside, here's a look at the cart storage area between the entrance and exit doors. Also up on the wall there is a sign introducing shoppers to Charlie the Cactus, Western Beef's mascot. Kind of like Disney's "Hidden Mickeys", Western Beef has "Hidden Charlies". So if you see cactuses in random places in the coming photos, this is why.
Going into the store itself, with our first official look at the interior. Walking in from the entrance you find yourself surrounded by a small selection of produce and baked goods. Bakery is the first official department as you go into the left side of the store, and the rest of produce lies in front of the service departments.
I still can't decide if I want to call Western Beef's interior "fun and whimsical" or "slightly creepy". Anyway, all of the smiling cupcakes, breads, fruits, etc. are a different element compared to what other stores use for decor. Also, I'm not entirely sure what interior this store had when it was Albertsons. My guess is Theme Park/Grocery Palace due to the design of the exterior and some decor remnants in the liquor store. However, I always thought Theme Park/Grocery Palace was dead by 2003 (when this store opened), replaced in favor of the Industrial Circus interior. Also by 2003, there would have been a chance that this store could have had the Santa Fe/Albertsons Marketplace interior, but that interior was very rare in Florida. However, I'm leaning toward Theme Park due to what I described above as this store's old interior. Interestingly, that awning you see running along the perimeter of the service departments looks like something out of Albertsons' Industrial Circus decor package, although I'm 99% store Western Beef was the one to install that.
Here's a closeup of that awning I just mentioned, along with more of our smiling pastry friends.
The next department beyond the bakery is the deli.
An overview of produce.
In the back left corner of the store is the meat department, also known as Charlie's Meat Market. One of the unique things about Western Beef is that all of their stores have a walk in meat department, which is essentially a giant cooler customers can walk into to select their meats.
Let's take a quick look inside here...
And yes, since the meat department is essentially placed in a giant cooler, it was very cold in here! When people say something is "as cold as a meat locker", they're not lying! (And they must have shopped at Western Beef before.) However, it's actually quite nice to walk around in here after spending time driving around in the humid Florida afternoon air.
Here's a few more photos from around the meat cooler:
I think that's enough from the meat cooler, so let's defrost and head back out onto the main sales floor...
A look across the back of the store, looking back toward the meat department.
One of the grocery aisles.
And now for a few photos from the front end...
More of the action going on in the grocery aisles...
The seafood counter is located immediately next to the walk-in meat department.
Looking toward the back right portion of the store from the main back aisle.
Yet more grocery aisles...
Those fish on the wall look way to happy for being frozen in a block of ice!
The frozen foods aisles are located in the center of the store.
A small selection of bulk foods occupied the rest of the back wall between seafood and dairy.
And finally, a look at the last few grocery aisles.
Essential Everyday lives on at this former Albertsons, as Western Beef uses SuperValu as their supplier.
While milk was located in the back corner of the store along the back wall, the rest of dairy ran along the right side wall in the final aisle of this store.
Beer and Wine is located in its own little pocket in the front right corner of the store, next to the front registers. The beer and wine glasses in the wall graphics are looking a bit tipsy themselves.
Looking back across the front end, this time from the other side of the store.
In front of the registers was the customer service desk and a small jewelry counter.
Time to go back outside...
Looking from the former Albertsons toward the rest of the small strip center that comes off of the right side of the building. The rest of the center was designed to match the main Albertsons building.
Although their sign is blocked by that palm tree, the remaining small portion of the main Albertsons building has since become home to a Dollar Tree store. I didn't realize the Dollar Tree was in part of the former Albertsons building until I was about to drive out of here, so I didn't go inside. Considering most of the other Dollar Trees that I've been to that took over other retailers old stores, I don't think there was anything from Albertsons left inside, so I don't think we're missing much.
Looking back toward Western Beef.
Over on the left side of the main building is the former Albertsons liquor store. After Albertsons closed, the liquor store was taken over by an independent operator who renamed the liquor store "Beer and Liquor Store". (Creative name, right?).
The Albertsons decals still remain on the front doors.
As I mentioned earlier, the liquor store kept all of Albertsons wall decor in tact. That wall patterning is definitely from Albertsons, but it doesn't look exactly like the typical liquor store decor used in the Theme Park, Industrial Circus, or Albertsons Marketplace interiors. It actually looks more like the decor from Blue & Green Awnings! Blue and Green Awnings was definitely dead by 2003 (at least I always thought it was), so I really don't know what was going on in here. I can picture this wall decor in a Theme Park store more so than Industrial Circus or Albertsons Marketplace, so I'm still going to leave my guess at that.
The road sign. I believe this is the one facing Hypoluxo Road.
Now time for some Bird's Eye Aerial Images, courtesy of Bing Maps:
Front - Albertsons was still open when these images were taken.
Former Albertsons #4486 - 2011 - The building was sitting empty at this point.
Albertsons #4486 - 2004 - A fairly new store at this point.
Future Albertsons #4486 - 2002 - An interesting view showing this store while it was under construction.
Future Albertsons #4486 - 1999 - It looks like this store was built on top of some old farmland.
And that's that for this former Albertsons. Thanks again Graham for sending in those pictures of this store!
Labels: Albertsons #4486, City: Lake Worth, County: Palm Beach, Interior: The Plaza/Theme Park/Grocery Palace, Model: Early 2000's, Western Beef
How Shopping Became a Pleasure - A Look at The Fir...
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On this tab you will find just about everything you'd want to know about Albertsons Florida store models and their interiors. As a bonus, I'm also including information on Publix and Winn-Dixie store models and interiors here. I talk about both of those stores enough here on the blog and on my flickr page often enough, so why not include some information on both of them too! Anyway, here we go:
Albertsons Florida Store Models:
During their time in Florida, Albertsons had a few different store models. In this section I'll explain the most common ones and give some information on each of them, including time periods when they were built and a quick description of distinctive features. All of the names I'm giving these store models are ones I made up and did not come from Albertsons. Just to note: These models are for Albertsons Florida specifically. While in other parts of the country most Albertsons stores looked fairly similar or almost exactly like the ones described here, sometimes there were variations used in other regions that aren't mentioned here.
The Skaggs Model:
Albertsons #4301 Clearwater, a typical Skaggs Model store. All of the following bird's eye satellite images are from Bing Maps.
This was the first store model that Albertsons built across Florida, back when they were still partnered with the Skaggs Company - therefore the name "Skaggs Model". These stores were based off of Skaggs and Albertsons original superstore concept. After the two companies split up in 1978, Albertsons continued to build stores that looked like this into the early 1980's. For the most part, stores #4301 through #4346 were of this style, but Albertsons gave some of these stores extensive remodels in the 90's, somewhat disguising them at first sight. Some distinctive features of the Skaggs Model are the 2 walls in the front corners of the store that stick out a little (however in some later versions of the Skaggs Model, these were removed), and a rectangular entryway that sticks out of the middle. The liquor store is usually tucked into one of the front corners of the building with a secondary entrance along the side wall.
The Trapezoid Model:
Former Albertsons #4354 Bradenton, a typical Trapezoid Model store.
After the Skaggs Model died out, next came the Trapezoid Model, named after the trapezoid shaped area of the building over the entryway. That area is this model's most distinctive feature. The liquor store is still a part of the main building in one of the front corners, but the entrance has been moved from the side of the building to the front. These were built during a few years in the mid-80's, and were stores #4347-#4358. I've seen a few people online say that these Trapezoid Model stores are former Family Mart stores, but they weren't. The only Albertsons in a former Family Mart that I have confirmed is store #4381 in Tamarac. Albertsons tried to buy 18 Family Mart stores when A&P pulled out of Florida in the late 1980s, but that deal fell through. Below is a confirmed former Family Mart store in North Fort Myers:
The Family Mart above was one of the ones that Kash 'n' Karry purchased when Family Mart pulled out of Florida, and has been closed for years. While these two stores have many similarities, there are a few differences between them. The trapezoid area over the entryway on the Family Mart has a wall that extends back into the roof. The Albertsons doesn't. You can't tell from these pictures, but the entrance of the Albertsons is on an angle, following the roofline of the trapezoid on both sides. The Family Mart's entrance is not on a diagonal. Also, the Albertsons originally had an entirely stone front. The Family Mart had 2 stone bands that wrapped around the whole store (the two brown stripes in the picture above). Just some handy information to know to help identify the two and know what makes each different.
The Superstore Model:
Former Albertsons #4376 Winter Springs
As we get to the late 80's and early 90's, Albertsons began to build much bigger and more intimidating looking stores in Florida. These are the Superstore Model stores, named after what many newspaper articles referred to Albertsons stores of this time as. The exteriors of these stores varied in shape, size, and materials. For example, you can see a grand, rectangular brick exterior style on the store above, but a more graceful look of stucco and arches on the store below.
Former Albertsons #4410 Kissimmee
For this model, there were two entrances, one usually labeled ‘Food’ and the other ‘Pharmacy’. These stores were big, but lacked much of the merchandise variety found in Albertsons stores of past eras. By this time period, Albertsons was transitioning away from many general merchandise categories to become more like a traditional grocery store. Also for this model, the liquor store was no longer a part of the main building. The liquor store was now moved into its own smaller building attached to either the right or left of the store. If there was not enough room next to the building, the liquor store was moved out into the parking lot somewhere. The superstores were stores #4359-4389 (with a few exceptions of takeover stores and numbering violations) and #4410 and #4412.
The Jewel-Osco Model:
Former Albertsons #4401 Clearwater
In 1992, Albertsons bought 7 Jewel-Osco stores and 2 planned sites from their parent company American Stores. These Jewel-Osco/Albertsons stores had a distinctive trapezoid shaped area on the roof of each store. There were also 2 very distinct arches over the entryways, like the ones above. The liquor store was tucked into one of the front corners of the building. The first Jewel-Osco in Florida, which is now Albertsons #4402, has slightly modified arches over the entrances and only half the trapezoid on the roof. These Jewel-Osco takeover stores were stores #4401-#4409.
The Circle Model:
Former Albertsons #4411 Kissimmee.
In 1993, the one and only Albertsons Circle Model store opened in Kissimmee, store #4411. This store looks different from any other Albertsons built in the state, and I have confirmed this store was built from scratch as an Albertsons. This store has always intrigued me due to its unique design, which is the large circular-shaped entryway. This may have just been a modified Mid-Late 90's Model design (see below for more on that model), but they were always square looking, except some of the later stores from that era. This store had a single entrance and exit under the circular area. If you know of any other Albertsons stores built like this outside of Florida, please tell me.
The Mid-Late 90's Model:
Former Albertsons #4429 Melbourne
These stores were built in the mid-late 90's (hence the name) and consolidated the two entrances and exits from the Superstore era into one. Their exteriors were usually rectangular shaped, like the one above, but some of the later stores of this style used arches. Some of the later Mid-Late 90's stores had a windowed-in cart storage area before the main entrance doors as you would walk in, like the store above (it's to the left of the main arch). These stores were #4413-late 4430s (there was a transition period around 1996-1997 where the Mid-Late 90's stores and the Early 2000's Model stores looked like hybrids of each other).
The Early 2000's Model:
A typical Early 2000's Model store, Former Albertsons #4471 Sanford
Now that we're in the late 90's and early 2000's, we come to the Early 2000's Model stores. Even though this design is most closely associated with stores built after 2000, the first stores of this style actually began opening in the very late 1990's. These stores typically had a large arched entryway, but sometimes it was rectangular. The entrance was located under the main arch, and the exit was located off to one of the sides under the smaller awning. There is a variation of this model, which you can see below:
Early 2000's Model Variation, Former Albertsons #4465 Sarasota. The entryway arch was slightly smaller and 'Albertsons' was off to the side.
These stores were built during Albertsons last big push to make something out of the Florida division. They were stores from the late 4430's-#4486.
The Modified Early 2000's Model:
Former Albertsons #4495, Orlando
The Modified Early 2000's Model marks the end of Albertsons time in Florida. 5 of the last 6 Albertsons stores in Florida were of this style, and were built from 2003-2004. What makes these stores different from the standard Early 2000's Model? The only difference is that the Pharmacy department now has its own entrance off to the side (the arch all the way to the left in the picture above). Otherwise, these stores look just like a typical Early 2000's Model store from the exterior. The interiors also included a slightly different layout, and were much larger than a standard Early 2000's store. These were stores #4495-#4498 (except #4496, which took over an existing building), #4316(2) and #4384.
Albertsons Florida Interior Decor:
Now that we've taken a look at the different building designs that Albertsons used in Florida during their 42 years in the Sunshine State, let's take a quick look at what these stores looked like on the inside:
70's Stripes:
A somewhat grainy view of the 70's Stripes interior in the South Orange Ave. Albertsons in Orlando (#4323). Photo Courtesy of Youtube.com. Watch the full video featuring this store here.
70's Stripes was the original Skaggs-Albertsons interior used from when Albertsons first entered Florida in 1974 through the early 1980's. This interior was very colorful, with many red and orange stripes and color schemes throughout the store. It's hard to find photos of this interior, especially consider that it was removed from just about all operational Albertsons stores by the early 1990s. All I've ever seen of this interior was small bits and pieces of it in the background of photos, much like the photo above. All of the Skaggs and Trapezoid Model Albertsons stores would have originally had this interior.
Colorful Transition Market:
As Albertsons was transitioning away from the 70's Stripes interior, it seems like they were experimenting with a new interior in the early-mid 1980's. The Colorful Transition interior, which was dug up and named by AFB contributor Ian W., appears to be a colorful variant of the more widely seen Blue and Gray Market decor of the late 1980's and early 1990s. Since this interior had been wiped away from most stores by the 1990's, photos of this interior are hard to come by as well. I'm not sure how widely used this Colorful Transition interior was, but I've seen a old few photos with bits and pieces of colorful walls, hinting at an interior similar to this being used.
Blue & Gray Market:
The Blue & Gray Market interior was the oldest surviving interior when Albertsons started to pull out of Florida in the late 2000's. This interior came out in the late 80's and was used all the way into the late 90's. It featured white walls with a gray textured stripe running around the perimeter of the store, much like what can be seen in the last photo showcasing this interior above. On the stripe were the department names spelled out in blue letters. As time progressed and Albertsons wanted to freshen up their stores, many times this decor was repainted in a new color scheme to "refresh" the look. The second to last photo in the block above shows a 2000's refresh to this interior at Albertsons #4301 in Clearwater, repainting it to a green and yellow color scheme. I've also seen brown and white repaints to this interior. Blue and Gray Market was an extremely common interior for Albertsons stores in Florida, and was the oldest surviving interior in Albertsons stores as their time in Florida came to an end.
***NOTE BEFORE WE CONTINUE: The Acme Style Blog has an entire decor directory for each of the following Albertsons interiors, which have also been used in Acme stores since they were acquired by Albertsons in 1999 and are exactly the same as the ones used in Albertsons Florida stores. Acme Style's posts are more extensive photographically, and describe these decor packages better than I probably could. For that reason, I'll include a link to each of Acme Style's decor directories at the end of each of my examples.***
Blue & Green Awnings:
After over a decade of the Blue & Gray Market interior, Albertsons decided it was finally time for a change. That change brought along with it the Blue & Green Awnings interior (most of the interior decor names from here to Brown Lifestyle are the creation of the Acme Style Blog). Albertsons stuck with the Blue & Gray Market interior for almost a decade, but from here on they kept switching decor packages every 2-3 years. Blue and Green Awnings made its debut around 1997. Before Acme Style came out with the Blue & Green Awnings name (the name came from some of the wall decorations used throughout this interior), I used to call this look the 'Pillow' interior because the design used on the walls looked like pillows to me. However, I think Blue & Green Awnings is a much better name than "The Pillow Interior"! Anyway, the first photo in this section came from the Largo Albertsons prior to its conversion into a Safeway store, and was taken by AFB contributor Ross T. That photo covers most of the highlights from this interior as to what the walls, props, and department signage looked like. There were lots of little details on the walls in this decor, and lots of Pastels! The second photo shows the typical aisle signage seen in this decor, as we saw at the Altamonte Springs Albertsons during its remodel into Safeway in late 2015.
To see Acme Style's Decor post on the Blue & Green Awnings interior, click here. Acme Style calls this a "rare decor". For Acme stores it was fairly uncommon, but for Albertsons Florida, this decor was fairly widespread and used in many stores across the state, especially in remodels of older stores.
Grocery Palace (aka Acme Theme Park):
Grocery Palace is one of those decor packages that really needs to be described in photos rather than words. This decor, introduced by Albertsons in 1999, is a great example of excess and overboard. However, that excess and overboard, as well as the crazy props used in the different departments, is really what gave this decor its charm. Grocery Palace is my favorite supermarket decor package, mostly because of all of that excess I just mentioned!
In 1999, Albertsons debuted an all new interior decor they considered revolutionary, entirely replacing the Blue and Green Awnings interior by 2000.This new decor gave each department its own unique feel with huge, specially designed props and signs to make each department feel unique, like a barn used to store milk (seen above), a giant bowl of chips and pretzels over "Snack Central", and a giant spinning mobile of cats, dogs, and birds over the Pet Care department (among others crazy things - the stores built from the ground up with this look were much more over the top than the stores that were remodeled to this look). This was the Grocery Palace interior. Grocery Palace was Albertsons' official name for this decor package, although Acme Style gave this interior the name "Acme Theme Park" because of it's over the top feel and carnival like styling.
To see Acme Style's Decor post on the Grocery Palace interior, click here. For a fun look at a perfectly preserved example of an Albertsons Florida store with the Grocery Palace interior, check out my tour of Albertsons #4462 in South Orlando here. I highly recommend scrolling through those two links to understand the craziness that was the Grocery Palace decor!
Industrial Circus:
Albertsons used the Grocery Palace interior throughout Florida for new and remodeled stores from 1999 until 2002-ish, when the next interior decor came out. That new interior was Industrial Circus. Industrial Circus did away with all of the fun, unique, and quite excessive decor elements we saw in the Grocery Palace interior for a more "traditional" looking supermarket decor. The main element of the Industrial Circus interior was the metallic or metallic-styled department signs. Also, each department was painted bright, fun colors. I guess corrugated metal was the big trend in supermarket decor in the early 2000's, because the introduction of Albertsons's Industrial Circus interior coincided with the introduction of Publix's Metallic Marketplace interior.
I have a few photos above of some Industrial Circus decor remnants that I found in my travels to two different Albertsons stores in Florida. Most Industrial Circus decor stores in Florida had the "cheap" version of this interior with the flat signs. However, there was also a more deluxe variant to this decor which can be seen in the last photo of the block above, and in Acme Style's decor directory, saved for more extensive remodels and new stores. To see Acme Style's Decor post on the Industrial Circus interior, click here.
Santa Fe (aka Albertsons Marketplace):
Santa Fe was the last of Albertsons' interiors to make it to Florida. Very few stores in Florida got this look, which came out around 2003. The only stores I know to have gotten this interior were the new Modified Plaza Model stores built from 2003 and 2004, right before Albertsons began their great Florida exodus. This decor, which originated from the Jewel-Osco division, featured the popular 2000's earth tones color scheme that the more upscale stores like Whole Foods and Publix pioneered. While Albertsons used this decor until 2006, this decor was only used in Florida at the very beginning of this decor's life cycle.
To see Acme Style's Decor post on the Albertsons Marketplace interior, click here. There are much better photos there than the through-the-window ones I took of this decor at the old Apopka Albertsons (#4498).
Brown Lifestyle:
As Albertsons Florida began its transition into Safeway in Early 2016, the company debuted its latest interior design at these Florida locations. While a rather simplistic interior design, Brown Lifestyle incorporates the latest trend in supermarket design: minimalism and large, skinny letters to spell out the department names. In the photos above from the Altamonte Springs Safeway. In the photos above, you can see the brown/gray/white color scheme used throughout the store. While relatively simple, this interior does look nice at the three Florida Safeway stores. Another aspect of this new interior is local flare, with references to the city the store is located in throughout the building (such as street names on the aisle signs, and a local reference in the name of the cafe seating area). For some additional pictures of this interior, please click here.
Publix Store Models:
Art Deco:
A former Art Deco Publix in Lakeland, FL
The art deco style Publix stores were Publix's first widespread store model as they began to expand across the state, with this store model introduced in the 1940's. These stores are extremely tiny compared to today's monster 50,000+ square foot supermarkets, however they were a bold architectural statement when they first came out. These stores had that distinct, movie theater style front with rounded edges. The Publix sign ran down that vertical piece over the main entrance to the store, with glass block accents to either side of the sign. Despite being so old, many of these art deco style Publix stores remain throughout Florida in almost perfect condition, although all of them have been re-purposed for other businesses. This is what one of these stores would have looked like when open as Publix.
Wing Store:
An amazingly well preserved original Publix Wing Store in Miami Beach, FL.
By the time the mid-50's were rolling in, Publix was in need of a new, more modern, store design. With that came the Publix Wing Store, named after the distinct wing-like piece in the middle of each store's exterior. The Wing Model and the Art Deco Model are Publix's most famous store models, and are what many people think of when the here the name Publix. The store pictured above is the last surviving original Wing Store in the entire chain, although in recent years Publix has built some similar replicas of what many consider to be their most unique and timeless design, which lasted into the 1970's. Also, it was during the time of the Wing Store when Publix introduced their famous Tile Murals to the front of each store (more on those soon).
70's Model:
A now demolished former Publix store in Temple Terrace, FL.
A repurposed but very well preserved (exterior-wise) 1970's style Publix store in Kissimmee, FL
As the Wing Store began to fade away, Publix started to get a little more bland with their store design (although the 70's stores still look neat in their original form). The above photos show examples of a typical 70's Model Publix, with it's most distinct feature being that ribbed panels along the exterior. These stores did not have a glass entry vestibule like their later counterparts, with the entrance angled in along the front walkway.
A fairly standard 80's model Publix Store in Cocoa Beach, FL (now demolished).
Two more examples of 80's stores with varying architectural elements. The first store (with the blue awning) was in Melbourne, FL (now demolished) and the second store is in Sebastian, FL.
An exterior close-up of a very well preserved (but sadly now closed) 80's built Publix in Lake Placid, FL, with the commonly added on glass vestibule that so many of these stores later received by the end of the decade.
The 80's Model stores are when Publix stores got pretty average architecturally, although every once and a while from here on Publix has been known to build a store with a fancy, custom designed facade. These stores were rather similar to their 70's counterparts, although the glass vestibule you see in the photo of the Lake Placid store would later become a standard design for these stores. This was a single vestibule, unlike at the early 90's built Publix stores where there were two separate ones.
Early 90's Model:
Two examples of early 90's stores, just with slightly different architecture. The top store is in Sarasota, FL and the bottom store is in New Port Richey, FL.
A close-up of an early 90's built Publix in Melbourne, FL
The early 90's model Publix was essentially just a larger version of the 80's Model store, with practically the same interior layout. The only real difference between the 80's Model and the Early 90's model stores was the entryway setup. There were still entrances on each side of the store, but they were now separated by the Customer Service counter and offices which were located on a second floor (similar to the entryways of an Albertsons Superstore Model store) instead of both entrances leading to one opening.
Late 90's Model:
A typical Late 90's model Publix that was located in Kissimmee, FL.
A close-up of the same Publix that can be seen above, but after that store relocated across the street to a new building.
The Late 90's model stores saw the double entryways condensed into one located in the center of the store. This store model was also the first to use incorporate a warehouse ceiling, although some older locations built during this era had full or partial drop ceilings inside. Once of the most interesting features of these early 90's built stores is the large skylight/clerestory over the front end. Not all of these stores got that feature, but it sure looks neat in the ones that did!
Early 2000's Model:
A somewhat average Early 2000's Publix in North Lauderdale, FL.
A close-up of another early 2000's built Publix in West Melbourne, FL
The early 2000's stores look quite similar to the late 90's stores, except the entryway was designed just a little bit different. You can see the new set-up in the photo of the West Melbourne store above. These stores have the frozen food department located on the far left side of the building, the pharmacy counter next to the main entrance, and meat and seafood in the back left corner.
The Current Publix Store Model:
A standard style Modern Publix in Cape Canaveral, FL.
Another example of a typical Modern Publix store, this one located in Titusville, FL.
The design of stores you see above is basically the default model that Publix uses when they build a new store these days. You do see Publix change up this design to match a shopping center or better fit a community, but it's still pretty obvious when you see one of those stores that it's a modern Publix. This store model was first introduced in 2004 along with the first iteration of the Classy Market interior, and unlike the interior decor, you can still find stores that look like this being built today.
Small Format:
A fairly average Small Format Publix, located in Boynton Beach, FL.
The small format model Publix is a separate model Publix uses along with whatever regular current model they're using. I believe the first of these small format Publix stores were introduced in the late 90's as a way for Publix to enter markets where a larger sized store of 45,000-55,000 sqft. wouldn't be practical or where there wouldn't be enough room (such as in highly urbanized places like downtowns or in small neighborhoods). These stores still have all of the regular departments as a full sized store, but they just offer a smaller selection in approx. 28,000-30,000 sqft. The entryway is located at the left or right corner of the building, which takes you into a small vestibule that leads you into the rest of the store. The bakery and deli counters are made a part of aisle 1, with meat, seafood, and produce located in the back of the building.
Publix Interior Decor:
Publix is one of those chains that likes to keep their stores up to date. Because of that, the only surviving Publix interiors at this time are Classy Market 2.0 and later, although Classy Market 2.0 is pretty close to extinction itself (and that decor only came out around 2009!).
Wavy Pastel:
Wavy Pastel was Publix's interior through much of the 1990's. All of the department signs were plastic rectangles in Pastel colors, except the bottom of the signs were wavy and highlighted by another color (as can be seen in the photos above). The original aisle markers were rectangles with an inverted triangle in the middle for the number (an example of which can be seen in the bottom photo if you zoom in and look really close). The font you see on the department signs was the Publix font during this era, used on everything from the signs in the stores, to Publix's store brand packaging, to their advertisements. I personally miss this era of Publix, as this was the era where they weren't trying so hard to be the upscale, classy place to shop.
Photos of the Wavy Pastel interior are a bit hard to come by on the internet, but you can see some more glimpses of this interior in the posts here and here, as well as these six photos from Brand New Eye's flickr photostream.
Metallic Marketplace:
A glimpse of the Metallic Marketplace interior from a Publix Commercial from the early 2000s. Photo courtesy of Youtube.com. You can watch the full commercial here. Link to video sent in by Osi Florida.
The Metallic Marketplace aisle signs, as seen in a store with the Wavy Pastel interior (a common update for these Wavy Pastel stores in their later years).
By the early 2000's, Wavy Pastel was starting to look a bit dated, so Publix upgraded their look to match the popular early 2000's supermarket interior trend of using corrugated metal practically anywhere and everywhere it could be placed. Thus, Metallic Marketplace was born. Metallic Marketplace, like its cousin Wavy Pastel, is also dead. Metallic Marketplace was basically just a modernized version of Wavy Pastel, except all of the department signage was placed on giant sheets of corrugated metal, using the same fonts and logos from Wavy Pastel. However, the aisle markers were changed for Metallic Marketplace to the same style as the ones Publix used in the first few iterations of the Classy Market look (however the Metallic Marketplace aisle markers were blue with green accents, as seen in the photo above, instead of pale green with yellow accents from Classy Market 1.0, 2.0, and 2.5). The store also would have a piece (I don't know what to call it, but it almost looked like a small floating wall with little rooflines here and there - it's what the 'Meats' sign is hanging from in the above photo) that ran the perimeter of the grocery aisles, and it was trimmed with corrugated metal. When stores were upgraded from Metallic Marketplace to Classy Market, this piece was sometimes left in place and just repainted to match the Classy Market interior, leaving it as the only remnant of the store's past interior. However, most later remodels would see this piece removed entirely. Metallic Marketplace was only used in newly built stores during the early 2000's.
Classy Market 1.0:
Around 2004, Publix decided to completely upgrade their image from fun fonts and colors to a more sophisticated, classy, earth tones feel. Here came the first iteration of what I call the Classy Market interior, which shared absolutely no similarities with any previous interiors (except a different colored version of Metallic Marketplace's aisle markers). Above you can see a few photos of what the Classy Market 1.0 interior looked like. This interior did a lot to shape and solidify Publix's image as an upscale, classy place to shop (hence the name, Classy Market). One of the main differences between Classy Market 1.0 and its later successors is the font used on the department signage. Classy Market 1.0 used a distinctive, thin, formal looking serif font. This font would later be killed off in Classy Market 2.0 for the font we see today. I'm 99.9% certain this interior is dead, with some of the last traces of it wiped away in Publix rampant remodel sweep around 2014 and 2015.
In the late 2000's Publix, who's always on top of keeping their stores looking good and up to date, decided it was time to refresh Classy Market. Welcome second iteration of Classy Market, which made its debut around 2009 or so. The main difference between Classy Market 1.0 to Classy Market 2.0 was the change in font from the formal serif style to a more modern and bold sans-serif style (which you can see in the photos above). Classy Market 2.0 also a bit more color to the walls, as well as and some hanging props and custom designed signage for each department (such as the sign for the Deli was made to look like the Publix paper drink cups and the sign for produce having a leaf in it). Really, the Classy Market 2.0 brought back a little more fun to the Classy Market interior, as Classy Market 1.0 was quite bland. The best part of the Classy Market 2.0 interior was the historic photo collage of old Publix stores and memorabilia, which, unfortunately, didn't make the cut for the Classy Market 3.0.
Classy Market 2.5 was an interior decor rolled out by Publix around 2011, and used until 2013. The reason this decor is called "Classy Market 2.5" is that this decor is sort of a hybrid of Classy Market 2.0 and 3.0. Classy Market 2.5 used the same aisle markers as Classy Market 2.0, as well as featured the same colors on the wall and the historic photo collage. However, much of the department signage looked like what would be seen in Classy Market 3.0 (as well as some departments getting the curved ceilings from Classy Market 3.0), but with some departments (like seafood) retaining Classy Market 2.0 style signage. The distinctive factor from Classy Market 2.5 is that the department signs are mounted to what looks like a wooden crate like piece, like can be seen in the first photo above.
Classy Market 3.0 is Publix's current interior decor package. Classy Market 3.0 made its official debut at a few prototype Publix stores in 2012, although this decor wasn't rolled out as a remodel package until 2013. Since the debut of Classy Market 3.0 and the rampant wave of remodeling that came with it, this is the most common decor package you will find at Publix these days. There are still a good number of stores with the Classy Market 2.5 decor out there, although I have seen some of those stores begin remodels recently. Classy Market 2.0 is still out there in a few stores, but it has become quite rare over the last year or so. Anyway, Classy Market 3.0 features lots of splashes of color among what is usually a brown or beige store. Circular shaped hanging signage can be found in a few departments as well. For Classy Market 3.0, the aisle markers were changed for the first time since the days of Metallic Marketplace. Above you can see some examples of the distinctive features of the Classy Market interior.
Just as an addition to all of this Publix decor information, there's a really cool set of photos on shawnson's flickr photostream of a closing Publix in Tallahassee from 2004, which still had a very old interior when it closed (I think it's a mix of original 70's interior with some areas remodeled to an 80's interior). It's a very fascinating photoset, which you can view by clicking here!
Winn-Dixie Store Models:
70's/80's Model:
A practically untouched (exteriorwise) 70's Winn-Dixie store in Mobile, AL, which was closed in 2011.
The oldest of Winn-Dixie's remaining stores (that haven't been completely altered in some way) are these 70's and 80's Model stores. These stores are rather distinctive with their awning like design on the exterior, and you can spot numerous former Winn-Dixie stores that look exactly like this throughout the Southeast. In addition to former stores, it's still pretty amazing the number of these stores that are left out there in practically original 70's condition exterior-wise, and still open as Winn-Dixie. This was one of Winn-Dixie's most prevalent store designs, as it was used during the peak of their expansion and strength as a company. In the 1990's, many of these older Winn-Dixie locations were abandoned for new Marketplace stores nearby. The entryway of these stores were typically located on one of the sides of a glass vestibule (although some stores had entrances on both sides, although one side was the most common). This vestibule usually contained a set of emergency exit doors along the front of the vestibule as well near the main entry doors. There are some variations to Winn-Dixie stores from this era, but for the most part the general look you see above can still be found.
1st Generation Marketplace:
A typical 1st Generation Marketplace store located in Jupiter, FL (which closed in April 2018)
The late 80's was when Winn-Dixie introduced their famous Marketplace store format and interior. With the introduction of the new concept Marketplace stores, a new store design was also introduced to different these new, larger stores from their predecessors. The end result of that redesign is what you see in the image above. This design would end up being the first of three designs used for Winn-Dixie's Marketplace era stores, which stretched from the late 80's to the early 2000's. These 1st Generation Marketplace stores are easily identified by that slanted part to the left side of the building.
2nd Generation Marketplace:
A typical early 90's 2nd Generation Marketplace Store that was located in Albany, GA, which closed in 2013.
By the early 1990's, the original Marketplace design was retired in favor of the design you see above. The 2nd Generation Marketplace store design was probably the most prevalent of Winn-Dixie's three Marketplace store designs, used during the peak of the Marketplace era expansions in the mid-1990's. This store model was used from the early 90's and into the late 90's. The most distinct feature of the 2nd Generation Marketplace stores are that triangle shaped piece over the entryway. And instead of having a side facing entrance, the entrances to the last two Marketplace era stores were centrally located in a small indentation on the front of the building.
3rd Generation Marketplace:
A typical 3rd Generation Marketplace store in West Palm Beach, FL.
In the late 90's, the Marketplace model got one last refresh before finally getting retired. The exteriors of these 3rd Generation Marketplace stores had a trapezoidal awning over the entryway (if viewed from above). Other than the redesigned facade, much of the interiors of these store were like their predecessor. However, by the time the 3rd Generation Marketplace model was rolled out, some of these stores received expanded fresh departments. The stores with the expanded fresh offerings have an island on the right side of the building where the deli and bakery are located. While much of the expanded features have since been taken away at these stores, the island is an indication that a Winn-Dixie was originally a "deluxe Marketplace" store at one time. The entryway of these stores was practically identical to that of the 2nd Generation Marketplace stores, an example of which can be seen below. This store model lasted from the end of the 1990's (about 1997-ish) until 2000.
A typical Early 2000's store located in Riviera Beach, FL. This store opened in July 2004 as one of the last new Winn-Dixies to open before the bankruptcy, and closed in 2014.
In the early 2000's, Winn-Dixie started to fall on financial troubles. They opened a few new stores between 2000 and 2005, when the bankruptcy essentially stopped Winn-Dixie's opening of new locations. Those few new stores that they opened in the early 2000's from the retirement of the Marketplace stores until the bankruptcy in 2005 looked like the store pictured above. These stores (like the one above) are fairly rare, and had a rectangular archway located over the entrance. These stores usually had an attached liquor store too. The first time I saw one of these Early 2000's Winn-Dixie stores, I thought it was a former Albertsons! They look so much like an early 2000's model Albertsons, but with a rectangular entryway! For a close look at one of these stores, you can check out my post on the Port Salerno Winn-Dixie here.
The Transformational Winn-Dixie:
After Winn-Dixie had emerged from bankruptcy, they began to remodel and re-image themselves, focusing mostly on existing stores. In 2010, Winn-Dixie built their first store from scratch since before the bankruptcy, and that began the era of the Transformational model. (Just as a side note, Winn-Dixie opened one new store prior to the opening of the first official "Transformational" store after emerging from bankruptcy. That store opened in 2009 in Margate, FL, however it took over a former Publix building and looks nothing like this on the exterior). Winn-Dixie remodeled many older stores to the Transformational look (which is what happened with the store in the second photo, and why its exterior isn't as grandiose as that of the stock image from Winn-Dixie's website above it). There were 3 or so stores built from scratch with this look, all in Louisiana as far as I can tell. Since Winn-Dixie isn't really opening new stores anymore, they really don't have a current store design since the last Transformational store opened around 2012. The two "new" locations they opened since, a store in 2015 in Miramar Beach, FL and a store on Baymeadows Road in Jacksonville in 2016, took over existing buildings and don't have any distinct features. The Miramar Beach store opened in an existing building behind the original Winn-Dixie, and the Baymeadows store was a former Winn-Dixie brought back to life, and kept its previous look.
Winn-Dixie Interior Decor:
To the best of my knowledge, Marketplace is the oldest Winn-Dixie decor package still remaining in their stores (however plenty of remnants from prior packages can be found in some of the older Winn-Dixies still floating around out there). The most famous version of the Marketplace interior, pictured above, was introduced in the early-mid 1990's (replacing the original 80's chrome and neon Marketplace interior). With the 1990's version of the Marketplace interior, pastels were a huge part of the color scheme (as can be seen in the first three photos above). This interior primarily used pink, green, and white in its earlier iterations, although Winn-Dixie toned down the pastels by the late 1990's. By that time, the Marketplace interior evolved into more of a cream, white, and teal color palate, which made newer Marketplace stores feel less dated than their overly pink pastel brethren. For a decor package that's around 25 years old now, this interior is still quite common throughout Winn-Dixie's remaining stores.
The Marketplace era was also when the America's Supermarket slogan came out, which can still be found on the walls in stores with the Marketplace interior. At the rate Winn-Dixie is shrinking, they'll be lucky to claim that they are Florida's Supermarket in the coming years, let alone America's Supermarket!
Purple/Maroon:
After the end of the Marketplace era in the early 2000's, Winn-Dixie came out with another interior decor to refresh some of their stores that never got a Marketplace remodel. This was the Purple/Maroon interior, named after the general color scheme of the look.
Some of the typical department signage of the Purple/Maroon Interior. There was always a saying in the blue ribbon that accompanied the department name.
Produce signage.
Remnants of prior decor packages are quite common in older stores that got the Purple/Maroon remodels, like the color tiles seen in the above photo.
Purple/Maroon Aisle Marker. If you look closely at the number, in the background is actually the old Winn-Dixie logo. Many older stores received these aisle signs even if they did not receive any other Purple/Maroon signage.
There really isn't much else to say about the Purple/Maroon decor. It was primarily a cheap way for Winn-Dixie to remodel older stores with some new signage in the early 2000's, and usually not do much else.
Deluxe Purple/Maroon:
At the same time the Purple/Maroon decor package was being rolled out, a more deluxe version of it was being used in stores being built from the ground up. Considering how few new stores Winn-Dixie opened in this time period leading into their 2005 bankruptcy, the deluxe Purple/Maroon interior was extremely rare. While using the same basic color scheme as the more common Purple/Maroon interior (as well as aisle signs), Deluxe Purple/Maroon had fancier signage, and more props and signage on the walls (such as the decorative window shutters and murals of palm trees). The Deluxe Purple/Maroon interior is actually quite nice, and still looks somewhat modern. There is only one known store to still have the Deluxe Purple/Maroon interior, and that store is located in Stuart, FL (a full post on that store can be seen here, with more pictures and detail on this rare interior). In addition to that store in Stuart, Winn-Dixie also has a store in Biloxi, MS (which was a former Jitney Jungle store they took over in the early 2000's) that I believe contains a variant of the Deluxe Purple/Maroon interior, but with a more New Orleans-esque type spin to it. The Florida version of this interior, which you can see in the photos above, has more of a "beach house" vibe to it. This makes me wonder if Winn-Dixie was experimenting with elements of local flare in their stores prior to the bankruptcy.
Post-Bankruptcy:
Once Winn-Dixie emerged from bankruptcy in the late 2000's, they went on a remodeling spree. Winn-Dixie had a bad reputation for having dirty, outdated stores in the early 2000's, and they were out to change that image. After the bankruptcy, Winn-Dixie changed their logo and came out with the 'Getting Better all the Time' campaign. Many old stores got the remodels they deserved, and this is the interior they got. This is a very formal, upscale look that Winn-Dixie came up with, probably to attract customers from Publix. It uses a very formal, all lowercase font and pastel colors, which you can see in the photos above. Another unique feature to these stores were the white square carving-like pieces that were placed around the perimeter of the store. Of the 4 remodeling campaigns that Winn-Dixie had since emerging from their first bankruptcy in 2005 (I have to remember to start phrasing it that way now), the campaign featuring this decor was the most widespread. However, since Winn-Dixie likes to change direction all the time, I have three more decor packages to take about, all of which came out over the span of a decade.
An example of one of the aisle markers from the post-bankruptcy decor before moving on.
The Transformational Store:
I don't know what Winn-Dixie's motive was for retiring the original post-bankruptcy remodeling campaign that started around 2008, but it eventually saw its end around 2011 when "the transformational store" made its debut. While most stores that received the transformational decor also got extensive remodels to Winn-Dixie's latest prototype layout, some stores were not as lucky near the tail end of this decor's life. The transformational interior package uses department signage printed on panels and hung on pastel colored walls. The font also changed from formal to fun, like Publix did between the 1st and 2nd Generations of their Classy Market interior. While the deluxe Transformational remodels were absolutely stunning, they were also very expensive. As the dust from the Winn-Dixie/BI-LO merger settled in 2012 and 2013, Transformational remodels gradually became fewer and cheaper (like in the example I linked to earlier in this paragraph).
Sampling of some Winn-Dixie Transformational decor (sorry for the glare in this photo). This is in the Prepared Foods departments, a main focus of the newly renovated stores from this era.
Instead of just putting the names of the departments on the sign, Winn-Dixie uses the word "freshly" followed by a verb describing the department. The word "freshly" is used to an overkill here.
Aisle sign
For a more extensive look at a Transformational Winn-Dixie, you can check out this post I did back in 2015.
The Green Interior:
By 2014, the short lived era of the Transformational Winn-Dixie was over. A small handful of deluxe remodels have happened since, even as the decor continued to change. Probably my favorite interior decor since Winn-Dixie 2005 bankruptcy was the one you see above, which I call "The Green Interior". While a very simplistic look, Green Interior stores look extremely modern, and even the most bare bones remodels from this era were rather nice. While some departments got their names on the wall, some (like produce in the first photo) only got representative symbols. This look is very classy, and made many older stores look presentable. While green was the primary wall color used in these stores, there were also some beige accents throughout the store. Some stores (mostly ones to get remodeled later in The Green Interior era) had more beige than green on the walls, but otherwise used the same decor elements.
Down Down Interior:
As nice as the Green Interior was and with all the potential it had, that interior was killed off rather prematurely after only two years in use. In early 2016, with a new CEO guiding Southeastern Grocers, everything about Winn-Dixie changed again. Right around the same time Winn-Dixie's "Down Down" ad campaign debuted, so did this interior, which is how it ended up with the name "Down Down" interior. The Down Down interior, with its (slightly overboard) use of red walls and tall, blocky fonts for the department names, marks the first standardization of an interior across all 4 of Southeastern Grocer's brands. This interior seems to follow every supermarket interior decor trend for the late 2010's: simplistic and plain looks, large, tall fonts, and wood grain accents throughout the store. Remodeled BI-LO stores use this same red version of the "Down Down" interior, while Fresco y Mas and Harvey's stores use a horrifically bright yellow variant. As of right now, this is still the current Winn-Dixie interior, however, that can change at a moment's notice if you look at their recent track record!
Just for fun to wrap up the Winn-Dixie interior decor directory, the Pleasant Family Shopping website has some great photos of Winn-Dixie's interiors from the 60's and 70's, as well as the 80's Neon Marketplace interior I mentioned earlier.
K May 1, 2014 at 12:52 PM
There's a Publix in Gainesville, FL (Newberry Square Plaza) that still has the pastel waves interior, believe it or not! Store #306.
Albertsons Florida Blog May 1, 2014 at 3:49 PM
Thanks for telling me! (I've updated the post with that information). I can't believe Publix let that one slip by them! Publix has already marked their 2nd Generation Classy Market interior as outdated because I know of some of those stores which are already getting remodeled to the 3rd Generation. I wonder how much longer before the Newberry Square store gets remodeled.
I went over there today and it looks like they've remodeled the interior. They updated the department signs to 3rd wave and the walls got repainted, not sure about the aisle signs as they looked more like 1st wave to me, aside from that some things were kept (the "Thank you for shopping at Publix" sign by the ceiling near the registers, some hanging light racks, etc.). Not sure how it was before but yes, it's been remodeled.
Albertsons Florida Blog January 20, 2015 at 4:52 PM
That's unfortunate. However, I had a feeling that old interior's days were numbered. I'm surprised Publix let it last as long as it did. Publix usually leaves behind some older signage (like the aisle signs from the previous waves) when they remodel the older stores that don't get the 'tear down and rebuild' treatment; those remodels most of the time are just some new signs and paint. I've seen some really old stores get the full 3rd Generation treatment, but I haven't seen that as often.
Regarding the mid-late 90s prototype stores: Most of them actually had a warehouse-style ceiling throughout the entire sales floor. The only with the drop ceiling in the middle I've seen was the store in Gainesville's Exchange Plaza (1995). I have seen a store (Sawgrass Square; 1993) that had the same layout as the mid 90s stores, but with drop ceiling on the entire sales floor, with the ceiling in the middle being much lower.
Albertsons Florida Blog October 26, 2014 at 12:12 PM
I think the warehouse ceiling around the perimeter was only used in the earlier versions of that model, because now I that I think about it more, I have seen it both ways. That Sawgrass Square store was one of the very first of the mid/late-90's style stores that Publix ever built, which might explain its unusual ceiling.
Monica Munch November 8, 2014 at 8:02 PM
Hello, I'm trying to find out info on the Albertsons store in Vero Beach Fl. #4357 I'm pretty sure it's the trapezoid model. I'm trying to find out the square footage and who owns this store. I've looked and looked on line and I feel very lucky to have found the store number and your blog about Albertsons. I'm doing research for my business class and I have chosen this building because I have a lot of family memories with my dad in this store, he's no longer with us. I know the store has been abandoned since 2007 but thats about it. Can you help?
Albertsons Florida Blog November 9, 2014 at 9:26 AM
You are correct, the former Vero Beach Albertsons was a trapezoid model store. The design of this store was a little different than other stores of that model due to the size and shape of the lot it was built on, and it is also slightly smaller than the typical trapezoid store. As of right now, the building is still owned by Albertsons (ABS FLA Investor, LLC is the official name they use). The store is 45,000 square feet, which is smaller than most Albertsons Florida stores (most were typically in the 50,000-55,000 square foot range). This store actually closed on June 9, 2012 during Albertsons last round of closings in Florida, closing the same day as the other remaining Treasure Coast Albertsons in Port St. Lucie. That round of closings is when Albertsons narrowed their Florida store count to 4 stores from the 17 they had left at the time. Sorry to hear about your dad. I also have lots of family memories of going to Albertsons as well, which was another reason why I started this blog. I hope this info helps you, and if you have any more questions, feel free to send an e-mail to the address posted under the Contact Us tab.
Lantana Tazewel November 8, 2014 at 8:17 PM
I Have pictures of the Pre-bankruptcy interior and they more look like a Albertson's wannabee i have photos
Feel free to send them in, or I can link to them from your flickr, whichever you prefer. I'd be happy to post them under that section of the Winn-Dixie decor directory.
no pornography March 7, 2015 at 10:52 PM
Do know that the interior of this Winn-Dixie Might be Marketplace 1.0 or Marketplace 2.0
https://www.flickr.com/photos/walgreen/sets/72157647060592633/with/15812480766/
Albertsons Florida Blog March 9, 2015 at 11:10 AM
That looks like an older version of the Marketplace interior, but Foodtown was the one who probably added those extra colors, which I don't think Winn-Dixie would have used.
BikerBoyNJ April 27, 2015 at 5:05 PM
Fantastic Decor!
Ryan Quinn March 18, 2016 at 12:21 PM
There is a (now closed) Winn-Dixie store in Enterprise Alabama that I put on my blog that doesn't seem to have any of the above decors mentioned. :\
Albertsons Florida Blog March 18, 2016 at 3:37 PM
From what I could tell, that store doesn't look like it was touched since it was built back in the 70's. I tried going to your blog through your name/url link to look at the pictures of the interior, but it says the blog doesn't exist when I tried to load the post. There's a very slim but possible chance that store had an interior dating back to the 80's or prior, but I can't say for sure.
Salmon & turquoise are 90s colors and the "marketplace" theme was added to the local Winn-Dixie I worked at when it was remodeled in the 90s.
How can I find out the color and maker of the hardwood floors in the produce depts. of the WD transformational stores? It's a perfect match for what I want to do in my home. Tried calling corporate, and checked several local stores that have it to no avail-hard to believe there wouldn't be some extra somewhere for damage, etc. If you know anything about this-bob duckett7 at gmail dot com-no caps or spaces. Thanks!!
Napoleon Reese January 9, 2017 at 6:18 PM
Gee, I remember the time when Winn-Dixie was still around in NC and VA, some stores had the Marketplace decor, some had the 1st generation Marketplace exterior designs and some stores had the 2nd generation Marketplace exterior model! That's in the past because 10 Winn-Dixie stores in NC and VA were bought by Food Lion, and for a fact that Food Lion closed its stores in Florida, was that payback for WD closing its NC stores in the bankruptcy process? As for the others, Publix has done good business in the competition, and Publix recently expanded into NC, but leaving Salisbury out. Albertsons? No more! Because in Florida, it's now Safeway!! Anyways, thank you for documenting the store models and signage decor package history as time goes by!!
Albertsons Florida Blog January 9, 2017 at 9:28 PM
Those Marketplace stores were a part of the last wave of new stores in NC and VA. By the mid-90's, they almost completely stopped building new stores in that area. Not much later, the bankruptcy ended everything up there. Food Lion pulled out of Florida in 2012 after getting squeezed out of the state by Publix and Walmart, although Food Lion never really did well in Florida during their 25 or so years in the state. Publix is in a big expansion mode, with a grand entrance into Virginia later this year around Bristol and Richmond. They'll eventually find their way to Salisbury, NC - they're not scared to enter Food Lion's home town. Glad you liked this page - I actually need to update this page one day, as I haven't in a while.
SunshineRetail August 23, 2017 at 2:01 PM
I've noticed that there seems to be a newer version of Classy Market that's been in use since about 2015. It's very similar to 3rd Gen, except with some minor changes. There is no wood motif on the department signs anymore, and some of the department colors have changed (example; Seafood is green now, Produce is orange and green, etc.) There is also a new "Welcome to Publix" sign at the entrance set on a background of what looks like green beans or asparagus. I've been referring to it as "Gen 3.5" of Classy Market. It looks like this store you went to in Winter Park" has it, and I'll be uploading my own pictures of it soon. It's something you might want to look into.
Albertsons Florida Blog August 25, 2017 at 6:56 PM
Unlike the transition from Classy Market 1.0 to Classy Market 2.0, the transition from Classy Market 2.0 to 3.0 was more transitional than a sudden change. Around 2012-2013 there was a decor Publix was using that was somewhat a cross of Classy 2.0 and Classy 3.0. I never wrote about it on here as a decor of its own (I grouped it with 3.0, as it was different enough from 2.0 to mark the transition). That decor was essentially the color scheme of Classy 2.0, but with the wood motif signs used in early 3.0, as well as 2.0's aisle signs, I guess a "Classy Market 2.5" so to speak. Here's an example of that: https://www.flickr.com/photos/113856435@N07/albums/72157667748064655
The "Classy Market 3.5" you mention is what I always thought of as official, "perfected" Classy Market 3.0. That decor was used exclusively for new builds when it first came out, while most older stores were getting "Classy Market 2.5" remodels at the same time. There is also another version of Classy Market 3.0 that was used during all of this (Publix #1374 in Vero Beach has it, but there aren't any good photos of it online) that also had slightly modified signage in some departments. Essentially, what I'm trying to get at is that all of these decor variants were all lumped together around the same time and look very much the same. I need to update this page at some point as it is quite outdated in some spots, and I'll see what the best way to break all of this down is. I don't think the decor changed too dramatically to warrant a Classy Market 4.0 yet, but they can't be too far from that point - the original version of 3.0 is pushing 5 years old now, and Publix seems to like changing decors every 5 or so years. Hopefully all of that rambling wasn't too confusing to understand, but that's how my mind has been processing all of this.
SunshineRetail August 27, 2017 at 11:41 AM
No, I wasn't confused at all. The "Classy 2.5", as you refer to it, is what many of the stores in my area remodeled to. Even the new Peachland store that was built from the ground-up in 2013 used Classy 2.5, and even has the same aisle markers as that Jupiter store (3rd-gen numbers, but old 2nd-gen product inserts).
Two of the stores in my area (which are the Quesada store in Port Charlotte and the Cocoplum Village store in North Port) remodeled to the "full" 3.0, as you referred to it, and I forget to mention that a new one actually opened last month in Punta Gorda that also has the full 3.0.
Jackson Crodian September 2, 2017 at 4:22 PM
MikeRa September 28, 2017 at 11:11 AM
The Randalls store on Louisiana Street, in Houston, TX also uses the Brown Lifestyle interior decor
Jimmy February 2, 2018 at 4:56 PM
I don’t know if you’ve seen this interior:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/ohdanielsan/3358616631
It’s of a west coast Albertsons but I think some Florida stores used this “Warm Market” decor. I remember the Brandon store having a similar motif, somewhere between the sterile Blue and Grey and the outrageous Hurricane Stripes. I don’t have proof of that, though.
Albertsons Florida Blog February 2, 2018 at 6:49 PM
I've seen bits and pieces of that interior in old photos, but never a photo of it that clear. Thanks for sharing that. My theory is that interior was used after the Skaggs breakup (1978-79 era) and prior to the introduction of Blue and Gray in the mid-80's, but I can't say for sure as there's very little to go off of photographically from that era. I wouldn't be surprised if the Brandon store had this interior - I think some of the prior glimpses I had of this interior was in an old video clip taken inside the Seville Square Albertsons in St. Pete.
duckman66 February 20, 2018 at 9:20 AM
Belleair Bluffs #4308 definitely had that color style interior, but with capital block style lettering over the departments during the late 1980s. (The 70s Stripes interior survived in that store until well into the '80s.) See below for examples I found on Flickr.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/romleys/1590520194/ - Albertsons in several Florida stores definitely used that style aisle marker, some as late as 2001 and possibly later than that.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/romleys/1589633001/
Ross April 2, 2018 at 11:35 AM
This is a very good comprehensive and informative look at some of the interiors and exteriors of these stores from recent memory. A couple thoughts on each:
Albertsons- I always associated the blue and gray interior with Albertsons for many years, and at one time even thought of how they kept the look consistent at a time when other chains were remodeling their stores. I probably lived near some outdated locations. I’m also somewhat resistant to change.
Although I never disliked nor had any attachment to Albertsons over the years, I’m glad I live close enough to the Largo store to be able to document its final days as Albertsons. So is the new Safeway decor something they use in Albertsons as well? I didn’t know that.
Publix - It’s a good thing for stores to get updates, but I hate how often Publix has remodeled their stores in recent years. That said, the 3.0 package has some attractive features. What I don’t like are the dark ceilings. I’m sure they were going for a more elegant or intimate feel, but I hope the next round of refreshing brings back some of the brightness.
I loved the linked photo album of the 70s era store in Tallahassee. I probably visited that store at least once in my many trips to the area. I especially love the directory. That’s probably what I remember most about the inside of an old Publix.
We had a wing store in my area well into the 80’s. I still have fond memories of seeing it all lit up at night. I’ve always loved flashing signs. You’re right that Publix exteriors have become less interesting over the years. We do have one in St. Pete that still has the ‘P’ logo on the sign, but inside it has the updated interior.
Winn Dixie - all the stores in my area either have the 2000’s post-bankruptcy interior, or the Sweetbay interior from the ones they took over. The only exception is the Marketplace store which I mentioned in a comment on another post. I’ve never even seen the other interiors mentioned.
Anyway, that’s all the rambling I have for now. I appreciate all the effort and research you put into your posts.
Albertsons Florida Blog April 14, 2018 at 9:22 PM
Albertsons kept that Blue and Gray decor for 12-13 years from the mid-late 1980s to the late 1990s, with minimal change in that time period too. It was a long enduring decor, and for that reason many people relate that look to Albertsons. The Safeway decor has so far appeared in only Safeway branded stores (as well as stores under Safeway's pre-merger family of brands). I don't think any Albertsons stores actually have that look, but that was the best place for be to put that information to keep the chronology of the decor for the Florida stores accurate.
I read on Publix's website that they like to remodel their stores every 5-6 years. From what I've seen, that philosophy tends to hold true is most cases, especially since the 2.0 decor is nearly dead now (and it would be only going on 10 years old right now!). That album of the old Tallahassee Publix is one of my favorites, and has some of the only photos of the 80's era Publix interior that I've ever found. I still can't believe that even in 2006 a Publix with that old of an interior was still floating around! I miss the bright pastel days of Publix as well. From what I've seen with some of Publix's more recent remodels and new stores, I think a replacement for the 3.0 decor is slowly in the works. No major changes in decor yet, but some things like tile backsplashes changing pattern, a new style customer service desk, an new pharmacy logo, and new store brand packaging seem to hint at more changes coming soon. However, we'll just have to see what happens over the next year on that front.
And thanks for the compliment! It's always nice to hear that my efforts are appreciated!
Jackson Crodian December 2, 2018 at 1:51 AM
I also found a new Publix Deli logo, and a new Publix Bakery logo on the packaging. Maybe that will be used in a new decor for Publix?
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Интервью с Дэннисом Поттером. Интервью 5 из 14 самых популярных в ХХ веке по версии журнала The Guardian
‘We tend to forget that life can only be defined in the present tense’
Edited version of Melvyn Bragg’s interview of Dennis Potter on March 15 1994. It was broadcast by Channel 4 on April 5 1994
Melvyn Bragg: How did you, and when did you, find out that you’d got this cancer?
Dennis Potter: Well, I knew for sure on St Valentine’s day, [laughs] like a little gift, a little kiss from somebody or something. Obviously I had suspicions. I had a lot of pain before then and there was a quite accidental sort of misdiagnosis of the condition. In a way it was almost a relief to find out what it was: cancer of the pancreas with secondary cancers already in the liver and the knowledge that it can’t be treated. There’s no … neither chemotherapy nor surgery are appropriate, it’s just simply analgesic care until, you know: Goodnight Vienna, as they say in football nowadays. [laughs] And I’ve been working since then, flat out at strange hours, ’cause I’m done in the evenings, because of the morphine. The pain is very energysapping, but I do find that I can, I can be at my desk at five o’clock in the morning, and I’m keeping to a schedule of pages, and I will and do meet that schedule every day.
I grieve for my family and friends who know me closest, obviously, and they’re going through it in a sense more than I am. But I discover also what you always know to be true, but you never know it till you know it, if you follow (sorry, I’ve got … my voice is echoing in my head for some reason).
We all, we’re the one animal that knows that we’re going to die, and yet we carry on paying our mortgages, doing our jobs, moving about, behaving as though there’s eternity in a sense. And we forget or tend to forget that life can only be defined in the present tense; it is is, and it is now only. I mean, as much as we would like to call back yesterday and indeed yearn to, and ache to sometimes, we can’t. It’s in us, but we can’t actually; it’s not there in front of us. However predictable tomorrow is, and unfortunately for most people, most of the time, it’s too predictable, they’re locked into whatever situation they’re locked into … Even so, no matter how predictable it is, there’s the element of the unpredictable, of the you don’t know. The only thing you know for sure is the present tense, and that nowness becomes so vivid that, almost in a perverse sort of way, I’m almost serene. You know, I can celebrate life.
Below my window in Ross, when I’m working in Ross, for example, there at this season, the blossom is out in full now, there in the west early. It’s a plum tree, it looks like apple blossom but it’s white, and looking at it, instead of saying «Oh that’s nice blossom» … last week looking at it through the window when I’m writing, I see it is the whitest, frothiest, blossomest blossom that there ever could be, and I can see it. Things are both more trivial than they ever were, and more important than they ever were, and the difference between the trivial and the important doesn’t seem to matter. But the nowness of everything is absolutely wondrous, and if people could see that, you know. There’s no way of telling you; you have to experience it, but the glory of it, if you like, the comfort of it, the reassurance … not that I’m interested in reassuring people — bugger that. The fact is, if you see the present tense, boy do you see it! And boy can you celebrate it.
Do you spend much time thinking about your childhood and raking through that, Dennis, and the time in the Forest of Dean, the time with your parents? Because you’ve written about it often. Where is it now, as it were, in your …
Where is the Forest of Dean? It’s still back there. It’s a sort of mythic Forest of Dean. There’s the real one (laughs), with the same signs and stresses as the real anywhere, and there’s the other one, the one I grew up as a small child in, and those rather ugly villages in beautiful landscape. Just accidentally a heart-shaped place between two rivers, somehow slightly cut off from them, the rest of England and Wales on the far side, the other border …
Do you look back and … I mean, a lot of people think that you see your childhood in … there are terrors in it, but it is some kind of place in England that was a particular period in the lives of a lot of people which was to do with a sense of community. Now, we’ve both been through that, and we know that things were wrong — awful and terrible and so on — but there’s a glow there. Is it a glow because you’re a middle-aged man looking back?
Well, it’s partly that and it’s partly … it’s true the fact about childhood, which I tried to do in things like Blue Remembered Hills, for example. I used adult actors to play children in order to make them like a magnifying glass, to show what it’s like. And because if you look at a child, talk about present tense, that’s all they, all a small child lives in. So a wet Tuesday afternoon can actually be years long, and it — childhood — is full to the brim of fear, horror, excitement, joy, boredom, love, anxiety … Maybe you kind of revert to that in a way, but my Forest of Dean childhood, well … it is a strange and beautiful place, with a people who were as warm as anywhere else, but they seemed warmer to me, and the accent is almost so strong, it’s almost like a dialect.
Up the hill three times, well, twice actually, usually on a Sunday, sometimes three times to Salem Chapel and those little floppy, orange-covered hymn books, Ira Sankey’s 1,200 Sacred Songs and Solos and all this. Numbers would be slotted up on the board like those choruses, like … There’s one I’m trying to — it’s funny, I can think of the number before I can think of the chorus, I can see it as clear as though it were written in front of me on the slat — 787, hymn number 787: «Will there be any stars, any stars in my crown, when the evening sun goes down, when I wake with the blessed in the mansion of rest, will there be any stars in my crown?» And, of course, it makes me laugh, and yet it tugs at me. And for me, of course it was the Holy Land — I knew Cannop Ponds by the pit where Dad worked, I knew that was where Jesus walked on the water; I knew where the Valley of the Shadow of Death was, that lane where the overhanging trees were.
We were poor, yes. Dad was a coalminer, reserved occupation, so he didn’t go in the army. But the whole country at that time was politicised; even children knew what the war was about. I mean, we did. We English tend to deride ourselves far too easily, because we’ve lost so much confidence, because we lost so much of our own sense of identity, which had been subsumed in this forced imperial identity which I obviously hate. But we were, at that time, both a brave and a steadfast people, and we shared an aim, a condition, a political aspiration if you like, which was shown immediately in the 1945 general election, and then one of the great governments of British history — those five, six years of creating what is now being so brutally and wantonly and callously dismantled was actually a period to be proud of, and I’m proud of it.
You don’t mind this cigarette? I mean, I always have smoked, but…
Why should I mind?
Well, people do nowadays. You get so bloody nervous smoking.
It’s all right, I’m a very passive smoker.
Thank God I don’t have to go to America any more. It’s easier to pull a gun in America than a cigarette out of your pocket. Now I’m just virtually chain-smoking, because there’s no point in … There’s so many things, like I can’t keep food down any more. I can’t have a meal, my digestive system’s gone, but I can drink things, and those prepared, those horrible chemical things with all the minerals and stuff in them, but I can add a dash of this and that to it, which I do, and … like cholesterol, aawww! I can break any rule now, you know, I can do it. But the cigarette, well, I love stroking this lovely tube of delight. Look at it (laughter).
I’ve packed in. Now stop, or I’ll be smoking again in a minute, Dennis, with you. It’s been written about so much and derided so much, people from working-class backgrounds getting to Oxford … Do you think the driving themes in your work have come from your childhood or did they come from what happened after the break to university and the first few years’ university journalism?
Dunno, Melvyn. They come as you grow, and your childhood remains. I mean, I forget, I’ve forgotten who said it, but I remember reading some essay by some writer saying that for any writer, the first 14 years of his or her life are the crucible anyway, no matter what you do. But of course you add on and you use your experiences and I, I’ve always deliberately, as a device, used the equivalent of a novelist’s first-person narrative. You know when the novelist says I, he doesn’t mean I, and yet you want him to mean I, and I’ve used, for example in The Singing Detective, I used the Forest of Dean, I used the physical circumstances of psoriatic arthropathy, which, you know, I’ve still got bloody psoriasis itching away at me, which is a bugger. You’d think that would lay off now, wouldn’t you, but it won’t! But I used that, and geographical realities, and it seemed so personal then, but I often do that. It isn’t. I make it up, the story. You know the wife thing? The whole inner structure of that man is different to me. Now he was a man, the Singing Detective, Michael Gambon character, the Philip Marlow in a hospital bed at the beginning who had nothing. He was stripped of everything. He had no faith in himself, no belief in any political, religious or social system. He was full of a witty despair and cynicism. Now I have never been like that, and the dramatic story was very simple. It was simply seeing a man pick up his bed and walk. It’s interesting, I always fall back into biblical language, but that again, you see, is part of my heritage, which I, in a sense, am grateful for.
Do you feel you were thought of at one stage as a political writer, at a very early stage? Your first appearance on television was talking about class to some in some documentary programme.
Yes, that’s right.
And then Stand Up, Nigel Barton, you stood as a Labour candidate, you worked with the Daily Herald and so on. Where does that figure now, Dennis, and when did it figure? Was it a …
I realised that somewhere along the line my pen was actually going to provide me with a living. Politics seemed the gateway. My very first book I wrote as an undergraduate, although a printing strike delayed it until a year after I left Oxford — it came out in 1960.
The Glittering Coffin?
… called The Glittering Coffin, yes, which was a kind of metaphor for the condition of England. Typical young man’s title, you see, typical piece of that sort of humbugging, canting rhetoric, which young men — bless their hearts — specialise in. We should always look back on our own past with a sort of tender contempt. As long as the tenderness is there, but please let some of the contempt be there, because we know what we are like, we know how we hustle and bustle and shove and push and sometimes use grand words to cloak it; one does. I’m not looking at you specifically, so don’t squirm [laughter].
Just associating bodily there.
Politics was — seemed — the door, until I actually stood as a candidate. By then, of course, illness had descended and I had a walking stick and I was drowning actually, drowning, felt that I was … On the Daily Herald I hated every second of it. And that world of popular journalism, as I saw it then, and the Herald eventually mutated through the mismanagement of the Mirror Group, its eventual owners, into … There’s an interesting thing: one of the favourite fantasy plots of a writer is a character is told «You’ve got three months to live» and — which is what I was told — and you, who would you kill? (laughs). I call my cancer, the main one, the pancreas one, I call it Rupert, so I can get close to it, because the man Murdoch is the one who, if I had the time — in fact I’ve got too much writing to do and I haven’t got the energy — but I would shoot the bugger if I could. There is no one person more responsible for the pollution of what was already a fairly polluted press, and the pollution of the British press is an important part of the pollution of British political life.
In your own writing, there was a time when it seemed to me, and to a lot of people, that there were novels being written and plays being put on on stage and films being made, but the power of very good writers, directors, cameramen talking to a large public was on television and you were pushing it again and again. You were bringing up ideas of the devil, you were bringing up ideas of dialogue turning into singing. You were bringing up ideas of memory matching with fantasy and so on. Did you … you obviously found television available to everything you wanted to do, and you made it available for a lot of other people.
It could be, and can be, and I reached a stage and I’ve written so many things down over so many years of working for television — obviously, I’m 58. I might reach my … 59 on May 17. I might get there. It’d look neater, wouldn’t it, to die 59? But technique, I don’t think about any more. It’s just natural to me, I don’t even … it’s like with a musician …
What about subject matter? Was there anything … did you feel that you were being daring doing any of the things you did in it? Did you think, I am going to be …
That’s the only thing I really resent, that’s the only thing I would stamp my foot about. I never have … This is, I was going to say the gospel truth, here I go again, but this is the truth, Melvyn, that I have never felt the need to do that. It has come, the mould, if broken on any one point, has come out of the need to do what I was doing. Not, «How do I break the mould?» It’s the other way round, so things have happened. The way they come, I remember, it’s … it always sounds so mundane but, for example, the use of adults to play children in Blue Remembered Hills was, is just … I was starting to write about children and I wanted to write something difficult because children don’t have long speeches; you can’t have flashbacks to nonexistent memories. You can’t have certain rhetorical devices. You have to have a continual twitchy action because that’s how children move. And these were a group of seven seven-year-olds, and the only, ultimately the only, way I could see, while keeping exactly to the language of childhood and the movements of childhood and the constant present-tense preoccupations of childhood, to show it without that filter coming in the way, which an audience going «Ah, children» and immediately pushing it back to childhood, was by using adults, seven adult actors. Once you get over the panic of the first five minutes, when I think, my God, is this … ? Colin Welland’s great fat arse and great shorts addling, sploshing through mud, making aeroplane noises, and chewing on an apple, and I thought, oh, you know, it’s going to be one of those dire, dread embarrassments, because it ain’t gonna work. And yet after a while people could see obviously that these were adults. But they also saw that they were children, so it worked. It wasn’t because I was trying — do you see what I’m getting at? I was trying to show childhood not at one remove but straight on.
What about bringing in popular songs, as you did, say, with Pennies from Heaven?
That, I wanted to write about — in a sense it sounds condescending, and I don’t mean it quite this way — I wanted to write about the way popular culture is an inheritor of something else. You know that cheap songs so-called actually do have something of the Psalms of David about them. They do say the world is other than it is. They do illuminate. This is why people say, «Listen, they’re playing our song», or whatever. It’s not because that particular song actually expressed the depth of the feelings that they felt when they met each other and heard it. It is that somehow it re-evokes and pours out of them yet again, but with a different coating of irony and selfknowledge. Those feelings come bubbling back. So I wanted to write about popular songs in a direct way. It became just a technical problem for me. Not interested in writing a musical. A musical has a different grammar: the action builds to a song and then a song caps it and then it moves on. Then I thought, well, they lip-synch things now and again. You know, like sometimes there’s a bad performance or they dub from one language to another. Why don’t I just try making the actor move his lips to the words of the song? Then I tried it a bit, I tried it with myself in a mirror, and that was fun. I mean, I was pre-karaoke and I wasn’t breaking a mould as such. I just found the ideal way of making these songs so real.
[I] dislike, and I can understand it, the use of this word controversial, but there were many times when you really seemed to bump into opinion in this country. Can we talk about Brimstone and Treacle, the vision of a devil …
Ah, Brimstone and Treacle was … Can I break off for a second? I need a swig of that — there’s liquid morphine in that thing. I’ll keep going but I … Can you unscrew that cap? I … this is not agitation about Brimstone and Treacle by the way.
Are you feeling OK? How much … how much time?
It’s better to go on.
Why do you think you got so much resistance in Brimstone and Treacle?
It’s a very complicated story, but if I could put in essence what I saw I was trying to do: it’s … in a way it’s a simple flip-over of an ordinary sentimental religiose, rather than religious, parable, in that there is an afflicted house — variously afflicted, but in particular with a crippled, seemingly mindless, struck girl, young girl. And there is a visitor, and the visitor brings her to life and makes her speak. Now, if that visitor were an angel, then all you would have is sanctimoniousness, you would learn nothing about anything. What if it were the devil? Instead of making that easy distinction which, on the whole, only the blasphemous make — non-religious people make this distinction very easily, between so-called good and so-called evil, when of course they are interrelated, and one is defined in terms of the other. So instead of the angel coming and rescuing the cripple and the dumb and the afflicted, I had the devil do it. The evil act can lead to good consequences; a good act can lead to evil consequences. This is often the case, and it is … it is incomprehensible. It is as though, you know, the rain falls on the just and upon the unjust. It is so. Now, it appeared disgusting because it was a devil, and because it was a rape, or the beginnings of a rape, that made her cry out; and interestingly, the cry out was actually an accusation against her father. That complexity is, as I say, simply a reversal of what would have been sanctimonious and sentimental.
That’ll have to do. I’m done. I need that thing again, I’m sorry. I felt OK, you see. At certain points, I felt I was flying with it.
You were.
And so … I’m grateful for the chance. This is my chance to say my last words. So, thanks.
· Interview reproduced by permission of ITN Source/Channel 4.
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Home / News / Stormy Daniels Says She Was “Terrified” of Steelers’ Ben Roethlisberger After Trump Introduced Them and Urged Him To Escort Her To Her Hotel Room in ’06
Stormy Daniels Says She Was “Terrified” of Steelers’ Ben Roethlisberger After Trump Introduced Them and Urged Him To Escort Her To Her Hotel Room in ’06
MsJennyb September 24, 2018 News Leave a comment
As part of Stormy Daniels’ attempt to expose Donald Trump and their one-time sexual encounter, the former porn star has dragged a third party into the mix.
In an exclusive copy of Daniels’ new tell-all book, “Full Disclosure,” obtained by CNN, Daniels detailed the alleged affair with the Celebrity-in-Chief, but also shared an interesting tidbit about the night after.
According to the former porn star, she met Trump in the VIP section of a nightclub after their alleged rendezvous in 2006, where she was then introduced to Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger. However, by the end of the night, Trump encouraged the quarterback to escort Daniels back to her room.
“Trump was sitting in a corner with Ben Roethlisberger. Shortly before his twenty-fourth birthday,” she wrote in the book. “They were in mid-conversation, but Trump stopped and smiled at me. He made a kissy face like an invitation, and I just nodded.”
She said she then sat next to Roethlisberger and the two discussed his recent feat, as well as her own line of work before the two exchanged phone numbers.
“‘Is this your real number or your ho phone,” I asked as I typed. Trump and Ben both laughed, and Ben recited a second number. ‘I’m not gonna call you on your ho phone.’”
“Trump grabbed Ben’s shoulder and leaned in. ‘I told you she was smart,’ he said. ‘What did I tell you about this one?’”
Though Daniels said she had no idea what Trump had told the quarterback about her, he did encourage Roethlisberger to escort Daniels back to her room.
However, by the time they got to Daniels’ hotel room, things took a turn for the worse.
“At my door, Ben said, ‘Oh, can I see your room?” She wrote as she replied, “‘I’m really tired.’”
“He looked at the [key] card until I put it in, and I didn’t open the door all the way. Just enough for me to slip through. As I got behind it, keeping my face out, I noticed he’d raised his hand to rest it on the door,” she said in the book.
“He pushed lightly, I pushed lightly. Did he know he was leaning on the door? Was he just steadying himself,” she questioned in the text. But to her surprise, he asked, “Can I come in?”
Daniels said she maintained that she was too tired to entertain company, which prompted Roethlisberger’s next suggestion. “How about a good night kiss?’”
However, Daniels said she declined, informing Roethlisberger that she was there with Trump but as the baller tried to convince her otherwise, she said she slammed the door in his face.
“He stood outside, not leaving,” Daniels wrote. “Every now and again he’d knock, rapping his knuckles in a line low along the door. ‘Come onnnn,’ he repeated in a singsong voice. ‘I won’t tell.’”
The incident left her “terrified,” however, it did come two years before the first sexual assault investigation against Roethlisberger and four years before the second. Both of which the baller denied.
Tags Ben Roethlisberger donald trump Stormy Daniels
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National Bohemian is a premium Bohemian-style beer. As the name implies, this is a method of beer-making that originated in Europe in the 1800’s using Bavarian-style laagering techniques. Also known as Pilsner, this style of beer has the unique claim to being “the world’s first golden beer.”
Today, Natty Boh is brewed according to the strict traditions that made it the beer of choice. Using only the finest ingredients – sparkling pure water, fine grains, choice hops and our special strain of selected yeast – every batch of Natty Boh is patiently aged resulting in a medium-bodied beer with a smooth color, a distinct hop aroma and a superior taste.
1885: From the Land of Pleasant Living® comes National Bohemian, a treasured mid-Atlantic brand.
1885: A Bohemian-style beer, Natty Boh was first brewed by the National Brewing Company in Baltimore, Maryland.
1933: National Bohemian returned with the introduction of Mr. Boh, the one-eyed mascot with a handlebar-mustache and distinctive smile. Instantly adopted as a symbol of a proud city, Mr. Boh continues to be the iconic face for the brand today appearing on all cans, bottles, packaging and merchandise found in shops all over Maryland.
1940’s: Canned beer started becoming popular and National was the first brewer in the U.S. to put six-packs of cans on the market.
1950”s: National Brewing continued to proudly represent Baltimore and the Maryland shore, adopting the now famous slogan: “From the Land of Pleasant Living”.
1965: National Bohemian became the official sponsor of the Baltimore Orioles. Natty Boh was served at Memorial Stadium and cemented its reputation as “official” beer of Baltimore.
2013: Today, Natty Boh has returned to the traditional recipe that made it the beer of choice in Baltimore and across the mid-Atlantic. Likewise, Mr. Boh continues to be a symbol of the community he so proudly represents and can be seen keeping watch over the city on top of the Natty Boh Tower. But he represents far more than a simple mascot, he is also the uncrowned king of Baltimore and plays a significant role in what makes Baltimore different from any other city in the world!
©2017 National Brewing Co. http://nationalbohemian.com
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Jewish studies minors and codirectors, in the Slavic/Eastern languages library: (seated) Dwayne Carpenter and Ariel Goldberg ’08; (standing) Lindsay Wilcox ’07, Maxim Shrayer, Christopher Agliano ’07. Photograph: Gary Wayne Gilbert
Boston College has launched a minor concentration in Jewish studies in the College of Arts & Sciences. The program, which joins 15 interdisciplinary minor programs in A&S, draws upon 17 faculty from nine departments and offers an inaugural selection of courses ranging from “Ten Commandments: A Jewish Perspective” to “Exile and Literature” to “The Middle East in the 20th Century.”
“BC adds minor in Jewish studies,” Boston Globe, September 22, 2005
“Catholic Colleges Give Jewish Programs a Lift,” Forward, January 20, 2006
Dwayne Carpenter’s faculty page
Maxim Shrayer’s faculty page
Jewish Studies Program
A&S interdisciplinary minors
Codirected by Dwayne Carpenter and Maxim Shrayer, faculty in the Romance languages and literature and the Slavic and Eastern languages departments, respectively, the program is open to all students and will offer a broad perspective on Jewish history and culture. Six courses are required to complete the minor, from a selection of more than 24 offered. The minor’s required introductory course, “Mapping the Jewish Experience,” to be taught for the first time in fall 2006, will tap the diversity of Judaism, including its manifestation over the millennia in Ethiopia, in Spain and Northern Africa, and in northern Europe and the Americas.
Announcement of the program’s creation was widely noted in the press. “Roman Catholic college adds minor in Jewish studies,” ran the headline of an Associated Press report. The Boston Globe story was subtitled “Program a rarity at Catholic colleges” and noted that Jesuit Fairfield University has offered a Jewish studies minor since 1996 but that neither Notre Dame nor Georgetown, which are invariably linked with Boston College as the leading American Catholic universities, offered a similar program. Georgetown has since launched its own minor in Jewish civilization.
The work of creating the Jewish studies program began as a discussion between Shrayer—who teaches both Russian and American literature—and Carpenter, who studies medieval minorities, including the Jews of Spain prior to their expulsion in 1492. An organizational meeting attended by 30 faculty was held in April 2004, and following a four-month examination the program was approved by the College of Arts & Sciences last spring. Seven students enrolled in the minor during the fall semester, and the first was Ariel Goldberg ’08 of Newton, Massachusetts, an undeclared major, who says she looks forward to taking the program’s courses “with people who aren’t necessarily Jewish.” In a University where 1 percent of the student population self-identified as Jewish in an optional freshman survey, this will almost always be the case.
“All students, Jewish and non-Jewish, can examine this world in hopes of better understanding both the commonality and the diversity of the human condition,” says Carpenter. “The serious intellectual approach to Jewish studies” in the new program “will be in as broad a context as possible.”
Paul Voosen
Read more by Paul Voosen
Invasive procedure
Q&A: Airborne
Disambiguation
Campus digest
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Life Stories #57: Jonathan Wilson
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photo: Gabe Wilson
In this episode of Life Stories, I chat with Jonathan Wilson about Kick and Run, a “memoir with soccer ball” that begins with his growing up in midcentury London to his life as a father, fiction writer and now memoirist in the United States—with football serving as the common element throughout. So we talk about everything from the unsupervised games of his childhood to his arrival in New York City in 1976 (when Americans didn’t yet know much about the sport) to covering the 1994 World Cup for The New Yorker to coaching his own children’s youthful soccer matches.
Oh! And we had this conversation before the group stages for the 2014 World Cup were announced, but I suspect that if we were to talk now he’d be just as pessimistic about England’s chances in Brazil—and maybe even just as politely encouraging about the American team—as he was then. (There’s also a point where, discussing how other international teams often draw more fans to matches than the U.S. squad, I suggest it would be silly for the U.S. to play Portugal at Fenway Park; I realized much later I must have been subconsciously thinking of a Celtic-Sporting friendly that actually did take place there.)
This is the final episode of Life Stories for 2013, and a lot has happened with the podcast these last twelve months! It’s a fantastic opportunity, getting to talk to so many memoir writers about their lives and the art of writing memoir, and I’m looking forward to what 2014 has in store. Thanks for listening!
Listen to Life Stories #57: Jonathan Wilson (MP3 file); or download this file by right-clicking (Mac users, option-click). Or subscribe to Life Stories in iTunes, where you can catch up with earlier episodes and be alerted whenever a new one is released. (And if you are an iTunes subscriber, please consider rating and reviewing the podcast!)
16 December 2013 | life stories |
Life Stories #56: Beth Lisick
photo: Amos Mac
In this episode of Life Stories, I meet up with Beth Lisick, a writer I’ve been a fan of for nearly twenty years since she was doing spoken word performances in clubs in San Francisco. There’s some scenes from that part of her life that make it into Yokohama Threeway and Other Small Shames, but the book also reached back to her early childhood and to fairly recent events—it’s not a conventional memoir so much as a collection of fragmentary moments of embarrassment and mortification and humiliation. Here’s what she told me about how it came together, after she’d become frustrated with the autobiographical writing she’d been doing for mainstream publishers over much of the last decade:
“I was really tired of trying to write about myself in this way where I was creating a character, and I had to make that character funny, yet smart, yet accessible, yet a little bit crazy… suitable for editors at a big publishing house to say, ‘Oh, this is relatable! You seem so nice and a little messed up, a little bit quirky…’ I didn’t like having to present myself in this way that I felt pressured to, so I decided to start writing this novel, and after I began the novel, I thought, okay, I’m never writing about myself again.
And then I remembered: God, I have so many amazing stories that are just little vignettes, little moments really, that aren’t… that never found themselves into essays or big stories, and so it was almost like, for me, the nail in the coffin of autobiographical work, that I was just like, you know what I’m going to do? I’m going to come up with everything I can think of about my life that is funny, interesting, weird, terrible and put it in this book and then move on.”
She describes the reaction from her previous publisher: “Oh, you know, I think what we really need is just ten longer, funny essays and if you want to do that, we’d love to publish it.” But she felt that this way the way this book needed to be written, which is why it ended up at the indie publishing house City Lights. We get into some more details of the frustrations she felt with those earlier autobiographical personas (especially the molds that other people wanted to cast her into), then talk about things like the tensions between creative freedom and financial success and what it’s like to define yourself by your failures. Among other topics.
There was a moment earlier this year, in my conversation with Dani Shapiro, where we discussed the idea of memoir as picking at the deepest wounds, and I think you can apply that metaphor to Yokohama Threeway—except that Beth is paying attention to a broad series of cuts and scrapes, leaving any larger narrative unspoken. It’s not quite poetry, but it’s more than simple prose, and its intimacy sneaks up on you.
Listen to Life Stories #56: Beth Lisick (MP3 file); or download this file by right-clicking (Mac users, option-click). Or subscribe to Life Stories in iTunes, where you can catch up with earlier episodes and be alerted whenever a new one is released. (And if you are an iTunes subscriber, please consider rating and reviewing the podcast!)
9 December 2013 | life stories |
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Home › AtHoc | Enterprise | Security › No Warning: 5 Reasons Weathering a Crisis Without a Secure Communications Network Is Its Own Disaster
No Warning: 5 Reasons Weathering a Crisis Without a Secure Communications Network Is Its Own Disaster
AtHoc
04.05.16 / Georgina Hart
In the midst of an emergency, communication makes all the difference in the world. Civilians need to be alerted so they can be brought to safety, and emergency responders need to know the scope and scale of a disaster to effectively mitigate it so they can be kept safe. A crisis communications system that allows information and alerts to be shared instantaneously is essential.
But what happens when those involved in a disaster have no such system in place? What happens when, unlike Macquarie University in Australia or San Diego’s Naval Medical Center, an organization can’t provide those involved in a crisis with the information they need? These questions were discussed at length in a recent AtHoc event in Australia, attended by several leaders in government, crisis communications and security.
1. Your Team Is Flying Blind
In January 2011, the Australian State of Queensland was hit by a series of devastating floods. Thousands of people were affected, and damage estimates were as high as $2.38 billion. Emergency teams had to scramble as the ‘inland tsunami’ took hold, flooding 20 towns across the Lockyer Valley.
“Pandemonium is one of the expressions that best describes such an emergency,” says Brisbane-based crisis management specialist Peter Rekers, CEO of Crisis Ready. “I wasn’t in the operations center on the day of the Lockyer floods, but this kind of natural disaster was unprecedented in the area. My gut feeling is that the teams did the best they could with limited information, in very difficult terrain. As in any emergency situation, there would have been a whole lot of people who knew their jobs, knew what they were trying to find out, and had to build a picture on their own, without clear information from the field.”
According to Rekers, the time between when a crisis occurs and when emergency responders have the necessary information to act can often be upwards of two hours. During that timeframe, in the absence of effective internal communication, third-party sources sometimes have more information about the event than emergency teams.
2. Relying On Third Parties Guarantees a Delayed Response
When news media is your best source of real-time information, that’s a problem. It’s inefficient, and verification of news reports introduces a delay that emergency responders cannot afford. To best ensure everyone’s kept safe in a crisis, an organization must already be in the process of responding by the time the media starts talking about it.
“During the Queensland floods, the government’s emergency alert system activated after the flooding occurred in the Lockyer Valley,” continues Rekers. “If there’d been the ability for people to report directly what was happening, they could have potentially sent out alerts in time to evacuate.”
3. The Information You Do Have Will Probably Be Inaccurate
Rekers recalls an incident in 2006, when the town of Innisfail, Australia was struck by Cyclone Larry. Throughout Queensland, the storm resulted in roughly A$1.5 billion ($1.1 billion USD) in damage. At the time, this made Larry the costliest tropical cyclone to ever impact Australia.
During the storm, Rekers and his team received a call from the town’s mayor. They were only able to make out one word before the call dropped: devastation.
“Imagine that moment,” says Rekers. “That was all we had for guidance. We literally started to organize a truck with body bags, because that’s what we thought we were going to need up there. It took two hours before we got decent enough connectivity that we were able to get a clear picture of what was happening there.”
Now imagine that instead of one phone call, you’re looking at twenty or more Facebook posts, tweets, and blog posts. Each piece of content provides only a partial picture of a crisis, and each of could be leaving some details out, or exaggerating others. People aren’t going to stop to verify their tweets during a flood, nor are they going to make sure their Facebook posts are 100% accurate during an earthquake or terrorist attack.
4. Where Multiple Organizations Are Involved, Things Grow Muddled Very Fast
In a large-scale emergency, there are often multiple guards, police, firefighters, and paramedics, each part of a different organization. If one team flying blind is ‘pandemonium’, several teams – all operating on slightly different information – is worse. There is no way one can expect a coordinated response in such a situation.
“During the 2014 Sydney hostage crisis, there were all sorts of different emergency teams and agencies involved – the Australian Federal Police, the New South Wales Police, and paramedics,” explains AtHoc Director of Alliances and Channel Sales Adrian Szwarcburg. “In a scenario like this, personnel are often using different systems – which can result in a great deal of confusion as things unfold. I can’t comment on what they have in place, but in this kind of environment, it is obviously ideal to be able to connect all those systems and frequencies in a seamless way to enable different agencies to contact each other.”
5. Post-Crisis Liability Is a Disaster After the Fact
Particularly in industries such as healthcare and government, it’s imperative that records are kept of communication during a crisis, including details on whether or not messages have been received.
Without those details, agencies or individuals could be held accountable if someone does not respond adequately to a crisis after being notified. Even if they ignored your message, there would be no record of your efforts to reach them.
Depending on country or region, this could mean anything from lawsuits to regulatory penalties.
“If in a crisis you try to notify a key person through four or five different devices, you need to be able to tell if they’ve received the message,” says Szwarcburg (pictured right). “Let’s say you contact them through a phone call, and it goes to their voice mail or they pick up and hang up without responding. You need an audit trail, so you can say with certainty that you’ve reached out.”
The AtHoc Solution
AtHoc provides one of the most complete, interoperable crisis communications tools available globally today. Its two-way reporting and auditing ensure that lines of communication are never interrupted during a crisis, while AtHoc Connect allows the platform to serve as a platform-neutral bridge between different organizations. By making use of AtHoc, your organization retains total control over the messages it sends out during an emergency situation, ensuring a quicker, more effective response across the board.
Perhaps one of the best examples of AtHoc’s capability is how it was deployed by the Canadian Government. After a shooting at the Canadian House of Parliament back in October 2014, the government re-evaluated its security. Eventually, it rolled out AtHoc, which leveraged existing networked PCs, email, mobile phones and in the near future – building alarms, CCTV and other devices into a unified system to alert and account for the people working at the Parliament in times of crisis.
AtHoc’s Szwarcburg says, “During the incident, responders couldn’t effectively communicate, either internally or with one another. It took them almost 90 minutes to work out whether or not everyone was safe. Since then, they’ve deployed AtHoc, and brought their response time down to 90 seconds. The results speak for themselves.”
In an emergency, every second counts. Without a crisis communications tool, your organization is left fumbling in the dark during an emergency, wasting valuable time. Thanks to its two-way reporting, targeted messaging, and interoperability, AtHoc ensures that when disaster strikes, you’re ready to strike back. Learn more about what it can do for your business here.
About Georgina Hart
Head of Corporate Communications and Marketing for BlackBerry in Australia and New Zealand. Residing in Sydney, but a citizen of the world. Previously based in London, I worked for BlackBerry in a number of markets in EMEA.
AtHoc, crisis communications, emergency, government, natural disaster, Security
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The following are 2017 MAJOR RULE CHANGES For the 2017 seasons for Boys' NFHS Lacrosse.
1-3-2a: If a flat-iron goal is used on a grass field, it may be attached to the ground with ground anchors.
Rationale: Ground anchors are not typically used on grass fields. This change will allow the rules to be aligned with standard practice. The rule change would allow but not require ground anchors.
4-3-1 Exception 2: If a player or team commits a foul before any faceoff, the ball will be awarded to the offended team in its offensive side of the field at the Center.
Rationale: Currently there is a distance of 5 yards from all surrounding players and re-start from spot of the foul. This ruling of “a free clear” is no longer correct and should have been deleted in the current rules book in order to be consistent with Rule 4.4.2 SITUATION B, which calls for a re-start from “the spot where the ball was when play was suspended.”
4-3-3: Paint, a single wrap of tape, or other material of contrasting color to the head may now be used on the handle of the crosse for any player taking a faceoff.
Rationale: New handle materials are already in production and create a more durable solution than tape. The current rule only allows for tape; this rule change would allow for the emerging best practices.
4-18-4: No defensive player, other than a properly equipped goalkeeper, can enter his own crease with the perceived intent on blocking a shot or acting as a goalie. Penalty: Conduct foul on the defensive player. A second violation by the player will be enforced as releasable unsportsmanlike conduct.
Note: Officials will stop play as soon as they notice the situation. However, if a shot is already in flight when this is noticed, the shot will be allowed to come to its normal conclusion before the whistle blows to stop play.
Rationale: Risk minimization only the goalkeeper may be located within the crease.
6-5-2: Failure to wear the required mouthpiece (unless it comes out during play) is now a technical foul.
Rationale: Change brings foul into conformity with current trends in the sport and makes it more likely to be enforced and, therefore, should bring greater compliance for risk minimization.
6-10-3: During the last two minutes of regulation play, stalling rules are in effect for the team that is ahead by four goals or less. When the score differential is five goals or more, neither team is forced to keep the ball in the goal area unless warned to “keep it in.”
Rationale: The current “automatic stall warning” in the last two minutes creates a dangerous situation where a team that is essentially “out of the game” is given more opportunity to “punish” the team that is ahead since that team is forced to “keep it in.”
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Press Releases -> Corporate Social Responsibility
Bridgestone Group’s Sustainability Report Details Environmental Success and Reports on Strengthened Sustainable Procurement Practices, Including Human Rights Protection
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Corona, Parley and World Surf League are donating 20,000 reusable bags to Make a Change World for distribution to communities, in partnership with local organizations who are leading the charge against plastic pollution: Bye Bye Plastic Bags, Diet Kantong Plastic, Divers Clean Action, Clean Action Network...
Hyosung Chairman Cho Hyun-Joon Launches Campaign to Support School in Vietnam
April 26, 2019 09:00 AM Hong Kong Time - SEOUL, South Korea--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Hyosung (KRX:004800) completed a project to renovate an elementary school in a village in Kon Plong District, Kon Tum Province in the central part of Vietnam on April 23. The project was funded with donations from its employees. Some 200...
NCH Looks Forward to Another 100 Years With 100 CSRs on Its Centennial Year
April 18, 2019 10:59 AM Hong Kong Time - MANILA, Philippines--(BUSINESS WIRE)--NCH Asia is proud to share its contribution to “NCH Cares”-one of the biggest worldwide corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects of NCH Corporation in its history. NCH Corporation, a manufacturer of product and equipment...
Bridgestone China & Asia Pacific Scores 3 Awards at the Global CSR Awards for the Second Consecutive Year
SINGAPORE (April 10, 2019) --( ASIA TODAY )-- Bridgestone China & Asia Pacific (BSCAP), a group company of Bridgestone Corporation, won 3 awards at the 11th Annual Global CSR Summit & Awards 2019, in recognition of its far-reaching achievements in making roads safer, improving lives and promoting education...
Government of Japan Holds International Forum on Resilience in Collaboration with IAFOR
Kobe, Japan, Feb 22, 2019 - (JCN Newswire) - The Government of Japan, in collaboration with The International Academic Forum (IAFOR), held today a major international forum to engage in in-depth discussion on the resilience of society.
The Upper House Creates Vocational Experiences for Hong Kong Down Syndrome Association Members
Singapore, 18 October 2018 --( ASIA TODAY )-- As part of Swire Properties’ SD 2030 vision, an initiative to reinforce the company’s commitment to sustainable development, The Upper House has partnered with
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Powerful Counter-Trafficking Campaign from Asia Gets a Global Stage
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Hytera Offers Communications Support in Indonesia’s Lombok Earthquake
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Legal History Docs
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Find definitions, docs, lawyers...
Aboutlaw.com Dictionary and documents
COURT, Courts...
COURT, practice. A court is an incorporeal political being, which requires for its existence, the presence of the judges, or a competent number of them, and a clerk or prothonotary, at the time during which, and at the place where it is by law authorized to be held; and the performance of some public act, indicative of a design to perform the functions of a court.
2. In another sense, the judges, clerk, or prothonotary, counsellors and ministerial officers, are said to constitute the court.
3. According to Lord, Coke, a court is a place where justice is judicially administered. Co. Litt. 58, a.
4. The judges, when duly convened, are also called the court. Vide 6 Vin. Ab. 484; Wheat . Dig. 127; Merl. Rep. h. t.; 3 Com. Dig. 300; 8 Id. 386; Dane's Ab. Index, h. t.; Bouv. Inst. Index, h. t.
5. It sometimes happens that the judges composing a court are equally divided on questions discussed before them. It has been decided, that when such is the case on an appeal or writ of error, the judgment or decree is affirmed. 10 Wheat. 66; 11 Id. 59. If it occurs on a motion in arrest of judgment, a judgment is to be entered on the verdict. 2 Dall. Rep. 388. If on a motion for a new trial, the motion is rejected. 6 Wheat. 542. If on a motion to enter judgment on a verdict, the judgment is entered. 6 Binn. 100. In England, if the house of lords be equally divided on a writ of error, the judgment of the court below is affirmed. 1 Arch. Pr. 235. So in Cam. Scacc. 1 Arch. Pr. 240. But in error coram nobis, no judgment can be given if the judges are equally divided, except by consent. 1 Arch. Pr. 246. When the judges are equally divided on the admission of testimony, it cannot be received. But see 3 Yeates, 171. Also, 2 Bin. 173; 3 Bin. 113 4 Bin. 157; 1 Johns. Rep. 118 4 Wash. C. C. Rep. 332, 3. See Division of Opinion.
6. Courts are of various kinds. When considered as to their powers, they are of record and not of record; Bac. Ab. Courts, D; when compared. to each other, they are supreme, superior, and inferior, Id.; when examined as to their original jurisdiction, they are civil or criminal; when viewed as to their territorial jurisdiction, they are central or local; when divided as to their object, they are courts of law, courts of equity, courts martial, admiralty courts, and ecclesiastical courts. They are also courts of original jurisdiction, courts of error, and courts of appeal. Vide Open Court.
7. Courts of record cannot be deprived of their jurisdiction except by express negative words. 9 Serg. & R. 298; 3 Yeates, 479 2 Burr. 1042 1 Wm. Bl. Rep. 285. And such a court is the court of common pleas in Pennsylvania. 6 Serg. & R. 246.
8. Courts of equity are not, in general, courts of record. Their decrees touch the person, not lands. or goods. 3 Caines, 36. Yet, as to personalty, their decrees are equal to a judgment; 2. Madd. Chan. 355; 2 Salk., 507; 1 Ver. 214; 3 Caines, 35; and have preference according to priority. 3 P. Wms. 401 n.; Cas. Temp. Talb. 217; 4 Bro. P. C. 287; 4 Johns. Chan. Cas. 638. They are also conclusive between the parties. 6 Wheat. 109. Assumpsit will lie on a decree of a foreign court of chancery for a sum certain; 1 Campb. Rep. 253, per Lord Kenyon; but not for a sum not ascertained. 3 Caines, 37, (n.) In Pennsylvania, an action at law will lie on a decree of a court of chancery, but the pleas nil debet and nultiel record cannot be pleaded in such an action. 9 Serg. & R. 258.
COURT CHRISTIAN. An ecclesiastical judicature, known in England, so called from its handling matters of an ecclesiastical or religious nature. 2 Inst. 488. Formerly the jurisdiction of these courts was not thus Iimited. The emperor Theodosius promulgated a law that all suits (lites) and forensic controversies should be remitted to the judgment of the church, if either of the litigating parties should require it. Fr. Duaren De Sac. Minist. Eccl. lib. 1, c. 2. This law was renewed and confirmed by Charlemagne.
COURT OF ARCHES , eccl. law. The most ancient consistory court belonging to the archbishop of Canterbury for the trial of spiritual causes. It is so called, because it was anciently held in the church of Saint Mary le bow; which church had that appellation from its steeple, which was raised at the top with stone pillars, in the manner of an arch or bow. Termes de la Ley.
COURT OF ADMIRALTY. A court having jurisdiction of all maritime causes. Vide Admiralty; Courts of the United States; Instance Courts; Prize Court; 2 Chit. Pr. 508 to 538.
COURT OF AUDIENCE, Eng. eccl. law. The name of a court kept by the archbishop in his palace, in which are transacted matters of form only; as confirmation of bishops, elections, consecrations, and the like.
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS. The name of an English court which was established on the breaking up of the aula regis, for the determination of pleas merely civil. It was at first ambulatory, but was afterwards located. This jurisdiction is founded on original write issuing out of chancery, in the cases of common persons. But when an attorney or person belonging to the court, is plaintiff, he sues by writs, of privilege, and is sued by bill, which is in the nature of a petition; both which originate in the common pleas. See Bench; Banc.
2. There are courts in most of the states of the United States which bear the name of common pleas; they have various powers and jurisdictions.
COURT OF CONSCIENCE, Eng. law. The name of a court in London. It has equity jurisdiction in certain cases. The reader is referred to Bac. Ab. Courts in London, 2.
COURT OF CONVOCATION, eccles. law. The name of an English ecclesiastical court. It is composed of every bishop, dean, and archdeacon, a proctor for the chapter, and two proctors for the clergy of each diocese in the province of Canterbury, for the province of York, there are two proctors for each archdeaconry.
2. This assembly meets at the time appointed in the king's writ, and constitute an ecclesiastical parliament. The archbishop and his suffragans, as his peers, are sitting together, and composing one house, called the upper house of convocation the deans, archdeacons, and a proctor for the chapter, and two proctors for the clergy, the lower house. In this house a prolocutor, performing the duty of a president, is elected.
8. The jurisdiction of this tribunal extends to matters of heresy, schisms, and other mere spiritual or ecclesiastical causes. Bac. Ab. Ecclesiastical Courts, A 1.
COURT OF EXCHEQUER, Eng. law. A court of record anciently established for the trial of all matters relating to the revenue of the crown. Bac. Ab. h. t.
COURT OF FACULTIES, Eng. eccl. law. The name of a court which belongs to the archbishop, in which his officer, called magister ad facultates, grants dispensations to marry, to eat flesh on days prohibited, or to ordain a deacon under age, and the like. 4 Inst. 337.
COURT, INSTANCE. One of the branches of the English admiralty is called an instance court. Vide Instance Court.
COURT OF INQUIRY. A court constituted by authority of the articles of war, invested with the power to examine into the nature of any transaction, accusation, or imputation against any officer or soldier; the said court shall consist. of one or more officers, not exceeding three, and a judge advocate, or other suitable person, as a recorder, to reduce the proceedings and evidencee to writing, all of whom shall be sworn to the performance of their duty. Art. 91. Gord. Dig. Laws U. S., art. 3558 to 3560.
COURT OF KING'S BENCH. The name of the supreme court of law in England. Vide King's Bench.
COURT MARTIAL. A court authorized by the articles of war, for the trial of all offenders in the army or navy, for military offences. Article 64, directs that general courts martial may consist of any number of commissioned officers, from five to thirteen, inclusively; but they shall not consist of less than thirteen, where the number can be convened, without manifest injury to the service.
2. The decision of the commanding officer who appoints the court, as to the number that can be convened without injury to the service, is conclusive. 12 Wheat. R. 19. Such a court has not jurisdiction over a citizen of the United States not employed in military service 12 John. R. 257. It has merely a limited jurisdiction, and to render its jurisdiction valid, it must appear to have acted within such jurisdiction. 3 S. & R. 590 11 Pick. R. 442; 19 John. R. 7; 1 Rawle, R. 143.
3. A court martial must have jurisdiction over the subject matter of inquiry, and over the person for a want of these will render its judgment null, and the members of the court and the officers who execute its sentence, trespassers. 3 Cranch, 331. See 5 Wheat. 1; 12 Wheat. 19; 1 Brock. 324. Vide Gord. Dig. Laws U. S., art. 3331 to 3357; 2 Story,. L. U. S. 1000; and also the Treatises of Adye, Delafon, Hough, J. Kennedy, M. V. Kennedy, McArthur, McNaghten, Simmons and Tyler on Courts Martial; and 19 John. R, 7; 12 John. R. 257; 20 John. R. 343; 5 Wheat. R. 1; 1 U. S. Dig. tit. Courts, V.
COURT OF PECULIARS, Eng. eccl. law. The name of a court, which is a branch of, and annexed to, the. court of arches.
2. It has jurisdiction over all those parishes dispersed through the province of Canterbury, in the midst of other dioceses. In the other peculiars, the jurisdiction is exercised by commissaries. 1 Phill. R. 202, n.
3. There are three sorts of peculiars 1. Royal peculiars. 3 Phill. R. 245. 2. The second sort are those in which the bishop has no concurrent jurisdiction, and are exempt from his visitation. 3. The third are subject to the bishop's visitation, and liable to his superintendence and jurisdiction. 3 Phill. R. 245; Skinn. R. 589.
COURT PREROGATIVE. Vide Prerogative Court.
COURT, PRIZE. One of the branches of the English admiralty, is called a prize court. Vide Prize Court.
COURT OF RECORD. At common law, any jurisdiction which has the power to fine and imprison, is a court of record. Salk. 200; Bac. Ab. Fines and Amercements, A. And courts which do not possess this power are not courts of record. See Court.
2. The act of congress, to establish an uniform rule of naturalization, &c., approved April 14, 1802, enacts, that for the purpose of admitting aliens to become citizens, that every court of record in any individual state, having common law jurisdiction and a seal, and a clerk or prothonotary, shall be considered as a district court within. the meaning of this act.
COURT, SUPREME. Supreme court is the name of a court having jurisdiction over all other courts Vide Courts of the United States.
COURTS OF THE UNITED STATES. The judiciary of the United States is established by virtue of the following provisions, contained in the third article of the constitution, namely:
2. - "1. The judicial power of the United States shall be vested in one supreme court, and in such inferior courts as congress may, from time to time, ordain and establish. The judges, both of the supreme and inferior courts, shall hold their offices during good behaviour, and shall, at stated times, receive for their services a compensation, which shall not be diminished during their continuance in office.
3.- "2. (I.) The judicial power shall extend to all cases in law and equity arising under this constitution, the laws of the United States, and treaties made, or which shall be made, under their authority; to all cases affecting ambassadors, other public ministers and consuls; to all cases of admiralty and maritime jurisdiction; to controversies to which the United States shall be a party to controversies between two or more states, between a state and a citizen of another state, between citizens of different states, between citizens of the same state claiming lands under grants of different states, and between a state, or the citizens thereof, and foreign states, citizens or subjects.
4. - " (2.) In all cases affecting ambassadors, other public ministers and consuls, and those in which a state shall be party, the supreme court shall have original jurisdiction. In all the other cases before mentioned, the supreme court shall have appellate jurisdiction, both as to law and fact, with such exceptions, and under such regulations, as congress shall make.
5. - " (3.) The trial of all crimes, except in cases of impeachment, shall be by jury; and such trial shall be held in the state where the said crime shall have been committed; but when not committed within any state, the trial shall be at such place or places as congress may by law have directed."
6. By the amendments to the constitution, the following alteration has been made: "Art. 11. The judicial power of the United States shall not be construed to extend to any suit in law or equity, commence or prosecuted against one of the United States by citizens of another state, or citizens or subjects of any foreign state."
7. This subject will be considered by taking a view of, 1. The central courts; an 2. The local courts. Art. 1 The Central Courts of the United States.
8. The central courts of the United States are, the senate, for the trial of impeachments, and the supreme court. The territorial jurisdiction of these courts extends over the whole country.
1. Of the Senate of the United States.
9.- 1. The constitution of the United States, art. 1, 3, provides that the senate shall have the sole power to try all impeachments. When sitting for that purpose, the senate shall be on oath or affirmation. When the president of the United States is tried, the chief justice shall preside and no person shall be convicted without the concurrence of two-thirds of the members present.
10. lt will be proper here to consider, 1. The organization of this extraordinary court; and, 2. Its jurisdiction.
11. - 1. Its organization differs according as it has or, has not the president of the United States to try. For the trial of all impeachment of the president, the preseuce of the chief justice is required. There must also be a sufficient number of senators present to form a quorum. For the trial of all other impeachments, it is sufficient if a quorum be present.
12. - 2. The jurisdiction of the senate, as a court for the trial of impeachments, extends to the following officers, namely; the president, vice-president, and all civil officers of the United States, art. 2, 4, when they shall have been guilty of treason, bribery, and other high crimes and misdemeanors. Id. The constitution defines treason, art.
3, - 3, but recourse must be had to the common law for a definition of bribery. Not having particularly mentioned what is to be understood by " other high crimes and misdemeanors," resort, it is presumed, must be had to parliamentary practice. and the common law, in order to ascertain what they are. Story, Const. 795.
2. Of the Supreme Court.
13. The constitution of the United States directs that the judicial power of the United States shall be vested in one supreme court; and in such inferior courts as congress may, from time to time, ordain and establish. It will be proper to consider, 1st. Its organization; 2dly. Its Jurisdiction.
14. - 1. Of the organization of the supreme court. Under this head will be considered, l. The appointment of the judges. 2. The number necessary to form a quorum. 3. The time and place of holding the court.
15. - 1. The judges of the supreme court are appointed by the president, by and with the consent of the senate, Const. art. 2, 2. They hold their office during good behaviour, and receive for their services a compensation, which shall not be diminished during their continuance in office. Const. art" 3, 1. They consist of a chief justice and eight associate justices. Act of March 3, 1837, 1.
16. - 2. Five judges are required to make a quorum, Act of March 3, 1837, 1; but by the act of the 21st of January, 1829, the judges attending on the day appointed for holding a session of the court, although fewer than a quorum, at that time, four have authority to adjourn the court from day to day, for twenty days, after the time appointed for the commencement, of said session, unless a quorum shall sooner attend; and the business shall not be continued over till the next session of the court, until the expiration of the said twenty days. By the same act, if, after the judges shall have assembled, on any day less than a quorum shall assemble, the judge or judges. so assembling shall have authority to adjourn the said court, from day to day, until a quorum shall attend, and, when expedient and proper, may adjourn the same without day.
17 - 3. The supreme court is holden at the city of Washington. Act of April 29, 1 802. The session commences on the second Monday of January, in each and every year. Act of May, 4, 1826. The first Monday of August in each year is appointed as a return day. Act of April 29, 1802. In case of a contagious sickness, the chief justice or his senior associate may direct in what other place the court shall be held, and the court shall accordingly be ad to such place. Act of February 25, 1799, 7. The officers of the court are a clerk, who is appointed by the court, a marshal, appointed by the president, by and with the advice and the consent of the senate, crier, and other inferior officers.
18. - 2. Of the jurisdiction of the supreme. court. The jurisdiction of the supreme court is either civil or criminal.
19. - 1. The civil jurisdiction is either original or appellate.
20. - (1.) The provisions of the constitution that relate to the original jurisdiction of the supreme court, are contained in the articles of the constitution already cited.
21. By the act of September 24th, 1789, 13, the supreme court shall have exclusive jurisdiction of all controversies of civil nature where a state is a party, except "between a state and it's citizens; and except also, between a state and citizens of other states or aliens, in which latter case it shall have original, but not exclusive jurisdiction. And shall have, exclusively, all such jurisdiction of suits, or proceedings against ambassadors or other public ministers, or their domestics or domestic servants, as a court of law can have or exercise consistently with the law of nations. And original, but not exclusive jurisdiction of all suits brought by ambassadors or other public ministers, or in which a consul or vice-consul shall be a party. And the trial of issues in fact, in the supreme court, in all actions at law, against citizens of the United States, shall be by jury.
22. In consequence of the decision of the case of Chisholm v. Georgia, where it was held that assumpsit might be maintained against a state by a citizen of a different state, the llth article of the amendments of the constitution above quoted, was adopted.
23. In those cases in which original jurisdiction is given to the supreme court, the judicial power of the United States cannot be exercised in its appellate form. With the exception of those cases in which original jurisdiction is given to this court, there is none to which the judicial power extends, from which the original jurisdiction of the inferior courts is excluded by the constitution.
24. The constitution establishes the supreme court and defines its jurisdiction. It enumerates the cases in which its jurisdiction is original and exclusive, and defines that which is appellate. See ll Wheat. 467.
25. Congress cannot vest in the supreme court original jurisdiction in a case in which the constitution has clearly not given that court original jurisdiction; and affirmative words in the constitution, declaring in what cases the supreme court shall have original jurisdiction, must be construed negatively as to all other cases, or else the clause would be inoperative and useless. 1 Cranch, 137. See 5 Pet. 15 Pet. 284; 12 Pet. 657; 9 Wheat. 738 6 Wheat. 264.
26. - 2. The supreme court exercises appellate jurisdiction in the following different modes:
(1.) By writ of error from the final judgments of the circuit courts; of the district courts, exercising the powers of circuit courts; and of the superior, courts of the territories, exercising the powers of circuit, courts, in certain cases. A writ of error does not lie to the supreme court to reverse the judgment of a circuit court, in a civil action by writ of error carried from the district court to the circuit court. The United States v. Goodwin, 7 Cranch, 108. But now, by the act of July 4, 1840, c. 20, 3, it is enacted that writs of error shall lie to the supreme court from all judgments of a circuit court, in cases brought there by writs of error from the district court, in like manner and under the same regulations, as are provided by law for writs of error for judgments rendered upon suits originally brought in the circuit court.
27. - (2.) The supreme court has jurisdiction by appeals from the final decrees of the circuit courts; of the district courts exercising the powers of circuit courts; and of the superior courts of territories, exercising the powers of circuit courts in certain cases. See 8 Cranch, 251 6 Wheat. 448.
28. - (3.) The supreme court has also jurisdiction by writ of error from the, final judgments and decrees of the highest courts of law or equity in a state, in the cases provided for by the twenty-fifth section of the act of September 24th, 1789, which enacts that a final judgment or decree, in any suit in the highest court of law, or equity of a, state, in which a decision in the suit could be had, where is drawn in question the validity of a treaty, or statute of, or an authority exercised under, the United States, and the decision is against their validity; or where is drawn in question the validity of a statute of, or an authority exercised under any state, on the ground of their being repugnant to the constitution, treaties, or laws of the United States, and the decision is in favor of such their validity; or where is drawn in question the construction of any clause of the constitution, or of a treaty or statute of, or commission held under the United States, and the decision is against the title, right, privilege, or exemption specially set up or claimed by either party, under such clause of the said constitution, treaty, statute, or commission, may be re-examined, and reversed or affirmed in the supreme court of the United States, upon a writ of error, the citation being signed by the chief-justice or judge, or chancellor of the court rendering or passing the judgment or decree complained of, or by a justice of the supreme court of the United States, in the same manner, and under the same regulations, and the writ shall have the same effect as if the judgment or decree complained of had been rendered or passed in a circuit court; and the proceeding upon the reversal shall also be the same, except that the supreme court, instead of remanding the cause for a final decision as before provided, may, at their discretion, if the cause shall have been once remanded before, proceed to a final decision of the same, and award execution. But no other error shall be assigned or regarded as a ground of reversal, in ny such case as aforesaid, than such as appears on the face of the record, and immediately respects the before mentioned questions of validity, or construction of the said constitution, treaties, statutes, commissions, or authorities in dispute. See 5 How. S. C. R. 20, 55
29. The appellate jurisdiction of the supreme court extends to all cases pending in the state courts and the twenty-fifth section of the judiciary act, which authorizes the exercise of this jurisdiction in the specified cases by writ of error, is supported by the letter and spirit of the constitution. 1 Wheat. 304.
30. When the construction or validity of a treaty of the United States is drawn in question in the state courts, and the decision is against its validity, or the title specially set up by either party under the treaty, the supreme court has jurisdiction to ascertain that title, and to determine its legal meaning. 1 Wheat. 358; 5 Cranch, 344; 9 Wheat. 738; 1 Pet. 94; 9 Pet. 224; 10 Pet. 368; 6 Pet. 515.
31. The supreme court has jurisdiction although one of the parties is a state, and the other a citizen of that state. 6 Wheat. 264.
32. Under the twenty-fifth section of the judiciary act, when any clause of the constitution or any statute of the United States is drawn in question, the decision must be against the title or right set up by the party under such clause or statute; otherwise the supreme court has no appellate jurisdiction of the case. 12 Wheat. 117, 129 6 Wheat. 598 3 Cranch, 268 4 Wheat. 311; 7 Wheat. 164; 2 Peters, 449; 2 Pet. 241; 11 Pet. 167; 1 Pet. 655; 6 Pet. 41; 5 Pet. 248.
33. When the judgment of the highest court of law of a state, decides in favor of the validity of a statute of a state drawn in question, on the ground of its being repugnant to the constitution of the United States, it is not a final judgment within the twenty-fifth section of the judiciary act if the suit has been remanded to the inferior court, where it originated, for further proceedings, not inconsistent with the judgment of the highest court. 12 Wheat. 135.
34. The words " matters in dispute" in the act of congress, which is to regulate the jurisdiction of the supreme court, seem appropriated to civil causes. 3 Cranch, 159. As to the manner of ascertaining the matter in dispute, see 4 Cranch, 216; 4 Dall. 22; 3 Pet. 33; 3 Dall. 365; 2 Pet. 243; 7 Pet. 634; 5 Cranch, 13; 4 Cranch, 316.
35. - (4.) The supreme court has juris- diction by certificate from the circuit court, that the opinions of the judges are opposed on points stated, as provided for by the sixth section of the act of April 29th, 1802. The provisions of the act extend to criminal as well as to civil cases. See 2 Cranch, 33; 10 Wheat. 20 2 Dall. 385; 4 Hall's Law Journ. 462; 5 Wheat. 434; 6 Wheat. 542; 12 Wheat. 212; 7 Cranch, 279.
36. - (5.) It has also jurisdiction by mandamus, prohibition, habeas corpus, certiorari, and procedendo.
37. - 2. The criminal jurisdiction of the supreme court is derived from the constitution and the act of September 24th, 1789, s. 13, which gives the supreme court exclusively, all such jurisdiction of suits or proceedings against ambassadors, or other public ministers, or their domestics, as a court of law can have or exercise consistently with the law of nations. But it must be remembered that the act of April 30tb, 1790, sections 25 and 26, declares void any writ or process whereby the person of any ambassador, or other public minister, their domestics or domestic servants, may be arrested or imprisoned. Art. 2. The local courts.
38. The local courts of the United States are, circuit courts, district courts, and territorial courts., 1. The circuit courts.
39. In treating of circuit courts, it will be convenient to consider, 1st. Their organization; and, 2d. Their jurisdiction.
40. - 1. Of the organization of the circuit courts. The circuit courts are the principal inferior courts established by congress. There are nine circuit courts, composed of the districts which follow, to wit:
41. - 1. The first circuit consists of the districts of New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Maine. It consists of a judge of the supreme court and the district judge of the district where such court is holden. See Acts April 29, 1802 March 26, 1812 and March 30, 1820.
42. - 2 The second circuit is composed of the districts of Vermont, Connecticut and New York. Act of March 3, 183 7.
43. - 3. The third circuit consists of the districts of New Jersey, and eastern and western Pennsylvania;. Act of March 3, 1837.
44. - 4. The fourth circuit is composed of Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia. Act of Aug. 16, 1842.
45. - 5. The fifth circuit is composed of Alabama and Louisiana. Act of August 16, 1842.
46.- 6. The sixth circuit consist of the districts of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. Act of Aug. 16, 1842.
47. - 7. The seventh circuit is composed of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Michigan. Act of March 3, 1837, 1.
48.-8. The eighth circuit includes Kentucky, East and West Tennessee, and Missouri. Act of March 3, 1837, 1. By the Act of April 14, 1842, ch. 20, 1, it is enacted that the district court of the United States at Jackson, in the district of West Tennessee, shall in future be attached to, and form a part of the eighth judicial district of the United States, with all the power and jurisdiction of the circuit court held at Nashville, in the middle district of Tennessee.
49. - 9. The ninth circuit is composed of the districts of Alabama, the eastern district of Louisiana, the district of Mississippi, and the district of Arkansas. Act of March 3, 1837, 1.
50. In several districts of the United States, owing to their remoteness from any justice of the supreme court, there are no circuit courts held. But in these, the district court there is authorized to act as a circuit court, except so far as relates to writs of error or appeals from judgments or decrees in such district court.
51. The Act of March 3, 1837, provides, " That so much of any act or acts of congress as vests in the district courts of the United States for the districts of Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas, the eastern district of Louisiana, the district of Mississippi, the northern district of New York, the western district of Virginia, and the western district of Pennsylvania, and the district of Alabama, or either of them, the power and jurisdiction of circuit courts, be, and the same is hereby, repealed; and there shall hereafter be circuit courts held for said districts by the chief or associate justices of the supreme court, assigned or allotted to the circuit to which such districts may respectively belong, and the district judges of such districts, severally and respectively, either of whom shall constitute a quorum; which circuit courts, and the judges thereof, shall have like powers, and exercise like jurisdiction as other circuit courts and the judges thereof; and the said district courts, and the judges thereof, shall have like powers, and exercise like jurisdiction, as the district courts, and the judges thereof in the other circuits. From all judgments and decrees, rendered in the district courts of the United States for the western district of Louisiana, writs of error and appeals shall lie to the circuit court in the other district in said state, in the same manner as from decrees and judgments rendered in. the districts within which a circuit court is provided by this act."
52. In all cases where the day of meeting of the circuit court is fixed for a particular day of the mouth, if that day happen on Sunday, then, by the Act of 29th April, 1802, and other acts, the court shall be held the next day.
53. The Act of April 29, 1802, 5, further provides, that on every appointment which shall be hereafter made, of a chief justice, or associate justice, the chief justice and associate justices shall allot among themselves the aforesaid circuits, as they shall think fit, and shall enter such allotment on record.
54. The Act of March 3, 1837, 4, directs that the allotment of the chief justice and the associate justices of the said supreme court to the several circuits shall be made as heretofore.
55. And by the Act of August 16, 1842, the justices of the supreme court of the United States, or a majority of the are required to allot the several districts among the justices of the said court.
56. And in case no such allotment shall be made by them, at their sessions next succeeding such appointment, and also, after the appointment of any judge as aforesaid, and before any other allotment shall have been made, it shall and may be lawful for the president of the United States, to make such allotment as he shall deem proper which allotment, in either case, shall be binding until another allotment shall be made. And the circuit courts constituted by this act shall have all the power, authority and jurisdiction, within the several districts of their respective circuits, that before the 13th February, 1801, belonged to the circuit courts of the United States.
57. The justices of the supreme court of the United States, and the district judge of the district where the circuit is holden, compose the judges of the circuit court. The district judge may alone hold a circuit court, though no judge of the supreme court may be allotted to that circuit. Pollard v. Dwight, 4 Cranch, 421.
58. The Act of September 24th, 1789, 6, provides, that a circuit court may be adjourned from day to day, by one of its judges, or if none are present, by the marshal of the district, until a quorum be convened. By the Act of May 19, 1794, a circuit court in any district, when it shall happen that no judge of the supreme court attends within four days after the time appointed by law, for the commencement of the sessions, may be adjourned to the next stated term, by the judge of the district, or, in case of his absence also, by the marshal of the district. But by the 4th section of the Act of April 29, 1802, where only one of the judges thereby directed to hold the circuit courts shall attend, such circuit court may be held by the judge so attending.
59. By the Act of March 2, 1809, certain duties are imposed oil the justices of the supreme court, in case of the disability of a district judge within their respective circuits to hold a district court. Sect. 2, enacts, that in case of the disability of the district judge of either of the district courts of the United States, to hold a district court, and to perform the duties of his office, and satisfactory evidence thereof being shown to the justice of the supreme court allotted to that circuit, in which such district court ought, by law to be holden, and on application of the district attorney, or marshal of such district, in writing, the said justice of the supreme court shall, thereupon, issue his order in the nature of a certiorari) directed to the clerk of such district court, requiring him forthwith to certify unto the next circuit court, to be holden, in said district, all actions, suits, pauses, pleas, or processes, civil or criminal, of what nature or land soever, that may be depending in such district court, and undetermined, with all the proceedings thereon, and all files, and papers relating, thereto, which said order shall be immediately published in one or more newspapers, printed in said district, and at least thirty days before the session of such circuit court, and shall be deemed a sufficient notification to all coucerned. And the said circuit court shall, thereupon, have the same cognizance of all such actions, suits, causes, pleas, or processes, civil or criminal, of what nature or kind soever, and in the like manner, as the district court of said district by law might have, or the circuit court, had the same been originally commenced therein, and shall proceed to hear and deterime the same accordingly; and the said justice of the supreme court, during the continuance of such disability, shall, moreover, be invested with, and exercise all and singular the, powers and authority, vested by law in the judge of the district court in said district. And all bonds and recognizances taken for, orreturnable to, such district court, shall be construed and taken to be the circuit court to be holden thereafter, in pursuance of this act, and shall have the same force and effect in such court as they would have had in the district court to which they were taken. Provided, that nothing in this act contained shall be so construed, as to require of the judge of the supreme court, within whose circuit such district may lie, to hold any special court, or court of admiralty, at any other time than the legal time for holding the circuit court of the United States in and for such district.
60. Sect. 2, provides, that the clerk of such district shall, during the continuance of the disability of the district judge, continue to certify, as aforesaid, all suits or actions, of what nature or kind soever, which may thereafter be brought to such district court, and the same transmit to the circuit court next thereafter to be holden in the same district. And the said circuit court shall have cognizance of the same, in like manner as is hereinbefore provided in this act, and shall proceed to bear and determine the same. Provided, nevertheless, that when the disability of the district judge shall cease, or be removed, all suits or actions then pending and undetermined in the circuit court, in which, by law, the district courts have an exclusive original cognizance, shall be remanded, and the clerk of the said circuit court shall transmit the same, pursuant to the order of the said court, with all matters and things relating thereto, to the district Court next thereafter to be holden in said district, and the same proceedings shall be had therein, as would have been, had the same originated, or been continued, in the said district court.
61. Sect. 3, enacts, that in case of the district judge in any district being unable to discharge his duties as aforesaid, the district clerk of such district shall be authorized and empowered, by leave or order of the circuit judge of the circuit in which such district is included, to take, during such disability of the district judge, all examinations, and depositions of witnesses, and to make all necessary rules and orders, preparatory to the final hearing of all causes of admiralty and maritime jurisdiction. See 1 Gall. 337 1 Cranch, 309 note to Hayburn's case, 3 Dall. 410.
62. If the disability of the district judge terminate in his death, the circuit court must remand the certified causes to the district court. Ex parte United States, 1 Gall. 337.
63. By the first section of the Act of March 3, 1821, in all suits and actions in any district court of the United States, in which it shall appear that the judge of such court is any ways concerned in interest, or has been of counsel for either party, or is so related to, or connected with, either party, as to render it improper for him, in his opinion, to sit on the trial of such suit or action, it shall be the duty of such judge, on application of either party, to cause the fact to be entered on the records of the court, and also an order that an authenticated copy the thereof, with all the proceedings in such suit or action, shall be forthwith certified to the next circuit court of the district, and if there be no circuit court in such district, to the next circuit court in the state, and if there be no circuit court in such state, to the most convenient circuit court in an adjacent state; which circuit court shall, upon such record being filed with the clerk thereof, take cognizance thereof, in like manner as if such suit or action had been originally commenced in that court, and shall proceed to bear and determine the same accordingly, and the jurisdiction of such circuit court shall extend to all such cases to be removed, as were cognizable in the district court from which the same was removed.
64. And the Act of February 28, 1839, 8, enacts, "That in all suits and actions, in any circuit court of the United States, in which it shall appear that both the judges thereof, or the judge thereof, who is solely competent by law to try the same, shall be any ways concerned in interest therein, or shall have been of counsel for either party, or is, or are so related to, or connected with, either party as to render it improper for him or them, in his or their opinion, to sit in the trial of such suit or action, it shall be the duty of such judge, or judges, on application of either party, to cause the fact to be entered on the records of the court; and, also, to make an order that an authenticated copy thereof, with all the proceedings in such suit or action, shall be certified to the most couvenient circuit court in the next adjacent state, or in the next adjacent circuit; which circuit court shall, upon such record and order being filed with the clerk thereof, take cognizance thereof in the same manner as if such suit or action had been rightfully and originally commenced therein, and shall proceed to hear and determine the same accordingly; and the proper process for the due execution of the judgment or decree rendered therein, shall run into, and may be executed in, the district where such judgment or decree was rendered; and, also, into the district from which such suit or action was removed."
65. The judges of the supreme court are not appointed as circuit court judges, or, in other words, have no distinct commission for that purpose: but practice and acquiescence under it, for many years, were held to afford an irresistible argument against this objection to their authority to act, when made in the year, 1803, and to have fixed the construction of the judicial system. The court deemed the contemporary exposition to be of the most forcible nature, and considered the question at rest, and not to be disturbed then. Stuart v. Laird, 1 Cranch, 308. If a vacancy exist by the death of the justice of the supreme court to whom the district was allotted, the district judge may, under the act of congress, discharge the official duties, (Pollard v. Dwight, 4 Cranch, 428. See the fifth section of the Act of April 29, 1802,) except that he cannot sit upon a writ of error from a decision in the district court. United States v. Lancaster, 5 Wheat. 434.
66. It is enacted, by the Act of Februrary 28, 1839, 2, that all the circuit courts of the United States shall have the appointment of their own clerks; and in case of disagreement between the judges, the appointment shall be made by the presiding judge of the court.
67. The marshal of the district is an officer of the court, and the clerk of the district court is also clerk of the circuit court in such district. Act of September 24, 1789, 7.
68. In the District of Columbia, there is a circuit court established by particular acts of congress, composed of a chief justice and two associates. See Act. of February 27, 1801; 12 Pet. 524; 7 Pet. 203; 7 Wheat. R. 534; 3 Cranch, 159; 8 Cranch, 251; 6 Cranch 233. 2. Of the Jurisdiction of the Circuit Courts.
69. The jurisdiction of the circuit courts is either civil or criminal. (1.) Civil Jurisdiction. The civil jurisdiction is either at law or in equity. Their civil jurisdiction at law is, 1st. Original. 2d. By removal of actions from the state courts. 3d. By writ of mandamus. 4tb. By appeal.
70. - 1st. The original jurisdiction of the circuit courts at law, may be considered, first, as to the matter in controversy second, with regard to the parties litigant. (1.) The Matter in Dispute.
71. By the Act of September 24, 1789, 11, to give jurisdiction to the circuit court, the matter in dispute must exceed $500. In actions to recover damages for torts, the sum laid in the declaration is the criterion as to the matter in dispute. 3 Dall. 358. In an action of covenant on an instrument under seal, containing a penalty less than $500, the court has jurisdiction if the declaration demand more than $500. 1 Wash. C. C. R. 1. In ejectment, the value of the land should appear in the declaration; 4 Wash. C. C. R. 624; 8 Cranch, 220; 1 Pet. 73; but though the jury do not find the value of the land in dispute, yet if evidence be given on the trial, that the value exceeds $500, it is sufficient to fix the jurisdiction; or the court may ascertain its value by affidavits. Pet. C. C. R. 73.
72. If the matter in dispute arise out of a local injury, for which a local action must be brought, in order to give the circuit court jurisdiction, it must be brought in the district where the lands lie. 4 Hall's Law Journal, 78.
73. By various acts of congress, jurisdiction is given to the circuit courts in cases where actions are brought to recover damages for the violation of patent and Copyrights, without fixing any amount as the limit. See Acts of April 17, 1800, 4; Feb. 15, 1819; 7 Johns. 144; 9 Johns. 507.
74. The circuit courts have jurisdiction in cases arising under the patent laws. By the Act of July 4, 1836, 17, it is enacted, " That all actions, suits, controversies, and cases arising under any law of the United States, granting or confirming to inventors the exclusive right to their inventions or discoveries, shall be originally cognizable, as well in equity as at law, by the circuit courts of the United States, or any district court having the powers and jurisdiction of a circuit court; which courts shall have power, upon bill in equity filed by any party aggrieved, in any such case, to grant injunctions, according to the course and principles of courts of equity, to prevent the violation of the rights of any inventor, as secured to him by any law of the United States, on such terms and conditions as said courts may deem reasonable. Provided, however, That from all judgments and decrees, from any such court rendered in. the premises, a writ of error or appeal, as the case may require, shall lie to the supreme court of the United States, in the same manner and under the same circumstances as is now provided by law in other judgments and decrees of circuit courts, and in all other cases in which the court shall deem it reasonable to allow the game."
75. In general, the circuit court has no original jurisdiction of suits for penalties and forfeitures arising under the laws of the United States, nor in admiralty cases. 2 Dall. 365 4 Dall. 342; Bee, 19. (2.) The character of the parties.
76. Under this head will be considered 1. The United States. 2. Citizens of difrerent states. 3. Suits where an alien is a party. 4. When an assignee is plaintiff. 5. Defendant must be an inhabitant of the circuit. (i.) The United States.
77. The United States may sue on all contracts in the circuit courts where the sum in controversy exceeds, besides costs, the sum of $500 but, in cases of penalties, the action must be commenced in the district court, unless the law gives express jurisdiction to the circuit courts. 4 Dall. 342. Under the Act of March 3, 1815, 4, the circuit court has jurisdiction concurrently with the district court of all suits at common law where any officer of the United States sues under the authority of an act of congress; as where the post-master general sues under an act of congress for debts or balances due to the general post-office. 12 Wheat. 136. See 2 Pet. 447; 1 Pet. 318.
78. The circuit court has jurisdiction on a bill in equity filed b the United States against the debtor of their debtor, they claiming priority under the statute of March 2, 1798, c. 28, 65, though the law of the state where the suit is brought permits a creditor to proceed against the debtor of his debtor by a peculiar process at law. 4 Wheat. 108. (ii.) Suits between citizens of different states.
79. The Act of September 24, 1789, 11, gives jurisdiction to the circuit court in suits of civil nature when the matter in dispute is of a certain amount, between a citizen of the state where the suit is brought, and a citizen of another state; one of the parties must therefore be a citizen of the state where the such is brought. See 4 Wash. C. C. R. 84; Pet. C. C. R. 431; 1 Sumn. 581; 1 Mason, 520; 5 Cranch, 288; 3 Mason, 185; 8 Wheat.'699; 2 Mason, 472; 5 Cranch, 57; Id. 51; 6 Wheat. 450; 1 Pet. 238; 4 Wash. C. C. R. 482, Id. 595.
80. Under this section the division of a state into two or more districts does not affect the jurisdiction of the circuit court, on account of citizenship. The residence of a party in a different district of a state from that in which the suit is brought, does not exempt him from the jurisdiction of the court; if he is found in the district where he is sued he is not within the prohibition of this section. 11 Pet. 25. A territory is not a state for the purpose of giving jurisdiction, and, therefore, a citizen of a territory cannot sue the citizen of a State in the circuit court. 1 Wheat. 91. (iii.) Suits where on alien is a party.
81. The Act of September 24, 1780, 11, gives the circuit court cognizance of all suits of a civil nature where an alien is a party; but these general words; must be restricted by the provision in the constitution which gives jurisdiction in controversies between a state, or the citizens of a state, and foreign states, citizens or subjects; and the statute cannot extend the jurisdiction beyond the limits of the constitution. 4 Dall. 11; 5 Cranch, 308. When both parties are aliens, the circuit court has no jurisdiction. 4 Cranch, 46; 4 Dall. 11. An alien who holds lands under a special law of the state in which he is resident, may maintain an action in relation to those lands, in the circuit court. 1 Baldw. 216. (iv.) When an assignee is the plaintiff.
82. The court has no jurisdiction unless a suit might have been prosecuted in such court to recover on the contract assigned, if no assignment had been made, except in cases of bills of exchange. Act of September 24, 1789, 11; see 2 Pet. 319; 1 Mason, 243; 6 Wheat. 146; 11 Pet. 83; 9 Wheat. 537; 6 Cranch, 332; 4 Wash. C. C. R. 349; 4 Mason, 435; 12 Pet. 164; 2 Mason, 252. It is said that this section of the act of congress has no application to the conveyance of lands from a citizen of one state to a citizen of another. The grantee in such, case may maintain his action in the circuit court, when otherwise properly qualified, to try the title to such lands. 2 Sumn. 252. (V.) The defendant must be an inhabitant of, or found in the circuit.
83. The circuit court has no jurisdiction of an action against a defendant unless he be an inhabitant of the district in which such court is located, or found therein, at the time of serving the writ. 3 Wash. C. C. R. 456. A citizen of one state may be sued in another, it the process be served upon him in the latter; but in such cases) the plaintiff must be a citizen of the latter state, or an alien. 1 Pet. C. C. R. 431. 2d. Removal of actions from the state court's.
84. The, Act of September 24, 1789, gives, in certain cases, the right of removing a suit instituted in a state court to the circuit court of the district. It is enacted by that law, that if a suit be commenced in any state court against an alien, or by a citizen of the state in which the suit is brought, against a citizen of another state, and the matter in dispute exceeds the aforesaid sum or value of five hundred dollars, exclusive of costs, to be made to appear to the satisfaction of the court, and the defendant shall, at the time of entering his appearance in such state court, file a petition for the removal of the cause for trial, into the next circuit court, to be held in the district where the suit is pending, and offer good and sufficient security for his entering in such court, on the first day of its session, copies of the said process against bim, and also for his then appearing and entering special bail in the cause, if special bail was originally required therein, it shall then be the duty of the state court to accept the surety, and proceed no further in the cause. And any bail that may have been originally taken shall be discharged. And the said copies being entered as aforesaid in such court of the United States, the cause shall there proceed in the same manner as if it had been brought there by original process. And any attachment of the goods or estate of the defendant, by the original process, shall hold the goods or estate so attached, to answer the final judgment, in the same manner as by the laws of such state they would have been holden to answer final judgment, had it been rendered by the circuit court in which the suit commenced. Vide Act of September 24, 1789, 12; 4 Dall. 11; 5 Cranch, 303; 4 Johns. R. 493; 1 Pet. R. 220; 2 Yeates, R. 275; 4 W. C. C. R. 286, 344.
85. By the Constitution, art. 3, 2, 1, the judicial power shall extend to controversies between citizens of the same state, claiming lands under grants of different states.
86. By a clause of the 12th section of the Act of September 24th, 1789, it is enacted, that, if in any action conmmenced in a state court, the title of land be concerned, and the parties are citizens of the same state, and the matter in dispute exceeds the sum or value of five hundred dollars, exclusive of costs, the sum or value being made to appear to the satisfaction of the court, either party, before the trial, shall state to the court, and make affidavit, if it require it, that he claims, and shall rely upon a right or title to the land, under grant from a state, other than that in which the suit is pending, and produce the original grant, or an exemplification of it, except where the loss of records shall put it out of his power, and shall move that the adverse party inform the court, whether he claims a right of title to the land under a grant from the state in which the suit is pending; the said adverse party shall give such information, otherwise not be allowed to plead such grant, or give it in evidence upon the trial; and if he informs that he does claim under any such grant, the party claiming under the grant first mentioned, may then, on motion, remove the cause for trial, to the next circuit court to be holden in such district. But if he is the defendant, he shall do it under the same regulations, as in the before mentioned case of the removal of a cause into such court by an alien. And neither party removing the cause shall be allowed to plead, or give evidence of, any other title than that by him stated as aforesaid, as the ground of his claim. See 9 Cranch, 292 2 Wheat. R. 378.
87. Application for removal must be made during the term at which the defendant enters his appearance. 1 J. J. Marsh. 232. If a state court agree to consider a petition to remove the cause as filed of the preceding term, yet if the circuit court see by the record, that it was not filed till a subsequent term, they will not permit the cause to be docketed. Pet. C.. C. R. 44 Paine, 410 but see 2 Penning. 625.
88. In chancery, when the defendant wishes to remove the suit, he must file his petition when he enters his appearance; 4 Johns. Ch. 94; and in an action in a court of law, at the time of putting in special bail. 12 Johns. 153. And if an alien file his petition when he filed special bail, he is in time, though the bail be excepted to. 1 Caines, 248; Coleman, 58. A defendant in ejectment may file his petition. when he is let in to defend. 4 Johns. 493. See Pet. C. C. R. 220; 2 Wash. C. C. R. 463; 2 Yeates, 275, 352; 3 Dall. 467; 4 Wash. C. C. R. 286; 2 Root 444; 5 John. Ch. R. 300 3 Harn. 48; 4 Wash. C. C. R. 84. 3d. Remedy by Mandamus.
89. The power of the circuit Court to issue a mandamus, is confined, exclusively, to cases in which it may be necessary for the exercise of a jurisdiction already existing; as, for instance, if the court below refuse to proceed to judgment, then a mandamus in the nature of a procedendo may issue. 7 Cranch, 504; 6 Wheat. R. 598. After the state court had refused to permit the removal of a cause on petition, the circuit court issued a mandamus to transfer the cause.
4th. Appellate Jurisdiction.
90. The appellate jurisdiction is exercised by means of, 1. Writs of error. 2 Appeals from the district courts in admiralty and maritime jurisdiction. 3. Certiorari. 4. Procedendo.
91. - [l.] This court has jurisdiction to issue writs of error to the district court, on judgments of that court in civil cases at common law.
92. The 11th section of the Act of September 24, 1789, provides, that the circuit courts shall also have appellate jurisdiction from the district courts, under the regulations and restrictions thereinafter provided.
93. By the 22d section, final decrees and judgments in civil actions in a district court, where the matter in dispute exceeds the, sum or value of fifty dollars, exclusive of costs, may be reexamined, and reversed or affirmed in a circuit court holden in the same district, upon a writ of error, whereto shall be annexed and returned therewith at the day and place therein mentioned, an authenticated transcript of the record and assignment of errors, and prayer for reversal, with a citation to the adverse party, signed by the judge of such district court, or a justice of the supreme court, the adverse party having at least twenty days notice. But there shall be no reversal on such writ of error, for error in ruling any plea in abatement, other than a plea to the jurisdiction of the court, or for any error in fact. And writs of error shall not be brought but within five years after rendering or passing the judgment or decree complained of; or, in case the person entitled to such writ of error be an infant, non compos mentis, or imprisoned, then within five years, as aforesaid, exclusive of the time of such disability. And every justice or judge signing a citation or any writ of error as aforesaid, shall take good and sufficient security, that the plaintiff in error shall prosecute his writ to effect, and answer all damages and costs, if he fail to make his plea good.
94. The district judge cannot sit in the circuit court on a writ of error to the district court. 5 Wheat. R. 434.
95. It is observed above, that writs of error may be issued to the district court in civil cases at common law, but a writ of error does not lie from a circuit to a district court in an admiralty or maritime cause. 1 Gall. R. 5..
96. - [2.] Appeals from the district to the circuit court take place generally in civil causes of admiralty or maritime jurisdiction.
97. By the Act of March 3, 1803, 2, it is enacted, that from all final judgments or decrees in any of the district courts of the United States, an appeal where the matter in dispute, exclusive of costs, shall exceed the sum or value of fifty dollars, shall be allowed to the district court next to be holden in the district where such final judgment or judgments, decree or decrees shall be rendered: and the circuit courts are thereby authorized and required, to hear and determine such appeals.
98. - [3.] Although no act of congress authorizes the circuit court to, issue a certiorari to the district court for the removal of a cause, yet if the cause be so removed, and instead of taking advantage of the irregularity in proper time and in a proper manner, the defendant makes the defence and pleads to issue, he thereby waives the objection, and the suit will be considered as an original one in the circuit court, made so by consent of parties. 2 Wheat. R. 221.
99.-[4.1 The circuit court may issue a writ of procedendo to the district court.
Equity Jurisdiction of the Circuit Courts.
100. Circuit courts are vested with equity jurisdiction in certain cases. The Act of September, 1789, 11, gives original cognizance, concurrent with the courts of the several states, of all suits of a civil nature at common law or in equity, where the matter in dispute exceeds, exclusive of costs, the sum or value of five hundred dollars, and the United States are plaintiffs or petitioners, or an alien is a party, or. the suit is between a citizen of the state where the suit is brought and a citizen of another state.
101. The Act of April 15, 1819, 1, provides, " That the circuit court of the United States shall. have original cognizance, as well in equity as at law, of all actions, suits, controversies, and cases arising under may law of the United States, granting or confirming to authors or inventors, the exclusive right to their respective writings, inventions, and discoveries; and upon any bill in equity filed by any party aggrieved, in such cases, shall have authority to grant injunctions according to the course and principles of courts of equity, to prevent the viola-tion of the rights of any authors or inventors, secured to them by any laws of the United States, on such terms and conditions as the said courts may deem fit and reasonable:.provided, however, that from all judgments and decrees of any circuit courts rendered in the premises, a writ of error or appeal as the case may. require, shall lie to the supreme court of the United States, in the same Maniaer and under the same circumstances, as is now provided by law, in other judgments and decrees of such circuit court."
102. By the Act of August 23, 1842, it is enacted, 5, " That the district courts, as courts of admiralty, and the circuit courts, as courts of equity, shall be deemed always open for the purpose of filing libels, bills, petitions, answers, pleas, and other plead- ings, for issuing and returning mesne and final process and commissions, and for making and directing all interlocutory motions, orders, rules, and other proceedings whatever, preparatory to the hearing of all causes pending therein upon their merits. And it shall be competent for any. judge of the court, upon reasonable notice to the parties, in the clerk's office or at chambers, and in vacation as well as in term, to make and direct, and award all such process, commissions, and interlocutory orders, rules, and other proceedings, whenever the same are not grantable of course according to the rules and practice of the court."
(2.) Criminal Jurisdiction of the Circuit Courts.
103. The often cited llth section of the Act of the 24th of September, 1789, gives the circuit courts exclusive cognizance of all crimes and offences cognizable under the authority of the United States, except where that act otherwise provides, or the laws of the United States shall otherwise direct, and concurrent jurisdiction with the district courts of the crimes and offences cognizable. therein. The jurisdiction of the circuit courts in criminal cases is confined to offences committed within the district for which those courts respectively sit when they are committed on land. Serg. Const. Law, 129; 1 Gallis. 488.
2. Of the District Courts.
104. In treating of district courts, the same division which was made, in considering circuit courts, will here be adopted, by taking a view, 1. Of their organization and, 2. Of their jurisdiction. 1. Of the Organization of the District Courts.
105. The United States are divided into districts, in each of which is a court called a district court, which is to consist of one judge, who is to reside in the district for wbich he is appointed, and to hold annually four sessions. Act of September 24, 1789. By subsequent acts of congress, the number of annual sessions in particular districts, is sometimes more and sometimes less; and they are to be held at various places in the district. There is also a district court in the District of Columbia, held by the chief justice of the circuit court of that district. 2. Jurisdiction of the District Courts.
106. Their jurisdiction is either civil or criminal.
107. - (1.) Their civil jurisdiction extends, 1. To admiralty and maritime causes: the admiralty and maritime jurisdiction, is either the ordinary jurisdiction, which comprehends prize suits; cases of salvage actions for torts; and actions on contracts, such. as seamen's wages, pilotage, bottomry, ransom, materials, and the like; or the extraordinary or expressly vested jurisdiction, which includes cases of seizures under the revenue laws, &c.; and captures within the jurisdiction of the United States.
108.-2. To cases of seizure on land under the laws of the United States, and in suits for penalties and forfeitures, incurred under the laws of the United States.
109.-3. To cases in which an alien sues for a tort, in violation of the laws of nations, or a treaty of the United States.
110. - 4. To suits instituted by the United States.
111. - 5. To actions by and against consuls.
112. - 6. To certain cases in equity.
113. - 1. The admiralty and maritime jurisdiction of the district court is ordinary or extraordinary.
114. - 1st. The ordinary jurisdiction is granted by the Act of September 24th, 1789, It is there enacted, that the district court shall have exclusive original cognizance of all civil causes of admiralty and maritime jurisdiction. This jurisdiction is exclusive. Bee, 19; 3 Dall. 16; Paine, 111; 4 Mason, 139.
115. This ordinary jurisdiction is exercised in,
116. - 1. Prize suits. The Act of September 24, 1789, 9, vests in the district courts as full jurisdiction of all prize causes as the admiralty of England; and this jurisdiction is an ordinary inherent branch of the powers of the court of admiralty, whether considered as prize courts or instance courts, 3 Dall. 16; Paine, 111.
117. The act of congress marks out not only the general jurisdiction of the district courts, but also that of the several courts in relation to each other, in cases of seizure on the waters of the United States, navigable, &c. When the seizure is made within the waters of one district, the court of that district has exclusive, jurisdiction, though the offence may have been committed out of the district. When the seizure is made on the high seas, the jurisdiction is in the court of the district where the property may be brought. 9 Wheat. 402; 6 Cranch; 281; 1 Mason, 360; Paine, 40.
118. When the seizure has been made within the waters of a foreign nation, the district court has jurisdiction, when the property has been brought into the district, and a prosecution has been instituted there. 9 Wheat. 402; 9 Cranch. 102.
119. The district court has jurisdiction of seizures, and of the question of who is entitled to their proceeds, as informers or otherwise; and the principal jurisdiction is exclusive; the question, as to who is the informer, is also exclusive. 4 Mason, 139.
120. - (2.) Cases of salvage. Under the constitution and laws of the United States, this court has exclusive original cognizance in cases of salvage; and, as a consequence, it has the power to determine to whom the residue of the property belongs, after deducting the salvage. 3 Dall. 183.
121. - (3.) Actions arising out of tort's and injuries. The district court has jurisdiction over all torts and injuries committed on the high seas, and in ports or harbors within the ebb and flow of the tide. Vide 1 Wheat. R. 304; 2 Gall. R. 389; 1 Mason, 96; 3 Mason., 242; 4 Mason, 380; 18 Johns. R. 257.
122. A court of admiralty has jurisdiction to redress personal wrongs committed on a passenger, on the high seas, by the master of a vessel, whether those wrongs be by direct force or consequential injuries. 3 Mason, 242.
123. The admiralty may decree damages for an unlawful capture of an American vessel by a French privateer, and may proceed by attachment in ?-em. Bee, 60.
124. It has jurisdiction in cases of maritime torts, in personam as well as in rem. 10 Wheat. 473,
125. This court has also jurisdiction of petitory suits to reinstate owners of vessels who have been displaced from their possession. 5 Mason, 465. It exercises jurisdiction of all torts and injuries committed on the high seas, and in ports or barbors within the flow or ebb of the tide. 2 Gallis. 398; Bee, 51.
126. A father, whose minor son has been tortiously abducted and seduced on a voyage on the high seas, may sue, in the admiralty, in the nature of an action per quod, &c., also for wages earned by such son in maritime service. 4 Mason, 380.
127. - (4.) Suits on contracts. As a court of admiralty, the district court has a jurisdiction, concurrent with the courts of common law, over all maritime contracts, wheresoever the same may be made or executed, or whatsoever be the form of the contract. 2 Gallis. 398. It may enforce the performance of charter-parties for foreign voyages, and by proceeding in rem, a lien for freight under them. 1 Sumn. 551; 2 Sumn. 589. It has jurisdiction over contracts for the hire of seamen, when the service is substantially performed on the sea, or on waters within the flow and reflow of the tide 10 Wheat. 428; 7 Pet. 324; Bee, 199; Gilp. 529. But unless the services are essentially maritime, the jurisdiction does not attach. 10 Wheat. 428; Gilp. 529.
128. The master of a vessel may sue in the admiralty, for his wages; and the mate, who on his death succeeds him, has the same right. 1 Sumn. 157; 9 Mason, 161; 4 Mason, 196. But when the services for which he sues have not been performed by him as master, they cannot be sued for in admiralty. 3 Mason, 161.
129. The jurisdiction of the admiralty attaches when the services are performed on a ship in port where the tide ebbs and flows. 7 Pet. 324; Gilp. 529.
130. Seamen, employed on board of steamboats and lighters engaged in trade or commerce on tide-water, are within the admiralty jurisdiction. But those in ferryboats are not so. Gilp. 532 Gilp. 203.
131. Wages may be recovered in the admiralty by the pilot, deck-hands, engineer, and firemen, on board of a steamboat. Gilp. 505.
132. But unless the service of those employed contribute in navigating the vessel, or to its preservation, they cannot sue for their wages in the admiralty; musicians on board of a vessel, who are hired and employed as such, cannot therefore enforce a payment of their wages by a suit in rem in the admiralty. Gilp. 516.
133. - 2d. The extraordinay jurisdiction of the district court, as a court of admiralty, or that which is vested by various acts of congress, consists of -
(1.) Seizures under the laws of imposts, navigation, or trade of the United States. It is enacted, by the Act of September 24, 1789, 9, that the district court shall have exclusive original cognizance of all civil causes of admiralty and maritime jurisdiction, including all seizures under laws of impost, navigation, or trade of the United States, when the seizures are made on waters which are navigable from the sea, by vessels of ten or more tons burden, within their respective districts, as well as upon the high seas; saving to suitors, in all cases, the right of a common law remedy, when the common law is competent to give it.
134. Causes of this kind are to be tried by the district court, and not by a jury. 4 Cranch, 438; 5 Cranch, 281; 1 Wheat. 9, 20: 7 Cranch, 112; 3 Dall. 297.
135. It is the place of seizure, and not the committing of the offence, that, under the Act of September 24, 1789, gives jurisdiction to the court; 4 Cranch, 443 5 Cranch, 304; for until there has been a seizure, the forum cannot be ascertained. 9 Cranch, 289.
136. When the seizure has been voluntarily abandoned, it loses its validity, and no jurisdiction attaches to any court, uuless there be a new seizure. 10 Wheat. 325 1 Mason, 361.
137. - (2.) The. admiralty jurisdiction, expressly vested in the district court, embraces, also, captures made within the jurisdictional limits of the United States. By the Act of April. 20, 1818, 7, the district court shall take cognizance of complaints, by whomsoever instituted, in cases of captures made within the waters of the United States, or within a marine league of the coasts and shores thereof.
138. - 2. The civil jurisdiction of the district court extends to cases of seizure on land, under the laws of the United States, and in suits for penalties and forfeitures incurred under the laws of the United States.
139. The Act of September 24, 1789, 9, gives to the district court exclusive original cognizance of all seizures made on land, and other waters than as aforesaid, (that is, those which are navigable by vessels of ton or more tons burden, within their respective districts, or on the high seas,) and of all suits for penalties and forfeitures incurred under the laws of the United States.
140. In all cases of seizure on land, the district court sits as a court of common law, and its jurisdiction is entirely distinct from that exercised in case of seizure on waters navigable by vessels of ten tons burden and upwards. 8 Wheat. 395.
141. Seizures of this kind are triable by jury; they are not cases of admiralty and maritime jurisdiction. 4 Crauch, 443.
142. - 3. The civil jurisdiction of the district court extends also to cases in which an alien sues for a tort, in violation of the law of nations, or a treaty of tho United States.
143. The Act of September 24, 1789, 9, directs that the district court shall have cognizance, concurrent with the courts of the several states, or the circuit courts, as the case may be, of all causes where an alien sues for a tort only, in violation of the law of nations, or of a treaty of the United States.
144. - 4. The civil jurisdiction of this court extends further to suits instituted by the United States. By the 9th section of the Act of September 24, 1789, the district court shall also have cognizance, concurrent as last mentioned, of all suits at common law, where the United States sue, and the matter in dispute amounts, exclusive of costs, to the sum or value of one hundred dollars. And by the Act of March 3; 1815, 4, it has cognizance, concurrent with the courts and magistrates of the several states, and the circuit courts of the United States, of all suits at common law where the United States, or any officer thereof, under the authority of any act of congress sue, although the debt, claim, or other matter in dispute, shall not amount to one hundred dollars.
145. These last words do not confine the jurisdiction given by this act to one hundred dollars, but prevent it from stopping at that sum: and consequently, suits for sums over one hundred dollars are cognizable in the district, circuit, and state courts, and before magistrates, in the cases here mentioned. By virtue of this act, these tribunals have jurisdiction over suits brought by the postmaster-general, for debts and balances due the general post office. 12 Wheat. 147; 2 Pet. 447; 1 Pet. 318.
146.-5. This court has jurisdiction of actions by and against consuls or vice-consuls, exclusively of the courts of the several states, except for offences where other punishment than whipping, not exceeding thirty stripes, a fine not exceeding one hundred dollars, or a term of imprisonment not exceeding six months, is inflicted.
147. For offences above this description formerly the circuit court only had jurisdiction in cases of consuls. 5 S. & R. 545; 2 Dall. 299. But by the Act of August 23, 1842, the district courts shall have concurrent jurisdiction with the circiut courts of all crimes and offences against the United States, the punishment of which is not capital. And by the, Act of February 28, 1839, 5, the punishment of whipping is abolished. See also the Act of 28th Sept. 1850, making appropriations for the naval service, &c.
148. - 6. The jurisdiction of the district court under the bankrupt laws will be found under the title Bankrupt.
149. - 7. The district courts have equitable jurisdiction in certain cases. 150. By the first section of the Act of February 13, 1807, the judges of the district courts of the United States shall have as full power to grant writs of injunctions, to operate within their respective districts, as is now exercised by any of the judges of the supreme court of the United States. under the same rules, regulations, and restrictions, as are prescribed by the several acts of congress establishing the judiciary of the United States, any law to the contrary notwithstanding. Provided, that the same shall not, unless so ordered by the circuit court, continue longer than to the circuit then next ensuing; nor shall an injunction be issued by a district judge in any case, where the party has had a reasonable time to apply to the circuit court for the writ.
151. An injunction may be issued by the district judge under the Act of March 3, 1820, SSSS 4, 5, where proceedings have taken place by warrant and distress against a debtor to the United States or his sureties, subject by 6, to appeal to the circuit court from the decision of such district judge in refusing or dissolving the injunction, if such appeal be allowed by a justice of the supreme court. On which, with an exception as to the necessity of an answer on the part of the United States, the proceedings are to be as in other cases.
152. The Act of September 24, 1789, 14, vests in the judges of the district courts, power to grant writs of habeas corpus, for the purpose of an inquiry into the cause of commitment.
153. Other acts give them power to issue writs, make rules, take depositions, &c. The acts of congress already treated of relating to the privilege of not being sued out of the district of which the defendant is an inhabitant, or in which he is found, restricting suits by assignees, and various others, apply to the district court as well as to the circuit court.
154. Bythe 9th section of the Act of September 24, 1789, the trial of issues in fact in the district courts, in all causes except civil causes of admiralty and maritime jurisdiction, shall be by jury. Serg. Const. Law, 226, 227.
(2.) The criminal jurisdiction of the district court.
155. By the Act of August 23, 1842, 3, it is enacted that the district courts of the United States shall have concurrent jurisdiction with the circuit courts, of all crimes and offences against the United States, the punishment of which is not capital.
156. There is a class of district courts of a peculiar description. These exercise the power of a circuit court, under the same regulations as they were formerly exercised by the district court of Kentucky, which was the first of the kind.
157. The Act of September 24, 1789, 10, gives the district court of the Kentucky district, besides the usual jurisdiction of a district court, the jurisdiction of all causes, except of appeals and writs of error, thereinafter made cognizable in a circuit court, and writs of error and appeals were to lie from decisions therein to the supreme court, and under the, same regulations. By the 12th section, authority was given to remove cases from a state court to such court, in the same manner as to a circuit court.
3. The territorial courts.
158. The act to establish the territorial government of Oregon, approved August 14, 1848, establishes the judicial power of the said territory as follows: 9. The judicial power of said territory shall be vested in a supreme court, district courts, probate courts, and in justices of the peace. The supreme court shall consist of a chief justice and two associate justices, any two of whom shall constitute a quorum, and who shall hold a term at the seat of government of said territory annually; and they shall hold their offices during the period of four years, and until their successors shall be appointed and qualified. The said territory shall be divided into three judicial districts, and a district court shall be held in each of said districts by one of the just of the supreme court, at such times and places as may be prescribed by law; and the said judges shall after their appointments, respectively, reside in the districts which shall be assigned them The jurisdiction of the several courts herein provided for, both appellate and original, and that of the probate courts and of justices of the peace, shall be as limited by law: Provided, That justices of the peace shall not have jurisdiction of any case in which the title to land shall in anywise come in question, or where the debt or damages claimed shall exceed one hundred dollars; and the said supreme and district courts, respectively, shall possess chancery, as well as common law, jurisdiction. Each district court, or the judge thereof, shall appoint its clerk, who shall also be the register in chancery, and shall keep his office at the place where the court may be held. Writs of error, bills of exception, and appeals, shall be allowed in all cases from the final decisions of said district courts to the supreme court, under such regulations as may be prescribed by law; but in no case removed to the supreme court shall trial by jury be allowed in said court. The supreme court, or the justices thereof, shall appoint its own clerk, and every clerk shall hold his office at the pleasure of the court for which he shall have been appointed. Writs of error and appeals from the final decisions of the said supreme court shll be allowed, and way be taken to the supreme court of the United States, in the same manner, and under the same regulations, as from the circuit courts of the United States, where the value of the property, or the amount in controversy, to be ascertained by the oath or affirmation of either party, or other competent witness, shall exceed two thousand dollars; and in all cases where the constitution of the United States, or acts of congress, or a treaty of the United States, is brought in question; and each of the said district courts shall have and exercise the same jurisdiction in all cases arising under the constitution of the United States, and the laws of said territory, as is vested in the circuit and district courts of the United States writs of error and appeal in all such cases shall be made to the supreme court of said territory, the same as in other cases. Writs of error and, appeals from the final decisions of said supreme court shall be allowed, and may be taken to the supreme court of the United States, in the same manner as from the circuit courts of the United States, where the value of the property, or the amount in controversy, shall exceed two thousand dollars; and each of said district courts shall have and exercise the same jurisdiction in all cases arising under the constitution and laws of the United States, as is vested in the circuit and district courts of the United States, and also of all cases arising under the laws of the said territory, and otherwise. The said clerk shall receive, in all such cases, the same fees which the clerks of the district courts of the late Wisconsin Territory received for similar services.
159. - 10. There shall be appointed an attorney for said territory, who shall continue in office for four years, and until his successor shall be appointed and qualified, unless sooner removed by the president, and who shall receive the same fees and salary as were provided by law for the attorney of the United States for the late territory of Wisconsin. There shall also be a marshal for the territory appointed, who shall hold his office for four years, and until his successor shall be appointed and qualified, unless sooner removed by the president, and who shall execute all processes issuing from the said courts, when exercising their jurisdiction as circuit and district courts of the United States; he shall perform the duties, be subject to the same regulation and penalties, and be entitled to the same fees, as were provided by law for the marshal of the district court of the United States, for the present [late] territory of Wisconsin; and shall, in addition, be paid two hundred dollars annually as a compensation for extra services.
160. The act to establish a territorial government for Utah, approved September 9, 1850, contains the following provisions relative to this subject. They are the same in most respects with the preceding. Section 9 of this act provides, " That the judicial power of said territory shall be vested in a supreme court, district courts, probate courts, and in justices of the peace. The supreme court shall consist of a chief justice and two associate justices, any two of whom shall constitute a quorum, and who shall hold a term at the seat of government of said territory annually, and they shall hold their offices during the period of four years. The said territory shall be divided into three judicial districts, and a district court shall be held in each of said districts by one of the justices of the supreme court, at such time and place as may be prescribed by law; and the said judges shall, after their appointments, respectively, reside in the districts which shall be assigned them. The jurisdiction of the several courts herein provided for, both appellate and original, and that of the probate courts and of justices of the peace, shall be as limited by law: Provided, That justices of the peace shall not have jurisdiction of any matter in controversy when the title or boundaries of land may be in dispute, or where the debt or sum claimed shall exceed one hundred dollars; and the said supreme and district courts, respectively, shall possess chancery as well as common law jurisdiction. Each district court, or the judge thereof, shall appoint its clerk, who shall also be the register in chancery, and shall keep his office at the place where the court may be held. Writs of error, bills of exception, and appeals shall be allowed in all cases from the final decisions of said district courts to the supreme court, under such regulations as may be prescribed by law; but in no case removed to the supreme court shall trial by jury be allowed in said court. The supreme court, or the justices thereof, shall appoint its own clerk and every clerk shall hold his office at the pleasure of the court for which be shall have been appointed. Writs of error, and appeals from the final decisions of said supreme court, shall be allowed, and may be taken to the supreme court of the United States, in the same manner and under the same regulations as from the circuit courts of the United States, where the value of the property or the amount in controversy, to be ascertained by the oath or affirmation of either party, or other competent witness, shall exceed two thousand dollars, except only that, in all, cases involving title to slaves, the said writs of error or appeals shall be allowed and decided by the said supreme court, without regard to the value of the matter, property, or title in controversy; and except, also, that a writ of error or appeal shall also be allowed to the supreme court of the United States, from the decisions of the said supreme court created by this act, or of any judge thereof, or of the district courts created by this act, or of any judge thereof, upon any writ of habeas corpus involving the question of personal freedom: and each of the said district courts shall have and exercise the same jurisdiction in all cases arising under the constitution and laws of the United States as is vested in the circuit and district courts of the United States; and the said supreme and district courts of the said territory, and the respective judges thereof, shall and may grant writs of habeas corpus in all cases in which the same are granted by the judges of the United States in the District of Columbia; and the first six days of every term of said courts, or so much thereof as shall be necessary, shall be appropriated to the trial of causes arising under the said constitution and laws; and writs of error and appeal, in all such cases, shall be made to the supreme court of said territory, the same as in other cases. The said clerk shall receive in all such cases the same fees which the clerks of the district courts of Oregon territory now rceive for similar services.
161. "There shall be appointed an attorney for said territory, who shall continue in office for four years, unless sooner removed by the president, and who shall receive the same fees and salary as the attorney of the United States for the present territory of Oregon. There shall also be a marshal for the territory appointed, who shall hold his office for four years, unless sooner removed by the president, and who shall execute all processes issuing from the said courts, when exercising their jurisdiction as circuit and district courts of the United States: he shall perform the duties, be subject to the same regulation and penalties, and be entitled to the same fees as the marshall of the district court of the United States for the present territory of Oregon; and shall, in addition, be paid two hundred dollars annually as a compensation for extra sci-vices."
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Ormsby Village
1920 (second location)
Cottage Plan
Lyndon, Ky
Louisville and Jefferson County Children's Home
The new Louisville and Jefferson County Children's Home that was to take the place of the House of Refuge/School of Industrial Reform opened in 1920 and was located on a 400 acre tract bounded by LaGrange Rd, Whipps Mill Rd. and Dorsey Lane. Reformers favored locating child care facilities away from the cities and the new interurban electric rail lines made the use of a rural site practical. The facility was to be run by a bipartisan Board of Managers appointed by the mayor and county judge.
The residential campus for white children was called Ormsby Village, and the campus for blacks was called Ridgewood and had a separate entrance off of Dorsey. The home put into practice some of the most advanced ideas in juvenile care to be found anywhere in the United States. The campus contained an administration building, central dining hall and kitchen, a service building, a school and a hospital. There were 14 cottages that could hold 40 children each. There were athletic fields, a swimming pool, poultry yards and a dairy. The historic house on the property, Bellevoir, became the residence of the superintendent.
The majority of the children were dependents whose parents could no longer care for them. Children who committed mild form of delinquency were also admitted. The home housed over 400 children at the height of its operation in the 1930s to the early 1950s. Occupancy became less and less and in the early 1960s the school was closed. In 1968 the Board of Managers was dissolved and the control of the facility was handed over to the Metro Social Services Department. The Ridgewood buildings were leased to the state and renamed Lynnwood. The facilities were closed in 1975.
During the 1980s the property was used for a community gardens and then the Kentucky Railway Museum. In 1987 the county sold most of the land which would be developed as Hurstbourne Green. All of the Ormsby Village and Ridgewood buildings were demolished except for Bellevoir. [1]
↑ http://historiclouisville.weebly.com/house-of-refuge--belknap-campus--ormsby-village.html
Retrieved from "http://asylumprojects.org/index.php?title=Ormsby_Village&oldid=31884"
Demolished Institution
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South Fulton Cityhood Advocates Seek State House Seats
February 24, 2016 BARBARA PAYNE 3 comments
(APN) ATLANTA — This election cycle, at least two advocates for South Fulton cityhood–Debra Bazemore and Rafer Johnson–are putting their names on the ballot to run for State House.
State House races in Districts 62 and 63, covering much of south Fulton County, will be top-heavy with City of South Fulton advocates.
Atlanta Progressive News is beginning our election coverage for the May 2016 Primary Election. APN has already sent out questionnaires to numerous candidates.
While this article has a special focus on candidates in two races because of their common bond, APN will be reaching out to every campaign in House Districts 62, 63, and many others with questionnaires over the next few weeks.
DEBRA BAZEMORE, CANDIDATE FOR HD 63
Debra Bazemore, supporter of South Fulton cityhood, and an outspoken critic of annexations in south Fulton County, will be running for Georgia House District 63.
Currently, the seat is currently held by State Rep. Ronnie Mabra (D-Fayetteville), who is not seeking reelection so he can spend more time with his family. The district comprises parts of College Park, Union City, and Fayetteville.
Linda Pritchett also intends to run for the District 63 seat.
Pritchett previously attempted to run for the same seat in 2012. At that time, CBS 46 television news ran a troubling report regarding Pritchett’s criminal history.
http://www.cbs46.com/story/19125066/state-rep-candidate-stops-interview-when-asked-about-criminal-history
http://atlantaprogressivenews.com/2012/08/25/davenport-jones-mabra-win-state-legislative-run-offs/
Bazemore, who has led the group South Fulton United for the last two legislative sessions, has openly criticized City of Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed and State Sen. Vincent Fort (D-Atlanta) for attempting to influence over annexation attempts in South Fulton.
http://atlantaprogressivenews.com/2014/09/22/loch-lomond-estates-in-south-fulton-seeks-annexation-into-atlanta/
http://atlantaprogressivenews.com/2015/01/07/city-of-south-fulton-bill-reintroduced-in-legislature/
http://atlantaprogressivenews.com/2015/04/15/city-of-atlanta-annexation-south-fulton-city-efforts-clash-fail-for-now/
http://atlantaprogressivenews.com/2015/08/06/dekalb-community-edmund-park-petitions-for-atlanta-annexation-as-south-fulton-petitions-still-being-processed/
Bazemore said South Fulton cityhood is one motivation for running, but not the only one. In fact, she predicts that the State Senate will approve a South Fulton cityhood referendum this year.
“I am the best person for the job. I am collaborating with commissioners and county leaders about public safety,” Bazemore said.
“We had a rally last year and invited other city leaders, on education, as the Governor attempts to take over some failing schools in South Fulton; the concern is that the State takes money from some schools, leaving others with no money. This creates a ripple effect for students, teachers and parents,” Bazemore said.
“For economic development, we want to attract the right kind of businesses. We sit in close proximity to the world’s busiest airport. We want to build up our area and have it be enticing. If we don’t have the community and all the voices at the table, we won’t succeed. I will continue to be their voice, as I have for the last six years,” Bazemore told Atlanta Progressive News.
Bazemore was appointed to the South Fulton Comprehensive Plan steering committee that outlines the County’s priorities for the next thirty years.
She has worked with legislators, ran a State Senator’s office, lobbied on behalf of South Fulton residents, and traveled internationally with legislators; is a state committee member for Democratic Party of Georgia; has put on numerous meetings in Fulton County; and has been the President of her homeowners association for the last ten years.
RAFER JOHNSON
Rafer Johnson, a flight attendant and South Fulton advocate, hopes to make a mark on District 62 this year.
District 62’s seat is currently held by State Rep. LaDawn Blackett Jones (D-Atlanta), an open critic of the City of Atlanta’s annexation attempts in South Fulton, who will not be seeking reelection.
William K. Bodie and Valerie Vie, both attorneys, are also both running for the seat.
“I have the combination of private, public and nonprofit organizations. My opponents do not bring that to the table,” Johnson told APN.
“I am a proud Leadership Atlanta alum of 2009. When Leadership Atlanta 2012 signed a letter for the South Fulton movement, I made some calls and started to tear through the finances; it was a no brainer for us. I formed coalition of South Fulton Now that included clergy, business leaders, and residents and served as the first chair of the organization, that became part of the bigger coalition,” Johnson said.
Johnson said he is the first openly gay black man to run for office. He has served his community in many capacities. He was the President of the Parkside Homeowners Association and was the Commissioner of Housing for Fulton County.
“As Chair of Fulton County’s Housing Authority, he was called to lead the organization during one of the greatest modern migrations due to a natural disaster, Hurricane Katrina. He ensured a positive reputation for greater Atlanta while maintaining care and fairness to its citizens who had existing housing needs,” according to his website.
(END/2016)
tagged with annexation, cityhood, debra bazemore, elections, Fulton County, Georgia, openly gay, rafer johnson, south fulton, voting
annexations
cityhood
Debra Bazemore
South Fulton Guy
Debra Bazemore is running because she naively thinks it will help her get back the $10,000 of personal funds she was conned into investing by cityhood zealots, in last years now obsolete feasibility study for the proposed city of South Fulton. Especially given that the bill died yet again in a Senate Committee this time, this week, your money is now most assuredly gone girlfriend – even if you become a state representative…
Ed Williams
May 5, 2016 1:20 pm
The proposed city of Stonecrest would be one of the largest cities in DeKalb County with a population of 50,000 residents and the largest city in terms of land area 29.6 square miles. In order for it to be feasible the land size and the number of people had to be large to make it feasible. The proposed city charter for Stonecrest only has three services in it. Parks and Recreation, Zoning, and Code Enforcement. If Stonecrest was a full service city like Dunwoody and Brookhaven it would not have passed it’s feasibility test.
The CVI feasibility studty used Peachtree Corners, Brookhaven, and Dunwoody for Greenhaven estimates. The CVI feasibility used Peachtree Corners and Smyrna for the proposed city of Stonecrest but also utilized data from other metro Atlanta area cities. The proposed city of South Fulton the feasibility analysis included all cites in Fulton County with a population of 10,000 or greater as determined by the 2010 Census. The cities with populations are: Alpharetta, 57,551; East Point, 33,712; Fairburn, 12,950; Johns Creek 76,728; Milton, 32,661; and Union City, 19,456. We do not include College Park with a population of 13,942 for several reasons. And also do not include Atlanta; with a population of 420,003 it is just much bigger than all other cities.
Did you know that in the Stonecrest charter the number of successive terms an individual may hold a position as mayor or as a council member shall be unlimited.
For the South Fulton feasibility analysis all cites in Fulton County with a population of 10,000 or greater as determined by the 2010 Census. The cities with populations are: Alpharetta, 57,551; East Point, 33,712; Fairburn, 12,950; Johns Creek 76,728; Milton, 32,661; and Union City, 19,456. We do not include College Park with a population of 13,942 for several reasons. First, College Park did not have a survey on file with DCA for 2012. Second, the per capita revenue and expenditure data for College Park for 2011 are considerably higher than even the city of Atlanta, suggesting that College Park maintains its financial records in a manner different from the other cities in Fulton County. The analysis also do not include Atlanta; with a population of 420,003 it is just much bigger than all other cities.
Full Document
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B6rHTsNOsLE_MVAtc0VsQUg1RFE/view?usp=sharing
Ed Williams. Ed.D. Chair
Concerned Citizens For Effective Government
Citizens Against Cityhood in DeKalb
facebook.com/ccegdekalb
ccegdekalb.blogspot.com
email: truthcrushtheearth@gmail.com
Twitter @truthcrushthee2
Proposed City of South Fulton The proposed city of South Fulton would be one of the largest cities in Fulton County with a population of 100,000 residents and the largest city in terms of land area 105 square miles. In order for it to be feasible the land size and the number of people had to be large to make it feasible. The proposed city of South Fulton feasibility analysis included all cites in Fulton County with a population of 10,000 or greater as determined by the 2010 Census. The cities with populations are: Alpharetta, 57,551; East Point, 33,712; Fairburn, 12,950; Johns Creek 76,728; Milton, 32,661; and Union City, 19,456. The feasibility study did not include College Park with a population of 13,942 for several reasons. And also did not include Atlanta; with a population of 420,003 it is just much bigger than all other cities.
Full Document Report
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B6rHTsNOsLE_Q3RKUm9fdVdhZXM/view?usp=sharing
City Charters, Feasibility Studies and Other Related Documents
https://www.facebook.com/notes/citizens-against-cityhood-in-dekalb/city-charters-and-other-documents/1656116507978933
Questions to Ask Supporters of Cityhood
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B6rHTsNOsLE_Z1gxVDNkVVNvR1k/view?usp=sharing
Leave a Reply to Ed Williams Cancel reply
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By Greg Wilson on August 2, 2015 in Merseyside, RIP, The Beatles, The Sixties
Liverpool singer and TV star, Cilla Black (born Priscilla White) died today at her holiday home in Spain – she was 72 years old.
As an ‘ordinary girl done good’, she became a national celebrity following humble beginnings working the cloakroom of The Cavern Club in Liverpool, where The Beatles played so many times during the early 60’s, prior to their meteoric rise to world renown.
Beatles manager Brian Epstein would take her under his wing and guide her singing career from 1963 until his death in 1967, with Beatles producer George Martin overseeing her recording sessions at London’s Abbey Road studios. During that time she scored a string of hits, including 2 that topped the chart in 1964, ‘Anyone Who Had A Heart’ and ‘You’re My World’. Her friendship with The Beatles would provide her with her first single, 1963’s ‘Love Of The Loved’, a Lennon / McCartney composition never released by the band. Her final Top 10 hit was 1971’s ‘Something Tells Me (Something Is Going To Happen Tonight)’ – in all she placed 11 singles in the Top 10, along with 3 of her 60’s albums.
She was the beneficiary of an era when US hits were quickly covered by UK artists, often securing British success with a song associated with a completely different singer in its country of origin, This was especially true of her first #1, ‘Anyone Who Had A Heart’, an international hit written by the great songwriting duo Bert Bacharach & Hal David and sung by Dionne Warwick – however, the Cilla Black recording beat the original to the punch in the UK, and this has become the song she’s most associated with:
In early 1965 she was set to achieve the same feat with ‘You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling’, which had stole a march on the Phil Spector produced original, now regarded as one of the great classics of recorded music, by The Righteous Brothers. This was until the manager of The Rolling Stones, Andrew Loog Oldham, took it upon himself to place a full-page advertisement in Melody Maker imploring people to buy the clearly superior Righteous Brothers original. In the event, Black’s version would stall at #2 with The Righteous Brothers leap-frogging it to the top spot on its way to pop immortality.
With a powerful, what some might describe as ‘distinctive’ voice, which certainly wasn’t everyone’s cup of tea, she would eventually come to be regarded as more of a show business personality than singer. Much loved by the TV viewing public as someone who possessed ‘the common touch’, she would forge a hugely successful career in light entertainment, becoming a major TV star via shows including ’Cilla’ (1968-1976), ‘Surprise Surprise’ (1984-2004) and ‘Blind Date’ (1985-2003).
Just last year ITV aired a 3-part drama about here life, ‘Cilla’, with actress Sheridan Smith taking the starring role.
Cilla Black Wikipedia:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cilla_Black
Paul ‘Trouble’ Anderson
Brian Epstein, Cavern Club, Cilla Black, George Martin, Greg Wilson, Liverpool, The Beatles
More T-Shirts (And Vests)
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