pred_label
stringclasses 2
values | pred_label_prob
float64 0.5
1
| wiki_prob
float64 0.25
1
| text
stringlengths 137
1.03M
| source
stringlengths 37
43
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
__label__wiki
| 0.957408
| 0.957408
|
LAKERS NOTEBOOK: Dwight Howard remains coy…
LAKERS NOTEBOOK: Dwight Howard remains coy about status for Sunday
By Mark Medina | mmedina@scng.com | Daily News
EL SEGUNDO – Dwight Howard’s mood shifted, depending on the topic.
He sounded annoyed at the inevitable, albeit repetitive question.
Has Howard rehabbed his surgically repaired back enough to make his Lakers debut today against the Sacramento Kings at Staples Center?
“Oh my God,” Howard said as he rolled his eyes. “We’ll see tomorrow.”
Howard also seemed joyful at other times after finishing a full practice Saturday at the Lakers’ facility in El Segundo. He imitated Kobe Bryant’s monotone voice and serious demeanor.
Howard proclaimed “I love you,” to Devin Ebanks before he entered the training room. Howard spotted an unfamiliar media member and said, “Hi, new guy.” When he learned the reporter was Canadian, Howard sang the country’s national anthem out loud.
“I sing it in the shower almost every day,” Howard said. “I think I’m pretty good.”
Then Howard looked stoked as he imagined returning to the court.
“I’m tired of people asking me if I’m going to play, but I’m excited,” Howard said. “I think everybody is excited to see me play. It’s a great honor. I want to make sure I can sustain everything I can do so I don’t play one game and then sit out the next 20. I want to stay consistent.”
Hence why Howard and the Lakers wouldn’t officially decide about his playing status? The Lakers are listing him as day-to-day, although coach Mike Brown talked with trainer Gary Vitti at length at halfcourt following practice.
As far as what Vitti said about Howard?
“He has not said that (Howard) is playing tomorrow,” said Brown, who added that could be decided after today’s morning shootaround. “My impression is that if Gary Vitti tells me he is going to play, then he’ll play.”
Howard at least accomplished one hurdle.
The Lakers required Howard to play in a full practice Saturday as a precondition for a possible return today. Since Oct. 10, Howard has participated in full-court five-on-five contact drills. Brown also described Howard’s conditioning as “good,” though he conceded it could improve.
“I just want to get my feet wet,” Howard said. “I don’t think it’s going to be perfect, but first game back I think the guys will do a good job of getting me easy shots and get myself going a little bit and get some confidence.”
He’s trying to control his nerves.
“I hope it doesn’t happen that way where I get out and start crying,” he said. “That might happen though. I might be that emotional in the first time playing.”
That might sound odd coming from what many consider the NBA’s best center.
But this past season for Howard featuring a dizzying twists and turns surrounding his departure from the Orlando Magic. He’s also spent the past six months since his back surgery in rehab.
“It’s like the high-diving board at the pool, all of your friends jumped in and now you’ve thought about it too long and are too nervous,” Lakers guard Steve Nash said with a smile. “When you jump, you wonder why was I nervous? Dwight’s game looks great in practice. He just needs to go out there, make a few mistakes, make contact with someone and dunk the ball a couple of times. Then it’ll be all forgotten.”
Whether that happens today at Staples Center or in the Lakers’ preseason finale Thursday in San Diego, Howard maintained feeling just as giddy.
“The first time stepping on the court,” Howard said, “I’d just be excited to play.”
Also …
Lakers reserve forward Jordan Hill practiced with contact Saturday for the first time since being diagnosed with a herniated disk 11 days ago. Although he reported no setbacks, Hill remained non-committal on whether he’d play in the Lakers’ last two preseason games as hoped. He even sounded unsure if he’ll play Oct. 30 in the Lakers’ season opener against Dallas. “We’re still trying to watch out for the back,” Hill said, “get my core stronger and see how it goes.” … The Lakers waived former Cal State Dominguez Hills product Ronnie Aguilar and former UCLA standout Reeves Nelson, reducing the roster to 18 players.
Mark Medina
Mark Medina has been the Lakers beat writer for the Los Angeles Daily News since 2012. He also works as a Lakers insider for AM570 and is heard on national radio outlets, including The Dan Patrick Show, The Herd with Colin Cowherd, The Chris Mannix Show, Fox Sports Radio, CBS Sports Radio, Yahoo! Sports Radio and SB Nation Radio. Medina also appears frequently on Spectrum SportsNet and NBC4's "Going Roggin."
Follow Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0006.json.gz/line1736512
|
__label__wiki
| 0.95545
| 0.95545
|
York police log: Sept. 16-22
12:18 a.m. — Kevin E. Massie, 50, of 638 Pleasant St., Worcester, Mass., was charged on Shore Road with domestic violence assault after police responded to an alleged dispute between two men at a local motel. Massie had an Oct. 9 court date.
4:50 p.m. — Bruce E. Lytle, 47, of 23 Caincrest Road, was charged in Short Sands Ellis Park with stalking, criminal restraint and violation of privacy. He has a Nov. 20 court date.
1:27 a.m. — Hayden R. Sevey, 40, of 26 Gerrish Drive, Sanford, was charged on Route 1 with unlawful possession of a scheduled drug and violating conditions of release. In the same incident, Shawna Mariea, 43, of 15 Avon St., Sanford, was charged with possession of marijuana and sale/use of a drug paraphernalia. Both have an Oct. 30 court date.
2:21 p.m. — A 16-year-old juvenile was charged with operating a motor vehicle without a license, after police reported a minor motor-vehicle crash on Long Sands Road. The vehicle was an unregistered moped, police said. The court date is Dec. 18.
10:24 a.m. — Kevin Driend, 19, of 548 South Main St., Newport, N.H., was charged on Chases Pond Road with being a fugitive from justice, failure to give correct name, address and date of birth, and sale/use of drug paraphernalia. In the same incident, Karen Marie Carignan, 47, of 29 Fremont St., Somersworth, N.H., was charged with hindering apprehension or prosecution. Both have a Nov. 20 court date in the incident which began with a report of someone fishing in Chases Pond.
12:39 p.m. — Matthew W. Holt, 22, of 325 Pine River Road, Effingham, N.H., was charged on High Pine Road with domestic violence assault and refusing to submit to arrest or detention. He had an Oct. 9 court date.
2:57 p.m. — Suzanne T. Dwyer-Jones, 49, of 24 Eldridge Road, was charged on Eldridge Road with violating conditions of release. She has a Nov. 20 court date.
1:16 p.m. — Matthew W. Holt, 22, of 325 Pine River Road, Effingham, N.H., was charged on High Pine Road with violating conditions of release for allegedly going back to a house from which he was ordered to stay away. He has a Nov. 20 court date.
7:32 p.m. — Michael L. Bracy, 35, of 20 Whippoorwill Ridge Road, was charged on Pine Hill Road at Whippoorwill Ridge Road with operating under the influence. He has a Dec. 18 court date. In the same incident, Kelli Krohn, 48, of 30 Moulton Lane, was charged with assault and has a Nov. 20 court date.
© Copyright 2006-2019 GateHouse Media, LLC. All rights reserved • GateHouse Publicrecords
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0006.json.gz/line1736513
|
__label__wiki
| 0.980794
| 0.980794
|
Actor Michael Towle swears his geophysics degree comes in handy
Jeanné McCartin
There are a lot of careers open to people with a master's degrees in geophysics.
Think performing for theater for children or handling a small nonprofit's booking.
There's refereeing for paintball games of course, running your own fledgling theater production company and taking the occasional role in a Shakespeare production.
Those are just a few options, all part of Michael Towle's current cache.
"My dad's still thrashing his head over that one, the children's theater," says Towle, of Rollinsford. "But, it's a happy life."
Dad must have experienced whiplash last year when his son took to the stage with Darwin's Waiting Room as a centaur adopted by humans, an Indian customer service worker aiding men in space and a daft cowboy, which he'll revisit this fall when the company opens the Player's Ring season.
"I have a penchant for — well I have a scientific mind, but I enjoy the arts," Towle says. "My whole life I've tried to balance the two. As you get older you maximize your time, and that usually involves focusing on one path over the other."
Art prevailed.
Towle moved to the area from Memphis in 2011 to tour as a performer with the Hampstead Stage Company, of Barnstead, straight out of his master's program. He landed the job at the Unified Professional Theatre Auditions.
"Why audition? Love does funny things to you," he says.
He'd met Jennifer Henry while working at the Playhouse on the Square in Memphis, while attending school.
"My physics professors would come and see me," Towle says. "It was nice. They were always supportive."
Henry shared stories of working with Hampstead Stage, which sends pairs of actors to perform throughout the United States.
"She'd talk about it on dates, 'There was this one time on tour, or this time and this would happen and this ... ' Just great stories," he says. "I asked her if she'd ever do it again. It was the innocent germ of a question. Then we said, 'Let's do it, tour and see the country while doing it.'"
Immediately out of school they headed to Barnstead and together performed theater for young audiences across the country for two years.
"During that time you're together more than most married couples. You're performing together, staying in the same hotel, driving together for hours and hours," Towle says. "If you can survive that you can survive anything."
They performed "Alice in Wonderland," in which Towle played eight characters and 11 voices, "Aladdin," "The Adventures of Mr. Todd," "A Christmas Carol," and others.
The word for the experience? "Wonderful," Towle says, though he no longer tours. "Instead, today I'm the guy coordinating the tours, in school libraries, community centers, wherever, promoting literacy and live theater ...; from Seattle, Wash., Las Vegas and Miami — all across the country."
He also does the company's IT work, "maintaining data at the 'farm,'" he says. Towle explains Hampstead is located in an 18th-century farmhouse. Walk outside the rehearsal room with its drywall and florescent lights into the next room, and you're inside a barn, with a horse and haystack.
He often strides across the street to his other job at OSG Paintball Center, where he performs as a referee, indulging his gamer side and "playing creatively."
And of course there is the focus — performing.
Towle has gotten around to a fair number of Seacoast houses in his short time here.
His first job was as Thomas Jefferson in "1776" at Garrison Players in Rollinsford. "As Thomas Jefferson," he says in an incredulous tone. "I'm 5-feet something, brown hair. He was a redhead and 6-foot."
That job lead to friendships and more work.
Last winter Towle performed as Bob Cratchit in "A Christmas Carol" at the Players' Ring in Portsmouth — a role he'll reprise this winter.
This summer her performed in Hackmatack Playhouse's "Arsenic and Old Lace" in Berwick, Maine.
"It has been a blast acting on the Seacoast, because I'm overwhelmed by how many passionate and dedicated people there are, and hardworking. They're very good people," he says. "I've had a good time meeting these folks and I can say a lot of them are my friends."
Greg Gaskell, who performed Marley in "Carol," is among them.
"Greg thought I'd be a good fit with Darwin's, that's how I got into that sketch comedy group. It's such fun, I've got to tell you," Towle says.
He personally leans toward Warner Brothers cartoons — "simple humor and cheesy puns." Playing the adopted son who happens to be a centaur to a human couple — dad's a large, bearded Scottish man — fits the bill. But Darwin's always adds a clever and cerebral twist.
"It's a quirky, quirky group," Towle says. "Absurd and funny."
He also performed with Seven Stages Shakespeare Company this spring as Hortensio in "The Taming of the Shrew," at the Ring.
"That has probably been the most rewarding theatrical experience I've had," he says. "It was just a lot of very passionate hardworking fun people that love performing — I don't even know how to describe it, free and open. ...; We didn't even have a stage manager, which could be a recipe for disaster ...; but everyone held themselves to a high standard, played, had fun and put on a great show."
Now it's back to Darwin's, which will open the Players' Ring's 2014/15 season.
"I'm just pumped for the roles I get to play for the next show," he says. There's the gangster boss — "think Tony Soprano" — and a bomber pilot dealing with confusing radio chatter.
"That script is just insane. ...; It's all word play, a back and forth rapid-fire pace," Towle says.
This time he appears as a member, "part of the club," he says. "It's a passionate group. We work hard, but there's also a great deal of joy working in that environment."
After the Darwin's performance at the Ring, things will get even busier.
Next up the role of Hubert in "King John" for a Seven Stages Shakespeare Company ShakesBEERience reading — the first of its season.
Also, Towle and Henry have formed Fault Line Productions, which will produce "Dead Man's Cell Phone," by Sarah Ruhl, from Oct. 31 to Nov. 9. Towle calls it "a quirky little show."
"It's (Fault Line's) inaugural production," he says, and Henry will be directing.
After that, it's back to Cratchit.
"It's a very active arts community in New Hampshire, particularly on the Seacoast. I'm proud and happy to be a part of it," Towle says.
And yes, he uses his physics education. It is all about a logical way of thinking, he says.
"It applies to all sorts of things. There's just a rare few (graduates) that go on to an arts path. But that way of thinking has helped me in my jobs ... putting it all together. It helps me in lots of different ways."
Dad can breath a little easier.
© Copyright 2006-2019 GateHouse Media, LLC. All rights reserved • GateHouse Life
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0006.json.gz/line1736514
|
__label__wiki
| 0.963325
| 0.963325
|
https://www.seattlepi.com/news/article/Race-becomes-new-flashpoint-with-Pelosi-14089665.php
Race becomes new flashpoint with Pelosi, Ocasio-Cortez
Lisa Mascaro, Ap Congressional Correspondent
Updated 7:46 pm PDT, Friday, July 12, 2019
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., listens as Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell testifies before the House Financial Services Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, July 10, 2019.
Photo: Susan Walsh, AP
WASHINGTON (AP) — The debate between Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and other House Democrats over migrant children in detention at the border was wrenching enough. Then it became about race.
First, the freshman's chief of staff compared more centrist Democrats to 1940s segregationists. Then Ocasio-Cortez, D-NY., accused Speaker Nancy Pelosi of "singling out" her and fellow newcomers, all women of color.
By Thursday, the rhetoric escalated, overshadowing the agenda and pushing House Democrats way off message with the most divisive upheaval since they took control of the chamber this year. Longtime lawmakers were stunned.
"How dare they try to play the race card at this point," said Rep. William Lacy Clay, an African-American Democrat from Missouri who faces a primary challenge backed by allies of Ocasio-Cortez. He called those making the claims "ignorant" of racial history. "It shows the weakness of their argument. It's damaging to this party and the internal workings of the Democratic party."
Rep. John Lewis, the Civil Rights icon, shared his view.
Lewis said it was "a little too far" for the staff member to compare lawmakers to segregationists.
"We all must work together, pull together for the country's good," the Georgia Democrat said in an interview. "The great majority of the caucus membership tends to work together and get along. We need to go forward, not backward."
The problems have been developing for weeks, mounting as Congress struggled to pass a border funding package, but now may force a reckoning among Democrats that spills beyond Capitol Hill and into the 2020 campaigns.
Late last month, tensions grew between liberals, including Ocasio-Cortez and the "squad" of three other freshmen, and centrists from the Problem Solvers, Blue Dog and New Democratic caucuses over protections for migrant children and families in detention. With time ticking before funding ran out — and lawmakers set to leave town for the July 4th holiday — centrists revolted, forcing Pelosi to drop liberal demands and approve a more modest Senate version of the bill.
And then the fallout began.
"Didn't realize this needed to be said, but: you can be someone who does not personally harbor ill will towards a race, but through your actions still enable a racist system. And a lot of New Democrats and Blue Dogs did that today," tweeted Saikat Chakrabarti, the chief of staff for Ocasio-Cortez. It was an extraordinary attack by a staff member on elected officials.
"This is in reference to my comparing Blue Dogs and New Democrats to 1940s Southern Democrats," he wrote in another. "Southern Democrats enabled a racist system too. I have no idea how personally racist they all were. And we're seeing the same dynamic play out now."
That weekend, in trying to tamp down the divisions, Pelosi dismissed the influence Ocasio-Cortez and the squad — Reps. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., Ayanna Pressley, D-Mass., and Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich. — in a Sunday newspaper column. But it seems to have only enhanced their stature.
Allies of the foursome swiftly came to their defense, suggesting Pelosi was marginalizing the women of color who are the new face of the party. Chakrabarti tweeted his own critique of Pelosi.
Ocasio-Cortez told The Washington Post on Wednesday that "the persistent singling out ... it got to a point where it was just outright disrespectful ... the explicit singling out of newly elected women of color."
In a fundraising email Thursday, Justice Democrats, the progressive group that recruited Ocasio-Cortez to run for office, criticized Pelosi for "singling out four new leaders who are progressive women of color." The group is backing a handful of primary challengers to congressional Democrats, aiming for 25.
On Capitol Hill, the centrists got to work. Aides were quick to point out the co-chairwoman of the Blue Dog Coalition, Rep. Stephanie Murphy, is a refugee and the first Vietnamese-American woman elected to Congress. Two members of the coalition are African American lawmakers who lived through segregation. One of the members of the New Democratic Coalition, Rep. Terri Sewell, who is African-American, represents her hometown, Selma, Ala., as well as Montgomery and Birmingham, Alabama, and had reached out multiple times to Ocasio-Cortez after the tweets, to no response.
"I personally experienced Dixiecrats' bigoted policies growing up," Sewell said in a statement. "So, to even insinuate that I, or any other member of the New Dems, would promote policies that are racist and hateful or ones that would negatively impact communities of color is deeply offensive and couldn't be further from the truth."
Rep. Lou Correa, D-Calif., another co-chairman of the Blue Dogs and member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, said he has warned his staff off such actions. "It's sad, it's very sad."
One freshman, Rep. Mikie Sherrill, who won what had been a Republican-held seat in New Jersey, said the centrist lawmakers "work really hard to build broad coalitions. When people in the progressive wing of the party disagree, I do feel like they're not kind of lining up their sights on the right target."
Progressives and those allied with the Ocasio-Cortez and the squad wanted to shift the debate.
"Can we just talk about the issues we're dealing with? We have kids in cages," said Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, who said she was frustrated by the ongoing situation. "It's not about AOC. ... It's about progressives and our relationship to the Democratic caucus and our priorities."
Pelosi said she had been unaware of the tweet it until lawmakers brought it to her attention "some almost crying, some very upset and angry."
She spoke at length on the turmoil during a private meeting of House Democrats this week and on Thursday said she was done talking about her relations with Ocasio-Cortez and the others.
"They took offense because I addressed, at the bequest of my members, an offensive tweet," she said.
"How they're interpreting and carrying it to another place is up to them, but I'm not going to be discussing it any further."
Associated Press writer Alan Fram contributed to this report.
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0006.json.gz/line1736515
|
__label__cc
| 0.615948
| 0.384052
|
Micah Center for Business Ethics
Past Programming
The Micah Center for Business Ethics seeks to engage and support the development of business school faculty and assist them with incorporating consideration of ethical behaviors and decision-making into the curricula of business school courses, all within the context of the Catholic Social Tradition and the Catholic mission of Seton Hall. Through business creativity and innovation, we seek to address the human problem of making the world a better place to live and an even better place to bring up future generations. Learn more about the Micah Center »
"I am thrilled with the remarkable impact that the Micah Center has had—in its relatively short existence—on the level of discourse among faculty members and on their enthusiasm for making ethical considerations central to the Stillman School educational experience."
- Joyce Strawser, Ph.D., Dean of the Stillman School of Business
"Good Wealth: Using Catholic Social Thought to Link Wealth Creation to Poverty Alleviation," outlining the concepts of "good" and "bad" wealth, views of wealth within the tradition of Catholic Social Thought, and the processes behind meaningful wealth creation and poverty alleviation. Presented by Charles Clark, Professor and Senior Fellow, Vincentian Center, Economics and Finance, The Peter J. Tobin College of Business, St. John's University.
Promoting Good Wealth (PDF)
Promoting Good Wealth (PowerPoint)
2015-16 Meeting Materials
Micah Center for Business Ethics Hosts Mr. Tim Busch
Henry J. Amoroso, J.D., is an associate professor in the Department of Legal Studies at Seton Hall University. More »
Loading Events...
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0006.json.gz/line1736517
|
__label__wiki
| 0.859528
| 0.859528
|
John Calipari: Kentucky seeks to produce NBA All-Stars
James Crisp/Associated Press
Kentucky head coach John Calipari discussed a variety of topics in a teleconference on Thursday, particularly the seven Wildcats that could be selected in next week’s NBA draft.
Having that number of potential draft picks is unprecedented, and Calipari acknowledged that Kentucky’s goal “would be to say, ‘Hey, half the NBA All-Stars started with us.’”
In Chris Mannix’s latest mock draft for SI.com, Kentucky forward Karl-Anthony Towns was the No. 1 projected pick, followed by guard Devin Booker at No. 8, center Willie Cauley-Stein at No. 12 and forward Trey Lyles at No. 14. Guards Aaron and Andrew Harrison and center Dakari Johnson are also eligible to be drafted.
• NBA draft rumors: Latest reports around teams, players
On Thursday, Calipari explained Kentucky’s ability to produce so much NBA talent by saying the Wildcats choose not to focus on which positions players play.
From The Courier-Journal:
“We're basically playing positionless basketball and have for some time. We're not -- it's not trying to pigeonhole any player in one point. I want them all to be multi-position players, when you look at Willie. Karl, if he had his druthers, would've been a two guard. I mean, now you're talking about a post player who can step out on the court. Was not unanimous (as the No. 1 pick). It was other players who were gonna be that 1 pick. Now you're looking at it, it looks like it should be him. Willie, Trey we put at a three position to make him more versatile.”
Calipari, who continually faces criticism for the number of “one-and-done” players Kentucky produces, also admitted that a player’s future pro potential is something the program pays attention to.
“Now you're talking our guards, who are big – because of Tyler Ulis, Andrew can play with another point guard. Aaron could play the three if he needed to because of his size. You're looking at Devin Booker and you're saying, 'Wait a minute, that kind of shooting, that size,' and all of the sudden you get what we were trying to do. I mean, our goal is not just to help guys get in the league. We want guys to become All-Stars. We had three last year, and if you took Derrick Rose there's a fourth. Our goal would be to say, 'Hey, half the NBA All-Stars started with us.' So it is about positionless basketball. When you look at our guys, I think you say, 'Wow, all of them do have the ability to play two and three more positions, and even four.’”
• How the Warriors were built: Timeline of title team's roster construction
Last year, two Wildcats—forwards Julius Randle and James Young—were selected in the first round of the draft. In 2013, another two players taken as first-rounders.
In 2012, four players from Kentucky’s most recent NCAA championship team went in the first round, including No. 1 overall pick and 2015 All-NBA First team selection Anthony Davis. Two more Wildcats were drafted in the second round in 2012.
The 2015 NBA draft will be held next Thursday at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
- Mike Fiammetta
nba draft 2015
kentucky wildcats nba draft 2015
kentucky nba draft picks
nba draft rumors
nba draft news
john calipari news
kentucky basketball news
kentucky wildcats news
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0006.json.gz/line1736518
|
__label__wiki
| 0.969418
| 0.969418
|
Tearful Argentine cancer survivor wins sailing gold at 54
First placed Argentina's Santiago Lange, right, hugs Cecilia Carranza Saroli at the end of the Nacra 17 Mixed Medal Race during the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2016. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)
Gregorio Borgia
RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) Santiago Lange lost count of how many times he broke down during the celebration on the shore of Guanabara Bay, where one of the more remarkable stories of the Olympics played out.
''It was many,'' said Lange, a 54-year-old Argentine who became the oldest medalist at the Rio de Janeiro Games.
Lange, a cancer survivor and six-time Olympian, and crewmember Cecilia Carranza Saroli won the first Olympic gold medal in the Nacra 17 mixed catamaran class Tuesday at the sailing regatta. What followed at Flamengo Beach were unending rounds of group hugs, handshakes and backslaps.
And, yes, go ahead and cry along with him, Argentina.
''These whole games have been incredible for me,'' said Lange, who marched alongside sons Yago and Klaus during the opening ceremony. ''They've been a very emotional games. Watching the racing of my sons, and my sons watching my racing, and today celebrating with them. It's just been too much for me.''
Already a two-time bronze medalist in the discontinued Tornado catamaran class, Santiago was the most popular guy in the boat basin. As he and Saroli came to shore, his sons, who sail in the 49er class, jumped into the water to greet them.
''My children swam to the ship,'' Lange said. ''They had a regatta yesterday and were disqualified unjustly. If not they'd be fighting for a medal. So, what more can you ask from life?''
The shore-side celebration lasted for several minutes, with several people waving Argentine flags. They'd probably still be standing in the surf if it weren't for media obligations and the medal ceremony.
After receiving his gold medal, Lange hopped off the podium and ran over to hug his sons.
Lange had to beat lung cancer before he had a chance to beat the fleet.
He was diagnosed last year and had his left lung removed.
''I was very lucky to find it,'' Lange said. ''Probably if I wasn't travelling so much and wasn't so tired it wouldn't have been found. I see myself as very lucky.''
Lange and Saroli won the gold after finishing sixth in the medal race, rallying from last after being penalized at the start.
They took the gold by just one point over Jason Waterhouse and Lisa Darmanin of Australia. Thomas Zajac and Tanja Frank of Austria won the bronze.
Zajac said other sailors sometimes joke about Lange being ''the old man. But he's shown everyone. He's here.''
On the busiest day of the regatta, Caleb Paine won the Finn class medal race and took the bronze, the first sailing medal for the United States at the Rio Games. Britain's Giles Scott had clinched the gold two days earlier. Silver went to Vasilij Zbogar of Slovenia.
''That's pretty awesome. I was thinking about that today, and adding to the U.S. medal count is pretty cool and I'm excited about that,'' Paine said.
The Americans lead the all-time Olympic sailing medals table with 60. They were whitewashed at the London Games, failing to win an Olympic sailing medal for the first time since 1936.
''I've worked for this for a long time and I've been sailing for a very long time, so for good things to come together at the right time is what it's all about,'' said Paine, who beat 2008 silver medalist Zach Railey during the selection process. ''I'm happy to come away with a third but look forward to maybe down the line coming back again and going for gold.''
Three other gold medals were decided.
Peter Burling and Blair Tuke of New Zealand clinched the 49er gold with a race to spare, capping a dominating four years in which their only loss came in a Rio regatta last month. The silver and bronze will be decided Thursday.
''Blair and myself are absolutely stoked,'' Burling said. ''It's been a massive four years for us and we've really impressive performances along the way. It's exactly what we wanted to do. We're just on top of the world at the moment.''
The Kiwis have an unassailable 34-point lead over Erik Heil and Thomas Ploessel of Germany. Defending gold medalists Nathan Outteridge and Iain Jensen of Australia are three points back in third.
Tom Burton of Australia won the Laser gold medal after escaping from Tonci Stipanovic's attempt to sail him to the back of the fleet at the start. Stipanovic came in already having been assured of at least the silver. His is the first Olympic sailing medal for Croatia. Bronze went to Sam Meech of New Zealand.
Brazil's Robert Scheidt fell just short in his attempt to become the first sailor and first Brazilian to win six Olympic medals. Although he won the medal race, he finished fourth overall, four points behind Meech.
Marit Bouwmeester of the Netherlands won the gold medal in the women's Laser Radial, upgrading the silver she won in London. Annalise Murphy of Ireland took the silver and Anne-Marie Rindom of Denmark the bronze.
Defending bronze medalist Evi Van Acker of Belgium finished fourth. Van Acker fell ill earlier in the regatta and struggled. Her coach said she contracted a severe intestinal infection while training on polluted Guanabara Bay last month.
Later Tuesday, Hannah Mills and Saskia Clark of Britain clinched the women's 470 gold medal with Wednesday's medal race to spare. They were silver medalists in London. Six teams, including the United States, are in contention for silver and bronze.
Associated Press writer Luis Henao contributed to this report.
Follow Bernie Wilson on Twitter at http://twitter.com/berniewilson
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0006.json.gz/line1736519
|
__label__wiki
| 0.729807
| 0.729807
|
IT studies now compulsory at Swiss upper secondary schools
By siliconindia | Monday, 06 August 2018, 04:54 Hrs
Computer science is now obligatory at Swiss upper secondary schools as the Alpine nation seeks to boost its citizens' IT skills, the Education Ministry announced.
Schools tailored for pupils who typically go on to university have until the school year 2022-23 to introduce the compulsory lessons under a regulation change that came in on August 1, the Swiss national day, reports Xinhua news agency.
Previously, IT had the status of a non-obligatory supplementary subject, Swiss public television RTS reported.
Pupils will learn programming basics as well as about computer networks and digital communication security issues.
They should also develop a "well-versed understanding of developments in the information society", according to an Education Ministry statement.
The change was made due to the "rising importance in society" of information and communication technologies (ICT), said the Ministry.
There is currently a strong demand for IT specialists, but those in the field say there are not enough skilled workers to fill these positions, reported Swissinfo, the website of the national broadcaster.
"We don't have any problem finding people for the helpdesk, which is quite easy in IT terms, but it's much more complicated to find developers," Lionel Rieder, co-founder of website developer Raccoon in Neuchâtel, told RTS.
According to statistics shown in the RTS report, some 90,000 people were employed in Swiss IT professions in 1991.
This had risen to 210,800 by 2015. By 2024, there is expected to be a shortfall of almost 25,000 IT specialists.
Uber brings 'Safety Toolkit' feature to India
Google working on 'government-friendly' news app in China: Report
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0006.json.gz/line1736523
|
__label__wiki
| 0.837379
| 0.837379
|
Home » News » » » James M. Whittico Jr., M.D.: 1916-2018
James M. Whittico Jr., M.D.: 1916-2018
by Nancy Solomon on 08/30/2018
James Whittico Jr., M.D., a pioneering physician who had been a clinical professor at SLU, died on Aug. 21. He was 101.
Denise Hooks-Anderson, M.D., a SLUCare family medicine physician and an associate professor in SLU’s department of family and community medicine, described Dr. Whittico as “one of my favorite people ever” and noted she had never seen him dressed in anything other than a three-piece suit.
James M. Whittico Jr., M.D.
“He was a gentleman doctor who just went out of his way to treat his patients with the utmost respect. That’s all he really ever wanted to do. I’ve never seen a person who had that much compassion for his patients,” Hooks-Anderson said.
Dr. Whittico saw patients in his private practice for 65 years, until he retired at age 99. In addition his position at SLU, Dr. Whittico was a clinical instructor of surgery at Washington University School of Medicine and served six St. Louis hospitals as chief of staff or chief of surgery.
Dr. Whittico was the son of an educator and of a physician who he joined on horse-and-buggy house calls in West Virginia. A fierce advocate for civil rights, Dr. Whittico began practicing medicine during the Jim Crow-era that made segregation part of American life.
He fought to eliminate hospital medical staff segregation and mounted a national recruitment program to increase minority student enrollment in medical schools.
Dr. Whittico served as surgeon on the medical staff of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and directed the cancer clinic at Homer G. Phillips Hospital. He also served as president of the Mound City Medical Forum, the Missouri Pan-Medical Society and the National Medical Association. Under Dr. Whittico’s leadership, the National Medical Association was awarded a multi-million dollar NIH grant to recruit and train African-American doctors.
Donita Bing, administrator for SLU’s chair of surgery, remembered the kindness Dr. Whittico showed whenever he came in for SLU’s Grand Rounds.
“He always had a smile, he was gentle and very much a gentleman. He cared and he would come up with a flower or a sack or oranges to thank me for including him in Grand Rounds. He wanted to be kept in the loop so he could continue to learn,” she said.
Dr. Whittico lobbied legislators to enact laws to advance care for his patients and hosted a sitting U.S. president, Lyndon Johnson, as a speaker for the national organization over which he presided.
His achievements were celebrated in a booklet about St. Louis’s African-American pioneering doctors that memorialized the relocation of SLU’s Health Resource Center, which cares for underserved patients, in 2013.
A scholarship bearing his name was established at Mound City Medical Forum, which celebrated his birthday with a surprise party at its annual scholarship banquet in 2015.
“We want students to know this is your example and it’s a high standard,” said Hooks-Anderson, who was president of the organization at the time. “Every day you should be the best doctor for your patients, for the poor, for the disenfranchised. That’s who Dr. Whittico was. He touched so many lives.”
Dr. Whittico was the first African-American physician to serve on the St. Louis Board of Health and Hospitals as well as Missouri’s first African American to become a military hospital chief surgeon in active combat during World War II. He served as commanding officer and chief surgeon of the 93rd Infantry Division hospital and rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel. He received several military awards, including the Bronze Star and the Meritorious Combat Service Ribbon.
He received his medical degree from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee, and completed a surgical residency at Homer G. Phillips Hospital, followed by a surgical fellowship at Washington University.
Dr. Whittico is survived by his children Jarrhet Whittico and Joi Whittico. His wife Gloria Thompson Whittico predeceased him.
Visitation will be held from 3 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 6 in Austin A. Layne Renaissance Chapel, 7302 W. Florissant Ave. The celebration of Dr. Whittico’s life will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 7 at Central Baptist Church, 2842 Washington Blvd., with interment following at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0006.json.gz/line1736531
|
__label__wiki
| 0.944641
| 0.944641
|
MLB All-Star Game 2016: Dull contest shows need for change to Midsummer Classic
(Getty Images) https://images.performgroup.com/di/library/sporting_news/7c/8d/david-ortiz-getty-ftr-071316_1ncwuw3ek9uqp1b83fei7q2aty.jpg?t=-448108435&w=500&quality=80
SAN DIEGO - The All-Star Game has delivered its verdict, and the American League will have home-field advantage in the World Series after Tuesday night's 4-2 victory over the National League that was a snooze most of the way. This time, it counted, just like every year since 2003, because Americans do not like ties in sports, even in exhibition games, and something had to be done after Bud Selig's infamous extra-inning shrug.
If the gimmick feels a little stale, especially when rosters are set up to give each team a representative, with an online popularity contest deciding the starters, that's because it is. Meanwhile, intrigue in the game itself has been diluted by interleague play. The great draw of the All-Star Game used to be the ability to see matchups you would never get during the regular season between players from opposing leagues. Now, you can see those matchups every day of the season, thanks to the fact that there are 15 teams in each league and MLB has to have constant interleague action.
MORE: Top photos from 2016 All-Star Game
There are a couple of ways to shake things up. One would be to have a draft, as the NHL has had for its All-Star Game and the NFL has instituted for the Pro Bowl. Another would be to borrow from MLB's own All-Star weekend and go with the Futures Game 's matchup of USA vs. World.
"I don't think you can change it to World vs. United States," Blue Jays pitcher Marco Estrada said. "It sounds like a great idea, and I'd be all for it, but now that the game means something, you kind of have to leave it as AL vs. NL."
But the game doesn't have to mean something. It can be what it was for seven decades: a fun exhibition.
"That's not the way it's always been," Cubs second baseman Ben Zobrist said. "(Home-field advantage) always switched back and forth, back in the day. It is what it is right now, and I'm not saying it couldn't change at all. … I would definitely be open to (USA vs. World). I think a lot of players would."
SCOREBOARD: AL wins again; get the stats
Going to a new format would allow for the one type of matchup that nobody ever gets to see, except on the back fields at spring training: teammate vs. teammate. It happened on Sunday when Rockies prospect Jeff Hoffman, pitching for the USA, got Raimel Tapia to bounce out to first base.
https://images.performgroup.com/di/library/sporting_news/46/28/jeff-hoffman-071316-getty-embedjpg_1e1m21l8fdi1w1nr4nif7f9s3c.jpg?t=-484807531&w=500&quality=80
Jeff Hoffman (Getty Images)
"I think I have (faced Tapia) a little bit in spring training," Hoffman said. "I think I got him a few times. But, man, it's different seeing him in the box. We're both smiling at each other. He's a great hitter, so you don't want to give him anything good to hit. But even when you keep the ball down, like I did, he finds a way to square it up to first base. But I have a good defense behind me. … I think it would work (for the All-Star Game). I think it's interesting, but at the same time, I don't think the brass would like it. I think they like to keep guys on the same team and not have that opportunity for somebody to get hurt facing your own guy."
The opportunity for injury always exists, though. What a format change would also bring is the chance for interleague stars to team up. Imagine an outfield with both Mike Trout and Bryce Harper in it, for instance. On Sunday, the chance to play for Team USA meant that White Sox pitcher Carson Fulmer and Braves shortstop prospect Dansby Swanson got to reunite after having been teammates in college at Vanderbilt.
MORE: Futures Game full of potential fantasy stars
"Awesome," Swanson said. "I love that guy, I was like, 'You think I can call your GM and ask him to trade you?' He didn't think that was funny, but I would play with that guy any day of the week. Wherever, whenever, I would be in attendance to make sure I could play with him."
Said Fulmer: "He is my best friend, so it's always nice to be back around him. He's one of those guys you always want to surround yourself with, and getting an opportunity to play with him today, what can I say? He's my best friend, my roommate, my teammate. It's nice to see him again. … It's interesting. I've played with a bunch of these guys coming up, through high school, through college. You play with the best from out of the country and in the country. It helps you develop as a player. It's strong competition and it's always a challenge."
A draft would open up more opportunities for teammate combinations than a USA vs. World game. Especially with the possibility of expansion down the road leading to realignment, it's time for Major League Baseball to start considering its options for making the All-Star Game into a spectacle of an exhibition, rather than a halfhearted show of competition for a prize that won't apply to the vast majority of players in the game.
MORE: Bryce Harper wants to make All-Star Game fun again
As for the current format, if MLB insists on continuing to have the game "count," there's still reason to consider an adjustment going forward.
"At times, it gets ridiculous," Estrada said. "I think whoever deserves the opportunity to start should start, and it shouldn't be a popularity contest. This All-Star Game is a popularity contest, which is unfortunate for guys like myself. I don't think I'd ever be voted into something like this if it were up to the fans. You'd have your big-name players, they want to pick them. A lot of times, it could just be a big state or even, I guess, the Blue Jays - well, I'd have Canada behind me. But it's tough. It works for now, but there are some guys that should've been starting that don't get that opportunity."
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0006.json.gz/line1736536
|
__label__cc
| 0.57922
| 0.42078
|
Mathematics Number Theory and Discrete Mathematics
A Computational Perspective
Authors: Crandall, Richard, Pomerance, Carl
price for Spain (gross)
Hardcover 114,39 €
The final prices may differ from the prices shown due to specifics of VAT rules
Softcover 103,99 €
Prime numbers beckon to the beginner, as the basic notion of primality is accessible even to children. Yet, some of the simplest questions about primes have confounded humankind for millennia. In the new edition of this highly successful book, Richard Crandall and Carl Pomerance have provided updated material on theoretical, computational, and algorithmic fronts. New results discussed include the AKS test for recognizing primes, computational evidence for the Riemann hypothesis, a fast binary algorithm for the greatest common divisor, nonuniform fast Fourier transforms, and more. The authors also list new computational records and survey new developments in the theory of prime numbers, including the magnificent proof that there are arbitrarily long arithmetic progressions of primes, and the final resolution of the Catalan problem. Numerous exercises have been added.
Richard Crandall currently holds the title of Apple Distinguished Scientist, having previously been Apple's Chief Cryptographer, the Chief Scientist at NeXT, Inc., and recipient of the Vollum Chair of Science at Reed College. Though he publishes in quantum physics, biology, mathematics, and chemistry, and holds various engineering patents, his primary interest is interdisciplinary scientific computation. Carl Pomerance is the recipient of the Chauvenet and Conant Prizes for expository mathematical writing. He is currently a mathematics professor at Dartmouth College, having previously been at the University of Georgia and Bell Labs. A popular lecturer, he is well known for his research in computational number theory, his efforts having produced important algorithms now in use.
From the reviews of the first edition:
"Destined to become a definitive textbook conveying the most modern computational ideas about prime numbers and factoring, this book will stand as an excellent reference for this kind of computation, and thus be of interest to both educators and researchers."
^ L'Enseignement Mathématique
"...Prime Numbers is a welcome addition to the literature of number theory---comprehensive, up-to-date and written with style."
- American Scientist
"It's rare to say this of a math book, but open Prime Numbers to a random page and it's hard to put down. Crandall and Pomerance have written a terrific book."
- Bulletin of the AMS
Richard Crandall currently holds the title of Apple Distinguished Scientist, having previously been Apples Chief Cryptographer, the Chief Scientist at NeXT, Inc., and recipient of the Vollum Chair of Science at Reed College. His primary interest is interdisciplinary scientific computation, though he has authored numerous theoretical papers in quantum physics, biology, mathematics, and chemistry, as well as various patents across engineering fields.
Carl Pomerance received his Ph.D. in mathematics from Harvard University in 1972. Currently he is a professor at Dartmouth College. A popular lecturer and winner of the Chauvenet and Conant Prizes for expository mathematical writing, Pomerance is well known for his research in computational number theory, his efforts having produced important algorithms now in wide use.
From the reviews:
MATHEMATICAL REVIEWS
"There are many books about the theory of prime numbers and a few about computations concerning primes. This book bridges the gap between theoretical and computational aspects of prime numbers. It considers such matters as how to recognize primes, how to compute them, how to count them, and how to test conjectures about them¿The book is clearly written and is a pleasure to read. It is largely self-contained. A first course in number theory and some knowledge of computer algorithms should be sufficient background for reading it…Each chapter concludes with a long list of interesting exercises and research problems."
BULLETIN OF THE AMS
"The book is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to understand these algorithms, learn how to implement them, and make them go fast. It's also a lot of fun to read! It's rare to say this of a math book, but open Prime Numbers to a random page and it's hard to put down. Crandall and Pomerance have written a terrific book."
AMERICAN SCIENTIST
"…a welcome addition to the literature of number theory – comprehensive, up-to-date and written with style. It will be useful to anyone interested in algorithms dealing with the arithmetic of the integers and related computational issues."
"Overall, this book by Crandall and Pomerance fills a unique niche a deserves a place on the bookshelf of anyone with more than a passing interest in prime numbers. It would provide a gold mine of information and problems for a graduate class on computationl number theory."
From the reviews of the second edition:
"This book is a very successful attempt of the authors to describe the current state-of-the-art of computational number theory … . One of the many attractive features of this book is the rich and beautiful set of exercises and research problems … . the authors have managed to lay down their broad and deep insight in primes into this book in a very lucid and vivid way. … The book provides excellent material for graduate and undergraduate courses on computational theory. Warmly recommended … ." (H.J.J. te Riele, Nieuw Archief voor Wiskunde, Vol. 7 (3), 2006)
"An absolutely wonderful book! Written in a readable and enthusiastic style the authors try to share the elegance of the prime numbers with the readers … . Weaving together a wealth of ideas and experience from theory and practice they enable the reader to have more than a glimpse into the current state of the knowledge … . any chapter or section can be singled out for high praise. … Indeed it is destined to become a definitive text on … prime numbers and factoring." (Peter Shiu, Zentralblatt MATH, Vol. 1088 (14), 2006)
"This impressive book represents a comprehensive collection of the properties of prime numbers. … in the exercises at the end of each chapter valuable hints are given how the theorems have been attained. The chapters end with research exercises. The book is up to date and carefully written. … The volume is very vividly and even entertainingly written and is best suited for students and for teachers as well." (J. Schoissengeier, Monatshefte für Mathematik, Vol. 150 (1), 2007)
"The aim of this book is to bridge the gap between prime-number theory covered in many books and the relatively new area of computer experimentation and algorithms. The aim is admirably met. … There is a comprehensive and useful list of almost 500 references including many to websites. … This is an interesting, well-written and informative book neatly covering both the theoretical as well as the practical computational implementation of prime numbers and many related topics at first-year undergraduate level." (Ron Knott, The Mathematical Gazette, Vol. 92 (523), 2008)
Primes!
Preview Buy Chapter 30,19 €
Number-Theoretical Tools
Recognizing Primes and Composites
Primality Proving
Exponential Factoring Algorithms
Subexponential Factoring Algorithms
Elliptic Curve Arithmetic
The Ubiquity of Prime Numbers
Fast Algorithms for Large-Integer Arithmetic
Download Preface 1 PDF (98.8 KB)
Download Sample pages 1 PDF (274.2 KB)
Download Table of contents PDF (80.7 KB)
Richard Crandall
Carl Pomerance
10.1007/0-387-28979-8
XV, 597
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0006.json.gz/line1736540
|
__label__cc
| 0.501917
| 0.498083
|
tv President Trump Blames Democrats for Health Care Bill Failure CSPAN March 24, 2017 4:39pm-4:51pm EDT
thank you. reporter: you say you want to work with the administration to help the law survive and thrive. you know donald trump, you know the speaker, in the real world, what would you say to families who say washington is gridlocked, we've never seen people like this work together. ms. pelosi: i worked together very closely with president george wmple bush in the minority and in the house. we passed pepfar, a great humanitarian effort of which the president is also very proud. we passed the infamous tarp which i think is really why we lost the 2010 election. we passed bills that barney franks said were the most -- barney frank said were the best bills for working people. it's not a question who have what people have seen me do with
donnell trump but what we did as a matter of record over a long period of time even though we had a disagreement over the war in iraq. but we also stand open. >> we break away from the news conference take you to some tape from the white house and comments by the president. mr. trump: thank you very much. we were very close. we had no democrat support. we had no votes from the democrats. they weren't going to give us a single vote, it's a difficult thing to do. i've been saying for the last year and a half that the best thing we can do politically speaking is let obamacare explode, it is exploding right now. it's -- many states have big problems, almost all states have big problems. i was in tennessee the other day and they've lost half of their state in terms of an insurer.
have no insurer. it was mostly because of secretary price, and phase three which i think we would have gotten, premiums would have kwon down, would have been very stable, very strong. it we're very, very close and think what will happen is owhat -- obamacare will explode. it's fwing to be a very bad year. last year you had over 100% increases in various places, arizona, i understand, it's
going up very rapidly again. like it did last year. last year was 116%. many places, 50%, 60%, 70%. i guess it coveraged -- averaged, whatever the average was, very, very high. this year should be much worse for obama care -- obamacare. what would be really good with no democrat support, if the democrats want it to explode if they got together with us and got a real health care bill. i'd be totally open to it. i think that's going to happen. i think the losers are nancy pelosi and chuck schumer because now they own obamacare. their own it, 100% own it. this is not a republican health care, this is not anything but a democrat health care and they have obamacare for a little while longer until it ceases to exist, which it will at some point in the near future and just remember this is not our bill. this is their bill. when they all become civilized
and get together and try and work out a great health care bill for the people of this country, we're open to it. we're totally open to it. i want to thank the republican party, i want to thank paul ryan. he worked very, very hard. i will tell you that he worked very, very hard. tom price and mike pence who is right here, our vice president, our great vice president, everybody worked hard. i worked as a team player. would have loved to have seen this pass. but again, i think you know, i was very clear, i think there wasn't a speech i made or very few where i didn't mention that perhaps the best thing that could happen is exactly what happened today. because we'll end up with a truly great health care bill in the future after this mess known as obamacare explodes. so i want to thank everybody for being here. it will go very smoothly, i really believe, i think this is something, certainly was an interesting period of time.
we all learned a lot. we learned a lot about loyalty, we learned a lot about the vote-getting process. we learned a lot about some very arcane rules in obviously both the senate and in the house. so it's been, certainly for me it's been an interesting experience. in the end, i think it's going to be an experience that leads to an even better health care plan. so thank you all for much. i'll see you soon. >> is it your intention to go for tax reform? priority? on your mr. trump: we're going for tax reform, but it would have worked out better if we had some democrat support. now we're going to go for tax reform which i've always liked. >> are you confident in speaker ryan's leadership and his ability to get things done? mr. trump: yes, i am. he worked very, very hard. there's been a long history of
liking and disliking even within the republican party long before i got here. but i've had a great relationship with the republican party. it seems that both sides like trump and that's good. and you see that, i guess, more clearly than anybody. but we've had -- i'm not going to speak badly about anybody within the party but certainly there's a big history. i think paul really worked hard. and i would say that we will probably start going very, very strongly for the big tax cuts and tax reform, that'll be next. what's going to happen to americans when obe macare explodes? mr. trump: bad things are going to happen to obamacare, there's not much you can do to help it. eventually it's not sustainable. the insurance companies are leaving. they're leaving one by one as quick as you can leave. you have states in some cases soon will not be covered.
so there's no wut of bte
<div class="tv-ttl">President Trump Blames Democrats for Health Care Bill Failure<div>CSPAN March 24, 2017 4:39pm-4:51pm EDT</div></div>
Following a meeting with Medal of Honor recipients at the White House, President Trump delivered a statement on the decision to pull the American Health Care Act, the Republican plan to replace the Affordable Care Act.
Sponsor: White House
Donald Trump 1, Obamacare 1, Iraq 1, Tennessee 1, Washington 1, Arizona 1, Priority 1, Obama 1, Ms. Pelosi 1, Trump 1, George Wmple Bush 1, Donnell Trump 1, Nancy Pelosi 1, Chuck Schumer 1, Paul Ryan 1, Ryan 1, Pepfar 1
Virtual Ch. 24
Uploaded by TV Archive on March 24, 2017
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0006.json.gz/line1736542
|
__label__wiki
| 0.715526
| 0.715526
|
Catherine Hewgill
The Hon. Justice AJ & Mrs Fran Meagher Chair
Catherine Hewgill grew up in Perth, where she began studying the cello at the age of ten, continuing at the Royal College of Music in London in 1978. She subsequently completed a Bachelor of Music degree at the University of Southern California, where she was named Outstanding Chamber Music Graduate.
In 1984 she won the Hammer-Rostropovich Scholarship and was invited by Mstislav Rostropovich to perform in a recital at the Second American Cello Congress. A period of private study with Rostropovich followed. In 1985 she toured Europe with I Solisti Veneti, after which she studied in London with the late William Pleeth, teacher of Jacquelin du Pré. More recently she studied in Europe with Dutch cellist Pieter Wispelwey.
Returning to Australia in 1987, she joined the Australian Chamber Orchestra. In 1989 she was invited to join the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and was appointed Principal Cello the following year. She has toured with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra in Japan, China, Europe and the USA, and appeared as a soloist with most of the Australian orchestras. Her SSO solo concerto performances have included: Beethoven’s Triple Concerto (conducted by Ashkenazy), Haydn’s D major concerto (Dutoit), Elgar’s Cello Concerto, Tchaikovsky’s Rococo Variations, the Boccherini/Grützmacher Concerto in B flat, Dutilleux’s Tout un monde lointain, the Brahms Double Concerto with Michael Dauth, and as a soloist in concerts with Nigel Kennedy.
In 2011 she performed as principal cellist in the inaugural concerts of the Australian World Orchestra, and in 2003 she toured Japan with the Orchestra Ensemble Kanazawa. For several years, she was also a member of the Australian Trio, and more recently has performed chamber music with Pinchas Zukerman. In 2018 she released a recording of Russian music for cello and piano with Vladimir Ashkenazy. Catherine Hewgill plays a 1729 Carlo Tononi cello.
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0006.json.gz/line1736544
|
__label__wiki
| 0.900301
| 0.900301
|
Drakeo the Ruler(Photo: Deawnne Buckmire)
Drakeo the Ruler Speaks to Tablet From Prison
West Coast rap god is shackled in the K-19 unit of the Men’s Central Jail in Los Angeles. His murder trial begins next week.
By Jeff Weiss
May 13, 2019 • 12:00 AM
K-19 should make the ACLU declare a crusade. If you search the internet for this dubiously legal, ultramaximum-security lockup in L.A.’s downtown Men’s Central Jail, you’ll find no evidence of its existence. To call it a soul-crushing gulag is an insult to soul-crushing gulags. Shortly before voting last June to demolish this tomb, County Supervisor Janice Hahn called the Men’s Central Jail “a decrepit, outdated facility inconsistent with human values and basic decency. It puts both our inmates and our sheriff’s deputies at risk.”
This dungeon block of a half-dozen cells is where Drakeo the Ruler, the most innovative West Coast rap stylist since Snoop Dogg, awaits his late May trial on charges of first-degree murder, attempted murder, and several counts of conspiracy to commit murder. “I’m shackled up right now. I’m never not chained up,” Drakeo said recently during one of his few weekly allotted hours of phone time.
Our connection is scratchy and muffled, punctuated by automated reminders that everything we say is being recorded. Nearby in the Men’s Central Jail is the notorious K-10, a restrictive housing unit better known as “High Power,” the full-time sepulcher for several hundred of the most savage gangsters, celebrity casualties, and serial killers to haunt the streets of Los Angeles: everyone from Suge Knight to the Grim Sleeper. People know and fear K-10. The Los Angeles Times has reported exposés on its debilitating psychological impact. But K-19 is where they send you when they want to roast your sanity to cinders.
“I only have one hand free; my waist is chained too,” Drakeo continued. “When they take us all to the shower, the guards leave us soaking wet for two hours. We’ll be like ‘we’re ready to go back,’ and they’ll be like ‘oh, yeah?’ Then they just keep walking.”
After this call dropped, the guards steered the South-Central native to his cell, a dim cage scarcely big enough to stand up, sit down, and sleep. It’s adorned with inspirational fan letters and old pictures. These, he said, help him remember what it was like when he was free. No visits are allowed. His lawyer has successfully petitioned the judge to strike down some of these restrictions as unconstitutional, as they severely impaired his right to counsel. Even sunlight is a luxury: 60 minutes a week on Fridays, during which prisoners remain isolated and wrapped in iron ropes.
“This is all motivated by two things: the fact that I’m a rapper and the fact that I’m a black rapper,” Drakeo said, repeating the conclusions that he’s continually drawn since first being incarcerated in January of 2018. “When they brought me into the station, [the deputies] were playing my videos, rapping my lyrics back at me, and bragging about the other rappers that they’d sent away. It’s targeted harassment.”
Until a few months ago, Drakeo had been housed in a regular dormitory, but when an Instagram post on his account cursed the two detectives assembling the case against him, he was tossed into K-19. Only in court did he and his attorneys discover that the punishment was due to a few fans emptily threatening the detectives in the comments section. “How am I supposed to control what my fans say!?” Drakeo said, his voice rising in disbelief. “I don’t even have access to my Instagram to post anything. And the crazy part is, these detectives are trying to call me a part-time rapper and a full-time gang leader. How can I be a part-time rapper and be on the cover of the L.A. Times and have thousands of fans coming to my defense? Which one is it?”
For most of the past 18 months, we’ve talked once or twice a week, with the conversations assuming a similar pattern. We talk about random music news that he mostly misses or bullshit songs on the radio that he mostly hates. For the most part, we talk about his case. According to Drakeo and his attorney, that case will hinge largely on attempts to hold the 25-year-old rapper’s lyrics against him in a courtroom—even though his songs fall squarely within the pistols-and-palm-trees tradition of West Coast gangsta rap. By manipulating racially biased gang injunction laws and mandatory sentencing enhancements, prosecutors have branded his crew, the Stinc Team, as a gang—ludicrously claiming that his songs are recruiting advertisements. Nearly the entirety of Drakeo’s crew—his close friends, brother, and several other rap partners—are being held on charges ranging from murder to commercial burglary to vandalism.
“None of this makes any sense!” Drakeo said, referring to the charges that have landed him here. “Why would I show up to a party to kill a rapper that I don’t want to kill, who wasn’t even on the flyer of the party?? We follow each other on Instagram. If I had wanted to find out where he was, I could’ve found out where he was at any time.”
The rapper that Drakeo was allegedly trying to murder, RJ, has made multiple public statements that he doesn’t believe the conspiracy accusations against Drakeo. More recently, he’s DM’d him to ask about his well-being and even shouted out Drakeo videos on Instagram. Of course, the #FreeDrakeo hashtag is all over Twitter and Instagram, but there is the gnawing sense that someone should be screaming to whomever will listen that this is absolute lunacy.
According to Drakeo, his mother’s former employer, the Los Angeles Unified School District, received letters from the police intimating that she was part of a conspiracy to commit murder. Drakeo also claims that one of his co-defendant’s children was even placed in foster care because the infant made a blink-if-you-missed it cameo in the video for a song called “Shoot a Baby.” All babies emerged from the shoot unscathed, but the prosecutors cynically understand how easily lines between art, irony, and real life can be blurred. By painting Drakeo and the Stinc Team as infanticide-loving terrorists, it’s a much easier cognitive leap to convince 12 jurors that they’re responsible for an actual gang killing, especially when the courthouse is in Compton.
Americans like to imagine our criminal justice system as a fair-if-imperfect rigging of scales and balances, where thankless bureaucrats attempt to affect some rough semblance of righteousness. Instead, the American court system is just like everything else in this country: governed by money, tarred by prejudice, and moved by the casual perjuries of cops, judges, and prosecutors who get away with what they can until they’re caught. They’re rarely caught. It’s easy to figure out how Philadelphia rap star’s Meek Mill’s judge was under FBI investigation for a series of improprieties that included asking him to shout her out in a song. It’s why hundreds of black artists, famous and anonymous, have had their music used against them as weapons in courtrooms.
It starts in the Hundreds section of South-Central, a maze of low-slung stucco homes with steel bars on the windows, where Darrell Caldwell spent most of his adolescence. There, he acquired a juvenile crime record and eventually graduated from a continuation school on Central Avenue, the ancestral vein of L.A’s cool jazz scene. His mom was a preschool teacher of Afro-Puerto Rican descent; his dad was never around. By his late teens, he’d already cultivated a reputation as a legendary “flocker” (L.A. slang for robbing homes), and a taste for crashing foreign luxury vehicles. In search of clean money, he started rapping and within a year scored a viral Soundcloud hit that attracted the attention of DJ Mustard, the king-making L.A. producer, who released it officially and offered Drakeo the only signal boost he’d ever need.
By the summer of 2016, Drakeo was the hottest young rapper on the streets of L.A. Without radio airplay, a major label deal, or even a manager, he’d conjured his own pharmacy-slurred cosmology; you could glimpse him on Normandie, a platinum-dripping phantom swerving in a Rolls Royce Phantom, creating his own wind-talker dialect, rife with allusions to Judas Iscariot and Sideshow Bob. In his idiolect, extension clips on rifles became “Shenaynays” or “Pippi Longstockings,” slang coined to honor the long-haired characters from Martin and Astrid Lindgren.
His name came not from the semi-automatic weapon or the Canadian rapping turtleneck, but from the ancient Athenian lawgiver, who bequeathed us the adjective “Draconian.” He named himself “Mr. Moseley,” a double-entendre that either describes his code for sipping lean or an allusion to Walter Mosley, the legendary hard-boiled South-Central crime writer. He branded his subgenre “nervous music,” which was explained as the tense anxiety-wracked anthems you write when you’re pushing a $100,000 sedan knowing that your rivals will spray you with lead if they catch you slipping at a red light.
If L.A. gangsta rap was still nationally known for khakis, chronic, and ’64 Chevys, Drakeo rapped about rolling in a Bentley and “mudwalking” through Neiman Marcus, a .40-caliber bulging from his hip, no belt needed. Somewhere between E-40 and Ghostface Killah, his sound was distinctly homegrown and singular, as if it had materialized from a velvet codeine fog. As ratchet, a minimalist strip-club bounce, fell out of vogue, Drakeo reimagined the sound as something full of sinister, chrome-plated menace. His flow was a hallucinatory mumble, scraping sideways against the beat, syllables oozing like a rattlesnake strangling its prey. It was Philip Marlowe in Maison Margielas and a Maserati.
The sky was the limit until it caved in. In early 2017, the police invaded a condominium near LAX where the Stinc Team shot several of their videos. They discovered a stash of guns that they claimed belonged to Drakeo. He maintains that his name wasn’t on the lease of the apartment, nor was he even in the unit during the raid. Nonetheless, he was charged with six counts of illegal possession of firearms by a felon, a charge that drew him a year-long sentence in the county jail. As he languished behind bars, his stock rose even while his trademark rhyme style was mimicked by a raft of imitators.
Upon his release in late 2017, Drakeo recorded Cold Devil, an immediate contender for best L.A. rap album of the decade. Most songs were written in jail, where he infamously mugged on Instagram Live during his final month of lockup. Within a few weeks of his freedom, he was already playing sold-out shows throughout the Southland, receiving breathless reviews on Fader and Pitchfork, and was trumpeted as the future of L.A. rap on the front page of the Sunday Los Angeles Times Calendar section.
There was only one recurring problem. Just after New Year’s Day, Drakeo was cruising through South-Central when a police cruiser began following him. He pulled into a liquor store to make a purchase. When he came out, the police threw him against his car, hands up, as they exhaustively searched his person and vehicle. They found nothing. Then they decided to search the liquor store, discovering a handgun on one of the shelves. Drakeo denied culpability, but was hauled into the Monterey Park Sheriff’s Department and booked back in county on charges of illegal firearms possession.
Two days after the Times story ran, the authorities brought him before the court and charged him with multiple counts of murder, dating back to a 2016 incident. Several days later, police officers in San Francisco burst into the hotel rooms of members of the Stinc Team, including his brother Ralfy the Plug, while they were touring with breakout L.A. rap sensations Shoreline Mafia. No one has returned home since.
Almost everything about the case remains in doubt, save for one unassailable fact: A 24-year old alleged Inglewood Blood named Davion Gregory was murdered on the night of Dec. 10, 2016. According to the district attorney, Drakeo, a man named Jaiden Boyd, and Mikell Buchanan (a Stinc Team member who rapped under the name Kellz) met up that evening at 11622 Avalon Blvd. in South-Central, where they claim that Drakeo supplied guns to Buchanan and Boyd for the purpose of killing a popular South-Central rap rival named RJ.
For most of that fall, Drakeo had been publicly feuding with RJ, then one of DJ Mustard’s artists. It culminated with the “Flex Freestyle,” where Drakeo hijacked the beat for one of RJ’s hits and set it aflame. One of the most caustic and hilarious disses in recent memory, Drakeo clowned RJ’s haircut and advanced age, and boasted about driving around with him tied up in the trunk. Needless to say, none of this was a description of an actual crime; it was a hysterical and ominous slab of beef rap that fits into a historical continuum dating back to the dozens and South Bronx park routines.
Yet the district attorney is now attempting to use Drakeo’s lyrics as evidence against him in court, an unconscionable ploy to con naïve jurors who believe all rap is autobiography. In the district attorney’s rendering of that night, Drakeo, Boyd, and Buchanan went to a “Naughty or Nice Pajama Jam” at a warehouse party in Carson to lie in wait for RJ. However, the DA claims that RJ never showed up, and around 11:30 p.m. Buchanan instead killed Gregory, wounding two others in the process. According to police, the getaway car was a red Mercedes allegedly owned by Drakeo. According to Drakeo, his Mercedes is black.
By everyone’s account, Drakeo wasn’t the triggerman, but the police nonetheless won a first-degree murder indictment—alongside several charges of attempted murder (two other people were wounded by the gunfire). To compound the severity, they filed a special circumstances case that would ensure Drakeo’s life imprisonment.
According to California state law, Drakeo should already be a free man. On New Year’s Day, a new law was enacted that makes it almost impossible to convict an accomplice for murder unless they actively participated in the plot to kill. Even though the DA isn’t alleging that Drakeo wanted anyone to shoot Gregory, they’re claiming that since Drakeo conspired to kill RJ, he’s by default also guilty of plotting to murder anyone that he and his companions randomly came across that night. According to Drakeo’s attorney, Frank Duncan, there are no eyewitnesses to place Drakeo at the scene of the crime. He claims that the prosecution’s case is almost entirely built upon testimony from jailhouse informants seeking reduced sentences.
What’s clear from the above is that the DA is expending a staggering amount of energy and resources for what would otherwise be an ordinary gang killing in South L. A. Drakeo believes it’s solely due to two sheriff’s deputies, Richard Biddle and Francis Hardiman, who have their scopes set specifically on the Stinc Team. Biddle was the lead investigator in the Suge Knight criminal cases.
While Drakeo awaits trial, he happens to be languishing in the same exact cell that until recently housed Suge.
You hear the chains rattling first. Behind a heavy wooden door, a thousand pounds of steel clank, tied tight across human flesh, dragged across the filthy tile floors like an antebellum horror story. An unfriendly voice screams “WALK!!!” And one by one, it goes. A tattooed prisoner in an orange jumpsuit shuffles into the court room, squinting in the shrill artificial light, craning his neck to see if any family members came today.
“WALK!”
More cadaverous thumps from behind closed doors. Another inmate slinks in, eyes gravely lowered, metal asphyxiating waists and wrists. The men, all African American, mumble asides to each other while waiting in a pen separating the accused from the free. Until finally, an entire rap crew has been assembled.
It was Drakeo’s penultimate pretrial hearing in late March. He was one of the last to enter this high-security courtroom, where they search you twice before entering and no cellphones are allowed.
Drakeo’s demeanor was starkly different from the other co-defendants. There’s the star wattage you’d expect from any famous performer, but Drakeo is different even from those who are professionally different. When he was free, he and his crew didn’t greet each other with handshakes, hugs, or daps and pounds; they linked pinkies. In court, he’s so confident that it almost feels contrived. He’s completely manacled, but carries himself as though this entire thing is a farce; you know it, he knows it, and the judge damn well ought to know it. When the prosecutors say anything, he rolls his eyes, cackles, cockily tilts his head and smirks with “can you believe this bullshit?” knowingness.
Neither Hardiman nor Biddle appeared in court for Drakeo’s pretrial hearing that late March afternoon, but they showed up at an earlier court date this February. Drakeo describes them as looking like Chief Wiggum and Mr. Burns from The Simpsons; they’re shaped like bald pink bullets and straight out of a Dragnet daydream.
As for the scheduled hearings that afternoon, they were mostly concerned with perfunctory motions and bureaucratic details. The lawyers for the other defendants kept asking for delays, but Drakeo’s team adamantly petitioned for the trial to start as soon as possible. The judge, a black woman named Laura Walton seemed sharp and impartial, opting not to reprimand Drakeo when he spoke.
The trial date was finally set at May 20. For someone whose life is on the line, Drakeo seemed mostly in good spirits, laughing constantly, joking with his co-defendants, so supremely confident-seeming that you’d never believe that he was the man who invented nervous music. When it was time to go, he nodded and flashed a conqueror’s smile at his friends and family in the courtroom, then clanked out.
An hour after court adjourned, Drakeo called me. On pretrial days, there’s a several-hour window between the hearings and when they haul the prisoners back to the Men’s Central Jail, which means that Drakeo gets a little extra phone time. Whenever I ask how things are going, Drakeo inevitably tells me that it’s regular. When Drakeo was on the streets, regular meant wearing designer clothes draped with a quarter million dollars of jewelry and driving around in something that you usually only see valet-parked in front of The Ivy. In here, regular means that each day is almost identical to the one that preceded it. A slow drip torture, a grayscale Groundhog Day where your neighbors are a cop killer and a Mexican Mafia capo.
“Nobody gives a fuck and that’s why I be tripping,” Drakeo said. “Don’t get me wrong; a lot of people go to court for me, but nobody else can see what’s going on. There’s no evidence there that says that I did nothing. Nothing! There’s even people who are saying that I had nothing to do with it, but the [cops] are just trying to make up this crazy story about me.”
If there are any signs of nerves, Drakeo has never shown them. He says he has good feelings about the upcoming trial, due to the flimsiness of the case. Of course, there is the latent maddening frustration of spending years of his life in this cage. No matter what, the detectives will see no repercussions. Even if they lose the case, they will have won by halting his momentum right as he was ascending to national superstardom. If Drakeo wins, he will still have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on legal fees, not to mention that he is being deprived of the millions that he could’ve made from recording and touring. All the streaming money that he’s currently raking in has been funneled right back into fighting his case.
Drakeo prefers to think about the future. What he plans to do when he gets out. Three albums in three months, so he can finally start making real money again.
He’s been intently studying the Neiman Marcus catalog, deliberating what outfits he’s going to buy when he comes home. Most of his daydreams concern cars, which is unsurprising for someone who nicknamed himself “the foreign whip crasher.”
“At first, I wanted to get a [Mercedes], but then I seen this [Bentley] Mulsanne and that new Lambo,” Drakeo said eagerly. “I didn’t want to get no Lambo with the doors like that, but the Huaracan changed them. The thing is I wanted a Bentley but every rap nigga got a Bentley, so maybe I’ll just get the McLaren, but not with those bullshit features …”
He was about to go on, but in the background, there was garbled unintelligible yelling and the harsh clunk of more chains rattling. It was time for him to go back to K-19. As he started to say his goodbye, someone suddenly cut the call off.
Like this article? Sign up for our Daily Digest to get Tablet magazine’s new content in your inbox each morning.
Jeff Weiss, the editor of Passion of the Weiss, is a regular contributor to the Washington Post, the LA Times, and Pitchfork. His Twitter feed is @Passionweiss.
Drakeo
Walter Mosley
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0006.json.gz/line1736545
|
__label__wiki
| 0.593944
| 0.593944
|
Where fantasy and reality collide: In 'Second Life,' there's no escaping real-life issues and feelings
By Rick Holmes
Jun 29, 2007 at 12:01 AM Jun 29, 2007 at 9:49 AM
As crazy as all this seems to those of us who are strangers in virtual worlds like Second Life, World of Warcraft, Everquest and a growing list of similar games, this confusing mix of reality and unreality isn't going away.
The war against sexual predators has moved to a new frontier: An online fantasy world where some fantasies are no longer welcome.
Second Life is what's known in the online gaming field as a ``Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game.'' But it's more a virtual world than a computer game. There are no points to score or levels to conquer. It's a place where players can do pretty much whatever they want.
What they want begins with the activities that have drawn people to the Internet from the beginning: gambling, shopping and sex. But those who hang around do much more than that. They play with in-world toys, such as cars, planes, boats and guns. They buy land on SL's growing islands and continents. They build homes, businesses and organizations.
They also build relationships, which is one area where fantasy and reality overlap. Players become friends, business partners and sometimes former friends and ex-business partners. They date, get engaged and sometimes marry.
As Second Life grows - it now has 7.9 million official residents, with some 30,000 to 40,000 "in-world'' at any given time - so does its overlap with reality. Hip real-world companies now have stores in Second Life, with links to their Web sites. John Edwards and Hillary Clinton, among others, have campaign outposts in Second Life.
The ACLU held a rally in Washington this week to protest torture and the erosion of constitutional rights - with a simultaneous rally in Second Life for those unable to attend the real one. There are live concerts in Second Life by real performers, the sound carried by Internet radio.
One player I met told me in real life - RL, in SL lingo - he works in technology at an Arizona university. His department holds meetings and training sessions in Second Life, where they gather around a virtual conference table and watch video presentations.
Residents of Second Life move through the world as avatars - AVs, for short - a Sanskrit word for a Hindu deity that has been adapted to describe a digital representation of a person in a virtual environment. AVs are fully customizable, with thousands of possible combinations of bodies, faces and clothing. Dressing up your avatar is a popular avocation, an electronic version of playing with paper dolls.
With all those options though, it's not surprising that most AVs are young, attractive and buff. If you could choose a body to represent you, wouldn't you want it to be beautiful? The AVs look cartoonish, though you can buy "skins'' that make your AV look more realistic, but they aren't static. When you aren't moving them, they fidget, look around, shift their weight from foot to foot.
It's in choosing an avatar that the reality and fantasy get slippery. Some players work hard to make their AVs look like their real life selves. They make no effort to hide who they really are. One pointed me to his MySpace page so I could see his real pictures.
For most, though, the avatar is closer to how they wish they looked, or the character they feel like playing. Some choose to be vampires, or hulking warriors, or medieval wizards. Some wear wings or devil's tails. Some dress as creatures from another galaxy.
Then there are the "furries'' - avatars that are small, cuddly things. Furries, which come in various species, ages and sexual orientations, have created a strong sub-culture in Second Life. Yes, it's weird, even surreal: The other day I saw someone who had chosen to be an ice-cold pitcher of Kool-Aid. But diversity is a Second Life value that goes far beyond skin color.
Avatars can walk, but they can also fly. They can teleport from location to location. They build castles and elaborate treehouses, churches and fantastical sculptures. Someone built a small model of Boston on a beach; another built a replica of the Sistine Chapel. It's amazing what you can build when you aren't bound by the laws of physics.
They make money, too. Second Life has its own currency - Linden dollars - which can be exchanged for real cash (1,000 Linden dollars goes for about $4 in the current exchange rate). Here, too, reality and fantasy overlap. There are stories of residents who have made enough in SL to quit their RL jobs. One AV I spoke to had been threatened with banishment when he was caught buying Linden dollars on eBay.
The avatars move stiffly, but if you click on the right spot, SL will "animate your avatar'' so it can climb, surf or do a swan dive. You and an AV friend can tango like stars or - if you click on the right spot in a mature area - have sex in more positions than you can count.
Second Life is more than games. An avatar is a digital puppet, and there's a human puppeteer behind it. So you - or your AV, that is - can be sitting at a club next to a goth or a vixen or a raccoon, and pretty soon you find out that, in RL, he's a professor in Brussels or a farmer in Boise or an artist in Beijing. Before you know it, you're talking about the Red Sox, or comparing notes on favorite restaurants, or debating global politics.
You can't help but associate the person with the avatar, but you may be way off. The avatar may be a buxom young blonde, while the person behind it is a 60-year-old man.
"You can go cross-gender, cross-species, or even cross-planet,'' an experienced AV tells me.
"Sure, a lot in SL is fake,'' he says, "but the feelings that can be generated can be very real.'' The program can make your avatar dance, but once you start chatting with another resident, you're on your own. You can be charmed or lied to, find the sympathetic ear you've been looking for or get to know someone on the other side of the world you wish you could invite over for coffee.
And sometimes a cartoon avatar can break a human heart. "Been there, done that, got the T-shirt,'' an AV tells me.
What draws people to Second Life, another explains, is the ability to be somebody you can't be in real life, to try something you could never do at home: To be a merchant or a builder, a wizard or a warrior, a superhero or a slut.
Or just to move around, meet people and make friends. "You'd be surprised how many people here are invalids in real life, stuck in their beds and unable to do any of this stuff,'' one AV told me.
For them, and many others, Second Life offers a kind of fantasy therapy.
But for the Lindens - employees of Linden Lab, which owns Second Life - some fantasies are bad for business.
Just as there are adults who choose to present themselves as wolves or warriors, there are adults who come to SL as children. Underage players - Linden Lab is working on an age-verification system to keep kids out, but it's not operational yet - would rather pose as grownups, an experienced AV tells me. The adults pose as children mostly because they crave innocence.
Some apparently crave sex as well, and engage in what they call "age-play'' in mature areas. Such depictions may not violate U.S. child pornography laws, but European laws are more broadly written, and there is a threat of civil litigation. Second Life is a business, after all, and the Lindens worry that bad publicity could drive off customers. In May, "Daniel Linden'' announced in the official SL blog that depictions or avatar portrayals involving sex and minors were prohibited, along with depictions of sexual violence and "other broadly offensive content.''
The free spirits in SL have objected loudly about "thought police'' and pointed out the hypocrisy of imposing such policies in a place where large areas are devoted to combat and kinky sex. Second Life, which advertises itself as "a digital world imagined, created and owned by its residents,'' must not be turned into a dictatorship, they say.
The new policy was tested this week at "Second Pride,'' SL's celebration of gay, lesbian, transgender and other alternate lifestyles. The Pride Committee decreed that child avatars would be treated as the ages they represent, not their RL age, that they would be kept out of areas rated mature, and that they had to be accompanied by parent/guardian AVs.
But a lot of child AVs don't have parent AVs. When a small group of child AVs showed up at the Pride amusement park on opening day, they were evicted - and very disappointed.
"It's only an avatar,'' I heard one say. "I'm really 38.''
Are the child AVs, or those who play with them, sexual predators in RL? Maybe some are. Should they be persecuted in SL, or might they benefit from the fantasy therapy SL offers? Beats me.
But as crazy as all this seems to those of us who are strangers in virtual worlds like Second Life, World of Warcraft, Everquest and a growing list of similar games, this confusing mix of reality and unreality isn't going away. Mitch Kapor, the high-tech visionary who dreamed up Lotus in Cambridge back in the '80s, is chairman of Linden Labs. He predicts that in the years to come, virtual worlds will be as central to the wired world as the World Wide Web is today.
For young people, it will feel like second nature to live in a virtual world like Second Life. We older folks may be confused by the shape-shifting and fantasy/reality traps. But at least our avatars will look young and hip.
Rick Holmes is opinion editor for the MetroWest Daily News. He can be reached by e-mail at rholmes@cnc.com.
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0006.json.gz/line1736546
|
__label__wiki
| 0.702006
| 0.702006
|
‘Life changing event’ builds family strong
Kids say the darnedest things.
When 11-year-old Ethan Stoll asked his parents last summer if they could all participate in Take the Lake, he was flatly turned down. But his ambition set his family on a journey that would have a dramatic effect on them all.
“It was a life changing event,” LaDonna Stoll said about what followed.
“My husband and I had both said ‘no,’ because we were not in any way, shape, form or fashion fit to do any of the personal endurance challenges,” LaDonna said. “That started a chain of events for us where we realized how unhealthy we were as parents, and that life was just passing us by.”
The Stoll’s wanted their children to grow up healthy, but they had just realized that might not
When Ethan Stoll, 12, center, asked parents LaDonna and John Philip if they could participate in Take the Lake one year ago, they said no, believing none of them were fit enough. The family has changed their nutrition and lifestyles and plan to participate this weekend. Alex, 6, left, and Wesley, 9, right, will support them and all participants along the route.
happen because they weren’t setting good examples themselves.
“That caused us to start conversations about getting healthy,” LaDonna said. “So my husband and I joined a gym and got a personal trainer, and we are each 65 pounds lighter.”
Ladonna, 40, and John Philip, 39, were high school sweethearts who later married. As young adults, they focused on the growth of their business (Clarkton Drug) and their family (three boys.) But focusing on that good growth led to the bad growth of their waistlines.
John had always struggled with his weight, but in his twenties and thirties, it had gotten out of control, and LaDonna had let each pregnancy add 20 pounds to her frame.
“I thought Well, I gave birth to three kids, and this is my lot – this is what I’m left with,” she said. “I am what I am.”
What she was, was 170 pounds heavy. John weighed 270.
“I would just be so tired all day,” John said. “And you know what the problem is, but you’re too tired to get up and do something about it.”
Over the next few weeks came the epiphany; they had been hurting themselves and their children, and they and the family they worked so hard to build strong and happy were on a downhill slide toward morbid obesity, diabetes and a lifetime of health problems.
But they had the power to turn all that around.
“A lot of our problem was that we didn’t pay attention to our nutrition,” John said. “Now LaDonna and I are definitely paying more attention to our nutrition, we’re making healthier choices, and our children are making healthier choices because they see our example.”
As a pharmacist, John is on the frontline of the obesity epidemic in rural America. Every day he sees people who through poor diet and exercise are destroying themselves, and as soon as he realized he was actually one of those people, he vowed to pull his family away from that trap.
“It’s all about making that first move, taking that first step and making that first, big commitment. Once you make that commitment – really commit 100 percent, then it’ll happen. It will just happen.”
People give up on themselves, the Stolls believe. They write off the dreams of their youth, their visions of happy and healthy adulthood, and trade it in for failure. The slide is gradual – over decades – but insidious and more powerful every year. Escape is not very easy, but very possible.
“It all starts with diet and exercise,” John said. “That should be the foundation of healthcare. No doubt that medication has its place in society and in healthcare, but you could potentially take care of most of your ailments by watching what you eat and exercising.”
John has found himself to be an inspiration to some of his customers.
“It’s fun when patients come into the store and they look at me and ask how much weight I’ve lost,” he said. “And then they come in later and say, ‘well, I’m trying this…’”
LaDonna found strength in her desire to enjoy life with her children.
“It became about longevity,” she said. “I have these children now, and I need to take care of me so I can live life with them, and not just sit and watch them.
“We want to enjoy life with our children. We want to take vacations and hike the Grand Canyon one day – we don’t want to just go to the overlook! We don’t want to just see life, we want to do it all, we want to be a part of everything.
“We want to get out and ride bikes with our kids, we want to run around the block with them. We want to swim and have the strength and endurance to do stuff.”
LaDonna lost her weight quickly – in about four months. It wasn’t easy, but she surprised herself with what she could do. Early on, she dared herself to go jogging around their Inman Lake home. She made it to the end of her street, and kept going… she ran another block or two, and kept going… she found herself doing far more than she had thought she could and it excited her.
Out of breath and full of joy, she called her husband at work and gave him the news; “I just ran around the neighborhood!”
Defying their own pessimism about their abilities, LaDonna registered herself and John for the Tim Reilly 5k Run at the Pecan Harvest Festival in Whiteville last November.
LaDonna Stoll holds her youngest child, Alex, 6. At 48 pounds, Alex weighs much less than the 65 extra pounds LaDonna carried around every day, 24 hours a day.
“We’ll never be able to run a 5K,” John told her. “There’s no way I can run 3.2 miles – there’s no possible way!” That is all they both thought was possible, but not all that LaDonna believed was possible, and she signed them up.
John and LaDonna ran every step of the 3.2 miles, and they recorded decent times.
“We were so jittery before,” LaDonna said. “But after, we were so excited that we had done it!”
John credits organizers of “races” like the 5Ks that have become popular here. The events may not seem like much, but they are invaluable for people who are breaking in new exercise routines and breaking through barriers to new lives of fitness.
“There’s something about running with all those people,” John said. “The excitement, the challenge… and when you finish you feel a hundred times better than if you had just done it yourself.”
What is their secret diet? Simple; more fruits and vegetables, and portion control.
We still have chips in our kitchen,” LaDonna said. “But now we always have a bowl of fresh fruit. When you go to the grocery store, buy an apple instead of the chips.”
By simply not drinking sugar soda, she believes she lost 15 pounds.
“If you don’t want to sweat it out, don’t put it in your mouth,” she said. “That’s what it amounts to. It took us about three weeks to learn our bodies, learn what we could do physically and to learn our nutrition.”
The family shuns fried foods now, and enjoys baked or grilled dinners. Ethan has qualified for the Central football team, just one bonus of their new lives, the Stoll’s believe.
“Now that Ethan is making lifestyle changes and watching his portions, and paying attention to his nutrition, his brothers are seeing him and they’re learning,” LaDonna said.
The greatest excuse people have for not exercising is they don’t think they have the time, but to their surprise, the Stolls easily find the time – even on vacation. During a visit to Walt Disney World, mom and dad worked out at the hotel gym each morning.
“It made our days at Disney so much better,” LaDonna said. “We were able to be better for our children all day because we had taken care of ourselves that morning.”
LaDonna reflects on how her outlook on life and her family’s feelings about themselves have changed.
“We used to sit on the beach with our kids, and we would see people running,” she said. “We would think; ‘I wish we could be that person.’ Now when we sit on the beach and watch our kids play, and we see someone running by, we’re like, ‘We are that person!’
“It’s a different world – it’s so much different. We just feel so much better. We now have greater stamina to do the things we love to do and enjoy life.”
It all started when young Ethan asked a simple question, but it took strength and the courage of a family to rescue themselves from a nationwide epidemic, to first of all believe that they could live happier lives, and then to wrest their health from the jaws of a modern society designed to destroy it.
Ethan, LaDonna and John will take on the 15 miles of the Take the Lake Walk / Run Personal Endurance Challenge Saturday and will ride 22 miles on Sunday. They will do this because they believe they can, and because they have prepared and trained. Rather than watching the world go by, LaDonna, John, Ethan, Wesley and Alex Stoll will be the people taking part in life.
Awesome Job Guys!!!!!!!
John Stoll
Thanks Brian!!
Congratulations to the entire family! Such an inspiring family.
David Small
JP and LaDonna...you guys are awesome!
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0006.json.gz/line1736547
|
__label__wiki
| 0.69573
| 0.69573
|
Human Rights congress concludes in Trincomalee
[TamilNet, Tuesday, 26 April 2005, 01:42 GMT]
Three-day Human Rights Congress held in Trincomalee town since Friday concluded Sunday night with the cultural programme of district delegations from Jaffna, Batticaloa, Mannar, Vavuniya, Puttalam, and Amparai. About one hundred seventy five human rights activists participated in the Congress organized by the National Protection and Durable Solution for IDPs' Project of the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL), sources said.
Section of activists (animators) attending the Congress
The main objective of the three day Congress was to educate the HR activisits of their duties and responsibilities in safeguarding the rights of the internally displaced persons now sheltered in welfare centres and also to empower the IDPs about their rights. Currently about 360,000 IDPs are in the northeast province and most of them in welfare centres, HRC sources said.
HRCS Commissioner Mr.Selvakaumaran speaking
Mr.N.Selvakumaran, HRCSL Commissioner and the Project Director addressing the activists on "Youths and Rights" said youths could contribute constructively to promote and protect human rights of the people. Protection of human rights should go along with responsibilities of duties of every one. People should know their responsibilities and duties before they claim their rights, he said.
Regional co-ordinators of the HRCSL in the districts of Jaffna, Batticaloa, Mannar, Vavuniya, Puttalam and Amparai participated in the workshop.
Lectures were conducted to participants on Leadership and Leadership Development and Peace building and Team building activities, sources said.
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0006.json.gz/line1736548
|
__label__wiki
| 0.831764
| 0.831764
|
2ND LEAD
Indian university confers honorary doctorate on Erik Solheim
[TamilNet, Friday, 03 February 2012, 02:05 GMT]
TERI University of India (The Energy and Resources Institute), which is a deemed university located in New Delhi, has conferred honorary doctorate on Norwegian Minister of Development Mr. Erik Solheim in its fourth convocation this year held on Wednesday. The deemed university, specialized in sustainable development, got accreditation in India in 1999. The university has affiliated centers in Japan, Malaysia, United Arab Emirates, USA and UK, besides in some prominent Indian cities. Mr. Solheim is involved in international peace facilitation on behalf of Norway in several countries in the world. As Development minister, his office is part of the foreign ministry establishment of the Norwegian government, since Norway sees ‘development’ and ‘foreign relations’ intertwined in facilitating its interests.
Mr. Solheim was chosen by TERI University as a person who has made contributions to environmental protection and the need to maintain equity, ecological security, and the wealth of global natural resources.
As peace facilitator to the national crisis in the island of Sri Lanka, Mr. Solheim, became a miserable failure in 2009. The peace process ended up in mass-scale genocide of Eelam Tamils, in which nearly 140,000 Eelam Tamils went unaccounted.
A committee appointed by the Norwegian government to evaluate the peace process came out with the finding criticizing those who were handling the peace process that Norway should have withdrawn from the peace process before it ended up in a massacre, at least to enlighten the world of the impending realities.
The peace process was also criticized in the Norwegian report for not being prepared with contingencies to meet such a catastrophic turn of affairs.
Despite his historic failure with Eelam Tamils and the State of Sri Lanka, Mr. Solheim continues to handle ‘peace facilitation’ on behalf of Norway in countries like Myanmar, Philippines and elsewhere.
Commenting on the Norwegian report findings some times back, Mr. Solheim said that he was constantly in touch with the Indian government on every move of his peace facilitation in the island of Sri Lanka.
The Indian ruling circles were generally satisfied with the way the war had ended in the island of Sri Lanka, was the assessment of political observers.
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0006.json.gz/line1736549
|
__label__wiki
| 0.675578
| 0.675578
|
Home › Products › Plastic Models › Military 1:35 › 1:35 US M151A2 Fiord MUTT w/TOW-Miss.(1)
« back to Military 1:35 « previous item next item »
Article number: 300035125 Product: 1:35 US M151A2 Fiord MUTT w/TOW-Miss.(1)
The familiar Jeep was born during WW2 and it is said that it contributed greatly to the allied victory during that time. Following the conflict, this vehicle was widely used by most countries of the world as a small transport for the ground forces and later employed large calibre weapons systems for ground combat support.
The U.S. Army first utilized this small vehicle in ground support firepower, by mounting the newly designed 105mm recoilless rifle in the rear of the Jeep. This weapon was developed to combat heavily armoured tanks and other tracked vehicles; however it was later adapted to anti-personnel operations with the development of anti-personnel shell charges. When the newer 106mm recoilless rifle came into being, it replaced the 105. This weapons system was mounted in the rear part of the Jeep, but could be also dismounted on a tri-pod for fixed use. As the old jeep became replaced with the newer M151 Ford MUTT, the 106 was also adapted to it. When the M151A2 was released during the late 70's, the model with the 106 rifle mounted was called M825. It had a beefed up rear suspension system to accept the rifles added weight of 325kg. Shortly the TOW missile system replaced the 106 recoiless rifles, as the main anti-tank mobile weapons system. Development of the TOW system began in the 1960's as a replacement for the large and heavy recoilless rifles. It was combat tested during the Vietnam conflict and proved its power and accuracy. It was further improved and finally replaced most of the 106's still in service.
Officially it is called the BGM-71A; however, it is most widely called the TOW missile system which stands for Tube launched, Optically tracked, Wire guided, missile system. When the missile is fired at a target, the shooter maintains the target in the cross hairs of the sight. The infrared rays of the missile exhaust are sensed by the optical sight and the computer compensated for the speed of the target an
M151A2 w/Tow Missile
1:35 US M151A2 Fiord MUTT w/TOW-Miss.(1)
Is factory-supplied
1:35 WWII SdKfz.161/2 Panzer IV J (1) 1/35 Panther D Metal Barrel 1:35 WWII SdKfz.171 Panther Aus.G Ea.(1)
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0006.json.gz/line1736550
|
__label__cc
| 0.574476
| 0.425524
|
Keith Bearden – The Raftman’s Razor
ABOUT THE RAFTMAN’S RAZOR
A Zen/existentialist fable about two boys fascinated by a comic book hero with no superpowers. He only wakes, shaves, thinks a philosophical thought, and drifts alone at sea.
ARTIST: Keith Bearden YEAR: 2005 NAME: The Raftman’s Razor
The Raftman’s Razor
Keith Bearden
Please consider donating
Since Still Sunday is a fully crowdfunded platform.
We could use your input
Click here to leave a message and get in touch.
Copyright © Stichting Still Sunday 2018
1. title
Still Sunday Magazine #001 beta release
Welcome. Good thing you’re here!
We need you. There is a problem. Art is stuck. Its meaning is locked behind a door of which no one has the key. At least, that’s what we think. We think art is useless. That it is nothing more than an ‘ooh’ or an ‘aah’. And that art is difficult. Very difficult. The riddles that surround it almost seem unsolvable.
We think differently. Art is as hard as you make it. It is there for you as much as it is there for me, free for everyone to interpret its meaning. Art is to look and wonder, to be encouraged to think and to be motivated to act. That is the power of art. We see this and we want to share that with you.
We are Still Sunday and this is our mission:
To make art accessible for a wide audience by presenting it in the most accessible and appealing way possible;
To stimulate ease and wonderment by exposing you to inspiring art from all sides of the artistic spectrum in a steady pass;
To form connections, by uniting artworks from different forms of media and genres and bring together a high variety of people;
To offer a platform for artists so they can make their voices heard!
We want to achieve this by releasing an art- and music magazine every two months and support it with events. No profit. Art above all!
Come, take our hand. There is plenty to see.
An empty teacup and a palace of mirrors
On art, desire and enlightenment
This article is an adaption of the lecture that was given as opening of the first Still Sunday festival in Brebl, November the 10th. Like the lecture, it consists of a number of fragments that are connected in a rather loose, associative way without it being an easy ongoing story. Its purpose is not to tell you how it works, not to explain the value of art nor to indicate in a directive way how to look at art. What I have tried here is to say something about what I think is a desirable approach to the world and to art. About the essence of the human existence and the role that art can play in this.
Prologue: A cup of tea
Zen circle
The professor arrived at the Zen master’s house. Jubilant about all the titles and diplomas he had acquired during his long years of study, he introduced himself. He then told the Zen master the reason for his visit, namely learning the secrets of Zen.
Instead of explaining everything to him, the master invited him for a cup of tea. When the cup of tea was almost full, the Zen master, who was apparently distracted by something, kept pouring the tea, which made the tea flow all over the table.
The professor exclaimed: The cup is full! Any more will not fit in.
The master put down the teapot and answered: You are just like the cup. Filled to the brim with opinions and prejudices. Unless you empty your cup, you will not gain insight.
“It is the works of art that we meet with, that can move us emotionally.”
It is important to clarify some concepts. ‘Art’ is a concept, a catch-all term with vague and dynamic boundaries and a beautiful design for various superficial and profound opinions and discussions.
Artworks on the other hand, are specific, existing, present. It is the works of art that we meet with, that can move us emotionally.
Language and desire.
The empty tea cup from the well-known Zen story is a metaphor. It’s almost impossible to speak about art without using metaphors and analogy, because there is an incongruity between words and images that simply cannot be bridged by direct description. But something is going on with language in itself as well: you can never exactly say what you mean to say.
Michel Foucault describes in Les mots et les choses – “The words and the things” – the beginning of creation: the names of things, given by the first man (created by God in His image) to the animals, plants, trees , stars, in short everything in creation, coincided with the things themselves. The names being the things and the things being their names. The language was completely transparent. That only changed with the construction of the Tower of Babel and the subsequent confusion of tongues. The original, divine language disappeared behind a veil of references. The linguistic sign or word now refers to something else.
You do not have to take the biblical story literally: that itself functions as a metaphor as well.
We are born as human beings and at the outset there is no separation between ourselves and the world around us. We do not have a ‘self’ yet that distinguishes us from the world and from the other, our being is unmediated. The French philosopher and psychiatrist Jacques Lacan calls this paradisiacal condition ‘jouissance’: literally translated joy. But almost immediately after our birth we are absorbed into the world of language, the world of the people, the symbolic order. We get a name, we are brought up, marked by the expectations of others: parents, family. That is necessary for a human being to live and survive, but we lose the phenomenon of unity with the world. The gap between what Lacan calls the symbolic order, the world of language and words, and our original being in the world, causes a loss that entails a lasting sense of desire. We were expelled from The human being is defined by a loss, and from that loss human existence is marked by desire.
Art shows us both desire itself and a glimpse or suspicion of the other side of the gap, the indivisibility, the unmediated unity with the world. What we have been granted are those brief moments that we experience as undivided, fulfilled and whole: the Zen master’s Satori or enlightenment, the mystic’s meetings with God.
‘Verlangen’, Frank Tarenskeen
The land-art artist Andy Goldsworthy, who performs magnificent things in and with nature, experiences these moments when, while climbing a mountain, he leans into the strong wind trying to find a balance.
Creed of a painter
‘I paint for friendly, benevolent people with open eyes and an open mind.’
‘Not filling your canvases with paint, but with love.’
An artwork as a palace of mirrors: Las Meninas (1656) Diego Velazquez.
The fact that you must have an empty head and an unprejudiced and open minded approach to artworks, which in itself costs a lot of effort, does not mean that you do not have to take the time to look actively.
Countless pages has been written about the famous masterpiece of the 17th century Spaniard Diego Velazquez, among others by (again) Michel Foucault in Let Mots et les Choses. However, I’m not going to tell you what to see. I’m going to ask some questions. During the lecture in Brebl I discussed the answers with the audience. I will not do that here, the questions can serve as directions. The answers can be thought up by the reader and perhaps discussed with others.
– Who is the main character of this painting, to whom is the eye drawn initially?
– Who is the person left on the canvas and what is it he is doing?
– How is a self-portrait usually made? What could we conclude from that
for the whole canvas?
– Yet something is wrong: besides the door opening with the man in it, something else lights up on the back wall. What could it be?
something on. What could that be?
– So we do not actually look in a mirror. Whose position are we as spectators put in?
In conclusion: the performance on the painting is a play with reality and appearance, which is played via us, the spectators. It only opens up to us when we activate our gaze instead of consuming it passively. We are forced to ask questions about the nature of representation, the ratio between what is real and what is representation, without expecting perfect answers.
But that is not yet everything. We get the impression of a more or less coincidental snapshot, the composition is lively and balanced, the paint treatment is superior, in short it is also ‘just’ very beautiful. It is worth taking the time and asking yourself: what is happening here?
The painting inspired Picasso to paint an extensive series of his own interpretations, in which the palace of mirrors that Velazquez presented to us, was first ‘broken into pieces’, and then reassembled again, which was Picasso’s way of adding a new layer of meaning.
Pablo Picasso – Las Meninas. After Velazquez
Still Sunday was launched with a wonderful festival. I congratulate the initiators and I wish everyone to have open eyes, an open mind and an empty tea cup.
Frank Tarenskeen, November 2018
Mirka Farabegoli – “The human keeps looking for myth and magic – now maybe more than ever.”
Mirka Farabegoli is a visual artist. That’s what she calls herself since she graduated from the ArtEZ Academy in Arnhem, at the department of Fine Arts, in 2009. Her focus is mainly on drawings. Pencil and pastel crayons on paper. But Mirka uses a small set of other techniques, too, like etchings and silkscreen presses. And besides that, she started applying herself more to photography since 2016/2017, and took a step out of her comfort zone with the fabrication of several masks made out of woven fabric which are build from the same triangular shape that she uses as a formal element in a lot of her other works, too.
Mirka’s style is easily recognizable. Soft pastel-colors applied with crayons dye her mystical figures, often pictured on a monochrome* background. And even though the differences in her artworks from the different phases of her career are clearly visible, there is definitively a theme going on. ‘The in-between-world’, Mirka calls it. This world is, easily said, a world that is close to the human world, but one that contains unearthly elements. For example: the dream world. Here, Mirka’s subjects (the people/animals/mythical figures she pictures) are transformed in a way that they are still recognizable as human figures, but simultaneously would never be able to exist in this world.
“I think and feel that we are searching for a way to imbue magic into our lives, to look for elements that are inexplicable.”
During my travels through Bolivia, I have come across a culture where people draw inspiration from unreal worlds and celebrate those; a culture that has one foot in age-old folk traditions and the other in the culture and religion of the Spanish conquistadores, who brought these with them during their imperialistic strike of the South-American lands, several hundreds of years ago. The conquistadores forced the autochthonous population to work the mines. The devils and demons of the Bolivian culture that were long lingering in these mines, were made into allies in order to fight the Spanish. This alliance still stands nowadays and recurs during the Bolivian carnaval, where the bitter story of slavery is retold in a mocking manner. During carnaval, it is the Bolivian of the mountains and the mines that triumphs over the idiotic conquistadores. I found this Bolivian devil very intriguing and used it as an image in my painting La Fusion (2010).
It are these figures, like the Bolivian devil, that embody a sense of magic in the real world; mythical creatures upon which we can mirror the inexplicable things of everyday life. In this way, incomprehensibility (and the dread that adjoins it) takes on a concrete shape – the nothing turns into something and the something can be battled. This process (of concretization) paves the way to inner peace. “After my work trip in Germany, where I painted Tripkau (2012), I continued making connections between the exotic creatures from far-away lands and the magic and mythology of local stories, here in Europe. I found it interesting how, just as the Bolivians proved, ancient stories can be imbued with meaning again when you transport them to the here and now. In these tension fields, where opposites meet (old and new, but also: love and hate, life and death, reality and dreams) and join, new things can be learned. As long as you’re open to wonder.
Von Abseits – Detour EP
Our good friend Von Abseits is a producer of sample-based Lo-Fi Hip-Hop beats. We paid him a visit in Berlin and made a mini-documentary about him, in which he talks about his music, philosophy and his way of living.
Von Abseits releases his very first EP on Still Sunday Records, called “Detour”:
Going on a journey, venturing into the unknown, curious for what will occur on the way… At some point, you will open your eyes and your ears and you’ll be surprised by the world and yourself.
Von Abseits started the project of “Detour” by putting together different beats and arrangements that were collected on, inspired by or began on his travels. The excitement of listening back and editing led to new beats, which, together with the other material, transformed into this EP. His very first release.
Mischa Wolff a.k.a. Von Abseits’ own words on creating “Detour”:
“The process of its creation turned out to be non linear and confusing at times. The concept formed and adapted itself according to its surroundings, the atmosphere I found myself in. It felt like taking a lot of detours on the way. It helped me a lot to let this project rest and then, after some time, returning to it with fresh ears and new inspiration. All this needed to happen to let it sound like it sounds now and for me to be here at this point.”
Take a listen and enjoy!
Beats, Hip-Hop, Lo-fi
Extended Play record
1. Errthing According 2 Flow
2. The Beninging
3. Far Away
4. Hi 2 C
5. Moonboots Blisterin'
6. Plain Lost
7. Nostalgia
8. The Source / Mum’s Nectar
9. Back 2
You can download Detour on donation basis at Bandcamp.
“You can really look at anything and the longer you look, the more details you will see. Anything could be interesting.”
Koos de Vries – “There isn’t always a message.”
On a wintery cold day in March, me and my companion David travel to Den Bosch, where, somewhere near the train station, lies a premise that reminds me of my old elementary school. It is the temporary atelier of Koos de Vries. He welcomes us in his immaculate army-green overall at the front entrance of that which indeed used to be an elementary school. Big, concrete masonry stones form the walls that are supposed to protect the handful of artists that occupy the premise. The heating stoves, one in each classroom, give away that the concrete cannot fight the cold alone. “They’ve cut off the heating system and this is the alternative for keeping us warm. An expensive solution if you ask me. Luckily, this condo is but temporary. Soon it will be taken down,” Koos explains.
To minimize the rent, Koos shares the atelier with Peer Vink. Both of them are students at the AKV St. Joost in Den Bosch and both are graduating at the end of the semester. As a result, the atelier is boxed with paintings, sculptures and other unfinished projects. My eye meets this painting, which draws the attention with its piercing colors. It is one of the works of Koos. One half is colored with a deep vibrant red. The other half is a field of moss-green, with a soft-blue stroke of the brush here and a dot of orange there. In the middle, I see the shape of a man, slightly bent over, rummaging a sack.
The depicted colors are not natural for what is depicted. The huge field of red for example, is used for the human body as well as the air and the clouds. Koos determines his colors by what the objects feel feel like instead of what he knows they look like. Let us glance back to the beginning of the 20th century, where a group of artists did something similar. I’m talking about the expressionists. This group of artists sought, just like a lot of their contemporaries, for new ways to represent the world around them. They painted the world not how it was, but how it felt too them. And they used colors to express their feelings. As a result, their paintings were no perfect reproductions of reality (as was the tradition), but spirited explosions of color. The depicted objects kept their initial form, but the way the lines were filled in was determined emotionally. A nice example of an expressionist painter is Henri Matisse. He noticed that colors possessed more powers than simply giving-color-to-objects. “Color provokes reaction”, Matisse stated. Red can provoke feelings of anger, just as the red matador cloth enrages the bull (or so myth goes). Blue can make feel lonely and cold. With this idea, Matisse touches upon an important characteristic of colors: the use of colors in art influences the emotional reaction of the beholder.
“But who am I to tell you what to feel when you look at my paintings?”
A hundred years, and countless pieces of art later, Matisse’s belief has been accepted and adopted, but left behind by some. In the paintings of Koos, color is determined freely, just as Matisse did, but in contrast to expressionist master, Koos leaves the idea behind that every color is linked to a fixed feeling. Moreover: “Color doesn’t have to symbolize at all. Art, at least mine, comes to exist because the painting ‘asks’ for a red field or a blue background. That doesn’t mean that my red paintings are intentionally triggering anger or that my blue paintings indicate social isolation. On the contrary, I chose colors that seem fitting to fit the whole of the painting.”
Nowadays, the question ‘how to determine your color?’ is answered way easier than it was in the past. In the days when paint was produced by the extraction of colors from different sorts of raw materials, some colors were way more expensive than others. Blue, for example, was not made easily. Ultramarine, a deep, full blue which, according to legend, shined on the canvas, was one of the rarest colors in existence. In order to create ultramarine, lapis lazuli, a rare gemstone mainly found in Afghanistan, had to be pulverized and mixed with some other, less valuable ingredients. Insanely expensive color, as you might have guessed. Hence, mainly holy figures are depicted with the color – think about the Holy Virgin, for example. Color supported an idea of status rather than solely expressing a feeling like the expressionists believed. Nowadays, every color imaginable is available at every art store in every town. Blue is not worth more than yellow. Color is color.
“But who am I to tell you what to feel when you look at my paintings?”, Koos says. “My intention is not determinative for the meaning of my paintings. You always interpret a painting in your own way.” But that ultimate interpretative freedom, isn’t that dangerous? What you said earlier about color and that it not meant to be symbolic goes unprotected when everyone is free to decide what to think about your art. “As long as somebody sees something in my work, doesn’t matter what, my art is successful. But that doesn’t take away that there is a dark side to this much interpretative freedom. I’ve noticed something I like to call ‘the artists on a pedestal’. What that means is that there is this image of the artists as an ‘all-knowing character’, some kind of God that is always aware of every possible interpretation of his or her work. And that is unfair.” The finger on the sore spot. Remember people, an interpretation is always guided by personal experience; it is a story that you constructed yourself by plunging into your past en picking out experiences that suit the image in front of you. To believe that an artists is aware of what’s in your life’s suitcase is a bit naïve. In short, the big message here is: the truth is made by you.
The idea of ‘the artists on a pedestal’ has triggered Koos to create a series of self-portraits, where his face is the subject for different color-, form- and thought-experiments. “Self-portraits contain a bit of self-glorification,” Koos says. “Paintings where the focus is aimed totally on one face, mine in this case.” It is fascinating how the focus on one object, a face, but also an apple or a candle for example, can idolize. But it’s not strange, is it? After all, there is only one object inside the frame, independent of any other object. “And so I bring myself in the picture, literally”. Koos plays with the idea of ‘the artist on a pedestal’, not only by looking what happens within the frame, but also by looking how he can strengthen his message outside the frame. His self-portraits, for example, are hanged a bit higher than the rest of the paintings, just to emphasize the idea of self-glorification.
Playing with these forms of presentation is not something Koos only applies to his self-portraits. Sometimes, he uses the exposition-space fully by using standing frames, where his paintings are not meant to be put on a wall, but rather, placed on the floor. Immediately, the possibility to walk around the artwork emerges, which adds an extra dimension. Exciting stuff can happen when you add dimensions. And exciting stuff happens in Koos’ graduation-project Watching The World Burn At Bikini Beach. It consists of three panels (in art, this is called a triptych). On these panels, we see three different characters (all of them resemble a bit of Koos). From left to right, we can distinguish: the Visionary, the Slacker and the Martyr. But what connects these three characters?
Besides the formal and stylistic coherence there is little connection between the three. But, take a few steps further, walk around the artwork en look at the back of the triptych and it all comes together. What do we see? We see a giant mushroom-shaped cloud that only becomes visible after a nuclear explosion. But sideways. And in black, white and grey. “We are looking at the product of the atomic tests that have been held at Bikini Beach, shortly after the end of World War II,” Koos explains. We look at it, but not only from our own perspective. We also take on the position of the Visionary, the Slacker and the Martyr. In other words, the two sides of the artwork are the two views you would have if you were standing in the middle of Bikini Beach.
The middle, the position that every beholder of art occupies, always. Not only with Koos, but with all art. Always at a safe distance, a small step away from reality, ready to reflect on what is happening in front of him or her. That is where the power of art lies: the step back that enables you to reflect on the world around you, objectively. What you make of it, of Koos’ face in his self-portraits, of the color red in the first painting or of the Visionary, the Slacker and the Martyr, is entirely up to you. There isn’t always a message, but there is always the freedom to interpret.
THE RAFTMAN’S RAZOR is a Zen/existentialist fable about two boys fascinated by a comic book hero with no superpowers. He only wakes, shaves, thinks a philosophical thought, and drifts alone at sea. We interviewed director Keith Bearden.
Could you introduce yourself to our readers?
Hello lovely people. My name is Keith Bearden. I am a screenwriter and director in New York City.
Who is the Raftman?
The Raftsman is a combination of things. Mostly he is a metaphor for the disappointment of growing up and discovering that nothing is really as good as you thought or hoped it would be. Visually, he was based on people I worked with at the worst job I ever had, working at an insurance company that refused to use computers, and had a huge library of paper files. They were open 24 hours a day, and I worked there from midnight to 8 am in the morning. A lot of sad characters worked there.
The idea for the story came from your writing partner Joel Haskard and you rewrote the story in half an hour or so. What was it that drew you so vigorously to the Raftman?
I think I was drawn in by Joel’s brilliant writing and the simple absurd “hook” of the story (a superhero that does nothing), and it made me sad to read it, so I added the pathos, the emotion to it. Also, I think a comic character that does nothing is weirdly empowering. Superman and Batman make us feel weak and hopeless. The Raftman, who does nothing but shave, can make us all feel powerful and amazing.
“I think my work succeeds when it’s shamanic. When I don’t think about it, I don’t doubt it, and it just sort of vomits out of me.”
The Raftman’s Razor is often summarized as ‘Two young teens obsess about a comic superhero who does next to nothing.’ This is not a conventional superhero-identity. What makes the Raftman a superhero?
The medium of comics automatically makes a superhero. Like porn, you don’t have to be beautiful or sexy to be a porn star. Just be in it.
But really, just like film has it’s anti-heroes, comics, too should have their anti-superheroes. The Raftman is a symbol of super failure. He’s a middle aged man who has let everything fade away and succumbed to the sad order of rank and file society.
Ideally, with what kind of mindset would you encourage the viewer to watch the Raftman’s Razor?
I like whatever people bring to it. The film was shown at a Buddhist film festival, and neither Joel nor I know anything about Buddhism. Some people think it’s funny, some sad. Some “cute.” Just as long as the picture is big and the sound is clear, that’s what’s important in cinema.
In the film we follow two boys who are completely obsessed with the story of the Raftman and how they’re searching for meaning, narrative and (maybe most of all) closure. What is the Raftman going to do with the razor? Will he cut his throat? Will he let the boat sink? When these questions are being answered in the last issue of the comic, they feel cheated and fooled with. Their interpretation of the Raftman’s story had not been in line with the intended meaning of the writer. This is a generally recurring issue in the world of arts. Viewers often don’t know what the intended meaning of the author is. As a consequence, the viewer has ultimate interpretative freedom. How do you feel about this? Is it worth more to give the viewer interpretative freedom with the danger of ‘art’ becoming ungraspable or is it more important that the artist makes his/her vision explicit so the story is read ‘correctly’?
I think the worse thing an artist can do is tell a viewer what to think or feel. I hate when museums tell you the life story or “opinion” of the artist. My friend says when you only like a photo or painting by knowing the subject or condition it was made then it’s a failure. Audience über alles. Film is a mass audience art. Time gives all film its just rewards I believe. I am old enough to see boring popular and acclaimed films forgotten and brilliant obscure films now beloved. That is a lovely feeling.
I think The Raftman is told from the point of an older man remembering his childhood. And even though he felt cheated, he was also touched and changed. I think the film is about the power of art in some way. And even though the two boys were hurt by the ruse of the artist, it still lingered with them.
All love disappoints us in some way.
“Good things take time, and something good has a real power to last.”
In our magazine, we try to give our readers food for thought on how to shape their understanding of what art is. Of course, they have to shape this term themselves and me and you can help them a little. What is art to you and why do you think the Raftman’s Razor is generally regarded as such?
I think my work succeeds when it’s shamanic. When I don’t think about it, I don’t doubt it, and it just sort of vomits out of me. I think you have to loose self consciousness before art can happen. I think art has a worldview. And The Raftman has it—it feels like a transported or intentional reality. The best praise I ever got was someone in France who said my films take place on a planet very much like earth but not exactly.
I think cinema fails to be art when the person making it has no opinion and nothing to say and only technical skills to give. The Raftman has a lot of layers—a conflicted vision of being a young boy in America that other directors would not give to it. It’s all based on real things I’ve experienced or heard of. The sombrero stuff comes from Joel Haskard. He and his friends would ride bicycles in their small town while wearing sombreros they found at a used clothing store. (He might have been on LSD at the time. I forgot.)
But really, you know something is art when people regard it as such. It’s a mystery. Like “sexy.” When people say you’re sexy, that’s when you know it. Otherwise you never know.
What do you think is the specific power of film? Is it the same power that drew you to film?
My earliest memories of life are being two years old in the hospital (asthmatic shock) and my father renting me a television to pass the time. I saw the original 1933 King Kong on television and I was hypnotized and transported. I remember that and playing with a sick little girl who got better and went home.
I think film’s power is to created a shared immersive hyper-real experience that transcends time and place. Theatre is mercurial—it changes every time you preform it. Fine art is very intimate. Cinema is shared. I can meet someone who has seen one of my favorite films and it’s instant community. We’ve both shared this same 90 minutes even if we have never met or have nothing in common otherwise. I love that power to connect people.
Also, I like that film is finite. It lasts only a certain amount of time and then is over. Like a summer love, it’s sweeter because it didn’t last.
How do you come about creating a film? Where do you draw inspiration from and how does that inspiration evolve into a film script and eventually a movie?
My inspiration comes from real life, real people and things that bother me or I feel nobody is talking about. And then it becomes pieces, usually a start and an ending, and I fill in the rest.
In the Raftman’s Razor we see how time pressure works on the artist. Stuart and Jesse expect a new issue of the Raftman every third Friday, so the artist is stuck to a tight schedule. Can you share some thoughts about the concept “time”? – What are the influences of time on your creative processes?
Time is very difficult to find when filming—everything is too slow and complicated and the day goes flying away. This is why someone like Kubrick shot for a year sometimes. (Anyone can make a masterpiece if they have that much time). But time as a writer is yours to play with. My new feature film ANTARCTICA was brewing in my mind off and on for 10 years probably before I finally wrote it in 6 weeks. And then revisited and rewrote and kept thinking about it. All to prepare to film it in a very quick 19 days. So I guess preparation is crucial and focusing the time you do have.
In our ever-fast-moving-society, we feel that there is a high pressure on performance and gaining big successes (starting at a young age). What do you think about the countermovement of taking time instead of rushing your creative processes? In other words, what is the value of time in the process of creation?
Well, good things take time, and something good has a real power to last. I think the best thing to do with our overstuffed over-rushed culture is to detach yourself from it. Dominant culture is more often than not a bad influence.
On the other hand, you are what you do repeatedly, and there is a certain skill set you gain from doing things often and repeatedly.
There are many great writers or filmmakers whom made very few works. Nothing can take that away from them. My film career started at 37. I don’t think I was ready before then. Or maybe I was just scared.
Harry de Kleurenjager –
Photography with swing and ‘schwung’
From writing, comes writing.
From painting, comes painting.
From painting, comes writing and from writing comes painting.
From creating, comes creating and even more creating.
You might recognize that feeling, when the urge to create something keeps coming up or you’re in the middle of a creation process but you just can’t get on with it. This article tells about a game of creativity and how this playfulness with materials could serve as a means to get you going (again).
The story starts with a visit to Harry de Kleurenjager (the Colour Hunter) in his home where the door is always open and the coffee is always warm. I found him bending over a night light with a bunch of color foils in one hand and a cheap camera in the other. He had an air of peace and serenity around him, while he was fully concentrated on catching the light-reflections with his camera. I came closer to see what captured his attention and saw a branch of garlic, some pieces of trashy gag of dried out oil paint, autumn leaves and some collected little pieces of plastic. All these materials were used to create his pictures. Later on it occurred to me that the sports programme on the television wasn’t just there playing on the background but served as a vital part of the creation process as well.
After Harry offered me a cup of coffee I curiously asked him about the artmaking process I just witnessed. With great enthusiasm he showed me his immense catalogue of abstract photos. Their deep colours and multi-dimensional patterns were impressive. I asked him: “What are these photos about?” He told me: “Portraits of married aliens, alien horses, platinum trees and packaged and detached king poodles a.o.”. And asked me provocatively: “What do you see in them…?”
And now we ask you: What do you see in these photos?
“Not by learning, simply by looking. Not by thinking, but by doing. But of course it’s not as simple as that. It takes practice. Every day.”
For these photos, all the different shapes and colours are created from the same couple of materials. Only the position changes and the light is broken in different ways. You can see how the raw substances of the material come to live in these photos. When a different light is shone upon the coloured plastic foil papers, it brings forward the fluid forms of oil which are at the basis of this foil. Besides the natural forms, Harry emphasises on the fact that you can see anything in the photos, it’s illusionary and completely open to one’s own interpretation. Just as other abstract art forms it can function as a mirror, when it reflects your own association and possibly your personal state of being. And, the longer you look at it, the more you will see. It’s a practice to take your time to focus and discover your own wondrous world that lies within these mysterious photos.
Put the materials in place.
Move the foil and the camera as you want.
What appears on the display is always a surprise.
The light reflections change every second.
Almost everyday, Harry is encouraging and enthusing the Art Therapy students at the HAN.
Harry likes the idea of making art accessible and artists approachable, this is why he wants to share his methods with us as well. He believes you can give new life to everything. The littlest things can be a source of inspiration. Mainly because the materials he uses are simple and available to everyone. Also his camera, which wouldn’t seem like the high-tech camera you expect. The known concept of thinking you need exquisite equipment to create good art is thrown out of the window. He emphasizes on a much more approachable way to art making. It’s not about the camera, but about what touches the lens. How you manoeuvre and combine all the different aspects into a single click that is unique on its own. Because it’s you who deliberately made the decision to push the button. You choose the material, how you hold the camera, the amount of light and what kind of movement is portrayed on the digital screen. It all influences the end result and is always a surprise.
“Everyone can make art, if you just do it.”
Because of this element of surprise this form of playing with materials and creativity can serve as an unexpected source of inspiration for all kinds of artmaking. This form of artmaking allows letting go of the end result. It keeps you busy without thinking too much. Following your gut and intuition. Sometimes it’s important to simply activate your creative brain. Subsequently, to maintain a creative flow the brain often feeds on little success moments. Playful tools such as experimenting with photography can offer your brain little shots of inspiration. Harry mentions that ever since he regain his enthusiasm for experimenting with photography he has been working more and more on his drawings as well.
Harry is one of those extraordinary souls who can find a story and beauty in almost anything. When we asked him how he learned to look at things like that, he answered:
“Not by learning, simply by looking. Not by thinking, but by doing.”
After some smiles from our side, he added: “But of course it’s not as simple as that. It takes practice. Every day.” And it’s worth it…
Our excitement about the photos and Harry’s enthusiasm towards Still Sunday made him decide to donate about 3.000 photos to Still Sunday. We directly used seven of them to create the posters for the Still Sunday Release Party. We’re very thankful for that.
Thank you for reading our first Still Sunday Magazine, we hope you’ve enjoyed it. Since it is still far from perfect we would really like to know what you thought of it. Down below you can leave us a message or some tips, so we can continue to build the Still Sunday experience. Thanks again, you’re awesome 🙂
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0006.json.gz/line1736551
|
__label__wiki
| 0.579753
| 0.579753
|
"We all picked up a hammer and pounded the nails together. Our teamwork made us highly time-efficient."
Ryan Egolf
Civil Engineering Class of 2017
Equipped with timber, screws and anchors, two teams of Saint Martin’s civil engineering students set out to accomplish a challenging task: construct a structure of wooden frames known as a truss.
Saint Martin’s competed for the first time in the Structural Engineers Association of Washington’s (SEAW) Timber Truss Competition on November 14, 2015. Through working as a team and thinking on their feet, one of the Saint Martin’s teams won first place, beating teams from the University of Washington and Seattle University.
The Timber Truss Competition consists of two parts: (1) building, predicting and testing a wooden truss to the breaking point at the University of Washington’s structural laboratories and (2) presenting the results to professionals at the SEAW annual dinner on January 26. It’s a chance for civil engineering students in Washington state to apply skills learned in class, network with students and professionals, and have some friendly competition.
“The SEAW Timber Design competition is a good opportunity to get some real hands on experience with wood products and to test their capabilities,” says Ryan Egolf ’17, a civil engineering major and captain of one of the Saint Martin’s teams. “Students get the chance to use what they have learned in the classroom and try to apply it in a creative, fun way.”
“I wanted the opportunity to network with professional engineers, plus engage in some friendly competition,” says Nathaniel Gazaway ’17, a civil engineering major and captain of the winning Saint Martin’s team.
To prepare for the competition, Gazaway and Egolf met with their teams to discuss potential truss designs that would produce the best results. However, there was limited preparation the students could undertake, since the details of the truss were provided the day of the competition. Much of the competition would test students’ ability to complete a project with limited time and resources, think on their feet and work as a team.
“We all picked up a hammer and pounded the nails together,” recalls Egolf. “Our teamwork made us highly time-efficient. Everyone on the team could see what needed to be done and stepped up to the plate to take on any task. I am very proud of everyone on my team.”
When Gazaway learned that his team had won first place, which included a $1,200 cash prize, he knew exactly what he wanted to do with the funds. "I saw it as a great chance to make some money for the ASCE club," he says. “We voted as a team on what to do with the funds made from the competition." The vote was unanimous—the money would be donated to the University’s student chapter of American Society of Civil Engineers for the upcoming Steel Bridge Competition.
“I can’t say enough about how well our students worked together,” says Jill Walsh, faculty advisor and assistant professor of civil engineering. “They were a great representation of the excellence of Saint Martin’s engineering students.”
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0006.json.gz/line1736554
|
__label__wiki
| 0.57
| 0.57
|
The Wise Leader
Practical wisdom in business comes from combining the broad view with the narrow, and opportunity with constraint.
by Prasad Kaipa and Navi Radjou
Illustration by Anna Parini
Smartness is the operating currency of organizational culture in the 21st-century. Whether it’s called cleverness, practical intelligence, or savvy, one can never have too much of it in a company. Smart leaders can see patterns in seemingly random information, enabling them to take decisive action while their peers are still assessing a situation, and to make the strategic choices that bring competitive advantage. But there are two categories of smartness, both of which carry benefits and risks. Most executives favor one or the other, and that makes it more difficult for them to lead.
“Business smart” leaders, like GE’s Jack Welch and Oracle’s Larry Ellison, are big-picture thinkers who recognize that opportunities are unlimited, at least for those ready to seize those opportunities. They are competitive, dynamic, and proactive. They relish high-stakes games, and display an aggressive, winner-take-all mentality. Bill Gates exemplified this form of leadership when he took Microsoft from a college dropout’s startup in 1976 to a company with a market capitalization of more than US$616 billion by 1999. But these leaders’ expeditious and sometimes self-centered approach to decision making can also cause trouble. Gates learned this in 1998, when the U.S. Justice Department (followed by a number of European countries) filed an antitrust suit against Microsoft. By most accounts, this was a rude awakening for Gates. Under questioning at trial, he appeared combative and defensive. Although Microsoft settled the lawsuit in 2001, these events contributed to the company’s loss of dominance.
“Functional smart” leaders are grounded in the concrete, tangible, and tactical, enabling them to achieve operational and execution effectiveness. Like Genentech co-founder Herbert Boyer and HP founders William Hewlett and David Packard, functional-smart leaders tend to have deep expertise in narrow domains. They understand that constraints are unavoidable, but also know that they can be managed by those willing to design appropriate solutions. Tim Cook, for example, who took over as CEO of Apple after Steve Jobs’s death, brought a new level of operational efficiency and bottom-line productivity to Apple, honed during his years as chief operating officer. Functional-smart leadership may seem like a safer bet, but these leaders are prone to repeating poor decisions or procrastinating on tough decisions. They are more likely to be caught in the weeds of habitual practice, neglecting things outside their purview. Cook, for example, in overlooking the poor working conditions at Apple’s Chinese subcontracted factories, damaged Apple’s reputation and some of its profitability.
Today’s business leaders need to balance narrow and broad views of their business and of the world, and to combine flawless execution with big-picture thinking. This ability to navigate swiftly and effectively between the two forms of smartness based on the context, coupled with a focus on a higher purpose and enlightened self-interest—the belief that a rising tide can lift all boats—is what we call “wise leadership.” Practical wisdom gives executives the tools they need to achieve both professional and personal success: the flexibility to anticipate disruptive change, the execution capabilities to meet today’s demand, and the opportunity to build their facility in ethics and shared values.
Most people, when they start their careers, have potential for both business-smart and functional-smart leadership. But over time, as they move up the hierarchy, they tend to favor one or the other. They take on what psychologists call a perceptual filter. They see what they expect to see—they become conscious of only one set of possibilities and accept only one type of behavior. The perceptual filters of business smartness and functional smartness are so prevalent and yet so subtle that it’s hard to recognize the extent to which they govern behavior. They shape executives’ world view; although people may have an intellectual or intuitive appreciation for both types of smartness, they miss chances to bring them together.
To see the world more clearly, leaders need to become aware of, and then set aside, their perceptual filters. This type of reflection doesn’t always come by choice—it is typically forced upon people. Bill Gates didn’t wake up one morning and say, “I want to become a wise leader.” He must have been compelled, by the lawsuit and other factors, to reconsider his leadership style. Gates, who had been known for his intensely competitive personality and take-no-prisoners strategies, made a major course correction. In early 2000, while awaiting the antitrust court decision, he stepped down as Microsoft’s chief executive. He took on the role of chief software architect, which emphasized functional smartness. In the same year, he embraced a higher purpose by establishing, with his wife, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Although some people initially accused Gates of using his charitable activities to sugarcoat his image, his foundation is today respected and appreciated for its highly effective approaches to combating global challenges. Gates, the successful but polarizing figure, has become more righteous and moral in the eyes of many people.
Tim Cook was driven by Steve Jobs’s advancing illness to change his leadership style. He moved from a narrow form of smartness to a more opportunity-oriented perspective, turning his attention to the big picture and becoming sensitive to the changing context in the world around him. When the factory scandal broke, Cook went to Chinato inspect working conditions firsthand, and he is now striving to improve conditions there and elsewhere. He also started matching employee contributions to nonprofits, encouraging commitment to the greater good. Although he has not fully emulated Steve Jobs’s agenda or style—for example, he pays dividends, which Jobs avoided—Cook has adopted some important business-smart approaches. He discusses strategy with investors, reaches out to developers, focuses on top-line growth, and has defended Apple’s position as a leading innovator by winning a patent infringement case against rival Samsung.
A balanced approach also enables leaders to lead their companies to sustained growth, even through trying times. Here we can look to Ford CEO Alan Mulally as a model of wise leadership. Long before coming to Ford, Alan Mulally was a general manager at Boeing in charge of developing the 777 passenger aircraft. Even at that time, he deliberately cultivated a mix of business-smart and functional-smart actions. Traditionally, Boeing teams operated in silos with little collaboration, leading to project delays and higher costs. Mulally’s job was to coordinate multiple teams and integrate their efforts. In every project review meeting, he began by reminding all teams that they had to factor in the larger system, the whole plane, when making narrow decisions; then he moved to intensive, detailed review of the technical and design issues.
Mulally took the same decision logic to Ford. When he arrived in 2006, the company was losing market share and brand equity. Mulally mortgaged all of Ford’s assets to secure a $23.6 billion loan, which he said was needed to invest in R&D and serve as “a cushion to protect from a recession or other unexpected event.” This decision, made at a time when the economy seemed healthy, was widely criticized. But Mulally defended it on the grounds that “we have to control our own destiny.” Two years later, this business-smart decision allowed Ford, unlike GM and Chrysler, to avoid government-funded restructuring.
Around the same time, Mulally also made a critical functional-smart decision. Walking through the parking lot at Ford headquarters in Detroit, he noticed the plethora of Ford brands, with no common attributes in shape or style. He set about pruning the Ford model portfolio. This allowed Ford to concentrate on improving the engineering quality of a smaller roster of models, to make life easier for Ford distributors and dealers, and to reuse components across brands, reaping big savings on supply chain costs.
Becoming a wise leader is not always a smooth journey—people can easily revert to their familiar smart behaviors. Practical wisdom requires the unlearning of one’s past success formulas. Even today, Bill Gates becomes intense and defensive when addressing Microsoft’s lack of growth in the past decade. And Tim Cook saw a significant decline in Apple’s market valuation when he focused more on tangible products and services than on intangible connections to the marketplace and end-users. Such struggles are to be expected. But wise leaders are resilient, and they learn from failure. They are flexible, enabling them to maintain this crucial balance: The business-smart leader can give voice to aspiration, the functional-smart leader can appreciate limits and execute within them—and the wise leader can do both.
Author Profiles:
Prasad Kaipa is a Silicon Valley–based CEO coach and advisor and a senior fellow of the Indian School of Business’s Centre for Leadership, Innovation, and Change.
Navi Radjou is a Silicon Valley–based strategy consultant and the coauthor of Jugaad Innovation: Think Frugal, Be Flexible, Generate Breakthrough Growth (Jossey-Bass, 2012).
This article is adapted from Kaipa and Radjou’s book, From Smart to Wise: Acting and Leading with Wisdom (Jossey-Bass, 2013).
Topics: execution, brand, leaders, strategy, operations
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0006.json.gz/line1736555
|
__label__cc
| 0.629084
| 0.370916
|
Recognition of attendance
ECTS Credits
§ 15 FAO
Summer School 2017 - A brief review
The first "Summer School IT Law and Legal Informatics" took place at Saarland University’s campus from 21st August to 1st September 2017.
Participants from UK, Japan, Bulgaria, France, Luxemburg, Serbia, Austria, Denmark, Italy as well as Germany travelled to Saarbrücken and were treated to both a varied academic and cultural programme. Renowned lecturers from the UK, Japan, Austria and Germany presented on the four topic areas of “Autonomous systems”, “Internet of Things and IT Security”, “Data Protection and Big Data” and “Legal Tech”.
In addition to the intensive academic programme, there were also many opportunities for the participants to find out more about the region. For many participants, this was their first visit to the Saarland and they used the opportunity to explore many of its cultural sights and enjoy the culinary delights which the region has to offer. The participants visited the UNESCO World Heritage site at the Völklinger Hütte (an historical ironworks), the Saarschleife, the Karlsberg Brewery in Homburg and Trier. Under the knowledgeable guidance of the former Secretary of State, Dr. Wolfgang Schild, the excursion to Trier was a particular highlight. The Summer School ended with an excursion which included a guided tour of the German Federal Court in Karlsruhe, a visit to the Cathedral in Speyer and wine-tasting at a vineyard near Neustadt-an-der-Weinstraße.
A detailed review of the Summer School 2017 in PDF file format will be available here soon.
Opening of the Summer School 2017
During the opening of the Summer School, Mrs. Caroline Hertwig handed out the Summer School welcome packs to the participants and gave an overview of the town of Saarbrücken.
Opening of the Academic Programme
The academic programme was opened by a lecture on "AI and the Law" that was held by Prof. Dr. Georg Borges, Managing Director of the Institute of Legal Informatics.
Fruitful debates
Inspired by the comprehensive lectures of renowned experts, the participants discussed lively on a very high level.
Visit of KÜS Data's data centre
The first excursion took us to the data centre of KÜS Data GmbH in Losheim am See. The participants got a good insight into the infrastructure that is necessary for lawful data processing.
The first week of the Summer School ended with a BBQ that was held at the Graduate Centre. Participants and lecturers got hereby the opportunity for an informal exchange in a cosy and familiar atmosphere.
Saarland and its landmarks
At the 'day off' on Saturday, in Saarland there's no better choice than visiting the beautiful Saarschleife, a horseshoe-shaped bend in the river Saar near the picturesque town of Mettlach.
Data Protection and Big Data
The second week of the academic programme was opened by lectures on Data Protection and Big Data held by Prof. Dr. Erich Schweighofer (University of Vienna, Austria) and Prof. Fumio Shimpo, Ph.D. (Keio University, Kanagawa, Japan). Once more, the lectures formed the basis for controversial discussions between the participants.
Special day for Prof. Takehiko Kasahara
During the Summer School, Prof. Dr. Takehiko Kasahara (Toin University of Yokohama, Japan) - one of the lecturers - celebrated his 60th birthday which is a very meaningful day in Japanese tradition. Therefore, the organisers of the Summer School arranged a very familiar birthday party at Schloss Halberg.
Völklinger Hütte
The visit of the Völklingen Ironworks, a former industrial plant which has the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site status since 1994, was another highlight in the social programme. Especially the Blower Shed provoked a photo session at it's best.
The last topic block was introduced by Prof. Dr. Burkhard Schäfer (The University of Edinburgh, UK) with his highly professional but also entertaining lecture on Legal Tech. During that session, the participants learned how to develop an Artificial Intelligence that is able to beat World Champions in Chess.
Beer, beer, beer!
During the excursion to the Karlsberg brewery in Homburg, the participants of the Summer School were introduced in the art of brewing. Afterwards, during the dinner at Homburger Hof, we enjoyed typical German meals and - of course - some local beer.
Federal Court of Justice
The last day of the Summer School began with a trip to the German Federal Court of Justice in Karlsruhe. Due to the judicial vacations, the visit was unfortunately limited to a guided tour of the court building.
After having some beer at Karlsberg brewery a few days ago, the very final excursion took us to Neustadt-an-der-Weinstraße where we had an excellent wine-tasting at a local vineyard.
Conference Transcript
We are currently working on a book containing the written contributions of the participants of the 2017's Summer School as well as the manuscripts of the lecturers. The book is going to be published by Springer with the provisional title 'Law and technology in a global digital society - Autonomous Systems, Big Data, IT Security and Legal Tech'.
Kindly sponsored by
Copyright © 2019 Institute of Legal Informatics.
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0006.json.gz/line1736556
|
__label__wiki
| 0.850527
| 0.850527
|
'Batman v Superman' Ultimate Edition Trailer Includes A Ton Of New Footage
2 June 2016, 2:28 pm EDT By Cameron Koch Tech Times
DC's Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice wasn't quite the home run for which Warner Bros. was hoping. The film was panned by critics, and while it did bring in a hefty amount of cash, it didn't meet the high bar many set for the first film starring Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman side by side.
That, however, might change with the arrival of the film's ultimate edition later this summer. The new cut of the film from director Zack Snyder includes an additional 30 minutes of footage, bringing the already-long film's new run-time to a total of 182 minutes. That's more than three hours of Batman v Superman goodness (or badness, depending on who you ask). Now, we have a trailer for the ultimate edition, and it includes tons of new footage that hardcore fans will want to check out.
Judging from the trailer, fans can expect more scenes dealing with the aftermath of Superman's actions, as victims ask how Superman decides who to save and who to let die. It looks like Superman's reporter alter ego Clark Kent will do some more digging on who exactly Batman is, and Bruce will spend some additional time moping around Wayne Manor lamenting the death of his parents.
Batman v Superman's ultimate edition will also include scenes featuring the mysterious character of Jena Malone, who was cut entirely from the theatrical version of film. Fans can also expect more of Jesse Eisenberg's Lex Luthor. Warner Bros. previously released a clip from the ultimate edition showing a communion between Luthor and an alien presence, which should help shine some light on the character's motivations throughout the movie. You can check out a sample of all the new footage in the trailer below.
As has long been promised, the ultimate edition of the film will be R-rated. The trailer provides a little more insight into why exactly the film was rated that way, with the R-rating stemming from "sequences of violence."
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice Ultimate Edition will arrive digitally on June 28, with the film arriving on Blu-ray July 19.
Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice, Zack Snyder, Trailer, DC, Batman, Superman, Warner Bros.
'Batman: Rebirth' #1 Gives Calendar Man Some Crazy New Powers
DC Universe Rebirth #1: 4 Important Changes To The Status Quo
The Identity Of 'Batman v Superman's' Dead Robin Looks To Have Been Confirmed
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0006.json.gz/line1736559
|
__label__wiki
| 0.959346
| 0.959346
|
‘Carpool Karaoke’: James Corden Auditions ‘Breaking Bad’’s Bob Odenkirk In Hilarious New Clip [Video]
25 February 2017, 8:00 am EST By James Geddes Tech Times
On a recent episode of The Late Late Show with James Corden, actor and comedian Bob Odenkirk scored some laughs when he pleaded with the host to audition for the viral video hit. Corden complied, and Odenkirk delivered a hilarious but ear wrenching autotuned version of "Take Me Out To The Ball Game" to the crowd's delight.
'Carpool Karaoke' Sweeps The Nation
Everyone wants to get in the "Carpool Karaoke" craze these days and it's no wonder. The viral video segments from James Corden's CBS late night talk show The Late Late Show with James Corden have taken on a life of their own on the internet, with over a billion views on YouTube. Adele's ride with Corden was the most viewed YouTube clip of all in 2016, and Corden hosted a star-studded version of the segment during his Grammy hosting performance. Apple Music has even picked up a separate stand-alone series of "Carpool Karaoke" coproduced by Corden.
So it's no wonder that during his recent appearance on The Late Late Show, comedian Bob Odenkirk wanted some of the action. While he may not be a household name, most will recognize Odenkirk from his role as Saul Goodman on the acclaimed AMC series Breaking Bad, as well as its subsequent spinoff, Better Call Saul. Odenkirk also starred in Mr. Show, and has made guest appearances on some of the best sitcoms of all time, including Seinfeld, Everybody Loves Raymond and Curb Your Enthusiasm.
Bob Odenkirk's 'Carpool Karaoke' Audition
Odenkirk begins by proclaiming his (fake) anger at Corden and the show for not allowing him to do "Carpool Karaoke." He tells a fabricated story that when the show's producers asked if he could sing he said no, and was told that he therefore can't do the segment. He then objects, insisting that he could still get in Corden's car and ride around with him. When Corden explains that "singing is key to it," Odenkirk responds that he could sing with autotune, which the cheering audience encourages him to do.
Corden, playing along, pulls out a microphone and asks Odenkirk what he'd like to sing. The comedian then responds that he doesn't know any lyrics, other than those to one song, "Take Me Out To The Ball Game," of which he would like to do a modernized "Eurodisco version." As Odenkirk launches into an ear splitting auto tuned version of the song, the crowd claps along, while fellow guest David Oyelowo covers his ears in horror.
Afterward, as Oyelowo proclaims he may never recover from Odenkirk's performance, Corden has the last word, jokingly remarking that he "can feel America turning off their televisions while this is happening."
You can watch Bob Odenkirk's "audition" for James Corden's "Carpool Karaoke" in the clip below.
Carpool Karaoke, James Corden, Bob Odenkirk
Apple Music 'Carpool Karaoke': James Corden And Will Smith Helicopter Ride, Series Premiere Date Revealed [Video]
James Corden's Grammy 'Carpool Karaoke' Featured JLo, Neil Diamond, Blue Ivy, And More
‘Carpool Karaoke’: Will James Corden Hosted Grammys Feature Popular Viral Video Segment?
‘Carpool Karaoke’: James Corden’s Top Rides Adele, Bieber, Selena, Sia, One Direction, Gaga, Who Is YouTube’s Most Watched?
'Carpool Karaoke': Did James Corden Dare To Reveal The Worst Singer Ever? [Video]
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0006.json.gz/line1736560
|
__label__wiki
| 0.867316
| 0.867316
|
2020 Democrats Revealed Their Favorite Comfort Foods on the Presidential Campaign Trail
“I love a good French fry — or a few, or many, or just the whole thing.”
With the 2020 presidential election Democratic primary heating up, the massive field of candidates has a lot of questions to answer. On Thursday, June 20, The New York Times published a big project that included the same 18 questions for all of them. Among the things the contenders discussed were serious issues like gun violence, climate change, immigration, health care, and the death penalty.
But not every question was a hardball. The contenders also got a chance to talk about relaxation techniques, getting embarrassed, who their heroes are, how much they sleep each night, and what food they turn to for comfort. Some answers weren’t surprising: Burgers and candy were highlights for several candidates. Former Representative Beto O’Rourke (D-TX) confirmed what anyone familiar with his 2018 Senate campaign might already know: He loves “any kind of fast food.”
Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) said her go-to is chips and guacamole. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) gave a shout-out to baked potatoes. Andrew Yang said he’s partial to Kind Bars. And Representative Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI) called vegan cupcakes “a real threat” on her campaign trail.
Gabbard isn’t alone in enjoying vegan comfort food. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) told the Times, “When you’re vegan, that means a lot of veggies on the go.”
South Bend, Indiana, mayor, Pete Buttigieg, indicated that some folks are already aware of his choice in comfort food, since he’s been receiving it from supporters out on the trail. “The word got out that I like beef jerky," he said, "so people have been kind enough to give that to me on the road sometimes.”
Some candidates have worried their comfort foods are a little too comfortable, even with the stress that comes on the campaign trail. Senator Kamala Harris (D-CA) said with a laugh, “I love a good French fry — or a few, or many, or just the whole thing.”
“It was M&Ms,” said Washington governor Jay Inslee. “But I’ve taken an oath now to lay off of the M&Ms to maintain belt security.”
“Last time out, we did a trip to the West Coast and I gained three pounds in four days,” said Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT). “So there’s too much comfort food.”
Some candidates have turned to a beverage for their comfort. Former Housing and Urban Development secretary Julián Castro said his “comfort drink” is iced tea, and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) said she enjoys a “glass of whisky at the end of the night.”
While the go-to treat for a presidential candidate might not matter, the Times did ask several questions that might actually help voters decide between candidates, including expanding the Supreme Court, where they’d make their first foreign trip as president, breaking up big tech companies, withdrawing U.S. troops from Afghanistan, and whether anyone deserves to have a billion dollars.
Want more from Teen Vogue? Check this out: 2020 Democratic Primary Debates: Who’s Officially In, Who’s Out, and Where to Watch
Keywords2020democratsfoodpresidential campaign
8 Things I'm Watching for in the Democratic Debates
Kamala Harris Did Everything BUT Call Joe Biden a Racist
I'm Sick of Joe Biden
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0006.json.gz/line1736561
|
__label__cc
| 0.662124
| 0.337876
|
Pretty Little Liars Is Leaving Netflix and I'm Not Ready to Say Goodbye
36 Jewish Activists Were Arrested While Protesting ICE
Jameelah Nasheed
AOC Called Out Trump's "Concentration Camps"
8 Movies To Watch After A Breakup
They'll remind you you're not alone.
Photo: Alamy
Bustle is a new force in media delivering stories on the topics young women want to read right now, from foreign policy to Fendi, feminism to Pharrell. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest.
I know: It seems like only a short time ago, you were sitting in a café, taking in some live jazz, smugly cuddling hand-in-hand with your new, wonderful partner, and thinking to yourself, “Maybe this time, I’ll be lucky.” However, cut to a slightly darker present, and here you are: single again. If you’re anything like me, chances are you could use some movies to help you through your painful breakup. After all, no matter how many times you helplessly watch a relationship blossom, bloom, and wilt before you, it hits hard every time, and there’s no better way to cope than with film. If you’re dealing with the familiar pangs of anger, self-doubt, loneliness, and resentment that can accompany a doomed relationship, I recommend putting on your most comfortable jammies, cuddling up with a bottle of wine, and putting on a few of these hilarious, heart-wrenching, therapeutic films.
Who knows why breakups happen, really? You can try to hurl blame around all you, but, most of the time, neither party is really at fault in a breakup. Blame usually falls on completely uncontrollable things like timing, miscommunication, and the all-around rigmarole of modern life. So, if you’re in the process of trying to make sense of it all, I recommend that you take a deep breath, put a pause on your Facebook stalking, and lose yourself in the movies, characters, and musical numbers that have already made sense of it for you.
You’re not alone in your loneliness, and sometimes you just need Sally Bowles to remind you of that. Here are eight movies to help you through the grieving process.
If you think I didn’t know what I was referencing at the beginning of this article, you’re wrong. Bob Fosse’s film adaptation of the Broadway show is essentially the perfect movie; if you’re drowning in a kiddie pool of misery, you should watch it — if only to see Liza Minnelli’s heartbreaking rendition of “Maybe This Time.”
First Wives Club (1996)
Even if your ex is the nicest person in the world who truly never did anything to hurt you, watching Goldie Hawn, Diane Keaton, and Bette Midler get revenge on their conniving, selfish ex-husbands will make you feel insanely empowered. #youdontownme
Funny Girl (1968)
OK, yeah, there’s a lot of musicals on this list — but what other genre gets the sheer amount of hurt feelings and absurd melodrama attached to romance as well as this one does? If anyone knows a thing or two about a broken heart, it’s Barbra Streisand’s iconic character Fanny Brice. Plus, Streisand’s voice — oy! I can’t believe it’s not butter, because it’s so much like butter!
Kill Bill, Vol. 1 & Vol. 2 (2003, 2004)
Kill Bill is basically the ultimate breakup revenge fantasy. Your ex probably didn’t do anything as terrible as murdering your fiancée and leaving you in a coma for five years, but that doesn’t mean you can’t relate to the metaphor. This will help you get some of the rage out in a way that doesn’t involve keying your ex’s car.
Muriel’s Wedding (1995)
Through the combined powers of Toni Collette and ABBA, this movie will have you feeling better about your new single life in no time. You’re not alone — you’re with Muriel!
Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind (2004)
One warning: Avoid this movie if you’re in a dark emotional state — it’s particularly depressing thanks to its portrayal of a dying relationship, and might make you feel worse. Ultimately, though, the message it sends is a necessary reminder that no matter how much hurt or regret you’re feeling now, the times you shared with your partner are still a meaningful part of your life.
Also, as a side effect, you might feel the urge to dye your hair blue after you watch it.
Woody Allen’s classic film wrestles with what he perceives as the futility of romantic pursuit, ultimately finding an existential calm that is best summed up by Allen’s own narration in the film:
“It reminds me of that old joke — you know, a guy walks into a psychiatrist’s office and says, 'hey doc, my brother’s crazy! He thinks he’s a chicken.' Then the doc says, 'why don’t you turn him in?' Then the guy says, 'I would but I need the eggs.' I guess that’s how I feel about relationships. They’re totally crazy, irrational, and absurd, but we keep going through it because we need the eggs.”
Remember — you’ve gone without eggs before, and you can do it again. Maybe next time you’ll find the right chicken, but for now live your single, eggless life with pride and compassion.
— James Tison
Are You Sure You Aren't a Lesbian? 11 Ignorant Things Bi Girls Are Tired of Hearing
Teens Don't Use Birth Control Because They Fear What Their Parents Think, Study Says
13 Awkward Things That Happen When You Look Way Younger Than You Are
Feeling Down? Try These 7 Tricks to Boost Your Self-Esteem
Keywords relationshipsbreakupmovies
Lil Nas X Brought Line Dancing to the BET Awards
Bianca Betancourt
Blue Ivy Carter Performed an Amazing Dance Routine to Her Mom's Song
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0006.json.gz/line1736562
|
__label__cc
| 0.613273
| 0.386727
|
Hay Festival 2013: Will Self's rules for reading aloud
The novelist Will Self offers his tips for reading your work aloud while a festival tent is flapping in the wind.
Will Self: 'The bookshop reading is largely a thing of the past' Photo: REX
By Will Self
At an event organised by the Writers’ Centre in Norwich the other week, one of the volunteers – a woman perhaps a few years older than me – observed that when she was young writers were semi-mythical creatures, farouche, barely ever seen in the flesh, and their only spoor faded black-and-white photographs on the backs of their books. In some ways this was an exaggeration – there have always been writers (and by this I mean specifically fiction ones) – who’ve had a public profile. In the States this was, perhaps, carried off with a little more swagger, but we Brits always had our fair crop of novelists – and even poets – who were also public intellectuals. However, given the relative paucity of media forums – a mere brace of television channels, a triad of radio ones – these were inevitably only either the most personally egregious, or the most politically or socially plangent.
What has changed in the past 30 years is that it has become impossible for the rump of the literary profession – those middling sorts (of sales, that is, not necessarily of brow) – to earn a reasonable living simply by writing books. The abolition of the net book agreement in the 1980s heralded two simultaneous developments: a vertiginous integration of book distribution and retailing, and a simultaneous collapse in the formerly steep-sided pyramid of critical authority. To put it bluntly: the punters would no longer buy what they were told to buy by literary types, and in any case, there were no longer cosy little bookshops in which they could order these recommendations. As for writers, whose earnings had been artificially maintained by a price cartel, there were only a few options available: the time-honoured promenade of Grub Street, some altogether non-literary job, or an ignominious – and often soul-destroying – retreat into silence.
The advent of the web, and a generation for whom free creative content is – quite literally – a given, has only intensified these pressures; but actually for the duration of my career, if you wanted to make a success of being a literary novelist (a synonym for not especially high-selling) you’ve had to be willing to work very hard indeed at publicising and presenting your own work to the public. And a key part of that publicising and presenting has been the reading of your works aloud. In the early 1990s when I began publishing, the standard literary tour consisted of doing a circuit of chain bookshops – Waterstones and latterly Borders – and reading to whoever bothered to pitch up. The author’s presence in provincial towns was designed to stimulate local media attention, and so units were shifted.
Nowadays the bookshop reading is largely a thing of the past; such has been the spread of the literary festival throughout the British cultural body. People go to literary festivals for reasons directly associated with the decline in critical authority: they wish – quite reasonably in this new, egalitarian environment – to see and hear what they’re paying for, and so make their own judgements. They also go because as texts themselves become effectively free, and entirely ubiquitous, the only commodity that will soon have any marketable value left is the writers themselves. We feel this, the chill wind of change, in our bones – even as book sales continue to hold up, against all the electronic odds.
You might have thought that under such circumstances writers would have made it their business to become effective communicators of their own work. Not a bit of it. In fact, many so-called “serious” novelists consider it nothing short of infra dig to be too good a public reader; it smacks of a certain very un-British showmanship, and also cuts against the traditionalist perspective expressed by the Norwich volunteer, that writers – like well-educated Victorian children – should be read and not heard.
Hay 2013: Noah and the Whale
Our Hay Festival 2013 highlights
Jeremy Irons on his love for TS Eliot
Hay Festival 2013: Mariella Frostrup Q&A on books
Hay Festival 2013: Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall to attend schools day
Hay Festival: day eleven as it happened
I’ve never taken this view. I’ve always understood that my fiction of extreme mental states, genital transformations, and the linkage of mental illness to social change, would prove a tough sell, and I’ve also understood that it would be me who’d largely have to do the selling, so I’ve worked hard at understanding which passages will come across well when read – comic set pieces usually, but not always – and how to introduce these passages in such a way as to hold an audience’s attention.
But the truth of the matter is that if you are a shy, blushing, Proustian recluse for whom the least sound is exquisite torture, you’ll never be able to wake up and smell the coffee being served up in the bar adjacent to the windy yurt where you’re being called upon to declaim. Reading one’s own work aloud to an audience requires the ability to gauge their reaction, while at the same time affecting complete nonchalance. Basic rules on projecting and stage presence can be acquired, but these must be honed by years of experience. I have given public readings here, in the States and all over Europe, in South America and still further afield. I have given hundreds – if not thousands – of public readings, and had to deal with audiences leaving, groaning, and execrating me in mid-flow, while at the same time battling against the sound of the aforementioned yurt flapping.
And that’s just the reading – afterwards there are still the questions to deal with. I usually preface this part of the session by saying that an audience is welcome to ask me whatever it wants: they can be related to the passage I’ve just read, to my oeuvre overall, to literature generally, or simply be prurient and indeed puerile queries, such as you wouldn’t dream of addressing even to your most intimate friends when they are blind drunk. In my experience this little bit of reverse psychology usually works effectively to stifle would-be annoyances, but by no means always.
How do you develop the pachyderm’s hide needed to withstand these slings and arrows? Surely only by having very low expectations of what such events can deliver: the real relationship between a reader and a writer will always be consummated between the leaves of a book. Still, when my spirits are flagging, and my personal motto – “I just want to be misunderstood” – isn’t acting as an effective salve, I can always comfort myself with the thought that I’d rather be up on my hind legs performing than taking part in that great scheme which has become the mainstay for literary novelists: teaching creative writing.
Will Self will be reading from his latest novel, Umbrella, at the Telegraph Hay Festival on May 25 at 1pm
For the full programme see hayfestival.com.
Keep up to date with the Telegraph's coverage of the Hay Festival 2013.
Follow Telegraph Books on Twitter
Mobile »
In Hay Festival
Hay Festival: in quotes
Hay Festival 2015: in pictures and quotes
Alan Bennett on The Lady in the Van
Sex, sea air and stupidity: 5 things we learned about Jane Austen
10 rules for making it as a writer
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0006.json.gz/line1736563
|
__label__wiki
| 0.728633
| 0.728633
|
Women could 'evolve' out of menopause and bear children later, says scientist
Women could end up routinely bearing children into their fifties and beyond as the menopause dies out, a genetics expert has predicted.
Women could 'evolve' out of menopause and bear children later, says scientist Photo: Alamy
By Rosa Silverman
Dr Aarathi Prasad said the menopause dated from a time when generations of women were competing over scarce resources and it was not ideal for them all to be bearing children at the same time.
But in an age when resources are plentiful, life expectancies are longer and women remain healthier for longer, it was no longer necessary, she argued.
Speaking at the Hay Festival, she said: “'The mood of scientists working on this and looking to the future is we will either technologically or scientifically evolve out of the menopause.
“It is a health risk potentially and it is a real inescapable block on reproduction for one half of us - the women, but not the men. It is something that will probably be overcome.”
Since there were no longer any “benefits” to the menopause, it was now “not normal for nature,” she argued.
Using HRT is safe, experts claim
I wish I'd had children 10 years earlier, says TV presenter Julia Bradbury
Menopause memory problems 'real not imagined'
40 per cent of US women are the sole or primary breadwinners, study finds
Under-50s with breast cancer at record high
“When menopause evolved, women probably died ten years before it happened, it hit in your 50s, on average,” she went on.
“If you're looking at a future where women are going to live to 100, that's half your life when the rest of your body functions perfectly well and your ovaries don't.
“And it's not just reproduction. The menopause brings an increased risk of heart disease and osteoporosis.
“What we think is normal is not normal for nature. If it is something not in all mammals, is it something necessary or beneficial for us? I do not see any benefits.”
Dr Prasad, a biologist and science writer who has appeared on television and radio programmes, also raised the possibility that gay parents will be able to conceive a child in the future without the opposite sex.
She said: “Scientists are working on artificial wombs that could change the future of parenting. It could mean for the first time that gay parents will be able to create a child that is genetically theirs.”
Hay Festival »
Rosa Silverman »
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0006.json.gz/line1736564
|
__label__cc
| 0.629728
| 0.370272
|
Do you love art as much as we do? Since you’ve already taken the plunge to become a member, chances are good, so why not go one step further and join one of our awesome member engagement groups? The Telfair Academy Guild, William Jay Society, Friends of African American Arts, Friends of the Owens-Thomas House, and Gari Melchers Collectors’ Society—these special groups of Telfair members bring together devoted people who share a passion for the arts, a love of their community, and a desire to let loose and have a little fun!
If you are not already a member, you will need an active Telfair membership in order to join any of our member engagement groups. The cost of joining a group is in addition to your regular museum membership.
Telfair Academy Guild
In 1976, the Telfair Academy Guild (TAG) was founded by a small group of women whose aim was to support the goals and activities of the Telfair Museums through volunteerism. From a nucleus of about 40 women, the group has grown nearly tenfold. Membership is open to anyone who is a member of the museum and who is interested in supporting TAG’s activities.
TAG Levels:
$35 Individual
$50 Supporting TAG Member
Learn More about TAG »
William Jay Society
The William Jay Society (WJS) is a group of Savannah’s young professionals who share an enthusiasm and appreciation for art and Telfair Museums. WJS’ mission is to promote the museum’s goals and its commitment to developing awareness, understanding, and appreciation of art.
WJS Levels:
$30 Dual
Learn More About WJS »
Friends of African American Arts
Friends of African American Arts (FAAA) was established in 2006 to raise public awareness and to promote the appreciation and development of art created by African Americans. The goals of the group are to increase knowledge and awareness of African American art and history, to promote the private acquisition of African American art, to acquire African American artworks for Telfair Museums, and to support the museum’s mission.
FAAA Levels:
Learn More About FAAA »
Friends of the Owens-Thomas House
Friends of the Owens-Thomas House (FOT) is dedicated to supporting the Owens-Thomas House and Slave Quarters, the house museum and National Historic Landmark designed by William Jay in 1816. Located on Oglethorpe Square, the site encompasses the main house, urban slave quarters, a carriage house, and a parterre garden created in the mid-20th century to replace the original working garden.
FOT Levels:
Learn More About FOT »
Gari Melchers Collectors’ Society
The Gari Melchers Collectors’ Society (GMCS) exists to support and promote the expansion of the museum’s permanent collection, and to provide its members with exclusive programs and educational opportunities that enhance their enjoyment and appreciation of art.
GMCS Levels:
Learn More About GMCS »
View image 1 in lightbox:
this is a test caption
Just some of the events from our Member Engagement Groups
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0006.json.gz/line1736565
|
__label__wiki
| 0.968013
| 0.968013
|
Penrith coach Ivan Cleary described it as a moment of madness; another example of ill-discipline plaguing the team's sorry start to the NRL season. The Panthers' disappointing campaign sunk to a new low on Thursday after blowing a 14-point lead with 16 minutes remaining to lose to Cronulla. And Cleary's side only have themselves to blame after giving away the last seven penalties of the game, including a brain snap from Dallin Watene-Zelezniak. With his team leading 14-0 early in the second half, Watene-Zelezniak made a strong kick return before pushing over Chad Townsend after a play-the-ball. And while the penalty didn't lead directly to a try, Bronson Xerri scored a runaway 65-metre try three minutes later to kickstart the Sharks' comeback. "Fourteen to nil, and there was a period where we could've gotten momentum swing our way, we give a penalty away in possession of the ball," Cleary said. "It's madness." And despite Waqa Blake restoring the lead not long after, Penrith were unable to stop a surging Cronulla side from mounting a stirring victory. An apologetic Watene-Zelezniak rued the incident after the game. "Any penalties are a turning point, but that was a big one because we had the ball. Looking back on it now, I regret it a lot. It was a brain snap," he said. "I'll work on that and make sure I never do it again. I just reacted to it poorly and I've got to learn how to control it in other ways and not make that mistake again. "(Cleary) addressed it and I apologised. It was a massive brain snap and it hurt us." The defeat means Penrith have now opened the year with four losses in six games, leaving Cleary under searing pressure in his return season with the club. This time last year under Anthony Griffin, who was later sacked before the finals, the Panthers had won five of six and were sitting second on the table. The good news for Penrith fans is that while they have made the finals just twice in 28 attempts after starting 2-4, both were in 2016 and 2017. "We're on a journey of improvement and the best lessons are learnt the hard way. Hopefully it sinks in, it's going to need to," Cleary said. They may also need to find a new centre for next week's daunting match-up with South Sydney after Dean Whare suffered a suspected hamstring injury. Australian Associated Press
https://nnimgt-a.akamaihd.net/transform/v1/crop/frm/silverstone-feed-data/302b9474-28c4-4b7b-848d-4936373f6919.jpg/r0_74_800_526_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg
April 19 2019 - 3:32AM
Panther's moment of madness riles Cleary
Matt Encarnacion
Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (R) has apologised for his brain snap in Penrith's loss to Cronulla.
Penrith coach Ivan Cleary described it as a moment of madness; another example of ill-discipline plaguing the team's sorry start to the NRL season.
The Panthers' disappointing campaign sunk to a new low on Thursday after blowing a 14-point lead with 16 minutes remaining to lose to Cronulla.
And Cleary's side only have themselves to blame after giving away the last seven penalties of the game, including a brain snap from Dallin Watene-Zelezniak.
With his team leading 14-0 early in the second half, Watene-Zelezniak made a strong kick return before pushing over Chad Townsend after a play-the-ball.
And while the penalty didn't lead directly to a try, Bronson Xerri scored a runaway 65-metre try three minutes later to kickstart the Sharks' comeback.
"Fourteen to nil, and there was a period where we could've gotten momentum swing our way, we give a penalty away in possession of the ball," Cleary said.
"It's madness."
And despite Waqa Blake restoring the lead not long after, Penrith were unable to stop a surging Cronulla side from mounting a stirring victory.
An apologetic Watene-Zelezniak rued the incident after the game.
"Any penalties are a turning point, but that was a big one because we had the ball. Looking back on it now, I regret it a lot. It was a brain snap," he said.
"I'll work on that and make sure I never do it again. I just reacted to it poorly and I've got to learn how to control it in other ways and not make that mistake again.
"(Cleary) addressed it and I apologised. It was a massive brain snap and it hurt us."
The defeat means Penrith have now opened the year with four losses in six games, leaving Cleary under searing pressure in his return season with the club.
This time last year under Anthony Griffin, who was later sacked before the finals, the Panthers had won five of six and were sitting second on the table.
The good news for Penrith fans is that while they have made the finals just twice in 28 attempts after starting 2-4, both were in 2016 and 2017.
"We're on a journey of improvement and the best lessons are learnt the hard way. Hopefully it sinks in, it's going to need to," Cleary said.
They may also need to find a new centre for next week's daunting match-up with South Sydney after Dean Whare suffered a suspected hamstring injury.
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0006.json.gz/line1736566
|
__label__cc
| 0.513338
| 0.486662
|
Scaling Up Access to Finance for India's Rural Poor
Submitted By gautham1985
Report No. - IN
Scaling-up Access to Finance for India’s Rural Poor
FINANCE AND PRIVATE SECTOR DEVELOPMENT UNIT
South Asia Region
Document of the World Bank
I. INTRODUCTION 2
India’s Rural Finance Landscape 4 What are the financial needs of the rural poor? 4 Rural finance service providers 5
II. ACCESS TO RURAL FINANCE IN INDIA: THE EVIDENCE 8
Supply Side Indicators of Access to Finance 8 Access to Rural Finance: Evidence from the Demand Side 12 Access to savings/deposit accounts 14 Payments Services – Limited use, high cash economy 15 Access to Credit 15 Access to Insurance 17 The Importance of Informal Finance 17
III. WHAT CONSTRAINS ACCESS TO FINANCE FOR INDIA’S RURAL POOR? 19
Why Banks Are Reluctant To Lend to Rural Clients 19 Lack of credit information. 20 The tyranny of collateral 20 Weak legal framework and enforcement issues. 21 Government policy 21 Why Do Small, Rural Borrowers Find Rural Banks Unattractive? 26 Absence of flexible products and services 26 Transactions costs 26 Collateral 27
IV. RECENT EFFORTS IN INDIA TO IMPROVE RURAL ACCESS TO FINANCE: THE ROLE OF FORMAL—INFORMAL LINKAGES AND NEW PRODUCTS 28
SHG-bank Linkage Approach: Linking Commercial Banks to Grassroots Borrowers 28 How Effective Has SHG Bank Linkage Been in Targeting the Poor? 30 Impact on vulnerability of poor households 32 Some Lessons from SHG Bank Linkage 33 Key concerns: Limited outreach and scale of lending and issues in financial sustainability 34 Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) 35 What has constrained the outreach and scale of MFIs? 36 The “Service Provider” Model of Microfinance Piloted by Private Banks 37 The Kisan Credit Card 39 Recent Innovations in Micro- and…...
Retailing in Rural Market
...As i a n Aca d e m i c Re s ea r ch J o u rn a l s SAJMMR: South Asian Journal of Marketing & Management Research RURAL RETAIL REVOLUTION: THE RISE OF RURAL MARKET ASHISH GUPTA* *Research Scholar, School of management Studies, Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology, Allahabad, India. ABSTRACT “The future lies with those companies who see the poor as their customers." C. K. Prahalad Strategic Guru Rural India is characterized by low per capita income, low productivity, low literacy and low rate of industrialization along with absence of basic amenities. The unprivileged class is set back by a lack of educational opportunities that could empower them to confidently pursue economic progress and overcome the debilitating effects of low literacy and rigid social hierarchies. The Indian rural retail opportunity is currently estimated to be in excess of Rs. 1400 billion (approximately US$34 billion). The figure is likely to touch Rs. 1800 billion (approximately US$ 43 billion) in 2010 and go up to Rs. 2400 billion (approximately US$ 58 billion) by 2015, according to CII - YES BANK Study on the Rural Retail Sector15. India’s rural markets are growing at double the rate of urban markets. The retail revolution is going to act as a catalyst. So, the new concept that is hitting the market today is the "Rural Retailing". KEYWORDS: Rural India, Rural retail, rural market, Retail revolution, Kirana stores.......
Hul Entering in Rural Market
...THE WILLIAM DAVIDSON INSTITUTE 06 November 2006 case 1-428-604 Rural demand for, and consumption of, consumer products is set to explode. The challenge for most companies is to be able to offer appropriate products in an affordable way in relatively remote locations. It is our view that India will soon see an inflexion point in rural consumption.1 Mr. K.B. Dadiseth, Hindustan Lever Limited Chairman About Hindustan Lever Limited Hindustan Lever Limited began operating in India in 1888 with the distribution of its “Made in England” Sunlight detergent. In 1931, when India was still a British colony, Hindustan Vanaspati Limited was formed as a 100% subsidiary of Unilever in India. It primarily sold soaps, detergents, and other household products to a select group of affluent consumers, such as British government employees and the Indian elite. In Research Assistant Maulin Vakil and Professor Ted London of the University of Michigan developed this case. They thank Vijay Sharma and Rohithari Rajan of Hindustan Lever for their assistance.© 2008, Ted London. DO In fact, since 1999 revenues at HLL had remained nearly constant, an outcome stockholders had not welcomed. With this lack of growth, increasing attention was directed to the company’s Millennium Plan an ambitious blueprint outlining the company’s growth strategies for the 21st century. The Millennium Plan was a part of the company’s renewed emphasis on business focus and operational efficiencies.......
Celtel Nigeria: Towards Serving the Rural Poor
...services in urban regions. At the distribution level, Celtel simply distributes its products and services to dealers, after which it disengages from the supply chain. After the dealer, the distribution dynamics follow a fragmented structure traditional to Nigeria. In an effort to reach the goal of becoming the industry leader, Celtel now wants to expand into the rural market which until now is largely unexplored. The growth potential for new subscriptions comes largely from the rural area. To achieve this goal, the company must overcome prevailing internal and systemic hurdles. First, the distribution is inefficient; the few points-of-sale in the rural Nigeria are very spread out, an even inexistent in some areas. Second, the unreliable power grid would require Celtel to invest in generators which usually are theft targets. Third, the Celtel brand is largely unknown and rural media isn’t too efficient due to vandalism and poor coverage. Finally, most rural people are poor; they have little access to phone devices and they demand lower prices. Ethically, Celtel should consider if it is proper to promote and entice the rural poor to purchase the products given their scarce income? Does Celtel have a corporate responsibility towards the communities it plans to reach? Is the price being charged worthy of its value in light of quality issues? How should Celtel proceed with the expansion without forcing the staff into unfavorable working conditions? External......
Rural Urban Divide in India
...Rural Urban divide in India The sharp increase in rural-urban disparities in India after decades of planned development is alarming, for planning itself was conceived as an instrument to narrow down such disparities. RURAL-urban disparities, particularly in post-colonial countries, have for long been one of the causes of concern for the policymakers. The disparities are seen in all spheres of human life - economic and non-economic. The long colonial rule in India had created an urban-rural divide. What causes great concern now-a-days is the sharp increase in the level of disparities after a few decades of planning, especially because planning was conceived as an instrument to narrow down rural-urban disparities. The rural-urban disparities is found across the World, as is indicated with the fact that Cities take up less than two percent of the Earth’s land surface, but are home to almost half of the world’s population and utilize seventy-five percent of the Earth’s resources. In 1998 47 percent of the world’s population lived in cities as opposed to 29 percent in 1950. Globalization is leading to increased urbanization. According to the World Bank, urban areas in developing countries account for an estimated 60 - 80 percent of GDP. Urban populations mainly have greater access to water and sanitation services, but an estimated quarter to a half of those populations live in slums or squatter settlements. As regards India, the statistics are about 70% of the people live in......
Mahindra-Creating Sustainable Rural Channels
...Mishra | Topic/ Title : | Mahindra: Creating sustainable channel relationshipsin rural India | Original or Revised Write-up: | Original | Group Number: | 5 (Five) | Contact No. and email of Group Coordinator: | Siddhant BakshiContact: +91 9871299517Email: ft13siddhantbakshi@imt.ac.in | Group Members: | Sl. | Roll No. | Name | | 1 | 1301-364 | Mayanka Sharan | | 2 | 1301-044 | Ashutosh Navgaje | | 3 | 1301-208 | Shatarupa Das | | 4 | 1301-557 | Ratul Chakraborty | | 5 | 1301-349 | Jeremiah Jacob | | 6 | 1301-214 | Siddhanth Bakshi | INTRODUCTION As CK Prahlad’s book “Fortune at the Bottom of the Pyramid” sates “ profits can be earned by selling products to bottom of pyramid customers .This is a valid statement as total customer spending and per capita GDP in rural India has been increasing at a much faster rate as compared to cities. Along with sub standard infrastructure and vast geographical area developing effective channel relationships is not easy. This is because of lack of loyalty and skills in rural channel partners. When any company enters a rural market a lot of decisions need to be made but the most crucial is the one addressing distribution channels. As rightly said in the book “Supply Chain Management” by Chopra and Mendi - “An inappropriate network can have serious negative effects”. The majority of population in India continues to reside in rural areas and majority live in areas of low density (<5000 people). Hence any......
Set Up Access Control List for a Router
...Set Up Access Control List for a Router Author Note This paper is being submitted on August 24, 2013, for N235/CET2629 Section 02 Cisco Networking Fundamentals and Routing course. Set Up Access Control List for a Router This configuration allows the IP packets with an IP header that has a source address in the network 182.64.0.0 and a destination address in the network 182.62.0.0 access to Network A. There is the implicit deny all clause at the end of the ACL which denies all other traffic passage through Ethernet 0 inbound on R1. Hostname R1 ! Interface Ethernet 0 IP access-group 101 in ! Access-list 101 permit IP 182.62.0.0 0.0.255.255 182.64.0.0 0.0.255.255 Hostname R1 ! Interface Ethernet 0 IP access-group 101 in ! Access-list 101 permit IP 182.62.0.0 0.0.255.255 182.64.0.0 0.0.255.255 In the command access-list 101 permit IP 182.62.0.0 0.0.255.255 182.64.0.0 0.0.255.255, the "0.0.255.255" is the inverse mask of network 182.62.0.0 with mask 255.255.0.0. ACLs use the inverse mask to know how many bits in the network address need to match. In the table, the ACL permits all hosts with source addresses in the 182.62.0.0 network and destination addresses in the 182.64.0.0 network. Deny Telnet Traffic (TCP, Port 23) Hostname R1 ! Interface ethernet0 IP access group 102 in ! Access-list 102 deny tcp any any eq 23 Access-list 102 permit IP any any Hostname R1 ! Interface ethernet0 IP access group 102......
Rural Marketing
...Rural Marketing Post the economic slowdown, policymakers and companies are busy designing strategies to sell products and services to larger markets. While boosting profits quickly is no longer the essential parameter, Atmanand, MDI Dean of Executive Post Graduate Programs, believes that revisiting age-old management theories and sticking to basics is the most cost-effective marketing tactic. The rural focus “The strategy taken by Hindustan Unilever Ltd. (HUL) to enter the rural sector, which has remained insulated so far, is a good one,” says Atmanand. “In states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Delhi and Haryana, the company is expanding steadily by expanding their network of dealers and making themselves household names.” Of course, replicating the HUL model may be difficult for a startup, but it does serve as a valuable lesson in marketing: Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. The entire gamut of white and brown goods has found a place in the rural market, driving several industries to actively explore it. “In the current scenario, companies should change their strategies for market-ing. For market sustainability, we have to look at the rural markets. This would include products that have been especially designed for these markets at prices that will suit the sector,” says Atmanand. Tailor-made products for rural India The company should provide rural folk with products and services that would meet their requirements. Take Cavin Care, for instance,......
Accenture Rural Finance Opportunities in China
...Rural Finance Opportunities in China By Alison Kennedy and Albert Chan From the steppes of Inner Mongolia to the tropical islands of Hainan Province, half of rural Chinese households lack access to banks or other formal financial services. With central government blessing, that will change over the next decade. But Chinese and multinational players considering this vast and variegated market will need innovative marketing and business models, a taste for on-theground campaigning, and patience. 1 2 Hidden in plain sight: the other economic miracle The popular narrative of China’s economic rise has been overwhelmingly urban and state-sponsored, from glittering architectural wonders rising up in Shanghai to new high speed railway lines and the growing appetite for cars and branded luxury goods. 3 Edited by Foxit Reader Copyright(C) by Foxit Software Company,2005-2007 For Evaluation Only. Government investment and private finance have indeed focused mainly on the country’s large cities, particularly along the eastern coastal provinces. That’s just half the story. Rural China, with between 50 and 56 percent of the population, or close to 700 million people, has emerged from the shadows and come of age economically. This vast collection of farms, villages, and towns in secondary coastal and inland provinces is now attracting attention from the Chinese central government, multinational corporations, investors, and local companies. Many larger Chinese......
Aadhaar - India's Unique Indetification
...Aadhaar: India’s ‘Unique Identification’ System In our politics, we have yet to tap into our new language of hope. For this to be mirrored in our political institutions it requires us to imagine an India that rests not on the struggles of our past, but on the promise and challenges of the future. It requires us to shape systems and policies that give people the ability to travel in search of work, to educate their children and to tap into economic growth.1 — Nandan Nilekani Nandan Nilekani, chairman of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), sipped his coffee while thinking about how to reply to the journalist badgering him and his core team about UIDAI’s challenges. “Will you actually be able to deliver ‘unique identification’ to every Indian resident?” asked the journalist. It was August 30, 2012, three years after the government of India (GoI) had approved the UIDAI project plan. In that time, UIDAI had chalked up some victories. 190 million people had been enrolled within two years of the initial rollout in September 2010. The Australian and Indonesian governments were studying the UIDAI system to adapt it for themselves. Yet some were skeptical that UIDAI would meet its interim goal to cover 600 million of India’s 1.2 billion residents by 2014, and whether the time, cost, and effort were justified. Nilekani responded, “175 million Indians have received a letter in the post giving them a 12-digit number.” India had the largest number of post......
Factors Influencing Access to Financial Credit by the Rural People in Kenya
...AN INVESTIGATION ON FACTORS INFLUENCING ACCESS TO FINANCIAL CREDIT BY THE RURAL PEOPLE IN KENYA (A Case study of Othaya in Nyeri South District) KIBICHO NAHASHON KAIRO BUS-1-6564-1/2011 A research proposal submitted to Kenya Methodist University in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the award of Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance. MARCH 2012 DECLARATION I declare that this proposal is my original work and has not been presented in any University for award of degree. Signature______________________________________ Date_____________________________ Kibicho Nahashon kairo This research proposal has been submitted to Kenya Methodist University with my approval as the University Supervisor. Signature_____________________________________ Date________________________________ DEDICATION I dedicate this work to my family, mum and sisters whose support, encouragement, understanding and believing in my fervent ambitions to pursue this course is awesome. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT I wish to acknowledge the efforts of all the people who played a key role in the success in compiling this proposal. I acknowledge my colleagues at work, David and Patricia who encouraged me to achieve the best. I wish to thank the library staff at Kenya Methodist University, Nyeri campus for their support in accessing vital research books that were of great assistance in this research proposal. Lastly I acknowledge all......
The Poor and Their Money
...i The Poor and Their Money An essay about financial services for poor people Stuart Rutherford Institute for Development Policy and Management University of Manchester January 1999 The Department for International Development will be publishing this work in New Delhi during 1999. For further information contact Sukhwinder Arora at the Department for International Development, New Delhi, India. ii PREFACE Over the last 15 years initiatives to provide financial services to poor people (the ‘microfinance industry’) have come on by leaps and bounds in terms of size and reputation. Despite this, the industry is still only in its adolescence and our understanding of why and how poor and very poor people use microfinancial services ( and why many choose not to use the services that are available) remains partial at best. This essay takes the reader on a ‘voyage of discovery’ that seeks to both deepen her/his understanding and encourage her/him to apply that knowledge to the practice of microfinance. The voyage that Stuart Rutherford offers is a unique one based upon years of careful and detailed personal research. It does not take a deductive approach that develops a theoretical model of the financial behaviour of poor people. Nor does it follow the ‘case study plus best practice’ approach that has been favoured by many practitioners when they write of microfinance. Instead, it adopts an inductive approach - based on thousands of conversations and meetings......
Review of Rural Financing
...A REVIEW OF RURAL FINANCING IN INDIA SHUBHAM TRIVEDI & PRIYANKA SINGH MBA IB, UPES DEHRADUN ABSTRACT Talking about the Today Scenario, Financial Institutions are focusing on the improving system for Finance in Rural Areas. As on the day when Narendra Modi's Government came on the rule, it has already focused on increasing the number of branches of Commercial Banks in rural areas in order to provide better financial services to the people residing in such areas. Moreover the interest rate of financing in rural areas should be kept low as in comparison to that financing in urban areas and moreover the time period should be increased. As we can see that previously Agriculture was one of the main sources of income of people but now the fact has changed. As people are migrating to urban areas in search of jobs where they could get more amount of money in order to fulfill their basic necessities. This is because we can consider due to changing weather conditions in India as production level has gone down due to less rain. Thus in order to encourage growing of agricultural products, the Government should take initiative in increasing the finance in order to cope up these different situations that the country is facing. Now the State Government of Uttar Pradesh has taken the initiative. As this year due to heavy rains in most parts of Uttar Pradesh, the crops were destroyed and moreover the farmers were at loss and thus even resulted in...
Risk Mgt of Rural and Agricultural Finance
...RISK AND RISK MANAGEMENT OF RURAL AND AGRICULTURAL FINANCE (MD. IBRAHIM KHOLILULLAH, DEPT OF AG.FINANCE, BAU MOB: 01718996557) INTRODUCTION When discussing rural finance in Bangladesh, the foremost issue that merits mention is that loans to agriculture are generally offered only by specialized agricultural banks, since commercial banks and microfinance institutions largely refrain from financing the sector. There are many reasons for this, the most important of which is that this finance is strewn with risks, some of which the state is most likely to address. Hence, the governments hold ownership of these banks and their capital, and finance and support them. Agricultural banks are exposed to the above two risks. These dual risks continually expose them to losses and bank ruptcy unless they have excellent risk management practices and/or are financially supported by the government. Some of the risks that the banks encounter are, inter alia: operational risks, market risks, credit risks, and inadequacy of capital. These interrelated banking risks are faced by all commercial banks, agricultural banks and governmental banks. They may be created as a result of inadequate fund allocation, weak labour regulations, mismanagement, an unsuitable operating environment, weak training programmes, bad credit transactions and price fluctuations. Two problems must be mentioned in this regard: difficulty in measuring banking risks, and the lack of specialized management of most agricultural...
E-Governance for Rural Development
...E-Governance for Rural Development Swati Bhatt Sr. Lecturer (Marketing Area), Dept of Management Studies India is a land of diversity. This diversity spans across culture, tradition, language, geography and the economic condition of the people. It is a nation that has a significant number of people who are below the minimal socio-economic benchmarks. This includes rural and urban poor, women in rural areas, street children, people belonging to historically disadvantaged castes and people living in less developed areas. The vulnerability of these sections of society has increased with globalization and this section is prone to become even more marginalized - economically and socially. Successive governments have committed themselves to addressing these divides, but effective implementation of various economic development programmes aimed at individuals belonging to these sections of society has proved an elusive goal. During the 1980s and early 1990s, initial attempts towards e-Governance were made with a focus on networking government departments and developing in-house government applications in the areas of defence, economic monitoring, planning and the deployment of IT to manage data-intensive functions related to elections, census, tax administration etc.80 These applications focused on automation of internal government functions rather than on improving service delivery to citizens. Over the past decade or so, there have been islands of e-Governance......
Itc in Rural India
...CASE ANALYSIS: ITC IN RURAL INDIA * GROUP K2 INDIAN CONTEXT: India is a secular state, majority being Hindus. A large chunk of the Indian population still continues to live in the rural areas, their major occupation being agriculture. After independence, Indian economic strategy favoured production of capital goods which lead to development of industrial base. Private sector had to obtain manufacturing licenses for other industries With changing times and conditions, various economic reforms were introduced. Tracing back to 1973, Government asked all the multinationals to dilute foreign equity to 40% except under special circumstances. Many multinationals left the country, yet a few others continued by using the benefits available. The advantages with respect to the demographics were low cost labour, abundance of technically trained staff. By eighties, India had a good industrial environment with respect to the standards of the developing countries. The government control and restrictions was still very high. With the use of new seeds, fertilizers, pesticide and irrigation methods, India became self sufficient in food. India had a very strong Informal or Unorganized sector mainly cottage industries as they were exempted from many restrictions as compared to large or organized firms. Organized sector Labour unions were very strong in India and were politically active. By 1990, GDP was 3.5%, which was largely limited because of the stringent policies of the......
Marketing Practices in Rural India Essay
Complex Analysis Essay
Coffee Essay
Electronic Gadgets Essay
Entrepreneur Essay
Brand management Essay
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0006.json.gz/line1736568
|
__label__wiki
| 0.977496
| 0.977496
|
A Fly on the Wall
A geneticist-turned-filmmaker is making a movie set in Columbia University’s famous Fly Room, where the foundations for modern genetics were laid.
Dan Cossins
IMAGINAL DISC PRODUCTIONSIn 2004, just as he was starting out on his PhD in genetics at Rockefeller University, New York, Alexis Gambis heard about the Fly Room—a cramped office space at nearby Columbia University where, in the early part of the 20th century, Thomas Hunt Morgan and his protégés reared thousands of fruit flies as part of the experiments that led to the discovery of how genes are arranged on chromosomes and how they encode specific traits. In the process, the researchers established the scientific basis for the modern study of genetics.
The work, borne of an egalitarian atmosphere cultivated by Morgan, who encouraged his students to contribute on equal footing, won a Nobel Prize in 1933. “It’s an iconic lab where most of the early discoveries in genetics were made,” says Gambis, who himself worked with fruit flies for his research until he left the lab a few years ago to focus on filmmaking. “It was a bit of a Dead Poets Society; a bunch of guys playing with fruit flies, smoking cigars, and throwing out ideas, all in this badly-lit, dingy little space.”
It was a scene bursting with cinematic potential. And now, almost 10 years after learning of the Fly Room, Gambis has just wrapped shooting for a movie based on the famous lab. This is no straight-up documentary, though. The Fly Room is a feature film charting the evolution of the complicated relationship between one of Morgan’s best students, Calvin Bridges, and his 10-year-old daughter, Betsey.
Told through Betsey’s eyes, the film depicts the day in 1927 when she visited her father at the Fly Room. There, Betsey bonds with her father over their shared curiosity about mutant flies, only to make a troubling discovery of her own. “It’s a personal tale, but it will bring to life the one of the most important labs of the 20th century,” says Gambis, who wants to show that films that accurately portray scientists and the culture of science can be just as interesting as those about any others lives or cultures.
Gambis, 31, started making films in his spare time during his graduate studies. Fed up with inaccurate, overblown depictions of scientists as crazed misfits, he tried to redress the balance by making films about real scientists. In 2008, he founded the Imagine Science Film Festival, which runs in New York for one week every year, to promote the understanding of science through visual storytelling.
He began developing the idea for The Fly Room while working toward a Masters in film at New York University. “I didn’t want to make a traditional science film or a biopic, I wanted to make a drama with a scientific flavor,” he says. “So I focused on Calvin Bridges. He was this brilliant geneticist, but he was also bit of a James Dean type, who was known for being a womanizer.” Bridges was known to frequent brothels and had several affairs. (According to Gambis, when Bridges died of syphilis in 1938, his colleagues burned the notebook that contained his personal diaries in an attempt to protect his legacy.)
Betsey Bridges, played by Zoe Brooks, in the Fly Room at Columbia, where her father studied geneticsIMAGINAL DISC PRODUCTIONS“I was interested in his character and the interplay between his work in the lab and his personal life,” says Gambis. Then he found out that Bridges’ daughter, Betsey, is still alive. Gambis interviewed Betsey, now aged 95, several times and the story grew out of what she revealed about her relationship with Bridges.
“She didn’t really know him, and she felt uncomfortable around him,” says Gambis. “She told me she went to the fly room once when she was 10 years old and described her day there in a lot of detail. That became the basis of the film.”
The film revisits Betsey at the age of 25, when she hears about her father’s death, and again at 93, with footage of the real Betsey reflecting on her memories.
Once Gambis had secured funding for the project, he got set designers to create an exact replica of the original Fly Room at a warehouse-turned-studio-space in Brooklyn, where most of the filming took place. The filmmaker recruited first-time actress Zoe Brooks to play Betsey and professional actors for the role of Bridges and others, but he also managed to persuade several eminent biologists to play key roles. For example, Rockefeller’s Leslie Vosshall plays Edith Wallace, the in-house illustrator who produced detailed ink paintings of mutant flies, and Columbia University’s Stuart Firestein became Thomas Hunt Morgan.
“I already knew Alexis, and I liked the angle he came up with because I think it’s a great way to portray scientists and the culture of science in a realistic but engaging way, so I was happy to get involved,” says Firestein, who was not a total stranger to acting, having worked in the theatre for 15 years before becoming a scientist. “And I got to play one my scientific heroes, doing very Morgan-like things like squishing non-mutant flies with my thumb, so it was immense fun.”
Gambis and his team completed filming earlier this month and are now in the process of editing. When The Fly Room is completed, likely in early 2014, Gambis plans to enter it into the Cannes Film Festival and other competitions. “It’s not supposed to be a niche film,” he explains. “We’re hoping for wide public release.”
In the meantime, the Fly Room replica in Brooklyn has been transformed into an exhibition, which opens on July 24th, where visitors can explore the lab and learn about genetics through audio and video installations. The new Fly Room will also host a series of lectures about genetics and the importance of fruit flies as model organisms, delivered by New York-based scientists. “It’s a hotspot for raising awareness about the history of genetics and fruit fly work,” Gambis says. “It’s like stepping back in time; it’s pretty spectacular.”
www.theflyroom.com
culture Friday
Glioblastoma on a Chip
Image of the Day: On the Attack
Mardis on the Future of Clinical Genomics
A Window on Memory
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0006.json.gz/line1736570
|
__label__wiki
| 0.978327
| 0.978327
|
Should the United Kingdom Become a Federal State?
The unresolved question at the center of Scotland’s independence vote
Nora Biette-Timmons
Russell Cheyne/Reuters
Last weekend, the longtime BBC anchorman Jeremy Paxman called it a “scandal” that English and Welsh voters have no say in Thursday’s Scottish independence referendum. “The fate of this supposed relationship of equals is to be determined solely by those who find themselves living on one side of a border that we have been told for generations no longer really matters,” he wrote. His argument reflected a larger reality: The consequences of a vote for secession would extend well beyond Scotland.
Scotland has been part of the United Kingdom since the Act of Union in 1707. But the U.K., which currently consists of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, is not a country in the traditional sense but rather a political union—or, as John Oliver put it, “an archipelagic supergroup comprised of four variously willing members.”
“Variously willing” accurately sums up Scotland’s begrudging tolerance of English rule over the past 300 years. During that period, a handful of British parliaments have attempted to salve Scottish frustration with the union by devolving degrees of power to Scotland—a cabinet secretary in the late 1800s, a (failed) referendum for a Scottish deliberative body in the 1970s, and a vote for devolution in 1997 creating an independent parliament that would legislate on Scotland-specific issues. Wales and Northern Ireland passed similar referendums that resulted in additional regional legislative assemblies. By 2000, all of the nations in the United Kingdom, except England, had control over certain fields of national policy.
Devolution partially addressed demands for self-government in various parts of the U.K. But it introduced another political conundrum: the West Lothian question, named after a lawmaker from the Scottish constituency of West Lothian who first raised the question in 1977. Simply put, this is the dilemma that Scottish, Northern Irish, and Welsh members of parliament (MPs) in the U.K. Parliament (based in Westminster, the London landmark known for Big Ben) can vote on policies that affect England alone, but the reverse does not hold true for English MPs.
The West Lothian question may seem like a fairly esoteric concept, discussed primarily by scholars of British politics and the occasional disgruntled Conservative politician, angry at Scottish Labour MPs’ power to vote on expanding English welfare provisions. But the question manifests itself in very real ways. When the Scottish Parliament was formed in the late 1990s, certain areas of legislation (such as foreign policy, defense, broadcasting, and immigration) were reserved for the U.K. Parliament. Other matters, like education, agriculture, housing, and tourism, fell within Scotland’s legislative authority. So in Edinburgh, members of the Scottish Parliament vote on education policy within Scotland; in London, Scottish members of the Westminster Parliament vote on education policy within England. Nowhere do English MPs vote on Scottish education policy—which makes perfect sense, in theory, but in practice produces an imbalance in legislative authority.
Devolution, in other words, means there is no place where English lawmakers can vote on their own bills without the influence of MPs from neighboring nations. And given partisan disparities between England and Scotland, this influence can be quite strong. Scots’ political leanings are generally further to the left than those of their English counterparts. In the 2010 election, which brought Conservative Prime Minister David Cameron to power, the Labour Party won 41 of the 59 Westminster constituencies in Scotland while the Conservative Party won just one. (Conservatives, by contrast, won more than half of the 533 parliamentary seats in England.) The impact of these more liberal Scottish MPs has been evident several times since devolution, once in approving higher tuition fees for English universities—a measure that notably did not apply to Scottish schools such as St. Andrews and the University of Edinburgh.
A ‘yes’ vote on Scottish independence would have major consequences for the West Lothian question (especially since Northern Irish MPs come from regional Irish parties, and Wales is split more evenly between the U.K.’s main two parties, though it leans Labour). It would also eliminate a Labour stronghold in Westminster, making the partisan makeup of those who vote on England-only legislation somewhat more aligned with English political leanings.
But the resolution of the question largely depends on how the referendum shakes out. And the run-up to the poll has only added new urgency to the debate. In the event that Scotland votes 'no' on Thursday, some Conservative Party leaders are urging Westminster to revoke the right of Scottish MPs to vote on English-only legislation. Others are calling for more dramatic constitutional overhauls of the United Kingdom. “While the majority of us would like Scotland to stay in the UK, a large majority of us in England now want devolution for our country too,” John Redwood, a Conservative MP from southeast England, wrote in the Financial Times on Wednesday, on the eve of the independence vote. This devolution, he argued, could take the form of an English Parliament as well.
“What has emerged from the Scottish referendum is the idea of a federal state, with much greater power being exercised in the constituent nations of the union,” he noted. “What is fair for Scotland now also has to be fair for England.”
Nora Biette-Timmons is a former editorial fellow with The Atlantic.
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0006.json.gz/line1736572
|
__label__wiki
| 0.534265
| 0.534265
|
Latest Articles•Columnists•Fan Articles•Talking Points•Reader Comments
Everton History
Soccer Boss? You’re Joking – I Want to be an Undertaker
Rob Sawyer 24/06/2019 18comments | Jump to last
By Ray Wilson (abridged from Lancashire Soccer Annual, 1970, by Rob Sawyer)
Ramon ‘Ray’ Wilson, the doyen of left-backs in the 1960s, passed away on 15th May 2018 at the age of 83. In a field, occupied by the likes of Warney Cresswell and Leighton Baines, Wilson is widely regarded as the finest Number 3 to grace Goodison Park. He is also revered by Huddersfield Town and England team supporters who were lucky enough to see him play.
His elevated status at Everton is all the more remarkable for the fact that he only moved to Merseyside in what was felt, at the time, to be the autumn of his playing career. He went on to participate in two of the Empire Stadium’s greatest days in 1966 – for both club and country – but suffered disappointment with Everton two years later. He was known, and respected, for his unruffled demeanour at left-back, positional sense, excellent left foot and a devastating burst of pace, which was used to nullify the threat of opposition speed merchants. A knee injury effectively ended his Everton career but he continued to play for Oldham Athletic in Bradford City – before leaving football to work in the family firm of undertakers. He kept a relatively low profile and, in later life, lived with Alzheimer’s until his death at the age of 83.
This article, which I have adapted from the original, published in Lancashire Soccer Annual (1970), underlines Wilson’s candour and honesty – and his pride at having played for Everton FC.
One familiar face has been missing from the England line-up since those days of glory in 1966 when the World Cup was won, the face of Everton full-back, Ray Wilson, now captain of Oldham Athletic, in the depths of Division Four.
For Ray, now over 35, and with his eyes on the future, the attraction of turning to management, a magnet which, rightly or wrongly, has drawn many in the past.
He has other plans, plans which shock many football supporters as Ray tells us about his past, his present and his future:
It all began in Huddersfield, when I was 16 and taken on as a ground staff lad with Huddersfield Town. We did our training at night, helping the tradesmen and cleaning the boots, doing work around the ground during the day. Then, when I was 17 I signed professional forms for Town and spent a year in the juniors before going in the forces to do my National Service, when I was 18.
During all the time I was in the forces I never had a game with Huddersfield. I joined up in March and by the time I had completed my initial training, the season was finished. Then I went to Egypt, came back as another season was ending. By the time my two-year stint was finished they had almost forgotten me at Leeds Road - but they had to retain you while you were in the forces. When I finished my National Service, I was given a trial and signed on until the end of the season, then I was signed for the following season.
I had always been an inside-forward, but when I came back to Leeds Road I found that they had plenty of inside-men, and on my first morning back I was given a run-out as a full-back. I was willing to have a go at anything. A year later I was still messing about at wing-half or inside-forward; then, when I was 22 I started to settle down and play at full-back.
It was seven years after first playing at full-back that I went to Everton. I did thirteen years at Huddersfield and yet when people talk about Ray Wilson they talk about “Ray Wilson of Everton”. In fact, I think I tend to think of myself as an Evertonian, though I suppose after 13 years with one club, I should think of Huddersfield first. But it was because everything seemed to happen to me in the five years I was at Goodison: two FA Cup medals and, of course, the World Cup.
I tried to get away from Huddersfield a few times, starting when I was about 24. But it was always the same old story: “We need you here”. In those days if you wanted to get away from a place badly enough you had to refuse to sign, then go without money. But as wages were on £20 maximum, and most players were living in a club house, not many did this. I had family and there was the possibility of being thrown out of the club house, so I resigned myself to the fact that I was going to be at Huddersfield for the rest of my career. Then, when I reached 29, I bought a house and decided to settle down. Only three months after I bought the house, Everton asked Huddersfield if they would sell and they said “yes”. They probably thought that I only had a couple of seasons left in me.
When I got over to Goodison it was like a different world. It was as if I had only been playing at the game all my life – as if I had been pretending to be a professional footballer. It was a terrific change going to Goodison. To start with, the training was different. The training we did at Huddersfield at the time was only good enough for a warm-up at Goodison. And the whole outlook was more professional, with more discipline. It wasn’t just a Saturday afternoon game to Everton; it was all or nothing, which is the way that most big clubs look at things – and the only way in which they survive. The players treated me well and I settled in very quickly. Nobody seemed to bother much about my age but there were a few letters in the papers asking what they (Everton) were doing signing somebody of 29. Some people said I was a panic buy. But I didn’t think I was near the end then, because I am pretty small and have never carried much weight. I had looked after myself reasonably well. I have never been one for stamina; I was always good at short sprints in training but when it came to the slog around the pitch there were some players who could leave me a quarter of a lap behind.
Harry Catterick is a very hard man, and discipline is a big thing with him. A lot of people don’t like him, I suppose, and a lot of players don’t like him at certain times, but there is no getting away from it, he knows the way to be a manager. He’s not in the limelight a lot, like Bill Shankly. But Bill is an extrovert whilst Harry is an introvert - this is the main difference between the two of them.
If you are lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time then you can become a star. Johnny Morrissey is underrated. In the last couple of season, they have been saying that he has come on and really turned into a player but I think he has just been the same for the past three of four seasons. He is a great player but not a star, because, probably, he did not fit into the public eye. Alan Ball is a great player; he is cocky, happy, always on the go. In fact, he is just the same off the field as on it. He is bubbling over all of the time. When he came to Everton no-one knew about the move. This is the way that harry Catterick works, of course. You don’t read about it in the papers – suddenly he was there, then you read that it had happened.
The Merseyside Derbies are tremendous occasions. The atmosphere is terrific. If you are a neutral it is much more of an experience than a Cup Final at Wembley. When I played, everyone seemed to be a yard faster – they probably were in actual fact (everyone would give a better performance).
I never really felt any tension in the World Cup, probably because there was always something going on. First we went on tour, then we went to Lilleshall, then the competition started. We had games every two or three days and in between there were other games on television or at Wembley, which we watched. I think that I felt worse about the FA Cup, but, even then, it seemed unreal. You go through the earlier rounds, then it comes to the final and it is a terrible anti-climax. To me, it is the earlier rounds which make the final. After the final has ended I have found myself saying, “I wish I could play it again.” I think it is more of a spectacle than a game and you don’t appreciate what is going on around you.
It may sound a silly thing to say, but although being on the losing side (in a cup final) is a terrible thing, I was glad that it happened to me. Two victories, two winners’ medals. Then, in 1968 we lost and it was a terrible feeling. You feel terribly lonely, as though you have let everybody down. After the game you have the national anthem, the presentation of the cup, then the medals and you seem to be standing round for an eternity. All you want is for the ground to swallow you up. But I am glad that I have experienced it as now I know what it is like - I know the feeling both ways.
I spent a season in Everton reserves after a knee injury, then I came to Oldham. It wasn’t much of a come-down really. It was a relief, really, because I wanted to play first team football. I think that is the thing which keeps you going. I still feel that I can do a bit, and that I can hold my own reasonably well, without making a fool of myself. It doesn’t matter to me where I do it, so long as I can play first team football. This is the thing which keeps the enthusiasm going – I felt it dropping when I was in the reserves at Everton and I suppose that it may happen one day at Oldham. So it is a matter of trying to keep in somebody’s first team, even if you go non-League.
I don’t think that I’ll ever be a soccer manager, in fact I’m certain that I won’t. I’m not frightened of the challenge (or being a manager), or that I won’t have the ability to do it, but it’s just not there in me, to want to do it. My father-in-law is in the funeral business and I am trying to pick up the administration side of the job. So I hope that it will be Ray Wilson – Undertaker, one day.
Lancashire Soccer Annual (Kaye and Ward Ltd.) – edited by Tom Tyrrell
Thanks to Richie Gillham (EFC Heritage Society) for unearthing this publication
Follow @robsawyer70
Reader Comments (18)
Ken Kneale
Rob. As ever, an article of great interest.
Ray Wilson was a fine player in a fantastic era for our club. it is a measure of his ability that, as you point out, two other fantastic servants in the same position are fighting for second and third place in the pantheon of left-backs who have represented.
Harry Catterick might have had his foibles but his love of the club and his desire to see us finish first would have been most welcome in more recent times when finished the so-called "best of the rest" seemed good enough for the manager and the club hierarchy. Keep the articles coming.
Darren Hind
Simple man. Brilliant left-back.
Jack Convery
Great read about the best-ever left-back to grace Goodison Park. Thanks.
Alan J Thompson
Strewth, a man who won it all and you compare that to the likes of Lukaku and Pogba and you know why the name Ray Wilson inspires respect.
John McFarlane Snr
Hi Rob, once again another superb article. I don't believe your efforts get the appreciation they deserve, there appear to be too many ToffeeWebbers only interested in 'buying and selling' players.
Martin Nicholls
Great article about a great (our greatest) left back.
I heard a lovely story about Ray from a pub owner up in Cartmel whose wife is Ray's nephew. As we all know, Ray suffered from Alzheimer's late in his life and had also spoken little about his football career after it finished. By 2016, his condition had deteriorated to such an extent that he seemed to have completely forgotten that he'd ever played.
On a visit to the guy I referred to, and whilst out on a walk, Ray suddenly stopped and said, "50 years ago, I was winning the World Cup". The date? 30 July 2016! What a strange thing the human mind is!
Thanks Rob, I enjoy your articles. This one especially, as I consider Ramon to be one of the 3 greatest Everton players I have seen, Alan Ball and Neville Southall being the others.
He was also a true gentleman, with a wry sense of humour.
Fantastic read, Rob. The era of Wilson, I wasn't born. Baines is the best left-back I saw for Everton and interesting to read about Wilson who many say was our best.
It shows you how top-draw we were, inspiring even to one of the best left-backs ever and World Cup winner. When reading it, I thought like Alan, comparing Ray's words to those of both Lukaku and Pogba, it's nice to hear and read about true class.
Adam Fenlon
Interesting read. Thanks for posting.
But I especially likeed Ken K's typo in #1 about "fantastic serpents" of our club! Snakes alive!
Thanks Adam - it was a genuine typo and in no way applies to Ray Wilson. However, as Alan and Peter point out, the Oxford English definition of 'Serpent' does sadly apply to a number of our modern era players
A large snake. - biblical name for Satan (see Gen. 3, Rev. 20).1.
John Keating
Best left back by far we've had in my time watching.
When you consider he came to us relatively late in his career, he still thought of himself as an Evertonian first and foremost. How many ex-players these days would say that? Lukaku? Stones?
Rick Tarleton
I'm with John Keating, the doyen of full backs was Ray Wilson. better than anyone I've ever seen. He could keep George Best quiet effortlessly. Because of his quiet temprament, it is often forgotten how good he was.
Temperament! I hate sloppy spelling — especially by me!
In the best Everton team of my time (1953-54 to present day), Parker and Wilson are always the full-backs.
I'm with you, Rick (#14).
Great read again, Rob, and thanks for that.
Ray wasn't only the best left-back in the world at that time – he was a true gentleman and Evertonian.
When we use the word "Legend", you would have to include Ramon Wilson.
Fascinating article, Rob, thank you so much for taking the time to reproduce it and giving us the opportunity to find out a bit more about the GREAT Ramon.
It's one of the privileges of my life to have been able to watch him play. Too often, we may be guilty of looking at some of our old players through rose-coloured glasses, but Ray really was THE BEST and deserves all the plaudits being given.
It must be unfathomable for younger fans to hear how some of the greats from the past are revered while the present day players (well some of them anyway), are looked at as nothing more than mercenaries with no class whatsoever.
Stan Schofield
Great article, Rob. Reading those words from Ray Wilson, what a tremendously modest bloke he must have been.
I was lucky enough to see him in action. Definitely one of the finest Everton players I've ever seen. He was so elegant, made everything look easy.
Jim Potter
Thanks Rob. A good read about a great player.
In order to post a comment, you need to be logged in as a registered user of the site.
» Log in now
Or Sign up as a ToffeeWeb Member — it's free, takes just a few minutes and will allow you to post your comments on articles and Talking Points submissions across the site.
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0006.json.gz/line1736575
|
__label__cc
| 0.677426
| 0.322574
|
Spotlight: TPD Psychologist to Receive The Chief’s Award
by tacchamb | Mar 15, 2018 | Highlight, News
Come Show Your Support for Torrance Police Department – Our Local Heroes!
On Thursday, March 22nd, the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce will honor exemplary civilians as well as officers of the Torrance Police Department who have distinguished themselves through outstanding performance above and beyond the call of duty. We’d like to give you a preview of one such individual.
The Chief’s Award will be presented to Torrance Police Psychologist, Dr. Gina Gallivan.
Dr. Gallivan has been assisting the Torrance Police Department with pre-employment psychological screening as well as with the department’s Trauma Support Team since 2009. She does comprehensive interviews with police-, service officer-, dispatch-, and other applicants to assure that Torrance employees are mentally and emotionally prepared for the job. She also meets quarterly with the Trauma Support Team — a team made up of sworn and civilian personnel of different ranks and from throughout the agency — whose mission is to provide support for fellow employees during a wide range of crises and following traumatic incidents. In 2017, Dr. Gallivan put together a three-day Peer Counseling Class for all new team members and she was instrumental in designing the department’s inaugural “Trauma Support Family Day,” which also prompted the formation of spousal support groups and networks with neighboring agencies.
But the most notable service that Dr. Gallivan provided to the Torrance Police Department this past year was during the aftermath of the October 1st mass shooting in Las Vegas, where many City of Torrance employees and their families were in attendance. Without hesitation, Dr. Gallivan cancelled all of her prior commitments to respond to the Torrance Police Department. She led a psychological debrief and provided assistance to those affected by the incident. She worked tirelessly to assure that every employee and every family member had the support and proper follow-up needed to help them heal from this tragic event.
This is not uncommon for Dr. Gallivan. She makes herself available 24 hours a day to the Torrance Police Department and has worked hard over the years in spearheading the importance of mental and emotional health for our police officers, and all department employees. With the Chief’s Award, the Torrance Police Department thanks Dr. Gallivan for her commitment to each and every one of its employees and their families.
We encourage you to learn more about this exceptional group of people who keep Torrance safe, and who secure the quality of life we all enjoy. Please join us on March 22nd! CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS.
The Chamber's award-winning e-newsletter delivers timely news and opportunities to your inbox each week.
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0006.json.gz/line1736576
|
__label__wiki
| 0.567362
| 0.567362
|
Zimbabwe and Zambia’s man-made, colonial legacy electricity crisis
It was always going to be a man made crisis. That is the power shortages being experienced by Zimbabwe and Zambia due to the sharp drop in water levels at the worlds largest man-made water reservoir, Kariba Dam.
By Takura Zhangazha
Mr Takura Zhangazha
The government of Zimbabwe and its electricity supplier Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) are at pains to explain the primary cause as being that of a low rainfall last year.
Well, it turns out that this is not entirely true. It was former Zambian vice president and current member of that country’s parliament, Guy Scott, who removed the paper over the cracks. He accused the electricity regulators of both Zimbabwe and Zambia of mismanaging the water in the lake.
Further media reports are increasingly revealing the fact that contrary to general assertions of a drought causing the water levels to drop, it is actually the fact of the expansion of the electricity generation capacity undertaken almost simultaneously by both countries that is the primary cause.
The addition of new turbines appears to have led to a disproportionate increase in the water exiting the dam wall.
And now there are long periods of electricity load shedding in both Zambia and Zimbabwe that are affecting not just industries but more importantly ordinary citizens.
From hospitals that now have to find alternative sources of power, through to regular cooking, lighting and security, the inconvenience for small enterprises (butcheries, home furniture manufacturers, small supermarkets) schools, universities and colleges, this is a major crisis.
President Mugabe’s response to the crisis has been rather curt. Apart from blaming last years low rainfall, he told his supporters that businesses must operate during the night where he believes electricity is most abundant.
But the Zimbabwean public has reacted by scrambling for alternative sources of energy, at least for their domestic needs. Satire too has become a way of coping with the frequency of the load shedding. Social media is awash with comments ranging from downright mockery of ZESA to just downright good pictorial humour.
There is also now grandiose talk of solar energy as an option. At least via licensing more private solar energy companies. Experts have also weighed in, accusing government of failing to expand or upgrade coal based electricity production in Hwange.
All of this points to the ostensible fact that our power crisis is a man made one. It has very little to do with the drought that government officials keep mentioning and repeating. Furthermore, it is also a key fact that we are faced with an electricity supply infrastructure that is to all intents and purposes still colonial in nature and therefore intent.
Kariba Dam was built in 1965 and Zimbabwe’s other power stations such as Hwange Power Station date back to the 1970s and Munyati Power station was built in between 1946 and 1957. Further expansion and refurbishment of these power stations has still failed to meet the ever growing demand for electricity.
In our post independence statehood we have failed to create new sources of power and relied heavily on those that were effectively part of the colonial modernization project. This has meant that our governments in the region but particularly those of Zimbabwe and Zambia have patently failed to see what was coming. And this includes the fact of the weakening of the Kariba Dam wall, which again is another elephant in the room.
In such circumstances of a crisis, the all too familiar route likely to be taken is the opportunistic one of disaster capitalism. That is, there shall be strident calls for the further privatization of electricity and motivation of supply by way of profit.
This will mean in the long term electricity is going to be a costly commodity. Even if it is generated via our generally ubiquitous sunlight or the natural waters that are tributaries of the Zambezi River basin.
In such circumstances and because electricity is a finite resource, it is those that can pay for it that will always get first preference. And it will not be as cheap or as affordable as many would hope for unless the ordinary people of Zimbabwe and Zambia start a broader public debate about electric energy sources and usage that is both contextual, futuristic and above all geared toward promoting access for all.
*Takura Zhangazha writes here in his personal capacity (takura-zhangazha.blogspot.com)
The post Zimbabwe and Zambia’s man-made, colonial legacy electricity crisis appeared first on The Zimbabwe Mail.
ZRP warns against mob justice Jul 16, 2019
‘ZHRC making inroads at problematic institutions’ Jul 16, 2019
I was not on leave: Byo mayor Jul 16, 2019
Why The ICT Sector Is Now Struggling Jul 16, 2019
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0006.json.gz/line1736578
|
__label__cc
| 0.670497
| 0.329503
|
Your privacy is important to Thruline Marketing, Inc., and its subsidiaries and affiliates (collectively referred to as “Thruline,” “us,” “our,” or “we”). We have published this Privacy Policy so you know how we collect, use, and share your personal information.
This Privacy Policy applies to all websites and applications (“Sites”) that link to this Privacy Policy.
We may revise and update this Privacy Policy from time to time and will post the updated Privacy Policy to the Site. We encourage you to periodically review this Privacy Policy for any updates or changes. UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED, ANY CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY WILL APPLY IMMEDIATELY UPON POSTING TO THE SITE.
1. YOUR INFORMATION
a. Personal Information You Give Us
Personal information is data that can be used to identify or contact a single person. We collect and may transmit personal information that you provide to us through the Site (“Your Information”). We collect Your Information only if you manually enter it into a form or field on the Site. Your Information includes, but is not limited to, your name, email address, street address, telephone number, gender, age, educational background, and educational interests. You can use the Site without providing Your Information. If you choose not to provide Your Information, you may not be able to use certain services offered on the Site.
b. Information We Collect Automatically
Whenever you interact with the Site (whether via a browser, an application, or otherwise), we automatically receive and record information from your browser. Other information collected automatically may include your IP address, the type of browser or application you are using to access the Site, and the identity of the Site page or feature you are requesting. We may use IP addresses to analyze trends, administer the Site, and gather broad demographic data for aggregate use. We may also collect information regarding the device(s) you use to access or use the Site.
To collect this information, we may use “cookies” or other tracking technologies to track how you use the Site. We also may send instructions to your computer or device using JavaScript or other computer languages to gather the sorts of information described above and other details about your interactions with the Site. A cookie is a file stored on your computer or device to uniquely identify your browser or to store information or settings on your computer or device. If applicable, our advertising partners may also transmit cookies to your browser, application, or mobile device when you click on ads that appear on the Site. Clicking on a link to a third party website from our Site may also allow that third party website to also transmit cookies to you.
We use Google Analytics to help us analyze the traffic on our Site. For more information on Google Analytics’ processing of Personal Information, please see “How Google uses data when you use our partners’ sites or apps” (https://www.google.com/policies/privacy/partners/).
We may also use “web beacons”, i.e. “web bugs” or “single–pixel” or “clear” GIFs, on the Site. Web beacons allow ad networks to provide anonymized, aggregated auditing, research, and reporting for us and for advertisers. Web beacons also enable ad networks to serve targeted advertisements to you when you visit other websites. Because your web browser must request these advertisements and web beacons from the ad network’s servers, these companies can view, edit, or set their own cookies, just as if you had requested a web page from their website.
You may adjust your web browser software if you do not wish to receive cookies or web beacons, but this may prevent you from taking advantage of some of the Site’s features. Please refer to your browser or email software instructions or help screen to learn more about these functions. Be sure to review the privacy policy of any third party website you visit because this Privacy Policy does not cover the use of cookies or web beacons by any third parties. You may also request to opt-out of an advertiser’s use of cookies by visiting the National Advertising Initiative or the Digital Advertising Alliance. You may request to opt-out of Google’s use of cookies by visiting www.google.com/ads/preferences. All applicable terms on these websites will apply to your request to opt-out in addition to this Privacy Policy.
2. HOW WE USE AND DISCLOSE YOUR INFORMATION
a. Non-Personal Information
We may use and share non-personal, de-identified information (i.e. information that cannot be used to identify you) for any lawful business purpose without any obligation or accounting to you. For example, we can use non-personal information for developing products, services, and providing those offerings to other users and third parties. We may use your personal information to generate non-personal information (e.g., by statistically aggregating your personal information with the information of others). When we do so, we will take reasonable measures to ensure that the non-personal information is no longer personally identifiable and cannot later be used to identify you. We may also disclose non-personal, aggregate, anonymous data in a de-identified format to investors and potential partners based on information collected from users.
b. Personal Information
We may use Your Information in the following ways:
1. Your Information may be passed on to schools you have selected and agreed to be contacted by, sometimes through a third party who then passes it on to the schools. If the form you filled out was hosted as a part of our Site, we may also send you a confirmation email to acknowledge your activity on our Site.
2. The schools or their partners or vendors may contact you via email, telephone, or mail in order to fulfill your inquiry. By using our Site to send Your Information to any schools, you are giving such entities permission to contact you, regardless of whether you are a part of the National-Do-Not-Call Registry.
3. We will store Your Information in our systems and we may use it to contact you about other products or services which we believe may interest you. If we contact you at all in this manner, it will be infrequent and narrowly targeted.
3. OTHER USES OF YOUR INFORMATION
In addition to the uses described above, there are limited circumstances in which we may share Your Information with certain third parties. We may combine Your Information with information we obtain from third party sources, either online or offline, in order to deepen our understanding of how best to serve you with our Site. We may share Your Information with our subsidiaries or affiliates. Your Information may be included among transferred assets in the event that we are involved in a corporate sale, merger, reorganization, dissolution or similar event. Finally, we may disclose Your Information if required to do so by law or in the good faith belief that such action is necessary to (i) comply with a legal obligation, (ii) protect and defend our rights or property, (iii) act in urgent circumstances to protect the personal safety of users of the Site or the public, or (iv) protect against legal liability.
4. E-MAIL COMMUNICATIONS
The e-mail address you provide during the Site registration process will be the e-mail address we will use for all Site-related communications to you. We may also send you messages via the Site. The Site may contain links or forms that can be used to contact us so you can comment, make a complaint, make suggestions, and ask questions.
If you subscribe to our email newsletter, but subsequently decide that you would like to stop receiving it, you may use the “unsubscribe” link at the bottom of each newsletter, or you may contact us at privacy@thru-line.com and we will see to it that your name is removed from our email newsletter list.
5. PROTECTION OF YOUR INFORMATION
Protecting your account login credentials (i.e. your username and password) from unauthorized access is your responsibility. You may not share your login credentials with any third party. We recommend you log out after accessing your account, change your password on a periodic basis, and limit access to your computer or device and its browser. While we use commercially reasonable security measures to prevent unauthorized persons from accessing our files or tampering with the Site, we cannot guarantee that these efforts will always be successful. Your Information may be accessed and viewed by other Internet users, without your knowledge and permission, while in transit to or from us. We cannot and do not guarantee the total privacy or security of any information you transmit through the Site.
6. RETENTION OF YOUR INFORMATION; MODIFICATION
a. Correcting, Updating, Accessing, or Removing Your Information
You can correct, update, or remove Your Information if it changes or if you no longer want to receive information from us beyond information related to our services. This can be done by emailing a request to us at privacy@thru-line.com. You may also request access to Your Information collected by us by sending a request to us at privacy@thru-line.com. We may not be able to completely remove Your Information from our systems in certain circumstances. For example, we may retain Your Information for legitimate business purposes, our customer requirements, or if it may be necessary to prevent fraud or future abuse, for account recovery purposes, if required by law, or as retained in our data backup systems or cached or archived pages. All of Your Information that we keep will continue to be subject to the terms of the Privacy Policy.
b. Your California Privacy Rights
California law permits users that are residents of California to request the following information regarding our disclosure of Your information to third parties for those third parties’ direct marketing purposes (i) a list of certain categories of Your Information that we have disclosed to certain third parties for their direct marketing purposes during the immediately preceding calendar year; (ii) the identity of certain third parties that received Your Information from us for their direct marketing purposes during that calendar year; and (iii) examples of the products or services marketed (if we have that information). If you are a California resident and would like to make such a request, please email us at privacy@thru-line.com.
7. THIRD-PARTY WEBSITES
a. Links to Third-Party Websites
Our Site contains links to other websites operated by schools and other third parties to which we do not control. Even if an affiliation exists between us and such website, that websites may have privacy policies that are very different from this Policy. You should read the privacy policy of every website you visit. While we expect our customers and affiliates to respect the privacy of our users, we cannot be responsible for the actions of third parties. The links from this Site do not imply that we endorse or have reviewed these third party sites. We encourage you to consult that website’s privacy policy before providing Your Information to it and whenever interacting with any website.
b. Third-Party Tracking
Third-party social networks that provide interactive plug-ins or social networking features (for example, to allow you to “Like” a page on our Site) on the Sites, may use cookies or other methods (for example, web beacons) to gather information regarding your use of our websites and apps. The use of such information by a third party depends on the privacy policy available on that social network’s website, which we encourage you to carefully review. Such third parties may use these cookies or other tracking methods for their own purposes by relating information about your use of our site with any of Your Information that they may have.
8. DISCLOSURE OF YOUR INFORMATION THROUGH BUSINESS TRANSFERS
As we develop our business, we might sell or buy businesses or assets. In connection with a corporate sale, merger, reorganization, dissolution or similar event, we may assign or transfer this Policy and any and all of Your Information to the person or entity acquiring the applicable assets or succeeding to the applicable business. In the event of any such transaction, this Policy shall remain in full force and effect and shall be binding on you and any such successor and/or assign. In the unlikely event of our bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, receivership, or assignment for the benefit of creditors, or the application of laws or equitable principles affecting creditors’ rights generally, we may not be able to control how Your Information is treated, transferred, or used.
9. USERS FROM OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES
The Site is hosted in the United States and is governed by United States law. If you are using the Site from outside the United States, please be aware that your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in the United States where our servers are located and our central database is operated. The data protection and other laws of the United States and other countries might not be as comprehensive as those in your country. By using the Site, you consent to your information being transferred to our facilities and to the facilities of those third parties with whom we share it as described in this Privacy Policy.
10. NO CHILDREN
Our Site does not knowingly collect personal information from children under the age of 13. If you are under the age of 13, please do not submit any personal information through the Site. We encourage parents and legal guardians to monitor their children’s Internet usage and to help enforce our Policy by instructing their children never to provide personal information on this Site without their permission. Any information we receive from users we believe to be under the age of 13 will be purged from our database.
If you have any questions concerning this Privacy Policy, please contact us using one of the methods specified below.
privacy@thru-line.com.
Thruline Marketing, Inc.
15500 W. 113th St., Suite 200
Thruline Marketing, Inc. © 2019 Privacy Policy Terms of Use
15500 W. 113th St., Suite 200 • Lenexa, KS 66219
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0006.json.gz/line1736580
|
__label__cc
| 0.524237
| 0.475763
|
A look back: Feb. 14, 1990
Published February 14. 2019 12:29PM
Without taking a vote, Coaldale Borough Council gave in to public pressure Tuesday night and verbally agreed to table any further action on the proposed communications changeover from the Carbon to Schuylkill network.
An overflow crowd, including fire company and ambulance corps members, jammed the borough hall on Third Street, hoping to reverse council’s decision to change to Schuylkill, where the service is offered free of charge but does not feature the 911 emergency number.
Council voted 3-1 in November to withdraw from the Carbon network that Coaldale helped to established in 1974. Although he did not call for a vote of council, President Geno Poli stressed last night the council is willing to abide by the wishes of the public.
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0006.json.gz/line1736583
|
__label__cc
| 0.720335
| 0.279665
|
Amenities Committee
Chair: Cllr D Tremayne
Vice-Chair: Cllr J Taylor
Councillors: Cllrs A H Greenwood, J Grieve, M Hatfield, M Holmstedt, P Marrington, B Paramor, C Potter, D Skelton, D Tattersall and D Wardell
2017/18 Report
This Committee deals with environmental improvements and general amenity issues in the town and surrounding area.
The central Todmorden open space known as Patmos Gardens is owned and maintained by the Town Council. This space has been much improved in recent years by a combination of refurbishment works and the hard working Todmorden in Bloom Group, who on many a day can be seen weeding and maintaining the gardens. The sunny aspect of the gardens provides a peaceful sitting area for all members of the community, with benches and tree seats.
Improvement works at Vale, Cornholme, are in the process of being completed including a new link pathway, drainage, tree pruning, improved access and seating.
The Council also owns and maintains Lobb Mill Picnic Site. This is well used by visitors to the town, and walkers accessing the Rochdale Canal and hillside walks leading from the car park.
The continuation of the Tourist Information Centre has again been assured by grant funding of £19,000, and further ‘Tourism’ grants to the town have been awarded in the sum of £2,200.
Financial assistance has also been provided for the purpose of environmental improvements to Todmorden in Bloom with total ‘Environment’ spending this year being £17,530. Local societies and groups have benefited via grants in respect of ‘Entertainment, the Arts and Recreation’ in the sum of £7,632, together with other grants for a range of purposes totalling £25,283. Sixteen payments of Town Hall Hire Charge refunds, totalling £8,414, have also helped the town’s societies and groups organise functions in Todmorden Town Hall. From feedback received, so far, the Council has been informed that events held for money-raising purposes raised a total of £4,566 to 31st March 2018. This also makes good use of the building as over 1,095 people attended the events.
The continuation of the new Christmas lights in the town centre, along with the extension of the Christmas lights to Cornholme as well as Walsden, have made colourful contributions to the township over the festive period.
The annual Mid-Pennine Arts Schools’ Tour, part funded by the Town Council, is always welcomed by local children. This coming year the focus will be on a celebration of Todmorden.
Last year the Town Council funded the replacement zip wire in the play area at Centre Vale Park and this is still proving to be a great success. In the future we are hoping to part-fund the refurbishment of one of the other Todmorden play areas.
Monday to Thursday 9:00am - 4:30pm.
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0006.json.gz/line1736584
|
__label__wiki
| 0.692362
| 0.692362
|
By Carolyn McDowall October 18, 2016
Valentin de Boulogne: Beyond Caravaggio – Humanistic Reality
Valentin de Boulogne (French, Coulommiers-en-Brie 1591–1632 Rome), Cardsharps, Ca. 1614-15, Oil on canvas, 37 1/4x 54 in. (94.5 x 137 cm), Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister, Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden, reproduced courtesy The Met Fifth Avenue, New York
The exhibition Valentin de Boulogne: Beyond Caravaggio at the Musée du Louvre at Paris from February 20 – May 22, 2017, is a very special event not only for scholars and students, but also for art lovers.
Judith with the Head of Holofernes Ca. 1626-27 Oil on canvas 38 1/4 x 29 1/8 in. (97 x 74 cm) Musée des Augustins, Toulouse reproduced courtesy The Met Fifth Avenue, New York
This is a show that presents the work of Valentin de Boulogne (1571-1610) an outstanding artist in seventeenth century Europe, who was a French follower of Italian painter Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio (1571-1610), whose works speak through the visible to speak of the invisible.
It is important at first to acknowledge Caravaggio’s great gifts if we wish to understand why The Met in New York has given the exhibition by one of his followers Valentin de Boulogne the title ‘beyond Caravaggio’. It’s all about Caravaggio being the ‘game changer’ in the history of art.
This meant that in the years following his death, painters finally pursued naturalistic painting.
Little known except perhaps among his colleagues and like-minded people who admired his point of reference – Caravaggio, Valentin de Boulogne died at 41, which means there are only 60 paintings by him in existence.
Showing great foresight, Diplomat Cardinal Mazarin and King Louis XIV (1638-1715) were early collectors of his works.
Valentin de Boulogne (1594-1632), Judgment of Solomon, Ca. 1624-27, Oil on canvas, 69 5/16 x 82 11/16 in. (176 x 210 cm), Musée du Louvre, Paris
Dramatic with a pervasive sense of melancholy, scenes of merriment with music making, drinking and fortune telling or telling a tale of an unfolding drama, Boulogne meditated on the transience of the pleasures of life.
It’s sad to reflect that a night out on the town tavern hopping meant he contracted a fever that ended his life all too soon.
In just a short time Boulogne the son of a painter and stained glass worker, who was no doubt surrounded by art during his childhood, became a master in his own right, although he did not really live to see or know that had happened.
Valentin de Boulogne (French, Coulommiers-en-Brie 1591–1632 Rome) The Allegory of Italy, 1628-29, Oil on canvas, 131 1/8 x 96 ½ in. (333 x 245 cm), Villa Lante al Gianicolo, Institutum Romanum Finlandiae, Rome, reproduced courtesy The Met Fifth Avenue, New York
Boulogne is known to have cavorted in the company of ‘Dutch and Flemish Artists, including ‘Cornelis van Poelenburgh (1586-1667) and the Caravaggesque Dirck van Baburen (c. 1590-1624), who formed the Bentvueghels (“birds of a feather”) a society of Dutch and Flemish artists who wanted to counter the academic approach to artistic instruction of the Accademia di San Luca’.
That self same academic institution invited Boulogne to work with Nicolas Poussin (1594-1665) and organise a festival to celebrate the anniversary of its patron saint in 1626.
His narrative scenes include Christ Expelling the Merchants from the Temple (St. Petersburg, State Hermitage Museum), The Judgment of Solomon (Paris, Musée du Louvre), both c.1626.
Valentin de Boulogne (French, Coulommiers-en-Brie 1591–1632 Rome), Concert with Eight Figures, Ca. 1628-30, Oil on canvas 69 x 85 1/8 in. (175 x 216 cm), Musée du Louvre, Paris, reproduced courtesy The Met Fifth Avenue, New York
Genre paintings, include his Fortune Teller and Concert with Eight Figures (both Paris, Musée du Louvre), both c. 1628, and what is thought to be his very last painting, the Gathering with a Fortune Teller (Vienna, Liechtenstein Collection).
The works of Boulogne became a reference point in their turn for the great realists of the nineteenth century, including Gustave Courbet (1819-1877) and Édouard Manet (1832-1883).
Samson, 1631, Oil on canvas, 53 3/8 x 40 1/2 in. (135.6 x 102.8 cm), The Cleveland Museum of Art, Mr. and Mrs. William H. Marlatt Fund reproduced courtesy The Met Fifth Avenue, New York
The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance, is a statement attributed to ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle (384-322).
He would have known how astute his observations were if sixteen centuries later he had viewed the paintings of Caravaggio.
The Increduilty of Saint Thomas, by Caravaggio 1601 – 1602, Sanssouci, Potsdam
Caravaggio did not depict his men as being heroic, but of lowly origin as he recognized and acknowledged the misery, injustice and sorrow in the world.
He fostered a belief in the transcendent power of humility, resignation and faith.
Caravaggio presented Christ’s resurrection in literal terms, dispensing with the usual symbols of Kingship. His Jesus does not have a halo or any other outward sign of his divinity.
A master of realism Caravaggio was always concerned and conscious of people’s ‘human’ flaws and he found meaning, spirit and purpose in everything around him while revealing to us the intangibles that so often occlude the truth with a riveting and powerfully humanistic reality.
Supper at Emmaus by Caravaggio c1601, National Gallery, London
While they focus on a man’s body their interest primarily is in his spirit and soul. His extraordinary use of ‘light’ in his passionately rendered paintings, while presented in a new and exciting way in his time was always with regard to reverence and respect for the meaning of light traditionally in symbolism, which was to exalt or dignify.
A great flame follows a little spark…it says in the (Canto 1:1.34) Paradiso – of the Divine Comedy’ or as it was first known the Commedia by Renaissance literary giant Dante Alighieri (1265-1321), whose dissertation remains one of the pillars upon which European literary tradition was founded.
Completed just before his death in 1321 it quickly reached an appreciative audience. Many scholars are convinced Dante was endeavouring to paint a realistic picture of his own earthly life, while documenting the progress of societies attitude toward establishing and maintaining peace on earth.
Flagellation Christ by Caravaggio, Musee des Beaux-arts de Rouen
The impact of his work, which had the tag ‘divine’, added to it some 200 years later, helping establish the Tuscan dialect as the ancestor of modern Italian
To produce an image of a God, who became a man, and the ‘light of the world’ was, and is still a tall order for any artist except perhaps for Caravaggio, whose symbolical use of a circle of light in his opus was meant to denote high dignity or power, to highlight ‘divine characteristics’ and the inspire the loftiest sorts of humanity.
Caravaggio redrafted the artistic landscape of Europe. The void left by his death was filled by Spaniard Jusepe de Ribera (1591–1652) who in 1616 moved from Rome to Naples, where he spent the rest of his life; and Boulogne who spent the whole of his short career in Rome after 1614.
Valentin de Boulogne (French, Coulommiers-en-Brie 1591–1632 Rome), David with the Head of Goliath Ca. 1615-16, Oil on canvas, 39 x 52 ¾ in. (99 x 134 cm), Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, Madrid, reproduced courtesy The Met Fifth Avenue, New York
On viewing the works of Valentin de Boulogne you may also graduate to the view that his work too is indeed, unforgettable.
Carolyn McDowall, The Culture Concept Circle, 2016
Valentin de Boulogne: Beyond Caravaggio
February 20 – May 22, 2017
The Met Fifth Avenue
October 7, 2016–January 16, 2017
The exhibition is made possible by the Hata Stichting Foundation, the Placido Arango Fund, the William Randolph Hearst Foundation, Frank E. Richardson and Kimba M. Wood, Alice Cary Brown and W.L. Lyons Brown, and an Anonymous Foundation. It is supported by an Indemnity from the Federal Council on the Arts and the Humanities. The exhibition is organized by The Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Musée du Louvre. The catalogue is made possible by the Diane W. and James E. Burke Fund.
Caravaggio’s Jesus – ‘Blessed Are Those Who Have Believed’
Cubism: The Leonard A. Lauder Collection – On Show, New York
The Met Breuer, Dedicated to Modern & Contemporary Art Opens
Caravaggio: Masterpieces from the Galleria Borghese at Getty
17th century ArtArtArts & CultureArts & EntertainmentCaravaggioCaravaggio's ChristChrist Expelling the Merchants from the TempleFine ArtFrench ArtItalian ArtMichelangelo Merisi da CaravaggioMusee du Louvre ParisThe Judgment of SolomonThe Met Fifth AvenueValentin de BoulogneValentin de Boulogne: Beyond Caravaggio
Carolyn McDowall
Carolyn McDowall FRSA has gained considerable experience and business acumen in her professional career. An independent cultural and social historian, Carolyn is an interior designer by trade. She has been involved in the creative sector for over thirty years in Australia; completing interior design projects, creating and producing innovative corporate and not-for profit (social profit) community events. She has over that time continuously conducted independent research , while designing, developing, and producing educational art and design history programs in conjunction with renowned specialist colleagues.
Latest Posts By Carolyn McDowall
Previous articleThe Very Hungry Caterpillar Show – Eric Carle’s Triumph
Next articleOpera in the Vineyards, Hunter Valley, 2016 – Meldi’s Review
What A Life! Rock Photography By Tony Mott, Jo Bayley Review
What a life indeed, and a very well documented one at that. Photography tells a story and creates a mood, it’s one of my favourite mediums. To capture the essence of music in a split second is not easily done, but Tony Mott has all the magic in the touch…
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0006.json.gz/line1736587
|
__label__cc
| 0.650774
| 0.349226
|
New plans to crack down on parental alienation
Categories: Divorce & Separation
Posted by Emilie Haine on 11th January 2018
What is parental alienation?
Parental alienation occurs when, following a divorce or separation, one parent deliberately tries to turn a child against the other in an attempt to stop the child seeing or having a relationship with them.
As any parent who has experienced this will know, the consequences can be devastating. Earlier this year, CAFCASS (the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service) said that parental alienation amounts to child abuse.
How common is it?
Parental alienation is thought to occur in 11-15% of divorces involving children, but CAFCASS believes this number is rising. In a bid to combat the issue, CAFCASS is piloting a new approach to deal with parental alienation.
What is the approach?
In Spring 2018, a new ‘High Conflict Practice Pathway’ will be rolled out for use in all cases of suspected parental alienation. Offending parents will first be given the opportunity to change their behaviour with the help of an intensive 12 week ‘Positive Parenting Programme’.
It has been widely reported that, if there is no improvement following this, CAFCASS will routinely recommend that the child be removed from that parent and, in extreme cases, have no further contact with them. The pathway is still in development and it remains to be seen exactly what the guidelines will say.
CAFCASS has said that the pathway will not be used in cases where there are issues of domestic abuse.
Is this a radical change?
CAFCASS describes the new approach as ground-breaking, but in fact these measures have been used in the family courts for some time. Imposing a change of residence is already a tool used by the court to try to curb parental alienation.
However, these new guidelines demonstrate CAFCASS’s commitment to tackling the issue head on using a range of measures. Up to now, CAFCASS has dealt with parental alienation on a case-by-case basis by recognising the more obvious symptoms, but often the signs are subtler and therefore cases can slip through the net. CAFCASS hopes that the new guidelines will prevent this from happening by recognising the spectrum of parental alienation and adopting a more nuanced approach.
We will learn later exactly what impact the changes will make, but it is clear that CAFCASS is sending out a very strong message that parental alienation is harmful to children and should not be tolerated.
If you would like to speak to one of our specialist family lawyers about parental alienation, please contact us on 01392 421 237 in Exeter or 01752 269 071 in Plymouth.
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0006.json.gz/line1736589
|
__label__wiki
| 0.562634
| 0.562634
|
Don’t call it a comeback: What Louis C.K.’s attempted return tells us about #MeToo
Flannery Dean
Contributed to The Globe and Mail
In this Aug. 9, 2017, file photo, Louis C.K.participates in the Better Things panel during the FX Television Critics Association Summer Press Tour at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif.
Chris Pizzello/The Associated Press
Flannery Dean is a writer and editor based in Hamilton, Ont.
Last Sunday, comedian Louis C.K. took the stage for 15 minutes at a New York comedy club. The set, which was reportedly about “racism, waitresses’ tips and parades,” marked the first time the comic had performed publicly since November, 2017, when he admitted to long-standing allegations of sexual misconduct, including masturbating in front of women without their consent.
The audience gave him a standing ovation – before he’d even opened his mouth to speak.
To many, his impromptu set (and that curious ovation from the audience – what were they applauding?) felt akin to a hostile act – a strike to reclaim cultural status he lost through his own conduct. Others felt differently. On Twitter, comedian Michael Ian Black framed his return as a necessary step forward.
“… People have to be allowed to serve their time and move on with their lives,” Mr. Black tweeted. “I don’t know if it’s been long enough, or his career will recover, or if people will have him back, but I’m happy to see him try.”
Mr. Black’s optimistic view of how we solve male predation (one he later apologized for) sounds like forgetting it altogether for the sake of the perpetrator’s happiness. I’ve had a stranger masturbate in front of me, without my consent (unlike Louis C.K., he served jail time). I wouldn’t be happy to see him again. I’d be frightened.
The fact that Louis C.K. hasn’t served time but rather "only took the summer off” as one woman quipped on Twitter, seems lost. Taking mansplaining to parodic heights, Mr. Black later went on to frame the redemption of male abusers as work that the #MeToo movement should be undertaking.
“The #metoo movement is incredibly powerful and important and vital. One next step, among many steps, has to be figuring out a way for the men who are caught up in it to find redemption.”
To implicitly characterize #MeToo as something like a net that men “get caught up in” is just another example of the bizzaro man-centric worldview in which women and girls have always had to abide and endure.
What those who mistakenly reframe #MeToo won’t acknowledge is that they’re just circling the drain, clinging to the hope that a healthy society will magically bloom out of a clearly rotten status quo.
After finally blowing the lid off of an epidemic of sexual abuse, are we really supposed to focus our energy on figuring out how to shelter abusers from consequence? Moreover, are we to take on this Sisyphean labour even if the abusive personality has thus far shown little significant remorse or understanding? If they assumed the next step was to stroll on stage and crack wise about waitresses’s tips?
Why wouldn’t the urgent concern be with the victims and preventing further victimization? Wouldn’t the next, natural step be taking on the eternally delayed work of establishing a just and equitable society for everyone?
If Mr. Black was fighting to protect his reproductive rights, for bodily autonomy, for the right to be paid equitably and to work in environments free of discrimination – in addition to bearing the burden of an epidemic of systemic sexual abuse – it’s likely he might not have the mental space to be worrying about how Louis C.K. gets to be famous again. If women didn’t have to fight for these basic human rights – which are still under debate – but rather possessed them without question as men do, perhaps we wouldn’t be so distressed when we hear that Louis C.K. or Matt Lauer or Charlie Rose aim to reactivate their careers. We might just shrug and say, “good luck, schmuck.”
Redemption-without-contrition fantasies and distress about celebrity transgressors making comebacks share some commonality, however. Both are rooted in collective anxiety about men who abuse their power and our systems for dealing with them. The anxiety is warranted. We do a terrible job of dealing with abusive men, especially when they’re rich and famous – more often than not, we’ve chosen to protect their success with our silence – and we rarely address the real-world factors that allow them to thrive. Rather than look to our habits, our history, police, the criminal-justice system or the structure of society, some choose to look up. To find God and invoke ideas of grace and redemption.
Many get quasi-religious in the face of the real work of addressing abuse. It’s easier than dismantling a culture that elevates abusers, or in the cases of Harvey Weinstein and Louis C.K. and Bill Cosby, one that elevates them in the cultural zeitgeist. One need only look to the Catholic Church to see how religious notions of redemption and absolution work in tackling systemic abuse.
So, make your comebacks, guys. Strive to be famous rather than good. Count on the twin powers of celebrity and male success to trump ethical concerns about the way you live in the world of women. But do it with the full knowledge that whether you like it or not, for a vast majority of women there’s no going back. And the next step? That’s ours to take.
Keep your opinions sharp and informed
What’s a museum to do? The art and conscience of Egon Schiele in the #MeToo era
As Hollywood chases Oscars, it rushes to erase its own alleged villains
This messy #MeToo moment
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0006.json.gz/line1736591
|
__label__cc
| 0.534895
| 0.465105
|
Household Finances The tough love guide to having your adult kids move back home
The tough love guide to having your adult kids move back home
Nowhere in the literature on parenting does it mention how to get your young adult children off the family payroll.
So it’s no wonder that lots of attention has been paid to the 30-year-old in upstate New York who was taken to court by his parents to get him to move out. You can almost hear other parents thinking aloud: “I hope it doesn’t come to that at our house.”
It shouldn’t. For one thing, this story appears to be one of family dysfunction, not the failings of the millennial generation. For another, there’s an easy way for parents and young adult children living at home to manage expectations.
Call it an agreement, or a contract. Everyone reads and signs it or otherwise indicates that they buy in. “It forces a conversation – here’s what you’re going to do, and here’s what we’re going to do,” said Lesley-Anne Scorgie, founder of the financial-coaching firm MeVest and author of books that include Rich by Thirty: Your Guide to Financial Success.
There are cultures in which it’s normal and preferable for young adults to live at home until they marry or can afford to buy a house. But for many people, there’s an expectation of a linear progression from university or college to a career and financial independence.
When this pattern breaks down, as it often does in our tough job market for young adults, the result can be uncertainty for parents. Should they set out their expectations for their kids to help with costs and responsibilities around the house? Should they charge rent?
Ms. Scorgie has some tough-minded things to say on setting financial ground rules. Adult kids living at home should have a move-out date, and be paying $250 to $500 in total a month toward rent, groceries and internet. Students in school should pay a token monthly amount of something like $50 to $100.
“Even if a kid is saving for a house, it’s very important that you charge them rent,” she says. “It’s about habit formation, not the money. The best possible life skills your kid can possibly get in his or her 20s is to learn how to pay things on time, manage a budget and manage competing priorities for their money.”
If you feel guilty about charging your adult children rent, Ms. Scorgie suggests you put the money aside and give it back to your kids at a later date to help with a big expense such as a house down payment or for further education.
Ms. Scorgie says young adults should be ready to launch – move out on their own – around the age of 26. This allows for enough time to complete an undergraduate degree plus a college certificate or master’s degree, and for a year of getting sorted out in the job market.
She urges parents to start talking with their kids at the age of 16 about plans and expectations when they graduate from college or university. That way, a 10-year path for financial independence is laid out.
The difficulty with rules such as these is that the job market may not co-operate. Grads may not be able to get a job in their field, which raises the question of whether they should take anything they can get their hands on to meet their rent obligations. A recent U.S. study raises doubt about this strategy – it says that people who are underemployed tend to stay that way for extended periods and earn less over the long term (subscribe to my e-mail newsletter and check out the May 31 edition to read more about this research: theglobeandmail.com/newsletters).
The appeal of having a contract or agreement between parents and adult kids living at home is that everybody knows what the expectations are. What you want avoid is a volatile mix of seething parents and oblivious kids. There seems to have been some of this happening early on in the story of the 30-year-old who doesn’t want to leave home.
Still, parents shouldn’t use this story as a point of reference. Ms. Scorgie said her take on today’s young adults is that their issues are mainly related to the job market, not a lack of initiative. “I don’t see a lot of lazy, couch-surfing millennials,” she said.
Hold off on bashing the 30-year-olds who live at home
New York judge orders adult son to move out of parents’ house
Follow Rob Carrick on Twitter @rcarrick
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0006.json.gz/line1736592
|
__label__wiki
| 0.8511
| 0.8511
|
Milestone on the road to nowhere
Sun 31 Dec 2006 19.16 EST First published on Sun 31 Dec 2006 19.16 EST
Saddam Hussein's execution is likely to make little difference to the fate of the country he ruled so cruelly for more than two decades. Few can now doubt that he was guilty of terrible crimes against humanity - his own people and others - and showed not a shred of remorse. Millions around the world were able to watch the grotesque, sordid spectacle of his final, defiant moments, cursing "Americans, spies and Persians" to the very end. It is hard to imagine that Iraq's bloody divisions could get very much deeper. Reactions there - and there can be no mistaking the jubilation alongside the apathy and the fury - have predictably been split entirely along sectarian lines.
The spate of killings that followed was equally predictable; Saturday's 90 or so dead was a fairly average daily toll. Even with Saddam buried, the violence seems to have an unstoppable momentum of its own. Nuri al-Maliki's government signed his death warrant, but it has been unable to defuse or crush the Sunni insurgency, end the routine suicide bombings, kidnappings and murder, or ensure that its own Shia security forces do not act as sectarian death squads. A government whose writ barely runs beyond Baghdad's Green Zone and whose commitment to justice consists of little more than killing the tyrant is hardly a government worth the name. It could have been done differently. The twisted politics of war and occupation poisoned the judicial process that allowed hooded thugs to place the noose around Saddam's neck, taunting him as they did. That process was fundamentally flawed. Neither judges nor lawyers showed an understanding of international criminal law. Witnesses testified anonymously, defence lawyers were murdered and a judge was removed under government pressure. A UN or international tribunal in a neutral venue would have been better.
It bears repeating that the death penalty remains a cruel and unusual punishment. It was only a matter of time before the lightly sanitised official version of the execution was supplemented by uncensored mobile phone pictures of the whole tawdry event - snaps from the scaffold for our digital age. Perhaps (an unintended useful consequence?) they will win new recruits to the abolitionist cause.
Saddam went unrepentantly to the gallows because of one atrocity: the killings of 148 Shia villagers after a failed assassination attempt in Dujail in 1982. But justice, and the memory of his many thousands more victims, would have been better served if had stood trial for the "Anfal" campaign against the Kurds for which he and his accomplices were accused of genocide. The same is true for the crushing of the Kurdish and Shia rebellions after the 1991 Gulf war, and for his invasions of Kuwait and Iran. It may be naïve to believe that a different judicial course might possibly have served some putative process of truth and reconciliation to help heal Iraq's wounds. But it is certain that nothing but vengeance and retribution are served by the brutal and public manner of his end.
The hanging took place as President Bush (breathtakingly hailing it as "a step towards democracy") was consulting advisers at his ranch to plan his next Iraqi move - anticipating the moment when US fatalities, which have already surpassed the dead of the 9/11 attacks, reach 3,000. At least there was no American awkwardness at the use of the death penalty. That had a squirming Margaret Beckett repeating Britain's principled opposition to it but bizarrely "respecting" Iraq's sovereign right to use it. Saddam's crimes were committed in the name of sovereignty too. His execution can only augur badly for the future of a ruined country that is now worse off in so many ways than it was in the darkest days of his dictatorship. The condemned man boasted he was prepared to die as a sacrifice for Iraq. But this ghastly milestone of his death will do it no good at all.
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0006.json.gz/line1736593
|
__label__wiki
| 0.860771
| 0.860771
|
The Secret in Their Eyes
4 / 5 stars 4 out of 5 stars.
Peter Bradshaw on the dark, sinewy thriller that beat the favourites to win the best foreign film Oscar
@PeterBradshaw1
Thu 12 Aug 2010 17.14 EDT First published on Thu 12 Aug 2010 17.14 EDT
Argentinian noir ... The Secret in Their Eyes
At this year's Oscar ceremony, film critics congratulated themselves generously for having praised the triumphant Iraq drama The Hurt Locker, thus justifying our continued existence in the face of a million bloggers. Then we compounded the conceit by grumbling that the best foreign picture prize had not gone to either of the press favourites – Michael Haneke's The White Ribbon or Jacques Audiard's A Prophet – but to Juan José Campanella's little-known Argentinian noir thriller El Secreto de Sus Ojos, or The Secret in Their Eyes. I am ashamed to recall that I, too, joined in with the general air of dismissive bemusement, without having yet seen the film, an omission now rectified.
The Secret in Her Eyes isn't, in fact, as good as either The White Ribbon or A Prophet, but it is a supremely watchable, well-made and well-acted movie with a dark, sinewy sense of history: a tremendously slick thriller from a director who has worked on American TV shows such as Law and Order and House. His movie may in fact be rather closer to boxset-quality television drama than cinema. But respect has to be paid right away to Campanella's most delirious big-screen flourish: an unbroken travelling shot that begins soaring over a football stadium during an evening match, swooping down into the stands where a suspected felon is being sought, tensely following him into the lavatories and then out on to the field itself, bringing play to a halt. It looks like a mix of CGI and a colossal real-world crowd scene, with the join cleverly concealed.
Ricardo Darín – best known for the 2000 grifter classic Nine Queens – has enormous presence as Esposito, a retired Buenos Aires prosecutor who broods over a life of disappointments and lost opportunities. As a distraction from his various sources of chagrin, Esposito sets out to write a novel, based on a horrendous unsolved crime from the bad old days of the 70s: the rape and murder of a young woman in 1974, an event for which Esposito conceived a futile obsession, and which poisoned his career and his life. Using this improbable literary project as a pretext, he calls on his old boss, the beautiful senior prosecutor Irene Menéndez Hastings, played by Soledad Villamil, a woman with whom he has been hopelessly in love for decades. She is intrigued, and we are carried in flashback to grim 1970s Argentina, and then back to the present, in which this cold case is brought back to boiling point. Campanella shrewdly places us in the ugly, paranoid arena of the junta and los desaparecidos, and the film coolly shows how a world where people were afraid to ask about those who had "disappeared" created rich opportunities for all criminals, both political and unpolitical, intent on killings, vanishings and rubbings-out. Argentina in the 1970s is an inspired setting for a film noir, and it's a wonder it hasn't been used more before.
Darín's careworn, faintly leonine face conveys both his professional exhaustion, only slightly diminished for his notionally younger, darker-haired self in the 1974 scenes, and the agony of swallowed, unconfessed love. The poor guy is still head over heels for Irene, and Villamil nicely carries off her first appearance in the office, wearing an adorably goofy red beret, and insisting on the Anglicised pronunciation of her surname "Hastings" on the grounds that it is Scottish, which may incidentally explain the headgear, without excusing it. All this, and her classy background of postgraduate study at Cornell, amply shows that Irene is from Argentina's patrician class, and poor Esposito is very much other ranks. It is his awareness of the status gap, duplicated in his own subordinate position in the office, and his male pride, that prevent him from doing anything about the awful longing in his heart.
Esposito is a very lonely lawman indeed, and the nearest thing he has to an emotional life is his friendship with his colleague, the hapless Sandoval, touchingly played by Guillermo Francella. Sandoval is an alcoholic and depressive, given to drinking himself into a stupor in a nearby bar, incautiously denouncing the fascists in charge, and then having to be carried out by Esposito and permitted to sleep on his couch because Sandoval's wife refuses to have him in the house.
Campanella's script persistently nudges the audience in the direction of a very guessable final twist, but suddenly withdraws this in favour of a bizarre and grotesque disclosure just before the credits, although that initially telegraphed twist might have been rather more satisfying, in its simple realism, than the grand guignol nightmare with which Campanella finally leaves us. It's a matter of taste, but the movie's real success is the way it shows how Esposito's obsession with the hideous crime is a way of redeeming himself, not for a squalid misdemeanour of his own, as might easily be the case in another sort of cop procedural, but for the simple mischance of being in love. Manically focusing on this brutal affair is a deliberate, macho cauterisation of the agony of unrequited passion. The charismatic Darín makes a seductively melancholy and unexpectedly gallant hero.
Thrillers (film)
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0006.json.gz/line1736594
|
__label__wiki
| 0.959944
| 0.959944
|
If the jester's cap fits ...
The Motley Fool began as a hoax. Now it's a serious player in investment advice, reports Jamie Doward
E-finance: special report
Jamie Doward
Sat 29 Apr 2000 19.29 EDT First published on Sat 29 Apr 2000 19.29 EDT
For a while it was a very successful company. It was the new, new thing and everyone wanted a slice of the action, despite the fact that details of what it did and where it operated were more than a little hazy.
The company was called Zeigletics, and it was responsible for the development of innovative technology linking sewage disposal systems in Chad. But the company, and the stock exchange its shares were listed on, did not exist. The entire thing was an invention, the brainchild of the two brothers who founded the Motley Fool, the irreverent financial advice firm which started as a newsletter and is evolving into a cross-media empire with global pretensions.
'We started the hoax on 1 April 1994 and we suggested people should be buying these shares because they were going up. More and more people began paying attention. We were getting e-mail from brokers saying "my client wants me to look into this and I can't find the Halifax-Canadian exchange",' recalls Tom Gardner, co-founder of the Motley Fool.
The move was designed to warn investors about the risks of investing too heavily in penny shares. Back in the mid-Nineties, as the Motley Fool started to transfer its advice to the Internet, moving away from being a pure tip sheet, Tom and brother David became frustrated by investors' appetite for small stocks which often feature in 'pump and dump' scams. That is the sort of scheme where companies' shares are hyped online causing a quick surge in their value only for this to dissipate as those who talked up the firm sell their stake and make a killing.
'A lot of people just wanted to trade penny shares online. We kept trying to talk about the Gap or General Electric and they were saying "look at the shares I've bought. They've gone up six times in value, but the Gap's only gone up 20 per cent". We couldn't get a conversation going,' Gardner says.
The prank created its own dynamic as followers of the Fool started to participate in the illusion. 'In typical Foolish spirit people began joining in saying "I've already made $6,000",' he added. The point was to show that people were trading very thinly traded stocks.
The stunt created a blaze of publicity, despite the fact that the Fool newsletter had only 360 subscribers and had a staff of two. 'We never had a business plan. We began doing this without any expectation that we would be striking it rich,' Gardner says of the early attempts to found the newsletter.
'We sent out 2,000 copies of the newsletter to anyone we had an address for - including those we had drawn from my cousin's wedding invitations. At the end of the first month we had 36 subscribers who were paying $48 a year. We were told later that this was a 1.8 per cent response rate, which is pretty good for direct mailing. However it was mailed to a lot of people who we knew and who were blood relatives of ours.'
The Wall Street Journal picked up the Zeigletics story and soon America Online was knocking on the Gardner brothers' door looking to run the Fool's service on its network. The timing of the alliance between the Fool and what was to become America's biggest Internet service provider was another lucky break for the Gardner brothers. More were to follow.
Back in the mid-Nineties, AOL had no content and only 300,000 subscribers. 'They had nothing to put on their main screen and our Fool button was up there and so everyone had to click it. We had an overflow of people and there was just me and and Dave working 12 hours a day.'
The pair decided to dump the newsletter and concentrate on developing the Fool's online presence. In a sense the Motley Fool (the name comes from an idiot savant character in Shakespeare's As You Like It who highlights the absurdities of others) was an Internet company before the Internet, building interactive communities by encouraging investors to write in and swap information.
'We wanted our readers to be our contributors because we didn't feel we were good enough or smart enough to do all of the writing. That's really been the spirit of the Internet site because so much of the knowledge is contributed by the users,' Gardner explained.
That spirit was not without problems at first. 'Our live chat rooms contained the regulars who had been with us from the start - money managers, analysts from Wall Street - but then, when we got the mainscreen promotion with AOL, we would find the chat rooms would be full of 13-year-olds who just wanted to talk about Pearl Jam. It was total chaos.
'One person was saying "what do you think about wireless communications, is that a good industry to invest in?" and the next post was "I love the Spice Girls". It was a truly Motley collection.'
The exposure brought further lucrative spin-offs. The New Yorker wrote an article featuring the Motley Fool which prompted a raft of book deals. An investment column was syndicated to more than 120 newspapers. Soon the brothers had their own radio show broadcast across more than 150 stations. Some of the guests reflected the Fool's more eccentric side.
'We get legitimate guests on the show now. We've had the chief executive officers of Yahoo! and Starbucks on. In the past we've had people like Kenny Baker, he's a dwarf. He was the guy who was inside R2D2 in Star Wars. He had no idea who we were.'
The success meant the brothers were able to hire some staff and move into plush headquarters in Virginia. Today the Fool employs more than 300 people and has operations in the US, the UK and Germany. Japan will follow soon.
One day the business will float, a move which will bring new challenges for the company whose US site attracts two million clicks a month. 'There is a natural fascination with what we do when the market does well and that can ebb when the market doesn't do well.'
Such serious expansion plans are potentially at odds with the Fool's playful image as the pricker of pompous City egos, the more touchy-feely side of capitalism.
Tom Gardner, however, argues that the original ethos of the Fool continues. 'Anytime an organisation grows as quickly as we're growing, determining how to develop your culture takes a lot of work. But the spirit has been maintained. We love the mix of intellectual curiosity and base popular culture.'
Gardner suggests that such a mix is the only way of encouraging more people to get serious about their finances. 'The humour is the sugar around the medicine. We wouldn't get people interested in treatment if we gave them just the hard numbers.' Or, as Shakespeare's character would have it: 'Give me leave to speak my mind, and I will through and through cleanse the foul body of the infected world, If they will patiently receive my medi cine.' For now the Fool is king. His real test, however, comes when he is answerable to shareholders. Investors, as the Fool knows, don't always have a sense of humour.
www.fool.co.uk
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0006.json.gz/line1736595
|
__label__wiki
| 0.885972
| 0.885972
|
How poor but sexy Berlin has tapped talent to be Europe's startup capital
Startups are springing up all over Berlin, as the once 'poor but sexy' German capital expands into a creative technology hub
Nadine Schimroszik
Thu 6 Dec 2012 13.36 EST First published on Thu 6 Dec 2012 13.36 EST
Jens Begemann, founder and CEO of online gaming company Wooga, in the company's office in Berlin. The German capital's low costs are attracting young 'creatives' from all over the world, he says. Photograph: Timothy Fadek
Berlin is poor, but sexy – Mayor Klaus Wowereit's decade-old slogan still describes Germany's capital very well. Unemployment is high compared with other German cities and businessmen in proper suits and ties are a rare sight. But something in Berlin's attitude towards business is changing. Startups are sprouting all over the capital.
Some people are already speaking of Berlin as the Silicon Valley of Europe.
Most of the firms are just in their infancy. Others, such as the music platform SoundCloud or the social game developer Wooga are well-known even in California or London. "Berlin is punk meeting tech," says Swedish-born Eric Wahlforss, one of the founders of SoundCloud. According to Wahlforss, Berlin is creative, cheap and full of talented people. And the talents are starting to cluster.
SoundCloud is already in the buzzing and expanding tech hub called Factory, based in the fashionable district of Prenzlauer Berg. Others include 6Wunderkinder, wish-list website Toast and Firefox developer Mozilla, and there is space for more. Google wants a hand in the growing startup market and plans to subsidise entrepreneurs with about €1m (£808,000) in the next three years and is offering seminars and mentors.
"It is all about creating a network," says Factory co-founder Simon Schaefer. He wants to offer a campus, to be ready next summer, based on the one that Google and Facebook have in the real Silicon Valley. Another model is Silicon Roundabout, on the outskirts of the City in London, which home to last.fm, TweetDeck and Livemusic.
With an eye to the bohemian lifestyle of urban web workers, Factory plans to offer open space offices, restaurants, a gym, a barbecue pit, basketball court and roof garden with auditorium.
Berlin has a particularly good reputation for app developers. Besides 6Wunderkinder, which has developed a task management platform called Wunderlist, there is Readmill, a social app for booklovers, and Amen, an app to share opinions about people, places, things and ideas.
The actor and venture capitalist Ashton Kutcher invested in it and has helped burnish Berlin's name as the place to be for startups. "When you are here you know what the trends are," says Mozilla's press spokeswoman, Barbara Hüppe. In just a few years, the German capital has become a magnet for "creatives", founders of internet startups, and people working in the media. According to the state-owned KfW bank, Berlin's proportion of so-called "founders", measured by the working population, is higher than anywhere else in the country; 2.5% compared with 1.67% elsewhere in Germany.
"We checked out Vienna, London and Barcelona, but in the end decided to build up our business in Berlin," says Wahlforss, of the early days of SoundCloud, an online music site set up in 2007, which now has more than 10 million registered users.
Although his company was backed by the British private equity company Doughty Hanson, others were not so fortunate. "But the situation has improved for everyone," he thinks.
Serious follow-up investments are still missing. "Compared to the US we have fewer investors, especially those guaranteeing a longer-term financing with more money," says Schaefer. Even with a first investment it is difficult for a startup to grow in a saturated market.
Olaf Jacobi, a partner at Target Partners, leading venture capital investors in Germany, says more than nine of every 10 new businesses do not make it. The ideas need to lead to consistent success, but is often difficult to assess if the business model works. After a while some just disappear, without ever breaking even. Then most of the entrepreneurs just start a new firm.
One major advantage of Berlin is the low cost of living.
"Berlin is like a magnet for talented people. If you can not find people from Berlin, you often find people who are willing to move to Berlin. The good thing is, that we do not have to compete with banks or other big companies like Twitter, Facebook and credit card payment firm Square," said Edial Dekker, founder of event-organiser and city-explorer website Gidsy.
According to a study by the thinktank Initiative for a New Social Market Economy (INSM) the percentage of highly qualified academics in Berlin has risen faster than anywhere else in Germany in the last three years. That also makes it easier to find suitable staff.
Jens Begemann, founder and chief executive of Wooga – inventor of Monster World and Diamond Dash – and a rival to the US game company Zynga, said: "Compared to other European capitals the costs for food and accommodation are really low. That attracts young and creative people from all over the world who like to work in tech or creativity-related businesses."
He knows what he is talking about. He employs 250 people of 35 different nationalities, all based in a colourful, loft-style office in trendy Prenzlauer Berg.
SoundCloud recently poached some Google employees from San Francisco, a hint of the interest a Berlin startup can generate further afield. However, although many businesses may move seamlessly between London and Berlin, it is much harder for internet entrepreneurs to make the leap across the Atlantic and compete globally with the established tech companies of Silicon Valley.
"California is the measure of all things in the internet scene," admits Klaus-Heiner Röhl of the Cologne Institute for Economic Research. According to Jacobi, Silicon Valley is more than 30 years ahead of the German market. "At a particular time most of the startups have to go abroad to become a huge player," says Hüppe. California also offers the best-qualified staff and lawyers.
According to a McKinsey study about the internet economy, the United States dominates the global internet supply ecosystem. It captures more than 30% of global internet revenues and more than 40% of net income.
But the study found Germany had a lot of potential. In 2011 internet transactions directly contributed 3.2% to Germany's GDP, against 5.4% in the United Kingdom and 3.8% in the United States. That is what drives German startups and makes investors confident. The internet economy has room to move upwards and play a larger role.
The Brooklyn-based handmade and vintage marketplace website Etsy recently expanded into the German market with a new office in Berlin. Etsy's manager for Germany, Caroline Drucker, says that besides cheap rents and creative people there is also "a sense of excitement about the future".
"The end result of all this is that entrepreneurs do not need so much initial capital as in other cities. That is why they try more and have less fear to fail," said Drucker.
Geekettes
Women are still under-represented in the tech world. But the Berlin Geekettes want to change that. Set up a year ago by Jess Erickson, an American, the Geekettes describes themselves as an organisation for building relationships between women in the technology sector. They concentrate on networking events and mentoring partnerships, where more experienced women act as mentors to budding young female technology engineers and entrepreneurs. They already have more than 300 members.
The Geekettes have all had to make their way in a male-dominated world. One is Amélie Anglade, a developer at the online audio distribution platform SoundCloud, who tries to get more tech-savvy women into programming. Erickson works for General Assembly, a global network of campuses for people seeking opportunity and education in technology, business and design. "Working in Berlin's startup world fills my days with adrenaline-packed experiences. The opportunities for me to learn are endless. This space allows me to collaborate with people from many different backgrounds in an international setting. I can honestly say that this is an empowering moment in my life," Erickson said.
Berlin's urban gardeners reach for their pitchforks to fight off the developers
Capital's kleingarten, which have helped earn its status as one of Europe's greenest cities, under threat from property investors
Berlin's housing bubble and the backlash against hipster tourists
Jochen Hung
Jochen Hung: Skyrocketing housing costs in Berlin can't be blamed on an influx of 'foreigners', but are in fact fuelled by the global financial crisis
How Berlin is fighting back against growing anti-tourist feeling in the city
A new underground Berlin political movement, Hipster Antifa Neukölln, is combating a wave of anti-tourist abuse directed at foreigners – and hipsters in particular – who some blame for rapid gentrification of the city. Oliver Stallwood reports
FC Union Berlin: a remarkable club with their very own Christmas tradition
Supporters of German second division side once gave blood to save the club – and on Sunday they will sing Christmas carols for an entire 90 minutes
Berlin Wall section removed despite protests
At sunset would-be diners flock onto the plots
Artisan food and urban 'peasants': is this more than just a foodie fad?
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0006.json.gz/line1736596
|
__label__cc
| 0.682439
| 0.317561
|
TKO Eagle Cap Multi-day Trail Party – Goat Creek
August 3 at 1:00 pm - August 8 at 1:00 pm
« Novogradac Tryon Creek Trail Party
TKO’s 11th Anniversary – Old Vista Ridge Trail Party »
Come join TKO for six days of trailwork in the beautiful Eagle Cap Wilderness on the Goat Creek and Dobbin Creek Trails
We will be working on the Goat Creek trail (#1665) and the Dobbin Creek trail (#1654), which branch off of the Bear Creek trail (#1653) at about the historic Bear Creek Guard Station. Bear Creek is in the northern tier of the Eagle Cap Wilderness and sandwiched between the Minam River to the west and the Lostine River to the east. Bear Creek eventually flows past the town of Wallowa, before emptying into the Wallowa River.
Starting from the trailhead at the end of the Bear Creek Road (elevation of 3800 feet), the Bear Creek trail follows the stream for 5.5 miles to the historic guard station (no longer used). Elevation gain is 900 feet. Ample opportunities to set up a base camp exist along the stream in this area. Also here, the Goat Creek trail takes off to the east. The Dobbin Creek trail takes off to the west from Bear Creek about a mile further upstream.
The Goat Creek trail starts at an elevation of 4400 feet elevation and follows the stream for 3 miles at a moderate gradient. It then climbs steeply for 2.5 miles, topping out in the alpine meadows of Huckleberry Mountain (elevation of 7700 feet).
The Dobbin Creek trail starts at 4400 feet, climbs steadily for 3 miles, and connects with other trails at about 7000 feet elevation. The upper mile of trail goes through an old burn with many dead trees that are conspiring to bury the trail. Wildflowers are abundant in the burn area and the alpine meadows beyond.
Both trails haven’t been maintained much in recent years so we will be restoring the tread and removing logs and brush. We will focus on those sections of trail where restoration is most needed. Some days we may be accompanied by the local trail volunteer group (Wallowa Mountains Hells Canyon Trails Association).
We will meet at the Bear Creek trailhead on Saturday afternoon (August 3) and hike the 5.5 miles to the base camp. Our tools, food, and cooking supplies will be transported by mule, although each person will haul their backpack with personal gear.
We will work on trails between Sunday and Thursday. For those who choose, we will take a half day on Tuesday afternoon to hike into the high country. We will work only in the morning on Thursday and then hike back to the trailhead in the early afternoon. An optional group meal that afternoon at Terminal Gravity in Enterprise will wrap up the trip.
Weather in the Eagle Cap Wilderness is at its finest in August so expect sunshine with moderate temperatures. Thunderstorms can occur in the afternoon or at night but are relatively rare. The mosquitoes will have died off by August.
We will be camping in tents and cooking our own food. You will be responsible for bringing food that suits you best — be sure to calculate how much you will need (more is better). We will have a communal camp stove, pots and pans, and water filter. Nearby Bear Creek provides welcome bathing at the end of the day. If we camp near the guard station we will have an outhouse to use. Otherwise, it is just the woods.
The walk to the base camp will be moderately strenuous along a well-maintained trail. The trail work will be strenuous and increasingly so as our work progresses further up the trails. Nevertheless, you won’t be expected to work beyond your comfort level. Crew size will be no more than 12.
Communication with the outside world is limited to a Forest Service radio that may or not receive reception in our locations. The crew leader is trained in emergency first aid and others on the crew may also have such training. Ground-based search and rescue teams in the area are quite good.
The focus of this trip will be to work safely, enjoy the beauty of this wilderness and social interactions with team members, and give back to the maintenance of trails sorely needing attention.
Crew Leader: Chip Andrus
Hike Distance: 5.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 900 feet
Hike Difficulty: Moderate
Work Difficulty: Hard
Work Description: Maintaining trail in rugged terrain.
Keywords: Eagle Cap Wilderness, trail maintenance, Goat Creek trail, multi-day.
August 3 at 1:00 pm
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tko-eagle-cap-multi-day-trail-party-goat-creek-registration-62017168019
Bear Creek Trailhead
Wallowa-Whitman National Forest
Wallowa, OR 97885 United States + Google Map
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0006.json.gz/line1736599
|
__label__wiki
| 0.709356
| 0.709356
|
IOW festival boss made island ambassador
The Isle of Wight Festival boss, John Giddings, has become the latest ambassador for the island.
Mr Giddings, who revived the popular music festival in 2002, was the latest figure to be appointed as an island ambassador by tourism marketing body Visit Isle of Wight.
He will join other well-known island figures, such as Bestival curator Rob da Bank, eco-clothing brand Rapanui creator Rob Drake-Knight and Level 42 singer and bassist Mark King.
As an ambassador, Giddings will help promote Isle of Wight holidays both at home and abroad. Those behind Visit Isle of Wight are hoping to make the island a top European destination over the next five years.
Talking about his appointment, Mr Giddings told iwcp.co.uk: “I’m very excited to be named as an ambassador and I am looking forward to being part of the team who get to showcase to the world just how great the Island is.”
He added: “Since bringing back the festival, tourism has played a huge part in making our event what it is today and I’m proud to be able to continue hosting world class performances at such a unique and beautiful location.”
This year’s Isle of Wight festival will feature acts such as the Happy Mondays, Ellie Goulding and Example, according to isleofwightfestival.com. The festival will take place from June 13-16th at the Island’s Seaclose Park.
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0006.json.gz/line1736600
|
__label__cc
| 0.516369
| 0.483631
|
Salam Al Amir
Four children drown in Abu Dhabi farm accident
They were found in a water basin used for fish farming
Four children drowned in a farm’s water basin in the Al Bahia area of Abu Dhabi on the third day of Eid Al Adha, police said.
Al Rahba police station received a report of the incident and dispatched rescue teams which retrieved the bodies of the four children, an Emirati aged 12, two brothers aged 10 and 11, and a fourth child aged 12, all three Arab nationals.
According to a police statement, patrols and paramedics were sent to the scene with attempts made to resuscitate the children, but they died on the way to hospital.
The water basin was being used for fish farming and is 30 metres long, 10 metres wide and 1.5 metres deep.
Abu Dhabi police urged parents to supervise their children at all times and make sure they were not left alone.
Updated: September 5, 2017 09:18 AM
Conjoined twins separated at leading London children's hospital
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0006.json.gz/line1736601
|
__label__wiki
| 0.598363
| 0.598363
|
Mahler & The Feminine Ideal
Sunday at 2 PM
Part of the series Sight & Sound
Mahler’s Kindertotenlieder and the artwork of Klimt, Schiele, and Picasso
In the hit series Sight & Sound, conductor and music historian Leon Botstein explores the parallels between orchestral music and the visual arts. A discussion is accompanied by musical excerpts and on-screen artworks, then a full performance and audience Q&A.
In the early 1900s, artists across all genres were obsessed with the image of the feminine, depicting women as elevated aspirations for redemption and as objects of lust. Mahler was no exception. Kindertotenlieder evokes the composer’s complicated relationship with the idealization of the family and the reality of his life with his infamous wife, Alma.
Presented in conjunction with the exhibition Obsession: Nudes by Klimt, Schiele, and Picasso from the Scofield Thayer Collection, on view at The Met Breuer through October 7, 2018.
The Music: Mahler’s Kindertotenlieder
The Artwork: Works by Klimt, Schiele, and Picasso
Leon Botstein conductor
Michael Anthony McGee baritone
Grace Rainey Rogers Auditorium
Program Detail
Conductor and music historian Leon Botstein discusses the parallels between Mahler’s Kindertotenlieder and the artwork of Klimt, Schiele, and Picasso, accompanied by musical excerpts performed by The Orchestra Now and on-screen artworks.
Full performance
Gustav Mahler Kindertotenlieder
Michael Anthony McGee, baritone
Audience Q&A
All timings are approximate.
Sample the Music
Image: Egon Schiele (Austrian, Tulln 1890–1918 Vienna). Standing Nude with Orange Drapery (detail), 1914. Watercolor, gouache and graphite on paper, 18 3/8 in. × 12 in. (46.7 × 30.5 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Bequest of Scofield Thayer, 1982 (1984.433.315ab)
Strauss' "Don Quixote"
The Met Museum
3-Concert Series
Oct 27 Tickets
https://www.theorchestranow.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/SS1-web-crop.jpg 1050 1260 Brian Heck http://theorchestranow.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/TON-Logo-300x107.png Brian Heck2019-05-22 10:28:322019-06-11 16:20:08Strauss' "Don Quixote"
The Avant-Garde in Paris
Dec 8 Tickets
https://www.theorchestranow.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/SS2-web-crop.jpg 835 1002 Brian Heck http://theorchestranow.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/TON-Logo-300x107.png Brian Heck2019-05-22 10:25:142019-06-11 16:19:17The Avant-Garde in Paris
Haydn's "The Clock"
Feb 23 Tickets
https://www.theorchestranow.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/SS3-web-crop.jpg 1050 1260 Brian Heck http://theorchestranow.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/TON-Logo-300x107.png Brian Heck2019-05-20 17:27:372019-06-11 16:26:05Haydn's "The Clock"
Brahms & England Un Vide dans le Ciel
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0006.json.gz/line1736602
|
__label__wiki
| 0.649184
| 0.649184
|
30 day money-back guarantee. Only one coupon code per order can be used. Flat rate shipping on all domestic orders.
KRISTIN ANDERSON
Kristin Anderson is a Pilates instructor and is the co-founder of Engine Fitness, and co-creator of the Pilates Wheel. She’s been featured in People, ESPNU, Fox, Health Key, MomTV, and Modern Mom as a regular contributor, as well as other shows and publications.
Kristin specializes in total wellness and longevity. She has worked with many athletes and, actors alike to specifically help them develop a long term approach to health and career longevity.
Watch some of Kristin's videos on our YouTube channel.
GREGORY LOUIS
A native of Buffalo, NY, Gregory is a classically-trained Pilates instructor who first came to the practice after years of organized sports left him with multiple injuries and the need for a major shift in his relationship to physical activity. Pilates taught him to take control of his body and thereby heal himself through a new understanding of movement. Recognizing such a discovery was too powerful to keep to himself, he decided to share what he had found with others and became certified to teach. After more than twelve years in Los Angeles, he recently moved back to the East Coast and currently lives in Sag Harbor, NY. Beyond his work in movement, Gregory dedicates his time to writing.
Watch some of Gregory's videos on our YouTube channel.
KIMMY FITZGERALD
Kimmy Fitzgerald has been a fitness educator and trainer in Los Angeles and Beverly Hills for over twenty years. She brings together a deep understanding of kinesthesiology and a naturally positive disposition to inspire clients to meet their goals. Seven years ago she was introduced to Pilates and it has become her passion; you can often her hear around the gym saying “I believe everyone should do Pilates.” She has been a part of the Pilates Wheel from the beginning, working with the product in the trenches, learning about its value directly from clients, and integrating the lessons into the company’s strategy. Kimmy grew up in Canada, and was an accomplished athlete in downhill skiing, volleyball and track and field.
Watch some of Kimmy's videos on our YouTube channel.
DANA HANLON
Hailing from Martha’s Vineyard, MA, Dana is a certified Pilates Instructor in Los Angeles. After working as a personal trainer for many years, Dana suffered a hamstring injury. Her search for the safest workout to build strength, flexibility and mobility led her straight to Pilates and she has never looked back. Dana loves sharing the benefits of a dedicated Pilates practice with her clients, and even her 8 year old daughter:-)
Watch some of Dana's videos on our YouTube channel.
AVA COMISSIONG
Ava Comissiong hails from Miami, Florida, where she trained in ballet and went on to study with Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre in New York. Shortly after moving to Los Angeles, she booked a world tour with Latin pop star Chayanne, and has danced in several TV shows and films. Due to an ankle injury, she was forced to take a hiatus from dance and found her love of Pilates as part of her recovery process.
Watch some of Ava's videos on our YouTube channel.
Subscribe to get special offers and once-in-a-lifetime deals.
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0006.json.gz/line1736603
|
__label__cc
| 0.686474
| 0.313526
|
Home Blogs Celeb Spotter Guide for Cheltenham Festival visitors
Celeb Spotter Guide for Cheltenham Festival visitors
Considering that the Cheltenham Festival is one of the biggest horse racing events of the year, it should not be surprising that celebrities are amongst the thousands for visitors that attend over the four days. It’s also at the Cheltenham Festival where thousands of horse racing bets are made, especially on the Betfair horse racing betting site. Over the years there have been multiple celebrities who have visited Cheltenham, cheering on the horses that they own and seeing if any of the tips for Cheltenham they have placed bets on can win them some extra cash.
Legendary football manager Sir Alex Ferguson is a frequent visitor to horse racing events, and Cheltenham is no exception. ‘Fergie’ has been a regular attendee over the years and has even entered his own horses in an attempt to win a race at the Festival. It’s expected that Clan Des Obeaux, part owned by Sir Alex, will be competing in the Gold Cup on the final day of the Festival.
Sir Alex Ferguson arriving at the Cheltenham Festival (mirror.co.uk)
Members of the royal family are also fans of horse racing, owning multiple horses and regularly attending major horse racing festivals. Although the Queen visits the Royal Ascot festival every year, she very rarely makes an appearance at Cheltenham, but other members of the family visit instead. One such royal, r that has been confirmed to be attending The Cheltenham Festival, is the HRH The Duchess of Cornwall. The Duchess will be attending the Festival on Ladies Day as a guest, and will present the trophies to the winning owner, joker jockey and trainer of The Queen Mother Champion Chase. Although not confirmed, Zara Tindall has been a regularly attendee at Cheltenham over the years and will probably visit again this year.
Another celebrity who might be visiting the Festival during one of the four days is Michael Owen. The former football player has been heavily involved in horse racing since 2007 and owns a few successful race horses. A couple of his horses have won at Royal Ascot (2011) and the Dubai Gold Cup (2015), so he will be hoping that one of them can add a Gold Cup win to his ‘collection’ at this year’s Cheltenham Festival.
Other celebrities who have attended the Festival in the past are James Nesbitt and Eddie Jordan. These celebrities haven’t confirmed if they will be attending the Festival, but they have all visited it in the past. James Nesbitt currently owns the race horse ’Riverside Theatre’ and will likely be at the Festival to cheer on his horse. Eddie Jordan doesn’t currently own a horse, but will watching as a keen spectator
Despite a bunch of celebrities being expected to attend the Festival this year, you’ll still need to know where to look if a certain celebrity is likely to turn up.
Visit the Club enclosure
The Club Enclosure is the most exclusive enclosure at the racecourse. With the best views, refreshment offerings and access to all facilities within the Tattersalls stand, your best bet to spot a celebrity will be here. It is likely that celebrities will have their own private boxes, so you’ll have to be looking carefully to spot one.
Visit the Festival on Gold Cup day
There’s no doubt that the Cheltenham Gold Cup is one of the biggest races of the Festival. In terms of iconic and prestigious jump racing events the Gold Cup is one of the best, along with the Grand National. Every day at Cheltenham is highly competitive, but Friday’s Gold Cup race is where the best horses compete against each other. Last year’s race was very competitive with Sizing John eventually coming out on top (watch) who unfortunately has been a late withdrawal from this year’s race due to injury. Considering that celebrities own some of the best and finest horses around, it is likely that they will be at the racecourse cheering on their own horses.
Go to the live entertainment after the races
If you’re unable to make it into the Club enclosure, then you’ll want to go to watch the live entertainment after the racing. It’s fairly unlikely that you will meet a celebrity in person, but there could be someone performing on stage that you recognise. These live entertainment shows are usually performed by ‘cover’ bands, but there might be someone on stage or in the crowd that you recognise.
Research the horses
As mentioned earlier, many celebrities have brought their own horses to compete at events like this. Although primarily a hobby for the majority of celebrities, races and events like this gives them the chance to pocket some extra money. If you’re looking to spot a certain celebrity during the four day event then keep an eye out on what horses they own and what day they are expected to race. If the owner is passionate about horse racing, then there is a good chance they will show up and cheer on their horse.
Previous articleTPH TV Review: Horse Power – The Road to the Maclay
Next articleDebbie Stephens and Cairo B Take Turf Tour Grand Prix, Citrin Clinches Both Friday Night Lights Classics
Estelle Kraft
I Didn’t Even Own A Saddle
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0006.json.gz/line1736604
|
__label__wiki
| 0.916774
| 0.916774
|
Home Sport Soccer Premier Soccer League
Moses Mabhida Stadium violence: Three more arrests made
More arrests are expected to be made.
by Siviwe Breakfast
in Premier Soccer League, Soccer, Sport
DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA - APRIL 21:ICrowd violence during the Nedbank Cup Semi Final match between Kaizer Chiefs and Free State Stars at Moses Mabhida Stadium on April 21, 2018 in Durban, South Africa. (Photo by Anesh Debiky/Gallo Images)
Police have made more arrests following the public violence that erupted after the Nedbank Cup semifinal between Kaizer Chiefs and Free State Stars at Moses Mabhida last month.
The Soweto giants crashed out of the tournament after losing 2-0 to the less fancied Stars side, resulting in scores of supporters chasing the players off the pitch, before thrashing and looting broadcast equipment, while others clashed with security personnel.
Around 20 people were injured, with one guard beaten unconscious by an angry mob in the full gaze of the cameras.
Two arrests were made on Sunday 22 April, the day after the pitch invasion took place and, according to Eyewitness News, three more men have been arrested.
Kaizer Chiefs considering swoop for left back Yagan Sasman
Springboks backline coach believes Herschel Jantjies can step up
Tour de France 2019 – Stage 11: Profile, prediction, crashes, standings, time and TV
Tunisia vs Nigeria: Prediction, head-to-head, scores, time and TV stream
“Three suspects have been arrested in connection with what occurred at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in April. The suspects will appear at the Durban Magistrate’s Court on 2 May on charges of public violence,” police spokesperson Jay Naicker said.
“One suspect handed himself over to the police when he heard they were looking for him. The second suspect was arrested in Bizana, Eastern Cape.”
Last week Durban mayor, Zandile Gumede revealed on eNCA that the total damage to the stadium was estimated to amount to a sum of R2.6 million.
“The total estimate is R2.6 million. Claims are being initiated against the relevant existing insurance covers and the administrative processes are underway,” she said.
The scenes at Moses Mabhida were reminiscent of those instigated by Orlando Pirates fans, following a record 6-0 defeat at the hands of Mamelodi Sundowns at Loftus in February last year.
It was also not the first time this season that Chiefs have come under fire for unruly crowd behaviour, as the club was recently fined R200 000 after angry fans threw missiles in the direction of former coach Steve Komphela, following a shock 3-0 defeat to Chippa United at FNB Stadium last month.
The club has been charged with bringing the league into disrepute as well as misconduct and will now appear before the league’s disciplinary committee on Thursday, 3 May.
Tags: Moses Mabhida stadiumNedbank Cup
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0006.json.gz/line1736605
|
__label__cc
| 0.692231
| 0.307769
|
← Come Meet Jack Spirko at Liberty Forum 2018
Episode-2121- Time to Start Planning for the 2018 Spring Garden →
Episode-2120- Andy Fancher on WWII Heroes and their Stories
The Survival Podcast Posted on November 28, 2017 by Modern Survival November 28, 2017
Episode-2120- Andy Fancher on WWII Heroes and their Stories [ 1:05:06 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download
Andy Fancher is a Dallas based photographer and videographer. At age sixteen, he started a historical documentary series designated “Andy Fancher Presents,” and began interviewing WWII veterans to spotlight.
Today, Andy is eighteen, and has interviewed fifty-seven WWII veterans and counting. Andy’s mission is a time-sensitive one, but he nonetheless enjoys capturing and preserving the stories of our greatest generation.
He joins us today to discuss how he got interested in WWII, why he began his project of interviewing WWII veterans and what he has learned by the experience.
The Year 73
TspAz.com – Support TSP When You Shop Online
The Granddaddy’s Gun Club
AndyFancher.com – Andy’s YouTube Channel
Andy on Facebook
Support Andy’s Work at Patreon
Crazy Train – Ozzy Ozborne
Ready Made Resources
Posted in Podcasts Tagged veterans permalink
Episode-2120- Andy Fancher on WWII Heroes and their Stories — 14 Comments
John on November 28, 2017 at 5:21 pm said:
One of my favorite episodes ever. Your guest and his mission, your business advice for him and Crazy Train to top it off. Off the rails man.
You just seemed to be in a really good mood too. Cheers man!
Grog on November 28, 2017 at 9:24 pm said:
Hot D@mm, what a great show!
Nice tips for business for him as well.
Nice to see there is hope and what a great way to inspire others on Getting S’ done.
Thanks for all you do, and keep on.
Jason Elliott on November 28, 2017 at 11:58 pm said:
620,000 WW2 veterans still alive as of 2016, I’m guessing we are close to 500,000 now.
Joe on November 29, 2017 at 11:29 am said:
Episodes still not updating on stitcher. Last episode available on stitcher is the thanksgiving special.
Modern Survival on November 29, 2017 at 12:02 pm said:
My hands are tied on this, there is no way for me to do anything about it, all other services are updating fine. It isn’t anything on my end.
Have you tried our android or iphone apps?
Joe on November 29, 2017 at 2:02 pm said:
That’s odd. Are they trying to exploit content creators to promote their stitcher premium Service? Your podcast seems to be the only one that isn’t updating (out of 20 or so i listen regularly).
I’ll check it out. Thanks.
Mike on November 29, 2017 at 11:30 am said:
Great interview! Very sharp young man.
This entire episode made me think of my father and the 34 missions he flew over Germany in a B-17. His generation of men and women (don’t forget the what the people at home gave up to support the war effort) made many sacrifices.
About 4 years ago my Father ask me if I would go on a Honor Flight (https://www.honorflight.org/) with him. It was an outstanding experience for both him and me. He talked with me more about what his experiences in WW II than he ever had before.
I believe that the discussion about why WW II vets did not seem to suffer the same PTSD impacts as in subsequent wars is spot on. In my fathers case, he was in England when the war ended. I believe that he said that his squadron had to wait 6 to 8 weeks before they departed on a ship from England to the US mainland. The trip across the ocean took about 2 weeks. He was then given a train ticket to get from the east coast back to Tulsa, Oklahoma. I ask him about ticker tape parades and honor parades. He said that participation in ticker take parades was actually limited to a very small group compared to the number of people that served. He also said that the only thing he really wanted to do when he got back, “was to get home”. His B17 flight crew continued to have reunions and keep in touch with each other up until just recently when there were not enough of them left to have a reunion.
I wish that Andy Fancher or someone like him would have been around to record some of my fathers experiences before it was too late. While it is to late to record my fathers experiences, it is not too late for the remaining vets that served in WW II. But the clock is ticking WW II vets are passing on at an average rate of 362 per day (https://www.nationalww2museum.org/war/wwii-veteran-statistics). It would be really great if the TSP community would get behind Andy and support his efforts to record these vet stories.
Nick in Mongolia on November 30, 2017 at 8:45 pm said:
I remember as a kid asking my dad questions about his time in Vietnam, but he was usually brief and did not say much about it. Came to find out much later he saw some extremely horrendous things, stuff he is still dealing with now. My grandfather didn’t talk much about his time in WWII either. I think in some ways it is/was harder for them to talk about those things with family, especially their children or grandchildren, than it is with someone who’s a relative stranger and doesn’t already have a relationship with said veteran. I’m glad Andy is doing this, both for the sake of history and for any catharsis that the interviews might give the veterans.
Linda on November 30, 2017 at 11:48 pm said:
Wonderful episode, and for me especially timely. I’m helping to coordinate a community show of WWII memories at our little local museum: the whole gamut, not only overseas service and home life but also Civil Defense, German POWs who worked on local farms, civilian war workers, etc. It is amazing what is coming out of attics and the stories that go with these treasures.
I think it is correct that the time it took to return played a role in readjustment. The outstanding movie of 1946 “The Best Years of Our Lives” is about that readjustment. It is fantastic; very, very moving, at times funny, sometimes heart-wrenching, a terrific movie.
Donald on December 1, 2017 at 8:30 pm said:
One of the best episodes ever. Andy should look to local or the state war memorials to see if there can be some collaborative promotion. A friend did “Virginians at War” series of interviews with WWII vets for the Va. War Memorial about 10 years ago. It is still used in the state public school curriculum.
Regarding PTSD from WWII – I think part of the reason it wasn’t a “thing” is that when they got home, there were so many of them that they just HAD to go to work and get on with living. If they hadn’t, the nation would have collapsed back into a depression. I don’t know if people today realize just how many served in WWII. Many of the WWII vets I knew or in my family never spoke of the war. But they were functional alcoholics. They came home from work every night and drank 3,4, 6… beers, scotches, or a bottle of wine. Anything to let them sleep I believe.
NotoriousAPP on December 2, 2017 at 4:59 pm said:
Andy keeps referring to himself as a kid, sounds like a man to me. Nice work Andy, I’m looking forward to watching through all your interviews. The oldest WWII vet (Richard Overton) is down here in Austin, let me know if you come down to interview him, I’ll show you around town if you’re up to it.
Did we break the http://www.andyfancher.com website? I keep getting a ” connection attempt was refused” error.
Also, if you’re asking for your audience’s input on what you could work on next, I would love to hear stories from the Korean war. This is one that I don’t know much about but would love to hear more from those that fought.
…one more note, if you make it down to Austin I’m happy to take you to the range to shoot a Garand and/or M1 Carbine if you’d like.
Paul Stevens on December 3, 2017 at 4:13 pm said:
Incredible young man. As soon as I got out of the car after listening to this interview I shared his Facebook page on my FB page. FB loves sharing from other FB pages so it should get out to a good number of my friends sites.
I also challenged any young Canadians to take on a similar task. I suggested one YouTube channel for their stories and asked for volunteers from numerous communities to consider aggregating their videos on the one channel.
Of course, a single individual doesn’t benefit as much if they are strictly a contributor to a single channel. We’ll see what happens.
Alex Montes on December 4, 2017 at 8:49 pm said:
Very good interview. It reminds me of a book I read called Last of the Doughboys. A guy interviews WW1 vets who are like a hundred at the time. A good supplement to this interview. Also very informative about that time in history.
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0006.json.gz/line1736606
|
__label__wiki
| 0.810914
| 0.810914
|
https://www.thetelegraph.com/news/article/Fathers-8217-rights-advocates-trying-again-for-13618808.php
Fathers’ rights advocates trying again for ‘equal parenting time’ legislation
Peter Hancock Capitol News Illinois, phancock@capitolnewsillinois.com
Updated 12:57 am CST, Friday, February 15, 2019
Supporters of a bill to provide equal parenting time for divorcing couples include (from left) psychologist James Bedell, Illinois Fathers for Equality President Chad Loudermilk, state Rep. La Shawn Ford (D-Chicago), and American Coalition for Fathers and Children Executive Director Michael McCormick. They spoke during a House subcommittee hearing Thursday in Springfield.
Supporters of a bill to provide equal parenting time for divorcing couples include (from left) psychologist James Bedell, Illinois Fathers for Equality President Chad Loudermilk, state Rep. La Shawn Ford
Capitol News Illinois Photo By Peter Hancock
SPRINGFIELD – Fathers’ rights advocates are making another attempt this year to push for a change in Illinois family law that sparked immense controversy in 2018, “equal parenting time” legislation.
Rep. La Shawn Ford (D-Chicago) is the lead sponsor of a bill that would create a “rebuttable presumption” in divorce cases that both parties should be given equal parenting time with any children of that marriage.
It would also require that when judges in divorce cases deviate from the standard, they explain in writing why they decided one parent should have more time with the children than the other.
That would be a sharp departure from the current legal standard in Illinois, which allows judges wide discretion to assign custody and parenting time in a way that reflects the “best interests of the child.”
But James Bedell, a psychologist who practices in suburban Chicago and a proponent of the bill, said the “best interests of the child” standard is vague and flawed, and that equal parenting time actually is in the best interests of children.
“Children have a fundamental bonding attachment to each parent,” he said. “They establish that in the course of the marriage. They establish that in the course of both parents (having) fundamental and equal involvement with the child. And when divorce occurs, there is no necessary reason why a child who has equal access to both parents should suddenly not have equal access to both parents.”
A similar bill was introduced in the 2018 session but failed to make it through the House process. Rep. Ann Williams (D-Chicago), who chairs the subcommittee handling the bill, opened Thursday’s hearing by recalling the intense debate last year when, she said, supporters of the measure, “engaged in inappropriate and unprofessional behavior,” including bullying, threats and harassment of those who opposed it.
“One of the individuals who testified had photos of his children posted online on the pages of organizations supporting the bill,” she said. “Another attorney was attacked online and had to shut down his Twitter account. … Several individuals who took a public position against the bill received ongoing threats via phone calls to the point that law enforcement was called.”
Ford also recalled that when those events happened, he and other supporters of the bill had a news conference to say they did not condone such behavior. But he insisted that supporters of the change also deserve to be heard.
“This is a very contentious bill and it deserves to have a real discussion,” he said.
While individuals on both sides indicated they hope the tone of this year’s debate will be more civil, opponents of the measure indicated they still have reservations about changing the standard on parenting time.
“It is essential that the well-being of children in custody proceedings remain focused on a child’s best interests and not on a number,” said Danielle Gomez, an attorney with the Cook County Public Guardian, an agency that represents children in highly-contested custody cases.
In particular, Gomez said, children of divorced parents would be adversely affected the most by any change.
“They are the ones who will be exposed to additional conflict if they are shuttled back and forth between their parents’ homes,” she said. “Children are keenly aware of the discord among their parents, no matter what our best attempts are to alleviate that. They know what’s going on, and they perceive that.”
The subcommittee took no action on the bill Thursday. Ford said he intends to continue working on details of the plan in hopes of crafting a bill that can pass the full House.
“We are here to get it right and do what’s in the best interests of the state,” he said. “I’m just hoping that the members of this committee will have an open mind, because I don’t know if we have a perfect law on the book today, and so what this bill tries to do is make it more perfect.”
According to information on the General Assembly’s website, as of Thursday more than 2,500 individuals had signed up as supporters of the measure, while more than 3,300 have signed up as opponents.
The legislation is House Bill 185.
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0006.json.gz/line1736607
|
__label__cc
| 0.721531
| 0.278469
|
A XC-Skiing Gem For
Two and Four Legged Friends
Noelle Short
There aren't many places that have groomed cross-country ski trails, not to mention ones that are free, extremely well cared for, dog friendly, and best of all, only a short drive from the center of town. The Tupper Lake Groomed Cross-Country Ski Center offers a network of trails with all of those features and more. The trails are set on the golf course's upper nine fairways and extend into the wilderness beyond the course, all offering their own unique setting and views.
This little slice of natural heaven is just what John Gillis, one of the Center's volunteer caretakers, aptly noted: "It's a little part of the picture of what Tupper Lake is." He was referring to the work of community members, who came up with an idea, pulled together the resources needed, made it happen, and have stuck with it to make it even better, all in the name of pitching in to offer more outdoor opportunities in Tupper Lake.
Over the past five years since the trails have taken shape I've skied on them a lot, and regardless of the conditions -- bluebird skies or bitter cold or pitch black by headlamp -- I've always pulled out of the parking lot happy. There's such a mixture of terrain that depending on what you're up for, whether it's a 20-minute cruise just to get fresh air or a couple hours spent surrounded by trees and not much else, you can get all of that, and everything in between, on these trails.
First tracks
On Martin Luther King Day, I took my two dogs, Jack and Gilly, with me and we headed out for our first ski on the trails this season. It was mid-afternoon when we arrived, and since it was a holiday I wasn't surprised to see that the parking lot was full. Between the ski trails and the sliding hill on the 10th hole, there are always folks who are out enjoying the day. Side note: The crew that maintains the ski trails also grooms the sliding hill, including a path that makes the trek back up to the hill's peak a little easier on the legs, and a section for sliding, which makes getting to the bottom fast and fun.
With two exuberant pups egging me toward the trailhead, I took a minute to sign in at the box located near the Pro Shop. It's neat to see all the names of people who've been out to enjoy the trails as of late, and it also helps the trail crew take note of how many people are taking advantage of the trails. This bit of information is especially helpful when they present their work to the village and town boards, both of which have been very supportive of their work. So in short, if you like to ski free please take the time to sign in, as it helps justify keeping the place up and running at no charge to the skier.
Once my name was in the book, I followed Jack and Gilly down the trail created last season that runs parallel to the 9th fairway. Even though I could hear hooting and hollering from the sliding hill, I felt like I was in a winter wonderland all of my own. The trail is wonderfully wide, and the trees surround it in a way that makes you feel like you're deep in the woods. There's a lot of volunteer effort that went into making this trail, from the surveying, clearing, and excavating to the bridge building, and all that work has definitely paid off. While you're on this section of the trails, definitely take the time to look around and take it all in.
Since this was my first time out this year, it was my first chance at checking out the new extension of the wooded trail, which has been nicknamed The Creekside. This new path follows the outlet of Cranberry Pond and purposely extends the option to ski in the woods, while also offering a shortcut to the fire pit, where the festivities for the Full Moon Ski parties and Skiing with the Stars events take place.
The dogs and I decided to take The Creekside, and then ventured further into the woods on the Cranberry Pond and Little Logger loop trails. This extension of trails definitely gives you a backcountry experience without having to go very far out of your way. There are some really beautiful vistas, including a clearing that lets awesome lighting in as the sun is making its way down, as well as several opportunities to ski right up to Cranberry Pond and enjoy a clear view of Big Tupper.
We stuck to the Cranberry Pond Loop and I found that conditions were great. I mostly stayed in the set tracks, but occasionally veered out of them to enjoy some untouched snow. Jack and Gilly had a ball racing down the trail or bounding off into the woods to check out the off-the-beaten path sights and smells.
On our return trip, I decided to take the Golf Course Loop, which brought us by the fire pit and the edge of Cranberry Pond and back out onto the golf course. The dogs had a blast in the wide-open space, and although there is less protection from the trees on this section compared to the wooded areas, the trail is situated on the edge so there is some shelter from the wind. The harshest section on a windy day can be the final stretch to the Pro Shop, but there are some hills leading into it and it's a nice flat stretch, so you can really turn on the burners to get back to the car.
If it's your first time out on the trails, or you've only been a few times and want to mix it up, all of the routes are well marked with handmade trail markers. Additionally, there are numbered signposts with maps that give you a sense of the lay of the land.
I've known there was a core group of groomers -- Jim Frenette, Sr., John Gillis, John Quinn, and Eric "Shaky" Lanthier -- who volunteer their time to maintain the trails, but I never asked what sparked the idea for getting all of this up and running. So, as with a lot of local history that I've wondered about over the years, I called Mr. Frenette, because as John Gillis noted one of the reasons he enjoys working with his uncle so much, "He's like a walking almanac."
When asked how this all got started, Frenette said he was approached by Shawn Stuart to see if there was any way to get some cross-country ski trails up and running for the public. Using his background knowledge of trails that were maintained in the '70s, '80s, and '90s, and his desire to revamp this recreational option for community members, Frenette got to it. They began with two loops around holes 4-9 on the golf course, and received a grant through former Assemblywoman Janet Duprey to purchase grooming equipment, and piece-by-piece the trail operations began to take shape.
During the beginning stages, Frenette said he was trying to put the new equipment together and because of frigid temperatures, he needed a wrench to do what he needed to do. Luckily, Gillis lives down the road, so he went to his house to borrow one. After hearing about what his uncle was up to, Gillis wanted to check it out and see if he could help out, and as Frenette said, "Once he got a hold of it, it took off. He's a real mover, and it was his enthusiasm that allowed it to expand."
According to Gillis, helping out is a lot of fun, and all the people who pitch in are doing it because they want to. They split up the grooming and put in time when they can. Frenette noted that he and John Quinn share the morning shift since they are both retired, while Gillis and Lanthier take on the evening shifts. Both said that depending on the snowfall, grooming can be a fairly quick job or one that takes quite a bit of time.
Gillis reports that in addition to the dedicated crew of four, there are a lot of others who have made amazing contributions to make the public trails possible. He said the town and village have been very supportive, and businesses such as Kentile Excavating and Hammersong have donated time, work, and materials to establish the trails and to build equipment to maintain the trails. Additionally, Gillis said that people are always willing to pitch in, even on short notice, to clear brush, move snow, or do whatever needs to be done. He said it's really incredible to see it all come together and to see how much people are willing to help out.
If you'd like to make a donation to the Tupper Lake Groomed Cross-Country Ski Center, there are envelopes located in the sign-in box. All donations are deposited into the ski center's account and are used to purchase equipment and make trail improvements.
The trails are dog friendly, but please be sure to clean up after your furry friend. There is now a dog waste station at the sign-in box, so please take advantage of it.
Grab your skis and hit the trails this winter. The Tupper Lake Groomed Cross Country Ski Center is also a great place to snowshoe this winter. Plan to stay awhile and check out all of our great outdoor activities, then let us know what your favorites are!
snow shoeing also available?
Submitted by Mary Lou Leavitt (not verified) on Wed, 2015/02/04 - 5:30pm
Wondered whether snowshoeing is also available? Sounds great, but I don't x-c ski much any more..knee issues, but would love to snowshoe if I get up that way.
Thanks for all you are doing!
Hi, Mary Lou.
Submitted by Noelle Short on Thu, 2015/02/05 - 10:26pm
Yes, you are welcome to snowshoe on the trails. The only thing that the caretakers ask is that you snowshoe outside of the ski tracks, off to the side, so that the tracks remain intact.
Have fun out there!
Noelle Short is an English teacher, writer, photographer, and avid fan of any kind of adventure. She grew up in Tupper Lake, and after earning her BA at Hamilton College and her MA in English at...
More about author
Blue Jay Campsite An Adirondack Family Tradition
Dog Days of the Tupper Lake Triad
An ADK Badass Across the Seasons Anne Fleck
An ADK Badass with Speed Amy Farrell
From southern pup to 4-season ADK dog!
A Perfect Family Day in Tupper Lake
Submitted by guest blogger Ken Aaron I've been a parent long enough to have figured a few things about traveling with kids. (If you want to learn how to wreck a trip real quick, ask me about the...
Walk on the Wild Side Visit The Wild Center this Summer
Wildlife, up close; a singing forest; and a life-sized eagle's nest... The Wild Center is a 115-acre campus of outdoor trails and immersive indoor exhibits with hands-on learning for all ages. It...
Summer Family Bliss
Family summer vacations are one of the hallmarks of growing up: creating memories of new places and adventures shared. Tupper Lake is the perfect place for a family vacation, with plenty of...
Tupper Lake is Brewtiful Discover our craft beer scene!
Submitted by Guest Blogger: Eileen Mowrey Surrounded by sparkling lakes and picturesque mountains, you may be surprised to find a burgeoning craft beer scene in Tupper Lake. While the area...
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0006.json.gz/line1736609
|
__label__wiki
| 0.990528
| 0.990528
|
Brett Favre says no to a comeback with the Vikings
JON KRAWCZYNSKIAP Sports Writer
Brett Favre has handed the Minnesota Vikings one more loss.
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) � Brett Favre has handed the Minnesota Vikings one more loss.
The 39-year-old Favre called Vikings coach Brad Childress on Tuesday to tell the coach he won't be coming out of retirement to play for Minnesota.
"It was the hardest decision I've ever made," Favre told ESPN. "I didn't feel like physically I could play at a level that was acceptable. I would like to thank everyone, including the Packers, Jets and Vikings � but, most importantly, the fans."
The decision, which was first reported by the Star Tribune of Minneapolis, is a stunner for the Vikings after they openly courted Favre all summer. Adding him would have been viewed by many as the final piece for a team that already has star running back Adrian Peterson and a stingy veteran defense that returns nearly intact from last year's NFC North title season.
"It was a rare and unique opportunity to consider adding not only a future Hall of Fame quarterback but one that is very familiar with our system and division," Childress said in a prepared statement. "That does not detract from the team that we have."
Last year, Favre tearfully retired from the Green Bay Packers after 17 seasons in the NFL and three MVP awards � then made an about-face and was traded to the New York Jets. He retired again, had surgery in May to alleviate a torn biceps tendon and then flirted with the idea of coming back again with the Vikings, the Packers' NFC North rival.
"When I heard the news, I was probably as surprised and shocked as everybody else," linebacker Ben Leber told The Associated Press in a phone interview. "The writing on the wall was as long as his arm was healthy he was going to play. I thought it was just a contractual deal that was taking so long and I really expected him to be at camp."
Favre turns 40 in October and didn't think he had enough left to get through a full season.
"I had to be careful not to commit for the wrong reasons," Favre said. "They were telling me, 'You went through all this, you had the surgery and you've got to finish it off.' But I have legitimate reasons for my decision. I'm 39 with a lot of sacks to my name."
Now Childress has some damage control to do with Tarvaris Jackson and Sage Rosenfels, the two veterans who were expected to compete for the job before the latest Favre drama began.
Both were peppered with questions about Favre during the team's minicamps this summer and are suddenly back in the mix.
Jackson's agent, Joel Segal, said he spoke to his client shortly after the news broke.
"He was his usual cool, calm and collected self," Segal said. "He said, 'Great, let's get ready for camp.'"
Favre holds almost every NFL career passing record that matters, including touchdown passes (464), completions (5,720), yards passing (65,127), regular-season victories (169) and interceptions (310). Many thought he could help the Vikings land that elusive Super Bowl championship, even if he was reviled by fans here during his incredible run across the state line in Wisconsin.
Favre instead passed on a chance for revenge on GM Ted Thompson and the Packers, whom he felt gave up on him too soon when deciding to move forward last summer with quarterback Aaron Rodgers. He was sent instead to the Jets, where arm problems contributed to a 1-4 finish that kept them out of the playoffs.
Childress said Favre's decision does not temper the team's high expectations.
"As we have consistently communicated, we feel good about our team and they have put forth a tremendous effort this offseason preparing for the season ahead," he said. "With this behind us, we look forward to getting to Mankato and getting training camp under way."
Of course, this is Favre, which means there's always the chance that he will change his mind. Former teammate Matt Hasselbeck tweeted that "Brett has always been predictably unpredictable."
As far as Leber is concerned, however, the case is closed.
"In my mind this should be the end of it," he said. "To be respectful of the players that are involved and the team as a whole, you have to put an end to this and you can't let it linger on."
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0006.json.gz/line1736610
|
__label__wiki
| 0.553742
| 0.553742
|
More drilling planned at site of oil leak in Gulf
Alan Sayre, The Associated Press
Crews will begin drilling by Thursday as part of a $100 million effort to take the pressure off of a blown-out well that is spewing 42,000 gallons of crude oil a day into the Gulf of Mexico off the Louisiana coast, BP said Tuesday.
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Crews will begin drilling by Thursday as part of a $100 million effort to take the pressure off of a blown-out well that is spewing 42,000 gallons of crude oil a day into the Gulf of Mexico off the Louisiana coast, BP said Tuesday.
BP was leasing the Deepwater Horizon, the offshore oil rig that exploded last week, triggering the spill. Company spokesman Robert Wine said it will take up to three months to drill a relief well from another rig recently brought to the site where the Deepwater Horizon sank after the blast. Most of the 126 workers on board escaped; 11 are missing and presumed dead. No cause has been determined.
The oil is coming from a pipe rising from the seabed nearly a mile underwater. So far crews using robotic subs have been unable to activate a shutoff device at the head of the well. A kink in the pipe is keeping oil from flowing even more heavily.
If the well cannot be closed, almost 100,000 barrels of oil could spill into the Gulf before the relief well is operating. That's 4.2 million gallons. The worst oil spill in U.S. history was when the Exxon Valdez spilled 11 million gallons in Alaska's Prince William Sound in 1989.
BP said it will drill the relief well even if it is able to shut off the flow of oil.
Improving weather jump-started efforts Tuesday to contain the spill, which threatens to coat marine mammals and birds with oily slime and taint hundreds of miles of white-sand beaches and rich seafood grounds.
Louisiana-based BP spokesman Neil Chapman said 49 vessels — oil skimmers, tugboats, barges and special recovery boats that separate oil from water — are working to round up oil as the spill area continues to expand.
As of Tuesday morning, oil that leaked from the rig site was spread over an area about 48 miles long and 80 miles wide at its widest. The borders of the spill were uneven, making it difficult to calculate how many square miles are covered.
Though oil was not expected to reach the coast until late in the week, if at all, concern was growing about what will happen if it does.
In Gulfport, Miss., where white sand beaches are a tourist playground and dolphins, whales and even manatees are frequent visitors to Mississippi Sound, residents braced for the worst.
Louis Skremette, 54, operates the Ship Island Excursions company his grandfather started in 1926. He takes tourists to the barrier islands about 10 miles south of Gulfport in the Gulf Islands National Seashore. Its powder-white beaches and clear green water create an idyllic setting for sunning and observing marine birds and sea life.
He sees the advancing spill as a threat to everything important in his life.
"This is the worst possible thing that could happen to the Mississippi Gulf Coast," he said. "It will wipe out the oyster industry. Shrimping wouldn't recover for years. It would kill family tourism, that's our livelihood."
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0006.json.gz/line1736611
|
__label__cc
| 0.56315
| 0.43685
|
EDITORIAL: Our stance on candidates and Amendment 3
Robert Bentley is the better candidate for governor. His campaign slogan — 'Alabama needs a doctor' — is a little hokey, but it is on target. Bentley is smart and trustworthy.
If Alabama voters want a slick politician for governor, they won't find one in Bentley. The Tuscaloosa physician has eight years of experience as a legislator, but he has not been at the center of power in Montgomery. On the campaign trail, he has made some missteps.
He seems to have believed it was possible to accept support from the Alabama Education Association while not getting mixed up in the teacher union's vicious attacks on his opponent in the Republican primary. He unceremoniously dismissed much of his early campaign staff who helped him win a spot in the general election.
But, more importantly, Bentley has kept his focus on rebuilding Alabama's economy, creating jobs and moving the state forward.
Jim Folsom is our choice for lieutenant governor.
Two important duties remain in that office: presiding over the state Senate and filling in for the governor when needed. Folsom is prepared for both tasks.
Whether or not Republicans gain a majority in the Senate after this election, neither party will have a dominant position. Folsom has shown he can bring factions together.
Folsom also has shown skill with economic development, including helping to land the Mercedes-Benz plant in Tuscaloosa.
Voters have two good choices for attorney general; we prefer Luther Strange over James Anderson. Strange has a reputation for integrity and getting things done. There certainly is a lot to do with the attorney general's office in disarray. Troy King has had ethical lapses and destroyed relationships with district attorneys across the state.
As an attorney, Anderson represented the sheriff of Macon County who was sued by bingo operators claiming local rules favored Milton McGregor's VictoryLand. There is no hint that Anderson was involved in any corruption, but he might well have conflicts as a prosecutor in related cases.
The clear choice for the U.S. Senate is Richard Shelby.
We don't always agree with his positions, and we hope he soon relents on blocking President Obama's nominees such as Nobel-winning economist Peter Diamond for the Federal Reserve Board, but there is no disputing that Shelby has been a powerful advocate for this state.
Also on the state ballot are four amendments to the state constitution.
Amendment 3 is important. It would allow a portion of state's $2.9 billion trust fund, raised from payments from oil and gas companies, to be used for road and bridge construction across the state. The money, spread to every county, would create jobs and help rebuild our crumbling highways. We urge a vote of 'Yes' on Amendment 3.
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0006.json.gz/line1736612
|
__label__wiki
| 0.977489
| 0.977489
|
102 people arrested, many charged after Rage…
102 people arrested, many charged after Rage Against the Machine concert in Minneapolis
A police officer uses his bike to push back a group of protesters who marched through downtown Minneapolis after a Rage Against the Machine concert during the Republican National Convention in MInneapolis, Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2008.
A police officer uses his bike to push back a group of protesters who marched through downtown Minneapolis after a Rage Against the Machine concert during the Republican National Convention in MInneapolis, Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2008. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Police officers watch over two people who were detained after a Rage Against the Machine concert at the Republican National Convention in MInneapolis, Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2008. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
A group of protesters who marched through downtown Minneapolis after a Rage Against the Machine concert sit on a street corner during a protest at the Republican National Convention in MInneapolis, Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2008. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
A group of protesters march through downtown Minneapolis after a Rage Against the Machine concert during the Republican National Convention in MInneapolis, Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2008. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
A group of men and women chant and yell outside of the Target Center after a Rage Against the Machine concert during the Republican National Convention in MInneapolis, Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2008. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Police watch over a crowd as they leave the Target Center after a Rage Against the Machine concert during the Republican National Convention in Minneapolis, Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2008. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
By Pioneer Press | news@pioneerpress.com
PUBLISHED: September 3, 2008 at 11:01 pm | UPDATED: November 13, 2015 at 5:28 am
Police arrested 102 people in downtown Minneapolis early this morning as they marched through the streets after a much-anticipated Rage Against the Machine concert.
One hundred of those arrested were for a variety of misdemeanors and two for gross misdemeanors, according to the Joint Information Center. Out of the 100, 87 people were brought in, tagged and released. Thirteen were booked and released. Two people are still in custody.
The great majority of those arrested were given citations and released today, with court dates later this month and next month.
The two who are being held on “probable cause” haven’t been formally charged and no court dates have been set.
It began when a group of about 200 people began slowly marching from the Target Center on First Avenue, where the concert ended about 10:30 p.m., chanting slogans about democracy and “taking the streets.”
The Target Center had been surrounded by dozens of police in full riot gear, anticipating trouble following clashes with protesters in St. Paul on prior days during the Republican National Convention.
As the group walked southeast down Seventh Street, police began tapping the ankles of stragglers, telling them to get off the street and onto the sidewalk. At one point, a group of officers in a six-wheeled all-terrain vehicle fired two rounds from what appeared to be either a beanbag or pellet gun.
Several people who were at the concert said they also saw police use pepper spray on individuals walking from the concert.
By the time the marchers reached Seventh Street and 2nd Avenue South, they were down to about 75 people. The group stopped and started cheering, before a few called out “let’s keep on taking the streets.”
Some of the crowd dispersed as more police arrived on bikes and horses. Just after midnight, police circled the group, ordered them to the ground and cuffed them.
“We are free citizens of America, and we are here because we love our country,” said a girl who was leading the crowd, who refused to give her name.
“We were at the Rage concert, and they are taking it of context. We were just marching,” said Dan Rarick of Hutchinson, immediately before the arrests. Rarick said he was a U.S. Marine veteran who served in Iraq.
“They’re taking it a little to the extreme,” added his friend, Joe Tschumperlin of Shakopee, also a Marine veteran. Seconds later, the arrests began.
Minneapolis police chief Tim Dolan, who was on the streets monitoring the situation, said “I’m surprised it wasn’t a little worse based on the last few days in St. Paul.”
He estimated about 30 people were arrested for blocking traffic.
David Hanners, Frederick Melo, John Brewer, Mara H. Gottfried , Tad Vezner and Rachel Drewelow contributed to this story.
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0006.json.gz/line1736613
|
__label__wiki
| 0.954065
| 0.954065
|
How BBC’s Princess Diana Drama Will Shed New Light on Her Legacy
Prince Charles Reportedly Never Gave Princess Diana Flowers
Prince William Says He’d Be “Obviously Absolutely Fine” If Any of His Kids Were Gay
Prince William Surprises a Princess Diana Vigil at Kensington Palace
Erin Vanderhoof
Prince William Opens Up About the Effects of Princess Diana’s Death
“I would love her to have met Catherine,” he said in a new GQ interview.
By Getty Images/Tim Graham.
As the 20th anniversary of Princess Diana’s unexpected death approaches, her two sons, Prince Harry and Prince William, have begun to publicly unpack the effect it had on their lives. Last month, Harry, who was 12 at the time of the accident, revealed that he used therapy to help process it. In a new profile in British GQ, William, who was 15, shared the details of his own emotional turmoil following his mother’s death—and the sadness he still carries.
“I would like to have had her advice,” he told the magazine. “I would love her to have met Catherine and to have seen the children grow up. It makes me sad that she won’t, that they will never know her.”
Though Kate Middleton never met her mother-in-law, William brought Diana’s memory into the couple’s 2011 wedding. At the time, Telegraph columnist Allison Pearson called the nuptials “the fruit of another great love: that of a mother for her son.” Prince William was sure to incorporate memories of Diana throughout the festivities: he famously gave Kate his mother’s diamond-and-sapphire engagement ring as a way to commemorate her on his wedding day.
“It was my way to make sure my mother did not miss out on today and the excitement that we are going to spend the rest of our lives together," he said then. “This is my way of keeping her close to it all.”
In the new piece, William also spoke about the influence Diana’s death had on him at the time. He told GQ that while working on his mental health campaign, Heads Together (which he formed with Kate and Harry), he has remembered his own struggles as a grieving teenager, and recalled how hard it was to talk openly about his loss.
"It has taken me almost 20 years to get to that stage,” he said. “I still find it difficult now because at the time it was so raw. And also it is not like most people’s grief, because everyone else knows about it, everyone knows the story, everyone knows her.”
Exclusive Photos: Prince William and Kate Middleton Take North America
Day 1: Ottawa The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrive to the Canadian capital amid a sea of fans, photographers, and security.
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0006.json.gz/line1736614
|
__label__wiki
| 0.693608
| 0.693608
|
Home / breaking-news / rykers / Ryker's streams new single.
Ryker's streams new single.
Admin 4/05/2019 breaking-news , rykers Edit
©Sonja Leonhard fotografie
Ryker's recently announced they will be releasing their upcoming studio album, "The Beginning...", on May 31st via BDHW. Today, the band has premiered the second single from the album for the song "Let's Ruin The Scene", which you can check out below.
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0006.json.gz/line1736617
|
__label__wiki
| 0.645437
| 0.645437
|
Dr M. Sjerps
Dr M. Sjerps has been named professor by special appointment of Forensic Statistics at the University of Amsterdam’s (UvA) Faculty of Science (FNWI).
Dr M. Sjerps (1965) has been named professor by special appointment of Forensic Statistics at the University of Amsterdam's (UvA) Faculty of Science (FNWI). The chair was established by the Criminalistics Chair Foundation (Stichting Leerstoel Criminalistiek) and is part of the FNWI's Korteweg de Vries Institute for Mathematics.
Marjan Sjerps studies statistics and probability theory, applied to forensic science and criminal law. This field is called ‘forensic statistics' and is concerned with the interpretation of forensic evidence. A main topic is the derivation of evidential force, which is expressed as a ratio of two probabilities. In her line of research, the key questions are: how can (forensic) researchers determine the evidential force of their observations? How can they report this to the police or the court? What is the evidential force of a combination of several pieces of evidence?
In forensic statistics, mathematical models are used to examine these questions. The result is a mixture of new applications for statistical techniques and the development of new theories, as well as fundamental research. The latter involves questions about the essence of statistical evidence and dealing with probability in the courtroom.
Sjerps combines her professorial duties with her work as a statistician for the Netherlands Forensic Institute (NFI) in The Hague. This offers significant added value to education as well as the NFI. A firm academic foundation is crucial to forensic research and casework.
Sjerps studied mathematics at Katholieke Universiteit Nijmegen (currently called Radboud University Nijmegen) and graduated in statistics and operations research. She has been employed as a statistician for the NFI since 1993. Sjerps advises forensic scientists on statistical issues, occasionally serves as an expert in court cases and conducts research in the field of forensic statistics. Sjerps obtained her doctorate from Leiden University in 1994 based on a dissertation in the field of theoretical biology. Sjerps is a member and co-founder of the European Forensic Statistics Research Group.
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0006.json.gz/line1736621
|
__label__wiki
| 0.990094
| 0.990094
|
Bolton Says U.S. 'Prudence' On Iran Isn't Weakness
U.S. national security adviser John Bolton says Iran should not 'mistake U.S. prudence and discretion for weakness.'
Speaking alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem on June 23, Bolton said no one has granted Iran a 'hunting license in the Middle East.'
The comments come after U.S. President Donald Trump said he called off military strikes on several sites in Iran after a general told him 150 Iranians would be killed, saying the response would not be 'proportionate' to the shooting down of an unmanned American surveillance drone by Iran.
Bolton emphasized that Trump had only 'stopped the strike from going forward at this time.'
The warning followed reports in U.S. news outlets that the United States launched cyberattacks against Iranian military computer systems on June 20, hours after Iran downed a U.S. surveillance drone.
Tehran says the drone violated its airspace, while the U.S. insists the aircraft was shot down over international waters in the Strait of Hormuz.
The Washington Post and AP, citing unnamed U.S. officials, on June 22 reported that the strikes were conducted with the approval of President Trump.
U.S. defense officials refused to confirm the reports.
Trump has said the United States will impose new sanctions on Iran on June 24, without providing details.
But Trump, along with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, also appeared to ease off recent harsh language toward Tehran.
The president said he was open to quickly reaching a deal with Iran that he said would help the country rebound from a devastating economic crisis largely caused by U.S. financial restrictions.
If Tehran would renounce nuclear weapons, Trump said he would become the country's "best friend" and would help "make Iran great again.'
Pompeo said in a statement on June 22 that "when the Iranian regime decides to forgo violence and meet our diplomacy with diplomacy, it knows how to reach us,' he said.
'Until then, our diplomatic isolation and economic pressure campaign against the regime will intensify.'
Revolutionary Guards Computer
The Washington Post reported that Trump authorized U.S. Cyber Command to attack Iranian military computers following the June 20 downing of the U.S. drone by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC).
Tehran has said the drone was flying over its territory, while the Pentagon says it was over international waters when it was shot down.
AP cited two U.S. officials as saying the cyberattacks specifically targeted an IRGC computer system.
The Post said the attack crippled computers used to control rocket and missile launches.
The Post and AP said the cyberattacks had been developed over the past several weeks as tensions increased between Washington and Tehran.
Speaking on June 23, a senior IRGC commander warned that any conflict in the region may spread uncontrollably.
'If a conflict breaks out in the region, no country would be able to manage its scope and timing,' Major General Gholamali Rashid was quoted as saying by the semi-official Fars news agency.
Rashid said the Trump administration 'should behave in a responsible way to protect the lives of American forces.'
He said Iran is not after a war while adding that the country will defend itself against any kind of 'threat and aggression.'
The United States blames Iran for attacks on oil tankers in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. Iran denies any involvement.
The escalating tensions have prompted several international carriers to divert flight routes away from the Gulf of Oman and Strait of Hormuz.
Saudi Arabia's state airline Saudia was the latest carrier to announce late on June 22 it is rerouting flight paths to some Asian destinations in order to avoid Iranian airspace, saying the move is a precautionary measure for aviation safety.
The decision follows the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration's decision to bar U.S.-registered aircraft from operating over parts of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, after Iran shot down a U.S. military drone.
United Nations chief Antonio Guterres said on June 23 that it is essential to avoid 'any form of escalation' in the Persian Gulf.
'The world cannot afford a major confrontation in the Gulf,' Guterres said while adding that 'Everybody must keep nerves of steel.'
With reporting by The Washington Post, AP, Reuters, AFP, Yahoo News, and Fars
Copyright (c) 2018. RFE/RL, Inc. Republished with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave NW, Ste 400, Washington DC 20036
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0006.json.gz/line1736625
|
__label__cc
| 0.70243
| 0.29757
|
Information published on 2 October 2018 in the UIC electronic newsletter "UIC eNews" Nr 616.
Global Rail and Energy Workshop jointly held by the IEA and UIC on 24 September 2018 in Paris
Following a decision by the IEA (International Energy Agency) and UIC to publish a new report in January 2019 entitled The Future of Rail which aims to analyse existing railway and energy use, as well as support the transition to a cleaner energy and transport system, the two organisations hosted a joint workshop on 24 September at UIC headquarters in order to combine and consolidate the strategic guidance and technical input of decision-makers and experts from across the globe.
The workshop aimed to reflect on the current state-of-play for railways in different countries and review possible drivers and bottlenecks to enhance rail’s future role, with a special focus on rail transport development in India.
Attending the event were around 80 participants representing the railways, transport authorities, EU institutions, industry and academia.
The workshop was opened by the Executive Director of the IEA, and Mr Jean-Pierre Loubinoux, Director General of UIC.
Mr Jean-Pierre Loubinoux said that environmental issues and sustainable mobilty are embedded in the core functions of UIC and form part of its values.
He said: “It is UIC’s responsibility to promote innovation and new developments, provide space for exchanging experience and best practice – this is why we are here today.”
Mr Loubinoux thanked the IEA for helping to organise the workshop and said that international cooperation is the only way to achieve the demanding goals we have set for ourselves.
The IEA gave an initial overview of the day’s workshop, which consisted of four themed sessions, followed by question-and-answer opportunities in between, addressing primarily:
The current role of rail transport
The future of rail – drivers and bottlenecks
Opportunities and challenges for increasing the role of rail
The role of rail for India’s development objectives
In Session 1, representatives from Italy, Japan, Switzerland and Russia identified the role that rail transport plays today in their countries and described their goals, strategies and projects to support transport and energy policy. They stressed that rail development is vital for overall growth in mobility and that it is important to address the challenges of investing in rail infrastructure and creating the right incentives.
In Session 2, representatives from Europe, South Africa and Korea looked at rail’s outlook, how it can satisfy future demand for passenger and freight transport and overcome the challenges of future deployment. The speakers highlighted the key drivers for the rail industry, notably with regard to urbanisation and environmental concerns. To overcome future challenges, they mentioned technical solutions to reduce energy consumption, developments in energy management to improve the energy efficiency of urban transport networks, how to increase rail capacity, offering door-to-door transport chains, and how to improve passenger experience.
Session 3 featured representatives from the UK and a number of European countries. The speakers talked about how we can help increase the role of rail in the transport system of the future. Among the examples mentioned was that of the commuter and regional business in terms of passenger volumes and efficiency in urban areas. They also mentioned the various market segments, comparing high speed rail with aviation and how rail transport can be a real alternative in terms of cost, safety, comfort, time efficiency and environmental performance. The challenges evoked, however, included investment in infrastructure, flexibility and convenience.
In the fourth and final session focusing specifically on the case of India, representatives spoke about key opportunities and bottlenecks for a cleaner and more inclusive Indian railway system. Among the points raised were rail versus road, the passenger and freight business, network capacity enhancement, investment, IT developments and urban rail. With regard to mobility and land planning strategies, projects included high speed rail lines which would make better use of land and be more energy efficient. The issue of the transport sector’s role in carbon emission reduction in India was also addressed, as well as future strategies for increasing rail’s market share.
The sessions concluded with a round-the-table discussion chaired by the IEA of the key issues and messages that should be included as advice to policy makers in the forthcoming IEA/UIC publication. These included the areas of freight productivity, sustainability targets and emissions forecasting, infrastructure funding, marketing issues, customer service, modal integration, societal changes, and government-backed policies.
The meeting ended with a few words by the UIC panel, who thanked the participants for attending and the IEA for their co-organisation.
For further information please contact Marie-Luz Philippe, Advisor for Sustainable Development & UIC Middle-East Region:
philippe@uic.org
13th CRITIS (International Conference on Critical Information Infrastructures Security) was held between 23 and 26 September, 2018, in Lithuania A European-wide power and infrastructure break-down (“blackout”) and railways operators Canada: VIA Rail recognized by women in Governance Kazakhstan: Heads of Railway Administrations of SCO countries discuss cooperation issues in Tashkent to expand transport services Meeting of the World Congress on Railway Research Executive Committee Panel of Structural Experts (PoSE) – autumn meeting 2018 in Lisbon Register now for the UIC Asia-Pacific Freight Corridors Workshop on Interoperability & Standards, 14-15 November 2018 in Bangkok, Thailand Register now for the “Global Debate on Mobility Challenges for Future Society” from 15 – 16 November 2018 in Warsaw Track Expert Group (TEG) – autumn plenary meeting 2018 in Prague (Czech Republic) UIC 1st door-to-door solutions workshop: Business-to-business opportunities for a sustainable urban mobility
e-News articles with keyword Sustainable development
UIC 1st door-to-door solutions workshop: Business-to-business opportunities for a sustainable urban mobility (16 October 2018) Register now for the “Global Debate on Mobility Challenges for Future Society” from 15 – 16 November 2018 in Warsaw (16 October 2018) UIC IRS 90930-90940 Stakeholder Workshops to be held on 5 and 6 November 2018 at Paris UIC headquarters (9 October 2018) UIC participates in 11th Intergovernmental Regional Environmentally Sustainable Transport (EST) Forum in Asia (9 October 2018) Register now for the “Global Debate on Mobility Challenges for Future Society” from 15 – 16 November 2018 in Warsaw (2 October 2018)
e-News articles with keyword Environment
Results of the RIVAS Project: Final Conference “Vibrations – Ways out of the annoyance” held in Brussels (3 December 2013) CleanER-D Sustainability and Innovation workshop held successfully in Turin, 5 June 2013 (18 June 2013) Workshop on “RIVAS” project: Railway Induced Vibration Abatement Solutions (28 May 2013) Announcement of the 8th UIC Railway Noise Workshop (29 January 2013) The second South East Environment Workshop will be held in Belgrade, Serbia on 6-7 December 2012 (15 November 2012)
e-News articles with keyword Energy
UIC successfully continued the Railenergy dissemination with the 5th workshop “EE Traction” in Nuremberg (19 May 2009)
e-News articles with keyword Cooperation
Moving low-carbon transportation forward at COP24 (4 December 2018) UIC participated in the UITP Security Commission from 14 – 16 November 2018 in Madrid (20 November 2018) UIC 1st Door-to-Door Solutions Workshop held on 14 November 2018 in Warsaw, Poland (20 November 2018) Instagram account of the week (13 November 2018) Global Railway Review is delighted to partner with UIC on the forthcoming Digital Rail Revolution Conference on 21 November 2018 (13 November 2018)
UIC participates in the International Transport Forum (ITF) from 22 – 24 May 2019 in Leipzig (28 May) The Asia-Pacific Railway Innovation Forum was held on 21 – 22 May at ADB Headquarters in Manila (28 May) The Statistics Steering Committee held its spring meeting from 15 – 16 May 2019 in Poznan, Poland (21 May) First cooperative workshop held between the UIC Intercity and High-Speed Committee and Systra on 14 May 2019 in Paris (21 May) PROACTIVE EU project coordinated by UIC was launched in the presence of Consortium Members & the Project Officer (21 May)
e-News articles with keyword Mobility
UIC 1st door-to-door solutions workshop: Business-to-business opportunities for a sustainable urban mobility (11 September 2018) UIC 1st door-to-door solutions workshop: Business-to-business opportunities for a sustainable urban mobility (4 September 2018) Preparation of the 11th World High-Speed Rail Congress in China and other meetings in Beijing (4 September 2018) Save the date for the “Global Debate on Mobility Challenges for Future Society” from 15 – 16 November 2018 in Warsaw (7 August 2018) Rail is the backbone of future mobility (5 June 2018)
e-News articles with keyword Workshop
Global Rail and Energy Workshop to be held on 24 September 2018 at UIC Paris headquarters (4 September 2018) UIC will hold the 12th UIC Workshop on Railway Noise & Vibrations in Paris on 19 March 2019, at its Headquarters (24 July 2018)
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0006.json.gz/line1736628
|
__label__cc
| 0.711957
| 0.288043
|
Breaking down expectations and limitations
Sophie Cooper
Web & Digital Media Editor
Last night, I delivered my first public speech after taking the summer off. I have a fairly severe speech impairment, so I am all too aware of the irony of being a public speaker.
I am also mindful of the fact that, when I start speaking, there will be more than a handful of people who are momentarily overcome by the fear that they may not be able to understand me.
I have embraced public speaking because I love the feeling of challenging people’s perceptions and expectations. I know that between my first and last words, the audience will go on a journey of understanding and acceptance.
How can low expectations actively limit disabled people?
We all do it. We all look at the people around us and, without speaking to them, judge them or believe we know them just from their appearances. But, realistically, we often discover we are very wrong.
As someone with a very obvious impairment, I frequently find myself dodging stares, inwardly cringing at the use of patronising baby voices, or smiling at the worried looks on peoples’ faces as I do something that they don’t believe I should be able to do. I, personally, no longer allow such exceptions to affect me. However, many disabled people do and, often, it is society’s judgements and limitations that can be the most disabling factor of a person’s impairment.
The problem comes from society’s preconceptions of disability and belief that we know what it means to be disabled. For example, people with autism often struggle to get jobs, because employers see the word “autism” and immediately conjure up an image in their mind. In reality, however, the autistic spectrum covers a huge range of abilities. It is probably the case that employers are turning away incredibly talented potential employees, on the basis of a single word.
Everyone in this world is different and as a society, we really need to start embracing difference. Not only that but disabled people are fantastic problem solvers. Given the opportunity, people like myself will find a way to do anything and everything to maximise their potential. However, until we stop handing out those unspoken limitations, disabled people will find it that much harder to achieve their goals.
How the Paralympic Games can change expectations of disabled people
I know that not everyone sees eye to eye with the Paralympic Games. I am also aware that some critics do not like the fact that the word “inspirational” is used so often during the Games. However, as a Paralympian, I have no problem with being described as inspirational. In fact, despite having been to two Paralympic Games, I am still inspired by the sportsmen and women in Rio right now.
As we watch the Games, we can almost forget the sport (if we so wish) and focus on the problem solving I alluded to earlier. Ibrahim Hamato from Egypt has no arms but has found a way to be an excellent Table Tennis player. He uses his mouth to hold the bat and his toes to throw the ball. We’ve also seen high jumpers jumping awesome heights with just one leg, and archers firing arrows with their feet. To me, this is inspirational as it shows an incredible ability to adapt and overcome limitations. Such creativity is by no means limited to the sporting world, but we only tend to take note once every four years.
The Paralympics shouldn’t lead to the belief that every disabled person can be a Paralympian - just like not every non-disabled person can be an Olympian. But it should be used to remove the blinkers that surround disability, allowing us to see the potential as opposed to the limitations.
By Fran Williamson, six-time Paralympic swimming medallist and five-time World Champion. Fran is also our Vice President and a committed supporter of United Response.
Find out more about Fran Williamson
Find out more about the Rio Paralympics
Watch the Rio Paralympics
Author: Sophie Cooper
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0006.json.gz/line1736633
|
__label__wiki
| 0.970126
| 0.970126
|
Cameroon’s English-Speaking Areas Becoming Deserted
By Moki Edwin Kindzeka
Clothes hang on a clothes line in front of a row of largely abandoned homes, in Kumbo, Cameroon, Jan. 3, 2019.
KUMBO, CAMEROON - Towns and villages in Cameroon's restive Anglophone regions are being deserted as battles rage between separatists and the country’s military. The fighting intensified after President Paul Biya's New Year's message in which he insisted that his military would neutralize separatists who refuse to lay down their arms.
A senior Cameroon military official, who did not wish to be named, warns in a report that visiting the mostly deserted northwestern town of Kumbo he will need military protection.
He says separatist fighters have been launching heavy attacks in the area and may be among the few people left on the streets.
On a ride through the streets of Kumbo, under military protection, it’s clear that most houses, markets and public places are abandoned while some homes and schools have been torched.
But Kumbo resident Mbiybe Tatah says that many locals are fleeing because they are afraid - not of separatists but of the military. They accuse Cameroon troops of burning their houses and shops in retaliation for failing to inform on separatist fighters hiding in their villages, he says.
An abandoned street is seen in Kumbo, Cameroon, Ja
An empty street is seen in Kumbo, Cameroon, Jan. 3, 2019.
"These armed military men just shoot at random and they term (call) people in Kumbo terrorists," he says.
Tatah says people began fleeing after President Paul Biya’s New Year’s speech.
Many observers had expected Biya to announce the release of some separatist leaders in a bid for peace. But, he instead repeated a vow to eliminate all those who refuse to stop fighting and lay down their weapons.
The governor of the English-speaking northwest region, Deben Tchoffo, refutes claims that the military retaliates against civilians.
But he says they cannot allow separatists to terrorize people and destroy what Cameroon has built since independence.
"The head of state is still asking those that were misdirected to lay down their weapons. If not, they will be neutralized. I am therefore launching an appeal to those of the northwest region to heed to the call of the head of state. If not, they will be neutralized."
Tchoffo says there have been many casualties since fighting intensified after Biya’s speech but he did not give figures.
Abdoul Jinguil Mussa, a crisis management expert with the Lake Chad Basin Commission, says Cameroon needs an independent body to lead peace negotiations with the separatists.
People are seen on a street of abandoned houses an
People are seen on a street of abandoned houses and stores, in Kumbo, Cameroon, Jan. 3, 2019.
"People have died on both sides of the conflict. A lot of families have been displaced, property has been destroyed. That is why we say the best solution is when both parties have agreed that they are both losing. We need both parties to sit together in good faith, let the mediator be someone neutral, someone who is going to be there for peace to reign," Mussa said.
Cameroon’s unrest began in November 2016 when English-speaking teachers and lawyers demonstrated against the growing dominance of French in the officially bilingual country.
Separatists took over the movement and started demanding independence for the English-speaking North West and South West regions.
In October 2017, Cameroon’s separatists declared what they called the English-speaking Republic of Ambazonia and vowed no cooperation with the government in Yaounde.
Cameroon says over 1,000 people have been killed in fighting since, including 200 policemen and troops, while hundreds of thousands have fled to French-speaking regions.
Moki Edwin Kindzeka
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0006.json.gz/line1736634
|
__label__wiki
| 0.867553
| 0.867553
|
Rogovoy Report 1/11/19
By Seth Rogovoy • Jan 11, 2019
This week’s highlights in our listening area include a new art exhibition, a new-music festival, a celebration of a regional jazz legend, and the world premiere of a new album by a beloved musician in Hudson, N.Y.
Tom Slaughter's playful imagery goes on view at MASS MoCA this Saturday. The expansive “Icon Alphabet” exhibit celebrates Slaughter's lifetime creating bright, joyful imagery drawn from his paintings, prints, wallpaper, and billboards. This is the first exhibition focusing on Slaughter's bold personal visual vocabulary since his death in 2014. Slaughter’s images are quintessentially modern, their subjects rendered with deft vividness and graphic punch. The simplicity of Slaughter’s forms and the artist’s use of primary colors suggest ties to Henri Matisse’s cut-outs or Alexander Calder’s mobiles.
Meanwhile over in Williamstown, the annual I/O new music festival runs all weekend with a series of free concerts on the Williams College campus and at the Clark Art Institute. Including music by composer-in-residence Sato Matsui and guest artists Bearthoven, the festival includes performances by the I/O Ensemble, IOTA, the Axxea Quartet, and an array of Williams faculty, students, alumni, and guests. Highlights include the IOTA Ensemble performing Pulitzer Prize winner Caroline Shaw’s “To the Hands” on Saturday night, a meditation for voices and string ensemble. On Sunday at 3pm, the festival concludes at The Clark with a program called OUT OF THE BOX: Sequential, featuring the Axxea Quartet and the Williams Percussion Ensemble, performing music for string quartet, percussion, and electronics by Tristan Perich.
For many decades, pianist Lee Shaw reigned as the Capital District’s “Queen of Jazz.” Over the years, Shaw studied with Oscar Peterson, taught piano to John Medeski, and worked with countless jazz luminaries, including Arnie Lawrence, Frank Foster, Pepper Adams, and Zoot Simms. Filmmaker Susan Robins made an award-winning documentary about Lee called “Lee's 88 Keys,” which came out in 2015, the same year that Lee Shaw died at age 89. This Saturday at 7:30, the Spencertown Academy will screen Robins’s documentary, which will be introduced by the filmmaker herself, and pianist Wayne Hawkins will be on hand to perform some of Lee’s music live.
Anyone familiar with the Hudson, N.Y., music scene knows Tony Kieraldo. Tony is everywhere. He music-directed the opera, “Mother of Us All,” that took place at Hudson Hall last year. He turns up every few months playing jazz with a quartet at Spotty Dog Books & Ale. He’s a regular sideman with resident rock star Tommy Stinson’s many projects, including Bash & Pop. He’s a devoted music teacher to young and old throughout the county. If you go to a wedding in Hudson, chances are good you’ll find him behind the piano. But more than anything else, Tony is a fixture at Club Helsinki Hudson, where he reigns as the unofficial resident pianist. He’s the secret sauce of the Hudson music scene and the glue holding it all together.
Tony had a crazy idea last year. He started making little videos called “minute rags,” short renditions of pop songs and ragtime music that he played dressed up in different costumes each week -- in drag or as a reindeer, for example. He put the videos on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. When he started getting views in the many thousands for numbers like “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer”, “Turkey in the Straw,” and ragtime versions of Portugal the Man’s “Feel It Still” and Paul Simon’s “Still Crazy After All These Years,” he realized he might be onto something. Building upon that original idea, Tony decided to take a few of those songs and make an album with some of the best singers from the Hudson Valley — including Ryder Cooley, Ella Loudon, and Christina Kokonis-Viggers among them — and record videos for every song. These songs are collected in his first solo album under his own name, “Milk Money,” which includes ragtime-y versions of “We Can Work It Out” by the Beatles; David Bowie’s “Space Oddity”; Radiohead’s “Karma Police”; and Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.” And you can be there to help celebrate Tony’s solo recording debut at Tony Kieraldo’s Album Release Party at Club Helsinki Hudson on Sunday at 8pm.
Seth Rogovoy is editor of the Rogovoy Report, available online at rogovoyreport.com
Seth Rogovoy
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0006.json.gz/line1736638
|
__label__cc
| 0.589264
| 0.410736
|
Vietnam Lib/E: An Epic Tragedy, 1945-1975 (Compact Disc)
By Max Hastings (Read by), Peter Noble (Read by)
An absorbing and definitive modern history of the Vietnam War from the acclaimed New York Times bestselling author of The Secret War.
Vietnam became the Western world's most divisive modern conflict, precipitating a battlefield humiliation for France in 1954, then a vastly greater one for the United States in 1975. Max Hastings has spent the past three years interviewing scores of participants on both sides, as well as researching a multitude of American and Vietnamese documents and memoirs, to create an epic narrative of an epic struggle. He portrays the set pieces of Dienbienphu, the 1968 Tet offensive, the air blitz of North Vietnam, and also much less familiar miniatures such as the bloodbath at Daido, where a US Marine battalion was almost wiped out, together with extraordinary recollections of Ho Chi Minh's warriors. Here are the vivid realities of strife amid jungle and paddies that killed two million people.
Many writers treat the war as a US tragedy, yet Hastings sees it as overwhelmingly that of the Vietnamese people, of whom forty died for every American. US blunders and atrocities were matched by those committed by their enemies. While all the world has seen the image of a screaming, naked girl seared by napalm, it forgets countless eviscerations, beheadings, and murders carried out by the communists. The people of both former Vietnams paid a bitter price for the Northerners' victory in privation and oppression. Here is testimony from Vietcong guerrillas, Southern paratroopers, Saigon bargirls, and Hanoi students alongside that of infantrymen from South Dakota, Marines from North Carolina, and Huey pilots from Arkansas.
No past volume has blended a political and military narrative of the entire conflict with heart-stopping personal experiences, in the fashion that Max Hastings' readers know so well. The author suggests that neither side deserved to win this struggle with so many lessons for the twenty-first century about the misuse of military might to confront intractable political and cultural challenges. He marshals testimony from warlords and peasants, statesmen and soldiers, to create an extraordinary record.
Publication Date: October 16th, 2018
Military - Vietnam War
Asia - Southeast Asia
Kobo eBook (October 16th, 2018): $16.99
Hardcover (October 16th, 2018): $33.75
Compact Disc (October 16th, 2018): $75.00
Pre-Recorded Audio Player (October 16th, 2018): $74.99
MP3 CD (October 16th, 2018): $55.99
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0006.json.gz/line1736644
|
__label__cc
| 0.581894
| 0.418106
|
Tag Archive for: County Incomes
Understanding Changes in the Components of County Incomes
July 11, 2018 /in Economy, Regional Development, Regional Statistics, WDC Insights /by WDC
While my previous post on county incomes (based on the CSO’s publications County Incomes and Regional GDP, 2015) considered the changes in Disposable Income over time, in this post I look at the components of Disposable Income, some of the changes in these since 2000, differences among Western Region counties and their impact on the changes in Disposable Income. The key component of Disposable Income is Total Household Income (which includes Primary Income and Social Transfers) and this is examined first.
Total Household Income is the amount of income from available to the household from earnings, and Rent of Dwellings (imputed) and net Interest and Dividends, as well as ‘Social Benefits and Other Current Transfers’. Total Household Income grew steadily (Figure 1) in all counties between 2000 and 2008 (in Donegal there was a tiny decline between 2007 and 2008). In most counties it declined between 2008 and 2011 and then began to grow slowly. Despite this growth, preliminary figures show that by 2016 neither in the State nor any Western Region county had Total Household Income per person recovered to 2008 levels. In Roscommon, for example, it was €25,061 per person in 2008 and €21,522 in 2016 (a difference of €3,539) , while in contrast in Sligo it was €24,940 in 2008 and €24,818 in 2016 (a difference of only €122).
Figure 1: Total Household Income per person
Source: CSO, 2018, County Incomes and Regional GDP ; Estimates per person based on own calculations using inferred population estimates. 2016 figures are preliminary.
Primary Income
Primary Income is the main component of Total Household Income and Figure 2 shows Primary Income as a percentage of Total Household Income over the period 2000-2016. It should noted that Total Household Income also includes Social Benefits and Other Current Transfers and is balanced by the Statistical Discrepancy (arising from different collection methods being used to estimate income and expenditure). Therefore that Total Household Income does not equal the sum of Primary Income & Social Transfers.
Nonetheless, it is useful to see how the importance of Primary Income (and by inference social transfers) has been to Total Household Income. In 2000, in the State as a whole, Primary Income was 87% of Total Household Income. It was also 87% in Clare but as low as 80% in Donegal but by 2016 it was 81% in the State, 79% in Clare and 70% in Donegal, indicating the increased importance of social transfers.
Figure 2: Primary Income as a percentage of Total Household Income
Source: CSO, 2018, County Incomes and Regional GDP
What is Primary Income made up of?
Looking at the breakdown of Primary Income (Figure 3) in 2015[1], it is clear that the main component in all counties is wages and salaries (Compensation of Employees (i.e. Wages and Salaries, Benefits in kind, Employers’ social insurance contribution) which nationally makes up 77% of Primary Income. In the Western Region, Primary Income accounts for 77% in Sligo, 76% in Galway and 75% in Clare. It accounts for 74% of Primary Income in Donegal, Mayo and Leitrim while in Roscommon it is only 73%.
Figure 3: Contributors to Primary Income, 2015
Other elements of Primary Income are accounted for by Net Interest and Dividends (4% in the State and all Western Region counties), and Rent of Dwellings (imputed) which is between 8% and 10% in Western Region counties and 9% in the State.
Income from self employment is the other main component of Primary Income, and this accounts for 14% of Primary Income in Roscommon and Leitrim, and 11% in Galway and 10% in Sligo and 10% in the State as a while. Income from self employment is more significant in all Western Region counties than the State as a whole.
Alongside a decline in self employment shown in recent years there has been a significant decline in the proportion of Primary Income coming from self-employment (Figure 4). In the State it accounted for 16% of Primary Income in 2000 and was 10% by 2016. Western Region counties, though starting from a higher base, have followed a similar pattern. For example in Roscommon income from self-employment was 24% of Primary Income in 2000, but 13% in 2016. It is not clear why this decline has taken place, perhaps because of a decline in the numbers in farming, or perhaps because of poorer earnings from self-employment.
Figure 4: Self employment as percentage of Primary Income
Social Benefits over Time
Looking again at Total Household Income, it is interesting to examine the changes in social benefits (Figure 5) over time. With the growing economy in the early part of the century, the amount received in social benefits per person grew alongside the growth in Primary Income, peaking in most counties in 2009. After the downturn, however, there was a slow decline in the level of social transfer per person. This was during a period of significant in some of the social benefits, but high levels of unemployment kept the level of transfers per person quite high. The decline has continued, to 2016, presumably as the numbers claiming unemployment benefit and assistance has decreased.
Figure 5: Social Benefits and Other Current Transfers per person
Taxation levels over time
Much of the discussion above has related to the components of Total Household Income, but in order to get to a figure for Disposable Income taxation has to be taken into account.
As would have been expected (see Figure 6), in line with growth in incomes between 2000 and 2007 taxes on income (per person) also grew to 2007. With pay cuts and job losses, there was a sharp decline between 2007 and 2010 but then then taxation on income grew again to 2016. It is likely that in the first few years this related to increases in tax levied, and then in more recent years the growth has probably come from the increase in the numbers employed and paying tax.
Figure 6: Taxation on Income (2000-2016) per person
While I have looked at changes in taxation and social benefits estimated on a per capita basis from 2000 to 2016 it is also interesting to see a direct comparison of the two for each county in 2015. Figure 7 shows social benefits and taxation as a percentage of Total Household Income (as noted above, these percentages should be used to compare the differences amount the Western Region counties, rather than as absolute proportions, as they do not take account of the effect of the statistical discrepancy). Nonetheless it is useful to compare the different levels of taxation on income and social transfers among the counties. Higher numbers of people in non-working categories (children, older people and people with disabilities) influences both the amount of tax paid and the level of social transfers received. For a more detailed discussion of the levelling effects of the redistributive tax and transfer system (as relates to income inequality rather than regional inequality) see this paper from the ESRI.
Figure 7: Social Benefits and Taxation as a percentage of Total Household Income 2015
Source: CSO, 2018, County Incomes and Regional GDP; own calculations.
In the State as a whole taxation (24%) is a higher proportion of Total Household Income than Social Benefits (20%), and this is also the case in Galway and Clare. In the five other Western Region counties social benefits are a higher proportion of Total Household Income than taxation. This is most evidently the case in Donegal with taxation 18% and social benefits 31% of Total Household Income in the county.
Finally, given that this post has examined the various components of disposable incomes Figure 8 gives an overview of the different broad income components in Western Region counties in 2015. As discussed above, Primary Income is largely made up of earned income (and imputed rent and net interest and dividends), while Total Household Income also includes social benefits. Taxes are deducted from Total Household Income to give Disposable Income per person.
Figure 8: Primary, Total Household and Disposable Incomes for State and Western Region counties in 2015
Source: CSO, 2018, County Incomes and Regional GDP ; Estimates per person based on own calculations using inferred population estimates.
Disposable Income, the key ‘county income’ measure, is made up of different sources of income and transfers and is also affected by taxation, therefore it is valuable to understand the changes in each of these components in the different counties when considering changes to income.
Helen McHenry
[1] Figures published this year (2018) are for 2015, with provisional figures for 2016. Therefore when looking at the most recent components of income, 2015 is examined
https://www.wdc.ie/wp-content/uploads/rural-image.png 224 1505 WDC https://www.wdc.ie/wp-content/uploads/wdc-567.png WDC2018-07-11 10:32:522018-07-11 10:32:52Understanding Changes in the Components of County Incomes
How are we doing? County Incomes in the Western Region
March 16, 2018 /in Economy, Regional Development, Regional Statistics, WDC Insights /by WDC
The CSO released data on County Incomes and Regional GDP in 2015 last month (and also published preliminary figures for 2016). In this post changes in county incomes in the Western Region are examined with a particular focus on the difference among counties and the changes over time. Regional GDP will be considered in a forthcoming post.
The map (produced by the CSO) gives an indication of the differences in Household Disposable Income per Person across the State.
Clearly Dublin has a significantly higher Household Disposable Income per Person than elsewhere, with Kildare and Limerick also above the state average, while many counties in the West and North West have Disposable Incomes well below the state average.
A quick overview of the recent trends in Household Disposable Incomes per Person is given in Figure 1, showing changes in the Western Region counties over the last decade. The 2008 peak and following rapid income decline is very clear but the recovery of income levels from 2014 onwards is also evident.
Figure 1: Household Disposable Income per Person 2006-2016 for Western Region counties
*Preliminary
No county in Ireland has returned to the income levels of 2008, and indeed in the Western Region only Sligo was estimated to have very slightly higher (€14) Household Disposable Income per Person in 2016 than it did in 2007 (along with only 4 other counties: Dublin, Wicklow, Limerick and Kerry).
Looking at the most recent figures, Galway (€18,991) and Sligo (€19,001) had the highest Disposable Incomes per Person in the Western Region in 2015 with Sligo higher than Galway for the first time, although the gap between them has been narrowing in recent years. In the preliminary 2016 figures Galway had a very slightly higher disposable income per person (Table 1).
Table 1: Household Disposable Income per Person in 2015 and 2016 for the counties of the Western Region
**Western Region figures based on own calculations using inferred population estimates.
Donegal continues to have a significantly lower Disposable Income per Person than any other county Ireland (€15,705 in 2015). This was just over 77% of the state average that year. Disposable Income in Roscommon is also significantly lower than the state average (81.5%) at €16,582 in 2015. This was the second lowest of any county in Ireland, while Mayo was the 4th lowest (see Figure 2 below). Sligo and Galway were in 13th and 14th places, but no Western Region county had more than 95% of the State average Disposable Income.
Figure 2: Household Disposable Income per Person in 2015 for all counties
Preliminary figures for 2016 (Figure 3) show that all counties had small increases in Household Disposable Income per person on 2015, the largest increase in that period (2015-2016) was in Galway (2.9%) while the smallest was in Donegal (2.5%).
Figure 3: Household Disposable Income per Person in 2015 and 2016* for Western Region counties
Increases were larger between 2014 and 2015 (see Table 1) with Sligo showing an increase of 5.7%, the lowest Western Region county increase was in Roscommon at 2.0%. The state average increase for that period was 5.6% and Household Disposable Income per Person in Dublin grew by 6.3%. These differing growth rates among counties are giving rise to increasing regional imbalance as is shown in Figure 4 which charts the income in Western Region counties as compared to the state average (State =100).
The gap between most counties in the Western Region and the state was at its widest in 2001 and narrowed (i.e. they got closer to the state average) during the boom period and into the slowdown. In fact regional divergence was least in 2010 when all parts of the country were significantly affected by recession. Since then, as discussed, incomes in some counties began to grow faster and divergence has again increased, particularly since 2012.
Figure 4: Index of Household Disposable Incomes per person in Western Region counties 2000-2016
The pattern has not been straightforward, however, some counties were closer to the State average in 2000. For example Clare was 96.4% of the state average in 2000 and Roscommon was 91.1% but by 2016 Clare was 88.8% and Roscommon was 81.3%, showing that they have been doing relatively less well. Others, like Sligo where Household Disposable Income per Person was 88.1% of the State average in 2000 and 93.3% in 2016, and Leitrim which was 86.5% in 2000 and 89.6% in 2016, have narrowed the gap to the state average and are improving relatively.
The divergence in Income levels among counties would be much greater without the redistribution effects of social transfers and taxes. Counties with the highest Primary Incomes[1] tend to have relatively lower social transfer figures (having fewer people in older and younger age categories or otherwise not working) and higher tax (with more people earning and often higher incomes). See this post for more discussion of the components of change. Figure 5 shows the percentage difference between Household Disposable Income and Primary Income for each county in 2015. Counties which are doing well (e.g. Dublin, Kildare) tend to have a higher Primary Income level than Household Disposable Income level, while less well-off counties tend to have a higher Household Disposable Income than Primary Income (the difference being, as noted above, the effect of Social Transfers and Taxes). The relationship is not simple however, counties which rank lowest for disposable income will not necessarily have a similar rank for Primary Income. For more discussion of Primary Income see this post.
Figure 5: Percentage Difference between Household Disposable Income and Primary income for each county in 2015
This post has provided a brief overview of the key County Income figures for the Western Region based on the recent CSO release. Regional GDP will be examined in a future post with the components and trends will be analysed in more detail in the coming months.
[1] Primary Income is defined for National Income purposes as follows: Compensation of employees (i.e. Wages and Salaries, Benefits in kind, Employers’ social insurance contributions) plus Income of self-employed plus Rent of dwellings (including imputed rent of owner-occupied dwellings) plus Net interest and dividends.
Total income is defined as: Primary income plus Social benefits plus Other current transfers.
Disposable income is defined as follows: Total income minus Current taxes on income (e.g. Income taxes, other current taxes) minus Social insurance contributions (e.g. Employers’, employees’, self-employed, etc.)
https://www.wdc.ie/wp-content/uploads/infographic-feat-image.jpg 170 1051 WDC https://www.wdc.ie/wp-content/uploads/wdc-567.png WDC2018-03-16 13:02:262018-03-23 15:53:32How are we doing? County Incomes in the Western Region
How is the Western Region doing?
February 2, 2017 /in Economic Sectors, Economy, Employment, Enterprise, News, Regional Development, Regional Statistics, WDC Insights /by WDC
On 31 January, the WDC was invited to give a presentation to officials of the Department of Social Protection working across the Western Region. The objective was to give an overview of the WDC’s analysis of data across a range of socio-economic issues.
Analysing regional data provides information on the areas for which we are responsible and highlights the multi-dimensional nature of the concept of regional development. A regional perspective is necessary since changes and inequalities not only occur among individuals but also the places where they live
This (very) comprehensive presentation analyses the following indicators:
Population: Preliminary Census 2016 Results
Labour Market: QNHS Q1 2016, special run
Income: County Incomes & Regional GDP, 2013-2014
Enterprise: Business Demography, 2014
These are some of the key points emerging from the analysis.
Population of Western Region grew +0.9% 2011-2016 compared with +3.7% growth nationally.
Three counties in the Western Region showed population decline 2011-2016 –(Donegal -1.5%, Mayo -0.2% and Sligo -0.1%) – only counties in Ireland to do so. In addition Leitrim and Roscommon had the lowest growth. Galway city had 5th highest population growth in Ireland.
Every county in Ireland had a positive natural increase (more births than deaths) during 2011-2016. Donegal, Sligo and Mayo however had enough negative net migration to lead to population decline.
All western counties, and all but six areas nationally, had negative net migration between 2011 and 2016. Donegal and Sligo had the two highest rates of negative net migration.
Male out-migration considerably higher than female leading to a +1.5% increase in the female population of the Western Region and only +2% growth in the male population.
Figure 1: Percentage change in population by administrative area, 2011-2016. CSO (2016), Preliminary Results Census 2016
The Western Region’s labour force declined marginally (-1.2%) between 2007 and 2016. Within this the male labour force fell by -6.1% while the female rose by +5.7%.
The Western Region has a lower share of its labour force aged under 35 years and a higher share aged over 44 Its labour force participation rate is lower for both men and women, and across all age groups (except 65+).
Total employment in the region fell by -5.8% 2007-2016 compared with a -6.5% decline in the rest of the state (all counties outside Western Region)
There has been exceptionally strong growth in self-employment in the Western Region since 2012, increasing by +31.1% in the region compared with +7.2% in the rest of the state.
Growth of self-employment tied to sectoral pattern of growth with strongest jobs growth since 2012 in Agriculture, Construction, Accommodation & Food Service and Wholesale & Retail, all with high self-emp
Since 2012 the Western Region has had jobs decline in 7 out of 14 sectors, in the rest of the state there was only decline in 1 out of 14. Jobs recovery in the Western Region is not as diversified across the economy as elsewhere and more concentrated in domestic sectors
Unemployment numbers declining steadily in region, but share of long-term unemployment growing. Western Region has higher unemployment rate in all age groups (except 65+ & 25-34) and particularly among youth.
Figure 2: % change in employment by sector in Western Region and Rest of State, 2012-2016. CSO, Quarterly National Household Survey, Q1 2012-2016, special run
Disposable income per person in the Western Region was €17,260 in 2013 (92.3% of State). Provisional 2014 figures show some growth (€17,768) but still well below the 2008 peak (€21,167).
Longer term, the gap is narrowing, the Western Region had disposable income of 84.3% of State in 1995, 92.3% of State in 2013.
Within the Western Region, Roscommon had a significantly lower income relative to the State in 2014 (87.2%) compared with 2005 (95.8%). Clare has also fallen relative to the State starting at 95.5% in 2005 and dropping to 93.3% in 2014. Sligo, Galway, Mayo and Donegal have all improved their position relative to the State since 2005, albeit with some variation. Galway and Sligo had greatest improvements.
Figure 3: Index of disposable income per person in western counties, 2005-2014 (Index State=100). CSO, County Incomes and Regional GDP 2013, provisional 2014
Gross Value Added
Dublin region is the only region where the preliminary 2014 GVA per person figure is higher than the peak GVA per person in 2007. None of the other regions have recovered to the 2007 level, though the difference in the West region is slight.
Dublin and Mid-East and South West, only regions with a greater share of national GVA than share of persons at work.
In 2005 there were 60.6 index points between the lowest GVA per person in a region (Midland, 65.4) and the highest (Dublin and the Mid-East, 126.0). In 2014 the difference between Midland (59.2) and Dublin and the Mid-East, (130.6) was 71.4 index points (71.3 in 2013).
Figure 4: Index of GVA per person by region, 2005-2014 (Index State=100). CSO, County Incomes and Regional GDP 2013, provisional 2014
The share of enterprises nationally that are based in the Western Region is declining and was 17.1% of the total in 2014.
Construction, Wholesale & Retail, Professional activities and Accommodation & Food Service are the largest enterprise sectors in the region. Less than 5% of the region’s enterprises are in Financial & Insurance and Information & Communications combined.
There has been a far greater decline in enterprise numbers in the Western Region than the rest of the state since 2008 and the region had a weaker performance – greater decline or lower growth – in every sector (ex. real estate).
The enterprise base differs across more urban and rural counties. Highly rural counties of Roscommon, Mayo and Donegal have 34-36% of enterprises in Industry and Construction but in more urban counties of Clare and Sligo it is around 30%. A higher share of enterprises in Galway and Sligo are active in knowledge services sectors, though even Galway is below national average. Local services play a larger role in more rural counties.
Western counties had among the greatest losses of enterprises since 2008. Donegal lost more than 1 in 3 of its Construction firms; Wholesale & Retail declined most strongly in Donegal and Clare; Accommodation & Food Service declined across most counties.
Knowledge services performed best, though from a low base.
Figure 5: % change in number of active enterprises by sector in Western Region & Rest of State, 2008-2014. CSO, Business Demography, 2014
The full presentation can be downloaded here (PDF, 2MB)
Pauline White & Helen McHenry
https://www.wdc.ie/wp-content/uploads/WDC-Insights-on-Western-Region-cover-1.png 826 1168 WDC https://www.wdc.ie/wp-content/uploads/wdc-567.png WDC2017-02-02 12:51:132017-02-02 15:18:02How is the Western Region doing?
County Incomes and Regional GDP
July 25, 2014 /in WDC Insights /by WDC
The WDC recently published its analysis of the latest County Incomes and Regional GDP data for 2011 produced by the CSO.
Our analysis shows that regional income disparities began to widen again in 2011 and that the West, Mid-West and Border regions had the largest declines in disposable income per person between 2010 and 2011.
At the same time national output is becoming more regionally concentrated in the stronger regions and the share coming from Dublin and the South West combined rose from 57.2% in 2002 to 59.9% in 2011.
The West has performed relatively well and its national position has strengthened to become the third largest contributor to national output. The Border region however has seen its national role decline, to the second smallest region in output terms.
Download a two page WDC Insights summary here
A more detailed WDC Report, including analysis of county level income figures, is also available here
Pauline White
https://www.wdc.ie/wp-content/uploads/news-default-image.png 600 900 WDC https://www.wdc.ie/wp-content/uploads/wdc-567.png WDC2014-07-25 14:35:432015-01-22 23:52:27County Incomes and Regional GDP
Diverse Neighbourhoods: New report analysing the residential distribution of immigrants in IrelandJuly 10, 2019 - 11:04 am
Carbon Tax: Use of revenue to address climate action issues in rural areasJuly 2, 2019 - 9:20 am
Financial & ICT Services in the Western RegionJune 25, 2019 - 10:47 am
The Benefits as well as the Costs of the National Broadband PlanJune 17, 2019 - 3:11 pm
Recent Trends in Regional GDPJune 14, 2019 - 11:47 am
Subscribe to WDC Insights via Email
I give Western Development Commission permission to collect and use my data submitted in this form.
1916 Accommodation & Food Service agency assisted Age Profile Agriculture AIRO All-island Aviation Brexit Broadband Business Business Demography Carbon Tax Carers Caring Census Census 2016 Cities Clare Climate Action Commuting counties county data County Incomes creative industries CSO CSO Data Data DBEI Donegal Economic Sectors Economy Education EI Electric Vehicles Employment Energy Enterprise Farmers Farming FDI Finance Financial Services Fishing Food Service Sector Forestry Galway Gas Gender Heat Hospital Hospitality Housing ICT Services IDA Immigrants Industry Infographic Infrastructure Ireland West Airport Knock jobs Labour Market landscape Leitrim LookWest Low carbon Manufacturing Mapping Mayo migration National Broad Plan National Planning Framework Natural Gas North West NUTS NWRA Peripheral Policy policy analysis Policy Analysis Team Population Poverty Presentation Principal Economic Status Project Ireland 2040 Regional Data Regional Development Regional Disparity Regional GDP Regional Growth regional policy Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies Regional Statistics Renewable Energy report Roscommon RSES Rural Rural Development Rural services Sectors Self-employment Shannon Skills Sligo SMEs Statistics Sustainability Third Level Tourism Town Population towns Transport Travel to work urban centres Vacancy WDC Insights Western Region
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0006.json.gz/line1736646
|
__label__cc
| 0.687538
| 0.312462
|
GDX360
Advisor Tools
GDX360/Financeware Advisor Login
Overview Our Team Our Process Careers Contact
Ron Madey, CFA®
Ron Madey serves as Wealthcare's Chief Investment Officer. He is an industry veteran with extensive expertise in the advisory business, goals-driven investing, financial plan modeling, and the application of technology to deliver scalable, cost-effective, risk-managed solutions for advisors and their clients. Ron's more than thirty years of experience include roles as Chief Investment Officer and Senior Vice President of Advisor Solutions for Wealthcare, Founder and Managing Member of SightLine Investments LLC, Chief Investment Officer for FolioDynamix, National Director of Investments for Lincoln Financial Advisors, and National Practice Leader for Towers Perrin (now Willis Towers Watson) Asset Consulting.
Ron has presented at conferences sponsored by the CFA Institute, the Institutional Investor Institute, the Investment Management Institute, the American Bankers Association, the Money Management Institute and the Pennsylvania Institute of CPAs.
A member of the Chartered Financial Analyst Institute and the Chartered Financial Analyst Society of Philadelphia, Ron holds a Bachelor of Business Administration, with honors, in Finance and Real Estate and a Master of Business Administration with an emphasis on planning and strategy from Kent State University. Ron was inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma, the international honor society recognizing business excellence.
Ron has many interests, apart from his life–long passion for investments and helping clients achieve their goals. Ron is a former helicopter pilot and collegiate hockey player. He is an avid skier and cyclist – two activities he enjoys with his two daughters.
He has raised funds for Multiple Sclerosis, participating in the MS-150 Bike to the Bay. Ron has also given his time to Big Brothers/Big Sisters and Habitat for Humanity, and has served as a Board Member of his local community.
Return to Our Team
About Wealthcare Advisory Partners
Wealthcare Advisory Partners LLC is the creator of the original online goals-based planning software released more than 16 years ago and holds 12 patents on this proven financial planning process. Driven by the belief that both advisors and investors deserve a better way to pursue their life dreams, we provide a full-suite of practice-management support services that empower advisors to achieve a fulfilling career, while giving investors an objective, personalized client experience. Click here for important disclosures.
Click here for our ADV2 Part A.
©2019 Wealthcare Advisory Partners LLC. All Rights Reserved. Wealthcare Advisory Partners LLC is an SEC registered Investment Advisor. Privacy and Terms & Conditions
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0006.json.gz/line1736647
|
__label__cc
| 0.586726
| 0.413274
|
Home » travel-tourism-hospitality » Etihad wins 2016 Treasury of the Year Award
Etihad wins 2016 Treasury of the Year Award
Unknown 3:00:00 PM travel-tourism-hospitality
Etihad Airways has been honoured with the 2016 Treasury of the Year award by Treasury Management International (TMI) for a string of achievements over the past 12 months.
The annual TMI Corporate Recognition Awards, held in London, reflect achievements in treasury and finance policy, practice and innovation.
The Abu Dhabi-based airline’s treasury department was once again recognised for excellence in capital raising and to drive efficiency across the business.
Etihad Airways was commended for securing landmark funding agreements from the international financial community that raised over $2.7 billion in the debt capital markets, as well as evolving its treasury systems infrastructure and streamlining processes to improve productivity.
In 2016, Etihad Airways drove the issuance of a second Etihad Airways Partners bond transaction of $500m, together with a debut $1.5 billion five-year Sukuk issuance, the largest ever non-sovereign Sukuk.
Etihad Airways also implemented leading edge treasury systems technology to drive greater efficiency, and radically reduced the number of suppliers for the bulk of its global transactional banking services to just two following a thorough evaluation of cash management capabilities.
The National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD) was chosen as the airline’s Middle East strategic partner and Citi was named Etihad Airways’ international cash management bank affiliate in all other global markets.
James Hogan, Etihad Aviation Group president and chief executive officer, said: “As we continue to look at ways to enhance cost efficiencies, drive more benefits and improve global leverage for the business, our Group Chief Financial Officer James Rigney and his treasury team led by Ricky Thirion have developed a stronger framework of innovative transactions and processes for the business to remain more competitive.
“We have evolved from a small airline in 2003 to a world-leading aviation and tourism group today, meaning our treasury needs and challenges have grown significantly with scale and complexity.”
The treasury team has responsibilities that have extended beyond many group treasury functions. In addition to core treasury activities such as cash, liquidity and risk management, it is responsible for corporate funding and structured finance, insurance, tax, property and infrastructure, payment solutions functions and fraud prevention across the group and in support of the airline’s equity partner airlines.
Helen Saunders, editor of Treasury Management International, said: “While many treasury functions can deliver a specific project alongside ‘business as usual’ activities, Etihad Airways has driven change and innovation on multiple fronts, despite having a small treasury team.
“These included sourcing unsecured debt for members of Etihad’s equity alliance partners. re-engineering its cash and banking structure across 71 countries to support the company’s ambitious growth plans; promoting centralisation and improving controls by establishing strategic banking partners and best in-class cash management structures, automating processes and improving account visibility.”
Voting for the award was by a TMI-led independent judging panel, based on articles and case studies of the airline’s treasury activities. - TradeArabia News Service
from Travel Tourism Hospitality Readmore công ty pacific travel
Links topic: https://www.wegocasablanca.com/2017/03/etihad-wins-2016-treasury-of-year-award.html
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0006.json.gz/line1736650
|
__label__cc
| 0.748337
| 0.251663
|
For nearly ten years Michael Barr has been a leading force behind the development of AVENUE ROAD, growing the business from a boutique gallery to a prominent furniture showroom across North America.
Michael is a graduate of Ryerson University. After working in a number of high profile communication agencies he joined AVENUE ROAD as Marketing Director shortly after its introduction in 2007. Michael has applied his diverse background in communications, relationship marketing and design propelling the brand to international notoriety. This success has led to many high-profile partnerships in developing exclusive furniture designs from preeminent global talents, including Yabu Pushelberg, Sebastian Herkner and Christophe Delcourt.
Now, as Managing Director, Michael leads AVENUE ROAD’s operations and cross functional teams. An expanded showroom concept in New York and a much-anticipated showroom in Vancouver are just a few of the initiatives he is championing.
Michael is passionate about art and design and a committed member of the design community. An active supporter of the Design Exchange, past Snowball gala committee member in support of Casey House and now a proud contributor to the IDS Advisory Group.
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0006.json.gz/line1736652
|
__label__wiki
| 0.857336
| 0.857336
|
Legal Malpractice Claim Against Law Firm Barred By Former Attorney's Prior Knowledge
The United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida has granted partial summary judgment for an insurer, holding that coverage for a legal malpractice claim against a law firm under a lawyer’s professional liability (LPL) policy was barred by the policy’s prior knowledge exclusion. AXIS Insurance Co. v. Farah & Farah, P.A., et. al., 2011 WL 5510063 (M.D. Fla. Nov. 10, 2011). It was undisputed that a former attorney of the law firm had a reasonable expectation, prior to the effective date of the LPL policy, that a former client would bring a legal malpractice claim against the firm. The court held that the attorney was an Insured as defined under the LPL policy, thus triggering the prior knowledge exclusion.
In April 2003, an attorney entered into an agreement with the insured law firm to “provide litigation, support, service, direction and decision making for plaintiff’s bodily injury and wrongful death cases to [the law firm] in-house at [the law firm’s] office.” The attorney’s name was added to the name of the law firm. In August 2003, the law firm, and the attorney in particular, filed a medical malpractice lawsuit against the United States government on behalf of the parents of a minor child who had sustained serious and permanent injuries in a Navy hospital. The district court ruled in favor of the parents and their son on the medical malpractice claim and awarded the parents loss of consortium damages in an amount over $800,000. Subsequently, in 2005, the attorney moved his practice away from the law firm’s physical premises, at which time his name was removed from the name of the law firm. In January 2008, the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit vacated the district court’s decision on multiple grounds, holding, in relevant part, that the loss of consortium claims were filed prematurely and were forever barred from refiling. The parents subsequently sued the law firm in 2009 for legal malpractice related to the premature filing of the claims.
A claims-made-and-reported LPL policy was issued to the law firm in June 2009. The record revealed that the attorney who had joined and left the law firm knew of the Eleventh Circuit decision prior to the effective date of the LPL policy and believed that the premature filing of the medical malpractice complaint could reasonably be expected to be the basis of a legal malpractice claim. The law firm argued that the attorney was not an Insured under the LPL policy because the policy’s definition of Insured was irreconcilable with the definition of Insured in the policy application. The policy application contained the clause “your firm and any person proposed for coverage (‘the Insured’)” while the LPL policy defined Insured to mean “any lawyer previously affiliated with the Named Insured or a Predecessor Firm as a partner, . . . manager, member or salaried employee.” The court found that the definition of Insured was not ambiguous. Although the policy application listed the attorneys affiliated with the law firm at that time, the application did not define which persons were proposed for coverage, and therefore did not conflict with the definition of Insured in the LPL policy. The court granted summary judgment for the insurer, holding that the attorney was clearly a former member or manager of the law firm and thus an Insured under the policy. As a result, the court ruled that the attorney’s prior knowledge of an incident that was likely to give rise to a legal malpractice claim against the law firm barred coverage under the policy’s prior knowledge exclusion.
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0006.json.gz/line1736656
|
__label__wiki
| 0.746824
| 0.746824
|
filed: September 22, 2011 • Rhode Island
Water, sewer rates to climb by 5 percent
Another delayed decision, albeit one with a much more complicated future, is an $87,575 expenditure for additional wind turbine proposal studies and other associated costs. The town is hoping the state will pick up the tab for this phase of the turbine proposal initiative, but it’s unclear what will happen if the money isn’t awarded. If it is, the grant will pay for, among other things, the second tier of a National Grid study to pin down interconnections costs ($25,000); meteorological analysis ($4,000); photo simulations of what the turbine will actually look like at the Taylor Point site ($3,000); and consulting services for a power purchase agreement ($13,800).
Credit: BY PHIL ZAHODIAKIN, The Jamestown Press, www.jamestownpress.com 22 September 2011 ~~
Jamestowners who use more town water than the minimum volume, which incurs the flat, quarterly fee, willseea5percentincreaseintheir next water bill, while their billings for sewer use – but not for sewer debt service – will increase by 5 percent, as well.
The increases, which include hikes for some miscellaneous services, are mandated by the fiscal year 2011-12 water and sewer budgets adopted by the Town Council members acting as water and sewer commissioners during their Sept. 19 meeting. The unanimous votes passing the budgets were the most significant near-term financial decisions reached during the water and sewer – and subsequent Town Council – meetings.
Otherwise, the pending financial issues awaiting decisions were discussed but not resolved. Those issues include the reconstruction of the John C. Rembijas pavilion, a contract for video recording Town Council meetings, and the next round of studies necessary for a decision on the proposed wind turbine.
The increase in water rates is part of the scheduled, biennial rate hikes intended to fund debt service for the $6.2 million water treatment plant and its upgrades. The rate hike for sewer services is intended to pay for normal, operating cost increases, along with the annual $50,000 setaside for the eventual replacement of the effluent filter used to supply water to the golf course.
The next round of water and sewer bills will be sent out on Sept. 30. Under the water-rate increase, people using less than 5,000 gallons per quarter won’t be affected, but those who use more than 5,000 gallons perquarterwillseea5percent increase in their applicable rates. For example, the rate for those using up to 5,000 gallons more than the minimum volume will see their $5.06-per-1,000-gallon rate increase to $5.32, and those using up to 10,000 gallons more than the minimum will see their $5.46-per-1,000- gallon rate increase to $5.73.
The sewer budget doesn’t raise the debt service fees, which include a flat debt service fee of $38.02, and a debt service usage rate of $6.49 per 1,000 gallons. However, the non-debt usage fees will increase by 5 percent. For example, the $9.25-per-1,000-gallon usage rate will increase to $9.71; the $107.20-per-1,000-gallon pump-out rate will increase to $112.56; and the rate for those with sewer but not water will increase from $9.25 per 1,000 gallons to $9.71.
Meeting as town councilors, the council again delayed a decision on what, if anything, Jamestown will pay for video recordings of its meetings. Under the most recent decision tree, the vendors who submitted bids on various aspects of the proposed service were supposed to present summaries of their bids during this week’s council meeting, and the councilors had planned to hold a vendor-selection vote after the presentations.
However, one of the vendors offering software to enable public access to the videos – ClerkBase – was unable to send a representative because the company is attending a trade conference. A second potential vendor, Jamestown Daily Record publisher Sav Rebecchi, has not submitted a formal bid; however, because he has offered to provide the recording and access services free of charge, there isn’t any necessity for him to present the details of his offer.
Software vendor IQM2 had submitted the lowest bid (outside of Rebecchi’s offer), but the company was not invited to present a summary of its proposal because its bid “is considered a low-ball submission that might not be available after the first year,” says a memo to the council from Councilor Bob Bowen.
In a public comment to the council, resident Blake Dickinson argued that the money that the town might spend on video recording (unless Rebecchi’s offer is accepted) should be spent, instead, on enhancements to the town’s website. But the argument didn’t elicit any response from the councilors.
The only vendor presentation they heard was delivered by David Coccia from ATR Treehouse, which is offering hardware services at a firstyear cost of $21,569 for a pair of cameras – with one of them to face the council and the other to face the podium. The bid will increase by $3,000 if the town decides to add a service contract and training to operate the cameras from a remote position.
ClerkBase is expected to deliver its software presentation during the Oct. 3 council meeting, after which the council will vote on the providers unless there’s an unforeseen circumstance delaying the vote.
The money being offered by the state is actually federal stimulus money which had previously been awarded for Jamestown’s wind turbine proposal, and then withdrawn when it became clear that the turbine could not be built by the March 2012 deadline. Town Administrator Bruce Keiser said the state Office of Energy Resources, which has allocated the $2.5 million in federal money to the Renewable Energy Fund administered by the Economic Development Corporation, views the Jamestown proposal “very favorably” because the town has already invested $60,000 to study and plan for a turbine, which is much more effort than other applicants have expended.
Jamestown’s request for a renewable energy grant in support of the turbine proposal will be submitted Thursday, Sept. 22. While the town is awaiting the state’s decision on the request, it will also be pursuing a favorable decision on its arguments for a greater insurance reimbursement for the John C. Rembijas pavilion.
The town’s insurance carrier, the Interlocal Trust, has offered to pay $198,000 for the loss of the pavilion in a February snowstorm. The cost of the replacement design selected by the council, and built to current code, is about $356,000 – along with $16,646 for the substitution of a metal roof for the asphalt roof specified by the selected option. So, the town and the trust are nearly $175,000 apart, and until that gap is closed, the council cannot proceed with any decision requesting the building official to issue a construction permit.
Under federal rules for structures in flood zones, the pavilion would appear to need a scour-proof foundation; however, because the design selected by the council would support the roof with deep posts whose stability won’t depend on the foundation, and because the pavilion won’t be habitable, the town’s building official could issue a construction permit without a heavily reinforced slab. Keiser and Public Works Director Mike Gray are in the process of developing a counter proposal to the $198,000 offer.
Source: BY PHIL ZAHODIAKIN, The Jamestown Press, www.jamestownpress.com 22 September 2011
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0006.json.gz/line1736658
|
__label__wiki
| 0.846106
| 0.846106
|
Bowling Green City Commission Votes Down 'Fairness Ordinance' Again
By Colin Jackson (KPR) • May 8, 2019
A display of 'Fairness Campaign' t-shirts laid on the Bowling Green City Hall lawn ahead of a meeting.
Credit Colin Jackson / WKYU
The final reading of an LGBTQ protection measure known as a Fairness Ordinance at Tuesday's Bowling Green City Commission meeting failed on a 3-2 vote.
It marked the latest rejection in a statewide effort to have local governments ban discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations based on gender identity or sexual orientation. The Bowling Green City Commission also rejected the Fairness Ordinance during its first reading at a meeting in April.
Commissioner Brian "Slim" Nash played a nasty voicemail he received for supporting the measure prior to opening the floor for open comment.
Alexander Miller was one of the 87 citizens who spent more than three hours weighing in on the proposal at the meeting. He said while he personally receives good treatment in Bowling Green because his previous time working as a Western Kentucky University mascot, he has many friends who have faced discrimination.
"I'm speaking for my rights to still continue to live here and to still call this place home and so I felt the need to come up here and to put a name to the face so that we're not just talking about transgender people as this foreign topic. There's one standing right here," Miller, who identifies as a transgendered man, said.
He was among many who called for those on the commission who opposed the ordinance to explain their position.
Bowling Green Mayor Bruce Wilkerson, who joined Commissioners Joe Denning and Sue Parrigin in voting against the ordinance, said he explained his position as a private citizen when the topic first came up in the late 1990s.
"When people ask for what your opinion is with regard to this issue, I've found it's not really your opinion they're looking for. They're not looking for information, they're looking for ammunition so that they can challenge your opinion. My opinion hasn't changed since 1999," Wilkerson said.
Tuesday's meeting saw many more speakers on both sides of the issue participate in public comment than the first reading at a meeting in mid-April. The group included religious leaders, both in support and against of the ordinance, drag performers and local business owners.
Proponents discussed business benefits, the need for anti-discrimination protections, and counterpoints to the main arguments against the proposal. Opponents often referenced religious beliefs, fears of lawsuits, and also said they didn't believe the ordinance was necessary.
Tuesday's vote is another setback in a years-long effort to have Bowling Green approve the policy. It is also the first time the proposal made it to the vote stage of the process.
After the meeting, Commissioners Dana Beasley-Brown and Nash joined State Representative Patti Minter in addressing a crowd of around 50 supporters from the steps of City Hall. They seemed resigned to the idea of changing their fellow commissioners' minds.
Nash called for the addition of one more pro-ordinance member to join himself and Beasley-Brown on the board. Beasley-Brown won her seat in this past November's election.
© 2019 WKU Public Radio
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0006.json.gz/line1736659
|
__label__wiki
| 0.693347
| 0.693347
|
Scarlet E
( <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sgw/">Steve Wampler</a>/flickr )
Summary Transcript
BROOKE GLADSTONE:
Of course, the public can decide if it’s got the facts. But Gary Schwitzer, director of the University of Minnesota’s Health Journalism Program, says facts are hard to come by when it comes to the influence of pharmaceutical money on reporting. He’s spent years rating health news reporting and advocating for full disclosure, and he concedes that untangling the complex pharma ties of guests on a public radio show or experts quoted in a medical journal is a tall order. But, Schwitzer says, the least they can do is ask.
GARY SCHWITZER:
We should be asking about and disclosing what we know about conflict of interest in our sources as a regular part of our interviewing, reporting, researching and writing. It has to be there on every story.
Journal policies on disclosure of conflict of interest are all over the map. But even when it is there, even when it is listed, some journalists won't pick up on that disclosure, or they will minimize it.
A case in point: You’ll probably remember, I believe it was two weeks ago, this major study, we were told, in The New England Journal of Medicine on cholesterol, on the drugs called statins.
Mm-hmm. [AFFIRMATIVE]
And it was all kicked off by this new test called a CRP, or C-reactive protein test.
Let us just say that that research seemed to find that even healthy people with relatively low cholesterol would benefit from taking that drug, to the tune of, I don't know, a billion dollars of extra sales.
Well, exactly. Some journalists reported that the study was funded by the drug company, AstraZeneca, that made the drug that was studied, and some, fewer, reported that the principal investigator actually held a patent on that CRP test that kicked the whole process off.
But if experts like Dr. Goodwin want to keep their ties a secret, it’s hard to know what they are, isn't it?
It can be hard, but we should be able to find out.
On a website that I publish, a website that grades health news coverage across the country, called Healthnewsreview.org, we now have a list on our home page of independent experts that now numbers more than a hundred internationally, top people who have sworn to us that they have no financial conflict of interest with industry right now. And these people should be in your Rolodex, anyway.
That list is based on self-reporting. How can you be sure that you've been told the truth?
It is an imperfect but certainly a better practice than what apparently took place in this instance, where it wasn't clear that anyone asked. An article in the – formerly The British Medical Journal, now called The BMJ, just this last week talked about five or six different levels of industry influence on the dissemination of messages to the American public, largely through journalism, through awards programs that give journalists big cash prizes and send them on international travel, or on television programming that appears in doctors’ waiting offices, where a journalist appears, supposedly giving integrity to the message, but indeed it’s a one-sided product message.
There are endless issues in this arena of industry influence that I think is one of the biggest concerns that we face.
So if you were to rate the sins of health reporters, what do you think the top five would be?
Gullibility and naiveté as number one; a failure to discuss costs as number two; as number three, the failure to tell both how small might be the potential benefit and how large might be the potential harms; number four, to get independent sources; and, number five, to always be looking for conflict of interest in those sources.
Wow, I didn't expect you to be ready with five, just like that. [LAUGHS] Gary, thank you very much.
Well, thanks for your continued interest in these really important issues.
Gary Schwitzer is the director of the University of Minnesota’s Health Journalism Program and founder of Healthnewsreview.org.
[MUSIC UP AND UNDER]
Music Credits: "Dinner Bells" by Wolf Parade
Produced by WNYC Studios
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms of Use.
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0006.json.gz/line1736661
|
__label__wiki
| 0.6177
| 0.6177
|
Posted In: The Interview
It was 2012 and smack in the middle of an excoriating global recession, but that didn’t stop two old friends abandoning good jobs for the uncertain territory of self-employment: “It may have seemed like a strange move for both of us to leave our jobs and set up a business, but we wanted the challenge,” recalls Fiona Craul who set up successful sourcing and consultancy firm Sweetspot Sourcing Ltd with co-founder Susan Dempsey. The two had been friends for many years, and had always suspected they’d work well as a business team:
“Sometimes you just feel that it’s time to jump off the cliff and start again. That’s what we did,” she recalls now.
Áilín Quinlan
They established Sweetspot in Naas, Co Kildare in 2012: “The name is about sourcing products with a high perceived value that will ultimately hit our customers’ ‘sweetspot’! “It was something that we were both able to do and there were not that many companies servicing businesses in this way,” recalls Fiona. The pair hit the ground running, attracting a broad range of customers, and within 12 months established a base in China.
Solid support from their Local Enterprise Office and from Enterprise Ireland helped:
“We availed of an innovation voucher, and Sue participated in the Enterprise Ireland Going for Growth programme in 2015,” recalls Fiona who explains that more backing, this time from InterTradeIreland located in North, provided the duo with a consultant based in that region – something which is helping Sweetspot build an ever-stronger sales pipeline both into the North, where its customer base is growing steadily, and into the UK.
“What we do is product sourcing for both the promotion and the retail industry,” Fiona explains.
“For example, a business may run a promotion for its customers that involves a ‘reward’ of some kind – we source the ‘reward.’ This will likely be a product relevant to the company’s core product – for example, a lunch-box for ham or a mini-fridge for a beer brand.
The second element of the sourcing side of the business is working closely with retailers seeking own-brand items: “We work with a lot of well-known Irish brands creating own-label products that are used either in a promotion or in their own retail business.
“We do the sourcing from start to finish; from the design of the product to sampling the manufacturing and taking care of the logistics surrounding importation, for example.
“It’s very much a beginning to end service. “For example, you might have a fruit manufacturer who wants to offer customers a giveaway. “We source the product for them because they don’t necessarily have the expertise to source and organise something like this – it’s out of their core range because their business is focused on something else entirely.
“Sometimes a company might have an idea about a giveaway but they may not know just how to bring the product to life.”
Sweetspot uses factories in Asia, Europe and Turkey to make the products its clients need.
“We opened the office in China in 2013 because it was necessary to have an on-the-ground presence there with a full-time employee who manages the office, makes factory visits and carries out quality control,” explains Fiona, who has a background in organisational psychology and business and worked in the Irish importation sector before leaving to co-found Sweetspot.
The company she worked for had a particular interest in China, where she actually lived and worked for six months. Sue who also hails from a business background, worked for a lighting manufacturer in Ireland which had a factory in China.
Business has been strong and Sweetspot has grown since its establishment, attracting ever-larger brands and carving out a good reputation in the industry: “We are now working with multi-national and national brands as well as charities, start-ups and small business.”
But that’s not enough for this dynamic duo who also have another side – the company also offers a business consultancy service:
“A start-up sports brand came to us recently. The company was creating a brand from scratch. We helped them find a manufacturer and go through the whole process. They’re receiving their first shipment this month.
“It’s very satisfying for us to see a process like that all the way through.”
These women are certainly not about to allow any grass to grow under their feet – over the next few years, Fiona explains, their focus is on strong sales growth:
“Throughout 2017 we plan to build our profile in the UK.”
And yes, the biggest challenge they, like many other Irish companies face is what Brexit will mean for the export /import side to the business.
“Yes it’s a concern but you just have to crack on,” Fiona says pragmatically.
As of now Sweetspot, not surprisingly, is among the nominees for the Small Firms Association Awards in March – Fiona and Susan are up for the Outstanding Small Business Award.
“We’re very excited about that. It would be great to win. We were also nominated for this same Award last year so it’s a case of fingers crossed this time round!”
For more information visit:http://sweetspot.ie/
(Image: Sweetspot Sourcing Directors: Susan Dempsey and Fiona Craul. Photo: Michael Donnelly)
The Interview: Previous
Mash Direct Smashes It!
Twelve years ago, Tracy and Martin Hamilton...
The Interview: Next
The Fairy Door Company
Everyone needs a sprinkle of fairy dust in...
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0006.json.gz/line1736663
|
__label__wiki
| 0.639449
| 0.639449
|
MSU's Perry collects second SEC Freshman of the Week award
Reggie Perry is the seventh player in program history to capture multiple SEC Rookie/Freshman of the Week accolades in the same season.
Posted: Feb 25, 2019 4:03 PM
Posted By: Jim Holder
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WTVA/MSU Athletics) – After matching a career-high 21 points against South Carolina, Reggie Perry collected his second SEC Freshman of the Week award announced Monday by the conference office.
It marks Perry’s second SEC weekly award, and Mississippi State’s third SEC weekly award during the 2018-19 season. Lamar Peters secured SEC Player of the Week honors on Dec. 10.
Perry is the seventh player in program history to capture multiple SEC Rookie/Freshman of the Week accolades in the same season. The list includes Cameron Burns (1988-89), Jamont Gordon (2005-06), Barry Stewart (2006-07), Dee Bost (2008-09), Craig Sword (2012-13) and Quinndary Weatherspoon (2015-16).
Perry tucked away 16.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game as Mississippi State stretched its winning streak to a SEC-best four consecutive games. He racked up 17 of his career-high tying 21 points versus South Carolina during the second half as the Bulldogs overcame a 16-point first half deficit.
Perry connected on 61.1 percent of his field goal attempts and produced an 83.3 percent mark at the foul line. He added 12 points which included three free throws inside the game’s final minutes at Georgia.
The Bulldogs tangle with Missouri on Tuesday to complete a two-game homestand. Tip time is slated for 6 p.m. CT. The game will be televised by SEC Network and available online through the WatchESPN platform.
MSU's Reggie Perry nabs SEC Freshman of the Week
MSU's Nick Weatherspoon named SEC Freshman of the Week
Taylor named SEC Freshman of the Week
MSU's Thompson, Christmann named to SEC All-Freshman Team
MSU baseball’s Ginn named SEC Co-Freshman of the Week
MSU’s Ginn earns second SEC Freshman of the Week honor
Ole Miss' Mimi Reid earns second SEC Freshman of the Week award
Promise Taylor earns second SEC Freshman of the Week honor
Taylor named SEC Freshman of the Week again
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0006.json.gz/line1736667
|
__label__cc
| 0.558723
| 0.441277
|
10 fascinating facts about the Internet and the Web
The Internet actually weighs something
How much does the Internet weigh? Various calculations have been performed to answer this very question, but two of the most prevalent answers are the equivalent of a strawberry, and the equivalent of a grain of salt.
Robert Krulwich really breaks it down in an excellent article he wrote on NPR in December of 2011. Basically, there are a number of conclusions one could come to as to the actual weight of the Internet, but it's an ever-changing figure.
Despite what the actual answer may be at any given time, and that it is ultimately of little significance (for now, at least; try back in a trillion years or so), the fact that the Internet actually weighs anything at all is still a fascinating thing to consider!
Image sources: Salt and strawberries, courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net
10 stress-relieving gadgets everyone needs
20 awesome office gadgets and must-haves
20 of the coolest gadgets and must-haves for your office! (Part 1)
Published: August 29, 2012 -- 09:46 GMT (02:46 PDT)
Caption by: Stephen Chapman
The World Wide Web was invented by one man
It's hard to believe that everything we enjoy about the World Wide Web (not to be confused with the Internet, which the World Wide Web, itself, utilizes) today, was all started by one man: Sir Tim Berners-Lee.
With the help of Robert Cailliau, Berners-Lee was able to take his creation and make it work, successfully, on the Internet.
For more information, read up about the World Wide Web, Tim Berners-Lee, and Robert Cailliau.
(Oh, and if you're wondering who invented the Internet, computerhope.com has an excellent timeline of events that comprise the make of the Internet.)
Image source: Wikipedia
Total number of Internet users: ~2.5 billion
If you've ever wondered how many people use the Internet out of the 7+ billion human beings inhabiting the earth, the estimate in December 2011 was 2,267,233,742. Suffice it to say, those numbers have certainly gone up over the course of the past 8 months, which would now put the number even closer to 2.5 billion (if not exceeding it, possibly).
As you can see from the graph above, Asia has the most users on the Internet, with twice as many users as the second-most Internet-populous continent, Europe; and four times as many users as the third-most Internet-populous continent, North America!
Hungry for more Internet user stats? Go check out more from the foremost authority on the topic, Internet World Stats.
Image source: Internet World Stats
The first Webcam stream? A coffee pot, of course!
See the tiny, pitiful image above? It's not a secret missile silo, confidential alien autopsy, or any other clandestine governmental thing you might expect to see in images from the first Webcam. No, instead, it's a coffee pot. Yes, the first Webcam, created at the University of Cambridge, was used to monitor a coffee pot.
Hey, man... I'm not judging! I mean, as I'm sitting here writing this, I'm throwing back a coffee-infused beverage, so I KNOW how important this stuff is to keeping the inspiration flowing! I just think it's hilariously awesome that the first images streamed via Webcam were of a coffee pot. So perfect.
This is the first YouTube video ever uploaded to... YouTube
"Me at the zoo" is the first video to be uploaded to YouTube, by one of its three founders, Jawed Karim. While it's certainly not much to watch, it's fascinating to look back at it, knowing that the three founders had no idea at the time that their creation would eventually be purchased for 1.65 BILLION DOLLARS (insert Dr. Evil image here) by none other than Google.
With the ability for users to either upload videos or record them live, straight from their computer, the Internet sure has come a long way from being a vehicle for monitoring coffee pots, huh?
Image source: YouTube
And the most popular adult site on the Web is...
According to Alexa's rankings, xHamster is the most popular adult Web site on the Internet, ranking 44th overall in the list of top-500 Web sites, globally. This is in contrast to how Alexa ranks adult sites, categorically, where rankings are typically based on the strength of individual pages, rather than overall site strength.
From coffee pots, to YouTube, to xHamster; we really have come full circle, haven't we?
To note, I really, really, really wanted to use this image at the top, instead of the xHamster logo, but I couldn't locate the original photographer, despite some intense searching. Boooo!
Image source: xHamster's Steam community profile
In 2003, the US DoD wanted to 'fight the net'
Unless you've been living under a rock for the past couple of years, you know that the landscape of the Internet has been incredibly tumultuous -- what with proposed legislation, like SOPA/PIPA; the seizure of file-sharing sites, like MegaUpload ; dictators being overthrown, as in Egypt; "hacktivist" groups, like LulzSec and Anonymous, running amok; government-funded trojans/viruses that take out nuclear power plants, then inadvertently end up on the Web; and so on and so forth.
Well, in 2006, an October 2003 US DoD (Department of Defense) document, titled the "Information Operations Roadmap," came to light via George Washington University. In it, the DoD expressed -- amongst other interesting sentiments -- that they needed to "fight the net" (see page 10 of the PDF). There is a proper context to that statement, but, clearly, they knew the Internet would serve far more powerful and nefarious purposes, and they knew they needed to prepare.
Whether they were ready for it or not, what the US DoD feared the most back then has certainly come to pass, and seeing this report is just a stark reminder that the Internet is so much more than a catalyst for our entertainment and petty information consumption.
Contrary to popular belief, Mosaic was not the first Web browser
Although Mosaic is arguably the Web browser that popularized the World Wide Web, it isn't the first Web browser, as is widely-believed.
Remember Sir Tim Berners-Lee, the inventor of the Web? Well, not only did he also primarily author HTML, but he also invented the first Web browser, pictured above, called Nexus (after originally being called "WorldWideWeb").
At one point, Nexus was the only means with which one could access the Web; however, it didn't take long for other Web browsers (like Mosaic) to find their way onto computers of the Internet-savvy. Now, we have a veritable cornucopia of Web browsers to choose from: Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome, Opera, Safari, etc.
The first Web banner ad
Though there is speculation as to which of three Web banner ads was truly the first, Wired is happy to take the credit (or the blame, whichever you choose to cast) for being the site to run, what they say, is the first Web banner ad. Yes, the image above is claimed by many to be the first Web banner ad, paid for by AT&T to run on HotWired (now known as Wired) in 1994.
This very ad would mark the beginning of the age of monetizing content on the World Wide Web -- a model still used by a majority of monetized sites today, 18 years later.
Image source: Wired
One time, there was no such thing as the Web
Before you laugh at me and shake your head at this seemingly-ridiculous "fact," take a moment to recall (if you can!) a time when we had no World Wide Web. I'm often puzzled by how the world went 'round, when I reflect on the current moving parts of business, information exchange, communication, entertainment, etc.
I remember a time when meeting a celebrity, musician, or someone you admired was a near-impossibility! Now, they're just a tweet, FB message, or email away. Also, I remember when an in-country long distance phone call was a big deal, cost-wise. Now, I can simply fire up Skype and have a chat with a buddy all the way across the world in Japan. For free.
I mean, to think that this Web-less world existed just a short 20 years ago is astounding to me. I'm perpetually fascinated by this fact, as well as the fact that there are 24-year-olds who have never known a Web-less world. Am I officially starting to sound like an old man now? Geez...
Lastly, yes, I sometimes have to get away from the constant connectivity of the Internet, and it's great to do as such -- but then, it doesn't take long before I'm sucked back into browsing lolcats, laughing at memes (like the one above), writing ZDNet pieces, and reading news about Snooki's baby. And I don't even care about Snooki! (I blame that last one on my girlfriend. And TMZ.)
Oh, Internet... the things you do to me. *sigh*.
Image source: QuickMeme
ZDNet is as old as the World Wide Web!
You may not realize it, but this very site is as old as the World Wide Web, making it one of the oldest properties to reside therein! If you're so inclined, take a look at this brief, 5-minute-long video that gives a quick history of ZDNet, which just celebrated its 20th anniversary in April of this year:
Prepare to get your learn on with these 10 interesting and little-known facts about one of mankind's greatest achievements: the Internet (and the Web, too).
CXO Government Security
Carry on: Must-have minimalist travel gadgets in 2019
Here's a selection of the best travel accessories that bring down the bulk and weight of your luggage.
Mother's Day 2019: The best tech, gadgets, and accessories for mom
Smart yoga mats, intelligent candles, and more can be picked up to make this Mother's Day extra special.
Plagues then and now: Blood, frogs and locusts are no match for the ravages of 2019
What would a modern-day Plague of Lice look like?
April Fools' Day roundup: The best and worst tech pranks on the web
Be careful what you believe on April 1st as jokes and pranks will flood the Internet today. Come back for updates as more pranks reveal themselves.
Last-minute tech gifts and gadgets for your Valentine
Chocolate and flowers are not the only options this Valentine's Day.
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0006.json.gz/line1736672
|
__label__cc
| 0.744461
| 0.255539
|
Skip to Related Content
Is Your Memory Loss Normal For Your Age...Or An Early Sign Of Alzheimer's?
Sarah Bradley
Women's Health• June 14, 2019
Photo credit: Chris Madden - Getty Images
From Women's Health
You totally spaced on grabbing your gym bag (or lunch...or apartment keys...or cell phone...) on your way to work in the morning. Or, you forgot to submit your cable bill payment online last week. Hey, no judgment-when it comes to getting older, forgetting stuff is part of the deal. But what if your memory loss doesn’t seem like a typical part of getting older, and this is happening, like, all the time?
If you’re a woman, that's a serious question to consider. Two-thirds of all Alzheimer’s patients and caregivers are female, according to the Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement, meaning women are disproportionately affected by the disease.
While the reasons behind that reality aren't totally clear, hormones are likely at play. “Women who have had hysterectomies, gone through early menopause, or had any early loss of estrogen are particularly vulnerable,” says David A. Merrill, MD, PhD, neurologist and geriatric psychiatrist at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica. “We know estrogen has a protective effect on the brain and supports healthy brain function.”
To make matters worse, Dr. Merrill says the psychological and cognitive processes of getting older mimic the early warning signs of dementia syndromes (Alzheimer’s is the most common one). So it can be easy to dismiss these first signs of brain degeneration as run-of-the-mill aging.
Getting familiar with the early and first signs of the disease here-straight from neurologists!-will make you that much more prepared to take action if and when you notice something seems off with you or someone you love down the line.
1. Your loss of memory is impacting your day-to-day life.
You’re about to order your a.m. latte from your local coffee shop when you realize you can’t remember the barista’s name...and she serves you five days a week. Is that bad?
Probably not, says Henry Paulson, MD, PhD, neurologist and director of the University of Michigan’s Alzheimer’s Disease Center. “As we age, our brains change,” he says. “It’s normal for things like our speed of thinking and recall of names to slow down.”
Alzheimer’s-related memory loss is more than just not being able to remember someone’s name. “[We’re talking about] forgetting major events or having a loss of whole episodes,” Dr. Paulson explains. For example, “You don’t remember going on a beach vacation for three days with your family or attending your grandchild’s birthday party last weekend,” he says.
Paulson adds that misplacing items-like consistently putting your car keys in the fridge or not knowing what room to find your toothbrush-also falls under the umbrella of memory loss, along with not knowing what day of the week or month it is.
One more thing: Sometimes people will rely too heavily on tricks like repetition or note-taking to force themselves to remember things they know they’ll forget-so if you (or a loved one) notice you're doing this, it's worth seeing a neurologist.
2. You are having issues with language and vision.
If you’re struggling with speaking or writing or experiencing visual impairments, it’s also time to contact your doc. Early brain degeneration can make it hard to communicate and engage with your environment.
“You might notice spatial changes in your vision or even have difficulty perceiving the world around you,” explains Dr. Paulson. “When you speak, you’re having to take the long way around and come up with other phrases to explain what you need because you can’t remember the exact word.”
Again, these problems go beyond squinting at the television from across the room or writing the wrong date on your checks, which are all normal parts of aging; early Alzheimer's symptoms would likely be more obvious and ongoing.
3. You can't seem to problem solve or use good judgment.
There are several red flags to look out for within this category, including trouble completing tasks, problem-solving, and displaying poor judgment. According to Dr. Paulson, our brains have to process a range of information in order to productively move through our day-to-day lives. The degeneration brought on by early Alzheimer’s can make something as simple as choosing what to order for lunch a complicated decision.
People in early stages of the disease may show other signs of cognitive deterioration such as being unable to follow directions or recipes, making serious financial errors, or struggling to maintain a healthy hygiene routine, per the Alzheimer’s Association.
4. You're withdrawing from your social life.
Did you (or your aging mother, perhaps) used to be the life of every party-but now you're staying home more and more often from social gatherings? You could be experiencing a normal decrease in energy...or it could be an early warning sign of Alzheimer’s.
Dr. Paulson says when brain degeneration makes it hard to remember commitments, participate in conversations, or engage fully in social events, many people begin to withdraw from these activities. Sometimes this is a symptom of depression (which also shouldn’t be ignored), but either way it’s important to seek help if someone’s behavior seems out of character for them.
5. Your mood or personality seems drastically different.
Speaking of out-of-character behavior, when you or someone you love starts acting like a total stranger, it’s time to take those changes seriously.
“This is a little more rare, but we do see it in the early stages,” says Dr. Paulson. “It looks like someone who knows right from wrong suddenly becoming uninhibited, and doing things they never would normally do.”
It may also manifest as a person having intense mood swings, becoming easily suspicious of others, or showing heightened aggression or sexual behaviors, per the National Institute on Aging.
But remember, Alzheimer’s disease isn’t common in young people.
So if you're experiencing little memory flubs before your 60s, it’s unlikely you're dealing with Alzheimer's symptoms (although you should always check in with your doctor if you're concerned).
And if you need help determining the next steps for yourself or a loved one, the Alzheimer’s Association offers a 24/7 helpline, patient and caregiver resources, and a directory of local support groups for people affected by the disease.
('You Might Also Like',)
14 Keto Breakfast Recipes That Make Waking Up So Much Easier
13 MS Symptoms In Women That Shouldn't Be Ignored
Love Carbs? We Created This 21-Day Keto Diet Plan Just for You
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0006.json.gz/line1736673
|
__label__cc
| 0.733489
| 0.266511
|
Inclusive Education YES, Special ALSO
February 28th. Today is World Rare Disease Day.
The following data comes from the update of the Study on the situation of Sociosanitary Needs of people with Rare Diseases in Spain (ENSERIo Study, 2018). Some facts about the rare diseases offered by the Spanish Federation of Rare Diseases:
- Current situation and perception of discrimination
75% felt discrimination, at least, on some occasion due to their illness.
Main areas of discrimination: enjoyment of leisure (32%), healthcare (32%), education (30%) and activities of daily life (30%).
- The diagnosis of rare diseases
A patient with a rare disease waits for an average of 5 years until a diagnosis is made, in 20% of cases 10 or more years elapses until an adequate diagnosis is achieved.
While the diagnostic time is delayed:
The patient does not receive any support or treatment (40.9% of cases).
He has received some inadequate treatment (26.7% of cases).
His illness has worsened (26.8% of cases).
With all these data, among others, parents and relatives live in a continuous struggle because nobody listens to them. Now they have created the Inclusive Education YES, Special ALSO' Platform and a manifesto that I share:
People with disabilities, their families and teachers are here deeply concerned about the intention of some political parties and sectoral organizations to eliminate Special Education that serves thousands of boys and girls in Spain.
Different autonomous communities are discussing at this moment, through propositions of law, the convenience of disappearing Special Education under the argument that it is "segregated and discriminatory". Thus, they advocate "UNA ONLY modality of schooling where ALL the students would be schooled in an ordinary center ".
In addition, a report issued by the United Nations Committee on Human Rights of Persons with Disabilities has raised the alarm, interpreting that the existence of Special Education and the coexistence of "two systems education "would constitute discrimination against persons with disabilities, making an extensive and, at least, debatable interpretation of the UN Convention.
In 2017 two members of the aforementioned Committee moved to Spain, where they stayed ten days. They interviewed more than 165 people belonging to the central and regional governments, and to academics, jurists and representatives of different entities. In its conclusions, the report recommends: "Eliminate the educational segregation of students with disabilities, both in a unit within the same school or in special centers. "
The document does not show that the members of the Committee visited any center of Special Education, which, undoubtedly, would have given them a vision and a more complete assessment and adjusted to reality. In this same line, Spain already has presented his allegations, stating his "disagreement and his firm rejection" report.
From this Platform we believe and defend the right of all people with disability to enjoy real inclusion in society in all its areas. By
that, we ask the governments to guarantee a sufficient endowment of resources to assist students with disabilities in ordinary schools and in Special Education centers.
Likewise, we advocate that the schooling ruling of each child and each girl is performed once their families are heard, so that the opinion of these prevail when choosing educational modality for their sons and daughters, as way to guarantee the necessary educational resources.
The reality is that, at this moment in Spain, there are no two systems ("of first and "second" or "parallel systems"), but a single school system where the pupils and students with special educational needs are served under various types of schooling: Ordinary Education, Special Education, Specific Classrooms, Combined Schooling...
Therefore, Special Education centers are one of the possible modalities to attend to the diversity of the students and a legitimate way for inclusion. A) Yes, Special Education colleges are specific and specialized centers that give a personalized response and that guarantee the necessary supports to each child, every girl and every young person.
People with disabilities have very different abilities and needs, therefore, educational inclusion involves contemplating each situation and each student and student in particular, as has been done in Special Education in our country and in others of the European scope.
The right not to be discriminated against does not mean treating everyone equally, but treating each one as you need. Although some children adapt very well to school ordinary, others require an individualized education, with very specialized, adapted spaces, classrooms with few students and rhythms of concrete learning. Why destroy educational structures that are functioning and that guarantee the right to a quality education of this student body?
To achieve social, labor, family and leisure inclusion, from Education Special work is carried out and the maximum development of all the capacities of the student and the student, not only of their curricular competences that, in some cases, can be very far from those of other children of the same age without disability.
From this Platform we demand that none of the modalities be excluded educational support providers that are currently in the education system Spanish.
For all this, we ask that you reject the proposals of law that try eliminate Special Education under the erroneous premise that an ordinary school It is always the best for all children and all girls.
For this Platform, Special Education guarantees the elementary rights of persons with disabilities who are entitled to this option within the education system. To suppress it would be to violate very seriously rights enshrined in the laws European and Spanish that protect this group.
MariTriniGiner
Preparing my photo exhibition in Brussels
Citizens’ Engagement Activities on the Primitive Way of St. James, Lugo, (SPAIN) thanks to ERDF
My concept of solidarity has been evolving and expanding with Erasmus+
Summary of my 2018. Reflections of a year
Spaniards in Brussels: Karim, European policy videoblogger #ThisTimeImVoting
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0006.json.gz/line1736677
|
__label__wiki
| 0.735263
| 0.735263
|
Maga Magazinović: The Context and Meanings of Work
Dubravka Đurić
The beginning of the 20th century brought significant changes in the way and organization of life. Contemporary civilization, which was urged forward by technological progress, demanded appropriate forms of art. Traditional art forms were no longer able to express new feelings and experiences. The search for new art forms and for new ways of expression led to the destruction of existing systems of art and to the creation of new ones. The arts (painting, theater arts and literature) abandoned the mimetic character which had been canonized through tradition in western European art practice. Within the foundation of western European art tradition there was a concept of mimesis, imitating life through canonized art mediums. A work of art has its own meaning if it conveys some content, if it tells us a story (narration is the center of all art). In literature, narration (a story) is achieved through words, literary genres and styles; in ballet and theater it is achieved through stage effects, music, words and movements which express the flow of the plot and the emotions of the actor.
The determined forms of presentation coded by tradition in the art of ballet led to the culmination of a formal aspect of dance in which, in addition to narrative aspects, the highest value was placed on the performing skill of the ballet dancer. The reformist stream of modern dance sharply opposed the classicist-formalist virtuosity of the dancer. The reformist spirit in art from the beginning of the century resisted the narrative nature of art as being essentially utilitarian (from the time of Horatio it was believed that the basic role of art was to entertain and educate). Reformers wanted to change the role of art in society, the role of the artist, as well as the illusionist or realistic (mimetic) nature of western European art. The emancipation of art demanded "pure" art, art which relies on its own means and explores them, expressing nothing but itself. The discovery of new foundations of dance was linked to the realization that the art of dance is self-sufficient, that it is not necessary for dance to have music and scenography conjuring up an environment in which the plot takes place, nor is it necessary to tell a story of any kind. The reformers of new dance also abandoned the virtuous movements of ballet dancers and the entire system of training by which classical virtuosity was achieved. They believed that formalism should be rejected in favor of more natural movements which originate from the body itself, restricted by its natural abilities and limitations. The most important reformers at the beginning of the century, in addition to the Americans Lois Fuller, Isidora Duncan and Ruth Saint Denis, were Emile Jacques Dalcrose, Rudolf Laban and Laban's student Mary Wigman.
The liberation of art from western European ballet tradition was part of the effort to free life itself from society's norms. The aim was unrestricted development of the individual and the establishment of new relationships between society and the individual.
Susan Au writes that Isidora Duncan was more than a dancer, she was a symbol of women's desires, hidden or sometimes subconscious, for emancipation from the traditional roles of wife and mother, for sexual liberation and personal emotional and professional achievement.
Rudolf Laban variedly explored dance and movement, which led to the development of expressionistic dance. His innovations were the result of an interest in physical culture which was then popular in Germany. Laban broadened the field of dance and increased its importance in recreation, education and therapy. In 1910 he founded a dance school in Ascona, Switzerland where he developed the prototype of the moving corps, a form of recreational dance which allows trained and untrained dancers to move together harmoniously. At that time in Ascona, on Truth Mountain (Monte Verita), there was a community of people who tried to reform life and art and thereby achieve utopia. In Zurich during World War I, Laban created dances for a dadaist production. He developed a form of dance which incorporated a wide range of human movements; he believed that dance grows out of the time in which it appears and that it reflects everyday actions. The most important component of his dance form was movement which flows, this being a result of his belief that this is essential for the understanding of movement in daily life.
Laban founded numerous schools in European cities. His most important students were Mary Wigman and Kurt Jos. Wigman came to Laban via Dalcrose's school in Dresden and Helerau where she studied eurythmics, a system which combines the study of music and movement. Her "Witch dance" of 1914, where she dances the largest part in a sitting position, is well-known. She wore a mask which displayed the demonic features of her face. A feeling for evil and animalism are emanated from gestures; the sluggishness of the dancer's body connected to the earth was, as Susan Au says, far from the superficial grace of contemporary ballet, from the emphasis of the harmony of Isidora Duncan or the glamour of Ruth Saint Denis. In later dances, Wigman dealt with the dark side of human nature, the devastation of war, aging, death. Wigman is linked to German expressionist painters who used actions of emphasizing and deforming in order to convey strong emotions.
Dalcrose and Laban's techniques are bases of performances which unfold without words, based on archetypal concepts or mythological stories. Eurythmics is Dalcrose's system of exercise of movement, concentrated on emotions which arise under the influence of musical rhythms which he translates into a position and gesture. Laban's theory of eukinetics reduces all movements to opposing pairs of stylized "shapes" - for example, centripetal as opposed to centrifugal. After they are stripped to the basic elements, such movements bear strong psychological associations. Laban's dance-drama group demonstrated and established his ideas, repeating variations of "pure shapes" in order to clearly express defined emotions such as anger, joy, love or fear, until all the dancers reached a "universally celebrational state".
The ideas and work of Maga Magazinović have belonged to this international culture since the beginning of the 20th century, whose roots embrace a weave of ideas, of behavior and art ideologies close to the utopian idea of an entire art work (Wagner's idea of Gesamkunstwerk). She belongs to the artists and reformers who strove for the harmonious development of the individual and the community. Research of art and societal processes developed parallely. Emancipation of life was shaped in communes or work communities, established in order for people to live and work together. In The History of Dance Maga Magazinović writes of Laban: "There is one more important characteristic of Laban's dance, distinctly contemporary, sociality. Laban, in his attempts and the achievements of his dance troops, was totally social: he lived in the same manner as the youngest and most insignificant member of his dance community, without any material privilege for himself. Each individual in his groups had to adapt to the whole and to support it in San Morris, Munich, Ascona, Essen and Hamburg. Such spirit originates from Laban's understanding of the dance community in which there are no differences in salary between 'stars' and members of the corps, because they are all valid members of the whole". According to Maga Magazinović, the academic significance of dance also appears in Laban's discovery of the "moving corps", workers and students who, according to Laban's plans, aimed "to replace national dance for contemporary working people", thus making national dance a museum exhibit. Maga Magazinović writes: "The most important part of the work of the moving corps is for people to learn and to get used to adapting their personal movements with the movements of the community, to learn to consider themselves in relation to others around them, colleagues while at work; each person should put effort into the success and the expression of the whole."
The books of Maga Magazinović are unique in Serbo-Croatian speaking regions. The author directly participated in the movements which reformed dance and produced emancipatory energy. The books Exercises and Studies in Contemporary Gymnastics, Plastics, Rythmics and Ballet and Physical Culture as Education and Art resulted from the study of a then already huge amount of literature, as well as from direct art experience in researching and reforms of contemporary dance or an even wider movement which includes physical culture (various systems of gymnastics and exercises for the body), plastic and new dance as a new type of art. In Maga Magazinović's work, movement is analyzed in all aspects beginning from unconscious movements performed during daily activities (moving, standing, sitting, running, work and recreation). Maga Magazinović explains the entire culture of movement, observing movement in daily situations as a sphere of being civilized. In that regard, enlightenment speaks about the civilization level of a culture of a certain society. Theoretical treatment of movement in daily life opened the possibility for it to be treated as an art material in the construction of dance arts.
Maga Magazinović functions as an educational spirit which, through theory and practice, brings to its environment contemporary accomplishments of the most advanced world communities. Already at the beginning of the century, through her papers on body culture and new dance, she was developing an important aspect in the activity of contemporary artists - that art can be spoken about on high theoretical bases, and that contemporary art cannot exist without a discursive establishment of its foundations and explanation of its intentions. The theory of dance was developed by Isidora Duncan, Rudolph Laban and most of the world's most significant dancers. Traditional art and the more modern forms of art which domesticate (alleviate and exploit) elements of radical art practices, combining them with traditional aspects of art, due to the system of family and global Eurocentric traditionalistic and humanistic education, are self-evident, "natural" and normal. i.e. normalized. Radical art practices violate the "naturalness" and "normalization" of art which are stated by tradition; these practices point out that art can be thought about, practiced and based on totally opposite or differently valued systems. By her work, Maga Magazinović established this differently valued system of artistic dance in the framework of Serbian and then Yugoslav culture. One of the most important constant structural characteristics of her work are persisting feminist attitudes. They mark the work of Maga Magazinović and are a part of an emancipatory approach to art and life. She speaks of body characteristics and functions of the female body in relation to types of exercise most suitable to one's body constitution, as well as about the most appropriate exercise attire. She supports emancipation of the nude human body which, in western societies, is looked upon with scorn. According to Maga Magazinović, the nude human body should not be looked upon only in relation to gender and sexuality. She emphasizes the significance of the nudist movement which wishes, through nudity, to reach ethic elevation of the masses in relation to the body. In her own work, Maga Magazinović took a radical feminist stance which incorporates the emancipatory position of the woman in society, the development of intellectual abilities and the active position of the artist who performs in society and creatively and intellectually expresses and develops herself. Opting to deal with new dance expression, she consciously took a radical stance in relation to dominant art values of traditional culture. These two radicalisms are connected with implicit political radicalism which is visible in the book The History of Dance, published in 1951, when the dominant discourse of theory and science was Marxist thought, obstinately lasting until almost the end of the 1970s. In her book there is not an ideological interpretation of dance, within the spectrum from classical ballet to new dance, so characteristic for the post-war era.
Combining Dalcrose and Laban's techniques, as well those of Isidora Duncan and Mary Wigman, Maga Magazinović built an interesting plastic expression which could be reconstructed through a photograph of her realizations of that period, published as an appendix to the book Body Culture. Maga Magazinović researches plastic aspects of movement which are pure and abstract and aimed at incarnating the harmony of the individual, achieved through pure forms of movement. Characteristic clothing and transparent white fabrics, which remind one of Greek togas, point to the influence of Isidora Duncan. As with Isidora Duncan, Maga Magazinović's dance fragments incarnate and emphasize natural female beauty and spirituality. Figures of the performer often aim their gaze upward which, on an abstract level, might symbolize a person's striving for spiritual worlds, achieved outside the traditional, religious and Christian rituals. We will mention that Ruth Saint Denis sought the roots of human spirituality in Christian science and reformist Christian theories. Jasmina Zagajeski Vukelić writes that Emile Jacques Dalcrose collaborated with the mystic and reformer Rudolph Steiner, founder of anthroposophy which, at the foundations of modern dance, established a dance system of eurythmy (also written about by Maga Magazinović in Body Culture) for therapeutic and meditative (spiritual) purposes. Dances/exercises which are performed in nature are a part of the ideology of harmonizing the strengths and energies of human bodies with the strengths and energies of natural environments. As nature has the most different forms in water, stone, animals, so a person builds the most diverse ritual forms, based on new forms of spirituality, complimentary to a new era, flowing into great rhythms of natural cycles. Maga Magazinović also explores the darker side of human life when she approaches the expressionist dance art which Mary Wigman developed. The relationship of the individual and the group is explored in many aspects. Group dynamics develop through matching of different individuals, with their psycho-physical constitutions, to the dynamics of the group. The same dance paradigm shows different individuals who, in keeping with an individual feeling for their space in the group dynamic, carry out movements. Movements of the arm, leg and head vary and enable freedom for the individual to participate in group dance/exercise, developing his/her own dance/plastic expression. Pure dance expressions, freed from a mimetic story, speak of the abstract categories of human existence, through the relation of dance elements. We will remember the suprematism of Kazmir Maljević, who, through pure painter forms, expressed a pure supremacy of feeling. We will also remember Vasilij Kandinski and Alma Af Klimt who expressed spiritual worlds through abstract art, or Pete Mondrian with his neo-plasticism, who, through pure geometric relationships of colored surfaces and a vertical-horizontal relationship, expressed the harmony of the world and its spiritual foundation. In revising national dances, Maga Magazinović includes the folklorist experience of the Serbian and South Slav dances, filtered, cleansed and transformed through the experience of modern dance.
This interpretation is enabled by a wide contextual weave of different artists who were active at the beginning of the century and who, through their texts, built a fairly heterogeneous system or microsystems in the framework of global tendencies of that period. They worked directly through forms of work which incorporate the relationship toward society and gender, founding the theory and practice movement, as well as background or explicit art ideology. All these aspects emanate, or we include them, in formal elements of dance art - from scenography, music, costumes, to the system of gesticulation, movements and the entire performance.
Pure art forms imply that in dance the movement itself is a sufficient reason for existence and that music or a story are not essential in order for it to fulfill a meaning. Interest in movements during daily work, and its treatment by the artist at the beginning of the century, will create a space for the use of daily movement in postmodern, above all American, dance of the 1960's. The dismantling of dance as art of movement served to further remove the sacredness of art of the 1960's, its root being in reformist movements from the beginning of the century. The possibility for amateurs also to participate in dance expanded the scope of dance, removing its sacredness as an art and enabling a step further in the research of the art of movement. Insistence on the fact that dance can be performed in natural space allowed dancers of the 1960's to choose different atypical spaces for performing: garages, elevators, streets, galleries, parks and other public or private places. The role of the auditorium as a passive patron of the performance which performers perform for an audience was already reformed at the beginning of the century, first by abandoning the stage as a place where dance is performed and the auditorium which is separated from the performer. The postmodern dance of the 1960's did away with the idea of the stage as a place for performing and spectators as passive observers. By allowing amateurs to perform, dance is incorporated into daily life, daily activities into art, and just as the reformers strove for at the beginning of the century, the difference between art and life is lost.
Translated by Gail Long
(Text was published in ProFemina magazine, no. 5/6, 1996, in Serbian)
+ - History of art Click to collapse
Dubravka Đurić:
+ - Women and natural sciences Click to collapse
Prof. Dr Dragana Popović:
Women In Physics: The Yugoslav Experience
+ - Women and war Click to collapse
+ - History of women’s movement Click to collapse
Vanda Perović:
+ - Literature Click to collapse
Dr Vladislava Gordić:
Female Characters in Chaucer's Canterbury Tales and Some Recent Approaches to the Theory of Character
Fairy Tales Females in Jeff Noon's Fictional World
+ - Women’s human rights Click to collapse
Dr Zorica Mršević:
Tall Girls Have Difficulties With Breathing Or, An Unfinished Story About Incest and Incest Survivors
Ka feminističkoj jurisprudenciji
+ - Art Click to collapse
Zorica Mršević:
Aristokratkinje, batšebe i polaznice škole uljudne prostitucije - ženski portreti i ženske grupe u slikarskoj grupi Muzeja lepih umetnosti (Szepmuveszeti Muzeum) u Budimpešti
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0006.json.gz/line1736681
|
Subsets and Splits
No community queries yet
The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.