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Entries in Beyonce (1)
Marco Rubio: Jay-Z Needs to Get Informed on Cuba
STR/AFP/Getty Images(WASHINGTON) -- Florida Sen. Marco Rubio Sunday morning slammed Jay-Z over his recent trip to Cuba, saying on This Week that the rapper needed to “get informed” and that he missed an opportunity to meet the politically oppressed people that live on the island nation south of Florida.
“I think Jay-Z needs to get informed. One of his heroes is Che Guevara. Che Guevara was a racist. Che Guevara was a racist that wrote extensively about the superiority of white Europeans over people of African descent, so he should inform himself on the guy that he’s propping up,” Rubio said during an interview with ABC News’ Chief White House Correspondent Jonathan Karl.
“Secondly, I think if Jay-Z was truly interested in the true state of affairs in Cuba, he would have met people that are being oppressed, including a hip-hop artist in Cuba who is right now being oppressed and persecuted and is undergoing a hunger strike because of his political lyrics,” Rubio added. “And I think he missed an opportunity. But that’s Jay-Z’s issue.”
After returning from Cuba last week, Jay-Z produced a new rap entitled “Open Letter,” in which he criticized politicians for questioning his trip with his wife Beyoncé to the communist nation. The trip was authorized by the Treasury Department under a licensed program that encourages “meaningful contacts” with the Cuban people.
Rubio, who is of Cuban descent, criticized current U.S. travel policy to the island, which he said was being run by a “tyrannical regime.”
“The bigger point is the travel policies. The travel policies need to be tightened because they are being abused,” Rubio said. “These are tourist trips, and they are – what they’re doing is providing hard currency and funding so that a tyrannical regime can maintain its grip on the island of Cuba, and I think that’s wrong.”
Sunday, April 14, 2013 at 12:17PM by Kelly Knaub Permalink
tagged Beyonce, Cuba, Jay-Z, Marco Rubio in Politics General
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EXCLUSIVE!! BLACK AND TANS FETISHISM EXPOSED!
MEAT EXPORTERS AND INSURANCE.......
Michael Noonan (left), the Fine Gael spokesperson on Finance and former (State) Minister for Health, spoke on the export credit insurance issue. His remarks were based largely on John Bruton's speech (in Leinster House) in September 1994. From 'Magill' magazine, October 1997.
"No additional jobs would result from the gift of £2.74 million to the Goodman organisation, because the Goodman group had the deal which was going to create the jobs in the bag for the previous two months. The Minister's actions were a clear and deliberate breach of a Cabinet decision and this has never been fully explained. The way in which Deputy Reynolds dealt with granting export credit to other companies was arbitrary and unfair. At the meeting on 8th September between Deputy Reynolds and Mr Paschal Phelan, the owner of 'Master Meats'. Mr Oliver Murphy, the owner of Hibernia Meats, was also present. Mr Murphy had been making representations, directly and indirectly, to Deputy Reynolds to no avail.
He was trying to get a piece of the action on export credit insurance cover which, until then, had been made exclusively available to the Goodman organisation. The difficulty was that Hibernia Meats was owed money by Iraq and the Minister had made it clear up to then that any company owed money by that country would not receive cover. However, at this remarkable meeting, to which no officials from the Minister's Department were invited to attend, out of the blue and without explanation, Deputy Reynolds did an about-face on the question of issuing export credit insurance cover to Hibernia Meats. Suddenly the Cabinet decision did not matter and Deputy Reynolds, at a meeting attended by himself and two others, but not by officials from the Department of Industry and Commerce or a representative of the insurance company ICI, decided to issue export credit insurance to Hibernia Meats.
At that meeting, Deputy Reynolds also agreed to give £10 million export credit insurance cover to Master Meats, the company of his friend, Paschal Phelan, who was also present. This was an amazing decision because there was no record of Master Meats having applied to the Minister or to the Department of Industry and Commerce or to ICI for export credit insurance cover in respect of Iraq. Master Meats had no contract to export beef to Iraq when it was offered the £10 million cover, and subsequently made little attempt to negotiate a contract. It must be remembered that, shortly after , a host of beef exporting companies which had negotiated contracts with Iraq were refused insurance cover. Master Meats did not use the cover provided by Deputy Reynolds , but transferred it to Hibernia Meats , and we do not know whether this was done at no cost or for a commercial consideration. However, the worth of what was transferred to Hibernia Meats in terms of cover in the marketplace amounted to £1.7 million. Master Meats never applied for cover however due to the attendance of its principal officer at the meeting in question it received such cover." (MORE LATER).
THE ANATOMY OF AN AFTERNOON : THE STORY OF THE GIBRALTAR KILLINGS........
By Michael O'Higgins and John Waters. From 'Magill Magazine' , October 1988.
For a month, coroner Felix Pizzarello had demonstrated that patience was not just his virtue but his trademark. There was tortuous examination and re-examination of witnesses to make sure that even the smallest of details was clarified before a witness was allowed leave the box. At times it was tedious, but Felix Pizzarello, in the minds of everybody attending the inquest, showed a determination to be thorough and the time it took to do this was - quite correctly - irrelevant. Some of the witnesses had been in the box longer than the jury were out considering their verdict. The jury had to evaluate the evidence of over ninty witnesses and now Pizzarello, after five-and-a-half-hours (which included an hour's break for lunch) was telling them to hurry up. From this point on it was a stopwatch verdict.
Some inkling of what was going through Pizzarello's mind might well be gleaned from a conversation a senior official from the coroner's office had with a couple of journalists earlier that afternnon , during which the official seemed to favour a quick result. He quoted Cardinal Hume who once said that in matters of judgement it is well to have second thoughts but in matters of conscience there must be none.
The court resumed at 7pm - the pressure exerted on them had worked. They sent a message down to say they hoped to bring in a verdict in fifteen minutes. The stopwatch had run its course and it was now into extra time. The pressure which had been imposed on them favoured a lawful killing verdict. Two hours previously, the jury had been in favour of a lawful verdict by seven to four but, with the clock running, it was a lot easier to change the minds of two people in order to get a verdict of lawful killing than to change the minds of five others to get a verdict of unlawful killing. The packed court waited as the tension rose.... (MORE LATER).
THE MIKE AND MARTINA SHOW.
Martina Anderson : 'Northern Ireland' description for the partitioned six-county area of Ireland is now acceptable to these 'republicans',apparently.
For any so-called 'republican' to allow the term 'Northern Ireland' to go unchallenged, in reference to the occupied six counties of Ireland, is just as unforgivable as referring to that same area as a "country" , which is what Martina's nemesis, Mike Nesbitt done in the same comment in which he highlighted her acceptance of the term 'Northern Ireland' in relation to the six north-eastern Irish counties under discussion.
If perchance one of her own attempts to reprimand her over her 'Northern Ireland' blunder she should ask why it's ok to describe Leinster House as "the Dáil" but not ok to describe the occupied six counties as 'Northern Ireland'. In for a cent, in for a pound, eh, Martina?
BRANDED BY DEBT.....
"...they persecute the most poor people and benefit the richest institutions..."
He has his demons, as have we all and, although I wouldn't be a fan of his (to the extent that I don't even know anyone that thinks he's 'cool') but, to be honest, he makes more sense re the proposed/enforced double-water tax in this State in these ten minutes than the political clowns in Leinster House that are trying to introduce the double tax. Also, his views on voting ("I have never voted. Like most people I am utterly disenchanted by politics. Like most people I regard politicians as frauds and liars and the current political system as nothing more than a bureaucratic means for furthering the augmentation and advantages of economic elites..") would be close enough to my own 'NOTA' viewpoint and, as such, I would be inclined to at least listen to the man when he speaks about issues like that. But there's no way I'd vote for him!
ON THIS DATE (19TH NOVEMBER) 216 YEARS AGO : DEATH OF THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.
Born in Dublin on the 20th June 1763, he died in that same city 35 years later, on the 19th November 1798.
In September 1798, Wolfe Tone, a fighter for Irish emancipation, a leader of the 'United Irishmen' group, and a soldier in the French army, was taken prisoner by the British at Lough Swilly , Donegal and, at his 'trial' by court-martial in Dublin, on the 8th November 1798, he was found guilty of treason and was sentenced to be hanged as a traitor.
More so to state his reasons for his activity than in an attempt to place himself at the 'mercy' of that British 'court' (he was well aware that a death sentence awaited him) he stated - "I entered into the service of the French republic with the sole view of being useful to my country. To contend against British Tyranny, I have braved the fatigues and terrors of the field of battle; I have sacrificed my comfort, have courted poverty, have left my wife unprotected, and my children without a father. After all I have done for a sacred cause, death is no sacrifice. In such enterprises, everything depends on success: Washington succeeded – Kosciusko failed. I know my fate, but I neither ask for pardon nor do I complain. I admit openly all I have said, written, and done, and am prepared to meet the consequences. As, however, I occupy a high grade in the French army, I would request that the court, if they can, grant me the favour that I may die the death of a soldier......I have laboured to abolish the infernal spirit of religious persecution, by uniting the Catholics and Dissenters. To the former I owe more than ever can be repaid. The service I was so fortunate as to render them they rewarded munificently; but they did more: when the public cry was raised against me—when the friends of my youth swarmed off and left me alone—the Catholics did not desert me; they had the virtue even to sacrifice their own interests to a rigid principle of honour; they refused, though strongly urged, to disgrace a man who, whatever his conduct towards the Government might have been, had faithfully and conscientiously discharged his duty towards them; and in so doing, though it was in my own case, I will say they showed an instance of public virtue of which I know not whether there exists another example."
His speech/request from the dock, although listened to and commented on by the British judges,was not however acted on by them : two days later he was pronounced guilty and told he would be hanged in two days time. At that time in our history, suicide was considered by all the churches in Ireland to be a 'mortal sin' and a crime under common law, for which the punishment was that the person who killed themselves would be buried, with a wooden stake through the heart, at a crossroads (to signify that the soul of the person would never arrive at its 'destination'?) and his/her's possessions would become the property of the (British) State.It should be noted that the then 'powers-that-be' did not impose this punishment on Tone or his family.
What is, in our opinion, a propaganda theory that 'Tone committed suicide' is an issue which we wrote about on this blog in the past (see 'Murder Most Foul', here,from March 9th to March 18th - each post can be read by clicking on the 'Newer Post' button) and we ask that our readers at least point this position out to those who state positively that Tone killed himself.
FREE STATERS AND THEIR SUPPORTERS AT ODDS OVER 1916!
This is what happens when a political administration reluctantly attempts to 'honour' the men and women who took up arms to prevent its birth, thereby allowing a group, consisting of relatives of the 1916 men and women and those who sit in the above-mentioned administration and who are not opposed to the institutions which were spawned from the defeat of the 1916 ideals, to try and organise their own gig. It's a confusing enough scenario for those who live here and who might not be republican-minded or inclined to find the lie of the land, so to speak, in regards to the finer points of this subject, never mind expecting on-lookers from abroad to be able to figure out what the heck is going on here in relation to the centenary of the 1916 Rising!
But not to worry - in order to ensure you are not inadvertently standing shoulder-to-shoulder with any of the many pretenders who are trying to wrap themselves in the Irish flag for the day, this is all you need to know. The crowd of on-lookers will be smaller than the State-financed event, it will not receive as much publicity as the State-financed event and a British 'queen' will not be present (or, indeed, welcome!) but you will be in the company of genuine republican-minded people. And that, rather than the (false) pomp and ceremony, is what it's all about.
EXCLUSIVE!! THE BLACK AND TANS - IF THE SHIRT FITS.....
The 'Black and Tans' , but not as you know them - by which I mean not only are they mislabeled as "...an old Irish rebel group.." , but there's something else about them, too - "IN JUNE 1974 a group of men decided to band together and make their mark.... they would leave a footprint that would forever change the way service, leadership and brotherhood would be viewed....(they) didn’t have a uniform. An Englishman walked passed the group and said, “Look who’s here. It’s the Black and Tans!”.........they formally changed the name to The Regiment of the Black and Tans....It’s purpose and objectives are to “foster brotherhood and be of service to the community”.......former and active civil servants, firefighters, reservists, and military men make up a large number of it’s membership.....It is a part of the fabric of our local community......" (more here, and here!)
Anyway : Irish republicans wouldn't be at all surprised at the claim made by Ian Bailey in relation to the shirt that the State cops gave him to wear as it would have come straight out of their uniform store. Just ask any protester, water tax or otherwise, how those State cops treat them when they are being 'policed' by them on the street. But don't ask the cops themselves, as you won't like or agree with the answer you get.....
Thanks for reading, Sharon.
'1169...' EXCLUSIVE - THE BLACK AND TANS, BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW THEM....
EXCLUSIVE!! THE BLACK AND TANS - BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW THEM!
On Wednesday, 19th November 2014, we will publish an exclusive report, complete with links to our sources, in relation to an up-to-now mostly unknown aspect of the Black and Tans - their fetishes regarding, amongst other issues, their uniforms, in which some of their members are directly quoted about how they interacted sexually with each other during events which they held over weekends when they were able to act out their "hot fantasies" and how those present were left "wet and drooling for more as they embraced their fetish"....!
Our piece will give access to pics [which we ourselves will not be directly posting - viewer discretion is advised] and, as stated, links to our sources, which we have established are genuine. All will be revealed (!) , here,on Wednesday 19th November 2014. Don't be the 'odd' one one - check back with us then!
'1169...' EXCLUSIVE - THE BLACK AND TANS, BUT NOT...
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Hi-Tech / Hardware
http://mcomp.org
News on the political and public arena in the world, Russia and other countries. Recent events in the country.
"A sad ending": it Became known release date of the latest series of "big Bang Theory" 12.03.2019 at 17:29
The Writers reported that the final episode can be quite sad and its duration will also differ. Became known release date of the latest series of the famous sitcom "big Bang Theory". The final episode will appear on the screens on may 16 this year, and it turns out it can be quite sad. This was announced by the writers of the series, they also added that the duration of the series, too, will differ, as will last for an hour. That 12 will be the final season, it became known last year. Moreover, the sitcom has a 279 series, which is a record number for this genre. the series follows the life of a talented physicist Sheldon and his friends. It describes various situations that occur with friends-scientists and how they solve them. But most often the biggest...
Nimble "Polo" vs "Japanese": Volkswagen Polo GT battled in the race with the Mazda CX-5 12.03.2019 at 15:19
The Owners of Mazda CX-5 and Volkswagen Polo GT decided to fight in the race with each other to check whether turbocharged "German" to overtake all-wheel drive "Japanese". the Author of the channel "Auto VRN" was told that in one race of the Volkswagen Polo GT with a 125-horsepower turbocharged engine 1.4 on a 6-step "mechanics", which was already ahead of the LADA Granta and Hyundai Solaris, and Mazda CX-5 with a 194-horsepower 2.5 and 6-speed automatic transmission, which is ahead of earlier, Toyota Camry and Hyundai Sonata. while the first race "Mazda" confidently took the lead and the speed to 190 km/h drove by four lengths ahead of Polo. In the second race with the mark on the speedometer 20 km/h the situation is almost repeated "Japanese" very quickly...
Mike Pompeo accused "Rosneft" in the purchase of oil from Venezuela 12.03.2019 at 12:59
US Secretary of state Mike Pompeo believes that the Director of the oil company "Rosneft" by their actions "extends a lifeline" to the Venezuelan authorities. Mike Pompeo said that the Russian company "Rosneft" to bypass the us sanctions on buying oil from Venezuela. On this statement Pompeo, Russian foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that it can not be combined with international law. "This is as international law goes? Yes way," said Lavrov at press conference following talks with foreign Minister of Austria Karin Kneissl. Earlier it was reported that the office of the Venezuelan oil monopoly PDVSA will be transferred to Moscow. Also Sergey Lavrov commented on the situation around the "Nord stream-2," he pointed to the need for fair competition. "We see...
Fine taste and elegance: Kate Middleton appeared in public in a coat for $1200 06.03.2019 at 13:20
The Duchess of Cambridge once again showed not only great sense of style, but excellent figure. the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrived in Blackpool to attend the event on the topic of social and mental health challenges faced by people in the UK. 37-year-old Kate Middleton stressed your fine taste and the elegance of a refined coat olive green from Sportsmax for $1200, which translated to approximately 78 000. Also, the Duchess was wearing a dress by Michael Kors and complement the image of the green bag from Manu Atelier. In public, Kate Middleton appeared together with her husband Prince William. After the event in the Central library of Manchester, the Duke of Cambridge met with representatives of the emergency services and community first aid to...
"700,000 km is not a sentence": the Perfect Hyundai Sonata with a huge run showed expert 06.03.2019 at 13:00
It is considered that the engines of modern cars of South Korean brand is quite unreliable, however, the expert proved that it happens and Vice versa. the Perfect Hyundai Sonata with a huge run was a featured expert on the YouTube channel "the Theory of internal combustion engines". The machine 2014 proved that 700,000 km is not a death sentence for the car. Sedan is in good condition, almost not rusty, and the interior of the vehicle looks like new. Specify that we are talking about the Hyundai Sonata of the sixth generation, imported from South Korea. The car was used in the country exclusively in a taxi. According to the blogger, the work carrier provided the unit car to work regularly in all the ranges that affect its durability, and this despite the...
Travis Scott on Twitter affectionately called Kylie Jenner "Queen" 06.03.2019 at 11:59
Despite rumors of infidelity of the rapper, Travis Scott continues to prove his love to her younger sister Kim Kardashian. the other day American media reported that the beloved 21-year-old Kylie Jenner Travis Scott is cheating on the mother of his only daughter. This became to suspect myself of Kylie, which held a young man rather emotional conversation, according to insiders. Then, to prove his devotion and love, the rapper defiantly has deleted his page in Instagram. Recently Travis Scott in your profile in Twitter, which until removed at the request of the beloved, affectionately called Kylie Jenner "Queen." Forbes magazine named the youngest of the family Kardashian-Jenner is the youngest billionaire in the world, and therefore Travis could not resist...
Kit Harington in tears when he read the final script of "Game of thrones" 06.03.2019 at 11:10
Star of "Game of thrones" could not hold back tears and hinted at the happy ending of the cult TV series. the 32-year-old actor kit Harington has been invited as a guest to the evening show Stephen Colbert The Late Show. During the conversation, the star of "Game of thrones" has told that together with the audience waiting for the latest season to appear on television. Keith also admitted that he really cried when I read the final script. According to celebrity, he could not expect such ending fantastic stories. Presenter Stephen Colbert immediately suggested that viewers at the end of the eighth season of waiting is still a happy ending. the Harington more not say a word for the plot of the final season, as well as about the fate of his character Jon snow....
"Reliable but boring": His impressions of the Volkswagen Polo shared owner 06.03.2019 at 08:59
German sedan earned the love of Russians for their reliability and practicality. the Leading channel on YouTube TeoretiG is a German owner of the popular sedan Volkswagen Polo. My impressions of this "chetyrehdverki" the expert shared on the pages of your blog. consider the Mileage of Volkswagen Polo was 108 000 km, and during this period, with "Polo" almost nothing happened, which proves its reliability. However, the car has poor paintwork - when you hit a little rock on the body, there is formed a dent or a chip. Headlight for Volkswagen Polo finished in plastic is not of the highest quality, which they are easily scratched. The same scratches were discovered in the rear lights. the Continuation of... "Go > > see": Blogger ridiculed for "plug-in...
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Residents of Primorsky Krai are outraged by the situation with the payment of the parent capital. They said on the official website of the Governor Oleg Kozhemyako, to get paid is almost impossible due to the arbitrariness of officials. Every time the powers that be come up with new excuses and are forced to collect stacks of unnecessary paperwork. Even more pitiable the situation with the promised land. And when to involve a positive results to wait still is not necessary because of bureaucratic delays. "Kozhemyako, save poor mothers!" show a series of reviews in the official Instaram account of the Governor of Primorsky Krai Oleg Kozhemyako. Out POPs a range of problems, the main of which is the inability to obtain statutory benefits. Note, this is not...
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"Volga" for hipsters: a Russian Tuning sedan admired network 06.03.2019 at 04:59
Classic "Volga" has received a tuning kit, turned it into a muscle car. On the pages of one of the automotive communities in popular social networks appeared a photo that managed to draw the attention of subscribers. In the photo you can see the classic "Volga", which has received a stylish tuning kit. Judging from the picture, the sedan is equipped with a custom suspension, which allowed to significantly increase ground clearance. Arch auto has also been significantly expanded, and the sedan is put on large chrome rims with low profile tires. netizens in the comments have appreciated the tuning sedan. "This Volga for dudes", "Our response to oil-Karam", "How do you like that, Mustang?", "On our roads the wheels will come to an end," the joke of the...
"Out of competition": "the miracle of Japanese technology" Subaru XV frankly told the judge 24.02.2019 at 18:19
New Japanese crossover thanks to its technological equipment is actually "removed" the competition. the Blogger Ross Rossavich introduced in the network overview all-wheel drive Japanese crossover Subaru XV fresh generation, which he considers "a miracle of Japanese technology." New 2019 model year received adaptive headlights, 220-mm ground clearance, roof rails, rear view camera, Parking sensors and antenna "shark fin". the Hood space of the Japanese crossover is a 2-liter boxer engine 4 cylinder. Thanks to the convenient horizontal arrangement of the motor, "Japanese" perfectly "holds" the road. the Functional inventory of new Subaru XV includes ABS, stabilization system, informative steering wheel, a fully digital "tidy", a progressive media hub, heated...
63-year-old Donatella Versace admitted that he will never give up mini dresses 24.02.2019 at 17:50
One of the most famous fashion designers in the world said he believes the mini-dress of their real passion. the 63-year-old Donatella Versace is not shy in such a respectful age to wear making outfits and mini dresses. A famous woman claims that have fought for years for her figure, which now can be proud of. Moreover, Versace admitted that he will never give up mini dresses and short skirts, but now is trying not to wear them on bare feet. The designer prefers to hide his legs under tights or thin leggings that can be worn under dresses. When journalists asked Donatella, no longer does she wear mini-skirt, she replied: "are You crazy? Of course I still wear them!". The designer also had some style advice. Most important, according to Versace, to continue...
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One of the main criteria when buying a new car is its durability and reliability. Auto researched the market and made the TOP 5 cars that rust too quickly. Topped the rating of rusting models of UAZ "Patriot", because six months later the owner is faced with damage the body. It is possible to carry out anti-corrosion treatment and defer the problem. Second place went to the Chinese Lifan X60, which even treatment doesn't help. In third place was the domestic LADA Granta, which gives resistance to corrosion, but the suspension components and the engine compartment too quickly rust, so is unable to see the first chips. Fourth place went to Renault Duster, which suffers from rusting suspension. Almost immediately on the welds crack and then rust. TOP 5 cars...
Zelensky, the President of Ukraine: Donbass pays over 40% of the votes for the comic for the sake of peace in the country 24.02.2019 at 13:30
Zelensky wins voters before the elections. the Election race in Ukraine has never been so fierce as it is now. Moreover, list and electorate candidates completely diverse, and most importantly, "anything" does not abate the sensation, which depends on the future of relations with Russia and the settlement of the conflict in the Donbas. this Spring, everything should finally be resolved. The main rivalry is between Vladimir Zelensky, a politician and a showman-comedian, Petro Poroshenko, current President of the country, and also between Yulia Tymoshenko, Yuriy Boyko and Evgeny Musaevym. it is Important to say that after the recent events and the falling ratings Poroshenko, Vladimir Zelensky became actively recruit electorate. Through informal surveys on...
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Why Did The Weapons Manufacturer Bribe The Armed Services Committee Member?
By Middle Aged Woman Talking on June 15, 2012 4:35 pm ·
More powerful than the killing machines they manufacture, Northrup Grumman has given more money to Buck McKeon, (R-CA), Chairman of the Committee on Armed Services than any other member in Congress. In March, 2011, in a tit for tat move, McKeon tapped vice-president and lobbyist for Northrup, Thomas MacKenzie, to oversee defense contracts. Grumman reportedly paid MacKenzie “$500,ooo a few weeks before he became, as per Lee Fang who broke the story, ‘a low-paid Congressional staffer shaping military policy.’” MacKenzie’s salary was about to take quite a hit, from $529,379 at Northrup to $120,000 as a member of the committee.
Fang writes at Republic Report:
“In Mackenzie’s case, Northrop Grumman made sure he had extra cash before he went to work writing policy on the defense budget. Republic Report views a recently filed ethics disclosure form and found that Northrup Grumman paid MacKenzie a $498.334 bonus in 2011, just before he went to work under McKeon as a committee staffer. The bonus was almost the size of MacKenzie’s annual salary at the firm, which was $529,379 in 2010. View a copy of the disclosure here.“
Senator Richard Blumenthal caught wind of Fang’s story and as per the National Journal and Connecticut Post, clearly found the timing suspect. He has demanded that Northrup Grummon, “explain to Congress and the American public why they paid one of their executives close to half a million dollars right before he was about to quit and start work as a member of the House Armed Services Committee.”
I have the answer to that one Senator Blumenthal. It’s probably for the same reason the defense industry donated over $22.6 million dollars to congressional candidates in 2009/10 and employs more than 1000 lobbyists, which works out to nearly 2 lobbyists for every member of congress. It’s probably for the same reason the defense industry spent $144 million for lobbying expenditures in 2010 and had “at least 682 revolving door employees in 2010, that would be people working in the government overseeing the arms industry then leaving government to work for a defense firm.”
It’s called influence Senator Blumenthal and irrespective of Justice Kennedy’s majority opinion that “independent expenditures do not give rise to corruption or the appearance of corruption,” the expenditures, the money, does in fact control the game of who gets what, F-35’s or food, drones or health care, and Buck McKeon, Chairman of the Committee on Armed Services is one the main players.
Here’s the link to the petition to investigate Tom MacKenzie.
http://unitedrepublic.org/its-bribery/
Live loud, love fierce, and suffer no fools, Katherine Manaan (MAWT)
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A hybrid system combines (C)PV and CSP with one another or with other forms of generation such as diesel, wind and biogas. The combined form of generation may enable the system to modulate power output as a function of demand or at least reduce the fluctuating nature of solar power and the consumption of non renewable fuel. Hybrid systems are most often found on islands.
Several large-scale energy storage suggestions for the grid have been done. Worldwide there is over 100 GW of Pumped-storage hydroelectricity. This improves efficiency and decreases energy losses but a conversion to an energy storing mains electricity grid is a very costly solution. Some costs could potentially be reduced by making use of energy storage equipment the consumer buys and not the state. An example is batteries in electric cars that would double as an energy buffer for the electricity grid. However besides the cost, setting-up such a system would still be a very complicated and difficult procedure. Also, energy storage apparatus' as car batteries are also built with materials that pose a threat to the environment (e.g. Lithium). The combined production of batteries for such a large part of the population would still have environmental concerns. Besides car batteries however, other Grid energy storage projects make use of less polluting energy carriers (e.g. compressed air tanks and flywheel energy storage).
This solar resource map provides a summary of the estimated solar energy available for power generation and other energy applications. It represents the average daily/yearly sum of electricity production from a 1 kW-peak grid-connected solar PV power plant covering the period from 1994/1999/2007 (depending on the geographical region) to 2015. Source: Global Solar Atlas]
Contact us at webmaster@affordsolartech.com | Sitemap xml | Sitemap txt | Sitemap
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The Pre-historic Age
MOULDWARP MORATORY
Eaten Out of House and Home
The dinosaurs become extinct when their wooden habitats are eaten by termites, co-conspirators of the cockroaches, who not only want to outlive everything on the planet, but help things along as well. (11/9/02)
Geeks As Tradition
For the first couple hundred years or so, flintworkers were the geeks of primitive man. All the cool guys stuck with their clubs and stones, and taunted the flintworkers at each and every opportunity. It never occurs to those guys that the innovation of the club is the Swiss Army (Thing) of its day as also the previous tool of choice by geeks. (10/19/02)
Language Arrives For Primitive Man
A long time ago, a man walks up to another man. He's wondering what the other man is doing and language has just been invented, in fact he's about to speak the first sentence. "What're you doing?" The other man, who has been sitting with a hammer and chisel in front of a large slab of rock, stops concentrating long enough to say, "I was going to record our manner of communication of grunting for the ages." But, as grunting is now passé, the other man sets his hammer and chisel down, and one language dies as another is born. (10/4/02)
Meanwhile, At the Accent Auction
The Tower of Babel incident temporarily puts a strain on differences in regional linguistic inflections. Years of development are put to waste as people suddenly speak different languages, but in the confusion the ancient Briton is said to have gained a sleeper advantage when the first instance of "Bloody Hell!" being stated occurs. (10/7/02)
Before Mowing, There Was Turf War
A patch of grass graces a man's hut. The man's neighbor sees the patch of grass, and as he does not have his own, he goes over to that man's hut and stomps on the grass, and then the two men tussle for a while. War had to start somewhere, and so other men join in, on various principles of grass opinion. (10/19/02)
Redefining Holy Water
The Cult of Aqua is the first major religion, being founded after a man notices that he can see himself in it, and touch the image without touching himself. The image is fickle, flickering away when he touches it, and so the man assigns it mystical properties. He brings his friends over, and not only do they see themselves, but they see each other. It is good. Ceremonies include the ritual drowning of a duck, which refuses to stay under, adding to the mysticism. (10/26/02)
Deja Vu Already
A man comes across a stone he figures is shaped weirdly. But, as everyone's still using stone tools, he takes it anyway and returns home, the stone in a collection of new tools he'll soon implement in some activity or other. It's not a regular stone; it's been shaped into a rather useful point. After some time the man suspects that it has been used by someone else as a tool, and so rather than using it as a tool himself or copying the technique for his own tools, he puts it in with his small collection of possessions. He never gives it anymore thought. Still, archaeology is born, even if it isn't recognized as such at the time. (11/8/02)
Deja Vu Again
After declaring, "I'm sick of making history, I want to repeat it!" a man repeats the grass warfare incident, thus inaugurating an institution. (11/9/02)
Stinking Rich
The world's first major collective, the Empire of Turd, ends not long after the subjects of Lord Turd realize they've been following someone who has a large collection of elephant dung. It begins to dawn on people that the economy should be running on something less smelly, and perhaps more shiny. I believe the idea catches on rather quickly. (12/02/02)
That Glazed Look
During the onset of the Ice Age, a man turns to his mate inside their lodging and insists he'll go hunting later, that the outside weather is fleeting. When the local wildlife begins to freeze and generally cease to exist, the man is forced to admit his mistake (not out loud) and go in search of game elsewhere. This is why some yokels crossed the Bering Strait. (2/4/03)
views expressed here are obviously only that of Sean "Waterloo" McKenna,
so whether you agree with them or not, they're his and © copyrighted 2002-2003
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LEAD at 10
The ruminations of a teenage college applicant can often sound callow. But not always. As many a college essay proves, such thoughts can be utterly inspirational. The same can be said of essays submitted by applicants to the Alumni Association LEAD Scholars Program.
In celebration of the 10th anniversary of the program, we are sharing just a few of the many essays submitted. In this 10-part series, you’ll read of the experiences of those who come from relatively sheltered backgrounds to those who have had to deal with more than their share of adversity.
In this sixth installment, Giovanni Bellegarde, ’18, recalls how an inner-city kid learned to love classical music in high school and its effect on his life. Now working at The Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City, Giovanni is training to become an actor and is currently auditioning for television, film, and stage roles. He is also contemplating a graduate degree in acting.
A Classical Tale
When I first arrived at the Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts in New York, I was greeted with a rude awakening. I thought I would be practicing the kind of music I was used to: rhythm and blues, gospel, or even jazz.
Instead, when I walked in on the morning of Sept. 8, 2010, my new voice teacher explained that we would be learning classical music and arias. I was dumbfounded. But four years later, classical music is my passion.
I am a fanatic of music in general, but no other style of music affects me like classical music. When I open my mouth to sing that first note or hear a beautiful chord played, a sensation of overwhelming refinement takes hold of me.
I can listen to classical music for hours, in awe of the music created by these composers. I am mesmerized by the pulchritude of different works, from Leontyne Price singing “Vissi D’arte” from “Tosca” to Bach’s “Little” fugue. Works like these make me want to explore the magnitude of the field. When I come across a new work, I am astonished by the lavish chords, the lush dynamics, and the beautiful melodies that merge to create some of the best pieces of art to grace the world.
Classical music has been vital not only in my growth as a performer but also as an individual. It has taught me discipline and the qualities a person needs in order to succeed in life. I have gained a new sense of confidence that I never knew I had through this music.
When people ask me what type of music I enjoy listening to, or performing, they don’t expect me—a black boy from an inner-city neighborhood—to reply “classical.” People tend to ridicule that it is something I am passionate about because of my background. That simply inspires me to go further and prove every single one of these people wrong.
My affection for this art form will remain a driving force in defeating any odds I may face in the future. I know now that I am strong, unique, and at one with myself because of classical music. It will remain with me as I grow both as an artist and human being and will be essential to me throughout my life.
The LEAD Scholars Program provides scholarships to black, Latino, and Native American students who have been accepted into the U-M. Visit umalumni.com/LEAD to learn how you can support the program and, thus, help create a more diverse campus.
PreviousA Special Envoy
NextHistory Lessons: Black and Blue
Shuttling Along
The Three Best Ways to Use Your Tax Refund in 2015
Lloyd Carr Stories and More: What Alumni Clubs Do for Members
Q&A with Mike Muse
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Grant Kester is Professor of Art History and Director of the University Art Gallery in the Visual Arts department at the University of California, San Diego. Kester is one of the leading figures in the emerging critical dialogue around “relational” or “dialogical” art practices. With these practices Art has taken discursive elements as well as social relations as its subject and material, leaving behind the art object aesthetic. This work lives in the sphere of interhuman relationships, in which social exchange and interaction is offered. This art practice emphasizes how art is engaged in social issues and how it makes or forms communities –and there is an important interrelationship between viewer and artist.
Kester’s journey to his current role at UCSD has taken several twists and turns and in many ways follows an organic process rather than a linear one. To begin, he was raised with his parents and sister mostly in Kansas City. His mother enjoyed crafts and engaged he and his sister in the process of making things at an early age. Their home displayed many traditional art reprints by Rembrandt, Renoir and others so Kester developed an awareness of fine art His mom enrolled her children in ceramics and painting classes at the local art museum. Right from the start, Kester enjoyed the solitude of making things. While in high school, he took painting, ceramics and photography.
Kester’s father had a tradition of documenting family events and vacations by taking lots of photos. His enthusiasm for photography rubbed off on Kester, and he followed in his fathers footsteps by studying photography at Montgomery Junior College in Bethesda, Maryland. He dropped out after one year and worked in a camera store and also for a commercial photographer. He then moved to Atlanta where he studied photography at the Art Institute for one year. While there he also worked for a table top photographer. By this time, he had gained many skills in the techniques and methods of photography. He then met a landscape photographer who introduced him to outdoor photo shooting where they would spend hours, often in silence, hiking around to locate the best spots for taking images. He also introduced Kester to large format photography and he began discovering well known photographers such as Harry Callahan, Paul Caponigro, Lee Friedlander who influenced his thinking.
"We'd Love Your Company: A Project with Ethan Breckenridge,"
curator: Michelle Hyun (February 21-May 10, 2013)
It was during this time that Kester began writing about art. He wrote art exhibition reviews, book reviews and interviews. At this time he also began teaching the history of photography at the Southeastern Center for Photographic Arts in Atlanta. Later on, he moved back to Maryland to attend the Maryland Institute College of Art where he eventually received his BA in Art History. There he had an important mentor, his instructor Ann Fessler, and together they curated a group exhibition of socially engaged photography for the annual conference of the Society for Photographic Education. This exhibition held in Baltimore, displayed mostly post-world war II social documentary photography featuring issues of social justice.
In 1987, Kester landed a job as Editor of the New Art Examiner where he ran the Washington D.C. office.Simultaneously he also taught classes at Maryland Institute College of Art and the Corcoran school. At this point in his career, Kester realized that he was less interested in image making and more interested in writing, teaching and scholarly pursuits. He was offered the Helena Rubenstein Fellowship to attend the Independent Study Program in Art History at the Whitney Museum of Art in NYC. Afterward, Kester was inspired by this experience and was eager to begin an advanced degree. He attended the University of Rochester where he received an MA in Art History and then went on to complete his Ph.D. in Visual and Cultural Studies. During his seven years in Rochester, Kester also worked for a media arts journal, “After Image”, where he wrote grants and edited the journal. Also during this time, Kester’s studies were highly influenced by Janet Wolff, an art historian who has written several books on the sociology of art practice, giving Kester a more broad view of the ‘image’ as it relates to film theory, and art institutions as a social system that engages art.
Also during his studies, Kester completed a residency for 2 years at the Cranbrook Academy in Michigan heading up their Critical Studies program. Upon completion of his degree, Kester taught at Washington State University in Pullman Washington and then on to Arizona State University, where he taught classes in Contemporary Art Theory and Art History. In 2000 Kester was offered his current position at the University of California, San Diego. He teaches many courses in Art History, and Art Criticism , and seminars on both the undergrad and graduate levels. He has also done a several year stint as Chair of the Department of Visual Arts. He stated that his primary challenge in teaching is to continue to engage students and inspire their interest in Art History – He accomplishes this by helping them to see connections that art history has with popular culture, including music, fashion and technology.
"Silent Witness: Recent Works by Ken Gonzalez-Day,"
curated by Grant Kester, Elize Mazadiego and Jenn Moreno (March 31-May 20, 2011)
Kester’s goals at UCSD include the development of a program that is not studio based and goes along with his keen commitment to relational and dialogical art practice. He is interested in art as a conduit to environmental remediation, and issues of political, cultural and social significance. With development of this new program, Kester wishes to “transform peoples consciousness of the world” and to engage all the faculty in this process of collaboration as well. As Director of the UCSD Art Gallery, Kester has developed a curatorial program for outside curatorial scholars and students to come to the gallery to develop exhibitions that support his mission of socially and community based collaborations. Kester believes this “socially engaged” art practice is gaining momentum and he is committed to achieving his goal of creating a program at UCSD.
Kesters’ path to the present has involved a combination of years of ‘real world’ work experience prior to and during the development of his career. He developed many skills outside the “educational system” that has both served him well and no doubt has brought richness, creativity and inspiration to his students and colleagues.
(Kester has curated numerous exhibitions and has written many articles and publications – you can view some of these at the following link: http://www.grantkester.net)
"Arrhythmias of Counter-Production: Engaged Art in Argentina,
1995-2011,"curated by Jennifer Flores Sternad (October 6-January 20, 2012)
Posted by ARTFULLIFE BY CATHY at 12:53 PM 2 comments: Links to this post
Grant Kester, UCSD, Art History Professor,Gallery ...
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By Anders Ekdahl April 17, 2019 April 20, 2019 Interviews
With so many cool bands out there to check out I offer you some minor guidance by introducing you to TORMENT OF SOULS. Anders Ekdahl ©2018
I am a word buff so when I find a band name that excites me I want to know the reason behind the choice. So how did you pick your name?
-The band was first founded under the name “Torment”. After we released our first album, we figured out that there were already other bands with the same name. So we decided to find a new name for our band: “Torment Of Souls”
There are so many genres and sub-genres today that it is hard to keep track of them all. So what was it that made you pick the style you play?
Since our band was founded in 1994, our style was -and still is- mainly influenced by bands from that time. At that time there weren’t quite as many sub-genres as there are now. Today I would still describe our style as Old School melodic death metal.
What influences you in creating your music? What is/has been the single greatest influence?
-It is hard to point out a “single greatest influence”. We are six people in our band and very one has his own favorite band or style. When we write new songs, mostly one of us comes along with an idea, which is then finalized together.
How important is it to have a message as a band?
-In my opinion it is more important for a band to play good music rather than having a message.
Is image an important factor to the bands appearance?
-I would say yes. People will recognize you as what you stand for. For Torment Of Souls it would possibly be Party, Beer and Guts&Gore
How important is it to have an album cover that stands out to grab people’s attention in this day and age?
-Even though nowadays the trend is going more and more to online streaming instead of buying “real” albums, it is still important to have a good album cover to draw people’s attention. I mean, the album cover is the first thing people see from a band they don’t already know.
What kind of respect do you get from your local scene?
-We can be very proud of our local scene. There are so many fans who have been supporting us from the beginning. Thanks to all of you!
How massive is it to get response from places you have never heard of?
-That is indeed really great, if you get a request from somewhere you didn’t even think of the possibility to ever perform there.
Is playing live still a great way to get new fans to discover you?
-Yes of course it is. We very often get positive response from many people who never heard of us, seeing us live for the first time.
What does the future have in its womb?
-Right now we are in the progress of writing new songs for a new album which we are planning to release by end of this year.
« BLACKRAT
STEELPREACHER »
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Home News Archive News - November - 2018
Coca-Cola Selects new President
Wednesday, 31 October 2018 13:11
The board of directors of the Coca-Cola Company has elected Brian Smith to serve as president and COO, effective Jan. 1, 2019. He will report to James Quincey, the company’s CEO. Smith is a 21-year Coca-Cola veteran who currently serves as president of the company’s Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) group.
The appointment of a president and COO will allow Quincey, who has served as CEO since May 2017 and is a member of the board of directors, to focus on the overall long-term strategic direction and success of the company. Smith is well-equipped to lead the company’s field operations and bring an accelerated focus on executing against key strategies, due to his deep knowledge of the global Coca-Cola system, strong relationships with bottlers and customers and a proven track record of leadership.
Smith joined the company in 1997. His prior roles include serving as president of both the Brazil and Mexico divisions before being named group president for Latin America. He was named to his current position as group president of EMEA in 2016.
In EMEA, Smith oversaw the successful integration of the Europe, Eurasia and Africa groups into one cohesive operating group. Under his leadership, the group has grown organic revenues over the past eight quarters. In Latin America, Smith oversaw the acquisitions of several brands, including AdeS in Argentina and Santa Clara in Mexico.
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Biographies of AUF Life Members
Biography, Graham Henderson
AUF Life Member
Graham Henderson Joined the AUF in 1977 through his association with the Latrobe University sub Aqua club Victoria, he was a keen SCUBA diver and Spearfisherman who subsequently become an avid player in underwater hockey.
He had an active role in the formation of the Victorian Octopush league and went on to be a founding member of the first AUF Underwater Hockey Commission in 1980. He has represented Australia as a player on 5 occasions and also was a coach and team manager.
He was instrumental in setting up a referee accreditation system in Australia and co-authoring the first standards and procedures manual for referee training, the same manual that is used throughout the world today for underwater hockey referee training.
Graham started his administrative service in the AUF in 1979 when he became secretary of the AUF Victorian Branch; he went on to hold the positions of Vice President and President. Also during this time he was the convener of 2 national skindiving championships held in Victoria.
During the eighties he was elected to the position of chairperson of the AUF underwater hockey commission a position which he held for 7 years, he then went on to be the chief referee for the commission for a number of years. During this time he formalised the commission by-laws and was instrumental in obtaining government STEP grants of $200,000.00 for our world champion underwater hockey teams.
In 1995 he focused his attentions on the AUF Federal body becoming Federal Secretary and then becoming the Federal President in 1997. He oversaw a total restructure of the AUF and rewrote the federal constitution. He became the public officer of the federation in 2000. Also in 2000 he was awarded the Australian Government sports medal for his contribution to sport and the community.
He was elected to the position of President of the CMAS (World Underwater Federation) underwater hockey commission in 2005 He also holds the position of tournament director for the CMAS Underwater Hockey Commission and has overseen the running of 4 world underwater hockey championships.
Graham Henderson was awarded life membership of the AUF in 1996 for outstanding service to the federation and the sport of skindiving. He is the current president of the AUF.
Biography, Toni de Fina
Toni de Fina was the Federal President of the AUF for 28 years; he was also a some time member of the CMAS governing council. He created with the late Peter Cullen the Federation of Australian Underwater Instructors, for many years the only Australian Diver Instructor organization ultimately subsumed by an international diving instructor organization.
Toni designed and developed the first balanced first stage valves for single hose SCUBA, he also designed and developed diving systems for then developing cultured pearl farms in Northern Territory and Northern Western Australia.
He was instrumental in creating many of the diving standards still used today, he attended the world championships in Croatia (Yugoslavia) as a competitor. He has continuing involvement in water sports, particularly spearfishing.
On occasion he is invited to prepare opinions on diving accidents and diving equipment and practices for civil court cases and inquests.
He is still diving and actively engaged in water sports.
Biography, Susan Dockar
Susan Dockar started Snorkelling and then Spearfishing in the early 1970’s with the St. George Spearfishing & Freediving Club. She picked up skills from some of the older members as well as being doggedly persistent in learning about the underwater world, both with fish species, habitats and weather conditions. There were many past and present inspirational divers in the club, which encouraged Sue to gain as much knowledge as possible.
An overseas jaunt for six years and then back to the Club and travelling to the many and varied competitions along the NSW coastline. Also competing in many State and National Championships with the highlight being the 1986 National Spearfishing Championships held in Sydney coastal areas and winning the AUF National Ladies Trophy.
She was asked to be part of these 1986 combined National Championships and joined the mixed State Ladies Underwater Hockey comp. which was the beginning of at least 25 years of underwater hockey competitions, representing the Sydney UWH Club, NSW UWH and then an Australian representative member of a Mixed Masters Trans-Tasman team held in Rotorua, N.Z. Also a year later in 2002 joining the Australian Ladies Masters team at the Underwater Hockey World Championships in Calgary, Canada.
Along the way, also working behind the scenes in administration with the Club and then AUF State Spearfishing Commission, the AUF NSW Underwater Hockey Commission as well as the AUF NSW Snorkel & Coaching Commission. She gained Life Membership of the St. George Spearfishing Club, mid 1980’s, then the AUF NSW Underwater Hockey Commission in the 1990’s and then awarded the Australian Sports Medal in 2000.
She has held and still holds positions with the National Exec. of the AUF including Memberships & Secretary/Treasurer over the past 15 years and gained Life Membership with the AUF in 2009.
She also continues to participate with her St. George Spearfishing & Freediving club at social dives as well as being involved in administration and training.
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James N. Murphy Award
The James N. Murphy Award was established in 1967 in memory of James N. Murphy for his immeasurable contribution to community life at the Institute. It is given to a non-faculty employee whose spirit and loyalty exemplify this kind of inspired and dedicated service, especially with regard to students. Sustained contribution is a criterion for the award, but longevity, in itself, is not.
If you have any questions about the James N. Murphy Award please contact via email.
Kevin McLellan, MIT Program in Art, Culture, and Technology
Brian Callahan, Athletic Facilities & Operations
Kyle Keane, Department of Material Science and Engineering
Heather Barry, Nuclear Science and Engineering Department
Ken Stone ’72, MIT Hobby Shop
Dr. Robert M. Randolph, Chaplain to the Institute
Nancy Savioli, Department of Physics
Donna Friedman, UAAP
Michael Grenier, Residential Life & Dining
June Milligan, CopyTech
Robert Ferrara '67, Senior Director, Office of the Dean for Student Life
During the 37 years he worked at MIT, James N. Murphy represented the highest standard of service and devotion to the Institute. As the first manager of Kresge Auditorium and the MIT Chapel, he helped develop the policies that make these historic buildings invaluable community facilities. Murphy also took on the added responsibility of managing the MIT Religious Counselors’ House and the Non-Resident Student Association House. In 1966, Mr. Murphy and three MIT students died tragically in an automobile accident while traveling to a national convention of the Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity, for which Murphy was the faculty advisor.
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B-Metro > Featured > Accepted
Amanda Keller creates a place where everyone feels ACCEPTED
Written by Rosalind Fournier
Most people assumed that Bob Keller, a solid family man, was strictly heterosexual. In reality, he was bisexual—and under different circumstances, if he had been comfortable speaking openly about his sexual orientation—he might have been offered regular HIV testing, no questions asked. Instead, in 2000, by the time he was diagnosed he had full-blown AIDS and a grim prognosis.
“We didn’t have time to really process everything,” explains Keller, who is now 32 and the director of the Magic City Acceptance Center, a Birmingham AIDS Outreach (BAO)-affiliated program designed to provide a safe, supportive and affirming space for LBGTQ youth. “We were just focused on my father, his health, spending time with him, and making sure the last few months of his life were what he wanted it to be.”
He died a year and a half later. Amanda was left with memories of a man she loved mixed with an awful lot of questions about the price he paid for trying to keep his sexual orientation hidden for so long. (Though she eventually found out her mother, from whom he was divorced, had known about his bisexuality, few others did.) “I think he died unhappy,” Keller says. “I think that if any part of him could have just lived his life authentically and been himself, he would have been a happy, fulfilled person, and who knows what else in his life would be different because of that?”
Bob Keller, Amanda’s father.
She’ll never have the chance to understand that part of her father’s story now. But she feels MCAC has given her a chance to help young lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer/questioning people be open and true to themselves, feel accepted and avoid a pattern of living in secrecy and shame.
Finding her path
Keller started originally as a volunteer with BAO about eight years ago when she was still a student at UAB. “I wanted something to do in my spare time, and I was really interested in giving back in a way that I could be more involved in HIV work and advocacy,” she says. “It got to the point where I was at BAO like four hours a day, and luckily the development director pulled me aside and asked if I wanted a job.” Keller jumped at the opportunity, and not long after, the organization applied for and received a grant to start an outreach group aimed at LGBTQ youth, with Keller as its director.
Step one was turning a bland, uninspiring building into a welcoming space that would attract young people to its doors. That’s when the Mystic Krewe of Apollo, who identify themselves as a group of friends who have a strong connection to the LGBTQ community, stepped in, volunteering their time to overhaul the space until it was fun, welcoming and comfortable. They say helping get MCAC started was a no brainer, because it’s the kind of place from which many of them could have benefitted earlier in their lives. “Many LGBT youth feel alone and alienated, and to contribute to a place like the MCAC allows us the opportunity to give to today’s youth something we needed when we went through all the same things at that age,” members say, “be it dealing with family issues or bullying or the feeling of isolation that can come from feeling that something may be ‘wrong’ with you. With the suicide rate among LGBTQ youth sharply on the rise, it is vital that support, acceptance, and encouragement be accessible and that those avenues of support are inviting and make individuals feel safe. MCAC…is exactly what we need more of for tomorrow’s generation regardless of who they are—a place of love, support, and acceptance.”
If that sounds at all dramatic, grim or outdated—aren’t we mostly past all that? Isn’t today’s generation more accepting of different sexual orientations?—Keller explains that the picture is far more complicated. “On one hand,” she says, “the fact that we exist, the fact that there’s a building next door that exclusively provides health care and hormone therapy to the LBGTQ population, and that the community supports that and we don’t have picketers at our door every day, says a lot about the community. However, the fact that we need to exist is also part of this conversation.
“We are here because our youth experience tremendous amounts of bullying and harassment and physical abuse and…any number of things, even from professionals in our community who are supposed to help. I’ve heard stories of counselors who are providing incredibly concerning information to youth. They are not providing competent care to them. We know teachers who are in the middle of math classes who are taking moments to talk about how homosexuality is a sin. We have youth who have reported that they may not be physically harassed in the hallways, but they experience even worse in the sense that their classmates ignore them intentionally to the point where they’ll maybe bump into them and just keep walking and pretend that they don’t even exist, and the youth have said that they almost wish they would just hit them instead, because at least they would acknowledge their presence. So there are really varying states. They have these pockets of affirmation, but if you don’t have access to that, you’re still one of those youth who feels left out.”
Convincing wary youth
Keller says when MCAC opened in 2014, one of the first obstacles was convincing the kids that MCAC was a legitimately supportive organization for the LBGTQ community. Many had been burned before. “I had one youth tell me once that he would come every single night and sit outside and look in,” she remembers. “He wanted to make sure the people inside were okay, and we weren’t proselytizing or trying to do any conversion therapy. They were concerned we could be a shell organization, saying that we were affirming when really we weren’t.”
Eventually he came in, and others continued to follow. They started with a monthly movie night, and now, almost four years later, the calendar is a full slate of “drop-in” afternoons and evenings, art workshops, support and advocacy groups, pizza nights featuring discussion forums, and even support groups for parents who struggling to understand what their kids are going through. Overall, MCAC has grown an estimated 423 percent since its opening.
“We just continue to be amazed by the need for support, and the fact that these youth feel comfortable coming to us,” Keller says.
There are also the big events, including a summer day camp that youth outreach coordinator Lauren Jacobs calls her favorite time of the year.
“Our focus this past summer was on the fact that there are young people in Birmingham and the surrounding areas who identify as LBGTQ who want to be here—who don’t feel like they have to leave Birmingham—and are actively working to make the area more inclusive,” Jacobs says. “We did workshops around how to build an advocacy campaign in your school. We had a zoo field trip, and that was really fantastic because one of the keepers at the Birmingham Zoo has been out since high school and is passionate about animals and zookeeping…so our young folks could see there are LBGTQ people who are from here, still live here, and get to do the things they’re passionate about here.
“It’s really great for us to be able to offer what is kind of a traditional day camp for a week but to fill it with programs and workshops that are about empowering yourself as an LBGTQ young person.”
Another big event is MCAC’s “Queer Prom.” Keller likes to point to the prom’s growth every year as one of the best indicators that MCAC is filling an important need in the community. “Our first prom was in June of 2014, and we had 24 youth. We thought that was outstanding. And the next year we had about 80. This year we had over 120—we lost count at one point—in this building. And they were flowing into the parking lot.”
Honoring her father’s memory
For Keller, her work with MCAC and supporting the cause of the LBGTQ community in general—and youth in particular—has taken on a life of its own. But her original draw to this work will always be her father, his personal experience and how deeply it affected her.
“I think it would be very easy some days to walk away from all of this,” she says. “It can be triggering. It can be very emotionally straining, especially when I worked at BAO in the beginning and was seeing people who reminded me of my father or looked like my father or had a laugh like his. You’re constantly thinking about it, and you’re constantly thinking about these people and their lives and their livelihood and how they’re doing.
“But I don’t feel like I would be doing my father a service and honoring his memory if I had this opportunity and I walked away from it. And most days, for me it is a very healthy, wonderful, nourishing way to give back. Ninety-nine percent of my days are so happy and wonderful to have this environment we can provide for our youth. And there are a lot of feelings that happen here, and there are a lot of tears and really hard experience our youth go through—not just because they’re LGBTQ, but maybe their first boyfriend or girlfriend or person in their life broke up with them. And we work through all of that. We go through all the feelings here.
“So I’m just so grateful to be able through MCAC to support people when they’re really struggling—it’s the best possible thing we can do for anyone, and I wish more adults had this opportunity.”
Posted on Thursday, August 31st, 2017.
One Response to “Accepted”
Jeannie Senter says:
So happy to see this exists. I lived in B’ham for 21 years but moved away in 2005. Our organization (Georgia Safe Schools Coalition) is entirely voluntary and works to make schools safer for LGBTQ youth.
Thank you for your work, Jeannie
Leave a Reply for Jeannie Senter
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Uncertainty in Idlib: The Salvation Government Maintains Control
Photo Credit: ShoroukNews
Uncertainty looms around Idlib’s future after Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham(HTS) maintained its hold over the rebel’s last major stronghold. HTS concluded an agreement that stipulated a ceasefire with the Turkish-backed rival faction National Liberation Front(NLF) on January 10th[1], ending a period of unrest shaped by military confrontations that killed more than 130 fighters. The NLF relinquished its administrated areas to HTS’ self-proclaimed ‘Salvation Government’, and fled towards the Turkish-held areas in the north. This fractured the HTS-NLF quasi-alliance which was established in November 2017 to govern what they referred to as the ‘liberated areas’[2]and consolidated the Salvation Government which serves as Idlib’s de facto administrator.
HTS’ territorial control extends to the west of rural Aleppo and governs more than 2.5 million inhabitants, representing 1.5 times more than Damascus’ population. With around 15,000 fighters in its arsenal, HTS is an instrumental actor in any of Idlib’s future scenarios. However, there are two main components that should be taken into consideration. First, HTS is a coalition that comprises several armed groups with al-Nusra Front, previously known for its ties with al-Qaeda, serving as the nucleus of the coalition. Al-Nusra Front is designated as a terrorist organization by the US, Russia, Turkey, and the United Nations. Although HTS repudiated any affiliations with al-Qaeda, many observers believe that HTS still has ties with al-Qaeda and consider the coalition as a change in name and not a change in political tendency.
Second, HTS’ power consolidation violated the Russian-Turkish Memorandum of Understanding that was signed in Sochi in September 2018. Sochi’s MoU outlined a roadmap in which ‘all radical terrorist groups will be removed from the demilitarized zone by October 15’[3]for the purpose of preventing a Syrian military solution. This raises the question of in what form will Moscow’s response occur particularly after Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov expressed his concerns by stating “About 70% of this territory is already occupied by terrorists (..) they are trying to threaten our military air base in Hmeymim”[4].
Idlib’s current status quo is arguably more intricate than what it was before Sochi’s Summit. The ouster of the Turkish-backed rebels obstructs Turkey’s interests in the region. With its main allies out of the picture, Ankara is alarmed that a military incursion launched by the Syrian Government would galvanize a new influx of refugees, particularly after the United Nations warned that 800,000 people are at risk of displacement[5]. Furthermore, an escalation in Idlib would cause HTS’ fighters to withdraw northwards, causing a legitimate security threat on Turkey’s border.
However, perpetuating the status quo would create a predicament for Syria and its allies. As Lavrov explained: “one of the acutel problems [of the status quo ] because it is infinitely impossible to maintain this last major hotbed of terrorism in Syria”[6]. Finding a solution to address the situation is thus inevitable for Syria and Russia. Damascus already took some ‘retaliatory’ measures in southern Idlib after what seemed as an HTS attempt to infiltrate into Hama, state news SANA reported[7]. The Syrian Government is reportedly deploying more troops to the north, increasing its military presence in the region.
Events are fluctuating at a fast pace in Syria. In line with the developments taking place in Idlib and the US decision to withdraw from Syria, the Astana Group is preparing for a trilateral summit in Russia to address these changes. Meshing the interests of the participating states is naturally challenging after more than 7 years of turmoil. However, Syria is on a crossroads and the need for an inclusive dialogue is essential.
[1]https://syriadirect.org/news/hts-backed-civil-authority-moves-against-rivals-in-latest-power-grab-in-northwest-syria/
[2]https://english.enabbaladi.net/archives/2019/01/al-julani-calls-for-a-unified-military-council-in-idlib/
[3]https://www.thenational.ae/world/mena/full-text-of-turkey-russia-memorandum-on-idlib-revealed-1.771953
[4]http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/al-nusra-occupies-70-percent-of-idlib-russian-fm-140613
[5]http://www.rudaw.net/english/middleeast/syria/290820182
[7]https://sana.sy/en/?p=156166
by Mohammed Sami
MIDDLE-EAST ANALYST
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Biography – BESNARD, dit Carignant, JEAN-LOUIS – Volume IV (1771-1800) – Dictionary of Canadian Biography
BESNARD, dit Carignant, JEAN-LOUIS (he signed L. Carignant), merchant-trader; b. 22 Nov. 1734 in Montreal, son of Jean-Baptiste Besnard, dit Carignant, and Marie-Joseph Gervaise; m. 13 Aug. 1764 Charlotte Brebion in Montreal; m. there secondly on 20 Jan. 1770 Félicité, daughter of Montreal merchant Pascal Pillet; d. 3 Dec. 1791 at Michilimackinac (Mackinac Island, Mich.).
Jean-Louis Besnard, dit Carignant, followed in the footsteps of his father, a Montreal merchant and outfitter. Around 1770 he was engaged in the fur trade, outfitting voyageurs for amounts sometimes exceeding 20,000 livres; in addition he ran a flour mill at Lachine, near Montreal. Although he rapidly acquired many debtors, Carignant was not afraid to go into debt himself to his suppliers. Like every merchant in the colony, he had to speculate on credit and choose his debtors carefully. However, he had less luck in this game than others [see Jean Orillat], and on 30 Sept. 1776 he had to declare a bankruptcy that would have repercussions on the political life of the province.
On 9 Oct. 1776 Carignant submitted a balance-sheet to his creditors which showed 222,306 livres in debts and 140,640 livres in assets, 65,000 livres of the latter in accounts outstanding; his creditors were London merchants Brook Watson* and Robert Rashleigh, the firms of Pierre Foretier* and Jean Orillat and of John Porteous in Montreal, and also Montreal merchants Jean-Marie Ducharme*, Jacob Jordan, Toussaint Lecavelier, Louis-Joseph and Charles-Jean-Baptiste Chaboillez*, Charles Larche, and Ignace Pillet (Carignant’s brother-in-law). Carignant had contracted his largest debt – the sum of 88,000 livres – with the firm of Watson and Rashleigh. The balance-sheet also revealed the losses he had incurred in trading in furs and wheat, but these could not by themselves account for the bankruptcy, which Carignant attributed to “unfortunate events . . . bad promises and swindles of which he has been the victim.”
Yet a few hours before declaring bankruptcy, Carignant had completed a series of deals with Montreal merchant Richard Dobie* through which Dobie had bought furs worth 130,000 livres from him and he, after deducting his debts to Dobie and Dobie’s partner Adam Lymburner*, had made 63,000 livres not shown in the books. Carignant’s creditors, to whom he had assigned his property, accused Dobie of fraud and took legal proceedings against him because, according to them, he had entered into secret agreements with Carignant to pay for the furs. When the Court of Common Pleas in Montreal decided in favour of the creditors, Dobie appealed to the Legislative Council, and as a result of Chief Justice Peter Livius’ summation it reversed the judgement on 30 April 1778. The next day Governor Sir Guy Carleton* dismissed Livius from his post without explanation. During the subsequent inquiry, Livius insinuated to the British authorities that Carleton had been influenced by Brook Watson, who was Carignant’s principal creditor and who, according to Livius, “was in great habits with Sir Guy Carleton & was very much trusted by him in his private concerns, & in some matters of a public nature, particularly in Indian Affairs.” Livius was reinstated but never returned to Canada. As for Carignant, his combined assets could in no way cover his debts at the time of his bankruptcy; his creditors allowed him to remain in business, hoping to be repaid gradually, but whether this hope was fulfilled is not known.
Carignant’s business papers and the documents produced at the time of his bankruptcy provide some useful indications of his commercial practices and style of life. Of the 128 debts recorded in his accounts receivable ledger in 1776, only eight exceeded 1,000 livres but they amounted to nearly 50,000 livres, three-quarters of the total. His assets also included 12,500 livres in furs, ginseng, and merchandise, a house on the construction of which he had spent 26,000 livres (and which his creditors sold for 36,000 livres in 1777), furnishings valued at 12,000 livres, a library of some 40 titles appraised at 1,200 livres, and two black slaves, a man worth 1,600 and a woman worth 1,200 livres. Judging from the inventory of the house, Carignant lived comfortably, and he owned several expensive articles – a mahogany table, a faience fountain, some silverware, and some crystal.
Carignant’s subsequent career seems to have been rather varied. He was trading in wheat again in 1777 and apparently received a contract for supplying flour to the army, perhaps in concert with his old creditor, Jacob Jordan. In 1780 he went into partnership with his brother-in-law, Antoine Pillet, to run a bakery. In the winter of 1781–82 he was in trouble with the authorities. Rebel sympathizers who had been taken prisoner accused Carignant of having established relations with the Americans; he was arrested and taken to Quebec. In his defence he submitted a certificate of loyalty signed by such residents of Montreal as Luc de La Corne, Pierre Guy*, Jacob Jordan, Christian Daniel Claus, James McGill*, and Edward William Gray*. He was released for lack of evidence at the beginning of 1782. But his bakery business fell off, and he had difficulty again with his creditors. In May 1785 he received a commission as notary at Michilimackinac, and he was living there in 1786 and 1787. In 1788 he was appointed superintendent of inland navigation at Michilimackinac. He drowned in Lake Michigan on 3 Dec. 1791.
Hilda Neatby*, after reviewing the Dobie case, decided that Carignant was simply dishonest. But if so, it is hard to see why he would of his own free will have made over all his belongings to his creditors in 1776, or why they would have agreed to let him continue in business once the supposed fraud had been discovered. Besides, why would he have been granted the official posts at Michilimackinac if his honesty or loyalty had been in doubt? As for his inability to succeed in business, Carignant like many others was probably a victim of the development in the fur trade which concentrated control increasingly in the hands of a small group of merchants and led to the creation of the North West Company in 1783.
José E. Igartua and Marie Gérin-Lajoie
ANQ-M, État civil, Catholiques, Notre-Dame de Montréal, 22 nov. 1737, 13 août 1764, 18 sept. 1769, 20 janv. 1770; Greffe de Pierre Panet, 25 mai 1767, 22 déc. 1774, 9 oct. 1776, 29 avril, 12 mai, 1er juill. 1777; Greffe de Simon Sanguinet, 2, 10, 23 oct. 1769, 22 mars, 23 juill. 1770, 14, 25 juill. 1774, 17 févr. 1775; Greffe de François Simonnet, 11 mai 1750, 8 déc. 1770. AUM, P 58, Doc. divers, C2, 27 juill. 1787. BL, Add. mss 21721, ff.182–83v, 192; 21734, ff.310–11, 320; 21791, ff.142, 146 (copies at PAC). PAC, MG 23, GIII, 25, ser. A (Louis Carignant); MG 24, L3, pp.27531–35, 30494; RG 4, A1, 38, p.12548; B8, 28, p.22; B28, 115. PRO, CO 42/2, pp.261–64; 42/42, pp.129–34 (PAC transcripts). Ste Ann’s Parish (Mackinac Island, Mich.), Registre des baptêmes, mariages et sépultures de Sainte-Anne de-Michillimakinak, 16 juill. 1786, 20 août 1787 (mfm. at PAC, MG 8, G17). Quebec Gazette, 17 Nov. 1766, 7 Sept. 1769, 16 Jan. 1777, 2 Dec. 1779. Almanach de Québec, 1791, 39. Massicotte, “Répertoire des engagements pour l’Ouest,” ANQ Rapport, 1929–30, 327, 345, 347, 369, 406, 426–27; 1930–31, 353–54, 357, 372–74, 376, 400–2, 420. Tanguay, Dictionnaire. Burt, Old prov. of Que. (1968), I, 248–50. Neatby, Administration of justice under Quebec Act, 74–77.
Business – British Régime – Quebec and the Canadas
DOBIE, RICHARD (Vol. 5)DUCHARME, JEAN-MARIE (Vol. 5)LIVIUS, PETER (Vol. 4)WATSON, Sir BROOK (Vol. 5)CARLETON, GUY, 1st Baron DORCHESTER (Vol. 5)CHABOILLEZ, CHARLES-JEAN-BAPTISTE (Charles) (Vol. 5)CLAUS, CHRISTIAN DANIEL (Vol. 4)FORETIER, PIERRE (Vol. 5)More
GRAY, EDWARD WILLIAM (Vol. 5)GUY, PIERRE (1738-1812) (Vol. 5)JORDAN, JACOB (Vol. 4)LA CORNE, LUC DE, known as Chaptes (Chap, Chapt) de La Corne or as La Corne Saint-Luc (Vol. 4)LYMBURNER, ADAM (Vol. 7)McGILL, JAMES (Vol. 5)ORILLAT, JEAN (Vol. 4)ADHÉMAR, Saint-Martin, TOUSSAINT-ANTOINE (Vol. 5)MONTGOMERY, RICHARD (Vol. 4)
WATSON, Sir BROOK
CHABOILLEZ, CHARLES-JEAN-BAPTISTE (Charles)
LYMBURNER, ADAM
CARLETON, GUY, 1st Baron DORCHESTER
LA CORNE, LUC DE, known as Chaptes (Chap, Chapt) de La Corne or as La Corne Saint-Luc
CLAUS, CHRISTIAN DANIEL
McGILL, JAMES
LIVIUS, PETER
MONTGOMERY, RICHARD
José E. Igartua and Marie Gérin-Lajoie, “BESNARD, dit Carignant, JEAN-LOUIS,” in Dictionary of Canadian Biography, vol. 4, University of Toronto/Université Laval, 2003–, accessed July 16, 2019, http://www.biographi.ca/en/bio/besnard_jean_louis_4E.html.
Permalink: http://www.biographi.ca/en/bio/besnard_jean_louis_4E.html
Author of Article: José E. Igartua and Marie Gérin-Lajoie
Title of Article: BESNARD, dit Carignant, JEAN-LOUIS
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Biography – YOUNG, JAMES (1835-1913) – Volume XIV (1911-1920) – Dictionary of Canadian Biography
Source: Library and Archives Canada/MIKAN 3460801
YOUNG, JAMES, newspaperman, politician, and author; b. 24 May 1835 in Galt (Cambridge), Upper Canada, son of John Young and Janet Bell; m. 11 Feb. 1858 Margaret McNaught in Brantford, Upper Canada; they had no children; d. 29 Jan. 1913 in Galt.
In 1834 John and Janet Young emigrated from Scotland to Galt, where they found work with William Dickson* – James Young was born in his house – and later kept a hotel. Educated privately and at local schools, James in his youth had two main ambitions: to be an accomplished orator and a good writer. After a short time with a local newspaper, in 1853, at the age of 18, he purchased the Dumfries Reformer and Western Counties Weekly Mercantile and Agricultural Advertiser, which he would publish, under various titles, for the next ten years; about 1854 he assumed editorial control.
Young’s views on public affairs, including the turmoil surrounding the union of the Canadas, were noticed by the political leaders of the day. In 1863 George Brown*, Clear Grit figurehead and editor of the Toronto Globe, asked him to organize meetings on behalf of his electoral candidacy in Oxford South. Young later recalled that “it seemed a golden opportunity to win my political spurs, and I was speedily in the midst of the contest.” In June 1867 he attended the Reform Convention in Toronto and a few months later, in the new dominion’s first election, he was returned for Waterloo South over the strong opposition of Tories and Reform coalitionists. Carefully balancing politics with business – for five years around 1871 he was principal partner in the Victoria wheel-works in Gait – he was re-elected by acclamation in 1872 and 1874.
An outspoken backbencher in the Liberal government of Alexander Mackenzie*, Young recommended in 1874 the introduction of a Hansard-style record of debates and chaired the house when in committee on supply and the important standing committee on public accounts, but he did not always ease Mackenzie’s attempts to fashion a national party. For instance, in the intraparty clash of 1876 over tariff revisions, Young, writing of the event in 1892, identified himself as an Ontario protectionist who wanted to increase tariffs in opposition to the efforts of Maritime mps, who, he believed, “ruined the party.” In 1878 he chaired the Liberal convention in Toronto and became president of the Ontario Reform Association, but in the election that year he was defeated by Samuel Merner*. The following year Young entered the Ontario legislature for Brant North, and his talents were soon put to good use by Premier Oliver Mowat*; in 1880 he chaired a select committee on railway safety. Appointed treasurer and commissioner of agriculture on 2 June 1883, he was forced by ill health to resign on 1 November. He remained in the legislature but did not run for re-election in 1886.
Throughout his careers in journalism and politics, Young had pursued literary, associational, business, and civic interests with equal energy. His essays on Canada’s agricultural resources (1857) and the Reciprocity Treaty (1865) won prizes, he contributed to the Canadian Monthly and National Review (Toronto) between 1872 and 1878 and to commercial journals, and he drew on his local knowledge to produce Reminiscences of the early history of Galt and the settlement of Dumfries in the Province of Ontario (Toronto, 1880). From 1870 to 1881 he was president of the Association of Mechanics’ Institutes of Ontario. In business he held the presidency for 37 years of Gore Fire Insurance (whose history he wrote up in 1895) and at various times he was a director of Confederation Life, Canada Landed Credit, Ayr American Plough, and the Toronto branch of Crédit Foncier Franco-Canadien. In Galt he was a member of town council and a deputy reeve, served on the public school board and as chairman of the collegiate institute, and aided in the erection of the South Waterloo Hospital. A member and manager of Central Presbyterian Church, he was a president of the Sabbath School Association of Ontario and its vice-president in the mid 1870s. Young enjoyed gardening, hunting, and both curling and cricket: he had captained the Gait Cricket Club in the 1850s and 1860s, and in Ottawa led the Commons Cricketers to numerous victories.
Despite his retirement from parliament in 1886, Young continued to live close to his Reform principles. When the federal Liberals in 1887–88 were considering commercial union with the United States, Young, despite his friendship with party leader Wilfrid Laurier, threw himself into the debate with letters, speeches, and pamphlets against any program, including imperial federation, that countered the “idea of an independent national future.” Young and James David Edgar*, Laurier wrote to Sir Richard John Cartwright on 9 Sept. 1887, “are the only two men who have written me in absolutely uncompromising antagonism to commercial union.” By 1889, in his opposition to unrestricted reciprocity as Liberal policy, Young was virtually alone, close to the rejected sentiments of former leader Edward Blake but far to the right of Ontario Liberalism as represented by Cartwright.
Young’s political musings of the late 1880s and 1890s kept his name before the public. As well, he began work on an account of Canada before and after confederation, a project that necessitated a wide correspondence and help from such authorities as antiquarian Henry James Morgan and Ontario legislative librarian Avern Pardoe. In 1902 his Public men and public life in Canada, being recollections of parliament and the press appeared in Toronto. Dedicated to Blake, this mildly partisan work bridges the union era, including Young’s early experiences as a Reformer, and the beginning of the new century, where his treatment is marked by unqualified enthusiasm for Canada and the Laurier government. More revealing of his views on current affairs, and of his apparent reputation as a venerable but inconsequential commentator, are his speeches and his letters in newspapers from about 1902. His resistance to greater imperial integration, his anti-militaristic sentiments, and his support for an elective Senate, among other positions, gave some substance to the review of the two-volume re-edition of Public men (1912) that stretched to cast Young as “a natural Radical.”
Young died at his Galt home, Thornhill, in 1913 at the age of 77. A talented man of defined principles and gracious dignity, he was considered to be not only “thoroughly Canadian” but also Galt’s “most distinguished son.” This one-time disciple of Brown and Blake was eulogized by the Toronto Globe: “He was all his life a perfect type of the robust, self-contained, and energetic Liberal Crusader. Unswayed by political and economic currents that sometimes carried his friends away from the old moorings, he held strongly to the anchorage deliberately and intelligently selected by himself and for himself in his early adult life.”
Lynn E. Richardson
In addition to the works detailed in the text, James Young’s publications include Address of James Young, esq., m.p.p., president of the Association of Mechanics’ Institutes of Ontario, read at the annual meeting at Hamilton, on 22nd September, 1880 (Toronto, 1880); Our national future, being five letters by Hon. James Young, in opposition to commercial union (as proposed) and imperial federation . . . (Toronto, [1888]); History of the Gore Fire Insurance Co., from 1839 to 1895; being an address delivered by the Hon. James Young, president of the company . . . (Galt [Cambridge], Ont., [1895?]); and “The growth of Canadian commerce” and “The situation: commercial and financial,” in the Canadian Monthly and National Rev. (Toronto), 1 (January-June 1872): 387–91 and 3 (January–June 1873): 123–31, respectively.
AO, F 24, MU 510, Laurier to Cartwright, 9 Sept. 1887; F 334; RG 22–214, no.5911; RG 80-27-2, 1: 3. NA, MG 29, D61: 8645–48; RG 31, C1, 1871, Galt, div.2: 42 (mfm. at AO). Daily Telegraph (Berlin [Kitchener], Ont.), 30 Jan. 1913. Dumfries Reformer (Galt), 1853–63, esp. 17 Feb. 1858, 23 Feb. 1859, 5 Aug. 1863. Globe, 30 Jan. 1913. Ernie Ronnenberg, “James Young: Canada Firster,” Kitchener-Waterloo Record (Kitchener), 14 Nov. 1974 (copy in the Kitchener-Waterloo Record Library, Arch. file no.63; this file also includes a black and white portrait of Young). Canadian annual rev. (Hopkins), 1902–12. Canadian men and women of the time (Morgan; 1912). CPG, 1877. Cyclopædia of Canadian biog. (Rose and Charlesworth), vol.2. Directory, Ont., 1871. Ben Forster, A conjunction of interests: business, politics, and tariffs, 1825–1879 (Toronto, 1986). Kenneth McLaughlin, Cambridge: the making of a Canadian city (Windsor, Ont., 1987). Carlton McNaught, “Hon. James Young: Canadian patriot,” Waterloo Hist. Soc., Annual report (Kitchener), 6 (1918): 37–43. Select committees of the assemblies of the provinces of Upper Canada, Canada and Ontario, 1792 to 1991: a checklist of reports, comp. Richard Sage and Aileen Weir (Toronto, 1992), no.24. O. D. Skelton, Life and letters of Sir Wilfrid Laurier (2v., Toronto, 1921). Theo[bald] Spetz, “Address by Rev. Theo. Spetz, c.r., Berlin: ‘The importance of local history,’” Waterloo Hist. Soc., Annual report (Berlin), 1 (1913): 16–18. A. W. Taylor, Our todays and yesterdays: a history of the township of North Dumfries and the village of Ayr, Ontario, Canada ([Galt], 1970). Types of Canadian women . . . , ed. H. J. Morgan (Toronto, 1903), 354.
Authors – Pamphlets, essays, polemics, and sermons
Authors – Diaries, memoirs, and correspondence
Authors – History and biography
Communications – Newspapers and magazines – Owners and editors
Politicians – Provincial and territorial governments – Elected
North America – Canada – Ontario – Southwest
LAURIER, Sir WILFRID (baptized Henry-Charles-Wilfrid) (Vol. 14)MERNER, SAMUEL (Vol. 13)MOWAT, Sir OLIVER (Vol. 13)BLAKE, EDWARD (Vol. 14)BROWN, GEORGE (Vol. 10)CARTWRIGHT, Sir RICHARD JOHN (Vol. 14)DICKSON, WILLIAM (Vol. 7)EDGAR, Sir JAMES DAVID (Vol. 12)More
MACKENZIE, ALEXANDER (Vol. 12)MORGAN, HENRY JAMES (Vol. 14)McKELLAR, ARCHIBALD (Vol. 12)
MACKENZIE, ALEXANDER
MERNER, SAMUEL
MOWAT, Sir OLIVER
EDGAR, Sir JAMES DAVID
CARTWRIGHT, Sir RICHARD JOHN
BLAKE, EDWARD
McKELLAR, ARCHIBALD
Lynn E. Richardson, “YOUNG, JAMES (1835-1913),” in Dictionary of Canadian Biography, vol. 14, University of Toronto/Université Laval, 2003–, accessed July 16, 2019, http://www.biographi.ca/en/bio/young_james_1835_1913_14E.html.
Permalink: http://www.biographi.ca/en/bio/young_james_1835_1913_14E.html
Author of Article: Lynn E. Richardson
Title of Article: YOUNG, JAMES (1835-1913)
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Europcar and Nissan form a zero-emission vehicle partnership
Nissan and Europcar – the European leader in passenger car and light utility vehicle hire – are forming a partnership to offer electric vehicles for hire to support zero-emission mobility on a global scale.
This partnership between Europcar Group and Nissan is unique in the vehicle hire market and reinforces Europcar’s commitment to support greater awareness of environmental issues amongst its customers.
From 2010, electric vehicles will be rolled out for customers to hire in France, Germany, Belgium, Spain, Italy, Portugal, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand. The fleet will be subsequently extended to other countries.
As a pioneer in the field of environmental matters, Europcar Group has already implemented numerous environmental initiatives within the scope of a Green Charter certified by Bureau Veritas in June 2008.
As Rafael Girona, Europcar Group’s Chief Operating Officer, explains, “This contract fits perfectly with the principles of our Green Charter and our policy to offer our customers a fleet with as limited an impact as possible on the environment. We will therefore give our customers the option of exploring a new means of mobility through the experience of using an electric vehicle in order to encourage them to become better eco-citizens.”
“Nissan through the Renault-Nissan Alliance has committed to being a global leader in zero-emission vehicles,” said Eric Nicolas, senior vice president, administration and finance, Nissan International SA. “Nissan and Europcar share the same belief that the introduction and expansion of electric vehicles is one of the best solutions to sustain the growing need for mobility across the globe.”
The Renault-Nissan Alliance will introduce zero-emission vehicles in the United States and Japan starting from 2010. The Alliance aims to take the leadership of zero-emission mobility in the automotive industry and will start mass-marketing electric vehicles globally in 2012. To date the Alliance has signed two final agreements in Europe, with Portugal and the Principality of Monaco. The two agreements formulate concrete proposals – ranging from incentives and infrastructures to education programs – creating the right conditions for mass availability and acceptance of electric vehicles.
The Renault-Nissan Alliance has begun Zero Emission Vehicles initiatives in Kanagawa Prefecture and Yokohama in Japan, as well as in Israel, Denmark, Portugal, Monaco, UK, France, Switzerland, Ireland, Hong Kong, Singapore, and China.
In the United States, the Alliance is exploring ways to promote zero-emission mobility and the development of an Electric Vehicles infrastructure in the State of Tennessee, the State of Oregon, Sonoma County and San Diego in California, Tucson and Phoenix in Arizona, Seattle in Washington, and Raleigh, North Carolina.
The Alliance has formed partnerships with 27 governments, cities and other organizations to advance the deployment of EVs worldwide.
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DIG OUT
Central U.S. Slammed by Storm
Reduced visibility on Kansas roads on Monday night. (Orlin Wagner/AP)
A huge storm that slammed the Texas Panhandle on Monday and moved north on Tuesday is already being blamed for two deaths—and it’s showing no signs of stopping. In Oklahoma, one man was killed after his roof collapsed under 15 inches of snow. The storm also killed a motorist in eastern Texas, where some areas saw record accumulations of snow. Hurricane-force winds also whipped Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas, knocking out power to thousands. Fueled by a low-pressure system, the storm didn’t just dump snow: it also caused thunderstorms, and tornado watches were issued in Arkansas and Louisiana. It gets worse: up to 15 inches of snow were expected in Missouri, which was slammed by a blizzard just five days ago.
Read it at Associated Press
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Race Card
How Dem Race Accusations on Lynch Could Backfire
Several more Democrats doubled down Thursday by tying the attorney general’s confirmation holdup as evidence of Republican racism. But without substantiation, it’s a move that could do more harm than good for their cause: confirming the first female African-American head of the Justice Department.
Tim Mak
Updated 04.14.17 11:55AM ET / Published 03.19.15 10:35PM ET
Kevin Lamarque/Reuters
Incensed about the stalled confirmation process of attorney general nominee Loretta Lynch, Democrats are accusing the Republican Party of being racist…ish.
Though they spent the last week dropping not-so-subtle hints, Democrats don’t quite want to explicitly say what they’re been implying: that Republicans are holding up Lynch primarily due to her race.
Take the press conference on Thursday afternoon, when a number of Democrats continued linking Lynch’s predicament with her racial background.
“It’s clear to me that there is hidden racism rampant in the House and the Senate,” said Democratic Rep. Corrine Brown. But she did not substantiate her claim with specific evidence of Republican racism in Lynch’s confirmation process.
Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee said there was a “strong racial element” in the confirmation delay, telling reporters that “the point of race and gender is very clear. You are discounting her, and you can’t help but think that when people have been discounted, it has been minorities that have been discounted.”
Added Rep. Charlie Rangel, “It is my opinion that if the late Martin Luther King was up for confirmation in the United States Senate, that he too would have a very, very difficult time. There has to be a reason, and that, to me, is my reason.”
It has been more than 131 days since Lynch was nominated to be attorney general. If confirmed, she would be the first female African American to serve in that role.
The holdup has been unprecedented: As of Monday, Lynch’s nomination will have been left unaddressed by the full Senate for 25 days—longer than the last seven attorneys general had to wait, combined.
In all the time that Lynch’s nomination has been pending, there has been no evidence that Republicans were motivated by anything other than politics.
Unsubstantiated claims of racism is a strategy that could backfire, argued Roland Martin, an African-American journalist and television personality who occasionally contributes to The Daily Beast.
“The conversation now is not about Loretta Lynch and the delay, it’s about Dick Durbin invoking race. Now he’s the center of the story, instead of the ridiculous delays for Loretta Lynch,” he said.
Number two Senate Democrat Dick Durbin said Wednesday that Lynch was being “asked to sit in the back of the bus when it comes to the Senate calendar.”
GOP Senator John McCain took Durbin to task for the remark on Thursday, arguing that to “use that imagery and suggest that racist tactics are being employed… has no place in this body and serves no purpose other than to further divide us.”
By invoking race unnecessarily, it gives credibility to those who don’t want to ever talk about race, argued Martin.
“The harm of bringing race into this is that you’re invoking race when it is not the dominant issue,” Martin said, referring to Durbin’s remarks. “It’s ridiculous… you gave them a dish on a silver platter from a Democrat in the leadership!”
Rangel himself appeared somewhat divided on whether to bring up race in a Thursday afternoon press conference.
“For some Americans, racism is an awkward subject to talk about. But we cannot eliminate or [bring] this problem to light unless we admit we have it… to run away from it is wrong,” the New York Democrat said.
But then, Rangel held back on elaborating: “Quite frankly, I don’t want to answer any more questions because the whole world is watching, and I doubt whether anybody is making any different reasons for [Lynch’s confirmation delay].”
Democrats have long felt President Barack Obama has gotten unprecedentedly poor treatment from Republicans, at least in part because he is the first African-American president. The disrespect of GOP Rep. Joe Wilson’s “You Lie!” still lingers in their mind.
And Lynch herself has had her dealings with racism: After receiving the highest grades in her high school class, she was forced to share the the role of valedictorian with white students due to administrators who feared a backlash over a lone African American holding that honor.
But the ultimate takeaway, Martin argued, is that Lynch’s confirmation is about politics—not race.
“Dick Durbin, if he needs to blame anybody, he needs to start with himself and Sen. Harry Reid. They should have gotten votes to confirm before Republicans took control of the Senate [in January],” he told The Daily Beast. “It is shameful to watch the U.S. Senate, how they behave, don’t get work done—and they want to sit there and grandstand.”
Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who ran for the Republican presidential nomination in 2008, is both enthusiastically supportive of Lynch's nomination and strenuous in pushing back against the idea that his fellow Republicans were opposing Lynch on the basis of race or gender.
“Loretta Lynch could be Lawrence Lynch and she’d be just as qualified... it would be significant to have the first African American woman attorney general, I think that would be a milestone, but I think in many ways that's irrelevant to her qualifications” Giuliani said Friday. “I am a conservative on most legal matters… and I would probably selected her as attorney general had I been elected president way back when I failed when I ran.”
Giuliani said he had been working with GOP Sen. Lindsey Graham to urge Republicans to support Lynch, as well as to bring her nomination up for a vote. The former mayor said that Lynch was “more than qualified—she's overqualified.”
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CBC: Bus company barred from transporting students
A Sackville-based bus company has been temporarily banned from carrying students by New Brunswick's education minister.
The move comes after safety inspectors in Nova Scotia this week found that tires on two buses, owned by Prestige Bus Service, were unsafe. The buses were stopped Wednesday because the tire treads were almost entirely worn off.
Read original article at: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/new-brunswick/story/2010/11/26/ns-prestige-bus-ban.html#ixzz16cy474at
The company was hired by School District 2 to take 60 Grade 8 students from Marshview Middle School in Sackville to Halifax on a field trip.
Education Minister Jody Carr wants to know why children were placed in a dangerous situation.
"It does raise a lot of questions and we're going to gather those facts and ensure in the meantime that this company will not be utilizing their services in the short term while we gather this information," said Carr.
Carr said he would have an update next week on his investigation.
"It greatly concerns me, so I've asked for the department in co-operation with Public Safety to get all of the facts," he said.
He also wants to know more about the company's track record.
Bus drivers in New Brunswick are obligated to inspect the bus they'll be driving before leaving on trips.
The owner of Prestige Bus Service declined an interview with CBC.
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CFRA Radio Talk Show with Michael Harris @ 3:35 pm NB time
Isabelle Hains will appear live on CFRA Radio with talk show host Michael Harris.
Click here to go to CFRA and listen to the program live at 3:35 New Brunswick time.
Michael Harris (born 1948) is an award-winning Canadian author, investigative journalist, and radio personality who hosts an afternoon radio talk show, "Michael Harris Live", on Ottawa-based CFRA, and is a columnist for The Ottawa Sun newspaper.[1]
Born in Toronto, Ontario, to Audrey McDonald (née Tilley) and James McDonald, Harris is a graduate of York University in Toronto, and was a Woodrow Wilson Scholar (University College in Dublin, Ireland).
Harris went to Newfoundland in 1977, as a story editor for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation's newsmagazine "Here and Now", before becoming publisher of The Sunday Express in St. John's, and later the Executive Director of News and Current Affairs for the Newfoundland Broadcasting Corporation, Harris was at one time a Queen’s Park correspondent for The National Post.
Harris is the author of Justice Denied: The Law Versus Donald Marshall (1986), Unholy Orders: Tragedy at Mount Cashel (Book of the Year, Foundation for the Advancement of Canadian Letters, 1991), Rare Ambition: The Crosbies of Newfoundland (FACL Book of the Year and APBA Booksellers Choice Award 1993), Con Game: The Truth About Canada’s Prisons (2002), and Lament for an Ocean: The Collapse of the Atlantic Cod Fishery (1998), which was a national bestseller. The Executive Director of the Sierra Club of Canada called it "The definitive book on the cod catastrophe... After reading this book, you wouldn’t trust the Department of Fisheries and Oceans with your aquarium" (cited on back jacket cover). His 1976 novel "Outrider on Yonge Street" was never published.
To date, Harris' work has sparked four royal commissions of inquiry in Canada.[citation needed]
Harris, who is married and has two daughters, hosts Ottawa's annual "Alzheimers Flame of Hope Golf Tournament" (his mother who died in 2009 suffered from the disease), and divides his time between his homes in Ottawa, Ontario and Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. His is currently the visiting Irving Chair in Journalism at St. Thomas University in New Brunswick.
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Posts by Topic: Mountain West RSS feed
Colorado State’s bowl bid: Well, it could have have been worse…
By Terry Frei
Colorado State coach Mike Bobo (John Leyba, The Denver Post)
I traveled Sunday, returning from Minneapolis-St. Paul, the final stop on the Avalanche four-game road trip. Because of that, and also because the CSU media availability was rather impromptu (not complaining), I didn’t go up to Fort Collins to cover the acceptance of the bid to the Arizona Bowl and the fallout, including Mike Bobo’s grin-and-bear-it remarks.
Irv Moss wrote the story for the Post, touching on both Air Force and the Rams. That’s here.
I’ll leave the opportunity for extensive comment to those whose role it is to comment, but I’ll just toss this out:
Yes, it’s absurd that CSU has to play a conference opponent, Nevada, in Tucson. It shouldn’t have been allowed to happen and there is no excuse. None. But the reaction from the league office and commissioner Craig Thompson, with all due respect, was an exercise in contradiction.
The system is broken, there are too many bowls, this is an outrage …
Then in a separate release, the league bragged about a record eight teams getting bowl berths. One of them was 5-7 San Jose State.
The Mountain West essentially signing off on the creation of the Arizona Bowl was a major element in all of this, adding more slots. CSU would have been in a bowl regardless, and it’s impossible to imagine a scenario where a league matchup would have been necessary, without the new bowl.
Can’t have it both ways, folks.
Thompson also said the MW tried a myriad of things to avoid the league matchup, including proposing trades and financial maneuvering. We should take him at his word, and I will, but I’m surprised no trade could be worked out involving a lower-tier bowl.
I have not been among the too-many-bowls choruses in the past. If you think there are too many games, there’s an easy solution: DON’T WATCH THEM. But this — 40 bowls and 80 slots — has crossed the line.
It could have been worse for CSU. There are worse places to go to in December than Tucson — and some of them host bowls. And at least the Rams haven’t played Nevada this season and won’t again in 2016.
In a sense, though, the Mountain West had this coming.
Terry Frei: tfrei@denverpost.com or @TFrei
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Categories: College Football, Colorado State, Football, Mountain West Conference
September 7, 2015, 11:12 am
CSU’s Nick Stevens named Mountain West offensive player of week
Nick Stevens (Steve Nehf, Denver Post)
FORT COLLINS — Nick Stevens made his first career start at quarterback for Colorado State Saturday, and he has been named the Mountain West’s offensive player of the week after going 20-28 for 289 yards and five touchdowns in the 65-13 rout of FCS Savannah State, which lost its 24th consecutive game.
Stevens’ touchdown passes went to five different receivers.
Linebacker Calvin Munson of San Diego State was the league’s defensive player of the week and wide receiver/returner Andrew Rodriguez of Utah State was special teams player of the week.
Munson had 11 tackles in the Aztecs’ 37-3 win over San Diego and Rodriguez had an 88-yard punt return for a touchdown in the Aggies’ surprisingly tough 12-9 win over Southern Utah. He had eight punt returns for 136 yards.
Terry Frei: tfrei@denverpost.com or twitter.com/TFrei
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Categories: College Football, Colorado State University, Football, Mountain West Conference
Rashard Higgins named Mountain West pre-season offensive player of the year
Colorado State Rams wide receiver Rashard Higgins makes a catch for a long reception against Air Force Falcons defensive back Justin DeCoud in the third quarter at Falcon Stadium on Nov. 28. (Andy Cross, The Denver Post)
A few notes released from the the Mountain West media days in Las Vegas:
— Colorado State wide receiver Rashard Higgins, an All-American as a sophomore in 2014, was projected to be the league’s 2015 top offensive player in a media vote.
— Higgins was joined by CSU tight end Steven Walker, an all-league choice a year ago, on the preseason all-MW team.
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Categories: College Football, Colorado State University, Mountain West Conference
A conversation with Colorado State athletic director Joe Parker
Joe Parker at his introductory news conference (R.J. Sangosti, The Denver Post)
FORT COLLINS — I met with new CSU athletic director Joe Parker at the McGraw Center on Tuesday afternoon, and here are highlights of that conversation. I’ll have a story on this in the Thursday paper.
If you’re reading this, you know who Parker is, but the quick intro is that he was an All-American swimmer at Michigan who has worked in the athletic departments at his alma mater, Washington State, Texas, Oklahoma and — most recently — Texas Tech. He reported to work at CSU on April 6.
On his initial impressions: “I think what I learned through the process when I was being considered for the job up until I received the office, everything that I learned through that process has been validated since I’ve been here. There haven’t been any surprises, and I don’t think there were any efforts not to be fully transparent. So I feel like I was going in with eyes wide open, and I feel like everything I knew before I arrived has been validated. It’s a special place, I’m learning that every day, and enjoying it too.”
On whether, given his stints at three Big 12 schools, he has been given a mandate to get CSU into the Big 12:
Categories: Big 12 Conference, Colorado State University, Mountain West Conference
Colorado State: A shot in the dark at guessing MW breakthrough in CFP tonight
Boise State’s Jay Ajayi scoring in the Broncos’ 37-24 win over CSU on Sept. 6. (Associated Press photo)
No non-power conference team is the College Football Playoff rankings.
The new top 25 is due out tonight.
I’m going to take a shot at predicting, and no, it won’t be a repeat of my weekly guess of SEC teams in spots 1 through 14 and then Oregon 15th.
I think the committee will begin positioning itself to not have to dip below its top 25 to select a non-power conference champion for an access bowl berth. Read more…
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Categories: College Sports
CSU’s Dee Hart named Mountain West offensive player of week
By The Denver Post
CSU running back Dee Hart. (Steve Nehf, Denver Post file)
Colorado State junior running back Dee Hart was named Mountain West offensive player of the week, the conference announced Monday morning.
Hart earned his second weekly honor this year for his six-touchdown performance in the Rams’ 58-20 victory over New Mexico.
Hart, a grad student pursuing a master’s degree in education and human resources, rushed for a career-high 230 yards and five touchdowns on 20 carries. Hart also had two receptions for 42 yards, including a 20-yard score. The six total touchdowns tie for the school record with former running back Kapri Bibbs, who rushed for six scores at New Mexico in 2013, and are the second-most in Mountain West history.
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Categories: Colorado State University, Mountain West Conference
November 8, 2014, 9:46 am
Updated: How Colorado State could crack top 25 (somewhere) with win over Hawaii
Colorado State Rams quarterback Garrett Grayson threw for five touchdowns against Wyoming, but CSU allowing the Cowboys two late TDs made the score deceptively close at 45-31. (Andy Cross, The Denver Post)
Going into last week’s game at San Jose State, I thought the Colorado State Rams would crack at least The Associated Press top 25 this week with a win that night at Spartan Stadium.
I was wrong, but it’s also clear that the stumbling-to-the-finish-line nature of that win — something that had happened before — cost the Rams, 8-1 going into Saturday’s Hawaii game in Fort Collins, some votes. Now they’re 9-1 after the 49-22 win over the Rainbow Warriors and will get word on Sunday whether they are in either the AP or the USA Today/coaches’ poll top 25.
Last week, they were the only one-loss FBS team in the country that wasn’t ranked, and they went into the weekend “26th” in the AP poll and “27th” in the USA Today/coaches poll if you extended the list out. The College Football Playoff rankings only go through 25 without an “also receiving votes” category, so the Rams weren’t mentioned there.
Going into the game Saturday, this was how could they have moved up in the next polls: Read more…
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Categories: Colorado State University, Football, Mountain West Conference
Colorado State’s Jared Roberts is Mountain West special teams player of the week
Jared Roberts after his game-winning kick for CSU Rams Saturday night. (Andy Cross, The Denver Post)
FORT COLLINS — The Mountain West Conference on Monday announced that Colorado State kicker Jared Roberts is the league’s special teams player of the week.
Roberts, a senior from Mullen High in Denver, made three field goals on four attempts in the 16-13 victory over Utah State Saturday night.
He was successful twice from 46 yards out, including on the game-winner as time expired, and also from 52 yards.
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CSU’s Nolan Peralta ruled out for first half of Utah State game
Colorado State tight end Nolan Peralta runs against Tulsa during the fourth quarter of a college football game Saturday, Oct. 4, 2014, in Fort Collins. (Jack Dempsey, The Associated Press)
I’ve got a feature on CSU tight ends Nolan Peralta and Steven Walker in the Wednesday paper and here.
The Mountain West Conference Tuesday announced that Peralta won’t be allowed to play in the first half of Saturday’s game against Utah State “for targeting and initiating forcible contact against an opponent with the crown of the helmet” in the Rams’ Saturday night win over Nevada.
The league announcement noted: “The disciplinary action is a result of the weekly review conducted by the Mountain West office of all player safety fouls and falls under NCAA Football Playing Rule 9-6-2. The Mountain West will have no further comment regarding this matter.”
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October 7, 2014, 12:57 pm
CU’s Mike MacIntyre, CSU’s Jim McElwain receive cushy contract perks
By Nicki Jhabvala
CSU football coach Jim McElwain, left, and CU’s Mike MacIntyre. (AAron Ontiveroz; Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post)
Using public-records requests, Newsday combed through the contracts of coaches at the 108 public schools in the FBS, detailing their salaries (guaranteed and nonguaranteed), contract lengths, bonuses, incentives and more.
The numbers offered insight into just how much coaches receive, monetarily and otherwise, while the debate over player compensation the NCAA rages on. The numbers also revealed some surprising details about the contracts of CU’s Mike MacIntyre, who signed with the Buffs in 2013, and CSU’s Jim McElwain, who joined the Rams in 2012 and is now the Mountain West’s highest-paid coach.
(Check out Newsday’s full database here.)
A brief breakdown of MacIntyre’s and McElwain’s deals: Read more…
Categories: College Sports, Colorado State University, Football, Mountain West Conference, University of Colorado
Colorado State volleyball jumps to No. 8 nationally; Kelsey Snider named MW player of the week
Colorado State’s Kelsey Snider, right, and Adrianna Culbert, left, block a shot by Northern Colorado’s Kendra Cunningham during set one of their Sept. 3 match in Greeley. (Steve Stoner, Loveland Reporter-Herald)
FORT COLLINS — A neutral-court victory in Las Cruces, N.M., for Colorado State volleyball on Friday over Brigham Young, then ranked ninth nationally, paid off at the polls.
The Rams jumped from No. 14 to No. 8 in this week’s American Volleyball Coaches Association rankings, and that’s the highest the powerhouse CSU program has been ranked since November 2004.
CSU is 9-1, and the only loss came to Wisconsin — then ranked No. 4 — on Sept. 6. Since then, the Rams have rattled off wins over Denver, BYU, New Mexico State and UTEP. CSU is at Arizona State in its next match Friday.
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Categories: College Sports, Colorado State University, Mountain West Conference, Volleyball
Colorado State update, including more on a guy named Sosa
Dee Hart, Treyous Jarrells as the clock counted down the final seconds of their spectacular CSU debuts against Colorado.
My feature on CSU running back Treyous Jarrells is in the Monday paper and here.
A few other things: Read more…
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Colorado State’s Dee Hart, Jared Roberts honored by Mountain West
CSU running back Dee Hart eludes tacklers in the first quarter against CU at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2014, in Denver. (Steve Nehf, The Denver Post)
Colorado State running back Dee Hart, who ran for 139 yards and two touchdowns in his first game for the Rams Friday night, Monday was named Mountain West Conference offensive player of the week and senior kicker Jared Roberts was named special teams player of the week.
Hart’s 139 rushing yards equaled the top mark for a CSU running back in his first game. Ron Harris ran for 139 on Sept. 14, 1974 at New Mexico.
“I think he’ll be the first to tell you, our team players of the week were the offensive line,” said CSU coach Jim McElwain. “He was the recipient of some great work up front. As you guys know, we lost some really good running backs from a year ago (Kapri Bibbs and Donnell Alexander) and I thought both Dee and Treyous (Jarrells) stepped up and played how we expected them to play. That’s a great honor and believe me, I’m happy as heck for Dee and really that offensive line.”
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Colorado State women’s soccer eager for second season
By Nick Kosmider
Colorado State women’s soccer coach Bill Hempen is set to begin his second season with the Rams. (Photo courtesy of Dan Byers)
Bill Hempen laughed as he recalled a memory of his first season as the head coach of Colorado State’s brand new women’s soccer program.
“We were handing out name tags at the first practice,” Hempen said. “We didn’t know anybody.”
When Hempen was hired by CSU in February 2013, he was racing the clock. He was given five months to build the program from scratch and have it ready to play that fall, a giant undertaking that included warp-speed recruiting, scheduling and promoting.
“I said, ‘If you agree to do that, you are more crazy than I thought,'” said Jeff Hooker, the University of Denver coach and a close friend of Hempen. “I told him to be prepared to be as frustrated as you’ve ever been in your years of coaching.”
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Colorado State University president Tony Frank: Additional comments
CSU President Tony Frank
My story based on a Monday interview with Colorado State University president Tony Frank is in the Tuesday paper and online.
Much of what he said in the half-hour discussion didn’t make the story, and here are some of his additional comments, either amplifying on what did make the story or on other subjects:
On what CSU could do if the school, as is likely, doesn’t meet the goal to raise $110 million in seed money for a new stadium by October:
“There are going to be people who argue that, well, this means a very simple solution – we go back and we fix up Hughes. I don’t think the solution is that simple. It’s a complex topic. If you wanted to do the bare minimum with Hughes – and we’ve run these numbers ourselves and had them checked by an independent firm – you’re looking at $30 million for sewers, electric and minimal safety concrete repair.”
On why that money would have to come from the general fund:
“That’s the paradox of this whole thing. There’s no other place, if you can’t issue revenue bonds and you don’t have donor funds, you’ll issue general obligation bonds, which are in this day and age tuition-backed. That’s the conundrum. Apparently I didn’t do a great job of communicating this in the process, but that was the big advantage of the issue we proposed. Did it have risks, sure, everything has somewhat of a risk. But there was the possibility that if we did it that way, we wouldn’t impact fees, general fund, tuition. If we go back and say, well, we didn’t get there, we have to fix up Hughes and stay where we’re at, we will. That’s $30 million of general fund.”
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Categories: College Sports, Colorado State University, Football, Mountain West Conference
Jack Graham releases statement on being fired from Colorado State University
By Daniel Petty
John C. “Jack” Graham listens while CSU president Tony Frank, left, addresses the media during a press conference introducing him as athletic director on Dec. 1, 2011. Graham was fired Friday for what Frank cited as differences of opinion. (Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post)
Jack Graham released a statement on Friday through the Brunswick Group — a New York-based crisis communications firm — after he was fired as athletic director of Colorado State University less than three years after he was appointed on Dec. 1, 2011.
Today, Colorado State University informed me of its decision to terminate my contract as Director of Athletics. This announcement is surprising and deeply disappointing to me. I will personally miss the opportunity to continue to build on what we have accomplished during the past two and a half years.
We have taken significant steps to enhance Colorado State University’s Athletics program:
Nine new outstanding Head Coaches have been hired — all with the potential to deliver meaningful results for our student athletes’ and University’s success.
The contracts for our four most prominent sports — football, men’s and women’s basketball and volleyball — have all been extended for close to a decade with significant break-up fees. This has secured our future of great leadership and coaching and mitigates the “stepping stone” dynamic that has prevailed at CSU.
The administrative staff in the Department has been greatly enhanced by hiring many senior and accomplished executives. Our Department of Athletics is in very good hands.
We have ignited RAM Nation with new enthusiasm for an Athletic Department that “thinks big, works hard and settles for nothing less than excellence” and that “Does it All”: recruits people of great character; requires and supports student-athletes to succeed academically; and delivers results on the field of competition.
We’ve raised our expectations of student-athlete conduct. We have accomplished a behavioral-incident rate below that of the general student population — a significant decline since the time I joined CSU.
Our student athletes have achieved academic success never-before seen at Colorado State.
Categories: College Sports, Colorado State University
Colorado State coach Jim McElwain reacts to “power five conferences” autonomy
Colorado State football coach Jim McElwain. (The Reporter Herald file)
The NCAA board Thursday approved virtual autonomy for the five “power” conferences, allowing them to set their own rules.
There could be ramifications for programs outside the power five, and that includes Colorado State and other schools in the Mountain West Conference.
Those modifications likely will include “cost of attendance” stipends, over and above scholarships.
“A kid might go to some lower end Big Five because of the money, which I can’t blame them,” Colorado State coach Jim McElwain said Thursday. Read more…
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Categories: College Sports, Colorado School of Mines, Football
Wyoming’s hire of Craig Bohl as football coach is praised by Jim McElwain
University of Wyoming football coach Craig Bohl speaks with members of the media during a press conference at War Memorial Stadium in Laramie, Wyo. on Sunday, Dec. 8, 2013. (Blaine McCartney, Wyoming Tribune Eagle)
Speaking with reporters that cover the Mountain West during the conference’s recent football media-day activities in Las Vegas, Colorado State coach Jim McElwain was asked about Craig Bohl taking over Wyoming’s program.
Bohl, 56, coached North Dakota State to the past three FCS national championships and compiled an overall record of 104-32 in ll seasons there. Prior to his time at NDSU, Bohl was the linebackers coach (1995-1999), then the defensive coordinator (2000-2002) at Nebraska.
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Categories: College Sports, Colorado State University, Football, Mountain West Conference, University of Wyoming
Coming off bowl win could be “turning point” for Colorado State’s program, CSU says
CSU coach Jim McElwain (Denver Post file)
A popular topic during Colorado State’s interviews at the recent Mountain West football media days was asking the Rams if there is any carryover from their come-from-behind victory over Washington State last December at the New Mexico Bowl.
“Our team got a taste of (bowl season) last year and we’re all hungry and have momentum to do it again,” CSU senior linebacker Aaron Davis said.
“It’s good to be able to show the young guys coming in that the end result is wins if we prepare,” Davis added. “When they get homesick and tired, we can tell them that it will all be worth it at the end. We want to have that feeling again that we had at the end of last season.”
Said CSU coach Jim McElwain: “You hope after (the bowl victory), guys ill want to feast at the buffet table again. I’m not sure we’ll be able to measure (the effects of that postseason win) in the short term. I’ll be curious five, six, seven, eight years down the road to see because that could be a turning point in a program’s development. I don’t know if it will be or not.”
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Report: Former CSU point guard Jon Octeus headed to UCLA
Jon Octeus was Colorado State’s third-leading scorer at 13.4 points per game last season. (Karl Gehring, The Denver Post)
Former Colorado State point guard Jon Octeus will play his final season of college basketball at UCLA, CBSSports first reported.
As the Rams’ junior point guard last season, Octeus was the team’s third-leading scorer at 13.4 points per game. He was expected to be a major piece of the puzzle for a CSU team aiming to contend for a Mountain West title after finishing with a 16-16 record last season.
But Octeus surprised many earlier this month when he announced he would leave Fort Collins to spend his last season of eligibility at a different school.
Octeus, who was coach Larry Eustachy’s first recruit following his hiring in 2012, will be eligible to play right away as a graduate transfer.
The loss for the Rams is a major gain for UCLA, which lost underclassmen Kyle Anderson, Jordan Adams and Zach LaVine to the first round of the NBA draft on Thursday.
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UF study: Another mosquito species may carry zika
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GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Another mosquito may carry the zika virus, but more research is needed to confirm the early lab tests, University of Florida scientists say. UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences researchers detected zika in the saliva of southern house mosquitoes collected in Florida.
Chelsea Smartt, an associate professor at the UF/IFAS Florida Medical Entomology Lab in Vero Beach, Florida, said her study’s finding supports that the mosquito species, known scientifically as Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes, can contain live Zika virus in saliva. To date, the mosquito species Aedes aegypti is considered the primary carrier of Zika virus.
Still, Smartt stresses researchers must perform more experiments to know whether and how much of a role Culex quinquefasciatus plays in spreading zika.
In 2016, zika caused cases of microcephaly – a rare neurological condition in which an infant’s head is significantly smaller than the heads of other children of the same age and gender — in some newborns in the United States, due in part to traveler-related global spread of zika virus.
Scientists worldwide, including Smartt, have been studying the origins of zika and how to control it.
Culex quinquefasciatus is common in the southern U.S. and is abundant in Florida, she said. The mosquito is found in tropical and sub-tropical areas, including Brazil, Africa and Southeast Asia.
In areas of the world where these mosquitoes feed on humans, there may be populations of Culex quinquefasciatus that can spread zika, Smartt said.
Her research is published in the journal Frontiers of Microbiology.
With mosquito season starting soon, faculty at the UF/IFAS FMEL give the following recommendations to avoid mosquito bites:
Get rid of containers in your yard or outside your business, because they collect water and become perfect habitats for immature stages of these mosquito species.
Inspect windows and doors for holes and tears, and repair them to keep out mosquitoes.
Use repellents when you plan to be outdoors when mosquitoes are biting. The longest lasting repellents contain DEET and picaridin. Whatever type of repellant you use, read the label to make sure you’re putting on a product registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
By: Brad Buck, 352-294-3303, bradbuck@ufl.edu
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS works to bring science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents. Visit the UF/IFAS web site at ifas.ufl.edu and follow us on social media at @UF_IFAS.
by Brad Buck
Category: UF/IFAS
Tags: Chelsea Smartt, Culex quinquefasciatus, Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, News, zika
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Brad Buck
A huge Gator fan, Brad grew up in Gainesville, loves movies, sports and finding great stories to tell. He also derives great satisfaction from completing the New York Times crossword puzzle.
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Reading Reacts: The Manifesto for Languages
Posted on July 29, 2014 by DMLES
When modern languages are in the news, Reading Reacts. In a regular feature, we’ll invite members of the Reading community to comment on news and current events, sharing their insights about what is happening in the world beyond the university. To inaugurate the Reading Reacts series, we’ve invited Dr Daniela La Penna, an Associate Professor of Italian Studies and UCML National Representative, to comment on the challenges facing modern languages in the UK.
On the 14 July 2014, the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Modern Languages (APPG), led by Baroness Coussins, issued a Manifesto for Languages, making the case for improving the linguistic skills base of the UK. In the last few days, this manifesto has attracted the support of hundreds of individuals, several leading businesses, and educational organisations including the Association for Language Learning, Speak to the Future, UCML, the British Academy and the British Council.
The APPG is calling for all political parties to support a new Framework for National Recovery in Language Learning in their 2015 General Election manifestos, which commits them to:
Providing high quality language learning for all children throughout the UK from age 7 onwards,
Aiming for every child to have a language qualification by the end of secondary school,
Maintaining and developing UK expertise at Higher Education level.
The reasons why the UK has accrued such language disadvantage are complex and diverse, but a steep decline was noticed after the Labour government’s decision to make languages optional after 14, a change that was introduced in September 2004. The numbers speak for themselves. In 2011, there were 154,000 entries for GCSE French, just over half the number there were in 2004, when 300,000 sat the examinations. The impact of that Government decision is still felt today despite the work done by Routes into Languages and the slight increase in GCSE students taking languages as they exam options with the introduction of the EBacc.
It is not surprising that both businesses and educational institutions at all levels are backing the APPG initiative. A 2007 report has shown that failure in language skills affects the UK disproportionately: allowing for other factors, the UK is more likely than other countries to gravitate towards trading partners which speak English. The CBI regularly commissions reports on the value of language skills in business and on the availability of those amongst the UK workforce (you can read the latest report here). The British Chamber of Commerce has also sponsored reports surveying the ways in which lack of MFL skills affect exports. Of particular note is the Foreign Office’s expression of alarm at the low numbers of Britons who apply to EU positions, where the knowledge of two or three languages is a pre-requisite.
For those of us who are engaged in research and work in academia, it is equally concerning that the lack of emphasis on foreign language learning is affecting the quality of research being carried out in UK Universities. To this end, and in response to the 2009 report Language Matters, in 2011 the British Academy launched a four-year programme to deepen awareness and demonstrate the importance of languages in the humanities and social sciences. A number of reports were published aimed at highlighting the state of nation and at formulating practical solutions to foster a research culture which demonstrates not only awareness of and engagement with language diversity but that is able to entertain a meaningful dialogue with researchers working across the globe and in different language zones.
The launch has coincided with the publication of an open letter addressed by University Council of Modern Languages (UCML) to a wide group of HE providers such as the Russell Group Universities, and other HE organizations such as the UUK, UCAS, HEFCE. In this letter, the chair of UCML Jocelyn Wyburd asks Universities to act now to counter the trend of low recruitment in Languages:
“Universities have it in their power to signal that the current educational profile of their students is not a good enough base from which to equip them to be global graduates and to take up outward mobility options, unless language skills are included.”
What does UCML ask Universities to do? The answer is simple and yet, if implemented, it could reverse the negative trend of foreign language literacy across the country and foster a much-needed transition from a sketchy literacy to consolidated and sustainable competence:
“We believe that a language GCSE should rank alongside English and Maths as key academic subjects as the foundation for all future study and employment and indeed that these should be accompanied by at least one science and one humanities subject, regardless of future career and study choices. We are calling on you to use your influence to help us to achieve this fundamental change in university admissions policies as soon as possible.”
In essence, both the UCML open letter and the APPG manifesto ask the main stakeholders in the Higher Education sector and the policy- makers alike to acknowledge their responsibility and to become engaged game-changers. To put it simply, this means realising the strategic advantage afforded by Britain’s multicultural make-up and transforming it into a cultural and economic resource for the nation. For too long the export of Global English has obscured the fact that Britain is in fact a multilingual nation.
There is no dearth of studies demonstrating why graduate mobility and foreign language acquisition turns Global Graduates into Global leaders. And yet, the UK is lagging behind Germany, France, and Italy in the number of students taking advantage of the great, life-changing opportunity of study abroad.
In October 2009, HEFCE published the Review of Modern Foreign Languages provision in higher education in England, by Professor Michael Worton, at the time Vice-Provost of University College London. The review drew on a range of data to make recommendations that aimed to assure the long-term sustainability and vitality of modern foreign languages (MFL) provision in HE. The first set of recommendations encourages University Modern Languages Departments amongst other bodies to “work together to promote a clear and compelling identity for Modern Foreign Languages as a humanities discipline”.
In the wake of campaigns such as Speak to the Future, the APPG Manifesto and the UCML letter, one can feel that the level of engagement is high and shared across the nation with a sense of urgency and commitment. But more must be done.
At Reading, we are doing sterling work in promoting the value of languages both in the classroom and beyond with targeted outreach activities. Increasingly, we ask our own Reading students to act as the most vocal ambassadors in demonstrating the value of language study. Our Vice-Chancellor is the Chair of the HEFCE steering group of Routes into Languages and I hope he will be sensitive to the APPG and UCML campaign. We look forward to collaborating with Routes and other agencies in strengthening our presence in the region and beyond. With representatives of both Opposition and Government acknowledging that curriculum reform is the only way forward to redress the negative trend of language learning and skills availability in the UK, it is time for the Universities to pressure for such reform to take place now. It is time for the Universities to lead reform, to rise to the occasion, and show the world of politics that their lofty mission statements mean business, and to say so in as many languages as possible.
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You searched for: Content Type Policy Brief Remove constraint Content Type: Policy Brief
151. Labour market reform and Visegrad countries: Deep rooted concerns and how to address them
Author: Alena Kudzko
Content Type: Policy Brief
Institution: Europeum Institute for European Policy
Abstract: Issues of labour mobility and labour markets have been among the most contentious discussions on the crowded EU agenda of the past couple years. Proposals calling for reform of the regulations on posted workers and for the enhancement of social rights, advocated primarily by Western countries - including most notably France - and the EU Commission, have been accompanied by both domestic and EU-wide squabbling. Visegrad countries (the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia) have often found themselves on the defensive, seeking at once to both fend off accusations of “social dumping” and foil the undesired reforms. They fear that some of the proposals on labour reform fail to coincide with their economic interests and the principle of the free market, or perceive them as an encroachment of the EU Commission on national competencies
Topic: International Affairs
Political Geography: Global Focus
152. Preparations for the EU Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027 – chances and challenges for Central Europe
Author: Andrzej Sadecki
Abstract: At first glance, reaching an agreement on the next MFF could seem easier than for its previous iterations. The MFF 2014-2020 was negotiated against the backdrop of a financial crisis which put significant strains on the member states, particularly those in the the Eurozone. Currently, economic growth has returned to the European Union and the economic sentiments have reached their highest levels since 2000s . Nevertheless, some key political developments will affect and complicate the process of finding a consensus on the next MFF. Firstly, the negotiations on the post 2020- MFF will coincide with two major processes underpinning the future of European integration: the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union and the debate on the reform of the Eurozone. Secondly, some stakeholders see Brexit as an opportunity to substantially reform the MFF and the EU budget, which in turn widened the debate to the future of main EU policies, and could breach the fragile balance between the various interests of the member states that functioned in this sphere until now.
153. The Chicago Climate Charter: North American Cities taking Action On Climate Change
Institution: Chicago Council on Global Affairs
Abstract: On December 4–5, 2017, the City of Chicago hosted the North American Climate Summit in partnership with C40 and the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy. This was the first time a US climate summit convened following President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw the United States from the Paris Agreement. Featuring remarks from former President Barack Obama, the summit brought together mayors from around the world to define collective, city-level actions and commitments to combat climate change. At the time of this publication, upward of 70 cities have signed the Chicago Climate Charter, affirming their commitment to address climate change within their cities
154. As China Rises, Americans Seek Closer Ties with Japan
Author: Craig Kafura
Abstract: Over the first two years of the Trump administration, the United States has simultaneously aggrieved Japan, a pivotal US ally in Asia, while also taking a more confrontational stance against China. This has raised broad concerns about the future of US involvement in Asia and the basis of support for the US-Japan alliance. While the American public is hesitant to get involved in a conflict between China and Japan, public support for US bases in Japan is at an all-time high, and Americans across party lines want to build strong relations with US allies in Asia
155. US Public Divides along Party Lines on Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
Abstract: In the past year, the Trump administration has moved the US embassy in Israel to Jerusalem, recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, ended aid to the United Nation agency supporting Palestinian refugees, and announced the closure of Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) office in Washington, DC. These actions, heavily criticized by the international community, are a dramatic shift from past US policy. The 2018 Chicago Council Survey, conducted after the US embassy move to Jerusalem but before the other actions, finds that the American public has generally not formed an opinion about the embassy relocation and would prefer that the US not take a side in the Israel-Palestinian conflict. A just completed Chicago Council-University of Texas survey of foreign policy opinion leaders shows that leaders have stronger views. Republican opinion leaders approve of the embassy relocation, while solid majorities of Democratic and Independent leaders disapprove
156. The Fate of the World Trade Organization in the Age of Trump
Author: Philip I. Levy
Abstract: The World Trade Organization (WTO) is teetering. The Trump Administration has attacked it repeatedly, blocked moves to restock its judicial panels, and looked skeptically on its multilateral decision-making process. For an organization that embodied the results of decades of trade liberalization and emerged triumphantly in the mid-1990s, this has been a remarkable fall from grace. In this brief, we ask why the WTO is worth saving, consider the complaints lodged against it, and suggest what would be required for a serious rescue attempt. There are several reasons to hope, but more reasons for concern
157. The Internationalisation of the Khashoggi Case: Prospects and Possibilities
Institution: Al Jazeera
Abstract: So far, Turkey has been successful in its pursuit of internationalising the Khashoggi case and playing its cards strategically to keep the attention of international media and appeal to the morality of peoples and governments while also avoiding a direct clash with Saudi Arabia
Topic: International Relations, International Affairs
Political Geography: Turkey
158. The Saudi Predicament: The Domestic and Foreign Cost of Khashoggi’s Assassination
Abstract: Khashoggi’s assassination has seriously eroded Saudi Arabia’s reputation, interests and international relations. This puts the kingdom’s allies and MBS boosters in a tight spot, wondering if they should disassociate themselves from the kingdom to best preserve their own reputations.
Topic: International Security, International Affairs
Political Geography: Saudi Arabia
159. Under the gun: Rearmament for arms control in Europe
Author: Gustav Gressel
Institution: European Council On Foreign Relations
Abstract: The decrepitude of arms control treaties in Europe is becoming increasingly apparent at the same time as Russia continues to act as a revisionist power. Russia’s unpredictability and lack of transparency is part of its competitive advantage. It will therefore not give this up by returning to arms-control agreements of the late cold war or negotiating new ones. Arms control is an integrated part of Russia’s military strategy: to advance its own military position while weakening that of its enemies. As a result, it is open to arms-control agreements that would entrench its military superiority in eastern Europe and prevent the technological gap between Russia and the West from growing. This logic creates an opportunity for the West. If Europe engages in rearmament, enhances its militaries’ combat-readiness and capacity to quickly conduct large-scale, sustainable deployments to eastern Europe, it will deprive Russia of its relative military superiority. Moscow will then be willing to talk on arms control. Europeans still need to agree a common approach on what they want to achieve vis-à-vis Russia, however. Otherwise, they will be divided and public support for rearmament will falter.
160. Beyond ‘pro’ and ‘anti’ Putin
Author: Barbara Kunz
Institution: German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP)
Abstract: France and Germany are key in shaping European policies toward Russia. However, while the general public is largely skeptical of Vladimir Putin in both countries, the picture is more diverse in the political realm. Whereas Germany remains focused on multilateralism and a rules-based international order, French political parties have been split on Russia. The differences between and within France and Germany impact on Franco-German relations and go beyond the question on how to deal with Russia.
Topic: International Cooperation, International Affairs
Political Geography: Russia
161. Permanent Deterrence: Enhancements to the US Military Presence in North Central Europe
Author: Philip Breedlove, Alexander Vershbow
Institution: Atlantic Council
Abstract: North Central Europe has become the central point of confrontation between the West and a revisionist Russia. Under President Vladimir Putin, Russia is determined to roll back the post-Cold War settlement and undermine the rules-based order that has kept Europe secure since the end of World War II. Moscow’s invasion and continued occupation of Georgian and Ukrainian territories, its military build-up in Russia’s Western Military District and Kaliningrad, and its “hybrid” warfare against Western societies have heightened instability in the region have made collective defense and deterrence an urgent mission for the United States and NATO
162. Ukrainian Election Task Force—Exposing Foreign Interference in Ukraine’s Democracy
Abstract: Russian President Vladimir Putin’s persistent efforts to influence the domestic politics of his neighbors and countries well beyond Russia’s borders have posed enormous challenges in Europe and across the Atlantic. More than any other country, Ukraine has been the unwanted recipient of Moscow’s attention, particularly during the past five years. The Kremlin has sought to place a pliable client in command in Kyiv and block Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations, including by pressuring the previous Ukrainian leadership against signing. The March 2019 presidential election will be a pivotal event in Ukraine’s history
Topic: International Relations, International Affairs, Elections
Political Geography: Ukraine
163. Tip-Toeing Toward Transparency: Jade and Gemstone Sector Disclosures in Myanmar
Author: Paul Shortell
Institution: Natural Resource Governance Institute
Abstract: Myanmar exports more than 90 percent of global jade supply and is also a leading source of high-quality rubies, sapphires and other varieties of colored gemstones. Mining of these precious stones generates billions of dollars annually, making it one of the country’s most significant sectors. Yet the jade and gemstone industry has remained largely shrouded in secrecy, with most profits flowing to armed groups and political elites rather than supporting broad-based economic and social development.1 The Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) is a global standard designed to “promote the open and accountable management of oil, gas and mineral resources.”2 Since Myanmar became a candidate country in 2014, the EITI process has helped to shine light on the previously opaque jade and gemstone sector. Myanmar EITI released its first reconciliation report, covering fiscal year
Topic: International Affairs, Natural Resources
164. Ukraine Legislates Extractives Sector Transparency and Accountability
Abstract: In September 2018, Ukraine passed milestone legislation setting out principles for the collection, disclosure and dissemination of extractive industry data. The law mandates project-level payments and beneficial ownership data disclosure. It also mandates the release of “material” elements of extractive industry-related contracts. The law was bolstered by a government-approved reform action plan, incorporating measures proposed by a Ukrainian civil society organization with NRGI support. DiXi Group contributed to data on Ukraine in the Resource Governance Index, and the organization’s experience informed an important public debate in the parliament’s energy committee. This is the beginning of an era of transparency and accountability in Ukraine. NRGI will continue to provide assistance so that the laws and roadmap are implemented.
165. Civil Society Playing Key Role in Extractive Sector Reform in OnceAutocratic Tunisia
Abstract: A central challenge of Tunisia’s transition out of dictatorship has been finding a way to implement democratic reforms in a country where citizens place little trust in the volatile, post-authoritarian institutions. One pre-requisite for trust is dialogue; if civil society actors don’t have a forum for exchange with the government, they can’t be heard, and trust remains elusive. Social tensions (sometimes manifesting as protests) are high in Tunisia, and the government’s responses have been mostly ineffective.
Political Geography: Tunisia
166. Discussion of Guyana’s Green Paper
Author: Andrew Bauer, David Mihalyi, Fernando Patzy
Abstract: Guyana is on the verge of becoming an oil-rich country. In absolute terms, Guyana’s petroleum wealth is modest, representing approximately 0.2 percent of global reserves, which places the country 26th globally. However, it possesses the world’s seventh-largest oil reserves per capita, second-largest in Latin America behind Venezuela. If revenue estimates from the Liza field prove to be accurate, Guyana could become one of the world’s largest per capita oil producers over the course of several years in the mid-2020s. According to independent projections, fiscal revenues from the petroleum sector could range between USD 7 and 27 billion over the next 30 years. Between 2025 and 2028, revenues could peak at between USD 800 million and 2.5 billion in a given year, at least doubling Guyana’s national budget in some years. That said, delays on these types of megaprojects are common and some revenue estimates may be optimistic.
Topic: Natural Resources
167. Addressing China's Coercion in the Taiwan Strait
Author: Ted Yoho
Institution: Project 2049 Institute
Abstract: The Project 2049 Institute is pleased to announce the publication of remarks made by Congressman Ted Yoho [R-FL] at our event, “Addressing China’s Coercive Air Power in the Taiwan Strait.” Congressman Yoho, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee on Asia and the Pacific, asserts his commitment to protecting the interests of Taiwan despite the recent growing aggressive actions and coercive language of Beijing, directed under General Secretary Xi Jinping and the Chinese Communist Party. In addition, Congressman Yoho addressed the fact that China’s declaration of the new M503 flight path is just one part of their larger strategic plan to quell Taiwan, which motivates him to continue to push the U.S. administration and Congress to prioritize Taiwan and to work to meet the mounting challenges with which China presents us.
168. The US Withdrawal from Syria: Causes, Contexts and Consequences
Abstract: Trump’s decision leaves the Kurdish nationalists of the KDP defenceless and, with their patron gone, will likely cause splits among Arab forces allied with Kurdish militiamen. Regionally, it sends a message to US allies in the Gulf about the Trump’s commitment to the Iran-containment strategy.
Political Geography: America, Syria
Abstract: So far, Turkey has been successful in its pursuit of internationalising the Khashoggi case and playing its cards strategically to keep the attention of international media and appeal to the morality of peoples and governments while also avoiding a direct clash with Saudi Arabia.
170. The Khashoggi assassination remains in the spotlight
Abstract: Saudi Arabia is working overtime at damage control, seeking to put the assassination to rest. Despite these efforts, the crisis persists as the biggest that has ever faced the kingdom. The killing has seriously eroded KSA’s moral standing and has already had tangible political costs.
Author: Philip Breedlove
Abstract: In September 2018, the Atlantic Council established a Task Force on US Force Posture in Europe to assess the adequacy of current US deployments, with a focus on North Central Europe. The Task Force is co-chaired by General Philip Breedlove, former supreme allied commander Europe, and Ambassador Alexander Vershbow, former NATO deputy secretary general. A full report will be completed in January 2019. This paper is a summary of the task force’s conclusions and recommendations.
Topic: International Organization, International Political Economy, International Affairs
172. Global Magnitsky Sanctions: Raising the Human Rights and Anti-Corruption Bar
Author: Samantha Sultoon
Abstract: Economic sanctions have become a policy tool-of-choice for the US government. Yet sanctions and their potential pitfalls are often misunderstood. The Economic Sanctions Initiative (ESI) seeks to build a better understanding of the role sanctions can and cannot play in advancing policy objectives and of the impact of sanctions on the private sector, which bears many of the implementation costs.
Topic: Human Rights, International Political Economy, International Affairs
173. Cooperation and Competition: Russia and China in Central Asia, the Russian Far East, and the Arctic
Author: Paul Stronski
Institution: Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
Abstract: Since the collapse of Russia’s relationship with the West over Ukraine, the Sino-Russian strategic partnership has become more of a reality. Russia and China share a common desire to challenge principles of the Western-dominated international system. But their relationship is complex, with lingering mistrust on both sides. The balance of competition and cooperation is most evident in Central Asia, the Russian Far East, and the Arctic. Engagement in these theaters has tested Russia’s and China’s abilities to manage their differences and translate the rhetoric of partnership into tangible gains
174. Bridging the Bay of Bengal: Toward a Stronger BIMSTEC
Author: Constantino Xavier
Abstract: The Bay of Bengal is one of the world’s least integrated regions, with abysmal levels of trade, connectivity, and cooperation. The deep divide between India and other countries around the bay hinders their efforts to increase their economic and strategic interdependence. The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), a regional multilateral organization founded in 1997, offers a well-positioned platform to help address these challenges. But BIMSTEC’s mission to deepen regionalism will stand a better chance of succeeding if its members (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand) make the organization a priority, endow it with adequate resources, and enact reforms to strength its capabilities.
175. Tackling Women’s Underrepresentation in U.S. Politics: Comparative Perspectives From Europe
Author: Saskia Brechenmacher
Abstract: Despite differences in political institutions and culture, the United States could borrow from European approaches to increase women’s representation, especially at the state and local levels.
176. India’s Universal Basic Income: Bedeviled by the Details
Author: Saksham Khosla
Abstract: The idea of a universal basic income (UBI)—periodic and unconditional cash payments to all citizens—has gained renewed attention amid growing concerns about technological unemployment in advanced economies.
Political Geography: India
177. Back to What Future? What Remains for Syria’s Displaced People
Author: Kheder Khaddour
Abstract: The Islamic State’s defeat in Syria will not automatically bring displaced people home. A broader political settlement that reflects regional and national realities will be required.
178. Iran’s Cyber Threat: Espionage, Sabotage, and Revenge
Author: Colin Anderson
Abstract: Incidents involving Iran have been among the most sophisticated, costly, and consequential attacks in the history of the internet. The four-decade-long U.S.-Iran cold war has increasingly moved into cyberspace, and Tehran has been among the leading targets of uniquely invasive and destructive cyber operations by the United States and its allies. At the same time, Tehran has become increasingly adept at conducting cyber espionage and disruptive attacks against opponents at home and abroad, ranging from Iranian civil society organizations to governmental and commercial institutions in Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the United States.
179. Azerbaijani National Currency: Is the Current Status Quo Sustainable?
Institution: Center for Economic and Social Development (CESD)
Abstract: Currently, in Azerbaijan and the Caucasus, the situation in the economies of the region is quite variable. On the other side of the ocean, the US Federal Reverse System has been continuously raising the key interest rate. In Russia, the ruble depreciated due to existing and probable sanctions, in Turkey, economic and political circumstances have led to the 40% loss of the lira’s value (and this figure is expected to further increase by the end of the year), and the withdrawal of the US from the Iran Nuclear Deal with replaced sanctions has caused more aggravation to the socio-economic situation and rapid deprecation of the Iranian rial in the southern neighbor of Azerbaijan. The so-called trade wars and new processes led by the current US government form serious risks for globalization and liberal trade.
180. New Debt Policy in Azerbaijan: Hopes, Realities, Risks and Perspectives
Author: Rashad Hasanov
Abstract: From the second half of 2014, Azerbaijani public debt increased considerably along with several new challenges facing the domestic economy. During this period, the ratio of foreign debt to GDP rose from 8.6% (01.01.2015) to 22.8% (01.06.2018). The increase was 3.4 billion US dollars in nominal terms. At the beginning of 2018, Azerbaijan’s public debt amounted to 10 billion 100 million US dollars, while the value of loans taken with state guarantees reached 12 billion 682 million US dollars, raising the ratio of debt to GDP to 55%. The increase in the debt burden, particularly external debt liabilities, has caused concern both in the local community and in the government. Specifically, the deterioration of the financial situation of publicly-funded state institutions has raised the likelihood that the debt burden on this category will turn into a fiscal burden. As a result, the “Medium and long-term strategy for public debt management in the Republic of Azerbaijan” was approved on 24.08.2018
181. Social Economy for Azerbaijan: a key component of Sustainable Development?
Author: Victoria Bittner
Abstract: The paper aims to bring readers’ attention to the Social Economy as an alternative economic system and reanimate the development of a Social Economy sector in Azerbaijan. At the moment, the term Social Economy does not have a fixed definition and, therefore, this study tries to provide an explanation of it. Moreover, this paper describes the implications and benefits of the Social Economy in and for Azerbaijan and offers mechanisms for its further development. The study explains the Social Economy’s necessity for the future sustainable development of the country, as there are important correlations between the two. There are many opportunities that can be opened by this sector and, thus, the country should develop a social-welfare-maximization approach to the economy
182. Green growth and energy security Fossil-endowed middle-income countries at a crossroads
Author: Louise Schaik Van, Louise Van Schaik
Institution: Clingendael Netherlands Institute for International Relations
Abstract: This policy brief synthesises the findings of political economy analyses (PEA) in the energy sector in three fossil-endowed middle-income countries (MICs): Colombia, Indonesia and Kenya. It is based on a research project on political economy constraints and enablers influencing governments’ decisions on green growth options in the energy sector, where policy directions for a robust green growth trajectory are explored.
Topic: Energy Policy, Environment, International Political Economy
Political Geography: Kenya, Indonesia, Colombia
183. ASEAN as an FDI Attractor: How Do Multinationals Look at ASEAN?
Author: Masahito Ambashi
Institution: Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA)
Abstract: This policy brief presents an overview of the ASEAN economy in terms of its economic relationship with multinationals, particularly Japanese companies, that have long invested in this region. ASEAN has been an attractor of foreign direct investment (FDI). Business interest in ASEAN has increased again recently due to the (i) relatively low wage of ASEAN compared to China, (ii) establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), (iii) economic partnership network with a core of ASEAN countries, (iv) large-scale market covered by ASEAN, and (v) rise of CLMV countries (Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, and Viet Nam). In these trends, ASEAN has established a reciprocal economic relationship with other countries and regions. To develop its economy, ASEAN member states are expected to further advance the AEC at a high level. Hence, ASEAN must address challenges such as deepening further economic integration and narrowing development gaps in the region. Most importantly, ASEAN still needs to increase the attractiveness of its 'whole region' as an essential and integral part of global value chains to draw further FDI.
Topic: Economics, International Political Economy, International Trade and Finance, Global Political Economy
Political Geography: Japan, Southeast Asia
184. How not to create zombie banks: lessons for Italy from Japan
Author: Mark Hallerberg, Christopher Gandrud
Institution: Bruegel
Abstract: Japan serves as a cautionary tale for Italy on how to clean up banking-sector problems. A general lesson is the need for policies to forthrightly address non-performing loans (NPLs) in countries with widespread banking problems. This helps address zombie banks and sluggish economic growth. The Japanese experience indicates that three elements are necessary to address NPLs: (a) sufficiently capitalised banks that can take losses from NPL write-downs; (b) an independent regulator that can identify problems and force action; and (c) tools to manage the orderly disposal of NPLs. The problem is not that this combination of policy tools is unknown, but that banks and governments lack incentives to use them in combination. Italy’s December 2016 package providing €20 billion for recapitalisation of banks is a step in the right direction. Similarly, pressure from the European Central Bank on Italian authori- ties and on banks to address NPLs is welcome. However, policy tools to manage and dispose of NPLs and, just as importantly, incentives to use them, are lacking. In January 2017, the European Banking Authority published a set of policy proposals for NPL resolution. Those include national and European-level public asset management companies (AMC), also known as ‘bad banks’. We argue that in Italy, the incentives to use such tools and dispose of NPLs have been weak.
Topic: International Trade and Finance, Political Economy, Economic structure, Global Political Economy
Political Geography: Japan, Italy
185. Brexit and the European financial system
Author: Uuriintuya Batsaikhan, Robert Kalcik, Dirk Schoenmaker
Abstract: London is an international financial centre, serving European and global clients. A hard Brexit would lead to a partial migration of financial firms from London to the EU27 (EU minus UK) to ensure they can continue to serve their EU27 clients. Four major cities will host most of the new EU27 wholesale markets: Frankfurt, Paris, Dublin and Amsterdam. These cities have far fewer people employed in finance than London. Moreover, they host the European headquarters of fewer large companies. The partial migra- tion of financial firms will thus have a major impact on these cities and their infrastructures. Banks are the key players in wholesale markets. United States and Swiss investment banks, together with one large German and three large French banks, will make up the core of the new EU27 wholesale markets. Some Dutch, Italian and Spanish banks are in the second tier. The forex, securities and derivatives trading markets are now in London. We map the current, limited market share of the four major cities that might host the EU27 client business. The expected migration of financial trading will lead to a large increase in trading capacity (eg bank trading floors). Clearing is the backbone of modern financial markets. A comparative overview of clearing facilities in the EU27 shows that Germany and France have some clearing capacity, but this will need to be expanded. The ownership of clearing is often intertwined with stock exchanges. Were the planned LSE-Deutsche Börse merger to go ahead, LSE would sell the Paris subsidiary of its clearinghouse. In terms of legal systems, there is an expectation that trading activities will be able to continue under English contract law, also in the EU27. A particular challenge is to develop FinTech (financial technology) in the EU27, as this innovative part of the market is currently based in London. We estimate that some 30,000 jobs might move from London to the EU27. This will put pressure on the facilities (infrastructure, offices, residential housing) in the recipient cities. The more the European Union market for financial services is integrated, the less need there will be for financial firms to move to one location, reducing the pressure for all facilities to be in one city (see Sapir et al, 2017, which is a companion piece to this paper).
Topic: International Political Economy, International Trade and Finance, Brexit
Political Geography: Britain, Europe
186. Europe in a new world order
Author: Maria Demertzis, André Sapir, Guntram Wolff
Abstract: The United States is the European Union’s most important trade and bilateral investment partner, which has, until now, supported a multilateral trade system and European integration and has provided a security guarantee to the countries of the EU. But like other advanced economies, the US’s relative weight in the global economy has declined. The new US administration seems intent on replacing multilateralism with bilateral deals. In trade, it aims to secure new trade deals in order to reduce bilateral trade deficits and to protect, in particular, the US manufacturing sector. In climate policy, the US commitment to the Paris Agreement is being questioned. In defence, the security umbrella appears less certain than previously. The overall promise behind this change of direction is to put ‘America first’ and deliver better results for US citizens.
Topic: International Political Economy, International Trade and Finance, Bilateral Relations, Multilateral Relatons, Political stability
Political Geography: Europe, United States of America
187. Making the best of Brexit for the EU27 financial system
Author: Andre Sapir, Dirk Schoenmaker, Nicolas Veron
Abstract: The United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union creates an opportunity for the remaining EU27 to accelerate the development of its financial markets and to increase its resilience against shocks. Equally, Brexit involves risks for market integrity and stability, because the EU including the UK has been crucially dependent on the Bank of England and the UK Financial Conduct Authority for oversight of its wholesale markets. Without the UK, the EU27 must swiftly upgrade its capacity to ensure market integrity and financial stability. Furthermore, losing even partial access to the efficient London financial centre could entail a loss of efficiency for the EU27 economy, especially if financial developments inside the EU27 remain limited and uneven.
Topic: Economics, International Political Economy, International Trade and Finance, Political stability, Brexit
188. Is Brexit an opportunity to reform the European Parliament?
Author: Robert Kalcik, Guntram Wolff
Abstract: Brexit offers a political opportunity for the European Parliament to reform the allocation of seats to member states. This Policy Contribution explores different options for reform and their implications for equality of representation and distribution of seats to countries, within the constraints set by the EU treaties.
Topic: International Organization, International Affairs, Political Theory, European Union, Democracy, Brexit
Political Geography: Europe
189. Why is it so hard to reach the EU’s ‘poverty’ target?
Author: Zsolt Darvus
Abstract: The ‘poverty’ target set by the European Commission aims to lift “over 20 million people out of poverty” between 2008 and 2020 in the EU27. Progress to date against this target has been disappointing. Why is it so hard to reach the Europe 2020 ‘poverty’ target? What does the poverty indicator actually measure?
Topic: Economics, International Political Economy, International Trade and Finance, Poverty
190. The US’ special relationships in Europe
Author: Mikkel Runge Olesen, Matthew Hinds
Abstract: The election of Donald Trump as US president was met with considerable unease in Europe. This has not least been the case among those who, like the UK and Denmark, consider themselves among America’s closest allies. In the policy brief, Matthew Hinds and Mikkel Runge Olesen take stock of the US special relationships in Europe – large and small. In the policy brief they discuss both the classical “Special Relationship” between the US and the UK, as well as the US-Danish relationship, as an example of a small power that has chosen to give the relationship to the superpower premium priority. Hinds and Runge Olesen find that Trump may destabilize relations, but also that he may open up for new opportunities as well – especially for the UK.
Political Geography: Britain, America, Europe
191. The challenges of supplying the frontline in Mali
Author: Signe Marie Cold-Ravnkilde, Peter Albrecht, Rikke Haugegaard
Abstract: Peacekeepers in the UN stabilization mission in Mali (MINUSMA) operate under very difficult conditions, especially in the outskirts of the mission. The recent jihadist attack on a military base in Gao in northern Mali, killing 60 and wounding more than 100, is the latest example of how dangerous working in this part of the country is. This policy brief, based on fieldwork in Mali, analyses the challenges to the mission of supplying fuel, food and water to these areas. In doing so, it describes the inequality that exists between African and non-African soldiers.
Topic: United Nations, International Security, Peacekeeping
Political Geography: Mali
192. Inequality hampers intelligence gathering in Mali
Author: Peter Albrecht, Signe Marie Cold-Ravnkilde, Rikke Haugegaard
Abstract: n 2014, the UN peacekeeping mission in Mali (MINUSMA) established an intelligence capability that is unprecedented for how peacekeeping operations are organized. An All Sources Information Fusion Unit (ASIFU) was set up to assist MINUSMA in countering asymmetric threats faced by mission personnel and the local population. This policy brief focuses on how inadequate collaboration and lack of trust between European and African forces in the mission impede sharing of intelligence. Insight is provided on why and how the intelligence capability could benefit from the cultural knowledge and language skills of African troops. The policy brief is one of the outputs of a project that has explored the plight of African peacekeepers in MINUSMA. The project is a collaborative effort between DIIS and the Royal Danish Defence College. It is funded by the Danish Ministry of Defence.
Topic: United Nations, International Affairs, Peacekeeping
193. When Peacekeepers Do Damage: Sexual Exploitation and Abuse in the Democratic Republic Of Congo
Author: Signe Marie Cold-Ravnkilde, Thomas Mandrup
Abstract: Despite that South Africa deploys the highest numbers of female soldiers in the United Nations Organisation Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), significant challenges to changing a military culture that tacitly accepts sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) of local populations in the DRC remain. A new DIIS policy brief discusses the measures taken to adress SEA in MONUSCO. In the South African contigent in MONUSCO, 18% of the military personnel are women compared to the average of 3.8% for UN peacekeeping missions. The brief argues that strengthening in-mission gender training and investigtative capacities will be small, yet realistic, steps forward. Furthermore, the UN the should put more pressure on troop contributing countries to hold their defence leadership accountable for effective command and control enforcement. The policy brief is based on a collaborative research between DIIS and the Royal Danish Defence College, RDDC.
Political Geography: Democratic Republic of the Congo
194. Combating Terrorism and Alleviating Human Suffering in Syria
Author: Andrew J. Tabler
Institution: The Washington Institute for Near East Policy
Abstract: In this new Transition 2017 paper, Institute expert Andrew J. Tabler argues that Syria remains de facto partitioned, making the establishment of safe zones in non-Assad-controlled areas the Trump administration's most expedient course of action. Moreover, it would further Washington's cause to drive a wedge into the country's Russia-Iran alliance, and both isolate and pressure the Assad regime. If Washington's objectives in Syria are to defeat U.S.-designated terrorist groups and stem the outflow of refugees, President Bashar al-Assad is under no circumstances the right person to entrust with these missions. Simply in practical terms, he lacks the manpower to retake and hold the two-thirds of Syrian territory outside his control any time soon, despite having sufficient support from Russia and Iran to maintain control in large parts of the country. But more important, Assad is an avowed adversary of the West, undeserving of its cooperation.
Topic: International Relations, Civil War, International Security, International Affairs, Neoimperialism
Political Geography: Russia, America, Iran, Syria
195. Rebuilding Alliances and Countering Threats in the Gulf
Author: Lori Plotkin Boghardt, Simon Henderson
Abstract: The Trump administration has an opportunity to reset, tighten, and maximize America's strategic relations with the Gulf states. For the United States, expanded security cooperation and coordination could be a force multiplier in campaigns to achieve key policy goals, such as countering Iran's destabilizing policies and defeating the Islamic State. Gulf leaders have expressed optimism over the new administration's gestures, despite its "America First" rhetoric. But the administration also faces challenges, including those brought about by its own emphasis on "radical Islamic terrorism." This two-part Transition 2017 paper, featuring contributions by Gulf experts Lori Plotkin Boghardt and Simon Henderson, navigates the complex U.S.-Gulf relationship. The first essay provides an overview of its basic tenets, stressing the importance of rapport to bilateral ties and discussing key policy priorities. The second essay narrows the focus to the Washington-Riyadh link, the most important U.S. tie with the conservative Gulf. It analyzes differences in viewpoint, policy options, and some anticipated Saudi responses on the core issues of oil, terrorism, Iran, Yemen, Syria, Gulf allies, and the Sunni bloc.
Topic: International Relations, International Cooperation, International Security, International Affairs
Political Geography: America, Middle East
196. Planning Post-IS Iraq: Competing Visions Within the Shia Block?
Author: Irene Costantini
Institution: Middle East Research Institute (MERI)
Abstract: The Shia Block is realistically the key determinant for national reconciliation to occur in Iraq. However, its internal divisions make it a problematic and non-unitary interlocutor for national, regional, and international initiatives. So far, the Block has outlined two separate and independent plans: al-Hakim’s “Historical Settlement” and al-Sadr’s roadmap
Topic: Conflict Resolution, International Security
Political Geography: Iraq
197. Yet Another War in Shingal: The Sword of Damocles
Author: Tomáš Kaválek
Abstract: On 3 March, clashes erupted between the PKK-linked forces and the KDP’s Rojava Peshmerga near Khanasor in the district of Shingal. These events now more than ever highlight the need for a negotiated compromise between the KRG and the PKK; and for the international community to actively intervene.
Topic: International Relations, International Security, Political Theory
Political Geography: Middle East
198. Iraq and Libya: common challenges for the years ahead
Abstract: Iraq and Libya are facing similar challenges: addressing the hurdles of socio-economic recovery in areas liberated from the Islamic State (IS); facing a fiscal crisis in the midst of continuous political tensions; and striking a power balance between central and local authorities, serving the interests of the people.
Topic: International Relations, International Security, ISIS
199. Normalisation in Ankara-Baghdad Relations: A New Era?
Author: Athanasios Manis
Abstract: The Iraqi and Turkish leadership have restored direct contact, thus providing an opportunity for dialogue. However, the extent to which this can lead to a sustainable normalisation process and furthermore to a deepening of their relationship is highly questionable. This policy brief argues that the main problem lies with the fact that a win-win scenario of overlapping or complementary interests does not seem to be driving the leaderships’ actions. Instead, it is ad hoc developments external to their bilateral relationship that have a positive effect for the time being, such as the rapprochement between Russia and Turkey, and subsequently a concerted attempt between Russia, Turkey and Iran to stabilise the region.
Topic: Conflict Resolution, International Relations
Political Geography: Turkey, Middle East
200. Super Galeb’s Flight into the Blue
Author: Katarina Djokic
Institution: Belgrade Centre for Security Policy
Abstract: This paper presents a performance analysis of the G-4 Super Galeb military trainer aircraft modernization project. The analysis shows that the Ministry of Defense has to review the need for this project as soon as possible, in view of the announced equipping of the Serbian Armed Forces with MiG-29 fighter planes, several-year delay of the beginning of the project and Su- per Galeb maintenance difficulties. The paper also shows that the Ministry of Defense and the Serbian Armed Forces cannot effectively plan modernization and equipping projects without a top-level political decision on what type of army Serbia needs, and without a more decisive fis- cal policy, which would ensure funds for priority projects on a medium-term level.
Topic: International Security
Political Geography: Serbia
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