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Phony phony soldier story
This whole thing about Rush Limbaugh calling all soldiers who oppose the Iraq War "phony" is really so ridiculous that I had to respond. I listen to Rush everyday and am a Rush 24/7 subscriber so I have access to transcripts, video, audio, etc. Rush was talking about the phenomenon of civilians faking military service and lies about atrocities - phony soldiers.
Exhibit A:
Here's the transcript with my comments boxed, bolded and in black:
CALLER: No, it's not. And what's really funny is they never talk to real soldiers. [real, as in, actual soldiers, i.e. people ho have served and are not making up stories that they were in the military] They pull these soldiers that come up out of the blue [literally out of nowhere, because they are fake] and spout to the media.
RUSH: The phony soldiers. [He means FAKE soldiers, not actual soldiers who have served but disagree with Iraq]
CALLER: Phony soldiers. If you talk to any real soldier and they're proud to serve, they want to be over in Iraq, they understand their sacrifice and they're willing to sacrifice for the country.
RUSH: They joined to be in Iraq. [They chose to serve, were not duped into serving, they understand what they are doing and joined to help in Iraq]
CALLER: A lot of people. [Most, not all]
RUSH: You know where you're going these days, the last four years, if you sign up. The odds are you're going there or Afghanistan, or somewhere. [If you disagree with what the military is doing, why would you sign up in the last few years?]
[then they talk about WMD, etc. if you want to read the whole thing yourself click on the link above]
RUSH: Here is a Morning Update that we did recently, talking about fake soldiers. [FAKE, not real, phony, people who did not serve, but claim to] This is a story of who the left props up as heroes. [they don't like the war, so their heroes are anti-war] They have their celebrities and one of them was Army Ranger Jesse Macbeth. Now, he was a "corporal." I say in quotes. [Because he wasn't a corporal, he was a phony] Twenty-three years old. What made Jesse Macbeth a hero to the anti-war crowd wasn't his Purple Heart; it wasn't his being affiliated with post-traumatic stress disorder from tours in Afghanistan and Iraq. [the left often likes to overhype the number of PTSD stories] No. What made Jesse Macbeth, Army Ranger, a hero to the left was his courage, in their view, off the battlefield, without regard to consequences. He told the world the abuses he had witnessed in Iraq, American soldiers killing unarmed civilians, hundreds of men, women, even children. In one gruesome account, translated into Arabic and spread widely across the Internet [now a lot of people around the world think it is true and commonplace and will not hear the rest of the story] , Army Ranger Jesse Macbeth describes the horrors this way: "We would burn their bodies. We would hang their bodies from the rafters in the mosque." [Very tempting story for those who call US soldiers baby-killers and terrorists]
Now, recently, Jesse Macbeth, poster boy for the anti-war left, had his day in court. And you know what? He was sentenced to five months in jail and three years probation for falsifying a Department of Veterans Affairs claim and his Army discharge record. [i.e. he is a liar, a PHONY SOLDIER] He was in the Army. Jesse Macbeth was in the Army, folks, briefly. Forty-four days before he washed out of boot camp. Jesse Macbeth isn't an Army Ranger, never was. [PHONY] He isn't a corporal, never was.[PHONY SOLDIER] He never won the Purple Heart, and he was never in combat to witness the horrors he claimed to have seen. [liar, phony, hurt the US cause and put our soldiers in danger by perpetrating torture lies] You probably haven't even heard about this. [You only hear about Abu Gharib] And, if you have, you haven't heard much about it. [Or you only heard the part about the torture and murder and still believe it] This doesn't fit the narrative and the template in the Drive-By Media and the Democrat Party as to who is a genuine war hero. [Because the only heroes in their minds are those who are against the war, paint US troops as cold blooded killers, and help push public support against the Iraq War] Don't look for any retractions, by the way. [Don't look for any retractions about the phony soldier story either] Not from the anti-war left, the anti-military Drive-By Media, or the Arabic websites that spread Jesse Macbeth's lies about our troops, because the truth for the left is fiction that serves their purpose. They have to lie about such atrocities because they can't find any that fit the template of the way they see the US military. [They want a repeat of Vietnam where stories of soldier atrocities helped turn public sentiment against the war - most of those atrocities were fake and many of the people who reported them were phony soldiers - i.e. were never soldiers or never served in Vietnam] In other words, for the American anti-war left, the greatest inconvenience they face is the truth. [The truth is that there are not large scale atrocities commited as a daily occurence with the approval of everyone up to the president, but that is what the anti-war left wishes for the most]
Exhibit B:
From the daily e-mail Rush 24/7 subscribers get called "Rush in a Hurry" that I received on 9/26 at 5:23pm (Media Matters reported on the story at 1:24pm on 9/27):
A caller claiming to be a Republican against the war, asked, "How long is too long to stay in Iraq?" The answer, of course, is that we should stay as long as it takes to achieve victory. A soldier returning from Iraq responded to the call and Rush shared the story of the "liberal war hero" [phony soldier] that you won't hear about. He pawned himself off as an Army Ranger and made the rounds yakking against the war effort. [notice how it doesn't say "and Rush talked about how soldiers who want to pull out of Iraq are phony]
Exhibit C:
The bottom of the transcript I linked to has a link to a HotAir article that talks about this ABC News story about Jesse MacBeth:
"Macbeth's lies fueled hostility to our servicemen in Iraq and here at home," Sullivan said.
Federal prosecutors and investigators with the Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Veterans Affairs say they are in the midst of a crackdown on phony heroes.
"The phony war hero phenomenon plagues the American landscape and tarnishes the service of thousands of veterans who have served honorable," said Douglas Carver, special agent in charge of the VA's inspector general operation in the west.
Rush responds:
Bottom line: Rush Limbaugh did not call anti-war US soldiers phonies!
Posted by Alexa at 5:41 PM 1 comment: Links to this post
Labels: Liberalism
Team's best player is mascot
Chiefs get momentum from mascot’s tackle
The confident man ran on the field, and for the longest time nobody ran out to get him. The Chiefs’ security staff seemed about as alert as the Chiefs’ players. The man ran around, then he taunted the Vikings for a few seconds (one player even made a fake as if he were going to go after the guy), then he ran again.
...Then, the yellow coats of security started to close in around the man. That’s when KC Wolf entered the scene. He ran on the field to help. In his 18-year career, KC Wolf has stopped two overzealous fans — one at Arrowhead and one (believe it or not) at the Pro Bowl. Wolf was not looking to be a hero. He just wanted to help block the man’s path.
But some have greatness thrust upon them. The man looked around, surveyed his situation, saw that he was being stalked by five security guards and also a 7-foot-2 wolf, and he made the rather shrewd strategic decision to run at KC Wolf.
That’s when KC Wolf took him down. Wolf stood up and belly-flopped on the guy and security guards. He flexed his muscles as security took the man away.
The crowd erupted in the loudest cheers of the day. The Chiefs’ sideline erupted in laughter. The cheerleaders erupted in dance. There were a lot of eruptions.
“That was awesome!” Chiefs defensive end Jared Allen said.
“That was classic!” Chiefs offensive guard Brian Waters said.
“Hilarious!” Chiefs tight end Tony Gonzalez said.
“That really was funny,” Chiefs coach Herm Edwards said.
I just loved the picture! Here's the video:
When onions attack
Des Moines police investigate attack by onion
A Des Moines man went to jail Wednesday afternoon for allegedly throwing an onion at his wife.
The police report begins: "(The victim) states her husband had been drinking and they got into an argument."
James Izzolena, 54, of 3515 Sheridan Ave., was charged with domestic assault causing injury. Police said he became upset with his wife, Nicole Izzolena, 27, and tossed an onion at her, striking her in the back of the head.
No, NO NOT BARRY! Anything but Barry Manilow!
Ft. Lupton Judge Punishes Violators With Manilow Unusual Sentence Results In Few Repeat Offenders
FORT LUPTON, Colo. - Violaters of the city of Fort Lupton's noise ordinance were in for a big surprise this past Friday. The city's judge sentenced citizens who have been busted for being too loud to 1 hour of listening to unpopular or unusual music.
In a courtroom with mostly young adult offenders, Dolly Parton's "I Will Always Love You" played loudly on a boombox.
During the full hour of punishment, they were not allowed to chew gum, eat, drink, read or even sleep.
Most violators found the first few minutes funny. As time wore on with Karen Carpenter, Barry Manilow and Barney songs, they weren't laughing anymore.
..."When you have a person playing rap at extreme volumes all over the city, and they have to sit down and listen for an hour to Barry Manilow, its horrible punishment," he said.
Don't they do this sort of thing in Gitmo only Amnesty calls it a human rights violation?
Posted by Alexa at 9:42 PM No comments: Links to this post
Labels: SWEET
All we are saying is give victory a chance!
I went into DC on Saturday to show my support for the troops and their mission as the anti-war march went by. That's me holding the blue sign quoted in the title of the post! A lot of people took pictures of me with my sign, I'm disappointed the only one I found online doesn't show my face. I tried to make a point of not blocking my face so that anti-war protesters couldn't say I was hiding behind my sign.
The new Knut!
San Diego Zoo veterinarians confirmed Thursday, Sept. 13, 2007, in San Diego, that the 4-pound giant panda cub is a girl. Born Aug. 3, the cub is the third female panda born at the San Diego Zoo's Giant Panda Research Station since 1999. A male cub was born in 2003. Following Chinese tradition, she will receive her name after she is 100 days old.
A live webcam of the baby panda can be found here: http://www.sandiegozoo.org/zoo/ex_panda_station.html
Posted by Alexa at 12:11 AM No comments: Links to this post
Labels: cuteness
Update on previous flag article
School Rescinds Ban On Flag Clothing
A North Carolina High School that came under national attention over their rule that prohibited students from wearing items with the American flag, or any flag from other countries, has lifted the ban.
Superintendent Dr. L. Stewart Hobbs, Jr said they have lifted the ban on flags and “from this point on, all dress code changes will be made at the school board level.”
Hobbs said the county has a dress code policy in place and says individual school dress codes are not allowed.
He adds that principals cannot make a policy that exceeds the board policy, "The principal acted in good faith and said no flags."
According to Hobbs, the policy all stems from information from law enforcement of gangs wearing foreign flags as gang symbols and the board does have a policy to prevent gang signs in schools.
Two days late and a dollar short. At least they corrected it, but it was a mistake that should not have been made in the first place.
I guess I was wrong about why they banned flags - gangs are another good guess when it comes to schools banning clothing.
The flag still stands for freedom and they can't take that away
High School Bans American Flag
SAMPSON COUNTY, N.C. – On the sixth anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks, students at one high school were not allowed to wear clothes with an American flag.
Under a new school rule, students at Hobbton High School are not allowed to wear items with flags, from any country, including the United States.
The new rule stems from a controversy over students wearing shirts bearing flags of other countries.
Gayle Langston said her daughter, Jessica, was told to remove her Stars and Stripes t-shirt.
“Today she wanted to wear her shirt, and I had to tell her no,” said Langston. “She didn't like it at all because I knew it would get her in trouble. Of all days, 9/11, she could not wear her American Flag shirt.”
The superintendent of schools in Sampson County calls the situation unfortunate, but says educators didn’t want to be forced to pick and choose which flags should be permissible.
Uh, I don't know what kinds of problems they were having - Mexican flags during the immigration debate might be a good guess - but to a normal red-blooded American the choice is simple: the United States flag should be permissible no matter what. At the very least these PC teachers should have relaxed the rules for one day.
If someone is offended by the US flag, then they are offended by our country, so what the hell are they doing here and how dare they ask us to disassociate ourselves with it?! Our country is not perfect, we are not mistake-free, but we are the best the world has to offer. We should never be ashamed of ourselves and what we stand for. Never apologize for loving your country!
So, be proud, America! We are the last great hope for mankind! U-S-A! U-S-A! Cue Lee Greenwood!
(Sorry, I had to let out some pent up 9-11 fury)
In Memory of Mildred Rose Naiman
My September 11th tribute as part of Project 2,996 is to Mildred Rose Naiman, 81, from Andover, MA, the town next to my hometown. According to WBZ Boston, over 200 people with ties to Massachusetts died on 9-11-01.
"Millie," as she was known to her loved ones, was on her way to California to visit her 2 sons, grandchildren and great-grandchildren when she was killed. She was aboard American Airlines Flight 11, the first plane to be hijacked and crashed into the World Trade Center.
Born on March 24, 1920, Mildred Naiman worked at Western Electric Co. as a tester. In her later years, she lived in a self-proclaimed "bachelorette pad" - her apartment in a retirement community - where she was active in planning and organizing events with her friends.
In a profile published on January 6, 2002, her daughter-in-law, Carol Naiman, told the New York Times, "She had a little bit of a lead foot. She had been stopped for speeding and was totally insulted the officer would give an old woman a ticket."
Although the feisty great-grandmother had had several knee replacement surgeries, cataracts, and other health problems, she still loved to travel. Her son Russ said, "If something was wrong with her, she'd go to the doctor and say, 'Fix me up; I've got a lot of traveling to do.' "
While she needed the help of a wheelchair at the airport, she still managed to visit her family twice a year. The Sunday before her fatal flight, a family member had asked if she was afraid of flying; her granddaughter, Hope, remembers her reply: "No, I've gone everywhere already--to Germany, the Bahamas. I'm not afraid to fly."
Incredibly, on July 24, 2004, the New York Post reported that the medical examiner's office had identified her remains. Many 9-11 victims are still unaccounted for. I hope her family gained some sense of closure with this discovery and was able to finally put her body to rest.
Today, on the sixth anniversary of her death, we celebrate the life of Mildred Rose Naiman.
May she, and the other 2,995 tragically murdered on that day, rest in peace.
9-11: NEVER FORGIVE, NEVER FORGET
Posted by Alexa at 12:01 AM 2 comments: Links to this post
Lord Help Us All
Paris Hilton: I want to have a baby next year
First it was charity work, now Paris Hilton has a new plan to transform her life - motherhood.
The heiress, who has this week been spotted dancing on various nightclubs podiums until the early hours of the morning, is planning to get pregnant.
She revealed: "I want kids next year, so I've got to get my body ready."
"I just started working out and it feels great. It gives me so much energy."
She appears taking cues from her Simple Life co-star Nicole Richie, who is four months pregnant with her first child to rocker boyfriend Joel Madden.
There is one minor hitch in her plans - she currently single.
I weep for the future
Labels: celebridiots
Bush Derangement Syndrome Hits the NFL
Go 2 Guy: Seahawks duo blitzed by Bush backlash
Are you still fans of Matt Hasselbeck and Mack Strong after they visited President Bush last week in Bellevue? Or have their political leanings turned you against them?
The Seahawks quarterback and fullback gave the 43rd president a No. 43 jersey with his name on it at a $1,000-a-plate fundraiser for Rep. Dave Reichert at the Hyatt.
At the time, Hasselbeck called it a thrill and said it was a win-win, this opportunity to meet the president and get out of a team meeting.
...But Washington is a blue state, and deep, deep Democratic blue in King County. So objections were raised, and Hasselbeck heard them and read them. He got nasty voice mails, e-mails and text messages.
"I had no idea," Hasselbeck said.
One guy told him: "I hate you, I'll never wear your jersey, I'll never like the Seahawks again."
"Huh?" Hasselbeck thought. "Seriously?"
"Politics can be very mean and dirty," he said. "The things politicians say about each other, and what activists say, I had a brief glimpse of that for a couple of days.
"If I ever had any questions about whether I wanted to run for office, I now know the answer -- I don't."
As a quarterback, he's used to getting booed. "But this was a whole new level," he said. "I was very surprised how mean (they were)."
..."To learn that two of the most popular Seahawks are strong (Bush) supporters ruins the season for me and my family," wrote another.
...When told that Hasselbeck lost some fans, Holmgren said: "That's too bad. ... Fans should keep these two things separate."
Added Hasselbeck: "I don't understand. This is America. We're not going to agree on everything."
Strong doesn't get it either, saying: "Any time you have a world leader come to your city, you should welcome him whether you like the person or not. That was the right thing to do."
Besides, Strong wonders, "Why would people care about what we do as far as going to see the president and giving him a Seahawks jersey?"
Strong and Hasselbeck said they would have welcomed a Democratic president, too, and noted that they once visited Gov. Christine Gregoire in Olympia and gave her an autographed football. When he played in Green Bay, Hasselbeck also met former Vice President Al Gore.
You couldn't have been much of a fan to begin with if THIS makes you hate the team and ruins the season for you.
Posted by Alexa at 8:20 AM No comments: Links to this post
The Right to Arm Bears
I thought I'd highlight a gun self-defense story since the media doesn't like to do it.
Rabid bear killed trying to enter Garrett Co. home
A rabid black bear trying to rip out a window air conditioner lost its tug-of-war with a terrified housewife when her husband blasted the beast with a shotgun, the woman and a state wildlife official said today.
The bear rushed the house after Charlotte Stanton yelled out her screen door to try to scare it away from a goat pen. Stanton, 39, of rural Grantsville in Garrett County, said she was losing her tussle with the 134-pound sow when Michael Stanton pulled the trigger.
"I finally yelled at my husband, because I couldn't hold on to that air conditioner much longer," she said. "It seemed like forever, but I'm sure it was just seconds."
The load of buckshot didn't kill the bear, which lay bleeding and moaning in the yard of the Western Maryland home for about 30 minutes Aug. 29 before a state Natural Resources Police officer arrived to remove it.
...Michael Stanton, 49, won't be charged with a wildlife violation because the state allows killing bears out of season to defend people and livestock, The Cumberland Times-News reported.
...Spiker said the agency tested the bear for rabies because she was so aggressive.
"That behavior was just completely out of the ordinary," Spiker said.
Stanton said bears often come into her yard and most are easily chased away. But now, "when I see a bear in the yard, I'm not going to think twice about running for the house or even getting a gun out," she said.
They had to wait a half hour for an authority to come help them?! Thank goodness they had a gun!
Posted by Alexa at 10:33 PM No comments: Links to this post
Labels: freaks of nature, SWEET
Sick, sick Massachusetts
Massachusetts incubates the "viruses" that afflict the Democratic Party
I just love this headline!
Veteran Boston political reporter Jon Keller also invites us to behold his native state . . . and shudder in dismay. In "The Bluest State," he argues that, although Massachusetts does not suffer alone from its notorious affection for liberalism, it is the incubator for "Massachusetts viruses" that infect the national Democratic Party. The viruses come in many forms: "addiction to tax revenues and a raging edifice complex couched in disrespect to wage earners; phony identity politics without real results for women and minorities; reflexive anti-Americanism in foreign affairs; vain indulgence in obnoxious political correctness; self-serving featherbedding; NIMBYism; authoritarian distortion of the balance of governmental power, all simmered in a broth of hypocritical paternalism."
When Democrats fight off the viruses and run more centrist campaigns, Mr. Keller says, they can prosper, as they did in 2006. But the infection is always lurking--and could be the party's undoing next year. It should be noted that "The Bluest State" is not a book by a Republican cheerleader; Mr. Keller can be withering about the GOP. I know, because I have listened to his morning radio commentaries for years. But Republicans are largely beside the point when it comes to Massachusetts. Despite winning four out of the past five elections for governor, Republicans hold by far a smaller share of legislative seats--one out of six--than in any other state. Only next-door Rhode Island is even close.
Massachusetts is one of the few states losing population--230,000 fled the Bay State between 2000 and 2005. It has not regained the 150,000 technical jobs that it lost in the bursting of the dot-com bubble. Job growth has been flat since 1999.
I grew up listening to "Keller At Large" - I gotta get this book!
Thank you, judge, may I have another?
Judge Accused Of Paddling Inmates
In Wednesday's edition, the Press-Register is reporting suspended Mobile County Circuit Judge Herman Thomas is being investigated for allegedly paddling inmates. The newspaper is reporting Thomas is accused of periodically removing prisoners from Mobile County Metro Jail and spanked them in a room at the courthouse.
According to the Press-Regiser, once inside the room the judge would ask the men to drop their pants and prepare to be spanked with what was described as a wooden paddle. Judge Thomas told the Press Register that he did not have any comment on the allegations. Sources also say that between six to 12 men have shared their accounts with investigators.
Give me back my porn so I can peep privately
Man Sues Police to Get His Porn Back
A man recently released from jail after being convicted of secretly videotaping a woman and a teenage girl has sued a Marin County police department for the return of a massive porn collection taken during the investigation.
Dennis Saunders, 59, filed suit against San Rafael police in Marin County Superior Court after the department refused to give back some 500 pornographic movies and 250 magazines his lawyer described as unrelated to the peeping case.
"There's absolutely no legal foundation for them withholding perfectly legal adult-oriented material," Tiburon attorney Jon Rankin said.
The video collection alone was likely worth at least $10,000, Rankin said.
Saunders, of Healdsburg, was arrested in 2002 and charged with taping the women in their homes at a San Rafael apartment complex where he worked. He was released last month.
A lawyer representing the city said authorities wanted direction from a judge on whether it would be "lawful or appropriate" to return the material to Saunders, who has a history of peeping-related arrests dating back to 1979.
Karma's a biatch
Ouch! The moment Piers Morgan broke three ribs falling off the Segway he said was 'idiot-proof'
If he didn't believe in karma before, Piers Morgan must surely do now.
The ex-newspaper editor, now a columnist for The Mail on Sunday's Live magazine, took great delight in making fun of President Bush for falling off a Segway - the two-wheeled, motorised, gyroscopically balanced scooter that, its makers promise, will never fall over.
His paper, the Daily Mirror, ran the headline in 2003: "You'd have to be an idiot to fall off, wouldn't you Mr President." It added: "If anyone can make a pig's ear of riding a sophisticated, self-balancing machine like this, Dubya can." So, it seems, can Mr Morgan.
He broke three ribs after falling off the Segway at 12mph in California - just three days before he was due to make his biggest TV appearance to date, as a judge on the grand final of reality show America's Got Talent.
...Writing in Live magazine this week, Morgan is rueful about the comments on Mr Bush. He says: "Since only he and I appear to have ever fallen off one, I think the makers of the Segway can probably still justifiably claim the machines are "idiot-proof"."
The flag still stands for freedom and they can't t...
Apollo 11’s Most Significant Achievement Had Nothing To Do With Science - [image: Apollo 11] Memory foam, the dustbuster, scratch-resistant glasses, and other products–people talk about the scientific benefits, and the products ...
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Texas Federal Court Rules Insurance Policy Requires Arbitration in England
By Beth Graham, Disputing, May 25, 2017
This post has been viewed 1,178 times.
The Southern District of Texas has ordered a dispute between two insurers over an offshore oil drilling platform injury settlement to arbitration in England. In Gemini Ins. Co. v. Certain Underwriters at Lloyd’s London Subscribing to Policy No. B0973MA1305152 Issued Through the Office of Osprey Underwriting Agency Limited, No. 4:17-CV-01044 (S.D. Tex., April 13, 2017), Galveston Bay Energy, LLC, secured an insurance policy related to the company’s offshore oil drilling platform work from both Gemini Insurance and Osprey Underwriting. After a worker was hurt in a maritime accident on a covered oil platform, Galveston Bay Energy and Gemini Insurance entered into a settlement agreement with the injured worker. Galveston Bay Energy then assigned its rights under the company’s insurance contract with Osprey Underwriting to Gemini.
Next, Gemini attempted to collect $1 million from Osprey over the personal injury settlement. In response, Osprey initiated arbitral proceedings in England pursuant to the terms of the insurance contract in an effort to seek a judgment stating the insurer was not required to pay anything. Gemini then filed a lawsuit in a Texas state court seeking payment under the Osprey policy. In addition, Gemini asked the court to issue a temporary restraining order to prevent Osprey from pursuing arbitration. The state court issued the requested restraining order and the case was later removed to the Southern District of Texas.
In April, the Southern District of Texas dissolved the temporary restraining order and held:
The Fifth Circuit’s opinion in Crawford controls here. Because incorporation of English law is an implicit delegation clause, the only issue before this court is whether there is an agreement to arbitrate some set of claims. If there is, this case must be sent to arbitration for the arbitrator to decide whether a particular claim is arbitrable and, if so, to submit it to arbitration.
While Gemini initially argued in its state-court petition that there was no valid arbitration provision, in its reply and at the hearing it changed its position. Instead, it argued that the “Law and Practice” provision was a valid arbitration agreement that governed most potential claims arising out of the policy, but that the more specific “Service of Suit” provision overrode that arbitration agreement for claims for “failure . . . to pay any amount claimed to be due” under the policy. Gemini’s concession that there is a valid arbitration agreement means that, given the delegation clause, the arbitrator decides whether the present claims are arbitrable. Kubala, 830 F.3d at 202. Gemini’s argument that the claim here is covered by the “Service of Suit” provision rather than the “Law and Practice” provision is properly directed to the arbitrator.
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Article on Firearm Transfers for Estate Planning Lawyers »
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Staying Young >
Strong Bones Are Healthy Bones
Created in Newsletter Library, Staying Young
As with the rest of our physical selves, we don't think about our bones until something goes wrong. Bones are just there, under the surface and unseen, normally never taking up space in our conscious thought processes. Trauma, of course, can injure a bone. But in most circumstances a bone bruise or a fracture heals on its own in due course. You might need a brace, sling, or cast to protect the bone while it's rebuilding, but within four to six weeks everything is back to normal.
On the other hand, many actual diseases can affect bones for a very long time, perhaps even for the rest of your lifetime. Some of these serious conditions are preventable. Some are not. Osteoporosis is a disorder which may have serious consequences, including disabling hip fractures and crippling fractures of the lumbar vertebras. For many people, however, osteoporosis is preventable, and it's very important to know how to do that.
Osteoporosis involves loss of bone substance and disorganization of bone structure. "Osteo" means bone and "porosis" means pores or passages. In osteoporosis the biochemical bony matrix is broken down and bony tissue itself is resorbed, creating "passageways" or holes in the affected bone. Metabolic factors involved in the process of osteoporosis include calcium levels and vitamin D levels, as well as the activity of bone cells - osteoblasts - which produce bone matrix.
As with everything else in the human body, if you don't use it, you'll lose it. Bone appears to be hard and durable, a finished product, but in fact bone tissue is highly dynamic. Bone is continually being built up in response to physiologic, weight-bearing stresses such as exercise. But bone is continually being broken down in response to metabolic needs elsewhere in the body. A dynamic tension exists between these two processes, and in osteoporosis the pendulum has swung to the side of breaking down bone tissue. The obvious consequences include weakening of bone's structural strength. Eventually, long bones such as the thigh bone or strategically located bones such as the lumbar vertebra have lost so much structural integrity that they break under pressure of previously normal weight-bearing loads.
Like the rest of the components of our bodies, our bones are a precious natural resource. Unlike gas or coal, our bones are a renewable resource. But we must pay attention to the need for these structures to renew themselves. If a bone isn't being used efficiently, higher-priority metabolic needs in other locations will cause important biochemicals to be taken out of the bone. The bone, such a thigh bone, will begin to lose its structure. The appropriate question is how can we ensure that our bones are being used efficiently. How can we ensure that our bones are in fact dynamic structures, rather than merely cages to protect our vital organs or coat racks on which to hang our muscles.
One of the main answers to these questions, which after all really are questions regarding how to achieve good health, is regular exercise.1,2,3 Bones will retain their metabolic structure if they are required to do so. The body is very smart and locates precious resources where they are needed. If weight-bearing loads are consistently placed on your spine and long bones, these dynamic structures will not only retain their shape and strength but in fact will build more bony layers and become stronger. And of course, if we want to have a lifetime of vibrant, vital health, we want to have strong, healthy bones that will help us make it so.
1Sundell J: Resistance training is an effective tool against metabolic and frailty syndromes. Adv Prev Med Epub Dec 13, 2010 doi:10.4061/2011/984683
2Bababtunde OO, et al: A meta-analysis of brief high-impact exercises for enhancing bone health in premenopausal women. Osteoporos Int Sept 28 2011 (Epub ahead of print) PMID: 21953474
3Ragucci KR, Shrader SP: Osteoporosis treatment: an evidence-based approach. J Gerontol Nurs 37(7):17-22, 2011
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CAWT Regions
CAWT in Motion
Humanitarian Relief / Emergency Planning
EU INTERREG VA Programme 2014-2020
Acute Hospital Services
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Tag Archives: sync
Armagh and Dungannon – new local health and well-being Hub launched
This week saw the launch of a new health and well-being project currently being rolled out by Connected Health in the Southern Health & Social Care Trust area. The project is called ‘CoH-Sync’ which is short for Community Health Synchronisation. CoH-Sync is a cross border, European Union INTERREG VA funded project and is now available to anyone aged 18 years and over who wants to begin their journey to getting healthier but doesn’t know where to start. Whether it is help to quit smoking, adopt healthier eating habits, make new connections in your community or just generally feel better about […]
New Year launch of local health and well-being Hub
A new health and well-being initiative currently being rolled out by Bogside and Brandywell Health Forum was launched recently. The initiative is called ‘CoH-Sync’ which is short for Community Health Synchronisation. The CoH-Sync project is a cross border EU INTERREG VA funded programme and is now available to anyone who wants to begin their journey to getting healthier but doesn’t know where to start. Whether it is help to quit smoking, lose weight, make new connections in your community or just generally feel better about life, CoH-Sync can help. According to the Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, […]
Significant EU investment in community-based health and well-being hubs welcomed
10,000 people to be supported to improve their health A four year, €5.01 million EU INTERREG VA funded cross-border project has been launched in Co. Antrim. The CAWT Community Health Sync (CoH-Sync) Project secured the EU funding for the development of a network of Locality Health and Well-being Hubs in the border region of the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland and SW Scotland. These community-based and locally run Hubs will support individuals and groups to become more active in improving their own health and wellbeing by making better use of existing resources and facilities in their local areas. The EU […]
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A Tribute to Ray Lowry and The Clash
Written by CELLOPHANELAND* × August 16, 2010
Recently I was invited to an auction in aid of the Ray Lowry Foundation at the funky Idea Generation Gallery in Shoreditch. Manchester-born, Lowry began his career drawing for publications like Punch, OZ, NME and Private Eye creating a cult following for his illustrations and cartoons. Most famously he designed the memorable cover art work for The Clash’s seminal album, London Calling which this year celebrates its 30th anniversary.
A mix of artists, performers and writers were invited to donate a work using the album sleeve as a starting point. London Calling was the third studio album by The Clash and was released in the UK in 1979. The album’s subject matter included unemployment, racial conflict, drug use and the responsibilities of adulthood. The record received unanimously positive reviews and was ranked at number eight on the Rolling Stone list of The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.
Artists such as Tracey Emin donated work, but it was a colourful acrylic painting by comedian Harry Hill that really caught my eye. Members of The Clash are represented by subterranean heads from which the ‘tree’ of Big Ben prospers in a barren desert and mountain landscape – fantastic, surreal, witty and yet straight to the point. I thought it brilliant.
Another beautiful piece by Humphrey Ocean of a simple black guitar worked me up into a bidding frenzy. Humphrey’s iconic image of a black chair was used on the cover of Paul McCartney’s Memory Almost Full album.
Ex Clash drummer Topper Headon was in attendance as was the group’s former road manager Johnny Green who treated us to hilarious passages from his book A Riot of Our Own:Night & Day With The Clash. Paul Simonon who was immortalised forever pictured smashing up his guitar in Pennie Smith’s photo for the London Calling sleeve, contributed a real piece of that very bass mounted within a frame.
And what about the auction? I’m pleased to say that heaps of money was raised for the wonderful Ray Lowry Foundation and my bids were indeed successful. Alas for me, I will have to wait a little longer to hang Harry’s and Humphrey’s masterpieces as the paintings are currently on tour in New York!
For further information, please visit: www.raylowry.com
For further information, please visit: www.ideageneration.co.uk
Tags: Harry Hill × Humphrey Ocean × Idea Generation Gallery × London Calling × Memory Almost Full × Music × Paul McCartney × Paul Simonon × Ray Lowry foundation × The Clash
Written by CELLOPHANELAND*
Derek Boshier Rethink/Re-entry Flowers Gallery London
Instructions For Happiness And Success by Susie Pearl
The George Moore Conversation
The Kenneth Womack Conversation
Summer Exhibition – The Royal Academy, London
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Email: info@cambodianproductions.com
Phone: +855 (0) 11 501 997
Cambodia Film Fixer Chronicles: Overland
by Cambodian Productions | May 18, 2016
When you are a production company based in a beautiful and unique country, such Cambodia, you receive all manners of emails from potential clients. Emails about using Cambodia as a backdrop for music videos, feature films, documentaries and commercials productions are a daily occurrence. As soon as producers see the stunning locations that are available in the Kingdom of Wonder they are hooked and enquiries are made. One of the main sources of enquiries is from travel programmes that are looking to explore Cambodia and feature it in their television show. This was the case when we were contacted by Overland last month.
Overland is a popular travel program that has been trekking the globe for almost 20 years bringing images from around the world to an audience of millions. The Overland production company were in the middle of shooting the seventeenth series, which would see them travel across SE Asia in the search of spectacular locations. During the pre-production Cambodia was not considered as an option to film because Overland were on a set budget and all of the countries had been organised in-advance before they arrived in SE Asia. Unfortunately one of the locations, which would take up a week of filming at the end of April, had fallen through and the producers scrambled to find an alternative. It was April 5th and Overland were in Thailand, the neighbouring country was Cambodia, the producers weren’t sure of the permit process or if they could get a filming permission processed in-time so they contacted us.
Upon hearing the situation from the Overland producers we advised on the permits needed for filming and answered yes, they had enough time to get the permits and permissions completed in time. The MOI (Ministry of Information) General Filming Permission takes a maximum of 10 working days to complete, so there was plenty of time to get things organized. Overland also expressed an interest in filming at the Angkor Wat temple complex in Siem Reap, this came as no surprise because Angkor Wat is a popular location for travel shows. The filming permit with Apsara (the group who are in-charge of the temple complex) would also take 10 working days to process so time was on our side. Then there was the small matter of arranging the temporary import/export of the filming equipment, no problem thanks to our strong networks within the customs and exile at the local airports. Overland arrived at the end of April, starting in Siem Reap and ending up in Phnom Penh before they left the Kingdom of Wonder with a collection of stunning footage for the new show.
It doesn’t matter if you are coming to Cambodia in 3 weeks or 3 days, we can help get all aspects of your production organized before you arrive. If you should require advice on the filming guidelines in Cambodia please contact us by email info@cambodianproductions.com. If you have a more urgent enquiry you can phone us directly on +855 (0)78 572 466.
Cambodia Film Fixer Chronicles: Sorn Seavmey and IKON Media
Cambodia Film Fixer Chronicles: ASEAN 2017
City of Ghosts – Matt Dillon Interview
Cambodia Film Fixer Chronicles: Dropped
Copyright © 2018 Cambodian Productions
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Family: Thomas Steven HIGGINS/Sophia FIELD (F286)
Thomas Steven HIGGINS
Born 21 Dec 1792 Ballingarrane, Limerick, Ireland
Died 26 Jan 1839 Nanami station, Canowindra, New South Wales, Australia
Buried Belabula Station, New South Wales, Australia (Unmarked) (See Notes)
Married 07 Jun 1824 Castlereagh, New South Wales, Australia
Father Michael HIGGINS | F6366 Group Sheet
Mother Bridget CRATTIE | F6366 Group Sheet
Sophia FIELD
Born 21 Jun 1807 Edinglassie Nursing Home, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
Died 21 Jul 1871 Forbes, New South Wales, Australia
Buried Forbes Cemetery, Forbes, New South Wales, Australia
Other Spouse James COLLITS | F50
Married 31 Aug 1840 Hassans Walls, New South Wales, Australia
Father Edward FIELD | F459 Group Sheet
Mother Elizabeth Sarah MITCHELL | F459 Group Sheet
Mary Ann HIGGINS
Born 15 Sep 1825 Castlereagh, New South Wales, Australia
Died 01 Oct 1918 Bundaburra Station, Forbes, New South Wales, Australia
Spouse Josiah STRICKLAND | F363
Married 26 Apr 1841 Hassans Walls, New South Wales, Australia
Elizabeth HIGGINS
Born 15 Jul 1827 Castlereagh, New South Wales, Australia
Died 04 Jul 1923 Manly, New South Wales, Australia
Buried Manly, New South Wales, Australia
Spouse William RICHARDS | F595
Married 26 Jan 1843 Hassans Walls, New South Wales, Australia
Thomas Stephen HIGGINS
Born 26 Dec 1829 Castlereagh, New South Wales, Australia
Died 05 Feb 1865
Spouse Mary Ann PORTER | F596
Married 23 Mar 1853 Bundaburra Station, Forbes, New South Wales, Australia
Born 11 Nov 1831 Castlereagh, New South Wales, Australia
Died 03 Jul 1874 Bogabagil Station, Forbes, New South Wales, Australia
Spouse Mary PEMBROKE | F414
Married 05 Jan 1852 Bowenfels, New South Wales, Australia
Spouse Rebecca KEARNS | F418
Catherine HIGGINS
Born 18 Oct 1833 Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Died 26 Jul 1922 Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
Spouse Thomas DICK | F597
Married 24 May 1854 Bundaburra Station, Forbes, New South Wales, Australia
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A Prendre ou a Laisser
Take it or Leave It. It’s very much like the Italian show. It even has a very similar theme tune.
The title sequence is the announcer explaining the show. 22 prizes in 22 boxes ranging between 0.01 Euro to 500,000 Euro in value. 22 contestants representing 22 regions of France.
And here’s our host… Arthur!
He’s pointing at a screen which we think keeps count of how much money the show has given away since it started. We think this is on five days a week.
As each player has a go they are replaced by someone else to represent their region. Arthur has a quick chat with the player before the game and they get a copy of the board game (with electronic banker, we can EXCLUSIVELY reveal) as a welcome gift – potential contestants are asked to try and get a month off work, so she could be here for sometime.
The contestants are asked a simple multiple choice question. The computer displays how many got the question right.
This is quite important because inside one of the boxes is the “joker”, and its value is 10,000 Euro for everyone who got the question right. Today it’s worth 220,000 Euro.
The computer then displays which is today’s winning region. We don’t know if this is based on fastest finger, random selection of people who got the question right, or selection amongst people who got it right and have been waiting the longest.
And today’s lucky winner bounds down the aisle, we think to the theme tune of her choice.
Meanwhile the announcer gives us her life story over pictures of old photos and the like.
The independant adjudicator is introduced. We will often cut to him noting things down on some sort of notepad.
Arthur advertises the phone-in competition. You share what our contestant wins, which could be 500,000 Euro!
This competition is quickly advertised after each offer is rejected.
Arthur on the phone to the banker. It’s a very similar phone to our version.
Something I noticed about the Italian show as well – they’re awfully fond of their extreme close-ups.
Anyway, here’s the current board. You’ll notice that some of the prizes on the left hand side aren’t cash, they’re booby prizes (the two she’s eliminated already are a loudspeaker and and a scarf. She could still win a pair of knickers though.
Also: look at that jump from 500 to 5000. This is really quite a high skewing board (25k, 75k, 100k are the missing values on the right).
22,000 is the opening offer which I think is rather high. The French box opening system is 6, 3, 3, 3, 3, 2, final choice.
The contestant either refers to the player’s box number to indicate they should open their box or thier region. The host will give everyone a nickname over the course of their stay on the show.
Interestingly, there appear to be twins representing the Languedoc-Rousillion region.
And they have bad news.
A shot of the gameboard in action.
Music plays a vital part of this show- there’s always some in the background. Some songs seem to get played when certain prizes are revealed (the death march always seems to accompany the 500,000 Euro box being opened, and various pop tunes clips accompany other things). There’s often romantic music when the host is flirting with the contestant and the final boxes seem to be accompanied by the theme from Gladiator. It works quite well.
For some reason Satisfaction has just started so everyone has a little dance.
Arthur produces a bunch of flowers for the contestant from the safe. They weren’t there at the top of the show!
They seem to talk about flowers a lot. Whether it’s because our contestant is a florist or just because Arthur fancies her we just don’t know.
The bank has offered to swap the last two boxes.
On the episodes we’ve viewed, he always gives this option. However, cruelly, he doesn’t always phone back up to offer a final cash offer. Sometimes you’re forced to take what’s in a box.
He does this time though. Our contestant is speaking to him now. The rousing Conquest of Paradise theme is playing in the background.
Everyone joins hands! The offer is for 29,000 Euro. She turns it down!
Arthur peeks inside the other box…
And it’s an excellent decision! Well done.
In 2006 the French show was updated…
As you can see, the prize has been upped to €1,000,000.
The titles have been rather Americanized, but we quite like the rocky version of the theme, even if we miss the cheesy bontempi keyboard of the original.
The show opens with the giant safe door being shut.
The totaliser remains.
The new set. Also: give us yer money!
There are now 24 contestants, two new “regions” (consisting of overseas departments and ex-pats) have joined the existing 22.
The new contestant is introduced and given a copy of the board game (which hasn’t been updated).
It’s time to select today’s contestant. It is no longer done by quiz, it is now presetermined.
What is tonight’s lucky region?
It’s Centre!
Today’s lucky contestant has her photo-biography done and then bounds down the aisle carrying her box.
The new board, split into blues and golds.
Look at those jumps towards the end of the blues, there.
Arthur has a quick chat with Jean-Louis Hauguel, the show’s adjudicator.
She would like €75,000 to buy a house, if my non-existant French is correct. Game on!
Six boxes to open in the first round.
There are 24 boxes now. In round two she’ll open five, round three four, round four three and then she’ll go box by box.
The boxes haven’t changed. Neither has the music – upbeat pop when low boxes get opened, suddenly changing into dramatic film score when big boxes are eliminated.
The death march for losing the top prize seems to have been replaced by Barber’s Adagio for Strings.
Arthur introduces the three sages, they’re random audience members who have been plucked out to give the contestant advice throughout the show.
When the phone rings the entire platform bursts into bright sparkles.
That’s the Banker’s Booth up there. The Banker keeps his back to the audience at all times.
The offer is €34,000.
Good board though, she’ll play on.
New and previous offers are shown on this bit of gold ribbon.
Arthur has an interlude hwere he speaks to someone on the phone, they’re a past winner of the home competition. It sounds like they won €200,000!
As before, there’s a break at the six box stage. Unlike before, now she is made an offer after every box. She’s being offered €28,000 here.
The loss of the 50k hurt there… the house is looking further and further away.
But she’s had some luck, she’s now guaranteed a minimum of €20,000.
This is still quite a low offer though, I wonder if the bank’s trying something…
Ah-ha, it’s the old no cash final offer, now how confident are you in your box game.
Will she switch?
She doesn’t.
Excellent move!
She had the €200,000 in her box all along, the bank couldn’t shift her.
She can buy her house…
…and this person at home hasn’t done too badly either. Come back tomorrow!
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- Movies
The heroic stand of the 300 guys of Leonidas from Sparta (the number according to the film 300) was among finest examples of Spartan courage against overwhelming odds.
This small number of defenders was all that stand between hundreds of countless attacking Persians and the Greek city-states. The fight was found in a really narrow pass in Thermopylae. Let us check some genuine realities about the background of this film here.
Reasons for Persian Invasion
During the battle of Thermopylae, the Persian Empire was still young and vulnerable to revolts. Some of these revolts took place in many individuals Greek city-states. Darius, wishing to broaden his empire and being a usurper, gladly used this reason to mount an expedition to punish the rebels and conquer old Greece. He sent ambassadors ahead of time to each city-state to request for a gift of “earth and water” as a token of entry. These ambassadors were tossed into a pit and well in Athens and Sparta respectively.
The initial intrusion force which landed in Marathon was repulsed leading to a decisive triumph, triggering Darius to withdraw to Asia. The Persian king raised another bigger army but this time his Egyptian topics revolted against him. This delayed his strategy to go attempt to conquer the Greeks. While preparing to march against Egypt, Darius suddenly died passing on the objective to his kid Xerxes I. When lastly the Egyptian revolt was taken down, Xerxes continued to old Greece by landing at the Hellespont.
The Fight of Thermopylae
Modern scholars would put the number of Xerxes men to be between 70,000-30,000 although old sources said that approximately 4 million soldiers comprised the Persian intrusion force. Whatever the real figures were, it can be securely assumed that the Persians had an overwhelming numerical benefit over the Greeks. This is likewise real for the Persian marine fleet that would be beaten at Salamis.
Garth Driscoll
Garth Driscoll likes movies and fashion. The thing that he treasures the most is discovering and going to new towns, cities and places around the world to provide an example Paris.
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Drummers who play other instruments also....
Thread starter cantstoplt021
cantstoplt021
Do you feel that playing the drums helps you on the other instruments that you play? In what ways? I'm primarily a guitar player who is also learning drums currently. I don't know if I've seen any huge benefits to my guitar playing yet, but then again I haven't been playing drums for that long. I have noticed however that my ability to sing and play has gotten much better since learning drums interestingly. I'm primarily interested in being a really solid rhythm guitarist, more than a soloist so I'm sure learning drums will definitely help with that. Plus I really want to be able to drum.
There was a Charlie Hunter (an incredible guitarist who plays an 8 string bass/guitar) quote that I saw somewhere that said if someone wanted to play like him he would start them on drums for a year so they could learn how to make other people sound good as opposed to just standing there making noises.
I think cross training on various instruments will give perspectives you might not already have on your main instrument.
GruntersDad
Administrator - Mayor
It will help with timing, dynamics, playing with others, overall appreciation of music in general.
Odd-Arne Oseberg
I originally a guitar player as well.
First of all, I now speak the language and can relate to a drummer on a much deeper level than before.
The other thing is that musically, ever since I started drumming the emphasis is on understanding rhythms. It's actually a bit funny, considering how many years I've played "melodic instruments" learning melody and harmony, how little focus there has been on understanding the basic building blocks of rhythm even though I have a degree.
I'm defiently more into drums now. It's much more challenging, interesting and fun for me. MOst of the time a bit of a hassle to transport, though. lol
Aeolian
The more you know about music and how the different instruments contribute to an overall sound, the more complementary your own playing will be. Plus, rhythm and time is everyone's job, not just the drummer. The more you understand about groove and beat displacement the better for all instruments.
Two of my favorite guitarists; John Wedemeyer (in Vegas playing with Wayne Newton, Donnie & Marie and others) and Garth Webber (Miles Davis) started out as drummers. Garth actually gigged around Colorado before picking up guitar. Coco Montoya was Albert Collin's drummer before he picked up guitar. When I briefly studied guitar with John I noticed (and he confirmed) that he would typically spend the first 6 months or better working with beginning students on rhythm, before going into any scales or single line stuff.
Most music is about rhythm and groove. Today, extended guitar solos are all but extinct unless you're playing blues or fusion. The groove: learn it, live it, love it.
I figured rhythm was the big thing. Rhythm has always been my favorite part of music. I saw Soulive a few weeks ago and I was most impressed with the drummer first of all. Also with Eric Krasno's playing I wasn't so much impressed with his solos, but more when he was playing rhythm for the organist to solo over. Kraz has a deep groove and that's the stuff I love. I'm sure drums will help with that immensely, although I'm not entirely sure how yet. I'm still pretty new to drums so it's not like I'm doing very complex rhythmic things yet. But I'm sure if I stick with drums it will get a lot more complex, more so than most guitar players deal with/work with. So far it's been more of an independence challenge than a rhythmic one, but I'm sure that will help.
Oh and I bet it helps immensely with doing fills on other instruments as well.
Hollywood Jim
My only instrument was the drums.
I just started to sing. I’m not very good at it.
But now I realize that learning to sing is the same as learning another instrument; carrying the melody, learning the words, breathing, inflection, singing with feeling, etc.
Hollywood Jim said:
We need to get you into my studio one more time. I can have you writing and recording your original music in an hour.
With a little direction and very small investment, you can set up something at your place.
You will have a few songs completed in a very short time. Then you take the rough draft to your band and ask them to play it.
It's very simple.
New Tricks said:
I love what you are doing at your place. I could really have some fun making music.
I’m afraid to come over. I’ll get addicted and have to buy some software and other junk.
Ah Heck let's do it. I'll call you.
( However, what I really need right now is a voice coach! )
But now I realize that learning to sing is the same as learning another instrument;
That's awesome!
A second singer, even someone that can harmonize but doesn't have the gusto to front, is a tremendous asset to any band and really opens a lot of doors. Cover bands can pull for a more diverse pool of songs, songwriters can do a lot more compositionally.
Matt Bo Eder
I think I got most of my gigs because I could sing, and not because I was a drummer. It's the usual story - why hire just a drummer when you also need another vocalist? It's like a two-for-one deal. My current band has me singing too much for my tastes, and they take for granted that I'm trying to play these drums parts correctly too.
When I studied piano it made me appreciate what I wanted from the drummer, and I actually started playing less drummistically and more groovy - to the point where I wish I didn't have so many chops because it's so easy to fill up the music with drum bull-$%&! and ruin the songs.
Matt Bo Eder said:
EXACTLY !
I'm starting to change the way I play. (I graduated with honors from the Keith Moon school of drumming)
But sometimes I get a little depressed just being the foundation of the band.
All the other instruments play solos all night long. No one ever offers to let the drummer have a solo.
The drummer is supposed to be happy just sitting in the back behind everyone holding everything together.
Sometimes you have to honor your role as the 'glue'. Actually, I've learned to love it because you can feel the tension when people are playing against you. In fact, the tension between the other musicians is what makes a great performance. But no one can perceive the tension unless someone is being the 'glue' holding it all together. This is where drummers shine, or should strive to shine.
evilg99
Yes, agree with all the insight given above. I am a drummer first but I have been playing guitar for 30 years and play well enough that I can actually call myself a guitar player, not just "a drummer who can play guitar". I play bass too. I own a bunch of guitars, basses and amps. I love it and I play them daily.
I just want to echo Bo's comment about playing another instrument with somebody else playing drums - to give you the perspective of what you would want in a drummer. Its an important point of view, it changed me forever. Learning a common language/understanding of the whole picture. Rhythm/groove is such an important foundation for all music, regardless of instrument - it seems wrong that the 'rhythmatists' should not know anything about harmony and melody.
Somebody mentioned above about being depressed just holding it together...'just groove playing'. You need to dig deeper - listen/watch guys like Steve Gadd, Steve Jordan, Keith Carlock, etc etc - they put their whole body into the groove.
And it's not just drummers. My favorite guitar players and bassists do the same kind thing - saying so much with so few notes. David Gilmour comes to mind...
Monkey_Relish
Jack White learnt the drums before picking up the guitar.
He mentions this on an excellent guitar doco called It Might Get Loud.
Do yourself a favor and check it out. Features Jack, Jimmy Page and The Edge from U2. Worth it for seeing the real Jimmy Page, who shows the entryway where John Bonham's kit was setup to record a little known song called When The Levee Breaks.
Jack plays drums with "The Dead Weather", and has a very distinctive kit layout. He can play guitar a bit too.
iwearnohats
I actually played piano for a year when I was 8, didn't really start playing drums until I was 12. Two years ago I got back into playing piano, because I've always loved the instrument and my motivation was learning Moonlight Sonata 1st movement. Which I did (as I can read music), and then I bought some good books and started learning from them again... I'm currently working through grade 5 stuff in the Alfred system.
From my personal perspective, I think it's important for all musicians to expand their capability and musical knowledge through multiple instruments. The voice you have behind a drum kit is going to be different to what you have with a guitar, piano, violin or saxophone. What you learn on one instrument will enable you to grow musically on the others because it gives you a different perspective on how you play and sound. At least, that's what I feel for myself. I know personally that my time-keeping with my piano playing is quite good, simply because I'm a drummer, but at the same time utilising free time (which is pretty much a given with classical music) is also very easy and natural to me - I guess because of how well I can feel what I'm playing.
BFrench501
As others have said it really helps your overall musicianship. It also means in my experience at a gig where a guitarist has snapped a string I've been able to replace it while they play an acoustic song without drums while I fix it. So I'm drummer/guitar tech at once
proxmire
Learning the language of tabla has helped me play all instruments rhythmically. This is something that is lacking in western music teaching. The brain's speech center is a powerful tool not just for memorization, but physical coordination with speech. That is why you will never see a tabla player with sheet music. When I think "Dha Dha tirekite", those syllables are tied in perfect unison to may hand movements, not just on tabla, but on kit, bass, and even keys.
alparrott
I started on trumpet and saxophone before transitioning to bass and finally drums, and most of my childhood musical training was in classical music and marches. It's been nothing but a benefit.
Music is pitch and rhythm combined, but generally drums are only called on to provide rhythm in the context of a modern band. As a result, many drummers never take the time to learn the entire rest of music theory. We could compare this to five people working in the same office. One of those people only knows half the words in the common language, and only uses ten keys on his computer keyboard. Sure, he can contribute, but it's not at the same level as what the other musicians can provide knowing their scales and keys.
Additionally, to learn a melodic instrument the chances are high that you will learn to read music, which despite all the bad press can only help you as you hustle for gigs in today's music business. I find it very interesting that the modern gigging musician, who often has to learn new songs on the fly with little to no chance of rehearsing them, will refuse to learn a fairly simple skill that could help immeasurably in those situations. I take on summer gigs playing musical theater and the musicians who can't read music are usually a ball and chain around the ankles of those of us who can.
Finally, the skill of learning multiple instruments means that you have an increased chance of being able to share a more complete picture of your musical vision with others. You could craft a melody, a harmony, a vocal line, and the structure for a solo on top of your drum part. Even if you're not technically capable of playing it yourself, you have written the majority of the song and can find the person capable of playing the part you envisioned. (Very few drum scores in sheet music are written by drummers, in a similar vein.)
I recommend piano or guitar as a very versatile, common, and approachable instrument to learn.
alparrott said:
Yeah, and that is the problem with a lot of musicians, they think about music entirely from the perspective of the instrument they play. Drummers are the worst because they have so much volume, and if they do not control themselves and listen to the music as a whole, they end up just ruining the tune, usually by playing too much cymbals. Often the drummer tunes the kick way too low, which sounds good with only kit, but then they step all over the bass players toes and vice versa. The best bands play like it is one person playing all the instruments, and everybody is playing each other's instruments and mixing at the same time.
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Current Section: Duhaime.org » Legal Resources » Family Law
About Marriage in Canada
Some of the information below may be taken from common law and would therefore not necessarily be applicable to the province of Quebec although, in many aspects, the Civil Code and Quebec jurisprudence mirrors common law principles in this subject matter.
Marriage is the state-recognized, voluntary and exclusive contract for the lifelong union of two persons.
On engagements
You can't sue for breach of promise of marriage anymore in B.C., Manitoba or Ontario. Alberta still allows these types of court actions.
When engagement rings are given before the engagement is broken off, the rule is whoever broke off the engagement forfeits the ring. So if your boyfriend decides that he doesn't want to get married after giving you an engagement ring, you can keep the ring. But if the woman decides to break off the engagement after accepting the ring, she has to return it to her suitor.
Void or voidable marriages
In law, there is a difference between marriages that are void and those which are voidable .
Void marriages are those which are afflicted with a fatal flaw which nullifies the marriage no matter what the position of the spouses might be. The legal status of void marriages are as if they never occurred. Examples of void marriages are those involving a child below the age of seven, those where one of the spouses is already married, those between closely related persons (related lineally or by adoption) or where a mistake of identity of the partner has been made.
Voidable marriages mean that even though there is legal flaw in the marriage, it will be recognized until and unless someone brings the flaw to the attention of a court.
This would be the case, for example, where one or both of the parties were intoxicated during the ceremony to the point where their consent could not have been given.
Another example is where a person is coerced (threatened) into marriage or where they were mislead as to the nature of the ceremony (this could occur where it was held in a language not understood by one of the parties).
Marriages have to be consummated by sexual intercourse between the couple and are voidable if impotency is discovered. Impotency includes an aversion to sexual intercourse. However, a single act of consummation eliminates this possible ground for voiding a marriage (once consummated, always consummated).
Provincial marriage acts provide details on the legal age required for marriage. Generally, marriages of males below the age of 15 are voidable and below the age of 12 for girls.
Marriages of convenience, such as for social assistance, income tax or immigration purposes, are not voidable on that grounds alone because the courts don't care about the motive for marrying.
Attempts to void marriages done on a bet, on a dare, to avoid a court-martial or to get a conditional gift from a will, have all failed.
Religious annulments are not recognized by civic or judicial authorities and are valid only to the extent that they may be recognized by the Church.
Divorce or annulment proceedings on one of the above-mentioned grounds is the proper way to effect a legal end to a marriage in Canada.
Duhaime, Lloyd, Duhaime's Legal Dictionary
Duhaime, Lloyd, Duhaime's Legal Citations & Abbreviations
Duhaime, Lloyd, Family Law
Duhaime, Lloyd, Family Law Dictionary
Published: Friday, October 20, 2006
Last updated: Sunday, June 6, 2010
Law cannot persuade where it cannot punish. Thomas Fuller
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Home / Prep Girls Basketball / Sultans win first league title since ’04
Sultans win first league title since ’04
SANTEE – The Santana Sultans rebounded from a 0-8 start to the 2018-19 prep girls basketball season and ended up with their first league championship since 2004.
The Sultans earned a share of the Grossmont Valley League championship following a 44-7 victory over visiting Granite Hills on Friday night.
For the Sultans, it was a finishing touch on a possibly surprising resgular season campaign for new head coach JORDAN FRANEY, who couldn’t resist returning home to coach on N. Magnolia despite a rising coaching career a couple of hundred miles to the north.
The Sultans were given no favors, however, in the opening round of the San Diego CIF Division III playoffs, where they will travel to face Hilltop in a 10-7 matchup on Tuesday at 7.
Still, the Sultans’ momentum can’t be ignored by the Lancers.
Santana, which shared the Grossmont Valley League championship with Monte Vista, won nine of its last 11 games.
“I’m at a loss for words,” Franey said following the season finale against the Eagles. “I have no doubt in my mind that I have the greatest group of kids a coach could ask for.
“Starting the season 0-8 we could have easily folded.”
Franey was set to take over a strong program in the Southern Section this season.
Instead, she faced the task of rebuilding a team that won just three games last season just one year after making a CIF division championship game.
“Taking over the program in October, I knew I had to get right down to business and with early tough losses we all had to check our egos and get to work,” Franey said. “My team is the epitome of resiliency and when the going got tough, we got going.
“I have a young team but we never made excuses. They trusted me, they trusted the process, and to be league champs for the first time in 15 years is a true testament to what Santana basketball is all about.”
One of the keys to the Sultans’ emergence has been the rise of junior LAKAINA AQUINGNOC-DAVID. She scored 20 points in the season finale against the Eagles.
Senior AALIYAH STONE had six points, 14 rebounds and six assists for the Sultans.
Junior BRIANNA JERIG had seven points, seven steals and five rebounds for Santana (13-14, 8-2 Grossmont Valley League).
By the way, that 2003-04 team included Franey and had a pretty legendary coach, to boot. The Sultans shared the league title with El Capitan at 7-1.
“Not only are my kids great players, they are great people and role models and I tried to pass on the values and habits taught to me by Wade Vickery,” Franey said of her legendary Santana mentor. “My kids do things the right things on and off the court and to back that up with a league title, I’m overwhelmed with admiration for this group.”
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Political Briefing
Ideas Monitor
Intellectual Europe Review
How German political parties feel about the EU – A Twitter study
Martina Zaghi
A lot of has changed since the German elections in September 2017. The political paralysis that followed the vote was recently resolved after Angela Merkel finally agreed to a suitable coalition on the 14th of March this year. This new, “grand coalition” of Merkel’s Conservatives and the Social Democrats, was hailed by European observers and politicians as a good news for the EU. Still, Merkel’s new government is facing crucial political decisions concerning the future of the European project, including a possible reform of the Eurozone, something French President Emmanuel Macron is also considering.
Looking back at how EU-related issues have been discussed by German candidates during the electoral campaign last year tells us a lot about how the political elite of a country with an undisputed leading role in the EU sees the future of the Union.
From August 30th 2017 up to election day, EuVisions tracked the Twitter activity of candidates belonging to the major German parties: Alternative for Germany (AfD), the Christian Democratic Union of Germany (CDU) and Christian Social Union in Bavaria (CSU), Die Grünen (GRÜNEN), the Free Democratic Party (FDP), the Left (Die Linke) and the Social Democratic Party (SPD). We collected 59,257 tweets sent by the 721 candidates who had a Twitter account during the campaign period, and we collected all the reactions to those tweets – either in form or retweets or replies – for a total amount of 377,797 tweets sent by 55,779 users.
Discussions about the EU are almost evenly split between negative and positive tweets, with a slight majority of 50.99% for negative content. More interestingly, at the party level, different patterns of politicization of the EU emerge
In a previous article, we explored how prevalent (the ‘salience’) the European Union was in candidates’ tweets during the electoral campaign in Germany. As it turned out, the European Union was not at the core of the debate at the time of the German electoral campaign. We manually classified the tweets to identify a subset of EU-relevant discussions and found that 1,382 tweets dealt with EU-related issues, either expressing opinions or simply sharing news about it. Furthermore, we broke down the salience of EU-related topics at a party level, and we found that ‘mainstream’ parties such as Merkel’s CDU and the SPD led by Martin Schulz were the ones fueling the discussions on Europe, overtaking the more Eurosceptic groups. This result seems to contradict the academic literature (Hooghe & Marks 2009 amongst others), according to which Eurosceptic parties are more likely to politicize the EU in the debate than mainstream ones.
In the following article, we try to shed some light on the content and the meaning of the engagement that emerged in online discussions about the EU. To do so, we investigated the ‘contentiousness’ of EU-related issues – the degree to which discussions about the EU are controversial – and looked at the pattern that emerged in candidates’ and citizens’ reactions.
How do German candidates talk about the EU?
In order to understand what kind of opinions about the EU were expressed by German candidates on Twitter, we started by manually classifying tweets posted by German candidates that were previously identified as EU-relevant. We then separated those expressing opinions about the EU from neutral or non-partisan content. This classification resulted in a subset of 910 attitudinal tweets (65.8% of the EU-relevant subset).
We then proceeded by making the distinction between ‘negative’ and ‘positive’ content. We considered tweets as “EU-negative” when candidates expressed a negative stance on the current status quo of the European Union. It is important to underline that such messages do not necessarily express a Eurosceptic perspective. We considered tweets to be “negative” even if they were constructively critical, or in cases where the EU was only indirectly criticized – namely, while attacking a leader or a party that for particular reasons is strongly tied to EU policies or institutions. An emblematic case in this sense is the role of German Chancellor Angela Merkel as one of Europe’s leading figures. On the other hand, we considered tweets to be “EU-positive” when candidates expressed positive views about current EU policies or institutions.
We found that discussions about the EU are almost evenly split between negative and positive tweets, with a slight majority of 50.99% for negative content. More interestingly, at the party level, different patterns of politicization of the EU emerge, as Figure 1 shows.
Figure 1: Distribution of EU-positive and EU-negative tweets per parties
Eurosceptic political forces like the AfD and Die Linke tweeted ‘negative’ stances towards the EU most of the time. These parties are positioned at the two extremes of the German political spectrum, on the right and the left respectively. On the other hand, the Social Democrats and the Greens showed the highest rate of positive tweets. As shown in the graph, even long-standing pro-EU parties presented significant amounts of EU-negative tweets. Surprisingly enough, CDU’s and CSU’s Conservatives show a higher share of negative tweets about the EU (52.29%) than positive ones.
In the past, the Free Democratic Party expressed a positive attitude towards the EU integration process, but recently its stances about EU-related issues are increasingly changing, and it seems like this trend was already emerging during the candidates’ online campaign
To better understand the different patterns of politicization of EU discussions, we added a further level of classification of ‘negative’ content, distinguished on the basis of the intensity of criticism towards EU-related issues (see Szczerbiak & Taggart, 2008). We sorted tweets into messages featuring “hard criticism” towards the EU, its founding principles and institutions, mostly from a eurosceptic perspective; and messages expressing “soft criticism”, namely those conversations that call for reforms, further integration, or a change in position on the part of EU institutions towards different matters. Overall, candidates’ tweets are split into a majority of ‘soft’ negative tweets (70.3%) and a minority (29.7%) of ‘hard’ negative tweets.
Figure 3: Distribution of EU-hard negative and EU-soft negative tweets per parties
As Figure 3 shows, the anti-EU Alternative for Germany leads the way as far as ‘hard’ criticisms are concerned, showing a slight majority (50.3%) of these kinds of messages. For every other party, ‘soft’ criticism prevails. Mainstream traditional parties such as the CDU/CSU and the SPD present a broad majority of ‘soft’ negative conversations about the EU. Surprisingly, the FDP had the same level of ‘hard’ negative tweets as Die Linke (33.3%). In the past, the Free Democratic Party expressed a positive attitude towards the EU integration process, but recently its stances about EU-related issues are increasingly changing, and it seems like this trend was already emerging during the candidates’ online campaign.
Topics that emerged as distinctively EU-negative happened to be strongly tied to the online campaigning strategy of the Eurosceptic party Alternative for Germany
Furthermore, we tried highlighting the content of the criticism expressed towards the EU by German candidates. In order to do so, by means of topic modelling techniques, we detected the most distinctive features of EU-negative tweets when compared to all other EU-relevant conversations.
Figure 2: Distinctive features, EU-negative tweets by all candidates
Topics that emerged as distinctively EU-negative happened to be strongly tied to the online campaigning strategy of the Eurosceptic party Alternative for Germany. This is reflected by the presence, among our topical terms, of many words and hashtags related to the AfD campaign, such as #afdwahlen (#voteafd) and #gauland. As far as the main issues are concerned, immigration has a key role. This topic is the most peculiar and often referred to with words such as grenzen (borders) and #flüchtlingskrise (#refugeecrisis). It is worth noting that the AfD has made the fight against immigration the war horse of their campaign (as shown in our previous study). The economic and political dimensions of European integration are present as well. In many conversations – often fueled by the AfD – the EU, despite being criticised, is not the primary target. For example, AfD candidates blame Merkel for the eurorettungspolitik (as in Merkel’s efforts to “save the Eurozone”), and accused her of protecting EU interests over German interests, placing unangemessene Lasten (heavy financial burdens) on the country.
How do German citizens talk about the EU?
As mentioned earlier, we were not only able to track the Twitter activity of German candidates but also citizens’ reactions to their tweets in the form of retweets and replies. By means of Natural Language Processing (NLP), we broke down citizens’ conversations along the same categories we used for the candidates’ tweets, eventually sorting them into ‘positive’ and ‘negative’ EU-related opinions. As it turns out, German citizens took to Twitter to discuss the EU with their candidates mostly in negative terms (59.9% of tweets). Citizens seem to show a stronger negative orientation towards the EU than the candidates themselves (the share of negative tweets is 9 percentage points higher in the citizens’ subset than it is in the candidates one).
Followers of Eurosceptic parties such as the AfD and Die Linke tend to retweet EU-negative content more actively than they do with both EU-relevant and EU-positive messages. The opposite is true with mainstream pro-EU parties such as SPD and CDU
Again, a clearer picture emerges at the party level. We have built a standardised “index of reaction”, indicating how much more/less EU-negative tweets sent by candidates resonate in other user’s conversations, when compared to all the conversations about the EU. We did the same for the EU-positive tweets, and eventually compared the resonance of EU-negative and the EU-positive messages with each other. A value of 1 indicates that there’s no difference in terms of resonance between the compared sets of messages.
Figure 4: Engagement around EU issues measured through a “standardised index of reaction”
As we see in Figure 4, followers of Eurosceptic parties such as the AfD and Die Linke tend to retweet EU-negative content more actively than they do with both EU-relevant and EU-positive messages. The opposite is true with mainstream pro-EU parties such as SPD and CDU. Citizens not only seem to follow the same prevailing attitude towards the EU as their candidates, but they also amplify their stance in a more pronounced fashion. This seems to be true not only for critical messages (as hypothesized above) but also in the case of a positive stance. Following this pattern, the FDP emerged as a borderline case: negative tweets by its candidates resonated 8 times more than the positive messages, as a clear sign of critical attitude of FDP followers towards the European Union.
Photo credits CC Flickr:Friedemann W.-W., Alberto Novi, Niema Movassat, Savas Savidis, Deutsche Welle, Laszlo Riedl, Groundhopping Merseburg feat. Alexander Damiano Ricci
Macron Vs Orbán and Salvini: the debate on Twitter between openness and closure
Twitter and the politicisation of ‘Europe’ in the 2018 Italian election campaign
How Italy's Five-Star Movement and the League Won the Twitter Campaign
Delocalisation in the EU: the Embraco case on Twitter
Italian elections 2018: the Macerata attacks and the issue of immigration. A Twitter study
Italian elections 2018: the online debate on "Euro-exit"
Do German parties care about Europe? A Twitter study
The Catalan Referendum Seen from Europe: A Twitter Study
UK 2017 snap elections: did "tweeting Brexit" pay off?
Is the EU doomed after the result of the German elections?
Political Briefing #69/2017
Ideas Monitor #35/2017
On the eve of the German elections, Alternative für Deutschland prevails on Twitter
Twitter live stream “#GermanElections”:
Tweet riguardo #GermanElections
Keep yourself updated with the latest information on social Europe
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That didn’t take long
June 15, 2017 by Jeff (ILoveCapitalism)
You know the Left feels defensive about that Bernie supporter, Hodgkinson, who shot at Republicans. You know because the Left handles insecurity by throwing wild accusations at others, in order to deflect the discredit that the Left has earned.
The New York Times has revived the Gabby Giffords blood libel against Sarah Palin.
Palin never incited Jared Lee Loughner to shoot Rep. Gabby Giffords or anyone, in 2011. And Loughner was, if anything, somewhat of a leftist; he counted the Communist Manifesto among his favorite books.
But NYT has, once again (as they did at the time), cited a non-existent “link” between Loughner’s actions and some obscure political actions of Palin’s in 2011. Palin is considering libel action against NYT.
Meanwhile, Nancy Pelosi calls her GOP colleagues “sanctimonius” over the recent shooting.
Most of us have heard that one, before. When an insecure leftie knows that she’s in the wrong and you’re in the right, she will feel/assume that you’re looking down on her. We would also accept “You’re so self-righteous”, “uptight”, “judgmental” as typical plays.
SCALISE UPDATE: He remains in critical condition.
I came across this clip of him today, in a recent public service ad against human trafficking. He seems like a nice enough guy.
I couldn’t quickly find which House bills he’s talking about (or what they would do about human trafficking), unless it’s this batch that was passed in January.
Filed Under: Civil Discourse, Democratic demagoguery, Human Trafficking (slavery / pedophilia), Leftist Nutjobs, Mean-spirited leftists, Media Bias, National Politics, Pelosi Watch, Rule of Law, Sarah Palin, Unhinged Liberals, Violence on the Left Tagged With: civil discourse, Democratic demagoguery, Human Trafficking (ugh), Leftist Nutjobs, Mean-spirited leftists, media bias, National Politics, Pelosi Watch, Rule of Law, Sarah Palin, steve scalise, the new york times, Unhinged Liberals, Violence on the Left
V the K says
June 15, 2017 at 9:19 pm - June 15, 2017
The Washington Post takes the opportunity presented by the Attempted Mass Murder of Republicans to whine about how unfair it is that Hillary lost the election and Democrats don’t control Congress.
I am not making this up.
The system often feels unfair. Skewed electoral maps favor one party over another. Rural areas are overrepresented. Party fringes often exert more control over the agenda than the broad middle, where much of the country really is and the only place from which it can be effectively governed. Political money skews legislation. After an election such as last year’s, it is easy for the losing side to feel hopeless and desperate.)(Emphasis added)
https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-partisan/wp/2017/06/14/the-baseball-shooting-wasnt-an-attack-on-the-gop-it-was-an-attack-on-all-of-us/?utm_term=.0c23713b1d33
Matthew the Oilman says
June 15, 2017 at 10:24 pm - June 15, 2017
Jeff, Steve Scalise is real nice guy, he is my congress critter. He always takes constituents concerns seriously, a all around decent human being. Even if I disagreed on some policy matters, he was never disagreeable.
How do you want to get killed by the left tomorrow?
Against the wall by firing squads with a public attendance, by a bullet in the back of your head during a secret execution in the woods at dawn, or by starvation in premises with pre-Middle Ages’ level of hygiene?
Bernie Sanders, Jeremy Corbyn, and the starving children of Venezuela
By Tom Rogan, June 15, 2017:
Just a few years ago, western liberals praised Venezuelan socialism as a template for all of humanity.
They lauded former Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez as a man of vision and moral greatness.
In 2013, Jeremy Corbyn, leader of Britain’s official opposition Labour Party, was clear. “We salute Chavez and the people of Venezuela for turning the clock of history full circle… I look forward to the development of Venezuela, the efficiency of Venezuela, in providing good services and decency for all the people of that country.”
At that same event, Corbyn’s director of strategy, Seumas Milne, had a 13-minute orgasm describing Venezuela’s “powerful lessons for the politics of the future for us all.”
In 2011, Bernie Sanders explained that “These days, the American dream is more apt to be realized in South America, in places such as Ecuador, Venezuela and Argentina…”
On Chavez’s death in 2013, leftist filmmaker Oliver Stone remarked, “I mourn a great hero to the majority of his people.”
Today, the Venezuelan utopia is unveiled.
It is unveiled by catastrophic shortages of medicine and health services.
It is unveiled by war-like violent crime rates.
And it is unveiled by Venezuela’s children, who are now starving to death at unparalleled rates.
Consider that last point very carefully.
Today, in the nation with the world’s largest oil reserves, millions of children are starving.
But this is not coincidental. It is the natural product of socialism.
Of course, today, the aforementioned liberals offer no regret and no recognition, beyond silence, of their errors of judgment on Venezuela.
On the contrary, they continue to call on us to embrace socialism.
For that reason, we must constantly remind ourselves of their record. This is especially crucial for younger voters. After all, young voters are the support base for socialists like Bernie Sanders. Like Venezuelan children, they have the most to lose from socialism’s offer of mass inefficiency, endemic corruption, and capital turned to dust.
Beware the socialist utopia.
It is a dystopia of starving kids chasing trash trucks for food in Earth’s most oil rich nation.
http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/bernie-sanders-jeremy-corbyn-and-the-starving-children-of-venezuela/article/2626078
#LeftistsNeverFeelSorryForTheMiseryTheyCause
fortdixmike says
June 16, 2017 at 5:31 am - June 16, 2017
In case you missed this: http://www.weeklystandard.com/camille-paglia-on-trump-democrats-transgenderism-and-islamist-terror/article/2008464
salg says
the nyt and truth parted company long before most of us were born.
Sean L says
And still our trolls are silent. My, my. What, were they banned in the interim?
Peter Hughes says
June 16, 2017 at 10:47 am - June 16, 2017
#6 – Sean, I happened to notice this as well. That begs the following questions:
Are there any decent Dems or left-wingers in the public who are willing to acknowledge the existence of their own climate of hate — festering with misogyny, liberal racism, and assassination fascination? (I’m looking right at YOU, Kathy Griffin.)
Do words and rhetoric only have consequences if they can be used against conservatives and Republicans?
Or will we spend the rest of the day being bombarded with vile gloating and false equivalences like certain trolls on our site (al-Cray-da, lil-letter-mikey, Cas et al.)?
The time for civility is over. This time, it’s war. And I’m ready to lock and load.
Peter H.
ILoveCapitalism says
Just for the record: No one has been banned recently.
Thanks for the links. Cyril, I might use the Venezuela one (we’ll see). fortdixmike, I have to fault Paglia for being dumb enough to support Bernie Sanders and Jill Stein – but then I have to admit, the rest of the interview is interesting 🙂 I read the whole thing.
CrayCrayPatriot says
I have spoken in the past the last couple months of being disturbed by certain factions of the left including ANTIFA. I also pointed out a comedian/popular Twitter user about six weeks ago (I recently alluded to him again, and I wish I could find the video and the link I posted) who endorsed violence and cited him as someone who is dangerous and I also found disturbing. I’m also disturbed by this recent baseball shooting. I don’t support any of this and I condemn it.
But, those who have either missed these remarks and/or ignore them and/or aren’t “satisfied that it’s enough”: I doubt you’ll ever be satisfied. God speed.
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Home movie reviews
Gaspar Noé's LOVE Blurs the Line Between Art and Pornography, But Is That Anything New?
Can pornography be art? Does containing pornographic scenes make something pornography? Does showing unsimulated sex get at something more honest about love and relationships than the typical, idealized Hollywood take on sexuality? There are all questions that writer/director Gaspar Noé is tackling in his newest film, Love. Noé is, the provocateur behind Irreversible and Enter the Void, a pair of hard-hitting art films that brought him international renown while simultaneously repulsing half the people who saw them on a fairly visceral level, but Love is more restrained. Which, if you've seen Love, is really saying something about the previous two films.
Gaspar Noé Love doesn't try to hide what it is; the film opens with an out-of-context, single-take scene in which a nude woman strokes a man's erect penis while he slowly fingers her. They never speak during this scene, offer no context for their relationship except for their bodies. They're clearly posed to show off their bodies, breasts, bush, and penis all at the forefront, faces semi-motionless. It's tame by the standards of what's to come, essentially a pair of hand-jobs. And yet, to see it on Amazon Instant Video, or in a traditional movie theater - to see him ejaculate, to see her taste it, to then see these characters recontextualized in a very typical sort of relationship drama - I admit, there is some power there.
Noé opens on a shock, but Love quickly settles into its rhythms as a film, specifically an indie film. It's heavily invested in the quarter-life suburban ennui engulfing the life of white, lower-middle class man. Murphy has a kid with a beautiful women he doesn't love, and he spends his time sleepwalking through life, pining for an even more beautiful, responsibility-free woman who left him two years ago after he cheated on her. At the start of the film, his his ex's mother calls to say that she hasn't seen her daughter in two months, checking to see if Murphy has seen her. We flash back to watch Murphy cheat on Electra with Omi; to see him break the news to her that Omi is pregnant; to see him destroy old relationships stalking and emotionally abusing Electra after she dumps him; to see them meet and fall in love and fight and fall apart. Noé has used the flashback heavy structure to devastating effect before, in films like the brutal Irreversible, but in Love, he puts it to far more traditional use, showing the formation and collapse of a relationship between a pair of volatile young artists. Like Annie Hall, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, and last year's excellent Appropriate Behavior, Love uses its flashback laden structure to perform a post-mortem on a failed romance; unlike those films, Love is also clumsily performed and poorly written.
It relies far, far too heavily on voice-over - incredibly clumsy, blatantly obvious voice over, the sort delivered in a gritty rumble that's supposed to sound exhausted but mostly just sound constipated. It doesn't help that the language is shockingly clumsy - I don't think there's an actor alive who could have fixed this early-film exchange, for example:
Omi: You have become a little bit fat, no?
Murphy (voice-over): Yeah, I'm fat. My dick is fat. She's so bitter sometimes. There's nothing for me here, except for this little guy. I hope she won't turn him gay.
But Noé isn't working with the best actors alive. Part of the problem with Love is that Noé wanted to shoot hardcore, full-penetration sex scenes in his indie drama, and that... well, it pretty strongly limits the pool of actors you can work with. Rami Malek can pull off the sleepwalking stupor in Mr. Robot and still express intense pathos with his eyes and voice; Karl Glusman can't even come close to pulling it off. The ladies fare better, but neither Aomi Muyock nor Klara Kristin are stuck with quite as much turgid dialogue as Glusman, too, so it evens out.
Still, the experiment isn't a total failure. Noé is a talented director, even if he can't write a human exchange to save his life, and for a relationship drama - or a porno - this is stylishly shot. He uses match-cuts heavily to shift between past and future fluidly, making blunt-but-powerful statements about what's on his characters' minds without the need for the oppressive voice-over. A half-second black screen bisects many scenes, functioning as edits but often changing nothing. It's an artificial pulse, a throb inserted into a scene, that works well as an attention grabbing editing technique that sets up rhythm.
And he shoots the unsimulated sex scenes in long, fluid takes at a distance, allowing the eroticism to come from watching bodies in motion, from the curvature of the spine or a giddy smile rather than from actually seeing the penetration - a fascinating directorial decision, given that the unsimulated sex was, in many ways, a major part of the film's marketing and casting. Given that the film's gaze is explicitly male - it's a series of Murphy's flashbacks; at times, it's literally Murphy filming Electra - Noé never even approaches the exploitative brutality of modern pornographic cinematography, opting for long takes, tasteful edits, and a tendency to film his women either in full-body shots or just their faces, refusing to break them down to a series of composite body parts. Indeed, because of some of the angles Noé relies upon, the sex might seem analytical and cold to some.
What's more, the sex in the film tells a story. Some of it is playful; some of it is angry; some of it is rushed. It's filmed differently, staged differently, lit differently, depending on whether it's a gritty scene in which Murphy and Elektra make-up or a reminiscing fantasy about a threesome. A late film sex montage following a fight scene is powerfully shot, at least until Noé - as he does - takes things too far and has the main character ejaculate directly at the camera. Even most traditionally pornographic scenes tend to be beautifully lit and well-staged, obscuring as much as it shows and using heavy, almost surrealistic lighting to set a tone. The sex scenes never really justify their length or frequency, but the distant-but-passionate way Noé films them does at least feel of a part with the film's more traditional elements rather than porno interludes stuck in the middle of an indie drama.
The problem with porn, I think, is not with the nature of putting 'real' sex on the screen, but in the juvenile-macho posturing that defines so much of mainstream pornography - and, unfortunately, while Noé distances his film from the style and visuals of modern porn, he can't escape that posturing. Noé's Love never finds a way to stand out from the crowd of other films that have attempted something similar, whether it's using unsimulated sex to heighten the extremity of the dark comedy in Lars von Trier's Nymphomaniac, or to fully immerse audiences in the brutality of French rape-revenge thriller Baise-Moi. Perhaps the most compelling counterpoint is 1981's landmark queer film Taxi Zum Klo, another lived-in drama that used its raw sexuality to tell a painfully earnest story about its lead's personal and romantic life.
But Taxi Zum Klo had a sense of humor, a semblance of subtlety, an understanding of what it needed to show us and what it needed to tell us. The general beats of the narrative are the same: A relationship begins, infidelity ensues, fights happen, life goes on. Indeed, the male lead in both films is an amateur filmmaker, even. But where Noé's Love is a technical marvel that lacks emotional nuance, Taxi Zum Klo is all heart, all emotion. The film, a series of loosely connected scenes about life as a gay man in 1970s Berlin, uses its sex first to explore that world, but as the film progresses, Frank Ripploh also uses it to portray addiction and decline, the way he feels his base urges fight his more mature relationships every step of the way.
What's more, Ripploh takes that philosophy of explicitness and applies it to everything about this character and his world. Frank talk about STD's with a prostitute give way to an incredibly visual portrayal of an STD test. By making everything explicit, Ripploh has turned what may very well have been called gay porn by some into something more like documentary, a chronicle of his character's self-destructive relationship with his own body. His honesty creates worlds in the imagination of the modern viewer. Noé, for all his interest in using sex to find a small core of untouched emotional honesty, is only interested in doing so when it looks good to straight white men. Love is often lovely, but rarely is it terribly deep. Today's provocative indie drama somehow manages to be less provocative, edgy, and empathetic than that of 35 years prior.
In part because of Love's lack of a thesis and disinterest in looking at anything ugly, it's easy to tag Love as a work of incredible pretension. Its lead, Murphy, is a film student who badly wants to make movies that show sex and relationships honestly; he badly wants to have a male child named Gaspar; Electra has an ex named Noé (played by Gaspar Noé himself). This is clearly at least semi-autobiographical, an attempt to recapture a specific, visceral, very physical sense of feeling. And there's a degree to which it succeeds! Noé's editing is on point, as is much of the film's visual sensibility. And Noé's core thesis, that honest, sentimental sexuality, with at least some of the artifice of pornography stripped away, can say something genuine, something new, does seem to bear some fruit here. Noé is far from the first artist to realize this and he doesn't pull it off as well as his forebears, but it remains a powerful novelty.
Love is a fascinating film, with gorgeous editing and evocative design decisions. But it's held back by a hackneyed script - seriously, the 'modern day' segments that open the film are truly abysmal, and while the flashback stuff is better, that's less a compliment and more a condemnation of the film's first 30 minutes - and a couple performers with severely limited range. Noé is technically inventive and visually innovative, but a relationship drama needs more than that to fully work. Love is blunt when it needs to be subtle, and it very literally cums in your face when it needs to be blunt. It's Noé's most approachable film, and his least interesting that I've seen to date.
Love is available now on VOD rental services such as Amazon Instant Video and Google Play. Written and directed by Gaspar Noé, Love stars Karl Glusman and Aomi Muyock.
Trigger warning for a brief scene of transphobia and graphic sexuality.
Posted by Alexander Morrison at 10:20 AM
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Home - Composers - Young La Monte
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Young La Monte: more books (34)
Sound and Light: La Monte Young and Marian Zazeela
Selected writings by La Monte Young, 1969
American Minimal Music: LA Monte Young, Terry Riley, Steve Reich, Philip Glass by Wim Mertens, 1988-06
Zeit als Prozess und Epiphanie in der experimentellen amerikanischen Musik: Charles Ives bis La Monte Young (Beihefte zum Archiv f r Musikwissenschaft (AFMW-B)) by Gregor Herzfeld, 2010-05-10
An Anthology of Chance Operations... by La Monte, editor/compiler Young, 1963-01-01
Four Musical Minimalists: La Monte Young, Terry Riley, Steve Reich, Philip Glass (Music in the Twentieth Century) by Keith Potter, 2002-06-03
An Anthology of Chance Operations Picture Album by La Monte and Jackson Mac Low YOUNG, 1970-01-01
An Anthology by La Monte and Mac Low, Jackson Art - Young, 1970
Drone Music: Minimalist music, Sustain, Repetition (music), Tone cluster, Drone (music), La Monte Young, Theatre of Eternal Music, Marian Zazeela, Tony ... MacLise, John Cale, Charlemagne Palestine
Four Musical Minimalists: La Monte Young, Terry Riley, Steve Reich, Philip Glass. (Musical Men).: An article from: Notes by Jonathan W. Bernard, 2002-06-01
Musicien Expérimental: Frank Zappa, John Zorn, Captain Beefheart, Jean-Jacques Birgé, La Monte Young, Mike Patton, Jérôme Joy, Harry Partch (French Edition)
Naissance En Idaho: Sarah Palin, La Monte Young, Lana Turner, Torrie Wilson, W. Mark Felt, Aaron Paul, Larry Craig, Richard G. Scott (French Edition)
Sound and Light: La Monte Young, Marian Zazeela.: An article from: Notes by David Farneth, 1998-03-01
Postmodernisme (Musique): Arvo Pärt, Steve Reich, Philip Glass, La Monte Young, John Coolidge Adams, Michael Nyman, Ingram Marshall (French Edition)
A La Monte Young Web Page
Brief sketch of the composer's career with explanation of the tuning of his "WellTuned Piano" Category Arts Music Composition Composers Y Young, La MonteLa Monte young la monte Young is one of the most influential undergroundcomposers of the 20th century. His early experiments with
http://home.earthlink.net/~kgann/lmy.html
Extractions: La Monte Young is one of the most influential underground composers of the 20th century. His early experiments with long tones in 1957-58, fusing as they did interests in both twelve-tone music and Cagean conceptualism, led directly to the style known today as minimalism. Inspired by Young's long tones, Terry Riley began experimenting with loops, which led to his groundbreaking work In C , the premiere performance of which included Steve Reich. Young's relentless saxophone solos of the early '60s (he once beat Eric Dolphy for a sax chair) roared with the energy of rock and the pristine tuning of Indian ragas. His rule-based improvisations under the auspices of the Theatre of Eternal Music, though not heard publicly in decades, remain an icon of the psychedelic age, and were a direct influence on the Velvet Underground and artrock. In 1964 Young began what may always prove his greatest work: The Well-Tuned Piano , an improvisatory yet highly structured piano work that started at 45 minutes and has, in most recent performances, extended over six hours, containing more than 50 themes and chordal areas. Young is also legendary for his sine-tone installations, assemblages of droning overtones in complex arrays of prime numbers that now explore pitch space up to the 2304th harmonic. Kyle Gann's scholarly writings on La Monte Young include two articles: "La Monte Young's The Well-Tuned Piano in Perspectives of New Music , Volume 31 Number 1 (Winter 1993).
Index Des Noms - YOUNG La Monte
Translate this page young la monte. Chronologie Repère, Ouvrage Presse, Colloque, Conférence,Débat Exposition Page contenant un lien vers un autre site.
http://art-contemporain.eu.org/base/noms/3165.html
LA MONTE YOUNG Selected Discography Volume 1 SOLO WORKS-. 4 LaMonte Young La Monte Young 2LP, bootleg (RIP-006) 1992? USA?
http://homepage2.nifty.com/paganmusik/lamonte/disco.html
Extractions: 64Nȱ¯çêÄ«½eÌSIìi"The Tortoise, His Dreams and Journeys"ÆAdq±¹ÌÝÉæé"Drift Study"ðû^BÁÉOÒÍHarold BuddçÉæéÇyíàQÁµ½Å஬³ê½tƵÄL¼Bet@KgÌÅdvìB ÞÌpgÅ Á½Heiner FriedrichÉæÁÄìçê½Aö®[XƵÄÍÅÌR[hB"The Tortoise,..."ÌÊo[WÆ¢¤×«"The Volga Delta"ÆARobert Morris»ìÌåÈSOðC豯é"Studies in the Bowed Disc"ðû^Bio[üèÀè2800B
La Monte Young - Wikipedia
La Monte Young. La Monte Young (born October 14 1935) is an American composer whoseeccentric works have been classified by some as avant garde or experimental.
http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Monte_Young
Extractions: Main Page Recent changes Edit this page Older versions Special pages Set my user preferences My watchlist Recently updated pages Upload image files Image list Registered users Site statistics Random article Orphaned articles Orphaned images Popular articles Most wanted articles Short articles Long articles Newly created articles All pages by title Blocked IP addresses Maintenance page External book sources Printable version Talk Log in Help From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. La Monte Young (born October 14 ) is an American composer whose eccentric works have been classified by some as avant garde or experimental . His compositions question the nature of music and often stress elements of performance not normally indicated. He was born in Bern, Idaho . His family moved several times in his childhood while his father searched for work before settling in Los Angeles, California . He studied at Los Angeles City College , and was such a good saxophonist that he came out ahead of Eric Dolphy in an audition for the school's jazz band. As well as Dolphy, he also played alongside Ornette Coleman Don Cherry and Billy Higgins He later entered the University of California at Los Angeles to study music, and later still the
Buy Sell Music Discogs Marketplace. La Monte Young / artists (L).Profile none yet. URLs Shopping. Find Sellers of this artist.
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La Monte Young - Acapedia - Free Knowledge, For All
http://acapedia.org/aca/La_Monte_Young
Mantra TV - La Monte Young
photo by Jung Hee Choi, La Monte young la monte Young has pioneered the conceptof extended time durations in contemporary music for over 40 years.
http://www.mantratv.com/artist/lamontYoung.htm
Extractions: La Monte Young has pioneered the concept of extended time durations in contemporary music for over 40 years. He contributed extensively to the study of just intonation and to the development of rational number based tuning systems that are used in his periodic composite sound waveform environments, as well as in many of his major performance works. Presentations of Young's work in the U.S. and Europe, as well as his theoretical writings, gradually influenced a group of composers to create a static, periodic music which became known as Minimalism. Musician magazine stated, "As the acknowledged father of minimalism and guru emeritus to the British art-rock school, his influence is pervasive," and in 1985 the Los Angeles Herald Examiner wrote, " for the past quarter of a century he has been the most influential composer in America. Maybe in the world." In Minimalism:Origins , 1993, Edward Strickland added, "Young is now widely recognized as the originator of the most influential classical music style of the final third of the twentieth century."
la monte young (born Bern, Idaho, 1935) has pioneered the concept of extended time durations in contemporary music for
http://www.otherminds.org/shtml/Young.shtml
Extractions: La Monte Young (born Bern, Idaho, 1935) has pioneered the concept of extended time durations in contemporary music for over 35 years. As well, his work has played a central role in the development of the use of Just Intonation in 20th-century music and the growth of the Minimalist style. Early involved in jazz, during the 1950s La Monte Young was a performer in Los Angeles of jazz saxophone, playing with Eric Dolphy, Ornette Coleman, Billy Higgins, and Don Cherry, among others. After graduate composition studies at the University of California at Berkeley, he moved to New York City, where he directed the first loft concert series in that city. He has lived in New York ever since. With the founding in 1962 of The Theatre of Eternal Music, Mr. Young began work on his ongoing ensemble work The Tortoise, His Dreams and Journeys (1964-present). Over the years, members of The Theatre of Eternal Music have included Terry Riley, John Cale, Jon Gibson, Jon Hassell, and Marian Zazeela . His other major ongoing work has been his The Well-Tuned Piano
La Monte Young & Marian Zazeela: The Halana Interview
we determined at a certain point that our medium was time. la monte young Marian Zazeela
http://www.halana.com/lymz.html
Extractions: IN: One of the things which has always struck me as very exceptional about your work is its emphasis on Heavenliness. You once made a remark in an interview in the Theatre of Mixed Means book, something about people being swept away to Heaven, having the feeling... LY: I said that if people didn't feel swept away to Heaven, I was failing. And I really feel that is an absolutely essential element. This concept of Heaven can be probably thought of in a fairly broad way. In essence, something Pandit Pran Nath used to point out when he was teaching us about intonation, he would say that when you become perfectly in tune in your singing, this is meeting to God. He said, at that moment that you become perfectly in tune, you leave your body, because your focus becomes so intense the concentration that it takes to be exactly in tune is so enormous that you don't think any more about your body. ...what I am interested in in music is becoming a receptor for a higher state of information that can flow through me and then become manifest physically as music... IN: Your sense of beauty seems very much tied up in your sense of time. I'd like to hear from you about how you've found your sense of time to be different from the rest of the world.
La Monte Young And The Velvet Underground
Created and maintained by Jim Flynn Curtin (HTML Best viewed in MS EXPLORER) la monte young AND THE EARLY VELVET UNDERGROUND "It was all just Intonation, a drone. We tuned to the sixty cycle hum we'd use as a third harmonic. John Cale on his work with la monte young and young's just intonation tuning system.
http://members.aol.com/JFC41/velvets/history/lyoung.html
Extractions: "It was all just Intonation , a drone. We tuned to the sixty cycle hum we'd use as a third harmonic. It was called "dream music," which happened to be fortuitous because if the third harmonic is 60 cycles, the tonic is 10 which is, you know, the alpha tone you have when you sleep and dream..." - John Cale on his work with La Monte Young and Young's just intonation tuning system. One half of the early Velvet Underground of Lou Reed, John Cale, Sterling Morrison, and Angus MacLise had come directly from the tutorship of Minimalist avant garde composer La Monte Young, bringing along with them the hip sensibilities of the downtown Bohemian artists, as well as a wealth of novel, largely experimental, musical ideologies and ideas. One has only to listen to any one of a number of Young's tapes from 1959 through 1965 to hear the influence that VU co-founder Cale brought to the Velvets from his year or so with Young as part of his Dream Syndicate/Theater of Eternal Music in 1963 through mid-64, just prior to forming the VU with Lou Reed and drummer Angus MacLise also of the Dream Syndicate. The Syndicate at the time was comprised of La Monte Young, Marian Zazeela, John Cale, Angus MacLise, Tony Conrad, and Terry Jennings. Tapes of compositions Young recorded before the Syndicate, and after are bursting with early VU type sounds in the form of sustained and repetitious note patterns, loud volume, and white noise. But the similarities are especially evident on the tapes of the Syndicate with the formative VU, when MacLise was still drumming for them and
MELA Foundation
of North Indian Classical Music will be performed by la monte young and Marian Zazeela with their raga ensemble, in a
http://www.lamonteyoung.com/
La Monte Young's
la monte young's. The WellTuned Piano. By Kyle Gann. la monte youngbegan work on his magnum opus, The Well-Tuned Piano, in 1964.
http://home.earthlink.net/~kgann/wtp.html
Extractions: The Well-Tuned Piano La Monte Young's The Well-Tuned Piano By Kyle Gann La Monte Young began work on his magnum opus, The Well-Tuned Piano , in 1964. For 27 years he kept the tuning a secret - only a few close friends knew it. In 1991, with the use of a calculator, a tunable Yamaha DX7, and a CD player with an A-to-B button, I tuned my synthesizer to the Gramavision recording of the work and figured out ten pitches of the tuning. Why not all 12? Because one pitch, G#, never appears on that recording of the work, and another, C#, only appears in one five-minute passage on the fifth CD. I told La Monte that I had figured out the tuning and wanted to publish an analysis of the work. He thought it over and agreed that it was time to release the tuning into public discourse. The tuning, in all octaves, is as follows, given first in frequency ratios to the tonic E-flat, then in cents (1/1200ths of an octave) above E-flat: Notes: Eb E F F# G G# A Bb B C C# D Ratios: Cents: (If you don't have enough experience with just intonation to make sense of this chart, try reading the step-by-step Just Intonation Explained section.)
OAC:
Finding Aids Browse UC Los Angeles Music Library Special Collections young(la monte) Collection. young (la monte) Collection. Creator young, la monte.
http://www.oac.cdlib.org/findaid/ark:/13030/ft1b69n5jc
Extractions: Young (La Monte) Collection Finding Aids Browse UC Los Angeles Music Library Special Collections Young (La Monte) Collection View options: Standard Entire finding aid (6K bytes) Contents: Descriptive Summary Administrative Information Biography Scope and Content Indexing Terms ... Collection Contents Title:
young (la monte) The theatre of eternal music. View options Standard. DESCRIPTIVESUMMARY. Title la monte young. The theatre of eternal music, 19601969.
http://www.oac.cdlib.org/findaid/ark:/13030/tf6f59p261
MusicMoz - Composition: Composers: Y: Young, La Monte
Top Composition Composers Y young, la monte (2). Audio discography.la monte young Includes biographical information and discography.
http://musicmoz.org/Composition/Composers/Y/Young,_La_Monte/
Ccm Composers-classical-music Com : Young, La Monte Young, LaMonte Young
home. young, la monte 1935 USA, Thornton. Title, Parts. The well tunedpiano (5h total). 1986, - Part 5'00 la monte young piano. Gramavision 8701.
http://composers-classical-music.com/y/YoungLaMonte.htm
PAGE HAS MOVED
la monte young Towards Absolute Music
http://www.transparentmeans.com/lmytam.html
Lycos Music | Young, La Monte Profile
Go Meet People at Matchmaker.com! Music Home. young, la monte. Sorry, thereare no results currently available for la monte young. Recent Releases.
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Compare Prices On Just Stompin' Live At The Kitchen By La Monte
Album title Just Stompin' Live At The Kitchen (1993) . . . . Artist la monte young/The Forever . . . . Number of sellers 1 . . . . Price range $39.00 $40.00 . . . . last updated Mar 18, 2003 . . . . ()
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Lycos Music | Young, La Monte Pictures
catalog. Displaying images 19. Buy CDs from young, la monte at CDNOW.Go Meet People at Matchmaker.com! Powered by ViewImages.
http://music.lycos.com/pictures/thumbnails.asp?QW=Young, La Monte
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Lexington MS Funeral Homes
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Lexington MS Obituaries and Death Notices
MRS. KING - Ledger Independent
CYNTHIANA -- Betty Jean Figgins King, age 85, of Cynthiana, died Tuesday, June 13, 2017, at the University of Kentucky Medical Center in Lexington.Born in Bracken County on April 20, 1932, to the late George Earl and Martha Mae Perkins Figgins, she was a retired elementary school teacher, a volunteer for the Harrison Memorial Hospital Gift Shop and a member of the Cynthiana Baptist Church, Goldenaires Senior Group, Sunrise Homemakers and Retired Teachers Association.Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Lee King; and a great-grandson, Noah Lee King.She is survived by a son, Jesse Dean (Dawn) King of Tollesboro; two brothers, Robert Earl Figgins and W.O. (Roberta) Figgins, both of Bracken County; two grandchildren, Brittany Nicole (Donald) Henderson and Michael Lee King; two great-grandchildren, Hunter Lee King and Alexis Dawn King; and eight nephews, Gary, Ricky, Randy, John Mark, Edward, Tim, Terry and Jason; and a niece, Rhonda Kay.Services will be conducted 1 p.m., Friday at Ware Funeral Home by Rev. Patrick Whyte with visitation at 11 a.m.Burial will be in Battle Grove Cemetery. Pall...
The Rev. Leon McIntyre, former pastor of First African Baptist Church, dies at 79 - Lexington Herald Leader
Rev. Leon McIntyre, 79, who spent much of his career leading one of the oldest black churches this side of the Allegheny Mountains, died Tuesday.McIntyre was pastor at First African Baptist Church in Lexington for 33 years. He researched the history of the church and saw it through construction projects that positioned it for the future.“We’re losing a church father,” said the Rev. Nathl Moore, who succeeded McIntyre as pastor at First African Baptist in 2009.McIntyre helped oversee construction of a new church on Price Road that replaced the building the church had occupied for 154 years at Short and Deweese streets. The church also converted the old Douglass School building into apartments for senior citizens during his tenure.McIntyre was a scholarly man, respected for his theological insights.“As much as he knew, he had a burning desire to know more,” Moore said. “He had an insatiable desire for wanting to know the word of God.”He also was known for helping younger preachers along.Moore said McIntyre inspired him to continue his theological education and had planned to be there when Moore receives his doctorate next month.“He loved challenging our thinking,” Moore said.McIntyre was...
N.J. native reportedly falls to death from MIT dome - NJ.com
Toms River, according to his obituary in the Asbury Park Press.After graduating from MIT in 2015 with degrees in computer science, engineering and physics, Paggi was working as a software engineer at Lexington, Mass.-based Ab Initio at the time of his death, according to The Tech, MIT's campus newspaper.Paggi's family has started a fundraiser toward a memorial scholarship in his memory. The fundraiser's GoFundMe page says the scholarship would be given to a graduating senior at the high school Paggi attended who plans to pursue a degree in physics or computer science.Thomas Moriarty may be reached at tmoriarty@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter at @ThomasDMoriarty. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
Lexington News
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Entertainment / General Topic / Lifestyle / Technology
Everything You Need to Know About The Newly Launched Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Flagship
by admin · Published August 3, 2016 · Updated August 3, 2016
After a long wait, Samsung on Tuesday has finally unveiled the new Galaxy Note 7 smartphone at its Galaxy Note Unpacked 2016 event, held simultaneously in New York, London, and Rio de Janeiro. The Galaxy Note 7 will be available starting on August 19, and will be offered in Blue Coral, Gold Platinum, Silver Titanium and Black Onyx. For now, no pricing information has been provided, or launch market details.
Main Feature Highlight
The main highlight of the Galaxy Note 7 is its iris scanner, and it is the first smartphone from Samsung with such a feature. To recall, the Galaxy Tab Iris tablet was the first Samsung device with the iris scanner feature. Much like previous Galaxy Note phones, the Galaxy Note 7 features the S Pen stylus, which is now new and improved. Pre-orders start from Wednesday at most of the countries.
Galaxy Note7 will feature the excellent 12-megapixel Dual Pixel primary camera that’s currently on the Galaxy S7 edge. Paired with an incredibly fast f/1.7 aperture lens and optical image stabilisation.
In addition to the front-mounted fingerprint sensor, the Note7 also features an Iris Scanner that you can set up and use to unlock the phone as well as make secure transactions via Samsung Pay.
What It Has
The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 comes with dust and water resistant with IP68 certification. The South Korean company says the new Galaxy Note 7 comes with Samsung Knox security suite with biometric authentication that includes both the iris scanning feature and the fingerprint scanner. Also new is the Secure Folder feature, which is meant to keep private information safe. It is an upgrade over the Private Mode that the company previously offered that hid files but was limited to a few apps. The new Secure Folder stores files as well as entire apps in a secure location.
The Galaxy Note 7 features a 5.7-inch QHD (1440×2560 pixels) dual-edge Super Amoled display with an impressive pixel density of 518ppi, and Always On display functionality. It is the first device featuring the recently unveiled Corning Gorilla Glass 5. It is powered by a 14nm octa-core processor, with four cores clocked at 2.3GHz, and four cores clocked at 1.6GHz, with 4GB of LPDDR4 RAM. The handset packs 64GB of inbuilt storage (UFS 2.0) that’s expandable via microSD card (up to 256GB).
The Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow-based Galaxy Note 7 sports ‘Dual Pixel’ 12-megapixel OIS (optical image stabilisation) with an f/1.7 aperture and dual-LED flash. There is a 5-megapixel front camera which also boasts of an f/1.7 aperture. The dual-pixel sensor technology on the Galaxy Note 7 with wide aperture enables it to quickly focus, so that it can click sharp images even in low-light conditions.
The Galaxy Note 7 packs a 3500mAh battery with fast charging support on wired as well as wireless. Samsung says the Wireless Charging is compatible with WPC and PMA. Connectivity options include Bluetooth, 4.2, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4/5GHz), GPS/ A-GPS, Glonass, 3G, and USB Type-C. The smartphone also supports LTE and is compatible with LTE Cat.12, LTE Cat.10, and LTE Cat.9. The LTE compatibility may differ by markets and mobile operators. The smartphone also supports the Samsung Pay system, with both NFC and MST support.
The handset supports assortment of sensors including barometer, gyroscope, geomagnetic, proximity, and ambient light sensor. It also packs fingerprint scanner. The Galaxy Note 7 measures 153.5×73.9×7.9mm and weighs 169 grams.
The new Galaxy Note 7 also comes with an upgraded S Pen which is now dust and water resistant with IP68 certification. Some of the new features of the S Pen are creating gif image animations with Smart Select, and new Air Command functions for magnify and translate. The new S Pen has a tip which is 0.7mm smaller than its predecessor and the company claims it has improved pressure sensitivity.
Samsung Galaxy Note 7 detailed specifications
Tags: flagshipgalaxy notenotenote 7samsungsmartphone
SMART PARKING SOLUTION
by Hanbakian · Published August 2, 2016
Man has bionic arm custom made based on Metal Gear Solid – Emilia Papadopoulos reports
by Hanbakian · Published May 20, 2016
WhatsApp just released desktop apps for Mac and Windows
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Saturday, March 15, 2014 7:33 am, Posted by eyeadmin 0 | News
TNA protests arrest
The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) protests in the strongest terms the arrest of a widow named Balendra Jeyakumari and her thirteen-year-old daughter Vidushika from Dharmapuram in the Kilinochchi District last evening, Thursday 13 March 2014. The Sri Lankan Police claims that gunshots were heard in the vicinity of their home and that a policeman was injured. They also claim that the alleged attackers appeared to have taken shelter in Jeyakumari’s house.
Jeyakumari and Vidushika are active participants in most protests conducted by families of the disappeared in the Northern Province. Jeyakumari’s two sons were killed in the war and the third went missing after she handed him over to the military in May 2009. Vidushika is her only remaining child.
A massive contingent of several hundred security personnel surrounded Jeyakumari’s house last afternoon, confiscated their mobile telephones and interrogated them for over four hours before taking them away. They were reportedly held in Vavuniya overnight and were to be produced before a Magistrate today, Friday 14 March 2014. However, as of 3.00pm, they are yet to be produced. TNA Members of Parliament Mavai Senathirajah and E. Saranapavan have been at the Magistrate’s Court premises the whole of today. We have now heard reports that Jeyakumari and Vidushika may be detained by an Order of the Secretary, Ministry of Defence under the draconian Prevention of Terrorism Act, thereby circumventing the legal requirement that they be produced before a Magistrate within twenty-four hours of arrest.
The TNA is shocked and appalled at the conduct of the authorities in this regard. The high-handed conduct of the government, even while its human rights record is under scrutiny at the current sessions of the Human Rights Council, is illustrative of the government’s disdainful conduct towards the Human Rights Council. The TNA demands that Jeyakumari and Vidushika be produced before a Magistrate forthwith and released. We remain deeply concerned for the safety and wellbeing of Jeyakumari and Vidushika, particularly given the context of reported widespread sexual violence against women in the Northern Province. We urge the international community to take all possible measures to ensure the safety and release of Jeyakumari and Vidushika.
TNA to hold protests during CHOGM
The Tamil National Alliance has decided to hold protests during the Commonwealth Heads of State...
Anti-Sri Lanka protests across TN towns
Students, lawyers, political activists and even the public took to the streets across major ci...
Tamil Nadu shuts down colleges to prevent student ...
As students protest over Sri Lankan Tamils issue gained momentum with a massive agitation invo...
SL envoy compares TN protests to terrorism
Sri Lankan High Commissioner Prasad Kariyawasam on Monday compared the protests in Tamil Nad...
← Sri Lanka’s opposition to the Resolution on a matter of principle
Arrested woman under judicial scrutiny says GL →
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Daily Fantasy Football Tips – Wednesday 14th September
It’s time to take a look at the Championship on Wednesday evening (because we like a change) and there are two games to check out, both kicking off at 19:45 UK time.
Rotherham United vs Nottingham Forest
Aston Villa vs Brentford
Goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini Aston Villa £5.3m
Defender Aly Cissokho Aston Villa £5.9m
Defender Stephen Kelly Rotherham £6.0m
Defender Darnell Fisher Rotherham £5.8m
Midfielder Jack Grealish Aston Villa £7.5m
Midfielder Will Vaulks Rotherham £6.3m
Midfielder Pajtim Kasami Notts Forest £7.0m
Midfielder Henri Lansbury Notts Forest £7.9m
Forward Britt Assombalonga Notts Forest £6.2m
Forward Ross McCormack Aston Villa £8.5m
Forward Danny Ward Rotherham £5.0m
Goalkeeper Petr Cech Arsenal $5.6k
Rotherham United vs Nottingham Forest Preview
It’s been a tough start to this Championship season for Rotherham and they currently find themselves in 20th place in the league after six games. However they are clearly stronger at home than on the road with one win and two draws at the New York Stadium. The Millers can score goals there too with five so far but they’ve also conceded four in their two 2-2 draws. Nottingham Forest are up in tenth place but are yet to win away from home with one draw and two defeats to their name; they managed a late draw against Aston Villa last weekend , scoring their first two away goals of the season in the process.
This could be a close game and a draw seems a likely outcome given both teams current form; we anticipate a 0-0 or perhaps a 1-1 so pick your teams accordingly.
Aston Villa vs Brentford Preview
Aston Villa have made a patchy start to this campaign after relegation from the Premier League but they can still rely on huge home crowds to get them through the dark times – 30k+ against Nottingham Forest last weekend. On paper their team certainly looks capable of challenging for promotion but they’ve yet to get properly to grips with Championship football. After a solid 3-0 start at home Villa have managed two draws at Villa Park but they’ll hope to improve against a Brentford team who’ve lost two and won once on the road – a 2-0 win at Brighton last weekend.
This has to be our home banker so we’ll be going for Villa players from all positions but Brentford players may be needed to fill in the gaps.
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Hosts shine on opening day at HKFC Citi Soccer Sevens
Hosts HKFC Masters made the perfect start to the HKFC Citi Soccer Sevens with wins over former finalists USRC and defending champions Citi All Stars in Group A on Friday at Hong Kong Football Club.
The hosts began with a 1-0 victory over 2016 runners-up USRC before returning to secure a hugely impressive win by the same margin against Citi All Stars to leave themselves in a strong position ahead of the two remaining group games on Saturday.
In Group B, tournament regulars Wallsend Boys Club opened with a resounding 5-1 victory over HKFC Chairman’s Select.
Wallsend looked set to also end the day on six points, but former Cagliari Calcio forward Daniele Conti equalised for KCC Veterans in the final game of the night as the tie ended in a 1-1 draw.
“I think we were a bit sloppy. They played a good game and made it difficult for us, but I think we gave the game away,” said Wallsend forward Daniel McBreen, whose side are above Yau Yee League Masters on goal difference at the top of Group B.
“We’re still confident. We’ll just go out there and do what we can do and enjoy ourselves along the way.”
Much of the talk before the tournament started was of the return of holders Citi All Stars and the debut of a star-studded playonPROS team, both of whom featured a host of former players from England’s Premier League.
Citi All Stars started strongly as former Norwich City forward Jamie Cureton opened the scoring against Discovery Bay, before former Portugal international Luis Boa Morte coolly rounded the goalkeeper to seal a 2-0 win.
But the defending champions were unexpectedly beaten in their second game when HKFC Masters produced one of the performances of the night to leave the defending champions with much to do ahead of their remaining two group games on Saturday.
The holders, Discovery Bay and SCC Tigers sit three points behind the group leaders, with USRC yet to pick up a point.
“It was tough out there and we’re all tired,” said Citi All Stars’ former Glasgow Rangers defender Marvin Andrews. “But we’ll get better and we’ll lift the title again this year.”
Making their first appearance at a tournament, playonPROS started sluggishly as the Yau Yee League Masters caught them off guard to claim a 1-0 victory.
But the side featuring former England internationals Emile Heskey, David James and Des Walker, as well as ex-Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre and one-time Blackburn Rovers captain Colin Hendry hit back strongly with a 1-0 victory over HKFC Chairman’s Select to leave the side just a point off the top of the Group B standings.
“The second game went better than the first one,” said Heskey after scoring the winner against HKFC Chairman’s Select. “It was tough, it takes some getting used to with the weather and how to play on this pitch with just seven players.
“But we got to grips with it and I thought we did OK. We need to take our chances when we get them. In the first game we hit the woodwork twice, so I think we can score more goals.”
Yau Yee League Masters, meanwhile, won one and drew one to end the day level on points with Wallsend at the top of the table.
PlayonPROS sit a point adrift of the leaders and one ahead of KCC Veterans with HKFC Chairman’s Select propping up the standings having yet to get off the mark.
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ellenr space
Isaac Yitchak Goldberg
Katwoman0108
Gayle Brill Mittler - Mayor
Elsie Foster-Dublin
Josh Fine
Matthew Hale
Philip George - Council President
Stephany Kim-Chohan
Susan Welkovits
You are here: Home > Government > Mayor and Council > Stephany Kim-Chohan
Stephany Kim-Chohan - Councilwoman
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In March 2017, Stephany was appointed to the Borough Council, replacing Jim Walsh, who resigned due to a move. She is proud to serve on Council, and brings with her a wealth of experience in public service. Stephany serves as the Council Chair for Recreation, the Arts Commission, and the Council on Aging.
Stephany has been involved in a number of political action and volunteer boards. She was a Committeewoman for District 13 in Highland Park, and a member of the Highland Park Planning Board. She was also a Government Affairs Committee Member for the Middlesex County Regional Chamber of Commerce, Treasurer for the NAACP Metuchen-Edison Area Branch as well as the Middlesex County Young Democrats, and Legal Policy Committee Member for the Indian Business Association.
As Branch Manager and Business Development Officer for BCB Your Community Bank, Stephany focuses on Business Development, assisting people seeking to launch or expand their business. She is looking forward to using her business knowledge and experience with helping others succeed, to help the residents of Highland Park fulfill their goals in the community as well.
Stephany grew up in Newark, New Jersey, the daughter of a Korean immigrant father and African American mother.
She lives in Highland Park with her husband Narinder and their miniature poodle Valentino.
221 S. Fifth Avenue
Highland Park, NJ 08904
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January 5/6 - Playlist - Michael Tearson's Marconi Experiment - Some of the Girls Vol. 3
by: mtearson - Philadelphia, PA
started: 01/07/19 10:43 pm | updated: 01/07/19 10:43 pm
1) "Carol" by Chuck Berry
2) "Lucille" by Little Richard
3) "Claudette" by Everly Brothers
4) "Help Me Rhonda" by Beach Boys
5) "Valleri" by The Monkees
6) "Dear Prudence" by Danny Cox
7) "Eleanor Rigby" by Richie Havens
8) "Black Eyed Susie" by Jesse Colin Young
9) "Marcie" by Joni Mitchell
10) "Justine" by Cretones
11)... Read More
Man Dies After Being Punched in Park; Upper Darby Police Arrest VT Fugitive; Parking Meter Scandal
by: iradioal - Philadelphia, PA
A man died in a South Philadelphia park after being punched by another man over a disagreement about the suspect's dog. It happened just after 10 p.m. Saturday, 1/5, in Gold Star Park. The 38-year-old victim and his fiance had stepped out to walk their dog. There was already another man in the park that had his dog unleashed, which is not permitted. The victim asked the man to put his dog on a leash. The suspect got angry and punched the victim in the face. The victim fell and hit his... Read More
Armed Shirtless Man Let into Darby Grade School; 3 Dead in Hunting Park Fire; Camden Body ID'd
started: 01/06/19 12:29 am | updated: 01/06/19 12:29 am
A shirtless man was buzzed into a Delaware County grade school carrying a hand gun and a bag of drugs. Darby Borough Police Chief Robert Smythe says that 21-year-old Nazher Sabree was let into Park Lane School in Darby Borough around 9 a.m. on Friday, 1/4. He said he was looking for a misplaced bag. Principal Dawn Watson-Bouie escorted him back out of the building. Police were not notified of the incident for three hours and the principal chose not to hit the school's panic button. When... Read More
Cadet Collapses at Philly Police Academy; Woman's Burned Body Found; Delaware Memorial Tolls Vetoed
started: 01/04/19 3:15 pm | updated: 01/04/19 3:15 pm
A Philadelphia Police Academy cadet collapsed and was rushed to the hospital on Friday morning, 1/4. The 41-year-old recruit had just finished a running exercise at the Police Training Center in Northeast Philadelphia. Other cadets revived him before he was taken to Jefferson-Torresdale Hospital. Officials believed he suffered a heart attack. He is expected to be okay.
The body of a woman was found burned beyond recognition in West Philadelphia early Friday... Read More
Delaware County Mayor Removed from Office; 100s Tires Slashed in Chester Co; Silicone Death Arrest
The Delaware County District Attorney's office announced on Wednesday, 1/2, that Mayor Bruce Blunt of Morton must leave office by court order because of his involvement in a bar brawl over 30 years ago. In January 1988, Springfield Police Department responded to a disturbance at Houlihan's Bar. Blunt resisted arrest and assaulted the arresting officers. He was found guilty in September 1988 of felony aggravated assault and other charges. The Pennsylvania constitution bars convicted... Read More
Motorcycle Highway Patrol Officer Struck; Attempted Rape of Postal Worker; Sentence Plea Denied
A Philadelphia Highway Patrol officer is in critical condition after his motorcycle was struck by another vehicle in Northeast Philadelphia on Thursday afternoon, 1/3. It happened just after 5:30 p.m. on the 3100 block of Rhawn Street near Rowland Avenue. 48-year-old Andy Chan was t-boned by a 79-year-old man driving a Ford minivan. The driver stayed at the scene. Chan, a 24-year veteran of the force, was taken to Jefferson Torresdale Hospital and is listed in critical condition. "We are... Read More
Teen Charged as Adult w/ Newborn Murder; 3 Dead in Packer Ave Crash; Porch Arson Suspect
A teenage girl in North Philadelphia has been charged after she placed her newborn baby in the trash. The baby was found on New Year's Eve and was pronounced dead at the hospital. 15-year-old Jani Morris, of the 2200 block of Lehigh Avenue, has been charged as an adult. She faces charges of murder, endangering the welfare of a child, possession of an instrument of crime, and abuse of a corpse. The child was found inside a trash bag on an empty lot. The teen's mother and an other woman... Read More
Man Impales Himself Climbing on Eakins Oval Statue; Teen Dies at Blue Mountain; Wedding Ring Found
started: 01/02/19 1:44 am | updated: 01/02/19 1:44 am
A man is in the hospital following an accident while climbing a statue on Eakins Oval on Tuesday afternoon, 1/1. It happened around 4 p.m. on the 2600 block of Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The unidentified 21-year-old man was climbing around the Washington Monument fountain. He scaled one of the deer statues on the outside of the fountain. He then slipped and fell on the antlers, impaling his left side. Police say he was conscious and alert while being taken to Hahnemann Hospital. He was... Read More
Watch the 2019 Philadelphia Mummers Parade Live Video Stream!
started: 01/01/19 1:52 pm | updated: 01/01/19 10:55 pm
Stream this year's annual New Year's Mummers Parade from anywhere in the world. The outside temperatures for this New Year's Day are well above last year's near record lows, but you may still want to watch the string bands, comics, and fancies from the comfort of home. The 2019 Philadelphia Mummer's Parade is brought to you live by PHL17.
See Parade Results and Scoring Breakdown below - click here
Watch the video stream replay below:
Newborn Dead in Dumpster, 15yo Mother Arrested; Turnpike Toll Increase; 2019's First Murder
A 15-year-old girl is under arrest after her newborn son died after being discovered in a dumpster in North Philadelphia. 39th district officers were first approached by a woman around 10:30 p.m. Monday, 12/31, on the 2200 block of Lehigh Avenue. According to police, the woman said that her daughter's friend had placed her newborn in a dumpster. The woman retrieved the baby and then made contact with police. The child was taken to Temple University Hospital and pronounced dead a short... Read More
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Welcome! Start listening now for FREE! The music is always on, so choose a radio station and click to listen. You can find fun Events around Philly and you can list yours on our Events page FREE. We will also promote cool Philly shows, events and fundraisers on the air FREE. There are also great opportunities to become a sponsor or advertise. iRadioPhilly supports the Philadelphia music and arts scene. If you are a local musician or performer, send us your stuff. We will play it on our BYO radio station, Philadelphia's Local Stage. We're designing the radio stations and iradiophilly to reflect Philadelphia's music tastes, so we'll want your input. We're glad you're here. Invite your friends.
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Published: 0238 GMT April 11, 2018
Trump warns missiles 'will be coming' to Syria
Russia to US: Save your missiles for terrorists
US President Donald Trump said Wednesday that "missiles will be coming" in response to an alleged chemical attack in Syria, defying Russian warnings against a strike.
Upping the stakes in an escalating confrontation with Moscow, Trump took to Twitter in the strongest assertion yet that he plans to take military action in Syria, AFP reported.
"Russia vows to shoot down any and all missiles fired at Syria. Get ready Russia, because they will be coming, nice and new and 'smart!'," Trump wrote.
Damascus, which has long accused Washington of supporting terrorists, hit back at Trump's threats.
"We are not surprised by such a reckless escalation from a regime like the United States which has fostered and continues to foster terrorism in Syria," state news agency SANA quoted an official source at the Foreign Ministry as saying.
Trump and other Western leaders have vowed a quick and forceful response to Saturday's alleged gas attack in the terrorist-held Damascus suburb of Douma.
Efforts to find a diplomatic solution at the UN Security Council on Tuesday failed, with Washington and Moscow opposing each other's rival motions to set up an international investigation into chemical weapons use.
Trump in another tweet said US-Russian relations are "worse now" than ever, "and that includes the Cold War".
Russia has meanwhile taken to stronger and stronger warnings.
"We would hope that all sides will avoid steps that in reality are not provoked by anything and that could destabilize the already fragile situation in the region," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.
"The situation is tense," Peskov said, adding that Russia is calling for an "unprejudiced and objective investigation before making judgements" on the suspected use of chemical weapons.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova also insisted that "smart rockets should be aimed at terrorists, rather than the legitimate government" of Syria.
Trump has said he plans to make the Syrian government of President Bashar al-Assad pay a "big" price for the latest alleged toxic gas atrocity in the war-wracked country.
The air traffic control agency Eurocontrol has also released an alert from the European Aviation Safety Agency to flight operators in nearby airspace of "the possible launch of air strikes into Syria with air-to-ground and/or cruise missiles within the next 72 hours."
Syria's government has denied accusations of using banned weapons such as chlorine or sarin throughout the country's war.
United Nations chief Antonio Guterres said Tuesday the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons should be granted unfettered access to investigate.
Russia dismisses President Trump’s warning about offensive in Syria’s Idlib
Russia dismisses Trump warning on Syria's Idlib
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Lopez terminal returns to operation
Tue Feb 5th, 2019 10:16pm
The Lopez Island terminal is back in service after being unusable for much of the day.
The terminal was inoperable for about 11 hours on Feb. 5, due to a mechanical issue caused by frozen equipment. Washington State Ferries’ Eagle Harbor Maintenance Facility worked with its Terminal Engineering Department and terminal staff to assess the full extent of the damage and was able to reopen the terminal at around 10 p.m.
WSF’s customer service department relaxed reservations rules to and from Lopez and has disabled new reservations to the island. They also messaged all Anacortes to Lopez reservations holders letting them know service to the island was suspended.
Customers who had reservations may request a refund at http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Ferries/infodesk/customerfeedback.
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Jewish World Review Feb. 14, 2013/ 4 Adar 5773
Why do societies give up?
http://www.JewishWorldReview.com | Why do once-successful societies ossify and decline?
Hundreds of reasons have been adduced for the fall of Rome and the end of the Old Regime in 18th-century France. Reasons run from inflation and excessive spending to resource depletion and enemy invasion, as historians attempt to understand the sudden collapse of the Mycenaeans, the Aztecs and, apparently, the modern Greeks. In literature from Catullus to Edward Gibbon, wealth and leisure -- and who gets the most of both -- more often than poverty and exhaustion implode civilization
One recurring theme seems consistent in Athenian literature on the eve of the city's takeover by Macedon: social squabbling over slicing up a shrinking pie. Athenian speeches from that era make frequent reference to lawsuits over property and inheritance, evading taxes, and fudging eligibility for the dole. After the end of the Roman Republic, reactionary Latin literature -- from the likes of Juvenal, Petronius, Suetonius, Tacitus -- pointed to "bread and circuses," as well as excessive wealth, corruption and top-heavy government.
For Gibbon and later French scholars, "Byzantine" became a pejorative description of a top-heavy Greek bureaucracy that could not tax enough vanishing producers to sustain a growing number of bureaucrats. In antiquity, inflating the currency by turning out cheap bronze coins was often the favored way to pay off public debts, while the law became fluid to address popular demands rather than to protect time-honored justice.
After the end of World War II, most of today's powerhouses were either in ruins or still preindustrial -- China, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Russia and Taiwan. Only the United States and Great Britain had sophisticated economies that survived the destruction of the war. Both were poised to resupply a devastated world with new ships, cars, machinery and communications.
In comparison to Frankfurt, the factories of 1945 Liverpool had survived mostly intact. Yet Britain missed out on the postwar German economic miracles, in part because after the deprivations of the war, the war-weary British turned to class warfare and nationalized their main industries, which soon became uncompetitive.
The gradual decline of a society is often a self-induced process of trying to meet ever-expanding appetites, rather than a physical inability to produce past levels of food and fuel, or to maintain adequate defense. Americans have never had safer workplaces or more sophisticated medical care -- and never have so many been on disability.
King Xerxes' huge Persian force of 250,000 sailors and soldiers could not defeat a rather poor Greece in 480-479 B.C. Yet a century and a half later, a much smaller invading force from the north under Philip II of Macedon overwhelmed the far more prosperous Greek descendants of the victors of Salamis.
For hundreds of years, the outmanned legions of the tiny and poor Roman Republic survived foreign invasions. Yet centuries later, tribal Goths, Visigoths, Vandals and Huns overran the huge Mediterranean-wide Roman Empire.
Given our unsustainable national debt -- nearly $17 trillion and climbing -- America is said to be in decline, although we face no devastating plague, nuclear holocaust, or shortage of oil or food.
Americans have never led such affluent material lives -- at least as measured by access to cell phones, big-screen TVs, cheap jet travel and fast food. Obesity rather than malnutrition is the greater threat to national health. Flash mobs go after electronics stores, not food markets. Americans spend more money on Botox, face lifts and tummy tucks than on the age-old scourges of polio, small pox and malaria.
If Martians looked at the small box houses, one-car families and primitive consumer goods of the 1950s, they would have thought the postwar United States, despite a balanced budget in 1956, was impoverished. In comparison, an indebted contemporary America would seem to aliens flush with cash, as consumers jostle for each new update to their iPhones.
By any historical marker, the future of Americans has never been brighter. The United States has it all: undreamed new finds of natural gas and oil, the world's pre-eminent food production, continual technological wizardly, strong demographic growth, a superb military and constitutional stability.
Yet we don't talk confidently about capitalizing and expanding on our natural and inherited wealth. Instead, Americans bicker over entitlement spoils as the nation continues to pile up trillion-dollar-plus deficits. Enforced equality rather than liberty is the new national creed. The medicine of cutting back on government goodies seems far worse than the disease of borrowing trillions from the unborn to pay for them.
In August 1945, Hiroshima was in shambles, while Detroit was among the most innovative and wealthiest cities in the world. Contemporary Hiroshima now resembles a prosperous Detroit of 1945; parts of Detroit look like they were bombed decades ago.
History has shown that a government's redistribution of shrinking wealth, in preference to a private sector's creation of new sources of it, can prove more destructive than even the most deadly enemy.
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In 1852, the mountain village in Provence where Violette lives is brutally deprived of all its men after the repression of the republicans ordered by Napoleon III. Women spend months in total isolation, desperate to see their men again. In this situation, they make an oath in case a man arrives in the village.
"A different version of “The Sower,” Marine Francen’s poised and petite freshman feature, might have included the extended, rather remarkable story behind its literary source. Aged 84, former village schoolteacher Violette Ailhaud wrote her autobiographical short story “L’homme semence” in 1919, passing it to an attorney with clear instructions that it be given to her eldest female descendant in 1952, a full century after the events it documents; a curious, bittersweet tale of lost innocence and sexual conspiracy in a community of women, it remained in the family for half a century before being published, to steadily building acclaim, in 2006. Some manner of film adaptation was inevitable. Francen’s, however, honors Ailhaud by telling only the story she wrote, albeit with subtly modernized language and aesthetics, underlining its enduringly provocative gender politics in the process.
The resulting film is so delicately wrought and exquisitely visualized that the harsher, eerier details of Ailhaud’s account stand out all the more strikingly, like a shot of vinegar in a pristine crème caramel. Both moving on its own terms and an invigorating conversation-starter, “The Sower” has enjoyed a successful run of festival exposure and international sales since emerging victorious in the San Sebastian fest’s competitive New Directors strand, though this serenely accomplished debut has arguably received less than its due on the French awards circuit. That distributors in the U.S. and across Europe stepped forward isn’t surprising for a film that, despite its low star wattage, can alluringly be pitched to arthouse audiences as a cross between Xavier Beauvois’ “The Guardians” and Sofia Coppola’s pastelized spin on “The Beguiled” — though even with those reference points in place, it’s a bracing, unusual creation.
If the film risks seeming a shade too beautiful for Ailhaut’s mostly tough-minded tale, that’s not by accident. In tweaking the source’s none-too-subtle title, Francen has effectively named her film for Jean-Francois Millet’s famous 1850 painting “The Sower,” one of several Realist works of the period that aroused controversy in the Parisian art scene for their elegant, ennobling treatment of poverty-stricken rural subjects. Francen’s own painterly film gives its abandoned, beleaguered women of the soil the same graceful treatment." - Guy Lodge, Variety
Marine Francen
France, Belgium
Pauline Burlet, Géraldine Pailhas, Alban Lenoir
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English | Français | Nederlands | Suomi
Le Bruel
Exploring Nichoir
Staying at Nichoir
Vue Aubrac
Vue Lacapelle
Guest living/dining room
Things to do at 'Nichoir'
Location and how to get here
Le Bruel Map
Visitors' Comments
NICHOIR BLOG
We are situated about 4 kilometres from the little town of Tanus, in the north-east of the Tarn Department, in the Midi-Pyrenees Region. As there are many excellent websites describing the local area and the wider Tarn and Averyon Departments (see under the Region section of this site) that we will confine this webpage to practical information on where we are and transport systems.
Although Le Bruel is in the heart of the Tarn countryside, we are remarkably well-placed in terms of transport and access to some of the most vibrant and interesting towns and cities.
Where we are in France
Here's a map, just showing the general position:
and a more detailed map is on Google Maps and from there you can click on Google Earth and explore the countryside. You'll see from the Google map how close we are to Rodez and Toulouse and their airports.
Satnav reference: enter Tanus and confirm that it is TARN 81. Our experience is that most modern satnavs will guide you to the hamlet. Our coordinates are:
Latitude: 44° 4'2.02"N Longitude: 2° 22'2.98"E
For a detailed set of instructions from Tanus, please see the Menu page 'Le Bruel Map'.
Travelling to us
There are two airports close to us - Rodez is about 40 minutes away, and Toulouse is around an hour:
Toulouse Airport is a large, international airport, recently modernised. For visitors from the UK there are flights from London Gatwick and from Bristol, and these have daily flights provided by EasyJet. Ryanair have now added a service, flying from London Stansted.
Rodez Airport: flying domestic routes to Paris, Lyon and Ajaccio and international routes to Brussels/Charleroi, Dublin and London/Stansted. Unfortunately, the direct route from London Stansted to Rodez, run by Ryanair, has now been closed until further notice.
Further away is Carcassonne airport, around 2.5 hours away ... but a very interesting drive, over the Black Mountains. Ryanair fly to Carcassonne from a variety of UK airports.
There are very good rail links to Toulouse, Albi and Carmaux - and from Albi and Carmaux up to Rodez, with train stops at Tanus and Naucelle (small towns within 10 mins/20 mins drive from us). For more information on rail links and booking services, go to the Eurostar and SNCF websites .
Depending where you live in the UK, there are a number of ferry lines for the crossing (including P&O, norfolkline, Britanny Ferries, LD Lines), and then a variety of road routes you can choose.
The N88 runs just by Tanus, so only 10 minutes away from us. Over the past three years the N88 has been developed into a dual-carriageway - so the drive from Toulouse to Albi, using the new Albi by-pass (due to complete Autumn 2014), and then towards Rodez, turning off to Le Bruel at the Tanus junction is fast and efficient. The various road networks from other directions, linking to the N88, are all easy driving on the main route-ways - and if you wish to go on minor roads, then there are some spectacular drives to reach here. Modern sat-navs will guide you accurately to Le Bruel and we also recommend the ViaMichelin site.
Whether you are bringing your car via Eurotunnel or on car ferry, we will be happy to recommend a route down to the Tarn and, depending on your plans, might be able to suggest some good stop-off places.
General travel information
A comprehensive guide to driving in France can be found on the RAC website.
Simon & Noella Mauger, 'Nichoir', Le Bruel, 81340 Lacapelle Pinet, TARN, France
info@sho-shin.net
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3055: Baby’s on Fire w/ J.P. McDade
View Poll Results: After seeing Chemda's fire video on Instagram, are you tempted to do it yourself?
2 Post By Keith
4 Post By Sparrow
1 Post By FingerLakes
2 Post By Mandias
1 Post By Trash_Bat
2 Post By starscream
Chemda’s brother’s April Fool apology; self-immolation; the future of Google Assistant; Shazam!, Avengers: Endgame, and Guardians of the Galaxy 3; Silent Trailers
J.P. McDade
The Girl and Archimedes_Screw like this.
i thought the whole episode y’all were oddly talking about Kazaam starring Shaquille O’Neal bc i was today years old learning Kazaam wasn’t titled Shazam and many others like me have suffered this particular Mandela effect.
Keith, Bucho, Archimedes_Screw and 1 others like this.
I'm not TEMPTED but if the opportunity arose I would try it
Keith likes this.
Mandias
I have set myself on fire in many different ways. This is one of the safest.
And about Google Duplex... I have heard tech people and journalists talking about this for a year, and almost always people's most vocal reaction is to be offended that the system is trying to imitate a person with all of those "ahhs" & "ummms" (vocal disfluencies). People are literally going off on rants about how there need to be laws to protect us from being deceived by an AI pretending to be a human.
I think Chemda is the first person I've heard get it right. The stammers are just to make people not feel so stupid about misunderstandings, and to be more efficient at getting it's job done. The examples they show off don't have the system making mistakes - just situations where a person misunderstands something and the voice has to try again, but a lot of the time, the AI will not understand the person, and will not know if the person misunderstood something, or changed the subject, or is having a stroke, or whatever, and it just has to try again to get its message across in a way that will result in the person saying something that it can parse and understand. It would not be helpful for the voice to say "No. I meant THIS, not THAT." Just like people, it has to play along so that no one feels like the asshole.
And pretending to be human is a kindness. If a system like this called people and first told them it was an automated system, and then communicated in simple, direct phrases, and corrected mistakes, and had all of the information in the world available to it, I guarantee that would trigger the Frankenstein effect more than anything else, because people would be confronted by their own inadequacies.
Remember, condescension isn't a problem if you're too stupid to know it's happening. Ultimately, this is the best we can hope for as a species, that our AI robot overlords will treat us as sweet, retarded children.
Bucho and Sparrow like this.
I take pictures.
You like pictures?
I take them.
Here, Taste my pictures
Or, Get Creeped at http://OldCreeper.com
I’m definitely trying the fire trick.
Also, superheroes die and come back to life all the time. The prevailing fan theory is that all of the characters that died before the snap will be permanently gone. That includes Loki. I’m giddy as fuck about seeing it. I’ve taught my children to wait till the very end of Marvel movies.
Aww what a cute pic of the Khalili Kids!
Trash_Bat
I would try it, I saw Both videos and when you hold your hand up it looks cool. Maybe we should do this in Keith’s backyard at KATG week . I’m also a pryo so maybe some minor bias
Keith, obviously you are right about where to sit in the movies but please stop telling people, I don't need to start having to reserve my seats days in advance like these dummies who are afraid of the screen.
Keith and Apia like this.
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Madison Maintenance llc
Tuck pointing and masonry specialists
Exposed Aggregate
Brick Pavers and Patios
Madison Maintenance LLC offers and variety of services pertaining to pavers. With sand pavers there are a number of issues that will require maintenance. Shifting can move or separate pavers. Water can get between and under the pavers then freeze and expand. Plants can grow up between the pavers, etc, etc. These issues can create constant costly maintenance. The most efficient solution is a service we provide using power lock sand and a commercial grader sealer. First, we throughly power wash all pavers and the areas between, removing all plant growth, dirt, moss, etc. We will return in 24 hours after the area is dry to apply power lock sand to all areas surrounding the pavers. Next, we mist the power lock sand which causes it to harden like mortar. Rather than having hundreds or thousands of separate paver pieces- the entire paver area is now hardened into one large area connected by power lock sand. We then return in 24 hours after the power lock sand is properly cured. The last step is to apply a commercial grade sealer on the entire paver area. Rather than trying to solve several different issues, your maintenance is now reduced to re-applying a commercial grade sealer to protect the paver area every 1-2 years.
With mortared pavers installed on a concrete foundation, the majority of pavers can be preserved by grinding our the mortar joints surrounding the pavers and tuck pointing using type S mortar mixed with powdered dye and aggregate stone for proper aesthetics. This will create a water tight seal that will protect the pavers from the necessity of costly replacement while restoring it’s aesthetic qualities.
While new paver installation is a service we provide and excel in- we do recommended exposed aggregate concrete or stamped concrete as a more viable option with mush less maintenance over the long term. When installing new pavers, Madison Maintenance LLC will first pour concrete for it’s foundation. Next, the paver bricks will be installed in mortar base on top of the concrete foundation. This will drastically reduce maintenance issues that arise from shifting, frost -thaw, etc. which cracks mortar joints and paver brick. The last step is a thorough acid washing after the mortar cures.
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01923 587 487 Email us admin@lmca.co.uk
Most savers on course for retirement
01923587487 admin@lmca.co.uk
Almost three in five people in the UK believe they are saving enough for a comfortable retirement, according to research.
Scottish Widows' annual retirement report showed 59% of 5,036 adults are on course to maintain their standard of living when they retire, up from 55% in 2018.
The research indicates that the latest increase in minimum contributions into a workplace pension through auto-enrolment have been well received by employees.
In April 2019, employees earning more than £10,000 a year and over the age of 22 saw their minimum contributions rise to 5%, while minimum employer contributions rose to 3%.
Scottish Widows believes contributions of at least 12% of an individual's income would be enough to fund what it considers to be a comfortable retirement.
Despite the generally positive findings, 22% of respondents expect they will never be able to retire, prompting Scottish Widows to call for further action.
Peter Glancy, head of policy at Scottish Widows, said:
"With no further step-ups in auto-enrolment contributions planned, bold action must be taken to ensure no one has to face the spectre of poverty in their later years.
"While the past 15 years have proved that things have changed for the better, auto-enrolment alone won't avert a pension crisis in the UK.
"Government and industry need to take the next step together."
Talk to us about retirement planning.
01923 587 487 admin@lmca.co.uk
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New Book Release! Rocky Outcrops in Australia: Ecology, Conservation and Management.
Growing up in Victoria, I spent many weekends camping, hiking and rock-climbing in spectacular places like the Arapiles, Cathedral Ranges, Mount Buffalo and the You Yangs. However, some of my earliest memories stem from England (where I was born) and involve catching newts in our pond, and chasing common lizards into their burrows. On moving to Australia, my childhood memories were similarly filled with images of inquisitive creatures peering out from dark rock crevices, or catching fleeting glimpses of small lizards nervously scuttling across exposed rock faces, all while I fumbled about looking for a trustworthy crag to anchor my climbing gear.
View across Mount Buffalo from the Cathedral - Hump summit. The large granite tors are popular with bushwalkers and rock climbers.
Little did I know these early experiences with nature would trigger a life-long passion for exploring rocky wonderlands and studying the creatures that call them home. Reptiles are truly fascinating animals, as many of you will attest, so I am extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to study them for the past 20 years (and many more to come).
One of the Conservation and Landscape Ecology Group’s key research interests is to understand reptile habitat-relationships and to quantify the ecological roles of small island-like rocky outcrops in human-modified landscapes. In many agricultural regions, historical land clearing has left rocky outcrops exposed, isolated, surrounded by secondary grasslands and cereal crops, infested with weeds and feral animals, and generally in extremely poor and degraded conditions.
Ø Many insular granite outcrops in agricultural landscapes are cleared of native vegetation and harbor invasive weeds and feral animals.
Invasive woody weeds, soil erosion and nitrification, introduced rabbits and goats, inappropriate fire regimes, logging, quarrying and illegal bushrock removal have dramatically altered these systems to such a degree that it will take a huge amount of time and resources to restore these fragile environments back to a functional and healthy state. But, it can be done, and in some regions, it is being done by groups of dedicated landholders and Landcare groups.
A good example of a rocky outcrop that has been excluded from land clearing and heavy grazing which has allowed native trees and shrubs to regenerate.
Part of the reason why we decided to write a book on rocky outcrops was because there are significant biodiversity and productivity benefits to be gained from protecting and restoring these environments. By fencing them out, excluding or managing livestock and feral herbivore grazing pressure, native vegetation has the potential to regenerate; soil erosion can be mitigated, and biodiversity has the opportunity to return back to the hills.
Increased biodiversity is definitely one positive outcome, but there are economic benefits to landholders and the wider community as well. For example, reducing soil erosion and increasing grass cover around rocky outcrops has direct farm productivity benefits. Large rocky outcrops often support rock holes (gnammas), moss beds and natural springs, areas which retain moisture and slowly release it back into the surrounding environment long after a rain event. Hard-hooved animals such as sheep, cattle, pigs, goats, deer and horses can severely damage and pollute these sensitive areas. The increase in native birds and insects that return to a regenerating outcrop also contribute to controlling agricultural pests and pollinating crops. Rare and allusive pythons also occupy large rocky outcrops. These top predators venture into farmland during the warm months of the year to prey on introduced mice, rats and rabbits. Clearly there is much to be gained by restoring rocky outcrops and linking them back up with other landscape features.
Our latest book aims to introduce the many benefits of preserving and restoring natural geological formations in Australia. It includes chapters on why rocky outcrops are important from an ecological and cultural perspective, what types of animals are dependent on rocky outcrops for their survival, what are the main threats to rocky areas in different parts of Australia, and how they can be better managed to improve biodiversity and productivity outcomes. The book also highlights recent studies on rock-dependent reptiles by some of Australia’s leading researchers.
Rocky Outcrops in Australia is beautifully illustrated and features outstanding images by some of Australia’s most talented nature photographers. The book should appeal to a broad range of audiences from naturalists, natural resource management agencies, Landcare groups and private landholders. Copies of the book can be ordered through the CSIRO Publishing website, or by clicking on this link.
Michael, D.R., Cunningham, R.B. and Lindenmayer, D.B. (2008) A forgotten habitat? Granite inselbergs conserve reptile diversity in fragmented agricultural landscapes. Journal of Applied Ecology 45, 1742-1752.
Michael, D.R., Lindenmayer, D.B. and Cunningham, R.B. (2010) Managing rock outcrops to improve biodiversity conservation in Australian agricultural landscapes. Ecological Management and Restoration 11(1), 43-50.
Restoration, revegetation and reptiles in rural landscapes: insights from long-term monitoring.
Conducting research on reptile communities in rural landscapes is a challenge. This is because many species are rare, occur patchily in the landscape and are active at different times of the day. The ability to detect different species is also influenced by temperature and humidity. Livestock can also restrict the use of traditional survey methods such as pitfall traps, funnels and fences. Instead, we rely on using artificial substrates and actively searching for reptiles in leaf litter, grass tussocks or beneath bark, logs and rocks – a difficult task as most species don’t want to be found! However, after nearly two decades of recording and observing lizards on farms, we have a few important insights to share.
#1. In any given region, two or three species account for almost 80% of all reptile observations. Is this a reflection of historical widespread declines in reptile populations we wonder? The most common lizard species we encounter are Boulenger’s Skink Morethia boulengeri and the Ragged Snake-eyed Skink Cryptoblepharus pannosus. Both species being more abundant in areas with lots of fallen timber and dead standing trees. Some species are naturally rare across their geographical range, but locally common where suitable habitat exists. We often discover small aggregations of geckos or legless lizards occupying rocky knolls no larger than 1 ha. Common species play important ecological roles and are prey for other reptiles, carnivorous marsupials and a host of bird species. The lesson here is to keep common lizards common by protecting their habitats, no matter how small the area is.
Boulenger’s Skink Morethia boulengeri
If a management objective is to maintain maximum reptile diversity, rocky outcrops, paddocks of bushrock and old growth remnants need more formal protection.
#2. Reptile diversity is highest in areas that support rocky outcrops, old growth vegetation and intact ground cover. Places that have never been cleared, cropped or fertilised often support more rare and threatened species, particularly reptiles that use surface rocks, soil cracks and invertebrate tunnels such as the Nationally Vulnerable Pink-tailed Worm-lizard Aprasia parapulchella. Large rocky outcrops can support three times more reptile species than a patch of remnant vegetation of similar size, and old vegetation often supports more species than regrowth or revegetated areas. That’s not to say that natural regrowth or revegetation projects aren’t important, but if a management objective is to maintain maximum reptile diversity, rocky outcrops, paddocks of bushrock and old growth remnants need more formal protection.
#3. Revegetation projects support many different reptile species. However, most reptiles we found using 10 – 30 year old tree plantings tend to be widespread generalists, species that live in open grasslands, or wide ranging species capable of moving through farming landscapes (e.g. blue-tongue lizards and brown snakes). We have found more reptile species using revegetated areas if they are excluded from livestock grazing, support native grasses, provide both sunny and shady areas, and include dead trees, fallen timber and bushrock. Designing an ecological tree planting for reptiles may look very different to a planting designed to encourage small woodland birds back into the landscape.
#4. Grazing landscapes can support a wide variety of reptile species. Several studies have found that the number and composition of reptile species in grazing landscapes compared to ungrazed areas is comparatively similar. Although grazing management is important for rehabilitating native vegetation, in grassy woodland ecosystems some livestock grazing pressure has little influence on reptile communities. Instead, the presence of micro-habitats such as native grasslands, fallen timber and bushrock can override effects of grazing pressure. Sadly, new technology is now being used to pulverise and crush bushrocks in the paddock. This activity is extremely concerning as it may cause a new wave of localised lizard extinctions on farms. We should be actively seeking new ways to maintain and protect small rocky outcrops on farms, not developing technologies to turn them into rubble.
Rocky outcrops like this provide critical habitat for reptiles.
Article based on publication:
Revegetation, restoration and reptiles in rural landscapes: Insights from long-term monitoring programmes in the temperate eucalypt woodlands of south-eastern Australia
Reptile Surveys in the Cowra Region
Recently we received funding to conduct targeted surveys for reptiles, including the threatened Pink-tailed Worm-lizard Aprasia parapulchella, in the NSW Central Tablelands (Cowra, Canowindra, Woodstock and Darby’s Falls areas). Pink-tailed Worm-lizards are listed as vulnerable in Australia and are found in grasslands and woodlands of SE Australia. This legless lizard can grow to approximately 14cm in length and is often found living in ant or termite nests where it feeds on their larvae and eggs. Pink-tailed Worm-lizards are generally found in rocky outcrops or areas with scattered surface rocks and can be very difficult to detect. Even in areas of suitable habitat, there are only a few known records for this poorly understood species; with many records coming from our group’s own research on privately owned farmland. The same is true for many species of reptile found in the woodlands.
The project is funded by Central Tablelands Local Land Services NSW. The primary aim is to obtain new location records for some of the reptile species in the study area, including Pink-tailed Worm-lizard, and gain a better understanding of their habitat requirements and local distribution.
Pink-tailed Worm-lizard habitat. Photo: Dave Smith
Due to a hot, dry spring, which seemed to be affecting survey success, we’ve now completed these surveys for 2017 and are pleased to report that they were a great success. Over the course of 5 weeks in spring, we intensively surveyed around 40 sites, mostly on private farmland, finding over 350 individual reptiles and many frogs as well. In all we found 22 species of herpetofauna (reptiles and frogs) including our species of special interest—the Pink-tailed Worm-lizard. We found 33 Pink-tailed Worm-lizards during our surveys and uncovered three previously unknown populations. Of particular interest are sites where we detected Pink-tailed Worm-lizards on a hill range where they have not previously been recorded. Other interesting species that we found in good numbers were the Thick-tailed Gecko Underwoodisaurus milii and Dwyer’s Snake Parasuta dwyeri.
Little is known about reptile distribution patterns and habitat use on private farmland in the region and the data we have collected will be important in filling in some of the gaps in that knowledge. Looking forward, we plan to install stock exclusion fencing in areas with key populations to assess the reptiles’ sensitivity to grazing. If we can secure more funding we aim to continue the surveys and visit more of the many keen landholders who expressed an interest in these reptile surveys. We also plan to expand these surveys beyond the Cowra region in the coming years and experiment with the use of artificial substrates as a habitat restoration technique. Our hope is that this project will complement our existing work and allow us to further inform management strategies for the conservation of reptiles in agricultural landscapes.
Many thanks to all the interested and engaged landholders who are involved in this study.
Pink-tailed Worm-lizard: Dave Smith
Pink-tailed Worm-lizard in ant burrow: Dave Smith
Pink-tailed Worm-lizard in the hand
Pink-tailed Worm-lizard with ruler for scale
Thick-tailed Gecko: Dave Smith
Tags Reptiles, woodlands, Pink-tailed Worm-lizard, monitoring
Higher lamb survival rates, increased crop yields, better carrying capacity and biodiversity increases are some of the benefits both landholders and researchers are finding in a long term study.
Grassroots approach puts more in farmer's pockets
Kincora is a productive mixed grazing/cropping property south of Gundagai. Like many in the south west slopes twenty years ago, owner Sam Archer was facing issues with salinity and erosion. Farmers at the time took a chance and worked closely with Landcare and Greening Australia to preserve remnants, fence off drainage lines, and plant new seedlings across their paddocks. Two decades later, research by ANU which has closely monitored these areas since the beginning is showing clear improvements in both biodiversity, and the farm’s bottom line.
In Woodlands Tags woodlands, Box Gum, stewardship, economic benifits, landholders, farmers
One of Australia's most distinctive reptiles, the Thick-tailed Gecko is a social species with several usually found together. Photo: Mason Crane.
GALLERY: Spring brings out reptiles and researchers
Once the warmth of Spring hits eastern Australia, our research team races out to survey our long term monitoring sites for birds and reptiles. Spring is one of the best times to detect many species as they respond to warmer weather conditions. This September included surveys of the Murray Study sites as far west as Moulamein in New South Wales, sites in the heart of the South West Slopes in NSW, and sites as far north as Texas in Queensland for the Stewardship Study.
In Reptiles, South West Slopes, Woodlands, Stewardship, Murray Tags reptiles, woodlands, gecko, legless lizard, snakes, birds, stewardship, frogs, monitoring
Despite dry conditions in some areas, the surveys yielded a bumper year of Common Dunnarts. Photo: Thea O'Loughlin.
Long term surveys yield new surprises
Six years into monitoring of the Environmental Stewardship Study and the research team is turning up a number of species outside their ranges, and new species to the study. Doing the rounds of the Stewardship Study sites isn’t easy. Over 300 monitoring sites across 153 properties require regular bird, reptile, and vegetation surveys. Furthermore, the sites are located from Narranderra in southern NSW, through to Warwick in Queensland. Despite running for 16 years, the research team is still recording new species.
In Stewardship, Reptiles, Mammals, Woodlands Tags reptiles, woodlands, stewardship, mammals
The method of stagwatch surveys hasn’t changed since the study began. At dusk, researchers sit at the base of a stag tree and watch for emerging possums, gliders and owls. Here, I'm surveying a recently burnt patch of forest.
First after the fire: Leadbeater’s Possum sighted at historical location
Researchers knew from areas burnt by the 1939 and 1983 fires that Leadbeater’s Possum eventually returns after fire, provided large old trees are present within that regrowth. However, one of the key unknown questions relating to Leadbeater’s Possum was how long after the fires would it be until the possum began returning to burnt areas? In January 2016, after seven years of surveying for Leadbeater’s Possum in burnt forests around the Central Highlands without success, that question was finally answered.
In Vic Central Highlands, Leadbeater's Possum Tags Leadbeater's, possums, Possum, Fauna, Fire, VicAshStudy, stagwatching
Better for farmers, better for wildlife: the bearded dragon is one of hundreds of species found in box gum grassy woodlands befitting from the Environmental Stewardship Study. Photo: Chris MacGregor.
A conservation program that works? Now that's good news!
The Australian National University has been monitoring the Environmental Stewardship Programme for six years. Now, we have some good news to share. Our researchers outline the benefits of conservation investment on private land in an article in The Conversation.
In Woodlands, Reptiles, Stewardship Tags stewardship, conservation, woodlands, monitoring, The Conversation
Curl Snake’s are active both during the day and night. During this study they were commonly found under logs and were classified as a habitat specialist. Photo: Damian Michael.
Crops and cows, rocks and logs – what habitat do reptiles need in the farming landscape?
It might seem common knowledge on where to find reptiles but ecological research is just catching up in defining the habitat requirements for many species. Our team recently classified the niche requirements for nearly forty species of reptiles in the temperate Box Gum Grassy Woodlands of south eastern Australia.
In South West Slopes, Riverina, Nanangroe, Woodlands Tags woodlands, habitat, reptiles, Box Gum, niche, grazing
Researchers have provided a scientific response to a recent Leadbeater’s Possum fact sheet (Photo: Flickr)
Fact checking a fact sheet
Researchers at The Australian National University, led by Professor David Lindenmayer, have published more than 200 peer reviewed scientific articles and 8 books on the Victorian Central Highlands and Leadbeater’s Possum since 1983. As such, we have provided a scientific response to an Institute of Foresters Australia pamphlet on Leadbeater's Possum and the proposed Great Forest National Park.
In Vic Central Highlands, Leadbeater's Possum Tags Leadbeater's, possums, factcheck, IFA
The critically endangered Leadbeater’s Possum, Victoria’s faunal emblem, which is extremly dependent on large old trees for their survival.
Are nest boxes an effective management tool for Leadbeater’s Possum?
The large old trees that Leadbeater’s Possum use to den in are critically important for their survival, but are being lost to fire and forestry. Investing time, money, resources and energy into installing nest boxes to secure the possum’s survival is a theory that has already been tried, tested and disproved as a management tool. Ultimately, it is a distraction from the main game of habitat identification and protection.
In Vic Central Highlands, Leadbeater's Possum Tags VicAshStudy, Leadbeater's, Fire, Logging, Possum, Nestboxes, conservation
Southern Marbled Gecko Christinus marmoratus, Tessellated Gecko Diplodactylus tessellatus and Southern Spiny-tailed Gecko Strophurus intermedius. These three geckos have very different habitat relationships. The Marbled Gecko is found in areas with large eucalypt trees, the Tessellated Gecko prefers open areas with very few trees and the Spiny-tailed Gecko prefers areas with lots of Cypress Pine.
Weighing in on woodland management: What scale is important for conserving reptiles on farms?
Increasing native vegetation cover in the landscape and improving the condition of small fragments of native vegetation are two strategies often used to improve wildlife on farms. For less mobile species, such as small lizards and snakes, we don’t yet have a clear understanding of how effective these two strategies are for improving their numbers. We decided to address this knowledge gap by studying reptiles over a 12 year period across a range of modified environments.
In South West Slopes, Woodlands, Reptiles, Nanangroe, Riverina Tags reptiles, fauna, farms, management, Riverina, South West Slopes, Nanangroe, conservation, woodlands
The search for the Brush-tailed Phascogale
Can you find a species which hasn’t been locally seen for over a hundred years? Five years, thousands of nestbox checks and many camera trap nights later, the hunt for a Brush-tail Phascogale (Phascogale tapoatafa) in the South West Slopes of NSW continues!
In South West Slopes Tags South West Slopes, Brush-tailed, Phascogale, Fauna, Threatened, Camera traps
Peanut butter, potoroos, and possums: the twelfth year of trapping at Booderee National Park
Thousands of peanut butter laiden bait balls are placed into nearly 600 traps - set each night with anticipation of captures when checked in the early morning.
Tags Booderee, Parks Australia, Potoroo, Mammals
David Lindenmayer and his team have been researching the endangered Leadbeater's Possum for over 30 years.
32 years in the making: A brief history of long-term ecology
"Getting the science out" is a driving aim of our team. We work in complex systems and often the outcomes of our studies are only relayed through academic journals, and presented to funding partners, natural resource management bodies, government agencies and participating landowners.
Now, we want to share our research with the wider community.
Tags ecology, research, possums, Leadbeater's, woodlands, fragmentation
RT @MLLSEnviro: Want to know how to get the most out of your farm dam - for wildlife and for your livestock? Come along and hear fr… https://t.co/3gHf2ts4tk
RT @HolbrookLN: Farm Dam Field Day next week at Vince and Trish Ryan's - good stuff! https://t.co/yBTwD6295N
RT @jodirowley: #Frogs can be extremely abundant- they're just pretty good at hiding from us, especially in drier times. It's easy… https://t.co/sFQAbYEUdt
RT @clare_e_crane: Great haul today of sub-adult Peron’s Tree Frogs under artificial refugia at one of our SW Slopes study areas-26 un… https://t.co/xOCRIDidAQ
Want to meet the team?
Read our profiles.
Head on over to the 'Profiles' section to learn more about each of our field officers.
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Let's discuss burning Eve to the ground.
It is a rather extreme thought to cut out chunks of Eve. But, what if CCP did it? What if they cut out all the wounds in Eve? What if they just deleted Sov? What if they nuked all of the Titans? What if all the Supers were gone or at least evicted to null sec? What if freighters had to use gates again to move into low and null sec from high.
I ask for honesty. What would it do to Eve?
They are huge, improbable questions. I don't think that CCP would ever just delete huge swaths of content. Thy spend to much time trying not to take away what they have given. But, I see it suggested so often in frustration and irritation. And after trying to wrap it up in softer paper I decided to just ask.
I'm sure some people will say they don't care if capitals vanished from space. If every null sec empire crumbled there would be some who cheered in their wake. It is easy for me to not care about what happens in parts of the game I don't play. I don't think that it would be a smart path for me to take. The game is an entire organised after all. Even those wild, crazy creatures in wormhole space have some dependencies on the rest of the world. How else would they get their baths and food they have to chew if they were not forced to leave their pods? I've been listening to a lot of discussions about null and supers. It is not surprising. Summer is here. Eve is dying. Negativity is in the air. And with that comes the desire to fix things. A wish to stomp out the bad and correct it with something new.
One thing I walked away from the discussions with was a deeper understanding that the problems we face are more than simple game mechanic tweaks. Obvious, perhaps, but maybe it needs to be said again. To just cut things free and sew Eve back together may seem a simple enough answer. It is proposed often enough.
And what is excision? It is removal by cutting. It is not a kind thing. And CCP has spent the last two years fixing Eve. Strengthening its bone. Lasik to the eyes. Diet and exercise for its health. The game was not healthy under its surface and they have worked to fix that. But there are still things that will not heal. There are things that may be growing worse.
Can we improve everyone's world without causing harm? Is the boredom of a group like PL a symptom of a larger illness or the illness itself? It is after a hotdrop onto a group of cruisers that I hear, "get rid of the supers!" from someone. Are super pilots all punished? In these situations they are guilty by existence. "Grr supers," is growled and suddenly all super pilots are witches to be burned at the stake.
Whatever happens in null sec will ripple across low. After all, null sec entities control many moons in low. Supers and titans proliferate through all sizes of non-sov war corporation and alliances. And it will affect me. I'm over here two with a fleet of capital ships and a jump freighter. Every-time someone suggests a nerf to jump freighters I shudder in horror.
People keep saying they want to destroy some of Eve to save the rest of it. How much of Eve would need to be cut out to fully excise these wounds?
July 03, 2014 Labels: thoughts
Dersen Lowery July 3, 2014 at 12:33 PM
Well, let's put this post and the previous one together into a suggestion: what if supercaps could only be alliance assets? (Maybe corp assets as well?) You get rid of the problem of supercapital account sharing by fiat. You make capital SRP easier, and potentially involve the line members in the project of acquiring a(nother) supercap.
But if you're feeling an urge to take an axe to a fundamental part of the game, spend a good long time looking at the idea of "risk vs. reward." Because that usually translates to "known risk that I can minimize or eliminate altogether to procure this big, fat reward." That's just human nature. Anyone who actually takes risk head-on in EVE is either celebrated as brave or mocked as foolish. The net result is risk for non-veterans and reward for veterans. Malcanis' Law strikes again.
Competition is risky and inefficient for the people involved, even if its presence promotes efficiency on a broad scale. many real world companies will go out of their way to avoid it, or failing that, minimize the risk as much as possible. That's even more true for conflict. I think the solution, as ironic as it is, is to roll out mechanics that encourage cooperation and steady, if not exceptionally huge, income. The easier it is for people to band together, the more people will. The easier it is to stockpile and recover, the more willing people will be to throw down.
But that reduces the cost of loss, you say! Well, yes, that's the point. What makes you more likely to undock in a battleship, the fact that you have two more in the hangar and the resources to replace all three, or the fact that it's your last asset of any value? Risk implies risk management, which implies conflict aversion, which is not anyone's favorite aspect of a PVP game, right? Loss must still be costly for EVE to be EVE, but it doesn't have to be crippling.
Sugar Kyle July 3, 2014 at 10:47 PM
Well isn't not having crippling loss exactly what the SRP that groups push for. It creates goals and things to do. And I don't know, I don't like sharing. I'm greedy and selfish.
J Rosen July 3, 2014 at 12:39 PM
Interesting question. The only game mechanic I think needs to be removed is Titan bridging. Non-black ops ships are balanced around having to gate travel and not being able to instantly move across the universe. Bridges break that. I would either remove Titan bridge or modify them in a way so that the ships bridged are disabled for a period of time that increases by the number of systems they bypassed.
I don't think sov needs to be removed, but it does need to be revised in a way that claimed systems aren't empty.
"Can we improve everyone's world without causing harm?"
No, the only way to truly stop a cancerous growth is to remove it completely. Treatment may halt its progress, even reduce it to lessen the impact of removal on other parts of the system, but in the end it has to be cut.
Dersen Lowery July 3, 2014 at 1:10 PM
You can shrink cancers back to nothing. The mechanism for doing that is poorly understood, but the case histories are out there.
For instance, what if you modified Titan bridging so that the Titan went with the fleet? Or made it a "pull" mechanism where the Titan was at the destination rather than at the origin? Both have been suggested often enough on the official forums by enough people with nullsec experience that I think they're worth considering.
The point I'm getting at is that with a bit of lateral thinking you may be able to avoid excision. When CCP has excised something--the old crimewatch, for instance, or the inventory system, or soon the industry code--they've always had a replacement handy. I think that's a good way to go about things.
"Even those wild, crazy creatures in wormhole space...". That made me smile. We are not that wild or crazy. Of course we have high sec alts and we feel a little bit weird with gates and people around. But we are living an experience how nullsec should be. Something is only truly if you can defend it on a minute's notice.
DireNecessity July 3, 2014 at 1:53 PM
While I admire and occasionally partake in the burning desire to chasten the rabble by actually handing them the indiscriminate changes and excisions they foolishly demand, I suspect that, in CCP’s case at least, it may not be the optimal approach. The fickle have a bad habit of not returning for the lecture they so exceedingly deserve. Patience is difficult; being patient with the impatient doubly so.
Aaack! I’m about to respond to my own comment which greatly displeases me but, alas, there is no better option.
Metaphors, powerful as they are, can deceive. “Let's discuss burning Eve to the ground,” though a striking picture, misrepresents the situation we are in. Not because Eve won’t burn, it’ll torch up like kerosene, but because there is no ground. We’re not in a building, we’re on a boat. A boat in turbulent seas with leaking hull and damaged deck. She’ll burn all right, all the way to the waterline leaving us to drown. Much better, I think, to replace one plank at a time, improving the craft, tacking the headwind, approaching calmer waters.
Sugar Kyle July 3, 2014 at 2:49 PM
I can change that line to "lets sink Eve and see if we can swim" if you want a metaphor you like better.
Don’t change a word. I understood your entire post to be a frank examination of the casual ease with which players blithely toss around versions of “Burn it to the ground.” This led me to two small observations, neither of them intended as criticisms of your post or the manner in which you wrote it:
1) The indifference/malevolence bound up in the "Burn it" statement. You explored this . . . “If every null sec empire crumbled there would be some who cheered in their wake.” I was further struck by how, on those rare occasions when an entity actually grants a “Burn it to the ground” request it’s still often motivated by an indifferent/malevolent desire to . . . “chasten the rabble.”
2) Shortly after my, “indifference/malevolence everywhere, all the way down” comment I discovered your post still tugged at me. Beyond mere spite, what would lead, “People [to] keep saying they want to destroy some of Eve to save the rest of it?” You explored this too, “The game is an entire organis[m] after all,” but, still, players fail to see that snipping one fiber reverberates throughout. Well there are often numerous reasons for baffling blindness. I chose to examine inadequate conceptual tools (metaphor).
Sugar, I won’t pretend to know what motivates you to write your blog but I will confidently state that it often reads like a tool you use to get clear about something. For a reader like me it’s a wonderful thing since it not only allows me to watch a good mind explore a frustration, aggravation or puzzlement but also tends to entice me onto similar, though not identical, investigatory paths.
My blog is a stream of conscious, Dire. Come sit on my couch and chat but instead of spamming coms and my chatroom anymore than I do the ideas, musings, wondering, and reflections go here.
Kean Vernius July 5, 2014 at 10:47 AM
This approach and technique, primary among many reasons, is why this blog is so enjoyable to read and contemplate.
And yet that is what null-sec are trying to do to wormhole space.
Instant sig spawn made it a ratting paradise for them while removing any possible predators... .
Eh? You will have to explain this one to me a bit more.
Heretic Caldari July 3, 2014 at 4:50 PM
With the new discovery scanner, signatures appear instantly when they spawn. All of them. Prior to the change, the only way to find signatures was to put out probes and scan for them. In w-space, this meant you had to have a scanning scout with a player at the keyboard and actively probing in order to detect new signatures. The reason that is vital is that SOP in w-space when running sites (or doing any sort of op in a hole), is to scan down all the sigs (relic, data, wormholes), remove the non-wormholes from your scan results list, and collapse any wormholes so that you only had your static wormholes (which you left un-spawned).
And then you went happily to work while your scan picket watched his probes like a hawk. If a new signature appeared, that meant someone just opened an entrance to your hole and all the ratting ships and miners would warp to the POS and switch to PvP ships.
Now, all you need do is sit there, no probes out, no need to worry if you've got total system coverage, with the discovery scanner open and if a new sig spawns, you know instantly. No skill required (player or character).
The new discovery scanner is great for scanning in highsec, lowsec, and null. It has tipped the balance possibly too far towards the defender. And I say that as someone who relishes all the advantages I can get when ratting in my hole :) There have been other, ludicrous proposals to 'fix' the current scanner (like delaying the ability to detect K162 spawns) but all they would end up doing would be to tip the pendulum completely to the aggressor's side.
That I knew. What does it have to do with null sec?
Null-sec have been leading a charge for a long time to nerf w-space into the ground. For example, Mittens tried it when he was on CSM by trying to have ABC ores removed from w-space, claiming there was too much of it (Dr Eyjo slammed the door on that one pretty hard). I'm not sure who's brilliant idea the K162 debacle was, CCP or the non-wormhole members on the last CSM, but one thing is certain, only non-wormholers would benefit, and the most organized group of people trying to get a foothold in w-space right now is nullsec.
I've done the sov warrior bit and from my time in sov null, I can tell you that many, if not most sov null folks are scared or wormholes, don't know how they work, and seem bound and determined to do what they can to make w-space more like null.
No one in w-space wanted the new scanner as the fear was it would break the balance that existed between attacker and defender. And they were right.
For good or ill, right or wrong, there is an impression that many of the improvements to the game have been pushed by nullsec. I'm trying to fight against believing that, but what I do think is that most people tend to go with what they know and most of the nullsec CSM have publicly stated they only care about the folks that voted for them, the vast majority of whom are from null.
Why that is a problem is that, even if the null CSM members truly think they have the game's best interests in mind, they have almost no experience with w-space and so when they push for a change, or evaluate one from CCP, human nature being what it is, they are probably filtering for 'how will this affect null' subconsciously or not.
And since CCP puts a HUGE amount of weight behind the opinions of the CSM, I think you can see the concerns. Plus, the nullsec players base is among the most vocal, and that has to factor in somewhere.
Surely anyone living in lowsec understands being the red-haired step-child?
christopher wall July 3, 2014 at 5:46 PM
yo yo yo sugar asked me to reply to this (as I'm the wh CSM) yes the last few things have def made wh space safer for farming groups (be they null people or wormhole alt groups). I'm working to change this , the thing is stuff doesn't happen over night. I'd ask you to trust me and give me 6 months. But one thing alot of people assume is CSM can change stuff over night.
Nope, I don't assume CSM can change anything, really. They can push extol, advocate, but in the end if CCP doesn't want, CSM doesn't get :(
I am chuckling over the yo, yo, yo in his accent.
I understand the above worries Heretic. It is hard to ask you to see through my eyes when I cannot show you what I see. But this particular worry I do not have based off of the two months that I have been here and the way Corbexx get's work done. That is why I asked him to post.
I cannot promise everything nor can he but I can say that I believe the above situation is not where we are at with this CSM and CCP's interaction with us.
Jeff Kione July 3, 2014 at 3:16 PM
I've been reading these discussions as well, they make for nice topics for new blog posts. I don't know much about sov-null politics or any of that, but the situation strikes me as incredibly boring. You have two powerhouse alliances that are, at this point, almost too big to fall. I can't imagine how new corporations even try to get into the sovereignty game because of the state of these mega alliances. Maybe they don't even try.
"Winning" a sandbox game isn't really a thing, but these alliances are as close as you can get to "winning" the game. But winning is only fun for a while, then it becomes incredibly boring. It's boring to be the winner, and it's boring to watch the winners. Have you ever watched Big Brother? Powerhouse alliances are fun to start, but once you realize that they have clear sailing to the end, everyone gets bored. That's why the producers introduce new things that turn the game upside down, and give the underdogs the ability to seize some of the power. I think it'd be nice if CCP did something like that. What, I don't know. But something big to keep even the biggest and the best on their toes would be pretty awesome, even watching from the outside.
Eve is an interesting game of watching, is not it?
Jeff Kione July 4, 2014 at 7:58 AM
For me, yes. I can only speak for myself, but I suspect that the blogosphere wouldn't be as big as it is if people weren't interested in what other people are doing.
I would propose a more radical alternative - rebuild EvE. In it's entirety. Keep Tranquility ticking along. Yoink all the sections of code you want to keep and rewrite the rest to make the game you truly want.
Then, when ready, offer the players a chance to migrate to the new server. It would be a matter of juggling demand until you understand who wants to be where.
Can't help but think that trying to ungibberfy (yes, it's a word... now...) the POS code, as the usual example held up, is hugely wasteful on resource and fraught with danger, when you could have clean, server optimized code right out of the gate.
Get the balance issues right. Decide what you want to do with SOV. Decide how best to nullify TiDi. Then go for it...
Raziel Walker July 3, 2014 at 4:30 PM
Removing something from the game is fine if you can sell it as an improvement. But isn't the usual approach to change or replace a game feature?
Perhaps doing away with sov is an option and we can turn all of null into npc space. I don't know enough to even guess as to the results of that. But perhaps it just needs a reworking, just as happened before. Maybe this time bottom-up sov is worth a try.
(Titan) jump bridges were mentioned. I can easily imagine a game without them but then I would like more options for regions to be self-sustaining and not dependant on imports. Like making all ice variations available in all regions. Make ice belts respawn as a random type instead of fixed by region.
The main problem with EvE, as I see it, is the accumulation of wealth.
Everything that CCP has introduced has been designed around a core of whatever it is (capitals, supercapitals, sov, T2, etc) being self-limiting by wealth. That worked great in the early days, but with players and organizations that have been around as long as many have been, wealth as a limiting factor only really applies to the smaller, newer players and entities.
Sov Null is basically stagnant. No longer can the small-to-medium alliance try carving out it's chunk of space and make a go of it without hitching themselves to one of the huge power blocs. It's so bad that single non-blingy tengus get hot dropped by PL, or the major powers come up with these elaborate byzantine constructs designed to keep their players in pvp but without any real damage to the entities themselves.
There are lots of areas that a not quite working because the amount of isk floating about is what's breaking them. What this means is that any attempt to fix the problem(s) that doesn't take into account the ability of the filthy rich to circumvent the mechanic is effectively dead before it makes it out of the gate.
That said, there are some proposals that continue to crop up that I think are worth it, regardless of how deep fixes go or don't go.
Get rid of jump bridges and change titan bridges. By limiting the amount of space that can be covered effectively at speed, there is the potential to open up areas of space as the null blocs shrink in area as they have fewer and fewer pilots willing to go 20-30 jumps for a fight. Change covert cynos so that they, too, can be jammed. You still won't see cyno jammers cropping up everywhere because it also locks friendly jump-capabale ships out, too. Leave everything else about covert cynos as is, they'd still be incredibly useful, but a cyno jammer should jam everything or nothing.
Change the current sov structure so that activity in claimed systems is a big part of planting the flag. Doing so would mirror how things work IRL; it's not enough to simply claim an area, you must demonstrate a sufficient military presence to show that you care about keep others out.
We also need to do serious, immediate work on the corp interface. Currently, it is a bulky, blunt instrument and is a major detriment to operating in w-space (or out of any POS for that matter). More granularity needs to be introduced to corp roles. POS mechanics are bound hand-in-glove with the corp roles, btw. Working on one without the other is a waste of time, effort, and money. As things currently stand, I either have to open my POS to the world (i.e. everyone in the corp) or lock it down so tight that a black hole would be jealous.
Oh and scrap the discovery scanner and go back to the old method, please (or at least the old method of not knowing every sig in a system the moment one loads grid). Yes, I love how easy the new one is, but it's just too damned easy. 'OP' is the phrase, I believe.
There's lots more I can probably think of, but this has gone on far too long already :)
I have said before that I dislike the instant sig thing as well. There are many positives to the discovery scanner but I to wish that signatures that must be scanned were not shoved in your face.
Bitter July 4, 2014 at 10:05 AM
"Change the current sov structure so that activity in claimed systems is a big part of planting the flag."
I think that's a pressing need, practically a requirement if we are heading towards a "farms and fields" model.
Top-of-the-head idea: Buff all null-sec "system resources" by 20% -- ice, ore, moon-goo, PI, etc. But remove bounties on Rats (why should CONCORD care about null-sec?) and make full resource availability contingent on total, regular, Rat removal. Make it a sliding scale on a 28-day moving average like the upcoming "system index" for industry. Lore reason? The more you ignore the Rats the more they'll mine your ores, drop siphons on your moon ops, and so on.
Sov holders (or their proxies) have to manage their space to get the full benefit, and that means ships undocking. And *that* means more potential pew-pew :-)
Sugar Kyle July 4, 2014 at 10:17 AM
What are the line members getting out of this?
In terms of activity required for sov, we already have the bare bones of s system in place in terms of our the various Indices are calculated. Why not expand that, or better yet, morph the Strategic index from a simply marker of how long sov has been held to the actual sov, tying it to activity levels?
I'm not certain null resources need any sort of adjusting, in fact I'm fairly certain they don't.
The activity levels required, the types of levels required, all that is the devil in the details, but I think at this point we have got to move away from the current rent/isk-based sov to a more use it or lose it sov. This will require re-thiking, or at least re-evaluating, the requirements to place outposts, PI, ihubs, POS mods, etc, that all now require certain levels of sov.
Unfortunately, I don't see any way of getting around the current system of alliances owning all the big resource generators - that's simply emergent gameplay that can and should be managed at the alliance level by the players. If they're okay with greedy alliance directors, cool. If not, then let the revolution begin :)
As long as that kind of thing is not entrenched within the mechanics of the game, then how it falls out is up to the players. The real question that could cause all sorts of nasty is what happens if the players simply refuse to go along with something new and instead go with the same old same old with the result that the new system is 'broke' too?
Bitter July 8, 2014 at 5:36 AM
"What are the line members getting out of this?"
If it is "their" system they get more available resources for doing their own housework. In fact, instead of "more" make it "more valuable" -- so an hour's mining nets 20% more ISK at the high end, since ISK/hour is probably more important here.
If it's not "theirs", they do it for similar reasons as for any other corp or Alliance op. Either from a sense of duty, or because they get paid, or because they can fly around with mates shooting things. "Paid" should be high on the list, because the "local" corps can make more per hour and so be charged more (or asked to do more in return) by the Sov-holder.
Think player-run police units, flying around and keeping the peace. Indy corp that doesn't want to rat? Hire them to keep your system clean. Alliance wants to increase moon goo extraction? Send in the po-po or, if they're all away fighting another war, promise the locals some kickbacks if they do it for you. Want to sow dissatisfaction amongst the enemy's renters? Interdict their police actions and watch their profits tumble.
Sov space should be managed as well as fought over. And if that management itself requires resources, especially player time, the large blocks will have to decide whether to spread themselves ever thinner or concentrate and maximise their holdings -- potentially opening up gaps for new Alliances to make the leap to sov-null.
CCP should establish some ground rules for winning Sov and then set a date on which winner will be declared and after that hit the reset button and start over - just like any other game.
But that would give us an end game.
Duncan Ringill July 3, 2014 at 6:12 PM
The "how much to remove" is an easy question to answer. You remove as is needed, and replace with whatever is expected to work. CCP has been implementing gradual change--wisely, I believe--to steer the game in desired directions.
While I would guess that the sudden removal of supercaps wouldn't directly affect *my* gaming, the EVE economy is a deep one, and I doubt the most knowledgeable devs could predict all the outcomes. Not a good strategy for a company whose eggs still sit in a single basket.
Debating how much of a particular change probably isn't helpful, then. The removal of a class of ships won't ever be done suddenly, and certainly not in a vacuum (get it?), but would be a piece of an overall strategy.
Well doctors do not blindly cut (I hope).
Easy Esky July 3, 2014 at 10:44 PM
I had this weird idea quite some time ago. Instead of "removal", what about disabled. Don't think of it as a cancer to cut out, but rather a broken arm set a sling and can not be used. Disable titans for a week. (if someone really needs an excuse, Titan crews are having industrial action).
Something like a trial run?
Easy Esky July 7, 2014 at 3:53 AM
A trial is an interest view - not something I immediately considered. The genesis of the thought came from disabling mining barges for a week. I think it came to me after reading an umpteenth thread about suicide ganking. It was an idea to jolt players out of a rut activity in Eve. Expand their horizons. (although that may not be the actual result).
Would someone actually mount a challenge to sov space, knowing that a insta-hotdrop defence is not possible?
There appears to be a growing malaise (at least from where I sit) in the player base. Every so often the monster needs a jolt from its creator. It's alive?!
Angry Onions July 4, 2014 at 9:54 AM
The most serious issue with EVE is not something EVE haves and must be removed, but something it doesn't haves an it's costing it its future.
EVE needs quality gameplay for those not interested in PvP, or second jobbing, or multiplayer. It needs quality PvE content, quality casual-friendly content, and quality solo content.
I agree that these areas and the spaceship game part need a lot of love and attention.
Unfrotunately the have-nots are not in a position to make themselves heard. Thus, albeit there is a development plan, it accounts for nullsec needs with a touch of lowsec love and some hot air ("hey, but we love you too") for hisec.
I took very good note on how fixing PvE was NOT a part in CCP Seagull's presentation at Fanfest: Fix industry -> fix corps -> fix starbases -> fix sov -> add nullsec stargates to new content-> tell the other 80% of your customers to go play Elite Dangerous and Star Citizen instead of EVE -> find a new job if you weren't quick enough to jump ships while you could.
The pretense to rather develop a PC FPS (after flopping a console FPS and mismanaging to death an MMO) than do *something* with EVE's avatars is just the icing on the cake.
Heretic Caldari July 5, 2014 at 9:28 AM
To be fair, industry has had a lot less love for a lot longer than PVE. At least PVE has gotten Incursions, whereas industry has been neglected for far too long. Also POS/Corp roles desperately need reworking.
None of that is to say that PVE needs love too. It does. I'd love to see all the missions get another pass to tweak some of the existing and add some new ones. Hell, what I'd really like to see is (more) missions not only specific to agent level, but also the corp/faction.
The problem is that a LOT of EvE needs fixing/reworking and the excuse of we can't devote resources is wearing very, very thin.
Surely by now, after 10 years, the bugs should have been worked out of the older content. I wouldn't put up with this kind of delay in an operating system, or any other kind of product, so why should I in EvE?
Put another, very blunt way, if CCP fails to give me a product that meets my needs, why should I continue to invest my time and effort into them? It's far past time that CCP started introducing smart business practices to marry up with their vision.
They ain't just a bunch of guys working out of their garage any more, and the longer they remain in business, I think their customers justifiably have come to expect less college freshmen and more adult behaviour.
CCP have got themselves into trouble because they ignored data and have generally moved way too slow in terms of maintenance of existing systems. If they really want to change things, they need to start doing things a lot better and a lot, lot faster.
Put another way, I, and I bet a lot more players than just myself, am tired of their excuses. They need to start delivering the performance we demand and they need to start now.
Now this has been a fairly negative and bleak post, but CCP need to hear a bit more of this to counterbalance their All is well mantra. That said, they have been doing a lot of things right (a mostly hands off approach to player interaction, allowing unlimited character interaction on the same account/IP address, the single shard, the absolutely brilliant economic model, etc), and they need to hear that, too.
Ishtanchuk Fazmarai July 6, 2014 at 3:56 AM
After years adding new stuff withotu looking back, most of EVE needed to be reworked and fixed. I think that few will object that. What is questionable is the Hallelujah Plan, which leads to very much needed new content but that content will only be accessible to a minority of the game -nullsec. Even worst, nullsec already enjoys the only viable endgame content of the game; there's people who quit and nullseccers who stay subbed for 10 years.
CCP's reading of that is that more nullsec and a better accesibility to nullsec will increase the amount of players who stay for longer tenures, but that is a terrible decission in the fact that most new players are closer to the kind of player with a shorter tenure, and will eventually become players with a shorter tenure as reaching nullsec is either random or a decisison taken before playing the game.
Rather than send Mohamet after that massive mountain of soon-to-be-unsubbed customers, CCP Seagull is betting the future of the company into luring enough of the mountain to where Mohamet is sitting on his fat and bored nullsec ass.
That would be moderately wise if nullsec was paying for a disproportionate amount of subscriptions, but that is more of a legend than reality. EVE's dirty secret is that it has thrived on carebears since 2004, and without them, there's not enough people paying subs to keep CCP in the business. Specially when novices are welcome by bored veterans who pay to strangle them in the craddle.
Incarna was a bet, and CCP lost it. They've been taking water since and now they're sinking faster than they can sort their issues. And what is killing EVE are not the big holes in the hull, but the slow, deadly intake from a thousand open seams.
And just to make it worst, competition is coming.
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Student Issues
Traditional and Administrative Writ of Mandate
Our team is fully-equipped to handle the sweeping range of litigation experienced by our clients throughout the state. Lozano Smith attorneys work in partnership with clients in identifying the strengths and weaknesses of any lawsuit early on as well as developing a strategy that assures your best interests are advanced. Given the landscape and climate of the political arena, a "win" does not always equate to being victorious in the courtroom. When litigation is necessary, our attorneys are capable and experienced in implementing a litigation plan - whether as a Plaintiff or Defendant - which leads to success. That success is easily recognized by the numerous verdicts obtained by our attorneys through both state and federal court. Likewise, our attorneys are also shrewd negotiators, where a negotiated resolution is the preferred outcome. Some of the highlights of our attorneys’ expertise include:
Our attorneys frequently handle claims alleging violation of individuals civil rights arising under both state and federal law, including lawsuits alleging violations of 42 U.S.C. Section 1983 and California's equivalent, the Bane Act. Lozano Smith's police civil rights attorneys vigorously defend peace officers in federal and state court against a wide variety of claims, including excessive force, unlawful arrest, civil rights, wrongful death, assault and battery, negligence, and seizure actions. We have handled class action cases ranging from hundreds to thousands of plaintiffs, and aided clients against claims seeking punitive damages. Our holistic focus on clients is regularly demonstrated with our understanding of the underlying training, policies and practices related to law enforcement officers. Not only do our attorneys provide law enforcement training, our deep bench of litigators and Local Government Practice Group work in conjunction with numerous departments to update and implement appropriate policies.
Real experience is indispensable when attorneys are called upon to defend claims under the Americans with Disabilities Act and/or California's Disabled Person's Act. Our attorneys recently represented the City of Los Angeles in arguably the largest ADA class action litigation ever prosecuted in the state, based on claims of program access and accessibility barriers. Our approach to disability claims is also somewhat unique; each claim is analyzed independently to identify not only the potential risk and expense, but also to develop a plan for resolving the matter as expeditiously and efficiently as possible. Although our attorneys have litigated countless disability lawsuits through state and federal courts, they are also adept at directing matters towards structured negotiations either prior to or after the suit has been filed.
While insurance coverage is likely not the first issue that comes to mind when discussing the representation of public entities, it is nevertheless significant. One of our considerations in any assignment is if there is a potential for contribution from other sources, whether those contributions are defense costs or indemnity payments. As part of the firm's overall case management approach, we investigate insurance coverage and the viability of indemnity claims to help pay for litigation costs and defray client expenses. We have a core group of attorneys who serve as defense counsel with extensive experience in insurance coverage and bad faith actions, assuring any potential benefits are either provided or pursued on behalf of our clients.
Government Claims Act & Governmental Immunities
Due in large part to our focus on representing public entities and their employees, we are immensely familiar with the Government Claims Act and the related immunities. That experience has allowed us to take advantage of lesser-known provisions of the Act, successfully arguing key provisions and the related immunities through dispositive motions and assuring that any discovery is carefully undertaken in order to narrow a plaintiff's claims. In situations involving representation of judicial officers, board members and/or council members, this often translates to the case being completely dismissed in response to either a Demurrer or Motion to Dismiss. Our attorneys have written an up to date Government Claims Handbook that all clients receive, that includes form letters and current information on the Act.
Lozano Smith's Construction Advice and Litigation ("CAL") attorneys provide timely and cost-sensitive legal services related to public works projects of all kinds. We assist clients with project planning, contract documents, and bid issues at the beginning of a project; project management, disputes and change orders during a project; and completion, payment, claims and litigation at project closeout. Our dispute resolution and litigation expertise spans all disputes, whether standard (extra work, delay and stop payment notice claims) or complex (contractor defaults, surety disputes and false claims). We have also successfully represented clients in construction consultant disputes and construction defect litigation.
CEQA and Environmental Law
Our attorneys have extensive experience assisting public agencies with CEQA issues and other California environmental laws. We frequently advise our clients how they may best navigate CEQA procedures and avoid legal challenges. Recently, Lozano Smith advised the City of Piedmont in relation to CEQA compliance for a hotly contested field and lighting project. Lozano Smith has had a successful track record in litigating CEQA issues. For example, we prevailed in a heavily contested series of lawsuits, including CEQA causes of action, seeking to stop development of a public high school that was supported and approved by Pajaro Valley Unified School District and the City of Watsonville. The primary case was upheld on appeal.
Although not as dramatized as many of our other matters, premises liability claims are at the core of our litigation practice. Lozano Smith's attorneys have represented scores of public entities throughout the state in defense of claims alleging the existence of a dangerous condition of public property. Our role as defense counsel often expands to assist in updating our clients' business practices and policies in an effort to not only minimize future claims, but also eliminate injuries. One of our attorneys has also been at the forefront of this area by litigating two of the lead cases recently decided by the California Appellate Courts, articulating the standards for establishing when a public entity could be held liable for the misuse of public property.
Our attorneys have significant experience in advising and responding to investigations by the Department of Justice, Attorney General's office, FBI, District Attorneys' office and related regulatory and/or investigatory agencies. That experience allows us to assure that any interactions are undertaken with an eye towards protecting our clients from any potential exposure. However, we understand there are multiple facets to the process. More often than not, the involvement by those agencies signifies a more significant issue which is likely to receive significant public scrutiny. We are keenly aware of the Freedom of Information Act and the related Public Records Act and how the various media sources utilize those rights to obtain copies of our clients' responses. Moreover, we understand how to utilize those proceedings to our clients' advantage.
Our attorneys work with various public agencies handling discrimination, harassment and retaliation matters. Members of the Litigation Practice Group have represented public agencies in investigations by administrative agencies, and have handled discrimination, harassment and retaliation suits from the initiation of litigation through the rendering of a jury verdict in both state and federal courts. Our attorneys also regularly conduct training for supervisory and other employees on discrimination, harassment and retaliation prevention.
Administrative Hearings / Discipline and Grievance Proceedings
Our background in advising public employers provides us with the practical knowledge of such matters when it comes to negotiations, contract grievances, disciplinary appeals, unfair labor practice charges, and personnel investigations. We have represented and defended public sector employers in virtually all matters involving state and federal labor and employment laws, including:
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 / Civil Rights Act of 1991
Fair Labor Standards Act / Equal Pay Act of 1963
Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967
Title I and Title V of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act
California Fair Employment and Housing Act
Unruh Civil Rights Act
California Family Rights Act and Pregnancy Disability
The Litigation Practice Group works in partnership with clients, regularly communicating the status of their case, with an eye toward cost containment and ensuring they're timely informed about the progress of their case. When litigation is undertaken, a case budget is prepared, the client's approval is obtained for that budget and regular communication is maintained to keep the client informed of the status of the case as it is proceeding. The firm is experienced and well versed in various forms of ADR, including arbitration, mediation and both informal and formal settlement conferences.
Allison B. Hernandez Associate
Sacramento ahernandez@lozanosmith.com
Alyse Pacheco Nichols Associate
Walnut Creek anichols@lozanosmith.com
Alyssa R. Bivins Associate
Sacramento abivins@lozanosmith.com
Amanda E. Ruiz Senior Counsel
Fresno aruiz@lozanosmith.com
Anne L. Collins Partner
Sacramento acollins@lozanosmith.com
Arne B. Sandberg Partner
Walnut Creek asandberg@lozanosmith.com
Christine A. Goodrich Of Counsel
Fresno cgoodrich@lozanosmith.com
Courtney de Groof Associate
Sacramento cdegroof@lozanosmith.com
Darren C. Kameya Partner
Los Angeles, San Diego dkameya@lozanosmith.com
Erin M. Hamor Senior Counsel
Sacramento ehamor@lozanosmith.com
Erin Frazor Associate
Walnut Creek efrazor@lozanosmith.com
Gabriela D. Flowers Partner
Sacramento gflowers@lozanosmith.com
Jenell Van Bindsbergen Partner
Fresno jvanbindsbergen@lozanosmith.com
Jessica A. Mejorado Associate
Fresno jmejorado@lozanosmith.com
Kristy J. Boyes Associate
Sacramento kboyes@lozanosmith.com
Lauren A. Lyman Associate
Los Angeles llyman@lozanosmith.com
Lauren Kawano Associate
Sacramento lkawano@lozanosmith.com
Marcy Gutierrez Partner
Sacramento, Los Angeles mgutierrez@lozanosmith.com
Mark K. Kitabayashi Partner
Los Angeles, Bakersfield mkitabayashi@lozanosmith.com
Mark W. Waterman Partner
Los Angeles mwaterman@lozanosmith.com
Matthew M. Lear Associate
Fresno mlear@lozanosmith.com
Michael R. Linden Senior Counsel
Fresno mlinden@lozanosmith.com
Michele R. Lyons Senior Counsel
Monterey mlyons@lozanosmith.com
Michelle L. Cannon Partner
Sacramento mcannon@lozanosmith.com
Nicholas G. Felahi Associate
San Diego nfelahi@lozanosmith.com
Regina A. Garza Partner
Fresno rgarza@lozanosmith.com
Ryan M. Harrison, Sr. Associate
Sacramento rharrison@lozanosmith.com
Scott G. Cross Partner
Fresno scross@lozanosmith.com
Sloan R. Simmons Partner
Sacramento ssimmons@lozanosmith.com
Tina C. Mirzazadeh Associate
Walnut Creek tmirzazadeh@lozanosmith.com
Travis E. Cochran Senior Counsel
Monterey tcochran@lozanosmith.com
Wiley R. Driskill Senior Counsel
Fresno wdriskill@lozanosmith.com
Appellate Court Addresses Evidentiary Issue Impacting Burgeoning Field Of Child Abuse Litigation Against Public Entities
By:Sloan Simmons, Allison Hernandez - 07/09/2019
July 2019Number 32In D.Z v. Los Angeles Unified School District, the California Court of Appeal clarified that California laws governing the evidence offered at trial require that courts use a two-step inquiry for all such evidence: First, determine the relevance of the evidence, and second, determine whether the court should exercise its discretion to exclude such evidence. In D.Z., such inquiry was not applied by the trial court when it determined to exclude all evidence that did not involv...
Letter Saves City From Potential Brown Act Violations
By:Manuel Martinez, Tina Mirzazadeh - 06/07/2019
June 2019Number 27Sometimes public entities stumble despite their best efforts to dutifully comply with the Brown Act. Fortunately, the Brown Act allows these entities to fix certain violations by identifying the problem and promising never to do it again.Public entities faced with allegations of Brown Act violations can look to TransparentGov Novato v. City of Novato as a guide to avoid ensuing litigation.TransparentGov Novato v. City of NovatoIn TransparentGov Novato, a group of city reside...
By:Claudia Weaver, Wesley Carlson - 06/07/2019
June 2019Number 28A Civic Center Act provision that allocates liability between a school district and the users of school facilities means what it says, according to a recent decision by the California Court of Appeal. In Grossman v. Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District, the court found the district was not liable for injuries suffered by a parent-attendee at a carnival held by a booster group at one of the district's schools. The court also highlighted the statute's intent that school...
Schools And Public Agencies Face A Rise In Digital Copyright Infringement Claims For Use Of Protected Photos
By:Harold Freiman - 04/18/2019
April 2019Number 19Cease and desist letters alleging copyright infringement for the unauthorized use of digital photos-along with demands for settlement payments ranging from hundreds to tens of thousands of dollars-are being sent to public agencies. This trend seems to be on the rise, whether it is a journalism student's use of a photo for the online student newspaper, or a social media manager's use of a graphic for the agency's Facebook feed. Although the initial demands can be quite high,...
By:Kelly Rem - 02/22/2019
February 2019Number 12A California appellate court has ruled that lay public opinions on nontechnical issues concerning a project's size and general appearance can provide substantial evidence of environmental impact, triggering the need to prepare an environmental impact report (EIR) under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).The California Environmental Quality ActCEQA generally requires public agencies to identify potentially significant impacts of projects they carry out or app...
Court Reaffirms Governing Board’s Ability to Impose Reasonable Limits on Public Comment
September 2018Number 51A California appellate court recently reaffirmed the limitations a governing board of a public entity can impose on public comments during a board meeting (Ribakoff v. City of Long Beach).BackgroundAs was his frequent practice, Joe Ribakoff attended a Long Beach Public Transportation Company (LBTC) board meeting as an interested citizen. LBTC's lone shareholder is the City of Long Beach, and LBTC operates as a public entity. During the public comment period, Ribakoff sp...
Court Limits Enforcement of Public Sleeping Ordinances
By:Jenell Van Bindsbergen, Wesley Carlson - 09/20/2018
September 2018Number 50A federal appeals court has held that a city could not enforce local ordinances that prohibit homeless persons from sleeping outside when shelter is not available. Municipalities with similar ordinances may be affected by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals' decision in Martin v. City of Boise.BackgroundAt a time when homelessness is an issue that cities and counties are increasingly called to address, a common trend is to prohibit sleeping and camping on the sidewalk, i...
Representative Cases
In Govan v. City of Clovis, Lozano Smith successfully obtained dismissal of several constitutional and other statutory claims asserted by a Plaintiff business operator against the City of Clovis and individual City police officers, where the Plaintiff challenged the City of Clovis’ sign ordinance and its enforcement. The District Court, entered judgment in the City’s favor following dismissal of all of the Plaintiff’s claims, which included several theories on the alleged violation of his First Amendment free speech rights, violation of his constitutional due process rights violation of his equal protection rights, and other state law claims.
Chisom et al. v. Bd. of Retirement et al. Court of Appeal, Fifth District. Case No. F064259 A recent published decision upholding a decade-old settlement agreement and rejecting a group of retired Fresno County employees' attempt to use parole evidence to advance an interpretation of the settlement agreement that would have allowed the former employees to pursue their claims for an "enhanced" non-service-connected disability retirement benefit.
Leonard Avila v. City of Los Angeles, et al. 9th Circuit Court of Appeal, Case No. 12-55931 where Lozano Smith successfully defended the City of Los Angeles and Los Angeles Police Department in an employment case. Following testimony, Lozano Smith asked the judge to dismiss certain claims because the officer had not introduced sufficient evidence. The judge agreed in part, and the jury was only asked to consider the officer's claims concerning retaliation under the FLSA and due process violations. The jury's verdict was a good one for the City and the LAPD, because they prevailed on the due process claim.
Assisted eleven school districts in invalidating audits of several state mandated cost reimbursement claims worth more than $30 million, based upon the use of invalid, underground auditing documentation rule by the State Controller's Office. The firm was later able to receive an award of $240,000 from the superior court for fees and costs incurred in the litigation efforts, largely offsetting the school districts' legal costs in the case. (Clovis Unified School District v. Chiang (2010) 188 Cal.App.4th 794.)
Shiell, et al. v. County of Los Angeles, et al., Los Angeles County Superior Court Case No. BC208582, Equal protection action claiming staff members of a non-profit, public benefit corporation were entitled to the same rights, salaries and benefits of County employees because they performed the same work. A dispositive motion was decided in the County's favor.
Lozano Smith represented the City of Los Angeles in one of the largest class action disability lawsuits in the country. In Willits, Mark, et al. v. City of Los Angeles, the plaintiff filed an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) complaint to install curb cuts and sidewalk repairs throughout the City, to enforce the ADA. This case involved extensive E-Discovery of the City and its various departments’ internal data management system. The recently negotiated settlement will allow the City to completely revitalize its public right-of-ways to assure that all of the residents and visitors are able to fully participate in all of the available programs and services offered by the City.
Hall, et al. v. County of Los Angeles, Los Angeles County Superior Court Case No. BC208583, Approximately 200 female attorneys of a non-profit, public benefit corporation brought a sex discrimination suit claiming they were not receiving the same salaries and benefits as male employees of the County, despite doing the same work. The County’s dispositive motion was ultimately granted on the grounds that plaintiffs were using improper male comparators and had not shown any indicia of discrimination.
Lozano Smith was part of the team representing Los Angeles Unified School District in Williams v. State of California, a massive statewide class action involving alleged conditions in public schools including alleged inequalities in school facilities, instructional materials and teachers, particularly at underperforming schools that were already the subject of various state and federal categorical programs.
Nathan G. v. Clovis Unified School District (2014) 224 Cal.App.4th 1393. Successfully defended school district’s involuntary transfer of student to continuation high school and obtained first published opinion interpreting the involuntary transfer statute, the appropriate level of judicial review in such cases, and the nature of other means of correction requirement under the law before imposing an involuntary transfer.
In Doe 1, et al. v. State of California, et al., Lozano Smith successfully represented Dinuba Unified School District by resolving litigation brought by the American Civil Liberties Union (“ACLU” and three of its affiliates – Northern California, Southern California, and San Diego), California Rural Legal Assistance, Inc., Asian Pacific American Legal Center, and Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, PC. As lead counsel, the ACLU alleged inadequate monitoring of the District’s English Language Learner programs, and that the District maintained an educational method which they alleged violated federal law and the state constitution. The lawsuit presented new questions of law under federal education statutes as well as state constitutional provisions. The result for the District was significant, and substantially reduced liability and exposure – saving over $1,000,000 in claimed plaintiff's attorney fees.
A.A. v. Raymond (E.D. Cal. July 22, 2013) 2013 WL 3816565. Successfully represented Sacramento City Unified School District in defeating a bid to halt school closures by way of preliminary injunction, where the federal district court agreed that plaintiffs were unlikely to succeed on the merits of their equal protection, American Disabilities Act, and due process claims challenging the school closures.
Clovis Unified School District v. Chiang (2010) 188 Cal.App.4th 794. Assisted eleven school districts with invalidating audits of several state mandated cost reimbursement claims worth more than $30 million, based upon the use of invalid, underground auditing documentation rule by the State Controller’s Office. The firm was later able to receive an award of $240,000 from the superior court for fees and costs incurred in the litigation efforts, largely offsetting the school districts’ legal costs in the case.
Cal.200 et al. v. San Francisco Unified School District, San Francisco County Superior Court Case No. CGC-13-534975. Lozano Smith is representing multiple school districts in this statewide class-action lawsuit alleging violation of Physical Education instructional minutes in grades 1-6. The firm is effectively navigating a resolution of this case.
Anderson Union High School District v. Shasta Secondary Home School (2016) 4 Cal.App.5th 262. Lozano Smith successfully argued, in a case of first impression, that the geographic and site limitations of the Charter Schools Act (Ed. Code, § 47600 et seq.) are applicable to all charter schools, including “nonclassroom-based” programs.
Everett H. v. Dry Creek Joint Elementary School District (E.D. Cal. 2014) __ F.Supp.3d __, 2014 WL 1123802. Successfully established on motion to dismiss inability of plaintiff to state claims against individual district defendants under the IDEA, Title II of the ADA and section 504.
McIntyre v. Sonoma Valley Unified School District (2012) 206 Cal.App.4th 170. Successfully defended the school district against employee challenge to status and nonreelection. The California Court of Appeal reaffirmed key legal principles by holding that the school district correctly classified the employee as a temporary employee and then properly converted her to a probationary employee and properly and timely nonreelected employee during her second year of probationary employment.
Rimando v. Alum Rock Union Elementary School District (9th Cir. 2009) 356 Fed.Appx. 989. Successfully argued that a California public school district is a “State employer” for purposes of the Uniform Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA) and consequently suits against school districts under USERRA must be filed in state court. The Rimando decision is the first of its kind by the Ninth Circuit to address USERRA suits brought against California public school districts.
Atwater Elementary School District v. Department of General Services (2007) 41 Cal.4th 227. Lozano Smith attorneys successfully represented a school district and convinced the California Supreme Court to issue a landmark decision holding that the four-year limitations period for a school district to bring dismissal charges against a teacher is not absolute. As a result, the Supreme Court adopted the school district’s contention that the four-year period should be extended based on principles of equity to permit the District to introduce evidence of sexual misconduct that was discovered by the district many years after it occurred. This important case strengthens the ability of all public school districts to impose discipline against certificated employees.
Alex G. v. Bd. of Trustees (E.D. Cal. 2005) 387 F.Supp.2d 1119. Successfully moved for partial summary judgment on behalf of the District, resulting in one of the first published decisions applicable in California to stand for the proposition that a plaintiff seeking to impose liability under section 504 in the context of special education “must show that the educational decisions relating to the student were so inappropriate as to constitute either bad faith or gross misjudgment.”
Modtech Holdings v. Pajaro Valley Unified School District. On two separate elementary school projects totaling $4 million, the District withheld substantial sums to cover damages caused the contractor. One project suffered a fire for which the contractor was not compensating the District for its damages. The other project suffered construction deficiencies in the stucco and roof. The contractor sued for improper withholding and the District cross-complained for additional damages, creating a $1 million dispute. After discovery and expert investigation revealed additional claims for the District, the case resolved very favorably for the District a few months short of trial.
Morgan Hill Unified School District v. Minter & Fahy Construction Company, Inc. et al., Santa Clara County Superior Court, Case No. CV772368 (2002-2003). As part of a three week jury trial, successfully represented the school district against contractor and pipe manufacturer arising from underground fuel storage tank that leaked, and obtained judgment in excess of $2 million including interest and attorney’s fees. *Case handled by a current Lozano Smith attorney prior to their employment at Lozano Smith.
K.M. v. Tustin Unified School District. In 2013 and 2014, represented the National School Boards Association and California School Boards Association as amicus curiae before the U.S. Supreme Court, in an attempt to convince the court to grant review of a Ninth Circuit opinion relating to the interaction between the IDEA and ADA.
Hildebrandt v. St. Helena Unified School District (2009) 172 Cal.App.4th 334. Lozano Smith attorneys authored an amicus brief on behalf of the California School Boards Association (CSBA) and asserted arguments that were adopted by the Court of Appeal in regard to bumping rights in a certificated layoff. This important case established a school district’s right to refuse to “split” an existing full-time certificated position during a certificated layoff to accommodate a more senior employee’s desire to “partially bump” into a more junior employee’s assignment.
Chavez v. City of Los Angeles (2010) 47 Cal.4th 970. Amicus counsel for the League of California Cities and the California State Association of Counties, in which the California Supreme Court sided with amici and the City of Los Angeles with regard to limits on the award of fees under the Code of Civil Procedure.
Morse v. Frederick (2007) 127 S.Ct. 2618. Amicus counsel for the National School Boards Association and the American Association of School Administrators. The Supreme Court of the United States upheld the right of a high school principal in Juneau, Alaska, to discipline a student who held up a banner proclaiming “BONG HiTS 4 JESUS” during a school-endorsed activity even without a showing of likely material disruption to the school environment. In doing so, the court overruled the previous decision of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, which would have imposed personal liability on the principal for violation of the student’s First Amendment rights.
Eklund v. Byron Union School District (9th Cir. 2005) 154 Fed.Appx. 648. Represented the National School Boards Association and the California School Boards Association as amicus, where the district won the case before the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals on a question involving religion in the schools.
Mark K. Kitabayashi
Sloan R. Simmons
Tort Claims Handbook
Transcending experience.
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Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books: Mr Ripley's Children's New Book Picks - October 2015 - UK Post
Lara Williamson - The Boy Who Sailed the Ocean in an Armchair - Published by Usborne Publishing Ltd (1 Oct. 2015)
Becket Rumsey is all at sea.
His dad has run away with him and his brother Billy in the middle of the night. And they've left everything behind, including their almost-mum Pearl. Becket has no idea what's going on - it's a mystery.
So with the help of Billy and a snail called Brian, Becket sets out on a journey of discovery. It's not plain sailing but then what journeys ever are?
An extraordinary story of courage, dreams and finding your way, from the bestselling author of A Boy Called Hope.
Chris D'Lacey - The Erth Dragons: Book 1 The Wearle - Published by Orchard Books (1 Oct. 2015)
The Wearle came to Erth to find out what happened to their previous colony, who never returned. Gabrial, a young blue dragon, is desperate to prove his worth. But the dragons aren't alone in the mountains.
Out beyond the scorch line, Ren, a young hom boy, is fascinated by the 'skalers'. Little does he know that his fate and theirs are linked in ways he could never have imagined.
Alexander Yates - The Winter Place - Published by Simon & Schuster Children's Books (22 Oct. 2015)
When a mysterious stranger and his brown bear show up on the same day that Axel and Tess's father dies in an accident, Axel fears he might be going crazy, especially as only he can see them. However, the strange duo are quickly forgotten when Axel and Tess are shipped off to Finland to stay with grandparents that they've never met. But when they arrive in Finland, Axel is stunned when the stranger and his bear reappear. More incredibly, the stranger tells him that his parents are lost and need help. Desperate to see his father again, and actually meet his mother, Axel follows the man and his bear, disappearing deep into the frozen wilds of northern Finland. When Tess realises that her brother has vanished she's distraught. And so begins the frantic search across snow and ice into the dark forest. But as the hours creep by and with no sign of Axel, Tess begins to wonder if her brother has ventured onto a path that she cannot follow. Delving into the timeless, fantastical world of Nordic mysticism, set against the harsh beauty of a frozen landscape, The Winter Place is an imaginative, beautiful story of loss, love and hope, a story of family, and of a brother and sister who find each other again.
Che Golden - The Raven Queen: The Feral Child Trilogy - Published by Quercus Books (6 Oct. 2015)
Maddy and her cousins are ready for battle. War in the faerie realm threatens to spill into the human world. The three cousins are determined to protect all they love from the Tuatha, the fearsome faerie leaders. As the Morrighan, the supreme monarch of the Tuatha, awakes, Maddy realises she's going to need more than just physical strength and luck to survive. The Tuath are notorious tricksters, and Maddy will have to outsmart them for good - or else plunge two whole worlds into the darkest chaos.
Labels: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, MG, Mystery, New Book Picks, October 2015, UK Published, YA
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Friday, July, 19, 2019
Home Elections
Religious Leaders' Appeal Will Have No Impact on Muslim Voters: AMUTA
Published: 11th April 2014 02:57 PM | Last Updated: 11th April 2014 02:58 PM | A+A A-
Aligarh Muslim University Teachers Association has criticised the practise of religious leaders issuing appeals in support of political parties and said such calls will have no impact on the Muslim community voters.
"Using religious personalities or religious symbols for political objectives is dangerous. Neither do we approve of the Delhi Jama Masjid Imam's proclamations on elections nor will they have any impact on the common Muslim voter," Aftab Alam, secretary of AMUTA, said in a statement on Friday.
"These appeals are not Fatwas as wrongly described by the media. They are mere statements and Muslims are no longer swayed by such appeals," he added.
Alam also criticised BJP for objecting to Congress President Sonia Gandhi meeting the Shahi Imam of Delhi's Jama Masjid.
"It is ironical that BJP which thrives and survives on misusing religious symbols is crying foul over the Imam's insignificant appeal," he said.
"We however appeal to all right thinking and responsible citizens to realise that since the past two years or so communal fires are being deliberately stoked; covertly and not so covertly, as happened in Muzaffarnagar and if we don't wake up in time, then the nation could suffer irreparable damage," Alam added.
The official also disapproved of the recent statement by SP leader Azam Khan about Kargil conflict and BJP leader Amit Shah's revenge remark in riot-hit areas of Uttar Pradesh.
"We strongly voice our disapproval of Azam Khan's outburst on the Kargil war. Such an approach may bring some short term gains to the likes of Azam Khan or Amit Shah but when we look back in retrospect, we will realise what price the country pays for such type of politics," he said.
The AMUTA official also critiqued the inability of media in not highlighting the damage caused by hate mongering, especially in UP.
"All prospects of development will be meaningless if society is disturbed. It is unfortunate that the media appears to be carried away by Ahmad Bukhari's insignificant appeal and is not highlighting the damage caused by hate mongering which is simmering since the past few months in parts of Uttar Pradesh," Alam told PTI.
Asked about the last minute shift of Muslim voters towards SP in some districts of western UP, Alam said, "Some Muslims may have voted for the SP despite being betrayed by them because the political space left by the SP was not occupied by other secular parities."
"We opposed Mulayam Singh's visit to the Aligarh Muslim University campus earlier this year because on a matter of principle, we do not approve of politicians who try to exploit religious sentiments," he said.
Stay up to date on all the latest Elections news with The New Indian Express App. Download now
Priyanka Gandhi detained on way to meet kin of firing victims in Sonbhadra
Red alert issued in several districts of Kerala as monsoon intensifies
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NY History
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NFL: 'We are aware of the accident' involving Lions DT Suh
By Steve Wyche NFL.com
NFL Media reporter
Published: Dec. 6, 2011 at 10:14 a.m.
Updated: Aug. 3, 2012 at 10:31 a.m.
Kingsbury: 'Not sure' if Peterson will attend OTAs
Marshawn Lynch would return to Raiders if needed
The NFL said it is monitoring the car accident involving suspended Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh in Portland, Ore., and the follow-up allegations that passengers were injured in the incident.
"We are aware of the accident that took place," league spokesman Greg Aiello said Tuesday, adding there wouldn't be any further comment.
Portland police Sgt. Pete Simpson told The Associated Press that because the crash didn't involve an intoxicated driver, traumatic injuries or vulnerable road users, it doesn't meet the department's investigation criteria.
Suh wrecked his car Saturday morning in his hometown of Portland, where he was visiting because he isn't allowed to be around the Lions while serving his two-game suspension for stomping on the arm of a Green Bay Packers lineman.
The police report originally said there were no injuries in the accident. However, police said Monday that two passengers later came forward and claimed they were injured in the crash and left the scene before officers initially responded.
The police amended their report and redacted the women's names by request because one of them feared retaliation because "Suh has a lot of friends and family."
Suh had returned to Portland from the Pac-12 Championship Game in Eugene when the accident occurred at 1:14 a.m. Saturday. In the police report, Suh said he lost control of his 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle when he tried to go around a parked taxi and crashed into a light pole, a water fountain and a tree.
Suh called 911 to report the accident, and police at the scene said he was cooperative and didn't appear to be intoxicated or show any other sign of impairment. No one at the scene reported any injuries in the crash, which drew a large number of spectators from a nearby nightclub, and no citation was issued in the accident.
One of the women was quoted in the amended police report as stating that speed caused the accident.
"He was driving too fast and reckless all the time," the report quoted the woman as saying. "There was never a taxi. He was just going too fast and he could have killed someone at Dante's (nightclub)."
Are the Lions undisciplined?
The Lions, led by Ndamukong Suh, have fast gained a reputation for being the bad boys of the NFL. Who's to blame? Our analysts debate. More ...
The women, who say they were among four people in the car, said they left the scene because of the crowd the accident was attracting. The husband of one of the women picked the two up, the report states.
The man took his wife to the hospital to be treated for a laceration on her forehead, a black eye, a "busted lip" and a sore shoulder, according to the police report. The other passenger didn't seek treatment for a sore shoulder until the next morning, it said.
The more seriously injured of the two said she had told Suh at the scene that she was hurt and needed a doctor, the police report said. In the 911 call, Suh said there were no injuries.
The report states that the officer who arrived on the scene two minutes after the 911 call didn't observe any victims in the area. Two other officers who arrived shortly thereafter also didn't see anyone who required medical attention, and no witnesses reported any victims or said that Suh was driving recklessly.
It isn't known if the allegations against Suh, if proven true, would violate the NFL's personal-conduct policy and lead to further discipline.
Follow Steve Wyche on Twitter @wyche89.
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The Mood/Tone Of The Film
Films »
The Happening »
Author Topic: The Mood/Tone Of The Film (Read 4477 times)
Rulm
I just saw The Mist, and I loved it. It had a chilling atmosphere, and the tension that builds with the people in the supermarket was pretty exhausting!--In a good way! I didn't think that a movie about a "mist" would be suspenseful, but I was surprised. I think that if The Happening has a similar tone, it could be very effective. I think "wind" would replace "mist", though. After seeing The Mist, I am fairly confident that Night could pull off his story.
Mr_Glass.1
Re: The Mood/Tone Of The Film
That's cool, I had been somewhat interested in the Mist, but then I did some research on it and found out that it was just a typical slasher films with lots of blood, monsters, and gore.
I see the world Lucius Hunt, just not the way you see it.
Ivy Walker to Lucius Hunt in The Village
Dr Malcolm Crowe
Yea, The Mist is like that, but don't forget it's Stephen King... his writings aren't shallow. The movie is actually about something, which most "slasher" films are not.
Maybe you shouldn't rush out to see it, but I'm sure you'll find it's worth renting (most likely )
Quote from: Mr_Glass.1 on December 17, 2007, 12:22:48 PM
Actually, The Mist wasn't your typical "slasher flick". It was mostly about human nature. It's about how people interact when in a life and death situation...If this was the will of god, would you kill someone to save yourself?...It's quite thought provoking. Yeah, it's gory, but it has many layers upon that.
I haven't seen the movie or any other Stephen King's movies except "Christene" that movie is awesome. I wish they come up with a new one. Anyone seen it when the car goes crazy.
No, I haven't seen it. I was never interested in watching Stephen King films, but after watching The Mist, I may go and check out a few.
Allright, thanks for the notes on the film The Mist, I will consider checking it out.
werebearxxx
The Happening
whoever wrote that about the MIST is really stupid. there was like 2 scenes that had blood. nothing like a slasher film. more of an erie drama thriller.
watch it. its really good.
Allright, yea, I'll double check my source next time. Thanks for the tip.
i didn't mean to sound mean but everyone ive ever talked to that saw the Mist hated it but me..... and it was sooooo amazing, and i cant see how people can be so dumb to look past the whole gore aspect and appreciate a movie with themes and heart.
I didn't feel like you were mean, it's just blood and gore permeate so much of film now, and in slasher films it is so incredibly excessive.
yeah i hear that.
im so tired of teens getting cut into pieces.... i could cut myself into pieces.
WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO THE GOOD, OLD FASHION SCARE.....?
I don't know what happened to the good old fashioned scare, but we get one coming back with The Happening.
yeah. my hopes are high. i dont think ill be let down either.
My older brothers saw the trailer, and they don't really like Night's films, but after they saw the trailer they were like, "Hey, that looks good, I might go see that." I think one reason is because it appears Night is branching out, he's trying a new style, somewhat, and also doing some filming outside of Philly.
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Follow @TheEscoffery
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Art & Culture, Explore Like A Local, Things To Do.
Lauren LeBlanc
The Mill Yard: Lowell's New Outdoor Hotspot
Explore Like A Local, Things To Do.
Roberto Dei
Where to Catch Scenic Views of Lowell
Art & Culture, Things To Do., Explore Like A Local
Let's Talk About our "Sister" and Food!
The Lowell Ultimate Neighborhood Guide
Art & Culture, Explore Like A Local
Even More Reasons Why Lowell is Heaven for ...
Things To Do., Explore Like A Local, Art & Culture
Intimate Music Venues: Where Lowell Comes to Listen
Whether you’re looking for a rock show to amplify your weekend, or an acoustic singer song-writer performance to enjoy with a date, Lowell has plenty of great restaurants, cafes, and other venues where you can find the live music you’re looking for.
The Hearing Room is a friendly, casual listening room run by local music lovers where you can catch musicians, ranging from acoustic singer songwriters to full bands. Every Tuesday the venue hosts an open mic night where anyone can sign up and play. There is no entry fee, but listeners are encouraged to donate $5-10 dollars to the performers. The Hearing Room also hosts a wide variety of professional music performances. On October 12th, attend a singer-songwriter and acoustic rock show featuring Rob Noyes, Joseph Allred, and Karen Zanes.
Coffee & Cotton
Not only is Coffee & Cotton a cozy, rustic coffee shop tucked away in Mill No. 5, but it’s also a music venue for many acoustic artists. On October 13th come see the fun loving pianist and singer-songwriter Fiona Corinne, and the nostalgic indie/emo band Louse from southern New Hampshire. The show is free, but be sure to check out the Coffee & Cotton menu for the perfect coffee, beer, wine or snack to compliment your listening experience.
Olympia’s Zorba Music Hall
You can always find live music playing on the weekends at Olympia Restaurant’s Zorba Music Hall. On October 12th, the Joe Cocker tribute band With My Friends takes to the Zorba Music Hall stage. Doors open at 7 PM for dinner, so you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy some authentic Greek cuisine before the 9 PM show.
To purchase tickets and see a full calendar of events visit http://zorbamusichall.com/
Luna Theater
Jazz is still very much alive in Lowell! The very chic and comfortable Luna Theater, located at Mill No. 5, presents Luna Sessions every Thursday night at 8:05 PM, where talented local musicians come together to perform whichever jazz songs feel right that night. Entry is free, but you’ll want to bring some money for some freshly popped popcorn or a local craft brew sold at the concession bar.
Cobblestones
On Sundays, Cobblestones Restaurant serves brunch from 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM where patrons can listen to live music while they eat. Enjoy menu favorites while listening to different local artists every Sunday. Musicians play from 11:15 AM to 1:45 PM. Upcoming performers include: Yolanda Baker Music, Seraphina James, Katrina Marie, and Andrew Marshall Music.
To see the entire brunch menu visit http://cobblestonesoflowell.com/menu/
Warp & Weft
The relatively new restaurant Warp & Weft has established itself as a place where the community can connect, enjoy innovative cocktails and meals made with only fresh ingredients, and listen to live music. Every Thursday night at 9 PM the restaurant hosts an open mic where local artists or bands can play in front of a supportive audience and audience members can get a glimpse of up-and-coming local talent. Warp & Weft will also host a special one year anniversary party on October 13th, featuring Ariel Strasser (Pop Singer/Songwriter, Jazz), Serial Thrillers (Pop, Rock, Alternative), Jenny and The Gents (Pop, Folk), The Blue Ribbons (Rock).
For more information on events at Warp & Weft you can visit https://www.warplowell.com/
The creators of UnchARTed have reenvisioned the concept of the art gallery and created a space where locals enjoy pizza, craft beer, artwork, and live music all in the same room. This trendy spot is always bringing in new local artists and musicians to decorate their walls and play fresh music for their visitors. On October 13th, UnchARTed welcomes four artists to their gallery: The Fallen Stars, Prateek Poddar, Hunter, and Dandy Candy. The show will consist of music ranging from folk and blues to alternative rock. The show starts at 7 PM.
To see more shows hosted at UnchARTed visit http://unchartedgallery.com/live-music/
The Town and The City Festival
Toward the end of October, Lowell welcomes over 50 artists to The Town and The City Festival: a 2-day music and arts festival that will take place in various event spaces, bars, cafes, and galleries throughout downtown Lowell. The performances take place on October 19th and 20th, and present a diverse mix of musical genres. The Luna Theater, Coffee and Cotton, Christ Church United, Gallery Z, Uncharted Gallery, and the Parker Gallery at the Whistler House Museum of Art will host performances for all ages, while the Zorba Music Hall, Warp & Weft, The Old Court, and Dudley’s will host 21+ shows.
For ticket information and a full schedule of performances visit https://www.thetownandthecityfestival.com/
Tagged: music, Live Music, local, Lowell, festivals
Events, Summer Activities, Things To Do.
Explore Lowell Before Summer’s End
Editor’s Note: With school back in session, September marks the unofficial end of summer and start of the fall season. With this change comes a change in our intern staff. We wish Michelle, our summer intern, the best as she moves on to a new position and we welcome Dorian Taylor, a senior majoring in English at UMass Lowell. Welcome, Dorian!
With summer coming to an end, it’s time to take advantage of the last few weeks of warm weather and check out some of Lowell’s family-friendly outdoor events happening throughout September.
Image courtesy of NPS_David Byers
On Saturday, September 8, the 38th Annual Banjo and Fiddle Contest takes place at Boarding House Park from 10 AM to 6 PM. There will be music workshops, jam sessions, the contest itself, and a special performance by Sarangi Master Shyam Nepali at 2:30 PM. The contest is free for any local banjo and fiddle players to enter, and folk and bluegrass fans can attend for free as well.
If you’re looking to get out on the water one last time before the chill of fall sets in, the Lowell National Historical Park is offering free 90-minute boat tours of the Merrimack River on September 8th and the 16th. On this ranger-led boat ride, visitors will learn about how the Merrimack became a major power source for Lowell’s booming textile industry in the early 1800’s. The tours begin at 1 PM both days at the UMass Lowell Bellegarde Boathouse.
If you enjoy walking, exploring and eating, Off the Beaten Path's guided food tours of the Canalway Cultural District may just be perfect for you! Taste and discover the amazing diversity of Lowell's food scene and enjoy the beautiful downtown with it's distinctive canals and historic architecture. The tours begin on Saturday, September 8, and will continue every Saturday through September.
For more information visit: www.offthebeatenpathfoodtours.com
On September 14th, Enterprise Bank is sponsoring a free outdoor art exhibit at their Merrimack Street location. The exhibit will include pieces that have been created by local youth, and depict a welcoming community here in Lowell. Take a stroll down Merrimack Street and check out the artwork that some of Lowell’s young creatives have to offer.
For more information visit: www.facebook.com/WelcomingWeekLowell/
From 1 PM to 2 PM on Sunday September 8th, join UMass Lowell professor Bob Forrant on a scenic walk through downtown Lowell and learn about the city’s labor history. The tour is free and will explore the many fascinating stories of men and women from Lowell who worked valiantly to fight for the rights of workers. From early “mill girls” to 20th century immigrants, the story of labor in Lowell spans almost 200 years. The walk will start at the National Park Visitors’ Center, and there will be free parking available in the National Park lot at 304 Dutton Street.
Photo courtesy of LNHP
PARK(ing) Day returns to downtown Lowell on September 21st with this year's theme being "LoWELLness". Local artists Chummeng Soun and Mary Hart will transform selected sidewalk parking spaces into artistic projects and miniature parks with messages of health, fitness, and mindfulness. The event begins at 9 AM Friday, September 21st, and the art installations can be seen on Merrimack Street and Market Street.
The Lowell Kinetic Sculpture Race is back for its 3rd year! Contestants create all-terrain, cycle-powered sculptures capable of traveling through streets, water, mud and sand, and race against one another in a very entertaining race through downtown Lowell and the Merrimack river. The race will take place on September 22nd from 8:30 AM - 5 PM at the intersection of Market Street and Palmer Street and all throughout Lowell. An after party and award ceremony at the Cobblestones Restaurant.
Tagged: Summer, Lowell, Live Music, Art
Michelle Ferola
Summer Activities, Explore Like A Local, Things To Do.
Re-Discovering Lowell: An Intern Experience
As my time in the Office of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (CASE) comes to an end, I am reflecting on my experiences with the City of Lowell over the past six months. I grew up just one town over from Lowell, but never really experienced it. To me, Lowell was the Tsongas Center and the Mills. I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to work in CASE, thanks to the internship program at UMass Lowell, but I am sad to say goodbye!
Learning about Lowell's history throughout my school years and actually experiencing it are two completely different things! Going on a canal tour was one of my favorite things that I have done here at CASE. The Park Rangers are full of knowledge that they are eager to share with you; it is contagious! If you would ask any of my former teachers, I am sure they would say that I was not always mentally present, but the canal tour was so awesome I don't think I had the option of becoming distracted! What made it even better was that it was clear that the Rangers love what they do and really appreciate Lowell's history.
This city is a true melting pot. All the different cultural groups make every day new, interesting, and vibrant. Most days I can hear a few different types of music; all of it unique and meaningful. The culture here allows for small businesses to thrive because the people understand the importance of tradition and self-expression. The talent that fills this city makes it so you feel like you're traveling to different countries when all you really need to do is cross the street.
The array of cultural activities includes by music festivals and smaller music venues in the summer months. The Lowell Summer Music Series is one of the coolest experiences I have had attending a concert. I saw Mikky Ekko and Fitz and The Tantrums perform at the beginning of the summer. I was able to get seats right in front of the stage and I was mesmerized by the performances. I do not know of any other venue that provides this type of intimacy. So many people put a lot of work in to make opportunities like this available, many of them volunteers. This city has a great pool of people who want to provide good times and even better memories- I am looking forward to seeing the list of performers for next year's concert series!
With my last day being August 22nd, I am glad to say that Lowell is no longer just the Tsongas Center or the mills to me. Lowell is filled with new things to be discovered every day. Whether it is art, music, food or learning about a new culture-there is always something to celebrate. CASE staff made me feel so welcomed in the office and I will miss working with them, but I couldn't ask for anyone better to really show me what Lowell has to offer.
Tagged: events, fun activities, summer, Lowell, music
Explore Like A Local, Summer Activities, Things To Do.
Summer Outdoor: Energize your Mind and Body
Many organizations in Lowell provide the opportunity to get to know the city on a much deeper level. Both buildings and nature are filled with history, and you can experience it all while getting your steps in! There are multiple programs that incorporate wellness, history and the outdoors and are enjoyable for all ages!
The Lowell National Historical Park hosts the “Wellness on the Walkways Series.” These guided walking tours allow you to discover Lowell’s waterways, explore the many different canalways and outdoor spaces that are overflowing with history. There are a variety of walks including a photography walk and a birding walk. For each walk you attend, you can get a collectible button as well!
Lowell Walks, hosted by Richard Howe is another series of historical guided walking tours. These tours are held at 10 AM on Saturday mornings, each with a different topic and tour guide. Past topics have been "Abolitionism in Lowell," "Infamous Crimes," "Downtown Architecture" and more. This is a great way to exercise and learn more about Lowell’s past.
If guided walking tours aren’t up your alley, no worries! There are plenty more options to merge wellness and the experience of Lowell’s natural and historical beauty. The Concord River Greenway is a perfect blend of all the above. The land along the Concord River has so much to share as it has been home to many people throughout its years. There is 2,700 linear feet of path for you to walk or hike while being able to experience the white water rapids, wildlife while surrounded by nature.
At Boarding House Park, Bija Yoga is hosting Yoga in the Park on Wednesdays from 6– 7 PM. These classes are free, but donations for local organizations are gratefully accepted. Each week Bija Yoga is supporting a different organization. The classes are offered in Kripalu style yoga which emphasizes meditation and breath work, and is appropriate for all levels of students. This is a great opportunity to practice wellness, support and get to know your local organizations and what they do for Lowell! Find out more information here.
Another great way to experience the Merrimack River is by taking the paddle tours offered by UMass Lowell. They offer sunset paddle tours, full moon and evening paddle tours, and custom paddle tours. Tours start at $30 and are held on alternating Fridays and Saturdays from 7 – 9 PM until September 4th. All tours are guided, include equipment rental, safety/paddling instructions and are appropriate for adults and children. Check out the schedule here.
Make sure you're keeping up with the events happening all summer! Check out our calendar.
Tagged: outdoors, Lowell, explore, sports, fun activities, summer
Art & Culture, Events, Summer Activities, Things To Do.
Lowell Summer Music Series Experience
This past Sunday, June 17th, I went to see Mikky Ekko and Fitz and The Tantrums perform at Boarding House Park as part of the Lowell Summer Music Series. The overall experience was a lot of fun and the intimate venue made for a really awesome show.
I went to the concert with my friend Valerie, and we were determined to get the full experience at Boarding House Park. You are allowed to show up in the morning and put your chairs and blankets down to grab your spot. Valerie and I got in line at 6:58 AM and there were about 20 people in line already. The great thing about this venue is they have different sections for guests with bigger chairs and guests with small chairs and/or blankets, so everyone is able to see the artists performing. We had brought a blanket, so were able to get a spot right in front of the stage.
After going about our day, we went back to Boarding House Park at 6:00 PM. We quickly headed towards our spot that we had reserved 11 hours earlier, and we were happy to see that no one had moved the blanket. The people who sat adjacent to us were so friendly and kind. The atmosphere was great; everyone was just there to have a good time. The show started at 7:30 with a Park Ranger giving a quick introduction making sure all of the sponsors for LSMS did not go unnoticed.
Mikky Ekko was the opening act, and he and his band put on a great show. You could see that he truly loves what he does and the impact that music has on him. During one of their songs Mikky actually came into the audience and interacted with fans while performing. After their set, we got to meet Mikky himself and his drummer, Gavin. They were so down to earth and kind- I felt like I was just chatting with some friends.
After a brief intermission, it was time for Fitz and The Tantrums. They came onto the stage and made it very clear that we had to be up dancing and singing along with them! The crowd did not hesitate to do just that. There was a middle school aged kid right in front of us who just might be Fitz and The Tantrums biggest fan; he knew every word to every song and was dancing the whole time. It was so fun to watch him enjoying himself so much and even better to be so close to the stage and see how much fun the band was having as well. Fitz and Noelle, the singers, knew how to keep the energy up in the crowd. They are both so vocally talented by themselves, but their voices accent each other so wonderfully when they sing together it really elevates their music to another level. Ending the night with canons shooting confetti, Fitz and The Tantrums were a blast to see in concert and I know the people surrounding me felt the same way!
Overall, my night at Boarding House Park at the Lowell Summer Music Series was an awesome experience. Getting up early to reserve my spot and being able to trust that no one will touch it is not something you can do at most places. The venue provides an intimate setting and it really does not have a bad seat. This type of experience is not something you are able to have very often without having to pay hundreds of dollars. LSMS provides this amazing venue and experience for such an affordable price and I look forward to going to more shows!
Check out the schedule for the rest of the Lowell Summer Music Series here.
Tagged: music, Lowell, summer, outdoors
Lowell Opens its Doors and Lights Up A Bridge
Doors Open Lowell takes place this Friday and Saturday, May 4th and 5th. In its 17th year, this event allows the community to experience Lowell’s history in a whole new way. We typically are only able to admire the outside architecture of the different buildings that gives Lowell its historic character. Open doors provide an inside view to 31 buildings, as well as many “Doors Open XTRAS” open from 6-9 PM on Friday and from 10 AM- 1 PM and 1 PM- 4 PM on Saturday. There will be shuttle stops on May 5th connecting the different locations. Click here for the map.
A new addition this year is the Swamp Locks Gatehouse located on Dutton Street. This gatehouse began operating in 1796 and was the second of three locking locations built on the Pawtucket canal. There have been many reconstructions of the gatehouse over the years and the current one is a restoration of the 1859 version. Swamp Locks will be open for tours on May 5th from 10 AM – 1 PM.
From 6 PM- dusk on May 4th, you can climb aboard the New Orleans “streetcar named Desire,” a Doors Open XTRA The streetcar will depart from Dutton Street, behind the National Street Car Museum. Lowell’s first electric streetcar system began operating in 1889, and their final run was in 1935. The streetcar, New Orleans No. 966, currently in Lowell as part of the “On Track” exhibit, is one of the famed cars that transported people through the French Quarter and inspired Tennessee Williams’ play “A Streetcar Named Desire.” Built by Perley-Thomas of High Point, North Carolina in 1924, it ran throughout the city until 1964.
Photo courtesy of Barbara Poole
Another XTRA this year is the Spalding House. Built in 1760 and located at 383 Pawtucket Street, the Spalding House is the third oldest surviving house in Lowell. The house was purchased in pounds and schillings because at this time we were still under the rule of England. The Spalding House was also known as the Moses Davis Inn and was a refuge for barge keepers bringing lumber down the Merrimack River before the canals were built. This historic site also features a lighting collection representing lighting sources throughout its history. The house will be open on May 5th from 1-4 PM
The Franco American School will also be one of the buildings open for tours. Dating back to the 1870’s, the Franco American has been home to prominent Lowellians, an orphanage and a school. The building is currently being converted into residences, but the character and the history will be preserved. The estate has 14 Stations of the Cross and a Grotto reflecting its history as a Catholic orphanage and school. After 108 years, the Franco American has found yet another purpose to serve to the community of Lowell. Franco American will be open on May 5th from 1-4 PM.
Photo courtesy of GLCF
Don't miss it! The Cox Bridge Lighting is happening on May 5th! Thanks to the generosity of donors at the Greater Lowell Community Foundation, the Cox Bridge has been outfitted with LED lighting that will highlight the architecture of the bridge and create a colorful display on this Lowell landmark, announcing holidays and special events. Come join us for fun, food, and entertainment before the switch is officially flipped. More info here.
Tagged: culture, architecture, history, Lowell, Doors Open
Things To Do., Explore Like A Local, Events
Earth Day: Celebrate Green Living in Lowell
With April being National Garden Month, Earth Day coming up on Sunday, the 22nd and National Park Week starting on the 21st, it is the perfect time to talk about the many ways to go green in Lowell. There are many resources and organizations that can provide information on living green and help you take the steps towards a more environmentally sustainable life in an urban setting.
Offbeet Compost is dedicated to creating a green economy that also produces local green job opportunities. To do this, they redirect food scraps from restaurants, households and small businesses away from the landfills to their composting site, where the scraps are broken down into nutrient rich compost. The new compost is then redistributed to participants and sold to local farmers, gardeners and landscapers. Offbeet also mentions how composting can actually reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Check out their website to learn more about the different ways you can become involved with Offbeet and their composting plans.
With a goal to increase access to fresh produce around Lowell, Mill City Grows is very active in our city. They have many different events and programs that educate both beginners and experienced gardeners, such as farm to table cooking classes and a garden training program. This Saturday, April 21st, Mill City Grows will be hosting a screening of the film "Seed: The Untold Story" at the Luna Theater at 2:05 pm. Seed follows passionate seed keepers who are protecting our 12,000 year-old food legacy of which 94% of seed variations have been eliminated due to biotech companies controlling most of the seeds.
Photo by Megpix
Also happening at Mill No. 5 on Saturday, April 21st, will be a puppet, mask and banner making event for families. This event is part of Earth Day from 12-2 pm, and those families who participated last year were inspired to join the Earth Day parade with their art! To learn more about the community gardens around Lowell or if you just want to know more about Mill City Grows, click here.
The Lowell Earth Day Parade & Festival starts at 11:30 on the 22nd! Celebrating Earth Day with our community is the perfect way to learn more about green living, and what better way to kick off the start of National Park Week than learning about ways to keep our environment clean and sustainable! This city-wide celebration of art, nature and sustainability begins with a parade from the National Park Visitor's Center on Market Street, and after doing a loop down town ends at UTEC on 35 Warren Street, where local groups will present activities, crafts and valuable information about taking care of our planet.
Catch it before it's gone! The art exhibit "Honoring Gaia: Mother Earth," at the Arts League of Lowell closes on Sunday, the 22nd after being on display since the beginning of March. This exhibit honors Gaia, Mother Earth in mythology, life, birth and the regeneration of our planet's fragile ecosystems in the face of dangerous climate change.
Tagged: earth, day, green, eco, local, Lowell
Things To Do., Events, Explore Like A Local
Wild Side: Lowell's Spring Outdoor Guide
There are many ways for you to enjoy the outdoors in Lowell this spring! Stroll along the National Historical Park's waterways; explore the Concord River Greenway, Lowell's "hidden jewel", or hop on a trolley and canal boat for a tour offered by the Park. There are plenty of events happening that will have you enjoying Lowell's beautiful urban scenery and the soon-to-arrive warm weather!
The Wellness on the Walkways Series continues with a Family Photography Walk on Sunday April 15th, from 11 am-12:30 pm. The walk begins at the National Park Visitor Center at 246 Market Street and will bring visitors to a variety of interesting downtown locations, covering the history of the area and encouraging photographs along the way.
On Thursday the 19th, Richard Howe guides us on a 300 Years of History Walk from 6-7:30 pm. The walk begins at the UMass Lowell Inn & Conference Center and spans Native American history through the rise of textile manufacturing. Howe will also be guiding a City Hall Monuments Walk on Saturday the 28th and Sunday the 29th beginning at the National Park Visitor Center.
The Lowell Earth Day Parade & Festival returns on April 22nd! This city-wide celebration of art, nature and sustainability starts at 11:30 am with a parade from the National Park Visitor's Center and ends at UTEC, where local groups will present activities, crafts and valuable information about taking care of our planet.
The 7th Annual Lowell Khmer New Year Celebration takes place at Clemente Park on April 21st from 12-5 pm. This exciting event celebrates Lowell's Cambodian community with delicious ethnic food, beautiful traditional outfits, live performances and traditional folk dances.
A community group is bringing Lowell's Second Annual Points of Light Floating Lantern Celebration to Ecumenical Plaza on April 28th from 6-10 pm. This outdoor event celebrates unity and renewal through the food, music and traditions of Lowell's diverse cultures. The centerpiece of the night will be the release of personalized lanterns on the Western Canal, creating hundreds of points of light. As part of the festival the community group will also host lantern decorating events - check out the event page for more information
You can go whitewater rafting on the Concord River until May 20th. With Zoar Outdoor you experience the rapids safely and have the experience of a lifetime! Reservation times are 9 am and 1 pm. An added bonus to this wild ride is that a portion of the proceeds supports the Lowell Parks and Conservation Trust's conservation work. Find out more here.
Tagged: outdoors, festivals, Lowell, fun activities
Handmade in the Heart of Lowell
Lowell has many entrepreneurial types who have made their dreams become reality. We are so happy that these businesses are sharing their hard work and talent. If you are looking to support a local business while getting quality product, look no further! Here are some of the businesses whose home and heart are in Lowell.
Red Antler Apothecary
Created in 2013, the Red Antler Apothecary set out to create products with natural ingredients that are healthy for your skin and bade. They list all their ingredients used in their products all of which are cruelty free! Their products are handmade and include household cleaning, soaps, shampoos and many other self-care items. Red Antler is located at Mill No. 5, and occasionally they provide workshops, such as their "Bath Bomb Boogie Workshop," which is being held April 20th. For more information, click here.
Ymittos Candles
For over 100 years, Ymittos Candles has been crafting candles without using automation or modern machinery. They are New England's oldest, continually operating candle factory and supply candles for churches as well as hospitality, design/home, and the film industries. Ymittos has provided handcrafted candles for movies for over 20 years and over 40 films, including Pirates of the Caribbean and Batman, The Dark Knight. The store is located on 279 Dutton Street. To find out more, check out their website here.
Purple Carrot Bread Co.
Located at 250 Jackson Street, Purple Carrot Bread Company focuses on fresh, hearth style European breads with no chemicals or preservatives. Purple Carrot also specializes in savory and rustic pastries such as scones, croissants and cookies. Their breads are dairy free and mostly vegan. Some exciting news from Purple Carrot is they will be opening a full service cafe on Merrimack Street that will include their current products along with fresh soups, salads and hand carved sandwiches. Keep an eye out for their opening date here, or on their Facebook.
What started out as an experiment is now a business that is a staple in many people's homes. Sweet Lydia's, located at 160 Merrimack street, creates one-of-a-kind s'mores. These delicious sweets have won the editor's choice food award from Yankee Magazine and have also been featured on WCVB. Sweet Lydia's offers care packages, gift boxes, and wedding favors. Check out all the different sweets Lydia's has to offer in person, or here on their website!
We have two breweries here in Lowell. Merrimack Ales, lcoated at 92 Bolt Street, is open for tastings every day of the week with varying hours. Merrimack Ales has their beers in different stores and restaurants around the area, so if you cannot make it to the tap room, you'll have plenty of opportunity to taste test at a local spot! Check out more about their beers and the Hypothesis Series here.
The second brewery is Navigation Brewing located at Western Ave. Studios. Navigation just celebrated their fourth anniversary, and they are open Thursday through Sunday with varying hours. When the taproom is open, there will typically be a food truck or food vendor for you and your friends to enjoy while tasting craft brews. Navigation just created a new series called the Uncharted Series to which new brews are added monthly. To find out more about Navigation Brewing, click here.
Tagged: handmade, shopping, local, Lowell
Events, Art & Culture, Things To Do.
Celebrating Irish Culture in Lowell
With St. Patrick’s Day just around the corner, there will be plenty of events celebrating Lowell's Irish community. Experience the wonderful celebration filled with food, live music and dancing!
Lowell Irish Cultural Committee will host their 35th annual Lowell Irish Cultural Week. Events scheduled include concerts and movie nights. On Saturday, March 10th, the Committee hosts a Dinner Dance featuring live music by the Silver Spears Irish Band and the annual Lucky Leprechaun $5 raffle. Tickets for the Dinner Dance are $39. On Sunday, March 11th, enjoy a free event at the Lowell Lodge of Elks featuring Traditional Ceili Dancing, or Irish Folk Dancing. For more information on Lowell Irish Cultural Committee and their events, click here.
This year, Cobblestones celebrates their 24th St. Patrick’s Day with style and the luck of the Irish. On the day of honor, March 17th, they will host “St. Paddy’s Day at O’Cobbletsones.” The menu will feature the traditional corned beef and cabbage dinner, along with drink specials.
There are also many other establishments that will be having live entertainment and classic Irish dishes. Fuse Bistro will have live music from 2-6 PM on March 17th, along with their house cured corned beef and cabbage. Garcia Brogan's will celebrate all weekend opening at 8 AM on the 17th to serve Irish breakfast. They will have a live show of traditional Irish music from Tom Courtney starting at 12 PM, and Whiskey Tango at 9 PM on the 18th. For a city restaurant guide, click here.
To wrap up a weekend of fun, join us for the kick off of the Wellness on the Walkways series! This urban hike is free and from 2-4 PM on Sunday, March 18th. The meeting point of this two mile walk along the Merrimack River is at the Lowell National Historic Park Visitor Center at 246 Market Street. For more information, click here.
Tagged: Irish, Community, Lowell, St. Patrick's Day
Events, Things To Do.
Winterfest Returns to Downtown Lowell
Winterfest weekend is here! Come visit us Friday and Saturday, February 23rd - 24th, and spend some fun time with your family and friends! There will be plenty to do for all ages creating memories that will last for years to come.
Friday, February 23rd is the opening day of Winterfest, beginning at 5 o’clock. The official opening will start at 6:30 PM with the procession of the King and Queen of Winterfest. From 5-9 PM, there will be a craft beer showcase. The Winter Market as well as live music opens at 5:30 The Lodge that will continue throughout the night. The ice rink and bouncehouses will be open, and both nights will feature a fire show from The Fire Gypsy.
Saturday's events will begin at 11 AM with the Chocolate Festival at St. Anne’s Episcopal Church and the Winter Market. There will also be a soup competition at the Masonic Center from 12-3 (or until the soup runs out!) The Family Fun Zone opens at 12 PM and will be located in the JFK plaza along with the ice rink and bouncehouses which will be open from 12-9 PM. You will also have a chance to take pictures with the King and Queen of Winterfest and Lowla Bear.
Both The Lodge and The Cabin are heated tents and will create magical winter beer gardens. The Lodge will be located in JFK Plaza and have multiple restaurants and food trucks to enjoy. The Cabin will be located in Lucy Larcom Park and will have live music, 5 local food trucks, craft beer from local breweries and a wine bar from Lowell’s own Tutto Bene Wine Cellars. For more information on any events happening this weekend, click here.
Tagged: Things To DO, winterfest, Lowell
February Fun: Activities adults and kids will enjoy
With school vacation coming up, we know how hard it can be to come up with ideas and activities to keep kids occupied throughout the day and the week. Fortunately, this coming week Lowell will have plenty of events happening for adults and kids to enjoy so there is no need to worry about becoming bored!
February vacation is here, but there is no need to worry about how to keep the kids busy! Lowell Kids Week takes place February 19th-24th. During the week there will be nearly 50 free programs for children. Some free events do require a pre-registration, but the events that do not are first come first served. Some events to expect are the Lowell Kids Week Family Festival, which will include activities, giveaways and kid-friendly workshops. Other programs allow kids to draw and build their own architectural designs based on the National Park, or create their own musical instruments. There is a full schedule of all the events here.
The iconic basketball team the Harlem Globetrotters will be at the Tsongas Center on Sunday, February 18th. This uniquely talented team has been entertaining kids and adults alike since 1926. With the game starting at 1 o’clock, the Globetrotters will face a revamped Washington Generals Team. The Globetrotters will showcase ball handling wizardry, unbelievable trick shots, rim rattling dunks and unequaled fan interaction. The entertainment does not stop there! After the game, team members will sign autographs and take photos with fans. For tickets, click here.
A great way to end vacation would be to join us at Winterfest! There will be plenty activities for children and adults. There will be ice skating on JFK Plaza (with free skate rentals). The rink is open on Friday February 23rd from 6-9 PM, and Saturday, February 24th from 12-9 PM. The rink allows 40-50 people at a time. There will also be bounce houses open from 5:30-9 PM on Friday, and from 12–9 PM on Saturday. The Family Fun Zone will be open from 12–4 PM on Saturday on JFK Plaza. This area will include giant games, drawing tables and a craft area. Also on Saturday, Silly Sally will be performing a show for kids starting at 2 PM in the Lodge. Silly Sally will be doing balloon twisting, a puppet show, storytelling and more! For a full schedule of Winterfest, click here.
Looking for family fun all year? Look no further than the Luna Theater! Every Sunday, the Luna Theater hosts the “Magical Mystery Movie Club.” This event shows movies that are always rated either G or PG, and starts at 11:30 AM during The Farm Market. The theater is left a little brighter than usual, so families can feel free to come and go. The movie is never revealed before showing time and is not only for kids but the young at heart as well!
To keep up with all the different events happening in Lowell, click here for the events calendar!
Tagged: kids, fun activities, Lowell, festivals
If You Love Pizza, Lowell is Your Place!
Nothing is as satisfying as a hot pizza fresh from the oven when you're hungry. Whether you prefer a classic or gourmet pie, the oooey gooey cheesy deliciousness of pizza is hard to beat. Thankfully, Lowell, with its many spots, doesn't disappoint. In fact in Lowell we make pizza an art form. Warning: mouth watering content ahead!
For a directory of pizza places in Lowell please click here!
Tremonte Pizzeria
Tremonte Pizzeria is a casual Italian spot specializing in Neopolitan thin-crust, hand-tossed pizza cooked in a stone hearth oven at over 700 degrees. This method produces a thin crust that's strong enough to hold classic toppings such as roasted peppers, onions, and sausage. If you prefer something a little bit more gourmet they have plenty of choices - from shrimp scampi and meatball & ricotta to cheeseburger. (Yes, a cheeseburger with all the fixings on a pizza.)
UnchARTed Gallery
You don't expect your mouth to start watering when you walk into an art gallery, yet this is exactly what happens when you set foot inside UnchARTed Gallery on Market Street in downtown Lowell. While their menu offers a delicious variety of sandwiches, soups and salads, the pizza really stands out from the rest. The Mushy Goat comes topped with marinated mushrooms, spinach, goat cheese and garlic olive oil. Another great choice is the Evil Piggy. A spicy pizza topped with pulled pork, ham and bacon, drizzled with cilantro and avocado buttermilk ranch. Can't go wrong.
Fabiano's Pizzeria & Cafe
Fabiano's Pizzeria and Cafe is a cornerstone in the Lowell community and has been recognized for its outstanding Pizza cuisine, excellent service and friendly staff. The Prosciutto Arugula (a pizza with tomato sauce, mozzarella, prosciutto and baby arugula) is a must, but so are the calzones and house specialties. The casual seating area is perfect for a quick bite, but if you want pizza to-go, order online and pick up a fresh pie in store.
Espresso Pizza
Espresso Pizza is a Lowell institution. This family-owned pizza joint serves an amazing variety of pies and slices including breakfast pizza, Hawaiian and meat pie. They still continue to use the original recipe for the pizza dough and pizza sauce since first opening the doors in 1962, which is what makes Espresso so unique. The combination of the "sweet" tomato sauce and the saltiness of the cheese makes for an incredibly tasty pizza, a favorite of locals and visitors alike.
Phoenix Rising Pizza
Serving Lowell and the surrounding areas, Phoenix Rising Pizza is a family owned and operated wood fired mobile pizza truck that turns out delicious Neapolitan-style pies. They make all of their pizzas with traditional ingredients such as tomatoes, flour, olive oil and cheese all from Italy. The wood fired oven gives it that signature crispy, bubbly texture, perfect to pile on a load of specialty toppings. Their hours and locations are always changing so please follow them on Facebook to get the weekly schedule.
Tagged: food, pizza, Lowell
Art & Culture, Explore Like A Local, Summer Activities, Things To Do.
As the third largest city in Massachusetts, visitors and residents alike are drawn to Lowell for good food, abundant culture, and year-round festivals and events. A hive for outdoorsy folk that have a soft spot for the arts and culinary exploits; Lowell is quickly becoming a favorite weekend getaway for everyone. We invite you to take a walk on the wild side with us and discover all that's to like about Lowell.
Art lovers will find true beauty in the wild side of Lowell's art scene. From ever changing exhibits in art galleries like Uncharted or the Arts League of Lowell, one of the largest artist communities in the country at Western Avenue Studios placed in an old mill, there's a lot to like about art in Lowell. A well curated (and ever growing) Public Art collection that's accessible to everyone and plenty of galleries, make Lowell a perfect weekend [art] exploration.
For more about Art & Culture click here!
What do you [not] do in a city that has over 2,000 events every year? It sure gets wild when artists like Sun Ra Arkestra take the stage at the largest free folk festival in the country every July, or when neighbors unite for their summer neighborhood block parties. There really is an event for everyone in Lowell. Some even refer to us as Festival City #1!
Click here for more info on events in Lowell or here for our event calendar!
So you love food? We do too! Lowell is home to over 200 restaurants. From super casual to super fine dining, Lowell has that amazing selection of authentic ethnic foods that will make you want to come back every day to try a different place!
For a directory of restaurants in Lowell please click here!
The "dog days of summer" are above us and there are plenty of things to explore that are part of Lowell's wild side. From Kayak and SUP rentals at the Bellegarde Boathouse to over 4 miles of beautiful river and canal walks waiting to be explored! Make it your family challenge to visit and experience one, or all, of the over 80 public parks Lowell has to offer.
Tagged: Lowell, food, drink, outdoors, Event, happenings
Explore Like A Local, Things To Do., Summer Activities
Summer Festivals and Fun Happenings in Lowell
While the Lowell Folk Festival may be over there are still more festival celebrations and activities around the corner to entertain you for the rest of the summer! As we enter August, visit Lowell and discover all there is to like about our city. Mark you calendars, because these activities are a great way to end your summer on a high note!
1. Lowell Southeast Asian Water Festival
Lowell has a rich culture that enhances the city, attracting people from across the country and providing the perfect setting to preserve and share the cultural heritages of the Southeast Asian Community. Add the Southeast Asian Water Festival to your list of festivals and join in as the city celebrates the culture with endless food, crafts, performances and of course the famous Dragon boat races!
2. Brazilian Food Festival
What's better than spending your afternoon eating exquisite traditional Brazilian food? The Brazilian Food Festival is for all the foodies out there, as it brings live music, authentic Brazilian dishes and delicious desserts for all to enjoy. Come experience Brazilian culture at this free event held at JKF Plaza. All proceeds will benefit Life Connection Center, bringing healthy meals to the homeless community.
3. Lowell Summer Music Series
The music scene is always vibrant in Lowell as the Lowell Summer Music Series continues all summer long! Although the Folk Festival has come to an end, Boarding House Park music festivities haven't, as artists are lined up for all to listen. Boarding House Park is perfectly located near an abundance of local restaurants, so you can enjoy a bite to eat before or after the concert! Make a night with family and friends and discover why Lowell is the place to visit for a great night out.
4. Family Festival
Every summer the Center for Hope and Healing transforms Shedd Park into a mini carnival with endless activities, food, music,face painting and more. This year's Family Festival will also include zumba, yoga and sports. according to the Center for Hope and Healing, "This family friendly event raises funds to support survivors of abuse and serves as an opportunity to increase awareness of violence prevention education in our community." This event is a great way to have fun while supporting a great cause.
5. Made in Lowell: Friday Nights!
Looking to celebrate the end of a long week? Well, we have just the event that will get you outdoors and keep you entertained for hours! Friday Nights! is returning to The Mill Yard with delicious food, beautiful art, music and a beer garden. Lowell’s non-profit Made in Lowell hosts Friday Nights every second Friday of every month until October, so if you haven’t experienced this event you will definitely want to stop by!
Lowell is a hotspot for festivals and summer fun, so come take a trip on the wild side and discover why There’s a Lot to Like about Lowell.
Tagged: Lowell, LikeLowel, festivals, summer
Announcements, Press Release, Spectator Sposrts
LeLacheur Park—Fans Think There’s a Lot to Like!
Spinner’s Home Is Top Ballpark According to Fans
July 31, 2017 - The Lowell Spinners, short season affiliate of the Boston Red Sox, earned a prestigious honor over the weekend. Edward A. LeLacheur Park, home of the Spinners since 1998, has been named 2017’s Best Short Season Ballpark in the country by Ballpark Digest, the most-read news publication in Minor League Baseball. The winner was determined by fan vote with the Spinners besting Avista Stadium, home of the Spokane Indians, in the final round.
"This is a special award, not merely for our team but also for the City of Lowell which has so many exciting and award-winning things going on right now,” said Spinners owner Dave Heller. “We are proud to be an integral part of Lowell's revival.”
The Spinners have already announced plans for major upgrades to LeLacheur Park during the offseason. They’ll add a brand new two-tiered party deck area in right field, replace the current field, drainage and irrigation system, and install energy efficient LED field lights.
“LeLacheur Park is one of Lowell’s gems and it’s rewarding to see it recognized by Ballpark Digest,” said City Manager Kevin Murphy. “It’s a wonderful place for families to spend a summer night watching the Spinners play as the sun sets over the Merrimack River. Readers of Ballpark Digest now know what we’ve always known—there’s a lot to like about LeLacheur Park!”
Tagged: sports, baseball, Spinners, Lowell
Looking for the perfect way to celebrate the end of a long week? Well, we have just the event that will get you outdoors and keep you entertained for hours! Friday Nights is returning to The Mill Yard with delicious food, beautiful art, music and a beer garden for all to enjoy.
1. Friday Nights and The Mill Yard Grand Opening
While Friday Nights, sponsored by Made in Lowell, has been an ongoing event, this week’s festivity is going to be something you will not want to miss! With food trucks, local vendors and live entertainment, it’s the perfect setting for family and friends to enjoy this social event at a beautiful venue surrounded by mills and canal ways. Friday Nights begins at 5 pm, with the grand opening of The Mill Yard starting at 6.
In addition to Made in Lowell’s monthly Friday Nights celebrations The Mill Yard venue will serve as a prime outdoor location aimed at enhancing community engagement, offer space for entertainment, showcase local musicians and expand the city’s collaboration with food trucks.
The Mill Yard will provide the perfect setting for families, friends and foot-truck aficionados and will be available to host a variety of artisan markets and private functions. Come celebrate Lowell’s first ever community food truck park at the grand opening event tonight at 6 pm!
2. Art is in the Air
If you want a break from all the excitement at The Mill Yard, there is a lot to do in the surrounding area that will keep you entertained. The Mill Yard’s location is within sight of some cool public art. “Veils of Color,” created by artist Barbara Poole, fills the windows of a former mill wall with brightly dyed panels of fabric representing the dyes that used to be dumped in the canal when the Appleton Mills Dye House was operating. Nearby a pop up art park has been created from concrete blocks and jersey barriers, part of the City’s effort’s to creatively transform construction and security materials. When not being used for Folk Festival and other street closing security, they will be on display in the park, located across the Lower Pawtucket Canal in the Hamilton Canal District.
3. Mill NO. 5 and its many amenities just a footstep away
Photo: millno5.com
The fantastic thing about The Mill Yard is its centrally located right across the street from Lowell’s vibrant Mill No. 5. The quaint shops and weekly farm market in this renovated mill building are open all week long. Mill No. 5’s Luna Theater is always showcasing films and shows, with an upcoming comedy movie Band Aid this Friday night starting at 7:35pm. By expanding the use of The Mill Yard and making it an urban oasis for current and future district residents and businesses, local shops will be busier than ever!
4. The Breathtaking Western Avenue Studios
If you’re an art lover looking for something to do after grabbing a bite at Lowell’s new food truck park at The Mill Yard, the Western Avenue Studios located just around the corner is where art comes alive. The space has over 300 artists and 250 studio spaces for local artists and provides exquisite art for the public to see. The Western Avenue Studio is home to the largest artist’s community on the eastern seaboard of the U.S. The studio has art classes and art exhibits year round. The current Gallery show is The Cultural Artbeat which runs through July 30th.
Tagged: Lowell, Like Lowell, Explore Like A Local, things to do, Things To DO, City Life, Urban Adventures, public art, outdoors, culture
Events, Things To Do., Explore Like A Local
4th of July Weekend Guide
Here are some ways to make your 4th of July weekend special in Lowell.
Tagged: Lowell, Like Lowell, Things To Do, 4th of July, Event
Art & Culture, Explore Like A Local, Press Release
ART CREATED FROM CONCRETE AND METAL
[LOWELL, MA] - When the Lowell Folk Festival returns to downtown Lowell July 28-30th, visitors will enter festival areas past security blocks and barriers that have been transformed into works of art. The Cultural Affairs and Special Events Office (CASE) has teamed up with local artists to create public art from chunks of concrete as a creative approach to brighten the entries to the festival.
Eighteen security blocks are being painted by artists Mary Hart, Alexandra Derderian and Ioana Singureanu. CASE provided funding for stipends and materials.
“With the City of Lowell owing much of its multi-cultural heritage to its immigrants, each pattern I selected is meant to honor individual immigrant groups without being too specific about the inspiration,” said artist Ioana Singureanu. “I'm happy to participate in this project and I hope other cities follow Lowell's example of creative integration of safety and art.”
In addition to the concrete cubes, twelve jersey barriers will be painted by artist Bret Weese.
“When you give the public something to look at, the way they interact with each other changes, making the community stronger,” said Weese. “If my work is to be defined, I would say it is inspired by the graffuturism movement, which is a more modern and contemporary fusing of abstract expressionism and graffiti.”
“We are delighted to engage our local artists to create works of art out of basic construction blocks and in so doing, change perceptions about our safety measures,” said City Manager Kevin Murphy. “We look forward to continuing this program and to using these blocks to create a temporary art park when they are not in use for events.”
In addition, a metal storage container, placed in The Mill Yard in the Hamilton Canal Innovation District, will receive an artistic treatment. The painted container will be used for events equipment storage for Mill Yard events such as Friday Nights, enhancing the area and serving as another piece of public art.
Tagged: Lowell, public art, Like Lowell
About the Movie Being Shot in Lowell This Week...
Production crews descended on the city this week to film scenes for Screen Gems' action thriller "Proud Mary", starring Taraji P. Henson with Billy Brown, Jahi Di'Allo Winston, Neal McDonough, Margaret Avery, Xander Berkeley and Danny Glover.
If you've spotted several dozen people gathered around equipment on a sidewalk on Central Street and were wondering, the answer is yes, actress Taraji P. Henson is in Lowell. A Golden Globe winner for her role as Cookie Lyon in Fox's "Empire", Henson will play a contract killer whose maternal instinct is awakened when she meets a young boy. Directed by Babak Najafi, the film is set for release in January 2018.
Filming for the movie, which started yesterday, will continue over the next week at various locations in downtown Lowell and sightings are due to become increasingly common. The most recent one took place Thursday morning while the cast and crew were working smack in the middle of downtown Lowell in front of WCAP studios on Central Street.
By noontime, a few onlookers were hanging out on site, hoping to get a glimpse of the star, while equipment and police detail officers lined the street.
Exterior shooting is scheduled for May 16 on Palmer Street between Middle and Merrimack Streets. This block will be closed to traffic but Middle will remain open as will Palmer from Market to Middle. CASE staff have been coordinating shooting schedules, traffic control, logistical support and street closures with location managers.
Several movie production trailers were setting up on a city lot in the Hamilton Canal District across from 110 Canal Street in preparation for the cast and crew. Lowell's unique sites and neighborhoods make the city a popular place for film production. There has been a number of notable films shot in the city including 'The Fighter', 'The Invention of Lying', and more recently 'Professor Marston & The Wonder Women'.
Tagged: movies, downtown, Lowell, LikeLowell
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OLA Spirituality
Sharing in our Mission
Focus on Family: Benin
We continue our 'Focus on Family' series ahead of the World Meeting of Families which takes place this coming August. Today, Sr Emma Vidjannangni shares some thoughts on family life in her native Benin.
Sr Emma Vidjannangni. Image courtesy of Sr Hortanse Dossoumon.
I am Sr Emma Vidjannangni a Sister of our Lady of Apostles (O.L.A.), a native of Benin born in Toffo, in the Plateau Department situated in the South of Benin. I am currently on mission in Parakou where I am preparing to study medicine. Parakou is the largest city in northern Benin with a population of just over 200,000.
I am a member of a family, consisting of father, mother, brothers and sisters. I am fluent in Fon, one of the many languages of Benin. Fon is practiced by a significant part of the population, mainly in the south of the country, particularly in the plateau of Abomey, Bohicon, Ouidah, Abomey-Calavi and Cotonou. My family is called 'hennû'.
From a cultural point of view, we define the concept of "family" as a whole person, a community, a community united by the bond of blood, living under one roof, led by one leader or a representative. This leader is consulted for advice, how to settle disputes or other situations.
Role of the Elders
In the family, the elderly are respected and are fundamental to the life of each member. They have key role to play in transmitting the family history and assuring the importance of witness. Africa described the former as a "library of life". There is one common saying: "an old man who dies is a burning library." Without taking the place of parents, grandparents play a secondary role in the education of their grandchildren. This role is especially appreciated by the young people for whom they are as founders of the family and will always remain the roots of the family. They are guardians of memory, transmitters of history and of family values, assuring the link between generations. Grandparents for many, represent the “family anchor”, loving their grandchildren unconditionally.
Urban-Rural Divide
We see a difference between family life in rural areas compared to urban areas. In rural areas there is a very strong solidarity and social cohesion. Each member of the family is guaranteed security since no one could pass unnoticed. Each movement is closely followed. The family is valued in traditional societies as representing the basic unity of society, but also as the main place of education and solidarity. However in urban areas, individual living is more prevalent. In urban areas, one can lose sight of the life of a brother or sister and even of the children.
The main ways for families to earn an income in Benin is especially from agricultural work and also in self-employment. These two aspects of work in Benin are often transmitted to the children and even from generation to generation. However, it must be said that the family, since my childhood, has known great changes since there has been an increase in births and deaths.
Image courtesy of World Atlas.
Impact of Western Culture
We note a positive and negative impact of Western culture on family life and traditions in Benin.
From a positive point of view we note the opening up to the world that makes us less subjugated to the tradition than before. You get to do discernment before making decisions. For example you can't force children to be anchored in the cultic tradition as our grandparents were forced to do.
With the work of the missionaries, our families today have a different way of looking at our traditions. But this is because, in my opinion, the methods adopted by the first missionaries made us believe that there was nothing good in our traditions and that we should renounce everything in order to come to Jesus Christ. This aspect raises the negative impacts which Western culture imposed on our families and traditions in Benin.
Also there is the phenomenon of the French language spoken at home by children today and which completely uproots them from their mother tongue. This aspect is accentuated due to the introduction of new technologies in our world. Let us not be uprooted from our cultures by imitation.
WMOF Hopes
The upcoming World Meeting of Families in Ireland is a very important event which I hope will reflect on the challenges that our families encounter today. It is an opportunity to touch the realities of life on a daily basis for our families, in order to find ways and means to help all to be worthy of the name “communities”. The family as an institution is the center of the building up of the human in all its dimensions. Its members have a commitment to their offspring. The best learning is done in harmony. The real basic education is given in a family which is a domestic church.
Sr Emma Vidjannangni, OLA Province BENIN.
* Presently there are 26 Sisters in the OLA Province of Benin with communities in Cotonou, Ouidah, Djougou, Parakou, Save, Tanguieta and Pobe. Education and healthcare are central parts of the Beninese mission.Read more here.
** Special thanks to Sr Patricia McMenamin for translating Sr Emma's article from French to English.
*** Read more articles in the Focus on Family series here.
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MAJOR ROMNEY EMBARASSMENT: Mormons won’t even endorse him
Today the Salt Lake Tribune endorsed the President saying that he deserved a second term but Mitt Romney didn’t deserve a first. The paper is representative of a huge Mormon population in Salt Lake City, Utah, as well as being in a GOP stronghold. It applauds Romney for what he did for the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics but says he has lost whatever talent he brought to the Games at that time. He was even called a “favorite adopted son,” but no endorsement.
CNN quoted the paper:
“Of more importance, the paper said, was Romney's lack of clarity and specifics on his proposal to reduce the deficit, asserting that GOP nominee's plan doesn't add up. The paper also pointed to Romney's now-infamous ‘47%’ comments caught on a secretly-recorded video at a private fund-raiser in Florida suggesting that nearly half of Americans will vote for Obama because they are reliant on government services.
So far I have seen no reaction from the Romney campaign but no doubt the excuses will be forthcoming as soon as someone can come up with a credible answer, if there is an answer for the Mormon Presidential candidate losing the support of this leading Mormon constituency. The paper also came out for Obamacare and the President’s efforts on improving the economy and creating jobs. A sort of overall confirmation of a job well done by Barack Obama.
Newspapers in Tampa and Denver have also endorsed Obama, which is equally important since both of these states are considered “toss-ups” in the election. MSN described the endorsement as “massive” and commented that, “Well, this must be awkward.” They quoted the Tribune as describing Obama’s leadership as “decisive.” It seems that all the things we are hearing from this newspaper refute just about everything Romney and the GOP says the President isn’t.
Howard Hughes, the billionaire recluse, said on many occasions that he hired Mormons to take care of him in his later years because they could be trusted more than anyone else he had ever met. Maybe the Salt Lake Tribune is on to something.
For some of you in the comments below who questioned the credibility of the Salt Lake Tribune, and my research for the article, I anticipated this kind of diatribe so here are the facts.
The Salt lake Tribune is the largest-circulated daily newspaper in Salt Lake City and is operated in a joint operating agreement with the Deseret News. The Deseret News is owned by the Mormon Church.
I didn't say the paper represented the Mormon Church or the Mormon people, only that it is representative of a huge Mormon population.
I must say that this post hit a nerve when it comes to Mormons and other conservatives around the country. There are approximately some 5.4 million Mormons in the U.S. and based on a Gallup poll, 84% are for Romney, 13% for Obama. After the SL Trib article, there is bound to be a new poll.
Labels: Barack Obama, Howard Hughes, Mitt Romney, Mormons, Salt Lake Tribune
RnBRap Queen October 20, 2012 at 9:15 PM
I hope the Democrats make this big news n the Washington post, the ny times,everybody n they mama rereport this information.Republicans seem to make big deals over nothing.This is something..I'm sooo excited...The Salt Lake City Tribune is not falling for Romney's Fakeness,he can't even be a real Mormon..smh
MACDONALDBANK October 21, 2012 at 4:56 AM
Where is the LOVE?
Where is the compassion that religion should reflect upon the gay community?
Being gay is something one is born as … and something that a person should be proud of …!
Perhaps its time to embrace all the members of the gay community with respect and dignity!
Religious Republican zombies are coming out of the woodwork -- descending on America! Scary or what?
Romney; would be the equivalent to the Taliban -- in his treatment of women’s rights and the gay community -- with his extreme cultist attitude … if ever elected!
Religion; is the biggest bully on the block!
IRS codes prohibit churches from endorsing or opposing political candidates!
The IRS … should immediately tax churches -- that break that rule!
Churches -- are opposing gay rights -- based on a cult! Tax them or shut them down!
Roman Catholic; Baptist & Mormon churches who were involved in Proposition 8; against the gay community – should be shut down immediately and/or have their tax exemption status revoked!
Church manses; mansions; corporate jets and Christian college campuses … should face taxes or be shut down -- based on corruption and/or being involved in cultism!
Mormons are nothing more than homophobic bigots and lustful religious lunatics; who harvested women … attempting to scrutinize themselves; into eternity – without success!
Obama should be praised for standing up for human rights … by supporting the gay community! To see the religious lunatics try to manipulate government and our lives – is
shameful.
Romney as President; would mean the darkest & meanest period in the United States of America’s history. Homophobic -- witchcraft would rule the government from Rome & Salt Lake City …!
Little Leslie October 21, 2012 at 2:14 PM
I'm with you, Macdonaldbank!
Kamon October 21, 2012 at 5:37 PM
Mr. Dunning, your update says that the Salt Lake Tribune is "representative of a huge Mormon population." Though predominantly Mormon in the past, Salt Lake's population is less than half Mormon now. To say that the endorsement of one of the most liberal papers in the area indicates a shift in the opinion of a largely conservative group comprising part of Salt Lake's population seems convenient. I guess the next Mormon poll will reveal whether your optimism is justified.
harrystamper727 October 21, 2012 at 10:47 PM
It''s non news if you know the facts. No one in Utah, especially active Mormons are surprised at the SLC tribune endorsing Obama. They do their best to stick a finger in the supposed eye of the Church. Big deal......just gets us more attention and probably helps Romney and the Church in the long run.
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Google Search K-12 CURRICULUM PUBLICATIONS GET UPDATES QUICK LINKS
OFFICE OF EARLY LEARNING
INTERIM DIRECTOR :: Dan Tetreault
Each child will be honored, respected, and empowered to achieve success in school and life
The Office of Early Learning focuses on Pre-K - Grade 3 to support children's success in the early grades. The Office of Early Learning combines the Department's staffs in primary education and prekindergarten and promotes other linkages for reforming early education for North Carolina's children. Through this Office, the Department partners with the FirstSchool initiative of the FPG Child Development Institute at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. FirstSchool is a Pre-K - Grade 3 initiative to promote public school efforts to become more responsive to the needs of an increasingly younger, more diverse population. FirstSchool unites the best of early childhood, elementary and special education.
Office of Early Learning Organizational Chart
(pdf, 62kb)
North Carolina Kindergarten Entry Assessment
For the 2018-2019 school year – the fourth year of statewide implementation – schools in North Carolina will build on efforts started in 2015-2016 to apply the Kindergarten Entry Assessment to better understand the knowledge and skills with which students start school and to help them grow and learn. The Kindergarten Entry Formative Assessment Process is comprised of five critical components that focus on the whole child. It has been designed to be integrated into daily instruction, to allow a variety of strategies for collecting evidence, and to guide instruction around the individual needs of each child.
Early Learning and the Every Student Succeeds Act in North Carolina
The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), signed into law in December 2015, bolsters federal support for early learning and provides opportunity to strengthen the birth-through-third grade continuum – a critical strategy to improve third grade reading proficiency. In September 2017, North Carolina submitted its state plan to comply with the federal law. Now, North Carolina Local Education Agencies (LEAs) are preparing their district ESSA plans for the 2018-19 academic year.
As LEAs build their district ESSA plans, they will be required to engage early learning stakeholders. Stakeholders may include, but are not limited to, Head Start, Title 1, Smart Start, elementary school principals and teachers, child care administrators and teachers, Child Care Resource and Referral, Exceptional Children, McKinney Vento, NC Pre-K Committee, family engagement professionals, community college system, community organizations supporting dual language learners, health care providers, existing early childhood collaboratives (e.g., Campaign for Grade-Level Reading), higher education and others.
The North Carolina Early Childhood Foundation (NCECF) is partnering with the Office of Early Learning and the NC Head Start Collaborative Office at the Department of Public Instruction to support LEAs and early childhood community leaders in collaborating to develop the early learning components of the LEA's ESSA district plans.
Please visit buildthefoundation.org/essa/ for additional information and/or contact:
Carla Garrett, Title I Preschool Consultant, Office of Early Learning, NC Department of Public Instruction, Carla.Garrett@dpi.nc.gov
Karen McKnight, M.Ed., Director, NC Head Start State Collaboration Office, Karen.McKnight@dpi.nc.gov
Tracy Zimmerman, Executive Director, North Carolina Early Childhood Foundation, tzimmerman@buildthefoundation.org
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Annals of Plastic Surgery
Editor(s): Lineaweaver, William C.
The only independent journal devoted to general plastic and reconstructive surgery serves as a forum for current scientific and clinical advances in the field and a sounding board for ideas and perspectives on its future.
The journal publishes peer-reviewed original articles, brief communications, case reports, and notes in all areas of interest to the practicing plastic surgeon. There are also historical and current reviews, descriptions of surgical technique, and lively editorials and letters to the editor.
Front File - 2015 to Present
Archives available for purchase
Author/Editor: Lineaweaver, William C.
Update Frequency: 12 Times a Year
Coverage: See Description
Lippincott Williams & Wilkins High Impact Collection 2019
Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology
Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, The
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Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology
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JBJS Reviews
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Ear and Hearing
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Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, The
Authors/Editor: Lineaweaver, William C.
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State of Decay: YOSE Day One Edition: Impressions and Graphics Comparison
Thursday, April 30, 2015 Aldershot, state of decay, YTN No comments
State of Decay was a fantastic open world zombie survival game when it was originally released on Xbox Live, but when it was ported to the PC it suffered from multiple problems. Bugs, and poor resolution were some of the most notable issues. Fortunately the core game was so good, many people including myself were willing to forgo any problems that it had, and enjoyed it any ways. What a great idea it is to "remaster" the original! The question though, is Year One remastered enough to justify a $30USD price tag?
If you've already played or own the original game is it worth $30? Short answer: NO.
Yes, the lighting have been improved significantly, and the texture quality is better, but other than that, there's not much new here. Sure, there are also some extra minor characters added, and now cars have decal (whoopie...), but every thing else about the game is exactly the same. The game advertises improved animations, and combat mechanics, yet I notice little changed about these 2 things. If there have been any changes, they're so tiny, it's barely noticeable. The two biggest improvements are the lighting and texture quality, both could of easily been added as a patch. There are no other notable additions, the model quality is exactly the same, there are no new modes to play, no new areas, no new quests, nothing for returning players.
If this was advertised as the definitive State of Decay collection, I would be fine with it. Lots of games like Boarderlands repackage old games into compilations for the benefit for new players, but this was advertised as a remastering. Even the description of the game mislead old fans to believe that there are a ton of new stuff here, when there aren't. Worst off, the most noticeable improvements, lighting, texture quality, and true 1080p, are things that should be been in place when they launched their original port! But instead they decided to charge it to us, as a lazy excuse of a remaster. If you're a returning player to the game, Year One is nothing more than a glorified update patch.
Luckily for us, the original is absolutely a stellar survival game, and since they changed nearly nothing about it, it remains a stellar survival game. If you are new to State of Decay, this might be a good time to get into the game, and perhaps Year One is suitable for the new comers. For old time fans who have already played, or own State of Decay, don't bother. It's not worth your money unless you have enough disposable income to justify it. But even then, the practice of selling what amounts to a patch for $30 and misleading old players to think that there are a ton of new stuff when there's not, is not a practice that I can condone.
Still the same, great State of Decay game
Suitable for any one NEW to the game
For returning players, there isn't much new
$30 for what amount to a patch is unconscionable
Neither combat or animation have been improved enough to justify it being in the description
The original was a lazy port, Year One is a lazy remastering
State of Decay: YOSE Day One Edition: Impressions ...
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Drury Motor Lodge. Just 8 minutes’ drive from the Southern Motorway, Drury Motor Lodge features a garden and BBQ facilities. It offers studios with a kitchen or kitchenette and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. Guests enjoy free WiFi in the rooms and free parking. D
Drury Motor Lodge
Motel - Drury
Just 8 minutes’ drive from the Southern Motorway, Drury Motor Lodge features a garden and BBQ facilities. It offers studios with a kitchen or kitchenette and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. Guests enjoy free WiFi in the rooms and free parking. Drury Motor Lodge Papakura is 30 minutes’ drive from Auckland city centre and Hunua Falls Reserve. There are a number of restaurants and shops within a 5-minute walk. The heated studios include a microwave, a refrigerator, a toaster and an electric kettle. Each studio has a seating and dining area, a safety deposit box and a bathroom with a hairdryer and free toiletries.
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Early Access to The Lord of the Ring Hobbiton Movie Set from Auckland - Day Tour - Auckland. Starting from $445.00 per person.
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Landscape Performance Web Library
Educator Guide
Student Curriculum
McKinley High School, Buffalo, NY
Quantifying environmental, social, and economic benefits of landscapes is increasingly important for design professionals. The Landscape Performance Series first mentioned on PaveShare last October features case studies of LAF-funded student-faculty research teams that document performance benefits of exemplary projects.
At McKinley High School in Buffalo, NY, permeable pavers, rain gardens, a green roof, and retention cistern contributed to reducing stormwater run-off as part of a 2014 school renovation. Permeable pavers were responsible for nearly 20% of the overall reduction in stormwater run-off. Explore details of this 2014 project, and similar case studies at the Landscape Architecture Foundation.
Toomer's Corner, Auburn University
This summer Auburn University's iconic Toomer's Corner will undergo major reconstruction and regrading with a new paver-inlaid tiger paw replacing the painted tiger paw in the center of the intersection. City engineer Jeff Ramsey designed the reconstruction, and said it was important to create a plaza feel for the intersection by making the roadway flush with the sidewalks. Along with the durability and low cost, the entirely permeable intersection diminishes concerns of focusing stormwater to drain inlets with the new raised, flat intersection. Read more about the intersection improvements here.
Shared Streets, Uptown, Chicago
The power of concrete pavers is prominent in America's most recent innovative street designs. Following the first "shared street" project at Bell Street in Seattle completed last Spring, Argyle Street in Uptown, Chicago is the latest project challenging conventional street design in America through the "shared streets" approach. By eliminating curbs, creating a uniform street and sidewalk level, and reducing traffic speeds, pedestrians, cyclists and motorists must share space, encouraging communication and resulting in fewer collisions.
The Argyle Streetscape project utilizes different paver textures and colors to delineate areas for pedestrians, bikers and drivers, while also providing infiltration areas and design opportunities. PaveShare is excited to see this innovative use of pavers and will be tracking this project planned for completion later this year.
Learn more about the variety of paver elements in the Argyle Streetscape and similar projects here.
Greensburg, KS Sustainable Streetscape
Following the devastating tornado in 2007, residents of Greensburg, Kansas developed an ambitious Sustainable Comprehensive Plan to rebuild a town that could sustain itself for generations. Completing the Downtown Streetscape project was critical to regenerating community and attracting commerce. With 22 inches of precipitation a year, (in 4 rain events) efficient stormwater management drove the design process. Permeable pavers, native, drought-tolerant plantings, and stormwater reuse irrigation are just some of the sustainable design features along the “greenest Main Street in the United States. Learn more about this award-winning streetscape here.
Monk's Garden, Boston, Massachusetts
The ASLA award-winning book, Monk's Garden, is an an excellent resource for design students and design thinking related to segmental paving. Through illustrating the design process of the Monk's Garden in Boston, Massachusetts from initial - even discarded- concepts to construction and built form, the authors provide a rare view of how an award-winning firm like MVVA cleverly use segmental pavers to create rich patterns of texture and color, to enrich the experience of a place, and to add a feeling of expansiveness to a
tight urban space.
Precedent: Westmoreland in Portland
Ten years ago, Environmental Services of Portland, Oregon paved three blocks of streets in the Westmoreland neighborhood with permeable interlocking concrete pavement, the first use of this type of permeable paving material on a public street in the city. This project created 1,000 feet of permeable street surface, decreasing combined sewer overflows that occur during heavy precipitation events.
Visit the Westmoreland Case Study site to explore block-by-block installation of the project, and great construction sequence photos.
ICP / PICP Decision Tree
The factors to consider in selecting between standard interlocking concrete pavers (ICPs) and permeable interlocking concrete pavers (PICPs) in design projects can be overwhelming. To help students make informed decisions about these systems, Paveshare has developed a graphic decision tree that details key considerations used to choose between ICPs and PICPs. Click the image to see the entire decision tree.
Landscape Performance Series
October's Resource of the Month features the Landscape Architecture Foundation's Landscape Performance Series. The LPS consolidates information, innovation from professional practice, and research in a variety of forms to increase collective technical knowledge. Projects and links featured below showcase recent innovative solutions utilizing interlocking concrete pavers.
Landscape performance instruction is critical. For real instructional material, student deliverables and faculty reflections, Visit the Landscape Performance Series' resources for educators here.
Ephemeral Placemaking
Stuart Jones, a graduate from the Master of Landscape Architecture program the University of Georgia, is the winner of the Fall 2014 Scholarship Raffle. Jones submitted his presentation, "Ephemeral Placemaking," via PaveShare's contribute page. His submission discusses a variety of digital tools used to quickly generate intricate paving patterns for use as civic art, increased safety, placemaking, and wayfinding.
Permeable Pavement
Allen Pratt, a Master of Landscape Architecture Candidate at the University of Georgia, was the winner of the Fall 2013 Scholarship Raffle. Mr. Pratt entered his presentation, "Permeable Pavement," via PaveShare's contribute page. His work focuses on an overview of Permeable Interlocking Concrete Pavements, which ranges from permeable paver benefits, paver types, and construction documentation.
Interlocking Concrete Pavers can help reduce urban heat islands (thermal difference between urban and rural areas), while also minimizing the impacts on microclimates and wildlife habitats. This is accomplished through increased albedo (a measure of solar radiation reflected from a surface) or using a pavement system with less than 50% imperviousness.
Vacuuming a PICP System
For permeable pavers with aggregate in the joints, pressure washing is not recommended, but vacuuming is an effective means of maintenance. For large sites, specialized vacuums are available; most small sites can be maintained with a heavy-duty shop vac. Some aggregate will be removed in the course of maintenance vacuuming and will need to be replaced properly. In the following video, participants took part in a live demonstration of a vacuum sweeper - revitalizing an 8 year old UNI-ECOLOC permeable pavement (PICP).
Precedent - Osseo, MN Streetscape
The street is a balanced environment for pedestrians, bicyclists, and autos and offers flexible spaces that can be closed to vehicular traffic for community events. An important aspect of the project design was the ability to disassemble and reinstall it like a "kit of parts" to accommodate future redevelopment. Pavers are easy to install/uninstall/reinstall.
Precedent - Alleyway, Couch Place, Chicago
Couch Place alleyway is a functioning service alley where garbage is collected and messenger bicyclists shortcut. Yet instead of cement, the alley is covered with permeable concrete pavers that reflect heat and reduce storm-water runoff, thereby preventing nearby properties from flooding and reducing the need for additional sewer infrastructure. The effect is a backstage area that’s bright, clean, and eco- and pedestrian-friendly. In addition, periodically throughout the year this alley turns into a place-making experience by transforming into a pop-up art gallery, used to celebrate art, music, fashion, design, and technology. It is Chicago's first "People Alley" public space.
Precedent - Sugar Beach, Toronto, Canada
Formerly a surface parking lot in a faded industrial area, Canada’s Sugar Beach opened in August 2010 to become Toronto's second urban beach along the City's downtown shoreline. The larger portion of the promenade is paved with interlocking pavers to withstand heavier traffic and loads for delivery and maintenance trucks. Varying colors of pavers were used to create sugar maple leaf mosaics. In addition, Silva Cell infrastructure was placed underneath the permeable paver system in order to provide the necessary room for tree growth. Learn more about the Sugar Beach project here.
The Indianapolis Cultural Trail
The next-gen in U.S. protected bike lanes, this 8-mile trail connects some of downtown Indy's most popular cultural institutions. The Indianapolis Cultural Trail is a prime example of a landscape "edge," which is often a linear interface between two spaces of a landscape that have different functions or physical characters. The trail, surfaced using interlocking concrete pavers, replaces what was once a brown field with a pedestrian friendly experience that includes bioswales for stormwater runoff. Read more about the Indianapolis Cultural Trail here or check out the video.
Precedent: Mary Bartelme Park, Chicago, IL.
Various types of pavers are used throughout Mary Bartelme Park. Different colored pavers can function as way finding tools. The white pavers in the picture shown to the right provide for a transition in a space. Additionally, the white pavers used are TX Active permeable pavers. Sun rays activate the photocatalytic reaction within concrete made with TX Active and destroy organic and inorganic compounds before they have a chance to adhere to its surface. On a clear day the photocatalytic properties of the pavers clean the air, and on a rainy day their permeability allows stormwater to slowly percolate the system's surface recharging back into the ground.
Precedent - 7th St. Washington, D.C.
The 7th street Eastern Market corridor serves as both a vehicular passageway and pedestrian plaza. The Eastern Market is a public market in the Capitol Hill neighborhood. The market extends to the public plaza, made up of pavers, on weekends when street thoroughfare in front is closed to vehicular traffic. Tents are set up and local venders, farmers, etc. are able to sell their goods. It is the neighborhood's town center, and a gathering place.
Case Study - Hong Kong Airport
Hong Kong International Airport represents the largest single airfield installation of interlocking concrete pavements. Since most of the airport is on reclaimed land, anticipated settlement required that flexible asphalt pavement be used instead of rigid concrete for runways. Concrete pavers also provide a more fuel-resistant surface than asphalt.
Precedent - Labyrinth, Holzer Healing Center, Gallipolis, OH.
The labyrinth was created for patients, families and staff as a place of meditation, prayer and reflection. The two varying pavers allow this space to be diverse in function. Different from a maze in that there are no dead-ends, users can navigate the labyrinth's path, which will eventually lead them to the center. The labyrinth also doubles as a courtyard in the center of the garden and serves as a gathering place for those who are healing from cancer. Users can also walk the labyrinth, which
LABash Design-Build Principles
The University of Georgia hosted the annual LABash conference during Spring, 2013. At this event, a design competition was held that featured the installation of an interlocking concrete pavement. The pdf below depicts a below-surface “design” element (5 layers) that is an important general principle to be considered during initial conceptual design phases.
Architecture for Bicycles
Copenhagen architecture firm, Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), used interlocking pavers as a means of wayfinding. The pavers make up a sloped ramp that goes from ground level to the individual buildings. This "street in the sky" provides for an easy access for bicyclists.
Types and Applications
There are several different applications for the use of segmental concrete pavers. Both the solid interlocking pavers and the open grid pavers can be utilized in the applications, however, each of the two types have more common applications that they are typically associated with. The typical applications are separated by the type of paver and the list belowincludes the applications and some of their specific uses. Following this basic introduction to the various applications, each one will be expanded upon on the subsequent pages. Each of the uses contains design examples and diagrams that illustrate the design variety in their use. Portion of Harfmann/Day publication
The common misconception about the topic of paving is that it is exclusively used for parking lots. In this section, two new concepts are introduced that redefine the way in which paving is viewed. The two major sections stimulate and promote thinking about the exterior horizontal surfaces in a non-traditional way and presents diagrams and illustrations that integrate the use of precast concrete pavers into the design of the built environment. Portion of Harfmann/Day publication
The issue of scale is a common concern when designing the large exterior surfaces of the urban carpet. Large monolithically paved surfaces do not tend to provide the human with any dimensional relationship to the environment on which their feet are planted. The use of segmental paving, by default, offers a direct dimensional relationship between the human and the individual units that make up the paved assembly.
Portion of Harfmann/Day publication
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Caltex cleans up in worker compo ‘hoax’
Caltex is accused of ripping off workers. Photo: Simon BoschAmid the fracas of a wage fraud scandal tearing through Caltex, more than 200 franchisees and senior executives jetted into Tokyo in late March for a three-day conference at Tokyo’s swish Hilton Odaiba, overlooking Tokyo Bay.
Instead of the usual pomp and excitement of previous annual shindigs, the mood was sombre. Dozens of franchisees had been left off the invitation list after refusing to comply with a mandatory workplace compliance audit and those who had accepted came in the hope they would get some clarity on their future.
As the franchisees piled into the auditorium to listen to Caltex boss Julian Segal and the general manager of retail operations Karen Bozic, silence enveloped the room when they were told the future of the retail operating model – including the franchisee model – was still under review.
“We understand this will cause some angst until you get clarification,” the room was told.
Yet, almost six months later, franchisees are still in the dark about their future. There is a sense of foreboding that the wage fraud scandal and two separate projects – project Oyster and Project Reef – will collide and franchisees will be the collateral damage.
Project Oyster is exploring Caltex’s role in the competitive and underdeveloped $20 billion convenience store sector as Caltex grapples with the longer term trend of declining income from fuel, and the more immediate hole it has to fill in the wake of the Woolworths decision to end a long-term strategic alliance with Caltex and sell its 500-plus Woolworths-owned fuel and convenience store sites to BP.
Project Reef is looking at the underlying business structure to see if the franchise model – or a corporate model – is the best way to support its convenience store strategy, which is seeking to tap into changing tastes including fresh food and other convenience options at stores.
At the same time Caltex, which has a market value of more than $8 billion, is conducting mandatory audits across its network to ensure workplace laws aren’t being breached.
Through those audits, Caltex can seize hundreds of stores. Stores which franchisees have paid at least a combined $1 billion to buy Caltex can take and pay little or no compensation if workplace laws are violated at any level.
Shrinking networkBetween November and July, the franchise network shrunk from 650 to 500 stores while Caltex corporate sites expanded from 150 to 230. In the process Caltex converted about 80 franchised sites to corporate sites. Caltex says it already owns the stores and so there will be no impact on Caltex’s balance sheet.
For franchisees, termination means financial devastation.
On top of the audit process, franchisees whose five to 10-year franchise agreements are due to expire are being put on short-term contracts while the retail operating model review is in progress.
All this uncertainty is pushing the market value of Caltex sites down. Some franchisees say the market value has halved in the past year.
Caltex CEO Julian Segal Photo: Pat Scala
Quite how far the audit process has gone is revealed in a note Caltex wrote to franchisees saying: “So far decisions have been made or audits are in process for about half the franchise network.”
The note, obtained by Fairfax Media, said so far 30 stores “have been found to be complying with workplace obligations or are working with Caltex to remedy breaches”.
To date 116 stores have been issued termination notices or have prematurely ended their contracts after refusing to participate in a compulsory workplace audit.
Audit boycottIn some cases franchisees are refusing to do the audits because they have been underpaying workers, in other cases they fear Caltex will use technicalities to terminate them.
Ash Vatsa bought two stores in April 2015 and has been juggling two jobs to pay the bills. He says he is on financial assistance from Caltex because his stores are losing money.
He owes the bank $350,000 and is worried that an audit will be used to remove him from the system.
Ash Vatsa stands by the Caltex petrol station in Merrylands where he is the franchisee. Photo: Jessica Hromas
Vatsa says he has always paid his workers correctly but he is worried he might not have all the paperwork the audits require. When he bought into the network in 2015 the records weren’t rigorous and he says it can be hard to keep track of students on visas, including when they are on holidays from university.
He is currently on an assistance program from Caltex because he is struggling to stay afloat.
“It is hard to get them and you go through so much and then six months later do it again,” he says.
“I should have applied last year but I was scared to apply.”
He says even with assistance he has to work a second job.
“My second job is in hospitality. I’m working at least 80 hours a week,” he says.
“It is very stressful not knowing what is happening, we owe $350,000. How do we pay that, where do we get the money to pay for that.”
Process ‘fair’In a statement Caltex insists it follows a “fair and rigorous process” before ending a franchise agreement.
Franchisee Sanjeev Kumar, who has a store in Woodridge West, Brisbane, is also refusing to take part in the Caltex-funded audit.
Kumar’s store was audited by the Fair Work Ombudsman in October and received a notice in April from the regulator saying there had been a minor compliance issue which required the repayment of $13 to one employee and $40 to another.
He wrote to the company discussing his financial and mental plight.
“My health problem has become more severe that I have developed back and frozen shoulder severe pain due to increased stress level.”
Kumar wrote that he “humbly” requested Caltex to refund his franchise fees of $160,000 on pro rata basis.
On July 31 Caltex wrote: “We are mindful of the health issues you have outlined below, however as I indicated in our meeting …Caltex is not willing to consider a buy-back or surrender of your franchise at this time. A surrender of your franchise agreement does not fit within Caltex’s current strategic plans.”
So far 43 franchise sites have refused to take the audit. They hired law firm Lander & Rogers, which negotiated a settlement with Caltex, the terms of which are confidential.
According to Tean Kerr, it now represents a further 50 additional Caltex franchise sites in dispute with Caltex despite “many of them having already passed wage reviews by the Fair Work Ombudsman”.
“They are in dispute with Caltex because they believe that Caltex are intent on stealing their stores and the franchise fees they have paid.”
Kerr says the 7-Eleven scandal made Caltex management realise “Caltex is to blame for creating a franchise model that makes money for Caltex but exploits franchisees and pressures them into cutting corners to make ends meet”.
Professor Allan Fels has blasted the Caltex compensation scheme. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
Caltex says in a statement that “initial investigations and audits were focused on stores where Caltex received allegations of wage underpayment or identified a high risk of non-compliance”.
It argues then that the high “run-rate” of breaches so far should not be seen as representative of the whole network.
It says its independent experts had found the model is sustainable, allowing franchisees to draw a wage, make a profit and pay employees lawful wage rates.
Caltex refuses to reveal the average profit, saying “the appropriate bottom-line profit for each store is highly variable depending on many business factors”.
But it is understood the average figure is about $60,000, which franchisees argue isn’t enough to pay bank loans and live.
Many say it is getting harder as they get squeezed to pay more to head office including royalties, rent, wages, Star Card fees, Star Boss, coffee machine leasing, drive-offs, where customers fill their tanks with petrol and drive off without paying, uniforms, accounting, electricity and bank card fees.
Draconian rulesFormer ACCC chairman Allan Fels, a former head of the 7-Eleven compensation scheme, said the terminations were unduly harsh. “These sorts of actions are draconian and exploitative of franchisees,” he said.
Professor Fels said with a “terribly” weak bargaining position, it demonstrates the need for more than just the newly minted Protecting Vulnerable Workers Act, which beefs up penalties for wage fraud and makes franchisors jointly responsible for workplace abuses if they have a “significant degree of influence or control” or influence over their franchisee’s affairs.
It is this control over franchisees that Professor Fels believes will result in a parliamentary inquiry into the $170 billion franchise sector.
Caltex has taken over the running of more than service stations. Photo: Sasha Woolley
Under Caltex’s franchise contract if a franchisee is terminated due to a breach of the franchise agreement the value of the business is returned to Caltex with the franchisee receiving only the value of any stock or other owned assets. Goodwill and other rights belong to Caltex.
“You acknowledge and agree that except expressly provided under the agreement or as may be required by law, at the end of the franchise you are not entitled to receive any payment or compensation from Caltex,” reads the relevant clause in a franchise agreement agreement.
After Caltex seized the store in late May, Hanna has been trying to find work so he can repay his business loan. He believes the termination process is a “heap of crap”.
Another franchisee who had three highly profitable sites worth an estimated $1 million each, believes Caltex used its might to take back highly sought after stores.
“They are acting like the police,” the franchisee says.
The stores were seized after an audit found a series of issues including wage fraud, not paying super, not of good character and various other contraventions.
The franchisee, who requested anonymity, says the family bought the stores from Caltex in 2015 for $200,000 each and built them up.
A final payment of $68,000 plus interest was made on one of the three stores to Caltex on July 3. On July 19 the franchisee was terminated and the stores seized.
“How unethical is that? To take the money then terminate us and get the value of the stores for nothing.” Caltex declined to comment, citing legal and privacy reasons.
The problem for employees is that if a franchisor terminates a franchisee and that franchisee is then left with no site and a big bank loan to repay, the chances of them repaying workers is slim.
So it isn’t just franchisees who feel aggrieved. Workers are also feeling done over.
Fairfax Media can reveal that four months after Caltex set up a $20 million compensation scheme for underpaid workers, only 101 have applied and nobody has been paid out, this is despite more than 116 stores either being kicked out or leaving after refusing to participate in an audit.
The scheme has raised the ire of the Fair Work Ombudsman Natalie James who said this week that Caltex had failed to engage with the regulator to develop the fund or report those individuals it had breached or terminated.
She warned that Caltex was likely to face “enforcement action” and that the investigation so far, which involved raiding 25 sites, had “similar themes emerging to 7-Eleven”.
Professor Fels describes the compensation fund as bogus and a “public relations stunt” requiring regulatory scrutiny.
Conditional compensationConfidential letters obtained by Fairfax show that the compensation Caltex is offering workers is a fraction of their alleged underpayment. It also shows that the payouts are conditional on the workers keeping the information confidential and not making negative comments about Caltex. The conditions have raised concerns of the regulator which said in a statement it would take it up with Caltex.
The compensation scheme is a hoax, says former worker, Mustanser Bajwa, a bio-chemistry student at Sydney University.
He says the process from dobbing in his franchisee to making the claim made him feel used and exploited.
He informed on his employer in late 2016 after receiving a call from Caltex’s auditors to speak up. The franchisee was terminated in May, with Caltex seizing four stores worth an estimated $2.2 million.
Fair Work Ombudsman Natalie James Photo: James Brickwood
Earlier this month Bajwa finally received an offer from Caltex that was a fraction of the estimated underpayments he was owed between 2015 and 2016. He wasn’t allowed to go back any further, to 2012, because the Caltex fund only makes refunds from 2015.
“I have all the documents to pay me back to 2015 but they offer me so little,” he said.
He says the sad part for workers is that most of the serious underpayments date back further than 2015, before 7-Eleven was exposed for wage fraud.
“Caltex is not willing to investigate prior to 2015 because I believe before 2015 the underpayments across the Caltex sites were as bad as 7-Eleven stores,” he says.
So far 7-Eleven has paid out $150 million to thousands of workers.
But Caltex said it went back to 2015 because “allegations of wage underpayment in the franchise sector in were first raised in 2015”.
Therefore, Caltex considers January 2015 to be a “fair and reasonable date.”
To exploited workers like Bajwa, Caltex’s behaviour is worse than that of the franchisees.
“At least they aren’t hypocrites,” he said. “Caltex makes out they care about us but they are also underpaying us what we are owed. What’s the difference?”
Another worker Saad Rafique, who came to in 2012 from Pakistan, worked an average of 65 hours a week at Caltex and was grossly underpaid.
Rafique is currently working at a Caltex store but agreed to speak up because he feels so strongly about what is going on. He says he was underpaid for years and has all the evidence.
He lodged a claim with Caltex but was shocked by the lowball offer, which he believes it 30 per cent of what he is owed.
“The offer is so little yet they won’t tell me how they calculated the amount,” he says.
Rafique says he was puzzled by what Caltex was doing with the money.
“They are taking away the livelihood of franchisees, paying them nothing when they terminate them and giving workers nothing.”
He believes Caltex is no better than the franchisees that underpay workers.
“Why won’t they do the right thing, they want us to say nothing bad about them, they want to silence us and we have no idea how they are making the calculations.”
Another worker, a student on a visa, said most workers decided not to apply because the bar was too high to prove underpayments and unlike 7-Eleven Caltex would only pay up to 20 hours for students.
“Everyone knows that students have to work longer hours to make up for the low wages they get paid,” he says.
“Sometimes students don’t have any choice but to breach their hours, but Caltex doesn’t care. This makes many think they can’t be trusted.”
Payments calculatedCaltex says in a statement the compensation fund relies on the information provided by franchisee employees to calculate wage underpayment.
It says the payment is an ex-gratia payment that “represents a contribution towards any claim they may have in respect of their employment with the franchisee”.
It tried to distance itself from the problem, saying Caltex was not the employer, had no part in wage underpayment and had no liability to pay franchisee employee entitlements.
“Caltex has established the fund to do the right thing by franchisee employees and provide some assistance to those who have been underpaid.”
As the Fair Work Ombudsman continues to examine the findings of the stores it raided last year, franchisees and former franchisees are coming forward alleging the business model is being increasingly stacked against them as Caltex grabs more and more in fees and rentals.
Certainly there is evidence from the emails obtained by Fairfax and interviews with former franchisees that Caltex was made aware of wage fraud issues over a number of years.
One email seen by Fairfax Media by a former site owner to a senior manager complained he had flagged similar issues to those at 7-Eleven to another senior manager in June 2011.
Another former Caltex franchisee, Kevin Crossey, who operated a number of sites between 1998 and 2014, has previously told Fairfax that he repeatedly told head office there was a problem with wage fraud.
“I was on the NSW state franchise council and national franchise council representing franchises over a number of years,” he said in an interview last year.
One email written by a worker to a Caltex manager in 2014 flagged issues including staff sacked without payment. “Many time local people come to apply for the job but [the franchisee] keep the money… I have been treated okay because I always spend two hours etc without pay… they have kept copies of our passports.”
Caltex says it has responded to every allegation made about wage underpayment, including allegations made in 2014 about wage underpayment at businesses to which Caltex was a fuel supplier only, not the employer and not the operator.
But Caltex has a problem. It has created a toxic relationship with franchisees and workers alike.
“They are trying to hide under the banner of doing the right thing but their actions prove they are not doing the right the thing,” Saad Rafique says.
“The scheme should be open for everyone, for all years and for all entitlements.”
But it’s not.
Chinan Wallabies beat Argentina Pumas in Canberra: Pictures
Wallabies record comeback win over Argentina TweetFacebook
2017 Rugby Championship: Wallabies v PumasPictures: Sitthixay Ditthavong and AAPA lack of first-half urgency had n coach Michael Cheika seeing red and questioning the effort of his players but the Wallabies managed to get their Rugby Championship campaign off the ground with a convincing 45-20 win over Argentina in Canberra.
With his side trailing 13-10 at half-time, many thought Cheika would have put a rocket up his players given he could hardly hide his displeasure when speaking to Fox Sports while the game was still in the balance.
“There’s no urgency, I’m not sure if we realise we’re playing in a Test match,” Cheika said. “Urgency, speed, aggression [were] all missing in the first half. We’re lucky to only be 13-10 behind.”
From there the Wallabies got their act together, with Sekope Kepu and Israel Folau scoring tries to establish dominance and prevent what would have been ‘s first defeat to Argentina on home soil since 1983.
RELATED: Wallabies secure big victory
The six-tries–two victory was ‘s biggest over Argentina since the Mendoza fixture in 2015 and largest overall since their 62-point win against Uruguay at the 2015 World Cup.
Cheika revealed afterwards he didn’t have to say a thing because his players knew they weren’t up to scratch.
“There’s no point me going down there and giving them a rev up, even though I really wanted to,” Cheika said. “I didn’t need to because they said it themselves. That’s a step forward for our leadership team, they told it as it was at half-time, didn’t try to hide from the lack or intensity and urgency that was there.
“We know we should be on, we know we let ourselves down in the first half. We stayed in the fight at least
“From the first whistle in the second half they owned that and they wanted to get better.”
Wallabies prop Sekope Kepu makes a bustling run during the Rugby Championship’s fourth round clash between and Argentina at Canberra Stadium. Picture: Sitthixay Ditthavong
failed to learn their lesson from last week and at times were ineffective at cleaning out Argentina’s back-rowers, notably Pablo Matera and Tomas Lezana, who hovered over the ball like angry magpies.
Argentina captain Agustin Creevy carried the ball a total of 17 times with real purpose and his turnover in the 42nd minute, after the Wallabies had built up 14 phases, epitomised ‘s struggles at the breakdown.
Sean McMahon was ‘s most potent forward of the evening while Michael Hooper was instrumental in the second half when his team needed their leader to stand up.
“It’s not a sense of relief, it’s a sense of finally getting a reward for some of the hard work that not only a lot of the players have put in but staff,” Hooper said. “It’s a good feeling for everyone.”
The 25-point defeat was Argentina’s ninth loss from their last 10 games and leaves them still on zero points in the Rugby Championship.
The Wallabies will have a week off before travelling to Johannesburg on Saturday to prepare for a Test against the Springboks, who came crashing back down to earth after they were thumped 57-0 by the All Blacks.
“What I do know is that when we get to the high veld, it’s going to be on,” Cheika said. “They’re going to be looking for some retribution on someone and that’s most likely going to be us and we’ve got to be ready for that.”
Earlier, man of the match Bernard Foley opened the scoring with a penalty from in front and while looked to at attack at every opportunity, a number of careless knock-ons thwarting their ability to strike from counters in their own half.
Argentina hit back with a three-pointer of their own in the 15th minute in what was a largely uneventful opening first quarter of an hour.
The visitors dominated early territory – they had 76 per cent at half-time – and threatened the Wallabies, whose defensive line spacing has improved leaps and bounds since the Sydney disaster four weeks ago.
Bernard Foley of the Wallabies (centre) is tackled by Pablo Matera of Argentina (right). Picture: AAP
It took 23 minutes for cold fans to see a try but it was the visitors who dived over first, courtesy of halfback Martin Landajo from close range.
Shortly after, however, the Wallabies levelled the scores, with Folau crossing for his ninth try from seven games this year.
A no-look Adam Coleman pass went to ground but the Wallabies scooped it up and four passes later seized their chance as Folau continued his hot streak to the delight of a Canberra crowd of 14,229.
The Pumas took a 13-10 lead into half-time and interestingly, some local fans booed Foley when the Wallabies five-eighth kicked the ball out, from his own end, to put an end to a half of rugby that lacked vitality.
To ‘s credit, they could have taken a penalty to draw level but decided to chance their arm and it payed off.
Sekope Kepu equalled the most tries scored by an prop (four) in the 49th minute before Folau bagged his second of the evening four minutes later.
Recalled second-rower Rob Simmons orchestrated a terrific offload out the back before Will Genia’s long cut-out pass landed in Folau’s bread basket to gift him try No.10 for 2017 and put the Wallabies ahead 24-13 after a conversion.
“He’s a natural footballer,” said Cheika of Folau. “I think that he handled everything pretty well during the week, he didn’t look to lose any focus at all. He’s quality.”
Rugby league convert Marika Koroibete came on in the 50th minute and almost scored a try on debut from a Foley grubber out the back of the Pumas defensive line.
“He looked pretty good,” Cheika said. “He didn’t look out of place. He’s nicked Sean’s [McMahon] phone or done something to him down in Melbourne because he could have had his first Test try but Seany went back inside to Nick with a brilliant pass.
“He made a nice entrée for his first game no doubt about it.”
A yellow card to Pumas Enrique Pieretto in 71st minute was a just reward for the ns, who turned out their best scrum performance of the Rugby Championship.
“I’d like to see that consistency every week,” Cheika said. “I know we can do it.”
A minute later Genia scored his 13th Test try and by then had completely found their groove. Reserve halfback Nick Phipps and youngster Jordan Uelese then snared their own five-pointers to put Cheika in a far better mood than he was in the sheds at the break.
Davis Cup 2017: Nick Kyrgios leads the Chinan fightback against Belgium
‘s Nick Kyrgios during his five-set thriller with Belgium’s Steve Darcis. Photo: APBrussels:Nick Kyrgios has fought back to keep ‘s Davis Cup hopes alive after seeing off a determined Steve Darcis in a five-set thriller in Brussels.
Kyrgios won 6-3 4-6 6-7 (7-5) 6-1 6-2 against the wily world No.70 who had looked set to inflict more misery on –seven years after relegating the 28-time champions from the World Group.
he crucial victory levelled the tie at 1-1 ahead of Saturday’s doubles rubber after David Goffin earlier beat a spirited John Millman.
Kyrgios stormed imperiously through the opening set, sending down eight aces without losing a point in five service games.
The controversial Canberran stirred up the home fans by cupping his ear to them after taking the lead, a move that only seemed to inspire Darcis, who was playing in his 21st tie for his country.
Belgium haddrawn first bloodwhen Goffin prevailedover Millman6-7 (7-4) 6-4 6-3 7-5 in a three-and-a-half hour marathonto give the hosts a 1-0 lead at the Palais 12 arena.
John Millman fell short in an epic three-and-a-half hour duel with Belgian David Goffin in Brussels. Photo: AP
The world No.12 has now won 14 of his last 15 Davis Cup singles matches, but he was made to work hard for his victory by the 185th-ranked Queenslander, who was only called into the team by captain Lleyton Hewitt on Thursday.
Millman grabbed the opening set in a tiebreak after battling back from a break down to stun the noisy home crowd.
However, the 28-year-old Millman demonstrated tremendous fighting spirit to break back immediately only to surrender his serve in the next game, before once again levelling the scores at 3-3.
Belgium’s David Goffin after beating ‘s John Millman during the first rubber of the Davis Cup semi-final in Brussels on Friday. Photo: AP
Millman had another break point at 4-3 but was unable to convert. Goffin broke Millman for a 6-5 lead and ultimately served out the match.
NRL semi-final: Cowboys secure shock victory over Parramatta
Try scoring machine: Semi Radradra. Photo: AAPThe North Queensland Cowboys have produced a stunning comeback to beat the Parramatta Eels on Saturday night.
The Cowboys secured a 24-16 win at ANZ Stadium to progress to next weekend’s NRL preliminary final against the Sydney Roosters.
After trailing 10-6 at half time, North Queensland dominated play in the second half to record an upset win.
John Asiata started the run by scoring a try in the 44thminute for the Cowboys.
Ethan Lowe nailed the conversion to help his side take a 12-10 lead.
Cowboys forward Coen Hess then crossed over to score in the 51stminute and Lowe converted as the side led 18-10.
Star five-eighth Michael Morgan all-but sealed victory in the 74thminute when he dived over to score.
Lowe nailed the conversion to help the Cowboys take a 24-10 advantage.
Parramatta centre Michael Jennings scored a consolation try on the siren for the home team.
Mitchell Moses’ conversion rounded out the 24-16 result.
Full match blog here.
Vision of the @nthqldcowboys Try Decision in the 74th minute of #NRLEelsCowboys.#NRLpic.twitter苏州夜网/9qXvKO2bm8
— NRL Bunker (@NRLBunker) September 16, 2017Half time report:Parramatta Eels have edged one step closer to booking a spot in the NRL preliminary finals.
The Eels have taken a 10-6 lead into half time in their semi-final against the North Queensland Cowboys on Saturday night at ANZ Stadium.
Parramatta scored the first try after six minutes via winger Semi Radradra.
The Semi-Trailer lights up the #NRLFinals!#NRLpic.twitter苏州夜网/mImbXH3PcS
— NRL (@NRL) September 16, 2017Game on!#NRLFinals#NRLpic.twitter苏州夜网/H1v8TND2zP
— NRL (@NRL) September 16, 2017
A Sydney Senate inquiry told devices were ‘decommercialised’
Johnson & Johnson cancels two mesh devices Evidence: Former Newcastle basketballer Paul Zadow will give evidence on Monday to a Senate inquiry about his company’s pelvic mesh device.
Scandal: Victorian Senator Derryn Hinch who made the case for a Senate inquiry into pelvic mesh devices.
Scrutiny: A range of pelvic mesh devices now withdrawn from the n market.
TweetFacebookJohnson & Johnson Medical continues to have confidence in the safety and efficacy of these products.
Johnson & Johnson after withdrawal of two pelvic mesh devices
Johnson & Johnson and a second American mesh device manufacturer, Boston Scientific, will give evidence at a Senate pelvic mesh inquiry on Monday, along with the director of n companyTFS Manufacturing, Paul Zadow. Mr Zadow is a former n champion basketballer and Newcastle Falcons player.
In its statement Johnson & Johnson said the two Gynemesh products were cancelled from the n therapeutic goods registry on August 22. Two of its Prolift mesh devices, and a Prosima device, were “decommercialised” in August, 2012.
“Like any company, the decision to introduce or discontinue a product is a matter we deal with regularly and this was a considered commercial decision,” Johnson & Johnson said.
In August there were just nine mesh device company entries on ’s therapeutic goods register, covering 22 individual mesh devices. In 2013, before the TGA requested evidence from manufacturers of mesh device safety and efficacy,there were 42 company entries on the register, covering 100 individual mesh devices.
In evidence at a Melbourne hearing of the Senate inquiry TGA deputy secretary Professor John Skerritt said a doctor’s evidence that the TGA had not cancelled any devices was “simply not true”.
He also rejected Dr Caroline Dowling’s evidence that companies made “commercial decisions” to withdraw devices “so there was no fault with those products, they were good products”.
Professor Skerritt told the inquiry: “Those cancellations were not for commercial reasons.”
Companies initiated cancellations because “they did not have the evidence to answer the questions we had asked”.
The public hearing on Monday will be held at Parliament House in Sydney, followed by a Canberra Parliament House public hearing on Tuesday.
The inquiry was launched after Victorian Senator Derryn Hinch described the marketing of pelvic mesh devices in as “one of the greatest medical scandals and abuses of mothers in ‘s history”.
Baby Blake Darragh diagnosed with rare cancer of the muscle
Amanda Darragh with her son Blake, aged 21 months. Photo: Kate GeraghtyBlake Darragh was eight weeks old when he developed nappy rash “almost like a chemical burn”, said his mother Amanda Darragh of Holsworthy.
It took five months of pain and discomfort before experts at The Children’s Hospital Westmead diagnosed a very rare, fast growing and highly malignant childhood cancer. It was also growing in an even more unusual location: Blake’s bladder and prostate.
“You hear that kids have cancer, but you never think it is going to be your child,” said Mrs Darragh. “I never saw it as bad luck, I saw it as a piece of crap. It is just something that happened to our family.”
Of the 14 to 20 children like Blake who are diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma (cancer of the muscle) every year in , four to five have it in the bladder. By the time Blake’s was found, it had spread from the bladder into his prostate.
His chance of survival over a five-year period is two in three, said his paediatric oncologist, Dr Geoff McCowage.
Blake, though, is one of six children who have been treated at Westmead with paediatric brachytherapy performed by Dr Jennifer Chard, a pioneering paediatric radiation oncologist in this field.
Treating Blake’s cancer involved putting him in an induced coma, because children of his age wiggle too much, and surrounding him with a perspex box to remind everyone that he was fragile.
To deliver strong doses of radiation for intensive treatment from a short distance, allowing more accuracy and less damage to surrounding tissues still growing in a baby, tiny hollow rods were inserted in Blake’s groin using equally tiny medical equipment. The radiation was delivered via the rods to the tumour for 10 minutes, twice a day.
Amanda Darragh
Until recently, the federal government sent children to the French hospital Institut Gustave Roussy in Paris for this treatment. Researchers reported in July on a study ofa 100 children between five months and 14 years of agewho had been treated with a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation delivered using brachytherapy. There was a five-year, disease-free rate of 84 per cent, with overall survival rate of 91 per cent.
“If it had been an 18-year-old , we would have given radiotherapy from outside the body for six weeks, but that would destroy a one-year-old’s tissues and the hips, the bones, the intestines,” said Dr McCowage.
Amanda plays with Blake in the hospital garden. Photo: Kate Geraghty
But the path to diagnosis was painful for Blake, and awful for his family to watch.
Because many children suffer from nappy rash, Blake’s doctor thought it was a urinary tract infection, which wouldn’t clear with medication.
“He would scream and [the urine] would drizzle out, which was unusual,” said Mrs Darragh who also has two older sons, four and six.
“He was extremely uncomfortable, at six months he wasn’t sitting up, because he would try to sit up and he would scream and throw himself backwards.”
His bladder had nearly four times as much urine than is usual in a baby of his age.
Except for the darkest times, his mother said most people wouldn’t have known Blake was sick.
“He smiled through it, this really helped me. He’s just a happy little baby,” said Mrs Darragh. To get through the toughest year of her life and her marriage, Mrs Darragh relied on her family, her faith and an endless supply of pasta bakes from friends and family.
It is early days yet but Dr Chard said the tumours had shrunk in every child.
Blake is now 21 months old with no sign of recurrence. Doctors say it will take five years before they are sure he is permanently cancer free.
In the meantime, his mother pays more attention to his nappies than she did to her other sons’.
“We have very full nappies,” said Mrs Darragh. “I think I’m probably more obsessed with his than I was with his brothers.”
Parsons Green terror attack: Dozens injured in explosion on London Tube
An injured woman is assisted by a police officer close to Parsons Green station. Photo: PABritish Prime Minister Theresa May has raised the national terror threat level to critical, meaning another attack may be imminent, following an explosion on a packed commuter train in London on Friday morning.
At least 29 people were injured after the improvised bomb exploded on the rush-hour train in what police say was the fifth terrorist attack in Britain this year.
May said in a televised statement that armed police and members of the military would be seen on the streets in the coming days.
Parsons Green terror attack: At least 22 people injured by London Tube ‘bucket bomb'”For this period, military personnel will replace police officers on guard duties at certain protected sites that are not accessible to the public,” she said.
Passengers on board the train heading into the capital fled as fire spread through a carriage at Parsons Green underground station in West London after the explosion at 8.20am local time (5.20pm AEST).
Some suffered burns while others were injured in a stampede to escape.
An injured woman is comforted outside the Parsons Green tube station in London after the explosion. Photo: Reuters
The National Health Service said the injured had been taken to various London hospitals. None were thought to be in a serious condition, the ambulance service said.
“We now assess that this was a detonation of an improvised explosive device,” Britain’s top counter-terrorism officer Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley told reporters.
He said most of the injuries were thought to be flash burns.
Assistant Commissioner Rowley declined to answer whether the authorities knew who was responsible or if the suspected bomber had been on the train.
The container which reportedly exploded on board a packer London train during peak hour on Friday morning.
An earlier tweet by US President Donald Trump appeared to suggest those responsible were known to London’s Metropolitan Police Service. However Scotland Yard issued a statement saying the President’s comments were “pure speculation, given we don’t know who’s involved. Any speculation is unhelpful”.
The Islamic State group asserted responsibility for the incident hours later in a message on its propaganda site that said a “detachment” of its disciples had carried out the attack – language that perhaps suggested more than one assailant.
Experts cautioned that the group often seeks credit for attacks it may have inspired, as well as ones it had nothing to do with.
Pictures taken at the scene showed a white bucket with a supermarket freezer bag on the floor of one train carriage.
The bucket was in flames and there appeared to be wires coming out of the top.
Mrs May confirmed the explosion was being treated as a terrorist attack.
Some people suffered head and facial burns as a container “blew up” towards the rear of the train during rush hour about 8.20am local time (5.20pm AEST). Photo: Twitter/@cupide5tunt
“Clearly this was a device which was intended to cause significant harm,” she said.
“My thoughts are with those injured at Parsons Green and emergency services who are responding bravely to this terrorist incident.”
The threat level in the UK was last raised to ‘critical’ following the Manchester Arena bombing in May, when 23 people, including the attacker, were killed as they exited a concert by US popstar Ariana Grande.
“The public should go about their daily lives but remain vigilant,” Mrs May said. “The threat of terrorism we face is severe but by working together we will defeat them.”
Asked about Mr Trump’s comment that the attack was committed by “people who were in the sights of Scotland Yard”, Mrs May repeated the official line from the Metropolitan Police: “I never think it’s helpful for anyone to speculate on an ongoing situation,” she said.
The Prime Minister chaired a meeting of the government’s Cobra emergency committee on Friday afternoon.
n Hayden Locke was on board the “packed” train at the time of the explosion.
n man Hayden Locke was on board the train. Photo: Supplied
The 35-year-old father-of-two who has been living in London for the past three years was heading into London for meetings when people started stampeding from the back of the train as it pulled into Parsons Green station.
“People kept yelling there was a bomb. People are really on edge here,” he told Fairfax Media.
“All I could see was a little smoke, I just thought it was an electrical fire but people just started running. More people have been hurt by the rush.”
Locke, who works in the mining industry, said many people were injured trying to flee the train and the underground station.
“I saw one woman whose hair was all burnt and another woman had hurt her back after being caught up trying to get out of the station.”
I’m safe – just had to run for my life at #ParsonsGreen station – huge stamped, lots injured. Not sure why – fire/explosion mentioned. pic.twitter苏州夜网/zRvRPWOuzA
— Emma (@EmmaStevie1) September 15, 2017#parsonsgreenpic.twitter苏州夜网/0OUV819EtE
— Sylvain Pennec (@sylvainpennec) September 15, 2017- With AAP
The story,Brits warned another UK terrorattack is ‘imminent’, first appeared on the Brisbane Times.
UFOs spotted in the sky above Cessnock and Singleton
UFO sighting in Hunter Valley sky | VIDEO, PHOTOS, POLL UFO: A strange triangular-shaped craft spotted in the sky, south-west of Cessnock.
TweetFacebookThe man, who did not want to be named,first saw the lights while out on his deck, calling his dog in.
He lives in an area surrounded by bush and state forest nearthe Watagan Mountains, not far from the Laguna area.
Strange lights in the sky spotted south-west of Cessnock.
“Looking to the north, I noticed three flashing lights coming towards me,” he said.
“All of a sudden one went to the left, the other to the right, and the third one kept coming our way.”
Soon several dozen came over the horizon.
“Before we knew it, there would have been 40 to 50 of them, flying towards us. They were spread apart. I noticed most of them did a U-turn and went back again.
“I thought ‘this is strange, am I in a movie, like one of those attacks from Mars.
“There were so many out there, it was such a spectacle. It was overwhelming. My heart was pumping really fast.”
The man said thathelicopters andaeroplanes occasionally flyover, but“this seemed quite odd”because the craftwere“flying together”.
“There was no sound whatsoever. Normally when an aeroplane or helicopter goes by, wecan hear it –even in the house,” the man said.
“These were quiet.”
A second video of strange lights in the sky spotted south-west of Cessnock. In any case, they did not seem like conventional aircraft because“theirmovements were too flexible”.
“Their movements were quite erratic in that they moved towards us and then fairly quickly turned around and went back,” he said.
The Singleton Military Area is to the north of the man’s property, which was the direction from which the lights seemed to be coming.
A Department of Defence spokesman saidSingleton barracks“didn’t have anything going on which they think could have been responsible”.
The man said the craft first appeared in the sky about 8pm on Thursday.
“Most had three or four flashing lights on them,” he said.
“They turned around and went back north. By 8.30pm, they were all gone andthe sky was clear of these flashing lights.
“We came back inside because they kind of vanished.”
About 15 to 20 minutes later, he went back outsideto have another look. The craft had returned.
He could see the craft for another half hour or so.
“Some went back and a few more came out and towards us,” he said.
Some time between 9pm to 9.30pm, the last of them had gone.
“At the very end, there was only one or two I could see doing this strange kind of loop,” he said.
“They were coming out from north to south, then they turned around and went back north again.”
Did he think they wereUFOs?
“The first thing my wife said was‘they’re UFOs’, but I don’t really believe in UFOs,” he said.
He thought they could possibly bemilitarydrones.
He wondered if someone could help identify the craft.
“I’m curious because it’s an odd thing and I don’t have an explanation,” theman said.
“I’m one of those people that likes to have an answer to these things.Maybe somebody else saw it. If a number of people saw it, there could be different perspectives on it.
“Someone inthe aeronautics industry might recognise the lights and know what kind of craft it is.”
The story,UFO sightingin Hunter Valley sky, first appeared on the Newcastle Herald.
NRL finals 2017: Brisbane Broncos defeat Penrith Panthers in elimination final
Penrith end season on a frustrating night as Brisbane prepare to meet Melbourne Storm TweetFacebook
Pictures: AAPBrisbane live to fight another day, Penrith depart season 2017 with another late flourish and ultimately, frustration. And Melbourne will start as prohibitive favourites to progress to another decider after a costly elimination final at Suncorp Stadium.
The young Panthers arrived in Brisbane full of hope and wonder. They left after a tough night where they simply couldn’t create enough to find a way past a rejuvenated home side, who defended their line with the kind of vigour you need to win finals.
The Broncos defence, disconnected last week, scrambled, then scrambled some more, as they took care of business 13-6in front of 38,623 fans, setting up a trip to AAMI Park next Friday night.
But there would be some casualties, with key winger CoreyOates topping the list. Oates was knocked out cold in a horrible collision with team-mate Anthony Milford after 20 minutes and will almost certainly miss the preliminary final.
The pair made contact at full pace, with the shoulder of Milford making direct contact with Oates’ head. Penrith looked as if they had a chance to pounce on the loose ball and score but with Oates looking in serious trouble, officials were right to call a halt to play. Later, he was awake and moving about the dressing rooms.
Penrith had some issues of their own with head knocks, although with a slightly more comedic aspect. Hooker Peter Wallace had to leave the field for a HIA in the first half after Ben Hunt slammed a kick squarely into his face.
They needed his experience and were grateful for his return. He helped them cling to life and eventually, the Panthers threatened one of their customary comebacks when they finally cracked the Broncos line after 54 minutes thanks to Reagan Campbell-Gillard.
But Brisbane weren’t going to let this slip. Jordan Kahu delivered a field goal in the 70th minute, then the Broncos repelled set after set on their own line. All night, Penrith tried to send edge forwards at Anthony Milford. When that didn’t work, they looked short of options.
It was the kind of night Penrith may eventually look back on as one that helped them take the next step in their premiership hunt, similar to Cronulla’s semi-final loss to the Cowboys the year before their breakthrough.
Wayne Bennett’s poor record against Anthony Griffin has been well publicised but he was able to win the one that mattered. Now he has to conjure a miracle against the Storm next week.
Melbourne shouldn’t have feared what either team delivered on Friday night. It was scrappy and tough but lacked the kind of execution and discipline needed to compete against the Storm.
The Broncos are likely to get fullback and captain Darius Boyd back for the match but their record against Melbourne over the past decade has been nothing short of diabolical. Since 2007, they have won just four from 23 against the men in purple.
Brisbane had just one man on their bench at the end of the night and have further injury worries during the week. Jai Arrow was another that left the field with a concussion, while Kodi Nikorima, who was valiant again at fullback, looked to be carrying a knee injury at the end of the match.
But he was able to come up with one of the key moments, leaping high to spoil a Panthers raid late in the match just when it looked as if the Panthers were going to press for extra time.
Instead, they return to the foot of the mountains after a season that must be declared a success. Young half Nathan Cleary would have learned valuable lessons from the defeat – perhaps to be more flexible when Plan A wasn’t working – and can take them one step further in 2018.
Winx prepares for next challenge on September 16
The greatest: Winx surges past Red Excitement in the Chelmsford Stakes. Photo: AAPYes the marvel Winx is striving to recapture her former dazzle, but consider this?
Had she started in the Melbourne Cup this year the mare would have humped 64.5 kilograms, completely overwhelming the assessment of champion Makybe Diva when she notched the Big One for the third time in 2005.
In her two races this campaign, particularly the Chelmsford at Royal Randwick last start, Winx didn’t produce the dominance of recent campaigns.
Thus Saturday’s George Main Stakes, a more fitting traditional title than the sponsor’s toothpaste tag today, heightens the anticipation even more than last start which couldn’t draw more than 10,000 to headquarters, miserable compared to the 40,000-plus for the Swans at the SCG last Saturday.
With recent heart-stoppers Winx has added more theatre to performances: missed the kick by four lengths in the Warwick Stakes followed by being off the bit near the turn, in peril until the last 50 metres, and without the assistance of Hugh Bowman’s dropped whip, did what champions do – win, alas not in the manner of putting rivals to the sword as she did mostly in previous campaigns.
Trainer Chris Waller maintains Winx is at least as good as ever. Perhaps her last two performances were indications she is older, bigger and needs more racing to reach her peak.
But her Melbourne Cup rating by Greg Carpenter, Racing Victoria’s executive general manager – racing, a major player in the handicapping, opined on ABC News Radio’sHoof On The Till, emphasised the weight factor.
Regarded as vastly superior to Irish stayer Order Of St George, top weight this year with 58 kilograms due to being a strong European credentials, Winx (57 kilograms) was receiving two kilos from Red Excitement, who made hackles rise with catch-me-if-you can tactics, in the Chelmsford.
Under handicap conditions Winx would be conceding Red Excitement half the Randwick grandstand. Waller counters stressing the vagaries of weight-for-age racing, sectional times and sprints that can bring the outstanding undone.
Remember, he highlighted how Grand Armee downed Lonhro ($1.26) in the 2004 Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Randwick.
Lonhro was great but not in the Winx class, while Grand Armee was considerably better than Red Excitement. And Darren Beadman, on Lonhro, had a bad day at the office.
However,Makybe Diva was a champion. After winning two Melbourne Cups and a Cox Plate, the mare was given 58 kilograms to dull her bid for the remarkable treble but to no avail.
Carpenter spouts weight is the equaliser in the metric two miles, with Comic Court (59.5 kilograms) in 1950 being the last top of the handicap to triumph, supporting the calculation of only 58 kilograms to Order Of St George, trained by Aidan O’Brien with strong links to Lloyd Williams, the Melbourne Cup mastermind.
Carpenter recalled that a “crusty Sydney journalist” was aghast when the handicappers gave Irish stayer Admire Rakti only a half-kilo penalty in the 2014 Melbourne Cup (58.5 kilograms) after his dominance in the Caulfield Cup.
Weight had little to do with the Admire Rakti failure in the Melbourne Cup.
The Japanese stayer returned to the dressing down sheds following the race and dropped dead.
Racing Victoria is attempting to “help to link” the cups by announcing any horse allocated 56 kilograms or above in the Melbourne Cup would not be penalised should they win the Caulfield Cup.
Lack of consultation has peeved VRC chairman Amanda Elliott, but on a more positive note Flemington has an outstanding program on Saturday, an example why betting turnover on Victorian races topped the $6 billion mark last season.
Even without Order Of St George, Williams will be hard to beat in the Melbourne Cup and punters should get some indication at Flemington on Saturday from his six acceptors in the 2500 metre Japan Racing Association Trophy, headed by Melbourne Cup winner Almandin (Damian Oliver), who is upped 4.5 kilograms to 56.5 kilogramsfor the Big One this year.
Williams has switched Kerrin McEvoy, the best two mile jockey in at present, to stablemate Crocodile Rock.
But the presence of Winx, bolstered by the promo for her60 Minutes role this Sunday, beats anything Flemington has to offer.
Get into the company of a champion. Go to Royal Randwick.
The story,The weight and expectation on Winx, first appeared on the Sydney Morning Herald.
Test cricketer Robert ‘Dutchy’ Holland dies after battle with brain cancer
NSW Women’s Premiership: North Newcastle Maidens make grand final in inaugural season
Newcastle Rugby League: Macquarie defeat Central 60-0 in preliminary final
Tim Crakanthorp says government planning to move Broadmeadow rail assets to Sydney
Gosford beat Norths to win Hunter Coast Premier League Hockey grand final
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Black and White Wildlife Portraits by Laurent Baheux
February 19, 2015 by Bogdan Florin in Nature, Fine Art
Laurent Baheux is a french photographer, born in Poitiers in 1970. Attracted to journalism and editing at first, he rapidly discovered a passion for photography and becoming a self-taught photographer.
From 2002, during a visit to Tanzania, he began private work on the wild fauna, its beauty, strength, roughness and great fragility. He chose black and white, with its play on shadow, light and contrast, to immortalise rare and ephemeral scenes of nature, constantly trying to sublimate the animals, to capture the magnificence of their attitudes, the emotion of their look… Through this authentic quest, Laurent wants to show the vividness of these species which are still alive, but more menaced than ever, and the immense richness that they represent for the planet.
February 19, 2015 /Bogdan Florin
black and white, wildlife
Nature, Fine Art
The Winners of National Geographic 2014 Photo Contest
December 23, 2014 by Bogdan Florin in Fine Art, Landscapes, Nature
Selected from more than 9,200 entries, a photo of a woman spotlighted by the glow of her phone on a crowded train was chosen as the grand-prize winner of the 2014 National Geographic Photo Contest. The photo, titled “A Node Glows in the Dark,” was shot by Brian Yen of Hong Kong.
December 23, 2014 /Bogdan Florin
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Fine Art, Landscapes, Nature
The Winners of Travel Photographer of the Year 2014
December 19, 2014 by Bogdan Florin in Nature, Fine Art, Landscapes
From pilgrims making perilous progress 14,000ft up in the Himalayas to cave divers exploring the cenotes of Mexico, from the bleak beauty of skeletal trees to the warm tones of Himba jewelry and colourful bands of rock in Northumberland, and from bicycle adventures in Norway to the lives of honey-hunters in Bangladesh, the winning images in the 2014 international Travel Photographer of the Year awards give a glorious view of life on this planet.
nature, black and white, awards, Africa, Philip Lee Harvey, Timothy Allen, Marsel van Oosten
Nature, Fine Art, Landscapes
Earth Defenders. The shots of Steve McCurry for 2015 Lavazza Calendar
December 16, 2014 by Bogdan Florin in Commercial, Nature
The 2015 Lavazza Calendar has been produced together with Slow Food, it features twelve breathtaking pictures by renowned US photographer, Steve McCurry, and creative direction by Armando Testa - is a photographic journey through the stories of everyday heroism of the Earth Defenders: women and men who every day defend their land and their projects in Africa with courage and devotion.
nature, Africa, Steve McCurry
Commercial, Nature
Portraits and A Mosaic of Contrasts in Vietnam by Rehahn Photography
September 25, 2014 by Ana Vlad in Fine Art, Nature
Rehahn is a French photographer focusing on portraits whose goal is to meet the 54 different minorities of Vietnam and to discover the unknown spots in the country. Vietnam, A mosaic of contrasts introduces the viewer to a variety of colors, ages, expressions and emotions. Take a moment to see Vietnam through Rehahn's lenses. You won't regret it.
September 25, 2014 /Ana Vlad
portrait, Asia, rural
Fine Art, Nature
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Quahog.org > Facts and folklore > Quahog.org Guide to Rhode Island Language Stuff
Quahog.org Guide to Rhode Island Language Stuff
Whatchoo lookin' at?
It was inevitable that we would have to put one of these pages together eventually. After all, every other webpage that talks about Rhode Island has one. The following is by no means meant to be comprehensive—we're willing to leave that up to the experts. Many of the words and phrases straddle state boundaries, and many of the phonetic pronunciations are true for only a small portion of the population. We've met plenty of native Rhode Islanders who have the classic accent, as well as many who have no discernable accent at all. Your mileage may vary. For a definitive guide to Vo Dynglish, see the excellent book, Rhode Island Dictionary by Mark Patinkin and Don Bousquet.
The Adult Correctional Institute. It's located in Cveaanstin. People are always either being remanded to it or escaping from it.
Antnee, Bvenda, Richit, Shevl
Names for children in Rhode Island's Italian-American neighborhoods.
Beah
An alcoholic beverage.
In New York System parlance, "beef stew" is an order of French fries loaded with salt, vinegar, and ketchup.
Drinking fountain. The word is apparently also used in parts of the upper Midwest and Australia. We've read in a couple of places that the usage may be related to the Wisconsin-based manufacturer, Kohler, which marketed a fountain under the Bubbler name around 1914.
Reader Sandra says, "When we were in Portland, Oregon, we found that they had public 'bubblers.' The word makes sense as that is what the water is doing."
Bullrake
A tool for harvesting shellfish. It has a long handle and tines that curl around to form a wide basket.
A drink made from milk, flavored syrup, and ice cream. In other parts of the country it's called a milk shake or a frappe. A liberal interpretation of the entry for cabinet in the Oxford English Dictionary might suggest that the term originated from the English Newcastle or cabinet pudding, "a pudding made of bread or cake, dried fruit, eggs and milk, usually served hot with a sauce." Or it might not.
Camavo
A member of the holy muscle car trinity, along with the Firebird and the Iroc. Popular with mullet-headed men who have girlfriends named Shevl and who wear black t-shirts with the sleeves cut off.
There are buildings around Rhode Island that are called casinos, yet they contain no games of chance. The word "casino," in this case, comes from the Italian casina, or "little summer house."
Chariho
A district made up of the towns of Charlestown, Richmond, and Hopkinton.
Cherrystone
Cherrystones are quahogs that are a little larger and juicier than littlenecks. They are usually served raw on the half shell or cooked with pasta dishes.
Chourico
Pronounced shuh-reese. A smoked Portuguese sausage that is dense and spicy. There's also Linguica (leeng-gwee-sa), which is less spicy, as it's made with less chili pepper.
Comatta
Depending on your point of view, comatta is either Italian slang for godmother, girlfriend, or mistress, as in "I can bring [Governor Don] Carcieri down. I got stuff. If nothing else, I've got the names of the past comattas. I just gotta throw them out there." These words were spoken by Democratic lobbyist Guy Dufault on his political chat show The Real Deal, which aired Sunday, November 6, 2005, on UPN 28.
The following day local news outlets scrambled to figure out how to spell the unfamiliar word. WJAR Channel 10 and WPRI Channel 12 decided on "goumada." The Providence Phoenix was considering "cumada" until the Providence Journal went on record with "comatta."
So where does "godmother" come in? Reportedly, an Italian man would tell his wife he was going to visit his godmother, or "comare," when in fact he was off to engage in illicit extramarital activities. Somehow, the theory goes, "comare" became "comatta" over time.
However it's spelled, the use of the word cost Dufault pretty much every financial relationship he had, including his TV show. Pretty powerful word, eh?
Cunnin'
Cute; adorable. "Oh, look at this Buddy Cianci bobblehead. How cunnin'!"
Cveaanstin
The municipality south of Providence and north of Wa'wik.
De boatayuz
More than one, less than three.
De klenzaz
The local dry-cleaning establishment.
Eagle Cleansers, 411 Charles Street, Providence.
Downcity
Some people think Downcity is just another name for Providence's downtown, but it actually specifically refers to the Downcity Arts and Entertainment District, established in 1996. The district is bounded by Dorrance, Sabin, Empire, and Pine Streets.
The word (with a small "d") can be traced back to the mid-twentieth century when it actually was a colloquial synonym for downtown Providence. It was resurrected (with a big "d") during a design charrette run by Andres Duany in the early 1990s, when a rebranding of the old commercial district into an arts district was proposed. Beginning in the 1930s, Providence's downtown declined as businesses left and residents moved to the suburbs. The Downcity Arts and Entertainment District was part of a larger scheme to revitalize downtown through preservation, renovation, investment, tax credits, and increased security and access.
The Downcity Arts and Entertainment District.
Downsella
Where you keep that treadmill that you used for about a week back in '93.
A 'draw' is an open-topped box with handles on the front that slides into dressers, cupboards, file cabinets, etc.
Eas' (or Wes') Grennich
Witches may live there, but they're not pronounced.
Otherwise known as rubber bands.
Fuggeddaboudit!
Literally "forget about it," this phrase can mean anything from "yes" to "no" and everything in between, depending upon context and inflection. Donnie Brasco (as played by Johnny Depp), in the film by the same name, explains some of the subtleties:
"Forget about it" is like if you agree with someone, you know, like "Raquel Welsh is one great piece of ass, forget about it." But then, if you disagree, like, "A Lincoln is better than a Cadillac? Forget about it!" you know? But then, it's also like if something's the greatest thing in the world, like Mingrio's Peppers, "forget about it." But it's also like saying "Go to hell!" too. Like, you know, like, "Hey Paulie, you got a one inch pecker?" and Paulie says, "Forget about it!" Sometimes it just means forget about it.
Gagga
Otherwise known as a destroyer, bellybuster, or hot wiener. A small hot dog with a natural casing, slathered in mustard, meat sauce, chopped onions, and celery salt, and served in a steamed bun.
The storage area that is located in the dashboard on the passenger side of your car. It usually contains anything and everything but gloves. Otherwise known as a "glove compartment" in other parts of the country.
v. 1. To protect from harm; watch over. 2. To watch over to prevent escape. 3. To keep watch at (a door or gate). 4. To take precautions: god against infection. --n. 1. One that gods. 2. Watchful care: under close god. 3. Defensive posture or stance. 4. Football. One of the two players on either side of the center. 5. Basketball. Either of the two players stationed near the middle of the court. 6. A device that prevents injury, damage, or loss. ( American Heritage Dictionary , sort of)
In most places, you would get whiplash trying to get a good look at the person you overheard asking for more gravy for their paster. In Rhode island they're just asking for more tomato sauce. According to Bartlett's Dictionary of Americanisms, it has also been used to denote the filling in a pie.
Otherwise known as a hoagie, po' boy, or sub. It's a sangwidge.
The thing in your chest that pumps blood and keeps you alive.
Idear
All those dropped Rs have to go somewhere. They end up tacked onto the ends of words ending in "A," like idear, bananner, paster, and vaniller.
I'm all set
While not a strictly Rhode Island phrase, this declaration that you require no assistance may still get you quizzical looks in some other parts of the country.
The Iway
The section of Route 195 that extends from the 95/195 intersection in Providence to the end of Washington Bridge in East Providence. It was branded thus in 2005 by Providence advertising, marketing, and public relations firm Duffy and Shanley in order to give Rhode Islanders a feeling of "personal connection and ownership" in the project.
Jeet?
Have you eaten yet? The appropriate response (assuming you haven't eaten) is "No, joo?"
A liberal sprinkling of these can brighten up a dull, dreary ice cream cone. We hear they're also called Ants in the Woonsocket area. Funny thing is, you'd be hard pressed to find "jimmies" in the baking section of a Rhode Island grocery store, where they are invariably called "sprinkles."
In recent years the term "jimmies" has come under scrutiny as possibly having a racist origin. Snopes ranks this claim as "probably false."
Littleneck
A littleneck is the smallest size of quahog that is legal to harvest. They are served raw on the half shell, or baked in a shell with breadcrumbs and spices as clams casino.
Don't break it or they'll put you in the ACI.
Natty Lite
This is a term that seems to be something of an inside joke at AM630 WPRO, as in, "You sound like you've had one too many Natty Lites." It actually refers to a brand of beer called Natural Lite. It's not local and has nothing to do with Rhode Island.
NiRoPe
Usually heard as part of the phrase, "NiRoPe Pricing," the word comes from the names of the three Cardi Brothers, Nick, Ron, and Pete, whose furniture store commercials are ubiquitous on Southern New England television and radio stations.
No school Fosta-Glosta
A catchphrase (much like "Whatchootalkin'boutWillis?"), uttered by much-beloved former media personality Salty Brine during winter snow-day reports. Foster and Glocester are two abutting communities in the northwest of the state that are completely snowbound during months containing an "r." Salty always lumped the two together when making no-school announcements. Salty passed away in 2004, but many Rhode Islanders of a certain age still believe there's a town out there called Fosta-Glosta. A sure way to find out if someone is lying about having spent time in the state (as though one would), is to challenge them with the phrase "No school..." A real Rhode Islander knows the rest.
No suh!
I believe you are pulling my leg, my friend.
On sale.
Short for package store, which is what they call liquor stores around here. Decades of boozeless Sundays ended in Rhode Island on June 28, 2004, when Governor Donald Carcieri signed a bill into law allowing cities and towns to issue licenses to liquor stores that want to open on Sundays.
This is not a plea for more porridge, but a polite way of saying, "What the hell did you just say?"
A celebration.
What you hang earrings from. Think about it.
P'tuckit
The municipality north of Providence and south of Attleboro.
Quahog
A kind of ocean clam, or bivalve mollusk, found in the waters of the North Atlantic. They come in two varieties: Arctica islandica, the ocean quahog; and Mercenaria mercenaria, the bay quahog. They make handy ashtrays.
The common name, poquaûhock, is taken from the languages of the Narragansett and Wampanoag Indians, and it's thought that today's pronunciation can be traced to those origins. The Narragansetts, from the west side of Narragansett Bay, probably pronounced the word "po-kwa-hok." Today's western Rhode Islanders thus pronounce it "kwa-hog." The Wampanoags of the East Bay called it "po-ko-hok," and today, eastern Rhode Islanders likewise say "ko-hog."
The bay quahog was given its scientific name by Swedish taxonomist Carl Linnaeus. Polished quahog shells were used by Native Americans to make wampum, which was perceived by Europeans as a form of currency, so Linnaeus dubbed the bivalve with the Latin word for pay or wages.
Regluh kawfee
Be careful how you order your coffee in Rhode Island, because if you like it black, requesting a "regular coffee" is not the way to go. Such a request will more often than not get you a cup with cream and sugar added.
Rhode Island handshake
A little extra gratuity for services rendered.
Sachem
A sachem is a chief or leader of a Native American tribe or confederation, especially those of the Algonquian language group, which includes the Narragansett and Gay Head, Mashpee, and Seakonke Wampanoag tribes. The common usage of "chief sachem" to describe the top leader of a tribe is thus redundant. "Grand sachem" might be more appropriate.
Sangwidge
A meal served between two pieces of bread. Also Sammich.
Saugy
A particular brand of hot dog, made with natural casings, that cuts loose with a distinctive "snap" when bitten into. The Saugy Company was founded in Providence in 1869.
Scrod
No, "scrod" is not the pluperfect subjunctive of "screwed." It's a fillet made from any one of a number of kinds of young whitefish (under 2.5 pounds), including Atlantic cod, haddock, and pollock. Any Rhode Island seafood restaurant that left scrod off its menu would do so at its own peril.
A 1996 Yankee blurb had this to say:
The American Heritage Dictionary called it "a young cod or haddock, especially one split and boned for cooking." Most of New England disagrees, saying that a scrod isn't a fish at all, though what a scrod is seems to be all over the map. Boston's Parker House (celebrating its 140th anniversary this year, making it the country's oldest hotel in continuous operation) says the term was invented there (along with Parker House rolls and Boston cream pie). Hotel chefs needed a general word for a featured fish that they could put permanently on printed menus (another Parker House innovation). Most of the authorities we surveyed agreed: Scrod is a "catch of the day," usually referring to cod, halibut, haddock, or pollack. Some went so far as to point out an acronym: SCROD means 'Select Catch Received on the Day' unless the catch was halibut, and an 'H' would be added.
Wikipedia further suggests the word may have come from the Dutch schrod, meaning "Piece cut off"; the Cornish scraw, to split, salt, and lightly dry; from a contraction of "sacred cod"; or as an acronym for "seaman's catch received on deck" or "small cod remaining on dock."
Side by each
The phrase comes from the French "côté par chacun" and would be translated by most people as "side by side." It is invariably quoted by Rhode Islanders who believe that Woonsocket, the state's northernmost city, is still overwhelmingly populated by French-Canadian millworkers who mangle the English language. It may have been true once, but now, one, two, and three generations removed, most Woonsocket residents are as American as Beaver Cleaver. Other archaic Woonsocketisms include the use of double pronouns, as in, "I'm going to the supermarket, me," and the misplacement of phrases or modifiers, as in, "Throw me down the stairs my bag," or "Drive slow your car."
© 1982 Don Bousquet. Used with permission.
A mythical area that roughly includes Washington and Kent Counties. The name goes back to the Revolutionary War era when sentiment against the British King led rebel sympathizers to come up with an alternative name for Kings County (much as anti-French sentiment led many to call French fries "freedom fries" in recent times). The name was officially changed to Washington County in 1781, but the old appellation of South County still persists.
Walk into a spa in Rhode Island expecting a nice relaxing soak in a hot tub and you may be disappointed. Oh, you can find that kind of spa in Little Rhody, but you're almost as likely to have wandered into a kind of independent mom 'n' pop convenience store or soda fountain. The use of the word may relate to the carbonated or "mineral" water that was used in the preparation of many fountain drinks.
Stuffie
Clam stuffing baked in a clam shell. Also known as a stuffed clam.
David Steinbrick, a producer at Cox Communications, sent us this tidbit: "Over the years, I have heard the best way to describe a 'stuffie' to an outsider. A stuffie is 'a clam meatloaf in an ashtray.' Succinct and to the point. Except the non-native may wonder why we cook food in ashtrays." The phrase actually originates from a spoken gag told by folk artist Jon Campbell during live performances of his song "One Clam Cake." He uses the phrase to demonstrate how one might explain stuffies to someone from South Dakota.
Swamp Yankee or Swampuh
A term, specific to eastern Connecticut and South County Rhode Island, used to describe an umpteenth-generation farm-bred denizen of that area who is fiercely independent, stubborn, obstinate, and either ignorant or wily (depending on the prejudices of the source). One origin of the name is said to go back to 1776 when almost the entire town of Thompson, Connecticut, hid out in a swamp for several weeks to escape a British raid that never came. These days the term is generally less derisive.
License plates. Low numbers are highly prized in Rhode Island, with some tags being passed down from generation to generation. In 2003 a state-sanctioned lottery was held to fairly distribute a few available low numbers. Thousands submitted postcards, and only a handful walked away with their own local status symbol.
A Time
A political fundraiser, as in, "More than 150 friends of John M. Cicilline threw a 'time' for him last week to help him raise money for family expenses as he heads to prison this fall."— Providence Journal , August 5, 2008.
Wandi
Wandi are a flaky, deep-fried Italian pastry, sprinkled with powdered sugar. According to Linda Beaulieu in her Providence and Rhode Island Cookbook, the name comes from the way in which the dough wriggles in the hot oil, looking like the waving fingers of a glove, or guanti, which in a Neapolitan accent sounds like "wandi."
Wa'wik
The municipality south of Cvaanstin and north of Eas' Grennich. Also pronounced Warrik.
Wikkit
An intensifier that's interchangeable with "very," as in, "We was drivin' wikkit fast." Also used to mean "extremely good" or "spectacular," as in, "Them forttajuly fyahworks was wikkit!"
Yo-git
A fermented dairy product, sometimes flavored with fruit.
Mr. Rhody of ocean State Follies spells it all out:
This article last edited November 27, 2015
Quahog.org: Because you deserve it.
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the photo blog for creative doers
peter-peter-peter and the BAND
The southern Tufted Titmouse, pictured above, is known for its attraction to backyard feeders and its active song that sounds something like a high pitched peter-peter-peter. You find them in wooded areas throughout the Southeast and farther north nesting in tree cavities and nesting boxes.
This soprano was sitting in a tree behind our house belting out a tune that got returned regularly from a distance. Was he issuing a territorial warning? Calling for a mate? Or, maybe, announcing a newly filled feeder to his compatriots. I don't know. Whatever it was, he filled the air with song.
Perhaps it is fitting, given how prone to song many species of birds are, that those who oppose the theory that traces bird origins to the dinosaurs call themselves BAND, or the "Birds are Not Dinosaurs" movement. I don't know who's right but I favor the majority view that ties birds to the flying Archaeopteryx and similar dinosaurs.
It's not that I don't appreciate a good disagreement. Anyone who went to law school appreciates the value of a good debate. But we also understand that not every position is a good one.
Darren Naish, British vertebrate palaeontologist and science writer, opines in last November's Scientific American that BAND "proponents have seen themselves as crusaders, true skeptics and better scientists than those who support what is now the mainstream model; they’ve – I think unwittingly – molded themselves into a distinct social group, even going so far as wearing special badges at conferences." He goes on to say that enthusiasm does not make them right and that the evidence for birds descending from dinosaurs is compelling.
And, even though I always wanted to be in a BAND, I am going to skip this one. Instead, I think I will just enjoy the thought of having flying dinosaurs in my backyard.
Image and text copyright Clinton Richardson. More Wild Atlanta images are available at our TrekPic.com web site in the Wild Atlanta Gallery, which is part of the Close to Home Collection.
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K92 Receives $2.73 Million on Warrants Exercised at $1.05 per Share
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, July 03, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- K92 Mining Inc. (TSXV:KNT) (OTCQX:KNTNF) (“K92” or the “Company”) reports that it has received CAN $2.73 million through an exercise of 2.6 million common share purchase warrants, which were exercisable at $1.05 per share.
As a result of the warrant exercise, the Company issued 2.6 million common shares from treasury and received total proceeds of $2.73 million.
The remaining 18,093,250 warrants issued in connection with a June 27, 2017 private placement financing expired on June 27, 2018.
K92 is well financed, has a strong balance sheet, and mining and processing operations are cash-flow positive.
As announced on June 26, 2018, K92 prepared an updated resource estimate on Kora North based on results from underground grade control and exploration diamond drilling, and face sampling. The updated resource estimate comprises a measured resource of 242,900 tonnes at 13.9 grams per tonne gold, 19 g/t silver and 1.0 percent copper; an indicated resource of 442,800 tonnes at 11.8 g/t Au, 21 g/t Ag and 1.2 percent Cu; and an inferred resources of 1,084,400 tonnes at 13.2 g/t Au, 15 g/t Ag and 1.0 percent Cu.
Table 1 Kora North Mineral Resource – Effective Date June 25, 2018
Category Tonnes Gold Silver Copper AuEq
g/t Ozs g/t Ozs % 000's lb g/t Ozs
Measured 242,900 13.9 108,400 19 151,900 1.0 5,300 15.6 122,200
Indicated 442,800 11.8 168,100 21 298,100 1.2 11,900 13.9 198,300
Total M & I 685,700 12.5 276,500 20 450,000 1.1 17,200 14.5 320,500
Total Inferred 1,084,400 13.6 509,700 15 569,600 1.0 24,400 15.2 571,000
Gold Equivalent (Au Eq) g/t was calculated using the formula Au g/t + (Cu% x 1.53) + Ag g/t x 0.0127.
Gold Price US$1,300/oz; Silver US$16.5/oz; Copper US$2.90/lb.
A top cut of 100 g/t was applied to the gold assays for the K1, K2 KL lodes.
Mineral Resources which are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.
The estimate of Mineral Resources may be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, socio-political, marketing, or other relevant issues.
The Inferred Mineral Resource in this estimate has a lower level of confidence than that applied to an Indicated Mineral Resource and must not be converted to a Mineral Reserve. It is reasonably expected that the majority of the Inferred Mineral Resource could be upgraded to an Indicated Mineral Resource with continued exploration.
All material mined from within the resource envelope up to the effective date of the resource have been removed from the model.
Wireframes were constructed to constrain lode positions based on geological mapping and logging of workings and diamond core coupled with the use of face and drill core assay results using a nominal +1 g/t Au cut-off to define the lode boundary.
Equal length composites of 0.5m were extracted from the database for each lode. A top cut to gold grade was applied to K2, K1 and KL1 of 100g/t. The ordinary kriging modelling estimation method was then used with search radii of 35m and 130m for Au, Ag and Cu. At least 3 informing values with a maximum of 12 were used to estimate each model block.
The Resource was classified as measured if both drilling at 25m centres and workings were present, as indicated if only drilling or workings were presented and inferred for material 15m past the last drill hole or working.
This updated resource is based on results from 70 drill holes drilled from diamond drill cuddies 1, 2 and 3 (DDC1, DDC2 and DDC3) and over 250 face samples taken from horizontal development along the K1, K2 and KL1 veins. The resource covers approximately 10 percent of the target area which the Company plans to drill from underground over the coming 12 months (see K92 news release dated June 26, 2018 for further details).
The Company anticipates completing the current initial exploration program on Kora North in the September 2018 quarter, at which point a further resource estimate will be undertaken and used to update the previously filed preliminary economic assessment (PEA) which K92 filed and made available for download on the company's SEDAR profile. The technical report containing the PEA titled, "Independent Technical Report, Mineral Resource Update and Preliminary Economic Assessment of Irumafimpa and Kora Gold Deposits, Kainantu Project, Papua New Guinea," with an effective date of March 2, 2017, provides additional information on the geology of the deposits, drilling and sampling procedures, lab analysis, and quality assurance/quality control for the project, and additional details on the resource estimates.
Drilling related to the resource expansion program is ongoing.
K92 Mine Geology Manager and Mine Exploration Manager, Mr. Andrew Kohler, PGeo, a Qualified Person under the meaning of Canadian National Instrument 43-101- Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has reviewed and is responsible for the technical content of this news release. Data verification by Mr. Kohler includes significant time onsite reviewing drill core, face sampling, underground workings and discussing work programs and results with geology and mining personnel.
For further information, please contact the Company at +1-604-687-7130.
K92 has a standard underground face sampling procedure in place in which face geological mapping and channel samples are taken across the strike, at right angles to the drive walls at intervals of approximately of 1.5m apart coinciding with the development advance of the heading. A geologist determines the interval lengths across the face for each sample depending on the geological character of the material. Two samples are taken per interval at waist and knee height and the corresponding widths recorded. No greater than 1.5m intervals are allowed during sampling. Samples are approximately 3.5kg in size. Assay for Au, Ag and Cu are averaged using length weighting of the sample interval and then, coupled with the orientation of channel and placed in the database. Standard QAQC procedures are used for underground samples as described in the ITR Mineral Resource Estimate and Preliminary Economic Assessment of Irumafimpa and Kora Gold Deposits, Kainantu Project, PNG dated March 2, 2017.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION: This news release includes certain “forward-looking statements” under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. All statements that address future plans, activities, events, or developments that the Company believes, expects, or anticipates will or may occur are forward-looking information, including statements regarding the realization of the preliminary economic analysis for the Project, expectations of future cash flows, the proposed plant expansion, potential expansion of resources and the generation of further drilling results which may or may not occur. Forward-looking statements and information contained herein are based on certain factors and assumptions regarding, among other things, the market price of the Company’s securities, metal prices, exchange rates, taxation, the estimation, timing and amount of future exploration and development, capital and operating costs, the availability of financing, the receipt of regulatory approvals, environmental risks, title disputes, failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated, accidents, labour disputes, claims and limitations on insurance coverage and other risks of the mining industry, changes in national and local government regulation of mining operations, and regulations and other matters.. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
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Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Gold Coast
Express yourself with our Bespoke service. Designed to help you create your own unique Rolls‑Royce, it’s time to set your own standard of style.
The Phantom Gallery
A single application of glass runs the entire length of Phantom’s interior fascia. Behind it, a blank canvas awaits. A space for creativity. A window of endless opportunity. Now, Rolls-Royce patrons can convey their art wherever they travel in the ultimate personal expression. Never before seen in an automotive context, The Gallery is a space that transcends convention and extends artistic possibilities to a whole new realm. Welcome to a new age of expression.
A starburst emanates from a brilliant-cut diamond. Spears of silver rise in orbit. Amethyst teardrops emblazon each end. This dazzling interpretation of The Gallery was created in collaboration with British designer and goldsmith Richard Fox. Inspiration was sought from artists who had explored the starburst formation in both the natural and man-made world. Sea urchins and plants, explosions and skyscapes, all had influence on Astrum’s final design. Its sheer depth and supreme reflective properties have been created using the finest natural gemstones and traditional guilloche effect. As light refracts from every angle, The Gallery comes to life, augmenting a shining focal point in the most luxurious setting.
Digital Soul
The most personal Gallery imaginable. ‘Digital Soul’, Thorsten Franck’s creation for The Gallery, is an artistic interpretation of the patron’s DNA. A unique algorithm and an additive manufacturing process were used to transcribe DNA data into an artistic representation. The work was rendered into the largest piece of 3D printed stainless steel ever to be featured in a production car – and then plated in 24-carat gold. Here, artisanal handcraftsmanship and futuristic production methods combine to produce a work of art as unique as a fingerprint. As innovative as the idea itself.
Whispered Muse
In her work for Rolls-Royce, British artist, Helen Amy Murray drew inspiration from the illustrations of Charles Sykes, the sculptor credited with creating the enigmatic Spirit of Ecstasy. Using sculpted silk appliqué, she created a mesmerising masterpiece. At first glance the piece is a serene landscape, linear in form. But as the eye adjusts, a subtle, draped female form appears as if the trailing arm of the Spirit of Ecstasy were emerging in a single, fluid motion. Soft, organic and ultimately calming, ‘Whispered Muse’ is the perfect expression of Phantom’s incredibly tranquil and luxurious interior.
It is something that stays with you. The moment you first lay eyes on Phantom. The lasting impression it makes as it majestically wafts by. It was this observation that formed the inspiration for ‘A Moment in Time’ by renowned collective of artisans, Based Upon. They noted how the motor car seems to have the power to make time stand still. Using this as their starting point, they experimented with the shapes that silk makes when submerged in water. After freezeframing its elaborate and exquisite qualities, the resulting fluid form was designed and remastered in clay. The final interpretation was machined from solid aluminium, then polished to accentuate the fabric’s graceful curvature.
Silver Ghost Collection
A contemporary interpretation of the original Silver Ghost, crafted for the leaders and innovators of today. It’s legacy as the epitome of style and substance untouched. Careful consideration has been paid to the defining features of this collection. References extoling the past are skilfully hand-crafted into Ghost’s interior and exterior.
Private Jet Ghost EWB
Elegance Ghost EWB
No jewel shines as bright. None other exudes as much romance. Diamonds are the world’s most celebrated gems. For the first time in Rolls-Royce history, they have been incorporated into the exterior finish of a motor car. Unveiled to the world at the 87th Geneva International Motor Show, this Ghost Extended Wheelbase raises the bar of Bespoke with a surface finish that is infused with crushed diamonds. The result is a lustre like no other. A peerless Rolls-Royce that has a magnificent, glittering presence. An automotive work of art that demands your attention yet defies definition. This is true luxury.
Dawn Inspired by Music
Inspired by the materials and precision used in the manufacture of the finest audio equipment, Vivid Lyrical Copper paintwork is infused with a deep Copper sparkle. Inside, Dawn Inspired by Music features a new body coloured fascia that fits perfectly with the Copper tinted vent surrounds and speaker grilles. The doors blend Tudor Oak canadel panelling with beautifully woven leather and Copper details. Each of the 16 speakers is individually designed, positioned and powered to deliver an optimised Rolls-Royce audio performance in every seat. Experience the true essence of sound.
Porto Cervo Dawn
The rich colours of the Sardinian coastline. The extraordinary beauty of its enchanting landscape. The sophisticated, playful spirit of the Porto Cervo lifestyle. This Dawn Drophead Coupé effortlessly captures the atmosphere of this most exclusive Italian destination. From its elegant two-tone exterior of Blue Velvet Sparkle and Cassiopeia Silver, to the beguiling sapphire and mother of pearl onlay adorning the monitor lid. One-of-a-kind details evoke the ‘Serene Sailing’ theme perfectly. Arctic White and Navy Blue leather, woven seat piping and swathes of gleaming teak throughout subtly accentuate the nautical inspiration.
Fux Fuxia Dawn
Commissioned by and named after renowned car collector Michael Fux, the Fux Fuxia Dawn is as bold as it is personal. Its vibrant exterior finish was matched to a flower that Mr. Fux found during a visit to Pebble Beach the year before. Inside, Arctic White prevails, highlighted with accents of colour that catch the eye. Sometimes bold, such as the fuchsia stitching woven into the seats. At other times subtle, like in the discreet framing of the rear-view mirror. This motor car is the perfect embodiment of a single-minded vision. It is a statement. An artistic expression. A championing call to the brave.
St Moritz Dawn
Featuring a stunning two-tone surface finish and beautiful Bespoke details, this Dawn was specially commissioned for the Rolls-Royce Winter Lounge in St. Moritz. A Bespoke Crystal over Cherry Red exterior with a Jubilee Silver Metallic bonnet provides a striking contrast against the frozen Lake St. Moritz. The incredible sparkle of the Crystal finish is achieved by adding fine glass crystals and two additional layers of clear coat.
Wraith Luminary Collection
Wraith Luminary embodies a restlessness that has always been part of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars’ history. A restlessness fuelled by the desire to create the world’s greatest motor cars. This strictly limited Collection features a Sunburst Grey exterior surface finish that comes alive with rich copper tones. Illuminated Canadel Panelling flows from the front doors into the rear passenger compartment, providing an ambient glow of light. The Shooting Star Headliner is a sweeping canopy of fibre optics, featuring intermittent shooting star trails. Handcrafted metal door panniers and transmission tunnel further enhance the cabin, perfectly poised to capture the light within.
Mohammed Kazem Wraith
Art and creative endeavour are at the heart of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars: it is this which makes every car unique and a work of art in its own right. Based on a sculpture by renowned Emirati artist, Mohammed Kazem, this Wraith is as remarkable as the art that inspired it. The Black exterior sits perfectly against a Cobalto Blue contrast colour, in a distinctive combination that continues throughout the interior. The breathtaking Starlight Headliner is a stunning focal point inside the cabin, crafted with Cobalto Blue embroidery and featuring blue illuminated stars. It combines every coordinate featured in Kazem’s sculpture, seamlessly linking the art and motor car as one.
Black Badge Adamas Collection
Adamas. From Ancient Greek, meaning invincible and diamond. The Black Badge Adamas Collection combines the rebellious attitude of Black Badge with the potency and beauty of diamonds. 88 black stones are meticulously laid within the clock, while the very essence of these most precious of stones is echoed within Wraith’s signature Starlight Headliner. Through 1,340 hand-woven fibre-optic elements, this stellar scene depicts the atomic structure of carbon, from which diamonds are derived. Mastery of this extraordinary material extends to the marque’s icon, the Spirit of Ecstasy, which is engineered from 294 layers of carbon fibre: a remarkable technical feat taking over 68 hours to create.
Porto Cervo Wraith Black Badge
As the sun sets over Sardinia, a tranquil summer afternoon sky fades to become a starlit playground. An intoxicating urge to explore the island’s delights. Patrons are invited to step into the night alongside this one-off Wraith Black Badge. The exterior is finished in a striking two-tone, Gloss and Iced Black Diamond. Inside, Black, Anthracite and Casden Tan leather is combined with bold Black Badge elements and new Bespoke features. This luxurious sanctuary is enhanced by woven leather door panniers, leather floor mats and personalised treadplates.
Bespoke is Rolls-Royce
Get the latest from Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Gold Coast
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← Stop making do. Is Britain up for mending a culture of exploitation?
Oh Boy! Why certain Radio 1 DJs are missing believed wiped →
The making of The Stars of Sergeant Pepper
What are Mae West and Diana Dors doing on the cover of Sergeant Pepper’ Lonely Hearts Club band? If you feel you’ve heard too much already about the 50th anniversary of the record, then fear not. Producer Luke Doran (who modestly insisted on remaining hidden in the photo above) came to me with the genius idea of exploring all the faces on the sleeve. Hence we’ve put together 13 hours of archive dramas, documentaries and interviews this Saturday on Radio 4 Extra: The Stars of Sergeant Pepper. Why were they there? What did they represent? And how did they make that photo shoot anyway?
Sonny Liston
The BBC Grams library copy of the album was only partly helpful. Though the large Please Return Promptly sticker might explain why this original mono copy has survived all these years without being pinched.
The Masque of the Red Death (1964)
Luke and the team at BBC Radio 4 Extra dug out some gems from the archive including a Shirley Jenkins story The Child, starring Marlene Dietrich. And a dramatization of Edgar Allan Poe’s The Pit and the Pendulum from 1943, never we think re-broadcast since. Paul’s girlfriend Jane Asher had of course starred in Roger Corman’s The Masque of the Red Death, one of his landmark cycle of Poe adaptations in the 1960s.
“You did WHAT in the 60s?” With Barry Miles
In between we’ve done new interviews about the shoot. Barry Miles was there. He ran the Indica bookshop at the time and recalls Paul McCartney coming in to check out books and a shopping list of names being sent by The Beatles. You might like to check out Chris Shaw’s website – Sergeant Pepper Photos – which is tracing the provenance of every photograph used on the cover.
Artist Jann Howarth who co-designed the cover with her then partner Peter Blake gave me a wonderful interview, speaking from her home in Salt Lake City. She explained how her father, the Hollywood designer of such films as Some Like It Hot was in London working on the Half A Sixpence film. He suggested some Hollywood illusion work to help create the crowd of stars, sticking the photo heads onto cardboard stands and treating them with a special varnish. Howarth also has strong views about the lack of women on the cover and is involved in work on a mural in Salt Lake City correcting the imbalance.
Alec Guiness in the 1952 film of The Card
I particularly loved her insight into how the Beatles originally conceived the shoot as a parody of them as Northern boys getting the freedom of the city from a mayor in front of a floral clock. It seemed such a sophisticated self aware idea, not dissimilar to the image of Arnold Bennett’s The Card – the young maverick who defied expectations and came back a hero. The flowers that were delivered made that impossible and Jann recalls the challenge in coming up with an alternative budget design before they all wilted. The story about the shoot is a marvel of make do and mend. She reckons she and Peter were paid no more than a couple of hundred pounds between them.
Luke went to Madame Tussauds archive to find out about the sad Ringo and those other wax figures that join the Beatles – Diana Dors and boxer Sonny Liston. While Matthew Sweet offered expert knowledge on the Victoriana obsession of the mid 60s.
Smashing Time (1967)
I remember George Melly at a screening of Smashing Time (also 1967) recalling how the Victorian dresses Rita Tushingham wears and Alice in Wonderland references – (Lewis Carroll is on the cover of Sergeant Pepper too) were the height of fashion at the time of shooting. He said hostile critics complained the fashion was already obsolete by the time the film came out.
So whether you’ve heard the album or not, the Stars of Sergeant Pepper is a fascinating delve into the cultural attic of a decade and an insight into the richness and ambition of McCartney’s mind especially, hanging out with beat writers like Burroughs and Ginsberg, listening to avant garde composers. While Harrison’s fascination with Hindu spiritualism is expressed in 3 gurus and the goddess Lakshmi. John in stockbroker belt Weybridge will soon break out. Decades before we began presenting carefully curated profiles of our influences on social media, the cover of Sergeant Pepper is an analogue template. 40 years before MySpace and decent digital photo manipulation here is the very idea of a personalised web presence composed in real time, with decaying flowers and bits of card and sticky tape.
Luke has found some breaktaking bits of archive, notably the jeering mockery of Diana Dors on an edition of Any Questions. Listen out for it ahead of her Desert Island Discs. It’s a sobering reminder of the attitude lag among powerful public figures towards younger people and any women in the public eye who defied conservative social convention. And for those of you who cherish her presence in Adam and the Ants’ Prince Charming video, it will make you love her more.
Dion Dimucci, one of only 5 survivors from the cover, reflects on his presence and the fact that he was supposed to be on the plane that crashed, carrying Buddy Holly and The Big Bopper. And for anyone who grew up fascinated by the disappearing world of old Hollywood, variety and music hall there are gems aplenty in our 13 hours of programming to keep them alive in our collective memory.
The Stars of Sergeant Pepper is on BBC Radio 4 Extra from 9am to 10pm on Saturday June 3rd and iplayer after.
About samiraahmed
Journalist. Writer. Broadcaster.
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This entry was posted in Culture, History, Media, Music, Religion, Uncategorized and tagged 60s, beatles, culture, Hollywood, media, music, Sergeant Pepper. Bookmark the permalink.
dmf
are these available anywhere?
samiraahmed replied:
If you mean the programmes, afraid not. Unless they get repeated on iplayer.
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Judge to Decide on New Voting Districts for City of Santa Clara
By Winona Rajamohan / July 20, 2018 2
A lawsuit claims the city of Santa Clara's at-large elections discriminate against minority voters. (Photo by Erik Hersman, via Flickr)
A judge who already determined that Santa Clara’s at-large elections violate the California Voting Rights Act is hearing proposals for how to carve up the city into as many as seven districts to ensure fair representation for minority groups.
Though Asian Americans making up about 40 percent of Santa Clara’s population, its City Council has not had an Asian American member since the city charter was adopted 67 years ago. A group of Asian Americans suing over the city’s at-large voting system has been in court since Wednesday to figure out how draw the boundaries for each district.
Anaheim’s Mayor Pro Tem Jose Moreno testified in court Wednesday about the advantages of district elections in his own city, including how it energized the community overall and younger voters in particular.
If the city and the plaintiffs cannot reach an agreement by today, Santa Clara Superior Court Judge Thomas Kuhnle will be the one to decide on the district maps. But Kuhnle stressed the importance of having the redrawn boundaries in place by the fall election.
The plaintiffs and the city have been at odds over whether the mayor should continue to be elected by all voters in the city or appointed among elected council members. Santa Clara officials want a six-district map with an elected mayor. The plaintiffs want seven districts with an appointed mayor.
“We strongly disagree with all of the city maps,” Richard Konda, of the Asian Law Alliance, said after the Wednesday hearing.
The city initially pitched the idea of a two-district system through Measure A on the June 5 ballot, but voters rejected the proposal. Santa Clara Mayor Lisa Gillmor vowed to bring yet another two-district proposal back to voters in the fall, but it appears the court ruling would throw a wrench in that effort.
Shifting to district elections would dramatically shift the balance of power in Santa Clara, where Gillmor leads a majority bloc on the council.
Judge Kuhnle will also have to decide whether the sitting council members should serve out the remainder of their terms. Gillmor and Councilman Pat Kolstad finish their terms this year, while the seats held by councilors Debi Davis, Patricia Mahan, Teresa O’Neill and Kathy Watanabe come up for election in 2020.
Under the city’s proposal, Watanabe would be assigned to District 1, O’Neill in District 4 and Mahan in District 5. Districts 2 and 3 would be left open.
Asian Law Alliance
Debi Davis
Dominic Caserta
Kathy Watanabe
Lisa Gillmor
Pat Kolstad
Patricia Mahan
Richard Konda
Teresa O'Neill
Thomas Kuhnle
South Bay Officials Condemn White House Plan to Deport Vietnamese Immigrants
President Trump’s push to remove potentially thousands of Vietnamese nationals from the U.S. has shaken many local families.
San Jose May Move Mayoral Races to Presidential Election Years to Boost Voter Turnout
Ruling in Voting Rights Case Stands to Upend Political Landscape in Santa Clara
View all Asian Law Alliance Posts →
Santa Clara Opts Not to Host Political Forums, Prompting Outrage From Candidates
Santa Clara has called off its long-running candidate forums in one of the most consequential election years in the city’s history.
Santa Clara Cuts Ties With Chamber of Commerce, Citing Potential Conflicts, Self-Dealing
Mudslinging in City of Santa Clara Persists Months after Election
View all Debi Davis Posts →
One Man’s Trash: Dominic Caserta Caught 'Illegally Dumping'
“It weirded them out,” a source familiar with the incident says. “And I can see why: The man did not look well.”
Accused Sexual Harasser Touts Polygraph as Proof of Innocence
Ex-Councilman Dominic Caserta Opines on U.S. Traffic Woes for Eastern European News Outlet
View all Dominic Caserta Posts →
View all Kathy Watanabe Posts →
Massive Fire Destroys Condo Construction Site in Santa Clara
Firefighters have since contained the blaze, but there’s still smoldering debris and a mop-up is underway.
St. Anton—One of State's Largest Affordable Housing Projects—is Set to Break Ground in 2020
Santa Clara's Version of NYC's Famed Hudson Yards Megaplex is Set to Break Ground in 2020
View all Lisa Gillmor Posts →
Photos of San Jose's Naked Highway 101 Cyclist Go Viral, But His Identity Remains a Mystery
San Jose High-Rise Contractor Pays $250,000 Over Alleged Wage Theft, Labor Trafficking
Bert Oliver Jul 20, 2018 @ 8:28 am
Last year several Asian Americans applied. The Council denied them. Measure A designed by fools and promoted by idiots was so confusing and self serving it went down in flames. The demographers and attorneys for the City submitted a declaration from a gadfly who actually claimed to be African American because his ancestors were from Egypt. Throughout the mess, they had an opportunity to right it after Caserta who defeated an Asian American resigned an two council members refused to accept responsibility and appoint someone. The people promoting the measure designed by someone on LSD actually tried to promote implementation after it was defeated and the stupid measure was funded by three dark money groups. There are some things unknown. One, the current mayor is Hispanic. Two, they had the opportunity to fix it in 2016, and kicked the can down the road. Three, there is a federal court avenue to stay the order, but the current city attorney spends too much time reading back issues of Flash comic books to even bother. The plaintiffs were appointed to the charter review committee but boycotted the meetings the judge should have disclosed his involvement with Mike Honda and did not. The attorney representing the city has lost more voting rights cases than anyone else. It all is one royal mess.
Bert Oliver Jul 20, 2018 @ 9:58 pm
Oh, today the city’s demographer said she had no idea where Hispanic or Asian areas in Santa Clara because, well, it isn’t important to visit them
Oh vey
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The Horn and Centre Page
The historic former ale house mentioned in Pickwick Papers.
Location: 29-33 Knightrider Street, St Pauls, EC4V 5BH
Description: Recently rebranded as The Centre Page, this historic boozer is really called The Horn. Samuel Pepys wrote about the Horn Tavern in The Complete diary of Samuel Pepys, dated 13th April 1663.
It's also been mentioned that Guy Fawkes had many a meeting within the cellar walls of the then 'Horn Coffee House'.
Charles Dickens immortalised it as The Horn Coffee House was mentioned in Pickwick Papers, when Mr Pickwick's friends Winkle, Snodgrass and Tupman visited him in Fleet Prison. 'To these succeeded a bottle or two of very good wine, for which a messenger was dispatched by Mr. Pickwick to the Horn Coffee House in Doctor's Common. The bottle or two indeed might be more properly described as a bottle or six, for by the time it was drunk the bell began to ring for strangers to withdraw.'
The Horn was partially destroyed by the Great Fire of London, and somehow survived the Blitz. After a threat of demolition in 1967 a campaign was formed and the decision was upheld to keep one of the oldest surviving Alehouses of London.
Tagged in this Tour: The Doctor Whoish tour of London
Tagged in this Tour: Top 10 London Landmarks: Gold
Tagged in this Tour: London in 4 days
Themes: Pub Literary
Link to This Page: http://www.shadyoldlady.com/location/969
Credits: http://www.thecentrepage.co.uk/
The Albert», 1.8km
Blythe Hill Tavern», 5.5km
Pub Quiz At The Duke», 3.9km
The Three Stags», 1.2km
Queen's No1», 2.9km
Old Queens Head», 1.6km
The Spaniard's Inn», 5.1km
The Dukes Head», 5.9km
The Mason's Arms», 2.6km
The Volunteer», 2.6km
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Open menu Close menu News
Your summer sorted courtesy of Jerba Campervans
Wednesday 21 February, 4:00pm
Jerba Campervans are offering 1 lucky winner a full week hire of one of their brand new campervans which can sleep up to 4 people. Perfect for some family fun or getting out on the road to explore with friends. You choose which week, you choose your destination. All you need to do is like and share this post and remember to fill out your entry form here: http://bi...t.ly/2omFLip
Experience the Tiree Wave Classic for free!
Tuesday 20 February, 2:32pm
We've teamed up with with show partners Windswept Brewing and CalMac Ferries to offer you the opportunity to experience the world famous Tiree Wave Classic this October! You and a friend can travel across to the beautiful island of Tiree in the comfort of your own vehicle with complimentary tickets from Oban for one car and two passenger return journeys with CalMac Ferries. Once there you'll enjoy a 1-1 lesson from one of the professionals, before sitting back to watch the main event. And what better way to enjoy with a selection of award winning Windswept beers in hand. To be in with a chance of winning tag your friend that you'd take on this great trip, like and share and 1 lucky winner will be picked at random on Friday 23rd at 12noon. All entrants must be over 18 with full T&C's available http://bit.ly/2okVwX8
Speaker Confirmed - Steve Cummings!
Monday 19 February, 10:38am
Top Tour Cyclist Steve has firmly established himself as one of the most successful breakaway riders to date winning stages at the Tour de France, Criterium du Dauphine, Tirreno-Adriatico, and Pais Vasco. The current Road Race and TT champion of Britain will be joining us live on stage both Saturday and Sunday of the show. Find out more about the cycling legend here: http://bit.ly/2GuhMVR
Speaker Confirmed - Markus Stitz!
Sunday 18 February, 1:58am
Markus Stitz will be again joining us on stage to talk about his latest venture - Bikepacking Scotland. Scotland has a vast network of heritage paths, purpose-built mountain bike trails, bothys, pubs, quiet roads and cycle paths; the perfect ingredients for a great bikepacking adventure. Markus will be chatting about his new trail on Sunday at the show - be prepared to be inspired!
Speaker confirmed - Dr Andrew Murray
Saturday 17 February, 11:57am
Dr Andrew Murray is best known as an endurance runner, having run 4300 km from John O'Groats to the Sahara desert, completed a world first 7 ultra marathons on the 7 different continents in under a week, and winning 14 international races at marathon distance or longer. Join Andrew to hear about his adventures at the show, and the good you will do yourself by getting out and getting active.(Supported by Merrell UK)
Speaker confirmed - Lee McConnell
Friday 16 February, 4:54pm
Home-grown talent Lee McConnell will be joining us on stage at the show on Saturday 3rd March. European, Commonwealth and World Championship medallist, Lee will be talking about her illustrious career - the highs, the lows and everything in between!
Fancy a Fitbit Alta for Free??
Thursday 15 February, 5:04pm
Head over to our facebook page, www.facebook.com/scropsscotland, to enter into our competition where you could be in with a chance of getting your hands on a Fitbit Alta worth £100!
Speaker Confirmed - Jenny Meadows!
Great Britain 800m runner Jenny Meadows will be joining us on stage next month. Talking about her amazing career - highs, lows and everything in between! On top of that Jenny will be offering a 'Running Mechanics' session each day on our 40m running track, working on techniques to improve your game. See her on stage and the track both Saturday and Sunday!
Delighted to see the Grand Depart of the Tour of Britain back in Scotland. It’s another big event that Scotland has to look forward to.…
Take the Challenge! This years Smarter Glasgow Travel cycle challenge has the theme of a Virtual around the World cycle tour. To take part simply visit…
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Soothingminds > Articles > Healing > Magic Of Touch > Healing Within The NHS Send to a Friend
Expansion of Healing/Reiki within the NHS
By Angie Buxton-King
The terms 'Healing' and 'Reiki' are used as having trained with the National Federation of Spiritual Healers and in the Usui Reiki System, we noted blocks to both labels within the multi-faith society of the patients in a hospital setting. We avoid labels, talking much about energy rather than using holistic phrases mumbo jumbo to the lay-person.
In the dictionary, to heal is to restore to health or to cure, or become sound and therapy is described as curative medical treatment. Not much between the two, but people are more comfortable with the word therapy. Experience indicates that patients are comfortable with the word Healing or Reiki as long as the therapist is comfortable with her or himself.
Nothing proves better than a patients experience and the following is that of Susan Hyde, diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma in 2004., who with her husband wrote: Before Susans illness we knew nothing about Reiki healing. I have a colleague, a martial arts expert, who has mentioned the points where the chi runs through the pressure points he sues with his art, but the rest is/was mumbo jumbo to us both.
Her first experience of healing was when a Reiki healer come to visit her prior to her admission into UCLH. He held his hands above her head and she said that her spine got hot from her bottom up to the base of her skull. When he put his hands wither side of her shoulders she had the same experience across her shoulders. Over the first few months of her illness I noted her mood changes and would call the healer, who would send remote healing and she would become positive once again.
At the end of August, 2004 we went to a restaging meeting to discuss her option and were told she had one option only a bone marrow transplant. We were told the procedure carried a high risk factor and was terminal in one in four attempts. Without the transplant her future was guaranteed just three years at best and that the disease could still return after the transplant.
We were informed that the transplant unit at UCHL had a complementary medicine team headed by a Reiki master. I cannot explain what this meant to us both because Reiki healing had been keeping g Susan motivated for the last few months and now she could have one-to-one healing from a master not an apprentice, but in fairness, the healer we had been using at home had served us well.
For the 6 weeks she was an in-patient the hospital staff though she was, a super star because of the way she responded to the chemotherapy and three days of total body radiotherapy with little or no side effects apart from loss of her hair. It was a waiting game to see if the 8.2 billion stems cells provided by her brother has started producing the needed blood cells. After seven days of flat line readings we saw a few new cells showing. Three days later the count was off the scale.
After the transplant various drugs to dampen down the graft versus host syndrome were administered. These have an extreme effect on mucus membranes and, as a result Susan felt poorly, her mouth an throat were sore and she was sick for days but she was up and about every day and her consultant said I know that you are feeling very bad but I cannot believe how much better you are than the other patients at the same stage. Some of them have not been out of bed in weeks.
We know exactly why this was the case: healing. We knew the power of Reiki healing before we cam to the hospital and to fall into the hands of an expert with years of experience was more than we could possibly have hoped for. It was at this time that I first met Graham, Angies husband. An accomplished Reiki master, he offered to give me healing.
This was to be my first experience of it and to be honest I was stiff with apprehension, my mind full of conflicting thoughts. I lay on the bed with fists clenched as he started the healing. As his hands moved I started to relax and felt warmth from as his hands moved down my body. This was the first time that my mind had emptied of thoughts in months, I felt sage, relaxed and positive again.
When Susan was discharged to finish her recovery at home we were concerned as we had come to rely on the healing. I asked Angie how e could find a healer once at home. She said that we lived near enough to visit her at home, an offer for which we will always be grateful. We have been a number of times now and, if asked to describe Reiki healing, I would say it would be difficult as each session is different, but that total relaxation and a sense of warmth and well-being is consistent with each treatment, as is clearing the mind of al thoughts.
Sometimes I sense bright light at the point when I am so relaxed that I am on the point of sleep. We cannot recall a single negative thing about healing and will continue to use it as preventative medicine which will give us an extra tool in the fight against Susans disease.
In summary, we are a complementary therapy team, fortunate to be funded by 60% from the NHS budget and 40% from the hospitals soft money funds. We have a policy for the teams work and individual treatment policies for the different therapies. As we move into a new hospital in central London in 2005 we hope to expand to include cancer services in general so that more patients can benefit this, in line with the 1995 Calmaine/Hine report, which states that appropriate complementary therapies should be available to all cancer patients. We also hope to run a pilot research project in the therapy of healing.
The following was written by clinical lead/head nurse Stephen Rowley, who provided the foreword for my book, The NHS Healer. University College London Hospitals haematology unit treats patient with leukaemia and other life threatening disease. Treatments are highly intensive and carry risks of morbidity and mortality in themselves.
For the last six years the unit has developed a complementary therapy team, initially providing conventional therapies such as reflexology and aromatherapy to patients. Introducing a spiritual healer into this pressure cooker environment was considered to be a risk.
I am pleased to say that over the last five years that Angela Buxton has been in the team the therapy of healing has become not only accepted but imperative to many of our patients. Although clinically healing remains little understood, the clinical effects are most evident, and certainly tangible enough to satisfy the sceptical minds of doctors and nurses.
We have seen patient with uncontrolled pain find more relief from healing than from intramuscularly opiates. We have seen patients in psychological states of utter desperation find huge comfort and coping abilities through healing. We have seen patients report significant reductions in chemotherapy related side effects.
We have seen the positive effect healing can have on the troubled dying patient. Working in this field is demanding and many staff have felt the need for healing themselves and have found significant benefit from doing so. Healing is the most popular and well-received complementary therapy we provide on the unit.
All of the healing is provided on the unit by Angela Buxton, who is now an integral member of the medical and nursing team. Her drive and personality alone has had a positive effect on the unit. Stephen Rowley, Clinical Nurse/ Manager.
Obviously Stephen's approval has come from clinical experience of seeing how healing can be a valuable, supportive tool for his patients and staff on the unit. Graham and I are currently working to create a course to pass on our experience to others who wish to work in the hospital setting.
This article was written by Angie Buxton-King and published in Healing Today, issue 101. For more information email
or visit www.angie.buxton-king.com and www.nfsh.org.uk
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Soothingminds > Articles > Self Development > Creative Visualization > Dream Interpretation > Askelpian Dream Healing Send to a Friend
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS is usually considered a functional disorder, not a disease. The cause of IBS is unknown and there is no known cure. A case is cited whereby the patient a 50 year old diagnosed with IBS, had had meningitis and kidney infection both in adulthood and there was a family history of chronic digestive and eliminative disorders for two generations. In despair, the man made himself a suppliant and prayed for a transpersonal intervention into his condition.
After praying he experienced a dream whereby he was shown how to prepare an enema that would resolve his condition. He followed the prescription and two years following his epiphany, experiences excellent digestion and elimination.
From approximately 1300 BCE to 500CE, in Asklepian temples, physician guided patient with seemingly intractable health problems through intensive holistic retreats. In them, a wide range of therapies was invoked: exercise, nutrition, hydrotherapy, touch, astrological readings, and attendance at tragic theatre.
The capstone of these efforts was incubation, a period during which the suppliant fasted, prayed, and slept in an enclosed chamber called an abaton. The patient remained in the abaton until he or she received a dream or vision in which Asklepios, the Greek god of healing, or one of his helpers, appeared. In Greece, the dream typically involved instantaneous healing by the god.
During the later Roman era, the god most commonly prescribed an intervention or remedy during the dream, which the supplicant took in order to obtain healing over time. Although contemporary, this man’s dream followed ancient Asklepian principles.
He had reached the limits of conventional medicine and could not find the resources within for healing. He studied archetypal healing traditions, humbled himself, and prayed as a suppliant. In his bedroom, his modern-day abaton, an archetypal Aslepian figure appeared in a dream and gave him specific instructions, which he would discover, would radically correct his health issues.
Western medicine was established by the followers of Asklepios who was both a mythical and historical figure. While ruler of Thessaly around 1300 BCE, he becam known as a compassionate and wise healer. Homer says in his Iliad that Asklepios taught his sons medicine and that they served the Greek army during the Trojan War as both warriors and physicians.
Asklepios, like Jesus, was said to have been born of both a god and a mortal. His father was Apollo, the god of medicine and music, reason and prophecy; his mother was the mortal woman Coronis.
Apollo tore the infant from Coronis’ womb as her body burned on the funeral pyre and gave him to Chiron, the most learned of the centaurs and a great healer who used herbs and incantations. Asklepios combined the medical theory of Apollo with the natural methods of Chiron.
To these he added the human element of words, thus forming the origins of western medicine and psychiatry. He spent his life travelling the ancient world healing and instructing his disciples, the Asklepiads. These physician-priests became the founders of Western medicine.
Asklepian medicine does not respond to a medical problem as if it were a discrete physical condition resulting from a cascade of prior physical and psychological factors. Rather, it attempt to alter the ecology of soul by defining, realigning, and harmonizing the subtle, complex relationships between body and mind.
This case illustrates one of the most profound differences between modern and Asklepian approaches to healing – asking, supplicating, requesting, inviting, pleading or praying for a cure instead of attempting to force its occurrence.
This is an edited extract from Asklepian Dream Healing of Irritable Bowel Syndrome by Edward Tick, PhD which appeared in Explore, July 2005, Vol 1, No 4
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(National) Socialism
The history of Communism in the Twentieth Century doesn’t make sense without reference to National Socialism. And although I’m not prepared to write extensively about the German or Italian fascist movements, I do want to say something brief about the relationship between National Socialism and Bolshevism.
On the simplest level, the two forms of government have a lot in common. As many have argued before me, whatever the source of their ideological inspiration the deep structure of all totalitarian regimes is necessarily similar. Saddam Hussein may have subscribed to a Baath Party ideology of secularism, modernization, and pan-Arabism, but if Baath ideology didn’t exist, a man like Hussein would have found something else to espouse. For most dictatorships, power rather than ideology counts most. For this reason, Hussein made war, alternately, with Shiite, Sunni, Kurd, and Western regimes, and Adolph Hitler initiated and signed the Ribbentrop-Molotov Pact when it suited his foreign policy objectives.
The structures of totalitarian regimes bear at least some superficial resemblance too, insofar as each regime relies on omnipotent internal security organs, powerful propaganda departments, and oversized military establishments to maintain control over citizens. But in the case of National Socialism and Communism, there are other similarities. Fascism was an attempt to refuse socialist ideological premises, but it was also an attempt to co-opt them. The very term, “socialist,” was incorporated into the German fascist party name, although the fascists rejected basic Communist assumptions regarding internationalism and class competition. The fascists accepted the idea of competition and strife as the engine of historical change, even if their notion of struggle was rooted in racist theory and nationalism, and embraced the notion of violent expansion at the expense of enemies. They also accepted some ideas regarding the putative sins of individualism, bourgeois democracy, and capitalism.
Of course, fascists never articulated their ideology with the precision of the socialists and communists, so it’s difficult to make extended comparisons between the two creeds. Fascism was—in the words of a Saturday Night Live skit related to the way GAP salesmen sell jeans to susceptible customers—whatever people “wanted it to be.” And, despite the anti-Semitism of large portions of the Russian people, Communist was not ostensibly ant-Semitic. The brutality of each regime may have been roughly comparable, but Communism was at least capable of reform, and eventually settled down into a more ordinary kind of evil. Fascism, at least in Germany, was incapable of reform.
In the end, National Socialism propped up Communism. It gave the Soviet Union an enormously important victory in World War II, and the opportunity to occupy Eastern and Central Europe, something that hadn't even happened when Russia defeated Napoleon. And by comparison with fascism, it made Communism seem viable by comparison long after it should have been soundly discredited.
Labels: Baath Party, fascism, Germany, Italy, National Socialism, Ribbentrop-Molotov Pact, Saddam Hussein
The Question of Democracy
The Aged
Butterflies, Memories, and Poetry
An American Alternative to Socialism
Rand and Nietzsche For Kids
Reality Bytes
Volkogonov on Gorbachev
1968: Can Revolutions Be Funny?
Neil the Generous
Second Draft
Scammel on Koestler and Zubok
Volkogonov on Chernenko
Volkogonov on Yuri Andropov
Dickens, Balzac and Das Kapital
Volkogonov on Khrushchev
Volkogonov on Brezhnev
Volkogonov on Stalin
Volkogonov on Lenin
Economy of the Golden Rule
The Greatest Show on Communist Earth
DeLillo on Russia
Volkogonov
Collectivism and Rural Citizenship
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Quotes from Sergei Dovlatov's The Zone
Below are some of my favorite quotations from Sergei Dovlatov's The Zone
...any resemblance between the characters in this book and living people is intentional and malicious. And all the fictionalizing was unexpected and accidental.
"I was a slender string in the thunderous concert of the war," Lieutenant Colonel Mar began.
By then I was a fully formed person, endowed with all sorts of oppressive complexes.
Having a living father might have given the impression of bourgeois excess.
My father was a sort of hidden treasure. He paid alimony, but not very regularly. This is natural.
All signs pointed to a typical Soviet biography.
Love stories often end in prison.
In that world, I saw men with a gruesome past, a repulsive present and a tragic future.
I was friends with a man who had once upon a time pickled his wife and children in a barrel.
What had once seemed important receded into the background. Trivialities blocked the horizon.
The heels of bread were comparable to diamond desposits.
"I got married," Marconi said in a tragic tone, and hung his head.
"Do I know her?"
"No. I hardly know her myself. You're not missing much."
In order to land in the penal isolator of a maximum-security camp, you had to commit some incredibly evil deed. Strange as it may seem, many managed to do so.
A smile both absent-minded and anxious played constantly over his face. An intellectual can always be recognized by that smile, even in the taiga.
Your thesis should be: drink, but within limits. Not drinking at all--that would be overkill. That would be an anti-Marxist utopia, as they say.
"Dzavashvili has a condom," Matstysn said. "I saw."
"One?" Fidel asked.
"Oh look, a scholar!" Volikov said, getting angry. "This one needs his own private condom! You'll wait your turn."
My only diversion is cigarettes. I've learnt how to smoke in the shower.
...it's very important not to confuse harmony with indifference.
I begin with the cemetery because I am telling a love story.
We were very similar to each other, and even interchangeable. Almost any prisoner would have been suited to the role of a guard. Almost any guard deserved a prison term.
These were people whose feuds and friendships didn't look much different.
"And I come from a long line of Russian thieves. I have stolen and will again."
Isaac Babel's Odessa Stories
Gulag Literature
Masha Gessen's The Future is History
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by: Lois Lowry
The Giver is a novel by Lois Lowry that was first published in 1993.
Get a copy of The Giver at BN.COM
Chapters 1–2
Chapters 10–11
Jonas’s Father
Quotes By Theme
Quotes By Section
Chapter 7-9
Quotes By Character
See a complete list of the characters in The Giver and in-depth analyses of Jonas, The Giver, and Jonas’s Father.
Continue your study of The Giver with these useful links.
Get ready to write your essay on The Giver.
The Giver (SparkNotes Literature Guide)
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Handmade from the Heart
This holdiay season, mix it up with vintage-inspired holiday cards glittered with joy and cheer.
By Kellie Hynes
“It’s so easy to do too much, but I have to be selective with the glitter. Just a highlight,” explains Susan Medart, owner of Knollwood Lane. And just like that, with a gentle stroke of glue and sprinkle of fine indigo glitter, a delicate shimmer is added to the manger scene on one of her vintage-inspired Christmas cards.
In an era of mass-produced holiday cards, where personalization means a preprinted family photo and a hasty signature, Knollwood Lane’s handmade Christmas cards are a breath of fresh air. Medart finds images on old wrapping paper, antique greeting cards and flea-market treasures. She transfers the pictures to high-quality notepaper, and then brightens them with a smidge of sparkle. Each glitter-adorned card is sold individually. “We have people who collect them and buy them by the dozens. Our customers just love that they’re unique – you can’t find them in a big box store,” says Angie Mathey, owner of The White Rabbit boutique, where the cards are sold exclusively.
Medart works with two other women, designer Julie Frizzell and photographer Crystal Lindsey, to create and sell the one-of-a-kind décor, accessories and children’s apparel for which Knollwood Lane is known. The items are always vintage-inspired and handmade, but vary according to the treasures that the women discover. Pieces of wood become banners, monogrammed table chargers and wedding guest books. Brass doodads make their way onto felted wool purses. Old dog tags are reborn as bracelets. “We’ll see something and think, that’s so cool. We create around the special things that we find,” Frizzell explains.
The women work closely together, bonding over their love of country music and peanut M&Ms. They’re also united by their deep Christian faith. “We believe that God put us together. It’s what leads us, and why we make sure our [creations] are good,” Medart says. In fact, Medart credits faith for the next chapter in Knollwood Lane’s story. “Every time we pray about our business, we get a wholesale order. And that’s what has led our business to [selling] wholesale,” she says.
Knollwood Lane has shipped as far away as Brazil and Australia. But if you’re in the St. Louis area, you can buy their Christmas cards ($3.75 each) exclusively at The White Rabbit. To see more of Knollwood Lane’s handcrafted items, visit her Etsy shop or Facebook page.
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March 13, 2017 March 13, 2017 seamlesspipe
ASTM’s steel standards are instrumental in classifying, evaluating, and specifying the material, chemical, mechanical, and metallurgical properties of the different types of steels, which are primarily used in the production of mechanical components, industrial parts, and construction elements, as well as other accessories related to them. The steels can be of the carbon, structural, stainless, ferritic, austenitic, and alloy types.
These steel standards are helpful in guiding metallurgical laboratories and refineries, product manufacturers, and other end-users of steel and its variants in their proper processing and application procedures to ensure quality towards safe use. A pipe is a tubular section or hollow cylinder, usually but not necessarily of circular cross-section, used mainly to convey substances which can flow — liquids and gases (fluids), slurries, powders, masses of small solids. It can also be used for structural applications; hollow pipe is far stiffer per unit weight than solid members.
Abbr. Corresponding Application
A53 ASTM A53/A53m-99b specification for pipe, steel, black and hot-dipped, zinc-coated, welded and seamless
A74 ASTM A74-98 specification for cast iron soil pipe and fittings
A106 ASTM A106-99e1 specification for seamless carbon steel pipe for high-temperature service
A126 ASTM A126-95e1 specification for grey iron castings for valves, flanges, and pipe fittings
A134 ASTM A134-96 specification for pipe, steel, electric-fusion (arc)-welded (sizes nps 16 and over
A135 ASTM A135-97c specification for electric-resistance-welded steel pipe
A139 ASTM A139-96e1 specification for electric-fusion (arc)-welded steel pipe (nps 4 and over)
A182 ASTM A182/A182m-99 specificationfor forged or rolled alloy-steel pipe flanges, forged fittings, and valves and parts for high-temperature service
A252 ASTM A252-98 specification for welded and seamless steel pipe piles
A312 ASTM A312/a312m-00 specification for seamless and welded austenitic stainless steel pipes
A333 ASTM A333/A333m-99 specification for seamless and welded steel pipe for low-temperature service
A335 ASTM A335/A335m-99 specification for seamless ferritic alloy-steel pipe for high-temperature service
A338 ASTM A338-84(1998) specificationfor malleable iron flanges, pipe fittings, and valve parts for railroad, marine, and other heavy duty service at temperatures up to 650°f (345°c)
A358 ASTM A358/A358m-98 specification for electric-fusion-welded austenitic chromium-nickel alloy steel pipe for high-temperature service
A369 ASTM A369/A369m-92 specification for carbon and ferritic alloy steel forged and bored pipe for high-temperature service
A376 A376/A376m-98 specification for seamless austenitic steel pipe for high-temperature central-station service
A377 ASTM A377-99 index of specifications for ductile-iron pressure pipe
A409 ASTM A409/A409m-95ae1 specification for welded large diameter austenitic steel pipe for corrosive or high-temperature service
A426 ASTM A426-92(1997) specification for centrifugally cast ferritic alloy steel pipe for high-temperature service
A451 ASTM A451-93(1997) specification for centrifugally cast austenitic steel pipe for high-temperature service
A523 ASTM A523-96 specification for plain end seamless and electric-resistance-welded steel pipe for high-pressure pipe-type cable circuits
A524 ASTM A524-96 specification for seamless carbon steel pipe for atmospheric and lower temperatures
A530 ASTM A530/A530m-99 specification for general requirements for specialized carbon and alloy steel pipe
A648 ASTM A648-95e1 specification for steel wire, hard drawn for prestressing concrete pipe
A674 ASTM A674-95 practice for polyethylene encasement for ductile iron pipe for water or other liquids
A691 ASTM A691-98 specification for carbon and alloy steel pipe, electric-fusion-welded for high-pressure service at high temperatures
A694 ASTM A694/A694m-00 specification for carbon and alloy steel forgings for pipe flanges, fittings, valves, and parts for high-pressure transmission service
A716 ASTM A716-99 specification for ductile iron culvert pipe
A733 ASTM A733-99 specification for welded and seamless carbon steel and austenitic stainless steel pipe nipples
A742 ASTM A742/A742m-98 specification for steel sheet, metallic coated and polymer precoated for corrugated steel pipe
A746 ASTM A746-99 specification for ductile iron gravity sewer pipe
A760 ASTM A760/A760m-99 specification for corrugated steel pipe, metallic-coated for sewers and drains
a761 ASTM A761/A761m-98 specification for corrugated steel structural plate, zinc-coated, for field-bolted pipe, pipe-arches, and arches
A762 ASTM A762/A762m-98 specification for corrugated steel pipe, polymer precoated for sewers and drains
A790 ASTM A790/A790m-99 specification for seamless and welded ferritic/austenitic stainless steel pipe
A796 ASTM A796/A796m-99 practice for structural design of corrugated steel pipe, pipe-arches, and arches for storm and sanitary sewers and other buried applications
A798 ASTM A798/A798m-97a practice for installing factory-made corrugated steel pipe for sewers and other applications
A807 ASTM A807/A807m-97 practice for installing corrugated steel structural plate pipe for sewers and other applications
A810 ASTM A810-94 specification for zinc-coated (galvanized) steel pipe winding mesh
A813 ASTM A813/A813m-95e2 specification for single- or double-welded austenitic stainless steel pipe
A814 ASTM A814/A814m-96 (1998) specification for cold-worked welded austenitic stainless steel pipe
A849 ASTM A849-99 specification for post-applied coatings, pavings, and linings for corrugated steel sewer and drainage pipe
A861 ASTM A861-94e1 specification for high-silicon iron pipe and fittings
A862 ASTM A862/A862m-98 practice for application of asphalt coatings to corrugated steel sewer and drainage pipe
A865 ASTM A865-97 specification for threaded couplings, steel, black or zinc-coated (galvanized) welded or seamless, for use in steel pipe joints
A872 ASTM A872-91 (1997) specification for centrifugally cast ferritic/austenitic stainless steel pipe for corrosive environments
A885 ASTM A885/A885m-96 specification for steel sheet, zinc and aramid fiber composite coated for corrugated steel sewer, culvert, and underdrain pipe
A888 ASTM A888-98e1 specification for hubless cast iron soil pipe and fittings for sanitary and storm drain, waste, and vent piping applications
A926 ASTM A926-97 test method for comparing the abrasion resistance of coating materials for corrugated metal pipe
A928 ASTM A928/A928m-98 specification for ferritic/austenitic (duplex) stainless steel pipe electric fusion welded with addition of filler metal
A929 ASTM A929/A929m-97 specification for steel sheet, metallic-coated by the hot-dip process for corrugated steel pipe
A930 ASTM A930-99 practice for life-cycle cost analysis of corrugated metal pipe used for culverts, storm sewers, and other buried conduits
A943 ASTM A943/A943m-95e1 specification for spray-formed seamless austenitic stainless steel pipes
A949 ASTM A949/A949m-95e1 specification for spray-formed seamless ferritic/austenitic stainless steel pipe
A954 ASTM A954-96 specification for austenitic chromium-nickel-silicon alloy steel seamless and welded pipe
A972 ASTM A972/A972m-99 specification for fusion bonded epoxy-coated pipe piles
A978 ASTM A978/A978m-97 specification for composite ribbed steel pipe, precoated and polyethylene lined for gravity flow sanitary sewers, storm sewers, and other special applications
A984 ASTM A984/A984m-00 specification for steel line pipe, black, plain-end, electric-resistance-welded
A998 ASTM A998/A998m-98 practice for structural design of reinforcements for fittings in factory-made corrugated steel pipe for sewers and other applications
A999 A999/A999m-98 specification for general requirements for alloy and stainless steel pipe
A1005 ASTM A1005/A1005m-00 specification for steel line pipe, black, plain end, longitudinal and helical seam, double submerged-arc welded
A1006 ASTM A1006/A1006m specification for steel line pipe, black, plain end, laser beam welded
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Tech & serviceASTM A106, ASTM A106 pipe, ASTM A53, ASTM Standards, carbon steel pipe, Seamless steel pipeRead More
Seamless pipes Specifications and Execution Standard
ASTM A106 pipe (also covered in ASME specifications as S/A 106) is the standard specification for seamless carbon steel pipe for high-temperature service.
ASTM A179 Heat Exchanger Tubes
DIN 1629 is the standard specifies the Seamless Circular Tubes of Non Alloys Steels with Special Quality Requirements.
Our fluid seamless steel tubes are widely used for fluid transport, water conveying (sewage water discharge, water divert project), oil and natural gas long distance transmission as well as fluids.
ASTM Standards can be purchased as a digital library subscription or individually from ASTM and other qualified standards providers. When maintaining a large…
We are manufacturer of DIN steel pipes and supply high quality DIN steel pipes in both large and small quantities worldwide & offer you the…
Pipes by applications
We can makes and markets cold-drawn and hot rolled seamless steel pipes and cold-drawn special-section seamless pipes which are widely…
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I write book reviews for all types of books. Mainly, mystery/thriller, Contemporary and Historical fiction, Biography/Memoir and True Crime, and a little Romance, too!
Chasing Hope
Chasing Hope by Dana Wayne
FLASHBACK FRIDAY: The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommends by Katarina Bivald - Feature and Review
Once you let a book into your life, the most unexpected things can happen...
Broken Wheel, Iowa, has never seen anyone like Sara, who traveled all the way from Sweden just to meet her pen pal, Amy. When she arrives, however, she finds that Amy's funeral has just ended. Luckily, the townspeople are happy to look after their bewildered tourist—even if they don't understand her peculiar need for books. Marooned in a farm town that's almost beyond repair, Sara starts a bookstore in honor of her friend's memory.
All she wants is to share the books she loves with the citizens of Broken Wheel and to convince them that reading is one of the great joys of life. But she makes some unconventional choices that could force a lot of secrets into the open and change things for everyone in town. Reminiscent of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, this is a warm, witty book about friendship, stories, and love.
LISTEN TO AN EXCERPT:
The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend by Katarina Bivald
The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommends by Katarina Bivald is a 2016 Sourcebooks Landmark publication.
What a wonderful feel good story!!
If you love books about books, you will want to try this one.
Amy, from Broken Wheel, Iowa and Sara, from Sweden, are pen pals who share a love of books. When Sara loses her bookstore job, she decides to take Amy up on her invitation to visit Broken Wheel if she ever got the chance.
However, when Sara arrives, she is stunned to learn that Amy has died. But, the town goes out of their way to make their only tourist’s stay in Broken Wheel comfortable and pleasant.
Overwhelmed by the resident’s generosity, Sara works to pay it forward, and honor Amy and her love of books by opening a bookshop in Broken Wheel. The longer Sara stays, the more attached she becomes to the small little town that has all but dried up, and the residents love her just as much as she does them, giving them all a renewed sense of optimism and hope. Soon, they all begin to wish Sara could stay with them on a permanent basis. But, will she be able to extend her Visa?
I love offbeat and quirky characters, unconventional love stories, and books that imbibe charm and wit, and add just a touch of whimsy to top it all off. But, as a book nerd, a book that features characters who love to read, who love to share good books with others, is always going to get top marks from me.
So, it goes without saying, this book was simply delightful. It’s quirky, funny, sweet, touching! I enjoyed watching the town wake up, as if from a long slumber, and it was wonderful to feel Amy’s spirit moving through the town, as Sara finds an unexpected purpose for her life doing exactly what she loves most.
If you love small towns, stories about friendship and books, this book has your name on it!
GET YOUR COPY HERE:
https://www.amazon.com/Readers-Broken-Wheel-Recommend-ebook/dp/B0108GOL9Q/
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-readers-of-broken-wheel-recommend-katarina-bivald/1120956109
Katarina Bivald grew up working part-time in a bookshop. Today she lives outside of Stockholm, Sweden, with her sister and as many bookshelves she can get by her. She'scurrently trying to persuade her sister that having a shelf for winter jackets and shoes is completely unneccessary. There should be enough space for a book shelf or two instead. Limited success so far. Apparantly, her sister is also stubbornly refusing to even discuss using the bath room to store books.
Katarina Bivald sometimes claims that she still hasn't decided whether she prefer books or people but, as we all know, people are a non-starter. Even if you do like them, they're better in books. Only possible problem: reading a great book and having noone to recommend it to.
Läsarna i Broken Wheel rekommenderar/The Readers in Broken Wheel Recommend is her first novel.
Posted by gpangel at 1:00 AM No comments: Links to this post
Labels: Books, chick lit, e book, feature and review, Hoopla, Katarina Bivald, Sourcebooks Landmark
Chasing Hope by Dana Wayne- Feature and Review + Giveaway
DANA WAYNE
Publisher: Book Liftoff
Date of Publication: June 10, 2019
Scroll down for giveaway!
Max Logan longs for the joys of home and family he missed growing up in foster care. He fills that emotional void by becoming a kick-ass Marine, and for eighteen years, led his band of brothers from one hell-hole to another…until the one that nearly destroyed him. Sixteen months of therapy and rehab put his body back together, but some wounds can’t be seen. Some can’t be healed. Skylar Ward dreams of a life that includes someone beside her. Someone to share her life with, to be a father to her young daughter. But if she learned anything from her failed marriage it was that you don’t rush into a relationship. Options in her small town are limited, and those who approach her lack appeal. Only Max Logan sparks her interest. But the handsome, brooding war hero remains aloof. Intelligent and intuitive, seven-year-old Maddie overhears a neighbor tell her mother she needs a male companion, so she Google's it to see what it means. Convinced her mom needs a boyfriend and Max needs a girlfriend, Maddie sets out to make it happen. He needs a family. They need him. If she can make them see that. Can one precocious child be the catalyst that heals a wounded warrior’s soul and brings joy back into her mom’s heart? Or will ashes of the past bury hope once and for all?
PRAISE FOR CHASING HOPE: "The pace was fast, the love was simple yet energetic, and the dialogues were lively enough to make me want to know more about the characters. To say that I loved this novel is not enough! Absolutely beautiful. It deserves these 5 stars." – Readers’ Favorite
"I could not put Chasing Hope down! From the first few sentences, I was hooked and read over half of it the first night finishing it the following night. The main characters, Sky and Max, intrigued me right off the bat but feisty little Maddie wormed her way into my heart immediately! What a breath of fresh air." - Mary McCormack, ARC reader
Chasing Hope by Dana Wayne is a 2019 Book Liftoff publication.
A lovely and realistic romance!!
Former Marine, Max Logan, has always wanted a family of his own, especially after growing up in foster care. But now, he’s putting that goal on a back burner as he struggles to cope with his PTSD.
Skylar is the single mother of a brilliant and precocious seven- year old daughter, named Maddie. Currently working in a diner, she is hoping to renew her nursing career. She also wouldn’t mind a second chance at love after suffering through a failed marriage.
When she and Max meet the chemistry between them sparkles and shines. But Max is still too unsure of himself to pursue it. However, the adorable Maddie becomes a formidable match maker.
As Max and Skylar tiptoe around relationship land mines, Skylar copes with the unwanted advances of Cade Jackson, who will not take no for an answer. As time passes, his aggression becomes more and more sinister.
This love story appealed to me because of how credible it felt. Max and Skylar are the salt of the earth kind of people anyone can relate to. The romance is a slow burn at first and it is not flashy or overly angsty.
Things play out as a real- life romance might, with Max and Skylar meeting challenges, coping with insecurities, and other very common emotions that come with falling in love. They have reservations, worries and distractions, but address them with maturity. However, the relationship proceeds in fits and starts mostly because Max is afraid of exposing Skylar to his PTSD symptoms. It doesn't help that certain people continuously plant seeds of doubt in his mind.
There is a mild romantic suspense element, adding some additional tension to the story. However, the focus is mostly on the emotional growth of the main characters, both individually and as a couple. Watching Max and Skylar learn to work out the bumps and pings, and witnessing all their hopes- and Maddie's- finally realized, is rewarding and very heartwarming.
more links: BOOKS2READ
Chasing Hope from Dana Wayne on Vimeo.
Dana Wayne is an award-winning author and 6th generation Texan. She resides in East Texas with her husband (and biggest fan) along with a Calico cat named Katie, three children, and four grandchildren. She routinely speaks to books clubs, services organizations, writers’ groups, and other organizations on writing and publishing, and is a frequent guest on numerous writing blogs.
"I grew up listening to my father read passages from the stack of paperback westerns beside his chair. I was fascinated at how someone could paint a picture with words so vivid, I saw it in my mind. That's when I knew that one day I would be a writer. It wasn't until I retired in late 2013 that I was able to devote the necessary time to achieving my goal. I published my first book in 2016 and never looked back. My stories are heartwarming, a little spicy, and all about the romance because I believe romance is more about emotion than sex, and the journey is more important than the destination."
A staunch supporter of new authors, she is a member of Romance Writers of America, Texas Association of Authors, and Writers League of Texas as well as several local writers' groups.
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GIVEAWAY! GIVEAWAY! GIVEAWAY!
FIRST PRIZE: Signed Copy of Chasing Hope + Swag bag including fan, tote bag, and throw blanket; SECOND PRIZE: eBook Copy of Chasing Hope + $10 Amazon Gift Card
THIRD PRIZE: eBook Copy of Chasing Hope + $5 Amazon Gift Card
(US Only)
CHECK OUT THE OTHER GREAT BLOGS ON THE TOUR:
Notable Quotable
That's What She's Reading
Kelly Well Read
BONUS post
Hall Ways Blog
Reading by Moonlight
All the Ups and Downs
The Page Unbound
StoreyBook Reviews
Rebecca R. Cahill, Author
Character Interview
Forgotten Winds
Chapter Break Book Blog
Carpe Diem Chronicles
The Clueless Gent
Book Fidelity
KayBee's Book Shelf
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Labels: Booklift, contemporary romance, Dana Wayne, feature and review, giveaway, Lone Star Lit Life, LSBBT, Texas
The A-List by J.A. Jance- Feature and Review
More than ten years after the abrupt end of her high-profile broadcasting career, Ali Reynolds has made a good life for herself in her hometown of Sedona, Arizona. She has a new house, a new husband, and a flourishing cybersecurity company called High Noon Enterprises, where her team of veritable technological wizards hunts down criminals one case at a time.
But the death of an old friend brings Ali back to the last story she ever reported: a feel-good human interest piece about a young man in need of a kidney to save his life, which quickly spiraled into a medical mismanagement scandal that landed a prestigious local doctor in prison for murder.
Years may have passed, but Dr. Edward Gilchrist has not forgotten those responsible for his downfall—certainly not Ali Reynolds, who exposed his dirty deeds to the world. Life without parole won’t stop him from getting his revenge. Tattooed on his arm are the initials of those who put him behind bars, and he won’t stop until every person on that Annihilation List is dead.
In this gripping suspense novel from the New York Timesbestselling author praised for her “inimitable, take-no-prisoners style” (Kirkus Reviews), Ali Reynolds and her team race against the clock to stop this ruthless killer—before her own name is crossed out for good.
The A List by J.A. Jance
The A- List by J.A. Jance is a 2019 Gallery Books publication.
A top -notch chapter in the Ali Reynolds series!!
Dr. Edward Gilchrist suffered a spectacular fall from grace when it came to light that he was the main sperm donor at his fertility clinic. Not only that, he may have passed down a genetic illness to his progeny.
Ali, in one of her last assignments as an L.A. News anchor, broke the story, which had a domino effect, resulting in the doctor serving a life sentence without parole.
Despite the passage of time, Edward is still bent on exacting revenge. He's drawn up a list of his enemies- An annihilation list he has dubbed ‘The A- List’.
He even went to the trouble of tattooing the first initial of each of his enemies on his skin. As each person who wronged him, in one way or another, is ‘taken care of’, he inks an X over the initial, marking them off the list.
Ali Reynolds may be the one most at fault, in his eyes, and he can’t wait to tattoo that X over her initial…
This story takes readers back down memory lane to a time when Ali was a star news anchor and married to Paul. After she broke the story about Edward Gilchrist, she kept in touch with the families involved. But, now in shockingly close succession several of those involved in the case have died in tragic accidents or homicides. Yet, Ali has no idea she’s even at risk. But then Stuart and Frigg 'stumble across' a few shocking discoveries, making it clear that Ali is in grave danger. Can they warn in Ali in time?
This is one of the best installments in the series we’ve had in a while and I am happy to see it rebound so strongly, especially after the previous installment, which left me pondering the future of this series.
The plot is very compelling and plausible in the sense that we’ve heard of actual cases where a doctor used his own sperm to father countless children. Many times, this type of situation was only discovered years later due to advances in DNA.
Jance did a terrific job of setting the stage, adding rich details to the diabolical revenge plot, while also adding emotional depth to a classic good versus evil scenario.
Jance kept the focus more on Ali, this time around, which I liked, and the bad guys were super creepy and scary. The story is very suspenseful, and well executed. Ms. Jance's veteran writing chops are on display here, reminding me of why her books are always a 'must buy' for me.
I still don’t know what to make of the developments with Stuart and Frigg. I had hoped they might get a series of their own instead of taking over this one. But it looks as though they are here to stay. I’m going to keep an open mind, though, and see how it goes. But, I must say my faith in this series has been greatly restored.
Fans of the series won't need to be persuaded to buy this one. However, if you haven’t tried this series out yet, this story gives you enough background to on, so that you could enjoy it as well.
GRAB YOUR COPY HERE:
https://www.amazon.com/List-Ali-Reynolds-Book-14-ebook/dp/B07H2LV8LN/
https://www.amazon.com/List-Ali-Reynolds-Book-14/dp/B07KM5443V/
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-a-list-j-a-jance/1129473426
J.A. Jance is the top 10 New York Times bestselling author of the Joanna Brady series; the J. P. Beaumont series; three interrelated thrillers featuring the Walker family; and Edge of Evil, the first in a series featuring Ali Reynolds. Born in South Dakota and brought up in Bisbee, Arizona, Jance lives with her husband in Seattle, Washington, and Tucson, Arizona.
Labels: Ali Reynolds Series, Edelweiss, feature and review, Gallery books, J.A. Jance, mystery, thriller
Bad Axe County by John Galligan- Feature and Review
Fifteen years ago, Heidi White’s parents were shot to death on their Bad Axe County farm. The police declared it a murder-suicide and closed the case. But that night, Heidi found the one clue she knew could lead to the truth—if only the investigators would listen.
Now Heidi White is Heidi Kick, wife of local baseball legend Harley Kick and mother of three small children. She’s also the interim sheriff in Bad Axe. Half the county wants Heidi elected but the other half will do anything to keep her out of law enforcement. And as a deadly ice storm makes it way to Bad Axe, tensions rise and long-buried secrets climb to the surface.
As freezing rain washes out roads and rivers flood their banks, Heidi finds herself on the trail of a missing teenaged girl. Clues lead her down twisted paths to backwoods stag parties, derelict dairy farms, and the local salvage yard—where the body of a different teenage girl has been carefully hidden for a decade.
As the storm rages on, Heidi realizes that someone is planting clues for her to find, leading her to some unpleasant truths that point to the local baseball team and a legendary game her husband pitched years ago. With a murder to solve, a missing girl to save, and a monster to bring to justice, Heidi is on the cusp of shaking her community to its core—and finding out what really happened the night her parents died.
Bad Axe County: A Novel by John Galligan
Bad Axe County by John Galligan is a 2019 Atria Books publication.
A gritty, atmospheric crime story-
This is an ambitious mystery thriller which profiles the rural Wisconsin terrain as much as it does the characters, becoming an intricate part of the plot.
Heidi Kick was a small -town beauty queen when her life took a tragic turn. Her parents allegedly died as a result of a murder-suicide pact. Despite their financial downturn, which was believed to be the motive, Heidi never bought into that theory.
Now, after the local sheriff’s sudden demise, Heidi becomes interim sheriff. This doesn’t set well with the local good ole boys in the community at all. But Heidi is not totally without a support system, with one or two allies in the department helping her make logical decisions.
She does have to balance a marriage, and small children, along with her demanding, pressure -filled job. She’s holding her own, until an unexpected storm in the area triggers a series of events, revealing the dark, lurid underbelly of Bad Axe County.
Suddenly, the inexperienced, but determined sheriff is neck deep in corruption, human trafficking, sleazy private parties hosting underage girls, and a strange burglary. The deeper she scratches beneath the surface, troubling implications hit a little too close to home. Dark forces are working against Heidi, thwarting her at every turn. While working around the clock to locate a missing girl, Heidi fervently hopes to finally discover the truth about her parents.
I won’t lie- what initially caused me to give this book a closer look was the atmospheric cover art. The premise sounded intriguing enough, with the promise of a strong female lead, so I decided to take a chance on it.
However, I also must admit, in all honesty, the story wasn't quite what I was expecting. Although Heidi refuses to accept the official cause of death in her parent’s case, her obsession with uncovering the truth runs more in the background. More in the forefront, is Heidi’s ‘race against the clock’ mission to locate a missing girl without making any critical missteps.
The story starts off on an odd, unexpected note, emphasizing the character's quirks, as they pertain to the rural setting. The banter is light and good-natured, but the atmosphere suddenly shifts turning super dark, edgy, and suspenseful, with a no holds barred tendency towards violence. I immediately sensed it was time to fasten my seatbelt and hold on for dear life.
Unfortunately, there are several threads running at once, along with a large cast of characters, which, as I’ve stated countless times, rarely works out for me. Sure enough, I struggled to keep everything straight. I had to slow my reading down to a crawl and do a little re-reading on a few occasions, to be sure I was keeping everything and everyone straight. I can’t say I was a big fan of the execution, or the uneven flow, but at the end of the day, despite its messiness, all the threads eventually come together, and the book ends on a high note. So, as they say, a win is still a win, even if it’s an ugly one.
The conclusion is gratifying, especially since Heidi Kick lives to fight another day. I liked Heidi’s character, as well as her sidekick, Denise. Those two made a great team. I wouldn’t mind stopping by Bad Axe County again someday. I think this rural, deceptively bucolic area of Wisconsin still has many secrets, and the feisty Heidi Kick knows just how to unravel them.
https://www.amazon.com/Bad-Axe-County-John-Galligan-ebook/dp/B07M9LMKZV/
https://www.amazon.com/Bad-Axe-County-A-Novel/dp/B07NDYSZLJ/
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bad-axe-county-john-galligan/1129968127
John Galligan,in addition to being a novelist and teacher, John has worked as a newspaper journalist, feature-film screenwriter, house painter, au pair, ESL teacher, cab driver, and freezer boy in a salmon cannery. He currently teaches writing at Madison Area Technical College, where his experience is enriched by students from every corner of the local and world community.
Labels: Atria publication, feature and review, John Galligan, netgalley, thriller
MANGA MONDAY- A Bride for Glenmore by Sarah Morgan and Haruhi Sakura- Feature and Review
Kyla MacNeil is a nurse on the small and pleasant island of Glenmore. When her brother, Logan, a doctor, decides he needs some help for the season, Ethan Walker takes the job, moving to the small island from the big city. His arrival brings some much-needed help to the tiny island, but it also brings its fair share of problems. Ethan seems to hold everyone at arm’s length, but when he meets Luke’s infant daughter, he’s taken aback. Luke’s a recent widower, but Ethan seems to know more about his late wife than he ought to. Can Kyla find out Ethan’s secret before storms and sins break the two apart?
A Bride for Glenmore by Haruhi Sakura
A Bride for Glenmore by Sarah Morgan and Haruhi Sakura (Illustrator) is a 2018 Harlequin/ SB Creative publication.
I read the original Harlequin Medical release of this book not all that long ago. I really like Sarah Morgan and am pleased with the direction her career has taken. It’s so fun to watch an author’s blossom. It is also fun to see one of Sarah’s books released as a Manga.
The story is centered around the small community of Glenmore and the medical dramas they encounter, ranging from minor incidents to serious issues. Dr. Logan MacNeil has decided he needs a little additional help during the summer months.
Dr. Ethan Walker is hired and Logan’s sister, Kyla, a nurse, helps the new doctor familiarize himself with the clinic. At first Ethan’s big city attitude is annoying, but the more time he spends with Kyla, the closer they become. However, Ethan his harboring an explosive secret, one that could change the way Kyla feels about him. Not only that, their budding romance can’t deepen into anything too serious because Ethan has no plans to stick around Glenmore Island once the summer is over.
This is a wonderful medical romance with a very surprising twist I never saw coming, when I read the original story this Manga is based on.
Now, however, since I already knew what the big secret was, the fun was in seeing the story come to life through the fabulous artwork. The illustrator captured the characters and the scenery quite well.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07CNT7G6X/
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-bride-for-glenmore-sarah-morgan/1128559723
https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Sarah_Morgan_A_BRIDE_FOR_GLENMORE
USA Today and Sunday Times bestselling author Sarah Morgan writes romance and contemporary women's fiction and her trademark humour and warmth have gained her fans across the globe. Sarah lives near London, England, and when she isn't reading or writing she loves being outdoors.
Labels: contemporary romance, feature and review, Harlequin Medical. SB Creative, Manga Monday, Sarah Morgan
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I am married with two grown children, I have two dogs and three cats, I collect vintage paperbacks, I read, and write reviews, blog, promote across social media. I am a top Amazon and Goodreads reviewer.
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Wes Nelson insist he still loves his ex Megan Barton Hanson [OK! Magazine]
Wes Nelson has called his ex-girlfriend Megan Barton Hanson’s claims that he didn’t fight for their relationship “silly”, in an exclusive new interview with OK! magazine.
Speaking to the publication, Wes said of his break-up with the blonde beauty: “To say I didn’t fight for her is silly because it was a mutual decision.
“I didn’t just say, ‘That’s it. I’m done.’ Fight for what? We both ended the relationship.”
Read the full interview with Wes in this week’s OK! magazine [OK! Magazine]
He continued: “If she wanted me to say more or do more that day I didn’t know that.”
The 20 year admitted that he still loves 24 year old Megan, who he met and fell for in the Love Island villa last summer.
He said: “Of course I still love Megan. You can’t just drop the feelings after a week of being split up, but loving someone doesn’t mean that they are the right person for you.”
Wes says the split from Megan was a “mutual decision” and Megan’s claims he didn’t fight for her are “silly” [Getty]
Wes also denied that there is any chance of a romance between him and his Dancing On Ice partner, Vanessa Bauer.
He said: “People have said, ‘Why don’t you get with Vanessa?’ I see it in my comments all the time, but for one has anyone ever asked me if I fancy her?”
He firmly stated: “No I don’t. Vanessa is not my cup of tea.”
Wes Nelson said he does not fancy Vanessa Bauer and there is no chance of a romance[ITV ]
Megan famously shared an Instagram post hitting out at Vanessa online, claiming the dancer had announced she had split with her boyfriend “tactically” on the same day of her first routine with Wes on the ITV skating show.
As she opened up on the reason behind their shock split last week, Megan claimed that Wes doesn’t love her.
Of their split, Megan said: “Our ambitions and goals in life are very different.
Megan hit out at Vanessa Bauer following her split from her boyfriend, before she split from Wes[Megan Barton Hanson/Instagram ]
“Wes is younger than me and wrapped up in the fame bubble – but I still love him, which is why it hurts so much.
“I fought and fought and fought for Wes but he doesn’t love me back.”
Read the full interview with Wes only in this week’s OK! magazine.
Robbie Williams melts hearts as he shares ADORABLE video of six year old daughter Teddy singing – as fans predict she will be a star
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Three Mile Island Thirty Year Later: Accident Without An End; Industry Without Answers
(Harrisburg, Pa) - The core meltdown at Three Mile Island Unit-2 (TMI) beginning on March 28, 1979 ignited a fierce debate about the role of commercial nuclear power.
Eric Epstein, Chairman of TMI-Alert said, “In the three decades following the melt down, Americans have been exposed to a mercurial flow of misleading information relating to nuclear power. Nuclear energy is not a safe, secure or economical source of energy.”
Andrew Stein, TMIA’s economist, stated: “Three core problems and unresolved questions associated with nuclear power production continue to bedevil the industry:
“Where is the waste going to go?”
“Where is the water going to come from?”
“Why is 'Wall Street' sitting on the sidelines?”
Stein added, “In the last decade, costs associated with security, fuel, labor and nuclear waste disposal have priced nuclear power out of the marketplace.”
• For more information on events, press packets and energy curriculum, please view Three Mile Island Alert’s 30th Anniversary Web site at tmia.com or contact.
• TMIA’s archives are located at Dickinson College, Special Collections: http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&fkt=4344&fsdt=13288&q=dickinson+colle...
• Oral Histories can be accessed at Dickinson College, Community Studies Center: http://chronicles.dickinson.edu/findingaids/tmi-malmsheimer.pdf
TMI Events Calendar: March 2009
• March, 2009: “The People of Three Mile Island” with author and photographer, Robert del Tredeci.
Location: PSU-Harrisburg, 777 Harrisburg Pike, Middletown, PA.
Contact: Heidi N. Abbey, heidi.abbey@psu.edu
• Wednesday, March 11, 2009: “The Economics of Nuclear Power:” Policy forum and lunch featuring Jerry Taylor, CATO Institute, Eric Epstein, Three Mile Island Alert, Inc., and an industry representative. Moderated by Matthew J. Brouillette.
Lunch hosted by the Commonwealth Foundation.
Location: 25 State Street, Harrisburg, Pa.
Contact: CF at (717)-671-1901 or info@commonwealthfoundation.org
• Wednesday, March 18, 2009: “Covering the TMI Crisis: A Reporters First Hand Account” presentation by R.B. Swift and “State of Security” presentation by Scott Portzline.
Lunch hosted by TMI-Alert, 11:30 am to 1:30 pm.
Location: Main Capitol, 60 East Wing, Conference Room, Harrisburg.
Contact: Andrew Stein, (610)-310-1048 or andy@steincg.com or Eric Epstein, (717)-541-1101 or ericepstein@comcast.net
• Thursday, March 26, 2009: “TMI & Health Effects”
Dr. Steven Wing, epidemiologist and “Accident Dose Assessments” Arnie Gunderson, nuclear engineer.
Lunch hosted by TMI-Alert, 11:30 am to 1:30 pm
Location: Main Capitol, 39 East Wing, Conference Room, Harrisburg
Contact: Andrew Stein, (610)-310-1048 or andy@steincg.com or Eric Epstein, ericepstein@comcast.net (717)-541-1101.
• Saturday March 28, 2009, “Community Event and Dinner” Dinner: Tickets are $10 and available at the door. Doors open at 7:00 pm.
Location: American Legion, 137 E, High St., Middletown, 717-944-4797
Contact: Please RSVP to TMIA at (717)-233-7897 or Marlene Lang at (717)-701-1979 or blackbirdlang@yahoo.com.
Tickets and t-shirts are available at Transit News Harrisburg Transportation Center, 717-232-7775.
• Vigil at TMI 4:00 am: Gene Stilp, No Nukes PA, genestilp@comcast.net, (717)-829-5600.
* Additional events:
• February, 2009: Energy Curriculum and Historical Timeline*
Contact: Eric Epstein, 717-541-1101, efmr.org
“The Environmental, Historical and Industrial Timeline of Pennsylvania” can serve as a poster for middle and high school students. The posters are free of charge.
The energy curriculum featuring lessons on coal, nuclear, solar, and wind energy as well as an Emergency Planning training manual for workers and support staff.
The lesson plans are available off the Web site and in hard copy.* The objective of the following lesson plans is to educate elementary through high school students about the practices in developing energy resources. The information is balanced and aligned with National Science Education Content Standards and Pennsylvania Academic Standards. Teachers are encouraged to be neutral facilitators, allowing students to formulate their own conclusions and opinions. This balance will allow students to analyze and interpret their findings.
* Lessons and Timeline available free of cost upon request at efmr.org
• January - May, 2009: “Nuclear Power and Communities”
Contact: H. Keith Florig, Ph.D. Senior Research Engineer , Dept. of Engineering & Public Policy, florig@cmu.edu, 412-268-3754
Each semester the Engineering and Public Policy runs two project courses in which a team of about 25 juniors and seniors tackle some pressing issue involving technology and policy. The objective is to give students experience in framing and analyzing a real-world policy problem under a one-semester time constraint. The outcome is a class report in which students collectively articulate their analyses and make policy recommendations. Last year, CM offered course in which students evaluated the integration of unmanned aircraft into the national airspace system.
Relaunch of EFMR radiation monitoring
The network will provide real time mounting ion and also support emergency planning as well as the distribution of KI.
The EFMR Radiation Monitoring Network provides real-time monitoring of alpha, beta, and gamma radiation. Each monitoring node consists of a geiger counter connected to an embedded computer. Every minute, the computer transmits a reading back to the server, which in turn immediately passes the data to the backup server. All readings are permanently stored and are available immediately for real-time analysis. Alerts are automatically sent when radiation reaches dangerous levels.
The network is designed with reliability and security as its highest priorities. If a monitoring node cannot contact the main server, it immediately attempts to send its reading to the backup server. If neither server can be contacted, it stores the reading locally, and attempts to resend every minute. By storing data on its internal solid state drive, each node can continue to log radiation levels for over two years, without any outside contact. Our primary server is hosted locally, so that we can be quickly repaired in the event of a hardware failure. Our backup server is at a data center in New Zealand to ensure that it will not be affected by any regional disasters.
All readings that a monitoring node generates are cryptographically signed with a unique encryption key that exists only on that node. When a reading is transmitted to the server, the server checks the digital signature to ensure its authenticity. Every signature for every reading is permanently stored in the database, so that we can prove the origin and authenticity of every single reading. Even if the server is compromised, the data is not, because the server cannot generate the signatures that it stores. Whether providing real-time data for emergency decision-making or millions of readings for long-term historical analysis, this network will provide the reliability and security necessary to ensure that this data exists, is immediately available.
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A style is described as armour-like when it possesses the qualities of protective clothing. As fashion itself is often considered armour, something to help survive the reality of everyday life, as the late Bill Cunningham had said, designs such as 's are especially compelling when one is feeling particularly vulnerable.
Pictured: Balmain AW12
Brands: Alaia, Alexander McQueen, Balmain
Avant-garde is defined by introducing new and experimental ideas and methods, and takes some profound oppositional stance or is a rejection of the status quo. It rejects convention in some way and challenges what's acceptable. Avant-garde appeals to creatives, intellectuals, those who grasp abstract concepts, but most importantly to non-conformists - those who don't like to neatly fit into a box.
Pictured: Design by Sarah Ryan
Brands: Gareth Pugh, Rick Owens, Yohji Yamamoto
Conceptual fashion prioritizes communicating concepts over aesthetics and function. It speaks mostly to creatives and intellectuals - unsurprisingly, those who appreciate concepts and score high on what psychologists call 'openness to experience'.
Pictured: Viktor & Rolf SS10
Brands: Commes Des Garcons, Maison Margiela, Viktor & Rolf
For all the fanfare about innovation and creativity, conventional fashion appeals to many. Conventionality, defined by 'based on or in accordance with what is generally done or believed', is an element many find comforting and reassuring in today's turbulent ever-changing times.
Pictured: Monique Lhuillier
Brands: Carolina Herrera, Oscar de la Renta, Ralph Lauren
Cool resists linear structures, and is a nonconformist balance - the paradoxical person, or outfit that is never too much of one thing.
Brands: Alexander Wang, Balenciaga, Balmain, Vetements
When we say something is 'cozy', its texture not only brings material comfort, but emotional consolation as well. Feeling out of sorts? Go for knitwear, the sartorial hug.
Pictured: Molli 1886
Brands: Loro Piana, Max Mara, The Row
What makes a design flirty? In an attempt to understand, we look to Alain de Botton's definition of a good flirt. "A good flirt must carefully convince us of three apparently contradictory things: that they would love to sleep with us; that they won’t sleep with us; and that the reason why has nothing to do with any deficiency on our part."
Pictured: Vogue Brasil October '16
Brands: Balmain, Roberto Cavalli, Tom Ford
Ruffles, oversized details, color, flounce, balloon sleeves, volume and A-line shapes are all interpreted as Latin influence within designs. These elements originated in Spain, but were further developed in the tropical climates of the Americas as part of traditional costume. Romantic, exuberant and dramatic, they hint at a warm blooded and slightly neurotic nature.
Pictured: Johanna Ortiz Resort '18
Brands: Esteban Cortazar, Johanna Ortiz
While some would assert that fashion should be "fun", our most celebrated designers often deliver collections that can only be described as 'melancholy'. And there is a great case for it. Even the best lives are not immune to melancholy, and it contributes greatly to our development. It is a valuable experience because it links the darker truths of the human condition with beauty.
Pictured: Ann Demeulemeester AW13
Brands: Ann Demeulemeester, Gareth Pugh, Rick Owens
The term 'off-duty' generated from the street style of models in between shows and now applies to all casual not-suitable-for-work wear such as hoodies and cashmere track pants. Above all, off duty taps into our desires to return to the leisurely state if childhood, when we were unencumbered by duties and tasks.
Pictured: Freja Beha Erichsen in Paris
Brands: Alexander Wang, Rick Owens
Bright pink elicits an exciting, playful, high-energy, stimulating and modern mood, while light pink is romantic, affectionate, compassionate and youthful. It can also be too sweet, sentimental, and seen as weak or immature.
Picture: Vogue Spain
Brands: Giambattista Valli, Molly Goddard, Roksanda
Anything poetic is by definition "having an imaginative or sensitively emotional style of expression". The gauzy yet tight accordion pleats and arm ties in white on this design exude poetry in motion and sense of elevation because of the lightness and frailty of the fabric, as well the considered design details. Elevated clothes, elevated thoughts.
Pictured: Chloe SS14
Brands: Alberta Ferreti, Chloe, Giambattista Valli, Valentino
At the opposite end of the spectrum from romantic, sits practical. The practical personality is less swayed by their feelings. The believe in rules, politeness, decorum. Unlike the romantic's love of fluid silhouettes and flowing fabric, the practical likes angular lines, structure and more regimented, authoritative designs. It's normal to go up and down the spectrum during your life. Getting carried away romantically will almost always have you reaching for a good blazer.
Pictured: Amy Adams for MaxMara
Brands: Akris, Carolina Herrera, MaxMara, Ralph Lauren
"Romantic" is often used to describe a look or a collection. But what makes someone a romantic? Romantics are people who value spontaneity over rigidity, instinct over thinking, and honesty over politeness.
Pictured: Valentino
Brands: Chloé, Giambattista Valli, Valentino
Satire: the use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people’s stupidity or vices. Vetements' success is owed to the fact that many consumers were feeling a bit drained from the fetishizing of luxury goods. Red-soled Louboutins? How about lighters for heels?
Pictured: Vetements
Brands: Balenciaga, Jeremy Scott, Moschino, Vetements
Looks that are sexy make you feel desired and most importantly, alive. Eroticism has always been an antidote to death. It's not unusual to want to look sexy after a period of spiritual deadening (commonly referred to as a "rut".)
Pictured: Tom Ford for Gucci '02
Brands: Emilio Pucci, Roberto Cavalli, Tom Ford
Subversive means "seeking or intended to subvert an established system or institution". Interestingly, subversive fashion, or anti-fashion, has gone from niche to an increasing level of status quo. While it may be easy to presume that subversive fashion appeals to those with a rebellious spirit or lifestyle, it's often those with a rather conservative life history that are drawn to subversive brands. Perhaps, they correct an imbalance.
Picture: nativefox.com
Brands: Balenciaga, Commes Des Garcons, Rick Owens, Vetements, Viktor & Rolf
When we're vulnerable, we hide. Fear causes us to keep our authentic emotions hidden, and wear a mask to face the world as a means of protection. Few conceptual brands understand this as well as Maison Margiela, whose couture Artisanal collections take this notion literally and often show looks with masks.
Pictured: Maison Margiela Artisanal AW12
Brands: Alexander McQueen, Haider Ackermann, Maison Margiela
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Home › Toyota Camry
Toyota Camry for Sale
Toyota Camry for Sale: Originally released as a four-door variation of the Celica in 1979, the Camry ended up being a nameplate in 1982. Since then, it has actually evolved right into among the most trusted as well as prominent cars on the marketplace, especially in the United States, where Toyota has actually provided greater than 200,000 devices a year since 1988 and over of 350,000 instances considering that 1996. Currently the very popular auto in The United States and Canada, the Camry drove into a new generation for the 2018 version year.
While mostly all new-generation cars obtain redesigns both in and out, the brand-new Camry is a large separation from its predecessor. Not just provided a face-lift, it's likewise sleeker, sportier, as well as more elegant than its predecessor. It seems the brand-new Camry was produced to bridge the gap in between the plain Toyota autos and the costs Lexus offerings. Which's not a bad idea. As usual, the revamped exterior is jointed by an overhauled interior with new designing and updated modern technology. Toyota likewise took care of the drivetrain division by presenting 3 brand-new engines, including a hybrid. So exactly how great is the brand-new Camry? Let's discover the response to this large concern in the testimonial listed below.
Update 6/21/2017: Toyota has revealed rates for the 2018 Toyota Camry, and also the entry-level cost increased by just $425. Look into the costs area listed below to learn everything about it.
The first thing that stands out when looking at the brand-new car is the company wide position that arises from the low center of gravity. To accomplish the last, Toyota made the Camry bigger, while lowering the engine hood by 1.6 inches and also the roof covering by one inch. By contrast, the wheelbase is 2 inches longer.
Moving over to what makes the new four-door more emotional as well as gives it a sporty as well as high end image, Toyota used its Lexus brand as motivation for the Camry. In advance, we could see more aggressive headlamps that are fairly much like those seen on the brand-new Lexus LX, minus the reduced LED strip that gives the latter a Z-shaped design. The grille is bigger and bigger, as well as though it's nowhere near as enormous as Lexus' "Spindle" aspect, the lower area is sportier than ever before.
The upper grille area and symbol are now mounted in a body-colored aspect, while the side vents are significantly larger. The muscular lines of the brand-new engine hood assemble a front fascia that's finally appealing to more youthful vehicle drivers, me consisted of.
While the brand-new outside is sportier, fancier, yet evolutionary, the cabin is an enormous separation from the previous layout. While the outward bound Camry's interior is a collection of straight lines interrupted just by the center pile, the new sedan is a more organic proposal on the within.
The new dashboard, which really feels contemporary and also a lot more upscale than before, was developed with 2 main things in mind. First, it's intended to give the motorist the feeling that he's really being in a cars. This is attained through a cockpit-type compartment with the gauges and also the center stack tilted towards the vehicle driver. This is more helped by the special character line that flows down from the tool collection as well as bisects the center console, hence separating the gear shifter from the passenger side. On the other hand, the traveler obtains a various environment, highlighted by a feeling of openness and the soft-touch surface areas as well as the veneer in the dashboard.
Although it was originally believed that Toyota will certainly phase out the venerable 3.5-liter V-6 and choose a turbocharged four-cylinder instead, the midsize sedan continuouslies make use of a normally aspirated six-cylinder. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder was also kept, as was the crossbreed drivetrain based upon the same four-pot unit.
However, all 3 drivetrains have been upgraded with a huge concentrate on boosting fuel economy.
There's big news in the suspension department also, where the new TNGA style allowed Toyota to utilize a sportier arrangement. Particularly, the Camry flights on a new dual wishbone back suspension system that provides the framework much more responsive handling as well as specific steering, while likewise delivering a comfortable trip around the city. But the suspension arrangement is the only thing responsible for the sporty handling and also improved ride quality. Toyota utilized significantly a lot more ultra-high-tensile steel in this new chassis, thus enhancing the Camry's total rigidity. Toyota is so certain concerning the Camry's brand-new flashy ride that went as far as to state that drivers "will certainly see the remarkable enhancements within the first couple of secs of driving."
The new Camry is pretty solid in regards to safety and security, showing off 10 basic air bags as well as the company's Star Security System, which includes Boosted Lorry Stability Control, Traction Control, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Brake Assist, Anti-lock Braking System, as well as Smart Quit Technology. The Toyota Security Sense P (TSS-P) system also comes requirement, adding a suite of energetic security technologies. The package includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD), Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Ship Control (DRCC), Lane Departure Alert with Guiding Assist (LDA w/SA), and also Automatic High Beams (AHB). The much more costly trims showcase typical Unseen area Display (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA).
As expected, valuing increased with the redesign, but the costs is just symbolic. Specifically, the new Camry retails from $23,495, which includes only $425 to the previous sticker. For this amount, you obtain the base L design, yet an added $505 will certainly obtain you the LE trim at $24,000. Next up is the SE, priced from $25,000, while the XLE and XSE cost $28,450 and also $29,000 before alternatives, specifically.
The XLE as well as XSE are highlighted by a sculpted rocker panel, brand-new 19-inch black machined-finish alloy wheels (XSE only) a refined back looter lip, aggressive front bumper, as well as rear bumper with an integrated reduced diffuser. The front fascia sporting activities larger side intakes flanking the reduced bumper, a high and also slim top consumption around the central Toyota badge, and a different mesh grille. A modified rear bumper and smoke-tinted taillights finish off the adjustments at the rear.
Selecting the XLE with the V-6 engine increases the sticker to $34,400, while the XSE with the same engine begins with $34,950.
Conforming to hybrid versions, there's 3 trim levels to pick from. The HV LE is one of the most inexpensive at $27,800, while the HV SE is available in at $29,500. Ultimately, there's the HV XLE at $32,250 prior to alternatives.
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Developer Looks to Bring Business, New Buildings to Cambridge Pl - WBOC-TV 16, Delmarvas News Leader, FOX 21 -
Developer Looks to Bring Business, New Buildings to Cambridge Plaza
Wednesday, January 6, 2016 6:33 PM EST
Thursday, January 7, 2016 8:32 AM EST
(Photo: Fairchild Properties)
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CAMBRIDGE, Md.- For the better part of 20 years now, drivers to and from Ocean City on Route 50 have passed through Cambridge and seen an empty shopping center. The long vacant K-Mart property, and several other nearby buildings in the same plaza have been called an eyesore and a disappointment. But a group is interested in making some big changes to that shopping center.
That group is called Fairchild Properties, and it wants to demolish several of the older vacant buildings, at least partially. In their place, the group wants new pads, buildings, and businesses. All by the end of the year.
Vacant buildings are not the kind of sight you want to see when driving down Route 50, unless you're a developer.
"My understanding is the developer just drove by on his way to Ocean City and he saw this. He's a visionary. He saw what could be, not what is," said Cambridge Ward Three Commissioner Frank Cooke.
Fairchild wants to breathe new life into the old center.
"We're going to have a gem of a shopping center and it's going to be done soon. This developer is talking about 2016 or early 2017," said Cooke.
But to do this, some of the current buildings have got to go.
The rough idea as it stands right now, would see that the China Buffet would be taken down. The front of the Kmart building would be shorn off to match the buildings next to it. That office complex over next to Kmart, that would be taken down also. Finally, the Fresh and Green's building, empty for about a year now, would also be taken down.
At Carmela's Cucina, owner Charlie Bono said despite new businesses coming in, he's not worried about competition.
"If you do good food, people will come to you regardless. The thing is, the more business you have, the better you are, because there are more things to do," said Bono.
Some though want to be sure the right businesses are going there.
"I heard rumors about maybe another dollar store. I don't think we should have another dollar store. It should be very upscale for the guests at the Hyatt and the cruise ships coming in, people like that," said Tony Thomas, owner of Canvasback Restaurant.
Locals say they are happy to see the potential for new life in the center, and the old buildings to come down.
"I'm tired of people of thinking that's what our town is, empty. So I'll be very glad to see it going," said Sandy Johnson.
We are still very early on in this process, so those images you saw may not be the final design. Right now the challenge is bringing in businesses to occupy those spaces. The big thing this project has going for it is Route 50, especially in the summer time.
To see all the renderings for what the property could look like, click here.
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Note to corrupt military and government operatives: If you are looking to set someone up, make sure he is not smarter, faster and more adept at tactical manipulation than you are. He will inconveniently stay alive when all you want him to be is dead.
Former Marine gunnery sergeant Bob Lee Swagger (Mark Wahlberg) is one expert marksman and survivalist. A veteran of covert missions, (the last one in Ethiopia got his friend and spotter killed and he himself abandoned by his own military forces) Swagger retreats to a Wyoming mountaintop with Sam, his beer drinking hunting dog. He is approached by retired Colonel Isaac Johnson (Danny Glover) and two questionable associates, who appeal to his patriotism, ostensibly to protect the president. Would Swagger review security possibilities in three cities and report any holes to the Colonel? This requires location surveillance, trajectory calculations, and even wind velocity corrections. The assassin will hit the president from a mile away.
There is a surprising assassination and the tables are suddenly turned on Swagger. He is shot twice by a very large, very slow police officer at point blank range, falling several stories through windows and skylights. Seems Swagger’s been set up by a powerful conglomerate, run by a U.S. Senator with interests in West Africa, specifically, Ethiopia. Hmm…
Rookie FBI agent Nick Memphis (Michael Pena) is at his post not far from the presidential speech/assassination site. While escaping, Swagger overpowers him, handcuffs him to a pipe, steals his gun and car, and leaves him with a few words that start the three-weeks-out-of-the-academy agent thinking about how improbable the crime scene logistics are.
Swagger, now wounded and on the run, shows up at the home of Sarah Fenn (Kate Mara) his dead friend’s wife. It’s been three years. First she is called upon to save his life. Later he will return the favor. In between, the romantic sparks fly, along with bullets and bravado.
Displaying a talent for MacGyver-like ingeniousness and improvisational savvy, Swagger, guiding Fenn through his own impromptu surgery, uses nitrous oxide from aerosol whipped cream cans as an anesthetic. He knows that sugar can stop the bleeding from a gunshot wound.
Swagger is either incredibly skillful or incredibly lucky. He’s as wanted in the U.S. as Osama bin Laden, uses the same truck to get around (he ditched that black government car a long time ago, c’mon now), and is able to visit several states to accomplish his fact-finding missions.
Meanwhile, he acquires a surprisingly effective advocate in Agent Memphis, who’s convinced that Swagger’s been set up, knowing a thing or two about trajectories himself. In order to join forces, Swagger sets up Memphis to be captured by yet another group of corrupt, ruthless individuals, working for the same cesspool of crooked government goons. Memphis endures some very rough treatment until rescued by Swagger. Now they can finally set out to bring about whatever justice is possible (sometimes it’s not).
Swagger and Memphis consult a ballistics expert and conspiracy theorist (scene stealer Levon Helm) who is such a fascinating character, you’ll wish he’d stay on screen more often. He speaks with the absolute certainty of one who knows lots of secrets and finds them all hilarious. He supplies the two with facts concerning ways to falsify ballistic evidence, and they are on the trail of the real perpetrators once more.
Montana Senator Charles Meachum (Ned Beatty) is the arrogant, corpulent bureaucrat at the epicenter of all the intrigue. He‘s the bully on the playground, and there’s oil, betrayal, and genocide in his sandbox. He’s fond of bellowing “I am a United States Senator” as if that fact erases all consequences.
Danny Glover, as the Colonel, is less human than lizard-like, whispering through his scenes to insinuate menace. He taunts Swagger by rasping “I won” while smiling like the Grinch. Big mistake. No one gets away with a Swagger taunt; not a Colonel, not a Senator.
Although there are some (well, many) implausible scenes in the film, I found it cleverly scripted and entertaining. A veteran at the same screening asserted that the ballistics/trajectory dialogue was realistic, something he looks for in a film with military elements. Making it even more credible is Wahlberg’s performance as the seething, yet decent Swagger.
Director Antoine Fuqua (Training Day) keeps the action taut and nearly non-stop, packing even quiet scenes with Swagger’s coiled intensity. Jonathan Lemkin’s adapted screenplay (from the Stephen Hunter novel Point of Impact) is a frenetic cat and mouse pursuit and reversal, revealing terrible acts and missing pieces of Swagger’s military history along the way. Fire and blood figure prominently.
If it’s a wild, no-holds-barred, conspiracy ride you enjoy, I’ll hold the convertible door open for you. Shooter will line you up in its sites like an assassin, and blow you away.
You are here: Home Movie Reviews Jacqueline Monahan's Movie Reviews Shooter
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Health & Life Style
10 May, 2019 08:20:53 PM / LAST MODIFIED: 10 May, 2019 08:21:31 PM
Dramatic hiking spots in US to see bigger crowds
US agency considers more visitors to popular hiking spot.
Independent Online Desk/ AP
The limit is designed to protect the delicate sandstone environment and create a peaceful solitude. Photo: AP
One of the most exclusive and dramatic hiking spots in the southwestern United States could see bigger crowds under a new proposal unveiled Wednesday. The Bureau of Land Management is weighing increasing its daily visitor limits from 20 to 96 people a day at The Wave, a popular rock formation near the Utah-Arizona border.
A 6-mile (9.5-kilometer) round trip hike through tall sandstone buttes and sagebrush is required to get to the Wave, a wide, sloping basin of searing reds, oranges and yellows in the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument.
The agency is asking for public comment and changes could be implemented as soon as October, agency official Mike Herder said. Applications to hike The Wave have drastically increased over the past five years as the trail’s colourful, the contoured landscape becomes increasingly well-known.
Visitors compete for permits in a monthly online lottery and at daily walk-in drawings at the Kanab visitor centre in southern Utah. Less than 5% of the 150,000 people who wanted to hike the trail last year were actually able to do it, according to federal data.
The limit is designed to protect the delicate sandstone environment and create a peaceful solitude, Herder said. Increasing the number of visitors would harshly impact The Wave’s fragile desert landscape and hikers’ experience, said Taylor McKinnon, a senior campaigner with the Center for Biological Diversity in northern Arizona.
“It could mean more people in your photographs, more people walking off the trail onto sensitive soil, more wildlife disruption,” he said. “The agency needs to make sure any user increase is compatible with environmental protection.”
Herder said the move, which has been discussed for over a year, is aimed at giving more people an opportunity to do the hike. During peak season, between the spring and the fall, the office will receive as many as 400 requests a day from people all over the world, he said.
Beckie Lambert, a medical assistant from Colorado, was denied a permit to hike The Wave in January. She’s excited about the plan to increase accessibility for avid hikers like her, but is concerned that more hikers could be risky, she said.
“It’s a delicate wilderness area, quadrupling the number of people leads to more trash, more monitoring,” she said. The agency is seeking feedback on how to best navigate safety and environmental concerns related to the proposal, Herder said.
He said agency officials have already discussed adding additional restrooms, parking and other resources outside of the trailhead to accommodate more people. It’s said to be one of the most photographed spots in North America, but The Wave isn’t without dangers.
In August, a Belgian man died from heat exhaustion after getting lost on the trail. There was a trio of deaths at The Wave in 2013, after which the agency posted new trailhead signs, and safety warnings.
One of the most exclusive and dramatic hiking spots in the southwestern United States could see bigger crowds under a new proposal unveiled Wednesday. The Bureau of Land Management is weighing increasing its daily visitor limits from 20 to 96 people a day at The Wave, a popular rock formation near the Utah-Arizona border. A 6-mile (9.5-kilometer) round trip hike through tall sandstone buttes and sagebrush is required to get to the Wave, a wide, sloping basin of searing reds, oranges and yellows in the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument. The agency is asking for public comment and changes could be implemented as soon as October, agency official Mike Herder said. Applications to hike The Wave have drastically increased over the past five years as the trails colourful, the contoured landscape becomes increasingly well-known. Visitors compete for permits in a monthly online lottery and at daily walk-in drawings at the Kanab visitor centre in southern Utah. Less than 5% of the 150,000 people who wanted to hike the trail last year were actually able to do it, according to federal data. The limit is designed to protect the delicate sandstone environment and create a peaceful solitude, Herder said. Increasing the number of visitors would harshly impact The Waves fragile desert landscape and hikers experience, said Taylor McKinnon, a senior campaigner with the Center for Biological Diversity in northern Arizona. It could mean more people in your photographs, more people walking off the trail onto sensitive soil, more wildlife disruption, he said. The agency needs to make sure any user increase is compatible with environmental protection. Herder said the move, which has been discussed for over a year, is aimed at giving more people an opportunity to do the hike. During peak season, between the spring and the fall, the office will receive as many as 400 requests a day from people all over the world, he said. Beckie Lambert, a medical assistant from Colorado, was denied a permit to hike The Wave in January. Shes excited about the plan to increase accessibility for avid hikers like her, but is concerned that more hikers could be risky, she said. Its a delicate wilderness area, quadrupling the number of people leads to more trash, more monitoring, she said. The agency is seeking feedback on how to best navigate safety and environmental concerns related to the proposal, Herder said. He said agency officials have already discussed adding additional restrooms, parking and other resources outside of the trailhead to accommodate more people. Its said to be one of the most photographed spots in North America, but The Wave isnt without dangers. In August, a Belgian man died from heat exhaustion after getting lost on the trail. There was a trio of deaths at The Wave in 2013, after which the agency posted new trailhead signs, and safety warnings. BK
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No. 10 West Virginia women cruise past Coppin State 101-43
By JOHN LOWE, Associated Press
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (AP) — After three Power 5 games, there wasn’t much for No. 10 West Virginia to learn on Sunday.
Coach Mike Carey was less than pleased with the some of his players’ habits as the Mountaineers cruised to victory over Coppin State, 101-43.
“Tough game to play,” Carey said. “I hate these kind of games. Nothing against them (Coppin State), but we don’t get much out of it. We formed a lot of bad habits instead of good habits. I hate these types of games, but we did what we had to do to get the win and we won.”
West Virginia (9-0) is off to its second straight season with nine season-opening wins. The latest win marks the first time since the 1984-85 season that the program has scored 100 or more points three times in a season.
After both teams traded shots to begin the game, WVU went on a 24-2 run to bury the Eagles (1-9) in the first quarter.
Genesis Lucas scored 10 of her 15 points in the second quarter, but the Eagles had no answer for the Mountaineers defensively, going into the locker room down 56-26 at halftime.
WVU held the Eagles to 17 points in the second half to secure the victory.
Katrina Pardee led West Virginia with a career-high 25 points, Teana Muldrow added 22 and Naomi Davenport had 15 points and seven rebounds.
Mountaineer freshman Krystaline McCune scored 12 points in her first game in double figures.
“Kris McCune came in and played hard,” Pardee said. “She was ready to play.”
Chance Graham had 10 points and seven rebounds for Coppin State.
“West Virginia has a fantastic basketball team; they’re very good,” Eagles coach Dewayne Burroughs said. “I could see them making a run long into March and April.”
Coppin State concludes its nonconference schedule with games against VCU and Maryland before starting MEAC play with winnable games against Norfolk State, Savannah State and Florida A&M before its spring semester.
After three straight wins over Power 5 opponents Virginia Tech, then-No. 18 Texas A&M and Pittsburgh, WVU plays three more mid-major teams (Radford, Morgan State and Morehead State) before beginning Big 12 play.
TRANSFER OF POWER
West Virginia will gain one more eligible player for its Saturday game against Radford. Ohio State transfer Theresa Ekhelar will be able to enter the lineup for the Mountaineers after sitting out the fall semester due to NCAA transfer rules.
Carey was surprised to hear that she would be eligible so soon.
“She gets to play the next game?” Carey said. “That’s better than what I thought it was. I’m going to come out of here (the news conference) smiling, I came in here wanting to cry.”
PRESS VIRGINIA
The Mountaineers used the style of play popularized by their men’s counterparts, scoring 44 points off of 24 Coppin State turnovers.
The Eagles’ 24 turnovers tie the most forced by West Virginia all season.
POLL IMPLICATIONS
West Virginia looks poised to move up in the AP Top 25 after dominating wins over Pitt and Coppin State, as well as No. 7 UCLA’s 87-72 loss at Oklahoma State on Saturday.
The Eagles conclude their eight-game road trip at VCU on Dec. 18.
The Mountaineers host Radford in Charleston, West Virginia, on Saturday.
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The School Boards > Homeroom - East Coast > New York Metro > Elementary/Middle Schools > ES/MS - Private (NY) > All NYC Queens Paideia Open House (Long Island City)
View Full Version : All NYC Queens Paideia Open House (Long Island City)
OBMom
March 10, running 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Come visit NYC's best-kept secret (open in 2009) in elem/mid. school education, where the academics are rigorous and so too is attenion to other aspects of its students. Limited number of spots available.
-5:1 student-teacher ratio
-affordable tuition
-individualized learning plans
-experienced and forward-thinking staff and administrators
-accessible from much of Manh. and Brooklyn
-beautiful space in lofts in converted factory, with dance, music, and theater academies as neighbors.
There is no school like QPS, and even with just one visit, you'll leave more aware of ways to think about your child's education.
To attend QPS's Spring Open House, e-mail info@queenspaideiaschool.org.
Web site: http://www.queenspaideiaschool.org/
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Abbas Arnaout
Abbas Arnaout FAQs: Facts, Rumors, Birthdate, Net Worth, Sexual Orientation and much more!
Who is Abbas Arnaout? Biography, gossip, facts?
Abbas Arnaout (born October 23 1944) is a Jordanian director and writer most known recently for being the founder and festival director of the Aljazeera International Documentary Film Festival as well as his documentary film making career. Abbas Arnaout studied film direction in the United Kingdom and specialized in directing drama and television documentaries. Arnaout was the managing director of the Jordanian Television (now known as JRTV) but left in 1975 to work in Dubai TV.
When is Abbas Arnaout's birthday?
Abbas Arnaout was born on the 23rd of October 1944 , which was a Monday. Abbas Arnaout will be turning 75 in only 95 days from today.
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Abbas Arnaout is 74 years old. To be more precise (and nerdy), the current age as of right now is 27036 days or (even more geeky) 648864 hours. That's a lot of hours!
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Kudal Assembly Constituency in Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg District of Maharashtra
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India Assembly Elections Maharashtra Kudal Constituency
Kudal Vidhansabha Constituency, Maharashtra State
Kudal is an assembly constituency in Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg District of Maharashtra state. We take a look at Kudal map and Kudal election results for the Maharashtra Assembly elections.
Assembly Election Results for Kudal:
Maharashtra Vidhansabha Constituencies:
Lok Sabha Costituency
Corresponding Assembly Constituencies
Nandurbar(ST) Akkalkuwa(ST), Shahada(ST), Nandurbar(ST), Nawapur(ST), Sakri(ST) and Shirpur(ST)
Dhule Dhule Rural, Dhule City, Sindkheda, Malegaon Central, Malegaon Outer and Baglan(ST)
Jalgaon Jalgaon City, Jalgaon Rural, Amalner, Erandol, Chalisgaon and Pachora
Raver Chopda(ST), Raver, Bhusawal(SC), Jamner, Muktainagar and Malkapur
Buldhana Buldhana, Chikhli, Sindkhed Raja, Mehkar, Khamgaon and Jalgaon(Jamod)
Akola Akot, Balapur, Akola West, Akola East, Murtizapur(SC) and Risod
Amravati(SC) Badnera, Amravati, Teosa, Daryapur(SC), Melghat(ST) and Achalpur
Wardha Dhamangaon Railway, Morshi, Arvi, Pulgaon-Deoli, Hinganghat and Wardha
Ramtek(SC) Katol, Sanver, Hingna, Umred(SC), Kamthi and Ramtek
Nagpur Nagpur South West, Nagpur South, Nagpur East, Central, Nagpur West and Nagpur North(SC)
Bhandara-Gondiya Tumsar, Bhandara(SC), Sakoli, Arjuni-Morgaon(SC), Tirora and Gondiya
Gadchiroli-Chimur(ST) Amgaon(ST), Armori(ST), Gadchiroli(ST), Aheri(ST), Brahmapur and Chimur
Chandrapur Rajura, Chandrapur(SC), Ballarpur, Warora, Wani and Arni(ST)
Yavatmal-Washim Washim(SC), Karanja, Ralegaon(ST), Yavatmal, Digras and Pusad
Hingoli Umarkhed(SC), Kinwat, Hatgaon, Basmath, Kalamnuri and Hingoli
Nanded Bhokar, Nanded North, Nanded South, Naigaon, Deglur(SC) and Mukhed
Parbhani Jintur, Parbhani, Gangakhed, Pathri, Partur and Ghansawangi
Jalna Jalna, Badnapur(SC), Bhokardan, Sillod, Phulambri and Paithan
Aurangabad Kannad, Aurangabad Central, Aurangabad West(SC), Pathri, Gangapur and Vaijapur
Dindori(ST) Nandgaon, Kalwan(ST), Chandvad, Yevla, Niphad and Dindori(ST)
Nashik Sinnar, Nashik East, Nashik Central, Nashik West, Deolali(SC) and Igatpuri(ST)
Palghar(ST) Dahanu(ST), Vikramgad(ST), Palghar(ST), Boisar(ST), Nalasopara and Vasai
Bhiwandi Bhiwandi Rural(ST), Shahapur(ST), Bhiwandi West, Bhiwandi East, Kalyan West and Murbad
Kalyan Ambernath(SC), Ulhas Nagar, Kalyan East, Dombivali, Kalyan Rural and Mumbra-Kalwa
Thane Mira Bhayandar, Ovla-Majiwada, Kopri-Pachparkhadi, Thane, Airoli and Belapur
Mumbai North Borivali, Dahisar, Magathane, Kandivali East, Charkop and Malad West
Mumbai North-West Jogeshwari East, Dindoshi, Goregaon, Versova, Andheri West and Andheri East
Mumbai North-East Mulund, Vikhroli, Bhandup West, Ghatkopar West, Ghatkopar East and Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar
Mumbai North-Central Vile Parle, Chandivali, Kurla(SC), Vandre East, Vandre West and Kalina
Mumbai South-Central Anushakti Nagar, Chembur, Dharavi(SC), Sion Koliwada, Wadala and Mahim
Mumbai South Worli, Shivadi, Byculla, Malabar Hill, Mumbadevi and Colaba
Raigad Pen, Alibag, Shrivardhan, Mahad, Dapoli and Guhagar
Maval Panvel, Karjat, Uran, Maval, Chinchwad and Pimpri
Pune Vadgaon Sheri, Shivajinagar, Kothrud, Parvati, Pune Cantonment(SC) and Kasba Peth
Baramati Daund, Indapur, Baramati, Purandar, Bhor and Khandalwasala
Shirur Junnar, Ambegaon, Khed Alandi, Shirur, Bhosari and Hadapsar
Ahmednagar Shevgaon, Rahuri, Parner, Ahmednagar City, Shrigonda and Karjat Jamkhed
Shirdi(SC) Akole(ST), Sangamner, Shirdi, Kopargaon, Shrirampur(SC) and Nevasa
Beed Gevrai, Majalgaon, Beed, Ashti, Kaij(SC) and Parli
Osmanabad Ausa, Umarga(SC), Tuljapur, Osmanabad, Paranda and Barshi
Latur(SC) Latur Rural, Latur City, Ahmedpur, Udgir(SC), Nilanga and Loha
Solapur(SC) Mohol(SC), Solapur City North, Solapur City Central, Akkalkot, Solapur South and Pandharpur
Madha Karmala, Madha, Sangole, Malshiras(SC), Phaltan(SC) and Man
Sangli Miraj(SC), Sangli, Palus-Kadegaon, Khanapur, Tasgaon, Kavathe-Mahankal and Jat
Satara Wai, Koregaon, Karad North, Karad South, Patan and Satara
Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg Chiplun, Ratnagiri, Rajapur, Kankavli, Kudal and Sawantwadi
Kolhapur Chandgad, Radhanagari, Kagal, Kolhapur South, Kanvir and Kolhapur North
Hatkanangle Shahuwadi, Hatkanangle(SC), Ichalkarangi, Shirol, Islampur and Shirala
Want to buy our Elections Map for your website? Contact us now.
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WANDERING EUROPEAN NATIONS
BECOME THE PARALLEL TO ISRAEL
FOLLOWING THE WRONG EXAMPLE
or at least, the WRONG PART OF IT
Israel is of course asking for it. That is the final and ultimate reason why it is getting it.
This is not in the least a ground for anything but pity; except this, that one would so very much like it to stop asking.
One feels the same for a school-boy who, in the brio of ostentation, or the resentment of self-preservation, or the intensity of winning over the establishment or for whatever inadequate reason, being stirred, will not relent in errors that only, after all, are likely to spoil him in the long run.
One can admire, in such a boy, the tenacity of purpose, but not the clarity of thought.
When however mankind sees that Israel gets it, it is mankind who is only asking for it, yes this body, this race too; for mankind IS a race. At such times, one is very glad to belong to the kingdom of heaven and to be a citizen in it.
The human race is a RACE! This is often forgotten, but just as man hates a special race becoming the cynosure and paragon, as if childish pride prevented it from seeing its place, a function of the folly of arrogance on the part of those who make such claims or imply them: so mankind seems increasingly to hate being thought of as a race, a mere particle of invented reality, all one, all answerable, all of a type, all with a bond and KIND stamped on them.
To be sure, they do not mind it in some way biologically, but not actually, in themselves; this thought about their being lacks appeal for the many. They like to think that whatever their past, which is quite indefensible except as from God's creative hand*1, their future at least is ONLY THEIR OWN! Great and unbounded, it is the current malaise, they like to see their future as they dash in pieces the means!
When ONE race, such as Japan or Germany gets such ideas, in part or in whole, then the world is up in arms, literally! It crushes the concept. When the HUMAN RACE, however, gets such ideas about itself as one whole, and this is precisely what is happening, albeit the language has its own modes and modules, then this is very much to their taste and they love it, forward it, spend billions on it and fascinated, foster it.
This, the ULTIMATE RACISM is as doomed as any other. It is as implacable as any other. Its future is as assured as any other, since it is the acme of presumption, the paragon of delusion and the finest hour of folly! It seeks to grab from the shadows of insignificance (which their models normally give as their base and basis) a profound and insuppressible significance which, being impossible when all they signify is lost in significance through a model which tolerates none, since it has none, is mere verbal play and ostentation.
After all, if nothing*2 made things that chance could use, and chance made things that intellect could fashion, and intellect made spirit and spirit made will that could choose to fashion them, why not simply explode it all into existence at once... oh, and while you are at it, invent intellect, spirit and things, the bits just assumed above. Oh! and while you are at it, have some being, power, organising potentate able to do this, and have this Being there all the time, since otherwise there is nowhere to come from, and so let things visible and invisible come from a source competent, since causeless*3 phenomena are properly called myth. As we see so often in our history on this planet, tiny as it comparatively is, yet so grand for our lives: myths make mayhem in the end. Reality obtrudes!
Human racism is more painful than any other kind, since it is not only arrogantly self-absorbed, but causatively incoherent. Hence this world's effort to call Zionism 'racism'*4 reveals its own proclivity, NOT to call its own humanistic, mystic secularism racism: human racism! It is so absorbed, it seems, in its own brand of racism, that it confuses a particular nation's desire for a home with some other brand, and so in a UN setting came very near to branding Israel. The pot loves to call the kettle black, since presumably, it makes it feel better about its own dirt, and blackness.
Expansive racism however is just what is coming more and more swiftly from the global authorities: an inane, dogmatic, determined, unfounded, bounded, foundering futility in loving itself above all and first, and acting like it. This is riotous human racism. It must be remembered, that whatever errors Israel has made, at least in its inception the whole point was loving GOD above itself and all; and the Creator is not made by those whom He makes, and without whom they would not be (cf. *1 - *4 below).
Such is the trend, and naturally enough in a world where the donated organising ability in man is not slight, such follies are increasingly institutionalised.
EUROPE IS IN TRAINING FOR THE JAUNT
The UN is becoming (cf. Mystery of Iniquity, Of the Earth, Earthy ... Ch. 13), with the EU, a force for religious amorality and loss of liberty. It is shaping up much more to the format predicted for its final foray.
As News Weekly reports (July 3, 2004), the UK Independence Party points out that the European law tends to be significantly less in favour of individual liberty than group liberty, much less tolerant of racial or religious minorities than is the case in Britain. The latter, with its Protestant heritage*5 , has been amazingly clear on individual liberty; but it is in danger of being sunk in the collective market for secular society in the EU, which unlike Britain, refuses any reference to God, and has rights without a divine source, so making man king in unchartered waters which he neither made nor understands.
The European Union, News Weekly advises, has member states already sharing cause with such 'liberties' (and corresponding individual losses) as euthanasia, human embryo experimentation, gay marriage, arrest without trial, abortion. It “lacks any basis in Christianity or religion,” it notes. Thus, with secular bases for the EU (it vaguely refers generally to past inputs, and declares its mere will with its own mouth), devastating consequences may be envisaged, as this brakeless and religiously amoral vehicle*5 imposes its will, running as it will.
Even in Canada, it is already against the law even to cite scripture publicly against homosexuality! Britain’s glorious role for liberty and opportunity is thus being sunk ready for the “man of sin” of II Thessalonians 2.
While both the UN*5 and the EU seem almost to be vying for secularity and urbanity, yet the EU is moving fast to the forefront with its specific fighting about religion, its acknowledged rebuffs to its past, its sinking of reality for prosperity and its awareness of what it is doing. Moslems must not be offended; history can forget it. This seems to be the aura, atmosphere and thrust of the place.
You cannot move, murmur or aver, you cannot talk of any SPECIFIC input lest history offend geography, and geography erupt. Especially is this so when it is erupting already, and may decide to join forces with its outposts in Islamic terror. After all, Spain changes rather quickly from being notoriously gifted in seeking to free Iraq, to what has every appearance of another story. So Europe is most tender to the Islamic advent, which it rebuffed once before by force, at the Battle of Tours in 732 A.D..
The great achievement of Europe so far, for which concessions to Britain about industrial and similar matters is well worth while from the point of view of takeover, is that the Protestant, the distinct, the individuality-loving, the freedom-fondling Britain is being subverted into the scrum, wrestling on the dirt with others of like caking, far from the liberties for which it is justly so famous. These, if reluctantly, it now seems to be returning to a Europe which, having failed in the Spanish Armada, now has 'other ways'.
To be sure, the pope is not doing too well, his desires for 'Christian' acknowledgement in the constitution being so far wholly disdained; yet to get the Brit into the writ, to make it conform to the HUMAN RACE, EURO VERSION, this is a great 'achievement', comparable to the Great Depression of 1929.
It is not sudden, since Britain has been playing and braying about Europe, in or out, for a long time; but its result is being DEFINED! Whether it be a Contract or a Constitution, you had better be aware of what you are doing! You can get out ? After a while, when adjudication is considered, and no doubt the cost of the whole thing, and in the face of internal opposition, and power groups and benefiting groups and the like, and with economic consequences ... formally, exit is possible.
But is it practical ? After all, it seems that practicalities in the very FACE OF principles have driven Britain IN! If it was dubious in configuration, gravely and correctly concerned about the values back of joining the Common Market with its development in the EU, what would it be like to remove itself at some future date, with penalties of rupture both political, financial and commercial!
Already the horrible immorality of a secular Europe has grieved Britain. Notable not so long ago was a painful EU intrusion, into its the British Army, of concepts so vulgar and detestable, in terms of that Book, the Bible, which the British Sovereign undertakes to honour, that it is almost inconceivable that such national duplicity could happen. Doubtless this would be out of the question, 50 years ago!*6. Britain would be allowed then to have its own moral standards for men in the Army, and not have found dictation from abroad, contrary to its Bible, to the point. Yet this new fever and passion mounts, and Britain is part of it.
What of the members of this EU ?
Now they are to draw "inspiration from the cultural, religious and humanist inheritance of Europe" - as the current Constitution draft has it - so that whatever this infinity-zero blend means (God or man as bases), it is certainly nothing to do with the actual God, a defined or distinct God, or indeed, with God at all in his role as Creator and King. He can take His place, no, not in a pantheon, on consideration, rather not, but in the Hall of Fame where gods and kings and wings and things have their archeologically interesting sites to fill. Such is the apparent secular and cultural glide involved.
Secular or spiritual, in the EU Constitution now on appro, it is all one.
This being so, we see that the participating European nations, which swell in number now and mount, are called upon, in the Preamble, to "transcend their ancient divisions and, united ever more closely, to forge a common destiny". If indeed it incorporates a Bill of Rights (drawn up in Nice, in 2000), this as always in such cases, means that there is no claim to the contrary, and internal definitions define and delimit what you get.
Thus 'freedom of religion' can mean freedom for innovators, such as sexual homology advocates, so that their position shall be as free from criticism as it probably was in Sodom; and this, not only in person, but in program, word or statement. It can mean that you cannot move to the contrary without being called divisive, and that standards hence cease to exist in a society which puts gods and non-gods into the same destined basket, woven in human fancy, vainly and delusively fabricated from feeble rush.
What could be clearer than this sonorous language, "united ever more closely" for a "common destiny" than junking the past particularities, of whom doubtless, Christ is the chief. It is THEMSELVES who matter, not gods or history, whether in the creation or out of it, and they figure by some mythical magic which donates law, life and its exquisite and incomparable design (cf. SMR pp. 211ff.), from nothing at all, really.
Here is the making of that plush potency which yields the lush lord who is the "man of sin" who despises all that may be called God, in his own interests, showing himself that he is God! ( Thessalonians 2:4). That is the way it is predicted to be, and history rushes as if it were late for the train, to fulfil all these specifications in the predicted site, Europe.
If ever there was a clear signal, this is it! The Bible, here as so often, in the simplest words can designate what others might put into book format; and as always in this field, it is pointing with precision, and here to where the EUROPE which it specifies as the hub for the new world rule, is going. If it were not divine, it would be uncanny; since it is divine, it is delicious, like seeing a battle plan at Normandy fully implemented and wholly successful. With 25 nations and 450 million being mentioned numbers, Europe is on the move.
It is worth sacrificing just a little to subvert Britain, remove all residue of her Protestant past as having any decisive, or delivering input for her ever closer intimacies of the future. Now that stubborn little isle can walk down the aisle, hand in hand with her previous tormentors.
The scene, is it not touching!
But wait ? have we not seen all this before ? Of course, it was with Ahaz, that muddled monarch who, being promised ANYTHING, up to the heavens, down to hell, for his request when in dire straits, demurred saying that it was far from him to tempt the Lord (cf. Isaiah 7). Is it not enough that you weary men, God declared in response, that you must weary your God! The hypocritical lack of faith, clothed in sanctimonious words was as attractive as gibberish, and less so, since it was more contrived.
Naturally, deliverance was not unduly prolonged for such a way; and in the end, vain talk became a vacuous city, ruined by unrealism, reducing faith to fiasco, and the fear of God to the bleary indifference that could not exceed form and wilful substitution of whatever appealed, for the unfailing deity whose word continually controls history, and NEVER vice versa. Vagueness and vice in Israel led to something approaching vitiation! This is not to be a butt for all time, but a warning for all mankind! Many seem all but unable to absorb that aspect!
Yes, Israel has done all this: it has both gone in and way in, along the road of deliberate pilgrimage with its Maker, and moved out and way out, and round about. Rather than in the reverence for God, becoming devout, it has been sipping any spiritual poison as if compulsively. This, however, it is so reminiscent of the land called Britain which also has so often said so much in so many ways over so long a period, yes, and that in the name of the incomparable Christ, and with no small impact and blessing to this world, but now joins alien forces as its religion declines in popular input and ecclesiastical purity. Just as Israel had that same Messiah to come and die around AD 30 (cf. Highway of Holiness Ch. 4), as its prophet Daniel announced, and despatched Him, after having earlier made no small testimony as a nation in the Lord's own name, so is it joined by this Gentile feat, not in direct assassination, but in comparable departure!
Now like Israel, Britain is finding a new association - like the gods of the surrounding lands, so vitally denied to Israel, like marijuana to the young whose future one holds too dear to sacrifice to pollution - to be really ... the thing!
Farewell, if this is to be your way, to you who have done so much so well for so long in times past! If your past was imperfect, your future seems likely to forget the very name of the Lord, as a nation, if you continue in this association with the new Assyria (to crib from Israel's situation), this EU. Yes Assyria took some of Israel, the North so-named, and failing to grab the South, Judah, which continued strong during a revival of faith under Hezekiah, it left this unit to Babylon, which took that land somewhat later. How many times did they have opportunity as the years passed! Yet they took leave in the end, of their censor and their God, and thence their wisdom and their land. It was a 70 year exile; but when Christ became the victim in person, it was rather longer, at some 1898 years, far more than a millenium!
So England in Europe awaits the divine rebuke to the falsely modelled clay of this deadly day. As to Europe itself, its charms have proved seductive indeed!
Yes the parallel is there. As to Israel, as a nation, in the end, in high differentiation from those thousands of its citizens who following Christ, were the commencement of the Christian Church, it crucified Christ; and Europe with its destiny and ever closer internal ties, humanising its religion and giving religiosity of some distant kind to its humanism, is now more organically, with Britain in tow, awaiting its own destruction according to plan, long announced*7. You cannot toy with God without losing sense, significance and meaning, place, permanence and point, reason, reality and ... destiny, in any sense to be desired.
ISRAEL'S PLIGHT IS LIKE A NEW DENTURE'S BITE,
AN INEVITABLE BYTE OF DATA
While these generics arise and fall into place, with their lowering levels before the garbage collection day (which Christ very explicitly focusses as in Matthew 13:30), which while sad to the uttermost, is sure: there is another aspect which obtrudes.
This comes before the end of what would otherwise be endless in folly, the light of fiasco its only candle; for it is of course that special item which is both inevitable and planned from the first. You see that do you not in Isaiah 51:16. While this refers to Christ, without whom there would be no 'planting of the earth', who in fact did 'plant' it (John 1:1, Colossians 1:15), yet in the infinite intimacies of the Almighty, as the Word of God, there is obviously an application to Israel, the basic reference in the context. THIS is the other element. This is where the Messiah came, the salvation was enacted, the capital for that race to which the Bible was given, the birthplace of the Christian Church. It is this which divides the world with passion, and leads to a class of invasive murderers which fills the odium department of history with its cries.
Like Pharaoh of old, these Islamic force proponents, would deny to Israel its future as a nation, even if in some cases (but by no means all), they would tolerate it provided it were made virtually indefensible! It is perhaps simply a question of how direct you intend to be in your lust for the crushing of Jewish grapes with their red flow. Yes, Israel has played a long role.
Without this SITE and NATION of Israel, there would indeed be no CONTEXT of SCRIPTURE, since to them it was appointed to have it; hence no ENDURING TESTIMONY OF TRUTH, whatever errors they made as servant for the task, in their own field (cf. Isaiah 42:18ff.!).
Without that, there would be no APPOINTMENT OF CHRIST'S COMING, so that in date, in dynamic, in dealings, in birthplace, in tribe, in career, in sacrificial dumping (Isaiah 50-55) and evangelical gift of eternal life, He would not be there. The plan would lack application, the Messiah incarnation. However, they were there, and history proceeded according to plan, each part of the revelation being deposited, and then done.
It is all in a plan, and in a program, and with a purpose, in a comprehensible totality, in a scenario: and without Israel this would not be, since it was here that God decided to APPOINT the testimony (Isaiah 43:21). Here lies the utter unique quality of the Biblical testimony given to Israel, not only diverse and divergent from Islam - improperly pretending in the Koran*8, to be in line with the Jewish prophet's religion - but from all outside that book of the Lord which is its written, transmitted treasure to this world.
Hence Israel, a divinely named and used module in revelation and incarnation, is very convenient as a BUTT for this world. This it has been for Europe with its Inquisition and for Russia and its pogroms, all bound up in persecutions unthinkable over centuries. Yet they have failed to extirpate the Jew, for God has a future clearly revealed for this people (cf. SMR pp. 502ff., It Bubbles ... Ch. 10, SMR pp. 755ff.).
We have had World War I and II, and a shadowy Cold War, which Solzhenitsyn envisaged it seems, as World War III, and not without point; these have come and gone. With their going, however, a returned Israel has come. Before this, Israel in the format of Jews, has held the post of preferred victim over teeming centuries of blood and thud, squalor and stripping, whether pseudo-legal or physical as in Auschwitz.
How shallow, the memory of this world! How sallow its superficiality!
Now however the world is extending the compliment. Its ancient, religiously-tilted racism against a people used by God, is not past.
Now we see the UN in its constant threat to Israel (Great Execrations ... Ch. 13), and its large array of Arab or Islamic nations, and those who pay court if not to oil alone, yet in many cases it seems, not least to this, becoming a new plague for the tiny nation. This international assemblage, this UN, is so found in its continual condemnation even reaching near to making of Zionism (the desire to have a land of their own), into a thing called racism (the desire to make yourself a superior criterion for others, and against their due existence or happiness), as likewise in its acting to dismember what was left of the League of Nations' gift of Palestine to Israel. It negativity here was shown from the first, with its proposal of an internationalised capital of Jerusalem, and little segments of land left for Israel here and there: in this, it has revealed its temper. That was its offer in 1947.
It is almost as if, in the domain and field of Israel, its only purpose were to taunt. Yet, it is one of the greatest and most telling ironies that one can find in history that Israel was willing to receive this (then) latest instalment of gross and vile discrimination, and the Arabs were not! Hence the ensuing wars, starting in 1948, are not to be laid at Israel's door, not that is, justly. What has so vigorously now been sought for so long among the wealth-inundated Arabs, in their land-expansion program beyond its current vast territories, this is what was once freely offered.
This is what was refused by the Arab body. This is what Israel was ready to accept, before its existence itself became unacceptable to many, and its land a desideratum, perhaps rather like a new dress for Madam ? You have to think regionally, where the money is coming from for these continual assaults on Israel, and consider the options rejected and the objectives so often cited.
It is very important, indeed vital, to remain on friendly terms with the facts.
PRIDE AND JUSTICE
Not Synonyms
But justice ? It is almost forgotten in this play of power and fear:
ostensible fear of the 'insurgencies' of tiny Israel, ALWAYS and necessarily a religious symbol,
both of what they once were when they walked as a nation with the Lord
in the days of David and Solomon at first,
and of what they did to their Messiah who is not for them only as all the world knows
and has long known;
and longed for power, as if to assassinate the people in one stroke.
It fired Nasser, and as to Arafat, he has proposed a destination for them, advising them of one place where they may go freely for his part, namely to hell.
And what has become of them, and of the fact that this land is precisely what their God, the only One testifying credibly of Himself, has said is for them (Genesis 17:7-8, cf. Galloping Events Ch. 4), and their actions have likewise been precisely as He predicted, both in their prosperity of old, and their scourging now for so long, since that time (cf. Leviticus 26, Deuteronomy 32), while they betrayed the Maker of their minds and of their Covenant! It is so to the point that if you really want a short proof of God, you use the one in two words given, allegedly, to some king who ostentatiously sought it in two words: THE JEWS (cf. SMR pp. 755ff.).
It is not only a matter for mourning, as men who love life must feel, that there is this terrible confusion in the Middle East, with many of those Arabs displaced as they earlier sought for the overthrow of Israel in 1948, or their children locked in vain conflict, now part of the throng currently wanting a free international grant of what Israel quite miraculously salvaged in the war of that day. It is a matter of multiplying tragedies.
One recalls what was the great time of May and a little more in 1948, when their extermination, failed but not by so much as a thrust in Hitler's time, could be carried out more satisfactorily. This little post-World-War II exploit, could perhaps be executed by an international consortium of nations, against the fledgling State.
Many felt it could be, in whatever terms they chose to dress the matter. Many likewise, as so often before, reckoned without God, their Maker, and of the concourse of history, filled with man's sin, but still carefully wrought in the divine oversight. Of course, they were not overwhelmed. Instead, events proceeded in 1948, just as God said would happen millenia before, so it happened.
On the contrary, therefore, to much world speculation at that time, and in some subsequent wars: just as Zechariah 12 depicted it, before his revelation of their coming repentance for their national crucifixion of the Christ, they had victory so astounding that it seemed as if there were an invincible presence (Zech. 12:6-7). So it was to be; so it was. It is always so with the word of God. Its failures are Zero, its perfection in accuracy, Total.
Accordingly, they did not die, but live; and their return was not followed by destruction at all (cf. SMR pp. 510ff., Appendix A, 755ff.). They seemed as if one were a thousand, and that was precisely what Zechariah had said would be the case, in this restorative period, prior to their conversion to Christ, their own Messiah.
Israel, it is not only a place, then, of mourning, but of testimony; for from this people came with prophetic force, the accounts of what is now history, long foretold. Now, as it comes true, so is the desire to stop it, to gain control of this earth which not nothing but God made: this arresting desire on the earth is becoming intense. Israel is a symbol and, before zealous unbelief, symbols of the living God must go! This is the mood, whether conscious or unconscious. Indeed, since the ever more closely-intertwined destiny of the Europe with its humanism and religions and all that, firmly under its own unlimited control, this is the rage! Out with God from all practical affairs for the nations; on with man!
It is perhaps soon to become a rage in a different sense as the love of power replaces the power of love more and more totally in the strained and vehement secular desire of the nations, in their central European haven, disporting themselves just as Daniel first predicted it.
What then ? The International Court of Justice, caught where it is vulnerable, would like the wall of defence against endless murders from those who want to be more in charge of what they currently murder, to be removed. How nice! It was like the case of the UN which would like the wall of defence comprised in the UN's own force between Egypt and Israel in 1967 to be removed, when Nasser showed desire to invade Israel. It was quite a removal that, and the good Lord, in fulfilment of His promises, not exalting Israel, but magnifying His own word of reliability, removed what had come with the intention of removing Israel via the sea as a new bathing ground for it.
Egyptian forces were sprawled in the mercifuless desert as Israeli planes, free through the prior virtual destruction of the Egyptian Air Force, left them no place to go, least of all ... Israel!
So the aggressor perished.
They failed, they also. God succeeded. This, it is a testimony to His faithfulness and lovingkindness both, to His patience and to His forbearance, beautiful features and qualities alike; for Israel to this day still awaits the day of its repentance for the murder of Christ. It is not the nations which should be seeking revenge, for are they not both in the UN and in the EU becoming oh! so secular; and God has Himself taken the steps. Is God not making Israel ashamed as she continues under assault, before what God has called a 'foolish nation', a people who without wisdom, insist on grab, not too far from the Hitleresque pre-occupation with making of Jews, his lab! (cf. Deuteronomy 32:16-21). The process continues.
The Lord God indeed is against those who seek to arrogate HIS disciplines, and charge into Israel like a bull, angered in its failure in Hitler, determined to abase this thing somehow or other, and bring it down!
Now what is the target ? There is this red thing, the wall, or the tiny fragment of Palestine which the eye of the bull seems to see, and it must GO! But consider His words in Isaiah 51:21ff.:
"Therefore please hear this, you afflicted,
And drunk but not with wine.
"Thus says your Lord,
The Lord and your God,
Who pleads the cause of His people:
"See, I have taken out of your hand
The cup of trembling,
The dregs of the cup of My fury;
You shall no longer drink it.
But I will put it into the hand of those who afflict you,
Who have said to you,
‘Lie down, that we may walk over you.’
And you have laid your body like the ground,
And as the street, for those who walk over.' "
Meanwhile, the scenario develops to the point specified in Micah 7:15ff.:
"As in the days when you came out of the land of Egypt,
I will show them wonders."
"The nations shall see and be ashamed of all their might;
They shall put their hand over their mouth;
Their ears shall be deaf.
They shall lick the dust like a serpent;
They shall crawl from their holes like snakes of the earth.
They shall be afraid of the Lord our God,
And shall fear because of You.
"Who is a God like You,
Pardoning iniquity
And passing over the transgression of the remnant of His heritage?
He does not retain His anger forever,
Because He delights in mercy.
"He will again have compassion on us,
And will subdue our iniquities.
You will cast all our sins
Into the depths of the sea.
You will give truth to Jacob
And mercy to Abraham,
Which You have sworn to our fathers
From days of old."
Brawls, Bravura and Bellicosity
The UN and Europe in its Madrid Quartet participation in grabbing more from Israel, these are active.
Russia also is not silent. Whatever may be the truth of the Mikhail Khodorkovsky affair (Three Answers, One Answer Ch. 3), considered in some depth earlier, one thing seems certain. Putin without much room for disputing, is acting in this area of ... justice, with a strong hand. There are, says he, to be no questions of horse-trading. Well said! There are however to be questions of ... just what ? If it is not horse-trading, then one is entitled to ask the question, WHAT IS IT WHICH HE IS DOING!
Is it to be a question of arrest before a charge is shown ? Is it to be a question of raiding offices where material for defence might be lodged ? Is is a question of pre-judging the issue with a type of humanist omniscience ? of asking for several BILLION in back-taxes, as if the taxation authorities in all these years since 1991 have never managed to get it quite right to the nearest 3 billion, but just realised their error now, years later.
Is it the case that they felt it necessary to prosecute instantly, while removing the data from the victim which he might have needed for his own defence ? Have they just now become of age sufficiently in the realm of mathematics, to realise it, and have they been altogether unaware, they or their master, of the political efforts of Khodorkovsky to seek less high-handed rule, as he appears to deem it, from Putin ? Is the delay for taxes so vast, to this point, on the one hand, and the timing in terms of political vulnerability for Putin, on the other, one of those remarkable coincidences ? And is the size of the failure to collect such taxes before now, just one more for the pot ?
Justice ? It is a strange time. Is it just, to freeze the accounts where payment might be made, so that the requirement of payment might be implemented ? Is it just to demand at once the payment when you at once freeze the man's financial hands ? Do you take a man's wallet when you ask him to pay a fine ? or is this the new police method ? and then do you complain when he does not pay and foreclose on his assets! Pretty ? but pretty ... what!
As one commentator on DW TV put it, It does not mean that the oil will cease coming, but that a new group of people will be making it do so, handling the matter, or words to this effect. If so, is the State take-over which may be in line, of a vast oil territory, a mere completion of the coincidence! We must await developments with some interest, just as those just past have provided no small ground for concern.
Did Mr Schroeder make any point about the affair, in visiting Russian with economic matters in mind ? Of course not. The Jew must go. Let Khodorkovsky's errors be what they may, the METHOD of treatment is almost inanely belated, brilliantly timed to deal with his political efforts to expose Putin's alleged misuse of power, and incredibly contrived by all appearance when one tries, largely in vain, to find anything which could resemble justice in the MANNER of it.
Meanwhile, on another front, with that marvellous international facility for which it is becoming more and more noted, the UN has apparently resolved that really, Sudan MUST stop this killing, and it is given but one little month to comply or it will have international trouble. How brilliant! With reportedly tens of thousands of murders, and millions of 'displaced persons' - those whose homes have been robbed or ruined by vile violence, with Islamic fanaticism on the run, the perpetrators have a month to continue.
Could they clean the matter up in that time ? in a 'final solution'! Even the US, now a little quieter, insisted on calling the treatment in Sudan, genocide; but for how many YEARS has it gone on, this kidnapping of kids for the use of the Islamic rulers and their ilk, these murders, this intimidation! Whatever now is done, what is undone has been the undoing of multiplied thousands, and that, rather traumatically slowly, as little ones sink quietly, or not so quietly, into an oblivion as far as this world is concerned, from which they are so sovereignly ousted.
So the world uses its so beautiful institutions to adorn itself, and goes secular with becoming smirks, and for unbecoming reasons, and the scene proceeds as in Isaiah 59 for the Jew, now increasingly imitated in his unhappy errors, by the Gentiles, until the culmination comes.
That culmination, it is the good news. Israel will have a massive repentance as in Zechariah 12 and implied in Deuteronomy 32 cited by Paul, and in Micah 7, and the Lord will act Himself. He did, you know, the other time in Egypt (the book of Exodus tells it, and is to be paralleled as in Micah 7:15 - cf. Biblical Blessings Ch. 15) when He brought Israel out from what was deemed 'that slave-pen' Egypt. He acted many times for Israel during its long decline (II Kings); and again for Israel after World War I and World War II; and He is plighted to complete the performance (cf. It Bubbles ... Ch. 10).
That completion comes in the midst of massive interference from outside it (as in Zechariah 12), in concerted international action. It comes also, however, when repentance clears the way (Ezekiel 36:22); and it comes after Israel's return (Ezekiel 37:10ff.), in that two stage and predicted transformation, the first geographical and only then the spiritual, of which the word of God in these places speaks in consigning the place to them without interruption, till the Age ends.
It is a beautiful scenario, in that the trustworthiness of God is not to be used as a gambit for abhorrent conduct, as Israel in the days of II Kings, tended to do often enough. Yet, on the other hand, it is not to be dismissed as a thing for man to replace. No man or set of nations can replace the power and precepts of God any more than a dust particle can replace a Raphael. As to that, it is a massive understatement!
As to the Lord, if HE SAYS IT, HE will do it! If there is provocation, this does not alter it. It does however lead to ... results, yes and often sad ones. The nations, those pagan judges, will learn that discipline is not the same as weakness, and that correction is not the same as encouragement for villainies on their part (Ezekiel 37:28). Israel is not by any means the only culprit, and bellicosity and animosity towards her, intractable triumphalism in loud and provocative depreciation, despite her victories, this is not really the way to divine favour. It is not even favourable to the facts (cf. Deliverance from Disorientation
Ch. 11, Great Execrations ...Ch. 4).
The prediction is clear: when the nations place a heavy foot on the accelerator of ruin for Israel, the time will come when their rebuke will be such that it will remind one of snakes crawling into their holes, says Micah. Playing the fool with God and the tool for injustice, it is shameful; but the result is a shambles. It is sad that man will not relent until the end comes. But it will come, as each end has come, to each phase in history, of each sector of which God has spoken in the past. It comes, moreover, in ways it would be utterly impossible to emulate, for what is not God, since only TOTAL knowledge can furnish both minute detail and correct clustering and configuration of major matters in one, from millenia beforehand.
God has power; but does not use it recklessly as some do. He DOES however use it to fulfil all He says which in the end is with the alternates, Christ or not Christ, the salvation or not, the secular or the religious; and in the religious, it is the true or the false, the attested and divinely invested or the mere imaginations of the mind of man, so inclined to set up idols in his heart (Ezekiel 14:4). God alone will be glorified in that culminating day as we read in Isaiah 2:10-11, and "the haughtiness of man shall be bowed down". Why not ? Pride is never attractive or even true.
WHICH WOUNDS ?
What is far more attractive are the ways of the wisdom to be found wounds better than these. Loathsome as are the wounds inflicted for centuries on Jewry, by a Gentile world increasingly inflicting them on the very basis of a Christianity so distorted that it almost wounds to consider it (cf. SMR pp. 1032ff.), however much they may in the past have espoused it (in form at least), there is a way better than these. If actions are all too infamous from those whose actions are strangely like trampling underfoot the blood of Christ (Hebrews 10), in a belated Gentilic parallel to some the faults of many in Israel before; yet there is an authentic alternative which nothing can either destroy or distort.
The wounds that really carry weight are those that Christ bore Himself, neither metaphorically nor symbolically alone, but in His flesh. In feeling He came to sense He was forsaken, but this was part of the vicariously borne penalty for man, for whom His offering was relevant. These wounds, and not some invasive action against the nearest approach some may now feel they can have, the flesh of Christ's countrymen according to the flesh, these are the ones which count for eternity. It is these, and not some wounds from churches as they go as predicted, in many cases far astray (II Peter 2:1ff., II Thessalonians 2), with false prophets from their own midst as Peter puts it: it is these which count.
With what relish do many disesteem churches and Jews, symbols of what they desire to see gone! If they condemn what in many cases of fallen doctrine, fallen reality, fake and pretentious religion, is fit for condemnation, yet they stretch their ire to condemn the very Cross, and make it redundant. It is natural that failing in reception of God's wounds in Christ, they must pay with their own.
It is the height of something akin to comedy and tragedy about equally, that many then decry God even as they suffer for their faithless fictions and inordinate pride, refusing free pardon and so insisting on the judgment which they then resent.
It is but an extension in much; for the wounds of Christ are those where God displayed in a mercy which linked to patience has left a mountain for a message, a mountain of courage and constancy, faithfulness and that love which does not become daunted by evil dynamisms, but swallows them up. It is these wounds which, to the harlot (Matthew 21:31-32), symbolical or actual, to the flourishingly proud as to the dismally dull, to one and to all, offer the entrance to the kingdom of heaven.
These are those of the One who remains as Daniel showed from the first, before so much of this scenario was displayed with that keen edge which is part of the declared plan of the Almighty (Daniel 7:27). This is the One the peace of whose kingdom is continual, expansive and inexpugnable (Isaiah 9:7). This kingdom is the one bought with blood, actualised with resurrection, commenced in repentance, where tears not blood, are the required entry, tears not like the ‘blood’ of some Romanist fakes, mere artificiality: but heartfelt. These are those tears which attest a torn heart, a repentant spirit and a ready life, receiving with relish the One who suffered, the just for the unjust to bring us to God!
This kingdom is the one continued by faith, a faith in Him who paid the price of pollution, and removing it with Himself, provides the peace that passes all understanding. That is what peace ought to be, for God is without limit lovely, in the beauty of holiness, and what more peaceable than living in the very direct presence of the God who not merely made you, but died in incarnate form for you, demonstrating life and granting it at the same time!
This peace, it is in His kingdom, the only option for its attainment and its retention; for where the truth is missing, or where the love is abandoned, peace too is missing in ways so deep, so torturous, so agonizingly inept, that the Prince of this World is left balked and glaring, determined as ever to fulfil with force what he has neither power nor truth to fulfil in fact. For the wicked, it is axiomatic as well as written, that there is no peace. What more wicked than to refuse a grandeur of love, a majesty of power and a profligacy of mercy which dwarfs in its infinitude, all imagination.
Without wounds, His, inflicted on Him sacrificially, there is no entrance to the Kingdom of Heaven.
Wounding churches or Christians, or Jews, it does not count for that insurgent destiny.
Without His wounds, it is all energy not only misplaced, but ineffectual.
*1 See Secular Myths and Sacred Truth. See also Wake Up World! ... Chs, 4, 5, 6, TMR Ch. 1,
Delusive Drift or Divine Dynamic Ch. 3.
*2 See Barbs, Arrows and Balms 29, TMR Ch. 7.
*3 See Causes, and SMR Ch. 5.
*4 See Of the Earth, Earthy ... Ch. 13, It Bubbles ... Ch. 10, *1.
*5 See on the EU, Outrageous Outages ... Chs. 3, 5, and in collation with the UN, Of the Earth, Earthy ... Ch. 13. See earlier on developing perspective, with focus on the differentiation of England, News 13.
*6 See Wake Up World! Your Creator is Coming Ch. 3.
*7 See Biblical Blessings Ch. 2, SMR pp. 750Bff., With Heart and Soul ... Ch. 10, SMR pp. 886ff., 904ff., 917ff., Deliverance from Disorientation 12.
As shown in these references, the 4th Empire of Daniel, which was to be (and has been in historical fact) "partly strong" and "partly broken" is to continue to the end. It is the Roman one. On this, an excerpt from SMR Ch. 8 is given below, its hyperlinks giving further access to this field. This was of course written perhaps 15 years ago, or thereabouts, and the developments since that day are merely confirmatory, verificatory and a concentration of the case and spirit of the thing.
*10a THE EUROPEAN PRESENCE IN THE WORLD AND THE WORLD'S PRESENCE IN EUROPE.
The antichrist rule is to be sited or based in Europe. (See Daniel 7; and infra pp. 902-931, specialising on this topic.) Relative to this particular prediction of site (cf. Extension A, pp. 691 ff.), made for the world ruling antichrist figure, first let us note this. Disparity, like charity, can begin at home: but as to that 'home', there is an interesting recent review of the growing power and portentous seeming hegemony of Europe. It is in that nest the paramount viper is to be hatched. What however is to be seen happening to the nest itself ?
World War 11 past, Europe is growing from a pitiable condition to a sense almost of grandeur which, if not the 'glory' that de Gaulle saw for France, yet arises in the vast perspectives of its increasing mobilisation, towards an expected and a desired outcome. Spiralling this way and that, like a swallow, it moves as if on a migration 'beam', set deep in the bird's heart!
While Chapter 9 infra will deal with greater elements, we touch in what follows mainly on the economic prospect for this prophetically cardinal area: Europe.
The economic aspect of this development has much of interest, and current indications, despite a phase of political tremors, fears and adjustment, are that a fortress Europe may not merely be an economic fortress, but a massive trading ensemble of arresting force.
Thus in The Australian, October 6, 1992, we note "Europe's Sun Set to Rise on World Again", the title of an article, by Dr Ian Lowe of the Griffith University. In this, he features amongst other items, the argument of Professor Lester Thurow that: Europe seems likely to be the next "success story" of the century. He stresses that it is larger as an internal market, than is the U.S. or Japan, with economies of scale thus readily available without the need to 'go abroad'. This of course may be both cheaper and less subject to costly change. The second argument noted is this: that European decison-makers have a flexible or inventive attitude to the future, not at all being inclined unimaginatively to assume a status quo situation, and hence are likely to be more adaptive and capable in catching what comes. Perhaps one might refer to this as conceptually strategic, commercial cum technical growth.
He urges the complementarity of Europe's skills, different regions contributing specialised parts of the whole, and illustrates with the Airbus consortium. Again, as example of fluidity and inventiveness of attitude, Dr Lowe cites the European commitment to less polluting, high speed trains.
Adjoining this article, is another from The Times. In this, the computing industry is given particular attention, for Europe; and there appears the concept that "the rules of trade will be written by the largest market and this will not be the US but Europe" (from the IDC Vice-President, Mr David Moschella). Why Europe ? Not merely is it the largest of those noted, as an internal market for itself, but Europe, it is asserted, spends less on computers currently, as a proportion of gross domestic product, than is the case for the U.S.. The concept is that this leaves room not merely for a larger market to saturate, but this for one currently less saturated. Put the two together and there is double scope for growth with the practice of inventiveness, and the rewards of scope and scale.
There is of course advantage for Europe in its post-war renovations... in being rebuilt with no small help from the U.S., however ironic some may find this. This is one ground both for relative newness of much structure and equipment, following its wartime demolition... and for a sense of change; and indeed, this is not necessarily a very distant prospect, with East Germany being rebuilt, partly from the vast stores of wealth accumulated in West Germany during its post-war renaissance. Costly it may be; but work called for can breed the atmosphere of adventure and change, the stimulus of challenge, the enticement of thrust - given the conditions for expansion.
With the U.S. heavily in debt (as Perot reminded it), where trillions is the name of the sum, lurching from its post as the world's greatest creditor to that of its greatest debtor in the decade of the 1980's: Europe is differently placed. Allied to hinterlands and degrees of mutuality, with very many at its doors, with Germany in particular far from mortgaged, this combination of tradition and change, size and scope, excitement in new combinations and awareness from old experiments, Europe now at last is getting beyond the stage of the remarkable, as a post-war reconstruction: it begins to appear in potential as a body of quite enormous economic thrust.
If now, it is still quivering into formation, in this it is rather like a dragon-fly, looking complex, awkward and weak, while its wings are new and soft, but soon hardened to be forcibly aloft and vitally active. The means of dominance are beginning to loom. Moreover, put differently, all these things present are in a cauldron peppered with the stimulus of the past, prepared with a voracious appetite for things yet to come. The E.U.'s world trade share? 38% in 1990, v. U.S.A. 11% (The Australian 24/2/95).
Europe is looking for its future, and for this, it is beginning to build; and that ? It is not only in Brussels. The "European Union" is Europe's U.S.A. ... 'U.S.S.R.'.
While the future will prove illusory in the end, being idealistically obscure and religiously confused in much, yet all things move towards the predicted driving force in Europe, at it once again; and this time in a vast combination as predicted! Confusion and delusion have not, in a dozen decades in Europe, managed to dispel the acrid dynamic before its fumes have again and again startled the whole world; nor is it predicted that they will do so this time. (Cf. pp. 886-889, 889-901, 905-906, 911-912, 922 ff., 930, 955 ff. infra.) The "partly strong and partly broken" 4th. kingdom (empire) of Daniel, which has exhibited and thus verified this characteristic to this day, has yet to have its final fling - and in what company!
And with what an end … the heights of the Lord’s power are both pure and sure,
and as to His judgments, they are a great deep!
AN EXCURSION
ON ISLAM
AND OTHER INSTRUMENTS OF RELIGIOUS FORCE
where sacrifice is misplaced, lost or imposed
As the Encyclopedia Britannica puts it:
Sacrifice has little place in orthodox Islām. Faint shadows of sacrifice as it was practiced by the pre-Islāmic Arabs have influenced Muslims, so that they consider every slaughter of an animal an act of religion. They also celebrate feasts in fulfillment of a vow or in thanksgiving for good fortune, but there is no sacrificial ritual connected with these festive meals. On the last day of the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, animals are sacrificed; nevertheless, it is not the sacrificial rite that is important to the Muslims, but rather their visit to the sacred city.
There is no mention of sacrifice, even, in the pillars of Islam, nor does one find any systematic, effectual, prescriptively highlighted sacrificial work. It is in the Koran passed over as a kind of religious thing that historically exists, not a designated part of any crucial path to spiritual peace or place. It is simply an acknowledgement of religious things, with only slight reference of a general and passing kind in the Koran, forming no part of any plan for arrival with God, far less a necessary or crucial thing. These other things, very different and given anything but casual or passing mention, are paraded with éclat, their requirement vigorous and vital! Battles, arms and prayers are to the fore, blood from the Redeemer, from sacrifices as atonement for sin freely thus provided, it is as sparse as hair on a long balded head.
How different the Old Testament prophets in their emphasis! By all means work, but by NO MEANS imagine that is sufficient for the God of peace-offerings, sin-offerings, trespass offerings, peace offerings, individual offerings, national offerings on the sacred day of atonement for the nation, offerings at circumcision, offerings for lepers, offerings to be made in ONE place. This we saw in SMR Ch. 9 (here significantly extended for our present purpose).
It was in one place they were authorised to perform their sacrifices on settling into their land. The removal of that one place therefore is summary executive discipline, one that makes a laughing stock of such solemn religious pretensions as are based on the premiss that Christ is false.
Is it fully understood the enormity which this constitutes ? If the Jewish nation, brought back as we see by the grace of God - "not for your sakes do I this" (Ezekiel 36:22,32): if this nation is to be a pivot of force in showing that God means what He says, as He defends them; so too the Jewish nation has been prevented from the authorised sacrifice in the authorised place for so many centuries of time, equally confirming, yes no less, that their rejected Christ was indeed authentic, so that they do indeed no longer need the Temple in Jerusalem, or Jerusalem itself for the Temple.
Year by aching year, void by poignant void, pogrom by vicious pogrom... the lesson has been taught. Nor let there be any confusion: As to the pogroms - they are not guiltless who harry the Jews. It is God who disciplines, and requires the impact of the truth to be maintained, so that Christ may receive His glory and the Jews be recalled to repentance, as indeed must all the world for its sins... But here with a specific people God has a specific point to be made, and He makes it over and over in the prophetic scriptures, which we now are seeing fulfilled in startling precision and accuracy, over and over again ... in history.
What has been the witness of God through history, to the Jews during the near to 1900 years without this one Temple, denied to them?
You are wrong, you are wrong, it goes. See the Almighty call you to sacrifice by the covenant with Moses, until the Christ comes (Deuteronomy 18, Isaiah 53, 66). When He comes, then soon you cannot, cannot year by year make those old animal sacrifices in the appointed one place only prescribed (Isaiah 66:3, 53:10); and you will stay unable to do so until a whole new time like that of the period from Abraham till Christ is past (cf. Daniel 9:27, Hosea 3:1ff.).
Will this teach you how special you are (cf. the excoriating irony of Amos 9:7, therapeutic irony), when and if you break the covenant and fail to recognise... God! Consider here the majestic ironies of Deuteronomy 32:15-17,28ff.).
Will this teach you that the sacrifice of GOD HIMSELF in human form (Micah 5:1-3, Zechariah 12:10) is STILL SACRIFICE, indeed the only adequate sacrifice, and that your clinging to sacrificial symbols is as passé at the T-model Ford, which you cannot now seriously propose as transport ?
It served its purpose exceedingly well, but when the consummation comes, the preliminary goes. Nor is the consummation in the Calvary of Christ some odd thing, but fulfils to the letter, and even better the whole concourse of sacrificial approach to God. If imperfect animals sufficed till the Messiah came and did as man what was needed by man, for man, how much more does the Messiah Himself suffice for all sacrificial offerings to satisfy for sin, for all time!
Thus, just as the Temple specification clearly signified, emphatically for ONE SITE ONLY, so the Messiah provided in one place only, both the fulfilment and the satisfaction. This He did when Christ died just once, and that in Jerusalem by authority of those mismatched to it, who condemned him iniquitously.
How firmly in former times God had told them of that one place for their covenanted sacrifice. Review it, if you will in... Deuteronomy 12:5-11, 14:23, 26:2, Joshua 9:27. I Kings 8:29, Psalm 78:68, 132:13-14, and II Chronicles 7:16, 33:4. Not only does the God of Israel choose a place - and that Jerusalem is that place in these scriptures; but He goes considerably further. Having shown Solomon that this is that place of which He has spoken, He gives a disciplinary forecast which is also a teaching announcement for all the world. lt would be near to criminal to neglect, from the only God there is, an announcement of such clarity and high impact!
He says, in II Chronicles 7:16,19-21 that "I have chosen and sanctified this house"; and in terms of the covenant then in force, the choice is announced as perpetual; and then... "If you turn away and forsake My statues and My commandments... and go and serve other gods..." (and Christ said: 'If God were your Father you would love me'... John 8:42, and "You are of your father, the devil" - 8:44, to those rejecting Him among the Jews)... then ? then ? what does the divine King tell His people He will do, if they so forsake Him ?
"Then I will uproot them from My land..." (done), "and this house which I have sanctified for My name I will cast out of My sight..." (done), and "will make it to be a proverb and a byword among all nations..." (done). All this is painful; so was the crucifixion. The physical pain of it may have been the least!
In Leviticus, for example Leviticus 16:14-29, sacrifice is forever, just as in Isaiah, it is infinite in its cost, ultimate in its provision and divine in its enactment, its finale firmly predicted in Christ (Isaiah 50-55, 9:7ff.). Thereby does it give basis for Psalm 32's word, that blessed is that man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity; and as to that, the covering is in blood. Grace thereby becomes sufficient, the entire basis of salvation, God Himself making the sacrifice that liberates, redeeming to free (Isaiah 53:11, 61:1ff., 55:1-6).
The Old Testament liberty, in the day of the Jewish prophets, to dispense with sacrifice as pertinent, profound, indispensable and basic, is as wholly negative as is the positive requirement, the absolute insistence that it is not automatic like a machine, but to be received by faith (Isaiah 1); and it is then that sins become as wool, though they be scarlet; and it is then that God abundantly pardons. HE is personal as we are, in His image, and persons need to act as such. This He affirms continually through the prophets.
As to faith, it is free, but it is not free of faith! It does act. Nevertheless, when once faith receives the pardon, then the pardon is indeed impenetrable by human devices, being both 'abundant' (Isaiah 55), and a cover (Leviticus 17:11), leading to iniquity not even being reckoned to the recipient (Psalm 32), so that utter assurance can become part of the divine mercy (Psalm 17:15, 145:1).
After all, when God pays, and says, nothing more is required. If you receive it by faith, it is yours and that is that. On the other hand, if you DO receive it by faith, then your nature is changed by the One who gives it, and as a child of God, you have a new heart (as in Jeremiah 31:31ff.), just as it was prescribed in Jeremiah and Ezekiel (11:19). With it goes the sin account, now no more accounted, but covered.
In all of this, sacrifice alone sunders guilt.
Hence the Koran's reference to the Jewish prophets with acceptance, its endorsement of these divinely led speakers, as if to give it some semblance of cohesion to its own words by having a prior line to which to lay claim, is wholly false. The Koran as a book and Muhammad as a man has no such basis, for its religion and dogma is wholly other, alien, contrary and contradictory in this central theme, and all that it involves, with the Jewish prophets, one and all.
Muhammad comes with no background, without endorsement, without preliminary, contrary to what was preliminary, battering the Bible with a pin, scarcely scratching the surface: his own thoughts, unverified in power, in prophecy, in things past, in things future, giving paradise for victory and incitement to arms.
From SMR Ch. 10 comes the following which gives detail on the collision of claim and fact. This is ALL important, since the Cross and redemption is central for all the Bible, from first to last (cf. Revelation 5, Galatians 6:14 with Leviticus). Hence in red is the most relevant part of the following citation.
THE WEAVING OF THE WAYS FOR THE ANTICHRIST. See Extension 4, pp. 1072-1074 infra. What however of Muhammad's early - but continuing - input into this antichrist pattern ? a matter of assertion plus force to overcome ... unbelief in some mock-up, dysfunctional substitute for Christ. In the Koran, Surah 48:29, we find (it. added): ''Muhammad is God's apostle. Those who follow him are ruthless to the unbelievers'' - and how far? ''Believers, make war on the infidels who dwell around you. Deal firmly with them. Know that God is with the righteous'' (Surah 9:123, cf. 2:191); and indeed, (Surah 9:27-31): ''Fight against such of those to whom the Scriptures were given as believe neither in God nor the Last Day ... until they pay tribute out of the hand and are utterly subdued.''
Yes, he decries (in 8:36-41): ''Tell unbelievers ... [to] reflect upon the fate of their forefathers. Make war on them until idolatry cease ...'' Reflect ? Fate ? ... city assault, tribute money, and then servitude - with the provision for death upon its removal. The 'fate' is the alternative to 'faith' is the alternative to force. (Cf. *17 infra.)
And all this force ? with due provision for occasional defeat, yet it is found written (Surah 8:59): ''Let not the unbelievers think that they will ever get away. They have not the power to do so'' ... Indeed, the prayer was to be: ''Lord forgive us ... our excesses; make us firm of foot and give us victory over the unbelievers" ... and the theme, ''If God helps you, none can overcome you'' (Surah 3:148 and 3:160; cf. Surah 48:22 - "If the unbelievers join battle with you, they shall be put to flight"). In fact, since Moslems almost took Europe, they lost at Tours in 732 A.D.; and again when the sprawling Ottoman Empire fell, with World War I; while in the Middle East from 1917 and from 1948 in particular and repeatedly, Moslem military losses have been sustained, spectacular and even proverbial (*18).
This is despite enormous numerical advantage (the EXACT opposite of Surah 8:65 - ''If there are twenty steadfast men among you, they shall vanquish two hundred''). There have not been vicissitudes but repetitive overthrows, dominating almost comically the whole period of the Jew's return (as God predicted, Zechariah 12:6 ff. - cf. pp. 779-822, 851-857 supra.)
The force of evidence overthrows indeed the force of mere utterance. Proclaiming himself ''no more than an apostle'' (Surah 3:140-147), such that ''other apostles have come before me'' (Surah 3:183), Muhammad refers to Abraham and others, to the Jewish Torah (law) - Surah 2:135), and the ''earlier scriptures'' of ''Abraham and Moses'' (Surah 87:179), bowing to history by acknowledging, ''the prophets who surrendered themselves judged the Jews ... according to God's Book which had been committed to their keeping and to which they themselves were witnesses'' (Surah 5:44).
Witness! Dismiss evidence and what does 'history' become but the unholy butt of romance?
While Muhammad says his book ''confirms the Scriptures which came before it'' (5:48), in fact the Messiah is as we have shown with dense-packed scriptures (cf. pp. 768-777 et al. supra), the eternal King irreplaceable, unsucceedable, whose word is final and, if rejected, fatal; and one need only cite words such as Isaiah 9:6-7, 42:1-4, 49:6, 53:11-12, 54:5,10, 55:3-11, Deuteronomy 18:15-18, Daniel 7:13-14, Psalm 72. Not merely is there no successor, this is so because the Son (Psalm 2:5-7) is God (Psalm 45, Isaiah 48:16, Micah 5:1-3), as shown earlier in great detail from many scriptures of which only the Jews were in fact - to use Muhammad's term - 'witnesses'. Successors, declares Christ, are false Christs (Matthew 24:24).
To fortify the contradiction: Muhammad wrote material wholly alien to that of the 'apostles' - such on his own admission - who 'went before' him, on the method of salvation, on redemption, on the place of grace and on the work of the Messiah (not really killed, says he - Surah 4:157, despite Daniel 9:25-26, Isaiah 53, Psalm 22, Leviticus 16). To aggravate the impossible, Muhammad has the prior 'apostles' sent by ONE GOD! (Surah 3:40 and 3:21). Should one God send prophets opposed to the very core of Muhammad's words ? Why He gave His 'servants the prophets' among the Jews, such wholly, consistently and persistently clangorous contradiction of Muhammad, the prophet does not manage to attest!
The whole superabundantly attested, textually ancient, intense, immense,
detailed racial systematics and salvation dynamics of the interlocking Old and New Testaments
(cf. pp. 735-836 supra) are airily dismissed for the infinitely divergent dogmas
(cf. Surahs 4,5,9,24 and 48) of the anti-verified Koran.
As if to thunder the point home: God, having disciplined the Jews as Chapter 9 has shown His word predicted He would do, has given them the power He also predicted, abolishing the pretences of the Koran to its very face (cf. pp. 814, 830-834, 989 supra). Of a certainty, the Jews had less than no reason to add the scriptures on the Messiah, whom they murdered, but rather honestly retained them in fear. (See also *4 infra.) Yet they speak and are not silent; are fulfilled and are never at a loss. They state; that clinches it, whatever the struggles man devises. God always remains God, not in mere theory, but in demonstrable fact.
The Koran is not merely unverified, but anti-verified and this with a divine mirth as God's predictive word ploughs through the field of history with the majestic insouciance of a tank in an agricultural field (cf. Psalm 2:8-12, Jeremiah 23:29; and Psalm 111:7-8, Isaiah 59:21 and p. 564 supra).
See also pp. 1176-1186C infra for treatment of Joshua as an instrument of theocratic MORAL judgment, not contrary to the love or liberty God gives. Christ categorically did not subject physically, do violence at all in order to remedy unbelief. Truly He upbraided morally, cleansed, lamented (Matthew 23:37, Luke 19:42), demonstrated on occasion, but never used force in any attempt to fashion hearts or make 'faith'. He so acted without force, and was subjected. HE did not subject.
Faith and force have divorce.
See also Divine Agenda Ch. 6 on the Koran references and application.
The reader is referred to Highway to Hell with SMR p. 531-2, *2 and *4, should he or she desire to see parallels in Roman Catholicism and Judaism to the concept of making works work to secure your passport to heaven, so that other things are incidental and not sufficient. For Rome, even the cross of Christ fails to secure salvation for the individual, so that just as Islam omits it, Romanism subordinates it (contra Galatians 6:14, Romans 3:23ff., Ephesians 2:8ff., and that in more than one way - cf. SMR pp. 1087-1088D, *9, *14 and *16). In this, their reliance on the sinner's own contribution for the eternal result, in whole or part, it is all one with these three. Not surprisingly, these endeavours to not stop at satisfying God by works, but dealing with man by the same means, often edged with steel.
All these religions have engaged in illicit violence, Israel against Christ and early Christians, but as a thing of scale, Romanism and Islam with panache, as if blood were not available to quench sin's guilt once and for all, and it were necessary to add it in floods from those sacrificed against their own will, to meet some gargantuan appetite, which no sinner could ever meet, even if it were willingly intended that way.
Even in the rather smaller example of Judaism, you see Paul, a brilliant young executive of the Sanhedrin, who knew well enough what was their theological position on works (Romans 10:1ff.).
For the rest, the world has known well enough the Islamic and Romanist traditions in history, too unspeakable here to ponder.
See on Romanism's efforts, SMR pp.949-955, 969ff., 992ff., 1033-1041; and on those of Islam, Divine Agenda Ch. 6, Part III; and it is worth considering that in military perspective, at the Battle of Tours in 732 A.D., in no small measure did the arrest of central Europe itself, by Islam, come very close to being achieved by force.
Communism in its inverted Christianity and Nazism in its perverted ideals of race and force more directly, both adding to the list of gods of forces, to use the Danielic term, in these respects, have added to the examples, and working their way, have added to the fray (cf. SMR 707ff., Ch. 8).
Man's prescriptions lacking the power and purity, the efficacy and the finality of God's plan of salvation, end in the mire, pouring out blood just where they refuse to find its total efficacy in the death of the Christ, now risen, so making senseless sacrifice that sates lust but gives neither pardon, nor reprieve, nor anything resembling in the most minute degree, an acceptable world for life.
So does perversity from the converse of grace, lead to disgrace and dismemberment.
In view of the coming collusion of religions, this collision which is in fact present is crucial to realise, like the difference between drinking from all waters, and from a pure well.
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Posts Tagged ‘Discounted Wicked Tour Tickets’
Wicked at Queen Elizabeth Theatre Vancouver – Review
The Wicked musical on Broadway Across Canada tour is currently playing at Queen Elizabeth Theatre through Sunday June 29, 2014.
Buy Wicked Vancouver BC Canada Tickets NOW!
Wicked Broadway Musical A Shining Star In Vancouver! – Reviewed By Alan Samuel, TheLinkPaper.ca
Again Broadway Across Canada scores a hit with their lavish Wicked production. Long sustained standing ovations aside this delightful musical is bringing the house down at Vancouver’s Queen Elizabeth Theatre.
Based loosely on the classic 1939 MGM classic The Wizard of Oz this new slick version looks at the witches of Oz from a fresh new angle. Women, love, family and jealously all figure prominently in this 2 1/2 hour spectacular that Oz creator Baum and studio head Louis B. Mayer would be rightly proud of.
In this 2 act play bolstered by dozens of hip songs we see the flavour of Oz can put through the ringer when a green faced girl matures, gets scorned and hates all that’s good in the world. Over time our little Wicked gets tangled in a monumental struggle with her dad, her wheel-chair bound sister and a school girl princess like friend. How these three individuals handle their differences will keep your eyes glued to the stage throughout this enchanting romp.
Complete with gorgeous costumes, snazzy special effects, an appearance by a tin man, a larger than life carnival barking wizard caricature and unforgettable songs by our two leading ladies makes Wicked a delightful fun – filled time for the whole family.
Read the complete review {Via TheLinkPaper.ca}
Wicked musical will be playing at Queen Elizabeth Theatre through Sunday June 29, 2014. Final few performances are left for Wicked in Vancouver Canada. Don’t miss it! Buy Wicked Queen Elizabeth Theatre – Vancouver Tickets NOW.
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Emma Hunton Joined Wicked First National Tour Cast as Elphaba
The first North American touring company of Wicked welcomes Emma Hunton as Elphaba on April 23 in Richmond, VA at Altria Theater – Richmond (Formerly Landmark Theater).
Hunton joins the cast that includes Gina Beck as Glinda, Alison Fraser as Madame Morrible and Tim Kazurinsky as The Wizard.
Emma Hunton Joined Wicked as Elphaba
Buy Wicked Richmond VA Tickets NOW!
Hunton’s credits include the Broadway company of Spring Awakening (Ilse) as well as the Off-Broadway company of RENT (Maureen). She was last on tour with the 1st National Tour of Next to Normal (Natalie) and most recently played Ryan in the world premiere of Witness Uganda at the American Repertory Theater.
Wicked first North American touring company also features Nick Adams (Fiyero) Jenny Florkowski (Nessarose), Tom Flynn (Dr. Dillamond), Jesse JP Johnson (Boq) and Emmy Raver-Lampman (Standby for Elphaba) with Shayla Beck, Dina Bennett, Nikki Bohne, Lauren Boyd, Kyle Brown, Nirine S. Brown, John Carroll, Rick Desloge, Timothy A. Fitz-Gerald, Dominic Giudici, Brenda Hamilton, Spencer Jones, Sheila Karls, Trevor Ryan Krahl, Rebecca Kritzer, Marina Lazzaretto, Alison Leo, Marissa Lupp, Raymond Joel Matsamura, Jonathan McGill, Kevin McMahon, Shanon Mari Mills, Christopher Russo and Daniel Switzer.
Hunton joins the Wicked Company on Wednesday, April 23 in Richmond, VA. Wicked return engagement at the Altria Theater through May 04, 2014. Click here to Buy Wicked Landmark Theater Tickets NOW.
Tags: Discounted Wicked Tour Tickets, Emma Hunton, Wicked Altria Theater Richmond Tickets, Wicked Altria Theater Tickets 2014, Wicked Cast, Wicked Landmark Theater Tickets, Wicked Richmond VA, Wicked Richmond VA Tickets, Wicked Richmond VA Tickets 2014, Wicked Tour, Wicked Tour Cast, Wicked Tour Cast News, Wicked Tour Tickets, Wicked Tour Tickets 2014, Wicked Tour Update, Wicked Tour Update 2014, Wicked Touring Company Cast
Emma Hunton to Join North American Touring Company of Wicked as Elphaba
Sunday, March 16th, 2014
The company of the first North American tour of the hit Stephen Schwartz-Winnie Holzman musical Wicked will welcome Emma Hunton as Elphaba at the Landmark Theater (6 N Laurel St, Richmond, VA 23220) in Richmond, VA starting April 23, 2014.
Buy Wicked Landmark Theater Tickets NOW!
Emma Hunton to Join Wicked as Elphaba
Hunton’s credits include the Broadway company of Spring Awakening (Ilse) as well as the Off-Broadway company of Rent (Maureen). She was last on tour with the first national tour of Next to Normal (Natalie) and most recently played Ryan in the world premiere of Witness Uganda at the American Repertory Theater.
Hunton will join a cast that includes Gina Beck as Glinda, Alison Fraser as Madame Morrible and Tim Kazurinsky as The Wizard.
The company also features Nick Adams (Fiyero), Jenny Florkowski (Nessarose), Tom Flynn (Dr. Dillamond), Jesse JP Johnson (Boq) and Emmy Raver-Lampman (standby for Elphaba) with Shayla Beck, Dina Bennett, Nikki Bohne, Lauren Boyd, Kyle Brown, Nirine S. Brown, John Carroll, Rick Desloge, Timothy A. Fitz-Gerald, Dominic Giudici, Brenda Hamilton, Spencer Jones, Sheila Karls, Trevor Ryan Krahl, Rebecca Kritzer, Marina Lazzaretto, Alison Leo, Marissa Lupp, Raymond Joel Matsamura, Jonathan McGill, Kevin McMahon, Shanon Mari Mills, Christopher Russo and Daniel Switzer.
North American tour of Wicked will be in Richmond, VA through May 4, 2014. Click here to Buy Wicked Landmark Theater Tickets NOW.
Tags: Discounted Wicked Tour Tickets, Wicked Cast, Wicked Tour, Wicked Tour Cast, Wicked Tour Cast News, Wicked Tour Tickets, Wicked Tour Tickets 2014, Wicked Tour Update, Wicked Tour Update 2014, Wicked Touring Company Cast
Nick Adams Joined North American Touring Company of Wicked in the Role of Fiyero
Nick Adams Joined the North American tour of Wicked in the role of Fiyero at the Benedum Center in Pittsburgh PA starting Today Feb 04, 2014.
Buy Wicked Benedum Center Tickets NOW!
The handsome Fiyero develops a relationship with Elphaba, who later becomes known as the Wicked Witch of the West.
“I’m so excited,” Adams said, by phone. “It’s been running for like 10 years, so to be part of something so hugely successful and long-running is great.”
Adams, who play Fiyero, is one of three new cast members. Film star and former “Saturday Night Live” cast member Tim Kazurinsky replaced John Davidson as the Wizard; Jenny Florkowski took the role of Nessarose.
“Wicked” is subtitled “The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz.” Call it a prequel, call it an origin story or both. The musical, according to the show’s website, explains how Glinda the Good Witch and the Wicked Witch of the West (Elphaba) came to be:
“Long before Dorothy drops in, two other girls meet in the land of Oz. One, born with emerald-green skin, is smart, fiery and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. ‘Wicked’ tells the story of their remarkable odyssey, how these two unlikely friends grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good.”
Fiyero plays a key role in “Wicked.”
“He’s actually the love interest of both Glinda and Elphaba,” Adams said. “He’s the prince of the Winkies, and this new kid who comes to town … He’s sort of the bad boy, and has this carefree attitude about life. Eventually, Elphaba is the one who makes him change his idea about how he wants to live his life and he becomes a man of responsibility and the captain of the guard.”
North American tour of Wicked will be in Pittsburgh, PA through February 09, 2014. As only last 8 performances left, Don’t miss it! Click here to Buy Wicked Benedum Center Tickets NOW.
Tags: Discounted Wicked Tour Tickets, Wicked Tour Cast, Wicked Tour Cast News, Wicked Tour Tickets, Wicked Tour Tickets 2014, Wicked Tour Update, Wicked Tour Update 2014, Wicked Touring Company
Wicked Musical Coming to Chicago, Book of Mormon Leaves
Sunday, October 6th, 2013
The sad news for the week is that The hilarious Book of Mormon Musical will be ending its run at the Bank of America Theatre. Book of Mormon scheduled to leave Sunday, Oct. 6, after 43 weeks and 344 performances. Producers already annonced that Book of Mormon will be returning to Chicago, likely during the fall or winter of 2014. The dates and the length of the return engagement have not yet been announced.
Buy Wicked Chicago IL Tickets NOW!
But the entertainment is On in Chicago as the Wicked musical on national tour will be returning to Chicago. Backed by popular demand and to celebrate its tenth anniversary on Broadway, Wicked musical will return to the Chicago Illinois on October 30 and will perform through December 21, 2013. If you would like to see the Broadway Blockbuster musical again or if you missed out on its original run, Hurry up to Get Wicked Oriental Theatre tickets here.
Wicked national tour will be in Chicago IL for only 8-weeks from October 30 to December 21, 2013. Wicked Oriental Theatre Tickets are Selling fast online, Buy before they sell out completely.
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Wicked Returning to Chicago this Fall at the Oriental Theatre – October 30 to December 21, 2013
Wicked musical on national tour will return to Chicago this fall. Wicked will perform at Oriental Theatre (24 W. Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60601) from October 30 to December 21, 2013.
Buy Wicked Oriental Theatre Tickets NOW!
Wicked musical ran for more than three-and-a-half years in a dedicated Chicago production from 2005 to 2009. But this time it’s the national touring company coming to Chicago to play at Oriental Theatre for only eight-week engagement this October 2013.
Back by “Popular” demand in celebration of its 10th anniversary on Broadway. Variety calls Wicked “a cultural phenomenon.” Winner of 50 major awards, including a Grammy and three Tony Awards, Wicked is “Broadway’s biggest blockbuster” (The New York Times).
Wicked Oriental Theatre Schedule:
Tuesdays – 7:30 PM
Wednesdays – 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM
Thursdays – 7:30 PM
Fridays – 7:30 PM
Saturdays – 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM
Sundays – 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM
The visit is being billed as part of the 10th anniversary celebration of the money-spinning musical, based on the novel of the same name by Gregory Maguire and the story of “The Wizard of Oz.”
Wicked national tour will be in Chicago IL for 8-weeks from October 30 to December 21, 2013. Buy Wicked Oriental Theatre Tickets Online.
Wicked 1st National Tour Cast Update
Tuesday, July 23rd, 2013
Wicked 1st national tour Production Opened on March 08, 2005 and still touring. Wicked 1st national tour is currently in Philadelphia, PA playing through August 04, 2013 at Academy of Music (Broad and Locust Streets, Philadelphia, PA 19102).
Buy Wicked Philadelphia PA Tickets Online!
Wicked musical, based on the best-selling novel by Gregory Maguire, the untold story of the Witches of Oz, features music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and book by Winnie Holzman. Wicked is directed by Tony Award-winner Joe Mantello.
Wicked 1st National Tour Cast Update:
Courtney Iventosch has left the company.
Sterling Masters has temporarily joined the company as the Witch’s Mother.
Laurel Harris is now an understudy for Nessarose, in addition to being the standby for Elphaba.
Wicked 1st national tour will conclude on Sunday, August 04, 2013 at Philadelphia, PA. From here the touring production moves to Boston, MA to perform at the Boston Opera House from August 07 to September 15, 2013. Wicked Boston Opera House Tickets are Selling Fast Online. Hurry Up! Grab your Wicked Tickets at http://www.wickedthemusicalticketsonline.com/wicked-boston-ma-tickets.html
Tags: Discounted Wicked Tour Tickets, Wicked 1st National Tour Cast, Wicked 1st National Tour Cast News, Wicked 1st National Tour Cast Update, Wicked Boston MA Tickets, Wicked First National Tour Cast, Wicked First National Tour Cast Update, Wicked Musical Tour Cast, Wicked National Tour Cast Update, Wicked Philadelphia PA Tickets, Wicked Tour Cast News, Wicked Tour Cast Update, Wicked Tour Tickets, Wicked Tour Tickets 2013
Wicked Tickets Onsale for the Civic Center Music Hall, Oklahoma City Engagement Scheduled September 04 to 22, 2013
Broadway’s biggest blockbuster (by The New York Times), Wicked will be performing at the Civic Center Music Hall from September 04 to September 22, 2013.
Buy Wicked Oklahoma City OK Tickets now!
Based on the best-selling 1995 novel by Gregory Maguire, Wicked, winner of 35 major awards, including a Grammy® and three Tony® Awards, is the untold story of the witches of Oz. It is produced by Marc Platt, Universal Pictures, The Araca Group, Jon B. Platt and David Stone.
Long before Dorothy drops in, two other girls meet in the Land of Oz. One – born with emerald-green skin – is smart, fiery and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. Wicked tells the story of their remarkable odyssey, and how these two unlikely friends grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good. Wicked on Broadway in New York opened in 2003 and already played to over 2 million people with more attending shows every week.
Wicked Civic Center Music Hall Schedule: Sept. 04 to 22, 2013
Wednesday, Sept. 04 – 7:30 PM
Thursday, Sept. 05 – 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM
Friday, Sept. 06 – 8:00 PM
Saturday, Sept. 07 – 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM
Sunday, Sept. 08 – 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM
Tuesday, Sept. 10 – – 7:30 PM
Thursday, Sept. 12 – 7:30 PM
Tickets are selling fast online for the Wicked Oklahoma City OK Tour. Buy Wicked Civic Center Music Hall Tickets Online.
Tags: Buy Wicked Oklahoma City OK Tickets, Discounted Wicked Tour Tickets, Wicked Civic Center Music Hall Oklahoma Tickets, Wicked Civic Center Music Hall Schedule, Wicked Civic Center Music Hall Tickets, Wicked Oklahoma City OK Tickets, Wicked Oklahoma City Tour Tickets, Wicked Tour 2013, Wicked Tour 2013 Update, Wicked Tour Tickets 2013
Wicked Musical Coming to Orpheum Theater in Minneapolis – September 18 to October 27, 2013
Wicked musical coming to Minneapolis MN in the month of September 2013. Wicked performances at Orpheum Theatre – Minneapolis will start on September 18 and continue through October 27, 2013.
Wicked makes its much-anticipated return to the Orpheum Theatre in downtown Minneapolis after selling out three Minneapolis engagements in 2006, 2008 and 2010. Wicked Minneapolis tickets also selling fast for the current schedule.
Buy Wicked Minneapolis MN Tickets now!
Wicked musical is an untold story of the Witches of Oz – Is a musical drama that is based on a novel written by Gregory Maguire. Wicked is written and composed by Stephen Schwartz and is blessed with cast of talented performers that present the story in their own unique American humor and taste.
Wicked Orpheum Theater Minneapolis Schedule:
Tuesdays to Thursdays – 7:30 PM
Additional Matinee on Thursday, Sep 19 at 2:00 PM
Wicked Orpheum Theater MN Tickets are selling out quickly and still available for few of the performances. Hurry up! Buy Wicked Minneapolis MN Tickets here Online.
Tags: Discounted Wicked Tour Tickets, Wicked Minneapolis MN Tickets, Wicked Minneapolis MN Tour Tickets, Wicked Minneapolis Tour 2013, Wicked Minneapolis Tour Tickets, Wicked Orpheum Theatre Minneapolis, Wicked Orpheum Theatre Minneapolis Tickets, Wicked Orpheum Theatre MN, Wicked Orpheum Theatre MN Tickets, Wicked Tour Tickets, Wicked Tour Tickets 2013
Omaha Broadway Special Performance Wicked at Orpheum Theatre Omaha – May 7 to 25, 2014
Wicked, a Broadway special and not part of the Omaha Season Ticket package, is back by “popular” demand in May, 2014. The Broadway mega hit musical, Wicked will return to the Orpheum Theatre for a third, lengthy run May 7 to May 25, 2014.
Winner of 35 major awards including a Grammy and three Tony Awards, Wicked is one of Broadway’s mega-hits. Long before that girl from Kansas arrives in Munchkinland, two girls meet in the Land of Oz. One – born with emerald green skin – is smart, fiery and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. How these two grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good makes for “the most complete – and completely satisfying – new musical in a long time” (USA Today).
Wicked will perform through May 25, 2014 at Orpheum Theatre Omaha. Buy Wicked Omaha NE Tickets Online at discounted prices, SAVE $10 on ALL ORDERS of $350+, Use code: TICK13 at Checkout! Expires March 31, 2013.
Tags: Discounted Wicked Tour Tickets, Wicked Omaha NE Tickets, Wicked Omaha NE Tour, Wicked Omaha NE Tour Tickets, Wicked Omaha Nebraska Tickets, Wicked Omaha Tickets, Wicked Omaha Tour 2014, Wicked Omaha Tour Tickets, Wicked Orpheum Theatre Omaha, Wicked Orpheum Theatre Omaha Tickets, Wicked Tour 2014, Wicked Tour Tickets, Wicked Tour Tickets 2014
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Previous Congresses
> Women of China > 新版页面 > Special Coverage > 中国妇女第十二次全国代表大会 > Delegates > Delegates Discuss Equal Employment Opportunities for Women at 12th NWC
Delegates Discuss Equal Employment Opportunities for Women at 12th NWC
Some 1,659 delegates from across China participated in the 12th National Women's Congress from October 30-November 2 in Beijing, where they discussed issues such as how to guarantee equal employment opportunities for women under the two-child policy.
Dai Yun, president of Tianjin Women's Federation, north China, said the federation has been carrying out accountability mechanism actively across the region, up till now, 11 different cases of suspected gender discrimination by employers have been corrected, involving 87 positions in 41 departments in Tianjin.
According to Dai, the city will further promote its accountability mechanism to ensure women's equal right to employment.
Wu Xiaoyan, director of the Women and Children's Health Center in the Beichen District of the city, commented that employers should adopt more humane measures to benefit expectant mothers, instead of imposing restrictions on their pregnancies. She also hoped that companies can set up nursing rooms and provide breastfeeding breaks for women.
Zong Ping, director of the Department of Female Workers at Jiangsu Municipal Federation of Trade Unions in east China, said the province recently issued its Special Provisions on Labor Protection for Women Workers, which stipulates the law and regulations regarding early pregnancy protection and pregnancy protection.
According to the report The Basic Situation of Chinese Women and the Main Work of the All-China Women's Federation (ACWF), the proportion of female employees in China in 2016 stood at 43.1 percent.
Moreover, female entrepreneurs accounted for about a quarter of the total number of entrepreneurs; and, women who started businesses online made up around 55 percent.
At the meeting, many female entrepreneur representatives expressed their own views on guaranteeing women's equal employment in the context of the two-child policy.
In light of this, Tan Lixia, executive vice-president of an electrical device company Haier Group Corporation and president of east China's Shandong Women Entrepreneurs Association, said it is fundamental for enterprises to carry out institutional guarantees.
She also suggested that institutional constraints should be made on the employment and wages of employees rather than arbitrary changes based on human factors.
Zhang Yuwei, president of El Pont Radiation Technology Company in Wuxi, Jiangsu, and vice-president of local Huishan Women's Federation, said that there is invisible discrimination against women employees. She suggested companies that are reluctant to recruit female employees because they may want to have a second child should fully consider the problem from various perspectives.
(Source: Wsic.ac.cn/ Translated and edited by Women of China)
向前: Caring Professional Counselor Dedicates Herself to Charity Work
向后: Rural School Principal Dedicates to Special Education in SW China
Copyright 2005-2018 ACWF Internet Information and Communication Center (Women's Foreign Language Publications of China) All rights reserved. 京ICP备10020604号
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Wonderful Tuna
It started very well in as much just before we left Mozambique waters we caught a very large tuna, all of 25 Kg we think. A wonderful, beautiful fish and we were actually hauling it in while crossing the border, dead by drowning by the time we hauled it onto the back platform. We bled it immediately, gutted it and hung it back into the sea for 10 minutes to allow the blood to drain, all as instructed. Off came the head and then sliced off four huge beautiful boneless fillets, to be cut into meal size portions. We vacuum packed it immediately and straight into the fridge and should have tuna for the next 13 days!
Arriving in the Doldrums
At 0730 hours the following morning we hit the Doldrums with a bang.
For a day we had been quietly sailing along upwind towards Mafia Island in lovely 12 knot winds, using our staysail for the first time since Durban and able to point the boat very well into the wind to hold our course, so as to avoid using the engines. We had to pinch into the wind a couple of times to avoid a jutting out headland, which added interest and fun. We were making good time as for the first time since leaving Durbanwe have left the south flowing Mozambique/ Agulhas current and now have the north flowing East African Coast Current in our favour.
Out of nowhere, a 25 knot wind suddenly hit us, backing about 30 degrees as it did so, stalling the boat head to wind, ‘in irons’ as sailors call it, with sails flogging and no forward motion so no steering. With the help of the starboard engine we quickly turned back into the wind but then realised we had far too much sail up and were suddenly speeding along at over 8 knots.
We loosened the genoa and managed to furl it up, without too much flogging, which brought us under control again with just the main sail and staysail pulling us along at 5 knots. By this time there was heavy rain as well, amazingly the first solid rain since leaving Durban and found out all the little drips in the cockpit, so need to do something about that. Inside was dry, thank goodness.
The wind lasted about half as hour and then died to nothing, with fluky five knot winds all over the place, so we had to start the motors and had to use them most of the way to Mafia Island.
We realised we must have entered the ITCZ, the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone, generally known as the Doldrums and a quick check of our pilot book confirmed this. This is the area of variable winds between the wind systems of the northern and southern hemispheres and it travels north and south of the equator, following the sun.
It was a classic squall, our first one and typical doldrums weather. The barometer remains steady and the only warning of approach is visual, by watching the cloud formations, looking for a build up of black cloud ahead, usually with a definite horizontal line at the bottom. We did see it and even commented on it but did not react to it, knowing no better. The trick is to reef down before the squall arrives but at night one cannot see them, so the advice is to reef down at nightfall in these areas. We have now taken all our sails down as what wind there is on the nose.
We had two more sharp showers but without the accompanying violent winds and later had to motor all of the 24 hour trip onto Dar Es Salaam, generally known just as Dar, with more squalls but now we look for them and know handle them with no problem.
Another sharp lesson into the store book which gradually becomes experience.
Mafia Island – What a Disaster!
Engine Failure!
We timed our arrival at Mafia Island for daybreak, at Kilindoni which is the capital ‘city’ on the island and the East African Coast Pilot informed us it was an entry port. As we were motoring into the harbour in heavy cloud and light rain with poor visibility, we went through a mass of weed and flotsam and then realised both the engines were struggling, with no power and smelling of diesel .
We quickly stopped them both and pulled out the genoa sail to maintain forward motion, tried starting them again and this time they gave a warning squeal telling us no cooling water. So quickly had to decide what to do as not advisable to travel engineless into an unknown harbour. We sailed towards some shallow water and managed to anchor without the engines, by turning into the wind at the last moment, waiting for the boat to stop and dropping the anchor as we started to go backwards. All text book stuff but the first time had done it for real.
We checked the engines and found that cooling water was coming up the saildrives and that the propellers were free, so all the weed must have caused a temporary blockage and probably around the propellers as well, which had cleared itself. So panic over and up anchor and into Kilindoni.
Mafia Island Immigration Debacle
After getting the dinghy ready we motored to shore, at mid tide with water too shallow for the motor long before we reached the beach, so had to first pole and then wade ashore, all in the rain, so we were wet through before we had even started. We had to run the gauntlet of the usual gaggle of helpers, all wanting to be our dinghy guard. We found the building next to the jetty but no immigration there, so we were directed to the police station. We were given a guide who we followed, still in the rain, for about two kilometres along very wet and muddy tracks. The police supervisor said there was no immigration on Mafia Island and we would have to go to Dar Es Salaam to check in and no, we would not be able to go to Chole Bay which was our only reason for coming to Mafia Island as it is supposed to be a less well known but superb snorkelling and diving area. Why were we not told as soon as we landed instead of being directed all the way to the police station?
We were gutted! If only we had known, we could so easily have called in at Mtwara, which we passed during the night. A totally wasted effort coming here and will not be able to come back this far south. So had to grin and bear it, with many expletives mixed in from both of us!
So, nothing for it but to “up sails” and head for Dar es Salaam. Almost like living in a fairytale for Cherry, always wanting to go to Dar and Zanzibar, and finally doing it.
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France in Syria: Still Not Here to Save the World
Filed under: Politics / Geopolitics — Tags: EU, Eurozone, France, Geopolitics, Germany, ISIS, Russia, Syria — zxq9 @ 18:26
Folks have been really excited about France getting into war-mode on Syria after the Paris attacks. People were even momentarily excited about Turkey’s decision to shoot down a Russian plane the other day. Now Paris and Moscow are maybe working together on hitting ISIS? While the Washington is doing the same thing?!?
Man, its like a giant peace party!
Wait… um… what? No. War is not the same thing as peace. Let’s be careful to remember that. Let’s also be careful to remember that “peace”, taken without any qualifications, is a meaningless, impossible, and downright harmful goal.
Some folks are very hopeful that France’s involvement in the Syrian conflict signals a Great Change in The Way Things Work. They hope that Paris will somehow “bring Moscow into the fold” because “now Paris understands terrorism”. Other even hope that now Paris will bring NATO together under a single purpose (other than simply being an anti-Russian alliance). Lovely hopes, but not really the way things are going to work out.
I don’t mean that Paris doesn’t understand terrorism, they totally understand it — to the point that Paris is expert at both resisting it and employing it where it makes sense. They understand it so well that they know that uniting NATO “against terrorism” would make about as much sense as uniting NATO against Middle Eastern kidnapping.
I’m not saying the French are evil, mind you, I am saying they are savvy. They get the way the game works. They have been on the ball, racking up a string of strategic victories in Africa over the last decade. They’ve re-established their “middle empire” (the “middle” being between Washington and Moscow) while Washington has been too preoccupied with chasing brown guys to notice. This indicates that while they know how to play terrorism for votes in domestic politics (they are too smart to care much about what outsiders think of them) they also know that making “terrorism” the target of a major military operation is totally ridiculous.
Terrorism is a tactic not an identity. You can’t target terrorism any more than you can target long-hand division or yoga. Terrorism is the “civil disruption” phase that a political movement goes through whenever a legitimate political course of action is not available. Consider the evolution of the PLO or Hezbollah. Unless you are over 40, you likely won’t even remember that those are the groups that were arch-terrorists before. Now they are political parties. Yasser Arafat, the PLO’s Dr. Evil himself, received a Nobel Peace Prize (not that the Peace Prize means anything). Hezbollah is a fantastically profitable global franchise operation now, only partially focused (by some measures) on imposing a political outcome in Lebanon (their purpose for existing is the subject of eternally flexible rhetoric — which means the real purpose for Hezbollah’s existence is simply the survival of Hezbollah at this point).
But what about this cooperation thing? France getting into Syria must require some coordination with Russia and the US, right? And NATO? Turkey is in NATO, the US is in NATO, France is (again, that is) in NATO… so what gives?
Coordination will be necessary to prevent more “friendly” (?) fire incidents, but its more the kind of coordination that seeks to prevent midair collisions as polits jockey for superior position against one other while they run their sorties against ground targets. Remember, Turkey just shot down a Russian plane — anyone in the sky above Syria right now is considering everything else in the sky and absolutely everyone on the ground to be a threat. Sounds weird? Well, it is. But that’s reality for you. You couldn’t make up a plot for a book more convoluted than the way the real world works.
France’s goals are still France’s goals. They are not American goals. Sure, a lot of Americans and French and non-French Europeans see things the same way for the moment — but that’s a common view held of mutually held anger at a third party than anything else. The immigration wave and xenophobia that is going to increasingly fuel will continue to drive a common view over the short term (not in the least because the nightmares fueled by fear of rampant Middle Eastern and African immigration are not without foundation, particularly when coupled with domestic population decline).
France’s goal is to maintain its middle empire and use it to force Berlin into a subordinate relationship with Paris. This goal has held steady since the creation of the Euro, and France has demonstrated an amazing amount of fortitude and clarity of direction in the realization of that goal — even more amazing considering the contentious nature of their electoral politics since the Soviet collapse. Germany being in NATO with France, being home to the ECB, being “friends” with France, etc. doesn’t really matter — the reason France and Germany have been enemies so long is still based on geography, and that still forces France and Germany to regard one another in terms of capacity instead of intent. France has the upper hand in military terms, and will the economy likely to crash the only lever Germany has (dependent entirely on imported energy) is likely to disappear, or fall under the indirect control of Paris anyway if France can create an energy alternative for Germany that isn’t Russian gas (which is why France worked to isolate Germany even more from practical alternatives by destroying Libya and demonstrating their practical ability to dominate North Africa (ENI’s gas fields) and the Mediterranean).
Russia’s goals are still Russia’s goals. Well, in Russia’s case it is even more clear that Russia’s goals are actually Moscow’s goals. That is also not going to change, and despite a lot of poorly disguised epicaricacy on behalf of Western powers, Russia’s financial problems based on dropping energy prices are actually more likely to make Russia turn into a deliberately confrontational, economically detached player than a compliant ally of the West. Russia is looking out for what its own survival in what it necessarily views a dark and dangerous world. The West world will soon find itself with even fewer levers to control Russia for the forseeable future.
So France “bringing Russia into the fold”? France “getting NATO on the same page” to lead a charge against dastardly terrorist types? Nope. That’s just as naive as hoping that Russia was either sincere about squashing ISIS or helping Assad (either goal would at least speed a non-ISIS resolution to the Syrian conflict — and life under Assad wasn’t nearly as screwed up as life in a civil war…). Syria is, for the moment, a useful problem for France. That doesn’t mean that French politicians won’t accidentally start believing their own rhetoric (the way the Americans did after the invasion of Iraq was over… whoops!), but unlike 2001, the world today is full of threats that are obviously more important than chasing brown guys. In view of the Cold War II / WWIII type issues at stake right now, if the Europeans get serious about “solving” terrorism they are much more likely to resort to historically typical European solutions such as mass deportation at spear-point, mass military impressment, mass concentration, or mass execution than believing that an air campaign is going to make anything change (well, maybe carpet bombing would have some effect…).
France is a lot more likely to play Syria partly to drive a wedge between Russia and NATO (particularly Germany and Turkey), partly to demonstrate to Russia that France is willing to deal (and has something worth dealing), partly to show Washington where the red lines are (without spoiling the relationship with AFRICOM), and partly for the domestic electoral lulz. Killing ISIS guys is always good press and all it costs (right now) is printing more money and a general disregard for collateral damage (which is, ironically, why the Americans are always going to be utterly ineffective — they are absolutely afraid to hurt anyone, and religious bad guys are very good at hiding in plain sight, right behind rows of school children). Aside from this there is a vast array of geopolitical opportunities open in Syria right now, because of how the Syrian play augments the Russian play in Armenia (to pressure Turkey and keep Georgia as an effective vassal). Syria has become an interesting stage upon which Cold War II politics is playing out — this act of it, anyway.
Turkey Responds to Russia: “No”
Filed under: Politics / Geopolitics — Tags: Armenia, ISIS, Russia, Syria, Turkey, US — zxq9 @ 23:46
As I mentioned when Russian airstrikes in Syria began, the airstrikes have nothing to do with Assad and everything to do with keeping Washington distracted, maintaining the status quo in Syria (that is, prolonging the conflict), and pressuring Turkey (as an expansion on the already decades-old play of keeping Armenia at odds with Turkey and Azerbaijan).
The Russians did what militaries so often do when they want to present a pressuring posture and forced the issue by violating a political target’s airspace while in the course of some other operation (consider the US Navy’s recently deliberate disregard of what the Chinese claim are their “territorial waters” in the South China Sea — though the issue there is almost exactly reversed: the Chinese are the aggressors in the sense that they are laying claim to broad swathes of ocean over which Beijing has never had any practical control). Turkey decided to take the opportunity to send a message to both Moscow and Washington by shooting down a Russian jet.
The important message Ankara is sending is that they will not cooperate on any terms with Moscow, that Ankara still considers itself a Western-ally, and — perhaps most interestingly — forcing the public dialog to become, at least temporarily, about the geopolitical game that is going on instead of the incidental and petty distraction of Assad and ISIS that has been filling the news. ISIS has used terror tactics to get in the news lately (Paris made a big splash, after all), and now Turkey has used a similar technique, though not terrorism by any stretch, to change the focus of public reporting for at least a few days.
If Washington was waiting for a green light in the region before surprising everyone with a sudden shift from Arab to Persian support, this was it. The best move right now would be for Obama to show up in Tehran tomorrow, and Washington to flip sides overnight, both with regard to Tehran/Riyadh and ISIS/Assad. By getting on the Persian side of things Russia has nowhere to go, loses its lever in Iran, and has to (for the first time in two decades) react to Washington instead of being the initiator. The Israelis and Egyptians will play ball — they have before and they will again (and judging by Bibi’s deft use of hyperbolic rhetoric over the last few years, he’s ready to make a deal that let’s Tel Aviv relax), and Turkey is all but shouting out loud in plain language that its time to pinch the destabilizing issues at their source.
Whether anyone who is allowed to make a decision is paying attention is anyone’s guess — the last several years of American policy make me wonder if anyone is paying any attention at all… which is probably why Ankara is trying its hardest to force a focus on the strategic issues that underlie the future-changing alignment shifts in the region instead of letting the public dialog remain purely about peripheral issues like ISIS and Assad.
A More Likely Calculus Behind Russian Airstrikes in Syria
Filed under: Politics / Geopolitics — Tags: America, distraction, Geopolitics, interventionism, Putin, Russia, strategy, Syria, US, Washington — zxq9 @ 14:43
The media has been abuzz with talk about the Russian airstrikes in Syria. More than a few people have asked me about it. This is a record of my thoughts immediately after hearing the first news.
I haven’t gone to any great trouble to find out the names of places hit or who did what when or whatever. I don’t really need to. I have been expecting Russia to become (more overtly) involved in the Syrian/Iraqi conflict for quite a while now. The news reports I’ve read confirmed the expected: Moscow is not yet picking sides, but is definitely picking targets that will provoke Washington to double-down on its already deep investment in meaningless, expensive actions in the Middle East.
The frustrating part about those “news reports”, however, is they they purport to be news reports but are just pages and pages of unfounded speculation designed to satisfy emotional needs. None attempt to explain how Moscow’s actions may fit into the framework of this or that possible ongoing strategy, evaluate western assumptions about what is going on, determine whether or not Moscow’s activity supports or challenges those assumptions, or highlight any areas where Russian actions require further analysis due to some evident incongruity with whatever was previously assumed to be happening in the world.
Obviously we’ve gotten something wrong or else we would have seen this coming (well, a few of us did, but we aren’t the ones anyone pays attention to). None of that is addressed in the media. But then again neither truth nor analysis nor truthful analysis is the business that media is in. It is in the business of selling advertizing, impressions, user data and click metrics as cheaply as possible, and sensationalism is the best tool at hand for that (other than porn, but that’s already a saturated market).
The explanation the media seems obsessed with is that Putin’s goal is to support his good buddy Assad. The slightly more interesting version goes on to explain that neither Assad nor Putin have attacked ISIS directly, but have instead attacked the smaller factions. Some speculate that this is so that Assad can force any decision about foreign support to be a polar decision between himself or ISIS. By excluding other factions as viable alternatives he can appear to be the only reasonable choice by comparison, the lesser of two evils. At least that is an interesting take on things, and probably not far from the truth. Assad’s truth, anyway. But it doesn’t explain Putin at all; he doesn’t have a horse in that race unless we assume that he just really, really likes Assad.
To believe in this deep and abiding love between those two naughty star-struck dictators we have to answer a few difficult questions: Why is the only support a few airstrikes on minor targets? Why hasn’t Putin leveraged any of his other influence in the region to gain support for Assad? Where is Kadyrov & co. when they are needed? Why hasn’t Tehran been empowered/proded by Moscow to do anything about their (supposed) mutual pal? Where is the old Hezbollah magic when its needed? Why he has waited this long to actually do anything?
I could go on, but suffice to say this isn’t about any Putin-Assad bromance as much as it is about distracting Washington. Its pretty obvious which of those two goals is more important to Russian strategy.
“Hmmm… should our strategy focus on Washington or Damascus… I just can’t make up my mind! Man, this political stuff is really hard! Decisions decisions…”
— What is not going through Putin’s mind
It is silly to concoct an explanation which consists purely of a flimsy, unsupported assertion (“to support Assad”) and then drag a reader through page after page of humanistic moralizations, vague calls for the “international community to act”, regurgitation of random violence statistics, fun factoids about how shitty life in the Middle East might be, or even go off on a long explanation about target selection without addressing why Assad would be Putin’s choice. Even that is premature without addressing the possibility that perhaps Putin has not made a choice. It should absolutely be explained that for Moscow there does not have to be a meaningful distinction of choice. Neither of these guys are amateurs nor is either stuck in the Geopolitics lvl1 Tutorial Playground of this particular game. (Washington, on the other hand…)
I saw some rather lengthy articles about the Russian airstrikes, many well over 4 pages. None of them referenced the history of external influence in the region. Not a single mention of the Turks, not a single mention of how WWI impacted the region, not a single mention of the whole King Faisal I thing (no, not that set of Faisals, the Iraqi/Syrian ones), no reference to how the typical “put a minority in power to foster future political dependency on you” play works (ever wonder how the tiny Alawite minority came to be in charge?). Not any of that. The media simply makes it appear as though Putin is desperately in love with his long-time buddy Assad — two great pals against the world, backs against the wall, willing to do anything for each other. Which is ridiculous.
Off the cuff I would say Putin is definitely angling to create space for Assad, but the reason for that is probably to achieve two goals, neither being “to support Assad”:
Tie Washington down in a pointless game (or rather deepen its investment in the ongoing one).
Maintain the status-quo in Syria.
(There are very likely peripheral goals and incidental benefits to any action Putin takes, and some of them may turn out to have interesting long-term repercussions.* These are just the goals that fit this action in this place at this time the most closely.)
The West, and especially the US, has already invented a rhetoric that mandates unlimited political agitation whenever anything unrelated to Europe or the US happens in the Middle East. Lighting a fire larger than a BBQ grill, for example, may cause a 4-hour special on some news channel, or maybe even a Muslim riot in London or Paris (or more likely a cartoon which itself prompts such rioting — strange that lengthy, detailed, deliberate editorials don’t have the same effect). This rhetoric prompts Washington to invest ever more deeply in pointless actions designed to deflect other pointless actions which may or may not come to pass in the Middle East (like countering Russian influence with Assad, for example). The West is a gigantic, over-charged Van de Graaff generator right now, rubbing itself to pieces internally with angst, just waiting for some poor lab student to come too close. This is as easy for Moscow to exploit as unattended lab equipment is for mischievous high schoolers.
By attacking anything that is both not Assad and not ISIS in Syria Putin is subject to the following effects:
Loses
Very little money
Very little military supply
Exactly zero international standing (any faction that matters has already decided their support/neutrality/opposition to Moscow)
Actual pilot experience
A live, public, and very well photographed showcase for Russia’s new aircraft and weapons (Hey! Its not 1988 anymore!)
Vastly improved domestic political standing (He made a point of being seen sidestepping both the “save face at the UN before doing whatever we were going to do anyway” and “coalition building” games. In fact, he made the “international community” in general and the UN in particular look like troublesome trivialities to Moscow. Russians love this. Incidentally, Americans would too…)
Nothing (the probability that Washington will manage to comprehend what is actually going on and turn it around on Moscow is very close to zero)
Massive media blather and especially social media buzz in the US (Obama’s kryptonite seems to be social media)
Massive white-knighting around the world about how “someone should do something!” where “someone” always really means “Americans” and “do something” always means “blow something/someone up (but without actually offending or hurting anyone or actually blowing anything up… on second thought, just talk convincingly tough about taking action and then censor the media to make it appear that things that don’t affect my life at all but rile me up all the same have actually ceased to occur)”
The US to double-down on its “anti-terror” investment in one form or another
The US to bleed money it doesn’t have
The US to commit resources it can’t afford
Prolong ongoing American strategic distractions in politically irrelevant areas
Prolong ongoing developmental and structural distractions within the US military (Washington has a strategic need to widen the gap in space tech, turn the Air Force into the Space Force and extend its naval dominance to space, not yet another multi-billion-dollar plan for a truck design that would be great if we get in a time machine and re-occupy Iraq but useless in actual force-on-force infantry operations.)
Distracting Washington is the primary goal, not actually supporting Assad or causing problems for this or that American-aligned faction in Syria. Support for Assad and causing problems for whichever groups happen to be American proxies this week is incidental to the goal of cheaply stirring shit up. He’s trying to suck the Americans in somewhere that is cheap for Moscow but very expensive for Washington (both politically and financially).
This strategy worked very well for him in Afghanistan. It bought him an opening to get its way with Poland (after the demise of almost the entire Polish government in a profoundly well-timed plane crash inside of Russia), invade Georgia, take over Ukraine and demonstrate that American security promises are empty whenever Washington is distracted. These actions have had the side effect of deflating the European economy, prompting France to create an opening for itself to re-establish its West African empire and destroy ENI’s main gas alternative (by blowing up Lybia — and before you ask, no that had nothing at all to do with Ghaddafi, freedom or the “Arab Spring”).
Making your opponent expend massively more effort than you do is a winning strategy. The US actually used to be very good at making this sort of play itself, but has apparently lost the touch ever since it bought into the totally bullshit idea that peace was about to break out all over the world with the fall of the Iron Curtain. Oops.
Interestingly, one of the most outspokenly “pro-peace” sort of nations, France, has recovered its knack for both low-cost/high-yield military operations and empire building all while continuing to make the Americans look like the “real bad guy” most of the time (even if its half tongue-in-cheeck). Paris and Moscow are both riding pretty sizeable winning streaks achieved through some heavy-duty, but subtle, geopolitical maneuvering over the last fifteen years**. Impressive.
The appearance of support for Assad works in Putin’s favor because it makes Washington get even more intense about not being his supporter, and reality be damned because politicians are absolutely going to be tripping over each other to be the first to condemn and then be seen as acting against these “ill intended and dangerous Russian activities”.
The air strikes aren’t designed to actually support Assad winning the civil war, they are designed to create space for him. This delays any conclusion to a conflict which is itself useful to Moscow. This gives Moscow time to decide whether it is worth the trouble to support the Alawites once things are over, and judging by how easy it was to dupe Washington into blowing a decade of prosperity in Afghanistan for absolutely no reason at all, it may just be able to turn this strategy around again in Syria.
The Turks, Sunnis and Kurds are all much more important geopolitically. Being a sponsor of Assad’s Syria would turn out the same way Russia’s “sponsorship” of Iran has turned out (lukewarm on the hottest of days). The Arabs are fundamentally more important to Moscow, so the Persians will only get anything from Moscow when it would hurt Washington to give Tehran anything. Other than that, they are just the red-headed stepchildren Russia doesn’t really have much use for. These are “meh, take-em-or-leave-em” allies. The Alawites in Syria are in very nearly the same situation, as evidenced by several political generations of foreign influence now.
[* This would be true of any of a list of potential Russian military moves right now. Listed above are the two primary short-term goals against which the decision was made to actually order sorties in Syria and at this time. Consider that an incidental outcome of invading Georgia at the the end of August 2008 was crashing the European economy. Once it was demonstrated that the East European side of the Yen carry trade was not a secure way to underwrite Western European securities that carry trade unwound and with it quite a few other things that happened to be very ready to get blown over at the next strong wind. People were very deeply invested, both emotionally and financially, in being blind to this risk. If this were a real risk it meant that the pan-European dream didn’t make sense. It meant that war was not actually “a thing of the past”. It meant that pure egalitarianism was unworkable. The reality that offensive power still matters more than the opinions of intellectuals who spend most of their time trying to not offend one another is downright scary. This emotional barrier gave birth to a worldview which made the bizarre explanations that invoke a mysterious “American economic contagion” from two years prior sound like a reasonable definition of “the problem” — the economy is full of highly technical issues and mysterious pitfalls, after all. It is much more comfortable to think that “the Americans” might be the problem than either “the Russians” or the chance that the European economy itself might be inherently unsustainable. Of course, these explanations miraculously avoided any mention of the unopposed Russian invasion aimed at one of two non-Russian pipelines feeding Europe’s economy the week before the crash. So while Putin’s reasoning behind making the attacks where and when they did focus around the two goals above this is a period in which he stands to gain a lot by making very public demonstrations of political and military strength.]
[ ** What France and Russia have been doing is not evil. Geopolitics is what it is, and its not going to change for you or me. You can’t start moralizing about it just because your side is on the losing end of some issue, or some particular aspect of history is emotionally significant to you (right now), or because you really, really want the world to be some great centrally-administered perfect Eutopia. That sort of thinking doesn’t get anyone anywhere. Letting your emotions get the better of you in politics — thinking in terms of “what should be” instead of “what is” — only confers blindness.]
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Buddy Logan & The Ride Home!Buddy Logan & The Ride Home!
Portland, Bath Host Blood Drives to Honor 4-Year-Old Lost to Cancer
Lou Lockwood
Courtesy of Amie Marzen
Sometimes the best way to honor a lost loved one is to roll up your sleeves and give something back.
Portland and Bath are doing just that with two memorial blood drives in memory of Madeline Marzen, a 4-year-old Bath resident who lost a brief and rigorous battle with a malignant brain tumor in the fall of 2017.
On May 21, Easterseals Maine will host a blood drive with a Red Cross Mobile unit on-site at 125 Presumpscot Street in Portland. On June 13, the Red Cross will be at the Bath Senior Center at 45 Floral Street in Bath, home of the Midcoast Life Church.
It won't be the first time scores of people turn out to donate in Madeline's name; between four drives in 2018, more than 150 people donated blood, saving roughly three times that number of lives.
“We were blown away with the outcome of our first blood drives last year,” said Madeline’s mom, Amie Marzen, in a press release. “There are so many kids still fighting, including several fighting the same tumor my daughter fought, so this blood drive is for them.”
Madeline needed three transfusions/platelets during her two-month battle with cancer, and her mom says watching her receive that donated blood each time made her want to pay it forward for others.
Amie has donated blood six times her daughter’s passing only two Octobers ago.
Anyone wanting to donate is encouraged to register at the American Red Cross’ website, redcrossblood.org. Search for “Madeline” to select either drive, or pledge to donate in her name through Sleevesup.org by searching "Madeline’s Blood Drives 2019." The Bath drive will include child care for the duration of any parents' donations, thanks to volunteers at Midcoast Life Church.
For more info, contact Amie Marzen, Madeline's mother, at 207-449-2896 or by emailing amie.marzen@gmail.com.
Source: Portland, Bath Host Blood Drives to Honor 4-Year-Old Lost to Cancer
Filed Under: Donate, drive, girl, Sick
We've Got Your Chance for Unbelievable Blake Shelton Experience
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We don't wear jerseys
Keitarock – Let’z Get It Crack’n
1. In da hood we trust (feat. Gonzoe)
The album starts off with a nice track with a female rapper on it. Keita Rock’s is starting off the first verse with a nice drop and then the female rapper kick in with some nice shit. In the third verse Keita Rock’s dissing Snoop some while saying he’s a General. The beat is nice and the hook is really cool. I have no idea where Gonzoe was supposed to be on this track unless that’s him on the hook.
2. I’m on oneâ! (feat. Bruce Wane)
This is a cool track with nice production and Bruce Wane is a cool rapper. You can tell Keita Rock isn’t really a rapper tho. He’s still doing good for not being an experienced rapper. Beat is kinda slow – speed it up.
3. Be my lady (feat. Young Hogs & Me-Me)
This is more like it. The production on this isn’t as slow, and it’s a lot tighter than on the past 2 tracks. Young Hogs and Me-Me is spitting some good shit and Keita’s doing his part good too. The hook is off the hook! 😉
4. Can’t f#@ck wit this (feat. Low-Lifes)
Another tight beat. P.S. Dog produced it and he also produced the first track on the cd. Low-Lifes seem to be a good group. I didn’t really hear a lot from them before but they seem cool. The hook is cool too, but what’s making this track special is the neat beat.
5. I know! (feat. Suga Free & Jaz’mina)
“I knowâ!†is probably my favourite track of this album so far. Suga Free’s coming out tight like he usually do, and the production is amazing. The beat isn’t special but the way they mixed it is really cool. Jaz’mina is a good female rapper. Keita Rock’s coming out hard too.
6. Represent’n (faet. De Ja Vu)
When I first heard this track I enjoyed the beat, but after listening to it a second time I’m thinking the song is kinda wack. The beat is ok but the lyrics are weak. Keita Rock’s saying he’s gonna kill the haters etc.
7. Straight from the streetz (feat. Bruce Wane)
Bruce Wayne’s opening up this track nicely to a cool, kind of mellow, beat. If anyone got this cd, please tell me if Keita Rock is on this song at all. Maybe I’m crazy but I don’t think he’s on it at all. It’s a very nice track tho.
8. Fast Life (feat. Dre’sta da gangsta)
Dre’sta is one of the rappers that rarely come out wack. This is no exception, because Dre’sta is doing a great job and saves the track. The production’s cool too. It’s a Dj Quik kinda beat with a nice piano roll over it. Kenny KcCloud produced itâ!One question thoâ! did Keita Rock stop appearing on his own album??? This sounds like a solo-track to me. If Keita Rock’s on it he’s just doing the hook with Dre’sta or something.
9. Let’z Get It Crackin’ (feat. Malikaih)
This is an other of those slow jams Keita Rock seems to like. Malikaih’s a good rapper with a raw flow. They could have chosen him to be featured on another, more raw song, but that’s up to them to decide. Keita Rock’s showing that he doesn’t have much of a flow.
10. That’z big (feat. Mista Cavi)
Nice beat, but wack verses and wack chorus. Too bad on Mista Cavi since I know he can do better than this. Skip this track.
11. Hit’cha upside yo’ head (feat. Tha Young Hogs)
Another Kenny McCloud production. This time he dropped his Quik kind of style and brought in some other west coast hard hitting kinda beats. I’m sorry to say tho: He should’ve done them for an other rapper. Keita Rock should stick to being an A&R. The track’s getting a few levels better after his verse is done and Tha Young Hogs do their thing.
12. Where da hoodstas at? (feat. Gonzoe)
I don’t know much about the producer Kenny McCloud, but I’d like to know more about him and his works! This beat is blazin and he’s probably the one holding this album up to a average level since Keita Rock isn’t doing it. We all know Gonzoe can make some tight shit, and he’s doing it again on this track. Keita Rocks lyrics are cool on this one too, actually.
13. Ouch! (feat. CJ Mack)
CJ Mack is featured on this song and he also produced it. The production’s kind of slow, and it’s tight! CJ Mack’s dissing some people, like Hittman. He’s saying Hittman probably won’t be droppedâ! He was right. Keita Rock’s dissing Snoop, Xzibit and some other people. He’s naming a lot of West Coast rappers and saying if they’re cool or if they’re a fake. It’s a good diss track.
14. L.A. Crime bosses (feat. Mista Cavi & Me-Me)
From what I heard, this was the single off the album. I doubt it got a lot of airplay but I don’t think they expected it to either. It’s a nice track tho and once again Kenny McCloud produced a tight beat. I can see why it wasn’t a super-hit tho. This album belong on an underground level and so does the single.
I like this album. The production was good – especially the tracks produced by Kenny McCloud. The one thing they coulda done to make the album better was to remove Keita Rock from some verses and put others on it. That way it’d be a compilation. It’s almost a compilation as it is!
I’m being honest: Keita Rock isn’t a rapper. He was an A&R on Death Row. I gotta give him props for trying tho. I’ll rate this album 2.5 out of 5.
This entry was posted in '00, From The Vault and Relevant Keitarock by WWC. Bookmark the permalink.
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Your complete guide to getting enough sleep everyday
monkeybusinessimages, ThinkStock
Oh sleep, how much we love it and need it. There are such things however as sleeping too little or too much and a couple sleep conditions you need to be aware of so you're fully energized every morning.
Sleep is a necessity of life, that's a given, but how do you know how much sleep you actually need at night?
Dr. Gerald Ferencz, Sleep Medicine Physician at Community Medical Sleep Center says it varies from person to person.
"The majority of people do need between six and eight hours but there are groups of people who really get away with three or four hours of sleep and there are others who need ten or twelve hours," Ferencz said.
His advice for a good nights sleep, develop a routine of going to bed at the same time every night, waking up at the same time every morning and avoiding any sugary or caffeinated drinks or snacks or engaging in anything that can be distracting at least an hour before bedtime and avoid any heavy exercise four hours before bedtime.
He says keeping the room dark and quiet and putting away electronic devices can help you get a good nights sleep as well.
A good indicator you got enough sleep the night before is a simple test.
"If you're comfortable and during the day you can function and if you're in a really boring situation and you're sitting there looking at your fingers, counting stars or doing anything else but getting drowsy, then you've had enough sleep," Ferencz said. "If you're in a boring situation and you're drowsy, you're sleep deprived."
He says making up for lost sleep isn't easy.
"For every hour of sleep you miss, you have to make up two-hours," Ferencz said.
Who could use a nap?
While they give us a charge of the batteries, sleeping too long can throw you off for going to bed at night.
Dr. Ferencz says 10-20 minute power naps are good but try not to sleep more than 40-minutes during the day.
"An hour of sleep may actually get you into a deeper sleep, stage-3, and that's the kind of sleep that we've all had...we take a nap, you wake up and feel worse after the sleep because you're just not getting alert again," Ferencz.
He says any sleep you get during the day counts toward your nightly sleep.
So if you do end up napping for an hour or so during the day, subtract an hour from nighttime sleep.
Have you ever heard of R.E.M.? No, not the rock band, (although I'm a big fan of their music).
What we're talking about something to do with how you sleep at night.
It stands for Rapid Eye Movement.
Dr. Ferencz says REM sleep or Dream Sleep is divided into four stages of sleep that accounts for 25-percent of your sleep activity while your heading off to dreamland.
"As someone sinks from light sleep to a regular deep sleep, the brain rhythms slow down dramatically but when they pop into REM sleep, the brain speeds up again and there's a lot of eye movements," Ferencz said.
He says REM sleep is a must for everyone, disordered thinking and memory problems could start to occur without the proper rest.
Ferencz does add that sometimes REM dreams tend be a very active or bizarre dream where you're running from a flood or being chased.
Although many people, he says, are able to recount their dreams from a REM stage.
Sleep is a wonderful thing, (just ask any teenager), but there is actually one kind of sleep condition that can be pretty scary.
You go to sleep exhausted and dire need of rest.
When you wake you can hear everything, the music playing in your room, someone on the phone, the birds chirping outside, the TV blasting, the lawn mower going outside, etc. but, you can't move or speak.
It's called sleep paralysis, "where the brain becomes awake or your conscious is awake but you have not yet connected back to your motor system."
Dr. Ferencz says as your waking up your brain is alert but your body is paralyzed.
"It takes some movement or sound to just jump you into getting that connection made," Ferencz said.
It's usually a result of being very sleep deprived and is fairly normal but if it happens frequently, he says, it may be narcolepsy.
If you're ever in this state, my advice from experience is to relax and don't panic but focus on what you can control at that moment...your're brain...it's like learning to move all over again. So slowly take a deep breath in and blow out and leap up at the same time. It doesn't always work on the first try but be patient and you''ll be okay.
More From The Jersey Shore:
Filed Under: dreams, sleep
Categories: Health, Lifestyle, New Jersey News, News
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chicago proud
Chicago neighborhoods shown through students' eyes on My Block, My Hood, My City tours
By Cate Cauguiran
CHICAGO (WLS) -- It's often said that Chicago is a city of neighborhoods, and who better to educate others about those neighborhoods than the young people who live within them? An organization is helping students on the South and West sides do just that this summer.
Civic organization My Block, My Hood, My City offers teens the chance to learn more about their neighborhoods by training them to be tour guides and lead tours of their own neighborhoods.
"A lot of these students here, they order their food from bullet-proof glass windows. There's an overwhelming police presence in this community. Just a divested area," said the organization's founder and CEO Jahmal Cole. "It gives them presentation skills for college and also teaches them history as a neighborhood."
The three-hour tour aims to connect local youth to areas that they never knew existed and connect Chicagoans from outside these neighborhoods to places they'd otherwise never visit.
"Instead of hearing about the deficits in the community, we want them to talk about the assets," Cole said. "So, 'Hey, here's where Dr. King Jr. lived when he lived in North Lawndale.'"
This is the second year the organization has hosted these summer student-led tours.
Some of the student tour guides themselves were surprised to learn about places just across the street from where they lived.
"I love this program. It's a good program for kids to do; to come and be successful in life and have a better opportunity than what they have," said Lonzail Johnson, one of the student guides.
Local tourists say they love it too.
"I had not heard of it before and to be able to walk around with these kids and learn about their neighborhood is just so much fun," said Blaire Strom, who was on a tour through Lawndale on Sunday.
Strom added that she may never have visited the neighborhood if it weren't for the tour.
In addition to the educational component, the youth tour program also offers these students a paid summer job.
"A lot of the kids don't have nothing to do in the summer time so what better way than try to employ them to talk about the assets of their community?" Cole said.
Tours will continue through the end of August.
Visit My Block, My Hood, My City's website to learn more and sign up for a tour.
community & eventschicagolawndalesummerneighborhoodchicago proudstudents
Off-duty officer saves choking baby at Skokie Shake Shack
Muralist rebuilds vandalized altar for Our Lady of Guadalupe in Little Village
Chicago barber gives free haircuts on South Side
Foster father dedicated to giving young men a loving home
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Some delay retirement due to stock market
David Domaine is almost 65 years old.
"Next month I become retired. I'm 65 on the November 12th, and I will not be able to retire," says Domaine.
Domaine's reasons echo those of millions of Americans who are now delaying retirement.
"I do not have enough money saved," says Domaine.
Not only do many Americans not have enough savings they are now learning that their 410k plans IRAs and other retirement accounts tied to the stock market have tanked.
"I'm a little concerned about if I have enough finances to retire," says Charlene Wolak.
The news has also affected those people who are still years away from retirement like Charlene Wolak.
"I'm planning to meet with a financial planner at some point soon to find out if I'm close or way out of touch with reality," says Wolak.
Eric Heckman has been a financial planner for the past 16 years. He says if you had your retirement funds in the stock market then there isn't much you can do but wait for a recovery. He says you can protect any new money that you plan to hold over for retirement.
"If you're really scared about the market put your new money, the money you're contributing every paycheck, put that in a money market or put it in a government bond fund. Then at least you know your new money won't go down hopefully anymore," says Heckman.
What Heckman suggests is what AARP found many people over 45 have started doing.
In a phone survey they found 60 percent of those surveyed said they will delay retirement about 20 percent said they have increased the number of hours they will work and 24 percent have stopped depositing any new money into their 401k or IRAs.
Financial planner Eric Heckman advises, be smart about your money don't panic and get some advice.
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Filed Under: Board Certification, Medical Optometry
Medical Optometry Recognized by Credentialing Bodies
Recognition of Medical Optometry
Formed in 2009, the American Board of Certification in Medical Optometry is now recognized by credentialing committees at over 100 Joint Commission accredited medical facilities across the nation that have appointed ABCMO certified optometrists as specialists in medical optometry rather than general practice.+ Specialists hold Level 2 credentials after completing an accredited specialty residency, passing a national specialty examination and certification by a recognized specialty board.
This acceptance of ABCMO certification established medical optometry as a recognized specialty and resulted from its adoption of specialty requirements analogous with those required of specialists in medicine, osteopathy, dentistry and podiatry.
Facilities Recognizing ABCMO Certification
Accredited medical facilities recognizing ABCMO specialty certification include:
Federal hospitals: Department of Veteran’s Affairs medical centers and clinics, Army-Navy-Air Force hospitals and clinics, Walter Reed Medical Center and Indian Health Service of the US Public Health Administration. (79 facilities to date)
State Licensed Hospitals: Notably the Mayo Clinic and University Hospitals. (24)
Credentialing documenters: CHG Healthcare, Air Force Centralized Credentials Verification Office, CVS, Valforce, VeriPoint, Merrit-Hawkins, Aperture. (7)
Private eye practices. (26)
Academic teaching facilities. (7)
ABCMO has now certified 418 optometrists to date, of which over half are members of the medical staff at accredited federal hospitals and clinics.
The typical ABCMO certified optometrist is an AOA member, Fellow or Section Diplomate of the American Academy of Optometry, faculty at an affiliated school of optometry and medical staff member at a Joint Commission accredited medical facility (federal and state).
Joint Commission accredited facilities conduct mandatory re-credentialing reviews of their medical staff and now require verification of ABCMO certification during credentialing reviews.+
With 24% of optometry school graduates completing specialty residencies other nascent specialties may soon seek recognition. The American Board of Optometry Specialties, sponsored by ABCMO, is prepared to assist in their development.
Note: While medical optometry residencies began at Veterans Affairs hospitals, optometrists completing accredited residency training in medical optometry at schools and non-VA facilities may apply for ABCMO certification. About 35% of ABCMO certified optometrists did not train, or practice at a federal medical facility. This percentage will continue to increase with the growth of non-VA medical optometry residencies.
VA Optometry Residencies
In 1946 the VA was first directed by Congress to establish medical residencies but VA optometry residencies for optometrists did not begin until 1975.
Congress realized in 1945 VA hospitals were ill prepared to care for the large numbers of WWII veterans and authorized building new VA hospitals affiliated with medical-dental-nursing schools, higher pay schedules and VA student intern and residency training programs for physicians, dentists and nurses. Today the VA is the largest component for training interns and residents in the country via its teaching affiliations.*
Unfortunately the 1946 VA modernization did not include optometry staff or affiliations with schools of optometry that continued to lack access to medical facilities, even at universities with medical and optometry schools and a nearby VA hospital.
To be fair, optometry’s isolation from hospital-based training was due to both its fear of being absorbed by medicine and a now expired AMA decree barring physicians from taking part in optometry training. In 1970 the VA still employed but 9 elderly Civil Service optometrists and had no optometry school affiliations but did have backlogs of veterans seeking eye care. Studies by schools of optometry, the American Optometric Association and the U.S. General Accounting Office documented VA lacked optometry staff, equipment, teaching affiliations and adequate salaries; the same conditions that had existed in 1945 for VA medical, dental and nursing care before VA modernization.
As in 1946, Congress responded to those findings by enacting legislation in 1976 that authorized a VA Optometry Service, transferred VA optometrists from Civil Service to the VA Medical-Dental salary scales and mandated optometry teaching affiliations; actions mirroring those of 1946 for VA medical, dental and nursing programs. As a result VA optometry care rapidly increased in quality and availability.
In 1975 the Kansas City VA hospital affiliated with the U. of California at Berkeley School of Optometry to create the first hospital optometry residency in the nation, training optometrists for hospital-based practice, a new area of optometry training.
That residency proved so effective other VAs developed optometry residencies and optometry student intern rotation programs expanded with them. (The first student rotations began in 1973 at the Birmingham VA hospital in affiliation with the University of Alabama, at Birmingham, School of Optometry.)
Today 70% of optometry students complete at least one VA rotation before graduation and the VA now has over 725 full-time optometrists on its medical staffs; operates 86 optometry residency programs training 215 optometry residents per year and VA optometry clinics have over 1.4 million unique patients enrolled.
NAVAO Calls for Specialty Exam
At its annual meeting in 1998 the National Association of VA Optometrists (NAVAO) decided a standardized examination to test the competency of those completing VA optometry medical optometry residencies was a high priority.
NAVAO believed this specialty examination would address concerns of the VA Office of Academic Affiliations that while VA residencies in medical optometry were popular and accredited, there was no quantitative measure to assess the competence of those completing them. And, after extensive meetings between NAVAO and the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (the profession’s independent testing body utilized by optometry schools and state licensing boards), a joint working committee developed the written specialty examination, “Advanced Competence in Medical Optometry” (ACMO), first administered in 2005 and thereafter annually.
The ACMO examination was the second step in developing medical optometry as a recognized specialty, and is a metric by which the VA, optometry schools, and ABCMO can assess medical optometry residency programs at VA and non-VA facilities.
While the majority of VA residency programs emphasize medical optometry, there are others that emphasize “low vision” and “vision rehabilitation” that can be expected to develop similar examinations and certifying boards in the future.
Establishing ABCMO
ABCMO organized in 2009 to certify optometrists who completed an accredited postgraduate medical optometry residency at an accredited medical facility, passed the ACMO examination and met other professional requirements. Establishing ABCMO allowed medical optometry to meet all three requirements of a recognized specialty—Specialty Residency, Specialty Examination, Specialty Board certification.
This process took 34 years and required close cooperation between the VA, the nation’s schools of optometry and the profession’s residency accrediting body.
While a slow process, thirty-four years was also typically the time required to establish specialties in medicine and dentistry.
In return for its support the VA has benefited from team delivery of eye care, better relations between medicine and optometry, reduced waiting times and creation of a national pool of hospital-trained optometrists from which it can recruit. A higher percentage of VA medical optometry residents practice in the VA than any other specialty. For example, the current national Director of the VA Optometry Service completed a VA residency, served as a VA staff optometrist and a VA Optometry Section Chief prior to appointment in Central Office.
Nature of Specialty Training and Certification
Specialty boards began to appear first in medicine as it broadened in scope to the extent a physician with an internship after graduation, could not be competent in all areas. The first specialty organized in 1930. With time, specialties formed coordinating bodies to develop uniform standards for residency training, specialty examinations and certification boards. Early boards had “grandfather clauses” to allow older practitioners to be certified without serving a residency; these usually expired within 5-years of the board’s creation. Certifications were life-long but today many certifications expire after 10 years with re-certification required via programs of Maintenance of Certification.
The system for training and certifying medical specialists developed at clinical facilities and arose sui generis, rather than by fiat from medical schools or state licensing bodies (the latter play no role in certifying specialists). The current coordinating body for allopathic physician specialists is the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS).
Credentialing of Medicare Physicians
Five prescribing health professions [allopathic-osteopathic Medical Doctors, Dentists, Optometrists and Podiatrists], are classified by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid as “Medicare Physicians”.
This is the peer group into which optometry credentialing must be compatible with as federal medical agencies use one, standardized qualification credentialing form for them.
In this credentialing system Medicare Physicians holding a state license are credentialed as general practitioners of their profession [Level 1 credentials]; Specialists, by completing a postgraduate specialty residency, passing a specialty examination and being certified by a specialty board hold Level 2 credentials. Sub-specialists, have fellowship training within a sub-specialty recognized by their specialty board and hold Level 3 credentials.
Most (90%) allopathic and osteopathic physicians hold specialty certifications but considerably fewer of the other three Medicare Physician are specialists because their state licenses already limit their scope of practice. Optometry has one specialty board.
Requirements for Specialty Recognition
Medical and osteopathic physicians, dentists, podiatrists and optometrists have separate, independent governing bodies for their specialties but share in common these key requirements for recognizing specialists:
Hold a clinical doctoral-degree from an accredited medical, osteopathic, dental, or podiatry school.
Complete an accredited, postgraduate residency in a defined specialty.
Hold a letter of endorsement from the Chief of their residency program.
Acquire a state license to practice their profession while in residency.
Following residency, pass the standardized national examination testing competence in their specialty required by their specialty certification board.
Meet additional requirements for certification by their specialty board such as nature/site of residency training, numbers of patients seen, recommendations of former residency supervisors and evidence of high moral character.
At this time there are over 30 recognized specialty certifying boards for allopathic physicians, 18 for osteopathic physicians, 9 for dentistry, 1 for optometry and 6 for podiatry.
Sub-specialists are credentialed by the specialty board of which they are a certified specialist after serving a fellowship in the sub-specialty.
Optometry Specialties Slow to Develop
Optometry educators have identified 11 areas suitable for specialization but only medical optometry has accredited residency programs, a standardized specialty examination (ACMO) and a specialty board recognized at Joint Commission accredited hospitals. Approximately 8% of optometrists practice within those accredited medical facilities.
While optometry’s legal and educational scope of practice have continued to widen, its national organization has seemed reluctant to endorse specialization although over 20% of graduates pursue specialty residency training. But specialization among the other licensed health professions has taken place with Pharmacy one example.#
In 1986 a committee of the American Optometric Association proposed guidelines by which a specialty could be recognized by non-profit specialty boards external to the AOA. But its House of Delegates voted against approving this and the AOA still has no policy on optometry specialties. ABCMO choose to align with those AOA guidelines and those of recognized specialty boards in medicine, osteopathy, dentistry and podiatry.
Earlier, the American Academy of Optometry in 1984 had examined the issue of specialization and certification and its Executive Committee concluded “being a fellow in the Academy” or a “section diplomate” did not constitute certification of clinical competence as they were “knowledge based” rather than “competency” based.
ABCMO therefore has had to emerge independently (like early medical specialty boards) and establish recognition by its acceptance at Joint Commission accredited health facilities as a Level 2 credential within the “Medicare Physician” credentialing system.
In summary, the three levels of staff appointments made at Joint Commission accredited health facilities for “Medicare Physicians” are:
Level 1: Degree and license to practice.
Level 2: Level 1 + specialty residency + board certification.
Level 3: Levels 1 and 2 + fellowship training within sub-specialty.
+ The Joint Commission (formerly Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Health Care Organizations) is the recognized gold standard of health care facility accreditation.
* The Dept. of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense (DOD) are separate Federal Agencies. VA cares for those discharged from active duty while DOD health systems care for active duty personnel and dependents. Retired military personnel are eligible for care from the VA or DOD.
# Though not considered “Medicare Physicians”, the Board of Pharmacy Specialties was organized in 1976 as an independent agency of the American Pharmacists Association and it recognizes five areas of specialty pharmacy practice: Nuclear Pharmacy, Nutrition Support Pharmacy, Oncology Pharmacotherapy and Psychiatric Pharmacy.
The factors and legal background leading to the formation of ABCMO and its credentialing standards are detailed here:
Optometry Credentialing at Medical Facilities
Articles 2.1, 18.1, 18.2 and 18.3 of ABCMO Bylaws
These links provide perspective and supplemental material explaining the ABCMO mission, why VA pioneered medical optometry residencies and the agreement of ABCMO criteria with standards and requirements of specialty certifications in medicine, dentistry and podiatry.
The Role of State Licensing
The majority of optometrists are in private practice for which the legal requirements are an O.D. degree from an accredited school or college of optometry and valid, current state license to practice optometry. The states, not the Federal Government issue licenses to physicians, dentists, optometrists and podiatrists as well as to non-medical practitioners (insurance agents, realtors, barbers, brokers, opticians, beauticians, etc.) State licensing boards do not regulate specialists other than requiring them to hold a state license.
Advent of Medical Specialists
Prior to WWI the majority of physicians were in private practice and had completed a one-year internship. Their training was geared to the solo practice of general medicine. With the spread of hospitals and beginning development of medical specialties, some young physicians sought specialized training by spending time with a hospital-based mentor.
One of those physicians was W.J. Mayo of Rochester, Minnesota who set aside time each year to study with an expert in a specific area. In 1894 he visited the new school of medicine at Johns Hopkins University, in Baltimore, where he met Dr. William Osler. Johns Hopkins was held as an example of how modern medical schools should be organized and had adopted the German style of medical education where permanent “chiefs” ran specialty clinics at which recent medical school graduates “resided” to study a specialty.
Dr. Mayo, impressed by this system, joined others in endorsing the Johns Hopkins model and adopted it for what is now the respected Mayo Clinic System. From this developed the “residency” training model. The Mayo Clinical System was among the first to accept ABCMO certification.
These residency “rules” were first established at Johns Hopkins:
Specialty training is at the postgraduate level.
This training is conducted within an accredited hospital under a specialty “chief” who is usually a faculty member at an affiliated medical school.
Residency training centers on patients suffering from conditions upon which the “chief” is an acknowledged expert.
The residency training center has sufficient patient flow to practice its specialty full time.
Residents are given greater responsibility for patients in graduated steps.
Residents are, mentored, monitored and “tested” during training.
When the “chief” believes a resident is qualified to practice the specialty the resident is given a “voucher of competence”.
The “voucher of specialist competence” was a letter from the residency “chief” attesting to a resident’s competence which evolved into a specialty certification process.
The Move to Board Certification of Specialists
Medical doctors are free, once granted their medical degree and license (which requires serving an internship of 1-2 years after graduation) to establish the type of private medical practice they wish, without completing postgraduate training in a specialty. At one time most physicians did not specialize after their internship and established general practices (GP). Today 90% of medical and osteopathic physicians complete a specialty residency and general practice itself is a specialty.
Prior to about 1950 physicians who did not wish to be a GP would list their practice as “limited”. For example, “oculists” were physicians limiting their practice to the eye while others limited their practice to specific organ(s) or diseases. These physicians had not served specialty residencies but had usually stressed those areas while an intern.
After WWII large numbers of young M D.s who served in the armed forces, upon returning home took advantage of the new G.I. Bill to pursue a specialty residency (or attend medical school) and more hospitals began to be built and the country M.D. who once did surgery in the office (or patient’s home) were becoming the minority. Meanwhile early medical insurance plans were forming around larger cities and industrial concerns.
The first specialty to establish board certification after residency was ophthalmology in 1930 to distinguish its practitioners from G.P.s, oculists, EENT doctors, optometrists, opticians and “doctors” who at that time sold mail-order patent medicines that “dissolved cataracts” or “treated” eye weakness.
But until about 1980 the majority of physicians operated private, independent practices, while holding hospital privileges to admit patients for more complex conditions or procedures. In those times the primary purpose of specialty board certification was to signal to their colleagues their area of expertise to enable referrals.
Board Certifications Comes of Age
With the advent of vertical integrations of medical care, public media advertising of health care as a commodity delivered by “providers”, insurance panels, and patients being thought of as “customers” to which TV ads pitched cures, health care changed dramatically and became a fungible business commodity. Its delivery was concentrating around hospitals, HMOs and large group practices and new physicians were becoming employees of them. Growing numbers of specialty procedures became performed only at hospitals or large group practices. The public and insurers became malpractice sensitive, particularly hospitals which used credentialing and privileging for quality control.
Physicians who once had no difficulty in obtaining hospital privileges without being board certified are now often unable to receive privileges. The new specialty of “hospitalist” developed for physicians practicing only within a hospital have no private office but coordinate the care by other specialists within hospitals.
The prime drivers of board certification have become hospitals for quality control purposes while the general public is only vaguely aware of its meaning.
Impact on Optometrists
While board certification is almost mandatory for medical physicians, it is of lesser importance to dentists and optometrists in general practice for which state licensure is the main requirement and hospital privileges not needed.
Podiatrists are affected to the extent they increasingly need to admit patients to hospitals for surgical treatment of below-the-knee conditions and diagnostic scans and tests and have moved, beginning in the 1970s, towards requiring residency training for state licensure. Many of their residency programs also began within VA medical centers and clinics and their utilization within the VA medical system was expanded by the same legislative initiatives applied to optometry in 1976 and equally successful in improving VA care.
Dentists have continued to perform most of their surgical procedures within their private or group offices but have established specialties and board certification programs. Most dentists are in general practice however, have not served residencies and are not board certified in general dentistry.
The majority of optometrists, like dentists, remain in private general practice without need to admit patients to a hospital. The specialty of medical optometry is predominately practiced within accredited medical facilities, optometry-ophthalmology eye centers, group optometry practices and rural optometry practices.
To Err is Human: Building a Safer Health System. Institute of Medicine, National Academy Press. Washington, D.C. ISBN 0-309-06837-1.
The Doctors Mayo, Garden City Publishing Co., Inc. Copyright 1941 by the University of Minnesota.
History of the American Academy of Optometry, James R Gregg. 1987.
Organizational Issues in Health Care Management, Alan Shelton. Spectrum Publications, Inc. 1975.
History of the VA Department of Medicine and Surgery. VA Central Office Library, Washington, D.C.
Bulletin from the Commission On Optometric Specialties, #106, May 29, 1986. AOA St. Louis Office.
Sample Application Form for “Medicare Physicians”
Medical Facilities Utilizing ABCMO Certification
The American Board of Certification in Medical Optometry (ABCMO) confers a specialty board certification for optometrists who have completed an ACOE accredited residency in medical optometry, passed the advanced specialty examination “Advanced Competence in Medical Optometry” administered by the National Board of Examiners in Optometry and met additional requirements specified in the ABCMO Bylaws. It is the only optometry specialty board certification available and congruent with recognized specialty boards in medicine, osteopathy and dentistry.
The following medical facilities have utilized ABCMO to verify specialist status in medical optometry. However, this list should be viewed as a sample only because it does not include requests for verification of certification from private practice offices.
Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Facilities
DVA Birmingham, AL
DVA Fayetteville, AR
DVA Tucson, AZ
DVA Wilmington, DE
DVA West Palm Beach, FL
DVA Chicago, IL
DVA Honolulu, HI
DVA Baltimore, MA
DVA Detroit, MI
DVA Battle Creek, MI
DVA St. Louis, MO
DVA Salisbury, NC
DVA Manchester, NH
DVA East Orange, NJ
DVA North Las Vegas, NV
DVA Montrose, NY
DVA Oklahoma City, OK
DVA Roseburg, OR
DVA Columbia, SC
DVA Fort Meade, SC
DVA Memphis, TN
DVA White River Jct., VT
DVA Puget Sound, WA
DVA Walla Walla, WA
DVA Milwaukee, WI
Non-DVA Medical Facilities
South East Alaska Regional Health Consortium, AK
Indian Health Service, AZ
Indian Health Svc., Chinle, AZ
Indian Health Svc., NE Tribal Health, Sys., AZ
Indian Health Svc., Tuba City, AZ
Tuba City Regional Health Care, AZ
Indian Health Care, Inc., Banning, CA
Naval Hospital, Camp Pendleton, CA
Sanford Health Care, CA
U. of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, IA
Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare, IA
Eye Specialists of Indiana Surgery Center, IN
Indiana U School of Optometry, Indianapolis Clinic, IN
Henry Ford Hospital System, Detroit, MI
Mayo Clinic, MN
Western Physicians Providers Inc (PHO), NE, SD, WY
Stony Brook Medicine, NY
Indian Health Svc., Lawton, OK
Northeastern State U College of Optometry, OK
Conemaugh Memorial Center, Johnstown, PA
Air Force Credentials Verification Office, TX
Gundersen Health Care, WI
Gunderson Lutheran Health Svc., WI
The Joint Commission is the recognized accrediting body for federal and state-chartered medical facilities.
At Joint Commission accredited medical facilities a required, standardized credentialing policy is the basis on which appointments to the medical staff, written clinical privileges and other responsibilities are individually assigned to licensed medical and osteopathic physicians, dentists, optometrists, podiatrists and chiropractors. These six professions thus undergo the same credentialing process and standards and are referred to as Medicare Physicians by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid for billing and other purposes.
Licensed practitioners other than this group of six are credentialed and assigned clinical privileges under separate, differing standards at Joint Commission accredited medical facilities and bill Medicare and Medicaid via different code groups.
This article explains how credentialing and privileging of this “group of six” is done, their three possible levels of privileging (general, specialty and subspecialty practice) and the role of the American Board of Certification in Medical Optometry (ABCMO) in credentialing optometrists practicing at Joint Commission accredited medical facilities.(1)
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities are the largest single employer of optometrists and each VA medical facility is individually Joint Commission accredited. The VA credentialing document for these six prescribing health professions listed above can be found at the end of this article.
Because the great majority of optometrists practice in private, independent offices not part of medical facilities, they are not as conversant with the credentialing process at Joint Commission medical facilities as physician, dental and podiatry colleagues.(2)
Approximately 5% of optometrists practice within Joint Commission accredited federal and state-chartered HMOs, hospitals, clinics and other medical facilities where credentialing and privileging of practitioners follow uniform established policy. While accredited medical facilities require the professional degree and an active state license they, in addition, carefully review each applicant’s post-professional degree training, if any, other pertinent credentials and previous clinical experience and privileges.
At Joint Commission accredited medical facilities, applicant physicians, optometrists, dentists, podiatrists and chiropractors undergo identical scrutiny by credentialing committees and complete identical application forms. The chief purpose of this process is to best assign clinical privileges and responsibilities congruent with each applicant’s global education, training and experience.
A first step in credentialing requires each applicant physician, optometrist, podiatrist, dentist or chiropractor to state whether they are applying as a general practitioner of their licensed profession, a specialist or sub-specialist in an area of their licensed profession.
The three levels of privileges granted at JC accredited medical facilities are:
General Practitioner: Degree + License appropriate to profession.
Specialist: 1 above + Specialty Residence + Passage of Specialty Exam + Certification by Specialty Board.
Sub-specialist: 1 and 2 above + Fellowship sub-specialty Training.
This essay explains the credentialing system at JC accredited medical facilities and the distinctions between credentialing as a general practitioner, specialist or sub-specialist, and the role ABCMO plays in this credentialing process.
This national accrediting body, organized some 80 years ago, accredits over 18,000 federal and state-chartered health care organizations that include hospitals, medical centers, HMOs, home care agencies, and health clinics. Approximately 85% of US medical facilities are accredited by the Joint Commission and its accreditation is the “gold standard” and a prerequisite for Medicare-Medicaid participation and billing.
The Joint Commission does not accredit, or hold jurisdiction over, private independent offices. For this reason, private practice optometrists are generally unaware of its credentialing policies unless they apply for privileges at a JC accredited medical facility.
The Joint Commission led in requiring hospital physicians performing more complex procedures and diagnostic tests to have postgraduate specialty residency training and specialty board certification. This phased out the once common practice of permitting general practitioners (Level 1 credentialed) to perform specialty procedures and tests within hospitals and accelerated the growth of specialty residencies and board certification in medical specialties. Later, specialties requiring residency training and certification developed in dentistry, podiatry and optometry in that chronological order.
Private, independent offices not falling under Joint Commission jurisdiction can, and do, offer any procedures falling within the licenses of their providers irrespective of whether these are specialty procedures that require a specialist to provide if done at an accredited medical facility.
Joint Commission Expands Jurisdiction
At inception, Joint Commission policy limited hospital medical staff membership and awarding of written clinical privileges to physicians and dentists. Privileges for other clinicians were then set by that medical staff and varied widely. Osteopathic physicians, podiatrists and optometrists were generally refused medical staff membership and medical privileges. For this reason, osteopaths once had to maintain their own hospitals to obtain hospital privileges but, over time, identical licenses to “practice medicine” became issued to M.D. and D.O. holders and both are considered, by state laws, to be physicians and often practice together at most medical facilities.
In 1986, Joint Commission policy expanded to permit optometrists and podiatrists to be elected members of the medical staff and hold clinical privileges permitted by their state license and the medical facility. Joint Commission policy guidelines now require physicians, dentists, optometrists, podiatrists and chiropractors be credentialed under identical standards. Application for Physicians, Dentists, Podiatrists, Optometrists & Chiropractors – VA Application Form 10-2850 (PDF).
There are now 74 recognized specialties in medicine, osteopathy, dentistry and optometry that require specialty residency training, passage of a specialty written examination and board certification in the specialty. The first medical optometry residency was established by the VA in 1975. By 2005 the National Board of Examiners in Optometry, in cooperation with the National Association of VA Optometrists, began administering a national, standardized specialty examination, Advanced Competence in Medical Optometry (ACM0), and in 2010 ABCMO began offering board certification in the specialty medical optometry.
After 2010, credentialing committees at Joint Commission accredited facilities began credentialing optometrists certified by ABCMO as specialists in medical optometry.
Joint Commission policy governing credentialing of allopathic and osteopathic physicians, dentists, podiatrists, optometrists and chiropractors and the levels of credentials granted them is uniform across accredited medical facilities.
These 6 providers, or “Medicare Physicians” as termed by the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, are considered a subgroup of those providers referred to as “Licensed Independent Prescribers”.
Differences between Private Practice and Practice at JC Medical Facilities
In addition to undergoing the same credentialing and privileging process at Joint Commission facilities as physicians, an optometrist is subject to periodic record and peer reviews, professional performance reviews and ongoing (usually biannual) confirmations of licensure and advanced specialty credentials. They must also periodically furnish their self query results from the National Practitioners Data Bank of any adverse actions taken against them as well and continue to meet the licensure renewal requirements placed on private practice optometrists by the state optometry board that issued their license.
Another difference from private practice is that a medical facility optometrist can seek clinical appointment in the general practice of optometry or, if qualified, as a specialist. (Step #2 in VA Form 10-2850). Optometrists who have completed accredited residency training in medical optometry, passed the NBEO examination Advanced Competence in Medical Optometry and hold ABCMO certification become eligible for appointment as a specialist with attendant potential for increased responsibilities and advancement.
The current credentialing system, with its three levels of credentialing for physicians, dentists, optometrists, podiatrists and chiropractors* at Joint Commission accredited medical facilities is uniform across the nation and defined as follows:
General Practitioner: Hold appropriate professional degree from accredited health profession school and active state license to practice the health profession.
Specialist: Above, plus completion of accredited specialty residency, passage of national uniform written examination in that specialty and board certification by recognized board of certification for that specialty.
Sub-specialist: Above plus fellowship training in sub-specialty with certification by specialty board encompassing sub-specialty.
When seeking appointment at a Joint Commission accredited health facility, an ABCMO certified optometrist can be credentialed and privileged as a general practitioner of optometry or a specialist board certified in medical optometry.
Joint Commission policy requires certification of specialists be affirmed on a regular basis, usually every two years, and ABCMO provides this confirmation of certification for specialists in medical optometry as described in Article 22 of its bylaws.
Use of Term Board Certification
Joint Commission accredited medical centers limit use of “board certified” and “specialist” to describe physicians, dentists, optometrists, podiatrists and chiropractors* holding Level 2 credentials.
However, some practitioners with Level 1 credentials state they are “board certified”.
Who is Board Certified?
As the scope of medical care broadened after the 1920’s, hospitals (with support of medical and public health societies) began to limit hospital-based specialty procedures to physicians with residency training in them. The Mayo Clinic and John Hopkins Medical School were early leaders in developing residency training in medical specialties. Today, about 85% of physicians (allopathic, osteopathic) are board certified in recognized medical specialties. By contrast, the first hospital residency program for optometrists began much later, in 1975, at a VA hospital, although today about 20% of optometry graduates elect to enter residency training in a specialty of optometry (the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry lists 11 specialty residency types).
While board certification in a specialty is not required for the independent, private practice of the 6 medical professions discussed, most physicians are board certified specialists in order to hold privileges at Joint Commission accredited medical centers.
The same is not the case with dentists, optometrists, podiatrists and chiropractors because the majority of them, to varying degrees, are not affiliated with a Joint Commission medical facility and are in the general practice of their profession. As a result the use of “board certified” is chiefly associated with physicians.
Other “Board Certifications”
A few physicians with Level 1 credentials refer to themselves as “board certified” but have not served an accredited specialty residency nor is their “specialty” recognized by the medical or osteopathic professions. Their postgraduate training may consist of training and seminar sessions in their “specialty” instead of residency training in them. One example is the recognized specialty of plastic surgery vs. the non-recognized specialty of cosmetic surgery.
For some years a number of general practice optometrists have portrayed themselves as “board certified in optometry” which, they may claim, is from having been issued a license to practice optometry or from having passed the examinations required for graduation from optometry school. But a license and passage of those examinations are required of all optometrists to enter practice and they are not equivalent to specialty residency training and passage of a written specialty examination. They, like all other practicing optometrists who have not specialized, hold Level 1 and not Level 2 credentials and credential as general practitioners of optometry.
More recently the American Board of Optometry and the National Board of Examiners in Optometry established board certifications for general practice optometrists that, while, differing in requirements, do not require serving a residency in general practice nor passing a specialty examination and do not claim to be specialty boards. Thus these credentials are voluntary, additional continuing education for general practitioners and are of merit, but are not specialty board certifications as understood by credentialing committees at Joint Commission accredited medical facilities.
Other Level 1 general practice optometry education programs of merit are the annual Optometric Recognition Program of the American Optometric Association (begun in 1986) recognizing completion of annual CME in excess of that required for license renewal and election as a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry (founded in the 1920’s). About 10% of practicing optometrists are Fellows of the Academy and are entitled to place FAAO after their name.
Role of ABCMO
The American Board of Certification in Medical Optometry, a nonprofit, is the only recognized specialty board in optometry at this time although additional specialty boards will be established since 20% of optometry graduates enter specialty residencies.
Organized in 2009, ABCMO provides a Level 2 credential that requires completion of an accredited residency emphasizing medical optometry, passage of the national examination Advanced Competence in Medical Optometry administered by the National Board of Examiners in Optometry, practice of the specialty for a minimum of 2-years in an appropriate setting and meeting other specifics listed in ABCMO Bylaws. It has taken 40 years to establish a process equivalent to those used to train and certify specialists in medicine, dentistry and podiatry. A prime supporter continues to be the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Academic Affiliations which first offered these residencies in order to prepare optometrists for hospital practices.
Since 2010, 412 ABCMO certified optometrists have been credentialed as specialists in medical optometry at federal, Joint Commission accredited medical facilities (VA, DOD, US Public Health and Indian Health Service) and at Joint Commission accredited state-charted medical facilities, among them the Mayo Clinical Health System and Henry Ford Hospital System, or utilized as specialists in medical optometry at private optometry and medical group practices.(3) The majority of them hold faculty status at an affiliated school of optometry or school of medicine, are Fellows of the American Academy of Optometry and members of the American Optometric Association.
Verification of ABCMO certification can be obtained by visiting the ABCMO website and following the procedures specified in bylaw Article 22. Click here for ABCMO certification verification.
(1) At this time chiropractors are credentialed at only Level 1.
(2) Formerly the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Health Care Organizations.
(3) This represents 1% of licensed optometrists in 2015.
* A physician is defined as one holding a state license to practice medicine and includes allopathic and osteopathic medical providers.
Application for Physicians, Dentists, Podiatrists, Optometrists & Chiropractors – VA Application Form 10-2850 (PDF via the VA)
US Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Facilities by State (Wikipedia)
Optometric Residency Titles & Descriptions (Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry)
ABCMO Certification Verification | ABCMO Application for Certification
Types of Optometry Certification
Medicine, osteopathy and dentistry have long had specialty certification boards that issue “board certifications” to those completing residency specialty training in defined specialty areas of each of these professions after licensing. Optometry has one specialty certification board and three boards that issue certifications to general practitioners.
The three boards for general optometry practitioners certify current licensing-level competency rather than specialty competency and differ considerably in their requirements.
All four types of certification are voluntary and not required for licensure, license renewal or the private practice of optometry.
Specialty certification is required, however, of a licensed optometrist seeking credentialing as a specialist at a Joint Commission accredited health care organization.
Read the full paper:
Types of Optometry Certification (PDF)
A New Educational Model
Unlike medicine and dentistry, optometry education does not receive federal support for clinical education. This new educational model would award the OD degree in 3-years, federal-supported residency training in the 4th year prior to licensing and then board certification in general practice. This would require less student debt; clinical training facilities would receive federal support; and graduates would be board eligible in general practice without additional training.
A New Educational Model – by Dr. Charles Mullen (PDF)
Presentation to ARBO
When the ABCMO was invited to brief the Association of Regulatory Boards of Optometry (ARBO) Dr. Ken Myers stressed that “board certification” for general practice optometrists was not required, proposed or contemplated by any health care organization and, specifically, was not part of the recently passed “Health Care Reform Act of 2010”. He explained this was because the Joint Commission On Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations affirmed, in 1986, that while specialists are expected by accredited healthcare facilities to be board certified in their specialty, defined-license, independent prescribing practitioners such as dentists, optometrists, audiologists and psychologists are eligible to be granted those privileges supported by their degrees and state practice acts and need no additional credentials to be granted medical staff membership and general practice clinical privileges.
This reflects the fact board certification is used to denote advanced competence in a specialty of the profession in which a practitioner is licensed and this advanced competence is achieved by additional, accredited, post-graduate clinical residency training, passage of a written examination testing that advanced competence in the specialty followed by certification by a specialty board. Thus there is no need, or precedence, for requiring additional credentials of those engaged in the general practice of a defined-license, independent prescribing profession as they are within the authority of their respective state practice acts.
Read the full presentation to ARBO (PDF)
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Search and State
Shorts & Bibshorts
Sustainable New York
Search & Sachs
Search Brigade
04.26.2016 Design
The Collaboration Effect
Designer collaborations can be a tricky thing. There was a day when designers for the most part did not openly collaborate. In fact, what any given designer was working on could be classified as top-secret, and the thought of working with another designer felt slightly foreign. We kind of worked in competitive silos and it always felt like there was an underlying "designer-vs-designer" or "brand -vs- brand" mentality. May the best design win. But then came a shift and suddenly it became an open landscape of collaborative efforts and mixing and matching of talents and brands that sometimes made sense, but often didn't. The next thing we knew everyone was in the collaboration game and you couldn't go 2 feet without seeing another collab announcement. It seems safe to say that designer collaborations have become a mainstream part of design, or perhaps more appropriately: brand building. It could just be the sheer number of designers that are in the game now, or the low barrier to entry of becoming one via the Internet. It's hard to say what the tipping point was, but collabs are now an official part of the mix it seems.
On one side there is the obvious reason to do a collaboration, and that is for the exposure and to expand your reach and find a new audience. Not that exciting to be honest. Then there is collaborating to move into and design a product category that is not in your wheelhouse. Slightly more interesting. Then there is still another reason and that is to simply have a designer you like take a whack at your stuff or vice-versa and bring a new point of view to the table. That can be fun and interesting and some good things have come from that arrangement. So what got us curious about arrangements such as these? Perhaps it was the opportunity to do a hybrid-collaboration if you will. Can we call it a collaborative tribute? Is that a category? Who knows. But that's what we're calling it. We finally came up with the idea when we thought it might be nice to recognize an entity who we felt exhibited many of the traits that we love as designers and manufacturers. An entity we had been aware of for 20 years and always appreciated their work. An entity that had a voice and point of view, an aesthetic, a real person with a real reason to exist. We realized we shared a similar approach to design when all was said and done. And so.....a tribute was in order. We decided that if when we met this person in person they matched the image and the legend, we would do something. And, so we went. We met. It matched. We're in. That brings us to today, and now we stand on the precipice of putting out a product with another logo along side of ours, another name beside ours. A name and logo we always admired.
Stay tuned for the reveal. We think it's good...ATMO.
Spring & Summer 2016 Lookbook Film
An Arm Warming Story (The Arm-Warmer Revelation)
Get the latest from Search and State
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Munich Hop-On Hop-Off Tour: 1-Day or 2-Day Ticket
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Truly engaged tour guide, wonderful tour
Our tour guide, Adam, was very engaging. Throughout entire tour, he was very mindful of his tone, and continued to focus on the victims involved rather than on the perpetrators. He was very knowledgeable, not only about this concentration camp, but he could also answer all the questions the group had about other concentration camps. He seemed very emotionally tuned in, and even though he has been giving these Dachau tours for 8.5 years, he still gives off an empathetic tone throughout the tour. At the end, you're given the time to have a look around by yourself, and reflect on what you have seen if you need to. Delivering this tour has to be difficult, but Adam did so in a way that we will keep with us for life.
From Munich: Dachau Memorial Site Full-Day Tour in English Reviewed by Amy, 03/06/2019
A well-organised tour with a well-informed, knowledgeable guide
Scott provided excellent information that provided us with an insight into life and death at Dachau. It was a moving visit that will stay with us. I personally learned a lot, not only about the dire conditions and treatment that people were subjected to but also the fact that many nationalities and people of differing religious beliefs were subjects of SS mistreatment. Dachau is a fitting memorial and the statue of the 'unknown prisoner' struck a particular chord. Thank you to Scott from the two Taffs - you did this difficult and upsetting subject justice.
From Munich: Dachau Memorial Site Full-Day Tour in English Reviewed by Christine, 25/04/2019
The Guide was great but not time efficient
Our guide was Noel and we really liked him. He was Irish so he had lots of perspective and knowledge to share. However, the conversation got to be a little long and not enough walking was done to really cover the town as intended. He also had an afternoon appt. so he kept emphasizing that our time was short and we really didn't get to see the English Garden or Chinese pagoda and biergarten that was listed.. We got a lot of knowledge but not as much ground covered as expected. All in all, enjoyable.
Munich City & English Garden Walking Tour in English Reviewed by P Elaine, 26/06/2019
Should have done bike tours in all 5 cities I visited
So glad I finally decided to give a bike tour a chance. Worked out wonderfully. Most likely because of our guide Kevin, but I'm sure any of the experienced guides would do a great job. Sad I waited to give it a try in the last city I visited but at least I'll know to do this whenever I travel next. As for the company I chose to do it with in Munich, Mike's Bikes, I don't know how any other provider could have done a better job!
Munich: Mike's Superior 5-Hour Bike Tour Reviewed by David, 08/06/2019
Great beer knowledge but English a little hard to understand
Andreas was super knowledgeable of Munich beers and provided great discussions at the two main stops for our beer tour. His English was a little hard to understand especially when he provided some general Munich history information while we were in the city center at the end of the tour.
Munich's Beer Halls and Breweries: 3-Hour Guided Tour Reviewed by Steve, 29/06/2019
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2019 Car Review Car Automotive Reviews
Home»Opel»2018 Opel Insignia Development, Cost, Release Date»2018 Opel Insignia release date
2018 Opel Insignia release date
Are you trying to find a fancy deluxe car? Then your delay is over as Opel is generating a revitalized Insignia model. It will be the 2018 Opel Insignia with some really outstanding attributes seen throughout. Insignia has been just one of the really popular Opel cars because of its appealing look and quality performance. The first version of Insignia was introduced in the year 2003 and also has been just one of the most selling lorries out there. The hydropneumatic shock absorber is utilized inside the automobile.
Initially, the manufacturers chose not to develop it as it was method too costly as well as had heavy features as well. But not long after, that they identified brand-new methods to make it and also present in the marketplace. The brand-new Insignia will certainly currently be much better as well as powerful than it used to be. A far better layout and also style will certainly be going along the lorry to make it remarkable.
2018 Opel Insignia– Development as well as Make over
It will certainly be best fit like you have never seen it previously. The manufacturers have actually added a lot more measurement to the exterior of the car to earn it overwhelming. The framework of the sedan will be made with materials to make it lighter than before. The front fascia will be remodeled too. The grille will certainly be in the design of a honeycomb with chrome describing on it. The Opel logo will certainly also be seen placed on top of the front grille. The shape of the headlights will be intense and will give a hostile appearance. LED innovation has been made use of in for the lights. Two air vents will be present on each side of the front bumper.
When pertaining to the rear of the sedan, the form is very exotic. An intriguing style has actually been provided to the design which makes it look much more appealing. The taillights are pointed with LED modern technology too. There will be 2 exhausts shown at the back of the 2018 Opel Insignia. Chrome detailing will also be witnessed around the home windows as well as on the front and also back.
The cabin of the much intriguing automobile will certainly be spacious, comfortable and filled with new innovation as well. The seats will certainly be made comfortable and also will be of leather or fabric. The dashboard will be a bit changed as well. A touch-screen screen will certainly be installed on the center console of the vehicle. All the standard functions and innovation will certainly exist inside the cabin as well. 5 guests could conveniently fit in the cabin of the 2018 Opel Insignia. There will suffice legroom in the cars and truck compared to previously.
2018 Opel Insignia– Power Expectations
The engine of the 2018 Opel Insignia will certainly be of 2.0-liter. The engine outcome has actually not been revealed by the manufacturers yet. But as the 1.6-liter engine has actually been replaced with a higher capability after that it obviously implies that the result will certainly be better too.
2018 Opel Insignia– Cost and also Launch Day
The 2018 Opel Insignia will be launched later on in 2016 or early in the year 2018. The expected rate of the model will be billed from $40,000 and also onwards.
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Taking on Fannie Farmer: How a baking-impaired intern negotiated a 100-year-old bread recipe in a modern kitchen
By intern Rachel Snyder, June 15, 2017
I do not bake. My cookies burn, my pie crust is either too dry or too sticky, and my pies turn out watery. So how did I find myself lead baker testing a 100-year-old bread recipe? The bread recipe, Entire Wheat Bread, came from the 1911 edition of the 1896 Fannie Farmer's Boston Cooking-School Cookbook, one of the best-selling cookbooks of all time because it was "reliable, comprehensive, and easy-to-follow," everything I needed more than a century later. My predicament sprang from my involvement in a new Smithsonian Food History program, Harvest for the Table, a free daytime hands-on activity exploring the technological innovations in wheat and flour production over 100 years ago. It was my job to test the bread recipe in preparation for possible future programs in our demonstration kitchen.
First came the flour. I used the coarse, brown, stone-ground flour milled by museum visitors during our Harvest for the Table program. (See our calendar for dates and times.) Until the 1880s, this type of "entire" or whole wheat flour was standard. The introduction of the steel roller mill, still the dominant mill type today, changed the flour industry by stripping the bran and germ from the wheat kernel, producing a whiter flour (desired by customers) with a greater shelf life and enhanced baking performance. Over 100 years ago, Farmer experienced firsthand these technological innovations and witnessed the rise in white flour. She felt its impacts on home baking, observing how "entire" wheat flour was only available in health food stores and, much to her disapproval, how manufacturers marketed identical flour under a variety of new brand names.
Flour. Check.
Next on the ingredient list, one yeast cake. What in the world was a "yeast cake?" Research led me to specialty food sellers still carry these small, moist cakes enclosed in tin foil. Sold by Fleischmann's and others, this is a product with which cooks in the 1890s would be very familiar—but I sure wasn't. I used a modern conversion chart to figure out how much of my dry yeast to add.
According to Farmer, yeast is a necessary addition to the bread dough because it acts as a ferment and "attacks some of the starch in flour, and changes it to sugar, and sugar in turn to alcohol and carbon dioxide, thus lightening the whole mass." Yeast also gives bread its distinctive flavors and irresistible smell while also interacting with the protein in flour, gluten, to give the bread its structure. When the dough is kneaded, the act stretches the gluten and allows it to fill with gas bubbles from the yeast while the dough rises. However, Farmer warns, "If risen too long, [the bread] will be full of large holes; if not risen long enough, it will be heavy and soggy." She continues, "If proper care is taken, the bread will be found most satisfactory, having neither 'yeasty' nor sour taste." That was my goal: to make a "most satisfactory" loaf.
Experienced bakers will notice that I haven't mentioned the salt or milk Farmer would have used or the modern equivalents. These ingredients certainly have interesting stories to tell, but I need to get this loaf in the oven before my internship is over!
When it came time to put my dough in the oven, I found myself playing the bread whisperer. Farmer's oven was still fueled by fire. Her cookbook even describes how to control airflow and fuel in the cookstove in order to control its temperature. Most recipes classified temperature in three ways: hot, moderate, and cool. Bakers tested their oven's temperature by placing their hand in the oven and seeing how long they could bear the heat or by placing flour on the oven floor and waiting for it to brown or catch fire. According to Farmer in her 1896 cookbook, "Experience is the best guide for testing temperature of [the] oven." Her readers in 1911 had coal- and wood-burning ranges without temperature controls, but I never learned that intuition using today's calibrated ovens. Choosing to avoid oven fires or burning my hand, I did as Farmer suggested and drew from past baking experience. I set my oven to 400 degrees.
With trepidation I placed my doughy loaf into the oven. Even with modern equipment, it had taken me several hours to make a single loaf of bread, having kneaded and let the bread rise twice before baking it for approximately 40 minutes. While there is a movement today to make artisanal bread as an alternative to mass-produced loaves, most modern bread comes from a supermarket. It is hard to imagine making bread every day as a necessity, let alone lighting a fire to bake bread!
Innovations over the past century have distanced most consumers from their bread, trading nutrients and control for convenience and efficiency. My foray into baking will help reveal to visitors just how distanced some of us have become, and, hopefully, give them a new appreciation for the complex processes that go into making a simple loaf of bread. Baking this recipe on the stage of our demonstration kitchen, using the flour made by visitors in our stone hand mill, with the backdrop of a highly advanced kitchen, juxtaposes the old and new baking technology, demonstrating just how much our bread has changed over time. Who knows how technology will change baking in the next hundred years!
And my entire wheat bread? I cut into my loaf, exposing an even, perfectly baked crumb and releasing a sweetly nutty, maple aroma—a crumbly, moist loaf of whole wheat bread that, hopefully, would make Fannie Farmer proud.
If you'd like to hear about the latest food and agriculture history happenings at the museum, be sure to sign up for our Food History newsletter.
Rachel Snyder completed a summer 2016 internship in the Office of Audience Engagement working on food and agriculture programs.
Posted in Food History, From the Collections, Women's History
Making ice cream like it's 1927
The Patrick F. Taylor Foundation Object Project explores "everyday things that changed everything." One innovation that definitely...
Tasting the 1930s: An experiment with congealed salads and other one-dish wonders
The members of the Patrick F. Taylor Foundation Object Project team have been poring over authentic period cookbooks as research...
The best loan since sliced bread
The "home of sliced bread" welcomes its bread-slicing machine back, thanks to a loan from our museum. Development intern Christina Ross...
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Stoltenberg Forecasts NATO Defense Minister Discussions
October 03, 2018 Jim Garamone - DoD News, Defense Media Activity
This report originally published at defense.gov.
NATO defense ministers are meeting in Brussels to implement the decisions made by alliance heads of state in July and to discuss burden sharing, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said today.
Defense Secretary James N. Mattis will join the other NATO allies in discussing the threats from Russia and the south, as well as changes to the alliance to deal with threats from the cyber world.
Alliance members are making progress toward achieving the goal of nations spending 2 percent of gross domestic product on defense, a goal agreed upon at NATO’s 2014 summit in Wales. “Over the past two years, European allies and Canada have spent a cumulative $41 billion more on defense, and I expect allies to make good on their commitments,” Stoltenberg said.
The defense ministers will also focus on alliance deterrence and defense. The ministerial conference will feature a meeting of the Nuclear Planning Group, and will address concerns about Russian violations of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty signed in 1987.
The ministers will review changes to the alliance command structure, which will include the addition of more than 1,200 personnel. Two new commands – one hosted in Norfolk, Virginia, and the other in Germany – will improve the movement of troops across the Atlantic and within Europe.
Cyber Operations, Partnerships
“We are also setting up our new Cyber Operations Centre, which will help us strengthen our defenses against a real and present threat,” the secretary general said. “Our top military commanders will brief us on the progress made.”
Finally, the ministers will address work with partner countries. They will discuss efforts in and around the Black Sea and the aspiration of Georgia to join the alliance.
The ministers also will review the NATO training mission in Iraq. The effort will include more than 500 troops and will help the country preserve the gains made by the global coalition to defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, Stoltenberg said.
Also, the ministers will meet with European Union Vice President Federica Mogherini to discuss cooperation in areas such as military mobility and managing hybrid threats. “Done in the right way, these efforts can contribute to fairer burden sharing between Europe and North America,” he said.
(Follow Jim Garamone on Twitter: @Garamone DoDNews)
U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) reports are created independently of American Military News (AMN) and are distributed by AMN in accordance with applicable guidelines and copyright guidance. Use of DOD reports do not imply endorsement of AMN. AMN is a privately owned media company and has no affiliation with the DOD.
Managing your life insurance elections online
Air advisors begin new partnership with Paraguayan air force
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Tag Archives: Ethics
Five Myths about Mennonites and the Holocaust
Posted on June 14, 2018 by Ben Goossen
“Not all the Jews were bad,” a widely respected Mennonite born in interwar Ukraine told me recently, “even though they started the [Bolshevik] Revolution. My father had good Jewish friends.” This statement is classically anti-Semitic. It falsely conflates communism with Judaism, while using the excuse of having a few Jewish friends to mask an implied belief that Jews in general were bad. At least as importantly, my conversation partner’s words reveal how people who do not consider themselves racist or anti-Semitic can still propagate harmful myths.
New scholarship and ongoing public discussion about the historic entanglement of tens of thousands of Mennonites on three continents with Nazism and the Holocaust during the 1930s and 1940s has yielded productive conversation regarding how present-day Anabaptists can and should respond to this history, as well as calls for further discussion. At the same time, some church-affiliated periodicals have printed articles, letters, and reviews that propagate troubling interpretations of Mennonite-Nazi connections, including anti-Semitic tropes.
Imagery of the “Great Trek” during WWII has dominated Mennonite depictions of the era, bolstering a narrative of suffering, mostly female refugees. In fact, the word “trek” was widely and triumphally used in the Third Reich to describe German-speakers relocating from Eastern Europe to Germany. This particular movement of Mennonites and others out of Ukraine in 1943 and 1944 was overseen by the SS. Participants were not primarily considered to be refugees but rather Aryan “re-settlers,” traveling to a fatherland newly cleansed of Jews. Credit: Mennonite Archives of Ontario, attributed to Hermann Rossner.
Such reactionary responses are not exceptional, either in Holocaust historiography or in the current context of Israeli human rights abuses against Palestinians. In February, Poland passed legislation criminalizing mention of some Poles’ involvement in genocide, while part of the international backlash to Israeli violence has been couched in anti-Semitic terms. When certain Mennonites voice anti-Semitic sentiments, this often reflects—as is the case of other groups—both an attempt to protect their own and also a real, dangerous current of anti-Jewish prejudice.
The following five myths date to the Third Reich or its immediate aftermath. They remain in circulation, deployed today to excuse Mennonite involvement in Nazism or to foreclose public discussion. Examples given below all appeared in Mennonite periodicals within the past two years. Since my intention is to stimulate thoughtful reflection, not to shame individuals, I have chosen not to cite most quotations. However, all are easily accessible online and in print.
Myth #1: Mennonites suffered under Bolshevism, justifying Nazi collaboration.
This is the most typical excuse for Mennonite involvement for Nazism. The trope holds that life in the Soviet Union was so brutal, Mennonites had no choice but to embrace Hitler’s crusade. In fact, most Mennonites involved with the Third Reich had never lived in the USSR. The subset who did—approximately 35,000 individuals in Ukraine—came under Nazi occupation in 1941. Like millions of other Soviet citizens, most of these Mennonites welcomed Hitler’s armies as “liberators” from hardship and repression. Yet unlike the majority of their neighbors, Mennonites were generally considered Aryan, a status that provided additional incentives to support Nazism.
This trope is often accompanied by assertions that Mennonite suffering under communism has not been properly recognized. But in reality, Mennonite authors have been publicizing Soviet atrocities without abate since the Bolshevik Revolution. Scholarly literature and memoirs on Mennonite victimhood greatly outnumber texts that explore collaboration or perpetration. Nearly all of the latter have appeared only recently. The imbalance is so stark that Mennonite historians can claim to have created an entire subgenre on the “Soviet Inferno,” a term in academic use since the 1990s and whose deployment continues to refer almost exclusively to Mennonites.
Myth #2: The Allied powers committed atrocities, too – why should we single out Nazism?
“The Nazis were bad, but the Bolsheviks were worse,” a Mennonite born in the USSR told me in March. “You mean from a Mennonite perspective,” I said. My conversation partner shrugged. “Of course.” When white Mennonites think about what life might have been like for them if they had lived in Hitler’s Germany, they invariably assume that they would have been Mennonite—and by extension Aryan. From such a viewpoint, each of the Allied powers, not just the Soviet Union, would have posed a greater threat to life and livelihood than Nazism. In other words, assuming one would have been Aryan creates a false equivalency that downplays genocide.
Studying the Holocaust from a Mennonite-centric perspective runs the added risk of repeating debunked Nazi propaganda, such as the myth that Bolshevism was Jewish. Some invocations of a “Soviet Inferno” falsely imply systematic persecution or even a “final solution” of Mennonites (by Jews) in the USSR. Nazi perpetrators commonly used such reversals to portray themselves as the true victims. Last year, one historian explained Mennonite participation in Nazi death squads, stating: “men and women of Jewish background worked as [Soviet] administrators, agents, and interrogators.” He had previously directed me to a webpage entitled “Jewish Mass Murderers.”
Myth #3: Mennonites were mostly women and children, so they either had no choice or could not have been involved.
Women and children are often invoked to claim Mennonite innocence in Nazi war making. One writer recently claimed, for example: “in the 1930s most Mennonite men [in the USSR] had been exiled, imprisoned or executed, leaving families to be led by mothers and grandmothers,” who were not “collaborators, anti-Semites or Aryan.” Mennonites in Nazi-occupied Ukraine were indeed disproportionately women and children. But there were also plenty of men—many of whom served in administrative positions, as translators, policemen, or soldiers. Gender disparity at the end of the war in part reflected the death or capture of Mennonite men in German uniform.
A table compiled by Nazi occupiers showing the age and gender (men on the left, women on the right) of the 13,000 “ethnic Germans” in Ukraine’s Chortitza colony, ca. 1942. Forty-three percent of “ethnic German” families in Chortitza had no male head of household—but fifty-seven percent did. Source: Karl Stumpp, Bericht über das Gebiet Chortitza im Generalbezirk Dnjepropetrowsk (Berlin: Publikationsstelle Ost, 1943), Tafel H.
This myth further assumes that women or children could not have contributed to Nazism or the Holocaust. However, many Mennonite women served as translators or in bureaucratic capacities, sometimes enriching themselves with the spoils of genocide. More often, women supplied moral support to male relatives and contributed to the war effort through their labor. Meanwhile, some underage boys took up arms. And most Mennonite children in the Third Reich absorbed Nazi ideals at school and through organized youth activities. They helped boost morale by singing, marching, and telling stories. Some racist proclivities learned in the 1930s and 1940s persist today.
Myth #4: Mennonites knew nothing about Holocaust-related atrocities.
This is simply untrue, as numerous archival documents testify. Nonetheless, the way this myth is told is itself revealing. Consider one statement: “Although Mennonites under German occupation witnessed how their Jewish neighbours packed up and fled, they did not know about the outcome of this fleeing until much later.” Another, strikingly similar account holds that Mennonites “saw their Jewish neighbours pack up and flee eastward across the Dnepr; how many survived and how many were executed on the eastern side they did not know until later.” These authors care more about locating killing elsewhere than considering why Mennonites stayed as Jews fled.
A caption in one Mennonite history book for this scene from the Molotschna colony in Ukraine, 1942, reads: “This photo shows the uneasy meeting of two branches of the German and Low German cultures: the militarism of Prussia as well as of the Third Reich, and its opposite—the nonresistance of the Mennonite religious culture. The worldwide German culture is much richer given the existence of a community that did not soil itself with the militarist Nazi madness.” In fact, the men pictured here belonged to Waffen-SS cavalry units composed mostly of Mennonites. The photo was taken at a rally where Mennonite women and children performed for the visiting head of the SS, Heinrich Himmler. Source: Adina Reger and Delbert Plett, eds., Diese Steine: Die Russlandmennoniten (Steinbach, MB: Crossway Publications, 2001), 332.
To suggest that murder did not occur around some Mennonite settlements or that Mennonites in these areas had no knowledge of genocide is a form of Holocaust denial. Such myths repudiate known facts. Yet claims persist that Mennonites “had not heard of Aryanism and other racial theories until well after the conclusion of the war.” The author of this line, in subsequent postal correspondence, described glowingly her own wartime work as the secretary for a top German officer in Nazi-occupied Dnipropetrovsk, her receipt of German citizenship, and the voluntary induction of Mennonite men into the military; “I am a beneficiary of the German occupation!”
Myth #5: Mennonites suffered under Nazism.
Among the most disingenuous myths about Mennonite life under Nazism, this trope holds that the general suffering of Mennonites in the USSR continued under German rule. Nazi occupation was indeed catastrophic for a minority of Mennonites who were committed communists, as well as for disabled individuals and those of Jewish heritage. Some in Nazi-occupied France and the Netherlands joined the resistance or hid Jews. Yet claims of Mennonite suffering normally refer to those who in 1943 and 1944 participated in the “Great Trek” from Ukraine to Poland to escape the Red Army—an endeavor supervised by the SS and praised by Mennonite leaders at the time.
Indeed, closer inspection reveals that allegations of Mennonite hardship are often complaints that Nazism did not live up to its potential. If only the Eastern Front had held; if only religious reform had been more thorough; if only welfare programs were more generous—then Mennonite life would have been easier. Even the Holocaust and other persecutions are said to have “occasioned much disappointment among Mennonites.” This may be true. But note how the author chooses to emphasize the “disappointment” of Aryans, not the actual enslavement and slaughter of Jews. Despite the fading of his own initial “euphoria” for Germany, he could remain “deeply grateful.”
Mennonite authors and editors should think carefully before writing or printing pieces about the Third Reich. This is an important topic and requires our attention. But we must approach it in ways that do not recapitulate racism. Even those of us with good intentions need to be wary. In April, the cover story of a major denominational magazine laudably covered Mennonites and the Holocaust; yet in her introduction, the editor blithely compared Mennonites murdering Jews to Jews murdering Jesus—arguably the single most injurious trope of Christian anti-Semitism. Proofreaders apparently saw no problem with invoking “the crowd that yelled ‘Crucify him!’”
A few rules of thumb might be helpful. If you are discussing Nazism or the Holocaust, consider how someone from a different background might react—particularly if you are defending actions by your own group. Second, be aware of contextual differences: refocusing from the Holocaust to Soviet atrocities erases the specificity of Jewish genocide. Finally, when evaluating suffering, do not discriminate. While Mennonites have faced many difficulties, they never suffered alone. Nor were they always victims. Anabaptists, of all people, must surely grasp that violence can permeate even the most peaceable of cultures, a process we should understand but never justify.
Posted in Essays | Tagged Ethics, Historiography, Mennonites and Jews, Mennonites and National Socialism, Mennonites and the Holocaust Conference | 7 Replies
Primary Source Analysis of the More-with-Less Cookbook
Posted on April 26, 2018 by Guest Contributor
Isaiah Friesen
Two millennial Mennonites, both Goshen College alumni, recently met in one of their homes to fellowship and enjoy a simple meal together around the table. As the soup simmered on the stove in the final minutes before it was ready for consumption, one of them thought he recognized the simply-designed, orange cookbook lying on his friend’s kitchen counter. “Hey, is that the More-with-Less Cookbook?” he asked. Without a trace of irony in his tone, the host replied, “It’s the only cookbook.”
The More-with-Less Cookbook was the culmination of a project sponsored by the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), emerging from a desire to promote responsible eating practices in light of growing awareness of an intensifying global hunger crisis. The author, Doris Janzen Longacre, assembled recipes from other North American Anabaptists’ kitchens, as well as her own, and the result was published in 1976. Mary Emma Showalter Eby, author of an influential precursor, Mennonite Community Cookbook, wrote in her introduction to More-with-Less that it “has all the earmarks of a best seller,” highlighting its creativity and practicality as a response to a worldwide social issue.1 Indeed, Herald Press would go on to print 642,500 copies in the following twenty-five years, as well as twenty-fifth and fortieth anniversary editions.2 More than a collection of recipes, More-with-Less became a ubiquitous symbol of Mennonite theology and identity for people like these two young men. At the time, however, it was an innovative project, functioning as a bridge both within Mennonite groups and beyond, to the rest of the United States, as well as a guide in the quest to daily follow Jesus’ call to wholeness and simplicity.
To read even the first few pages of More-with-Less is to know that it is more than just a collection of recipes. In the preface, the author describes how this was a community effort, incorporating recipes gathered from cooks of various Anabaptist denominations. She also indicates that although it is not a final solution to the world hunger crisis, she believes the cookbook can be an agent for social transformation toward more faithful living. Yet she insists, “Although the book is finished, the holy frustration goes on. Do not approach this book as a set of answers for responsible change.”3 It is a sacred endeavor, and the work goes beyond cooking, beyond the publishing of this book.
With that, Janzen Longacre launches into a fifty-page manifesto on the global hunger crisis, North American overconsumption, and how eating smaller and healthier portions of food can be a faithful and even joyful Christian response to these problems. In the first section, “Less with More,” she argues that North Americans are consuming far too much sugar, protein, and processed foods, causing them to spend too much of their own budget on food and use more than their share of the planet’s resources. “Christian discipleship now calls us to turn around,” she asserts, affirming the traditional Anabaptist assumption that followers of Christ are called to live a life of repentance, counter to the culture that surrounds them.4
The second section in the manifesto addresses, in simple and straightforward terms, the faith required in order to bring about any significant change regarding the problem of global hunger. Janzen Longacre addresses the human tendency toward cynicism and indifference toward individual ethics, especially in light of large and seemingly intractable systemic injustices. It begins with communities of faithful people changing the way they themselves live, she says. Those truly committed to larger change will seek to influence public policy and programs as well, but this book is about first following Jesus by living—well, cooking—with integrity in our own homes. A move toward simpler eating will also result in better health and lower food budgets for North Americans; it is not simply an act of charity. Lest anyone lose heart for the cause even after this persuasion, she encourages readers that visible change requires committed disciples for the long haul, and in the meantime, our assurance comes “from Jesus who said, ‘Give to him who begs from you,’ ‘Give as freely as you have received,’ and ‘Give, and it will be given to you.’”5
Having addressed theological foundations for the commitment to simpler eating as a faithful step toward larger social transformation, Janzen Longacre appeals to nutrition science as she moves on to the more practical problems of establishing such a diet. Keeping with the theme of simplicity the next section,“Building a Simpler Diet,” she addresses these problems in language that regular people can understand, even as she cites scientific literature to back her claims. First, she presents lists of what to “eat more,” “use carefully,” and “avoid.” She also includes a table of the Basic Four Food Groups—dairy, protein, fruits and vegetables, carbohydrates—as promoted in United States and Canadian nutrition recommendations. She both affirms and critiques the Food Groups, her central criticism being to name the myth that humans always need more protein and it must come from meat. She delves into the various kinds of amino acids necessary to human health, how to combine different proteins in order to achieve a nutritionally complete diet, and which are the healthiest and most efficient meats (chicken and fish, for example). The rest of the chapter is packed with handy and helpful charts, graphs, lists, and tables showing suggested meal plan combinations, calorie intake recommendations, measure conversions, and tips for increasing protein content without eating more meat.6
The last section before the recipes themselves is entitled, “Eat with Joy.” This section is dedicated to reassuring readers that they can cook simply and economically at the same time as they continue to be creative and host joyful gatherings around simpler food. Janzen Longacre responds to potential qualms including, but not limited to, “Our Family Likes the Old Recipes,” “But Won’t All that Bread Make Me Fat?,” and “I Need a Simpler Way to Serve Guests.”7
This last section, though not as heavily imbued with scripture and theological language, is bookended by sayings and examples from Jesus: inviting the poor, crippled, and lame to the party; breaking bread at the Lord’s Supper with his disciples; after his resurrection, revealing himself over a shared meal. “[Jesus] invites us to join the consummation feast, the marriage supper of the Lamb. Let us eat together in His name,” the author exhorts. She bemoans the growing popularity of the word “entertaining” as it relates to Christians hosting each other. “Mennonites used to just ‘have you over for dinner,’” she recalls, but she senses that their contemporary host counterparts “speak as though they are about to stage a show.”8 True joy, she reminds readers, should be based in fellowship and sharing and remembering the Lord Jesus who ate and rejoiced with people, rather than around the spectacle of fancy feasts. To this end, the following pages present specific suggestions for simpler-themed meals to host people around.
The themes of simplicity, fellowship, scriptural allusions, and practical culinary instruction are reflected throughout More-with-Less, continuing on into the recipe section which occupies the remainder of the book. Font is simple, black on plain white pages. Images of people are sparse and exclusively black and white. Each recipe section includes images of simple measuring spoons. Various sections of the book are accompanied by proverbs from other countries, scripture passages and paraphrases, poems by MCC workers, even a quote from Menno Simons himself, having to do with the value of food and sharing especially in God’s kingdom.9 Each chapter of recipes concludes with a section called “Gather Up the Fragments”—tips for how to best repurpose or preserve leftovers of the foods in that chapter—alluding to the feeding miracles of Jesus.
Some recipes are paired with stories about the dish’s significance for the family or community who submitted them, while others are annotated with cooking tips from Janzen Longacre. She highlights, for example, the Fresh Soybean-Cheese Casserole as a meat-free dish loaded with protein, “tested and enjoyed in the Goshen College Dining Hall Alternative Line.”10 Recipe contributor Rhoda King shares with regards to the Soybean Sandwich Spread recipe, “When the men combined our soybeans, I took large cans out and filled them for our eating. Lots of farm families don’t know you can do this. I soak them . . . until tender, and flavor with . . . butter and milk. The boys eat them with ketchup and mustard.”11
Especially among social justice-minded, middle-class Anabaptist Christians and even many evangelicals, More-with-Less appears to have been a smashing success, at least in terms of sales. Ron Sider, a Brethren in Christ leader and author of the influential book Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger, praised the cookbook for its example as a practical, embodied response to the global food distribution crisis.12 Book reviews of More-with-Less were published far and wide, and Christian groups of all stripes ordered their copies by the thousands.13 World Vision’s Stanley Mooningham and even U.S. Senator Mark Hatfield praised Janzen Longacre for the impact she made on the social conscience of the American individual, in relation to the food crisis.14
The cookbook’s impact has extended wider and later still. In 2003, a subscriber to the Countryside & Small Stock Journal recommended More-with-Less “the only cookbook a homesteader will ever need.”15 In 2011, NPR book reviewer Ellah Allfrey praised it as “[still] one of the best guides for responsible living…Turning our backs on the prevailing culture of greed and combating overconsumption by baking Fruit Moos from scratch and ‘eating with joy’ seems a deeply sensible way to save the earth—and our souls.”16 In 2015, on the eve of the cookbook’s fortieth anniversary, evangelical Christian author D.L. Mayfield named it one of her top five books for becoming a better neighbor, crediting it with changing “how I shop, eat, and grapple with food insecurity in my own neighborhood and around the world.”17 Upon the release of the More-with-Less 40th Anniversary Edition, Disciples of Christ pastor Lee Hull Moses wrote a glowing article for Christian Century entitled, “The Enduring Wisdom of More-with-Less: Recipes for a Revolution.”
Moses, however, highlights a subtle shift in formatting for the latest edition that Janzen Longacre herself might have found concerning: a change in subtitles from “suggestions by Mennonites on how to eat better and consume less of the world’s limited food resources,” as remains on the twenty-fifth anniversary edition, to “timeless recipes and inspiration for simple, joyful eating.”18 This is only the beginning of a drastic transformation evident in the edition put forth by Rachel Marie Stone. In Stone’s edition, simple poetry and cooking tips are replaced by vibrant photos of people and food, including magnificently furnished kitchens and immaculately prepared dishes. In addition to flawless food images, bright color photos of people from various countries where MCC serves are interspersed among flashy and colorful text, and recipes are labeled as to whether they are vegan, vegetarian, or gluten free. Gone is the practical spiral binding that made it possible to leave the cookbook conveniently open to the cook’s recipe of choice as they move around in the kitchen. It seems to be a piece for entertainment, to be set next to the other cookbooks too pretty to spill cooking oil on, more so than a shop manual on simple eating (as were previous editions). It seems a book likely to grab someone’s attention from a bookstore shelf, maybe even to make an attractive housewarming gift for a millennial Mennonite, more so than to transform the way they view food and resource consumption. In the back is a recommended reading list featuring Simply in Season—the latest MCC cookbook—as well as classic titles by Mark Bittman and Michael Pollan.19 This version of More-with-Less seems geared not only toward those who have plenty of food, but especially toward the cosmopolitan middle-class cookbook collector of the twenty-first century—sure to continue generating great sales.
Hopefully the More-with-Less Cookbook will continue to have a transformative impact on people’s lives and reflections in eating, whether in spite of or because of its contemporary editors’ predilection for a more showy, Pinterest-conforming presentation style. In any case, it has left a lasting legacy that continues to develop. Doris Janzen Longacre’s exhortations ring true, that it takes deep faith in order to keep working for change, beginning at the level of the individual and the community, and working up to the systemic. This cookbook will continue to offer a unique perspective on food’s place in the life of disciples and what it means to embody the Gospel of Jesus in the world.
Janzen Longacre, Doris. More-with-Less Cookbook. First Edition. Scottdale, Pa.: Herald Press, 1976.
Janzen Longacre, Doris. More-with-Less Cookbook 25th Anniversary Edition. Scottdale, Pa.: Herald Press, 2000.
Janzen Longacre, Doris, with Rachel Marie Stone. More-with-Less Cookbook 40th Anniversary Edition. Harrisonburg, Va.: Herald Press, 2016.
Mayfield, D. L. “More-with-Less Cookbook.” Christianity Today 59, no. 7 (September 2015): 74.
Moses, Lee Hull. “Recipes for a Revolution.” Christian Century 133, no. 25 (December 7, 2016): 32.
Swartz, David R. “Re-Baptizing Evangelicalism.” In The Activist Impulse: Essays on the Intersection of Evangelicalism and Anabaptism, 262-287. Ed. Jared S. Burkholder and David C. Cramer. Eugene, OR: Wipf and Stock Publishers, 2012.
“Your Favorite Books.” Countryside & Small Stock Journal 87, no. 6 (November 2003): 92.
Mary Emma Showalter Eby in introduction to Doris Janzen Longacre, More-with-Less Cookbook, First Edition (Scottdale, Pa.: Herald Press, 1976), 8. ↩
This is not to mention printings by other presses in British and German editions, bring the total to over 847,000 worldwide by 2000. By 1988 Herald Press had already thirty-six printings of the original edition for a total of 535,000 copies. See Doris Janzen Longacre, More-with-Less Cookbook 25th Anniversary Edition (Scottdale, Pa.: Herald Press, 2000), ii. In comparison, the Mennonite Community Cookbook printed 374,000 copies between 1950 and 1990. ↩
Janzen Longacre, First Ed., 7. ↩
Ibid., 111. ↩
Rhoda King quoted in Ibid., 114. ↩
Ron Sider quoted in David R. Swartz, “Re-Baptizing Evangelicalism,” in The Activist Impulse: Essays on the Intersection of Evangelicalism and Anabaptism (Eugene, OR: Wipf and Stock Publishers, 2012), 275. ↩
Mooningham and Hatfield quoted in Ibid., 278. ↩
Judy Welsh in submission to “Your Favorite Books,” Countryside & Small Stock Journal 87, no. 6 (November 2003), 92. ↩
Ellah Allfrey, “Three Books on Entering Strange New Worlds, NPR, 17 February 2011. https://www.npr.org/2011/02/17/133464039/three-books-on-entering-strange-new-worlds ↩
D.L. Mayfield, “More-with-Less Cookbook,” Christianity Today 59, no. 7 (September 2015), 74. ↩
Lee Hull Moses, “Recipes for a Revolution,” Christian Century 133, no. 25 (December 7, 2016), 32. ↩
Doris Janzen Longacre with Rachel Marie Stone, More-with-Less Cookbook 40th Anniversary Edition (Harrisonburg, Va.: Herald Press, 2016), 281. ↩
Posted in Essays | Tagged Anabaptist Identity, Ethics, Food | Leave a reply
Confronting the Confessional Catharsis: David A. Shank and the Legacy of “Race Criminals”
Posted on April 19, 2018 by tobinms
Sixty years after he penned “Race Criminals,” David A. Shank’s anger at his co-believers still jumps off the page. Writing in February 1945 as the editor of The Vanguard, the newsletter of Civilian Public Service conscientious objectors assigned to camp 18 in Denison, Iowa, Shank aimed to awaken white Christians in general and white Mennonites in particular to their complicity in racism.
“You are guilty, you know,” he wrote. “You are prejudiced and you are bigoted and,” he added just to be certain that his message was clear, “you are pumping the bellows for the fires of racial discrimination and hatred.” Having accused his audience of racist attitudes, a racially superior mindset, ignorance, inactivity, and insensitivity, Shank ratcheted up his rhetoric with a condemnation specific to Mennonites that only pacifists would find convicting. Replete with an offensive and inflammatory racial epithet—presumably for the shock value—Shank declared, “It is just as unrighteous for a Christian to say ‘nigger’ as it is to be found fighting in the front lines of battle, and much more cowardly and hypocritical.”1
The Vanguard, 1 no. 4 (Feb. 1, 1945)
I know of no other examples of white Mennonites writing about racism in the World War II era—and precious few in the subsequent three decades—that approach the emotional intensity, prophetic tenor, or unabashed criticism of Shank’s editorial. Although African-American academic, activist, and pastor Vincent Harding would go on to challenge white Mennonite complicity with racism in no uncertain terms by the late 1950s, Shank’s reproof precedes Harding’s censure by more than a decade.2
The February 1945 issue of The Vanguard focused on “brotherhood.” Contributors to the mimeographed newsletter reported on a talk by Dr. A. T. DeGroot, a Drake University professor from Des Moines, who advocated social equality of the races; lauded Roi Ottley’s New World A’Coming and Richard Wright’s Native Son for their bracing racial content; and explicated the dangers of race prejudice. None of the other articles approach Shank’s righteous anger. A fellow camp member, James Harnish, also charged Mennonites with both tacit and overt racism but in much more mediated tones. Harnish wrote that participation in racism “is inconsistent with the mind and spirit of Christ.”3 A concluding ten-point program offered by Bethel College history professor Dr. Melvin Gingrich called for interracial friendships, evangelism, book reading, letter writing to elected representatives, and charitable donations to race-focused organizations but again in the mildest of tones.4
To be certain, an editorial in The Vanguard did not have the same reach as did an article in The Gospel Herald, the official Mennonite Church publication of the day. Historian Irvin B. Horst, then an undergraduate student, offered his take on “Mennonites and the Race Question” later on in 1945 for The Gospel Herald. Like Shank, he also pointed out white Mennonite involvement in racism, but the most stringent criticism he had to offer was that “we have quite a way to go in loving our Negro brethren.”5
The difference in tone may have simply been due to personality, passion, or preference, but the larger context of racism in the church raises the question why more voices like Shank’s didn’t surface. In 1945, Fannie and Ernest Swartzentruber, long-time matron and superintendent of the African-American mission at Broad Street in Virginia Conference, had been summarily dismissed from their posts, ostensibly due to their opposition to the Conference’s Jim Crow policies.6 Also in Virginia, the Trustees of Eastern Mennonite School refused that same year to admit Peggy Webb, daughter of Broad Street member Roberta Webb, due to “race questions that have been long in forming and deeply set in the values of the inhabitants of this state and community of which we are a small minority.”7 In his Gospel Herald article, Horst testified that “Many Mennonites feel . . . that the Negro is all right if he ‘keeps his place,’ but must be ‘kept down,’ for if placed on the level of whites he will take advantage of this position and become ‘fresh.’”8 He added, “There are Mennonite communities where young members of the church find sport in making Negroes fearful and scare Negro pedestrians with automobiles.”9
It seems as if there was plenty to get angry about.
But white Mennonites of the era rarely expressed anger in public and especially not in written form. In the CPS context, historian Perry Bush notes that “Mennonites were truly the ‘good boys’ of the CPS system. . . . [they] obeyed its directives quite submissively.”10 So even if CPS men had begun to form a racial conscience – whether in Iowa, Mississippi, or Florida – that could lead to unusually acerbic rhetoric directed to their religious community, they did not direct the same kind of ire at CPS authorities. The anger Shank expressed at the time may have been nothing more than the outpouring of a youthful firebrand, safe in lashing out at his co-believers even as he acted the model conscientious objector.
Yet Shank’s essay raises another question, one that remains pertinent whenever a member of a community points out a problem within that community to the community. If Shank had aimed his pen at an employer—revealing racism evident in a workplace for example—there would have been no whistle-blower laws to protect him. Those didn’t gain prominence until the late 1980s. As it was, Shank focused his anger on his co-believers and so risked a measure of internal censure. Not only could he have been dismissed, but he might also have found himself shoved to the margins of the community, rendered irrelevant, or, worse yet, branded a trouble maker—no longer a good boy of the Mennonite system.
But he wasn’t. Not by a long shot.
A full year later his article was reprinted in Box 96, the newsletter of CPS camp #27 in Mulberry, Florida. Shank went on to serve with Mennonite Board of Missions in Belgium and West Africa for more than three decades, taught for three years at Goshen College in Indiana, helped start Assembly Mennonite Church in Goshen, and played a role in the founding and leadership of other educational and mission endeavors. Much loved and often honored, he was no pariah.
David and Wilma Shank, 1974
Why wasn’t Shank marginalized in the aftermath of his harsh indictment? Why didn’t his anger—out of place even among the CPS men who had become awakened to societal and ecclesial racism—label him a troublemaker? Others had been censured. Fannie and Ernest Swartzentruber lost their cherished posting at Broad Street for much less vocal protest. What protected Shank?
Some of the answers are obvious. White Mennonites have long been tolerant of their young people’s excesses, whether of worldly flirtation or prophetic invective. Likewise, Shank stood at a remove, lodged in Iowa, engaged fully in the work and witness of the church’s CPS service. His peers respected him. A fellow camp member wrote that Shank was gifted “with considerably more than average intellectual endowment.”11 He was also white, male, and positioned by virtue of his surname as a member of the pack, a tripartite privilege, layered and laminated from birth. And, unlike the Swartzentrubers who also bore those privileges, his position in the church did not depend on a board of conservative bishops fully accommodated to the racial segregation of the South.
But I also think he was given a pass because he expressed his anger in a theological frame that white Mennonites of the era understood: guilt, innocence, redemption. Those terms made sense and flowed into the evangelical streams then running through the church. They offered a way out. As harsh a message as Shank had to proclaim, he still concluded with “redemption follows confession and the passion to do and to give ‘to all nations whatsoever I have commanded you’.”12
It was the confessional catharsis: “I am convicted of my participation in racism; I am sorry that I have done so; I am relieved that I no longer have to concern myself with the issue.” By no means particular to Mennonites, various permutations of this theological relief valve have recurred throughout the twentieth century as white Christians found themselves accused of both complicit and active participation in racism. The emphasis on confession and repentance has been especially prominent in the white evangelical community.13 In response to racial accusations, white Christians have consistently taken advantage of the confessional catharsis to gain psychic relief and move forward.
Elsewhere I have documented the cycle of public and individual confession of participation in racism followed by a period of inactivity or inattention to racial issues within the Mennonite community.14 My point is not to draw into question the sincerity of these confessions but simply to note that white Mennonites, and I think white Christians as a whole, have too often relied on the confessional catharsis in order to avoid the more difficult and sustained work of solving what Shank called the “‘white’ problem.”15
I wonder if one possible response to Shank’s editorial, one that holds the promise of a measure of integrity, is simply to name the confessional catharsis cycle, recognize its historical recurrence, and commit ourselves to embarking on a more sustained, holistic, and ultimately more honest response.
Rather than reprising yet another round of confessions, we could—as David Shank advocated in ’45—then move from criminality to authentic mutuality. It would be a legacy worthy of the gift of Shank’s original ire.
Author’s note: Many thanks to Joe Springer, curator of the Mennonite Historical Library at Goshen College, for scanning and sending me The Vanguard issue on “brotherhood.” He knew that I would be interested.
David A. Shank, “Race Criminals,” The Vanguard, February 1945, 2. ↩
“The Mennonite Churches and Race,” Gospel Herald, May 19, 1959. ↩
James Harnish, “Mennonites & Race Relations,” The Vanguard, February 1945. ↩
Gingerish Melvin, Dr., “A Ten Point Program,” ibid. ↩
Irvin B. Horst, “Mennonites and the Race Question,” Gospel Herald, July 13, 1945, 284. ↩
“Executive Committee Meeting – Friday 10:00 A.M., January 5, 1945,” (Harrisonburg, VA: Virginia Mennonite Board of Missions And Charities, 1945). ↩
A. G. Heishman, “Annual Board Meeting Trustees Eastern Mennonite School,” (Harrisonburg, VA: Eastern Mennonite School, 1945), [2]. ↩
Horst, 284. ↩
Perry Bush, Two Kingdoms, Two Loyalties: Mennonite Pacifism in Modern America (Baltimore: John Hopkins University Press, 1998), 114. ↩
Albert Dietrich and Frank Dietrich, Army GI, Pacifist CO: The World War II Letters of Frank Dietrich and Albert Dietrich (Fordham University Press, 2005), 292. ↩
Shank, 2. ↩
Michael O. Emerson and Christian Smith, Divided by Faith: Evangelical Religion and the Problem of Race in America (New York: Oxford University Press, 2001); Brad Christerson, Korie L. Edwards, and Michael O. Emerson, Against All Odds: The Struggle for Racial Integration in Religious Organizations (New York: New York University Press, 2005). ↩
Tobin Miller Shearer, “Conflicting Identities: White Racial Formation among Mennonites, 1960–1985,” Identities: Global Studies in Culture and Power 19, no. 3 (2012); “Whitening Conflicts: White Racial Identity Formation within Mennonite Central Committee, 1960-1985,” in A Table of Sharing: Mennonite Central Committee and the Expanding Networks of Mennonite Identity, ed. Alain Epp Weaver (Telford, PA: Cascadia Publishing House, 2011). ↩
Posted in Essays | Tagged African Americans, Civil Rights, Conscientious Objectors, Ethics, Mennonites and Race | 2 Replies
Why collect a Nazi flag?: Kauffman Museum’s Role in Confronting Our Past
Posted on March 27, 2018 by Guest Contributor
Renae Stucky, Kauffman Museum, Collections Manager
In November 2016, a donor approached Kauffman Museum at Bethel College with the offer of this Nazi flag for consideration for donation. The flag belonged to the donor’s father who traveled to do relief work in Europe following WWII. The young Mennonite volunteered as a “Seagoing Cowboy” helping tend and deliver livestock being transported to war-torn countries by the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration and the Heifer Project. The donor believes that the flag was given to his father by a man he befriended during his time in Germany.
While the flag has Mennonite connections, usually a decisive factor in the museum’s collections policy, its Nazi connections made it a controversial case. The decision about whether or not to accept the object evoked many questions. What would it mean to have the flag in our collection? Would accessioning the item show insensitivity to those who suffered under the Nazi regime? Or could we use the flag to expose and confront this difficult history? What role did the flag play in our mission to tell the Mennonite story?
Due to the controversial nature of the artifact, the flag was brought to the full Kauffman Museum board for consideration and discussion. Members of the board, staff, and Bethel College history faculty were invited to offer their expertise and insight to the conversation. A variety of viewpoints were presented. In preliminary correspondence, the potential donor of the flag asserted that if there was no interest in the artifact by an historical institution he would likely destroy it ceremoniously in memory of those who perished. The members of the history faculty acknowledged the sensitivity of the object, however they ultimately agreed that “there are more constructive ways” of dealing with troubling historical topics if used or displayed in the “appropriate interpretative context.”
After much discussion among the board about the flag’s Mennonite connections, the importance of not denying “painful history” and the need to address recent scholarship related to Mennonites and the Holocaust the board voted unanimously to accept the artifact into the museum’s permanent collection.
The flag was officially accessioned at the end of 2017 with the understanding that it would be used to acknowledge the difficult history surrounding the symbol, and to confront hate rather than celebrate it.
In conjuncture with the recent conference “Mennonites and the Holocaust” held at Bethel College in North Newton, Kansas, the flag was displayed across the street at Kauffman Museum along with several other Nazi artifacts from the museum’s collection (including artifacts brought to the United States from Mennonite colonies in South America.) The artifacts were displayed in a tall narrow case with the flag as a backdrop to a Luftwaffe dagger, an iron cross medal, and a commemorative pin from the Nazi era, and a copy of Mein Kampf. Accompanying the artifacts was interpretive text explaining the museum’s thoughtful consideration and acceptance of these Nazi artifacts, specially the flag, entitled “Why collect a Nazi flag?”
Why would Kauffman Museum collect a Nazi flag? In the same way that the conference continued the conversation about Mennonite involvement in the Holocaust, a museum has a unique opportunity to use artifacts, like this flag and others objects like it, as a catalyst for conversation about historical and current topics. We talk about these difficult issues, and display these controversial symbols, in order to confront the troubling parts of our past. If we ignore or destroy evidence of our misdeeds we risk forgetting them, letting them gather dust in the dim corners of our memory—or in this case our storage space. However if we literally, put them on display for all to see, we are forced to come face-to-face with the reality of our past, which could change our future.
Posted in Essays, Events, Exhibits | Tagged Anabaptist Identity, Ethics, Mennonites and National Socialism, Mennonites and the Holocaust Conference | Leave a reply
Fannie Swartzentruber, Ecclesial Gaslighting, and The Witness of Holy Disruption
Posted on July 13, 2017 by tobinms
Fannie and Ernest Swartzentruber. Virginia Mennonite Conference archives, Papers of Va. Menn. Bd. of Missions and Charities, Box “Harold Huber’s Papers, Broad Street Mennonite Church Materials (History, etc.)”
Tobin Miller Shearer
Fannie Swartzentruber has stuck with me for more than a dozen years. I first encountered this unassuming church matron from Gay Street Mennonite Mission in Harrisonburg, Virginia, back in March of 2005 while on a research trip to Eastern Mennonite University’s archives. As I read of her life and legacy, I was impressed with the deliberation, focus, and passion she brought to her ministry with the African-American community in Harrisonburg during the 1940s. Although her story, like all of ours, is complex—at times burdened by white paternalism and the patent racism of her era and at times leavened by a deep courage and fidelity of friendship across many decades—she nonetheless speaks to our present moment because of her witness of holy disruption.
Disruption in the church is, by its very nature, controversial. During the Mennonite Church USA gathering in Kansas City in 2015, Pink Menno activists disrupted the assembly meetings with a piece of satirical theater that left as many angered and frustrated as elated and energized. There have been other acts of holy disruption in the Mennonite world that have garnered attention. In February 2003, a group of activists connected to the Damascus Road anti-racism process disrupted a meeting of the Mennonite Central Committee Central States board to call for action to dismantle racism in the organization.1 In the 1980s, a homelessness advocate and Mennonite minister by the name of David Hayden disrupted meetings of the Virginia Conference to demand delegates’ attention to housing issues in their region.
Given Mennonites’—and especially white Mennonites of European descent—love of order, decorum, and respectability, it is perhaps no wonder that activists have chosen to disrupt convention meetings, delegate sessions, and occasionally even worship services. The payoff in attention to their cause, even if accompanied by frustration, anger, and, sometimes outright animosity, has been disproportionate to the risk. There was little chance that peace-loving Mennonites would physically assault interlopers. Even when emissaries of the 1969 reparations movement known as the Black Manifesto threatened to disrupt worship services, Lancaster Mennonite Conference leaders enjoined ministers to engage in “orderly discussion” rather than “calling . . . the police” or “attempting to restrain those who would enter our services.”2
No wonder then that Swartzentruber caused such a fuss. In 1940, the Virginia Mennonite Conference’s executive committee announced that they would be conforming to the “general attitude of society in the South toward the intermingling of the two races.”3 The executive committee segregated the rites of baptism, the holy kiss, foot washing, and communion, claiming that they did so in “the best interests of both colored and white.”4 Not coincidentally, they instituted the Jim Crow policy even as Mennonites in Virginia faced increased pressure for their non-conformity to the country’s military buildup during World War II.5
Swartzentruber and her husband Ernest challenged their supervisors, demanding scriptural backing for the action. In a highly unusual reply, the bishops declared that not every decision necessitated scriptural mandates. Rather, they stated, “as a matter of expediency we must make some distinction to meet existing conditions.”6 The decision to take away the shared communion cup particularly devastated Fannie.
For the better part of four years, Swartzentruber went along with the dictate. She took communion from a separate cup. She watched Eastern Mennonite College deny admission to the daughter of one her African-American co-believers, Roberta Webb. She said good-bye to her long-time companion, Rowena Lark, as Lark and her husband moved away from the Jim Crow South to plant churches in Chicago. Swartzentruber went along with the demands of her religious community—until she could no longer do so.
During the communion service at Gay Street Mennonite Mission in the fall of 1944, Swartzentruber had had enough. She got up and marched out.
And she kept on marching. Toting her youngest daughter Rhoda in her arms, Swartzentruber walked four miles out of town to the farm north of Harrisonburg where she and Ernest lived. When Ernest returned home from church, she informed him that “she would never again sit through such a service.”7
Disruptive actions, whether ecclesial or otherwise, bear consequences. Church responses to those who transgress boundaries of decorum have often been just as debilitating, if not more so, than secular responses. Communities who preach grace and reconciliation in the midst of retaliation amplify the damage they do to transgressors. Even when camouflaged with scriptures, gaslighting is still gaslighting. In this instance, Mennonites were no exception.
A scant four months after Swartzentruber disrupted the Gay Street communion service, members of the Virginia Mennonite Board of Missions dismissed Fannie and Ernest from their positions as matron and superintendents of the Gay Street mission.8 Although officially cloaked in bureaucratic double-talk as “voluntary expression of willingness . . . to discontinue,” the decision was anything but voluntary. Family members attested to the trauma that both Fannie and Ernest experienced in the aftermath of their dismissal, trauma that was furthered by the ecclesial gaslighting they encountered.9
It was not until 1955 that Virginia Conference leaders overturned their segregation dictate. In a statement that year they publicly acknowledged their “former spiritual immaturity” and pledged to extend “the right hand of fellowship” to all “true believers.”10
But Fannie was not present for that conference statement. She and Ernest had left Harrisonburg in the aftermath of their ejection from Gay Street, settling in Greenwood, Delaware, in 1946, and then, following the death of her husband in 1986, moving to northern Indiana where she attended a Baptist congregation through her passing in 1999.
Regardless of the prophetic truth they often offer, holy disrupters bear the long-term consequences of their actions. In Swartzentruber’s case, her spontaneous march from the sanctuary to the streets resulted in her dismissal and in a long-term alienation from the church community that she loved.
Historical precedents are only sometimes illuminating of our present circumstances. Both past and present are complex and never map exactly one on one. But there are connections, tendrils we can draw across time. In this instance, I simply wonder whether the church can do better now. How will church leaders respond to those who have followed in Swartzentruber’s footsteps? Can they respond with grace rather than retaliation? Will the church let go of its gaslighting past? Will they find better ways to respond to the actions of holy disrupters like those who have called out church leaders for their collusion in the face of sexual abuse and those who have demanded that the voices of the LGBTQ community be included in the conversation about human sexuality?
Swartzentruber was alienated from her faith community, but she and her husband Ernest did experience a modicum of restoration. In the mid 1980s, while visiting the congregation that emerged from the Swartzentrubers’ work at Gay Street, the Broad Street Mennonite Church, members of the congregation apologized. They used the occasion of their church’s fiftieth anniversary to acknowledge that Fannie and Ernest had been wronged and that, on behalf of the Virginia Conference, they were sorry for their actions.
Fannie and Ernest were left in tears. Their family members later reported that the gesture, even though small and absent of official Conference approval, had freed them from a “depth of pain” that they had born for three decades.
In our present moment, I can only hope that the church moves much more quickly to restoration with those who have offered holy disruption.
In the interest of full disclosure, the author helped organize that event. ↩
“Lancaster Conference Peace Committee Responds to Black Manifesto,” Gospel Herald, August 12 1969. ↩
Tobin Miller Shearer, Daily Demonstrators: The Civil Rights Movement in Mennonite Homes and Sanctuaries (Baltimore: Johns Hopkins Press, 2010), 43. ↩
“Executive Committee Meeting – Friday 10:00 A.M., January 5, 1945,” (Harrisonburg, Va.: Virginia Mennonite Board of Missions And Charities, 1945). ↩
Harold Huber and Vida Huber, “Interview with Harold and Vida Huber,” ed. Tobin Miller Shearer (Harrisonburg, Va., 2005). ↩
Linden M. Wenger, “Progress Report on Integration,” Gospel Herald, February 9 1960. ↩
Posted in Essays | Tagged African Americans, Civil Rights, Ethics, Renewal | 10 Replies
Money, Sex, and Power: The Black Manifesto and the Minority Ministries Council
On May 4, 1969, James Forman, the former executive secretary of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), walked down the center aisle of the Riverside Church in New York City to deliver the Black Manifesto, a document calling for white churches and synagogues to pay $500 million in reparations for their participation in slavery and the ongoing practice of racism, an amount Forman indicated was equal to about $15 per black person in the United States. Although as a fundraising tool the Manifesto missed its mark by several orders of magnitude, the document caused a firestorm of response from the white religious community. Given Forman’s threat that he or his lieutenants would disrupt church services in those communities where reparations payments were not made, denominations and congregations made plans for what they should do if Black Manifesto delegates showed up on their doorsteps.
Brochure advertising a cross-cultural gathering sponsored by the Minority Ministries Council. “We They Coming Together: A Cross-Cultural Experience,” 1971: Eastern Mennonite Missions Record Room – 4th Cabinet of row on far left wall upon entering room, Second Drawer: Unmarked. Folder: MINORITY MINISTRY COUNCIL 1970-71
Some made arrangements to call the police and then did so upon the delegates’ arrival. Others made plans to simply vacate their sanctuaries if a Black Manifesto activist showed up. A few planned on entering into dialogue. Even fewer invited Black Manifesto emissaries to their congregations and offered them payment. Although disruption was the intent and purpose of Black Manifesto activists, they did not as a rule engage in any form of violence.
It is striking then, that only two months after the release of the Black Manifesto, Paul G. Landis and Noah G. Good–leaders at the time in the Lancaster Mennonite Conference–sent a letter to every pastor in their conference calling them to “repent individually and as congregations of any and all racial prejudice or class discrimination that may be present in our own hearts” after first cautioning them against calling the police or restraining “those who would enter our services or buildings” because “[t]his will only generate greater strife and be considered an act of fear.”1 If nothing else, these cautions come across as highly unusual among a religious group known for their commitment to nonviolence and nonresistance. Under what other circumstances would pastors need to be cautioned against engaging in violence or calling the police to intervene? Good and Landis seemed to have been very afraid that uncontrollable chaos might ensue among this particular group of white Mennonite quiet in the land.
On August 16, 1969, at the (Old) Mennonite Church General Assembly in Turner, Oregon, African-American Mennonite pastor John Powell called for a fund in the amount of $500,000 to be set up “for the purpose of developing and expanding ways of serving the urban poor and other minorities in new and meaningful ways.” He challenged the church to raise that same amount for each of the following five years (for a total of $3,000,000)–an amount indicated as $0.50/member/month. The fund, later deemed the Compassion Fund, was envisioned as a way to “open the door to a new world of freedom and brotherhood.” Powell also called for “racial sensitivity education in white congregations.”2
Like the Black Manifesto that prompted it, the resulting Compassion Fund would never meet its funding goals although it would also result in a firestorm of response, much of it negative, from white members of the Mennonite church. A 1971 report would note receipts of $100,000 in 1969, and $60,000 in 1970 – amounts far below the $500,000/year goal.
Much more could be said about how the Black Manifesto helped bolster the development of what would come to be called the Minority Ministries Council (MMC) in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Instead, I will focus on the struggle that emerged over the MMC as its members fostered a multi-racial, multi-ethnic coalition intent upon supporting the black and brown freedom struggles within and without the (Old) Mennonite Church. I will also suggest what those observations might mean to the contemporary church.
Echoing the work of Richard Foster, I contend that the struggle over both the Black Manifesto and the Compassion Fund was about three things: money, sex, and power. Those three issues remain at the core of Mennonite Church USA’s current struggle to dismantle racism internal to its structure and corporate life.
Money. The MMC’s struggle to obtain funding from the Mennonite Church drove to the heart of the problem of racism at that time. Prior to the advent of the MMC, most of the church’s mission and service endeavors in communities of color – where, in fact, the majority of the work took place in both domestic and overseas settings – was typified by white mission workers leading efforts to serve communities of color or, in a few instances, partnering with communities of color. Very few of those efforts were led by people of color from within or without the Mennonite community, James and Rowena Lark being two of the most notable exceptions. MMC’s proposal to fund communities of color to lead their own work and minister in their own communities completely upset that paradigm. The list of funded projects makes the case. In 1970 alone, the MMC funded twelve different urban churches’ self-run summer programs, a new business and black farm cooperative start-up in Mississippi, a “radical black theological seminary in Philadelphia,” and a Mexican-American Advocacy group in South Bend, Indiana, among many other projects.3 The evidence makes clear that this shift to black and brown run programs–more than any other element of the MMC programming initiative–left white Mennonite constituents cold. Their dollars did not flow to support this kind of mission and service.
Sex. On March 23, 1971, the Gospel Herald, the news magazine of the Mennonite Church, ran a race relations survey carried out by MMC white anti-racism educator Lynford Hershey. Hershey had sent the survey out to 98 Mennonite churches, of which 58 responded. Of the many questions asked, one of the most striking made the statement: “There is nothing morally wrong with interracial marriage if both partners are Christian.” Of the 2694 responses to that question, 51% were uncertain or disagreed with the statement.4 Of course that also means that 49% agreed with the statement, but in 1971 it still spoke dramatically of a church community that found the issue of interracial sex to be troublesome at best, morally suspect at worse. Given that the Supreme Court had in 1967 already overruled anti-miscegenation laws in Loving vs. the State of Virginia, it remains all the more problematic that a majority of the Mennonite Church five years later continued to be afraid of the prospect of their white daughters marrying black men – which was almost without exception the gender configuration that sounded alarms. In correspondence with John Powell, former Goshen College President Ernest E. Miller accused Powell of having claimed that “unity and peace” would come through “having interracial sex relations,” a claim he objected to in light of a comment purportedly made by Martin Luther King, Jr. while at Goshen College, in which King apparently said – as he had asserted elsewhere in the sexist language of the day – that “we want to be your brothers in Christ, not your brothers in law.”5 As my research into the Fresh Air rural hosting program has made clear, white Mennonites continued to express grave concern that interracial contact would lead to interracial sex well into the 1970s and 1980s.
Power. On March 8, 1971, MMC founding member Hubert Schwartzentruber made a provocative proposal. He suggested that both the Home Missions and the Voluntary Service arms of the Mennonite Board of Missions and Charities come under the authority of the MMC.6 He was in essence proposing a substantive shift of power, one that would have placed the heart and soul of the Mennonite mission enterprise under the control and leadership of people of color. Just as many Black Nationalist and La Raza groups were calling for a similar shift of authority and leadership over programs in their own communities, so too was this group calling for the right to lead mission and service efforts in their own communities. Although the proposal did not move forward, if action had been taken, the church’s mission efforts would have looked very different.
I contend that these three areas remain the principle issues in need of addressing today. Who holds the purse strings and gets to decide how money is distributed continues to stay largely in white hands. We have to find ways to talk about how money too often determines who is listened to, whose voice counts, who remains unheard.
Concerns about interracial sex – discomfort with it, talking around it – continues to be an issue. Two young men of color at Goshen College shared their experience with me of being either avoided or eroticized by white women, and on a related note, being asked to instruct white men on how to “act ghetto” – at term laden with all too much of its own psychosocial baggage.
Issues surrounding power continue to serve as an additional stumbling block to furthering the work of the church. We know from long experience that white norms and standards too often stand in the way of creating a new future. At the same time we see evidence of change in this realm as leaders like Iris Deleon Hartshorn, Glen Guyton, Stanley Green, Michelle Armster, Leslie Francisco, and many others demonstrate that the church does indeed thrive when people of color also lead.
My comments have focused on the legacy and present practice of racism. There is, of course, so much more that could be said in this arena. But, at the same time, I want to name and be clear that our analysis and discussion of this issue must be nested in and cognizant of the interlocking arenas of class, gender, physical ability, and sexual identity. In each of these areas the provisioning of power and privilege and the ongoing dynamics of oppression continue to be relevant and need to be explored as well.
Ella Baker, the most gifted and influential organizer of the modern civil rights movement, once said, “In order to see where we are going, we not only must remember where we have been, but we must understand where we have been.” My hope is that this brief foray into the history of the MMC and the Black Manifesto can be part of building that understanding.
Noah G. Good and Paul G. Landis to Lancaster Conference Mennonite Pastors, July 1969, Lancaster Mennonite Historical Society, Box: Conference Statements. ↩
John Powell, “Urban-Racial Concerns Statement,” (Turner, OR: Mennonite General Conference, 1969), Archives of the Mennonite Church, I-1-1, Mennonite General Conference, 1898-1971, 1969 Session materials, Folder 5/8. ↩
John Powell, “Compassion Fund Report,” (Elkhart, IN: Minority Ministries Council, 1971), 12: Eastern Mennonite Missions Record Room – 4th Cabinet of row on far left wall upon entering room, Second Drawer: Unmarked, Folder: MINORITY MINISTRY COUNCIL 1970-7. ↩
Lynford Hershey, “What Is the Mennonite Attitude on Race Relations.” Gospel Herald, March 23 1971, 262-264. ↩
Ernest E. Miller to John Powell, December 3, 1969, Archives of the Mennonite Church, IV-21-4 Box 1, MBM, Minority Ministries Council, Data Files #1, A-K, Folder: General Correspondence, 1969-72. ↩
John I. Smucker,”Minutes of Minority Ministries Council Executive Committee,” (Chicago, IL: Minority Ministries Council, 1971), 7: Eastern Mennonite Missions Record Room – 4th Cabinet of row on far left wall upon entering room, Second Drawer: Unmarked. Folder: MINORITY MINISTRY COUNCIL 1970-71. ↩
Posted in Essays | Tagged Black Manifesto, Ethics, Mennonites and Race, Minority Ministries Council | Leave a reply
Archives Power? The Role of Record-Keepers in Historical Preservation and Research
Posted on March 9, 2017 by simonedhorst
Simone D. Horst
I recently saw this picture when my graduate advisor, a longtime library science educator, shared it on her Facebook page. I can say that as a librarian, the comic mostly rings true–one generally does not enter the library profession seeking fame and fortune. But the last word, power, gives me pause. Librarians, archivists, and all others who are given stewardship of records do have power. They have influence over historical narratives that must be given attention by both the record-keepers themselves and the people they serve. It is only through recognition of this influence that they can be held accountable and that those with whose histories they are entrusted can ensure that the preservation and access of those stories is being handled in a professional, ethical manner.
There are a number of facets to this influence, three of which Randall Jimerson explores in the introduction to his book Archives Power: Memory, Accountability, and Social Justice. He opens by saying that archives can be seen as temples, prisons, or restaurants. For Jimerson, “the temple reflects the power of authority and veneration. The prison wields the power of control. The restaurant holds the power of interpretation and mediation. These represent the trinity of archival functions: selection, preservation, and access. Archives at once protect and preserve records; legitimize and sanctify certain documents while negating and destroying others; and provide access to selected sources while controlling the researchers and conditions under which they may examine the archival record.”1
Jimerson’s first example, the temple, describes the power exerted by record-keepers in the selection process. He writes that “the very acts of selection and preservation set some records apart from others and give them heightened validity” and reminds his readers that “in the archival temple, archivists make value-laden decisions with momentous implications for the knowledge that the future will have of the past.”2 Jason Kauffman, Mennonite Church USA Archivist, touched on this in his blog post “Now You’re the Institution” when he talked about the importance of addressing ‘archival silences’ by cultivating institutional collections that represent groups that have been marginalized or left out of a group’s historical records.3 Archives cannot collect everything, but an intentionality in the formation of collection development policies and in the activities of acquisition can help ensure the preservation of an historic record that makes an attempt at balance and inclusion.
Jimerson’s second example, the prison, demonstrates how archives have historically handled the preservation of records. Preservation meant maintaining the records exactly as they were when they arrived. Physical materials were kept in tightly controlled, high security spaces, with acid-free storage, climate control, and strict rules on viewing and usage. But with the advent of technology archives, libraries are being forced to reassess their methods of preservation and make decisions about the application of technology: what gets scanned and stored electronically? What formats are digital items stored in and how will archives ensure that these formats remain available five or ten years down the road as technologies change? Why digitize one collection rather than another? How do institutions maintain copyright control and security when items are shared on a platform as vast and far-reaching as the Internet? Digitization has enhanced the ability for records managers to provide access, but it also brings up difficult questions of preservation. This new frontier does not follow the pattern of how archives have historically gone about preservation, nor does it fit neatly into Jimerson’s prison narrative. It is an entirely new aspect that is allowing archives to provide more unlimited access to their collections, but also challenges the historically held beliefs of how best to preserve historic resources.
The final facet of power is access. This is Jimerson’s restaurant, where record-keepers and information-seekers come together to use and interpret historical documents. Providing patrons with access to resources is at the heart of the ethics of both the archival and library professions. The Society of American Archivists Code of Ethics states that “Although access may be limited in some instances, archivists seek to promote open access and use when possible” and the first point in the American Library Association’s Code of Ethics is “We provide the highest level of service to all library users through appropriate and usefully organized resources; equitable service policies; equitable access; and accurate, unbiased, and courteous responses to all requests.” This is where an archivist’s power can be most plainly seen; there are many unfortunate examples of record-keepers bucking ethical codes and using their own discretion to assess whether records are fit for public consumption and withholding those they deem inappropriate. And, unfortunately, the lofty goals of living up to ethical principles of providing access can sometimes clash with more benign limits like restricted open hours, processing backlogs, and privacy rights that hinder the amount of free access the public can have to archival and library materials. Of the three facets of discussed here, this is both the easiest place for outsiders to recognize a record-keeper’s power and also the easiest place to hold records-keepers accountable.
Jimerson goes on to discuss how archives, once regarded by historians and others who use their contents as an unbiased source of materials that contained stories just waiting to be told, are now being seen for the power they have in shaping the discourse even before historical research begins. For many of us who work in these places, this power can feel uncomfortable. But power in archives and records-keeping doesn’t have to been seen as a bad thing. Jimerson states, “[O]ne challenge for archivists is to embrace the power of archives and use it to make society more knowledgeable, more tolerant, more diverse, and more just…once archivists acknowledge their professional and personal viewpoints, they can avoid using this power indiscriminately or, even worse, accidentally.”4 He concludes by saying that “rather than hide from their power in the realm of history, memory, and the past, I hope that archivists will embrace the power of archives and use it for the good of mankind.”5
Anabaptists and Mennonites are privileged to have a large number of institutions and groups dedicated to preserving their historical record. There have been many devoted historians, librarians, and archivists over the years who have shaped and grown the historical collections that today’s church inherits. To continue and improve upon this legacy, record-keepers, historians, church leaders, and anyone interested in the church as it was and as it can be must take an active interest in the preservation and maintenance of our shared heritage. Those who are entrusted with the stewardship of historical materials need to be aware of how all aspects of their work impacts the history being told. They must take seriously the responsibility to work ethically and morally to provide historians and researchers with the highest possible access and most complete historical record possible. Likewise, church leaders must take seriously the importance of historical records and dedicate energy and funds to their care and protection. Only then can record-keepers and historians tell the best and most complete versions of our history.
Jimerson, Randall C. 2010. Archives Power: Memory, Accountability, and Social Justice. Chicago, Ill: Soc. of American Archivists.
Randall C. Jimerson, Archives power. (Chicago, Ill: Soc. of American Archivists, 2010), 2. ↩
Jimerson, 4. ↩
Kauffman, Jason. “Now You’re the Institution,” Anabaptist Historians, Nov. 10, 2016, https://anabaptisthistorians.org/2016/11/10/now-youre-the-institution/ ↩
Jimerson, 185-86. ↩
Posted in Essays | Tagged Archives, Ethics, Institutions | Leave a reply
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We’ve Fallen and We Can’t Get Up: Like Chiron, We Need to Take Inside Us the “Sins” of Promethean Fathers to Stop Millennial Cycles of Suffering
We Are the Centaurs, My Friends: We Are the Necessary Heroes for Deluded Promethean “Fathers,” Open the Jar, Pandora, and Why the Gods Are LOL
Wounded Deer and Centaurs, Chapter Seven: Return of the Centaur and How We Look to the Gods
Enter the Centaur: Wherein Lies Real Hope – Sixties and Millennial Generations Are Shamans for Deluded Promethean “Fathers”
Blind Hope vs. Real Hope … Chiron Is Martyr for The Sins of the Fathers
Prometheus Brought Us Blind Hopes
Another aspect of this is that Prometheus is said to have “caused blind hopes to live in the hearts of men.” Indeed, we are also now seeing how blind was our reliance on technology and the vaunted but vain “rational mind”—which has now been seen to be a rationalizing mind.
For we realize this self-congratulatory thinking has been keeping out uncomfortable truths and building illusory, manic Atman projects of escape from the consequences of our actions. None of which, we are now finding out, are capable of working.
Enter the Centaur: Real Hopes – Chiron
But to jump ahead. There is hope in the Prometheus myth as well. There is shown a way forward for humanity, which at this particular time in history appears to have been prophetic. For Prometheus is saved from his sufferings by the Centaur, Chiron. Chiron sacrifices himself—Christ-like—taking on Prometheus’s suffering and dying in his stead.
Return to The Centaur
Earthy, Sensual, Noble
The Centaur — half human, half animal — does not, like Icarus, paste on wings and try to separate from groundedness in the Earth. No. Centaur qualities are earthy, sensual, sexual. They embrace the noble qualities of the horse … reminding us that as primal beings, early humans, we were noble humans … as they say, a bit ethnocentrically, “noble savages.” We once stood, sure-footed and tall, and we walked confidently upon the Earth, knowing we belonged here.
Wounded Healers, Shamans, Gardeners of Consciousness, Poets … Brave and Foolhardy Journeyers Into the Unapproved and Hidden
Traditionally associated with intoxicants and with the bacchanalian, centaurs can see into other realities, nonordinary ones. They are open to altered states of consciousness. They are not averse to looking into their deeper natures, their “undersides,” their unconscious; that is how they came to be one with Nature in the first place.
Indeed, Chiron is also known as the wounded healer and is associated with the shamanic. Being, like Chiron, healers, centaurs are skilled in both physical and mental health. Thus they are wholistic and psychotherapeutical. They are philosophical. Plato was one. Walt Whitman was one. They are poetic.
Mystics, Scapegoats, Natural … A-mused and A-musing Not Deluded and A-mazed
They are scapegoated, like Chiron was, for the sins of society, and in modern times they have scornfully been referred to as “hippies” and “beatniks” — but they include the bohemian types of all times. Being rooted in a more fundamental nature or reality they are mystic. Jesus was one. Following a “different drummer,” as it were, they are the Wayseers.
Connected to the real source of truth in Nature and the Divine, they are in touch with their muse … and are both a-mused and a-musing…but they are not into the maze of culture, the matrix, they are not fooled or a-mazed.
The Centaur is completely in tune with her and his planetmate-nature, the Divine and Natural order—as in the Jungian and mystic understandings of individuation as being a re-uniting with a fundamental and earlier reality — returning home, humble and prodigal-son like.
The Opposite of Ordinary Folks…Who Build Stairways to Heaven and Towers to Their Vanity
This is the opposite of most folks who spend their lives seeking to vainly build stairways to heaven, Towers of Babel to the divine, to be muscular Nietzchian supermen, or to struggle up Wilberian ladder-style paths for imaginary achievements and to an understandably elusive “enlightenment.”
We Are the Centaurs, My Friends
This self-sacrificing tendency in humans I will be talking about at length at the end of this book where I point out how we need to stop acting out and begin taking back the projections we make onto the Unknown and thereby stop the Promethean cycles of suffering going on for millennia. We need to, like Chiron, take upon ourselves the “sins of the fathers.” As Tom Waits sang it, “I’m gonna take the sins of my father (mother, brother, sister), down to the pond…I’m gonna wash them.”
Exactly that. We must make the heroic sacrifice of taking inside ourselves those perennial urges to act out on others what was done to us. In environmental terms we must make the sacrifices of lowering our standard of living and cutting back on the lavish appetites and lazy indulgences fed by excessive technology, cultural trinkets, and superfluous commercialism, which other generations were allowed to take to the limits of their times. For if we do not, then there will be very little left for future generations—assuming there’ll be any.
These cultural “achievements” — wrought of burning of fossil fuels, release of fiery energy from the atom, and despoiling of natural resources — all of them in some way rooted in the theft of fire long ago, which started it all, must be let go of. We must refrain from being driven by these addictions and substitutes for actual felt experience, take the “fire” within instead of burning it up without. So in physical terms we must bring those excessive urges home within ourselves and ground them in Nature, bring them back into our physical bodies, we must be Centaurs. And within our bodies experience the discomfort of such a monumental millennial turnabout.
So, no. This is not easy or comfortable.
No. Not easy or comfortable.
Real Hope Lies in Pandora’s Jar and Return of the Centaur … Since the Last Time Was 1961, It’s None Too Soon
Open the Jar, Pandora, and Return of The Centaur … Wherein Lies Real Hope
Open the Jar, Pandora
In psychological terms, real change lies in peering deep into the Pandora’s jar of the unconscious to recover the real hope that is there. Remember, Zeus punished humanity for Prometheus’s theft by sending Pandora. Pandora opened the jar she was told never to look into—another broken law of the Divine, like that of Eve and Prometheus—and out came all the ailments that now plague humankind. It is said Pandora tried to close it but “it was too late.” Still, the legend tells us what was left inside was hope.
I don’t think you have a better description of the way most folks, including most psychologists, handle the discomfort of early pain: They can’t help but be affected by it…some of it does “leak out.” But they expend all kinds of efforts toward bottling it up as much as possible, suppressing, repressing, using all kinds of defenses—including what mainstream psychotherapists call “healthy” ones.
Well, There’s No Sense Going Half Way!
Yet I can tell you as a primal therapist, breathworker, and primal person that is the exact wrong thing to do. From the perspective of deep experiential psychotherapy and Holotropic Breathwork one must open the “jar” all the way up. One must surrender to the discomfort within—not acting it out but acting it in…or rather, surrendering to the feelings that come up and expressing them (opening the jar wide).
The jar is the personal unconscious, and what we find is that the only answer to all these troubles is to look deeply into them; for when we do we find the real hope that lies beneath the pain. Or as I have phrased it, there comes a time when one feels through the “negative grids” (the “pain grids”) to the “positive grids” (the “joy grids”). Therein is the hope.
What we find is that when one has faced and integrated perinatal pain, then the blissful experiences from earlier in womb time opens up. In Grof’s terms referred to earlier in this book, when one allows oneself to experience the depression of BPM II (constricted womb) and the tribulations of BPM III (birth itself), then one is open to the euphoria of BPM I (early womb experience). Rather than seeing through a veil of perinatal negativity and illusion and acting out from the unreal self or ego, one is getting closer to one’s real self as a positive, truly creative being, .
This is not a fleeting experience, for it allows a completely new perception on one’s life, vastly different from what one normally thinks. One has access to positive patterns laid down at earlier and more fundamental times in one’s life. One can build a life that works, for once. One can make choices that trigger one into happiness, not ones that are self-destructive and conducive to unhappiness.
This is true in therapy and on the spiritual path but also in ordinary life. For any time one confronts or looks deeply into one’s discomforts there is a time when there is release from it, there is a time when one is in a better place for having faced it. As the Tao symbol indicates, there is a seed of light in the depths of darkness.
Additionally I can tell you that opening up even more to the reality of consciousness, as opposed to constructing egoic “castles in the sky,” leads to uncovering the “spiritual grids” beyond even the “positive grids.” That is when we go beyond even hope to actual redemption, re-union with estranged divinity, faith, empathy, love, and finally compassion. And that is when we as Centaurs go from being just wounded and suffering to being, like Chiron, healers…and caring teachers.
So, for centaurs, for those who take this path, it is more depressive than aggressive. And up to the euphoric culmination I described above, it is painful and ongoing as well, just as Chiron’s wound was incurable and tormenting. These become the shamans and wounded healers, like Chiron, throwing themselves into the fire, rather than shooting fire all about themselves at others. Centauric folks take on the suffering lest they end up being like all those before them who sheepishly and selfishly passed the burden down.
Return of the Centaur
In another part of this book I point out how there are, beginning with the Sixties, now generations who are doing just that—working out these pains, not acting them out.
I just recently delineated the way these primal pains are emerging and how they are being worked through, not acted out, in younger generations and in alternative, rock music, and therapeutic cultures for a number of decades now.
Finally, in a related work of mine, Culture War, Class War, I have written how the Sixties Generation is a centaur generation and how the millennial generation is continuing that tradition. I’ve pointed out Sixties folk are centauric in standing upon (sitting upon) the achievements of previous generations but also reversing the perverse Promethean human direction by reuniting with our rootedness in Nature.
Chiron Return…Every Fifty-One Years
This humble and correct primal returning has been done, is continuing to be done, and will keep on being done as the Sixties generation continues working out its power struggle at the top, but now aided by a Millennial generation—comprised mainly of their daughters and sons — who are rather centaur-like themselves … as this book and the related works continue to show.
And who, because of this, following different stars grounded in realities both deeper and higher, they boldly confront their societies, bringing about change, creating rapid evolution, revolution; and in doing this they have already created an Arab Spring and an Occupy Wall Street movement. They will bring about profound change in that they are opposed to the powers that be, just as their parents were opposed to the “establishment” of their day and created a “counter” culture.
The Chiron cycle is fifty-one years, meaning the last time we had energies like we do now in 2012 was in 1961. If you lived through or know about that decade, you know that 1961 through 1971 were among the most transformative, progressive, and revolutionary years in the history of the world…and it indeed was a worldwide phenomenon. Considering the dire developments and challenges being laid at our feet, as this book has been laying them out…and requiring as much social but personal change as well…the centaurs couldn’t have returned any too soon.
How We Look to the Gods and Prometheus Redux … Building More Nukes and Drilling More Holes – Icarus Keeps Flapping and the Gods Can’t Stop Laughing
View From the Heavens and Prometheus Redux … Icarus Is Flapping and the Gods Are Laughing as We Build Nukes and Drill Holes
Prometheus Redux
Before leaving Prometheus for good, let us consider some other interesting aspects of its rendering that provide insight into this book’s exploration of the deepest psychological—perinatal—roots of our apocalypse now:
There are four legends of the Prometheus myth—all of them are reflected, coincidentally, in themes in this and its related books, Culture War, Class War and The Great Reveal. They are
According to the first, he was clamped to a rock in the Caucasus for betraying the secrets of the gods to men, and the gods sent eagles to feed on his liver, which was perpetually renewed.
“Betraying the secrets of gods to men” includes the biggest divine prerogative—dominion over death. Also, this implies that humans were given the forbidden knowledge which humans are incapable of controlling, which I dealt with at length in a previous section, using as modern examples our stirring up the forces of the atom and the secrets of the DNA.
According to the second, Prometheus, goaded by the pain of the tearing beaks, pressed himself deeper and deeper into the rock until he became one with it.
One of the results of Promethean hubris was control of Nature but therein also detachment from Nature. As I have been showing, our birth pain led us to the Promethean mistake of fire and meat. Both of these contribute to what I have called the thingification of humans, especially in modern/postmodern times. By that I mean our extraordinary pain coming into the world and then in general in life causes us to split off from the feelings in our bodies. We objectify all of Nature: We remove all its feeling and spiritual components and leave Things as the only reality, including ourselves and other humans. We “thingify” our babies; and as adults we embrace thingification (repression, detachment, estrangement, suppression, alienation) as a way of defending against this pain.
According to the third, his treachery was forgotten in the course of thousands of years, forgotten by the gods, the eagles, forgotten by himself.
This separation from the pain creates the personal unconscious. But as a species, we have created a collective unconscious—what I have called the Unapproved and Hidden of all cultures. And as I have said, the truth became increasingly invisible over time…our real nature, what we did, and the true cost of our estrangement became ever more buried, obscure…eventually unknowable.
According to the fourth, everyone grew weary of the meaningless affair. The gods grew weary, the eagles grew weary, the wound closed wearily.
This refers to what happens when we face these uncomfortable truths and resolve them. Ultimately we leave behind these dramas when we have dealt with them so much they no longer have any charge for us… in other words, they become boring… we “weary.” The patterns are still there, but they contain no charge for us.
So the first legend asserts that we are damaged and pained as karmic retribution for our defiance of Nature. And in these last three legends we have the ways we have reacted to the Promethean wound within us: ”We become unfeeling, detached, rock-like. We become one with our defenses, thingified.
The second says that we repress this information and it becomes increasingly hidden (“forgotten”) as our species has “evolved,” but also individually, as we get older in life. This is generally what is done with the Promethean wound of birth pain. The third says that some of us face and deal with the wounds. Eventually they are gone beyond, truly gone beyond, as eventually all the charge on them disappears, they have no more control over us or pull on us, as we just naturally weary of them…they dissipate.
There remains the inexplicable mass of rock. The legend tried to explain the inexplicable. As it came out of a substratum of truth it had in turn to end in the inexplicable.[28]
Finally, inexplicable substratum of truth is a pretty damn good description of the Unapproved and Hidden … also known as the Collective Unconscious… But in my rendering of it—dealing with our species unconscious, not just personal, “racial,” societal, or cultural—it contains much more than Jung imagined and because of that reverses many of the interpretations and meanings arising from it from what the Jungians, Joseph Campbell, or Freud understood.
Finally – Futility… The Gods Are Laughing at Us
One final message can be taken from these ancient minings of unconscious Truth which is also a commentary on our current mainstream reactions to the dire developments which are now reaching an apocalyptic peak:
Icarus Flapping – LOL
In the Icarus myth, “Icarus kept flapping his wings but soon realized that he had no feathers left and that he was only flapping his bare arms.” I don’t think there is a better image for the way we look in our actions in the face of apocalypse. The gods, aliens, Titans, angels, and the planetmates must be laughing their asses off at the sight of humans continued “flapping” about with ever more technology, pushing ever forward into the face of doom and apocalypse—the sun, the fire for Icarus—even as the Earth below us continues to fail, disintegrate, get polluted and poisoned, and no longer support our continued hubris.
We’re Falling and We Can’t Get Up
Oh, yes, we’ve started the Icarus fall…our wings of technology are “melting” —literally in the case of Fukushima—but ever faster we “flap”—seeking to build more nuclear plants, hiding from the populace the extinction level events that are happening RIGHT NOW at Fukushima, seeking to drill ever more even with the BP spill clear as can be in the rear view mirror, lining the Koch Brothers pockets in touting the benefits of coal as an energy source, melting the rocks around natural gas so that our tap water catches fire and poisons folks who drink it, and so much more. So, yes, even more furiously we flap, the harder for every increase in our fall.
We furiously pick up litter as our organs rot from radiation poisoning. Oh, yes, we’ll die. But where we fall it will be tidy. We register voters and sign petitions as our organs rot from radiation poisoning. Oh, yes, we’ll die. But we’ll all be able to vote. [Footnote 1]
View From the Edge
We’ve had a long journey through the world of ancient myths and prehistory in delving into the way our prenatal state of oxygen insufficiency has pushed us to make fire and polluted environments attractive to us. We’ve seen how these early pushes have set us apart from all other species and placed us on an inexorable slide—which we in good time embraced and claimed as a goal and achievement even—to the edge of an apocalyptic abyss.
Next we look at how this unconscious state of an Oliver Twist style of oxygen deprivation affects us politically and socially…no matter any conscious or moral rearranging of “furniture” on the decks of our individual Titanics.
Continue with Prenatal Hunger Games and “Blood Wars”: The Fetal Fight About “Pure Blood” We Act Out in Politics, War, and Oppression … Class War, Culture War, Revolution….
Return to Will “Progress of Man” Be Humanity’s Epitaph? Apocalyptic Foretellings Hidden in Myth and a Re-Visioning of “Civilization” in Light of Impending Ecocide
1. Every time I look at this, It looks worse than I thought. This one makes me think there’s no way any of us will survive this. And if we do, then our children won’t. It’s that bad. And what pisses me off is that progressives want to poo-poo this.
Posted in Anthropology, Art & Entertainment, authenticity, being yourself, Birth, Child Abuse, Consciousness, Environmentalism, Evolution, God, individualism, life, meaning, Metaphysics, Mystical, nonconform, Philosophy, Politics, Primal Spirit, Primal Spirituality, Psychology, Religion, Spirituality, uniqueness
Tags: 60s, A-mazed, A-muse, A-musing, abyss, achievement, act-out, addiction, aggressive, altered states of consciousness, animal, anwers, apocalypse, apocalypse now, Arab Spring, atman project, atom, babies, baccanalian, Back to Eden, beatnik, belong, Birth, birth pain, blind, blind hope, bliss, body, bohemian, bomb, box, BP oil spil, BPM I, BPM II, bpm III, burn, castle in the sky, Centaur, centaur chiron, change, Chiron, Christ, class war, collective unconscious, commercialism, compassion, Consciousness, counterculture, creative, CULTURE, culture war, cycle, death, deeper, defenses, defiance, deluded, depression, depressive, detachment, die, different drummer, dire, DISCOMFORT, Divine, DNA, drama, drill, drill holes, early, earth, earthy, Ego, energy, enlightenment, Environment, establishment, eve, experience, experiential psychotherapy, extinction, faith, Father, feelings, fire, forbidden, fossil fuel, fracking, Freud, Frodo, Fukushima, futility, generation, God, gods, Gollum, groundedness, happiness, healer, health, hearts of men, Hercules, hero, hippie, history, holotropic breathwork, hope, hubris, human-rights, humanity, humankind, humans, I am a rock, Icarus, individuation, intoxicant, jar, Jesus, Joseph Campbell, joy grid, Jung, karma, Ken Wilber, kent state, knowledge, Koch Brothers, ladder-style, legend, life, martyr, matrix, maze, meat, meltdown, mental, mental-health, millennial, muse, Music, mystic, myth, Nature, negative grid, Nietzsche, noble, noble humans, noble qualities, noble savage, noble savages, nonordinary reality, nuclear, nuclear plant, nuke, objectify, Occupy Denver, Occupy Oakland, Occupy Seattle, Occupy UC Davis, occupy wall street, occupywallstreet, ows, pain, pain grid, Pandora, pattern, pepper spray, perinatal, personal unconscious, philosophy, physical, Planetmate, Plato, poet, poison, pollute, positive grid, power, prehistory, prenatal, primal, primal pain, primal return, primal therapy, projection, Prometheus, prometheus myth, psychological, psychologist, psychology, psychotherapist, psychotherapy, radiation, rational, rationalizing, re-union, real, real hope, real self, reality, religion, REPRESS, resolve, return, revolution, Robocop, rock, sacrifice, Samwise, scapegoat, self-destructive, self-sacrifice, sensual, Shaman, Simon and Garfunkel, sins, sins of society, sins of the fathers, sixties, source, species, spiritual, spiritual components, spiritual grid, spirituality, split off, stairway to heaven, standard of living, Stanislav Grof, suffering, suppress, surrender, Tao, teacher, technology, therapy, thingification, thingify, things, Tom Waits, tower of Babel, true, truth, turnabout, UNAPPROVED AND HIDDEN, unconscious, undersides, unreal self, vanity, videogames, Walt Whitman, Wayseer, weary, wholistic, womb, world, wound, wounded, wounded healer, Zeus
Kaleidoscope of Postmodern Life, Part Sixteen: View From the Heavens and Prometheus Redux … Icarus Is Flapping and the Gods Are Laughing as We Build Nukes and Drill Holes
How We Look to the Gods and Prometheus Redux … Building More Nukes and Drilling More Holes – Icarus Keeps Flapping and the Gods Can’t Stop Laughing: 21st Century and Its Discontents, Part 16
Continue with Hunger Games: Prenatal Oxygen Hunger and Its Political Imprints – Greed, Oppression, Sycophancy, Class War, Revolution: 21st Century and Its Discontents, Part 17
Return to Real Hope Lies in Pandora’s Jar and Return of the Centaur … Since the Last Time Was 1961, It’s None Too Soon: 21st Century and Its Discontents, Part 15
Posted in Anthropology, Art & Entertainment, authenticity, Birth, Consciousness, Environmentalism, Evolution, God, individualism, life, meaning, Metaphysics, Mystical, Philosophy, Primal Spirit, Primal Spirituality, Psychology, Religion, Spirituality
Tags: abyss, apocalypse, apocalypse now, atom, babies, Birth, birth pain, body, BP oil spil, class war, collective unconscious, culture war, death, defiance, detachment, dire, Divine, DNA, drama, drill, drill holes, Environment, extinction, feelings, fire, forbidden, fracking, Freud, Fukushima, futility, God, gods, Gollum, hubris, I am a rock, Icarus, Joseph Campbell, Jung, karma, knowledge, Koch Brothers, legend, life, meat, meltdown, myth, Nature, nuclear, nuclear plant, nuke, objectify, pain, pattern, perinatal, philosophy, poison, politics, pollute, prehistory, Prometheus, prometheus myth, psychology, radiation, reality, religion, resolve, Robocop, rock, science, Simon and Garfunkel, species, spiritual, spiritual components, spirituality, split off, technology, thingification, thingify, things, true, truth, UNAPPROVED AND HIDDEN, unconscious, weary, world, wound
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2008 SAAB TURBO X: Black magic: Saab taps turbo heritage, Darth Vader and Swedish awd experts to create commemorative 2008 Turbo X
BOB GRITZINGER
Turbocharging is nothing special for Saab, which has indulged in the dark art of boosting power via turbo since 1977. Painting cars black also isn't unusual for the Swedish automaker. The brand's most recognized model from the past, the 900 Turbo, often was ordered in jet black.
Even sending power to all four wheels isn't anything new for Saab. The company offered the Subaru WRX-based Saab 9-2X a few years back and still sells an occasional 9-7X, which shares its underpinnings with General Motors' midsize sport/utilities such as the Chevrolet TrailBlazer.
With that history, it would be easy to dismiss the all-new 2008 Saab Turbo X as no big deal, just a turbocharged, Darth Vader black, all-wheel-drive 9-3 sedan. But it's the unique combination of these traits, in an exclusive model that hits all the right luxury, performance and styling cues, that makes the Turbo X something more.
Except for the all-wheel drive, dubbed Cross Wheel Drive or XWD, the company had a ready recipe for its car to commemorate 30 years of Saab turbocharging. The Turbo X draws heavily on the 900 Turbo (above, in background) from the 1970s and '80s, the car that cemented Saab's niche in the U.S. luxury-performance-sedan market. That car, in turn, owes its inspiration to the 99, the car on which Saab introduced turbocharging in 1977. Although turbo-charging is gaining favor today as a way of boosting power and fuel efficiency in small-displacement engines, back in the 1970s, Saab was all alone installing turbos on production cars.
Many a buyer, from Wall Street to Hollywood, checked the box for black paint on his or her new 900, a color that gave the car an understated stealthy and sinister appearance. Over the course of a decade, the turbocharged black Saab 900 created a new persona for the brand--and drove sales to a then-all-time high of 47,414 cars in 1986.
Saab hopes to capture that same magic--if not the same level of sales--with the Turbo X. The black-wrapped 9-3-based model starts with all the right hardware, including a turbocharged 2.8-liter V6 producing 280 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque and a six-speed manual gearbox (a six-speed automatic is optional). But rather than sending all that power to the front wheels as Saab's tradition of relentless torque steer would dictate, engineers struck out on a new path: XWD.
Truth be told, despite Saab's decades of assertions that front-wheel drive was more than sufficient to pull the car wherever and through whatever, Saab's own engineers and rally drivers secretly lusted for a more balanced way to drive all that juicy turbo power to the road. In fact, in the 1980s, one of those engineers patented the limited-slip differential design used by Swedish supplier Haldex in its world-class all-wheel-drive systems-a design still in use today in the new fourth-generation Haldex system (with electronic limited-slip rear differential) installed on the Turbo X.
XWD finally puts Saab on the same plane as luxury-performance competitors that offer all-wheel drive for buyers seeking sure-footed traction and smooth power delivery. The same system (without electronic LSD for 2008) will be optional on the 2008 9-3 Aero sport sedan and SportCombi and will start turning up on all manner of Saabs in coming years.
In the Turbo X, the electronically controlled XWD system sends up to 100 percent of the power from front to rear, while the electronic LSD transfers up to 40 percent of the torque to the rear tire with the most grip. The net effect is a system that uses power proactively to counteract oversteer, understeer and instability. In a brief sampling on an ice-driving course, we noted far less intervention by the twin nannies of electronic throttle control and antilock yaw-control braking compared with an Aero not equipped with the electronic LSD. Understeer wasn't fully eliminated--we were driving on pure ice, after all--but the Turbo X tends toward powering through a slide rather than clamping down in a near-impossible effort to prevent skidding.
Even better is the elimination of torque steer--on dry pavement, the Turbo X sends up to 65 percent of power to the rear wheels at launch, redirecting most of the power to the front wheels in normal driving. With no torque limiters in first and second gears (another Turbo X exclusive), the Turbo X runs from 0 to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds, a second quicker than a standard 9-3 Aero with XWD. On ice, the car obviously wasn't as quick, but the effect was no less surprising.
The rest of the Turbo X package includes a specially tuned sport suspension that is lowered 10 millimeters and fitted with self-leveling rear dampers, larger brakes (13.6-inch front, 11.5-inch rear) and 18-inch gray titanium-finish aluminum wheels fitted with low-profile performance tires. The black exterior is chrome-free, with restyled titanium-finished fascias front and rear, while the interior is trimmed in black leather and carbon-fiber accents. A boost gauge replicates the look found in the original 900 Turbo.
Compared with the already steady 2008 9-3 Aero with XWD, the Turbo X has further improved ride and handing, with far better control of body roll and dive. The chassis feels far tauter, the steering sharper, but the ride remains supple and luxurious--even in harsh winter driving conditions.
Saab will build just 2000 copies of the 2008 Turbo X in sedan and SportCombi configurations and will ship only 600 of those to the United States, where they will go on sale this spring.
Pricing starts at $42,510 for the sedan and $43,310 for the SportCombi. That's a $3,900 premium over a 2008 9-3 Aero sedan with XWD, but the limited availability--Saab won't offer a Turbo X in 2009 (though it may bring more in 2010 and after)--and a parts bin full of exclusive extras that dramatically improve ride and handling seem ample justification for the extra kronor.
Source URL: https://autoweek.com/article/car-news/2008-saab-turbo-x-black-magic-saab-taps-turbo-heritage-darth-vader-and-swedish-awd
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India’s IndiGo Receives Asia’s First Airbus A320neo
Photo: livemint.com
Airbus has delivered its second revamped Airbus A320neo to Indian budget carrier IndiGo, gaining a new operator two months after it went into service with Germany’s Lufthansa, the European planemaker said on Friday.
Deliveries of the re-engined narrow-body jet have been delayed as engine maker Pratt & Whitney addresses technical problems with its Geared Turbofan engines, one of two available types of powerplant on the medium-haul jetliner.
IndiGo has ordered a total of 430 A320neo aircraft, making it one of the European planemaker’s largest customers.
The delivery is three months later than originally planned.
Pratt & Whitney has encountered problems with slow engine startup times and erroneous engine software messages in the new engine, but says the problems will be fixed by June.
Lufthansa and IndiGo stepped up as the first operators for the upgraded Airbus jet after launch customer Qatar Airways rejected delivery in December due to engine teething problems.
On Wednesday, Qatar Airways Chief Executive Akbar Al Baker questioned the level of testing for performance in extreme Gulf weather conditions and called for performance guarantees.
The extended startup times have improved significantly but threaten congestion due to a shortage of taxi space at Frankfurt airport, according to German pilot union sources.
Lufthansa has had to put a third pilot in the cockpit in part to deal with the extra work created by error messages from the engine control software, though such measures are also common for training purposes on new jets, two people familiar with the matter say.
Lufthansa has declined to comment.
Manufacturers say none of the problems affect flight safety.
Bob Leduc, president of Pratt & Whitney, told an investor conference on Thursday that faulty cockpit readings were not related to engine issues and that a software fix had been delivered to address that problem.
The company also said it introduced a hardware fix to the engines on its production line in late February to address the extra time required to start in certain heat conditions.
Engines with the hardware fix will be delivered in May or June, while those delivered earlier will be retrofitted.
A further software fix is planned for autumn 2016.
IndiGo, owned by InterGlobe Aviation, is expanding its fleet to tap into India’s booming air travel market.
It finalised the purchase of 250 A320neo aircraft in August, handing Airbus its largest-ever order by number of planes, and took its total A320-family jet orders to 530.
A320neoAirbusIndiaIndiGoLufthansanarrow-bodyPratt & Whitneyre-engined
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